bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive function, treatment response to lithium, and social functioning in Japanese patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Saito Satoshi , Fujii Kumiko , Ozeki Yuji , Ohmori Kenichi , Honda Gyo , Mori Harunobu , Kato Kazuko , Kuroda Jinichi , Aoki Akiko , Asahi Haruhiko , Sato Hayato , Shimoda Kazutaka , Akiyama Kazufumi
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Patients with bipolar disorder often suffer from cognitive impairment that significantly influences their functional outcome. However, it remains unknown whether lithium has a central role in cognition and functional outcome. We examined whether cognition and functional outcome were predicted by demographic and clinical variables, including the response to lithium, in lithium‐treated patients with bipolar disorder.

Methods

We evaluated 96 lithium‐treated euthymic patients with bipolar disorder and 196 age‐ and‐gender‐matched healthy controls, using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS). The patients were also assessed using the Social Functioning Scale (SFS) and “The Retrospective Criteria of Long‐Term Treatment Response in Research Subjects with Bipolar Disorder” (Alda) scale, which was evaluated as either a continuous measure of the total scale or a dichotomous criterion.

Results

Multiple regression analysis revealed two key findings: first, that the premorbid intelligence quotient, age, and number of mood episodes were predictors of the BACS composite score; and, second, that the BACS composite score, negative symptoms, and continuous measure on the total Alda scale (but not its dichotomy) predicted the total SFS score. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to confirm these findings, and additionally revealed that the Alda scale was significantly associated with negative symptoms and also the number of mood episodes, regardless of how it was evaluated.

Conclusions

SEM delineated how demographic and clinical variables, cognitive performance, and response to lithium treatment were causally associated with, and converged on, social function. The putative role of the Alda scale for social function warrants further study.
Genotype‐phenotype study in patients with valosin‐containing protein mutations associated with multisystem proteinopathy
Authors: Al‐Obeidi E. , Al‐Tahan S. , Surampalli A. , Goyal N. , Wang A.K. , Hermann A. , Omizo M. , Smith C. , Mozaffar T. , Kimonis V.
Published: July 2017

Mutations in valosin‐containing protein (VCP), an ATPase involved in protein degradation and autophagy, cause VCP disease, a progressive autosomal dominant adult onset multisystem proteinopathy. The goal of this study is to examine if phenotypic differences in this disorder could be explained by the specific gene mutations. We therefore studied 231 individuals (118 males and 113 females) from 36 families carrying 15 different VCP mutations. We analyzed the correlation between the different mutations and prevalence, age of onset and severity of myopathy, Paget's disease of bone (PDB), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and other comorbidities. Myopathy, PDB and FTD was present in 90%, 42% and 30% of the patients, respectively, beginning at an average age of 43, 41, and 56 years, respectively. Approximately 9% of patients with VCP mutations had an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) phenotype, 4% had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD), and 2% had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Large interfamilial and intrafamilial variation made establishing correlations difficult. We did not find a correlation between the mutation type and the incidence of any of the clinical features associated with VCP disease, except for the absence of PDB with the R159C mutation in our cohort and R159C having a later age of onset of myopathy compared with other molecular subtypes.
Validation of an algorithm identifying incident primary immune thrombocytopenia in the French national health insurance database
Authors: Mezaache Salim , Derumeaux Helene , Ferraro Pierre , Capdepon Pascal , Steinbach Jean‐Christophe , Abballe Xavier , Palas Deborah , Saichi Nabil , Desboeuf Karine , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse , Sailler Laurent , Moulis Guillaume
Published: July 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the accuracy of an algorithm identifying newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) patients in the French national health insurance database (SNIIRAM).

Methods

The source of data was the SNIIRAM of Midi‐Pyrenees region (southwest of France, three million inhabitants). Data of patients with at least one ITP code (D69.3 code of the International Classification of Disease, version 10) were extracted between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2014. We used an algorithm that identifies newly diagnosed primary ITPs. Medical charts of incident ITPs were reviewed. Positive predictive values (PPVs) of identification of true, incident, and primary ITP cases were estimated.

Results

Of the 168 patients selected, 161 were true ITP cases yielding a PPV of 95.8% (95% confidence interval—95% CI: 92.8‐98.8). Among them, 128 were truly incident according to symptom onset date and 134 according to the diagnosis date yielding PPVs of 79.5% (95% CI: 73.2‐85.7) and 83.2% (95% CI: 77.4‐89.0), respectively. Median time between estimated diagnosis date by the algorithm and true diagnosis date was 0 days (interquartile range: 0 to 15).

Conclusions

This study showed a very good PPV of this algorithm identifying incident primary ITP patients in the SNIIRAM.
Cerebral vasospasm in acute porphyria
Authors: Olivier P. , Van Melkebeke D. , Honoré P.‐J. , Defreyne L. , Hemelsoet D.
Published: July 2017

Background and purpose

Porphyrias are a group of inherited metabolic disorders resulting from a specific deficiency along the pathway of haem biosynthesis. A clinical classification distinguishes acute from non‐acute porphyrias considering the occurrence of life‐threatening neurovisceral attacks, presenting with abdominal pain, neuropsychiatric disturbance and neuropathy. Vasospasm is a very rare complication that can occur in all major types of acute porphyria.

