bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of environmental indicators in a thermal power plant in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Rashid Farah , Fazal Nosheen
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the environmental indicators of an ISO 14001:2004 certified thermal power plant located at Raiwind road Lahore.

Design/methodology/approach

The research study included employee interviews, noise monitoring, effluent and ground water sampling, stack emission testing, and assessment of the solid waste management system.

Findings

Semi-structured interviews randomly conducted with employees showed a 57 percent environmental awareness response. The stack emission results showed that the nitrogen oxide (NOx) from engine no. 5 and 7 was 2,447 and 2,624 mg/Nm3, respectively, higher than the World Bank limit of 2,300 mg/Nm3 as well as exceeding the 600 mg/Nm3 set by the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) with no emission control technology in place. The ground water and effluent samples were found unfit for irrigation purposes. Electrical conductivity exceeded the permissible level of Directorate of Land Reclamation (DLR) irrigation water quality criteria of 1.5 dS/m. Similarly, the sodium absorption ratio (SAR) exceeded 10 mmolc/l. Residual sodium carbonate was more than the DLR permissible level of 2.5 me/l. The noise level in the engine hall was 103 dB(A) which is beyond the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s permissible exposure limit of 90 dB(A) and the NEQS for industrial area at day time, i.e. 75 dB(A).

Research limitations/implications

The research analysis shows that environmental survey may serve as an example for other power plants to review their environmental policy and be more vigilant as an environmentally conscious organization.

Originality/value

This paper underscores an easy understanding and evaluation of environmental indicators that are minor but neglected in a thermal power plant. The sampling, testing, and employee awareness are crucial to gauge the level of an organization’s conformity with the international quality, occupational health, and environmental standards.
Restoration of native mangrove wetlands can reverse diet shifts of benthic macrofauna caused by invasive cordgrass
Authors: Feng Jianxiang , Huang Qian , Chen Hui , Guo Jiemin , Lin Guanghui
Published: August 2017

Ecological replacement using native mangrove species combined with physical treatments has become an effective method in controlling the spread of invasive cordgrass Spartina alterniflora. To re‐establish ecosystem functions, trophic interactions between macrofauna and their potential food resources must be considered during the restoration process.

Here, we examined the changes in the diets of macrofauna in three restored mangrove ecosystems with different invasion histories following the removal of S. alterniflora in southern China. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios for dominant macrofauna, as well as their potential food sources, were analysed. The relative contributions of the different carbon sources to the diets of benthic macrofauna and isotopic niche width, including convex hull areas and standard ellipse areas of the macrofaunal community, were then calculated and compared among sampling sites in each region.

Our results indicated that Spartina‐derived detritus contributed to >80% of the organic carbon sources of dominant macrofauna in the S. alterniflora communities in all three regions. Spartina alterniflora communities had lower convex hull areas and standard ellipse areas than natural mangrove forests, indicating significant resource competition among different consumer populations. Replacing S. alterniflora with the native mangrove species Kandelia obovata could reverse the diets of these macrofaunal species, resulting in a shift from homogeneous Spartina‐dominated diets to more heterogeneous algae‐based diets. It could take several decades to restore food web interactions to a pre‐impacted state. Even the diets of macrofauna in mature mangrove (>40 years) remained affected by the Spartina‐derived organic matter.

Synthesis and applications. Our study reveals that the ecological replacement of invasive Spartina alterniflora using native mangrove species could restore food web function gradually. However, this removal and replacement approach is a long process and requires significant manpower and resources. Furthermore, the native ecosystem will continue to be influenced by the cordgrass as long as large areas of wetland nearby are occupied by S. alterniflora. Consequently, preventing the colonization of S. alterniflora should be a priority for coastal ecosystem management in southern China.
Topsoil removal through scarification improves natural regeneration in high‐graded Nothofagus old‐growth forests
Authors: Soto Daniel P. , Puettmann Klaus J.
Published: August 2017

High grading by removing the majority of trees with superior timber quality has led to loss of productivity and biodiversity in forests. Typically, after high grading, little attention is given to tree regeneration. Thus, undesirable understorey vegetation often dominates for a long time, leading to stagnation in forest recovery and so‐called arrested succession. In such settings, managing understorey vegetation using topsoil removal through scarification has been proposed as a restoration tool to encourage tree regeneration.

We investigated the effectiveness of topsoil removal as a restoration technique in high‐graded Nothofagus old‐growth forests in the Chilean Andes. In these forests, high grading often leads to understories being dominated by dense thickets of native bamboo, Chusquea culeou. These understorey conditions typically delay succession by preventing tree regeneration.

T‐tests were used to compare vegetation development in areas with topsoil removal against those without. Nonparametric multiplicative regression was used to investigate which environmental variables were mainly related to regeneration of different plant groups (short‐ and long‐lived, early‐ and late‐seral tree species) and C. culeou abundance in areas with and without topsoil removal.

