bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making the subjects of mental health care: a cross‐cultural comparison of mental health policy in Hong Kong, China and New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Cui Jialiang , Lancaster Kari , Newman Christy E.
Published: March 2019

Constituting ‘social problems’ in particular ways has a range of effects, including for how subjects are positioned within policy and discourse. Employing an approach grounded in poststructuralist and social constructionist thinking, this analysis interrogates how the subjects of mental health care were constituted and problematised in mental health policies in two distinctive contexts, unsettling the taken‐for granted assumptions which underpin these problematisations. Two policies were selected for analysis as exemplar pieces of mental health policy reform in Hong Kong and New South Wales (NSW). Subjects were constituted as ‘patientised’ individuals (in Hong Kong) encouraged to depend on professionals who help them reintegrate into the ‘normal’ community, and as ‘traumatised’ individuals (in NSW) expected to take responsibility to guide the delivery of mental health care and respected as a part of diversity in community settings. While both policies constituted subjects as ‘unwell individuals’ and enacted ‘dividing practices’, subjectivities were shaped by distinctive cultural and socio‐political contexts. This analysis shifts our attention away from a focus on the effectiveness of policy solutions to the heterogeneity and contingency of policy ‘problems’ and ‘subjects’, opening up new possibilities for ‘out‐of‐the‐box’ policy responses to mental health.
Population augmentation had no effect on the abundance or body condition of conspecifics and co‐occurring lizard species in a native grassland community
Authors: Clive Lucy F. R. , Gardner Michael G. , Clayton Jessica , Baring Ryan , Hutchinson Mark N. , Fenner Aaron , Bull C. Michael
Published: March 2019

Wildlife translocations have been historically plagued by failure. As more species gain endangered status, we must increase the success rate through use of pre‐emptive empirical, evidence‐based research. The main ecological risk is the potential for the relocated individuals to have competitive advantage at the recipient site, acting invasively and, potentially, outcompeting the native fauna for food, shelter or other resources. Here we investigated the ecological risk of increased population density, following a population augmentation of the pygmy bluetongue lizard (Tiliqua adelaidensis) an endangered lizard, endemic to South Australia. We experimentally increased T. adelaidensis density to ascertain if a sudden increase in T. adelaidensis density would negatively affect the abundance or body condition of the resident conspecifics and co‐existing lizard species found at the recipient site. Twenty‐four individuals, from two populations, were relocated into previously built enclosures at a recipient site in grassland habitat, north of Adelaide, South Australia. For one activity‐season pre and post the augmentation, co‐existing lizard species were sampled in an effort to detect any changes inabundance or body condition. Comparisons were also made between experimental enclosures, containing residents and translocated individuals and control enclosures, containing only residents. Using Menetia greyii as a proxy for all of the competing species, our results show there was no reduction in abundance or body condition post augmentation. Our lack of evidence indicating a negative impact of the T. adelaidensis translocation on the body condition and abundance of the resident lizard species is a positive outcome for future conservation of this species. This study provides a new way of approaching wildlife movements, through identification of potential risks using small‐scale translocations in an enclosed area before conducting large‐scale releases into unfenced areas; the results are intended to facilitate higher translocation success rates and limit the negative effects upon the wider ecological community at recipient sites.
An audit on a routine antenatal nonstress testing program in pregnant women with preexisting diabetes
Authors: Jørgensen Isabella L. , Vestgaard Marianne , Àsbjörnsdóttir Björg , Mathiesen Elisabeth R. , Damm Peter
Published: March 2019

Introduction

The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of routine (planned) antenatal nonstress tests (NSTs) in pregnant women with preexisting diabetes.

Material and methods

A retrospective single‐center study of 642 consecutive pregnancies in women with preexisting diabetes who gave birth to a singleton ≥22 weeks. Weekly planned NSTs were commenced at 33‐35 weeks. In pregnancies with maternal‐fetal complications, the initiation and frequency of the planned NST were individualized. Daily maternal assessment of fetal activity was recommended from 28 weeks, and decreased fetal activity indicated an unplanned NST. Data were collected from medical records, and local and regional databases.

Results

In total, 3016 planned NSTs were performed, with a median of five (range 0‐12) tests per pregnancy. Ninety‐five planned NSTs (3.1%) were abnormal, a finding confirmed by retesting the same day in eight cases (8.4%), thus leading to delivery. Complications were present in seven of these eight pregnancies, whereas no fetal movements for the last 3 days were reported when the planned NST was performed in the eighth pregnancy. When specifically asked, five of the eight women stated that they had observed decreased fetal activity preceding the planned NST. In 86 pregnancies (13.4%), maternal perception of decreased fetal activity indicated in total 127 unplanned NSTs. The combination of decreased fetal activity and further obstetrical assessment led to delivery in 10 of these pregnancies (11.6%). One stillbirth occurred at 37 weeks in a pregnancy complicated by fetal achondroplasia and polyhydramnios, where the weekly planned NSTs had been normal. The overall stillbirth rate was thus 1.6/1000.

