bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Forensic Psychiatry in the Defense of Sexual Harassment Cases
Authors: Feldman-Schorrig SARA P. , McDonald James J.
Published: February 2018

While sexual harassment lawsuits proliferate, one potent defensive tool that is often overlooked is the forensic evaluation of the plaintiff's mental and emotional condition. Conducted properly, such an evaluation can provide valuable material to bring into question the causation of the plaintiffs alleged emotional injuries. As well, it can uncover information about the plaintiff's background and personality development indicating a hypersensitivity to sexual cues in the workplace that could seriously undermine the plaintiffs ability to prevail on a sexual harassment claim under current law.
Decision Making about Dangerousness in Releasing Patients from Long-term Psychiatric Hospitalization
Authors: Werner Paul D. , Meloy J. Reid
Published: February 2018

This study examined mental health practitioners’ approaches to judging psychiatric inpatients’ dangerousness at the time of decision making about hospital discharge. Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) descriptions of 50 inpatients were studied in relation to four assessors’ evaluations of patients’ dangerousness and their recommendations regarding conditional release to an outpatient program. Judged dangerousness was well modeled by a multiple linear regression equation (R = .91) and was found positively correlated with 13 BPRS variables. Five BPRS scales associated with the recommendation to discharge patients were also identified. On two-year followup none of the patients released to the outpatient program was found to have committed a violent act. Results were compared with prior findings on mental health workers’ decision making about violence, and recommendations for future research were discussed.
From Beasts to Bedlam: Hadfield, the Regency Crisis, M'Naghten and the “mad” Business in Britain, 1788–1843
Authors: O'Reilly-Fleming Thomas
Published: February 2018

This article explores the significance of the Hadfield case to the British legal system's views on criminal insanity. Hadfield's successful defense is analyzed in connection with the “regency crisis” involving King George III, whose enlightened views of the treatment of the insane, following his own “recovery” through the ministrations of the “mad doctors” of the time, had a profound influence on both the case and general societal attitudes toward the mad. Hadfield's unsuccessful attempt to assassinate George resulted in a trial at which Thomas Erskine was able to secure for the first time in British history the “statutory special verdict,” a defense of partial insanity.
Energy-to-peak consensus for multi-agent systems with stochastic disturbances and Markovian switching topologies
Authors: Yan Zhilian , Sang Chengyan , Fang Muyun , Zhou Jianping
Published: February 2018

This paper is concerned with the problem of energy-to-peak consensus for a class of multi-agent systems with both stochastic disturbances and Markovian switching topologies. The objective is to design a control protocol in the form of dynamic output feedback, such that the multi-agent system reaches mean square consensus and has a prescribed energy-to-peak disturbance attenuation level. By using linear transformations, the problem is transformed into a standard energy-to-peak control problem. Then a new bounded real lemma is established. On the basis of this, an approach for the design of the control protocol is developed, by which the desired gain can be obtained via solving a number of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Towards a critical geography of corruption and power in late capitalism
Authors: Doshi Sapana , Ranganathan Malini
Published: February 2018

Corruption politics have received little attention in human geography. We offer a critical geography of corruption as an alternative to economistic framings that take corruption as an objective set of deviant practices mostly besetting states in the Global South. Instead, we theorize corruption as a historically shifting, subjective discourse about the abuse of entrusted power. Geographic and cognate disciplinary approaches reveal how corruption narratives become politicized and yoked to symbolic, material, and territorial regimes of power. We suggest that recent theories of urban informality provide a revealing lens into the ethico-politics and territorial struggles of contemporary capitalism across the North and South.
The Augmentation of Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Modified Iliotibial Band Tenodesis to Correct the Pivot Shift: A Computer Navigation Study
Authors: Porter Mark D. , Shadbolt Bruce , Pomroy Samantha
Published: February 2018

Background:

Iliotibial band (ITB) tenodesis improves stability and functional outcomes when added to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Its precise indications are unknown. Persistence of the pivot shift after revision ACL reconstruction may be one indication.

Hypothesis:

The addition of ITB tenodesis for a persistent pivot shift after revision ACL reconstruction will improve stability and activity levels.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Adults with recurrent ACL ruptures underwent revision ACL reconstruction, followed by a pivot-shift test before the surgery ended. If the pivot shift was grade 0 or 1, no further surgery was performed (group 1). If it was grade 2 or 3, ITB tenodesis was performed (group 2). The pivot-shift test was performed, graded, and measured using computer navigation before revision ACL reconstruction and after revision ACL reconstruction with and without ITB tenodesis. Tegner activity scores were obtained 2 years after surgery. Groups were compared with regard to anterior translation and internal rotation during the pivot shift as well as Tegner activity scores ( P < .05).

