bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective dose of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant sedative to peripheral nerve blockade in elderly patients
Authors: Wang C. , Zhang H. , Fu Q.
Published: February 2018

Background

The median effective dose (ED50) of sedative dexmedetomidine adjuvant to peripheral nerve block (PNB) has not yet been verified in elderly patients. This study assessed the ED50 of intravenous dexmedetomidine for sedation in elderly patients who were undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with PNB.

Methods

Forty‐two patients aged 65–85 years were included and stratified into two groups according to age: young‐old group (aged 65–74 years) and middle‐old group (aged 75–85 years). After the PNB was performed, a pre‐calculated dose of dexmedetomidine was administered for 10 min. The Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation scale, bispectral index score, blood pressure and heart rate were recorded. ED50 values of dexmedetomidine for adequate sedation were estimated by the up‐and‐down method of Dixon and probit regression.

Results

The ED50 of single‐dose dexmedetomidine adjuvant to PNB was 0.57 μg/kg (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47–0.65) in the young‐old group and 0.38 μg/kg (95% CI, 0.28–0.46) in the middle‐old group. The ED50 of dexmedetomidine differed significantly between the two groups (P < 0.001). In addition, no significant adverse hemodynamic or hypoxemic effects were noted.

Conclusion

We determined the ED50 for sedation using intravenous dexmedetomidine adjuvant to PNB in elderly patients. The ED50 of dexmedetomidine in the middle‐old group decreased by 33% compared with that in the young‐old group with a mean age difference of 11 years between the two groups.
Functional effects of synthetic cannabinoids versus Δ9‐THC in mice on body temperature, nociceptive threshold, anxiety, cognition, locomotor/exploratory parameters and depression
Authors: Schreiber Shaul , Bader Miaad , Lenchinski Tatiana , Meningher Inbar , Rubovitch Vardit , Katz Yiffat , Cohen Etia , Gabet Yankel , Rotenberg Michal , Wolf Ehud (Udi) , Pick Chaim G.
Published: February 2018

Synthetic cannabinoids are psychoactive substances designed to mimic the euphorigenic effects of the natural cannabis. Novel unregulated compounds appear once older compounds become illegal. It has been previously reported that synthetic cannabinoids are different than Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC) as they have chemical structures unrelated to Δ9‐THC, different metabolism and, often, greater toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of three novel synthetic cannabinoids and pure Δ9‐THC on body temperature, nociceptive threshold, anxiety, memory function, locomotor and exploratory parameters, and depression. We performed a battery of behavioural and motor tests starting 50 minutes post i.p. injection of each drug to adult ICR mice. The synthetic cannabinoids that were used are AB‐FUBINACA, AB‐CHMINACA and PB‐22. All synthetic cannabinoids and Δ9‐THC caused hypothermia, but only Δ9‐THC induced a clear antinociceptive effect. All synthetic cannabinoids and Δ9‐THC caused decreased anxiety levels, spatial memory deficits and decreased exploratory behaviour as measured in the elevated plus maze, Y‐maze and staircase paradigm, respectively. However, all synthetic cannabinoids but not Δ9‐THC demonstrated decreased locomotor activity in the staircase test. Moreover, only AB‐FUBINACA and Δ9‐THC affected the gait balance and grip strength of the mice as was assessed by the latency time to fall from a rod. In the forced swimming test, PB‐22 caused elevated depression‐like behaviour while AB‐FUBINACA induced a reversed effect. These results suggest varied effects among different synthetic cannabinoids and Δ9‐THC. Further studies are needed to characterize the overall effects and differences between these synthetic cannabinoids and Δ9‐THC.
Fostering transparency in e‐cigarette research synthesis: the utility and limitations of methodological hierarchies
Authors: Villanti Andrea C. , Niaura Raymond S. , Pearson Jennifer L. , Glasser Allison M. , Abrams David B.
Published: February 2018

Commentary to: How do we determine the impact of e‐cigarettes on cigarette smoking cessation or reduction? Review and recommendations for answering the research question with scientific rigor
Observational study shows that it is feasible to provide neuroprotective treatment for neonatal encephalopathy in low‐income countries
Authors: Biselele T , Bambi J , Naulaers G , Tabu G , Kapinga J , Bola V , Makaya P , Tjabbes H , Tady B , Peeters‐Scholte C
Published: February 2018

Aim

Perinatal asphyxia is one of the most frequent causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, and 96% of the burden of neonatal encephalopathy occurs in low‐income countries. This study investigated the feasibility of providing neuroprotective treatment for neonatal encephalopathy in low‐income countries.

Methods

Neonates with a gestational age of at least 36 weeks, with signs of perinatal asphyxia, were included in this 2015 observational study in three hospitals in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their characteristics were described, including the time to admission and Thompson score on admission.

Results

We found that 42 of 134 patients (31.3%) reached the hospital within six hours of birth with a Thompson score of at least seven on admission. Another 15 patients (11.2%) had a five‐minute Apgar score of up to five, without a Thompson score, and were eligible for treatment. Of the 57 (42.5%) eligible patients, 31 were discharged (54.4%), 25 died (43.9%) and one (1.8%) remained in hospital at the end of the study.

