bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ceratitis capitata genetic sexing strains: laboratory evaluation of strains from mass‐rearing facilities worldwide
Authors: Augustinos A.A. , Targovska A. , Cancio‐Martinez E. , Schorn E. , Franz G. , Cáceres C. , Zacharopoulou A. , Bourtzis K.
Published: October 2017

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is among the most destructive and cosmopolitan species of the family. It has been studied extensively and has become a model species for sterile insect technique (SIT) applications. More than 3 decades of coordinated research led to the development and continuous improvement of genetic sexing strains (GSSs) for this pest. The last generation of these strains (Vienna 7 and Vienna 8), developed at the FAO/IAEA Insect Pest Control Laboratory (IPCL) in Seibersdorf, Austria, presents a combination of characters that calls for specialized control and evaluation methods, especially in mass‐rearing conditions. In this paper, we present the results of two small‐scale laboratory tests that can evaluate the stability, productivity, and other properties of these strains and have been used in IPCL since their development. These tests were used for the analysis of the Vienna 7 and Vienna 8 GSSs after their re‐introduction to the IPCL from the different rearing facilities. Our data show the robustness and stability of the ‘sexing’ character of these strains but also point to differences among them regarding egg hatch, pupation, adult emergence rates, and male tolerance to elevated temperatures. Well‐defined, small‐scale protocols allow the continuous monitoring of the properties of putative important strains; they can be used as standard operating protocols to enable unbiased comparison among strains available in different mass‐rearing facilities.
Brief interactive psychoeducation for caregivers of patients with early phase psychosis in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Marchira Carla R. , Supriyanto Irwan , Subandi Subandi , Good Mary Jo D. , Good Byron J.
Published: October 2017

Aim

Brief psychoeducation for families of psychotic patients has been shown to significantly increase family members’ knowledge of the disorder. This increase is associated with reductions in relapse and rehospitalization. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of brief psychoeducation about schizophrenia to caregivers of patients in early phases of psychotic disorders in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Methods

This study was a prospective, randomized trial with 2 parallel groups. Subjects were patients in the early phase of psychotic disorders and their respective caregivers. Inclusion criteria included a diagnosis of acute and transient psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or delusional disorder. Participants were randomly assigned to either control or intervention groups by means of paired simple randomization. A brief psychoeducation was conducted for both the patients and caregivers. The interventions were conducted in 4 interactive sessions, once per week. Effectiveness was measured using standardized instruments before the intervention, and at 1 and 6 months post‐intervention. Assessment instruments included the Knowledge of Psychosis (KOP), the Compliance and Relapse Assessment, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Positive and Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia scale.

Results

Interventions improved KOP scores significantly in the intervention group. The intervention group had increased regularity of follow‐up with health providers and improved compliance. No statistically significant difference in relapses/rehospitalization was observed.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that brief psychoeducation with caregivers of patients with early phase psychosis was feasible in our setting, significantly improved caregivers’ knowledge, and resulted in improved regularity of contact with health providers and compliance with pharmacotherapy.
Ageing‐related changes in the cortical processing of otolith information in humans
Authors: zu Eulenburg Peter , Ruehl Ria Maxine , Runge Pia , Dieterich Marianne
Published: October 2017

Acoustic short tone bursts (STB) trigger ocular and cervical vestibular‐evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMPs/cVEMPs) by activating irregular otolith afferents. Simultaneously,STBs introduce an artificial net acceleration signal of otolith origin into the vestibular network.VEMPparameters as diagnostic otolith processing markers have been shown to decline after the age of thirty. To delineate the differential effects of healthy ageing on the cortical vestibular subnetwork processing otolith information, we measuredcVEMPs and the differential effects of unilateralSTBin three age groups (20–40, 40–60 and 60+;n = 42) using functional neuroimaging.STBevoked responses in the main vestibular hubs in the parieto‐opercular cortex. WhereascVEMPamplitudes declined linearly with age, analysis of theBOLDresponse size depicted a u‐shaped curve. Vestibular perception of the otolith stimulus on the other hand remained unchanged with age. Therefore, we propose that the comparably largerBOLDresponses past the age of sixty could reflect a mechanism of central sensitisation for otolith perception to counterbalance the concurrent peripheral vestibular and somatosensory function decline.
A comparison of soil tests for available phosphorus in long‐term field experiments in Europe
Authors: Nawara S. , Van Dael T. , Merckx R. , Amery F. , Elsen A. , Odeurs W. , Vandendriessche H. , Mcgrath S. , Roisin C. , Jouany C. , Pellerin S. , Denoroy P. , Eichler‐Löbermann B. , Börjesson G. , Goos P. , Akkermans W. , Smolders E.
Published: October 2017

