bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cannabidiolic acid methyl ester, a stable synthetic analogue of cannabidiolic acid, can produce 5‐HT1A receptor‐mediated suppression of nausea and anxiety in rats
Authors: Pertwee Roger G , Rock Erin M , Guenther Kelsey , Limebeer Cheryl L , Stevenson Lesley A , Haj Christeene , Smoum Reem , Parker Linda A , Mechoulam Raphael
Published: October 2017

Background and Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the abilities of cannabidiolic acid methyl ester (HU‐580) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) to enhance 5‐HT1A receptor activation in vitro and produce 5‐HT1A‐mediated reductions in nausea and anxiety in vivo.

Experimental Approach

We investigated the effects of HU‐580 and CBDA on (i) activation by 8‐hydroxy‐2‐(di‐n‐propylamino)tetralin of human 5‐HT1A receptors in CHO cell membranes, using [35S]‐GTPγS binding assays, (ii) gaping by rats in acute and anticipatory nausea models, and (iii) stress‐induced anxiety‐like behaviour, as indicated by exit time from the light compartment of a light–dark box of rats subjected 24 h earlier to six tone‐paired foot shocks.

Key Results

HU‐580 and CBDA increased the Emax of 8‐hydroxy‐2‐(di‐n‐propylamino) tetralin in vitro at 0.01–10 and 0.1–10 nM, respectively, and reduced signs of (i) acute nausea at 0.1 and 1 μg·kg−1 i.p. and at 1 μg·kg−1 i.p., respectively, and (ii) anticipatory nausea at 0.01 and 0.1 μg·kg−1, and at 0.1 μg·kg−1 i.p. respectively. At 0.01 μg·kg−1, HU‐580, but not CBDA, increased the time foot‐shocked rats spent in the light compartment of a light–dark box. The anti‐nausea and anti‐anxiety effects of 0.01 or 0.1 μg·kg−1 HU‐580 were opposed by the 5‐HT1A antagonist, WAY100635 (0.1 mg·kg−1 i.p.).

Conclusions and Implications

HU‐580 is more potent than CBDA at enhancing 5‐HT1A receptor activation, and inhibiting signs of acute and anticipatory nausea, and anxiety. Consequently, HU‐580 is a potential medicine for treating some nausea and anxiety disorders and possibly other disorders ameliorated by enhancement of 5‐HT1A receptor activation.
Vortioxetine exerts anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects on human monocytes/macrophages
Authors: Talmon Maria , Rossi Silvia , Pastore Anna , Cattaneo Carlo Ignazio , Brunelleschi Sandra , Fresu Luigia Grazia
Published: October 2017

Background and Purpose

A crosstalk between the immune system and depression has been postulated, with monocytes/macrophages and cytokines having a key role in this interaction. In this study, we examined whether vortioxetine, a multimodal anti‐depressive drug, was endowed with anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative activity, leading to immunomodulatory effects on human monocytes and macrophages.

Experimental Approach

Human monocytes were isolated from buffy coats and used as such or differentiated into M1 and M2 macrophages. Cells were treated with vortioxetine before or after differentiation, and their responsiveness was evaluated. This included oxy‐radical and TNFα production, TNFα and PPARγ gene expression and NF‐κB translocation.

Key Results

Vortioxetine significantly reduced the PMA‐induced oxidative burst in monocytes and in macrophages (M1 and M2), causing a concomitant shift of macrophages from the M1 to the M2 phenotype, demonstrated by a significant decrease in the expression of the surface marker CD86 and an increase in CD206. Moreover, treatment of monocytes with vortioxetine rendered macrophages derived from this population less sensitive to PMA, as it reduced the oxidative burst, NF‐kB translocation, TNFα release and expression while inducing PPARγ gene expression. FACS analysis showed a significant decrease in the CD14+/CD16+/CD86+ M1 population.

Conclusions and Implications

These results demonstrate that in human monocytes/macrophages, vortioxetine has antioxidant activity and anti‐inflammatory effects driving the polarization of macrophages towards their alternative phenotype. These findings suggest that vortioxetine, alongside its antidepressive effect, may have immunomodulatory properties.
Phase I study of single‐agent ribociclib in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Doi Toshihiko , Hewes Becker , Kakizume Tomoyuki , Tajima Takeshi , Ishikawa Norifumi , Yamada Yasuhide
Published: October 2017

