bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of alkenones, a renewably sourced, plant‐derived wax as a structuring agent for lipsticks
Authors: Huynh An , Maktabi Briana , Reddy Christopher M. , O’Neil Gregory W. , Chandler Mark , Baki Gabriella
Published: December 2019

OBJECTIVE

Waxes are used as structuring agents in lipsticks. There are a variety of waxes combined in a single lipstick to provide good stability, pleasant texture and good pay‐off. Due to a significant growth for natural, green and sustainable products, there is a constant search for alternatives to animal‐derived and petroleum‐derived ingredients. In this study, a green, non‐animalderived wax, namely long‐chain ketones (referred to as alkenones), sourced from marine microalgae was formulated into lipsticks and evaluated as a structuring agent.

METHODS

Alkenones were used as a substitute for microcrystalline wax, ozokerite and candelilla wax, typical structuring agents. In total, 384 lipsticks were formulated: L1 (control, no alkenones), L2 (alkenones as a substitute for ozokerite), L3 (alkenones as a substitute for microcrystalline wax) and L4 (alkenones as a substitute for candelilla wax). Products were tested for hardness (bending force), stiffness, firmness (needle penetration), pay‐off (using a texture analyser and a consumer panel), friction, melting point and stability for 12 weeks at 25 and 45°C.

RESULTS

Alkenones influenced each characteristic evaluated. In general, lipsticks with alkenones (L2‐L4) became softer and easier to bend compared to the control (L1). In terms of firmness, lipsticks were similar to the control, except for L4, which was significantly (P < 0.05) firmer. The effect on pay‐off was not consistent. L2 and L3 had higher pay‐off to skin and fabric than L1. In addition, L4 had the lowest amount transferred, but it still had the highest colour intensity on skin. Alkenones influenced friction (glide) positively; the average friction decreased for L2‐L4. The lowest friction (i.e. best glide) was shown in L4. Melting point of the lipsticks was lower when alkenones were present. Overall, L4, containing 7% of 4 alkenones in combination with microcrystalline wax, ozokerite and carnauba wax, was found to have the most desirable attributes, including ease of bending, high level of firmness, low pay‐off in terms of amount, high colour intensity on skin and low friction (i.e. better glide). Consumers preferred L4 the most overall.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study indicate that alkenones offer a sustainable, non‐animal and non‐petroleum‐derived choice as a structuring agent for lipsticks.
The creatine kinase conundrum: a reappraisal of the association of isotretinoin, creatine kinase, and rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Marson Justin W. , Baldwin Hilary E.
Published: December 2019

Background

Isotretinoin has been reported to elevate creatine kinase, which may lead to fatal rhabdomyolysis.

Objective

To review the literature and propose practice guidelines for management of elevated creatine kinase during isotretinoin therapy.

Findings

Patients have intrinsic and extrinsic qualities that may synergistically work with isotretinoin to elevate serum creatine kinase. Darker skin types and males on isotretinoin are more likely to have elevated creatine kinase. Isotretinoin may induce oxidative stress within muscle tissue, thereby leading to elevations in serum creatine kinase.

Conclusion

Evidence supports a tenuous correlation between isotretinoin, elevated creatine kinase, and exercise. Physicians should consider obtaining baseline creatine kinase on elite athletes and counseling patients on risk factors that may elevate creatine kinase. However, the potential for elevated CK is not a contraindication for isotretinoin therapy.
Signalling lymphocyte activation molecule family member 9 is found on select subsets of antigen‐presenting cells and promotes resistance to Salmonella infection
Authors: Wilson Timothy J. , Clare Simon , Mikulin Joseph , Johnson Christopher M. , Harcourt Katherine , Lyons Paul A. , Dougan Gordon , Smith Kenneth G. C.
Published: December 2019

Signalling lymphocyte activation molecule family member 9 (SLAMF9) is an orphan receptor of the CD2/SLAM family of leucocyte surface proteins. Examination of SLAMF9 expression and function indicates that SLAMF9 promotes inflammation by specialized subsets of antigen‐presenting cells. Within healthy liver and circulating mouse peripheral blood mononuclear cells, SLAMF9 is expressed on CD11b+, Ly6C−, CD11clow, F4/80low, MHC‐II+, CX3CR1+ mononuclear phagocytes as well as plasmacytoid dendritic cells. In addition, SLAMF9 can be found on peritoneal B1 cells and small (F4/80low), but not large (F4/80high), peritoneal macrophages. Upon systemic challenge with Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, Slamf9−/− mice were impaired in their ability to clear the infection from the liver. In humans, SLAMF9 is up‐regulated upon differentiation of monocytes into macrophages, and lipopolysaccharide stimulation of PMA‐differentiated, SLAMF9 knockdown THP‐1 cells showed an essential role of SLAMF9 in production of granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, tumour necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐1β. Taken together, these data implicate SLAMF9 in the initiation of inflammation and clearance of bacterial infection.
Coverage of exposed bone and hardware of the medial malleolus with tibialis posterior artery perforator flap after ankle fracture surgery complications
Authors: MB Ozturk , Aksan Tolga , Ertekin Cengiz , Tezcan Mustafa
Published: December 2019

