bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WEO position statement on hygiene in digestive endoscopy: Focus on endoscopy units in Asia and the Middle East
Authors: Murdani Abdullah , Kumar Ajay , Chiu Han‐Mo , Goh Khean‐Lee , Jang Byung Ik , Khor Christopher J. L. , Lau James , Mostafa Ibrahim , Ramchandani Mohan , Ratanalert Siriporn , Tajiri Hisao , Yuen Minghwa , Zhang Shu Tian , Duforest‐Rey Dianelle , Rey Jean‐Francois
Published: October 2016

The aim of this position statement is to reinforce the key points of hygiene in digestive endoscopy. The present article details the minimum hygiene requirements for reprocessing of endoscopes and endoscopic devices, regardless of the reprocessing method (automated washer‐disinfector or manual cleaning) and the endoscopy setting (endoscopy suite, operating room, elective or emergency procedures). These minimum requirements are mandatory for patient safety. Both advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopies should be carried out in an environment that is safe for patients and staff. Particular attention is given to contaminants. Procedural errors in decontamination, defective equipment, and failure to follow disinfection guidelines are major factors contributing to transmission of infection during endoscopy. Other important risk factors include inadequate cleaning, use of older endoscopes with surface and working channel irregularities, and contamination of water bottles or irrigating solutions. Infections by multidrug‐resistant organisms have become an increasing problem in health‐care systems worldwide. Since 2010, outbreaks of multidrug‐resistant bacteria associated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography have been reported from the USA, France, Germany, and The Netherlands. In many endoscopy units in Asia and the Middle East, reprocessing procedures have lagged behind those of Western countries for cultural reasons or lack of financial resources. This inconsistency in standards is now being addressed, and the World Endoscopy Organization has prepared this position statement to highlight key points for quality assurance in any endoscopy unit in any country.
A comparison of changes in stable isotope ratios in the epidermal mucus and muscle tissue of slow‐growing adult catfish
Authors: Maruyama Atsushi , Tanahashi Emi , Hirayama Takanobu , Yonekura Ryuji
Published: October 2016

Although stable isotope analysis is a powerful tool for determining diet, migration patterns and the structure of food webs in aquatic systems, the slow response of isotopic ratios in the widely used muscle tissue often hampers this approach, particularly in slow‐growing or adult fishes. We conducted a diet‐switch experiment to compare the changes in the stable carbon isotope ratio (δ13C values) in the epidermal mucus and muscle tissue of five‐year‐old catfish (Silurus asotus). The isotope ratios in noninvasively sampled mucus changed more rapidly than those in the muscle tissue. As isotopic change in mucus was relatively rapid, this technique can be used over a finer timescale than traditional isotopic analyses using the muscle tissue. The isotopic change half‐life in our experimental condition was 200 days, which would not be short enough for some research purposes. Examining mucus along with the muscle would enable food habits of slow‐growing fishes to be determined over different timescales. However, the rate of isotopic change in the mucus was negatively affected by the size of fish and was slower than the previously reported rates in juvenile steelhead. These findings suggest that mucus turnover rates need to be determined prior to the field data interpretation.
Are reprogrammed cells a useful tool for studying dopamine dysfunction in psychotic disorders? A review of the current evidence
Authors: Sauerzopf Ulrich , Sacco Roberto , Novarino Gaia , Niello Marco , Weidenauer Ana , Praschak‐Rieder Nicole , Sitte Harald , Willeit Matthäus
Published: October 2016

Since 2006, reprogrammed cells have increasingly been used as a biomedical research technique in addition to neuro‐psychiatric methods. These rapidly evolving techniques allow for the generation of neuronal sub‐populations, and have sparked interest not only in monogenetic neuro‐psychiatric diseases, but also in poly‐genetic and poly‐aetiological disorders such as schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BPD). This review provides a summary of 19 publications on reprogrammed adult somatic cells derived from patients with SCZ, and five publications using this technique in patients with BPD. As both disorders are complex and heterogeneous, there is a plurality of hypotheses to be tested in vitro. In SCZ, data on alterations of dopaminergic transmission in vitro are sparse, despite the great explanatory power of the so‐called DA hypothesis of SCZ. Some findings correspond to perturbations of cell energy metabolism, and observations in reprogrammed cells suggest neuro‐developmental alterations. Some studies also report on the efficacy of medicinal compounds to revert alterations observed in cellular models. However, due to the paucity of replication studies, no comprehensive conclusions can be drawn from studies using reprogrammed cells at the present time. In the future, findings from cell culture methods need to be integrated with clinical, epidemiological, pharmacological and imaging data in order to generate a more comprehensive picture of SCZ and BPD.
Sensitivity of soil organic matter decomposition to temperature at different depths in permafrost regions on the northern Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Mu C. , Zhang T. , Zhang X. , Cao B. , Peng X.
Published: October 2016

The temperature sensitivity coefficient (Q10) of soil organic matter decomposition is an important variable for global climate models. Permafrost regions contain large organic carbon pools. A deep core was taken in permafrost from the northern Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP) and exposed to increases in temperature below and above 0°C. The production of CO2 was related to the soil organic carbon (SOC) contents and stable carbon isotopes. Smaller values of δ13C‐SOC and δ13C‐CO2 showed that the release of CO2 was primarily from soil with large SOC contents. The sensitivities of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition to temperature near to the permafrost table and in some permafrost layers were larger than those in other layers. In some layers, a temperature increase below 0°C had a greater effect on the decomposition of SOM than one above 0°C. The values of Q10 in active layers varied from 2.7 to 23.0, with a mean of 8.8. The values of Q10 were larger in the deeper layers; they varied from 1.6 to 49.4, with a mean of 20.8. This is because the degradation of permafrost is usually associated with an increase in temperature even when the soil is in a frozen state. Our results suggest that the large values of Q10 at depth under frozen conditions merit more consideration of the response of SOC to climate warming in future research.