The cyclin D‐CDK4/6‐INK4‐Rb pathway is frequently dysregulated in cancers. Ribociclib, an orally available, selective CDK4/6 inhibitor, showed preliminary clinical activity in a phase I study in the USA and Europe for patients with solid tumors and lymphomas. The present study aimed to determine the single‐agent maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended dose for expansion (RDE) in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. Ribociclib safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic profile, and preliminary antitumor activity were also assessed. Japanese patients with solid tumors that had progressed on prior therapies received escalating doses of single‐agent ribociclib on a 3‐weeks‐on/1‐week‐off schedule. Treatment continued until the development of toxicity or disease progression. A dose escalation was planned for patients with esophageal cancer. In the dose‐escalation phase, 4 patients received 400 mg ribociclib and 13 patients received 600 mg ribociclib. Four patients experienced dose‐limiting toxicities, 3 of whom were in the 600 mg group. The RDE was declared to be 600 mg, and the MTD was not determined. The most frequent adverse events were hematologic and gastrointestinal. Four patients achieved stable disease at the 600 mg dose; no patients achieved complete or partial response. All patients discontinued the study, the majority due to disease progression. No patients discontinued due to adverse events. Dose escalation was not pursued due to lack of observed efficacy in esophageal cancer. At the RDE of 600 mg/d on a 3‐weeks‐on/1‐week‐off schedule, ribociclib showed acceptable safety and tolerability profiles in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors.
Dasatinib cessation after deep molecular response exceeding 2 years and natural killer cell transition during dasatinib consolidation
Authors: Kumagai Takashi , Nakaseko Chiaki , Nishiwaki Kaichi , Yoshida Chikashi , Ohashi Kazuteru , Takezako Naoki , Takano Hina , Kouzai Yasuji , Murase Tadashi , Matsue Kosei , Morita Satoshi , Sakamoto Junichi , Wakita Hisashi , Sakamaki Hisashi , Inokuchi Koiti ,   the Kanto CML and Shimousa Hematology Study Groups
Published: October 2017

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) improve the prognosis of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) by inducing substantial deep molecular responses (DMR); some patients have successfully discontinued TKI therapy after maintaining DMR for ≥1 year. In this cessation study, we investigated the optimal conditions for dasatinib discontinuation in patients who maintained DMR for ≥2 years. This study included 54 patients with CML who were enrolled in a D‐STOP multicenter prospective trial, had achieved DMR, and had discontinued dasatinib after 2‐year consolidation. Peripheral lymphocyte profiles were analyzed by flow cytometry. The estimated 12‐month treatment‐free survival (TFS) was 62.9% (95% confidence interval: 48.5%‐74.2%). During dasatinib consolidation, the percentage of total lymphocytes and numbers of CD3− CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells, CD16+ CD56+ NK cells and CD56+ CD57+ NK‐large granular lymphocytes (LGL) were significantly higher in patients with molecular relapse after discontinuation but remained unchanged in patients without molecular relapse for >7 months. At the end of consolidation, patients whose total lymphocytes comprised <41% CD3− CD56+ NK cells, <35% CD16+ CD56+ NK cells, or <27% CD56+ CD57+ NK‐LGL cells had higher TFS relative to other patients (77% vs 18%; P < .0008; 76% vs 10%; P < .0001; 84% vs 46%; P = .0059, respectively). The increase in the number of these NK cells occurred only during dasatinib consolidation. In patients with DMR, dasatinib discontinuation after 2‐year consolidation can lead to high TFS. This outcome depends significantly on a smaller increase in NK cells during dasatinib consolidation.
T cell suppression in the bone marrow of visceral leishmaniasis patients: impact of parasite load
Authors: Kumar P , Misra P , Thakur C P , Saurabh A , Rishi N , Mitra D K
Published: October 2017

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a disseminated and lethal disease of reticulo-endothelial system caused by protozoan parasites Leishmania donovani and L. infantum, which are known to induce host T cell suppression. To understand the impact of parasite load on T cell function, the present was focused on parasite load with T cell function in bone marrow of 26 VL patients. We observed significant enrichment of forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)+ (P = 0·0003) and interleukin (IL)-10+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) (P = 0·004) in the bone marrow (BM) of patients with high parasite load (HPL) compared with low parasite load (LPL). Concordantly, T effector cells producing interferon (IFN)-γ (P = 0·005) and IL-17A (P = 0·002) were reduced in the BM of HPL. Blocking of Treg-cell derived suppressive cytokines [(IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β] rescued the effector T cells and their functions. However, it was observed that TGF-β levels were dominant, favouring Treg cell differentiation. Furthermore, the low ratio of IL-6/TGF-β favours the suppressive milieu in HPL patients. Here we show the change in levels of various cytokines with the parasitic load during active VL, which could be helpful in devising newer immunotherapeutic strategies against this disease.
Inclusion of Biodiversity in Habitat Restoration Policy to Facilitate Ecosystem Recovery
Authors: Hughes A. Randall , Grabowski Jonathan H. , Leslie Heather M. , Scyphers Steven , Williams Susan L.
Published: October 2017

Maintaining biodiversity is a central tenet of conservation, in part because biodiversity influences ecosystem functions across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine systems. Biodiversity‐ecosystem function relationships have clear relevance for the design of habitat restoration efforts, yet the degree to which biodiversity has been incorporated into restoration practice is unclear. We conducted a review of the published literature on habitat restoration to evaluate this potential science‐practice gap. The number of published restoration studies including the term biodiversity has increased slightly from 1990 to 2015 relative to the broader restoration literature. A greater percentage of empirical restorations, and a higher percentage of those with a biodiversity component, were from terrestrial than freshwater or marine ecosystems. The majority of studies considered biodiversity as a response to restoration rather than incorporating it in the restoration design. In fact, nearly half of the studies in our database that actively transplanted species manipulated only a single target species. Little consideration was given to genetic or trophic diversity despite their documented importance for ecosystem function. Given the limited resources available for and high economic costs associated with habitat restoration projects, we recommend policies that account for biodiversity to bridge this gap and maximize ecosystem function and restoration success.
Children prenatally exposed to maternal anxiety devote more attentional resources to neutral pictures
Authors: van den Heuvel Marion I. , Henrichs Jens , Donkers Franc C.L. , Van den Bergh Bea R.H.
Published: October 2017

