bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harvested vs estimated follicular units in hair transplantation
Authors: Huang Yau‐Li , Lee Mei‐Ching , Chang Shyue‐Luen , Hu Sindy , Chang Chun‐Shin , Lin Ying‐Fang , Cheng Chun‐Yu
Published: August 2018

Background

The follicular unit transplantation strip harvesting surgery is one of the gold standard methods of hair transplantation; the counting follicular unit ratio and hair density is a major step in donor site evaluation.

Aims

We conducted the study for analyzing the preoperative donor site evaluation and comparison of the actual harvested and estimated follicular units in hair transplantation.

Patients/Methods

In this retrospective study, we enrolled 65 male patients with androgenetic alopecia who underwent follicular unit transplantation. Before the donor strip harvesting procedure, we counted the follicular unit density and calculated the percentage of each follicular unit. And then, we compared them to actual harvesting grafts.

Result

The number of actual harvested transplanted hairs (3162.22 ± 958.30) were less than estimated transplanted hairs (3319.25 ± 1007.86). Both the number and percentage of actual harvested 1‐hair follicular unit were more than estimated 1‐hair follicular unit. In contrast, the number and percentage of actual harvested 3‐hair follicular unit was less than estimated 3‐hair follicular unit. The follicular unit density was lower in older patients. Those received more than one session of hair transplantation tended to have lower follicular and hair density (P = 0.007 and 0.01, respectively). The scalp laxity was lower in older patients and those received multiple sessions of hair transplantation.

Conclusion

The actual harvested grafts yield more 1‐hair follicular units and less 3‐hair follicular units than estimation. Old age and multiple sessions of hair transplantation caused more limitation of harvesting donor scalp.
Leaders’ achievement goals predict employee burnout above and beyond employees’ own achievement goals
Authors: Sijbom Roy B. L. , Lang Jonas W. B. , Anseel Frederik
Published: August 2018

Objective

Burnout has primarily been examined from an individual's perspective without taking the broader environmental context into account. The authors applied an integrative, multilevel perspective and investigated the influence of leaders’ motivational strivings on employee burnout. In two multisource studies, we investigated relationships between leaders’ achievement goals and employee burnout while controlling for employees’ own achievement goals.

Method

Study 1 consisted of 362 members and 72 leaders of the corresponding working groups. Study 2 consisted of 177 employees and 46 leaders of the corresponding working groups, and measurements were spaced apart in time. We also ran a model including the data of both Study 1 and Study 2.

Results

Multilevel analyses indicated that leaders’ mastery‐approach goals were negatively related to employee burnout above and beyond employees’ own achievement goals. Leaders’ performance‐approach goals were positively related to employee burnout in Study 1 and in the overall analysis combining Study 1 and Study 2.

Conclusions

We advance our understanding of the motivational etiology of burnout by examining the top‐down effects of leaders’ achievement goals on employee burnout over and above employees’ own achievement goals. In order to reduce burnout, organizations should take leaders’ achievement goals into account as an important contextual factor.
The Effect of Damage Cap Reforms on Medical Malpractice Insurance Market Conditions During Periods of Crises
Authors: Born Patricia H. , Karl J. Bradley , Montesinos‐Yufa Hugo
Published: August 2018

This article evaluates whether and how tort reform, specifically damage caps, stabilizes medical malpractice insurance markets. We examine state‐level medical malpractice insurance market performance in the United States for the period 1994–2010, a period characterized by a significant variation across states in their legal environments. First, we find that states with damage caps are less likely to have a crisis. Second, we find that the magnitude of crisis events is attenuated in states with damage caps, while the volatility of performance is not significantly different across states with and without damages caps. Finally, conditional on a state entering a crisis, we find that states with damage caps improve more quickly following the crisis than states without damage caps. Overall, our results suggest that damage caps stabilize medical malpractice insurance markets.
Government expenditure, external and domestic public debt, and economic growth
Authors: Le Van Cuong , Nguyen‐Van Phu , Barbier‐Gauchard Amélie , Le Duc‐Anh
Published: August 2018

This paper analyzes the relationship between government expenditure, tax on returns to assets, public debt, and growth in an endogenous growth model. Public debt is composed of two components, domestic debt and external debt. We show conditions for existence, uniqueness, and multiplicity of the steady states. More precisely, existence of steady state requires a sufficiently high productivity and a sufficiently low tax on returns to assets. We also provide the effects of an increase in the tax rate on returns to assets on the steady state. In particular, the relation between public spending and the tax rate has a bell shape. Domestic debt unambiguously increases with tax whereas external debt displays an inverted U‐shaped curve. A high tax rate leads to a reallocation of public debt in favor of domestic debt (to the detriment of external debt). The effect of taxation on consumption (and production) also displays a nonlinear pattern when the output elasticity of capital is lower than unity (the effect is monotonously increasing if this elasticity is unity). We also derive the conditions under which a tax increase can boost or reduce the balanced growth rate.
A national scoping survey of standard infusions in paediatric and neonatal intensive care units in the United Kingdom
Authors: Oskarsdottir Thorunn , Harris David , Sutherland Adam , Wignell Andrew , Christiansen Nanna
Published: August 2018

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the use of standard concentration infusions for intravenous infusions (SCI) in paediatric and neonatal units in the United Kingdom (UK). This included how many units use SCI, variation and overlap in concentrations, devices in use for administration and how the infusions were provided.

