bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of boldenone, nandrolone, 5(10)‐estrene‐3β‐17α‐diol and 4‐estrene‐3,17‐dione as minor metabolites of testosterone in equine
Authors: Wong Jenny K. Y. , Leung David K. K. , Curl Peter , Schiff Peter J. , Lam Kenneth K. H. , Wan Terence S. M.
Published: March 2017

The detection of boldenone, nandrolone, 5(10)‐estrene‐3β,17α‐diol, and 4‐estrene‐3,17‐dione in a urine sample collected from a gelding having been treated with testosterone (500 mg ‘Testosterone Suspension 100’, single dose, injected intramuscularly) in 2009 led the authors' laboratory to suspect that these ‘testicular’ steroids could be minor metabolites of testosterone in geldings. Administration trials on six castrated horses with Testosterone Suspension 100 confirmed that low levels of boldenone, nandrolone, 5(10)‐estrene‐3β,17α‐diol, and 4‐estrene‐3,17‐dione could indeed be detected and confirmed in the early post‐administration urine samples from all six geldings. Although boldenone has been reported to be present in urine after testosterone administration, there has been no direct evidence reported that boldenone, nandrolone, 5(10)‐estrene‐3β,17α‐diol, and 4‐estrene‐3,17‐dione are metabolites of testosterone in geldings. Subsequent in vitro experiments involving the incubation of testosterone with horse liver microsomes, liver, adipose and muscle tissues, and adrenal cortex homogenates failed to provide evidence that these four substances are minor metabolites of testosterone. An administration trial using ‘Testosterone Suspension 100’ supplemented with 13C–labelled testosterone (500 mg, 1:1 ratio, injected intramuscularly) was performed. The similarities of the excretion curves of 12C–testosterone and 13C–testosterone in urine suggest that there was minimal kinetic isotope effect. 13C–Labelled boldenone, nandrolone and 4‐estrene‐3,17‐dione were detected but not 5(10)‐estrene‐3β,17α‐diol and its 13C–counterpart. This is the first unequivocal evidence of boldenone, nandrolone and 4‐estrene‐3,17‐dione being metabolites of testosterone in geldings. In view of these results, caution should be exercised when interpreting findings of boldenone, nandrolone and/or 4‐estrene‐3,17‐dione together with a relatively high level of testosterone in gelding urine. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conditions on the Mexican moulting grounds influence feather colour and carotenoids in Bullock's orioles (Icterus bullockii)
Authors: Sparrow Kaitlin L. , Donkor Kingsley K. , Flood Nancy J. , Marra Peter P. , Pillar Andrew G. , Reudink Matthew W.
Published: March 2017

Carotenoid‐based plumage coloration plays a critical role for both inter‐ and intrasexual communication. Habitat and diet during molt can have important consequences for the development of the ornamental signals used in these contexts. When molt occurs away from the breeding grounds (e.g., pre‐alternate molt on the wintering grounds, or stopover molt), discerning the influence of habitat and diet can be particularly important, as these effects may result in important carryover effects that influence territory acquisition or mate choice in subsequent seasons. Several species of songbirds in western North America, including the Bullock's oriole (Icterus bullockii), migrate from the breeding grounds to undergo a complete prebasic (post‐breeding) molt at a stopover site in the region affected by the Mexican monsoon climate pattern. This strategy appears to have evolved several times independently in response to the harsh, food‐limited late‐summer conditions in the arid West, which contrast strongly with the high productivity driven by heavy rains that is characteristic of the Mexican monsoon region. Within this region, individuals may be able to optimize plumage coloration by molting in favourable areas characterized by high resource abundance. We used stable isotope analysis (δ13C, δ15N) to ask whether the diet and molt habitat/location of Bullock's orioles influenced their expression of carotenoid‐based plumage coloration as well as plumage carotenoid content and composition. Bullock's orioles with lower feather δ15N values acquired more colorful plumage (orange‐shifted hue) but had feathers with lower total carotenoid concentration, lower zeaxanthin concentration, and marginally lower canthaxanthin and lutein concentration. Examining factors occurring throughout the annual cycle are critical for understanding evolutionary and ecological processes. Here, we demonstrate that conditions experienced during a stopover molt, occurring hundreds to thousands of kilometers from the breeding grounds, influence the production of ornamental plumage coloration, which may carryover to influence inter‐ and intrasexual signaling in subsequent seasons.
Forage plants of an Arctic‐nesting herbivore show larger warming response in breeding than wintering grounds, potentially disrupting migration phenology
Authors: Lameris Thomas K. , Jochems Femke , van der Graaf Alexandra J. , Andersson Mattias , Limpens Juul , Nolet Bart A.
Published: March 2017

