bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PET/CT to detect adverse reactions to metal debris in patients with metal‐on‐metal hip arthroplasty: an exploratory prospective study
Authors: Aro Erik , Seppänen Marko , Mäkelä Keijo T. , Luoto Pauliina , Roivainen Anne , Aro Hannu T.
Published: December 2017

Metal‐on‐metal (MoM) bearings in total hip arthroplasties and hip resurfacing arthroplasties have recently shown a new type of complication: adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD). ARMD is characterized by local severe inflammation and tissue necrosis leading to implant failures. The gluteal muscle region is important for the patient outcome after revision surgery. This prospective positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) study was undertaken to evaluate the characteristics of 2‐deoxy‐2‐[18F]fluoro‐d‐glucose ([18F]FDG) and [68Ga]Gallium citrate ([68Ga]Citrate) PET/CT in ARMD patients. [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Citrate PET/CT were performed in 18 hip arthroplasty patients: 12 ARMD patients (with 16 MoM hips) and six arthroplasty controls without ARMD. Tracer uptake was evaluated visually, and maximum standardized uptake (SUVmax) was measured in the gluteal muscle region. ARMD severity was graded by metal artefact reduction sequence‐magnetic resonance imaging (MARS‐MRI). Periprosthetic [18F]FDG uptake was observed in 15 of 16 hips, [68Ga]Citrate uptake in three of 16 hips, respectively. The distribution of tracer uptake resembled infection in three hips. In the gluteal muscle region, the SUVmax of [18F]FDG was significantly greater in hips with moderate and severe ARMD compared with the controls (P = 0·009 for [18F]FDG and P = 0·217 for [68Ga]Citrate). In patients who needed revision surgery, an intraoperative finding of gluteal muscle necrosis was associated with increased local SUVmax as detected by preoperative [18F]FDG (P = 0·039), but not by [68Ga]Citrate (P = 0·301). In conclusion, the inflammatory reaction to metal debris in hip arthroplasty patients is best visualized with [18F]FDG.
Correcting for bias in distribution modelling for rare species using citizen science data
Authors: Robinson Orin J. , Ruiz‐Gutierrez Viviana , Fink Daniel
Published: December 2017

Aim

To improve the accuracy of inferences on habitat associations and distribution patterns of rare species by combining machine‐learning, spatial filtering and resampling to address class imbalance and spatial bias of large volumes of citizen science data.

Innovation

Modelling rare species’ distributions is a pressing challenge for conservation and applied research. Often, a large number of surveys are required before enough detections occur to model distributions of rare species accurately, resulting in a data set with a high proportion of non‐detections (i.e. class imbalance). Citizen science data can provide a cost‐effective source of surveys but likely suffer from class imbalance. Citizen science data also suffer from spatial bias, likely from preferential sampling. To correct for class imbalance and spatial bias, we used spatial filtering to under‐sample the majority class (non‐detection) while maintaining all of the limited information from the minority class (detection). We investigated the use of spatial under‐sampling with randomForest models and compared it to common approaches used for imbalanced data, the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE), weighted random forest and balanced random forest models. Model accuracy was assessed using kappa, Brier score and AUC. We demonstrate the method by evaluating habitat associations and seasonal distribution patterns using citizen science data for a rare species, the tricoloured blackbird (Agelaius tricolor).

Main Conclusions

Spatial under‐sampling increased the accuracy of each model and outperformed the approach typically used to direct under‐sampling in the SMOTE algorithm. Our approach is the first to characterize winter distribution and movement of tricoloured blackbirds. Our results show that tricoloured blackbirds are positively associated with grassland, pasture and wetland habitats, and negatively associated with high elevations or evergreen forests during both winter and breeding seasons. The seasonal differences in distribution indicate that individuals move to the coast during the winter, as suggested by historical accounts.
Policing men: militarised masculinity, youth livelihoods, and security in conflict‐affected northern Uganda
Authors: Tapscott Rebecca
Published: December 2017

Relations between militaries and masculinities—and hegemonic masculinity and the state—are well‐established in the literature on gender and development. However, there is less research on how militarised masculinities relate to state governance strategies. This paper, based on qualitative research conducted in northern Uganda between 2014 and 2017, offers a gender analysis of youths participating in informal security arrangements. Civilian male youths accept poorly paid or unpaid work in the informal security sector in the hope of gaining access to livelihoods that will enable them to fulfil masculine ideal‐types. However, this arrangement denies them the resources necessary to achieve the ideal‐type of civilian masculinity, as well as the state's military masculinity, which produces young men as subjects of the ruling regime. To reconfigure this relationship between civilian and militarised masculinities, one should understand informal security organisations in the context of alternative livelihood arrangements and take a long‐term approach to the demilitarisation of the Ugandan state.
Women survivors and their children born of wartime sexual violence in northern Uganda
Authors: Atim Teddy , Mazurana Dyan , Marshak Anastasia
Published: December 2017

