bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of atorvastatin on autophagy in skeletal muscles of diabetic rats
Authors: Yang Bingquan , Sun Jie , Yuan Yang , Sun Zilin
Published: December 2017

Aims/Introduction

Atorvastatin is usually used to decrease the amount of fatty substances in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, it can cause side‐effects, such as breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. The present study focused on the effects of atorvastatin on autophagy of the skeletal muscles in diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods

Diabetes in rats in the diabetic (D) and atorvastatin (T) groups was induced using streptozotocin (65 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection). Next, rats in the T group were treated with atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/day, intragastric administration), whereas rats in the control and D groups were given water. Additionally, the rats in T and D groups were fed a high‐fat and high‐sugar diet for 10 weeks. Subsequently, the histopathological changes, and expression levels of microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)‐I/‐II and p62 in the skeletal muscle specimens in the three groups were analyzed.

Results

Rats in the T group had reduced lipid droplets, cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein (P < 0.05) levels than those in the D group. Disordered atrophic myocytes, incrassated vascular walls and decreased cross‐sectional area of type I fibers were found using hematoxylin–eosin and adenosine triphosphatase staining in the D and T groups. The messenger ribonucleic acid and protein levels of LC3‐II and the LC3‐II/LC3‐I ratio were increased in the T group compared with those in the other groups (P < 0.05), whereas the protein level of p62 showed the opposite trend.

Conclusions

Atorvastatin enhanced the autophagy level of skeletal muscles to decrease lipid deposition, which possibly exacerbated myopathy.
Hydrogen peroxide bleaching induces changes in the physical properties of dental restorative materials: Effects of study protocols
Authors: Yu Hao , Zhang Chang‐yuan , Wang Yi‐ning , Cheng Hui
Published: December 2017

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of study protocols on the effects of bleaching on the surface roughness, substance loss, flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), Weibull parameters, and color of 7 restorative materials.

Materials and Methods

The test materials included 4 composite resins, 1 glass‐ionomer cement, 1 dental ceramic, and 1 polyacid‐modified composite. The specimens were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 20) according to different study protocols: a bleaching group at 25°C (group 25B), a bleaching group at 37°C (group 37B), a control group at 25°C (group 25C), and a control group at 37°C (group 37C). The specimens in the bleaching group were treated with 40% hydrogen peroxide for 80 min at the respective environmental temperatures. The surface roughness, substance loss, FS, FM, and color of the specimens were measured before and after treatment. FS data were also subjected to Weibull analysis, which was used to estimate of the Weibull modulus (m) and the characteristic strength (σ0).

Results

Surface roughness increased and significant color changes were observed for all tested specimens after bleaching treatment, except for the ceramic. After bleaching at 37°C, the polyacid‐modified composite showed significantly reduced FS, FM, m, and σ0 values in comparison to the control specimens stored at 37°C in whole saliva. Significant differences were also found between the 37B and 25B polyacid‐modified composite groups in terms of surface roughness, FS, m, σ0, and color changes.

Conclusions

Varying effects of bleaching on the physical properties of dental restorative materials were observed, and the influences of the study protocols on bleaching effects were found to be material‐dependent.

Clinical Significance

The influence of study protocols on the effects of bleaching on the surface roughness, flexural properties, and color of dental restorative materials are material‐dependent and should be considered when evaluating the effects of bleaching on dental restorative materials.
The impact of different heating temperatures on physicochemical, color attributes, and antioxidant activity parameters of Greek honeys
Authors: Karabagias Vassilios K. , Karabagias Ioannis K. , Gatzias Ilias
Published: December 2017

The objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of different heating temperatures (40 °C, 45 °C, and 80 °C) on specific physicochemical, color attributes, and antioxidant activity parameters of honeys collected from different geographical and botanical origins, served as the control samples. Physicochemical parameters taken into account were: pH, electrical conductivity, free acidity (FA), and CIE color parameters (L*, a*, b*). The antioxidant activity was estimated using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Finally, total pigment content and browning index values were estimated using spectrometric assays. Results showed that the majority of the investigated parameters were affected by heating temperatures, compared to control samples (p < .05). Based primarily on the color stability of thermally treated samples, mild heating of honey at temperatures between 40 °C and 45 °C was found suitable for increasing its overall antioxidant activity. Conclusively, mild thermal treatment is proposed as an innovative technology for increasing honey antioxidant properties.

Practical Applications

The present research highlights the possible beneficial use of specific heating temperatures on the improvement of physicochemical properties related to unifloral honeys. Data may be implemented in both: market and home‐made applications with the preparation of some soft drinks or beverages, bread breakfast, honey crackers, honey bars, honey chocolates, etc. containing an amount of honey which is thermally pre‐treated in mild temperatures.
Microbial contamination and good manufacturing practices in school kitchen
Authors: Rossi Eliandra Mirlei , Beilke Luniele , Barreto Jessica Fernanda
Published: December 2017

This study evaluated microbial contamination and good manufacturing practices (GMP) in school kitchens. Thus, the kitchen of four municipal schools have been assessed through microbiological analysis performed in their cutting boards (n = 12), kitchen sinks (n = 12), dish cloths (n = 12), hands of food handlers (n = 22), kitchen sponges (n = 12), milk (n = 10), and water (n = 10). A questionnaire was also applied to food handlers in order to access their profiles and get to know their daily practices inside school kitchens. The results this study showed that all samples (surfaces, cutting boards, kitchen sponges, milk, and water) were contaminated with heterotrophic bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus was found on the surface of sinks, dish cloths, cutting boards, and on the hands of food handlers. Fecal coliforms were found on sinks, water, and milk. Results from the survey reveal that food handlers know about GMP, but they do not perform these activities in school kitchens.

