bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dopamine modulates learning-related changes in dynamic striatal-cortical connectivity in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Gerraty Raphael T. , Sharp Madeleine E. , Buch Amanda , Bassett Danielle S. , Shohamy Daphna
Published: April 2019

Learning from reinforcement is thought to depend on striatal dopamine inputs, which serve to update the value of actions by modifying connections in widespread cortico-striatal circuits. While considerable research has described the activity of individual striatal and midbrain regions in reinforcement learning, the broader role for dopamine in modulating network-level processes has been difficult to decipher. To examine whether dopamine modulates circuit-level dynamic connectivity during learning, we characterized the effects of dopamine on learning-related dynamic functional connectivity estimated from fMRI data acquired in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Patients with Parkinson’s disease have severe dopamine depletion in the striatum and are treated with dopamine replacement drugs, providing an opportunity to compare learning and network dynamics when patients are in a low dopamine state (off drugs) versus a high dopamine state (on drugs). We assessed the relationship between dopamine and dynamic connectivity while patients performed a probabilistic reversal learning task. We found that reversal learning altered dynamic network flexibility in the striatum and that this effect was dependent on dopaminergic state. We also found that dopamine modulated changes in connectivity between the striatum and specific task-relevant visual areas of inferior temporal cortex, providing empirical support for theories stipulating that value is updated through changes in cortico-striatal circuits. These results suggest that dopamine exerts a widespread effect on neural circuitry and network dynamics during reinforcement learning.
Assembly-free single-molecule nanopore sequencing recovers complete virus genomes from natural microbial communities
Authors: Beaulaurier John , Luo Elaine , Eppley John , Uyl Paul Den , Dai Xiaoguang , Turner Daniel J , Pendelton Matthew , Juul Sissel , Harrington Eoghan , DeLong Edward F.
Published: April 2019

Viruses are the most abundant biological entities on Earth, and play key roles in host ecology, evolution, and horizontal gene transfer. Despite recent progress in viral metagenomics, the inherent genetic complexity of virus populations still poses technical difficulties for recovering complete virus genomes from natural assemblages. To address these challenges, we developed an assembly-free, single-molecule nanopore sequencing approach enabling direct recovery of high-quality viral genome sequences from environmental samples. Our method yielded over a thousand high quality, full-length draft virus genome sequences that could not be fully recovered using short read assembly approaches applied to the same samples. Additionally, novel DNA sequences were discovered whose repeat structures, gene contents and concatemer lengths suggested that they represent phage-inducible chromosomal islands that were packaged as concatemers within phage particles. Our new approach provided novel insight into genome structures, population biology, and ecology of naturally occurring viruses and viral parasites.
The ‘breakpoint’ in transmission for soil-transmitted helminths: dynamical behaviour near the equilibria and the impact of infected human migration
Authors: Hardwick Robert J. , Vegvari Carolin , Truscott James E. , Anderson Roy M.
Published: April 2019

Building on past research, we here develop an analytic framework for describing the dynamics of the transmission of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) parasitic infections near the transmission breakpoint and equilibria of endemic infection and disease extinction, while allowing for perturbations in the infectious reservoir of the parasite within a defined location. This perturbation provides a model for the effect of infected human movement between villages with differing degrees of parasite control induced by mass drug administration (MDA). Analysing the dynamical behaviour around the unstable equilibrium, known as the transmission ‘breakpoint’, we illustrate how slowly-varying the dynamics are and develop an understanding of how discrete ‘pulses’ in the release of transmission stages (eggs or larvae, depending on the species of STH), due to infected human migration between villages, can lead to perturbations in the deterministic transmission dynamics. Such perturbations are found to have the potential to undermine targets for parasite elimination as a result of MDA and/or improvements in water and sanitation provision. We extend our analysis by developing a simple stochastic model and analytically investigate the uncertainty this induces in the dynamics. Where appropriate, all analytical results are supported by numerical analyses.
Assessment of Tuberculosis incidence and treatment success rates of the indigenous Maká community in Paraguay
Authors: Fröberg J. , Sequera V.G. , Tostmann A. , Aguirre S. , Magis-Escurra C.
Published: April 2019

Setting

In Paraguay, 1.8% of the population are indigenous people. The Maká community mainly live in urbanized areas in the Central Region. This study focuses on the epidemiology of tuberculosis (TB) among indigenous Maká and the non-indigenous people living in the Central Region, the biggest metropolitan area of the Paraguay.

