bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skin autofluorescence is associated with high-sensitive cardiac troponin T, a circulating cardiac biomarker, in Japanese patients with diabetes: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yoshioka Keiji
Published: July 2018

The study aims to evaluate the relationship between skin autofluorescence, a marker of advanced glycated end-products accumulation in tissue, and high-sensitive cardiac troponin T, a cardiovascular biomarker, in Japanese subjects with diabetes. A total of 145 subjects with diabetes and 32 nondiabetic subjects as control attending the outpatient clinic were examined. Skin autofluorescence was measured using the AGE Reader™. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with the high-sensitive cardiac troponin T and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide values. Skin autofluorescence, high-sensitive cardiac troponin T, and maximum intima-media thickness values were significantly higher in subjects with diabetes than in nondiabetic subjects. Diabetic subjects with skin autofluorescence level⩾2.47 AU (median value) had higher levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide ( p = 0.006), high-sensitive cardiac troponin T ( p < 0.0001), pentosidine ( p = 0.011) and maximum intima-media thickness ( p = 0.017) compared to those with skin autofluorescence level <2.47 AU. A multivariate regression analysis using variables that were significantly correlated with high-sensitive cardiac troponin T and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, revealed that estimated glomerular filtration rate (β = –0.364, p < 0.001) and skin autofluorescence (β = 0.254, p  = 0.0022) were independent determinants of high-sensitive cardiac troponin T, but the variables that were significant in the univariate analysis were no longer predictors for N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide. Skin autofluorescence measured with the AGE Reader™ could be an easy and noninvasive surrogate marker for identifying diabetic subjects at high risk for subclinical cardiac injury.
Intravital Monitoring of Vasculature After Targeted Gene Therapy Alone or Combined With Tumor Irradiation
Authors: Savarin Monika , Prevc Ajda , Rzek Matic , Bosnjak Masa , Vojvodic Ilija , Cemazar Maja , Jarm Tomaz , Sersa Gregor
Published: July 2018

Vascular-targeted therapies exhibit radiosensitizing effects by remodeling tumor vasculature, thus facilitating the increased oxygenation of the remaining tumor tissue. To examine these phenomena, the effects of antiendoglin gene therapy alone and in combination with irradiation were monitored for 5 consecutive days on a murine mammary adenocarcinoma (TS/A) tumor model growing in a dorsal window chamber. The vascularization of the tumors was assessed by the determination of the tumor vascular area and by measurement of tumor perfusion by using laser Doppler flowmetry to provide insight into intratumoral gene electrotransfer effects. The changes in the vascular area after this specific therapy correlated with laser Doppler measurements, indicating that either of the methods can be used to demonstrate the induced changes in the vascularization and perfusion of tumors. Gene electrotransfer with an endothelial-specific promoter resulted in a vascular-targeted effect on tumor vasculature within the first 24 hours and did not restore within 5 days. The combination with the irradiation did not result in a more pronounced vascular effect, and irradiation alone only abrogated the formation of new vessels and prevented an increase in the tumor perfusion over time. The results indicate that tumors grown in a dorsal window chamber facilitate intravital measurements of the vascularization of tumors and blood perfusion, enabling the monitoring of the antiangiogenic or vascular disruptive effects of different therapies.
Sex Differences in the Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Tao Ye , Peters Matthew E. , Drye Lea T. , Devanand Davangere P. , Mintzer Jacobo E. , Pollock Bruce G. , Porsteinsson Anton P. , Rosenberg Paul B. , Schneider Lon S. , Shade David M. , Weintraub Daniel , Yesavage Jerome , Lyketsos Constantine G. , Munro Cynthia A.
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to describe sex differences in neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Baseline scores on the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory, Neurobehavioral Rating Scale–Agitation subscale, and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory from patients with AD enrolled in a multicenter trial of citalopram for the treatment of agitation were analyzed. We found not only that patients with AD having agitation were likely to exhibit many other NPSs but also that the women in this study were more likely to exhibit a broader range of NPS than were the men. These results suggest greater heterogeneity in the clinical presentation of women compared to men, and thus in the potential targets for treatment in these patients. Further characterization of sex differences in NPS can inform future efforts aimed at establishing subtypes of patients for whom various treatment approaches will be most appropriate.
Use of Photogrammetry in Video Games: A Historical Overview
Authors: Statham Wilhelmina
Published: July 2018

In 2014, the developers of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter revealed that the stunning settings in the game were created using photogrammetry, a modeling technique up to then generally disregarded as being too cumbersome for the technical limitations of game engines. Shortly after, EA DICE announced that its 2015 flagship title Star Wars Battlefront would be adopting photogrammetry extensively not only to capture key props and costumes but also to recreate key locations beloved to Star Wars fans. Since then, the games industry has been flooded with articles, tutorials, and new software dedicated to the use of photogrammetry to create 3-D game assets. This article examines the key developments in the field since 2014, how the technique is being adopted by game studios, what are the current and future trends, and how the use of photogrammetry is likely to disrupt the well-established game development pipelines.
The influence of coccygeal dynamic patterns on ganglion impar block treatment results in chronic coccygodynia
Authors: Sencan Savas , Cuce Isa , Karabiyik Ozgur , Demir Fatmagul U , Ercalik Tulay , Gunduz Osman H
Published: July 2018

Objective

Ganglion impar block (GIB) can be performed in patients with chronic coccygodynia who do not respond to conservative treatments. We investigated the effect of coccygeal dynamic patterns on the treatment outcome in patients with chronic coccygodynia treated with GIB.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data for patients diagnosed with chronic coccygodynia who underwent GIB only once by a transsacrococcygeal method under fluoroscopy guidance in our Pain Medicine Clinic. Patients were assessed with standard and dynamic coccyx radiographs and classified according to coccygeal mobility. Pain scores were assessed with a numerical rating scale (NRS) before and after the intervention (at 1 hour and 4, 12 and 24 weeks). A 50% or more reduction in the NRS score was accepted as significant pain relief.

