bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Petrogenesis of highly fractionated rhyolites in the southwestern Okinawa Trough: Constraints from whole‐rock geochemistry data and Sr–Nd–Pb–O isotopes
Authors: Chen Zuxing , Zeng Zhigang , Yin Xuebo , Wang Xiaoyuan , Zhang Yuxiang , Chen Shuai , Shu Yunchao , Guo Kun , Li Xiaohui
Published: March 2018

In the southwestern Okinawa Trough, a cluster of approximate 70 submarine volcanoes is located at the cross back‐arc volcanic trail (CBVT), with the eruptive products dominated by rhyolites. New whole‐rock major and trace element and Sr–Nd–Pb–O isotopic data and previously available geochemistry data of volcanic rocks from this region are presented to determine the petrogenesis of these rhyolites. The rhyolites have high SiO2 (>70.01 wt.%), K2O + Na2O (6.71–7.16 wt.%) contents and differentiation index (DI) values (DI > 93), and are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous (A/CNK = 0.99–1.11) and medium‐K calc‐alkaline in composition. The relatively low 104*Ga/Al (2.06–2.17) and FeO*/MgO ratios (4.50–6.62), as well as Zr (91–174 ppm) and Zr + Ce + Nb + Y (175–271) contents suggest that the rhyolites, which contain hornblende, are generally similar to those of typical highly fractionated I‐type granitoids. The rhyolites show arc‐related features such as enrichment in LILEs (Rb, Ba, K), Th, U, Pb, and LREEs ((La/Yb)N = 6.21–6.74) and strong depletion in HFSEs (Nb, Ta, P, Ti) with both nearly identical and more enriched isotopic compositions, including εNd (from −3.2 to −3.5), 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.705552 to 0.705713), δ18O values (+8.1‰ to +8.6‰), and Pb isotopic compositions (206Pb/204Pb = 18.568–18.589, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.641–15.656, and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.848–38.904). Based on these characteristics, we propose that subduction‐related basalt magma and crust‐derived magma mixed and homogenized within a shallow magma chamber with a homogeneous “base‐level” isotopic signature of >0·7055 (87Sr/86Sr) and > −3 (εNd). This magma would have then experienced the extensive fractional crystallization of minerals, including plagioclase, hornblende, apatite, sphene, and Fe–Ti oxides, to form the CBVT rhyolites. Our geochemical interpretation of the existence of a long‐lived, convecting magma chamber beneath the CBVT is also consistent with seismic tomography results.
Long‐term outcomes and predictive scores for hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance after hepatitis B e‐antigen seroclearance
Authors: Fung James , Cheung Ka‐Shing , Wong Danny Ka‐Ho , Mak Lung‐Yi , To Wai‐Pan , Seto Wai‐Kay , Lai Ching‐Lung , Yuen Man‐Fung
Published: March 2018

The significance of hepatitis B e‐antigen (HBeAg) seroclearance (ESC) in the long term is not well defined. The current study aimed to determine the clinical outcomes, the factors and predictive scores for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance of a large cohort of patients undergoing ESC. Patients with documented ESC were followed up 3‐ to 6‐monthly. Baseline characteristics and longitudinal laboratory results were recorded. Predictive scores for HCC (HCC‐ESC) and HBsAg seroclearance (HBsAg‐ESC) were derived from multivariate Cox regression models. A total of 723 patients underwent ESC with a median ESC age and follow‐up of 36.0 and 18.3 years, respectively. Only 3.5% and 3.0% had persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and HBV DNA <2logs IU/mL, respectively, after ESC. For patients with 100%, 100%‐90%, 90%‐50%, 50%‐10%, 10%‐0%, and 0% normal ALT after HBeAg seroclearance, the rate of HCC was 4.3%, 2.2%, 3.6%, 3.9%, 17.3%, and 37.2% at 20 years after ESC, respectively (P < 0.001). At 20 years after ESC, the cumulative incidence of HCC and HBsAg seroclearance was 7.9% and 13.5%, respectively, with an overall survival of 91.5%. ESC age, male sex, cirrhosis, hypoalbuminemia, viral load, and ALT were significant factors for HCC, whereas ESC age, male sex, viral load, and antiviral therapy were significant factors for HBsAg seroclearance. The area under receiver operating characteristics for HCC‐ESC and HBsAg‐ESC scores to predict HCC and HBsAg seroclearance at 20 years after ESC was 0.92 and 0.74, respectively. Conclusion: Male sex, older age at ESC, ALT, and higher level of HBV DNA were associated with higher rates of HCC after ESC. HCC‐ESC and HBsAg‐ESC predictive scores can determine the likelihood of developing HCC and achieving HBsAg seroclearance. (Hepatology 2018)
Utilising a multi‐item questionnaire to assess household food security in Australia
Authors: Butcher Lucy M. , O'Sullivan Therese A. , Ryan Maria M. , Lo Johnny , Devine Amanda
Published: March 2018

Issue addressed

Currently, two food sufficiency questions are utilised as a proxy measure of national food security status in Australia. These questions do not capture all dimensions of food security and have been attributed to underreporting of the problem. The purpose of this study was to investigate food security using the short form of the US Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM) within an Australian context; and explore the relationship between food security status and multiple socio‐demographic variables.

Methods

Two online surveys were completed by 2334 Australian participants from November 2014 to February 2015. Surveys contained the short form of the HFSSM and twelve socio‐demographic questions. Cross‐tabulations chi‐square tests and a multinomial logistic regression model were employed to analyse the survey data.

