bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protocol for a systematic review of psychological treatment for methamphetamine use: an analysis of methamphetamine use and mental health symptom outcomes
Authors: Stuart Alexandra , Baker Amanda L , Bowman Jenny , McCarter Kristen , Denham Alexandra Mary Janice , Lee Nicole , Colyvas Kim , Dunlop Adrian
Published: September 2017

Introduction

People who use methamphetamine (MA) regularly, often experience symptoms of mental ill health associated with the use of the drug. These include symptoms of psychosis, depression, anxiety and also cognitive deficits. Accordingly, psychological treatments aim to reduce MA use and related problems, including symptoms of mental ill health. Although there has been a substantial body of research reporting on the evidence of effectiveness of psychological treatments for MA use, there is a paucity of research addressing the effectiveness of these treatments for coexisting symptoms of mental ill health. We aim to address this gap by providing a comprehensive overview of the evidence for psychological treatments for MA use and associated symptoms of mental ill health in experimental/controlled clinical studies. In addition, a critical evaluation of study methods and the outcomes of psychological interventions on MA use and symptoms of mental ill health will be conducted.

Methods and analysis

The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement will be used to inform the methods of this review. Eight electronic peer-reviewed databases will be searched. Pilot searches have been conducted for MA literature considering controlled clinical trials only. Eligible articles will be independently assessed against inclusion criteria. Before final analyses are completed, searches will be rerun and if eligible, additional studies will be retrieved for inclusion. A quantitative synthesis of the findings will be reported where possible, and ‘summary of findings’ tables will be generated for each comparison. Risk ratios and 95% CI (dichotomous outcomes) will be calculated and/or effect size according to Cohen’s formula (continuous outcomes) for the primary outcome of each trial.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical issues are foreseen. Findings will be disseminated widely to clinicians and researchers via journal publication and conference presentation(s).

Trial registration number

CRD42016043657.
Patient experience and perceived acceptability of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging for staging colorectal and lung cancer compared with current staging scans: a qualitative study
Authors: Evans Ruth , Taylor Stuart , Janes Sam , Halligan Steve , Morton Alison , Navani Neal , Oliver Alf , Rockall Andrea , Teague Jonathan , Miles Anne
Published: September 2017

Objective

To describe the experience and acceptability of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) staging compared with standard scans among patients with highly suspected or known colorectal or lung cancer.

Design

Qualitative study using one-to-one interviews with thematic analysis.

Setting

Patients recruited from 10 hospitals in London, East and South East England between March 2013 and July 2014.

Participants

51 patients (31 male, age range 40–89 years), with varying levels of social deprivation, were recruited consecutively from two parallel clinical trials comparing the diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness of WB-MRI with standard scans for staging colorectal and lung cancer (‘Streamline-C’ and ‘Streamline-L’). WB-MRI was offered as an additional scan as part of the trials.

Results

In general WB-MRI presented a greater challenge than standard scans, although all but four patients completed the WB-MRI. Key challenges were enclosed space, noise and scan duration; reduced patient tolerance was associated with claustrophobia, pulmonary symptoms and existing comorbidities. Coping strategies facilitated scan tolerance and were grouped into (1) those intended to help with physical and emotional challenges, and (2) those focused on motivation to complete the scan, for example focusing on health benefit. Our study suggests that good staff communication could reduce anxiety and boost coping strategies.

Conclusions

Although WB-MRI was perceived as more challenging than standard scans, it was sufficiently acceptable and tolerated by most patients to potentially replace them if appropriate.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN43958015 andISRCTN50436483.
Psychological and support interventions to reduce levels of stress, anxiety or depression on women’s subsequent pregnancy with a history of miscarriage: an empty systematic review
Authors: San Lazaro Campillo Indra , Meaney Sarah , McNamara Karen , O'Donoghue Keelin
Published: September 2017

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effect of interventions to reduce stress in pregnant women with a history of miscarriage.

Design

A systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Data source

A total of 13 medical, psychological and social electronic databases were searched from January 1995 to April 2016 including PUBMED, CENTRAL, Web of Science and EMBASE.

Eligibility criteria

This review focused on women in their subsequent pregnancy following miscarriage. All published RCTs which assessed the effect of non-medical interventions such as counselling or support interventions on psychological and mental health outcomes such as stress, anxiety or depression when compared with a control group were included. Stress, anxiety or depression had to be measured at least preintervention and postintervention.

Results

This systematic review found no RCT which met our initial inclusion criteria. Of the 4140 titles screened, 17 RCTs were identified. All of them were excluded. One RCT, which implemented a caring-based intervention, included pregnant women in their subsequent pregnancy; however, miscarriage was analysed as a composite variable among other pregnancy losses such as stillbirth and neonatal death. Levels of perceived stress were measured by four RCTs. Different types of non-medical interventions, time of follow-up and small sample sizes were found.

