bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence, course and risk factors of head injury: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gerritsen Herman , Samim Mariam , Peters Hans , Schers Henk , Laar Floris van de
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To assess the incidence of head injury and predictors of complication across the care continuum.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using data from a research network. We calculated the incidence of overall head injury in a longitudinal cohort covering 1-year interval (31 369 patient-years), and the incidence of complicated head injury in a longitudinal cohort covering 10 years interval (220 352 patient-ears). Incidence rates were calculated per 1000 patient-years with 95% CI using the Mid-P exact test. We calculated ORs to assess potential risk factors for a complicated head injury.

Setting

A practice-based research network covering a population of >30 000 patients.

Participants

All patients listed in practices within the research network during the years 2005–2014.

Main outcome measures

Incidence of (complicated) head injury and predictors for clinical complications.

Results

The incidence of overall head injury was 22.1 per 1000 person-years and the incidence of a complicated course following head injury was 0.16 per 1000 person-years. The following determinants were risk factors for a complicated course: high energy trauma, bicycle accident, traffic accident in general, use of anticoagulants, alcohol intoxication, age above 60 years and low Glasgow Coma Scale at initial presentation. A complicated course was very unlikely when the patients' first encounter with a healthcare professional was in primary care (OR 0.03, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.07).

Conclusions

Complication after head injury are rarely seen in general practice. Patients who do experience complications are often easily identifiable as requiring specialist care. A more reserved referral policy for general practice may be desirable, suggesting that current guidelines are too defensive.
Measuring effective coverage of curative child health services in rural Burkina Faso: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Koulidiati Jean-Louis , Nesbitt Robin C , Ouedraogo Nobila , Hien Hervé , Robyn Paul Jacob , Compaoré Philippe , Souares Aurélia , Brenner Stephan
Published: June 2018

Objective

To estimate both crude and effective curative health services coverage provided by rural health facilities to under 5-year-old (U5YO) children in Burkina Faso.

Methods

We surveyed 1298 child health providers and 1681 clinical cases across 494 primary-level health facilities, as well as 12 497 U5YO children across 7347households in the facilities’ catchment areas. Facilities were scored based on a set of indicators along three quality-of-care dimensions: management of common childhood diseases, management of severe childhood diseases and general service readiness. Linking service quality to service utilisation, we estimated both crude and effective coverage of U5YO children by these selected curative services.

Results

Measured performance quality among facilities was generally low with only 12.7% of facilities surveyed reaching our definition of high and 57.1% our definition of intermediate quality of care. The crude coverage was 69.5% while the effective coverages indicated that 5.3% and 44.6% of children reporting an illness episode received services of only high or high and intermediate quality, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study showed that the quality of U5YO child health services provided by primary-level health facilities in Burkina Faso was low, resulting in relatively ineffective population coverage. Poor adherence to clinical treatment guidelines combined with the lack of equipment and qualified clinical staff that performed U5YO consultations seemed to be contributors to the gap between crude and effective coverage.
Efficacy of phototherapy to treat facial ageing when using a red versus an amber LED: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rocha Mota Lidiane , Motta Lara Jansiski , Duarte Ivone da Silva , Horliana Anna Carolina Ratto Tempestini , Silva Daniela de Fátima Teixeira da , Pavani Christiane
Published: June 2018

Introduction

The skin undergoes morphological and physiological changes with the advancing age of an individual. These changes may be caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors that contribute to cellular ageing and consequent skin ageing. The term photoageing is used to characterise the ageing of the skin caused by solar radiation. Clinically, the skin becomes more flaccid, thicker and hyperpigmented, while there is an early appearance of wrinkles and other skin changes, such as skin cancer. Nowadays, there are numerous treatments for ageing skin, and one of them is with the use of phototherapy, which uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The objective of this study will be to evaluate the percentages of reduction in the volume of periocular wrinkles when treated with red and amber LEDs.

Methods and analysis

All of the participants will receive photobiomodulation to treat their periocular wrinkles. They will be using red and amber LEDs, with one colour being used on each hemiface. The facial side to be treated with each colour will be randomised. After an interval of 180 days, the participants will receive a cross-treatment. The primary variable of the study is the volume of periocular wrinkles (crow’s feet), which will be measured by a VisioFace equipment. The secondary variables are elasticity (measured by Cutometer) and hydration (measured by Corneometer). Quality of life and self-assessment of the participants will be measured using the adapted Melasma Quality of Life scale - Brazilian Portuguese adaption (MelasQoL-BP) and Skindex-29 questionnaires. All of the variables will be measured before and after a group of 10 sessions.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Nove de Julho University (acceptance number: 2.550.732). This trial has been registered in the Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry) (REBEC number: RBR-6YFCBM). This study is not recruiting yet.

Trial registration number

RBR6YFCBM; Pre-results.
Unplanned early hospital readmission among critical care survivors: a mixed methods study of patients and carers
Authors: Donaghy Eddie , Salisbury Lisa , Lone Nazir I , Lee Robert , Ramsey Pamela , Rattray Janice E , Walsh Timothy Simon
Published: June 2018

Background

Many intensive care (ICU) survivors experience early unplanned hospital readmission, but the reasons and potential prevention strategies are poorly understood. We aimed to understand contributors to readmissions from the patient/carer perspective.

