bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interdependent and separable functions ofC. elegansMRN-C complex members couple formation and repair of meiotic DSBs
Authors: Girard Chloe , Roelens Baptiste , Zawadzki Karl A. , Villeneuve Anne M.
Published: November 2017

Faithful inheritance of genetic information through sexual reproduction relies on the formation of crossovers between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, which in turn relies on the formation and repair of numerous double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs). As DSBs pose a potential threat to the genome, mechanisms that ensure timely and error-free DSB repair are crucial for successful meiosis. Here we identify NBS-1, theCaenorhabditis elegansortholog of the NBS1 subunit of the conserved MRE11-RAD50-NBS1/Xrs2 (MRN) complex, as a key mediator of DSB repair via homologous recombination (HR) during meiosis. Loss ofnbs-1leads to: severely reduced loading of recombinase RAD-51, ssDNA binding protein RPA and pro-crossover factor COSA-1 during meiotic prophase progression; aggregated and fragmented chromosomes at the end of meiotic prophase; and 100% progeny lethality. These phenotypes reflect a role for NBS-1 in processing of meiotic DSBs for HR that is shared with its interacting partners MRE-11-RAD-50 and COM-1 (ortholog of Com1/Sae2/CtIP). Unexpectedly, in contrast to MRE-11 and RAD-50, NBS-1 is not required for meiotic DSB formation. Meiotic defects of thenbs-1mutant are partially suppressed by abrogation of the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway, indicating a role for NBS-1 in antagonizing NHEJ during meiosis. Our data further reveal that NBS-1 and COM-1 play distinct roles in promoting HR and antagonizing NHEJ. We propose a model in which different components of the MRN-C complex work together to couple meiotic DSB formation with efficient and timely engagement of HR, thereby ensuring crossover formation and restoration of genome integrity prior to the meiotic divisions.

Significance Statement

Double-strand breaks (DSBs) are deleterious DNA lesions, and impairment of the DSB repair machinery can lead to devastating diseases such as the Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome (NBS). During meiosis, DSBs represent a "necessary evil": they are required to promote formation of crossovers between homologous chromosomes. Crossovers in turn ensure correct chromosome inheritance during gamete formation, which is essential for viability and normal development of embryos. During meiosis, numerous DSBs are actively created, so meiotic cells must ensure that all breaks are properly repaired to ensure crossover formation and restore genomic integrity. Here we identifyC. elegansNBS-1 as essential to properly process meiotic DSBs, both to promote crossover formation and antagonize an error-prone DSB repair pathway, thereby ensuring faithful chromosome inheritance.
Cohesin facilitates zygotic genome activation in zebrafish
Authors: Meier Michael , Grant Jenny , Dowdle Amy , Thomas Amarni , Gerton Jennifer E. , Collas Philippe , O'Sullivan Justin M. , Horsfield Julia A.
Published: November 2017

At zygotic genome activation (ZGA), changes in chromatin structure are associated with new transcription immediately following the maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT). The nuclear architectural proteins, cohesin and CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF), contribute to chromatin structure and gene regulation. We show here that normal cohesin function is important for ZGA in zebrafish. Depletion of cohesin subunit Rad21 delays ZGA without affecting cell cycle progression. In contrast, CTCF depletion has little effect on ZGA whereas complete abrogation is lethal. Genome wide analysis of Rad21 binding reveals a change in distribution from pericentromeric satellite DNA, and few locations including the miR-430 locus (whose products are responsible for maternal transcript degradation), to genes, as embryos progress through the MZT. After MZT, a subset of Rad21 binding occurs at genes dysregulated upon Rad21 depletion and overlaps pioneer factor Pou5f3, which activates early expressed genes. Rad21 depletion disrupts the formation of nucleoli and RNA polymerase II foci, suggestive of global defects in chromosome architecture. We propose that Rad21/cohesin redistribution to active areas of the genome is key to the establishment of chromosome organization and the embryonic developmental program.
Enhanced deviant responses in patterned relative to random sound sequences
Authors: Southwell Rosy , Chait Maria
Published: November 2017

How are brain responses to deviant events affected by the statistics of the preceding context? We recorded electroencephalography (EEG) brain responses to frequency deviants in matched, regularly-patterned (REG) versus random (RAND) tone-pip sequences. Listeners were naïve and distracted by an incidental visual task. Stimuli were very rapid so as to limit conscious reasoning about the sequence order and tap automatic processing of regularity.

