bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual and spatial variation are as important as species‐level variation to the trophic complexity of a lentic food web
Authors: Feiner Zachary S. , Foley Carolyn J. , Swihart Robert K. , Bootsma Harvey , Czesny Sergiusz , Janssen John , Rinchard Jacques , Höök Tomas O.
Published: February 2019

Ecological complexity may improve ecosystem function, stability and adaptability to natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Intraspecific trophic variation can represent a significant component of total community variation and can influence food web structure and function. Thus, understanding how trophic niches are partitioned between intraspecific and interspecific processes could improve our understanding of food web dynamics. We examined gut contents, fatty acids and stable isotope ratios in round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) across six sites in Lake Michigan, USA, to determine patterns in intra‐ and interspecific trophic composition (i.e., mean gut or fatty acid composition) and diversity (i.e., the diversity of gut items or fatty acids). We also examined relationships between fatty acid diversity and gut content characteristics to understand potential mechanisms shaping individual trophic phenotypes. There was significant variation in both trophic composition and diversity among sites, and individual and spatial variation was as important to total trophic variation as species identity. Round goby that consumed dreissenid mussels had more diverse fatty acid profiles than those that consumed other benthic invertebrates, whereas yellow perch fatty acid diversity was not related to gut content composition. Our results confirm that intraspecific variation in resource use can be as important to trophic dynamics as interspecific variation, and that spatial variation in lower level food web processes or habitat may strongly structure local food web dynamics. Individual‐level examination of trophic diversity, in concert with trophic composition, could provide additional information about the resilience, function and adaptability of local food webs.
Language learning motivation and gender: The case of Poland
Authors: Iwaniec Janina
Published: February 2019

Gender differences in language learning motivation have not been extensively examined. Thus, this survey study explores gender differences in the population of 599 Polish learners of English aged 14–16. Unlike other studies, it not only compares means but investigates whether there are gender differences in the way the variables interact with each other. Findings show that females scored higher than males on scales of international orientation, ideal L2 self and self‐regulation. No gender differences were observed on instrumentality, self‐efficacy beliefs, English self‐concept and intrinsic motivation. There is also a significant difference in the strength of links between self‐regulation and instrumentality, self‐efficacy beliefs as well as English self‐concept. Thus, gender effects appear more extensive than previous research has shown.
Age‐ and sex‐specific reference intervals for hematologic analytes in Chinese children
Authors: Zhang Xiaoan , Ding Yanzi , Zhang Yurong , Xing Jinfang , Dai Yanpeng , Yuan Enwu
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Reference intervals for pediatric laboratory tests need to be interpreted in the context of age‐ and sex‐dependent dynamics. However, few reference intervals for healthy ethnic Han Chinese children have previously attempted to establish using large sample sizes. As such, there are no national hematological standards in China for pediatric reference intervals.

Methods

We used a direct method to enroll a total of 2164 healthy 1‐ to 7‐year‐old children from Henan province. Hematological reference intervals were established by analyzing venous blood sample data on 17 hematologic analytes. The reference values for different ages and sexes were estimated using both parametric methods (mean ± 2 SD) and nonparametric methods (2.5‐97.5th percentiles).

Results

We provided reference intervals for 17 hematologic analytes including red blood count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and red cell distribution width, white blood count and differential count as well as platelet count and related parameters.

Conclusion

We established age‐ and sex‐specific reference intervals that can provide more evidence‐based guidance for the diagnosis and treatment for pediatric diseases. Our findings provide the basis for the next step in establishing national blood testing standards.
Barriers and facilitators for community pharmacists’ participation in pharmacy practice research: a survey
Authors: Kuipers Esther , Wensing Michel , De Smet Peter A G M , Teichert Martina
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore pharmacists’ barriers and facilitators regarding participation in pharmacy practice research.

Methods

We conducted an online cross-sectional survey in 1974 community pharmacies in the Netherlands.

Key findings

A total of 252 pharmacists completed the questionnaire. The majority agreed that participation in research should be part of daily practice. Efficient time investment and a clear benefit for general professional knowledge, patient care and pharmacy organisation were the most important facilitating factors.

Conclusions

To encourage pharmacists’ participation, researchers should offer clear instructions, possibilities for flexible time management, simple patient inclusion, task delegation and no additional contacts with healthcare professionals due to the research.
The effects of augmented reality on students' academic achievement and motivation in a biology course
Authors: Erbas Cagdas , Demirer Veysel
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to investigate the effects of augmented reality (AR) activities on students' academic achievement and motivation in a biology course. For this purpose, a mixed study was conducted, and a pretest and posttest control group model was used. In addition, the opinions of the experimental group students and the teacher about the AR activities were taken, and classroom observations were made during the study. The study group consisted of 40 (22 female and 18 male) ninth‐grade biology course students. The control group followed the biology course programme, whereas the experimental group students conducted AR activities in addition to the course programme using tablets. Consequently, it was found that the motivation of the students in the experimental group increased more than that of the students in the control group. However, no significant difference was found between the academic achievement scores of the groups. The teacher and the students stated that AR activities might be effective in increasing course success and motivation.
E‐cigarettes and the clinical encounter: Physician perspectives on e‐cigarette safety, effectiveness, and patient educational needs
Authors: Kollath‐Cattano Christy , Dorman Tyler , Albano Andrew W. , Jindal Meenu , Strayer Scott M. , Thrasher James F.
Published: February 2019

