bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alprazolam and Zolpidem in Skeletal Tissue of Decomposed Body Confirms Exposure
Authors: Orfanidis Amvrosios , Gika Helen , Zaggelidou Eleni , Mastrogianni Orthodoxia , Raikos Nikolaos
Published: August 2018

In several medico‐legal cases, bone samples analysis may provide the only source of toxicological information. This case study reports the analysis of a human bone specimen, belonging to a 46‐year‐old man, found 3 months after his death due to cervical–thoracic injuries in a motorcycle accident. Bone specimen was the only available material for toxicological analysis, among few skull hair and rotten skin. Analysis was performed by a newly developed and validated ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS/MS) method, following simple and efficient sample pretreatment. The results were in accordance with the man's medical record: Alprazolam and zolpidem were found at 2.2 and 5.4 ng/g of bone, respectively. Both these drugs were prescribed to the deceased.
Robust Shoeprint Retrieval Method Based on Local‐to‐Global Feature Matching for Real Crime Scenes
Authors: Cui Junjian , Zhao Xiaorui , Liu Nini , Morgachev Sergey , Li Daixi
Published: August 2018

In this study, an automatic and robust crime scene shoeprint retrieval method is proposed. As most shoeprints left at crime scenes are randomly partial and noisy, crime scene shoeprint retrieval is a challenging task. To handle partial, noisy shoeprint images, we employ denoising deep belief network (DBN) to extract local features and use spatial pyramid matching (SPM) to obtain a local‐to‐global matching score. In this study, 536 query shoeprint images from crime scenes and a large scale database containing 34,768 shoeprint images are used to evaluate the retrieval performance. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art methods in terms of retrieval accuracy, feature dimension, and retrieval speed. The proposed method achieves a cumulative match score (CMS) of 65.67% at top 10 which is 5.60% higher than the second best performing method.
A Study of Background Levels of Antimony, Barium, and Lead on Vehicle Surface Samples by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption
Authors: Comanescu Mircea A. , Millett Tiffany J. , Kubic Thomas A.
Published: August 2018

Law enforcement agencies routinely sample for gunshot residue (GSR) by bulk techniques and often submit swabs taken from other surfaces besides the hands of the suspect shooter. This study aims to establish the prevalence of antimony, barium, and lead on normally handled automobile surfaces by graphite furnace atomic absorption analysis. No positives were determined on 50 sampled automobile surfaces above cutoff (positive) from background levels. Transfers of GSR particles from shooter hands to automobile surfaces were found to potentially allow for positive GSR determinations, but such transfers seem to be dependent on the shooting conditions and length of GSR exposure. We determined that our bulk analysis method yields an overall 87.94 ± 5.52% extraction efficiency from cotton swabs, while the LOQ determinations strengthening the fact that bulk analysis methods are valid and valuable tools for GSR investigations.
Building a research‐ready database of rural emergency presentations: The RAHDaR pilot study
Authors: Kloot Kate , Baker Timothy R
Published: August 2018

Objectives

A small amount of data from rural emergency facilities is collated with large urban datasets, but there are no dedicated rural emergency datasets.

Methods

A network of 10 rural hospitals provided ongoing detailed emergency presentation data.

Results

Of 59 044 emergency presentations, 25 237 patients were managed entirely at the small local hospital, including 586 triage category 2 cardiac patients, 5663 paediatric patients and 310 mental health clients.

Conclusions

The RAHDaR dataset includes high‐risk presentations managed entirely at low resource sites and, as further sites are added, will tackle the biases that can misrepresent the performance of small rural hospitals.
Effects of C10‐ and C12‐chain length alkyl analogs of monochamol on attraction of longhorn pine sawyer Monochamus saltuarius (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: Lee Sung‐Min , Hong Do Kyung , Jang Sei‐Heon , Lee Kyeong‐Yeoll , Lee ChangWoo
Published: August 2018

The aggregation pheromone of Monochamus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) beetles, 2‐(undecyloxy) ethanol (hereafter referred to as monochamol), has gained considerable attention because of its usefulness in monitoring and population control of pine sawyer beetles. The hydroxyether structural motif is conserved in pheromones of the subfamily Lamiinae of the Cerambycidae. In this study, we investigated the effects of C10‐ and C12‐chain length alkyl analogs of monochamol, 2‐(decyloxy) ethanol and 2‐(dodecyloxy) ethanol, on attracting M. saltuairus in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk‐do, Korea. The C10 and C12 analogs attracted M. saltuarius when used in combination with α‐pinene and ethanol, but the responses of these alkyl chain analogs were lower than those of monochamol. Furthermore, the addition of either C10 or C12 analog to the use of monochamol with α‐pinene and ethanol had no effect on attraction of M. saltuarius, indicating high sensitivity of M. saltuarius to monochanol. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that chemical communication within a Monochamus species depends not only on monochamol, but also on other semiochemicals.
Comparison of environmental DNA and bulk‐sample metabarcoding using highly degenerate cytochrome c oxidase I primers
Authors: Macher Jan‐Niklas , Vivancos Aurelién , Piggott Jeremy J. , Centeno Fernanda C. , Matthaei Christoph D. , Leese Florian
Published: August 2018