Deviants within REG sequences evoked a substantially larger response (by 71%) than matched deviants in RAND sequences from 80 ms after deviant onset. This effect was underpinned by distinct sources in right temporal pole and orbitofrontal cortex in addition to the standard bilateral temporal and right pre-frontal network for generic frequency deviance-detection. These findings demonstrate that the human brain rapidly acquires a detailed representation of regularities within the sensory input and evaluates incoming information according to the context established by the specific pattern.
Prediction error induced motor contagions in human behaviors
Authors: Ikegami Tsuyoshi , Ganesh Gowrishankar , Takeuchi Tatsuya , Nakamoto Hiroki
Published: November 2017

Motor contagions refer to implicit effects on one’s actions induced by observation of other’s actions. Motor contagions are believed to be induced simply by action observation and cause an observer’s action to become similar to the observed action. In contrast, here we report a new motor contagion that is induced only when the observation is accompanied by prediction errors-differences between actions one observes and those he/she predicts or expects. Moreover, this contagion may not manifest as a similarity between one’s own and observed actions. In our experiment, observation of the same action induced distinct motor contagions, depending on whether prediction errors are present or not. In the absence of prediction errors, similarly to previous reports, participants’ actions changed to become similar to the observed action, while in the presence of prediction errors, their actions changed to diverge away from it. Our results suggest distinct effects of action observation and action prediction on human actions.
Sporulation-specific cell division defects inylmEmutants ofStreptomyces coelicolorare rescued by additional deletion ofylmD
Authors: Zhang Le , Willemse Joost , Hoskisson Paul A. , van Wezel Gilles P.
Published: November 2017

Cell division during the reproductive phase of theStreptomyceslife-cycle requires tight coordination between synchronous formation of multiple septa and DNA segregation. One remarkable difference with most other bacterial systems is that cell division inStreptomycesis positively controlled by the recruitment of FtsZ by SsgB. Here we show that deletion ofylmD(SCO2081) orylmE(SCO2080), which lie in operon withftsZin thedcwcluster of actinomycetes, has major consequences for sporulation-specific cell division inStreptomyces coelicolor. Electron and fluorescence microscopy demonstrated thatylmEmutants have a highly aberrant phenotype with defective septum synthesis, and produce very few spores with low viability and high heat sensitivity. FtsZ-ring formation was also highly disturbed inylmEmutants. Deletion ofylmDhad a far less severe effect on sporulation. Interestingly, the additional deletion ofylmDrestored sporulation to theylmEnull mutant. YlmD and YlmE are not part of the divisome, but instead localize diffusely in aerial hyphae, with differential intensity throughout the sporogenic part of the hyphae. Taken together, our work reveals a function for YlmD and YlmE in the control of sporulation-specific cell division inS. coelicolor, whereby the presence of YlmD alone results in major developmental defects.
Percent amplitude of fluctuation: a simple measure for resting-state fMRI signal at single voxel level
Authors: Jia Xi-Ze , Ji Gong-Jun , Liao Wei , Lv Ya-Ting , Wang Jue , Wang Ze , Zhang Han , Liu Dong-Qiang , Zang Yu-Feng
Published: November 2017

The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) measures resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) signal of each voxel. However, the unit of blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal is arbitrary and hence ALFF is sensitive to the scale of raw signal. A well-accepted standardization procedure is to divide each voxel’s ALFF by the global mean ALFF. However, this makes the individual voxel’s ALFF dependent on the global mean. Although Fractional ALFF (fALFF), proposed as a ratio of the ALFF to the total amplitude within the full frequency band, offers possible solution of the standardization, it actually mixes with the fluctuation power within the full frequency band and thus cannot reveal the true amplitude characteristics of a given frequency band. We proposed a new standardized, stand-alone, single-voxel metrics for RS-fMRI, namely percent amplitude of fluctuation (PerAF). PerAF is an analog to the percent signal change that has been widely used in the task fMRI communities, which allows it to be a straightforward measurement of BOLD signal fluctuations during resting state. We further conducted a test-retest reliability analysis comparing the relevant metrics, which indicated that PerAF was generally more reliable than the ALFF and fALFF. In a real RS-fMRI application, we further demonstrated that with and without standardization by global mean PerAF yielded prominently different results when comparing eyes open with eyes closed resting conditions, suggesting that future study should provide both with and without global mean standardization. The above results suggest that PerAF is a more reliable, straightforward and promising measurement for voxelwise brain activity-based RS-fMRI studies. For prompting future application of PerAF, we also implemented this method into a user-friendly toolbox REST-PerAF.
Squid Ring Teeth Coated Mesh Improves Abdominal Wall Repair
Authors: Leberfinger Ashley N. , Hospodiuk Monika , Pena-Francesch Abdon , Ayan Bugra , Ozbolat Veli , Koduru Srinivas , Ozbolat Ibrahim T. , Demirel Melik C. , Ravnic, DO Dino J.
Published: November 2017

Background

Hernia repair is a common surgical procedure with mesh often used. Current mesh materials have a high incidence of repair failures, due to poor tissue integration, and complications such as seroma and pain. Polypropylene (PP) mesh is the standard material in hernia repair secondary to its material durability; however, failures still approach 15%. In this first time animal study, we hypothesized that squid ring teeth (SRT), a biologically-derived high strength protein, coated polypropylene (SRT-PP) mesh, would offer enhanced tissue integration and strength compared to standard PP mesh, while proving biocompatibility for in vivo use.

Materials and methods

Polypropylene mesh was coated with SRT. Mechanical properties and cell proliferation studies of the composite mesh were performed in vitro. Rats underwent inlay mesh implantation in an anterior abdominal wall defect model. Repair was assessed clinically and radiographically, with integration evaluated by histology and mechanical testing.

Results

Cell proliferation was enhanced on SRT-PP composite mesh. This was corroborated by abdominal wall histology, dramatically diminished cranio-caudal mesh contraction, improved strength testing, and higher tissue failure strain following in vivo implantation. There was no increase in complications with SRT, with regard to seroma or visceral adhesion. No foreign body reactions were noted on liver histology.

