bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Murine myeloid‐derived suppressor cells are a source of elevated levels of interleukin‐27 in early life and compromise control of bacterial infection
Authors: Gleave Parson Madeline , Grimmett Juanita , Vance Jordan K , Witt Michelle R , Seman Brittany G , Rawson Travis W , Lyda Logan , Labuda Christopher , Jung Joo‐Yong , Bradford Shelby D , Robinson Cory M
Published: December 2018

Microbial infections early in life remain a major cause of infant mortality worldwide. This is consistent with immune deficiencies in this population. Interleukin (IL)‐27 is suppressive toward a variety of immune cell types, and we have shown that the production of IL‐27 is elevated in humans and mice early in life. We hypothesize that elevated levels of IL‐27 oppose protective responses to infection during the neonatal period. In this study, we extended previous findings in neonatal mice to identify a population of IL‐27 producers that express Gr‐1 and were further identified as myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) based on the expression of surface markers and functional studies. In neonates, MDSCs are more abundant and contribute to the elevated pool of IL‐27 in this population. Although the ability of MDSCs to regulate T lymphocyte activation has been well‐studied, sparingly few studies have investigated the influence of MDSCs on innate immune function during bacterial infection. We demonstrate that macrophages are impaired in their ability to control growth of Escherichia coli when cocultured with MDSCs. This bacterium is a significant concern for neonates as a common cause of bacterial sepsis and meningitis. The suppressive effect of MDSCs on macrophage function is mediated by IL‐27; inclusion of a reagent to neutralize IL‐27 promotes improved control of bacterial growth. Taken together, these results suggest that the increased abundance of MDSCs may contribute to early life susceptibility to infection and further highlight production of IL‐27 as a novel MDSC mechanism to suppress immunity.
The R132H mutation in IDH1 promotes the recruitment of NK cells through CX3CL1/CX3CR1 chemotaxis and is correlated with a better prognosis in gliomas
Authors: Ren Feifei , Zhao Qitai , Huang Lan , Zheng Yujia , Li Lifeng , He Qianyi , Zhang Chaoqi , Li Feng , Maimela Nomathamsanqa R , Sun Zhi , Jia Qingquan , Ping Yu , Zhang Zhen , Chen Xinfeng , Yue Ying , Liu Shasha , Cao Ling , Zhang Yi
Published: December 2018

Mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 gene, especially the R132H mutation, have been reported to be associated with a better prognosis in glioma patients. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not yet well understood. Many factors may contribute to differences in the survival of IDH1 wild‐type and IDH1 mutant glioma patients, in which immune components play a potentially important role. In this study, we analyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) databases, as well as glioma patient‐derived tumor samples. We found that there was a higher infiltration of natural killer (NK) cells in IDH1 mutant glioma patients, and this was correlated with a better prognosis. We also showed that IDH1‐R132 tumor cells had higher expression levels of the chemokine CX3CL1. This arises as a result of the conversion of α‐ketoglutarate to R(‐)‐2‐hydroxyglutarate by the IDH1 mutant and the resultant phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B. Knockdown of CX3CL1 decreased the migration of NK cells. In addition, the high levels of expression of CX3CL1 were positively correlated with glioma patient survival in the TCGA and CGGA databases, and in the clinical samples. Overall, our data have identified a novel mechanism in which R132H mutation of the IDH1 gene serves as a tumor suppressor by promoting the recruitment of NK cells through CX3CL1/CX3CR1 chemotaxis.
The transition from patient to mental health peer worker: A grounded theory approach
Authors: Debyser Bart , Berben Kevin , Beeckman Dimitri , Deproost Eddy , Van Hecke Ann , Verhaeghe Sofie
Published: December 2018

Peer workers are increasingly being engaged in contemporary mental healthcare. To become a peer worker, patients must evolve from having a patient identity to a peer worker identity. This study aims to understand how mental health peer workers experience their transition and how it affects their view of themselves and their direct working context. A grounded theory approach was used. Seventeen mental health peer workers in Belgium were recruited through theoretical sampling. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted and analysed according to the constant comparative method. The results indicate that novice peer workers experience peer work as an opportunity to liberate themselves from the process of mental suffering and realise an acceptable form of personal self‐maintenance. As peer workers become more experienced, they are confronted with external factors that influence their self‐maintenance and personal development. Experiencing clarity in their duties and responsibilities, equality, and transparency in the workplace reinforce their experience of self‐maintenance and positively influence their self‐development. Experiencing a lack of clarity in their duties and responsibilities, inequality, and lack of openness discourage peer workers’ self‐development process. These experiences challenge their personal motivations to become peer workers, which are usually linked to building a meaningful life for themselves. The insights can encourage organisations to build up a supportive environment collaboratively with peer workers and ensure that peer workers can exert their authentically unique role in mental healthcare.
Foreign Investors and Stock Price Crash Risk: Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Vo Xuan Vinh
Published: December 2018