Objectives

This study aims to analyze the TB incidence and treatment success rate of the urbanized Maká indigenous population

Design

Retrospective cohort study of 6,147 registered TB patients with 387 Maká indigenous people, from 2005-2017.

Results

Compared to the non-indigenous population in the Central Region, the Maká had a 66 times higher TB incidence, a lower median age at diagnosis (3 vs. 33 years; P<0.001), less bacteriological diagnosis (55.0% vs. 77.8%; P<0.001), and a higher treatment success rate of 75.2% vs. 67.8%. Directly observed therapy coverage was higher among the Maká (89.4% vs. 47.1%; P<0.001).

Conclusions

The Maká showed a disproportionately high TB incidence in children. Treatment success rates did not reach the WHO standards of 85%. If the diagnosis in children from this period can be confirmed, the public health system should intensify their focus on the Maká, increasing case finding and contact tracing activities in the whole population.
A high-precision hybrid algorithm for predicting eukaryotic protein subcellular localization
Authors: Zhang Dahan , Huang Haiyun , Bai Xiaogang , Fang Xiaodong , Zhang Yi
Published: April 2019

Motivation

Subcellular location plays an essential role in protein synthesis, transport, and secretion, thus it is an important step in understanding the mechanisms of trait-related proteins. Generally, homology methods provide reliable homology-based results with small E-values. We must resort to pattern recognition algorithms (SVM, Fisher discriminant, KNN, random forest, etc.) for proteins that do not share significant homologous domains with known proteins. However, satisfying results are seldom obtained.

Results

Here, a novel hybrid method “Basic Local Alignment Search Tool+Smith-Waterman+Needleman-Wunsch” or BLAST+SWNW, has been obtained by integrating a loosened E-value Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) with the Smith-Waterman (SW) and Needleman-Wunsch (NW) algorithms, and this method has been introduced to predict protein subcellular localization in eukaryotes. When tested on Dataset I and Dataset II, BLAST+SWNW showed an average accuracy of 97.18% and 99.60%, respectively, surpassing the performance of other algorithms in predicting eukaryotic protein subcellular localization.

Availability and Implementation

BLAST+SWNW is an open source collaborative initiative available in the GitHub repository (https://github.com/ZHANGDAHAN/BLAST-SWNW-for-SLP or http://202.206.64.158:80/link/72016CAC26E4298B3B7E0EAF42288935)

Contact

zhaqi1972@163.com; zhangdahan@genetics.ac.cn

Supplementary Information

Supplementary data are available at PLOS Computational Biology online.
A new method for inferring timetrees from temporally sampled molecular sequences
Authors: Miura Sayaka , Tamura Koichiro , Kosakovsky Pond Sergei L. , Huuki Louise A. , Priest Jessica , Deng Jiamin , Kumar Sudhir
Published: April 2019

Pathogen timetrees are phylogenies scaled to time. They reveal the temporal history of a pathogen spread through the populations as captured in the evolutionary history of strains. These timetrees are inferred by using molecular sequences of pathogenic strains sampled at different times. That is, temporally sampled sequences enable the inference of sequence divergence times. Here, we present a new approach (RelTime with Dated Tips [RTDT]) to estimating pathogen timetrees based on the relative rate framework underlying the RelTime approach. RTDT does not require many of the priors demanded by Bayesian approaches, and it has light computing requirements. We found RTDT to be accurate on simulated datasets evolved under a variety of branch rates models. Interestingly, we found two non-Bayesian methods (RTDT and Least Squares Dating [LSD]) to perform similar to or better than the Bayesian approaches available in BEAST and MCMCTree programs. RTDT method was found to generally outperform all other methods for phylogenies in with autocorrelated evolutionary rates. In analyses of empirical datasets, RTDT produced dates that were similar to those from Bayesian analyses. Speed and accuracy of the new method, as compared to the alternatives, makes it appealing for analyzing growing datasets of pathogenic strains. Cross-platform MEGA X software, freely available from http://www.megasoftware.net, now contains the new method for use through a friendly graphical user interface and in high-throughput settings.

