bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and associated risk factors of psychotic symptoms in homeless people in France
Authors: Tortelli A. , Perquier F. , Le Masson V. , Sauze D. , Skurnik N. , Murray R.M.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Homeless people are more likely to have higher prevalence of psychotic disorders than general population. However, we know less about the prevalence of psychotic symptoms in this group.

Objectives

To estimate the lifetime and current prevalence of psychotic symptoms and their correlates among homeless people living in the Paris metropolitan area.

Methods

We analysed data from 839 homeless randomly selected for the “Samenta” survey that studied mental health and addiction problems in this population. The mini-international neuropsychiatric interview was used to assess psychotic symptoms. Separate multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the associations of sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, education level and migrant status), early life experiences (sexual abuse, physical and psychological violence, substance use) and psychiatric disorders.

Results

The lifetime prevalence of psychotic symptoms was 35.4% (95% CI = 28.1–43.5) and the prevalence of current symptoms was 14,0% (95% CI = 9,8–19,6) with no significant difference between migrant and native groups, after exclusion of subjects with a diagnosis of psychotic disorder (n = 145). In multi-adjusted models, childhood sexual abuse was associated with an increased risk of lifetime or current psychotic symptoms (OR > 4, P < 0.05). Early life psychological violence was strongly associated with the risk of lifetime psychotic symptoms in natives (OR = 6.33; 95% CI = 2.10–19.0), whereas alcohol misuse in adolescence was related to lifetime or current psychotic symptoms in migrants (OR = 3.34; 95% CI = 1.20–9.37).

Conclusion

Homeless people are at higher risk of psychotic symptoms compared to the general population in France. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that childhood abuse is an important risk factor of the psychosis continuum.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Post-traumatic stress disorder screening among Syrian war victims
Authors: Kutluoğlu A. , Ünsalver B.Ö. , Evrensel A.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

War in Syria and related refugee crisis has caught worldwide attention for the past few years. The war is still continuing by the time of the writing of this abstract. War is one of the reasons of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Syrian people experience many traumatic events like witnessing death, torture and rape.

Aims

The aim of this research is to screen for PTSD among Syrian war victims.

Methods

A total of 150 (women = 52, men = 98) war victims between 18–65 years, inhabiting a Syrian camp near the Turkish border were screened with trauma response checklist for PTSD between March 11 and April 11 2015.

Results

Significant amount of the interviewed participants were found to show symptoms of PTSD. Seventy-six percent (n = 114) of the participants had experienced a traumatic event. In total, 80.6% (n = 121) were experiencing distress. Seventy-eight percent (n = 117) had avoidance. Eighty-four percent (n = 126) had negative interfering thoughts. Eighty-eight percent (n = 132) were experiencing trauma associated disturbance. Answers from 78.6% (n = 118) of the participants indicated that they should be further referred to a specialist. The findings were not affected by gender or age.

Conclusion

We have found that most of the participants showed signs of PTSD. Our findings highlight the psychological impact of war on Syrian people. A definite diagnosis of PTSD can be made with detailed psychiatric examination, however given the amount of victims and available staff a brief screening instrument may help identify potential cases to be further evaluated. PTSD has life-long consequences and trauma can be passed through generations. International support for war victims should include psychological support and interventions.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Brain anatomy of symptom stratification in schizophrenia: A voxel based morphometry study
Authors: Delvecchio G. , Lorandi A. , Perilini C. , Barillari M. , Ruggeri M. , Altamura A.C. , Bellani M. , Brambilla P.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Although some magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have investigated the existence of a relationship between clinical severity and neuroanatomical alterations in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ), the biological signature associated with illness severity in schizophrenia is still uncertain.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate structural brain abnormalities in SCZ with particular regards to the identification of potential deficits associated to the severity of illness.

Methods

1.5 T MRI data were acquired for 61 subjects with SCZ and 59 matched healthy controls (HC). The patient group was divided in two subgroups based on clinical severity, one composed by 34 mild-to-moderately ill patients and the other one by 27 severely ill patients, and compared with matched HC.

Results

The whole group of patients with SCZ had significantly reduced gray matter (GM) volumes in left inferior and middle temporal gyrus compared to HC (P < 0.05, pFWE corrected). Furthermore, compared to HC, patients with mild-to-moderate illness showed decreased GM volumes in inferior temporal gyrus (P < 0.05, pFWE corrected) whereas those with severe illness had reduced right cerebellum (P < 0.05, cFWE corrected). No differences were observed between the two subgroups of patients.

Conclusions

Our results showed significant GM volume reductions in left inferior and middle temporal gyrus in patients with SCZ compared to matched HC, confirming the role of this region in the pathophysiology of SCZ. Furthermore, we identified specific cerebellar gray matter volume reductions in patients with severe illness, which may contribute to stratify patients with SCZ according to their clinical phenotype expression, ultimately helping in guiding targeted therapeutic/rehabilitation interventions.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Altered functional connectivity in default mode network in Internet gaming disorder with childhood ADHD
Authors: Jung Y.C. , Namkoong K.
Published: June 2017

Objective

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a type of behavioral addiction characterized by abnormal executive control, leading to loss of control over excessive gaming. Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common comorbid disorders in IGD, involving delayed development of the executive control system, which could predispose individuals to gaming addiction. We investigated the influence of childhood ADHD on neural network features of IGD.