Examining stock price crash risk in emerging economies is important since emerging equity markets are characterized by excessive volatility and weak corporate governance. This paper investigates the association between foreign ownership and crash risk using a data sample of firms listed on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange over the period 2007–2015. Employing a number of econometric techniques for panel data analysis, the paper shows that foreign investors are positively associated with future stock price crash risk. Importantly, this finding highlights the critical problem of information asymmetry in emerging markets. This paper has strong implications for portfolio investment and risk management. The paper is also relevant for financial market supervisory body in maintaining safe and sound financial markets.
Self‐transcendence, caring and their associations with well‐being
Authors: Hwang Huei‐Lih , Tu Chin‐Tang , Chan Hui‐Shan
Published: December 2018

Aims

To examine the relationship between nursing staffs’ self‐transcendence and well‐being in long‐term care facilities and to investigate the mediating role of caring behaviours in the aforementioned relationship.

Background

Factors associated with the well‐being of healthcare providers influence the quality of care delivered. Although an increasing number of studies have shed light on the relationship between self‐transcendence and subjective well‐being, little is known of the mediating effect of caring behaviour in this relationship.

Design

The cross‐sectional design applied in this study included a questionnaire survey of long‐term care facilities.

Methods

Structural equation modelling with maximum likelihood estimation was used for empirical analysis of survey data obtained from 276 nurses and nurse‐aids in 55 long‐term care facilities. A bootstrapping method was used to analyse mediating effects.

Results

Tests of the measurement model and hypothesized model showed an adequate goodness of fit to the sample data. The results showed that nursing staffs’ self‐transcendence was related to their caring behaviours and well‐being. Moreover, caring behaviours partially mediated the relationship between self‐transcendence and well‐being.

Conclusion

Our findings provide insight into the influence of self‐transcendence and caring behaviours on the well‐being of nursing staffs in long‐term care settings. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of circumstances national wide.
Impact of a peer virtual community on pregnant women's well‐being: A repeated‐measure and quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Wu Wan‐Ru , Hung Chich‐Hsiu
Published: December 2018

Aim

To investigate the effects of a virtual community on pregnant women's well‐being.

Background

The virtual social network has been growing rapidly but its effects remain unclear.

Design

A repeated‐measure and quasi‐experimental study.

Methods

We designed a closed Facebook community for peer‐to‐peer interaction with no mediator. A total of 121 pregnant women were assigned to either experimental or control group. Data were collected from May 2012–January 2015 using five instruments related to pregnant women's well‐being.

Results

Significant differences on pregnant women's well‐being were not found between groups. However, higher adherence to the virtual community was significantly related to first‐time pregnant women and women whose pregnancy was assisted by a technology treatment.

Conclusions

Nurses and midwifes are recommended to pay more attentions on first‐time pregnant women and women whose pregnancy was assisted by a technology treatment regarding their pregnancy‐related concerns.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03692923.
How to improve the quality of life of elderly people with intellectual disability: A systematic literature review of support strategies
Authors: Schepens Hadewych R. M. M. , Van Puyenbroeck Joris , Maes Bea
Published: December 2018

Background

The increased life expectancy of people with intellectual disability intensifies the need for age‐specific support. Research on effects of support strategies on quality of life (QoL) of these people remains scattered.

Methods

A systematic search of peer‐reviewed publications since 1995 was performed, with participants having intellectual disability and being aged ≥50 years. Studies include experimental, observational and exploratory designs, analysing links between support strategies and QoL outcomes. The present authors adopted a narrative approach.

Results

The present authors found 73 articles, assessed their quality, thematically categorized interventions into 12 themes, and listed them with their stated relationships to QoL.

Conclusions

The studies indicated the importance of funding, provision and organization of services/personnel, education, and cooperation among different support systems. The provision of good housing or activities, support when these provisions change, provision of (mental) health care, dementia care and end‐of‐life care, life story work, future planning and support for (I)ADLs are crucial.
Effects of winsorization: The cases of forecasting non‐GAAP and GAAP earnings
Authors: Brownen‐Trinh Ruby
Published: December 2018

This study examines how the winsorization procedure affects the performance of regression‐based earnings forecasting models. I find that the impact is multifaceted and depends principally on three factors: the level of data errors in the tails, the characteristics of firms affected by the process, and the use of scaling. For a non‐GAAP earnings yield specification, where data input errors exist, winsorization changes the information set in a non‐systematic way and helps to improve the performance of regression‐based forecasts, especially when the least squares estimator is employed. However, for a non‐GAAP earnings per share specification, with fewer data input errors found in the tails of the distribution, winsorization has a particularly strong effect on very large companies, lowering the economic value of earnings predictions. I observe similar results for corresponding GAAP earnings specifications. Robust estimators, such as least absolute deviation, high breakdown‐point and Theil‐Sen, appear to be a more effective solution than winsorization. Their earnings forecasts consistently yield significant positive abnormal returns across non‐GAAP and GAAP earnings specifications.
Efficacy of caries and gingivitis prevention strategies among children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou N. , Wong H. M. , Wen Y. F. , McGrath C.
Published: December 2018

Background

Dental caries and periodontal diseases are the most common oral diseases among human beings. Individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs) have poor oral health and limited access to dental care. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of strategies in caries and gingivitis prevention among children and adolescents with ID.

