bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Enzyme Immune Assay for Serum Anti‐Acetaldehyde Adduct Antibody Using Low‐Density Lipoprotein Adduct and Its Significance in Alcoholic Liver Injury
Authors: Nagata Naruhiko , Nishizaki Yasuhiro , Watanabe Norihito , Tsuda Michio , Matsuzaki Shohei
Published: January 2019

An acetaldehyde (AcH) adduct was prepared using rabbit low‐density lipoprotein as carrier proteins. An antibody against this adduct was raised in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits and cross‐reacted with human low‐density lipoprotein and bovine serum albumin adducts. Using this antibody, serum anti‐AcH‐adduct antibody levels were measured by a direct ELISA method in 56 Japanese adults (healthy adults and patients with nonalcoholic gastrointestinal diseases, alcoholic liver injury, or alcoholic pancreatitis). The antibody level (mean ± SD) was 22 ± 10 μg/ml in healthy adults, 22 ± 11 μg/ml in nonalcoholic gastrointestinal diseases, and 16 ± 13 μg/ml in alcoholic pancreatitis. These antibody levels tended to increase with the progression of alcoholic liver injury, starting from fatty liver via hepatitis to cirrhosis, 29 ± 24 μg/ml in fatty liver, 35 ± 29 μg/ml in alcoholic hepatitis, and 46 ± 54 μg/ml in alcoholic cirrhosis. The antibody level in patients taking 100 g or more of ethanol per day tended to be higher, compared with those in people taking less ethanol. A follow‐up observation revealed that alcohol abstinence after hospitalization raised serum anti‐AcH‐adduct antibody level in some patients and kept it constantly low in other patients. The immunohistochemical study using the anti‐AcH‐adduct antibody revealed the presence of adduct‐like substance in hepatocytes of liver biopsy specimens obtained from patients with alcoholic liver disease. The results indicate that the anti‐AcH‐adduct antibody may be associated with the progress of alcoholic liver diseases.
A New Genetic Variant in the Sp1 Binding Cis‐Element of Cholecystokinin Gene Promoter Region and Relationship to Alcoholism
Authors: Harada Shoji , Okubo Takehito , Tsutsumi Mikihiro , Takase Shinjiro , Muramatsu Taro
Published: January 2019

Neuropeptide cholecystokinin (CCK) and the CCK receptors in the central nervous system mediate actions on increasing firings, anxiety, and nociceptions. Furthermore, CCK modulates the release of dopamine and dopamine‐related behaviors in the mesolimbic pathway. In our study, genetic variation in the promoter and coding regions of the prepro‐CCK gene were analyzed among 66 Japanese, 66 American Whites, 54 Chinese, and 41 Colombian natives. Two nucleotide sequence variants were found: a frequent mutation at nucleotide position −45 C to T involved in core sequence of Sp1 binding cis‐element of the promoter region, and a C to T substitution at the 1662 position in intron 2. Analysis for the segregation study in 10 families of twins confirmed codominant heredity of two alleles. Distribution of genotypes and gene frequencies of 66 controls and 108 alcoholics in Japan presented that allelic variant T type in alcoholics was found in higher frequencies than that of controls, and distribution of these genotypes was significantly different between the both groups.
Three‐dimensional CT observation of position and movability of the scapula in the horse using carcasses of Falabella
Authors: Endo Hideki , Nguyen Son Truong , Yoshida Masataka , Kudo Kohei
Published: January 2019

The three‐dimensionally real position and movement of the scapula in the lateral side of the ribcage could not be clarified in the horse, since the body size of the horse is too large to apply the CT scanning and image analysis methods. In this study, therefore, we examined the position and the movability of scapula using a carcass of the Falabella which is one of the smallest breeds of the horse. The whole skeletal system in thoracic part of the Falabella could be three‐dimensionally observed by CT scanning method. The three‐dimensional images show that the scapula cranially slides and the ventral part of the scapula dorso‐cranially rotates, when the shoulder joint moves to the most cranial position as simulation. The three‐dimensional rotation angle was approximately 10 degrees. As a result of comparative osteology of the scapula between Falabella and the large draft horse, the infraspinous fossa was caudally enlarged in the larger draft horse, whereas the Falabella had narrower infraspinous fossa. We suggest that it may be due to the adaptational morphological change in the scapula bearing various body weights among breeds. The three‐dimensional CT image analysis and the simulation in carcass contribute to the analysis of the bone movements of the horse during walking and running locomotion as well as the motion analysis from external functional‐morphological data.
‘What's Going to Happen Now?’ Changing Care Relations in a Psychosocial Context
Authors: Cohen Mark
Published: January 2019