Rationale, aims, and objectives

There is limited research on how health care providers approach the topic of e‐cigarettes in clinical encounters, especially in conjunction with other best‐practice recommendations for smoking cessation. This qualitative study explored physician perceptions and recommendations involving e‐cigarettes in the context of smoking cessation counselling, including their opinions about the implementation and content of patient educational materials that focus on e‐cigarettes.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 physicians from family medicine, internal medicine, and obstetrics/gynaecology (OB/GYN).

Results

Physicians did not routinely assess e‐cigarette use among patients and reported that discussions were often initiated by patients. Only a minority of participants discussed e‐cigarettes in conjunction with other best‐practice recommendations for smoking cessation. Most others were more ambivalent about e‐cigarette safety and effectiveness for cessation and did not address the topic, unless patients were already using e‐cigarettes. Almost all, however, agreed that more research on e‐cigarettes was needed. Physicians expressed an interest in having enhanced discussions about e‐cigarettes with their patients and in using patient educational materials to accomplish this. Physicians recommended that these materials not actively promote e‐cigarettes and be tailored to patients based on their demographics and motivation to quit.

Conclusions

Physicians were open to improving their smoking cessation counselling and to integrating new patient educational materials that addressed e‐cigarettes. Patient educational materials that provide tailored information about e‐cigarettes could potentially be used initiate e‐cigarette discussions and inform smokers about what is known vs unknown about e‐cigarettes.
Patients admitted to more research‐active hospitals have more confidence in staff and are better informed about their condition and medication: Results from a retrospective cross‐sectional study
Authors: Jonker Leon , Fisher Stacey Jayne , Dagnan Dave
Published: February 2019

Rationale, aims and objectives

Clinical research activity in hospitals is associated with reduced mortality and improved overall care quality. In England, the latter is a compound score of several elements and both staff and inpatient feedback form part of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings. The objective of this study was to determine if NHS Trusts' National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) study activity data correlates with specific outcomes from national NHS staff and patient surveys.

Method

Retrospective cohort design involving data for 129 English NHS hospital Trusts, including scores from recent national NHS staff and inpatient surveys and NIHR data. Statistical approach involved Spearman correlation analyses, with cut‐off P value ≤ 0.01 for qualification for subsequent principal component analysis (correlation coefficient cut‐off value 0.20).

Results

Outcomes of one staff survey question (staff recommendation of the organization as a place to work or receive treatment) and multiple outcomes of inpatient survey questions were positively associated with increased NIHR‐adopted clinical research activity. Better quality of information provision to patients was the dominant theme, though a higher degree of observed staff teamwork, more confidence in the treating doctors, and a better overall inpatient experience also correlated significantly. The number of different studies contributed more to positive associations with survey outcomes compared with the number of recruited participants into research.

Conclusions

Survey elements of the CQC appraisal of English NHS Hospital Trusts are significantly associated with increased clinical research activity levels; it appears to drive better information provision to inpatients—particularly around medicine management—and contribute to a better inpatient experience overall, whilst staff are more likely to recommend their own organization. Despite clinical research activity forming a very small fraction of overall NHS activity, it has an indirect positive effect on staff and Trust performance that is measurable at patient level.
Homelessness among youth who identify as LGBTQ+: A systematic review
Authors: McCann Edward , Brown Michael
Published: February 2019

Aims and objectives

To explore homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning plus (LGBTQ+) youth and to identify their support and care requirements.

Background

LGBTQ+ youth face many health and societal challenges including issues related to homelessness.

Design

A systematic review of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies.

Methods

A search of relevant electronic databases was carried out and included the dates August 2008–August 2018 and limited to academic journals and peer‐reviewed empirical studies written in English. Included studies specifically addressed the homeless experiences of youth aged 13–24 years old who identified as LGBTQ+. The PRISMA checklist was used in the review. A quality assessment instrument was used to review all of the selected papers and narrative methods utilised in the synthesis of the research evidence.

Results

The search resulted in 319 papers, and after applying distinct inclusion criteria, a total of 14 papers were considered suitable for the systematic review. Following analysis, the four main themes identified were stigma, discrimination and exclusion; mental health issues and substance use; sexual risks and vulnerability; and interventions and supports.

Conclusion

LGBTQ+ homeless youth is a major public health concern that has significant consequences for a young person's physical and psychosocial well‐being.

Relevance to clinical practice

Practitioners need to be aware of the specific health and support requirements of LGBTQ+ youth in relation to homelessness. Inclusive and holistic care plans should exist that are fully responsive to the distinct needs of this group guided by definitive policies and sound clinical research. The implications for future nursing practice are presented and discussed.
Undiagnosed delirium is frequent and difficult to predict: Results from a prevalence survey of a tertiary hospital
Authors: Lange Peter W. , Lamanna Marissa , Watson Rosie , Maier Andrea B.
Published: February 2019

Aims and objectives

To study the prevalence and determinants of undiagnosed delirium in a tertiary hospital.