Conclusion

Cohort studies and RCTs in non-pregnant women suggest that support and psychological interventions may improve pregnant women’s psychological well-being after miscarriage. This improvement may reduce adverse pregnancy-related outcomes in subsequent pregnancies. However, this review found no RCTs which met our criteria. There is a need for targeted RCTs that can provide reliable and conclusive results to determine effective interventions for this vulnerable group.
Screening for atrial fibrillation in hospitalised geriatric patients
Authors: Tavernier Rene , Wolf Michael , Kataria Vikas , Phlips Tom , Huys Ruben , Taghji Philippe , Louw Ruan , Hoeyweghen Raf Van , Vandekerckhove Yves , Knecht Sébastien , Duytschaever Mattias
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To assess whether daily short-term rhythm strip recordings on top of routine clinical care could increase the atrial fibrillation (AF) detection rate in the hospitalised elderly.

Methods

A hand-held device storing a bipolar ECG during 1 min was used for daily rhythm recording in hospitalised elderly patients.

Results

During 2 months, all patients admitted to the Department of Geriatric Medicine were screened (n=327). Five patients refused to participate in the study and 70 patients were unable to hold the device due to severe mental (n=46) or motor impairment (n=24). In the remaining 252 patients, 1582 recordings were successfully obtained after 1624 attempts with a median acquisition time of 1 min (min 1, max 9, IQR 1–2 min). The rhythm strips were not reliable interpretable due to artefacts in three patients or an implantable cardiac pulse generator in another 28 patients. Detailed clinical information was available in 214/221 patients. Mean age was 84±6 years. On top of 71 (33%) patients with AF identified by routine clinical care (history, n=64 or de novo detected during current hospitalisation, n=7), review of all rhythm strips identified another 28 patients (13%) with AF. All these patients had a CHA2DS2VASc score ≥2. A contraindication for anticoagulation was present in only 8/28 (25%) of identified patients.

Conclusions

On top of routine clinical care, daily short-term rhythm strip recordings identified another 13% of elderly hospitalised patients with AF, leading to an overall prevalence of 46% in hospitalised patients. This can have significant therapeutic implications with respect to initiation of anticoagulation.
Do air-gaps behind soft body armour affect protection?
Authors: Tilsley Lee , Carr D J , Lankester C , Malbon C
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Body armour typically comprises a fabric garment covering the torso combined with hard armour (ceramic/composite). Some users wear only soft armour which provides protection from sharp weapons and pistol ammunition. It is usually recommended that body armour is worn against the body with no air-gaps being present between the wearer and the armour. However, air-gaps can occur in certain situations such as females around the breasts, in badly fitting armour and where manufacturers have incorporated an air-gap claiming improvements in thermophysiological burden. The effect of an air-gap on the ballistic protection and the back face signature (BFS) as a result of a non-perforating ballistic impact was determined.

Methods

Armour panels representative of typical police armour (400x400 mm) were mounted on calibrated Roma Plastilina No 1 and impacted with 9 mm Luger FMJ (9×19 mm; full metal jacket; Dynamit Nobel DM11A1B2) ammunition at 365±10 m/s with a range of air-gaps (0–15 mm). Whether or not the ammunition perforated the armour was noted, the BFS was measured and the incidence of pencilling (a severe, deep and narrow BFS) was identified.

Results

For 0° impacts, a critical air-gap size of 10 mm is detrimental to armour performance for the armour/ammunition combination assessed in this work. Specifically, the incidences of pencilling were more common with a 10 mm air-gap and resulted in BFS depth:volume ratios ≥1.0. For impacts at 30° the armour was susceptible to perforation irrespective of air-gap.

Conclusions

This work suggested that an air-gap behind police body armour might result in an increased likelihood of injury. It is recommended that body armour is worn with no air-gap underneath.
Addressing the knowledge gap: sexual violence and harassment in the UK Armed Forces
Authors: Godier Lauren R , Fossey M
Published: September 2017

Despite media interest in alleged sexual violence and harassment in the UK military, there remains a paucity of UK-based peer-reviewed research in this area. Ministry of Defence and service-specific reports support the suggestion that UK service personnel may be at risk of experiencing sexual harassment. These reports however highlight a reluctance by service personnel to report sexual harassment through official channels. In this article, we discuss the paucity of UK-based research pertaining to the prevalence and impact of sexual harassment in the military, explore potential reasons for this gap in knowledge and outline future directions and priorities for academic research.
Future of clinical leadership; the to-do list
Authors: Tweedie Judith , Dacre Jane
Published: September 2017

What does the future hold for clinical leadership? This article addresses the potential challenges clinical leaders will face and outlines strategies for overcoming these. The article begins by reviewing the current healthcare landscape and the role the clinicians play in shaping this landscape. The top nine priorities (‘to do’ list) in healthcare are summarised and the need for clinicians to find solutions to these challenges. The article concludes by describing a new style of professionalism which will be required for effective leadership in complex adaptive healthcare systems. As clinicians, we have a responsibility to improve the processes and organisations which provide care for the patients we treat, the NHS needs talented, committed and dedicated individuals to step forward and meet these demands.
Environmental and lifestyle factors influencing risk of congenital heart block during pregnancy in anti-Ro/SSA-positive women
Authors: Meisgen Sabrina , Tingström Joanna , Skog Andreasson Amanda , Sonesson Sven-Erik , Kockum Ingrid , Wahren-Herlenius Marie
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Congenital heart block (CHB) occurs in 1%–2% of anti-Ro/SSA antibody-positive pregnancies. A population-based recurrence rate of 12% indicates that factors other than maternal autoantibodies influence CHB development. Here we report the first investigation to identify environmental and lifestyle factors influencing the risk of CHB.