Methods

Paediatric and neonatal units in the UK were surveyed using a self-administered web-based survey tool. Respondents were accessed through professional networks over a one-month period in summer 2016.

Key findings

Thirty-one units (40%) used SCI. Twenty-one units provided information on presentation and administration of SCI. Forty-six medicines were used as SCI with 143 different concentrations. ‘Smart’ pump technology was most commonly used in the administration of SCI, and SCI were predominantly prepared by nurses in the near-patient setting.

Conclusions

The majority of paediatric and neonatal units in the UK used traditional weight-based methods for IV infusions and only 40% of responding units had established SCI. This local implementation of SCI resulted in a wide variation of presentations and concentrations and thus there is no true ‘standardisation’. Further research should be conducted on harmonising these SCI across neonatal and paediatric care to facilitate adoption across all units.
Comparative evaluation of four triterpenoid glycoside saponins of bacoside A in alleviating sub-cellular oxidative stress of N2a neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Bhardwaj Pragya , Jain Chakresh Kumar , Mathur Ashwani
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To examine the neuroprotective property of triterpenoid glycoside saponins of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. bacoside A and its components against H2O2-induced oxidative stress on neuronal (N2a) cells.

Methods

The cytoprotective effects of individual bacoside A components were evaluated towards oxidative stressed neuronal cells. Bacoside A was screened for neuronal cell viability (MTT assay) and change in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), anti-apoptotic properties and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) using fluorescence microscopy.

Key findings

Different bacoside A components showed decrease in N2a cell viability below 100 (%) after bacoside A concentration of 0.4 mg/ml. Further, cytoprotective effect of optimized dose of bacoside A was analysed for alleviating oxidative stressed, apoptosis and MMP in H2O2 stressed neuronal cells. Results showed increase in MMP, and decrease in apoptotic induction, without much change in nuclear integrity in stressed neuronal cells. Results showed bacoside A3 and bacopaside II have comparatively higher cytoprotective ability whilst isomer of bacopasponin C, bacopasaponin C and mixture showed comparatively less response.

Conclusions

Amongst four different bacoside A components, bacoside A3 and bacopaside II showed comparatively higher neuroprotective response analysed as higher cell viability and decreased intracellular ROS, suggesting better regulation of cyto-(neuronal) protection of N2a cells.
Morphological characterization of para‐ and proinflammatory neutrophil phenotypes using transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Borenstein Alon , Fine Noah , Hassanpour Siavash , Sun Chunxiang , Oveisi Morvarid , Tenenbaum Howard C. , Glogauer Michael
Published: August 2018

Background and Objective

Bacterial challenge is constant in the oral cavity. To contain the commensal biofilm, partly activated neutrophils are continuously recruited as part of a normal physiologic process, without exposing the host to the harmful effect of a fully active neutrophil response. This intermediate immune state has been termed para‐inflammation, as opposed to the fully activated proinflammatory state in oral disease. Directly visualizing these cells and their components via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) enhances our understanding of neutrophil activation state differences in oral health and disease, as obtained from molecular studies.

The aim of this study was to describe the morphology of the para‐inflammatory phenotype displayed by oral neutrophils in health, and compare it to the morphology of the naïve blood neutrophil, and the proinflammatory oral neutrophils in chronic periodontitis. This morphology was characterized by differences in granule content, phagosome content and cytoplasm and nuclear changes. We also examined the morphological changes induced in naïve neutrophils, which were stimulated in vitro by bacteria, and in oral neutrophils in full tissue samples in vivo.

Material and Methods

Neutrophils were isolated from blood and saliva samples of patients with chronic periodontitis and healthy individuals. The cells were viewed under TEM and analyzed in imaging software examining granularity, cytoplasm density, euchromatin amount in the nucleus and phagosome content. A separate cohort of blood neutrophils was incubated with Streptococcus oralis and analyzed under TEM in the same manner. Gingival tissue samples were obtained from patients with chronic periodontitis and viewed under TEM, with the neutrophils present analyzed in the same manner.

Results

The proinflammatory cells showed less granulation, lighter cytoplasm and higher amount of nuclear euchromatin. These changes were accentuated in the proinflammatory oral chronic periodontitis neutrophils compared to the para‐inflammatory oral health neutrophils. The oral chronic periodontitis neutrophils also contained more phagosomes and had more phagosomes containing undigested bacteria. These changes were partially reproduced in the naïve blood cells after exposing them to S. oralis. The neutrophils in the gingival tissues displayed naïve morphology when viewed in the blood vessels and gradually showed proinflammatory morphological changes as they traveled through the connective tissue into the epithelium.