Topsoil removal improved the regeneration of early‐seral tree species and constrained C. culeou. In areas without topsoil scarification, higher abundances of C. culeou were reflected in a higher transmitted radiation and litter cover. In these areas, the presence of early‐seral tree species was related to higher soil water content and transmitted radiation. However, topsoil removal altered these response patterns for early‐seral trees. For instance, the interaction between higher soil water content and more exposed mineral soil was reflected in a higher likelihood of finding early‐seral tree seedlings.

Synthesis and applications. Topsoil removal was a successful restoration tool for overcoming arrested succession in Nothofagus old‐growth forests in the Chilean Andes by encouraging the regeneration of early‐seral trees in high‐graded forests. Contrasting environmental conditions of pre‐ and post‐topsoil removal allowed insights into the processes and mechanisms responsible for forests with arrested succession and for succession progression. This understanding provides guidance regarding the range of conditions under which topsoil removal can be used as a successful restoration practice.
Breaking the taboo: a history of monetary financing in Canada, 1930–1975
Authors: Ryan‐Collins Josh
Published: August 2017

Monetary financing – the funding of state expenditure via the creation of new money rather than through taxation or borrowing – has become a taboo policy instrument in advanced economies. It is generally associated with dangerously high inflation and/or war. Relatedly, a key institutional feature of modern independent central banks is that they are not obligated to support government expenditure via money creation. Since the financial crisis of 2007–2008, however, unorthodox monetary policies, in particular quantitative easing, coupled with stagnant growth and high levels of public and private debt have led to questions over the monetary financing taboo. Debates on the topic have so far been mainly theoretical with little attention to the social and political dynamics of historical instances of monetary financing. This paper analyses one of the most significant twentieth‐century cases: Canada from the period after the Great Depression up until the monetarist revolution of the 1970s. The period was a successful one for the Canadian economy, with high growth and employment and manageable inflation. It offers some interesting insights into the relationship between states and central banks and present‐day discussions around the governance of money creation.
The Madoffization of Irish society: from Ponzi finance to sociological critique
Authors: Monaghan Lee F. , O'Flynn Micheal
Published: August 2017

Financialization and neoliberal policy created the Celtic Tiger. This economic ‘miracle’ furthered creditors’ and property developers’ speculative interests, leading to an unstable financial pyramid that eventually imploded in 2008 with catastrophic consequences for Irish society. Using the sociological imagination as social critique, this paper offers a lens on fictitious capital and Ponzi finance in the context of Ireland's boom and bust. Critique is advanced using the Madoffization of society thesis, a sociological heuristic that draws formal comparisons between Bernie Madoff's US$65 billion Ponzi scheme, which collapsed in 2008, and financialized capitalism. The Madoff case exhibits five main elements or forms which, it has been argued, underlie the varying content of life on a much broader scale: accumulation by debt expansion, mass deception, efforts to maintain secrecy and silence, obfuscation, and scapegoating. In conclusion, a crucial difference between the Madoff case and the Madoffization of Irish society is underscored. Discussion also moves from critique to hope amidst calls to renew sociology and transform financialized capitalism.
Comparison of trauma care systems in Asian countries: A systematic literature review
Authors: Choi Se Jin , Oh Moon Young , Kim Na Rae , Jung Yoo Joong , Ro Young Sun , Shin Sang Do
Published: August 2017

Objective

The study aims to compare the trauma care systems in Asian countries.

Methods

Asian countries were categorised into three groups; ‘lower middle‐income country’, ‘upper middle‐income country’ and ‘high‐income country’. The Medline/PubMed database was searched for articles published from January 2005 to December 2014 using relevant key words. Articles were excluded if they examined a specific injury mechanism, referred to a specific age group, and/or did not have full text available. We extracted information and variables on pre‐hospital and hospital care factors, and regionalised system factors and compared them across countries.

Results

A total of 46 articles were identified from 13 countries, including Pakistan, India, Vietnam and Indonesia from lower middle‐income countries; the Islamic Republic of Iran, Thailand, China, Malaysia from upper middle‐income countries; and Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore from high‐income countries. Trauma patients were transported via various methods. In six of the 13 countries, less than 20% of trauma patients were transported by ambulance. Pre‐hospital trauma teams primarily comprised emergency medical technicians and paramedics, except in Thailand and China, where they included mainly physicians. In Iran, Pakistan and Vietnam, the proportion of patients who died before reaching hospital exceeded 50%. In only three of the 13 countries was it reported that trauma surgeons were available. In only five of the 13 countries was there a nationwide trauma registry.

Conclusion

Trauma care systems were poorly developed and unorganised in most of the selected 13 Asian countries, with the exception of a few highly developed countries.
Mortality rates for Finnish anaesthesiologists and paediatricians are lower than those for the general population
Authors: Ohtonen P. , Alahuhta S.
Published: August 2017

Background

Previous studies on mortality among anaesthesiologists in the Nordic countries have reported inconsistent results. In an effort to examine mortality patterns among Finnish anaesthesiologists, we compared anaesthesiologists and paediatricians with the general population.