Highlights

The sensitivity to temperature coefficient, Q10, is an important property for global climate models.

The values of Q10 for soil organic matter decomposition were also large in deep layers.

A temperature increase below 0°C has large effects on Q10.

The large values of Q10 at depth under frozen conditions merit more consideration.
Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraine: a three‐armed, single‐blinded, placebo, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chaibi A. , Benth J. Š. , Tuchin P. J. , Russell M. B.
Published: October 2016

Background and purpose

To investigate the efficacy of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (CSMT) for migraineurs.

Methods

This was a prospective three‐armed, single‐blinded, placebo, randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 17 months duration including 104 migraineurs with at least one migraine attack per month. The RCT was conducted at Akershus University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. Active treatment consisted of CSMT, whereas placebo was a sham push manoeuvre of the lateral edge of the scapula and/or the gluteal region. The control group continued their usual pharmacological management. The RCT consisted of a 1‐month run‐in, 3 months intervention and outcome measures at the end of the intervention and at 3, 6 and 12 months follow‐up. The primary end‐point was the number of migraine days per month, whereas secondary end‐points were migraine duration, migraine intensity and headache index, and medicine consumption.

Results

Migraine days were significantly reduced within all three groups from baseline to post‐treatment (P < 0.001). The effect continued in the CSMT and placebo group at all follow‐up time points, whereas the control group returned to baseline. The reduction in migraine days was not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.025 for interaction). Migraine duration and headache index were reduced significantly more in the CSMT than the control group towards the end of follow‐up (P = 0.02 and P = 0.04 for interaction, respectively). Adverse events were few, mild and transient. Blinding was strongly sustained throughout the RCT.

Conclusions

It is possible to conduct a manual‐therapy RCT with concealed placebo. The effect of CSMT observed in our study is probably due to a placebo response.
Social structure and nestmate discrimination in two species of Brachyponera ants distributed in Japan
Authors: Murata Naoki , Tsuji Kazuki , Kikuchi Tomonori
Published: October 2016

The ponerine ant Brachyponera chinensis was introduced to the USA, where it has become invasive. Although various ecological data have been collected for B. chinensis populations in the USA, most aspects concerning the biology and ecology of native populations in Japan, a presumed origin, remain unknown. Here we investigated the social structure and nestmate discrimination in native populations of B. chinensis and a closely related species, B. nakasujii. Both species showed functional polygyny over seasons. Only in B. nakasujii was there a seasonal change in the numbers of queens and workers per nest. In arena tests, workers of neither species showed aggressive behaviors to conspecific non‐nestmates from the same population, and the mean aggression score did not increase with the distance between nests. However, some differences in non‐aggressive responses were detected between nestmate and non‐nestmate pairs in both species. In an experiment to introduce a single worker into a nest, B. chinensis accepted non‐nestmates with a high probability just like nestmates, whereas in B. nakasujii non‐nestmates were less accepted than nestmates. These findings suggest that native populations of B. chinensis already possess some of the key characteristics shared by many invasive exotic ants in introduced ranges, such as stable polygyny, weak internest aggression and acceptance of non‐nestmates. These tendencies are remarkable in comparison to the closely related B. nakasujii.
Clinical application of multidetector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation of cranial nerves in horses in comparison with high resolution imaging standards
Authors: Dixon J. , Lam R. , Weller R. , Manso‐Díaz G. , Smith M. , Piercy R. J.
Published: October 2016

Although horses are affected by cranial nerve disease, our understanding of these structures' imaging anatomy is limited, and the optimal modality for imaging of each of these nerves is unclear. The aim of this study was to describe the imaging appearance of the equine cranial nerves on high‐resolution 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans of a cadaver head, and with these as standards, examine the utility of MRI and CT performed in clinical cases. High‐resolution MRI and CT images were prospectively acquired of the head of a normal Thoroughbred gelding following euthanasia. Ten clinical cases undergoing high‐field MRI under general anaesthesia and 10 clinical cases undergoing CT in the standing horse under sedation were retrospectively evaluated by three reviewers to assess cranial nerve visibility. On high‐resolution, thin‐slice, MRI scans of the normal cadaver head, each of the 12 cranial nerves and their topographic location could be appreciated. On high‐resolution cadaver CT, cranial nerves II, V and VII were clearly visible, but others were less easily identified; osseous structures were clearly visualised. Clinical MRI and CT allowed for variable visualisation of the cranial nerves, dependent on the sequence and the orientation of scan planes. High‐field MRI allowed excellent visualisation of equine cranial nerves, whereas CT allowed for more detailed visualisation of the osseous canals and foramina. In live horses, the ability to identify all 12 nerves is challenging with either MRI or CT; however, high‐field MRI enables better visualisation of the nerve bundles than CT.
Risks, Challenges and Value for Money of Public–Private Partnerships
Authors: Chung Demi
Published: October 2016

