bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term safety and treatment effects of cannabidiol in children and adults with treatment‐resistant epilepsies: Expanded access program results
Authors: Szaflarski Jerzy P. , Bebin Elizabeth Martina , Comi Anne M. , Patel Anup D. , Joshi Charuta , Checketts Daniel , Beal Jules C. , Laux Linda C. , De Boer Lisa M. , Wong Matthew H. , Lopez Merrick , Devinsky Orrin , Lyons Paul D. , Zentil Pilar Pichon , Wechsler Robert ,   CBD EAP study group
Published: July 2018

Objective

Since 2014, cannabidiol (CBD) has been administered to patients with treatment‐resistant epilepsies (TREs) in an ongoing expanded‐access program (EAP). We report interim results on the safety and efficacy of CBD in EAP patients treated through December 2016.

Methods

Twenty‐five US‐based EAP sites enrolling patients with TRE taking stable doses of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) at baseline were included. During the 4‐week baseline period, parents/caregivers kept diaries of all countable seizure types. Patients received oral CBD starting at 2‐10 mg/kg/d, titrated to a maximum dose of 25‐50 mg/kg/d. Patient visits were every 2‐4 weeks through 16 weeks and every 2‐12 weeks thereafter. Efficacy endpoints included the percentage change from baseline in median monthly convulsive and total seizure frequency, and percentage of patients with ≥50%, ≥75%, and 100% reductions in seizures vs baseline. Data were analyzed descriptively for the efficacy analysis set and using the last‐observation‐carried‐forward method to account for missing data. Adverse events (AEs) were documented at each visit.

Results

Of 607 patients in the safety dataset, 146 (24%) withdrew; the most common reasons were lack of efficacy (89 [15%]) and AEs (32 [5%]). Mean age was 13 years (range, 0.4‐62). Median number of concomitant AEDs was 3 (range, 0‐10). Median CBD dose was 25 mg/kg/d; median treatment duration was 48 weeks. Add‐on CBD reduced median monthly convulsive seizures by 51% and total seizures by 48% at 12 weeks; reductions were similar through 96 weeks. Proportion of patients with ≥50%, ≥75%, and 100% reductions in convulsive seizures were 52%, 31%, and 11%, respectively, at 12 weeks, with similar rates through 96 weeks. CBD was generally well tolerated; most common AEs were diarrhea (29%) and somnolence (22%).

Significance

Results from this ongoing EAP support previous observational and clinical trial data showing that add‐on CBD may be an efficacious long‐term treatment option for TRE.
Overground endoscopic findings and respiratory sound analysis in horses with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy after unilateral laser ventriculocordectomy
Authors: Barakzai S. Z. , Wells J. , Parkin T. D. H. , Cramp P.
Published: July 2018

Background

Unilateral ventriculocordectomy (VeC) is frequently performed, yet objective studies in horses with naturally occurring recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) are few.

Objectives

To evaluate respiratory noise and exercising overground endoscopy in horses with grade B and C laryngeal function, before and after unilateral laser VeC.

Study design

Prospective study in clinically affected client‐owned horses.

Methods

Exercising endoscopy was performed and concurrent respiratory noise was recorded. A left‐sided laser VeC was performed under standing sedation. Owners were asked to present the horse for re‐examination 6–8 weeks post‐operatively when exercising endoscopy and sound recordings were repeated. Exercising endoscopic findings were recorded, including the degree of arytenoid stability. Quantitative measurement of left‐to‐right quotient angle ratio (LRQ) and rima glottidis area ratio (RGA) were performed pre‐ and post‐operatively. Sound analysis was performed, and measurements of the energy change in F1, F2 and F3 formants between pre‐ and post‐operative recordings were made and statistically analysed.

Results

Three grade B and seven grade C horses were included; 6/7grade C horses preoperatively had bilateral vocal fold collapse (VFC) and 5/7 had mild right‐sided medial deviation of the ary‐epiglottic fold (MDAF). Right VFC and MDAF was still present in these horses post‐operatively; grade B horses had no other endoscopic dynamic abnormalities post‐operatively. Sound analysis showed significant reduction in energy in formant F2 (P = 0.05) after surgery.

Main limitations

The study sample size was small and multiple dynamic abnormalities made sound analysis challenging.

Conclusions

RLN‐affected horses have reduction in sound levels in F2 after unilateral laser VeC. Continuing noise may be caused by other ongoing forms of dynamic obstruction in grade C horses. Unilateral VeC is useful for grade B horses based on endoscopic images. In grade C horses, bilateral VeC, right ary‐epiglottic fold resection ± laryngoplasty might be a better option than unilateral VeC alone.

