bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal and Time-to-Drop-Out Joint Models Can Lead to Seriously Biased Estimates When the Drop-Out Mechanism is at Random
Authors: Thomadakis Christos , Meligkotsidou Loukia , Pantazis Nikos , Touloumi Giota
Published: October 2018

Missing data are common in longitudinal studies. Likelihood-based methods ignoring the missingness mechanism are unbiased provided missingness is at random (MAR); under not-at-random missingness (MNAR), joint modeling is commonly used, often as part of sensitivity analyses. In our motivating example of modeling CD4 count trajectories during untreated HIV infection, CD4 counts are mainly censored due to treatment initiation, with the nature of this mechanism remaining debatable. Here, we evaluate the bias in the disease progression marker's change over time (slope) of a specific class of joint models, termed shared-random-effects-models (SREMs), under MAR drop-out and propose an alternative SREM model. Our proposed model relates drop-out to both the observed marker's data and the corresponding random effects, in contrast to most SREMs, which assume that the marker and the drop-out processes are independent given the random effects. We analytically calculate the asymptotic bias in two SREMs under specific MAR drop-out mechanisms, showing that the bias in marker's slope increases as the drop-out probability increases. The performance of the proposed model, and other commonly used SREMs, is evaluated under specific MAR and MNAR scenarios through simulation studies. Under MAR, the proposed model yields nearly unbiased slope estimates, whereas the other SREMs yield seriously biased estimates. Under MNAR, the proposed model estimates are approximately unbiased, whereas those from the other SREMs are moderately to heavily biased, depending on the parameterization used. The examined models are also fitted to real data and results are compared/discussed in the light of our analytical and simulation-based findings.
Rehearsed Language of Psychoanalysis
Authors: Kaul Nilofer
Published: October 2018

Taking up Bion's idea of a continuum between the psychotic and non‐psychotic parts of the mind, this paper looks at clinical moments where the primitive part – psychotic and ‘autistic‐contiguous’ – mimes language and takes over the analytic field. The patients discussed seem to intuit the analyst's blind spots and a pseudo‐language takes over as primitive parts of the patient collude with those of the analyst. The three patients discussed here use registers of speech which vary from over‐abundant to quicksilver and dried. However, it is not as much a communicative use as it is evacuative and adhesive. Verbal language offers familiar moulds in terms of unfree associations, pre‐existing narrative structures, syntax, figures of speech (symbols, metaphors, paradoxes) and common psychoanalytic tropes (dreams, primal scenes). Primitive parts of the mind nestle in these moulds rather than disturb them. It is only through examining the countertransference and abjuring collusions that the analyst may be able to contact the terrifying or enclosed parts in the field. ‘Death’, for instance, represents the limits of language and as it is unpacked, it comes to acquire a range of meanings which allow the recovery of thinking. I have tried to demonstrate the experience of verbal language as a seductive screen that analyst and analysand collaboratively create to make bearable the incomprehensibility of the encounter. In doing this what emerges is a ‘thick description’ that helped and reflects on different kinds of collusion. The paper tries to capture the experience of collusion as well as a return from it.
How Many Times?
Authors: Polden Jane
Published: October 2018

Session frequency can be seen as definitive of psychoanalytic identity but contemporary relational and constructivist perspectives and trends towards psychoanalytic work being conducted at lower and varying frequencies are leading increasingly to a rift between psychoanalytic work as theorized and practised on the one hand and as ‘taught at’ specified frequencies within psychoanalytic institutions on the other. The value of high‐frequency work in the right conditions is considered, while automatic equations between high‐frequency, high‐intensity and high‐value clinical work are questioned. Pressure towards higher frequency work, sometimes to meet training requirements, may imperil the psychoanalytic stance it seeks to preserve, particularly the recognition of patients’ frequency preferences as a psychic phenomenon requiring understanding rather than manipulation. The roots of coercive attitudes to session frequency in unresolved issues relating to institutional psychoanalytic superegos are explored; implications for training, ethics and the status of psychoanalytic work are considered.
Ikons – Ancient and Modern: Looking Towards the Unknown
Authors: Casement Patrick
Published: October 2018

The author contrasts two similar words, icon and ikon, one used to assist in finding what is looked for and the other as pointing towards the unknown beyond the known, whether in the other or in the self. Parallels with the analytic engagement are noted for further consideration.
Ultrasound‐guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy for upper urinary tract calculi in patients with spinal deformity: a decade's experience
Authors: Wang Shu , Zhang Xin , Xiao Bo , Hu Weiguo , Chen Song , Li Jianxing
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US)‐guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in managing upper urinary tract calculi in patients with spinal deformity based on our experience over the last decade.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on patients with spinal deformity who were admitted to Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital and collaborative hospitals from August 2004 to August 2017. Patients diagnosed with urolithiasis and who underwent US‐guided PCNL, performed by the same surgeon, were included. Patients’ data were collected and the following variables were analysed: age; sex; plain abdominal radiograph of the kidneys, ureters and bladder (KUB); computed tomography (CT); stone burden; evaluation of spinal anatomy; respiratory function; operative time; and postoperative findings. The severity of surgical complications was determined according to the modified Clavien classification system (MCCS).

