bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Notch Signaling Pathway Regulates Angiogenesis via Endothelial Cell in 3D Co‐Culture Model
Authors: Zhao Dan , Xue Changyue , Lin Shiyu , Shi Sirong , Li Qianshun , Liu Mengting , Cai Xiaoxiao , Lin Yunfeng
Published: November 2016

This study aimed to investigate the role of Notch signaling pathway for angiogenesis in a three‐dimensional (3D) collagen gel model with co‐culture of adipose‐derived stromal cells (ASCs) and endothelial cells (ECs). A 3D collagen gel model was established in vitro by implanting both ASCs from green fluorescent protein‐labeled mouse and ECs from red fluorescent protein‐labeled mouse, and the phenomena of angiogenesis with Notch signaling inducer Jagged1, inhibitor DAPT and PBS, respectively were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Semi‐quantitative PCR and immunofluorescent staining were conducted to detect expressions of angiogenesis‐related genes and proteins. Angiogenesis in the co‐culture gels was promoted by Jagged1 treatment while attenuated by DAPT treatment, compared to control group. In co‐culture system of ASCs and ECs, the gene expressions of VEGFA, VEGFB, Notch1, Notch2, Hes1, Hey1, VEGFR1,and the protein expression of VEGFA, VEGFB, Notch1, Hes1, Hey1 were increased by Jagged1 treatment and decreased by DAPT treatment in ECs. And the result of VEGFR3 was the opposite. However, the same results did not appear completely in ASCs. These results revealed the VEGFA/B‐Notch1/2‐Hes1/Hey1‐ VEGFR1/3 signal axis played an important role in angiogenesis when ASCs and ECs were co‐cultured in a 3D collagen gel model. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1548–1558, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Following up adult patients with tetralogy of fallot: The role of echocardiography
Authors: Daraban Ana Maria , Jurcuţ Ruxandra , Bădilă Elisabeta , Bartoş Daniela , Dan Gheorghe Andrei
Published: November 2016

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is one of the most common cyanotic congenital heart diseases. With surgical repair and the advances in postoperative care, contemporary mortality has dramatically improved and an increasing number of patients survive into adulthood, leading to a growing number of adult TOF. However, residual anatomic and hemodynamic abnormalities are encountered in nearly all patients, making follow‐up mandatory. Furthermore, mortality starts to increase 25 years after surgery, emphasizing that, in adult TOF, closer monitoring is necessary. We review here the role of echocardiography in the follow‐up of the TOF patients, emphasizing the role of multiple echocardiographic techniques. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:79–95, 2017;
Morphological And Molecular Analyses of an Anatomical Novelty: The Pelvic Fin Filaments of the South American Lungfish
Authors: Lima Sergio Q. , Costa Carinne M. , Amemiya Chris T. , Schneider Igor
Published: November 2016

The pelvic fins of male South American lungfish, Lepidosiren paradoxa, are adorned with a distinctive array of filaments, which grow and become highly vascularized during the breeding season. The resemblance between these pelvic fin filaments (PFFs) and external gills of other vertebrates suggested that this gill‐like structure was used for physiological gas exchange. It has been proposed that the unique pelvic fin of male L. paradoxa is used for release of oxygen from its blood into the environment in order to aerate its nesting brood, or, conversely, as an auxiliary respiratory organ by absorbing oxygen from the environment into its bloodstream. Here, we employed histology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) to assess whether the morphology and molecular profile of PFFs are compatible with a role in gas exchange. First, we closely examined its external morphology and showed that PFFs develop from short papillae during the rainy season, but remain covered by a thick nonvascularized epithelium. Histological examination confirmed that capillaries within the filaments are separated from the exterior by a basement membrane and a stratified epithelium composed of four to five cell layers. In addition, SEM analysis revealed significant differences between the fin filament epithelium and typical gill epithelium. Finally, our qPCR results showed that five genes commonly expressed in gills were downregulated in PFFs relative to their expression in regular pectoral fin epidermis. Collectively, our results do not directly support a role for PFFs, commonly referred to as “limb gills”, in oxygen release or uptake.
An Exploratory Flow Reactor Study of H2S Oxidation at 30–100 Bar
Authors: Song Yu , Hashemi Hamid , Christensen Jakob Munkholt , Zou Chun , Haynes Brian S. , Marshall Paul , Glarborg Peter
Published: November 2016