Methods

The year of birth and mortality data for anaesthesiologists and paediatricians deceased during the period 1996–2014 were assembled from the membership files maintained by the Finnish Medical Association. Data for the general population and causes of death were obtained from the database of Statistics Finland. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) for anaesthesiologists and paediatricians were calculated using the general population as a reference.

Results

During the follow‐up period, there were 62 deaths among anaesthesiologists and and 95 among peadiatricians. Anaesthesiologists had a lower mean age at death (66.9 years) than did peadiatricians (76.2 years). Standardized mortality ratios for both the groups were well below 1.0. The rate of suicides for anaesthesiologists was more than three times higher than that for paediatricians and more than five times higher for that of the general population.

Discussion

We found no evidence of increased mortality for anaesthesiologists or paediatricians. The number of suicides among anaesthesiologists was higher than among paediatricians and the general population.
Sclerosing peritonitis post liver transplantation: a rare condition where surgery is an important treatment option
Authors: Kong Yvonne X. , Strasser Simone I. , McCaughan Geoffrey W. , Crawford Michael , Verran Deborah J.
Published: August 2017

Background

Sclerosing peritonitis (SP) is a rare but potentially fatal complication following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The definitive surgical management is via a laparotomy peritonectomy and enterolysis procedure, but this carries risks particularly in the immunosuppressed transplant patient population. The natural history of SP is known from a handful of case reports and series, which mostly report de novo cases arising early on following OLT. The aim of this study was to identify all cases of de novo SP following OLT and the outcomes of management.

Methods

Cases of SP post OLT were identified from the Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit (New South Wales) database of all 1393 adult patients.

Results

Three cases of SP were diagnosed between 2 and over 9 years post‐transplantation. Two patients proceeded to laparotomy and a peritonectomy and enterolysis procedure of the cocooned bowel. The third was managed conservatively due to a relatively indolent course and their medical co‐morbidities.

Conclusion

SP should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients post OLT presenting with symptoms of bowel obstruction, even years following transplantation. Surgery may be required in order to achieve a satisfactory outcome in some cases.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: diagnostic performance of the combination of pepsinogen, gastrin‐17 and anti‐Helicobacter pylori antibodies serum assays for the diagnosis of atrophic gastritis
Authors: Zagari R. M. , Rabitti S. , Greenwood D. C. , Eusebi L. H. , Vestito A. , Bazzoli F.
Published: August 2017

Background

The combination of pepsinogen, gastrin‐17 and anti‐H. pylori antibodies serological assays (panel test) is a non‐invasive tool for the diagnosis of atrophic gastritis. However, the diagnostic reliability of this test is still uncertain.

Aim

To assess the diagnostic performance of the serum panel test for the diagnosis of atrophic gastritis.

Methods

Medline via PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library databases and abstracts of international conferences proceedings were searched from January 1995 to December 2016 using the primary keywords “pepsinogens,” “gastrin,” “atrophic gastritis,” “gastric precancerous lesions.” Studies were included if they assessed the accuracy of the serum panel test for the diagnosis of atrophic gastritis using histology according to the updated Sydney System as reference standard.

Results

Twenty studies with a total of 4241 subjects assessed the performance of serum panel test for the diagnosis of atrophic gastritis regardless of the site in the stomach. The summary sensitivity was 74.7% (95% confidence interval (CI), 62.0‐84.3) and the specificity was 95.6% (95%CI, 92.6‐97.4). With a prevalence of atrophic gastritis of 27% (median prevalence across the studies), the negative predictive value was 91%. Few studies with small sample size assessed the performance of the test in detecting the site of atrophic gastritis.

Conclusions

The combination of pepsinogen, gastrin‐17 and anti‐H. pylori antibodies serological assays appears to be a reliable tool for the diagnosis of atrophic gastritis. This test may be used for screening subjects or populations at high risk of gastric cancer for atrophic gastritis; however, a cost‐effectiveness analysis is needed.
Effects of hyper‐ and hypothyroidism on the development and proliferation of testicular cells in prepubertal rats
Authors: Fadlalla Mohamed Babo , Wei Quanwei , Fedail Jaafar Sulieman , Mehfooz Asif , Mao Dagan , Shi Fangxiong
Published: August 2017

Thyroid hormones are important in the development and regulation of testes. This study was conducted to determine the effects of hyper‐ and hypothyroidism on testicular development in prepubertal rats aged 20–70 days. Weaning male rats (20 days old) until day 70 age were randomly divided into four groups: control, hyperthyroid (hyper‐T), hypothyroid (hypo‐T) and hypothyroid treated with thyroxine (T4) (hypo‐T+T4). The results indicated that thyroid hormones caused a significant effect in body and testis weights, and food and water consumption. In addition there were changes in serum concentrations of tri‐iodothyronine, T4, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and testosterone. Histomorphology showed a significant decrease in seminiferous tubule diameter in hyper‐T compared to the other groups. Leydig cell numbers showed a significant elevation in hyper‐T but not in hypo‐T groups. Immunostaining indicated that TSH receptor (TSHR), thyroid hormone receptors α/β (TRαβ) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) have the roles in testicular development. Our findings suggest that hyper‐ and hypo‐thyroidism regulate testicular cell proliferation and spermatogenesis in prepubertal rats, indicating that expression of TSHR, TRαβ and PCNA may be regulated by thyroid hormones that are involved in testicular development; and that the administration of T4 to the hypo‐T+T4 group leads to an improvement in the testicular condition.
The role of accredited zoos in the recovery process for species at risk in Canada
Authors: Olive Andrea , Jansen Katrina
Published: August 2017