Conclusions

Routine use of planned antenatal NSTs does not appear to be indicated in pregnancies in women with preexisting diabetes in the absence of maternal‐fetal complications.
Mini review shows that structured light plethysmography provides a non‐contact method for evaluating breathing patterns in children
Authors: Lauhkonen E , Cooper B G , Iles R
Published: March 2019

Aim

Structured light plethysmography (SLP) is a novel light‐based method that captures chest wall movements to evaluate tidal breathing. We carried out a narrative mini review of the clinical use of SLP in paediatrics.

Methods

PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for papers published in English up to December 2018. This identified a methodology paper published in 2010 and eight full papers, including three paediatric studies and one paediatric case report. We also included data from ten conference abstracts and one clinical case study.

Results

We found data that validated the ability of SLP to differentiate airway obstruction from tidal breathing parameters and bronchodilator responsiveness for children aged two years and over. Non‐contact measurement of regional chest wall movement was a unique feature. Feasibility data were scarce and more studies are needed, especially in infants. Preliminary studies suggest that SLP has the potential to be used in cases of dysfunctional breathing and neuromuscular diseases and as a follow‐up tool after lung infections or surgery.

Conclusion

Structured light plethysmography has been validated to demonstrate lung function abnormality in paediatric asthma, but further studies are needed to demonstrate its benefits over current practice and how it can be used for other conditions.
Survival rates for surgically treated necrotising enterocolitis have improved over the last four decades
Authors: Fredriksson F , Engstrand Lilja H
Published: March 2019

Aim

Improved survival rates for premature infants have also increased the population at risk of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). This study evaluated the outcomes of surgically treated NEC and identified risk factors for mortality, intestinal failure (IF) and IF associated liver disease (IFALD).

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study of 131 infants with surgically treated NEC from 1976 to 2016 in a Swedish tertiary referral centre: 20 in 1976–1996, 33 in 1997–2006 and 78 in 2007–2016. Data were extracted from medical records, and the Cox regression model was used to identify risk factors.

Results

When the first and last periods were compared, they showed decreases in both gestational age, from 30 to 26 weeks, and mortality rates, from 45% to 29%. IF was found in 67 patients (56%), IFALD in 41 patients (34%) and short bowel syndrome (SBS) in 13 (19%). The incidence of IF was high, even in infants without SBS. Low gestational age was an independent risk factor for mortality. No risk factors were identified for IF or IFALD.

Conclusion

Survival rates for NEC improved from 1976–2016, despite a decrease in gestational age. Clinicians should be particularly aware of the risk of infants without SBS developing IF.
Relationship between myological variables and different take‐off and landing behaviours in frogs
Authors: Soliz Mónica , Tulli María J. , Abdala Virginia
Published: March 2019

Although landing behaviour in anurans differs significantly among species, a take‐off behaviour seems to be largely conserved in the evolution of frogs and toads. The ancestral mode of landing is hypothesized to involve the body crash‐landing on the substrate, after which the anuran cycles the limbs forward and then backward to their resting position. The part of the body that first contacts the substrate may vary among taxa. The limbs and pectoral girdle muscles as well as those of the caudopelvic region, involved with landing and take‐off behaviours, are investigated. The existence of a relationship exists between myology and different take‐off and landing behaviours is explored. The results suggest that most of the muscles involved in both take‐off and landing are conserved morphologically, with only few differing, depending on the locomotor behaviour. Two muscles tend to be longer; the m. coracobrachialis, which is involved with landing, and the m. coccygeosacralis, related to the take‐off.
Glacier outburst floods reconstructed from lake sediments and their implications for Holocene variations of the plateau glacier Folgefonna in western Norway
Authors: Røthe Torgeir O. , Bakke Jostein , Støren Eivind Wilhelm Nagel
Published: March 2019

A sudden release of large volumes of water during a glacier outburst flood (GLOF) is a major hazard worldwide. Here, we identify the sedimentary signature of glacial and non‐glacial processes, including GLOFs, based on lacustrine sediments from the distal glacier‐fed Lake Buarvatnet in western Norway. Historically documented GLOFs in 2002 CE and during the 1980s CE are identified in the 210Pb‐ and 14C‐dated sediments. These events have the same sedimentary signature as 12 earlier events throughout the Holocene interpreted to represent previous GLOFs in the catchment. The GLOFs are interpreted to have occurred during periods when the glacier extent was similar to the modern positions, and the events are thus used to pinpoint past positions of the glacier terminus and, hence, the equilibrium line altitudes (ELAs). The results indicate that the glacier Svartenutbreen, located at the eastern part of Folgefonna, had a similar size in 2002 CE as c. 8200–8300 cal. a BP, corresponding to the 8.2 ka event in the North Atlantic region. The regrowth of Sørfonna after the Holocene Thermal Optimum occurred at c. 6900 cal. a BP and Svartenutbreen was at modern size and extent in the periods c. 6400, c. 5450, c. 4850, c. 3850, c. 3550 and c. 1650 cal. a BP. Since 1650 cal. a BP, we infer that the glacier was larger than the 2002 CE glacier extent until 1910 CE when a GLOF occurred. Svartenutbreen has been retreating since 1910 CE, which led to the ice damming of the two historical GLOFs in the 1980s and 2002 CE separated by a glacier advance in the 1990s CE. The findings are discussed and compared to other regional glacier reconstructions in Norway, and emphasize the value of identifying and utilizing GLOFs as an indicator of past ELA variability.
Erucin exhibits vasorelaxing effects and antihypertensive activity by H2S‐releasing properties
Authors: Martelli Alma , Piragine Eugenia , Citi Valentina , Testai Lara , Pagnotta Eleonora , Ugolini Luisa , Lazzeri Luca , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Manzo Onorina Laura , Bucci Mariarosaria , Ghelardini Carla , Breschi Maria Cristina , Calderone Vincenzo
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)‐releasing agents are viewed as potential antihypertensive drugs. Recently, natural isothiocyanates emerged as original H2S‐donor agents. Among them, erucin, present in some edible cruciferous plants, shows suitable H2S‐releasing properties and features of “druggability.” The aim of this work was to investigate the erucin‐mediated release of H2S inside vascular cells, its vasorelaxing effects, and activity on BP of normo and hypertensive animals.