Ankle fractures are among the most common orthopaedic surgical procedures. Skin‐related complications of these surgeries are difficult to reconstruct due to the inadequacy of soft tissue in the region. Although free flaps are generally considered as the first choice in reconstruction of this area, free flaps may not be a suitable option especially in patients with advanced age and comorbidities. Perforator flaps offer a fast and safe alternative in lower extremity reconstruction. In the literature, there are a limited number of studies using perforator flaps in managing the postoperative complications of the lower extremity trauma surgeries. In our study, we report our experience with reconstruction of soft‐tissue defects of medial malleolar region using posterior tibial artery perforator flap for postoperative complications of ankle fracture‐related surgeries.
Long non‐coding RNA LINC00673 silencing inhibits proliferation and drug resistance of prostate cancer cells via decreasing KLF4 promoter methylation
Authors: Jiang Zhenming , Zhang Yuxi , Chen Xi , Wu Pingeng , Chen Dong
Published: December 2019

Prostate cancer is one of the major causes of cancer‐related mortality in men across the world. Recently, long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and Kruppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) have been reported to participate in the biology of multiple cancers including prostate cancer. Here, this study aimed to explore the possible role of LINC00673 in prostate cancer via KLF4 gene promoter methylation. Microarray‐based gene expression profiling of prostate cancer was employed to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs and genes, after which the expression of LINC00673 and KLF4 in prostate cancer tissues was determined using RT‐qPCR. Next, the relationship between LINC00673 and KLF4 was evaluated using in silico analysis. Further, the effect of LINC00673 and KLF4 on cell proliferation and drug resistance of transfected cells was examined with gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experimentation. It was found that LINC00673 was highly expressed, while KLF4 was poorly expressed in prostate cancer tissues. Additionally, LINC00673 could bind to KLF4 gene promoter region and recruit methyltransferase to the KLF4 gene promoter region. Moreover, LINC00673 silencing was demonstrated to reduce methylation of the KLF4 gene promoter to elevate the expression of KLF4, thus suppressing the proliferation and drug resistance of prostate cancer cells. In summary, LINC00673 silencing could drive demethylation of the KLF4 gene promoter and thus inhibit the proliferation and drug resistance of prostate cancer cells, suggesting that silencing of LINC00673 and elevation of KLF4 could serve as tumour suppressors in prostate cancer.
Interleukin‐38 protects against sepsis by augmenting immunosuppressive activity of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Ge Yun , Huang Man , Wu Yao , Dong Ning , Yao Yong‐Ming
Published: December 2019

Naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are required to limit immune‐induced pathology and to maintain homeostasis during the early‐phase of sepsis. This study aimed to investigate the role of interleukin (IL)‐38, a newly described member of the IL‐1 cytokine family, in mediated immune response of CD4+CD25+ Tregs in sepsis. Here, we provide evidence that expressions of IL‐38 and its receptor were detected in murine CD4+CD25+ Tregs. Stimulation of CD4+CD25+ Tregs with LPS markedly up‐regulated the expression of IL‐38. Treatment with rmIL‐38 dramatically enhanced the immunosuppressive activity of CD4+CD25+ Tregs after LPS stimulation and in septic mice induced by CLP, resulting in amplification of helper T cell (Th) 2 response and reduction in the proliferation of effector T cells. These effects were robustly abrogated when anti–IL‐38 antibody was administered. Administration of rmIL‐38 improved the survival rate of CLP mice. In addition, CD4+CD25+ Tregs depletion before the onset of sepsis obviously abolished IL‐38–mediated protective response. These findings suggest that IL‐38 enhances the immunosuppressive activity of CD4+CD25+ Tregs, which might contribute to the improvement of host immune function and prognosis in the setting of sepsis.
Gilteritinib induces PUMA‐dependent apoptotic cell death via AKT/GSK‐3β/NF‐κB pathway in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Li Liangjun , Lin Lin , Li Ming , Li Weiling
Published: December 2019

As a highly potent and highly selective oral inhibitor of FLT3/AXL, gilteritinib showed activity against FLT3D835 and FLT3‐ITD mutations in pre‐clinical testing, although its role on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells is not yet fully elucidated. We examined the activity of gilteritinib in suppressing growth of CRC and its enhancing effect on other drugs used in chemotherapy. In this study, we observed that, regardless of p53 status, treatment using gilteritinib induces PUMA in CRC cells via the NF‐κB pathway after inhibition of AKT and activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK‐3β). PUMA was observed to be vital for apoptosis in CRC cells through treatment of gilteritinib. Moreover, enhancing induction of PUMA through different pathways could mediate chemosensitization by using gilteritinib. Furthermore, PUMA deficiency revoked the antitumour role of gilteritinib in vivo. Thus, our results indicate that PUMA mediates the antitumour activity of gilteritinib in CRC cells. These observations are critical for the therapeutic role of gilteritinib in CRC.
Inflammatory markers IL‐1β and RANK‐L assessment after non‐vital bleaching: A 3‐month follow‐up
Authors: Bersezio Cristian , Sánchez Francisca , Estay Juan , Ledezma Paulina , Vernal Rolando , Garlet Gustavo , Oliveira Osmir Batista , Fernández Eduardo
Published: December 2019

Objective

This study assessed IL‐1β and RANK‐L levels in vivo and color stability of non‐vital teeth bleached using hydrogen (35%) and carbamide (37%) peroxides 3 months after treatment.

