bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging in gynecological disease (14): clinical and ultrasound characteristics of ovarian clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Pozzati F. , Moro F. , Pasciuto T. , Gallo C. , Ciccarone F. , Franchi D. , Mancari R. , Giunchi S. , Timmerman D. , Landolfo C. , Epstein E. , Chiappa V. , Fischerova D. , Fruscio R. , Zannoni G. F. , Valentin L. , Scambia G. , Testa A. C.
Published: July 2018

Objective

To describe the clinical and ultrasound characteristics of ovarian pure clear cell carcinoma.

Methods

This was a retrospective study involving data from 11 ultrasound centers. From the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) database, 105 patients who had undergone preoperative ultrasound examination by an experienced ultrasound examiner between 1999 and 2016 were identified with a histologically confirmed pure clear cell carcinoma of the ovary. An additional 47 patients diagnosed with pure clear cell carcinoma between 1999 and 2016 and with available complete preoperative ultrasound reports were identified retrospectively from the databases of the departments of gynecological oncology in the participating centers. The ultrasound images of all tumors were described using IOTA terminology. Clinical and ultrasound characteristics were analyzed for the whole group, and separately, for patients with and those without histologically confirmed endometriosis, and for patients with evidence of tumor developing from endometriosis.

Results

Median age of the 152 patients was 53.5 (range, 28–92) years and 92/152 (60.5%) tumors were FIGO Stage I. Most tumors (128/152, 84.2%) were unilateral. On ultrasound examination, all tumors contained solid components and 36/152 (23.7%) were completely solid masses. The median largest diameter of the lesion was 117 (range, 25–310) mm. Papillary projections were present in 58/152 (38.2%) masses and, in most of these (51/56, 91.1%), vascularized papillary projections were seen. Information regarding the presence, site and type of pelvic endometriosis at histology was available for 130/152 patients. Endometriosis was noted in 54 (41.5%) of these. In 24/130 (18.6%) patients, the tumor was judged to have developed from endometriosis. Patients with, compared to those without, evidence of tumor developing from endometriosis were younger (median 47.5 vs 55.0 years, respectively), and ground‐glass echogenicity of cyst fluid was more common in pure clear cell cancers developing from endometriosis (10/20 vs 13/79 (50.0% vs 16.5%), respectively).

Conclusions

Ovarian pure clear cell carcinoma is usually diagnosed at an early stage and typically appears as a large unilateral mass with solid components. Patients with clear cell carcinoma developing from endometriosis are younger than other patients with clear cell carcinoma, and clear cell cancers developing from endometriosis more often manifest ground‐glass echogenicity of cyst fluid. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Bio‐inspired Oxidation of 1‐Aminocarboxylic Acids by a Nonheme Iron(II) Complex: Mimicking the Activity of 1‐Aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic Acid Oxidase
Authors: Rahaman Rubina , Munshi Sandip , Paine Tapan Kanti
Published: July 2018

Three new ternary iron(II) complexes, [(TpPh2)FeII(ACC)] (1), [(TpPh2)FeII(ACH)] (2), and [(TpPh2)FeII(ADP)] (3) [TpPh2 = hydrotris(3,5‐diphenylpyrazol‐1‐yl)borate, ACC‐H = 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid, ACH‐H = 1‐aminocyclohexane‐1‐carboxylic acid, and ADP‐H = 2‐amino‐2,2‐diphenylacetic acid] were isolated and characterized. X‐ray crystal structures of 1 and 2 reveal that in both the complexes the TpPh2 ligand binds to the central iron atom in a facial mode, and the respective 1‐aminocarboxylate monoanion displays bidentate binding mode through one carboxylate oxygen and one amine nitrogen donor. Complex 1 represents a structural model of the enzyme‐substrate adduct of the enzyme, 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid oxidase (ACCO). The iron(II) complexes react with O2 at ambient temperature to convert the metal coordinated coligands to the corresponding carbonyl compound but in low yields. The yields of the decarboxylated products, however, increase upon increasing the reaction temperature. Isotope labelling experiments and interception studies indicate that the reductive activation of O2 at the central iron atom concomitant with two‐electron oxidative decarboxylation of the coligand following a pathway very similar to that proposed for the iron(II)‐α‐hydroxy acid complexes of the TpPh2 ligand.
A Polyhedron‐based Metal‐Organic Framework showing high CO2 Adsorption Capacity
Authors: Gao Cong‐Li
Published: July 2018

A novel porous copper‐based metal‐organic framework {[Cu2(TTDA)2]*(DMA)7}n (1) (DMA = N,N‐dimethylacetamide) was designed and synthesized via the combination of a dual‐functional organic linker 5′‐(4‐(4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl)phenyl)‐[1,1′:3′,1′′‐terphenyl]‐4,4′′‐dicarboxylic acid (H2TTDA) and a dinuclear CuII paddle‐wheel cluster. This MOF is characterized by elemental analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The framework is constructed from two types of cages (octahedral and cuboctahedral cages) and exhibits two types of circular‐shaped channels of approximate size of 5.8 and 11.4 Å along the crystallographic c axis. The gas sorption experiments indicate that it possesses a large surface area (1687 m2·g–1) and high CO2 adsorption capacities around room temperature (up to 172 cm3·g–1 at 273 K and 124 cm3·g–1 at 298 K).
Treatment of rats anal fistula with glycerin Aloe barbadensis Miller extract
Authors: Comparin Bruno Cabral , Santos Carlos Henrique Marques dos , Dourado Doroty Mesquita , Reichel Pâmela Micaela Gomes , Paola Roberta Silva de , Pontes Elenir Rose Jardim Cury
Published: July 2018

Rationale There is a need for a low cost treatment for complex anal fistulas that can heal without causing fecal incontinence, with room for the study of herbal medicines.

