bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The co‐evolution of longevity and social life
Authors: Lucas Eric R. , Keller Laurent
Published: August 2019

Living in social groups could influence the evolution of senescence and longevity by affecting key life‐history parameters such as extrinsic mortality and the cost of reproduction. For example, a decrease in extrinsic mortality as a result of social life is predicted to lead to the evolution of increased longevity.

We argue that benefits of social life in terms of increased survival are common only in species in which life in large groups is already the norm, most likely because these species have adapted to depend on social groups. By contrast, species with smaller social groups tend to show no clear association between survival and social group size.

This lack of a consistent benefit of social life on survival casts doubt on the idea that extended longevity should follow the evolution of sociality. In line with this, most rigorous cross‐taxonomic studies failed to find an association between sociality and longevity, suggesting that a social mode of life does not systematically lead to the evolution of extended longevity.

The only effect of sociality on longevity that has been convincingly demonstrated is increased longevity in high‐ranking individuals from cooperatively breeding vertebrates and social insects, who benefit from the protection and support of their non‐breeding helpers. In contrast, helpers in these species usually do not show evidence of increased longevity, with the exception of naked mole rats where both breeders and helpers live much longer than related solitary species.

Where long‐lived phenotypes exist in highly social species, such as social insect queens and naked mole rats, the scale of longevity increase is often striking. The means by which increased longevity is achieved are still poorly understood, but both social and physiological mechanisms are involved in reducing the burden of disease, including cancer, thus increasing the chances of surviving to old age.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
It’s Not the Media, Stupid
Authors: Newton Kenneth
Published: August 2019

It is commonly believed that the general public is heavily dependent on the media for its political news and views and that, as a consequence, the media exercise a strong influence over public opinion and behaviour. However, many millions in the Western world strongly believe things that are barely ever mentioned in the mainstream media, just as many millions also firmly reject or ignore some of the messages that are repeated incessantly by them. This confirms sixty years of experimental psychology research showing that most individuals are capable of preserving their beliefs, even in the face of overwhelming evidence, argument and logic to the contrary. Consistent with this, political science research finds little evidence of strong media influence on the party voting, political attitudes and election agendas of citizens. They have their own ways of gathering political information about the world around them, and they do not necessarily believe what they read in the papers, unless they are so inclined to start with. Consequently, media influences on mass opinion and behaviour are weaker than commonly assumed and, such as they are, their effects are more beneficial than harmful for democracy.
The urobiome of continent adult women: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Price TK , Hilt EE , Thomas‐White K , Mueller ER , Wolfe AJ , Brubaker L
Published: August 2019

Objective

To characterise the bladder microbiota of continent adult women.

Design

Cross‐sectional study of adult women who contributed catheterised urine samples, completed validated symptom questionnaires, and provided demographic data.

Setting

US academic medical centre.

Population

Well‐characterised continent adult women.

Methods

Participants contributed symptoms questionnaires, demographic data, and catheterised urine samples that were analysed by enhanced urine culture methodology and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Main outcome measures

Associations between demographics and microbial community state structures (urotypes, defined by the dominant taxon of each specimen).

Results

The bladder microbiota (urobiome) of a control group of 224 continent women were characterised, demonstrating variability in terms of urotype. The most common urotype was Lactobacillus (19%), which did not differ with any demographic. In contrast, the Gardnerella (P < 0.001) and Escherichia (P = 0.005) urotypes were more common in younger and older women, respectively.

Conclusions

For urobiome research, enhanced culture methods and/or DNA sequencing are the preferred techniques for bacterial detection. The interpretation of clinical tests, such as the standard urine culture, should incorporate the knowledge that some women have Gardnerella or Escherichia urotypes without evidence of any clinical disorder. Clinical care strategies should preserve or restore the beneficial effects of the native urobiome, as disruption of that microbial community could result in unintended vulnerability to uropathogen invasion or opportunistic pathogen overgrowth. Longitudinal studies of urobiome responses to therapies should be encouraged.

Tweetable abstract

In continent adult women bladder microbiome composition differs by age, with relevance for clinical practice.
Do Medium‐scale Farms Improve Market Access Conditions for Zambian Smallholders?
Authors: Burke William J. , Jayne Thomas S. , Sitko Nicholas J.
Published: August 2019

This study is motivated by the need to understand how the rise of medium‐scale farms in Africa is affecting small‐scale farm households. Survey evidence over the past decade has shown a dramatic rise in the prevalence of ‘medium’ sized farms between 5 and 100 hectares, but smaller farms still constitute the vast majority of farms and rural households. Prior evidence highlights a co‐evolution between the concentration of landholdings, surplus production volumes, and entry of larger traders into the market. Whether these changes tend to impact on smallholders negatively, crowding them out of markets, for example, or positively, potentially opening new marketing channels, is an empirical question. Using a multi‐stage model for maize market participation in Zambia, we find that in areas where medium‐scale farms are growing, even the smaller farms are becoming more likely to sell maize, more likely to sell to the private sector, more likely to sell to larger traders, and expected sales amongst sellers are higher. On balance, the growth of medium‐scale farms and large‐scale traders seems to have positive spillover effects on nearby smallholder marketing options.
Sediment Availability and Erosion Rates on Off‐Highway Vehicle Trails in the Ouachita Mountains, USA
Authors: Marion Daniel A. , Phillips Jonathan D. , Yocum Chad , Jahnz James
Published: August 2019