AUTHOR SUMMARY

Pathogen timetrees trace the origins and evolutionary histories of strains in populations, hosts, and outbreaks. The tips of these molecular phylogenies often contain sampling time information because the sequences were generally obtained at different times during the disease outbreaks and propagation. We have developed a new method for inferring timetrees for phylogenies with tip dates, which improves on widely-used Bayesian methods (e.g., BEAST) in computational efficiency and does not require prior specification of population parameters, branch rate model, or clock model. We performed extensive computer simulation and found that RTDT performed better than the other methods for the estimation of divergence times at deep node in phylogenies where evolutionary rates were autocorrelated. The new method is available in the cross-platform MEGA software package that provides a graphical user interface, and allows use via a command line in scripting and high throughput analysis (www.megasoftware.net).
Pump–probe experimental methodology at the Linac Coherent Light Source
Authors: Glownia James M. , Gumerlock Karl , Lemke Henrik T. , Sato Takahiro , Zhu Diling , Chollet Matthieu
Published: April 2019

Experimental methods that use free-electron laser (FEL) sources that can deliver short X-ray pulses below a 10 fs pulse duration and traditional optical lasers are ideal tools for pump–probe experiments. However, these new methods also come with a unique set of challenges, such as how to accurately determine temporal overlap between two sources at the femtosecond scale and how to correct for the pulse-to-pulse beam property fluctuations of the FEL light derived from the self-amplified spontaneous emission process. Over the past several years of performing pump–probe experiments at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), new methods and tools have been developed to improve the ways experimental timing is measured, monitored and scanned. The aim of this article is to present an overview of the most commonly used techniques at LCLS to perform pump–probe-type experiments.
Nature of cobalt species during the in situ sulfurization of Co(Ni)Mo/Al2O3 hydrodesulfurization catalysts
Authors: al Samarai Mustafa , van Oversteeg Christa H. M. , Delgado-Jaime Mario Ulises , Weng Tsu-Chien , Sokaras Dimosthenis , Liu Boyang , van der Linden Marte , van der Eerden Ad M. J. , Vogt Eelco T. C. , Weckhuysen Bert M. , de Groot Frank M. F.
Published: April 2019

The evolution in local structure and electronic properties of cobalt was investigated during in situ sulfurization. Using a combination of 1s X-ray absorption (XAS) and 1s3p resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS), the valence, coordination and symmetry of cobalt ions were tracked in two cobalt-promoted molybdenum oxide precursors of the hydrodesulfurization catalyst system, namely Co–Mo/Al2O3 and Co–Ni–Mo/Al2O3. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure shows that the Co—O bonds were replaced with Co—S bonds as a function of reaction temperature. The cobalt K pre-edge intensity shows that the symmetry of cobalt was modified from Co3+
O

h
and Co2+
O

h
to a Co2+ ion where the inversion symmetry is broken, in agreement with a square-pyramidal site. The 1s3p RIXS data revealed the presence of an intermediate cobalt oxy-sulfide species. This species was not detected from XAS and was determined from the increased information obtained from the 1s3p RIXS data. The cobalt XAS and RIXS data show that nickel has a significant influence on the formation of the cobalt oxy-sulfide intermediate species prior to achieving the fully sulfided state at T > 400°C.
Photon diagnostics at the FLASH THz beamline
Authors: Pan Rui , Zapolnova Ekaterina , Golz Torsten , Krmpot Aleksandar J. , Rabasovic Mihailo D. , Petrovic Jovana , Asgekar Vivek , Faatz Bart , Tavella Franz , Perucchi Andrea , Kovalev Sergey , Green Bertram , Geloni Gianluca , Tanikawa Takanori , Yurkov Mikhail , Schneidmiller Evgeny , Gensch Michael , Stojanovic Nikola
Published: April 2019