Conclusion

Oral neutrophils display morphological changes consistent with partial or full activation, corresponding to their para‐ or proinflammatory states. These changes can also be induced in naïve cells by incubating them with commensal bacteria. Neutrophils change their morphology towards an activated state as they travel through the gingival tissue.
Identity Development and Integration of Religious Identities in Gender and Sexual Minority Emerging Adults
Authors: Scroggs Barrett , Miller Jason M. , Stanfield M. Hunter
Published: August 2018

Gender and sexual minority (GSM) individuals have been neglected in emerging adulthood research. Further research is needed to understand the seemingly contradictory religious and GSM identities of emerging adults. This study looks at the associations of identity development and identity integration with religious and GSM group activities and well‐being. Identity visibility (outness) is associated with increases in GSM group activity and well‐being. Religious group activity is also associated with increases in well‐being. Religious group activity mediates the relationship between identity integration and well‐being. Implications for practitioners working with GSM individuals dealing with issues of identity integration are discussed.
Local Religious Subcultures and Generalized Social Trust in the United States
Authors: Marshall Joey , Olson Daniel V. A.
Published: August 2018

Using multilevel analyses of 21,193 General Social Survey respondents nested within 256 metropolitan areas and counties, we find that individuals’ willingness to trust others is strongly related to the denominational make‐up of geographic areas. The percent of evangelical Protestants in the population negatively predicts individual‐level generalized trust, while percent mainline Protestant and percent Catholic positively predict trust. The effect sizes of these results are large and robust to statistical controls, and they hold even among nonmembers of the religious groups; for instance, “percent evangelical” predicts lower trust even among nonevangelicals. Black Protestant population share initially appears to predict lower trust, but the association disappears after adjusting for racial residential segregation. Following a longstanding theoretical tradition in the sociology of religion, we argue that the religious characteristics of places—not just individuals—shape local subcultures in ways that affect a broad range of behaviors, attitudes, and values such as generalized trust.
The Fixed Volatility Bootstrap for a Class of Arch(q) Models
Authors: Cavaliere Giuseppe , Pedersen Rasmus Søndergaard , Rahbek Anders
Published: August 2018

The ‘fixed regressor’ – or ‘fixed design’ – bootstrap is usually considered in the context of classic regression, or conditional mean (autoregressive) models, see for example, Gonçalves and Kilian, 2004). We consider here inference for a general class of (non)linear ARCH models of order q, based on a ‘Fixed Volatility’ bootstrap. In the Fixed Volatility bootstrap, the lagged variables in the conditional variance equation are kept fixed at their values in the original series, while the bootstrap innovations are, as is standard, resampled with replacement from the estimated residuals based on quasi maximum likelihood estimation. We derive a full asymptotic theory to establish validity for the Fixed Volatility bootstrap applied to Wald statistics for general restrictions on the parameters. A key feature of the Fixed Volatility bootstrap is that the bootstrap sample, conditional on the original data, is an independent sequence. Inspection of the proof of bootstrap validity reveals that such conditional independence simplifies the asymptotic analysis considerably. In contrast to other bootstrap methods, one does not have to take into account the conditional dependence structure of the bootstrap process itself. We also investigate the finite sample performance of the Fixed Volatility bootstrap by means of a small scale Monte Carlo experiment. We find evidence that for small sample sizes, the Fixed Volatility bootstrap test is superior to the asymptotic test, and to the recursive bootstrap‐based test. For large samples, both bootstrap schemes and the asymptotic test share properties, as expected from the asymptotic theory. Its appealing theoretical properties, together with its good finite sample performance, suggest that the proposed Fixed Volatility bootstrap may be an important tool for the analysis of the bootstrap in more general volatility models.
Efficacy of pentamidine analogue 6 in dogs with chronic atrial fibrillation
Authors: Szatmári Viktor , Ji Yuan , Herwijnen Bianca van , Feng Mei , Wang Michael Zhou , Bossu Alexandre , van der Heyden Marcel A. G.
Published: August 2018

Background

The inward rectifier inhibitor pentamidine analogue 6 (PA‐6) is effective in cardioversion of goats with persistent rapid pacing induced atrial fibrillation (AF) and is not proarrhythmic in dogs with experimental chronic 3rd‐degree AV block. Efficacy and safety in the clinical setting are unknown.

Hypothesis

That PA‐6 would be effective in converting AF to sinus rhythm (SR) in dogs with naturally occurring AF, without the presence of overt adverse effects.

Animals

Ten client‐owned large and giant breed dogs.

Methods

Animals with persistent or permanent AF were recruited for our prospective study. PA‐6 was administered IV as a bolus of 2.5 mg/kg 10 min−1 followed by a maintenance infusion of 0.04 mg/kg min−1 for a maximum of 50 minutes in conscious dogs. Standard 6 lead limb ECG was recorded during the infusion. Visible and audible signs of adverse effects were scored during the entire procedure.

Results

PA‐6 did not induce changes in QRS duration (54.7 ± 4.6 versus 56.7 ± 6.1 ms, P = .42), QTc interval (241.1 ± 19.5 versus 258.7 ± 19.8 ms, P = .061) or RR interval (363.4 ± 84.6 versus 440.8 ± 96.3 ms, P = .072) at the end of the bolus. No cardioversion to SR was observed in any dog. Three dogs displayed no adverse effects. Five dogs had premature ventricular depolarizations during PA‐6 infusion on the ECG. Respiratory distress with laryngeal stridor, subtle muscle twitching, and mild generalized muscular weakness were noncardiac adverse effects observed in 5 dogs. Adverse effects resolved spontaneously.

