bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caudal and intravenous dexamethasone as an adjuvant to pediatric caudal block: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhu Change , Zhang Saiji , Gu Zhiqing , Tong Yiru , Wei Rong
Published: February 2018

Background

Dexamethasone has become a popular additive for regional anesthesia. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to assess the effectiveness of this additive on the duration of postoperative analgesia, postoperative vomiting, and possible adverse events in pediatrics.

Methods

We searched databases, conference records, and registered trials for randomized controlled trials. The databases included the Cochrane Library, JBI Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Science‐Direct, and Embase. Odds ratio, weighted mean difference, and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the REVMAN software, version 5.3, for data synthesis and statistical analysis, which following the PRISMA statement. The main outcomes were duration of postoperative analgesia (time from the end of surgery to first administration of analgesics as evidenced by a pain score) and postoperative vomiting.

Results

Seven studies were selected for this meta‐analysis, involving 647 pediatric patients. All the patients were randomized to receive caudal or intravenous dexamethasone with caudal block (experimental group) or plain caudal block (control group). There was significantly longer duration of postoperative analgesia in the experimental group compared with control group (weighted mean difference: 238.40 minutes; 95% CI: 193.41‐283.40; P < .00001). The experimental group had fewer patients who needed analgesics after surgery (odds ratio: 0.18 minutes; 95% CI: 0.05‐0.66; P = .009). Additionally, the number of subjects who remained pain‐free to 2, 6, 24, and 48 hours after operation was significantly greater in the experimental group than control group. Side effects in these 2 groups were comparable (odds ratio: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.34‐2.56; P = .90). The incidence of postoperative vomiting was significantly decreased in the experimental group compared with control group (odds ratio: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.13‐0.63; P = .002).

Conclusion

Caudal and intravenous dexamethasone could provide longer duration of postoperative analgesia and reduced the incidence of postoperative vomiting with comparable adverse effects than plain caudal block. However, any additive to the caudal space carries with it the potential for neurotoxicity and that caution should always be exercised when weighting the risks and benefits of any additive. The result was influenced by small numbers of participants and significant heterogeneity.
The incidence of postoperative respiratory complications: A retrospective analysis of cuffed vs uncuffed tracheal tubes in children 0‐7 years of age
Authors: de Wit Michel , Peelen Linda M. , van Wolfswinkel Leo , de Graaff Jurgen C.
Published: February 2018

Background

The use of cuffed vs uncuffed endotracheal tubes in pediatric anesthesia is widely debated. This study aimed to investigate whether the use of cuffed vs uncuffed tubes is associated with an increased incidence of acute postoperative respiratory complications.

Methods

We retrospectively studied all children aged 0‐7 years in which the trachea was intubated between September 28, 2006 and August 26, 2016 in a pediatric university hospital. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association between tube design (cuffed vs uncuffed) and the incidence of acute postoperative respiratory complications (stridor, wheezing, or dyspnea; desaturations ≤90%) in need of intervention (epinephrine, dexamethasone, nebulizers, supplementary oxygen, or reintubation), adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

In 5247 of 6796 cases (77%), a cuffed tube was used. Acute postoperative respiratory complications in need of intervention occurred in 334 cases (4.9%) and were less common after cuffed than after uncuffed tubes (N = 236, 4.5% vs N = 98, 6.3%, respectively, odds ratio 0.70; 95%CI 0.55‐0.89). Desaturation occurred less often after cuffed tubes (cuffed: N = 1365, 26.0%; uncuffed: N = 512, 33.1%; OR: 0.71 (0.61‐0.84)). After adjusting for confounders, there was no difference in acute postoperative respiratory complications between cuffed tubes and uncuffed tubes (OR 0.74; 95%CI 0.55‐1.01). Subgroup analyses in various age groups did not show significant differences between the use of cuffed or uncuffed tubes.

Conclusion

After adjustment for multiple confounders, the use of cuffed tubes was not associated with an increased incidence of acute respiratory complications in postanesthesia care unit.
Corticosteroid and Cortisol Serum Levels Following Intra‐articular Triamcinolone Acetonide Lumbar Facet Joint Injections
Authors: Dickson Rozalin R. , Reid Joel M. , Nicholson Wayne T. , Lamer Tim J. , Hooten W. Michael
Published: February 2018

Background

Facet joint steroid injections are used to treat chronic low back pain. However, little is known about the systemic absorption and serum levels of steroids following intra‐articular facet joint injections. The primary objective of this preliminary study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of triamcinolone acetonide following fluoroscopically guided intra‐articular lumbar facet joint injections in a cohort of patients with chronic low back pain. A secondary aim was to investigate the effects of triamcinolone on serum cortisol levels following lumbar facet joint injections.

Methods

The study cohort included 5 patients undergoing fluoroscopically guided intra‐articular lumbar facet joint injections at a pain medicine specialty clinic. Blood was collected prior to the injections and on days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 following the injections.

