bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mentor Contour Profile Gel Implants: Clinical Outcomes at 10 Years
Authors: Hammond Dennis C. , Canady John W. , Love Tim R. , Wixtrom Roger N. , Caplin David A.
Published: November 2017

Background:

Contour Profile Gel/MemoryShape breast implants consist of a textured silicone elastomer shell filled with silicone gel. The objective of this clinical study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of Contour Profile Gel/MemoryShape breast implants in women who were undergoing primary breast augmentation, primary breast reconstruction, or revision surgery (revision-augmentation or revision-reconstruction).

Methods:

This was a prospective, open-label, multicenter clinical study involving Contour Profile Gel/MemoryShape breast implants in 955 female subjects, including 572 primary augmentation, 124 revision-augmentation, 190 primary reconstruction, and 69 revision-reconstruction subjects. Safety was assessed based on the incidence, severity, and method of resolution of all complications. Endpoints were examined on both a per-subject and a per-implant basis.

Results:

For the primary augmentation, revision-augmentation, primary reconstruction, and revision-reconstruction cohorts, the Kaplan-Meier estimated 10-year cumulative incidence rates for the key complications at the subject level were as follows: Baker grade III/IV capsular contracture, 3.6 (primary augmentation), 15.5 (revision-augmentation), 14.3 (primary reconstruction), and 16.4 (revision-reconstruction) percent; infection, 0.7 (primary augmentation), 1.9 (revision-augmentation), 1.6 (primary reconstruction), and 2.9 (revision-reconstruction) percent; explantation with or without replacement, 9.2 (primary augmentation), 25.9 (revision-augmentation), 34.1 (primary reconstruction), and 49.0 (revision-reconstruction) percent; explantation with replacement with study device, 4.0 (primary augmentation), 10.8 (revision-augmentation), 16.7 (primary reconstruction), and 27.9 (revision-reconstruction) percent; and any reoperation, 22.3 (primary augmentation), 35.0 (revision-augmentation), 52.7 (primary reconstruction), and 59.7 (revision-reconstruction) percent.

Conclusion:

The results of this study demonstrate that Contour Profile Gel/MemoryShape breast implants are safe and effective for primary and revision breast augmentation and reconstruction for women at least 22 years old.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Use and Condomless Anal Sex: Evidence of Risk Compensation in a Cohort of Young Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Newcomb Michael E. , Moran Kevin , Feinstein Brian A. , Forscher Emily , Mustanski Brian
Published: November 2017

Background:

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are disproportionately impacted by HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective at preventing HIV acquisition. It remains unclear if PrEP use increases rates of condomless sex (ie, risk compensation), which may increase risk of infection if PrEP adherence is not optimal. This study aimed to examine whether PrEP use and PrEP adherence were associated with change in sexual risk behaviors in a large longitudinal cohort of YMSM reporting on multiple sexual partnerships over time.

Method:

Data were obtained from the first 3 visits of an ongoing cohort study of YMSM in Chicago (analytic N = 953; 14.1% HIV-positive at baseline). Participants reported up to 4 sexual partnerships at each visit, including sexual behavior, PrEP use, and PrEP adherence within partnerships.

Results:

YMSM reported higher rates of receptive condomless anal sex (CAS) in partnerships during which they were on PrEP compared with those when they were not on PrEP. This association was consistent across both HIV-negative and HIV-positive participants reporting on partnerships with both perceived HIV-negative/unknown and HIV-positive partners. The rate of receptive CAS was higher in PrEP nonadherent partnerships compared with non-PrEP partnerships. The rate of receptive CAS was also higher in PrEP nonadherent than adherent partnerships, but this was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

These analyses provide compelling data suggesting that YMSM are engaging in risk compensation when on PrEP. If rates of receptive CAS are highest among YMSM who are PrEP nonadherent, PrEP as a prevention strategy could fail to curb HIV incidence among YMSM.
Abdominal Fat Depots and Subclinical Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis in Women With and Without HIV Infection
Authors: Glesby Marshall J. , Hanna David B. , Hoover Donald R. , Shi Qiuhu , Yin Michael T. , Kaplan Robert , Tien Phyllis C. , Cohen Mardge , Anastos Kathryn , Sharma Anjali
Published: November 2017

Background:

Data on associations between abdominal fat depot mass and subclinical atherosclerosis are limited, especially in women with HIV.

Methods:

We assessed cross-sectional associations of dual X-ray absorptiometry scan-derived estimates of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) with 3 measures of subclinical carotid artery atherosclerosis—carotid artery stiffness (Young's modulus of elasticity), presence of carotid artery lesions, and carotid artery intima-media thickness—in a subsample of participants in the Women's Interagency HIV Study. Statistical models adjusted for demographic variables, HIV serostatus, behavioral variables, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Results:

There were 244 women with and 99 without HIV infection (median age 42, 62% black). VAT mass (but not SAT) was associated with greater carotid artery stiffness in a fully adjusted linear regression model, including adjustment for SAT (β = 11.3 log 103·N·m−2 per kg VAT, 95% confidence interval: 1.0 to 21.7). Greater SAT mass was associated with lower odds of having a carotid artery lesion in a fully adjusted model, including adjustment for VAT [adjusted odds ratio, 0.49 per kg of SAT (0.25 to 0.94)]. Neither VAT nor SAT was associated with carotid artery intima-media thickness. The VAT/SAT ratio was not statistically associated with any of the outcomes after covariate adjustment.