This paper advances a psychosocial hypothesis in understanding relations between recipients, and providers, of health and social care. In doing so, it draws on psychoanalytically informed work which considers the relation between the internal and external worlds and more generally the wider social context. The particular hypothesis in this paper relates to an understanding of an abusive form of relating underpinned by shame and envy. The paper suggests that exposure to these feeling states is more prevalent in a social world marked by increasing inequalities and environmental failures. This argument is underpinned with reference to qualitative and quantitative research, suggesting that antagonistic relationships are increasing and are part of a significant change in the culture. The argument is illustrated by a single detailed description of an initial consultation in an NHS psychotherapy service. An examination of the social context suggests how unhelpful or abusive relations may be manifest between health care providers and recipients, in care organizations and in the wider social world. This aspect of the argument is constructed with reference to relevant organizational and sociological literature. It is suggested that established relations of this type act to limit development, in this case a social development.
Low frequency, weak MCP-1 secretion and exhausted immune status of peripheral monocytes were associated with progression of severe enterovirus A71-infected hand, foot and mouth disease
Authors: Pei X , Fan X , Zhang H , Duan H , Xu C , Xie B , Wang L , Li X , Peng Y , Shen T
Published: January 2019

A minority of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) results in severe neural complications. However, whether monocyte-mediated immunity is involved in the disease progression of HFMD remains unknown. One hundred and twenty mild and 103 severe HFMD patients were recruited and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry and Transwell culture were performed in the study. Peripheral monocyte counts were lower in both absolute counts and frequencies in severe cases compared to mild cases. After screening 10 monocyte-related cytokines by ELISA, only monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was found at higher levels in sera of mild cases compared to those with severe symptoms. Monocytes purified from mild cases produced more MCP-1 than the cells from severe patients when stimulated in vitro. We observed that immune exhaustion markers programmed death 1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) were highly regulated on the surface of monocytes from severe cases compared to mild cases. PD-L1 blockade induced a higher production of MCP-1 in the supernatant of a Transwell system. The production of MCP-1 also increased following PD-L1 blockade of purified monocytes activated by granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) combined with R848 or EV-A71 virus. Our results indicate that absolute count, frequency and levels of MCP-1 secretion of peripheral monocytes, together with their immune status, probably contribute to differential disease prognosis in EV-A71-associated HFMD.
Profiling obesity phenotypes and trajectories in older adults of the Quebec NuAge cohort on nutrition and successful aging: A cluster analysis
Authors: Ghachem Ahmed , Bagna Maimouna , Payette Hélène , Gaudreau Pierrette , Brochu Martin , Dionne Isabelle J.
Published: January 2019

Obesity in older adults results from several interacting factors. Consequently, interventions have shown mitigated effects. We determined (a) the different subgroups of older adults with obesity based on clusters of associated comorbidities and (b) the trajectory of these clusters to assess their stability over 3 years and factors contributing to transitions. Obese men (n = 193; body mass index [BMI] = 33.15 ± 2.69 kg/m2) and women (n = 220; BMI = 33.71 ± 3.71 kg/m2) aged between 68 and 82 years were studied. Outcome variables were body composition, strength, physical capacity (PC), nutrition, psychological and physical health and social participation. Cluster analyses, stratified by sex, were used to identify obesity profiles at baseline and follow‐up. Three profiles were identified, based on general health (GH), psychological health (PH) and PC: Cluster 1: healthy obese (GH+, PH+, PC+); Cluster 2: obese with low PC (GH+/−, PH+/−, PC−); Cluster 3: unhealthy obese (GH−, PH−, PC−). After 3 years, 61.2% and 70.2% of men and women remained in their initial cluster, compared to 20.4% and 13.7% who transitioned towards a worse health cluster and 18.3% and 16.0% who transitioned towards a more favourable cluster, partly explained by changes in physical health for men and physical health and PH for women. The results of this study show that targeting physical function in men and physical health and PH functions in women could prevent further health decline in older adults with obesity. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of these clusters in the prediction of cardiometabolic complications and mortality.
Emergency department physicians’ and pharmacists’ perspectives on take‐home naloxone
Authors: Holland Taylor J. , Penm Jonathan , Dinh Michael , Aran Sohileh , Chaar Betty
Published: January 2019

Introduction and Aims

Opioid overdose is an increasing burden world‐wide and is a major cause of death in Australia. To reduce the number of opioid‐related deaths, access to take‐home naloxone has expanded in Australia and is now accessible without prescription. Emergency departments (ED) could be ideal settings for the distribution of take‐home naloxone, due to regular encounters with patients who experience opioid overdoses. The aim of this study was to gain insight into ED physicians’ and pharmacists’ perspectives on take‐home naloxone in the ED setting.

Design and Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with ED physicians and pharmacists about their perceptions of take‐home naloxone. Participants were recruited through their involvement with professional bodies and through ‘snowball’ recruitment. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim to be analysed using an inductive thematic approach.

Results

Twenty‐five interviews were conducted with 13 pharmacists and 12 physicians. Responses were categorised into three main themes: (i) Attitudes—the majority of participants supported take‐home naloxone in principle, but had numerous concerns; (ii) Clinical Application—where challenges in terms of its patient use, implementation and pharmacological actions were raised; and (iii) Logistical Considerations—where many hindrances in relation to the distribution of take‐home naloxone from the ED such as time considerations, education and resourcing were discussed.