Methods

A questionnaire focused on environmental and lifestyle factors was distributed to anti-Ro/SSA antibody-positive women who had given birth to at least one child with CHB, and additional data were retrieved from national health registers. Statistical analysis was performed comparing pregnancies resulting in a child with CHB (n=81) and pregnancies resulting in unaffected siblings (n=108).

Results

Analysis of maternal body mass index and weight gain during pregnancy as well as medication intake and sun exposure did not reveal significant differences between CHB-affected and non-CHB pregnancies. By contrast, we found that reports of infections and stressful events were significantly more frequent in CHB-affected pregnancies than in non-CHB affected pregnancies (OR 17.9, 95% CI 4.1 to 162.8, p<0.001 and OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 55.1, p<0.05, respectively). Notably, outdoor activity a few hours per day emerged as a protective factor (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.99, p<0.05). The previously reported factor seasonal timing of pregnancy was confirmed (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 4.2, p<0.05), and multivariate analysis revealed that this association was partly explained by infection and outdoor activity.

Conclusions

In this retrospective study, infections, stressful events and time spent with outdoor activities emerged as potential environmental and lifestyle factors influencing the risk of CHB, warranting confirmation in prospective studies.
Change in FVC and survival in chronic fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Authors: Gimenez Andrea , Storrer Karin , Kuranishi Lilian , Soares Maria Raquel , Ferreira Rimarcs Gomes , Pereira Carlos A C
Published: September 2017

The predictive value of the decline in FVC by ≥10% on survival in patients with fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis is unknown. Of 112 patients included, 66 (59%) had surgical lung biopsies. Patients with ≥10% decline in predicted FVC after 6–12 months had a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality (median survival 53 months, 95% CI 37 to 69 vs 139 months, 95% CI 66 to 212 months, p=0.007). On multivariate analysis remained associated with increasing mortality: decline in FVC by ≥10% (HR 4.13, 95% CI 1.96 to 8.70, p=0.005), lower FVC% (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.05, p=0.003) and with decreasing mortality improvement with antigen avoidance (HR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.77, p=0.021).
First reported caesarean section performed under light anaesthesia in a lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris)
Authors: Simpson Elliott Lloyd
Published: September 2017

This is a case report describing a caesarean section in a lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), under field conditions, at a UK zoological collection. The procedure was performed through a left flank incision under light anaesthesia with use of local anaesthetic, whereby a stillborn calf was delivered. Recovery was uneventful, with the wound healing in a matter of weeks. Despite being studied in both the wild and captivity, no successful caesarean section has ever been described in either this species or any other tapir species.
Organizational competency in urban water infrastructure asset management
Authors: Esmaili Daryush , El-Diraby Tamer E.
Published: September 2017

This paper presents an organizational performance measurement framework for guiding the development of organizational competencies to manage water infrastructure assets. The framework was validated through interviews and surveys with professionals. The framework includes three major dimensions for competency: technical activities, organizational management, and information and knowledge management. Across these levels, it presents 11 core critical success factors. It also provides a set of quantitative performance measures for municipal asset management teams and organizations. The framework serves as means to guide public policy makers in establishing policies and guidelines for enhancing municipal capacity in project management in the context of infrastructure assets. It also can help municipalities in defining gaps and areas of improvement. The framework is not intended to be universal. No model can make this claim given the drastic differences in legal and political setting in different jurisdictions. The proposed framework, however, can serve as a benchmark for other work in related contexts.
Fine-scale population structure in lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) influenced by life history variation in the Husky Lakes drainage basin, Northwest Territories, Canada
Authors: Kissinger Benjamin C. , Harris Les N. , Swainson Danny , Anderson W. Gary , Docker Margaret F. , Reist James D.
Published: September 2017

Partial anadromy is common within salmonid populations, where resident and anadromous individuals interbreed and overlap in habitat use during portions of life. Deviation to this definition occurs within the Husky Lakes drainage basin (HLDB), Northwest Territories, where freshwater resident, semi-anadromous, and brackish-water resident lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) life history types are documented. In this study, microsatellite DNA variation was assayed to evaluate genetic structuring among life history types from the HLDB and adjacent lower Mackenzie River system. Significant differentiation was resolved among most locations and life histories (global FST= 0.192). Brackish-water residents were differentiated from all locations and life histories, including sympatric semi-anadromous individuals, providing evidence for genetically fixed strategies. Also, this provides the first evidence of breeding partial migration in salmonids using brackish-water environments, where brackish-water residents and semi-anadromous migrants interact during the nonbreeding season, but the latter migrate elsewhere to spawn. Alternatively, the lack of genetic differentiation between semi-anadromous and Sitidgi Lake residents suggests conditional mating tactics may also influence partial anadromy. This work provides novel insights into partial anadromy in Arctic salmonids and expands our knowledge of biodiversity in this region.
An ichthyophoniasis epizootic in Atlantic herring in marine waters around Iceland
Authors: Óskarsson Guðmundur J. , Pálsson Jónbjörn , Gudmundsdottir Asta
Published: September 2017