Girls and women who bear children owing to wartime sexual violence committed by armed actors face challenges in gaining acceptance on return to their families and societies. This study analyses the lives of women survivors and their children born of wartime sexual violence in Uganda. It draws on a population‐based survey of 1,844 households in the Acholi and Lango sub‐regions of northern Uganda, as well as on in‐depth qualitative interviews conducted in 2014 and 2015 with 67 purposefully selected women survivors of wartime sexual violence. The study finds that: stigma is linked to broader gender discriminatory sociocultural norms and practices and changes under different circumstances; women's economic agency is essential to reducing stigma; households with members who suffered war‐related sexual violence experienced significantly higher rates of violence post conflict than did other households; and the passage of time is less of a determining factor in their acceptance and reintegration than previously thought.
Injecting without pressing a button: An exploratory study of a shield‐triggered injection mechanism
Authors: Zijlstra Eric , Coester Hans‐Veit , Heise Tim , Plum‐Mörschel Leona , Rasmussen Ole , Rikte Tord , Pedersen Line Kynemund , Qvist Marianne , Sparre Thomas
Published: December 2017

Aims

To evaluate the injection success and user perception of a shield‐triggered pen‐injector mechanism.

Methods

The trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02627287) was an exploratory, two‐centre, one‐visit, open‐label, randomized controlled trial conducted in Germany in 150 injection‐experienced individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Participants self‐administered subcutaneous injections of a placebo solution using a prototype shield‐triggered pen‐injector, DV3316 (Novo Nordisk, Bagsvaerd, Denmark), and FlexPen (Novo Nordisk, Bagsvaerd, Denmark). Injection success was evaluated on a yes/no basis by the investigator. Participant confidence, leakage of fluid and pain were evaluated after each injection. Pain and device experience were assessed after completion of all injections with each pen‐injector. Overall preference was assessed after completion of all injections with both pen‐injectors.

Results

Injection success was high with both pen‐injectors (97.0%, DV3316 vs 99.7%, FlexPen). Participant confidence in dose delivery was similar for the two devices (88% of injections with DV3316 vs 81% with FlexPen were scored as “extremely confident”). The median injection pain score on a visual analogue scale (0‐100) was 3 with DV3316 vs 4 with FlexPen after each injection, and 4 with DV3316 vs 5 with FlexPen after all injections with each device. After all injections were completed, 55% of participants reported an overall preference for DV3316 vs 21% for FlexPen.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that injection‐experienced individuals can achieve a high injection success rate with a shield‐triggered pen‐injector, with similar patient confidence and injection pain compared with FlexPen.
Significance of isolated papillary muscle hypertrophy: A comparison of left ventricular hypertrophy diagnosed using electrocardiography vs echocardiography
Authors: Nomura Namiko , Tani Tomoko , Konda Toshiko , Kim Kitae , Kitai Takeshi , Nomoto Natsumi , Suganuma Naoko , Nakamura Hitomi , Sumida Toshiaki , Fujii Yoko , Kawai Junichi , Kaji Shuichiro , Furukawa Yutaka
Published: December 2017

Aims

The clinical significance of papillary muscle hypertrophy and its electrocardiography (ECG) findings has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ECG findings and papillary muscle hypertrophy and to confirm the importance of papillary muscle measurements on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).

Methods and Results

Of the 237 consecutive patients who showed left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) pattern on a 12‐lead ECG, TTE data were available for 101 patients. The patients were divided into the two groups according to the presence (ECG‐LVH [strain pos] group, n = 60) or absence (ECG‐LVH [strain neg] group, n = 41) of LV strain pattern (study 1). The prevalence of papillary muscle hypertrophy using TTE was significantly higher in the ECG‐LVH (strain neg) group than in the ECG‐LVH (strain pos) group (P = .0002). Of the 42 cases with papillary muscle hypertrophy, 5 cases (12%) showed isolated papillary muscle hypertrophy with normal geometry. ECG data were prospectively analyzed for 36 patients who were diagnosed with papillary muscle hypertrophy by TTE (study 2). The prevalence of LV strain pattern was significantly higher in patients with LV wall hypertrophy than in those without LV wall hypertrophy (P = .04). Of the 25 cases with papillary muscle hypertrophy, 6 cases (24%) showed normal geometry and 4 cases (16%) showed ECG abnormality.

Conclusions

Isolated papillary muscle hypertrophy can cause ECG abnormalities such as LV high voltage and LV strain pattern. Particular attention must be paid to the papillary muscle during echocardiographic examinations.
Experimental and statistical study of saturated hydraulic conductivity and relations with other soil properties of a desert soil
Authors: Gamie R. , De Smedt F.
Published: December 2017

