bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Collaborative Partnership Adaptation Model
Authors: Turner Karen M. T. , Sanders Matthew R. , Keown Louise J. , Shepherd Matthew
Published: December 2017

There is a need to increase access to evidence-based parenting support in disadvantaged and marginalized communities; however, cultural fit of a mainstream program may be a significant barrier to program adoption. Tailoring existing programs to local family and community needs is the most cost-effective route to achieve broader population reach, rather than creating a new program for each culturally diverse community. This chapter presents a collaborative partnership adaptation model that considers cultural fit and presents a process for tailored cultural adaptation of the implementation of parenting programs, including variations relating to both content and process that may be required for different cultural groups. The examples of Indigenous Triple P, developed with Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community consultation, and Te Whānau Pou Toru (Three Pillars of Positive Parenting), developed with New Zealand Māori community consultation, are discussed as examples.
Using Social Marketing Strategies to Enhance Program Reach
Authors: Wilkinson Leanne
Published: December 2017

This chapter examines the role of social marketing in the implementation of a population-level system of parenting programs, Triple P. In particular, the chapter considers the range of factors and circumstances affecting uptake of parenting interventions, including the role of commissioning bodies, the readiness of implementing and supporting organizations, and the many complicating factors surrounding parental behavior change. A nuts-and-bolts, real-world example of a public health population approach to parenting interventions is presented that both explains and highlights the interdependence of a program implementation framework and a well-resourced social marketing strategy in ensuring successful program outreach. The chapter also discusses the implications of cultural models of parenting and culturally based community norms in terms of gaps in understanding, relevance, and resistance to the concept of seeking parenting “help.”
The Future of Evidence-Based Parenting Support Programs
Authors: Sanders Matthew R.
Published: December 2017

An evidence-based intervention system must continuously evolve in response to evidence pertaining to its effectiveness. It also needs to adapt to the changing needs, interests, and preferences of parents. This chapter identifies important challenges for program developers, implementers, and evaluators to ensure parenting programs continue to remain relevant to people’s lives. Advances in understanding the nature and causes of individual differences in parental and children’s capacities for self-regulation remain an important issue for parenting practitioners to address. This work will need to include gaining a clearer understanding of nonresponders to parenting programs. As population-based approaches become more common, there is likely to be an increase in consumer demand for quality evidence-based programs and a call for better preservice training of professionals. The advantages and limitations of “branded” parenting programs are discussed. We envision a greater values orientation in programs and a focus on building the relational competencies of young people.
Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Children
Authors: Ehrenreich-May Jill , Kennedy Sarah M. , Sherman Jamie A. , Bilek Emily L. , Barlow David H.
Published: December 2017

Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Children: Workbook (UP-C) provides evidence-based treatment strategies to assist child clients to function better in their lives. This treatment is designed for children ages 7 to 13 (although some children just outside this age range may also benefit) who are experiencing feelings of sadness, anxiety, worry, anger, or other emotions that get in the way of their ability to enjoy their lives and feel successful. The workbook is written for children (with corresponding parent sessions presented later in the book) and guides them through each week of the program with education, activities, and examples that will help families to understand the role that emotions play in everyday actions. Children are taught helpful strategies for dealing with strong emotions and will receive support in making choices that will move them closer to their long-term goals. The UP-C takes a transdiagnostic approach to the treatment of emotional disorders and the skills presented are appropriate for children with a large range of emotional challenges, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and other related concerns.
S Skill: Stay Healthy and Happy
Authors: Ehrenreich-May Jill , Kennedy Sarah M. , Sherman Jamie A. , Bilek Emily L. , Barlow David H.
Published: December 2017

Chapter 12 of the Unified Protocols for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Children: Workbook (UP-C) focuses on treatment wrap up and relapse prevention. The child clients review the Emotion Detective skills learned in the UP-C program. They learn about planning to face strong emotions in the future (relapse prevention) and how to be their own therapist (that is, taking increased ownership of coaching themselves through difficult situations, with the assistance of their parents). They end by celebrating progress made in the program.
Stay Healthy and Happy for Parents
Authors: Jill Ehrenreich-May , Kennedy Sarah M. , Sherman Jamie A. , Bilek Emily L. , Barlow David H.
Published: December 2017

Chapter 17 reviews Emotion Detective skills and opposite parenting behaviors. Parents are reminded that children can and should continue to improve in their mastery of the Emotion Detective skills after treatment. Parents, too, should to continue to practice the four opposite parenting behaviors. Parents are taught how to create a plan for sustaining and continuing progress (a progress plan) after treatment. The differences between a lapse and a relapse are outlined, and the warning signs of relapse and the need for further treatment are highlighted.
Awareness of Emotional Experiences
Authors: Ehrenreich-May Jill , Kennedy Sarah M. , Sherman Jamie A. , Bennett Shannon M. , Barlow David H.
Published: December 2017