Results

Of the 37 patients included in the study, 14 had normal coccyx (Group I) and 23 had immobile coccyx (Group II) based on the radiological evaluation. The NRS scores were significantly reduced in both groups on each follow-up visit but there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of pre- and post-intervention NRS scores. Significant pain relief was achieved in 42.9% and 61.9% of patients in Group I and II at the last examination, respectively.

Conclusion

GIB administered by transsacrococcygeal method in patients with chronic coccygodynia is a safe and alternative treatment approach with reduced pain scores and low complication rates. In patients with chronic coccygodynia, having a normal or immobile coccyx does not appear to affect treatment outcomes.
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction complicated with brain infarction immediately after carotid artery stenting
Authors: Higashi Eiji , Uwatoko Takeshi , Mizokami Taichiro , Sakaki Yusuke , Sakata Shuji , Sugimori Hiroshi
Published: July 2018

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction is a very rare complication after carotid artery stenting (CAS). It has been reported to occur more than several hours after CAS and to have a good clinical course. A 73-year-old man underwent CAS for a high-grade symptomatic stenosis of his left carotid artery. Immediately after CAS, he had consciousness disturbance and right hemiparesis. We first suspected hyperperfusion syndrome, but antihypertensive therapy exacerbated his symptoms. On repeated postoperative angiography, the middle cerebral artery (MCA) appeared to become progressively narrower. Perfusion computed tomography indicated hypoperfusion in the left MCA territory, so we diagnosed the patient with ischemic symptoms due to hypoperfusion associated with MCA vasoconstriction. Although these findings were temporary, right weakness and cognitive dysfunction lingered and caused severe disability. As vasoconstriction after CAS may result in a poor outcome, it must be promptly distinguished and treated accordingly.
Duplication of the vertebral artery: A series of four cases
Authors: Kritikos Michael , Sharma Nikhil , Sedora-Roman Neda , Choudhri Omar , Pukenas Bryan , Hurst Robert , Kung David
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Duplication of the vertebral artery (VA) is a rare vascular variant, with less than 50 reported cases in the literature.

Case series

We present four cases of VA duplication and discuss the imaging findings, which highlight the rarely seen VA duplication.

Discussion

VA duplication is generally considered to be an incidental finding. The VA is formed from the fusion of the longitudinal anastomoses that link the cervical intersegmental arteries, during the 32–40-day stage. The duplication of the VA is a clinically relevant finding for planning of head and neck surgery and neuro-interventional procedures.
Successful recanalization using the Embolus Retriever with Interlinked Cage for acute stroke due to calcified cerebral emboli
Authors: Kwak Hyo S , Park Jung S
Published: July 2018

Mechanical thrombectomy is a safe and effective treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusions. However, in rare cases, the procedure may be challenging due to the composition of the embolus. We describe a case of a mechanical thrombectomy with the Embolus Retriever with Interlinked Cage (ERIC) device in a patient with an acute ischemic stroke due to calcified cerebral emboli in the middle cerebral artery. The procedure was done after a failed recanalization attempt with manual aspiration thrombectomy.

An 82-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with a sudden onset of right-sided weakness. A computed tomographic angiography showed left middle cerebral (M1 branch) calcified emboli. After the administration of an intravenous thrombolytic agent, the patient was transferred to the angiographic suite for a mechanical thrombectomy. After failure to recanalize the vessel with manual aspiration thrombectomy, successful recanalization was achieved via mechanical thrombectomy using the ERIC device.

Mechanical thrombectomy with an ERIC device can be a useful option in cases of acute ischemic stroke caused by calcified cerebral emboli.
Can letter position encoding be modified by visual perceptual elements?
Authors: Marcet Ana , Perea Manuel , Baciero Ana , Gomez Pablo
Published: July 2018

A plethora of studies has revealed that letter position coding is relatively flexible during word recognition (e.g., the transposed-letter [TL] pseudoword CHOLOCATE is frequently misread as CHOCOLATE). A plausible explanation of this phenomenon is that letter identity and location are not perfectly bound as a consequence of the limitations of the visual system. Thus, a complete characterization of letter position coding requires an examination of how letter position coding can be modulated by visual perceptual elements. Here we conducted three lexical decision experiments with TL and replacement-letter pseudowords that manipulated the visual characteristics of the stimuli. In Experiment 1, each syllable was presented either in a different colour or monochromatically (e.g., [Formula: see text] vs. [Formula: see text]) with the transposition occurring across syllables. In Experiment 2, the critical letters had a consistent contrast or not (e.g., [Formula: see text] vs. [Formula: see text]). In Experiment 3, the stimuli were presented either simultaneously or serially, letter by letter (i.e., as occurs in braille reading). Results showed that whereas colouring differently each syllable only produced a small nonsignificant reduction of the TL effect, the other two manipulations—presenting the two critical letters with an altered contrast and presenting the letters one at a time—reduced, but did not eliminate, the magnitude of the TL effect relative to the regular format. Although these findings are consistent with models that postulate an early perceptual locus of the TL effect, the robustness of the TL effect suggests that letter position coding also has an orthographic abstract component.
Sedentary behavior after stroke: A new target for therapeutic intervention
Authors: Morton Sarah , Fitzsimons Claire , Hall Jennifer , Clarke David , Forster Anne , English Coralie , Chastin Sebastien , Birch Karen M , Mead Gillian
Published: July 2018

