bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential impacts of duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) on cognitive function in first-episode schizophrenia according to mode of onset
Authors: Ito S. , Nemoto T. , Tsujino N. , Ohmuro N. , Matsumoto K. , Matsuoka H. , Tanaka K. , Nishiyama S. , Suzuki M. , Kinoshita H. , Ozawa H. , Fujita H. , Shimodera S. , Kishimoto T. , Matsumoto K. , Hasegawa T. , Mizuno M.
Published: October 2015

Background

The mode of onset and the course of schizophrenia illness exhibit substantial individual variations. Previous studies have pointed out that the mode of onset affects the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and clinical outcomes, such as cognitive and social functioning. This study attempted to clarify the association between the DUP and clinical features, taking the different modes of onset into consideration, in a prospective longitudinal study examining patients with first-episode schizophrenia.

Methods

This study was conducted in six areas of Japan. Patients with first-episode schizophrenia were followed for over 18 months. Cognitive function, psychopathology, and social functioning were assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, and 18-month follow-up points.

Results

We identified 168 patients and sufficient information was available to determine the DUP and the mode of onset for 156 patients (92.9%): 79 had an acute onset, and 77 had an insidious onset. The DUP was significantly associated with quality of life (QOL), social functioning, and cognitive function at most of the follow-up points in the insidious-onset group. The DUP and negative symptoms at baseline were significant predictors of cognitive function at the 18-month follow-up in the insidious-onset group.

Conclusions

The present results further support the hypothesis that the DUP affects QOL, social functioning, and cognitive function over the course of illness, especially in patients with an insidious onset. Effective strategies for detecting and caring for individuals with insidious onset early during the course of schizophrenia will be essential for achieving a full patient recovery.
Co‐silencing of human Bub3 and dynein highlights an antagonistic relationship in regulating kinetochore–microtubule attachments
Authors: Silva Patrícia M.A. , Tavares Álvaro A. , Bousbaa Hassan
Published: October 2015

We previously reported that the spindle assembly checkpoint protein Bub3 is involved in regulating kinetochore–microtubule (KT‐MT) attachments. Also, Bub3 was reported to interact with the microtubule motor protein dynein. Here we examined how this interaction contributes to KT‐MT attachments. Depletion of Bub3 or dynein induced misaligned chromosomes, consistent with their role in KT‐MT attachments. Unexpectedly, co‐silencing of both proteins partially suppressed the misalignment phenotype and restored chromosome congression. Consistent with these observations, KT‐MT attachments in co‐depleted cells were stable, able to drive chromosome congression, and produce inter‐ and intra‐kinetochore stretch, indicating they are functional. We suggest that a mutual antagonism exists between Bub3 and dynein to ensure optimal KT‐MT attachments.
Caspase‐3 cleaved p65 fragment dampens NF‐κB‐mediated anti‐apoptotic transcription by interfering with the p65/RPS3 interaction
Authors: Wier Eric M. , Fu Kai , Hodgson Andrea , Sun Xin , Wan Fengyi
Published: October 2015

Caspase‐3‐mediated p65 cleavage is believed to suppress nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB)‐mediated anti‐apoptotic transactivation in cells undergoing apoptosis. However, only a small percentage of p65 is cleaved during apoptosis, not in proportion to the dramatic reduction in NF‐κB transactivation. Here we show that the p651‐97 fragment generated by Caspase‐3 cleavage interferes with ribosomal protein S3 (RPS3), an NF‐κB “specifier” subunit, and selectively retards the nuclear translocation of RPS3, thus dampening the RPS3/NF‐κB‐dependent anti‐apoptotic gene expression. Our findings reveal a novel cell fate determination mechanism to ensure cells undergo programed cell death through interfering with RPS3/NF‐κB‐conferred anti‐apoptotic transcription by the fragment from partial p65 cleavage by activated Caspase‐3.
Cell fate determination, neuronal maintenance and disease state: The emerging role of transcription factors Lmx1a and Lmx1b
Authors: Doucet-Beaupré Hélène , Ang Siew-Lan , Lévesque Martin
Published: October 2015

LIM‐homeodomain (LIM‐HD) proteins are evolutionary conserved developmental transcription factors. LIM‐HD Lmx1a and Lmx1b orchestrate complex temporal and spatial gene expression of the dopaminergic pathway, and evidence shows they are also involved in adult neuronal homeostasis. In this review, the multiple roles played by Lmx1a and Lmx1b will be discussed. Controlled Lmx1a and Lmx1b expression and activities ensure the proper formation of critical signaling centers, including the embryonic ventral mesencephalon floor plate and sharp boundaries between lineage‐specific cells. Lmx1a and Lmx1b expression persists in mature dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta and the ventral tegmental area, and their role in the adult brain is beginning to be revealed. Notably, LMX1B expression was lower in brain tissue affected by Parkinson's disease. Actual and future applications of Lmx1a and Lmx1b transcription factors in stem cell production as well as in direct conversion of fibroblast into dopaminergic neurons are also discussed. A thorough understanding of the role of LMX1A and LMX1B in a number of disease states, including developmental diseases, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, could lead to significant benefits for human healthcare.
Production and characterization of neurosecretory protein GM usingEscherichia coliand Chinese Hamster Ovary cells
Authors: Masuda Keiko , Furumitsu Megumi , Taniuchi Shusuke , Iwakoshi-Ukena Eiko , Ukena Kazuyoshi
Published: October 2015

