bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online monitoring of priority and dangerous pollutants in natural and urban waters
Authors: Capodaglio Andrea G , Callegari Arianna , Molognoni Daniele
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– Advancements in real-time water monitoring technologies permit rapid detection of water quality, and threats from waste loads. Water Framework Directive mandating the establishment of Member States’ water resources monitoring, presence of hazardous contaminants in effluents, and perception of vulnerability of water distribution system to attacks, have spurred technical and economic interests. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– As alternative to traditional analyzers, chemosensors, operate according to physical principles, without sample collection (online), and are capable of supplying parameter values continuously and in real-time. Their low selectivity and stability issues have been overcome by technological developments. This review paper contains a comprehensive survey of existing and expected online monitoring technologies for measurement/detection of pollutants in water.

Findings

– The state-of-the-art in online water monitoring is presented. Application examples are reported. Monitoring costs will become a lesser part of a water utility budget due to the fact that automation and technological simplification will abate human cost factors, and reduce the complexity of laboratory procedures.

Originality/value

– An overview of applicable instrumentation, and forthcoming developments, is given. Technological development in this field is very rapid, and astonishing advances are anticipated in several areas (fingerprinting, optochemical sensors, biosensors, molecular techniques). Online monitoring is becoming an ever-important tool not only for compliance control or plant management purposes, but also as a useful approach to pollution control and reduction, minimizing the environmental impact of discharges.
Design of a risk assessment methodology for the introduction of invasive species from ship ballast waters
Authors: Bouda Abderrahmane , Bachari Nour El Islam , Bahmed Lylia , Boubenia Ryad
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– Ballast water of merchant ship is a source of introduction of invasive species around the globe. The purpose of this paper is to present a quantitative risk assessment applied to a model port, the Port of Arzew in Algeria, and based on an analysis of this port’s shipping traffic.

Design/methodology/approach

– The risk assessment for introduction of invasive species is interpreted in the form of a probabilistic process, with a combination of two probabilities. The first probability is related to the ability of a species to arrive to the destination (recipient port), depending on the quantity of water ballast discharged and the duration of voyage. The second one is based on the species ability to survive in their new environment, which depends on the environmental similarity between donor port and Arzew port.

Findings

– This assessment’s outcome consists on a classification of scenarios regarding their acceptability. Consequently, it helped to classify donor ports according to a risk scale, from low risk to high-risk donor ports.

Research limitations/implications

– The phenomenon of invasion of aquatic species is a complex process. Factors such as adaptation and tolerance of species, the attendance or absence of predators, were not taken into account in this study.

Practical implications

– This study could be used by the maritime administration as a decision-making tool regarding the issue of exemptions under the IMO International Convention on the Management of Ballast Water and Sediments 2004.

Originality/value

– This is one of the first known studies in Algeria and dealing with ballast water management. The results of this assessment provide useful information to policy makers, in order to develop a national strategy to reduce the impact of shipping pollution on the marine environment.
Optimization of biological transesterification of waste cooking oil in different solvents using response surface methodology
Authors: Balasubramanian Bharathiraja , Ramanujam Praveen Kumar , Ravi Kumar Ranjith , Muninathan Chakravarthy , Dhinakaran Yogendran
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to speak about the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil which serves as an alternate fuel in the absence of conventional fuels such as diesel and petrol. Though much research work was carried out using non-edible crops such as Jatropha and Pongamia, cooking oil utilized in bulk quantity is discarded as a waste. This is reused again as it contains more of esters that when combined with an alcohol in presence of an enzyme as a catalyst yields triglycerides (biodiesel).

Design/methodology/approach

– The lipase producing strain Rhizopus oryzae and pure enzyme lipase is immobilized and treated with waste cooking oil for the production of FAME. Reaction parameters such as temperature, time, oil to acyl acceptor ratio and enzyme concentration were considered for purified lipase and in the case of Rhizopus oryzae, pH, olive oil concentration and rpm were considered for optimization studies. The response generated through each run were evaluated and analyzed through the central composited design of response surface methodology and thus the optimized reaction conditions were determined.

Findings

– A high conversion (94.01 percent) was obtained for methanol when compared to methyl acetate (91.11 percent) and ethyl acetate (90.06 percent) through lipase catalyzed reaction at oil to solvent ratio of 1:3, enzyme concentration of 10 percent at 30°C after 24 h. Similarly, for methanol a high conversion (83.76 percent) was obtained at an optimum pH of 5.5, olive oil concentration 25 g/L and 150 rpm using Rhizopus oryzae when compared to methyl acetate (81.09 percent) and ethyl acetate (80.49 percent).