Materials and Methods

Fifty teeth were randomly divided into two groups(n = 25):35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) or 37% carbamide peroxide (CP). Four sessions of intracoronal walking‐bleach procedure were performed. IL‐1β and RANK‐L levels were assessed from gingival crevicular fluid samples (from three vestibular and three palatines sites) at eight different time‐points: at the beginning of the study (baseline), after four sessions of intracanal bleaching, and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months posttreatment. The color variations were visually detected using Vita bleach shade guide (ΔSGU).

Results

Significant increases of IL‐1β and RANK‐L levels were detected at all time‐points (all P < .05) when comparing each time‐point to baseline, and a high correlation (>0.8—Spearman) between variables. According the ΔSGU values, a color change of five for HP and four for CP were detected.

Conclusions

Non‐vital walking bleach technique promotes an increase in IL‐1β and RANKL levels in periodontal tissues and also, it is maintained until the third‐month posttreatment.

Clinical Significance

The internal whitening of teeth increases the levels of cytokines associated with inflammation and bone resorption 3 months after the whitening procedure is finished; this should warn of possible harmful effects of this whitening technique.
Mechanical properties of tender coconut (Cocos nuciferaL.): Implications for the design of processing machineries
Authors: Pandiselvam R. , Manikantan M. R. , Balasubramanian D. , Beegum P. P. Shameena , Mathew A. C. , Ramesh S. V. , Hebbar K. B. , Niral V.
Published: December 2019

The mechanical properties such as punching force, cutting force, punching energy, and cutting energy of tender coconut at its different orientations are pertinent for the design and development of efficient and ergonomic tender coconut processing machineries viz., punch and cutter, trimming machine, and snowball machine. However, the mechanical properties of tender coconut have not been investigated scientifically yet. Hence, the mechanical properties of tender coconut at six different positions were determined. Four genotypes of tender coconut were used in this study, such as Andaman Giant Tall (AGT), Chowghat Orange Dwarf (COD), Kulasekaran Green Dwarf (KGD), and Ganga Bondam Green Dwarf (GBGD). A laboratory‐scale texture analyzer with a customized probe for cutting and punching was developed and used for the measurements. The highest punching and cutting force was observed at the bottom section (near fruit base) of the tender coconuts followed by the middle and top section. The maximum punching energy (2.23 J) in fruit top loading position was recorded for GBGD, whereas the minimum punching energy (0.82 J) was observed for the genotype AGT. The highest cutting energy of 11.79, 15.53, and 16.59 J recorded for AGT at flat loading position (top, middle, and bottom, respectively). Statistical analysis indicates that genotypes and loading positions of tender coconut significantly (p ≤ .01) affected the punching and cutting force.

Practical applications

The basic information of tender coconuts including physical and mechanical properties is crucial for the design and development of tender coconut processing machinery. Earlier, we have reported the physical properties of tender coconuts necessary for the development of a trimming machine. As a follow‐up, herein we present the mechanical properties of tender coconut that are essential for the design of components such as punching and cutting tool, knife settings in trimming machine and the rotor design in snowball machine. This is the first scientific report highlighting the mechanical properties of the tender coconuts.
Personality and Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome
Authors: Stephan Yannick , Sutin Angelina R. , Canada Brice , Terracciano Antonio
Published: December 2019

OBJECTIVES

To examine whether five major personality traits are related to the motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome, a pre‐dementia syndrome characterized by cognitive complaints and slow gait speed.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional.

SETTING

Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the National Health and Aging Trends Survey (NHATS).

PARTICIPANTS

Dementia‐free older adults aged 65 to 107 years (N > 8000).

MEASUREMENTS

In both samples, participants provided data on personality, cognitive complaints, and measures of gait speed, as well as on demographic factors, physical activity, depressive symptoms, and body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS

Across the two samples and a meta‐analysis, higher neuroticism was related to higher risk of MCR (combined odds ratio [OR] = 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.21‐1.45; P < .001), whereas higher extraversion (combined OR = .71; 95% CI = .65‐.79; P < .001) and conscientiousness (combined OR = .70; 95% CI = .62‐.78; P < .001) were associated with a lower likelihood of MCR. Higher openness was also related to a lower risk of MCR in the HRS and the meta‐analysis (combined OR = .77; 95% CI = .70‐.85; P < .001), whereas agreeableness was protective only in the HRS (OR = .83; 95% CI = .74‐.92; P < .001). Additional analyses indicated that physical activity, depressive symptoms, and BMI partially accounted for these associations.