Practical applications

The presented study shows that the schools there are failures in good manufacturing practices (GMP), which increase the risks of food contamination. In addition, we also showed microbial contamination on surface, cutting boards, kitchen sponges, and in food (milk and water) on schools which it make a risk for the development of foodborne diseases, since children have a relatively lower immunity than adults, additional safety measures are needed to protect them from foodborne pathogens and high microbial contamination in school. The microbial contamination in schools show that although the food handlers know about GMP, but there is a necessity for correct surface cleaning in food preparation to avoid foodborne illnesses proliferation in schools
Ultrasound surveillance for cholangiocarcinoma in an endemic area: A prove of survival benefits
Authors: Siripongsakun Surachate , Vidhyarkorn Sirachat , Charuswattanakul Sirivipa , Mekraksakit Poemlarp , Sungkasubun Prakongboon , Yodkhunnathum Nuphat , Tangruangkiat Sutthirak , Ritlumlert Napat , Sricharunrat Thaniya , Jaroenpatarapesaj Sirima , Soonklang Kamonwan , Kulthanmanusorn Anond , Auewarakul Chirayu U , Mahidol Chulabhorn
Published: December 2017

Background and Aim

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive malignancy with rapid progression and poor prognosis. Abdominal ultrasound surveillance may detect early‐stage malignancy and improve surgical outcome. However, little data exist on the benefits of abdominal ultrasound surveillance in populations at high risk for CCA development in an endemic area. This study compared survival outcomes of CCA patients recruited through abdominal ultrasound surveillance program and those presented to the hospital independent of surveillance.

Methods

The surveillance population‐based cohort was 4225 villagers in Northern Thailand, aged 30–60 years, who consented to a 5‐year abdominal ultrasound surveillance program, which included interval ultrasound examinations every 6 months. The non‐surveillance cohort was hospital‐based CCA patients diagnosed during April 2007 to November 2015. Numbers of operable tumors, percentages of R0 resection, and survival analyses were compared between the two cohorts.

Results

There were 48 and 192 CCA patients in the surveillance and the non‐surveillance cohorts, respectively. Of these, 37/48 (77.1%) and 22/192 (11.5%) were in an operable stage and R0 resections performed in 36/48 (97.3%) and 14/192 (63.6%), respectively. The median survival in each group was 31.8 and 6.7 months, respectively (with correction of lead time bias) (P < 0.0001). By multivariate analysis, abdominal ultrasound surveillance (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.41; P = 0.012), operable stage (HR = 0.11; P < 0.001), and serum albumin ≥ 3.5 g/dL (HR = 0.42; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with decreased mortality, whereas size of CCA (HR = 1.11; P < 0.001), serum alanine aminotransferase > 40 IU/L (HR = 1.71; P = 0.017), and tumor recurrence (HR = 4.86; P = 0.017) were associated with increased mortality.

Conclusion

Abdominal ultrasound surveillance provided survival benefits and should be considered in areas highly endemic for CCA to reduce mortality.
Financial Literacy and Portfolio Dynamics
Authors: BIANCHI MILO
Published: December 2017

We match administrative panel data on portfolio choices with survey measures of financial literacy. When we control for portfolio risk, the most literate households experience 0.4% higher annual returns than the least literate households. Distinct portfolio dynamics are the key determinant of this difference. More literate households hold riskier positions when expected returns are higher, they more actively rebalance their portfolios and do so in a way that holds their risk exposure relatively constant over time, and they are more likely to buy assets that provide higher returns than the assets that they sell.
Development of an oesophageal stimulation method to elicit swallowing reflex in humans
Authors: Taniguchi H. , Aoyagi Y. , Matsuo K. , Nakagawa K. , Saitoh E.
Published: December 2017