Experimental Approach

Intracellular H2S‐release and the hyperpolarizing effect of erucin were tested using fluorescent dye, in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). Its direct vasorelaxing effect and ability to inhibit noradrenaline‐induced vasoconstriction were evaluated on endothelium‐intact or ‐denuded rat aortic rings. Its vasodilator properties were tested in coronary arteries using Langendorff‐perfused rat hearts. Finally, erucin's antihypertensive activity was evaluated in vivo in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) by recording systolic BP using the tail‐cuff method.

Key Results

Erucin induced the release of H2S inside HASMCs. Moreover, erucin hyperpolarized the membrane of HASMCs membrane in a concentration‐dependent manner. It induced vasodilatation of rat aortic rings, in endothelium‐denuded vessels. This effect was further improved by the presence of endothelial NO. When pre‐incubated with rat aortic rings, erucin induced concentration‐dependent inhibition of noradrenaline‐induced vasoconstriction. Erucin did not affect basal coronary flow but restored the flow to normal in pre‐contracted coronary vessels. Finally, in vivo, erucin decreased systolic BP in SHRs by about 25%, and restored the BP to values observed in normotensive rats.

Conclusions and Implications

Erucin is an H2S donor endowed with vasorelaxing and antihypertensive effects.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Hydrogen Sulfide in Biology & Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.4/issuetoc
Enhanced responsiveness of platelets to vicagrel in IL‐10‐deficient mice through STAT3‐dependent up‐regulation of the hydrolase arylacetamide deacetylase in the intestine
Authors: Jia Yu‐Meng , Zhou Huan , Tai Ting , Gu Tong‐Tong , Ji Jin‐Zi , Mi Qiong‐Yu , Huang Bei‐Bei , Li Yi‐Fei , Zhu Ting , Xie Hong‐Guang
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose

Vicagrel is a novel promising antiplatelet drug designed for overcoming clopidogrel resistance. There is limited evidence indicating that exogenous IL‐10 suppresses CYP3A4 activity in healthy subjects and that IL‐10 knockout (KO) mice exhibit increased clopidogrel bioactivation compared with wild‐type (WT) mice. In this study, we sought to determine whether IL‐10 could play an important role in the metabolism of and platelet response to vicagrel in mice.

Experimental Approach

IL‐10 KO and WT mice were administered vicagrel, then their plasma H4 (active metabolite of vicagrel) concentrations were determined by LC–MS/MS, and inhibition of ADP‐induced whole‐blood platelet aggregation by vicagrel was assessed with an aggregometer. The mRNA and protein levels of several relevant genes between IL‐10 KO and WT mice were measured by qRT‐PCR and Western blots, respectively. Intestinal Aadac protein levels were measured in IL‐10 WT mice injected i.p. with vehicle control, Stattic, or BAY 11‐7082.

Key Results

Compared with WT mice, IL‐10 KO mice exhibited significantly increased plasma levels of H4 and enhanced platelet responses to vicagrel, as well as significantly higher mRNA and protein levels of arylacetamide deacetylase (Aadac) in the intestine. In WT mice, STAT3, not NF‐κB, mediated Aadac expression in the intestine.

Conclusions and Implications

IL‐10 suppresses metabolic activation of vicagrel through down‐regulation of Aadac in mouse intestine in a STAT3‐dependent manner and, consequently, attenuates platelet responses to vicagrel, suggesting that the antiplatelet effect of vicagrel may be modulated by changes in plasma IL‐10 levels in relevant clinical settings.
Small molecule‐facilitated anion transporters in cells for a novel therapeutic approach to cystic fibrosis
Authors: Fiore Michele , Cossu Claudia , Capurro Valeria , Picco Cristiana , Ludovico Alessandra , Mielczarek Marcin , Carreira‐Barral Israel , Caci Emanuela , Baroni Debora , Quesada Roberto , Moran Oscar
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lethal autosomal recessive genetic disease that originates from the defective function of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, a cAMP‐dependent anion channel involved in fluid transport across epithelium. Because small synthetic transmembrane anion transporters (anionophores) can replace the biological anion transport mechanisms, independent of genetic mutations in the CFTR, such anionophores are candidates as new potential treatments for CF.