During spring migration, herbivorous waterfowl breeding in the Arctic depend on peaks in the supply of nitrogen‐rich forage plants, following a “green wave” of grass growth along their flyway to fuel migration and reproduction. The effects of climate warming on forage plant growth are expected to be larger at the Arctic breeding grounds than in temperate wintering grounds, potentially disrupting this green wave and causing waterfowl to mistime their arrival on the breeding grounds. We studied the potential effect of climate warming on timing of food peaks along the migratory flyway of the Russian population of barnacle geese using a warming experiment with open‐top chambers. We measured the effect of 1.0–1.7°C experimental warming on forage plant biomass and nitrogen concentration at three sites along the migratory flyway (temperate wintering site, temperate spring stopover site, and Arctic breeding site) during 2 months for two consecutive years. We found that experimental warming increased biomass accumulation and sped up the decline in nitrogen concentration of forage plants at the Arctic breeding site but not at temperate wintering and stop‐over sites. Increasing spring temperatures in the Arctic will thus shorten the food peak of nitrogen‐rich forage at the breeding grounds. Our results further suggest an advance of the local food peak in the Arctic under 1–2°C climate warming, which will likely cause migrating geese to mistime their arrival at the breeding grounds, particularly considering the Arctic warms faster than the temperate regions. The combination of a shorter food peak and mistimed arrival is likely to decrease goose reproductive success under climate warming by reducing growth and survival of goslings after hatching.
Genetic diversity and spatial structure of the Rufous‐throated Antbird (Gymnopithys rufigula), an Amazonian obligate army‐ant follower
Authors: Menger Juliana , Henle Klaus , Magnusson William E. , Soro Antonella , Husemann Martin , Schlegel Martin
Published: March 2017

Amazonian understory antbirds are thought to be relatively sedentary and to have limited dispersal ability; they avoid crossing forest gaps, and even narrow roads through a forest may limit their territories. However, most evidence for sedentariness in antbirds comes from field observations and plot‐based recapture of adult individuals, which do not provide evidence for lack of genetic dispersal, as this often occurs through juveniles. In this study, we used microsatellite markers and mitochondrial control‐region sequences to investigate contemporary and infer historical patterns of genetic diversity and structure of the Rufous‐throated Antbird (Gymnopithys rufigula) within and between two large reserves in central Amazonia. Analyses based on microsatellites suggested two genetically distinct populations and asymmetrical gene flow between them. Within a population, we found a lack of genetic spatial autocorrelation, suggesting that genotypes are randomly distributed and that G. rufigula may disperse longer distances than expected for antbirds. Analyses based on mitochondrial sequences did not recover two clear genetic clusters corresponding to the two reserves and indicated the whole population of the Rufous‐throated Antbird in the region has been expanding over the last 50,000 years. Historical migration rates were low and symmetrical between the two reserves, but we found evidence for a recent unilateral increase in gene flow. Recent differentiation between individuals of the two reserves and a unilateral increase in gene flow suggest that recent urban expansion and habitat loss may be driving changes and threatening populations of Rufous‐throated Antbird in central Amazonia. As ecological traits and behavioral characteristics affect patterns of gene flow, comparative studies of other species with different behavior and ecological requirements will be necessary to better understand patterns of genetic dispersal and effects of urban expansion on Amazonian understory antbirds.
Market Anticipates Long‐Term Gas‐Price Decrease, Fundamentals Say Opposite
Authors: Willett Robert E.
Published: March 2017

Recent analyst reports are emphatic that the natural gas market remains incredibly responsive to weather trends.
Recent Advances in Waste‐to‐Energy
Authors: El‐Shahat Adel
Published: March 2017

With the developing significance of asset improvement to urban areas and ventures, the advancement of the recuperation of energy from waste has gotten to be significant. Waste‐to‐energy (WTE) is the generation of energy as heat or power from waste. (The procedure is also called “energy from waste.”)
Reliability, Resiliency, and Sustainability Demands Provide Utilities Opportunity
Authors: DeCotis Paul A.
Published: March 2017

Highly reliable and resilient energy infrastructure is the bedrock of our economy.
Semiparametric methods for estimation of a nonlinear exposure‐outcome relationship using instrumental variables with application to Mendelian randomization
Authors: Staley James R. , Burgess Stephen
Published: March 2017

Mendelian randomization, the use of genetic variants as instrumental variables (IV), can test for and estimate the causal effect of an exposure on an outcome. Most IV methods assume that the function relating the exposure to the expected value of the outcome (the exposure‐outcome relationship) is linear. However, in practice, this assumption may not hold. Indeed, often the primary question of interest is to assess the shape of this relationship. We present two novel IV methods for investigating the shape of the exposure‐outcome relationship: a fractional polynomial method and a piecewise linear method. We divide the population into strata using the exposure distribution, and estimate a causal effect, referred to as a localized average causal effect (LACE), in each stratum of population. The fractional polynomial method performs metaregression on these LACE estimates. The piecewise linear method estimates a continuous piecewise linear function, the gradient of which is the LACE estimate in each stratum. Both methods were demonstrated in a simulation study to estimate the true exposure‐outcome relationship well, particularly when the relationship was a fractional polynomial (for the fractional polynomial method) or was piecewise linear (for the piecewise linear method). The methods were used to investigate the shape of relationship of body mass index with systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.
Statins decrease the risk of decompensation in hepatitis B virus– and hepatitis C virus–related cirrhosis: A population‐based study
Authors: Chang Fu‐Ming , Wang Yen‐Po , Lang Hui‐Chu , Tsai Chia‐Fen , Hou Ming‐Chih , Lee Fa‐Yauh , Lu Ching‐Liang
Published: March 2017