CONCLUSION

This study adds to existing research on the factors related to the risk of MCR by showing an association with personality traits. Personality assessment may help to identify individuals who may be targeted by interventions focused on reducing the risk of MCR and ultimately of dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:803–808, 2020
FX Intervention in the New Keynesian Model
Authors: ALLA ZINEDDINE , ESPINOZA RAPHAEL A. , GHOSH ATISH R.
Published: December 2019

We develop an open‐economy New Keynesian Model with foreign exchange (FX) intervention in the presence of a financial accelerator and shocks to risk appetite in international capital markets. We obtain closed‐form solutions for optimal monetary and FX intervention policies assuming the central bank cannot commit to future policies, and we compare the solution to that under policy commitment. We show how FX intervention can help reduce the volatility of the exchange rate, of inflation, and of the output gap, thus mitigating welfare losses associated with shocks in the international capital markets. We also show that, when the financial accelerator is strong, there is a risk of indeterminacy (self‐fulfilling currency and inflation movements) although FX intervention can reduce this risk and thus reinforce the credibility of the inflation targeting regime. Model simulations match well the impact of a VIX shock obtained by local projections on a panel of inflation targeting emerging markets.
A teleost structural analogue to the avian bursa of Fabricius
Authors: Løken Oskar M. , Bjørgen Håvard , Hordvik Ivar , Koppang Erling O.
Published: December 2019

The bursa of Fabricius is a primary and secondary lymphoid organ considered exclusively present in birds, and studies of this structure have been vital to our current understanding of the adaptive immune system of vertebrates. In this study, we reveal substantial lymphoepithelial tissue in a previously undescribed bursa in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), situated caudal to the urogenital papilla of the cloaca and thus analogous to the anatomical placement of the bursa of Fabricius. We investigated three groups of Atlantic salmon at different maturational stages and characterized the structure by applying dissection, radiology, scanning electron microscopy and histological techniques, including immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. We found that the epithelial anlage of the salmon cloacal bursa developed into substantial lymphoepithelial tissue and subsequently regressed following sexual maturation. Such a dynamic development is also a key characteristic of the avian bursa. The presence of intraepithelial lymphocytes was concomitant with expression of the leukocyte‐attracting chemokine CCL19, indicative of lymphoid organ functions. We did not observe recombination or gene conversion in salmon bursal lymphocytes at any developmental stage, indicating the absence of primary lymphoid organ functions in contrast to the bursa of Fabricius. However, the possibility of the bursa to trap both enteric and environmental antigens, combined with the presence of several antigen‐presenting cells residing within the lymphoepithelium, suggest the structure has secondary lymphoid organ functions. We present the discovery of a lymphoid organ in Atlantic salmon with striking topographical similarities to that of the bursa of Fabricius in birds. In addition, the age‐dependent dynamics of its lymphoepithelium suggest functions related to the maturation processes of lymphocytes.
Becoming a Female‐Breadwinner Household in Australia: Changes in Relationship Satisfaction
Authors: Blom Niels , Hewitt Belinda
Published: December 2019

Objective

This study longitudinally investigated the associations between becoming a female‐breadwinner household and changes in relationship satisfaction for men and women.

Background

Female‐breadwinner households pose a fundamental challenge to gender norms, particularly in countries such as Australia with a strong male breadwinner culture. Despite an increase in their prevalence, the implications for relationship satisfaction is understudied. Hypotheses were formulated based on specialization, relative resource, role collaboration, and doing gender theories.

Method

A total of 17 waves of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia household panel survey (76,866 observations, 11,986 people) and fixed effects models were used to study the associations between changes in breadwinner arrangements and relationship satisfaction. Building on previous research our breadwinner typology combined employment and income differences between partners, differentiating single earners from dual earners.

Results

Both men and women became less satisfied when they transitioned to dual‐earner households where women out‐earned their partners. Becoming a female‐breadwinner household due to male unemployment or illness decreased relationship satisfaction for women. Respondents were most satisfied when they were in male‐breadwinner, female‐homemaker households. For women, but not men, gender role attitudes influenced some of these associations.

Conclusion

The results extend our understanding of the consequences of the increasing prevalence of female‐breadwinner households and suggest that they may be contributing to lower relationship quality and stability.
Influence of macronutrient composition of commercial diets on circulating leptin and adiponectin concentrations in overweight dogs
Authors: Blees Niels Roderick , Wolfswinkel Jeannette , Kooistra Hans Sjoerd , Corbee Ronald Jan
Published: December 2019

Leptin and adiponectin play important roles in obesity‐related inflammation and comorbidities. Previous research suggests that alterations in dietary macronutrient composition can modify circulating leptin and adiponectin concentrations in people, but limited research on this subject has been performed in dogs. This study investigated the effects of commercial high protein (HP), high fat (HF) and high carbohydrate medium protein (HCMP) diets on baseline (T−1) concentrations, post‐prandial peak concentrations and total release in a ten‐hour time span of leptin and adiponectin in dogs, when compared to a maintenance high carbohydrate low protein (HCLP) diet. Thirty‐six overweight dogs were fed the HCLP diet in a one‐week control period, after which the animals were assigned to one of three groups. In three four‐week periods, each group was fed all test diets in a different sequence. At the last day of each period, blood was sampled at one hour before feeding (T−1) and at three (T3), six (T6) and nine (T9) hours after feeding. Feeding caused peak leptin concentrations at T6 and T9 (p < .001). No significant post‐prandial change in adiponectin concentrations was found (p = .056). The HP diet resulted in lower leptin peak concentrations (p = .004) and AUCT−1–T9 (p = .01), but none of the diets influenced baseline leptin concentrations (p = .273). Baseline adiponectin concentrations were lower for the HF diet (p = .018) and HCMP (p < .001), and the HP, HF and HCMP AUCT−1–T9 (p < .001) were lower compared with the HCLP diet. Female dogs had lower adiponectin baseline concentrations (p = .041) and AUCT−1–T9 (p = .023) than male dogs. In conclusion, the HP diet was associated with the lowest post‐prandial peak leptin concentration and the least decrease in adiponectin release, suggesting that a HP diet may improve immune‐metabolic health and post‐prandial satiety in overweight dogs.
Changes in sleep duration associated with retirement transitions: The role of naps
Authors: Jing Rize , Barath Deanna , Zhang Huzyang , Chen Jie , Fang Hai
Published: December 2019