The Summary is available in Portuguese ‐ see Supporting Information
Resampling with neighbourhood bias on imbalanced domains
Authors: Branco Paula , Torgo Luis , Ribeiro Rita P.
Published: July 2018

Imbalanced domains are an important problem that arises in predictive tasks causing a loss in the performance on the most relevant cases for the user. This problem has been extensively studied for classification problems, where the target variable is nominal. Recently, it was recognized that imbalanced domains occur in several other contexts and for multiple tasks, such as regression tasks, where the target variable is continuous. This paper focuses on imbalanced domains in both classification and regression tasks. Resampling strategies are among the most successful approaches to address imbalanced domains. In this work, we propose variants of existing resampling strategies that are able to take into account the information regarding the neighbourhood of the examples. Instead of performing sampling uniformly, our proposals bias the strategies to reinforce some regions of the data sets. With an extensive set of experiments, we provide evidence of the advantage of introducing a neighbourhood bias in the resampling strategies for both classification and regression tasks with imbalanced data sets.
A geodesic distance‐based approach for shape‐independent data clustering using coalitional game
Authors: Beik Khorasani Behrouz , Moattar Mohammad Hossein , Forghani Yahya
Published: July 2018

Different clustering approaches consider different aspects of quality including accuracy of cluster formation, speed of execution, and resource requirements. A major issue in data clustering is to consider the density of clusters and their structure. A challenge is to relax any assumption on the clusters shape such as sphericity, which is common in most partitioning approaches such as K‐means. In this article, with the help of the coalitional game theory and the concept of geodesic distance calculation, a density‐based shape‐independent clustering approach is proposed. In addition to the emphasis on the application of game theory, we also pay attention to the relative neighbourhood of data, which is depicted using geodesic distance. Geodesic distance is a well‐known measure for finding the manifold of data. The new idea supposes to discover any embedded structure of data and avoid finding only spherical clusters. The proposed approach is evaluated on a number of standard University of California, Irvine (UCI) datasets, and the results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach in comparison with some other approaches.
Exploring the hindering mechanism of element Ti on the adherence of CoO‐bearing one‐coat enamel/steel
Authors: Chen Ken , Chen Minghui , Yu Zhongdi , Zhu Shenglong , Wang Fuhui
Published: July 2018

The effect of element Ti on adherence between a CoO‐bearing single‐layer enamel coating and steel was investigated. Falling‐weights tests were carried out and cross‐sections at interface of the enamel/substrate were analyzed with a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Results show that addition of TiO2 reduced adherence of the enamel coating by hindering the formation of anchor‐like alloy precipitates. The decrease of anchor points lies in the following three reasons: I. The diffusion path of Co2+ ions to the interface was lengthened because of the blocking effect of rutile and the FeTiO3 crystals; II. Formation of CoTiO3 crystals leads to a reduction of free Co2+ ions; III. Co–Fe precipitates form away from the enamel/substrate interface, as FeTiO3 crystals provide extra surface for the nucleation of Fe–Co alloy precipitates.
Social norms and cooperation
Authors: McCannon Bryan C.
Published: July 2018

A theoretical framework is introduced to model social norms using the tools of psychological game theory. In the prisoner's dilemma game, a preference for norm compliance can lead to cooperation arising with a positive probability, and if this preference is sufficiently strong, occurring as a pure strategy equilibrium. Thus, cooperation can arise as a social norm in a one‐shot prisoner's dilemma game without repeated play, communication, or sanctions.
Comparison of fining red wines with purified grape pomace versus commercial fining agents: effect on wine chromatic characteristics and phenolic content
Authors: Jiménez‐Martínez María Dolores , Bautista‐Ortín Ana Belen , Gil‐Muñoz Rocio , Gómez‐Plaza Encarna
Published: July 2018

The large quantity of grape pomace (seeds, skin, and peduncle) produced during the winemaking process can be a problem and the search for procedures which could permit their valorisation is considered an important issue. This study investigates the use of purified grape pomace as a fining agent for reducing the level of some wine phenolic compounds, especially tannins. For this, purified grape pomace was applied to three young red wines of different phenolic composition and the results were compared with the effect of some common commercial fining agents. The results demonstrated that grape pomace can be used to decrease the wine tannin content with similar results to those obtained with casein, while also reducing anthocyanin content although to a similar extent to when bentonite is used. The effect of purified Monastrell grapes pomace is similar in the three different studied wines although it affected the most to wines with high monomeric anthocyanin content.
Oral 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐mediated photodynamic diagnosis using fluorescence cystoscopy for non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer: A multicenter phase III study
Authors: Nakai Yasushi , Inoue Keiji , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Shimamoto Tsutomu , Shuin Taro , Nagao Kazuhiro , Matsuyama Hideyasu , Oyama Masafumi , Furuse Hiroshi , Ozono Seiichiro , Miyake Makito , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: July 2018

Objective

To confirm the reproducibility of the effectiveness and safety in photodynamic diagnosis of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer using 5‐aminolevulinic acid in a prospective multicenter non‐randomized phase III trial.

Methods

A total of 61 patients with primary or recurrent non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer were prospectively enrolled from five hospitals between May 2015 and March 2016. 5‐Aminolevulinic acid (20 mg/kg) was orally administered 3 h before transurethral resection of bladder tumors using white light or fluorescent light. Of 60 evaluable patients, 511 specimens were obtained from tumor‐suspicious lesions and normal‐looking mucosa. The primary end‐point was sensitivity. The secondary end‐points were specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and safety.

Results

The sensitivity of the fluorescent light source (79.6%) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than that of the white light source (54.1%). In total, 25.4% (46/181) of tumor specimens were diagnosed as positive with only the fluorescent light source. In nine (15%) of 60 patients, the risk classification and recommended treatment after transurethral resection of bladder tumors were changed depending on the additional types of tumor diagnosed by the fluorescent light source. The specificity of the fluorescent light versus white light source was 80.6% versus 95.5%. No grade 4–5 adverse event was noted. Hypotension and urticaria were severe adverse events whose relationship to oral 5‐aminolevulinic acid could not be excluded.