Key Messages

Accredited zoos in Canada are involved in species‐at‐risk recovery efforts on provincial, federal, and international levels.

Accredited zoos participate in recovery of species at risk through research, captive breeding and reintroduction, writing recovery strategies, and creating recovery policy.

Accredited zoos have the space, expertise, apolitical status, and public connections necessary to aid in the recovery of at‐risk species in Canada.
Long‐term outcome of intractable constipation treated by sacral neuromodulation: a comparison between children and adults
Authors: Janssen P. T. J. , Meyer Y. M. , Van Kuijk S. M. J. , Benninga M. A. , Stassen L. P. S. , Bouvy N. D. , Melenhorst J. , Breukink S. O.
Published: August 2017

Aim

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a minimally invasive therapy for functional constipation (FC) and is most often used to treat adults. Recent studies suggest that SNM may also beneficial in children. However, comparative data regarding preferred age of SNM for FC are lacking. Therefore, long‐term results of SNM for FC were compared between children and adults.

Method

All patients treated with SNM for FC between 2004 and 2015 were evaluated. Outcomes of children (age 10–18 years) were compared with those for adults (≥ 18 years). The primary end‐point was a defaecation frequency of three or more times per week, which is consistent with the ROME‐III criteria. Secondary outcomes were quality of life (QoL; SF‐36) and the Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score.

Results

One hundred and eighty patients (45 children, 135 adults) were eligible for SNM. The mean age was 15.8 (children) and 41.4 years (adults). One hundred and twenty‐six patients received permanent SNM (38 children, 88 adults). Mean follow‐up was 47 months in both groups. Defaecation frequency increased in both groups after SNM compared with baseline. Defaecation frequency in adults was higher than in children. The increased defaecation frequency was maintained during the entire follow‐up period in both groups. QoL of children was impaired compared with the Dutch population with regard to bodily pain, general health and vitality. Adults had worse QoL with regard to physical functioning, bodily pain, general health, vitality and social functioning compared with the Dutch population. QoL of children did not differ from adults.

Conclusion

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) should be considered in children (< 18 years) with FC. However, the indication of SNM for FC remains debatable considering the limited improvements and high costs.
A multi‐faceted intervention to reduce alcohol misuse and harm amongst sports people in Ireland: A controlled trial
Authors: O'Farrell Anne , Kingsland Melanie , Kenny Susan , Eldin Nazih , Wiggers John , Wolfenden Luke , Allwright Shane
Published: August 2017

Introduction and Aims

Alcohol misuse and harm are more prevalent amongst sports people than non‐sports people. Few studies have trialled interventions to address alcohol misuse for this group. The study aimed to test the effectiveness of an intervention to reduce alcohol misuse and related harms amongst amateur sports people in Ireland.

Design and Methods

A controlled trial was conducted in two counties in Ireland. A random selection of sports clubs in one county received a 4 month multi‐faceted intervention. All sports clubs in a non‐adjacent county acted as control sites. Consumption of more than 21 units of alcohol per week and six or more standard drinks on a single occasion at least once per week was the primary study outcome. Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores and number of alcohol‐related harms were also reported. Outcomes were assessed for cross‐sectional samples of players at pre‐intervention and post‐intervention and paired samples of players who completed surveys at both times. Generalised linear mixed model analysis was used.

Results

There was no evidence of effect for the primary outcomes or Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores. There was a statistically significant difference in the median number of alcohol‐related harms reported by intervention group players compared with control group players at post‐intervention for the paired samples [intervention: 0; control: 3; incident rate ratio 0.56 (0.37, 0.84); P = 0.005].

Discussion and Conclusions

Intervention in community sports clubs may be effective in reducing the number of alcohol‐related harms. Low levels of intervention participation and inadequate intervention dose are possible reasons for lack of a broader intervention effect. [O'Farrell A, Kingsland M, Kenny S, Eldin N, Wiggers J, Wolfenden L, Allwright S. A multi‐faceted intervention to reduce alcohol misuse and harm amongst sports people in Ireland: A controlled trial. Drug Alcohol Rev 2018;37:14–22]
Psychosis risk screening in different populations using the Prodromal Questionnaire: A systematic review
Authors: Savill Mark , D'Ambrosio Jennifer , Cannon Tyrone D. , Loewy Rachel L.
Published: August 2017

Aim

Diagnosing individuals at ultra high risk (UHR) for psychosis can improve early access to treatment, and a two‐stage model utilizing self‐report screening followed by a clinical interview can be accurate and efficient. However, it is currently unclear which screening cut‐offs to adopt with different populations.