Results

The terminal elimination half‐life of triamcinolone in a noncompartmental analysis was 213 hours. The peak median triamcinolone concentration of 3.6 ng/mL was detected within 24 hours after the injections. Serum cortisol levels were < 30 ng/mL for an average of 4.4 days. The maximum effect of triamcinolone on cortisol suppression was observed with triamcinolone serum levels of > 1.9 ng/mL.

Conclusions

The peak serum concentration of triamcinolone following intra‐articular facet joint injections occurred within 24 hours. The median terminal elimination half‐life was 213 hours, but baseline cortisol levels were suppressed for an average of 4.4 days. Clinically, the prolonged half‐life and endocrine effects of triamcinolone could increase the risk for serious drug–drug interactions in patients taking medications that inhibit corticosteroid metabolism.
What the patient wants: Addressing patients’ treatment targets in an integrative group psychotherapy programme
Authors: Kealy David , Joyce Anthony S. , Weber Rainer , Ehrenthal Johannes C. , Ogrodniczuk John S.
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Limited empirical attention has been devoted to individualized treatment objectives in intensive group therapy for personality dysfunction. This study investigated patients’ ratings of distress associated with individual therapy goals – referred to as target object severity – in an intensive Evening Treatment Programme for patients with personality dysfunction.

Design

Change in target objective severity was examined in a sample of 81 patients who completed treatment in an intensive, integrative group therapy programme.

Methods

Correlation and regression analyses were used to examine associations between change in target object severity and patients’ pre‐treatment diagnosis, symptom distress, and treatment outcome expectancy, and between change in target objective severity and patients’ ratings of group therapy process (group climate, therapeutic alliance, group cohesion). The relationship between change in target objective severity and longer‐range life satisfaction was also examined in a subsample of patients who rated life satisfaction at follow‐up.

Results

While change in target objective severity was not significantly related to pre‐treatment variables, significant associations were found with several aspects of group therapy process. Patients’ experience of a highly engaged group climate was uniquely associated with improvement in target object severity. Such improvement was significantly related to longer‐term life satisfaction after controlling for general symptom change.

Conclusion

The working atmosphere in group therapy contributes to patients’ progress regarding individual treatment targets, and such progress is an important factor in later satisfaction. Attention to individualized treatment targets deserves further clinical and research attention in the context of integrative group therapy for personality dysfunction.

Practitioner points

This study found that patients attending an integrative group treatment programme for personality dysfunction experienced significant improvement in severity of distress related to individual treatment objectives.

Improvement in severity of distress related to individual treatment objectives was uniquely associated with patients’ experience of an engaged, collaborative working atmosphere.

Improvement in individual target objective severity was associated with patients’ ratings of overall life satisfaction, rated an average of 9 months following termination, after controlling for change in general symptom severity.
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus presenting in twins
Authors: Montuno Michael A. , Church Ann A. , Schoch Jennifer J. , Andrews Israel D.
Published: February 2018

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a clinically distinct form of cutaneous lupus erythematosus, with age of onset typically in the second to fifth decades. Eleven cases have been reported in childhood, and we present the first known case of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus in identical twins. Although flares are typically photo‐induced, we present an annular eruption typical of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus with concurrent pinworm infestation, with recurrence of disease with cutaneous larva migrans. The patient's identical twin had a similar eruption with pinworm infection. This case highlights the possibility of parasitic infestation as a trigger for subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus in genetically susceptible individuals.
Superior basal and plastic thermal responses to environmental heterogeneity in invasive exotic stemborer Chilo partellus Swinhoe over indigenous Busseola fusca (Fuller) and Sesamia calamistis Hampson
Authors: Mutamiswa Reyard , Chidawanyika Frank , Nyamukondiwa Casper
Published: February 2018

Lepidopteran stemborers are the most destructive insect pests of cereal crops in sub‐Saharan Africa. In nature, these insects are often exposed to multiple environmental stressors, resulting in potent impact on their thermal tolerance. Such environmental stressors may influence their activity, survival, abundance and biogeography. In the present study, we investigate the effects of acclimation to temperature, starvation and desiccation on thermal tolerance, measured as critical thermal limits [critical thermal minima (CTmin) and maxima (CTmax)] on laboratory‐reared economic pest species Chilo partellus Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), Busseola fusca (Fuller) and Sesamia calamistis Hampson (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) using established protocols. Low temperature acclimation results in improved CTmin for B. fusca and C. partellus, whereas high temperature acclimation enhances the same trait for B. fusca and S. calamistis. Similarly, high temperature and starvation pretreatment improve CTmax for C. partellus relative to S. calamistis and B. fusca. In addition, starvation and desiccation pretreatments improve CTmin for all stemborer species. Furthermore, rapid cold‐hardening (RCH) enhancs CTmin for B. fusca and C. partellus, whereas rapid heat‐hardening (RHH) improves the same trait for C. partellus. However, RCH and RHH impair CTmax for all stemborer species. These findings show differential thermal tolerances after exposure to heterogeneous environmental stress habitats. Chilo partellus, of exotic origin, shows a higher magnitude of basal thermal tolerance plasticity relative to the indigenous African species S. calamistis and B. fusca. This indicates that C. partellus may have a fitness and survival advantage under climate‐induced heterogeneous environments, and also have a greater chance for geographical range expansion and invasion success compared with the indigenous B. fusca and S. calamistis.
SRTM‐assisted block adjustment for stereo pushbroom imagery
Authors: Zhou Ping , Tang Xinming , Wang Zhenming , Cao Ning , Wang Xia
Published: February 2018

