bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological heterogeneity of obsessive–compulsive disorder: A voxel‐based morphometric study based on dimensional assessment
Authors: Okada Kayo , Nakao Tomohiro , Sanematsu Hirokuni , Murayama Keitaro , Honda Shinichi , Tomita Mayumi , Togao Osamu , Yoshiura Takashi , Kanba Shigenobu
Published: December 2014

Aim

Although many neuroimaging studies of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) have reported broad abnormalities in gray matter (GM), their results remain inconsistent. One reason for this inconsistency could be the heterogeneity of OCD. In the present study, we aimed to classify alterations in brain anatomy by OCD subtype.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging examinations of 37 OCD patients and 37 matched healthy controls were conducted using a 3.0‐Tesla scanner. In the voxel‐based morphometric procedure, preprocessed GM structural images were used to compare the two groups, and multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the correlation between regional GM volume in OCD patients and the OCD symptom dimension type assessed by using the Dimensional Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale.

Results

We found significant reductions in GM volume in broad areas of the left prefrontal, right orbitofrontal, right parietal, right temporal, and right posterior cingulate cortex in the OCD patients compared to healthy controls. In addition, we found specific negative correlations between symptomatic dimension scores and regional GM volumes, mainly as decreased right cerebellum in ‘aggression/checking’ and decreased right insula in ‘contamination/washing’.

Conclusion

The pathophysiology of OCD may involve widely distributed neural systems. Moreover, there are distinct correlations among symptomatic dimensions and structural abnormalities.
Short‐term hybridisation activates Tnt1 and Tto1 Copia retrotransposons in wild tuber‐bearing Solanum species
Authors: Paz R. C. , Rendina González A. P. , Ferrer M. S. , Masuelli R. W.
Published: December 2014

Interspecific hybridisation in tuber‐bearing species of Solanum is a common phenomenon and represents an important source of variability, crucial for adaptation and speciation of potato species. In this regard, the effects of interspecific hybridisation on retrotransposon families present in the genomes, and their consequent effects on generation of genetic variability in wild tuber‐bearing Solanum species, are poorly characterised. The aim of this study was to analyse the activity of retrotransposons in inter‐ and intraspecific hybrids between S. kurtzianum and S. microdontum, obtained by controlled crosses, and the effects on morphological, genetic and epigenetic variability. For genetic and epigenetic analysis, S‐SAP (sequence‐specific amplification polymorphism) and TMD (transposon methylation display) techniques were used, respectively, with specific primers for Tnt1 and Tto1 retrotransposon families (Order LTR, Superfamily Copia). The results indicate that at morphological level, interspecific hybrid genotypes differ from their parental species, whereas derived intraspecific hybrids do not. In both cases, we observed significant reductions in pollen grain viability, and a negative correlation with Tnt1 mobility. Both retrotransposons, Tto1 and Tnt1, were mobilised in the genotypes analysed, with mobility ranging from 0 to 7.8%. Furthermore, at the epigenetic level, demethylation was detected in the vicinity of Tnt1 and Tto1 in the hybrids compared with the parental genotypes. These patterns were positively correlated with the activity of the retrotransposons. The results suggest a possible mechanism through which hybridisation events generate genetic variability in tuber‐bearing species of Solanum through retrotranposon activation.
Upper Mississippi River restoration: implementation, monitoring, and learning since 1986
Authors: Theiling Charles H. , Janvrin Jeffrey A. , Hendrickson Jon
Published: December 2014

Upper Mississippi River Restoration (UMRR) was implemented to monitor environmental status and trends and restore degraded habitat. There was little experience conducting restoration in large rivers, and engineering and ecological integration evolved through project implementation. Loss of depth in backwaters and side channels, excessive biological oxygen demand, increased currents, and low water temperatures were common symptoms of backwater eutrophication that were primary objectives for implementing UMRR. Biological outcome monitoring was initially funded for six projects using the most common methods to restore aquatic and wetland habitat. UMRR island construction occurred as four generations of learning. Current plans represent a comprehensive restoration approach including: physical process modeling (i.e. hydraulic and wind‐wave modeling) of existing conditions and alternative restoration measures. Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Projects, fish response monitoring validated winter habitat suitability models. Long term fish population monitoring indicates sustainable recovery, and now population interaction among restored lakes is under investigation. Isolated wetland management in Illinois River backwater lakes can achieve bottom consolidation that promotes emergent wetland habitat response that migratory waterfowl exploit in large numbers. Adult fish movement between the river and management units is restricted to flood stage or through control structures and post‐project movements into the lake for overwintering were not apparent. The lack of Illinois River overwintering habitat is shown by an abundance of young fish and few older fish in status and trends monitoring. Upper Mississippi River System ecosystem restoration practitioners have implemented ecosystem restoration science and practice in a manner that exemplifies the best intent of adaptive management.
Rapid divergence and high diversity of miRNAs and miRNA targets in the Camelineae
Authors: Smith Lisa M. , Burbano Hernán A. , Wang Xi , Fitz Joffrey , Wang George , Ural‐Blimke Yonca , Weigel Detlef
Published: December 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNAs involved in gene regulation through translational inhibition and transcript cleavage. After processing from imperfect fold‐back structures, miRNAs are incorporated into RNA‐induced silencing complexes (RISCs) before targeting transcripts with varying degrees of complementarity. Some miRNAs are evolutionarily deep‐rooted, and sequence complementarity with their targets is maintained through purifying selection. Both Arabidopsis and Capsella belong to the tribe Camelineae in the Brassicaceae, with Capsella rubella serving as an outgroup to the genus Arabidopsis. The genome sequence of C. rubella has recently been released, which allows characterization of its miRNA complement in comparison with Arabidopsis thaliana and Arabidopsis lyrata. Through next‐generation sequencing, we identify high‐confidence miRNA candidates specific to the C. rubella lineage. Only a few lineage‐specific miRNAs have been studied for evolutionary constraints, and there have been no systematic studies of miRNA target diversity within or divergence between closely related plant species. Therefore we contrast sequence variation in miRNAs and their targets within A. thaliana, and between A. thaliana, A. lyrata and C. rubella. We document a surprising amount of small‐scale variation in miRNA–target pairs, where many miRNAs are predicted to have species‐specific targets in addition to ones that are shared between species. Our results emphasize that the transitive nature of many miRNA–target pairs can be observed even on a relatively short evolutionary time‐scale, with non‐random occurrences of differences in miRNAs and their complements in the miRNA precursors, the miRNA* sequences.
Calcium signalling in developing cardiomyocytes: implications for model systems and disease
Authors: Louch William E. , Koivumäki Jussi T. , Tavi Pasi
Published: December 2014