Conclusions

These findings confirm the diagnostic efficacy and safety of photodynamic diagnosis with 20 mg/kg of oral 5‐aminolevulinic acid, and show that transurethral resection of bladder tumors with a fluorescent light source using oral 5‐aminolevulinic acid is well tolerated.
Assessment of pain in chronic wounds: A survey of Australian health care practitioners
Authors: Frescos Nicoletta
Published: July 2018

Pain associated with chronic wounds can delay wound healing, affects quality of life, and has a major impact on physical, emotional, and cognitive function. However, wound‐related pain is often under‐assessed and may therefore be suboptimally managed. The aim of this study was to describe the assessment practices used to assess chronic wound pain by health practitioners in Australia. A structured self‐administered questionnaire was posted to members of an Australian national wound care organisation, whose membership represents various health practitioners involved in wound management. A total of 1190 (53%) members completed the survey. Overall, wound pain assessment was most commonly conducted at every consultation or wound dressing change (n = 718/1173, 61%). Nurses were more likely to assess wound‐related pain before, during, and after the wound dressing procedures compared with other health care practitioners. In contrast, podiatrists assessed wound pain only when the patient complained about the pain. The most common assessment method was simply talking to the patient (n = 1005/1180, 85%). Two‐thirds of practitioners used a validated pain assessment tool. The most commonly used tool was the numerical analogue scale (n = 524/1175, 46%). In summary, these findings suggest that there is no consistent method for the assessment of wound‐related pain, and there are substantial variations in how and when wound‐related pain is assessed between different professions.
Dual color tuning in Ce3+‐doped oxyfluoride ceramic phosphor plate for white LED application
Authors: Arredondo Alejandro , Desirena Haggeo , Moreno Ivan , Orozco Hinostroza Ignacio E.
Published: July 2018

Ceramic phosphor plates of cerium (Ce3+)‐doped oxyfluoride were fabricated by the solid‐state reaction method. These phosphors exhibit efficient emission, with the novel feature of color tuning by varying both the doping concentration and excitation wavelength. As the Ce3+ concentration increases, the excitation spectrum broadens by a factor of 1.6, and the excitation peak wavelength shifts from 390 to 435 nm, and there is a variation in excitation energy of ~ 10%. Luminescence spectrum of low Ce3+ concentration samples is tuned from blue to green with the change of excitation wavelength. The emission peak exhibits a shift of 58 nm into the red spectral region, varying the Ce3+ concentration from 0.05 to 0.1 mol%; whereas this shift is only 6 nm when Ce3+ content changes from 0.25 to 1 mol%. Photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield has achieved 76%. The crystal structure was examined using X‐ray diffraction to explain its possible influence on the redshift luminescence. A proof of concept of white LED was constructed using a 450 nm blue LED chip with an oxyfluoride phosphor plate, showing a luminous efficacy (LE) of 64 lm/W with a color rendering index of 74.
Phase evolution of reactive sputtering synthesized holmium silicate coatings
Authors: Hu Wanpeng , Zhang Jie , Nian Hongqiang , Wang Jingyang
Published: July 2018

Holmium silicates are promising environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) materials for Si‐based non‐oxide ceramics due to their excellent thermal and mechanical properties. In the present work, the phase evolution of holmium silicate coatings synthesized by reactive sputtering was systematically studied. The monosilicate crystallized in an X1‐Ho2SiO5 phase at 1000°C and transformed to an X2‐Ho2SiO5 phase at 1200°C. The phase transition is not problematic for the coating process because the X1‐ and X2‐Ho2SiO5 phases have similar coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs). For the holmium disilicates, the stoichiometry obviously influenced polymorphic phase evolutions. Relatively Ho2O3‐rich compounds promoted the formation of γ‐Ho2Si2O7 phase at lower temperatures. This study on phase evolution vs temperature and stoichiometry can provide a guideline to optimize the processing and the properties of advanced holmium silicate EBCs.
Cycling‐ and heating‐induced evolution of piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of CuO‐doped K0.5Na0.5NbO3 ceramic
Authors: Wang Tao , Liao You , Wang Dongmei , Zheng Qiaoji , Liao Jie , Xie Fengyu , Jie Wenjing , Lin Dunmin
Published: July 2018

For accepter‐doped perovskite piezoelectric ceramics, macroscopic properties of the materials (eg, hardening, fatigue, and aging) are closely related to microscopic characteristics (eg, oxygen vacancies and defect dipoles). In this work, the relationship of macroscopic and microscopic characteristics in CuO‐doped K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) ceramic has been studied by subjecting the material to electric field cycling, quenching, heating, and consequently aging. The introduction of CuO in KNN generates and . The defect dipoles exhibit obviously the pinning effect on ferroelectric domains and thus induce a completely pinched/double P‐E loop and excellent hardening piezoelectricity of high Qm of 2235. With the destruction of short‐range symmetry uniformity between defect dipoles and ferroelectric dipoles induced by electric field cycling, quenching and heating, the ceramic can be depinned and softened. As a result, the depinned ceramic possesses an opened single ferroelectric hysteresis loop and the significantly decreasing Qm. A distinctive aging is observed in the depinned ceramic. This study provides deep insights into the evolution of electrical properties of accepter‐modified alkali niobate perovskite ceramics under electric field cycling, quenching, and heating.
Improved dielectric strength and energy storage density in Ba6−3xLa8+2xTi18O54 (x = 0.5, 2/3, and 0.75) ceramics
Authors: Yang Jia Yi , Zhou Hai Yang , Zhu Xiao Li , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: July 2018