Methods

This is a mixed methods study with qualitative data taking precedence. Fifty-eight ICU survivors and carers who experienced early unplanned rehospitalisation were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to identify factors contributing to readmissions, and supplemented with questionnaire data measuring patient comorbidity and carer strain, and importance rating scales for factors that contribute to readmissions in other patient groups. Data were integrated iteratively to identify patterns, which were discussed in five focus groups with different patients/carers who also experienced readmissions. Major patterns and contexts in which unplanned early rehospitalisation occurred in ICU survivors were described.

Results

Interviews suggested 10 themes comprising patient-level and system-level issues. Integration with questionnaire data, pattern exploration and discussion at focus groups suggested two major readmission contexts. A ‘complex health and psychosocial needs’ context occurred in patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy, who frequently also had significant psychological problems, mobility issues, problems with specialist aids/equipment and fragile social support. These patients typically described inadequate preparation for hospital discharge, poor communication between secondary/primary care, and inadequate support with psychological care, medications and goal setting. This complex multidimensional situation contrasted markedly with the alternative ‘medically unavoidable’ readmission context. In these patients medical issues/complications primarily resulted in hospital readmission, and the other issues were absent or not considered important.

Conclusions

Although some readmissions are medically unavoidable, for many ICU survivors complex health and psychosocial issues contribute concurrently to early rehospitalisation. Care pathways that anticipate and institute anticipatory multifaceted support for these patients merit further development and evaluation.
Coping with chronic pain, illness and incarceration: what patients and prisoners have to teach each other (and all of us)
Authors: Leder Drew
Published: June 2018

This article proposes the benefits to be had from an unusual conversation: that between those suffering from chronic pain/illness and from long-term incarceration. Taking a phenomenological approach, a series of experiential commonalities are outlined: pain and illness, like incarceration, can cause (1) a constriction of lived space and the range of possible action; (2) a disruption of lived time, such that one is trapped in an aversive ‘now’, or ever trying to escape it; (3) isolation, as meaningful social contacts diminish or are ripped away; and (4) disempowerment and depersonalisation, especially when the ill person feels caught within a medical system that can be dehumanising in ways that echo prison life. Drawing on pathographies, and my published conversations from teaching philosophy classes in prison, I outline some of the strategies whereby creative individuals help relieve these modes of disruption. These include (1) adaptability, as individuals learn to live differently, but well, within the limits imposed by pain/illness or incarceration; (2) appreciative presence, the ability to find joy in, and richly utilise, the ‘now’; (3) mental freedom, which includes the capacity to choose emotional responses, and to expand the intellect and spirit even when the body is confined; and (4) community, surmounting isolation through empathic relation with others. I suggest a conversation between these groups can bring mutual benefit, and teach us all how to live well in extreme circumstances, which we may encounter some time in our life.
More attention should be given to rabbits
Authors: Saunders Richard
Published: June 2018

Richard Saunders argues that rabbit medicine has been ill‐served for years, both on the veterinary curriculum and in practice, and that there must be a paradigm shift so that rabbit medicine is given the attention it deserves.
Effect of exercise on acute postprandial glucose concentrations and interleukin-6 responses in sedentary and overweight males
Authors: Raman Aaron , Peiffer Jeremiah J. , Hoyne Gerard F. , Lawler Nathan G. , Currie Andrew J. , Fairchild Timothy J.
Published: June 2018

This study examined the effect of 2 forms of exercise on glucose tolerance and the concurrent changes in markers associated with the interleukin (IL)-6 pathways. Fifteen sedentary, overweight males (29.0 ± 3.1 kg/m2) completed 2 separate, 3-day trials in randomised and counterbalanced order. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT; 75 g) was performed at the same time on each day of the trial. Day 2 of each trial consisted of a single 30-min workload-matched bout of either high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE; alternating 100% and 50% of peak oxygen uptake) or continuous moderate-intensity exercise (CME; 60 % of peak oxygen uptake) completed 1 h prior to the OGTT. Venous blood samples were collected before, immediately after, 1 h after, and 25 h after exercise for measurement of insulin, C-peptide, IL-6, and the soluble IL-6 receptors (sIL-6R; soluble glycoprotein 130 (sgp130)). Glucose area under the curve (AUC) was calculated from capillary blood samples collected throughout the OGTT. Exercise resulted in a modest (4.4%; p = 0.003) decrease in the glucose AUC when compared with the pre-exercise AUC; however, no differences were observed between exercise conditions (p = 0.65). IL-6 was elevated immediately after and 1 h after exercise, whilst sgp130 and sIL-6R concentrations were reduced immediately after exercise. In summary, exercise was effective in reducing glucose AUC, which was attributed to improvements that took place between 60 and 120 min into the OGTT, and was in parallel with an increased ratio of IL-6 to sIL-6R, which accords with an increased activation via the “classical” IL-6 signalling pathway. Our findings suggest that acute HIIE did not improve glycaemic response when compared with CME.
Mechanisms and functional implications of motoneuron adaptations to increased physical activity
Authors: MacDonell Christopher W. , Gardiner Phillip F.
Published: June 2018