Methods

Four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus) were searched from their commencement date to 17 April 2017. Randomised or non‐randomised controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of interventions in caries and gingivitis prevention were included if the participants were children and adolescents with ID. Gingival index and caries experiences were reported in the format of mean difference and standard error. Meta‐analysis was conducted if data could be pooled from two or more studies using similar outcome measurements and intervention.

Results

A total of 1455 articles published in English were identified. Fourteen studies formed the basis of qualitative analysis; six studies were feasible to perform quantitative analysis. Meta‐analysis favoured fluoride to placebo in caries prevention [Z = 2.02, P < 0.05, 95% CI: −0.71 (−1.40, −0.02)], while the effectiveness of chlorhexidine remained elusive.

Conclusions

Both mechanical and chemical approaches had been applied to caries and gingivitis prevention among children and adolescents with ID. Insufficient evidence supported the efficacy of chlorhexidine nor powered toothbrush, while fluoride was suggested to be an effective caries preventive strategy in fluoride‐deficient areas. More well‐designed randomised controlled trials using integration strategies are encouraged in further studies.
3D statistical model of the pelvic ring – a CT‐based statistical evaluation of anatomical variation
Authors: Arand Charlotte , Wagner Daniel , Richards Robert Geoff , Noser Hansrudi , Kamer Lukas , Sawaguchi Takeshi , Rommens Pol M.
Published: December 2018

The pelvic ring is a highly complex construct with a central role for human stability and mobility. The observable interindividual differences in skeletal anatomy are caused by anatomical variation in the innominate bones as well as the sacrum, further to differences in the spatial arrangement of these bones to each other. The aim of this study was to generate a 3D statistical model of the entire pelvic ring in order to analyse the observed interindividual differences and anatomical variation. A series of 50 anonymized pelvic CT scans of uninjured Japanese adults [30 males, 20 females, average age of 74.9 years, standard deviation (SD) 16.9 years] were processed and analysed, resulting in a 3D statistical overall mean model and separate male and female mean models. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the overall statistical model predominantly showed size variation (20.39%) followed by shape variation (14.13%), and a variation of the spatial arrangement of the sacrum to the innominate bones in different anatomical peculiarities (11.39 and 8.85%). In addition, selected internal and external pelvic parameters were manually measured with the objective of further evaluating and quantifying the observed interindividual as well as the known sex‐specific differences. A separate statistical model of the grey value distribution based on the given Hounsfield unit (HU) values was calculated for assessing bone mass distribution, thus an indication of bone quality utilizing grey values as a quantitative description of radiodensity was obtained. A consistent pattern of grey value distribution was shown, with the highest grey values observed between the sacro‐iliac joint and the acetabulum along the pelvic brim. Low values were present in the sacral ala, in the area of the iliac fossa as well as in the pubic rami next to the symphysis. The present model allows a differentiated analysis of the observed interindividual variation of the pelvic ring and an evaluation of the grey value distribution therein. Besides providing a better understanding of anatomical variation, this model could be also used as a helpful tool for educational purposes, preoperative planning and implant design.
Also beware of coexisting small bowel enteropathy or coexisiting colorectal sources of chronic blood loss
Authors: Jolobe O. M. P.
Published: December 2018

Click here to view the Original article by Dr. Tran-Duy et al.
Effectiveness of a 2‐year post‐natal nurse home‐visiting programme when children are aged 5 years: Results from a natural experiment
Authors: Sawyer Alyssa CP , Kaim Amy LE , Mittinity Murthy N , Jeffs Debra , Lynch John W , Sawyer Michael G
Published: December 2018

Aim

To evaluate the effect of a 2‐year post‐natal nurse home visiting (NHV) programme delivered in routine clinical practice to socially disadvantaged mothers on children's development at 5 years.

Methods

The study was a natural experiment resulting from progressive rollout of NHV (2008–2012). Children of three groups of mothers, all eligible for NHV, were compared: (i) mothers receiving NHV in a metropolitan region (n = 197); (ii) mothers in a rural region prior to NHV being available (n = 94); and (iii) mothers receiving NHV in the rural region after it became available (n = 84). Outcomes were evaluated using the Child Behaviour Checklist, Child–Parent Relationships Scale, Behaviour Inventory of Executive Functioning and Australian Early Development Index.

Results

Analyses were conducted using augmented inverse probability weighting accounting for differences in the groups' baseline characteristics. While some differences were observed in the range of 8–12% between the intervention and comparison groups (albeit with wide confidence intervals, e.g. 31% less likely to 4% more likely to be experiencing poor outcomes). For the majority of outcomes, however, there were no differences observed between the intervention and comparison groups.