Most soil tests for available phosphorus (P) perform rather poorly in predicting crop response. This study was set up to compare different established soil tests in their capacity to predict crop response across contrasting types of soil. Soil samples from long‐term field experiments, the oldest >100 years old, were collected in five European countries. The total number of soil samples (n = 218), which differed in cropping and P treatment, and originated from 11 different soil types, were analysed with five tests: ammonium oxalate (Ox), ammonium lactate (AL), Olsen P, 0.01 m CaCl2 and the diffusive gradient in thin film (DGT). The first three tests denote available P quantity (Q), whereas the last two indicate P intensity (I) of the soil solution. All five tests were positively related to the crop yield data (n = 317). The Q‐tests generally outperformed I‐tests when evaluated with goodness of fit in Mitscherlich models, but critical P values of the I‐tests varied the least among different types of soil. No test was clearly superior to the others, except for the oxalate extraction, which was generally poor. The combination of Q‐ and I‐tests performed slightly better for predicting crop yield than any single soil P test. This Q + I analysis explains why recent successes with I‐tests (e.g. DGT) were found for soils with larger P sorption than for those in the present study. This systematic evaluation of soil tests using a unique compilation of established field trials provides critical soil P values that are valid across Europe.

Highlights

We compared soil P tests for predicting crop response across contrasting soil types.

No test was clearly superior to the others except for the oxalate extraction, which was generally poor.

This study suggests that intensity tests do not perform markedly better than quantity tests.

The evaluation of soil P tests on this unique dataset provided critical soil P values across Europe.
Association between oxidized low‐density lipoprotein and cognitive impairment in patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang A. , Liu J. , Meng X. , Li J. , Wang H. , Wang Y. , Su Z. , Zhang N. , Dai L. , Wang Y. , Wang Y.
Published: October 2017

Background and purpose

The association between oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and cognitive impairment is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential association between oxLDL and cognitive impairment among patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

We measured the levels of oxLDL and recorded the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score in patients with acute ischemic stroke who were recruited from the Study of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke. Cognitive impairment was defined as an MMSE score of <24. The association between oxLDL and cognitive impairment was assessed by multivariate logistic or linear regression analysis. Other clinical variables of interest were also studied.

Results

A total of 3726 patients [1287 (34.54%) female] were included in this study, with a mean age of 63.62 ± 11.96 years. After adjusting for potential confounders in our logistic regression model, each SD increase in oxLDL was associated with a 26% increase in the prevalence of cognitive impairment (odds radio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.13–1.39; P < 0.0001). Similarly, higher oxLDL was associated with lower MMSE scores, with a 0.56‐point decrease in MMSE score for every SD increase in oxLDL in a linear regression analysis (β = −0.56; 95% confidence interval, −0.81 to −0.32; P < 0.0001). There were no significant interactions between oxLDL and age, sex or education levels for cognitive impairment (all interactions, P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Elevated levels of oxLDL were associated with a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment in patients with ischemic stroke.
An ‘epidemic’ of multiple sclerosis and falling infection rates? Reflecting on comparisons made and the rising multiple sclerosis incidence in Bach's 2002 New England Journal of Medicine figure
Authors: Tremlett H. , Lucas R.
Published: October 2017

Background and purpose

We set out to revisit and comment on the evidence surrounding a popular figure published in the New England Journal of Medicine (2002), which suggests that the incidence of immune‐mediated diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), is increased by reduced exposure to infections.

Methods

Commentary.

Results

We found that, to date (May 2017), this influential article has been cited >2000 times. However, on close investigation of the figure, we noticed some problems. Specifically, we observed several challenges inherent in using ecological data from disparate studies and countries to make conclusions surrounding the temporal patterns and relationships between diseases. For example, the figure depicts incidence data for MS based solely on a limited group of individuals with MS (n = 637; 455 women and 182 men) living within the region of Sassari on the island of Sardinia, known for its unique genealogy and risk of MS. However, the infectious‐related data were based primarily on large population studies from the USA, with one derived from army recruits in France.

Conclusions

We encourage the scientific community to apply rigorous, consistent methods in order to confirm or refute whether a strong, direct relationship does or does not exist between the incidence of MS and infectious diseases. Further, our article highlights a major knowledge gap that would benefit from a thorough review of the temporal trends related to MS incidence. Collation of this wide body of knowledge may provide a balanced understanding of this important topic and would best serve the progress of MS research.
Transrectal ultrasonographic examination of the sacroiliac joints of the horse: Technique and normal images
Authors: Tallaj A. , Coudry V. , Denoix J.‐M.
Published: October 2017

Transrectal ultrasonography of the sacroiliac joints is routinely performed for the diagnosis of the cause of low back pain and lack of power in the hindlimbs. As a result of the localisation of these small joints, performing and interpreting ultrasonographic images requires a good anatomical knowledge. This paper describes an ultrasonographic procedure that allows imaging of the ventral aspect of the sacroiliac joints. A complete screening should be done to evaluate the articular margins. Moreover, the shape of sacral and iliac wings can vary among individuals especially depending on the gender.
Will the Juvenile Justice System Ever Learn? How Minors with Learning Disabilities Can Find Remedies in Problem‐Solving Courts
Authors: Chin Dominique
Published: October 2017

