bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GATA3 staining in primary cutaneous apocrine cribriform carcinoma: Usefulness to differentiate it from breast cancer metastasis
Authors: Llamas‐Velasco Mar , Pérez‐Gónzalez Yosmar C. , Daudén Esteban , Rütten Arno
Published: February 2018

Background

Primary cutaneous apocrine cribriform carcinoma (PCACC) is a rare tumor, clinically appearing as a solitary nodule, mostly involving extremities of females and this lesion usually raises a differential diagnosis with metastatic cribriform carcinomas, especially breast cancer.

Objective

To study GATA3 expression in a series of 14 primary cutaneous cribriform carcinomas and to test its usefulness to differentiate this tumor from metastatic breast cancer.

Methods

We retrieved 14 cases with PCACC (each from a different patient) from the files of the authors. Cases were dated from 1994 to 2014. We also evaluated 6 cases of cutaneous breast cancer metastasis

Results

No PCACCs expressed GATA3. Breast cancer metastases expressed GATA3 in 100% of our studied cases.

Conclusion

Even though GATA3 expression has been reported in many benign and malignant adnexal tumors (mostly of sebaceous, follicular, and apocrine differentiation), as well as in many other neoplasms, GATA3 staining to differentiate PCACC from skin breast cancer metastasis has a high negative predictive value. A positive GATA3 staining in this context should permit one to rule out PCACC with a high level of confidence.
Lipomatoses
Authors: Al Ghazal Philipp , Grönemeyer Lisa‐Lena , Schön Michael P.
Published: February 2018

Lipomatoses are benign proliferations of adipose tissue, often with typical distribution patterns, which usually occur without clear causes. In contrast to circumscribed lipomas, they develop diffusely and symmetrically and are not surrounded by a fibrous pseudocapsule.

The most common form is benign symmetric lipomatosis (BSL; Launois‐Bensaude syndrome), of which four types are distinguished based on the distribution pattern of hyperplastic adipose tissue. The etiology and pathogenesis of the disease are still largely unknown, although some forms appear to have a hereditary basis or to be associated with increased alcohol consumption. In some cases, mitochondrial dysfunctions have been detected. Lipomatoses may be solitary, but may also be associated with other symptoms or illnesses (comorbidity). Effective drug therapies are not known, but surgical procedures can alleviate the symptoms.

Lipomatosis dolorosa, which can be distinguished from BSL, occurs predominantly in middle‐aged women and is characterized by proliferation of adipose tissue and severe pain in the affected areas. Various differential diagnoses and concomitant illnesses need to be considered, in particular depression. There are no evidence‐based recommendations for therapy. Repetitive lidocaine infusions can achieve temporary improvement. Recurrence after surgical intervention is not uncommon, but long‐term success is also possible.
Prolonged uninterrupted sitting elevates postprandial hyperglycaemia proportional to degree of insulin resistance
Authors: Dempsey Paddy C. , Larsen Robyn N. , Winkler Elisabeth A. H. , Owen Neville , Kingwell Bronwyn A. , Dunstan David W.
Published: February 2018

Prolonged uninterrupted sitting is related adversely to cardiometabolic risk markers and postprandial hyperglycaemia, relative to sitting interrupted by regular brief activity breaks. However, whether the magnitude of hyperglycaemic responses to prolonged sitting is dependent upon the underlying degree of insulin resistance remains unclear. Data were pooled from 3 randomized cross‐over laboratory‐based trials (n = 62) that examined the postprandial blood glucose‐ and insulin‐lowering effects of prolonged sitting vs sitting interrupted by regular brief activity breaks in overweight/obese adults who had normal or impaired glucose metabolism (2 trials) or type 2 diabetes not treated by insulin (1 trial). Corrected for study effects, the magnitude of differences in postprandial glucose and insulin responses between the 2 conditions was significantly exacerbated with poorer baseline levels of fasting glucose, insulin and/or surrogate markers of β‐cell function and insulin resistance. This suggests that those with higher underlying levels of insulin resistance may derive greater metabolic benefits from regularly interrupting prolonged sitting than their healthier counterparts. If these findings can be replicated, they may have implications for future targeting and optimization of physical activity/sedentary behaviour interventions in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.
Soil surface complexity has a larger effect on food exploitation by ants than a change from grassland to shrubland
Authors: RADNAN GABRIELLA N. , GIBB HELOISE , ELDRIDGE DAVID J.
Published: February 2018

1. Changes in vegetation community composition, such as a transition from grassland to shrubland (woody encroachment), are associated with reductions in plant cover and increases in bare ground. Encroachment‐driven changes in surface cover at small spatial scales can alter ant community assemblages by changing their foraging behaviour and their ability to locate and monopolise resources.

2. Artificial arenas with three levels of complexity were used to examine changes in ant foraging efficiency, body size and ability to monopolise food. The three levels of complexity included a control (no substrate), low‐complexity treatment (woody debris) and high‐complexity treatment (leaf litter).

3. No difference was found in ant species composition within the complexity arenas between grassland and shrubland, but ant functional groups ‘generalised Myrmicinae’ and ‘subordinate Camponotini’ were more abundant in grassland arenas, whereas ‘opportunists’ were more abundant in shrubland arenas. Ants took twice as long to find baits in high‐complexity treatments, and 1.5 times as long in low‐complexity treatments, than in control treatments, which were bare arenas with no substrate. Ant body size declined with increasing surface complexity, suggesting that larger ants are discouraged from foraging in complex habitats.