Motoneurons demonstrate adaptations in their physiological properties to alterations in chronic activity levels. The most consistent change that appears to result from endurance-type exercise training is the reduced excitatory current required to initiate and maintain rhythmic firing. While the precise mechanisms through which these neurons adapt to activity are currently unknown, evidence exists that adaptation may involve alterations in the expression of genes that code for membrane receptors, which can influence the responses of neurons to transmitters during activation. The influence of these adaptations may also extend to the resting condition, where ambient levels of neuroactive substances may influence ion conductances at rest, and thus result in the activation or inhibition of specific ion conductances that underlie the measurements of increased excitability that have been reported for motoneurons in the anesthetised state. We have applied motoneuron excitability and muscle unit contractile changes with endurance training to a mathematical computerized model of motor unit recruitment (Heckman and Binder 1991; J. Neurophysiol. 65(4):952–967). The results from the modelling exercise demonstrate increased task efficiency at relative levels of effort during a submaximal contraction. The physiological impact that nerve and muscle adaptations have on the neuromuscular system during standardized tasks seem to fit with reported changes in motor unit behaviour in trained human subjects.
Agro-morphology and forage nutritive value of white prairie clover [Dalea candida(Michx.) Willd.] populations native to the Canadian prairies
Authors: Khanal Nityananda , Schellenberg Michael P. , Biligetu Bill
Published: June 2018

White prairie clover [Dalea candida (Michx.) Willd.] is native to the dry prairies and hillsides of the Northern Great Plains. A study was initiated in 2012 with six white prairie clover populations collected from the Canadian Prairies. Plant growth characteristics, forage biomass, seed yield, and forage nutritive values were evaluated using a randomized complete block design in a field near Swift Current, SK. Three populations from Argyle, Carlowrie, and Big Grass Marsh (NCP588) in Manitoba displayed erect-type growth while those from Douglas Provincial Park and Stewart Valley in Saskatchewan and Writing on Stone Provincial Park in Alberta exhibited prostrate growth. The populations did not differ for mean biomass yield (79–104 g plant−1, p = 0.54) and mean seed yield (6.6–9.1 g plant−1, p = 0.69); however, they differed for bloom stage nutritional parameters such as acid detergent fibre (25%–30%, p = 0.04), neutral detergent fibre (34%–41%, p < 0.01), crude proteins (15%–18%, p < 0.01), phosphorus (0.24%–0.29%, p = 0.02), and iron content (144–360 ppm, p = 0.01). To our knowledge, this is the first report of comparative phenotypic, nutritional, and propagation study of native white prairie clover populations of Canada. The constraints and opportunities for successful domestication of white prairie clover as a forage crop are discussed.
AAC Icefield hard white winter wheat
Authors: Graf R.J. , Beres B.L. , Randhawa H.S. , Gaudet D.A. , Laroche A.
Published: June 2018

AAC Icefield is the first hard white winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar registered in western Canada. It was selected from a population of F1-derived doubled-haploids of the cross McClintock/83W020007. Registration testing occurred from 2013 to 2017. These data, collected over 53 site–years, showed that AAC Icefield yielded significantly more grain than CDC Buteo, was similar in yield to Flourish, Moats, and CDC Falcon, and was significantly lower yielding than AAC Elevate and Sunrise. AAC Icefield expressed fair survival, intermediate maturity, short straw, and very good lodging resistance. Test weight and kernel weight were within the range of the checks. Ratings based on the prevalent disease races in western Canada were summarized as resistant to stem rust, moderately resistant to leaf and stripe rust, intermediate in resistance to Fusarium head blight, and susceptible to common bunt. The grain yield, agronomic characteristics, and disease resistance attributes of AAC Icefield provide good adaptation for all areas of western Canada. Despite lower grain protein concentration than Canada Western Red Winter wheat cultivars, AAC Icefield showed exceptional gluten strength per unit of protein. AAC Icefield is well-suited to a wide range of end-uses including white and whole-grain pan bread, French and flat breads, Asian steamed bread, and noodles. Currently designated in the Canada Western Experimental wheat class to facilitate test marketing, a decision on permanent class placement for AAC Icefield will be made by the Canadian Grain Commission following the assessment of market interest.
Comparing soil profiles of adjacent forest stands with contrasting tree densities: lichen woodlands vs. black spruce–feathermoss stands in the continuous boreal forest
Authors: Ouimet Rock , Boucher Jean-François , Tremblay Pascal , Lord Daniel
Published: June 2018

We studied mature and adjacent open lichen–spruce woodlands (LWs) and closed-canopy spruce–feathermoss stands (FMs) growing under similar edaphic conditions in the continuous boreal forest zone in Quebec (Canada). A total of six pairs of stands were investigated by profile sampling. Stem density, basal area, and biomass were about four times greater in FMs than in LWs on an area basis. In the humus layer, total stocks of C and N and of exchangeable K, Ca, Mg, Al, and Na were 1.4–2.3 times larger in FM than in LW soils. The first 30 cm and the first metre of mineral soils in LWs and FMs displayed similar available nutrient pools except for total C stocks, which were more than twice as large in FM as in LW soils in these soil layers. For the whole profile, total stocks of C and N and stocks of exchangeable Ca and Mg were 1.3–2.6 times larger in FM than in LW soils. These results highlight the low intrinsic fertility of LW soils, primarily due to the humus layer, but also the importance of the biological control of C, N, and mineral nutrients in these boreal soils.
Analysis of dynamic characteristics of power split spiral bevel gear transmission system based on teeth geometric contact analysis
Authors: Dong Hao , Liu Zhi-Yu , Zhao Xiaolong , Hu Ya-Hui
Published: June 2018

