bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical evaluation of simultaneously applied monopolar radiofrequency and targeted pressure energy as a new method for noninvasive treatment of cellulite in postpubertal women
Authors: Fritz Klaus , Salavastru Carmen , Gyurova Magdalina
Published: March 2018

Introduction

This study investigates noninvasive cellulite treatments based on simultaneous application of monopolar radiofrequency (RF) and targeted pressure energy to evaluate efficacy and safety and to see whether simultaneous application has any benefits in noninvasive cellulite treatments.

Methods

Thirty women with cellulite (fibrous/adipose/aqueous types) received 4 gluteofemoral treatments (~24 minutes; ~1000 cm2) using a simultaneous application of RF and targeted pressure energy. Clinical improvement was assessed using a pentile grading scale and satisfaction questionnaires. Hip/thigh circumference was measured. Ultrasonography and thermography observed changes in dermal/subcutaneous tissue composition and in gluteofemoral thermal profile. Evaluation at 3 months posttreatment was compared against the baseline.

Results

The clinical improvement averaged 2.17 ± 0.95 (54% improvement). Cellulite was reduced in 93% of cases, while 73% of patients showed good/very good/excellent improvement, with most significant improvement seen in patients with moderately severe cellulite. Hips and thigh circumference decreased on average by 2.31 cm and 2.13 cm, respectively (P < .001). Patient satisfaction was very high, averaging 4.47 ± 0.57 points (1‐5 scale). Ultrasonography revealed smoothing and thickening (+0.28 ± 0.15 mm) of the dermis and an average reduction of 1.96 ± 1.60 mm in fat thickness (P < .05). Subjects with significant cellulite reduction had a more homogenous thermal profile at follow‐up as a result of therapy‐induced diminution of topographic skin defects. No adverse events were recorded.

Conclusion

The application is effective and safe for treating cellulite. The level of clinical improvement after 4 sessions is comparable to results reported after 6‐20 sessions in studies on stand‐alone RF/laser/targeted pressure energy devices. The technology is promising and deserves further attention and research.
Antiaging and antioxidant effects of topical autophagy activator: A randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded study
Authors: Lim Jongmi , Lim Chae Jin , Kim Sungwoo , Nam Gaewon , Chang Minyoul , Park Keedon , Park Kyungho , Kim Hyun Jung , Ahn Jeong Keun , Jeong Sekyoo
Published: March 2018

Background

Recently, potential roles of autophagy in skin homeostasis received many interests. But, little has been reported for the potential antiaging effects of autophagy activator.

Objective

With the newly synthesized autophagy activator, heptasodium hexacarboxymethyl dipeptide‐12 (Aquatide™) in vitro and clinical efficacy of the topical autophagy activator as an antiaging cosmeceutical ingredient was evaluated.

Methods

Antioxidant effect of Aquatide™ was evaluated by radical scavenging assay. In vitro effect was assessed by measuring the cytotoxicity of hydrogen peroxide in cultured normal human epidermal keratinocytes. Clinical evaluation was performed by a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded study. Antioxidant efficacy was observed by measuring the carbonylated proteins in stratum corneum (SC) by fluorescein‐5‐thiosemicarbazide (FTZ) staining.

Results

Radical scavenging effects of Aquatide were observed with the ABTS assay, and significant reduction in hydrogen peroxide‐induced cytotoxicity was observed in Aquatide™‐treated cells. Autophagy inhibitor treatment abrogated cytoprotective effects of Aquatide™. In a clinical study, statistically significant increase in skin elasticity was observed after 4 and 8 weeks. Quantitative analysis of carbonylated proteins in SC also showed significant reduction in Aquatide™‐treated group, which is consistent with the in vitro data.

Conclusion

These results suggest that autophagy plays important roles in antioxidant system and aging process in skin, and topical autophagy activators can be potential cosmeceutical ingredients for skin antiaging.
Autonomous orientation predicts longevity: New findings from the Nun Study
Authors: Weinstein Netta , Legate Nicole , Ryan William S. , Hemmy Laura
Published: March 2018

Objective

Work on longevity has found protective social, cognitive, and emotional factors, but to date we have little understanding of the impact of motivational dynamics. Autonomy orientation, or stable patterns of self‐regulation, is theorized to be a protective factor for long‐term mental and physical health (Ryan & Deci, 2017), and it is therefore a prime candidate for examining how stable psychosocial factors are linked to longevity, or life expectancy.

Method

Essays written in the 1930s by participants in the Nun Study were coded for indicators of an autonomy orientation. These were selected in line with an extensive theoretical literature based in self‐determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985). Essays were coded for the propensity for choice in action, susceptibility to pressure, self‐reflection, integration of experiences, and parental support for autonomy. These coded variables were used to predict age of death.

Results

Using 176 codable essays provided by now‐deceased participants, linear regression analyses revealed that choiceful behavior, self‐reflection, and parent autonomy support predicted age of death. Participants who demonstrated these stable and beneficial motivational characteristics lived longer.

