bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communication disorders, interpersonal conflicts and sexual dysfunctions
Authors: Marciante Nunzia
Published: July 2017

The aim of this article is to analyze the effects of comunication, conflicts, and body language on sexual dysfunctions. As explained in the work of Merleau Ponty, the everyday experience goes through the body and communicates its being in the world through external stimuli, generating emotions and developing affectivity. In this perspective, the sexuality is something more than a set of biological mechanism. Simultaneous, experiencing of conflicting feelings and emotions, such as anger, may affect the body sexual response, such as vaginism and dyspareunia. One of the most important purpose of Sex Therapy is the integration of all the contributing professional and academic disciplines both from the points of view of research and clinical practice. This perspective requires a change in the attitude of the disciplines in recognising the importance of the integrated study of sexuality for the future happines of human beings and the implications for society.
Deficits in cognitive inhibition and post-loss rumination: evidence from a thought suppression task / Déficits de inhibición cognitiva y rumiación posterior a una pérdida: evidencia a partir de una tarea de supresión de pensamientos
Authors: Delespaux Emily , Zech Emmanuelle
Published: July 2017

The present study investigated the relationship between deficits in grief-related thought suppression and post-loss rumination. Using Wegner’s thought-suppression paradigm, bereaved participants with low and high rumination were asked to suppress painful thoughts about their loss. High ruminators were found to be less able to suppress grief-related, negative and positive words in comparison with low ruminators. In addition, they were found less able to suppress negative representations in comparison with grief-related and neutral ones. Deficits in thought suppression during bereavement are discussed in terms of their implications for ruminative processes.
Inhibition of autophagy limits vertical transmission of Zika virus in pregnant mice
Authors: Cao Bin , Parnell Lindsay A. , Diamond Michael S. , Mysorekar Indira U.
Published: July 2017

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy leads to devastating fetal outcomes, including intrauterine growth restriction and microcephaly. Greater understanding of mechanisms underlying ZIKV maternal-fetal transmission is needed to develop new therapeutic interventions. Here, we define an important role for the autophagy pathway in ZIKV vertical transmission. ZIKV infection induced autophagic activity in human trophoblasts and pharmacological inhibition limited ZIKV infectivity. Furthermore, deficiency in an essential autophagy gene, Atg16l1, in mice limited ZIKV vertical transmission and placental and fetal damage and overall improved placental and fetal outcomes. This protection was due to a placental trophoblast cell-autonomous effect of autophagic activity, not to alterations in systemic maternal ZIKV infection. Finally, an autophagy inhibitor, hydroxychloroquine, approved for use in pregnant women, attenuated placental and fetal ZIKV infection and ameliorated adverse placental and fetal outcomes. Our study reveals new insights into the mechanism of ZIKV vertical transmission and suggests that an autophagy-based therapeutic warrants possible evaluation in humans to diminish the risks of ZIKV maternal-fetal transmission.
Corruption, financial development and capital structure: evidence from China
Authors: Wei Feng , Kong Yu
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper takes listed companies in the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets from 1998 to 2013 as a research sample, investigating the role played by corruption and financial development, along with the interactions between the two, in determining the factors of a company’s capital structure in China’s legal environment. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data of listed companies and the regional level of China during 1998-2013 and the STATA process (xtabond2 command) developed by Roodman (2006) to implement the two-step GMM estimation, empirically investigate the effect of interactions between corruption and financial development on a company’s capital structure in Chinese legal environment.

Findings

After both controlling for China’s legal environment, a company’s internal factors, and industry factors and considering endogeneity problems, the results show that corruption and financial development have significant positive influences on a company’s bank loans. However, when investigating the interactions between corruption and financial development, the authors find that financial development does not increase a company’s bank loans in areas with a higher level of corruption. However, corruption and financial development have insignificant influences on a company’s long-term bank loans.

Research limitations/implications

The findings in this study suggest that a company’s capital structure was affected not only by the company’s internal factors and industry factors, but also by the company’s external factors, and the interactions between these factors.

Practical implications

To improve the financing circumstances of company credit, the next point of reform should be to improve their procedures for administrative examination and approval of bank creditors and strengthen the punishment and prevention of credit and judicial corruption to weaken the negative effects of corruption on firms’ capital structure decisions.

Originality/value

This study uses only Chinese listed companies, and considers the influence of the interaction of corruption and financial development on a company’s capital structure decisions.
Digital preservation of law reviews: Two ways
Authors: Craigle Valeri
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper will aim to explain two strategies for digital preservation of law reviews, informing law librarians of the options which might best suit their needs.

Design/methodology/approach

On November 7, 2008, the Durham Statement on Open Access to Legal Scholarship was released to the public. One of its main tenets – that law schools and libraries “stop publishing journals in print format and rely instead on electronic publication coupled with a commitment to keep the electronic versions available in stable, open, digital formats” – was an open call to law libraries to start thinking about digital preservation strategies for their law reviews. The Legal Information Preservation Alliance responded to the need by developing the Law Review Preservation Program, an initiative, which archives law reviews hosted on the Bepress Digital Commons (DC) platform in Controlled LOCKSS (Lots of Copies Keep Stuff Safe) or CLOCKSS.