Maternal anxiety during pregnancy can negatively affect fetal neurodevelopment, predisposing the offspring to a higher risk of behavioral and emotional problems later in life. The current study investigates the association between maternal anxiety during pregnancy and child affective picture processing using event‐related brain potentials (ERPs). Mothers reported anxiety during the second trimester using the anxiety subscale of the Symptom Checklist (SCL‐90). At age 4 years, child affective picture processing (N = 86) was measured by recording ERPs during viewing of neutral, pleasant, and unpleasant pictures selected from the International Affective Pictures System. The late positive potential (LPP)—an ERP component reflecting individual differences in affective processing—was used as child outcome. The expected positive association between maternal anxiety and LPP amplitude for unpleasant pictures was not found. Nevertheless, we found a positive association between maternal anxiety during pregnancy and LPP amplitudes for neutral pictures in the middle and late time window at anterior locations (all p < .05). These associations remained significant after adjusting for maternal postnatal anxiety and gestational age at birth and after FDR correction for multiple comparisons. Our study provides neurophysiological evidence that children prenatally exposed to higher maternal anxiety devote more attentional resources to neutral pictures, but not to unpleasant pictures. Possibly, these children show enhanced vigilance for threat when viewing neutral pictures. Although useful in dangerous environments, this enhanced vigilance may predispose children prenatally exposed to higher maternal anxiety to developing behavioral and/or emotional problems later in life. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEzYi6IS2HA
Seizure outcome after corpus callosotomy in a large paediatric series
Authors: Graham David , Gill Deepak , Dale Russell C , Tisdall Martin M ,   Corpus Callosotomy Outcomes Study Group
Published: October 2017

Aim

To describe 20 years of experience with corpus callosotomy at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London and the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney.

Method

Records of patients who underwent corpus callosotomy between January 1995 and December 2015 were reviewed. Complications of surgery and changes in seizure type and frequency, injuries, and use of antiepileptic drugs were recorded. Drop attacks were analysed using Kaplan–Meier event‐free survival curves. Multivariable regression analysis was used to assess the effect of clinical characteristics on outcome at last follow‐up.

Results

Inclusion criteria were met for 55 patients younger than 18 years of age. Median follow‐up length was 36 months. At the last follow‐up, 26 out of 55 patients (47%) had rare or no drop attacks. In those without a good outcome at final follow‐up, 26 out of 29 (90%) had drop attacks return within 12 months of surgery. There were no preoperative predictors of developing drop attacks postoperatively. The median number of antiepileptic drugs significantly reduced from three to two. Transient neurological complications were experienced by 11 out of 55 patients (20%) and 6 out of 55 patients had surgical complications (11%).

Interpretation

Corpus callosotomy is a well‐tolerated procedure that is effective at reducing the severity of drop attacks in paediatric patients. Drop attacks that do return are likely to do so within 12 months and the number of antiepileptic drugs can be significantly reduced.

What this paper adds

Corpus callosotomy is an effective palliative treatment and well tolerated in children.

Good outcomes for the first 12 months after surgery were likely to continue.

The number of antiepileptic drugs can be significantly reduced after corpus callosotomy.

Patients with fewer than three types of seizure had better outcomes.

There were fewer injuries from drop attacks after surgery.
Spatial and temporal heterogeneity in climate change limits species' dispersal capabilities and adaptive potential
Authors: Senner Nathan R. , Stager Maria , Cheviron Zachary A.
Published: October 2017

Global climate change has already caused local declines and extinctions. These losses are generally thought to occur because climate change is progressing too rapidly for populations to keep pace. Based on this hypothesis, numerous predictive frameworks have been developed to project future range shifts and changes in population dynamics resulting from global climate change. However, recent empirical work has demonstrated that seasonally asynchronous climate change regimes – when a region is warming during some parts of the year, but cooling in others – are constraining species' responses to climate change more strongly than rapid warming, leading to intra‐specific variation in responses to climate change and local population declines. Here, we couple a review of the literature related to asynchronous climate change regimes with meta‐population simulations and an analysis of long‐term North American climate trends to show that seasonally asynchronous regimes are occurring throughout most of North America and that their current spatial distribution may be a strong barrier to dispersal and gene flow across many species' ranges. Thus, even though adaptation to climate change may potentially be more common and rapid than previously thought, species whose ranges overlap with asynchronous regimes will likely succumb to local declines that may be difficult to mitigate via dispersal. Future climate‐related predictive frameworks should therefore incorporate asynchronous regimes as well as more traditional measures of climate velocity in order to fully capture the array of potential future climate change scenarios.
Decomposing the German East–West wage gap
Authors: Kluge Jan , Weber Michael
Published: October 2017