Hydrogen sulfide oxidation experiments were conducted in O2/N2 at high pressure (30 and 100 bar) under oxidizing and stoichiometric conditions. Temperatures ranged from 450 to 925 K, with residence times of 3–20 s. Under stoichiometric conditions, the oxidation of H2S was initiated at 600 K and almost completed at 900 K. Under oxidizing conditions, the onset temperature for reaction was 500–550 K, depending on pressure and residence time, with full oxidization to SO2 at 550–600 K. Similar results were obtained in quartz and alumina tubes, indicating little influence of surface chemistry. The data were interpreted in terms of a detailed chemical kinetic model. The rate constants for selected reactions, including SH + O2 ⇄ SO2 + H, were determined from ab initio calculations. Modeling predictions generally overpredicted the temperature for onset of reaction. Calculations were sensitive to reactions of the comparatively unreactive SH radical. Under stoichiometric conditions, the oxidation rate was mostly controlled by the SH + SH branching ratio to form H2S + S (promoting reaction) and HSSH (terminating). Further work is desirable on the SH + SH recombination and on subsequent reactions in the S2 subset of the mechanism. Under oxidizing conditions, a high O2 concentration (augmented by the high pressure) causes the termolecular reaction SH + O2 + O2 → HSO + O3 to become the major consumption step for SH, according to the model. Consequently, calculations become very sensitive to the rate constant and product channels for the H2S + O3 reaction, which are currently not well established.
Rate Constants of the Reactions of O(3P) Atoms with Ethene and Propene over the Temperature Range 230–900 K
Authors: Morin Julien , Bedjanian Yuri , Romanias Manolis N.
Published: November 2016

The kinetics of the reactions of ethene and propene with triplet oxygen atoms have been studied over a wide temperature range, T = 230–900 K, using a low‐pressure (P = 1 Torr) flow tube reactor coupled with an electron impact ionization quadrupole mass spectrometer: O + C2H4 → products (1) and O + C3H6 → products (2). The rate constants of the title reactions were determined under pseudo–first‐order conditions, either monitoring the kinetics of O‐atom consumption in excess of alkene or alkene loss in excess of oxygen atoms. The temperature dependence of the rate constant of reaction (1), k1 = 8.64 × 10−17 T1.70 exp(–206/T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1 (uncertainty of 20%), was found to be in excellent agreement with multiple previous data that can be considered as a validation of the experimental approach. The measurements of the rate constant of the reaction of O atoms with propene, k2 = 3.65 × 10−18 T2.20 exp(455/T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1 (uncertainty of 20%), allowed to harmonize the results of previous low‐ and high‐temperature measurements and to recommend the expression for k2 in a wide temperature range, 200–1200 K.
Depletion zones and intergranular corrosion of superaustenitic stainless steel Alloy 926
Authors: Mori G. , Prohaska M. , Lackner R. , Rokosz K. , Albu M. , Kothleitner G.
Published: November 2016

Superaustenitic stainless steel Alloy 926 was evaluated after different isothermal annealing and thermomechanical heat treatments. The impact of two different quenching and tempering processes on sensitization was determined. Since Alloy 926 contains large amounts of molybdenum and chromium, precipitation of various intermetallic phases is strongly favored. Based on SEM and EF‐TEM, it was found that the size as well as the extent of elemental depletion zones is in good agreement with the degree of sensitization (DOS), independently of the applied corrosion test. Elemental depletion zones of two isothermally annealed conditions were obtained quantitatively and related to those of thermo‐mechanically rolled samples. Comparison of both annealed conditions revealed the different operating principles of Streicher test and DL‐EPR‐test. In consequence, morphology, distribution, and chemical composition of precipitates have a considerable impact on corrosion test results. Different microstructural parameters and their relevance on prediction of corrosion properties are pointed out and discussed accurately.
Role of molybdenum in corrosion of iron‐based alloys in contact with hydrogen sulfide containing solution
Authors: Genchev G. , Bosch C. , Wanzenberg E. , Erbe A.
Published: November 2016

A sample iron molybdenum alloy with 3.4 wt% (2 at%) molybdenum, and pure iron, are exposed to hydrogen sulfide saturated saline solution for up to 56 days. In addition, their behavior under anodic polarization in the same electrolyte is investigated. The initially fast dissolution of the iron molybdenum alloy slows down significantly over time, while iron corrodes with a constant rate. The observed slow down of the corrosion rate can be described well with an exponential decay of the instantaneous corrosion rate with a time constant of (0.15 ± 0.03)/day, which implies stop in corrosion in practical terms after 2 weeks. Relationships are discussed between the instantaneous corrosion rate, and the time‐averaged integral corrosion rate. Dissolution under anodic polarization of the iron molybdenum alloy is slower than for pure iron. While at certain times, pyrite, FeS2, is found as corrosion product, the main corrosion product is mackinawite, FeS. The latter likely contains a certain fraction of molybdenum in case of the iron molybdenum alloy. On iron molybdenum, corrosion products forming a sealing layer are observed, which slow down further corrosion. The corrosion products on iron molybdenum show better adhesion to the base material surface.
Basal ganglia structure in Tourette's disorder and/or attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Forde Natalie J. , Zwiers Marcel P. , Naaijen Jilly , Akkermans Sophie E. A. , Openneer Thaira J. C. , Visscher Frank , Dietrich Andrea , Buitelaar Jan K. , Hoekstra Pieter J.
Published: November 2016

Background

Tourette's disorder and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder often co‐occur and have both been associated with structural variation of the basal ganglia. However, findings are inconsistent and comorbidity is often neglected.

Methods

T1‐weighted magnetic resonance images from children (n = 141, 8 to 12 years) with Tourette's disorder and/or attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and controls were processed with the Oxford Centre for Functional MRI [Magnetic resonance imaging] of the Brain (FMRIB) integrated registration and segmentation tool to determine basal ganglia nuclei volume and shape. Across all participants, basal ganglia nuclei volume and shape were estimated in relation to Tourette's disorder (categorical), attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder severity (continuous across all participants), and their interaction.