Objective To evaluate the effect of the glycerin Aloe barbadensis Miller extract in the treatment of anal fistula in rats.

Method Thirty Wistar rats underwent peritoneal anesthesia with ketamine and Xylasine, followed by transfixation of the anal sphincter with a steel wire, which remained for 30 days to develop the anal fistula. After this period, the steel wire was removed and three groups with 10 animals were formed: A (control), without treatment; B (seton), in which a cotton seton was introduced; C (therapeutic seton), in which a cotton thread was introduced as a seton, and Aloe barbadensis Miller extract was daily dripped in the seton; after 30 days, the setons of groups B and C were removed, and after two weeks without a seton euthanasia and removal of specimens was conducted, and the fistula closure and the inflammatory process were analyzed.

Results Fistula persistence was observed in all animals in Group A, six in Group B and three in Group C (p = 0.015). The mean local inflammation levels were 0.9 in Group A; 0.8 in Group B, and 0 in Group C (p = 0.015).

Conclusion The use of a seton soaked in a glycerin Aloe barbadensis Miller extract was effective in the healing of anal fistulas in rats, in addition to causing less inflammatory process than the non-phytotherapeutic seton.
Community engagement to pilot electronic patient-reported outcomes (e-PROs) in early intervention: Lessons learned
Authors: Rigau Briana L. , Scully Elizabeth A. , Dooling-Litfin Jodi K. , Murphy Natalie J. , McManus Beth M. , Khetani Mary A.
Published: July 2018

Background

Electronic data capture is essential to advancing family-centered coordinated care in early intervention (EI). The purpose of this paper is to report on EI service coordinator response to piloting an electronic parent-reported outcome (e-PRO) assessment as part of their routine workflow, including lessons learned that may inform future phases of e-PRO implementation.

Methods

This second pilot study involved families enrolled in a large EI program (n=1040 families) in concert with their implementation of a statewide quality improvement initiative for care plan development and outcomes reporting. A total of 22 EI service coordinators and supervisors were engaged in 3 phases: initial e-PRO intervention, peer-mentor enhancement, and standard recruitment protocol.

Results

Implementation of the e-PRO intervention and peer-mentoring enhancement yielded low enrollment rates over the first 6 months (n=17). A standard recruitment protocol has resulted in enrollment growth (n=83) towards the targeted enrollment rate (n=832).

Conclusions

This study reports on early insights for building and sustaining a productive academic-community partnership for e-PRO implementation to support family-centered coordinated care. Lessons learned from this academic-community partnership with respect to strategies for enhancing community significance, collaboration, return, and control are discussed as they inform further development of this intervention before scale-up.
Development of a plain-language library of educational resources for research participants
Authors: Witte Elizabeth , Winkler Sabune J. , Myerson Joanna , Kirby Aaron , Biggers Jessica , Do Jacquelyn-My , Roth Mary-Tara , Gateman Alyssa K. , Cagliero Enrico , Bierer Barbara E.
Published: July 2018

There is a paucity of educational resources for potential clinical trial participants, particularly resources in plain language, attentive to health literacy principles and translated into native languages. The New England Research Subject Advocacy Group was formed to explore common issues, interests, and concerns related to the experience of participation in clinical research and research participant safety. Specifically, the group sought to increase community awareness and trust through the development and distribution of publicly accessible informational resources. In support of these aims, the group developed a robust library of high-quality, plain-language educational materials covering topics in health research, research participation, and common research procedures, and translated the majority of the materials into an additional 15 languages. These resources have been downloaded over 130,000 times. After English, the most common languages downloaded are Vietnamese, Spanish, and Korean.
Advancement of multidisciplinary education and research in translational sciences: MERITS program development at Duke University
Authors: Freel Stephanie A. , Fish Laura J. , Mirman Benjamin , Sudan Ranjan , Devi Gayathri R.
Published: July 2018

Introduction

The Duke Multidisciplinary Education and Research in Translational Sciences Program provides educational resources for faculty and trainees in translational research.

Methods

To aid in program development, we assessed perceptions of translational science through focus groups targeting different career stages.

Results

In total, 3 essential themes emerged: collaboration, movement toward application, and public health impact. Facilitators and barriers varied among groups.