This paper proposes a stereo‐image block‐adjustment algorithm without ground control points (GCPs) by adopting a Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) digital elevation model (DEM) as a height assistant. Using dense, evenly distributed tie points on images used in the block adjustment, the initial height values of tie points are derived directly from the SRTM DEM. In the subsequent block‐adjustment iterative computation, the height correction value for tie points is rigorously restricted by the SRTM DEM elevation. A total of 509 ZY‐3 satellite stereo‐images across 190 000 km2 of China's Hubei Province were used for this block‐adjustment experiment. The results show that the vertical root mean square errors (RMSEs) are improved from 7·2 to 2·3 m without GCPs, while the RMSEs in flat and mountainous terrain are improved to 1·5 and 2·8 m, respectively, fulfilling the vertical accuracy requirement of China's 1:25 000 scale mapping.
Mechanism of UV‐driven Photoelectrocatalytic Degradation of Berberine Chloride Form Using the ESR Spin‐trapping Method
Authors: Liu Rong , Zhang Yonggang
Published: February 2018

Photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) system greatly improves the migration of photoexcited charges, retards the fast recombination of electron‐hole and increases the lifetime of photogenerated holes. In this article, we constructed a novel PEC system to degrade berberine chloride form (BCF). XRD patterns indicated aging time was an important condition for the crystal type of TiO2, and the best proportion of anatase/rutile was 80/20. The band gap energy of the TiO2 was 3.01 eV. We demonstrated that a synergistic effect existed between photocatalysis (PC) and electrocatalysis (EC). Besides, we discussed the influence of pH, current density, the amount of catalyst and initial BCF concentration on the degradation of BCF. Electron spin resonance (ESR) through spin trap 5, 5‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrroline‐N‐oxide (DMPO) and the scavenging experiments suggested that the reactive oxygen species (ROS) were superoxide radicals (), hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and sulfate radical () in PEC system. Furthermore, we compared the two pathway of formation DMPO‐SO4 adducts and found that was the most major oxidized species in degrading BCF. We proposed a plausible reaction mechanism. Intriguingly, even under lower current and weaker light conditions, the PEC process maintained its effectiveness, demonstrating the feasibility of the PEC approach.
Curcumin‐Functionalized Ag/Ag2O Nanocomposites: Efficient Visible‐Light Z‐scheme Photocatalysts
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Verma Alkadevi , Pal Shaili , Sinha Indrajit
Published: February 2018

Curcumin‐functionalized Ag/Ag2O (c‐Ag/Ag2O) nanocomposites with varying proportions of curcumin and Ag/Ag2O were prepared by a simple one pot green synthesis protocol in aqueous medium. The plasmonic band undergoes slight redshift, broadening and decrease in intensity with increase in the proportion of Ag2O formed. These composite nanoparticles were found to be efficient visible‐light photocatalysts for aerobic oxidation of methyl orange and rhodamine B (RhB). Functionalization by curcumin significantly enhanced the photocatalytic activity with good reusability. The photocatalytic oxidation rate showed super linear increase with light intensity because of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)‐induced strong near field. The trapping experiments confirmed that superoxide radicals were the main active species responsible for the degradation reaction. A plasmonic Z‐scheme photocatalytic mechanism is proposed to explain the possible charge transfer and separation behavior of electron–hole pairs among Ag, Ag2O and curcumin under visible‐light irradiation.
Negative Partisanship: Why Americans Dislike Parties But Behave Like Rabid Partisans
Authors: Abramowitz Alan I. , Webster Steven W.
Published: February 2018

One of the most important developments in American politics over the last 40 years has been the rise of negative partisanship—the phenomenon whereby Americans largely align against one party instead of affiliating with the other. Though it has the power to reshape patterns of political behavior, little is known about the microfoundations driving negative partisanship. In this article, we show how the growing racial divide between the two major parties, as well as the presence of partisan‐friendly media outlets, have led to the rise of negative partisanship. We also utilize the growing literature on personality and politics to show how the Big Five personality traits are predictive of negative partisanship. The results suggest that the psychological roots of negative partisanship are both widespread and, absent drastic individual and structural‐level changes, likely to persist.
The “Prejudiced Personality” and the Origins of Partisan Strength, Affective Polarization, and Partisan Sorting
Authors: Luttig Matthew D.
Published: February 2018