Chapter 6 helps adolescents become more aware of emotional experiences. Strong emotions can stop us from noticing, enjoying, or appreciating what is happening in the present moment. Being on “autopilot” can keep us stuck in a very strong emotion twister and lead us to engage in unhelpful emotional behaviors. The chapter covers the steps for practicing present-moment awareness and how to use nonjudgmental awareness to notice and be more accepting of emotional experiences. The adolescent is taught how to apply present-moment and nonjudgmental awareness to emotional experiences.
Core Module 3: Introduction to Emotion-Focused Behavioral Experiments
Authors: Ehrenreich-May Jill , Kennedy Sarah M. , Sherman Jamie A. , Bilek Emily L. , Buzzella Brian A. , Bennett Shannon M. , Barlow David H.
Published: December 2017

Chapter 3 introduces the idea of taking “opposite” or different actions from those that have been maladaptive during intense emotional states in the past. This concept is reinforced by the adolescent engaging in a series of “behavioral experiments” to demonstrate the tolerability of such opposite actions. The adolescent is taught to identify enjoyable activities that he or she can engage in during emotion-focused behavioral experiments. The client then tracks emotion and activity levels and is encouraged to recognize the relationship between the two. The initial focus is on opposite actions for sadness, withdrawal, and depression, but emotion-focused behavioral experiments can be extended to other emotions during this module as well.
Core Module 7: Situational Emotion Exposure
Authors: Ehrenreich-May Jill , Kennedy Sarah M. , Sherman Jamie A. , Bilek Emily L. , Buzzella Brian A. , Bennett Shannon M. , Barlow David H.
Published: December 2017

Chapter 7 covers situational emotion exposure. The module begins with a review of previously learned skills. The therapist helps the adolescent to identify situations in which they continue to use maladaptive emotional behaviors, including instance of behavioral avoidance, cognitive avoidance, and aggression, to cope with strong emotions. The therapist then works with clients to help them approach and/or use more adaptive behaviors in these situations. Information about additional skills applicable to those with obsessive-compulsive symptoms or needs for social skills development in concert with situational emotion exposure is also provided.
UP-C Session 1: Introduction to the Unified Protocol for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Children
Authors: Ehrenreich-May Jill , Kennedy Sarah M. , Sherman Jamie A. , Bilek Emily L. , Buzzella Brian A. , Bennett Shannon M. , Barlow David H.
Published: December 2017

Chapter 11 introduces the UP-C to children and their families. The main goal of this session is to introduce the model of treatment to the children and their families, and to begin fostering a relationship among the children, between the children and therapists, and between family members and therapists. To that end, it is most important for the therapist to focus on rapport building and motivational enhancement throughout the first session. The children are introduced to the purpose of emotions and begin to build emotion awareness skills. The parent session introduces parents to the structure of treatment and to the three components of an emotion, as well as building rapport among the parents and among parents and therapists.
UP-C Session 15: Wrap-up and Relapse Prevention
Authors: Ehrenreich-May Jill , Kennedy Sarah M. , Sherman Jamie A. , Bilek Emily L. , Buzzella Brian A. , Bennett Shannon M. , Barlow David H.
Published: December 2017

Chapter 22 reviews skills learned during the UP-C group and the progress each child has made, and helps transition each family to using their skills more independently after treatment is over. The parent session helps parents create a plan for sustaining progress after treatment. This begins by reviewing Emotion Detective skills and opposite parenting behaviors learned over the course of treatment. Parents are invited to share their perceptions of their child’s progress, both during exposures and during treatment more generally. Therapists help parents identify areas for continued progress and assists them with developing a plan for sustaining progress and making further gains after treatment. At the end of session, parents learn the difference between lapses and relapses and identify the clues that might indicate that a return to treatment is necessary.
Getting to the Heart of the Matter: A 20-Year-Old Man With Fever, Rash, and Chest Pain
Authors: Sabo Michelle C , Boonyaratanakornkit Jim , Cybulski Robert , Kopmar Noam E , Freeman Rosario V , Fang Ferric C , Graham Susan M
Published: December 2017

Infection with Helicobacter cinaedi can encompass a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, including fever, rash, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and meningitis. The present case demonstrates the ability of H cinaedi to masquerade as acute rheumatic fever and represents the first reported case of cardiac tamponade caused by H cinaedi.
Running-to-Interrupted Microsuture Technique for Vascular Bypass
Authors: Rennert Robert C , Strickland Ben A , Radwanski Ryan E , Ravina Kristine , Chien Mark , Russin Jonathan J
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

The ideal suturing technique for microvascular anastomosis for neurosurgical bypass procedures remains a point of debate. Simple interrupted sutures are thought to possess higher long-term patency but require more time to place as compared to running sutures.

OBJECTIVE

To optimize the efficiency of microvascular anastomosis and limit brain ischemia time.

METHODS

The running-to-interrupted microsuture technique, a modification of the previously published spiral anastomosis, is described wherein loosely thrown running sutures are placed between 2 opposed anchor stitches. The loops are then serially cut and tied, resulting in efficiently placed interrupted stitches. This process is repeated on the opposite side to complete the anastomosis.

RESULTS

The running-to-interrupted microsuture technique is quickly learned, limits unnecessary microsurgical movements, and is employed by the senior author for a multitude of cerebral arterial bypass procedures.