Agricultural expansion in the Kharga Oasis, in the western desert of Egypt, depends strongly on irrigation. Soil hydraulic conductivity is therefore a key property for reclaiming desert land and planning irrigation schemes. Soil samples collected at 10‐m intervals in a 120 m by 120 m plot were analysed for hydraulic conductivity together with 12 other basic physical and chemical soil properties. The resulting data were analysed statistically using Pearson correlation, principal component analysis and linear regression. The hydraulic conductivity values varied over four orders of magnitude and, because of the saline–sodic nature of the soil, were about two orders of magnitude smaller than what is generally reported in the literature for similar soil textures. Results showed that the hydraulic conductivity was correlated significantly with soil variables that relate to soil structure, such as wilting point, field capacity and SAR, and less to variables that relate to soil texture, such as silt and clay fractions. Pedotransfer functions for hydraulic conductivity were derived by stepwise multiple linear regression and fitted by residual maximum likelihood. The first model was based directly on soil properties, whereas the second model was based on principal components. Both models showed that part of the variation in hydraulic conductivity encountered in the field could be explained, but with large uncertainty probably resulting from sampling and measurement errors, randomness and soil heterogeneity, or other soil properties that were not observed. The most significant predictors for the first model were wilting point, SAR and silt fraction. The second model used the first two principal components of the soil variables as predictors, the first one related to soil structure and the second to soil texture.

Highlights

We analysed relations between saturated hydraulic conductivity and other basic soil properties.

Principal component analysis showed that the variation in hydraulic conductivity is related to soil structure.

A pedotransfer function predicted hydraulic conductivity from wilting point, sodium adsorption ratio and silt fraction.

A pedotransfer function was derived from principal components one and two related to structure and texture, respectively.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with stroke severity and progression of brainstem infarctions
Authors: Li H. , Hu B. , Wei L. , Zhou L. , Zhang L. , Lin Y. , Qin B. , Dai Y. , Lu Z.
Published: December 2017

Background and purpose

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely correlated to visceral obesity, dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We sought to assess the association between a specific stroke subgroup, brainstem infarctions (BSIs) and NAFLD. Furthermore, we evaluated whether NAFLD is an independent risk factor in patients with BSIs.

Methods

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease was assessed in 306 patients with radiologically confirmed BSIs via liver ultrasound. Differences between patients with and without NAFLD were compared. Data associated with stroke severity and progression after admission were collected.

Results

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease was found in 130 (42.5%) patients with acute BSIs; 58 (19.0%) had National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores >7 and 57 (18.6%) had progression after admission. Initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores, incidence of progression and stroke severity, and modified Rankin Scale scores at discharge were significantly higher in patients with NAFLD than in those without NAFLD. NAFLD was associated with stroke severity [Cox regression: hazard ratio (HR), 2.243; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.254–4.013, P < 0.01]. This risk remained statistically significant after controlling for age, gender, diabetes mellitus and C‐reactive protein (HR, 2.327; 95% CI, 1.252–4.324, P < 0.01). In addition, NAFLD was associated with progression (HR, 2.155; 95% CI, 1.201–3.865, P < 0.05) and remained significant after controlling for age, gender, diabetes mellitus, fibrinogen and C‐reactive protein (HR, 2.378; 95% CI, 1.260–4.486, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

These results suggest that NAFLD is a potential risk factor when evaluating the severity and progression of acute BSIs. This relationship is independent of classic risk factors and metabolic syndrome features.
A high parasite density environment induces transcriptional changes and cell death in Plasmodium falciparum blood stages
Authors: Chou Evelyn S. , Abidi Sabia Z. , Teye Marian , Leliwa‐Sytek Aleksandra , Rask Thomas S. , Cobbold Simon A. , Tonkin‐Hill Gerry Q. , Subramaniam Krishanthi S. , Sexton Anna E. , Creek Darren J. , Daily Johanna P. , Duffy Michael F. , Day Karen P.
Published: December 2017

Transient regulation of Plasmodium numbers below the density that induces fever has been observed in chronic malaria infections in humans. This species transcending control cannot be explained by immunity alone. Using an in vitro system we have observed density dependent regulation of malaria population size as a mechanism to possibly explain these in vivo observations. Specifically, Plasmodium falciparum blood stages from a high but not low‐density environment exhibited unique phenotypic changes during the late trophozoite (LT) and schizont stages of the intraerythrocytic cycle. These included in order of appearance: failure of schizonts to mature and merozoites to replicate, apoptotic‐like morphological changes including shrinking, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and blebbing with eventual release of aberrant parasites from infected erythrocytes. This unique death phenotype was triggered in a stage‐specific manner by sensing of a high‐density culture environment. Conditions of glucose starvation, nutrient depletion, and high lactate could not induce the phenotype. A high‐density culture environment induced rapid global changes in the parasite transcriptome including differential expression of genes involved in cell remodeling, clonal antigenic variation, metabolism, and cell death pathways including an apoptosis‐associated metacaspase gene. This transcriptional profile was also characterized by concomitant expression of asexual and sexual stage‐specific genes. The data show strong evidence to support our hypothesis that density sensing exists in P. falciparum. They indicate that an apoptotic‐like mechanism may play a role in P. falciparum density regulation, which, as in yeast, has features quite distinguishable from mammalian apoptosis.

