bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multifaceted Pharmacist‐led Interventions in the Hospital Setting: A Systematic Review
Authors: Skjøt‐Arkil Helene , Lundby Carina , Kjeldsen Lene Juel , Skovgårds Diana Mark , Almarsdóttir Anna Birna , Kjølhede Tue , Duedahl Tina Hoff , Pottegård Anton , Graabæk Trine
Published: May 2018

Clinical pharmacy services often comprise complex interventions. In this MiniReview, we conducted a systematic review aiming to evaluate the impact of multifaceted pharmacist‐led interventions in a hospital setting. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and CINAHL for peer‐reviewed articles published from 2006 to 1 March 2018. Controlled trials concerning hospitalized patients in any setting receiving patient‐related multifaceted pharmacist‐led interventions were considered. All types of outcome were accepted. Inclusion and data extraction were performed. Study characteristics were collected, and risk of bias assessment was conducted utilizing the Cochrane Risk of Bias tools. All stages were conducted by at least two independent reviewers. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42017075808). A total of 11,896 publications were identified, and 28 publications were included. Of these, 17 were conducted in Europe. Six of the included publications were multi‐centre studies, and 16 were randomized trials. Usual care was the comparator. Significant results on quality of medication use were reported as positive in eleven studies (n = 18; 61%) and negative in one (n = 18, 6%). Hospital visits were reduced significantly in seven studies (n = 16; 44%). Four studies (n = 12; 33%) reported a positive significant effect on either length of stay or time to revisit, and one study reported a negative effect (n = 12; 6%). All studies investigating mortality (n = 6), patient‐reported outcome (n = 7) and cost‐effectiveness (n = 1) showed no significant results. This MiniReview indicates that multifaceted pharmacist‐led interventions in a hospital setting may improve the quality of medication use and reduce hospital visits and length of stay, while no effect was seen on mortality, patient‐reported outcome and cost‐effectiveness.
LW106, a novel indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 inhibitor, suppresses tumour progression by limiting stroma‐immune crosstalk and cancer stem cell enrichment in tumour micro‐environment
Authors: Fu Rong , Zhang Yi‐Wei , Li Hong‐Mei , Lv Wen‐Cong , Zhao Li , Guo Qing‐Long , Lu Tao , Weiss Stephen J , Li Zhi‐Yu , Wu Zhao‐Qiu
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose

Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is emerging as an important new therapeutic target for treatment of malignant tumours characterized by dysregulated tryptophan metabolism. However, the antitumour efficacy of existing small‐molecule inhibitors of IDO1 is still unsatisfactory and the underlying mechanism remains largely undefined. Hence, we discovered a novel potent small‐molecule inhibitor of IDO1, LW106, and studied its antitumour effects and the underlying mechanisms in two tumour models.

Experimental Approach

C57BL6 mice, athymic nude mice or Ido1−/− mice were inoculated with IDO1‐expressing and ‐nonexpressing tumour cells and treated with vehicle, epacadostat or increasing doses of LW106. Xenografted tumours, plasma, spleens and other vital organs were harvested and subjected to kynurenine/tryptophan measurement and flow cytometric, histological and immunohistochemical analyses.

Key Results

LW106 dose‐dependently inhibited the outgrowth of xenografted tumours that were inoculated in C57BL6 mice but not nude mice or Ido1−/− mice, showing a stronger antitumour efficacy than epacadostat, an existing IDO1 inhibitor. LW106 substantially elevated intratumoural infiltration of proliferative Teff cells, while reducing recruitment of proliferative Treg cells and non‐haematopoietic stromal cells such as endothelial cells and cancer‐associated fibroblasts. LW106 treatment resulted in a reduced subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in xenografted tumours in which fewer proliferative/invasive tumour cells and more apoptotic tumour cells were observed.

Conclusions and Implications

LW106 inhibits tumour outgrowth by limiting stroma‐immune crosstalk and CSC enrichment in the tumour micro‐environment. LW106 has potential as a immunotherapeutic agent for use in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors and (or) chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer treatment.
Total factor productivity spillovers from trade reforms in India
Authors: Bos Marijke J. D. , Vannoorenberghe Gonzague
Published: May 2018

It is often argued that the positive effects of policies or institutional reforms on the productivity of firms are amplified by positive spillovers to other firms. In this paper, we use a comprehensive dataset of Indian manufacturing firms and employ spatial econometric techniques to estimate the strength of inter‐firm total factor productivity (TFP) spillovers within India following trade reforms. We use externally imposed tariff reductions as an exogenous source of variation in TFP (following Topalova and Khandelwal) and test for spillovers arising from observation, labour mobility and intermediate input use. We find no evidence of TFP spillovers between Indian manufacturing firms after trade liberalization on average. However, initially productive firms seem to benefit from TFP increases in other highly productive firms located in their vicinity.