Findings

For those law libraries without subscriptions to DC, there is an open-source, freely available alternative solution for ingesting digital law reviews into any preservation platform. This application, called the Submission Information Metadata Packaging, or SIMP tool was developed at the J. Willard Marriott Library at the University of Utah, initially as a solution for ingesting content into the Ex Libris Rosetta Digital preservation platform, as part of a CONTENTdm digital asset management workflow. Though the development of the SIMP tool was inspired by Marriott’s need to ingest digital files from CONTENTdm to Rosetta, they built it to work with any Digital Asset Management System and Digital preservation platform.

Originality/value

Digital Preservation of law reviews is in its infancy. This is one of the first articles of its kind to provide specific solutions and technical advice for law libraries.
Does post-migration education improve labour market performance? Findings from four cities in Indonesia
Authors: Pratomo Devanto Shasta
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to examine which factors are important in determining the post-migration education among rural-urban migrants in Indonesia. Second, to investigate whether investing in post-migration education in the cities improves the labour market performances of rural-urban migrants. The labour market performances are measured by the occupational (work) statuses and earnings (wages) at destination.

Design/methodology/approach

The determinants of post-migration education are estimated using a binary probit and ordinary least square, while a multinomial logit model and a two-step procedure of Lee’s selection-biased correction based on the multinomial logit are used to examine the effects of post-migration education on the labour market performances of migrants measured by occupational status and by wages. The main source of the data used in this study is the Rural-Urban Migration in China and Indonesia (RUMiCI) 2009-2011 survey conducted in the four largest recent migrant destination cities in Indonesia including Tangerang, Medan, Samarinda, and Makassar.

Findings

Post-migration education contributes significantly to the labour market performance in terms of work status and wages, compared to pre-migration education. In terms of work status, migrants with more post-migration education are more likely to be employed in the formal sector compared to migrants with less or no post-migration education. Relating to earnings, migrants with more post-migration education also tend to be paid more than those migrants with less or no post-migration education.

Originality/value

The role of post-migration education in the case of rural-urban migration particularly in developing countries is a relatively neglected area of research. One possible reason is because of the lack of data for rural-urban migration particularly in the case of developing countries. This study is taking advantage by using a new data set from RUMiCI focusing specifically on the rural-urban migrants in the four largest recent migrant destination cities in Indonesia including Tangerang, Medan, Samarinda, and Makassar.
Regional dynamism between social and commercial ventures
Authors: Kachlami Habib
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the interaction between social and commercial ventures in a region. It achieves this objective through investigating the influence of social ventures’ entry, exit and density on the entry rate of commercial ventures.

Design/methodology/approach

Organizational ecology is applied for theoretical analysis and the feasible generalized least square method for empirical analysis.

Findings

The study, in overall, finds a diffuse competition between the populations of social and commercial ventures. The results have revealed a negative influence of social ventures’ entry and density on the entry rate of commercial ventures and a positive influence of the social ventures’ exit on commercial ventures’ entry rate in a region.

Originality/value

The study is one of the few in its filed that empirically studies the interaction between social and commercial ventures and the first study, which investigates it in the context of Sweden. The previous two studies, however, have only examined either the influence of social ventures entry or social venture density on the entry rate of commercial ventures. This study, however, examines the influence of both of those factors plus the influence of social venture exit on commercial venture entry. The study is also unique regarding the large-scale database it uses including all the 290 municipalities all over Sweden 1990-2014.
Straight from the heart – a clinical group intervention to research management spirituality
Authors: Lychnell Lasse , Mårtensson Pär
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the advancement of research methods in management spirituality by proposing a novel and innovative approach for generating empirical material on issues relevant for practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach introduced is designed as a one-year group process based on Schein’s concept of clinical inquiry, primarily aimed at helping the participating managers to address challenging issues that they face in real life. When this helping process is successful, empirical material on these issues is revealed, as the participants share information to receive help themselves.

Findings

Findings illustrate how the approach generates extensive, rich and broad data, guided by what becomes important for the participating managers as the process unfolds. A strong holding environment allows for urgent matters to be shared straight from the heart.

Research limitations/implications

As this activity is based on the belief that the managers know best the issues relevant to them, a deviation from the assumed research direction should be seen as help to focus on relevant issues, rather than an obstacle of following an original plan.

Practical implications

The proposed approach may be of particular interest to researchers who not only want to contribute to academic knowledge but also wish to work with people and facilitate transformation.

Originality/value

This paper advances understandings of generating empirical material in the field of management spirituality through an innovative, client-centered research approach, rooted in well-established theories.
User-generated content on the Facebook page of an emergency management agency
Authors: Kurian Jayan Chirayath , John Blooma Mohan
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore themes eventuating from the user-generated content posted by users on the Facebook page of an emergency management agency.