Adult cardiomyocytes exhibit complex Ca2+ homeostasis, enabling tight control of contraction and relaxation. This intricate regulatory system develops gradually, with progressive maturation of specialized structures and increasing capacity of Ca2+ sources and sinks. In this review, we outline current understanding of these developmental processes, and draw parallels to pathophysiological conditions where cardiomyocytes exhibit a striking regression to an immature state of Ca2+ homeostasis. We further highlight the importance of understanding developmental physiology when employing immature cardiomyocyte models such as cultured neonatal cells and stem cells.
Field emission of MgO-coated graphene sheets prepared by electrophoretic deposition
Authors: Long Yaping , Zeng Baoqing , Liu Jianlong , Yang Yun , Li Nannan , Wu Zhe
Published: December 2014

Improvements in field emission (FE) of graphene sheets were demonstrated by radio frequency magnetron sputtering with magnesium oxide (MgO). Following MgO coating, the turn-on field of graphene sheets is decreased from 6.3 to 3.8 V/μm, and the threshold field is decreased from 9 to 6.5 V/μm. The deposited MgO nanoparticles not only decrease the turn-on field but also enhance the tolerance ability of graphene sheets to various pressure conditions. Field emission stability measurements indicated better lifetime and field emission stability for MgO-coated graphene emitter. Meanwhile, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to analyze the influence of MgO. This study presents an effective method of depositing wide-bandgap oxides on graphene emitters to improve the FE properties of graphene.
Single Crystal Rare-earth Scandate Perovskites Analyzed Using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy: 1. PrScO3(110)
Authors: Haasch Richard T. , Martin Lane W. , Breckenfeld Eric
Published: December 2014

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze a commercially available PrScO3 (110) bulk single crystal. XP spectra were obtained using incident monochromatic Al Kα radiation at 0.83401 nm. A survey spectrum together with Pr 3d, O 1s, Sc 2p, C 1s, Pr 4p, Pr 4d, Sc 3s, Pr 5s, Sc 3p, O 2s, and Pr 5p core level spectra and the valence band are presented. The spectra indicate the principle core level photoelectron and Auger electron signals and show only minor carbon contamination. Making use of the O 1s, Sc 2p, Pr 4p lines and neglecting the components related to surface contaminants, XPS quantitative analysis reveals an altered stoichiometry of the air-exposed crystal surface of Pr1.12ScO2.29.
Single Crystal Rare-earth Scandate Perovskites Analyzed Using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy: 2. NdScO3(110)
Authors: Haasch Richard T. , Martin Lane W. , Breckenfeld Eric
Published: December 2014

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze a commercially available NdScO3 (110) bulk single crystal. XP spectra were obtained using incident monochromatic Al Kα radiation at 0.83401 nm. A survey spectrum together with O KLL, Nd 3d, O 1s, Sc 2p, C 1s, Nd 4p, Nd 4d, Sc 3s, Nd 5s, Sc 3p, O 2s, and Nd 5p core level spectra and the valence band are presented. The spectra indicate the principle core level photoelectron and Auger electron signals and show only minor carbon contamination. Making use of the O 1s, Sc 2p, Nd 4d lines and neglecting the components related to surface contaminants, XPS quantitative analysis reveals an altered stoichiometry of the air-exposed crystal surface of NdSc1.14O2.94.
Single Crystal Rare-earth Scandate Perovskites Analyzed Using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy: 3. GdScO3(110)
Authors: Haasch Richard T. , Martin Lane W. , Breckenfeld Eric
Published: December 2014

