bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gambling‐related cognitive distortions predict level of function among US veterans seeking treatment for gambling disorders
Authors: Shirk Steven D. , Kelly Megan M. , Kraus Shane W. , Potenza Marc N. , Pugh Kendra , Waltrous Christopher , Federman Edward , Krebs Christopher , Drebing Charles E.
Published: February 2018

Background and Objectives

Gambling Disorder (GD) is characterized by recurrent gambling behavior that is associated with significant impairment and distress, high psychiatric comorbidities, and high functional disability. The military veteran population appears particularly susceptible to developing the disorder, but relatively little has been studied among this population. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the clinical psychopathologies and comorbidities of veterans seeking treatment for problem gambling and how problem gambling may impact functioning.

Methods

Treatment‐seeking veterans meeting criteria for GD (N = 61) underwent a structured clinical interview and completed the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), the Gambling Symptom Assessment Scale (G‐SAS), the Yale‐Brown Obsessive‐Compulsive Scale for Gambling Disorder (PG‐YBOCS), the Gambling Belief Questionnaire (GBQ), the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS‐11), and the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS).

Results

Veterans seeking treatment for GD had high rates of psychiatric and addiction disorder comorbidities. Few veterans had previously sought treatment and most reported substantive challenges in social and occupational functioning. When determining how gambling‐related characteristics (ie, severity and cognitive distortions) impact function, severity of cognitive distortions was the strongest statistical predictor of overall functional disability.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

The findings from this study indicate that there is high comorbidity between GD and other psychiatric and addictive disorders, as well as social and occupational functioning. In addition, cognitive distortions related to gambling relate importantly to overall functioning and should be considered in the development of interventions for veterans with GD. (Am J Addict 2018;27:108–115)
Non‐endocannabinoid N‐acylethanolamines and 2‐monoacylglycerols in the intestine
Authors: Hansen Harald S , Vana Vasiliki
Published: February 2018

This review focuses on recent findings of the physiological and pharmacological role of non‐endocannabinoid N‐acylethanolamines (NAEs) and 2‐monoacylglycerols (2‐MAGs) in the intestine and their involvement in the gut‐brain signalling. Dietary fat suppresses food intake, and much research concerns the known gut peptides, for example, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and cholecystokinin (CCK). NAEs and 2‐MAGs represent another class of local gut signals most probably involved in the regulation of food intake. We discuss the putative biosynthetic pathways and targets of NAEs in the intestine as well as their anorectic role and changes in intestinal levels depending on the dietary status. NAEs can activate the transcription factor PPARα, but studies to evaluate the role of endogenous NAEs are generally lacking. Finally, we review the role of diet‐derived 2‐MAGs in the secretion of anorectic gut peptides via activation of GPR119. Both PPARα and GPR119 have potential as pharmacological targets for the treatment of obesity and the former for treatment of intestinal inflammation.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on 8th European Workshop on Cannabinoid Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.10/issuetoc
Welfare economics, risk and uncertainty
Authors: Fleurbaey Marc
Published: February 2018

Social decisions in risky contexts raise a number of difficult questions, such as: (1) Should social decisions be more or less risk averse than the average person? (2) Should we try to avoid large catastrophes more than frequent but limited harms with similar expected impact? (3) Should social decisions be ambiguity averse or stick to the expected utility canon? This paper reviews the welfare economics of risk and uncertainty and examines possible answers to these questions, based on the pros and cons of utilitarianism, ex ante egalitarianism and ex post egalitarianism.
How do selling mechanisms affect profits, surplus, capacity and prices with unknown demand?
Authors: Hummel Patrick
Published: February 2018

I analyze a model in which a seller wishes to sell multiple homogeneous goods to a large group of buyers with unknown demand. The seller may either sell objects via a posted‐price mechanism, a discriminatory‐price auction, a uniform‐price auction, their open‐bid analogs, or a revelation mechanism in which the seller first asks all potential buyers to report their valuations and then sets a reserve price. I show that the revelation mechanism leads to the greatest profits, the auction mechanisms result in identical expected profits and the posted‐price mechanism results in the smallest profits. However, the more profitable mechanisms impose stronger informational requirements that may make these mechanisms infeasible in practice, and the posted‐price mechanism also results in the greatest total surplus. I also find the seller chooses a lower capacity and reserve price in an auction than in the posted‐price mechanism.
Identification of 4‐aryl‐1H‐pyrrole[2,3‐b]pyridine derivatives for the development of new B‐Raf inhibitors
Authors: Pinzi Luca , Anighoro Andrew , Bajorath Jürgen , Rastelli Giulio
Published: February 2018

During the last years, a significant interest in the identification of new classes of B‐Raf inhibitors has emerged. In this study, which was conceived within an effort that culminated in the recent report of the first dual inhibitors of B‐Raf and Hsp90, we describe the identification of four compounds based on 4‐aryl‐1H‐pyrrole[2,3‐b]pyridine scaffold as interesting starting points for the development of new B‐Raf inhibitors. Structure–activity relationships and predicted binding modes are discussed. Moreover, the novelty of the newly identified structures with respect to currently known B‐Raf inhibitors was assessed through a ligand‐based dissimilarity assessment. Finally, structural modifications with the potential ability to improve the activity toward B‐Raf are put forward.
Emerging importance of big data in neuroimmunological research
Authors: Isobe Noriko
Published: February 2018