Results

A total of 72 patients (41 males and 31 females) were included, with a mean (range) age of 35 (21–69) years. The mean (range) stone diameter was 38 (19–68) mm. Seven patients had bilateral PCNL, completed in staged surgery with a 1‐week interval. Five kidneys received staged PCNL because of either large residual stones or the potential risk of a long operation time. In all, 19 patients underwent the surgery in a prone position, 29 lateral, nine oblique supine, and the other 27 in unconventional positions (lateral prone, lateral supine, and lateral jackknife position). All procedures were successfully completed with no major complications during the operation. The mean (SD) tract building time was 8.5 (1.7) min. The mean (SD) stone disintegration time was 39.3 (14.6) min. The mean (range) temperature and postoperative haemoglobin (Hb) drop on the first postoperative day were 37.6 (36.7–39.2) °C and 1.5 (0.2–4.3) g/dL, respectively. Four patients needed blood transfusions and none of the patients had septic shock or severe renal bleeding requiring angiographic renal embolisation or nephrectomy. A stone‐free status was achieved in 71 kidneys (89.87%). Eight patients with residual fragments ≥4 mm were either observed without treatment during follow‐up or re‐treated with shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) according to clinical significance.

Conclusion

PCNL in patients with spinal deformities is challenging but safe and effective. US‐guided puncture and access establishment has its unique advantages when such patients are placed in unconventional positions.
Twinned careers: Public sector practitioners in public administration teaching and research
Authors: O’Neill Michael A. , Wilkins John K.
Published: October 2018

Scholarship in Canadian public administration programs takes many forms. One of these is the contribution made by practitioners. Yet very little is known about this group and, with the exception of Kenneth Kernaghan's articles, there is little Canadian literature on practitioner‐scholars. Taking Kernaghan's work as a starting point, we explore the contribution of practitioner‐scholars and shed light on their background and contribution to public administration scholarship. Our study finds that practitioner‐scholars are well‐qualified and engaged public administration professionals whose contribution is much broader than that first described by Kernaghan.
Lessons from the evidence on evidence‐based policy
Authors: French Richard D.
Published: October 2018

What can we learn from the evidence on evidence‐based policy (EBP)? We summarize and synthesize the themes that converge from the observations of those scholars who have studied EBP, including studies of “science and public policy” and “knowledge utilization.” Many characteristics of the policy‐making environment escape the notice of the majority of advocates of EBP; we examine them in summary. Next, we identify key lessons from research that addresses directly the practice of policy‐making. A substantial consensus on the experience of EBP in policy‐making emerges. However, when we examine the conclusions of various students of EBP as to the requirements for its successful implementation, we see that no consensus exists as to the way ahead. EBP will remain a popular ideal among scientists and social scientists because of its intuitive appeal, but would not appear to offer a simple prospect of rapid and significant improvement in the application of research to public policy.
Immunosuppressive therapy of autoimmune hypoparathyroidism in a patient with activating autoantibodies against the calcium‐sensing receptor
Authors: Chamberlin Mina , Kemp E. Helen , Weetman Anthony P. , Khadka Bhupesh , Brown Edward M.
Published: October 2018

Context

Activating antibodies directed at the extracellular calcium‐sensing receptor (CaSR) have been described in autoimmune hypoparathyroidism in the setting of isolated hypoparathyroidism or autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1.

Materials and Methods

A 34‐year‐old female presented with hypocalcaemia (6.0 mg/dL) and hypomagnesaemia (1.1 mg/dL) accompanied by low serum PTH (2.4 pg/mL) as well as urinary calcium and magnesium wasting. She was diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism, which was refractory to standard therapy. She was started on 60 mg prednisone and 150 mg azathioprine treatment daily on suspicion of an autoimmune aetiology. The patient was tested for CaSR antibodies.

Results

The patient was positive for CaSR antibodies of the IgG1 subtype, which stimulated phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation. Post‐treatment with prednisone and azathioprine, her serum calcium and magnesium normalized, as did her CaSR antibody titre and antibody‐mediated stimulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation and IP accumulation.

