bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of organic waste glycerol to produce crude extracts of bacterial cells and microbial hydrogenase—the anode enzymes of bio-electrochemical systems
Authors: Poladyan Anna , Blbulyan Syuzanna , Semashko Tatiana , Dziameshka Volha , Zhukouskaya Liudmila , Trchоunian Armen
Published: March 2020

Glycerol is an organic waste material that can be used for the production of microbial biomass, consequently providing valuable biocatalysts promoting the generation of electrical current in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). [NiFe]–Hydrogenases (Hyds) of Escherichia coli and Ralstonia eutropha may be applied as potential anode biocatalysts in MFCs. In this study, E. coli K12 whole cells or crude extracts and R. eutropha HF649 synthesizing Strep-tagged membrane-bound Hyds (MBH) were evaluated as anode enzymes in a bioelectrochemical system. The samples were immobilized on the sensors with polyvinyl acetate support. Mediators like ferrocene and its derivatives (ferrocene-carboxy-aldehyde, ferrocene-carboxylic acid, methyl-ferrocene-methanol) were employed. The maximal level of bioelectrocatalytic activity of Hyds was demonstrated at 500 mV voltage. Depending on the mediator and biocatalyst, current strength varied from 5 to 42 μA. Introduction of ferrocene-carboxylic acid enhanced current strength; moreover, the current flow was directly correlated with H2 concentration. The maximal value (up to 150 μA) of current strength was achieved with a 2-fold hydrogen supply. It may be inferred that Hyds are efficiently produced by E. coli and R. eutropha grown on glycerol, while ferrocene derivatives act as agents mediating the electrochemical activity of Hyds.
Ceramide Biomarkers Predictive of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Increase in Healthy Older Adults After Bed Rest
Authors: Petrocelli Jonathan J , McKenzie Alec I , Mahmassani Ziad S , Reidy Paul T , Stoddard Gregory J , Poss Annelise M , Holland William L , Summers Scott A , Drummond Micah J
Published: March 2020

Acute bed rest places older adults at risk for health complications by disrupting homeostasis in many organ systems, including the cardiovascular system. Circulating ceramides are emerging biomarkers predictive of cardiovascular and metabolic health and have recently been shown to be sensitive indices of cardiovascular (CV) risk. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize the time course of changes in circulating ceramides in healthy younger and older adults after 5 days of bed rest and to determine whether short-term bed rest alters CV-related circulating ceramides. We hypothesized that circulating ceramides predictive of poor cardiometabolic outcomes would increase following 5 days of bed rest. Thirty-five healthy younger and older men and women (young: n = 13, old: n = 22) underwent 5 days of controlled bed rest. Fasting blood samples collected daily during the course of bed rest were used to measure circulating ceramides, lipoproteins, adiponectin, and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels. The primary findings were that circulating ceramides decreased while ceramide ratios and the cardiac event risk test 1 score were increased primarily in older adults, and these findings were independent of changes in circulating lipoprotein levels. Additionally, we found that changes in circulating adiponectin, FGF21 and the 6-minute walk test (6MW) inversely correlated with CV-related circulating ceramides after bed rest. The results of this study highlight the sensitivity of circulating ceramides to detect potential CV dysfunction that may occur with acute physical disuse in aging.
Stability and resilience in a nutrient-phytoplankton marine ecosystem model
Authors: Kovač Žarko , Platt Trevor , Sathyendranath Shubha
Published: March 2020

We seek to understand, in mathematical terms, the causes of stability in marine phytoplankton biomass. The stability of a simple, mixed-layer-phytoplankton-nutrient model is analysed. Primary production is modelled as a non-linear function of nutrient concentration and light. The steady state of the model system is demonstrated to be stable with a linear relation between steady state biomass and nutrients. The causes of stability are shown to be shading and nutrient limitation. When only light limitation and shading are taken into account, the steady state is a sink node. However, when nutrient limitation is taken into account, without shading, the steady state can be either a sink node or a spiral sink. The transition from a sink node to a spiral sink occurs when normalized mixed layer production becomes larger than the equivalent influx rate of nutrients into the mixed layer, demonstrating that nutrient limitation of production is a necessary, but not a sufficient condition for oscillatory solutions. In both cases, the characteristic return times are derived explicitly. The effect of shading is found to cause the depression of the steady state towards lower biomass than would otherwise be attainable. The influence of mixed-layer depth variation on stability is also analysed.
Application of PID optimization control strategy based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) for battery charging system
Authors: Wu Tiezhou , Zhou Cuicui , Yan Zhe , Peng Huigang , Wu Linzhang
Published: March 2020