This Editorial introduces the three invited review articles on “Big Data in Neuroimmunology”.
The increased trend of non‐drinking in adolescence: The role of parental monitoring and attitudes toward offspring drinking
Authors: Larm Peter , Livingston Michael , Svensson Johan , Leifman Håkan , Raninen Jonas
Published: February 2018

Introductions and Aims

The proportion of adolescents who do not drink alcohol has increased during the last decade in many European countries, the USA and Australia. Few studies have addressed why this positive trend has occurred. The aim of the present study is to examine associations between parenting factors, peers’ alcohol use and non‐drinking among 15‐ to 16‐year‐old adolescents over time, from 2003 to 2015, and to evaluate potential gender differences.

Design and Methods

Data from the Swedish subsample of European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs were used. Data were available for 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 in nation‐based samples with responses from 11 531 adolescents in total.

Results

The proportion of non‐drinkers increased from 23.2% in 2003 to 48.7% in 2015. For each year, indicators of especially restrictive attitudes toward offspring drinking were robustly associated with an increased probability of non‐drinking. However, neither indicators of parental monitoring nor parental attitudes toward offspring drinking were associated with the increase in the proportion of non‐drinkers that occurred from 2003 to 2015. Two indicators of parental monitoring were more strongly associated with non‐drinking among girls than among boys, while paternal restrictive attitudes toward offspring drinking were more strongly associated with non‐drinking among boys than girls.

Discussion and Conclusions

Parenting characteristics are important for adolescents who do not use alcohol, which has implications for prevention strategies. However, the increased trend of non‐drinkers could not be attributed to parental factors.
Customer Experience Strategy Turned into Hands‐On Actions Through a Design Approach
Authors: Schanz Jonathan , De Lille Christine
Published: February 2018

Customer experience (CX) is a differentiation strategy often chosen by companies. But several aspects can hinder the realization of this strategic change: Existing routines, strong silo thinking among departments, and other circumstances work against the creation of a holistic CX. There is very little guidance in the literature about becoming more customer centric in practice. Within design practice, customer‐centric thinking and working are key aspects. Therefore, this article addresses the question of how a design approach can facilitate a company's change process from the abstract strategic direction of focusing on CX to a way of working in practice. The article is based on a practice‐led case study of an airline company where the first author worked from within the company to test solutions directly in daily practice. We conclude that in order to move from the strategic direction of a CX focus to an applicable proposal, designers can support both top‐down and bottom‐up processes. A trial‐and‐error approach and boundary objects can be useful in finding emotional triggers for employees to reflect about their own roles.
Effect of exenatide QW or placebo, both added to titrated insulin glargine, in uncontrolled type 2 diabetes: The DURATION‐7 randomized study
Authors: Guja Cristian , Frías Juan P. , Somogyi Aniko , Jabbour Serge , Wang Hui , Hardy Elise , Rosenstock Julio
Published: February 2018

Aims

To compare the efficacy and safety of adding the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist exenatide once weekly (QW) 2 mg or placebo among patients with type 2 diabetes who were inadequately controlled despite titrated insulin glargine (IG) ± metformin.

Methods

This multicentre, double‐blind study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02229383) randomized (1:1) patients with persistent hyperglycaemia after an 8‐week titration phase (glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c] 7.0%‐10.5% [53‐91 mmol/mol]) to exenatide QW or placebo. The primary endpoint was HbA1c change from baseline to week 28. Secondary endpoints included body weight, 2‐hour postprandial glucose, and mean daily IG dose.

Results

Of 464 randomized patients (mean: age, 58 years; HbA1c, 8.5% [69 mmol/mol]; diabetes duration, 11.3 years), 91% completed 28 weeks. Exenatide QW + IG vs placebo + IG significantly reduced HbA1c (least‐squares mean difference, −0.73% [−8.0 mmol/mol]; 95% confidence interval, −0.93%, −0.53% [−10.2, −5.8 mmol/mol]; P < .001; final HbA1c, 7.55% [59 mmol/mol] and 8.24% [67 mmol/mol], respectively); body weight (−1.50 kg; −2.17, −0.84; P < .001); and 2‐hour postprandial glucose (−1.52 mmol/L [−27.5 mg/dL]; −2.15, −0.90 [−38.7, −16.2]; P < .001). Significantly more exenatide QW + IG‐treated patients vs placebo + IG‐treated patients reached HbA1c <7.0% (<53 mmol/mol) (32.5% vs 7.4%; P < .001); daily IG dose increased by 2 and 4 units, respectively. Gastrointestinal and injection‐site adverse events were more frequent with exenatide QW + IG (15.1% and 7.8%, respectively) than with placebo + IG (10.8% and 3.0%, respectively); hypoglycaemia incidence was similar between the exenatide QW + IG (29.7%) and placebo + IG (29.0%) groups, with no major hypoglycaemic events.

