bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brexit: A Cliff Edge or a Small Bump in the Road?
Authors: Whyman Philip B.
Published: February 2018

It is becoming increasingly accepted, not least by the Prime Minister and opposition leadership, that the negotiation of a comprehensive trade relationship with the EU is necessary to prevent the UK economy falling off a ‘cliff edge’. This concern is shaping the UK's strategy towards negotiations with the EU and has provided at least part of the motivation for the UK to consider requesting a transition period to facilitate the Brexit process. But how accurate are these fears? What evidence is there for the existence of a ‘cliff edge’? How disastrous would it be for the UK to revert to trading with the EU on the same basis as most other countries in the world, namely according to World Trade Organisation rules? This article seeks to address these issues and it highlights a number of implications for policy makers which flow from understanding the available evidence a little more clearly.
Rheological, textural, colour and sensorial properties of kefir produced with buffalo milk using kefir grains and starter culture: A comparison with cows’ milk kefir
Authors: Gul Osman , Atalar Ilyas , Mortas Mustafa , Dervisoglu Muhammet
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study was to compare the rheological, textural, colour and sensory properties of kefir samples produced with buffalos’ or cows’ milk using two different microbial fermentation sources, namely kefir grains and starter cultures. The buffalo milk kefir had a higher exopolysaccharide content than the cows’ milk kefir, and the use of buffalo milk for kefir production had positive effects on the water‐holding capacity and firmness value of the resulting kefir samples. The buffalo milk kefir samples had higher viscosity, a higher consistency index, storage and loss modulus values when compared to samples made with cows’ milk. The sensory evaluation and colour properties of the kefir samples improved when buffalo milk was used.
ResistanceGA: An R package for the optimization of resistance surfaces using genetic algorithms
Authors: Peterman William E.
Published: February 2018

Understanding how landscape features affect functional connectivity among populations is a cornerstone of spatial ecology and landscape genetic analyses. However, parameterization of resistance surfaces that best describe connectivity is a challenging and often subjective process.

ResistanceGA is an R package that utilizes a genetic algorithm to optimize resistance surfaces based on pairwise genetic data and effective distances calculated using CIRCUITSCAPE, least cost paths or random‐walk commute times. Functions in this package allow for the optimization of categorical and continuous resistance surfaces, and simultaneous optimization of multiple resistance surfaces.

ResistanceGA provides a coherent framework to optimize resistance surfaces without a priori assumptions, conduct model selection, and make inference about the contribution of each surface to total resistance.

ResistanceGA fills a void in the landscape genetic toolbox, allowing for unbiased optimization of resistance surfaces and for the simultaneous optimization of multiple resistance surfaces to create novel composite resistance surfaces, but could have broader applicability to other fields of spatial ecological research.
Identification and characterisation of antixenosis and antibiosis to pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) in Pisum spp. germplasm
Authors: Aznar‐Fernández T. , Rubiales D.
Published: February 2018

Acyrthosiphon pisum is a polyphagous aphid of major importance on the pea crop to which few resistant cultivars are available. In this study, we screened a germplasm collection of Pisum spp. under field conditions over two seasons yielding the identification of a number of accessions with intermediate levels of resistance. Selected accessions were further studied under semi‐controlled and controlled conditions in no choice and choice assays to validate the responses, and to further characterise the mechanisms of resistance operative. Results elucidated the valuable resistance of accession P40 (Pisum sativum ssp. sativum) and P665 (P. sativum ssp. syriacum), with the combination of both antixenosis, by reducing aphid preference, and antibiosis, by diminishing aphid proliferation.
Trajectory analysis of anxiolytic dispensing over 10 years among new users aged 50 and older
Authors: Verger P. , Mmadi Mrenda B. , Cortaredona S. , Tournier M. , Verdoux H.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To identify temporal trajectories of anxiolytic benzodiazepine (A‐BZD) use over 10 years among new A‐BZD users aged 50 and older and describe treatment patterns and demographic and clinical characteristics associated with each trajectory.

Method

A representative cohort of the French national health insurance fund users was tracked from 2006 through 2015. We used latent class mixed models to identify the trajectories.

Results

We observed four trajectories among new users (no A‐BZD dispensing in 2005) plus one non‐use trajectory. The proportion of occasional use among users was 60%; early increasing use, 10%; late increasing use, 17%; and increasing/decreasing use, 13%. Prevalence of occasional use decreased with age in women, but not men. Duration of treatment episodes and doses differed between trajectories. Multiple regression analyses with occasional use as the reference showed that the other three trajectories shared characteristics (age, coprescriptions of other psychotropic drugs, and more general practitioner consultations) but differed by the presence at inclusion or occurrence during follow‐up of psychiatric, neurodegenerative, and somatic conditions.