Conclusions

Personality constructs reflecting a healthy form of self‐regulation are associated with long‐term health. Implications for health interventions are discussed.
Becoming who you are: An integrative review of self‐determination theory and personality systems interactions theory
Authors: Koole Sander L. , Schlinkert Caroline , Maldei Tobias , Baumann Nicola
Published: March 2018

One of the enduring missions of personality science is to unravel what it takes to become a fully functioning person. In the present article, the authors address this matter from the perspectives of self‐determination theory (SDT) and personality systems interactions (PSI) theory. SDT (a) is rooted in humanistic psychology; (b) has emphasized a first‐person perspective on motivation and personality; (c) posits that the person, supported by the social environment, naturally moves toward growth through the satisfaction of basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. PSI theory (a) is rooted in German volition psychology; (b) has emphasized a third‐person perspective on motivation and personality; and (c) posits that a fully functioning person can form and enact difficult intentions and integrate new experiences, and that such competencies are facilitated by affect regulation. The authors review empirical support for SDT and PSI theory, their convergences and divergences, and how the theories bear on recent empirical research on internalization, vitality, and achievement flow. The authors conclude that SDT and PSI theory offer complementary insights into developing a person's full potential.
Meaning making, self‐determination theory, and the question of wisdom in personality
Authors: Bauer Jack J. , King Laura A. , Steger Michael F.
Published: March 2018

Self‐determination theory (SDT) has advanced the most comprehensive model of motives for human flourishing in the field of personality psychology and beyond. In this article, we evaluate SDT relative to the process of meaning making, particularly from a narrative perspective, showing what SDT can and cannot explain about the construction of self‐identity and its relation to human flourishing. On the one hand, SDT explains how subjective assessments of need fulfillment drive the process of self‐determined living. The internal motives that follow such fulfillment serve as important themes in people's life stories that predict several markers of hedonic and eudaimonic well‐being. On the other hand, SDT's focus on subjective fulfillment limits what SDT can explain about how wisdom, which is a canonical good of both eudaimonia and meaning making, helps people make sense of life's more difficult or unfulfilling events. SDT may facilitate a facet of wisdom that is more subjective and experiential but not the critical facet of wisdom defined by objectively more complex structures of interpretation.
An experimental model for calcium carbonate urolithiasis in goats
Authors: Jones Meredyth L. , Dominguez Brandon J. , Deveau Michael A.
Published: March 2018

Background

Calcium carbonate is a common urolith type in small ruminants with no high‐yield experimental model to evaluate animal susceptibility or preventative measure response.

Hypothesis

That novel plastic winged implants would allow accumulation and quantification of calcium carbonate calculus formation in goats on a high‐calcium diet and identify individual variation between goats in the mass of calculi produced.

Animals

Eight nonpregnant 3‐ and 4‐year‐old Boer‐cross does, weighing 22.3–39.5 kg, determined to be healthy based on physical examination, were used in these experiments.

Methods

Prospective cohort study for in vivo experimental model development. Implants were placed into the urinary bladder lumen in 8 goats over 2 evaluation periods. The alfalfa‐based ration had a total ration Ca : P of 3.29 and 3.84 : 1, respectively. Urine was collected at 0, 28, 56, and 84 days in the 1st experiment; blood and urine at those timepoints in the 2nd experiment. For each evaluation period, the implants were removed 84 days after implantation and weighed. Accumulated calculi mass was calculated and compared between goats and was analyzed for composition.

Results

Implant retention was 100% and 86% in the 2 studies. All goats with retained implants accumulated calcium carbonate at a mean implant gain per day across studies ranging from 0.44 to 57.45 mg. Two goats accumulated (0.44–7.65 mg/day and 33.64 & 57.45 mg/day) significantly more urolith material than the cohort across both studies (P = .047). No routine analytes on blood or urine were found to be explanatory for the difference observed.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

These findings form a basis for implant and diet selection for use in future studies of urolithiasis development and for studies regarding individual susceptibility to urolithiasis.
Incomplete endothelialization of an intravascular implant and fatal late‐onset bacterial ductal arteritis in a dog with occluded patent ductus arteriosus
Authors: Beijerink Niek Jozef , Bergmann Wilhelmina , Szatmári Viktor
Published: March 2018

An 18‐month‐old male Akita Inu dog developed fever and lameness 8 months after successful transcatheter closure of a patent ductus arteriosus with an Amplatz Canine Duct Occluder (ACDO). Corynebacterium species were cultured from 3 blood samples. Echocardiography showed a vegetative process on the aortic valves. The dog died spontaneously 3 days after development of the initial signs. Necropsy confirmed the presence of bacterial ductal arteritis and myocarditis, and revealed an incomplete endothelialization of the intraductal metal implant. The reason for the lack of (neo)endothelialization of the ACDO remains unknown. We conclude that late‐onset bacterial device‐related ductal arteritis can develop in dogs where the implant is incompletely covered by a protective endothelial layer.
Incubation with macroalgae induces large shifts in water column microbiota, but minor changes to the epibiota of co‐occurring macroalgae
Authors: Chen Melissa Y. , Parfrey Laura Wegener
Published: March 2018