Conclusions and Clinical importance

Chronic naturally occurring AF in large and giant breed dogs could not be cardioverted to SR by PA‐6.
Echocardiographic evaluation of velocity ratio, velocity time integral ratio, and pulmonary valve area in dogs with pulmonary valve stenosis
Authors: Nishimura Satoko , Visser Lance C. , Bélanger Catherine , Oldach Maureen S. , Gunther‐Harrington Catherine T. , Stern Joshua A.
Published: August 2018

Background

Velocity ratio, velocity time integral (VTI) ratio, and pulmonary valve area indexed to body surface area (iPVA) are methods of assessment of pulmonary valve stenosis (PS) severity that are less dependent on blood flow. Studies evaluating these methods are limited.

Objectives

To determine the effects of butorphanol, atenolol, and balloon valvuloplasty (BV) on velocity ratio, VTI ratio, iPVA, mean PG, and max PG.

Animals

Twenty‐seven dogs with PS (max PG >50 mm Hg).

Methods

Prospective study. All dogs underwent an echocardiogram at baseline, 5‐minutes after administration of butorphanol (0.2‐0.25 mg/kg IV), and 2‐to‐4 weeks after atenolol (1‐1.5 mg/kg q12h). Twenty‐one of these were evaluated 24‐hours after BV.

Results

There were no significant differences (P > .05) amongst any of the methods of assessment of PS severity after butorphanol. After atenolol, mean (SD) of mean (57.0 [21.0] mm Hg) and max PG (93.1 [33.8] mm Hg) were significantly decreased (P ≤ .047) compared with baseline (65.2 [26.2] mm Hg and 108 [44.4] mm Hg, respectively). After atenolol, there were no significant (P ≥ .12) differences in velocity ratio (0.29 [0.09]), VTI ratio (0.18 [0.05]), or iPVA (0.43 [0.16] cm2/m2) compared with baseline (0.30 [0.09], 0.19 [0.09], 0.44 [0.17] cm2/m2, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Atenolol might reduce mean and max PG but does not alter less flow‐dependent methods of assessment of PS severity (velocity ratio, VTI ratio, and iPVA) in dogs with PS. Results support an integrative approach to assessment of PS severity that includes less flow‐dependent methods, particularly in states of altered flow or right ventricular function.
Presumed Neuroglycopenia Caused by Severe Hypoglycemia in Horses
Authors: Aleman M. , Costa L. R. R. , Crowe C. , Kass P. H.
Published: August 2018

Background

Neuroglycopenia refers to a shortage of glucose in the brain resulting in neuronal dysfunction and death if left untreated. Presumed neuroglycopenia has not been described in horses.

Objective

To report neurological signs in horses with presumed neuroglycopenia as the result of severe hypoglycemia.

Animals

Ninety horses (hours to 28 years of age) diagnosed with hypoglycemia (blood glucose concentration < 75 mg/dL [< 4.2 mmol/L]).

Methods

Retrospective study. Electronic medical records were searched. Signalment, history, complaint, clinical signs, laboratory findings including CSF analysis, electroencephalogram, clinical or definitive diagnosis, and outcome were recorded. Kruskal‐Wallis analysis of variance and logistic regression were used to investigate association between blood glucose concentration and data extracted. Statistical significance was set atP< 0.05.

Results

Thirty‐eight and 52 horses had mild (50‐74 mg/dL [2.8‐4.1 mmol/L]), and severe hypoglycemia (< 50 mg/dL [< 2.8 mmol/L]), respectively. Most common causes of hypoglycemia included liver and gastrointestinal (40%) disease, sepsis (33%), neoplasia (7%), and insulin‐induced (4%). Most common neurologic deficits included obtundation (100%), seizures (42%), and disorientation (22%). CSF‐glucose was severely low (mean 2.5 mg/dL [0.1 mmol/L], median 0 mg/dL). Paroxysmal discharges in support of seizures were identified in the occipital (visual) and parietal (closest to temporal‐auditory) cortical regions upon EEG examination (8/8 horses).

Conclusions and clinical importance

Neuroglycopenia is presumed to occur in horses as the result of severe hypoglycemia. Subclinical seizures, and intermittent blindness and deafness of cortical origin can occur. Severe altered state of consciousness and seizures can be observed at a blood glucose cut‐off value of < 42 mg/dL (< 2.3 mmol/L).
25‐Hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in dogs with naturally acquired blastomycosis
Authors: O'Brien M.A. , McMichael M.A. , Le Boedec K.
Published: August 2018

Background

Hypovitaminosis D is common in humans with tuberculosis, and adequate serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations may improve response to therapy. The pathomechanism ofBlastomyces dermatitidisis similar to that ofMycobacterium tuberculosis,but the 25(OH)D status of dogs with blastomycosis has not been investigated.

Objectives

To determine if dogs with blastomycosis have lower 25(OH)D concentrations compared with healthy controls and to explore the prognostic value of 25(OH)D concentrations in blastomycosis.

Animals

35 control dogs (16 client‐owned, healthy dogs and 19 healthy, random‐source hound mixes) and 22 dogs with blastomycosis.