Freshwater biodiversity provides important ecosystem services and is at the core of water quality monitoring worldwide. To assess freshwater biodiversity, genetic methods such as metabarcoding are increasingly used as they are faster and allow better taxonomic resolution than manual identification methods. Either sampled organisms are used directly for “bulk metabarcoding,” or water is filtered and the extracted environmental DNA serves as a proxy for biodiversity via “eDNA metabarcoding.” Despite the advantages of both methods, questions remain regarding their comparability and applicability for routine biomonitoring and stressor impact assessment. Therefore, we compared metabarcoding results from bulk and eDNA samples taken from 19 streams spanning a wide gradient of farming intensities in New Zealand. We performed PCR with highly degenerate cytochrome c oxidase I primers and sequenced libraries on an Illumina MiSeq. The inferred community composition differed strongly between the two methods. More taxa were captured by eDNA than bulk‐sample metabarcoding (5,819 vs. 1,483), but more of the commonly used invertebrate bioindicator taxa (mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies) were found in bulk (47) than eDNA samples (37). Catchment‐wide and local land use impacts on communities were detected better by eDNA metabarcoding, especially for non‐metazoan taxa. Our findings imply that bulk‐sample metabarcoding resembles classical freshwater biomonitoring approaches better, as more indicator macroinvertebrate taxa are captured. However, eDNA metabarcoding might be better suited to infer the impact of stressors on stream ecosystems at larger scales, as many new and potentially more informative taxa are registered. We therefore suggest exploring both methods in future assessments of stream biodiversity.
Trade Agreements, Regulatory Institutions and Services Liberalization
Authors: Fiorini Matteo , Hoekman Bernard
Published: August 2018

Many agreements to liberalize trade in services tend to be limited in scope. This is a puzzle considering the high share of services in total employment and value added and relatively high barriers to trade in services in many countries. In this paper we argue that neglected complementarities between services trade policies and domestic regulation may help to understand the limited ambition on services observed in many trade agreements. We show that the productivity effects of services trade liberalization are conditional on regulatory quality. Our findings suggest that greater effort to design trade agreements with a view to improving regulatory quality may be a necessary condition for deepening the services coverage of trade agreements and will enhance the welfare gains from services trade liberalization.
The Client as a Source of Institutional Conformity for Commitments to Core Values in the Auditing Profession*
Authors: Carrington Thomas , Johansson Tobias , Johed Gustav , Öhman Peter
Published: August 2018

Based on an analysis of questionnaire data from a large sample of certified auditors, we examine how the main type of client being served influences auditor conformity to the core values of their profession. We contrast auditors of (primarily) listed companies with auditors of (primarily) single member companies, that is, limited liability companies with a single owner who typically is also the only employee of the company. We show that these two groups of auditors differ in the extent to which they hold certain values important (i.e., show compliance) and in the closeness with which these values are held within each group of auditors (i.e., show convergence). Our results also demonstrate that the type of client predominantly served by an auditor is relevant for explaining variation in professional values both within and between organizational contexts. In addition, we offer a new theoretical approach to classifying auditors and analyzing their commitment to core values of the profession. We analyze commitment to values via both compliance and convergence, two often overlooked aspects of conformity to value commitments in professions.
Factor structure and internal consistency of a Swedish version of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale
Authors: Kemani Mike K. , Grimby‐Ekman Anna , Lundgren Jesper , Sullivan Michael , Lundberg Mari
Published: August 2018

Background

Pain catastrophizing is highly relevant to assess in the context of long‐standing pain. The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) is a well‐established questionnaire used to measure catastrophizing in individuals with long‐standing pain. So far, no Swedish translation has been evaluated in regard to validity and reliability. The aims of this study were to translate the PCS questionnaire from English to Swedish, and to investigate its construct validity (face, content, and structural validity) and reliability (internal consistency).

Methods

We translated the original English version of the PCS to Swedish and collected item responses from 194 persons suffering from primarily long‐standing musculoskeletal pain. We used confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate structural validity, and tested the model fit of a one‐factor model, an oblique two‐factor model, and an oblique three‐factor model. We evaluated the measure's reliability in regard to internal consistency calculated with Cronbach's alpha.

Results

A three‐factor model comprising a four‐item rumination factor, a three‐item magnification factor, and a six‐item helplessness factor provided the best fit to the data. Internal consistency was adequate and Cronbach's α was 0.92 for the entire scale, 0.84 for the rumination subscale; 0.69 for the magnification subscale, and 0.89 for the helplessness subscale.

Conclusions

The results indicated adequacy of a three‐factor solution and the questionnaire's internal consistency, and provide initial support for the structural validity and internal consistency of a Swedish version of the PCS. Future studies should replicate the study in larger samples and extend the current evaluation in regard to validity and reliability.
Optimal PEEP during one‐lung ventilation with capnothorax: An experimental study
Authors: Reinius Henrik , Borges Joao Batista , Engström Joakim , Ahlgren Oskar , Lennmyr Fredrik , Larsson Anders , Fredén Filip
Published: August 2018

Background

One‐lung ventilation (OLV) with induced capnothorax carries the risk of severely impaired ventilation and circulation. Optimal PEEP may mitigate the physiological perturbations during these conditions.