Design/methodology/approach

An information classification framework was used to classify user-generated content posted by users including all of the content posted during a six month period (January to June 2015). The posts were read and analysed thematically to determine the overarching themes evident across the entire collection of user posts.

Findings

The results of the analysis demonstrate that the key themes that eventuate from the user-generated content posted are “Self-preparedness”, “Emergency signalling solutions”, “Unsurpassable companion”, “Aftermath of an emergency”, and “Gratitude towards emergency management staff”. Major user-generated content identified among these themes are status-update, criticism, recommendation, and request.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to theory on the development of key themes from user-generated content posted by users on a public social networking site. An analysis of user-generated content identified in this study implies that, Facebook is primarily used for information dissemination, coordination and collaboration, and information seeking in the context of emergency management. Users may gain the benefits of identity construction and social provisions, whereas social conflict is a potential detrimental implication. Other user costs include lack of social support by stakeholders, investment in social infrastructure and additional work force required to alleviate the technological, organisational, and social barriers in communication among stakeholders in emergency management. A collective activity system built upon the Activity Theory was used as a lens to describe users’ activity of posting content on the Facebook page of an emergency management agency.

Practical implications

By analysing the findings, administrators and policy makers of emergency management could identify the extent to which the core principles of disaster recovery are accomplished using public social networking sites. These are achieved in relation to: pre-disaster recovery planning; partnership and inclusiveness; public information messaging; unity of effort; and, psychological recovery to maximise the success of recovery in a disaster. Furthermore, a core principle which evoked a mixed response was timeliness and flexibility.

Originality/value

Previous studies have examined the role of social networking sites in disastrous situations, but to date there has been very little research into determining themes found in user-generated content posted on the Facebook page of an emergency management agency. Hence, this study addresses the gap in literature by conducting a thematic analysis of user-generated content posted on the Facebook page of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Forming metal components through a novel fused-coating based additive manufacturing
Authors: Fang Xuewei , Wei Zhengying , Du Jun , Bingheng Lu , He Pengfei , Wang Bowen , Chen Jian , Geng Ruwei
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aimed to propose a novel fused-coating-based additive manufacturing (FCAM); the study of key process parameters and mechanical tests are performed to determine the proper parameters when building metal components.

Design/methodology/approach

Sn63Pb37 alloy is deposited in an induction heating furnace with a fused-coating nozzle to build metal parts on a copper-clad substrate. The process parameters including nozzle pressure, nozzle and substrate temperature and nozzle gap between substrate are analyzed and found to have great influence on parts quality. The mechanical property tests between the fused-coating and casting parts are performed in horizontal and vertical directions. Also, the optical microscopy images are used to ascertain under which conditions good bonding can be achieved.

Findings

A FCAM method is proposed, and the exploration study about the manufacturing process is carried out. The critical parameters are analyzed, and microscopy images prove the suitable temperature range that requires to fabricate metal parts. The mechanical tests confirm that tensile strength of printing parts is improved by 20.4 and 11.9 per cent in horizontal and vertical direction than casting parts. The experimental results indicate that there is a close relationship between process parameters and mechanical properties.

Originality/value

This paper proves that FCAM provides an alternative way to quickly make functional metal parts with good quality and flexibility compared with other additive manufacturing methods. Moreover, good mechanical property is achieved than conventional casting parts.
Role of process parameters during additive manufacturing by direct metal deposition of Inconel 718
Authors: Chen Bo , Mazumder Jyoti
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The aim of this research is to study the influence of laser additive manufacturing process parameters on the deposit formation characteristics of Inconel 718 superalloy, the main parameters that influence the forming characteristics, the cooling rate and the microstructure were studied.

Design/methodology/approach

Orthogonal experiment design method was used to obtain different deposit shape and microstructure using different process parameters by multiple layers deposition. The relationship between the processing parameters and the geometry of the cladding was analyzed, and the dominant parameters that influenced the cladding width and height were identified. The cooling rates of different forming conditions were obtained by the secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS).

Findings

The microstructure showed different characteristics at different parts of the deposit. Cooling rate of different samples were obtained and compared by using the SDAS, and the influence of the process parameters to the cooling rate was analyzed. Finally, micro-hardness tests were done, and the results were found to be in accordance with the micro-structure distribution.