Effets de débordement via la productivité total des facteurs des réformes commerciales en Inde. On suggère souvent que les effets positifs des politiques ou réformes institutionnelles sur la productivité des firmes sont amplifiés par les effets positifs de débordement sur d’autres firmes. Dans ce mémoire, on utilise une base de données compréhensive de firmes manufacturières indiennes et des techniques économétriques spatiales pour calibrer la force de cet effet de débordement entre firmes via la productivité totale des facteurs (PTF) à l’intérieur de l’Inde à la suite de réformes commerciales. On utilise des réductions de tarifs imposées de l’extérieur comme source exogène de variation dans la PTF (suivant en cela Topalova et Khandelwal 2011) et on calibre les effets de débordement par observation, mobilité du travail, et utilisation d’inputs intermédiaires. On ne détecte aucun effet de débordement de la PTF entre les firmes manufacturières après la libéralisation du commerce en moyenne. Cependant les firmes initialement productives semblent bénéficier de l’accroissement de la PTF d’autres firmes productives dans les environs.
Public, private or both? Analyzing factors influencing the labour supply of medical specialists
Authors: Cheng Terence C. , Kalb Guyonne , Scott Anthony
Published: May 2018

This paper investigates the factors influencing the allocation of time between public and private sectors by medical specialists. A discrete choice structural labour supply model is estimated, where specialists choose from a set of job packages that are characterized by the number of working hours in the public and private sectors. The results show that medical specialists respond to changes in earnings by reallocating working hours to the sector with relatively increased earnings, while leaving total working hours unchanged. The magnitudes of the own‐sector and cross‐sector hours elasticities fall in the range of 0.16–0.51. The labour supply response varies by gender, doctor’s age and medical specialty. Family circumstances such as the presence of young dependent children reduce the hours worked by female specialists but not male specialists.

Public, privé ou les deux? Analyse des facteurs influençant l’offre de travail des médecins spécialistes. Ce mémoire étudie les facteurs influençant l’allocation du temps des médecins spécialistes entre le secteur privé et le secteur public. Un modèle structurel de choix discret d’offre de travail est calibré ans lequel les spécialistes choisissent entre des arrangements caractérisés par le nombre d’heures de travail dans le secteur public et le secteur privé. Les résultats montrent que les spécialistes répondent aux changements dans la nature des gains en réaménageant leurs heures de travail vers le secteur qui offre des gains relativement plus élevés, tout en gardant leurs heures totales de travail inchangées. Les magnitudes des élasticités de l’offre des heures à l’intérieur d’un secteur et entre secteurs se situent dans un intervalle entre 0.16‐0.51. La réponse de l’offre de travail varie selon le genre, l’âge et la spécialité. Le cadre familial, comme la présence de jeunes enfants à charge, tend à réduire les heures travaillées par les femmes mais pas pour les hommes.
Long noncoding RNA NORAD regulates transforming growth factor‐β signaling and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition‐like phenotype
Authors: Kawasaki Natsumi , Miwa Toshiki , Hokari Satoshi , Sakurai Tsubasa , Ohmori Kazuho , Miyauchi Kensuke , Miyazono Kohei , Koinuma Daizo
Published: May 2018

Long noncoding RNAs are involved in a variety of cellular functions. In particular, an increasing number of studies have revealed the functions of long noncoding RNA in various cancers; however, their precise roles and mechanisms of action remain to be elucidated. NORAD, a cytoplasmic long noncoding RNA, is upregulated by irradiation and functions as a potential oncogenic factor by binding and inhibiting Pumilio proteins (PUM1/PUM2). Here, we show that NORAD upregulates transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling and regulates TGF‐β‐induced epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐like phenotype, which is a critical step in the progression of lung adenocarcinoma, A549 cells. However, PUM1 does not appear to be involved in this process. We thus focused on importin β1 as a binding partner of NORAD and found that knockdown of NORAD partially inhibits the physical interaction of importin β1 with Smad3, inhibiting the nuclear accumulation of Smad complexes in response to TGF‐β. Our findings may provide a new mechanism underlying the function of NORAD in cancer cells.
Tumor‐infiltrating neutrophils predict prognosis and adjuvant chemotherapeutic benefit in patients with biliary cancer
Authors: Wang Jie , Bo Xiaobo , Suo Tao , Liu Han , Ni Xiaoling , Shen Sheng , Li Min , Xu Jiejie , Liu Houbao , Wang Yueqi
Published: May 2018

Tumor‐infiltrating neutrophils (TIN) carry out quite significant but opposite functions in different cancers, and their function in biliary cancer has not been fully characterized. To investigate the prognostic significance of TIN in biliary cancer, a training set (n = 118) and a validation set (n = 127) were involved in this study. TIN were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining of CD66b, and then defined as low (neutrophils <18/high‐power field [HPF]) vs high (neutrophils ≥18/HPF). Kaplan‐Meier curve, Cox proportional hazards models and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to assess the prognostic significance. TIN was identified as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in the training set (HR: 4.720; 95% CI: 2.623‐8.493; P < .001) which was confirmed in the validation set (HR: 4.993; 95% CI: 2.626‐9.492; P < .001). Notably, among patients with stage III and IV disease, those with low TIN could benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy, with a reduced risk of compromised survival compared with those with high TIN (HR: 0.294; 95% CI: 0.099‐0.873; P = .047 in the training set; and HR: 0.100; 95% CI: 0.022‐0.462; P = .006 in the validation set). In addition, TIN were negatively related to biological pathways as regulation of activated T‐cell proliferation and lymphocyte‐mediated immunity, and showed a negative correlation with CD8 +  T cells (r = −.324, P < .001). Taken together, our results implicate TIN as an independent marker of prognosis and indicator of patients who would benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in biliary cancer.
Facilitation‐ vs. competition‐driven succession: the key role of resource‐ratio
Authors: Koffel Thomas , Boudsocq Simon , Loeuille Nicolas , Daufresne Tanguy
Published: May 2018