Methods

A systematic review of diagnostic accuracy studies evaluating the Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ) as a preliminary screener for UHR and psychosis was conducted to examine screening effectiveness in different contexts. MedLine, PsycInfo, SCOPUS and ProQuest Dissertations and Abstracts databases were electronically searched, along with a review screen and citation search of key papers. Findings were summarized in a narrative synthesis.

Results

In total, 14 diagnostic accuracy studies and 45 studies using the PQ as a screening tool for UHR and psychosis were included. In all settings, the 3 different versions of the PQ were all found to accurately identify UHR and full psychosis. Higher cut‐off points were required in non‐help‐seeking samples, relative to general help‐seeking populations, which in turn were higher than those needed in samples highly enriched with UHR participants.

Conclusion

The findings support the use of the PQ as a preliminary screening tool for UHR in different settings; however, higher thresholds in lower UHR‐prevalence populations are necessary to minimize false positives. Including the distress criteria, rather than just number of symptoms, may improve screening effectiveness. Different thresholds may be appropriate in different contexts depending on the importance of sensitivity vs specificity. Protocol registration: CRD42016033004.
Growth gains from selective breeding in a spruce hybrid zone do not compromise local adaptation to climate
Authors: MacLachlan Ian R. , Yeaman Sam , Aitken Sally N.
Published: August 2017

Hybrid zones contain extensive standing genetic variation that facilitates rapid responses to selection. The Picea glauca × Picea engelmannii hybrid zone in western Canada is the focus of tree breeding programs that annually produce ~90 million reforestation seedlings. Understanding the direct and indirect effects of selective breeding on adaptive variation is necessary to implement assisted gene flow (AGF) polices in Alberta and British Columbia that match these seedlings with future climates. We decomposed relationships among hybrid ancestry, adaptive traits, and climate to understand the implications of selective breeding for climate adaptations and AGF strategies. The effects of selection on associations among hybrid index estimated from ~6,500 SNPs, adaptive traits, and provenance climates were assessed for ~2,400 common garden seedlings. Hybrid index differences between natural and selected seedlings within breeding zones were small in Alberta (average +2%), but larger and more variable in BC (average −7%, range −24% to +1%), slightly favoring P. glauca ancestry. The average height growth gain of selected seedlings over natural seedlings within breeding zones was 36% (range 12%–86%). Clines in growth with temperature‐related variables were strong, but differed little between selected and natural populations. Seedling hybrid index and growth trait associations with evapotranspiration‐related climate variables were stronger in selected than in natural seedlings, indicating possible preadaptation to drier future climates. Associations among cold hardiness, hybrid ancestry, and cold‐related climate variables dominated signals of local adaptation and were preserved in breeding populations. Strong hybrid ancestry–phenotype–climate associations suggest that AGF will be necessary to match interior spruce breeding populations with shifting future climates. The absence of antagonistic selection responses among traits and maintenance of cold adaptation in selected seedlings suggests breeding populations can be safely redeployed using AGF prescriptions similar to those of natural populations.
Biogenesis of circular RNAs and their roles in cardiovascular development and pathology
Authors: Li Mengyang , Ding Wei , Sun Teng , Tariq Muhammad A. , Xu Tao , Li Peifeng , Wang Jianxun
Published: August 2017

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a newly discovered type of RNA generated by back‐splicing of precursor mRNA and found in many species. They are, expressed in a tissue‐specific manner and fulfill regulatory activities in many biological processes. Recent research has revealed that circRNAs play critical roles in the development and pathologies of the cardiovascular system. Some of these circRNAs show aberrant expression and regulatory activities during heart disease including heart failure and cardiac infarction and hypertrophy. These findings suggest that circRNAs might be a suitable target for the treatment and prevention of heart disease. In this review, we summarize the latest research on the biogenesis and functions of circRNAs with emphasis on the regulatory roles of circRNAs in the development and pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
Rare‐earth‐doped SiO2‐CaF2 glass ceramic nano‐particle with upconversion properties
Authors: Dash Aiswarya , Pal Sumit Kumar , Banerjee Indranil , Chakraborty Subhabrata
Published: August 2017