Methods

Right‐sided OLV with capnothorax (16 cm H2O) on the left side was initiated in eight anesthetized, muscle‐relaxed piglets. A recruitment maneuver and a decremental PEEP titration from PEEP 20 cm H2O to zero end‐expiratory pressure (ZEEP) was performed. Regional ventilation and perfusion were studied with electrical impedance tomography and computer tomography of the chest was used. End‐expiratory lung volume and hemodynamics were recorded and.

Results

PaO2 peaked at PEEP 12 cm H2O (49 ± 14 kPa) and decreased to 11 ± 5 kPa at ZEEP (P < 0.001). PaCO2 was 9.5 ± 1.3 kPa at 20 cm H2O PEEP and did not change when PEEP step‐wise was reduced to 12 cm H2O PaCO2. At lower PEEP, PaCO2 increased markedly. The ventilatory driving pressure was lowest at PEEP 14 cm H2O (19.6 ± 5.8 cm H2O) and increased to 38.3 ± 6.1 cm H2O at ZEEP (P < 0.001). When reducing PEEP below 12‐14 cm H2O ventilation shifted from the dependent to the nondependent regions of the ventilated lung (P = 0.003), and perfusion shifted from the ventilated to the nonventilated lung (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Optimal PEEP was 12‐18 cm H2O and probably relates to capnothorax insufflation pressure. With suboptimal PEEP, ventilation/perfusion mismatch in the ventilated lung and redistribution of blood flow to the nonventilated lung occurred.
How should we set consumption thresholds for low risk drinking guidelines? Achieving objectivity and transparency using evidence, expert judgement and pragmatism
Authors: Holmes John , Angus Colin , Meier Petra S. , Buykx Penny , Brennan Alan
Published: August 2018

Most high‐income nations issue guidelines on low‐risk drinking to inform individuals’ decisions about alcohol consumption. However, leading scientists have criticized the processes for setting the consumption thresholds within these guidelines for a lack of objectivity and transparency. This paper examines how guideline developers should respond to such criticisms and focuses particularly on the balance between epidemiological evidence, expert judgement and pragmatic considerations. Although concerned primarily with alcohol, our discussion is also relevant to those developing guidelines for other health‐related behaviours. We make eight recommendations across three areas. First, recommendations on the use of epidemiological evidence: (1) guideline developers should assess whether the available epidemiological evidence is communicated most appropriately as population‐level messages (e.g. suggesting reduced drinking benefits populations rather than individuals); (2) research funders should prioritize commissioning studies on the acceptability of different alcohol‐related risks (e.g. mortality, morbidity, harms to others) to the public and other stakeholders; and (3) guideline developers should request and consider statistical analyses of epidemiological uncertainty. Secondly, recommendations to improve objectivity and transparency when translating epidemiological evidence into guidelines: (4) guideline developers should specify and publish their analytical framework to promote clear, consistent and coherent judgements; and (5) guideline developers’ decision‐making should be supported by numerical and visual techniques which also increase the transparency of judgements to stakeholders. Thirdly, recommendations relating to the diverse use of guidelines: (6) guideline developers and their commissioners should give meaningful attention to how guidelines are used in settings such as advocacy, health promotion, clinical practice and wider health debates, as well as in risk communication; (7) guideline developers should make evidence‐based judgements that balance epidemiological and pragmatic concerns to maximize the communicability, credibility and general effectiveness of guidelines; and (8) as with scientific judgements, pragmatic judgements should be reported transparently.
Naloxone distribution and possession following a large‐scale naloxone programme
Authors: Madah‐Amiri Desiree , Gjersing Linn , Clausen Thomas
Published: August 2018

Aims

To examine uptake following a large‐scale naloxone programme by estimating distribution rates since programme initiation and the proportion among a sample of high‐risk individuals who had attended naloxone training, currently possessed or had used naloxone. We also estimated the likelihood of naloxone possession and use as a function of programme duration, individual descriptive and substance use indicators.

Design

(1) Distribution data (June 2014–August 2017) and date of implementation for each city and (2) a cross‐sectional study among a sample of illicit substance users interviewed September 2017.

Setting

Seven Norwegian cities.

Participants

A total of 497 recruited users of illegal opioids and/or central stimulants.

Measurements

Primary outcomes: naloxone possession and use. Random‐intercepts logistic regression models (covariates: male, age, homelessness/shelter use, overdose, incarceration, opioid maintenance treatment, income sources, substance use indicators, programme duration).

Findings

Overall, 4631 naloxone nasal sprays were distributed in the two pilot cities, with a cumulative rate of 495 per 100 000 population. In the same two cities, among high‐risk individuals, 44% and 62% reported current naloxone possession. The possession rates of naloxone corresponded well to the duration of each participating city's distribution programme. Overall, in the six distributing cities, 58% reported naloxone training, 43% current possession and 15% naloxone use. The significant indicators for possession were programme duration [adjusted odds ratios (aOR) = 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI = 0.82–2.37], female gender (aOR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.20–3.24) and drug‐dealing (aOR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.42–3.93). The significant indicators for naloxone use were programme duration (aOR = 1.49 95%, CI = 1.15–1.92), homelessness/shelter use (aOR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.02–4.17), opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) (aOR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.13–3.78), drug‐dealing (aOR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.27–4.54) and heroin injecting (aOR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.04–4.38).