Over the last few decades, the American public has become more strongly partisan, affectively polarized, and sorted (i.e., aligned their partisanship with their policy preferences). This article presents a theory of partisanship in contemporary American politics as rooted in “the prejudiced personality”: need for closure. Based on uncertainty‐identity theory and the theory of groups as epistemic providers, I argue that today's polarized parties are more appealing to individuals high in the need for closure, causing them to (1) identify strongly with their party, (2) to be intolerant of members of the opposing party, and (3) to conform to partisan authorities (i.e., to sort). The current article examines both observational and experimental data in assessing the effects of need for closure on partisan strength, affective polarization, and sorting. I conclude by discussing the normative implications of a mass public driven not by ideology or worldviews but by a group‐centric and prejudiced cognitive style.
One Tribe to Bind Them All: How Our Social Group Attachments Strengthen Partisanship
Authors: Mason Lilliana , Wronski Julie
Published: February 2018

“Social sorting” is a concept used by Mason () to explain the process by which individuals' social identities grow increasingly aligned with a partisan identity, reducing social cross‐pressures on political behavior. Roccas and Brewer () have found that individuals who feel fewer cross‐pressures more strongly identify with their ingroups and are less tolerant of outgroups. Accordingly, we create “objective” and “subjective” measures of social sorting to help identify the mechanism by which individual partisans connect social sorting to partisanship in the CCES and a nonprobability Internet sample. As racial, religious, and ideological identities have cumulatively moved into greater alignment with Democratic and Republican identities in recent decades, American partisans have grown increasingly identified with their parties due to the psychological effects of identity alignment captured in objective and subjective sorting mechanisms. However, we find that this effect is more powerful among Republicans than among Democrats, due to the general social homogeneity of the Republican party. Contrary to the assessments of modern political punditry, Republicans are more susceptible to identity‐based politics.
Is hospitalisation necessary? A survey of frail older persons with cognitive impairment transferred from nursing homes to the emergency department
Authors: Björck Maria , Wijk Helle
Published: February 2018

Background

Providing care for frail older persons is complex and demanding, and the transfer of older persons with cognitive impairment to the emergency department is associated with a high risk of them developing complications.

Aim

To survey the most ill and frail older persons with cognitive impairment who were transferred from nursing homes to the emergency department, considering reasons for referral, symptoms and actions taken at the hospital.

Method

A retrospective descriptive survey, conducting a review of 588 referral notes and medical records, analysed and presented with descriptive statistics and visualised with typical case narratives.

Findings

The persons who were transferred to the emergency department were frail with complex symptomology. When reviewing the medical records in the light of criteria for avoidable hospitalisation, 75% of the patients could have been examined and treated at the nursing homes or in primary care.

Conclusion

Frail older persons with cognitive impairment, who are in need of end‐of‐life care, should be prevented from unnecessary hospitalisation. The majority of these transfers to the emergency department can be avoided if there is better planning beforehand, more specially trained nurses in elderly care in the municipalities, and more physicians making house calls.
Survivors’ experiences of consequences and recovery five years after a major bus crash
Authors: Doohan Isabelle , Gyllencreutz Lina , Björnstig Ulf , Saveman Britt‐Inger
Published: February 2018

Rationale

There is a lack of long‐term follow‐up studies focused on injured and uninjured survivors’ experiences of the recovery process after major traffic crashes.

Aim

To explore all survivors’ experiences of long‐term physical and psychological consequences and recovery 5 years after a major bus crash.

Methodological design and justification

A qualitative design was used to explore experiences in a 5‐year follow‐up study.

Research methods

Participants were 54 survivors of a bus crash with 56 survivors and six fatalities. Telephone interviews were analysed with qualitative content analysis.

Results

The first category, ‘Being resilient or suffering in daily life’, has four subcategories covering quick recovery, suffering in daily life, distress in traffic situations and long‐term pain. Reasons for quick recovery among survivors were previous crisis experiences, travelling alone, being uninjured and not being exposed to traumatic impressions. For the other survivors, being reminded of the crash caused disturbing reactions, such as sweating, anxiety and flashbacks. Survivors avoided going by bus if they could. A group of the injured survivors was still suffering from limiting and painful injuries. The second category, ‘Reassessing oneself and social connections’, has three subcategories covering self‐awareness, impact on relationships and connectedness. Survivors either developed a stronger bond to their significant other or separated from their partner within the first couple of years. Friendships and a sense of connectedness among survivors were sources of long‐lasting comfort and support. The theme overarching the categories is ‘Visible and existential marks in everyday life’, representing the various ways in which the crash influence the survivors’ lives.

