bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of stable isotopes to understand run‐off generation processes in theRedRiverDelta
Authors: Trinh Duc Anh , Luu Minh Thi Nguyet , Le Quynh Thi Phuong
Published: August 2017

This paper presents the use of stable isotopes of water for hydrological characterization and flow component partitioning in the Red River Delta (RRD), the downstream section of the Red River. Water samples were collected monthly during 2015 from the mainstream section of the river and its right bank tributaries flowing through the RRD. In general, δ18O and δ2H river signatures were depleted in summer–autumn (May–October) and elevated in winter–spring (November–April), displaying seasonal variation in response to regional monsoon air mass contest. The Pacific equatorial–maritime air mass dominates in summer and the northern Asia continental air mass controls in winter. Results show that water of the RRD tributaries stems solely from local sources and is completely separated from water arriving from upstream subbasins. This separation is due to the extensive management of the RRD (e.g., dykes and dams) for the purposes of irrigation and inundation prevention. Mainstream river section δ18O and δ2H compositions range from −10.58 and −73.74‰ to −6.80 and −43.40‰, respectively, and the corresponding ranges inside the RRD were from −9.35 and −64.27‰ to −2.09 and −15.80‰. A combination of data analysis and hydrological simulation confirms the role of upstream hydropower reservoirs in retaining and mixing upstream water. River water inside the RRD experienced strong evaporation characterized by depleted d‐excess values, becoming negative in summer. On the other hand, the main stream of the Red River has d‐excess values around 10‰, indicating moderate evaporation. Hydrograph separation shows that in upstream subbasins, the groundwater fraction dominates the river flow composition, especially during low flow regimes. Inside the RRD, the river receives groundwater during the dry season, whereas groundwater replenishment occurs in the rainy season. Annual evaporation obtained from this hydrograph separation computation was about 6.3% of catchment discharge, the same order as deduced from the difference between subbasin precipitation and discharge values. This study shows the necessity to re‐evaluate empirical approaches in large river hydrology assessment schemes, especially in the context of climate change.
Four PTEN‐targeting co‐expressed miRNAs and ACTN4‐ targeting miR‐548b are independent prognostic biomarkers in human squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue
Authors: Berania Ilyes , Cardin Guillaume B. , Clément Isabelle , Guertin Louis , Ayad Tareck , Bissada Eric , Nguyen‐Tan Phuc Felix , Filion Edith , Guilmette Julie , Gologan Olguta , Soulieres Denis , Rodier Francis , Wong Philip , Christopoulos Apostolos
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic value and oncogenic pathways associated to miRNA expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue and to link these miRNA candidates with potential gene targets. We performed a miRNA screening within our institutional cohort (n = 58 patients) and reported five prognostic targets including a cluster of four co‐expressed miRNAs (miR‐18a, miR‐92a, miR‐103, and miR‐205). Multivariate analysis showed that expression of miR‐548b (p = 0.007) and miR‐18a (p = 0.004, representative of co‐expressed miRNAs) are independent prognostic markers for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue. These findings were validated in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort (n = 131) for both miRNAs (miR‐548b: p = 0.027; miR‐18a: p = 0.001). Bioinformatics analysis identified PTEN and ACTN4 as direct targets of the four co‐expressed miRNAs and miR‐548b, respectively. Correlations between the five identified miRNAs and their respective targeted genes were validated in the two merged cohorts and were concordantly significant (miR‐18a/PTEN: p < 0.0001; miR‐92a/PTEN: p = 0.0008; miR‐103/PTEN: p = 0.008; miR‐203/PTEN: p = 0.019; miR‐548b/ACTN4: p = 0.009).
Gelatinized‐core liposomes: Toward a more robust carrier for hydrophilic molecules
Authors: Hathout Rania M. , Gad Heba A. , Metwally Abdelkader A.
Published: August 2017

The use of liposomes as a delivery system for hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs is well recognized. However, they possess several limitations that remained unresolved, including stability problems, low entrapment of the hydrophilic drugs, and the subsequent rapid release. This study introduces a novel approach to incorporate gelatin in the liposomal core to overcome these limitations. A rheological study was conducted to select suitable masses of the gelatin used in the liposomal formulations. Moreover, a full‐factorial experimental design was utilized to compare the newly produced gel–core liposomes to the conventional liposomes with respect to the amount of a model hydrophilic molecule loading. An advanced machine learning method, namely, artificial neural networks was utilized to capture the effects of gelatin and cholesterol incorporation in the liposomes on the entrapment efficiency. The results revealed the successful preparation of the novel vesicles and their superiority over the conventional liposomes in drug loading, sustaining the drug release and stability which pose the newly introduced liposomal system as a successful delivery carrier for hydrophilic molecules and drugs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3086–3092, 2017.
Short and long gap peripheral nerve repair with magnesium metal filaments
Authors: Hopkins Tracy M. , Little Kevin J. , Vennemeyer John J. , Triozzi Jefferson L. , Turgeon Michael K. , Heilman Alexander M. , Minteer D. , Marra K. , Hom David B. , Pixley Sarah K.
Published: August 2017