CONCLUSION

This technical improvement can be adapted by any neurovascular surgeon to optimize microsurgical efficiency and limit anastomosis-related brain ischemia times.
A Sick Body
Authors: Castillo Francisco Andújar , Feros Antonio , Leiva Pilar Ponce
Published: December 2017

At the heart of this chapter is the connection that exists between anticorruption measures and power politics. It shows how the resistance of Spanish elites—the same elites whom the king relied on to keep kingdom and empire together—was one of the main reasons why anticorruption measures in sixteenth- and early-seventeenth-century Spain were ultimately ineffective. Spanish kings were reluctant to antagonize these elites for fear of creating more serious and damaging political problems. However, the lively debate about corruption could also be seen as an attempt to better understand and control it. Of the various administrative mechanisms available to control royal ministers and administrators, the authors pay particular attention to the so-called visitas and residencias: audits of institutions or individuals conducted during or at the end of their terms of office.
Anglicanism in West Africa
Authors: Kolapo Femi James
Published: December 2017

This chapter examines the course of the transformation of the Anglican mission into an indigenous West African Anglican Church after the First World War. In general, coinciding with the wane and demise of European imperialism, paralleled by the withdrawal of the dominance of London Church Missionary Society and European missionaries, West African Anglicans have sought more or less successfully to redefine the identity of their local church to fit ever more closely with its new African locus. The specific contexts in each West African country where the Anglican Church has been established played significant roles in the nature of the process and its outcome. By the close of the period under analysis here, West African Anglicans have come to fully own their Church, taking full charge of its culture, structure, and doctrine, and are asserting a global leadership claim in the Anglican Communion.
Eomesodermin Increases Survival and IL-2 Responsiveness of Tumor-specific CD8+ T Cells in an Adoptive Transfer Model of Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Furusawa Aki , Reiser John , Sadashivaiah Kavitha , Simpson Haley , Banerjee Arnob
Published: December 2017

Tumor-specific CD8
+
T cells often fail to elicit effective antitumor immune responses due to an inability to expand into a substantial effector population and persist long-term in vivo. Using an adoptive transfer model of cancer immunotherapy, we demonstrate that constitutive eomesodermin (Eomes) expression in tumor-specific CD8
+
T cells improves tumor rejection and survival. The increase in tumor rejection was associated with an increased number and persistence of CD8
+
T cells in lymphoid tissues during acute tumor rejection, tumor regrowth, and in mice that remained tumor-free. Constitutive Eomes expression increased expression of CD25, and this was associated with enhanced interleukin-2 responsiveness and tumor-specific CD8
+
T-cell proliferation. Moreover, constitutive Eomes expression improved cell survival. Taken together, our data suggest that constitutive Eomes expression enhances CD8
+
T-cell proliferation and survival, in part through the enhancement of interleukin-2 responsiveness through CD25 induction.
The Simplest Idea Is the Best Idea
Authors: Wolber Nicole , Paletz Laurie , Robertson Betty , Steiner Nili , Nezhad Mani , Guerra Sonia
Published: December 2017

A collaborative approach was used to ascertain an appropriate stimulus for the patients to remember their stroke-specific education. The stroke education had to stand out amidst the myriad of papers and folders patients are bombarded with in the hospital. The team came up with the simple idea of using a bright red folder. When the patients were called, the call center would prompt the patient by saying, “The stroke education was given to you in a bright red folder.” Before the implementation of the red folders, only 81.5% of the patients remembered receiving stroke education. After the implementation of the red folders, 96.8% remembered receiving stroke education. The principle of Occam’s razor proved to be correct in our study. A very simple idea such as changing the color of the folders to bright red proved to have very meaningful results.
Trendelenburg position in the ED: many critically ill patients in the emergency department do not tolerate the Trendelenburg position
Authors: Burghold Cornelia M. , Hohenstein Christian , Rueddel Hendrik
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Critically ill patients in emergency departments (ED) frequently require catheterization of the internal jugular vein. For jugular insertion, the Trendelenburg position (TP) is recommended. However, many patients in the ED do not tolerate lying in the supine or even the head-down position, or TP is contraindicated for other reasons. The aim of our trial was to investigate to which extent TP is either not tolerated or contraindicated in the target population of patients admitted to the ED.

Patients and methods

This was a clinical observational trial, carried out in an ED of a Tertiary Healthcare Hospital, including critically ill patients. From October 2015 to January 2016, we enrolled 117 nonintubated patients over 18 years admitted to the ED of Jena University Hospital, a Tertiary Healthcare Facility. Patients were positioned in TP (15° head-down) for a maximum of 10 min. If the position had to be abandoned for any reason, time to abandonment and reason for ending the position were recorded. 38.5% of all enrolled patients could not be positioned in TP because of contraindications (17.9%) or intolerance of the positioning (20.5%).