Swallowing reflex is known to be evoked by gastroesophageal regurgitation or oesophageal stimulation in animal studies. However, details regarding the stimulating material, bolus size and stimulation area remain unclear for the stimulation‐induced type of swallowing reflex in humans. Here, we evaluated the effects of different kinds of stimulation via water and air injection of the oesophagus on the initiation of the swallowing reflex. Nine healthy individuals participated in this study. A fibre‐optic endoscope was passed transnasally, and a thin catheter for injection was passed through the other side. The tip of the catheter was placed at the upper, upper middle, lower middle or lower region of the oesophagus, and the rate of injection was controlled at 0.2 mL/s. Swallowing reflex latency was calculated as the time from injection via air or thin/thick fluid until the onset of white‐out in endoscopic images. Reflex latency was significantly shorter when injection occurred at the upper region of the oesophagus than at the lower region, for both thin and thick fluids (P < .01). At the upper region of the oesophagus, the latency was significantly shorter after injection of thin fluid than with thick fluid (P < .05). Injection of air did not induce the swallowing reflex at all sites. These findings suggest that while the swallowing reflex is evoked by stimulation via fluid injection of the oesophagus in humans, sensitivity is greatest in the upper region of the oesophagus compared with the lower region and can vary depending on the injecting material.
The phenylpropanoid pathway affects apple fruit resistance to Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Ma Lijing , He Junhua , Liu Huan , Zhou Huiling
Published: December 2017

Apple fruits are rich in phenolic compounds that may enhance resistance to grey mould disease caused by Botrytis cinerea. Using Malus domestica Borkh. cultivars Fuji and Qinguan, we analysed the contents of total phenols, total flavonoids, eight individual phenolic compounds, H2O2 and O2.− as well as the activities of key enzymes in the phenylpropanoid pathway in the flesh of control and B. cinerea‐inoculated fruits. Chlorogenic acid contents increased for a short period in the less susceptible cultivar Qinguan fruits, but decreased in the disease‐susceptible Fuji fruits. Additionally, ferulic acid production was induced in both cultivars in response to B. cinerea. Furthermore, the activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase, cinnamate 4‐hydroxylase, 4‐coumarate:coenzyme A ligase and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase were differentially induced between the two apple cultivars. Remarkably, the contents of H2O2 and O2.− as well as the activities of enzymes in phenolic metabolism tested in this study were always higher in Qinguan fruits than in Fuji fruits. Our data imply that phenylpropanoid metabolism is closely associated with apple fruit resistance to grey mould disease. These findings may be useful for characterizing the mechanism(s) underlying plant resistance to B. cinerea, with potential implications for the screening of grey mould disease‐resistant apple varieties in breeding programmes.
Two decades of persisting income‐disparities in dental caries among U.S. children and adolescents
Authors: Slade Gary Douglas , Sanders Anne Elizabeth
Published: December 2017

Objective

To describe trends in income disparities in dental caries among U.S. children and adolescents during two decades of fluctuating economic growth.

Methods

Data were from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted in 1988‐1994, 1999‐2004, and 2011‐2014. The number of tooth surfaces with dental caries experience per child was computed for three age groups: 2‐5, 6‐11, and 12‐17 years. Absolute and relative measures of inequality compared caries experience in families below the poverty level with families where income was at least three times the poverty threshold.

Results

Conspicuous, inverse income gradients in dental caries were observed at each time period and in each age group. However, there was no consistent trend or statistically significant change in the degree of inequality between survey periods.

Conclusions

Persisting income disparities in dental caries among U.S. children and adolescents challenge public health dentistry to redouble efforts to redress the inequity.
A 5‐year retrospective audit of prescribing by a critical care outreach team
Authors: Wilson Mark
Published: December 2017

UK prescribing legislation changes made in 2006 and 2012 enabled appropriately qualified nurses to prescribe any licensed medication, and all controlled drugs in schedule 2–5 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, for any medical condition within their clinical competence. Critical Care Outreach nurses who are independent nurse prescribers are ideally placed to ensure that acutely ill patients receive treatment without delay. The perceived challenge was how Critical Care Outreach nurses would be able to safely prescribe for a diverse patient group. This study informs this developing area of nurse prescribing in critical care practice. The aims of the audit were to: identify which medications were prescribed; develop a critical care outreach formulary; identify the frequency, timing and number of prescribing decisions being made; identify if prescribing practice changed over the years and provide information for our continuing professional development. This article reports on data collected from a 5‐year retrospective audit; of prescribing activity undertaken by nine independent nurse prescribers working in a 24/7 Critical Care Outreach team of a 600‐bedded district general hospital in the UK. In total, 8216 medication items were prescribed, with an average of 2·6 prescribed per shift. The most commonly prescribed items were intravenous fluids and analgesia, which were mostly prescribed at night and weekends. The audit has shown that Critical Care Outreach nurse prescribing is feasible in a whole hospital patient population. The majority of prescribing occurred after 16:00 and at night. Further research would be beneficial, particularly looking at patient outcomes following reviews from prescribing critical care outreach nurses. The audit is one of the only long‐term studies that describes prescribing practice in Critical Care Outreach teams in the UK.
Abiotic rather than biotic filtering shapes the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities of European seminatural grasslands
Authors: Van Geel Maarten , Jacquemyn Hans , Plue Jan , Saar Liina , Kasari Liis , Peeters Gerrit , van Acker Kasper , Honnay Olivier , Ceulemans Tobias
Published: December 2017

Although it is well known that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a key role in the functioning of natural ecosystems, the underlying drivers determining the composition ofAMFcommunities remain unclear.