Conclusions:

In our cross-sectional study of women, the majority of whom had HIV, greater VAT mass was associated with increased carotid artery stiffness, whereas greater SAT mass was associated with a reduced odds of prevalent carotid artery lesions.
Optimizing HIV transition services for young adults
Authors: Foster Caroline , Fidler Sarah
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review

A total of 1.8 million adolescents live with HIV and constitute the only age group in which HIV-associated mortality continues to rise. Meeting their healthcare needs as they transition from paediatric services to adult care is vital for their own health and in prevention of onward transmission to partners and offspring. In this review, we discuss the issues around transition, both within HIV health care and the wider transitions adolescents negotiate as they move out of childhood and into adult life.

Recent findings

Although transition models vary widely across the globe, the difficulties faced in gathering robust outcome data following transition to adult care and in linkage between paediatric and adult cohorts are universal. Data are particularly sparse for behaviourally infected adolescents outside North America and for key population groups. Poorer health outcomes universal to adolescents may reflect the complex multisystem developmental transition from childhood-to-adulthood, of which transition of healthcare services is a small part.

The complex needs of this generation are well described and whilst examples of good practice are emerging, how best to support their transition to adulthood requires carefully tailored studies of cost-effective interventions that can be up scaled in resource limited settings.
Caregiver Education Reduces the Incidence of Community-Acquired CLABSIs in the Pediatric Patient With Intestinal Failure
Authors: Drews Barbie , Macaluso Michelle , Piper Hannah , Channabasappa Nandini
Published: November 2017

Pediatric patients with intestinal failure often require central venous catheters for extended periods of time for parenteral nutrition, blood sampling, and medication administration, increasing morbidity, mortality, and costs. In 2007, we reported a central line-associated bloodstream infection rate of 7.0 per 1,000 catheter line-days in our pediatric patients with intestinal failure. On the basis of this high rate of catheter-associated infections, we developed and implemented a central line care curriculum for patients/family caregivers and home health nurses. We aim to show with the implementation of patient/family caregiver and home health nurse standardized education, the central line-associated bloodstream infection rate can be significantly reduced and that this is sustainable. A retrospective review of 80 pediatric outpatients with intestinal failure and long-term central venous access was performed between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2014. During this time period, the nursing department at Children's Medical Center of Dallas implemented a systematic central line care education program for patients and/or caregivers. The number of community-acquired central line-associated bloodstream infections during this time period was collected and compared with our previously reported data from 2005 to 2007 prior to the implementation of education program. With the implementation of standardized care guidelines and a central venous catheter care curriculum, the community-acquired rate decreased from 4.8 to 2.9 per 1,000 catheter-days in 80 patients with intestinal failure between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2014 (p < .001). This was also a significant decrease compared with the initial central line-associated bloodstream infection rate of 7.0 per 1,000 central line days in 2007 (p < .001) prior to the development of the central venous catheter care curriculum. We have shown that the incidence of community-acquired central line-associated bloodstream infections in children with intestinal failure can be reduced through formal education of central venous catheter care to family members.
Evaluation of Adherence to American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Guidelines
Authors: Masoompour Seyed Masoom , Kasaee Reza , Mahdaviazad Hamideh
Published: November 2017

Overuse of stress ulcer prophylaxis has a considerable cost burden on patient and healthcare systems. This study aimed to determine the adherence level of stress ulcer prophylaxis use with American Society of Health-System Pharmacists guidelines in a teaching hospital in Shiraz, Iran. From March to September 2013, we enrolled all eligible patients admitted to the general medical wards of Shahid Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. According to American Society of Health-System Pharmacists guidelines, patients who had at least one major or two minor risk factors for stress ulcers and received stress ulcer prophylaxis were labeled as adherent, others were considered nonadherent. During the study period, 441 patients enrolled, of which 257 (58.3%) were women. The mean ±SD age of patients was 54.7 ± 20 years. The mean ±SD length of hospital stay for patients was 11.3 ± 6 days. Overall, 354 patients (80.2%) received proton pump inhibitors as stress ulcer prophylaxis. There were 127 patients who properly received stress ulcer prophylaxis. Total adherence to American Society of Health-System Pharmacists guidelines in our hospital was 28.8%. We observed a high frequency of unnecessary use of stress ulcer prophylaxis in hospitalized, noncritically ill patients with inappropriate continuation after discharge.
Nursing Assessment of Patients Requiring Enteral and Gastric Feeding Tubes
Authors: Leckey Jill , Davis Suja , Raphael-Grimm Theresa
Published: November 2017