Methods

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis was performed on 44 young, male IGD subjects with and without childhood ADHD and 19 age-matched, healthy male controls. Posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)-seeded connectivity was evaluated to assess abnormalities in default mode network (DMN) connectivity, which is associated with deficits in executive control.

Results

IGD subjects without childhood ADHD showed expanded functional connectivity (FC) between DMN-related regions (PCC, medial prefrontal cortex, thalamus) compared with controls. These subjects also exhibited expanded FC between the PCC and brain regions implicated in salience processing (anterior insula, orbitofrontal cortex) compared with IGD subjects with childhood ADHD. IGD subjects with childhood ADHD showed expanded FC between the PCC and cerebellum (crus II), a region involved in executive control. The strength of connectivity between the PCC and cerebellum (crus II) was positively correlated with self-reporting scales reflecting impulsiveness.

Conclusion

Individuals with IGD showed altered PCC-based FC, the characteristics of which might be dependent upon history of childhood ADHD. Our findings suggest that altered neural networks for executive control in ADHD would be a predisposition for developing IGD.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The relationship between grief process and attachment styles in the cases with the treatment of complicated grief: A prospective study
Authors: Caglar Nazali H.P. , Yildirim E.A.
Published: June 2017

The attachment style is one of the significant factors affecting the grief process and complicated grief. This study aims to research the relation between the factors determining the sociodemographic features, the reactions of grief, the suicidal behaviour and the grief process on the patients who are followed and treated with the complicated grief diagnosis and the features of attachment. The study includes 45 patients directed to a therapy unit and meet the criterions of complicated grief diagnosis. 33 of those patients have completed their treatment. Sociodemographic and clinical data form applied to the patients at the beginning, to evaluate for comorbid psychiatric disorders structured clinical interview for DSM-IV axis I disorders, adult attachment style questionnaire (AASQ), grief scale, hamilton rating scale for depression (HDRS), suicide behaviors questionnaire (SBQ), suicide probability scale (SPS), experiences in close relationships inventory (ECRI) are applied on the participants and compared the results of the scales prior to and following the treatment. In the dimensional evaluation of attachment, ECRI avoidance score is high over the patients diagnosed with comorbid psychiatric disorders with complicated grief. During the first application of the treatment, while evaluating the attachment categorically, in the complicated grief patients attached with avoidance grief scale, behavioural base scale and SPS negative self base scale are higher compared to the group whose HDRS scores attached with secure. The results show that in complicated grief cases the avoidance attachment is both dimensionally and categorically related with the strength of grief reaction and additional psychiatric problems.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Developing a test to assess social cognition based on a real interaction
Authors: Benito G. , Luzón C. , Arillaga J. , Fernández-Liria A. , Lahera G.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Social cognition enables the processing of social information and is needed to adapt one's behaviour to the perceived social scene. Its assessment is a very controversial issue, tests currently available often use unhelpful stimuli from the ecological point of view.

Aims

To develop a test based on genuine social stimuli–not on their representations–and to do so, a controlled social situation is created in which participants can be evaluated on their abilities to perceive and process such information.

Method

A script was prepared, consisting of several interactions which are staged before the participants by two members of the research team. The sample comprises 50 subjects, being on average 22 years old (56% women), who took this test, the MSCEIT and the MASC.

Results

The application showed no incidence, no one detected that it was a previously prepared situation and they were not upset when this fact was revealed. A final selection of 18 items obtained a reliability of 0.701. Multidimensional scaling, partly showed the subdomains taken into account. The correlation matrix confirms the validity of the instrument. (r = 0,465 alpha < 0,001 with MASC. r = 0,106 alpha > 0,05 with MSCEIT).

Conclusions

The instrument is applicable and tolerated by participants being evaluated with it. It is feasible to use it as a test to assess social cognition It is mid-high reliability allows its use for research purposes. The correlation matrix confirmed validity, showing a significant and moderate connection with MASC and no association with any of the scales of MSCEIT.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The new target therapy to prevent weight gain associated to atypical antipsychotics: PKCβ
Authors: Pavan C. , Rimessi A. , Zavan B. , Vindigni V. , Pinton P.
Published: June 2017

Antipsychotic drugs are currently used in clinical practice for a variety of mental disorders. Clozapine is the most effective medication for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, in controlling aggression and suicidal behavior in psychosis. Although clozapine is associated with a low likelihood of extrapyramidal symptoms and other neurological side effects, weight gain and metabolic side effects are well known in clinical practice exposing the patient to a greater risk of cardiovascular disorders, premature death, as well as psychosocial issues leading to non-adherence. The mechanisms underlying this pharmacologically activated disorders are still controversial. Based on our in vitro results, we have characterized in vivo the effects of the selective PKCβ inhibitor, Ruboxistaurin (LY-333531) on a preclinical model of long-term clozapine-induced weight gain. Cell biology, biochemistry and psychomotor tests have been performed on wild type and PKCβ (-/-) mutant mice to investigate the contribution of endogenous PKCβ and its pharmacological inhibitor on the neuroleptic effect of clozapine. Lastly, we also shed light on a novel aspect of the mechanism underlying of clozapine-induced weight gain, demonstrating that the clozapine-dependent PKCβ activation promote the inhibition of the lipid droplet-selective autophagy process, opening the way to new therapeutic intervention approach.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The changes of social performance with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in depressed patients
Authors: Pirmoradi M. , Dolatshahi B. , Rostami R. , Mohammadkhani P. , Dadkhah A.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

The purpose of this study was investigating the effectiveness of rTMS (repetitive transcranial of magnetic stimulation) on increase social performance in patients with recurrent major depression.