Background

Delirium is a common inpatient condition. It is frequently undiagnosed in a variety of settings, but determinants of undiagnosed delirium are largely unknown, and the frequency of undiagnosed delirium across all inpatient units is uncertain. The utility of hospital‐wide screening then is also uncertain.

Methods

Hospital‐wide prevalence study conducted over 4 months, using a chart‐based method. Gender, age, admitting unit, history of dementia and comorbidity were used in univariate and multivariate analyses to search for differences in patients with no delirium, with undiagnosed delirium and with diagnosed delirium. Sensitivity, specificity and number needed to screen were calculated from proportions in each group. Study was conducted in concordance with STROBE guidelines.

Results

Delirium was prevalent in 12.5% of all patients and undiagnosed in 24.1% of patients. Only age ≥65 years and a history of dementia predicted delirium, and undiagnosed delirium in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Age ≥65 years accounts for 92.3% sensitivity and 50.8% specificity for undiagnosed delirium in this group. History of dementia had a 23.0% sensitivity and 97.0% specificity. Twenty‐eight patients would need to be screened to detect a case of undiagnosed delirium.

Discussion

There was a high rate of delirium and undiagnosed delirium in this cohort. Known risk factors for delirium also independently predict undiagnosed delirium; other factors were not found.

Conclusion

Undiagnosed delirium is common and difficult to predict from patient baseline characteristics other than age.

Relevance to clinical practice

Assessment of all inpatients for delirium is recommended.
High-throughput screening of excipients with a biological effect: a kinetic study on the effects of surfactants on efflux-mediated transport
Authors: Pollard John , Rajabi-Siahboomi Ali , Badhan Raj K S , Mohammed Afzal R , Perrie Yvonne
Published: February 2019

Objective

In this study, we develop and apply a high-throughput screening protocol to investigate the activity of non-ionic surfactants, with a broad range of hydrophilic–lipophilic balance values, against ABCB1-mediated efflux transport and ABCC2-mediated efflux transport.

Methods

Caco-2 cells were grown for 7 days in 96-well plates, then washed and incubated with the test materials for 2 h in the presence of 2.5 μm of either rhodamine 123 (R-123) or 5(6)-Carboxy-2′,7′ dichlorofluorescein diacetate as probes of ABCB1 and ABCC2, respectively.

Key findings

Of the surfactants tested, no activity against ABCC2 was detected and all surfactants showing efficacy against ABCB1 had a HLB value of 22 or below. Inhibition of ABCB1 was seen in the order of efficacy to be poloxamer 335 > poloxamer 40 > Crovol A-70 > Myrj S-40 > poloxamer 184 > poloxamer 182 > Etocas 40 > Tween 20 > Etocas 29 > Tween 80 > Acconon C-44 > Span 20. With regard to this inhibition, the distribution of hydrophilic regions is more important than the HLB value.

Conclusion

This work demonstrates a high-throughput protocol for detecting materials that can modulate ABCB1-mediated efflux. These surfactants could be exploited to improve oral delivery of drugs prone to efflux.
Intra-articular mucilages: behavioural and histological evaluations for a new model of articular pain
Authors: Micheli Laura , Ghelardini Carla , Lucarini Elena , Parisio Carmen , Trallori Elena , Cinci Lorenzo , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The creation of a new valid preclinical model of articular pain by the intra-articular (i.a.) injection of mucilages for the screening of new treatments against arthritis.

Methods

A single intra-articular injection (20 μl) of mucilages (from Althaea officinalis roots and Linum usitatissimun seeds) or vegetal components (Amorphophallus konjac gum powder and β-glucan, used as reference standard) were assessed in the rat. The pathology progression was monitored by behavioural measurements (paw pressure test, von Frey test, incapacitance test and beam balance test) and compared to that induced by the i.a. injections of monoiodioacetate (MIA) and Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA), well-recognized models of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, respectively.

Key findings

Among all, the mucilage of L. usitatissimun showed the best pro-algic profile inducing a painful long-lasting condition. Hypersensitivity was characterized as a mixed form of inflammatory and neuropathic pain by the responsiveness to ibuprofen (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and pregabalin (30 mg/kg, p.o.). The histological evaluation of joint showed a damage that represents both MIA and CFA features.