Conclusion

We found four different long‐term temporal trajectories in new A‐BZD users (occasional, early increasing, late increasing, and increasing/decreasing use). Difficulties quitting or reducing consumption may be very different for each trajectory, requiring tailored care approaches.
Time‐dependent regional brain distribution of methadone and naltrexone in the treatment of opioid addiction
Authors: Teklezgi Belin G. , Pamreddy Annapurna , Baijnath Sooraj , Kruger Hendrik G. , Naicker Tricia , Gopal Nirmala D. , Govender Thavendran
Published: February 2018

Opioid addiction is a serious public health concern with severe health and social implications; therefore, extensive therapeutic efforts are required to keep users drug free. The two main pharmacological interventions, in the treatment of addiction, involve management with methadone an mu (μ)‐opioid agonist and treatment with naltrexone, μ‐opioid, kappa (κ)‐opioid and delta (δ)‐opioid antagonist. MET and NAL are believed to help individuals to derive maximum benefit from treatment and undergo a full recovery. The aim of this study was to determine the localization and distribution of MET and NAL, over a 24‐hour period in rodent brain, in order to investigate the differences in their respective regional brain distributions. This would provide a better understanding of the role of each individual drug in the treatment of addiction, especially NAL, whose efficacy is controversial. Tissue distribution was determined by using mass spectrometric imaging (MSI), in combination with quantification via liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. MSI image analysis showed that MET was highly localized in the striatal and hippocampal regions, including the nucleus caudate, putamen and the upper cortex. NAL was distributed with high intensities in the mesocorticolimbic system including areas of the cortex, caudate putamen and ventral pallidum regions. Our results demonstrate that MET and NAL are highly localized in the brain regions with a high density of μ‐receptors, the primary sites of heroin binding. These areas are strongly implicated in the development of addiction and are the major pathways that mediate brain stimulation during reward.
Neonatal outcomes after fetal exposure to methadone and buprenorphine: national registry studies from the Czech Republic and Norway
Authors: Nechanská Blanka , Mravčík Viktor , Skurtveit Svetlana , Lund Ingunn Olea , Gabrhelík Roman , Engeland Anders , Handal Marte
Published: February 2018

Background and Aims

Opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) is recommended to opioid‐dependent females during pregnancy. However, it is not clear which medication should be preferred. We aimed to compare neonatal outcomes after prenatal exposure to methadone (M) and buprenorphine (B) in two European countries.

Design

Nation‐wide register‐based cohort study using personalized IDs assigned to all citizens for data linkage.

Setting

The Czech Republic (2000–14) and Norway (2004–13). [Correction added after online publication on 26 April 2018: The Czech Republic (2000–04) corrected to (2000–14).]

Participants

Opioid‐dependent pregnant Czech (n = 333) and Norwegian (n = 235) women in OMT who received either B or M during pregnancy and their newborns.

Measurements

We linked data from health registries to identify the neonatal outcomes: gestational age, preterm birth, birth weight, length and head circumference, small for gestational age, miscarriages and stillbirth, neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and Apgar score. We performed multivariate linear regression and binary logistic regression to explore the associations between M and B exposure and outcomes. Regression coefficient (β) and odds ratio (OR) were computed.

Findings

Most neonatal outcomes were more favourable after exposure to B compared with M, but none of the differences was statistically significant. For instance, in the multivariate analysis, birth weight was β = 111.6 g [95% confidence interval (CI) = −10.5 to 233.6 and β = 83.1 g, 95% CI = −100.8 to 267.0] higher after B exposure in the Czech Republic and Norway, respectively. Adjusted OR of NAS for B compared with M was 0.94 (95% CI = 0.46–1.92) in the Norwegian cohort.

Conclusions

Two national cohorts of women receiving opioid maintenance treatment during pregnancy showed small but not statistically significant differences in neonatal outcomes in favour of buprenorphine compared with methadone.
Wages and wage policy: Australia in the Depression, 1924–34
Authors: Forster Colin
Published: February 2018

The starting–point for this examination of the Australian wage–fixing system during the Great Depression is the recent conclusion by Gregory, Ho, and McDermott that the Commonwealth Court was ineffective in its attempt to impose a 10 per cent reduction in real wages. They argue that labour markets, centralized and decentralized, resisted the 10 per cent cut, so that wage policy played no part in the recovery from the Depression. By surveying the decisions and influence of the Commonwealth Court, and the wage–fixing institutions and wage outcomes in Victoria and New South Wales, this article concludes that the hypothesis of Gregory et al. cannot be supported. Contemporary views were closer to the mark.
Convict workers: a review article
Authors: Shlomowitz Ralph
Published: February 2018

Convict workers, edited by Stephen Nicholas, offers a new interpretation of convictism in Australia. The main new findings are that (1) convicts were not professional criminals but ordinary British and Irish working–class men and women, and (2) the system of assigning convicts to private employers was economically efficient. This review suggests that these findings are not supported by the evidence presented.
What should economists be told about the past? A review article
Authors: Snooks G. D.
Published: February 2018

The Australian economy in the long-run, edited by R. Maddock and I.W. McLean, is a recent and comprehensive attempt by a younger generation of economists and economic historians to view current economic problems against the broader background of the twentieth century Clearly the book was written with an audience of economists, largely undergraduate, in mind. The interesting questions, therefore, are: have the contributors provided an interpretation essentially different from that of the previous generation and has their intended audience been well served?
Southeast Asian monies and the problem of a common measure, with particular reference to the nineteenth century
Authors: Drake P.J.
Published: February 2018