This study examines the unique issues, challenges and risks emerging at the end of a public‐private partnership (PPP) concession. The M4 motorway is the first Australian PPP that has reached the end of its concession. The absence of formal guidance on contractual closure created challenges for the partners in interpreting contract ambiguities, and in reaching agreement on the processes needed to close the contract. These challenges had posed several relational risks, the mitigations of which were supported by the relational contract partners developed over the concession term, and their reciprocity and ethical motivations. The reintegration risk emerged in the handback exemplifies the limits of controls designed for legitimacy concerns to resolve coordination problems. The political settlement for value for money was gestured by lifting the toll after the concession ended. In providing unparalleled empirical evidence against the long‐term ‘myths’ of PPPs, the study counters the criticism over PPPs’ impossibilities to handle uncertainties and to transfer risk.
Dehomocysteinylation is catalysed by the sirtuin‐2‐like bacterial lysine deacetylase CobB
Authors: Mei Xin‐Yu , He Xia‐Di , Huang Lei , Qi Da‐Shi , Nie Ji , Li Yang , Si Wen , Zhao Shi‐Min
Published: October 2016

Hyperhomocysteinemia, which is characterized by elevated blood levels of the non‐protein amino acid homocysteine (Hcy), is an independent risk factor for many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and birth defects. The incorporation of homocysteine into proteins, known as protein N‐homocysteinylation, has been considered a major mechanism that contributes to hyperhomocysteinemia. However, the process of dehomocysteinylation, the N‐homocysteinylation substrates and the regulatory enzyme(s) remain largely unknown. In this study, we observed that the dehomocysteinylation reaction is a spontaneous process that can be inhibited by blocking –SH groups, which have been demonstrated to be critical for non‐enzymatic dehomocysteinylation reactions. We also report that CobB, a known Sir2‐like bacterial lysine deacetylase, catalyzes lysine dehomocysteinylation reactions both in vitro and in vivo. Our work provides insight into how this non‐enzymatic modification might be removed from affected proteins, supplies potential targets for developing identification methods for N‐homocysteine proteins, and identifies CobB as the first prokaryotic dehomocysteinylation enzyme.
Depressive symptoms modify age effects on hippocampal subfields in older adults
Authors: Szymkowicz Sarah M , McLaren Molly E , O'Shea Andrew , Woods Adam J , Anton Stephen D , Dotson Vonetta M
Published: October 2016

Aim

Major depression is associated with hippocampal volume changes, especially in late‐life depression. These changes usually consist of volume reductions, but depression‐related increases in hippocampal volume have also been reported. Subfield analysis has identified structural changes primarily in the cornu ammonis (CA) 1, CA2–3 and subiculum of the hippocampus in individuals with major depression; however, it is unclear whether lower levels of depressive symptoms are also associated volume reduction, or if depressive symptoms interact with age to impact hippocampal subfields. The current study addressed these questions.

Methods

A total of 43 community‐dwelling older adults completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Hippocampal subfield segmentation was carried out using an automated procedure, and left and right volumes from CA1, CA2‐3, and the subiculum served as outcome measures. Multiple hierarchical regressions were carried out with age, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale scores and their interaction as the independent variables, and sex and total intracranial volume as covariates.

Results

Higher Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale scores were associated with less age‐related volumetric decreases in the right subiculum and right CA1.

Conclusions

Age‐related atrophy in the hippocampus might be counteracted by depressive symptom‐related enlargement of CA1 and the subiculum. More research is required to better understand the functional significance of this relationship. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1494–1500.
Repetitive DNA methylome analysis by small‐scale and single‐cell shotgun bisulfite sequencing
Authors: Kobayashi Hisato , Koike Tasuku , Sakashita Akihiko , Tanaka Keisuke , Kumamoto Soichiro , Kono Tomohiro
Published: October 2016

Whole‐genome shotgun bisulfite sequencing (WG‐SBS) is currently the most powerful tool available for understanding genomewide cytosine methylation with single‐base resolution; however, the high sequencing cost limits its widespread application, particularly for mammalian genomes. We mapped high‐ to low‐coverage SBS short reads of mouse and human female developing germ cells to consensus sequences of repetitive elements that were multiplied in the respective host genome. This mapping strategy effectively identified active and evolutionarily young retrotransposon subfamilies and centromeric satellite repeats that were resistant to DNA demethylation during the investigated progressive stages of germ cell development. Notably, quantities of only tens of thousands of uniquely mapped reads provided sufficient sensitivity to allow for methylation analyses of multiple retrotransposons and satellite repeats in mice. Furthermore, we produced SBS results from single female murine germ cells by an improved multiplexing and amplification‐free SBS method (scPBAT). The scPBAT results quantitatively provided ≥5× sequencing coverage for at least 30 repeats, and the individual methylation patterns detected were similar to the bulk cell‐based results. Our single‐cell methylome sequencing technique will allow researchers to investigate intergenic methylation characteristics from limited amounts of mammalian cells as well as cells from other organisms with genomic annotations.
Doing Gender, Paying Low: Gender, Class and Work–Life Balance in Aged Care
Authors: Ravenswood Katherine , Harris Candice
Published: October 2016

