bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The pathogen‐reduced red blood cell suspension: single centre study of clinical safety and efficacy in children with oncological and haematological diseases
Authors: Trakhtman Pavel , Kumukova Irina , Starostin Nikolay , Borsakova Daria , Balashov Dmitry , Ignatova Anastasia , Kadaeva Leilya , Novichkova Galina , Rumiantcev Alexander
Published: February 2019

Background

Transmission of pathogens through blood transfusion is still of great concern to clinicians, patients and blood providers. Pathogen reduction technologies (PRT) have been successfully applied for the treatment of labile blood components, such as plasma, platelets and whole blood (WB), which are now used in routine in many countries. We report the clinical evaluation of suspension of red blood cells (RBC‐S) derived from the WB treated with riboflavin and UV light (RF+UV).

Study Design and Methods

Seventy paediatric patients (0·3–17·1 years old) suffering from different malignant disorders were recruited and assigned to two groups: the control group (C) received transfusions of γ‐irradiated RBC‐S. The experimental group (T) received RBC‐S derived from WB, treated with RF+UV. Clinical efficacy was evaluated during follow‐up periods by Hb and Ht increments, and needs for transfusion support. Safety was assessed through active surveillance, recording post‐transfusion reactions, anti‐erythrocyte's antibody formation, haptoglobin and serum potassium levels.

Results

The clinical efficacy of RBC‐S in both groups was similar: mean post‐transfusion Hb concentration (101·6 ± 7·57 g/l vs. 100 ± 8·3 g/l; P = 0·43), and Ht level (28·5 ± 2·42% vs. 28·2 ± 2·7%; P = 0·66). Transfusion of pathogen‐reduced RBC‐S did not increase the frequency of transfusion reactions and did not induce an excessive immune response in the follow‐up period.

Conclusion

Transfusion of RBC‐S, obtained from pathogen‐reduced WB, is a promising method to increase the safety of blood component therapy for paediatric patients with malignant disorders without affecting clinical efficacy. A randomized clinical trial including more patients should follow this pilot study to confirm its results.
Prevalence of pulmonary nodules in dogs with malignant neoplasia as determined by CT
Authors: Lamb Christopher R. , Whitlock James , Foster‐Yeow Andrew T. L.
Published: February 2019

In order to estimate the prevalence of pulmonary nodules in dogs with nonpulmonary malignant neoplasia, medical record descriptions of CT findings in dogs diagnosed with nonpulmonary malignant neoplasia were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 536 dogs were sampled from a single hospital. For malignant neoplasms with >10 affected individuals, prevalence of multiple pulmonary nodules at first CT was hemangiosarcoma 24 of 58 (41%), osteosarcoma 14 of 55 (26%), carcinoma 20 of 80 (25%), histiocytic sarcoma five of twenty‐one (24%), soft tissue sarcoma 13 of 57 (23%), adenocarcinoma 11 of 60 (18%), melanoma five of thirty‐seven (14%), lymphoma 10 of 76 (13%), mast cell tumor two of forty‐seven (4%), and squamous cell carcinoma zero of seventeen (0%). A solitary pulmonary nodule was identified at first CT in 33 (6%) dogs. Of these, nine had follow‐up CT, including two dogs in which the nodule disappeared, three dogs in which the size of the nodule did not change, and four dogs in which the nodule enlarged and additional pulmonary nodules appeared. Dogs with hemangiosarcoma were most likely to have signs of pulmonary metastasis at first CT, whereas dogs with mast cell tumor were infrequently affected, and no dog with squamous cell carcinoma had signs of pulmonary metastasis. A solitary pulmonary nodule at first CT was an indeterminate finding, potentially unassociated with neoplasia.
Outbreak of swimmer's itch in Central Italy: Description, causative agent and preventive measures
Authors: De Liberato Claudio , Berrilli Federica , Bossù Teresa , Magliano Adele , Montalbano Di Filippo Margherita , Di Cave David , Sigismondi Mariano , Cannavacciuolo Annunziata , Scaramozzino Paola
Published: February 2019

Swimmer's itch is caused by the penetration of free‐swimming larvae of trematodes of the family Schistosomatidae in human skin. It is usually reported in people engaged in recreational water activities in freshwater bodies and in most of cases, it is provoked by bird schistosomes of the genus Trichobilharzia. In the summer 2017, many cases of dermatitis were recorded in people bathing in the waters of the Albano Lake (Rome, Italy) and a parasitological investigation was carried out in order to ascertain the causative agent of these cases. Snails of the family Lymnaeidae, natural intermediate hosts of bird schistosomes, were collected from lake shallow waters to detect the presence of trematodes of the genus Trichobilharzia. Pools of maximum 10 snails were placed in Petri dishes, and cercarial emergence was stimulated exposing snails to strong artificial light intensity at 25°C. Three hundred and thirty‐seven snails were collected and screened for the shedding of cercariae. Furcocercariae of the family Schistosomatidae, with a morphology overlapping that of the genus Trichobilharzia, were detected in seven Petri dishes. Assuming that in each positive Petri dish just one snail was shedding furcocercariae, the minimum infectious rate was 2.1%. Molecular analysis of furcocercariae allowed ascribing them to the species Trichobilharzia franki. Snails of the species Radix auricularia were identified as intermediate hosts of the parasite. This is the second record of T. franki causing cercarial dermatitis in Central Italy, the third in Italy. The 2017 was in Italy exceptionally warm and dry. Trematodes are sensitive to changes in temperature, being cercarial production and emission rates temperature dependent. Small increases in water temperature would speed up parasite development and transmission, leading to a manifold increase in cercarial emergence. Moreover, high temperatures raise chances to acquire the infection, due to increased time spent in water by people.
Build them up, break them down
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: February 2019