There is insufficient information available in the current literature regarding how nurses assess, intervene, and advocate for patients with indwelling gastric and enteral tube feedings. To understand ways in which nurses could be more supportive, a survey, distributed through private online social media groups, was designed to elicit preliminary data from patients who are currently, or had recently been treated, with a feeding tube. This survey examines nurse behaviors that patients identify as actually or potentially helpful with the physical, emotional, social, and logistical aspects of having a feeding tube. The results of the survey reveal that, although some patients report feeling cared for by nurses and believe that their nurses were compassionate, a greater number of respondents express that their nurses were less informed and less able to provide help with their emotional challenges. Further investigation is needed to assess how nurses can better support these patients and better identify the successful and transformative interventions that would be helpful to them.
Electrodiagnostic Evidence of Berrettini Anastomosis
Authors: Seidel Madeleine E. , Seidel Geoffrey K. , Hakopian David , Hornbach Erich , Andary Michael
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

Cadaveric palmar dissections reveal an ulnar sensory crossover (Berrettini anastomosis) to the third common palmar nerve so frequently that this crossover is considered a normal part of the anatomy. No literature has documented electrophysiologic evidence of the Berrettini anastomosis (BA). Presentation of third digit ulnar sensory crossover waveforms.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review case series. Clinical office. Nerve conduction waveforms and data.

Results:

Ulnar stimulation sensory crossover waveforms to digit three consistent with BA are presented.

Conclusions:

Third digit BA is measurable in routine electrodiagnostic nerve conduction study in some patients. The observed BA latency is the same and the amplitude is smaller (25% to 33%) than the ulnar sensory response. The clinical significance of the BA sensory response is unclear. The presence of a BA in severe carpal tunnel syndrome may give a small amplitude normal latency sensory response that could be misinterpreted and lead to a false negative result.
Dissecting FcγR Regulation Through a Multivalent Binding Model
Authors: Robinett Ryan A. , Guan Ning , Lux Anja , Biburger Markus , Nimmerjahn Falk , Meyer Aaron S
Published: November 2017

Many immune receptors transduce activation across the plasma membrane through their clustering. With Fcγ receptors, this clustering is driven by binding to antibodies of differing affinities that are in turn bound to multivalent antigen. As a consequence of this activation mechanism, accounting for and rationally manipulating IgG effector function is complicated by, among other factors, differing affinities between FcγR species and changes in the valency of antigen binding. In this study, we show that a model of multivalent receptor-ligand binding can effectively account for the contribution of IgG-FcγR affinity and immune complex valency. This model in turn enables us to make specific predictions about the effect of immune complexes of defined composition. In total, these results enable both rational immune complex design for a desired IgG effector function and the deconvolution of effector function by immune complexes.

Summary points

Avidity most prominently modulates low-affinity FcγR-immune complex binding

A multivalent binding model can quantitatively predict FcγR-immune complex binding

Immune complex avidity has an outsized contribution to FcγR multimerizationas compared to binding

A binding model deconvoles and predicts the influence of interventions modulatingin vivoFcγR-driven effector function
A single cycle influenza virus coated in H7 hemagglutinin provides heterotypic protection and neutralising antibody responses to both glycoproteins
Authors: Powell Timothy J , Rijal Pramila , McEwen-Smith Rosanna M , Byun Haewon , Hardwick Marc , Schimanski Lisa M , Huang Kuan-Ying A , Daniels Rodney S , Townsend Alain R M
Published: November 2017

A non-replicating form of pseudotyped influenza virus, inactivated by suppression of the hemagglutinin signal sequence (S-FLU), can act as a broadly protective vaccine. S-FLU can infect for a single round only, and induces heterotypic protection predominantly through activation of cross-reactive T cells in the lung. Unlike the licensed live attenuated virus, it cannot reassort a pandemic HA into seasonal influenza. Here we present data on four new forms of S-FLU coated with the H7 hemagglutinins from A/Anhui/1/2013 and A/Shanghai/1/2013, H7N9 viruses that emerged recently in China, and A/Netherlands/219/2003 and A/New York/107/2003. We show that vaccination in the lung induced a strong local CD8 T cell response and protected against heterosubtypic X31 (H3N2) virus and highly virulent PR8 (H1N1), but not influenza B virus. Lung vaccination also induced a strong neutralising antibody response to the encoded neuraminidase. If given at higher dose in the periphery, H7 S-FLU induced a specific neutralising antibody response to H7 hemagglutinin coating the particle. Polyvalent vaccination with mixed H7 S-FLU induced a broadly neutralising antibody response to all four H7 strains. S-FLU is a versatile vaccine candidate that could be rapidly mobilized ahead of a new pandemic threat.
Paramecium Learning: New Insights and Modifications
Authors: Alipour Abolfazl , Dorvash Mohammadreza , Yeganeh Yasaman , Hatam Gholamreza
Published: November 2017

Learning is a fundamental process in neural systems. However, microorganisms without a nervous system have been shown to possess learning abilities. Specifically,Paramecium caudatumhas been previously reported to be able to form associations between lighting conditions and cathodal shocks in its swimming medium. We have replicated previous reports on this phenomenon and tested the predictions of a molecular pathway hypothesis on paramecium learning. Our results indicated that in contrast to the previous reports, paramecium can only associate higher light intensities with cathodal stimulation and it cannot associate lower light intensities with cathodal stimulation. These results found to be in line with the predictions of the previously proposed model for the molecular mechanisms of learning in paramecium which depends on the effects of cathodal shocks on the interplay between Cyclic adenosine monophosphate concentration and phototactic behavior of paramecium.
Failure through expanding voids in bacterial streamers
Authors: Biswas Ishita , Ghosh Ranajay , Sadrzadeh Mohtada , Kumar Aloke
Published: November 2017