Methods

Prospective study. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), ionized calcium were measured, and biochemistry and hematology profiles were performed. The 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were compared between groups, and factors associated with 25(OH)D variation were investigated in dogs with blastomycosis. Dogs with blastomycosis were followed for up to 5 years after discharge and factors associated with survival were investigated.

Results

Dogs with blastomycosis had significantly lower concentrations of 25(OH)D and PTH and higher concentrations of ionized calcium than did control dogs. In dogs with blastomycosis, 25(OH)D concentrations were independently associated with neutrophil count, pCO2, and with bone and skin involvement. The 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration was not associated with survival in dogs with blastomycosis, whereas lactate concentrations; bone, skin, and lymph node involvement; number of affected sites; and, presence of respiratory signs were associated with survival.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Dogs with blastomycosis had lower 25(OH)D concentrations than did healthy controls. Despite no impact on survival, investigating the effect of 25(OH)D supplementation on recovery is warranted.
An E321G MYH1 mutation is strongly associated with nonexertional rhabdomyolysis in Quarter Horses
Authors: Valberg Stephanie J. , Henry Marisa L. , Perumbakkam Sudeep , Gardner Keri L. , Finno Carrie J.
Published: August 2018

Background

An E321G mutation in MYH1 was recently identified in Quarter Horses (QH) with immune‐mediated myositis (IMM) defined by a phenotype of gross muscle atrophy and myofiber lymphocytic infiltrates.

Hypothesis/Objectives

We hypothesized that the MYH1 mutation also was associated with a phenotype of nonexertional rhabdomyolysis. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of the MYH1 mutation in QH with exertional (ER) and nonexertional (nonER) rhabdomyolysis.

Animals

Quarter Horses: 72 healthy controls, 85 ER‐no atrophy, 56 ER‐atrophy, 167 nonER horses selected regardless of muscle atrophy.

Methods

Clinical and histopathologic information and DNA was obtained from a database for (1) ER > 2 years of age, with or without atrophy and (2) nonER creatine kinase (CK) ≥ 5000 U/L, <5 years of age. Horses were genotyped for E321G MYH1 by pyrosequencing.

Results

The MYH1 mutation was present in a similar proportion of ER‐no atrophy (1/56; 2%) and in a higher proportion of ER‐atrophy (25/85; 29%) versus controls (4/72; 5%). The MYH1 mutation was present in a significantly higher proportion of nonER (113/165; 68%) than controls either in the presence (39/42; 93%) or in absence (72/123; 59%) of gross atrophy. Lymphocytes were present in <18% of muscle samples with the MYH1 mutation.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Although not associated with ER, the MYH1 mutation is associated with atrophy after ER. The MYH1 mutation is highly associated with nonER regardless of whether muscle atrophy or lymphocytic infiltrates are present. Genetic testing will enhance the ability to diagnose MYH1 myopathies (MYHM) in QH.
Drug residues in poultry meat: A literature review of commonly used veterinary antibacterials and anthelmintics used in poultry
Authors: Patel Trishna , Marmulak Tara , Gehring Ronette , Pitesky Maurice , Clapham Maaike O. , Tell Lisa A.
Published: August 2018

Poultry meat is widely consumed throughout the world and production practices often include the administration of pharmaceutical products. When appropriate, extra‐label drug use of medications is necessary, but scientifically derived drug withdrawal intervals must be observed so that poultry meat is not contaminated with drug residues which could pose health risks to consumers. Over the past decade, there has been increased advocacy for judicious use of antimicrobial drugs for treating food animals. Judicious use of medications is commonly referred to as practices that reduce antibiotic resistance, but also includes residue avoidance. In that light, many investigators have performed scientific studies and have published estimated pharmacokinetic parameters for veterinary medications used in commercial avian species. This manuscript is a review of medication classes that have been studied in poultry (mostly chickens) with an emphasis on drug residue depletion in poultry meat.
Oleanolic acid reprograms the liver to protect against hepatotoxicants, but is hepatotoxic at high doses
Authors: Liu Jie , Lu Yuan‐Fu , Wu Qin , Xu Shang‐Fu , Shi Fu‐Guo , Klaassen Curtis D.
Published: August 2018

Oleanolic acid (OA) is a triterpenoid that exists widely in fruits, vegetables and medicinal herbs. OA is included in some dietary supplements and is used as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in China, India, Asia, the USA and European countries. OA is effective in protecting against various hepatotoxicants, and one of the protective mechanisms is reprogramming the liver to activate the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2). OA derivatives, such as CDDO‐Im and CDDO‐Me, are even more potent Nrf2 activators. OA has recently been shown to also activate the Takeda G‐protein‐coupled receptor (TGR5). However, whereas a low dose of OA is hepatoprotective, higher doses and long‐term use of OA can produce liver injury, characterized by cholestasis. This paradoxical hepatotoxic effect occurs not only for OA, but also for other OA‐type triterpenoids. Dose and length of time of OA exposure differentiate the ability of OA to produce hepatoprotection vs hepatotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity produced by herbs is increasingly recognized and is of global concern. Given the appealing nature of OA in dietary supplements and its use as an alternative medicine around the world, as well as the development of OA derivatives (CDDO‐Im and CDDO‐Me) as therapeutics, it is important to understand not only that they program the liver to protect against hepatotoxic chemicals, but also how they produce hepatotoxicity.
Comparison of GEMS in interplanetary dust particles and GEMS‐like objects in a Stardust impact track in aerogel
Authors: Ishii Hope A.
Published: August 2018