A current clinical challenge is to replace autografts for repair of injury gaps in peripheral nerves, which can occur due to trauma or surgical interruption. Biodegradable metallic magnesium filaments, placed inside hollow nerve conduits, could support nerve repair by providing contact guidance support for axonal regeneration. This was tested by repairing sciatic nerves of adult rats with single magnesium filaments placed inside poly(caprolactone) nerve conduits. Controls were empty conduits, conduits containing titanium filaments and/or isografts from donor rats. With a nerve gap of 6 mm and 6 weeks post‐repair, magnesium filaments had partially resorbed. Regenerating cells had attached to the filaments and axons were observed in distal stumps in all animals. Axon parameters were improved with magnesium compared to conduits alone or conduits with single titanium filaments. With a longer gap of 15 mm and 16 weeks post‐repair, functional parameters were improved with isografts, but not with magnesium filaments or empty conduits. Magnesium filaments were completely resorbed and no evidence of scarring was seen. While axon outgrowth was not improved with the longer gap, histological measures of the tissues were improved with magnesium compared to empty conduits. Therefore, the use of magnesium filaments is promising because they are biocompatible and improve aspects of nerve regeneration. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3148–3158, 2017.
Absence of Effect of Intravaginal Miconazole, Clindamycin, Nonoxynol‐9, and Tampons on the Pharmacokinetics of an Anastrozole/Levonorgestrel Intravaginal Ring
Authors: Nave Rüdiger , Klein Stefan , Müller André , Chang Xinying , Höchel Joachim
Published: August 2017

A study was performed to investigate the effect of an intravaginally administered antimycotic, an antibiotic, and a spermicide plus the co‐usage of tampons on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of levonorgestrel (LNG) and anastrozole (ATZ) administered as an intravaginal ring (IVR) releasing 1050 μg ATZ per day and 40 μg LNG per day. In this parallel‐group, randomized, open‐label study, healthy premenopausal women received an IVR as the main treatment. Comedications were administered on 3 consecutive evenings during treatment with IVR on days 9–11 (group A, 400 mg miconazole; group B, 100 mg clindamycin; group C, 75 mg nonoxynol‐9); tampon co‐usage (group D) was performed on days 20–23. The primary PK parameter was the average plasma concentration (Cav,ss) of ATZ and LNG at defined intervals, mainly prior to, during, and up to 7 days after the start of comedication. Fifty‐two subjects were included, and at least 11 subjects per group completed the treatments. Overall, the medications and comedications were safe and well tolerated. Very similar ATZ and LNG plasma levels were observed across all groups. The calculated ratios of Cav,ss confirmed the absence of PK interactions because all relevant point estimates and 90% confidence intervals were within the range of 0.800–1.250, which is typically used in bioequivalence studies. These results demonstrate the absence of PK interactions between ATZ/LNG released from IVR and the tested antibiotic, antimycotic, spermicide, and tampons. Therefore, no restrictions for the use of the IVR are needed to continue the clinical program intended to treat endometriosis symptoms.
Extreme large‐for‐size syndrome after adult liver transplantation: A model for predicting a potentially lethal complication
Authors: Allard Marc‐Antoine , Lopes Felipe , Frosio Fabio , Golse Nicolas , Sa Cunha Antonio , Cherqui Daniel , Castaing Denis , Adam René , Vibert Eric
Published: August 2017

There is currently no tool available to predict extreme large‐for‐size (LFS) syndrome, a potentially disastrous complication after adult liver transplantation (LT). We aimed to identify the risk factors for extreme LFS and to build a simple predictive model. A cohort of consecutive patients who underwent LT with full grafts in a single institution was studied. The extreme LFS was defined by the impossibility to achieve direct fascial closure, even after delayed management, associated with early allograft dysfunction or nonfunction. Computed tomography scan–based measurements of the recipient were done at the lower extremity of the xiphoid. After 424 LTs for 394 patients, extreme LFS occurred in 10 (2.4%) cases. The 90‐day mortality after extreme LFS was 40.0% versus 6.5% in other patients (P = 0.003). In the extreme LFS group, the male donor–female recipient combination was more often observed (80.0% versus 17.4%; P < 0.001). The graft weight (GW)/right anteroposterior (RAP) distance ratio was predictive of extreme LFS with the highest area under the curve (area under the curve, 0.95). The optimal cutoff was 100 (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 88%). The other ratios based on height, weight, body mass index, body surface area, and standard liver volume exhibited lower predictive performance. The final multivariate model included the male donor–female recipient combination and the GW/RAP. When the GW to RAP ratio increases from 80, 100, to 120, the probability of extreme LFS was 2.6%, 9.6%, and 29.1% in the male donor–female recipient combination, and <1%, 1.2%, and 4.5% in other combinations. In conclusion, the GW/RAP ratio predicts extreme LFS and may be helpful to avoid futile refusal for morphological reasons or to anticipate situation at risk, especially in female recipients. Liver Transplantation 23 1294–1304 2017 AASLD.
N370S‐GBA1 mutation causes lysosomal cholesterol accumulation in Parkinson's disease
Authors: García‐Sanz Patricia , Orgaz Lorena , Bueno‐Gil Guillermo , Espadas Isabel , Rodríguez‐Traver Eva , Kulisevsky Jaime , Gutierrez Antonia , Dávila José C. , González‐Polo Rosa A. , Fuentes José M. , Mir Pablo , Vicario Carlos , Moratalla Rosario
Published: August 2017

Background

Heterozygous mutations in the GBA1 gene, which encodes the lysosomal enzyme β‐glucocerebrosidase‐1, increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the N370S‐GBA1 mutation on cellular homeostasis and vulnerability in a patient‐specific cellular model of PD.