Originality/value

– This research work implies that the acyl acceptors methyl acetate and ethyl acetate which are novel solvents for biodiesel production can also be used to obtain high yields as compared with methanol under optimized conditions.
Perceptions, attitudes and behaviours toward urban surface water quality in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Abraham Ernest Mensah , Martin Adrienne , Cofie Olufunke , Raschid-Sally Liqa
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore people’s perceptions, stated attitudes, and observed and reported behaviour to water and other environmental quality.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study adopted a mixed method approach. It employed a cross-sectional survey design. Ten communities were selected in Accra and its surrounding communities to indicate various levels of infrastructure provision and environmental quality. Four separate focus group discussions (FGDs) were carried out in each community, with a mixed group of older and young adult men and women, a group of men only, a group of women only, and a group of young adults only. Following the FGDs, further information was obtained through structured household questionnaire survey involving 443 respondents.

Findings

– Different ideas were employed to explain people’s perceptions of water quality. There were common ideas such as on health, history of water use, perceptions which affect water use, and management of community activities which affect water sources. These ideas which emerged from the focus groups helped participants to assign meaning to their environment. Reported behaviour was influenced by the ability to pay for services, their availability and the influence of shared community norms. Although citizen participation in water and environmental management decision making was very limited, community collective action can be harnessed to enhance water and other environmental management.

Originality/value

– Adopted an interdisciplinary approach that enabled explanations to phenomenon to emerge from the perspectives of the society rather than views being suggested to them. Thus, resulting in evidence-based issues for intervention.
The Costs of Coexistence Measures for Genetically Modified Maize in Germany
Authors: Venus Thomas J. , Dillen Koen , Punt Maarten J. , Wesseler Justus H. H.
Published: July 2016

We estimate the perceived costs of legal requirements (‘coexistence measures’) for growing genetically modified (GM) Bt maize in Germany using a choice experiment. The costs of the evaluated ex‐ante and ex‐post coexistence measures range from zero to more than €300 per measure and most are greater than the extra revenue the farmers in our survey expect from growing Bt maize or than estimates in the literature. The cost estimates for temporal separation, the highest in our evaluation, imply that the exclusion of this measure in Germany is justified. The costliest measures of the ones that are currently applied in Germany are joint and strict liability for all damages. Our results further show that neighbours do not cause a problem and opportunities for reducing costs through agreements with them exist. Finally, we find that farmers’ attitudes towards GM crops affect the probability of adoption of Bt maize. Our results imply that strict liability will deter the cultivation of Bt maize in Germany unless liability issues can be addressed through other means, for example, through neighbours agreements.
Beneficial effect of corticosteroids for patients with severe drug‐induced liver injury
Authors: Hu Ping Fang , Wang Pei Qin , Chen Han , Hu Xiao Fan , Xie Qiu Ping , Shi Jian , Lin Lin , Xie Wei Fen
Published: July 2016

Objective

The efficacy of corticosteroids in drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) remains controversial. We aimed to determine whether corticosteroids were beneficial for severe DILI.

Methods

This was a single‐center retrospective study of patients with DILI enrolled between January 2010 and May 2015.

Results

Of the 203 patients enrolled, 53 were treated with corticosteroids. The baseline characteristics of patients received corticosteroids were more severe than that of the non‐corticosteroid group. Subgroup analyses indicated that almost all patients who died had the higher 50% quartile of total bilirubin (TB) levels. Among the 50–75% quartile of TB level, no patient in the corticosteroids group but 3 (15.0%) of 20 patients in the non‐corticosteroid group died (P = 0.261). With the highest 25% quartile of TB level, four patients in the corticosteroids group and four in the non‐corticosteroids group died (P = 0.405). Corticosteroid therapy improved the recovery rate from 77.4% to 87.9% in the higher 50% quartile of TB values (P = 0.331). More interestingly, corticosteroid administration hastened the resolution of liver injury by shortening the duration of peak TB to 50% reduction from 17 to 12 days (P < 0.05). Additionally, multivariate analysis revealed that the TB levels and cholestatic injury type were the two independent factors associated with a poor outcome of DILI.

Conclusions

Corticosteroids are not detrimental to DILI, but instead ameliorate liver injury and improve patient survival. Short‐time use of corticosteroids is strongly recommended for severe DILI patients with hyperbilirubinemia.
‘A Little Old‐China Mad': Lady Dorothea Banks (1758‐1828) and Her Dairy at Spring Grove
Authors: Leis Arlene
Published: July 2016

Lady Dorothea Banks (1758‐1828), wife of the eminent botanist and President of the Royal Society Sir Joseph Banks, was – like her husband – an avid collector. Shortly after she married, she transformed the dairy building at the Bankses' home in Spring Grove into an exquisite china cabinet. All that remains of the collection today, however, is a manuscript describing some of Lady Banks's best wares; it explains the collection and her collecting methodologies. Focusing on the manuscript, this article considers the many ways in which, science, sociability and the practice of collecting were physically intermingled within the Bankses' country estate.
Exome capture from the spruce and pine giga‐genomes
Authors: Suren H. , Hodgins K. A. , Yeaman S. , Nurkowski K. A. , Smets P. , Rieseberg L. H. , Aitken S. N. , Holliday J. A.
Published: July 2016