Conclusion

Interventional studies are feasible and necessary, especially in countries where the burden of neonatal encephalopathy is largest. A Thompson score of 7–15 might be a useful entry criterion for neuroprotective treatment in low‐income countries.
Population pharmacokinetics of enoxaparin in early stage of paediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Oualha Mehdi , Chardot Christophe , Debray Dominique , Lesage Fabrice , Harroche Annie , Renolleau Sylvain , Treluyer Jean‐Marc , Urien Saïk
Published: February 2018

Aims

Preventing post‐liver transplantation (LT) hepatic artery and portal vein thrombosis includes enoxaparin administration. Enoxaparin pharmacokinetics (PK) has not been investigated in children following LT. We described an enoxaparin PK model in 22 children the first week following LT.

Methods

Anti‐Xa activity time‐courses were analysed using a nonlinear mixed effects approach with Monolix version 2016R.

Results

Anti‐Xa activity time‐courses were well described by a one‐compartment model with first order absorption and elimination. Bodyweight prior to surgery (BWPREOP) and the related postoperative variation (BW(t)) were the main covariates explaining CL and V between subject variabilities. Parameter estimates were CLi = CLTYP * (BWPREOP/70)3/4; Vi = VTYP * (BW(t)/70)1; where typical clearance (CLTYP) and typical volume of distribution (VTYP) were 1.23 l h−1 and 14.6 l, respectively. Standard dosing regimens of 50 IU kg−1 12 h−1 were insufficient to reach the target range of anti‐Xa activity of 0.2–0.4 IU ml−1. Specifically, seven children (32%) never attained the target range during the whole period of treatment and all children were at least once underdosed. According to the final results, we simulated individualized dosing regimens within 4 h following the first administration. More than 100 IU kg−1 12 h−1 are suggested to reach the target range of anti‐Xa activity of 0.2–0.4 IU ml−1 from the first day.

Conclusion

Thanks to this model, the initial and maintenance doses could be assessed to rapidly achieve the target range. Higher doses per kg, especially in the youngest children, are suggested.
Chitin biological absorbable catheters bridging sural nerve grafts transplanted into sciatic nerve defects promote nerve regeneration
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Yong , Wang Jian‐Wei , Qin Li‐Hua , Zhang Wei‐Guang , Zhang Pei‐Xun , Jiang Bao‐Guo
Published: February 2018

Aims

To investigate the efficacy of chitin biological absorbable catheters in a rat model of autologous nerve transplantation.

Methods

A segment of sciatic nerve was removed to produce a sciatic nerve defect, and the sural nerve was cut from the ipsilateral leg and used as a graft to bridge the defect, with or without use of a chitin biological absorbable catheter surrounding the graft. The number and morphology of regenerating myelinated fibers, nerve conduction velocity, nerve function index, triceps surae muscle morphology, and sensory function were evaluated at 9 and 12 months after surgery.

Results

All of the above parameters were improved in rats in which the nerve graft was bridged with chitin biological absorbable catheters compared with rats without catheters.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that use of chitin biological absorbable catheters to surround sural nerve grafts bridging sciatic nerve defects promotes recovery of structural, motor, and sensory function and improves muscle fiber morphology.
Substrate stiffness regulated migration and invasion ability of adenoid cystic carcinoma cells via RhoA/ROCK pathway
Authors: Zhao Dan , Li Qianshun , Liu Mengting , Ma Wenjuan , Zhou Tengfei , Xue Changyue , Cai Xiaoxiao
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Human salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) is one of the most common malignant tumours of the salivary gland and has strong migratory and invasive ability, which often lead to poor prognosis and lower survival rate. Tumour tissue tends to stiffen during solid tumour progression. This study aimed to investigate the influence of various substrate stiffness on the migration and invasion of SACC.

Methods

Salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma cell line ACC2 cells were cultured on polydimethylsiloxane substrates (PDMS) with varying stiffness for investigating the effects of substrate stiffness on the activities of MMPs and TIMPs. The underlying mechanism was also explored.

Results

When ACC2 cells were cultured on various stiffness of PDMS, the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP2), MMP9, MMP14, RhoA, Rac1, Rho‐associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) and ROCK2 were up‐regulated with increasing substrate stiffness, whereas that of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1), TIMP2 and TIMP4 were down‐regulated with increasing substrate stiffness.

Conclusions

Our results showed that substrate stiffness regulated the activities of MMPs and TIMPs and then modulate migratory and invasive ability of ACC2 cells via RhoA/ROCK pathway. This work indicate that matrix stiffness played an important role in progression of SACC, which not only can help understand the strong invasive ability of SACC, but also suggested that therapeutically targeting matrix stiffness may help reduce migration and invasion of SACC and improve effective therapies.
Global trends in mortality from malignant mesothelioma: Analysis of WHO mortality database (1994‐2013)
Authors: Abdel‐Rahman Omar
Published: February 2018

Background and objective

Little is known about the extent to which asbestos use ban has affected global trends in malignant mesothelioma. This study investigated recent global mortality trends of malignant mesothelioma.

Methods

Data were collected from International Agency for Research on Cancer/World Health Organization mortality database to examine age‐standardized, gender‐specific mortality rates for malignant mesothelioma (ICD10‐C45). Cross‐sectional mortality rates (2009‐2013) as well as trends over time (1994‐2013) were also reported. Gender‐specific annual percent change (APC) was calculated to examine trends over time for each country.