Results

Food security status of the respondents was classified accordingly: High or Marginal (64%, n = 1495), Low (20%, n = 460) or Very Low (16%, n = 379). Significant independent predictors of food security were age (P < 0.001), marital status (P = 0.005), household income (P < 0.001) and education (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Findings suggest food insecurity is an important issue across Australia and that certain groups, regardless of income, are particularly vulnerable.

So what?

Government policy and health promotion interventions that specifically target “at risk” groups may assist to more effectively address the problem. Additionally, the use of a multi‐item measure is worth considering as a national indicator of food security in Australia.
Pathways of airway oxidant formation by house dust mite allergens and viral RNA converge through myosin motors, pannexons and Toll‐like receptor 4
Authors: Zhang Jihui , Chen Jie , Mangat Shannon C. , Perera Baruhupolage Chathuri , Garrod David R. , Robinson Clive
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Intracellular reactive oxidant species (ROS) are generated in human airway epithelial cells by the prothrombinase action of Group 1 house dust mite (HDM) allergens and by ligation of viral RNA sensor Toll‐like receptors (TLRs). We explored signaling convergence between HDM allergens and TLRs in ROS generation because epithelial cells form the primary barrier against inhaled substances and dictate host responses to allergens and viruses.

Methods

ROS formation by Calu‐3 human airway cells was studied by measuring dihydrorhodamine 123 oxidation after activation by polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (to activate TLR3), CL097 (to activate TLR7), a natural mixture of HDM allergens, or BzATP.

Results

TLR4 activation was identified as an indispensable response element for all stimuli, operating downstream from myosin motor activation, pannexon gating for ATP release and the endogenous activation of prothrombin. Exogenous prothrombin activation by HDM allergens was prevented by SGUL 1733, a novel inhibitor of the proteolytic activity of Group 1 HDM allergens, which thus prevented TLR4 from being activated at source.

Conclusions

Our data identify for the first time that endogenously‐generated prothrombin and TLR4 form a shared effector mechanism essential to intracellular ROS generation activated by a group 1 HDM allergen (itself a prothrombinase) or by ligation of viral RNA‐sensing TLRs. These stimuli operate a confluent signaling pathway in which myosin motors, gating of pannexons, and ADAM 10 lead to prothrombin‐dependent activation of TLR4 with a recycling activation of pannexons.
The effect of oral immunotherapy treatment in severe IgE mediated milk, peanut, and egg allergy in adults
Authors: Mäntylä Jarkko , Thomander Tuuli , Hakulinen Auli , Kukkonen Kaarina , Palosuo Kati , Voutilainen Helena , Pelkonen Anna , Kauppi Paula
Published: March 2018

Introduction

The standard care of severe food allergy in both adults and children means avoidance of allergens. In recent years promising results of oral immunotherapy (OIT) have been reported in children. In adults, information on OIT in severe food allergy is very limited.

Objective

We aimed to study if OIT is possible in adults.

Methods

We report OIT results in 10 adult patients with milk OIT, nine adult patients with peanut OIT, and four adult patients with egg OIT. The allergy was confirmed with allergen specific IgE tests and oral food challenges (open in milk allergy and double‐blind in peanut and egg allergy). The OIT was performed as open.

Results

The median dose of protein that led to discontinuation of allergen challenge because of symptoms was 7.5 mg in milk allergy, 25 mg in peanut allergy, and 15 mg in egg allergy. The median period of OIT was 515 days. Currently on OIT are 6/10 milk allergic patients, 4/9 peanut allergic patients and 3/4 egg allergic patients. The median dose of milk protein increased by 60‐fold during OIT compared to the allergen challenge dose. In peanut OIT the median dose increased by eightfold and in egg allergy the dose increased with OIT by 35‐fold. Local itching was the most common side effect of OIT (73.9% of the patients), four patients reported having used epinephrine autoinjector and three patients having needed emergency room treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

OIT can be given in adult patients with severe milk, peanut, or egg allergy only in selected cases. OIT leads into desensitization but it is not clear whether persistent tolerance can be achieved. Mild adverse events during OIT are common.
Hormonal and reproductive factors and risk of upper gastrointestinal cancers in men: A prospective cohort study within the UK Biobank
Authors: Mc Menamin Úna C. , Kunzmann Andrew T. , Cook Michael B. , Johnston Brian T. , Murray Liam J. , Spence Andrew D. , Cantwell Marie M. , Cardwell Chris R.
Published: March 2018

Incidence of upper gastrointestinal cancers of the oesophagus and stomach show a strong unexplained male predominance. Hormonal and reproductive factors have been associated with upper gastrointestinal cancers in women but there is little available data on men. To investigate this, we included 219,425 men enrolled in the UK Biobank in 2006–2010. Baseline assessments provided information on hormonal and reproductive factors (specifically hair baldness, number of children fathered, relative age at first facial hair and relative age voice broke) and incident oesophageal or gastric cancers were identified through linkage to U.K. cancer registries. Unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. During 8 years of follow‐up, 309 oesophageal 210 gastric cancers occurred. There was some evidence that male pattern baldness, was associated with gastric cancer risk (adjusted HR 1.35, 95% CI 0.97, 1.88), particularly for frontal male pattern baldness (adjusted HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.02, 2.28). There was little evidence of association between other hormonal and reproductive factors and risk of oesophageal or gastric cancer, overall or by histological subtype. In the first study of a range of male hormonal and reproductive factors and gastric cancer, there was a suggestion that male pattern baldness, often used as a proxy of sex hormone levels, may be associated with gastric cancer. Future prospective studies that directly test circulating sex steroid hormone levels in relation to upper gastrointestinal cancer risk are warranted.
Assessing the causal association between 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and the risk of oral and oropharyngeal cancer using Mendelian randomization
Authors: Dudding Tom , Johansson Mattias , Thomas Steven J. , Brennan Paul , Martin Richard M. , Timpson Nicholas J.
Published: March 2018