We investigate the failure of thick bacterial floc-mediated streamers in a microfluidic device with micro-pillars. We found that streamers could fail due to the growth of voids in the biomass that originate near the pillar walls. The quantification of void growth was made possible by the use of 200 nm fluorescent polystyrene beads. The beads get trapped in the extra-cellular matrix of the streamer biomass and act as tracers. Void growth time-scales could be characterized into short-time scales and long time-scales and the crack/void propagation showed several instances of fracture-arrest ultimately leading to a catastrophic failure of the entire streamer structure. This mode of fracture stands in strong contrast to necking-type instability observed before in streamers.
Functional Parcellation of the Default Mode Network: A Large-Scale Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Shaoming , Tepfer Lindsey J. , Taren Adrienne A. , Smith David V.
Published: November 2017

The default mode network (DMN) consists of several regions that selectively interact to support distinct domains of cognition. Of the various sites that partake in DMN function, the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), temporal parietal junction (TPJ), and medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) are frequently identified as key contributors. Yet, it remains unclear whether these subcomponents of the DMN make unique contributions to specific cognitive processes and health conditions. To address this issue, we applied a meta-analytic parcellation approach used in prior work. This approach used the Neurosynth database and classification methods to quantify the association between PCC, TPJ, and MPFC activation and specific topics related to cognition and health (e.g., decision making and smoking). Our analyses replicated prior observations that the PCC, TPJ, and MPFC collectively support multiple cognitive functions such as decision making, memory, and awareness. To gain insight into the functional organization of each region, we parceled each region based on its coactivation pattern with the rest of the brain. This analysis indicated that each region could be further subdivided into functionally distinct subcomponents. Taken together, we further delineate DMN function by demonstrating the relative strengths of association among subcomponents across a range of cognitive processes and health conditions. A continued attentiveness to the specialization within the DMN allows future work to consider the nuances in sub-regional contributions necessary for healthy cognition, as well as create the potential for more targeted treatment protocols in various health conditions.
Androgen receptor binding sites are highly mutated in prostate cancer
Authors: Morova Tunç , Gönen Mehmet , Gursoy Attila , Keskin Özlem , Lack Nathan A.
Published: November 2017

Androgen receptor (AR) signalling is essential to nearly all prostate cancer cells. Any alterations to AR-mediated transcription can have a profound effect on prostate carcinogenesis and tumour growth. While the AR protein has been extensively studied, little is know about mutations to the non-coding regions where AR binds to DNA. Using clinical whole genome sequencing, we demonstrate that AR binding sites have a dramatically increased rate of mutations that is greater than any other transcription factor and specific to only prostate cancer. Demonstrating this may be common to lineage-specific transcription factors, estrogen receptor binding sites had an elevated rate of mutations in breast cancer. Based on the mutations observed at the binding site of AR and other related transcription factors, we proposed that AR occupancy impairs access of base excision repair enzymes to endogenous DNA damage. Overall, this work demonstrates that non-coding AR binding sites are frequently mutated in prostate cancer and may potentially act as driver mutations.
EASI-tag enables accurate multiplexed and interference-free MS2-based proteome quantification
Authors: Winter Sebastian Virreira , Meier Florian , Wichmann Christoph , Cox Juergen , Mann Matthias , Meissner Felix
Published: November 2017

We developed EASI-tag (Easily Abstractable Sulfoxide-based Isobaric tag), a new generation of amine-derivatizing and sulfoxide-containing isobaric labelling reagents, which dissociate at low collision energy and generate peptide-coupled, interference-free reporter ions with high yield. Efficient isolation of 12C precursors and quantification at the MS2 level enable accurate determination of quantitative differences between multiplexed samples. EASI-tag makes isobaric labeling applicable to any bottom up proteomics workflow and to benchtop mass spectrometers.
What goes up must come down Biomechanical impact analysis of jumping locusts
Authors: Reichel Simon V. , Labisch Susanna , Dirks Jan-Henning
Published: November 2017

Many insects are able to precisely control their jumping movements. Previous studies have shown that many falling insects have some degree of control of their landing-orientation, indicating a possible significant biomechanical role of the exoskeleton in air righting mechanisms. Once in the air, the properties of the actual landing site are almost impossible to predict. Falling insects thus have to cope mostly with the situation at impact. What exactly happens at the impact? Do locusts actively ‘prepare for landing’ while falling, or do they just ‘crash’ into the substrate?

Detailed impact analyses of free falling Schistocerca gregaria locusts show that most insects typically crashed onto the substrate. There was no notable impact-reducing behaviour (protrusion of legs, etc.). Independent of dropping angle, both warm and cooled locusts mostly fell onto head and thorax first. Our results also show that alive warm locusts fell significantly faster than inactive or dead locusts. This indicates a possible tradeoff between active control vs. reduced speed. Looking at the morphology of the head-thorax connection in locusts, we propose that the anterior margin of the pronotum might function as a ‘toby collar’ structure, reducing the risk of impact damage to the neck joint. Interestingly, at impact alive insects also tended to perform a bending movement of the body.