Factors influencing sediment availability are assessed and erosion rates are quantified for an off‐highway vehicle (OHV) trail system in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. As of May 2012, the Wolf Pen Gap trail system included 77.0 km of "trails" which consist of county roads; open and closed Forest Service roads; and open and closed OHV trails. For a given trail length, the sediment volume available to be eroded is determined by bare trail width and sediment depth. Four condition types are defined that group trail sections based on statistically different trail widths or depths. Trail construction method appears to influence sediment availability differences more than erosion potential (as indexed by trail slope gradient and length). The range for annual trail erosion rates is estimated as 75 and 210 tonne/ha/yr. The high and low rates are obtained using two independent methods. The 210 tonne/ha/yr rate is computed from mean sediment capture at 30 sediment traps installed for 0.5–1.0 year. The 75 tonne/ha/yr rate is computed assuming all available trail sediment measured in a one‐time sampling is eroded over the next year. We argue in support of this assumption and suggest both rate values may be conservative. Trail erosion rates and sediment trap observations indicate frequent trap cleanout will be needed to continue sediment capture from All Terrain Vehicle trails.
Association between circulating 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Guan Shi‐Yang , Cai Hong‐Yan , Wang Peng , Lv Tian‐Tian , Liu Li‐Na , Mao Yan‐Mei , Zhao Chan‐Na , Wu Qian , Dan Yi‐Lin , Sam Napoleon Bellua , Wang De‐Guang , Pan Hai‐Feng
Published: August 2019

Aim

The indicators for measuring vitamin D are various, and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is considered as the optimal indicator of total vitamin D levels. In this study, we aim to deeply explore the 25(OH)D status in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, and evaluate its relation to SLE risk and disease severity.

Methods

Literature about 25(OH)D status and its associations with SLE were searched in Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases. Standardized mean difference (SMD), odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were illustrated by forest plots, and correlation coefficients (r) were combined by generic inverse variance method. Heterogeneity and publication bias were quantified by I‐squared (I2) test, funnel plot and Egger's test, respectively. Sensitivity analyses were further examined by leave‐one‐out method.

Results

Nineteen articles were included into our meta‐analysis. The overall results showed that compared with the healthy controls, the circulating 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in SLE patients (pooled SMD = −1.63, 95% CI: −2.51 to −0.76). Subgroup analysis revealed that compared with the healthy controls, SLE patients of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) ≥ 10, Arab and European ethnicity, all 4 seasons, no vitamin D supplement, had significantly lower circulating 25(OH)D levels; no significant differences were observed in SLE patients of SLEDAI < 10, mixed ethnicity, spring, summer, vitamin D supplement, respectively; no matter the changes of age, disease duration, and the therapy of corticosteroid or immunosuppressive or neither, circulating 25(OH)D levels were significantly reduced in SLE patients. The deficiency, insufficiency and sufficiency of vitamin D could significantly elevate, slightly decrease (not significantly), significantly decrease SLE risk, respectively (pooled OR = 4.37, 95% CI: 1.49 to 12.84; pooled OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.22 to 1.26; pooled OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.63). Circulating 25(OH)D levels were inversely associated with SLEDAI (pooled correlation coefficient = −0.50, 95% CI: −0.8278 to −0.1689).

Conclusions

Compared with healthy controls, 25(OH)D levels are significantly lower in SLE patients, which is influenced by disease activity, ethnicity, seasons and vitamin D supplement; no matter the change of age, diseases duration and therapy of corticosteroid or immunosuppressive or neither, 25(OH)D levels are significantly decreased in SLE patients; the deficiency, insufficiency and sufficiency of vitamin D could significantly elevate, slightly decrease, and significantly decrease SLE risk, respectively; and 25(OH)D levels inversely correlate with SLEDAI.
Does takeover competition affect acquisition choices and bidding firm performance? Australian evidence
Authors: Faff Robert W. , Gunasekarage Abeyratna , Shams Syed M. M.
Published: August 2019

We examine the influence of takeover competition on three acquisition choices: (i) public versus private target acquisitions; (ii) stock versus cash financed acquisitions; and (iii) related versus unrelated acquisitions. We find strong evidence of acquirers’ preference for public targets, stock swaps and business focus, in the face of takeover competition. Further, we find that the takeover competition has a positive influence on the bid premium paid to acquirer public targets and those financed with stock issues; competitive bids offered to acquire related targets are associated with significantly low bid premiums. In the short‐term announcement window, competition‐induced bids to acquire public targets and those financed with stock are penalised by the capital market. However, only stock‐financed takeovers undertaken in a competitive takeover market show a long‐run decline in performance of acquirers.
Treatment satisfaction correlated with glycaemic control and burden of diabetes in Swedish adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Haas Josephine , Persson Martina , Hagström Toft Eva , Rathsman Björn , Brorsson Anna‐Lena , Lindholm Olinder Anna
Published: August 2019