Circulating 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) is an appealing potential intervention for cancer risk and has been associated with oral and oropharyngeal cancer risk but evidence is inconsistent. The availability of genetic variants, uncorrelated with known confounders, but predictive of 25OHD and genetic data in a large oral and oropharyngeal cancer collaboration aids causal inference when assessing this association. A total of 5,133 oral and oropharyngeal cancer cases and 5,984 controls with genetic data were included in the study. Participants were based in Europe, North America and South America and were part of the Genetic Associations and Mechanisms in Oncology (GAME‐ON) Network. Five genetic variants reliably associated with circulating 25OHD were used to create a relative genetic measure of 25OHD. In the absence of measured 25OHD, two‐sample Mendelian randomization using individual level outcome data were used to estimate causal odds ratios (OR) for cancer case status per standard deviation increase in log25OHD. Analyses were replicated in an independent population‐based cohort (UK Biobank). In the GAME‐ON study, there was little evidence of a causal association between circulating 25OHD and oral cancer (OR = 0.86 [0.68;1.09], p = 0.22), oropharyngeal cancer (OR = 1.28 [0.72;2.26], p = 0.40) or when sites were combined (OR = 1.01 [0.74;1.40], p = 0.93). Replication in UK Biobank and pooled estimates produced similar results. Our study suggests that a clinically relevant protective effect of 25OHD on oral and oropharyngeal cancer risk is unlikely and supplementation of the general population with 25OHD is unlikely to be beneficial in preventing these cancers.
Effect of verbascoside on apoptosis and metastasis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yaqin , Yuan Yi , Wu Heming , Xie Zhuoying , Wu Yunong , Song Xiaomeng , Wang Jingjing , Shu Wei , Xu Junyong , Liu Bin , Wan Linzhong , Yan Yanan , Ding Xu , Shi Xinghui , Pan Yongchu , Li Xiaokang , Yang Jianrong , Zhao Xiaohui , Wang Lin
Published: March 2018

Despite significant advances in therapy, the 5‐year survival rates for patients with advanced stage oral cancers still remains poor as an appropriate treatment has not been found yet, due to side effects of chemo/radiotherapy. Verbascoside (VB), a major bioactive constituent of the Tsoong herb, displays pharmacological properties by exhibiting anti‐oxidative, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐cancer activities. However, the underlining function and mechanism of VB in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. In this study, we show that VB significantly decreased the viability and metastasis of HN4 and HN6 tumor cells, while promoting apoptosis. A xenograft OSCC mouse model further showed that intraperitoneal injection of VB strongly inhibited growth and lung metastasis of implanted tumor cells. Immunoblot analysis confirmed that VB effectively suppressed nuclear factor (NF)‐κB activation and downstream Bcl‐2/Bcl‐XL expression, resulting in increased OSCC cell apoptosis. In addition, VB suppressed mRNA and protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 via suppression of NF‐κB activation, thereby inhibiting tumor cell metastasis. Inspiringly, compared to cisplatin‐treated group, VB is a biocompatible agent without signficant side effects in vivo. Collectively, our results demonstrate that VB effectively inhibits OSCC tumor cell growth and metastasis via suppression of IκB kinase complex (IKK)/NF‐κB‐related signaling activation, suggesting that VB has potential use as a potent anticancer agent in OSCC therapeutic strategies.
Participation in a Complex and Conflicting Context: Implementing a Shared Diagnosis in a Northern Tunisia Irrigation Scheme
Authors: Hanafi S. , Marlet S. , Jamin J.Y. , Imache A. , Zairi A. , Bahri H. , Rougier J.E. , Bouarfa S.
Published: March 2018

Promoting innovation to improve both productivity and sustainability of irrigated farming systems is crucial for the first question addressed within the Sustainable Development Goals process led by the United Nations. This is a complex task that requires methods and processes which include a diversity of knowledge. For this reason, participatory approaches have been increasingly encouraged. A broad range of methods have been developed in the literature. However, debates on the effectiveness of the results, including questions on how different stakeholders influence results and how the context influences platform processes, remain theoretical. In this article, the authors evaluate the results of a participatory diagnosis aiming to identify the constraints and possible innovations to improve agricultural production in the Brahmi irrigation scheme in Tunisia. The process was implemented with individual interviews and focus groups operationalized through two types of platforms, ‘Community of Practice (CoP)' and ‘Learning and Practice Alliance (LPA)'. We highlighted that both CoP and LPA offer fruitful platforms for the interaction of all stakeholders. However, the results could be biased by the context and the expectations and strategies of powerful participants. Individual interviews are complementary to focus group results, especially in situations where open or latent conflicts exist. Copyright © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bayesian model comparison for time‐varying parameter VARs with stochastic volatility
Authors: Chan Joshua C. C. , Eisenstat Eric
Published: March 2018