Experimental Approach

In order to assess their effects on cell physiology, we have analysed the transport properties of five anionophore compounds, three prodigiosines and two tambjamines. Chloride efflux was measured in large uni‐lamellar vesicles and in HEK293 cells with chloride‐sensitive electrodes. Iodide influx was evaluated in FRT cells transfected with iodide‐sensitive YFP. Transport of bicarbonate was assessed by changes of pH after a NH4+ pre‐pulse using the BCECF fluorescent probe. Assays were also carried out in FRT cells permanently transfected with wild type and mutant human CFTR.

Key Results

All studied compounds are capable of transporting halides and bicarbonate across the cell membrane, with a higher transport capacity at acidic pH. Interestingly, the presence of these anionophores did not interfere with the activation of CFTR and did not modify the action of lumacaftor (a CFTR corrector) or ivacaftor (a CFTR potentiator).

Conclusion and Implications

These anionophores, at low concentrations, transported chloride and bicarbonate across cell membranes, without affecting CFTR function. They therefore provide promising starting points for the development of novel treatments for CF.
Simvastatin protects photoreceptors from oxidative stress induced by all‐trans‐retinal, through the up‐regulation of interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein
Authors: Zhang Ting , Gillies Mark , Wang Ying , Shen Weiyong , Bahrami Bobak , Zeng Shaoxue , Zhu Meidong , Yao Wenjuan , Zhou Fanfan , Murray Michael , Wang Ke , Zhu Ling
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose

Simvastatin is a 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl CoA reductase inhibitor with multiple targets and effects. It protects neurons in the brain, but its protective effects on photoreceptors are unclear. In this study, we evaluated the neuroprotective effect of simvastatin on photoreceptors exposed to stress induced by all‐trans‐retinal (atRAL).

Experimental Approach

AlamarBlue and LDH assays were used to evaluate the viability and metabolic activity of Y79 cells (a retinoblastoma cell line) exposed to atRAL‐induced stress with or without simvastatin pretreatment. Changes in cellular ROS were evaluated using flow cytometry and mitochondrial stress markers JC‐1 and HSP60. Changes in levels of two photoreceptor‐specific markers, cone‐rod homeobox protein (CRX) and interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein (IRBP), were evaluated with western blot. The results were validated in ex vivo human retinal explants and a mouse model of photoreceptor degeneration.

Key Results

Simvastatin improved mitochondrial function, alleviated oxidative stress and up‐regulated the photoreceptor‐specific markers IRBP and its upstream regulator CRX in Y79 cells and ex vivo human retinal explants under atRAL‐induced stress. Simvastatin attenuated photoreceptor degeneration in association with up‐regulation of IRBP and CRX expression after knockdown of IRBP in a murine model.

Conclusion and Implications

Our findings suggest that simvastatin has a novel role in protecting photoreceptors from atRAL‐induced stress. Simvastatin treatment resulted in up‐regulation of IRBP and its upstream transcription factor CRX in Y79 cells, ex vivo human retinal explants, and murine retinas in vivo. Further studies of simvastatin to treat photoreceptor degeneration are warranted.
RETRACTED: Diosmetin induces apoptosis and enhances the chemotherapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel in non‐small cell lung cancer cells via Nrf2 inhibition
Authors: Chen Xiangcui , Wu Qipeng , Chen Yueming , Zhang Jiahao , Li Huachao , Yang Zhicheng , Yang Yang , Deng Yanchao , Zhang Luyong , Liu Bing
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose

Non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for up to 80–85% of all lung cancers and has a disappointing prognosis. Flavonoids exert anticancer properties, mostly involving stimulation of ROS production without significant toxicity to normal cells. This study was aimed to delineate the effect of diosmetin, a natural flavonoid, on NSCLC cells and its ability to enhance the antitumour activity of paclitaxel.

Experimental Approach

NSCLC cells, normal cell lines HLF‐1 and BEAS‐2B, and immunodeficient mice were chosen as models to study the effects of diosmetin. Changes in cell viability, apoptosis, and ROS were analysed by MTT assay, flow cytometry assay, and fluorescent probe DCFH‐DA. Expression of proteins and mRNA was determined by Western blotting and real‐time RT‐PCR. Growth of xenografted tumours was measured. Spleens and other vital organs were analysed with histological and immunohistochemical techniques.

Key Results

Diosmetin induced selective apoptotic death in NSCLC cells but spared normal cells, via ROS accumulation. Diosmetin induced ROS production in NSCLC cells probably via reducing Nrf2 stability through disruption of the PI3K/Akt/GSK‐3β pathway. The in vitro and in vivo xenograft studies showed that combined treatment of diosmetin and paclitaxel synergistically suppressed NSCLC cells. Histological analysis of vital organs showed no obvious toxicity of diosmetin, which matched our in vitro findings.