A widespread ichthyophoniasis epizootic occurred in the Icelandic summer-spawning herring (Clupea harengus) stock during the years 2008–2014. The spatial and temporal variation in prevalence of heart lesions and the seasonal development of the disease in the stock were explored with an inspection of hearts. The year classes from 2004 to 2006 had generally the highest prevalence of heart lesions, varying from ∼47%–50% in 2009 to ∼31%–34% in 2014. Newly developed disease was apparently occurring in the autumns of 2008–2010 but not in the autumns thereafter. Analyses of the data strongly suggest that the disease caused mortality in 2009–2011 but was insignificant thereafter, and consequently, the epizootic waned after mid-2011. The analytical assessment model used for the stock gave the best fit to the data when applying disease mortality equivalent to 30% of the diseased herring for these 3 years. Thus, we conclude that the widespread ichthyophoniasis epizootic in the stock over these 6 years caused significant mortality in the stock during the first 3 years but less mortality than suggested in other publications.
Mean-field analysis on the magnetic properties of non-centrosymmetric superconductor LaNiC2
Authors: Zhang Jia-Li
Published: September 2017

Based on two-band isotropic Ginzburg–Landau theory, we study the temperature dependence of upper critical field and London penetration depth for non-centrosymmetric superconductor LaNiC2. All the theoretical calculations fit the experimental data very well, especially the upward curvature of upper critical field near the critical temperature. Our results thus indicate that the two-gap scenario is better to account for the superconductivity of LaNiC2, and the Cooper pairs of this superconductor are in the conventional s-wave state.
Flame Detection Using Generic Color Model and Improved Block-Based PCA in Active Infrared Camera
Authors: Zhao Qian , Sun Fengdong , Li Wenhui , Liu Peixun
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we proposed an all-weather flame detection algorithm which could make full use of active infrared cameras presently installed in many public places for surveillance purposes. Firstly, according to the different spectral imaging results in day and night, we propose a video type classification algorithm (VTCA) via imaging clues. VTCA could help us select different flame visual features in color image and infrared image. Secondly, we use a generic YCbCr-color-space-based chrominance model to extract regions of interest (ROI) of flame. Thirdly, two flame dynamic features are used to verify the candidate ROIs, which are common flame flicker feature and an improved block-based PCA in consecutive frames. The experimental results show that the proposed flame detection model has been successfully applied to various situations, including day and night, indoor and outdoor on our test video datasets, and it gives a better performance compared with other state-of-the-art methods.
FABRICATION OFIN SITUNICKEL INTERMETALLIC COMPOUND DISPERSED ALUMINUM MATRIX COMPOSITES BY FRICTION STIR PROCESS
Authors: SHAMANIAN MORTEZA , BAHRAMI EBRAHIM , EDRIS HOSSEIN , NASRESFAHANI MOHAMAD REZA
Published: September 2017

In this research, in situ ultrafine Al–Ni intermetallics were fabricated as reinforcement in the aluminum matrix by Friction Stir Process (FSP). Activated and non-activated powders were used as reinforcement agents. The FSP was performed under the rotating speed of 1250[Formula: see text]rpm, traverse speed of 24, 32, 44 and 62[Formula: see text]mm/min to fabricate composite. Scanning Electron Microscopy, Optical Microscopy and XRD patterns were used for microstructural observations and phase analysis of fabricated composite, respectively. In this study, it is shown that by using nickel powder (non-activated), only Al3Ni compound is formed during FSP. But in the fabricated composite with activated powder because of increasing grain boundaries and dislocation during ball milling, Al3Ni2, Al3Ni and AlNi may be formed. Using activated powder creates ultrafine intermetallic reinforcements and causes more uniform distribution of intermetallics.
Longitudinal Vibration and Its Suppression of a Railway Cable-Stayed Bridge Under Vehicular Loads
Authors: Lu Long , Li Jianzhong
Published: September 2017

The paper is aimed at investigating the longitudinal vibration and vibration reduction of a cable-stayed bridge under vehicular loads with emphasis on the longitudinal resonance. To investigate the phenomenon of longitudinal resonant vibration, the equivalent longitudinal excitation for the bridge deck due to moving vertical loads is approximately expressed as longitudinal loads with a sine-wave form. A formula for estimating the longitudinal resonant speed of the cable-stayed bridge is developed. A long-span cable-stayed railway bridge is considered in the case study to calculate the longitudinal response of the bridge under moving loads at different speeds. The numerical results indicate that the longitudinal resonance for the cable-stayed bridge occurs when the speeds of the moving loads approach the resonant speed predicted by the analytical formula. A fluid viscous damper (FVD) is employed to reduce the longitudinal vibration of the bridge under moving loads. The results show that the longitudinal resonant responses of the cable-stayed bridge can be effectively mitigated by the FVD adopted.
On the Preservation of Comparison of Distorted Histograms
Authors: Lepskiy Alexander
Published: September 2017