Conclusion

Training programs must provide specific strategies for collaboration and selectively accelerating discoveries to therapies.
Dynamics of post-critically finite maps in higher dimension
Authors: ASTORG MATTHIEU
Published: July 2018

We study the dynamics of post-critically finite endomorphisms of $\mathbb{P}^{k}(\mathbb{C})$. We prove that post-critically finite endomorphisms are always post-critically finite all the way down under a regularity condition on the post-critical set. We study the eigenvalues of periodic points of post-critically finite endomorphisms. Then, under a transversality condition and assuming Kobayashi hyperbolicity of the complement of the post-critical set, we prove that the only possible Fatou components are super-attracting basins; thus, partially extending to any dimension is a result of Fornaess–Sibony and Rong holding in the case $k=2$.
Wake of super-hydrophobic falling spheres: influence of the air layer deformation
Authors: Castagna Marco , Mazellier Nicolas , Kourta Azeddine
Published: July 2018

We report an experimental investigation of the wake of free falling super-hydrophobic spheres. The mutual interaction between the air layer (plastron) encapsulating the super-hydrophobic spheres and the flow is emphasised by studying the hydrodynamic performance. It is found that the air plastron adapts its shape to the flow-induced stresses which compete with the surface tension. This competition is characterised by introducing the Weber number${\mathcal{W}}e$, whilst the plastron deformation is estimated via the aspect ratio$\unicode[STIX]{x1D712}$. While noticeable distortions are locally observed, the plastron becomes more and more spherical on average (i.e. $\unicode[STIX]{x1D712}\rightarrow 1$) as far as${\mathcal{W}}e$increases. The study of the falling motion reveals that the plastron compliance has a sizeable influence on the wake development. Investigating the lift force experienced by the super-hydrophobic spheres, the onset of wake instabilities is found to be triggered earlier than for smooth spheres used as reference. Surprisingly, it is also observed that the early promotion of the wake instabilities is even more pronounced beyond a critical Weber number,${\mathcal{W}}e_{c}$, which corresponds to a critical aspect ratio$\unicode[STIX]{x1D712}_{c}$. Furthermore, the magnitude of the hydrodynamic loads is found to be dependent on the average deformation of the gas/liquid interface. Indeed, in comparison to the reference spheres, the high deformation achieved for$\unicode[STIX]{x1D712}>\unicode[STIX]{x1D712}_{c}$(oblate shape) leads to lift and drag increase, whereas the low deformation obtained for$\unicode[STIX]{x1D712}<\unicode[STIX]{x1D712}_{c}$(spherical shape) yields lift and drag mitigation. Accordingly, taking into account the plastron deformation provides an attractive way to explain the somehow discordant results reported in other studies at comparable Reynolds numbers. These results suggest that the amount of vorticity produced at the body surface and then released in the wake is strongly impacted by the plastron compliance. If confirmed by additional studies and extrapolated to other flow configurations, our findings would imply that plastron compliance and its feedback on the flow, which are currently neglected in most theoretical works and numerical simulations, must be accounted for to design super-hydrophobic surfaces and/or predict their performance.
EXHAUSTION OF THE CURVE GRAPH VIA RIGID EXPANSIONS
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ HERNÁNDEZ JESÚS
Published: July 2018

For an orientable surfaceSof finite topological type with genusg≥ 3, we construct a finite set of curves whose union of iterated rigid expansions is the curve graph$\mathcal{C}$(S). The set constructed, and the method of rigid expansion, are closely related to Aramayona and Leiniger's finite rigid set in Aramayona and Leininger,J. Topology Anal.5(2) (2013), 183–203 and Aramayona and Leininger,Pac. J. Math.282(2) (2016), 257–283, and in fact a consequence of our proof is that Aramayona and Leininger's set also exhausts the curve graph via rigid expansions.
Diurnal variation in egg excretion by Heterakis gallinarum
Authors: Daş Gürbüz , Westermark Pål O. , Gauly Matthias
Published: July 2018

Periodicity in nematode egg excretion may be of evolutionary origin as it can favour dispersal of the eggs in the environment. We investigated whether egg excretion by Heterakis gallinarum shows a repeatable pattern of periodicity. The faecal egg concentration and total number of eggs excreted within 4-h intervals were significantly affected by the sampling time within 1 day, but remained unaffected by the sampling day or interaction effects. By contrast, the total number of eggs excreted within 24 h did not differ among the 4 days of the study, collectively indicating repeatable egg excretion patterns. Both host feces and parasite egg excretion increased from night to late afternoon, followed by a decrease in the evening, resulting in higher egg excretion during daytime than the dark period. Feces excretion and worm fecundity showed overlapping diurnal rhythms with similarly timed phases, suggesting the existence of synchronicity between the host feces and nematode egg excretion patterns. We conclude that egg excretion by H. gallinarum is synchronized with host feces excretion and is higher during the daytime than during the dark period. This overlaps with the maximum activity of the day-active host and allows a maximal dispersal of the eggs in the environment.
A possible new Bronze Age period at Troy
Authors: Easton Donald , Weninger Bernhard
Published: July 2018