Conclusion

This is the first demonstration of CaSR antibody‐mediated hypoparathyroidism responsive to immunosuppressive therapy, adding to the evidence that autoimmune hypoparathyroidism can be, in some cases, reversible and not the result of autoimmune parathyroid destruction.
Factors influencing medical student self‐competence to provide weight management services
Authors: Doshi R. S. , Gudzune K. A. , Dyrbye L. N. , Dovidio J. F. , Burke S. E. , White R. O. , Perry S. , Yeazel M. , van Ryn M. , Phelan S. M.
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to identify factors associated with high obesity care self‐competence among US medical students. The authors performed a cross‐sectional analysis of 2014 survey data on fourth year medical students collected online as part of the Medical Student Cognitive Habits and Growth Evaluation Study (CHANGES). Independent variables included quality and quantity of interaction with patients and peers with obesity; hours of communication and partnership skills training; negative remarks against patients with obesity by supervising physicians, and witnessed discrimination against patients with obesity. The dependent variable was self‐competence in providing obesity care. Of 5823 students invited to participate, 3689 (63%) responded and were included in our analyses. Most students were white (65%), half were women and 42% had high self‐competence in caring for patients with obesity. Factors associated with high self‐competence included increased interaction with peers with obesity (39% vs. 49%, P < 0.001) and increased partnership skills training (32% vs. 61%, P < 0.001). Increased partnership skills training and quantity of interactions with peers with obesity were associated with high student self‐competence in providing obesity‐related care to patients. Medical schools might consider increasing partnership skills training to improve students’ preparedness and skill in performing obesity‐related care.
Where Should I Focus My Return Reduction Efforts? Empirical Guidance for Retailers
Authors: Shang Guangzhi , Ferguson Mark E. , Galbreth Michael R.
Published: October 2018

Owing to the generous refund policy ubiquitous among today's retailers, returns are prevalent and expensive to manage. Implementing buyer assistance programs and adjusting return time windows are two common methods that retailers use to actively influence return rates. A buyer assistance program can improve consumer understanding and reduce returns, but to be effective it must be focused on the products that are most likely to be returned. Managing return rates by adjusting return time windows, on the other hand, requires an understanding of the time dimension of returns, a topic for which there is scant guidance in the literature. Using a large dataset of consumer electronics purchases and returns for a major U.S. retailer, our study contributes to the research and practice of retail operations by: (i) providing new insights into the drivers of product returns and (ii) analyzing the time length of consumers' product trial, which can inform return time window decisions. We show that both product maturity (where a product stands in its life‐cycle) and variety (the number of competing alternatives) are negatively associated with the probability of a return. By separating pure returns and exchanges, we further demonstrate that while more variety considerably reduces the former, it only marginally increases the latter. In addition, we find that consumers with more past returns not only have a higher probability of future returns but also tend to make late returns, with both factors increasing a retailer's cost to serve them. Finally, our analysis of the time to return shows that retailers may benefit from customizing their return time windows across different product categories, as well as enlarging the window during holidays.
The relationship between remittances and macroeconomic variables in times of political and social upheaval: Evidence from Tunisia's Arab Spring
Authors: Bouoiyour Jamal , Selmi Refk , Miftah Amal
Published: October 2018

If Tunisia is hailed as a success story with its high rankings on economic, educational, and other indicators relative to other Arab countries, the popular 2011 uprisings underscored the fragility of its main economic pillars, including those of tourism and foreign direct investment. This paper examines the economic impact of migrants’ remittances, which are expected to exhibit relatively countercyclical behaviour during periods of intense upheaval. This study is novel in its methodological approach, which is used to pinpoint the dynamic effects of remittances on key macroeconomic variables within an unstable framework. The analysis reveals that the effect of remittances on Tunisia's economy has varied over time. Prior to the Arab Spring, remittances had a short‐term negative influence on economic growth, varying effects on domestic investment and positive impacts on consumption. In considering the post‐Arab uprisings, positive and strong impacts of remittances on growth and consumption are found in the long run while negative and moderate investment effects of remittances are shown over the short and medium term.
Metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of shift work: The role of circadian disruption and sleep disturbances
Authors: Kervezee Laura , Kosmadopoulos Anastasi , Boivin Diane B.
Published: October 2018

Shift work, defined as work occurring outside typical daytime working hours, is associated with an increased risk of various non‐communicable diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Disruption of the internal circadian timing system and concomitant sleep disturbances is thought to play a critical role in the development of these health problems. Indeed, controlled laboratory studies have shown that short‐term circadian misalignment and sleep restriction independently impair physiological processes, including insulin sensitivity, energy expenditure, immune function, blood pressure and cardiac modulation by the autonomous nervous system. If allowed to persist, these acute effects may lead to the development of cardiometabolic diseases in the long term. Here, we discuss the evidence for the contributions of circadian disruption and associated sleep disturbances to the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular health problems in shift workers. Improving the understanding of the physiological mechanisms affected by circadian misalignment and sleep disturbance will contribute to the development and implementation of strategies that prevent or mitigate the cardiometabolic impact of shift work.
Peri‐lead edema after deep brain stimulation surgery for Parkinson's disease: a prospective magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Borellini L. , Ardolino G. , Carrabba G. , Locatelli M. , Rampini P. , Sbaraini S. , Scola E. , Avignone S. , Triulzi F. , Barbieri S. , Cogiamanian F.
Published: October 2018

Background and purpose

The aim of this study was to define the prevalence and characteristics of peri‐electrode edema in a prospective cohort of patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery and to correlate it with clinical findings.