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze a commercially available GdScO3 (110) bulk single crystal. XP spectra were obtained using incident monochromatic Al Kα radiation at 0.83401 nm. A survey spectrum together with Gd 3d, O 1s, Sc 2p, Gd 4p, C 1s, Gd 4d, Sc 3s, Gd 5s, Sc 3p, O 2s, Gd 5p, and Gd 4f core level spectra and the valence band are presented. The spectra indicate the principle core level photoelectron and Auger electron signals and show only minor carbon contamination. Making use of the O 1s, Sc 2p, Gd 4d lines and neglecting the components related to surface contaminants, XPS quantitative analysis reveals an altered stoichiometry of the air-exposed crystal surface of Gd1.07ScO2.21.
Single Crystal Rare-earth Scandate Perovskites Analyzed Using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy: 4. TbScO3(110)
Authors: Haasch Richard T. , Martin Lane W. , Breckenfeld Eric
Published: December 2014

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze a commercially available TbScO3(110) bulk single crystal. XP spectra were obtained using incident monochromatic Al Kα radiation at 0.83401 nm. A survey spectrum together with Tb 3d, O 1s, Sc 2p, C 1s, Tb 4p, Tb 4d, Sc 3s, Tb 5s, Sc 3p, Tb 5p, and O 2s core level spectra and the valence band are presented. The spectra indicate the principle core level photoelectron and Auger electron signals and show only minor carbon contamination. Making use of the O 1s, Sc 2p, Tb 4d lines and neglecting the components related to surface contaminants, XPS quantitative analysis reveals an altered stoichiometry of the air-exposed crystal surface of Tb1.07ScO1.88.
Single Crystal Rare-earth Scandate Perovskites Analyzed Using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy: 5. DyScO3(110)
Authors: Haasch Richard T. , Martin Lane W. , Breckenfeld Eric
Published: December 2014

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze a commercially available DyScO3 (110) bulk single crystal. XP spectra were obtained using incident monochromatic Al Kα radiation at 0.83401 nm. A survey spectrum together with Dy 3d, O 1s, Sc 2p, Dy 4p, C 1s, Dy 4d, Sc 3s, Dy 5s, Sc 3p, Tb 5p, and O 2s core level spectra and the valence band are presented. The spectra indicate the principle core level photoelectron and Auger electron signals and show only minor carbon contamination. Making use of the O 1s, Sc 2p, Dy 4d lines and neglecting the components related to surface contaminants, XPS quantitative analysis reveals an altered stoichiometry of the air-exposed crystal surface of DySc1.03O2.29.
Effect of deformable registration on the dose calculated in radiation therapy planning CT scans of lung cancer patients a)
Authors: Cunliffe Alexandra R. , Contee Clay , Armato Samuel G. , White Bradley , Justusson Julia , Malik Renuka , Al‐Hallaq Hania A.
Published: December 2014

Purpose:

To characterize the effects of deformable image registration of serial computed tomography (CT) scans on the radiation dose calculated from a treatment planning scan.

Methods:

Eighteen patients who received curative doses (≥60 Gy, 2 Gy/fraction) of photon radiation therapy for lung cancer treatment were retrospectively identified. For each patient, a diagnostic‐quality pretherapy (4–75 days) CT scan and a treatment planning scan with an associated dose map were collected. To establish correspondence between scan pairs, a researcher manually identified anatomically corresponding landmark point pairs between the two scans. Pretherapy scans then were coregistered with planning scans (and associated dose maps) using the demons deformable registration algorithm and two variants of the Fraunhofer MEVIS algorithm (“Fast” and “EMPIRE10”). Landmark points in each pretherapy scan were automatically mapped to the planning scan using the displacement vector field output from each of the three algorithms. The Euclidean distance between manually and automatically mapped landmark points (dE) and the absolute difference in planned dose (|ΔD|) were calculated. Using regression modeling, |ΔD| was modeled as a function of dE, dose (D), dose standard deviation (SDdose) in an eight‐pixel neighborhood, and the registration algorithm used.

Results:

Over 1400 landmark point pairs were identified, with 58–93 (median: 84) points identified per patient. Average |ΔD| across patients was 3.5 Gy (range: 0.9–10.6 Gy). Registration accuracy was highest using the Fraunhofer MEVIS EMPIRE10 algorithm, with an average dE across patients of 5.2 mm (compared with >7 mm for the other two algorithms). Consequently, average |ΔD| was also lowest using the Fraunhofer MEVIS EMPIRE10 algorithm. |ΔD| increased significantly as a function of dE (0.42 Gy/mm), D (0.05 Gy/Gy), SDdose (1.4 Gy/Gy), and the algorithm used (≤1 Gy).

Conclusions:

An average error of <4 Gy in radiation dose was introduced when points were mapped between CT scan pairs using deformable registration, with the majority of points yielding dose‐mapping error <2 Gy (approximately 3% of the total prescribed dose). Registration accuracy was highest using the Fraunhofer MEVIS EMPIRE10 algorithm, resulting in the smallest errors in mapped dose. Dose differences following registration increased significantly with increasing spatial registration errors, dose, and dose gradient (i.e., SDdose). This model provides a measurement of the uncertainty in the radiation dose when points are mapped between serial CT scans through deformable registration.
HDR 192Ir source speed measurements using a high speed video camera
Authors: Fonseca Gabriel P. , Viana Rodrigo S. S. , Podesta Mark , Rubo Rodrigo A. , de Sales Camila P. , Reniers Brigitte , Yoriyaz Hélio , Verhaegen Frank
Published: December 2014

Purpose:

The dose delivered with a HDR 192Ir afterloader can be separated into a dwell component, and a transit component resulting from the source movement. The transit component is directly dependent on the source speed profile and it is the goal of this study to measure accurate source speed profiles.