Results:

There were 20 patients in group 1 and 18 in group 2. The mean anterior translation improved in group 1, from 17.7 ± 3.5 mm to 6.6 ± 1.9 mm, and group 2, from 18.5 ± 3.3 mm to 6.1 ± 1.2 mm, after revision ACL reconstruction ( P < .001), with no difference between the groups ( P = .15). After ITB tenodesis, the reduction in anterior translation in group 2 (5.3 ± 1.5 mm) became greater than that in group 1 (6.6 ± 1.9 mm) ( P = .03). In both groups after revision ACL reconstruction, there was a reduction in internal rotation (group 1: 24.2° ± 4.0° to 10.3° ± 1.1°; group 2: 25.4° ± 3.7° to 14.6° ± 2.8°; P < .001), but this change was less in group 2 ( P = .02). After ITB tenodesis, internal rotation in group 2 (8.3° ± 2.6°) became less than that in group 1 (10.3° ± 1.1°) ( P = .02). The mean Tegner activity scores in group 1 were 8.1 ± 1.1 before surgery and 7.4 ± 0.9 after surgery, while in group 2 they were 7.0 ± 1.3 and 7.2 ± 0.4, respectively, and not significantly different ( P = .29).

Conclusion:

ITB tenodesis improved laxity, although it did not affect activity levels, when there was a persistent pivot shift after revision ACL reconstruction.

Clinical Relevance:

An indication to perform ITB tenodesis is the persistence of a grade ≥2 pivot shift after revision ACL reconstruction.
British impressment and its discontents
Authors: Rogers Nicholas
Published: February 2018

This article restates the argument that naval impressment was a contentious issue in the eighteenth century. It was subject to legal challenges during the American War of Independence. It engendered mutinies and affrays and a growing volume of litigation as the century progressed. The notion that impressment was insignificant is based on an atypical set of years during which the Admiralty strove to make naval recruitment as seamless as possible by allowing regulating officers in the ports to volunteer men who might otherwise have been impressed. The Admiralty had no wish to make impressment a contentious issue in the volatile political climate of the 1790s. It was aided in this endeavour by the circumstance of dearth and destitution, and the willingness of local authorities to augment existing bounties. As the example of the Sea Fencibles subsequently revealed, volunteering was an imperfect index of patriotic endeavour, despite claims to the contrary.
Beyond Picturesque Decay: Detroit and the Photographic Sites of Confrontation Between Media and Residents
Authors: Zebracki Martin , Doucet Brian , De Brant Toha
Published: February 2018

This article contributes to scholarship on urban visual culture by advancing understandings of how visual imageries may become (online and off-line) sites of confrontation between dominant media perspectives and the lived experiences of urban citizens. Based on participatory photography amongst local residents in Detroit, this article provides transformative insights by contrasting sense makings of Detroiters with dominant media portrayals of a “decaying” city. Residents were asked what images they would use to “see” and represent the city. Photo elicitation interviews revealed interlaced lived experienced and narrated reminiscences of local life and the material urban fabric beyond the prevailing narratives of mere neglect and abandonment. This study develops further knowledge of how photography can simultaneously operate as a critical socio-spatial research subject and an empowering tool for research participants. Through shifting the hegemonic locus of media agents toward residents’ positionalities, findings indicated potentials for redressing the misunderstood spaces of the everyday life of ordinary people.
Case Mix Measurement in English Hospitals: An Evaluation of Five Methods for Predicting Resource Use
Authors: Söderlund Neil , Gray Alastair , Milne Ruairidh , Raftery James
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

The introduction of an internal market in the British National Health Service (NHS) has highlighted the importance of developing appropriate, valid and timely measures of hospital activity, both for the purposes of specifying and monitoring contracts and for evaluating the success of the NHS reforms in general. This paper compares the validity of five case mix methods (Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs); Healthcare Resource Groups (HRGs) versions 1 and 2; specialty classification; a simple age categorization) in predicting resource use.

Methods:

Two data sets were used to compare different case mix methods. A 3% random sample (n ≃ 300 000) of the 1992/3 Hospital Episodes Statistics was used to test their ability to predict variation in length of stay, and a second set of individually costed patient episodes from two hospitals (n ≃ 40 000) was used to test their ability to explain cost variation. Analysis of variance models were used to assess the fit of each of the case mix systems to test data and a simple significance test of differences in mean squared error between models was applied.

Results:

All case mix methods performed poorly on untrimmed data. When lengths of stay greater than 29 days were excluded, version 2 of HRGs explained 31% of total variance in length of stay and 25% of cost variation. DRGs explained less variance but performed better than HRGs version 1. For a typical hospital patient population consisting of a range of specialties, the difference in explanatory power between HRGs V2 and DRGs was statistically significant at the 5% level for sample sizes of approximately 2000 or greater. For individual specialties, the minimum sample size required for the difference between the groupers to be significant ranged from around 300 to over 2000.