Conclusion

SRT-PP mesh showed better tissue integration than PP mesh. SRT is a high strength protein that is applied as a coating to augment mesh-tissue integration leading to improvements in abdominal wall stability with potential to reduce re-intervention for failures.
Two-stage adaptation of inhibition mediates predictive sensitization in the retina
Authors: Kastner David B. , Ozuysal Yusuf , Panagiotakos Georgia , Baccus Stephen A.
Published: November 2017

A critical function of the nervous system is the prediction of future sensory input. One such predictive computation is retinal sensitization, a form of short-term plasticity seen in multiple species that elevates local sensitivity following strong local stimulation. Here we perform a causal circuit analysis of retinal sensitization using simultaneous intracellular and multielectrode recording in the salamander. We show, using direct current injection into inhibitory sustained amacrine cells that a decrease in amacrine transmission is necessary, sufficient and occurs at the right time and manner to cause sensitization in ganglion cells. Because of neural dynamics and nonlinear pathways, a computational model is essential to explain how a change in steady inhibitory transmission causes sensitization. Whereas adaptation of excitation removes an expected result in order to transmit novelty, adaptation of inhibition provides a general mechanism to enhance the sensitivity to the sensory feature conveyed by an inhibitory pathway, creating a prediction of future input.
Using Biogeography to Assess Key Adaptation Strength in Two Bird Families
Authors: Halloway Abdel H. , Whelan Christopher J. , Şekercioğlu Çağan H. , Brown Joel S.
Published: November 2017

Adaptations can be thought of as evolutionary technologies which allow an organism to exploit environments. Among convergent taxa, adaptations may be largely equivalent with the taxa operating in a similar set of environmental conditions, divergent with the taxa operating in different sets of environmental conditions, or superior with one taxon operating within an extended range of environmental conditions than the other. With this framework in mind, we sought to characterize the adaptations of two convergent nectarivorous bird families, the New World hummingbirds (Trochilidae) and Old World sunbirds (Nectariniidae), by comparing their biogeography. Looking at their elevational and latitudinal gradients, hummingbirds not only extend into but also maintain species richness in more extreme environments. We suspect that hummingbirds have a superior key adaptation that sunbirds lack, namely a musculoskeletal architecture that allows for hovering. Through biogeographic comparisons, we have been able to assess and understand adaptations as evolutionary technologies among two convergent bird families, a process that should work for most taxa.
Fractional Dynamics in Bioscience and Biomedicine and the Physics of Cancer
Authors: Nasrolahpour Hosein
Published: November 2017

Almost all phenomena and structures in nature exhibit some degrees of fractionality or fractality. Fractional calculus and fractal theory are two interrelated concepts. In this article we study the memory effects in nature and particularly in biological structures. Based on this fact that natural way to incorporate memory effects in the modeling of various phenomena and dealing with complexities is using of fractional calculus, in this article we present different examples in various branch of science from cosmology to biology and we investigate this idea that are we able to describe all of such these phenomena using the well-know and powerful tool of fractional calculus. In particular we focus on fractional calculus approach as an effective tool for better understanding of physics of living systems and organism and especially physics of cancer.
Brain 5‐lipoxygenase over‐expression worsens memory, synaptic integrity, and tau pathology in the P301S mice
Authors: Vagnozzi Alana N. , Giannopoulos Phillip F. , Praticò Domenico
Published: November 2017

Progressive accumulation of highly phosphorylated tau protein isoforms is the main feature of a group of neurodegenerative diseases collectively called tauopathies. Data from human and animal models of these diseases have shown that neuroinflammation often accompanies their pathogenesis. The 5‐lipoxygenase (5LO) is an enzyme widely expressed in the brain and a source of potent pro‐inflammatory mediators, while its pharmacological inhibition modulates the phenotype of a tau transgenic mouse model, the htau mice. By employing an adeno‐associated viral vector system to over‐express 5LO in the brain, we examined its contribution to the behavioral deficits and neuropathology in a different transgenic mouse model of tauopathy, the P301S mouse line. Compared with controls, 5LO‐targeted gene brain over‐expression in these mice resulted in a worsening of behavioral and motor deficits. Over‐expression of 5LO resulted in microglia and astrocyte activation and significant synaptic pathology, which was associated with a significant elevation of tau phosphorylation at specific epitopes, tau insoluble fraction, and activation of the cdk5 kinase. In vitro studies confirmed that 5LO directly modulates tau phosphorylation at the same epitopes via the cdk5 kinase pathway. These data demonstrate that 5LO plays a direct role in tau phosphorylation and is an active player in the development of the entire tau phenotype. They provide further support to the hypothesis that 5LO is a viable therapeutic target for the treatment and/or prevention of human tauopathy.
Microdialysis as a tool to determine the local tissue concentration of dicloxacillin in man
Authors: Hansen Kristian Kraft , Nielsen Flemming , Stage Tore Bjerregaard , Jørgensen Uffe , Skov Ole , Rasmussen Lasse E.
Published: November 2017

Aims

The most common pathogen to cause postoperative infections in Denmark is Staphylococcus aureus. Despite using prophylactic antibiotics, infections are still seen. Whether the tissue concentration is above the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the pathogen is unknown. Thus, the concentration of dicloxacillin in muscle and adipose tissue was measured after intravenous administration, in healthy men.