Cancer and stromal cells release signals that manipulate the vasculature to promote tumor metastasis or growth.
Apotransferrin in Combination with Ciprofloxacin Slows Bacterial Replication, Prevents Resistance Amplification, and Increases Antimicrobial Regimen Effect
Authors: Ambrose Paul G. , VanScoy Brian D. , Luna Brian M. , Yan Jun , Ulhaq Amber , Nielsen Travis B. , Rudin Sue , Hujer Kristine , Bonomo Robert A. , Actis Luis , Skaar Eric , Spellberg Brad
Published: February 2019

There has been renewed interest in combining traditional small-molecule antimicrobial agents with nontraditional therapies to potentiate antimicrobial effects. Apotransferrin, which decreases iron availability to microbes, is one such approach.
Synthesis and Leishmanicidal Activity of Novel Urea, Thiourea, and Selenourea Derivatives of Diselenides
Authors: Díaz Marta , de Lucio Héctor , Moreno Esther , Espuelas Socorro , Aydillo Carlos , Jiménez-Ruiz Antonio , Toro Miguel Ángel , Gutiérrez Killian Jesús , Martínez-Merino Victor , Cornejo Alfonso , Palop Juan Antonio , Sanmartín Carmen , Plano Daniel
Published: February 2019

A novel series of thirty-one N-substituted urea, thiourea, and selenourea derivatives containing diphenyldiselenide entities were synthesized, fully characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods, and screened for their
in vitro
leishmanicidal activities. The cytotoxic activity of these derivatives was tested against
Leishmania infantum
axenic amastigotes, and selectivity was assessed in human THP-1 cells.
Differences in Clinical Manifestations, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns, and Mutations of Fluoroquinolone Target Genes between Chryseobacterium gleum and Chryseobacterium indologenes
Authors: Lin Jiun-Nong , Lai Chung-Hsu , Yang Chih-Hui , Huang Yi-Han
Published: February 2019

Chryseobacteriuminfections are uncommon, and previous studies have revealed thatChryseobacterium gleumis frequently misidentified asChryseobacterium indologenes. We aimed to explore the differences in clinical manifestations and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns betweenC. gleumandC. indologenes.
Biofilms 2018: a Diversity of Microbes and Mechanisms
Authors: Fuqua Clay , Filloux Alain , Ghigo Jean-Marc , Visick Karen L.
Published: February 2019

The 8th ASM Conference on Biofilms was held in Washington, DC, 7 to 11 October 2018. This very highly subscribed meeting represented a wide breadth of current research in biofilms and included over 500 attendees, 12 sessions with 64 oral presentations, and four poster sessions with about 400 posters.
Rapid Emergence, Subsidence, and Molecular Detection of
Escherichia coli
Sequence Type 1193-
fimH64
, a New Disseminated Multidrug-Resistant Commensal and Extraintestinal Pathogen
Authors: Johnson James R. , Johnston Brian D. , Porter Stephen B. , Clabots Connie , Bender Tricia L. , Thuras Paul , Trott Darren J. , Cobbold Rowland , Mollinger Joanne , Ferrieri Patricia , Drawz Sarah , Banerjee Ritu
Published: February 2019

Escherichia coli
sequence type 1193 (ST1193) is an emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen. We performed longitudinal and cross-sectional surveillance for ST1193 among clinical and fecal
E. coli
isolates from Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) patients and their household members, other Minnesota centers, and national VAMCs and compared these ST1193 isolates with archival human and canine ST1193 isolates from Australia (2008).
Conservation and Divergence of the I-Domain Inserted into the Ubiquitous HK97 Coat Protein Fold in P22-Like Bacteriophages
Authors: Tripler Therese N. , Kaplan Anne R. , Alexandrescu Andrei T. , Teschke Carolyn M.
Published: February 2019

Comparative studies of protein structures often provide insights into their evolution. The HK97 fold is a structural motif used to form the coat protein shells that encapsidate the genomes of many dsDNA phages and viruses. The structure and function of coat proteins based on the HK97 fold are often embellished by the incorporation of I-domains. In the present work we compare I-domains from three phages representative of highly divergent P22-like homology groups. While the three I-domains share a six-stranded β-barrel skeleton, there are differences (i) in structure elements at the periphery of the conserved fold, (ii) in the locations of disordered loops important in capsid assembly and conformational transitions, (iii) in surfaces charges, and (iv) in sequence motifs that are potential ligand-binding sites. These structural modifications on the rudimentary I-domain fold suggest that considerable structural adaptability was needed to fulfill the versatile range of functional requirements for distinct phages.
Structure of Parvovirus B19 Decorated by Fabs from a Human Antibody
Authors: Sun Yingyuan , Klose Thomas , Liu Yue , Modrow Susanne , Rossmann Michael G.
Published: February 2019