This article examines how interactions between the doing of gender and class at institutional and organizational levels perpetuate inequality for aged care workers. In particular, it investigates how managers ‘do gender’ and class in relation to their care workers' work–life balance and the unintended consequences of this for aged care workers. The research data comprised interviews with female managers and aged care workers from four case studies in residential aged care in New Zealand. We argue that despite best intentions, the consequences of managers' doing gender and class results in continuing low wages, poor work–life balance and disempowerment at work for aged care workers.
Shame, stigma and the take‐up of social assistance: Insights from rural China
Authors: Li Mianguan , Walker Robert
Published: October 2016

While the reasons for low take‐up of social assistance benefits are complex, stigma is understood to be an important factor. In this study, the proposition that financial need and social rights moderate the deterrent effect of stigma was examined with respect to China as a deviant case. Dibao, the world's largest social assistance scheme, is characterised by high take‐up but poor targeting, stigma and informal discretion in the context of rapidly declining poverty. Qualitative fieldwork reveals how the contrasting stigmas of poverty and abuse are negotiated to claim benefits and illustrates the dangers of implementing social assistance without supportive political, legal and cultural infrastructures.

Key Practitioner Message: • Dibao, the world's largest social assistance scheme, is characterised by high take‐up but poor targeting; • The weakening of shame associated with injustice helps to account for the large number of ineligible people successfully claiming dibao; • The strengthening of shame linked to poverty helps to explain the low take‐up of dibao by people experiencing poverty.
The silent overall burden of foot disease in a representative hospitalised population
Authors: Lazzarini Peter A , Hurn Sheree E , Kuys Suzanne S , Kamp Maarten C , Ng Vanessa , Thomas Courtney , Jen Scott , Wills Jude , Kinnear Ewan M , d'Emden Michael C , Reed Lloyd F
Published: October 2016

The aims of this study were to investigate the point prevalence, and associated independent factors, for foot disease (ulcers, infections and ischaemia) in a representative hospitalised population. We included 733 (83%) of 883 eligible adult inpatients across five representative Australian hospitals on one day. We collected an extensive range of self‐reported characteristics from participants. We examined all participants to clinically diagnose foot disease (ulcers, infections and ischaemia) and amputation procedures. Overall, 72 participants (9·8%) [95% confidence interval (CI):7·2–11·3%] had foot disease. Foot ulcers, in 49 participants (6·7%), were independently associated with peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, previous foot ulcers, trauma and past surgeon treatment (P < 0·05). Foot infections, in 24 (3·3%), were independently associated with previous foot ulcers, trauma and past surgeon treatment (P < 0·01). Ischaemia, in 33 (4·5%), was independently associated with older age, smokers and past surgeon treatment (P < 0·01). Amputation procedures, in 14 (1·9%), were independently associated with foot infections (P < 0·01). We found that one in every ten inpatients had foot disease, and less than half of those had diabetes. After adjusting for diabetes, factors linked with foot disease were similar to those identified in diabetes‐related literature. The overall inpatient foot disease burden is similar in size to well‐known medical conditions and should receive similar attention.
The Informational Role of Short Sellers: The Evidence from Short Sellers’ Reports on US‐Listed Chinese Firms
Authors: Chen Lei
Published: October 2016

Using US‐listed Chinese firms as the setting, this paper studies a novel channel through which investors can acquire information about firms’ financial reporting quality, that is, the reports published voluntarily by short sellers. I find that short sellers tend to target firms that have financial reporting red flags and that exhibit ‘good’ operating performance and stock valuations. Targeted firms experience an average three‐day cumulative abnormal return (CAR) of −6.4%, and −13.6% for initial coverage of the firm, and the CARs are more negative when the reports allege more severe misconduct of the firms. Non‐targeted firms also experience losses in value following short seller reports, especially when they hire the same non‐Big 4 auditors as targeted firms and when their earnings quality is poor. In comparison, analysts fail to perform proper due diligence and are much less effective than short sellers in exposing misreporting risk in Chinese firms.
Severity of experimental traumatic brain injury modulates changes in concentrations of cerebral free amino acids
Authors: Amorini Angela Maria , Lazzarino Giacomo , Di Pietro Valentina , Signoretti Stefano , Lazzarino Giuseppe , Belli Antonio , Tavazzi Barbara
Published: October 2016