Methods

We isolated fibroblasts from 4 PD patients carrying the N370S/wild type GBA1 mutation and 6 controls to study the autophagy‐lysosome pathway, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and Golgi apparatus structure by Western blot, immunofluorescence, LysoTracker and Filipin stainings, mRNA analysis, and electron microscopy. We evaluated cell vulnerability by apoptosis, reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential with flow cytometry.

Results

The N370S mutation produced a significant reduction in β‐glucocerebrosidase‐1 protein and enzyme activity and β‐glucocerebrosidase‐1 retention within the endoplasmic reticulum, which interrupted its traffic to the lysosome. This led to endoplasmic reticulum stress activation and triggered unfolded protein response and Golgi apparatus fragmentation. Furthermore, these alterations resulted in autophagosome and p62/SQSTM1 accumulation. This impaired autophagy was a result of dysfunctional lysosomes, indicated by multilamellar body accumulation probably caused by increased cholesterol, enlarged lysosomal mass, and reduced enzyme activity. This phenotype impaired the removal of damaged mitochondria and reactive oxygen species production and enhanced cell death.

Conclusions

Our results support a connection between the loss of β‐glucocerebrosidase‐1 function, cholesterol accumulation, and the disruption of cellular homeostasis in GBA1‐PD. Our work reveals new insights into the cellular pathways underlying PD pathogenesis, providing evidence that GBA1‐PD shares common features with lipid‐storage diseases. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Insurance coverage decisions for pediatric proton therapy
Authors: Ojerholm Eric , Hill‐Kayser Christine E.
Published: August 2017

Proton beam therapy (PBT) holds promise for pediatric patients, but level 1 evidence is not available. In this context, we examined insurance coverage decisions at our facility from 2010 to 2015. PBT was initially denied for 11% of pediatric cases. However, nearly all denials were overturned on appeal—a process that often delayed care by more than a week. Despite unfavorable language in coverage policies, real‐world decisions were eventual approval in >99% of cases. Payers appear to have largely accepted the current level‐of‐evidence for pediatric PBT, but all parties spend significant time and resources on appeals. Streamlined approval processes could align incentives among stakeholders.
Propylene polymerization reactions with supported Ziegler–Natta catalysts: Observing polymer material produced by a single active center
Authors: Kissin Yury V. , Marin Vladimir P. , Nelson Patricia J.
Published: August 2017

Medium‐ and high‐resolution SEM analysis of several Ti‐based MgCl2‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalysts and isotactic polypropylene produced with them is carried out. Each catalyst particle, 35–55 μ in size, produces one polymer particle with an average size of 1.5–2 mm, which replicates the shape of the catalyst particle. Polymer particles contain two distinct morphological features. The larger of them are globules with Dav ∼400 nm; from 1 to 2 × 1011 globules per particle. Each globule represents the combined polymer output of a single active center. The globules consist of ∼2500 microglobules with an average size of ∼20 nm. The microglobules contain several folded polymer molecules; they are the smallest thermodynamically stable macromolecular ensembles in propylene polymerization reactions. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3832–3841
Ultraviolet–Visible Chiroptical Activity of Aluminum Nanostructures
Authors: Liu Junjun , Yang Lin , Zhang Han , Wang Jianfang , Huang Zhifeng
Published: August 2017

Ultraviolet (UV)‐resonant metals (e.g., aluminum) typically have low melting point to cause a fabrication difficulty in helical sculpture to generate plasmons with chiroptical activity in the UV region. In this work, using glancing angle deposition (GLAD), two new methods are devised to generate crystalline chiral Al nanostructures that have stable chiroptical response in the UV–visible region originating from intrinsic helical structures. One approach involves fast substrate rotation during GLAD to fabricate Al nanoparticles (AlNPs) with hidden helicity; another is to deposit an achiral Al thin film on a host of plasmonic chiral NPs, such that the helical structures are duplicated from the chiral host to the achiral guest of Al nanocappings. The host@guest helicity duplication is a new GLAD methodology to generate chiroptically active plasmons, which can be generally adapted to diverse plasmonic metals for tailoring plasmonic chiroptical activity flexibly in the UV–visible region. More importantly, this work offers those two new methods to generate UV‐active plasmonic chiral substrates, which can markedly enhance chiroptical activity of biomolecules. It would open a door to develop surface‐enhanced chiroptical spectroscopies for sensitively monitoring stereobiochemical information, which is of prominent interest in understanding a wide range of homochirality‐determined biological phenomena.
Modal superposition according to EC8
Authors: Ummenhofer Thomas , Knödel Peter
Published: August 2017

Frau Univ.‐Prof. Dr.‐Ing. Ulrike Kuhlmann zur Vollendung ihres 60. Lebensjahres gewidmet

Modale Überlagerung nach EC8.

