bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between hypertensive arteriopathy and cerebral amyloid angiopathy in spontaneously hypertensive stroke‐prone rats
Authors: Jandke Solveig , Garz Cornelia , Schwanke Daniel , Sendtner Michael , Heinze Hans‐Jochen , Carare Roxana O. , Schreiber Stefanie
Published: July 2018

We aimed to test the hypothesis that in spontaneously hypertensive stroke‐prone rats (SHRSP), non‐amyloid cerebral small vessel disease/hypertensive arteriopathy (HA) results in vessel wall injury that may promote cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Our study comprised 21 male SHRSP (age 17–44 weeks) and 10 age‐ and sex‐matched Wistar control rats, that underwent two‐photon (2PM) imaging of the arterioles in the parietal cortex using Methoxy‐X04, Dextran and cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurements. Our data suggest that HA in SHRSP progresses in a temporal and age‐dependent manner, starting from small vessel wall damage (stage 1A), proceeding to CBF reduction (stage 1B), non‐occlusive (stage 2), and finally, occlusive thrombi (stage 3). Wistar animals also demonstrated small vessel wall damage, but were free of any of the later HA stages. Nearly half of all SHRSP additionally displayed vascular Methoxy‐X04 positivity indicative of cortical CAA. Vascular β‐amyloid deposits were found in small vessels characterized by thrombotic occlusions (stage 2 or 3). Post‐mortem analysis of the rat brains confirmed the findings derived from intravital 2PM microscopy. Our data thus overall suggest that advanced HA may play a role in CAA development with the two small vessel disease entities might be related to the same pathological spectrum of the aging brain.
Banks' equity holdings and their impact on securities issues
Authors: Tribó Josep AD.
Published: July 2018

Manuscript Type

Empirical.

Research Question/Issue

In this paper we study the impact of banks' stakes in firms on the use of market mechanisms like securities issues by firms to raise funds.

Research Findings/Insights

There is a U‐shaped connection between banks' stakes and the likelihood of issuing securities. Interestingly, the balance between the negative (expropriating) and the positive (strategic) effects leans relatively more towards the strategic effect for Anglo‐Saxon countries. We provide empirical evidence of these claims using an international database of 45 different countries with 20 091 observations distributed along the period 2000–2013.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

We posit that banks take an equity position in firms either to expropriate the current shareholders or to strategically open the possibility of future business opportunities once firms are listed and can issue securities. The first effect, which dominates for low equity stakes, hinders securities issues. Conversely, the second (strategic) effect appears for high banks' stakes, particularly when these banks have underwriting capacity, and stimulates the issuance of securities. The interaction of both effects leads to the aforementioned U‐shaped relationship between banks' stakes and securities issues.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

It is important that policymakers take into consideration the institutional contexts in their policy recommendations connected to the relationship between banks and markets. In particular, certain calls to reduce banks' stakes in borrowing firms as a way to stimulate the use of financial markets to raise funds may generate the opposite effect in Anglo‐Saxon countries or when banks' stakes are large in non‐Anglo‐Saxon ones.
A physicochemical characterisation of a medieval herbal ink, Mahī, of Assam, India
Authors: Goswami Barsha R. , Chamuah Nabadweep , Dutta Robin K.
Published: July 2018

Mahī, a unique herbal ink used in medieval Assam in India for writing and illustrating manuscripts, is known for its intense colour and durability for centuries, and its non‐corrosive nature. Mahī is distinctly different from the other contemporary inks used elsewhere in the world, including other parts of India. The interesting features of Mahī are due to its special recipe involving several herbal ingredients in addition to iron sourced from fish blood or the rust of iron tools, with cow urine as an extractant and solvent. The objective of the current study is an in‐depth understanding of the traditional method of the preparation of Mahī, and its characterisation through analysis of the physicochemical properties using spectroscopic and imaging techniques as well as biochemical analysis. A series of model Mahī samples are prepared following the traditional method with varying ingredients, and their compositions and physicochemical properties are evaluated with respect to the ingredients using standard methods and analytical tools including atomic absorption spectroscopy, tensiometry, ultraviolet ( UV )‐visible, Fourier Transform‐infrared ( FT‐IR), Raman, steady‐state fluorescence, UV fluorescence and emission microscopy. The colour of the ink has been attributed to various polyphenols, gallic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, quercetin, kaempferol and tannic acid, and their iron complexes. UV fluorescence and emission microscopy confirmed an autofluorescence indicative of the presence of phenolic and chlorophyll pigments. Solubilisation by glycosidic biosurfactant contributes to stabilisation of Mahī. The non‐corrosive nature of Mahī has been attributed to its neutral pH and absence of free iron and copper ions.
Field experiments show contradictory short‐ and long‐term myrmecochorous plant impacts on seed‐dispersing ants
Authors: Warren Robert J. , Elliott Katherine J. , Giladi Itamar , King Joshua R. , Bradford Mark A.
Published: July 2018

1. Some interactions previously described as mutualistic were revealed to be commensal or parasitic in subsequent investigations. Ant‐mediated seed dispersal has been described as a mutualism for more than a century; however, recent research suggests that it may be commensal or parasitic. Plants demonstrably benefit from ant‐mediated seed dispersal, although there is little evidence available to demonstrate that the interaction benefits long‐term ant fitness.