Wages in East Germany are persistently lower than in West Germany. We study the micro‐level determinants of this spatial wage gap, using an Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition and rich linked employer–employee data. In total, up to one half of the aggregate wage differential can be attributed to structural differences in worker, establishment and regional characteristics. Regional price and establishment size differentials alone account for one quarter of the wage gap at the median. Price level differentials are even more relevant towards the top of the wage distribution. Towards the bottom, differences in union coverage become more important. Our findings are quite stable over the period from 1996 to 2010.
Wealth inequality in Sweden, 1750–1900†
Authors: Bengtsson Erik , Missiaia Anna , Olsson Mats , Svensson Patrick
Published: October 2017

This article examines the evolution of wealth inequality in Sweden from 1750 to 1900, contributing both to the debate on early modern and modern inequality and to the general debate on the pattern of inequality during industrialization. The pre‐industrial period (1750–1850) is for the first time examined for Sweden at the national level. The study uses a random sample of probate inventories from urban and rural areas across the country, adjusted for age and social class. Estimates are provided for the years 1750, 1800, 1850, and 1900. The results show a gradual growth in inequality as early as the mid‐eighteenth century, with the sharpest rise in the late nineteenth century. Whereas the early growth in inequality was connected to changes in the countryside and in agriculture, the later growth was related to industrialization encompassing both compositional effects and strong wealth accumulation among the richest. The level of inequality in Sweden in 1750 was lower than for other western European countries, but by 1900 Sweden was just as unequal.
Predicting the genetic impact of stocking in Brook Charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) by combining RAD sequencing and modeling of explanatory variables
Authors: Létourneau Justine , Ferchaud Anne‐Laure , Le Luyer Jérémy , Laporte Martin , Garant Dany , Bernatchez Louis
Published: October 2017

In fisheries management, intensive stocking programs are commonly used to enhance population abundance and maintain stock productivity. However, such practices are increasingly raising concerns as multiple studies documented adverse genetic and evolutionary impacts of stocking on wild populations. Improvement of stocking management relies on a better understanding of the dynamic of introgressive hybridization between wild and domestic population and on assessment of the genetic state of wild populations after stocking cessation. In Québec, Canada, over five million captive‐reared Brook Charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) are stocked every year to support recreational fishing activities. Here, we investigated how variation in stocking history and environmental variables, including water temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen, may influence the impact of stocking practices on the genetic integrity of wild Brook Charr populations. We collected DNA samples (n = 862, average of 30 individuals per lake) from 29 lakes that underwent different stocking intensity through time and also collected environmental parameters for each sampled lake. An average of 4,580 high‐quality filtered SNPs was obtained for each population using genotyping by sequencing (GBS), which were then used to quantify the mean domestic membership of each sampled population. An exhaustive process of model selection was conducted to obtain a best‐fitted model that explained 56% of the variance observed in mean domestic genetic membership. The number of years since the mean year of stocking was the best explanatory variable to predict variation in mean domestic genetic membership whereas environmental characteristics had little influence on observed patterns of admixture. Our model predictions also revealed that each sampled wild population could potentially return to a wild genetic state (absence of domestic genetic background) after stocking cessation. Overall, our study provides new insights on factors determining level of introgressive hybridization and suggests that stocking impacts could be reversible with time.
Unilateral polydactyly in two foals
Authors: Gray A. , Marcos S. , Thomas A. , Lepage O. M.
Published: October 2017

This case report describes unilateral supernumerary digits of the forelimb in two foals. A diagnosis of polydactyly of the right forelimb in one case and of the left forelimb in the other was made by clinical examination and radiographic interpretation. Surgical excision was performed under general anaesthesia with a good cosmetic and functional outcome in both cases.
Clinical Guidelines for Working With Stepfamilies: What Family, Couple, Individual, and Child Therapists Need to Know
Authors: Papernow Patricia L.
Published: October 2017

This article draws on four decades of research and clinical practice to delineate guidelines for evidence‐informed, clinically sound work with stepfamilies for couple, family, individual adult, and child therapists. Few clinicians receive adequate training in working with the intense and often complex dynamics created by stepfamily structure and history. This is despite the fact that stepfamilies are a fundamentally different family form that occurs world‐wide. As a result many clinicians rely on their training in first‐time family models. This is not only often unhelpful, but all too often inadvertently destructive. The article integrates a large body of increasingly sophisticated research about stepfamilies with the author's four decades of clinical practice with stepfamily relationships. It describes the ways in which stepfamilies are different from first‐time families. It delineates the dynamics of five major challenges stepfamily structure creates: (1) Insider/outsider positions are intense and they are fixed. (2) Children struggle with losses, loyalty binds, and change. (3) Issues of parenting, stepparenting, and discipline often divide the couple. (4) Stepcouples must build a new family culture while navigating previously established family cultures. (5) Ex‐spouses (other parents outside the household) are part of the family. Some available data are shared on the impact of cultural and legal differences on these challenges. A three‐level model of clinical intervention is presented: Psychoeducational, Interpersonal, and Intrapsychic/Intergenerational Family‐of‐Origin. The article describes some “easy wrong turns” for well‐meaning therapists and lists some general clinical guidelines for working with stepfamily relationships.
Parent–Child Attunement Moderates the Prospective Link between Parental Overcontrol and Adolescent Adjustment
Authors: Miller Kelly F. , Borelli Jessica L. , Margolin Gayla
Published: October 2017