Over the last 10 years, evidence has emerged that too much sedentary time (e.g. time spent sitting down) has adverse effects on health, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. A considerable amount of media attention has been given to the topic. The current UK activity guidelines recommend that all adults should minimize the amount of time spent being sedentary for extended periods. How best to minimize sedentary behavior is a focus of ongoing research. Understanding the impact of sedentary behaviors on the health of people with stroke is vital as they are some of the most sedentary individuals in society. Implementing strategies to encourage regular, short breaks in sedentary behaviors has potential to improve health outcomes after stroke. Intervention work already conducted with adults and older adults suggests that sedentary behaviors can be changed. A research priority is to explore the determinants of sedentary behavior in people with stroke and to develop tailored interventions.
Key movements and skills of wicket-keepers in one day international cricket
Authors: MacDonald Dani , Cronin John , Macadam Paul
Published: July 2018

The wicket-keeper is a specialist position within the fielding unit of cricket; however, this position has not been afforded a great deal of attention in empirical research. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the movement and skill demands of wicket-keeping in one day international cricket through video analysis. Television footage of eight games (16 innings) from the 2011 one day international World Cup was analysed using the video analysis package SportsCode. The variables of interest included 7 movement-related activities and 15 skills-related activities from a mean innings of 41 ± 11 overs. Following the crouch action, which is required every ball, the highest average (times per innings) movement activities were the lateral step (78), lateral shuffle (53) and running to the stumps (27). The highest average skill activities were to receive the ball from the field (42), throw underarm (32) and take the ball following the bowler’s delivery (24). The most important skill for a wicket-keeper is the ability to catch the ball, be it with one or both hands, either from an almost stationary position standing close to the batsman, or following an explosive movement such as a dive or sprint. A wicket-keeping specific catching test should reflect this, and include a multitude of catching scenarios. Due to the fact that the wicket-keeper performs repetitive movement in multiple planes, training and movement assessments should take this into account. The findings from this study can assist practitioners in understanding assessment, program and skill development aspects of the wicket-keeper position.
Lipoxin A4 attenuates LPS-induced acute lung injury via activation of the ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas axis
Authors: Chen Qiong-Feng , Kuang Xiao-Dong , Yuan Qi-Feng , Hao Hua , Zhang Ting , Huang Yong-Hong , Zhou Xiao-Yan
Published: July 2018

Previous studies have reported that lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and the angiotensin I-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], and its receptor Mas [ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas] axis play important protective roles in acute lung injury (ALI). However, there is still no direct evidence of LXA4-mediated protection via the ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas axis during ALI. This work was performed using an LPS-induced ALI mouse model and the data indicated the following. First, the animal model was established successfully and LXA4 ameliorated LPS-induced ALI. Second, LXA4 could increase the concentration and activity of ACE2 and the levels of Ang-(1-7) and Mas markedly. Third, LXA4 decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and reactive oxygen species while increasing IL-10 levels. Fourth, LXA4 inhibited the activation of the NF-κB signal pathway and repressed the degradation of inhibitor of NF-κB, the phosphorylation of NF-κB, and the translocation of NF-κB. Finally, and more importantly, BOC-2 (LXA4 receptor inhibitor), MLN-4760 (ACE2 inhibitor), and A779 (Mas receptor antagonist) were found to reverse all of the effects of LXA4. Our data provide evidence that LXA4 protects the lung from ALI through regulation of the ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas axis.
Internet of Things, future networks, and the economics of virtual networks
Authors: Knieps Günter
Published: July 2018

The Internet of Things (IoT) gains momentum. Developments regarding smart grids, intelligent transportation systems, and low-power networks for smart cities constitute significant drivers in the evolution of network industries. IoT creates an array of new requirements for information and communications technology (ICT) data transmission: In addition to real-time and data geopositioning, new service characteristics result from the change of the traditional sender–receiver perspective of Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) to content relevancy for many users (e.g. cloud computing) and dynamic changes of the state of devices. The future development and success of IoT hinges critically on the provision of heterogeneous quality of service (QoS) requirements which cannot be provided by best-effort TCP/IP Internet. It is thus not surprising that both in the US and the EU network neutrality regulations are currently being reconsidered. Alternative network logistics (virtual networks) dealing with heterogeneous QoS requirements of network traffic may require fundamental deviations from traditional Internet architectures. Corresponding logistics operating over joint physical infrastructures gain increasing attention under the heading of future networks (FNs). The goal of this article is to focus on the economic mechanisms of how the potentials of QoS differentiation in the context of FNs can be fully exploited and incentivized within innovative all-IP-based QoS traffic architectures.
Old syndrome–new approach: Mauriac syndrome treated with continuous insulin delivery
Authors: Kocova Mirjana , Milenkova Liljana
Published: July 2018