Although research suggests a compelling connection between juvenile delinquency and minors with learning disabilities, rarely any action is taken to thwart or prevent the continuation of this trend. This leaves minors with learning disabilities predisposed to a future with a criminal record, and left at the mercy of the juvenile justice system that fails to accommodate them. This Note proposes the nationwide adoption of problem‐solving courts that implement screening procedures alongside treatment programs for children with learning disabilities. Without preventative measures and proper handling of these minors, the rise of recidivism rates, stigmatization, and the deficiency of treatment are inevitable.
Quantitative trait locus mapping and analysis of heritable variation in affiliative social behavior and co‐occurring traits
Authors: Knoll A. T. , Jiang K. , Levitt P.
Published: October 2017

Humans exhibit broad heterogeneity in affiliative social behavior. Twin and family studies show that individual differences in core dimensions of social behavior are heritable, yet there are knowledge gaps in understanding the underlying genetic and neurobiological mechanisms. Animal genetic reference panels (GRPs) provide a tractable strategy for examining the behavioral and genetic architecture of complex traits. Here, using males from 50 mouse strains from the BXD GRP, 4 domains of affiliative social behavior—social approach, social recognition, direct social interaction (DSI) (partner sniffing) and vocal communication—were examined in 2 widely used behavioral tasks—the 3‐chamber and DSI tasks. There was continuous and broad variation in social and nonsocial traits, with moderate to high heritability of social approach sniff preference (0.31), ultrasonic vocalization (USV) count (0.39), partner sniffing (0.51), locomotor activity (0.54‐0.66) and anxiety‐like behavior (0.36). Principal component analysis shows that variation in social and nonsocial traits are attributable to 5 independent factors. Genome‐wide mapping identified significant quantitative trait loci for USV count on chromosome (Chr) 18 and locomotor activity on Chr X, with suggestive loci and candidate quantitative trait genes identified for all traits with one notable exception—partner sniffing in the DSI task. The results show heritable variation in sociability, which is independent of variation in activity and anxiety‐like traits. In addition, a highly heritable and ethological domain of affiliative sociability—partner sniffing—appears highly polygenic. These findings establish a basis for identifying functional natural variants, leading to a new understanding typical and atypical sociability.
GenoType® HelicoDR test in comparison with histology and culture for Helicobacter pylori detection and identification of resistance mutations to clarithromycin and fluoroquinolones
Authors: Pastukh Nina , Binyamin Dana , On Avi , Paritsky Maya , Peretz Avi
Published: October 2017

Background

There are several methods for Helicobacter pylori infection diagnosis.

Aim

The efficacies of three methods for H. pylori identification directly from a biopsy were compared: histology, culture, and molecular GenoType® HelicoDR test.

Materials & Methods

Eighty‐five triplicates of stomach antrum biopsies were obtained during gastroscopy procedures for culture, histology, and molecular assay. In addition, we performed molecular identification of genes encoding resistance to clarithromycin and fluoroquinolones.

Results

The results have shown that the most specific method with the highest number of positive specimens was by molecular kit, compared to culture and histology (94.3%, 77.1%, and 71.4%, respectively). There was a higher rate of resistance mutations to clarithromycin than to fluoroquinolones (68.26% vs 20%). The most common mutations for clarithromycin and fluoroquinolones resistance were found in alleles A2143G and N87K, respectively. The highest rate of positive specimens was identified by the molecular.

Discussion

GenoType HelicoDR kit (94.3%), which has several advantages: direct identification, strain resistance characterization, mixture of genotypes detection, and no transport or storage limitations; thus, it is an excellent epidemiological screening tool. This work has demonstrated a lower resistance rate to fluoroquinolones; it is possible that in the investigated geographic area treatment with fluoroquinolones may be preferable to clarithromycin. GenoType® HelicoDR test eliminates the need for culture performance and susceptibility tests for several common antibiotic agents and enables optimal and specific antibiotic treatment adjustment.

Conclusion

We recommend a combination of PCR assay and bacterial culture for a quick method of screening and more efficient identification of H. pylori strains and resistance patterns.
Editorial: Minding the gap – research on sexual minority and gender nonconforming children and adolescents
Authors: Zeanah Charles H. , Myint Myo Thwin
Published: October 2017