Aim

To assess treatment satisfaction and perceived discomfort or pain from the treatment, and potential associations with glycaemic control, type of treatment, perceived burden of diabetes, sex and age, in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed at one paediatric and at one adult diabetes clinic in Sweden, preceded by a translation of ‘Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ) Teen’. Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (15‐20 years) participated. The questionnaires ‘DTSQ Teen’ and ‘Check your health’ were used. Data on glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), type of treatment, sex and age were collected.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐eight adolescents (70 females, mean age 17.3, mean HbA1c 64.0 mmol/mol) participated. Treatment satisfaction correlated inversely with HbA1c (r = −.352, P < .001) and with all types of burden of diabetes (r = −.342 to −0.467, P < .001), but did not differ with type of treatment, sex and age. Perceived pain correlated inversely with burden on physical health (r = −.265, P = .002), mental health (r = −.237, P = .006) and quality of life (r = −.246, P = .004) but not with HbA1c, age or burden on social relations. Females perceived more discomfort or pain.

Conclusion

In Swedish adolescents with type 1 diabetes, treatment satisfaction correlated with both glycaemic control and perceived burden of diabetes.
New drugs approved for acute myeloid leukaemia in 2018
Authors: Kucukyurt Selin , Eskazan Ahmet Emre
Published: August 2019

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a haematopoietic stem cell disorder, that is characterized by the clonal expansion of myeloid blasts and suppression of normal haematopoiesis. The 3 + 7 regimen is the backbone of standard first‐line induction therapy among young/fit patients. However, in elderly and/or unfit patients with newly diagnosed AML, who cannot receive intensive chemotherapy, low‐dose cytarabine or hypomethylating agents (azacitidine or decitabine) are the treatment options, which generally cannot induce durable responses. Among young/fit patients, for high‐risk disease in first remission, or in cases with relapsed/refractory AML, allogeneic stem cell transplantation should be performed when complete remission is achieved. However, since AML is primarily a disease of the elderly, neither intensive chemotherapy nor allogeneic stem cell transplantation can be generally tolerated in most cases. There is clearly a need for new treatment options in elderly and young/unfit patients who cannot receive intensive chemotherapy. The discovery of novel molecular genetic markers (e.g. FMS‐like tyrosine kinase 3, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2) resulted in the development of new therapeutic options in AML. This review mainly focuses on 4 targeted therapy agents; glasdegib and venetoclax used in combination treatment with low‐dose cytarabine or hypomethylating agents among newly diagnosed cases with AML; and ivosidenib and gilteritinib as monotherapy in the treatment of relapsed/refractory AML, which were all approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2018.
Analysis of consensus among drug interaction databases with regard to combinations of psychotropics
Authors: Schjøtt Jan , Schjøtt Pernille , Assmus Jörg
Published: August 2019

Drug interaction databases are important tools in today’s clinical decision support. However, there is great variation with regard to classification and presentation of interactions among databases. The present study aimed to investigate consensus among databases with regard to combinations of psychotropics. A database integrated in Norwegian computerised clinical decision support systems and three international recommended subscription databases were compared. Combinations of psychotropics (two or more) prescribed to patients 65 years or older on a single day from three nursing homes in Bergen, Norway 16 years apart (2000 and 2016) were studied. The databases were compared in a common analysis with the following questions: interaction (no, not contraindicated or contraindicated), type (pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic), the total number of interactions, and the first ranked interaction among several in each patient. Consensus among the four drug interaction databases was associated with pharmacokinetic interactions involving mainly older psychotropics in the common analysis. The qualities that best characterised interactions with consensus was primarily the evidence including a description of manageability. There was a surprising lack of consensus with regard to contraindicated interactions, even when older psychotropics were involved. Lack of consensus decreased with the number of psychotropics in the combinations. This was mainly because the highest ranked interactions in the respective databases involved different drugs. We propose evidence and manageability as core factors when ranking and presenting interactions in clinical decision support.
The relative contribution of parenting practices in predicting trait emotional intelligence in an Italian adolescent sample
Authors: Gugliandolo Maria C. , Mavroveli Stella , Costa Sebastiano , Cuzzocrea Francesca , Larcan Rosalba
Published: August 2019

This study examines the relationship between trait emotional intelligence (trait EI), support, and parental psychological control practices. Three hundred adolescents, between 11 and 13 years old, took part in the study (163 were males and 137 were females). Participants completed the Perceptions of Parents Scales for the parental support, the Dependency (DPC)‐ and Achievement (APC)‐oriented Psychological Control Scales for the parental psychological control, and the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire‐Child Form for the child's trait EI. Trait EI was related to parenting variables, and also, parental practices (both support and psychological control) predicted global trait EI in adolescents. Some gender‐specific differences were found: both APC and DPC were negative predictors of trait EI in males, whereas only APC significantly predicted trait EI in females. Future longitudinal studies are needed to examine these results and to shed light on the processes involved in the development of trait EI.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on the subject?

There exists strong evidence of the interaction between parenting practices and emotional development in children and adolescents.

Therefore, parental psychological control is negatively correlated with peer support and self‐esteem, and positively related to anxiety and aggressive behaviour in children.