Methods:

A high speed video camera was used to record the movement of a 192Ir source (Nucletron, an Elekta company, Stockholm, Sweden) for interdwell distances of 0.25–5 cm with dwell times of 0.1, 1, and 2 s. Transit dose distributions were calculated using a Monte Carlo code simulating the source movement.

Results:

The source stops at each dwell position oscillating around the desired position for a duration up to (0.026 ± 0.005) s. The source speed profile shows variations between 0 and 81 cm/s with average speed of ∼33 cm/s for most of the interdwell distances. The source stops for up to (0.005 ± 0.001) s at nonprogrammed positions in between two programmed dwell positions. The dwell time correction applied by the manufacturer compensates the transit dose between the dwell positions leading to a maximum overdose of 41 mGy for the considered cases and assuming an air‐kerma strength of 48 000 U. The transit dose component is not uniformly distributed leading to over and underdoses, which is within 1.4% for commonly prescribed doses (3–10 Gy).

Conclusions:

The source maintains its speed even for the short interdwell distances. Dose variations due to the transit dose component are much lower than the prescribed treatment doses for brachytherapy, although transit dose component should be evaluated individually for clinical cases.
Experimental characterization of vertical-axis wind turbine noise
Authors: Pearson C. E. , Graham W. R.
Published: December 2014

Vertical-axis wind turbines are wind-energy generators suitable for use in urban environments. Their associated noise thus needs to be characterized and understood. As a first step, this work investigates the relative importance of harmonic and broadband contributions via model-scale wind-tunnel experiments. Cross-spectra from a pair of flush-mounted wall microphones exhibit both components, but further analysis shows that the broadband dominates at frequencies corresponding to the audible range in full-scale operation. This observation has detrimental implications for noise-prediction reliability and hence also for acoustic design optimization.
Does restriction of pitch variation affect the perception of vocal emotions in Mandarin Chinese?
Authors: Wang Ting , Lee Yong-cheol
Published: December 2014

This study reports a finding about vocal expressions of emotion in Mandarin Chinese. Production and perception experiments used the same tone and mixed tone sequences to test whether pitch variation is restricted due to the presence of lexical tones. Results showed that the restriction of pitch variation occurred in all high level tone sequences (tone 1 group) with the expression of happiness but did not happen for other dynamic tone groups. However, perception analysis revealed that all the emotions in every tone group received high identification rates; this indicates that listeners used other cues for encoding happiness in the tone 1 group. This study demonstrates that the restriction of pitch variation does not affect the perception of vocal emotions.
CRISPR-Cas9-Mediated Single-Gene and Gene Family Disruption in Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Peng Duo , Kurup Samarchith P. , Yao Phil Y. , Minning Todd A. , Tarleton Rick L.
Published: December 2014

Trypanosoma cruzi
is a protozoan parasite of humans and animals, affecting 10 to 20 million people and innumerable animals, primarily in the Americas. Despite being the largest cause of infection-induced heart disease worldwide, even among the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)
T. cruzi
is considered one of the least well understood and understudied. The genetic complexity of
T. cruzi
as well as the limited set of efficient techniques for genome engineering contribute significantly to the relative lack of progress in and understanding of this pathogen. Here, we adapted the CRISPR-Cas9 system for the genetic engineering of
T. cruzi
, demonstrating rapid and efficient knockout of multiple endogenous genes, including essential genes. We observed that in the absence of a template, repair of the Cas9-induced double-stranded breaks (DSBs) in
T. cruzi
occurs exclusively by microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) with various-sized deletions. When a template for DNA repair is provided, DSB repair by homologous recombination is achieved at an efficiency several orders of magnitude higher than that in the absence of CRISPR-Cas9-induced DSBs. We also demonstrate the high multiplexing capacity of CRISPR-Cas9 in
T. cruzi
by knocking down expression of an enzyme gene family consisting of 65 members, resulting in a significant reduction of enzymatic product with no apparent off-target mutations. Lastly, we show that Cas9 can mediate disruption of its own coding sequence, rescuing a growth defect in stable Cas9-expressing parasites. These results establish a powerful new tool for the analysis of gene functions in
T. cruzi
, enabling the study of essential genes and their functions and analysis of the many large families of related genes that occupy a substantial portion of the
T. cruzi
genome.