Originality/value

Relationships between processing parameters and the forming characteristics and the cooling rates were obtained. The results obtained in this paper will help to understand the relationship between the process parameters and the forming quality of the additive manufacturing process, so as to obtain the desired forming quality by appropriate parameters.
Generalised relative and cumulative response functions for electromagnetic induction conductivity meters operating at low induction numbers
Authors: Moura de Andrade Fernando César , Fischer Tomáš
Published: July 2017

Relative and cumulative analytical response functions have been widely used as a powerful tool for forward modelling and interpretation of measurements obtained by electromagnetic induction conductivity meters operating at low induction numbers for one‐dimensional layered earth models. These well‐known functions were derived and should be used for the instruments laid on the surface of the earth. In this paper, we extended the response functions and obtained new generalised analytical expressions, which can be used for instruments carried at any height from the surface. The proposed new equations were compared with numerically constructed functions, obtained using the full solution of Maxwell's equations, and proved to be in very good agreement at low induction numbers. Quantitative analyses of the behaviour of the relative response and the depth of investigation of electromagnetic induction instruments, when raised from the ground, could also be done using the generalised functions.
Indirect effects of ecosystem engineering combine with consumer behaviour to determine the spatial distribution of herbivory
Authors: Griffen Blaine D. , Riley Megan E. , Cannizzo Zachary J. , Feller Ilka C.
Published: July 2017

Ecosystem engineers alter environments by creating, modifying or destroying habitats. The indirect impacts of ecosystem engineering on trophic interactions should depend on the combination of the spatial distribution of engineered structures and the foraging behaviour of consumers that use these structures as refuges.

In this study, we assessed the indirect effects of ecosystem engineering by a wood‐boring beetle in a neotropical mangrove forest system. We identified herbivory patterns in a dwarf mangrove forest on the archipelago of Twin Cays, Belize.

Past wood‐boring activity impacted more than one‐third of trees through the creation of tree holes that are now used, presumably as predation or thermal refuge, by the herbivorous mangrove tree crab Aratus pisonii. The presence of these refuges had a significant impact on plant–animal interactions; herbivory was more than fivefold higher on trees influenced by tree holes relative to those that were completely isolated from these refuges. Additionally, herbivory decreased exponentially with increasing distance from tree holes.

We use individual‐based simulation modelling to demonstrate that the creation of these herbivory patterns depends on a combination of the use of engineered tree holes for refuge by tree crabs, and the use of two behaviour patterns in this species—site fidelity to a “home tree,” and more frequent foraging near their home tree.

We demonstrate that understanding the spatial distribution of herbivory in this system depends on combining both the use of ecosystem engineering structures with individual behavioural patterns of herbivores.
E. P. Thompson: Last of the English Radicals?
Authors: Kenny Michael
Published: July 2017

Historian, activist and campaigner Edward Thompson is seen as an exemplar of an English radicalism which some see as a lineage with which the contemporary Labour party might fruitfully reconnect. This article examines how Thompson himself understood and characterised the ‘English radical idiom’ and traces his use and then abandonment of this idea in the middle years of his career. It offers some wider reflections about what the insights and lessons associated with his historical writings and reflections on the distinctive nature of English cultural and social thought.
Seasonal influence on the microbial profile of Chihuahua cheese manufactured from raw milk
Authors: Sánchez‐Gamboa Cristina , Hicks‐Pérez Liliana , Gutiérrez‐Méndez Néstor , Heredia Norma , García Santos , Nevárez‐Moorillón Guadalupe V
Published: July 2017

Samples of artisanal Chihuahua cheese were collected in autumn, winter and summer from five farms from Chihuahua State, Mexico; temperature, pH and processing times were also recorded. Indicator microorganisms as well as lactic acid bacteria were determined. Samples were negative for Salmonella sp., and, except for coliforms, the particular season had a strong effect on counts of all microorganisms (4.8–6.0 log10 cfu/mL Staphylococcus aureus; 6.3–7.3 log10 cfu/mL presumptive Lactococcus sp; 7.3–8.0 log10 cfu/mL presumptive mesophilic lactobacilli), as well as on processing conditions. The information presented is aimed to characterise Chihuahua cheese as a traditional product.
Expulsions and adverse events following immediate and later insertion of a levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system after medical termination of late first‐ and second‐trimester pregnancy: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Korjamo R , Mentula M , Heikinheimo O
Published: July 2017

Objectives

To compare expulsions and adverse events (AEs) between immediate and delayed insertion of a levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) following medical termination of pregnancy (MTOP).

Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Helsinki University Hospital, Finland, January 2013–December 2014.

Population

Cohorts of 102 (gestational age 64–84 days, late first trimester) and 57 (gestational age 85–140 days, second trimester) women requesting MTOP and LNG‐IUS contraception.

Methods

LNG‐IUS insertion occurred immediately (same day) or 2–4 weeks following MTOP. Follow‐up visits were at 2–4 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year.

Main outcome measures

LNG‐IUS expulsion by 3 months and 1 year. AEs and bleeding profiles within 3 months.

Results

Following late first‐trimester MTOP the LNG‐IUS expulsion rates by 3 months were 14 (27.5%) in the immediate‐insertion group and two (4.0%) in the delayed‐insertion group (risk ratio, RR 6.86; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 1.64–28.66). By 1 year the expulsion rates were 17 (33.3%) and six (12.0%) (RR 2.78, 95% CI 1.19–6.47). Following second‐trimester MTOP LNG‐IUS expulsion rates by 3 months and 1 year were five (18.5%) in the immediate‐insertion group and one (3.6%) in the delayed‐insertion group (RR 5.19, 95% CI 0.65–41.54). No differences in AEs and bleeding profiles emerged between the groups.