Conclusions and Implications

Diosmetin selectively induced apoptosis and enhanced the efficacy of paclitaxel in NSCLC cells via ROS accumulation through disruption of the PI3K/Akt/GSK‐3β/Nrf2 pathway. Therefore, diosmetin may be a promising candidate for adjuvant treatment of NSCLC.
Parents’ Expectations for and Reactions to Children's Racial Biases
Authors: Scott Katharine E. , Shutts Kristin , Devine Patricia G.
Published: March 2019

How do parents think about and react to their children's racial biases? Across three studies (N = 519) we investigated whether and how parents’ Internal Motivation to Respond without Prejudice Scale (IMS) predicted standards for their children's race‐related behavior, and tested parents’ affective reactions to imagining their children violating their standards. Studies 1 and 2 demonstrated that parents (of 4‐ to 12‐year‐old children) with high IMS set more stringent standards for their children's race‐related behavior than their low IMS counterparts. Upon considering their children expressing racial bias, high IMS parents reported negative self‐directed affect (i.e., guilt; Studies 2 and 3), an affective response that motivates prejudice reduction in adults. The results have implications for involving parents in prejudice interventions targeting children's biases.
Diagnosis and management of asthma, COPD and asthma‐COPD overlap among primary care physicians and respiratory/allergy specialists: A global survey
Authors: Jenkins Christine , FitzGerald J. Mark , Martinez Fernando J. , Postma Dirkje S. , Rennard Stephen , van der Molen Thys , Gardev Asparuh , Genofre Eduardo , Calverley Peter
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Asthma‐chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap (ACO) is a heterogenous condition with clinical features shared by both asthma and COPD.

Objectives

This online global survey of respiratory/allergy specialists and primary care practitioners (PCPs) was performed to understand current clinical approaches to the differential diagnosis and management of asthma, COPD and ACO.

Methods

Respondents were recruited through: (a) a global online physician respondent community (49,980 PCPs and 7205 specialists); (b) market research agents; (c) experts; (d) professional societies; (e) colleague invitation. Respondents were presented with a survey including hypothetical clinical scenarios of diagnostic uncertainty to identify management approaches.

Results

891 responses (447 PCPs and 444 specialists) were collected across 13 countries. Reported features used for diagnosis of asthma and COPD were consistent with practice guidelines, but there was variability in those selected for ACO diagnosis. Features typically selected by specialists focused on spirometry/history, while PCPs focused on previous treatment/symptoms. Most respondents could correctly diagnose patients with features of ACO; however, features selected for theoretical diagnosis were often different to those selected in the case scenarios. Additionally, treatment selection was often inconsistent with guidelines, with over half of respondents not recommending inhaled corticosteroids in a patient with ACO and dominant features of asthma.

Conclusion

While most PCPs and respiratory/allergy specialists can reach a working diagnosis of ACO, there remains uncertainty around which diagnostic features are most important and what constitutes optimal management. It is imperative that clinical studies including patients with ACO are initiated, allowing the generation of evidence‐based management strategies.
No “Gadgil effect”: Temperate tree roots and soil lithology are effective predictors of wood decomposition
Authors: Malik Rondy J.
Published: March 2019

The “Gadgil effect” hypothesizes that root associations may slow down decomposition through pre‐emptive competition. In the context of recalcitrant litter decomposition, specifically coarse wood debris, it is uncertain as to what is the relative importance of soil communities associated with living roots when compared to those without roots. Here, it is hypothesized that the presence of live roots and active photosynthates will enhance wood decomposition. To test this hypothesis, the presence or absence of temperate tree roots was used in this study. Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and white oak (Quercus alba) roots were manipulated at three sites of either limestone or shale parent rock residuum. At each site, wood substrate was placed in soils beneath the canopy of either A. saccharum or Q. alba, while in the presence of roots (root+). At the same time, wood substrate was placed in the same soil community, but live root exposure was eliminated by trenching (root−). This eliminated active photosynthate supply to the soil microbial community. Results determined that live root exposure promoted faster decomposition and greater mycelial colonization of wood substrate. Also, sites of shale parent rock residuum had higher rates of decomposition in comparison with limestone parent rock residuum. Although additional work is needed to determine the extent in which roots and lithology can facilitate wood decomposition, these findings suggest that living roots impact decomposers and provide a pathway towards humus and soil organic matter formation.
Beta band oscillatory deficits during working memory encoding in adolescents with attention‐deficit hyperactive disorder
Authors: Zammit Nowell , Muscat Richard
Published: March 2019

Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioural disorder, characterized by symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity, in addition to various cognitive deficits, including working memory impairments. This pathology arises from a complex constellation of genetic, structural and neurotransmission abnormalities, which give rise to the aberrant electrophysiological patterns evident in patients with ADHD. Among such, findings have consistently provided support in favour of weaker power across the beta frequency range. Evidence has also emerged that beta rhythmic decrements are linked to working memory encoding. The catecholaminergic modulation of both working memory and beta oscillations may suggest that the link between the two might be rooted at the neurotransmission level. Studies have consistently shown that ADHD involves significant catecholaminergic dysregulation, which is also supported by other clinical studies that demonstrate stimulant‐induced amelioration of ADHD symptomology. In this study, we explore the possible ways that might relate ADHD, working memory, beta rhythms and catecholaminergic signalling altogether by investigating the integrity of encoding‐relevant electroencephalographic beta rhythms in medication‐naïve and stimulant‐medicated adolescent patients. The aberrant parietal and frontal encoding‐related beta rhythm revealed in the ADHD patients together with a working memory (WM) deficit as observed herein was reversed by methylphenidate in the latter case but not with regard to the beta rhythm. This finding per se raises the issue of the role played by beta rhythms in the WM deficits associated with ADHD.
Understanding the immune landscape in atopic dermatitis: The era of biologics and emerging therapeutic approaches
Authors: Moyle Matthew , Cevikbas Ferda , Harden Jamie L. , Guttman‐Yassky Emma
Published: March 2019