The necessity of comparison of histograms with the help of relationship of type “more or less” arises in many problems of decision-making. There are many approaches to solve this problem. But the histograms can be distorted. Then, we have to find the conditions on the distortions under which the comparison of the two histograms does not change. The solution of this problem is researched in the paper with respect to three popular probabilistic methods of comparison.
Some Approaches to Constructing Distance Measures for Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Term Sets with Applications in Decision-Making
Authors: Zhao Na , Xu Zeshui , Ren Zhiliang
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the methods of constructing distance measures for hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets (HFLTSs) and their applications in multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM). We first present some methods to construct distance measures for HFLTSs. Then, we discuss the properties of different distance measures in detail, which are very helpful in comparison of these distance measures for HFLTSs. After that, based upon the distance measures for HFLTSs, a decision-making method is proposed to solve the MCDM problems, in which the assessment values of alternatives over criteria are HFLTSs and the weights of criteria are completely unknown or expressed by HFLTSs. Finally, an example concerning the evaluation of movie quality is provided to demonstrate the practicability of the proposed method, and necessary comparative analyses are conducted to illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of the developed distance measures and the proposed decision-making method.
Noncovalent interactions in 1:1 complexes of nitrogen trifluoride and nitroxyl
Authors: Hosseinian A. , Vessally E. , Babazadeh M. , Edjlali L. , Es’haghi M.
Published: September 2017

The computational investigations on 1:1 complexes of the nitrogen trifluoride (NF[Formula: see text] species with the nitroxyl (HNO) species have been carried out, which reveal the existence of the nine complexes on the singlet potential energy surface (PES). The atoms in molecules (AIM) theory and the electron localization function (ELF) along with the identification of noncovalent interaction (NCI) regions and the investigation of electron transfer of all the obtained complexes have been carried out to provide suitable insight into the electronic and structural properties of these complexes. The calculated results reveal that the N-atom of the NF3 species and the O-atom of the HNO species have more key roles compared with the F-atom of the NF3 species and the N-atom of the HNO species in the obtained complexes.
Warm inflation and WMAP9
Authors: Sadatian S. Davood
Published: September 2017

A warm inflation model, drawn upon the vector cosmology, was applied in the present work to calculate cosmological fluctuations. Moreover, parameters of the model were constrained and compared using the latest observational data such as Planck and WMAP9.
A physics-based model for maintenance of the pH gradient in the gastric mucus layer
Authors: Lewis Owen L. , Keener James P. , Fogelson Aaron L.
Published: September 2017

It is generally accepted that the gastric mucus layer provides a protective barrier between the lumen and the mucosa, shielding the mucosa from acid and digestive enzymes and preventing autodigestion of the stomach epithelium. However, the precise mechanisms that contribute to this protective function are still up for debate. In particular, it is not clear what physical processes are responsible for transporting hydrogen protons, secreted within the gastric pits, across the mucus layer to the lumen without acidifying the environment adjacent to the epithelium. One hypothesis is that hydrogen may be bound to the mucin polymers themselves as they are convected away from the mucosal surface and eventually degraded in the stomach lumen. It is also not clear what mechanisms prevent hydrogen from diffusing back toward the mucosal surface, thereby lowering the local pH. In this work we investigate a physics-based model of ion transport within the mucosal layer based on a Nernst-Planck-like equation. Analysis of this model shows that the mechanism of transporting protons bound to the mucus gel is capable of reproducing the trans-mucus pH gradients reported in the literature. Furthermore, when coupled with ion exchange at the epithelial surface, our analysis shows that bicarbonate secretion alone is capable of neutralizing the epithelial pH, even in the face of enormous diffusive gradients of hydrogen. Maintenance of the pH gradient is found to be robust to a wide array of perturbations in both physiological and phenomenological model parameters, suggesting a robust physiological control mechanism.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This work combines modeling techniques based on physical principles, as well as novel numerical simulations to test the plausibility of one hypothesized mechanism for proton transport across the gastric mucus layer. Results show that this mechanism is able to maintain the extreme pH gradient seen in in vivo experiments and suggests a highly robust regulation mechanism to maintain this gradient in the face of dynamic lumen composition.
Genome reprogramming inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeupon nonylphenol exposure
Authors: Bereketoglu Ceyhun , Arga Kazim Yalcin , Eraslan Serpil , Mertoglu Bulent
Published: September 2017