Methods

MIC for dicloxacillin against S. aureus was determined using the broth macrodilution method. A microdialysis (MD) catheter was placed in the subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen and in the lateral vastus muscle of the thigh of six healthy male volunteers. They were given 2 g dicloxacillin intravenously. Samples from blood and MD fluid were collected. The unbound dicloxacillin was isolated from plasma. Samples were analysed with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results

The maximum concentration was reached in muscle tissue after 0.5 h and in adipose tissue after 0.8 h. AUC0–6h for the dicloxacillin concentration in adipose tissue was significantly lower when compared to the unbound dicloxacillin concentration in plasma. The dicloxacillin concentration was above the MIC for sensitive S. aureus for a minimum of 2.3 h and a median of 4.1 h in muscle tissue and a minimum of 1.8 h and a median of 3.2 h in adipose tissue.

Conclusions

The unbound dicloxacillin concentration in adipose and muscle tissue remained above the MIC for sensitive S. aureus, for a period sufficient for many orthopaedic procedures. Whether this is true in patients with compromised circulation remains to be investigated.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Fosdagrocorat (PF‐04171327), a Dissociated Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonist, in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Weatherley Barry , McFadyen Lynn , Tammara Brinda
Published: November 2017

Dissociated agonists of the glucocorticoid receptor (DAGRs) show similar antiinflammatory effects but improved tolerability compared with standard glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonists. The prodrug fosdagrocorat (PF‐04171327), with active DAGR metabolite PF‐00251802 (Metabolite‐1), is postulated to show superior efficacy over placebo and prednisone in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated the population pharmacokinetics of active Metabolite‐1 and its active metabolite PF‐04015475 (Metabolite‐2) in patients with moderate to severe RA enrolled in a 12‐week, phase II, randomized, double‐blind study (NCT01393639). A simultaneous fit of a two‐compartment model for Metabolite‐1 and a one‐compartment model for Metabolite‐2 provided an adequate fit to the data. Significant covariates included weight, with an additional female effect on clearance of Metabolite‐1 (∼26%) and Metabolite‐2 (∼33%) compared with males. Age influenced clearance of Metabolite‐1. In combination, age, weight, and sex predicted >twofold differences in area under the concentration–time curve of Metabolite‐1 at the extremes.
Localization of Gram Negative Urinary Tract Infection by Immunofluorescence in Infants and Children
Authors: BARNETT G. R. , ABBOTT G. D.
Published: November 2017

Barnett, G. R. and Abbott, G. D. (1978). Aust. Paediatr. J., 14, 143–146. Localization of gram negative urinary tract infection by immunofluorescence in infants and children. Bladder urine samples from 97 gram negative urinary tract infections (U.T.Is) in infants and children were tested for antibody coated bacteria (A.C.B.) by immunofluorescence (I.F.). A.C.B. were detected in 14 of 44 episodes of acute pyelonephritis, one of 20 episodes of probable cystitis and five of 33 episodes of asymptomatic bacteriuria. Bladder washout localization reinforced the conclusion that negative I.F. tests are common in upper U.T.Is in infants and children.

An association between A.C.B. and renal scarring was observed. Eight of 17 patients with A.C.B. had reflux nephropathy compared with four of 49 patients without A.C.B. Limitations of the test as a screening procedure for renal scarring were evident, however, after finding nine patients with A.C.B. and no renal scarring as well as four patients with renal scarring and no A.C.B.
Electroacupuncture in Rats Infected with Strongyloides venezuelensis: effects on gastrointestinal transit and parasitological measurements
Authors: dos Anjos-Ramos Luana , Gama Loyane Almeida , Hauschildt Andrieli Taise , Fujiwara Ricardo Toshio , Corá Luciana Aparecida , Américo Madileine Francely
Published: November 2017

Objective

To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 and CV12 on gastrointestinal transit and parasitological measurements during Strongyloides venezuelensis infection in rats.

Design

Rats were infected with S. venezuelensis and allocated to one of three groups that were infected and remained untreated (SV group, n=8), infected and treated with EA at CV12 (SV+CV12 group, n=8) or infected and treated with EA at ST36 (SV+ST36 group, n=8). EA was performed every 3 days over a 21-day period, at 4 mA intensity and 15 Hz frequency for 20 min. At 2 and 20 days post-infection (dpi), body weight, food and water intake, and faecal characteristics were monitored over a 24-hour period. Gastric emptying, caecal arrival time, small intestinal transit and eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces were calculated at 3, 9, 15 and 21 dpi. At 21 dpi, intestinal worm recovery was counted.

Results

EA at ST36 and CV12 slowed gastric emptying over the course of infection time. An accelerated intestinal transit was observed in the ST36 group, and after CV12 treatment the same effect was observed at 9 and 15 dpi. At 9 dpi, EPG was increased in the CV12 group. ST36 treatment decreased EPG at 9 and 15 dpi. At 21 dpi, both the ST36 and CV12 groups had increased EPG and worm numbers. No changes were observed in the other parameters analysed.