In this study, concentrations of free amino acids (FAA) and amino group containing compounds (AGCC) following graded diffuse traumatic brain injury (mild TBI, mTBI; severe TBI, sTBI) were evaluated. After 6, 12, 24, 48 and 120 hr aspartate (Asp), glutamate (Glu), asparagine (Asn), serine (Ser), glutamine (Gln), histidine (His), glycine (Gly), threonine (Thr), citrulline (Cit), arginine (Arg), alanine (Ala), taurine (Tau), γ‐aminobutyrate (GABA), tyrosine (Tyr), S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), l‐cystathionine (l‐Cystat), valine (Val), methionine (Met), tryptophane (Trp), phenylalanine (Phe), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), ornithine (Orn), lysine (Lys), plus N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) were determined in whole brain extracts (n = 6 rats at each time for both TBI levels). Sham‐operated animals (n = 6) were used as controls. Results demonstrated that mTBI caused modest, transient changes in NAA, Asp, GABA, Gly, Arg. Following sTBI, animals showed profound, long‐lasting modifications of Glu, Gln, NAA, Asp, GABA, Ser, Gly, Ala, Arg, Citr, Tau, Met, SAH, l‐Cystat, Tyr and Phe. Increase in Glu and Gln, depletion of NAA and Asp increase, suggested a link between NAA hydrolysis and excitotoxicity after sTBI. Additionally, sTBI rats showed net imbalances of the Glu‐Gln/GABA cycle between neurons and astrocytes, and of the methyl‐cycle (demonstrated by decrease in Met, and increase in SAH and l‐Cystat), throughout the post‐injury period. Besides evidencing new potential targets for novel pharmacological treatments, these results suggest that the force acting on the brain tissue at the time of the impact is the main determinant of the reactions ignited and involving amino acid metabolism.
Distinct interferon‐gamma and interleukin‐9 expression in cutaneous and oral lichen planus
Authors: Weber B. , Schlapbach C. , Stuck M. , Simon H.‐U. , Borradori L. , Beltraminelli H. , Simon D.
Published: October 2016

Background

Cutaneous (CLP) and oral lichen planus (OLP) as the main subtypes of lichen planus (LP) present with different clinical manifestation and disease course, although their histopathologic features such as the band‐like lymphocyte infiltrate and keratinocyte apoptosis are similar. So far, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Objective

The aim of this study was to characterize and compare the in situ cellular infiltrates, cytokine expression profiles and apoptosis markers in CLP and OLP.

Methods

Using immunofluorescence staining and laser scanning microscopy, we evaluated the cellular infiltrate (CD1a, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD21, CD57, CD123), cytokine expression (interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐6, IL‐9, IL‐10, IL‐17, IL‐22, IL‐23, tumour necrosis factor‐α, transforming growth factor‐β, interferon (IFN)‐γ), and apoptosis markers (Fas, Fas ligand, cleaved caspase‐3, TUNEL) of 21 anonymized biopsy specimens of LP (11 CLP, 10 OLP).

Results

Among infiltrating cells mainly T cells and natural killer (NK) cells as well as plasmacytoid dendritic cells (DC) were observed. A predominance of CD8+ T cells was noted in OLP. In both CLP and OLP, T helper (Th)1, Th9, Th17, and Th22‐type cytokines were expressed. The expression of IL‐9, IFN‐γ and IL‐22 was higher in CLP compared to that of OLP (P = 0.0165; P = 0.0016; P = 0.052 respectively). Expression of Fas and Fas ligand as well as cleaved caspase‐3‐positive cells was observed in the epithelium of all LP samples.

Conclusions

The cell and cytokine patterns of CLP and OLP were partially distinct and generally resembled those reported for autoimmune diseases. The presence of CD8+ and NK cells as well as Fas/Fas ligand expression suggested that various pathways involved in keratinocyte apoptosis are relevant for LP. These results might help to establish targeted therapies for LP.
Copyright Enforcement: Evidence from Two Field Experiments
Authors: Luo Hong , Mortimer Julie Holland
Published: October 2016

Effective dispute resolution is important for reducing private and social costs. We study how resolution responds to changes in price and communication using a new, extensive data set of copyright infringement incidences by firms. The data cover two field experiments run by a large stock‐photography agency. We find that substantially reducing the requested amount generates a small increase in the settlement rate. However, for the same reduced request, a message informing infringers of the price reduction and acknowledging the possible unintentionality generates a large increase in the settlement rate; including a deadline further increases response rate. The small price effect, compared to the large message effect, can be explained by two countervailing effects of a lower price: an inducement to settle early, but a lower threat of escalation. Furthermore, acknowledging possible unintentionality may encourage settlement due to the typically inadvertent nature of these incidences. The resulting higher settlement rate prevents additional legal action and significantly reduces social costs.
Effects of a progressive muscle relaxation intervention on dementia symptoms, activities of daily living, and immune function in group home residents with dementia in Japan
Authors: Ikemata Shiho , Momose Yumiko
Published: October 2016

Aim

To evaluate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation on the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, activities of daily living, and immune function of elderly patients with dementia in group homes.

Methods

The participants were ranked by their group home unit. Odd ranks were assigned to the intervention group and even ranks to the control group. The intervention group participated in progressive muscle relaxation for 15 min each day for 90 days in the group environment; the control group members continued with their normal routine. All the participants’ secretory immunoglobulin A was measured and they were assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory‐Nursing Home version, Nishimura Mental State Scale for the Elderly, and Nishimura Activities of Daily Living Scale.

Results

The intervention group comprised 18 participants from six units and the control group comprised 19 participants from five units. After the intervention, the Neuropsychiatric Inventory scores were significantly better in the intervention group, particularly for Agitation and Anxiety. The intervention group also showed significantly lower Apathy and Irritability scores and significant improvement in the Interest, Volition, and Social relationships scores on the Mental State Scale, with improvement in the activities of daily living total. However, there was no difference in the secretory immunoglobulin A level between the groups.