Dielectric strength and energy storage density in Ba6−3xLa8+2xTi18O54 (x = 0.5, 2/3, and 0.75) ceramics were investigated as functions of composition and microstructure. With increasing x, although the dielectric constant decreased from 113 to 102, the energy storage density increased from 2.3 J/cm3 to 3.2 J/cm3 due to the increased dielectric strength for ceramics prepared by conventional sintering. The energy storage was further improved to 4.2 J/cm3 in ceramics prepared by spark plasma sintering under an electric field of 1058 kV/cm. Both dielectric strength and energy storage density in the present ceramics indicated the strong processing and microstructure dependence. The optimum dielectric strength and energy storage density were achieved in the dense ceramics with fine grains, while both dielectric strength and energy storage density decreased in the ceramics with coarse columnar grains.
Understanding the structural origin of intermediate glasses
Authors: Jaccani Siva Priya , Sundararaman Siddharth , Huang Liping
Published: July 2018

Intermediate glasses show nearly constant elastic moduli with temperature and/or pressure. These glasses would prove useful in designing a‐thermal optical fibers for enhanced telecommunication, fiber sensing applications, and in designing glass products for applications where a broad range of thermal and mechanical stimulation is expected. In this study, intermediate glasses belonging to the Na2O–SiO2, Na2O–Al2O3–SiO2, and Na2O–TiO2–SiO2 glass systems were identified from in situ high‐temperature Brillouin light scattering (BLS) experiments. Glasses important for engineering applications like the international simple glass (ISG) and the less brittle glass (LBG) were also found to exhibit intermediate behaviors. In situ Raman spectroscopy was used to investigate their structural evolution from room temperature to temperatures beyond Tg. Raman spectra along with molecular dynamics simulations revealed common structural signatures that intermediate glasses with different compositions possess. Our study showed that the intermediate elastic behaviors come from a delicate balance between the stiffening effect associated with conformation changes in the medium‐range flexible rings and the softening effect due to the weakening of short‐range chemical bonds with temperature.
Combination of resveratrol and 5‐azacytydine improves osteogenesis of metabolic syndrome mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Marycz Krzysztof , Kornicka Katarzyna , Irwin‐Houston Jennifer M. , Weiss Christine
Published: July 2018

Endocrine disorders have become more and more frequently diagnosed in humans and animals. In horses, equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is characterized by insulin resistance, hyperleptinemia, hyperinsulinemia, inflammation and usually by pathological obesity. Due to an increased inflammatory response in the adipose tissue, cytophysiological properties of adipose derived stem cells (ASC) have been impaired, which strongly limits their therapeutic potential. Excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species, mitochondria deterioration and accelerated ageing of those cells affect their multipotency and restrict the effectiveness of the differentiation process. In the present study, we have treatedASCisolated fromEMSindividuals with a combination of 5‐azacytydine (AZA) and resveratrol (RES) in order to reverse their aged phenotype and enhance osteogenic differentiation. UsingSEMand confocal microscope, cell morphology, matrix mineralization and mitochondrial dynamics were assessed. Furthermore, we investigated the expression of osteogenic‐related genes withRT‐PCR. We also investigated the role of autophagy during differentiation and silencedPARKINexpression with siRNA. Obtained results indicated thatAZA/RESsignificantly enhanced early osteogenesis ofASCderived fromEMSanimals. Increased matrix mineralization,RUNX‐2, collagen type I and osteopontin levels were noted. Furthermore, we proved thatAZA/RESexerts its beneficial effects by modulating autophagy and mitochondrial dynamics throughPARKINandRUNX‐2 activity.
Aberrant O‐glycosylation contributes to tumorigenesis in human colorectal cancer
Authors: Jiang Yuliang , Liu Zhe , Xu Feng , Dong Xichen , Cheng Yurong , Hu Yizhang , Gao Tianbo , Liu Jian , Yang Lei , Jia Xingyuan , Qian Haili , Wen Tao , An Guangyu
Published: July 2018