Conclusions

In conclusion, a single i.a. injection of L. usitatissimun mucilage can represent a valid model to assess articular pain in the rat for the screening of new treatments against arthritis.
The role of maternal obesity in infant outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome—A systematic review, meta‐analysis, and meta‐regression
Authors: Bahri Khomami Mahnaz , Joham Anju E. , Boyle Jacqueline A. , Piltonen Terhi , Arora Chavy , Silagy Michael , Misso Marie L. , Teede Helena J. , Moran Lisa J.
Published: February 2019

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with worsened pregnancy and infant outcomes, higher body mass index (BMI), and longitudinal weight gain. Despite most of the clinical features of PCOS being risk factors for worsened infant outcomes in the general population, their impact on infant outcomes in PCOS is unknown. We aimed to investigate the association of PCOS with infant outcomes considering maternal adiposity, other known risk factors, and potential confounders. The meta‐analyses included 42 studies in 7041 women with PCOS and 63 722 women without PCOS. PCOS was associated with higher gestational weight gain (GWG) and with higher preterm birth and large for gestational age and with lower birth weight with this association varying by geographic continent, PCOS phenotypes, and study quality. However, PCOS was associated with none of these outcomes on BMI‐matched studies. Gestational diabetes was significantly associated with an increased preterm birth on meta‐regression. We report for the first time that GWG is higher in PCOS. Infant outcomes vary by geographic continent and study quality but are similar in BMI‐matched women with and without PCOS. This suggests that infant outcomes in PCOS may be related to maternal obesity. These novel findings warrant future studies in PCOS investigating screening and management of infant outcomes with consideration of maternal obesity.
Modelling and forecasting world oil demand: a regional analysis accounting for asymmetric price responses and technical progress
Authors: Suleiman Mahmud
Published: February 2019

This study applies the structural time‐series modelling technique to investigate the relationship between aggregate oil consumption, income and prices across six regions of the world over the period 1970–2017. Following arguments in the energy economics literature on how to appropriately capture the impact of technical progress (TP) in modelling energy demand, this paper assumes a general model that incorporates asymmetric price responses (to capture endogenousTP) and an Underlying Energy Demand Trend (UEDT) (to capture exogenousTPand other factors) to estimate price and income elasticities for each region. These estimates are then used to produce future forecast scenarios of oil demand for each of the six world regions up to 2040 based on different assumptions about the future path of key variables that drive oil consumption. The results suggest that for the reference‐case scenario, global oil demand is projected to rise from 98 mb/d in 2017 to 118 mb/day in 2040 consisting of strong growth in the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific regions while oil consumption in North America, South/Central America and Europe/Eurasia regions is projected decline.
Mimicking natural polymorphism in eIF4E by CRISPR‐Cas9 base editing is associated with resistance to potyviruses
Authors: Bastet Anna , Zafirov Delyan , Giovinazzo Nathalie , Guyon‐Debast Anouchka , Nogué Fabien , Robaglia Christophe , Gallois Jean‐Luc
Published: February 2019

In many crop species, natural variation in eIF4E proteins confers resistance to potyviruses. Gene editing offers new opportunities to transfer genetic resistance to crops that seem to lack natural eIF4E alleles. However, because eIF4E are physiologically important proteins, any introduced modification for virus resistance must not bring adverse phenotype effects. In this study, we assessed the role of amino acid substitutions encoded by a Pisum sativum eIF4E virus‐resistance allele (W69L, T80D S81D, S84A, G114R and N176K) by introducing them independently into the Arabidopsis thaliana eIF4E1 gene, a susceptibility factor to the Clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV). Results show that most mutations were sufficient to prevent ClYVV accumulation in plants without affecting plant growth. In addition, two of these engineered resistance alleles can be combined with a loss‐of‐function eIFiso4E to expand the resistance spectrum to other potyviruses. Finally, we use CRISPR‐nCas9‐cytidine deaminase technology to convert the Arabidopsis eIF4E1 susceptibility allele into a resistance allele by introducing the N176K mutation with a single‐point mutation through C‐to‐G base editing to generate resistant plants. This study shows how combining knowledge on pathogen susceptibility factors with precise genome‐editing technologies offers a feasible solution for engineering transgene‐free genetic resistance in plants, even across species barriers.
The plastidial metabolite 2‐C‐methyl‐D‐erythritol‐2,4‐cyclodiphosphate modulates defence responses against aphids
Authors: Onkokesung Nawaporn , Reichelt Michael , Wright Louwrance P. , Phillips Michael A. , Gershenzon Jonathan , Dicke Marcel
Published: February 2019

Feeding by insect herbivores such as caterpillars and aphids induces plant resistance mechanisms that are mediated by the phytohormones jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA). These phytohormonal pathways often crosstalk. Besides phytohormones, methyl‐D‐erythriol‐2,4‐cyclodiphosphate (MEcPP), the penultimate metabolite in the methyl‐D‐erythritol‐4‐phosphate pathway, has been speculated to regulate transcription of nuclear genes in response to biotic stressors such as aphids. Here, we show that MEcPP uniquely enhances the SA pathway without attenuating the JA pathway. Arabidopsis mutant plants that accumulate high levels of MEcPP (hds3) are highly resistant to the cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae), whereas resistance to the large cabbage white caterpillar (Pieris brassicae) remains unaltered. Thus, MEcPP is a distinct signalling molecule that acts beyond phytohormonal crosstalk to induce resistance against the cabbage aphid in Arabidopsis. We dissect the molecular mechanisms of MEcPP mediating plant resistance against the aphid B. brassicae. This shows that MEcPP induces the expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of several primary and secondary metabolic pathways contributing to enhanced resistance against this aphid species. A unique ability to regulate multifaceted molecular mechanisms makes MEcPP an attractive target for metabolic engineering in Brassica crop plants to increase resistance to cabbage aphids.
Blastemal predominant type Wilms tumor in Japan: Japan Children's Cancer Group
Authors: Koshinaga Tsugumichi , Takimoto Tetsuya , Okita Hajime , Tanaka Yukichi , Inoue Eisuke , Oue Takaharu , Nozaki Miwako , Tsuchiya Kunihiko , Haruta Masayuki , Kaneko Yasuhiko , Fukuzawa Masahiro
Published: February 2019