Statistical analysis of Carl Blegen's pottery sequence using Correspondence Analysis (CA) suggests a gap of 100–200 years between his Troy III and IV periods. From the Manfred Korfmann excavations three stratigraphic sequences hitherto assigned to Troy IV and V appear to bridge it. This allocation is based on stratigraphic/architectural grounds and on the observable development in ceramic shapes and wares. Heinrich Schliemann's pottery sequence from 1870–1873 is also analysed by CA and found to compare well with Blegen's (with limited exceptions probably due to the larger scope of his excavations), but it does not exhibit the same gap. This suggests that during the ‘bridge’ period occupation shrank to the summit on the western end of the citadel mound. This ‘bridge’ period of seven or more building phases has a distinctive ceramic assemblage and may be called the Proto-IV period. It is broadly contemporary with Middle Helladic I, Beycesultan VIII–VI, Küllüoba II and the Tarsus Early Bronze to Middle Bronze transitional period. Careful re-evaluation of the radiocarbon evidence dates it to ca 2150–1990 cal. BC. Botanical and faunal evidence from the strata in question attests significantly drier climatic conditions which, together with the smaller size of the settlement, probably reflect the 4.2ka cal. BP climatic deterioration.
Sovereignty, conservation and island ecological futures
Authors: MAWYER ALEXANDER , JACKA JERRY K.
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we puzzle the way that sovereignty has been a sketchily present dynamic in conservation discourses. In the case of the world's many island communities whose colonial histories extend into the present in virtually every domain, silences around sovereignty in conservation contexts are particularly notable for the way they suggest the enduring domination of local communities by distant metropoles. Here, we provide a review of several critical issues in Pacific Islands contexts – biosecurity, food security, intellectual and material property rights and protected areas – that highlight the importance of conceptualizing sovereignty beyond the state to better enhance conservation outcomes. The novel approach we take in regard to these problems is to encourage conservation practitioners to more deeply engage with the ‘ecological futures’ that indigenous and local island communities are weaving in a period of active (re)articulations of sovereignty in conception, legal constitution and everyday engagements with island environments.
Review of children with Takayasu’s arteritis at a Southern African tertiary care centre
Authors: Cilliers Antoinette M. , Adams Paul E. , Ntsinjana Hopewell , Kala Udai
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Takayasu’s arteritis is a rare idiopathic arteritis causing stenosis or aneurysms of the aorta, pulmonary arteries, and their branches. It usually occurs in women, but has been described in children.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the clinical presentation, demographic profile, vascular involvement, origins, management, and outcome of children diagnosed with Takayasu’s arteritis at a Southern African tertiary care centre between 1993 and 2015.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of all children with Takayasu’s arteritis captured on a computerised electronic database during the study period.

Results

A total of 55 children were identified. The female:male ratio was 3.2:1, and the mean age was 9.7±3.04 years. Most originated outside the provincial borders of the study centre. The majority presented with hypertension and heart failure. In all, 37 (67%) patients had a cardiomyopathy with a mean fractional shortening of 15±5%. A positive purified protein derivative test was documented in 73%. Abdominal aorta and renal artery stenosis were the predominant angiographic lesions. A total of 23 patients underwent 30 percutaneous interventions of the aorta, pulmonary, and renal arteries: eight stents, 22 balloon angioplasties, and seven had nephrectomies. All patients received empiric tuberculosis treatment, immunosuppressive therapy, and anti-hypertensive agents as required. Overall, there was a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and improvement in fractional shortening (p<0.05) with all treatments.

Conclusion

Takayasu’s arteritis is more common in girls and frequently manifests with hypertension and heart failure. The abdominal aorta and renal arteries are mostly affected. Immunosuppressive, anti-hypertensive, and vascular intervention therapies improve blood pressure control and cardiac function.
Pressure injury prevention for paediatric cardiac surgical patients using a nurse-driven standardized clinical assessment and management plan
Authors: Kulik Lindyce A. , Connor Jean A. , Graham Dionne A. , Hickey Patricia A.
Published: July 2018

Background

The description of pressure injury development is limited in children with CHD. Children who develop pressure injuries experience pain and suffering and are at risk for additional morbidity.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to develop a standardized clinical assessment and management plan to describe the development of pressure injury in paediatric cardiac surgical patients and evaluate prevention strategies.

Methods

Using a novel quality improvement initiative, postoperative paediatric cardiac surgical patients were started on a nurse-driven pressure injury prevention standardized clinical assessment and management plan on admission. Data were recorded relevant to nursing assessments and management based on pre-defined targeted data statements and algorithm. Nursing feedback regarding diversions was recorded and analysed.

Results

Data on 674 congenital paediatric cardiac surgical patients who met criteria were collected between May, 2011 and June, 2012. In 5918 patient days, a total of 4603 skin assessments were completed by nurses from the cardiac ICU and the cardiac inpatient unit, representing 77% of the expected assessments. The majority (70%, 21/30) of the 30 pressure injuries were medical-device-related and 30% (9/30) were immobility-related. The overall incidence of pressure injury was 4.4%: device-related was 3.1% and immobility-related was 1.3%. Most pressure injuries were Stage 1 (40%), followed by Stage 2 (26.7%), mucosal membrane injury (26.7%), and suspected deep tissue injuries (6.7%).