Mauriac syndrome has rarely been reported in children and adolescents with a poorly controlled diabetes mellitus type 1. However, it still occurs despite the worldwide improvements of metabolic control. The risks have not been elucidated. We present a 13.5-year-old boy with a typical clinical presentation of Mauriac syndrome consisting of growth delay, cushingoid appearance, hepatomegaly, and delayed puberty. A stepwise correction of glycemic control was introduced using continuous insulin delivery. All symptoms improved during the 2.5-year follow-up. No retinopathy occurred. This patient with Mauriac syndrome followed with continuous glucose monitoring and treated with continuous insulin delivery, resulting in no retinopathy after 2.5 years of follow-up. We suggest that this approach should be recommended in patients with Mauriac syndrome.
Quantitative analysis of temporal structure in Cuban guaguancó drumming
Authors: Benadon Fernando , McGraw Andrew , Robinson Michael
Published: July 2018

We examine the temporal properties of cyclical drumming patterns in an expert performance of Afro-Cuban rumba recorded in Santiago de Cuba. Quantitative analysis of over 9,000 percussion onsets collected from custom sensors placed on various instruments reveals different types and degrees of rhythmic variation across repetitions of each of five characteristic guaguancó patterns (clave, cascara, quinto, segundo, and tumba). We assess each instrument’s variability using principal component analysis and multidimensional scaling, complementing our quantitative exploration with insights from music theory. Through these methods, we uncover details of timing that are insufficiently conveyed with standard music notation in order to shed light on the role of improvised variation in solo and accompaniment ensemble roles.
A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Three Brief Group Interventions for Individuals With Tinnitus
Authors: Martz Erin , Chesney Margaret A , Livneh Hanoch , Jelleberg Chennettee , Fuller Bret , Henry James A
Published: July 2018

Background

Tinnitus (ie, ear or head noises not caused by external sounds) is common among the general population and is the most prevalent service-connected disability in the United States’ Department of Veterans Affairs system. While numerous clinical interventions have been created to systematically address the range of issues caused by tinnitus, only a few tinnitus interventions have focused on both teaching and assessing coping strategies. The present pilot study involved a randomized clinical trial comparing 3 brief group interventions to a usual-care (UC) group (ie, a wait-list control group): the first intervention based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), a second based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and a third based on coping effectiveness training (CET). Each intervention group also received tinnitus-related audiological education.

Participants

Forty individuals met the eligibility requirements and were randomized into 1 of the 4 groups (ACT, CBT, CET, or UC). An intent-to-treat analysis was used in this study.

Measures

The Brief COPE scale was used to assess coping. Coping was assessed at 3 time points (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 4-week follow-up). The outcomes were 3 coping factors (engagement coping, disengagement coping, and social support coping).

Results

When examining differences among the groups on mean coping scores over time, significant group differences were found on social support coping, with the CET group scores significantly higher than the UC group.

Discussion

While all 3 brief interventions teach stress-reduction techniques, ACT and CBT focus primarily on managing one’s unwanted thoughts and emotions. CET teaches participants both a range of coping strategies (eg, stress-management approaches) to more effectively manage stressors that cannot be changed, as well as coping strategies (eg, such as problem-solving) that can be used to eliminate stressors that can be changed. CET also teaches communication skills for telling others about one’s tinnitus-related issues. CET instructs individuals on how to select coping strategies that are appropriate for different kinds of stressors and how to seek social support, which is a skill not explicitly taught by ACT or CBT. Results of this study were derived from a small sample size, and thus, future research should focus on replicating the results among a larger sample. In addition, future research could focus on adapting the CET intervention to a different delivery format.
Total Lifestyle Coaching: A Pilot Study Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Mind–Body and Nutrition Telephone Coaching Program for Obese Adults at a Community Health Center
Authors: Chad-Friedman Emma , Pearsall Melanie , Miller Kathleen M , Wheeler Amy E , Denninger John W , Mehta Darshan H , Dossett Michelle L
Published: July 2018

Background

Stress and obesity are interrelated and common among low-income adults. Mind–body interventions have been shown to reduce psychological distress and have been incorporated into many weight loss interventions. However, few of these programs have incorporated a telephone coaching component.

Objective

We designed and piloted a novel weight loss telephone coaching intervention for this population and examined its effectiveness on weight loss and improvements in health behaviors in obese community health center patients.

Methods

This was a 6-month, single-arm, prospective, pre–post pilot study. The study took place at a community health center near Boston, Massachusetts. Participants were 27 overweight and obese community health center patients. The intervention consisted of one in-person intake with the registered dietitian, trained in mind–body approaches, and approximately 1 phone coaching session every 2 weeks for 6 consecutive months. Anthropometric data consisted of weight, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure. Questionnaires consisted of the Perceived Stress Scale-10 item, the CIGNA Healthy Eating Survey, Section H: Behavioral Eating, a physical activity questionnaire, and a nutritional habits questionnaire. We used paired samples t tests to assess pre–post changes in weight, BMI, blood pressure, perceived stress, behavioral eating, and physical activity. We also conducted semistructured exit interviews to learn about participants’ experiences in this program.

Results

There was a trend toward weight reduction ( P < .1, Cohen’s d = 0.33) and significant improvements in systolic blood pressure ( P = .001, Cohen’s d = 0.72), perceived stress ( P = .001, Cohen’s d = 0.75), and behavioral eating ( P = .009, Cohen’s d = 0.54). Improvements in weight were sustained 6 months after completion of the intervention.

Conclusion

Results suggest that a telephone nutrition health coaching intervention is feasible and may facilitate weight loss in obese community health center patients. Future randomized-controlled studies are warranted to better understand these improvements.