However, there is paucity on research examining the relationship between parenting and trait EI in children.

What does this study adds?

This study extends earlier work in this field and investigates whether there is a relationship between trait EI and parenting practices (parental support and psychological control) and whether it depends on child and parent gender.

This study, therefore, aims to investigate, for the first time, parental factors that may, in addition to those constitutional, be related to trait EI in children.

Specifically, the objective of the present study was to investigate whether parenting practices would predict adolescents’ trait EI and whether these relations depend on the gender.
“We don’t want to hear about discrimination”: Evidence slippage and evidence invention in the politics of foreign credential recognition in Canada
Authors: Rivas‐Garrido Camila , Koning Edward Anthony
Published: August 2019

This article investigates how Canadian politicians engaged with evidence on foreign credential recognition in 2009. We find that some evidence receives decreasing attention over time, that some politicians bring forward explanations that have nothing to do with the evidence, and that most politicians hold the same position before and after the process of evidence‐gathering. These findings cast doubt on the extent to which politicians use evidence to inform their position on immigration‐related issues, even when they explicitly solicit it.
Comparative analysis of human leucocyte antigen between idiopathic and anti‐PD‐1 antibody induced isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency: A pilot study
Authors: Inaba Hidefumi , Ariyasu Hiroyuki , Iwakura Hiroshi , Ueda Yoko , Kurimoto Chiaki , Uraki Shinsuke , Takeshima Ken , Yamaoka Hiroyuki , Furukawa Yasushi , Morita Shuhei , Nishi Masahiro , Akamizu Takashi
Published: August 2019

Background

Adult‐onset idiopathic isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency (id‐IAD) is a rare disease with unknown aetiology. Recently, numerous cases of anti‐PD‐1 antibody‐induced IAD (PD1‐IAD) have been reported, but the clinical course, predictive factors and relationship to id‐IAD have not been clarified. Moreover, associations of id‐IAD and PD1‐IAD with human leucocyte antigen (HLA) require elucidation.

Methods

Clinical characteristics of 13 Japanese patients with id‐IAD and eight Japanese patients with PD1‐IAD were analysed, and HLA‐typing test was performed for each patient. Allele and haplotype frequencies of the patients were compared to those of healthy Japanese controls.

Results

In the HLA allele and haplotype analyses of id‐IAD, the frequencies of HLA‐C*14:02, HLA‐DPB1*05:01, HLA‐DRB1*04:05‐DQB1*04:01‐DPB1*05:01 and HLA‐DRB1*09:01‐DQB1*03:03‐DPB1*05:01 were significantly increased. On the other hand, HLA alleles account for PD1‐IAD susceptibility as follows: HLA‐DQB1*06:01, HLA‐DPB1*09:01 and HLA‐DRB5*01:02. Moreover, protective effect for HLA‐C*03:03 was suggested in combined id‐IAD and PD1‐IAD patients. Comparison of the effects of HLA on id‐IAD and PD1‐IAD revealed some differences. Alleles or haplotypes frequencies increased in id‐IAD group were as follows: HLA‐DPB1*05:01, HLA‐DRB1*09:01, HLA‐DRB4*01:03:02, HLA‐DQB1*03:03 and HLA‐DRB1*09:01‐DQB1*03:03. In clinical settings, hyponatremia, disturbance of consciousness and hypoglycaemia were less frequently seen in patients with PD1‐IAD than in patients with id‐IAD.

Conclusions

Distinct clinical characteristics and predisposing HLA allele contributions were proposed between id‐IAD and PD1‐IAD. Further investigations with greater number of cases are warranted to clarify the detailed mechanisms of id‐IAD and PD1‐IAD.
Treating nasal symptoms associated with rhinitis using the intranasal herbal ointment Biyeom‐go: A prospective observational study
Authors: Son Mi Ju , Jung Jeeyoun , Kim Young‐Eun , Yeum Chang‐Sub , Lee So Min , Jung So Young , Kwon Ojin , Kim Sungha , Kang Jeong‐In , Kim Hye‐Lin , Lee Jung‐Eun , Lee Dong‐Hyo
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness and clinical feasibility of Biyeom‐go for the treatment of nasal symptoms associated with rhinitis.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

This study was conducted at the Woosuk Korean Medicine Medical Center in South Korea.

Participants

Fifty‐eight patients with rhinitis participated in this study. All patients received Biyeom‐go treatment >3 times daily for a total of 4 weeks.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was the total nasal symptom score. Mini‐rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire, nasal endoscopy index, total serum immunoglobulin E levels and immunologic factors in nasal lavage fluid were also measured.

Results

Biyeom‐go administration was associated with significant improvements in total nasal symptoms scores (P < .0001) and mini‐rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire scores (P < .0001) in a time‐dependent manner. The nasal endoscopy index also significantly improved at weeks 2 (P = .0049), 3 (P < .0001) and 4 (P = .0001) after Biyeom‐go treatment. Significantly, increased interleukin‐2 levels (P = .005) and decreased interleukin‐8, chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand (CCL) 5, chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand (CXCL) 9, CCL2 and CXCL10 levels were observed in the nasal lavage fluid.