Parvovirus B19 is a common human pathogen and a particular threat to children, pregnant women, and patients with sickle cell disease or AIDS. Currently, neutralizing antibody is the most efficient treatment for acute B19 infections. Research on the antigenic properties of B19 will guide the usage of these antibodies and facilitate vaccine development. We have determined and report here the high-resolution structure of B19 virus-like particles (VLPs) complexed with the Fab of a human neutralizing antibody. The structure shows a quaternary structure epitope formed by three VP2 proteins and provides details on host recognition of human B19 virus.
Complete Genome Sequence of Fusobacterium necrophorum subsp.
necrophorum
ATCC 25286
Authors: Umaña Ariana , Lemkul Justin A. , Slade Daniel J.
Published: February 2019

Fusobacterium necrophorum
is a pathogenic Gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium. In this study, we present the first complete genome sequence of
Fusobacterium necrophorum
subsp.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Tataguine Virus, Isolated in the Central African Republic in 1972 from a Human with an Acute Febrile Syndrome
Authors: Simo Tchetgna Huguette D. , Selekon Benjamin , Kazanji Mirdad , Berthet Nicolas , Nakoune Emmanuel
Published: February 2019

Tataguine virus (TATV) is an orthobunyavirus that causes febrile illnesses in Africa. Here, we report the complete genome sequences of TATV strain HB72P583, isolated in the Central African Republic in 1972.
Complete Genome Sequences of 12 B1 Cluster Mycobacteriophages, Gareth, JangoPhett, Kailash, MichaelPhcott, PhenghisKhan, Phleuron, Phergie, PhrankReynolds, PhrodoBaggins, Phunky, Vaticameos, and Virapocalypse
Authors: Apellido Kristofer A. , Balchander Divya , Erlich Matthew C. , Gocal Jakub K. , Gocal Wiktoria A. , Haile Selam , Kang Annette K. , Koduri Sravya , Natrajan Maanasa , Parikh Ayush A. , Tata Ravi K. , Walor Tru A. , Wong Brianna M. , Nako Sprikena , Tran Trinh , Islam Eshraq , Mammen Mirium P. ,   Drexel University SEA-PHAGES annotators 2016,   Drexel University SEA-PHAGES annotators 2017,   Drexel University SEA-PHAGES annotators 2018, Ball Sarah L. , Bollivar David W. , Butela Kristen A. , Pope Welkin H. , McDonald Matthew T. , Tang Christine A. , Dalia Ritu R. , Smith Kevin P. W. , Little Joy L. , Moyer Alison E. , Gurney Susan M. R.
Published: February 2019

Twelve B1 cluster mycobacteriophages were isolated from soil samples collected in Philadelphia, PA, USA, using
Mycobacterium smegmatis
mc
2
155 as a host, and were sequenced. The genome sequences range in size from 66,887 bp to 68,953 bp in length and have between 99 and 105 putative protein-coding genes.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Oleaginous Yeast
Saitozyma podzolica
(syn.
Cryptococcus podzolicus
) DSM 27192
Authors: Aliyu Habibu , Gorte Olga , Neumann Anke , Ochsenreither Katrin
Published: February 2019

We report here the draft genome of
Saitozyma podzolica
DSM 27192 sequenced based on PacBio chemistry. This yeast isolate produces large amounts of single-cell oil (SCO) and gluconic acid (GA).
Utility of the number needed to treat in paediatric haematological cancer randomised controlled treatment trials: a systematic review
Authors: Hasan Haroon , Goddard Karen , Howard A Fuchsia
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The primary objective was to assess the utility of the number needed to treat (NNT) to inform decision-making in the context of paediatric oncology and to calculate the NNT in all superiority, parallel, paediatric haematological cancer, randomised controlled trials (RCTs), with a comparison to the threshold NNT as a measure of clinical significance.

Design

Systematic review

Data sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Childhood Cancer Group Specialized Register through CENTRAL from inception to August 2018.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Superiority, parallel RCTs of haematological malignancy treatments in paediatric patients that assessed an outcome related to survival, relapse or remission; reported a sample size calculation with a delta value to allow for calculation of the threshold NNT, and that included parameters required to calculate the NNT and associated CI.

Results

A total of 43 RCTs were included, representing 45 randomised questions, of which none reported the NNT. Among acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) RCTs, 29.2% (7/24) of randomised questions were found to have a NNT corresponding to benefit, in comparison to acute myeloid leukaemia (ALM) RCTs with 50% (3/6), and none in lymphoma RCTs (0/13). Only 28.6% (2/7) and 33.3% (1/3) had a NNT that was less than the threshold NNT for ALL and AML, respectively. Of these, 100% (2/2 ALL and 1/1 AML) were determined to be possibly clinically significant.