Results

Among the 30 countries with highest mesothelioma mortality in men, there is almost 10‐fold variation in mortality rates during 2009‐2013 ranging from 6.25 per 100 000 for United Kingdom to 0.64 per 100 000 in Portugal; whereas, among the 30 countries with highest mesothelioma mortality in women, there is a 4‐fold variation in mortality rates during 2009‐2013 ranging from 1.08 per 100 000 for United Kingdom to 0.26 per 100 000 in Ireland. Mortality rates were higher in men compared to women in 32 out of 35 evaluable countries. Among males and over the last 10 years of covered years, mesothelioma mortality was significantly declining in 9 countries (United Kingdom, Sweden, France, Germany, Netherlands, Canada, United States, Australia, and New Zealand); whereas, it was significantly rising in 5 countries (Poland, Spain, China‐Hong Kong, Japan, and Republic of Korea). In the remaining countries, APC was stable. Among females and over the last 10 years of covered years, mesothelioma mortality was significantly declining in 1 country only (Italy); whereas, it was significantly rising in 3 countries (Poland, Argentina, and Republic of Korea). In the remaining countries, APC was stable.

Conclusions

There is a worldwide variability in the burden and trends of mesothelioma mortality; and despite the ban on asbestos in many countries, mesothelioma still represents an important cause of mortality.
Incorporating asymmetric movement costs into measures of habitat connectivity to assess impacts of hydrologic alteration to stream fishes
Authors: Neufeld Kenton , Watkinson Douglas A. , Tierney Keith , Poesch Mark S.
Published: February 2018

Aim

Hydrologic alterations are widespread in freshwater ecosystems worldwide and often detrimentally impact fish populations. Habitat suitability models are commonly used to assess these impacts, but these models frequently rely upon observed fish–habitat relationships rather than more mechanistic underpinnings. The aim of this study was to demonstrate how to incorporate swim performance into a measure of habitat connectivity at a fine scale, providing a method for assessing the availability of suitable habitat for stream fishes.

Location

We applied this technique to an endangered species, the Western Silvery Minnow Hybognathus argyritis, in the Milk River of southern Alberta, Canada. The Milk River is an augmented system, where a diversion in nearby St. Mary River augments flow by a factor >3 × (from 1–5 m3/s to 15–20 m3/s).

Methods

We used laboratory measured swim performance of Western Silvery Minnow to develop a movement cost function that was used in conjunction with a habitat suitability model to assess habitat availability via a recently developed graph‐theoretic metric, equivalent connected area (ECA).

Results

Stream augmentation altered not only habitat suitability but also habitat connectivity for this species. During augmentation, suitable habitat area declined by 81.3%. Changes in habitat connectivity were site dependent. Movement costs between habitat patches were lower during augmentation due to current‐assisted dispersal and increased distance to patches during natural flows from dried streambeds. When movement costs were incorporated into ECA, ECA decreased by 78.0% during augmentation.

Main conclusions

With changing climate and increasing anthropogenic impacts on aquatic ecosystems, understanding how freshwater fishes relate to their habitat is critical for appropriate management. In many cases, such as the Western Silvery Minnow, mitigating habitat suitability may not be sufficient, as species are unable to reach suitable habitat. The incorporation of swim performance into habitat connectivity assessments, as carried out here, can be easily adapted to other species and situations and can improve the understanding of impacts to stream fishes and increase the effectiveness of mitigation efforts.
Airport Size and Urban Growth
Authors: Sheard Nicholas
Published: February 2018

This paper studies how airports affect economic growth in US metropolitan areas. The main finding is that airport size has a positive effect on local employment, with an elasticity of 0.04. The effect appears to be mostly due to a positive effect on services employment and to be concentrated in parts of the metropolitan area nearer the airport. To further understand how an airport affects the local economy, the effects on several other variables are estimated. Airport size is found to have positive effects on the number of firms, the population size, the rate of employment, and GDP in the local area. The magnitudes of the effects on population and employment suggest that airport expansion creates jobs for both existing residents and migrants to the area. The estimation uses a novel technique to identify the effects of airport infrastructure. It applies instruments for changes in airport size that are calculated from overall changes in air traffic in a set of categories: the airlines, the types of aircraft, or the distances flown. The technique could be adapted to study the effects of other types of infrastructure.
Severity of OSAS, CPAP and cardiovascular events: A follow‐up study
Authors: Baratta Francesco , Pastori Daniele , Fabiani Mario , Fabiani Valerio , Ceci Fabrizio , Lillo Rossella , Lolli Valeria , Brunori Marco , Pannitteri Gaetano , Cravotto Elena , De Vito Corrado , Angelico Francesco , Del Ben Maria
Published: February 2018

Background

Previous studies suggested obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) as a major risk factor for incident cardiovascular events. However, the relationship between OSAS severity, the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment and the development of cardiovascular disease is still matter of debate.