Discussion and Conclusions

Despite the majority supporting take‐home naloxone, participants identified barriers to take‐home naloxone in the ED. In the future, emphasis should be placed on educating and training staff in the ED about take‐home naloxone and implementing standardised protocols.
Subdivision of the left ventricle by a discrete ridge and anomalous papillary muscle causing mid‐ventricular obstruction: A case report
Authors: Misumi Ikuo , Motozato Kota , Yamabe Hiroshige , Ohmori Kunihiro , Usuku Hiroki , Kaikita Koichi , Tsujita Kenichi
Published: January 2019

A 16‐year‐old healthy boy visited our department because of a heart murmur. A 12‐lead electrocardiogram showed left QRS axis deviation and repolarization abnormalities. Transthoracic echocardiography and a computed tomographic scan revealed a hypertrophied papillary muscle and a discrete ridge arising from the septal wall, causing mid‐ventricular obstruction. Doppler echocardiography revealed that the pressure gradient at the obstruction was mild. The patient will be followed up annually, without medication or physical restriction.
Squeezing the bears: cornering risk and limits on arbitrage during the ‘British bicycle mania’, 1896–8
Authors: Quinn William
Published: January 2019

This article examines the extent to which Victorian investors were short‐sale constrained. While previous research suggests that there were relatively few limits on arbitrage, this article argues that short‐sales of stocks outside the Official List were indirectly constrained by the risk of being cornered. Evidence for this hypothesis comes from three corners in cycle company shares which occurred in 1896–7, two of which resulted in substantial losses for short‐sellers. Legal efforts to retrieve funds lost in a corner were unsuccessful, and the court proceedings reveal a widespread contempt for short‐sellers, or ‘bears’, among the general public. Consistent with the hypothesis that these episodes affected the market, this study's findings show that cycle companies for which cornering risk was greater experienced disproportionately lower returns during a subsequent crash in the market for cycle shares. This evidence suggests that, under certain circumstances, short‐selling shares in Britain prior to 1900 could have been much riskier than previously thought.
Secondary aluminium, iron and silica phases across a volcanic soil climosequence, Galápagos Islands
Authors: Taboada Teresa , Ferro‐Vázquez Cruz , Stoops Georges , Martínez‐Cortizas Antonio , Rodríguez‐Flores Ruth , Rodríguez‐Lado Luis
Published: January 2019

We applied selective dissolution extractions (Na‐pyrophosphate, acid oxalate, cold NaOH and citrate‐dithionite) to study Al, Fe and Si fractionation in 38 volcanic pedons located on the windward slopes of Santa Cruz (Galápagos Islands) that form a climosequence. The aim was to evaluate the distribution of secondary Fe, Al and Si phases in relation to environmental variables. Two main trends were observed: a geographical pattern in relation to altitude and a vertical differentiation within soil profiles. Soils from the drier coastal area had the smallest amounts of secondary Al, Fe and Si, whereas values were larger in soils at higher altitude, under a more humid climate. Organo–metallic complexes dominate the organic‐rich topsoils in these wetter areas as a result of larger availability of free Al, more humified organic matter with a greater capacity for metal adsorption and larger organic matter contributions from vegetation. This has led to increased accumulation of organic carbon in soils at higher altitudes. At lower elevations, inorganic secondary materials are more frequent, with short‐range‐order minerals prevailing in topsoils, whereas crystalline minerals dominate subsoils. Crystalline minerals are also frequent in some soils at higher altitudes in relation to acid pH. Vertical differentiation within the soil profile is also responsive to altitude: differences between topsoils and subsoils are generally more marked in soils at higher locations, thus wetter areas. A greater degree of weathering seems to be the main factor controlling both altitudinal trends and horizonation through its effect on pH, organic matter content and humification, ultimately controlled by climatic variation.

Highlights

We analysed soils developed on volcanic material along the windward slope of Santa Cruz Island.

Organo–metallic complexes are abundant in acidic, organic‐rich epipedons at higher elevation.

Short‐range‐order minerals are more abundant in non‐acidic subsoils and tend to increase with altitude

Crystalline minerals predominate at lower elevation and in acidic subsoils at higher altitude.
Experimental comparison of thermal and solute dispersion under one‐dimensional water flow in saturated soils
Authors: Lu X. R. , Zhao H. L. , Qin Y. , Sun Y. , Li X. J. , Chen G. S. , Mou X. J.
Published: January 2019

Thermal dispersion, which is similar to solute dispersion, results mainly from microscopic differences in pore‐scale water velocities in porous media. In this study, heat and Cl− were used as tracers to perform a systematic and quantitative comparison of the characteristics of coupled heat and solute dispersion through three types of saturated packed media (a sand, silt loam and sandy clay loam soil). An inverse model was used to calculate the thermal dispersion coefficient (Dh) and solute dispersion coefficient (Ds) by fitting a heat and solute transport model to the measured temperature and solute breakthrough curves obtained using the thermo–time domain reflectometry (thermo–TDR) technique under the same experimental conditions. Results showed that Ds and Dh were both described by a power function of water flux. Most importantly, heat and solute dispersivities had the same dimensions of length
, the magnitudes of which were maintained almost unchanged with water flux densities and depended considerably on soil texture. Fine‐textured soil had a greater dispersivity than did coarse‐textured soil, and solute dispersivity was 220% greater than heat dispersivity in sandy clay loam, about 92% greater in silt loam soil and 36% greater in sand. We suggest that the magnitude and dimension of heat dispersion were essentially comparable to those of solute dispersion, which provides a better understanding of the relation between heat and solute dispersion. It has also been shown to be advantageous in practice for using heat dispersion to quantify easily solute dispersion approximately (or vice versa).