Results

The analysis revealed no differences in basal ganglia nuclei volumes or shape between children with and without Tourette's disorder, no association with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder severity, and no interaction between the two.

Conclusion

We found no evidence that Tourette's disorder, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder severity, or a combination thereof are associated with structural variation of the basal ganglia in 8‐ to 12‐year‐old patients. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Magnetic resonance safety and compatibility of tantalum markers used in proton beam therapy for intraocular tumors: A 7.0 Tesla study
Authors: Oberacker Eva , Paul Katharina , Huelnhagen Till , Oezerdem Celal , Winter Lukas , Pohlmann Andreas , Boehmert Laura , Stachs Oliver , Heufelder Jens , Weber Andreas , Rehak Matus , Seibel Ira , Niendorf Thoralf
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Proton radiation therapy (PRT) is a standard treatment of uveal melanoma. PRT patients undergo implantation of ocular tantalum markers (OTMs) for treatment planning. Ultra‐high‐field MRI is a promising technique for 3D tumor visualization and PRT planning. This work examines MR safety and compatibility of OTMs at 7.0 Tesla.

Methods

MR safety assessment included deflection angle measurements (DAMs), electromagnetic field (EMF) simulations for specific absorption rate (SAR) estimation, and temperature simulations for examining radiofrequency heating using a bow‐tie dipole antenna for transmission. MR compatibility was assessed by susceptibility artifacts in agarose, ex vivo pig eyes, and in an ex vivo tumor eye using gradient echo and fast spin‐echo imaging.

Results

DAM (α < 1 °) demonstrated no risk attributed to magnetically induced OTM deflection. EMF simulations showed that an OTM can be approximated by a disk, demonstrated the need for averaging masses of mave = 0.01 g to accommodate the OTM, and provided SAR0.01g,maximum = 2.64 W/kg (Pin = 1W) in OTM presence. A transfer function was derived, enabling SAR0.01g estimation for individual patient scenarios without the OTM being integrated. Thermal simulations revealed minor OTM‐related temperature increase (δT < 15 mK). Susceptibility artifact size (<8 mm) and location suggest no restrictions for MRI of the nervus opticus.

Conclusion

OTMs are not a per se contraindication for MRI. Magn Reson Med 78:1533–1546, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Intranasal fentanyl for initial treatment of vaso‐occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease
Authors: Fein Daniel M. , Avner Jeffrey R. , Scharbach Kathryn , Manwani Deepa , Khine Hnin
Published: November 2016

Background

Analgesia administration for children with vaso‐occlusive crises is often delayed in the emergency department. Intranasal fentanyl (INF) has been shown to be safe and effective in providing rapid analgesia for other painful conditions. Our objective was to determine if children with a vaso‐occlusive crisis (VOC) who received initial treatment with INF compared to placebo achieved a greater decrease in pain score after 20 min.

Procedure

This was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Children with sickle cell disease, 3–20 years old, not taking daily opiates were eligible for the study. Subjects who presented to the emergency department with a pain score ≥6 were randomized to either a single dose of INF (2 μg/kg, maximum 100 μg) or an equivalent volume of intranasal saline. Pain scores were obtained using a modified Wong–Baker FACES pain scale prior to the administration of study drug and at 10, 20, and 30 min afterward. Additional analgesic medication was given per standard protocol.

Results

Forty‐nine subjects completed the study (24 fentanyl and 25 placebo). Subjects who received INF had a greater decrease in median pain score at 20 min compared to placebo (2 [interquartile range, (IQR) 0.5–4] vs. 1 [IQR 0–2], P = 0.048), but not at 10 or 30 min. There were no serious adverse events in either group.

Conclusion

Children who received INF had a greater decrease in pain score at 20 min compared to those who received placebo. Further studies should evaluate how to best incorporate INF into the emergency care of a child with a VOC.
Contribution of hydrogen peroxide to non‐thermal atmospheric pressure plasma induced A549 lung cancer cell damage
Authors: Ma Jie , Zhang Hao , Cheng Cheng , Shen Jie , Bao Lingzhi , Han Wei
Published: November 2016

Non‐thermal plasma (NTP) can induce cancer cell death which is supposed to be mediated by oxidative stress. In this work, the contribution of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in NTP induced lung cancer cell damage is quantitatively studied. Our results also show signification production of H2O2 in plasma activated medium (PAM). NTP treatment induce critical raising of cell death, apoptosis, and DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) in A549 cell. NTP treatment also cause mitochondrial dysfunction and intracellular ROS production in A549 cells. Furthermore, catalase efficiently protect cells from NTP induced A549 cell damage. This work clarified the contribution of H2O2 to plasma induced cancer cell damage.
A General Approach to the Synthesis of M@Au/Ag (M = Au, Pd, and Pt) Nanorattles with Ultrathin Shells Less Than 2.5 nm Thick
Authors: Yang Miaoxin , Gilroy Kyle D. , Xia Younan
Published: November 2016