Background

Persistence of blastemal components after chemotherapy is a marker of poor outcome in Wilms tumor (WT). Recent reports from local Japanese areas have described pre‐chemotherapy blastemal predominant type WT to also be a risk factor for relapse. The significance, however, of blastemal predominant WT remains to be evaluated in a larger study. This study retrospectively evaluated the prognostic significance of pre‐chemotherapy blastemal predominant type WT in the Japan Wilms tumor Study (JWiTS) trials.

Methods

The JWiTS trial (1996–2013) was a prospective, single‐arm study. The outcomes of blastemal predominant type WT were retrospectively evaluated compared with non‐blastemal type WT excluding anaplasia between 1996 and 2013. Relapse‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated.

Results

Of 319 primary renal tumors diagnosed by the central pathology review system, advanced stage of pre‐chemotherapy blastemal predominant type WT (n = 53; 16.1%) occurred more frequently in older children than non‐blastemal type WT (n = 225), and was especially frequent in female patients registered in the JWiTS trials. No significant difference in 10 years RFS and OS (78.8% vs 84.5; P = 0.201) or in 10 years RFS and OS (89.3% vs 93.5; P = 0.45) was seen between pre‐chemotherapy blastemal predominant type and non‐blastemal type WT.

Conclusions

Relapse‐free survival and OS are not significantly different between pre‐chemotherapy blastemal predominant type and non‐blastemal type WT.
Retracted: Efficacy of vortioxetine combined cognitive behaviour intervention therapy on brain‐derived neurotrophic factor level on depressive patients
Authors: Yan Guanyun , Zhang Meng , Liu Yafang , Yin Mei
Published: February 2019

Background

To evaluate the effect of vortioxetine combined with cognitive behaviour intervention on the level of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the serum of patients with depression and its therapeutic effect.

Methods

A total of 82 depressive patients treated at the School of Basic Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine from January 2017 to June 2017 were randomised into a control group (n = 41) and intervention group (n = 41) according to a random number table. Both groups were given vortioxetine treatment, while the intervention group adopted an additional cognitive‐behavioural therapy at the same time. The therapeutic effect was evaluated using the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). The cognitive function was evaluated using continuous performance test (CPT) and Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST). The changes of BDNF level were detected with the use of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The HAMD score of the intervention group was obviously lower than that of the control group after treatment (P < 0.001). WCST test showed that the number of trials, perseverative errors and non‐perseverative errors in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group, while the correct matching number and the number of categories achieved were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0.001). Results of CPT showed that the correct number of responses to stimulus, the verbal fluency and the fluency of classification in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0.05). Moreover, after treatment, the serum BDNF level of the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Vortioxetine combined with cognitive behavioural therapy has a good clinical effect and can largely improve the cognitive function of depressive patients.
Raf‐ERK1/2 signalling pathways mediate steroid hormone synthesis in bovine ovarian granulosa cells
Authors: Xu Dejun , He Huanshan , Jiang Xiaohan , Yang Lulu , Liu Dinbang , Yang Li , Geng Guoxia , Cheng Jianyong , Chen Huali , Hua Rongmao , Duan Jiaxin , Li Xiaoya , Wu Lin , Li Yuan , Li Qingwang
Published: February 2019

Contents

Steroid hormones are required for normal reproductive function of female. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Raf‐ERK1/2 on steroid hormone synthesis in bovine ovarian granulosa cells. Immunohistochemistry assay showed that both B‐Raf and C‐Raf were expressed in granulosa cells, theca cells and Sertoli cells. The protein expression of Raf or ERK1/2 was clearly decreased by Raf inhibitor GSK2118436 or ERK1/2 inhibitor SCH772984, respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, western blotting was performed for investigating the crosstalk between Raf and ERK1/2, the data showed that Raf positively regulated ERK1/2, whereas ERK1/2 had a negative feedback effect on Raf. The biosynthesis of oestradiol or testosterone was significantly decreased by treatment with GSK2118436 or SCH772984 (p < 0.05). Conversely, the progesterone biosynthesis was clearly increased by treatment with those inhibitors (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of STAR, aromatase and CYP17 was blocked by Raf‐ERK1/2 signalling inhibition, which oppositely induced the mRNA expression of CYP11. Together, these findings suggested that Raf‐ERK1/2 signalling pathways mediate steroid hormone synthesis via affecting the expression of steroidogenic enzymes.
Older, Younger, or More Similar? The Use of Age as a Voting Heuristic*
Authors: Webster Steven W. , Pierce Andrew W.
Published: February 2019

Objective

The descriptive representation literature has found that individuals prefer to vote for candidates who share similar characteristics as themselves. However, the relationship between the age of a voter and the age of a candidate is a gap in the literature that remains to be filled. The objective of this study is to examine such relationships.