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory disease that affects the skin and is characterized by persistent itch and marked redness. AD is associated with an increased risk of skin infections and a reduced quality of life. Most AD treatment options to date were not designed to selectively target disease‐causing pathways that have been established for this indication. Topical therapies have limited efficacy in moderate‐to‐severe disease, and systemic agents such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants present with tolerability issues. Advances in the understanding of AD pathobiology have made possible a new generation of more disease‐specific AD therapies. AD is characterized by the inappropriate activation of type 2 T helper (Th2) cells and type 2 innate lymphoid (ILC2) cells, with a predominant increase in type 2 cytokines in the skin, including interleukin (IL)‐13 and IL‐4. Both cytokines are implicated in tissue inflammation and epidermal barrier dysfunction, and monoclonal antibodies targeting each of these interleukins or their receptors are in clinical development in AD. In March 2017, dupilumab, a human anti–IL‐4Rα antibody, became the first biologic to receive approval in the United States for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe AD. The anti–IL‐13 monoclonal antibodies lebrikizumab and tralokinumab, which bind different IL‐13 epitopes with potentially different effects, are currently in advanced‐stage trials. Here, we briefly review the underlying pathobiology of AD, the scientific basis for current AD targets, and summarize current clinical studies of these agents, including new research to develop both predictive and response biomarkers to further advance AD therapy in the era of precision medicine.
Life history consequences of developing in anthropogenic noise
Authors: Gurule‐Small Gabrielle A. , Tinghitella Robin M.
Published: March 2019

When environments change rapidly, adaptive phenotypic plasticity can ameliorate negative effects of environmental change on survival and reproduction. Recent evidence suggests, however, that plastic responses to human‐induced environmental change are often maladaptive or insufficient to overcome novel selection pressures. Anthropogenic noise is a ubiquitous and expanding disturbance with demonstrated effects on fitness‐related traits of animals like stress responses, foraging, vigilance, and pairing success. Elucidating the lifetime fitness effects of noise has been challenging because longer‐lived vertebrate systems are typically studied in this context. Here, we follow noise‐stressed invertebrates throughout their lives, assessing a comprehensive suite of life history traits, and ultimately, lifetime number of surviving offspring. We reared field crickets, Teleogryllus oceanicus, in masking traffic noise, traffic noise from which we removed frequencies that spectrally overlap with the crickets’ mate location song and peak hearing (nonmasking), or silence. We found that exposure to masking noise delayed maturity and reduced adult lifespan; crickets exposed to masking noise spent 23% more time in juvenile stages and 13% less time as reproductive adults than those exposed to no traffic noise. Chronic lifetime exposure to noise, however, did not affect lifetime reproductive output (number of eggs or surviving offspring), perhaps because mating provided females a substantial longevity benefit. Nevertheless, these results are concerning as they highlight multiple ways in which traffic noise may reduce invertebrate fitness. We encourage researchers to consider effects of anthropogenic disturbance on growth, survival, and reproductive traits simultaneously because changes in these traits may amplify or nullify one another.
Soil hydrological properties as influenced by long‐term nitrogen application and landscape positions under switchgrass seeded to a marginal cropland
Authors: Singh Navdeep , Dhaliwal Jashanjeet Kaur , Sekaran Udayakumar , Kumar Sandeep
Published: March 2019

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has the potential to recover the soil hydrological properties of marginal lands. Nitrogen (N) and landscape position are the key factors in impacting these soil properties under switchgrass. The specific objective of this study was to investigate the responses of N rate (low, 0 kg N/ha and high, 112 kg N/ha) and landscape positions (shoulder and footslope) on near‐surface soil hydrological properties that included: infiltration rate (qs), saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), bulk density (ρb), penetration resistance (SPR), water retention (SWR), pore‐size distribution (PSD), and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) fractions under switchgrass production. Data showed that, in general, the N and landscape position significantly influenced soil hydrological properties. Higher N rate decreased ρb (1.23 and 1.36 g/cm3 at 0–5 and 5–15 cm, respectively) and SPR (1.06 and 1.53 MPa at 0–5 and 5–15 cm, respectively) at both depths and increased the qs, Ksat and Green–Ampt estimated sorptivity (S) and hydraulic conductivity (Ks) parameters, and SWR (0–5 cm depth) at 0 and −0.4 kPa matric potentials (ψm). Furthermore, footslope position significantly decreased ρb, SPR at 0–5 and 5–15 cm depths, and increased the qs, Ksat, S, Ks, and SWR (0–5 cm depth) at every ψm ranged from 0 to −30.0 kPa. The higher N rate increased the coarse mesopores (60–1,000 μm) and total pores, whereas, footslope position increased the coarse mesopores, micropores (<60 μm), and total pores. Data from this study showed that planting switchgrass with 112 kg N/ha under footslope position helped in improving the soil hydrological properties, those can be beneficial in enhancing the biomass yield under marginal lands.
The ‘new industrial man’ as unhero: Doing postfeminist masculinities in an Italian pharmacological research centre
Authors: Pecis Lara , Priola Vincenza
Published: March 2019