Database

Gene expression data are available in the GEO databases under the accession number GSE91188.
Study of the effect of heat treatment on fatigue crack growth behaviour of 316L stainless steel produced by selective laser melting
Authors: Fergani O. , Bratli Wold A. , Berto F. , Brotan V. , Bambach M.
Published: December 2017

This study is focused on stainless steel type 316L produced by selective laser melting (SLM). This steel is very resistant to corrosion in acidic environments and has extremely good strength properties at elevated temperatures. It is also characterized by a very good weldability. These properties allow for various applications of 316L in different fields. The widespread application of 316L opens up various possibilities for production of parts using SLM. Therefore, it is important to characterize the fatigue crack growth behaviour. In the present paper, the crack growth behaviour of SLM 316L stainless steel has been investigated in its as‐built condition and in different heat treatment conditions. The effect of build orientation on the crack growth path is also studied by performing fatigue crack growth tests on compact tension specimens built at 0° and 45° orientations relative to the build direction. A heat treatment above the recrystallization temperature followed by quenching is shown to create compressive residual stresses that improve the resistance against crack propagation considerably. The 45° build orientation shows crack propagation at an angle to the initial notch plane, which reveals that anisotropy still persists after heat treatment.
Corporate Governance, Tax Avoidance, and Financial Constraints
Authors: Bayar Onur , Huseynov Fariz , Sardarli Sabuhi
Published: December 2017

We examine how corporate governance affects the relationship between corporate tax avoidance and financial constraints. Conditional on having poor governance, tax avoidance is associated with greater financial constraints and a greater likelihood of financial distress. In firms with strong governance, however, we find that tax avoidance does not have a negative impact on financial constraints. Our results suggest that tax avoidance is a less useful source of financing for constrained firms when they are plagued with potential agency problems and opaque information environments. Stronger governance mechanisms can help firms mitigate the negative consequences of tax avoidance.
Intra‐annual patterns of coastal larval fish assemblages along environmental gradients in the northeastern Mediterranean
Authors: Mavruk Sinan , Bengil Fethi , Yüksek Ahsen , Özyurt Caner Enver , Kiyağa Volkan Barış , Avşar Dursun
Published: December 2017

To date, little is known about the larval‐fish assemblages (LFAs) in the eastern Mediterranean. The purpose of this study is to investigate the intra‐annual variations of LFAs with an emphasis on the effects of physical, chemical, biological and meteorological conditions in the gulf of Iskenderun, which is a shallow (100 m maximum depth), semi‐enclosed bay located in the northeastern corner of the Mediterranean. The gulf is under the influence of offshore waters throughout the year. The study was based on an ichthyoplankton survey program performed at 28 stations over 12 months, between November 2009 and October 2010. During the study, a total of 11,411 larval individuals belonging to 177 taxa were sampled. The jackknife estimate of maximum species richness was 225 ± 19 for the study area. The maximum larval richness (84 species) and abundance (827 larvae/10 m2) values coincided with spring bloom in April. Gobiids dominated the ichthyoplankton of Iskenderun Bay by constituting 9% of species richness and 42% of total individuals. Four LFAs were identified which were in early winter (November to January), late winter (February and March), spring (April to June) and summer (July to October). The intra‐annual variations of richness, abundance and composition of ichthyoplankton were significantly correlated with the temperature and mesozooplankton biomass. The wind conditions and thermal stratification were also significantly correlated with the composition of LFAs. In conclusion, phenology of LFAs were formed under the influence of physical and tropho‐dynamic conditions in Iskenderun Bay, Northeastern Mediterranean.
Projections of nutrient supply to a wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) seaweed farm on the Sanriku Coast of Japan
Authors: Kakehi Shigeho , Naiki Kimiaki , Kodama Takuya , Wagawa Taku , Kuroda Hiroshi , Ito Shin‐Ichi
Published: December 2017

Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) aquaculture is one of the major fishery industries on the Sanriku Coast of Japan. Low concentrations of nutrients in the autumn, when the germinated wakame sporophytes are installed at aquaculture facilities, induce defective growth, resulting in withering. To determine the characteristics of the nutrient variations in this region, we conducted hydrographic measurements off the coast of Iwate Prefecture. The measured results showed that in the autumn, vertical mixing pumped nutrients from the deeper layers to the mixed layer, where nutrients had been depleted during the summer. Based on these results, we developed a one‐dimensional model incorporating vertical mixing by atmospheric cooling to project the vertical distribution of the nutrient concentrations. By conducting ensemble calculations, we created a probability projection calendar for the nutrient supply up to 50 days ahead. This information was provided to wakame farmers before they installed the germinated sporophytes. The projected probability calculated from the initial conditions on 11 October 2016 was 0% until 25 October and gradually increased to 85% on 30 November. The nitrate concentration detected by an ultraviolet nitrate sensor moored at a wakame farm revealed that the nutrient concentrations reached a critical threshold on 18 November. The projected probability on that date was 75%; therefore, the projection was successful. The observed temporal evolution of the temperature, salinity, and nutrient concentrations was well reproduced by our model. The information obtained using this model is expected to reduce the risk of wakame withering and improve the efficiency of wakame production.
Temperature‐driven selection on metabolic traits increases the strength of an algal–grazer interaction in naturally warmed streams
Authors: Schaum C. Elisa ,   Student Research Team, ffrench‐Constant Richard , Lowe Chris , Ólafsson Jón S. , Padfield Daniel , Yvon‐Durocher Gabriel
Published: December 2017