Methods

We describe a porphyric crisis with vasospasm in a woman with previously undiagnosed acute porphyria. Furthermore we performed a systematic review by searching the electronic database Pubmed/MEDLINE for additional data in published studies of vasospasm in acute porphyria.

Results

Overall, 9 case reports reporting on 11 patients who suffered vasospasm during an exacerbation of acute porphyria were identified. All of the reported patients were women and the mean age was 29.4 years. When brain MRI was performed, T2‐hyperintense lesions, consistent with ischaemic changes, were observed in most patients (10/11, 91%). Although the genetic pathogenesis of the disease is well understood, the precise mechanisms to explain neurologic involvement in acute porphyria remain unclear.

Conclusion

Acute porphyria is an unusual and rare cause of vasospasm. However, considering porphyria in patients with unexplained cerebral vasospasm, especially in women of childbearing age, is crucial given the severity of possible complications and the available treatment options.
Microgeographic differentiation in thermal performance curves between rural and urban populations of an aquatic insect
Authors: Tüzün Nedim , Op de Beeck Lin , Brans Kristien I. , Janssens Lizanne , Stoks Robby
Published: July 2017

The rapidly increasing rate of urbanization has a major impact on the ecology and evolution of species. While increased temperatures are a key aspect of urbanization (“urban heat islands”), we have very limited knowledge whether this generates differentiation in thermal responses between rural and urban populations. In a common garden experiment, we compared the thermal performance curves (TPCs) for growth rate and mortality in larvae of the damselflyCoenagrion puellafrom three urban and three rural populations. TPCs for growth rate shifted vertically, consistent with the faster–slower theoretical model whereby the cold‐adapted rural larvae grew faster than the warm‐adapted urban larvae across temperatures. In line with costs of rapid growth, rural larvae showed lower survival than urban larvae across temperatures. The relatively lower temperatures hence expected shorter growing seasons in rural populations compared to the populations in the urban heat islands likely impose stronger time constraints to reach a certain developmental stage before winter, thereby selecting for faster growth rates. In addition, higher predation rates at higher temperature may have contributed to the growth rate differences between urban and rural ponds. A faster–slower differentiation in TPCs may be a widespread pattern along the urbanization gradient. The observed microgeographic differentiation in TPCs supports the view that urbanization may drive life‐history evolution. Moreover, because of the urban heat island effect, urban environments have the potential to aid in developing predictions on the impact of climate change on rural populations.
A new expression for crack opening stress determined based on maximum crack opening displacement under tension–compression cyclic loading
Authors: Chen J. J. , You M. , Huang Y.
Published: July 2017

The maximum crack opening displacement is introduced to investigate the effect of compressive loads on crack opening stress in tension–compression loading cycles. Based on elastic–plastic finite element analysis of centre cracked finite plate and accounting for the effects of crack geometry size, Young's modulus, yield stress and strain hardening, the explicit expression of crack opening stress versus maximum crack opening displacement is presented. This model considers the effect of compressive loads on crack opening stress and avoids adopting fracture parameters around crack tip. Besides, it could be applied in a wide range of materials and load conditions. Further studies show that experimental results of da/dN − ΔK curves with negative stress ratios could be condensed to a single curve using this crack opening stress model.
NGL‐3‐induced presynaptic differentiation of hippocampal neurons in an afadin‐dependent, nectin‐1‐independent manner
Authors: Maruo Tomohiko , Mandai Kenji , Miyata Muneaki , Sakakibara Shotaro , Wang Shujie , Sai Kousyoku , Itoh Yu , Kaito Aika , Fujiwara Takeshi , Mizoguchi Akira , Takai Yoshimi
Published: July 2017

A hippocampal mossy fiber synapse, which is implicated in learning and memory, has a complex structure. We have previously shown using afadin‐deficient mice that afadin plays multiple roles in the structural and functional differentiations of this synapse. We investigated here using a co‐culture system with cultured hippocampal neurons and non‐neuronal COS‐7 cells expressing synaptogenic cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) whether afadin is involved in the presynaptic differentiation of hippocampal synapses. Postsynaptic CAMs NGL‐3 (alias, a Lrrc4b gene product) and neuroligin induced presynaptic differentiation by trans‐interacting with their respective presynaptic binding CAMs LAR (alias, a Ptprf gene product) and neurexin. This activity of NGL‐3, but not neuroligin, was dependent on afadin, but not the afadin‐binding presynaptic CAM nectin‐1. The afadin‐binding postsynaptic CAM nectin‐3 did not induce presynaptic differentiation. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy analyses showed that afadin was localized mainly at puncta adherentia junctions, but partly at synaptic junctions, of the mossy fiber synapse. β‐Catenin and γ‐catenin known to bind to LAR were co‐immunoprecipitated with afadin from the lysate of mouse brain. These results suggest that afadin is involved in the NGL‐3‐LAR system‐induced presynaptic differentiation of hippocampal neurons cooperatively with β‐catenin and γ‐catenin in a nectin‐1‐independent manner.
Thermal properties and formation mechanism of h‐BN nanoneedles synthesized via carbothermic reduction reaction
Authors: Ahmed Yasser Momtaz Zak , El‐Sheikh Said Moawad , Abd Allah Asmaa Abd‐El‐Baset , Anwar Said
Published: July 2017