Conclusion

A nurse-driven pressure injury prevention standardized clinical assessment and management plan supported a programme-based evaluation of nursing practice and patient outcomes. Review of practices highlighted opportunities to standardise and focus prevention practices and ensure communication of patient vulnerabilities.
Dementia, ageing, and the city: learning from the streets of Melbourne
Authors: McLaughlan Rebecca , Annear Michael , Pert Alan
Published: July 2018

One of the most difficult challenges associated with an ageing population will be a significant increase in the number of people living with dementia. In Australia, this number is estimated to triple by 2050; a situation that is reflected globally. This will place increased demands on health and long-term care providers but it should also force an examination of the ability of contemporary cities to facilitate or constrain inclusion. Globally, designers and students of this discipline are contributing their skills to the challenge of dementia but solutions are typically proposed at a product, institutional or suburban scale. This paper will present two propositional projects, created using a speculative design methodology within a design studio at The University of Melbourne, that provoke architects to more seriously interrogate what it means for a city to support social inclusion, independence and choice for those who are ageing in place. These projects illuminate new avenues for critical and necessary research. This paper will begin with a reflection on the limitations of the Hogeweyk Dementia Village (Amsterdam), considered the current gold standard in dementia design, to highlight the value of thinking speculatively within the context of dementia; to disrupt the limitations of contemporary design thinking and ask what role the architect can play in improving the lives of those living with dementia?
Preliminary evaluation of the Healthy Savings Program: a novel health insurance-based wellness programme to encourage healthy food purchases
Authors: Tang Xuyang , Honors Mary Ann , Fertig Angela R , French Simone A , Abraham Jean , Harnack Lisa
Published: July 2018

Objective

To examine level of participation and satisfaction with the Healthy Savings Program (HSP), a programme that provides price discounts on healthier foods.

Design

For Study 1, a survey was distributed to a random sample of adults who were invited to participate in a version of the HSP that provided a discount for the purchase of fresh produce and discounts on other healthier foods. In Study 2, interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of adults invited to participate in a version of the HSP that provided price discounts on specific products only (no fresh produce discount).

Setting

The HSP is provided to all employer-based insurance plan members of a large health plan. Employers can choose to enhance the version of the HSP that their employees receive by paying for a weekly discount on fresh produce.

Subjects

Employees in employer groups that received the enhanced HSP (Study 1) and employees in an employer group (Study 2) that received the standard HSP.

Results

Among survey respondents in Study 1, 69·3 % reported using the HSP card. Most were satisfied with the fresh produce discount and ease of use of the HSP card. Satisfaction was lower for selection of participating stores, amounts of discounts and selection of discounted products. In Study 2, barriers to the use of the HSP card cited included the limited number of participating stores and the limited selection of discounted products.

Conclusions

Satisfaction with some elements of the HSP was high while other elements may need improvement to increase programme use.
Verlaufsanalyse wöchentlicher Selbst- und Fremdeinschätzungen in der Langzeittherapie suchtkranker Jugendlicher
Authors: Keller Ferdinand , Stadnitski Tatjana , Nützel Jakob , Schepker Renate
Published: July 2018

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Über Veränderungen in der emotionalen Befindlichkeit von Jugendlichen während einer Suchttherapie ist wenig bekannt. Methode: Die Jugendlichen füllten wöchentlich einen entsprechenden Fragebogen aus, analog ihre Bezugsbetreuer eine parallelisierte Kurzfassung. Von 42 Jugendlichen liegen insgesamt 853 Bogen und von den Bezugsbetreuern 708 Bogen vor. Die Fragebogen wurden zunächst faktorenanalytisch hinsichtlich ihrer Dimensionalität ausgewertet, anschließend wurden gruppenbezogene Verlaufsanalysen (Multi-Level-Modelle) und Abhängigkeitsanalysen auf Einzelfallebene (Zeitreihenanalysen) durchgeführt. Ergebnisse: Im Jugendlichenfragebogen ergaben sich vier Faktoren: negative Befindlichkeit, Wertschätzung von Therapie/Betreuung, Motivation und Suchtdynamik. Die Übereinstimmung zwischen den Jugendlichen- und der (einfaktoriellen) Betreuereinschätzung fiel insgesamt niedrig bis mäßig aus, brachte aber auf Einzelfallebene differenziertere Ergebnisse. Im Verlauf nahmen die Werte auf allen vier Jugendlichenskalen ab. Einzig der Verlauf der Wertschätzung in der Eingewöhnungsphase war prädiktiv für den späteren Abbruch der Maßnahme: Bei den Abbrechern nahm die Wertschätzung ab, während sie bei den Beendern initial stieg. Schlussfolgerungen: Der bedeutsamste Faktor in Bezug auf die Therapiebeendigung suchtkranker Jugendlicher scheint die Wertschätzung von Therapie/Betreuung zu sein, während die Motivation jugendtypische Schwankungen aufweist. Der Suchtdynamik kam eine deutlich weniger bedeutende Rolle zu als allgemein angenommen. Programme in der Langzeittherapie sollten die Wertschätzung von Therapie/Betreuung künftig mehr fokussieren als die Suchtdynamik.
A Long‐Term Data Set of Vertical Ion Drift Velocity at High Latitudes Constructed From DMSP Measurements
Authors: Liu Mohan , Zhang Xiao‐Xin , He Fei , Wang Wenbin
Published: July 2018