This biomechanical adaptation might reduce the rebound and shorten the time to recover. The adhesive pads also play an important role to reduce the time to recover by anchoring the insect to the substrate.
Dopaminergic drug treatment remediates exaggerated cingulate prediction error responses in obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Murray Graham K , Knolle Franziska , Ersche Karen D , Craig Kevin J , Abbott Sanja , Shabbir Shaila S , Fineberg Naomi A. , Suckling John , Sahakian Barbara J , Bullmore Edward T , Robbins Trevor W
Published: November 2017

Rationale

Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have been found to show exaggerated error responses and prediction error learning signals in a variety of EEG and fMRI tasks, with data converging on the anterior cingulate cortex as a key locus of dysfunction. Considerable evidence has linked prediction error processing to dopaminergic function.

Objective

In this study we investigate potential dopaminergic dysfunction during reward processing in the context of OCD.

Methods

We studied OCD patients (n=18) and controls (n=18) whilst they learned probabilistic associations between abstract stimuli and monetary rewards in the fMRI scanner involving administration (on separate visits) of: a dopamine receptor agonist, pramipexole 0.5mg; a dopamine receptor antagonist, amisulpride 400mg, and placebo. We fitted a Q-learning computational model to fMRI prediction error responses; group differences were examined in anterior cingulate and nucleus accumbens regions of interest.

Results

There were no significant group, drug or interaction effects in number of correct choices; computational modeling suggested a marginally significant difference in learning rates between groups (p=0.089, partial ⍰2=0.1). In the imaging results, there was a significant interaction of group by drug (p=0.013, partial ⍰2=0.13). OCD patients showed abnormally strong cingulate signaling of prediction errors during omission of an expected reward, with unexpected reduction by both pramipexole and amisulpride (p=0.014, partial ⍰2=0.26, 1-β error probability=0.94). Exaggerated cingulate prediction error signaling to omitted reward in placebo was related to trait subjective difficulty in self-regulating behavior in OCD.

Conclusions

Our data support cingulate dysfunction during reward processing in OCD, and bidirectional remediation by dopaminergic modulation, suggesting that exaggerated cingulate error signals in OCD may be of dopaminergic origin. The results help to illuminate the mechanisms through which dopamine receptor antagonists achieve therapeutic benefit in OCD. Further research is needed to disentangle the different functions of dopamine receptor agonists and antagonists during bidirectional modulation of cingulate activation.
Crystal structure, thermal and fluorescence properties of 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine-1,1′,1′′-triium tetrachloridonickelate(II) chloride
Authors: Zeghouan Ouahida , Bendjeddou Lamia , Merazig Hocine , Daran Jean Claude
Published: November 2017

The title compound, (C15H14N3)[NiCl4]Cl, comprises an NiIIcation tetrahedrally coordinated by four chloride anions, a non-coordinating chloride anion and an essentially planar terpyridinium trication (tpyH33+), in which the central pyridinium ring forms dihedral angles of 5.7 (2) and 6.0 (2)° with the peripheral pyridinium rings. Three inter-species N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds are formed with the Cl−anion, which also forms a link between the (tpyH33+) cations through an aromatic C—H...Cl interaction, forming a zigzag chain extending along the 21(b) screw axis. Two of the anionic Cl atoms of the [NiCl4]2−anions form Ni—Cl...π interactions with separate pyridinium rings [Ni...Cg= 3.669 (3) and 3.916 (4) Å]. In the crystal, successive undulating inorganic and organic layers are formed, extending across the (100) plane. Thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) indicate that the compound starts to decompose at 313 K and may be a candidate for use as a blue-light luminescent material.
Crystal structure of diethyl 3,3′-[(4-nitrophenyl)methylene]bis(1H-indole-2-carboxylate)
Authors: Sun Hong-Shun , Li Yu-Long , Jiang Hong , Chen Yu-Liang , Hu Ya-Di
Published: November 2017

In the title compound, C29H25N3O6, the mean planes of the two indole ring systems (r.m.s. deviations = 0.0115 and 0.0082 Å) are approximately perpendicular to one another, making a dihedral angle of 89.7 (5)°; the benzene ring is twisted with respect to the two indole ring systems by 52.6 (4) and 88.2 (3)°. In the crystal, pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into the inversion dimers, which are further linked into supramolecular chains along theb-axis direction. Weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds and C—H...π interactions are also observed in the crystal.
3-Ethylindan-1-one
Authors: Sonneck Marcel , Spannenberg Anke , Wohlrab Sebastian , Peppel Tim
Published: November 2017

The title compound, C11H12O, has been prepared as a side product in the attempted room-temperature synthesis of (E)-1-phenylpent-2-en-1-one. The molecular structure consists of an approximately planar indanone core (r.m.s. deviation = 0.042 Å) with the ethyl group protruding from this plane. In the crystal, centrosymmetrically related molecules are linked into dimers by pairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming rings ofR22(10) graph-set motif. The dimers are further connected by C—H...π interactions into chains running parallel to [-101].
Bounded rationality and the adoption of weather index insurance
Authors: Mußhoff Oliver , Hirschauer Norbert , Grüner Sven , Pielsticker Stefan
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to check which role-bounded rationality might play as an explanation for farmers’ missing willingness to adopt weather index insurance (WII). WII is an innovative risk management instrument that causes low administration and regulation costs. Moreover, index insurance is plagued neither by moral hazard nor by adverse selection. Nonetheless, WII has been little used to date in agriculture.