The battery charging process has nonlinear and hysteresis properties. PID (Proportion Integration Differentiation) control is a conventional control method used in the battery charging process. The control effect is determined by the PID control parameters ${K}_p$,  ${K}_i$  and  ${K}_d$. The traditional PID parameter setting method is difficult to give the appropriate parameters, which affects the battery charging efficiency. In this paper, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to optimize the PID parameters. Aiming at the defects of basic PSO, such as slow convergence speed, low convergence precision and easy to be premature, a modified particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed, and the optimized PID parameters are applied to the battery charging control system. Also, the experimental results show that the battery charging process possesses better dynamic performance and the charging efficiency of the battery has increased from 86.44% to 91.47%, and the charging temperature rise has dropped by 1°C.
Not Just Endocarditis: Hospitalizations for Selected Invasive Infections Among Persons With Opioid and Stimulant Use Diagnoses—North Carolina, 2010–2018
Authors: Sredl Megan , Fleischauer Aaron T , Moore Zack , Rosen David L , Schranz Asher J
Published: March 2020

Background

While increases in overdoses, viral hepatitis, and endocarditis associated with drug use have been well-documented in North Carolina, the full scope of invasive drug-related infections (IDRIs) has not. We characterized trends in IDRIs among hospitalized patients in North Carolina.

Methods

We compared invasive infections that were related or not related to drug use among hospitalized patients aged 18–55 years based on retrospective review of administrative records from 2010–2018. Hospitalizations for endocarditis, central nervous system/spine infections, osteomyelitis, and septic arthritis were labeled as IDRIs if discharge codes included opioid and/or amphetamine misuse. Trends, rates, and distributions were calculated.

Results

Among 44 851 hospitalizations for the specified infections, 2830 (6.3%) were IDRIs. The proportion of infections attributable to drug use increased from 1.5% (2010) to 13.1% (2018), and the rate grew from 1.2 to 15.1 per 100 000. Compared with those who had non–drug-related infections, patients with IDRIs were younger (median age, 35 vs 46 years), more likely to be non-Hispanic white (81% vs 56%), and had longer hospitalizations (median, 8 vs 6 days). 43% of hospitalizations for IDRIs involved infective endocarditis.

Conclusions

The rate of IDRIs in North Carolina increased substantially during 2010–2018, indicating an urgent need for enhanced infection prevention, harm reduction, and addiction services aimed at community and inpatient settings.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing, Diagnosis, Linkage to Care, and Prevention Services Among Persons Who Inject Drugs, United States, 2012–2017
Authors: Rao Shubha , Song Wei , Mulatu Mesfin S , Seena Emilie , Essuon Aba , Heitgerd Janet
Published: March 2020

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and early diagnosis is associated with effective disease management and reduction in HIV transmission among persons who inject drugs (PWID). We examined trends in HIV testing outcomes among PWID during 2012–2017.

Methods

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-funded HIV testing data submitted by 61 health departments and 150 directly-funded community-based organizations during 2012–2017 were analyzed. We calculated estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) to assess trends for HIV testing and testing outcomes.

Results

A total of 19 739 857 CDC-funded HIV tests were conducted during 2012–2017. Of these, 529 349 (2.7%) were among PWID. The percentage of newly diagnosed HIV increased from .7% in 2012 to .8% in 2017 (EAPC, 4.15%). The percentage interviewed for partner services increased from 46.7% in 2012 to 66.3% in 2017 (EAPC, 1.81%). No significant change was identified in trends for linkage to HIV medical care ≤90 days after diagnosis (EAPC, 0.52%) or referral to HIV prevention services (EAPC, 0.98%).

Conclusions

Human immunodeficiency virus testing data revealed an increasing trend in newly diagnosed HIV among PWID but not linkage to HIV medical care or referral to prevention services. Expanding efforts to increase HIV testing and enhance linkage to services can lead to reductions in HIV transmission and improved health outcomes.
Characteristics of sanitation and hygiene facilities in a slum community in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Ssemugabo Charles , Wafula Solomon Tsebeni , Ndejjo Rawlance , Osuret Jimmy , Musoke David , Halage Abdullah Ali
Published: March 2020

Background

This study assessed characteristics of sanitation and hygiene facilities in a slum community in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

We conducted a household-based cross-sectional study among 395 households in Kasubi slum using a semi-structured questionnaire and observational checklist to collect data.

Results

Almost 98.0% (387/395) of households owned a sanitation facility and 77.0% (298/387) shared it with other households. The most common type of sanitation facility was a pit latrine with slab (66.9% [259/387]). Most (90.5% [305/337]) latrines had a door or shutter, a roof (92.9% [313/337]) and a depth >1.5 m (68.2% [229/337]). Overall, 21.3% (84/395) and 65.6% (259/395) of households had improved and functional sanitation facilities, respectively. Only 16.5% (65/395) of the households had a hand-washing facility. Student-led (adjusted prevalence rate [PR] 2.67 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.83–3.94]) and households that owned their house (adjusted PR 2.17 [95% CI 1.33–3.53]) were 2.67 and 2.17 times more likely to have improved sanitation facilities, respectively. Households that owned their house (adjusted PR 1.90 [95% CI 1.18–3.05]) were 1.9 times more likely to possess a hand-washing facility.