Sequence capture is a flexible tool for generating reduced representation libraries, particularly in species with massive genomes. We used an exome capture approach to sequence the gene space of two of the dominant species in Canadian boreal and montane forests – interior spruce (Picea glauca x engelmanii) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta). Transcriptome data generated with RNA‐seq were coupled with draft genome sequences to design baits corresponding to 26 824 genes from pine and 28 649 genes from spruce. A total of 579 samples for spruce and 631 samples for pine were included, as well as two pine congeners and six spruce congeners. More than 50% of targeted regions were sequenced at >10× depth in each species, while ~12% captured near‐target regions within 500 bp of a bait position were sequenced to a depth >10×. Much of our read data arose from off‐target regions, which was likely due to the fragmented and incomplete nature of the draft genome assemblies. Capture in general was successful for the related species, suggesting that baits designed for a single species are likely to successfully capture sequences from congeners. From these data, we called approximately 10 million SNPs and INDELs in each species from coding regions, introns, untranslated and flanking regions, as well as from the intergenic space. Our study demonstrates the utility of sequence capture for resequencing in complex conifer genomes, suggests guidelines for improving capture efficiency and provides a rich resource of genetic variants for studies of selection and local adaptation in these species.
Designing occupancy studies when false‐positive detections occur
Authors: Clement Matthew J.
Published: July 2016

Recently, estimators have been developed to estimate occupancy probabilities when false‐positive detections occur during presence–absence surveys. Some of these estimators combine different types of survey data to improve estimates of occupancy. With these estimators, there is a trade‐off between the number of sample units surveyed, and the number and type of surveys at each sample unit. Guidance on efficient design of studies when false positives occur is unavailable.

For a range of scenarios, I identified survey designs that minimized the mean square error of the estimate of occupancy. I considered an approach that uses one survey method and two observation states and an approach that uses two survey methods. For each approach, I used numerical methods to identify optimal survey designs when model assumptions were met and parameter values were correctly anticipated, when parameter values were not correctly anticipated and when the assumption of no unmodelled detection heterogeneity was violated.

Under the approach with two observation states, false‐positive detections increased the number of recommended surveys, relative to standard occupancy models. If parameter values could not be anticipated, pessimism about detection probabilities avoided poor designs. Detection heterogeneity could require more or fewer repeat surveys, depending on parameter values. If model assumptions were met, the approach with two survey methods was inefficient. However, with poor anticipation of parameter values, with detection heterogeneity or with removal sampling schemes, combining two survey methods could improve estimates of occupancy.

Ignoring false positives can yield biased parameter estimates, yet false positives greatly complicate the design of occupancy studies. Specific guidance for major types of false‐positive occupancy models, and for two assumption violations common in field data, can conserve survey resources. This guidance can be used to design efficient monitoring programmes and studies of species occurrence, species distribution or habitat selection, when false positives occur during surveys.
Associations Between the Phosphatidylethanol Alcohol Biomarker and Self‐Reported Alcohol Use in a Sample of HIV‐Infected Outpatient Drinkers in Western Kenya
Authors: Papas Rebecca K. , Gakinya Benson N. , Mwaniki Michael M. , Keter Alfred K. , Lee Hana , Loxley Michelle P. , Klein Debra A. , Sidle John E. , Martino Steve , Baliddawa Joyce B. , Schlaudt Kathryn L. , Maisto Stephen A.
Published: July 2016

Background

To counteract the syndemics of HIV and alcohol in Sub‐Saharan Africa, international collaborations have developed interventions to reduce alcohol consumption. Reliable and accurate methods are needed to estimate alcohol use outcomes. A direct alcohol biomarker called phosphatidylethanol (PEth) has been shown to validate heavy, daily drinking, but the literature indicates mixed results for moderate and nondaily drinkers, including among HIV‐infected populations. This study examined the associations of the PEth biomarker with self‐report alcohol use at 2 time points in 127 HIV‐infected outpatient drinkers in western Kenya.

Methods

Participants were consecutively enrolled in a randomized clinical trial to test the efficacy of a behavioral intervention to reduce alcohol use in Eldoret, Kenya. They endorsed current alcohol use, and a minimum score of 3 on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test‐Consumption or consuming ≥6 drinks per occasion at least monthly in the past year. Study interviews and blood draws were conducted at baseline and at 3 months post treatment from July 2012 through September 2013. Alcohol use was assessed using the Timeline Followback questionnaire. Blood samples were analyzed for the presence of the PEth biomarker and were compared to self‐reported alcohol use. We also conducted semistructured interviews with 14 study completers in February through March 2014.

Results

Baseline data indicated an average of moderate–heavy alcohol use: 50% drinking days and a median of 4.5 drinks per drinking day. At baseline, 46% of women (31 of 67) and 8% of men (5 of 60) tested negative for PEth (p < 0.001). At the 3‐month follow‐up, 93% of women (25 of 27) and 97% of men (30 of 31) who reported drinking tested positive, while 70% of women (28 of 40) and 35% of men (10 of 29) who denied drinking tested negative for PEth. Interviews were consistent with self‐reported alcohol use among 13 individuals with negative baseline results.