4. There was also significantly greater monopolisation of the protein bait (tuna) in low‐ and high‐complexity treatments, but there were no differences between tuna and carbohydrate (honey) in the control treatment. Consistently, no differences were found in ant behaviour between grasslands and shrublands.

5. The present study shows that ants are more responsive to small‐scale alterations in soil surface complexity than to changes in vegetation community composition. Changes in soil surface complexity select for ants based on body size, which in turn influences their foraging success. Changes in vegetation complexity at small spatial scales are therefore likely to influence ant behaviour and abundance of some functional groups, potentially having an effect on the many ecosystem functions carried out by ants.
Class structure and inequality during the industrial revolution: lessons from England's social tables, 1688–1867
Authors: Allen Robert C.
Published: February 2018

This article measures the size and incomes of six major social classes across the industrial revolution using social tables for England and Wales in 1688, 1759, 1798, 1846, and 1867. Lindert and Williamson famously revised these tables, and this article extends their work in three directions. First, servants are removed from middle‐ and upper‐class households in the tables of King, Massie, and Colquhoun and tallied separately. Second, estimates are made for the same tables of the number and incomes of women and children employed in the various occupations, and, third, incomes are broken down into rents, profits, and employment income. These extensions to the tables allow variables to be computed that can be checked against independent estimates as a validation exercise. The tables are retabulated in a standardized set of six social groups to highlight the changing structure of society across the industrial revolution. Gini coefficients are computed from the social tables to measure inequality. These measures confirm that Britain traversed a ‘Kuznets curve’ in this period. Changes in overall inequality are related to the changing fortunes of the major social classes.
Rituximab, cladribine, and cyclophosphamide (RCC) induction with rituximab maintenance in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: PALG ‐ CLL4 (ML21283) trial
Authors: Robak Tadeusz , Błoński Jerzy , Skotnicki Aleksander Bartłomiej , Piotrowska Magdalena , Wróbel Tomasz , Rybka Justyna , Kłoczko Janusz , Bołkun Łukasz , Budziszewska Bożena Katarzyna , Walczak Urszula , Uss Anatoly , Fidecka Marta , Smolewski Piotr
Published: February 2018

Objectives

PALG CLL4 is the first, randomized, phase IIIb study with rituximab, cladribine, and cyclophosphamide (RCC) induction and subsequent maintenance with rituximab in previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients.

Methods

The induction treatment consisted of 6 RCC cycles regimen. Patients with complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) after an induction phase were randomized into a maintenance arm with rituximab or an observational arm.

Results

In the intention‐to‐treat population, 97 patients completed the induction phase with an overall response rate (ORR) of 73.2% (CR 22.7%, PR 50.5%). Subsequently, 66 patients were randomized into the rituximab maintenance arm (n = 33) or the observational arm (n = 33). CR rates were 57.1% in the maintenance group vs 50% in the observational group. PFS was significantly longer in the rituximab maintenance vs the observational arm (P = .028). The multivariate Cox model indicated that del17p (P = .006) and elevated beta‐2‐microglobulin (P = .015) significantly increased the hazard ratio (HR) of progression, whereas the presence of CD38 (P = .013) significantly decreased it; maintenance therapy with rituximab (P < .0001) significantly decreased the HR of disease progression.

Conclusions

The study confirmed the high efficacy and acceptable safety profile of induction therapy with RCC and maintenance therapy with rituximab in previously untreated patients with CLL.
Correlates of economic decisions in the dorsal and subgenual anterior cingulate cortices
Authors: Azab Habiba , Hayden Benjamin Y.
Published: February 2018

The anterior cingulate cortex can be divided into distinct ventral (subgenual, sgACC) and dorsal (dACC), portions. The role of dACC in value‐based decision‐making is hotly debated, while the role of sgACC is poorly understood. We recorded neuronal activity in both regions in rhesus macaques performing a token‐gambling task. We find that both encode many of the same variables; including integrated offered values of gambles, primary as well as secondary reward outcomes, number of current tokens and anticipated rewards. Both regions exhibit memory traces for offer values and putative value comparison signals. Both regions use a consistent scheme to encode the value of the attended option. This result suggests that neurones do not appear to be specialized for specific offers (that is, neurones use an attentional as opposed to labelled line coding scheme). We also observed some differences between the two regions: (i) coding strengths in dACC were consistently greater than those in sgACC, (ii) neurones in sgACC responded especially to losses and in anticipation of primary rewards, while those in dACC showed more balanced responding and (iii) responses to the first offer were slightly faster in sgACC. These results indicate that sgACC and dACC have some functional overlap in economic choice, and are consistent with the idea, inspired by neuroanatomy, which sgACC may serve as input to dACC.
Extreme streams: species persistence and genomic change in montane insect populations across a flooding gradient
Authors: Poff N. LeRoy , Larson Erin I. , Salerno Patricia E. , Morton Scott G. , Kondratieff Boris C. , Flecker Alexander S. , Zamudio Kelly R. , Funk W. Chris
Published: February 2018