Parental overcontrol (OC), behavior that intrusively or dominantly restricts child autonomy, has been identified as a transdiagnostic risk factor for youth. However, it is as yet unknown whether the association between parental OC and child maladjustment remains even when OC is exerted infrequently or by attuned parents. Rather, the selective use of OC might steer children away from danger. Taking a developmental psychopathology approach, this study focuses on the larger parent–child relationship context, testing whether either the dose at which parents demonstrate OC or the degree to which children perceive their parents as attuned determines whether OC is risky or protective for adolescents’ adjustment. Among a community sample of 114 families of children followed from the ages of 12–18, we examine whether OC, behaviorally coded from triadic mother–father–child discussions in middle childhood, is associated with later risky behavior and anxiety symptoms in adolescence. Overcontrol exerted by either mothers or fathers had a curvilinear effect on adolescent risky behaviors, and this effect was moderated by children's perceived attunement. Although OC generally was associated with increased risky behaviors, low doses of OC or OC exerted by highly attuned parents protected against engagement in risky behaviors. No main effect of OC was observed on adolescent anxiety; however, mothers’ OC interacted with perceived parental attunement, such that OC exerted by less attuned parents predicted greater anxiety. Results underscore that the effect of parenting behaviors depends on the larger parent–child relationship context.
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins protect myocardium by mitigating left ventricular remodeling in isoproterenol‐induced postmyocardial infarction
Authors: Rathinavel Ashokkumar , Sankar Jamuna , Mohammed Sadullah Sakeena Sadullah , Niranjali Devaraj Sivasithamparam
Published: October 2017

Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is a major pathophysiological process during post‐myocardial infarction (MI). The activation, differentiation, and proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblasts regulate the expression of ECM proteins. The signaling by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP‐4), an extracellular ligand of the TGF‐β family, has recently been identified as an essential pathway in regulating cardiovascular dysfunctions including myocardial fibrosis. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) are well known for their cardioprotective activity. The primary aim of the study was to investigate BMP‐4‐mediated ECM turnover in cardiac fibrosis during isoproterenol‐induced post‐MI and its downregulation by OPC. Myocardial injury was evaluated by assaying serum markers LDH and CK. Oxidative stress and the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant levels were assessed to support the cardioprotective nature of OPC. The total collagen level was analyzed by measuring hydroxyproline levels. The ISO‐induced group showed a significant decrease in the levels of antioxidants due to severe oxidative stress and increased expression of BMP‐4 which reflects the increased expression of MMP 2 and 9 with a concomitant increase and deposition of fibrillary collagens type I and III responsible for the fibrotic scar formation as evidenced in the histological analysis.BMP‐4 activation, thus, is strongly associated with cardiac fibrosis which was downregulated upon OPC supplementation. This study provides an evidence supporting the antifibrotic effect of OPC via regulation of BMP‐4‐mediated ECM turnover and also substantiates the remarkable antioxidant efficacy of OPC against isoproterenol induced severe oxidative stress and subsequent post‐MI cardiac fibrosis.
Shared Care After Separation in the United Kingdom: Limited Data, Limited Practice?
Authors: Haux Tina , McKay Stephen , Cain Ruth
Published: October 2017

Despite legislative reforms over the last 5 years aimed at giving non‐resident parents rights to ‘involvement’ in the lives of their children, the UK has not enacted a presumption of 50‐50 shared care. The UK's emphasis on individual arrangements follows an overall policy trend toward privatization of family disputes. The sparse data that exists suggest that the UK lags behind other Western countries in the number of separated or divorced couples engaging in shared care. This article outlines recent legislative changes, examines the available information on post separation contact and shared care, discusses reasons for the scarcity of data, and concludes with observations on the importance of improved data‐gathering on UK post separation parenting.
When Supervision Becomes the Only Plan: An Analysis of Long‐Term Use of Supervised Access and Exchange Services After Separation and Divorce
Authors: Saini Michael , Newman Judy , Christensen Maribeth
Published: October 2017

Supervised access is typically viewed as a short‐term transitional intervention. This study seeks to identify factors that influence clients’ long‐term use using mixed‐method secondary analysis. Several factors distinguish long‐term clients, including ongoing legal proceedings, custodial and noncustodial stated reasons for initiating service, the involvement of child protection services, a pending criminal trial, presence of domestic violence reported at intake, and previous clinical assessments. Implications for practice include exploring the unique needs of long‐term clients, creating clear court orders for service, making supervised access part of comprehensive parenting plans, and assisting families to transition from supervised services.
Public Preferences for Government Spending Priorities: Survey Evidence from Germany
Authors: Hayo Bernd , Neumeier Florian
Published: October 2017