Conclusions

We recommend that decision-makers in paediatric oncology use the NNT and associated confidence limits as a supportive tool to evaluate evidence from RCTs while placing careful attention to the inherent limitations of this measure.
Playing football on artificial turf as a risk factor for fifth metatarsal stress fracture: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Miyamori Takayuki , Nagao Masashi , Sawa Ryuichi , Tumilty Steve , Yoshimura Masafumi , Saita Yoshitomo , Ikeda Hiroshi , Kaneko Kazuo
Published: February 2019

Objective

The fifth metatarsal stress fracture is a common injury among football players. Although several risk factors have been proposed, the association between the playing surface and development of fifth metatarsal stress fractures (MT-5) has not been evaluated. We conducted an epidemiological study using a computer-based survey to investigate the association between the playing surface and development of MT-5.

Methods

This study included 1854 football players, of which 41 experienced MT-5 within the past 24 months. Baseline demographic data and the percentage of time spent playing on artificial turf and clay fields were compared between the non-MT-5 and MT-5 player groups, and the risks for development of MT-5 associated with the playing surfaces were estimated by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

There were significant differences in body mass index, years of play, playing categories and playing time on artificial turf between non-MT-5 and MT-5 groups (p<0.05). Generalised estimating equations analyses adjusted for multiple confounders demonstrated that relative to the risk of playing <20% of the time on each surface, the OR (OR: 95% CI) for MT-5 for playing on artificial turf >80% of the time increased (3.44: 1.65 to 7.18), and for playing on a clay field 61%–80% of the time, the OR decreased (0.25: 0.11 to 0.59).

Conclusions

A higher percentage of playing time on an artificial turf was a risk factor for developing MT-5 in football players. This finding could be beneficial for creating strategies to prevent MT-5.
Non-inferiority double-blind randomised controlled trial comparing gabapentin versus tramadol for the treatment of chronic neuropathic or mixed pain in children and adolescents: the GABA-1 trial—a study protocol
Authors: Kaguelidou Florentia , Le Roux Enora , Mangiarini Laura , Lundin Rebecca , de Leeuw Thomas G , Della Pasqua Oscar , Felisi Mariagrazia , Bonifazi Donato , Tibboel Dick , Ceci Adriana , de Wildt Saskia N , Alberti Corinne
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Gabapentin is currently used ‘off-label’ in children and adolescents with chronic neuropathic pain, and reliable evidence of its effects and optimal dosing are lacking.

Objectives

The GABA-1 trial aims to compare the efficacy and safety of gabapentin liquid formulation relative to tramadol and to explore the pharmacokinetics of both drugs in the treatment of chronic, neuropathic or mixed pain in the paediatric population.

Methods and analysis

The trial is a multicentre, double-blind, double-dummy, randomised, active-controlled, non-inferiority trial. Participants aged from 3 months to <18 years of age with moderate to severe (≥4/10 in age-appropriate pain scales) chronic neuropathic or mixed pain will be recruited in 14 clinical sites in eight European countries. A total of 94 subjects will be randomised to receive gabapentin and tramadol placebo or tramadol and gabapentin placebo throughout 16–19 weeks (including 3 weeks of titration [optimisation period], 12 weeks of treatment at a stable dose [maintenance period] and 1–4 weeks of tapering [discontinuation period]). The primary objective is to assess the efficacy of gabapentin relative to tramadol for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic neuropathic or mixed pain by comparing the difference in average pain scores (assessed by age-appropriate pain scales) between intervention arms after 15 weeks of treatment. Secondary objectives include the assessment of the safety, quality of life and global satisfaction with treatment and the description of the pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic relationship of gabapentin liquid formulation and tramadol oral drops to validate the recommended paediatric doses. Only rescue pain medication by paracetamol and/or ibuprofen is allowed during the trial.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethic approval was obtained in the eight participating countries. Results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at one or more scientific conferences.

Trial registration numbers

2014-004851-30 andNCT02722603.

Trial status

Ongoing research study, currently recruiting.
Incidence and prognostic impact of post discharge bleeding post acute coronary syndrome within an outpatient setting: a systematic review
Authors: Ismail Nafiu , Jordan Kelvin P , Rao Sunil , Kinnaird Tim , Potts Jessica , Kadam Umesh T , Mamas Mamas A
Published: February 2019

Objective

The primary objective was to determine the incidence of bleeding events post acute coronary syndrome (ACS) following hospital discharge. The secondary objective was to determine the prognostic impact of bleeding on mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), myocardial re-infarction and rehospitalisation in the postdischarge setting.

Design

A narrative systematic review.

Data source

Medline, Embase, Amed and Central (Cochrane) were searched up to August 2018.

Study selection

For the primary objective, randomised controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies reporting on the incidence of bleeding post hospital discharge were included. For the secondary objective, RCTs and observational studies that compared patients with bleeding versus those without bleeding post hospital discharge vis-à-vis mortality, MACE, myocardial re-infarction and rehospitalisation were included.

Results

53 studies (36 observational studies and 17 RCTs) with a combined cohort of 714 458 participants for the primary objectives and 187 317 for the secondary objectives were included. Follow-up ranged from 1 month to just over 4 years. The incidence of bleeding within 12 months post hospital discharge ranged from 0.20% to 37.5% in observational studies and between 0.96% and 39.4% in RCTs. The majority of bleeds occurred in the initial 3 months after hospital discharge with bruising the most commonly reported event. Major bleeding increased the risk of mortality by nearly threefold in two studies. One study showed an increased risk of MACE (HR 3.00,95% CI 2.75 to 3.27; p<0.0001) with bleeding and another study showed a non-significant association with rehospitalisation (HR 1.20,95% CI 0.95 to 1.52; p=0.13).