Conclusions:

The locally developed HRGs version 2 system appears to offer superior performance in terms of resource homogeneity to other currently available approaches. It is also more adaptable and cheaper than imported alternatives and has been formally endorsed by the UK medical Royal Colleges.
How Can Payback from Health Services Research Be Assessed?
Authors: Buxton Martin , Hanney Steve
Published: February 2018

Throughout the world there is a growing recognition that health care should be research-led. This strengthens the requirement for expenditure on health services research to be justified by demonstrating the benefits it produces. However, payback from health research and development is a complex concept and little used term. Five main categories of payback can be identified: Knowledge; research benefits; political and administrative benefits; health sector benefits; and broader economic benefits.

Various models of research utilization together with previous assessments of payback from research helped in the development of a new conceptual model of how and where payback may occur. The model combines an input-output perspective with an examination of the permeable interfaces between research and its environment. The model characterizes research projects in terms of Inputs, Processes, and Primary Outputs. The last consist of knowledge and research benefits. There are two interfaces between the project and its environment. The first (Project Specification, Selection and Commissioning) is the link with Research Needs Assessment. The second (Dissemination) should lead to Secondary Outputs (which are policy or administrative decisions), and usually Applications (which take the form of behavioural changes), from which Impacts or Final Outcomes result. It is at this final stage that health and wider economic benefits can be measured.

A series of case studies were used to assess the feasibility both of applying the model and the payback categorization. The paper draws various conclusions from the case studies and identifies a range of issues for further work.
Planning the Development of Cystic Fibrosis Gene Carrier Screening
Authors: Beech Roger , Bekker Hilary
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

It is now possible to test individuals to assess their cystic fibrosis gene carrier status and a range of strategies for screening the population have been piloted. The objective of this research was to develop a planning framework which health care planners and purchasers can use to assess the overall quantifiable outcomes and direct costs resulting from a year of alternative screening strategies and the ways costs and outcomes evolve over time. Beyond broader ethical and clinical considerations the information provided by such a framework is needed to support decisions surrounding the development of screening programmes.

Design:

Operational Research modelling techniques were used to develop the planning framework. To help illustrate the framework it was then used to assess the quantifiable outcomes and direct costs of three of the main alternative screening strategies: From antenatal clinics, ‘2-step’ screening where females are tested first followed by a screening invitation to the partners of female carriers, and ‘couple’ screening where both partners must agree to be tested at the outset; and from primary practice clinics ‘active’ contact of attenders. Quantifiable outcomes are defined as the number of individuals informed of their carrier status and the number of carriers, carrier couples, and affected fetuses detected. Direct costs are those associated with the recruitment and testing of individuals and the subsequent counselling of any gene carriers or carrier couples identified. Results are based on services for a resident population of 250 000 at two time points, year one and a year at ‘steady state’.

Results:

The resultant framework estimates the number of individuals tested using data on the size of the target population, the proportion of that population alerted to the screening service, and the proportion who agree to be tested when approached. Given service users, prevalence data are used to assess service outcomes. Given the number of individuals approached and the subsequent demands for services, service costs can be estimated. Preliminary results indicate that in the short-term health care purchasers and planners who favour screening are likely to opt for antenatal strategies. Although the high coverage of the primary practice strategy leads to high outcomes in year one, relative to the antenatal strategies, it also leads to very high costs. At ‘steady state’, cost and outcome differences between the strategies are less marked.

Conclusion:

This paper provides a framework which can be used to provide information to support decision-making surrounding the development of screening services. The methodology fills an important void in the literature and complements research elsewhere by health economists and by geneticists and their research colleagues. Preliminary findings based upon use of the approach demonstrate the need for continued research to further refine and improve the methodology.
Comparing Costs of Monitoring Glaucoma Patients: Hospital Ophthalmologists versus Community Optometrists
Authors: Coast Joanna , Spencer Ian C. , Smith Lee , Spry Paul G. D.
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

To compare the costs of monitoring stable glaucoma patients by community optometrists and hospital ophthalmologists.

Methods:

A cost analysis was conducted alongside a randomised controlled trial which compared the accuracy and acceptability of measurement in each form of care. The viewpoints of the health service and of patients were considered. Costs were assessed using a number of different methods. Sensitivity analysis was conducted for key variables.

Results:

The baseline analysis reflected heavily the different length of time between follow-up in the two arms of the trial (10 months (average) for hospital, 6 months for optometrists). It showed annual cost per patient for hospital ophthalmologists varied from £14.50 to £59.95, and community optometrist costs varied from £68.98 to £108.98. Assuming a 6-month follow-up interval for the hospital ophthalmologists, costs varied from £24.16 to £99.92.

Conclusions:

Recommendations about the least costly form of follow-up must depend on the context in which the decision is being taken and the scale of change envisaged. If the aim is to recoup resources from hospitals in order to pay for monitoring in the community, community monitoring is unlikely to be the least costly option.
Socio-Economic Status and Visits to Physicians by Adults in Ontario, Canada
Authors: McLsaac Warren , Goel Vivek , Naylor David
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

To examine the association between socio-economic status, need for medical care and visits to physicians in a universal health insurance system.