Macroalgae variably promote and deter microbial growth through release of organic carbon and antimicrobial compounds into the water column. Consequently, macroalgae influence the microbial composition of the surrounding water column and biofilms on nearby surfaces. Here, we use manipulative experiments to test the hypotheses that (i)Nereocystis luetkeanaandMastocarpussp. macroalgae alter the water column microbiota in species‐specific manner, that (ii) neighbouring macroalgae alter the bacterial communities on the surface (epibiota) of actively growingNereocystis luetkeanameristem fragments (NMFs), and that (iii) neighbours alterNMFgrowth rate. We also assess the impact of laboratory incubation on macroalgal epibiota by comparing each species to wild counterparts. We find strong differences between theNereocystisandMastocarpusepibiota that are maintained in the laboratory.NereocystisandMastocarpusalter water column bacterial community composition and richness in a species specific manner, but cause only small compositional shifts onNMFsurfaces that do not differ by species, and do not change richness. Co‐incubation with macroalgae results in significant change in abundance of fivefold more genera in the water column compared toNMFsurfaces, although the direction (i.e., enrichment or reduction) of shift is generally consistent between the water andNMFsurfaces. Finally,NMFs grew during the experiment, but growth did not depend on the presence or identity of neighbouring macroalgae. Thus, macroalgae exhibit a strong and species‐specific influence on the water column microbiota, but a much weaker influence on the epibiota of neighbouring macroalgae. Overall, these results support the idea that macroalgae surfaces are highly selective and demonstrate that modulations of macroalgal microbiota operate within an overarching paradigm of host species specificity.
The search for loci under selection: trends, biases and progress
Authors: Ahrens Collin W. , Rymer Paul D. , Stow Adam , Bragg Jason , Dillon Shannon , Umbers Kate D. L. , Dudaniec Rachael Y.
Published: March 2018

Detecting genetic variants under selection using FST outlier analysis (OA) and environmental association analyses (EAAs) are popular approaches that provide insight into the genetic basis of local adaptation. Despite the frequent use of OA and EAA approaches and their increasing attractiveness for detecting signatures of selection, their application to field‐based empirical data have not been synthesized. Here, we review 66 empirical studies that use Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in OA and EAA. We report trends and biases across biological systems, sequencing methods, approaches, parameters, environmental variables and their influence on detecting signatures of selection. We found striking variability in both the use and reporting of environmental data and statistical parameters. For example, linkage disequilibrium among SNPs and numbers of unique SNP associations identified with EAA were rarely reported. The proportion of putatively adaptive SNPs detected varied widely among studies, and decreased with the number of SNPs analysed. We found that genomic sampling effort had a greater impact than biological sampling effort on the proportion of identified SNPs under selection. OA identified a higher proportion of outliers when more individuals were sampled, but this was not the case for EAA. To facilitate repeatability, interpretation and synthesis of studies detecting selection, we recommend that future studies consistently report geographical coordinates, environmental data, model parameters, linkage disequilibrium, and measures of genetic structure. Identifying standards for how OA and EAA studies are designed and reported will aid future transparency and comparability of SNP‐based selection studies and help to progress landscape and evolutionary genomics.
Deep Learning for Accelerated Seismic Reliability Analysis of Transportation Networks
Authors: Nabian Mohammad Amin , Meidani Hadi
Published: March 2018

To optimize mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery procedures for infrastructure systems, it is essential to use accurate and efficient means to evaluate system reliability against probabilistic events. The predominant approach to quantify the impact of natural disasters on infrastructure systems is the Monte Carlo approach, which still suffers from high computational cost, especially when applied to large systems. This article presents a deep learning framework for accelerating seismic reliability analysis, on a transportation network case study. Two distinct deep neural network surrogates are constructed and studied: (1) a classifier surrogate that speeds up the connectivity determination of networks and (2) an end‐to‐end surrogate that replaces modules such as roadway status realization, connectivity determination, and connectivity averaging. Numerical results from k‐terminal connectivity analysis of a California transportation network subject to a probabilistic earthquake event demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed surrogates in accelerating reliability analysis while achieving accuracies of at least 99%.
Is it possible to relate accommodative visual dysfunctions to neck pain?
Authors: Sánchez‐González María Carmen , Pérez‐Cabezas Verónica , López‐Izquierdo Inmaculada , Gutiérrez‐Sánchez Estanislao , Ruiz‐Molinero Carmen , Rebollo‐Salas Manuel , Jiménez‐Rejano José Jesús
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to establish whether there is a relationship between conditions of accommodative visual dysfunctions and cervical complaints. Fifty‐two participants were included. Variables were accommodative amplitude, positive and negative relative accommodation (NRA), accommodative response, and accommodative facility. Subjects were classified as accommodative insufficiency, accommodative excess, or normal. Neck complaints were measured with the Neck Disability Index, the Visual Analogue Scale, and by cervical range of motion, deep flexor muscle activation score, and performance index. We found the following significant relationships: between NRA and both performance index and left‐side bending; accommodative amplitude right‐eye with right‐side bending and with left‐side bending; accommodative amplitude left‐eye with right‐side bending; and accommodative facility left‐eye with both performance index and left‐side bending. In accommodative amplitude right‐eye, aIl participants showed significant values and greater than those with accommodative excess. In both groups, performance index values were decreased. Greater pain and lower right‐rotation were found in participants with accommodative excess than in those with accommodative insufficiency. We conclude that accommodative dysfunctions are related to low performance index, decreased range of motion, as well as greater neck pain.
Probing sensorimotor integration during musical performance
Authors: Furuya Shinichi , Furukawa Yuta , Uehara Kazumasa , Oku Takanori
Published: March 2018