Aberrant O‐glycosylation is frequently observed in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, but it is unclear if it contributes intrinsically to tumorigenesis. Here, we investigated the biological consequences of aberrant O‐glycosylation in CRC. We first detected the expression profile of Tn antigen in a serial of human CRC tissues and then explored the genetic and biosynthetic mechanisms. Moreover, we used a human CRC cell line (LS174T), which express Tn antigen, to assess whether aberrant O‐glycosylation can directly promote oncogenic properties. It showed that Tn antigen was detected in around 86% human primary and metastatic CRC tissues. Bio‐functional investigations showed that T‐synthase and Cosmc were both impaired in cancer tissues. A further analysis detected an occurrence of hypermethylation of Cosmc gene, which possibly caused its loss‐of‐function and a consequent inactive T‐synthase. Transfection of LS174T cells with WT Cosmc restored mature O‐glycosylation, which subsequently down‐regulated cancer cell proliferation, migration and apoptotic‐resistant ability. Significantly, the expression of MUC2, a heavily O‐glycosylated glycoprotein that plays an essential role in intestinal function, was uniformly reduced in human CRC tissues as well as in LS174T cells. These data suggest that aberrant O‐glycosylation contributes to the development of CRC through direct induction of oncogenic properties in cancer cells.
Role of AMPA and NMDA receptors on vasopressin and oxytocin secretion induced by hypertonic extracellular volume expansion
Authors: Vilhena‐Franco Tatiane , Valentim‐Lima Evandro , Reis Luís C. , Elias Lucila L. K. , Antunes‐Rodrigues Jose , Mecawi André S.
Published: July 2018

Vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) are essential for the control of extracellular fluid osmolality and volume. The secretion of these hormones is modulated by several mechanisms, including NMDA and AMPA l‐glutamate receptors in magnocellular cells of paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) hypothalamic nuclei. Thus, to better understand the participation of l‐glutamate on the neuroendocrine control of AVP and OT, the present study evaluated the effects of i.c.v. NMDA and AMPA receptor antagonists on plasma AVP and OT levels induced by extracellular volume expansion (EVE). Cannulated rats received i.c.v. NMDA (amino‐5‐phosphonovalerate; AP5) and AMPA (2,3‐dihydroxy‐6‐nitro‐7‐sulphamoyl‐benzo[f]quinoxaline; NBQX) antagonists in doses of 10 and 30 nmol (5 μL per rat) and were subjected to either isotonic (0.15 mol L‐1 NaCl, 2 mL per 100 g) or hypertonic (0.30 mol L‐1 NaCl, 2 mL per 100 g) EVE. Blood samples were collected for plasma AVP and OT determination. Isotonic EVE did not change plasma AVP and OT levels, although hypertonic EVE increased both AVP and OT plasma levels. AP5 reduced plasma AVP, although it did not change the OT level induced by hypertonic EVE. On the other hand, NBQX reduced plasma OT but did not alter the AVP plasma level. Our data show that l‐glutamate controls the secretion of neurohypophyseal hormones via the NMDA receptor for AVP release, as well as via the AMPA receptor for OT release, both in response to hypertonic EVE.
Employment status of patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors: Bjelica Bogdan , Basta Ivana , Bozovic Ivo , Kacar Aleksandra , Nikolic Ana , Dominovic‐Kovacevic Aleksandra , Vukojevic Zoran , Martic Vesna , Stojanov Aleksandar , Djordjevic Gordana , Petrovic Milutin , Stojanovic Miroslav , Peric Stojan
Published: July 2018

It has been previously shown that patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) who are unemployed or retired have worse quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess predictors of early retirement in CIDP. One hundred five patients with CIDP were included. Following measures were used: questionnaire on employment status, Medical Research Council Sum Score, INCAT disability score, Beck Depression Inventory, and Krupp's Fatigue Severity Scale. At the moment of testing, 2% of patients were students, 15% were employed, 9% were unemployed due to CIDP, 9% were unemployed but not due to CIDP, 28% were retired early due to disability caused by CIDP, and finally 37% were in old‐age pension. Mean age when patients retired due to CIDP was 50 ± 8 years. Mean time from CIDP onset to retirement was 2.7 ± 2.3 years. Older age at onset, lower education, and more severe weakness at the time of diagnosis were significant predictors of early retirement due to CIDP. Retired patients were 12 times more likely to suffer from depression, compared to employed patients (OR = 12.2, 95% CI = 1.41‐100, P < 0.01), and eight times more likely to have fatigue (OR = 8.2, 95% CI = 1.89‐35.82, P < 0.01). Older patients with lower education and more severe weakness at the time of diagnosis were most likely retired due to CIDP. Early retirement was associated with depression and fatigue. Therefore, maintaining employment should be an important aim in the management of CIDP patients.
How does meaning in life predict proactive coping? The self‐regulatory mechanism on emotion and cognition
Authors: Miao Miao , Gan Yiqun
Published: July 2018

Objective

This study examined the effectiveness of a photographic intervention method on meaning in life (MIL) and further investigated the self‐regulatory mechanism responsible for the effect of MIL in the promotion of proactive coping.

Method

Participants were 145 Chinese adults (Mage = 27.82; 71.3% female), who were randomly assigned into one of three conditions: An intervention (taking photos and writing expressively), a taking‐photos‐only control, or an assessment‐only control. MIL, positive affect, future temporal focus, and proactive coping were measured before and after the intervention, with follow‐up assessments conducted 1 week and 1 month later. Additionally, daily assessments were conducted during the intervention week.

Results

MIL improved daily in the intervention condition, an effect that was also found post‐intervention and at follow‐up. Significant increases in positive affect, future temporal focus, and proactive coping were also observed after the intervention. Hierarchical linear modeling demonstrated that daily MIL positively predicted daily future temporal focus and positive affect. Furthermore, longitudinal mediation analysis confirmed that future temporal focus and positive affect mediated the relationship between MIL and proactive coping.