IMPORTANCE
Trypanosoma cruzi
, the causative agent of human Chagas disease, is the leading worldwide cause of infectious myocarditis. Diagnostics for the infection are relatively poor, treatment options are limited and of variable effectiveness, and suitable vaccines are nonexistent. The
T. cruzi
genome is replete with genes of unknown function and greatly expanded gene families with hundreds of members. The absence of facile genetic engineering tools, including RNA interference, for
T. cruzi
has prevented elucidation of gene and gene family function and the development of better infection prevention and control measures. In this study, we demonstrate that the CRISPR-Cas9 system is a versatile and powerful tool for genome manipulations in
T. cruzi
, bringing new opportunities for unraveling the functions of previously uncharacterized genes and how this human pathogen engages its large families of genes encoding surface proteins to interact with human and animal hosts.
Association of Pre- and Post-Treatment Expectations with Improvements after Acupuncture in Patients with Migraine
Authors: Zheng Hui , Huang Wenjing , Li Juan , Zheng Qianhua , Li Ying , Chang Xiaorong , Sun Guojie , Liang Fanrong
Published: December 2014

Objective

To study whether a higher expectation of acupuncture measured at baseline and after acupuncture is associated with better outcome improvements in patients with migraine.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of a previous published trial in which 476 patients with migraine were randomly allocated to three real acupuncture groups and one sham acupuncture control group. All the participants received 20 sessions of acupuncture over a 4-week period. The primary outcome was the number of days with a migraine attack (NDMA) assessed at 5–8 weeks after randomisation. The secondary outcomes were visual analogue scale, headache intensity and quality of life assessed at 4, 8 and 16 weeks after randomisation. Expectations of the acupuncture effect were assessed at baseline and at the end of treatment and categorised into five levels, with 0% the lowest and 100% the highest. Outcome improvement was first compared among the participants with different expectation levels using an analysis of variance model. The association between expectations of treatment and outcome improvement was then calculated using a logistic regression model.

Results

Patients with 100% baseline expectations did not report significantly fewer NDMA than those with 0% baseline expectations after adjusting for the covariates (at 5–8 weeks, 1.7 vs 3.9 days, p=0.987). High baseline expectations had no significant impact on improvement of the primary outcome (100% vs 0%: OR 8.50, 95% CI 0.89 to 191.65, p=0.682). However, patients with 100% post-treatment expectations reported fewer NDMA than those with 0% expectations (primary outcome: 1.3 vs 5.0 days, p<0.001) and were more likely to have a favourable response (100% vs 0%: OR 68.87, 95% CI 6.26 to 1449.73, p=0.002). Similar results were found when analysing the impact of expectation on the secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

A high level of expectation after acupuncture treatment rather than at baseline was associated with better long-term outcome improvements in patients with migraine.

Clinical Trial Number

NCT00599586.
Protocol compliance of administering parenteral medication in Dutch hospitals: an evaluation and cost estimation of the implementation
Authors: Schilp Janneke , Boot Sanne , de Blok Carolien , Spreeuwenberg Peter , Wagner Cordula
Published: December 2014

Objectives

Preventable adverse drug events (ADEs) are closely related to administration processes of parenteral medication. The Dutch Patient Safety Program provided a protocol for administering parenteral medication to reduce the amount of ADEs. The execution of the protocol was evaluated and a cost estimation was performed to provide insight in the associated costs of protocol compliance.

Methods

A longitudinal evaluation study was performed in secondary care. A total of 2154 observations of the administration process of parenteral medication were carried out within 10 measurements in 19 hospitals between November 2011 and December 2012. The total time needed for the process was measured in a sample of five hospitals. Multilevel linear and logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the trend over time of the implementation and to assess the association between hospital and administration characteristics, and compliance of the protocol. A cost estimation provided insight into the costs of performing a complete administration process and the costs at department level for 1 year.

Results

The complete protocol was performed in 19% of the observations. The proceeding ‘check by a second nurse’ was least performed. Large differences were found between individual hospitals in performing the administration protocol. The compliance of the protocol was negatively influenced in case of disturbance of the administrator. The overall trend over time of completion of the protocol fluctuated during the study period. On average, 3 min 26 s were needed to perform the complete protocol, which costs €2.42. Extrapolating the costs to department level, including cost for clinical lessons, the difference in costs in performing the complete protocol and an incomplete protocol was €7.891 for 1 year.

Conclusions

The protocol for administering parenteral medication is still not implemented completely, therefore an investment in time and Euros is needed.
Ethnic minority patients not at increased risk of adverse events during hospitalisation in urban hospitals in the Netherlands: results of a prospective observational study
Authors: van Rosse Floor , Essink-Bot Marie-Louise , Stronks Karien , de Bruijne Martine , Wagner Cordula
Published: December 2014

Objectives

We analysed potential differences in incidence, type, nature, impact and preventability of adverse events (AEs) during hospitalisation between ethnic Dutch and ethnic minority patients, and the role of patient-related determinants. We hypothesised an increased AE incidence for ethnic minority patients.

Setting

We conducted a prospective cohort study in four urban hospitals.

Participants

763 Dutch patients and 576 ethnic minority patients aged between 45 and 75, admitted for at least one night, were included in the study. All patients completed a questionnaire on patient-related determinants (eg, language proficiency).

Outcome measures

Incidence, type (eg, diagnostic AEs), impact and nature of AEs were assessed with a two-stage medical record review. Logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for patient and admission characteristics, and to investigate the contribution of patient-related determinants to AE risk.