Conclusions

A large‐scale naloxone programme in seven Norwegian cities with a cumulative distribution rate of 495 per 100 000 population indicated good saturation in a sample of high‐risk individuals, with programme duration in each city as an important indicator for naloxone possession and use.
External invasive resorption: Possible coexisting factors and demographic and clinical characteristics
Authors: Shemesh Avi , Levin Avi , Ben Itzhak Joe , Brosh Yair , Braverman Evgeny , Batashvili Gabriel , Solomonov Michael
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify the coexisting factors for EIR and to characterise EIR clinically and demographically. All cases of EIR that were referred to the endodontic department between 2011 to 2016 and diagnosed by an endodontist were evaluated. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected and evaluated. Thirty‐eight cases of EIR diagnosed between 2011 and 2016 were included in the study. Seventy‐one percent of EIR cases were misdiagnosed by general practitioners. The most affected teeth were the maxillary central incisors (29% of cases) and mandibular molars (26%). Sixty‐eight percent of EIR cases were diagnosed in teeth with clinically normal pulp. Pulp necrosis was observed mainly in the advanced stages (class 3 and class 4) of EIR (75%) and in teeth with a history of trauma (63%). Histories of previous trauma and orthodontic treatment were reported in 29% and 23% of cases, respectively.
FAAH variant Pro129Thr modulates subjective effects produced by cocaine administration
Authors: Patel Marguerite M. , Nielsen David A. , Kosten Thomas R. , De La Garza Richard , Newton Thomas F. , Verrico Christopher D.
Published: August 2018

Background and Objectives

The endogenous cannabinoid anandamide (AEA), an agonist at type‐1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptors, is metabolized by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). The common variant rs324420 C‐>A within the FAAH gene on chromosome 1 codes for a missense substitution (Pro129Thr), resulting in decreased FAAH activity and increased endocannabinoid potentiation. This FAAH variant has been linked to alterations in mood and stress reactivity, as well as being independently linked to increased risk for addiction. We hypothesized that cocaine use disordered (CUD) participants with the FAAH Pro129 Thr variant would exhibit a distinct profile of cocaine‐induced subjective effects in the laboratory.

Methods

A total of 70 CUD participants received intravenous doses of saline (placebo, 0 mg) and cocaine (20, 40 mg) in a lab‐controlled setting and rated 10 subjective effect measures prior to and following saline and cocaine administration, using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

Results

The variant allele was associated with increased cocaine‐induced subjective ratings for “Drug Effect,” “High,” and “Depressed.” The prevalence of the variant allele A and the AA genotypes were greater in our CUD group than in the general population (A allele: 47% vs. 34%; AA genotype: 30% vs. 13%; p < .05). Finally, the reported amount and frequency of tobacco and cocaine use was higher in subjects with the AC/AA allele.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

These results add to existing evidence that this variant of the FAAH genotype may be over‐represented among those who have CUD, and this over‐representation may result from greater subjective responses to cocaine administration. (Am J Addict 2018;27:567–573)
The magic of guns:
Authors: KIVLAND CHELSEY L.
Published: August 2018

When urban Haitians recounted stories of gun violence, they infused the gun with transformative effects on subjectivity and agency. Touching a gun was said to magically change people and what they were capable of in the world. The magic of the gun was predicated on its ability to provide “scripts” for violent ways of being and acting in the world. These gun stories inspire a novel theorization of the gun as a scriptive technology. The gun's technological design and how it has been used in previous scenarios of political authority and violence lead people to act and be recognized as chèfs (chiefs), a model of black masculine popular sovereignty born in the life worlds of young men on the margins of Port‐au‐Prince. [guns, magic, violence, technology, performativity, human‐gun composite, Haiti]
Dancing the Word:
Authors: ELISHA OMRI
Published: August 2018

Praise dance is a Christian movement genre, popular among churchgoing women of color in the United States, characterized by the use of interpretive dances as vehicles of liturgical worship, testimony, and evangelism. Combining spiritual and artistic disciplines, including techniques derived from ballet and modern dance, black female praise dancers embody the gospel and cultivate religious authority in ways that reinforce orthodox norms while elevating creative skills and aesthetic sensibilities normally found outside the purview of religious tradition. Such efforts, and the challenges and opportunities they entail, demonstrate how the movement of cultural forms between secular and religious domains influences ritual innovations and the terms in which they are authorized. They also show how gendered conceptions of embodiment and power may be reimagined.
Up or down? A randomized trial comparing image orientations during transvaginal ultrasound training
Authors: Taksøe‐Vester Caroline , Dreisler Eva , Andreasen Lisbeth A. , Dyre Liv , Ringsted Charlotte , Tabor Ann , Tolsgaard Martin G.
Published: August 2018

Introduction

There is no international consensus on the orientation of transvaginal ultrasound images and no evidence exists to support the superiority of one image orientation over the other. The aim of this study was to compare learning curves and skills transfer in a group of novices randomized to top‐down or bottom‐up image orientation, and to determine whether individual preferences for image orientation affect learning and skills transfer.