Statin use decreases the risk of decompensation and mortality in patients with cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus (HCV). Whether this beneficial effect can be extended to cirrhosis in the general population or cirrhosis due to other causes, such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection or alcohol, remains unknown. Statin use also decreases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic HBV and HCV infection. It is unclear whether the effect can be observed in patients with pre‐existing cirrhosis. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of statin use on rates of decompensation, mortality, and HCC in HBV‐, HCV‐, and alcohol‐related cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis were identified from a representative cohort of Taiwan National Health Insurance beneficiaries from 2000 to 2013. Statin users, defined as having a cumulative defined daily dose (cDDD) ≥28, were selected and served as the case cohort. Statin nonusers (<28 cDDD) were matched through propensity scores. The association between statin use and risk of decompensation, mortality, and HCC were estimated. A total of 1350 patients with cirrhosis were enrolled. Among patients with cirrhosis, statin use decreased the risk of decompensation, mortality, and HCC in a dose‐dependent manner (P for trend <0.0001, <0.0001, and 0.009, respectively). Regression analysis revealed a lower risk of decompensation among statin users with cirrhosis due to chronic HBV (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25‐0.62) or HCV infection (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.29‐0.93). The lowered risk of decompensation was of borderline significance among statin users with alcohol‐related cirrhosis (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.45‐1.07). Conclusion: Statin use decreases the decompensation rate in both HBV‐ and HCV‐related cirrhosis. Of borderline significance is a decreased decompensation rate in alcohol‐related cirrhosis. (Hepatology 2017;66:896–907).
Bortezomib‐induced peripheral neuropathy: A genome‐wide association study on multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Campo Chiara , da Silva Filho Miguel Inacio , Weinhold Niels , Mahmoudpour Seyed Hamidreza , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Hemminki Kari , Merz Maximilian , Försti Asta
Published: March 2017

The proteasome‐inhibitor bortezomib was introduced into the treatment of multiple myeloma more than a decade ago. It is clinically beneficial, but peripheral neuropathy (PNP) is a side effect that may limit its use in some patients. To examine the possible genetic predisposing factors to PNP, we performed a genome‐wide association study on 646 bortezomib‐treated German multiple myeloma patients. Our aim was to identify genetic risk variants associated with the development of PNP as a serious side effect of the treatment. We identified 4 new promising loci for bortezomib‐induced PNP at 4q34.3 (rs6552496), 5q14.1 (rs12521798), 16q23.3 (rs8060632), and 18q21.2 (rs17748074). Even though the results did not reach genome‐wide significance level, they support the idea of previous studies, suggesting a genetic basis for neurotoxicity. The identified single nucleotide polymorphisms map to genes or next to genes involved in the development and function of the nervous system (CDH13, DCC, and TENM3). As possible functional clues, 2 of the variants, rs12521798 and rs17748074, affect enhancer histone marks in the brain. The rs12521798 may also impact expression of THBS4, which affects specific signal trasduction pathways in the nervous system. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanism of action of the identified single nucleotide polymorphisms in the development of drug‐induced PNP and to functionally validate our in silico predictions.
Gastric microbiota features associated with cancer risk factors and clinical outcomes: A pilot study in gastric cardia cancer patients from Shanxi, China
Authors: Yu Guoqin , Hu Nan , Wang Lemin , Wang Chaoyu , Han Xiao‐You , Humphry Mike , Ravel Jacques , Abnet Christian C. , Taylor Philip R. , Goldstein Alisa M.
Published: March 2017

Little is known about the link between gastric microbiota and the epidemiology of gastric cancer. In order to determine the epidemiologic and clinical relevance of gastric microbiota, we used 16 S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing analysis to characterize the composition and structure of the gastric microbial community of 80 paired samples (non‐malignant and matched tumor tissues) from gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA) patients in Shanxi, China. We also used PICRUSt to predict microbial functional profiles. Compared to patients without family history of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer in the non‐malignant gastric tissue microbiota, patients with family history of UGI cancer had higher Helicobacter pylori (Hp) relative abundance (median: 0.83 vs. 0.38, p = 0.01) and lower alpha diversity (median observed species: 51 vs. 85, p = 0.01). Patients with higher (vs. lower) tumor grade had higher Hp relative abundance (0.73 vs. 0.18, p = 0.03), lower alpha diversity (observed species, 66 vs. 89, p = 0.01), altered beta diversity (weighted UniFrac, p = 0.002) and significant alterations in relative abundance of five KEGG functional modules in non‐malignant gastric tissue microbiota. Patients without metastases had higher relative abundance of Lactobacillales than patients with metastases (0.05 vs. 0.01, p = 0.04) in non‐malignant gastric tissue microbiota. These associations were observed in non‐malignant tissues but not in tumor tissues. In conclusion, this study showed a link of gastric microbiota to a major gastric cancer risk factor and clinical features in GCA patients from Shanxi, China. Studies with both healthy controls and gastric cardia and noncardia cancer cases across different populations are needed to further examine the association between gastric cancer and the microbiota.
Localization of nucleoside transporters in rat epididymis
Authors: Klein David M. , Harding Marcus C. , Crowther Meghan K , Cherrington Nathan J.
Published: March 2017