Observations of vertical ion drift velocities (Vz) at the topside of the ionosphere by Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites have been accumulated over decades and provide us a unique opportunity to study the vertical ion drifts through the ionosphere on different temporal and spatial scales. In this paper, Vz data of F13, which are of high quality, are taken as the reference to rescale the measurements of DMSP F11, F12, F14, F15, and F16 at high latitudes from 50°N/S to 90°N/S, which show significant differences from each other in magnitudes. Through rescaling, all Vz data of F11–F16 are in a similar order of magnitudes. Moreover, their spatial and temporal distributions resemble each other on average and are consistent with the excepted averaged behaviors reported in previous studies. Thus, the rescaling is basically effective, which provides an opportunity to construct a data set of Vz from 1995 to 2014 that covers nearly two solar cycles for further statistical analysis. Meanwhile, it should be noted that the rescaling results are qualitative/semiqualitative with some uncertainty, which needs more detailed discussion and analysis in future studies.
Using Drones and Miniaturized Instrumentation to Study Degassing at Turrialba and Masaya Volcanoes, Central America
Authors: Stix John , de Moor J. Maarten , Rüdiger Julian , Alan Alfredo , Corrales Ernesto , D'Arcy Fiona , Diaz Jorge Andres , Liotta Marcello
Published: July 2018

Gas measurements using unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, were undertaken at Turrialba volcano, Costa Rica, and Masaya volcano, Nicaragua, in 2016 and 2017. These two volcanoes are the largest time‐integrated sources of gas in the Central American Volcanic Arc, and both systems are currently extremely active with potential for sudden destabilization. We employed a series of miniaturized drone‐mounted instrumentation including a mini‐DOAS, two MultiGAS instruments, and an optical particle counter, supplemented by ground‐based measurements. Payloads were typically 1–1.5 kg and flight times were 10–15 min. The measurements were both accurate and precise due to the inherent sensitivity of the instrumentation and the high gas concentrations, which the drones were able to sample. The quality of data obtained by our drones was comparable to that obtained by our ground‐based measurements. At Turrialba in April 2017, we measured an average SO2 flux of 1,380 ± 280 T/day, CO2/SO2 of 6.5, and H2O/SO2 of 27.8. Using these values, we calculated a CO2 flux of 6,170 T/day and an H2O flux of 10,790 T/day. At Masaya in May 2017, the average SO2 flux was 1,560 ± 180 T/day, with CO2/SO2 of 3.9 and H2O/SO2 of 62.3, giving a mean CO2 flux of 4,150 T/day and mean H2O flux of 27,330 T/day. The elevated carbon and water fluxes and ratios are indicative of underlying magmas that are enriched in these components, resulting in the high levels of activity observed.
Long‐Term Trend of Gaseous Ammonia Over the United States: Modeling and Comparison With Observations
Authors: Yu Fangqun , Nair Arshad Arjunan , Luo Gan
Published: July 2018

The concentrations of atmospheric ammonia ([NH3]) have been observed to be increasing over the United States in the last decade, especially in Eastern United States. It is important to understand this temporal trend and variation due to the role of NH3 in particle formation and its ecological effects. Here the long‐term trend of [NH3] over the United States is investigated using GEOS‐Chem, a global 3‐D tropospheric chemistry model, and is corroborated with empirical evidence from the Ammonia Monitoring Network. Model simulations, consistent with observations, show increase in [NH3] over the United States from 2001 to 2016, with magnitude largest in the East (~5% to 12%/year) and smallest in the West (~0% to 5%/year). Reasons for this are examined, and evidence for the role of decreasing SO2 and NOx emissions in increasing [NH3] is provided. The contributions of meteorology and NH3 emission changes to the [NH3] increase appear to be small during the period. Our sensitivity study suggests that decreasing SO2 and NOx emissions over the United States owing to stringent regulations explain about 2/3 and 1/3 of the increase in [NH3], respectively. This effect is different for various NH3 and SO2 and NOx regimes. Given the continued reduction of SO2 and NOx emissions due to U.S. regulations mainly aimed at PM2.5 reduction, the present results are important towards better assessing the environmental impact of emission controlling policies.
Disease and outcome disparities in multiple myeloma: exploring the role of race/ethnicity in the Cooperative Group clinical trials
Authors: Ailawadhi Sikander , Jacobus Susanna , Sexton Rachael , Stewart Alexander K. , Dispenzieri Angela , Hussein Mohamad A. , Zonder Jeffrey A. , Crowley John , Hoering Antje , Barlogie Bart , Orlowski Robert Z. , Rajkumar S. Vincent
Published: July 2018

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematologic malignancy with disparities in outcomes noted among racial-ethnic subgroups, likely due to disparities in access to effective treatment modalities. Clinical trials can provide access to evidence-based medicine but representation of minorities on therapeutic clinical trials has been dismal. We evaluated the impact of patient race-ethnicity in pooled data from nine large national cooperative group clinical trials in newly diagnosed MM. Among 2896 patients enrolled over more than two decades, only 18% were non-White and enrollment of minorities actually decreased in most recent years (2002–2011). African-Americans were younger and had more frequent poor-risk markers, including anemia and increased lactate dehydrogenase. Hispanics had the smallest proportion of patients on trials utilizing novel therapeutic agents. While adverse demographic (increased age) and clinical (performance status, stage, anemia, kidney dysfunction) factors were associated with inferior survival, patient race-ethnicity did not have an effect on objective response rates, progression-free, or overall survival. While there are significant disparities in MM incidence and outcomes among patients of different racial-ethnic groups, this disparity seems to be mitigated by access to appropriate therapeutic options, for example, as offered by clinical trials. Improved minority accrual in therapeutic clinical trials needs to be a priority.
The origin and adaptive evolution of domesticated populations of yeast from Far East Asia
Authors: Duan Shou-Fu , Han Pei-Jie , Wang Qi-Ming , Liu Wan-Qiu , Shi Jun-Yan , Li Kuan , Zhang Xiao-Ling , Bai Feng-Yan
Published: July 2018