There is often a gap between politics and science, but the influence across the gap is bidirectional. This editorial considers a longitudinal, community‐based sample of children and adolescents and asks about risks from early childhood gender non‐conformity and adolescent reported sexual minority status for subsequent anxiety disorders. It is especially valuable to have longitudinal data from a non‐referred sample to address questions of risk, and the investigators must be complemented for having foresight about these questions twenty years ago. The topics of our investigations are informed and motivated by cultural assumptions, pressures and conflicts. In the example discussed, transgender people are not new, but research on their development is fairly recent, as they are culturally now more accepted as different rather than pathological. Research findings also matter to the culture. Dropping homosexuality as a mental disorder in formal nosologies occurred with significant scientific substantiation. The value of this research to enhance clinical care and offer informed parental guidance about children of a minority status cannot be overemphasized.
Cognitive mechanisms of inhibitory control deficits in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Schmitt Lauren M. , White Stormi P. , Cook Edwin H. , Sweeney John A. , Mosconi Matthew W.
Published: October 2017

Background

Inhibitory control deficits are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and associated with more severe repetitive behaviors. Inhibitory control deficits may reflect slower execution of stopping processes, or a reduced ability to delay the onset of behavioral responses in contexts of uncertainty. Previous studies have documented relatively spared stopping processes in ASD, but whether inhibitory control deficits in ASD reflect failures to delay response onset has not been systematically assessed. Further, while improvements in stopping abilities and response slowing are seen through adolescence/early adulthood in health, their development in ASD is less clear.

Methods

A stop‐signal test (SST) was administered to 121 individuals with ASD and 76 age and IQ‐matched healthy controls (ages 5–28). This test included ‘GO trials’ in which participants pressed a button when a peripheral target appeared and interleaved ‘STOP trials’ in which they were cued to inhibit button‐presses when a stop‐signal appeared at variable times following the GO cue. STOP trial accuracy, RT of the stopping process (SSRT), and reaction time (RT) slowing during GO trials were examined.

Results

Relative to controls, individuals with ASD had reduced accuracy on STOP trials. SSRTs were similar across control and ASD participants, but RT slowing was reduced in patients compared to controls. Age‐related increases in stopping ability and RT slowing were attenuated in ASD. Reduced stopping accuracy and RT slowing were associated with more severe repetitive behaviors in ASD.

Discussion

Our findings show that inhibitory control deficits in ASD involve failures to strategically delay behavioral response onset. These results suggest that reduced preparatory behavioral control may underpin inhibitory control deficits as well as repetitive behaviors in ASD. Typical age‐related improvements in inhibitory control during late childhood/early adolescence are reduced in ASD, highlighting an important developmental window during which treatments may mitigate cognitive alterations contributing to repetitive behaviors.
Implementation of a gerontology nurse specialist role in primary health care: Health professional and older adult perspectives
Authors: King Anna I I , Boyd Michal L , Dagley Lynelle , Raphael Deborah L
Published: October 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore an innovative primary healthcare gerontology nurse specialist role from the perspectives of older people and health professionals.

Background

Primary care is struggling to meet the needs and demands of complex older people. New models which incorporate holistic assessment and care coordination are necessary.

Design

A qualitative descriptive general inductive design was used.

Methods

Older people at risk of health and functional decline were identified and received a comprehensive gerontology assessment and care coordination. Older adults (75 years+) enrolled within one of three primary healthcare practices in Auckland, New Zealand were eligible. Healthcare professionals directly involved with the primary healthcare gerontology nurse specialist model were invited for study participation. Face‐to‐face interviews were held with five older people and six health professionals were interviewed by telephone. A semistructured interview guide was used for all interviews. A general inductive approach was undertaken for analysis to systematically identify codes and themes.

Results

Data analysis revealed two central themes from the older people perspective: “holistic expertise” and “communication.” Two main themes were identified from the health professional perspective: “competency” and “service delivery.” Results showed the gerontology nurse specialist role was highly regarded by both older people and the health professionals. The in‐home comprehensive geriatric assessment was identified as greatly beneficial.

Conclusions

The competence and care coordination of the gerontology nurse specialist reduced fragmentation and were deemed immensely valuable. Care coordination should be recognised as a key component to meeting the complex needs of at‐risk older people in the community.

Relevance to clinical practice

The expert knowledge of the gerontology nurse specialist and in‐home comprehensive geriatric assessment were crucial aspects of the new model. Equally important was the assimilation of primary and secondary care infrastructure to upskill and deliver mentorship to the gerontology nurse specialist.
“I'm not sure I'm a nurse”: A hermeneutic phenomenological study of nursing home nurses' work identity
Authors: Thompson Juliana , Cook Glenda , Duschinsky Robbie
Published: October 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore nursing home nurses' experiences and views of work identity.

Background

Nursing home nurses are in a unique position as they work at the interface of health and social care. Little is known about nursing home nurses' perceptions and experiences of working within this context. Evidence suggests that using the concept of work identity can support understanding of how workers make sense of their work.

Design

Hermeneutic phenomenological study.

Methods

The study was carried out in seven nursing homes in North East England. Findings are based upon literary analysis of multiple episodic interviews with 13 nursing home nurses.