The ecological and evolutionary consequences of extreme events are poorly understood. Here, we tested predictions about species persistence and population genomic change in aquatic insects in 14 Colorado mountain streams across a hydrological disturbance gradient caused by a one in 500‐year rainfall event. Taxa persistence ranged from 39 to 77% across sites and declined with increasing disturbance in relation to species' resistance and resilience traits. For taxa with mobile larvae and terrestrial adult stages present at the time of the flood, average persistence was 84% compared to 25% for immobile taxa that lacked terrestrial adults. For two of six species analysed, genomic diversity (allelic richness) declined after the event. For one species it greatly expanded, suggesting resilience via re‐colonisation from upstream populations. Thus, while resistance and resilience traits can explain species persistence to extreme disturbance, population genomic change varies among species, challenging generalisations about evolutionary responses to extreme events at landscape scales.
Successes and optimism in deep brain stimulation for neurological disorders: ripe for a surgical time out?
Authors: Tröster A. I.
Published: February 2018

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this volume.
Real‐life long‐term effectiveness of fingolimod in Swiss patients with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zecca C. , Roth S. , Findling O. , Perriard G. , Bachmann V. , Pless M. L. , Baumann A. , Kamm C. P. , Lalive P. H. , Czaplinski A.
Published: February 2018

Background and purpose

In 2011, fingolimod was approved in Switzerland for the treatment of relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness and retention of fingolimod in a real‐life Swiss setting, in which patients can receive fingolimod as both first‐ and second‐line treatment for RRMS.

Methods

This cross‐sectional, observational study with retrospective data collection was performed at 19 sites that comprised both hospitals and office‐based physicians across Switzerland. Sites were asked to document eligible patients in consecutive chronological order to avoid selection bias. Demographic and clinical data from 274 consenting adult patients with RRMS who had received treatment with fingolimod were analyzed.

Results

Mean treatment duration with fingolimod was 32 months. Under fingolimod, 77.7% of patients remained free from relapses and 90.3% did not experience disability progression. The proportion of patients who were free from any clinical disease activity, i.e. without relapses and disability progression, was 72.1%. A total of 28.5% of patients had been RRMS treatment‐naïve prior to fingolimod therapy. High long‐term treatment retention rates ranging between 95.7% at 24 months and 87.8% at 36 months were observed.

Conclusion

In this Swiss cohort of naïve and pre‐treated subjects with RRMS, the majority of patients under fingolimod treatment showed freedom from relapses and disability progression. In addition, treatment retention rate over 2 and 3 years was high, irrespective of previous treatment.
Nonenzymatic acetylation of ubiquitin Lys side chains is modulated by their neighboring residues
Authors: Lee Seo‐Yeon , Choi Yun‐Seok , Kim Eun‐Hee , Cheong Hae‐Kap , Lee Yun‐Ju , Lee Jin‐Gu , Ye Yihong , Ryu Kyoung‐Seok
Published: February 2018

Nonenzymatic acetylation of Lys side chains (Lys‐SCs) by various in vivo reactive molecules has been suggested to play novel regulatory roles. Ubiquitin (UB) has seven Lys residues that are utilized for synthesis of specific poly‐UB chains. To understand the nature of these Lys‐SC modifications, the chemical acetylation rate and pKa and Hill coefficient of each UB‐Lys‐SC were measured. Mutagenesis studies combined with the determination of activation energy indicated that specific neighboring residues of the Lys‐SCs have a potential catalytic activity during nonenzymatic acetylation. Based on the shared chemistry between nonenzymatic Lys acetylation and ubiquitylation, the characterized chemical properties of the UB‐Lys‐SCs could be a reference for deciphering both mechanisms. Our NMR approaches could be useful for studying general nonenzymatic Lys acylations of various proteins.
Architecture and hydration of the arginine‐binding site of neuropilin‐1
Authors: Mota Filipa , Fotinou Constantina , Rana Rohini R. , Chan A. W. Edith , Yelland Tamas , Arooz Mohamed T. , O'Leary Andrew P. , Hutton Jennie , Frankel Paul , Zachary Ian , Selwood David , Djordjevic Snezana
Published: February 2018

Neuropilin‐1 (NRP1) is a transmembrane co‐receptor involved in binding interactions with variety of ligands and receptors, including receptor tyrosine kinases. Expression of NRP1 in several cancers correlates with cancer stages and poor prognosis. Thus, NRP1 has been considered a therapeutic target and is the focus of multiple drug discovery initiatives. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) binds to the b1 domain of NRP1 through interactions between the C‐terminal arginine of VEGF and residues in the NRP1‐binding site including Tyr297, Tyr353, Asp320, Ser346 and Thr349. We obtained several complexes of the synthetic ligands and the NRP1‐b1 domain and used X‐ray crystallography and computational methods to analyse atomic details and hydration profile of this binding site. We observed side chain flexibility for Tyr297 and Asp320 in the six new high‐resolution crystal structures of arginine analogues bound to NRP1. In addition, we identified conserved water molecules in binding site regions which can be targeted for drug design. The computational prediction of the VEGF ligand‐binding site hydration map of NRP1 was in agreement with the experimentally derived, conserved hydration structure. Displacement of certain conserved water molecules by a ligand's functional groups may contribute to binding affinity, whilst other water molecules perform as protein–ligand bridges. Our report provides a comprehensive description of the binding site for the peptidic ligands’ C‐terminal arginines in the b1 domain of NRP1, highlights the importance of conserved structural waters in drug design and validates the utility of the computational hydration map prediction method in the context of neuropilin.