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been an essential component of human civilization because of its long global history of use in food and beverage fermentation. However, the diversity and evolutionary history of the domesticated populations of the yeast remain elusive. We show here that China/Far East Asia is likely the center of origin of the domesticated populations of the species. The domesticated populations form two major groups associated with solid- and liquid-state fermentation and appear to have originated from heterozygous ancestors, which were likely formed by outcrossing between diverse wild isolates primitively for adaptation to maltose-rich niches. We found consistent gene expansion and contraction in the whole domesticated population, as well as lineage-specific genome variations leading to adaptation to different environments. We show a nearly panoramic view of the diversity and life history of S. cerevisiae and provide new insights into the origin and evolution of the species.
Physical Activity as a Determinant of Successful Aging over Ten Years
Authors: Gopinath Bamini , Kifley Annette , Flood Victoria M. , Mitchell Paul
Published: July 2018

We aimed to examine the temporal association between physical activity and successful aging. The analyses involved 1,584 adults aged 49 + years living west of Sydney (Australia), who did not have cancer, coronary artery disease and stroke at baseline and who were followed over 10 years. Participants provided information on the performance of moderate or vigorous activities and walking exercise and this was used to determine total metabolic equivalents (METs) minutes of activity per week. Successful aging status was determined through interviewer-administered questionnaire and was classified as the absence of: depressive symptoms, disability, cognitive impairment, respiratory symptoms and systemic conditions (e.g. cancer, coronary artery disease). 249 (15.7%) participants (mean age 59.9 ± 6.1) had aged successfully 10 years later. After multivariable adjustment; older adults in the highest level of total physical activity (≥5000 MET minutes/week; n = 71) compared to those in the lowest level of total physical activity (<1000 MET minutes/week; n = 934) had 2-fold greater odds of aging successfully than normal aging, odds ratio, OR, 2.08 (95% confidence intervals, CI, 1.12–3.88). Older adults who engaged in high levels of total physical activity, well above the current recommended minimum level had a greater likelihood of aging successfully 10 years later.
Comparison of Image-Guided Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy and Low-dose Rate Brachytherapy with or without External Beam Radiotherapy in Patients with Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Tsubokura Takuji , Yamazaki Hideya , Masui Koji , Sasaki Naomi , Shimizu Daisuke , Suzuki Gen , Nakamura Satoaki , Yamada Kei , Okihara Koji , Shiraishi Takumi , Yoshida Ken , Nishikawa Tatsuyuki , Okabe Haruumi
Published: July 2018

To compare the outcome of low-dose rate brachytherapy (LDR-BT) and image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IG-IMRT) for localized prostate cancer, we examined 488 LDR-BT and 269 IG-IMRT patients. IG-IMRT treated older and advanced disease with more hormonal therapy than LDR-BT, which excluded T3b–T4 tumor and initial PSA > 50 ng/ml. The actuarial five-year biochemical failure-free survival rate was 88.7% and 96.7% (p = 0.0003) in IG-IMRT and LDR-BT, respectively; it was 88.2% (85.1% for IG-IMRT and 94.9% for LDR-BT,p = 0.0578) for the high-risk group, 95.2% (91.6% and 97.0%,p = 0.3361) for the intermediate IG-IMRT and 96.8% (95.7% and 97%,p = 0.8625) for the low-risk group. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) involving propensity scores was used to reduce background selection bias. IPTW showed a statistically significant difference between LDR-BT and IG-IMRT in high risk (p = 0.0009) and high risk excluding T3-4/initial PSA > 50 ng/ml group (p = 0.0073). IG-IMRT showed more gastrointestinal toxicity (p = 0.0023) and less genitourinary toxicity (p < 0.0001) than LDR-BT. LDR-BT and IG-IMRT showed equivocal outcome in low- and intermediate-risk groups. For selected high-risk patients, LDR-BT showed more potential to improve PSA control rate than IG-IMRT.
CB1 receptor activation induces intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and 2-arachidonoylglycerol release in rodent spinal cord astrocytes
Authors: Hegyi Zoltán , Oláh Tamás , Kőszeghy Áron , Piscitelli Fabiana , Holló Krisztina , Pál Balázs , Csernoch László , Di Marzo Vincenzo , Antal Miklós
Published: July 2018

Accumulating evidence supports the role of astrocytes in endocannabinoid mediated modulation of neural activity. It has been reported that some astrocytes express the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1-R), the activation of which is leading to Ca2+ mobilization from internal stores and a consecutive release of glutamate. It has also been documented that astrocytes have the potential to produce the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol, one of the best known CB1-R agonist. However, no relationship between CB1-R activation and 2-arachidonoylglycerol production has ever been demonstrated. Here we show that rat spinal astrocytes co-express CB1-Rs and the 2-arachidonoylglycerol synthesizing enzyme, diacylglycerol lipase-alpha in close vicinity to each other. We also demonstrate that activation of CB1-Rs induces a substantial elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration in astrocytes. Finally, we provide evidence that the evoked Ca2+ transients lead to the production of 2-arachidonoylglycerol in cultured astrocytes. The results provide evidence for a novel cannabinoid induced endocannabinoid release mechanism in astrocytes which broadens the bidirectional signaling repertoire between astrocytes and neurons.
Increasing isoflurane dose reduces homotopic correlation and functional segregation of brain networks in mice as revealed by resting-state fMRI
Authors: Bukhari Q. , Schroeter A. , Rudin M.
Published: July 2018