Hexagonal boron nitride (BN) was synthesized through the carbothermic reduction reaction (CRR) of boric acid using lactose as a carbon source under the nitrogen atmosphere at 1500°C for 3 hours. The boron/carbon (B/C) molar ratio was controlled during the CRR, and the produced samples were investigated by XRD diffraction pattern, FTIR analysis, and Raman spectra. Boron carbide (B4C) was formed in samples that have a higher carbon content, in addition to boron nitride. While boron nitride pure sample was produced from lower carbon content samples. Formation of B4C was found to depend on the B/C molar ratio. The morphology of the produced powder was also investigated by SEM and TEM, which revealed that the samples consist of nanoneedles of BN and hexagonal particles of B4C. The vapor‐solid (VS) reaction mechanism was processed greatly with increasing boron amount, producing boron nitride nanoneedles, which compete with the liquid‐solid (LS) reaction mechanism. The physicochemical properties of the produced samples were studied by DTA, UV, PL, and AC impedance measurements, and revealed that the samples are promising to many proper applications.
Thermal shock resistance and hoop strength of triplex silicon carbide composite tubes
Authors: Kim Daejong , Lee Donghee , Lee Sanghwan , Park Kwangheon , Lee Hyeon‐Geun , Park Ji Yeon , Kim Weon‐Ju
Published: July 2017

Multi‐layered SiC composites have been considered as a nuclear fuel cladding material of light water reactors, LWRs, because of their excellent high temperature strength and corrosion resistance under accident conditions. During a design basis accident of a LWR such as a loss‐of‐coolant accident, the peak temperature of the fuel clad rapidly increases as the production of decay heat continues. The emergency core cooling systems then automatically supply the reactor core with emergency cooling water. The fuel clad consequently suffers from thermal shock. In this study, the structural integrity of multi‐layered SiC composite tubes after thermal shock was investigated. Several kinds of multi‐layered SiC composite tubes consisting of CVD SiC and CVI SiCf/SiC were water‐quenched from 1200°C to room temperature. The triplex SiC composite tube retained its tubular geometry during quenching. The strength degradation after thermal shock was <13% for the specimens with a PyC interphase. The residual stress distribution within the tubes during thermal shock was evaluated by a finite element method.
Seniors centre‐based health intervention programmes in the United States and South Korea: A systematic review
Authors: Song Misoon , Seo Kyoungsan , Choi Suyoung , Choi Jeongshil , Ko Hana , Lee Soo Jin
Published: July 2017

Background

Despite the great need for health interventions among seniors centre participants, this matter has received little attention.

Aim and design

This systematic review aimed to identify what types of health interventions are effective and feasible for seniors centre participants.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Ovid, CINAHL, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and RISS were searched.

Review methods

We searched for health intervention studies conducted in seniors centres published in English and Korean between 1990 and 2014. Of 907 screened articles, 22 studies of all types of experimental designs were selected.

Results

Selected studies were grouped by intervention domain: health promotion (n = 8), safety (n = 5), chronic disease management (n = 6), and comprehensive wellness (n = 3). Overall, 59.1% of the interventions were provided by nurses. The health interventions resulted in positive effects on seniors centre participants' knowledge, health behaviours, clinical indices, and hospitalization rates. Few studies reported on feasibility outcomes such as satisfaction and cost‐effectiveness.

Conclusions

Considering the impact and ease of access to older people at seniors centres, health interventions and services within seniors centres should be strengthened. There is potential for nursing to spearhead seniors centre health intervention programmes to enhance active ageing for participants.
Global patterns and clines in the growth of common carp Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Vilizzi L. , Copp G. H.
Published: July 2017

This review provides a meta‐analytical assessment of the global patterns and clines in the growth of Cyprinus carpio as measured by length‐at‐age (Lt) or von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) parameters, mass–length relationship (W–Lt) and condition factor, based on literature data. In total, 284 studies were retrieved spanning 91 years of research and carried out on 381 waterbodies–locations in 50 countries in all five continents. Although native C. carpio achieved larger (asymptotic) size relative to its non‐native counterpart, the latter grew faster during the first 7 years of life. Lentic populations (especially in natural lakes) also achieved larger sizes relative to lotic ones and the same was true for populations in cold and temperate v. arid climates. Unlike previous studies (on much more restricted datasets), only weak latitudinal clines in instantaneous growth rate, Lt at age 3 and mortality were observed globally and this was probably due to the presence of counter‐gradient growth variation at all representative age classes (i.e. 1–10 years). Slightly negative allometry was revealed by the W–Lt and the related form factor tended to distinguish the more elongated and torpedo‐shaped body typical of the wild form from the deeper body of feral‐domesticated C. carpio. Existing population dynamics models for C. carpio will benefit from the comprehensive range of waterbody type × climate class‐specific VBGF parameters provided in the present study; whereas, more studies are needed on the species' growth in tropical regions and to unravel the possibility of confounding effects on age estimation due to both historical and methodological reasons.
Stress and welfare in ornamental fishes: what can be learned from aquaculture?
Authors: Stevens C. H. , Croft D. P. , Paull G. C. , Tyler C. R.
Published: July 2017