Database

The structures were deposited to the PDB with accession numbers PDB ID: 5IJR, 5IYY, 5JHK, 5J1X, 5JGQ, 5JGI.
Interior failure mechanism and life prediction of surface‐treated 17Cr‐Ni steel under high and very high cycle fatigue
Authors: Nehila A. , Li W. , Zhao H.
Published: February 2018

The understanding of very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) mechanisms is critical to the development of life prediction approach. For this purpose, high cycle fatigue (HCF) and VHCF properties of a surface‐treated 17Cr‐Ni steel were investigated under axial loading with stress ratio of 0. This steel exhibits the constantly decreasing S‐N characteristics associated with the inclusion‐fisheye induced failure under the HCF and the inclusion‐FGA (fine granular area)‐fisheye induced failure under the VHCF. The cyclic pressing plays an important role in the FGA formation process, but the FGA still can be observed for the stress ratio of zero due to the slight crack closure effect. Two life modelling approaches associated with related failure mechanisms in the HCF and VHCF regimes are proposed based on the agreement between experimental and predicted results.
IL‐17A[G197G]—Association between NOx and gestational age in a South African birth cohort
Authors: Nansook P. , Naidoo R. N. , Muttoo S. , Asharam K. , Ramkaran P. , Phulukdaree A. , Chuturgoon A. A.
Published: February 2018

Interleukin (IL‐)17A, plays a role in pathogenic defence, but is implicated in chronic inflammatory diseases, and has recently been associated with variable pregnancy outcomes. We investigated the role of maternal IL‐17‐[G197A]‐specific effects of third‐trimester IL‐17 mRNA expression, NOx exposure levels and other variables on gestational age, in the Mother and Child in the Environment (MACE) birth cohort in South Africa. A total of 327 participants were genotyped for IL‐17‐[G197A] by polymerase chain reaction restriction‐fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP). Quantitative real‐time PCR was used to quantitate IL‐17‐mRNA expression in whole blood. Multivariate linear regression analysis, stratified by IL‐17‐[G197A] genotype, was used to test for effects of NOx, IL17A/GAPDH, haemoglobin, body mass index, HIV‐1 positivity, maternal education and income level on gestational age. Lower expression was associated with the IL‐17‐GG versus GA in the cohort and HIV‐1‐negative group (p = .0007, p = .0058), while no difference was observed in the HIV‐1 positives. Elevated IL‐17A expression was observed in the high NOx exposure groups, within IL‐17[G197G] (p = .0004). IL‐17[G197G] was associated with PTB (p < .0001), and the PTB group had lower IL‐17A expression compared to the full‐term group (p = .0002). IL‐17 expression was associated with an increase in gestational age (p = .038), and NOx was associated with a decrease in gestational age in the IL‐17[G197G] model (p = .046).
The utility of bone marrow sampling in the diagnosis and staging of lymphoma in South Africa
Authors: Phillips L. , Opie J.
Published: February 2018

Introduction

The bone marrow biopsy (BMB) is a diagnostic and staging tool in lymphoma that remains practically useful and relevant in resource‐constrained settings, despite restricted applications in international staging guidelines, which favour less invasive nuclear medicine techniques.

Methods

Retrospective laboratory data review of BMBs in adult lymphoma patients from 2005 to 2010 to determine subtypes, rates of bone marrow involvement (BMI), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroprevalence and CD4 counts, trephine length and additional findings.

Results

A total of 1215 BMBs reported in lymphoma included 759 newly diagnosed patients, with BMI in 43.6% of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) overall, 28.9% of high‐grade B subtypes and 35.7% of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). HIV seroprevalence was 38.8%, 53.0% and 33.9% in the 3 respective groups. There was a statistical association between BMI and HIV seropositivity in Burkitt lymphoma and HL, and BMI and CD4 count in HIV‐related HL. Over 10% (n = 79) of new lymphoma cases were diagnosed by BMB with ancillary tests. Occasional histological discordance and transformation were reported in NHL. Focal/unilateral BMI was uncommon. Bilateral BMB and biopsy length exceeding 26 mm did not improve BMI detection.

Conclusion

In the South African public sector, high HIV prevalence leads to a different lymphoma pathology profile from the developed world. High BMI rates are encountered. Here, and in similar resource‐constrained settings, international lymphoma staging guidelines can be logistically challenging and unaffordable. BMB remains useful in the staging and diagnosis of lymphoma. Unilateral sampling with a processed trephine length of at least 26 mm is recommended.
The contribution of mast cells to bacterial and fungal infection immunity
Authors: Piliponsky Adrian M. , Romani Luigina
Published: February 2018