Conclusions

Immediate LNG‐IUS insertion after late first‐ or second‐trimester MTOP is feasible, does not increase the complication rate, or alter the uterine bleeding patterns; however, immediate insertion increased the expulsion rate, which may limit the cost‐effectiveness.

Tweetable abstract

Immediate insertion of LNG‐IUS following MTOP at 9–20 weeks of gestation is feasible and safe.
A Fully Automatic Method for Comparing Cartridge Case Images,
Authors: Tai Xiao Hui , Eddy William F.
Published: July 2017

When a gun is fired, it leaves marks on cartridge cases that are thought to be unique to the gun. In current practice, firearms examiners inspect cartridge cases for “sufficient agreement,” in which case they conclude that they come from the same gun, testifying in courts as such. A 2016 President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology report questioned the scientific validity of such analysis (President's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology, Washington, DC, Executive Office of the President). One recommendation was to convert firearms analysis to an objective method. We propose a fully automated, open‐source method for comparing breechface marks on cartridge cases using 2D optical images. We improve on existing methodology by automating the selection of marks, and removing the effects of circular symmetry. We propose an empirical computation of a “random match probability” given a known database, which can be used to quantify the weight of evidence. We demonstrate an improvement in accuracy on images from controlled test fires.
Occupational Hazards to Reproduction and Health in Anaesthetists and Paediatricians
Authors: ROSENBERG P. H. , VÄNTTINEN H.
Published: July 2017

A mail questionnaire was sent to Finnish anaesthetists and paediatricians to evaluate the risks of reproductive, teratogenic and health complications related to the professions. The incidence of diagnosed spontaneous miscarriages in anaesthetists' families was 10.2% of all pregnancies and it was 13.2% in paedia‐tricians' families. Smoking seemed to increase markedly the incidence of spontaneous miscarriages, which was 22.9% in smoking female anaesthetists and 17.2% in smoking female paediatricians. The gestation times in cases of both full‐term pregnancies and miscarriages were shorter in the anaesthetist group than those in the paediatrician group. Congenital abnormalities appeared at an equal rate in both anaesthetist and paediatrician groups, but strikingly, there were nine musculoskeletal abnormalities in the anaesthetists' children compared to no such defects in paediatricians' children. Serious diseases occurred at low frequencies, but three cases of hepatic jaundice and three cases of viral myocarditis in anaesthetists indicate possible infectious hazards to health in anaesthetic work. Different infectious diseases to the respiratory and urinary tracts were commonest among paediatricians. Cancer was not reported in the anaesthetist group. The study does not indicate that gas pollution in operating rooms is harmful to the personnel.
Morphology and development of the male reproductive tract in Callinectes danae (Crustacea: Brachyura)
Authors: Shinozaki‐Mendes Renata A. , Lessa Rosângela
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to characterize the morphology and function of each section of the reproductive system of male Callinectes danae, as well as the stages of reproductive development and their relation to secondary sexual characteristics. Development of their reproductive system begins after completion of the pubertal moult. The growth of the gonopodium showed negative allometry for both juveniles and adults. The reproductive system is divided into portions with different functions. There is a germinal zone in the testes containing spermatogonia, a zone of maturation containing spermatocytes, spermatids or spermatozoa, as well as a collecting duct, which carries spermatozoa to the vas deferens. There are two matrices in the anterior vas deferens that initiate the separation of spermatozoa groups, one composed of polysaccharide acids (matrix I) and another consisting of neutral polysaccharides (matrix II). In the median vas deferens, the matrix II forms an acellular capsule, which forms the spermatophores. In the posterior vas deferens, the matrices are accumulated, initially with a granular texture and are homogenous for the final portion. The ejaculatory duct and penis have muscle lining to expel the spermatophores at copulation. Even after copulation, males retain a stock of spermatophores, allowing copulation with other females.
Obesity in patients with major depression is related to bipolarity and mixed features: evidence from the BRIDGE‐II‐Mix study
Authors: Petri Eleonora , Bacci Olivia , Barbuti Margherita , Pacchiarotti Isabella , Azorin Jean‐Michel , Angst Jules , Bowden Charles L. , Mosolov Sergey , Vieta Eduard , Young Allan H , Perugi Giulio ,   BRIDGE‐II‐Mix Study Group
Published: July 2017

Objectives

The Bipolar Disorders: Improving Diagnosis, Guidance and Education (BRIDGE)‐II‐Mix study aimed to estimate the frequency of mixed states in patients with a major depressive episode (MDE) according to different definitions. The present post‐hoc analysis evaluated the association between obesity and the presence of mixed features and bipolarity.