An integration of afferent sensory information from the visual, auditory, and proprioceptive systems into execution and update of motor programs plays crucial roles in control and acquisition of skillful sequential movements in musical performance. However, conventional behavioral and neurophysiological techniques that have been applied to study simplistic motor behaviors limit elucidating online sensorimotor integration processes underlying skillful musical performance. Here, we propose two novel techniques that were developed to investigate the roles of auditory and proprioceptive feedback in piano performance. First, a closed‐loop noninvasive brain stimulation system that consists of transcranial magnetic stimulation, a motion sensor, and a microcomputer enabled to assess time‐varying cortical processes subserving auditory–motor integration during piano playing. Second, a force‐field system capable of manipulating the weight of a piano key allowed for characterizing movement adaptation based on the feedback obtained, which can shed light on the formation of an internal representation of the piano. Results of neurophysiological and psychophysics experiments provided evidence validating these systems as effective means for disentangling computational and neural processes of sensorimotor integration in musical performance.
Does the experimenter presence affect working memory?
Authors: Belletier Clément , Camos Valérie
Published: March 2018

Recent studies suggest that social presence undermines performance in difficult tasks because the presence of others would automatically capture the attention needed to achieve these tasks. Here, we tested whether this attentional capture (caused by the experimenter presence) affects working memory. Several models suggest that maintenance in working memory relies on an attentional mechanism. Besides this mechanism, another nonattentional verbal rehearsal could also maintain verbal information. In experiment 1, we varied the presence of the experimenter while participants had to memorize letters during a short retention interval. Moreover, a secondary task was introduced in some conditions to reduce the availability of attention. Experiment 2 replicated experiment 1 with the addition of a concurrent articulation to prevent the use of verbal rehearsal. The results showed that participants in the presence of the experimenter recalled fewer letters than participants who stayed alone in the cubicle, but only in experiment 2. These findings are the first evidence that social presence hinders attentional but not nonattentional maintenance in working memory. They have strong implications for understanding working memory and the impact of social presence, as well as important methodological implications.
Competition for the focus of attention in visual working memory: perceptual recency versus executive control
Authors: Hitch Graham J. , Hu Yanmei , Allen Richard J. , Baddeley Alan D.
Published: March 2018

Previous research on memory for a short sequence of visual stimuli indicates that access to the focus of attention (FoA) can be achieved in either of two ways. The first is automatic and is indexed by the recency effect, the enhanced retention of the final item. The second is strategic and based on instructions to prioritize items differentially, a process that draws on executive capacity and boosts retention of information deemed important. In both cases, the increased level of retention can be selectively reduced by presenting a poststimulus distractor (or suffix). We manipulated these variables across three experiments. Experiment 1 generalized previous evidence that prioritizing a single item enhances its retention and increases its vulnerability to interference from a poststimulus suffix. A second experiment showed that the enhancement from prioritizing one or two items comes at a cost to the recency effect. A third experiment showed that prioritizing two items renders memory for both vulnerable to interference from an irrelevant suffix. The results suggest that some but not all items in working memory compete to occupy a narrow FoA and that this competition is determined by a combination of perceptually driven recency and internal executive control.
Postmating sexual conflict and female control over fertilization during gamete interaction
Authors: Firman Renée C.
Published: March 2018

Males and females rarely have identical evolutionary interests over reproduction, and when the fitness of both sexes is dependent upon paternity outcomes, sexual conflict over fertilization is inevitable. In internal fertilizers, the female tract is a formidable selective force on the number and integrity of sperm that reach the egg. Selection on sperm quality is intensified when females mate multiply and rival males are forced to compete for fertilizations. While male adaptations to sperm competition have been well documented (e.g., increased sperm fertilizing capacity), much less attention has been given to the evolutionary consequences of postmating sexual conflict for egg form and function. Specifically, increased sperm competitiveness can be detrimental by giving rise to an elevation in reproductive failure resulting from polyspermy. Spanning literature on both internal and external fertilizers, in this review I discuss how females respond to sperm competition via fertilization barriers that mediate sperm entry. These findings, which align directly with sexual conflict theory, indicate that females have greater control over fertilization than has previously been appreciated. I then consider the implications of gametic sexual conflict in relation to the development of reproductive isolation and speculate on potential mechanisms accounting for “egg defensiveness.” Finally, I discuss the functional significance of egg defensiveness for both the sexes, and sperm selection for females.
The role of fish intake on asthma in children: A meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Papamichael M. M. , Shrestha S. K. , Itsiopoulos C. , Erbas B.
Published: March 2018

Background

The evidence is mixed on the use of long chain Omega‐3 fatty acids in the prevention and management of childhood asthma.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search and meta‐analysis investigating the role of fish intake, the main dietary source of long chain omega‐3 fatty acids, on asthma in children.