From the early seventeenth to the late nineteenth century, the Mexican silver dollar was accepted as a common currency of Southeast Asia, though local governments issued their own dollars based on it. The decline of the value of silver relative to gold after 1870 introduced a gradual shift to official currencies pegged to a gold standard in Europe.
Capital formation in transport infrastructure in New Zealand to 1950
Authors: Mulcare Tim
Published: February 2018

Series of disaggregated capital formation in the New Zealand public sector prior to 1950 remain scarce despite thirty years having passed since the series for the period 1871–1900 were compiled by J.A. Dowie. Even within his series there can be problems utilizing the estimates because of the aggregated nature of some outlay categories. The capital stock series are more deficient, reflecting methodological problems with the preparation of such series from capital formation data. Using the Dowie series as a point of reference this article focusses on one important area of public capital stock, transport infrastructure. The resulting estimates allow some exploration of public policies in respect of the provision of transport infrastructure.
Cortical thickness abnormalities in bipolar disorder patients with a lifetime history of auditory hallucinations
Authors: Mørch‐Johnsen Lynn , Nerland Stener , Jørgensen Kjetil N , Osnes Kåre , Hartberg Cecilie B , Andreassen Ole A , Melle Ingrid , Nesvåg Ragnar , Agartz Ingrid
Published: February 2018

Objectives

We aimed to investigate morphometric correlates of auditory hallucinations in bipolar disorder (BD) by comparing cortical thickness and cortical surface area in bipolar disorder patients with (BD+) and without (BD−) a lifetime history of auditory hallucinations. Based on previous findings in schizophrenia patients, we hypothesized that the cortex would be thinner in the auditory cortex in BD+ compared to BD−.

Methods

Bipolar disorder spectrum (n = 157) patients and healthy controls (n = 279) underwent 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning. Hypothesis‐driven analyses of cortical thickness and surface area in regions of the auditory cortex (Heschl's gyrus [HG], planum temporale and superior temporal gyrus) were conducted comparing BD+ (n = 49) and BD− (n = 108) using linear regression models, covaried for age and sex. Furthermore, we explored vertex‐wise group differences in thickness and surface area across the whole cerebral cortex.

Results

Hypothesis‐driven analyses:BD+ had significantly thicker cortex in the left HG compared to BD− (B = 0.128, P = .0046). The finding was not explained by duration of illness, global functioning, bipolar subtype, IQ or use of antipsychotic, antidepressant or antiepileptic medication, or by lithium. Exploratory analyses: A small region of thicker cortex in BD+ compared to BD− was seen in the left superior parietal lobule (false discovery rate <0.05). There were no significant group differences in cortical surface area.

Conclusion

A lifetime history of auditory hallucinations in BD was associated with cortical thickness alterations in both the left HG and the superior parietal lobule. Contrary to our hypothesis, BD+ showed thicker, rather than thinner cortex compared to BD−. Replications in independent samples are needed.
Early HoloceneNW‐W winds reconstructed from small dune fields, central Sweden
Authors: Bernhardson Martin , Alexanderson Helena
Published: February 2018

Five small dune fields were investigated in central Sweden in the field and by using LiDAR‐based remote sensing. The chronology of the dunes was determined using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating. Most of theOSLages indicate dune formation close to the time of deglaciation in this area of Sweden (11–10 cal. kaBP) and later sand drift events appear to have been uncommon, suggesting that most of the dune fields have been stable since their formation and throughout the Holocene. This makes them a valuable archive of past sand drift events and palaeowind directions, even though the dune fields are small compared to most other investigated dune fields around the world. The dunes are primarily of a transverse or parabolic type, and their orientation suggests formation by westerly or northwesterly winds. The local topography appears to have had little control over the formation of the dunes, suggesting that the dunes can be used as a proxy of regional wind directions. All dune fields in this study are linked to glacifluvial deposits that provide spatially and volumetrically limited sources of sand.
National survey of patch testing in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland: what proportion of the population is and should be tested?
Authors: Bhoyrul Bevin , Keegan Samantha , Mughal Avad
Published: February 2018

Background

An initial study of patch testing practices across Wales, United Kingdom, showed wide variation in practice against a standardized set of guidelines and best practice recommendations.

Objectives

To evaluate (i) current patch testing practice on a national level in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (ROI), (ii) compliance with the current published guidelines, and (iii) the proportion of the catchment population tested by patch testing centres.

Methods

In consultation with the British Association of Dermatologists and British Society for Cutaneous Allergy, proformas addressing clinical guidelines and best practice recommendations were sent to all dermatology units in the United Kingdom and ROI.

Results

Ninety one of 325 centres (28%) performed patch testing. The optimum proportion of annual tests was not being achieved in the United Kingdom and ROI. The range tested varied between 1:1200 and 1:1600.