Method

It was used a quasi-experimental, pretest–posttest design with control group, a sample consisting of 32 patients who had depression on the basis of DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, SCID and BDI-II scales and were randomly assigned to two groups.

The experimental group underwent 20 sessions of rTMS as the independent factor and both groups (control & experimental) had 12-session psychotherapy and drugs treatment. Upon the intervention, both groups were tested with two tests (BDI-II & SASS). To determine the effect of the independent factor on the dependent factor of rTMS.

Data were analyzed by t-test.

Results

The comparison between pre- & posttest of all the tests showed the reduction of signs & symptoms of depression, (a = 0/05) (Beck scale P ≤ 0/001 & F = 30) and increase social performance in participants (P ≤ 0/001 & F = 83).

Conclusion

The rTMS is effect in the reduction of signs & symptoms of depression and increase social functioning in recurrent major depression.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Glucocorticoid activeness in patients with mitral valve prolapse and autonomic dysfunction
Authors: Pervichko E. , Martynov A. , Zinchenko Y.
Published: June 2017

Background

Urgency of psychophysiological examination of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) patients is suggested by a high incidence of anxiety disorders among these patients.

Objectives

To study glucocorticoid function activity and emotional stress resistance in MVP patients with autonomic dysfunction (AD).

Methods

The trait anxiety level (TA) was assessed with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger). Emotional stress resistance was undertaken with our modified version of Rosenzweig Picture-Frustration Test (Zinchenko, Pervichko). The cortisol level in blood plasma was measured by radioimmunoassay technique with radioimmune assay kit of cortisol in human blood plasma ‘KORT-3N’ (Belarus). There were 32 MVP patients (mean age was 28.5 ± 1.6 years) and 15 healthy people (mean age was 27.5 ± 1.3 years) who took part in the study.

Results

Among reactions to frustration revealed by MVP patients the following categories are dominating: extrapunitive (Е), ego-defensive (ED), and obstacle-dominance (OD). There was revealed a direct correlations: TA and Е (r = 0.49, Р < 0.001); TA and ED (r = 0.46, Р < 0.01); TA and indexes of AD (r = 0.43, Р < 0.01).

There was displayed a higher level of cortisol in MVP patients with severe grade of AD, against the level revealed by patients with average grade of AD (433.9 ± 78.0 mmol/L vs. 299.3 ± 42.9 mmol/L; Р < 0.05). Direct correlations were established between the cortisol level and the level of TA (r = 0.45; Р < 0.01); between the frequency of E-reactions in Modified Rosenzweig Test and cortisol level (r = 0.42; Р < 0.01).

Conclusion

Along with low stress resistance, registered AD and high level of TA, MVP patients reveal higher indexes of cortisol in blood plasma.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Healthy lifestyles programme in an acute psychiatric inpatient unit
Authors: Ganhao I. , Trigo M. , Paixao A. , Cardoso J.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Mental health issues and illnesses are associated with poor self-care and unhealthy lifestyles that contribute to morbidity, mortality and overall decrease in quality of life when compared to the general population. Healthy lifestyle promotion is infrequently considered a priority in mental healthcare services, especially in acute psychiatric inpatient units.

Objectives

To present a healthy lifestyles promotion programme implemented in an acute psychiatric inpatient unit.

Aims

To reflect on how to design an adequate programme for patients with complex needs.

Methods

In a general psychiatric inpatient unit, a team of two psychologists and one psychiatrist, ventured to introduce weekly activities that included drawing, colouring, painting, crafts and games, that provided a context for patients and the team to sit down together or to gradually “drift” together and make possible conversations focusing on tobacco smoking, caffeine consumption, weight control, physical activity and health promoting activities.

Results

Instead of individual or group psychoeducation talk interventions, play and art strategies, in closer proximity with the patients, made it far easier to engage difficult patients and made psychoeducation possible and fun.