We develop importance sampling methods for computing two popular Bayesian model comparison criteria, namely, the marginal likelihood and the deviance information criterion (DIC) for time‐varying parameter vector autoregressions (TVP‐VARs), where both the regression coefficients and volatilities are drifting over time. The proposed estimators are based on the integrated likelihood, which are substantially more reliable than alternatives. Using US data, we find overwhelming support for the TVP‐VAR with stochastic volatility compared to a conventional constant coefficients VAR with homoskedastic innovations. Most of the gains, however, appear to have come from allowing for stochastic volatility rather than time variation in the VAR coefficients or contemporaneous relationships. Indeed, according to both criteria, a constant coefficients VAR with stochastic volatility outperforms the more general model with time‐varying parameters.
Interrogation of an autofluorescence‐based method for protein fingerprinting
Authors: Siddaramaiah Manjunath , Rao Bola Sadashiva S. , Joshi Manjunath B. , Datta Anirbit , Sandya S. , Vishnumurthy Vasudha , Chandra Subhash , Nayak Subramanya G. , Satyamoorthy Kapaettu , Mahato Krishna K.
Published: March 2018

In the present study, we have designed a laser‐induced fluorescence (LIF) based instrumentation and developed a sensitive methodology for the effective separation, visualization, identification and analysis of proteins on a single platform. In this method, intrinsic fluorescence spectra of proteins were detected after separation on 1 or 2 dimensional Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate–Tris(2‐carboxyethyl)phosphine (SDS‐TCEP) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and the data were analyzed. The MATLAB assisted software was designed for the development of PAGE fingerprint for the visualization of protein after 1‐ and 2‐dimensional protein separation. These provided objective parameters of intrinsic fluorescence intensity, emission peak, molecular weight and isoelectric point using a single platform. Further, the current architecture could differentiate the overlapping proteins in the PAGE gels which otherwise were not identifiable by conventional staining, imaging and tagging methods. Categorization of the proteins based on the presence or absence of tyrosine or tryptophan residues and assigning the corresponding emission peaks (309‐356 nm) with pseudo colors allowed the detection of proportion of proteins within the given spectrum. The present methodology doesn't use stains or tags, hence amenable to couple with mass spectroscopic measurements. This technique may have relevance in the field of proteomics that is used for innumerable applications.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and Bone Mineral Density: Evidence From a Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study and a Candidate Gene Association Study
Authors: van Vliet Nicolien A , Noordam Raymond , van Klinken Jan B , Westendorp Rudi GJ , Bassett JH Duncan , Williams Graham R , van Heemst Diana
Published: March 2018

With population aging, prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) and associated fracture risk are increased. To determine whether low circulating thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels within the normal range are causally related to BMD, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study. Furthermore, we tested whether common genetic variants in the TSH receptor (TSHR) gene and genetic variants influencing expression of TSHR (expression quantitative trait loci [eQTLs]) are associated with BMD. For both analyses, we used summary-level data of genomewide association studies (GWASs) investigating BMD of the femoral neck (n = 32,735) and the lumbar spine (n = 28,498) in cohorts of European ancestry from the Genetic Factors of Osteoporosis (GEFOS) Consortium. For the MR study, we selected 20 genetic variants that were previously identified for circulating TSH levels in a GWAS meta-analysis (n = 26,420). All independent genetic instruments for TSH were combined in analyses for both femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD. In these studies, we found no evidence that a genetically determined 1–standard deviation (SD) decrease in circulating TSH concentration was associated with femoral neck BMD (0.003 SD decrease in BMD per SD decrease of TSH; 95% CI, –0.053 to 0.048; p = 0.92) or lumbar spine BMD (0.010 SD decrease in BMD per SD decrease of TSH; 95% CI, −0.069 to 0.049; p = 0.73). A total of 706 common genetic variants have been mapped to the TSHR locus and expression loci for TSHR. However, none of these genetic variants were associated with BMD at the femoral neck or lumbar spine. In conclusion, we found no evidence for a causal effect of circulating TSH on BMD, nor did we find any association between genetic variation at the TSHR locus or expression thereof and BMD. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by WileyPeriodicals, Inc.
Therapeutic plasma exchange: Experience in a third level hospital, 2013–2016, Lima (Peru)
Authors: Palma‐Garcia Luis , Velásquez‐Rimachi Victor , Pezo‐Pezo Armando , Roig Joseph , Perez‐Villegas Julio
Published: March 2018

Background

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an extracorporeal procedure which consists of removing the patient's plasma and replacing it with an appropriate replacement fluid. Plasma and blood cells are separated by a centrifugation process. Our department has used TPE for several years, and in 2013 we introduced an institutional apheresis protocol. The main objective of this report is to describe the TPE procedures performed between 2013 and 2016 in the Peruvian population.

Methods

We analyzed the technical and clinical aspects of 864 centrifugal TPE procedures as well as the associated complications. We evaluated 230 patients treated in our institution.

Results

The therapeutic indications included 16 different diseases: 89.5% (N = 206/230) neurological, 7.3% (N = 17/230) hematological, 1.7% (N = 4/230) rheumatologic, 0.8% (N = 2/230) dermatological and 0.4% (N = 1/230) nephrological. 70.4% (N = 142/230) of patients were diagnosed with Guillain‐Barré syndrome. Albumin 5% solution was the most frequent replacement solution, used in 65.8% (N = 569/864) of the procedures. The mean plasma volume (PV) replaced was 2451.73 ml, corresponding to 1.0 PV in all procedures. Complications occurred in 10.9% (N = 95/864) of the sessions. Allergic reactions were the most common events and cardiopulmonary arrests were recorded in two patients.