Study objectives

The aim was to test the association between OSAS and cardiovascular events in patients with concomitant cardio‐metabolic diseases and the potential impact of CPAP therapy on cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods

Prospective observational cohort study of consecutive outpatients with suspected metabolic disorders who had complete clinical and biochemical workup including polysomnography because of heavy snoring and possible OSAS. The primary endpoint was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

Results

Median follow‐up was 81.3 months, including 434 patients (2701.2 person/years); 83 had a primary snoring, 84 had mild, 93 moderate and 174 severe OSAS, respectively. The incidence of MACCE was 0.8% per year (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.2‐2.1) in primary snorers and 2.1% per year (95% CI 1.5‐2.8) for those with OSAS. A positive association was observed between event‐free survival and OSAS severity (log‐rank test; P = .041). A multivariable Cox regression analysis showed obesity (HR = 8.011, 95% CI 1.071‐59.922, P = .043), moderate OSAS (vs non‐OSAS HR = 3.853, 95% CI 1.069‐13.879, P = .039) and severe OSAS (vs non‐OSAS HR = 3.540, 95% CI 1.026‐12.217, P = .045) as predictors of MACCE. No significant association was observed between CPAP treatment and MACCE (log‐rank test; P = .227).

Conclusions

Our findings support the role of moderate/severe OSAS as a risk factor for incident MACCE. CPAP treatment was not associated with a lower rate of MACCE.
The influence of prescribed crown fire on lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium americanum) populations 33 years post‐fire
Authors: Ritter S. M. , Hoffman C. M. , Stewart J. E. , Zimmerman T.
Published: February 2018

Dwarf mistletoes (Arceuthobium spp.) are a group of obligate, hemiparasitic plants that infect numerous species in the Pinaceae in North America. Wildland fire is considered to be the primary natural agent influencing the population and distribution of dwarf mistletoes across landscapes. Based on this understanding, prescribed fire has been suggested as a potential method for dwarf mistletoe sanitation and control; however, experimental work has primarily focused on prescribed surface fire. In this study, we report long‐term impacts of three experimental crown fires on dwarf mistletoe severity in infested lodgepole pine stands in Colorado 33 years post‐fire. The three fires achieved tree mortality rates ranging from 20% to 100%. Our results suggested a significant negative relationship between the amount of fire‐caused tree mortality and future dwarf mistletoe severity. These findings supported the presumed natural role of fire in altering dwarf mistletoe populations, which perhaps exhibits a linear relationship between fire‐caused host tree mortality and future dwarf mistletoe severity.
The host defense peptide LL‐37 is detected in human parotid and submandibular/sublingual saliva and expressed in glandular neutrophils
Authors: Svensson Daniel , Aidoukovitch Alexandra , Anders Emma , Agerberth Birgitta , Andersson Fredrik , Ekblad Eva , Ericson Dan , Nebel Daniel , Voss Ulrikke , Nilsson Bengt‐Olof
Published: February 2018

The human host defense peptide, LL‐37, is an important player in the first line of defense against invading microorganisms. LL‐37 and its precursor, hCAP18, have been detected in unstimulated whole saliva but no reports showing hCAP18/LL‐37 in isolated, parotid, and/or submandibular/sublingual saliva have been presented. Here, we measured the levels of hCAP18/LL‐37 in human parotid and submandibular/sublingual saliva and investigated the expression of hCAP18/LL‐37 in parotid and submandibular gland tissue. Parotid and submandibular/sublingual saliva was collected from healthy volunteers, and the levels of hCAP18/LL‐37 in saliva were analyzed by dot blot, ELISA, and western blotting. Cellular expression of hCAP18/LL‐37 in human parotid and submandibular glands was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Immunoreactivity for hCAP18/LL‐37 was detected in both parotid and submandibular/sublingual saliva of all individuals. The concentration of hCAP18/LL‐37 was similar in parotid and submandibular/sublingual saliva, and was determined by densitometric scanning of each dot and normalization to the total protein concentration of each sample, and by ELISA. Double immunohistochemistry revealed that intravascular neutrophils of both parotid and submandibular glands express hCAP18/LL‐37. For the first time, we demonstrate hCAP18/LL‐37 in isolated human parotid and submandibular/sublingual saliva and expression of hCAP18/LL‐37 in glandular intravascular neutrophils, indicating that neutrophils of the major salivary glands contribute to the LL‐37 content of whole saliva.
The policy origins of the European economic constitution
Authors: Leucht Brigitte
Published: February 2018

This article traces the origins of the European economic constitution in the debate on Article 30 of the EC Treaty (general rule on the free movement of goods) between 1966 and 1969, which resulted in Directive 70/50. In this, the first archive‐based analysis of the policy origins of the Court's Dassonville (1974) decision, the article demonstrates that there was a strong continuity in the investment by a number of key actors in focusing on Article 30 to create the single market from the mid‐1960s. These civil servants and lawyers provided the backbone for the Commission's transformation of the Cassis de Dijon judgment (1979) into a powerful tool, driving back the need for legislative harmonisation and making it a cornerstone of the Single European Act of 1986. The article therefore analyses one of the key moments in the transformation of European law.
Environmental management accounting in local government: Functional and institutional imperatives
Authors: Qian Wei , Burritt Roger L. , Monroe Gary S.
Published: February 2018