Conclusion

There is a need for more information about disruptive long‐lasting consequences, such as travel anxiety, and available treatments. Initially, health‐promoting connectedness can be facilitated by treating survivors as a group of people who belong together, from the day of the crash and throughout the recovery process.
How to achieve a collaborative approach in health promotion: preferences and ideas of users of mental health services
Authors: Pals Regitze Anne Saurbrey , Hempler Nana Folmann
Published: February 2018

Background

Collaborative approaches to consensus building or decision‐making are beneficial in health‐promoting activities targeting users of mental health services (users). However, little is known about how to achieve a collaborative approach in practice.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to explore: (1) users’ preferences and ideas related to achieving a collaborative approach in health‐related communication and (2) perspectives of healthcare and social work professionals and family members on users’ ideas and preferences.

Methods

Data were collected through interactive workshops with users (n = 15), professionals (n = 21) and users’ family members (n = 12). Data were analysed using systematic text condensation.

Results

Users provided three recommendations for establishing a collaborative approach in communication about health: (1) involving users in deciding the agenda and setting for health‐promoting activities; (2) exchanging knowledge between users and professionals about health and values; and (3) exploring users’ motivation for change. Users and professionals had diverging perceptions of the value of establishing a collaborative approach. Professionals regarded relationship building and health promotion as separate phenomena, whereas users perceived relationship building as inherently health promoting. Family members of users requested specific guidance and support with regard to clarifying and fulfilling the best possible support role as a family member.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that a collaborative approach in health promotion may be difficult to achieve without a focus on professional development for healthcare and social work professionals.
Interprofessional learning in ambulatory care
Authors: Saunders Rosemary , Dugmore Helen , Seaman Karla , Singer Rachel , Lake Fiona
Published: February 2018

Background

Interprofessional practice amongst health care professionals can facilitate effective collaboration and can improve health outcomes for patients. Interprofessional clinical placements have mainly been established within inpatient settings; however, ambulatory care settings can also provide interprofessional education. This study evaluates an interprofessional placement in ambulatory care for medical and nursing students.

Methods

Medical and nursing students undertook a 2‐week interprofessional placement in respiratory, diabetes and chronic pain clinics, as well as within the patient's home. An electronic post‐placement survey including 14 fixed‐response and five open‐ended questions was conducted to evaluate the students’ experiences.

Results

Ninety‐two students undertook the interprofessional placement: 74% were medical students and 26% were nursing students. The overall response rate was 81%. Students strongly supported the model of clinical supervision with the nurse educator and teaching registrar working collaboratively to facilitate the placement. Both medical and nursing students felt that the placement facilitated the development of interprofessional principles, with 78.7% agreeing or strongly agreeing with the statement ‘the clinical placement allowed me to reflect on interprofessional learning and practice’. In terms of future practice, 67% of medical students and 81% of nursing students agreed that ‘this placement has altered how [they] will practice as a professional in the future’.

Interprofessional practice can facilitate effective collaboration and can improve health outcomes for patients

Discussion

Medical and nursing students found that the ambulatory care setting facilitated a mix of learning opportunities that complemented learning from the inpatient setting, and the interactions with other health professionals provided a valuable learning experience that contributed to their understanding of interprofessional practice.
OsNAC2 positively affects salt‐induced cell death and binds to the OsAP37 and OsCOX11 promoters
Authors: Mao Chanjuan , Ding Jialin , Zhang Bin , Xi Dandan , Ming Feng
Published: February 2018

Plant development and adaptation to environmental stresses are intimately associated with programmed cell death (PCD). Although some of the mechanisms regulating PCD [e.g., accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)] are common among responses to different abiotic stresses, the pathways mediating salt‐induced PCD remain largely uncharacterized. Here we report that overexpression of OsNAC2, which encodes a plant‐specific transcription factor, promotes salt‐induced cell death accompanied by the loss of plasma membrane integrity, nuclear DNA fragmentation, and changes to caspase‐like activity. In OsNAC2‐knockdown lines, cell death was markedly decreased in response to severe salt stress. Additionally, OsNAC2 expression was enhanced in rice seedlings exposed to a high NaCl concentration. Moreover, the results of quantitative real‐time PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation, dual‐luciferase, and yeast one‐hybrid assays indicated that OsNAC2 targeted genes that encoded an ROS scavenger (OsCOX11) and a caspase‐like protease (OsAP37). Furthermore, K+‐efflux channels (OsGORK and OsSKOR) were clearly activated by OsNAC2. Overall, our results suggested that OsNAC2 accelerates NaCl‐induced PCD and provide new insights into the mechanisms that affect ROS accumulation, plant caspase‐like activity, and K+ efflux.
Why has export diversification been so hard to achieve in Africa?
Authors: Mosley Paul
Published: February 2018

This paper addresses two research issues to which Chris Milner has contributed: the role of trade policy in economic development, and the particular development case of Mauritius. On the first issue, the focus is on understanding why so few low‐income countries, especially in Africa, have achieved a sustained level of export diversification. The paper argues that the standard “Washington Consensus” advice on trade policy placed too much emphasis on liberalisation alone and neglected the important role of government policy, in particular the potential to use targeted input subsidies to support the development of export sectors. Mauritius is then discussed as an example of relatively successful subsidy policies that enabled diversification of exports: indeed the only African country to achieve this in a sustained manner. Subsidies are not advocated as a panacea, and it is recognised that they are not always feasible or effective, but they can be part of an export diversification strategy that supports economic growth.
The challenge of youth employment in Asia: Lessons from four fast‐growing economies
Authors: McKay Andy , Mussida Chiara , Veruete Leticia
Published: February 2018