Conclusions

EA at ST36 and CV12 provoked changes in gastrointestinal transit that may be beneficial to the host during S. venezuelensis infection; however, based on the number of worms and EPG at 21 dpi, the indication for EA in the treatment of strongyloidiasis needs to be carefully assessed.
Effects of Scalp Electroacupuncture on the Pi3K/Akt Signalling Pathway and Apoptosis of Hippocampal Neurons in a Rat Model of Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Zhang Hanhong , Gao Jing , Wang Mengmeng , Yu Xuefeng , Lv Xiuhua , Deng Huan , Fan Xiangwei , Chen Kaiyun
Published: November 2017

Background Substantial evidence from clinical reports has established that most cerebral palsy (CP) patients benefit from a comprehensive rehabilitation exercise training programme. Such advances are enhanced when scalp electroacupuncture (EA), applied at a location corresponding to the projection of the motor area, is combined with rehabilitation exercise training. However, little information exists regarding the mechanistic basis for these effects.

Objective To examine whether EA stimulation within the scalp projection location of the motor area can inhibit apoptosis of hippocampal neurons by regulating the PI3k/Akt signalling pathway in a rat model of CP.

Methods Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent surgical modelling of CP. Five were used to confirm successful establishment of the model and the remaining 45 rats were randomly divided into one of three groups that remained untreated (CP group, n=15) or received EA treatment alone (CP+EA group, n=15) or EA in combination with a PI3K/Akt inhibitor (CP+EA+LY294002 group, n=15)). An otherwise healthy negative control group of rats undergoing sham surgery was also included (Control group, n=15). In the CP+EA and CP+EA+LY294002 groups, EA was applied to the scalp surface at alocation corresponding to the projection of the motor area. Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor scores, hippocampal protein expression of Akt and p-Akt (by Western blot analysis) and neuronal apoptosis in hippocampal tissue (by histopathology) were assessed at 7, 14 and 21 days post-CP induction.

Results CP rats receiving scalp EA treatment demonstrated improved behavioural scores, less hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and higher expression levels of Akt and p-Akt (p<0.05) at all time points studied compared with untreated CP rats. There were no significant differences observed between CP+EA+LY294002 and untreated CP model groups.

Conclusions The effects of scalp EA on the PI3K/ Akt signalling pathway may represent one of the mechanisms involved in the inhibition of hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and improvement of deficits associated with CP in a rat model.
The search for the holy grail: frugal innovation in healthcare from low-income or middle-income countries for reverse innovation to developed countries
Authors: Bhatti Yasser A , Prime Matthew , Harris Matthew , Wadge Hester , McQueen Julie , Patel Hannah , Carter Alexander W , Parston Gregory , Darzi Ara
Published: November 2017

The healthcare sector stands to benefit most from frugal innovation, the idea that more can be done for less for many more people, globally. As a first step for health systems to leverage new approaches to offset escalating health expenditures and to improve health outcomes, the most relevant frugal innovations have to be found. The Institute of Global Health Innovation was commissioned by the US-based Commonwealth Fund to identify frugal innovations from around the world that could, if transferred to the USA, offer approaches for expanding access to care and dramatically lower costs. Our global scan was motivated by the need to extend the list of frugal innovations in healthcare beyond the impressive but oft-repeated examples such as GE’s MAC 400, a US$800 portable ECG machine, Narayana’s US$1500 cardiac surgery and Aravind’s US$30 cataract surgery. Our search involved (1) scanning innovation databases, (2) refining frameworks to identify frugal innovations and evaluate their reverse potential and (3) developing in-depth case studies. From 520 possible innovations, we shortlisted 16 frugal innovations that we considered as frugal and with potential for reverse diffusion into high-income country health systems. Our global search was narrowed down to three care delivery models for case analysis: The Brazilian Family Health Strategy around community health workers; Singapore-based GeriCare@North use of telemedicine and Brazil’s Saude Crianca community involvement and citizenship programme. We share core features of the three frugal innovations and outline lessons for practitioners, scholars and policymakers seeking to lower healthcare costs while increasing access and quality.
Tactile massage reduces rescue doses for pain and anxiety: an observational study
Authors: Pedersen Karina , Björkhem-Bergman Linda
Published: November 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tactile massage (TM) on palliative care patients.

Method

An observational study at a hospice ward in Sweden was carried out. Forty-one palliative patients were offered TM, at an average of three treatments per patient. Before and after every treatment, self-assessed pain, well-being and anxiety according to the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (0–10) were recorded. In addition, the number of rescue doses for pain and anxiety was monitored 24 hours before and after the treatment and in two consecutive days before the patients were offered TM (control data).

Results

TM resulted in improvement of self-assessed pain by 1.7 points (SD 1.6), anxiety by 2.3 points (SD 2.0) and well-being by 2.6 points (SD 1.4). The number of rescue doses for pain was reduced from 1.6 to 0.84 doses/patient (P<0.001) and for anxiety from 0.52 to 0.24 doses/patient (P<0.01). The number of rescue doses was not changed in the same patients in two consecutive days before the patients were offered TM. The effect was evident already after the first treatment and did not increase further with repeated treatments. No patients reported any harmful effects of the treatment.