The epididymis relies on transporters for the secretion of nucleosides and influence the disposition of nucleoside analogs (NSA). Since these compounds can cross the blood–testis barrier (BTB), it is important to understand if the epididymis reabsorbs NSA drugs. The purpose of this study is to determine the localization of nucleoside transporters expressed within rat epididymis to demonstrate the potential of epididymal reabsorption. Using immunohistochemistry, we determined that equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1) is localized to the basolateral membrane of epithelial cells, ENT2 is expressed in the nucleus of the epithelium and CNT2 is expressed by basal cells. The expression pattern for these transporters suggests that nucleosides are able to access the epithelial cells of the epididymal duct via the blood, but not from the lumen. We did not find any evidence for a transepithelial reabsorption pathway indicating the NSA drugs that cross the BTB remain within the epididymis.
A successful model to learn and implement ultrasound‐guided venous catheterization in apheresis
Authors: Gopalasingam Nigopan , Thomsen Anna‐Marie Eller , Folkersen Lars , Juhl‐Olsen Peter , Sloth Erik
Published: March 2017

Background

Apheresis treatments can be performed with peripheral venous catheters (PVC), although central venous catheters (CVC) are inserted when PVCs fail or patient with history of difficult vascular access prior to the apheresis. Ultrasound guidance for PVC has shown promising results in other settings.

Purpose

To investigate if ultrasound guidance for PVC could be implemented among apheresis nurses. Second, how implementation of ultrasound guidance affected the number of CVCs used for apheresis per patient.

Method

Apheresis nurses completed a systematic training program for ultrasound‐guided vascular access. All independent catheterizations were registered during the implementation stage. The number of CVCs in the pre‐ and postimplementation stages of the ultrasound guidance was compared.

Results

Six nurses completed the training program within a median of 48 days (range 38–83 days).

In 77 patients, 485 independent ultrasound‐guided PVC placements were performed during the implementation stage. All apheresis treatments (485/485) were accomplished using PVCs without requiring CVC as rescue.

During the preimplementation stage, 125 of 273 (45.8%) procedures required a CVC for completion of apheresis procedures; during the postimplementation stage only 30 of 227 (13.2%) procedures required a CVC (p < 0.001). In the postimplementation stage, no CVCs were placed as rescue caused by failed PVCs but were only placed for patients where the ultrasound machine was unavailable. It indicates an effective success rate of 100% for ultrasound‐guided PVC use.

Conclusion

This study showed that ultrasound guidance could be implemented among apheresis nurses as a routine tool eliminating the need of CVC as a rescue.
Combination of change in hematological parameters with exercise stress test to predict coronary artery disease
Authors: Korkmaz Ahmet , Yıldız Abdulkadir , Türker Duyuler Pınar , Duyuler Serkan , Yılmaz Samet , Basyigit Funda , Elalmis Ozgul Ucar , Guray Umit , Ileri Mehmet
Published: March 2017

Objective

Treadmill exercise stress testing for identifying patients with a higher likelihood of coronary artery disease (CAD) before elective coronary angiography is recommended in the current guidelines. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the changes in the hematological parameters before and after exercise stress test in relation with the presence of CAD.

Methods

A total of 113 patients with chest pain who underwent treadmill exercise testing and coronary angiography were included in this study.

Results

Neutrophil count (4.38±0.99 vs 5.19±0.93, P<.001), and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (2.04±0.63 vs 2.41±0.78, P<.001) were significantly elevated after treadmill exercise test in all the patients. Increase in the NLR after exercise test was significantly higher in patients with positive exercise test (n=68) than negative exercise test (n=45) (0.49±0.58 vs 0.19±0.44, P=.016). The sensitivity and specificity of treadmill exercise testing according to coronary angiography was 79% and 64%, respectively. A cut‐off point of 0.2 for the change in the NLR in addition to positive treadmill exercise testing had 91% sensitivity and 92% specificity in predicting significant coronary artery stenosis (AUC:0.913, 95% CI: 0.805‐1.000, P<.001).

Conclusions

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is an important inflammatory marker that can contribute to treadmill ECG testing in predicting CAD.
Relating Personality and Creativity: Considering What and How We Measure
Authors: Puryear Jeb S. , Kettler Todd , Rinn Anne N.
Published: March 2017

Creativity is a complex construct that is conceptualized and measured in multiple ways. This study examined the relationship between creativity and personality taking this into account. It was hypothesized that applying different conceptions and measures would cause variation in the creativity–personality relationship. The participants (N = 224) were undergraduate students and completed six creativity measures, a personality inventory, and a demographic questionnaire. Personality predicted more creative production (R2 = .277) than creative potential (R2 = .176) and more self‐reported creativity (R2 = .348) than that which was externally rated (R2 = .149). Openness was most consistently and strongly related to creativity, but other personality factors varied in their influence and some demonstrated suppression effects. Overall, the results suggest that despite relatively small effects of personality on creativity, there appear to be meaningful differences in the relationships depending on conception and measurement. Implications for educational settings and future research are discussed.
Multiple concomitant oral cavity cancers: Incidence, management, and outcomes
Authors: Kao Huang‐Kai , Abdelrahman Mohamed , Huang Yenlin , Tsai Chia‐Hsuan , Barrera Megias J. , Tsang Ngan‐Ming , Couves Adam J. , Cheng Ming‐Huei , Chang Kai‐Ping
Published: March 2017

Background

Little is known about the appropriate treatment and long‐term survival of patients with multiple concomitant oral cavity cancers (MOC). The aim of this study was to clarify the clinicopathological features of MOC, to compare the prognosis of MOC patients with that of patients with single oral cavity cancers (SOC), and to describe reconstructive options based on the concept of economy in autologous tissue transfer.