The ornamental fish trade is estimated to handle up to 1·5 billion fishes. Transportation and handling of fishes imposes a range of stressors that can result in mortality at rates of up to 73%. These rates vary hugely, however, and can be as low as 2%, because they are generally estimated rather than based on experimental work. Given the numbers of ornamental fishes traded, any of the estimated mortality rates potentially incur significant financial losses and serious welfare issues. Industry bodies, such as the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA), have established standards and codes of best practice for handling fishes, but little scientific research has been conducted to understand the links between stress, health and welfare in ornamental species. In aquaculture, many of the same stressors occur as those in the ornamental trade, including poor water quality, handling, transportation, confinement, poor social and physical environment and disease and in this sector directed research and some resulting interventions have resulted in improved welfare standards. This review considers the concept of welfare in fishes and evaluates reported rates of mortality in the ornamental trade. It assesses how the stress response can be quantified and used as a welfare indicator in fishes. It then analyses whether lessons from aquaculture can be usefully applied to the ornamental fish industry to improve welfare. Finally, this analysis is used to suggest how future research might be directed to help improve welfare in the ornamental trade.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of aromatase inhibitor use for leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata
Authors: Ando Hitomi , Kusunoki Soshi , Ota Tsuyoshi , Sugimori Yayoi , Matsuoka Shozo , Ogishima Daiki
Published: July 2017

Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata is a rare disease characterized by pelvic smooth‐muscle nodules of various sizes. It is sometimes misdiagnosed as ovarian or peritoneal carcinoma metastasis; therefore, surgical excision for pathological diagnosis is required. Treatment options include bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy (BSO), gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist therapy, and aromatase inhibitor therapy. All of these suppress estrogen levels, but a standard treatment has not been established. A 40‐year‐old woman had multiple pelvic tumors, suspicious for ovarian cancer. She underwent laparotomy, where frozen sections of the nodules revealed leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata. After she completed gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist therapy, we performed a total abdominal hysterectomy and BSO with residual‐nodule resection, but the nodules recurred 6 months after surgery. We then started letrozole, and 3 years have now elapsed without nodule enlargement or development of new lesions. The long‐term use of aromatase inhibitor therapy is thought to be effective and safe for patients with recurrence after BSO.
Intra‐ and post‐partum acute aortic dissection (Stanford type B): Report of two cases
Authors: Tsuritani Mitsuhiro , Kamiya Chizuko A. , Sawada Masami , Horiuchi Chinami , Iwanaga Naoko , Yoshimatsu Jun
Published: July 2017

Pregnancy with Marfan syndrome (MFS) presents challenges to the clinician because of the increased incidence of maternal cardiovascular complications, including acute aortic dissection (ADD) and the involvement of the fetus owing to the urgency of the need for surgery and the low likelihood of survival with premature delivery. Patient 1 was a 36‐year‐old pregnant Japanese woman with MFS who was referred at 16 gestational weeks with aortic root diameter 35.1 mm. Stanford type B AAD occurred on delivery without evident blood pressure changes. Patient 2 was a 31‐year‐old pregnant Japanese woman with MFS with aortic root diameter 28.3 mm at 20 gestational weeks after David procedure. Ultimately fatal Stanford type B AAD occurred on post‐partum day 15. Both patients were treated with beta‐blockers when AAD occurred. Although these two patients were initially considered to have relatively low risk according to previous reports and guidelines, AAD occurred. It is very important to provide information about these high pregnancy risks to women with MFS before conception, and to follow MFS pregnancies with great caution.
Efficacy of the oral neurokinin‐1 receptor antagonist aprepitant for nausea and vomiting induced by cisplatin and carboplatin in Japanese patients with gynecological cancer
Authors: Ikeda Masae , Shida Masako , Hirasawa Takeshi , Muramatsu Toshinari , Mikami Mikio
Published: July 2017

Aim

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and the difference in effects of the oral neurokinin‐1(NK‐1) receptor antagonist aprepitant for chemotherapy‐induced nausea/vomiting (CINV) in Japanese patients with gynecological cancer receiving highly emetogenic (cisplatin) and moderately emetogenic (carboplatin) chemotherapy.