Conclusions

Most centres achieved a high level of best practice outcomes. Shortcomings were found in the recording of minimum data, benchmarking, and attendance at meetings. We suggest that the findings of this study should be used as evidence to help improve services locally.
Diabetes UK evidence‐based nutrition guidelines for the prevention and management of diabetes
Authors: Dyson P. A. , Twenefour D. , Breen C. , Duncan A. , Elvin E. , Goff L. , Hill A. , Kalsi P. , Marsland N. , McArdle P. , Mellor D. , Oliver L. , Watson K.
Published: February 2018

A summary of the latest evidence‐based nutrition guidelines for the prevention and management of diabetes is presented. These guidelines are based on existing recommendations last published in 2011, and were formulated by an expert panel of specialist dietitians after a literature review of recent evidence. Recommendations have been made in terms of foods rather than nutrients wherever possible. Guidelines for education and care delivery, prevention of Type 2 diabetes, glycaemic control for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease risk management, management of diabetes‐related complications, other considerations including comorbidities, nutrition support, pregnancy and lactation, eating disorders, micronutrients, food supplements, functional foods, commercial diabetic foods and nutritive and non‐nutritive sweeteners are included. The sections on pregnancy and prevention of Type 2 diabetes have been enlarged and the weight management section modified to include considerations of remission of Type 2 diabetes. A section evaluating detailed considerations in ethnic minorities has been included as a new topic. The guidelines were graded using adapted ‘GRADE’ methodology and, where strong evidence was lacking, grading was not allocated. These 2018 guidelines emphasize a flexible, individualized approach to diabetes management and weight loss and highlight the emerging evidence for remission of Type 2 diabetes. The full guideline document is available at www.diabetes.org.uk/nutrition-guidelines.
Healthcare resource utilisation associated with skeletal‐related events in European patients with multiple myeloma: Results from a prospective, multinational, observational study
Authors: Ashcroft John , Duran Ignacio , Hoefeler Herbert , Lorusso Vito , Lueftner Diana , Campioni Marco , Intorcia Michele , Bahl Amit
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) often experience debilitating skeletal‐related events (SREs: pathologic fracture, radiation to bone [RB], surgery to bone [SB] or spinal cord compression [SCC]). This is the first comprehensive, prospective, observational analysis of healthcare resource utilisation (HRU), independently attributed to SREs by investigators, in patients with MM.

Methods

Eligible patients had lytic bone lesions, life expectancy ≥6 months, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2 and ≥1 SRE in the 97 days before enrolment. Data were collected retrospectively for 97 days before enrolment and prospectively for 18‐21 months.

Results

Altogether, 153 patients were enrolled from Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. Of the 281 observed SREs, 36.7% required inpatient stays (mean duration: 20.6 days per SRE [standard deviation (SD): 22.9]). SB and SCC were the SREs most likely to require stays (72.3% and 50.0% of SREs, respectively); SCC required the longest mean (SD) stay per event (40.5 [40.8] days). Overall, 179 SREs required outpatient visits; this was most likely for RB (74.8%) and least likely for non‐vertebral fracture (50.0%).

Conclusions

All SREs were associated with substantial HRU; therefore, preventing SREs in MM will reduce the economic and resource burden on healthcare systems.
Effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over lower limb primary motor cortex on motor learning in healthy individuals
Authors: Foerster Águida , Dutta Anirban , Kuo Min‐Fang , Paulus Walter , Nitsche Michael A.
Published: February 2018

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulatory technique which alters motor functions in healthy humans and in neurological patients. Most studies so far investigated the effects of tDCS on mechanisms underlying improvements in upper limb performance. To investigate the effect of anodal tDCS over the lower limb motor cortex (M1) on lower limb motor learning in healthy volunteers, we conducted a randomized, single‐blind and sham‐controlled study. Thirty‐three (25.81 ± 3.85, 14 female) volunteers were included, and received anodal or sham tDCS over the left M1 (M1‐tDCS); 0.0625 mA/cm2 anodal tDCS was applied for 15 min during performance of a visuo‐motor task (VMT) with the right leg. Motor learning was monitored for performance speed and accuracy based on electromyographic recordings. We also investigated the influence of electrode size and baseline responsivity to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on the stimulation effects. Relative to baseline measures, only M1‐tDCS applied with small electrodes and in volunteers with high baseline sensitivity to TMS significantly improved VMT performance. The computational analysis showed that the small anode was more specific to the targeted leg motor cortex volume when compared to the large anode. We conclude that anodal M1‐tDCS modulates VMT performance in healthy subjects. As these effects critically depend on sensitivity to TMS and electrode size, future studies should investigate the effects of intensified tDCS and/or model‐based different electrode positions in low‐sensitivity TMS individuals.
T1‐ or T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging: what is the best choice to evaluate atrophy of the hippocampus?
Authors: Fischbach‐Boulanger C. , Fitsiori A. , Noblet V. , Baloglu S. , Oesterle H. , Draghici S. , Philippi N. , Duron E. , Hanon O. , Dietemann J.‐L. , Blanc F. , Kremer S.
Published: February 2018

Background and purpose

Magnetic resonance imaging is part of the diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease (AD) through the evaluation of hippocampal atrophy. The objective of this study was to evaluate which sequence of T1‐weighted (T1WI) and T2‐weighted (T2WI) imaging allowed the best visual evaluation of hippocampal atrophy.