2. Field experiments were conducted in temperate North America focused on a key seed‐dispersing ant. All herbaceous plants were removed from a forest understorey for 13 years, and supplemented ant colonies with large elaiosome‐bearing seeds aiming to examine potential long‐ and short‐term myrmecochorous plant benefits for the ants.

3. If elaiosome‐bearing seeds benefit ants, suggesting a mutualistic relationship, it is expected that there would be greater worker and/or alate abundance and greater fat reserves (colony lipid content) with seed supplementation (short‐term) and in areas with high understorey herb abundance.

4. Short‐term seed supplementation of ant colonies did not result in an increase with respect to numbers or fat stores, although it did prompt the production of colony sexuals, which is a potential fitness benefit. In the long term, however, there was no positive effect on the ants and, instead, there were negative effects because the removal of elaiosome‐bearing plants corresponded with greater colony health.

5. The data obtained in the present study suggest that the ant–plant interaction ranged from occasionally beneficial to neutral to overall negative for the ant partner. Such results did not support considering the interaction as a mutualism. Collectively, the data suggest the need to reconsider the nature of the relationship between these ants and plants.
Towards meaningful quantification of glomalin‐related soil protein (GRSP) taking account of interference in the Coomassie Blue (Bradford) assay
Authors: Moragues‐Saitua Lur , Merino‐Martín Luis , Stokes Alexia , Staunton Siobhan
Published: July 2018

Glomalin‐related soil protein (GRSP), an operationally defined fraction of soil organic matter containing protein and various other components, is usually quantified using the colorimetric nonspecific Bradford method. This method is limited by a short working range, a nonlinear response and interference from co‐extracted compounds. These limitations hinder the exact quantification of the protein component. The aim of this study was to investigate the source of interference in the Bradford quantification of GRSP and propose several methodological improvements based on identified interferences. The easily extractable and total GRSP in five topsoils with contrasting texture, organic carbon content and land use were compared. Results showed that: (a) the extent of interference varied between different soils, (b) the standard addition method overestimated the extent of inhibition, (c) absorbance should be corrected for colour, (d) use of the ratio of absorbances at 595 and 465 nm, A595/A465, is not recommended because it is sensitive to pH and dilution‐dependent absorbance at 465 nm, (e) although a quadratic fit to the protein calibration curve was better than the linear fit, it was not possible for the dilution method, and (f) estimation of protein content from the dilution curve of the soil extract appeared to be suitable as it integrates the often observed, and hitherto unexplained, effect of dilution on the calculated protein content of soil extracts and avoids artefacts because of the choice of protein spike and dilution.

Highlights

Soil protein colorimetric quantification is hampered by co‐extracted compounds.

Variants of Bradford assay of glomalin‐related soil protein are tested for five contrasting soils.

Direct assay underestimates soil protein, but standard addition may overestimate.

Controlled sample dilution with colour correction might give the best estimate of soil protein.
Family Management of Pediatric Cancer: Links with Parenting Satisfaction and Psychological Distress
Authors: Salvador Ágata , Crespo Carla , Barros Luísa
Published: July 2018

Research has long acknowledged the disruptions posed by pediatric cancer diagnosis and treatment to family life. Nonetheless, the mechanisms through which the family response influences parents’ mental health in this adverse context are not fully understood. The main goal of the present study was to examine the direct and indirect links, via parenting satisfaction, between family condition management and psychological distress of parents of children with cancer. Participants were 201 parents (86.6% mothers) of children/adolescents diagnosed with cancer who completed self‐report questionnaires assessing family condition management (family life difficulty and parental mutuality), parenting satisfaction, and psychological distress (anxiety and depression). Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed mediation model. The results showed that parenting satisfaction mediated the association between both the family condition management dimensions (family life difficulty and parental mutuality) and depression. Specifically, greater family life difficulties and lower parental mutuality were associated with lower parenting satisfaction, which, in turn, was associated with higher levels of depression. Additionally, greater family life difficulties and lower parental mutuality were directly linked to higher levels of anxiety. Multigroup analyses suggested that the model was valid across patient age groups (children vs. adolescents) and treatment status (on vs. off‐treatment). These findings reinforce the need for family‐ and parent‐based interventions in the pediatric oncology field. Interventions that target families’ difficulties and promote their resources are likely to foster parenting satisfaction and psychological adjustment.
Endoplasmic Reticulum redox pathways: in sickness and in health
Authors: Benham Adam M.
Published: July 2018

The Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) is the major site for secretory protein production in eukaryotic cells and like an efficient factory, it has the capacity to expand or contract its output depending on the demand for its services. A primary function of the ER is to co‐ordinate the quality control of proteins as they enter this folding factory at the base of the secretory pathway. Reduction–oxidation (redox) reactions have an important role to play in the quality control process, through the provision of disulphide bonds and by maintaining a favourable redox environment for oxidative protein folding. The ER is also a major contributor to calcium homeostasis and is a key site for lipid biosynthesis, two processes that additionally impact upon, and are influenced by, redox in the ER compartment.
Authigenesis of biomorphic apatite particles from Benguela upwelling zone sediments off Namibia: The role of organic matter in sedimentary apatite nucleation and growth
Authors: Mänd Kaarel , Kirsimäe Kalle , Lepland Aivo , Crosby Chris H. , Bailey Jake V. , Konhauser Kurt O. , Wirth Richard , Schreiber Anja , Lumiste Kaarel
Published: July 2018