Recent work has documented the need to engage with how men construct masculinities within postfeminist discourses in the workplace. Postfeminism has sparked debates concerning the changing ideals of masculinities, highlighting the tensions between traditional forms of patriarchy and ‘new’ ways of being a man (e.g., emotional, a ‘new father’, in crisis). Men have been depicted as being in search of a new identity, opposed to the ever‐growing confidence and empowerment of women. In mobilizing postfeminism as a discourse, this article illustrates how men working in an Italian pharmacological research centre (managed by men but dominated by women) assume subject positions that contradictorily fluctuate between tradition and fluid modernity, to reveal a masculinity which we identify with the ‘new industrial man’. The postfeminist masculinities exposed in the analysis mesh pro‐ and anti‐feminist ideas by appealing to un/heroic and romanticized subjectivities. The analysis also shows how un/heroic masculinities and men's appeal to biological differences to reinforce social ones and devalue the feminine obfuscate organizational gender inequalities. The article advances masculinity theory by offering a nuanced analysis of how masculinities and men are affected by paradoxical contemporary pressures for more egalitarian gender relations and a renewed emphasis on patriarchal traditions, which continue to support the gendering of the workplace.
BRAF V600E immunohistochemistry demonstrates that some sessile serrated lesions with adenomatous dysplasia may represent collision lesions
Authors: Bettington Mark , Liu Cheng , Gill Anthony , Walker Neal , Leggett Barbara , Whitehall Vicki , Rosty Christophe
Published: March 2019

Aims

Sessile serrated lesions (SSL) with dysplasia are uncommon polyps with a high risk of rapid malignant transformation. Most of these lesions have a BRAF mutation and 75% show loss of MLH1 expression in their dysplastic component. Different morphological patterns of dysplasia occurring in these polyps have recently been described. We hypothesised that a subset of SSLs with dysplasia mimicking the dysplasia seen in conventional adenoma (adenomatous dysplasia) may represent a collision lesion between an ordinary SSL and a conventional adenoma.

Methods and results

We selected 80 SSLs with dysplasia, including 19 with adenomatous dysplasia, 18 with serrated dysplasia and 43 with dysplasia not otherwise specified (NOS). BRAF mutation analysis was performed using molecular testing (allelic discrimination) and the mutation‐specific BRAF‐V600E immunohistochemistry (clone VE1). The overall BRAF‐V600E mutation rate was 84% in all lesions, 68% in SSLs with adenomatous dysplasia, 89% in SSLs with serrated dysplasia and 88% in SSLs with dysplasia NOS. From the 63 SSLs with dysplasia that were positive for the BRAF‐V600E mutation, a negative BRAF‐V600E immunostaining was observed in the dysplastic component of 83% of SSLs with adenomatous dysplasia, 0% of SSLs with serrated dysplasia and 3% of SSLs with dysplasia NOS (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that SSLs with adenomatous dysplasia may not represent advanced SSLs, but instead may be a collision between a non‐dysplastic SSL and a conventional adenoma.
High thermal conductivity silicon nitride ceramics prepared by pressureless sintering with ternary sintering additives
Authors: Duan Yusen , Zhang Jingxian , Li Xiaoguang , Bai Hainan , Sajgalik Pavol , Jiang Dongliang
Published: March 2019

Silicon nitride ceramics were pressureless sintered at low temperature using ternary sintering additives (TiO2, MgO and Y2O3), and the effects of sintering aids on thermal conductivity and mechanical properties were studied. TiO2–Y2O3–MgO sintering additives will react with the surface silica present on the silicon nitride particles to form a low melting temperature liquid phase which allows liquid phase sintering to occur and densification of the Si3N4. The highest flexural strength was 791(±20) MPa with 12 wt% additives sintered at 1780°C for 2 hours, comparable to the samples prepared by gas pressure sintering. Fracture toughness of all the specimens was higher than 7.2 MPa·m1/2 as the sintering temperature was increased to 1810°C. Thermal conductivity was improved by prolonging the dwelling time and adopting the annealing process. The highest thermal conductivity of 74 W/(m∙K) was achieved with 9 wt% sintering additives sintered at 1810°C with 4 hours holding followed by postannealing.
The effect of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp bulgaricus proteinase on properties of milk gel acidified with glucono‐δ‐lactone
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Zhang Yan , Li Meng , Luo Xue , Xiao Ming , Sun Qi , Xie Fengying , Zhang Lanwei
Published: March 2019

Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CH9‐3 proteinase is an enzyme that plays an important role in yogurt fermentation, by which its use is linked to gel properties of yogurt. In this work, a modified glucono‐δ‐lactone (GDL) acidification model was used to simulate the fermentation of yogurt and study the effect of CH9‐3 proteinase on GDL‐acidified milk gel. The results showed that the proteinase significantly improved the quality of milk gel by increasing its firmness, consistency, and viscosity index, while decreasing its syneresis. Furthermore, the proteinase could accelerate the formation of milk gel as indicated by the decrease in surface charge of milk gel. The findings demonstrate that CH9‐3 proteinase has a positive effect on the properties of milk gel, and thus may have promising applications in the yogurt making industry.
Membrane fatty acids composition and fluidity modification in Salmonella Typhimurium by culture temperature and resistance under pulsed electric fields
Authors: Wang Ruo‐Yong , Ou Yun , Zeng Xin‐An , Guo Chang‐Jiang
Published: March 2019