Bioaccumulative environmental estrogen, nonylphenol (NP; 4-nonylphenol), is widely used as a nonionic surfactant and can affect human health. Since genomes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and higher eukaryotes share many structural and functional similarities, we investigated subcellular effects of NP on S. cerevisiae BY4742 cells by analyzing genome-wide transcriptional profiles. We examined effects of low (1 mg/l; <15% cell number reduction) and high (5 mg/l; >65% cell number reduction) inhibitory concentration exposures for 120 or 180 min. After 120 and 180 min of 1 mg/l NP exposure, 187 (63 downregulated, 124 upregulated) and 103 genes (56 downregulated, 47 upregulated), respectively, were differentially expressed. Similarly, 678 (168 repressed, 510 induced) and 688 genes (215 repressed, 473 induced) were differentially expressed in cells exposed to 5 mg/l NP for 120 and 180 min, respectively. Only 15 downregulated and 63 upregulated genes were common between low and high NP inhibitory concentration exposure for 120 min, whereas 16 downregulated and 31 upregulated genes were common after the 180-min exposure. Several processes/pathways were prominently affected by either low or high inhibitory concentration exposure, while certain processes were affected by both inhibitory concentrations, including ion transport, response to chemicals, transmembrane transport, cellular amino acids, and carbohydrate metabolism. While minimal expression changes were observed with low inhibitory concentration exposure, 5 mg/l NP treatment induced substantial expression changes in genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, cell wall biogenesis, ribosomal biogenesis, and RNA processing, and encoding heat shock proteins and ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes. Collectively, these results provide considerable information on effects of NP at the molecular level.
Germline genetic variants with implications for disease risk and therapeutic outcomes
Authors: Pasternak Amy L. , Ward Kristen M. , Luzum Jasmine A. , Ellingrod Vicki L. , Hertz Daniel L.
Published: September 2017

Genetic testing has multiple clinical applications including disease risk assessment, diagnosis, and pharmacogenomics. Pharmacogenomics can be utilized to predict whether a pharmacologic therapy will be effective or to identify patients at risk for treatment-related toxicity. Although genetic tests are typically ordered for a distinct clinical purpose, the genetic variants that are found may have additional implications for either disease or pharmacology. This review will address multiple examples of germline genetic variants that are informative for both disease and pharmacogenomics. The discussed relationships are diverse. Some of the agents are targeted for the disease-causing genetic variant, while others, although not targeted therapies, have implications for the disease they are used to treat. It is also possible that the disease implications of a genetic variant are unrelated to the pharmacogenomic implications. Some of these examples are considered clinically actionable pharmacogenes, with evidence-based, pharmacologic treatment recommendations, while others are still investigative as areas for additional research. It is important that clinicians are aware of both the disease and pharmacogenomic associations of these germline genetic variants to ensure patients are receiving comprehensive personalized care.
Discovery of Human-Similar Gene Fusions in Canine Cancers
Authors: Ulvé Ronan , Rault Mélanie , Bahin Mathieu , Lagoutte Laetitia , Abadie Jérôme , De Brito Clotilde , Coindre Jean-Michel , Botherel Nadine , Rousseau Audrey , Wucher Valentin , Cadieu Edouard , Thieblemont Catherine , Hitte Christophe , Cornevin Laurence , Cabillic Florian , Bachelot Laura , Gilot David , Hennuy Benoit , Guillaudeux Thierry , Le Goff Arnaud , Derrien Thomas , Hédan Benoît , André Catherine
Published: September 2017

Canine cancers represent a tremendous natural resource due to their incidence and striking similarities to human cancers, sharing similar clinical and pathologic features as well as oncogenic events, including identical somatic mutations. Considering the importance of gene fusions as driver alterations, we explored their relevance in canine cancers. We focused on three distinct human-comparable canine cancers representing different tissues and embryonic origins. Through RNA-Seq, we discovered similar gene fusions as those found in their human counterparts: IGK-CCND3 in B-cell lymphoma, MPB-BRAF in glioma, and COL3A1-PDGFB in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans-like. We showed not only similar partner genes but also identical breakpoints leading to oncogene overexpression. This study demonstrates similar gene fusion partners and mechanisms in human–dog corresponding tumors and allows for selection of targeted therapies in preclinical and clinical trials with pet dogs prior to human trials, within the framework of personalized medicine. Cancer Res; 77(21); 5721–7. ©2017 AACR.
FSTL1 Promotes Metastasis and Chemoresistance in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma through NFκB–BMP Signaling Cross-talk
Authors: Lau Marco Chi-Chung , Ng Kai Yu , Wong Tin Lok , Tong Man , Lee Terence K. , Ming Xiao-Yan , Law Simon , Lee Nikki P. , Cheung Annie L. , Qin Yan-Ru , Chan Kwok Wah , Ning Wen , Guan Xin-Yuan , Ma Stephanie
Published: September 2017