Results

There was no significant difference in the incidence of AEs: 11% (95% CI 9% to 14%) in Dutch patients and 10% (95% CI 7% to 12%) in ethnic minority patients. Also, there was no significant difference in the incidence of preventable AEs: 3% (95% CI 1% to 4%) in Dutch patients and 1% (95% CI 0% to 2%) in ethnic minority patients. Low language proficiency, inadequate health literacy and low educational level did not increase the risk of an AE.

Conclusions

Compared with Dutch patients, ethnic minority patients were not at increased risk of AEs while receiving care in Dutch hospitals. Healthcare providers seem to have responded effectively to specific patient care needs, but we do not know whether this occurred in an ad hoc or in a systematic way.
Do smoking habits differ between women and men in contemporary Western populations? Evidence from half a million people in the UK Biobank study
Authors: Peters Sanne A E , Huxley Rachel R , Woodward Mark
Published: December 2014

Objectives

Several studies have shown that smoking may confer a greater excess risk for chronic diseases in women compared with men. The reasons for this excess risk of smoking in women are unclear, yet sex differences in smoking habits may play a role. We, thus, characterised sex differences in smoking habits in a contemporary Western population.

Design

Cross-sectional population-based study.

Setting

UK Biobank Resource.

Participants

499 797 (54% women) individuals with data on smoking habits.

Main outcome measures

Women-to-men prevalence ratios in smoking status, and the women-minus-men mean difference in age at smoking initiation, number of cigarettes smoked daily and age at smoking cessation in 5-year birth cohort bands.

Results

The women-to-men ever-smoking ratio ranged from 0.57 in the oldest to 0.87 in the youngest birth cohort. In the oldest cohort, born 1935–1939, women started smoking 1.9 years (95% CI 1.7 to 2.1) later than did men, but in those born after 1959 there was no difference in the age at initiation. The oldest women smoked 5.3 (95% CI 4.7 to 5.9) cigarettes per day fewer than did the oldest men, compared with 2.0 (95% CI 1.7 to 2.3) fewer cigarettes smoked per day in the youngest, born 1965–1969. Among quitters, women born before 1945 were, on average, 1.5 years older than their male contemporaries, but this differential was 1 year or less among people born after 1949.

Conclusions

Differences in smoking behaviour between women and men have decreased over time. Even past differentials are unlikely to explain the increased susceptibility to smoking-related chronic disease in women compared with men that has previously been observed. Future studies are required to determine whether sex differences in the physiological and biological effects of smoking are responsible for the differential impact of smoking on health in women and men.
The relationship between the number of cardiologists and clinical practice patterns in acute heart failure: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Sasaki Noriko , Kunisawa Susumu , Otsubo Tetsuya , Ikai Hiroshi , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasumura Yoshio , Kimura Takeshi , Imanaka Yuichi
Published: December 2014

Objectives

Despite the increasing burden of acute heart failure (AHF) on healthcare systems, the association between centralised cardiovascular specialist care and the quality of AHF care remains unknown. We examine the relationship between the number of cardiologists per hospital and hospital practice variations.

Design, setting and participants

In a retrospective observational study, we analysed 38 668 patients with AHF admitted to 546 Japanese acute care hospitals between 2010 and 2011 using the Diagnosis Procedure Combination administrative claims database. Sample hospitals were categorised into four groups according to the number of cardiologists per facility (none, 1–4, 5–9 and ≥10). To confirm the capability of administrative data to identify patients with AHF, the ≥10 cardiologists group was compared with two recent clinical registries in Japan.

Main outcome measures

Using multivariable logistic regression models, patient risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality rates and age-sex-adjusted ORs of various AHF therapies were calculated and compared among four hospital groups.

Results

The ≥10 cardiologists group of hospitals from the administrative database had similar major underlying disease incidence and therapeutic practices to those of the clinical registry hospitals. Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted ORs of various AHF therapies in the four hospital groups revealed wide practice variations associated with the number of cardiologists. Adjusted in-hospital mortality demonstrated a negative association with the number of cardiologists. In addition, the different hospital-level distribution patterns of specific therapeutic practices illustrated the diffusion process of therapies across facilities.

Conclusions

Wide practice variations in AHF care were associated with the number of cardiologists per facility, indicating a possible relationship between the quality of AHF care and manpower resources. The provision of recommended therapies increased together with the number of cardiologists.
Relationship between social cognitive theory constructs and self-reported condom use: assessment of behaviour in a subgroup of the Safe in the City trial
Authors: Snead Margaret C , O'Leary Ann M , Mandel Michele G , Kourtis Athena P , Wiener Jeffrey , Jamieson Denise J , Warner Lee , Malotte C Kevin , Klausner Jeffrey D , O'Donnell Lydia , Rietmeijer Cornelis A , Margolis Andrew D
Published: December 2014

Objectives

Previous studies have found social cognitive theory (SCT)-framed interventions are successful for improving condom use and reducing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We conducted a secondary analysis of behavioural data from theSafe in the Cityintervention trial (2003–2005) to investigate the influence of SCT constructs on study participants’ self-reported use of condoms at last intercourse.