Conclusion

Bleeding complications following ACS management are common and continue to occur in the long term after hospital discharge. These bleeding complications may increase the risk of mortality and MACE, but greater evidence is needed to assess their long-term effects.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017062378.
Use of biologics during pregnancy and risk of serious infections in the mother and baby: a Canadian population-based cohort study
Authors: Tsao Nicole W , Lynd Larry D , Sayre Eric C , Sadatsafavi Mohsen , Hanley Gillian , De Vera Mary A
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To investigate the association between exposure to biologics during pregnancy and serious infections in mothers and infants.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Population-based.

Participants

Women with one or more autoimmune diseases identified by International Classification of Diseases 9th/10th revision codes in healthcare administrative databases in British Columbia, Canada, who had pregnancies ending in a live or stillbirth between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2012. Women were defined as exposed if they had at least one biologic prescription during pregnancy, and infants born to these women were considered exposed in utero. Disease-matched women with no biologics prescriptions during pregnancy, and their infants, comprised the unexposed groups.

Primary outcome measures

Serious infections requiring hospitalisation.

Results

Over the 10-year study period, there were 6218 women (8607 pregnancies) who had an autoimmune disease diagnosis, of which 90 women were exposed to biologics during pregnancy, with 100 babies born to these women. Among women exposed to biologics during pregnancy, occurrence of serious postpartum infections were low, ranging from 0% to 5%, depending on concomitant exposures to immunosuppressants. In multivariable models using logistic regression, the OR for the association of biologics exposure with serious maternal postpartum infections was 0.79 (95% CI 0.24 to 2.54). In infants exposed to biologics in utero, occurrence of serious infections during the first year of life ranged from 0% to 7%, depending on concomitant exposures to immunosuppressants in utero. Multivariable models showed no association between biologics exposure in utero and serious infant infections (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.81).

Conclusions

These population-based data suggest that the use of biologics by women with autoimmune diseases during pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of serious infections in mothers, during post partum or in infants during the first year of life.
How do participant experiences and characteristics influence engagement in exercise referral? A qualitative longitudinal study of a scheme in Northumberland, UK
Authors: Hanson Coral L , Oliver Emily J , Dodd-Reynolds Caroline J , Allin Linda J
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Exercise referral schemes (ERSs) are internationally widespread. This study aimed to gain an insight into differential engagement through understanding participant experiences of patients referred by healthcare professionals to one such scheme in the UK.

Design

The study employed a qualitative longitudinal approach using semistructured interviews, with results reported using Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research guidelines.

Setting

Two leisure centres providing an ‘emerging best-practice’ ERS in northeast England.

Participants

Referred patients (n=11), who had not yet commenced the scheme, were recruited on a voluntary basis. Seven females and four males, with a range of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, mental health issues, diabetes, overweight/obesity and musculoskeletal problems, participated.

Intervention

24-weeks, two times per week, of supervised exercise sessions and three one-to-one assessments (prescheme, 12 weeks and 24 weeks) for patients referred from primary and secondary care.

Primary outcome measures

Two longitudinal semistructured interviews, prior to commencement and 12–20 weeks later, were thematically analysed using the framework approach. Analysis comprised seven stages: transcription, familiarisation, coding, development and application of an analytical framework, charting data using a matrix and interpretation of data. Interpretation went beyond descriptions of individual cases to develop themes, which identified and offered possible explanations for differing participant experiences.

Results

Three overarching themes emerged. First, ‘success’, with engaged participants focused on health outcomes and reported increases in physical activity. Second, ‘struggle’, with short-term success but concerns regarding continued engagement. Participants reported scheme dependency and cyclical needs. Finally, ‘defeat’, where ill health, social anxiety and/or poor participation experience made engagement difficult.

Conclusion

Some success in engaging those with non-communicable diseases was reported, resulting in positive effects on health and well-being. The study highlights complexity within ERSs and inequality of access for those with challenging health and social circumstances. Improved, or different, behaviour change support is required for referrals finding engagement difficult.
Assessing the impact of artistic and cultural activities on the health and well-being of forcibly displaced people using participatory action research
Authors: Clini Clelia , Thomson Linda J M , Chatterjee Helen J
Published: February 2019

Objective

Drawing on a growing body of research suggesting that taking part in artistic and cultural activities benefits health and well-being, the objective was to develop a participatory action research (PAR) method for assessing the impact of arts interventions on forcibly displaced people, and identify themes concerning perceived benefits of such programmes.

Design

A collaborative study following PAR principles of observation, focus groups and in-depth semistructured interviews.

Setting

London-based charity working with asylum seekers and refugees.

Participants

An opportunity sample (n=31; 6 males) participated in focus groups comprising refugees/asylum seekers (n=12; 2 males), volunteers (n=4; 1 males) and charity staff (n=15; 3 males). A subset of these (n=17; 3 males) participated in interviews comprising refugees/asylum seekers (n=7; 1 males), volunteers (n=7; 1 males) and charity staff (n=3; 1 males).