The THz beamline at FLASH, DESY, provides both tunable (1–300 THz) narrow-bandwidth (∼10%) and broad-bandwidth intense (up to 150 uJ) THz pulses delivered in 1 MHz bursts and naturally synchronized with free-electron laser X-ray pulses. Combination of these pulses, along with the auxiliary NIR and VIS ultrashort lasers, supports a plethora of dynamic investigations in physics, material science and biology. The unique features of the FLASH THz pulses and the accelerator source, however, bring along a set of challenges in the diagnostics of their key parameters: pulse energy, spectral, temporal and spatial profiles. Here, these challenges are discussed and the pulse diagnostic tools developed at FLASH are presented. In particular, a radiometric power measurement is presented that enables the derivation of the average pulse energy within a pulse burst across the spectral range, jitter-corrected electro-optical sampling for the full spectro-temporal pulse characterization, spatial beam profiling along the beam transport line and at the sample, and a lamellar grating based Fourier transform infrared spectrometer for the on-line assessment of the average THz pulse spectra. Corresponding measurement results provide a comprehensive insight into the THz beamline capabilities.
Wavefront-propagation simulations supporting the design of a time-delay compensating monochromator beamline at FLASH2
Authors: Ruiz-Lopez Mabel , Samoylova Liubov , Brenner Günter , Mehrjoo Masoud , Faatz Bart , Kuhlmann Marion , Poletto Luca , Plönjes Elke
Published: April 2019

Wavefront-propagation simulations have been performed to complete the design of a monochromator beamline for FLASH2, the variable-gap undulator line at the soft X-ray free-electron laser in Hamburg (FLASH). Prior to propagation through the beamline optical elements, the parameters of the photon source were generated using the GENESIS code which includes the free-electron laser experimental data. Threshold tolerances for the misalignment of mirror angles are calculated and, since diffraction effects were included in the simulations, the minimum quality with respect to the slope errors required for the optics is determined.
High-resolution crystal structure of the reduced Grx1 fromSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Maghool Shadi , La Fontaine Sharon , Maher Megan J.
Published: April 2019

Grx1, a cytosolic thiol–disulfide oxidoreductase, actively maintains cellular redox homeostasis using glutathione substrates (reduced, GSH, and oxidized, GSSG). Here, the crystallization of reduced Grx1 from the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae(yGrx1) in space groupP212121and its structure solution and refinement to 1.22 Å resolution are reported. To study the structure–function relationship of yeast Grx1, the crystal structure of reduced yGrx1 was compared with the existing structures of the oxidized and glutathionylated forms. These comparisons revealed structural differences in the conformations of residues neighbouring the Cys27–Cys30 active site which accompany alterations in the redox status of the protein.
Process excellence the key for digitalisation
Authors: Martinez Felipe
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The new digital era brings several opportunities and challenges that accelerate the need to implement digital solutions in organisations. This speed of change creates many questions, but unfortunately, references cases to answer them or general guidelines to succeed are still rare. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to present four cases that illustrate the procedure followed by companies to introduce digital elements in their operations (automotive industry supplier, toy industry, catering company and circuit trainings company). Each case offers inspiration and knowledge about the procedure to introduce digital elements and facilitates the proposal of a general procedure that aims to become guidance for practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

The research implements comparative analysis in a multi-case design. It sensitises the concept of “digitalisation path” as a research instrument. Projects documentation and informal conversational interviews allow the researchers to describe each organisation and their digitalisation path. The interviewees review, enhance and approve the cases. Furthermore, the research compares the paths and summarises the findings into a digitalisation path model that explains the digitalisation of these organisations and it serves as a guide for other organisations.