Nach EC8‐1 ist modale Überlagerung anzuwenden, wenn die Kriterien für Regelmäßigkeit nicht eingehalten sind. Die Ersatzkraftmethode darf dann nicht mehr angewendet werden. Nach einer „gilt als erfüllt Regel” hängt die Anzahl der zu berücksichtigenden Moden von der Summe der modalen Masse und von der individuellen modalen Masse einer Mode ab. Dabei ist „modale Masse” innerhalb des EC8‐1 nicht klar definiert. In der Fachliteratur werden ähnliche, aber unterschiedliche Größen mit ähnlichen Begriffen bezeichnet. Im vorliegenden Artikel wird ein einfacher, zweigeschossiger, unausgesteifter Rahmen untersucht. Die Ergebnisse erlauben Schlussfolgerungen, die dem Tragwerksplaner dabei helfen können, höhere Moden sowie Torsionsmoden außer Acht zu lassen.
Ultrasound evaluation of left ventricular and aortic fibrosis after pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Orabona R. , Sciatti E. , Vizzardi E. , Bonadei I. , Prefumo F. , Valcamonico A. , Metra M. , Frusca T.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Myocardial fibrosis is associated with adverse clinical outcome in adults. Our aim was to investigate using echocardiographic calibrated integrated backscatter (cIBS) the presence of myocardial and/or aortic fibrosis in asymptomatic women with a history of early‐onset (EO) or late‐onset (LO) pre‐eclampsia (PE).

Methods

Thirty non‐pregnant women whose most recent pregnancy was complicated by EO‐PE, 30 with previous LO‐PE pregnancy and 30 controls who had experienced only uncomplicated pregnancy previously were selected retrospectively from our electronic database and recalled between 6 months and 4 years after delivery. Data regarding gestational age (GA) and mean uterine artery (UtA) pulsatility index (PI) at diagnosis of PE were collected from their medical records. The women underwent cardiovascular assessment, during which the presence of fibrosis was investigated, by means of cIBS, at the basal interventricular septum (cIBSIVS), the basal posterior wall (cIBSPW) and the anterior wall of the ascending aorta, 3 cm above the valve (cIBSAO). These findings were compared between the three patient groups.

Results

Using cIBS imaging, we found significant left ventricular (LV) fibrosis in women with a history of EO‐PE compared with those with previous LO‐PE pregnancy and controls (intergroup ANOVA P < 0.001 for cIBSIVS and P = 0.005 for cIBSPW), whereas aortic fibrosis did not differ significantly among cases and controls. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis showed that LV fibrosis was associated independently with lower GA and higher mean UtA‐PI at diagnosis of PE, while cIBSAO correlated with aortic diameters, stiffness and ventricular–arterial coupling.

Conclusions

Women with a history of EO‐PE show LV fibrosis in the short–medium term after delivery compared with women with previous LO‐PE pregnancy and controls. LV fibrosis is associated with GA and mean UtA‐PI at onset of PE. Larger studies using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are needed to validate and confirm our findings. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
2, 84, 30, 993, 560, 15456, 11962, 261485, . . .: higher dimension operators in the SM EFT
Authors: Henning Brian , Lu Xiaochuan , Melia Tom , Murayama Hitoshi
Published: August 2017

Abstract

In a companion paper [1], we show that operator bases for general effective field theories are controlled by the conformal algebra. Equations of motion and integration by parts identities can be systematically treated by organizing operators into irreducible representations of the conformal group. In the present work, we use this result to study the standard model effective field theory (SM EFT), determining the content and number of higher dimension operators up to dimension 12, for an arbitrary number of fermion generations. We find additional operators to those that have appeared in the literature at dimension 7 (specifically in the case of more than one fermion generation) and at dimension 8. (The title sequence is the total number of independent operators in the SM EFT with one fermion generation, including hermitian conjugates, ordered in mass dimension, starting at dimension 5.)
Histologically Proven Bronchial Neuroendocrine Tumors in MEN1: A GTE 51‐Case Cohort Study
Authors: Lecomte P. , Binquet C. , Le Bras M. , Tabarin A. , Cardot‐Bauters C. , Borson‐Chazot F. , Lombard‐Bohas C. , Baudin E. , Delemer B. , Klein M. , Vergès B. , Aparicio T. , Cosson E. , Beckers A. , Caron Ph. , Chabre O. , Chanson Ph. , Du Boullay H. , Guilhem I. , Niccoli P. , Rohmer V. , Guigay J. , Vulpoi C. , Scoazec J. Y. , Goudet P.
Published: August 2017

Objective

To evaluate the natural history of MEN1‐related bronchial endocrine tumors (br‐NETs) and to determine their histological characteristics, survival and causes of death.

Summary background data

br‐NETs frequency ranges from 3 to 13% and may reach 32% depending on the number of patients evaluated and on the criteria required for diagnosis.

Methods

The 1023‐patient series of symptomatic MEN1 patients followed up in a median of 48.7 [35.5–59.6] years by the Groupe d’étude des Tumeurs Endocrines was analyzed using time‐to‐event techniques.

Results

br‐NETs were found in 51 patients (4.8%, [95% CI 3.6–6.2%]) and were discovered by imaging in 86% of cases (CT scan, Octreoscan, Chest X‐ray, MRI). Median age at diagnosis was 45 years [28–66]. Histological examination showed 27 (53%) typical carcinoids (TC), 16 (31%) atypical carcinoids (AC), 2 (4%) large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNEC), 3(6%) small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (SCLC), 3(6%) TC associated with AC. Overall survival was not different from the rest of the cohort (HR 0.29, [95% CI 0.02–5.14]). AC tended to have a worse prognosis than TC (p = 0.08). Seven deaths were directly related to br‐NETs (three AC, three SCLC and one LCNEC). Patients who underwent surgery survived longer (p = 10−4) and were metastasis free, while 8 of 14 non‐operated patients were metastatic. There were no operative deaths.