Trophic interactions are important determinants of the structure and functioning of ecosystems. Because the metabolism and consumption rates of ectotherms increase sharply with temperature, there are major concerns that global warming will increase the strength of trophic interactions, destabilizing food webs, and altering ecosystem structure and function. We used geothermally warmed streams that span an 11°C temperature gradient to investigate the interplay between temperature‐driven selection on traits related to metabolism and resource acquisition, and the interaction strength between the keystone gastropod grazer, Radix balthica, and a common algal resource. Populations from a warm stream (~28°C) had higher maximal metabolic rates and optimal temperatures than their counterparts from a cold stream (~17°C). We found that metabolic rates of the population originating from the warmer stream were higher across all measurement temperatures. A reciprocal transplant experiment demonstrated that the interaction strengths between the grazer and its algal resource were highest for both populations when transplanted into the warm stream. In line with the thermal dependence of respiration, interaction strengths involving grazers from the warm stream were always higher than those with grazers from the cold stream. These results imply that increases in metabolism and resource consumption mediated by the direct, thermodynamic effects of higher temperatures on physiological rates are not mitigated by metabolic compensation in the long term, and suggest that warming could increase the strength of algal–grazer interactions with likely knock‐on effects for the biodiversity and productivity of aquatic ecosystems.
Treatment‐related changes after short‐term exposure of SD rats to Aloe vera whole‐leaf freeze‐dried powder
Authors: Chen Tao , Wang Li , Hu Chunyan
Published: December 2017

Aloe vera is a widely used natural herb from which many sorts of commercial products have been derived using different preparation technologies. Aloe whole‐leaf powder is one of the most popular subtypes. The long‐term impact of aloe products has already been reported; however, there have been few studies about short‐term exposure, and especially about the relative impact of Aloe vera whole‐leaf freeze‐dried powder (AWFP). To provide more toxicological data and to document the early changes induced by AWFP, in this study 120 SD rats were divided into four groups (control and 400/1200/2000 mg/kg treatment groups) and were administered AWFP once daily by oral gavage for 28 consecutive days, followed by a two week recovery phase. The results showed that AWFP could induce soft/loose changes in faeces. Significantly decreased white blood cell (WBC) counts, associated with reduced lymphocyte counts were also noted. The relative organ weight, including both organ‐to‐body weight ratio and organ‐to‐brain weight ratio of kidneys, was significantly increased in 2000 mg/kg compared with that in controls. Histopathologically, pigmentation in the kidneys and increased mucosal thickness in colon were also noted in a dose response groups. Other changes observed in the study were not considered to be treatment related, and 400 mg/kg was considered as the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level. The study provided clear evidence of treatment‐related changes with a short‐term exposure to AWFP. This is also the first report of the early colon morphologic changes associated with stool changes noted previously in‐life phase, providing additional toxicity data which will contribute to our understanding about the short‐term usage of AWFP as a remedy.
Lip service: Public mental health services and the care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Authors: Molloy Luke , Lakeman Richard , Walker Kim , Lees David
Published: December 2017

The failure of public mental services in Australia to provide care deemed culturally safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has persisted despite several national reports and policies that have attempted to promote positive service change. Nurses represent the largest professional group practising within these services. This article reports on a multisited ethnography of mental health nursing practice as it relates to this group of mental health service users. It explores the beliefs and ideas that nurses identified about public mental health services and the services they provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. During the fieldwork, mental health nurses described the constricting effect of the biomedical paradigm of mental illness on their abilities to provide authentic holistic care focused on social and emotional well‐being. Despite being the most numerous professional group in mental health services, the speciality of mental health nursing appears unable to change this situation and in many cases maintain this status quo to the potential detriment of their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service users.
Therapeutic relationships, risk, and mental health practice
Authors: Felton Anne , Repper Julie , Avis Mark
Published: December 2017

Despite significant changes to mental health services, nurses remain the professional group most likely to be in close contact with people who experience mental health problems. A core part of the contemporary identity of the mental health nurse is one who is able to provide acceptance and support for an individual's recovery through the therapeutic relationship. Yet there have always been some tensions with the mental health nursing role that can appear to challenge this relational focus. An increasing prominence of risk management in mental health care can position mental health nurses as responsible for enacting restrictions and has reignited interest in the role of mental health professionals in social control. This paper reports on one part of a multiple case study, which aimed to explore mental health professionals’ experiences of such tensions in the context of decision‐making. Interviews and observations were undertaken in acute ward and assertive outreach settings. Findings suggested that risk dominated decision‐making to such an extent it defined the way service users were understood and treated. A distant relationship between professionals and service users helped to create and maintain this situation. There needs to be a greater focus on service users’ subjective experiences in the decision‐making process to challenge the definition of people with mental health problems as risky.
Climatic factors shape plastic trade‐offs in the polyphenic black scavenger fly Sepsis thoracica (Diptera: Sepsidae)
Authors: Busso Juan Pablo , Blanckenhorn Wolf U.
Published: December 2017