Results

A total of 1119 publications were identified. Twenty‐three studies on fish intake in association with childhood asthma were included in the final review. In 15 of 23 studies, early introduction of fish (6‐9 months) and regular consumption (at least once a week) improved asthma symptoms and reduced risk in children 0‐14 years as compared to no fish consumption; 6 of 23 showed no effect and 2 of 23 studies suggest adverse effects. Meta‐analysis revealed an overall “beneficial effect” for “all fish” intake on “current asthma” [OR: 0.75; 95%CI: 0.60‐0.95] and “current wheeze” [OR: 0.62; 95%CI: 0.48‐0.80] in children up to 4.5 years old. An overall protective effect of “fatty fish” intake as compared to “no fish” intake in children 8‐14 years old was also observed [OR: 0.35; 95%CI: 0.18‐0.67].

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis suggests that introduction of fish early in life (6‐9 months) and regular consumption of all fish (at least once a week) reduces asthma and wheeze in children up to 4.5 years old, while fatty fish intake may be beneficial in older children. Future well‐designed clinical trials are recommended to confirm the promising findings documented in this literature analysis.
A Near‐Term Bias Reconsidered
Authors: Dorsey Dale
Published: March 2018

Standard accounts of prudential rationality enjoin temporal neutrality. “Rationality,” or so says Rawls, “requires an impartial concern for all parts of our life.” And while I accept this form of temporal neutrality, I argue in this paper that a powerful rationale exists for a competing form of prudential rationality according to which it is permissible to be biased toward near‐future rather than far‐future parts of one's life. After arguing that traditional defenses of temporal neutrality do not succeed against this rationale, I offer a new proposal, drawn from the phenomenon of intrapersonal reactive attitudes.
Measuring Pavlovian appetitive conditioning in humans with the postauricular reflex
Authors: Stussi Yoann , Delplanque Sylvain , Coraj Seline , Pourtois Gilles , Sander David
Published: March 2018

Despite its evolutionary and clinical significance, appetitive conditioning has been rarely investigated in humans. It has been proposed that this discrepancy might stem from the difficulty in finding suitable appetitive stimuli that elicit strong physiological responses. However, this might also be due to a possible lack of sensitivity of the psychophysiological measures commonly used to index human appetitive conditioning. Here, we investigated whether the postauricular reflex—a vestigial muscle microreflex that is potentiated by pleasant stimuli relative to neutral and unpleasant stimuli—may provide a valid psychophysiological indicator of appetitive conditioning in humans. To this end, we used a delay differential appetitive conditioning procedure, in which a neutral stimulus was contingently paired with a pleasant odor (CS+), while another neutral stimulus was not associated with any odor (CS−). We measured the postauricular reflex, the startle eyeblink reflex, and skin conductance response (SCR) as learning indices. Taken together, our results indicate that the postauricular reflex was potentiated in response to the CS+ compared with the CS−, whereas this potentiation extinguished when the pleasant odor was no longer delivered. In contrast, we found no evidence for startle eyeblink reflex attenuation in response to the CS+ relative to the CS−, and no effect of appetitive conditioning was observed on SCR. These findings suggest that the postauricular reflex is a sensitive measure of human appetitive conditioning and constitutes a valuable tool for further shedding light on the basic mechanisms underlying emotional learning in humans.
Palaeocene origin of the Neotropical lineage of cleptoparasitic bees Ericrocidini‐Rhathymini (Hymenoptera, Apidae)
Authors: MARTINS ALINE C. , LUZ DAVID R. , MELO GABRIEL A. R.
Published: March 2018

Cleptoparasitic bees abandoned pollen‐collecting for their offspring and lay their eggs in other bees' provisioned nests. Also known as cuckoo bees, they belong to several lineages, but are especially diverse in Apinae. We focused on a lineage of apine cleptoparasitic bees, the clade Ericrocidini + Rhathymini, which attack nests of oil‐collecting bees. We sequenced five genes for 20 species in all genera of this clade plus a large outgroup to reconstruct the phylogeny and estimate divergence times. We confirmed the monophyly of the clade Ericrocidini + Rhathymini and its position inside the ericrocidine line together with the tribes Protepeolini, Isepeolini, Osirini and Coelioxoidini. Our results corroborated the current taxonomic classification. Ericrocis is sister to all Ericrocidini and the position of Acanthopus and the most diverse genus Mesoplia were inconclusive. Ericrocidini + Rhathymini diverged from other apine cleptoparasitic lineages 74 Ma in the Cretaceous and from each other in the Palaeocene at 61 Ma. Considering the robust molecular evidence of their sister relationships, the striking differences in the morphology of first‐instar larvae of the two groups may represent adaptations to the nesting biology of their hosts. As other cleptoparasites in the ericrocidine line, Ericrocidini and Rhathymini possess larvae which are adapted to kill the immature host and to feed on floral oil provided by the host female. The evolution of host specialization in the line Ericrocidini + Rhathymini retroceded to the Eocene when they differentiated synchronously with their hosts, Centris and Epicharis.
Eligibility criteria and outcome measures adopted in clinical trials of treatments of cutaneous leishmaniasis: systematic literature review covering the period 1991–2015
Authors: López‐Carvajal Liliana , Vélez Iván , Arbeláez María Patricia , Olliaro Piero
Published: March 2018

Objective

To document the sources of heterogeneity in outcomes and shortcomings in trial designs reported by previous systematic reviews.