Conclusions

Around 5% of MEN1 patients develop br‐NETs. br‐NETs do not decrease overall survival in MEN1 patients, but poorly differentiated and aggressive br‐NETs can cause death. br‐NETs must be screened carefully. A biopsy is essential to operate on patients in time.
When to Consider Risk‐Reducing Mastectomy in BRCA1/BRCA2 Mutation Carriers with Advanced Stage Ovarian Cancer: a Case Study Illustrating the Genetic Counseling Challenges
Authors: Speight Beverley , Tischkowitz Marc
Published: August 2017

Germline mutations in BRCA1/BRCA2 significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women. This case report describes a BRCA1 germline mutation identified in a woman with stage IV epithelial ovarian cancer and the provision of genetic counseling about BRCA1‐associated breast cancer risk in the three years following diagnosis. The report centers on the patient's enquiry about risk‐reducing breast surgery. We focus on the challenges for health professionals and patients in understanding and balancing the risks and benefits of major prophylactic surgery in the context of a potentially life‐limiting cancer diagnosis. Breast cancer risk management in BRCA1/BRCA2 carriers with advanced ovarian cancer is an under‐explored area of genetic counseling research. This article includes a case report, a review of the relevant literature and considers some implications for practice.
Regional tau deposition and subregion atrophy of medial temporal structures in early Alzheimer's disease: A combined positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Sone Daichi , Imabayashi Etsuko , Maikusa Norihide , Okamura Nobuyuki , Furumoto Shozo , Kudo Yukitsuka , Ogawa Masayo , Takano Harumasa , Yokoi Yuma , Sakata Masuhiro , Tsukamoto Tadashi , Kato Koichi , Matsuda Hiroshi
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Molecular imaging and selective hippocampal subfield atrophy are a focus of recent Alzheimer's disease (AD) research. Here, we investigated correlations between molecular imaging and hippocampal subfields in early AD.

Methods

We investigated 18 patients with early AD and 18 healthy control subjects using 11C‐Pittsburgh compound‐B (PIB) positron emission tomography (PET) and 18F‐THK5351 PET and automatic segmentation of hippocampal subfields with high‐resolution T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The PET images were normalized and underwent voxelwise regression analysis with each subregion volumes using SPM12.

Results

As for 18F‐THK5351 PET, the bilateral perirhinal cortex volumes were significantly associated with the ipsilateral or bilateral temporal lobar uptakes, whereas hippocampal subfields showed no correlations. 11C‐PIB PET showed relatively broad negative correlation with the right cornu ammonis 3 volumes.

Discussion

Regional tau deposition was correlated with extrahippocampal subregional atrophy and not with hippocampal subfields, possibly reflecting different underlying mechanisms of atrophy in early AD. Amyloid might be associated with right cornu ammonis 3 atrophy.
Quality of Life and Sexual Function Benefits of Long-Term Testosterone Treatment: Longitudinal Results From the Registry of Hypogonadism in Men (RHYME)
Authors: Rosen Raymond C. , Wu Frederick , Behre Hermann M. , Porst Hartmut , Meuleman Eric J.H. , Maggi Mario , Romero-Otero Javier , Martinez-Salamanca Juan I. , Jones Thomas Hugh , Debruyne Frans M.J. , Kurth Karl-Heinz , Hackett Geoff I. , Quinton Richard , Stroberg Peter , Reisman Yacov , Pescatori Edoardo S. , Morales Antonio , Bassas Lluis , Cruz Natalio , Cunningham Glenn R. , Wheaton Olivia A. ,   RHYME Investigators
Published: August 2017

Background

The benefits and risks of long-term testosterone administration have been a topic of much scientific and regulatory interest in recent years.

Aim

To assess long-term quality of life (QOL) and sexual function benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) prospectively in a diverse, multinational cohort of men with hypogonadism.

Methods

A multinational patient registry was used to assess long-term changes associated with TRT in middle-age and older men with hypogonadism. Comprehensive evaluations were conducted at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after enrollment into the registry.

Outcomes

QOL and sexual function were evaluated by validated measures, including the Aging Males’ Symptom (AMS) Scale and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).

Results

A total of 999 previously untreated men with hypogonadism were enrolled at 25 European centers, 750 of whom received TRT at at least one visit during the period of observation. Patients on TRT reported rapid and sustained improvements in QOL, with fewer sexual, psychological, and somatic symptoms. Modest improvements in QOL and sexual function, including erectile function, also were noted in RHYME patients not on TRT, although treated patients showed consistently greater benefit over time in all symptom domains compared with untreated patients. AMS total scores for patients on TRT were 32.8 (95% confidence interval = 31.3–34.4) compared with 36.6 (95% confidence interval = 34.8–38.5) for untreated patients (P < .001). Small but significant improvements in IIEF scores over time also were noted with TRT. Approximately 25% of treated and untreated men also used phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, with notable differences in the frequency of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor prescription use according to physician specialty and geographic site location.

Clinical Implications

TRT-related benefits in QOL and sexual function are well maintained for up to 36 months after initiation of treatment.

Strengths and Limitations

The major strengths are the large, diverse patient population being treated in multidisciplinary clinical settings. The major limitation is the frequency of switching from one formulation to another.