Highlights

Thermal and solute dispersion coefficients were power functions of water fluxes.

Heat and solute dispersivities had the same length and order of magnitude.

Thermal dispersion was experimentally comparable to solute dispersion.

Solute dispersion may be predicted quantitatively by heat dispersion values (or vice versa).
Medial pterygoid myositis in a Thoroughbred gelding
Authors: Tannahill V. J. , Giavitto A. , Munroe G. A.
Published: January 2019

This case report describes the investigation and treatment of an adult horse with purulent, malodorous exudate originating from a large intermandibular mass. Microbial culture of fluid aspirated from a draining tract yielded Peptostreptococcus and Prevotella species which are usually considered to originate from the oral cavity. Computed tomography (CT) was used to aid in the diagnosis and to allow careful presurgical planning, and the horse underwent successful debridement of the abscess cavity under general anaesthesia. Post‐operatively, the horse developed trismus (reduced opening of the jaws) but repeat CT identified that the surgery site was healing appropriately. It was recommended to continue feeding the horse hay to act as physiotherapy and the masticatory action of the horse subsequently returned to normal.
Cause‐specific mortality of the world’s terrestrial vertebrates
Authors: Hill Jacob E. , DeVault Travis L. , Belant Jerrold L.
Published: January 2019

Aim

Vertebrates are declining worldwide, yet a comprehensive examination of the sources of mortality is lacking. We conducted a global synthesis of terrestrial vertebrate cause‐specific mortality to compare the sources of mortality across taxa and determine predictors of susceptibility to these sources of mortality.

Location

Worldwide.

Time period

1970–2018.

Major taxa studied

Mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Methods

We searched for studies that used telemetry to determine the cause of death of terrestrial vertebrates. We determined whether each mortality was caused by anthropogenic or natural sources and further classified mortalities within these two categories (e.g. harvest, vehicle collision and predation). For each study, we determined the diet and average adult body mass of the species and whether the study site permitted hunting. Mortalities were separated into juvenile or adult age classes. We used linear mixed effects models to predict the percentage of mortality from each source and the overall magnitude of mortality based on these variables.

Results

We documented 42,755 mortalities of known cause from 120,657 individuals representing 305 vertebrate species in 1,114 studies. Overall, 28% of mortalities were directly caused by humans and 72% from natural sources. Predation (55%) and legal harvest (17%) were the leading sources of mortality.

Main conclusions

Humans were directly responsible for more than one‐quarter of global terrestrial vertebrate mortality. Larger birds and mammals were harvested more often and suffered increased anthropogenic mortality. Anthropogenic mortality of mammals and birds outside areas that prohibited hunting was higher than within areas where hunting was prohibited. Mammals experienced shifts from predominately natural to anthropogenic mortality as they matured. Humans are a major contributor to terrestrial vertebrate mortality, potentially impacting evolutionary processes and ecosystem functioning.
Investigation of ZnFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanocrystalline screen‐printed thick films for application in humidity sensing
Authors: Nikolic Maria V. , Vasiljevic Zorka Z. , Lukovic Miloljub D. , Pavlovic Vera P. , Krstic Jugoslav B. , Vujancevic Jelena , Tadic Nenad , Vlahovic Branislav , Pavlovic Vladimir B.
Published: January 2019

Zinc ferrite nanocrystalline powder was obtained by solid state synthesis of starting zinc oxide and hematite nanopowders. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of nanocrystalline zinc‐ferrite powder with a mixed spinel structure with small amounts of remaining zinc oxide and hematite as impurities. Thick film paste was formed and screen printed on test interdigitated PdAg electrodes on alumina substrate. Formation of a porous nanocrystalline structure was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and Hg porosimetry. Humidity sensing properties of zinc ferrite thick films were investigated by monitoring the change in impedance in the relative humidity interval 30%‐90% in the frequency range 42 Hz‐1 MHz at room temperature (25°C) and 50°C. At 42 Hz at both analyzed temperatures the impedance reduced ~46 times in the humidity range 30%‐90%. The dominant influence of grain boundaries was confirmed by analysis of complex impedance with an equivalent circuit.
Use of a three‐tiered clinical decision rule to quantify unnecessary radiological investigation of suspected pulmonary embolism
Authors: Lim Lauren H. , Hayes Annabelle G. , Toh Dylan J.
Published: January 2019

Background

Clinical decision rules for suspected pulmonary embolism are proposed to identify patients suitable for discharge without radiological investigation. Their use varies between institutions.