Employing data from a representative survey conducted in Germany, this paper examines public preferences for the size and composition of government expenditure. We focus on public attitudes towards taxes, public debt incurrence and public spending in six different policy areas. Our findings suggest, first, that individual preferences for the use of additional tax money can be categorised as either capital-oriented expenditure or public debt reduction. Second, we find that fiscal preferences differ along various dimensions. Specifically, personal economic well-being, economic literacy, confidence in politicians, political ideology and time preference are significantly related to individual attitudes towards public spending, taxes and debt. The magnitude of the effects is particularly large for time preference, economic knowledge and party preference. Third, public preferences for public spending priorities are only marginally affected when considering a public budget constraint.
Genomic population structure and conservation of the red listed Carabus arcensis (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in island–mainland habitats of Northern Europe
Authors: Hansen Aslak Kappel , Justesen Mathias Just , Olsen Morten Tange , Solodovnikov Alexey
Published: October 2017

Larger carabid beetle species linked to open habitats have exhibited recent rapid decline in numbers throughout Europe. For example, Carabus arcensis is on the Danish Red List.

Ability of C. arcensis to disperse across non‐habitable barriers in an island–mainland landscape has been evaluated through investigation of its population structure across Kattegat strait with special emphasis on the oceanic island Læsø.

Based on admixture and statistical phylogenetic analyses of genome‐wide SNPs, data for C. arcensis comprising 3195 SNPs in 87 individuals from nine sample sites, three major lineages and six populations were found within the study area. These are the first genome‐wide SNPs data generated for carabid beetles.

Contrary to predicted, water stretches did not seem to affect dispersal of C. arcensis to the island of Læsø, as isolation by distance plot showed no differences between sites connected by land and sites separated by an oceanic water gap.

Unexpected high genetic diversity of the C. arcensis population on Læsø island has been observed calling for future research and explanation.

High conservation priority in Denmark is suggested for smaller islands like Læsø.
The promise of marine molecules as cosmetic active ingredients
Authors: Brunt E. G. , Burgess J. G.
Published: October 2017

The marine environment represents an underexploited resource for the discovery of novel products, despite its high level of biological and chemical diversity. With increasing awareness of the harmful effects of chronic ultraviolet exposure, and a universal desire to improve cosmetic appearance, the market for new cosmetic ingredients is growing, and current trends have generated a greater demand for products sourced from the environment. A growing number of novel molecules from marine flora and fauna exhibit potent and effective dermatological activities. Secondary metabolites isolated from macroalgae, including carotenoids and polyphenols, have demonstrated antioxidant, anti‐ageing and anti‐inflammatory activities. In addition, marine extremophilic bacteria have recently been shown to produce bioactive exopolymeric molecules, some of which have been commercialized. Available data on their activities show significant antioxidant, moisturizing and anti‐ageing activities, but a more focussed investigation into their mechanisms and applications is required. This review surveys the reported biological activities of an emerging and growing portfolio of marine molecules that show promise in the treatment of cosmetic skin problems including ultraviolet damage, ageing and cutaneous dryness.
An investigation into the perceptions of Chinese consumers towards the country‐of‐origin of dairy products
Authors: Yang Rongbin , Ramsaran Roshnee , Wibowo Santoso
Published: October 2017

The dairy incident in 2008 influenced Chinese residents’ attitudes towards domestic and foreign brands in the market. This paper highlights the strong consumer perceptions existing in the Chinese dairy market towards the country of origin of dairy products. Chinese residents generally believe dairy products from foreign countries are superior than those from China. A new theoretical framework is developed to explore the driving factors of country‐of‐effects and its corresponding impacts. Consumers’ image of different countries and national stereotypes, consumer ethnocentrism and animosity, product familiarity and experience, product involvement and some cultural value differences were found to drive country‐of‐origin effects. These effects directly impact on consumer's perceived quality, brand awareness, brand association and loyalty towards the related goods in the market, then influence the brand equity of products from different countries. This study provides a better understanding of country‐of‐origin effects on consumer behaviour, and will help relevant domestic and foreign firms improve their business strategies in China.
Red–Green–Blue (RGB) colour system approach to study the segregation and percolation in a mixture of white wheat flour and bleached wheat bran
Authors: Aït‐Aissa Amara , Zaddem Meriem , Aïder Mohammed
Published: October 2017

In this work, we applied a nonintrusive measurement method based on the Red–Green–Blue (RGB) image analysis system to study the segregation and percolation in a mixture of white wheat flour and bleached wheat bran. This method intended to quantify the presence of one or several colours in the surface of mixed ingredients. The mixing of flour particles with bleached and unbleached wheat bran was studied using a 90 mm closed rotating cube. This system forced the particles to roll relative to each other so as to favourite the segregation by percolation in order to hide one colour by another. The obtained results showed a possibility of obtaining homogeneous colour when the wheat flour was mixed with the bleached wheat bran at a volume ratio of 20/5%–10%. By increasing to ratio up to 20/15% (flour/bran), the RGB system showed a presence of two colours in the surface of the mixture. Moreover, the RGB method confirmed the presence of two heterogeneous colours when the wheat flour was mixed with the unbleached wheat bran whatever the ratio (20/5%, 10% and 15%).
Geographical characterisation of multifloral honeys from the Marche region (Italy) according to their antioxidant activity and colour using a chemometric approach
Authors: Castiglioni Sara , Stefano Mariassunta , Pisani Michela , Carloni Patricia
Published: October 2017