Symbiotic nitrogen (N)‐fixing plants are abundant during primary succession, as typical bedrocks lack available N. In turn, fixed N accumulates in soils through biomass turnover and recycling, favouring more nitrophilous organisms. Yet, it is unclear how this facilitation mechanism interacts with competition for other limiting nutrients such as phosphorus (P) and how this affects succession. Here, we introduce a resource‐explicit, community assembly model of N‐fixing species and analyze successional trajectories along resource availability gradients using contemporary niche theory. We show that facilitation‐driven succession occurs under low N and high enough P availabilities, and is characterised by autogenic ecosystem development and relatively ordered trajectories. We show that late facilitation‐driven succession is sensitive to catastrophic shifts, highlighting the need to invoke other mechanisms to explain ecosystem stability near the climax. Put together with competition‐driven succession, these results lead to an enriched version of Tilman's resource‐ratio theory of succession.
Ecological and evolutionary drivers of the elevational gradient of diversity
Authors: Laiolo Paola , Pato Joaquina , Obeso José Ramón
Published: May 2018

Ecological, evolutionary, spatial and neutral theories make distinct predictions and provide distinct explanations for the mechanisms that control the relationship between diversity and the environment. Here, we test predictions of the elevational diversity gradient focusing on Iberian bumblebees, grasshoppers and birds. Processes mediated by local abundance and regional diversity concur in explaining local diversity patterns along elevation. Effects expressed through variation in abundance were similar among taxa and point to the overriding role of a physical factor, temperature. This determines how energy is distributed among individuals and ultimately how the resulting pattern of abundance affects species incidence. Effects expressed through variation in regional species pools depended instead on taxon‐specific evolutionary history, and lead to diverging responses under similar environmental pressures. Local filters and regional variation also explain functional diversity gradients, in line with results from species richness that indicate an (local) ecological and (regional) historical unfolding of diversity–elevation relationships.
Power, policy ideas and paternalism in non‐communicable disease prevention
Authors: Bartlett Oliver
Published: May 2018

Non‐communicable disease prevention is shaped in large part by the ability of political actors to manipulate policy ideas. Actors that acquire sufficient policy‐making power – usually through building social legitimacy – can work to ensure that certain ideas become influential in the policy‐making process, thus making it more likely that their own interests are reflected in policy outcomes. This paper will argue that private actors, specifically multinational corporations, have been effective in achieving this to the extent that non‐communicable disease policy has become dominated by ideas that are likely to lead to ineffective outcomes, thus reflecting private interests. It is therefore argued that efforts are needed to shift the balance of policy‐making power back towards public interests. This would, it is argued, lead to an increase in regulation that could be accused of being paternalist – an eventually that can however be justified both ethically and legally.
Basal level of autophagy and MAP1LC3B‐II as potential biomarkers for DHA‐induced cytotoxicity in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Samdal Helle , Sandmoe Malin A. , Olsen Lene C. , Jarallah Elaf A. H. , Høiem Therese S. , Schønberg Svanhild A. , Pettersen Caroline H. H.
Published: May 2018

The omega‐3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is known as an anticancer agent. Colorectal cancer (CRC) cells exhibit different sensitivity toward DHA, but the mechanisms involved are still unclear. Gene expression profiling of 10 CRC cell lines demonstrated a correlation between the level of DHA sensitivity and different biological stress responses, such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, oxidative stress, and autophagy. The basal level of autophagy and MAP1LC3B‐II protein correlated with DHA sensitivity in the cell lines studied. DHA induced oxidative stress, ER stress, and autophagy in DHA‐sensitive DLD‐1 cells, while the less sensitive LS411N cells were affected to a much lesser extent. Co‐treatment with DHA and the autophagy inducer rapamycin reduced DHA sensitivity in DLD‐1 and HCT‐8 cells, while co‐treatment with DHA and the autophagy inhibitors chloroquine and 3‐methyladenine increased the DHA sensitivity in LS411N and LS513 cells. Differentially expressed genes correlating with DHA sensitivity and the level of autophagy demonstrated an overlap in biological pathways involved. Results indicate the basal level of autophagy and MAP1LC3B‐II protein as potential biomarkers for DHA sensitivity in CRC cells.

Databases

Protocol and data for gene expression experiments have been submitted to ArrayExpress with accession number E‐MTAB‐5750.
Predicting shifting sustainability trade‐offs in marine finfish aquaculture under climate change
Authors: Sarà Gianluca , Gouhier Tarik C. , Brigolin Daniele , Porporato Erika M. D. , Mangano Maria Cristina , Mirto Simone , Mazzola Antonio , Pastres Roberto
Published: May 2018