Conclusion

TM reduced the need for administration of rescue doses for pain and anxiety and improved well-being in palliative care patients. Larger randomised studies with parallel control groups are needed to confirm the findings from this observational pilot study.
A prospective study of faecal immunochemical testing following polypectomy in a colorectal cancer screening population
Authors: Gibson David J , Nolan Blathnaid , Rea Joanna , Buckley Maire , Horgan Gareth , Sheahan Kieran , Doherty Glen A , O’Donoghue Diarmuid , Mulcahy Hugh E , Smith Alan , Cullen Garret
Published: November 2017

Introduction

52% of faecal immunohistochemistry test (FIT)-positive clients in the Irish National Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme (BowelScreen) have adenomatous polyps identified at colonoscopy in round 1. Although it is known that advanced adenomas and cancers cause an elevated FIT, it is not known if small (<5 mm) adenomas cause a positive FIT.

Aims

Determine if removal of small polyps in an FIT-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programme is associated with a negative FIT on follow-up.

Methods

A single-centre prospective observational study of consecutive participants attending for first round screening colonoscopy who had a positive FIT (>45 µg Hb/g) as part of the Irish Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme. Subjects were consented at the time of colonoscopy and were sent a repeat FIT 4–6 weeks later. Precolonoscopy and postcolonoscopy FITs were compared and correlated with clinical findings and endoscopic intervention.

Results

112 consecutive first round participants were recruited. Eight (7%) had cancer, 75 (67%) adenomatous polyps, 17 (15%) a normal colonoscopy and 12 (11%) other pathology. There was a clear difference in median FIT levels between the four groups (P=0.006). Advanced pathology (tumour or adenomatous polyp >1 cm) was associated with higher FIT than non-advanced pathology (median FIT 346 vs 89 P=0.0003). 83% (86/104) of subjects completed a follow-up FIT. Follow-up FIT remained positive in 20% (17/86). Polypectomy was associated with a reduction in FIT from a median of 100 to 5 µg Hb/g (P<0.0001). Removal of polyps >5 mm was the only factor independently associated with a negative follow-up FIT on multivariate analysis (OR 3.9 (1.3–11.9, P=0.04)).

Conclusion

FIT is a sensitive test and levels increase with advanced colonic pathology. Polypectomy of advanced adenomas is associated with a negative follow-up FIT. However, alternative causes for a positive FIT should be considered in patients who have adenomas less than 5 mm detected or a normal colonoscopy.
Where do women and men in Britain obtain contraception? Findings from the third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3)
Authors: French Rebecca S , Geary Rebecca , Jones Kyle , Glasier Anna , Mercer Catherine H , Datta Jessica , Macdowall Wendy , Palmer Melissa , Johnson Anne M , Wellings Kaye
Published: November 2017

Introduction

To estimate the prevalence of use of different sources of contraceptive supplies in Britain and its variation by key demographic and behavioural characteristics.

Methods

Cross-sectional probability sample survey of women and men aged 16–74 years, resident in Britain, interviewed between 2010 and 2012. Analyses reported here were of 4571 women and 3142 men aged 16–44 years who reported having vaginal sex in the past year. Those relying exclusively on sterilisation (including hysterectomy) were excluded. Sources of contraceptive supplies were categorised as: general practice, community clinic, retail and other. Prevalence of use of these sources was estimated, and associated factors examined.

Results

Some 87.0% of women and 73.8% of men accessed at least one source of contraceptive supplies in the previous year. Most women (59.1%) used general practice and most men (54.6%) used retail outlets. Community clinics were less commonly used, by 23.0% of women and 21.3% of men, but these users were younger and at greater sexual health risk. These associations were also observed among the 27.3% of women and 30.6% of men who used more than one source category (general practice, community clinic or retail) for contraceptive supplies.

Conclusions

People in Britain use a variety of sources to obtain contraceptive supplies and some sources are more commonly used by those more vulnerable to poorer sexual health. Our findings suggest that national policy changes to increase access to contraceptive methods have had an effect on the diversity of services used.
Counselling to include tailored use of combined oral contraception in clinical practice: an evaluation
Authors: Akintomide Hannat , Rank Katherine Margaret , Brima Nataliya , McGregor Fiona , Stephenson Judith
Published: November 2017

Background

Combined oral contraception (COC, ‘the pill’) remains the most prescribed method of contraception in the UK. Although a variety of regimens for taking monophasic COC are held to be clinically safe, women are not routinely counselled about these choices and there is a lack of evidence on how to provide this information to women.

Aim

To assess the usefulness and feasibility of including tailored use of monophasic COC within routine COC counselling in a sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service using a structured format.

Method

Using a structured format, healthcare professionals (HCPs) counselled new and established COC users attending an SRH service about standard and tailored ways of taking the pill. Questionnaires were used to survey both the HCPs and patients immediately after the initial consultation, and then the patients again 8 weeks later.