Multifloral honeys produced in the Marche region (Italy) were analysed leading to the antioxidant and colour characterisation of this type of regional honeys: the antioxidant activity was determined measuring total phenolic content (TPC), and using ABTS and DPPH assays. The elaboration of data with multivariate analyses enabled differentiation of the geographical origin of honey samples, namely as coming from the Mid/Coastal Hilly or from the High Hilly/Submountain belt of the Marche region. The cluster analysis applied to a selection of samples divided honeys belonging to the Mid/Coastal Hilly belt into three groups showing low, medium and high antioxidant activity and in part located in different areas of the region. Finally, using data of unifloral honeys from the Marche region previously determined, it was possible to have an indication of the prevalent nectar contained in most of the multifloral honey samples harvested in 2012 in the Marche region.
Application of an antimicrobial packaging material from chicken bone gelatine and cinnamon bark oil to mozzarella cheese
Authors: Kim Hyeri , Beak Song‐Ee , Yang So‐Young , Song Kyung Bin
Published: October 2017

Chicken bones are mostly discarded even though they contain a considerable amount of proteins, which would allow them to be applicable as a protein film source. In this study, chicken bone gelatine (CBG) films were prepared and characterised after the addition of cinnamon bark oil (CBO) to confer antimicrobial activity. The incorporation of 1% CBO increased the tensile strength of the CBG film from 18.2 to 23.9 MPa, whereas elongation at break was decreased from 15.6% to 5.91% and water solubility from 88.9% to 62.2%. Antimicrobial activity of the CBG films against foodborne pathogens as well as their antioxidant activity increased with the increase in CBO concentration. When CBG film containing 1% CBO was used for wrapping mozzarella cheese inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes, the population of the bacterium decreased after 20 days in storage, indicating that CBG films can be applied for improving the microbiological safety of mozzarella cheese.
Genotype frequencies of human neutrophil antigen‐3 in the Chinese Zhuang and Dong populations
Authors: Liao X. , Li H. , Jiao W. , Zhu C. , Wang W. , Mo Z. , Yang Z. , Zhu Z.
Published: October 2017

Individuals with the human neutrophil antigen (HNA)‐3b/3b type can produce HNA‐3a antibodies, which have been reported to cause severe, sometimes fatal transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI). Our study aimed to determine the genotype frequency of HNA‐3a/3b which will be helpful to estimate the potential risk for forming anti‐HNA‐3a, the clinically relevant antibody linked to TRALI in two different ethnic groups of southern China. Five hundred unrelated and healthy blood donors (284 male, 216 female; 300 Zhuangs, 200 Dongs) from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were simultaneously typed for the HNA‐3 allele using a polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing (PCR‐SBT) method. Genotype frequencies of HNA‐3a/3a, HNA‐3a/3b and HNA‐3b/3b were 51.7%, 39.7% and 8.6% in the Zhuang population, and 44.0%, 49.0% and 7.0% in the Dong population, respectively. Homozygous HNA‐3b/3b genotype frequency among the Zhuang population (8.6%) was significantly higher than previously reported in African Americans (0.4%), Brazilians (3.6%) and English Caucasians (2.9%) (p < .05). And the HNA‐3b/3b genotype frequency among the Dong population was higher than African Americans (0.4%) (p < .05). This study showed Chinese Zhuang and Dong populations possessed a higher frequency of HNA‐3b/3b genotype, suggesting that they may be at greater risk for developing anti‐HNA‐3a alloantibodies that may cause severe cases of TRALI. A molecular‐based identification of the HNA‐3b/3b genotype in all multiparous female blood donors was suggested to reduce the risk of TRALI following plasma and whole blood allogeneic transfusions.
Detection of monoclonal B cells in general population from two different regions of Mexico
Authors: Rodríguez‐Preciado Sergio Yair , Magaña‐Torres María Teresa , Jaloma Cruz Ana Rebeca , Barros‐Núñez Patricio
Published: October 2017

To estimate the frequency of monoclonal B cells in Mexican general population from two different regions of Mexico. Monoclonal B cells were detected by rearrangements of the immunoglobulin heavy chains (IGH) in 288 individuals: 188 from a metropolitan area and 100 from a rural area. After DNA extraction from peripheral blood by the CTAB/DTAB method, multiplex PCR was used to amplify the IGH rearrangements, followed by capillary electrophoresis. In together, 9.4% of the studied individuals showed monoclonal B cells. This prevalence is significantly higher to those previously described for other populations, but similar to a report in the Spanish population. Among people from the metropolitan area, 12.8% exhibited monoclonal B cells in comparison with 3% of people from the rural area. All individuals showing monoclonal B cells were elder than 40 years. Higher frequency of incomplete monoclonal rearrangements was observed. Individuals from urban areas show significantly increased frequencies of monoclonal B cells regarding the people from the rural area. It is reasonable to believe that the environmental factor could have a greater impact on the development of monoclonality than the genetic component.
Minimal residual disease in multiple myeloma: Benefits of flow cytometry
Authors: Galtseva I. V. , Davydova Y. O. , Kapranov N. M. , Julhakyan H. L. , Mendeleeva L. P.
Published: October 2017