Defining sustainability goals is a crucial but difficult task because it often involves the quantification of multiple interrelated and sometimes conflicting components. This complexity may be exacerbated by climate change, which will increase environmental vulnerability in aquaculture and potentially compromise the ability to meet the needs of a growing human population. Here, we developed an approach to inform sustainable aquaculture by quantifying spatio‐temporal shifts in critical trade‐offs between environmental costs and benefits using the time to reach the commercial size as a possible proxy of economic implications of aquaculture under climate change. Our results indicate that optimizing aquaculture practices by minimizing impact (this study considers as impact a benthic carbon deposition ≥ 1 g C m−2 day−1) will become increasingly difficult under climate change. Moreover, an increasing temperature will produce a poleward shift in sustainability trade‐offs. These findings suggest that future sustainable management strategies and plans will need to account for the effects of climate change across scales. Overall, our results highlight the importance of integrating environmental factors in order to sustainably manage critical natural resources under shifting climatic conditions.
Thermal Monitoring of Natural Source Zone Depletion
Authors: Karimi Askarani Kayvan , Stockwell Emily B. , Piontek Keith R. , Sale Tom C.
Published: May 2018

Natural depletion of subsurface petroleum liquids releases energy in the form of heat. The rate of natural source zone depletion (NSZD) can be derived from subsurface temperature data. An energy balance is performed to resolve NSZD‐generated energy in terms of W/m2. Biodegradation rates are resolved by dividing the NSZD energy by the heat of reaction in joules/mol. Required temperature data are collected using data loggers, wireless connections, and automated data storage and analysis. Continuous thermal resolution of monthly NSZD rates at a field site indicates that apparent monthly NSZD rates vary through time, ranging from 10,000 to 77,000 L/ha/year. Temporal variations in observed apparent NSZD rates are attributed to processes governing the conversion of CH4 to CO2, as opposed to the actual rates of NSZD. Given a year or more of continuous NSZD rate data, it is anticipated that positive and negative biases in apparent NSZD rates will average out, and averaged apparent NSZD rates will converge to true NSZD rates. An 8.4% difference between average apparent NSZD rates over a 31‐month period using the thermal monitoring method and seven rounds of CO2 efflux measurements using CO2 traps supports the validity of both CO2 trap and thermal monitoring methods. A promising aspect of thermal monitoring methods is that continuous data provide a rigorous approach to resolving the true mean NSZD rates as compared to temporally sparse CO2 trap NSZD rate measurements. Overall, a vision is advanced of real‐time sensor‐based groundwater monitoring that can provide better data at lower costs and with greater safety, security, and sustainability.
Haemochromatosis: a clinical update for the practising physician
Authors: Radford‐Smith Daniel E. , Powell Elizabeth E. , Powell Lawrie W.
Published: May 2018

Haemochromatosis is most commonly due to the autosomal recessive inheritance of a C282Y substitution in the HFE protein, whereby both alleles of the corresponding gene are affected. The disease is characterised by an inappropriate increase in intestinal iron absorption due to reduced expression of the iron regulatory protein, hepcidin. Progressive iron deposition in parenchymal tissues may ultimately lead to liver and other organ toxicity. The characteristic biochemical abnormalities are raised serum ferritin and transferrin saturation, which can be used in conjunction with genetic tests and emerging magnetic resonance imaging‐based techniques to diagnose patients with the disorder. Progressive iron overload can manifest clinically as advanced fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Enigmatically, the penetrance of both raised iron indices and clinically significant disease is incomplete in patients with hereditary haemochromatosis. Regardless, advanced clinical presentations of the disease have become less common due to increased awareness and earlier diagnosis. On the other hand, obesity and alcohol have been identified as major risk factors that can compound the risk of liver injury in people with hereditary (HFE) haemochromatosis. The prospect of modifying genes that may contribute to the clinical expression of the disease is the subject of ongoing research. Treatment with phlebotomy remains the first‐line therapy, and if instigated early leads to a normal life expectancy. A healthy, well‐balanced diet is recommended to be incorporated as part of the ongoing management of the disease.
Differential T‐cell receptor signals for T helper cell programming
Authors: Morel Penelope A.
Published: May 2018

Upon encounter with their cognate antigen, naive CD4 T cells become activated and are induced to differentiate into several possible T helper (Th) cell subsets. This differentiation depends on a number of factors including antigen‐presenting cells, cytokines and co‐stimulatory molecules. The strength of the T‐cell receptor (TCR) signal, related to the affinity of TCR for antigen and antigen dose, has emerged as a dominant factor in determining Th cell fate. Recent studies have revealed that TCR signals of high or low strength do not simply induce quantitatively different signals in the T cells, but rather qualitatively distinct pathways can be induced based on TCR signal strength. This review examines the recent literature in this area and highlights important new developments in our understanding of Th cell differentiation and TCR signal strength.
Some features of thermophysical properties of γ‐Gd2S3ceramics based on real structure
Authors: Bakovets Vladimir V. , Sotnikov Aleksandr V. , Agazhanov Alibek Sh. , Stankus Sergei V. , Korotaev Evgeniy V. , Pishchur Denis P. , Shkatulov Aleksandr I.
Published: May 2018