Results and conclusion

For central venous catheterization, TP remains the gold standard. Our trial shows the limitations of this positioning for critically ill patients. Almost 40% of the patients could not be tilted 15° head-down. Therefore, guideline recommendations should be reconsidered and alternatives should be sought.
Cranial Nerve Coactivation and Implication for Nerve Transfers to the Facial Nerve
Authors: Jensson David , Enghag Sara , Bylund Nina , Jonsson Lars , Wikström Johan , Grindlund Margareta , Flink Roland , Rodriguez-Lorenzo Andres
Published: December 2017

In reanimation surgery, effortless smile can be achieved by a nonfacial donor nerve. The underlying mechanisms for this smile development, and which is the best nonfacial neurotizer, need further clarification. The aim of the present study was therefore to further explore the natural coactivation between facial mimic muscles and muscles innervated by the most common donor nerves used in smile reanimation. The study was conducted in 10 healthy adults. Correlation between voluntary facial muscle movements and simultaneous electromyographic activity in muscles innervated by the masseter, hypoglossal, and spinal accessory nerves was assessed. The association between voluntary movements in the latter muscles and simultaneous electromyographic activity in facial muscles was also studied. Smile coactivated the masseter and tongue muscles equally. During the seven mimic movements, the masseter muscle had fewer electromyographically measured coactivations compared with the tongue (two of seven versus five of seven). The trapezius muscle demonstrated no coactivation during mimic movements. Movements of the masseter, tongue, and trapezius muscles induced electromyographically recorded coactivation in the facial muscles. Bite resulted in the strongest coactivation of the zygomaticus major muscle. The authors demonstrated coactivation between voluntary smile and the masseter and tongue muscles. During voluntary bite, strong coactivation of the zygomaticus major muscle was noted. The narrower coactivation pattern in the masseter muscle may be advantageous for central relearning and the development of a spontaneous smile. The strong coactivation between the masseter muscle and the zygomaticus major indicates that the masseter nerve may be preferred in smile reanimation.
Quantifying long-term predictability in microbial plankton dynamics
Authors: Giner Caterina R. , Balagué Vanessa , Krabberød Anders K. , Ferrera Isabel , Reñé Albert , Garcés Esther , Gasol Josep M. , Logares Ramiro , Massana Ramon
Published: December 2017

Determining predictability in community turnover is a key ecological question. In the microbial world, seasonality has been reported for communities inhabiting temperate zones, but not much is known on seasonality for individual species. Specifically, we have a vague understanding on the amount of species displaying predictability during temporal community turnover as well as on their dynamics. Here we developed a ‘Recurrence Index’ to quantify predictability in microbial species. Applying our index to 18S rDNA metabarcoding data from one of the longest temporal observatories of marine plankton we determined that 13% of the picoeukaryotic and 19% of the nanoeukaryotic species, accounting for about 40% of the community abundance in both fractions, feature predictable dynamics when sampled monthly during 10 years. Thus, most of the species analysed had unpredictable temporal abundance patterns. Altogether, we show that species with both predictable and unpredictable temporal dynamics can occur within the same seasonal microbial community.
A comprehensive assessment of inbreeding and laboratory adaptation inAedes aegyptimosquitoes
Authors: Ross Perran A. , Endersby-Harshman Nancy M. , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: December 2017

ModifiedAedes aegyptimosquitoes reared in laboratories are being released around the world to control wild mosquito populations and the diseases they transmit. Several efforts have failed due to poor competitiveness of the released mosquitoes. We hypothesized that colonized mosquito populations could suffer from inbreeding depression and adapt to laboratory conditions, reducing their performance in the field. We established replicate populations ofAe. aegyptimosquitoes collected from Queensland, Australia, and maintained them in the laboratory for twelve generations at different census sizes. Mosquito colonies maintained at small census sizes (≤100 individuals) suffered from inbreeding depression due to low effective population sizes which were only 25% of the census size as estimated by SNP markers. Populations that underwent full-sib mating for 9 consecutive generations had greatly reduced performance across all traits measured. We compared the established laboratory populations with their ancestral population resurrected from quiescent eggs for evidence of laboratory adaptation. The overall performance of laboratory populations maintained at a large census size (400 individuals) increased, potentially reflecting adaptation to artificial rearing conditions. However most individual traits were unaffected, and patterns of adaptation were not consistent across populations. Differences between replicate populations may indicate that founder effects and drift affect experimental outcomes. Though we find limited evidence of laboratory adaptation, mosquitoes maintained at low population sizes can clearly suffer fitness costs, compromising the success of “rear and release” strategies for arbovirus control.
A model of protein interactions for regulating plant stem cells
Authors: Gruel Jérémy , Deichmann Julia , Landrein Benoit , Hitchcock Thomas , Jönsson Henrik
Published: December 2017

The plant shoot apical meristem holds a stem cell niche from which all aerial organs originate. Using a computational approach we show that a mixture of monomers and heterodimers of the transcription factors WUSCHEL and HAIRY MERISTEM is sufficient to pattern the stem cell niche, and predict that immobile heterodimers form a regulatory ‘pocket’ surrounding the stem cells. The model achieves to reproduce an array of perturbations, including mutants and tissue size modifications. We also show its ability to reproduce the recently observed dynamical shift of the stem cell niche during the development of an axillary meristem. The work integrates recent experimental results to answer the longstanding question of how the asymmetry of expression between the stem cell markerCLAVATA3and its activatorWUSCHELis achieved, and recent findings of plasticity in the system.
Neural Changes Underlying Rapid Fly Song Evolution
Authors: Ding Yun , Lillvis Joshua L. , Cande Jessica , Berman Gordon J. , Arthur Benjamin J. , Xu Min , Dickson Barry J. , Stern David L.
Published: December 2017