Conclusions

The present findings suggest that Biyeom‐go may be beneficial for the management of rhinitis symptoms and rhinitis‐associated quality of life. Further well‐designed randomised controlled trials are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of Biyeom‐go for rhinitis.
Adipose tissue–derived stromal cells’ conditioned medium modulates endothelial‐mesenchymal transition induced by IL‐1β/TGF‐β2 but does not restore endothelial function
Authors: Liguori Tácia Tavares Aquinas , Liguori Gabriel Romero , Moreira Luiz Felipe Pinho , Harmsen Martin Conrad
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Endothelial cells undergo TGF‐β–driven endothelial‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT), representing up to 25% of cardiac myofibroblasts in ischaemic hearts. Previous research showed that conditioned medium of adipose tissue–derived stromal cells (ASC‐CMed) blocks the activation of fibroblasts into fibrotic myofibroblasts. We tested the hypothesis that ASC‐CMed abrogates EndMT and prevents the formation of adverse myofibroblasts.

Materials and methods

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were treated with IL‐1β and TGF‐β2 to induce EndMT, and the influence of ASC‐CMed was assessed. As controls, non‐treated HUVEC or HUVEC treated only with IL‐1β in the absence or presence of ASC‐CMed were used. Gene expression of inflammatory, endothelial, mesenchymal and extracellular matrix markers, transcription factors and cell receptors was analysed by RT‐qPCR. The protein expression of endothelial and mesenchymal markers was evaluated by immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoblotting. Endothelial cell function was measured by sprouting assay.

Results

IL‐1β/TGF‐β2 treatment induced EndMT, as evidenced by the change in HUVEC morphology and an increase in mesenchymal markers. ASC‐CMed blocked the EndMT‐related fibrotic processes, as observed by reduced expression of mesenchymal markers TAGLN (P = 0.0008) and CNN1 (P = 0.0573), as well as SM22α (P = 0.0501). The angiogenesis potential was impaired in HUVEC undergoing EndMT and could not be restored by ASC‐CMed.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that ASC‐CMed reduces IL‐1β/TGF‐β2‐induced EndMT as observed by the loss of mesenchymal markers. The present study supports the anti‐fibrotic effects of ASC‐CMed through the modulation of the EndMT process.
Quantitative myocardial tissue characterization by cardiac magnetic resonance in heart transplant patients with suspected cardiac rejection
Authors: Miller Robert J. H. , Thomson Louise , Levine Ryan , Dimbil Sadia J. , Patel Jignesh , Kobashigawa Jon A. , Kransdorf Evan , Li Debiao , Berman Daniel S. , Tamarappoo Balaji
Published: August 2019

Distinct histopathologic changes occur in acute cellular rejection (ACR), antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR), and biopsy‐negative rejection (BNR). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)‐based myocardial tissue characterization can be used to quantify these changes. We assessed T1, T2, and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) by CMR in patients with subtypes of rejection. T1, T2, and ECV were quantified at the mid‐ventricular level and compared between patients with and without rejection. The association between quantitative tissue characteristics and the combined outcome of death, retransplantation, heart failure hospitalization, or myocardial infarction was evaluated with a Cox‐proportional hazards model. In 46 patients, mean age 53.3 ± 13.7 years, 71.7% male, at a median of 7.4 years from transplant, average myocardial T1 was increased in BNR compared with no rejection (1057 vs 1012 msec, P = .006). Average myocardial T2 was elevated in all types of rejection, P < .05. In a cox‐proportional hazards model, higher T2 values were associated with an increase in the combined clinical outcome (adjusted HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06‐1.37, P = .004) after adjusting for left ventricular mass index. Myocardial tissue characteristics are abnormal in all subtypes of rejection, and abnormal T2 quantified by CMR provides additional prognostic value.
Harm from other people′s drinking among college students in India
Authors: Rani Anjana , Jaisoorya T.S. , Menon Priya G. , Nair B. Sivasankaran , Jeevan C.R. , Radhakrishnan K.S. , Jayarajan Deepak , Adhin B. , Thennarasu K. , Benegal Vivek
Published: August 2019

Introduction and Aims

There is a paucity of studies on the harms experienced by college students from India due to others′ drinking, despite their increased risk. We studied the prevalence and correlates of harm from others′ drinking among college students in the state of Kerala, India.

Design and Methods

A total of 5784 students from 58 colleges completed a self‐administered questionnaire, which included the World Health Organization—Thai Health Harm to Others from Drinking Master Protocol and other structured instruments to assess correlates. The frequencies of various harms were determined and a mixed effect multivariable negative binomial regression model was used to identify the factors responsible for harms.

Results

Of the 4487 valid responses, 68.3% were females. The mean age of the sample was 19.5 years. Harm from others′ drinking was reported by 68.7% of respondents. Among various harm domains, psychological harm was reported by 65.7%, physical by 15.2%, financial by 20.9%, and property harm by 5.0%. Strangers were the most common perpetrators. Being male and having a part‐time job increased harms. Increasing age, urban residence, and staying in a hostel were correlated with psychological—but not physical—harm. Subjects who reported harm had higher odds of reporting alcohol use and psychological distress. ‘Any harm’ or psychological harm was associated with suicidal thoughts; only physical harm was correlated with suicidal attempts.