Methods

A total of 2811 MDE subjects were enrolled in a multicenter cross‐sectional study. In 2744 patients, the body mass index (BMI) was evaluated. Psychiatric symptoms, and sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected, comparing the characteristics of MDE patients with (MDE‐OB) and without (MDE‐NOB) obesity.

Results

Obesity (BMI ≥30) was registered in 493 patients (18%). In the MDE‐OB group, 90 patients (20%) fulfilled the DSM‐IV‐TR criteria for bipolar disease (BD), 225 patients (50%) fulfilled the bipolarity specifier criteria, 59 patients (13%) fulfilled DSM‐5 criteria for MDEs with mixed features, and 226 patients (50%) fulfilled Research‐Based Diagnostic Criteria for an MDE. Older age, history of (hypo)manic switches during antidepressant treatment, the occurrence of three or more MDEs, atypical depressive features, antipsychotic treatment, female gender, depressive mixed state according to DSM‐5 criteria, comorbid eating disorders, and anxiety disorders were significantly associated with the MDE‐OB group. Among (hypo)manic symptoms during the current MDE, psychomotor agitation, distractibility, increased energy, and risky behaviors were the variables most frequently associated with MDE‐OB group.

Conclusions

In our sample, the presence of obesity in patients with an MDE seemed to be associated with higher rates of bipolar spectrum disorders. These findings suggest that obesity in patients with an MDE could be considered as a possible marker of bipolarity.
The new generation super‐mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SMP) system: a step‐by‐step guide
Authors: Zeng Guohua , Zhu Wei , Liu Yang , Fan Junhong , Zhao Zhijian , Cai Chao
Published: July 2017

Objective

To present our novel miniaturised endoscopic system and describe a step‐by‐step guide for successful implementation of the super‐mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SMP).

Patients and Methods

The new‐generation SMP endoscopic system consists of (i) a 40 000‐pixel super‐mini nephroscope with an 8.0‐F outer diameter and 7.5‐F inner diameter dismountable sheath, and (ii) a newly designed irrigation‐suction sheath available in either 12 F or 14 F. The irrigation‐suction sheath is a two‐layered metal structure. The key feature of the irrigation‐suction sheath is to allow irrigation and suction respectively (the inflow through the space between the two layers of the sheath, the outflow through the central lumen of the sheath). This property improves irrigation and stone clearance despite reduced instrument dimension. In all, 59 patients with renal stones underwent new‐generation SMP between April 2016 and December 2016. The percutaneous tract dilatation was carried out to 14 F. Lithotripsy was performed using either holmium laser or a pneumatic lithotripter. Stone fragments were sucked out by vacuum suctioning through the sheath. A nephrostomy tube or JJ stent was placed only if clinically indicated. Low‐dose computed tomography was performed to assess the stone‐free status on the morning after the procedure.

Results

The mean stone burden was 2.4 cm. Of the 59 patients, nine had diabetes and five had hypertension. SMP was completed successfully in all patients with a mean operation duration of 32.9 min and a mean haemoglobin decrease of 13 g/L. The stone‐free rate was 91.5%. Complications occurred in 5.1% of the patients, all of them were Clavien–Dindo Grade I (minor fever managed by antipyretic therapy), and no transfusions were needed.

Conclusion

The new‐generation SMP system is safe, feasible, and effective for managing renal calculi of <3 cm, with the advantages of a small percutaneous tract, less blood loss, high efficacy in stone clearance, improved visual field, short operation duration, and ease of operating.
Changes in the plasma membrane in metabolic disease: impact of the membrane environment on G protein‐coupled receptor structure and function
Authors: Desai Aditya J , Miller Laurence J
Published: July 2017

Drug development targeting GPCRs often utilizes model heterologous cell expression systems, reflecting an implicit assumption that the membrane environment has little functional impact on these receptors or on their responsiveness to drugs. However, much recent data have illustrated that membrane components can have an important functional impact on intrinsic membrane proteins. This review is directed toward gaining a better understanding of the structure of the plasma membrane in health and disease, and how this organelle can influence GPCR structure, function and regulation. It is important to recognize that the membrane provides a potential mode of lateral allosteric regulation of GPCRs and can affect the effectiveness of drugs and their biological responses in various disease states, which can even vary among individuals across the population. The type 1 cholecystokinin receptor is reviewed as an exemplar of a class A GPCR that is affected in this way by changes in the plasma membrane.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Pharmacology of GPCRs. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.21/issuetoc
Evaluating the antifibrotic potency of galunisertib in a human ex vivo model of liver fibrosis
Authors: Luangmonkong Theerut , Suriguga Su , Bigaeva Emilia , Boersema Miriam , Oosterhuis Dorenda , de Jong Koert P , Schuppan Detlef , Mutsaers Henricus A M , Olinga Peter
Published: July 2017

Background and Purpose

Liver fibrosis is a major cause of liver‐related mortality and, so far, no effective antifibrotic drug is available. Galunisertib, a TGF‐β receptor type I kinase inhibitor, is a potential candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Here, we evaluated the potency of galunisertib in a human ex vivo model of liver fibrosis.