Aims

To quantify unnecessary radiological investigations for suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) as defined by a newly proposed three‐tiered clinical decision rule incorporating the revised Geneva score, Pulmonary Embolism Rule‐Out Criteria and D‐dimer. To quantify missed diagnosis of PE if the proposed clinical decision rule were followed.

Methods

A retrospective audit was conducted; applying the proposed clinical decision rule to 584 emergency department (ED)‐based encounters at the Royal Adelaide Hospital from May to November 2015. Encounters were confined to emergency presentations where suspected acute PE was investigated with computed tomography pulmonary angiography or ventilation‐perfusion scanning; inpatient and follow‐up studies were excluded. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the proposed clinical decision rule within the studied population were calculated.

Results

Data were obtained for 584 patient encounters where suspected PE was investigated radiologically. Applied retrospectively, the proposed clinical decision rule had a negative predictive value of 97.7% and a sensitivity of 98.5% for radiologically proven PE; 9.2% of scans could have been avoided. One case of PE would have been missed; a false‐negative rate of 1.5%.

Conclusion

Retrospective application of the proposed clinical decision rule to the studied cohort indicates at least 9% of radiological investigations were unnecessary. A prospective study is needed to assess the safety and cost‐effectiveness of applying such a pathway to all patients presenting to ED with suspected PE.
Fabrication of high‐strength porous SiC‐based composites with unidirectional channels
Authors: Cao Jiwei , Lu Zhongliang , Miao Kai , Zhao Hongjiong , Xia Yuanlin , wang Fu , Lu Bingheng
Published: January 2019

Carbon fiber reinforced SiC‐based composites with unidirectional channels were obtained by freeze‐casting and chemical vapor infiltration techniques, and their microstructure and fracture behavior were investigated. The results indicated that the sizes of the unidirectional channels could be controlled in the 15‐70 μm range. The significant pseudo plastic and ductility features of the porous SiC‐based composite were demonstrated during the fracture process. The strains of the composites reached 4 ± 1% and 50 ± 6% during bending and compressive experiments, respectively. The bending and compressive strengths, 123 ± 20 and 99 ± 15 MPa, respectively, were far superior to those of homogeneous ceramics presenting the same porosity. Combining the aforesaid method with 3D printing techniques, a SiC‐based composite part with controlled macro‐micro channels was fabricated, which indicated that this method could be useful for fabricating ceramic parts with complex structure and superior mechanical performance.
Radiation interaction parameters of commercial building glasses at energies of interest for potential nuclear accidents
Authors: Al‐Hadeethi Yas , Tijani Saheed A.
Published: January 2019

Elemental composition, mass attenuation coefficients (MACs), effective atomic numbers (EANs), and effective electron densities (EEDs) give information about the nuclear applications of materials (dosimetry, shielding, etc.). In this work, MAC of some commercial building glasses were determined using the WinXCom computer program and GATE Monte Carlo code; additionally,EAN and EED of these glasses were also determined using related formulas, after the elemental compositions of the samples were determined by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) technique. These properties were determined at 59.5 keV (Am‐241), 380 keV (Ir‐192), 662 keV (Cs‐237), 1173 keV (Co‐60), and 1332 keV (Co‐60). These energies are of interest for any potential nuclear accident. The elemental compositions show the presence of C, O, Na, Mg, Si, and Ca in various percentages; MAC values ranged from about 0.05 to 0.225 cm2/g; EAN also ranged from about 9 to 11and EED is almost constant at all energies considered except at 59.5 keV where higher values were shown. The radiation interaction properties of the investigated glasses showed that they could be used as a dosimeters during emergency radiation exposure situations.
Mechanism studies of hydrothermal cold sintering of zinc oxide at near room temperature
Authors: Kang Xiaoyu , Floyd Richard , Lowum Sarah , Cabral Matthew , Dickey Elizabeth , Maria Jon‐Paul
Published: January 2019

Zinc oxide densification mechanisms occurring during the cold sintering process (CSP) are examined by investigating specifically the effects of ion concentration in solution, temperature, pressure, and die sealing. The experiments suggest that mass transport through solution is a primary densification mechanism and that either a pre‐loaded solution or grain dissolution can supply migrating ions. Additionally, results indicate cold sintering zinc oxide requires a critical pressure value, above which densification is relatively pressure independent under the majority of process conditions. This critical pressure is related to thermal expansion of the liquid and determines the uniaxial pressure threshold for densification. The data supports a three‐stage interpretation of cold sintering, which includes quick compaction, grain rearrangement, and dissolution‐reprecipitation events. Further, it is observed that under the lowest temperature conditions a net decrease in particle size can occur during the cold sintering process.
Surface shear stress relaxation of silica glass
Authors: Aaldenberg Emily M. , Aaldenberg Jared S. , Blanchet Thierry A. , Tomozawa Minoru
Published: January 2019