Methods

We performed brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between 7 and 20 days after surgery in 19 consecutive patients undergoing DBS surgery for Parkinson's disease. The T2‐weighted hyperintensity surrounding DBS leads was characterized and quantified. Any evidence of bleeding around the leads was also evaluated. Clinical and follow‐up data were recorded. In a subgroup of patients, a follow‐up MRI was performed 3–6 weeks after surgery. We also retrospectively reviewed the post‐operative computed tomography scans of patients who underwent DBS at our center since 2013.

Results

Magnetic resonance imaging showed a peri‐lead edematous reaction in all (100%) patients, which was unilateral in three patients (15.8%). In six patients (31.6%), we detected minor peri‐lead hemorrhage. Edema completely resolved in eight out of 11 patients with a follow‐up MRI and was markedly reduced in the others. Most patients were asymptomatic but six (31.6%) manifested various degrees of confusional state without motor symptoms. We found no significant correlation between edema volume, distribution and any clinical feature, including new post‐operative neurological symptoms. The retrospective computed tomography analysis showed that peri‐electrode hypodensity consistent with edema is absent at early post‐operative imaging but is common at scans performed >3 days after surgery.

Conclusions

Peri‐electrode edema is a common, transient reaction to DBS lead placement and a convincing relation between edema and post‐operative clinical status is lacking.
A hybrid data envelopment analysis and multi‐attribute decision making approach to sustainability assessment
Authors: Keshavarz Esmaeil , Toloo Mehdi
Published: October 2018

The concept of sustainability consists of three main dimensions: environmental, techno‐economic, and social. Measuring the sustainability status of a system or technology is a significant challenge, especially when it needs to consider a large number of attributes in each dimension of sustainability. In this study, we first propose a hybrid approach, involving data envelopment analysis (DEA) and a multi‐attribute decision making (MADM) methodologies, for computing an index for each dimension of sustainability, and then we define the overall sustainability index as the mean of the three measured indexes. Towards this end, we define new concepts of efficiency and cross‐efficiency of order (p, q) where p and q are the number of inputs and outputs, respectively. For a given (p, q), we address the problem of finding efficiency of order (p, q) by developing a novel DEA‐based selecting method. Finally, we define the sustainability index as a weighted sum of all possible cross‐efficiencies of order (p, q). Form a computational viewpoint, the proposed selecting model significantly decreases the computational burden in comparison with the successive solving of traditional DEA models. A case study of the electricity‐generation technologies in the United Kingdom is taken as a real‐world example to illustrate the potential application of our method.
The effects of fluoxetine on the human adipose‐derived stem cell proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Khademi Marzieh , Taghizadeh Ghavamabadi Razieh , Taghavi Mohammad M. , Shabanizadeh Ahmad , Shariati‐kohbanani Mehdi , Hassanipour Mahsa , Taghipour Zahra
Published: October 2018

Fluoxetine is one of the most commonly used antidepressants. Fluoxetine could prevent the mesenchymal stem cell differentiation in lung fetus of rat. Moreover, the mesenchymal stem cells are also present in adult tissues. Therefore, in the current study, we aimed to investigate the effects of fluoxetine (FLX) on both proliferation and adipogenic/osteogenic differentiation of human adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs). After culturing of human ADSCs, these cells were treated with two concentrations of FLX (10 and 20 μm). Then, cells were differentiated by adding osteogenic and adipogenic media. The effect of FLX on human ADSCs proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay. Fluoxetine role on adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of human ADSCs was analyzed by oil red and alizarin red staining and RT‐PCR reaction. According to MTT assay, FLX showed a time‐ and concentration‐dependent proliferation response and eventually decreased human ADSCs proliferation. RT‐PCR analysis indicated that FLX significantly diminished the expression of osteogenesis‐related genes such as RUNX2 and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Data also revealed a significant reduction in the expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and fatty acid‐binding protein (FABP) (specific genes of adipogenic lineage). In addition, FLX decreased mineralized matrix and the amount of lipid droplets in human ADSCs by staining methods. Our observation demonstrated that the effects of FLX may be time‐dependent. This drug possesses an increasing phase in proliferation and survival of human ADSCs (first 24 h) following a decreasing phase (after 48 h). Moreover, FLX could attenuate both osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of human ADSCs.
Structural reliability assessment of cracked pipes: The role of probability of detection data
Authors: Mussini Rodolfo , Cancela Héctor , Clarke Thomas
Published: October 2018

The structural reliability of industrial pipes, including those in the nuclear, oil, and gas industries, has a significant impact on the safety of people and the environment. This work aims to develop a computational structural reliability model method in conjunction with the failure assessment diagram method and the user‐defined probability of detection curves of non‐destructive testing are used. The concept of “reliability factor of a repair” is proposed. Then, the effects of the pipe inspection considering different user‐defined probability of detection curves and different values of the reliability factor of a repair on probability of failure are discussed. The main results include the identification of cases where performing repairs do not guarantee an improved reliability, as well as the consequences of considering the repair as a “perfect process” which result in non‐conservative assessments.
Nutritive value of ensiled maize stover from nine different varieties harvested at three different stages of maturity
Authors: Terler Georg , Gruber Leonhard , Knaus Wilhelm F.
Published: October 2018