This study examined the changes in sleep duration (total sleep time, night‐time sleep and daytime naps) after retirement transitions in China using a panel dataset of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2011, 2013 and 2015 with a total of 48,458 respondents. Linear regression analysis with generalized estimating equations was employed to examine the changes in sleep duration after transitions between different types of employment status. After controlling for the confounders, the results showed that the retired population and the population working in agricultural sectors slept 8.02 (p < .01) and 5.19 (p < .01) minutes longer than the population working in non‐agricultural sectors, respectively. Employment transition also had significant effects on sleep duration. Transition from non‐agricultural sectors to retirement increased total sleep time by 13.58 (p < .01) minutes and also raised the probability of daytime naps by 18% (OR = 1.18, p < .01). Transition from agricultural employment to retirement did not significantly affect the total sleep time, but significantly increased the probability of daytime naps (OR = 1.12, p = .02). Reentering the non‐agricultural sectors for the retirees did not significantly affect night‐time sleep, but decreased the probability of daytime naps (OR = 0.73, p < .01) and daytime nap duration (by 5.26 min, p = .01). In conclusion, people in China increased their sleep duration after transitions to retirement, but the magnitudes were much smaller than those in Western countries. Differences may be attributed to an abundant amount of Chinese people working in agricultural sectors, the high volume of retired people reentering the work force and the large proportion of people in China that had daytime naps at baseline.
Beyond the landscape: Resistance modelling infers physical and behavioural gene flow barriers to a mobile carnivore across a metropolitan area
Authors: Kimmig Sophia E. , Beninde Joscha , Brandt Miriam , Schleimer Anna , Kramer‐Schadt Stephanie , Hofer Heribert , Börner Konstantin , Schulze Christoph , Wittstatt Ulrich , Heddergott Mike , Halczok Tanja , Staubach Christoph , Frantz Alain C.
Published: December 2019

Urbanization affects key aspects of wildlife ecology. Dispersal in urban wildlife species may be impacted by geographical barriers but also by a species’ inherent behavioural variability. There are no functional connectivity analyses using continuous individual‐based sampling across an urban‐rural continuum that would allow a thorough assessment of the relative importance of physical and behavioural dispersal barriers. We used 16 microsatellite loci to genotype 374 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from the city of Berlin and surrounding rural regions in Brandenburg in order to study genetic structure and dispersal behaviour of a mobile carnivore across the urban‐rural landscape. We assessed functional connectivity by applying an individual‐based landscape genetic optimization procedure. Three commonly used genetic distance measures yielded different model selection results, with only the results of an eigenvector‐based multivariate analysis reasonably explaining genetic differentiation patterns. Genetic clustering methods and landscape resistance modelling supported the presence of an urban population with reduced dispersal across the city border. Artificial structures (railways, motorways) served as main dispersal corridors within the cityscape, yet urban foxes avoided densely built‐up areas. We show that despite their ubiquitous presence in urban areas, their mobility and behavioural plasticity, foxes were affected in their dispersal by anthropogenic presence. Distinguishing between man‐made structures and sites of human activity, rather than between natural and artificial structures, is thus essential for better understanding urban fox dispersal. This differentiation may also help to understand dispersal of other urban wildlife and to predict how behaviour can shape population genetic structure beyond physical barriers.
Contradictions in womxn’s experiences of pre‐abortion counselling in South Africa: Implications for client‐centred practice
Authors: Mavuso Jabulile Mary‐Jane Jace , Macleod Catriona Ida
Published: December 2019

Pre‐abortion counselling may play a key role in abortion seekers’ understanding of their decision to terminate a pregnancy and the subsequent emotions that they feel. In this paper, we report on a study conducted in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa concerning womxn's experiences of the pre‐abortion counselling offered as part of the implementation of the Choice of Termination Act that governs the provision of legal abortion in the country. Using a narrative‐discursive lens, the analysis revealed four micro‐narratives in which participants appreciated non‐directive and empathic counselling, as well as being provided with information. They also indicated that the counselling was upsetting and hurtful, particularly when providers drew on the awfulisation of abortion discourse to suggest that abortion leads to terrible consequences, and foetal personhood discourse to intimate that terminating the pregnancy is wrong and other alternatives (adoption, parenting) are better. The connection between these broadly positive and negative responses may lie in the dominance of anti‐abortion discourses coupled with the powerful positioning of healthcare providers as experts. The attendant disempowerment of clients within the health clinic setting may constrain pregnant people's ability to question such ‘expert’ information. The implications for feminist client‐centred pre‐abortion counselling are discussed.
Characterization of burning mouth syndrome profiles based on response to a local anaesthetic lozenge
Authors: Treldal Charlotte , Petersen Janne , Mogensen Stine , Therkildsen Christina , Jacobsen Jette , Andersen Ove , Pedersen Anne Marie Lynge
Published: December 2019

Objective

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic oral pain condition with unknown aetiology but assumed to involve peripheral/central neuropathological and immune‐mediated inflammatory factors. We aimed at characterizing inflammatory and neurogenic profiles and oral symptomatology of patients with BMS based on response to a local anaesthetic lozenge.