Neurosecretory protein GL (NPGL)andneurosecretory protein GM (NPGM)are paralogs recently discovered in birds and in mammals. The post‐translational products ofNPGLand ofNPGMgenes include a signal peptide sequence, a glycine amidation signal, and a dibasic amino acid cleavage site. This suggests that the mature forms of NPGL and of NPGM are small proteins secreted in the hypothalamus and containing an amidated C‐terminus. However, endogenous NPGL and NPGM have not yet been identified. Chicken NPGL and NPGM have two highly conserved Cys residues that are likely to form a disulfide bond, while mammalian NPGM has one additional Cys residue located between the two conserved Cys residues and the correct disulfide bond pattern is unclear. In this study, we prepared rat NPGM to elucidate the structure of its mature form. We first expressed the predicted mature NPGM, containing an extra C‐terminal Gly, inEscherichia coliSHuffle cells, which are engineered to promote the formation of native disulfide bridges in recombinant proteins. We observed the presence of a disulfide bond between the N‐terminal Cys residue and the second Cys residue, while the C‐terminal Cys residue was free. Secondly, we transfected a construct containing the entire NPGM open reading frame into Chinese Hamster Ovary cells, and observed that NPGM was cleaved immediately after the signal peptide and that it was secreted into the medium. Furthermore, the protein presented a disulfide bond at the same location observed in recombinant NPGM.
Clinical and prognostic value of combined measurement of cytokines and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 in premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Wang Ying , Wang Hong‐Ling , Chen Jie , Sun Jing‐Xia
Published: October 2015

Objective: To evaluate whether levels of interleukin 6 (IL‐6), interleukin 8 (IL‐8), and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) in women with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) differ from those in women without PROM. Methods: An observational study of full‐term primiparous pregnant women with PROM (PROM group) and those undergoing elective cesarean delivery (control group) was performed at a center in Yangzhou, China, between January 2003 and July 2006. IL‐6, IL‐8, and VCAM‐1 levels were measured in maternal blood, cord blood, and amniotic fluid. A pathologic examination of fetal membranes was conducted. Results: The IL‐6, IL‐8, and VCAM‐1 levels in maternal serum, amniotic fluid, and cord blood were significantly higher in the PROM group (n = 58) than in the control group (n = 38; P < 0.05 for all comparisons). In the PROM group, the levels increased with duration of membrane rupture (P < 0.05 for all). Women with chorioamnionitis had significantly higher levels than women without chorioamnionitis (P < 0.05 for all), and women with PROM whose newborns had low Apgar score (≤ 7) had higher levels than those whose newborns had a higher Apgar score (P < 0.05 for all). Conclusion: Combined measurements of IL‐6, IL‐8, and VCAM‐1 might help to improve early diagnosis of PROM and chorioamnionitis, and to evaluate the prognosis of newborns.
Randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial of buccal misoprostol to reduce the need for additional uterotonic drugs during cesarean delivery
Authors: Hernández‐Castro Flavio , López‐Serna Norberto , Treviño‐Salinas Emilio M , Soria‐López Juan A , Sordia‐Hernández Luis H , Cárdenas‐Estrada Eloy
Published: October 2015

Objective

To determine whether buccal misoprostol during cesarean delivery in conjunction with active management of the third stage of labor reduces the need for additional uterotonic drugs.

Method

A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial was performed in Monterrey, Mexico, between February 2008 and December 2013. Eligible women had risk factors for uterine atony and were to undergo cesarean delivery under epidural block. Using a computer‐generated sequence and blocks of six, patients were randomly assigned to receive 400 μg misoprostol or 800 μg placebo buccally after cord clamping. Both groups received an intravenous oxytocin infusion. The primary outcome was the need for additional uterotonic drugs. Analyses were performed per protocol. Patients, investigators, and data analysts were masked to group assignment.

Results

A total of 120 women were included in analyses (60 in each group). At least one additional uterotonic drug was required in 24 (40%) women in the placebo group versus 6 (10%) women in the misoprostol group (relative risk 0.16; 95% confidence interval 0.06–0.44). No adverse effects due to misoprostol were recorded.

Conclusion

Buccal misoprostol during cesarean delivery reduced the need for additional uterotonic drugs to treat uterine atony.

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01733329
Tamoxifen to treat male pubertal gynaecomastia
Authors: Zehetner Anthony
Published: October 2015

Pubertal gynaecomastia affects up to 70% of male adolescents, with the highest prevalence occurring at 14 years of age. While spontaneous regression occurs in 90% of cases within three years, until then, symptoms of mastodynia and psychological distress are preva-lent in some patients prior to surgical treatment. Tamoxifen, a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM), given at 20 mg daily for six months, was found to be a safe, well- tolerated and effective alternative treatment to current therapeutic options of watchful wait-ing (no management) and invasive cosmetic surgery. No adverse effects were observed in hor-monal and auxological studies. The patient presented was able to avoid undergoing surgery, which should be reserved for persistent gynaecomastia present at the end of puberty after failing a trial of tamoxifen. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are needed for definitive ther-apeutic recommendations.
Development of a novel set of criteria to select methodology for designing product service systems
Authors: Tran Tuananh , Park Joon Young
Published: October 2015

This paper proposes eight groups of twenty nine scoring criteria that can help designers and practitioners to compare and select an appropriate methodology for a certain problem in designing product service system (PSS). PSS has been researched for more than a decade and is now becoming more and more popular in academia as well as industry. Despite that fact, the adoption of PSS is still limited for its potential. One of the main reasons is that designing PSS itself is a challenge. Designers and developers face difficulties in choosing appropriate PSS design methodologies for their projects so that they can design effective PSS offerings. By proposing eight groups of twenty nine scoring criteria, this paper enables a “step by step” process to identify the most appropriate design methodology for a company's PSS problem. An example is also introduced to illustrate the use of the proposed scoring criteria and provide a clear picture of how different design methodologies can be utilized at their best in terms of application.