Sedimentary phosphorites comprise a major phosphorus (P) ore, yet their formation remains poorly understood. Extant polyphosphate‐metabolizing bacterial communities are known to act as bacterial phosphate‐pumps, leading to episodically high dissolved phosphate concentrations in pore waters of organic‐rich sediment. These conditions can promote the precipitation of amorphous precursor phases that are quickly converted to apatite—usually in carbonate fluorapatite form [Ca10(PO4,CO3)6F2‐3]. To assess the mechanisms underpinning the nucleation and growth of sedimentary apatite, we sampled P‐rich sediments from the Namibian shelf, a modern environment where phosphogenesis presently occurs. The P‐rich fraction of the topmost centimetres of sediment mainly consists of pellets about 50–400 μm in size, which in turn are comprised of micron‐sized apatite particles that are often arranged into radial structures with diameters ranging from 2 to 4 μm, and morphologies that range from rod‐shapes to dumbbells to spheres that resemble laboratory‐grown fluorapatite–gelatin nanocomposites known from double‐diffusion experiments in organic matrices. The nucleation and growth of authigenic apatite on the Namibian shelf is likely analogous to these laboratory‐produced precipitates, where organic macromolecules play a central role in apatite nucleation and growth. The high density of apatite nucleation sites within the pellets (>109 particles per cm3) suggests precipitation at high pore water phosphate concentrations that have been reported from the Namibian shelf and may be attributed to microbial phosphate pumping. The intimate association of organic material with the apatite could suggest a possible role of biological substrata, such as exopolymeric substances (EPS), in the nucleation of apatite precursors. Importantly, we do not observe any evidence that the apatite particles are actual phosphatized microbes, contradicting some earlier studies. Nevertheless, these results further evidence the potential importance of microbially derived (extracellular) organic matter as a template for phosphatic mineral nucleation in both recent and ancient phosphorites.
Large variability in drought survival among Urochloa spp. cultivars
Authors: Beloni Tatiane , Santos Patricia Menezes , Rovadoscki Gregori Alberto , Balachowski Jennifer , Volaire Florence
Published: July 2018

The Urochloa spp. cultivars are largely used for forage production in tropical and humid subtropical zones in Brazil. However, in areas of transition to drier zones, the persistence of Urochloa cultivars may be jeopardized by severe drought. We aimed to quantify and describe variability in growth potential under irrigation as well as dehydration tolerance and avoidance in cultivars under severe drought of Urochloa C4 species (Urochloa brizantha, cvs. Marandu and BRS Paiaguás and Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk), which were hypothesized to be less dehydration tolerant than a Mediterranean C3 species (Dactylis glomerata L. cv. Medly). Two experiments were carried out in a controlled environment—one in pots and one in long tubes—each under irrigation and drought successively. Marandu and Basilisk cultivars produced double the aerial and root biomass of cv. BRS Paiaguás. Their root systems were also deeper conferring them higher dehydration avoidance; however, they exhibited lower dehydration tolerance under severe drought. Conversely, cv. BRS Paiaguás was less productive, more dehydration tolerant and, therefore, able to survive at lower soil moisture, similar to the drought tolerant cv. Medly. The BRS Paiaguás cultivar may show sward persistence where extreme drought is experienced, but results should be confirmed under field conditions.
Differences in the bone marrow histology between childhood myelodysplastic syndrome with multilineage dysplasia and refractory cytopenia of childhood without multilineage dysplasia
Authors: Iwafuchi Hideto , Ito Masafumi
Published: July 2018

Aims

Refractory cytopenia of childhood (RCC) is subdivided into myelodysplastic syndrome with multilineage dysplasia (MDS‐MLD) and RCC without (w/o) multilineage dysplasia (RCC without MLD). Although RCC is a histomorphological distinct entity, the bone marrow (BM) histology of RCC is not yet characterised in relation to multilineage dysplasia. We investigated the BM histological features of RCC to clarify the characteristics of BM histology of MDS‐MLD in childhood compared to RCC without MLD.

Methods and results

The BM histology and cytology in 60 RCC patients from the nationwide registry of Japanese Childhood AA‐MDS Study Group were reviewed retrospectively. Although a thorough genetic assessment, including GATA2 and/or SAMD9, was not performed, inherited BM failure disorders were excluded by a cytogenetic test, a chromosome fragility test and a telomere length measurement along with careful clinical assessments. Among the 60 patients, 20 (33%) of MDS‐MLD and 40 (67%) of RCC w/o MLD were classified according to their BM cytology. We then investigated the BM histological features and compared them between the two groups. The BM cellularity, distribution pattern of haematopoiesis, frequency of left‐shifted granulopoiesis, numbers of micromegakaryocytes and p53 immunostaining‐positive cells were significantly different between the groups. The BM histology of MDS‐MLD in childhood showed higher cellularity, the more common occurrence of diffuse distribution pattern, more frequently left‐shifted granulopoiesis and more micromegakaryocytes and p53 immunostaining‐positive cells than RCC without MLD.