Conclusion

This is the first report of TPE performed in the Peruvian population. The use of an institutional apheresis protocol was beneficial to improve registries in our service and our professional health attention. This study reports a low rate of complications, suggesting that TPE is safe. There is a need to create a multicenter Peruvian apheresis registry to assess the benefits and risks of TPE in Peru.
Stemness and chemoresistance are imparted to the OC cells through TGFβ1 driven EMT
Authors: Mitra Tulika , Prasad Parash , Mukherjee Pritha , Chaudhuri Susri Ray , Chatterji Urmi , Roy Sib S.
Published: March 2018

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the fourth most common gynecological malignancy due to its highly aggressive, recurrent, and drug‐resistant nature. The last two features are rendered by the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Factors like TGFβ1 and their downstream signaling pathways are upregulated in most cancers and are known to induce EMT and stemness, but the exact mechanisms underlying the process remain unelucidated. In our study, TGFβ1 induced enhanced stem‐like properties like high expression of the pluripotent markers SOX2, OCT4a, and NANOG, along with CD44, and CD117 in the OC cells. In addition, increased activity of the aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme, formation of compact spheroids, and a quiescent phenotype were observed. In deciphering the mechanism behind it, our data propose ZEB1 transcription factor to play a substantial role in inducing the EMT‐mediated stemness and chemoresistance. Further, in our study, we elucidated the significant contribution of both Smad and non‐Smad pathways like ERK, JNK, and P38 MAPK pathways in the induction of stem‐like characteristics. The novelty of the study also resides with the fact in the expression of different lineage‐specific markers, like CD31, CD45, and CD117 along with CD44 in the TGFβ1‐induced epithelial ovarian cancer spheroids. This suggests a tendency of the spheroidal cells towards differentiating into heterogenic populations, which is a distinctive feature of a stem cell. Taken together, the present study provides an insight to the molecular cues involved in the acquisition of stemness and chemoresistance along with tumor heterogeneity in TGFβ1‐induced OC cells.
Dispersion interactions between neighboring Bi atoms in (BiH3)2 and Te(BiR2)2
Authors: Haack Rebekka , Schulz Stephan , Jansen Georg
Published: March 2018

Triggered by the observation of a short Bi⋯Bi distance and a BiTeBi bond angle of only 86.6° in the crystal structure of bis(diethylbismuthanyl)tellurane quantum chemical computations on interactions between neighboring Bi atoms in Te(BiR2)2 molecules (R = H, Me, Et) and in (BiH3)2 were undertaken. Bi⋯Bi distances atoms were found to significantly shorten upon inclusion of the d shells of the heavy metal atoms into the electron correlation treatment, and it was confirmed that interaction energies from spin component‐scaled second‐order Møller–Plesset theory (SCS‐MP2) agree well with coupled‐cluster singles and doubles theory including perturbative triples (CCSD(T)). Density functional theory‐based symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory (DFT‐SAPT) was used to study the anisotropy of the interplay of dispersion attraction and steric repulsion between the Bi atoms. Finally, geometries and relative stabilities of syn–syn and syn–anti conformers of Te(BiR2)2 (R = H, Me, Et) and interconversion barriers between them were computed. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of the contribution of values clarification to a brief mindfulness meditation intervention for anxiety
Authors: Berghoff Christopher R. , Forsyth John P. , Ritzert Timothy R. , Eifert Georg H. , Anderson Drew A.
Published: March 2018

Objective

Evaluate the incremental effects of a computerized values clarification (VC) activity on anxiety symptomology and quality of life over and above establishment of a mindfulness meditation (MM) practice.

Method

Anxious participants (N = 120, Female = 86; Mage = 22.26) were randomly assigned to a 2‐week, 10‐min daily MM practice + control task or a 2‐week, 10‐min daily MM practice + VC task. Pre‐assessments and post‐assessments included well‐established and ideographic self‐report measures.

Results

Overall decreases in past week and past 24‐h anxiety symptom frequency, as well as increased quality of life during the previous 24‐h cycle only. VC did not have a demonstrable impact on outcomes.

Conclusions

Though findings are preliminary, brief VC exercises may not enhance outcomes that follow from mindfulness practice. Additional research is needed to isolate specific and shared impacts of mindfulness‐based and values‐based treatment strategies on anxiety symptoms and quality of life.
Using photovoice to treat trauma resulting from gender‐based violence
Authors: Christensen M. Candace
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this project is to demonstrate how photovoice action research (PVAR) aimed at addressing gender‐based violence (GBV) also responds to trauma resulting from GBV. I conducted a content analysis of 17 publications that use PVAR to address GBV to assess for how the PVAR projects also treat trauma symptoms. Briere and Scott's (2015) philosophical approach to trauma therapy is the conceptual framework for data analysis. I developed a priori codes aligned with the philosophical approach and deductively applied them to the data: (a) intrinsic processing; (b) respect, positive regard, and compassion; (c) hope; and (d) the pain paradox. The results reveal how data from the 17 PVAR studies correspond with the 4 philosophical concepts. Practical and research recommendations include using and evaluating PVAR as a tool to treat trauma and contribute to trauma treatment research with underrepresented communities.
Muscular responses to testosterone replacement vary by administration route: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Skinner Jared W. , Otzel Dana M. , Bowser Andrew , Nargi Daniel , Agarwal Sanjay , Peterson Mark D. , Zou Baiming , Borst Stephen E. , Yarrow Joshua F.
Published: March 2018

Background

Inconsistent fat‐free mass (FFM) and muscle strength responses have been reported in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) administering testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to middle‐aged and older men. Our objective was to conduct a meta‐analysis to determine whether TRT improves FFM and muscle strength in middle‐aged and older men and whether the muscular responses vary by TRT administration route.