The heat capacityCp,thermal diffusivity χT, and lattice thermal conductivity κlattof ceramic solid solutions of sesquisulfides Gd3‐xVGd,xS4(0 <x< 0.33) in the temperature range 300‐700 K has been studied. Changing the real structure, namely the concentrations of vacancies (NV) and deformation (NDc) centers of polycrystals, significantly decreases κlatt. A deviation of composition from the stoichiometry 2:3 is accompanied by an increase in the specific area of the crystallite boundaries per unit volume, and, hence, the concentration of deformation centersDCincreases. This observation was confirmed by examining the short‐range order disturbance of the lattice and symmetry environment of the Gd3+and S2−environment by Raman spectroscopy and the magnetic susceptibility Faraday method. Therefore the thermal diffusivity of gadolinium sesquisulfide is reduced because of the mean free path of phonons decrease. As a result, the thermal conductivity of the polycrystalline samples is reduced by 10%.
Paramagnetic, NIR‐luminescent Nd3+‐ and Gd3+‐doped fluorapatite as contrast agent for multimodal biomedical imaging
Authors: Tesch Annemarie , Röder Robert , Zapf Maximilian , Ronning Carsten , Warncke Paul , Fischer Dagmar , Herrmann Karl‐Heinz , Reichenbach Jürgen R. , Müller Frank A.
Published: May 2018

Combining near infrared (NIR) luminescence and magnetic resonance (MR) contrasts in a crystal host is highly desirable for contrast agents in biomedical imaging technology, as it will enable multimodal imaging processes. In the present work, biocompatible luminescent and paramagnetic fluorapatite (FAp) nanoparticles were prepared via doping with neodymium (Nd3+) and gadolinium (Gd3+), respectively. While Nd3+‐doped FAp (Nd:FAp) exhibits dopant concentration‐dependent photoluminescence (PL) in the NIR spectral region, Gd3+‐doped FAp (Gd:FAp) shows paramagnetic behavior and strong transverse relaxation effects resulting in MR contrastive properties. Remarkably, multimodal co‐doped FAp (Nd:Gd:FAp) nanoparticles combine both properties in 1 single crystal enabling luminescence as well as MR contrast.
Investigation of grain boundary diffusion and grain growth of lithium zinc ferrites with low activation energy
Authors: Xu Fang , Zhang Huaiwu , Xie Fei , Liao Yulong , Li Yuanxun , Li Jie , Jin Lichuan , Yang Yan , Gan Gongwen , Wang Gang , Zhao Qiang
Published: May 2018

Activation energy and diffusion kinetics are important factors for grain growth and densification. Here, Bi2O3 was introduced into Li0.43Zn0.27Ti0.13Fe2.17O4 ferrite ceramics via a presintered process to lower the reaction activation energy and to achieve low temperature sintering. Interestingly, Bi3+ ions entered the lattice and substituted for Fe3+ in the B‐site (i.e., a pure LiZn spinel ferrite). Also, SEM image results show that Bi2O3‐substituted LiZn ferrite ceramics have low critical temperature for grain growth (920°C), which is very advantageous for LTCC technology. This indicates that Bi2O3 is an excellent dopant for ceramics. Furthermore, to promote normal grain growth of the ceramics at low temperatures, different volumes of V2O5 additive were added at the final sintering stage. Results indicate that an optimal volume of V2O5 additive promotes grain growth (with no abnormal grains) and enhances magnetic performances of the ceramics at low sintering temperature. Finally, adding the optimal volume of V2O5 additive resulted in a homogeneous and compact LiZnTiBi ferrite ceramic with larger grains (average size of ~8 μm), high 4πMs (~4100 gauss), and low ΔH (~190 Oe) obtained (at 900°C). Moreover, the doping method reported in this study also provides a reference for other low temperature sintered ceramics.
The 14th International Workshops on Opportunistic Protists (IWOP 14)
Authors: Cushion Melanie T. , Limper Andrew H. , Porollo Aleksey , Saper Vivian E. , Sinai Anthony P. , Weiss Louis M.
Published: May 2018

The 14th International Workshops on Opportunistic Protists (IWOP‐14) was held August 10–12, 2017 in Cincinnati, OH, USA. The IWOP meetings focus on opportunistic protists (OIs); for example, free‐living amoebae, Pneumocystis spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Toxoplasma, the Microsporidia, and kinetoplastid flagellates. The highlights of Pneumocystis spp. research included the reports of primary homothallism for mating; a potential requirement for sexual replication in its life cycle; a new antigen on the surface of small asci; roles for CLRs, Dectin‐1, and Mincle in host responses; and identification of MSG families and mechanisms used for surface variation. Studies of Cryptosporidia spp. included comparative genomics, a new cryopreservation method; the role of mucin in attachment and invasion, and epidemiological surveys illustrating species diversity in animals. One of the five identified proteins in the polar tube of Microsporidia, PTP4, was shown to play a role in host infection. Zebrafish were used as a low cost vertebrate animal model for an evaluation of potential anti‐toxoplasma drugs. Folk medicine compounds with anti‐toxoplasma activity were presented, and reports on the chronic toxoplasma infection provided evidence for increased tractability for the study of this difficult life cycle stage. Escape from the parasitophorus vacuole and cell cycle regulation were the topics of the study in the acute phase.
Reserve Requirements, Liquidity Risk, and Bank Lending Behavior
Authors: ALPER KORAY , BINICI MAHIR , DEMIRALP SELVA , KARA HAKAN , ÖZLÜ PINAR
Published: May 2018

Although reserve requirements (RR) have been used in emerging markets to smooth credit cycles, the transmission mechanism remains blurry. Using bank‐level data, we unveil the interaction of RR with bank lending. We identify a new channel that works through a decline in banks’ liquid assets and loan supply due to an increase in RR. “Quantitative tightening” through RR raises the short‐term funding needs of the banking system, which is met by collateralized central bank lending, thus depleting banks’ unencumbered liquid assets. Our results suggest that such a shift in bank liquidity is associated with a significant change in lending.
Debt Literacy and Debt Literacy Self‐Assessment: The Case of Poland
Authors: Cwynar Andrzej , Cwynar Wiktor , Wais Kamil
Published: May 2018