Conclusions

Among patients with inadequate glycaemic control, exenatide QW significantly improved glucose control and decreased body weight, without increased hypoglycaemia or unexpected safety findings.
A systematic justification for the EU's pouvoir constituant mixte: Principles of constitutional politics in supranational polities
Authors: Patberg Markus
Published: February 2018

This article presents a rational reconstruction of the practice of constitutional politics in supranational polities. In doing so, it seeks to refocus the ongoing debate about constituent power in the EU on the question of who, under what conditions, is entitled to decide on the EU constitutional order. The analysis leads to a number of principles of democratic legitimacy, which include the political autonomy of the members of the state demoi as well as the political autonomy of the members of a cross‐border demos. In explicating these parallel entitlements to political autonomy, I provide a systematic justification for the notion of a pouvoir constituant mixte, according to which the citizens should take control of EU constitutional politics in two roles: as European citizens and as Member State citizens.
A two‐tier conception of European Union peoplehood: A realist study of European citizens’ bonds of collectivity
Authors: Beetz Jan Pieter
Published: February 2018

The European Union (EU) struggles to legitimate its rule. This realist study develops a conception of peoplehood in the EU polity, because, in contemporary Europe, ‘the people’ remains the sole source of political legitimacy. From a realist perspective, a conception of peoplehood should yield a coherent story why EU citizens should accept, or at least acquiesce, to EU rule. This study explores the possibility of a pluralistic conception being either multi‐layered, multi‐faceted or both. Taking a practice‐dependent approach, I first analyse the institutional systems that structure relationships between EU citizens. I secondly propose conceptions of EU citizens’ bonds of collectivity. Thirdly, I develop a novel two‐tier conception of EU peoplehood in which individuals remain bound together as national peoples, while these peoples are in turn united by commercial and liberal bonds. I submit that this conception can lay the foundation for a convincing story to legitimate EU rule.
The empty place of European power: Contested democracy and the technocratic threat
Authors: Corrias Luigi
Published: February 2018

In this article, I analyse the European Union (EU) in the light of the Lefortian question: What place does power have in a democracy? Claude Lefort has argued that modern democracy is a regime where the place of power is empty. In this article, I investigate what this entails for the EU. I take the current situation of democracy in the EU as being marked by two developments: the contestation of democracy by citizens on the one hand and the hollowing out of democracy at the EU level on the other. Exemplary for the first development are the popular protest movements known as the indignados. The second feature is exemplified by governance and technocracy. My argument suggests that the critical response of the former to the latter can in fact be read as the claim that what should have been the empty place of power in European democracy has come to be occupied by the establishment of an authoritarian regime of expert rule.
Queering Methodologies to Understand Queer Families
Authors: Fish Jessica N. , Russell Stephen T.
Published: February 2018

Queering questions that which is normative. In this article, we discuss how, for the study of queer families, queering methodologies could reclaim traditional research methods that reflect historically dominant or privileged paradigms. We suggest that queer perspectives may be used to adapt mainstream (i.e., dominant, positivist, empirical) methods, creating possibilities for new, diverse understandings of queer families. We start with comments on the development and current standing of queer family research. We then reflect on several key conceptual and methodological tensions as they apply to queer family studies: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals ↔ queer families, between‐group ↔ within‐group, and quantitative ↔ qualitative. In conclusion, we discuss how these methodological considerations provide researchers opportunities to conduct research not only about but for queer families. Such research may reflect the diversity of queer families and challenge the normativities and systems of privilege that constrain them.
Wage Performance of Immigrants in Germany
Authors: Beyer Robert C. M.
Published: February 2018

This paper updates and deepens our understanding of the wage performance of immigrants in Germany. Using the German Socio-Economic Panel, it documents that immigrant workers initially earn on average 20% less than native workers with otherwise identical characteristics. The gap is smaller for immigrants from advanced countries, with good German language skills, and with a German degree, and larger for others. The gap declines gradually over time but at a decreasing rate and much faster for more recent cohorts. Less success in obtaining jobs with higher occupational autonomy explains half of the wage gap.
NK cell enteropathy: a case report with 10 years of indolent clinical behaviour
Authors: Isom James A , Arroyo May R , Reddy Deepa , Joshi‐Guske Priti , Al‐Quran Samer Z , Li Ying , Allan Robert W
Published: February 2018

Aims

Natural killer (NK) cell enteropathy is a recently described clinically indolent condition characterised by atypical NK cell infiltrates in the gastrointestinal mucosa that mimics malignant lymphoma. We report a case that highlights the indolent clinical behaviour by documenting absence of clinical progression over 10 years.

Methods and results

We report the case of a 69‐year old female who had clinically long‐standing abdominal pain and recurrent mucosal ulcerations associated with atypical NK cell infiltrates. The clinical, morphologic and immunophenotypical findings in this case were diagnostic of NK cell enteropathy. Review of the patient's prior biopsies demonstrated that this persisted without clinical progression for 10 years, confirming the clinical indolent course.