Methods

Systematic literature searches of MEDLINE/PubMed and the Cochrane Library were conducted from inception through 31 March 2017 to identify double‐blind RCTs that compared intramuscular or transdermal TRT vs. placebo and that reported assessments of FFM or upper‐extremity or lower‐extremity strength. Studies were identified, and data were extracted and validated by three investigators, with disagreement resolved by consensus. Using a random effects model, individual effect sizes (ESs) were determined from 31 RCTs reporting FFM (sample size: n = 1213 TRT, n = 1168 placebo) and 17 reporting upper‐extremity or lower‐extremity strength (n = 2572 TRT, n = 2523 placebo). Heterogeneity was examined, and sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

When administration routes were collectively assessed, TRT was associated with increases in FFM [ES = 1.20 ± 0.15 (95% CI: 0.91, 1.49)], total body strength [ES = 0.90 ± 0.12 (0.67, 1.14)], lower‐extremity strength [ES = 0.77 ± 0.16 (0.45, 1.08)], and upper‐extremity strength [ES = 1.13 ± 0.18 (0.78, 1.47)] (P < 0.001 for all). When administration routes were evaluated separately, the ES magnitudes were larger and the per cent changes were 3–5 times greater for intramuscular TRT than for transdermal formulations vs. respective placebos, for all outcomes evaluated. Specifically, intramuscular TRT was associated with a 5.7% increase in FFM [ES = 1.49 ± 0.18 (1.13, 1.84)] and 10–13% increases in total body strength [ES = 1.39 ± 0.12 (1.15, 1.63)], lower‐extremity strength [ES = 1.39 ± 0.17 (1.07, 1.72)], and upper‐extremity strength [ES = 1.37 ± 0.17 (1.03, 1.70)] (P < 0.001 for all). In comparison, transdermal TRT was associated with only a 1.7% increase in FFM [ES = 0.98 ± 0.21 (0.58, 1.39)] and only 2–5% increases in total body [ES = 0.55 ± 0.17 (0.22, 0.88)] and upper‐extremity strength [ES = 0.97 ± 0.24 (0.50, 1.45)] (P < 0.001). Interestingly, transdermal TRT produced no change in lower‐extremity strength vs. placebo [ES = 0.26 ± 0.23 (−0.19, 0.70), P = 0.26]. Subanalyses of RCTs limiting enrolment to men ≥60 years of age produced similar results.

Conclusions

Intramuscular TRT is more effective than transdermal formulations at increasing LBM and improving muscle strength in middle‐aged and older men, particularly in the lower extremities.
Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) in tissue repair process
Authors: Allegrini Sergio , da Silva Antonio Carlos , Tsujita Maristela , Salles Marcos Barbosa , Gehrke Sergio Alexandre , Braga Francisco José Correa
Published: March 2018

Synthetic biomaterials submitted to new structural technologies have become ideal for the recovery of traumatized bone tissues and some bone substitutes such as bioactive glass, β‐Tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) are being used in areas of tissue defects. For this study, ACP was produced in the form of fibers and then submitted to cytotoxicity testing. A sample of ACP was inserted into the mandibular region of a patient with a lost implant so after removal and curettage, the remaining bone site was filled with the ACP biomaterial. Preliminary cytotoxicity test was negative. After 15 weeks of healing, a titanium implant was inserted at the site. Clinical and radiographic follow‐up was conducted for 12 months and sequential radiographic analyses revealed tissue formation resembling spongy bone. Images under immunohistochemistry demonstrated efficient deposition and osteoconduction of the newly deposited tissue. Residual portion of the CaO:P2O5outer layers served as a substrate for osteoid matrix deposition, aiding growth, and the results of fiber absorption favored maturation of the new bone tissue.
Strategy of landing behavior of the tree frog Hyla japonica
Authors: Kamada Koushun , Tachibanagi Ryousuke , Nakagawa Hideki
Published: March 2018

Toads on the ground control landing behavior by a simple strategy in which they extend their elbows at roughly the same time after take‐off and continue extending them at the same velocity until they land. However, this simple strategy does not work well in much more complicated arboreal habitat. We analyzed properties of jumping and timing of forelimb extension of the tree frog, Hyla japonica, to demonstrate how the arboreal species land safely. The results showed that distance, duration, and velocity of jump were not affected by explicit optic flow information, whereas the all three parameters decreased significantly in the blindfolded animals. This suggests that the frogs do not use optic flow information during flight but need visual information to plan a jump to reach the destination appropriately. Many animals generate prelanding behavior when time‐to‐contact reaches a threshold value. However, the results showed that a significant positive correlation was found between jump duration and time‐to‐contact both in normal and blindfolded animals. The slopes and the intercepts of the linear regression lines were about 0.8 and about 50 msec, respectively, in both cases. These suggest that, without any visual inputs, the animal can make the decision for prelanding forelimb extension at 20% of jump duration and start extending the forelimb after a motor delay of about 50 msec as in the normal condition. This strategy enables the tree frog to always maintain 80% of the jump duration to prepare for landing in their complex habitat.
Japanese‐American confinement and scientific democracy: Colonialism, social engineering, and government administration
Authors: Rosemblatt Karin Alejandra , Benmergui Leandro Daniel
Published: March 2018