Methods

Aprepitant was added during the second course of chemotherapy in Japanese patients with grade ≥ 2 (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0) nausea and vomiting during the first course despite receiving antiemetic therapy (a first‐generation 5‐hydroxytryptamine 3 receptor antagonist + dexamethasone), and in patients who requested stronger antiemetic therapy despite only having grade 1 nausea and vomiting. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was compared between the first and second courses in each group.

Results

Ninety‐six (55.5%) out of 173 patients received add‐on therapy with aprepitant. There was a significant increase in the complete response (CR: no vomiting or salvage therapy) rate in the patients receiving aprepitant, with marked improvement being confirmed for delayed CINV. Stratified analysis showed that patients with delayed CINV treated with carboplatin had a significantly higher CR rate, while patients with both acute and delayed CINV treated with cisplatin had significantly higher CR rates. There was a positive correlation between the incidence of nausea and the incidence of vomiting in the patients treated with aprepitant.

Conclusion

The oral NK‐1 receptor antagonist aprepitant could be effective for both acute and delayed CINV with cisplatin and for delayed CINV with carboplatin in Japanese gynecological cancer patients.
Common Values and Low Reserve Prices
Authors: Quint Daniel
Published: July 2017

I show that the benefit of a high reserve price in a common‐values ascending auction is lower than in the observationally equivalent private values setting. Put another way, when bidders have common values, empirical estimation based on a private‐values model will overstate the value of a high reserve price. Via numerical examples, I show this same ranking typically applies to the level of the optimal reserve price as well, and often to the benefit of any reserve price, not just high ones. With common values, the optimal reserve can even be below the seller's valuation, which is impossible with private values.
Alternative products for Pratylenchus brachyurus and Meloidogyne javanica management in soya bean plants
Authors: Miamoto Angélica , Silva Monique Thiara Rodrigues e , Dias‐Arieira Claudia Regina , Puerari Heriksen Higashi
Published: July 2017

Nematodes stand out among the main soya bean yield limiting factors due to limitations in the main control methods, mainly when they are applied alone. Given the need of finding new control techniques, the aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of products based on biological control agents and on nutrients or products showing potential to induce resistance for Pratylenchus brachyurus and Meloidogyne javanica control in soya bean plants. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse; nine treatments with six repetitions for each nematode were assessed in two distinct periods. Overall, all treatments have shown potential to control the nematodes in at least one experiment, mainly the ones containing biological control agents (Trichoderma and Bacillus). The vegetative development results were inconclusive; however, some products have shown potential to improve the growth of infected plants.
Sleep disturbance by pramipexole is modified by Meis1 in mice
Authors: Salminen Aaro V. , Schormair Barbara , Flachskamm Cornelia , Torres Miguel , Müller‐Myhsok Bertram , Kimura Mayumi , Winkelmann Juliane
Published: July 2017

Meis homeobox 1 (Meis1) is a transcription factor functioning in the development of the nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Both common and rare variants within the gene have been associated with restless legs syndrome (RLS), while its association with symptoms of insomnia has also been discovered recently. RLS is associated with sleep disturbances, and while Meis1 haploinsufficiency is one of the most promising strategies for an RLS animal model, sleep phenotyping of Meis1 knockout mice has never been conducted. We report a detailed sleep analysis of heterozygous Meis1 knockout mice and challenge it with pramipexole, a dopamine agonist used in the treatment of RLS. At baseline, the Meis1‐haploinsufficient mice had a trend towards lower delta power in the electroencephalogram (EEG) during sleep compared to the wild‐type littermates, possibly indicating reduced sleep quality, but not sleep fragmentation. Pramipexole had a sleep disrupting effect in both genotype groups. In addition, it exerted differential effects on the EEG power spectra of the two mouse lines, remarkably elevating the theta power of the mutant mice during recovery more than that of the wild‐types. In conclusion, Meis1 haploinsufficiency seems to have only a modest effect on sleep, but the gene may interact with the sleep‐disrupting effect of dopamine agonists.
The Effect of Intraoperative Systemic Lidocaine on Postoperative Persistent Pain Using Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials Criteria Assessment Following Breast Cancer Surgery: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Kendall Mark C. , McCarthy Robert J. , Panaro Steve , Goodwin Emily , Bialek Jane M. , Nader Antoun , De Oliveira Gildasio S.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To compare the incidence in postsurgical persistent pain following breast cancer surgery in women receiving intravenous lidocaine compared to saline using validated pain instruments in accordance with the Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT) recommendations.

Methods

The study was a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, clinical trial. Subjects were randomized into Group 1 (1.5 mg/kg bolus of intravenous lidocaine followed by a 2 mg/kg/hour infusion) or Group 2 (normal saline at the same bolus and infusion rate). Patients were evaluated at 3 and 6 months for the presence of chronic persistent postsurgical pain.

Results

One hundred forty‐eight patients were included in the study analysis. There were no differences in quality of recovery, pain burden, or opioid consumption between groups at 24 hours. Pain (yes/no) at 6 months attributed to surgery was reported in 29% of Group 2 vs. 13% of Group 1 patients (P = 0.04); however, only 3 subjects (5%) in Group 1 and 2 subjects (3%) in Group 2 met IMMPACT criteria for persistent postoperative pain (P = 0.99).