Methods:

Cross-sectional analysis of the 1990 Ontario Health Survey, a population-based survey utilizing a multistage, randomized cluster sample. The analysis considered only those respondents who were 16 years of age or older from the province of Ontario, Canada: 21 272 males and 24 738 females.

Results:

There was no difference by education or income in persons having made at least one visit to a general practitioner in the previous year. High income persons were less likely to have made six or more visits to a general practitioner — odds ratio (OR) = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.52, 0.87 for men; OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.58, 0.75 for women — but more likely to have made at least one visit to a specialist — OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.15, 1.76 for men; OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.07, 1.45 for women. A person's need for medical care was the most important determinant of a physician visit.

Conclusions:

Self-reported visits to general practitioners in Canada are strongly influenced by a person's need for medical care and are appropriately related to socio-economic status. However, there is a residual association between higher socio-economic levels and greater use of specialist services.
Characteristics of psychiatric emergency department use among privately insured adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kalb Luther G , Stuart Elizabeth A , Vasa Roma A
Published: February 2018

This study examined differences in the rates of psychiatric-related emergency department visits among adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and adolescents without autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Additional outcomes included emergency department recidivism, probability of psychiatric hospitalization after the emergency department visit, and receipt of outpatient mental health services before and after the emergency department visit. Data came from privately insured adolescents, aged 12–17 years, with autism spectrum disorder (N = 46,323), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (N = 408,066), and neither diagnosis (N = 2,330,332), enrolled in the 2010–2013 MarketScan Commercial Claims Database. Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder had an increased rate of psychiatric emergency department visits compared to adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (IRR = 2.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.9, 2.1) and adolescents with neither diagnosis (IRR = 9.9, 95% confidence interval: 9.4, 10.4). Compared to the other groups, adolescents with autism spectrum disorder also had an increased probability of emergency department recidivism, psychiatric hospitalization after the emergency department visit, and receipt of outpatient care before and after the visit (all p < 0.001). Further research is required to understand whether these findings extend to youth with other neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly those who are publicly insured.
A computerized algorithm to capture patient’s past preeclampsia and eclampsia history from prenatal clinical notes
Authors: Xie Fagen , Im Theresa , Getahun Darios
Published: February 2018

Prenatal clinical notes in electronic medical records contain a wealth of information on pregnancy complications and outcomes. Extracting this critical information provides a unique opportunity for risk assessment to identify at-risk patients who may benefit from early monitoring and intervention. We developed and validated a rule-based computerized algorithm called PregHisEx to characterize past obstetrical history (preeclampsia/eclampsia) by mining prenatal clinical notes for women delivered in 2012 within a large healthcare maintenance organization. The algorithm successfully identified cases with past history of preeclampsia/eclampsia: 2984 definite and 479 probable cases at sentence level; 2419 definite and 348 probable cases at note level; and 762 definite and 82 probable cases at pregnancy episode level. Validation conducted on a random sample of 200 notes using PregHisEx yielded 88.0 percent sensitivity, 98.9 percent specificity, 91.7 percent positive predictive value, 98.3 percent negative predictive value, and F-score of 0.90. The high-performing PregHisEx can be applied for other prenatal conditions.
BMI Health Report Cards: Parents’ Perceptions and Reactions
Authors: Jones Marla , Huffer Cassie , Adams Tom , Jones Logan , Church Bryan
Published: February 2018

In 2003, Arkansas became the first state to require body mass index (BMI) testing in public schools to raise awareness of the growing obesity epidemic among children and adolescents. Limited information exists regarding the effectiveness of school-based BMI screening programs. The purpose of this study was to determine if BMI health report cards affected parents’ knowledge or actions regarding their child’s health and to determine the accuracy of parents’ perceptions of their child as underweight, normal weight, or overweight according to their child’s BMI. A questionnaire was developed with the help of physical educators, pediatricians, and exercise scientists to determine parents’ perceptions and behaviors regarding BMI report cards. The questionnaire was distributed to parents/guardians of children who sought medical care at two pediatrician’s offices in Arkansas. Based on responses to survey questions, parents are not making changes to their child’s diet and exercise habits if their child is classified as “at risk” or “overweight.” However, parents did report that BMI health report cards are influencing their knowledge about their child’s health. The majority of parents in the study (approximately 66%) did not accurately perceive their child’s BMI category.
Social and Cognitive Affordances of Two Depression-Themed Games
Authors: Hoffman Kelly M.
Published: February 2018

Video games can have a variety of intended and unintended effects on players, making the impacts of games and the role that individual design elements play in causing those impacts a valuable area of research. This study explored the social and cognitive effects on players of two “art games” ( Depression Quest and Actual Sunlight) by analyzing player-generated discussion board posts, focusing on (1) what real-life social and cognitive effects the games had on players and (2) what elements of the games made the players consider them “good” or “bad” games. Players reported or demonstrated that the games led to understanding and empathy, self-evaluation, lessons learned, clinical discussion of depression, encouragement to others, a sense of community, and opening dialogue with friends and family. Discussions of game quality centered on realism, game endings and message, and player agency.
Algorithmic approach to geometric solution of generalized Paden–Kahan subproblem and its extension
Authors: Dimovski Igor , Trompeska Mirjana , Samak Samoil , Dukovski Vladimir , Cvetkoska Dijana
Published: February 2018