To solve the dynamic load distribution mechanism of the power split transmission system of spiral bevel gears, according to the characteristics of the closed loop of power flow, the deformation coordination condition is deduced. Through the gear teeth geometric contact analysis technique, the time-varying meshing stiffness conditions in the model are solved. The linear time-varying dynamic model of the torsional vibration of the bevel gear split transmission system is established by the lumped mass parameter method. Considering the influence of time-varying mesh stiffness excitation conditions and damping, the dynamic differential equations are treated in a dimensionless way. The dynamic load change and dynamic response characteristics of the system are obtained by numerical solution, and the influence of parameters such as speed and damping on dynamic power flow and dynamic characteristics of the system is revealed. The results show that with an increase of meshing damping ratio, dynamic power flow of each gear pair changes little, and the vibration acceleration and its root mean square value of each gear pair of the system are smaller. With an increase in speed, vibration acceleration and its average amplitude increase.
Operational Modal Analysis and Bayesian Model Updating of a Coupled Building
Authors: Hu Jun , Yang Jia-Hua
Published: June 2018

This paper reports the step-by-step procedures of a full-scale ambient vibration test and the corresponding modal identification and Bayesian structural model updating of a coupled building. The building is characterized as a combination of a main part and a complementary part connected together by corridors in between. Compared with the main part, the volume of the complementary part is much smaller. Therefore, the influence on the dynamic properties of the complementary part from its counterpart is expected. To capture the dynamic properties of the coupled building, a 21-setup ambient vibration test was designed to cover all the degrees of freedom (DOFs) of interest. The modal parameters of each setup were identified following the frequency domain decomposition (FDD) method and the partial mode shapes from different setups were assembled following a least-squares method. To determine the stiffness of the linkage between the two parts, the coupled building was simulated with two linked shear buildings and updated utilizing the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)-based Bayesian model updating method. The identified modal parameters revealed interesting features about the coupled effects between the main part and complementary part and were discussed in detail. The good match between the model-predicted and identified modal parameters verified the validity of proposed shear building model. This study provides valuable experience in the area of structural model updating and structural health monitoring.
The Clash of Macromolecular Titans: Replication-Transcription Conflicts in Bacteria
Authors: Lang Kevin S. , Merrikh Houra
Published: June 2018

Within the last decade, it has become clear that DNA replication and transcription are routinely in conflict with each other in growing cells. Much of the seminal work on this topic has been carried out in bacteria, specifically, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis; therefore, studies of conflicts in these species deserve special attention. Collectively, the recent findings on conflicts have fundamentally changed the way we think about DNA replication in vivo. Furthermore, new insights on this topic have revealed that the conflicts between replication and transcription significantly influence many key parameters of cellular function, including genome organization, mutagenesis, and evolution of stress response and virulence genes. In this review, we discuss the consequences of replication-transcription conflicts on the life of bacteria and describe some key strategies cells use to resolve them. We put special emphasis on two critical aspects of these encounters: ( a) the consequences of conflicts on replisome stability and dynamics, and ( b) the resulting increase in spontaneous mutagenesis.
A Functional Homologous Recombination Assay Predicts Primary Chemotherapy Response and Long-Term Survival in Ovarian Cancer Patients
Authors: Tumiati Manuela , Hietanen Sakari , Hynninen Johanna , Pietilä Elina , Färkkilä Anniina , Kaipio Katja , Roering Pia , Huhtinen Kaisa , Alkodsi Amjad , Li Yilin , Lehtonen Rainer , Erkan Erdogan Pekcan , Tuominen Minna M. , Lehti Kaisa , Hautaniemi Sampsa K. , Vähärautio Anna , Grénman Seija , Carpén Olli , Kauppi Liisa
Published: June 2018

Purpose: Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) correlates with platinum sensitivity in patients with ovarian cancer, which clinically is the most useful predictor of sensitivity to PARPi. To date, there are no reliable diagnostic tools to anticipate response to platinum-based chemotherapy, thus we aimed to develop an ex vivo functional HRD detection test that could predict both platinum-sensitivity and patient eligibility to targeted drug treatments.

Experimental Design: We obtained a functional HR score by quantifying homologous recombination (HR) repair after ionizing radiation-induced DNA damage in primary ovarian cancer samples (n = 32). Samples clustered in 3 categories: HR-deficient, HR-low, and HR-proficient. We analyzed the HR score association with platinum sensitivity and treatment response, platinum-free interval (PFI) and overall survival (OS), and compared it with other clinical parameters. In parallel, we performed DNA-sequencing of HR genes to assess if functional HRD can be predicted by currently offered genetic screening.

Results: Low HR scores predicted primary platinum sensitivity with high statistical significance (P = 0.0103), associated with longer PFI (HR-deficient vs. HR-proficient: 531 vs. 53 days), and significantly correlated with improved OS (HR score <35 vs. ≥35, hazard ratio = 0.08, P = 0.0116). At the genomic level, we identified a few unclear mutations in HR genes and the mutational signature associated with HRD, but, overall, genetic screening failed to predict functional HRD.