Conclusions

Patients with severe mental illness are frequently reluctant to engage in activities targeting healthy lifestyles, especially in acute psychiatric inpatient units, when insight and motivation for change may be low due to illness and consequences of illness. Play and art therapy interventions led by a team of mental healthcare professionals who participate directly with the patients, may be an innovative, more effective and enjoyable strategy.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Sex-specific effect of intranasal vasopressin, but not oxytocin, on emotional recognition and perception in schizophrenia patients
Authors: Vadas L. , Bloch B. , Levin R. , Shalev I. , Israel S. , Uzefovsky F. , Bachner-Melman R. , Reshef A. , Ebstein R.P. , Kremer I.
Published: June 2017

Background

Impairments in social behavior and cognition, such as the ability to identify others’ emotional state, are important features in schizophrenia. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OXT) and are nonapeptides that influence social cognition and behavior. Previous studies have shown that the administration of intranasal AVP or OXT may affect the ability to recognize facial emotions. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a single dose of AVP or OXT on social cognition in patients with schizophrenia. The secondary objective of the study was to test for sex-specific effects of intranasal AVP and OXT administration on social cognition.

Methods

In this double-blind, placebo-control, cross-over study, 34 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder, received a dose of AVP, OXT or placebo in three separate meetings. Forty-five minutes after administration, subjects performed facial emotion recognition tasks.

Results

There were no significant main effects of hormone administration on the ability to recognize facial emotions between treatment conditions. However, AVP administration resulted in sex-specific differences in emotion recognition. Specifically, in men, AVP administration reduced the ability to recognize angry faces. In women, AVP administration reduced the ability to recognize sad faces and improved the ability to recognize fearful faces.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that intranasal AVP may affect the recognition of facial emotions differently in men and women. Thus, AVP may increase the differences between men and women on social cognition.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Aripiprazole in treatment of disability in social, professional and family life in schizophrenia patients
Authors: Zivkovic N. , Djokic G. , Curcic D.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Enhancement of overall functioning is one of most important goals in treatment of schizophrenia (SCH) patients.

Objective

To assess efficacy of aripiprazole in treatment of disability and impairment in social, professional and family life in SCH patients.

Methods

This study included 50 patients with SCH diagnosed by ICD-10 criteria, divided into H (Haloperidol, 5–20 mg/24 h) group (25 patients), and A (Aripiprazole, 10–30 mg/24 h) group (25 patients). Antipsychotics were tested for 12 months with Positive and Negative Symptom Schedule Scale (PANSS), Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) and the number of withdrawals attributed to adverse event (AE).

Results

The mean pretrial PANSS score was 103.6 in A and 105.3 in H group. The mean PANSS score after 12 months was 53.5 in A and 54.4 in H group. There were no significant statistical difference in PANSS pretrial scores and scores after 12 months between groups, P = 0.619; P = 0.364. There were significant statistical difference in PANSS score reduction after 12 months in both groups (P < 0.001). Aripiprazole improved all SDS scores in comparison to Haloperidol with high statistical significance. Work: A vs. H, P < 0.001; social life: A vs. H, P < 0.001; family life: A vs. H, P < 0.001; days lost: A vs. H, P = 0.012; days unproductive: A vs. H, P = 0.007; 8.0% AEs occurred in A, and 36.0% in H group.

Conclusions

Aripiprazole showed same efficacy as haloperidol in treatment of SCH. Aripiprazole showed significantly better efficacy in treatment of disability and impairment. Number of withdrawals was significantly higher in haloperidol group.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Motivations behind suicide attempts: A study in the ER of Maggiore hospital – Novara
Authors: Marangon D. , Gramaglia C. , Gattoni E. , Chiarelli Serra M. , Delicato C. , Di Marco S. , Venesia A. , Castello L. , Avanzi G.C. , Zeppegno P.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

A previous study, conducted in the province of Novara stated that, from an epidemiological and clinical point of view, being a female, being a migrant, as well as being in the warmer months of the year, or suffering from an untreated psychiatric disease are associated with suicide attempts. Literature suggests there is a positive relation between negative life events and suicidal behaviours. In this study, we intend to deepen knowledge, individuating motivations and meanings underlying suicidal behaviours. This appears a meaningful approach to integrate studies and initiatives in order to prevent suicide and suicidal behaviours.

Aim

To examine possible correlation between socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and motivations underlying suicide attempts.

Methods

Patients aged > 16 years admitted for attempted suicide in the Emergency Room of the AOU Maggiore della Carità Hospital, Novara, Italy, were studied retrospectively from the 1st January 2015 to the 31st December 2016. Each patient was assessed by an experienced psychiatrist with a clinical interview; socio-demographic and clinical features were gathered. Analysis were performed with SPSS.

Results and discussion

Data collection are still ongoing; results and implications will be discussed. We expect to find different motivations in relation to socio-demographic and clinical characteristics [1,2].

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Attempted suicide: Study of the phenomenon in a sample of patients in the province of Modena
Authors: Bisi L. , Bolondi M. , Mattei G. , Sacchetti A. , Ferrari S.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Attempted suicide consists in a self-damaging non-fatal behaviour, with an explicit or implicit evidence of the intent to die. It has a multifactorial aetiology: presence of psychiatric disorder, particularly major depression and other non-psychiatric components, like a series of stressful events.

Aim

To describe suicidal behavior among patients who attempted suicide.

Methods

Cross-sectional study. Patients admitted to three hospitals in the Province of Modena (Italy) after having attempted suicide were enrolled. Observation time: August 2015–August 2016 (13 months). Descriptive statistics made with STATA 13.0.