Methods

Utilizing the 2010 and 2012 Cooperative Congressional Election Study, along with independently collected information on candidates’ ages, we use a series of logistic regressions to model the relationship between the age of a voter and the age of a co‐partisan candidate.

Results

Our analyses suggest that a candidate's age can and does act as a voting heuristic for members of the electorate. However, the strength of these findings is dependent upon the electoral context, individuals’ education levels, and the political party with which an individual affiliates.

Conclusion

The effect of age has been an overlooked heuristic within the voting behavior literature. Members of the electorate prefer to vote for co‐partisan candidates who are closest to themselves in age.
Artistic Formalism in Relation to Sport
Authors: Shorkend Daniel
Published: February 2019

I argue that sport can be considered aesthetic and thus converge with a certain view of art. We can enjoy abundance and proliferation as well as negation and austerity in nature, art and sport. The aesthetics of abundance and negation are “intertwined” in sport as art-like. Sport is well positioned to perform art’s cultural task better than traditional forms of art. Art and sport are intertwined in the sense that sport as an aesthetic, cultural phenomenon may continue the work of art. By aesthetics, the author focuses on notions of formalism in sport. This “will to form” is predicated on the need humans have for order, pattern and harmony. In that sense, art and sport might offer us a vision of clarity and precision. A theory of formalism applies equally to art and sport.
NH3 as a Transport Fuel in Internal Combustion Engines: A Technical Review
Authors: Lesmana Herry , Zhang Zhezi , Li Xianming , Zhu Mingming , Xu Wenqiang , Zhang Dongke
Published: February 2019

Ammonia (NH3) is an excellent hydrogen (H2) carrier that is easy to bulk manufacture, handle, transport, and use. NH3 is itself combustible and could potentially become a clean transport fuel for direct use in internal combustion engines (ICEs). This technical review examines the current state of knowledge of NH3 as a fuel in ICEs on its own or in mixtures with other fuels. A particular case of interest is to partially dissociate NH3 in situ to produce an NH3/H2 mixture before injection into the engine cylinders. A key element of the present innovation, the presence of H2 is expected to allow easy control and enhanced performance of NH3 combustion. The key thermochemical properties of NH3 are collected and compared to those of conventional and alternative fuels. The basic combustion characteristics and properties of NH3 and its mixtures with H2 are summarized, providing a theoretical basis for evaluating NH3 combustion in ICEs. The combustion chemistry and kinetics of NH3 combustion and mechanisms of NOx formation and destruction are also discussed. The potential applications of NH3 in conventional ICEs and advanced homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines are analyzed.
Fast ultra-deep silicon cavities: Toward isotropically etched spherical silicon molds using an ICP-DRIE
Authors: Herth Etienne , Baranski Maciej , Berlharet Djaffar , Edmond Samson , Bouville David , Calvet Laurie E. , Gorecki Christophe
Published: February 2019

This paper investigates the parameter optimization of isotropic bulk silicon microscale etching using an inductively coupled plasma-deep reactive ion etching (ICP-DRIE) system. Etch profile characteristics, depending on the process and feature size, have been studied. The authors report detailed observations of the results for various etching parameters, including pressure from 30 to 70 mTorr, sulfur hexafluoride flow rate from 100 to 500 sccm, platen power from 20 to 150 W, and ICP power from 2000 to 2500 W. The goal here is to present anisotropic and isotropic etch processes for a wide range of applications in microfluidics, microelectromechanical-systems, and micro-optoelectronic mechanical system fabrication. A deep anisotropic etch through a 1.4 mm thick silicon wafer with smoothly etched surfaces has been achieved. Isotropic plasma etching is obtained, including a relation between the etching depth, the undercut, and the normalized radius of curvature of the profile. The authors have demonstrated an isotropic plasma potential that is much higher than those that can be produced by isotropic wet etching of silicon for the generation of more complex forms such as the manufacturing microlens molds. In particular, the authors have presented the possibility of creating aspheric shapes with a desirable negative conic constant (k<0) and a potential high numerical aperture. The choice of using photoresist masks provides better flexibility and economical processing. The presented results can be valuable for a wide range of applications, thus allowing a massive production using only a single commercial ICP-DRIE tool, which is of low cost and is compatible with an industrial perspective.
Growth-temperature dependence of conductivity at the LaCrO3/SrTiO3 (001) interface
Authors: Al-Tawhid Athby , Frick Jordan R. , Dougherty Daniel B. , Kumah Divine P.
Published: February 2019