Kinematics as a science of geometry of motion describes motion by means of position, orientation, and their time derivatives. The focus of this article aims screw theory approach for the solution of inverse kinematics problem. The kinematic elements are mathematically assembled through screw theory by using only the base, tool, and workpiece coordinate systems—opposite to conventional Denavit–Hartenberg approach, where at least n + 1 coordinate frames are needed for a robot manipulator with n joints. The inverse kinematics solution in Denavit–Hartenberg convention is implicit. Instead, explicit solutions to inverse kinematics using the Paden–Kahan subproblems could be expressed. This article gives step-by-step application of geometric algorithm for the solution of all the cases of Paden–Kahan subproblem 2 and some extension of that subproblem based on subproblem 2. The algorithm described here covers all of the cases that can appear in the generalized subproblem 2 definition, which makes it applicable for multiple movement configurations. The extended subproblem is used to solve inverse kinematics of a manipulator that cannot be solved using only three basic Paden–Kahan subproblems, as they are originally formulated. Instead, here is provided solution for the case of three subsequent rotations, where last two axes are parallel and the first one does not lie in the same plane with neither of the other axes. Since the inverse kinematics problem may have no solution, unique solution, or many solutions, this article gives a thorough discussion about the necessary conditions for the existence and number of solutions.
Analytical research on energy harvesting systems for fluidic soft actuators
Authors: Wang Tao , Song Wei , Zhu Shiqiang
Published: February 2018

Energy consumption has significant influence on the working time of soft robots in mobile applications. Fluidic soft actuators usually release pressurized fluid to environment in retraction motion, resulting in dissipation of considerable energy, especially when the actuators are operated frequently. This article mainly explores the potential and approaches of harvesting the energy released from the actuators. First, the strain energy and pressurized energy stored in fluidic soft actuators are modeled based on elastic mechanics. Then, taking soft fiber-reinforced bending actuators as case study, the stored energy is calculated and its parametric characteristics are presented. Finally, two energy harvesting schematics as well as dynamic models are proposed and evaluated using numerical analysis. The results show that the control performance of the energy harvesting system becomes worse because of increased damping effect and its energy harvesting efficiency is only 14.2% due to the losses of energy conversion. The energy harvesting system in pneumatic form is a little more complex. However, its control performance is close to the original system and its energy harvesting efficiency reaches about 44.1%.
Demographic features and clinical aspects of Behçet’s disease in Omani patients
Authors: Al Ghafri Aadil , Al Wahshi Humaid
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

Behçet’s disease is a chronic, relapsing, multisystem vasculitis of unknown etiology. Few reports support the hypothesis that Behçet’s disease has a primarily hereditary basis. It complicated diversified clinical features predominantly involving oral and genital ulcers, and ocular and cutaneous lesions. The clinical features of this disease have been described to be different according to geographical areas and gender. The objective of the study is to explore the demographic features and clinical aspects of Behçet’s disease in Omani patients and to compare the results with those of various reports in the region.

Methods and results:

In total, 56 Behçet’s disease patients were recruited, and clinical data parameters were recorded including age, sex, age at diagnosis, duration of symptoms till diagnosis, disease characteristics such as oral and genital ulcers, ocular manifestations, the presence of arthritis, and cutaneous lesions such as papulopustular lesions and erythema nodosum. Furthermore, other systemic involvement was studied including gastrointestinal, neurological, renal, and vascular manifestations. Laboratory tests of Behçet’s disease and treatment used were recorded in each patient. The onset was between 6 and 74 years with a male predominance. Oral ulcers were the most common manifestation, followed by genital ulcers, ocular lesions, and arthritis. Vascular lesions and gastrointestinal manifestations were less common. Cutaneous manifestations were rare in patients with Behçet’s disease. The frequency of neurological involvement was significantly high. There were no reported cardiac or urogenital manifestations.

Conclusion:

Behçet’s disease’s demographic features and clinical aspects in Omani patients showed quite significant geographical and gender differences which are comparable to other data in the area.
Prolyl 4-hydroxylase 2 promotes B-cell lymphoma progression via hydroxylation of Carabin
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhou Xiaoyan , Li Zengxia , Liu Kaiyu , Wang Weige , Tan Renke , Cong Xiaoji , Shan Jiaoyu , Zhan Yanxia , Cui Zhaomeng , Jiang Lizhi , Li Quanfu , Shen Suqin , Bai Meirong , Cheng Yunfeng , Li Bin , Tan Minjia , Ma Dengke K. , Liu Jun O. , Dang Yongjun
Published: February 2018

Key Points

P4HA2, associated with progression and poor overall survival in DLBCL patients, could serve as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target. P4HA2 counteracts the negative effect of Carabin on lymphoma by hydroxylation of Carabin at Pro306.
Community-based group guided self-help intervention for low mood and stress: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Williams Christopher , McClay Carrie-Anne , Matthews Lynsay , McConnachie Alex , Haig Caroline , Walker Andrew , Morrison Jill
Published: February 2018

Background

To date no studies have explored the effectiveness of written cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) resources for low mood and stress delivered via a course of self-help classes in a community setting.