Methods

Data from 603 patients diagnosed with at least one squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity who underwent surgery for primary oral cavity cancers between 2006 and 2014 were reviewed retrospectively to identify MOC patients.

Results

Among 603 cases of surgically resected primary oral cancers, 20 cases (3.3%) with MOC were identified. Patients with MOC did not differ from patients with SOC in age, and their index lesions did not differ in pT value, pN value, pathological stage, extracapsule spread, or perineural or bone invasion. The 5‐year overall and disease‐free survival rates for MOC and SOC cases were 72.6% versus 68.7%, and 65.3% versus 64.8%, respectively (P = 0.785 and 0.770, respectively). The anterolateral thigh flap was widely applied. According to its origin of blood supply, the reconstructive options of MOC patients with separated defects were classified and proposed.

Conclusions

MOC and SOC were similar in clinicopathological characteristics. The prognosis of patients with MOC was similar to that of patients with SOC. Resections were performed with curative intent. A multidisciplinary team management approach is essential for customized treatment in MOC patients.
Clarifying historical range to aid recovery of the Mexican wolf
Authors: Heffelfinger James R. , Nowak Ronald M. , Paetkau David
Published: March 2017

We assessed historical, morphological, and genetic information on the range of the Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) to plan the recovery of this endangered subspecies. Early accounts of its range included the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico, and southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and sometimes western Texas, USA. Such accounts are supported by ecological, physiographic, and morphological data. Recent suggestions to depict a more extensive northern periphery have been based primarily on a fragmented geographic sampling of genetic markers assumed to be diagnostic at subspecies level. Some of these genetic markers, found in extant Mexican wolves, reportedly also occur in a few individuals far to the north of the range defined in early accounts. Extending the historical range northward would necessitate drawing that line far north of transitions in wolf phenotype, breaks in vegetation associations, barriers to gene flow, and differences in prey base. We review morphologic, genetic, and ecological information to illustrate why such historical range extensions are not supported. The historical distribution of the Mexican wolf likely does not correspond to the detected distribution of certain molecular markers. The historical range of the Mexican wolf should not be altered through the identification of similar habitat in other locations, the distribution of inadequately sampled molecular markers, or by theoretical arguments about movement capacity. Rather, it should respect the original descriptions that were made when the animal was still present on the landscape, and which are concordant with ecological relationships, physiography, morphology, and the principles of population genetics. Clarifying the historical range of the Mexican wolf accurately will be foundational to developing a scientifically defensible recovery plan. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Health and Safety Culture as a Competitive Advantage for Knowledge‐based Organizations: An HSEC Model Perspective
Authors: Firoozi Naser Hassanzadeh , Hatami Akram
Published: March 2017

Because knowledge is increasingly considered to be a key resource for companies, organizations must create and foster knowledge‐sharing culture. A clear plan and strategy for knowledge creating, sharing it, and managing it provides sustainable competitive advantages for knowledge‐based organizations. Knowledge as an important source of capital for an organization can only be created and managed properly and successfully in a healthy cultural environment. The knowledge stores of organizations are in the minds of their employees, and it is through the art of management that a climate and policy for converting this tacit and valuable knowledge into explicit knowledge is created. This study employs the health, safety, environment, and culture (HSEC) model as a managerial tool to help managers create a health and safety culture for creating and managing knowledge and also gain a real competitive advantage in this highly competitive era. According to this model, knowledge‐based organizations must consider the role of cultural assessment, control risk, cultural hazards, and cultural syndromes when creating a health and safety culture. A successful HSEC model enables an organization to manage its complexity and uncertainty, improve performance, create competitive advantages, and enhance its business reputation. This model will create a deep understanding of a health and safety culture that facilitates the interaction and conversion process and also determines how the knowledge process should be developed and managed by identifying cultural hazards and risks. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transcriptional regulation of cpsQ‐mfpABC and mfpABC by CalR in Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Gao He , Zhang Lingyu , Osei‐Adjei George , Yang Wenhui , Zhou Dongsheng , Huang Xinxiang , Yang Huiying , Yin Zhe , Zhang Yiquan
Published: March 2017

The cpsQ‐mfpABC locus is transcribed as two operons, i.e., cpsQ‐mfpABC and mfpABC, in Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and both of them are all required for biofilm formation. CalR belongs to the LysR‐type transcriptional regulator family, and was originally identified as a repressor of the swarming motility and T3SS1 genes expression in V. parahaemolyticus. In the present work, a combination of qRT‐PCR, primer extension, LacZ fusion expression, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and DNase I footprinting assays were employed to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of cpsQ‐mfpABC and mfpABC by CalR. One transcription start site for each operon was detected and their activities were activated by CalR. His‐CalR protected two DNA regions upstream of mfpABC against DNase I digestion, but no binding sites were detected in the promoter region of cpsQ‐mfpABC, suggesting a direct and an indirect regulatory manner for mfpABC and cpsQ‐mfpABC transcription by CalR, respectively. Collectively, the results presented here confirmed a new physiological role for CalR that acts as an activator for cpsQ‐mfpABC and mfpABC transcription.
Pharmacogenomic findings from clinical whole exome sequencing of diagnostic odyssey patients
Authors: Cousin Margot A. , Matey Eric T. , Blackburn Patrick R. , Boczek Nicole J. , McAllister Tammy M. , Kruisselbrink Teresa M. , Babovic‐Vuksanovic Dusica , Lazaridis Konstantinos N. , Klee Eric W.
Published: March 2017

Background

We characterized the pharmacogenomics (PGx) results received by diagnostic odyssey patients as secondary findings during clinical whole exome sequencing (WES) testing as a part of their care in Mayo Clinic's Individualized Medicine Clinic to determine the potential benefits and limitations to this cohort.