Design/methodology/approach

An extra-laboratory experiment in the form of a multi-period, single-person business simulation game is conducted with farmers as experimental subjects to investigate the reasons for the low willingness to adopt WII.

Findings

First, the demand for WII decreases as the premium loading increases. Second, a transparent communication of the loading reduces demand, indicating that farmers refrain from transactions if they feel that the other party earns (too) much money. Third, communicating to farmers that the index insurance has been subsidized raises demand even though insurance costs in terms of loading are kept constant. This can be taken as an indication that farmers interpret subsidies as a signal for profitable action.

Originality/value

Using an experimental approach and going beyond observational research, this study investigates the prominent question of farmers’ risk management and innovation adoption behavior, and, in particular, the behavioral effect of subsidies. Using a randomized controlled trial, the real behavior of real subjects with real incentives is studied under controlled experimental conditions. Compared to prior studies, the external validity of the experiment is improved by recruiting farmers instead of a convenience group of students.
Excess overdose mortality immediately following transfer of patients and their care as well as after cessation of opioid substitution therapy
Authors: Bogdanowicz Karolina M. , Stewart Robert , Chang Chin‐Kuo , Shetty Hitesh , Khondoker Mizanur , Day Edward , Hayes Richard D. , Strang John
Published: November 2017

Aims

To investigate clustering of all‐cause and overdose deaths after a transfer of patients and their care to alternative treatment provider and after the end of opioid substitution therapy (OST) in opioid‐dependent individuals in specialist addiction treatment.

Design, Setting and Participants

Mortality data were identified within a sample of 5335 patients with opioid use disorder who had received OST treatment between 1 April 2008 and 31 December 2013 from a large mental health‐care provider in the United Kingdom. We investigated the circumstances and distribution of the 332 deaths identified within the observation window with a specific focus on overdose deaths (n = 103) after a planned discharge, dropout and transfer between services.

Measurements

Crude mortality rates for overdose mortality 14 days, 28 days and more than 1 month after the end of treatment/transfer for overdose mortality.

Findings

Of 47 individuals who died from overdose after having been transferred between services, nine died during the first 2 weeks [crude mortality rate (CMR) = 136.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 64.3–243.1] and a further five died during the first month post‐transfer (CMR= 79.5, 95% CI = 44.2–129.7). Of the 32 individuals who died from overdose after planned OST cessation, five died during the first 2 weeks (CMR = 151.5, 95% CI = 51.1–319.0) and a further four died during the first month post‐discharge (CMR = 82.6, 95% CI = 38.4–151.0).

Conclusions

In the United Kingdom, opioid‐dependent people who are transferred to an alternative treatment provider for continuation of their opioid substitution therapy experience high overdose mortality rates, with substantially higher rates during the first month (especially during the first 14 days) following transfer.
Achyranthes bidentata polypeptide protects dopaminergic neurons from apoptosis in Parkinson's disease models both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Peng Su , Wang Caiping , Ma Jinyu , Jiang Ketao , Jiang Yuhui , Gu Xiaosong , Sun Cheng
Published: November 2017

Background and Purpose

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder closely associated with dopaminergic neuron loss. It is well documented that Achyranthes bidentata polypeptides (ABPP) are potent neuroprotective agents in several kinds of neurons. Therefore, we proposed that ABPP might play a beneficial role against PD by protecting dopaminergic neurons from apoptosis.

Experimental Approach

SH‐SY5Y cells and primary rat dopaminergic neurons were pretreated with ABPP fraction k (ABPPk), a purified fraction of ABPP, and then the cells were exposed to 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium iodide (MPP+) to induce apoptosis. Cell viability, LDH activity, a Tunel assay and protein levels of Bcl‐2 and Bax were analysed. In an in vivo PD model induced by MPTP, ABPPk was intranasally delivered to mice. Behavioural tests, immunohistochemistry, immunostaining, Nissl staining, qRT‐PCR and Western blot were employed to evaluate the potential effects of ABPPk on PD in mice.

Key Results

The application of ABPPk markedly enhanced the viability of SH‐SY5Y cells and primary dopaminergic neurons treated with neurotoxic agent MPP+. In an in vivo MPTP‐induced PD model, ABPPk significantly improved behavioural performances and prevented tyrosine hydroxylase loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta and striatum. Furthermore, we showed that MPTP‐induced astrocyte and microglia activation were largely attenuated by ABPPk, leading to low levels of neuroinflammation and a downregulation of the apoptotic signalling pathway.