Conclusions

MIL's self‐regulatory mechanism is reflected in both cognitive (future temporal focus) and emotional (positive affect) dimensions, which promotes proactive coping with future stressors.
Evaluation of compounded aqueous milbemycin oxime: issues with formulation potency and reproducibility
Authors: Cochrane Z. N. , Berger D. J. , Viall A. K. , Schrunk D. , (Hans) Coetzee J. F.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To determine the potency and reproducibility of milbemycin oxime when compounded as an aqueous suspension (20 mg/mL).

Materials and Methods

Preparation choice reflected current prescribing practices. Samples were acquired by prescription from two national veterinary compounding pharmacies at three time points. Two different storage conditions were evaluated and sampled at four time points from the order date (day 7, 14, 21 and 28). Milbemycin oxime recovery was performed by solid‐phase extraction and concentration strength measured via high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results

The average concentration on day 7 for Pharmacy A samples was 16.29 mg/mL [confidence interval (CI): 15.66 to 16.92] with a coefficient of variation (CV) = 11%, while for Pharmacy B it was 20.46 mg/mL (CI: 19.83 to 21.08) with CV = 22%. The mean decrease in concentration over 28 days for Pharmacy A was 22% (CI: 9% to 34%) while Pharmacy B was 18% (CI: 2% to 35%).

Clinical Significance

The compounded milbemycin oxime suspensions evaluated in this study deviated by more than 10% from their labelled strength in five of the six lots. Clinical efficacy of compounded milbemycin oxime suspensions remains unknown and the use of these products should be discouraged at this time.
Collective interviewing: The use of a model statement to differentiate between pairs of truth‐tellers and pairs of liars
Authors: Vernham Zarah , Vrij Aldert , Leal Sharon
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The current experiment examined the use of a model statement for aiding lie detection and gathering additional information during interviews in which pairs of suspects were interviewed together (i.e., collective interviewing). A model statement is an example of an answer, unrelated to the topic under investigation, which is played to suspects to demonstrate how much information the interviewer wants them to provide in response to the question asked.

Method

Pairs of truth‐tellers visited a restaurant together, whereas pairs of liars completed a mock crime. The task for all pairs was to convince an interviewer that they were visiting a restaurant together at the time the crime was committed. Half the truth‐telling pairs and half the lying pairs were exposed to a model statement, whilst the other halves were not.

Results

Truth‐telling pairs were more detailed and showed more interactions than lying pairs, particularly in the model statement present condition.

Conclusions

Being exposed to a model statement in a collective interview magnified the differences between pairs of truth‐tellers and pairs of liars in reporting detail and interacting with one another. A model statement is simple to implement and can be applied to many real‐world investigative interviewing settings whereby the focus is on lie detection and gathering as much information as possible.
Stagnating trends in complementary feeding practices in Bangladesh: An analysis of national surveys from 2004‐2014
Authors: Na Muzi , Aguayo Víctor M. , Arimond Mary , Narayan Anuradha , Stewart Christine P.
Published: July 2018

Bangladesh has experienced steady socio‐economic development. However, improvements in child growth have not kept pace. It is important to document complementary feeding (CF) practices—a key determinant of children's growth—and their trends over time. The study aims to examine trends in CF practices in children aged 6–23 months using data from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 2004, 2007, 2011, and 2014. Multilevel logistic regression models were applied to identify independent predictors of four CF practice indicators among children 6–23 months, namely, timely introduction of complementary foods, minimum meal frequency, minimum dietary diversity, and minimum acceptable diet. Introduction of complementary foods was achieved among 64–71% of children between 2004 and 2014. The proportion meeting minimum meal frequency increased from 2004 to 2007 (71–81%) and declined and held steady at 65% from 2011 to 2014. The proportion meeting minimum dietary diversity in 2011 and 2014 was low (25% and 28%), and so was minimum acceptable diet (19% and 20%). From 2007 to 2014, child dietary diversity decreased and the most decline was in the consumption of legumes and nuts (29% to 8%), vitamin A‐rich fruits and vegetables (54% to 41%), and other fruits and vegetables (47% to 20%). Young child age (6–11 months), poor parental education, household poverty, and residence in the Chittagong and Sylhet independently predicted poorer feeding practices. Dietary diversity and overall diet in Bangladeshi children are strikingly poor. Stagnation or worsening of feeding practices in the past decade are concerning and call for decisive policy and programme action to address inappropriate child feeding practices.
A Latent Curve Model Approach To Studying L2 N‐Gram Development
Authors: GARNER JAMIE , CROSSLEY SCOTT
Published: July 2018

Current quantitative methods in second language (L2) acquisition have proven useful in examining how phraseological unit production changes over time. However, these methods are limited in that they do not allow for the analysis of individual differences in those changes. This study demonstrates the potential for Latent Curve Modeling, a type of Structural Equation Modeling, to address questions about productive phraseological knowledge development. It examines growth in multiple indices of bigram and trigram use (frequency, association strength, proportion) in the spoken output of L2 speakers over the course of a 4‐month study. Results for unconditional latent curve models indicate that spoken bigram and trigram proportions increased for the entire group over the study period. Conditional latent curve models showed that growth in bigram frequency and bigram proportion was predicted by proficiency, with less proficient writers experiencing greater growth. These models also demonstrated that conversation dyad predicted growth in spoken bigram frequency in that L2 speakers with L2 conversation partners, as compared to first language (L1) partners, produced more high‐frequency bigrams over time. These results have implications for research on L2 productive phraseological knowledge development specifically and longitudinal L2 research in general.
Two steps forward, one step back: Renewable energy transitions in Bulgaria and Romania
Authors: Davidescu Simona , Hiteva Ralitsa , Maltby Tomas
Published: July 2018