Methods

Patients with BMS were divided into anEffect(n = 13),No effect(n = 8) orUnspecified(n = 2) group according to their response to a local anaesthetic lozenge on oral pain. Inflammation was assessed in blood plasma and saliva by analyses of IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐17A, IL‐23 and TNF‐α levels. The degree of inflammation and distribution of oestrogen receptor, NGF, NGF‐receptor, TRPV‐1 and IL‐17F in buccal mucosal tissue were investigated by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Immunoreactivity to the oestrogen receptor was most intense in theEffectgroup, whereas theNo effectgroup tended to have higher plasma levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the response to treatment with local anaesthesia enables subgrouping of patients with BMS according to the potential pathogenic mechanisms. Effect of local anaesthesia indicates a peripheral neuropathology involving lack of oestrogen and upregulation of oestrogen receptors, and no effect indicates a systemic inflammation‐induced mechanism leading to increased levels of plasma cytokines.
Are there reliable and valid measures of anxiety for people with psychosis? A systematic review of psychometric properties
Authors: Smith Emma L. , Garety Philippa A. , Harding Helen , Hardy Amy
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Current models of psychosis posit a developmental and maintaining role for anxiety, supported by robust empirical evidence. Given the central role for anxiety in psychosis, valid and reliable assessment is necessary. This systematic review is the first to critically appraise measures of anxiety applied to psychosis samples.

Methods

Web of Science, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and CINAHL were systematically searched for studies evaluating psychometric properties of instruments measuring anxiety in samples with non‐affective psychosis diagnoses. Psychometric properties were extracted and rated according to established criteria. The COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist was used to assess the methodological quality of studies.

Results

Of 4,344 records identified, 11 studies were identified as eligible for inclusion, by two independent raters with high reliability. Reported psychometric properties for 17 different instruments ranged from unacceptable to excellent. The Scale of Anxiety Evaluation in Schizophrenia was assessed most extensively and demonstrated consistently good psychometric properties. The Beck Anxiety Index, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, DSM‐based Generalised Anxiety Disorder Symptoms Severity Scale, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory, Psychological Stress Index, Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire, and Yale‐Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale demonstrated adequate reliability and/or validity on the limited properties reported. Methodological quality was largely poor according to the requirements of the COSMIN checklist.

Conclusions

The instruments listed are recommended as at least adequate for the assessment of anxiety in psychosis on the basis of these preliminary data. Further validation of existing instruments designed to measure anxiety in people with psychosis is strongly recommended.

Practitioner points

Anxiety has a developmental and maintaining role in psychosis; therefore, we should routinely screen for symptoms of anxiety when working with people with psychosis spectrum disorders.

Studies included in this review reported reliable and valid measures of anxiety for people with psychosis; however, the methodological quality of most studies was poor.

We recommend the BAI, DASS, or SAES for general screening, and the DGSS, LSAS, OCI, PSI, PTQ, and Y‐BOCS to assess symptoms associated with specific anxiety disorders and anxiety‐related processes.
The influence of hospital‐based intravenous immunoglobulin and home‐based self‐administrated subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy in young children with primary immunodeficiency diseases on their parents’ / caregivers’ satisfaction
Authors: Lechanska‐Helman Joanna , Sobocinska Agnieszka , Jerzynska Joanna , Stelmach Iwona
Published: December 2019

Background

Immunoglobulin replacement has been standard therapy for patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDD). Intravenous immunoglobin (IVIg) is delivered at the hospital, whereas subcutaneous immunoglobin (SCIg) is used for home‐based treatment. The aim of the study was to determine the advantages and disadvantages of IVIg and SCIg in Polish children aged 1–5 years, with PIDD, and the satisfaction of their parents / caregivers regarding immunoglobulin replacement.

Methods

The research involved parents of 23 children with PIDD, aged 1–5 years. All children were given IVIg therapy and after at least 6 months they were switched towards home SCIg therapy for at least 6 months. A questionnaire assessing advantages and disadvantages of preferred types of treatment and the quality of life of PIDD patients’ families’ lives was used.

Results

The research showed that IVIg therapy was better accepted by parents than SCIg therapy (P = 0.034) for the following reasons: It made it possible for the children to receive treatment once per month (60%); it reduced the fear of injecting the children (60%), and it provided better control of the disease through regular visits to the hospital (53.33%). Parents noticed, however, that IVIg had a significant impact on absence at school or work (70%). Parents who preferred SCIg for their children were guided mainly by the smaller number of side effects (40%), and the fact that the treatment did not interfere with parents’ work or the children’s school (40%).

Conclusion

The results showed that IVIg therapy was better accepted by parents than SCIg therapy Parents of children with SCIg are less satisfied with their life, and feel anxiety about their children disease, which is related to administering the medicine by themselves.
Red cell distribution width as a predictor of late‐onset Gram‐negative sepsis
Authors: Dogan Pelin , Guney Varal Ipek
Published: December 2019

Background

Late‐onset sepsis (LOS) remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. In this study, our aim was to investigate the red‐cell distribution width (RDW) levels during a LOS episode, and its association with the type of growing microorganism and mortality.