Discussion

Perioperative infusion of lidocaine has been reported to decrease the incidence of postsurgical pain at 3 and 6 months following mastectomy using dichotomous (yes/no) scoring. Although intravenous lidocaine reduced the reported incidence of pain at rest at 6 months, pain with activity, pain qualities, and the physical or emotional impact of the pain were unaffected. Future studies evaluating postsurgical persistent pain should adhere to the IMMPACT recommendations in order to more accurately describe the effect of an intervention on persistent pain.
Reproductive performance of immobilized cryopreserved bovine semen used for timed artificial insemination
Authors: Alm‐Kristiansen AH , Dalen G , Klinkenberg G , Bekk L , Thorkildsen LT , Waterhouse KE , Kommisrud E
Published: July 2017

Contents

The SpermVital® technology comprises embedding of spermatozoa within an alginate gel to facilitate release of sperm cells over a prolonged period in utero after AI. The aim of this study was to examine whether the survival time of spermatozoa is extended when applying this immobilization technology in combination with cryopreservation. Sperm cell survival (acrosome and plasma membrane integrity) was studied in vitro for 48 hr at physiological temperature. One dose of SpermVital® (SV) semen was compared with single doses of Biladyl® (B) processed semen as well as double doses of B (B double). B double was obtained by adding a second B dose the following day, thereby mimicking double AI. Furthermore, reproductive performance applying single early timed AI (TAI) with SV following oestrus synchronization was studied in a field trial. Double insemination (TAI on two consecutive days) with B semen served as control. Number of acrosome‐intact live sperm cells decreased over time in vitro for all treatments (p < .05). There was no difference between SV sperm cell survival and B double after 24 hr (p > .05). However, after 48 hr, SV sperm cell survival was higher than B double (p < .05). Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that the outcome of single early TAI with SV was not significantly different from B double (p > .05). Likelihood of pregnancy and calving in the heifer group was higher than in the cow group (p < .05). These results imply that spermatozoa immobilized in alginate gel have prolonged survival.
Foetal pulmonary maturity in dogs: Estimated from bubble tests in amniotic fluid obtained via amniocentesis
Authors: Bonte T , Del Carro A , Paquette J , Charlot Valdieu A , Buff S , Rosset E
Published: July 2017

Contents

The goal of this study was to evaluate the reliability of amniocentesis during late pregnancy to assess lung maturity in puppies using a bubble test as described by Gunston and Davey (South African Medical Journal, 54, 1978, 495). Thirty‐five bitches from eight different breeds were followed during late pregnancy before undergoing elective Caesarean (C)‐section on days 61–62 after ovulation. Bubble tests were performed the day before the C‐section (n = 11 bitches) and before the administration of aglepristone on amniotic fluid samples obtained via amniocentesis and were repeated the day of the surgery on amniotic fluid samples collected via puncture of the amniotic bags before they were opened (n = 35 bitches). No complications were observed following amniocenteses and the C‐sections. The mortality rate (2.3%) was similar to the result of other studies using the same protocol for an elective C‐section. Of the non‐contaminated samples collected the day of the C‐section, 89.6% were positive in the bubble test, which was consistent with observations of clinical maturity the day of the surgery and on the following days. In contrast, 70% of the samples collected the day before the C‐section (when progesterone concentrations were still high) were negative, suggesting that the puppies were still immature at this point in the pregnancy. Additionally, we observed a significant difference in the bubble test results before and 18 hr after the administration of aglepristone, suggesting that aglepristone may act as an inducer of the final maturation of the puppies by inactivating progesterone receptors and simulating a physiological decrease in progesterone. Finally, we confirmed the need to exclude all contaminated samples, which could lead to false‐negative results.
Taurine does not improve the quality of short‐term stored rabbit spermatozoa in vitro
Authors: Paál D , Strejček F , Tvrdá E , Vašíček J , Baláži A , Chrenek P , Massányi P
Published: July 2017

Contents

This study examines the impact of taurine on the viability, morphology and acrosome integrity of rabbit spermatozoa in vitro. Semen samples, obtained from four to five sexually mature and healthy New Zealand White rabbits, were pooled in heterospermic semen sample. This was divided and treated with taurine in a concentration of 0 (control), 1.5, 7, 12.5, 50 mM to a final concentration of 108 spermatozoa/ml. The samples were then incubated at 37°C for 4 hr. A combination of fluorescent probesSYBR‐14/propidium iodide/PNA‐Alexa Fluor 647 was used to assess spermatozoa viability and acrosome integrity on a flow cytometer. The sperm morphology was evaluated under a light microscope following fixation in 1.5% paraformaldehyde. The experiment was repeated three times. According to the obtained results, the spermatozoa neither could have benefit from immediate taurine treatment, nor had they after 4‐hr incubation with respect to viability and acrosome integrity. Taurine did not initially alter the total and acrosome morphology of treated spermatozoa nor has it by 4 hr upon treatment. In conclusion, taurine may have no protective effect on the viability, morphology and acrosome integrity of short‐term stored rabbit spermatozoa.
Public orchestration, social networks, and transnational environmental governance: Lessons from the aviation industry
Authors: Henriksen Lasse Folke , Ponte Stefano
Published: July 2017