During World War II, the U.S. Indian Service conducted social science experiments regarding governance among Japanese Americans imprisoned at the Poston, Arizona, camp. Researchers used an array of techniques culled from anthropological culture and personality studies, psychiatry, psychology, medicine, and public opinion research to probe how the personality traits of the confined Japanese‐Americans and camp leaders affected the social interactions within each group and between them. The research drew on prior studies of Indian personality in the US Southwest, Mexico's Native policies, and indirect colonial rule. Researchers asked how democracy functioned in contexts marked by hierarchy and difference. Their goal was to guide future policies toward US “minorities“ and foreign races in post‐war occupied territories. We show how researchers deployed ideas about race, cultural, and difference across a variety of cases to create a universal, predictive social science, which they combined with a prewar romanticism and cultural relativism. These researchers made ethnic, racial, and cultural difference compatible with predictive laws of science based on notions of fundamental human similarities.
Synthesis of Novel β‐Lactams from Phenothiazin‐10‐ylacetic Acid
Authors: Omidvari Zahra , Zarei Maaroof
Published: March 2018

The first synthesis of 3‐phenothiazine‐β‐lactams is herein reported. Thirteen new derivatives of β‐lactams were synthesized using various Schiff bases and (phenothiazin‐10‐yl)acetic acid, which in turn was prepared starting from phenothiazine. The sole product of the Staudinger ketene–imine [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction is the trans‐β‐lactam. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analyses and spectral (IR, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR) data.
An Aurone‐derived Low‐molecular‐weight Fluorescence Probe for the Detection of Hg2+ in Aqueous Solution and Living Cells
Authors: Zhang Min , Bao Yong‐Tuan , Yang Wenbo , Xiao Hui‐Feng , Han Zhi‐Xiang , Wu Xiangyang , Yang Liuqing
Published: March 2018

A low‐molecular‐weight fluorescent probe 1 (M.W. = 238.24) based on aurone was synthesized, and its application in fluorescent detection of Hg2+ in aqueous solution and living cells was reported. It exhibited an “on–off” fluorescent response toward Hg2+ in aqueous solution. Both the color and fluorescence changes of the probe were remarkably specific for Hg2+ in the presence of other common metal ions, satisfying the selective requirements for biomedical and environmental monitoring application. The probe has been applied in direct measurement of Hg2+ content in river water samples and imaging of Hg2+ in living cells, which further indicates the potential application values in environmental and biological systems.
How Do You Know ‘Resilience’ When You See It? Characteristics of Self‐perceived Household Resilience among Rural Households in Burkina Faso
Authors: Crookston Benjamin T. , Gray Bobbi , Gash Megan , Aleotti Veronica , Payne Hannah E. , Galbraith Nicole
Published: March 2018

The characteristics of household resilience, an emerging development paradigm, remain uncertain. This paper's purpose was to identify the characteristics of self‐perceived resilient households in rural Burkina Faso. Among 46 participants, self‐perceived resilience status was established through ‘resilience diaries’. Diary results were compared with a series of socio‐economic, community and household variables of interest. Major factors associated with household resilience included poverty status, savings accumulation and the use of livestock as an income‐generating activity. These findings provide insights into factors likely to strengthen household resilience and provide direction for practitioners interested in building and measuring changes in household resilience. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing serial homicides to single homicides: A study of prevalence, offender, and offence characteristics in Sweden
Authors: Sturup Joakim
Published: March 2018

Multiple and serial homicides constitute around 1.6% of all homicides but have unusually tragic outcomes. The aims of this study were to report the prevalence serial‐homicide offences and the characteristics of serial‐homicide offenders in a non‐North American context. The study included all convicted serial‐homicide offenders in Sweden from 1973 to 2012 (n = 25), as well as a population‐based control sample of single‐homicide offenders collected during 2007 and 2009 (n = 201). Similar to U.S. findings, approximately 1.6% of homicides could be attributed to serial‐homicide offenders. Serial offenders were more often diagnosed with personality disorders and autism‐spectrum disorders compared with single offenders; and serial offences more often involved victims who were female and unacquainted with the offender, as well as planning, sexual motives, and asphyxia as method of violence. One third of serial offences involved actions aimed at disguising the manner of death; such actions were considerably less common in single‐homicide offences. Few offenders displayed the traditional profile of a serial‐homicide offender; however, one third displayed sexual motives, a rate roughly 10 times higher than that in the single‐homicide group. The study concludes that serial‐homicide offenders should be subjected to forensic‐psychiatric examinations and that research involving cross‐contextual differences and similarities in serial‐homicide offenders is needed.
Aligning physics and physiology: Engineering antibodies for radionuclide delivery
Authors: Tsai Wen‐Ting K. , Wu Anna M.
Published: March 2018