Methods

Preterm infants with culture‐proven sepsis during their neonatal intensive care unit stay were enrolled. Red‐cell distribution width levels were obtained in the first 4 h of postnatal life and at the onset of the LOS episode, and compared for these time frames. The study cohort was divided into two groups according to the type of the growing microorganism. The RDW levels were then assessed in intra‐ and inter‐group analyses.

Results

Eighty‐six infants were included in the final analysis. RDW levels were increased in the study cohort after a LOS attack (P < 0.001). Infants with Gram‐negative sepsis showed a significant increase in their RDW levels, but they remained unchanged in infants with Gram‐positive sepsis (P < 0.001 and P = 0.4, respectively). An RDW cut‐off of >19.50% was related with a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 81% for predicting late‐onset Gram‐negative sepsis (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed a positive association of RDW with mortality when adjusted for covariants (adjusted odds ratio: 1.40; 95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.80; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Our findings show that RDW levels increased during a LOS episode in preterm infants, which was especially evident in Gram‐negative infections. We believe that these findings may be of importance in the early diagnosis and prognosis of LOS in preterm infants.
Improving psychiatric medication use through the Michigan e‐psychopharmacology course for nurse practitioners: A pre‐post/follow‐up study
Authors: Parikh Sagar V. , Bostwick Jolene R. , Bastida Maria , Taubman Danielle S.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Increasing demands for mental health treatment represent a key opportunity for nurse practitioners (NPs) to provide more psychiatric medication treatment (psychopharmacology). Given this need, NPs could benefit from opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in psychopharmacology.

Design and Methods

A novel videoconference course was developed and tested, with 6 weekly sessions taught by a facilitator and a speaker, evaluated by multiple outcomes.

Findings

Course feasibility and evidence of improved NP confidence and performance in psychopharmacology were both demonstrated.

Practice Implications

Continuing education providers should consider adopting this model for effective and accessible NP psychopharmacology education, potentially expanding NP mental healthcare delivery.
Human Dignity as a Sui Generis Principle
Authors: Riley Stephen
Published: December 2019

This paper argues that human dignity is a sui generis status principle whose function lies in unifying our normative orders. More fully, human dignity denotes a basic status to be preserved in any institution or process; it is a principle demanding determination in different contexts; and it has its most characteristic application where the legal, moral, and political place competing obligations on individuals. The implication of this account is that we should not seek to reduce human dignity to either a legal norm or a legal principle.
Secret Law Revisited
Authors: Nelson Benjamin L. S.
Published: December 2019

What follows is an attempt to do some conceptual housekeeping around the notion of secret law as provided by Christopher Kutz (2013). First I consider low‐salience (or merely obscure) law, suggesting that it fails to capture the legal and moral facts that are at stake in the case which Kutz used to motivate it. Then I outline a theoretical contrast between mere obscurity and secrecy, in contrast to the “neutral” account of secrecy provided by Sissela Bok (1989). The upshot of the two sections is that low‐salience law is neither secret law nor necessarily problematic, though it closely resembles a kind of law that is both secret and problematic, namely, those legal obscurities that subvert manifest interests related to the informational needs of citizens. The ensuing argument undermines the fiction of constructive presence found in Austin and Blackstone.
Characterization of two novel HLA‐DQA1*03:03:01 variants, identified in Brazilian individuals
Authors: Vianna Romulo , Secco Danielle , Santos Angela , Porto Luís Cristóvão
Published: December 2019

Characterization of two novel HLA‐DQA1*03:03:01 variants, HLA‐DQA1*03:03:01:11 and ‐DQA1*03:03:01:12.
The HLA‐B*15:529 allele identified in a volunteer donor for hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Shin Dong‐Hwan , Baek In‐Cheol , Choi Eun‐Jeong , Kim Hyoung‐Jae , Kim Tai‐Gyu
Published: December 2019

HLA‐B*15:529 differs from HLA‐B*15:01:01:01 in codon 138 in exon 3.
The HLA‐B*07:367 allele identified in a volunteer donor for hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Baek In‐Cheol , Choi Eun‐Jeong , Shin Dong‐Hwan , Kim Hyoung‐Jae , Kim Tai‐Gyu
Published: December 2019

HLA‐B*07:367 differs from HLA‐B*07:02:01:01 in codon 181 in exon 3.
Metabolic phenotypes of standard and cold‐stored platelets
Authors: D'Alessandro Angelo , Thomas Kimberly A. , Stefanoni Davide , Gamboni Fabia , Shea Susan M. , Reisz Julie A. , Spinella Philip C.
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Conventional platelet (PLT) storage at room temperature under continuous agitation results in a limited shelf life (5 days) and an increased risk of bacterial contamination. However, both of these aspects can be ameliorated by cold storage. Preliminary work has suggested that PLTs can be cold stored for up to 3 weeks, while preserving their metabolic activity longer than in PLTs stored at room temperature. As such, in the present study, we hypothesized that the metabolic phenotypes of PLTs stored at 4°C for 3 weeks could be comparable to that of room temperature–stored PLTs at 22°C for 5 days.