The situation of youth in relation to the labour market is a matter of serious concern for many governments, and an issue of increasing focus in international policy discussions. This paper draws on comparable school to work transition survey data to examine the nature of youth employment in four important and generally successful Asian economies that are relatively engaged in international trade, though to varying extents: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal and Vietnam. In all four, many young people continue to be engaged in self‐employment or unpaid family work; while in some cases, this may reflect the lack of opportunities for wage work in the formal sector, often such outcomes may be positive choices on the part of the young people. The availability of formal jobs for young people varies across the four countries, with the extent and diversity of industrialisation or exports being one important factor, as well as the level of education. In Vietnam, the country most advanced in these areas, the availability of formal jobs is significantly greater than in the other countries and is large on an international scale, while in Bangladesh and Cambodia, the textiles and garment sectors have played an important role in creating formal work opportunities, especially for females.
Relationships between crater and sputtered material characteristics in large gas cluster sputtering of polymers: Results from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Delcorte Arnaud , Moshkunov Konstantin , Debongnie Mathieu
Published: February 2018

This molecular dynamics study focuses on the relationships between the sputtered volume and the crater size and shape as a function of scaled energy, upon a 45° incidence of (Ar)n and (CH4)n clusters on an amorphous solid made of 1.4 kDa polymers [CH3-(CH2)97-CH3]. The cluster sizes were in the range of 10–104 and their kinetic energies, between 2.5 and 15 keV. The craters were satisfactorily approximated by semiellipsoids. First, our results show that the crater shape is a complex function of the projectile composition, number of constituents (nuclearity), and energy. This dependence can be presented as a single “universal” curve by plotting the crater volume, scaled by the projectile nuclearity or mass, versus the projectile energy scaled in the same way. Second, the ratio of the sputter yield volume Yv over the crater volume V varies monotonically with the scaled energy, so that large impact craters are still formed under 0.025 eV/amu bombardment with almost no ejection, but only material displacement on the surface. While the sputtered material originates mostly from the top third of the crater at high scaled energy, the ejection is limited to surface molecules at low energy. This implies that large, slow clusters in addition to softer emission should provide more surface sensitivity for cluster-based molecular analysis. Finally, the relation between the craters and sputtering for ultrathin layers (2–15 nm) on a rigid substrate indicates that a maximum of sputtering efficiency is reached for 4 nm films in the case of 10 keV Ar3000 projectiles at 45° incidence.
Initial reactions of ultrathin HfO2 films by in situ atomic layer deposition: An in situ synchrotron photoemission spectroscopy study
Authors: Kim Seok Hwan , Song Wooseok , Jeon In Su , Lee Sun Sook , Chung Taek-Mo , An Ki-Seok
Published: February 2018

An in-depth exploration of the initial reaction and interfacial characteristics of ultrathin HfO2 films was implemented using in situ atomic layer deposition (ALD) and synchrotron radiation photoemission spectroscopy (SRPES). A newly developed Hf(mp)4 [mp = 3-methyl-3-pentoxide, OC(CH3)(C2H5)2] precursor, and H2O were adopted for the ALD of ultrathin HfO2. During the ALD process, the chemical composition and energy bandgap below the Fermi level of the HfO2 thin film were investigated at each cycle of the precursors by in situ measurements of SRPES. The Hf 4f, O 1s, and Si 2p core level and valence band spectra suggested that the initial ALD reactions yielded a Si suboxide and Hf silicate over three ALD cycles. An observation of the abnormal phenomena originating from the interfacial layer between HfO2 and Si revealed that the uniform HfO2 thin films exhibited a sufficient valence band offset as an insulating layer, which ensured that the valance band offset between Si 3p and O 2p reached to 2.78 eV over three ALD cycles, which coincided with that of the typical HfO2/Si structures.
Thriving on Pressure: A Factor Mixture Analysis of Sport Performers’ Responses to Competitive Encounters
Authors: Brown Daniel J. , Arnold Rachel , Standage Martyn , Fletcher David
Published: February 2018