Comet 81P/Wild 2 dust, the first comet sample of known provenance, was widely expected to resemble anhydrous chondritic porous (CP) interplanetary dust particles (IDPs). GEMS, distinctly characteristic of CP IDPs, have yet to be unambiguously identified in the Stardust mission samples despite claims of likely candidates. One such candidate is Stardust impact track 57 “Febo” in aerogel, which contains fine‐grained objects texturally and compositionally similar to GEMS. Their position adjacent the terminal particle suggests that they may be indigenous, fine‐grained, cometary material, like that in CP IDPs, shielded by the terminal particle from damage during deceleration from hypervelocity. Dark‐field imaging and multidetector energy‐dispersive X‐ray mapping were used to compare GEMS‐like‐objects in the Febo terminal particle with GEMS in an anhydrous, chondritic IDP. GEMS in the IDP are within 3× CI (solar) abundances for major and minor elements. In the Febo GEMS‐like objects, Mg and Ca are systematically and strongly depleted relative to CI; S and Fe are somewhat enriched; and Au, a known aerogel contaminant, is present, consistent with ablation, melting, abrasion, and mixing of the SiOx aerogel with crystalline Fe‐sulfide and minor enstatite, high‐Ni sulfide, and augite identified by elemental mapping in the terminal particle. Thus, GEMS‐like objects in “caches” of fine‐grained debris abutting terminal particles are most likely deceleration debris packed in place during particle transit through the aerogel.
Shock metamorphic history of >4 Ga Apollo 14 and 15 zircons
Authors: Crow Carolyn A. , Moser Desmond E. , McKeegan Kevin D.
Published: August 2018

During impact events, zircons develop a wide range of shock metamorphic features that depend on the pressure and temperature conditions experienced by the zircon. These conditions vary with original distance from impact center and whether the zircon grains are incorporated into ejecta or remain within the target crust. We have employed the range of shock metamorphic features preserved in >4 Ga lunar zircons separated from Apollo 14 and 15 breccias and soils in order to gain insights into the impact shock histories of these areas of the Moon. We report microstructural characteristics of 31 zircons analyzed using electron beam methods including electron backscatter pattern (EBSP) and diffraction (EBSD). The major results of this survey are as follows. (1) The abundance of curviplanar features hosting secondary impact melt inclusions suggests that most of the zircons have experienced shock pressures between 3 and 20 GPa; (2) the scarcity of recrystallization or decomposition textures and the absence of the high‐pressure polymorph, reidite, suggests that few grains have been shocked to over 40 GPa or heated above 1000 °C in ejecta settings; (3) one grain exhibits narrow, arc‐shaped bands of twinned zircon, which map out as spherical shells, and represent a novel shock microstructure. Overall, most of the Apollo 14 and 15 zircons exhibit shock features similar to those of terrestrial zircon grains originating from continental crust below large (~200 km) impact craters (e.g., Vredefort impact basin), suggesting derivation from central uplifts or uplifted rims of large basins or craters on the Moon and not high‐temperature and ‐pressure ejecta deposits.
Protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding on Instagram
Authors: Marcon Alessandro R. , Bieber Mark , Azad Meghan B.
Published: August 2018

Breastfeeding has many established benefits for mothers, children, and society at large; however, the vast majority of infants globally do not meet international breastfeeding recommendations. There are many complex reasons for suboptimal breastfeeding rates, including social and societal factors. Alongside increasing social media use worldwide, there is an expanding research focus on how social media use affects health behaviours, decisions and perceptions. The objective of this study was to systematically determine if and how breastfeeding is promoted and supported on the popular social media platform Instagram, which currently has over 700 million active users worldwide. To assess how Instagram is used to depict and portray breastfeeding, and how users share perspectives and information about this topic, we analysed 4,089 images and 8,331 corresponding comments posted with popular breastfeeding‐related hashtags (#breastfeeding, #breastmilk, #breastisbest, and #normalizebreastfeeding). We found that Instagram is being mobilized by users to publicly display and share diverse breastfeeding‐related content and to create supportive networks that allow new mothers to share experiences, build confidence, and address challenges related to breastfeeding. Discussions were overwhelmingly positive and often highly personal, with virtually no antagonistic content. Very little educational content was found, contrasted by frequent depiction and discussion of commercial products. Thus, Instagram is currently used by breastfeeding mothers to create supportive networks and could potentially offer new avenues and opportunities to “normalize,” protect, promote, and support breastfeeding more broadly across its large and diverse global online community.
Adaptive introgression and maintenance of a trispecies hybrid complex in range‐edge populations of Populus
Authors: Chhatre Vikram E. , Evans Luke M. , DiFazio Stephen P. , Keller Stephen R.
Published: August 2018