Conclusion

The results suggest that progressive muscle relaxation improves the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and activities of daily living in group home residents with dementia, but does not affect their immune function.
Reaction softening by dissolution–precipitation creep in a retrograde greenschist facies ductile shear zone, New Hampshire, USA
Authors: McAleer R. J. , Bish D. L. , Kunk M. J. , Sicard K. R. , Valley P. M. , Walsh G. J. , Wathen B. A. , Wintsch R. P.
Published: October 2016

We describe strain localization by a mixed process of reaction and microstructural softening in a lower greenschist facies ductile fault zone that transposes and replaces middle to upper amphibolite facies fabrics and mineral assemblages in the host schist of the Littleton Formation near Claremont, New Hampshire. Here, Na‐poor muscovite and chlorite progressively replace first staurolite, then garnet, and finally biotite porphyroblasts as the core of the fault zone is approached. Across the transect, higher grade fabric‐forming Na‐rich muscovite is also progressively replaced by fabric‐forming Na‐poor muscovite. The mineralogy of the new phyllonitic fault‐rock produced is dominated by Na‐poor muscovite and chlorite together with late albite porphyroblasts. The replacement of the amphibolite facies porphyroblasts by muscovite and chlorite is pseudomorphic in some samples and shows that the chemical metastability of the porphyroblasts is sufficient to drive replacement. In contrast, element mapping shows that fabric‐forming Na‐rich muscovite is selectively replaced at high‐strain microstructural sites, indicating that strain energy played an important role in activating the dissolution of the compositionally metastable muscovite. The replacement of strong, high‐grade porphyroblasts by weaker Na‐poor muscovite and chlorite constitutes reaction softening. The crystallization of parallel and contiguous mica in the retrograde foliation at the expense of the earlier and locally crenulated Na‐rich muscovite‐defined foliation destroys not only the metastable high‐grade mineralogy, but also its stronger geometry. This process constitutes both reaction and microstructural softening. The deformation mechanism here was thus one of dissolution–precipitation creep, activated at considerably lower stresses than might be predicted in quartzofeldspathic rocks at the same lower greenschist facies conditions.
Discipline, Governmentality and ‘Developmental Patrimonialism’: Insights from Rwanda's Pyrethrum Sector
Authors: Huggins Chris
Published: October 2016

An ongoing academic debate examines the implications of ‘developmental patrimonialism’ for African citizens. Rwanda is a key case study in this debate, with proponents of developmental patrimonialism and ‘party capitalism’ arguing that companies owned by the ruling party or the military play positive roles in economic development. This debate often focuses on macro‐level, elite politics. This paper instead uses a Foucauldian lens to examine the micro‐level politics of pyrethrum production in Rwanda, which is managed by a military‐owned company. The company utilizes incentive‐based governmental strategies, in line with state discourses, in addition to punitive, disciplinary regimes. The paper demonstrates that state agricultural strategies depend on multiple factors, including multi‐scale political tensions between the ruling party's desire for control and its discourse of ‘entrepreneurship’.
HURRICANE RISK MANAGEMENT WITH CLIMATEAND CO2 INDICES
Authors: Chang Chia‐Chien , Yang Jen‐Wei , Yu Min‐Teh
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

We propose a regime‐switching Poisson process incorporating climate and carbon dioxide (CO2) indices (RPCM) to model hurricane frequency. Model accuracy shows that two‐state RPCM (2‐RPCM) is superior to the existing climate methods, as forecast errors under 2‐RPCM are smaller than previous models by about 60–75 percent. We derive the pricing formula of reinsurance premiums by assuming the aggregate loss following the regime‐switching compound process. Pricing errors under 2‐RPCM for reinsurance premiums are 35–54 percent lower than those from previous models. The climate and regime‐switching effects dominate the CO2 effect in reducing pricing errors and producing more effective tail value at risk.
Microparticle surface layering through dry coating: impact of moisture content and process parameters on the properties of orally disintegrating tablets
Authors: Alyami Hamad , Koner Jasdip , Dahmash Eman Z , Bowen James , Terry David , Mohammed Afzal R
Published: October 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of process parameters during dry coating on particle and dosage form properties upon varying the surface adsorbed moisture of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a model filler/binder for orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs).

Methods

The moisture content of MCC was optimised using the spray water method and analysed using thermogravimetric analysis. Microproperty/macroproperty assessment was investigated using atomic force microscopy, nano-indentation, scanning electron microscopy, tablet hardness and disintegration testing.

Key findings

The results showed that MCC demonstrated its best flowability at a moisture content of 11.2% w/w when compared to control, comprising of 3.9% w/w moisture. The use of the composite powder coating process (without air) resulted in up to 80% increase in tablet hardness, when compared to the control. The study also demonstrated that surface adsorbed moisture can be displaced upon addition of excipients during dry processing circumventing the need for particle drying before tabletting.