The effect of growth conditions and postgrowth treatment on the structural and electronic properties of the polar/nonpolar LaCrO3/SrTiO3 (LCO/STO) interface has been investigated. Under low oxygen partial pressure, oxygen vacancies are formed in the STO substrate resulting in metallicity with a measured sheet carrier concentration of 1016cm−−2. Annealing postgrowth in flowing oxygen causes the sheet carrier concentration to saturate to 1013cm−−2, which is consistent with the reported values of a two-dimensional gas at other polar/STO interfaces. However, growth under nonreducing growth conditions leads to insulating behavior. High-resolution synchrotron x-ray-based structural determination of the atomic-scale structures of both metallic and insulating LCO/STO interfaces shows chemical intermixing and an interfacial lattice expansion.
Glutathione
S
-transferases promote proinflammatory astrocyte-microglia communication during brain inflammation
Authors: Kano Shin-ichi , Choi Eric Y. , Dohi Eisuke , Agarwal Swati , Chang Daniel J. , Wilson Ashley M. , Lo Brian D. , Rose Indigo V. L. , Gonzalez Santiago , Imai Takashi , Sawa Akira
Published: February 2019

Glutathione
S
-transferases in astrocytes enhance microglia activation during brain inflammation.
Disabling the Gβγ-SNARE interaction disrupts GPCR-mediated presynaptic inhibition, leading to physiological and behavioral phenotypes
Authors: Zurawski Zack , Thompson Gray Analisa D. , Brady Lillian J. , Page Brian , Church Emily , Harris Nicholas A. , Dohn Michael R. , Yim Yun Young , Hyde Karren , Mortlock Douglas P. , Jones Carrie K. , Winder Danny G. , Alford Simon , Hamm Heidi E.
Published: February 2019

Genetic ablation of Gβγ-SNARE signaling produces stress- and depression-related behaviors.
Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients Receiving Vancomycin with Concomitant Piperacillin-Tazobactam, Cefepime, or Meropenem
Authors: Blevins Adam M. , Lashinsky Jennifer N. , McCammon Craig , Kollef Marin , Micek Scott , Juang Paul
Published: February 2019

Critically ill patients are frequently treated with empirical antibiotic therapy, including vancomycin and β-lactams. Recent evidence suggests an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients who received a combination of vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam (VPT) compared with patients who received vancomycin alone or vancomycin in combination with cefepime (VC) or meropenem (VM), but most studies were conducted predominately in the non-critically ill population.
Selection and Characterization of a Reovirus Mutant with Increased Thermostability
Authors: Snyder Anthony J. , Danthi Pranav
Published: February 2019

Nonenveloped viruses rely on protein-protein interactions to shield their genomes from the environment. The capsid, or protective shell, must also disassemble during cell entry. In this work, we identified a determinant within mammalian orthoreovirus that regulates heat resistance, disassembly kinetics, and replicative fitness. Together, these findings show capsid function is balanced for optimal replication and for spread to a new host.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Marine Photoferrotrophic Bacterium, Rhodovulum robiginosum DSM 12329
T
Authors: Gupta Dinesh , Guzman Michael S. , Bose Arpita
Published: February 2019

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Rhodovulum robiginosum
DSM 12329
T
, an anoxygenic phototroph isolated from a marine sediment in the North Sea (Jadebusen, Germany). This is the first genome for a marine photoferrotrophic bacterium, and it provides a genetic basis to understand the mechanistic underpinnings of photoferrotrophy in future studies.
Calcium management challenges in a macrosomic child with subcutaneous fat necrosis
Authors: Chan Daniel , Salas-Walinsundin Wilsie Martillano , Yap Fabian Kok Peng , Koh Mark Jean Aan
Published: February 2019

We present a case that illustrates the fluctuations in calcium levels to be expected while managing an infant with maternal gestational diabetes mellitus who also develops subcutaneous fat necrosis (SCFN). There is initial hypocalcaemia due to functional hypoparathyroidism, requiring judicious calcium replacement. But with increased extrarenal production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D due to granulomatous inflammation of subcutaneous adipose tissue, hypercalcaemia ensues. With a self-limiting course, SCFN of the newborn has an excellent prognosis and resolves spontaneously. However, aberrations in serum calcium levels can manifest in life-threatening complications and must hence be closely monitored.
e-PC101: an electronic clinical decision support tool developed in South Africa for primary care in low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Yau Matthew , Timmerman Venessa , Zwarenstein Merrick , Mayers Pat , Cornick Ruth Vania , Bateman Eric , Fairall Lara
Published: February 2019

Health technology is increasingly recognised as a feasible method of addressing health needs in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Primary Care 101, now known as PACK (Practical Approach to Care Kit), is a printed, algorithmic, checklist-based, comprehensive clinical decision support tool. It assists clinicians with delivering evidence-based medicine for common primary care presentations and conditions. These assessment and treatment guides have been adopted widely in primary care clinics across South Africa. This paper focuses on the process of designing, developing, and implementing a digital version of the clinical decision support tool for use on a tablet computer. Lessons learnt throughout its development and pilot implementation could apply to the creation of electronic health interventions and the digitisation of clinical tools in LMICs.
Diagnostic tests for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever: a widespread tickborne disease
Authors: Mazzola Laura T , Kelly-Cirino Cassandra
Published: February 2019