Mast cells are hematopoietic progenitor‐derived, granule‐containing immune cells that are widely distributed in tissues that interact with the external environment, such as the skin and mucosal tissues. It is well‐known that mast cells are significantly involved in IgE‐mediated allergic reactions, but because of their location, it has also been long hypothesized that mast cells can act as sentinel cells that sense pathogens and initiate protective immune responses. Using mast cell or mast cell protease‐deficient murine models, recent studies by our groups and others indicate that mast cells have pleiotropic regulatory roles in immunological responses against pathogens. In this review, we discuss studies that demonstrate that mast cells can either promote host resistance to infections caused by bacteria and fungi or contribute to dysregulated immune responses that can increase host morbidity and mortality. Overall, these studies indicate that mast cells can influence innate immune responses against bacterial and fungal infections via multiple mechanisms. Importantly, the contribution of mast cells to infection outcomes depends in part on the infection model, including the genetic approach used to assess the influence of mast cells on host immunity, hence highlighting the complexity of mast cell biology in the context of innate immune responses.
Non‐IgE mediated mast cell activation
Authors: Redegeld Frank A. , Yu Yingxin , Kumari Sangeeta , Charles Nicolas , Blank Ulrich
Published: February 2018

Mast cells (MCs) are innate immune cells that are scattered in tissues throughout the organism being particularly abundant at sites exposed to the environment such as the skin and mucosal surfaces. Generally known for their role in IgE‐mediated allergies, they have also important functions in the maintenance of tissue integrity by constantly sensing their microenvironment for signals by inflammatory triggers that can comprise infectious agents, toxins, hormones, alarmins, metabolic states, etc. When triggered their main function is to release a whole set of inflammatory mediators, cytokines, chemokines, and lipid products. This allows them to organize the ensuing innate immune and inflammatory response in tight coordination with resident tissue cells, other rapidly recruited immune effector cells as well as the endocrine and exocrine systems of the body. To complete these tasks, MCs are endowed with a large repertoire of receptors allowing them to respond to multiple stimuli or directly interact with other cells. Here we review some of the receptors expressed on MCs (ie, receptors for Immunoglobulins, pattern recognition receptors, nuclear receptors, receptors for alarmins, and a variety of other receptors) and discuss their functional implication in the immune and inflammatory response focusing on non‐IgE‐mediated activation mechanisms.
Is it time for a new classification of mast cells? What do we know about mast cell heterogeneity?
Authors: Frossi Barbara , Mion Francesca , Sibilano Riccardo , Danelli Luca , Pucillo Carlo E. M.
Published: February 2018

Mast cells (MCs) are derived from committed precursors that leave the hematopoietic tissue, migrate in the blood, and colonize peripheral tissues where they terminally differentiate under microenvironment stimuli. They are distributed in almost all vascularized tissues where they act both as immune effectors and housekeeping cells, contributing to tissue homeostasis. Historically, MCs were classified into 2 subtypes, according to tryptic enzymes expression. However, MCs display a striking heterogeneity that reflects a complex interplay between different microenvironmental signals delivered by various tissues, and a differentiation program that decides their identity. Moreover, tissue‐specific MCs show a trained memory, which contributes to shape their function in a specific microenvironment. In this review, we summarize the current state of our understanding of MC heterogeneity that reflects their different tissue experiences. We describe the discovery of unique cell molecules that can be used to distinguish specific MC subsets in vivo, and discuss how the improved ability to recognize these subsets provided new insights into the biology of MCs. These recent advances will be helpful for the understanding of the specific role of individual MC subsets in the control of tissue homeostasis, and in the regulation of pathological conditions such as infection, autoimmunity, and cancer.
Police and mental health responses to mental health crisis in the Waikato region of New Zealand
Authors: Holman Graham , O'Brien Anthony John , Thom Katey
Published: February 2018

New Zealand police report a high level of involvement with people in mental health crisis, something that has been reported in the international literature in recent decades. Involvement of police represents a coercive pathway to care and is likely to be associated with use of force. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical, legal, and social characteristics of individuals subject to police response in the Waikato region of New Zealand. Data were also collected on characteristics of police response, including use of force, time of day, and disposition. Use of force, most commonly use of handcuffs, occurred in 78% of cases involving police. The study showed that Māori were overrepresented in police responses, but no more likely than Europeans to experience use of force. Almost half those subject to police response were not subsequently admitted to hospital, raising questions about the need for and nature of police response in these cases. Because mental health nurses are often part of police response, nurses need to take cognisance of their relationship with police and contribute to any initiatives that can reduce coercion in the pathway to care, and improve service users' experience in mental health crises.
Electrophoretic deposition of titanium nitride coatings
Authors: Kavanlouei Majid , Akbari Alireza
Published: February 2018

Electrophoretic deposition of the titanium nitride (TiN) coatings from suspensions prepared by dispersion of TiN particles in triethanolamine (TEA) containing butanol medium was studied. Effects of the TiN particles concentration (CTiN) on the weight of the deposited coatings, triethanolamine concentration (CTEA=0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mL/L) on the Zeta potential of the TiN particles, suspension electrical conductivity and pH, as well as effects of the deposition voltage (Vd=60, 90, and 120 V) and time (td =1, 2, and 3 minutes) on the microstructure and thickness of the deposited coatings were investigated. Variations in deposition current density, effective deposition voltage, electrical resistance, and deposited coating weight versus deposition time were recorded. The morphology of the as‐dried coatings was studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results indicated that by increasing the CTiN the weight of deposits increases linearly up to 40 g/L. For suspensions containing CTiN=40 g/L, the optimum CTEA is obtained to be 0.5 mL/L leading to Zeta potential of 43.25 mV. Uniform and crack‐free as‐dried coatings obtained at Vd and td of 90 V and 2 minutes, respectively.
Regulatory competition and rules/principles‐based regulation
Authors: Frantz Pascal , Instefjord Norvald
Published: February 2018