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has a generally poor prognosis, and molecular markers to improve early detection and predict outcomes are greatly needed. Here, we report that the BMP-binding follistatin-like protein FSTL1 is overexpressed in ESCCs, where it correlates with poor overall survival. Genetic amplification of FSTL1 or chromosome 3q, where it is located, occurred frequently in ESCC, where FSTL1 copy number correlated positively with higher FSTL1 protein expression. Elevating FSTL1 levels by various means was sufficient to drive ESCC cell proliferation, clonogenicity, migration, invasion, self-renewal, and cisplatin resistance in vitro and tumorigenicity and distant metastasis in vivo. Conversely, FSTL1 attenuation by shRNA or neutralizing antibody elicited the opposite effects in ESCC cells. mRNA profiling analyses suggested that FSTL1 drives ESCC oncogenesis and metastasis through various pathways, with deregulation of NFκB and BMP signaling figuring prominently. Cross-talk between the NFκB and BMP pathways was evidenced by functional rescue experiments using inhibitors of NFκB and TLR4. Our results establish the significance of FSTL1 in driving oncogenesis and metastasis in ESCC by coordinating NFκB and BMP pathway control, with implications for its potential use as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker and as a candidate therapeutic target in this disease setting. Cancer Res; 77(21); 5886–99. ©2017 AACR.
Hemorrhage Detection and Incidence during Magnetic Resonance-Guided Deep Brain Stimulator Implantations
Authors: Martin Alastair J. , Starr Philip A. , Ostrem Jill L. , Larson Paul S.
Published: September 2017

Background/Aims: Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) is increasingly used to implant deep brain stimulator (DBS) electrodes. The approach has the advantages of a high targeting accuracy, minimization of brain penetrations, and allowance of implantation under general anesthesia. The hemorrhagic complications of iMRI-guided DBS implantation have not been studied in a large series. We report on the incidence and characteristics of hemorrhage during these procedures. Methods: Hemorrhage incidence was assessed in a series of 231 iMRI procedures (374 electrodes implanted). All patients had movement disorders and the subthalamic nucleus or the globus pallidus internus was typically targeted. Hemorrhage was detected with intra- or postoperative MRI or postoperative computed tomography. Hemorrhage was classified based on its point of origin and clinical impact. Results: Hemorrhage and symptomatic hemorrhage were detected during 2.4 and 1.1% of electrode implantations, respectively. The hemorrhage origin was subdural/subarachnoid (n = 3), subcortical (n = 5), or deep (n = 1). Factors that contributed to hemorrhage included unintentional crossing of a sulcus and resistance at the pial membrane, which produced cortical depression and a rebound hemorrhage. Delayed hemorrhage occurred in 2 patients and was attributed to premature reintroduction of anticoagulation therapy or air intrusion into the cranial cavity. Conclusions: Hemorrhage was readily apparent on intraoperative imaging, and hemorrhage rates for iMRI-guided DBS implantations were comparable to those for conventional implantation approaches.
Alopecia Areata in a Dog: Clinical, Dermoscopic and Histological Features
Authors: Scarampella Fabia , Roccabianca Paola
Published: September 2017

Alopecia areata (AA)-like disease is characterized by multifocal patchy hair loss in humans, rodents, dogs, and horses. Remarkable similarities between human and nonhuman AA cases have been reported in terms of clinical presentation, histology, and immune mechanisms of the disease. Canine AA-like lesions most often consist of well-demarcated alopecic patches, frequently but not only involving the face and the head, which extend to the ear pinnae and legs. In some cases, hair loss can have a more generalized distribution. As in humans, hair regrowth is most commonly spontaneous in canine AA-like disease and the resistant cases usually respond to glucocorticoids or cyclosporine treatment. Diagnosis of AA in veterinary medicine relies on presentation, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry and on regrowth following therapy. This case report describes the first dermoscopic evaluation of AA-like disease in a dog with a clinical presentation of symmetrical hair loss.
Defining Optimal Brain Health in Adults: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
Authors: Gorelick Philip B. , Furie Karen L. , Iadecola Costantino , Smith Eric E. , Waddy Salina P. , Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Bae Hee-Joon , Bauman Mary Ann , Dichgans Martin , Duncan Pamela W. , Girgus Meighan , Howard Virginia J. , Lazar Ronald M. , Seshadri Sudha , Testai Fernando D. , van Gaal Stephen , Yaffe Kristine , Wasiak Hank , Zerna Charlotte
Published: September 2017