Results

Focus group findings showed that participants articulated the impact of creative activities around three main themes: skills, social engagement and personal emotions that were explored during in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis of interviews was conducted in NVivo 11 and findings showed that artistic and cultural activities impacted positively by helping participants find a voice, create support networks and learn practical skills useful in the labour market.

Conclusions

The study expanded on arts and well-being research by exploring effects of cultural and creative activities on the psychosocial well-being of refugees and asylum seekers. By focusing on the relationship between arts, well-being and forced displacement, the study was instrumental in actively trying to change the narrative surrounding refugees and asylum seekers, often depicted in negative terms in the public sphere.
Effects of dietary fat on gut microbiota and faecal metabolites, and their relationship with cardiometabolic risk factors: a 6-month randomised controlled-feeding trial
Authors: Wan Yi , Wang Fenglei , Yuan Jihong , Li Jie , Jiang Dandan , Zhang Jingjing , Li Hao , Wang Ruoyi , Tang Jun , Huang Tao , Zheng Jusheng , Sinclair Andrew J , Mann Jim , Li Duo
Published: February 2019

Objective

To investigate whether diets differing in fat content alter the gut microbiota and faecal metabolomic profiles, and to determine their relationship with cardiometabolic risk factors in healthy adults whose diet is in a transition from a traditional low-fat diet to a diet high in fat and reduced in carbohydrate.

Methods

In a 6-month randomised controlled-feeding trial, 217 healthy young adults (aged 18–35 years; body mass index <28 kg/m2; 52% women) who completed the whole trial were included. All the foods were provided during the intervention period. The three isocaloric diets were: a lower-fat diet (fat 20% energy), a moderate-fat diet (fat 30% energy) and a higher-fat diet (fat 40% energy). The effects of the dietary interventions on the gut microbiota, faecal metabolomics and plasma inflammatory factors were investigated.

Results

The lower-fat diet was associated with increased α-diversity assessed by the Shannon index (p=0.03), increased abundance ofBlautia(p=0.007) andFaecalibacterium(p=0.04), whereas the higher-fat diet was associated with increasedAlistipes(p=0.04),Bacteroides(p<0.001) and decreasedFaecalibacterium(p=0.04). The concentration of total short-chain fatty acids was significantly decreased in the higher-fat diet group in comparison with the other groups (p<0.001). The cometabolites p-cresol and indole, known to be associated with host metabolic disorders, were decreased in the lower-fat diet group. In addition, the higher-fat diet was associated with faecal enrichment in arachidonic acid and the lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis pathway as well as elevated plasma proinflammatory factors after the intervention.

Conclusion

Higher-fat consumption by healthy young adults whose diet is in a state of nutrition transition appeared to be associated with unfavourable changes in gut microbiota, faecal metabolomic profiles and plasma proinﬂammatory factors, which might confer adverse consequences for long-term health outcomes.

Trial registration number

NCT02355795; Results.
Interpretation of bender element test results using sliding Fourier transform method
Authors: Kumar Jyant , Shinde Ninad Sanjeev
Published: February 2019

Identification of the arrival point of the shear wave in bender element tests is a task that can have ambiguous results. The contamination of the received shear wave signal with a weak P-wave component, which can emerge either directly from the transmitter or reflect from the side boundary, makes the judgement involved in this task dubious. The different available procedures to mark the arrival times of the shear wave are often prone to errors. A method is proposed to identify the time of the arrival of the shear wave. The predominant frequency of the received signal is first evaluated and then, with the help of the sliding Fourier transform approach, the arrival of the shear wave is identified. The method does not require any manual intervention. The proposed approach is applied to bender element tests performed on dry and saturated sand and glass beads by varying (i) input frequency of the signal, (ii) confining pressure, and (iii) void ratio. Results for different cases, including those obtained by using resonant column tests, are found to be very promising.
Fold–thrust structures – where have all the buckles gone?
Authors: Butler Robert W. H. , Bond Clare E. , Cooper Mark A. , Watkins Hannah
Published: February 2019

The margins to evolving orogenic belts experience near layer-parallel contraction that can evolve into fold–thrust belts. Developing cross-section-scale understanding of these systems necessitates structural interpretation. However, over the past several decades a false distinction has arisen between some forms of so-called fault-related folding and buckle folding. We investigate the origins of this confusion and seek to develop unified approaches for interpreting fold–thrust belts that incorporate deformation arising both from the amplification of buckling instabilities and from localized shear failures (thrust faults). Discussions are illustrated using short case studies from the Bolivian Subandean chain (Incahuasi anticline), the Canadian Cordillera (Livingstone anticlinorium) and Subalpine chains of France and Switzerland. Only fault–bend folding is purely fault-related and other forms, such as fault-propagation and detachment folds, all involve components of buckling. Better integration of understanding of buckling processes, the geometries and structural evolutions that they generate may help to understand how deformation is distributed within fold–thrust belts. It may also reduce the current biases engendered by adopting a narrow range of idealized geometries when constructing cross-sections and evaluating structural evolution in these systems.
Laser Desorption Combined with Laser Postionization for Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hanley Luke , Wickramasinghe Raveendra , Yung Yeni P.
Published: February 2019