In this study, we established 138 sampling plots at 46 grassland sites, consisting of 26 acidic grasslands and 20 calcareous grasslands spread across eight European countries, to assess the relative importance of abiotic and biotic filtering in drivingAMFcommunity composition and structure in both the grassland soils and in the roots of 13 grassland plant species.

SoilAMFcommunities differed significantly between acidic and calcareous grasslands. In rootAMFcommunities, most variance was attributable to soil variables while very little variation was explained by host plant identity. RootAMFcommunities in host plant species occurring in only one grassland type closely resembled the soilAMFcommunities of that grassland type and the rootAMFcommunities of other host plant species occurring in the same grassland type. The observedAMF–host plants networks were not modular but nested.

Our results indicate that abiotic conditions, rather than biotic filtering through host plant specificity, are the most important drivers in shapingAMFcommunities in European seminatural grasslands.
Side effects during subcutaneous immunotherapy in children with allergic diseases
Authors: Tophof Max A. , Hermanns Anne , Adelt Thomas , Eberle Peter , Gronke Christine , Friedrichs Frank , Knecht Roland , Mönter Ernst , Schöpfer Helmut , Schwerk Nicolaus , Steinbach Jörg , Umpfenbach Hans‐Ulrich , Weißhaar Christian , Wilmsmeyer Brigitte , Bufe Albrecht
Published: December 2017

Background

Allergen‐specific immunotherapy is the only causal form of therapy for IgE‐mediated allergic diseases. Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is considered safe and well tolerated in adults, yet there is less evidence of safety in the pediatric population.

Methods

A non‐interventional prospective observing longitudinal study was carried out to determine the incidence of local and systemic side effects by SCIT, routinely performed in pediatric patients. A total of 581 pediatric patients were observed in 18 study centers between March 2012 and October 2014, recording 8640 treatments and 10 015 injections.

Results

A total of 54.6% of the patients experienced immediate local side effects at least once; delayed local side effects were seen in 56.1%. Immediate systemic adverse reactions occurred in 2.2% of patients; 7.4% experienced delayed systemic side effects. However, severe systemic side effects (grade III in the classification of Ring and Messmer) were seen in 0.03% of all treatments, all appearing within 30 minutes after the injections. No grade IV reactions were observed. In addition, many potential risk factors were investigated, yet only a few were found to be associated with the occurrence of side effects.

Conclusions

Subcutaneous immunotherapy is a safe form of therapy in pediatric patients, with similar rates of local side effects compared to adult patients and low rates of severe systemic side effects. However, local and systemic reactions occurring later than 30 minutes after injection were observed more often than expected, which makes it essential to be attentive on behalf of pediatricians, patients, and parents.
Serum YKL‐40 in workers at an indium‐tin oxide production facility – Reply
Authors: Bonella Francesco , Costabel Ulrich ,   on behalf of all co‐authors
Published: December 2017

See Letter
Individuation in relation to parents as a predictor of career goals and career optimism in emerging adults
Authors: Puklek Levpušček Melita , Rauch Victoria , Komidar Luka
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to examine the associations of Slovenian emerging adults’ individuation characteristics (in relation to mother and father) with career goals and career optimism. We were interested in contributions of age, gender, certainty of study choice, and individuation dimensions when predicting intrinsic/extrinsic career goals and career optimism. The participants provided self‐reports on the Individuation Test for Emerging Adults, the Career Goals Scale and the Career Futures Inventory. The results showed that age did not relate to emerging adults’ career goals; however, older students reported lower career optimism than their younger counterparts. Furthermore, certainty of study choice was the most important predictor of career optimism, and, along with gender, of intrinsic career goals. Emerging adults who reported higher connectedness with both parents and self‐reliance in relation to mother had higher intrinsic career goals, while self‐reliance in relation to mother was positively associated with stronger optimism about an individual's future career. Fear of disappointing both parents significantly contributed to the prediction of extrinsic career goals and optimism, while parental intrusiveness did not add significantly to the prediction of the two measured career outcomes. The study confirmed the correlational effects of positive and negative aspects of individuation on career outcomes in emerging adulthood.
Slow movement resistance training using body weight improves muscle mass in the elderly: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tsuzuku S. , Kajioka T. , Sakakibara H. , Shimaoka K.
Published: December 2017

To examine the effect of a 12‐week slow movement resistance training using body weight as a load (SRT‐BW) on muscle mass, strength, and fat distribution in healthy elderly people. Fifty‐three men and 35 women aged 70 years old or older without experience in resistance training participated, and they were randomly assigned to a SRT‐BW group or control group. The control group did not receive any intervention, but participants in this group underwent a repeat measurement 12 weeks later. The SRT‐BW program consisted of 3 different exercises (squat, tabletop push‐up, and sit‐up), which were designed to stimulate anterior major muscles. Initially, these exercises were performed by 2 sets of 10 repetitions, and subsequently, the number of repetitions was increased progressively by 2 repetitions every 4 weeks. Participants were instructed to perform each eccentric and concentric phase of movement slowly (spending 4 seconds on each movement), covering the full range of motion. We evaluated muscle mass, strength, and fat distribution at baseline and after 12 weeks of training. Changes over 12 weeks were significantly greater in the SRT‐BW group than in the control group, with a decrease in waist circumference, hip circumference, and abdominal preperitoneal and subcutaneous fat thickness, and an increase in thigh muscle thickness, knee extension strength, and hip flexion strength. In conclusion, relatively short‐term SRT‐BW was effective in improving muscle mass, strength, and fat distribution in healthy elderly people.
From dictators to avatars: Furthering social and personality psychology through game methods
Authors: Freedman Gili , Flanagan Mary
Published: December 2017