Methods

Visual qualitative ratings of the hippocampus of 100 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 50 patients with AD were made independently by four operators according to the medial temporal lobe atrophy score based either on T1WI or T2WI. These two evaluations were compared in terms of interobserver reproducibility, concordance with a quantitative volumetric measure, discrimination power between AD and MCI groups, and correlation with several neuropsychological tests.

Results

The medial temporal lobe atrophy score evaluated on either T1WI or T2WI exhibited similar interobserver variability and accordance with quantitative volumetric evaluation. However, the visual evaluation on T2WI seemed to provide better discrimination power between AD and MCI groups for both left (T1WI, P = 0.0001; T2WI, P = 7.072 × 10−5) and right (T1WI, P = 0.008; T2WI, P = 0.001) hippocampus, and a higher overall correlation with neuropsychological tests.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that T2WI provides a more adequate visual rating of hippocampal atrophy.
The structure of the apo cAMP‐binding domain of HCN4 – a stepping stone toward understanding the cAMP‐dependent modulation of the hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic‐nucleotide‐gated ion channels
Authors: Akimoto Madoka , VanSchouwen Bryan , Melacini Giuseppe
Published: February 2018

The hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic‐nucleotide‐gated (HCN) ion channels control nerve impulse transmission and cardiac pacemaker activity. The modulation by cAMP is critical for the regulatory function of HCN in both neurons and cardiomyocytes, but the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we show how the structure of the apo cAMP‐binding domain of the HCN4 isoform has contributed to a model for the cAMP‐dependent modulation of the HCN ion‐channel. This model recapitulates the structural and dynamical changes that occur along the thermodynamic cycle arising from the coupling of cAMP‐binding and HCN self‐association equilibria. The proposed model addresses some of the questions previously open about the auto‐inhibition of HCN and its cAMP‐induced activation, while opening new opportunities for selectively targeting HCN through allosteric ligands. A remaining challenge is the investigation of HCN dimers and their regulatory role. Overcoming this challenge will require the integration of crystallography, cryo electron microscopy, NMR, electrophysiology and simulations.
Cover crops mitigate direct greenhouse gases balance but reduce drainage under climate change scenarios in temperate climate with dry summers
Authors: Tribouillois Hélène , Constantin Julie , Justes Eric
Published: February 2018

Cover crops provide ecosystem services such as storing atmospheric carbon in soils after incorporation of their residues. Cover crops also influence soil water balance, which can be an issue in temperate climates with dry summers as for example in southern France and Europe. As a consequence, it is necessary to understand cover crops' long‐term influence on greenhouse gases (GHG) and water balances to assess their potential to mitigate climate change in arable cropping systems. We used the previously calibrated and validated soil–crop model STICS to simulate scenarios of cover crop introduction to assess their influence on rainfed and irrigated cropping systems and crop rotations distributed among five contrasted sites in southern France from 2007 to 2052. Our results showed that cover crops can improve mean direct GHG balance by 315 kg CO2e ha−1 year−1 in the long term compared to that of bare soil. This was due mainly to an increase in carbon storage in the soil despite a slight increase in N2O emissions which can be compensated by adapting fertilization. Cover crops also influence the water balance by reducing mean annual drainage by 20 mm/year but increasing mean annual evapotranspiration by 20 mm/year compared to those of bare soil. Using cover crops to improve the GHG balance may help to mitigate climate change by decreasing CO2e emitted in cropping systems which can represent a decrease from 4.5% to 9% of annual GHG emissions of the French agriculture and forestry sector. However, if not well managed, they also could create water management issues in watersheds with shallow groundwater. Relationships between cover crop biomass and its influence on several variables such as drainage, carbon sequestration, and GHG emissions could be used to extend our results to other conditions to assess the cover crops' influence in a wider range of areas.
HIV: ageing, cognition and neuroimaging at 4‐year follow‐up
Authors: Haynes BI , Pitkanen M , Kulasegaram R , Casey SJ , Schutte M , Towgood K , Peters B , Barker GJ , Kopelman MD
Published: February 2018

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate the hypothesis of accelerated cognitive ageing in HIV‐positive individuals using longitudinal assessment of cognitive performance and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

We assessed a broad cognitive battery and quantitative MRI metrics [voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)] in asymptomatic HIV‐positive men who have sex with men (15 aged 20–40 years and 15 aged ≥ 50 years), and HIV‐seronegative matched controls (nine aged 20–40 years and 16 aged ≥ 50 years).

Results

Being HIV positive was associated with greater decreases in executive function and global cognition. Additionally, using DTI, we found that the HIV‐positive group had a greater increase in mean diffusivity, but we did not find group differences in volume change using VBM. With respect to the HIV status by age group interaction, this was statistically significant for change in global cognition, with older HIV‐positive individuals showing greater global cognitive decline, but there were no significant interaction effects on other measures. Lastly, change in cognitive performance was correlated with change in the DTI measures, and this effect was stronger for the HIV‐positive participants.