Methods

The main trial was conducted from 2003 to 2005 at three public US STI clinics. Patients (n=38 635) were either shown a ‘safer sex’ video in the waiting room, or received the standard waiting room experience, based on their visit date. A nested behavioural assessment was administered to a subsample of study participants following their index clinic visit and again at 3 months follow-up. We used multivariable modified Poisson regression models to examine the relationships among SCT constructs (sexual self-efficacy, self-control self-efficacy, self-efficacy with most recent partner, hedonistic outcome expectancies and partner expected outcomes) and self-reported condom use at last sex act at the 3-month follow-up study visit.

Results

Of 1252 participants included in analysis, 39% reported using a condom at last sex act. Male gender, homosexual orientation and single status were significant correlates of condom use. Both unadjusted and adjusted models indicate that sexual self-efficacy (adjusted relative risk (RRa)=1.50, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.84), self-control self-efficacy (RRa=1.67, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.04), self-efficacy with most recent partner (RRa=2.56, 95% CI 2.01 to 3.27), more favourable hedonistic outcome expectancies (RRa=1.83, 95% CI 1.54 to 2.17) and more favourable partner expected outcomes (RRa=9.74, 95% CI 3.21 to 29.57) were significantly associated with condom use at last sex act.

Conclusions

Social cognitive skills, such as self-efficacy and partner expected outcomes, are an important aspect of condom use behaviour.

Trial registration number

clinicaltrials.gov (#NCT00137370).
Interictal cerebral and systemic endothelial dysfunction in patients with migraine: a case–control study
Authors: Rajan Roopa , Khurana Dheeraj , Lal Vivek
Published: December 2014

Background

Although systemic endothelial function is unimpaired in migraine, it is unknown whether cerebral endothelial function impairment exists in migraineurs.

Materials and methods

We conducted a prospective study to assess endothelial function in migraineurs (n=45) and healthy volunteers (n=44). Cerebral endothelial function was assessed by Breath Holding Index (BHI) on transcranial Doppler in bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA at 30–60 mm), posterior cerebral artery (PCA at 60–80 mm) and basilar artery (BA at 80–120 mm) using bilateral monitoring probes fixed on headband. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was used as measure of systemic endothelial function.

Results

There was no difference in baseline mean velocities of MCA, PCA, BA among migraineurs and controls. Mean BHI was significantly lower in PCA (p<0.001) and BA (p<0.001) in patients with migraine with no difference in MCA (p=0.909, 0.450). Cerebral endothelial dysfunction (BHI<1.15) was present in 62.2% of migraineurs in the right PCA (p<0.001), 57.8% in left PCA (p<0.001) and 77.8% in BA (BHI <0.83, p<0.001). There was no difference in BHI among migraineurs without and with aura (n=15). Cerebral and systemic endothelial function had no correlation in migraineurs. Increasing BMI was identified as a predictor of impaired BHI in the BA in migraineurs (p=0.020). Age, sex, presence of aura, lateralisation of headache, headache frequency, time to last attack and impaired FMD were not associated with impaired PCA and BA BHI in migraineurs.

Conclusions

Migraineurs may have isolated cerebral endothelial dysfunction restricted to the posterior circulation in the absence of systemic endothelial dysfunction.
Comparative palatability of two veterinary dewormers (Milpro®and Milbemax®): a blinded randomised crossover cat study
Authors: Bernachon N. , McGahie D. , Corvaisier D. , Benizeau E. , Crastes N. , Chaix G.
Published: December 2014

Background

The combination of milbemycin oxime–praziquantel is widely used against the most common tapeworms and roundworms affecting cats. New veterinary presentations of this combination have recently been approved.

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare the palatability of two products using this combination, Milpro®and Milbemax®.

Methods

In all, 20 adult cats and 20 kittens were offered each product according to a randomisation table using a blinded crossover design. Prehension from the bowl, prehension from the hand and total consumption were assessed.

Results

Both presentations were very well tolerated in adult cats and kittens. Total prehension in adult cats and kittens was 100 and 45 per cent, respectively, for Milpro®, and 95 and 30 per cent, respectively, for Milbemax®. The percentages of adult cats and kittens which swallowed the pill after taking it into their mouth (total spontaneous consumption) were respectively 40 and 45 per cent for Milpro®, and 35 and 20 per cent for Milbemax®.

Conclusion

In this study, both presentations were highly attractive to cats and their respective coatings successfully covered the unpleasant odour of praziquantel, which usually repels cats. These results indicate that the palatability of Milpro®is at least as good as Milbemax®and both tablets are well accepted by adult cats and kittens.
Design and Implementation of a Large Scale Tree-Based QR Decomposition Using a 3D Virtual Systolic Array and a Lightweight Runtime
Authors: Yamazaki Ichitaro , Kurzak Jakub , Luszczek Piotr , Dongarra Jack
Published: December 2014