The neural basis for behavioural evolution is poorly understood. Functional comparisons of homologous neurons may reveal how neural circuitry contributes to behavioural evolution, but homologous neurons cannot be identified and manipulated in most taxa. Here, we compare the function of homologous courtship song neurons by exporting neurogenetic reagents that label identified neurons inDrosophila melanogastertoD. yakuba. We found a conserved role for a cluster of brain neurons that establish a persistent courtship state. In contrast, a descending neuron with conserved electrophysiological properties drives different song types in each species. Our results suggest that song evolved, in part, due to changes in the neural circuitry downstream of this descending neuron. This experimental approach can be generalized to other neural circuits and therefore provides an experimental framework for studying how the nervous system has evolved to generate behavioural diversity.
Evolution of deghosting process for single‐sensor streamer data from 2D to 3D
Authors: Zhang Zhigang , Masoomzadeh Hassan , Wang Bin
Published: December 2017

In marine acquisition, reflections of sound energy from the water–air interface result in ghosts in the seismic data, both in the source side and the receiver side. Ghosts limit the bandwidth of the useful signal and blur the final image. The process to separate the ghost and primary signals, called the deghosting process, can fill the ghost notch, broaden the frequency band, and help achieve high‐resolution images. Low‐signal‐to‐noise ratio near the notch frequencies and 3D effects are two challenges that the deghosting process has to face. In this paper, starting from an introduction to the deghosting process, we present and compare two strategies to solve the latter. The first is an adaptive mechanism that adjusts the deghosting operator to compensate for 3D effects or errors in source/receiver depth measurement. This method does not include explicitly the crossline slowness component and is not affected by the sparse sampling in the same direction. The second method is an inversion‐type approach that does include the crossline slowness component in the algorithm and handles the 3D effects explicitly. Both synthetic and field data examples in wide azimuth acquisition settings are shown to compare the two strategies. Both methods provide satisfactory results.
Endocrine manifestations in children with Williams–Beuren syndrome
Authors: Levy‐Shraga Yael , Gothelf Doron , Pinchevski‐Kadir Shiran , Katz Uriel , Modan‐Moses Dalit
Published: December 2017

Aim

Endocrine abnormalities in Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS) include growth retardation, precocious puberty, hypercalcaemia and thyroid disorders. We aimed to characterise these abnormalities in a national cohort of children with WBS.

Methods

A retrospective study comprising a national cohort of individuals with WBS in Israel (16 males, 18 females) followed between 2010 and 2016.

Results

The age at diagnosis of WBS was 1.4 ± 1.0 years. Height standard deviation score (SDS) at last visit was correlated with the midparental height SDS (r = 0.46 p = 0.007). Yet, participants did not reach their midparental height, with a difference of 1.40 ± 0.85SD (p < 0.001). Short stature below the 3rd percentile was found in 14 participants (41%). Mean insulin‐like growth factor 1 SDS was low (−0.61 ± 1.64) and was correlated with the mean height SDS (r = 0.63 p = 0.038). Two participants were diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency, and initiation of growth hormone treatment improved their height velocity. A total of eight participants (23.5%) had mild hypercalcaemia, five girls (14.7%) had precocious puberty and five participants (14.7%) had thyroid abnormalities.

Conclusion

Individuals with WBS had a distinct growth pattern consisting of growth restriction at all ages, resulting in final adult height in the low‐normal range. Precocious puberty, hypercalcaemia and thyroid abnormalities should be screened for and treated as needed.
Clinical and nerve conduction features in Guillain−Barré syndrome associated with Zika virus infection in Cúcuta, Colombia
Authors: Uncini A. , González‐Bravo D. C. , Acosta‐Ampudia Y. Y. , Ojeda E. C. , Rodríguez Y. , Monsalve D. M. , Ramírez‐Santana C. , Vega D. A. , Paipilla D. , Torres L. , Molano‐González N. , Osorio J. E. , Anaya J.‐M.
Published: December 2017

Background and purpose

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has been associated with an increased incidence of Guillain−Barré syndrome (GBS) but the relative frequency of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) and axonal GBS subtypes is controversial.

Methods

Twenty GBS patients diagnosed according to the Brighton criteria during the ZIKV outbreak in Cúcuta, Colombia, were evaluated clinically and electrophysiologically. The electrodiagnosis of GBS subtypes was made according to a recently described criteria set that demonstrated a high diagnostic accuracy on the basis of a single test. The electrophysiological features of 34 Italian AIDP patients were used as control.