Clinicaltrials.gov registration

NCT03025217
Midterm results of the cylindrical fully porous-coated uncemented femoral stem in revision patients with Paprosky I–IIIA femoral defects
Authors: Ahmet Salduz , İsmet Kılıçoğlu Önder , Mehmet Ekinci , Eren Yıldız , Remzi Tözün , Önder Yazıcıoğlu
Published: July 2018

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to analyze the survival of the Echelon® femoral stems in revision hip surgeries in patients with Paprosky I–IIIA femoral defects.

Patients and methods:

Sixty-six patients (70 hips) who underwent revision hip surgery with at least 3 years of follow-up data were included in the study between 2000 and 2013. The mean patient age was 64.5 (32–83) years, and the mean follow-up period was 93 (45–206) months. The reasons for revision were aseptic loosening in 55 (78.6%) patients, periprosthetic joint infection in 9 (12.9%) patients, periprosthetic fracture in 4 (5.7%) patients, and stem fracture in 2 (2.9%) patients. The preoperative and postoperative follow-up X-rays and functional scores were evaluated.

Results:

Five patients died in an average of 70 (45–86) months after surgery due to non-related diseases. We encountered sciatic nerve palsy in two patients and early hip dislocation in two patients, whereas 54 patients were able to walk without any assistive device. The remaining 12 patients required an assistive device to walk. The mean Harris hip score significantly increased from 34 (7–63) preoperatively to 72 (43–96) postoperatively. Aseptic loosening was observed in one patient. The survival of the porous-coated anatomical uncemented femoral stem was 98.4% over 10 years.

Conclusion:

This study showed that good clinical outcomes and survival can be obtained when using porous-coated anatomical uncemented femoral stems.
Nurturing a Caring Connection in an Opioid Epidemic
Authors: Millstein Jeffrey H
Published: July 2018

The current national opioid crisis poses challenges to the physician–patient relationship. This vignette describes a patient scenario which served as a personal reminder of how the physicians caring role must remain the highest priority while trying to address prescribing concerns.
How can preclinical mouse models be used to gain insight into prefrontal cortex dysfunction in obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Authors: Manning Elizabeth E. , Ahmari Susanne E.
Published: July 2018

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a debilitating psychiatric disorder that is characterised by perseverative thoughts and behaviours. Cognitive and affective disturbances play a central role in this illness, and it is therefore not surprising that clinical neuroimaging studies have demonstrated widespread alterations in prefrontal cortex functioning in patients. Preclinical mouse experimental systems provide the opportunity to gain mechanistic insight into the neurobiological changes underlying prefrontal cortex dysfunction through new technologies that allow measurement and manipulation of activity in discrete neural populations in awake, behaving mice. However, recent preclinical research has focused on striatal dysfunction, and has therefore provided relatively little insight regarding the role of the prefrontal cortex in obsessive-compulsive disorder–relevant behaviours. Here, we will discuss a number of translational prefrontal cortex–dependent paradigms, including obsessive-compulsive disorder–relevant tasks that produce compulsive responding, and how they can be leveraged in this context. Drawing on recent examples that have led to mechanistic insight about specific genes, cell types and circuits that mediate prefrontal cortex contributions to distinct aspects of cognition, we will provide a framework for applying similar strategies to identify neural mechanisms underlying obsessive-compulsive disorder–relevant behavioural domains. We propose that research using clinically relevant paradigms will accelerate translation of findings from preclinical mouse models, thus supporting the development of novel therapeutics targeted to specific pathophysiological mechanisms.
Pampaloite, AuSbTe, a new mineral from Pampalo gold mine, Finland
Authors: Vymazalová Anna , Kojonen Kari , Laufek František , Johanson Bo , Stanley Chris J. , Plášil Jakub , Halodová Patricie
Published: July 2018

Pampaloite, AuSbTe, is a new mineral discovered in the Pampalo gold mine, 65 km east of Joensuu, Finland. It forms anhedral grains (up to ~20 μm) intergrown with gold, frohbergite and altaite. Pampaloite is brittle and has a metallic lustre. Values of VHN25lie between 245 and 295 kg/mm2, with a mean value of 276 kg/mm2, corresponding to a Mohs hardness of ~4–5 (measured on synthetic material). In plane-polarised light, pampaloite is white with medium to strong bireflectance, weak reflectance pleochroism from slightly pinkish brown to slightly bluish white (only visible in grains of synthetic material containing multiple orientations), and strong anisotropy, with blue to light brown rotation tints; it exhibits no internal reflections. Reflectance values of pampaloite in air (R1,R2in %) are: 60.0, 62.5 at 470 nm, 62.5, 64.8 at 546 nm, 63.2, 65.6 at 589 nm and 63.7, 66.0 at 650 nm. Ten electron-microprobe analyses of natural pampaloite give an average composition: Au 44.13, Sb 27.44 and Te 28.74, total 100.31 wt.%, corresponding to the empirical formula Au1.00Sb1.00Te1.00based on 3 atoms; the average of eleven analyses on synthetic pampaloite is: Au 44.03, Sb 27.26, and Te 29.08, total 100.38 wt.%, corresponding to Au0.99Sb1.00Te1.01. The density, calculated on the basis of the empirical formula, is 9.33 g/cm3.The mineral is monoclinic, space groupC2/c, witha= 11.947(3),b= 4.481(1) Å,c= 12.335(3) Å, β = 105.83(2)°,V= 635.3(3) Å3andZ= 8. The crystal structure was solved and refined from the single-crystal X-ray-diffraction data of synthetic AuSbTe. The pampaloite crystal structure can be considered as a monoclinic derivative of the CdI2structure composed of [AuTe3Sb3] octahedra. The strongest lines in the powder X-ray diffraction pattern of synthetic pampaloite [din Å (I) (hkl)] are: 4.846(24)($\bar{2}$02), 3.825(18)(111), 2.978(100)($\bar{3}$11), 2.968(50)(004), 2.242(25)(020), 2.144(55)(313), 2.063(33)($\bar{3}$15) and 1.789(18)(024).
Crystal chemistry of K-rich nepheline in nephelinite from Hamada, Shimane Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Hamada Maki , Akasaka Masahide , Ohfuji Hiroaki
Published: July 2018