Methods

WES results on 94 patients included a subset of PGx variants in CYP2C19, CYP2C9, and VKORC1 if identified in the patient. Demographic, phenotypic, and medication usage information was abstracted from patient medical data. A pharmacist interpreted the PGx results in the context of the patients’ current medication use and made therapeutic recommendations.

Results

The majority was young with a median age of 10 years old, had neurological involvement in the disease presentation (71%), and was currently taking medications (90%). Of the 94 PGx‐evaluated patients, 91% had at least one variant allele reported and 20% had potential immediate implications on current medication use.

Conclusion

Due to the disease complexity and medication needs of diagnostic odyssey patients, there may be immediate benefit obtained from early life PGx testing for many and most will likely find benefit in the future. These results require conscientious interpretation and management to be actionable for all prescribing physicians throughout the lifetime of the patient.
Diffusion‐relaxation correlation spectroscopic imaging: A multidimensional approach for probing microstructure
Authors: Kim Daeun , Doyle Eamon K. , Wisnowski Jessica L. , Kim Joong Hee , Haldar Justin P.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To propose and evaluate a novel multidimensional approach for imaging subvoxel tissue compartments called Diffusion‐Relaxation Correlation Spectroscopic Imaging.

Theory and Methods

Multiexponential modeling of MR diffusion or relaxation data is commonly used to infer the many different microscopic tissue compartments that contribute signal to macroscopic MR imaging voxels. However, multiexponential estimation is known to be difficult and ill‐posed. Observing that this ill‐posedness is theoretically reduced in higher dimensions, diffusion‐relaxation correlation spectroscopic imaging uses a novel multidimensional imaging experiment that jointly encodes diffusion and relaxation information, and then uses a novel constrained reconstruction technique to generate a multidimensional diffusion‐relaxation correlation spectrum for every voxel. The peaks of the multidimensional spectrum are expected to correspond to the distinct tissue microenvironments that are present within each macroscopic imaging voxel.

Results

Using numerical simulations, experiment data from a custom‐built phantom, and experiment data from a mouse model of traumatic spinal cord injury, diffusion‐relaxation correlation spectroscopic imaging is demonstrated to provide substantially better multicompartment resolving power compared to conventional diffusion‐ and relaxation‐based methods.

Conclusion

The diffusion‐relaxation correlation spectroscopic imaging approach provides powerful new capabilities for resolving the different components of multicompartment tissue models, and can be leveraged to significantly expand the insights provided by MRI in studies of tissue microstructure. Magn Reson Med 78:2236–2249, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Reduced field of view single‐shot spiral perfusion imaging
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhao Li , Chen Xiao , Shaw Peter W. , Gonzalez Jorge A. , Epstein Frederick H. , Meyer Craig H. , Kramer Christopher M. , Salerno Michael
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To develop a single‐shot spiral perfusion pulse sequence with outer‐volume suppression (OVS) to achieve whole‐heart coverage with a short temporal footprint of 10 ms per slice location.

Methods

A highly accelerated single‐shot variable density spiral pulse sequence with an integrated OVS module for reduced field of view (rFOV) perfusion imaging with 2 mm spatial resolution was developed and evaluated in simulations, phantom experiments and in clinical patients with (n = 8) or without (n = 8) OVS. Images were reconstructed by block low‐rank sparsity with motion guidance (BLOSM) and graded by two cardiologists on a 5‐point scale (1, excellent; 5, poor).

Results

Simulation and phantom results showed that OVS effectively suppressed the signal outside the desired field of view (FOV). Clinical patient data demonstrated high quality perfusion images with rFOV. The average image quality scores of full FOV cases and rFOV cases were 3.1 ± 0.64 and 2.3 ± 0.46, respectively, (P = 0.02) from cardiologist 1 and 2.5 ± 0.54 and 1.8 ± 0.47, respectively, (P = 0.04) from cardiologist 2, showing superior image quality for the rFOV images compared with the full FOV images.

Conclusion

A single‐shot spiral perfusion sequence that uses OVS and BLOSM performs perfusion imaging with a very short temporal footprint per image supporting whole‐heart coverage with good image quality. Magn Reson Med 79:208–216, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Rotating single‐shot acquisition (RoSA) with composite reconstruction for fast high‐resolution diffusion imaging
Authors: Wen Qiuting , Kodiweera Chandana , Dale Brian M. , Shivraman Giri , Wu Yu‐Chien
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To accelerate high‐resolution diffusion imaging, rotating single‐shot acquisition (RoSA) with composite reconstruction is proposed. Acceleration was achieved by acquiring only one rotating single‐shot blade per diffusion direction, and high‐resolution diffusion‐weighted (DW) images were reconstructed by using similarities of neighboring DW images. A parallel imaging technique was implemented in RoSA to further improve the image quality and acquisition speed. RoSA performance was evaluated by simulation and human experiments.