A constant angle of twist was applied to silica glass rods in order to produce a torsional shear strain and a reduction in torque representative of the stress state in the glass was measured as a function of time when rods were heat‐treated in air at temperatures, 550‐700°C, far below the glass transition temperature. The monotonic decrease of torque with time was explained by surface stress relaxation, which can be described by a relaxation of stress at the surface of glass which is promoted by water. The obtained surface stress relaxation diffusion coefficients were consistent with those obtained earlier from silica glass fiber bending under a similar water vapor pressure. The observed relaxation in torsion supports the mechanism of surface stress relaxation over the swelling‐based mechanism for applications including glass fiber strengthening.
Ethical climate and service behaviours in nurses: The moderating role of employment type
Authors: Zhang Na , Gong Zhen‐Xing , Xu Zhen , Gilal Faheem Gul
Published: January 2019

Aim

To explore the relationship between ethical climate (EC) and nurses' service behaviours (SB) and examine the moderating effect of nurses' employment type.

Background

As most public hospitals in China implement the “dual‐track system” of nurses' employment, the two different types of nurses, contract‐employed nurses and state‐employed nurses, receive the different pay for the same work, which results in they providing different SB. It has become critical for hospital administrators and nursing managers to understand better the state of two groups of nurses and to find an effective method to improve the service level of the nursing workforce.

Design

Stepwise multiple regression analyses of survey data collected in June and July 2017 from Chinese nurses employed in three tertiary hospitals.

Methods

Chinese nurses (298 of 350 [85.1%]) were interviewed using the Ethical Climate Scale and Nurses' Service Behaviour Scale. Data were analysed statistically using descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation coefficients (Pearson), two‐tailed t‐test and stepwise multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the proposed hypotheses. Data were analysed using SPSS and AMOS.

Results

There were statistically significant correlations between EC and nurses' extra‐role service behaviour (ERSB) and overall service behaviour and nurses' employment type moderated the proposed relationships.

Conclusion

Healthcare institutions should pay more attention to cultivate EC and implement new incentive mechanism to better stimulate nurses to provide ERSB.
Can reciprocated parent–child eye gaze and emotional engagement enhance treatment for children with conduct problems and callous‐unemotional traits: a proof‐of‐concept trial
Authors: Dadds Mark R. , English Therese , Wimalaweera Subodha , Schollar‐Root Olivia , Hawes David J.
Published: January 2019

Background

High levels of callous‐unemotional (CU) traits are associated with reduced effectiveness of parenting programmes for children with conduct problems. This may be due to low levels of emotional engagement (EE) by these children with their parents. We evaluate a theoretically driven strategy for improving emotional engagement in high CU traits children undergoing a parenting intervention (parent management training; PMT) for child conduct problems.

Methods

N = 40, 3‐ to 8‐year‐old children referred for conduct problems and showing stable, high levels of CU traits, were randomised to receive PMT+Emotional Engagement (EE), or the control condition PMT+Child Centred Play (CCP). A benchmarking sample of N = 70 children who received PMT only was also included. Observational coding of the parent–child interactions targeted by EE and CCP respectively was repeated throughout treatment and follow‐up.

Results

Emotional engagement produced unique improvements in parent–child emotional engagement (shared eye gaze); however, these reverted to baseline levels after treatment. CCP produced unique improvements in parents’ child centeredness and child positive play, but by post‐treatment, all children had improved on these factors. Both interventions produced similar improvements in general parental warmth. Reductions in severity of conduct problems at post‐treatment and follow‐up were large in size and did not differ between conditions or from the benchmarking group. Levels of CU traits reduced significantly but again did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

The putative mechanism of emotional engagement through reciprocated eye gaze proved to be impervious to sustained change, and thus failed to have a specific impact of conduct problems or levels of CU traits. The development of novel treatment approaches to children with high levels of CU is a challenging endeavour, and these results indicate that focussing on children with stable levels at pretreatment should be a priority.
The balance of type 1 and type 2 immune responses in the contexts of hepatitis B infection and hepatitis D infection
Authors: Townsend Elizabeth C , Zhang Grace Y , Ali Rabab , Firke Marian , Moon Mi Sun , Han Ma Ai Thanda , Fram Benjamin , Glenn Jeffrey S , Kleiner David E , Koh Christopher , Heller Theo
Published: January 2019

Background and Aim

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection is the most rapidly progressive chronic viral hepatitis. Little is understood about the immune responses to HDV. This study aims to characterize the systemic immune environments of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HDV patients at various disease stages.

Methods

A total of 129 subjects were evaluated: 53 HBV, 43 HDV, and 33 healthy controls. HBV and HDV subjects were categorized by aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) into mild (APRI < 0.5), moderate, and severe (APRI > 1.0). Serum cytokines and immune markers were assessed at a single treatment‐naïve time‐point.

Results

Type 1 cytokines are elevated in both HBV and HDV. Both groups show higher tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐12p40, and C–X–C motif chemokine ligand 9 when compared with controls (all P < 0.05). However, only HBV group displayed elevated γ‐interferon compared with controls. Type 2 cytokines are elevated in HBV. HBV group shows higher IL‐4, IL‐13, and C–C motif chemokine ligand (CCL) 26 compared with healthy controls and HDV. Chemokines CCL2 and CCL13 are lower in HDV. When assessing ratios, HDV displays higher γ‐interferon/IL‐4, TNF‐α/IL‐4, and TNF‐α/IL‐13 ratios than HBV and controls.