Results

A total of 187 subjects (female 65%) were enrolled in the period of time considered. Forty-one percent were aged 45–64; 43.7% had higher education; 50.4% were unemployed; 49.6% had regular income. Common means to attempt suicide were drugs (64%), weapons (11%), precipitation (10%), other (6%), choking (4%). Recent stressful events were reported by the 83.4% of respondents, namely: family conflicts (29%), economic problems (17%), personal health problems (11%), health problems affecting a family member (5%), emotional separation (9%), job loss (7%), other (22%), alcohol abuse (27%), substance abuse (4%). The main psychiatric diagnoses were: depressive disorder (56.67%), personality disorder (20%), psychotic disorder (6.67%), bipolar disorder (5.33%), behavioural disorders (2.67%), anxiety disorders (2%), dementia (1.33%).

Conclusions

Findings of the present study are consistent with available literature and could help to identify “high risk” groups to plan future targeted programmes.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Evolution and Progression of Spondylodiskitis: A Case Presentation
Authors: Emam Mohammed , Lee Donald , Syrkin Grigory , Lee Se Won
Published: June 2017

Pyogenic infection of the spinal column is a relatively rare condition. Spondylodiskitis is characterized by infection of the intervertebral disk and the adjacent vertebrae. Diagnosis is often delayed because the symptoms are often nonspecific and also because of the high incidence of nonspecific low back pain in the general population. We report the case of a 42‐year‐old woman who developed low back pain secondary to spondylodiskitis. Her diagnosis was delayed because of a lack of supporting findings on initial magnetic resonance imaging. The case highlights the clinical scenario in which maintaining a high index of suspicion may lead to follow‐up imaging and an accurate diagnosis.

Level of Evidence

V
Properties of Paraspinal Muscles in Japanese High School Baseball Players With Terminal‐Stage Lumbar Spondylolysis
Authors: Tsuboi Hiroyuki , Nishimura Yukihide , Sakata Takeshi , Tanina Hideaki , Arakawa Hideki , Nakamura Takeshi , Umezu Yuichi , Tajima Fumihiro
Published: June 2017

Background

Lumbar spondylolysis is a defect in the pars interarticularis that is common in young athletes; the stress distribution at the pars interarticularis is the highest in extension and rotation movements. The paraspinal muscles play an important role in stabilization of the lumbar spine; however, no study has assessed the properties of paraspinal muscles in athletes with lumbar spondylolysis.

Objective

To evaluate the properties of paraspinal muscles in athletes with lumbar spondylolysis.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Laboratory.

Participants

Six high school baseball players with terminal‐stage lumbar spondylolysis and 11 high school baseball players without organic lumbar lesions of similar anthropometric characteristics.

Methods

All subjects performed the unsupported trunk holding test combined with surface electromyographic (EMG) power spectral analysis until exhaustion. The results of EMG power spectral analysis were compared between the spondylolysis and control groups.

Main Outcome Measurements

The median frequency (MF) was computed from the raw EMG signal of the erector spinae and multifidus during trunk holding test using fast Fourier transform spectrum analysis. The initial MF and MF slope were calculated.

Results

No significant differences in endurance time were found between the spondylolysis and control groups. The initial MF and the MF slopes of the erector spinae and multifidus were significantly lower in the spondylolysis group than in the control group.

Conclusions

The results suggest lower fast‐twitch motor unit recruitment in the erector spinae and multifidus of high school baseball players with terminal‐stage lumbar spondylolysis compared with the control.

Level of Evidence

IV
“Yo soy una drag queen, no soy cualquier loco”. Representaciones del dragqueenismo en Lima, Perú
Authors: Villanueva Jordán Iván
Published: June 2017

El estudio exploratorio sostiene que el dragqueenismo surge de pro- cesos de representación por parte de las drag queens, mediante sus prácticas discursivas y la manera en que se exhiben frente a un público. Estas representaciones les permiten, en su dimensión productiva, esta- blecer una base identitaria que, en una dimensión reactiva, las diferen- cia de otras identidades transgénero. El análisis de los datos obtenidos mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas a drag queens de Lima (Perú) permitirá identificar la manera en que articulan las representaciones en torno a la tradición, la poética y el arte del dragqueenismo.
Economics and politics of the currency convergence: The case of Poland
Authors: Kolodko Grzegorz W.
Published: June 2017

Of the 11 post-socialist states that have already become European Union members only five have joined the common currency Eurozone. The other six, including Poland, the region’s largest economy, have, pursuant to accession treaties, the right and obligation to adopt euro as their currency. They fail to exercise their right and meet their obligation, which has both causes and consequences. These are economic and political in nature and that is why there is no certainty about how the situation will evolve in future. However, from both of those perspectives, and especially for economic reasons, Eastern European EU members should join the Eurozone, as the resulting benefits, not only for Poland, significantly outweigh the conversion costs. Thus, new countries, especially Poland, adopting euro would have a positive impact on the European integration process, which is experiencing a serious structural, institutional and political crisis.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a comprehensive review and 2017 update
Authors: Terwilliger T , Abdul-Hay M
Published: June 2017