Conclusion

Overall, we confirmed the broad and sustained benefits of TRT across major QOL dimensions, including sexual, somatic, and psychological health, which were sustained over 36 months in our treatment cohort.
Percutaneous Ultrasonic Tenotomy for Refractory Common Extensor Tendinopathy After Failed Open Surgical Release: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Williams Reed C. , Pourcho Adam M.
Published: August 2017

Common extensor tendinopathy (CET) is a common, painful overuse and degenerative condition of the lateral elbow, affecting an estimated 2 million patients per year. Although many cases resolve with conservative treatment, recalcitrant cases may progress to open surgical intervention. For patients who do not improve with surgical management, treatment options are extremely limited. In this article, we present 2 cases of recalcitrant surgically treated CET successfully treated with sonographically guided percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy with 1‐year follow‐up. To our knowledge, this is the first publication demonstrating successful treatment of recalcitrant CET after open surgical repair, with the use of ultrasonic tenotomy.

Level of Evidence

V
A behavioural explanation to the asymmetric volatility phenomenon: Evidence from market volatility index
Authors: Pati Pratap Chandra , Rajib Prabina , Barai Parama
Published: August 2017

This study examines how the behavioural explanations, in particular loss aversion, can be used to explain the asymmetric volatility phenomenon by investigating the relationship between stock market returns and changes in investor perceptions of risk measured by the volatility index. We study the behaviour of India volatility index vis‐à‐vis Hong Kong, Australia and UK volatility index, and provide a comprehensive comparative analysis. Using Bai‐Perron test, we identify structural breaks and volatility regimes in the time series of volatility index, and investigate the volatility index‐return relation during high, medium and low volatility periods. Regardless of volatility regimes, we find that volatility index moves in opposite direction in response to stock index returns, and contemporaneous return is the most dominating across the four markets. The negative relation is strongest for UK followed by Australia, Hong Kong and India. Second, volatility index reacts significantly different to positive and negative returns; negative return has higher impact on changes in volatility index than positive return across the markets over full‐sample and sub‐sample periods. The asymmetric effect is stronger in low volatility regime than in high and medium volatility periods for all the markets except UK. The strength of asymmetric effect is strongest for Hong Kong and weakest for India. Finally, negative returns have exponentially increasing effect and positive returns have exponentially decreasing effect on the changes in volatility index.
Targeting Statues: Monument “Vandalism” as an Expression of Sociopolitical Protest in South Africa
Authors: Marschall Sabine
Published: August 2017

Inspired by the “Rhodes Must Fall” campaign, this article examines the defacement of statues and commemorative monuments in postapartheid South Africa. The term “vandalism” is problematized and, based on observation, site visits, and media reports, various cases of statue defacement are then discussed. Local events are contextualized in relation to selected postcolonial societies in Africa and other comparative international contexts. The article argues that political discontent is not necessarily expressed in overt acts of ideologically motivated vandalism, but can manifest itself equally in acts of neglect, disrespect, silence, and disengagement.
Melting and freezing under Antarctic ice shelves from a combination of ice-sheet modelling and observations
Authors: BERNALES JORGE , ROGOZHINA IRINA , THOMAS MAIK
Published: August 2017

Ice-shelf basal melting is the largest contributor to the negative mass balance of the Antarctic ice sheet. However, current implementations of ice/ocean interactions in ice-sheet models disagree with the distribution of sub-shelf melt and freezing rates revealed by recent observational studies. Here we present a novel combination of a continental-scale ice flow model and a calibration technique to derive the spatial distribution of basal melting and freezing rates for the whole Antarctic ice-shelf system. The modelled ice-sheet equilibrium state is evaluated against topographic and velocity observations. Our high-resolution (10-km spacing) simulation predicts an equilibrium ice-shelf basal mass balance of −1648.7 Gt a−1 that increases to −1917.0 Gt a−1 when the observed ice-shelf thinning rates are taken into account. Our estimates reproduce the complexity of the basal mass balance of Antarctic ice shelves, providing a reference for parameterisations of sub-shelf ocean/ice interactions in continental ice-sheet models. We perform a sensitivity analysis to assess the effects of variations in the model set-up, showing that the retrieved estimates of basal melting and freezing rates are largely insensitive to changes in the internal model parameters, but respond strongly to a reduction of model resolution and the uncertainty in the input datasets.
Epicutaneous sensitization with nematode antigens of fish parasites results in the production of specific IgG and IgE
Authors: Fontenelle G. , Knoff M. , Verícimo M.A. , São Clemente S.C.
Published: August 2017