Over the last 20 years, the approaches to the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) have changed considerably, which led to an increase in remission rate. Using new diagnostic methods has made it possible to assess the response to treatment more reliably and forecast disease recurrence: allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction, new‐generation sequencing and multicolor flow cytometry enable minimal residual disease (MRD) detection of with sensitivity of 10−5to 10−6.MRDassessment with flow cytometry using is a rapidly developing area of research. The goal of multicenter groups that use flow cytometry as a tool to detect MRD in patients with MM is achieving standardization and increasing sensitivity and specificity of this method. This article provides data about the methods used forMRDmonitoring and describes the advances in the field of flow cytometry.
Song parameters of the fuscous honeyeater Lichenostomus fuscus correlate with habitat characteristics in fragmented landscapes
Authors: Goretskaia Maria I. , Beme Irina R. , Popova Daria V. , Amos Nevil , Buchanan Katherine L. , Sunnucks Paul , Pavlova Alexandra
Published: October 2017

Both avian abundance and species richness decline in response to habitat loss and fragmentation. Studying variation in bird song structure across modified landscapes can provide insights into the effects of habitat alterations on coherence of social interactions within populations. Here, we tested whether fragmentation or change of habitat quality within box‐ironbark forest of central Victoria impacted cultural connectivity and song characteristics in fuscous honeyeater, a declining common Australian bird. First, we tested whether geographic distance and/or spatially‐explicit landscape connectivity models can explain patterns of song similarity across fragmented landscapes. We found no evidence that distance or habitat fragmentation impacts the nature and transmission of fuscous honeyeater song, and concluded that acoustic connectivity at the scale of our study is high. Second, we tested whether variation in habitat quality explains variation in song characteristics. In accordance with acoustic adaptation to habitat structure, birds sang longer songs in sites with more large trees and produced longer common song elements in sites with greater tree height. However, the acoustic adaptation hypothesis cannot explain the finding that in less‐disturbed landscapes with higher tree‐cover birds sang songs (and song elements) with higher maximum frequency and wider frequency bandwidth. We also found that birds sing longer and more variable songs of wider frequency bandwidth in less disturbed sites with a greater number of large mature trees, which may represent better feeding resources. Our study suggests that changes in song structure with habitat degradation could signal disturbed population processess, such as changes in the acoustic communication among resident birds.
Clinical assessment and comparison of annotation algorithms in high‐density mapping of regular atrial tachycardias
Authors: De Pooter Jan , El Haddad Milad , Wolf Michael , Phlips Thomas , Van Heuverswyn Frederic , Timmers Liesbeth , Tavernier René , Knecht Sebastien , Vandekerckhove Yves , Duytschaever Mattias
Published: October 2017

Background

High‐density automated mapping of regular atrial tachycardias (ATs) requires accurate assessment of local activation times (LATs).

Objective

To evaluate high‐density mapping of ATs and compare the accuracy of different automated LAT annotation algorithms.

Methods

Fifteen patients underwent AT ablation guided by the automated ConfiDENSEۛ high‐density mapping module (Carto 3 v4) allowing manual reannotation (edited maps). For each AT, unedited automated maps were reconstructed offline by three algorithms: maximum unipolar slope (LATSlope), bipolar peak (LATPeak), and a new hybrid annotation algorithm (LATHybrid). Five blinded experts were asked to define the (1) tachycardia mechanism, (2) ablation target, and (3) level of difficulty of these unedited maps.

Results

Twenty‐one ATs (cycle length 300 ± 46 ms, activation points 955 ± 421) were successfully ablated using LATHybrid guided ablation with manual editing in a small number of points. At 6 months, 14 (93%) of the patients were free of AT recurrences. Unedited LATHybrid maps showed the highest accuracy in defining the tachycardia mechanism (LATHybrid: 49% vs. LATPeak: 27% vs. LATSlope: 28%, P < 0.001) and ablation target (LATHybrid: 65% vs. LATPeak: 39% vs. LATSlope: 31%, P < 0.001). Overall, LATHybrid‐annotated maps were graded as “easier to interpret” by the experts (difficulty score 2.3 ± 0.9) versus LATPeak (2.8 ± 1) and LATSlope (3.2 ± 0.8) (P < 0.001). Only 12% of the LATHybrid maps were annotated as uninterpretable compared to 31% of LATSlope and 45% of the LATPeak maps (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Automated LATHybrid annotation allows better and easier recognition of the tachycardia mechanism compared to automated LATPeak and LATSlope algorithms, although fully automated mapping still requires further improvements.