Results

All patients had symptoms compatible with ZIKV infection before the onset of GBS and ZIKV infection was laboratory confirmed through a plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT90) in 100% of patients. The median time from onset of ZIKV infection symptoms to GBS was 5 days (interquartile range 1–6 days). Cranial nerve palsy was present in 85% of patients (facial palsy in 75%, bulbar nerve involvement in 60%), autonomic dysfunction in 85%, and 50% of patients required invasive mechanical ventilation. AIDP was diagnosed in 70% of patients. 40% of nerves of AIDP patients showed a prevalent distal demyelinating involvement but this pattern was not different from the Italian AIDP patients without ZIKV infection.

Conclusions

Guillain−Barré syndrome associated with ZIKV infection in Cúcuta is characterized by a high frequency of cranial nerve involvement, autonomic dysfunction and requirement of mechanical ventilation indicating an aggressive and severe course. AIDP is the most frequent electrophysiological subtype. Demyelination is prevalent distally but this pattern is not specific for ZIKV infection.
Human filarial proteins attenuate chronic colitis in an experimental mouse model
Authors: Togre N. , Bhoj P. , Goswami K. , Tarnekar A. , Patil M. , Shende M.
Published: December 2017

Encouraged by our earlier results of promising therapeutic effect of filarial recombinant proteins BmALT2, BmCys and WbL2 individually in the mouse model of acute ulcerative colitis, in this study, these proteins have been explored individually and in different combinations for their therapeutic potential in dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced chronic colitis mice. These mice, treated with filarial proteins, showed reduced disease parameters including body weight loss, disease activity index, macroscopic and histopathological scores of colon and myeloperoxidase activity in colonic mucosa. Among various treatment schemes, rBmALT2 + rBmCys which showed most pronounced therapeutic implication was found to downregulate the mRNA expressions of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α and upregulate IL‐10 and TGF‐β expression in the splenocytes. Also, increase in level of IgG1 and IgG2a isotypes in the sera of rBmALT2 + rBmCys‐treated colitis mice was noted. Activated NF‐κB level was found to be reduced in the colon of treated colitis mice compared to untreated one. In conclusion, filarial proteins in combination have been shown to improve the clinicopathologic status of chronic colitis through suppression of pro‐inflammatory immune response most possibly in NF‐κB‐dependent manner. We propose this therapeutic strategy to be tested further to be considered as an effective option in chronic colitis.
Postmarketing studies for novel drugs approved by both the FDA and EMA between 2005 and 2010: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zeitoun Jean-David , Ross Joseph S , Atal Ignacio , Vivot Alexandre , Downing Nicholas S , Baron Gabriel , Ravaud Philippe
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To characterise postmarketing studies for drugs that were newly approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency.

Design and setting

Cross-sectional analysis of postmarketing studies registered in ClinicalTrials.gov until September 2014 for all novel drugs approved by both regulators between 2005 and 2010. Regulatory documents from both agencies were used.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

All identified postmarketing studies were classified according to planned enrolment, funding, status and geographical location, and we determined whether studies studied the originally approved indication.

Results

Overall, 69 novel drugs approved between 2005 and 2010 were eligible for inclusion. A total of 6679 relevant postmarketing studies were identified; 5972 were interventional (89.4%). The median number of studies per drug was 55 (IQR 33–119) and median number of patients to be enrolled per study was 60 (IQR 28–183). Industry was the primary sponsor of 2713 studies (40.6%) and was a primary or secondary sponsor in 4176 studies (62.5%). In all, 2901 studies (43.4%) were completed, 487 (7.3%) terminated, 1013 (15.2%) active yet not recruiting, 1895 (28.4%) recruiting and 319 (4.8%) not yet recruiting. A total of 80% of studies were conducted in only one country and 84.4% took place in Europe and/or North America; 2441 (36.5%) studied another indication than the originally approved indication. Studies designed in the originally approved indication were found to be more industry-sponsored than others 68.7%vs53.7%; P<0.0001.

Conclusions

Postmarketing pharmaceutical research was highly variable and predominantly located in North America and Europe. Postmarketing studies were frequently designed to study indications other than the originally approved one. Although some findings were reassuring, others question the lack of coordination of postmarketing research.
Can postural OSA be usefully identified from its severity alone?
Authors: Johar Aihem , Turnbull Chris D , Stradling John R
Published: December 2017

Introduction

When obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) does not occur throughout sleep, there must be factors influencing its presence or absence. These are most likely to be sleep stage, posture and presleep alcohol, among others. We hypothesised that as OSA severity increases, the likelihood of postural OSA (POSA) would also decrease.

Methods

Laboratory sleep studies of 39 patients with OSA were manually reviewed to calculate supine and non-supine oxygen desaturation indices (ODI). The usual definition for POSA was used, a ratio of supine to non-supine ODI of ≥2.

Results

The mean age was 53.2 (SD 12.4) years, the body mass index was 35.0 (SD 8.9) kg/m2and 74% were male. The median supine ODI was 54.3 (IQR 25.7–73.5) and non-supine ODI was 18.7 (IQR 8.6–38.4). The overall prevalence of POSA was 56%. The prevalence of POSA for ODIs of <40 was 68%, and 35% if ≥40.