Conclusions

The coverage of improved sanitation and hygiene facilities was low. The majority of households were using a shared pit latrine with a slab that had no hand-washing facility. Sanitation and hygiene interventions should prioritize improving sanitation and hygiene facilities.
PD-L1 is induced on the hepatocyte surface via CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing protein 6 up-regulation by the anti-HBV drug Entecavir
Authors: Yamamoto Yuichiro , Kakizaki Masatoshi , Shimizu Takayuki , Carreras Joaquim , Chiba Tetsuhiro , Chamoto Kenji , Kagawa Tatehiro , Aoki Taku , Nakamura Naoya , Ando Kiyoshi , Kotani Ai
Published: March 2020

Chronic hepatitis B is now controllable when treated with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which inhibit hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. However, once the NRTIs are discontinued, most patients relapse, necessitating lifelong NRTIs treatment. HBV infection relapse is assumed to be caused by the persistent existence of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the nuclei of infected hepatocytes. The mechanism by which cccDNA-positive hepatocytes escape immune surveillance during NRTIs treatment remains elusive. Entecavir (ETV), a commonly used NRTI, post-transcriptionally up-regulates programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), an immune checkpoint molecule, on the cell surface of hepatocytes regardless of HBV infection. Up-regulation by ETV depends on up-regulation of CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing 6, a newly identified potent regulator of PD-L1 expression on the cell surface. ETV-treated hepatic cells suppressed the activity of primary CD3 T cells and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)-over-expressed Jurkat cells. Finally, ETV induces PD-L1 in primary hepatocytes infected by HBV. These results provide evidence that ETV considerably up-regulates PD-L1 on the cell surface of infected hepatocytes, which may be one of the mechanisms by which infected hepatocytes subvert immune surveillance.
A qualitative content analysis of retained surgical items: learning from root cause analysis investigations
Authors: Hibbert Peter D , Thomas Matthew J W , Deakin Anita , Runciman William B , Carson-Stevens Andrew , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: March 2020

Objective

To describe incidents of retained surgical items, including their characteristics and the circumstances in which they occur.

Design

A qualitative content analysis of root cause analysis investigation reports.

Setting

Public health services in Victoria, Australia, 2010–2015.

Participants

Incidents of retained surgical items as described by 31 root cause analysis investigation reports.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

The type of retained surgical item, the length of time between the item being retained and detected and qualitative descriptors of the contributing factors and the circumstances in which the retained surgical items occurred.

Results

Surgical packs, drain tubes and vascular devices comprised 68% (21/31) of the retained surgical items. Nearly one-quarter of the retained surgical items were detected either immediately in the post-operative period or on the day of the procedure (7/31). However, about one-sixth (5/31) were only detected after 6 months, with the longest period being 18 months. Contributing factors included complex or multistage surgery; the use of packs not specific to the purpose of the surgery; and design features of the surgical items.

Conclusion

Retained drains occurred in the post-operative phase where surgical counts are not applicable and clinician situational awareness may not be as great. Root cause analysis investigation reports can be a valuable means of characterizing infrequently occurring adverse events such as retained surgical items. They may detect incidents that are not detected by other data collections and can inform the design enhancements and development of technologies to reduce the impact of retained surgical items.
Evaluating hospital tools and services that were co-produced with patients: A rapid review
Authors: Lim Siew , Morris Heather , Pizzirani Bengianni , Kajewski Duncan , Lee Wai Kit , Skouteris Helen
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To describe the process and outcomes of services or products co-produced with patients in hospital settings.

Data sources

Database searches on Medline, CINAHL and Business Source between 2008 and 2019.

Study selection

Studies that evaluate the products of co-production in hospital settings.

Data extraction

Primary outcome is the individual and organizational outcomes resulting from co-production. Study characteristics, co-production process, level of engagement and intensity of engagement were also extracted.

Results of data synthesis

A total of 13 studies were included. Types of co-produced outputs were health services and care processes, tools and resources, and technology-based products, such as mobile application. Most studies engaged patients at a consultative or involvement level, with only four studies engaging patients as partners. Moderate-to-high acceptability and usability by patients and health services were reported for co-produced outputs. Organizational outcomes were also reported qualitatively as producing various positive effects, such as improved communication and diagnostic process. Positive patient outcomes were reported for co-produced outputs in qualitative (e.g. improved social support) and quantitative results (e.g. reduction of clinic wait time). No patient clinical outcomes were reported.