This article reports a general approach to the facile synthesis of M@Au/Ag (M = Au, Pd, and Pt) nanorattles. The synthesis involves three major steps: (i) formation of M@Ag nanocubes via seed‐mediated growth, (ii) conformal deposition of ultrathin Au shells on the M@Ag nanocubes by reducing HAuCl4 with ascorbic acid under an alkaline condition, and (iii) formation of M@Au/Ag nanorattles through a galvanic replacement reaction between the Ag shells and aqueous HAuCl4. The deposition of an ultrathin Au shell prior to the galvanic replacement reaction is crucial to a successful synthesis as this shell can enhance the mechanical strength of the resultant nanorattles by preventing the Au/Ag alloy shell from fragmentation during the galvanic replacement process. The localized surface plasmon resonance peak of the nanorattles is determined by the thickness of the Au/Ag alloy shell. For Au@Au/Ag nanorattles with an edge length of 15 nm, they could be tuned to have near‐infrared absorption and excellent photothermal conversion capability for their use as transducers in the effective destruction of cancer cells through laser irradiation.
Thionyl Nitrate as Nitrating Agent for the Synthesis of 2‐[Butyl(nitro)amino]ethyl Nitrate (n‐BuNENA)
Authors: Bayat Yadollah , Esmailmarandi Fatemeh
Published: November 2016

The synthesis of n‐BuNENA by reaction of N‐butylethanolamine and thionyl nitrate is reported herein. Various nitrating agents were studied and thionyl nitrate was found to be a promising nitrating agent. The reaction conditions for the nitration with thionyl nitrate were optimized and the best results were obtained with one equivalent of thionyl nitrate at 0 °C for 3 h. This method has a number of advantages such as performing the reaction in one step, easy handling and work‐up, and good yield. The reaction progress was monitored by HPLC and the product was characterized by IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy.
Integrated Two‐Analyte Population Pharmacokinetic Model for Antibody–Drug Conjugates in Patients: Implications for Reducing Pharmacokinetic Sampling
Authors: Lu D , Gibiansky L , Agarwal P , Dere RC , Li C , Chu Y‐W , Hirata J , Joshi A , Jin JY , Girish S
Published: November 2016

An integrated pharmacokinetics (PK) model that simultaneously describes concentrations of total antibody (Tab) and antibody‐conjugated monomethyl auristatin E (acMMAE) following administration of monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE)‐containing antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) was developed based on phase I PK data with extensive sampling for two ADCs. Two linear two‐compartment models that shared all parameters were used to describe the PK of Tab and acMMAE, except that the deconjugation rate was an additional clearance pathway included in the acMMAE PK model compared to Tab. Further, the model demonstrated its ability to predict Tab concentrations and PK parameters based on observed acMMAE PK and various reduced or eliminated Tab PK sampling schemes of phase II data. Thus, this integrated model allows for the reduction of Tab PK sampling in late‐phase clinical development without compromising Tab PK characterization.
Medication Packaging and Older Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Carli Lorenzini Giana , Hellström Daniel
Published: November 2016

The global challenges posed by demographic change call for more senior‐friendly medication packaging. This paper presents a comprehensive integrated view and synthesis of the literature on medication packaging and older people. Considering the multidisciplinary nature of the research field, a systematic review was conducted in four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Medline and Engineering Village), limited to original research studies containing empirical data and English‐language papers, published until January 2015. Manual reference mining was carried out for other relevant papers, and a critical appraisal methodology was applied to judge the quality of the papers. In total, 34 studies are fully reviewed and classified according to the main characteristics of the studies, information about older patients and impact of the packaging on medication use. As a result, the review indicates the literature to be fragmented and diverse yet composed of two major interconnected research streams (physical functionality and user capability; medication management) and orientations (packaging; user). The physical functionality and user capability stream of research with a packaging orientation addresses child‐resistant containers (CRCs), whereas the user‐oriented studies address openability, i.e. the ease of opening the medication. In contrast, the medication management stream of research with a packaging orientation focuses on the adherence outcomes of different package aids, whereas the user‐oriented studies focus on the counselling provided by healthcare professionals and coping strategies for older patients to handle the packages. These original findings provide valuable input to researchers and practitioners and offer guidance for the further development of medication packaging. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐ray absorption spectroscopy study of buried Co layers in the Co/Mo2C multilayer mirrors
Authors: Yuan Yanyan , Le Guen Karine , Tu Yuchun , Zhu Jingtao , Wang Zhanshan , Li Wenbin , Wen Mingwu , Mény Christian , Yu Haisheng , Huang Yuying , Wei Xiangjun , Jonnard Philippe
Published: November 2016

X‐ray absorption spectroscopy at the Co K edge was applied to investigate the chemical environment of Co atoms inside Co/Mo2C periodic multilayers. The results show a mixing between Co and Mo2C layers prior to any annealing process, whereas following annealing from 300 °C pure Co layers are observed. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy results are in agreement with previous nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy results. They indicate that the pure Co content increases upon annealing, while it is absent in the as‐deposited samples. The comparison of the results, based on the analysis of the data obtained on the multilayer samples and some reference materials, reveals that the ordering of Co atoms inside the Co layers increases upon annealing. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced power production of microbial fuel cells by reducing the oxygen and nitrogen functional groups of carbon cloth anode
Authors: Cheng Shaoan , Liu Weifeng , Sun Dan , Huang Haobin
Published: November 2016