Conclusions

In the present study, we found some evidence for accelerated ageing in HIV‐positive individuals, with a statistically significant HIV status by age group interaction in global cognition, although this interaction could not be explained by the imaging findings. Moreover, we also found that change in cognitive performance was correlated with change in the DTI measures, and this effect was stronger for the HIV‐positive participants. This will need replication in larger studies using a similarly lengthy follow‐up period.
Preceptors’ perspectives of an integrated clinical learning model in a mental health environment
Authors: Boardman Gayelene , Lawrence Karen , Polacsek Meg
Published: February 2018

Supervised clinical practice is an essential component of undergraduate nursing students’ learning and development. In the mental health setting, nursing students traditionally undertake four‐week block placements. An integrated clinical learning model, where preceptors mentor students on an individual basis, has been used successfully in the clinical learning environment. This flexible model provides the opportunity for students to work across morning, afternoon, night and weekend shifts. There is a need to improve the evidence base for a flexible model for students undertaking a mental health placement. The aim of this study was to understand preceptors’ experience of, and satisfaction with, a mental health integrated clinical learning model. Focus groups were used to elicit the views of preceptors from a mental health service. Findings highlight the advantages and disadvantages of an integrated clinical learning model in the mental health setting. Participants suggested that students may benefit from flexible work arrangements, a variety of experiences and a more realistic experience of working in a mental health service. However, they found it challenging to mentor and evaluate students under this model. Most also agreed that the model impeded students’ ability to engage with consumers and develop rapport with staff. The findings indicate the need to develop a placement model that meets the unique needs of the mental health setting.
Nursing Intensive‐Care Satisfaction Scale [NICSS]: Development and validation of a patient‐centred instrument
Authors: Romero‐García Marta , de la Cueva‐Ariza Laura , Benito‐Aracil Llucia , Lluch‐Canut Teresa , Trujols‐Albet Joan , Martínez‐Momblan Maria Antonia , Juvé‐Udina Maria‐Eulàlia , Delgado‐Hito Pilar
Published: February 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Nursing Intensive‐Care Satisfaction Scale to measures satisfaction with nursing care from the critical care patient's perspective.

Background

Instruments that measure satisfaction with nursing cares have been designed and validated without taking the patient's perspective into consideration. Despite the benefits and advances in measuring satisfaction with nursing care, none instrument is specifically designed to assess satisfaction in intensive care units.

Design

Instrument development.

Methods

The population were all discharged patients (January 2013 ‐ January 2015) from three Intensive Care Units of a third level hospital (N = 200). All assessment instruments were given to discharged patients and 48 hours later, to analyse the temporal stability, only the questionnaire was given again. The validation process of the scale included the analysis of internal consistency, temporal stability; validity of construct through a confirmatory factor analysis; and criterion validity.

Results

Reliability was 0.95. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the total scale was 0.83 indicating a good temporal stability. Construct validity showed an acceptable fit and factorial structure with four factors, in accordance with the theoretical model, being Consequences factor the best correlated with other factors. Criterion validity, presented a correlation between low and high (range: 0.42‐0.68).

Conclusions

The scale has been designed and validated incorporating the perspective of critical care patients. Thanks to its reliability and validity, this questionnaire can be used both in research and in clinical practice. The scale offers a possibility to assess and develop interventions to improve patient satisfaction with nursing care.
Differential vocational rehabilitation service patterns and outcomes for transition‐age youth with autism
Authors: Kaya Cahit , Hanley‐Maxwell Cheryl , Chan Fong , Tansey Timothy
Published: February 2018

Background

It is important to investigate receipt of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, service patterns and outcomes for youth with autism, so that limited public resources can be used more efficiently.

Method

This study used chi‐squared automatic interaction detector, and multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate relationships between demographic variables, receipt of VR services and employment outcomes for transition‐age youth (TAY) with Autism.

Results

The results indicate that gender, education level and cash benefits are significant predictors of employment outcomes. After controlling for the effect of demographic variables, several VR services (i.e., job placement, on‐the‐job support, on‐the‐job training, maintenance, other services, information referral, and diagnostic and treatment services) were significantly associated with competitive employment.

Conclusions

Overall, the results indicate that job‐related services were significantly related to employment outcomes for TAY with Autism; therefore, it is important these youths are provided with more targeted job placements and supported employment services (Wehman et al., ).
Secukinumab demonstrates high sustained efficacy and a favourable safety profile in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis through 5 years of treatment (SCULPTURE Extension Study)
Authors: Bissonnette R. , Luger T. , Thaçi D. , Toth D. , Lacombe A. , Xia S. , Mazur R. , Patekar M. , Charef P. , Milutinovic M. , Leonardi C. , Mrowietz U.
Published: February 2018

Background

Secukinumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively neutralizes IL‐17A, has been shown to have significant efficacy and a favourable safety profile in the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of secukinumab through 5 years of treatment in moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.