Conclusions: We developed an ex vivo assay that detects tumor functional HRD and an HR score able to predict platinum sensitivity, which holds the clinically relevant potential to become the routine companion diagnostic in the management of patients with ovarian cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 24(18); 4482–93. ©2018 AACR.
BRCA1-Interacting Protein OLA1 Requires Interaction with BARD1 to Regulate Centrosome Number
Authors: Yoshino Yuki , Qi Huicheng , Fujita Hiroki , Shirota Matsuyuki , Abe Shun , Komiyama Yuhei , Shindo Kazuha , Nakayama Masahiro , Matsuzawa Ayako , Kobayashi Akihiro , Ogoh Honami , Watanabe Toshio , Ishioka Chikashi , Chiba Natsuko
Published: June 2018

BRCA1 functions as a tumor suppressor in DNA repair and centrosome regulation. Previously, Obg-like ATPase 1 (OLA1) was shown to interact with BARD1, a heterodimer partner of BRCA1. OLA1 binds to BRCA1, BARD1, and γ-tubulin and functions in centrosome regulation. This study determined that overexpression of wild-type OLA1 (OLA1-WT) caused centrosome amplification due to centriole overduplication in mammary tissue–derived cells. Centrosome amplification induced by overexpression of the cancer-derived OLA1 mutant, which is deficient at regulating centrosome number, occurred in significantly fewer cells than in that induced by overexpression of OLA1-WT. Thus, it was hypothesized that overexpression of OLA1 with normal function efficiently induces centrosome amplification, but not that of OLA1 mutants, which are deficient at regulating centrosome number. We analyzed whether overexpression of OLA1 missense mutants of nine candidate phosphorylation residues, three residues modified with acetylation, and two ATP-binding residues caused centrosome amplification and identified five missense mutants that are deficient in the regulation of centrosome number. Three of them did not bind to BARD1. Two phosphomimetic mutations restored the binding to BARD1 and the efficient centrosome amplification by their overexpression. Knockdown and overexpression of BARD1 also caused centrosome amplification. BARD1 mutant reported in cancer failed to bind to OLA1 and rescue the BARD1 knockdown-induced centrosome amplification and reduced its centrosomal localization. Combined, these data reveal that the OLA1–BARD1 interaction is important for the regulation of centrosome number.

Implications: Regulation of centrosome number by BRCA1/BARD1 together with OLA1 is important for the genome integrity to prevent tumor development. Mol Cancer Res; 16(10); 1499–511. ©2018 AACR.
Hypothermia Is Neuroprotective after Severe Hypoxic-Ischaemic Brain Injury in Neonatal Rats Pre-Exposed to PAM3CSK4
Authors: Falck Mari , Osredkar Damjan , Maes Elke , Flatebø Torun , Wood Thomas Ragnar , Walløe Lars , Sabir Hemmen , Thoresen Marianne
Published: June 2018

Background: Preclinical research on the neuroprotective effect of hypothermia (HT) after perinatal asphyxia has shown variable results, depending on comorbidities and insult severity. Exposure to inflammation increases vulnerability of the neonatal brain to hypoxic-ischaemic (HI) injury, and could be one explanation for those neonates whose injury is unexpectedly severe. Gram-negative type inflammatory exposure by lipopolysaccharide administration prior to a mild HI insult results in moderate brain injury, and hypothermic neuroprotection is negated. However, the neuroprotective effect of HT is fully maintained after gram-positive type inflammatory exposure by PAM3CSK4 (PAM) pre-administration in the same HI model. Whether HT is neuroprotective in severe brain injury with gram-positive inflammatory pre-exposure has not been investigated. Methods: 59 seven-day-old rat pups were subjected to a unilateral HI insult, with left carotid artery ligation followed by 90-min hypoxia (8% O2 at Trectal 36°C). An additional 196 pups received intraperitoneal 0.9% saline (control) or PAM1 mg/kg, 8 h before undergoing the same HI insult. After randomisation to 5 h normothermia (NT37°C) or HT32°C, pups survived 1 week before they were sacrificed by perfusion fixation. Brains were harvested for hemispheric and hippocampal area loss analyses at postnatal day 14, as well as immunostaining for neuron count in the HIP CA1 region. Results: Normothermic PAM animals (PAM-NT) had a comparable median area loss (hemispheric: 60% [95% CI 33–66]; hippocampal: 61% [95% CI 29–67]) to vehicle animals (Veh-NT) (hemispheric: 58% [95% CI 11–64]; hippocampal: 60% [95% CI 19–68]), which is defined as severe brain injury. Furthermore, mortality was low and similar in the two groups (Veh-NT 4.5% vs. PAM-NT 6.6%). HT reduced hemispheric and hippocampal injury in the Veh group by 13 and 28%, respectively (hemispheric: p = 0.048; hippocampal: p = 0.042). HT also provided neuroprotection in the PAM group, reducing hemispheric injury by 22% (p = 0.03) and hippocampal injury by 37% (p = 0.027). Conclusion: In these experiments with severe brain injury, Toll-like receptor-2 triggering prior to HI injury does not have an additive injurious effect, and there is a small but significant neuroprotective effect of HT. HT appears to be neuroprotective over a continuum of injury severity in this model, and the effect size tapers off with increasing area loss. Our results indicate that gram-positive inflammatory exposure prior to HI injury does not negate the neuroprotective effect of HT in severe brain injury.
Changes in Gene Expression Profiles in Adult Rat Brain Structures after Neonatal Action of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV Inhibitors
Authors: Zubkov Eugene A. , Zorkina Yana A. , Orshanskaya Elena V. , Khlebnikova Nadezhda N. , Krupina Natalia A. , Chekhonin Vladimir P.
Published: June 2018