Cognitive function is an important component of aging and predicts quality of life, functional independence, and risk of institutionalization. Advances in our understanding of the role of cardiovascular risks have shown them to be closely associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. Because many cardiovascular risks are modifiable, it may be possible to maintain brain health and to prevent dementia in later life. The purpose of this American Heart Association (AHA)/American Stroke Association presidential advisory is to provide an initial definition of optimal brain health in adults and guidance on how to maintain brain health. We identify metrics to define optimal brain health in adults based on inclusion of factors that could be measured, monitored, and modified. From these practical considerations, we identified 7 metrics to define optimal brain health in adults that originated from AHA’s Life’s Simple 7: 4 ideal health behaviors (nonsmoking, physical activity at goal levels, healthy diet consistent with current guideline levels, and body mass index <25 kg/m
2
) and 3 ideal health factors (untreated blood pressure <120/<80 mm Hg, untreated total cholesterol <200 mg/dL, and fasting blood glucose <100 mg/dL). In addition, in relation to maintenance of cognitive health, we recommend following previously published guidance from the AHA/American Stroke Association, Institute of Medicine, and Alzheimer’s Association that incorporates control of cardiovascular risks and suggest social engagement and other related strategies. We define optimal brain health but recognize that the truly ideal circumstance may be uncommon because there is a continuum of brain health as demonstrated by AHA’s Life’s Simple 7. Therefore, there is opportunity to improve brain health through primordial prevention and other interventions. Furthermore, although cardiovascular risks align well with brain health, we acknowledge that other factors differing from those related to cardiovascular health may drive cognitive health. Defining optimal brain health in adults and its maintenance is consistent with the AHA’s Strategic Impact Goal to improve cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20% and to reduce deaths resulting from cardiovascular disease and stroke by 20% by the year 2020. This work in defining optimal brain health in adults serves to provide the AHA/American Stroke Association with a foundation for a new strategic direction going forward in cardiovascular health promotion and disease prevention.
Compatibility of acaricides with entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema and Heterorhabditis)
Authors: Bajc Nika , Držaj Urška , Trdan Stanislav , Laznik Žiga
Published: September 2017

To expand our knowledge about the compatibility of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) to pesticides, we studied the compatibility of EPN infective juveniles (IJ) to five acaricides under laboratory conditions. Four EPN species were used: Steinernema feltiae, S. carpocapsae, S. kraussei and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. The results of our laboratory investigation showed that H. bacteriophora was the most tolerant EPN species and the most sensitive species was S. feltiae. Our observations showed that S. feltiae can be mixed with only two acaricides. The active substance (a.s.) fenpyroximate proved to be the most suitable for mixing with EPN. Fenpyroximate was only lethal to S. feltiae (44% mortality) at 25°C. The mortality of EPN was highest in the a.s. abamectin and pyrethrin. The mortality of EPN was influenced by species, exposure time, a.s. and temperature. The combined use of EPN and acaricides could represent an advantage in integrated plant protection programmes.
A new Oreonetides Strand, 1901 from the Russian Far East (Araneae, Linyphiidae)
Authors: TANASEVITCH ANDREI V.
Published: September 2017

The genus Oreonetides Strand, 1901 has a highly tangled taxonomic history described in detail by Saaristo (1972), van Helsdingen (1981) and Eskov (1984). At present, the genus contains 17 species confined to the Holarctic Region, including Taiwan (Word Spider Catalog 2017). Amongst the species, seven have hitherto been registered from the Russian Far East (Mikhailov 2013), although the generic allocation of some of them requires revision. In this paper presented description of still one more Oreonetides species collected from the southern part of the Russian Far East.
Catalogue of Coleoptera type specimens housed in the collection of the Museu de Ciências Naturais, Fundação Zoobotânica do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: MOURA LUCIANO DE A. , GROLL ELISA VON
Published: September 2017

A catalogue of type specimens of Coleoptera (Insecta) housed in the collection of the Museu de Ciências Naturais, Fundação Zoobotânica do Rio Grande do Sul (MCNZ), Porto Alegre, Brazil is presented. The collection contains 519 type specimens (48 primary types and 471 other type specimens), which represent 249 species and 12 families: Buprestidae, Cerambycidae, Chrysomelidae, Ciidae, Cleridae, Curculionidae, Disteniidae, Geotrupidae, Mycteridae, Scarabaeidae, Scraptiidae and Staphylinidae.
Dynamical Links between the Decadal Variability of the Oyashio and Kuroshio Extensions
Authors: Qiu Bo , Chen Shuiming , Schneider Niklas
Published: September 2017

Rather than a single and continuous boundary current outflow, long-term satellite observations reveal that the Oyashio Extension (OE) in the North Pacific Subarctic Gyre comprises two independent, northeast–southwest-slanted front systems. With a mean latitude along 40°N, the western OE front exists primarily west of 153°E and is a continuation of the subarctic gyre western boundary current. The eastern OE front, also appearing along 40°N, is located between 153° and 170°E, whose entity is disconnected from its western counterpart. During 1982–2016, both of the OE fronts exhibit prominent decadal fluctuations, although their signals show little contemporaneous correlation. An upper-ocean temperature budget analysis based on the Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean, phase II (ECCO2), state estimate reveals that the advective temperature flux convergence plays a critical role in determining the low-frequency temperature changes relating to the OE fronts. Specifically, the western OE front variability is controlled by the decadal mesoscale eddy modulations in the upstream Kuroshio Extension (KE). An enhanced eddy activity increases the poleward heat transport and works to strengthen the western OE front. The eastern OE front variability, on the other hand, is dictated by both the meridional shift of the KE position and the circulation intensity change immediately north of the eastern OE. Different baroclinic adjustment speeds for the KE and OE are found to cause the in-phase changes between these latter two processes. Lack of contemporaneous correlation between the decadal western and eastern OE variability is found to be related to the interaction of the meridionally migrating KE jet with the Shatsky Rise near 159°E.