Experimental Approach

Antifibrotic potency and associated mechanisms were studied ex vivo, using both healthy and cirrhotic human precision‐cut liver slices. Fibrosis‐related parameters, both transcriptional and translational level, were assessed after treatment with galunisertib.

Key Results

Galunisertib showed a prominent antifibrotic potency. Phosphorylation of SMAD2 was inhibited, while that of SMAD1 remained unchanged. In healthy and cirrhotic human livers, spontaneous transcription of numerous genes encoding collagens, including collagen type I, α 1, collagen maturation, non‐collageneous extracellular matrix (ECM) components, ECM remodelling and selected ECM receptors was significantly decreased. The reduction of fibrosis‐related transcription was paralleled by a significant inhibition of procollagen I C‐peptide released by both healthy and cirrhotic human liver slices. Moreover, galunisertib showed similar antifibrotic potency in human and rat lives.

Conclusions and Implications

Galunisertib is a drug that deserves to be further investigated for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Inhibition of SMAD2 phosphorylation is probably a central mechanism of action. In addition, blocking the production and maturation of collagens and promoting their degradation are related to the antifibrotic action of galunisertib.
Phenotypic spectrum associated with de novo mutations in QRICH1 gene
Authors: Ververi A. , Splitt M. , Dean J. C. S. ,   DDD Study, Brady A. F.
Published: July 2017

Rare de novo mutations represent a significant cause of idiopathic developmental delay (DD). The use of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has boosted the identification of de novo mutations in an increasing number of novel genes. Here we present 3 unrelated children with de novo loss‐of‐function (LoF) mutations in QRICH1, diagnosed through trio‐based exome sequencing. QRICH1 encodes the glutamine‐rich protein 1, which contains 1 caspase activation recruitment domain and is likely to be involved in apoptosis and inflammation. All 3 children had speech delay, learning difficulties, a prominent nose and a thin upper lip. In addition, 2 of them had mildly raised creatine kinase (CK) and 1 of them had autism. Despite their small number, the patients had a relatively consistent pattern of clinical features suggesting the presence of a QRICH1‐associated phenotype. LoF mutations in QRICH1 are suggested as a novel cause of DD.
An adaptive hypermedia model based on student's lexicon
Authors: Salcedo Pedro , Pinninghoff M. Angélica , Contreras Ricardo , Figueroa Jorge F.
Published: July 2017

This work presents an adaptive hypermedia proposal that focuses on the students' lexicon. An adequate lexicon knowledge affects dramatically in the learning processes in which the students are involved. In general, students manage a lexicon level that allows them to communicate. However, this is not enough for understanding specialized texts covering specific topics. Our proposal takes into account the interconnecting structures present in the lexicon associated to a student profile. More specifically, we propose a set of rules that, based on the student profile, facilitate the selection of the lexicon. We also provide a description of the different instances involved in the complete process.
The health‐related quality of life of patients with prostate cancer and their spouses before treatment compared with the general population
Authors: Harju Eeva , Rantanen Anja , Kaunonen Marja , Helminen Mika , Isotalo Taina , Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi
Published: July 2017

Aims

To describe the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with prostate cancer and their spouses in comparison with the Finnish general population, using the RAND 36‐Item Health Survey. An additional purpose was to describe the associations between the background variables of the participants and their HRQOL.

Background

The HRQOL of patients with prostate cancer and especially their spouses at the time of diagnosis is not well known.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Responses were received from 232 patients and 229 spouses at 5 central hospitals in Finland between October 2013 and January 2016.

Results

Compared to the Finnish general population mean, the HRQOL of the patients and their spouses was, on average, better for all dimensions. Patients' age, the presence of disease, and the treatment method were associated with the dimensions of HRQOL. The dimensions of HRQOL were also associated with spouses' age, basic and vocational education, and the presence of disease.

Conclusion

The patients and their spouses experienced their HRQOL as very similar; however, on average, it is better than the general population mean. However, the evidence suggests that support from the nurses should focus on emotional well‐being, the dimension that received the lowest scores in both groups.
Efficacy of an unwaxed dental floss impregnated with 2% chlorhexidine on control of supragingival biofilm: A randomized, clinical trial
Authors: Muniz Francisco Wilker Mustafa Gomes , da Silva Lima Heitor , Rösing Cassiano Kuchenbecker , Martins Ricardo Souza , Moreira Maria Mônica Studart Mendes , Carvalho Rosimary de Sousa
Published: July 2017

Aim

In the present study, we evaluated the antiplaque and antigingivitis efficacy of a dental floss impregnated with 2% chlorhexidine digluconate.