The physicochemical properties of anode material are important for the electron transfer of anode bacteria and electricity generation of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). In this work, carbon cloth anode was pretreated with isopropanol, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in order to reduce the anode functional groups. The influence of functional groups on the electrochemical properties of carbon cloth anode and power generation of MFCs was investigated. The anode pretreatments removed the surface sizing layer of carbon cloth and substantially reduced the contents of C‐O and pyridinic/pyrrolic N groups on the anode. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry analyses of the biofilm‐matured anodes revealed an enhanced electrochemical electron transfer property because of the anode pretreatments. As compared with the untreated control (612 ± 6 mW m−2), the maximum power density of an acetate‐fed single‐chamber MFC was increased by 26% (773 ± 5 mW m−2) with the isopropanol treated anode. Additional treatment with H2O2 and NaOCl further increased the maximum power output to 844 ± 5 mW m−2 and 831 ± 4 mWm−2. A nearly inverse liner relationship was observed between the contents of C‐O and pyridinic/pyrrolic N groups on anodes and the anodic exchange current density and the power output of MFCs, indicating an adverse effect of these functional groups on the electricity production of anodes. Results from this study will further our understanding on the microbial interaction with carbon‐based electrodes and provide an important guidance for the modification of anode materials for MFCs in future studies. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of Ga dopant on photoelectrochemical characteristic of Ga‐doped ZnO thin films deposited by sol–gel spin‐coating technique
Authors: Huang Mao‐Chia , Lin Jing‐Chie , Cheng Shuo‐Han , Weng Wei‐Heng
Published: November 2016

In this study, Ga‐doped ZnO thin films were prepared using sol–gel technique via spin‐coating method. The effect of Ga‐doping dopant (0, 1, 2 and 3 at.%) on microstructural, optical, electrical and photoelectrochemical (PEC) characteristics have been investigated. The spin‐coating was repeated six times, and as‐obtained thin films were then annealed at 500 °C for 1 h in vacuum. After annealing, all samples revealed single phase of hexagonal ZnO polycrystalline structure with a main peak of (002) in X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. Raman spectra show that the vibration strength of E2 is highly decreased by Ga doping. Thicknesses of all samples were ~300 nm measured via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) cross‐section images and alpha‐step. The optical band gap and resistivity of samples were in the range of 3.24 to 3.28 eV and 102 to 9 Ohm cm, respectively. Resulting from PEC response, the 2 at.% Ga‐doped ZnO thin film has a better PEC performance with photocurrent density of ~0.14 mA/cm2 at 0.5 V versus saturated calomel electrode (SCE) under illumination with the intensity of 100 mW/cm2. This value was about seven times higher than the un‐doped film (reference sample). Observed higher photocurrent density was likely because of a suitable Ga‐doping concentration causing a lower resistivity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doing It in Public: Dilemmas of Images, Voice, and Constructing Publics in Public Sociology on Sex Work
Authors: Hannem Stacey , Tigchelaar Alex
Published: November 2016

This study describes the use of traditional public sociology as a method of recruitment for organic public sociology research with sex workers. Drawing on their grounded research experience, the authors discuss the issues of representation and framing of the research that arise when engaging in public research with multiple stakeholder publics. Specifically, professional publics may act as gatekeepers to subaltern groups and publicly engaged research risks reproducing existing power inequities and marginalization. However, traditional public sociology can be a tool to engage with subaltern groups and to construct a public where one did not exist; here we examine the complexities, the possibilities, and pitfalls of constructing publics.
Footshock‐induced plasticity of GABAB signalling in the lateral habenula requires dopamine and glucocorticoid receptors
Authors: Lecca Salvatore , Trusel Massimo , Mameli Manuel
Published: November 2016

The activity of lateral habenula (LHb) represents a substrate for the encoding of negative‐valenced events. The exposure to aversive stimuli in naïve mice is sufficient to trigger a reduction in GABAB‐mediated signaling in the LHb. This is ultimately instrumental for the hyperactivity of LHb neurons and for the establishment of depressive‐like phenotypes. However, the mechanisms responsible for the induction of this aversion‐driven plasticity are missing.