This article examines renewable energy policy in Bulgaria and Romania (2007–17) and the reasons behind the unexpected rapid growth in renewables followed by a policy reversal. While we find strong formal compliance with EU legislation regarding targets for renewable energy, an examination of institutional change and policy dismantling in both countries finds that this was not supported by a paradigmatic policy change or a transformation of the energy system. Veto players worked to dismantle renewable energy policy once targets were reached. We use insights from the intersection of socio‐technical systems and historical institutionalist literatures to explain policy dismantling in the energy sector. In doing so, we develop a socio‐technical account of renewable policy in Romania and Bulgaria. We show that this is related to the historically conditioned, path‐dependent processes of institutional change, where energy materiality shapes the parameters of political possibility and the costs of policy implementation.
Multi‐omics analyses reveal epigenomics basis for cotton somatic embryogenesis through successive regeneration acclimation process
Authors: Li Jianying , Wang Maojun , Li Yajun , Zhang Qinghua , Lindsey Keith , Daniell Henry , Jin Shuangxia , Zhang Xianlong
Published: July 2018

Plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis is time‐consuming and highly genotype‐dependent. The plant somatic embryogenesis process provokes many epigenetics changes including DNA methylation and histone modification. Recently, an elite cotton Jin668, with an extremely high regeneration ability, was developed from its maternal inbred Y668 cultivar using a Successive Regeneration Acclimation (SRA) strategy. To reveal the underlying mechanism of SRA, we carried out a genome‐wide single‐base resolution methylation analysis for nonembryogenic calluses (NECs), ECs, somatic embryos (SEs) during the somatic embryogenesis procedure and the leaves of regenerated offspring plants. Jin668 (R4) regenerated plants were CHH hypomethylated compared with the R0 regenerated plants of SRA process. The increase in CHH methylation from NEC to EC was demonstrated to be associated with the RNA‐dependent DNA methylation (RdDM) and the H3K9me2‐dependent pathway. Intriguingly, the hypomethylated CHH differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of promoter activated some hormone‐related and WUSCHEL‐related homeobox genes during the somatic embryogenesis process. Inhibiting DNA methylation using zebularine treatment in NEC increased the number of embryos. Our multi‐omics data provide new insights into the dynamics of DNA methylation during the plant tissue culture and regenerated offspring plants. This study also reveals that induced hypomethylation (SRA) may facilitate the higher plant regeneration ability and optimize maternal genetic cultivar.
Clinical studies evaluating abametapir lotion, 0.74%, for the treatment of head louse infestation
Authors: Bowles Vernon M. , VanLuvanee Lisa Jenkins , Alsop Hugh , Hazan Lydie , Shepherd Katie , Sidgiddi Srinivas , Allenby Kent , Ahveninen Tiina , Hanegraaf Sharon
Published: July 2018

Background

There is a need for better control of head louse infestations. Abametapir is an inhibitor of metalloproteinases critical for louse survival and egg development. The efficacy of abametapir lotion, 0.74%, was assessed for its ability to clear head louse infestations after a single application.

Methods

Two randomized, double‐blind, multicenter, vehicle‐controlled studies were conducted in subjects aged 6 months and older to compare the effectiveness of abametapir lotion versus vehicle control for eliminating head louse infestations without nit combing. Abametapir lotion was applied to dry hair for 10 minutes on day 0 and then rinsed with water. The primary endpoint was the proportion of index subjects (youngest household member with ≥ 3 live lice at screening) in the intent‐to‐treat population who were louse free at all follow‐up visits through day 14. Older household members with one or more live lice at screening were designated as nonindex subjects and treated as per the index subject within their household.

Results

In the intent‐to‐treat population (index subjects, N = 216), 81.5% of subjects treated with abametapir lotion were louse free through day 14 after a single treatment, versus 49.1% with vehicle (P < 0.001). For the combined index and nonindex population (N = 704), 85.9% were louse free through day 14 in the abametapir group, versus 61.3% in the vehicle group (P < 0.001). The most frequently reported adverse events were erythema (4.0%), rash (3.2%), and skin burning sensation (2.6%).

Conclusion

Abametapir lotion, 0.74%, was effective at clearing active head louse infestations through day 14 in subjects aged 6 months and older. All adverse events (including one serious but unrelated to study drug) resolved uneventfully.
Prevalence of depressive symptoms in elderly cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and influencing factors
Authors: Atag Elif , Mutlay Feyza , Soysal Pinar , Semiz Huseyin S. , Kazaz Seher N. , Keser Murat , Ellidokuz Hulya , Karaoglu Aziz
Published: July 2018

Background

Depression is one of the most prevalent causes of distress in the geriatric population. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms in elderly cancer patients and to determine the possible associated factors.