A systolic array provides an alternative computing paradigm to the von Neumann architecture. Though its hardware implementation has failed as a paradigm to design integrated circuits in the past, we are now discovering that the systolic array as a software virtualization layer can lead to an extremely scalable execution paradigm. To demonstrate this scalability, in this paper, we design and implement a 3D virtual systolic array to compute a tile QR decomposition of a tall-and-skinny dense matrix. Our implementation is based on a state-of-the-art algorithm that factorizes a panel based on a tree-reduction. Freed from the constraint of a planar layout, we present a three-dimensional virtual systolic array architecture for this algorithm. Using a runtime developed as a part of the Parallel Ultra Light Systolic Array Runtime (PULSAR) project, we demonstrate on a Cray-XT5 machine how our virtual systolic array can be mapped to a large-scale machine and obtain excellent parallel performance. This is an important contribution since such a QR decomposition is used, for example, to compute a least squares solution of an overdetermined system, which arises in many scientific and engineering problems.
The role of AMP-activated protein kinase in the androgenic potentiation of cannabinoid-induced changes in energy homeostasis
Authors: Borgquist Amanda , Meza Cecilia , Wagner Edward J.
Published: December 2014

Orexigenic mediators can impact the hypothalamic feeding circuitry via the activation of AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK). Given that testosterone is an orexigenic hormone, we hypothesized that androgenic changes in energy balance are due to enhanced cannabinoid-induced inhibition of anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons via activation of AMPK. To this end, whole animal experiments were carried out in gonadectomized male guinea pigs treated subcutaneously with either testosterone propionate (TP; 400 μg) or its sesame oil vehicle (0.1 ml). TP-treated animals displayed increases in energy intake associated with increases in meal size. TP also increased several indices of energy expenditure as well as the p-AMPK/AMPK ratio in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) measured 2 and 24 h posttreatment. Subcutaneous administration of the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (3 mg/kg) rapidly blocked the hyperphagic effect of TP. This was mimicked largely upon third ventricular administration of AM251 (10 μg). Electrophysiological studies revealed that TP potentiated the ability of the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 to decrease the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents in ARC neurons. TP also increased the basal frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents. In addition, depolarization-induced suppression (DSE) is potentiated in cells from TP-treated animals and blocked by AM251. The AMPK inhibitor compound C attenuated DSE from TP-treated animals, whereas the AMPK activator metformin enhanced DSE from vehicle-treated animals. These effects occurred in a sizable number of identified POMC neurons. Collectively, these results indicate that the androgen-induced increases in energy intake are mediated via an AMPK-dependent augmentation in endocannabinoid tone onto POMC neurons.
Maternal perinatal undernutrition modifies lactose and serotranferrin in milk: relevance to the programming of metabolic diseases?
Authors: Wattez J. S. , Delmont A. , Bouvet M. , Beseme O. , Goers S. , Delahaye F. , Laborie C. , Lesage J. , Foligné B. , Breton C. , Metges C. C. , Vieau D. , Pinet F.
Published: December 2014

A close link between intrauterine growth restriction and development of chronic adult diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension has been established both in humans and animals. Modification of growth velocity during the early postnatal period (i.e., lactation) may also sensitize to the development of metabolic syndrome in adulthood. This suggests that milk composition may have long-lasting programming/deprogramming metabolic effects in the offspring. We therefore assess the effects of maternal perinatal denutrition on breast milk composition in a food-restricted 50% (FR50) rat model. Monosaccharides and fatty acids were characterized by gas chromatography, and proteins were profiled by surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight analysis in milk samples from FR50 and control rat dams. Milk analysis of FR50 rats demonstrated that maternal undernutrition decreases lactose concentration and modulates lipid profile at postnatal day 10 by increasing the unsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids and diminishes serotransferrin levels at postnatal day 21. Our data indicate that maternal perinatal undernutrition modifies milk composition both quantitatively and qualitatively. These modifications by maternal nutrition open new perspectives to identify molecules that could be used in artificial milk to protect from the subsequent development of metabolic diseases.
Leptin in the hindbrain facilitates phosphorylation of STAT3 in the hypothalamus
Authors: Desai Bhavna N. , Harris Ruth B. S.
Published: December 2014

Leptin receptors (ObRs) in the forebrain and hindbrain have been independently recognized as important mediators of leptin responses. We recently used low-dose leptin infusions to show that chronic activation of both hypothalamic and hindbrain ObRs is required to reduce body fat. The objective of the present study was to identify the brain nuclei that are selectively activated in rats that received chronic infusion of leptin in both the forebrain and hindbrain. Either saline or leptin was infused into third and fourth ventricles (0.1 μg/24 h in the third ventricle and 0.6 μg/24 h in the fourth ventricle) of male Sprague-Dawley rats for 6 days using Alzet pumps. Rats infused with leptin into both ventricles (LL rats) showed a significant increase in phosphorylated (p)STAT3 immunoreactivity in the arcuate nucleus, ventromedial hypothalamus, dorsomedial hypothalamus, and posterior hypothalamus compared with other groups. No differences in pSTAT3 immunoreactivity were observed in midbrain or hindbrain nuclei despite a sixfold higher infusion of leptin into the fourth ventricle than the third ventricle. ΔFosB immunoreactivity, a marker of chronic neuronal activation, showed that multiple brain nuclei were chronically activated due to the process of infusion, but only the arcuate nucleus, ventromedial hypothalamus, dorsomedial hypothalamus, and ventral tuberomamillary nucleus showed a significant increase in LL rats compared with other groups. These data demonstrate that low-dose leptin in the hindbrain increases pSTAT3 in areas of the hypothalamus known to respond to leptin, supporting the hypothesis that leptin-induced weight loss requires an integrated response from both the hindbrain and forebrain.