Rare‐earth‐doped upconversion nano‐phosphor shows new possibilities in the field of bioimaging because of its unique properties like higher penetration depth, low signal to noise ratio (SNR), good photo stability, and zero auto fluorescence. The oxyfluoride glass system is the combination of both fluoride and oxide where fluoride host offers high optical transparency due to low phonon energy and oxide network offers high physical stability. Thus, in the present work, an attempt has been made to synthesize 1 mol% Er3+ doped SiO2‐CaF2 glass ceramic nano‐particles through sol‐gel route. The synthesized glass ceramic particles were heat treated at 4 different temperatures starting from 600°C to 900°C.The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed the formation of CaF2 nano‐crystals in the matrix which is 20‐30 nm in size. The vibrational spectroscopic analysis of the glass ceramics sample has been investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The UV‐Visible‐NIR spectroscopy analysis was carried out to analyze the absorption intensity in the near infrared region. Upon 980 nm excitation, the sample shows red emission corresponds to 4F9/2→4I15/2 energy level transition. The prepared nano‐particles showed excellent biocompatibility when tasted on MG‐63 osteoblast cells.
Knowledge of proprietary and generic drug names among hospital prescribers: time to mandate generic prescribing?
Authors: Davis Joshua S. , Barrett Thomas , Harris Lisa
Published: August 2017

Although medical students are taught clinical pharmacology using generic drug names, prescribing in hospitals often uses brand names. As a result, junior doctors may be prescribing drugs without knowing their nature or mode of action. We carried out a knowledge survey of 81 medical students and doctors at a 650‐bed Australian teaching hospital to assess their knowledge of common drugs when given the brand name. We identified 20 commonly prescribed drugs and their brand names based on current hospital inpatients. No participant was able to provide the generic name, class or mode of action for all 20 drugs, with an average of 8.3 of 20 and 6.3 of the 10 most common drug names correctly identified. These data support calls to mandate prescribing using generic rather than brand names of drugs in hospitals.
Managing hyponatraemia secondary to primary polydipsia: beware too rapid correction of hyponatraemia
Authors: Boehm Emma , Kumar Shanal , Nankervis Alison , Colman Peter
Published: August 2017

We describe three cases of severe hyponatraemia in the setting of primary polydipsia that were managed in our centre in 2016. Despite receiving different solute loads, large volume diuresis and rapid correction of serum sodium occurred in all cases. Given the potentially catastrophic consequence of osmotic demyelination, we highlight the judicious use of desmopressin and hypotonic fluid infusion to mitigate sodium overcorrection in this setting.
Temporal changes in neutropenic blood culture isolates and disease associations: a single centre series of 1139 episodes
Authors: Lucas Nathanael , Humble Michael , Sim Dalice , Balm Michelle , Carter John , Weinkove Robert
Published: August 2017

Neutropenic infections are life‐threatening and require empiric antibiotic treatment. We examined 1139 blood culture isolates from our institution over a 36‐year period from neutropenic patients to examine temporal trends and disease associations. Positive associations were found between viridans streptococci and acute myeloid leukaemia, coagulase negative staphylococci and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and indolent B‐cell malignancies.
Short androgen receptor poly‐glutamine‐promoted endometrial cancer is associated with benzo[a]pyrene‐mediated aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation
Authors: Chen Lumin , Bao Bo‐Ying , Chang Wei‐Chun , Ho Jason Yen‐Ping , Cheng Bi‐Hua , Wang Chung‐Lin , Tang Qifeng , Cheng Wei‐Chung , Chang Hui‐Wen , Hung Yao‐Ching , Ma Wen‐Lung
Published: August 2017

The androgen receptor (AR) poly‐glutamine polymorphism (AR‐Q) was reported to play role in endometrial cancer (EMCA) development, yet controversial. Environmental factors interact with genetic variation have been reported in EMCA. Aerosol toxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), are EMCA facilitators. This report examined the interplay between AR‐Qs and BaP in EMCA. During analysing patient AR‐Q polymorphism and Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) expressions, we found overall survival (OS) benefit is ascending with AR‐Q lengths (5‐year OS of 61.3% in Q length <20 and 88% in Q length >23). And AhR is higher expressed in short AR‐Q tumour compared to that in long AR‐Q patient. In vitro study found androgen‐response element (ARE) activity descends with AR‐Qs length (Q13 > Q25 > Q35), whereas BaP suppresses ARE activities in EMCA cells. Furthermore, AR‐Q13 (but not AR‐Q25, or ‐35) enhances BaP‐induced dioxin‐responsive element (DRE) activity. Lastly, AR‐Q13 exerts higher colony‐forming capacity than other AR‐Qs, and knock‐down AhR abolished AR‐Q13‐mediated colony numbers. This study demonstrated a possible interaction of gene (AR‐Q polymorphism) and environmental toxins (e.g. BaP) to affect cancer progression. A large‐scale epidemiology and public health survey on the interaction of environmental toxin and AR poly‐Q in EMCA is suggested.
Emerging role of Hippo signalling pathway in bladder cancer
Authors: Xia Jianling , Zeng Ming , Zhu Hua , Chen Xiangjian , Weng Zhiliang , Li Shi
Published: August 2017