Material and methods

60 senior medical students, with no prior ultrasound experience, were randomized to orient the image top‐down or bottom‐up during training on an ultrasound simulator until attaining expert levels of performance. Participants then completed a transfer test involving a systematic ultrasound examination on a physical mannequin using real ultrasound equipment. Performance was assessed during the transfer test by two independent raters using the objective structured assessment of ultrasound skills (OSAUS) score and a global rating score.

Results

The bottom‐up group reached the expert level with significantly fewer attempts than did the top‐down group [median ± interquartile range: 4 ± 2 vs 5 ± 3] (U = 285.5, P = 0.014). The bottom‐up group used less time to achieve the expert level (median ± interquartile range: 3 h 2 m ± 1 h 14 m vs 3 h 28 m ± 2 h 21 m) (U = 301.5, P = 0.029). The two groups performed similarly during the transfer test with respect to their OSAUS scores (top‐down 56.7% vs bottom‐up 53.2%, P = 0.13). The global rating scores were higher in the top‐down group (top‐down 57.1% vs bottom‐up 50.0%, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Orientation of the images bottom‐up rather than top‐down, led to a steeper learning curve, but had little or no impact on the subsequent transfer of skills.
Fluid Dynamics in the HeartMate 3: Influence of the Artificial Pulse Feature and Residual Cardiac Pulsation
Authors: Wiegmann Lena , Thamsen Bente , de Zélicourt Diane , Granegger Marcus , Boës Stefan , Schmid Daners Marianne , Meboldt Mirko , Kurtcuoglu Vartan
Published: August 2018

Ventricular assist devices (VADs), among which the HeartMate 3 (HM3) is the latest clinically approved representative, are often the therapy of choice for patients with end‐stage heart failure. Despite advances in the prevention of pump thrombosis, rates of stroke and bleeding remain high. These complications are attributed to the flow field within the VAD, among other factors. One of the HM3’s characteristic features is an artificial pulse that changes the rotor speed periodically by 4000 rpm, which is meant to reduce zones of recirculation and stasis. In this study, we investigated the effect of this speed modulation on the flow fields and stresses using high‐resolution computational fluid dynamics. To this end, we compared Eulerian and Lagrangian features of the flow fields during constant pump operation, during operation with the artificial pulse feature, and with the effect of the residual native cardiac cycle. We observed good washout in all investigated situations, which may explain the low incidence rates of pump thrombosis. The artificial pulse had no additional benefit on scalar washout performance, but it induced rapid variations in the flow velocity and its gradients. This may be relevant for the removal of deposits in the pump. Overall, we found that viscous stresses in the HM3 were lower than in other current VADs. However, the artificial pulse substantially increased turbulence, and thereby also total stresses, which may contribute to clinically observed issues related to hemocompatibility.
Recurrent respiratory tract infections or acute otitis media were not a risk factor for vocabulary development in children at 13 and 24 months of age
Authors: Nylund Annette , Toivonen Laura , Korpilahti Pirjo , Kaljonen Anne , Peltola Ville , Rautakoski Pirkko
Published: August 2018

Aim

This study examined associations between recurrent respiratory tract infections (RTI) and acute otitis media (AOM) during the first one and two years of life and vocabulary size at 13 and 24 months of age.

Methods

We studied 646 children born between January 2008 and April 2010 and followed up from birth to two years of age with daily diary and study clinic visits during RTIs and AOM. The families were recruited from maternity health care clinics or delivery wards in south‐west Finland. Parents completed the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory at 13 and 24 months, and the vocabularies of children with high rates of RTIs or AOM were compared to children without recurrent issues.

Results

Of the 646 children, 9.6% had recurrent RTIs and 9.9% had recurrent AOM from 0 to 24 months. Children with high rates of RTIs or AOM did not have smaller vocabularies than children without recurrent RTIs or AOM. Girls had larger vocabularies and higher parental socioeconomic status was associated with a larger expressive vocabulary at 24 months.

Conclusion

The child's gender and parental socioeconomic status played a more critical role in vocabulary development in the first two years than a high burden of RTIs or AOM.
Endotoxaemia differentially regulates the expression of renal Ca2+ transport proteins in mice
Authors: Meurer Manuel , Höcherl Klaus
Published: August 2018

Aim

Alterations in parathyroid hormone (PTH) and/or vitamin D signalling are frequently reported in patients with sepsis. The consequences on renal and intestinal Ca2+ and Pi regulatory mechanisms are still unclear. We hypothesized that endotoxaemia alters the expression of important renal and intestinal Ca2+ and Pi transport proteins.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 3 mg/kg; i.p.). The mRNA and protein levels of renal and intestinal Ca2+ and Pi transport proteins were measured by RT‐qPCR, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis.