Nutrient composition and digestibility of stover contribute markedly to the nutritive value of forage maize in cattle feeding. Low stover digestibility limits the quality of whole plant maize silage (WPMS) and should therefore be prevented by optimizing management of WPMS production. A project was carried out to analyse nutrient composition and ruminal nutrient degradability of ensiled stover of nine different current maize varieties, which were planted in 3 years and harvested at three maturity stages (50, 55 and 60% ear dry‐matter [DM] content). Variety and harvest date had a significant impact (p < 0.05) on crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy content, whereas fibre content and non‐fibre components were not affected by these factors. In contrast, the potential and effective degradability (ED) of organic matter (OM), CP and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) were significantly influenced by variety and harvest date. The ED5 (ED at 5% per hour passage rate) of different varieties ranged from 22.9% to 29.3% for OM, from 66.2% to 71.4% for CP and from 17.3% to 20.5% for NDF. The ED5 of OM, CP and NDF declined significantly by 4.1%, 2.5% and 2.1% units between the second and third maturity stage. Almost all investigated parameters were significantly influenced by year. Significant differences between varieties indicate that there is a potential for improvement of stover degradability through breeding. Harvest ear DM content should not exceed 55%, because nutritive value of ensiled stover declines significantly beyond this value, which could negatively affect WPMS quality in cattle feeding.
Effects of branched‐chain amino acids and vitamin D supplementation on physical function, muscle mass and strength, and nutritional status in sarcopenic older adults undergoing hospital‐based rehabilitation: A multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Takeuchi Izumi , Yoshimura Yoshihiro , Shimazu Sayuri , Jeong Seungwon , Yamaga Makio , Koga Hiroaki
Published: October 2018

Aim

To investigate the effects of branched‐chain amino acids and vitamin D supplementation on physical function, muscle strength, muscle mass, and nutritional status in sarcopenic older adults undergoing hospital‐based rehabilitation.

Methods

We carried out an 8‐week, multicenter, randomized, controlled, blinded outcome, two‐cohort parallel group intervention trial of sarcopenic older adults undergoing in‐hospital rehabilitation. The eligibility criteria included older adults (aged ≥65 years) with low muscle strength (handgrip strength) and low muscle mass (calf circumference) according to the cut‐off values for older Asians. The intervention group received branched‐chain amino acids and vitamin D supplementation, whereas the control group did not. Both groups underwent low‐intensity resistance training in addition to the post‐acute rehabilitation program. The primary outcome of physical function (Functional Independence Measure‐motor scores), and the secondary outcomes of muscle strength (handgrip strength), muscle mass (calf circumference) and nutritional status (body mass index) were measured at baseline and at the end of the intervention.

Results

Finally, a total of 68 patients were analyzed (intention‐to‐treat analysis): 35 in the intervention group and 33 in the control group. Functional Independence Measure‐motor scores increased significantly in both groups over time (P < 0.05). However, no treatment‐by‐time effects were observed (median estimated difference 2.4, 95% confidence interval −1.2 to 7.1). Handgrip strength, calf circumference and body mass index increased significantly in both groups over time (P < 0.05), with significantly greater improvements in the intervention group (P = 0.041, 0.033 and 0.035, respectively).

Conclusions

We showed that an 8‐week intervention of branched‐chain amino acids and vitamin D supplementation with low‐intensity resistance training improves muscle‐related outcomes in sarcopenic older adults undergoing hospital‐based rehabilitation (UMIN000006238). Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 12–17.
Effective dielectric loss (tan δ) reduction of CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) via various addition of glasses
Authors: Ab Rahman Mohd Fariz , Ain Mohd Fadzil , Mohamed Julie Juliewatty , Ahmad Zainal Arifin
Published: October 2018

Addition of various glasses has successfully reduced tan δ of CCTO‐based ceramics. Less amounts (0‐1.0 wt%) of glasses (BaO‐SrO‐Nb2O5‐B2O3‐SiO2 [BSNBS] and SrO‐B2O3‐SiO2 [SBS], respectively) were added into pure CCTO and sintered at 1040°C for 10 hours. The phase formation and microstructure of each sample were characterized using X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The dielectric behavior of the samples was measured at 1 MHz. The addition of BSNBS and SBS glasses (≤0.5 wt%) successfully reduced tan δ of CCTO from 0.5 until 0.4 and 0.39, respectively, and simultaneously increased εr. Smaller tan δ and ɛr were further obtained when the added glasses were more than 0.5 wt%. These behaviors were due to segregation of glasses together with precipitation of CuO which decreased the grain size, and caused the presence of pores at grain boundaries. Therefore, small amount of various additions of glasses could modify the CCTO dielectric properties.
Immobilizing nitrifying bacteria with Fe2O3‐CaO‐SiO2 porous glass‐ceramics
Authors: Hong Ye , Wang Yongya , Li Bin , Pan Guoxiang
Published: October 2018