It is well documented that financial literacy is at best moderate around the world and that the cost of ignorance in this field may be high on both microeconomic and macroeconomic levels. We surveyed a representative sample of Poles to measure their debt literacy—a little‐studied aspect of financial literacy—and therefore obtain insight into the factors predicting it. Our study evidenced low levels of debt literacy and its overestimation by respondents in their self‐reports. We also confirmed some of the patterns found in former studies, including the gender gap and a positive relationship between the level of educational attainment and debt literacy. Finally, our examination provides compelling outcomes with regard to the segmentation of the sample on the basis of objective and subjective debt literacy scores. They show large heterogeneity of debt literacy and thus confirm the need for far‐reaching customization of debt‐oriented education.
Development and Introduction of “Communication Passport” in an Adult Inpatient Psychiatric Unit for Persons With Intellectual Disabilities: A Brief Report from Singapore
Authors: Sajith Sreedharan Geetha , Teo Yafen , Ling Candice Sarah
Published: May 2018

Persons with intellectual disabilities may present with multiple and complex needs including communication difficulties which may contribute to their challenging behaviors. Having a holistic account of each individual in terms of his or her needs, likes, and dislikes and behavioral issues may help to prevent communication breakdown between the persons with intellectual disabilities and caregivers which may in turn improve their quality of life and reduce their challenging behaviors. Communication passport is a practical and person‐centered document providing a special and efficient way of sorting and presenting important and complex information about the person into an accessible manner. We describe the development and introduction of communication passports in an acute inpatient unit for adults with intellectual disabilities at the Institute of Mental Health, a tertiary psychiatric hospital in Singapore. The study team developed a communication passport through literature review, focus group discussions and liaison with caregivers and patients with intellectual disabilities. After an initial pilot for 6 months, improvements were made in the content and presentation. It was designed in such a way that useful information about the patient's personal and communication needs as well as behavioral problems and interventions were easily passed on to the community caregivers at the point of patient's discharge from the hospital. The final format of the communication passport consisted of a 12‐page document encompassing multiple aspects including communication and behavioral profile. Our work may provide the necessary framework and directions in developing communication passports for services providers caring for people with intellectual disabilities.
Estimating Religious Populations with the Network Scale‐Up Method: A Practical Alternative to Self‐Report
Authors: Yang Xiaozhao Yousef , Yang Fenggang
Published: May 2018

Getting accurate information on religious demographics from survey‐based self‐reports presents a difficult task, suffering from the biases of social desirability, personal safety concerns, and the ambiguous definitions of religious identity. The network scale‐up method (NSUM) is an estimation strategy based on the enumeration of social network ties. NSUM has recently been employed to estimate the sizes of hidden populations in criminology and public health, but it has not been utilized in the study of religion. In this study, we argue for the advantages of NSUM in overcoming the biases associated with self‐reports and lay out a practical guide for the scholars of religion to the design and calculation of NSUM. We use a recent survey of Chinese international students to illustrate the use of NSUM and estimate the percentage of Buddhists (4.3 percent) and Christians (8.6 percent) in this population. We recommend interested scholars to adopt NSUM for its reliability, easy implementation, and the affinity between the sociological perspective on religion and the socially‐oriented assumption of NSUM.
From adversaries to allies: ethnic gerrymandering and ethnic party behaviour in local elections in Macedonia
Authors: Stewart Brandon
Published: May 2018

Constitutional designers often construct political institutions to provide greater autonomy to ethnic minority groups. One tool available to constitutional designers is ‘ethnic gerrymandering’, where the boundaries of local government units are altered to provide greater representation to minority groups. This paper analyses the effects of changes in the ethnic composition of municipalities, which occur as a result of ethnic gerrymandering, on ethnic party behaviour. I compare ethnic party behaviour in local elections in the Republic of Macedonia from 2000 to 2013. I expand on a theory initially proposed by Sherrill Stroschein linking ethnic demography to ethnic party behaviour. I find that changes in the ethnic composition of municipalities influence whether rival ethnic parties engage in outbidding or whether ethnic communities unite behind a single ethnic party. My findings have important implications for those tasked with designing political institutions in ethnically divided societies.
Metabolic adaptation of short‐living growth hormone transgenic mice to methionine restriction and supplementation
Authors: Brown‐Borg Holly M. , Rakoczy Sharlene , Wonderlich Joseph A. , Borg Kurt E. , Rojanathammanee Lalida
Published: May 2018