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide with a high progression rate and poor prognosis. The Hippo signalling pathway is a conserved pathway that plays a crucial role in cellular proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Furthermore, dysregulation and/or malfunction of the Hippo pathway is common in various human tumours, including BC. In this review, an overview of the Hippo pathway in BC and other cancers is presented. We focus on recent data regarding the Hippo pathway, its network and the regulation of the downstream co‐effectors YAP1/TAZ. The core components of the Hippo pathway, which induce BC stemness acquisition, metastasis and chemoresistance, will be emphasized. Additional research on the Hippo pathway will advance our understanding of the mechanism of BC as well as the development and progression of other cancers and may be exploited therapeutically.
Circulating trimethylamine N‐oxide and the risk of cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of 11 prospective cohort studies
Authors: Qi Jiaqian , You Tao , Li Jing , Pan Tingting , Xiang Li , Han Yue , Zhu Li
Published: August 2017

Circulating trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO), a canonical metabolite from gut flora, has been related to the risk of cardiovascular disorders. However, the association between circulating TMAO and the risk of cardiovascular events has not been quantitatively evaluated. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of all available cohort studies regarding the association between baseline circulating TMAO and subsequent cardiovascular events. Embase and PubMed databases were searched for relevant cohort studies. The overall hazard ratios for the developing of cardiovascular events (CVEs) and mortality were extracted. Heterogeneity among the included studies was evaluated with Cochran's Q Test and I2 statistics. A random‐effect model or a fixed‐effect model was applied depending on the heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis and meta‐regression were used to evaluate the source of heterogeneity. Among the 11 eligible studies, three reported both CVE and mortality outcome, one reported only CVEs and the other seven provided mortality data only. Higher circulating TMAO was associated with a 23% higher risk of CVEs (HR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.07–1.42, I2 = 31.4%) and a 55% higher risk of all‐cause mortality (HR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.19–2.02, I2 = 80.8%). Notably, the latter association may be blunted by potential publication bias, although sensitivity analysis by omitting one study at a time did not significantly change the results. Further subgroup analysis and meta‐regression did not support that the location of the study, follow‐up duration, publication year, population characteristics or the samples of TMAO affect the results significantly. Higher circulating TMAO may independently predict the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events and mortality.
Silencing of CA1 mRNA in tumour cells does not change the gene expression of the extracellular matrix proteins
Authors: Vulic Radivojka , Tyciakova Silvia , Dubrovcakova Maria , Skultety Ludovit , Lakota Jan
Published: August 2017

We report the silencing of CA1 mRNA in PC3 and MDA cells. The levels of mRNA coding CA1 protein in the knock‐down mRNA (CA1 siRNA) cells have been measured by RT‐PCR and were approximately 5% (PC3) and 20% (MDA‐MB‐231), respectively, of the level of control (Mock siRNA) used during silencing. In PC3 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells, the mRNAs for COL1A1 and COL4A4 were up‐regulated. The mRNAs for CTHRC1, LAMC2, and WNT7B were not changed when compared to the control. The morphology of the cells during the treatments remained the same. On the Western blots, the lysate from the silenced cells showed lower levels of CA I as well.
Effect of Brewery Size on the Main Process Parameters and Cradle‐to‐Grave Carbon Footprint of Lager Beer
Authors: Cimini Alessio , Moresi Mauro
Published: August 2017

Several carbon footprint (CF) studies have been so far carried out to assess the environmental impact of the brewing industry. In this study, a series of reliable secondary data for small‐, medium‐, and large‐sized breweries were collected and used to develop a simplified model to estimate the cradle‐to‐grave (C2G) CF of the production of a functional unit consisting of 1 hectoliter (hL) of lager beer packed in 66‐centiliter (glass or polyethylene terephthalate [PET]) bottles. With reference to the typical operating conditions of nine breweries of different size, the C2G CF was found to increase up to 43% or 45% either for glass or PET bottles as the brewery size reduced from 10 × 106 to 500 hL per year. Whatever the brewery size, the use of PET instead of glass bottles lowered the beer CF by 2.7 ± 0.9%. The contribution of the consumer and postconsumer waste disposal phases was found to be significant. Thus, beer makers should pay attention to the recycling ratio of postconsumer packaging in the sales areas. The C2G CF tended to increase linearly with the overall (thermal and electric) energy needed to produce 1 hL of beer, almost independently of the primary packaging material used. Such a simple and easy‐to‐measure quantitative indicator might be more than sufficient not only to estimate qualitatively the environmental burden of beer production, but also to identify which mitigation opportunities might be explored or to prioritize primary data collection efforts to refine CF calculation.
Dyadic Supervision Evaluation: An Actor–Partner Relational Model
Authors: Avila Adrian , Distelberg Brian , Estrada Ana , Foster Lauren , Moline Mary , Huenergardt Douglas
Published: August 2017

This article contributes to research practices in marital and family therapy, specifically the dyadic and development over time in clinical supervision, and describes and applies methodological strategies to develop measurements congruent with the systemic and developmental principles of the field. This project evaluates the psychometric properties of the dyadic supervision evaluation (DSE) in terms of measurement equivalence and causality. A structural equation analysis is conducted utilizing the actor–partner interdependent model resulting in a goodness of fit. This study presents a longitudinal model for evaluating the supervisory relationship and proposes a model of clinical supervision evaluation. The relationship among latent constructs in the DSE and its limitations related to inference and application are discussed.
Workaholism profiles: Associations with determinants, correlates, and outcomes
Authors: Gillet Nicolas , Morin Alexandre J. S. , Cougot Baptiste , Gagné Marylène
Published: August 2017