K-rich nepheline with a structural formula of A2B6T14T24T34T44O32 (Z = 1) within melilite–olivine nephelinite from Hamada, Shimane Prefecture, Japan, was investigated to clarify its crystal structure and to determine cation distributions in the A and B structural positions of structural channels and tetrahedral T1–T4 sites. The chemical formula of a single-crystal sample was (Na5.437K2.248Mg0.034Ca0.031)Σ7.750(Si8.332Al7.445Fe3+0.158Ti0.009Cr0.005)Σ15.949O32, which results in 65.2, 27.8, 2.1, 3.2 and 1.6 mol.% NaAlSiO4, KAlSiO4, NaFe3+SiO4, □Si2O4 and □0.5(Ca,Mg)0.5AlSiO4 end-member components, respectively, where □ is a vacancy. X-ray diffraction data of a single crystal with dimensions of 0.28 mm × 0.15 mm × 0.05 mm measured at 296 K indicate the space group P63. In the structural refinement, the R1 factor was reduced to 3.69% by taking twinning by merohedry into the refinement. The refinement accounted for 77.7% of the absolute structure and 22.3% of the a and b axes reversed absolute structure. The atomic populations determined in the A and B positions were 1.834 K + 0.166 □ and 5.705 Na + 0.198 K + 0.031 Ca + 0.034 Mg, respectively, implying the substitution of K for Na in the B position. The a and c dimensions are a = 10.0270(3) and c = 8.4027(3) Å. The average  and  distances are 3.009 and 2.65 Å, respectively. The substitution of K for Na in the B channel results in increased volume and bond-length distortion of the BO8 polyhedra, which then reduces distortion of the AO9 polyhedra. The average T–O distances indicate that the T1 and T4 sites are essentially filled with Al, whereas the T2 and T3 are filled with Si. Despite the deviation of the O1 oxygen from the triad axis and the combination of K+ ions and vacancies in the hexagonal channels, an incommensurate structure was not observed in the X-ray diffraction data or using the electron diffraction technique.
Minerals of the rhabdophane group and the alunite supergroup in microgranite: products of low-temperature alteration in a highly acidic environment from the Velence Hills, Hungary
Authors: Ondrejka Martin , Bačík Peter , Sobocký Tomáš , Uher Pavel , Škoda Radek , Mikuš Tomáš , Luptáková Jarmila , Konečný Patrik
Published: July 2018

An assemblage of alunite-supergroup minerals (ASM), rhabdophane-group minerals (RGM), goethite and associated clay minerals occurs in Permian A-type porphyritic microgranite in the eastern part of the Velence Hills, Hungary. The secondary sulfates/phosphates include jarosite, Pb-rich jarosite and alunite, corkite, hinsdalite and rhabdophane-(Ce), -(La) and -(Nd). Detailed electron probe microanalysis and Raman spectroscopy reveal a wide miscibility among RGM end-members and show a rhabdophane–tristramite–brockite solid solution with extensive compositional variation. Moreover, ASM show heterogeneous composition and complex substitution mechanisms within the alunite, beudantite and plumbogummite groups. The formation of this rare mineral assemblage reveals extensive remobilization of rare-earth elements (REE), Th, U, P, S, Fe and Pb under supergene conditions. Compositional variations and substitution trends of the RGM investigated indicate that Th, U, Ca and Pb are incorporated into the rhabdophane structure by a (Ca, Pb)2+ + (Th, U)4+ ↔ 2REE3+ substitution mechanism. Consequently, we suggest the following end-member formulae for RGM containing divalent and tetravalent cations: (Ca0.5Th0.5)PO4·H2O for brockite, (Pb0.5Th0.5)PO4·H2O for grayite and (Ca0.5U0.5)PO4·2H2O for tristramite. The ASM and RGM originated from total leaching of the primary magmatic REE, Th, U and P minerals in the microgranite [most probably allanite-(Ce), fluorapatite and possibly also xenotime-(Y)], together with input of Pb and S in low-temperature, acid sulfate solutions, connected with an adjacent Palaeogene andesite–diorite intrusion and the accompanying hydrothermal sulfide mineralization.
Structural brain correlates of obstructive sleep apnoea in older adults at risk for dementia
Authors: Cross Nathan E. , Memarian Negar , Duffy Shantel L. , Paquola Casey , LaMonica Haley , D'Rozario Angela , Lewis Simon J.G. , Hickie Ian B. , Grunstein Ronald R. , Naismith Sharon L.
Published: July 2018

This study aimed to investigate associations between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and cortical thickness in older adults with subjective and objective cognitive difficulties, who are considered “at-risk” for dementia.

83 middle-aged to older adults (51–88 years) underwent neuropsychological testing, polysomnography assessment of OSA and a structural magnetic resonance imaging brain scan. A principal components analysis was performed on OSA measures. Cortical thickness and subcortical volumes were compared to extracted components of “oxygen desaturation” and “sleep disturbance”.