Results

Participants' responses suggested that nursing “residents” is different to nursing “patients,” and nursing home nurses are required to modify their care activities to account for these differences. Participants also proposed that they are isolated and excluded from the rest of the healthcare workforce group. These issues led participants to feel uncertain about work identity. Many participants attempted to strengthen their work identity by aligning their role with what they perceived the “nurse identity” to be.

Conclusion

Nurses' work activities and professional group identity influence their work identity. When work activities and professional group identity do not align with role expectations, as can be the case for nursing home nurses, work identity may be compromised. These nurses may attempt to change work practices to strengthen their work identity.

Relevance to clinical practice

Health‐ and social care providers need to account for work identity factors in the organisation of care, and planning and implementation of integrated health‐ and social care initiatives.
The relationship of interpersonal sensitivity and depression among patients with chronic atrophic gastritis: The mediating role of coping styles
Authors: Zhao Xia , Wu Menglian , Zhang Dan , Sun Yaoyao , Yang Yang , Xie Hui , Su Yonggang , Jia Jihui , Zhang Shuhong
Published: October 2017

Aims and objectives

To investigate the prevalence of depression and the relationship among interpersonal sensitivity, coping styles and depression in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis and explore the mediating role of coping styles between interpersonal sensitivity and depression.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of 101 patients diagnosed with chronic atrophic gastritis aged 33–83 years. All the participants were surveyed face to face and given the informed consent. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the interpersonal sensitivity dimension of the Symptoms Checklist‐90‐Revised, the Trait Coping Style Questionnaire and Hospital Depression Scale were measured. A descriptive analysis and a correlation matrix were used to illuminate the characteristics of subjects and bivariate correlations, respectively. Hierarchical regression analysis and bootstrapping method were used to test the mediating effect of coping styles between interpersonal sensitivity and depression.

Results

The prevalence of depression among patients with chronic atrophic gastritis was 54.50%. The regression analysis revealed that interpersonal sensitivity was positively related to depression. The effect of interpersonal sensitivity on depression was partially mediated by coping styles, including positive coping and negative coping.

Conclusions

Depression was highly prevalent in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis. Coping styles played a mediating role between interpersonal sensitivity and depression, which had important clinical implications for physicians and nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

Patients who are at high risk of depression should be identified and applicable targets should be made for prevention and intervention, in consideration of mental health of patients with chronic atrophic gastritis.
Learning lessons from the analysis of patient complaints relating to staff attitudes, behaviour and communication, using the concept of emotional labour
Authors: Hogg Rhona , Hanley Janet , Smith Pam
Published: October 2017

Aims and objectives

This article explores the content of letters of complaint by patients and carers about the behaviour, attitudes and communication of healthcare staff.

Background

The most common focus of patient complaints in the UK and other high‐income countries is staff attitudes, behaviour and communication. There is a move to learn lessons from patient complaints, which can be used to improve patient care and experience.

Methods

Fifty letters of complaint made by patients and carers relating to the behaviour, attitudes and communication of healthcare staff were analysed.

Results

Poor attitudes, behaviours and communication have significant negative impact on the emotional well‐being of patients and carers. Many patients and carers have heightened sensitivities due to both health‐related stresses and also other factors. The healthcare role is expected to include compassion and kindness. The concept of emotional labour is useful in explaining the skills and effort required of staff in this often invisible and undervalued aspect of health care.

Conclusions

Given the increasing focus on patient experience, it is important that the importance of good staff attitudes, behaviours and communication is understood and that the emotional labour associated with this is recognised.

Relevance to clinical practice

An understanding of emotional intelligence can protect staff from burnout and other negative outcomes which those in a caring role can experience.
Language Acculturation, Acculturation‐Related Stress, and Marital Quality in Chinese American Couples
Authors: Hou Yang , Neff Lisa A. , Kim Su Yeong
Published: October 2017

The current study examines the longitudinal indirect pathways linking language acculturation to marital quality. Three waves of data were collected from 416 Chinese American couples for 8 years (Mage.wave1 = 48 for husbands, 44 for wives). Actor–partner interdependence model analyses revealed that for both husbands and wives, lower levels of language acculturation were associated with higher levels of stress over being stereotyped as a perpetual foreigner. Individuals' foreigner stress, in turn, was directly related to greater levels of their own and their partners' marital warmth, suggesting that foreigner stress may have some positive relational effects. However, individuals' foreigner stress also was associated with increases in their own depressive symptoms, which predicted higher levels of marital hostility in the partner. Overall, these results underscore the complexity of how language acculturation and foreigner stress relate to marital quality and the importance of considering the interdependence of the marital system.
The Institutional Work of Exploitation: Employers’ Work to Create and Perpetuate Inequality
Authors: Hamann Ralph , Bertels Stephanie
Published: October 2017