Conclusions

Our results showed that MDS‐MLD in childhood had a characteristic BM histology compared to RCC without MLD. The clinical relevance of MDS‐MLD in childhood needs to be evaluated.
Preparation and properties of porous SiC–Al2O3 ceramics using coal ash
Authors: Yin Yue , Ma Beiyue , Hu Chuanbo , Liu Guoqi , Li Hongxia , Su Chang , Ren Xinming , Yu Jingyu , Zhang Yaran , Yu Jingkun
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we first reported that porous SiC–Al2O3 ceramics were prepared from solid waste coal ash, activated carbon, and commercial SiC powder by a carbothermal reduction reaction (CRR) method under Ar atmosphere. The effects of addition amounts of SiC (0, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) on the postsintering properties of as‐prepared porous SiC–Al2O3 ceramics, such as phase composition, microstructure, apparent porosity, bulk density, pore size distribution, compressive strength, thermal shock resistance, and thermal diffusivity have been investigated. It was found that the final products are β‐SiC and α‐Al2O3. Meanwhile, the SEM shows the pores distribute uniformly and the body gradually contacts closely in the porous SiC–Al2O3 ceramics. The properties of as‐prepared porous SiC–Al2O3 ceramics were found to be remarkably improved by adding proper amounts of SiC (10, 15, and 20 wt%). However, further increasing the amount of SiC leads to a decrease in thermal shock resistance and mechanical properties. Porous SiC–Al2O3 ceramics doped with 10 wt% SiC and sintered at 1600°C for 5 hours with the median pore diameter of 4.24 μm, room‐temperature compressive strength of 21.70 MPa, apparent porosity of 48%, and thermal diffusivity of 0.0194 cm2/s were successfully obtained.
The effects of inulin as a prebiotic supplement and the synbiotic interactions of probiotics to improve oxalate degrading activity
Authors: Önal Darilmaz Derya , Sönmez Şule , Beyatli Yavuz
Published: July 2018

This paper examines the impact of inulin, Lactobacillus spp. (candidate probiotics), and synbiotic (inulin + Lactobacillus spp.) preparation on oxalate degrading activity and viability of Escherichia coli. In this study, the lowest viability of E. coli was recorded for the synbiotic treatments of Lactobacillus fermentum BP5 (59%) and IP5 (60%). The oxalate degrading activity of L. fermentum IP5 was 38.18 and 29.60% higher than the other strains after growth in 10 mM and 20 mM MRS‐ox plus 5% inulin media, respectively. The mixture of three strains demonstrated higher oxalate degrading capacity than the individual strains and showed the same good growth rates (9.43 CFU mL−1) as individuals. The study concludes that the addition of prebiotics has a significant effect on probiotics; therefore, a combination of L. fermentum IP5 with inulin could be a viable probiotic‐based functional food approach in administering oxalate metabolism and also treatment of E. coli‐related infections.
Shelf‐life extension and quality improvement of a Portuguese traditional ready‐to‐eat meat product with vinegar
Authors: Laranjo Marta , Potes Maria Eduarda , Gomes Ana , Véstia Joana , Garcia Raquel , Fernandes Maria José , Fraqueza Maria João , Elias Miguel
Published: July 2018

Cabeça de xara is a traditional ready‐to‐eat meat product (RTEMP) from the Portuguese region of Alentejo. It is a moulded galantine made of low value pork pieces. The aim of this work was to test the addition of vinegar in reducing the spoilage microbiota, as well as controlling Listeria monocytogenes, in order to increase the shelf‐life of cabeça de xara. Physicochemical (fatty acids and biogenic amines profiles), microbiological (mesophiles, psychrotrophic bacteria, enterobacteria, yeasts and L. monocytogenes) and sensory analyses were performed throughout the storage period. RTEMP vinegar samples always showed lower microbiological counts than control samples. Moreover, RTEMP vinegar samples showed significantly lower contents in vasoactive amines throughout the storage period, which might be explained by their significantly lower enterobacteria counts. Concerning sensory analysis, RTEMP vinegar samples generally scored higher in overall appreciation. Our results showed that shelf‐life of cabeça de xara may be extended from 1 to 3 months.
Characterization of a novel allelic variant in HLA‐B*46:01 lineage, HLA‐B*46:01:25, by cloning, phasing and sequencing
Authors: Li LiXin , Tian Wei , Zhu FaMing , Wang WenYi , Wang Fan
Published: July 2018

A new allelic variant in HLA‐B*46:01 lineage, HLA‐B*46:01:25, has been identified in a male individual of Mongol ethnicity residing in northern China. Following polymerase chain reaction‐sequence‐based typing (PCR‐SBT), this novel variant was further confirmed by cloning, phasing and sequencing. HLA‐B*46:01:25 differs from HLA‐B*46:01:01 by a single synonymous T substitution at nucleotide position 137 (C ‐ T) in exon 4, corresponding to codon 228 (ACC‐ACT) of the mature HLA‐B mRNA molecule.
Effect of systemic long‐term, low‐dose aspirin on periodontal status and soluble CD14 in gingival crevicular fluid: a case‐control study
Authors: Bali Sumeet K. , Madaiah Hemalata , Dharmapalan Jayanthi , Janarthanam Sanghamitra , Tarannum Fouzia
Published: July 2018

Aim

In the present study, we evaluated the effect of systemic long‐term, low‐dose aspirin on the periodontal status and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) concentrations of aspirin‐triggered lipoxins (ATL) and soluble CD14 (sCD14).