Methods

Systematic review of clinical trials of CL treatments published since 1991, to assess and compare eligibility criteria and outcome measures in trials (any type of treatment) of CL (any form) reported before and after the publication of the CONSORT statement.

Results

We identified 106 eligible trials published between 1991 and 2015, 74% after the 2001 CONSORT statement; 58% (n = 63) were on Old‐World CL and 37% (n = 40) in New‐World CL; overall, 11 531 patients enrolled in 243 treatment groups on 30 different treatments. Both requirements and definitions for eligibility and outcome criteria varied. Compliance with CONSORT requirements increased for studies published after the 2010 update. As for entry criteria, 94% of studies had a requirement for sex (74% of those enrolling also women excluded those who were pregnant or lactating), 69% for age (variable age ranges), 99% parasitological confirmation, 43% prior duration of illness (14% excluded cases with previous episodes), 46% defined the number, 28% the size and 13% the type of lesions (27% with restrictions as to their anatomical location). Follow‐up ranged 1–24 months, with 14% and 91% of studies, respectively, having defined initial and final cure.

Conclusions

This review documents changes in reporting before and after the publication of the CONSORT statement. Lack of standardisation, compounded with the small number of trials relative to the magnitude of the disease in its multiple forms, and with the range of treatments tested explains why evidence to inform treatment guidelines is generally weak for CL. Adopting standardised methodologies will improve the quality and consistency of clinical trials, and ultimately yield better treatments for CL.
Treatment outcomes of TB‐infected individuals attending public sector primary care clinics in rural Liberia from 2015 to 2017: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wickett Eugene , Peralta‐Santos André , Beste Jason , Micikas Mary , Toe Foriest , Rogers Julia , Jabateh Lassana , Wagenaar Bradley H.
Published: March 2018

Objectives

In June 2015, Partners in Health (PIH) and the Liberian Ministry of Health began a community health worker (CHW) programme containing food support, reimbursement of transport and social assistance to address gaps in tuberculosis (TB) treatment exacerbated by the 2014‐2015 Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic. The purpose of this article was to analyse the performance of routine clinical TB care and the effects of this CHW programme.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study utilising data from TB patient registers at a census of all health facilities treating TB in the south‐east region of Liberia from January 2015 – April 2017. Competing risks Cox regression analyses were used to generate subhazard ratios (sHR) analysing factors associated with rates of TB cure (smear negative), treatment completion (no smear), lost to follow‐up (LTFU) and death.

Results

LTFU rates decreased 76% pre‐ vs. post‐CHW intervention, from 14.6% in pre‐intervention to 3.4% post‐intervention (P < 0.001). Although the post‐intervention had better cure rates (sHR 1.07, CI 0.58‐1.9), treatment completion (sHR 1.53, CI 1.00 2.39) and lower death rates (sHR 0.64, CI 0.34‐1.2), statistical significance was not reached. Younger patients had significantly lower death and cure rates, while older patients had higher LTFU and cure rates. Overall, 31% of patients were cured, 44% completed treatment without a confirmatory smear, 5% were LTFU, 9% died, 0.5% failed treatment, and 10% transferred out.

Conclusions

In challenging environments, LTFU can be reduced by CHW accompaniment and socio‐economic assistance to patients with TB. Approaches are needed to improve cure verification in young patients and reduce mortality.
Analysis of antigen‐antibody cross‐reactivity among lineages and sublineages of Babesia microti parasites using human babesiosis specimens
Authors: Sayama Yusuke , Zamoto‐Niikura Aya , Matsumoto Chieko , Saijo Masayuki , Ishihara Chiaki , Matsubayashi Keiji , Nagai Tadashi , Satake Masahiro
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Human babesiosis is caused mainly by Babesia microti and has recently become a public health concern due to an increase in transfusion‐transmitted infection. Thus, the development of an antibody detection method with high specificity and sensitivity is a priority. Seroreactivity against B. microti has been reported to be highly specific not only to B. microti lineages but also to sublineages. This study aimed to elucidate the human antibody reactivity against various lineages, including US, Kobe, and Hobetsu, and sublineages (North America and East Asia) in the US lineage.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Twenty samples obtained from individuals infected with B. microti in the United States were tested for the presence of anti‐B. microti antibodies using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and Western blotting (WB) to indicate antigens of each (sub‐)lineage.

RESULTS

By IFA, 20 samples showed reactivity to the North America sublineage (titer range, 64‐4096), 16 to the East Asia sublineage (64‐512), 10 to the Kobe (64‐128), and five to the Hobetsu (64). Antibody titers to the East Asia sublineage, Kobe, and Hobetsu were significantly lower than those to the North America sublineage (p < 0.01). By WB, in parallel with the IFA results, 18 samples showed strong reactions to the North America sublineage, weak reactions to the East Asia sublineage, and near‐zero reactions to the Kobe and Hobetsu.