Social inequality is underpinned by exploitative labour institutions, yet the agency of employers in establishing and maintaining such institutions remains underexplored. We thus adopt the lens of institutional work in analysing South African mining employers’ purposive efforts to ensure reliable access to cheap labour from the 1860s through until the infamous Marikana Massacre in 2012. We find that while labour is scarce, employers engage in forcing: creating exploitative institutional devices through conscripting and controlling. But as labour becomes abundant (and political winds shift), employers engage in freeing: liberalizing institutional controls to give workers ‘choice’, while simultaneously outsourcing responsibilities and costs associated with the unjust employment relationship to others, including workers themselves. We thus explain how employers purposefully create and perpetuate their advantage in interaction with labour market dynamics, contributing to our understanding of inequality and the role of actors’ intentions in impacting social systems.
Tumor‐derived exosomes enhance invasion and metastasis of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma cells
Authors: Hou Jin , Wang Fangyuan , Liu Xiaohao , Song Mengyang , Yin Xuemin
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Tumor‐derived exosomes (TDE) have been shown to participate in different steps of the dissemination of cancer cells. However, the role of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma‐derived (SACC‐derived) exosomes had not been documented in SACC. The study aims to explore the functions of SACC‐derived TDE in SACC progression and investigate potential mechanisms.

Methods

Salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma cell line SACC‐83 was used to generate TDE. Afterward, SACC‐83 or HUVECs were cocultured with or without TDE. Tumor migration, tumor invasion, and endothelial permeability were examined by wound healing assay, tumor invasion assay, endothelial permeability assay, and tumor cell transendothelial migration assay, respectively. Moreover, the expression levels of cell junction‐related proteins were examined by qRT‐PCR and Western blot.

Results

Salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma ‐83‐derived exosomes were taken up by their host cells. Meanwhile, TDE increased migration and invasion capacity of SACC‐83 cells and enhanced endothelial cell permeability. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the expression of cell junction‐related proteins (Claudins and ZO‐1) was downregulated, which is presumably involved in the TDE‐mediated promotion of migration, invasion, and metastasis.

Conclusion

The results suggested that SACC cell‐derived exosomes were loaded with individual components that could enhance invasiveness and induce microenvironment changes, thus promoting SACC aggression.
Erding Formula in hyperuricaemia treatment: unfolding traditional Chinese herbal compatibility using modern pharmaceutical approaches
Authors: Zuo Jieyu , He Hongming , Zuo Zhengyun , Bou-Chacra Nádia , Löbenberg Raimar
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Traditional Chinese herbal formulas are difficult to be understood because of complex compositions and specific therapeutic principles. To better understand herbal compatibility in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this study was conducted to investigate the effects of a Chinese pharmacopoeia-listed formula, Erding Formula (EF) and its constituent herbs for a new indication, hyperuricaemia.

Methods

A hypoxanthine and potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mouse model, a xylene-induced inflammatory mouse model and an acetic acid-induced pain model were used to test the effects of EF and its constituent herbs. In addition, we investigated whether EF and/or its relevant herbs had an impact on the expression of URAT1 and OAT3 mRNA.

Key findings

The results showed EF and individual herbs had pharmacological effects on selected targets. Only Viola yedoensis Makino (Viola) lowered uric acid levels, while all four herbs had anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The EF may lower the uric acid level through inhibiting the expression of URAT1 mRNA and enhancing the expression of OAT3 mRNA.

Conclusions

These findings provide pharmacological insights into the effects of EF and individual herbs on UA excretion. This study suggests that Viola is the main herb in EF. This study facilitates better understanding of TCM principles and theories using modern pharmaceutical approaches.
The indane diastereoisomers, PH2 and PH5: divergence between their effects in delayed-type hypersensitivity models and a model of colitis
Authors: Frankish Neil H , McHale Brendan , Sheridan Helen
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Compounds PH2 and PH5 are distereoisomers of novel indane compounds, synthesised as analogues of secondary metabolites of the fern, Onychium. In this study, we compare their effects on a variety of inflammatory models.

Methods

In an effort to extend our knowledge of their anti-inflammatory profile, we have investigated their activity in two models of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH); the methylated bovine serum albumin model (mBSA) and the oxazolone contact hypersensitivity (CHS) model, on IL2 release from Jurkat cells and in the dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) murine model of inflammatory bowel disease.