Conclusion

Recognition of NK cell enteropathy is important to avoid over‐diagnosing this benign condition as an aggressive lymphoma.
Immunohistochemical assessment of Survivin and Bcl3 expression as potential biomarkers for NF‐κB activation in the Barrett metaplasia–dysplasia–adenocarcinoma sequence
Authors: Puccio Ignazio , Khan Saif , Butt Adil , Graham David , Sehgal Vinay , Patel Dominic , Novelli Marco , Lovat Laurence B. , Rodriguez‐Justo Manuel , Hamoudi Rifat A.
Published: February 2018

Non‐dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus (NDBE) occurs as a consequence of an inflammatory response triggered through prolonged gastro‐oesophageal reflux and it may precede the development of oesophageal adenocarcinoma. NF‐κB activation as a result of the inflammatory response has been shown in NDBE, but the possible mechanism involved in the process is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess, using immunohistochemistry, Survivin and Bcl3 expression as potential biomarkers for NF‐κB activation along the oesophageal metaplasia–dysplasia–adenocarcinoma sequence. Survivin is an NF‐κB‐inducible anti‐apoptotic protein, and Bcl3 is a negative regulator of NF‐κB. There was progressive upregulation of Survivin expression along the oesophageal metaplasia–dysplasia–adenocarcinoma sequence. Bcl3 expression was upregulated in non‐dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus, low‐grade, high‐grade dysplasia and oesophageal adenocarcinoma when compared to squamous group. The study shows the differential expression of Bcl3 between the squamous and Barrett's stage, suggesting that Bcl3 could be a surrogate marker for early event involving constitutive NF‐κB activation. In addition, the study suggests that NF‐κB activation may infer resistance to apoptosis through the expression of anti‐apoptotic genes such as Survivin, which showed progressive increase in expression throughout the oesophageal metaplasia–dysplasia–adenocarcinoma sequence. This ability to avoid apoptosis may underlie the persistence and malignant predisposition of Barrett's metaplasia.
Tumescent contravenom: murine model for prehospital treatment of Naja naja neurotoxic snake envenomation
Authors: Makdisi Joy R. , Kim Dennis P. , Klein Paytra A. , Klein Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2018

Background

Snake envenomation is a neglected global health problem. There is a need for a prehospital treatment of neurotoxic snakebite that prolongs survival and allows time for a victim to reach a hospital for antivenom therapy. Tumescent epinephrine consists of a large volume of dilute epinephrine (2 mg/l) injected subcutaneously. It functions as “contravenom” by causing capillary vasoconstriction and delaying venom absorption.

Methods

A murine model of neurotoxic envenomation using lidocaine as a surrogate for neurotoxic snake venom was first developed in a pilot study. A lethal dose of lidocaine was injected subcutaneously into control and treatment groups. Mice in the treatment group were then treated with a tumescent infiltration of dilute epinephrine in saline, while control mice either received no treatment or tumescent infiltration with saline alone. The experiment was repeated using lethal doses of neurotoxic Naja naja cobra venom. The main end‐points were survival rate and survival time.

Results

None of the control mice survived a lethal (LD100) dosage of subcutaneous lidocaine. Mice given an LD100 of subcutaneous lidocaine and treated immediately with tumescent epinephrine had 80% survival. Following LD50 doses of Naja naja venom, 50% of control mice survived, while 94% survived when treated immediately with tumescent epinephrine (P < 0.01). All animals died following LD100 doses of Naja naja venom, but survival was significantly prolonged (P < 0.0001) by immediate tumescent epinephrine.

Conclusions

Tumescent epinephrine, when given immediately after toxin injection, improves survival rates in mice following neurotoxic doses of lidocaine or Naja naja cobra venom.
Dissidents and Innocents: Hard Cases for a Political Philosophy of Boycotts
Authors: Weinstock Daniel
Published: February 2018

In this article, I distinguish boycotts from other kinds of superficially similar types of actions, and argue that boycotts involve at least coordinated activity on the part of the members of a group to abstain on moral grounds from otherwise normal interaction with the members of another group. Boycotts in their minimal forms do not face high justificatory hurdles, since they involve the exercise of freedom of speech, along with the exercise by members of the boycotting group of basic rights and freedoms, such as the right to associate, freedom of movement, and the like. The justificatory hurdles are greater, though not insurmountable, when boycotts involve the coercion of members of the boycotting group who either disagree with the grounds for boycott, or with the appropriateness of boycotting as a strategy to bring about a morally desirable change, or when they involve defeating the reasonable expectations of members of the boycotted group. I describe the justificatory challenges in both these cases, as well as the ways in which they can be met.
Modelling the influence of parental effects on gene‐network evolution
Authors: Odorico Andreas , Rünneburger Estelle , Le Rouzic Arnaud
Published: February 2018