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a widespread tickborne disease that circulates in wild and domestic animal hosts, and causes severe and often fatal haemorrhagic fever in infected humans. Due to the lack of treatment options or vaccines, and a high fatality rate, CCHF virus (CCHFV) is considered a high-priority pathogen according to the WHO R&D Blueprint. Several commercial reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) and serological diagnostic assays for CCHFV are already available, including febrile agent panels to distinguish CCHFV from other viral haemorrhagic fever agents; however, the majority of international laboratories use inhouse assays. As CCHFV has numerous amplifying animal hosts, a cross-sectoral ‘One Health’ approach to outbreak prevention is recommended to enhance notifications and enable early warning for genetic and epidemiological shifts in the human, animal and tick populations. However, a lack of guidance for surveillance in animals, harmonisation of case identification and validated serodiagnostic kits for animal testing hinders efforts to strengthen surveillance systems. Additionally, as RT-PCR tests tend to be lineage-specific for regional circulating strains, there is a need for pan-lineage sensitive diagnostics. Adaptation of existing tests to point-of-care molecular diagnostic platforms that can be implemented in clinic or field-based settings would be of value given the potential for CCHFV outbreaks in remote or low-resource areas. Finally, improved access to clinical specimens for validation of diagnostics would help to accelerate development of new tests. These gaps should be addressed by updated target product profiles for CCHFV diagnostics.
Cross-sectional comparison of health-related quality of life and other features in people with and without objective and subjective binge eating using a general population sample
Authors: Li Natalie , Mitchison Deborah , Touyz Stephen , Hay Phillipa
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Evidence suggests that while objective binge eating (OBE) and subjective binge eating (SBE) differ in the amount of food consumed, both are associated with impairment in people with eating disorders. However, only OBE is accounted for in the diagnostic criteria of eating disorders. This study compared the sociodemographic profile and burden of OBE versus SBE at a population level.

Design

Population-based survey.

Participants

A representative sample of 3028 men and women. Participants were categorised into four groups based on their reporting of binge eating in the past 3 months: non-binge eating group (no OBE or SBE), OBE group, SBE group and OSBE group (both OBE and SBE).

Outcome measures

Demographics (age, genderand body mass index, BMI), binge eating, distress, weight/shape overvaluation and health-related quality of life. Groups were compared on sociodemographic information, overvaluation and health-related quality of life. The OBE and SBE groups were also compared on the distress related to binge eating.

Results

No differences were found between the SBE group and OBE group in age, gender, BMI, mental health-related quality of life and overvaluation (all p>0.05). However, differences were found in the OSBE participants, namely that they were younger, had a higher mean BMI, lower mental health-related quality of life and higher overvaluation of weight/shape than the non-binge-eating participants (all p<0.001). Proportions of participants who reported distress related to binge eating in the OBE and SBE groups also did not differ (p=0.678).

Conclusion

There is little difference in the demographic profile or burden of people who engage in OBE versus SBE, supporting the proposed inclusion of SBE in the diagnostic criteria for eating disorders in International Classification of Diseases-11. People who experience both OBE and SBE may experience a relatively higher eating disorder severity and impairment.
Is liver transplantation ‘out-of-hours’ non-inferior to ‘in-hours’ transplantation? A retrospective analysis of the UK Transplant Registry
Authors: Halliday Neil , Martin Kate , Collett David , Allen Elisa , Thorburn Douglas
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Increased morbidity and mortality have been associated with weekend and night-time clinical activity. We sought to compare the outcomes of liver transplantation (LT) between weekdays and weekends or night-time and day-time to determine if ‘out-of-hours’ LT has acceptable results compared with ‘in-hours’.

Design, setting and participants

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patient outcomes for all 8816 adult, liver-only transplants (2000–2014) from the UK Transplant Registry.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures were graft failure (loss of the graft with or without death) and transplant failure (either graft failure or death with a functioning graft) at 30 days, 1 year and 3 years post-transplantation. The association of these outcomes with weekend versus weekday and day versus night transplantation were explored, following the construction of a risk-adjusted Cox regression model.

Results

Similar patient and donor characteristics were observed between weekend and weekday transplantation. Unadjusted graft failure estimates were 5.7% at 30 days, 10.4% at 1 year and 14.6% at 3 years; transplant failure estimates were 7.9%, 15.3% and 21.3% respectively.

A risk-adjusted Cox regression model demonstrated a significantly lower adjusted HR (95% CI) of transplant failure for weekend transplant of 0.77 (0.66 to 0.91) within 30 days, 0.86 (0.77 to 0.97) within 1 year, 0.89 (0.81 to 0.99) within 3 years and for graft failure of 0.81 (0.67 to 0.97) within 30 days. For patients without transplant failure within 30 days, there was no weekend effect on transplant failure. Neither night-time procurement nor transplantation were associated with an increased hazard of transplant or graft failure.

Conclusions

Weekend and night-time LT outcomes were non-inferior to weekday or day-time transplantation, and we observed a possible small beneficial effect of weekend transplantation. The structure of LT services in the UK delivers acceptable outcomes ‘out-of-hours’ and may offer wider lessons for weekend working structures.