Conclusions

Post‐natal NHV provided as a part of routine service delivery did not improve children's outcomes at 5 years. It may be that in the Australian context a NHV intervention, as offered in this study, does not provide additional benefits over standard care.
Prospective randomised blinded clinical trial assessing effectiveness of three dental plaque control methods in dogs
Authors: Allan R. M. , Adams V. J. , Johnston N. W.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness of three commonly used methods of controlling dental plaque accumulation within a general practice setting.

Materials and Methods

A blinded study, block randomising dogs at recruitment to receive one of three treatments to start after a routine scale and polish procedure: once daily tooth brushing using a toothbrush and veterinary toothpaste, once daily administration of a single dental hygiene chew or a prescription dental diet. Blinded scoring of plaque accumulation, both coverage and thickness, was performed at the end of the 6‐week study.

Results

A total of 22 dogs completed the study, which simultaneously assessed the effectiveness of the three means of plaque control. Daily tooth brushing was shown to be more than three times as effective at controlling plaque accumulation compared to using a daily dental chew or dental diet. The dental plaque scores for the diet and dental chews were not significantly different from one another and there was much greater variability in the mouth scores for these two groups of dogs compared to the tooth brushing group.

Clinical Significance

The study design has been shown to be an effective means of assessing plaque accumulation over a 6‐week period using a clean mouth model. Secondly, this study adds to the evidence which shows that daily tooth brushing is the most effective single method of reducing plaque accumulation and optimising dogs’ oral health.
Hepatitis C virus infection in Australian psychiatric inpatients: A multicenter study of seroprevalence, risk factors and treatment experience
Authors: Ramachandran Jeyamani , Budd Silver , Slattery Hannah , Muller Kate , Mohan Titus , Cowain Taryn , Tilley Emma , Baas Andrea , Wigg Laura , Alexander Jacob , Woodman Richard , Kaambwa Billingsley , Wigg Alan
Published: December 2018

Screening and treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were not prioritised in psychiatric patients due to adverse neuropsychiatric effects of interferon therapy despite reports of high prevalence. However, with the safe new antiviral drugs, HCV eradication has become a reality in these patients. The aim of this study was to report HCV seroprevalence, risk factors and treatment model in an Australian cohort. This prospective study involved patients admitted to four inpatient psychiatric units, from December 2016 to December 2017. After pretest counselling and consent, HCV testing was done; information on risk factors collected. A total of 260 patients (70% male), median age 44 years (IQR 24), were studied. The HCV seroprevalence was 10.8% (28/260) with 95% CI 7‐15. Independent predictors of HCV positivity were injection drug use (P < 0.001, OR 44.05, 95% CI 7.9‐245.5), exposure to custodial stay (P = 0.011, OR 7.34, 95% CI 1.6‐33.9) and age (P = 0.011, OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02‐1.16). Eight of the 16 HCV RNA‐positive patients were treated. Hepatitis nurses liaised with community mental health teams for treatment initiation and follow‐up under supervision of hepatologists. Seven patients achieved sustained viral response, one achieved end of treatment response. The remaining eight patients were difficult to engage with. In conclusion, HCV prevalence was high in our cohort of psychiatric inpatients. Although treatment uptake was achieved only in 50% patients, it was successfully completed in all, with innovative models of care. These findings highlight the need to integrate HCV screening with treatment linkage in psychiatry practice.
The genomic basis of adaptation to high‐altitude habitats in the eastern honey bee (Apis cerana)
Authors: Montero‐Mendieta Santiago , Tan Ken , Christmas Matthew J. , Olsson Anna , Vilà Carles , Wallberg Andreas , Webster Matthew T.
Published: December 2018

The eastern honey bee (Apis cerana) is of central importance for agriculture in Asia. It has adapted to a wide variety of environmental conditions across its native range in southern and eastern Asia, which includes high‐altitude regions. eastern honey bees inhabiting mountains differ morphologically from neighbouring lowland populations and may also exhibit differences in physiology and behaviour. We compared the genomes of 60 eastern honey bees collected from high and low altitudes in Yunnan and Gansu provinces, China, to infer their evolutionary history and to identify candidate genes that may underlie adaptation to high altitude. Using a combination of FST‐based statistics, long‐range haplotype tests and population branch statistics, we identified several regions of the genome that appear to have been under positive selection. These candidate regions were strongly enriched for coding sequences and had high haplotype homozygosity and increased divergence specifically in highland bee populations, suggesting they have been subjected to recent selection in high‐altitude habitats. Candidate loci in these genomic regions included genes related to reproduction and feeding behaviour in honey bees. Functional investigation of these candidate loci is necessary to fully understand the mechanisms of adaptation to high‐altitude habitats in the eastern honey bee.
Physician remediation: accepting and working with complementary conceptualisations
Authors: Kebaetse Masego B , Winston Kalman
Published: December 2018

Reacting to Bourgeois‐Law et al., the authors argue that conceptions of remediation as ‘educational support’ and ‘regulatory’ are both complementary and necessary in systemic approaches to remediation.
Review: Molecular pathology of frontotemporal lobar degenerations
Authors: Borroni B. , Alberici A. , Buratti E.
Published: December 2018