From football to the ultimatum game to chess to World of Warcraft, games have been used in social and personality psychology research for decades. Games are a unique and powerful method: They are engaging and have the potential to both manipulate and measure psychological constructs. In fact, researchers have used physical games, board games, behavioral economics games, and digital games to study a range of individual differences, interpersonal processes, and social cognitive processes. Furthermore, researchers have the opportunity to create their own games that can be targeted directly toward their topic of interest. Our review provides a primer for social and personality psychologists interested in using existing games or creating new games for their research as a method for understanding attitudes, behaviors, emotions, cognitions, and perceptions.
Experimental Investigation of Vibrational and Acoustic Phenomena for Detecting the Stall and Surge of a Multistage Compressor
Authors: Munari Enrico , D'Elia Gianluca , Morini Mirko , Mucchi Emiliano , Pinelli Michele , Spina Pier Ruggero
Published: December 2017

Nowadays, the operative range limit of compressors is still a key aspect of the research into turbomachinery. In particular, the study of the mass flow rate lower limit represents a significant factor in order to predict and avoid the inception of critical working conditions and instabilities such as stall and surge. The identification of these instabilities and typical precursors of these two phenomena can imply many advantages, in both stationary and aeronautic applications, such as avoiding the loss of production (in industry) and efficiency of systems and reducing the maintenance and repairing cost. Many approaches can be adopted to achieve this target, but one of the most fascinating is the vibro-acoustic analysis of the compressor response during operation. At the Engineering Department of the University of Ferrara, a test bench, dedicated to the study of the performance of an aeronautic turboshaft engine multistage compressor, has been equipped with a high frequency data acquisition system. A set of triaxle accelerometers and microphones, suitable for capturing broad-band vibration and acoustic phenomena, were installed in strategic positions along the compressor and the test rig. A great amount of vibro-acoustic data were first processed through an innovative data analysis technique, and then correlated to the thermodynamic data recorded. Subsequently, the precursor signals of surge were detected and identified demonstrating the reliability of the methodology used for studying compressor instabilities. The experimental data and results offer a valid alternative way of analyzing and detecting unstable compressor behavior characteristics by means of nonintrusive measurements.
Research on MMPA Algorithm for Solving Detailed Depletion Chain With the NUIT Code
Authors: Li Jian , She Ding , Shi Lei
Published: December 2017

In depletion and transmutation calculation, it is important to solve detailed burnup chains with high computational accuracy and efficiency. This requires the good performance of the burnup algorithms. Nuclide inventory tool (NUIT) is a newly developed nuclide inventory calculation code, which is capable of handling detailed depletion chains by implementing various advanced algorithms. Based on the NUIT code, this paper investigates the accuracy and efficiency of the mini-max polynomial approximation (MMPA) method, and compares it with other burnup solvers in NUIT code. It is concluded that the MMPA method is numerically accurate and efficient for dealing with detailed depletion chains with extremely short half-lived nuclides.
Chemical potential–electric double layer coupling in conjugated polymer–polyelectrolyte blends
Authors: Tybrandt Klas , Zozoulenko Igor V. , Berggren Magnus
Published: December 2017

We present a model explaining the characteristics of conjugated polymer–polyelectrolyte blends.
GAPs in early life facilitate immune tolerance
Authors: Al Nabhani Ziad , Eberl Gérard
Published: December 2017

Goblet cells deliver microbial antigens to generate regulatory T cells before and during weaning to induce long-term tolerance to symbionts. See the related research article by

Knoop
et al.
Peripheral inflammation in prodromal Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementias
Authors: King Eleanor , O’Brien John Tiernan , Donaghy Paul , Morris Christopher , Barnett Nicola , Olsen Kirsty , Martin-Ruiz Carmen , Taylor John-Paul , Thomas Alan J
Published: December 2017

Objectives

There is growing evidence for the role of systemic inflammation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases; however the systemic inflammatory profile in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) has never before been investigated. This study aimed to characterise systemic inflammatory mediators in established DLB and AD, as well as in their prodromal, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) phases.

Methods

We obtained plasma samples from patients with DLB (n=37), AD (n=20), MCI with DLB profile (n=38), MCI with AD profile (n=20) and healthy control subjects (n=20). The following inflammatory biomarkers were measured using Roche cobas c702 and Meso Scale Discovery V-Plex Plus: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha.

Results

We found significantly higher levels of IL-10, IL-1beta, IL-4 and IL-2 in both MCI groups (P<0.001), while there was no significant difference in inflammatory markers between dementia groups and controls. Furthermore, increased disease severity was associated with lower levels of IL-1beta, IL-2 and IL-4 (P<0.05).