Effects of anesthetics on brain functional networks are not fully understood. In this work, we investigated functional brain networks derived from resting-state fMRI data obtained under different doses of isoflurane in mice using stationary and dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) analysis. Stationary network analysis using FSL Nets revealed a modular structure of functional networks, which could be segregated into a lateral cortical, an associative cortical network, elements of the prefrontal network, a subcortical network, and a thalamic network. Increasing isoflurane dose led to a loss of functional connectivity between the bilateral cortical regions. In addition, dFC analysis revealed a dominance of dynamic functional states (dFS) exhibiting modular structure in mice anesthetized with a low dose of isoflurane, while at high isoflurane levels dFS showing widespread unstructured correlation displayed highest weights. This indicates that spatial segregation across brain functional networks is lost with increasing dose of the anesthetic drug used. To what extent this indicates a state of deep anesthesia remains to be shown. Combining the results of stationary and dynamic FC analysis indicates that increasing isoflurane levels leads to loss of modular network organization, which includes loss of the strong bilateral interactions between homotopic brain areas.
Prediction of Congou Black Tea Fermentation Quality Indices from Color Features Using Non-Linear Regression Methods
Authors: Dong Chunwang , Liang Gaozhen , Hu Bin , Yuan Haibo , Jiang Yongwen , Zhu Hongkai , Qi Jiangtao
Published: July 2018

Fermentation is the key process to produce the special color of congou black tea. The machine vision technology is applied to detect the color space changes of black tea’s color in RGB, Lab and HSV, and to find out its relevance to black tea’s fermentation quality. And then the color feature parameter is used as input to establish physicochemical indexes (TFs, TRs, and TBs) and sensory features’ linear and non-linear quantitative evaluation model. Results reveal that color features are significantly correlated to quality indices. Compared with the other two color models (RGB and HSV), CIE Lab model can better reflect the dynamic variation features of quality indices and foliage color information of black tea. The predictability of non-linear models (RF and SVM) is superior to PLS linear model, while RF model presents a slight advantage over the classic SVM model since RF model can better represent the quantitative analytical relationship between image information and quality indices. This research has proved that computer image color features and non-linear method can be used to quantitatively evaluate the changes of quality indices (e.g. sensory quality) and the pigment during black tea’s fermentation. Besides, the test is simple, fast, and nondestructive.
Predicting global tuna vulnerabilities with spatial, economic, biological and climatic considerations
Authors: Tidd Alex , Blanchard Julia L. , Kell Laurence , Watson Reg A.
Published: July 2018

Overfishing impacts the three pillars of sustainability: social, ecological and economic. Tuna represent a significant part of the global seafood market with an annual value exceeding USD$42B and are vulnerable to overfishing. Our understanding of how social and economic drivers contribute to overexploitation is not well developed. We address this problem by integrating social, ecological and economic indicators to help predict changes in exploitation status, namely fishing mortality relative to the level that would support the maximum sustainable yield (F/FMSY). To do this we examined F/FMSY for 23 stocks exploited by more than 80 states across the world’s oceans. Low-HDI countries were most at risk of overexploitation of the tuna stocks we examined and increases in economic and social development were not always associated with improved stock status. In the short-term frozen price was a dominant predictor of F/FMSY providing a positive link between the market dynamics and the quantity of fish landed. Given the dependence on seafood in low-income regions, improved measures to safeguard against fisheries overexploitation in the face of global change and uncertainty are needed.
Multipronged activity of combinatorial miR-143 and miR-506 inhibits Lung Cancer cell cycle progression and angiogenesis in vitro
Authors: Hossian A. K. M. Nawshad , Sajib Md. Sanaullah , Tullar Paul E. , Mikelis Constantinos M. , Mattheolabakis George
Published: July 2018

Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Downregulation of CDK1, 4 and 6, key regulators of cell cycle progression, correlates with decreased LC cell proliferation. Enforced expression of miRNAs (miRs) is a promising approach to regulate genes. Here, we study the combinatorial treatment of miR-143 and miR-506 to target the CDK1, 4/6 genes, respectively. We analyzed the differential expression of CDK genes by qPCR, and western blot, and evaluated changes in the cell cycle distribution upon combinatorial treatment. We used an antibody microarray analysis to evaluate protein expression, focusing on the cell cycle pathway, and performed RNA-sequencing for pathway analysis. The combinatorial miR treatment significantly downregulated CDK1, 4 and 6 expression, and induced a shift of the cell cycle populations, indicating a G1 and G2 cell cycle block. The two miRs induces strong cytotoxic activity, with potential synergism, and a significant Caspase 3/7 activation. We identified a strong inhibition of tube formation in the presence or absence VEGF in an in vitro angiogenesis model. Together with the pathways analysis of the RNA-sequencing data, our findings establish the combinatorial miR transfection as a viable strategy for lung cancer treatment that merits further investigation.