CONCLUSION

Human antibodies induced by B. microti infection are highly specific against B. microti lineages and sublineages with low cross‐reactivity. Developing a precise antibody detection method may require specific antigens based on B. microti lineages and sublineages.
Anaphylactic hypotension causes renal and adrenal sympathoexcitaion and induces c‐fos in the hypothalamus and medulla oblongata
Authors: Tanida Mamoru , Zhang Tao , Sun Lingling , Song Jie , Yang Wei , Kuda Yuichi , Kurata Yasutaka , Shibamoto Toshishige
Published: March 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Whether anaphylaxis affects sympathetic outflows to the brown adipose tissue (BAT) and adrenal gland and whether anaphylaxis affects some brain areas in association with sympathetic regulation.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Sympathoexcitatory responses to anaphylaxis occurred regionally in the kidney and adrenal gland, but not in the thermogenesis‐related BAT. Further, anaphylactic hypotension also caused increase in c‐fos immunoreactivity in the hypothalamic and medullary areas. Moreover, catecholaminergic neurons of the brainstem cause adrenal sympathoexcitation in a baroreceptor‐independent manner.

We previously reported that sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) to the kidney and the hindlimb increases during anaphylactic hypotension in anaesthetized rats. Based on this evidence, we examined effects of anaphylactic hypotension on SNA to the brown adipose tissue (BAT), and the adrenal gland and kidney in anaesthetized rats. We demonstrated that adrenal and renal SNA, but not BAT‐SNA, were stimulated. In addition, the effects of anaphylaxis on neural activities of the hypothalamic and medullary nuclei, which are candidates for relaying efferent SNA to the peripheral organs, were investigated via immunohistochemical staining of c‐fos. Anaphylaxis increased c‐fos expression in the neurons of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus and in those of the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) of the medulla oblongata; c‐fos was expressed in γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic neurons of the NTS and in the catecholaminergic neurons of the RVLM. In addition, c‐fos expression in the rostral NTS and mid NTS during anaphylaxis was reduced by sinoaortic baroreceptor denervation; however, increased c‐fos expression in the caudal NTS and RVLM or adrenal sympathoexcitation were not affected by sinoaortic baroreceptor denervation. These results indicated that anaphylactic hypotension activates the hypothalamic PVN and the medullary NTS and RVLM independently of the baroreflex pathway. Further, it stimulated efferent SNA to the adrenal gland and kidney to restore blood pressure.
Dynamics of neuroeffector coupling at cardiac sympathetic synapses
Authors: Prando Valentina , Da Broi Francesca , Franzoso Mauro , Plazzo Anna Pia , Pianca Nicola , Francolini Maura , Basso Cristina , Kay Matthew W. , Zaglia Tania , Mongillo Marco
Published: March 2018

Key points

The present study demonstrates, by in vitro and in vivo analyses, the novel concept that signal transmission between sympathetic neurons and the heart, underlying the physiological regulation of cardiac function, operates in a quasi‐synaptic fashion.

This is a result of the direct coupling between neurotransmitter releasing sites and effector cardiomyocyte membranes.

Cardiac sympathetic neurons (SNs) finely tune the rate and strength of heart contractions to match blood demand, both at rest and during acute stress, through the release of noradrenaline (NE). Junctional sites at the interface between the two cell types have been observed, although whether direct neurocardiac coupling has a role in heart physiology has not been clearly demonstrated to date. We investigated the dynamics of SN/cardiomyocyte intercellular signalling, both by fluorescence resonance energy transfer‐based imaging of cAMP in co‐cultures, as a readout of cardiac β‐adrenergic receptor activation, and in vivo, using optogenetics in transgenic mice with SN‐specific expression of Channelrhodopsin‐2. We demonstrate that SNs and cardiomyocytes interact at specific sites in the human and rodent heart, as well as in co‐cultures. Accordingly, neuronal activation elicited intracellular cAMP increases only in directly contacted myocytes and cell–cell coupling utilized a junctional extracellular signalling domain with an elevated NE concentration. In the living mouse, optogenetic activation of cardiac SNs innervating the sino‐atrial node resulted in an instantaneous chronotropic effect, which shortened the heartbeat interval with single beat precision. Remarkably, inhibition of the optogenetically elicited chronotropic responses required a high dose of propranolol (20–50 mg kg–1), suggesting that sympathetic neurotransmission in the heart occurs at a locally elevated NE concentration. Our in vitro and in vivo data suggest that the control of cardiac function by SNs occurs via direct intercellular coupling as a result of the establishment of a specific junctional site.
Psychometric Properties of the Physical Educators’ Self-Efficacy Toward Including Students With Disabilities—Autism Among Chinese Preservice Physical Education Teachers
Authors: Li Chunxiao , Wang Lijuan , Block Martin E. , Sum Raymond K.W. , Wu Yandan
Published: March 2018