In hybrid zones occurring in marginal environments, adaptive introgression from one species into the genomic background of another may constitute a mechanism facilitating adaptation at range limits. Although recent studies have improved our understanding of adaptive introgression in widely distributed tree species, little is known about the dynamics of this process in populations at the margins of species ranges. We investigated the extent of introgression between three species of the genus Populus sect. Tacamahaca (P. balsamifera, P. angustifolia and P. trichocarpa) at the margins of their distributions in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States and Canada. Using genotyping by sequencing (GBS), we analysed ~ 83,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyped in 296 individuals from 29 allopatric and sympatric populations of the three species. We found a trispecies hybrid complex present throughout the zone of range overlap, including early as well as advanced generation backcross hybrids, indicating recurrent gene flow in this hybrid complex. Using genomic cline analysis, we found evidence of non‐neutral patterns of introgression at 23% of loci in hybrids, of which 47% and 8% represented excess ancestry from P. angustifolia and P. balsamifera, respectively. Gene ontology analysis suggested these genomic regions were enriched for genes associated with photoperiodic regulation, metal ion transport, maintenance of redox homeostasis and cell wall metabolites involved in regulation of seasonal dormancy. Our study demonstrates the role of adaptive introgression in a multispecies hybrid complex in range‐edge populations and has implications for understanding the evolutionary dynamics of adaptation in hybrid zones, especially at the margins of species distributions.
Effect of torpor on host transcriptomic responses to a fungal pathogen in hibernating bats
Authors: Field Kenneth A. , Sewall Brent J. , Prokkola Jenni M. , Turner Gregory G. , Gagnon Marianne F. , Lilley Thomas M. , Paul White J. , Johnson Joseph S. , Hauer Christopher L. , Reeder DeeAnn M.
Published: August 2018

Hibernation, the use of prolonged torpor to depress metabolism, is employed by mammals to conserve resources during extended periods of extreme temperatures and/or resource limitation. Mammalian hibernators arouse to euthermy periodically during torpor for reasons that are not well understood, and these arousals may facilitate immune processes. To determine whether arousals enable host responses to pathogens, we used dual RNA‐Seq and a paired sampling approach to examine gene expression in a hibernating bat, the little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus). During torpor, transcript levels differed in only a few genes between uninfected wing tissue and adjacent tissue infected with Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungal pathogen that causes white‐nose syndrome. Within 70–80 min after emergence from torpor, large changes in gene expression were observed due to local infection, particularly in genes involved in pro‐inflammatory host responses to fungal pathogens, but also in many genes involved in immune responses and metabolism. These results support the hypothesis that torpor is a period of relative immune dormancy and arousals allow for local immune responses in infected tissues during hibernation. Host–pathogen interactions were also found to regulate gene expression in the pathogen differently depending on the torpor state of the host. Hibernating species must balance the benefits of energy and water conservation achieved during torpor with the costs of decreased immune competence. Interbout arousals allow hibernators to optimize these, and other, trade‐offs during prolonged hibernation by enabling host responses to pathogens within brief, periodic episodes of euthermy.
A conserved motif promotes HpaB‐regulated export of type III effectors from Xanthomonas
Authors: Prochaska Heike , Thieme Sabine , Daum Sebastian , Grau Jan , Schmidtke Cornelius , Hallensleben Magnus , John Peter , Bacia Kirsten , Bonas Ulla
Published: August 2018

The type III secretion (T3S) system, an essential pathogenicity factor in most Gram‐negative plant‐pathogenic bacteria, injects bacterial effector proteins directly into the plant cell cytosol. Here, the type III effectors (T3Es) manipulate host cell processes to suppress defence and establish appropriate conditions for bacterial multiplication in the intercellular spaces of the plant tissue. T3E export depends on a secretion signal which is also present in ‘non‐effectors’. The latter are secreted extracellular components of the T3S apparatus, but are not translocated into the plant cell. How the T3S system discriminates between T3Es and non‐effectors is still enigmatic. Previously, we have identified a putative translocation motif (TrM) in several T3Es from Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv). Here, we analysed the TrM of the Xcv effector XopB in detail. Mutation studies showed that the proline/arginine‐rich motif is required for efficient type III‐dependent secretion and translocation of XopB and determines the dependence of XopB transport on the general T3S chaperone HpaB. Similar results were obtained for other effectors from Xcv. As the arginine residues of the TrM mediate specific binding of XopB to cardiolipin, one of the major lipid components in Xanthomonas membranes, we assume that the association of T3Es to the bacterial membrane prior to secretion supports type III‐dependent export.
Inequalities in Educational Outcomes: How Important Is the Family?
Authors: Bredtmann Julia , Smith Nina
Published: August 2018

Using rich administrative and longitudinal survey data for Denmark, we investigate sibling correlations in educational outcomes, which serve as a broad measure of the importance of family and community background. We find sibling correlations of up to 0.38, suggesting that more than a third of the variation in educational achievement can be explained by family background. Our results further reveal that parents’ socio‐economic background can account for a large part of the sibling correlation. Other family characteristics such as family structure, social problems and parents’ educational preferences only contribute to explaining sibling similarities at lower levels of the educational distribution.
Interventions for dry mouth and hyposalivation in Sjögren’s syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Al Hamad Arwa , Lodi Giovanni , Porter Stephen , Fedele Stefano , Mercadante Valeria
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Systematic review with meta‐analysis of interventions for dry mouth symptoms and hyposalivation of Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

Materials and Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Central and EMBASE up to February 2018 for randomized trials of interventions for dry mouth and hyposalivation of SS. The primary outcome was the mean change in xerostomia symptoms. The secondary outcomes included changes in salivary flow and quality of life. We used the Cochrane risk of bias tool for individual studies and the GRADE method to summarize the quality of evidence across studies for the included outcomes.