Highlights This paper proposes eight groups of twenty nine scoring criteria that can help designers and practitioners to compare and select an appropriate methodology for a certain problem in designing product service system (PSS). This paper enables a “step by step” process to identify the most appropriate design methodology for a company's PSS problem. An example is also introduced to illustrate the use of the proposed scoring criteria and provide a clear picture of how different design methodologies can be utilized at their best in terms of application. An example is also introduced to illustrate the use of the proposed scoring criteria and provide a clear picture of how different design methodologies can be utilized at their best in terms of application.
Conversion to stem‐cell state in response to microenvironmental cues is regulated by balance between epithelial and mesenchymal features in lung cancer cells
Authors: Andriani Francesca , Bertolini Giulia , Facchinetti Federica , Baldoli Erika , Moro Massimo , Casalini Patrizia , Caserini Roberto , Milione Massimo , Leone Giorgia , Pelosi Giuseppe , Pastorino Ugo , Sozzi Gabriella , Roz Luca
Published: October 2015

Cancer cells within a tumor are functionally heterogeneous and specific subpopulations, defined as cancer initiating cells (CICs), are endowed with higher tumor forming potential. The CIC state, however, is not hierarchically stable and conversion of non‐CICs to CICs under microenvironment signals might represent a determinant of tumor aggressiveness. How plasticity is regulated at the cellular level is however poorly understood. To identify determinants of plasticity in lung cancer we exposed eight different cell lines to TGFβ1 to induce EMT and stimulate modulation of CD133+ CICs. We show that response to TGFβ1 treatment is heterogeneous with some cells readily switching to stem cell state (1.5–2 fold CICs increase) and others being unresponsive to stimulation. This response is unrelated to original CICs content or extent of EMT engagement but is tightly dependent on balance between epithelial and mesenchymal features as measured by the ratio of expression of CDH1 (E‐cadherin) to SNAI2. Epigenetic modulation of this balance can restore sensitivity of unresponsive models to microenvironmental stimuli, including those elicited by cancer‐associated fibroblasts both in vitro and in vivo. In particular, tumors with increased prevalence of cells with features of partial EMT (hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype) are endowed with the highest plasticity and specific patterns of expression of SNAI2 and CDH1 markers identify a subset of tumors with worse prognosis. In conclusion, here we describe a connection between a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype and conversion to stem‐cell state in response to external stimuli. These findings have implications for current endeavors to identify tumors with increased plasticity.
Cancer immunotherapy: Strategies for personalization and combinatorial approaches
Authors: Sathyanarayanan Vishwanath , Neelapu Sattva S.
Published: October 2015

The results of recent clinical trials using novel immunotherapy strategies such as immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive T‐cell therapy approaches including CAR T‐cell therapy have clearly established immunotherapy as an important modality for the treatment of cancer besides the traditional approaches of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy or targeted therapy. However, to date immunotherapy has been shown to induce durable clinical benefit in only a fraction of the patients. The use of combination strategies is likely to increase the number of patients that might benefit from immunotherapy. Indeed, over the last decade, the characterization of multiple immune resistance mechanisms used by the tumor to evade the immune system and the development of agents that target those mechanisms has generated a lot of enthusiasm for cancer immunotherapy. But a critical issue is to determine how best to combine such agents. This review will focus on novel immunotherapy agents currently in development and discuss strategies to develop and personalize combination cancer immunotherapy strategies.
Comparative Sensitivity of Intraoperative Motor Evoked Potential Monitoring in Predicting Postoperative Neurologic Deficits: Nondegenerative versus Degenerative Myelopathy
Authors: Clark Aaron J. , Safaee Michael , Chou Dean , Weinstein Philip R. , Molinaro Annette M. , Clark John P. , Mummaneni Praveen V.
Published: October 2015

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Objective

Intraoperative motor evoked potential (MEP) monitoring in spine surgery may assist surgeons in taking corrective measures to prevent neurologic deficits. The efficacy of monitoring MEPs intraoperatively in patients with myelopathy from nondegenerative causes has not been quantified. We compared the sensitivity and specificity of intraoperative MEP monitoring in patients with myelopathy caused by nondegenerative processes to patients with degenerative cervicothoracic spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed our myelopathy surgical cases during a 1-year period to identify patients with degenerative CSM and CSM of nondegenerative causes and collected data on intraoperative MEP changes and postoperative new deficits. Categorical variables were analyzed by Fisher exact test. Receiver operator curves assessed intraoperative MEP monitoring performance in the two groups.