Oxygen desaturation was significantly related to reduced cortical thickness in the bilateral temporal lobes (left: r=−0.44, p<0.001; right: r=−0.39, p=0.003). Conversely, sleep disturbance was associated with increased thickness in the right postcentral gyrus (r=0.48, p<0.001), pericalcarine (r=0.50, p=0.005) and pars opercularis (r=0.46, p=0.009) and increased volume of the hippocampus and amygdala. Decreased thickness in the bilateral temporal regions was associated with reduced verbal encoding (r=0.28, p=0.010).

Given the clinical significance of this sample in terms of dementia prevention, these changes in grey matter reveal how OSA might contribute to neurodegenerative processes in older adults.
Long term impact of CTLA4 blockade immunotherapy on regulatory and effector immune responses in patients with melanoma
Authors: Retseck Janet , Nasr Alexis , Lin Yan , Lin Huang , Mendiratta Prateek , Butterfield Lisa H. , Tarhini Ahmad A.
Published: July 2018

Background

We previously reported early on-treatment significant modulation in circulating regulatory T cell (Treg), myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and antigen-specific type I CD4+ and CD8+ T cells that correlated with clinical outcome in regionally advanced melanoma patients treated with neoadjuvant ipilimumab. Here, we investigated the long term immunologic impact of CTLA4 blockade.

Methods

Patients were treated with ipilimumab given at 10 mg/kg IV every 3 weeks for 2 doses bracketing surgery. Blood specimens were collected at baseline and during treatment for up to 9 months. We tested immune responses at 3, 6, and 9 months utilizing multicolor flow cytometry. We compared frequencies of circulating Treg and MDSC on-study to baseline levels, as well as frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells specific to shared tumor-associated antigens (Gp-100, MART-1, NY-ESO-1).

Results

Levels of Treg significantly increased when measured at 6 weeks following ipilimumab but returned to baseline by 3 months, with no significant difference in Treg levels between relapsed and relapse-free groups at 3, 6 or 9 months. However, lower baseline levels of circulating Treg (CD4+CD25hi+CD39+) were significantly associated with better relapse free survival (RFS) (p = 0.04). Levels of circulating monocytic HLA-DR+/loCD14+ MDSC were lower at baseline in the relapse-free group and further decreased at 6 weeks, though the differences did not reach statistical significance including measurements at 3, 6 or 9 months. We detected evidence of type I (interferon-γ producing), activated (CD69+) CD4+ and CD8+ antigen-specific T cell immunity against cancer-testis (NY-ESO-1) as well as melanocytic lineage (MART-1, gp100) antigens in the absence of therapeutic vaccination. These responses were significantly boosted at 6 weeks and persisted at 3, 6 and 9 months following the initiation of ipilimumab.

Conclusions

Lower Treg levels at baseline are significantly associated with RFS and increased Treg frequency after CTLA4 blockade was only transient. Lower MDSC was also associated with RFS and MDSC levels were further decreased after ipilimumab. Tumor specific effector immune responses are boosted with CTLA4 blockade and tend to be durable.

Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00972933
Comprehensive genetic characteristics of dystrophinopathies in China
Authors: Ma Peipei , Zhang Shu , Zhang Hao , Fang Siying , Dong Yuru , Zhang Yan , Hao Weiwei , Wu Shiwen , Zhao Yuying
Published: July 2018

Background

Dystrophinopathies are a set of severe and incurable X-linked neuromuscular disorders caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene (DMD). These mutations form a complex spectrum. A national registration network is essential not only to provide more information about the prevalence and natural history of the disease, but also to collect genetic data for analyzing the mutational spectrum. This information is extremely beneficial for basic scientific research, genetic diagnosis, trial planning, clinical care, and gene therapy.

Methods

We collected data from 1400 patients (1042 patients with confirmed unrelated Duchenne muscular dystrophy [DMD] or Becker muscular dystrophy [BMD]) registered in the Chinese Genetic Disease Registry from March 2012 to August 2017 and analyzed the genetic mutational characteristics of these patients.

Results

Large deletions were the most frequent type of mutation (72.2%), followed by nonsense mutations (11.9%), exon duplications (8.8%), small deletions (3.0%), splice-site mutations (2.1%), small insertions (1.3%), missense mutations (0.6%), and a combination mutation of a deletion and a duplication (0.1%). Exon 45–50 deletion was the most frequent deletion type, while exon 2 duplication was the most common duplication type. Two deletion hotspots were calculated—one located toward the central part (exon 45–52) of the gene and the other toward the 5’end (exon 8–26). We found no significant difference between hereditary and de novo mutations on deletion hotspots. Nonsense mutations accounted for 62.9% of all small mutations (197 patients).

Conclusion

We built a comprehensive national dystrophinopathy mutation database in China, which is essential for basic and clinical research in this field. The mutational spectrum and characteristics of this DMD/BMD group were largely consistent with those in previous international DMD/BMD studies, with some differences. Based on our results, about 12% of DMD/BMD patients with nonsense mutations may benefit from stop codon read-through therapy. Additionally, the top three targets for exon-skipping therapy are exon 51 (141, 13.5%), exon 53 (115, 11.0%), and exon 45 (84, 8.0%).
Discovery of new Toxoplasma gondii antigenic proteins using a high throughput protein microarray approach screening sera of murine model infected orally with oocysts and tissue cysts
Authors: Döşkaya Mert , Liang Li , Jain Aarti , Can Hüseyin , Gülçe İz Sultan , Felgner Philip Louis , Değirmenci Döşkaya Aysu , Davies David Huw , Gürüz Adnan Yüksel
Published: July 2018

Background

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that causes congenital toxoplasmosis, as well as other serious clinical presentations in immune compromised humans. The parasite has also been recently linked to behavioral diseases in humans and other mammalian hosts. New antigens are being evaluated to develop a diagnostic kit for the diagnosis of acute infection or a protective vaccine.