Methods

The study group consisted of 45 patients who were on long‐term, low‐dose aspirin therapy, and the control group included patients not on aspirin therapy. Mean bleeding index, plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were recorded. GCF samples were analyzed for concentrations of ATL, and sCD14 using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method.

Results

The means of PI, PD, and CAL were higher for the control group compared to the study group. The mean concentration of ATL was significantly higher for the study group (49.13 ± 37.39 ng/mL). The mean concentration of sCD14 was higher in the control group (5.75 ± 3.91 μg/mL). There was a negative correlation in the study group between concentrations of ATL with PD (r = −0.54) and CAL (r = −0.123). There was a positive correlation between sCD14 and CAL (r = 0.047) in the study group. A negative correlation was also observed between concentrations of sCD14 and ATL (r = −0.134) in the study group.

Conclusion

The results indicate better periodontal status among long‐term aspirin users compared to non‐aspirin users.
Pediatric Readiness in Critical Access Hospital Emergency Departments
Authors: Pilkey Diane , Edwards Christy , Richards Rachel , Olson Lenora M. , Ely Michael , Edgerton Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), often the first point of access for emergency care, see few children and are challenged to remain proficient in caring for pediatric patients. Our analysis provides guidance to facilitate increasing CAHs staffs’ ability to provide effective pediatric emergency care.

Methods

The National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) assessment of 4,146 emergency departments (EDs) was linked with the CAHs list from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Pediatric readiness was assessed using the weighted pediatric readiness score (WPRS). A WPRS of 100 indicates that the ED meets essential guidelines for pediatric readiness. Using descriptive statistics, we also compared low (fewer than 5 children a day) and medium patient volume (5‐14 children a day) EDs in 6 core areas of readiness.

Findings

Eighty‐six percent (1,140) of CAHs were linked to the NPRP. In the study, 80% were low and 20% medium volume. The median WPRS was 59.0 for low and 67.3 for medium volume. While some differences were found by patient volume, overall 63% of CAHs had a pediatric emergency care coordinator, 34% had a pediatric patient care review process, 62% had interfacility transfer guidelines, and 45% weighed children only in kilograms. CAHs participating in a facility recognition program had significantly higher median WPRS scores (84.3) compared to those not participating (59.5).

Conclusion

CAHs have challenges in being ready to care for children in the areas of pediatric emergency care coordinators, policies, procedures, and patient safety. Minimal cost interventions are available to increase the readiness of CAHs to care for children.
The diachrony of morphosyntactic alignment
Authors: Zúñiga Fernando
Published: July 2018

With morphological and syntactic argument properties, some arguments behave alike (i.e., they align with each other) while others do not. Such alignment patterns have received significant attention in the literature, but claims as to their origin and development are sometimes difficult to assess, due to scant actual data. This paper surveys the main hypotheses proposed in early and recent work on the topic, focusing on alignment type change and on major alignment types (ergativity, accusativity, and split intransitivity) of morphological properties, with some remarks on syntactic properties. The survey shows that alignment type change may often occur when clauses denoting low transitivity are reanalyzed as clauses of either higher or lower syntactic valency, sometimes even introducing a partition in the verbal lexicon (occasionally being conditioned by semantic, pragmatic, or structural factors), or are extended from low‐transitivity predicates to most bivalent predicates. Lastly, alignment type change can be either functionally motivated or not.
The state of the art and fundamental aspects of regional climate modeling in South America
Authors: Ambrizzi Tércio , Reboita Michelle Simões , da Rocha Rosmeri Porfírio , Llopart Marta
Published: July 2018

Regional climate models have been used since 1989 in order to improve climate simulation in regions where mesoscale forcings modulate the regional climate. These models are driven by time‐dependent lateral boundary conditions from global climate models or reanalysis, and this process is called dynamical downscaling. Here, we review the evolution of regional climate modeling, as well as present the studies developed for South America.
Can You Lie Without Intending to Deceive?
Authors: Krstić Vladimir
Published: July 2018

This article defends the view that liars need not intend to deceive. I present common objections to this view in detail and then propose a case of a liar who can lie but who cannot deceive in any relevant sense. I then modify this case to get a situation in which this person lies intending to tell his hearer the truth and he does this by way of getting the hearer to recognize his intention to tell the truth by lying. This case, and further cases that I develop from it, demonstrate that lying without the intention to deceive is possible.
Procedural justice and the law
Authors: Meyerson Denise , Mackenzie Catriona
Published: July 2018