Results

In all, 144 patients were identified: 102 had degenerative CSM and 42 had CSM of nondegenerative causes (24 extra-axial tumors, 12 infectious processes, 5 traumatic fractures, and 1 rheumatoid arthritis). For degenerative CSM, there were 11 intraoperative MEP alerts and 7 new deficits ( p < 0.001). The corresponding sensitivity was 71% and the specificity was 94%. In the nondegenerative group, there were 11 intraoperative MEP alerts and 3 deficits, which was not significant ( p > 0.99). The sensitivity (33%) and specificity (74%) were lower. Among patients with degenerative CSM, the model performed well for predicting postoperative deficits (area under the curve [AUC] 0.826), which appeared better than the nondegenerative group, although it did not reach statistical significance (AUC 0.538, p = 0.16).

Conclusions

Based on this large retrospective analysis, intraoperative MEP monitoring in surgery for nondegenerative CSM cases appears to be less sensitive to cord injury and less predictive of postoperative deficits when compared with degenerative CSM cases.
Role of non-Indigenous researchers in Indigenous health research in Australia: a review of the literature
Authors: Gray Marion A. , Oprescu Florin I.
Published: October 2015

Objective This paper explores the body of knowledge around Indigenous health research and aims to outline what roles are appropriate for non-Indigenous researchers within Indigenous health research in Australia. Methods A literature review was conducted using CINAHL, PubMed and Scopus in May 2015. The search terms were ‘non-Indigenous researchers’ AND ‘Indigenous health research’ and other combinations of these terms. Additional documents were sourced by hand using the reference lists of key articles. Results Seven thematic categories were identified: (1) Closing the Gap: implications for research; (2) history of Indigenous research; (3) developing Indigenous research using a capacity-building approach; (4) the cultural interface between Western paradigms and Indigenous knowledge; (5) ethical Indigenous research; (6) culturally safe Indigenous research; and (7) positive roles for non-Indigenous researchers in Indigenous research. Conclusion It is important that non-Indigenous researchers become more aware of culturally appropriate ways in which to undertake Indigenous research and to ensure that the research undertaken is safe, ethical and useful for participants. Fostering partnerships between non-Indigenous academic organisations and researchers and Indigenous health researchers is an important development that can promote and enhance the emerging field of Indigenous inquiry. Actively contributing to capacity building with Indigenous researchers and research initiatives is a key role that non-Indigenous researchers and academic institutions can have in improving Indigenous health. Self-determination through health research capacity building and evidence-based advocacy may provide the most useful outcomes for Indigenous people. What is known about the topic? The health status of Indigenous Australians is well below that of other Australians. Historically, research about Indigenous health has been undertaken by non-Indigenous researchers using Western research paradigms. There is a need to identify appropriate roles for non-Indigenous researchers supportive of culturally safe and ethical research. What does this paper add? This paper synthesises available knowledge about the role of non-Indigenous researchers with Indigenous health research and provides suggestions for their contribution to Indigenous research practice. What are the implications for practitioners? Non-Indigenous researchers need to: (1) focus on culturally safe research practices; (2) be willing to address power imbalances within the research process; and (3) advocate for change within academic institutions to support culturally safe research practices.
Comparative dietary ecology of turtles (Chelodina burrungandjii and Emydura victoriae) across the Kimberley Plateau, Western Australia, prior to the arrival of cane toads
Authors: FitzSimmons N. N. , Featherston P. , Tucker A. D.
Published: October 2015

Food webs in north-western Australian rivers exist in dynamic environments and will be influenced by land use practices, invasion of toxic cane toads (Rhinella marina) and the effects of climate change on river flows. Baseline studies are needed to understand aquatic food webs before these impacts. In the present study, we investigated the diets of two turtles (Emydura victoriae and Chelodina burrungandjii) in four upland rivers across a gradient of rainfall and land uses in the Kimberley Plateau of Western Australia. We captured turtles by snorkelling and recovered their prey by stomach lavage. We enumerated 2720 prey items from 390 E. victoriae samples and 308 prey items from 155 C. burrungandjii samples. Prey compositions distinguished E. victoriae as an omnivorous generalist relying on a diversity of animal and plant prey and C. burrungandjii as a piscivorous specialist, but with both species as likely predators of toxic cane toad eggs or tadpoles. Comparisons among the rivers showed variation in diets for both species that reflect differences in prey availability and location-specific food webs. Terrestrially based food sources were observed in 26% of E. victoriae samples and 3% of C. burrungandjii samples, which indicates the importance of the aquatic–terrestrial interface and land use practices within these rivers.
Sexually transmissible infections in middle and high school students: experience rates, risk factors and relationship with mental health – results from the Korean youth risk behaviour web-based survey
Authors: Kwon Hanna , Kang Hee Cheol , Lee Jun Ho
Published: October 2015