This paper analyses how regulatory competition affects principles‐based and rules‐based systems of regulation. Competition between regulators creates the possibility of regulatory arbitrage that generates a race to the bottom by regulators that is socially harmful. We derive the welfare effects of such competition and the regulatory response to these effects, in particular, regulatory harmonisation. We find, however, that regulators can adopt harmful regulatory harmonisation. These effects can make coordination efforts in developing global regulation socially desirable. We demonstrate, moreover, that corporate lobbying is not always harmful: it can both encourage and discourage socially desirable regulation.
A feasibility study of noninvasive ablation of ventricular tachycardia using high‐intensity focused ultrasound
Authors: Lü Fei , Huang Wei , Benditt David G.
Published: February 2018

Background

Current transcatheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) techniques is limited in part by its invasive nature and superficial depth of ablation lesions.

Objectives

This study was aimed at evaluating the feasibility of targeted ablation of cardiac tissues using high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) as a potential means for noninvasive ablation of VT.

Methods

Ablation of ventricular myocardium was performed in anesthetized closed‐chest dogs using a HIFU therapeutic system that is currently used clinically for ablation of human solid tumors. Ventricular pacing using a bipolar catheter was performed at a rate slightly higher than intrinsic sinus rate to mimic VT. The myocardium at the tip of the pacing catheter was targeted for ablation. Ablation endpoint was loss of ventricular capture first and confirmed by electrical nonexcitation with 10‐mA, 2‐ms pulse‐width unipolar stimulation.

Results

Optimal ablation energy was identified at 400 W for 2–4 seconds. In five separate experimental preparations, pacing could be terminated successfully during HIFU energy delivery, which was further confirmed by electrical nonexcitation. However, capture could be obtained at other nonablated locations using the same pacing catheter. Both transmural and localized lesions could be created in a controlled fashion without apparent injury to skin, lung, or pericardium on postmortem examination.

Conclusion

This pilot study suggests that HIFU is potentially useful for noninvasive ablation of targeted, localized myocardial tissues, and it may be potentially applicable for VT ablation, particularly for those with intramyocardial/epicardial origins.
Associations of overweight/obesity and socioeconomic status with hypertension prevalence across racial and ethnic groups
Authors: Young Deborah Rohm , Fischer Heidi , Arterburn David , Bessesen Daniel , Cromwell Lee , Daley Matthew F. , Desai Jay , Ferrara Assiamira , Fitzpatrick Stephanie L. , Horberg Michael A. , Koebnick Corinna , Nau Claudia L. , Oshiro Caryn , Waitzfelder Beth , Yamamoto Ayae
Published: February 2018

Racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence of diagnosed hypertension are persistent but may be partially explained by racial/ethnic differences in weight category and neighborhood socioeconomic status. The authors compared hypertension prevalence rates among 4 060 585 adults with overweight or obesity across 10 healthcare systems by weight category and neighborhood education level in geographically and racially diverse individuals. Data were obtained from electronic health records. Hypertension was defined as at least two outpatient visits or one inpatient hospitalization with a coded diagnosis. Logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex, and site, with two‐way interactions between race/ethnicity and weight category or neighborhood education, was used to examine the association between hypertension and race/ethnicity, with whites as the reference. Results documented that odds ratios for hypertension prevalence were greater for blacks, American Indians/Alaskan Natives, Asians, and Native Hawaiians/other Pacific Islanders compared with whites and lower for Hispanics in similar weight categories and neighborhood education levels. Although two‐way interactions were statistically significant, the magnitude of the odds of hypertension compared with whites did not substantially vary across weight or neighborhood education. Hypertension odds were almost double relative to whites for blacks and Native Hawaiians/other Pacific Islanders across most weight categories and all neighborhood education levels. Odds of hypertension were about 50% greater for Asians relative to whites across weight categories. Results suggest that other factors might be associated with racial/ethnic disparities in hypertension. More research is needed to understand the many factors that may contribute to variation in diagnosed hypertension across racial/ethnic groups with overweight or obesity.
36‐Item Short Form Survey (SF‐36) Versus Gait Speed As Predictor of Preclinical Mobility Disability in Older Women: The Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Laddu Deepika R. , Wertheim Betsy C. , Garcia David O. , Woods Nancy F. , LaMonte Michael J. , Chen Bertha , Anton‐Culver Hoda , Zaslavsky Oleg , Cauley Jane A. , Chlebowski Rowan , Manson JoAnn E. , Thomson Cynthia A. , Stefanick Marcia L. ,   the Women's Health Initiative Investigators
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To compare the value of clinically measured gait speed with that of the self‐reported Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short‐Form Survey Physical Function Index (SF‐36 PF) in predicting future preclinical mobility disability (PCMD) in older women.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Forty clinical centers in the United States.