Extension of mammalian health and life span has been achieved using various dietary interventions. We previously reported that restricting dietary methionine (MET) content extends life span only when growth hormone signaling is intact (no life span increase in GH deficiency or GH resistance). To understand the metabolic responses of altered dietary MET in the context of accelerated aging (high GH), the current study evaluated MET and related pathways in short‐living GH transgenic (GH Tg) and wild‐type mice following 8 weeks of restricted (0.16%), low (0.43%), or enriched (1.3%) MET consumption. Liver MET metabolic enzymes were suppressed in GH Tg compared to diet‐matched wild‐type mice. MET metabolite levels were differentially affected by GH status and diet. SAM:SAH ratios were markedly higher in GH Tg mice. Glutathione levels were lower in both genotypes consuming 0.16% MET but reduced in GH Tg mice when compared to wild type. Tissue thioredoxin and glutaredoxin were impacted by diet and GH status. The responsiveness to the different MET diets is reflected across many metabolic pathways indicating the importance of GH signaling in the ability to discriminate dietary amino acid levels and alter metabolism and life span.
Opiate‐Free Pain Therapy Using Carbamazepine‐Loaded Microparticles Provides Up to 2 Weeks of Pain Relief in a Neuropathic Pain Model
Authors: Dai Haining , Tilley Dana M. , Mercedes Greici , Doherty Chris , Gulati Amitabh , Mehta Neel , Khalil Amer , Holzhaus Katrin , Reynolds Francis M.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Opioids remain a mainstay in the treatment of acute and chronic pain, despite numerous and potentially dangerous side effects. There is a great unmet medical need for alternative treatments for patients suffering from pain that do not result in addiction or adverse side effects. Anticonvulsants have been shown to be effective in managing pain, though high systemic levels and subsequent side effects limit their widespread usage. Our goal was to determine if the incorporation of an anticonvulsant, carbamazepine, into a biodegradable microparticle for local sustained perineural release would be an efficacious analgesic following a peripheral injury.

Methods

Following induction of the chronic constriction injury model in Sprague‐Dawley rats, mechanical allodynia testing was performed using von Frey filaments and thermal allodynia was evaluated using the Hargreaves method. Histology and blood work were performed to evaluate toxicity as well as to monitor drug and metabolite presence over time.

Results

A 2‐fold increase in hindpaw withdrawal thresholds in animals receiving carbamazepine‐loaded microparticles relative to controls was observed for up to 14 days after treatment. Drug and metabolite had a peak blood concentration of 54.7 ng/mL and dropped off exponentially to < 5 ng/mL over a few days.

Conclusion

This formulation reduced systemic exposure to carbamazepine over 1,000‐fold relative to traditional analgesic dosing regimens. This 2‐component drug delivery system has been specifically engineered to release a controlled amount of carbamazepine over a 14‐day period, providing significant pain relief with no toxicological or observable adverse events via behavioral or histochemical analysis.
Enriched Environment and Effects on Neuropathic Pain: Experimental Findings and Mechanisms
Authors: Tai Lydia Wai , Yeung Sung Ching , Cheung Chi Wai
Published: May 2018

Neuropathic pain inflicts tremendous biopsychosocial suffering for patients worldwide. However, safe and effective treatment of neuropathic pain is a prominent unmet clinical need. Environmental enrichment (EE) is an emerging cost‐effective nonpharmacological approach to alleviate neuropathic pain and complement rehabilitation care. We present here a review of preclinical studies in ascertaining the efficacy of EE for neuropathic pain. Their proposed mechanisms, including the suppression of ascending nociceptive signaling to the brain, enhancement of the descending inhibitory system, and neuroprotection of the peripheral and central nervous systems, may collectively reduce pain perception and improve somatic and emotional functioning in neuropathic pain. The current evidence offers critical insights for future preclinical research and the translational application of EE in clinical pain management.
Confidence Intervals for Causal Effects with Invalid Instruments by Using Two-Stage Hard Thresholding with Voting
Authors: Guo Zijian , Kang Hyunseung , Tony Cai T. , Small Dylan S.
Published: May 2018

A major challenge in instrumental variable (IV) analysis is to find instruments that are valid, or have no direct effect on the outcome and are ignorable. Typically one is unsure whether all of the putative IVs are in fact valid. We propose a general inference procedure in the presence of invalid IVs, called two-stage hard thresholding with voting. The procedure uses two hard thresholding steps to select strong instruments and to generate candidate sets of valid IVs. Voting takes the candidate sets and uses majority and plurality rules to determine the true set of valid IVs. In low dimensions with invalid instruments, our proposal correctly selects valid IVs, consistently estimates the causal effect, produces valid confidence intervals for the causal effect and has oracle optimal width, even if the so-called 50% rule or the majority rule is violated. In high dimensions, we establish nearly identical results without oracle optimality. In simulations, our proposal outperforms traditional and recent methods in the invalid IV literature. We also apply our method to reanalyse the causal effect of education on earnings.
A cross‐regional study of the reactive and proactive aggression of youth in Spain, Uruguay, mainland China, and Hong Kong
Authors: Fung Annis Lai Chu , Li Xiang , Ramírez Martín J. , Lam Bess Yin‐Hung , Millana Luis , Fares‐Otero Natalia E.
Published: May 2018

This study is the first attempt to measure reactive and proactive aggression in 1,203 youths aged between 11 and 20 from Hong Kong, mainland China, Spain, and Uruguay using the reactive‐proactive aggression questionnaire (RPQ). The two‐factor RPQ construct was found to exhibit an excellent model fit for all subsamples, and the measurement and structural invariance across the four regions was also revealed. After controlling for age, the youth in Uruguay exhibited the highest levels of general, reactive, and proactive aggression, followed by Spain, Hong Kong, and mainland China. Reactive, proactive, and general aggression increased with age in the total sample, but the effects differed among regions. Boys were found to exhibit higher levels of general, reactive, and proactive aggression than girls only in Uruguayan sample. These findings confirmed the cross‐cultural generalizability of the two‐factor RPQ model, and suggested culture, age, and gender to be significant determinants of youth aggression.
A Review of Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport in Artistic (Synchronized) Swimming
Authors: Robertson Sherry , Mountjoy Margo
Published: May 2018