Aim

Trade‐offs allow individuals to optimize their fitness by tailoring the investment into different traits to variable environmental conditions, such as along geographical gradients. Trade‐offs thus can help in adjusting to changing thermal and insolation profiles, especially in small ectotherms, whose body temperature typically follows environmental temperatures closely. Two traits usually involved in latitudinal adaptation are body size and melanism. Since both traits are costly, individuals need to optimize investment into each trait. Here, we studied how environmental factors influence this trade‐off in the short and long‐term.

Location

Europe.

Methods

We raised flies from 15 latitudinal populations at three constant temperatures in a laboratory common garden to differentiate plastic and evolutionary responses to temperature. We further analysed how the different insolation components of the populations’ habitats influenced the evolution of the trade‐off.

Results

Male Sepsis thoracica (Diptera: Sepsidae) feature a sigmoid relationship between melanism and body size, defining two strikingly different male morphs: obsidian (small and black) and amber (large and orange). This relationship was altered by the developmental temperature, documenting its plasticity. The relationship further evolved across populations in response to the environmental characteristics of their habitat, notably temperature, insolation and UV radiation, suggesting that plasticity also has an underlying genetic basis. Nevertheless, melanism, but not body size, merely slightly increased with latitude.

Main conclusions

As the plastic and evolutionary responses of the relationship to temperature differed, plasticity does not necessarily follow the direction of evolution of this trade‐off, but rather adds to it. Our study evinces the role of several environmental factors in shaping the evolution of a plastic melanism—body size relationship defining a rare male polymorphism in temperate sepsid flies.
Inefficient NGO labels: Strategic proliferation and fragmentation in the market for certification
Authors: Heyes Anthony , Martin Steve
Published: December 2017

Nongovernmental organization (NGO) certification is a prerequisite for corporate engagement in enhanced social behaviors in many settings. Labels with broad scope (like “sustainability”) coexist with niche competitors much narrower in scope (like “bird‐friendliness”). When NGOs compete for adoptions, the wrong suite of schemes emerges, providing a rationale for regulation. An incumbent NGO may strategically narrow the breadth of its label to deter entry of competing schemes, reducing welfare. Even when entry is accommodated, welfare is compromised. Modeling multi‐issue competition between NGOs allows us to be the first to analyze label fragmentation and provide a novel perspective on proliferation that has frustrated practitioners.
Bioinformatics analysis to identify possible mechanisms of action of curcumin against tea geometrid
Authors: Zhang L. L. , Song X. Q. , Wang L. , Lee Y. M. , Yuan H. Y. , Jing Sh. L.
Published: December 2017

Curcumin, a bright yellow chemical produced from curcuma longa root, is an effective insecticide, but how it works against pests such as tea geometrid (E. obliqua) is unclear. Here possible protein targets of curcumin were identified in the PubChem database, and possible targets in tea geometrid were identified using RNA sequencing; then, both sets of candidate targets were subjected to Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. The results predict that curcumin may affect several signalling proteins in tea geometrid, including TOP2B, TP53, MDM4, YWHAB, TOP2A, MDM2 and EP300; these proteins are involved in key biological processes including the cell cycle; DNA replication, recombination and repair; cellular assembly and organization; and cell death and survival. These results illustrate the power of integrative informatics and chemical fragment analysis for focusing mechanistic studies of botanical insecticides.
Complex systems thinking in emergency medicine: A novel paradigm for a rapidly changing and interconnected health care landscape
Authors: Widmer Matthew A. , Swanson R. Chad , Zink Brian J. , Pines Jesse M.
Published: December 2017

Introduction

The specialty of emergency medicine is experiencing the convergence of a number of transformational forces in the United States, including health care reform, technological advancements, and societal shifts. These bring both opportunity and uncertainty.

21st Century Challenges

Persistent challenges such as the opioid epidemic, rising health care costs, misaligned incentives, patients with multiple chronic diseases, and emergency department crowding continue to plague the acute, unscheduled care system.

Reductionism and Complex Systems Thinking

The traditional approach to health care practice and improvement–reductionism–is not adequate for the complexity of the twenty‐first century. Reductionist thinking will likely continue to produce unintended consequences and suboptimal outcomes. Complex systems thinking provides a perspective and set of tools better suited for the challenges and opportunities facing public health in general, and emergency medicine more specifically.