Conclusion

Hepatitis B virus and HDV subjects show similarly elevated type 1 cytokines. HDV subjects display relatively lower type 2 cytokines. These differences in the systemic immune environments, particularly the predominance of type 1 responses, may contribute to the comparatively rapid progression of HDV disease. Characterization of the imbalance in type 1 and type 2 immunity unique HDV has the potential to provide immunological insights for designing therapeutic targets in HDV‐associated disease progression.
Adeno‐associated virus‐mediated over‐expression of CREB‐regulated transcription coactivator 1 in the hippocampal dentate gyrus ameliorates lipopolysaccharide‐induced depression‐like behaviour in mice
Authors: Ni Saiqi , Huang Hua , He Danni , Chen Hang , Wang Chuang , Zhao Xin , Chen Xiaowei , Cui Wei , Zhou Wenhua , Zhang Junfang
Published: January 2019

Depression is a highly complex global disabling psychiatric disorder. Unfortunately, the currently available antidepressants are not effective in a significant percentage of patients. Therefore, the underlying mechanisms of depression must be explored at the molecular level to discover new candidate molecular targets for depression treatment. Behavioural and molecular depression‐like endophenotypes have been observed in cyclic AMP response element‐binding protein‐regulated transcription coactivator 1 (Crtc1) knockout mice; however, the underlying mechanism for these endophenotypes remains unclear. This work investigated the role of hippocampal CREB‐regulated transcription coactivator 1 (CRTC1) in depression using a recombinant adeno‐associated virus (AAV) system to alter Crtc1 gene expression and explore its potential mechanism. We found that shRNA‐mediated Crtc1 gene knockdown (AAV‐shCRTC1) in the dentate gyrus regions of the ventral hippocampus directly resulted in depression‐like behaviours and down‐regulation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and neuropeptide VGF levels. A widely used depression model induced by lipopolysaccharide administration (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) was applied in our study and was validated by increased immobility time in the tail‐suspension and forced swim tests and decreased sucrose consumption in the sucrose preference test. Importantly, CRTC1 over‐expression mediated by AAV‐CRTC1 in the ventral dentate gyrus regions prevented lipopolysaccharide‐induced depressive‐like behaviours, the down‐regulation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and VGF, and the accumulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐6, interleukin 1‐β and tumour necrosis factor α in mice. Together, our findings indicate that CRTC1 is a key factor in depression‐like behaviour and provide an important reference for finding a novel drug target in the neuroinflammatory and neurotrophic pathways for curing depressive disorders.

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Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14500.
Venlafaxine stimulates PNN proteolysis and MMP‐9‐dependent enhancement of gamma power; relevance to antidepressant efficacy
Authors: Alaiyed Seham , Bozzelli P. Lorenzo , Caccavano Adam , Wu Jian Young , Conant Katherine
Published: January 2019

Drugs that target monoaminergic transmission represent a first‐line treatment for major depression. Though a full understanding of the mechanisms that underlie antidepressant efficacy is lacking, evidence supports a role for enhanced excitatory transmission. This can occur through two non‐mutually exclusive mechanisms. The first involves increased function of excitatory neurons through relatively direct mechanisms such as enhanced dendritic arborization. Another mechanism involves reduced inhibitory function, which occurs with the rapid antidepressant ketamine. Consistent with this, GABAergic interneuron‐mediated cortical inhibition is linked to reduced gamma oscillatory power, a rhythm also diminished in depression. Remission of depressive symptoms correlates with restoration of gamma power. As a result of strong excitatory input, reliable GABA release, and fast firing, PV‐expressing neurons (PV neurons) represent critical pacemakers for synchronous oscillations. PV neurons also represent the predominant GABAergic population enveloped by perineuronal nets (PNNs), lattice‐like structures that localize glutamatergic input. Disruption of PNNs reduces PV excitability and enhances gamma activity. Studies suggest that monoamine reuptake inhibitors reduce integrity of the PNN. Mechanisms by which these inhibitors reduce PNN integrity, however, remain largely unexplored. A better understanding of these issues might encourage development of therapeutics that best up‐regulate PNN‐modulating proteases. We observe that the serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine increases hippocampal matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 levels as determined by ELISA and concomitantly reduces PNN integrity in murine hippocampus as determined by analysis of sections following their staining with a fluorescent PNN‐binding lectin. Moreover, venlafaxine‐treated mice (30 mg/kg/day) show an increase in carbachol‐induced gamma power in ex vivo hippocampal slices as determined by local field potential recording and Matlab analyses. Studies with mice deficient in matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9), a protease linked to PNN disruption in other settings, suggest that MMP‐9 contributes to venlafaxine‐enhanced gamma power. In conclusion, our results support the possibility that MMP‐9 activity contributes to antidepressant efficacy through effects on the PNN that may in turn enhance neuronal population dynamics involved in mood and/or memory.