Results

Nearly all patients (98%, n=95) felt it was helpful to be informed of the different ways of using monophasic COC by the HCP, without giving too much information at one time (96%, n=108). The HCPs were confident of their COC counselling (99%, n=110) and did not think the consultations took significantly longer (88%, n=98).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that information on different pill taking regimens is useful and acceptable to patients, and can improve contraceptive pill user choice. It is also feasible for HCPs to perform COC counselling to include tailored pill use during routine consultations in a clinical setting.
Contraception for adolescents with disabilities: taking control of periods, cycles and conditions
Authors: Dickson Jane , Thwaites Annette , Bacon Lesley
Published: November 2017

The onset of puberty, periods and sexual relationships can be difficult for adolescents and parents. Adolescents with disabilities face a wide range of additional challenges (physical, mental, social and intellectual), which may impact the quality of their lives and those of their families and carers. Research on the use of contraception in young women with disabilities is limited, and clinicians have little practical guidance for best practice. This review article aims to summarise and assess the evidence and guidance for the use of contraception in this group, particularly with regard to management of menstrual and cyclical problems. Multidisciplinary teamwork is important for recognising and addressing the concerns of patients and their carers effectively. The legal and ethical considerations are also highlighted here, as this group of adolescents is highly vulnerable to sexual exploitation and abuse.
Clinical physiotherapists’ experiences of leadership in physiotherapy in Ireland
Authors: McGowan Emer , Walsh Cathal , Stokes Emma
Published: November 2017

Background

Previous studies indicated that physiotherapy managers and clinical specialists perceive themselves to be most effective at demonstrating leadership capabilities associated with the human resource and structural frames.

Aim

To investigate physiotherapists’ perceptions of the leadership capabilities of physiotherapy management in their workplace.

Methods

A quantitative study was performed using a paper-based survey with a purposive sample of physiotherapists. The survey asked participants to rate 24 leadership capabilities on two questions: ‘How important are these capabilities for physiotherapy management to demonstrate?’ and ‘How effective is physiotherapy management in your workplace at demonstrating these capabilities?’ The leadership capabilities were derived from the leadership framework of Bolman and Deal.

Results

The response rate was 55% (n=303). The Friedman test indicated that there was a significant difference in the ratings of importance of the leadership capabilities across the frames (X2(3)=9.362, P=0.025). Post-hoc analysis demonstrated that the symbolic leadership capabilities were rated more highly for importance than the structural leadership capabilities (Z=−2.640, P=0.008). There was also a significant difference in the ratings of effectiveness on the leadership capabilities across the frames (X2(3)=78.022, P<0.001). Physiotherapy management were rated as most effective at demonstrating structural and political frame capabilities and least effective on symbolic frame capabilities.

Conclusions

There is a discrepancy between the leadership capabilities that physiotherapists perceive physiotherapy management to be most effective at demonstrating and the leadership capabilities they perceive to be most important. Physiotherapy management may benefit from specific leadership programmes to develop their leadership capabilities in the symbolic frame.
Choice, pressure and markets in kidneys
Authors: Koplin Julian
Published: November 2017

We do not always benefit from the expansion of our choice sets. This is because some options change the context in which we must make decisions in ways that render us worse off than we would have been otherwise. One promising argument against paid living kidney donation holds that having the option of selling a ‘spare’ kidney would impact people facing financial pressures in precisely this way. I defend this argument from two related criticisms: first, that having the option to sell one’s kidney would only be harmful if one is pressured or coerced to take this specific course of action; and second, that such forms of pressure are unlikely to feature in a legal market.
Design for simultaneous acceleration of stable and unstable beams in a superconducting heavy-ion linear accelerator for RISP
Authors: Kim Jongwon , Son Hyock-Jun , Park Young-Ho
Published: November 2017

The post-accelerator of isotope separation on-line (ISOL) system for rare isotope science project (RISP) is a superconducting linear accelerator (SC-linac) with a DC equivalent voltage of around 160 MV. An isotope beam extracted from the ISOL is in a charge state of [Formula: see text] and its charge state is increased to [Formula: see text] by charge breeding with an electron beam ion source (EBIS). The charge breeding takes tens of ms and the pulse width of extracted beam from the EBIS is tens of [Formula: see text]s, which operates at up to 30 Hz. Consequently a large portion of radio frequency (rf) time of the post SC-linac is unused. The post-linac is equipped also with an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source for stable ion acceleration. Thanks to the large phase acceptance of SC-linac, it is possible to accelerate simultaneously both stable and radioisotope ions with a similar charge to mass ratio by sharing rf time. This operation scheme is implemented for RISP with the addition of an electric chopper and magnetic kickers. The facility will be capable of providing the users of the ISOL and in-flight fragmentation (IF) systems with different beams simultaneously, which would help nuclear science users in obtaining a beam time as high-precision measurements often need long hours.
Unusual Pathology in a Kidney from a Heart-Transplant Patient
Authors: Larcher Marie , Delas Audey , Delmas Clément , Cointault Olivier , Dambrin Camille , Del Bello Arnaud , Kamar Nassim
Published: November 2017