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the second most common acute leukemia in adults, with an incidence of over 6500 cases per year in the United States alone. The hallmark of ALL is chromosomal abnormalities and genetic alterations involved in differentiation and proliferation of lymphoid precursor cells. In adults, 75% of cases develop from precursors of the B-cell lineage, with the remainder of cases consisting of malignant T-cell precursors. Traditionally, risk stratification has been based on clinical factors such age, white blood cell count and response to chemotherapy; however, the identification of recurrent genetic alterations has helped refine individual prognosis and guide management. Despite advances in management, the backbone of therapy remains multi-agent chemotherapy with vincristine, corticosteroids and an anthracycline with allogeneic stem cell transplantation for eligible candidates. Elderly patients are often unable to tolerate such regimens and carry a particularly poor prognosis. Here, we review the major recent advances in the treatment of ALL.
Erratum: Free-standing supramolecular hydrogel objects by reaction-diffusion
Authors: Lovrak Matija , Hendriksen Wouter E.J. , Maity Chandan , Mytnyk Serhii , van Steijn Volkert , Eelkema Rienk , van Esch Jan H.
Published: June 2017

Nature Communications 8: Article number:15137 (2017); Published: 5 June 2017; Updated 30 June 2017 In the original HTML version of this Article, which was published on 5 June 2017, the publication date was incorrectly given as 5 July 2017. This has now been corrected in the HTML; the PDF version of the paper was correct from the time of publication.
The prognostic biomarker L-homoarginine is a substrate of the cationic amino acid transporters CAT1, CAT2A and CAT2B
Authors: Chafai Anja , Fromm Martin F. , König Jörg , Maas Renke
Published: June 2017

Low plasma concentration of L-homoarginine is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and total mortality. Experimental data indicate that supplementation of L-homoarginine may have protective effects. We aimed to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the cellular uptake of L-homoarginine, which are little understood, so far. Using human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cell lines stably overexpressing the human cationic amino acid transporters CAT1 [solute carrier family 7 (SLC7A1)], CAT2A (SLC7A2A) or CAT2B (SLC7A2B) we assessed the transport kinetics of L-homoarginine and interactions with the CAT substrates L-arginine and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Significant uptake of L-homoarginine was observed for all three CATs with apparent KM-values of 175 ± 7 µM for CAT1 and 523 ± 35 µM for CAT2B. Saturation of CAT2A-mediated L-homoarginine uptake could not be reached. Uptake of L-homoarginine by any of the three CATs could be inhibited by L-arginine and ADMA. Significant inhibition of CAT1-mediated uptake of L-homoarginine by L-arginine already occurred in the physiological concentration range. Taken together these data demonstrate that L-homoarginine is a substrate of CAT1, CAT2A and CAT2B and that CAT1 is a key site with regard to physiological relevance and interactions with related substrates such as L-arginine.
Prognostic cancer gene signatures share common regulatory motifs
Authors: Wang Ying , Goodison Steve , Li Xiaoman , Hu Haiyan
Published: June 2017

Scientists have discovered various prognostic gene signatures (GSs) in different cancer types. Surprisingly, although different GSs from the same cancer type can be used to measure similar biological characteristics, often rarely is there a gene shared by different GSs. To explain such a paradox, we hypothesized that GSs from the same cancer type may be regulated by common regulatory motifs. To test this hypothesis, we carried out a comprehensive motif analysis on the prognostic GSs from five cancer types. We demonstrated that GSs from individual cancer type as well as across cancer types share regulatory motifs. We also observed that transcription factors that likely bind to these shared motifs have prognostic functions in cancers. Moreover, 75% of the predicted cofactors of these transcription factors may have cancer-related functions and some cofactors even have prognostic functions. In addition, there exist common microRNAs that regulate different GSs from individual cancer types and across cancer types, several of which are prognostic biomarkers for the corresponding cancer types. Our study suggested the existence of common regulatory mechanisms shared by GSs from individual cancer types and across cancer types, which shed light on the discovery of new prognostic GSs in cancers and the understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of cancers.
Development of insect life tables: comparison of two demographic methods of Delia antiqua (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) on different hosts
Authors: Ning Shuoying , Zhang Wenchao , Sun Yan , Feng Jinian
Published: June 2017

In this study, we first construct an age-stage, two-sex life table for onion maggot, Delia antiqua, grown on three host plants: onion, scallion, and garlic. We found that onion is the optimal host for this species and populations grown on onion have maximum fecundity, longest adult longevity and reproduction period, and the shortest immature developmental time. In contrast, the fecundity on other hosts was lower, particularly on garlic, but these crops can also serve as important secondary hosts for this pest. These data will be useful to the growers to develop specific integrated management programs for each of hosts. We also compared the demographic analyses of using individually-reared and group-reared methods. These two methods provided similar accurate outcomes for estimating insect population dynamics for this species. However, for gregarious species, using the individually-reared method to construct insect life tables produces inaccurate results, and researchers must use group-reared method for life table calculations. When studying large groups of insect, group-reared demographic analysis for age-stage, two-sex life table can also simplify statistical analysis, save considerable labor, and reduce experimental errors.
The normal environment delays the development of multisensory integration
Authors: Xu Jinghong , Yu Liping , Rowland Benjamin A. , Stein Barry E.
Published: June 2017