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a group of disorders that principally affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. In many parts of the world, FTLD is rapidly becoming a serious health burden on society and, as a result, the molecular mechanisms that underlie its onset and development have been the target of intense research efforts in recent years. Nonetheless, despite crucial pathological and genetic discoveries in this area much is still uncertain about how the many genes associated with this disease cause the observed neurodegeneration. Moreover, it has not been easy to define the molecular mechanisms that account for the clinical and pathological heterogeneity of the various FTLD subtypes, characterized by aggregates of Tau, TAR‐DNA‐Binding Protein‐43 (TDP‐43), and less often Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) protein. In this review, we will examine some of the emerging discoveries in this field: from the recent importance of autoimmunity to the presence of substantial variations in the composition and localization of TDP‐43 and FUS brain aggregates in patients, and how they might affect the course of the disease. All together, these new results demonstrate how the observed clinical heterogeneity underlies considerable complexity at both the molecular and the disease pathway level. A better characterization of all this complexity will be essential for a more accurate stratification of patient cohorts for further studies and, eventually, for trials of therapy.
Engaging Gadamer and qualia for the mot juste of individualised care
Authors: Peck Blake , Mummery Jane
Published: December 2018

The cornerstone of contemporary nursing practice is the provision of individualised nursing care. Sustaining and nourishing the stream of research frameworks that inform individualised care are the findings from qualitative research. At the centre of much qualitative research practice, however, is an assumption that experiential understanding can be delivered through a thematisation of meaning which, it will be argued, can lead the researcher to make unsustainable assumptions about the relations of language and meaning‐making to experience. We will show that an uncritical subscription to such assumptions can undermine the researcher's capacity to represent experience at the high level of abstraction consistent with experience itself and to thus inform genuinely individualised care. Instead, using qualia as a touchstone for the possibilities of understanding and representing experience, we trace the ‘designative’ and ‘expressive’ distinction to language in order to raise critical questions concerning both these assumptions and common practices within qualitative research. Following the ‘expressive’ account of language, we foreground in particular the hermeneutic work of Gadamer through which we explore the possibilities for a qualitative research approach that would better seek the mot juste of individual experience and illuminate qualia in order to better inform genuinely individualised care.
Successful treatment of solar urticaria with UVA1 hardening in three patients
Authors: Lyons Alexis B. , Peacock Anjelica , Zubair Raheel , Hamzavi Iltefat H. , Lim Henry W.
Published: December 2018

Solar urticaria (SU) is an uncommon photodermatosis that presents with sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) or visible light which triggers urticarial lesions. Treatment of SU is a challenge and usually involves antihistamines and photoprotection as a first‐line treatment. Phototherapy regimens are recommended if these first‐line treatments fail to control the disease. Induction of tolerance by phototherapy (UV hardening) has been commonly described as a treatment modality. UVA1 has deeper penetration to the dermis than UVA or NB‐UVB; its use in SU has not been previously reported. We present 3 patients with SU who were successfully treated with UVA1.
Overconfident Distribution Channels
Authors: Li Meng
Published: December 2018

We study the effects associated with overconfidence in distribution channels, where overconfidence is defined as a decision maker’s cognitive bias in perceiving the expected outcome of an uncertain event as more certain than it likely is. Although overconfidence bias always leads to a lower expected profit for a centralized channel, we find that overconfidence can in fact enhance the performance of a decentralized channel comprising one overconfident manufacturer and retailer. That is, overconfidence can reduce the double marginalization effect so that, compared to a decentralized channel managed by unbiased firms, the profit of an overconfident decentralized channel can be higher. In a similar vein, overconfidence bias can benefit, rather than hurt, either or both channel members. Our results shed some light on the design and adoption of strategies aimed at enhancing decisions and curtailing overconfidence bias of supply chain executives.
Inventory Management under Periodic Profit Targets
Authors: Yan Houmin , Yano Candace Arai , Zhang Hanqin
Published: December 2018

Managers seek to meet quarterly profit targets because missing a target affects both the stock price and bonuses. To capture how these targets can affect a retailer’s procurement decisions, we analyze a periodic‐review inventory model with a chance constraint in each period that requires meeting a profit target with a given probability, while maximizing expected profit. Corporate profits are reported using accrual accounting, but inventory models typically use cash‐basis accounting. We consider both methods. The optimal policy under accrual accounting is quite complicated, involving a state‐dependent disposal policy, so we focus on the class of policies in which, in each period, the disposal quantity is increasing in the remaining inventory after demand has occurred, and show that the optimal policy consists of an order‐up‐to level and a dispose‐down‐to level in each period. These values may depend upon the constraint in that period and in all subsequent periods, so each constraint may have far‐reaching effects. We also derive the optimal policy under cash‐basis accounting for the infinite horizon stationary case and find that it is state‐ and demand dependent, even in this “easy” case. We offer insights into how the chance constraints affect the optimal procurement decisions and profits under both accounting schemes, and show that the chance constraints can lead to perverse behavior under cash‐basis accounting.
Lifestyle factors, self‐reported health and sense of coherence among fathers/partners in relation to risk for depression and anxiety in early pregnancy
Authors: Finnbogadóttir Hafrún , Persson Eva K.
Published: December 2018

Background

Father's health is important for mothers and unborn/newborn children and knowledge about expectant fathers’ health in relation to lifestyle and psychosocial aspects is essential.