Understanding the importance of nongenetic heredity in the evolutionary process is a major topic in modern evolutionary biology. We modified a classical gene‐network model by allowing parental transmission of gene expression and studied its evolutionary properties through individual‐based simulations. We identified ontogenetic time (i.e. the time gene networks have to stabilize before being submitted to natural selection) as a crucial factor in determining the evolutionary impact of this phenotypic inheritance. Indeed, fast‐developing organisms display enhanced adaptation and greater robustness to mutations when evolving in presence of nongenetic inheritance (NGI). In contrast, in our model, long development reduces the influence of the inherited state of the gene network. NGI thus had a negligible effect on the evolution of gene networks when the speed at which transcription levels reach equilibrium is not constrained. Nevertheless, simulations show that intergenerational transmission of the gene‐network state negatively affects the evolution of robustness to environmental disturbances for either fast‐ or slow‐developing organisms. Therefore, these results suggest that the evolutionary consequences of NGI might not be sought only in the way species respond to selection, but also on the evolution of emergent properties (such as environmental and genetic canalization) in complex genetic architectures.
Delirium—A Framework to Improve Acute Care for Older Persons
Authors: Inouye Sharon K.
Published: February 2018

This article is based on the M. Powell Lawton Award Lecture that I delivered at the 2016 Gerontological Society of America Annual Meeting. I provide an overview of my journey in geriatric medicine and delirium research. I created new measures, including the Confusion Assessment Method, for identification of delirium; conceptualized a multifactorial risk model; and developed and tested intervention strategies for delirium prevention. The Hospital Elder Life Program arose from this work. In addition, like Dr. Lawton, I am working to apply my work to the policy arena. As the population ages, we face an unprecedented opportunity to realize the full benefit of aging in our society, an untapped resource. The field of aging is facing innumerable challenges in terms of continued stigma and funding shortfalls for clinical care and research. I issue a call to action to clinicians, researchers, and leaders in aging to seize this opportunity to use our know‐how and expertise to transform the experience of aging for all.
National Partnership for Maternal Safety: Consensus Bundle on Safe Reduction of Primary Cesarean Births— Supporting Intended Vaginal Births
Authors: Lagrew David C. , Low Lisa Kane , Brennan Rita , Corry Maureen P. , Edmonds Joyce K. , Gilpin Brian G. , Frost Jennifer , Pinger Whitney , Reisner Dale P. , Jaffer Sara
Published: February 2018

Cesarean births and associated morbidity and mortality have reached near epidemic proportions. The National Partnership for Maternal Safety under the guidance of the Council on Patient Safety in Women's Health Care responded by developing a patient safety bundle to reduce the number of primary cesarean births. Safety bundles outline critical practices to implement in every maternity unit. This National Partnership for Maternity Safety bundle, as with other bundles, is organized into four domains: Readiness, Recognition and Prevention, Response, and Reporting and Systems Learning. Bundle components may be adapted to individual facilities, but standardization within an institution is advised. Evidence‐based resources and recommendations are provided to assist implementation.
Antioxidant action and protective and reparative effects of lentinan on oxidative damage in HaCaT cells
Authors: Zi Yusha , Zhang Bo , Jiang Biao , Yang Xingyao , Liang Zilu , Liu Weiyi , He Congfen , Liu Lei
Published: February 2018

Background

Lentinus edodes is one of the largest edible fungi. Lentinan, extracted from its fruiting body has clinically significant anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticoagulant effects; however, its preventive effects on skin oxidative damage are unclear.

Aims

We aimed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidation capability of lentinan and its protective and reparative effects on a model of cell oxidative damage.

Methods

We evaluated the in vitro antioxidant potential of lentinan by assessing its free‐radical quenching ability using DPPH and ABTS and superoxide anions. Using the HaCaT cell line as the experimental system, we tested the protective and reparative effects of lentinan on a model of H2O2‐induced cellular oxidative damage through assessment of cell survival rate, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity.

Results

Lentinan displayed high antioxidant potential: DDPH and ABTS quenching rates were above 60%; superoxide anions, approximately 18%. Furthermore, lentinan could dose‐dependently prevent the reduction of activity in HaCaT cells by H2O2, reduce MDA formation, and increase SOD activity. Moreover, lentinan showed not only a protective effect against oxidative damage but also reparative effects to a certain extent, in HaCaT cells.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated the ability of lentinan to enhance cellular tolerance to oxidative damage, stress resistance, and to have protective and reparative effects on damaged cells. Therefore, with L. edodes as a source for antiaging substances, cosmetics with homology to foods have great potential clinical applications.
Aberrant migration and surgical removal of a heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) from the femoral artery of a cat
Authors: Oldach Maureen S. , Gunther‐Harrington Catherine T. , Balsa Ingrid M. , McLarty Ehren M. , Wakeman Kyle A. , Phillips Kathryn L. , Honkavaara Juhana , Visser Lance C. , Stern Joshua A.
Published: February 2018

A cat was evaluated for an acute‐onset of right pelvic limb paresis. Thoracic radiographs revealed normal cardiac size and tortuous pulmonary arteries. Abdominal ultrasound identified a heartworm (HW) extending from the caudal abdominal aorta into the right external iliac artery and right femoral artery. The cat was HW‐antigen positive. Echocardiography revealed a HW within the right branch of the main pulmonary artery and evidence of pulmonary hypertension. An agitated‐saline contrast echocardiogram revealed a small right to left intracardiac shunt at the level of the atria. Surgical removal of the HW was performed with no substantial postoperative complications. There was return of blood flow and improved motor function to the limb. The cat remains mildly paretic on the affected limb with no other clinical signs.
Indirect vs direct assessment of gastric emptying: A randomized crossover trial comparing C‐isotope breath analysis and MRI
Authors: Camps G. , Mars M. , Witteman B. J. M. , de Graaf C. , Smeets P. A. M.
Published: February 2018

Background

Indirect methods to assess gastric emptying (GE), such as 13C breath tests (BT), are commonly used. However, BT usually use a sampling time of 4+ hours. The current study aims to assess the validity of BT for four liquid meals differing in physicochemical properties. To this aim, we compared them to MRI GE‐measurements.