The challenge of using environmental management accounting (EMA) tools such as full‐cost accounting to improve waste and recycling management has been acknowledged for over a decade. However, research on assessing and understanding local government use of EMA, especially broader levels of EMA, is lacking. This study investigates the link between the nature and drivers of EMA practice for waste and recycling services based on a survey conducted with local governments in New South Wales, Australia. The study finds that although social and organisational factors are related to the uptake of EMA, local governments are subject to stronger functional demands than institutional pressures in their use of more expansive EMA such as indirect and external costs and impacts. This implies that the use of EMA in local government is viewed more as an adaptive activity to cope with functional challenges and achieve efficiency, than as an institutional imperative to achieve social acceptance.
One Million Years tephra record at IODP Sites U1436 and U1437: Insights into explosive volcanism from the Japan and Izu arcs
Authors: Schindlbeck Julie Christin , Kutterolf Steffen , Straub Susanne M. , Andrews Graham D. M. , Wang Kuo‐Lung , Mleneck‐Vautravers Maryline J.
Published: February 2018

The 1 Myr tephra records of IODP (International Ocean Discovery Program) Holes U1436A and U1437B in the Izu‐Bonin fore‐ and reararc were investigated in order to assess provenance and eruptive volumes, respectively. In total, 304 tephra samples were examined and 260 primary tephra layers were identified. Tephra provenance was determined by means of major and trace element compositions of glass shards and distinguished between Japan and Izu‐Bonin arc origin of the tephra layers. A total of 33 marine tephra compositions were correlated to the Japan arc and 227 to the Izu arc. Twenty marine tephra layers were correlated between the two drilling sites. Additionally, we defined eleven correlations of marine tephra deposits to major widespread Japanese eruptions; from the 1.05 Ma Shishimuta‐Pink Tephra to the 30 ka Aira‐Tn Tephra, both from Kyushu Island. These eruptions provide independent time markers within the sediment record and six correlations were used to date tephra layers from Japan in Hole U1436A to establish an alternative age model for this hole. Furthermore, the minimum distal tephra volumes of all detected events were calculated, which enabled the comparison of the tephra volumes that derived from the Japan and the Izu‐Bonin arcs. For some of the major Japanese eruptions these are the first volume estimations that also include distal deposits. All of the Japanese tephras derived from events with eruption magnitude Mv ≥ 5.6 and three of the investigated eruptions reach magnitudes Mv ≥ 7. Volcanic events of the Izu‐Bonin arc have mostly eruption magnitudes Mv ≤ 5.
Segregation in space and time explains the coexistence of two sympatric sub‐Antarctic petrels
Authors: Granroth‐Wilding Hanna M. V. , Phillips Richard A.
Published: February 2018

Biological communities are shaped by competition between and within species. Competition is often reduced by inter‐ and intraspecific specialization on resources, such as differencet foraging areas or time, allowing similar species to coexist and potentially contributing to reproductive isolation. Here, we examine the simultaneous role of temporal and spatial foraging segregation within and between two sympatric sister species of seabirds, Northern Macronectes halli and Southern Macronectes giganteus Giant Petrels. These species show marked sexual size dimorphism and allochrony (with earlier breeding by Northern Giant Petrels) but this is the first study to test for differences in foraging behaviours and areas across the entire breeding season both between the two species and between the sexes. We tracked males and females of both species in all breeding stages at Bird Island, South Georgia, to test how foraging distribution, behaviour and habitat use vary between and within species in biological time (incubation, brood‐guard or post‐brood stages) and in absolute time (calendar date). Within each breeding stage, both species took trips of comparable duration to similar areas, but due to breeding allochrony they segregated temporally. Northern Giant Petrels had a somewhat smaller foraging range than Southern Giant Petrels, reflecting their greater exploitation of local carrion and probably contributing to their recent higher population growth. Within species, segregation was spatial, with females generally taking longer, more pelagic trips than males, although both sexes of both species showed unexpectedly plastic foraging behaviour. There was little evidence of interspecific differences in habitat use. Thus, in giant petrels, temporal segregation reduces interspecific competition and sexual segregation reduces intraspecific competition. These results demonstrate how both specialization and dynamic changes in foraging strategies at different scales underpin resource division within a community.
Demographic factors in Swedish adults undergoing root filling and subsequent extraction of a maxillary first molar: a comparative study
Authors: Landt K. , Hagstam‐Harrison L. , Kvist T. , Frisk F. , Dawson V. S. , Bjørndal L. ,   EndoReCo, Fransson H.
Published: February 2018

Aim

To study the demographics of Swedish adults who had received a root filling, followed by extraction during the following 5–6 years in comparison with subjects who had undergone a corresponding root filling with an uneventful outcome.

Methodology

The root filled maxillary first molar was chosen as the comparison model. The Swedish Social Insurance Agency provided data on all teeth reported as root filled in Sweden during 2009. A comparison group, equally large as the study group, was constructed by randomly selecting subjects with root filled maxillary first molars, which had not subsequently been extracted, that is, an uneventful outcome. Demographic data on the subjects were obtained from Statistics Sweden: country of birth, disposable income, educational level, age, civil status and gender. Chi‐square, t‐tests and logistic regression were used for statistical analyses.