Multisensory neurons in animals whose cross-modal experiences are compromised during early life fail to develop the ability to integrate information across those senses. Consequently, they lack the ability to increase the physiological salience of the events that provide the convergent cross-modal inputs. The present study demonstrates that superior colliculus (SC) neurons in animals whose visual-auditory experience is compromised early in life by noise-rearing can develop visual-auditory multisensory integration capabilities rapidly when periodically exposed to a single set of visual-auditory stimuli in a controlled laboratory paradigm. However, they remain compromised if their experiences are limited to a normal housing environment. These observations seem counterintuitive given that multisensory integrative capabilities ordinarily develop during early life in normal environments, in which a wide variety of sensory stimuli facilitate the functional organization of complex neural circuits at multiple levels of the neuraxis. However, the very richness and inherent variability of sensory stimuli in normal environments will lead to a less regular coupling of any given set of cross-modal cues than does the otherwise “impoverished” laboratory exposure paradigm. That this poses no significant problem for the neonate, but does for the adult, indicates a maturational shift in the requirements for the development of multisensory integration capabilities.
Structural and functional insights into sorting nexin 5/6 interaction with bacterial effector IncE
Authors: Sun Qingxiang , Yong Xin , Sun Xiaodong , Yang Fan , Dai Zhonghua , Gong Yanqiu , Zhou Liming , Zhang Xia , Niu Dawen , Dai Lunzhi , Liu Jia-Jia , Jia Da
Published: June 2017

The endosomal trafficking pathways are essential for many cellular activities. They are also important targets by many intracellular pathogens. Key regulators of the endosomal trafficking include the retromer complex and sorting nexins (SNXs). Chlamydia trachomatis effector protein IncE directly targets the retromer components SNX5 and SNX6 and suppresses retromer-mediated transport, but the exact mechanism has remained unclear. We present the crystal structure of the PX domain of SNX5 in complex with IncE, showing that IncE binds to a highly conserved hydrophobic groove of SNX5. The unique helical hairpin of SNX5/6 is essential for binding, explaining the specificity of SNX5/6 for IncE. The SNX5/6–IncE interaction is required for cellular localization of IncE and its inhibitory function. Mechanistically, IncE inhibits the association of CI-MPR cargo with retromer-containing endosomal subdomains. Our study provides new insights into the regulation of retromer-mediated transport and illustrates the intricate competition between host and pathogens in controlling cellular trafficking.
Erratum: Capturing the wide variety of impaired fracture healing phenotypes in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 with eight key factors: a computational study
Authors: Carlier A. , Brems H. , Ashbourn J. M. A. , Nica I. , Legius E. , Geris L.
Published: June 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 20010; published online: 29 January 2016; updated: 30 June 2017. The original HTML version of this Article listed an incorrect volume number. This has now been corrected in the HTML version; the PDF version was correct at the time of publication.
Erratum: Boolean Models of Biological Processes Explain Cascade-Like Behavior
Authors: Chen Hao , Wang Guanyu , Simha Rahul , Du Chenghang , Zeng Chen
Published: June 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 20067; published online: 29 January 2016; updated: 30 June 2017. The original HTML version of this Article listed an incorrect volume number. This has now been corrected in the HTML version; the PDF version was correct at the time of publication.
Erratum: Group A Streptococcus exploits human plasminogen for bacterial translocation across epithelial barrier via tricellular tight junctions
Authors: Sumitomo Tomoko , Nakata Masanobu , Higashino Miharu , Yamaguchi Masaya , Kawabata Shigetada
Published: June 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 20069; published online: 29 January 2016; updated: 30 June 2017. The original HTML version of this Article listed an incorrect volume number. This has now been corrected in the HTML version; the PDF version was correct at the time of publication.
Recent progress in nanomedicine-based combination cancer therapy using a site-specific co-delivery strategy
Authors: Shen Shiyang , Liu Meng , Li Teng , Lin Shiqi , Mo Ran
Published: June 2017

This review article highlights the recent progresses in nanomedicine-based combination cancer therapyviasite-specific co-delivery strategies.
Synthesis of controlled, high-molecular weight poly(l-glutamic acid) brush polymers
Authors: Baumgartner Ryan , Kuai Diane , Cheng Jianjun
Published: June 2017

We report the synthesis and characterization of high-molecular weight poly(l-glutamic acid) based brush polymers.
Controlling the enthalpy–entropy competition in supramolecular fullerene liquid crystals by tuning the flexible chain length
Authors: Zhu Tiantian , Zhang Xiaoyan , Li Zhikai , Hsu Chih-Hao , Chen Wei , Miyoshi Toshikazu , Li Xiaohong , Yang Xiaoming , Tu Yingfeng , Li Christopher Y.
Published: June 2017

The supramolecular fullerene liquid crystal phase and structure can be regulated by controlling the enthalpy–entropy competition by tuning the flexible chain length.
Control of the light-response in supramolecular metallopolymeric gels by tuning the coordination metal
Authors: Borré Etienne , Stumbé Jean-François , Bellemin-Laponnaz Stéphane , Mauro Matteo
Published: June 2017