Conclusions

These results add to the growing literature showing lack of agreement between self‐report and PEth results among unhealthy and nondaily drinkers, particularly women. More research is needed to determine at what level of consumption over what period of time PEth becomes a reliable and accurate indicator of alcohol use.
Treatment Utilization Among Adolescent Substance Users: Findings from the 2002 to 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
Authors: Haughwout Sarah P. , Harford Thomas C. , Castle I‐Jen P. , Grant Bridget F.
Published: July 2016

Background

Adolescent substance users face serious health and social consequences and benefit from early diagnosis and treatment. The objectives of this study were to observe trends in treatment utilization; examine correlates of treatment utilization and treatment types/settings among adolescent substance users with and without substance use disorder (SUD); and assess gender differences.

Methods

National Survey on Drug Use and Health data were pooled across 2002 to 2013, with a combined sample of 79,885 past‐year substance users ages 12 to 17 (17,510 with SUD and 62,375 without SUD). Treatment was defined as receiving treatment or counseling for use of alcohol or any drug, not counting cigarettes. Trends were assessed by joinpoint linear regression, and multivariable logistic regression assessed odds ratios of treatment utilization.

Results

Percentages of past‐year treatment use did not change in 2002 to 2013. Treatment utilization was more prevalent among adolescents with SUD than without (11.4% vs. 1.4%) and among males than females. Among adolescents with and without SUD, criminal justice involvement and perceiving a need for treatment increased adolescent treatment utilization, while SUDs other than alcohol abuse, older age, and talking to parents increased treatment use among adolescents with SUD, and polysubstance use and male gender increased treatment among those without SUD. Treatment gaps persisted among non‐Hispanic Blacks for both groups with and without SUD, male Hispanics with SUD, female non‐Hispanic Asians without SUD, and private insurance coverages. Gender differences were observed in SUD, race/ethnicity, and insurance coverage. Most adolescents received treatment for both alcohol and drug use, and self‐help group and outpatient rehabilitation facility were the most used treatment settings.

Conclusions

Treatment utilization among adolescents with past‐year substance use remained low and unimproved in 2002 to 2013. Treatment gaps among minority populations, insurance coverage, and in educating adolescents on seeking relevant treatment must be addressed. Using screening processes such as Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment, health professionals can help prevent lifelong SUD by recognizing and addressing substance misuse early.
Mandating Treatment Based on Interlock Performance: Evidence for Effectiveness
Authors: Voas Robert B. , Tippetts A. Scott , Bergen Gwen , Grosz Milton , Marques Paul
Published: July 2016

Background

Vehicle alcohol ignition interlocks reduce alcohol‐impaired driving recidivism while installed, but recidivism reduction does not continue after removal. It has been suggested that integrating alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment with interlock programs might extend the effectiveness of interlocks in reducing recidivism beyond their removal. This study evaluated the first implementation of a Florida policy mandating AUD treatment for driving under the influence (DUI) offenders on interlocks. Treatment was required when the offender accumulated 3 violations (defined as 2 “lockouts” within 4 hours; a lockout occurs when the device prevents a drinking driver from starting the vehicle).

Methods

Cox regression was used to compare alcohol‐impaired driving recidivism during the 48 months following the interlock removal between 2 groups: (i) 640 multiple DUI offenders who received AUD treatment while interlocks were installed; and (ii) 806 matched offenders not mandated to treatment while interlocks were installed.

Results

The ignition interlock plus treatment group experienced 32% lower recidivism, 95% confidence interval [9, 49], following the removal of the interlock during the 12 to 48 months in which they were compared with the nontreatment group. We estimated that this decline in recidivism would have prevented 41 rearrests, 13 crashes, and almost 9 injuries in crashes involving the 640 treated offenders over the period following interlock removal.

Conclusions

This study provides strong support for the inclusion of AUD treatment for offenders in interlock programs based on the number of times they are “locked out.” The offenders required to attend treatment demonstrated a one‐third lower DUI recidivism following their time on the interlock compared to similar untreated offenders.
Public knowledge, attitudes, social distance and reported contact regarding people with mental illness 2009–2015
Authors: Henderson C. , Robinson E. , Evans‐Lacko S. , Corker E. , Rebollo‐Mesa I. , Rose D. , Thornicroft G.
Published: July 2016

Objective

To investigate whether public knowledge, attitudes, desire for social distance and reported contact in relation to people with mental health problems have improved in England during the Time to Change (TTC) programme to reduce stigma and discrimination 2009–2015.

Methods

Using data from an annual face‐to‐face survey of a nationally representative sample of adults, we analysed longitudinal trends in the outcomes with regression modelling using standardised scores of the measures overall and by age and gender subgroups.