Nitrifying bacteria immobilized on Fe2O3‐CaO‐SiO2 porous glass‐ceramics have extensive application prospects for wastewater treatment. To study the effect of the pore structure on the immobilization, Fe2O3‐CaO‐SiO2 porous glass‐ceramics with different porosities and pore sizes were prepared by sintering and the addition of pore‐forming agent. The pore size and apparent porosity can be controlled by the pore‐forming agent content and their sizes. Appropriate amount of the pore‐forming agent can promote the apparent porosity and increase the amount of immobilized nitrifying bacteria. The excess of the pore‐forming agent can cause the formation of the new crystalline phases and reduce the amount of immobilized nitrifying bacteria. In this study, we demonstrate that Fe2O3‐CaO‐SiO2 porous glass‐ceramics with 30% pore‐forming agent exhibit a moderate apparent porosity and good immobilization. This combination has good application prospects in the field of ammonia treatment in wastewater.
What can primary immunodeficiencies teach us about Th9 cell differentiation and function?
Authors: Worley Lisa , Tangye Stuart G , Ma Cindy S
Published: October 2018

Interleukin‐9 (IL‐9) producing CD4+ Th9 cells are a unique subset of effector cells involved in both health and disease. Th9 cells have been associated with protective immunity during parasitic infections with helminths, protozoans and extracellular pathogens, but implicated in disease states such as allergic asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergy and autoimmune conditions including multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis. Here, we review the cytokine signaling pathways and downstream transcription factors required for IL‐9 expression and how human primary immunodeficiencies caused by monogenic mutations can help elucidate the complex requirements for human Th9 cell differentiation. Primary immunodeficiencies are a platform for investigating IL‐9 expression in primary human lymphocytes and by inference whether Th9 cells are implicated in the clinical phenotype characteristic of these patients.
Pubertal recalibration of cortisol reactivity following early life stress: a cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: DePasquale Carrie E. , Donzella Bonny , Gunnar Megan R.
Published: October 2018

Background

Children adopted from orphanages or other such institutions tend to display blunted reactivity to stressors – even years after arriving in their generally supportive and highly resourced postadoption homes. Puberty, a proposed sensitive period for environmental influences on stress‐mediating systems, may provide an opportunity for postinstitutionalized children to recalibrate stress response systems in accordance with their now more supportive living situations.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study examined the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenocortical (HPA)‐axis reactivity of 280 children ages 7 through 14 years; 122 children were adopted from institutions in 14 countries between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, after spending an average of 95% of their lives in institutional care, and 158 children of similarly high socioeconomic status in their biological families served as the nonadopted comparison group. All of the children were assessed by nurses for Tanner stage and, on a different day, completed the Trier Social Stress Test for Children.

Results

Using a linear mixed‐effects model and seven measures of salivary cortisol, results indicated that early‐pubertal postinstitutionalized children showed blunted HPA axis reactivity compared to nonadopted children, but mid/late‐pubertal postinstitutionalized children displayed higher reactivity similar to the nonadopted comparison children.

Conclusions

This is the first evidence of possible pubertal recalibration of HPA axis reactivity to a psychosocial stressor in postinstitutionalized children, which provides a promising avenue for future research regarding the protective factors of the postadoption environment and subsequent physiological, behavioral, and psychopathological outcomes.
Enterocytozoon bieneusi Genotypes in Cattle on Farms Located within a Water Catchment Area
Authors: Zhang Yan , Koehler Anson V. , Wang Tao , Haydon Shane R. , Gasser Robin B.
Published: October 2018

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a microsporidian found in humans and other animals around the world. Investigations in some countries, such as the U.S., have indicated the importance of E. bieneusi as a zoonotic water‐ and food‐borne pathogen. However, there is scant epidemiological information on E. bieneusi in animals in many countries including Australia. Here, we conducted the first molecular epidemiological study of E. bieneusi in farmed cattle in Victoria, Australia, to assess whether these bovids are carriers of “zoonotic” genotypes of E. bieneusi. A total of 471 individual faecal samples were collected from calves of < 3 mo and of 3–9 mo of age. Genomic DNAs were extracted from individual faecal samples and then subjected to nested PCR‐based sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA to identify E. bieneusi and define genotypes. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in 49 of the 471 samples (10.4%). An analysis of ITS sequence data revealed three known genotypes (BEB4, I, and J) and three novel genotypes (designated TAR_fc1 to TAR_fc3). Phylogenetic analysis showed that genotypes BEB4, I, J, TAR_fc1, and TAR_fc2 clustered with genotypes identified previously in humans, indicating that cattle are carriers of E. bieneusi with zoonotic potential.
Spawning‐strategy‐dependent diets in two North American populations of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar
Authors: Kelly Brianne , Benoît Hugues P. , Chaput Gerald , Jones Ross A. , Power Michael
Published: October 2018