Results

In the year 2009, 36 139 maxillary first molar teeth were reported to have been root filled, 4362 (12.1%) of which were then recorded as extracted during the following 5–6 year period. Only minor intergroup differences were noted: 86.5% of the study group were Swedish‐born, compared with 84.4% of the comparison group (P = 0.007). Women comprised 53.2% of the study group and 50.5% (P = 0.01) of the comparison group. There was an association between extractions and gender as well as age; men had a lower odds ratio (OR) for extraction OR, 0.87; confidence interval (CI), 0.80–0.95. For every additional year, the chance for extraction was higher OR, 1.01; CI, 1.01–1.01. No other significant differences were detected.

Conclusions

There was only little or no demographic differences between the study group, comprising Swedish adults who had undergone root filling of one of their maxillary first molars in 2009 and subsequent extraction during the following 5–6 years, and the comparison group, with uneventful outcomes after a corresponding root filling.
Variable selection for collaborative filtering with market basket data
Authors: Hwang Wook‐Yeon
Published: February 2018

The market basket data in the form of a binary user–item matrix or a binary item–user matrix can be modeled as a binary classification problem, which actually tackles collaborative filtering (CF) as well as target marketing. Effective variable selection (VS) can increase the prediction accuracy as well as identify important users or items in CF as well as target marketing. Therefore, we propose two new VS approaches: a Pearson correlation‐based approach and a forward random forests regression‐based approach, comparing the performance in a variety of experimental settings. The experimental results show that the proposed VS approaches outperform the conventional approaches in the examples. Furthermore, the experimental results are more reasonable and informative than the previous experimental results because the binary misclassification error and Top‐N accuracy for the user CF, the item CF, the user modeling, and the item modeling are all considered in this paper.
Supporting Young Artists in Making Connections: Moving from Mere Recognition to Perceptive Art Experiences
Authors: Richards Rosemary Doris
Published: February 2018

Four young Australian children participated in research in which they shared their photographs and narratives of art experiences in their homes, early childhood centre and school. Drawing on Dewey's theories on art as experience, this article analyses some of the ways these 4‐ and 5‐year‐old children enjoyed satisfying art experiences, primarily in their homes, that moved them beyond mere recognition of their physical and graphic worlds to deeper perceptions that connected ideas, emotions, art media and people. Acknowledging and responding to children's perspectives on art experiences prompts pedagogical recommendations including provision of art experiences around children's personally relevant inquiries; introducing new stimuli that build rather than disrupt their explorations; providing children with a sense of purpose and audience for their art and supporting children's agency with regards to accessing art materials and ongoing projects. How structured time promotes or constrains perceptive and satisfying art experiences warrants consideration, as does the promotion of supportive and responsive interpersonal relationships between children and adults.
Irish persons with intellectual disability moving from family care to residential accommodation in a period of austerity
Authors: McConkey Roy , Kelly Fionnola , Craig Sarah , Keogh Fiona
Published: February 2018

Background

Ireland has a growing population of adult persons living with family carers, thereby increasing the demand for residential places. Simultaneously, government policy aimed to reprovision residents living in congregated settings but at a time when funding was curtailed due to the economic crisis. This study examines the movements of people into and among three types of residential options between 2009 and 2014.

Method

A cohort of 20,163 persons recorded on the National Intellectual Disability Database in 2009 was identified and tracked to the 2014 database.

Results

An estimated 200 persons per annum (@1.6% of those living with families) moved from family care although the number of places available nationally fell by 9%. Moreover, transfers of existing residents into vacated places tended to exceed those from families.

Conclusions

More people will have to continue living with their families and for longer if funding for new places remains curtailed.
A review of measures used in the screening, assessment and diagnosis of dementia in people with an intellectual disability
Authors: McKenzie Karen , Metcalfe Dale , Murray George
Published: February 2018

Background

The increasing number of individuals with an intellectual disability who are at risk of developing dementia highlights the need to use measures with strong psychometric properties as part of the screening, assessment and diagnostic process.

Method

Searches were made of clinical and good practice guidelines and English language journal articles sourced from Proquest, Web of Science and Scopus databases (up to July 2017) for tools which were designed or adapted for the purpose of helping to diagnose dementia in people with intellectual disability.

Results

Based on a detailed review of 81 articles and guidelines, the present authors identified 22 relevant tools (12 cognitive, 10 behaviour). These were reviewed in terms of their psychometric properties.

Conclusions

A number of tools were found to be available for use with people with intellectual disability; however, few were specifically standardized for this purpose which also had comprehensive information about reliability and validity.
Do people turn to visible reminders of group identity under stress?
Authors: Greenaway Katharine H. , Aknin Lara B.
Published: February 2018

How do people cope with stress? Research suggests that people have a number of strategies, including turning to the groups to which they belong, increasing feelings of identification and affiliation. We examine a novel extension of this strategy: adopting visible reminders of one's group identity. In two experiments (Ns = 103 and 194), we explore whether students are more likely to use an artifact that displays their university identity in situations of high, compared to low, evaluative stress. In Experiment 1, students were more likely to choose a university‐branded pen (vs. an identical unbranded pen) to complete exam questions when their performance would be evaluated versus not. In Experiment 2, we found the tendency to use a university‐branded pen in the face of evaluative stress emerged only among people who found the evaluation personally relevant. In addition, we present converging results from two observational studies suggesting that students are more likely to wear clothing that signals their university identity on exam days compared to control days. These findings suggest that people may turn to visible reminders of group membership when facing evaluative stress. Although we found no consistent evidence for a psychological mechanism underlying this effect, we speculate about theoretically relevant possibilities.
Lipopolysaccharide enhances TGF‐β1 signalling pathway and rat pancreatic fibrosis
Authors: Sun Li , Xiu Ming , Wang Shuhua , Brigstock David R. , Li Hongyan , Qu Limei , Gao Runping
Published: February 2018

Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a critical role in fibrogenesis during alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (ACP). Transforming growth factor‐beta1 (TGF‐β1) is a key regulator of extracellular matrix production and PSC activation. Endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been recognized as a trigger factor in the pathogenesis of ACP. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which LPS modulates TGF‐β1 signalling and pancreatic fibrosis. Sprague‐Dawley rats fed with a Lieber‐DeCarli alcohol (ALC) liquid diet for 10 weeks with or without LPS challenge during the last 3 weeks. In vitro studies were performed using rat macrophages (Mφs) and PSCs (RP‐2 cell line). The results showed that repeated LPS challenge resulted in significantly more collagen production and PSC activation compared to rats fed with ALC alone. LPS administration caused overexpression of pancreatic TLR4 or TGF‐β1 which was paralleled by an increased number of TLR4‐positive or TGF‐β1‐positive Mφs or PSCs in ALC‐fed rats. In vitro, TLR4 or TGF‐β1 production in Mφs or RP‐2 cells was up‐regulated by LPS. LPS alone or in combination with TGF‐β1 significantly increased type I collagen and α‐SMA production and Smad2 and 3 phosphorylation in serum‐starved RP‐2 cells. TGF‐β pseudoreceptor BAMBI production was repressed by LPS, which was antagonized by Si‐TLR4 RNA or by inhibitors of MyD88/NF‐kB. Additionally, knockdown of Bambi with Si‐Bambi RNA significantly increased TGF‐β1 signalling in RP‐2 cells. These findings indicate that LPS increases TGF‐β1 production through paracrine and autocrine mechanisms and that LPS enhances TGF‐β1 signalling in PSCs by repressing BAMBI via TLR4/MyD88/NF‐kB activation.
Efficacy of the 6‐mm fully covered self‐expandable metal stent during endoscopic ultrasound‐guided hepaticogastrostomy as a primary biliary drainage for the cases estimated difficult endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A prospective clinical study
Authors: Okuno Nozomi , Hara Kazuo , Mizuno Nobumasa , Kuwahara Takamichi , Iwaya Hiromichi , Ito Ayako , Kuraoka Naosuke , Matsumoto Shimpei , Polmanee Petcharee , Niwa Yasumasa
Published: February 2018

Background and Aim

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS‐HGS) is performed as an alternative to the percutaneous or surgical approach. Despite high success rates, the adverse events rate is high. Recently, we used 6‐mm fully covered self‐expandable metal stents to prevent adverse events and allow easy re‐intervention. The purposes were to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and clinical efficacy.

Methods

A prospective study to confirm the safety of EUS‐HGS was carried out in six patients, followed by a trial to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of EUS‐HGS in approximately 12 additional patients. We permitted a total of 18 to 20 patients in consideration of possibility such as the deviation after providing informed consent.

Results

Twenty patients underwent EUS‐HGS. No treatment‐related adverse events described in the safety assessment criteria were seen. The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 95%. The adverse event rate was 15%. Focal cholangitis was seen in two patients and fever in one patient. All cases were treated conservatively. Stent dysfunction was seen in 10 patients. The causes of stent dysfunction were biliary sludge (n = 6) and stent dislocation (n = 4). In nine cases, a new stent was easily inserted. Percutaneous drainage was selected in only one patient because of worsening general condition.

Conclusions

The 6‐mm fully covered self‐expandable metal stent is safe and effective, especially for avoiding serious adverse events and allowing easy re‐intervention. (UMIN000006785)
Development of a fibrosis index including hepatitis B virus basal core promoter A1762T mutation for pretherapeutic evaluation
Authors: Yeh Christopher Sung‐Huan , Hsu Chao‐Wei , Liang Kung‐Hao , Chen Yi‐Cheng , Lin Chih‐Lang , Chien Rong‐Nan , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Lin Wey‐Ran , Lai Ming‐Wei , Chu Yu‐De , Yeh Chau‐Ting
Published: February 2018

Background and Aim

Commonly used non‐invasive fibrosis scores usually included serum transaminase levels in the equations, including Aspartate transaminase to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) and fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4). Transaminases fluctuated significantly in chronic hepatitis B patients with exacerbations, leading to unsteady score values. As such, here, we aim to develop a transaminase‐free score suitable for pretherapeutic evaluation of fibrosis stages.

Methods

Firstly, 1082 treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis B patients were enrolled and divided into modeling (n = 541) and verification (n = 541) cohorts. Secondly, 265 patients having received liver biopsy, with known Ishak fibrosis stages, were included for independent correlation.