Conclusion

Co-produced outputs have moderate-to-high acceptability, usability or uptake. There is insufficient evidence on other organizational or patient outcomes due to the lack of reporting of outcomes in co-production. Future research should focus on the outcomes (i.e. effects on patients and health service providers), not just the output of co-production. This is critical to provide feedback to advance the knowledge and implementation of co-production.
Studying International Relations through Horror Films: A New Approach and Illustrations fromCannon FodderandFreak Out
Authors: Barak Oren , Inbar Daphne
Published: March 2020

This paper argues that works of popular culture, specifically horror films, offer valuable insights into dominant and critical perceptions of the sources of violence in ongoing armed conflicts—an issue of concern for scholars of International Relations (IR) scholars, which as yet has not received sufficient attention. Accordingly, we present a new approach that IR scholars can utilize in their analysis of works of popular culture, applying it to two recent horror films from Israel/Palestine: Cannon Fodder (2013, dir. Eitan Gafny) and Freak Out (2015, dir. Boaz Armoni). The analysis of these films, combined with a discussion of films dealing with violence from other contexts, reveals how works of popular culture in general, and horror films in particular, can help address the question of whether violence in armed conflicts is perceived as endogenous or exogenous to the groups involved. This can also shed light on specific issues, such as the connection between social representation and violence, the link between the use of military technology and violence, and the blurred boundaries between endogenous and exogenous sources of violence.
Balancing health privacy, health information exchange, and research in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lenert Leslie , McSwain Brooke Yeager
Published: March 2020

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 infection poses serious challenges to the healthcare system that are being addressed through the creation of new unique and advanced systems of care with disjointed care processes (eg, telehealth screening, drive-through specimen collection, remote testing, telehealth management). However, our current regulations on the flows of information for clinical care and research are antiquated and often conflict at the state and federal levels. We discuss proposed changes to privacy regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act designed to let health information seamlessly and frictionlessly flow among the health entities that need to collaborate on treatment of patients and, also, allow it to flow to researchers trying to understand how to limit its impacts.
Phase I trial of the MET inhibitor tepotinib in Japanese patients with solid tumors
Authors: Shitara Kohei , Yamazaki Kentaro , Tsushima Takahiro , Naito Tateaki , Matsubara Nobuaki , Watanabe Morihiro , Sarholz Barbara , Johne Andreas , Doi Toshihiko
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Tepotinib (MSC2156119J) is an oral, potent and highly selective small molecule mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) inhibitor for which the recommended Phase II dose of 500 mg once daily has been defined, based on the first-in-man trial conducted in the USA and Europe. We carried out a multicenter Phase I trial with a classic `3 + 3' design to determine the recommended Phase II dose in Japanese patients with solid tumors (NCT01832506).

Methods

Patients aged ≥20 years with advanced solid tumors (refractory to standard therapy or for whom no effective standard therapy was available) received tepotinib at 215, 300 or 500 mg once daily in a 21-day cycle. Occurrence of dose-limiting toxicities during cycle 1 was used to determine the maximum tolerated dose. Efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics were also evaluated to support the dose assessment.

Results

Twelve patients were treated. Tepotinib was generally well tolerated with no observed dose-limiting toxicities; treatment-related adverse events were mainly grades 1–2. The tolerability profile of tepotinib was similar to that observed in non-Japanese populations. Pharmacokinetics in Japanese and Western patients was comparable. One patient with gastric cancer and one patient with urachal cancer had stable disease of ≥12 weeks in duration. The observed safety profile and pharmacokinetics are comparable with those in patients from the USA and Europe, and the recommended Phase II dose of tepotinib in Japanese patients was confirmed as 500 mg once daily.

Conclusions

These results, including initial signals of antitumor activity, support further development of tepotinib in Japanese patients with cancer.
Study on the Relationship Between Microbial Composition and Living Environment in Important Medical Mites Based on Illumina MiSeq Sequencing Technology
Authors: Guo Yijie , Wang Ruiling , Zhao Yae , Niu Dongling , Gong Xiaojuan , Hu Li
Published: March 2020

The microbiota of mites is closely related to their growth, development, and pathogenicity. Therefore, it is necessary to study the bacteria in mites. Here, for the first time, based on 16s rRNA V3-V4 region, the microbiota of 45 samples of nine species in six families of medically important mites were analyzed using Illumina MiSeq sequencing technique. The results showed that, at the phylum level, Proteobacteria (56.20–86.40%) were the dominant, followed by Firmicutes (6.41–19.43%), Bacteroidetes (5.56–13.38%) and Actinobacteria (1.93–28.07%). But at the genera the microbiota of mites are different, showing four characteristics: 1) The microbiota is related to the parasitic host. Demodex folliculorum (Acariforms: Demodicidae) and D. brevis (Acariforms: Demodicidae), both parasitizing humans, showed similar microbial composition, as did D. canis (Acariforms: Demodicidae) and Sarcoptes scabiei canis (Acariforms: Sarcoptidae) parasitizing dogs, but D. caprae (Acariforms: Demodicidae) parasitizing sheep showed unique microbial community; 2) The microbiota is related to mite’s species. Dermatophagoides farinae and Cheyletus malaccensis (Acariforms: Cheyletidae), both collecting from flour, show respective microbial composition; 3) The microbiota is related to the life stage. There were differences in microbiota between adults and larvae of D. farinae, but no differences observed in Psoroptes cuniculi (Acariforms: Psoroptidae); and 4) The microbiota is related to the blood-feeding state. The microbiota of blood-fed Ornithonyssus bacoti (Parasitiformes: Macronyssidae) adults was significantly higher than that of unfed adults. This indicates that the microbiota of mites is affected by mite species, parasitic host, growth stage and habitat. Therefore, understanding these influencing factors will have a very important guiding significance for the prevention and control of mite-borne diseases.
Alternate expression of CONSTANS-LIKE 4 in short days and CONSTANS in long days facilitates day-neutral response in Rosa chinensis
Authors: Lu Jun , Sun Jingjing , Jiang Anqi , Bai Mengjuan , Fan Chunguo , Liu Jinyi , Ning Guogui , Wang Changquan
Published: March 2020