Lasers with pulse lengths from nanoseconds to femtoseconds and wavelengths from the mid-infrared to extreme ultraviolet (UV) have been used for desorption or ablation in mass spectrometry. Such laser sampling can often benefit from the addition of a second laser for postionization of neutrals. The advantages offered by laser postionization include the ability to forego matrix application, high lateral resolution, decoupling of ionization from desorption, improved analysis of electrically insulating samples, and potential for high sensitivity and depth profiling while minimizing differential detection. A description of postionization by vacuum UV radiation is followed by a consideration of multiphoton, short pulse, and other postionization strategies. The impacts of laser pulse length and wavelength are considered for laser desorption or laser ablation at low pressures. Atomic and molecular analysis via direct laser desorption/ionization using near-infrared ultrashort pulses is described. Finally, the postionization of clusters, the role of gaseous collisions, sampling at ambient pressure, atmospheric pressure photoionization, and the addition of UV postionization to MALDI are considered.
Chloroplast Lipids and Their Biosynthesis
Authors: Hölzl Georg , Dörmann Peter
Published: February 2019

Chloroplasts contain high amounts of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) and low levels of the anionic lipids sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and glucuronosyldiacylglycerol (GlcADG). The mostly extraplastidial lipid phosphatidylcholine is found only in the outer envelope. Chloroplasts are the major site for fatty acid synthesis. In Arabidopsis, a certain proportion of glycerolipids is entirely synthesized in the chloroplast (prokaryotic lipids). Fatty acids are also exported to the endoplasmic reticulum and incorporated into lipids that are redistributed to the chloroplast (eukaryotic lipids). MGDG, DGDG, SQDG, and PG establish the thylakoid membranes and are integral constituents of the photosynthetic complexes. Phosphate deprivation induces phospholipid degradation accompanied by the increase in DGDG, SQDG, and GlcADG. During freezing and drought stress, envelope membranes are stabilized by the conversion of MGDG into oligogalactolipids. Senescence and chlorotic stress lead to lipid and chlorophyll degradation and the deposition of acyl and phytyl moieties as fatty acid phytyl esters.
Adolescent Suicide as a Failure of Acute Stress-Response Systems
Authors: Miller Adam Bryant , Prinstein Mitchell J.
Published: February 2019

Suicide is the second leading cause of death worldwide for adolescents. Despite decades of research on correlates and risk factors for adolescent suicide, we know little about why suicidal ideation and behavior frequently emerge in adolescence and how to predict, and ultimately prevent, suicidal behavior among youths. In this review, we first discuss knowledge regarding correlates, risk factors, and theories of suicide. We then review why adolescence is a period of unique vulnerability, given changing biology and social network reorganization. Next, we present a conceptual model through which to interpret emerging findings in adolescent suicide research. We suggest that a promising area for future research is to examine adolescent suicide as a failure of biological responses to acute stress in the proximal moments of a suicidal crisis. After reviewing initial evidence for this conceptualization, we review future directions for studies on adolescent suicide.
Kinetics of Drug Binding and Residence Time
Authors: Bernetti Mattia , Masetti Matteo , Rocchia Walter , Cavalli Andrea
Published: February 2019

The kinetics of drug binding and unbinding is assuming an increasingly crucial role in the long, costly process of bringing a new medicine to patients. For example, the time a drug spends in contact with its biological target is known as residence time (the inverse of the kinetic constant of the drug-target unbinding, 1/ koff). Recent reports suggest that residence time could predict drug efficacy in vivo, perhaps even more effectively than conventional thermodynamic parameters (free energy, enthalpy, entropy). There are many experimental and computational methods for predicting drug-target residence time at an early stage of drug discovery programs. Here, we review and discuss the methodological approaches to estimating drug binding kinetics and residence time. We first introduce the theoretical background of drug binding kinetics from a physicochemical standpoint. We then analyze the recent literature in the field, starting from the experimental methodologies and applications thereof and moving to theoretical and computational approaches to the kinetics of drug binding and unbinding. We acknowledge the central role of molecular dynamics and related methods, which comprise a great number of the computational methods and applications reviewed here. However, we also consider kinetic Monte Carlo. We conclude with the outlook that drug (un)binding kinetics may soon become a go/no go step in the discovery and development of new medicines.
Capsaicin causes robust reduction in glycinergic transmission to rat hypoglossal motor neurons via a TRPV1-independent mechanism
Authors: Thakre Prajwal P. , Bellingham Mark C.
Published: February 2019