Methods

A brain tensor phantom was developed to determine an optimal blade size and rotation angle by considering similarity in DW images, off‐resonance effects, and k‐space coverage. With the optimal parameters, RoSA MR pulse sequence and reconstruction algorithm were developed to acquire human brain data. For comparison, multishot echo planar imaging (EPI) and conventional single‐shot EPI sequences were performed with matched scan time, resolution, field of view, and diffusion directions.

Results

The simulation indicated an optimal blade size of 48 × 256 and a 30 ° rotation angle. For 1 × 1 mm2 in‐plane resolution, RoSA was 12 times faster than the multishot acquisition with comparable image quality. With the same acquisition time as SS‐EPI, RoSA provided superior image quality and minimum geometric distortion.

Conclusion

RoSA offers fast, high‐quality, high‐resolution diffusion images. The composite image reconstruction is model‐free and compatible with various diffusion computation approaches including parametric and nonparametric analyses. Magn Reson Med 79:264–275, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Spin‐lock imaging of exogenous exchange‐based contrast agents to assess tissue pH
Authors: Zu Zhongliang , Li Hua , Jiang Xiaoyu , Gore John C.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Some X‐ray contrast agents contain exchangeable protons that give rise to exchange‐based effects on MRI, including chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST). However, CEST has poor specificity to explicit exchange parameters. Spin‐lock sequences at high field are also sensitive to chemical exchange. Here, we evaluate whether spin‐locking techniques can detect the contrast agent iohexol in vivo after intravenous administration, and their potential for measuring changes in tissue pH.

Methods

Two metrics of contrast based on R1ρ, the spin lattice relaxation rate in the rotating frame, were derived from the behavior of R1ρ at different locking fields. Solutions containing iohexol at different concentrations and pH were used to evaluate the ability of the two metrics to quantify exchange effects. Images were also acquired from rat brains bearing tumors before and after intravenous injections of iohexol to evaluate the potential of spin‐lock techniques for detecting the agent and pH variations.

Results

The two metrics were found to depend separately on either agent concentration or pH. Spin‐lock imaging may therefore provide specific quantification of iohexol concentration and the iohexol‐water exchange rate, which reports on pH.

Conclusions

Spin‐lock techniques may be used to assess the dynamics of intravenous contrast agents and detect extracellular acidification. Magn Reson Med 79:298–305, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Three‐dimensional ultrashort echo time cones T1ρ (3D UTE‐cones‐T1ρ) imaging
Authors: Ma Ya‐Jun , Carl Michael , Shao Hongda , Tadros Anthony S. , Chang Eric Y. , Du Jiang
Published: March 2017

We report a novel three‐dimensional (3D) ultrashort echo time (UTE) sequence employing Cones trajectory and T1ρ preparation (UTE‐Cones‐T1ρ) for quantitative T1ρ assessment of short T2 tissues in the musculoskeletal system. A basic 3D UTE‐Cones sequence was combined with a spin‐locking preparation pulse for T1ρ contrast. A relatively short TR was used to decrease the scan time, which required T1 measurement and compensation using 3D UTE‐Cones data acquisitions with variable TRs. Another strategy to reduce the total scan time was to acquire multiple Cones spokes (Nsp) after each T1ρ preparation and fat saturation. Four spin‐locking times (TSL = 0–20 ms) were acquired over 12 min, plus another 7 min for T1 measurement. The 3D UTE‐Cones‐T1ρ sequence was compared with a two‐dimensional (2D) spiral‐T1ρ sequence for the imaging of a spherical CuSO4 phantom and ex vivo meniscus and tendon specimens, as well as the knee and ankle joints of healthy volunteers, using a clinical 3‐T scanner. The CuSO4 phantom showed a T1ρ value of 76.5 ± 1.6 ms with the 2D spiral‐T1ρ sequence, as well as 85.7 ± 3.6 and 89.2 ± 1.4 ms for the 3D UTE‐Cones‐T1ρ sequences with Nsp of 1 and 5, respectively. The 3D UTE‐Cones‐T1ρ sequence provided shorter T1ρ values for the bovine meniscus sample relative to the 2D spiral‐T1ρ sequence (10–12 ms versus 16 ms, respectively). The cadaveric human Achilles tendon sample could only be imaged with the 3D UTE‐Cones‐T1ρ sequence (T1ρ = 4.0 ± 0.9 ms), with the 2D spiral‐T1ρ sequence demonstrating near‐zero signal intensity. Human studies yielded T1ρ values of 36.1 ± 2.9, 18.3 ± 3.9 and 3.1 ± 0.4 ms for articular cartilage, meniscus and the Achilles tendon, respectively. The 3D UTE‐Cones‐T1ρ sequence allows volumetric T1ρ measurement of short T2 tissues in vivo.
Smart art: Whistler, British Columbia's brand transition to include arts and culture
Authors: McMullan Kylie
Published: March 2017