Methods

Fifteen healthy males (age 22.6 ± 2.4 years, BMI 22.6 ± 1.8 kg/m2) participated in a randomized 2 × 2 crossover experiment. Test foods were liquid meals, which were either thin/thick and 100/500 kcal, labeled with 100 mg of 13C‐octanoate. GE was measured with MRI and assessed by 13C recovery from breath. Participants were scanned every 10 minutes and at six time points breath samples were collected up to t = 90 minutes. Two curves were fitted to the data to estimate emptying halftime (t50 Ghoos and t50 Bluck). T50 times were ranked per participant and compared between methods.

Key Results

On average, MRI and BT showed similar t50 rankings for the four liquid meals. In comparison to MRI, t50 Ghoos overestimated, while t50 Bluck underestimated GE time. Moreover, more viscous foods were overestimated. In most participants individual t50 time rankings differed significantly between methods.

Conclusions & Inferences

BT can assess relative emptying differences on group level and collecting breath data for 90 minutes constitutes a lower burden for participants and the research facility. However, BT has severe shortcomings compared to MRI for individual GE assessment. Notably, food matrix effects should be considered when interpreting the results of BT.
Computed tomography scanning as a tool for linking the skeletal and otolith‐based fossil records of teleost fishes
Authors: Schwarzhans Werner , Beckett Hermione T. , Schein Jason D. , Friedman Matt
Published: February 2018

Micro‐computed tomography (μCT) scanning now represents a standard tool for non‐destructive study of internal or concealed structure in fossils. Here we report on otoliths found in situ during routine μCT scanning of three‐dimensionally preserved skulls of Palaeogene and Cretaceous fishes. Comparisons are made with isolated otolith‐based taxa to attempt correlations between the body fossil and otolith fossil records. In situ otoliths previously extracted mechanically from specimens of Apogon macrolepis and Dentex laekeniensis match our μCT models. In some cases, we find a high degree of congruence between previously independent taxonomic placements for otolith and skeletal remains (Rhinocephalus, Osmeroides, Hoplopteryx). Unexpectedly, in situ otoliths of the aulopiform Apateodus match isolated otoliths of Late Cretaceous age previously interpreted as belonging to gempylids, a group of percomorph fishes that do not appear in the body fossil record until the Palaeogene. This striking example of convergence suggests constraints on otolith geometry in pelagic predators. The otoliths of Apateodus show a primitive geometry for aulopiforms and lack the derived features of Alepisauroidea, the lizardfish clade to which the genus is often attributed. In situ otoliths of Early Cretaceous fishes (Apsopelix and an unidentified taxon) are not well preserved, and we are unable to identify clear correlations with isolated otolith morphologies. We conclude that the preservation of otoliths suitable for μCT scanning appears to be intimately connected with the taphonomic history, lithological characteristics of surrounding matrix, and syn‐ and postdepositional diagenetic effects.
GRAPHOS – open‐source software for photogrammetric applications
Authors: Gonzalez‐Aguilera D. , López‐Fernández L. , Rodriguez‐Gonzalvez P. , Hernandez‐Lopez D. , Guerrero D. , Remondino F. , Menna F. , Nocerino E. , Toschi I. , Ballabeni A. , Gaiani M.
Published: February 2018

This paper reports the latest developments for the photogrammetric open‐source tool called GRAPHOS (inteGRAted PHOtogrammetric Suite). GRAPHOS includes some recent innovations in the image‐based 3D reconstruction pipeline, from automatic feature detection/description and network orientation to dense image matching and quality control. GRAPHOS also has a strong educational component beyond its automated processing functions, reinforced with tutorials and didactic explanations about algorithms and performance. The paper highlights recent developments carried out at different levels: graphical user interface (GUI), didactic simulators for image processing, photogrammetric processing with weight parameters, dataset creation and system evaluation.
Political Authority and Unjust Wars
Authors: Renzo Massimo
Published: February 2018

Just war theory is currently dominated by two positions. According to the orthodox view (Walzer), provided that jus in bello principles are respected, combatants have an equal right to fight, regardless of the justice of the cause pursued by their state. According to “revisionists” (McMahan, Fabre) whenever combatants lack reasons to believe that the war they are ordered to fight is just, their duty is to disobey. I argue that when members of a legitimate state acting in good faith are ordered to fight, they acquire a pro‐tanto obligation to obey which does not depend for its validity on the justice of the cause being pursued. However, when the war is unjust, this obligation may be overridden, under certain conditions, by the obligation not to contribute to the unjustified killing of innocents. This is because (contra Raz) the pro‐tanto force of the duty to obey the law is best understood in terms of “presumptive”, rather than “exclusionary” reasons for action. This approach captures the insights of both the orthodox and the revisionist view, while avoiding the problems that afflict each of them.
Soft‐tissue dehiscence coverage at peri‐implant sites
Authors: Mazzotti Claudio , Stefanini Martina , Felice Pietro , Bentivogli Valentina , Mounssif Ilham , Zucchelli Giovanni
Published: February 2018