Background
Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in adolescents are an important heath problem. However, the understanding of STIs among adolescents is poor. Rates of and risk factors for ever having a STI and relationships between ever having a STI and mental health in adolescents was investigated. Methods: Data from the Korea Youth Risk Behaviour Web-based Survey (KYRBS) were used. The KYRBS is an anonymous, self-administered online survey. To achieve a representative sample of Koreans, researchers used a stratification, clustering and multi-stage sampling method. Data from adolescents who had not had sexual intercourse and surveys with missing data concerning sexual experience were excluded. Finally, 31363 participants were included. Results: The rate of ever having a STI was 10.0%. A total of 26.5% of adolescents who have had sexual experience report always using contraceptives, and condoms are the most popular contraceptives (69.0%). Contraceptive method (condom, OR: 0.601, 95% CI: 0.491–0.736) and elementary school sexual debut (elementary school, OR: 1.000, middle school, OR: 0.235, 95% CI: 0.181–0.305; high school, OR: 0.128, 95% CI: 0.094–0.173) were significantly correlated with ever having a STI in the multivariate analysis. Depressed mood (OR: 1.379, 95% CI: 1.130–1.683), suicidal ideation (OR: 1.358, 95% CI: 1.109–1.664) and suicide attempts (OR: 1.382, 95% CI: 1.029–1.856) were significantly associated with ever having a STI after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions: STIs are common diseases in adolescents who have sexual experience and are significantly associated with mental health. Development of preventive measures and treatment policies including mental counselling for adolescents with STI are needed.
BGT: efficient and flexible genotype query across many samples
Authors: Li Heng
Published: October 2015

Summary: BGT is a compact format, a fast command line tool and a simple web application for efficient and convenient query of whole-genome genotypes and frequencies across tens to hundreds of thousands of samples. On real data, it encodes the haplotypes of 32 488 samples across 39.2 million SNPs into a 7.4 GB database and decodes up to 420 million genotypes per CPU second. The high performance enables real-time responses to complex queries.

Availability and implementation:  https://github.com/lh3/bgt

Contact:  hengli@broadinstitute.org
The minimum evolution problem is hard: a link between tree inference and graph clustering problems
Authors: Bastkowski Sarah , Moulton Vincent , Spillner Andreas , Wu Taoyang
Published: October 2015

Motivation: Distance methods are well suited for constructing massive phylogenetic trees. However, the computational complexity for Rzhetsky and Nei’s minimum evolution (ME) approach, one of the earliest methods for constructing a phylogenetic tree from a distance matrix, remains open.

Results: We show that Rzhetsky and Nei’s ME problem is NP-complete, and so probably computationally intractable. We do this by linking the ME problem to a graph clustering problem called the quasi-clique decomposition problem, which has recently also been shown to be NP-complete. We also discuss how this link could potentially open up some useful new connections between phylogenetics and graph clustering.

Contact:  taoyang.wu@uea.ac.uk

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Provider variation in responses to warnings: do the same providers run stop signs repeatedly?
Authors: Beeler Patrick E , Orav E John , Seger Diane L , Dykes Patricia C , Bates David W
Published: October 2015

Objective Variation in the use of tests and treatments has been demonstrated to be substantial between providers and geographic regions. This study assessed variation between outpatient providers in overriding electronic prescribing warnings.

Methods Responses to warnings were prospectively logged. Random effects models were used to calculate provider-to-provider variation in the rates for the decisions to override warnings in 6 different clinical domains: medication allergies, drug-drug interactions, duplicate drugs, renal recommendations, age-based recommendations, and formulary substitutions.

Results A total of 157 482 responses were logged. Differences between 1717 providers accounted for 11% of the overall variability in override rates, so that while the average override rate was 45.2%, individual provider rates had a wide range with a 95% confidence interval (CI) (13.7%-76.7% ). The highest variations between providers were observed in the categories age-based (25.4% of total variability; average override rate 70.2% [95% CI, 29.1%-100% ]) and renal recommendations (24.2%; average 70% [95% CI, 29.5%-100% ]), and provider responses within these 2 categories were most often clinically inappropriate according to prior work. Among providers who received at least 10 age-based recommendations, 64 of 238 (27%) overrode ≥ 90% of the warnings and 13 of 238 (5%) overrode all of them. Of those who received at least 10 renal recommendations, 36 of 92 (39%) overrode ≥ 90% of the alerts and 9 of 92 (10%) overrode all of them.

Conclusions The decision to override prescribing warnings shows variation between providers, and the magnitude of variation differs among the clinical domains of the warnings; more variation was observed in areas with more inappropriate overrides.
Alert dwell time: introduction of a measure to evaluate interruptive clinical decision support alerts
Authors: McDaniel Robert B , Burlison Jonathan D , Baker Donald K , Hasan Murad , Robertson Jennifer , Hartford Christine , Howard Scott C , Sablauer Andras , Hoffman James M
Published: October 2015

Metrics for evaluating interruptive prescribing alerts have many limitations. Additional methods are needed to identify opportunities to improve alerting systems and prevent alert fatigue. In this study, the authors determined whether alert dwell time—the time elapsed from when an interruptive alert is generated to when it is dismissed—could be calculated by using historical alert data from log files. Drug–drug interaction (DDI) alerts from 3 years of electronic health record data were queried. Alert dwell time was calculated for 25,965 alerts, including 777 unique DDIs. The median alert dwell time was 8 s (range, 1–4913 s). Resident physicians had longer median alert dwell times than other prescribers ( P <  .001). The 10 most frequent DDI alerts ( n =  8759 alerts) had shorter median dwell times than alerts that only occurred once ( P <  .001). This metric can be used in future research to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of interruptive prescribing alerts.
Methylprednisolone Does Not Reduce Persistent Pain after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Turan Alparslan , Belley-Cote Emilie P. , Vincent Jessica , Sessler Daniel I. , Devereaux Philip J. , Yusuf Salim , van Oostveen Rachel , Cordova Gustavo , Yared Jean-Pierre , Yu Hai , Legare Jean-Francois , Royse Alistair , Rochon Antoine , Nasr Vivian , Ayad Sabry , Quantz Mackenzie , Lamy Andre , Whitlock Richard P.
Published: October 2015

AbstractAbstract

In 1,043 patients having cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac surgery, administration of 500 mg dexamethasone during surgery did not alter the incidence of pain at 1 or 6 months after surgery compared with placebo.