Conclusion and Implications

Taken together, our data show that ABPPk protects dopaminergic neurons from apoptosis, suggesting that ABPPk might be an effective intervention for treating the neuron loss associated with disorders such as PD.
Optimal injection solution for endoscopic submucosal dissection: A randomized controlled trial of Western solutions in a porcine model
Authors: Mehta Neal , Strong Andrew T. , Franco Matheus , Stevens Tyler , Chahal Prabhleen , Jang Sunguk , Lopez Rocio , Patil Deepa , Abe Seichiiro , Saito Yutaka , Uraoka Toshio , Vargo John , Bhatt Amit
Published: November 2017

Background and Aim

When carrying out endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), procedural safety increases with greater tissue elevation and efficiency increases with longer‐lasting submucosal cushion. Fluids specifically developed for ESD in Asia are not commercially available in the West, leaving endoscopists to use a variety of injectable fluids off‐label. To determine the optimal fluid available in the West, we compared commonly used fluids for Western ESD.

Methods

All phases were carried out in an ex vivo porcine stomach model. Phase 1 compared tissue elevation and duration of submucosal cushions produced by various standard volumes of various injectable solutions used for ESD. The two best‐performing solutions used off‐label were tested head‐to‐head in ESD in Phase 2. Phase 3 compared the best solution from Phase 2 to Eleview®, currently the only submucosal injection fluid approved in the USA. In Phases 2 and 3, five ESD were carried out with each solution. The solutions were randomized and the endoscopist blinded to the solution.

Results

The best‐performing solutions in Phase 1 were 0.4% hyaluronic acid, 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES), and Eleview®. Phase 2 compared 6% HES and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), showing that ESD with 6% HES was easier (P = 0.007), faster (P = 0.041) and required less injection volume (P = 0.003). In Phase 3, resection speed, ease of ESD and total volume per area resected were comparable between 6% HES and Eleview®.

Conclusions

Of the submucosal injection fluids currently available in the West, Eleview® and 6% HES are the best‐performing solutions for ESD in a porcine model.
Explaining global variation in the latitudinal diversity gradient: Meta‐analysis confirms known patterns and uncovers new ones
Authors: Kinlock Nicole L. , Prowant Lisa , Herstoff Emily M. , Foley Catherine M. , Akin‐Fajiye Morodoluwa , Bender Nicole , Umarani Mihir , Ryu Hae Yeong , Şen Bilgecan , Gurevitch Jessica
Published: November 2017

Aim

The pattern of increasing biological diversity from high latitudes to the equator [latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG)] has been recognized for > 200 years. Empirical studies have documented this pattern across many different organisms and locations. Our goal was to quantify the evidence for the global LDG and the associated spatial, taxonomic and environmental factors. We performed a meta‐analysis on a large number of individual LDGs that have been published in the 14 years since Hillebrand's ground‐breaking meta‐analysis of the LDG, using meta‐analysis and meta‐regression approaches largely new to the fields of ecology and biogeography.

Location

Global.

Time period

January 2003–September 2015.

Major taxa studied

Bacteria, protists, plants, fungi and animals.

Methods

We synthesized the outcomes of 389 individual cases of LDGs from 199 papers published since 2003, using hierarchical mixed‐effects meta‐analysis and multiple meta‐regression. Additionally, we re‐analysed Hillebrand's original dataset using modern methods.

Results

We confirmed the generality of the LDG, but found the pattern to be weaker than was found in Hillebrand's study. We identified previously unreported variation in LDG strength and slope across longitude, with evidence that the LDG is strongest in the Western Hemisphere. Locational characteristics, such as habitat and latitude range, contributed significantly to LDG strength, whereas organismal characteristics, including taxonomic group and trophic level, did not. Modern meta‐analytical models that incorporate hierarchical structure led to more conservative and sometimes contrasting effect size estimates relative to Hillebrand's initial analysis, whereas meta‐regression revealed underlying patterns in Hillebrand's dataset that were not apparent with a traditional analysis.

Main conclusions

We present evidence of global latitudinal, longitudinal and habitat‐based patterns in the LDG, which are apparent across both marine and terrestrial realms and over a broad taxonomic range of organisms, from bacteria to plants and vertebrates.
Detection of Helicobacter pylori in stool samples of young children using real‐time polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Beer‐Davidson Gany , Hindiyeh Musa , Muhsen Khitam
Published: November 2017

Background

The aims of this study were to develop and validate a multiplex real‐time polymerase chain reaction (q‐PCR) assay of Helicobacter pylori in stool samples of healthy children. Additionally, we determined the prevalence of clarithromycin resistance and cagA gene in H. pylori‐positive samples.

Materials and methods

Archived stool samples from 188 children aged 6‐9 years and 272 samples of 92 infants aged 2‐18 months were tested for H. pylori antigens using enzyme immunoassay (EIA). A multiplex q‐PCR assay was designed to detect H. pylori 16S rRNA and urease and the human RNase P gene as an internal control. Kappa coefficient was calculated to assess the agreement between q‐PCR and EIA.