Results

There were improvements in all outcomes. The improvement for knowledge was 0.17 standard deviation units in 2015 compared to 2009 (95% CI 0.10, 0.23); for attitudes 0.20 standard deviation units (95% CI 0.14, 0.27) and for social distance 0.17 standard deviation units (95% CI 0.11, 0.24). Survey year for 2015 vs. 2009 was associated with a higher likelihood of reported contact (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.13, 1.53). Statistically significant interactions between year and age suggest the campaign had more impact on the attitudes of the target age group (25–45) than those aged over 65 or under 25. Women's reported contact with people with mental health problems increased more than did men's.

Conclusion

The results provide support for the effectiveness of TTC.
Changes in attitudes, intended behaviour, and mental health literacy in the Swedish population 2009–2014: an evaluation of a national antistigma programme
Authors: Hansson L. , Stjernswärd S. , Svensson B.
Published: July 2016

Objective

Public stigma of mental illness is still a major problem where numerous population studies during the last decade have mainly shown no improvements. A Swedish national antistigma campaign has been running 2010–2014. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in public stigma during this period as compared to baseline in 2009.

Methods

Yearly population surveys were made between 2009 and 2014 including assessments of mental health literacy, attitudes, and intended future behaviour. Two surveys were made, one including a nationally representative sample and one including a representative sample from three original campaign regions. Multiple regression analyses, also including age, gender, education, and familiarity with mental illness were made to investigate yearly changes in public stigma compared to baseline.

Results

Mental health literacy improved significantly in the campaign regions between 2009 and 2014, as did intended future behaviour. Attitudes toward mental illness also improved significantly. Improvements were also shown in the national population surveys, but the time pattern of these compared to that of the original campaign regions indicated that these changes took place mainly after the campaign had been extended to a further five Swedish regions.

Conclusion

The results of our surveys suggest that a campaign primarily based on social contact theory and involving people with lived experience of mental illness may, even in a rather short‐term perspective, have a significant positive impact on mental health literacy, attitudes, and intentions of social contact with people with mental illness.
A grounded theory model for reducing stigma in health professionals in Canada
Authors: Knaak S. , Patten S.
Published: July 2016

Objective

The Mental Health Commission of Canada was formed as a national catalyst for improving the mental health system. One of its initiatives is Opening Minds (OM), whose mandate is to reduce mental health‐related stigma. This article reports findings from a qualitative study on antistigma interventions for healthcare providers, which includes a process model articulating key stages and strategies for implementing successful antistigma programmes.

Method

The study employed a grounded theory methodology. Data collection involved in‐depth interviews with programme stakeholders, direct observation of programmes, a review of programme documents, and qualitative feedback from programme participants. Analysis proceeded via the constant comparison method. A model was generated to visually present key findings.

Results

Twenty‐three in‐depth interviews were conducted representing 18 different programmes. Eight programmes were observed directly, 48 programme documents were reviewed, and data from 1812 programme participants were reviewed. The analysis led to a four‐stage process model for implementing successful antistigma programmes targeting healthcare providers, informed by the basic social process ‘targeting the roots of healthcare provider stigma’.

Conclusion

The process model developed through this research may function as a tool to help guide the development and implementation of antistigma programmes in healthcare contexts.
The large pine weevil Hylobius abietis (L.) as a potential vector of the pathogenic fungus Diplodia sapinea (Fr.) Fuckel
Authors: Drenkhan Tiia , Voolma Kaljo , Adamson Kalev , Sibul Ivar , Drenkhan Rein
Published: July 2016

Diplodia sapinea, an important pathogen of various conifer species, was recently recorded in the northern Baltic region. The pathogen can disperse over short distances via rain or wind, whereas long range dispersal occurs via movement of contaminated plant material and seeds by humans, as well as by insects.

Hylobius abietis is one of the most important forest pests over large areas of Europe. Adult weevils feed on the bark of seedlings of young conifers, causing injury and often death.

Weevils were collected from fresh clear‐cut areas and near the symptomatic conifer stands to analyze the presence of D. sapinea. Entire weevils collected from natural environments were crushed without surface washing.

The identity of D. sapinea and the fungal DNA extraction from the insects was confirmed by species‐specific polymerase chain reaction priming. Eight H. abietis individuals were determined to be infected with D. sapinea. In a laboratory experiment, pine branches were infected with D. sapinea and were fed to adult H. abietis.

The results show that the pathogen survived in the digestive tract of H. abietis in the laboratory experiment, and also that the isolation of fungus from the faeces was successful. In addition, the results demonstrate that the large pine weevil may be a potential vector of pathogenic fungus D. sapinea.
Characterization of the NLRC5 promoter in chicken: SNPs, regulatory elements and CpG islands
Authors: Guo X. M. , Liu X. P. , Chang G. B. , Xu L. , Bi Y. L. , Wang H. Z. , Zhang Y. , Zhu P. F. , Wu Y. , Chen G. H.
Published: July 2016