Background

Persistent incisional pain is common after cardiac surgery and is believed to be in part related to inflammation and poorly controlled acute pain. Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid with substantial antiinflammatory and analgesic properties and is thus likely to ameliorate persistent surgical pain. Therefore, the authors tested the primary hypothesis that patients randomized to methylprednisolone have less persistent incisional pain than those given placebo.

Methods

One thousand forty-three patients having cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac surgery via a median sternotomy were included in this substudy of Steroids in Cardiac Surgery (SIRS) trial. Patients were randomized to 500 mg intraoperative methylprednisolone or placebo. Incisional pain was assessed at 30 days and 6 months after surgery, and the potential risk factors were also evaluated.

Results

Methylprednisolone administration did not reduce pain at 30 days or persistent incisional pain at 6 months, which occurred in 78 of 520 patients (15.7%) in the methylprednisolone group and in 88 of 523 patients (17.8%) in the placebo group. The odds ratio for methylprednisolone was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.79 to 1.09, P = 0.37). Furthermore, there was no difference in worst pain and average pain in the last 24 h, pain interference with daily life, or use of pain medicine at 6 months. Younger age, female sex, and surgical infections were associated with the development of persistent incisional pain.

Conclusions

Intraoperative methylprednisolone administration does not reduce persistent incisional pain at 6 months in patients recovering from cardiac surgery.
A New Species ofTsuga(Pinaceae) based on Lignified Wood from the Late Miocene of Central Yunnan, China, and Its Paleoenvironmental Implications
Authors: Haobo WANG , BONDARENKO Olesia V. , JACQUES Frédéric M. B. , Yuehua WANG , Zhekun ZHOU
Published: October 2015

A new species,Tsuga nanfengensissp. nov. (Pinaceae), is described on the basis of lignified fossil wood from the late Miocene of the Xianfeng Basin, central Yunnan, southwestern China. Detailed observation of the fossil wood specimens show the following characteristics: distinct growth rings, absence of resin canals, uniseriate bordered pits in the radial wall of tracheids, ray tracheids and piceoid and cupressoid cross‐field pits. These features indicate similarities to the wood of extantTsuga canadensis, T. chinensis, andT. dumosa. According to the fossil record,Tsugawas present in Xundian County during the Miocene. TodayTsugais drought intolerant, preferring wet conditions with no extant species growing naturally in Xundian County. The presence ofTsugain the Miocene of Xundian County indicates a humid climate consistent with previous palaeoclimatic reconstructions showing a wetter and probably shorter dry season in the Miocene, relative to the present day. Therefore, the change in the local climate such as increasing aridity through the Miocene might explain the local extinction ofTsugafrom central Yunnan.
Buxus Leaves from the Oligocene of Guangxi, China and Their Biogeographical Significance
Authors: Fujun MA , Qiujun WANG , Junling DONG , Yi YANG , Wenjia WANG , Defei YAN , Bainian SUN
Published: October 2015

The present paper reports two new species of Buxus from the Oligocene Ningming Formation of Guangxi, South China, on the basis of several compressed fossil leaves. Buxus ningmingensis sp. nov. is characterized by an elliptic to ovate shape; pinnate venation with marginal secondary, long hairs on the adaxial side of the midvein base; and amphistomatic, anomocytic stomata with a prominent outer ring. All of these characteristics suggest a closest affinity to the living Buxus microphylla subsp. sinica. Another new species identified as Buxus preaustro‐yunnanensis sp. nov. is characterized by the diagnostic formation of its admedially branched tertiaries, the trunks of which are often strongly thickened by sclereides. This species is most similar to the extant Buxus austroyunnanensis. The co‐occurrence of Buxus ningmingensis sp. nov. and Buxus preaustro‐yunnanensis sp. nov. suggests that these two Buxus lived during the Oligocene under a warm, tropical to subtropical climate, similar to the current climate of Ningming. Our findings provide the earliest fossil evidence of Buxus leaves with detailed illustrations of leaf architectural and cuticular features. The occurrence of these two species indicates that Buxus began to diversify in Guangxi no later than the Oligocene.
New Species of Cimbrophlebiidae (Insecta: Mecoptera) from the Middle Jurassic of Northeastern China
Authors: Xiao ZHANG , Chungkun SHIH , Yunyun ZHAO , Dong REN
Published: October 2015

Four new species of three genera in the family Cimbrophlebiidae, Telobittacus decorus sp. nov., Bellicimbrophlebia heteroneura sp. nov., Cimbrophlebia amoena sp. nov., and Cimbrophlebia gracilenta sp. nov., are described and illustrated based on eleven well‐preserved fossil specimens. These specimens were collected from the latest Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China. This is the first record of the genus Cimbrophlebia in the Jurassic extending its age from the Lower Cretaceous to the Middle Jurassic. Due to same venational characters, we propose that an undescribed fossil specimen of Cimbrophlebiidae from the Jurassic of Germany is attributed to C. gracilenta sp. nov. Our new findings demonstrate an evolutionary trend of venational change from 185 to 50 Ma that the level of the bifurcation of Rs is gradually moving toward the base of wing in reference to the bifurcation of M.
Geochronology and Tectonic Evolution of the West Section of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt
Authors: Heng ZHANG , Tingdong LI , Ying XIE , Chuanheng ZHANG , Linzhi GAO , Shufang GENG , Tingyu CHEN , Guoqing YOU
Published: October 2015