Photoperiodic flowering responses are classified into three major types: long day (LD), short day (SD), and day neutral (DN). The inverse responses to daylength of LD and SD plants have been partly characterized in Arabidopsis and rice; however, the molecular mechanism underlying the DN response is largely unknown. Modern roses are economically important ornamental plants with continuous flowering (CF) features, and are generally regarded as DN plants. Here, RcCO and RcCOL4 were identified as floral activators up-regulated under LD and SD conditions, respectively, in the CF cultivar Rosa chinensis ‘Old-Blush’. Diminishing the expression of RcCO or/and RcCOL4 by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) delayed flowering time under both SDs and LDs. Interestingly, in contrast to RcCO-silenced plants, the flowering time of RcCOL4-silenced plants was more delayed under SD than under LD conditions, indicating perturbed plant responses to day neutrality. Further analyses revealed that physical interaction between RcCOL4 and RcCO facilitated binding of RcCO to the CORE motif in the promoter of RcFT and induction of RcFT. Taken together, the complementary expression of RcCO in LDs and of RcCOL4 in SDs guaranteed flowering under favorable growth conditions regardless of the photoperiod. This finding established the molecular foundation of CF in roses and further shed light on the underlying mechanisms of DN responses.
Stress and Mental Disorders: Insights from Animal Models
Authors: McCarty Richard
Published: March 2020

Stress has now been recognized as an important factor in the development or recurrence of various mental disorders, from major depressive disorder to bipolar disorder to anxiety disorders. Stressful stimuli appear to exert their effects by acting upon individuals with susceptible genotypes. Over the past 50 years, animal models have been developed to study these dynamic interactions between stressful stimuli and genetically susceptible individuals during prenatal and postnatal development and into adulthood. This book begins with a discussion of the history of psychiatric diagnosis and the recent goal of moving toward precision psychiatry, followed by a review of clinical research on connections between stressful stimuli and the development of psychiatric disorders. Chapters are also included on neuroendocrine, immune, and brain systems involved in responses to stress. Additional chapters focus on the development of animal models in psychiatry and the susceptibility of the developing organism to stressful stimuli. Subsequent chapters are devoted to animal models of specific stress-sensitive psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These chapters also focus on the identification of promising molecular targets for development of new drug therapies; a chapter examines animal models of resilience to stress-induced behavioral alterations as a newer approach to understand why some animals (e.g., inbred mice) are susceptible to stress and others are resilient, even if they are essentially genetically identical. The final chapter discusses how these basic laboratory animal models are providing promising leads for future breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders.
Evolution of the Stress Concept
Authors: McCarty Richard
Published: March 2020

Modern conceptions of health and disease can be traced back to early Chinese, Indian, Egyptian, and Greek civilizations. Galen of Pergamon, a Greek physician who practiced medicine for most of his career in Rome, had an enduring impact on the medical sciences for almost 15 centuries with his writings on the balance among the four humors: black bile, yellow bile, blood, and phlegm. At the end of the 19th century, Claude Bernard in Paris wrote about the importance of the constancy of the internal environment. In the early 20th century, Walter Cannon introduced the concept of homeostasis and studied the emergency function of the adrenal medulla. Hans Selye is credited with popularizing the concept of stress, and he introduced the concept of the general adaptation syndrome. More recent additions to the nomenclature on stress include allostasis, or stability through change, and allostatic load, which relates to a failure to adapt to chronic stressors.
Stress and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: McCarty Richard
Published: March 2020

Animal models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) seek to capture three of the cardinal symptoms of the disorder in affected children: deficits in social interactions, deficits in communication, and repetitive behaviors. In addition, males are more likely to develop ASD than females. The complex and variable presentation of ASD appears to involve genetic, environmental, and epigenetic contributions. The inbred BTBR mouse strain has frequently been utilized as an animal model of ASD. Other animal models have included a variety of prenatal insults, including maternal immune activation or administration of drugs that affect the developing fetus. A newer line of investigation has examined contributions of the brain-immune-gut axis in the development of symptoms of ASD in laboratory mice. Finally, the polarity change of GABAergic neurons in the cerebral cortex from excitatory to inhibitory at birth appears to be connected to the surge in oxytocin, and this key developmental process may be disrupted in children with ASD and in animal models of ASD.
Stress and Bipolar Disorder
Authors: McCarty Richard
Published: March 2020