Results

Cross‐sectional analysis of 1082 patients revealed age‐dependent variation of association between virological factors and cirrhosis. A fibrosis score including Anti‐hepatitis B e antibody, Basal core promoter (BCP) A1762T mutation, and Platelet count Index (named ABPI) was derived from the modeling cohort. ABPI performed better than APRI and FIB‐4 in the verification cohort for identifying cirrhotic patients (comparison of area under the receiver operating characteristic curves: ABPI vs APRI and FIB‐4 = 0.785 vs 0.563 [P < 0.001] and 0.700 [P = 0.026], respectively). The performance of ABPI was even better in young (< 40 years old) hepatitis B patients (area under the receiver operating characteristic curves: 0.856 vs 0.402 [P < 0.001] and 0.599 [P = 0.009], respectively). Finally, in the independent cohort of 265 patients with known Ishak fibrosis stages, it was found that ABPI effectively distinguished between Ishak fibrosis stages 3 and > 3 and between 4 and > 4 (P < 0.001 for each).

Conclusions

We developed a transaminase‐free fibrosis score (ABPI) utilizing basal core promoter A1762T data, which outperformed APRI and FIB‐4.
Do Parent Preferences for Child Conduct Problem Interventions Impact Parenting Outcomes? A Pilot Study in Community Children's Mental Health Settings
Authors: He Yaliu , Gewirtz Abigail H. , Lee Susanne , August Gerald
Published: February 2018

A pilot, doubly randomized preference trial was conducted to investigate the impact of providing parents preferences on parenting outcomes. Families with children having conduct problems were randomly assigned to a choice group in which they received their preferred treatment among the four intervention options or a no‐choice group in which they were randomized assigned to one of the four options. Results of mixed‐effects models showed that parents in the choice group who selected Parent Management Training‐Oregon Model (PMTO) had better parenting outcomes over time compared to parents in the choice group who selected child therapy. It highlights the importance of incorporating parent preferences in the delivery of evidence‐based treatments.
Mitochondrial dysfunction in human skeletal muscle biopsies of lipid storage disorder
Authors: Debashree Bandopadhyay , Kumar Manish , Keshava Prasad Thottethodi Subrahmanya , Natarajan Archana , Christopher Rita , Nalini Atchayaram , Bindu Parayil Sankaran , Gayathri Narayanappa , Srinivas Bharath Muchukunte Mukunda
Published: February 2018

Mitochondria regulate the balance between lipid metabolism and storage in the skeletal muscle. Altered lipid transport, metabolism and storage influence the bioenergetics, redox status and insulin signalling, contributing to cardiac and neurological diseases. Lipid storage disorders (LSDs) are neurological disorders which entail intramuscular lipid accumulation and impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics in the skeletal muscle causing progressive myopathy with muscle weakness. However, the mitochondrial changes including molecular events associated with impaired lipid storage have not been completely understood in the human skeletal muscle. We carried out morphological and biochemical analysis of mitochondrial function in muscle biopsies of human subjects with LSDs (n = 7), compared to controls (n = 10). Routine histology, enzyme histochemistry and ultrastructural analysis indicated altered muscle cell morphology and mitochondrial structure. Protein profiling of the muscle mitochondria from LSD samples (n = 5) (vs. control, n = 5) by high‐throughput mass spectrometric analysis revealed that impaired metabolic processes could contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction and ensuing myopathy in LSDs. We propose that impaired fatty acid and respiratory metabolism along with increased membrane permeability, elevated lipolysis and altered cristae entail mitochondrial dysfunction in LSDs. Some of these mechanisms were unique to LSD apart from others that were common to dystrophic and inflammatory muscle pathologies. Many differentially regulated mitochondrial proteins in LSD are linked with other human diseases, indicating that mitochondrial protection via targeted drugs could be a treatment modality in LSD and related metabolic diseases.

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Cover Image for this Issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14177.
Activation patterns of vasopressinergic and oxytocinergic brain regions following social play exposure in juvenile male and female rats
Authors: Reppucci C. J. , Gergely C. K. , Veenema A. H.
Published: February 2018

Social play is a highly rewarding and motivated behaviour predominately displayed by juveniles and expressed by nearly all mammalian species. Prior work suggested that the vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) systems can regulate the expression of social play in sex‐specific ways. In the present study, we investigated whether there are sex differences in the recruitment of vasopressinergic and oxytocinergic brain regions following social play exposure in juvenile rats. Single‐housed rats were allowed to play, in their home cage, with an age‐ and sex‐matched unfamiliar conspecific for 10 minutes, or received similar handling but no partner. Double‐labelled fluorescence immunohistochemistry for Fos and either AVP or OT was completed in adjacent series of tissues to determine recruitment of AVP‐ and OT‐immunoreactive neurones in response to social play. Exposure to social play did not increase recruitment of AVP or OT neurones in the supraoptic (SO) or paraventricular hypothalamic nuclei of either sex compared to the no‐play control condition. Interestingly, there was a robust sex difference in SO recruitment, irrespective of social play condition, with males exhibiting twice the recruitment of SO‐AVP and SO‐OT neurones compared to females. Lastly, exposure to social play increased recruitment of the posterior bed nuclei of the stria terminalis (pBST) and the posterodorsal medial amygdalar nucleus (MEApd) compared to the no‐play control condition, and this effect was most pronounced in females. Our findings revealed sex differences in the recruitment of brain regions (i) independent of play condition (ie, SO) possibly representing a sex difference in the baseline levels of AVP and OT signalling required for typical functioning and (ii) specific to play condition (ie, pBST, MEApd). In sum, the present study provides further evidence that the neural substrates underlying social play behaviour are sex‐specific.