NLRC5 plays an important role in the innate immunity and cellular immunity in many species, but the regulatory mechanism of NLRC5 expression in chickens remains unclear. In this study, a series of deletion fragments of the NLRC5 promoter region were constructed and dual‐luciferase assay was performed. Then, we detected the SNP in the core region and its function. Important transcriptional regulatory elements were predicted and identified. Methylation of CpG islands was measured. The results revealed that the two core regions of −4372 to −3756 and −2925 to −2265 in the NLRC5 promoter were essential for NLRC5 mRNA expression in which a SNP (A/G), located at −2470, was found to have an effect on the transcriptional activity. Also, the STAT1 element in the second core region of the NLRC5 promoter was identified to bind with the STAT1 transcription factor, which was necessary for the transcriptional activity. In addition, many other elements in the NLRC5 promoter, including YY1 and CEBP, may contribute significantly to the expression activity of NLRC5. Moreover, two CpG islands were searched. Part of one was located in the first core region, which suggests that epigenetic modification may regulate the activity of the first promoter region, and the other was mostly in an unmethylated state. Collectively, these results suggest the complex regulation of NLRC5 expression includes SNPs, transcription factors and methylation.
The oxidative stress theory of disease: levels of evidence and epistemological aspects
Authors: Ghezzi Pietro , Jaquet Vincent , Marcucci Fabrizio , Schmidt Harald H H W
Published: July 2016

The theory that oxidative stress (OS) is at the root of several diseases is extremely popular. However, so far, no antioxidant has been recommended or offered by healthcare systems neither has any been approved as therapy by regulatory agencies that base their decisions on evidence‐based medicine. This is simply because, so far, despite many preclinical and clinical studies indicating a beneficial effect of antioxidants in many disease conditions, randomised clinical trials have failed to provide the evidence of efficacy required for drug approval.

In this review, we discuss the levels of evidence required to claim causality in preclinical research on OS, the weakness of the oversimplification associated with OS theory of disease and the importance of the narrative in its popularity. Finally, from a more translational perspective, we discuss the reasons why antioxidants acting by scavenging ROS might not only prevent their detrimental effects but also interfere with essential signalling roles. We propose that ROS have a complex metabolism and are generated by different enzymes at diverse sites and at different times. Aggregating this plurality of systems into a single theory of disease may not be the best way to develop new drugs, and future research may need to focus on specific oxygen‐toxifying pathways rather than on non‐specific ROS scavengers. Finally, similarly to what is nowadays required for clinical trials, we recommend making unpublished data available in repositories (open data), as this will allow big data approaches or meta‐analyses, without the drawbacks of publication bias.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Redox Biology and Oxidative Stress in Health and Disease. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.12/issuetoc
The 5A apolipoprotein A‐I (apoA‐I) mimetic peptide ameliorates experimental colitis by regulating monocyte infiltration
Authors: Nowacki Tobias M , Remaley Alan T , Bettenworth Dominik , Eisenblätter Michel , Vowinkel Thorsten , Becker Felix , Vogl Thomas , Roth Johannes , Tietge Uwe J , Lügering Andreas , Heidemann Jan , Nofer Jerzy‐Roch
Published: July 2016

Background and Purpose

New therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are highly desirable. As apolipoprotein (apo)A‐I mimetic peptides are beneficial in several animal models of inflammation, we hypothesized that they might be effective at inhibiting murine colitis.

Experimental Approach

Daily injections of 5A peptide, a synthetic bihelical apoA‐I mimetic dissolved in PBS, or PBS alone were administered to C57BL/6 mice fed 3% (w v‐1) dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water or healthy controls.

Key Results

Daily treatment with 5A peptide potently restricted DSS‐induced inflammation, as indicated by improved disease activity indices and colon histology, as well as decreased intestinal tissue myeloperoxidase levels and plasma TNFα and IL‐6 concentrations. Additionally, plasma levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and the monocyte expression of adhesion‐mediating molecule CD11b were down‐regulated, pro‐inflammatory CD11b+/Ly6chigh monocytes were decreased, and the number of intestinal monocytes was reduced in 5A peptide‐treated animals as determined by intravital macrophage‐related peptide‐8/14‐directed fluorescence‐mediated tomography and post‐mortem immunhistochemical F4/80 staining. Intravital fluorescence microscopy of colonic microvasculature demonstrated inhibitory effects of 5A peptide on leukocyte adhesion accompanied by reduced plasma levels of the soluble adhesion molecule sICAM‐1. In vitro 5A peptide reduced monocyte adhesion and transmigration in TNFα‐stimulated monolayers of human intestinal microvascular endothelial cells. Increased susceptibility to DSS‐induced inflammation was noted in apoA‐I−/− mice.

Conclusions and Implications

The 5A peptide is effective at ameliorating murine colitis by preventing intestinal monocyte infiltration and activation. These findings point to apoA‐I mimetics as a potential treatment approach for IBD.
The sphingosine‐1‐phosphate analogue, FTY‐720, promotes the proliferation of embryonic neural stem cells, enhances hippocampal neurogenesis and learning and memory abilities in adult mice
Authors: Sun Yili , Hong Feng , Zhang Lei , Feng Linyin
Published: July 2016

Background and purpose

Fingolimod (FTY‐720) is the first oral therapeutic drug approved for the relapsing–remitting forms of multiple sclerosis. Neural stem cells (NSCs) are capable of continuous self‐renewal and differentiation. The dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in the adult mammalian brain contains a population of NSCs and is one of the regions where neurogenesis takes place. FTY‐720 has been shown to have neuroprotective effects in several model systems, so we investigated the direct effects of FTY‐720 on NSCs and adult neurogenesis.