Aims

To determine sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, self‐reported health and sense of coherence among fathers and partners in relation to their risk for depression and anxiety in early pregnancy.

Methods

A cross‐sectional design, descriptive statistics, chi‐squared analysis, T‐test, binary logistic regression, multiple logistic regression with OR and 95% CI were used.

Results

A total of 532 prospective fathers/partners constituted the cohort (mean age 31.55, SD 5.47 years). Nearly, one in ten (9.8%) had a statistically high risk for depression; mainly those who were unemployed (p = 0.043), had financial distress (0.001), reported ‘very or fairly bad’ health (p = 0.002), had a ‘very or fairly bad’ sexual satisfaction (p = 0.006) and scored low on the SOC scale (p < 0.001). They smoked more often (p = 0.003) were hazardous users of alcohol (p = 0.001) and slept with difficulties (p = 0.001). Those with sleeping difficulties were 5.7 times more likely to have several symptoms of depression (p = 0.001). Hazardous users of alcohol and smokers had 3.1 respectively 3.0 times higher risk for depression (p = 0.001 respectively 0.003). The single strongest risk factor was a low score on the SOC‐scale which gave 10.6 (AOR 10.6; 95% CI 5.4–20.6) higher risk for depression. High‐anxiety ‘just now’ was reported by 8.9% and ‘in general’ by 7.9%, and those who had sleeping difficulties reported ‘very or fairly bad’ health (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Allocating more resources and introducing more family‐focused care with depression and anxiety screening in early pregnancy for both expecting parents at antenatal care should be strongly considered by actors and policymakers, as this is a step in maintaining a family's well‐being.
Parents caring for children with normal life span threatening disabilities: a narrative review of literature
Authors: Geuze Liesbeth , Goossensen Anne
Published: December 2018

Background

Parents caring for children with normal life span threatening disabilities are exposed to numerous and accumulated stressors. In alignment with current approaches of evidence and value based care, it is essential to integrate knowledge of what encourages parents to hold or recover well‐being in care planning and delivery. An omission in knowledge was identified concerning the outline of parents’ challenges and ambitions understood from their perspective.

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the insiders perspective of parents caring for children with profound disabilities.

Method

The electronic databases CINAHL, PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection and PubMed/MEDLINE were searched to identify relevant research knowledge (≥2005; peer‐reviewed publications in English language). The PRISMA framework was used for structuring literature screening. Criteria for screening and assessing eligibility led to inclusion of 26 studies. Studies were checked for methodological quality according to the critical appraisal tool developed by Hawker. Literature was reviewed following guidelines for narrative synthesis.

Results and conclusion

The majority of included studies presented similar, consistent findings though highlighted different aspects of the researched experiences by using specific scopes to understand and interpret the field of knowledge around the meaning of parenting a child with profound disabilities. The process of reviewing led to the overarching theme of keeping balance. Within this overarching theme, six dimensions were elaborated: rediscovering and maintaining family life, delicate inclusion in society, balancing within care triads, integration in service systems, financial consequences and nourishing personal resources to maintain or recover balance. Policymakers, community stakeholders and professional care deliverers should use extracted evidence in order to facilitate debated humanisation of care processes.
Long‐term survival with stereotactic radiotherapy for imaging‐diagnosed pituitary tumors in dogs
Authors: Hansen Katherine S. , Zwingenberger Allison L. , Théon Alain P. , Kent Michael S.
Published: December 2018

Published studies on the use of stereotactic radiotherapy for dogs with pituitary tumors are limited. This retrospective observational study describes results of stereotactic radiotherapy for 45 dogs with imaging‐diagnosed pituitary tumors. All dogs were treated at a single hospital during the period of December 2009–2015. The stereotactic radiotherapy was delivered in one 15 Gray (Gy) fraction or in three 8 Gy fractions. At the time of analysis, 41 dogs were deceased. Four were alive and censored from all survival analyses; one dog received 8 Gy every other day and was removed from protocol analyses. The median overall survival from first treatment was 311 days (95% confidence interval 226–410 days [range 1–2134 days]). Thirty‐two dogs received 15 Gy (median overall survival 311 days; 95% confidence interval [range 221–427 days]), and 12 received 24 Gy on three consecutive days (median overall survival 245 days, 95% confidence interval [range 2–626 days]). Twenty‐nine dogs had hyperadrenocorticism (median overall survival 245 days), while 16 had nonfunctional masses (median overall survival 626 days). Clinical improvement was reported in 37/45 cases. Presumptive signs of acute adverse effects within 4 months of stereotactic radiotherapy were noted in 10/45, and most had improvement spontaneously or with steroids. Late effects versus tumor progression were not discernable, but posttreatment blindness (2), hypernatremia (2), and progressive neurological signs (31) were reported. There was no statistical difference in median overall survival for different protocols. Patients with nonfunctional masses had longer median overall survival than those with hyperadrenocorticism (P = 0.0003). Survival outcomes with stereotactic radiotherapy were shorter than those previously reported with definitive radiation, especially for dogs with hyperadrenocorticism.
Fluorescent cell tracer dye permits real‐time assessment of re‐epithelialization in a serum‐free ex vivo human skin wound assay
Authors: Nasir Nur Azida Mohd , Paus Ralf , Ansell David M.
Published: December 2018