Effects of various growth temperatures on cell membrane fatty acid composition of Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) and the resistance to Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) treatments, as well as PEF combining with mild‐thermal (35, 45, 55 °C) treatments were investigated. Results indicated that the PEF resistance of S. Typhimurium at stationary phase was varied markedly at different growth temperatures. S. Typhimurium grown at 45 °C exhibited greater PEF resistance than cells grown at a lower temperature. Alteration of membrane fatty acid composition decreased in the unsaturated to saturated fatty acids ratio (UFA/SFA) and increased in cyclopropane fatty acids (CFA) proportion as growth temperature increased. It was found that the PEF resistance of S. Typhimurium at stationary phase was in a membrane fluidity dependent manner. Thermal combined PEF treatment improved the PEF lethality which indicated that the PEF resistance of S. Typhimurium was greatly affected by the fluidity of cytomembrane.
The multiperiod two‐dimensional non‐guillotine cutting stock problem with usable leftovers
Authors: Birgin E. G. , Romão O. C. , Ronconi D. P.
Published: March 2019

A mixed integer linear programing model for the two‐dimensional non‐guillotine cutting problem with usable leftovers was recently introduced by Andrade et al. The problem consists in cutting a set of ordered items using a set of objects of minimum cost and, within the set of solutions of minimum cost, maximizing the value of the usable leftovers. Since the concept of usable leftovers assumes they can potentially be used to attend new arriving orders, the problem is extended to the multiperiod framework in this work. In this way, the decision at each instant does not minimize in a myopic way the cost of the objects required to attend the orders of the current instant; but it aims to minimize the overall cost of the objects up to the considered time horizon. Some variants of the proposed model are analyzed and numerical results are presented.
Trans‐Arctic speciation of Florideophyceae (Rhodophyta) since the opening of the Bering Strait, with consideration of the “species pump” hypothesis
Authors: Bringloe Trevor T. , Saunders Gary W.
Published: March 2019

Aim

The opening of the Bering Strait initiated significant biotic interchange that is postulated to have played a major role in phylogeographical patterns of northern marine flora and fauna. In addition, the “species pump” hypothesis asserts that glaciation events promoted speciation due to repeated isolation of populations over the past 2.6 million years. Here, trans‐Arctic speciation events in red marine macroalgae (Florideophyceae) were assessed using time‐calibrated phylogenies, and the applicability of the “species pump” hypothesis was considered.

Location

Species records and sequence data for trans‐arctic genera of marine macroalgae were amalgamated and supplemented with sampling from the Northwest Atlantic, Northern Alaska (Beaufort Sea), Norway, and Nome, Alaska (Bering Sea; 2014–2017).

Methods

Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenies were variously built using the 5′ end of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI‐5P), and/or the full‐length nuclear internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), and/or the ribulose‐1 5‐biphosphate carboxylase large subunit gene (rbcL), and nodes were timed using calibrated COI‐5P and rbcL molecular clocks. The final dataset represented approximately 184 species, broadly representing 14 trans‐arctic lineages.

Results

Pacific to Atlantic migration and subsequent speciation was inferred in 11 cases, whereas the opposite scenario, atlantic to pacific, was inferred once; only three speciation events appeared to occur during the Pleistocene.

Main conclusions

Our results are in agreement with previous studies in that trans‐arctic speciation events postdated the opening of the Bering Strait with a clear pacific to atlantic bias. Evidence for the “species pump” (as applied to trans‐arctic interchange) was lacking given the frequency of trans‐arctic speciation events was not amplified during the Pleistocene.
The adjunctive effect of a titanium brush in implant surface decontamination at peri‐implantitis surgical regenerative interventions: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: de Tapia Beatriz , Valles Cristina , Ribeiro-Amaral Tiago , Mor Carolina , Herrera David , Sanz Mariano , Nart José
Published: March 2019

Aim

To evaluate an additional mechanical approach, a titanium brush, in the implant surface decontamination performed during the regenerative surgical therapy of peri‐implantitis.

Material and Methods

A randomized double‐blinded clinical trial, with a 1‐year follow‐up, was carried out. After a hygienic phase, peri‐implantitis‐affected implants were randomly assigned to a control or to a test group. In the control group, implant surface was decontaminated both mechanically and chemically with 3% H2O2 and plastic ultrasonic scalers, respectively, while in the test group, a titanium brush was also applied. Intrabony defects in both groups were filled with an alloplastic material (β‐tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite) and covered with a collagen membrane. The primary outcome was the reduction in probing pocket depth (PPD) at the deepest site.

Results

Thirty patients were included, 15 in each group. At 12 months, reduction in PPD was 4.87 (standard deviation [SD] 1.55) mm and 2.85 (SD: 1.91) mm, respectively (p = 0.009). The correspondent figures for residual PPD were 3.6 (SD: 0.91) and 4.92 (SD: 1.26) mm, respectively (p = 0.007).

Conclusions

The additional use of a titanium brush during regenerative treatment of peri‐implantitis resulted in statistically significant benefits in terms of PPD reduction after 12 months.