As an important part of South China Old Land, the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt plays a significant role in explaining the assembly and the evolution of the Upper Yangtze Block and Cathaysia, as well as the structure and growth mechanism of continental lithosphere in South China. The Lengjiaxi and the Banxi groups are the base strata of the west section of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt. Thus, the research of geochronology and tectonic evolution of the Lengjiaxi and the Banxi groups is significant. The maximum sedimentary age of the Lengjiaxi Group is ca. 862 Ma, and the minimum is ca. 822 Ma. The Zhangjiawan Formation, which is situated in the upper part of the Banxi Group is ca. 802 Ma. The Lengjiaxi Group and equivalent strata should thus belong to the Neoproterozoic in age. The Jiangnan Orogenic Belt consisting of the Lengjiaxi and the Banxi groups as important constituents is not a Greenville Orogen Belt (1.3 Ga–1.0 Ga). The Jiangnan Orogenic Belt is a recyclic orogenic belt, and the prototype basin is a foreland basin with materials derived from the southwest and the sediments belong to the active continental sedimentation. By combining large amounts of dating data of the Lengjiaxi and the Banxi groups as well as equivalent strata, the evolutionary model of the western section of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt is established as follows: Before 862 Ma, the South China Ocean was subducted beneath the Upper Yangtze Block, while a continental island arc was formed on the side near the Upper Yangtze Block. The South China Ocean was not closed in this period. From 862 Ma to 822 Ma, the Upper Yangtze Block was collided with Cathaysia; and sediments began to be deposited in the foreland basin between the two blocks. The Lengjiaxi Group and equivalent strata were thus formed and the materials might be derived from the recyclic orogenic belt. From 822 Ma to 802 Ma, Cathaysia continued pushing to the Upper Yangtze Block, experienced the Jinning‐Sibao Movement (Wuling Movement); as result, the folded basement of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt was formed. After 802 Ma, Cathaysia and the Upper Yangtze Block were separated from each other, the Nanhua rift basin was formed and began to receive the sediments of the Banxi Group and equivalent strata. These large amounts of dating data and research results also indicate that before the collision of the Upper Yangtze Block with Cathaysia, materials of the continental crust became less and less from the southwest to the east in the Jiangnan Orogeneic Belt; only island arc and neomagmatic arc were developed in the eastern section. Ocean‐continent subduction or continent‐continent subduction took place in the western and southern sections, while intra‐oceanic subduction occurred in the eastern section. Comprehensive analyses on U‐Pb ages and Hf model ages of zircons, the main provenance of the Lengjiaxi Group is Cathaysia.
Late Quaternary Large Earthquakes on the Western Branch of the Xiaojiang Fault and Their Tectonic Implications
Authors: Xi LI , Yongkang RAN , Lichun CHEN , Fuyao WU , Xinquan MA , Jun CAO
Published: October 2015

The Xiaojiang fault is a major active left‐lateral fault along the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. The largest historical earthquake in Yunnan Province, with a magnitude 8 and a mean coseismic left‐lateral displacement of ∼ 6.9 m, occurred on the western branch of the Xiaojiang fault Studying this fault is important in understanding current deformation and kinematic characteristics of the Tibetan Plateau. Activities and stretches have been well undertaken on the Xiaojiang fault, while paleoseismic research work is always the weak link on this fault. To investigate the paleoseismic history and large earthquake activity of the Xiaojiang fault, we opened a large trench at the northern edge of Caohaizi sag pond on the western branch of the Xiaojiang fault. Six paleoseismic events have been identified, and named E1 through E6 from the oldest to the youngest Charcoal and woods are abundant 20 samples were dated to constrain the ages of the paleoseismic events at 40 000–36 300 BC, 35 400–24 800 BC, 9 500 BC–AD 500, AD 390–720, AD 1120–1620 and AD 1750–present We associate the youngest event E6 with the 1833 M8 earthquake. Events E4, E5 and E6 show a continuous record of the western strand of the Xiaojiang fault in the late Holocene, with a average recurrence interval of 370–480 yr. Large earthquake recurrence in the late Holocene is far less than the recurrence of 2000–4000 yr posed in previous studies. Thus, the seismic hazard on the Xiaojiang fault should be reevaluated. Furthermore, the irregular recurrence of large earthquakes on the Xiaojiang fault and other faults in the Xianshuihe‐Xiaojiang system, indicates the uneven southeastward extrusion of the Sichuan‐Yunnan block along the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau.
The Discovery of Natural Native Uranium and Its Significance
Authors: Ziying LI , Zhizhang HUANG , Xiuzhen LI , Jian GUO , Chou FAN
Published: October 2015