Participants

Women aged 65 to 79 enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative Clinical Trials with gait speed and SF‐36 assessed at baseline (1993–1998) and follow‐up Years 1, 3, and 6 (N = 3,587).

Measurements

Women were categorized as nondecliners or decliners based on changes (from baseline to Year 1) in gait speed and SF‐36 PF scores. Logistic regression models were used to estimate incident PCMD (gait speed <1.0 m/s) at Years 3 and 6. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to compare the predictive value of SF‐36 PF with that of measured gait speed.

Results

Slower baseline gait speed and lower SF‐36 PF scores were associated with higher adjusted odds of PCMD at Years 3 and 6 (all P < .001). For gait speed, decliners were 2.59 times as likely to have developed PCMD as nondecliners by Year 3 and 2.35 times as likely by Year 6. Likewise, for SF‐36, decliners were 1.42 times as likely to have developed PCMD by Year 3 and 1.49 times as likely by Year 6. Baseline gait speed (AUC = 0.713) was nonsignificantly better than SF‐36 (AUC = 0.705) at predicting PCMD over 6 years (P = .21); including measures at a second time point significantly improved model discrimination for predicting PCMD (all P < .001).

Conclusion

Gait speed identified PCMD risk in older women better than the SF‐36 PF did, although the results may be limited given that gait speed served as a predictor and to define the PCMD outcome. Nonetheless, monitoring trajectories of change in mobility are better predictors of future mobility disability than single measures.
The Fed, the Bond Market, and Gradualism in Monetary Policy
Authors: STEIN JEREMY C. , SUNDERAM ADI
Published: February 2018

We develop a model of monetary policy with two key features: the central bank has private information about its long‐run target rate and is averse to bond market volatility. In this setting, the central bank gradually impounds changes in its target into the policy rate. Such gradualism represents an attempt to not spook the bond market. However, this effort is partially undone in equilibrium, as markets rationally react more to a given move when the central bank moves more gradually. This time‐consistency problem means that society would be better off if the central bank cared less about the bond market.
Left atrial rather than left ventricular impaired mechanics are associated with the pro‐fibrotic ST2 marker and outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Nagy A. I. , Hage C. , Merkely B. , Donal E. , Daubert J.‐C. , Linde C. , Lund L. H. , Manouras A.
Published: February 2018

Aims

Left ventricular (LV) mechanics have been extensively investigated in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) overshadowing for a long time the potential role of left atrium (LA) in that setting. Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity‐2 receptor (ST2) is a novel biomarker of pro‐fibrotic burden in HF. We hypothesized that due to the thinner LA wall, the fibrotic myocardial changes in HFpEF as indicated by elevated ST2 levels might more readily be reflected by impairments in the LA rather than the LV performance.

Methods and Results

In 86 patients with HFpEF, enrolled in the Karolinska Rennes (KaRen) biomarker prospective substudy, global LA strain (GL‐LS) along with other echocardiographic as well as haemodynamic parameters and ST2 levels were measured.

ST2 levels were inversely associated with LA‐GS (r = −0.30, P = 0.009), but not with LA size, LV geometry, systolic or diastolic LV function (P > 0.05 for all). Furthermore, symptom severity correlated with ST2 and LA‐GS, but not with LV structural or functional indices. Finally, during a median 18‐month follow‐up, LA‐GS independently predicted the composite endpoint of HF hospitalization and all‐cause mortality, even after adjustment for potential clinical and cardiac mechanical confounders, including LV global longitudinal strain and filling pressures (odds ratio: 4.15; confidence interval: 1.2–14, P = 0.023).

Conclusions

Reduced LA‐GS but not LV functional systolic and diastolic parameters were associated with the pro‐fibrotic ST2 marker, HF symptoms and outcome in HFpEF.
Viral activity and outcome of hepatitis B surface antigen‐positive grafts in deceased liver transplantation
Authors: Lee W.‐C. , Chou H.‐S. , Lee C.‐S. , Wu T.‐H. , Wang Y.‐C. , Cheng C.‐H. , Lee C.‐F. , Wu T.‐J. , Chan K.‐M.
Published: February 2018

Indications of liver transplantation are extensive, but deceased donation does not meet the demand. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive grafts used to be discarded in the past. The aim of this study was to examine viral activity and outcome of HBsAg‐positive deceased grafts transplanted to HBsAg‐positive recipients. Eleven HBsAg‐positive deceased grafts were transplanted to HBsAg‐positive patients with acute liver failure (3 patients), hepatocellular carcinoma (6 patients) and repeatedly bleeding varices (2 patients). Postoperatively, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was treated by a combination of antiviral nucleoside and nucleotide analogues. HBV DNA and HBsAg were measured periodically. The median (interquartile) model of end‐stage liver disease score for the recipients was 19 (16‐32) with a range from 11 to 40. HBV DNA was detected in 6 patients with a range from 61 to 1083 IU/mL before transplantation. After transplantation, HBV DNA was detected in 4 patients in the first month and 2 patients in the 6th month and became undetectable for all patients at end of the first year. The quantitative HBsAg ranged from 0.86 to 241.1 IU/mL at 6 months and 0.34 to 238.5 IU/mL at 24 months (P = .135). Three of the patients died in the early phase, and the other patients were followed up for 40.0 ± 19.2 months with normal liver function. In conclusion, HBsAg‐positive deceased liver grafts function well with minimal viral activity under treatment of combined antiviral nucleoside and nucleotide analogues. Use of HBsAg‐positive deceased grafts is feasible and increases the donor pool to rescue dying patients.
Forelimb and hindlimb loading patterns during quadrupedal locomotion in the large flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus) and common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus)
Authors: Granatosky M. C.
Published: February 2018