Ex vivo wounded human skin organ culture is an invaluable tool for translationally relevant preclinical wound healing research. However, studies incorporating this system are still underutilized within the field because of the low throughput of histological analysis required for downstream assessment. In this study, we use intravital fluorescent dye to lineage trace epidermal cells, demonstrating that wound re‐epithelialization of human ex vivo wounds occurs consistent with an extending shield mechanism of collective migration. Moreover, we also report a relatively simple method to investigate global epithelial closure of explants in culture using daily fluorescent dye treatment and en face imaging. This study is the first to quantify healing of ex vivo wounds in a longitudinal manner, providing global assessments for re‐epithelialization and tissue contraction. We show that this approach can identify alterations to healing with a known healing promoter. This methodological study highlights the utility of human ex vivo wounds in enhancing our understanding of mechanisms of human skin repair and in evaluating novel therapies to improve healing outcome.
Platelet‐rich plasma for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: A meta‐analysis
Authors: del Pino‐Sedeño Tasmania , Trujillo‐Martín María M. , Andia Isabel , Aragón‐Sánchez Javier , Herrera‐Ramos Estefanía , Iruzubieta Barragán Francisco J. , Serrano‐Aguilar Pedro
Published: December 2018

Foot ulcer is a major complication of diabetes mellitus and often precedes leg amputation. Among the different methods to achieve ulcer healing, the use of platelet‐rich plasma, which is rich in multiple growth factors and cytokines and may have similarities to the natural wound healing process, is gaining in popularity. A systematic review with meta‐analyses was performed to evaluate the safety and clinical effectiveness of platelet‐rich plasma for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers compared to standard treatment or any other alternative therapy. The electronic databases Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were consulted in March 2017 with no restrictions placed on the publication date. Predefined criteria were used to determine inclusion of studies and to assess their methodologic quality. Eight randomized clinical trials and two prospective longitudinal‐observational studies with control group were included. Platelet‐rich plasma treatment increased the likelihood of chronic wound healing (RR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.57, I2 = 15%) while the volume of the ulcer (MD = 0.12 cm2; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.16; p < 0.01; I2 = 0%) and time to complete wound healing (MD = −11.18 days; 95% CI: −20.69, −1.68; I2 = 53%) decreased. Regarding safety profile, platelet‐rich plasma did not differ from standard treatment in terms of probability of occurrence of wound complications (RR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.25, 1.28; I2 = 0%) or recurrences (RR = 2.76; 95% CI: 0.23, 33.36; p = 0.43; I2 = 82%) but it decreased the rate of adverse events (RR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.66, 0.96; p = 0.02; I2 = 0%). Cumulative meta‐analysis revealed that there is enough evidence to demonstrate a statistically significant benefit. However, studies included presented serious methodologic flaws. According to the results, platelet‐rich plasma could be considered a candidate treatment for nonhealing of diabetic foot ulcers.
The regulation of skeletal muscle fatigability and mitochondrial function by chronically elevated interleukin‐6
Authors: VanderVeen Brandon N. , Fix Dennis K. , Montalvo Ryan N. , Counts Brittany R. , Smuder Ashley J. , Murphy E. Angela , Koh Ho‐jin , Carson James A.
Published: December 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Interleukin‐6 has been associated with muscle mass and metabolism in both physiological and pathological conditions. A causal role for interleukin‐6 in the induction of fatigue and disruption of mitochondrial function has not been determined.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We demonstrate that chronically elevated interleukin‐6 increased skeletal muscle fatigability and disrupted mitochondrial content and function independent of changes in fibre type and mass.

Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) can initiate intracellular signalling in skeletal muscle by binding to the IL‐6‐receptor and interacting with the transmembrane gp130 protein. Circulating IL‐6 has established effects on skeletal muscle mass and metabolism in both physiological and pathological conditions. However, the effects of circulating IL‐6 on skeletal muscle function are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to determine whether chronically elevated systemic IL‐6 was sufficient to disrupt skeletal muscle force, fatigue and mitochondrial function. Additionally, we examined the role of muscle gp130 signalling during overexpression of IL‐6. Systemic IL‐6 overexpression for 2 weeks was achieved by electroporation of an IL‐6 overexpression plasmid or empty vector into the quadriceps of either C57BL/6 (WT) or skeletal muscle gp130 knockout (KO) male mice. Tibialis anterior muscle in situ functional properties and mitochondrial respiration were determined. Interleukin‐6 accelerated in situ skeletal muscle fatigue in the WT, with a 18.5% reduction in force within 90 s of repeated submaximal contractions and a 7% reduction in maximal tetanic force after 5 min. There was no difference between fatigue in the KO and KO+IL‐6. Interleukin‐6 reduced WT muscle mitochondrial respiratory control ratio by 36% and cytochrome c oxidase activity by 42%. Interleukin‐6 had no effect on either KO respiratory control ratio or cytochrome c oxidase activity. Interleukin‐6 also had no effect on body weight, muscle mass or tetanic force in either genotype. These results provide evidence that 2 weeks of elevated systemic IL‐6 is sufficient to increase skeletal muscle fatigability and decrease muscle mitochondrial content and function, and these effects require muscle gp130 signalling.
The Behavior of Corundum Ceramic in Molten Salt
Authors: Galek Vojtěch , Stoklasa Jaroslav , Hadrava Jan , Hrbek Jan , Bezdička Petr , Sedlářová Ivona
Published: December 2018

The technology of molten salt oxidation (MSO) is a thermal treatment process mainly used for reprocessing of hazardous organic waste. This technology is considered as an alternative to the conventional incineration processes. The principle of the whole technology is based on flameless oxidation of materials in the molten salt with the consequent capture of gaseous products in molten alkaline salts. The melts with low melting point and high viscosity, such as a ternary mixture of carbonates Na2CO3, K2CO3, and Li2CO3, are the most used in this technology. However, the molten salts create a very corrosive environment for metal and ceramic materials, so the main aim of this experimental work was to determine the resistance of corundum samples, which were prepared by plasma spraying, and to find out its potential use as the protection of the reactor metal surface.
Exploration of Translational Joint Design Using Corrugated Flexure Units With Bézier Curve Segments
Authors: Wang Nianfeng , Zhang Zhiyuan , Yue Fan , Zhang Xianmin
Published: December 2018

In order to satisfy particular design specifications, shape variation for limited geometric envelopes is often employed to alter the elastic properties of flexure joints. This paper introduces an analytical stiffness matrix method to model a new type of corrugated flexure (CF) beam with cubic Bézier curve segments. The cubic Bézier curves are used to depict the segments combined to form CF beam and translational joint. Mohr's integral is applied to derive the local-frame compliance matrix of the cubic Bézier curve segment. The global-frame compliance matrices of the CF unit and the CF beam with cubic Bézier curve segments are further formed by stiffness matrix method, which are confirmed by finite element analysis (FEA). The control points of Bézier curve are chosen as optimization parameters to identify the optimal segment shape, which maximizes both high off-axis/axial stiffness ratio and large axial displacements of translational joint. The results of experimental study on the optimum translational joint design validate the proposed modeling and optimization method.
Reliable determination of contact angle from the height and volume of sessile drops
Authors: Behroozi F. , Behroozi P. S.
Published: December 2018

Contact angle is an important parameter in characterizing the wetting properties of fluids. For this reason, accurate measurement of the contact angle at liquid-solid interfaces is of great importance in industrial and scientific applications. The most common method for measuring the contact angle is to obtain it directly from the profile of a sessile drop. Though convenient, this method suffers from certain inherent drawbacks. Here, we describe an alternative method that uses the height and volume of a sessile drop as constraints to construct its profile by numerical integration of two parametric differential equations. The integration yields, self consistently, the average value of the contact angle along the entire contact line as well as the footprint radius of the drop and its crown radius of curvature. As a test case, the new method is used to obtain the contact angle of pure water on two different substrates, Teflon and Lucite. For each substrate, four drops ranging in volume from 10. to 40 μl are used. The computed contact angles are consistent across the four different drop sizes for each substrate and are in good agreement with the literature values.
Stability of planetary systems: A numerical didactic approach
Authors: Pakter Renato , Levin Yan
Published: December 2018

We discuss the numerical methods needed to study the dynamics of interacting planetary systems. We argue that the most appropriate method for studying the many-body dynamics is Runge-Kutta with an adaptive step size. We demonstrate that planetary systems are highly susceptible to catastrophic events in which collisions between the planets are almost unavoidable. We then discuss a recently proposed mechanism that explains how planetary systems may have spontaneously evolved into a self-organized periodic state in which catastrophic events are avoided.
Scanning for Time: Science and Art on a Photocopier
Authors: Muller Eric
Published: December 2018

What do you get when you cross a rubber band with a photocopier? You get a whole series of physics lessons and some great images! It’s easy to get this activity up and running, be amazed, and apply it to any number of scientific concepts. It lends itself to a whole host of investigations. This easy-to-do activity can also be aligned to NGSS outcomes and three-dimensional learning. It’s science, art, and fun, and your results may be surprisingly…. well, surprising.