This article considers procedural justice in the law, with specific reference to the adjudicative context of governmental officials applying legal standards to particular cases. We critically survey the three main accounts of procedural justice in the literature: utilitarian, outcome‐based, and dignitarian. Utilitarian and outcome‐based theories share the instrumental view that the only purpose of procedures is to lead to accurate legal outcomes. However, the former are willing to trade off the benefits of accuracy against its costs, whereas the latter hold that procedural rights are necessary to guard against the injustice caused when individuals' legal rights are mistakenly denied. Dignitarian theories maintain that process matters apart from outcomes, because procedures should show respect for individuals' dignity in the Kantian sense of rational agency. We present a new perspective, drawing on relational theory. Relational theory holds that we are social creatures whose self‐identities and sense of self‐respect are bound up with the quality of our relationships with other individuals, groups, and institutions. Our relational account is informed by empirical research in social psychology which has found that people's evaluation of procedures is substantially influenced by relational concerns.
A survey of stereotactic radiation therapy in veterinary medicine
Authors: Dunfield Elizabeth M. , Turek Michelle M. , Buhr Kevin A. , Christensen Neil C.
Published: July 2018

Radiotherapy plays an important role in curative and palliative cancer treatment. As a novel radiation delivery technique, stereotactic radiotherapy utilizes three‐dimensional‐conformal treatment planning, high‐precision beam delivery technology, and patient specific position verification to target tumors, often in one to five high‐dose fractions. Currently, there is no consensus about best stereotactic radiotherapy practices in veterinary radiotherapy. The objective of this study was to document the breadth of perspectives, techniques, and applications of stereotactic radiotherapy in veterinary medicine. We conducted an online survey of American College of Veterinary Radiology members specializing in radiation oncology to assess how, when, and why stereotactic radiotherapy is being used. Both stereotactic radiotherapy users and nonusers completed the survey. The overall response and survey completion rates were 54% (67/123) and 87% (58/67), respectively. Overall, 55% of respondents reported providing stereotactic radiotherapy at their facility, with a median of 4.5 canine cases and one feline case per month. Delivery methods included C‐arm linear accelerator with multi‐leaf collimator, helical tomotherapy, and CyberKnife. Nonpituitary intracranial tumors, pituitary tumors, and sinonasal tumors were the most common cancers treated using stereotactic radiotherapy in both species. The most common fractionation scheme was three fractions of 10 Gy/fraction. The results of this survey suggest common availability of stereotactic radiotherapy in veterinary radiation facilities. These results provide valuable information regarding current stereotactic radiotherapy practices in veterinary medicine, and may provide an initial step toward standardizing methods and establishing consensus guidelines.
Relationship Between Diversity Management With Organizational Growth of Erzurum Physical Education Teachers
Authors: Burmaoglu Gul Eda
Published: July 2018

The main goal of this study is to investigate relationship between diversity management and organizational development of the physical education teachers of Erzurum. This research is a descriptive – correlation study. 55 physical education teachers of Erzurum participated in this research. Villamil diversity management (2007) and organizational development Power questionnaire (2008) have been used as a research tool. Cronbach's alpha was used to test the confidence to manage the diversity of 0.76 and 0.84 respectively for organizational development which reflects the reliability of research. Pearson and Variance analysis were used to get results. The results of study showed a significant correlation between diversity management and organizational development. As well as the dimensions of diversity management and organizational development.
The Effect of Rapid Dehydration on Some Motor Fitness Factors of Wrestlers
Authors: Uçan Izzet
Published: July 2018

The main purpose of this research was to study the effect of rapid dehydration on some motor fitness of wrestlers. So 30 wrestlers were voluntarily selected and randomly divided into two groups (n=15); active and sauna groups. They participated in some motor fitness factors tests such as; reaction time, 9 × 4 meters test to measure agility and 60 m sprint to measure speed. The results showed acute dehydration in the active group had a significant effect on agility, but did not have a significant effect on speed and reaction time. In the sauna group, the effects of acute dehydration on agility and speed were significant but did not have a significant effect on reaction time.
Type 2 diabetes and older age contribute to elevated plasma microparticle concentrations independent of chronic stroke
Authors: Landers‐Ramos Rian Q. , Serra Monica C. , Blumenthal Jacob B. , Ryan Alice S. , Hafer‐Macko Charlene E. , Prior Steven J.
Published: July 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What is the effect of chronic stroke on circulating microparticle populations, accounting for potential effects of age and type 2 diabetes?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Elevated concentrations of CD31+/CD42b− and CD62E+ microparticles appear to be driven by type 2 diabetes but not chronic stroke and are associated with fasting glucose and triglyceride levels. Older age results in elevations in CD62E+ and CD34+ microparticle concentrations. These microparticles have been proposed as potential targets for diagnosing, treating and identifying the clinical progression and complications of type 2 diabetes.