The present series of studies examines how the two dimensions of workaholism (working excessively and compulsively) combine within different profiles of workers. This research also documents the relations between these workaholism profiles and a series of correlates (psychological need thwarting) and adaptive and maladaptive work outcomes. In addition, this research investigates the role of emotional dissonance and employees' perceptions of their workplaces' psychosocial safety climate (Study 1, n = 465), as well as job demands, resources, and perfectionism (Study 2, n = 780) in the prediction of profile membership. Latent profile analysis revealed four identical workaholism profiles in both studies. In Study 1, emotional dissonance predicted a higher likelihood of membership in the Very High, Moderately High, and Moderately Low profiles relative to the Very Low profile. In contrast, Study 2 revealed a more diversified pattern of predictions. In both studies, levels of need thwarting were the highest in the Very High and Moderately High profiles, followed by the Moderately Low profile, and finally by the Very Low profile. Finally, in both studies, the most desirable outcomes levels (e.g., lower levels of work–family conflict and emotional exhaustion, and higher levels of perceived health) were associated with the Very Low profile, followed by the Moderately Low profile, then by the Moderately High profile, and finally by the Very High profile.

Practitioner points

The most desirable outcomes are associated with the profile characterized by the lowest levels of workaholism.

Emotional dissonance predicts a lower likelihood of membership in the profile characterized by the lowest levels of workaholism.

Levels of need thwarting are the lowest in the Very Low workaholism profile.

High levels of socially prescribed perfectionism are associated with an increased likelihood of membership into the Very High workaholism profile.

Reducing emotional dissonance, need thwarting, and socially prescribed perfectionism may help to reduce workaholism, in turn leading to more positive outcomes.
Relationship between Device Size and Body Weight in Dogs with Patent Ductus Arteriosus Undergoing Amplatz Canine Duct Occluder Deployment
Authors: Wesselowski S. , Saunders A.B. , Gordon S.G.
Published: August 2017

Background

Deployment of the Amplatz Canine Duct Occluder (ACDO) is the preferred method for minimally invasive occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in dogs, with appropriate device sizing crucial to successful closure. Dogs of any body weight can be affected by PDA.

Objectives

To describe the range of ACDO sizes deployed in dogs of various body weights for improved procedural planning and inventory selection and to investigate for correlation between minimal ductal diameter (MDD) and body weight.

Animals

A total of 152 dogs undergoing ACDO deployment between 2008 and 2016.

Methods

Body weight, age, breed, sex, and MDD obtained by angiography (MDD‐A), MDD obtained by transesophageal echocardiography (MDD‐TEE), and ACDO size deployed were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

Correlation between body weight and ACDO size, MDD‐A and MDD‐TEE was poor, with R‐squared values of 0.4, 0.36, and 0.3, respectively. Femoral artery diameter in the smallest population of dogs placed inherent limitations on the use of larger device sizes, with no limitations on the wide range of device sizes required as patient size increased. The most commonly used ACDO devices were size 3 through 6, representing 57% of the devices deployed within the entire study population.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Patent ductus arteriosus anatomy varies on an individual basis, with poor correlation between MDD and body weight. Weight‐based assumptions about expected ACDO device size for a given patient are not recommended.
Long‐Term Management with Adipose Tissue‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Conventional Treatment in a Dog with Hepatocutaneous Syndrome
Authors: Nam A. , Han S.‐M. , Go D.‐M. , Kim D.‐Y. , Seo K.‐W. , Youn H.‐Y.
Published: August 2017

Hepatocutaneous syndrome (HS) is an uncommon skin disorder that occurs in conjunction with liver disease and is diagnosed based on decreased plasma concentrations of amino acids and the histopathology of skin lesions. The survival period generally is <6 months. A 10‐year‐old castrated male Maltese dog was presented for evaluation of lethargy, polyuria, polydipsia, and skin lesions including alopecia, erythema, and crusts. Based on increased liver enzyme activity, low plasma amino acid concentrations, and findings from liver cytology and skin biopsy, the dog was diagnosed with HS. In addition to administration of antioxidants, hepatoprotective agents, and amino acids IV, allogenic adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells were infused 46 times over a 30‐month period: 8 times directly into the liver parenchyma guided by ultrasonography and the remainder of the times into peripheral veins. After commencing stem cell therapy, the dog's hair re‐grew and the skin lesions disappeared or became smaller. During ongoing management, the patient suddenly presented with anorexia and uncontrolled vomiting, and severe azotemia was observed. The dog died despite intensive care. On necropsy, severe liver fibrosis and superficial necrolytic dermatitis were observed. The dog survived for 32 months after diagnosis. A combination of amino acid and stem cell therapy may be beneficial for patients with HS.