Conclusions

An ODI ≥40, compared with <40, halved the likelihood of POSA from 68% to 35%. Although there is clearly a relationship between overall ODI and POSA, it is not strong enough to diagnose an individual with POSA. However the relationship provides a useful way to prescreen trial subjects to enrich for POSA.
Efficacy of intensive aphasia therapy in patients with chronic stroke: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Stahl Benjamin , Mohr Bettina , Büscher Verena , Dreyer Felix R , Lucchese Guglielmo , Pulvermüller Friedemann
Published: December 2017

Objective

Recent evidence has fuelled the debate on the role of massed practice in the rehabilitation of chronic post-stroke aphasia. Here, we further determined the optimal daily dosage and total duration of intensive speech-language therapy.

Methods

Individuals with chronic aphasia more than 1 year post-stroke received Intensive Language-Action Therapy in a randomised, parallel-group, blinded-assessment, controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two outpatient groups who engaged in either highly-intensive practice (Group I: 4 hours daily) or moderately-intensive practice (Group II: 2 hours daily). Both groups went through an initial waiting period and two successive training intervals. Each phase lasted 2 weeks. Co-primary endpoints were defined after each training interval.

Results

Thirty patients—15 per group—completed the study. A primary outcome measure (Aachen Aphasia Test) revealed no gains in language performance after the waiting period, but indicated significant progress after each training interval (gradual 2-week t-score change [CI]: 1.7 [±0.4]; 0.6 [±0.5]), independent of the intensity level applied (4-week change in Group I: 2.4 [±1.2]; in Group II: 2.2 [±0.8]). A secondary outcome measure (Action Communication Test) confirmed these findings in the waiting period and in the first training interval. In the second training interval, however, only patients with moderately-intensive practice continued to make progress (Time-by-Group interaction: P=0.009, η2=0.13).

Conclusions

Our results suggest no added value from more than 2 hours of daily speech-language therapy within 4 weeks. Instead, these results demonstrate that even a small 2-week increase in treatment duration contributes substantially to recovery from chronic post-stroke aphasia.
Effect of P2 receptor blockade on cutaneous vasodilation during rest and exercise in the heat in young men
Authors: Fujii Naoto , Meade Robert D. , Louie Jeffrey C. , Akbari Pegah , Boulay Pierre , Sigal Ronald J. , Kenny Glen P.
Published: December 2017

We assessed the role of purinergic P2 receptors in the regulation of cutaneous vasodilation in young adults at rest and during intermittent moderate-intensity exercise in the heat (35 °C). P2 receptor blockade augmented resting cutaneous vasodilation but had no influence during and following exercise. This increase was partly diminished by nitric oxide synthase inhibition. These results suggest a functional role of P2 receptors in the regulation of cutaneous vascular tone during ambient heat exposure at rest.
A three-dimensional generalized shock plate problem with four thermoviscoelastic relaxations
Authors: Zenkour A.M. , Abouelregal A.E.
Published: December 2017

The three-dimensional generalized thermoviscoelastic shock plate problem is presented. Four thermoviscoelastic relaxations are used during this study, three of them are due to the generalized thermoelasticity models and the fourth is due to the viscosity parameter. The plate is thermally isolated at its bottom surface while its upper one is under a thermal shock. The transient thermal shock plate problem is presented according to a unified theory of generalized thermoelasticity. The classical coupled thermoelasticity model is used and two of its generalizations, namely Green–Lindsay and Lord–Shulman models, are also used. Normal mode analysis is adopted to get an analytical general solution of the present plate problem. The distributions of all variables are investigated along the plate directions. Different thermoelasticity theories are compared to present suitable conclusions. Some special findings are pointed out to show the effects of viscosity and other thermal relaxation parameters on thermoelastic interactions. Numerical results are plotted and tabulated to serve as benchmark results for future comparisons.
Defective regulation of vasopressin gene expression in Brattleboro rats
Authors: Majzoub J. A. , Carrazana E. J. , Shulman J. S. , Baker K. J. , Emanuel R. L.
Published: December 2017

The Brattleboro rat has severe diabetes insipidus due to an autosomal recessive trait resulting in the inability to synthesize detectable amounts of hypothalamic vasopressin. To determine whether this abnormality is due to a regulatory defect in the Brattleboro rat's vasopressin gene, we studied changes in the hypothalamic content of vasopressin mRNA in normal Long-Evans and homozygous Brattleboro rats subjected to osmotic stress and correlated these changes with systemic responses to water deprivation. We report that the Brattleboro rat does have a marked defect in the regulation of vasopressin gene expression consisting of an inability to increase hypothalamic vasopressin mRNA content in response to severe osmotic stress.
Role of autonomic nervous system in postprandial thermogenesis in dogs
Authors: Diamond P. , LeBlanc J.
Published: December 2017