Animal models of bipolar disorder (BD) should capture the switching of mood states from mania to depression and vice versa. Dopamine signaling pathways in brain, including variations in the dopamine transporter protein, have been a focus of many animal models of BD. Another aspect of BD in humans is reflected in circadian and seasonal changes in onset of symptoms. Other animal models of BD include the Myshkin and Madison mouse strains, both of which display mania-like behavior that is reversed by treatment with lithium or valproic acid. Another experimental approach has been to manipulate circadian clock genes and examine effects on dopamine signaling and behavior. Finally, manipulations of risk genes for BD in laboratory mice have advanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in extreme alterations in mood state.
Stress and Anxiety Disorders
Authors: McCarty Richard
Published: March 2020

Much of the research relating to animal models of anxiety has been devoted to developing more effective drugs for the treatment of the various anxiety disorders. Using selective breeding of laboratory mice and rats, investigators have developed high-anxiety and low-anxiety lines that have been especially valuable for basic research purposes. Other approaches to enhance the expression of an anxiety-like phenotype have included prenatal or early postnatal exposure to stressors, maternal immune activation, or selecting offspring based upon differences in the maternal behaviors of their mothers. In addition, risk genes for anxiety disorders have been studied in animal models, including genes related to serotonin, neuropeptide Y, neuropeptide S, and corticotropin-releasing factor signaling in the brain. Finally, some infant rhesus monkeys display an anxious temperament and extreme behavioral inhibition when separated from their mothers. This nonhuman primate model affords many opportunities to explore brain mechanisms and interventions that may be effective in preventing the further development of an anxious phenotype as these monkeys mature.
Stress and Depression
Authors: McCarty Richard
Published: March 2020

Major depressive disorder is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease, and it appears to be a mental disorder that is strongly dependent upon exposure to stressful stimuli. A major concern related to the development of animal models of depression is to capture those variables that explain the much higher incidence of depression in human females compared to males. Several genetically selected animal models have been studied, including the Flinders sensitive strain and the WKY strain. In addition, a strain of rats has been selected that is highly susceptible to the development of learned helplessness. Two especially valuable animal models of depression involve exposure of inbred mice to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) or to chronic unpredictable mild stress. Results from these animal models point to disruptions in dopamine circuits in the brain as critical for the expression of depressive symptoms.
Stress and Depression
Authors: McCarty Richard
Published: March 2020

This chapter on animal models of depression includes a summary of additional approaches to modeling a depression-like phenotype in animals. Several risk genes have been evaluated, including genes involved in dopamine, serotonin, and corticotropin-releasing factor signaling. Using a two-hit model, some investigators have examined the effects of early life stress combined with stress in adulthood to unmask the risk for a depression-like phenotype. Female mice were more sensitive than male mice to a sub-chronic paradigm of chronic variable stress and displayed depression-like behavioral changes. A naturally occurring depression-like phenotype has also been documented in captive social groups of cynomolgous monkeys. Three additional approaches to study mechanisms involved in the onset of depression have included stress and neurogenesis, stress and epigenetic alterations in gene transcription, and stress and immune signaling through proinflammatory cytokines. Taken together, these experiments have identified multiple potential targets for future drug development.
Thoughts for the Future
Authors: McCarty Richard
Published: March 2020

Several exciting lines of research have emerged from the study of animal models of mental disorders. This chapter presents seven opportunities for enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. They include improvements to the system for diagnosis of mental disorders, use of induced pluripotent stem cells from patients to generate neuronal cultures for in vitro determination of effective drug therapies for those individuals, use of data-mining techniques for understanding patient variability, a commitment to a greater focus on the prevention of mental disorders, innovative uses of smartphones to track patients and individuals at high risk of developing a mental disorder, and developing next-generation therapies and delivery systems that target a specific area of the brain rather than the entire brain. A common theme in these seven thoughts for the future is a commitment to bringing precision medicine tools to the treatment of patients with mental disorders.
Introduction: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adolescence
Authors: Sprich Susan E. , Safren Steven A.
Published: March 2020

This introductory chapter contains information about how to diagnose ADHD in adolescents, how this treatment program was developed, the studies that were conducted using this program with adults and adolescents with ADHD. Information is provided regarding Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ADHD and how it differs from other types of therapy, the CBT model of ADHD, and outlines of the different modules of the treatment program.
Session 6: Figuring Out Your Attention Span and Learning How to Delay Distractions
Authors: Sprich Susan E. , Safren Steven A.
Published: March 2020