Conclusions

It was concluded that MCC with a moisture content of 11% w/w provides a good balance between powder flowability and favourable ODT characteristics.
Effects of extracts from Corylopsis coreana Uyeki (Hamamelidaceae) flos on xanthine oxidase activity and hyperuricemia
Authors: Yoon In-Soo , Park Dae-Hun , Ki Sung-Hwan , Cho Seung-Sik
Published: October 2016

Objectives

This study aims to investigate xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity and antihyperuricemic effects of Corylopsis coreana Uyeki flos extracts and the phytochemicals contained therein.

Methods

Ethanolic extracts of the plant were prepared, and the extraction process was optimized with respect to flavonoid content and XO inhibitory activity. The optimized ethanolic extract was tested for its XO inhibitory activity and antihyperuricemic effects in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mice.

Key findings

The 80% ethanolic extract showed the highest total flavonoid content and in-vitro XO inhibitory activity. In-vivo studies demonstrated that the optimized 80% ethanolic extract could inhibit hepatic XO activity and significantly alleviate hyperuricemia at a relatively low oral dose (50 mg/kg) in mice. Additionally, an in-vitro enzyme inhibition study showed that phytochemicals such as bergenin, isosalipurposide, quercetin and quercitrin may be the key constituents responsible for the observed antihyperuricemic effects of the extract.

Conclusions

This study is the first report on the XO inhibitory and antihyperuricemic effects of C. coreana Uyeki flos extract, which can be therapeutically applied in treating hyperuricemia and gout.
Effects of Hovenia dulcis Thunb. extract and methyl vanillate on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions and TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced chemokines production in HaCaT cells
Authors: Lim Sue Ji , Kim Myungsuk , Randy Ahmad , Nam Eui Jeong , Nho Chu Won
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Here, we hypothesized that Hovenia dulcis branch extract (HDB) and its active constituents ameliorates 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions by modulating the T helper Th1/Th2 balance in NC/Nga mice and TNF-α- and IFN-γ-induced production of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) in HaCaT cells.

Methods

HaCaT cells were stimulated by TNF-α/IFN-γ in the presence of HDB and its constituents. TARC and MDC were measured by ELISA and RT-PCR. For the in-vivo study, oral feeding of HDB was performed for 5 weeks with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) treatment every other day. The efficacy of HDB on parameters of DNCB-induced AD was evaluated morphologically, physiologically and immunologically.

Key findings

In-vitro studies showed that HDB and its constituents suppressed TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced production of TARC and MDC in HaCaT cells by inhibiting MAPK signalling. In-vivo studies showed that HDB regulated immunoglobulin (Ig) E and immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a) levels in serum and the expression of mRNA for Th1- and Th2-related mediators in skin lesions. Histopathological analyses revealed reduced epidermal thickness and reduced infiltration of skin lesions by inflammatory cells.

Conclusion

These results suggest that HDB inhibits AD-like skin diseases by regulating Th1 and Th2 responses in NC/Nga mice and in HaCaT cells.
Atypical effects of incorporated surfactants on stability and dissolution properties of amorphous polymeric dispersions
Authors: Al-Obaidi Hisham , Lawrence M Jayne , Buckton Graham
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To understand the impact of ionic and non-ionic surfactants on the dissolution and stability properties of amorphous polymeric dispersions using griseofulvin (GF) as a model for poorly soluble drugs.

Methods

Solid dispersions of the poorly water-soluble drug, griseofulvin (GF) and the polymers, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (PHPMA), have been prepared by spray drying and bead milling and the effect of the ionic and non-ionic surfactants, namely sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and Tween-80, on the physico-chemical properties of the solid dispersions studied.

Key findings

The X-ray powder diffraction data and hot-stage microscopy showed a fast re-crystallisation of GF. While dynamic vapour sorption (DVS) measurements indicated an increased water uptake, slow dissolution rates were observed for the solid dispersions incorporating surfactants. The order by which surfactants free dispersions were prepared seemed critical as indicated by DVS and thermal analysis. Dispersions prepared by milling with SDS showed significantly better stability than spray-dried dispersions (drug remained amorphous for more than 6 months) as well as improved dissolution profile.

Conclusions

We suggest that surfactants can hinder the dissolution by promoting aggregation of polymeric chains, however that effect depends mainly on how the particles were prepared.
Melatonin alleviates postinfarction cardiac remodeling and dysfunction by inhibiting Mst1
Authors: Hu Jianqiang , Zhang Lei , Yang Yang , Guo Yanjie , Fan Yanhong , Zhang Mingming , Man Wanrong , Gao Erhe , Hu Wei , Reiter Russel J. , Wang Haichang , Sun Dongdong
Published: October 2016