Methods

In the core SCULPTURE study, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 responders at Week 12 continued receiving subcutaneous secukinumab until Year 1. Thereafter, patients entered the extension phase and continued treatment as per the core trial. Treatment was double‐blinded until the end of Year 3 and open‐label from Year 4. Here, we focus on the 300 mg fixed‐interval (every 4 weeks) treatment, the recommended per label dose. Efficacy data are primarily reported as observed, but multiple imputation (MI) and last observation carried forward (LOCF) techniques were also undertaken as supportive analyses.

Results

At Year 1, 168 patients entered the extension study and at the end of Year 5, 126 patients completed 300 mg (every 4 weeks) treatment. PASI 75/90/100 responses at Year 1 (88.9%, 68.5% and 43.8%, respectively) were sustained to Year 5 (88.5%, 66.4% and 41%). PASI responses were consistent regardless of the analysis undertaken (as observed, MI, or LOCF). The average improvement in mean PASI was approximately 90% through 5 years compared with core study baseline. DLQI (dermatology life quality index) 0/1 response also sustained through 5 years (72.7% at Year 1 and 65.5% at Year 5). The safety profile of secukinumab remained favourable, with no cumulative or unexpected safety concerns identified.

Conclusion

Secukinumab 300 mg treatment delivered high and sustained levels of skin clearance and improved quality of life through 5 years in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis. Favourable safety established in the secukinumab phase 2/3 programme was maintained through 5 years.
Drug survival and postdrug survival of first‐line immunosuppressive treatments for atopic dermatitis: comparison between methotrexate and cyclosporine
Authors: Law Ping Man S. , Bouzillé G. , Beneton N. , Safa G. , Dupuy A. , Droitcourt C.
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Cyclosporine and methotrexate are the two preferred first‐line immunosuppressive treatments in atopic dermatitis. The aim of this study was to compare the treatment profiles of methotrexate and cyclosporine in daily practice as the first‐line immunosuppressive treatment in atopic dermatitis, using two survival analyses, ‘drug survival’ (time on the drug) and ‘postdrug survival’ (time between two drugs).

Methods

Retrospective study including patients with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis treated with methotrexate or cyclosporine as the first‐line immunosuppressive treatment. The reasons for discontinuation of treatment were collected as follows: controlled disease, treatment failure, side event pregnancy and non‐compliance. ‘Drug survival’ and ‘postdrug survival’ analyses were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method and predictive factors were analysed using uni‐ and multivariate Cox regression analyses.

Results

Fifty‐six patients, among whom 25 patients treated with cyclosporine and 31 with methotrexate (median age: 34 ± 15 years), were included between 2007 and 2016. Reasons for discontinuation were not significantly different between ‘controlled disease’ and other reasons (P = 0.11). The median ‘drug survival’ was significantly longer for methotrexate (23 months) than for cyclosporine (8 months) (P < 0.0001). Six months from baseline, 93% of patients treated with methotrexate were still being treated vs 63% among patients treated with cyclosporine. The median of ‘postdrug survival’ was significantly longer for methotrexate (12 months) than for cyclosporine (2 months). Only treatment with CYC was a predictive factor for decreased ‘drug survival’ and ‘postdrug survival’.

Conclusion

This is the first direct comparison between methotrexate and cyclosporine as first‐line immunosuppressive treatments for moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis in daily practice. We evidenced two different treatment profiles: the duration of methotrexate administration is longer than that of cyclosporine. ‘Postdrug survival’ could be a new tool to assess the maintenance of effect of a drug after withdrawal in atopic dermatitis, and more broadly in chronic skin disease.
Victim‐Oriented Tort Law in Action: An Empirical Examination of Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Cases
Authors: van Dijck Gijs
Published: February 2018

Catholic Church sexual abuse cases have received worldwide attention, with lawsuits and nationwide investigations reported in various countries. This study examines a procedure—a hybrid between tort litigation and a victim compensation fund—that not only allowed sexual abuse victims to seek monetary compensation on an individual basis, but also nonmonetary relief, including an apology, recognition, and measures against those responsible for the abuse. The publication of all decisions offers a unique opportunity to analyze what victims pursued by filing a claim, whether what they were offered matched their objectives, and what impacted the probability of victims obtaining certain types of nonmonetary relief. After analyzing 1,237 decisions, this study reveals a mismatch between what victims sought and what they were offered. Surprisingly, the presence or absence of a few panelists (out of 27) turns out to be the best predictor of whether adjudicators ordered nonmonetary relief. Consequently, whether victims obtained nonmonetary relief did not only depend on a proper legal infrastructure, but mostly on the mentality and attitudes of those participating in the system.
Is E.U. Merger Control Used for Protectionism? An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Bradford Anu , Jackson Robert J. , Zytnick Jonathon
Published: February 2018