Interpretation

We have shown for the first time that in both DLB and AD, increased peripheral inflammation occurs early at the MCI disease stages. These data support a role for inflammation early in the disease process, and have important implications for the stage of disease where trials of anti-inflammatory medication should be focused.
Autoimmune nodo-paranodopathies of peripheral nerve: the concept is gaining ground
Authors: Uncini Antonino , Vallat Jean-Michel
Published: December 2017

Peripheral neuropathies are classified as primarily demyelinating or axonal. Microstructural alterations of the nodal region are the key to understand the pathophysiology of neuropathies with antibodies to gangliosides and the new category of nodo-paranodopathy has been proposed to better characterise these disorders and overcome some inadequacies of the dichotomous classification. Recently, the research in autoimmune neuropathies has been boosted by reports of patients carrying immunoglobulin G4 antibodies against paranodal axo–glial proteins with distinct phenotypes and showing loss of transverse bands, terminal myelin loop detachment, nodal widening and axonal loss. These patients have been classified up to now as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy but, in our opinion, better fit into the nodo-paranodopathy category because nerve injury is due to dismantling of the paranode, segmental de-remyelination is absent and the pathogenic mechanism is not inflammatory. Evidence from nerve conductions and electron microscopy studies in patients and mutant animal models can reconcile the apparent contrast between the electrophysiological ‘demyelinating’ features, explainable just by the paranodal involvement and the axonal pathology. These patients broaden the autoimmune nodo-paranodopathy category and re-emphasise the usage of the term that pointing to the site of nerve injury reminds specific pathophysiological mechanisms, reconciles contrasting electrophysiological and pathological findings, and avoids misdiagnosis and taxonomic confusion. In our opinion, the nodo-paranodopathy term more adequately classifies the peripheral nerve disorders due to an autoimmune attack directed and limited to the nodal region integrating the traditional classification of peripheral neuropathies.
Negative affect, message reactance and perceived risk: how do pictorial cigarette pack warnings change quit intentions?
Authors: Hall Marissa G , Sheeran Paschal , Noar Seth M , Boynton Marcella H , Ribisl Kurt M , Parada Jr Humberto , Johnson Trent O , Brewer Noel T
Published: December 2017

Objective

Pictorial warnings on cigarette packs increase motivation to quit smoking. We sought to examine the potential mediating role of negative affect, message reactance (ie, an oppositional reaction to a message) and perceived risk in shaping quit intentions.

Methods

In 2014 and 2015, we randomly assigned 2149 adult US smokers to receive either pictorial warnings or text-only warnings applied to their cigarette packs for 4 weeks. Analyses used structural equation modelling with bootstrapped SEs to test our theorised mediational model.

Findings

Pictorial warnings increased negative affect, message reactance and quit intentions (all P<0.001), but not perceived risk (ie, perceived likelihood and severity of harms of smoking). Negative affect mediated the impact of pictorial warnings on quit intentions (mediated effect=0.16, P<0.001). Message reactance weakened the impact of pictorial warnings on quit intentions, although the effect was small (mediated effect=−0.04, P<0.001). Although pictorial warnings did not directly influence perceived risk, the model showed additional small mediation effects on quit intentions through negative affect and its positive association with perceived risk (mediated effect=0.02, P<0.001), as well as reactance and its negative association with perceived risk (mediated effect=−0.01, P<0.001).

Conclusions

Pictorial cigarette pack warnings increased quit intentions by increasing negative affect. Message reactance partially attenuated this increase in intentions. The opposing associations of negative affect and reactance on perceived risk may explain why pictorial warnings did not lead to observable changes in perceived risk.
Thirty-Day Readmission Rate and Costs After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the United States
Authors: Tripathi Avnish , Abbott J. Dawn , Fonarow Gregg C. , Khan Abdur R. , Barry Neil G. , Ikram Sohail , Coram Rita , Mathew Verghese , Kirtane Ajay J. , Nallamothu Brahmajee K. , Hirsch Glenn A. , Bhatt Deepak L.
Published: December 2017

Background—

The association of short-term readmissions after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on healthcare costs has not been well studied.

Methods and Results—

The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Readmission Database encompassing 722 US hospitals was used to identify index PCI cases in patients ≥18 years old. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to examine the factors associated with risk of 30-day readmission and higher cumulative costs. We evaluated 206 869 hospitalized patients who survived to discharge after PCI from January through November 2013 and analyzed readmissions over 30 days after discharge. A total of 24 889 patients (12%) were readmitted within 30 days, with rates ranging from 6% to 17% across hospitals. Among the readmitted patients, 13% had PCI, 2% had coronary artery bypass surgery, and 3% died during the readmission. The most common reasons for readmission included nonspecific chest pain/angina (24%) and heart failure (11%). Mean cumulative costs were higher for those with readmissions ($39 634 versus $22 058;
P
<0.001). The multivariable analyses showed that readmission increased the log
10
cumulative costs by 45% (β: 0.445;
P
<0.001). There was no significant difference in cumulative costs by the type of insurance.