Study Design and Methods

Metabolomics analyses were performed on nine apheresis PLT concentrates stored either at room temperature (22°C) for 5 days or refrigerated conditions (4°C) for up to 3 weeks.

RESULTS

Refrigeration did not impact the rate of decline in glutamine or the intracellular levels of Krebs cycle metabolites upstream to fumarate and malate. It did, however, decrease oxidant stress (to glutathione and purines) and slowed down the activation of the pentose phosphate pathway, glycolysis, and fatty acid metabolism (acyl‐carnitines).

CONCLUSION

The overall metabolic phenotypes of 4°C PLTs at Storage Day 10 are comparable to PLTs stored at 22°C at the end of their 5‐day shelf life, while additional changes in glycolysis, purine, and fatty acid metabolism are noted by Day 21.
Efficacy of en bloc thoracic duct ligation in combination with pericardiectomy by video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery for canine idiopathic chylothorax
Authors: Kanai Hiroo , Furuya Masaru , Hagiwara Ken , Nukaya Aya , Kondo Motoki , Aso Toshihide , Fujii Ayako , Sasai Kazumi
Published: December 2019

Objective

To compare the outcomes of pericardiectomy performed with conventional clipping thoracic duct ligation (C‐TDL) to those with en bloc thoracic duct ligation (EB‐TDL) using video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for canine idiopathic chylothorax.

Study design

Retrospective consecutive case series.

Animals

Thirteen client‐owned dogs with idiopathic chylothorax.

Methods

Medical records of dogs treated with pericardiectomy in combination with TDL by VATS without intraoperative contrast were reviewed. Five and seven dogs underwent C‐TDL and EB‐TDL, respectively, and 11 dogs were evaluated by preoperative and 7‐ to 10‐days‐postoperative computed tomography‐lymphography (CTLG). No clinical symptoms with absent or minimal pleural effusion was defined as clinical improvement. Long‐term remission (LTR) was defined as rapid resolution of pleural effusion and no recurrence for more than 1 year. Anesthesia time, operation time, the duration of hospitalization, and time until pleural effusion resolution were compared.

Results

Clinical improvement was achieved in 91.7% of the cases (C‐TDL, 4/5; EB‐TDL, 7/7), excluding one case of intraoperative death. The LTR rate was significantly higher with EB‐TDL (6/7 [85.7%]) than with C‐TDL (1/5 [20%]). Anesthesia time, operation time, and time until pleural effusion resolution were significantly better with EB‐TDL than with C‐TDL. The rates of thoracic ducts visualization by postoperative CTLG were 100% (5/5) with C‐TDL and 42.9% (3/7) with EB‐TDL.

Conclusion

En bloc TDL was an effective treatment for canine idiopathic chylothorax in this patient population. It compared favorably to C‐TDL, although missed branches at the time of surgery may explain the difference between C‐TDL and EB‐TDL in this small population of cases.

Clinical significance

En bloc TDL by VATS was an effective minimally invasive treatment for canine idiopathic chylothorax. Computed tomography‐lymphography can be used for surgical planning and postoperative evaluation.
Formation of CdSe quantum dots from single source precursor obtained by thermal and laser treatment
Authors: Limosani Francesca , Carcione Rocco , Antolini Francesco
Published: December 2019

The synthesis of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) from a single source precursor is a known way to form a nanocomposite by its thermal decomposition. Recently, some of them have been used to grow QDs by direct laser patterning. Here, the authors report the study of the formation of the CdSe QDs starting from the decomposition of the 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethylselenolate of cadmium dispersed in a polymethylmethacrylate film induced both by heating and laser patterning. The formation of the CdSe QDs under annealing at 150 °C is studied as a function of the precursor concentration and molar ratio with respect to two different QD ligands such as oleic acid and oleylamine. The photoluminescent spectra of the formed nanocomposite show that the oleic acid induces the formation of the direct bandgap, while oleylamine shows only a broadband emission. The laser patterning of the film was carried out with a UV laser (355 nm) with a pulse frequency of 40 kHz and a fluence of 1.06 J/cm2. The resulting patterned areas were characterized by a fluorescence microscope showing the formation of a photoluminescence path only when the ligands were present, suggesting the formation of the functional (photoluminescent) QDs.
The mutual scattering cross section
Authors: Jackson Darrell , Tang Dajun
Published: December 2019

A generalization of the conventional interface scattering cross section is introduced. This new object will be called the mutual scattering cross section, and, like the conventional cross section, can be used in narrow-band sonar applications. It can treat both sea-surface and seafloor scattering and is useful in cases where large arrays are employed as well as in multipath environments. The application to large arrays with uniform half-space water column and seafloor is examined briefly, but the bulk of this article is devoted to multipathing in the ocean waveguide. Comparisons with more accurate, but more numerically intensive, approaches in range-independent environments show that the mutual cross section can provide an efficient solution for the reverberation intensity time series. The mutual cross section incorporates interference effects causing oscillations in the reverberation time series. Such oscillations have been reported in the literature, but previous modeling efforts have been ad hoc, not based on scattering physics. The mutual cross section is shown to model backscattering enhancement due to multipathing, another phenomenon not seen in simpler models. Expressions for the mutual cross section are derived for seafloor roughness scattering and sediment volume scattering.