Background: Previous studies have shown the development of emotional and motivational disorders, such as anxiety-depression-like disorders with increased aggression in adolescent and adult Wistar rats, occurs after neonatal exposure to the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV, EC 3.4.14.5) inhibitors diprotin A and sitagliptin (postnatal days 5–18). Methods: In this study, using real-time PCR, we evaluated changes in the gene expression of serine protease DPP-IV and prolyl endopeptidase (PREP, EC 3.4.21.26; dpp4 and prep genes), monoamine oxidase А (maoA) and B (maoB), and serotonin transporter (SERT; sert) in the brain structures from 3-month-old rats after postnatal action of DPP-IV inhibitors diprotin A and sitagliptin. Results: Dpp4, sert, and maoB gene expression increased and maoA gene expression changed with a tendency to increase in the striatum of rats with neonatal sitagliptin action. The increase of maoA gene expression was also shown in the amygdala. An increase in prep gene expression was found in the striatum of rats with the neonatal action of diprotin A, and a decrease in maoB gene expression was observed in the amygdala. We detected a significant downward trend in sert gene expression in the frontal cortex and amygdala, as well as a tendency to increase in maoA gene expression in the hypothalamus. Discussion: These findings suggest that changes in the expression of the abovementioned genes are associated with the development of anxiety and depression, with increased aggression caused by the neonatal action of diprotin A and sitagliptin.
Blast Percentage of Bone Marrow Aspirate on Day 14 of Induction Chemotherapy Predicts Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Park Han-Seung , Kim Dae-Young , Choi Eun-Ji , Lee Jung-Hee , Lee Je-Hwan , Jeon Mijin , Kang Young-Ah , Lee Young-Shin , Seol Miee , Cho Young-Uk , Jang Seongsoo , Chi Hyun-Sook  , Lee Kyoo-Hyung , Park Chan-Jeoung
Published: June 2018

The prognosis of adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia is much worse than that of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia, even when patients achieve complete remission. Early response to treatment can be an important alternative indicator of treatment outcomes. The purpose of our current study was to identify the prognostic value of the blast percentage of the induction interim bone marrow, which might predict relapse-free survival and overall survival in patients with adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A retrospective analysis was performed on 80 adult patients diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia from 1994 to 2011. Complete remission was observed in 75 (93.8%) patients after induction chemotherapy. On multivariate analysis, a reduction of blasts to a level of 5% or less in the induction interim bone marrow and CD20 positivity were significant prognostic predictors of relapse-free survival (hazard ratio, HR = 2.88, p = 0.006, and HR = 2.67, p = 0.010) and overall survival (HR = 2.10, p = 0.033, and HR = 2.39, p = 0.013). The blast percentage of the induction interim bone marrow may be a useful prognostic factor to predict outcome.
The Unpredictability of Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy: An Illustrative Case Report
Authors: Levin Murray L. , Ahya Shubhada
Published: June 2018

The case of a female patient with primary membranous nephropathy is presented. She was treated with corticosteroids and chlorambucil after conservative therapy had failed and went into remission for 5 years. Her nephrotic syndrome recurred but did not respond to the same regimen. She had another complete remission after treatment with corticosteroids and cyclosporine, but the nephrosis recurred after 7 years. Again, she failed to respond with retreatment of steroids plus cyclosporine. She was treated with alternate-day steroid plus mycophenolate and, once again, had a complete remission. She was maintained on low-dose mycophenolate for 7 more years. The mycophenolate had to be discontinued because of cytomegalovirus colitis. Treatment with ganciclovir abolished the colitis. She is still in remission 10 years later. The case is discussed with regard to current knowledge of the immune pathogenesis of membranous nephropathy as well as the unknowns of the immunogenesis of the disease.
Coronary Sinus Activation and ECG Characteristics of Roof-Dependent Left Atrial Flutter After Pulmonary Vein Isolation
Authors: Casado Arroyo Ruben , Laţcu Decebal Gabriel , Maeda Shingo , Kubala Maciej , Santangeli Pasquale , Garcia Fermin Carlos , Enache Bogdan , Eljamili Mohammed , Hayashi Tatsuya , Zado Erica S. , Saoudi Nadir , Marchlinski Francis E.
Published: June 2018

Background:

The electrocardiographic and intracardiac activation features of left atrial roof-dependent macroreentrant flutter have been incompletely characterized.

Methods:

Patients post–pulmonary vein (PV) isolation with roof-dependent atrial flutter based on activation and entrainment mapping were included. ECG and coronary sinus activation were compared with mitral annular (MA) flutter.

Results:

The roof-dependent left atrial flutter circled the right PVs in 32 of 33 cases. Two forms of roof flutters were identified, posteroanterior, ascendant on posterior wall and descendant on anterior wall (n=24); and anteroposterior, ascendant on the anterior wall and descendent on the posterior wall (n=9). Both forms had positive large amplitude P waves in V
1
through V
2
with decreasing amplitude in V
3
through V
6
. Posteroanterior roof flutters had positive P wave in the inferior and negative P wave in leads I and aVL similar to counterclockwise MA flutter, but coronary sinus activation was simultaneous for roof and proximal to distal for counterclockwise. Anteroposterior roof flutters were similar to clockwise MA flutter with negative P in inferior leads and transition to flat or negative P in V
3
through V
6
. Coronary sinus activation time ≤39 ms identified roof versus MA flutter (sensitivity: 100% and specificity: 97%).