Discussion and Conclusions

The high prevalence of harms from others′ drinking and its negative correlates underscore the need for colleges to focus on second‐hand effects in programs for tackling alcohol use.
Effects of sitagliptin on gastric emptying of, and the glycaemic and blood pressure responses to, a carbohydrate meal in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Stevens Julie E. , Buttfield Madeline , Wu Tongzhi , Hatzinikolas Seva , Pham Hung , Lange Kylie , Rayner Christopher K. , Horowitz Michael , Jones Karen L.
Published: August 2019

Aims

To determine the effects of the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, sitagliptin, on gastric emptying (GE) of a high‐carbohydrate meal and associated glycaemic and blood pressure (BP) responses in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and Methods

Fourteen patients with T2DM (nine men, five women; age 67.8 ± 1.5 years; body mass index 31.2 ± 0.9 kg/m2; T2DM duration: 4.2 ± 0.9 years; glycated haemoglobin: 46 ± 1.8 mmol/mol [6.4% ± 0.2%]), managed by diet and/or metformin, underwent concurrent measurements of GE, BP and plasma glucose for 240 minutes after ingestion of a radiolabelled mashed potato meal after receiving sitagliptin (100 mg) or placebo in randomized, double‐blind, crossover fashion on 2 consecutive days.

Results

Sitagliptin reduced postprandial plasma glucose (P < .005) without affecting GE (P = .88). The magnitude of the glucose‐lowering effect (change in incremental area under the curve0–240 min from placebo to sitagliptin) was related to GE (kcal/min) on placebo (r = 0.68, P = .008) There was a comparable fall in systolic BP (P = .80) following the meal, with no difference between the 2 days.

Conclusions

In T2DM, while sitagliptin has no effect on either GE or postprandial BP, its ability to lower postprandial glucose are dependent on the basal rate of GE.
An animal model of genetic predisposition to develop acquired epileptogenesis: The FAST and SLOW rats
Authors: Leung Wai Lam , Casillas‐Espinosa Pablo , Sharma Pragati , Perucca Piero , Powell Kim , O'Brien Terence J. , Semple Bridgette D.
Published: August 2019

Epidemiological data and gene association studies suggest a genetic predisposition to developing epilepsy after an acquired brain insult, such as traumatic brain injury. An improved understanding of genetic determinants of vulnerability is imperative for early disease diagnosis and prognosis prediction, with flow‐on benefits for the development of targeted antiepileptogenic treatments as well as optimal clinical trial design. In the laboratory, one approach to investigate why some individuals are more vulnerable to acquired epilepsy than others is to examine unique rodent models exhibiting either vulnerability or resistance to epileptogenesis. This review focuses on the most well‐characterized of these models, the FAST (seizure‐prone) and SLOW (seizure‐resistant) rat strains, which were derived by selective breeding for differential amygdala electrical kindling rates. We describe how these strains differ in their seizure profiles, neuroanatomy, and neurobehavioral phenotypes, both at baseline and after a brain insult, with this knowledge proving fruitful to identify common pathological abnormalities associated with seizure susceptibility and psychiatric comorbidities. It is important to note that accruing data on strain differences in multiple biological processes provides insight into why some individuals may be more vulnerable to epileptogenesis, although future studies are evidently needed to identify the precise molecular and genetic risk factors. Together, the FAST and SLOW rat strains, and other similar experimental models, are invaluable neurobiological tools to investigate the effect of genetic background on acquired epilepsy risk, as well as the poorly understood relationship between epilepsy development and associated comorbidities.
The effect of density on aggression between a highly invasive and native fish
Authors: Lopez Laura K. , Davis Andrew R. , Wong Marian Y. L.
Published: August 2019

Population densities of invasive species fluctuate spatially and temporally, suggesting that the intensity of their aggressive interactions with native species is similarly variable. Although inter‐specific aggression is often thought to increase with population density, it is often theorized that it should be exceeded by intra‐specific aggression since conspecifics share a greater degree of resource overlap. Yet, the magnitude of intra‐specific aggression is seldom considered when examining aggressive interactions, particularly those between invasive and native species. Here, we manipulated the density of the invasive eastern mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki, and observed its aggressive interactions with juveniles of the native Australian bass, Macquaria novemaculeata in a laboratory setting. For both species, the magnitudes of intra‐ and inter‐specific aggression were recorded. Regardless of density, the native M. novemaculeata was more aggressive towards heterospecifics than G. holbrooki was. In addition to this, M. novemaculeata was more aggressive to G. holbrooki than towards conspecifics, at both low‐ and high‐density conditions. In contrast, G. holbrooki was similarly aggressive towards M. novemaculeata and G. holbrooki at a high density, yet at low density, displayed significantly more aggression towards conspecifics than M. novemaculeata. These findings demonstrate the importance of considering intra‐specific aggression when exploring behavioural interactions between native and invasive species.
“Reverse” sexual dichromatism in a Neotropical frog
Authors: Engelbrecht‐Wiggans Emily , Tumulty James P.
Published: August 2019