Results

Lipopolysaccharide‐induced hypocalcaemia and hyperphosphataemia was paralleled by a decrease in glomerular filtration rate and urinary excretion of Ca2+ and Pi. Endotoxaemia augmented plasma levels of PTH and affected the fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23)‐klotho‐vitamin D axis by increasing plasma levels of FGF23 and downregulation of renal klotho expression. Renal expression of CYP27b1 and plasma levels of 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 were increased in response to LPS. Endotoxaemia augmented the renal expression of TRPV5, TRPV6 and PiT1, whereas the renal expression of calbindin‐D28K, NCX1, NaPi‐2a and NaPi‐2c were decreased. Incubation of primary distal tubule cells with LPS increased TRPV6 mRNA levels. Furthermore, LPS decreased the intestinal expression of TRPV6, calbindin‐D9K and of NaPi‐2b.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that endotoxaemia is associated with hypocalcaemia and hyperphosphataemia and a disturbed FGF23‐klotho‐vitamin D signaling. Further, LPS‐induced acute kidney injury was accompanied by an increased or decreased expression of specific renal and intestinal Ca2+ and Pi transporters respectively. It seems unlikely that LPS‐induced hypocalcaemia is due to renal loss of Ca2+.
Letter: cohort study examining the association between proton pump inhibitor therapy and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in Taiwan
Authors: Liao K.‐F. , Lai H.‐C. , Lin C.‐L. , Lai S.‐W.
Published: August 2018

This article is linked to Shao et al and Shao and Wu papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14835 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14935.
Editorial: anxiety and depression in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Mikocka‐Walus A. , Knowles S. R.
Published: August 2018

This article is linked to Stapersma et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14865 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14928.
Potential of anaerobic digestate of dairy manure in suppressing soil‐borne plant disease
Authors: Pan Zhifei , Qi Guangdou , Andriamanohiarisoamanana Fetra J. , Yamashiro Takaki , Iwasaki Masahiro , Nishida Takehiro , Tangtaweewipat Suchon , Umetsu Kazutaka
Published: August 2018

Frequent use of pesticides to control soil‐borne plant disease leads to environmental pollution and the development of pesticide resistance in phytopathogens. Soil amendment is considered to have the potential of suppressing plant disease because of its biological properties. However, information on anaerobic digestate is limited. In this study, potential of antagonistic activities of anaerobic digestate against phytopathogens were investigated by detecting the amounts of antagonistic bacteria (Bacillus and Pseudomonas) in anaerobic digestates of dairy manure. The results showed that anaerobic digestion increased the total amounts of Bacillus and Pseudomonas in digestate. Bacillus suppressed growth of phytopathogens, while Pseudomonas did not show any antagonistic activities. These results indicated that Bacillus was an effective antagonistic bacterium in digestate against phytopathogens. Furthermore, two selected isolates, B11 (Bacillus subtilis) and B59 (Bacillus licheniformis), were applied in field experiments and showed significant reduction in percent infection of potato late blight (Phytophthora infestans). These results demonstrate the benefits of digestate in suppressing soil‐borne plant diseases caused by antagonistic bacteria.
Identification of behaviour change techniques in deprescribing interventions: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hansen Christina R. , O'Mahony Denis , Kearney Patricia M. , Sahm Laura J. , Cullinan Shane , Huibers C.J.A. , Thevelin Stefanie , Rutjes Anne W.S. , Knol Wilma , Streit Sven , Byrne Stephen
Published: August 2018

Aims

Deprescribing interventions safely and effectively optimize medication use in older people. However, questions remain about which components of interventions are key to effectively reduce inappropriate medication use. This systematic review examines the behaviour change techniques (BCTs) of deprescribing interventions and summarizes intervention effectiveness on medication use and inappropriate prescribing.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Academic Search Complete and grey literature were searched for relevant literature. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included if they reported on interventions in people aged ≥65 years. The BCT taxonomy was used to identify BCTs frequently observed in deprescribing interventions. Effectiveness of interventions on inappropriate medication use was summarized in meta‐analyses. Medication appropriateness was assessed in accordance with STOPP criteria, Beers' criteria and national or local guidelines. Between‐study heterogeneity was evaluated by I‐squared and Chi‐squared statistics. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool for randomized controlled studies.

Results

Of the 1561 records identified, 25 studies were included in the review. Deprescribing interventions were effective in reducing number of drugs and inappropriate prescribing, but a large heterogeneity in effects was observed. BCT clusters including goals and planning; social support; shaping knowledge; natural consequences; comparison of behaviour; comparison of outcomes; regulation; antecedents; and identity had a positive effect on the effectiveness of interventions.