The elevated circulating concentration of endothelial microparticles (MPs) may provide an index of the extent and nature of cellular damage in chronic stroke. The purpose of this study was to determine the circulating concentrations of CD31+/CD42b−, CD62E+ and CD34+ MPs in chronic stroke subjects, focusing on the effects of chronic stroke by comparison with both older adults without a history of stroke but with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and older and young healthy controls. Plasma from three groups of sedentary older (50–75 years) men and women (chronic stroke, T2DM or older healthy) as well as a group of younger (18–39 years) healthy controls was isolated from fasting blood, and CD31+/CD42b−, CD62E+ and CD34+ MPs were quantified using flow cytometry (n = 17/group). Concentrations of CD31+/CD42b− and CD62E+ MPs were higher in the T2DM group (P < 0.05), but not chronic stroke, compared to older and younger healthy adults. CD62E+ MP and CD34+ MP concentrations were elevated in the older compared to younger adults (P < 0.05 for both). Sub‐analyses excluding chronic stroke subjects who were also diagnosed with diabetes [stroke (diabetes−)] revealed lower CD31+/CD42b− (P < 0.05) and CD62E+ (P = 0.08) MPs in the stroke (diabetes−) group compared to the T2DM group. CD31+/CD42b− MP and CD62E+ MP concentrations were each associated with fasting glucose levels and CD31+/CD42b− MPs also were associated with triglyceride levels. As MPs have been proposed as potential targets for diagnosing, treating and identifying the clinical progression of T2DM, our study provides further support for the use of CD31+/CD42b− and CD62E+ MPs in the clinical progression of T2DM and associated vascular complications.
Caught in the “Akt”: Cross-talk between EphA2 and EGFR through the Akt-PIKfyve axis maintains cellular sensitivity to EGF
Authors: Shi Xiaojun , Wang Bingcheng
Published: July 2018

EphA activation upon cell-cell contact balances EGFR degradation and recycling to ensure sustained responsiveness to EGF (Stallaert
et al
., in 31 July 2018 issue).
Pooled Resistance Analysis in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1 to 6 Infection Treated with Glecaprevir-Pibrentasvir in Phase 2 and 3 Clinical Trials
Authors: Krishnan Preethi , Pilot-Matias Tami , Schnell Gretja , Tripathi Rakesh , Ng Teresa I. , Reisch Thomas , Beyer Jill , Dekhtyar Tatyana , Irvin Michelle , Xie Wangang , Larsen Lois , Mensa Federico J. , Collins Christine
Published: July 2018

Over 2,200 patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes (GT) 1 to 6, with or without cirrhosis, who were treatment naive or experienced to interferon, ribavirin, and/or sofosbuvir were treated with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for 8, 12, or 16 weeks in eight registrational phase 2 and 3 clinical studies. High rates of sustained virologic response at 12 weeks postdosing (SVR12) were achieved with a <1% virologic failure (VF) rate.
Survival of Staphylococcus epidermidis in Fibroblasts and Osteoblasts
Authors: Perez Kimberly , Patel Robin
Published: July 2018

Staphylococcus epidermidis
is a leading cause of infections associated with indwelling medical devices, including prosthetic joint infection. While biofilm formation is assumed to be the main mechanism underlying the chronic infections
S. epidermidis
causes, we hypothesized that
S. epidermidis
also evades immune killing, contributing to its pathogenesis.
Role of Small Hydrophobic Protein of J Paramyxovirus in Virulence
Authors: Abraham Mathew , Arroyo-Diaz Nicole Michelle , Li Zhuo , Zengel James , Sakamoto Kaori , He Biao
Published: July 2018

Paramyxoviruses are associated with many devastating diseases in animals and humans. J paramyxovirus (JPV) was isolated from moribund mice in Australia in 1972. Newly isolated viruses, such as Beilong virus (BeiPV) and Tailam virus (TlmPV), have genome structures similar to that of JPV. A new paramyxovirus genus,
Jeilongvirus
, which contains JPV, BeiPV, and TlmPV, has been proposed. Small hydrophobic (SH) protein is present in many paramyxoviruses. Our present study investigates the role of SH protein of JPV in pathogenesis in its natural host. Understanding the pathogenic mechanism of
Jeilongvirus
is important to control and prevent potential diseases that may emerge from this group of viruses.
Inhibition of Stress Granule Formation by Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 4a Accessory Protein Facilitates Viral Translation, Leading to Efficient Virus Replication
Authors: Nakagawa Keisuke , Narayanan Krishna , Wada Masami , Makino Shinji
Published: July 2018

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes respiratory failure with a high case fatality rate in patients, yet effective antivirals and vaccines are currently not available. Stress granule (SG) formation is one of the cellular stress responses to virus infection and is generally triggered as a result of stress-induced translation arrest. SGs can be beneficial or detrimental for virus replication, and the biological role of SGs in CoV infection is unclear. The present study showed that the MERS-CoV 4a accessory protein, which was reported to block SG formation in cells in which it was expressed, inhibited SG formation in infected cells. Our data suggest that 4a-mediated inhibition of SG formation facilitates the translation of viral mRNAs, resulting in efficient virus replication. To our knowledge, this report is the first to show the biological significance of SG in CoV replication and provides insight into the interplay between MERS-CoV and antiviral stress responses.
Streamlining the process of Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE)
Authors: Ghabra Karim , Ahmed Molla Imaduddin , McDevitt Katharine , Al-Sabbagh Afraa
Published: July 2018

This quality improvement project helped streamline the process of newborn and infant physical examinations on maternity inpatient ward and improved patient journey and workforce satisfaction.
Diagnostic accuracy of a pH stick, modified to detect gastric lipase, to confirm the correct placement of nasogastric tubes
Authors: Rowat Anne M , Graham Catriona , Dennis Martin
Published: July 2018

Objective

The correct placement of a nasogastric feeding tube is usually confirmed by establishing that an aspirate is acidic using a pH stick. However, antacid medication and achlorhydria can cause false negative pH tests that may delay feeding and increase resource use. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a modified pH stick designed to detect gastric lipase and therefore reduce false negative tests.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, a convenience sample of adult patients who had either gastric and oesophageal samples taken during routine diagnostic gastroscopy (n=97) or bronchial and saliva samples taken during a bronchoscopy (n=106). The samples were tested by blinded observers using the modified and standard pH sticks. The sensitivities and specificities of the two pH sticks in identifying gastric and non-gastric aspirates were compared using the pH cut-off ≤5.5.