Adaptations for flight have greatly modified the forelimbs and hindlimbs of bats compared to other mammals so that terrestrial and/or above branch quadrupedal locomotion is awkward and unusual for most species. However, suspensory quadrupedal gaits are quite common for bats, but little is known about this type of movement and no data are available on how these animals load their limbs and support the body. Values for vertical, fore‐aft and mediolateral peak forces were collected for the forelimb and hindlimb during suspensory quadrupedal locomotion in the large flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus) and common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus), and during terrestrial locomotion in the common vampire bats. During suspensory quadrupedal locomotion in both species, the hindlimbs serves as the primary weight‐bearing and braking organ, whereas the forelimb has a reduced weight‐bearing role and acts as the primary propulsive limb. Mediolateral forces are dominated by medially directed forces by the animal that likely serve to help maintain ‘grip’ while moving below supports. Kinetic patterns of terrestrial locomotion in the common vampire bat are completely opposite, and resemble data that has been reported for most mammals with the exception of relatively high lateral forces. The data presented here add to the growing body of knowledge that suspensory quadrupedal locomotion does not represent a neuromuscular mirror to non‐suspensory quadrupedal gaits. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that suspensory quadrupedal gaits are not the same across mammals, and species have adopted multiple mechanical strategies for moving quadrupedally below a support.
How to improve access to therapy in hepatitis B patients
Authors: Subic Miroslava , Zoulim Fabien
Published: February 2018

Despite the availability of a preventive vaccine and active antiviral treatments that stop disease progression and reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatitis B is still a major public health problem. Only an estimated 10% of the 257 million people living with HBV have been diagnosed and as few as 1% are being adequately treated. Barriers to diagnosis and treatment include: (i) limited awareness and lack of knowledge about HBV infection and HBV‐related diseases; (ii) under‐diagnosis with insufficient screening and referral to care; (iii) limited treatment due to drug availability, costs, reimbursement policies and the need for long‐term or life‐long therapy. These barriers and the actions needed to improve access to treatment are strongly influenced by the prevalence of infection and affect middle‐high vs low‐middle income countries differently, where most HBV carriers are found. In high‐prevalence regions and low‐to middle‐income countries, the main challenges are availability and cost while in low‐prevalence regions and middle‐to high‐income countries low screening rates, public awareness, social stigma and discrimination play an important role. Overcoming these challenges on a global scale is a complex clinical and public health challenge and multilateral commitment from pharmaceutical companies, governments, funders and the research community is lacking. The new WHO 2016 Global Health Sector Strategy on viral hepatitis targets testing and treatment, suggesting that important but strong actions are needed from advocacy groups, scientific societies and funding agencies to foster awareness and access to cure.
Genome‐wide expression reveals multiple systemic effects associated with detection of anticoagulant poisons in bobcats (Lynx rufus)
Authors: Fraser Devaughn , Mouton Alice , Serieys Laurel E. K. , Cole Steve , Carver Scott , Vandewoude Sue , Lappin Michael , Riley Seth P.D. , Wayne Robert
Published: February 2018

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are indiscriminate toxicants that threaten nontarget predatory and scavenger species through secondary poisoning. Accumulating evidence suggests that AR exposure may have disruptive sublethal consequences on individuals that can affect fitness. We evaluated AR‐related effects on genome‐wide expression patterns in a population of bobcats in southern California. We identify differential expression of genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism, endoplasmic reticulum stress response, epithelial integrity and both adaptive and innate immune function. Further, we find that differential expression of immune‐related genes may be attributable to AR‐related effects on leucocyte differentiation. Collectively, our results provide an unprecedented understanding of the sublethal effects of AR exposure on a wild carnivore. These findings highlight potential detrimental effects of ARs on a wide variety of species worldwide that may consume poisoned rodents and indicate the need to investigate gene expression effects of other toxicants added to natural environments by humans.
Gavin D'Costa's Theory of the Unevangelized: A Continuing Assessment
Authors: Faircloth Kyle
Published: February 2018

Gavin D'Costa has distinguished himself as a leading voice in the field of theology of religions, and not just among Roman Catholics. His Trinitarian approach to the subject has also garnered respect among Protestants, such as Reformed theologian Tan Loe-Joo. Yet Tan is concerned that D'Costa compromises the Trinitarian framework of his approach by conflating universal salvific will and salvific grace, and that his use of limbo falls short of satisfying the scriptural principle that faith comes by hearing (Rom 10:17). This article is an evaluation of D'Costa's theory as it relates to the former issue concerning salvific will and grace. I seek to show that Tan's worry stems more from an incomplete theological delineation of grace than from an actual shift in D'Costa's theological position. I then suggest a solution that provides some common ground from which both Catholic and Protestant theologians can seek a resolution to the latter issue concerning the principle of faith by hearing.