Experimental approaches

We assessed the effects of FTY‐720 on the proliferation and differentiation of cultured embryonic hippocampal NSCs using the 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine incorporation assay, the neurosphere formation assay and western blot analysis. Receptor selective agonists and antagonists were used to identify the mechanisms involved. Neurogenesis in the hippocampus of C57BL/6 mice was also assessed by immunohistochemistry. The Morris water maze and fear conditioning tests were used to detect the learning and memory abilities of mice.

Key results

FTY‐720 promoted the proliferation of embryonic hippocampal NSCs probably via the activation of ERK signalling, Gi/o proteins and S1P1 receptors. However, FTY‐720 did not affect the differentiation of cultured hippocampal NSCs. In vivo, chronic treatment with FTY‐720 promoted hippocampal neurogenesis in adult C57BL/6 mice and enhanced their learning and memory abilities.

Conclusions and Implications

Our results suggest a new target for the activation of NSCs and provide an insight into the therapeutic effects of FTY‐720 in neuropsychiatric disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and age‐related cognitive decline where hippocampal neurogenesis is compromised.
Dynamically Enriched MPM for Invertible Elasticity
Authors: Zhu Fei , Zhao Jing , Li Sheng , Tang Yong , Wang Guoping
Published: July 2016

We extend the material point method (MPM) for robust simulation of extremely large elastic deformation. This facilitates the application of MPM towards a unified solver since its versatility has been demonstrated lately with simulation of varied materials. Extending MPM for invertible elasticity requires accounting for several of its inherent limitations. MPM as a meshless method exhibits numerical fracture in large tensile deformations. We eliminate it by augmenting particles with connected material domains. Besides, constant redefinition of the interpolating functions between particles and grid introduces accumulated error which behaves like artificial plasticity. We address this problem by utilizing the Lagrangian particle domains as enriched degrees of freedom for simulation. The enrichment is applied dynamically during simulation via an error metric based on local deformation of particles. Lastly, we novelly reformulate the computation in reference configuration and investigate inversion handling techniques to ensure the robustness of our method in regime of degenerated configurations. The power and robustness of our method are demonstrated with various simulations that involve extreme deformations.
Effect of cotton fabric pretreatment on drop spreading and colour performance of reactive dye inks
Authors: Liu Zundong , Fang Kuanjun , Gao Hongguo , Liu Xiuming , Zhang Jianfei
Published: July 2016

Ink dot distribution on cotton fabrics determines the colour performance of reactive dye inkjet printing, and ink drop spreading is one of the important factors influencing the ink dot distribution. In order to reveal the relationship between fabric pretreatment and ink drop spreading, two pieces of cotton fabric were pretreated respectively with sodium alginate and sodium alginate plus high fatty acid derivative solutions. Results indicate that the surface energy of the cotton fabrics was reduced from 73.79 to 69.45 and 58.49 mJ m−2 after the pretreatment with sodium alginate and sodium alginate plus high fatty acid derivative respectively. Correspondingly, the spreading area of cyan ink drops on these fabrics was reduced from 104.9 to 92.5 and 72.3 mm2. Furthermore, on the fabric treated with sodium alginate plus high fatty acid derivative, the strip‐like ink dots were narrow and short, which means the dye was concentrated in an area on the fabric surface. Colorimetric values of the inkjet‐printed fabrics demonstrated that the high fatty acid derivative would enhance the ability of sodium alginate to control ink droplet spreading, thereby improving the colour performance.
The BRICS and the G20
Authors: Tian Huifang
Published: July 2016

Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) have come together economically as a group since 2009. Their cooperation has been driven not only by economic and political factors, but also the failure of the existing global economic governance framework to satisfy the real needs of these countries. In this paper, we analyze how the BRICS moved from a financial category into a political group, and are progressively developing from a dialogue‐based platform into a full‐fledged mechanism of long‐term coordination on a wide range of key issues relating to the world economy and politics. We also analyze how the BRICS have coordinated their positions in the G20, pushing for deep reform in global governance. Then, given the major hindrances to cooperation among the BRICS, including the challenge of economic transition, weak geopolitical links, complicated internal and external relations and inadequate governance capabilities, the present paper speculates on how the BRICS can use the opportunity arising from China taking the G20 presidency in 2016 to improve the cohesiveness and influence of the BRICS in terms of their agenda, organization and deliverables.
For some mothers more than others
Authors: Karbownik Krzysztof , Myck Michał
Published: July 2016