Methods

Cancer patients 65 years or older and on active chemotherapy completed the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale. We examined the relationship of depressive symptoms with age, gender, marital status, educational background, type of cancer, stage of disease, comorbidities, types of treatment for cancer, the duration after diagnosis of cancer, social support, and pain status.

Results

The study included 170 patients with a mean age of 71 years, and 47.1% were women. The prevalence of a high depressive symptom score was 19.4%. Of the patients who had a high depressive symptom score based on the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale, 18.2% had already been diagnosed with depression and used antidepressants. The mean pain score was significantly higher in patients who had a high depressive symptom score compared to others (P = 0.012).

Conclusion

The prevalence of depressive symptoms in elderly cancer patients receiving chemotherapy was similar to that in the geriatric population without cancer. It was also consistent with previous studies on elderly cancer population. Pain was found to be a factor related to depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depression may be reduced by pain control. The treatment of depression may both improve the patient's quality of life and enhance their compliance with treatment.
Use of models for the environmental risk assessment of veterinary medicines in European aquaculture: current situation and future perspectives
Authors: Rico Andreu , Vighi Marco , Van den Brink Paul J. , ter Horst Mechteld , Macken Ailbhe , Lillicrap Adam , Falconer Lynne , Telfer Trevor C.
Published: July 2018

Veterinary Medicinal Products (VMPs) are used in intensive aquaculture production to treat a wide range of bacterial and parasitic infestations. Their release into the environment poses concerns regarding their potential ecotoxicological risks to aquatic ecosystems, which need to be evaluated making use of appropriate Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) schemes and models. This study presents an overview of the major aquaculture production systems in Europe, the VMPs most commonly used, and the environmental quality standards and regulatory procedures available for their ERA. Furthermore, it describes the state‐of‐the‐art on the development of environmental models capable of assessing the fate, exposure, ecotoxicological effects and risks of VMPs in aquaculture production systems, and discusses their level of development and implementation within European aquaculture. This study shows that the use of environmental models in regulatory ERA is somewhat limited in many European countries. Major efforts have been dedicated to assess the fate and exposure of antiparasitic compounds in salmonid cage systems, particularly in Scotland, while models and scenarios for assessing dispersal of antimicrobials, in general, and antiparasitic compounds in the Mediterranean as well as in Scandinavian regions are less available. On the other hand, the use of ecological models for assessing the effects and risks of VMPs is almost absent. Recommendations are provided to improve the chemical exposure and effect assessments and the ecological realism of the modelling outcomes, paying special attention to the protection goals set for the regulatory ERA of VMPs in Europe.
Birth Planning and Women's and Men's Health in Malawi
Authors: Yeatman Sara , Smith‐Greenaway Emily
Published: July 2018

Despite the frequency with which it occurs, we know little about unintended fertility in sub‐Saharan Africa and even less about its implications for the health of the women and men who experience it. We use longitudinal data from southern Malawi to explore how young adults report on the planning of their births and to identify changes in their self‐rated health and subjective well‐being associated with having more‐ or less‐planned births. Our data feature a comprehensive scale of pregnancy planning, the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy (LMUP), that extends beyond the conventional focus on timing‐based pregnancy intentions to incorporate information about contraception, desires, intentions, partner discussion, and preconception preparations. Women and men have similar bimodal distributions on the LMUP, with the majority of births clearly unplanned or planned but a sizeable minority that falls in the middle. Change score models demonstrate that, for women, an unplanned birth is associated with a decline in self‐rated health. In contrast, men whose births were ambivalently‐planned experience a decline in subjective well‐being. Our findings highlight the value of considering the full spectrum of birth planning and demonstrate the health consequences of unplanned fertility for both women and men in this sub‐Saharan context.
Effects of the EXAT neuropsychological multilevel intervention on behavior problems in children with executive function deficits
Authors: Rantanen Kati , Vierikko Elina , Nieminen Pirkko
Published: July 2018

This is a clinical intervention study of children with executive function (EF) deficits. A neuropsychological multimodal group intervention called EXAT (rehabilitation of EXecutive function and ATtention) was developed at the Psychology Clinic of the University of Tampere. Based on the principles of neuropsychological rehabilitation and behavioral modification, EXAT combines child group training, parent training, and teacher consultations. The aims of this study were to investigate behavior problems before and after the intervention in children attending EXAT and in controls, and to compare intervention effects in hyperactive, inattentive, and EF subgroups based on the primary deficit described in the referral. The participants were 86 children (6–12 years) with a mean IQ of 91.4 attending EXAT and 45 controls. The participants’ parents and teachers completed the Conners’ Rating Scales‐Revised. In addition, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was completed by the parents attending EXAT. The parents reported statistically significant decreases with medium effect sizes for the CPRS‐R subscales for impulsivity, hyperactivity, and oppositional behavior. In the controls within the same time interval, there was increase in restless and impulsive behavior, and a decrease in total problems. The teachers reported positive changes after the intervention in ADHD symptoms and anxiousness/shyness, but the effects sizes were small. The intervention effects were larger in the hyperactive subgroup. Positive intervention effects were related to a younger age, lower IQ, and simultaneous learning support. In conclusion, EXAT – a structured multilevel group intervention – has positive effects on children's behavior regulation skills by decreasing impulsivity and restless behavior.