Results

Thirty‐six studies (3,274 patients) were included in the systematic review. Results from the meta‐analyses showed high‐quality evidence that pilocarpine was superior to placebo in reducing dry mouth symptoms. We found moderate quality of evidence that pilocarpine, rituximab and interferon‐alpha were more effective than placebo in increasing salivary flow, with the relevant effect size being large for pilocarpine, and notably smaller for rituximab and interferon‐alpha.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be very confident in the beneficial effects of pilocarpine upon dry mouth symptoms of SS and moderately confident that pilocarpine, rituximab and interferon‐alpha can have beneficial effects upon salivary flow. Adverse events are common. The use of other treatment modalities cannot be supported on the basis of current evidence.
External electrical cardioversion in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices: Is it safe and is immediate device interrogation necessary?
Authors: Pluymaekers Nikki AHA , Dudink Elton AMP , Boersma Lucas , Erküner Ömer , Gelissen Marloes , van Dijk Vincent , Wijffels Maurits , Dinh Trang , Vernooy Kevin , Crijns Harry JGM , Balt Jippe , Luermans Justin GLM
Published: August 2018

Background

Atrial tachyarrhythmias are common in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Restoration of sinus rhythm by external electrical cardioversion (eECV) is frequently used to alleviate symptoms and to ensure optimal device function.

Objectives

To evaluate the safety of eECV in patients with contemporary CIEDs and to assess the need for immediate device interrogation after eECV.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study of 229 patients (27.9% female, age 69 ± 10 years) with a CIED (104 pacemakers, 69 implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and 56 biventricular devices) who underwent eECV between 2008 and 2016 in two centers. Data from device interrogation before eECV, immediately afterwards, and at first follow‐up (FU) after eECV were collected. CIED‐related complications and adverse events during and after eECV were recorded.

Results

No significant differences between right atrial (RA) and right ventricular (RV) sensing or threshold values before eECV, immediately afterwards, or at FU were observed. A small yet significant decrease was observed in RA and RV impedance immediately after eECV (484 Ω vs 462 Ω, P < 0.001 and 536 Ω vs 514 Ω, P < 0.001, respectively). The RV impedance did not recover to the baseline value (538 Ω vs 527 Ω, P  =  0.02). The impedance changes were without clinical consequences. No changes in left ventricular lead threshold or impedance values were measured. No CIED‐related complications or adverse events were documented following eECV.

Conclusion

eECV in patients with contemporary CIEDs is safe. There seems to be no need for immediate device interrogation after eECV.
Photocrosslinking of G‐Quadruplex‐Forming Sequences found in Human Promoters
Authors: Smith‐Carpenter Jillian E. , Taylor John‐Stephen
Published: August 2018

While is it well known that human telomeric DNA sequences can adopt G‐quadruplex structures, some promoters sequences have also been found to form G‐quadruplexes, and over 40% of promoters contain putative G‐quadruplex‐forming sequences. Because UV light has been shown to crosslink human telomeric G‐quadruplexes by cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) formation between T's on adjacent loops, UV light might also be able to photocrosslink G‐quadruplexes in promoters. To investigate this possibility, 15 potentially UV‐crosslinkable G‐quadruplex‐forming sequences found in a search of human DNA promoters were UVB irradiated in vitro, and three were confirmed to have formed nonadjacent CPDs by mass spectrometry. In addition to nonadjacent T=T CPDs found in human telomeric DNA, a nonadjacent T=U CPD was discovered that presumably arose from deamination of a nonadjacent T=C CPD. Analysis of the three sequences by circular dichroism, melting temperature analysis and chemical footprinting confirmed the presence of G‐quadruplexes that could explain the formation of the nonadjacent CPDs. The formation of nonadjacent CPDs from the sequences in vitro suggests that they might be useful probes for the presence of non‐B DNA structures, such as G‐quadruplexes, in vivo, and if they were to form in vivo, might also have significant biological consequences.
The French Exception: A Survey‐by‐Survey Account
Authors: Witte Anne E.
Published: August 2018

The European Social Survey and the values theories of Shalom Schwartz provide a robust conceptual framework to compare values espoused in 21 European countries. The case of France sheds light on contemporary challenges to European Union (EU) policy, considering a mounting populist base that struggles for preserving national identity problematized by a changing employment market, globalization, and immigration headlines. In light of the European Social Survey’s human values data for 21 European nations and other mainstream cross‐cultural surveys, France is a striking example of a mature democracy confronted with core identity challenges, asserting one worldview in its macro‐economic orientation but another in the street and public forum. France provides an interesting barometer within Europe, where antagonisms between the polity and the people exacerbate EU integration, challenging the priorities of political leadership in a struggle to modify historical arrangements that no longer prove feasible.