The diet of repeat‐spawner Atlantic salmon Salmo salar was investigated using carbon and nitrogen stable‐isotope values from the outer growth band of scales, which reflect the fish's consumption and growth during their most recent marine phase. Isotope values for S. salar displaying different spawning strategies were compared between and within the Miramichi and Nashwaak Rivers, New Brunswick, Canada and a Bayesian mixing model was used to infer dietary contributions from potential prey items. Significant differences in the stable‐isotope values were found among spawning strategies and between rivers, indicating differences in diet and feeding area, consistent with hypotheses. Bayesian mixing model results inferred the main prey items consumed during marine feeding by S. salar to consist of hyperiid amphipods and capelin Mallotus villosus for repeat alternate spawners from both rivers, sandlance Ammodytes sp. for repeat consecutive spawners from the Miramichi River and amphipods for repeat consecutive spawners from the Nashwaak River. These results demonstrate the diversity of feeding tactics among S. salar spawning strategies from the same river and between populations from different rivers. Accounting for differences in prey availability and the subsequent impact on S. salar diet and spawner return rates (i.e., marine survival) will facilitate the application of ecosystem‐based management practices, such as ensuring that fisheries for forage species do not indirectly adversely affect S. salar return rates.
Computer‐aided design and experimental testing of continuous flow cooling of viscous foods
Authors: Stoforos George N. , Simunovic Josip
Published: October 2018

Computer‐aided studies, comprising computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer models, were used to simulate continuous flow cooling of viscous foods. Initially, model validation studies were conducted, giving a good correlation between simulation results and experimental data on cooling of sweet potato puree. Additional computer‐aided studies were performed to compare cooling efficiency of two different flow configurations, with the product flowing within the inner tube and the annulus of a tube‐in‐tube heat exchanger, respectively. Cooling of sweet potato puree was significantly improved for the annular product flow compared with the other case, resulting in a bulk temperature at the exit of the heat exchanger lower by 12 ± 4 °C. Therefore, the simulation results indicate that annular product flow could potentially improve cooling efficiency by 25% for sweet potato puree, due to the increased heat transfer to the environment.

Practical applications

During cooling of viscous foods, such as fruit and vegetable purees, laminar flow, and low thermal conductivity lead to a nonuniform, slow cooling process resulting in degradation of food quality. Improvement and optimization of the cooling process in a tube‐in‐tube heat exchanger, with an implementation of annular flow for the product, could potentially result in (1) enhancement of cooling efficiency, (2) reduction of cooling‐related product quality losses, and (3) improvement of sanitary conditions, by eliminating condensation formation.
Evaluation of the spoilage potential of Shewanella putrefaciens, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Aeromonas sobria isolated from spoiled Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during cold storage
Authors: Qian Yun‐Fang , Ye Jing‐Xin , Yang Sheng‐Ping , Lin Zu‐Quan , Cao Wei , Xie Jing
Published: October 2018

The spoilage potential and their interactions of Shewanella putrefaciens, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Aeromonas sobria isolated from spoiled Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were evaluated by inoculation into sterile shrimp juice during 12 days at 4 °C. Based on the microbiological analysis, A. sobria was identified as non‐spoilage bacteria, and S. putrefaciens and A. hydrophila developed very rapidly as well as with a high maximum cell density in shrimp juice (up to 8.79 log cfu/g and 7.81 log cfu/g after 12 days at 4 °C, respectively). The higher total volatile basic nitrogen and putrescine productions were observed in coculture with S. putrefaciens and A. sobria compared with single culture of A. sobria, suggesting that the growth and spoilage activity of A. sobria were enhanced with S. putrefaciens. Conversely, A. hydrophila was weakly inhibited by S. putrefaciens. It is concluded that the spoilage behavior of microorganisms in mixed culture is significantly different from pure culture.

Practical applications

We believe that the article may be of particular interest to the readers of this journal as it is the first time investigating the interactions of S. putrefaciens, A. hydrophila, and A. sobria by inoculated in Pacific white shrimp juice. This study could help to reveal the microbial interactions in spoilage food.
Analysis of fish spoilage by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and electronic olfaction bionic system
Authors: Lv Riqin , Huang Xingyi , Aheto Joshua Harrington , Mu Lijun , Tian Xiaoyu
Published: October 2018

Freshness is an important index of fish quality. The present study deployed an electronic olfaction bionic system based on colorimetric sensor array (CSA) to evaluate the freshness of Larimichthys crocea. Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) content and total viable counting (TVC) of samples were also determined by traditional methods. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was applied for the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A support vector regression (SVR) model was built to establish the relationship between the signals of CSA and the values of TVB‐N and TVC of samples. The results obtained demonstrated that the CSA showed potential to evaluate the fish freshness of unknown fish samples qualitatively by predicting TVB‐N and TVC. Furthermore, the CSA could be used as nondestructive technique to evaluate fish freshness.