Melatonin reportedly protects against several cardiovascular diseases including ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), atherosclerosis, and hypertension. The present study investigated the effects and mechanisms of melatonin on cardiomyocyte autophagy, apoptosis, and mitochondrial injury in the context of myocardial infarction (MI). We demonstrated that melatonin significantly alleviated cardiac dysfunction after MI. Four weeks after MI, echocardiography and Masson staining indicated that melatonin notably mitigated adverse left ventricle remodeling. The mechanism may be associated with increased autophagy, reduced apoptosis, and alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, melatonin significantly inhibited Mst1 phosphorylation while promoting Sirt1 expression after MI, which indicates that Mst1/Sirt1 signaling may serve as the downstream target of melatonin. We thus constructed a MI model using Mst1 transgenic (Mst1 Tg) and Mst1 knockout (Mst1−/−) mice. The absence of Mst1 abolished the favorable effects of melatonin on cardiac injury after MI. Consistently, melatonin administration did not further increase autophagy, decrease apoptosis, or alleviate mitochondrial integrity and biogenesis in Mst1 knockout mice subjected to MI injury. These results suggest that melatonin alleviates postinfarction cardiac remodeling and dysfunction by upregulating autophagy, decreasing apoptosis, and modulating mitochondrial integrity and biogenesis. The attributed mechanism involved, at least in part, Mst1/Sirt1 signaling.
Infant feeding practices in a South African birth cohort—A longitudinal study
Authors: Budree Shrish , Goddard Elizabeth , Brittain Kirsty , Cader Shihaam , Myer Landon , Zar Heather J.
Published: October 2016

Childhood malnutrition is highly prevalent in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The choices of complementary foods, which are important in infant nutrition, are poorly described in this setting. We investigated infant feeding practices in a South African birth cohort, the Drakenstein Child Health Study. Longitudinal feeding data were collected from March 2012 to March 2015. Feeding practices at birth, 6–10 and 14 weeks and 6, 9, and 12 months, were investigated using food frequency questionnaires. Anthropometry was measured at birth and 12 months. The quality of the diet was analyzed using the World Health Organization infant and young child feeding indicators. Regression models were used to explore associations between feeding and growth outcomes at 1 year. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months was low (13%), and 19% of infants were introduced to solid foods before 4 months. There was high daily consumption of processed meat (56%) and inappropriate foods such as fruit juice (82%), soft drinks (54%), and refined sugary foods (51%) at 1 year. Dietary diversity and consumption of iron rich foods were low at 6 months (5% and 3%, respectively) but higher by 12 months (75% and 78%). Longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a lower height‐for‐age z‐score at 1 year. Several dietary deficits and a rising trend in the consumption of inappropriate nutritionally poor foods were identified. These findings raise concern about poor dietary practices and the impact on child and long‐term health.
A novel glycan modifies the flagellar filament proteins of the oral bacterium Treponema denticola
Authors: Kurniyati Kurni , Kelly John F. , Vinogradov Evgeny , Robotham Anna , Tu Youbing , Wang Juyu , Liu Jun , Logan Susan M. , Li Chunhao
Published: October 2016

While protein glycosylation has been reported in several spirochetes including the syphilis bacterium Treponema pallidum and Lyme disease pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi, the pertinent glycan structures and their roles remain uncharacterized. Herein, a novel glycan with an unusual chemical composition and structure in the oral spirochete Treponema denticola, a keystone pathogen of periodontitis was reported. The identified glycan of mass 450.2 Da is composed of a monoacetylated nonulosonic acid (Non) with a novel extended N7 acyl modification, a 2‐methoxy‐4,5,6‐trihydroxy‐hexanoyl residue in which the Non has a pseudaminic acid configuration (L‐glycero‐L‐manno) and is β‐linked to serine or threonine residues. This novel glycan modifies the flagellin proteins (FlaBs) of T. denticola by O‐linkage at multiple sites near the D1 domain, a highly conserved region of bacterial flagellins that interact with Toll‐like receptor 5. Furthermore, mutagenesis studies demonstrate that the glycosylation plays an essential role in the flagellar assembly and motility of T. denticola. To our knowledge, this novel glycan and its unique modification sites have not been reported previously in any bacteria.
Yield and complications of kidney biopsy over two decades in a tertiary pediatric center
Authors: Hod Feins Roei , Tobar Anna , Davidovits Miriam
Published: October 2016

Background

Kidney biopsy serves as an adjunct for the diagnosis of renal disease, but it is not always productive. This study evaluated the yield and risks of kidney biopsies performed in 1995–2014 at a tertiary pediatric medical center.

Methods

The medical files of all patients who underwent closed percutaneous biopsy for various indications in native or transplanted kidneys were retrospectively reviewed for patient characteristics, technical and histopathologic findings, biopsy yield, and biopsy complications. Biopsy yield was considered positive if findings confirmed a probable diagnosis or led to a change in clinical diagnosis, disease severity/activity grade, treatment strategy, or prognosis; and negative, if findings were non‐informative and in cases of technical failure.

Results

During the study period, 216 biopsies were performed on native kidneys and 84 on transplanted kidneys. In the transplanted kidney group, the most common indications for biopsy were decreased glomerular filtration rate and suspected rejection. Rates of positive biopsy yield were 86.6% in the native kidney group and 82.1% in the transplanted kidney group; the difference was not statistically significant. Significant between‐group differences were found in various technical and histopathological parameters, patient age at biopsy, and sex distribution. In the native kidney group, positive biopsy yield was associated with the presence of nephrotic‐range proteinuria. Post‐procedural complications occurred in three patients (1.3%) with native kidneys, and in one patient (1.1%) with a transplanted kidney.

Conclusions

Kidney biopsy is an efficient and safe procedure in both native and transplanted kidneys and provides helpful diagnostic information in most cases in which it is deemed necessary.