Conclusions—

In a national sample of inpatient PCI cases, 30-day readmissions were associated with a significant increase in cumulative costs. The majority of readmissions were because of low-risk chest pain that did not require any intervention. Ongoing effort is warranted to recognize and mitigate potentially preventable post-PCI readmissions.
A “Window-Angler”
Authors: Siebert Conrad
Published: December 2017

The following article. translated by a senior British Police Officer. whose contributions to this Journal are signed with the initials “A.M.”, is published by kind permission of the Editor of “Kriminalistik”
Motoring
Authors: Gott John
Published: December 2017

Our Motoring Correspondent discusses Safety Harness, which has been much in the news recently, and gives his impressions of a sports-tourer which has been successfully used for police work.
The Scottish Police College
Authors: Kinnear S. A.
Published: December 2017

In our Commentary in January of this year, we recorded the opening by Her Majesty the Queen of new buildings at Tulliallan Castle. In this article, the Commandant describes them in detail and discusses their use. The photographs are reproduced by kind permission of the Ministry of Works.
Mock Auctions — Legal or Illegal?
Authors: Hammond F.
Published: December 2017

With the holiday season again upon us, the following article is of special topical interest. The detailed account which the author gives of measures taken against this particularly mean type of offence will be valuable to officers concerned with protecting the public against it.
Measurements for Evidence
Authors: Tanner J. A. N.
Published: December 2017

This article results from the author, a surveyor, having had experience of taking measurements after a traffic accident.
The Licensing Act, 1961: 1
Authors: Jempson Keith
Published: December 2017

Chief Inspector Jempson deals in this article with Part I and some of Part II of the Licensing Act, 1961. The remainder of Part II and Part III will be dealt with in a second article.
The Promotion Exams
Authors: Devlin J. Daniel
Published: December 2017

The fourteenth of a series of articles of interest to examination candidates and all concerned with training.
Motoring
Authors: Gott John
Published: December 2017

Our Motoring Correspondent recounts his experiences in the Liège-Sofia-Liège, the most strenuous event in motor sport.
Where are the Outstanding Men?
Authors: Byrne Michael
Published: December 2017

We shall be glad to hear from our readers on the very controversial subject of Inspector Byrne's article
Motoring
Authors: Gott John
Published: December 2017

Our Motoring Correspondent discusses research into a dangerous wet weather possibility and gives his impressions of Britain's latest newcomer to the small family saloon class.
The Promotion Exams
Authors: Devlin J. Daniel
Published: December 2017

The fifteenth of a series of articles of interest to examination candidates and all concerned with training.
The Promotion Exams
Authors: Devlin J. Daniel
Published: December 2017

The sixteenth of a series of articles of interest to examination candidates and all concerned with training.
Birds of Passage
Authors: Bulmer J. H.
Published: December 2017

In our May issue we published an article by Supt. A. G. Rose (Manchester City Police) on the general problem of the coloured immigrant, which constituted a plea for understanding. The following contribution by a police officer working in a city with a large immigrant population deals with the police problems resulting from short-term immigration.
Government and People: I
Authors: Elmes Frank
Published: December 2017

A well-known police author treats in a bright way a subject which is only too apt to be dull in this and a subsequent article.
Coffee Beat Clubs
Authors: Dingwall A.
Published: December 2017

In the following article Mr. Dingwall shows how a social evil grew up among young people in Manchester and how police action was taken to combat it.
The Promotion Exams
Authors: Devlin J. Daniel
Published: December 2017

This is the fifth of a series of articles of special interest to candidates for the Promotion Exams. The articles all deal with aspects of police administration and organization, which is one of the subjects in Part II of the syllabus, and of those sections of Part I of the syllabus which deal with police procedure. Mr. Devlin is Author of Police Procedure, Administration and Organization
Mountain Survival Training in Norway
Authors: MacKenzie Kenneth
Published: December 2017

Many and various are the excursions British police officers make nowadays. Here is the story of a Norwegian adventure.
An American's View of the British Police
Authors: McCauley R. Paul
Published: December 2017

Mr. McCauley attended a 10-week C.I.D. course earlier this year at the Liverpool and Bootle Police Training Centre, and also accompanied Mr. James Haughton, Chief Constable of the force, on a visit to the Police College, Bramshill
The Crime Menace
Authors: Looney Francis B.
Published: December 2017

We have pleasure in publishing the following statement made by a prominent United States police chief at a symposium conducted on Long Island by Senator Robert F. Kennedy in January last.
The Problems of Youth are the Problems of the Poliue
Authors: Winship P. J.
Published: December 2017

We congratulate Constable Winship on winning The Queen's Gold Medal for the following Essay.
The Lydney Murder
Authors: Simpson Keith
Published: December 2017

The eminent pathologist gives an account of a case which was remarkable for its legal character, for the part played by scientific evidence and for the quality of the detective work. Professor Simpson remarks in a letter to the Editor, “it is about the best example I can recollect in over 30 years of sheer pertinacity on the part of investigating officers bringing a case to a successful conclusion”.
Some Cases on Drink and Driving
Authors: Griffin John
Published: December 2017