Although considerable research exists on performers’ responses to sporting encounters, little is known about thriving in sport contexts. The current study examined if distinct response patterns existed between sport performers who thrived in competitive encounters compared with those who did not. Participants were 535 sport performers (134 women; Mage = 23.60 years, SDage = 8.08; Mcompeting = 11.84 years, SDcompeting = 7.11). Results of factor mixture analysis supported a four-profile solution comprising a thriving group (n = 146), a low-functioning group (n = 38), and two groups characterized by scores marginally above (n = 131) and below (n = 209) the sample mean. Profile membership was found to be predicted by personal enablers (viz., personal resilient qualities, psychological skills use) and process variables (viz., basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration, challenge appraisal). This examination of thriving in sport performers offers significant implications for research and practice.
Thermal proximity coaggregation for system-wide profiling of protein complex dynamics in cells
Authors: Tan Chris Soon Heng , Go Ka Diam , Bisteau Xavier , Dai Lingyun , Yong Chern Han , Prabhu Nayana , Ozturk Mert Burak , Lim Yan Ting , Sreekumar Lekshmy , Lengqvist Johan , Tergaonkar Vinay , Kaldis Philipp , Sobota Radoslaw M. , Nordlund Pär
Published: February 2018

Taking the heat together

Many of the processes in living cells are mediated by protein complexes that dynamically assemble and dissociate depending on cellular needs. Tan
et al.
developed a method called thermal proximity coaggregation (TPCA) to monitor the dynamics of native protein complexes inside cells (see the Perspective by Li
et al.
). The method is based on the idea that proteins within a complex will coaggregate upon heat denaturation. It uses a previously described cellular shift assay to determine melting curves for thousands of proteins and assigns a TPCA signature on the basis of similarity between the curves. The method was validated by detection of many known protein complexes. It identified cell-specific interactions in six cell lines, highlighting the potential for identifying protein complexes that are modulated by disease.

Science
, this issue p.
1170
; see also p.
1105
Structural basis for the interaction between the cell polarity proteins Par3 and Par6
Authors: Renschler Fabian A. , Bruekner Susanne R. , Salomon Paulin L. , Mukherjee Amrita , Kullmann Lars , Schütz-Stoffregen Mira C. , Henzler Christine , Pawson Tony , Krahn Michael P. , Wiesner Silke
Published: February 2018

The association between the polarity proteins Par6 and Par3 requires a motif in Par6 that binds to two of the PDZ domains in Par3.
A Proof-of-Concept Study of the Efficacy of Systemically Administered Polymyxins in Mouse Burn Wound Infection Caused by Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Pathogens
Authors: Lin Yu-Wei , Chen Ke , Wang Jiping , Velkov Tony , Zhou Qi Tony , Li Jian
Published: February 2018

The efficacy of subcutaneously administered polymyxins against burn wound infections caused by
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
,
Acinetobacter baumannii
, and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
was examined in a murine infection model. Subcutaneously administered colistin and polymyxin B (30 mg/kg thrice daily) achieved a ≥2-log
10
reduction in the bacterial load for
P. aeruginosa
and
A. baumannii
infections, whereas wound infections by
K. pneumoniae
were less responsive (<1-log
10
reduction). This study highlights the potential therapeutic benefits of parenteral polymyxins for treating burn wound infections.
Temporal and Regional Variability in the Skin Microbiome of Humpback Whales along the Western Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Bierlich K. C. , Miller Carolyn , DeForce Emelia , Friedlaender Ari S. , Johnston David W. , Apprill Amy
Published: February 2018

The skin is the first line of defense between an animal and its environment, and disruptions in skin-associated microorganisms can be linked to an animal's health and nutritional state. To better understand the skin microbiome of large whales, high-throughput sequencing of partial small subunit rRNA genes was used to study the skin-associated bacteria of 89 seemingly healthy humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) sampled along the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) during early (2010) and late (2013) austral summers. Six core groups of bacteria were present in 93% or more of all humpback skin samples. A shift was observed in the average relative abundances of these core bacteria over time, with the emergence of four additional core groups of bacteria that corresponded to a decrease in water temperature, possibly caused by season- or foraging-related changes in skin biochemistry that influenced microbial growth, or other temporal factors. The skin microbiome differed between whales sampled at several regional locations along the WAP, suggesting that environmental factors or population may also influence the whale skin microbiome. Overall, the skin microbiome of humpback whales appears to provide insight into animal- and environment-related factors and may serve as a useful indicator for animal health or ecosystem alterations.

IMPORTANCEThe microbiomes of wild animals are currently understudied but may provide information about animal health and/or animal-environment interactions. In the largest sampling of any marine mammal microbiome, this study demonstrates conservation in the skin microbiome of 89 seemingly healthy humpback whales sampled in the Western Antarctic Peninsula, with shifts in the bacterial community composition related to temporal and regional variability. This study is important because it suggests that the skin microbiome of humpback whales could provide insight into animal nutritional or seasonal/environment-related factors, which are becoming increasingly important to recognize due to unprecedented rates of climate change and anthropogenic impact on ocean ecosystems.
Vaccinia Virus C9 Ankyrin Repeat/F-Box Protein Is a Newly Identified Antagonist of the Type I Interferon-Induced Antiviral State
Authors: Liu Ruikang , Moss Bernard
Published: February 2018