This study analyzed the composition and uranium valence of pitchblendes sampled from the hydrothermal Guidong and Zhuguang uranium deposits of the middle Nanling metallogenic belt, Southern China using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A revolutionary discovery is that the uranium not only exists in the forms of tetravalent and hexavalent uranium oxides, but also occurs in the form of native uranium. This is the first discovery of the existence of native uranium in nature. It greatly helps to reveal the origin of hydrothermal mineralization of uranium, and also has great significance for studying the thermal energy, formation and evolution of the earth.
In Situ Analyses of Trace Elements, U–Pb and Lu–Hf Isotopes in Zircons from the Tongshankou Granodiorite Porphyry in Southeast Hubei Province, Middle‐Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt, China
Authors: Jinlong XIA , Guicheng HUANG , Lixue DING , Shunbo CHENG
Published: October 2015

The Tongshankou Cu‐Mo deposit, located in southeast Hubei province, is a typical skarn–porphyry type ore deposit closely related to the Tongshankou granodiorite porphyry, characterized by a high Sr/Y ratio. Detailed in situ analyses of the trace elements and U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes in zircons from the Tongshankou granodiorite porphyry were performed. Scarcely any inherited zircons were observed, and the analyzed zircons yielded highly concordant results with a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 143.5 ± 0.45 Ma (n=20, mean square weighted deviation was 0.75), which was interpreted to represent the crystallization age of the Tongshankou granodiorite porphyry. The chondrite‐normalized rare‐earth element pattern was characterized by a slope that steeply rises from the light‐group rare‐earth elements (LREE) to the heavy‐group rare‐earth elements (HREE) with a positive Ce‐anomaly and inconspicuous Eu‐anomaly, which was coincident with the pattern of the zircons from the Chuquicamata West porphyry, Chile. The analyzed zircons also had relatively low 176Hf/177Hf ratios of 0.282526–0.282604. Assuming t=143 Ma, the corresponding calculated initial Hf isotope compositions (εHf(t)) ranged from −5.6 to −2.9. The results of the in situ analysis of trace elements and U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes in zircons from the Tongshankou granodiorite porphyry suggest that a deep‐seated process involving a thickened‐crust/enriched‐mantle interaction may play an important role in the generation of high Sr/Y‐ratio magma and potentially in the generation of porphyry Cu‐Mo systems.
Age and Origin of Paleogene Granitoids from Western Yunnan Province, China: Geochemistry, SHRIMP Zircon Ages, and Hf‐in‐Zircon Isotopic Compositions
Authors: Yuruo SHI , Zhonghai WU , KRÖNER Alfred , Taoyuan FAN , Zhenyu YANG
Published: October 2015

We report geochemical data, SHRIMP zircon ages and Hf‐in‐zircon isotopic compositions for Cenozoic granitoids from major fault systems in the Tethyan belt in western Yunnan Province, southwestern China. Four magmatic pulses occurred in the Paleogene, namely at ca. 57 Ma, ca. 50 Ma, 45–40 Ma, and 38–34 Ma. Early magmatism of this episode (57–50 Ma) produced S‐type granites whose zircons yielded εHf(t) values of −5.0 to −0.3. In contrast, late magmatism of this episode reflects heterogeneous sources. Zircons from a granite porphyry along the Ailaoshan‐Red River fault system have slightly positive εHf(t) values suggesting derivation from relatively young crust and/or a juvenile source. However, zircons from a granite along the Gaoligong fault system have strongly negative εHf(t) values and suggest derivation from a Paleoproterozoic crustal source. The composition of the granitoids varies with age (from ca. 57 Ma to ca. 34 Ma) from peraluminous to metaluminous and also suggests a change from syn‐collisional to late‐orogenic tectonic setting. A new tectonic model, impacting lithospheric wedge (ILW) is shown for the origin of Paleogene granitoids in this paper.
Distribution and Geochemical Characteristics of Hydrogen in Natural Gas from the Jiyang Depression, Eastern China
Authors: Qingqiang MENG , Yuhua SUN , Jianyu TONG , Qi FU , Jun ZHU , Dongya ZHU , Zhijun JIN
Published: October 2015

Hydrogen gas accelerates hydrocarbon generation, but little is known about its distribution and origin in petroliferous basins, which has hindered the further exploration. Taken the Jiyang Depression in eastern China as an example, this study collected natural gas from different tectonic units, and analyzed various geochemical characters including gas contents, and carbon and hydrogen isotopic composition. The result shows that: (1) hydrogen gas is widespread distributed, but its content is very low, which typically ranges from 0.01% to 0.1% in this region; (2) the ratios of H2/3He, indicative of the origins of hydrogen gas, suggest that mantle‐derived hydrogen is dominant. Even in tectonically stable areas absent with deep fluid activities, there is also mantle‐derived; (3) the isotopic composition of hydrogen falls in the range of −798‰ to −628‰ (relative to VSMOW standard). In areas with deep‐derived fluids, the hydrogen gas has a similar isotopic composition with the previously documented deep‐sourced gas, with lighter isotopic composition. In contrast, hydrogen gas has a heavier isotopic composition in relatively stable areas. The isotopic signatures suggest that there is a mixture of mantle‐ and crust‐derived hydrogen gas in the relatively stable area, which is consistent with the H2/3He ratios. Therefore, it is clear that the hydrogen gas has a much wider distribution than found in the deep‐derived fluid area, resulting in a much broader area with hydrogenating effect for resource rock. This understanding will provide new insights for hydrocarbon generation research and resource assessment in petroliferous basins.