It is now more than a year since part 1 of the Road Safety Act 1967 came into force, and in that time a number of interesting cases have been decided. Some of the more important ones are summarized below under appropriate headings. Cases regarding disqualification from driving have been omitted.
Search, Forfeiture and Disqualification
Authors: Powis David
Published: December 2017

Some suggestions to make commission of crime more difficult and to restrict the flexibility of motor criminals
The Conington Train Disaster
Authors: Kightley John
Published: December 2017

A major incident which was also a crime, reported from the point of view of the British Transport Police
Reflections of a Bramshill Scholar
Authors: Pleece Sydney
Published: December 2017

Chief Inspector Pleece was one of the three ex-Special Course Officers who first represented the Police Service at Universities when the Bramshill Scholarships were inaugurated in 1964. He was awarded a law degree in 1967, with First Class honours. After two years back in his Force, he reflects on the value of his years at University.
Theft and the Retailer
Authors: Dickenson Stanley
Published: December 2017

Theft is endemic in the retail trade and much of it is never prosecuted. Mr. Dickenson, a director of a firm of security consultants, has based the following article about the shops' vulnerability on many years of practical experience.
The Biography of a Computerized Personnel Records System
Authors: Roe T. H. , Leach A.
Published: December 2017

The Greater Manchester Police have recently installed a computerized Personnel Records system to cater for the detailed records of almost 6,000 police personnel. The system has aroused considerable interest among other police forces, local authorities and certain large commercial organizations.

The system was designed, developed and installed by Gemini Computer Systems Ltd. in conjunction with the Computer Section of the City of Manchester and the Greater Manchester Police. This article describes the background to the system, the facilities offered and the reaction, by the user, to the operational use of the system.
Higher Education for Police Officers
Authors: Bohigian Haig
Published: December 2017

The recommendations on higher education for the police are developed by discussing the following questions. Why educate for policing? What should be studied? Who should be educated? Who should be the educators? How should police agencies treat education? What changes should be made and how? Higher education for the police and other criminal justice professionals is shown to be simultaneously a desirable goal and a worrisome dilemma. The benefits and assests of a representative criminal justice program are developed along with its limitations and liabilities, and its potential for academic abuse.
Police Stress the American Response
Authors: Bracey Dorothy
Published: December 2017

“I have learned first hand that policemen's lives are hectic, dangerous, frequently unrewarding, filled with unbelievable monotony, unstable, and prone to development of drinking problems, marital problems, and divorce, and to frustration over a growing community criticism of their value and effectiveness.”
The Police and the Public
Authors: McCabe Sarah
Published: December 2017

A paper presented to a seminar on the Police and Government held at the University of Oxford.
Hispanics and Policing in Chicago and Cook County, Illinois
Authors: Winters Clyde Ahmad
Published: December 2017

More and more people are applying for jobs as law enforcement officers due to the large salaries they make. In this study the author will examine the role of affirmative action in increasing the number of Hispanics on the police force of the city of Chicago and the Cook County Sheriff's Office. This study indicates that there has been slow but steady progress in the hire of Hispanic police.
What Future for Voluntary Manslaughter?
Authors: Elliott Catherine
Published: December 2017

This article examines the Law Commission's Consultation Paper, Partial Defences to Murder, which was published in June 2003. There are fundamental problems with the defence of provocation. The author suggests that this partial defence should therefore be abolished and replaced by a new partial defence of self-preservation. This could provide a defence where the offender, or another person with whom he or she is closely associated, has been repeatedly subjected to serious violence or tormenting behaviour. This conduct must have caused the offender to be in a state of severe emotional disturbance at the time of the killing.
Motorists' Opinions about Drink-Driving and the Law: A Survey
Authors: Waddon Alun , Baker Colin
Published: December 2017

Over 1,000 motorists completed a survey questionnaire in late 1997 relating to a wide variety of issues concerned with the policing of road traffic. Respondents were shown to have come from all over the British Isles and to be representative of both genders and all age-groups. Drivers were asked about their own behaviour in a variety of settings, about their opinions regarding the law and its application, and about their own priorities for future action.
User-Generated Content Sources in Social Media: A New Approach to Explore Tourist Satisfaction
Authors: Narangajavana Kaosiri Yeamduan , Callarisa Fiol Luis José , Moliner Tena Miguel Ángel , Rodríguez Artola Rosa María , Sánchez García Javier
Published: December 2017

The study focuses on sources of user-generated content (UGC) in social media: strong-tie sources, weak-tie sources, and tourism-tie sources and their effects on tourist satisfaction with the destination. It is separated into the pre- and post- travel processes. First, it addresses the influences of sources of UGC on tourist expectations about core resources and supporting factors, and then analyzes tourist satisfaction by concentrating on tourist expectations and perceptions of core resources and supporting factors. Findings suggest that UGC sources have an indirect effect on tourist satisfaction since most UGC sources have an influence on tourist expectations, which will later be compared with the real tourist perception. Main conclusions and some recommendations and limitations are provided.