Aims

To assess the effectiveness of an 8-week community-based CBT self-help group classes on symptoms of depression, anxiety and social function at 6 months (trial registration: ISRCTN86292664).

Method

In total, 142 participants were randomly allocated to immediate (n= 71) or delayed access to a low-intensity CBT intervention (n= 71). Measures of depression, anxiety and social function were collected at baseline and 6 months.

Results

There was a significant improvement for the primary outcome of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score (mean between-group difference: –3.64, 95% CI –6.06 to –1.23;P= 0.004). The percentage of participants reducing their PHQ-9 score between baseline and 6 months by 50% or more was 17.9% for the delayed access group and 43.8% for the immediate access group. Secondary outcomes also improved including anxiety and social function. The intervention was cost neutral. The probabilities of a net benefit at willingness to pay thresholds of £20 000, £25 000 or £30 000 were 0.928, 0.944 and 0.955, respectively.

Conclusions

Low-intensity class-based CBT delivered within a community setting is effective for reducing depression, anxiety and impaired social function at little additional cost.

Declaration of interest

C.W. is president of British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) – the lead body for CBT in the UK. He is also author of a range of CBT-based resources available commercially. He is developer of the LLTTF classes evaluated in this study. He receives royalty, and is shareholder and director of a company that commercialises these resources.
Return of the asylum
Authors: Gilhooley Jane , Kelly Brendan D.
Published: February 2018

Rates of involuntary admission are increasing in England. Personality disorder should be excluded as a criterion for involuntary admission; stronger restraint reduction programmes should be instigated; and involuntary care should be based on treating illness (something we can do) and not on predicting violence (something we cannot).

Declaration of interest

None.
The Veritable Véritable Saint Genest: Tragedy and Martyr Play in Jean Rotrou
Authors: Braider Christopher
Published: February 2018

Students of seventeenth-century French drama offer oddly truncated readings of Jean Rotrou’s Véritable Saint Genest. Fascinated by the play within a play in which the eponymous saint is converted to a Christian martyr’s faith by performing a Christian martyr’s role, scholars focus on acts 2 through 4, where the play in question is rehearsed and staged. However, overlooking the frame in acts 1 and 5, where the subject of the interior play is chosen and the problematic consequences of the actor’s conversion are laid out, obscures Rotrou’s true theme, which is neither of those conventionally ascribed to him: the staging of the martyr drama’s soteriological lesson or, in more secular wise, a baroque celebration of theater’s demiurgical powers of illusion. Rotrou reflects instead on the motives behind period reluctance to stage tragedies that draw on recent events, in particular the religious civil wars of the preceding century. Albeit in the discreetly displaced form of a martyr story set in imperial Rome, the play enacts the violent disorders associated with religion itself and so, by extension, the virtues of the new secular order that theater embodies.
β-Catenin signaling is essential for mammalian larynx recanalization and the establishment of vocal fold progenitor cells
Authors: Lungova Vlasta , Verheyden Jamie M. , Sun Xin , Thibeault Susan L.
Published: February 2018

Congenital laryngeal webs result from failure of vocal fold separation during development in utero. Infants present with life-threatening respiratory problems at birth, and extensive lifelong difficulties in breathing and voicing. The molecular mechanisms that instruct vocal fold formation are rarely studied. Here, we show, for the first time, that conditional inactivation of the gene encoding β-catenin in the primitive laryngopharyngeal epithelium leads to failure in separation of the vocal folds, which approximates the gross phenotype of laryngeal webbing. These defects can be traced to a series of morphogenesis defects, including delayed fusion of the epithelial lamina and formation of the laryngeal cecum, failed separation of the larynx and esophagus with reduced and disorganized cartilages and muscles. Parallel to these morphogenesis defects, inactivation of β-catenin disrupts stratification of epithelial cells and establishment of p63+ basal progenitors. These findings provide the first line of evidence that links β-catenin function to the cell proliferation and progenitor establishment during larynx and vocal fold development.
Genome and epigenome engineering CRISPR toolkit for in vivo modulation of cis-regulatory interactions and gene expression in the chicken embryo
Authors: Williams Ruth M. , Senanayake Upeka , Artibani Mara , Taylor Gunes , Wells Daniel , Ahmed Ahmed Ashour , Sauka-Spengler Tatjana
Published: February 2018

CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering has revolutionised all aspects of biological research, with epigenome engineering transforming gene regulation studies. Here, we present an optimised, adaptable toolkit enabling genome and epigenome engineering in the chicken embryo, and demonstrate its utility by probing gene regulatory interactions mediated by neural crest enhancers. First, we optimise novel efficient guide-RNA mini expression vectors utilising chick U6 promoters, provide a strategy for rapid somatic gene knockout and establish a protocol for evaluation of mutational penetrance by targeted next-generation sequencing. We show that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption of transcription factors causes a reduction in their cognate enhancer-driven reporter activity. Next, we assess endogenous enhancer function using both enhancer deletion and nuclease-deficient Cas9 (dCas9) effector fusions to modulate enhancer chromatin landscape, thus providing the first report of epigenome engineering in a developing embryo. Finally, we use the synergistic activation mediator (SAM) system to activate an endogenous target promoter. The novel genome and epigenome engineering toolkit developed here enables manipulation of endogenous gene expression and enhancer activity in chicken embryos, facilitating high-resolution analysis of gene regulatory interactions in vivo.
Intricate but tight coupling of spiracular activity and abdominal ventilation during locust discontinuous gas exchange cycles
Authors: Talal Stav , Gefen Eran , Ayali Amir
Published: February 2018

Discontinuous gas exchange (DGE) is the best studied among insect gas exchange patterns. DGE cycles comprise three phases, which are defined by their spiracular state: close, flutter, and open, although spiracle status has rarely been monitored directly. Rather, it is often assumed based on CO2 emission traces. In this study, we directly recorded electromyogram (EMG) signals from the closer muscle of the second thoracic spiracle and from abdominal ventilation muscles in a fully intact locust during DGE. Muscular activity was monitored simultaneously with CO2 emission, under normoxia and under various experimental oxic conditions. Our findings indicate that locust DGE does not correspond well with the commonly described three-phase cycle. We describe unique DGE-related ventilation motor patterns, coupled to spiracular activity. During the open phase, when CO2 emission rate is the highest, the thoracic spiracles do not remain open; rather, they open and close rapidly. This fast spiracle activity coincides with in-phase abdominal ventilation, while alternating with the abdominal spiracle and thus facilitating a unidirectional air flow along the body. A change in the frequency of rhythmic ventilation during the open phase suggests modulation by intra-tracheal CO2 levels. A second, slow-ventilatory-movement pattern probably serves to facilitate effective gas diffusion during spiracle closure. Two flutter-like patterns are described in association with the different types of ventilatory activity. We offer a modified mechanistic model for DGE in actively ventilating insects, incorporating ventilatory behavior and changes in spiracle state.
Bilayered Crystalline Organic Semiconductors for Solution-processed OFETs: Asymmetrically-substituted Smectic Liquid Crystal of Benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene Derivatives
Authors: Wu Hao , Iino Hiroaki , Hanna Jun-ichi
Published: February 2018

Asymmetrically-substituted smectic liquid crystals with a small core of benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene (BDT) substituted with monoalkyl and phenyl groups, 6-alkyl-2-phenyl-benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene (Ph-BDT-Cn, n = 8, 14), were synthesized, and their mesomorphism and properties of crystalline films were characterized for solution-processed OFETs. Both compounds exhibited the SmE phase, and their crystalline films derived from SmE films exhibited the crystal-to-crystal transition from the monolayered crystals as-fabricated to the bilayered crystals when thermally annealed. The FET mobility was significantly enhanced by a factor of 2 to 10, accompanied with the phase transition to the bilayered crystals and reached up to 0.59 cm2 V−1 s−1 in spite of a small core of BDT. We discuss a new strategy of molecular design of soluble OFET materials behind the present results.
Stromal fibrosis: imaging features with diagnostic contribution of diffusion-weighted MRI
Authors: Yilmaz Ravza , Bayramoglu Zuhal , Kartal Merve Gulbiz , Çaliskan Emine , Salmaslıoglu Artur , Dursun Memduh , Acunas Gulden
Published: February 2018

Objective:

To describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography findings of breast stromal fibrosis (SF) and compare apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) stromal fibrosis values with breast cancer and normal parenchyma.

Methods:

45 patients (ages 22‒74) with histopathologically proven SF who underwent MRI were included in this study. Their MRI and ultrasonography features were examined and categorized. The mean ADC values for SF, contralateral normal parenchyma, and breast malignancy of the control group values were calculated and compared among each other.