Teachers’ self-efficacy is a critical predictor for successful inclusive physical education. However, little is known about preservice physical educators’ self-efficacy toward teaching students with autism spectrum disorders in China. A sound instrument is necessary to measure their self-efficacy level. This validation study examined the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Physical Educators’ Self-Efficacy Toward Including Students with Disabilities—Autism. A multisection survey form was administered to preservice physical educators in Mainland China (n = 205) and Hong Kong (n = 227). The results of confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the one-factor model of the scale in the total sample and each of the two samples. Invariance tests across the two samples supported configural and metric invariance but not scalar invariance. The scale scores showed good internal reliability and were correlated with theoretically relevant constructs (i.e., burnout and life satisfaction) in the total sample and subsamples. These findings generally support the utility of the scale for use among Chinese preservice physical educators.
Physical Fitness Is Longitudinally Associated With Academic Performance During Childhood and Adolescence, and Waist Circumference Mediated the Relationship
Authors: Lima Rodrigo Antunes , Larsen Lisbeth Runge , Bugge Anna , Andersen Lars Bo
Published: March 2018

Purpose: The current investigation aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between physical fitness and academic performance over 3 years in adolescents. A secondary aim was to determine to what extent waist circumference mediated the association between physical fitness and academic performance. Methods: For the current study, 1020 students from first grade [mean age: 7.87 (0.34) y] to fifth grade [mean age: 11.87 (0.37) y] were monitored annually for 3 years (2010–2013). Physical fitness was assessed using the Andersen test, 5 × 5-m shuttle run, jump height, and grip strength tests and by constructing a composite score combining all 4 fitness tests. Academic performance was assessed by national standardized tests in Danish language and math. Generalized structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the relationships between these variables. Results: The Andersen test (standardized β = 0.15 SD), shuttle run (β = −0.18 SD), jump height (β = 0.10 SD), and the fitness composite score (β = 0.23 SD) were positively associated with academic performance over 3 years. In addition, waist circumference partially mediated the association between physical fitness and academic performance. Conclusion: Thus, physical fitness abilities should be stimulated during childhood and early adolescence because of their positive association with academic performance.
Large-scale polymeric carbon nanotube membranes with sub–1.27-nm pores
Authors: McGinnis Robert L. , Reimund Kevin , Ren Jian , Xia Lingling , Chowdhury Maqsud R. , Sun Xuanhao , Abril Maritza , Moon Joshua D. , Merrick Melanie M. , Park Jaesung , Stevens Kevin A. , McCutcheon Jeffrey R. , Freeman Benny D.
Published: March 2018

We report the first study of large-scale polymer membranes with <1.27-nm-diameter aligned carbon nanotubes.
Atomically thin gallium layers from solid-melt exfoliation
Authors: Kochat Vidya , Samanta Atanu , Zhang Yuan , Bhowmick Sanjit , Manimunda Praveena , Asif Syed Asif S. , Stender Anthony S. , Vajtai Robert , Singh Abhishek K. , Tiwary Chandra S. , Ajayan Pulickel M.
Published: March 2018

A unique way to synthesize innovative 2D gallenene.
A metal-organic framework with ultrahigh glass-forming ability
Authors: Qiao Ang , Bennett Thomas D. , Tao Haizheng , Krajnc Andraž , Mali Gregor , Doherty Cara M. , Thornton Aaron W. , Mauro John C. , Greaves G. Neville , Yue Yuanzheng
Published: March 2018

We have discovered and clarified the ultrahigh glass-forming ability of the metal-organic frameworks—ZIF-62 [Zn(Im

2−
x

bIm

x

)].
Surface-agnostic highly stretchable and bendable conductive MXene multilayers
Authors: An Hyosung , Habib Touseef , Shah Smit , Gao Huili , Radovic Miladin , Green Micah J. , Lutkenhaus Jodie L.
Published: March 2018

Bendable, stretchable MXene multilayer coatings are deposited onto a wide variety of surfaces, rendering them conductive and responsive.
15
N
4
-1,2,4,5-tetrazines as potential molecular tags: Integrating bioorthogonal chemistry with hyperpolarization and unearthing
para
-N
2
Authors: Bae Junu , Zhou Zijian , Theis Thomas , Warren Warren S. , Wang Qiu
Published: March 2018

A bioorthogonal reaction–based HP-MR strategy affords novel hyperpolarized products from tetrazine, including
para
-
15
N
2
gas.
Favoring the unfavored: Selective electrochemical nitrogen fixation using a reticular chemistry approach
Authors: Lee Hiang Kwee , Koh Charlynn Sher Lin , Lee Yih Hong , Liu Chong , Phang In Yee , Han Xuemei , Tsung Chia-Kuang , Ling Xing Yi
Published: March 2018

Originally unfavored nitrogen-to-ammonia electroconversion is now preferred over competing reaction using reticular chemistry.
Na
+
/vacancy disordering promises high-rate Na-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Peng-Fei , Yao Hu-Rong , Liu Xin-Yu , Yin Ya-Xia , Zhang Jie-Nan , Wen Yuren , Yu Xiqian , Gu Lin , Guo Yu-Guo
Published: March 2018

We demonstrate that Na
+
/vacancy disordering of P2-type layered cathodes ensures both fast Na mobility and a low Na diffusion barrier.