Fish consumption plays an important role in the human diet.Hoplias malabaricus, trahira, is a freshwater fish widely appreciated in several Brazilian states and it is frequently infected byContracaecum multipapillatumthird-instar larvae (L3). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the allergenic potential of theC. multipapillatumL3 crude extract (CECM). BALB/c mice were immunized intraperitoneally (ip) with 10 or 50 μg CECM associated with 2 mg of aluminium hydroxide on days 0, 14 and 48. The determination of specific IgG and IgE antibody levels was done after immunization, and the late immunity was evaluated by the intradermal reaction in the ear pavilion. Epicutaneous sensitization was performed in the dorsal region, with antigenic exposure via a Finn-type chamber, containing 100 μg of chicken ovum albumin (OVA) or 100 μg CECM. After the exposures, the specific antibody levels were determined. In the ip immunization, there was a gradual increase in IgG antibody levels, independent of CECM concentration. In relation to IgE production, it was transitory, and immunization with 10 μg was more efficient than that of 50 μg. The same result was observed in the cellular hypersensitivity reaction. In the case of antigen exposure by the epicutaneous route, it was verified that only CECM was able to induce detectable levels of specific IgG and IgE antibodies. In the present study it was demonstrated that both intraperitoneal immunization and epicutaneous contact withC. multipapillatumlarval antigens are potentially capable of inducing allergic sensitization in mice.
Robust monitoring of the Eurasian lynxLynx lynxin the Slovak Carpathians reveals lower numbers than officially reported
Authors: Kubala Jakub , Smolko Peter , Zimmermann Fridolin , Rigg Robin , Tám Branislav , Iľko Tomáš , Foresti Danilo , Breitenmoser-Würsten Christine , Kropil Rudolf , Breitenmoser Urs
Published: August 2017

The Eurasian lynxLynx lynxpopulation in the Carpathian Mountains is considered to be one of the best preserved and largest in Europe and hence is a source for past and current reintroduction projects in central Europe. However, its status in Slovakia has been reported to the European Commission on the basis of hunters´ reports and expert estimates that have never been validated by a robust scientific approach. We conducted the first camera-trapping surveys to estimate the density of Eurasian lynx in Slovakia by means of spatial capture–recapture models in two reference areas during 2011–2015. We estimated population density per 100 km2of suitable lynx habitat (posterior SD) as 0.58 ± SD 0.13 independent individuals (adults and subadults) in the Štiavnica Mountains and 0.81 ± SD 0.29 in Veľká Fatra National Park and surroundings. These are the lowest densities estimated using spatial capture–recapture models so far reported for the species, suggesting the lynx population in Slovakia is below carrying capacity. We suspect that low densities may be attributable to undetected human-caused mortality. Our results imply that official game statistics are substantially overestimated. Moreover, the lynx population in Slovakia may not be at favourable conservation status as required by the EU Habitats Directive. We therefore call for a thorough assessment of the density and trend of the Slovak Carpathian lynx population, and the establishment of a scientifically robust monitoring system.
Aspects of the Phonology of Spanish as a Heritage Language: from Incomplete Acquisition to Transfer
Authors: LLEÓ CONXITA
Published: August 2017

The present study analyzes percentages of target-like production of Spanish spirantization and assimilation of coda nasals place of articulation, in three groups of bilingual children simultaneously acquiring German and Spanish: two very young groups, one living in Germany and another one in Spain, and a group of 7-year-old bilinguals from Germany. There were monolingual Spanish and monolingual German control groups. The comparison between groups shows that the Spanish of bilinguals is different from that of monolinguals; and the Spanish of bilinguals in Germany is different from that of bilinguals in Spain. Results lead to the conclusion that the Spanish competence of the bilinguals from Germany is still incomplete, and influenced by transfer of the majority language (German). Only bilingual children living in Germany show influence of the majority language onto the heritage language, whereas transfer does not operate on the Spanish competence of the bilingual children from Spain.
Motivational Mechanisms in the Relation between Job Characteristics and Employee Functioning
Authors: Olafsen Anja H. , Halvari Hallgeir
Published: August 2017

This study investigates the job demands-resources (JD-R) model in relation to work motivation in a self-determination theory (SDT) perspective, with the purpose of developing a model where social-contextual factors are seen in relation to psychological needs in order to explain autonomous work motivation and, in turn, self-reported work performance and somatic symptom burden. SEM-analyses of cross-sectional survey data including 405 waiters/waitresses in Norway were conducted to evaluate the hypothesized model. Results indicate that different job resources have different relations to psychological need satisfaction, and that certain types of job demands (i.e., job challenges) actually may enhance satisfaction of specific psychological needs. In particular, task autonomy had a positive relation to autonomy satisfaction (p < .001) and to competence satisfaction (p < .05), positive feedback had a positive relation to autonomy-, competence-, and relatedness satisfaction (p < .001), and workload had a positive relation to competence satisfaction (p < .001). Furthermore, psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness positively related to autonomous work motivation and, in turn, positively to work performance and negatively to somatic symptom burden (p < .001). Indirect relations were also detected between the job characteristics and autonomous work motivation and between the basic needs and work performance (p < .05). Hence, when explaining autonomous work motivation and work outcomes, it is important to distinguish between different job demands and job resources, as well as among the three psychological needs.
The interaction of corrosion fatigue and stress-corrosion cracking in a precipitation-hardened martensitic stainless steel
Authors: Donahue J. Ryan , Lass Amber B. , Burns James T.
Published: August 2017

Fracture mechanics-based testing was used to quantify the stress-corrosion cracking and corrosion fatigue behavior of a precipitation-hardened martensitic stainless steel (Custom 465-H950) in full immersion chloride-containing environments at two applied electrochemical potentials. A plateau in the cycle-based crack-growth kinetics (da/dN) was observed during fatigue loading at low ΔKand [Cl−] at and above 0.6 M. Evaluation of the fracture morphology and frequency dependence of this plateau behavior revealed an intergranular fracture surface morphology and constant time-dependent growth rates. These data strongly support a controlling stress-corrosion cracking mechanism occurring well below the establishedKISCCfor quasi-static loading. Low-amplitude cyclic loading below ΔKTH(i.e., “ripple loads”) is hypothesized to enable time-dependent intergranular-stress-corrosion cracking to occur below theKISCCvia mechanical rupturing of the crack-tip film and enhancement of the H embrittlement-based SCC mechanism.
Extreme anoxia tolerance in crucian carp and goldfish through neofunctionalization of duplicated genes creating a new ethanol-producing pyruvate decarboxylase pathway
Authors: Fagernes Cathrine E. , Stensløkken Kåre-Olav , Røhr Åsmund K. , Berenbrink Michael , Ellefsen Stian , Nilsson Göran E.
Published: August 2017