Key findings

Both diastereoisomers are equipotent in reducing paw swelling in the mBSA model and in inhibiting interleukin (IL) 2 release from Jurkat cells. They are equally ineffective in the oxazolone contact hypersensitivity model (CHS). Only the diastereoisomer, PH5, protects against DSS-induced colitis and of its two enantiomers, only the S,S-enantiomer, PH22, possesses this activity. PH2 is ineffective in the DSS model.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the beneficial effect of PH5, and its enantiomer PH22, in the DSS model is a consequence of an action on a target specific to the colitis model. The implications of such data suggest an unknown target in this disease model that may be exploited to therapeutic advantage.
Ketoprofen pharmacokinetics of R‐ and S‐isomers in juvenile loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) after single intravenous and single‐ and multidose intramuscular administration
Authors: Thompson K. A. , Papich M. G. , Higgins B. , Flanagan J. , Christiansen E. F. , Harms C. A.
Published: October 2017

Ketoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory and analgesic agent that nonselectively inhibits cyclooxygenase, with both COX‐1 and COX‐2 inhibition. Recent studies on COX receptor expression in reptiles suggest that nonselective COX inhibitors may be more appropriate than more selective inhibitors in some reptiles, but few pharmacokinetic studies are available. The goal of this study was to determine single‐ and multidose (three consecutive days) pharmacokinetics of racemic ketoprofen administered intravenously and intramuscularly at 2 mg/kg in healthy juvenile loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). The S‐isomer is the predominant isomer in loggerhead sea turtles, similar to most mammals, despite administration of a 50:50 racemic mixture. Multidose ketoprofen administration demonstrated no bioaccumulation; therefore, once‐daily dosing will not require dose adjustment over time. S‐isomer pharmacokinetic parameters determined in this study were Cmax of 10.1 μg/ml by IM injection, C0 of 13.4 μg/ml by IV injection, AUC of 44.7 or 69.4 μg*hr/ml by IM or IV injection, respectively, and T½ of 2.8 or 3.6 hr by IM or IV injection, respectively. Total ketoprofen plasma concentrations were maintained for at least 12 hr above concentrations determined to be effective for rats and humans. A dose of 2 mg/kg either IM or IV every 24 hr is likely appropriate for loggerhead turtles.
Models versus theories as a primary carrier of nursing knowledge: A philosophical argument
Authors: Bender Miriam
Published: October 2017

Theories and models are not equivalent. I argue that an orientation towards models as a primary carrier of nursing knowledge overcomes many ongoing challenges in philosophy of nursing science, including the theory–practice divide and the paradoxical pursuit of predictive theories in a discipline that is defined by process and a commitment to the non‐reducibility of the health/care experience. Scientific models describe and explain the dynamics of specific phenomenon. This is distinct from theory, which is traditionally defined as propositions that explain and/or predict the world. The philosophical case has been made against theoretical universalism, showing that a theory can be true in its domain, but that no domain is universal. Subsequently, philosophers focused on scientific models argued that they do the work of defining the boundary conditions—the domain(s)—of a theory. Further analysis has shown the ways models can be constructed and function independent of theory, meaning models can comprise distinct, autonomous “carriers of scientific knowledge.” Models are viewed as representations of the active dynamics, or mechanisms, of a phenomenon. Mechanisms are entities and activities organized such that they are productive of regular changes. Importantly, mechanisms are by definition not static: change may alter the mechanism and thereby alter or create entirely new phenomena. Orienting away from theory, and towards models, focuses scholarly activity on dynamics and change. This makes models arguably critical to nursing science, enabling the production of actionable knowledge about the dynamics of process and change in health/care. I briefly explore the implications for nursing—and health/care—knowledge and practice.
Genome‐wide association studies of bipolar disorder: A systematic review of recent findings and their clinical implications
Authors: Ikeda Masashi , Saito Takeo , Kondo Kenji , Iwata Nakao
Published: October 2017

Recent advances in molecular genetics have enabled assessments of the associations among genetic variants (e.g., single‐nucleotide polymorphisms) and susceptibility for complex diseases, including psychiatric disorders. Specifically, genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), meta‐analyses of the GWAS summary statistics, and mega‐analyses (which use raw data, not summary statistics) of GWAS have provided revolutionary results and have identified numerous susceptibility genes or single‐nucleotide polymorphisms. By using several tens of thousands of subjects, >40 genes have been identified as being associated with susceptibility for bipolar disorder so far. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the recent findings of bipolar disorder GWAS and discuss their clinical implications.
Aquaporins in the male reproductive tract and sperm: Functional implications and cryobiology
Authors: Yeste M , Morató R , Rodríguez‐Gil JE , Bonet S , Prieto‐Martínez N
Published: October 2017

Contents

Aquaporins (AQPs) play a vital role for the transport of water and solutes across cell membranes. Classification of these ubiquitous proteins into three categories (orthodox AQPs, aquaglyceroporins and superaquaporins) is based on their sequence similarity and substrate selectivity. In the male reproductive tract of mammals, most AQPs (except AQP6 and AQP12) are found in different organs (including testis, efferent ducts and epididymis). AQP1 and AQP9 are the most abundant AQPs in the efferent ducts and epididymis and play a crucial role for the secretion/reabsorption dynamics of luminal fluid during sperm transport and maturation. AQP3, AQP7, AQP8 and AQP11 are the most abundant AQPs in sperm and are involved in the regulation of their volume, which is required for the differentiation of spermatids into spermatozoa during spermatogenesis, as well as in sperm transit along environments of different osmolality (male and female reproductive tracts). While different studies conducted in oocytes and embryos have demonstrated that AQPs are important for cryotolerance, data in sperm are scarce. At present, mounting evidence indicates that AQP3, AQP7 and AQP11 are involved in the sperm response to variations of osmolality and to freeze‐thawing procedures. All these studies contribute to understand the physiology of both male reproductive tract and sperm, and open up new research ventures on the improvement of sperm cryopreservation protocols.
Treatment doses in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: The devil is in the detail
Authors: Wells Athol U. , Antoniou Katerina M.
Published: October 2017