Results

The sensitivities of a pH≤5.5 to correctly identify gastric samples were 66% (95% CI 56 to 75) and 68% (95% CI 57 to 77) for the modified and the standard pH, respectively. The specificities were 81% (95% CI 76 to 85) and 79% (95% CI 74 to 84). There were no significant differences in the distribution of the discordant results between the paired gastric and non-gastric samples for both the modified and standard pH sticks at pH≤5.5 (both McNemar’s tests, p≥0.05).

Conclusions

There were no significant differences between the paired modified and standard pH tests for the gastric samples. Due to the limited accuracy of pH sticks, further research is required to identify accurate and cost-effective bedside methods to confirm the correct placement of nasogastric tubes.
Treatment with camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) prevents obesity by altering the gut microbiota and increasing energy expenditure in diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Anhê Fernando F , Nachbar Renato T , Varin Thibault V , Trottier Jocelyn , Dudonné Stéphanie , Le Barz Mélanie , Feutry Perrine , Pilon Geneviève , Barbier Olivier , Desjardins Yves , Roy Denis , Marette André
Published: July 2018

Objective

The consumption of fruits is strongly associated with better health and higher bacterial diversity in the gut microbiota (GM). Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) is an Amazonian fruit with a unique phytochemical profile, strong antioxidant potential and purported anti-inflammatory potential.

Design

By using metabolic tests coupled with 16S rRNA gene-based taxonomic profiling and faecal microbial transplantation (FMT), we have assessed the effect of a crude extract of camu camu (CC) on obesity and associated immunometabolic disorders in high fat/high sucrose (HFHS)-fed mice.

Results

Treatment of HFHS-fed mice with CC prevented weight gain, lowered fat accumulation and blunted metabolic inflammation and endotoxaemia. CC-treated mice displayed improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and were also fully protected against hepatic steatosis. These effects were linked to increased energy expenditure and upregulation of uncoupling protein 1 mRNA expression in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) of CC-treated mice, which strongly correlated with the mRNA expression of the membrane bile acid (BA) receptor TGR5. Moreover, CC-treated mice showed altered plasma BA pool size and composition and drastic changes in the GM (eg, bloom of Akkermansia muciniphila and a strong reduction of Lactobacillus). Germ-free (GF) mice reconstituted with the GM of CC-treated mice gained less weight and displayed higher energy expenditure than GF-mice colonised with the FM of HFHS controls.

Conclusion

Our results show that CC prevents visceral and liver fat deposition through BAT activation and increased energy expenditure, a mechanism that is dependent on the GM and linked to major changes in the BA pool size and composition.
Randomised controlled trial of GM-CSF in critically ill patients with impaired neutrophil phagocytosis
Authors: Pinder Emma M , Rostron Anthony J , Hellyer Thomas P , Ruchaud-Sparagano Marie-Helene , Scott Jonathan , Macfarlane James G , Wiscombe Sarah , Widdrington John D , Roy Alistair I , Linnett Vanessa C , Baudouin Simon V , Wright Stephen E , Chadwick Thomas , Fouweather Tony , Juss Jatinder K , Chilvers Edwin R , Bowett Susan A , Parker Jennie , McAuley Daniel F , Conway Morris Andrew , Simpson A John
Published: July 2018

Background

Critically ill patients with impaired neutrophil phagocytosis have significantly increased risk of nosocomial infection. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) improves phagocytosis by neutrophils ex vivo. This study tested the hypothesis that GM-CSF improves neutrophil phagocytosis in critically ill patients in whom phagocytosis is known to be impaired.

Methods

This was a multicentre, phase IIa randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Using a personalised medicine approach, only critically ill patients with impaired neutrophil phagocytosis were included. Patients were randomised 1:1 to subcutaneous GM-CSF (3 μg/kg/day) or placebo, once daily for 4 days. The primary outcome measure was neutrophil phagocytosis 2 days after initiation of GM-CSF. Secondary outcomes included neutrophil phagocytosis over time, neutrophil functions other than phagocytosis, monocyte HLA-DR expression and safety.

Results

Thirty-eight patients were recruited from five intensive care units (17 randomised to GM-CSF). Mean neutrophil phagocytosis at day 2 was 57.2% (SD 13.2%) in the GM-CSF group and 49.8% (13.4%) in the placebo group, p=0.73. The proportion of patients with neutrophil phagocytosis≥50% at day 2, and monocyte HLA-DR, appeared significantly higher in the GM-CSF group. Neutrophil functions other than phagocytosis did not appear significantly different between the groups. The most common adverse event associated with GM-CSF was fever.

Conclusions

GM-CSF did not improve mean neutrophil phagocytosis at day 2, but was safe and appeared to increase the proportion of patients with adequate phagocytosis. The study suggests proof of principle for a pharmacological effect on neutrophil function in a subset of critically ill patients.