The effect of capsaicin on glycinergic synaptic transmission to juvenile rat hypoglossal motor neurons in acute brainstem slices was evaluated in the presence of TTX. Capsaicin caused a robust decrease in miniature IPSC frequency, amplitude, and half-width, showing that this effect is independent of action potential generation. In the presence of capsazepine, a classic TRPV1 antagonist, capsaicin was still able to reduce spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current (IPSC) amplitude and frequency. We further investigated whether the effect of capsaicin on glycinergic transmission to hypoglossal motor neurons is pre- or postsynaptic in nature by recording pairs of evoked IPSCs. Interestingly, capsaicin also reduced evoked IPSC amplitude without affecting paired-pulse ratio, indicating a postsynaptic mechanism of action. Significant reduction was also observed in evoked IPSC half-width, rise time, and decay tau. We also show that capsaicin does not have any effect on either transient (It) or sustained (Is) potassium currents. Finally, we also show that the hyperpolarization-activated cationic current (Ih) also remains unchanged after capsaicin application.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Capsaicin reduces the amplitude of quantal and evoked glycinergic inhibitory neurotransmission to brainstem motor neurons without altering activity-dependent transmitter release. This effect of capsaicin is not due to activation of TRPV1 receptors, as it is not blocked by capsazepine, a TRPV1 receptor antagonist. Capsaicin does not alter voltage-dependent potassium current or the hyperpolarization-activated cationic current in brainstem motor neurons.
Semantic representation of abstract and concrete words: a minireview of neural evidence
Authors: Montefinese Maria
Published: February 2019

Evidence from both behavioral and neuropsychological studies suggest that different types of organizational principles govern semantic representations of abstract and concrete words. The reviewed neuroimaging studies provide new evidence about the role of brain areas of the semantic network involved in the encoding of some types of information during processing of abstract and concrete concepts, better characterizing the neural underpinnings and the organizational principles of semantic representation of these types of word.
Time-resolved quantification of the dynamic extracellular space in the brain: study of cortical spreading depression
Authors: Zhao Hui-Hui , Du Hong , Cai Yujie , Liu Chao , Xie Zeyu , Chen Kevin C.
Published: February 2019

Extracellular diffusion in the brain is customarily characterized by two parameters, the extracellular space (ECS) volume fraction α and the diffusion tortuosity λ. How these two parameters are temporarily modified and correlated in a physiological/pathological event remains unclear to date. Using tetramethylammonium (TMA+) as an ECS ion tracer in a newly updated iontophoretic sinusoidal method, we studied in this work the dynamic α( t) and λ( t) in rat somatosensory cortex during spreading depression (SD). Temporal variations of α( t) and λ( t), as evoked by SD, were obtained through analyses of the extracellular TMA+diffusion waveform resulting from a sinusoidally modulated point source. Most of the time, cortical SD induced coordinated α( t) decreases and λ( t) increases. In rare occasions, SD induced sole decreases of α( t) with no changes in λ( t). The independent modulation of α( t) and λ( t) was neither associated with cortical anatomy nor with the specific shape of the SD field potential wave. Changes of α( t) and λ( t) often took place acutely at the onset of SD, followed by a more transient modulation. Compared with the prior iontophoretic methods of TMA+, the sinusoidal method provides time-resolved quantification of α( t) and λ( t) in relative terms but also raises a higher property requirement on the TMA+-selective microelectrode. The sinusoidal method could become a valuable tool in the studies of the dynamic ECS response in various brain events.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY An iontophoretic sinusoidal method was applied to study the dynamic changes of two extracellular space parameters, the extracellular volume fraction α( t) and tortuosity λ( t), in the brain during cortical spreading depression. Both parameters showed coordinated (most often) and independent (rarely) modulations in spreading depression. The sinusoidal method is equally applicable to other acute pathological events and a valuable tool to study the functional role of extracellular space in brain events.
Central sensitization increases the pupil dilation elicited by mechanical pinprick stimulation
Authors: van den Broeke E. N. , Hartgerink D. M. , Butler J. , Lambert J. , Mouraux A.
Published: February 2019

High-frequency electrical stimulation (HFS) of skin nociceptors triggers central sensitization (CS), manifested as increased pinprick sensitivity of the skin surrounding the site of HFS. Our aim was to assess the effect of CS on pinprick-evoked pupil dilation responses (PDRs) and pinprick-evoked brain potentials (PEPs). We hypothesized that the increase in the positive wave of PEPs following HFS would result from an enhanced pinprick-evoked phasic response of the locus coeruleus-noradrenergic system (LC-NS), indicated by enhanced PDRs. In 14 healthy volunteers, 64- and 96-mN pinprick stimuli were delivered to the left and right forearms, before and 20 minutes after HFS was applied to one of the two forearms. Both PEPs and pinprick-evoked PDRs were recorded. After HFS, pinprick stimuli were perceived as more intense at the HFS-treated arm compared with baseline and control site, and this increase was similar for both stimulation intensities. Importantly, the pinprick-evoked PDR was also increased, and the increase was stronger for 64- compared with 96-mN stimulation. This is in line with our previous results showing a stronger increase of the PEP positivity at 64 vs. 96-mN stimulation and suggests that the increase in PEP positivity observed in previous studies could relate, at least in part, to enhanced LC-NS activity. However, there was no increase of the PEP positivity in the present study, indicating that enhanced LC-NS activity is not the only determinant of the HFS-induced enhancement of PEPs. Altogether, our results indicate that PDRs are more sensitive for detecting CS than PEPs.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We provide the first demonstration in humans that activity-dependent central sensitization increases pinprick-evoked autonomic arousal measured by enhanced pupil dilation response.