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Many patients labelled as having mild asthma do not have well‐controlled asthma
Authors: Ko Fanny Wai‐San , Hui David Shu‐Cheong
Published: October 2017

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“Learning from Others”: English proposals for early years education and care reform and policy transfer from France and the Netherlands, 2010–15
Authors: Lewis Jane , West Anne
Published: October 2017

The United Kingdom has been a laggard in developing early years education and care, but the Labour Governments of 1998–2010 increased childcare places significantly, and the Conservative/Liberal Democrat Coalition of 2010–15 continued to expand provision, despite its stringent austerity policy. However, the problem of securing availability, affordability, and quality persisted. The Coalition Government (very unusually) transferred policies from its Western European neighbors (the Netherlands and France) in order to address these issues. We show why differences in context made the kind of policy transfer that took place inappropriate and how this was related to the fate of the reform proposals.
A feature fusion system for basal cell carcinoma detection through data‐driven feature learning and patient profile
Authors: Kharazmi P. , Kalia S. , Lui H. , Wang Z. J. , Lee T. K.
Published: October 2017

Background

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer, which is highly damaging in its advanced stages. Computer‐aided techniques provide a feasible option for early detection of BCC. However, automated BCC detection techniques immensely rely on handcrafting high‐level precise features. Such features are not only computationally complex to design but can also represent a very limited aspect of the lesion characteristics. This paper proposes an automated BCC detection technique that directly learns the features from image data, eliminating the need for handcrafted feature design.

Methods

The proposed method is composed of 2 parts. First, an unsupervised feature learning framework is proposed which attempts to learn hidden characteristics of the data including vascular patterns directly from the images. This is done through the design of a sparse autoencoder (SAE). After the unsupervised learning, we treat each of the learned kernel weights of the SAE as a filter. Convolving each filter with the lesion image yields a feature map. Feature maps are condensed to reduce the dimensionality and are further integrated with patient profile information. The overall features are then fed into a softmax classifier for BCC classification.

Results

On a set of 1199 BCC images, the proposed framework achieved an area under the curve of 91.1%, while the visualization of learned features confirmed meaningful clinical interpretation of the features.

Conclusion

The proposed framework provides a non‐invasive fast BCC detection tool that incorporates both dermoscopic lesional features and clinical patient information, without the need for complex handcrafted feature extraction.
An Implicit Projected Argument in Spanish Impersonal‐ and Passive‐SeConstructions
Authors: MacDonald Jonathan E.
Published: October 2017

This article argues for the presence of an implicit projected argument in Spec,Voice in Spanish impersonal‐ and passive‐seconstructions. The main empirical support comes from an available inalienable‐possession interpretation of the sole overtDPwhen it is a body part in both constructions. This interpretation is only possible in the presence of a syntactically present c‐commanding possessor. I argue that the implicit projected external argument serves as the inalienable possessor of the body part. Neither the periphrastic passive nor the anticausative‐seconstruction in Spanish allows an inalienable‐possession interpretation of the sole overtDPwhen it is a body part. In these instances, I claim, no implicit argument projects in Spec,Voice. I discuss how the presence of a projected argument in Spec,Voice is responsible forby‐phrase restrictions in impersonal‐ and passive‐seconstructions and person restrictions in passive‐seconstructions; the lack of a projected implicit argument in Spec,Voice of both the periphrastic passive and the anticausative‐seconstruction is responsible for the lack of the person restrictions in both, and the lack ofby‐phrase restrictions in the periphrastic passive.
The role of sialic acids in the immune recognition of xenografts
Authors: French Beth M. , Sendil Selin , Pierson Richard N. , Azimzadeh Agnes M.
Published: October 2017

Presentation of sialic acid (Sia) varies among different tissues and organs within each species, and between species. This diversity has biologically important consequences regarding the recognition of cells by “xeno” antibodies (Neu5Gc vs Neu5Ac). Sia also plays a central role in inflammation by influencing binding of the asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 (ASGR‐1), Siglec‐1 (Sialoadhesin), and cellular interactions mediated by the selectin, integrin, and galectin receptor families. This review will focus on what is known about basic Sia structure and function in association with xenotransplantation, how changes in sialylation may occur in this context (through desialylation or changes in sialyltransferases), and how this fundamental pathway modulates adhesive and cell activation pathways that appear to be particularly crucial to homeostasis and inflammation for xenografts.