Sexual dichromatism is widespread among animals, but examples of “reverse” sexual dichromatism, in which females are more brightly colored than males, are extremely rare. We discovered a unique case of reverse sexual dichromatism in the golden rocket frog (Anomaloglossus beebei), a diurnal Neotropical frog. Females are bright “golden” in color, and males are drab tan with brown pigmentation that darkens when they are calling. Here, we document this color variation with calibrated digital photography and further show that there is no evidence for sex‐specific habitat matching; both sexes live in the same well‐lit habitat on green bromeliad leaves. Our results suggest that color variation in this species is an intraspecific signal and provide an important exception to the general expectation that males are more visually conspicuous in species with conventional sex roles.
Aerodynamic load spectrum and fatigue behaviour of high‐speed train's equipment cabin
Authors: Zhou Wei , Chen Lin , Wang Zhonggang , Ding Sansan , Shan Yonglin
Published: August 2019

In present study, the aerodynamic fatigue behaviour of train equipment cabin was investigated. Pressure sensors were arranged at train passing side. Eight‐grade load spectrum was constructed by means of rain‐flow counting, and fatigue damage was calculated with Miner's rule and Carten‐Dolan rule, both for the matrix metals and welds. For welds, defect detection was considered via visual inspection with nondestructive test (VI‐NDT), pure nondestructive test (P‐NDT), and without nondestructive test (W‐NDT). The result confirms that welds play an unfavourable role rather than matrix metals. Weld damage in W‐NDT exceeds its limit (1.0) to designed mileage. Then, damage influence was studied under tunnel passing, train passing, and running direction. Running direction as the head car contributes 82% to approximately 86% and 70% to approximately 77% of the total damage for matrix metal and welds, respectively. Train passing gives more damage to matrix metals than welds. Tunnel passing contributes 25% to approximately 26% for both matrix metals and welds.
Application of biophysical and skin imaging techniques to evaluate the film‐forming effect of cosmetic formulations
Authors: de Melo M.O. , Maia Campos P.M.B.G.
Published: August 2019

Objective

Products with film‐forming effect, or ‘second skin’, which guarantees an immediate protective effect after application, is a highlight, especially when composed of natural ingredients. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the immediate film‐forming effect on skin of a gel and emulsion formulations added with Kappaphycus alvarezii and Caesalpinia spinosa extracts through biophysical and skin imaging techniques, especially with the Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM).

Methods

The measurements were done in the forearm region before (baseline) and 1 h after of application of the developed formulation and its control. The parameters related to the stratum corneum water content, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), cutaneous microrelief and morphological and structural characteristics of the epidermis were analysed through the following biophysical and skin imaging techniques: Corneometer® CM 825, Tewameter® TM 300, Visioscan® VC98 and Vivascope® 1500, respectively. A sensorial analysis was also performed to study how the formulations were perceived on the skin.

Results

The obtained results showed that the active ingredient under study allows the film formation on the skin surface, leading to a reduction of TEWL and skin desquamation. The obtained images from RCM showed a reduction of furrows on the skin surface and a film formation after a single application of the formulations. However, these effects were more pronounced in the emulsion formulation, which suggests a synergistic effect of the active ingredient under study with the emollients of formulation composition. This result was also observed in the sensorial analysis, as both formulations added with the active substance were well evaluated.

Conclusion

The presence of Kappaphycus alvarezii and Caesalpinia spinosa extracts in the studied cosmetic formulations, enabled a film formation on a skin surface, bringing benefits as a reduction of transepidermal water loss and skin desquamation, as well as a furrows reduction and an improvement of stratum corneum after 1 h of application. Finally, the skin imaging techniques can be suggested as an excellent tool to evaluate a film‐forming effect of cosmetic formulations.
Internet-based pharmacy and centralised dispensing: an exploratory mixed-methods study of the views of family practice staff
Authors: Hall Nicola , Wilkes Scott , Sherwood John
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Over the last decade, technological advances, market competition and increasing pressures for efficiencies across healthcare systems have resulted in changes to the processes and policies involved in medicines prescribing and dispensing. The aim of this study was to explore the views of family practice staff, including GPs, on the perceived impact of changes associated with remote dispensing and the increasing availability of distance-selling pharmacies.

Methods

Exploratory mixed-methods study using qualitative focus groups and an online cross-sectional survey distributed to a non-probability sample of staff from family practices across England. Survey items were developed based on existing literature and initial thematic analysis from the focus groups and adapted using cognitive interviewing techniques.

Key findings

Findings suggest that family practice staff believe that where and how prescriptions are dispensed impacts on their practice and patients. Frequent contact with distance-selling pharmacies is not common; however, highlighted concerns included patient safety issues and the potential threat to the loss of valued elements and sustainability of community pharmacy and dispensing practices. Identified concerns and experiences are unlikely to be routinely discussed within or between practices, limiting opportunities for shared learning and consideration of the potential impact of changes to dispensing processes and policies.