Conclusions

In general, deprescribing interventions effectively reduce medication use and inappropriate prescribing in older people. Successful deprescribing is facilitated by the combination of BCTs involving a range of intervention components.
Exceptional intelligence and easygoingness may hurt your prospects: Threshold effects for rated mate characteristics
Authors: Gignac Gilles E. , Starbuck Clare L.
Published: August 2018

Prospective mate characteristics such as kindness, intelligence, easygoingness, and physical attraction are ranked consistently highly by both men and women. However, rank measurement does not allow for determinations of what level of a mate characteristic is rated most desirable. Based on a more informative percentile scale measurement approach, it was reported recently that mean desirability ratings of IQ in a prospective partner peaked at the 90th percentile, with a statistically significant reduction from the 90th to the 99th percentiles. The purpose of this investigation was to replicate the recently reported non‐linear desirability effect associated with IQ, in addition to the evaluation of three other valued mate characteristics: easygoing, kindness, and physical attraction. Based on a sample of 214 young adults, it was found that all four mate characteristics peaked at the 90th percentile. However, the IQ and easygoing mean desirability ratings evidenced statistically significant mean reductions across the 90th to the 99th percentiles, whereas kindness and physical attraction did not. Finally, the objectively and subjectively assessed intelligence of the participants was not found to be associated with the participants’ desirability ratings of IQ. We interpreted the results to be consistent with a broadly conceptualized threshold hypothesis, which states that the perceived benefits of valued mate characteristics may not extend beyond a certain point. However, mate characteristics such as intelligence and easygoing become somewhat less attractive at very elevated levels, at least based on preference ratings, for reasons that may be biological and/or psycho‐social in nature.
Nonlinear societal change: The perspective of dynamical systems
Authors: Nowak Andrzej , Vallacher Robin R.
Published: August 2018

Although rapid social change reflects each society's unique combination of myriad social, historical, political, and economic factors, we argue that the defining features of such change can be understood with recourse to the dynamic processes inherent in complex systems. Accordingly, we present a formal model that describes, in minimalist terms, the dynamics associated with rapid societal transitions in a society's norms and attitudes—and to the potential for rapid reversals of these transitions. The model predicts that societies in the midst of rapid change are characterized by dual realities corresponding to the new and the old, so that models focusing only on changes in the central tendency of a societal attitude provide a misleading account of rapid social change. This model is implemented in computer simulations and validated with empirical data concerning the transition in Eastern Europe from communism to democracy and a free market economy in the late 1980s.
Nerve‐sparing in salvage robot‐assisted prostatectomy: surgical technique, oncological and functional outcomes at a single high‐volume institution
Authors: Bonet Xavier , Ogaya‐Pinies Gabriel , Woodlief Tracey , Hernandez‐Cardona Eduardo , Ganapathi Hariharan , Rogers Travis , Coelho Rafael F. , Rocco Bernardo , Vigués Francesc , Patel Vipul
Published: August 2018

Objective

To show the feasibility, oncological and functional outcomes of neurovascular bundle (NVB) preservation during salvage robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Patients and Methods

In the present institutional review board‐approved retrospective analysis, between January 2008 and March 2016, 80 patients underwent salvage RARP, performed by a single surgeon (V.P), because of local recurrence after primary treatment. These patients were categorized into two groups depending on the degree of nerve‐sparing (NS) performed: a good‐NS group (≥50% of NVB preservation) and a poor‐NS group (<50% of NVB preservation). A standard transperitoneal six‐port technique, using the DaVinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA), was performed, and either an anterograde or a retrograde approach was used for NVB preservation. Validated questionnaires were used preoperatively (Sexual Health Inventory for Men [SHIM] and American Urological Association scores). Potency after salvage RARP was defined as the ability to achieve a successful erection with penetration >50% of the time, while full continence after salvage RARPwas defined as 0 pads used. The Kaplan–Meier method was used for survival and predictive estimations, and regression models were used to identify the predictors of potency, continence and biochemical failure (BCF).

Results

The potency rate at 12 months was higher in the good‐NS group (25.6% vs 4.3%; P = 0.036) regardless of previous SHIM score, and good NS tended to be predictive of potency after salvage RARP (P = 0.065). The full continence rate at 12 months and BCF rate were similar in the two groups, and non‐radiation primary treatment was the only predictor of continence at 12 months after salvage RARP (P = 0.033).

Conclusions

Our data support the feasibility and safety of NVB preservation for salvage RARP conducted in select patients in a high‐volume institution and the subsequent better recovery of adequate erections for intercourse.
Persistent muscle‐invasive bladder cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: an analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results‐Medicare data
Authors: Lane Giulia , Risk Michael , Fan Yunhua , Krishna Suprita , Konety Badrinath
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To evaluate whether patients with persistent muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) after undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and radical cystectomy (RC) have worse overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) than patients with similar pathology who undergo RC alone.

Materials and Methods

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare database, we identified the records of patients with pT2‐4N0M0 disease who underwent RC, with and without NAC, for MIBC between 2004 and 2011. To evaluate survival outcomes in those with MIBC after NAC vs patients with MIBC who underwent RC alone, we used Kaplan–Meier time‐to‐event analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression modelling. Landmark analysis was conducted to mitigate immortal time bias. Propensity scoring was used to decrease the risk of selection bias.

Results

Of the 1 886 patients with persistent pT2‐4 disease at the time of RC, 1505 underwent RC alone and 381 received NAC + RC. After adjusting for confounders, the propensity‐weighted risk of death from bladder cancer after diagnosis did not differ between the groups (hazard ratio [HR] 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72–1.08; P = 0.23); however, the risk of death from all causes was worse in the RC‐alone group (HR 0.79, 95% CI0.67–0.94; P = 0.006).