The syndrome of relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) is a clinical entity characterized by low energy availability, which can negatively affect the health and performance of both male and female athletes. The underlying mechanism of RED-S is an inadequacy of dietary energy to support optimal health and performance. This syndrome refers to impaired physiological function, including metabolic rate, menstrual function, bone health, immunity, protein synthesis, and cardiovascular health, with psychological consequences that can either precede (through restrictive dietary habits) or result from RED-S. The term RED-S extends beyond the condition termed the “Female Athlete Triad.” Formerly known as synchronized swimming, artistic swimming is an Olympic sport requiring a high level of fitness as well as technical skill and artistry. The risk of RED-S is high in artistic swimming as it is an aesthetic, judged sport with an emphasis on a lean physique. RED-S is of significant concern in the sport of artistic swimming because of the potential negative effects on physical and mental health as well as consequences on athletic performance. This paper reviews health and performance consequences associated with low energy availability resulting in RED-S in artistic swimming. Medical and nutritional considerations specific to artistic swimming are reviewed, and methods to help detect and manage RED-S are discussed. Prevention and management of RED-S in this athlete population should be a priority for coaches, and the sport medicine professionals working with artistic swimming athletes should utilize the RED-S CAT, a Clinical Assessment Tool for screening and managing RED-S.
Is Bypassing the Stomach a Means to Optimize Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation? A Case Study With a Postbariatric Surgery Individual
Authors: de Oliveira Luana Farias , Saunders Bryan , Artioli Guilherme Giannini
Published: May 2018

Sodium bicarbonate (SB) is an ergogenic supplement shown to improve high-intensity exercise via increased blood bicarbonate buffering. Substantial amounts of the ingested bicarbonate are neutralized in the stomach. Bariatric surgery results in a small gastric pouch which dramatically reduces exposure time of any ingested food in the stomach. The aim of this study was to examine the pharmacokinetics of orally ingested SB in a postgastric bypass individual to determine the magnitude of changes in blood bicarbonate and associated side effects. We hypothesized that SB supplementation in a gastric bypass model would result in greater blood bicarbonate increases and fewer side effects than in healthy individuals due to minimal bicarbonate losses in the stomach. One postbariatric male ingested 0.3 g/kg·body mass of SB on three occasions (SB1, SB2, and SB3) and 0.3 g/kg·body mass of placebo on a further occasion. Blood bicarbonate was determined before and every 10 min following supplement ingestion for 3 hr and then every 20 min for a further 1 hr. Side effects were reported using an adapted questionnaire at identical time points. Maximal increases in blood bicarbonate with SB were +20.0, +15.2, and +12.6 mM, resulting in maximal bicarbonate concentrations of 42.8, 39.3, and 36.2 mM. Area under the curve was SB1: 8,328 mM/min; SB2: 7,747 mM/min; SB3: 7,627 mM/min, and 6,436 mM/min for placebo. Side effects with SB were scarce. Maximal bicarbonate increases were well above those shown previously, with minimal side effects, indicative of minimal neutralization of bicarbonate in the stomach. The large increases in circulating bicarbonate and minimal side effects experienced by our postgastric surgery bypass patient are indicative that minimizing neutralization of bicarbonate in the stomach, as would occur with enteric coated capsules, may optimize SB supplementation and thus warrants investigation.
Correcting Vitamin D Insufficiency Improves Some But Not All Aspects of Physical Performance During Winter Training in Taekwondo Athletes
Authors: Jung Hyun Chul , Seo Myong Won , Lee Sukho , Jung Sung Woo , Song Jong Kook
Published: May 2018

We investigated the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on physical performance during winter training in vitamin D insufficient taekwondo athletes. Thirty-five collegiate male and female taekwondo athletes, aged 19–22 years with low serum 25(OH)D concentration (28.8 ± 1.10 nmol/L), were randomly assigned to a vitamin D group (n = 20) or a placebo group (n = 15). Subjects received either a vitamin D3 capsule (5,000 IU/day) or a placebo during 4 weeks of winter training. Blood samples were collected for analyzing serum 25(OH)D concentration. Physical performance tests included Wingate anaerobic test, isokinetic muscle strength and endurance, a countermovement jump test, sit-ups, agility test, and 20-m pacer. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations increased significantly in the vitamin D group (96.0 ± 3.77 nmol/L) after 4 weeks of supplementation, but no changes were found in the placebo group (F = 242.44, p = .000). There were significant interaction effects for anaerobic peak power (F = 7.49, p = .010) and isokinetic knee extension at 180 deg/s (F = 6.08, p = .019). Changes in serum 25(OH)D concentration were positively associated with changes in peak power and isokinetic knee extension at 180 deg/s. However, no significant interaction effects were observed in other performance variables. This study suggests that 4 weeks of vitamin D supplementation elevates serum 25(OH)D concentration to sufficient levels. Correcting vitamin D insufficiency improves some but not all aspects of performance. Thus, efficacy of vitamin D supplementation to enhance performance remains unclear.