Practical applications

Fish is very popular all over the world because of its nutrition and delicious taste. Therefore, it is an important food and occupies a very important position in the daily dietary structure of residents. However, fish is highly perishable after harvesting and postmortem as a consequence of biochemical and microbial breakdown mechanisms. The TVB‐N and TVC are important indexes of fish freshness evaluation. In this study, a novel CSA is proposed for quantification of TVB‐N and TVC during fish spoilage. This method simplified detection steps and shorten the detection time. The results indicated that the method based on CSA provided a feasible way for simple, rapid detection of TVB‐N and TVC in aquatic products. The method can be applied for rapid detection of aquatic products by both government testing departments and food companies.
Characterization of glucose‐stimulated insulin release protocols in african green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops)
Authors: Liddie Shervin , Okamoto Haruka , Gromada Jesper , Lawrence Matthew
Published: October 2018

Background

Management of diabetes remains a major health and economic challenge, demanding test systems in which to develop new therapies. These studies assessed different methodologies for determining glucose tolerance in green monkeys.

Methods

Twenty‐eight African green monkeys between 4 and 24 years old underwent single or repeat intravenous glucose tolerance testing (IVGTT), oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT), and/or graded glucose infusion testing.

Results

Geriatric monkeys exhibited glucose intolerance with impaired glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion followingIVGTT. RepeatIVGTTandOGTTassessments were inconsistent. Monkeys with low glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion after graded glucose infusion exhibited elevated blood glucose levels.

Conclusion

IVGTTand graded glucose infusion protocols revealed differences in glucose tolerance among green monkeys at single time points, including age‐dependent differences suggestive of shifts in pancreatic beta‐cell functional capacity, but care should be applied to study design and the interpretation of data in the setting of longitudinal studies.
Cryotherapy vs trichloroacetic acid 90% in treatment of common warts
Authors: Abdel Meguid Azza Mahfouz , Abdel Motaleb Amira Ali , Abdel Sadek Amany Mohamed Ibrahim
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Common warts are hyperkeratotic, benign cutaneous growths caused by types 1, 2, and 7 Human papilloma viruses. Different modalities are available to treat warts. Cryotherapy is one of the most common and effective treatments for common warts. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), in high concentrations, can be used as a therapeutic modality.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen (spray method) versus trichloroacetic acid 90% in treatment of common warts.

Patients and methods

Thirty‐five patients with 414 common warts, from the Dermatology outpatient clinic, Assiut University Hospital, were enrolled in this study. We used two techniques for the treatment of common warts. The lesions in each patient were divided into two groups (A and B), group A treated by cryotherapy while group B treated by trichloroacetic acid (TCA) 90%.

Results

There was significant decrease in the size of the warts in both groups. There were statistically significant better results among group A than group B regarding the mean percentage of improvement (90.11 ± 27.92 vs 26.19 ± 42.93, respectively; P < 0.001) and grade of improvement, where good response was obtained in 89.2% in group A compared with 26.2% in group B (P < 0.001). Complete cure was significantly higher in group A (83.1%) than group B (21.3%; P < 0.001). However, side effects were significantly higher among group A than group B.

Conclusion

Cryotherapy is more effective than TCA 90% in treatment of common wart. TCA 90% has lesser complications than cryotherapy.
Patients’ self‐reported nausea: Validation of the Numerical Rating Scale and of a daily summary of repeated Numerical Rating Scale scores
Authors: Wikström Lotta , Nilsson Mats , Broström Anders , Eriksson Kerstin
Published: October 2018

Aim and objectives

To validate the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for postoperative nausea assessments, and determine whether a central tendency, median, based on patients’ self‐rated nausea is a clinically applicable daily measure to describe patients’ nausea after major surgery.

Background

Postoperative nausea causes major discomfort, risks for complications and prolonged hospital stays. The NRS is recommended for the assessment of pain but is little explored for assessing nausea.

Design

A repeated measure design was carried out on patients who had undergone major surgery in three Swedish hospitals.

Methods

Nonparametric statistical methods were used to analyse (a) associations between the NRS and a verbal scale (no, mild, moderate and severe) and (b) to analyse associations between Measure 1 (nausea scores postoperative Day 1) and Measure 2 (retrospective nausea scores at rest and during activity, postoperative Day 2). Reporting of this research adheres to the Strobe Guidelines.

Results

The mean age of the 479 patients (44% women) in the sample was 65 years (range, 22–93 years). Self‐assessed nausea scores from the NRS and the verbal scale correlated well (rSpearman = 0.79). Correlation between nausea at rest and nausea during activity was rSpearman = 0.81. The calculated median scores (Measure 1) showed only moderate correlations with retrospective nausea scores (Measure 2); 4–9 ratings, rSpearman = 0.41; 6–9 ratings, rSpearman = 0.54.

Conclusions

Numeric Rating Scale scores showed strong associations with a verbal scale; therefore, the NRS seems to be a valid tool to measure nausea intensity. The quality of daily summarised median nausea scores needs to be further explored before clinical use.

Relevance to clinical practice

The use of the NRS in assessments of nausea in postoperative care will facilitate communication between patients and health care professionals regarding nausea intensity. When documenting nausea, it seems unnecessary to distinguish nausea at rest from nausea during activity.