The European Commission has often used its merger‐review power to challenge high‐profile acquisitions involving non‐E.U. companies, giving rise to concerns that its competition authority has evolved into a powerful tool for industrial policy. The Commission has been accused of deliberately targeting foreign—especially U.S.—acquirers, while facilitating the creation of European national champions. These concerns, however, rest on a few famous anecdotes. In this article, we introduce a unique dataset that allows us to provide the first rigorous examination of these claims. Our analysis of the over 5,000 mergers reported to the Commission between 1990 and 2014 reveals no evidence that the Commission has systematically used its authority to protectionist ends. If anything, our results suggest that the Commission is less likely to challenge transactions involving non‐E.U. acquirers. Our analysis therefore challenges the common notion of European antitrust protectionism and shifts the burden of proof to those advancing this view.
Widening control of fin inter‐rays in zebrafish and inferences about actinopterygian fins
Authors: Murciano Carmen , Cazorla‐Vázquez Salvador , Gutiérrez Javier , Hijano Juan Antonio , Ruiz‐Sánchez Josefa , Mesa‐Almagro Laura , Martín‐Reyes Flores , Fernández Tahía Diana , Marí‐Beffa Manuel
Published: February 2018

The amputation of a teleost fin rapidly triggers an intricate maze of hierarchically regulated signalling processes which ultimately reconstruct the diverse tissues of the appendage. Whereas the generation of the fin pattern along the proximodistal axis brings with it several well‐known developmental regulators, the mechanisms by which the fin widens along its dorsoventral axis remain poorly understood. Utilizing the zebrafish as an experimental model of fin regeneration and studying more than 1000 actinopterygian species, we hypothesized a connection between specific inter‐ray regulatory mechanisms and the morphological variability of inter‐ray membranes found in nature. To tackle these issues, both cellular and molecular approaches have been adopted and our results suggest the existence of two distinguishable inter‐ray areas in the zebrafish caudal fin, a marginal and a central region. The present work associates the activity of the cell membrane potassium channel kcnk5b, the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 and the sonic hedgehog pathway to the control of several cell functions involved in inter‐ray wound healing or dorsoventral regeneration of the zebrafish caudal fin. This ray‐dependent regulation controls cell migration, cell‐type patterning and gene expression. The possibility that modifications of these mechanisms are responsible for phenotypic variations found in euteleostean species, is discussed.
Arterial and microvascular supply of cerebral hemispheres in the nude mouse revealed using corrosion casting and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Sangiorgi Simone , Benedictis Alessandro De , Reguzzoni Marcella , Trezza Andrea , Cossu Silvia , Marras Carlo Efisio , Bellocchi Silvio , Manelli Alessandro , Protasoni Marina
Published: February 2018

Morphological analyses of cerebral vascularization are not only important for the characterization of the anatomical and physiological relationships between vascular and nervous tissue, but also required to understand structural modifications that occur in many pathological conditions affecting the brain. The aim of this study was to generate a three‐dimensional vascular map of the cerebral hemispheres in the nude mouse brain, a widely used animal model for studying tumour biology. We used the corrosion casting (CC) technique to isolate blood vessels from 30 nude mouse brains. All casts were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which generated quantitative data regarding vessel length and diameter as well as inter‐vascular and inter‐branching distances. We identified three different topographical regions: (i) the cortical region, characterized by a superficial wide sheet of vessels giving rise to terminal perforant vessels that penetrate the grey matter; (ii) the inner part of the grey matter, in which dense capillary nets form many flake‐like structures extending towards the grey–white matter boundary, where perforant vessels finally change direction and form a well‐defined vascular sheet; and (iii) the white matter layer, characterized by a more disorganized vascular architecture. In this study, we demonstrate the accuracy of the CC‐SEM method in revealing the 3D‐topographical organization of the vascular network of the normal nude mouse brain. These baseline data will serve as a reference for future anatomical investigations of pathological alterations, such as tumour infiltrations, using the nude mouse model.
Role of solid lipid nanoparticles as photoprotective agents in cosmetics
Authors: Jose Jobin , Netto Gladyston
Published: February 2018

Background

Novel drug delivery systems have gained popularity since last two decades because of its advantages over conventional dosage forms. Effect of UV radiation on skin can cause either acute or chronic damage to our skin. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were developed as novel carrier over the conventional carrier systems like liposomes and emulsions. The SLNs were selected as a carrier for the formulation because of its ability to protect the labile drug particles, the ability to make the drug release in a controlled manner, and occlusive property of the SLNs.

Objective

The current review is an attempt to focus on the characteristics of solid lipid nanoparticles, methods for the preparations, and their cosmetic applications along with some future perspectives of the nanodrug delivery systems.

Methods

A review of the current literature of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) as novel carrier showed better photoprotection in sunscreens.

Results and conclusions

The disadvantages of conventional sunscreens can be overcome by incorporation of solid lipid nanoparticles. On comparing the lipid nanobased systems with traditional cosmetic products, the occlusion can be achieved without the use of paraffin and other greasy oils. The film formed by lipid nanoparticles will be smooth as compared to the inflexible films formed by the paraffin. Newer approaches may lead to even better results. They also possess excellent UV‐blocking activity and showed better photoprotection.