Soft‐tissue dehiscence at the facial aspect of an osteointegrated implant is a common complication which impacts on the final esthetic result. The etiology and ways of diagnosing this condition are still controversial. Many factors seem to influence the position of the peri‐implant soft‐tissue margin, and some of these have been studied more carefully than others. Various surgical and combination surgical‐prosthetic approaches have been described to treat soft‐tissue dehiscence, with the latter appearing to be more predictable. This paper focuses on the factors affecting peri‐implant soft‐tissue margins and describes the different treatment approaches, reported in the literature, to treat buccal soft‐tissue dehiscence, with more focus on the prosthetic–surgical–prosthetic approach.
Follicular fluid stimulates capacitation and acrosome reaction in alpaca sperm (Vicugna pacos)
Authors: Bravo Z , Valdivia M
Published: February 2018

Contents

The follicular fluid exerts an effect on the sperm capacitation of several species; however, these effects vary according to species, both in the sperm motility and in the subsequent acrosome reaction. In this study, the effect of alpaca follicular fluid (aFF) on the motility and acrosome reaction of alpaca spermatozoa was observed, using follicular fluid of three follicle sizes: small (<3 mm), medium (3‐6 mm) and large (>6 mm), in a concentration of 30%. Sperm motility at the first hour of incubation with aFF of small follicles was 48.0%, with aFF of medium follicles it was 43.33% and with aFF of large follicles, it was 34.53%, while control averaged 26.00%. At the second hour, control achieved an average of 28.13%, treatment with aFF from small follicles showed an average of 46.53%, with aFF from medium follicles it was 40.00% and with aFF from large follicles it was 35.60%. The acrosome reaction after 4 hours of incubation was 30.06% for control, whereas for aFF of small follicles it was 66.3%, with aFF of medium follicles it was 58.86% and for aFF of large follicles, it was 67.63%. In the case of sperm motility, a significant difference is demonstrated for all treatments in relation to the control at the first hour, whereas only the treatments with aFF of small and medium follicles show a significant difference with respect to the control at the second hour. In the case of the acrosome reaction, all treatments with follicular fluid show a significant difference with respect to the control. It was concluded that alpaca follicular fluid favours sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction in alpaca spermatozoa.
High strain rate out‐of‐plane compression of birch plywood from ambient to cryogenic temperatures
Authors: Caetano L. , Grolleau V. , Galpin B. , Penin A. , Capdeville J.‐D.
Published: February 2018

An extensive series of compression tests with birch plywood specimens is conducted in the out‐of‐plane direction. Various experimental conditions are tested with different temperatures and strain rates. To this end, a specially designed Split Hopkinson pressure bar protocol is defined, and the specimen dimensions are validated from quasi‐static EN789 standards experiments. Temperatures are ranging from ambient down to −170°C, while strain rates are increased from 0.004/s up to 700/s. The analysis of the experimental results focuses on the hardening behaviour and the following densification regime at large strains. Evolution with temperature and strain rate of the four coefficients of the stress versus strain curve interpolation is discussed, and models are proposed.
Systematic review of strategies to increase access to health services among children over five in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Bright Tess , Felix Lambert , Kuper Hannah , Polack Sarah
Published: February 2018

Background

The populations of many low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC) are young. Despite progress made towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and remarkable health gains, evidence suggests that many children in LMIC are still not accessing needed healthcare services. Delayed or lack of access to health services can lead to a worsening of health and can in turn negatively impact a child's ability to attend school, and future employment opportunities.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at increasing access to health services for children over 5 years in LMIC settings. Four electronic databases were searched in March 2017. Studies were included if they evaluated interventions that aimed to increase: healthcare utilisation, immunisation uptake and compliance with medication/referral. Randomised controlled trials and non‐randomised study designs were included in the review. Data extraction included study characteristics, intervention type and measures of access to health services for children above 5 years of age. Study outcomes were classified as positive, negative, mixed or null in terms of their impact on access outcomes.

Results

Ten studies met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Interventions were evaluated in Nicaragua (1), Brazil (1), Turkey (1), India (1), China (1), Uganda (1), Ghana (1), Nigeria (1), South Africa (1) and Swaziland (1). Intervention types included education (2), incentives (1), outreach (1), SMS/phone call reminders (2) and multicomponent interventions (4). All evaluations reported positive findings on measured health access outcomes; however, the quality and strength of evidence were mixed.