Conclusions

Further research is needed to confirm these exploratory findings, due to the low response rate and sample size. Findings, nevertheless, highlight how wider changes in dispensing processes may have unintended consequences on other aspects of the healthcare system.
The choanoderm of Sycettusa hastifera (Calcarea, Porifera) is able to generate new individuals
Authors: Lanna Emilio , Klautau Michelle
Published: August 2019

One of the main characteristics of sponges is their capacity for cell dedifferentiation. This capability can allow an impressive amount of asexual reproduction in these animals, because they are able to develop new individuals from just a few somatic cells. Studies of dedifferentiation, however, have focused mainly on sponges of the class Demospongiae. Therefore, we investigated here whether individuals of three different species of Calcarea are able to reconstitute new individuals following artificial fragmentation. We observed that fragmentation releases clumps of choanoderm able to initiate somatic embryogenesis. In Borojevia brasiliensis (asconoid aquiferous system, subclass Calcinea) and Paraleucilla magna (leuconoid aquiferous system, subclass Calcaronea), these clumps started to develop, but they did not pass through the first developmental phases. In Sycettusa hastifera (syconoid aquiferous system, subclass Calcaronea), the choanoderm was reorganized into primmorphs that fused to each other and formed an exopinacoderm. The first primmorphs’ spicules were triactines. Despite a large mortality rate, the primmorphs developed into olynthus stages. The somatic embryogenesis and the metamorphosis of the olynthus were similar to those observed during the sexual development of this and other calcareous sponge species. Our results show that in S. hastifera, and perhaps in other syconoid calcareous sponges, somatic embryogenesis occurs mainly from choanocytes, at least in vitro. However, primmorph development does not follow the same pattern observed in post‐metamorphic sexual development, as in that case diactines are always the first spicules to be synthesized in calcaronean species.
The Discursive Construction of Europe in Italy in the Age of Permanent Austerity
Authors: Cozzolino Adriano
Published: August 2019

Combining a Critical International Political Economy theoretical perspective with Critical Discourse Analysis, the article explores, from the late 1980s to present and across the party‐system, the characteristics of the discursive construction of Europe in Italy as a source of legitimation and naturalization of the country's permanent fiscal adjustment and economic restructuring. Through an original analysis of the official policy documents enacted by Italian governments, I show that the resort to Europe and 'risanamento' (permanent fiscal adjustment) are discursively constructed, by domestic political forces, as legitimating strategies to tackle fiscal profligacy and restore growth, notwithstanding the fact that in Italy (1) primary state budget has been in surplus from the early 1990s, (2) economic growth has been mediocre since the 1990s, and (3) social inequalities and macroeconomic imbalances have risen sharply, especially after 2008 crisis due to prolonged austerity measures. Furthermore, in contrast to the literature that sees Italian Europeanization as a pathway of virtuous economic and political change favoured by supranational integration, I argue that the discursive strategies developed by Italian political elites to legitimate change in national political economy should be broadly conceived, and analysed, as organic to neoliberalism and austerity as international hegemonic projects.
Associations between infant and toddler regulatory problems, childhood co‐developing internalising and externalising trajectories, and adolescent depression, psychotic and borderline personality disorder symptoms
Authors: Winsper Catherine , Bilgin Ayten , Wolke Dieter
Published: August 2019

Background

Early regulatory problems (RPs) are associated with childhood internalising and externalising symptoms. Internalising and externalising symptoms, in turn, are associated with adolescent psychopathology (e.g. personality disorders, depression). We examined whether RPs are directly associated with adolescent psychopathology, or whether associations are indirect via childhood internalising and externalising symptoms.

Methods

We used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Mothers reported on their child's RPs at 6, 15–18 and 24–30 months, and internalising and externalising symptoms at 4, 7, 8 and 9.5 years. Adolescent psychotic, depression and BPD symptoms were assessed at 11–12 years. Children were grouped by their patterns of co‐developing internalising and externalising symptoms using parallel process latent class growth analysis (PP‐LCGA). Path analysis was used to examine direct and indirect associations from RPs to the three adolescent outcomes.

Results

There were four groups of children with distinct patterns of co‐developing internalising and externalising (INT/EXT) symptoms. Most children (53%) demonstrated low–moderate and stable levels of INT/EXT symptoms. A small proportion (7.7%) evidenced moderate and increasing INT and high stable EXT symptoms: this pattern was strongly predictive of adolescent psychopathology (e.g. depression at 11 years: unadjusted odds ratio = 5.62; 95% confidence intervals = 3.82, 8.27). The other two groups were differentially associated with adolescent outcomes (i.e. moderate–high increasing INT/moderate decreasing EXT predicted mother‐reported depression at 12, while low stable INT/moderate–high stable EXT predicted child‐reported depression at 11). In path analysis, RPs at each time‐point were significantly indirectly associated with symptoms of BPD and child‐ and mother‐reported depression symptoms via the most severe class of INT/EXT symptoms.

Conclusions

Consistent with a cascade model of development, RPs are predictive of higher levels of co‐developing INT/EXT symptoms, which in turn increase risk of adolescent psychopathology. Clinicians should be aware of, and treat, early RPs to prevent chronic psychopathology.
Atopic dermatitis and metabolic syndrome: lifestyle or systemic inflammation?
Authors: Vestergaard C.
Published: August 2019

Linked article: G. Shalom et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019; 33: 1762–1767. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15642.