This chapter contains instructions for gauging the length of time that one can reasonably expect to work on a boring or difficult task, followed by information on how to break tasks down into smaller “chunks” that will likely take that amount of time or less. The chapter also contains information on the “distractibility delay” skill. This is a skill that involves setting a timer during which one commits to staying on task, writing down distractions, and then deciding if they are tasks that need to be done immediately, tasks that can go onto the task list, or tasks that are pure distractions and can be discarded.
Session 11: Don’t Put It Off—Stop Procrastinating
Authors: Sprich Susan E. , Safren Steven A.
Published: March 2020

This chapter includes a discussion of the attractive aspects of procrastination as well as instructions on how to identify the negative consequences of procrastination. An exercise is presented which involves writing out pros and cons of procrastination using a specific example. Finally, the chapter includes a discussion of how previously taught skills of problem-solving and adaptive thinking can be applied to procrastination.
Session 4: What to Do When Things Aren’t Getting Done: Breaking Down Tasks and Problem-Solving
Authors: Sprich Susan E. , Safren Steven A.
Published: March 2020

This chapter contains information about how to manage overwhelming tasks, those that remain on the task list for many days or weeks without getting completed. Information is provided regarding how to use structured problem-solving to arrive at a solution to a problem. Additionally, the chapter contains information about how to break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks to increase the likelihood of task completion.
Session 11: Don’t Put It Off—Stop Procrastinating
Authors: Sprich Susan E. , Safren Steven A.
Published: March 2020

This chapter includes a discussion of the attractive aspects of procrastination as well as instructions on how to identify the negative consequences of procrastination. An exercise is presented which involves writing out the pros and cons of procrastination using a specific example. Finally, the chapter includes a discussion of how previously taught skills of problem-solving and adaptive thinking can be applied to procrastination.
Session 12: Keeping It Going
Authors: Sprich Susan E. , Safren Steven A.
Published: March 2020

This chapter provides information about how to maintain the gains made during treatment after the treatment has ended. The chapter includes a review of all the skills that were taught in the treatment program and instructs participants to think about which skills were helpful and which were not. The chapter also includes a troubleshooting worksheet as well as a worksheet that can be used for a self-check-in after treatment has ended to review things that are going well as well as skills that need to be practiced.
The Legal Framework
Authors: Corey David M. , Zelig Mark
Published: March 2020

This chapter contains an overview of the legal framework, doctrines, and statutes that have a controlling influence on how police suitability and fitness evaluations are conducted in the United States. In a discussion that is rich in easily understood case law and engaging and practical detail, the authors orient the reader to the major federal laws and regulations governing these evaluations and to how the evaluations’ quality and defensibility can be optimized by compliance with the legal requirements. Emphasizing that psychological practice in the employment context is highly regulated by both federal mandates and local rules, the authors provide several examples of assessment procedures that are well accepted when providing healthcare but are illegal when deployed in the employment arena.
Empirical Foundations
Authors: Corey David M. , Zelig Mark
Published: March 2020

The authors review the published, peer-reviewed studies relevant to two questions: What psychological constructs underlie police officer suitability and fitness? and What assessment instruments provide empirically validated measures of these constructs? In addressing the second question, the authors focus on examples of research related to the most commonly used instruments in these suitability and fitness evaluations (i.e., current versions of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, California Psychological Inventory, Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire, and Personality Assessment Inventory). The discussion is limited to a review of studies published in peer-reviewed journals and pertaining only to versions of the test currently supported by the test’s publisher.
Data Collection
Authors: Corey David M. , Zelig Mark
Published: March 2020

This chapter describes the procedures commonly followed in suitability and fitness evaluations, with a particular focus on the collection of data from three sources routinely required for these assessments. The authors discuss best practices for providing examinees with the necessary elements of disclosure about the evaluation, including its probable uses and potential negative outcomes, and for obtaining the examinee’s informed consent. The chapter includes detailed guidance for selecting assessment instruments, brief descriptions of the psychological tests most commonly used in suitability and fitness evaluations, and discussion of the emerging use of executive function measures in suitability evaluations.
Data Interpretation
Authors: Corey David M. , Zelig Mark
Published: March 2020

This chapter begins with a discussion of the benefits of using a data integration model to guide clinical decision-making in suitability and fitness evaluations. The authors note that avoiding reliance on a single data source is a well-established principle in forensic practice. In their experience, in some cases the data fit together neatly like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, and the resulting suitability and fitness determinations are “no-brainers.” But more often, there is some information that points to problems that are contradicted (or not reported) by other sources. These more typical cases reflect the reality that people can be complicated, and behavior is contextual. The authors then present several examples of integrative models, including one for guiding the integration and interpretation of data in a preemployment evaluation to reach a determination of suitability, and another to facilitate the determination of fitness for duty.
Brain Tumors
Authors: Bohnen Angela M. , Chaichana Kaisorn L. , Quinones-Hinojosa Alfredo
Published: March 2020