Without oxygen, most vertebrates die within minutes as they cannot meet cellular energy demands with anaerobic metabolism. However, fish of the genus Carassius (crucian carp and goldfish) have evolved a specialized metabolic system that allows them to survive prolonged periods without oxygen by producing ethanol as their metabolic end-product. Here we show that this has been made possible by the evolution of a pyruvate decarboxylase, analogous to that in brewer’s yeast and the first described in vertebrates, in addition to a specialized alcohol dehydrogenase. Whole-genome duplication events have provided additional gene copies of the pyruvate dehydrogenase multienzyme complex that have evolved into a pyruvate decarboxylase, while other copies retained the essential function of the parent enzymes. We reveal the key molecular substitution in duplicated pyruvate dehydrogenase genes that underpins one of the most extreme hypoxic survival strategies among vertebrates and that is highly deleterious in humans.
Small secreted proteins from the necrotrophic conifer pathogen Heterobasidion annosum s.l. (HaSSPs) induce cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Raffaello Tommaso , Asiegbu Fred O.
Published: August 2017

The basidiomycete Heterobasidion annosum sensu lato (s.l.) is considered to be one of the most destructive conifer pathogens in the temperate forests of the northern hemisphere. H. annosum is characterized by a dual fungal lifestyle. The fungus grows necrotrophically on living plant cells and saprotrophically on dead wood material. In this study, we screened the H. annosum genome for small secreted proteins (HaSSPs) that could potentially be involved in promoting necrotrophic growth during the fungal infection process. The final list included 58 HaSSPs that lacked predictable protein domains. The transient expression of HaSSP encoding genes revealed the ability of 8 HaSSPs to induce cell chlorosis and cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana. In particular, one protein (HaSSP30) could induce a rapid, strong, and consistent cell death within 2 days post-infiltration. HaSSP30 also increased the transcription of host-defence-related genes in N. benthamiana, which suggested a necrotrophic-specific immune response. This is the first line of evidence demonstrating that the H. annosum genome encodes HaSSPs with the capability to induce plant cell death in a non-host plant.
Spectral characteristics of voltage-sensitive indocyanine green fluorescence in the heart
Authors: Mačianskienė Regina , Almanaitytė Mantė , Treinys Rimantas , Navalinskas Antanas , Benetis Rimantas , Jurevičius Jonas
Published: August 2017

Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent dye has been approved by the FDA for use in medical diagnostics. Recently, we demonstrated that ICG dye has voltage-sensitive properties with a dual-component (fast and slow) response in the Langendorff-perfused rabbit heart. Here, we extended our studies by showing the different spectral properties of both components for analysis of the fractional change in ICG fluorescence in response to voltage changes. We used light from four LEDs to obtain excitation; emission was measured using an EMCCD camera with band-pass filters and a spectrometer. We applied a graphical model with Gaussian functions to construct and evaluate the individual emission curves and calculated the voltage-sensitive portion of each component of the ICG fluorescence in the rabbit heart. The results revealed that each isolated component (fast and slow) emanates from a unique ICG pool in a different environment within the cell membrane and that each component is also composed of two constituents (ICG-monomeric and ICG-aggregated). We propose the existence of different voltage-sensitive mechanisms for the components: (I) electrochromism and field-induced reorientation for the fast component; and (II) field-induced dye squeezing that amplifies intermolecular interactions, resulting in self-quenching of the dye fluorescence, for the slow component.
Active neutron and gamma-ray imaging of highly enriched uranium for treaty verification
Authors: Hamel Michael C. , Polack J. Kyle , Ruch Marc L. , Marcath Matthew J. , Clarke Shaun D. , Pozzi Sara A.
Published: August 2017

The detection and characterization of highly enriched uranium (HEU) presents a large challenge in the non-proliferation field. HEU has a low neutron emission rate and most gamma rays are low energy and easily shielded. To address this challenge, an instrument known as the dual-particle imager (DPI) was used with a portable deuterium-tritium (DT) neutron generator to detect neutrons and gamma rays from induced fission in HEU. We evaluated system response using a 13.7-kg HEU sphere in several configurations with no moderation, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) moderation, and tungsten moderation. A hollow tungsten sphere was interrogated to evaluate the response to a possible hoax item. First, localization capabilities were demonstrated by reconstructing neutron and gamma-ray images. Once localized, additional properties such as fast neutron energy spectra and time-dependent neutron count rates were attributed to the items. For the interrogated configurations containing HEU, the reconstructed neutron spectra resembled Watt spectra, which gave confidence that the interrogated items were undergoing induced fission. The time-dependent neutron count rate was also compared for each configuration and shown to be dependent on the neutron multiplication of the item. This result showed that the DPI is a viable tool for localizing and confirming fissile mass and multiplication.