This article contributes to current debates on the potential and limitations of transnational environmental governance, addressing in particular the issue of how private and public regulation compete and/or reinforce each other – and with what results. One of the most influential approaches to emerge in recent years has been that of “orchestration.” But while recent discussions have focused on a narrow interpretation of orchestration as intermediation, we argue that there is analytical traction in studying orchestration as acombinationof directive and facilitative tools. We also argue that a social network analytical perspective on orchestration can improve our understanding of how governments and international organizations can shape transnational environmental governance. Through a case study of aviation, we provide two contributions to these debates: first, we propose four analytical factors that facilitate the possible emergence of orchestration (issue visibility, interest alignment, issue scope, and regulatory fragmentation and uncertainty); and second, we argue that orchestrators are more likely to succeed when they employ two strategies: (i) they use a combination of directive and facilitative instruments, including the provision of feasible incentives for industry actors to change their behavior, backed up by regulation or a credible regulatory threat; and (ii) they are robustly embedded in, and involved in the formation of, the relevant transnational networks of actors and institutions that provide the infrastructure of governance. © 2017 JohnWiley & Sons Australia, Ltd
Osmolality and blood pressure stability during hemodialysis
Authors: Singh Anika T. , Mc Causland Finnian R.
Published: July 2017

Homeostatic regulation of plasma osmolality (POsm) is critical for normal cellular function in humans. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is the major hormone responsible for the maintenance of POsm and acts to promote renal water retention in conditions of increased POsm. However, AVP also exerts pressor effects, and its release can be stimulated by the development of effective arterial blood volume depletion. Patients with end‐stage renal disease on hemodialysis, particularly those with minimal or no residual renal function, have impaired ability to regulate water retention in response to AVP. While hemodialysis can assist with this task, patients are subject to relatively rapid shifts in volume and electrolytes during the procedure. This can result in the development of transient osmotic gradients that lead to the movement of water from the extracellular to the intracellular space. Hypotension may result—both as a consequence of water movement out of the intravascular compartment, but also from impaired AVP release and inadequate vascular tone. In this review, we explore the evidence for POsm changes during hemodialysis, associations with adverse outcomes, and methods to minimize the rapidity of changes in POsm in an effort to reduce patient symptoms and minimize intra‐dialytic hypotension.
Safety of a pasteurized plasma‐derived Factor VIII and von Willebrand factor concentrate: analysis of 33 years of pharmacovigilance data
Authors: Kouides Peter , Wawra‐Hehenberger Kathrin , Sajan Anna , Mead Henry , Simon Toby
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Haemate‐P/Humate‐P (Humate‐P) is a pasteurized human plasma‐derived concentrate containing both Factor VIII and von Willebrand factor for treatment of hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease (VWD).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed the safety of Humate‐P based on more than 33 years of postmarketing pharmacovigilance data, representing an estimated exposure of approximately 25,000 patient‐years. The analysis comprises reports of potential adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from all sources, reported as part of routine pharmacovigilance at CSL Behring. ADRs considered clinically relevant or potential risks of Humate‐P were identified based on defined and standardized Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities queries. Recognizing the limitations of spontaneous reporting, we also reviewed the literature, including clinical trials with mandatory reporting.

RESULTS

From 1982 to 2015, a total of 670 postmarketing cases had been reported via pharmacovigilance, for an overall reporting rate of approximately one ADR per 3900 administered standard doses. Of these cases, 343 involved ADRs considered clinically relevant risks (33 thromboembolic complications, 97 inhibitor formation, 110 hypersensitivity or allergic reactions) or potential risks (103 suspected virus transmissions) for Humate‐P. Most thromboembolic complications occurred in patients undergoing surgery or with other known risk factors. Inhibitor formation occurred mostly in patients with hemophilia A (24 cases were high titer). Most patients with hypersensitivity or allergic reactions had VWD. None of the reported suspected virus transmission cases were confirmed to be associated with Humate‐P. Reported results of company‐sponsored studies showed a low incidence of adverse events possibly or probably related to Humate‐P.