Using ex‐vivo patch‐clamp recordings in slices, here we show that exposing mice to a series of inescapable footshocks (FsE) rapidly reduces baclofen‐mediated GABAB currents in the LHb. This plasticity of GABAB signaling requires the activation of the dopamine and stress pathways. Indeed, the systemic administration of dopamine and glucocorticoids receptor antagonists prevents the FsE‐induced reduction of GABAB currents in the LHb. To test whether the recruitment of these receptors occurs within the LHb, we exposed slices from control mice to either dopamine or corticosterone. Both manipulations failed to alter the amplitudes of baclofen‐mediated GABAB currents. Altogether, these data suggest that dopamine and stress signaling are necessary for the induction of FsE‐evoked GABAB plasticity in the LHb. However, the activation of these specific receptors may occur in structures different than the LHb, suggesting a circuit‐based mechanism for this form of plasticity. These findings provide mechanistic insights on aversion‐driven plasticity within the LHb.
Postoperative Complications of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis: A Comparison to the ACS‐NSQIP Risk Calculator and the Tokyo Guidelines
Authors: Massoumi Roxanne L. , Trevino Colleen M. , Webb Travis P.
Published: November 2016

Background

We compared observed postoperative outcomes from laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed for acute cholecystitis (AC) to outcomes predicted by the ACS‐NSQIP risk calculator.We also noted and compared any differences in observed outcomes across the different Tokyo Guidelines (TG) levels of AC severity.We hypothesized that ACS‐NSQIP would accurately predict complications and length of stay (LOS) and that increased TG severity levels would correlate with more complications, increased conversion to open surgery, and longer LOS.

Methods

A review of all patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis over eighteen months was performed.

Results

ACS‐NSQIP predicted a complication rate of 4.6% (11% found) and LOS of 0.73 days (2.5 found), p < 0.05. Increased TG severity had LOS of 1.89, 2.75, and 5.33, respectively, p < 0.05. The complication numbers and conversion to open cholecystectomy were insignificant between the TG classes.

Conclusion

ACS‐NSQIP did not accurately predict complications or LOS. TG classifications did not show a significant difference in complications or conversion to open surgery, but positively correlated with LOS. ACS‐NSQIP may not accurately predict patient outcomes and the TG, originally created with the purpose of differentiating levels of inflammation and severity, may only be useful for predicting LOS.
Slow, continuous enzyme replacement via spinal CSF in dogs with the paediatric‐onset neurodegenerative disease, MPS IIIA
Authors: King Barbara , Marshall Neil R. , Hassiotis Sofia , Trim Paul J. , Tucker Justin , Hattersley Kathryn , Snel Marten F. , Jolly Robert D. , Hopwood John J. , Hemsley Kim M.
Published: November 2016

Intra‐cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) injection of recombinant human lysosomal enzyme is a potential treatment strategy for several neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders including Sanfilippo syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA; MPS IIIA). Here we have utilised the MPS IIIA Huntaway dog model to compare the effectiveness of the repeated intermittent bolus injection strategy being used in the trials with an alternate approach; slow, continual infusion of replacement enzyme (recombinant human sulphamidase; rhSGSH) into the spinal CSF using a SynchroMed II® pump attached to a spinal infusion cannula. The ability of each enzyme delivery strategy to ameliorate lesions in MPS IIIA brain was determined in animals treated from ∼three‐ to six‐months of age. Controls received buffer or no treatment. Significant reductions in heparan sulphate (primary substrate) were observed in brain samples from dogs treated via either cisternal or lumbar spinal CSF bolus injection methods and also in slow intra‐spinal CSF infusion‐treated dogs. The extent of the reduction differed regionally. Pump‐delivered rhSGSH was less effective in reducing secondary substrate (GM3 ganglioside) in deeper aspects of cerebral cortex, and although near‐amelioration of microglial activation was seen in superficial (but not deep) layers of cerebral cortex in both bolus enzyme‐treated groups, pump‐infusion of rhSGSH had little impact on microgliosis. While continual low‐dose infusion of rhSGSH into MPS IIIA dog CSF reduces disease‐based lesions in brain, it was not as efficacious as repeated cisternal or spinal CSF bolus infusion of rhSGSH over the time‐frame of these experiments.
Prospective content in the friendship conversations of young adults☆
Authors: Young Richard A. , Marshall Sheila K. , Murray John
Published: November 2016

Prospection is cognitive processes that involve constructing, encoding, and remembering the future. Less is known about the how these processes are evident in the prospective content of conversations. This study sought to identify and describe evidence of the prospective content in the conversations of friends as they transition to adulthood. The present secondary content analysis of the videotaped conversations of 15 young adult friendship dyads (n = 30, 16 females, 14 males, mean age = 21.3 years) in Canada examined these conversations based the following characteristics of prospection: simulation, reasoning about counterfactuals, constructing multiple possible futures, and episodic memory of the past. Four categories of prospective content were evident in these conversations, these processes were used sparingly in all but one conversation, and relatively few of them were collaborative in that dyad partners did not appear to serve to augment, clarify, or disconfirm prospective content.
Adolescent trust and primary care: Help‐seeking for emotional and psychological difficulties
Authors: Corry Dagmar Anna S. , Leavey Gerard
Published: November 2016

Although a quarter of adolescents are likely to experience emotional and psychological difficulties, only a third of them will seek professional help. In this exploratory study we undertook focus groups with 54 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 16 in eight post‐primary schools in Northern Ireland. Young people do not trust their GPs, perceiving them as strangers, impersonal and uncaring. The basis of distrust is different among males and females. The findings are discussed in light of adolescents’ developmental challenges of identity formation and the consequent demand to be respected and taken seriously by adults.
Cognitive Remediation and Functional Improvement in Schizophrenia: is it a Matter of Size?
Authors: Bosia M. , Buonocore M. , Bechi M. , Spangaro M. , Pigoni A. , Croci M. , Cocchi F. , Guglielmino C. , Bianchi L. , Smeraldi E. , Cavallaro R.
Published: November 2016