Results:

The vast majority of SF on sonography showed features suggestive of malignancy: (1) irregular in shape 25/45 (55%); (2) indistinct in margin 27/45 (60%); and (3) hypoechoic 39/45 (87%) with posterior acoustic shadowing 11/45 (24%). An SF MRI showed a mass in 12/45 (26%) and non-mass enhancement in 33/45 (74%), mostly with irregular (8/12; 67%) shape. Non-mass lesions showed heterogeneous (12/33), clumped (9/33), and homogenous (9/33) enhancement. The initial SF contrast uptake rate varied between slow (57%), rapid (22%), and medium (21%). Delayed SF enhancement may be persistent (66%) or plateau (34%). Small cysts were located around/near 21 (47%) of lesions. Ductal ectasia was found in 14 (31%) of all patients. Mean ADCs of parenchyma, SF, and malignancy were 1.32 ± 0.32, 1.23 ± 0.25, and 0.99 ± 0.24 × 10–3 mm2 sec–1, respectively.

Conclusion:

SF often mimics breast carcinoma on imaging and leads the radiology‒pathology disagreement. In terms of distinguishing SF from malignancy, ADC could be a significant and promising value in diffusion-weighted MRI along with conventional sequences. Slow initial uptake with delayed persistent contrast enhancement in a non-mass lesion with relatively higher ADC values are very helpful for differentiating SF from malignancy. The presence of small cysts and ductal ectasia were common findings around/near the SF.

Advances in knowledge:

A quantitative analysis for measuring ADC values along with additional MRI features can be very helpful in distinguishing SF from malignant lesions.
Aflatoxin effects on animals health and milk composition of the ruminants
Authors: KOUROUSEKOS (Γ.Δ. ΚΟΥΡΟΥΣΕΚΟΣ) G. D.
Published: February 2018

Anatoxins constitute toxic metabolites of the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus and are considered to be the mycotoxins, first detected and researched by the scientists. Aflatoxin consumption by animals or humans could lead to their organism function disorder, mainly depending on the duration of consumption and the quantity of the toxin. Such disorders, caused by aflatoxins and/or by other mycotoxins as well, could seriously affect animal production, the quality of the foods of animal origin and also the farmers income. After aflatoxin Bl is consumed by lactating animals, it is metabolised to aflatoxin Ml, which is excreted into the milk. As a consequence of aflatoxin influence on the general condition of animals, together with the excretion into the milk, the effects on milk quality, including changes in some milk components concentration could be considered as possible. Unfortunately, the present literature regarding this suggestion is inadequate. The reports regarding aflatoxin effects on the general condition of animals are mainly related with basic parameters, whose change can influence animal production. Such parameters are the body weight and the biochemical parameters of liver and kidneys. Reduction of body weight, decreased food consumption, increased concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase and probably of alanine aminotransferase, extensive liver damage are reported by most authors. As for the milk fat concentration, some researchers did not reveal any aflatoxin effects on fat values, while others report a significant reduction of milk fatty acids.These results were attributed to the inhibition or the decreased production of some enzymes, appropriate for fatty acids synthesis, such as synthetase. Regarding the milk protein content, no aflatoxin effects on it are reported. Most researchers make reason for a slight increase of total protein blood levels after aflatoxin consumption as well as for RNA polymerase suspended action, resulting in the inhibition of a lot of metabolic reactions, such as protein synthesis. Moreover, no significant changes were recorded concerning either the milk lactose content or the glucose blood concentration, after aflatoxin consumption. The likelihood of the possible aflatoxin effects on udder health, resulting in mastitis, or on somatic cell count and total microbial count changes cannot be supported by the up-today existing data. Additionally, these parameters could be affected by a variety of factors, requiring, for this reason, extensive research.
Eosinophilic dermatitis with edema (WellsMike syndrome) possibly triggered by cooked fish in a dog
Authors: GIANNOULOPOULOS (Γ.Δ. ΓΙΑΝΝΟΥΛΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) G. D. , FARMAKI (Ρ. ΦΑΡΜΑΚΗ) R. , KOUTINAS (Χ.Κ. ΚΟΥΤΙΝΑΣ) Ch. K. , KOUTINAS (Α.Φ. ΚΟΥΤΙΝΑΣ) A. F.
Published: February 2018

A 2-year old intact female mongrel dog was admitted with multifocal skin lesions appearing suddenly and extending symmetrically over most of the body. The dog was living indoors and one day before the admission it had consumed cooked fish. Neither medication, nor vaccination had been given to the dog, at least during the last 3 months. Physical examination revealed only non-pruritic and non-painful macules, papules and plaques that were distributed mainly over the head, pinnae, neck and thorax. The lesions were annular, aeriform or serpiginous with a tendency to coalesce. Skin histopathology (H-E) revealed a superficial dermal edema, post-capillary venule congestion and perivascular to interstitial eosinophilic dermatitis as the main pattern. The dog was initially placed on oral vitamin E, sulphasalazine and doxycycline, but to no avail. As soon as the diagnosis of eosinophilic dermatitis with edema was confirmed by histopathology, the former treatment stopped and oral prednisolone was given for two months during which there was a remarkable improvement of skin lesions and complete disappearance with no relapse. The cooked fish, consumed by the dog the night before the incident, was assumed to be the cause of the acute eosinophilic hypersensitivity reaction.