The exquisite specificity of antibodies and antibody fragments renders them excellent agents for targeted delivery of radionuclides. Radiolabeled antibodies and fragments have been successfully used for molecular imaging and radioimmunotherapy (RIT) of cell surface targets in oncology and immunology. Protein engineering has been used for antibody humanization essential for clinical applications, as well as optimization of important characteristics including pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and clearance. Although intact antibodies have high potential as imaging and therapeutic agents, challenges include long circulation time in blood, which leads to later imaging time points post‐injection and higher blood absorbed dose that may be disadvantageous for RIT. Using engineered fragments may address these challenges, as size reduction and removal of Fc function decreases serum half‐life. Radiolabeled fragments and pretargeting strategies can result in high contrast images within hours to days, and a reduction of RIT toxicity in normal tissues. Additionally, fragments can be engineered to direct hepatic or renal clearance, which may be chosen based on the application and disease setting. This review discusses aligning the physical properties of radionuclides (positron, gamma, beta, alpha, and Auger emitters) with antibodies and fragments and highlights recent advances of engineered antibodies and fragments in preclinical and clinical development for imaging and therapy.
Taxonomic validation of Encheliophis chardewalli with description of calling abilities
Authors: Parmentier Eric , Fine Michael L. , Berthe Cécile , Lecchini David
Published: March 2018

Encheliophis chardewalli was described from a single cleared and stained specimen. Twelve years later, additional specimens were found in the lagoon of Moorea (French Polynesia) in association with their host, the sea cucumber Actinopyga mauritiana. These fish were used to consolidate the species diagnosis, to validate species status and to record sound production. This species is remarkable because of its ability to penetrate inside the cloaca of sea cucumbers having anal teeth and the fact this species is largely unknown despite it lives in lagoons in 1m depth. Encheliophis chardewalli produced three sound types: long regular calls made of trains of numerous pulses, short irregular calls characterized by a constant lowering of its pulse period and short regular call (or knock) made of 3 to 6 pulses. Comparison with other sympatric Carapini supports a large and distinct repertoire. Morphological characteristics could be the result of reduced body size allowing to penetrate inside a new host, thus avoiding competition and conflict with other larger sympatric Carapini species.
The ongoing evolution of laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: Some observations on current trends and future directions
Authors: Muthu Manikandan , Chun Sechul , Wu Hui‐Fen , Duncan Mark W. , Gopal Judy
Published: March 2018

The practice of laser desorption/ionization (LDI) mass spectrometry continues to evolve. In the most commonly adopted manifestation of LDI, matrix assisted LDI, attention continues to be directed towards novel sample application strategies and modifications to the sample plate. Specifically, researchers continue to explore adaptations to the conventional, stainless steel sample plate that is the centerpiece of conventional LDI. Numerous variants of LDI‐MS have been reported based on modifications of the plate surface, but none of these is widely adopted, either by end‐users or by instrument manufacturers. Further, at this time, advances in surface engineering have had only modest impact on day‐to‐day operation. In this article, we review and discuss some of the numerous, but scattered reports on novel LDI strategies with an emphasis on modified sample support substrates and plates. We discuss and highlight innovations that have the potential to markedly enhance the utility of LDI‐MS.
Clinical relevance of terminal Schwann cells: An overlooked component of the neuromuscular junction
Authors: Santosa Katherine B. , Keane Alexandra M. , Jablonka‐Shariff Albina , Vannucci Bianca , Snyder‐Warwick Alison K.
Published: March 2018

The terminal Schwann cell (tSC), a type of nonmyelinating Schwann cell, is a significant yet relatively understudied component of the neuromuscular junction. In addition to reviewing the role tSCs play on formation, maintenance, and remodeling of the synapse, we review studies that implicate tSCs in neuromuscular diseases including spinal muscular atrophy, Miller–Fisher syndrome, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, among others. We also discuss the importance of these cells on degeneration and regeneration after nerve injury. Knowledge of tSC biology may improve our understanding of disease pathogenesis and help us identify new and innovative therapeutic strategies for the many patients who suffer from neuromuscular disorders and nerve injuries.
Adaptation of Borrelia burgdorferi to its natural hosts by synonymous codon and amino acid usage
Authors: Ma Xiao‐Xia , Ma Peng , Chang Qiu‐Yan , Liu Zhen‐Bin , Zhang Derong , Zhou Xiao‐Kai , Ma Zhong‐Ren , Cao Xin
Published: March 2018

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is a focally endemic tick‐transmitted zoonotic infection. In this study, the major factors underlying synonymous codon‐related amino acid usage in the B. burgdorferi genome and bias in synonymous codon usage of the translation initiation region of coding sequences were analyzed. Additionally, adaptation of B. burgdorferi to several of its hosts was analyzed in the context of synonymous codon usage. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that nucleotide content at the third synonymous position of a codon influenced the synonymous codon usage pattern, but the strand‐specific factor did not influence the synonymous codon usage pattern of B. burgdorferi. In terms of the low GC content of B. burgdorferi coding sequences, the effective number of codons (ENC) showed a significant correlation with GC3 content (at the synonymous position). For the amino acid usage pattern for B. burgdorferi, PCA showed that the strand‐specific factor did not contribute to this pattern, while the properties (aromaticity and hydrophobicity) of the amino acids themselves showed strong correlations with this pattern. Under‐represented codons, which were frequently selected in the translation initiation region, possibly play roles in regulating gene expression in B. burgdorferi. In terms of co‐evolution and synonymous codon usage patterns, adaptation of B. burgdorferi to different intermediate hosts was apparent to different degrees, and the degree of adaptation of this spirochete to wild animals was stronger than that of humans or mice.