Having a general understanding of brain tumors is integral to mastering the oral board examination. For the general session, examinees should be able to identify both intra-axial and extra-axial tumors and provide a comprehensive understanding of the differential diagnosis and plan regarding treatment, while also verbalizing concepts behind the treatment modalities and articulating to a patient and family the alternative approaches as well as the complications related to management. Pathologies to familiarize oneself with include gliomas, meningiomas, metastatic lesions, and pituitary lesions. For subspecialty examinees, complex cases such as endonasal, endoscopic, keyhole, and skull base approaches should be mastered. For each case, a broad differential diagnosis should include infection, hematoma, infarction, thrombosed aneurysm, inflammation, and/or demyelinating disease. Discuss the preoperative workup the indications for surgery and surgical approach. Interpret the preoperative and postoperative imaging critically. Be prepared for potential intraoperative complications and discussion of postoperative management including adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy and long-term care.
Complications
Authors: Levi Allan D. , Heros Roberto C.
Published: March 2020

Complications form a very significant element of the Oral Board Examination. The scoring system gives a grade for the handling of complications relevant to the treatment. The good news is that there are a limited number of complications in neurosurgery. Again, complications are expected on the Oral Board Examination. The most common complications are: postoperative neuropathic pain, postoperative wound infection, cerebrospinal fluid leak, C5 nerve palsy, postoperative cranial or spinal hematoma, hyponatremia, vasospasm, intraoperative aneurysm rupture (open or endovascular), major arterial injuries with cranial and spinal surgery, uncontrolled intracranial pressure, brain swelling during operative exposure, and esophageal injury. These are discussed in this chapter.
Epilepsy Specialist Nurse, 30 years’ experience, UK
Authors: Reuber Markus , Rawlings Gregg H. , Schachter Steven C.
Published: March 2020

This chapter details the experience of an epilepsy specialist nurse with regard to episodes of Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD), which are typically characterized by nonrhythmic jerking and the ability of the individual to respond during the episode. In particular, the nurse worked with a man who had been known to have NEAD for a number of years. During the non-epileptic attacks, the man’s awareness was not impaired as he seemed to be able to focus on what was happening around him. Sometimes, the man would be admitted to the hospital with these episodes and treatment would be administered, which led to many theories such as attention seeking, the body reacting to withdrawal medication, and avoidance techniques at particular times and activities. On one occasion, when the man was admitted to the hospital, a new doctor saw him. The doctor stated that the episodes were not NEAD but, in fact, focal seizures. This event made the nurse question all NEAD in terms of underlying causes and truly believe that something is happening to the person experiencing these episodes, whether it is neurological or psychological. Ultimately, the terminology of NEAD can be misleading and can have consequences in terms of treatment.
Clinical Hypnotherapist, 1 year’s experience, UK
Authors: Reuber Markus , Rawlings Gregg H. , Schachter Steven C.
Published: March 2020

This chapter discusses how a clinical hypnotherapist treated a patient with Non-Epileptic Seizures. Upon carrying out a detailed fact finding procedure focusing on the patient’s medical and personal background, it became apparent that she had experienced a very traumatic, stressful event in the last few years, which was caused by a medical scare. This resulted in her “inner child” being awoken, who had also had a traumatic experience. Her unconscious mind only knew how to express stress or anxiety in a way that resulted in the body kicking, shaking, and having a panic attack as per non-epileptic attack disorder. Through therapy, the hypnotherapist assisted in connecting and building the bond between the inner child and conscious mind to gain the trust and reassurance that the inner child would be looked after, safe, and loved. The hypnotherapist then focused on training the patient to communicate with her unconscious mind and learn how to control when the seizures could happen, and empowered her to control the seizures. After undergoing an eclectic mix of therapies, the patient is now free from non-epileptic attack disorder and engaging in high-intensity sports.
Psychotherapist, 4 years’ experience, UK
Authors: Reuber Markus , Rawlings Gregg H. , Schachter Steven C.
Published: March 2020

This chapter examines a psychotherapist’s experience of countertransference while treating a patient who had Non-Epileptic Seizures. The patient had experienced a lot of trauma in his past; he was singled out by his father and beaten regularly as a child. During therapy sessions, the psychotherapist would often feel shame, which was partly the psychotherapist’s countertransference response and partly a reactive countertransference response in relation to the patient’s unbearable feelings of shame about his vulnerability and inability to protect himself from his father’s attacks. In effect, the psychotherapist’s shame and the patient’s shame process collided and the result took time to make sense of and to respond to appropriately. Ultimately, the process of supporting patients to be more in contact with their feelings and have different strategies to support themselves when they are triggered is many-layered. It involves psychotherapists/health professionals being prepared to reflect on and think carefully about how their own experiences might be interacting with the patients’ and how best to help patients to come to a place of greater understanding.