CONCLUSIONS

More than 33 years of pharmacovigilance data continue to support the safety of Humate‐P.
Design of a Linkage System to Write in Cursive
Authors: Liu Yang , Michael McCarthy J.
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a design methodology for a system of linkages that can trace planar Bezier curves that represent cursive handwriting of the alphabet and Chinese characters. This paper shows that the standard degree n Bezier curve can be reparameterized so that it takes the form of a trigonometric curve that can be drawn by a one degree-of-freedom coupled serial chain consisting of 2n links. A series of cubic Bezier curves that define a handwritten name yields a series of six-link coupled serial chains that trace these curves. We then show how to simplify this system using cubic trigonometric Bezier curves to obtain a series of four-link serial chains that approximate the system of Bezier curves. The result is a methodology for the design of a mechanical system that draws complex plane curves such as the cursive alphabet and Chinese characters.
Molecular and neural basis of contagious itch behavior in mice
Authors: Yu Yao-Qing , Barry Devin M. , Hao Yan , Liu Xue-Ting , Chen Zhou-Feng
Published: July 2017

To scratch or not to scratch

Observing someone else scratching themselves can make you want to do so. This contagious itching has been observed in monkeys and humans, but what about rodents? Yu
et al.
found that mice do imitate scratching when they observe it in other mice. The authors identified a brain area called the suprachiasmatic nucleus as a key circuit for mediating contagious itch. Gastrin-releasing peptide and its receptor in the suprachiasmatic nucleus were necessary and sufficient to transmit this contagious behavior.

Science
, this issue p.
1072
“Ab initio” synthesis of zeolites for preestablished catalytic reactions
Authors: Gallego Eva María , Portilla M. Teresa , Paris Cecilia , León-Escamilla Alejandro , Boronat Mercedes , Moliner Manuel , Corma Avelino
Published: July 2017

Start with the transition state

Zeolites catalyze a wide range of industrial reactions, but identifying the reactions that they catalyze well tends to be done by trial and error. Gallego
et al.
propose a way to rationalize the process by using structure-directing agents that act as scaffolds for creating the zeolite pores and channels (see the Perspective by Millini). They picked molecules that mimic the transition states for reactions such as the isomerization of ethylbenzene into xylene, and they successfully identified catalysts with improved reactant conversion and product selectivity.

Science
, this issue p.
1051
; see also p.
1028
Bacterial presence in polar regions associated with environment modification by chemical compounds including contaminants
Authors: Kosek Klaudia , Jankowska Katarzyna , Polkowska Żaneta
Published: July 2017

Microbes are omnipresent and diverse members of all biological communities. In marine and freshwater ecosystems, microorganisms form the base of the food chain supporting higher trophic levels. Even though microbes are generally thought to live in warm regions of Earth, many of them develop in cold climates. Polar regions remain relatively protected from widespread anthropogenic disturbances, which is a consequence of thier remoteness and extreme climate conditions. For a long time these regions were considered to be free from chemical contamination until scientists discovered a presence of pollutants there. Chemical contamination may induce serious disorders in the integrity of polar ecosystems influencing the growth of bacterial communities. Xenobiotics including persistent organic pollutants are transported thousands of kilometers by the air and ocean currents, and they are deposed in high-latitude regions and accumulate in all elements of the environment including bacterial communities. It is important to determine their concentration levels in bacterial cells to assess the possibility of contaminants becoming transferred to higher trophic levels; however, some species of bacteria are capable of metabolizing xenobiotics, which makes them less toxic or even removes them from the environment.
THEORETICAL PREDICTION OF THE ROLE OF CO-CONTRACTION DURING BALANCE RECOVERY IN ELDERLY
Authors: OGAYA S. , NAGAI K. , OKITA Y. , FUCHIOKA S.
Published: July 2017

This study aimed to determine the effect of muscle co-contraction on balance recovery by using a simulation model. The muscle-driven forward simulation model included an inverted pendulum with two ankle muscles, a plantar flexor muscle (PF), and a dorsal flexor muscle (DF). The model was created based on experimental data obtained from balance recovery after applying backward platform translation to a standing elderly woman. Baseline simulation was performed using this model. Additionally, we performed two simulations with increased DF excitation at the same level of simulation and at the same pattern of simulation. The same level of simulation had the same PF excitation level as the baseline simulation with increased DF excitation. The same pattern simulation had the same increased or decreased PF excitation pattern but with a constant increase in PF excitation level to offset the increased DF excitation. Our results revealed that the same pattern simulation decreased the maximum dorsal flexion angle after platform translation. During the same level of simulation, the insufficient PF force used to recover balance resulted in a forward fall. These results imply that co-contraction is an effective strategy for recovering balance at the expense of additional muscle excitation in the elderly.
Identification of Voids in Structures Based on Level Set Method and FEM
Authors: Zhang Lixuan , Yang Gang , Hu Dean
Published: July 2017

An algorithm has been developed to identify the position of voids in structures by coupling level set method and finite element method (FEM). The identification problem is transformed into a minimum problem whose objective function is defined as a least square form of displacement error. A perimeter constraint term is also added in the objective function to make the solution well posed. The level set is applied in the present algorithm to represent the position and geometry of the voids. The velocity field of level set function is obtained by analyzing the shape derivative of objective function. FEM based on Euler description is employed for solving the forward problem. The same fixed meshes adopted by the solution of forward problem are used for finite difference computation of the level set function. The procedure of this algorithm has been applied to the voids identification of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) structures, the examples of single void and multiple voids are considered. The results indicate that the voids in structure can be identified effectively by the present algorithm and the algorithm is also stable to noise.