Background

Cognitive Remediation represents the best available tool to treat cognitive deficits in schizophrenia and evidence suggests an effect also on global functioning. However, the relationship between cognitive and functional improvement is not yet fully elucidated: do cognitive changes need to be of a definite size and/or encompass a certain number of domains in order to impact on daily functioning? This study aims to explore the role of cognitive improvement, evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively through the use of Italian equivalent scores, on the daily functioning of patients. As secondary goal, the influence of demographic, clinical and neuropsychological variables on functional outcome was also systematically investigated.

Methods

One hundred subjects with a diagnosis of schizophrenia underwent 36 sessions of Cognitive Remediation and were evaluated at baseline and after the training with the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia and the Quality of Life Scale.

Results

A total of 70% of patients improved in at least one cognitive domain and over 50% obtained a normalized score. Among the clinical and neurocognitive factors examined, the only significant predictor of quality of life’s improvement was the proportion of cognitive functions that reached an equivalent score of “normal”.

Conclusions

This study suggests that improvements in daily functioning depend on the achievement of a cognitive profile as much as possible “normal”, harmonious and balanced, supporting the idea that a qualitative leap in cognition is needed in order to gain an advantage in real life activities.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (Bdnf) and Gray Matter Volume in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Poletti S. , Aggio V. , Hoogenboezem T.A. , Ambrée O. , de Wit H. , Wijkhuijs A.J.M. , Locatelli C. , Colombo C. , Arolt V. , Drexhage H.A. , Benedetti F.
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a severe psychiatric condition characterized by grey matter (GM) volumes reduction. Neurotrophic factors have been suggested to play a role in the neuroprogressive changes during the illness course. In particular peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been proposed as a potential biomarker related to disease activity and neuroprogression in BD. The aim of our study was to investigate if serum levels of BDNF are associated with GM volumes in BD patients and healthy controls (HC).

Methods

We studied 36 inpatients affected by a major depressive episode in course of BD type I and 17 HC. Analysis of variance was performed to investigate the effect of diagnosis on GM volumes in the whole brain. Threshold for significance was P < 0.05, Family Wise Error (FWE) corrected for multiple comparisons. All the analyses were controlled for the effect of nuisance covariates known to influence GM volumes, such as age, gender and lithium treatment.

Results

BD patients showed significantly higher serum BDNF levels compared with HC. Reduced GM volumes in BD patients compared to HC were observed in several brain areas, encompassing the caudate head, superior temporal gyrus, insula, fusiform gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, and anterior cingulate cortex. The interaction analysis between BDNF levels and diagnosis showed a significant effect in the middle frontal gyrus. HC reported higher BDNF levels associated with higher GM volumes, whereas no association between BDNF and GM volumes was observed in BD.

Discussion

Our study seems to suggest that although the production of BDNF is increased in BD possibly to prevent and repair neural damage, its effects could be hampered by underlying neuroinflammatory processes interfering with the neurodevelopmental role of BDNF.
Adjustment Disorder: Empirical Study of a New Diagnostic Concept for Icd-11 in the General Population in Lithuania
Authors: Zelviene P. , Kazlauskas E. , Eimontas J. , Maercker A.
Published: November 2016

Objective

Adjustment disorder (AD) is one of the most debated diagnoses in psychiatry since it has been recognised as vaguely defined and causing a lot of difficulties in clinical practice. We aimed to analyse the structure of adjustment disorder based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD)–11 proposals by the WHO ICD-11 Working Group on the Classification of Disorders Specifically Associated with Stress in the general population in Lithuania. Three structural models of adjustment disorder were tested using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA).

Method

Data from the sample of 649 participants who experienced at least one significant stressor during the last two years was included in CFA analysis. Stressor exposure and AD symptoms were measured with the Lithuanian version of the Adjustment Disorder New Module (ADNM-20).

Results

The CFA analysis revealed that the two core factor model of the AD with two core symptoms: preoccupation and failure to adapt fitted data the best in contrast to other two models.

Conclusion

The study supports the ICD-11 proposal for the structure of adjustment disorder with two core symptoms: preoccupation and failure to adapt. Further studies are needed to analyse the structure of AD in other populations.
Institutional Abuse – Characteristics of Victims, Perpetrators and Organsations: a Systematic Review
Authors: Kamavarapu Y.S. , Ferriter Michael , Morton S. , Völlm B.
Published: November 2016

Background

Abuse of vulnerable adults in institutional settings has been reported from various countries; however, there has been no systematic review of the characteristics of the victims and their abusers. Our aim was to identify and synthesise the literature on victims, perpetrators and institutions where abuse occured in order to inform interventions to prevent such abuse.