Two phases in postprandial thermogenesis have been recently identified in dogs; an initial cephalic phase lasting 45 min and a subsequent digestive phase occurring after 45 min. The objective of this study was to determine the role of the autonomic nervous system during these two phases in dogs. O2 uptake (VO2) as well as respiratory quotient (RQ) were monitored at least 1 h before and 2 h after a meal of 1,034 kcal under the following infusion conditions: saline, propranolol, atropine, propranolol plus atropine, phenoxybenzamine, and propranolol plus phenoxybenzamine. The initial peak value for VO2 increase was 100% in the cephalic phase and 40% in the digestive phase during the saline infusion. The VO2 response during the initial phase was 58 and 56% less with propranolol and atropine, respectively, compared with the control experiment. A 36% decrease in the VO2 response was found during the digestive phase with propranolol, whereas it was abolished by atropine. Propranolol and atropine given together decreased the VO2 response during the cephalic phase by 27% and abolished it completely in the digestive phase. Phenoxybenzamine did not affect the VO2 or RQ responses during the whole period and when given in combination with propranolol the same result as propranolol alone was found. These findings indicate that both the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system participate in the control of postprandial thermogenesis during both the cephalic and digestive phases.
Effects of tetracaine on insulin release and calcium handling by rat pancreatic islets
Authors: el Motal S. M. , Pian-Smith M. C. , Sharp G. W.
Published: December 2017

The effects of tetracaine on insulin release and 45Ca2+ handling by rat pancreatic islets have been studied under basal (2.8 mM glucose), glucose-stimulated (5.6, 8.3, and 16.7 mM glucose), and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX)-stimulated conditions. Islets were isolated by the use of collagenase and used either directly (freshly isolated islets) or after a period under tissue culture conditions. Tetracaine was found to stimulate insulin release under basal conditions, to inhibit glucose-stimulated insulin release, and to potentiate insulin release stimulated by IBMX. In studies on the mechanisms underlying these effects, tetracaine was found to decrease glucose-stimulated net retention of 45Ca2+ (by an action to block the voltage-dependent Ca channels) and to mobilize Ca2+ from intracellular stores. These two actions form the basis for the inhibition of glucose-stimulated insulin release, which depends heavily on Ca2+ entry via the voltage-dependent channels and the synergism with IBMX to potentiate release. No inhibition of IBMX-stimulated release occurs because IBMX does not use the voltage-dependent channels to raise intracellular Ca2+.
Insulin resistance and delayed clearance of peptide hormones in cirrhotic rat liver
Authors: Shankar T. P. , Drake S. , Solomon S. S.
Published: December 2017

Clearance of porcine insulin, glucagon, and human growth hormone was measured in intact perfused cirrhotic and normal rat livers. Binding and degradation of 125I-insulin by hepatocytes isolated from cirrhotic and normal livers were also studied. The half-lives (t1/2) of immunoreactive insulin and glucagon were 14.0 +/- 3.1 and 9.6 +/- 2.1 min in normal livers and 26.0 +/- 6.1 and 25.0 +/- 7.1 min in cirrhotic livers (P less than 0.001). Insulin binding and degradation by hepatocytes from control and cirrhotic livers showed no significant differences. Intraportal insulin infusion in perfusion studies suppressed glucagon-stimulated increases in glucose output from control livers but failed to suppress glucose production by cirrhotic livers, suggesting the presence of hepatic insulin resistance in cirrhosis. Impaired clearance of insulin and glucagon by the intact cirrhotic liver and normal binding and degradation of insulin by isolated hepatocytes suggest that factors such as intrahepatic fibrosis and shunting and postbinding defects may be responsible for the impaired hormone clearance and hepatic insulin resistance.
Metabolic degradation and synthesis of calcitriol in spontaneously hypertensive rat
Authors: Young E. W. , Hsu C. H. , Patel S. , Simpson R. U. , Komanicky P.
Published: December 2017

Plasma calcitriol concentration is unexpectedly low in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) compared with normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) in view of previous findings of low plasma ionized calcium, hypophosphatemia, and hyperparathyroidism in SHR. Also, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and other exogenous stimuli cause a smaller increment in plasma calcitriol in SHR than in WKY. We investigated whether these differences in plasma calcitriol levels were due to decreased production rate (PR) or increased metabolic clearance rate (MCR) in SHR using the continuous infusion-isotope equilibration technique. In the basal state, MCR was 0.306 +/- 0.048 ml X min-1 X kg-1 in SHR and 0.284 +/- 0.026 ml X min-1 X kg-1 in WKY (P = NS). Estimated PR was lower in SHR (22.7 vs. 33.7 ng X day-1 X kg-1). With PTH infusion (3 U X h-1 X 100 g-1 for 20 h), MCR was 0.220 +/- 0.011 ml X min-1 X kg-1 in SHR and 0.256 +/- 0.017 ml X min-1 X kg-1 in WKY (P = NS). Measured PR was markedly lower in SHR (154 +/- 24 vs. 262 +/- 27 ng X day-1 X kg-1; P less than 0.02). Basal plasma PTH, total plasma calcium, and plasma inorganic phosphate were not different between SHR and WKY. Thus, SHR show diminished calcitriol production under basal condition and with PTH stimulation. MCR is not increased in SHR and does not appear to be influenced by PTH or the accompanying elevation in plasma calcium and calcitriol.