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is often observed after heart transplantation. In this setting, acute tubular necrosis is the main histological finding on kidneys. We report the unusual pathology found in a kidney from a heart-transplant patient. The patient experienced several hemodynamic insults, massive transfusion, and implantation of a mechanical circulatory-support device before heart transplantation: there was prolonged AKI after transplantation. A kidney biopsy revealed acute tubular necrosis and renal hemosiderosis, which was probably related to the transfusion and to mechanical circulatory-support device-induced intravascular hemolysis. Assessment of iron during resuscitation could have prevented, at least partly, AKI.
The Application Research of Inverse Finite Element Method for Frame Deformation Estimation
Authors: Zhao Yong , Bao Hong , Duan Xuechao , Fang Hongmei
Published: November 2017

A frame deformation estimation algorithm is investigated for the purpose of real-time control and health monitoring of flexible lightweight aerospace structures. The inverse finite element method (iFEM) for beam deformation estimation was recently proposed by Gherlone and his collaborators. The methodology uses a least squares principle involving section strains of Timoshenko theory for stretching, torsion, bending, and transverse shearing. The proposed methodology is based on stain-displacement relations only, without invoking force equilibrium. Thus, the displacement fields can be reconstructed without the knowledge of structural mode shapes, material properties, and applied loading. In this paper, the number of the locations where the section strains are evaluated in the iFEM is discussed firstly, and the algorithm is subsequently investigated through a simple supplied beam and an experimental aluminum wing-like frame model in the loading case of end-node force. The estimation results from the iFEM are compared with reference displacements from optical measurement and computational analysis, and the accuracy of the algorithm estimation is quantified by the root-mean-square error and percentage difference error.
Circadian Rhythm Disturbances in Mood Disorders: Insights into the Role of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus
Authors: Vadnie Chelsea A. , McClung Colleen A.
Published: November 2017

Circadian rhythm disturbances are a common symptom among individuals with mood disorders. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), in the ventral part of the anterior hypothalamus, orchestrates physiological and behavioral circadian rhythms. The SCN consists of self-sustaining oscillators and receives photic and nonphotic cues, which entrain the SCN to the external environment. In turn, through synaptic and hormonal mechanisms, the SCN can drive and synchronize circadian rhythms in extra-SCN brain regions and peripheral tissues. Thus, genetic or environmental perturbations of SCN rhythms could disrupt brain regions more closely related to mood regulation and cause mood disturbances. Here, we review clinical and preclinical studies that provide evidence both for and against a causal role for the SCN in mood disorders.
Network Entropy and Systemic Risk in Dynamic Banking Systems
Authors: He Liang , Li Shouwei
Published: November 2017

We investigate network entropy of dynamic banking systems, where interbank networks analyzed include random networks, small-world networks, and scale-free networks. We find that network entropy is positively correlated with the effect of systemic risk in the three kinds of interbank networks and that network entropy in the small-world network is the largest, followed by those in the random network and the scale-free network.
Small Signals’ Study of Thermal Induced Current in Nanoscale SOI Sensor
Authors: Mandelbaum Yaakov , Gadasi Ilan , Chelly Avraham , Zalevsky Zeev , Karsenty Avi
Published: November 2017

A new nanoscale SOI dual-mode modulator is investigated as a function of optical and thermal activation modes. In order to accurately characterize the device specifications towards its future integration in microelectronics circuitry, current time variations are studied and compared for “large signal” constant temperature changes, as well as for “small signal” fluctuating temperature sources. An equivalent circuit model is presented to define the parameters which are assessed by numerical simulation. Assuring that the thermal response is fast enough, the device can be operated as a modulator via thermal stimulation or, on the other hand, can be used as thermal sensor/imager. We present here the design, simulation, and model of the next generation which seems capable of speeding up the processing capabilities. This novel device can serve as a building block towards the development of optical/thermal data processing while breaking through the way to all optic processors based on silicon chips that are fabricated via typical microelectronics fabrication process.
Open-Source Based Testbed for Multioperator 4G/5G Infrastructure Sharing in Virtual Environments
Authors: Marco Alaez Ricardo , Alcaraz Calero Jose M. , Wang Qi , Belqasmi Fatna , El Barachi May , Badra Mohamad , Alfandi Omar
Published: November 2017

Fourth-Generation (4G) mobile networks are based on Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technologies and are being deployed worldwide, while research on further evolution towards the Fifth Generation (5G) has been recently initiated. 5G will be featured with advanced network infrastructure sharing capabilities among different operators. Therefore, an open-source implementation of 4G/5G networks with this capability is crucial to enable early research in this area. The main contribution of this paper is the design and implementation of such a 4G/5G open-source testbed to investigate multioperator infrastructure sharing capabilities executed in virtual architectures. The proposed design and implementation enable the virtualization and sharing of some of the components of the LTE architecture. A testbed has been implemented and validated with intensive empirical experiments conducted to validate the suitability of virtualizing LTE components in virtual infrastructures (i.e., infrastructures with multitenancy sharing capabilities). The impact of the proposed technologies can lead to significant saving of both capital and operational costs for mobile telecommunication operators.
On the Power of Simulation and Admissible Functions in Metric Fixed Point Theory
Authors: Alharbi Areej S. S. , Alsulami Hamed H. , Karapinar Erdal
Published: November 2017

We investigate the existence and uniqueness of certain operators which form a new contractive condition via the combining of the notions of admissible function and simulation function contained in the context of completeb-metric spaces. The given results not only unify but also generalize a number of existing results on the topic in the corresponding literature.