Methods

Searches of MEDLINE (OVID), CINHAL (EBSCO), EMBASE (OVID) and PsychINFO (OVID) databases identified 4279 references. After screening of titles and abstracts, 123 citations merited closer inspection. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 22 articles were included in the review.

Results

Our review suggested that the evidence available on risk factors is not extensive but some conclusions can be drawn. Clients, staff, institutional and environmental factors appear to play a role in increasing the risk of abuse.

Conclusions

Vulnerable clients need closer monitoring. Clients and staff may lack the awareness and knowledge to identify and report abuse. Institutions should take proactive steps to monitor clients, train staff and devise systems that allow for the identification and prevention of incidents of abuse.There is a need for further research into the associations between the individual client, staff, institutional characteristics and abuse.
Remote magnetic catheter navigation versus conventional ablation in atrial fibrillation ablation: Fluoroscopy reduction
Authors: Lim Paul Chun Yih , Toh Joseph Jia Hong , Loh Julian Kenrick Xing Yuan , Lee Edward Chun Yi , Chong Daniel Thuan Tee , Tan Boon Yew , Ho Kah Leng , Ching Chi Keong , Teo Wee Siong
Published: November 2016

Background

Percutaneous transcatheter radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation with remote controlled magnetic navigation (RMN) has been shown to reduce radiation exposure to patients and physicians compared with conventional manual (MAN) ablation techniques.

Methods

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation was performed utilizing RMN in 214 consecutive patients and MAN ablation techniques in 229 patients. We compared the fluoroscopy and procedural times between RMN and MAN catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Secondary objectives included comparing acute procedural success and short‐term complication rates between both ablation strategies.

Results

Fluoroscopy time was significantly shorter in the RMN group than the MAN group (53.5±30.1 vs 68.1±27.6 min, respectively; p<0.01); however, the total procedural time was longer in the RMN group (280.2±74.4 min vs 213.1±64.75, respectively; p>0.001). Further subgroup analysis of the most recent 50 ablations each from the RMN and MAN groups, to attenuate the RMN learning curve effect, showed an even greater difference in fluoroscopy time (RMN vs MAN: 53.5±30.1 vs 68.1±27.6 min), though a consistently longer procedure time with RMN (249.5±65.5 vs 186.3±65.6 min, respectively). The acute procedural success rate was comparable between the groups (98.6% vs 95.6%, respectively; p=0.07). The rates of acute complications were similar in both groups (2.3% vs 4.8%, respectively; p=0.16).

Conclusions

In radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation, RMN appears to significantly reduce fluoroscopy time compared with conventional MAN ablation, though at a cost of increased total procedural time, with comparable acute success rates and safety profile. A reduction in procedure and fluoroscopy times is possible with gaining experience.
Collective Action for Social Justice: An Exploration into Preservice Social Studies Teachers’ Conceptions of Discussion as a Tool for Equity
Authors: Tannebaum Rory P.
Published: November 2016

An extensive body of research details the lack of discussion and collaboration occurring in K12 classrooms in the United States. This study seeks to examine this issue by exploring the associations preservice social studies teachers make between the underlying principles of democratic education and the use of discussion in the social studies classroom. The present qualitative multi-case study uses a collection of field-based data and university coursework to examine how six preservice social studies teachers at a large southeastern university conceptualize and value discussion as a pedagogical approach. Findings suggest that preservice social studies teachers do see value in the use of discussion and associate it with broad themes of democratic education. However, because their understandings of democratic education are often vague and unclear, the associations being made often do not reflect the work being conducted within academia in regards to social justice.
An investigation into the relationship between plain water intake and glycated Hb (HbA1c): a sex-stratified, cross-sectional analysis of the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2008–2012)
Authors: Carroll Harriet A. , Betts James A. , Johnson Laura
Published: November 2016

The aim of this study was to analyse the association between plain water intake and glycated Hb (HbA1c) in the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2008–2012) rolling survey. These data included diet (4-d diaries) and HbA1c (fasted blood sample) measures of 456 men and 579 women aged 44 (sd 18) years with full information on covariates of interest (age, ethnicity, BMI, smoking status, education, other beverage intake, energy intake and fibre). Data were analysed using sex-stratified linear and logistic regressions modelling the associations of cups per d (240 ml) of plain water with HbA1c, and odds of HbA1c≥5·5 %, respectively. Substitution analyses modelled the replacement of sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juice and artificially sweetened beverages with plain water. After adjustment, 1 cup/d of plain water was associated with a −0·04 % lower HbA1c (95 % CI −0·07, −0·02) in men. In logistic regression, men had a 22 % (95 % CI 10, 32 %) reduced odds of HbA1c≥5·5 %/cup per d of plain water. There was no evidence of an association with either HbA1c or odds of HbA1c≥5·5 % in women. None of the substitution models was associated with a change in odds of HbA1c≥5·5 %. Plain water intake was associated with lower HbA1c in men but not in women. Substituting water for specific beverages was not associated with a reduced odds of HbA1c≥5·5 %, suggesting that the addition of water is the more pertinent factor. Future trials should test whether the relationships between water intake and HbA1c is causal as this could be a cost-effective and simple health intervention.