Supramolecular metallopolymeric gels are prepared that show light-induced mechanical response depending on the nature of the connecting metal ion.
Quantifying ultrafast charge carrier injection from methylammonium lead iodide into the hole-transport material H101 and mesoporous TiO2 using Vis-NIR transient absorption
Authors: Klein Johannes R. , Scholz Mirko , Oum Kawon , Lenzer Thomas
Published: June 2017

We characterise time scales and yields of hole transfer and electron injection at lead perovskite interfaces with the hole-transport material and mesoporous TiO2.
Substrate influence on the interlayer electron–phonon couplings in fullerene films probed with doubly-resonant SFG spectroscopy
Authors: Elsenbeck Dennis , Das Sushanta K. , Velarde Luis
Published: June 2017

Doubly-resonant sum frequency generation (DR-SFG) spectra of fullerene thin films on metallic and dielectric substrates show modal and substrate selectivity.
An enhanced hTERT promoter-driven CRISPR/Cas9 system selectively inhibits the progression of bladder cancer cells
Authors: Huang Xinbo , Zhuang Chengle , Zhuang Changshui , Xiong Tiefu , Li Yawen , Gui Yaoting
Published: June 2017

The current therapies for treating tumors are lacking in efficacy and specificity.
Metal–organic framework derived hollow CoS2 nanotube arrays: an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting
Authors: Guan Cao , Liu Ximeng , Elshahawy Abdelnaby M. , Zhang Hong , Wu Haijun , Pennycook Stephen J. , Wang John
Published: June 2017

Tubular CoS2 nanoarrays successfully aligned on carbon cloth were rationally designed and fabricated from a metal organic framework precursor, and can be utilized as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting.
The cumene/O2 system: a very simple tool for the radical chain oxidation of some functional groups
Authors: Malekafzali A. , Malinovska K. , Patureau F. W.
Published: June 2017

Just boil it in cumene! A general metal-free oxidation method is described.
Organolithium-mediated cyclization reactions: a practical way to access hetero- and carbocycles
Authors: Ahmed Mukhtiar , Naseer Muhammad Moazzam
Published: June 2017

Cyclization reactions are considered as one of the most important reactions in organic synthesis due to the fact that natural molecules contain cyclic components either as part of the molecule or molecular skeleton.
Metal–organic frameworks meet polymer brushes: enhanced crystalline film growth induced by macromolecular primers
Authors: Rafti Matías , Allegretto Juan A. , Segovia Gustavo M. , Tuninetti Jimena S. , Giussi Juan M. , Bindini Elisa , Azzaroni Omar
Published: June 2017

We introduce tailor-made polymeric 3D primers, which produce a striking enhancement in MOF film growth compared to traditional primers.
Metal-catalyst-free growth of graphene on insulating substrates by ammonia-assisted microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Zheng Shan , Zhong Guofang , Wu Xingyi , D'Arsiè Lorenzo , Robertson John
Published: June 2017

We study the metal-catalyst-free growth of uniform and continuous graphene on different insulating substrates by microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) with a gas mixture of C2H2, NH3, and H2 at a temperature of 700–750 °C.
A novel hexahydroquinazolin-2-amine-based fluorescence sensor for Cu2+ from isolongifolanone and its biological applications
Authors: Wang Zhonglong , Yang Jinlai , Yang Yiqin , Fang Hua , Xu Xu , Rui Jian , Su Fan , Xu Haijun , Wang Shifa
Published: June 2017

The isolongifolanone derivative (2c) exhibit highly selective and sensitive fluorescence quenching towards copper ions, and this was used for real-time sensing of cooper ions in vivo.
Hydrotropic polymer-based paclitaxel-loaded self-assembled nanoparticles: preparation and biological evaluation
Authors: Gao Lipeng , Gao Liefang , Fan Mingxue , Li Qilong , Jin Jiyu , Wang Jing , Lu Weiyue , Yu Lei , Yan Zhiqiang , Wang Yiting
Published: June 2017

Hydrotropic polymer-based paclitaxel-loaded self-assembled nanoparticles: preparation and biological evaluation.
Surface modification of PEN and PET substrates by plasma treatment and layer-by-layer assembly of polyelectrolyte multilayer thin films and their application in electroless deposition
Authors: Tamai T. , Watanabe M. , Kobayashi Y. , Nakahara Y. , Yajima S.
Published: June 2017

Surface modification of PEN and PET substrates by plasma-treatment and LbL assembly of polyelectrolyte multilayers and subsequent electroless nickel deposition.
Sn–H bond additions to asymmetric trigonal phosphinidene-bridged dimolybdenum complexes
Authors: Alvarez M. Angeles , Amor Inmaculada , García M. Esther , García-Vivó Daniel , Ruiz Miguel A. , Suárez Jaime
Published: June 2017

Organotin hydrides add across the Mo–P double bond of binuclear phosphinidene complexes, sometimes undergoing dehydrogenation involving a cyclopentadienyl ring.