Conclusions:

Roof-dependent flutter around right PVs is more common than around left PVs. The ECG pattern for roof-dependent flutter around right PVs is similar to MA flutter with frontal plane axis dictated by septal activation. Roof-dependent flutter can be distinguished from MA flutter by more simultaneous rather than sequential coronary sinus activation.
Resource Utilization in Pediatric Patients Supported With Ventricular Assist Devices in the United States: A Multicenter Study From the Pediatric Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support and the Pediatric Health Information System
Authors: Rossano Joseph W. , Cantor Ryan S. , Dai Dingwei , Shamszad Pirouz , Huang Yuan‐Shung , Hall Matthew , Lin Kimberly Y. , Edens R. Erik , Parrino P. Eugene , Kirklin James K.
Published: June 2018

Background

Few data exist on resource utilization with pediatric ventricular assist devices (
VAD
s). We tested the hypothesis that device type and adverse events are associated with increased resource utilization in pediatric patients supported with
VAD
s.

Methods and Results

The Pediatric Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support, a national registry of
VAD
s in patients <19 years old, and the Pediatric Health Information System, an administrative database, were merged. Univariate analysis was performed assessing the association of all factors with the total cost and length of stay first. Significant variables (
P
<0.05) were subjected to multivariable analysis. The study included 142 patients from 19 centers with
VAD
implants from October 2012 to June 2016. The median age was 9 years (interquartile range [
IQR
] 2‐15), 84 (59%) supported with a continuous‐flow
VAD
. Overall median hospital costs were $750 000 (
IQR
$539 000 to $1 100 000) with a median hospital length of stay of 81 days (
IQR
54‐128). On multivariable analysis, device type and postoperative complications were not associated with resource utilization. Factors associated with increased costs included patient age, lower‐volume
VAD
center, being intubated, being on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, number of complex chronic medical conditions, and length of stay. Among continuous‐flow
VAD
patients, discharge to home before transplant versus remaining hospitalized was associated with lower hospital costs (median $600 000 [
IQR
$400 000 to $820 000] versus median $680 000 [
IQR
$500 000 to $970 000],
P
=0.03).

Conclusion

VAD
s in pediatric patients are associated with high resource utilization. Increased resource utilization was associated with lower‐volume
VAD
centers, disease severity at
VAD
implantation, and the presence of complex chronic medical conditions. Further study is needed to develop cost‐effective strategies in this complex population.
Longitudinal Changes in Cholesterol Efflux Capacities in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Lifestyle Modification Therapy
Authors: Boyer Marjorie , Lévesque Valérie , Poirier Paul , Marette André , Mitchell Patricia L. , Mora Samia , Mathieu Patrick , Després Jean‐Pierre , Larose Éric , Arsenault Benoit J.
Published: June 2018

Background

Our objective was to identify the determinants of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol efflux capacity (
HDL
‐
CEC
) changes in patients with coronary artery disease who participated in a lifestyle modification program aimed at increasing physical activity levels and improving diet quality.

Methods and Results

A total of 86 men with coronary artery disease aged between 35 and 80 years participated in a 1‐year lifestyle modification program that aimed to achieve a minimum of 150 minutes of aerobic physical activity weekly and improve diet quality.
HDL
‐
CEC
s were measured before and after the 1‐year intervention using
3
H‐cholesterol–labeled J774 and HepG2 cells. Visceral, subcutaneous, and cardiac adipose tissue levels were assessed before and after the intervention using magnetic resonance imaging. Lipoprotein particle size and concentrations were measured by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and a complete lipoprotein‐lipid profile was obtained. At baseline, the best correlate of
HDL
‐
CEC
s were apolipoprotein AI (
R
2
=0.35,
P
<0.0001) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (
R
2
=0.21,
P
<0.0001) for J774‐
HDL
‐
CEC
s and HepG2‐
HDL
‐
CEC
s, respectively. Baseline and longitudinal changes in
HDL
‐
CEC
s were associated with several lipoprotein size and concentration indices, although high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was the best predictor of longitudinal changes in J774‐
HDL
‐
CEC
s (
R
2
=0.18,
P
=0.002) and apolipoprotein AI was found to be the best predictor of longitudinal changes in HepG2 cholesterol efflux capacities (
R
2
=0.21,
P
=0.002).