Results

Laboratory validation of the q‐PCR assay using quantitated H. pylori ATCC 43504 extracted DNA showed S‐shaped amplification curves for all genes; the limit of detection was 1 CFU/reaction. No cross‐reactivity with other bacterial pathogens was noted. Applying the multiplex q‐PCR to DNA extracted from fecal samples showed clear amplification curves for urease gene, but not for 16S rRNA. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 50% (95% CI 43%‐57%) by q‐PCR (urease cycle threshold <44) vs 59% (95% CI 52%‐66%) by EIA. Kappa coefficient was .80 (P < .001) and .44 (P < .001) for children aged 6‐9 years and 2‐18 months, respectively. Sixteen samples were positive for cagA and three were positive for clarithromycin resistance mutation (A2143G) as confirmed by sequencing.

Conclusions

The developed q‐PCR can be used as a cotechnique to enhance the accuracy of H. pylori detection in epidemiological studies and in clinical settings.
Reduced mental load in learning a motor visual task with virtual 3D method
Authors: Dan A. , Reiner M.
Published: November 2017

Distance learning is expanding rapidly, fueled by the novel technologies for shared recorded teaching sessions on the Web. Here, we ask whether 3D stereoscopic (3DS) virtual learning environment teaching sessions are more compelling than typical two‐dimensional (2D) video sessions and whether this type of teaching results in superior learning. The research goal was to compare learning in 2 virtual learning scenarios—on 2D displays and with an identical 3DS scenario. Participants watched a 2D or 3DS video of an instructor demonstrating a box origami paper‐folding task. We compared participants' folding test scores and self‐assessment questionnaires of the teaching scenarios and calculated their cognitive load index (CLI) based on electroencephalogram measurements during the observation periods. Results showed a highly significant difference between participants' folding test scores, CLI, and self‐assessment questionnaire results in 2D compared to 3DS sessions. Our findings indicate that employing stereoscopic 3D technology over 2D displays in the design of emerging virtual and augmented reality applications in distance learning has advantages.
Coumarin enhances nitrate uptake in maize roots through modulation of plasma membrane H+‐ATPase activity
Authors: Lupini A. , Araniti F. , Mauceri A. , Princi M. P. , Sorgonà A , Sunseri F. , Varanini Z. , Abenavoli M. R.
Published: November 2017

Coumarin is one of the simplest plant secondary metabolites, widely distributed in the plant kingdom, affecting root form and function, including anatomy, morphology and nutrient uptake. Although, some plant responses to coumarin have been described, comprehensive knowledge of the physiological and molecular mechanisms is lacking.

Maize seedlings exposed to different coumarin concentrations, alone or in combination with 200 μm nitrate (NO3−), were analysed, through a physiological and molecular approach, to elucidate action of coumarin on net NO3− uptake rate (NNUR). In detail, the time course of NNUR, plasma membrane (PM) H+‐ATPase activity, proton pumping and related gene expression (ZmNPF6.3, ZmNRT2.1, ZmNAR2.1, ZmHA3 and ZmHA4) were evaluated.

Coumarin alone did not affect nitrate uptake, PM H+‐ATPase activity or transcript levels of ZmNRT2.1 and ZmHA3. In contrast, coumarin alone increased ZmNPF6.3, ZmNAR2.1 and ZmHA4 expression in response to abiotic stress. When coumarin and NO3− were concurrently added to the nutrient solution, a significant increase in the NNUR, PM H+‐ATPase activity, together with ZmNAR2.1:ZmNRT2.1 and ZmHA4 expression was observed, suggesting that coumarin affected the inducible component of the high affinity transport system (iHATS), and this effect appeared to be mediated by nitrate. Moreover, results with vanadate, an inhibitor of the PM H+‐ATPase, suggested that this enzyme could be the main target of coumarin.

Surprisingly, coumarin did not affect PM H+‐ATPase activity by direct contact with plasma membrane vesicles isolated from maize roots, indicating its possible elicitor role in gene transcription.
Investigation of the quality of stored red blood cells after simulated air drop in the maritime environment
Authors: Meli Athinoula , Hancock Vicky , Doughty Heidi , Smedley Steve , Cardigan Rebecca , Wiltshire Michael
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Maritime medical capability may be compromised by blood resupply. Air‐dropped red blood cells (RBCs) is a possible mitigation factor. This study set out to evaluate RBC storage variables after a simulated parachute air drop into the sea, as limited data exist.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The air load construction for the air drop of blood was subject to static drop assessment to simulate a worst‐case parachute drop scenario. One control and two test Golden Hour shipping containers were each packaged with 10 RBC units. The control box was not dropped; Test Boxes 1 and 2 were further reinforced with waterproof boxes and underwent a simulated air drop on Day 7 or Day 8 postdonation, respectively. One day after the drop and once a week thereafter until Day 43 of storage, RBCs from each box were sampled and tested for full blood counts, hemolysis, adenosine triphosphate, 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate, pH, extracellular potassium, glucose, lactate, deformability, and RBC microvesicles.

RESULTS

The packaging configuration completed the air drop with no water ingress or physical damage. All units met UK specifications for volume, hemoglobin, and hemolysis. There were no significant differences for any of the variables studied between RBCs in the control box compared to RBCs in Test Boxes 1 and 2 combined over storage.

CONCLUSION

The test proved that the packaging solution and the impact of a maritime air drop as performed in this study, on Day 7 or Day 8 postdonation, did not affect the in vitro quality of RBCs in SAGM over storage for 35 days.