Implications for Emergency Medicine

This article introduces complex systems thinking and argues for its application in the context of emergency medicine by drawing on the history of the circumstances surrounding the formation of the specialty and by providing examples of its application to several practice challenges.
Effect of high‐pressure homogenization on the flow properties of citrus peel fibers
Authors: Zhu Xindi , Lundberg Brock , Cheng Yanling , Shan Lei , Xing Junjie , Peng Peng , Chen Paul , Huang Xiangzhong , Li Dong , Ruan Roger
Published: December 2017

In this study, high‐pressure homogenization process with two different pressures (90 MPa/13,000 psi and 160 Mpa/23,000 psi) was used to pretreat the citrus peels fiber. Soybean oil was added to the citrus peels fiber before high‐pressure homogenization process, and the effect of four different percentages (0, 50%, 150%, and 300%) of oil to fiber on behaviors and physical properties were measured. Shear cell technique was used to measure the flowability index and powder cohesion of these powder samples. The physical properties, including particle size in suspension liquid, bulk density and scanning electron microscopy images of powder were also measured to ascertain the relationship between the structural changes and the flow property variation. The results show that the high‐pressure homogenization process can change the granular structures and produce large quantities of tiny pores on the surface of the citrus fiber. Meanwhile, the particle size in suspension liquid and bulk density of powder decreased after this treatment. With the increase of the ratios of oil to fiber, the flowability index decreased and the powder cohesion increased. For the physical properties, the bulk density improved and the particle size in suspension liquid decreased; simultaneously, the number of pores on the surface of the fiber increased. Altering pressure for the high‐pressure homogenization process also change the microstructure and flow properties which presented lower particle size in suspension liquid and higher bulk density.

Practical applications

This simple and low cost process can efficiently and effectively improve the physical, chemical, and functional properties of various fibrous materials, including surface area, water holding capacity, texture, viscosity, etc. Therefore, this process can be used to develop new value‐added products and ingredients from various agricultural fibrous byproducts, such as fruit peers or pulps, seed coats, straws and leaves, etc. In addition, these new value‐added ingredients can still be classified into the clean label category that is highly significant to the quality and healthy food market.
G5G2.5 core‐shell tecto‐dendrimer specifically targets reactive glia in brain ischemia
Authors: Murta Veronica , Schilrreff Priscila , Rosciszewski Gerardo , Morilla Maria Jose , Ramos Alberto Javier
Published: December 2017

Secondary neuronal death is a serious stroke complication. This process is facilitated by the conversion of glial cells to the reactive pro‐inflammatory phenotype that induces neurodegeneration. Therefore, regulation of glial activation is a compelling strategy to reduce brain damage after stroke. However, drugs have difficulties to access theCNS, and to specifically target glial cells. In the present work, we explored the use core‐shell polyamidoamine tecto‐dendrimer (G5G2.5PAMAM) and studied its ability to target distinct populations of stroke‐activated glial cells. We found that G5G2.5 tecto‐dendrimer is actively engulfed by primary glial cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner showing high cellular selectivity and lysosomal localization. In addition, oxygen‐glucose deprivation or lipopolysaccharides exposurein vitroand brain ischemiain vivoincrease glial G5G2.5 uptake; not being incorporated by neurons or other cell types. We conclude that G5G2.5 tecto‐dendrimer is a highly suitable carrier for targeted drug delivery to reactive glial cellsin vitroandin vivoafter brain ischemia.

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The origins of the circumventricular organs
Authors: Kiecker Clemens
Published: December 2017

The circumventricular organs (CVOs) are specialised neuroepithelial structures found in the midline of the brain, grouped around the third and fourth ventricles. They mediate the communication between the brain and the periphery by performing sensory and secretory roles, facilitated by increased vascularisation and the absence of a blood‐brain barrier. Surprisingly little is known about the origins of the CVOs (both developmental and evolutionary), but their functional and organisational similarities raise the question of the extent of their relationship. Here, I review our current knowledge of the embryonic development of the seven major CVOs (area postrema, median eminence, neurohypophysis, organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, pineal organ, subcommissural organ, subfornical organ) in embryos of different vertebrate species. Although there are conspicuous similarities between subsets of CVOs, no unifying feature characteristic of their development has been identified. Cross‐species comparisons suggest that CVOs also display a high degree of evolutionary flexibility. Thus, the term ‘CVO’ is merely a functional definition, and features shared by multiple CVOs may be the result of homoplasy rather than ontogenetic or phylogenetic relationships.
Causal relationship of hepatic fat with liver damage and insulin resistance in nonalcoholic fatty liver
Authors: Dongiovanni P. , Stender S. , Pietrelli A. , Mancina R. M. , Cespiati A. , Petta S. , Pelusi S. , Pingitore P. , Badiali S. , Maggioni M. , Mannisto V. , Grimaudo S. , Pipitone R. M. , Pihlajamaki J. , Craxi A. , Taube M. , Carlsson L. M.S. , Fargion S. , Romeo S. , Kozlitina J. , Valenti L.
Published: December 2017

Background and Aims

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is epidemiologically associated with hepatic and metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to examine whether hepatic fat accumulation has a causal role in determining liver damage and insulin resistance.