Methods

In this study, we have focused on the discovery of new antigenic proteins from T. gondii genomic data using a high throughput protein microarray screening. To date, microarrays containing > 2870 candidate exon products of T. gondii have been probed with sera collected from patients with toxoplasmosis. Here, the protein microarrays are probed with well-characterized serum samples from animal models administered orally with oocysts or tissue cysts. The aim was to discover the antigens that overlap in the mouse profile with human antibody profiles published previously. For this, a reactive antigen list of 240 antigens recognized by murine IgG and IgM was identified using pooled sera from orally infected mice.

Results

Analyses of screening data have identified plenty of antigens and showed strong immunogenicity in both mouse and human antibody profiles. Among them, ROP1, GRA2, GRA3, GRA4, GRA5, GRA6, GRA7, GRA8, GRA14, MIC1, MIC2 and MAG1 have shown strong immunogenicity and used as antigen in development of vaccines or serological diagnostic assays in previous studies.

Conclusion

In addition to the above findings, ROP6, MIC12, SRS29A and SRS13 have shown strong immunogenicity but have not been tested in development of a diagnostic assay or a vaccine model yet.
Φοιτητές στο φάσμα του αυτισμού: Εμπόδια, δυνατότητες και τρόποι στήριξης στην τριτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση
Authors: Σταμπολτζή Αγλαϊα , Καλούρη Ράνυ , Τσίτσου Ελισάβετ
Published: July 2018

Η Διαταραχή Αυτιστικού Φάσματος (ΔΑΦ) αποτελεί μια νευρο-αναπτυξιακή διαταραχή που ακολουθεί το άτομο διαβίου.  Η συχνότητά εμφάνισής της έχει αλλάξει ριζικά τις τελευταίες δεκαετίες. Στο φάσμα του αυτισμού υπάρχει ένας μεγάλος αριθμός μαθητών με «ιδιαίτερες ικανότητες», υψηλή λειτουργικότητα και καλές ακαδημαϊκές προοπτικές. Οι μαθητές αυτοί συνεχίζουν στην τριτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση αλλά χρειάζονται υποστήριξη και καθοδήγηση για να καταφέρουν να ολοκληρώσουν τις σπουδές τους. Σκοπός της παρούσας εργασίας είναι να παρουσιάσει τα βασικά χαρακτηριστικά των φοιτητών με ΔΑΦ, τις δυσκολίες και τα εμπόδια που συναντούν στο πανεπιστήμιο, αλλά και αποτελεσματικούς τρόπους στήριξής τους στην τριτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση. Η ανασκόπηση της βιβλιογραφίας έγινε μέσω των βιβλιογραφικών βάσεων ProQuest, Eric και Sage Journals, όπου με προκαθορισμένα κριτήρια εντοπίστηκαν άρθρα, επίσημες εκθέσεις (reports) και διδακτορικές διατριβές. Τα βασικά συμπεράσματα των ερευνών παρουσιάζουν ομοιότητες παρά τις διαφορετικές χώρες στις οποίες έχουν γίνει οι έρευνες. Ένα βασικό συμπέρασμα που αξίζει να σημειωθεί είναι πως ορισμένοι από τους παραδοσιακούς τρόπους στήριξης που χρησιμοποιούνται για τους φοιτητές με ειδικές εκπαιδευτικές ανάγκες δεν είναι κατάλληλοι για τους φοιτητές στο αυτιστικό φάσμα που έχουν ανάγκη περισσότερης εξατομικευμένης υποστήριξης. Συμπερασματικά, τα Συμβουλευτικά Κέντρα των πανεπιστημίων σε συνεργασία με άλλες υπάρχουσες δομές μπορούν να συμβάλουν ουσιαστικά στη μαθησιακή και ψυχολογική στήριξη των φοιτητών με ΔΑΦ. Τα πανεπιστήμια έχουν να ωφεληθούν από τις «ειδικές ικανότητες» των φοιτητών αυτών αλλά και να εμπλουτίσουν τη γνώση τους για τη «διαφορετικότητα».
Case Report: Synchronous primary malignancy including the breast and endometrium
Authors: Banimostafavi Elham Sadat , Tayebi Sepideh , Tayebi Maryam , Montazer Fatemeh
Published: July 2018

Breast and endometrial cancer are the most common types of female cancers, but the incidence of both of these malignancies in a single patient is a rare event. Multiple primary malignancy has been increasingly reported over the past decade, and double primary cancer is considered as the most common type.  In this study, we present a 53-year-old woman with synchronous primary malignancy of breast and endometrium. This patient had a history of breast and endometrial cancer in her family. Mammography and chest CT of the patient revealed a mass in the right breast and left supraclavicular region. However, the patient did not want to initiate treatment. Subsequently, the patient returned with a chief complaint of persistent abnormal vaginal bleeding. Abdominopelvic CT scan of the patient revealed a huge soft tissue mass in the pelvic cavity. She underwent hysterectomy, and pathology revealed endometrioid carcinoma, which had invaded the full thickness of uterine wall. Since this type of malignancy is rare and several risk factors are associated with it, it is worth being considered by clinicians when making decisions about screening or strategy for prevention.