Methods

Thirty dental students were randomly divided into three groups (n=10): (a) negative control (NC) group, in which no interproximal cleaning was performed; (b) the positive control (PC) group, which used a standard unwaxed dental floss twice daily; and (c) and the test group, which used a unwaxed dental floss impregnated with 2% chlorhexidine twice daily. Six surfaces per tooth were evaluated by the Quigley‐Hein plaque index (Turesky modification) at the last appointment (day 15), and testing for the presence of marginal bleeding was performed using the marginal bleeding index (MBI) at both the baseline and last appointments.

Results

At day 15, the test group had the lowest mean plaque index (1.04±0.67), showing a statistically‐significant difference compared to the NC group (1.40±0.65, P<.001) and PC group (2.30±0.73, P<.001). The PC and test groups showed a mean reduction of 70.2% and 87.26%, respectively, with significant reduction compared to baseline (P<.05) for the MBI. No statistically‐significant difference was found between the PC and test groups (P=.126).

Conclusion

Unwaxed dental floss impregnated with 2% chlorhexidine showed additional reductions in supragingival interproximal biofilm compared with a conventional unwaxed dental floss, without additional improvement in marginal bleeding.
Hyperphosphatasemia in leiomyosarcoma of the uterus: Two case reports and a literature review
Authors: Jitsumori Mariko , Umeda Anna , Hosoi Ayako , Miyanishi Kazuya , Munakata Satoru , Yamamoto Toshiya
Published: July 2017

Some tumors are known to produce alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Seven cases of uterine leiomyosarcoma were identified from the clinical records of Sakai City Medical Center from January 2006 to December 2014. Patients' ages ranged from 47 to 75 years (median: 58). Clinical stages were IB, IIB, IIIA, and IVB in four, one, one, and one cases, respectively. Of these, two were found to have hyperphosphatasemia before surgery, and the elevated ALP level decreased after surgery, and increased with disease recurrence. In the cases of hyperphosphatasemia, leiomyosarcoma cells showed positive staining for ALP. There was no correlation between serum ALP and lactate dehydrogenase, or ALP and cancer antigen 125. The combination of ALP, lactate dehydrogenase, and cancer antigen 125 may be more useful for diagnosis and follow‐up of leiomyosarcoma.
Probiotics intake from proximal or distal gastrointestinal tract: The investigation on intestinal morphology and performance of Japanese quail
Authors: Seifi K. , Karimi‐Torshizi M. A. , Deldar H.
Published: July 2017

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of early single‐dose probiotics administered from proximal or distal gastrointestinal tract on quails’ performance and small intestinal morphology. A total of 120 Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) 1‐d‐old chicks were divided into the following experimental groups before being transferred to the raising room: (i) control (no probiotic administered); (ii) oral group (received probiotics via oesophageal gavage); and (iii) vent lip group (received probiotics directly into vent). Four replicates of 10 chicks per cage were considered for each treatment and birds were raised up to 35 days in the same conditions with ad libitum access to feed and water. A commercial probiotics (Protexin, Somerset, UK) used in this study contained 2 × 109 cfu/g of nine different micro‐organisms. On day 35, all birds were weighed and then three birds in every pen were killed via cervical dislocation. Two cm of mid‐point of duodenum and ileum were cut for histomorphology assays. Both probiotics‐treated groups had higher body weight and body weight gain than control (p < .01). Ileum was longer in probiotics‐treated groups than in the control (p < .01). Orally treated birds had the highest duodenum villus height and crypt depth (p < .01). In the cloacally treated quails, ileum villus length was higher than the both other groups, and crypts’ depth was deeper than the control (p < .01). The numbers of both types of goblet cells (acidic mucin producer and neutral mucin producer) were higher in the birds receiving probiotics than control birds (p < .01). Although there were no statistical differences in performance values between the different ways of probiotics entrance into gut, some intestinal histomorphometric parameters were improved in ileum of the birds receiving probiotics through distal gut that is cloaca (p < .01).
Effect of steam explosion on solid‐state fermentation of maize stalk by Penicillium decumbens and Phanerochaete chrysosporium for animal feed production
Authors: Sun Z. , Li X. , Liu L.
Published: July 2017

Pre‐treated maize stalk could be used for animal feed due to the improved digestibility. Steam explosion (SE) and solid‐state fermentation (SSF) are two methods in maize stalk pre‐treatment. To evaluate the effect of combination of SE and SSF on the maize stalk pre‐treatment, the maize stalk was treated with steam explosion and microbial fermentation with Penicillium decumbens and Phanerochate chrysporium in this study. The steam explosion severity (logR0) affected component of the corn stover and then affected the SSF. The highest weight loss of substrate (23.20%), protein (12.71%) and cellulase filter paper activity (FPA) (7.42IU/g) could be obtained at logR0 = 3.64 and the IVDMD of SE‐SSF‐treated straw could reach 75.8%. The SE‐SSF pre‐treatment method could improve the utilization of straw as animal feed and overcome the shortage of feed source in animal husbandry.