We estimate the effect of family size on female labour supply using data from Poland and instrumenting for family size with twinning at first and second birth. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to causally address this relationship in a post‐communist country. We identify the average causal effect of an additional child on mother's employment to be −7.0 pp, but we do not find significant effects of additional children on female employment among families with two or more children. Furthermore, we identify a positive bias of OLS in the estimates among highly educated mothers and those from younger cohorts.
Advanced phase chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor era – a report from the Swedish CML register
Authors: Söderlund Stina , Dahlén Torsten , Sandin Fredrik , Olsson‐Strömberg Ulla , Creignou Maria , Dreimane Arta , Lübking Anna , Markevärn Berit , Själander Anders , Wadenvik Hans , Stenke Leif , Richter Johan , Höglund Martin
Published: July 2016

Objectives

The primary goal in management of chronic phase (CP) chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is to prevent disease progression to accelerated phase (AP) or blast crisis (BC). We have evaluated progression rates in a decentralised healthcare setting and characterised patients progressing to AP/BC on TKI treatment.

Methods

Using data from the Swedish CML register, we identified CP‐CML patients diagnosed 2007–2011 who progressed to AP/BC within 2 yrs from diagnosis (n = 18) as well as patients diagnosed in advanced phase during 2007–2012 (n = 36) from a total of 544 newly diagnosed CML cases. We evaluated baseline characteristics, progression rates, outcome and adherence to guidelines for monitoring and treatment.

Results

The cumulative progression rate at 2 yrs was 4.3%. All 18 progression cases had been treated with imatinib, and six progressed within 6 months. High‐risk EUTOS score was associated to a higher risk of progression. Insufficient cytogenetic and/or molecular monitoring was found in 33%. Median survival after transformation during TKI treatment was 1.4 yrs. In those presenting with BC and AP, median survival was 1.6 yrs and not reached, respectively.

Conclusion

In this population‐based setting, progression rates appear comparable to that reported from clinical trials, with similar dismal patient outcome. Improved adherence to CML guidelines may minimise the risk of disease progression.
Interobserver variability in the radiological assessment of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including perfusion MRI in glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Kerkhof M. , Hagenbeek R. E. , van der Kallen B. F. W. , Lycklama à Nijeholt G. J. , Dirven L. , Taphoorn M. J. B. , Vos M. J.
Published: July 2016

Background and purpose

Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has limited value for differentiation of true tumor progression and pseudoprogression in treated glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Perfusion weighted imaging (PWI) may be helpful in the differentiation of these two phenomena. Here interobserver variability in routine radiological evaluation of GBM patients is assessed using MRI, including PWI.

Methods

Three experienced neuroradiologists evaluated MR scans of 28 GBM patients during temozolomide chemoradiotherapy at three time points: preoperative (MR1) and postoperative (MR2) MR scan and the follow‐up MR scan after three cycles of adjuvant temozolomide (MR3). Tumor size was measured both on T1 post‐contrast and T2 weighted images according to the Response Assessment in Neuro‐Oncology criteria. PW images of MR3 were evaluated by visual inspection of relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) color maps and by quantitative rCBV measurements of enhancing areas with highest rCBV. Image interpretability of PW images was also scored. Finally, the neuroradiologists gave a conclusion on tumor status, based on the interpretation of both T1 and T2 weighted images (MR1, MR2 and MR3) in combination with PWI (MR3).

Results

Interobserver agreement on visual interpretation of rCBV maps was good (κ = 0.63) but poor on quantitative rCBV measurements and on interpretability of perfusion images (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.37 and κ = 0.23, respectively). Interobserver agreement on the overall conclusion of tumor status was moderate (κ = 0.48).

Conclusions

Interobserver agreement on the visual interpretation of PWI color maps was good. However, overall interpretation of MR scans (using both conventional and PW images) showed considerable interobserver variability. Therefore, caution should be applied when interpreting MRI results during chemoradiation therapy.
Changes in albacore tuna habitat in the northeast Pacific Ocean under anthropogenic warming
Authors: Christian James R. , Holmes John
Published: July 2016

Albacore tuna are widespread in the North Pacific Ocean and the basis of an important commercial fishery. These fish live mainly within a fairly narrow thermal niche range defined by sea surface temperature (SST) isotherms between 14 and 19°C. Because the fish's thermal range coincides with strong latitudinal temperature gradients off the northwest coast of North America, there is a great deal of seasonal and interannual variability in the distribution of these fish, and a significant potential for a new habitat in this region with anthropogenic climate change. We use historical catch and effort data from the Canadian troll fleet to define the fish's thermal niche, and document observed shifts in distribution associated with interannual climate variability. We then use an ensemble of climate model simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project to estimate northward extension of the potential habitat under anthropogenic warming scenarios. A potential new habitat is about half a million square kilometres even under a moderate mitigation scenario. Estimates are smaller for some months of the year in which the fishery is conducted, but as well as opening up new regions, the length of season in which the fishery is active may be extended in the northern part of the range. However, much of the potential new habitat will be in oceanic waters with relatively low productivity. Our estimated area of potential habitat is based on the fish's thermal niche and assumes that other biologically important factors such as food will not be limiting.