The importance of city and destination branding is well studied. Cities and regions choose to pursue branding efforts for a variety of reasons. Some regions that choose to invest in branding are looking to reposition their brand to encompass arts and culture in order to stimulate economic growth. The Resort Municipality of Whistler, British Columbia, has employed this approach in an effort to grow year‐round tourism and protect itself from a changing climate and business environment. Leveraging 2 of Hankinson's () destination branding components, partnerships and communications, to the case study of Whistler, British Columbia, this paper explores its brand repositioning towards the arts and culture.
An evidenced‐based strategy for timely delivery of clinical letters
Authors: Corson Eve , Hargreaves Claire , Grimshaw Sarah , Wiggans Joanna , Mitchell Sarah , Toon Ruth , Palmer Claire , Cox David , Pretorius Charlotte , Wilkinson Ellen , Laugharne Richard , Shankar Rohit
Published: March 2017

In the UK, clinical letters are the most common way for doctors to communicate information about patients but no identified national standards exist on how soon non‐urgent clinical letters should be dispatched. Here, Dr Shankar and colleagues discuss their audit of time taken for GPs to receive a clinic letter and suggest ways for improving practice.
Psychiatric manifestations of toxocara
Authors: Lawton Samuel , Sharma Abhilasha
Published: March 2017

Psychiatric patients are more likely than the general population to be at risk from toxocara, due to behavioural and social disturbance. Here, the authors discuss a case that highlights that it is prudent to consider atypical pathogens in patients presenting with an un explained high eosinophil count, or if there has been a history of homelessness, farm work or contact with animals.
Autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with infection
Authors: Lawrence Rachael , Baggott Jonathan
Published: March 2017

There have been many observations of the relationship between infectious disease and behaviour changes such as the development of tics documented in medical literature over a long period of time. Paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) is a controversial diagnosis because it relies on linking a causal association between a common childhood illness with less common psychiatric symptoms. This case report describes a possible case of PANDAS in a young person, the course of treatment and its outcome.
Are culture‐bound syndromes on the verge of extinction?
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: March 2017

Exotic and enigmatic they may be, but culture‐bound syndromes could be disappearing from the medical lexicon, partly as a result of cultural boundaries becoming blurred by the march of the internet and mass media. Mark Greener explores some fascinating examples of culture‐bound syndromes and reasons why the terms might be falling into disuse.
Practice requirements for psychotherapeutic treatment of cancer patients in the outpatient setting—A survey among certified psychotherapists in Germany
Authors: Singer Susanne , Kojima Erika , Beckerle Jutta , Kleining Bernhard , Schneider Erhard , Reuter Katrin
Published: March 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to delineate the challenges that psychotherapists encounter when they treat cancer patients and how they organise their practices to be able to treat them.

Methods

A random sample of certified psychotherapists, licensed by the health authorities, with training in psycho‐oncology, was asked to complete a questionnaire covering the following issues: therapists' qualifications, organisation of the practice, dealing with appointment cancellations, financing, and networking. Practices with ≥50% cancer patients in their patient load were defined as “practices specialising in cancer” (PSC) and were compared to practices with a smaller proportion of cancer patients (non‐PSC).

Results

Of 120 contacted therapists, 83 replied and 77 were eligible. The median waiting time for a first consultation was 10 days in PSC and 14 days in non‐PSC (P = .05). Seventy‐five of PSC and 56% of non‐PSC can offer psychotherapy within 4 weeks. Time spent on dealing with the social problems of the patients was higher in PSC than in non‐PSC (P = .04). They spent also more time communicating with other health care professionals such as private practice oncologists (P = .001).

Cancer patients need to cancel appointments more frequently than noncancer patients (58% vs 48% cancel ≥1× per quarter). Sixty‐six percent of the psychotherapists do not ask for financial reimbursement of these sessions.

Conclusion

Psychotherapy for cancer patients in the outpatient setting requires different organisation of the practice. Sessions are cancelled more frequently, waiting time is considerably shorter, and psychotherapists communicate more often with other health care providers than in general psychotherapy.
A Seasonal Study Reveals the Occurrence of Exotic Rotifers, the River Antigua, Veracruz, Close to the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Nandini S. , Sarma S. S. S. , Gulati R. D.
Published: March 2017

Abstracts

Zooplankton studies in Mexican rivers are few despite the fact that Mexico has >200 rivers. We present data on the seasonal diversity of rotifers during 2013–2014 from the river La Antigua, near Veracruz. We collected samples from 15 stations along a horizontal gradient of ~5 km, from the upper reaches to about 2 km from the sea. The physico‐chemical variables analysed were temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, nitrates, phosphates, Secchi depth and salinity. From each site, 80 L of water was filtered with a 50‐μm plankton net. Rotifers were identified and quantified using a Sedgewick Rafter cell. The river is shallow (maximum depth 2.5 m during the rainy season). Our observations indicated that the phytoplankton community was dominated by diatoms; the chlorophyll a concentrations ranged from 0.55 to 26.1 μg L−1 over the study period. We found >125 rotifer species belonging to 21 families, mostly from the Lecanidae, Brachionidae, Notommatidae and Lepadellidae. The density of rotifers was low, <40 ind. L−1, but species diversity (Shannon–Wiener) ranged, except for a onetime minimum of 0.25, from 2.0 to 4.0 for most part of the year. We also encountered Notholca cf. liepetterseni, an endemic species to Europe and Lecane yatseni, endemic to Asia. Other new records included Lecane rhytida and Ptygura melicerta. The importance of long‐term studies in rivers is emphasized. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.