Conclusions

Results of this study suggest that increases in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein AI levels typically observed in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing healthy lifestyle modification therapy may be indicative of higher plasma concentrations of functional high‐density lipoprotein particles.
Coupled Map Lattices as Musical Instruments
Authors: Gravner Janko , Johnson Kyle
Published: June 2018

We use one-dimensional coupled map lattices (CMLs) to generate sounds that reflect their spatial organization and temporal evolution from a random initial configuration corresponding to uncorrelated noise. In many instances, the process approaches an equilibrium, which generates a sustained tone. The pitch of this tone is proportional to the lattice size, so the CML behaves like an instrument that could be tuned. Among exceptional cases, we provide an example with a metastable strange attractor, which produces an evolving sound reminiscent of drone music.
“I did It for The Uplift of Humanity and The Navy”: Same-Sex Acts and The Origins of The National Security State, 1919–1921
Authors: Zane Sherry
Published: June 2018

This essay explores U.S. national security interests on the World War I home-front from 1917-1921 in Newport, Rhode Island when Assistant Secretary of the Navy Franklin D. Roosevelt's covert operatives attempted to restrict same-sex acts through methods of entrapment. It argues that World War I provided government officials new opportunities to expand security concerns as it policed and punished gender and sexual non-conformity well before the Cold War.
­Phylogenetic Analysis of the Genus Pohlia (Bryophyta, Bryaceae) Using Chloroplast and Nuclear Ribosomal DNA
Authors: NIU JING-YUAN , Li ☆LIN LI , SHI SHUO , LI HUI , WANG XIAO-RUI , LIU YONG-YING , NIU YU-LU , ZHAO JIAN-CHENG
Published: June 2018

The genus Pohlia Hedwig is a large moss genus that has been placed in the Bryaceae family as traditionally determined. However, a molecular phylogenetic analysis has indicated that the Pohlia genus is more closely related to genera that are traditionally classified into the Mniaceae or Mielichhoferiaceae families. In this study, we performed a molecular phylogenetic analysis using evidence from four chloroplast regions (atpB-rbcL, rps4, trnG, and trnL-trnF) and one nuclear ribosomal intragenic spacer region (ITS) using different methods (maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference). The phylogenetic relationships between Pohlia and its related genera are discussed.         Two large clades among our samples were well supported in all of the datasets. The traditionally defined Bryaceae species, including Brachymenium pendulum, Bryum caespiticium, Bryum capillare, Anomobryum gemmigerum, and Rhodobryum ontariense, formed a monophyletic clade with high support. The second clade corresponding to the Mielichhoferiaceae-Mniaceae complex also had high support. All of the Pohlia, Mielichhoferia and Mniaceae samples were included in this latter clade.         The clearest result from the phylogenetic analysis is that the Pohlia genus is non-monophyletic. The analysis is identical when using three methods and concludes that Pohlia is closer to the genera in Mielichhoferiaceae and Mniaceae. A formal taxonomic treatment of this clade was not performed because we lacked sufficient specimens of the species, although this work will be included in a future study.
Hymenasplenium pubirhizoma comb. nov. (Aspleniaceae) from China
Authors: XU KE-WANG , LU JIN-MEI , ZHANG XIN , ZHANG LI-BING
Published: June 2018

An earlier known species originally assigned to Asplenium from China, A. pubirhizoma Ching & Z.Y.Liu, is transferred to Hymenasplenium to form H. pubirhizoma (Ching & Z.Y.Liu) K.W.Xu & Li Bing Zhang, comb. nov.
Typification of a Linnaean name in Gleicheniaceae (Polypodiopsida)
Authors: LIMA LUCAS VIEIRA , VIVEROS RAQUEL STAUFFER , SALINO ALEXANDRE
Published: June 2018

Gleicheniaceae are an ancient fern family with about 157 species and six genera (PPG I 2016). Although its taxonomy has been through several changes in the last years (Gonzales & Kessler 2011), a great gap remains in both taxonomy and nomenclature. For the Neotropics, there are several national or regional taxonomic treatments of the family (e.g. Proctor 1985, Lellinger 1989, Tryon & Stolze 1989, Moran 1995, Mickel & Smith 2004, Kessler & Smith 2018) and a revision of the Neotropical members of the genus Sticherus Presl (1836: 51) (Gonzales & Kessler 2011), but only few of them are dedicated to solve nomenclatural issues.
A Contested Crisis: Policy Narratives and Empirical Evidence on Border Deaths in the Mediterranean
Authors: Steinhilper Elias , Gruijters Rob J
Published: June 2018

Death and suffering of migrants at Europe’s Mediterranean Sea border has become one of the defining moral and political issues of our time. While humanitarian organizations argue that deaths result from Europe’s policy of exclusion and closure, those employing a deterrence-oriented narrative have argued for even stricter border controls. Perhaps because of its contentious nature, the debate is often devoid of systematic information on the drivers and dynamics of border deaths. This study contributes to our understanding of border deaths in the Mediterranean region in three ways: it describes and evaluates recent data sources on migration and mortality; it provides a descriptive statistical analysis of absolute and relative mortality risks between 2010 and 2016; and it assesses the relationship between European border policy and border deaths. Our findings challenge the dominant deterrence-oriented policy narrative and highlight the failure of European authorities to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Programming in Restrictive Housing: Considerations for Improving Outcome Evaluations
Authors: Butler H. Daniel , Solomon Starr , Spohn Ryan
Published: June 2018

A number of studies have identified “what works” in regard to the successful implementation of correctional programming over the past several decades. Few studies, however, have examined the complexities associated with programming in restrictive housing. Using data from a Midwestern department of corrections, we examined whether the provision of programming in restrictive housing achieved desired outcomes (e.g., reductions in inmate misconduct). The findings revealed the amount of time served in restrictive housing and confinement in different types of restrictive housing may influence estimations of a treatment effect. As a growing number of states seek to reform the use of restrictive housing, the proper implementation of cognitive-behavioral programming may increase institutional security and safety.