Methods

We performed a Mendelian randomization analysis using risk alleles in PNPLA3, TM6SF2, GCKR and MBOAT7, and a polygenic risk score for hepatic fat, as instruments. We evaluated complementary cohorts of at‐risk individuals and individuals from the general population: 1515 from the liver biopsy cohort (LBC), 3329 from the Swedish Obese Subjects Study (SOS) and 4570 from the population‐based Dallas Heart Study (DHS).

Results

Hepatic fat was epidemiologically associated with liver damage, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension. The impact of genetic variants on liver damage was proportional to their effect on hepatic fat accumulation. Genetically determined hepatic fat was associated with aminotransferases, and with inflammation, ballooning and fibrosis in the LBC. Furthermore, in the LBC, the causal association between hepatic fat and fibrosis was independent of disease activity, suggesting that a causal effect of long‐term liver fat accumulation on liver disease is independent of inflammation. Genetically determined hepatic steatosis was associated with insulin resistance in the LBC and SOS. However, this association was dependent on liver damage severity. Genetically determined hepatic steatosis was associated with liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and with a small increase in risk of type 2 diabetes in publicly available databases.

Conclusion

These data suggest that long‐term hepatic fat accumulation plays a causal role in the development of chronic liver disease.
Advanced Pediatric Neurosonography Techniques: Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography, Elastography, and Beyond
Authors: Hwang Misun , Riggs Becky J. , Katz Joseph , Seyfert Donna , Northington Frances , Shenandoah Robinson , Burd Irina , McArthur Justin , Darge Kassa , Thimm Matthew A. , Huisman Thierry A.G.M.
Published: December 2017

Recent technical advances in neurosonography continue broadening the diagnostic utility, sensitivity, and specificity of ultrasound for detecting intracranial abnormalities bed side. The clinical and functional applications of neurosonography have significantly expanded since the 1980s when transcranial Doppler sonography first allowed anatomic and hemodynamic delineation of the intracranial vessels through the thin temporal skull. In the past few years, contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography, elastography, 3D/4D reconstruction tools, and high‐resolution microvessel imaging techniques have further enhanced the diagnostic significance of neurosonography. Given these advances, a thorough familiarity with these new techniques and devices is crucial for a successful clinical application allowing improved patient care. It is essential that future neurosonography studies compare these advanced techniques against the current “gold standard” computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to assure the accuracy of their diagnostic potential. This review will provide a comprehensive update on currently available advanced neurosonography techniques.
Evaluating the Association of Tooth Form of Maxillary Central Incisors with Face Shape Using AutoCAD Software: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Mehndiratta Aditi , Bembalagi Mahantesh , Patil Raghunath
Published: December 2017

Purpose

To assess the different forms of maxillary central incisors (MCI) and determine their association with the shape of the face for men and women.

Materials and Methods

A total of 200 subjects (100 women, 100 men) aged between 18 and 30 years with healthy dentition were randomly selected from K.L.E. V.K Institute of Dental Sciences, Belagavi, India. Two standardized photographs (portrait and shape of the MCI) were taken for each subject and opened in AutoCAD 2009 software that was used to prepare technical drawings of face and tooth forms. The dental ratios (extent of line TA: extent of line TB) obtained after the tracings, were classified as tapered (≤0.61), ovoid (>0.61 and <0.69), or square (≥0.70). This classification was used to relate tooth form to the shape of the face and compare the form of MCI between men and women. Association between the shape of the MCI and the face was determined by Chi‐square test using R 3.3.1 software.

Results

The most prevalent tooth form among the subjects was ovoid (women, 32%; men, 31%) followed by tapered (women, 13%; men, 16%). The least prevalent shape was square (women, 5%; men, 3%). The most prevalent face shape was tapered (women, 34%; men, 25%) followed by ovoid (women, 15%; men, 22%) and the least prevalent was square (women, 1%; men, 3%). An association between face shape and tooth form was statistically not significant.

Conclusion

The most prevalent tooth form in both men and women was ovoid, and the least prevalent was square. The association between face shape and tooth form was not significant and did not abide by William's “Law of Harmony.” However, there was an association between face shape and gender.
What is adolescent polycystic ovary syndrome?
Authors: Peña Alexia S , Metz Michael
Published: December 2017

The diagnostic criteria for adolescent polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been derived from adult criteria, which makes diagnosis challenging as criteria include normal physiological events that occur during puberty such as acne, hirsutism, menstrual irregularities, high androgen levels and polycystic ovarian morphology on pelvic ultrasound. The only criteria that applies from the adult criteria is exclusion of other conditions that mimic PCOS. Clinical findings consistent with hyperandrogenaemia during adolescence include inflammatory acne, hirsutism, alopecia and/or menstrual irregularities, which are severe and present 2 years after menarche. The measurement of androgen levels during adolescence should take into account age, puberty, type of androgen measured, assay used and diurnal rhythm. Multiple measurements are useful to demonstrate hyperandrogenaemia. The combination, severity and persistence of the hyperandrogenic symptoms and hyperandrogenaemia in girls 2 years or more post‐menarche support the diagnosis of adolescent PCOS. Adolescent girls with these findings should be followed up into adulthood.