Conclusions

Patients who had persistent MIBC after platinum‐based NAC + RC vs RC alone derived an OS benefit but not a CSS benefit from NAC. This may represent a selection bias favouring patients who were selected for NAC; however, the OS benefit was not evident in patients with persistent pT3‐T4N0M0 disease. This study underscores the importance of future research investigating methods to identify patients who will respond to NAC for bladder cancer. It also highlights the need to consider adjuvant therapy in patients who have persistent MIBC after NAC.
Landsystems of Morsárjökull, Skaftafellsjökull and Svínafellsjökull, outlet glaciers of the Vatnajökull Ice Cap, Iceland
Authors: Lee Rebecca E. , Maclachlan John C. , Eyles Carolyn H.
Published: August 2018

This study utilizes a landsystem approach to analyse the landforms and sediments exposed on the forefields of three closely spaced outlet glaciers of the Vatnajökull Ice Cap, southeast Iceland; Morsárjökull, Skaftafellsjökull and Svínafellsjökull, in order to determine how individual glacier and environmental characteristics influence landscape development. Analysis of satellite imagery and fieldwork were used in conjunction to examine the geomorphology and sedimentology of the forefields, and to define the characteristic landsystems of each of the glaciers. Morsárjökull and Skaftafellsjökull have similar proglacial fields, with similarities in the distribution and scale of the landforms, and their characteristics conform to the established active temperate landsystem. Svínafellsjökull differs significantly from the other glaciers having a proglacial field that more closely resembles an early stage debris‐charged landsystem. Variations between the glaciers in terms of their ice distribution (hypsometry, equilibrium line altitude), bedrock type, topography and debris content are important factors that contribute to the landsystem variability evident in their proglacial fields. The forefields of these three glaciers may be used as analogues to enhance understanding of palaeoenvironmental conditions that existed along the southern margin of Pleistocene glaciers that covered much of northern North America and Europe in the past.
Multiproxy analysis of inception and development of the Lac‐à‐la‐Tortue peatland complex, St Lawrence Lowlands, eastern Canada
Authors: Pilote Louis‐Martin , Garneau Michelle , Van Bellen Simon , Lamothe Michel
Published: August 2018

The initial conditions for the development of a large peatland complex in the St Lawrence Lowlands were reconstructed to increase the understanding of early development and expansion modes in this region. Peatland basin morphometry was identified by creating a model based on over 1500 existing peat depth measurements, and six cores were extracted along transects from a central (deepest) location towards the margins. C accumulation rates and ecohydrological conditions were reconstructed from plant macrofossils, testate amoeba assemblages and14C chronologies. Luminescence dating was performed to better delineate the timing of dune stabilization in the area and potentially related climate changes. Shallow freshwater plant communities acted as nuclei for the development of a rich minerotrophic fen around 10 300 cal. aBPin the deepest part of a shallow depression at the surface of the St‐Maurice river delta. Peat inception was followed by the paludification of peripheral parabolic dune systems. Luminescence dating suggested dune stabilization between 11 500 and 10 900 years ago. The initial rich fen persisted until 9500 cal. aBP,and was replaced by a poor fen dominated by sedges as a result of a decrease in mineral nutrient influx from upland runoff. The shift to ombrotrophic conditions in the oldest section of Lac‐à‐la‐Tortue peatland started around 5150 cal. aBP. This major ecohydrological change coincides with those observed in several other peatlands in southern Québec. Variations in carbon and peat accumulation rates in both ombrotrophic and minerotrophic sectors appear to have been primarily controlled by hydroseral succession, peat‐forming vegetation, hydrological conditions, topography and fire activity. This study is the first to provide a quantification of the total carbon pool of a peatland complex in southern Québec at 6.39 Mt C, corresponding to a mean C mass per area of 96.9 kg C m−2(σ = 50.60 kg C m−2).
Thioredoxin‐related protein of 14 kDa as a modulator of redox signalling pathways
Authors: Espinosa Belén , Arnér Elias S J
Published: August 2018

Thioredoxin‐related protein of 14 kDa (TRP14; also named TXNDC17 for thioredoxin domain‐containing protein 17) is a highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed oxidoreductase. It is expressed in parallel with thioredoxin 1 (Trx1, TXN; TXN1), an efficient substrate for the mammalian cytosolic selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1; TXNRD1). However, TRP14, in sharp contrast to Trx1, cannot support the activities of ribonucleotide reductase, peroxiredoxins or methionine sulfoxide reductases, thus is unable to directly support cell proliferation or antioxidant defence through these pathways. However, TRP14 has been shown to efficiently reduce l‐cystine, which thereby indirectly supports glutathione synthesis. TRP14 can also suppress NF‐κB signalling, is functionally linked to STAT3 signalling, and can directly reactivate oxidized protein‐tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B. Furthermore, TRP14 can efficiently reduce persulfidated or nitrosylated cysteine residues in many proteins, thereby having the capacity to modulate signalling through hydrogen sulfide or NO. Additional bioinformatics analyses and observations suggest further roles for TRP14; therefore, further studies of its functions are warranted. Collectively, the results available suggest that TRP14 is a member of the thioredoxin system dedicated to the control of cellular redox signalling pathways.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Chemical Biology of Reactive Sulfur Species. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.4/issuetoc