Type I interferons (IFNs) induce expression of more than 300 cellular genes that provide protection against viruses and other pathogens. For survival, viruses evolved defenses to prevent the IFN response or counteract the IFN-induced antiviral state. However, because viruses and cells coevolved, the dynamic relationship between virus and host is difficult to discern. In the present study, we demonstrated that vaccinia virus with a large deletion near the left end of the genome had a diminished ability to replicate in cells that had been pretreated with beta interferon (IFN-β), suggesting that one or more of the missing 17 open reading frames (ORFs) encode an antagonist of the IFN-induced antiviral state. By systematically deleting groups of ORFs and then individual ORFs, the C9L gene was shown to be required for IFN resistance. Replication of the C9L deletion mutant (vΔC9) was impaired in human cells that had been pretreated with IFN-β. Expression of viral early genes occurred, but subsequent events, including genome uncoating, genome replication, and postreplicative gene expression, were inhibited. Expression of the C9 protein occurred prior to genome replication, consistent with an early role in counteracting the IFN-induced antiviral state. C9 contains six ankyrin repeat motifs and a near C-terminal F-box. Mass spectrometry and immunoblotting identified host proteins that copurified with a functional epitope-tagged C9. The most abundant proteins were components of the SCF (CUL1, SKP1, F-box) and signalosome/deneddylation complexes, which interact with each other, suggesting a possible role in proteolysis of one or more interferon-induced proteins.

IMPORTANCEPoxviruses comprise a family of large DNA viruses that replicate in the cytoplasm of vertebrate and insect hosts and cause human and zoonotic diseases. In most cases the primary infection is moderated by innate immune defenses. Vertebrates, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, all produce type I interferon homologs. In humans, interferon stimulates the synthesis of more than 300 proteins thought to have roles in host defense. Conversely, viruses have evolved means to thwart the host defenses. We are attempting to deconstruct the established virus-host relationship in order to better understand the molecular mechanisms involved. In the present study, we identified a vaccinia virus gene that prevents interferon-mediated inhibition of very early stages of viral replication and is conserved in orthopoxviruses. The viral protein was shown to interact with host proteins involved in proteolysis, suggesting that vaccinia virus may subvert the cellular apparatus for its own defense.
Maraviroc Is Associated with Latent HIV-1 Reactivation through NF-κB Activation in Resting CD4+T Cells from HIV-Infected Individuals on Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Madrid-Elena Nadia , García-Bermejo María Laura , Serrano-Villar Sergio , Díaz-de Santiago Alberto , Sastre Beatriz , Gutiérrez Carolina , Dronda Fernando , Coronel Díaz María , Domínguez Ester , López-Huertas María Rosa , Hernández-Novoa Beatriz , Moreno Santiago
Published: February 2018

Maraviroc is a CCR5 antagonist used in the treatment of HIV-1 infection. We and others have suggested that maraviroc could reactivate latent HIV-1. To test the latency-reversing potential of maraviroc and the mechanisms involved, we performed a phase II, single-center, open-label study in which maraviroc was administered for 10 days to 20 HIV-1-infected individuals on suppressive antiretroviral therapy (EudraCT registration no. 2012-003215-66). All patients completed full maraviroc dosing and follow-up. The primary endpoint was to study whether maraviroc may reactivate HIV-1 latency, eliciting signaling pathways involved in the viral reactivation. An increase in HIV-1 transcription in resting CD4+T cells, estimated by levels of HIV-1 unspliced RNA, was observed. Moreover, activation of the NF-κB transcription factor was observed in these cells. To elucidate the mechanism of NF-κB activation by maraviroc, we have evaluated in HeLa P4 C5 cells, which stably express CCR5, whether maraviroc could be acting as a partial CCR5 agonist, with no other mechanisms or pathways involved. Our results show that maraviroc can induce NF-κB activity and that NF-κB targets gene expression by CCR5 binding, since the use of TAK779, a CCR5 inhibitor, blocked NF-κB activation and functionality. Taking the results together, we show that maraviroc may have a role in the activation of latent virus transcription through the activation of NF-κB as a result of binding CCR5. Our results strongly support a novel use of maraviroc as a potential latency reversal agent in HIV-1-infected patients.

IMPORTANCEHIV-1 persistence in a small pool of long-lived latently infected resting CD4+T cells is a major barrier to viral eradication in HIV-1-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy. A potential strategy to cure HIV-1-infection is the use of latency-reversing agents to eliminate the reservoirs established in resting CD4+T cells. As no drug has been shown to be completely effective so far, the search for new drugs and combinations remains a priority for HIV cure. We examined the ability of maraviroc, a CCR5 antagonist used as an antiretroviral drug, to activate latent HIV-1 in infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy. The study showed that maraviroc can activate NF-κB and, subsequently, induce latent HIV-1-transcription in resting CD4+T cells from HIV-1-infected individuals on suppressive antiretroviral therapy. Additional interventions will be needed to eliminate latent HIV-1 infection. Our results suggest that maraviroc may be a new latency-reversing agent to interfere with HIV-1 persistence during antiretroviral therapy.