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Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14498.
Tanycytes: A rich morphological history to underpin future molecular and physiological investigations
Authors: Rodríguez Esteban , Guerra Montserrat , Peruzzo Bruno , Blázquez Juan Luis
Published: January 2019

Tanycytes are located at the base of the brain and retain characteristics from their developmental origins, such as radial glial cells, throughout their life span. With transport mechanisms and modulation of tight junction proteins, tanycytes form a bridge connecting the cerebrospinal fluid with the external limiting basement membrane. They also retain the powers of self‐renewal and can differentiate to generate neurones and glia. Similar to radial glia, they are a heterogeneous family with distinct phenotypes. Although the four subtypes so far distinguished display distinct characteristics, further research is likely to reveal new subtypes. In this review, we have re‐visited the work of the pioneers in the field, revealing forgotten work that is waiting to inspire new research with today's cutting‐edge technologies. We have conducted a systematic ultrastructural study of α‐tanycytes that resulted in a wealth of new information, generating numerous questions for future study. We also consider median eminence pituicytes, a closely‐related cell type to tanycytes, and attempt to relate pituicyte fine morphology to molecular and functional mechanism. Our rationale was that future research should be guided by a better understanding of the early pioneering work in the field, which may currently be overlooked when interpreting newer data or designing new investigations.
Co‐existence of Juvenile dermatomyositis and psoriasis vulgaris with fungal infection: A case report and literature review
Authors: Xing Yaqiong , Xie Jun , Jiang Si , Upasana Manandhar , Song Jiquan
Published: January 2019

Introduction

The incidence rate of psoriasis vulgaris (PSV) coexisting with Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is low. Through our thorough literature search, we found that PSV arising on JDM with superficial fungal infection of facial skin is rarely reported. So, we hereby, report a case of combination of the above three diseases. Meanwhile, we also reviewed the previous literatures aiming at the related basis, clinical manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment of the diseases. Interestingly, of all cases, this case is the only one in which the symptom of muscle weakness preceded the appearance of rash.

Case Presentation

A 21‐year‐old man diagnosed with JDM 6 years ago came to our inpatient department due to the appearance of new rash. Skin examination showed some sharply demarcated scaly plaques over the head, neck, torso, and bilateral upper limbs with pruritus and scaling. Histological examination and typical clinical manifestation confirmed the diagnosis of PSV for his new rash. Family history was negative for JDM and PSV. The clear erythema located on his face revealed the existence of superficial fungal infection with the help of fungal fluorescence microscopy. He had marked improvement of his symptoms with the treatment given at our department. In the past 3 months, the patient has been on regular follow‐up at our outpatient department, and his condition is stable at present.

Discussion

This paper presents a case of PSV arising on JDM coexisting with superficial fungal infection on the face hoping that this will help clinicians in the better diagnosis of the diseases during literature search.
Identification and validation of amino acid‐based mild exfoliating agents through a de novo screening method
Authors: Ahn Byungjun , Lee Seol‐Hoon , Kim Jin‐Hyun , Goh Areum , Park Sun‐Gyoo , Lee Cheon‐Koo , Kang Nae‐Gyu
Published: January 2019

Background

Due to internal or external factors, the desquamation (turnover) rate of the stratum corneum slows down, resulting in skin problems. Therefore, adjusting the exfoliation rate through cosmetics is an important issue.

Objective

This report aimed to develop exfoliating agents with lesser adverse effects and higher efficiency through an ex vivo screening method and in vivo turnover rate analysis of human skin.

Methods

Various molecules were evaluated by the ex vivo porcine skin exfoliation method and screened for their potential as effective agents. To confirm the effect and mechanism of each agent found, the exfoliation efficiency was evaluated. Each agent was also applied to the actual human skin to determine its efficacy and side effects.

Results

Despite the pH 6, carnitine and serine, which have similar or better efficiency compared to PHA, were selected. Based on the results, it was confirmed that calcium. And it is nonirritating to the human skin and increases the turnover rate (~130%).

Conclusion

Amino acid‐based exfoliating agents, such as carnitine and serine, were identified and verified to enhance the rate of exfoliation of the stratum corneum. It is expected that the improvement of dullness, mild acne, fine wrinkles, and pores through skin exfoliation in the field of cosmetics can be achieved safely through these agents.
Lobbying and the international fight against tax havens
Authors: Hauck Tobias
Published: January 2019

Despite a variety of measures taken by high‐tax countries, the international fight against tax havens so far remains rather ineffective. This paper introduces offshore lobbying as a possible explanation for this observation. The author analyzes the international fight against tax havens in a two‐country model, in which the onshore country exerts pressure on domestic profit‐shifting firms and the tax haven's government lobbies against this measure. In this framework, he finds that pressure and lobbying are strategic substitutes and that there is an extensive margin incentive for offshore lobbying. Furthermore, when starting at initially high costs for profit shifting, a reduction in these costs leads to fewer profit‐shifting firms. Finally, when allowing for a second low‐tax jurisdiction, the overall level of lobbying increases, but less than proportionally.