Conclusion

This review provides evidence of the range of interventions that were used to increase healthcare access for children above 5 years old in LMIC. Nevertheless, further research is needed to examine each of the identified intervention types and the influence of contextual factors, with robust study designs. There is also a need to assess the cost‐effectiveness of the interventions to inform decision‐makers on which are suitable for scale‐up in their particular contexts.
A unique major histocompatibility complex Class II–binding register correlates with HLA‐DR11–associated immunogenicity of the major K blood group antigen
Authors: Gunasekera Devi , Zimring James C. , Pratt Kathleen P.
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Kell is a glycoprotein expressed on red blood cells (RBCs). Its K and k variants contain either Met (K antigen) or Thr (k antigen) at Position 193, respectively. Development of anti‐K after K‐mismatched antigen exposure via blood transfusions or pregnancy can destroy RBCs, leading to hemolytic transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. The immunogenicity of overlapping 15‐mer Kell peptides with M193 or T193 at every possible position was investigated previously. Interestingly, Peptide W179 to M193, with the polymorphic M193T residue at the peptide's C‐terminus, was the most effective at stimulating CD4 T cells from a series of K‐immunized women.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This study investigates the basis for HLA restriction of anti‐K immune responses. Major histocompatibility complex Class II (MHCII)‐binding prediction algorithms and quantitative peptide–MHCII‐binding assays were employed to determine the binding registers; anchor residues; and affinities of wild‐type, truncated, and sequence‐modified K and k peptides. Predictions were generated using Immune Epitope Database and ProPred algorithms. Competitive peptide–MHCII‐binding assays utilized 12 recombinant HLA‐DR proteins, K and k peptides, and high‐affinity MHCII‐restricted reference peptides.

RESULTS

The peptide–MHCII‐binding assays identified a unique K peptide–binding register (W179‐S187) restricted to HLA‐DRB1*11:01, in addition to partially overlapping binding registers that included the K/k M193T polymorphic site and that bound promiscuously to multiple HLA‐DR proteins.

CONCLUSION

Three partially overlapping MHCII‐binding motifs for HLA‐DRB1*11:01 result in high‐avidity K‐peptide binding, which may contribute to HLA‐DR11‐restricted immunogenicity associated with the K allele.
Ceftriaxone‐induced drug reaction mimicking acute splenic sequestration crisis in a child with hemoglobin SC disease
Authors: Van Buren Nancy L. , Gorlin Jed B. , Reed Robyn C. , Gottschall Jerome L. , Nelson Stephen C.
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Acute splenic sequestration crisis is a complication of sickle cell disease (SCD) occurring when intrasplenic red blood cell (RBC) sickling prevents blood from leaving the spleen, causing acute splenic enlargement. Although typically seen in young children, it has been reported in older children with hemoglobin (Hb)SC disease, eventually resulting in functional asplenia. Ceftriaxone is a frequently used antibiotic of choice for children with SCD, because of its efficacy against invasive pneumococcal disease.

CASE REPORT

We report a case of a 9‐year‐old female with HbSC disease, who had a fatal reaction after receiving a dose of ceftriaxone in the outpatient clinic for fever. Her Hb level decreased abruptly from 9.3 to 2.3 mg/dL. RBC clumps with no visible hemolysis were observed in the postreaction sample. Autopsy examination revealed marked splenomegaly with acute congestion and sickled cells in the spleen and liver. Serologic testing revealed a positive direct antiglobulin test with polyspecific antibody, anti‐C3, and anti‐C3d, but negative with anti‐immunoglobulin G. Ceftriaxone‐dependent RBC antibodies were detected in her serum and RBC eluate when tested in the presence of the drug.

CONCLUSION

We report a new presentation of ceftriaxone‐induced drug reaction in a patient with SCD mimicking an acute splenic sequestration crisis. Review of the literature for cases of ceftriaxone‐induced drug reactions in pediatric patients revealed nine previously reported cases of ceftriaxone‐induced immune hemolytic anemia in children with SCD since 1995, but none with an initial presentation suggestive of acute splenic sequestration crisis.
Design optimization of a viscoelastic dynamic vibration absorber using a modified fixed-points theory
Authors: Wong W. O. , Fan R. P. , Cheng F.
Published: February 2018

A viscoelastic dynamic vibration absorber (VDVA) is proposed for suppressing infrasonic vibrations of heavy structures because the traditional dynamic vibration absorber equipped with a viscous damper is not effective in suppressing low frequency vibrations. The proposed VDVA has an elastic spring and a viscoelastic damper with frequency dependent modulus and damping properties. The standard fixed-points theory cannot be applied to derive the optimum design parameters of the VDVA because both its stiffness and damping are frequency dependent. A modified fixed-points theory is therefore proposed to solve this problem. H∞ design optimization of the proposed VDVA have been derived for the minimization of resonant vibration amplitude of a single degree-of-freedom system excited by harmonic forces or due to ground motions. The stiffness and damping of the proposed VDVA can be decoupled such that both of these two properties of the absorber can be tuned independently to their optimal values by following a specified procedure. The proposed VDVA with optimized design is tested numerically using two real commercial viscoelastic damping materials. It is found that the proposed viscoelastic absorber can provide much stronger vibration reduction effect than the conventional VDVA without the elastic spring.