Findings

The digitalisation paths evidence the necessity of business process management to develop digitalisation. Technology is not the goal, but the instrument and process excellence is the driver to introduce new technologies in the operations. Furthermore, the four organisations share a similar pattern and activities within their digitalisation paths.

Research limitations/implications

The multi-case methodology lacks generalisation, but it provides detail over the digitalisation paths.

Practical implications

The paper presents a guideline for practitioners to introduce digital elements in the organisation.

Originality/value

The paper presents a practical perspective to introduce digitalisation in organisations, which is currently rare in literature.
Factors affecting quality management at the Thai national institute of health
Authors: Chansatitporn Natkamol , Pobkeeree Vallerut , Na Nongkhai Surachart , Sangkijporn Somchai
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to confirm and examine organization-related factors that could affect quality management at the Thai national reference laboratory known as National Institute of Health.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors invited 340 laboratory staff members to complete a questionnaire that enquired about their skills, opinions, perceptions, leadership, work environment, organizational culture and organizational commitment in relation to quality management. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data.

Findings

In total, 65 percent of institute members responded to the questionnaire. CFA revealed that all factors were related to quality management. Three factors, leadership, organizational commitment and work environment, significantly affected quality management, but organizational culture did not.

Research limitations/implications

Other data types should be collected for an in-depth understanding, i.e. focus groups or in-depth interviews. A longitudinal study could also enhance quality management understanding to see how each variable changes over time.

Originality/value

Analyzing quality management through confirmatory factor and regression analysis showed that the four analyzed variables are statistically significant in relation to quality management at the laboratory. Managers could apply this information to revise the current policy.
Relationships between psychological contract violation, stress and well-being in firefighters
Authors: Duran Fazeelat , Bishopp Darren , Woodhams Jessica
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Negative emotions resulting from the broken promises by the organisation or employers, as perceived by an employee are called psychological contract (PC) violation. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between perceived feelings of violation, work-related stress, anxiety and depression. Fairness and self-efficacy are used as mediators to understand the underlying mechanism of associations.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 97 firefighters completed an online-survey and structural equation modelling was used to examine the multiple mediation models.

Findings

PC violation was positively associated with occupational stress and job-related well-being. Together, fairness and self-efficacy mediated the relationship between feelings of violation and job-related depression. Therefore, the results partially supported the hypotheses.

Originality/value

As the first quantitative study of its kind, this study makes an important contribution to the firefighters literature by investigating the potential influence of PC violation on their work-related stress and well-being. Also, previous studies have failed to identify fairness and self-efficacy as potential mediators of the PC violation.
Effect of financial knowledge on performance of women farm enterprises in Kenya
Authors: Cherotich Josephine , Ayuya Oscar Ingasia , Sibiko Kenneth W.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Financial knowledge (FK) is considered one of the major factors influencing performance of farm enterprises. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of FK on performance of women farm enterprises. Performance is measured using levels of savings and enterprise margins.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses primary data of 384 farmers from three sub-counties in Kericho County, Kenya. It employs a propensity score matching (PSM) approach to control for possible selection bias and to model the impact of FK on performance of women farm enterprises.

Findings

The analysis reveals that high FK has a significant positive impact on performance of women farm enterprises. Specifically, respondents with higher levels of FK were also associated with higher amounts of savings and enterprise margins.

Research limitations/implications

Econometrically, robust strategies were employed using PSM to ensure minimal estimation bias. Although PSM captures selection bias due to observable characteristics, it fails to capture selection bias due to unobservable factors.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the growing debate on the role played by FK on performance of small and micro enterprises. It provides insights on the state of FK among women farmers and identifies knowledge gaps and policy implications from a developing country perspective.
Chronic Renal Failure as a Possible Risk Factor for Allergic Reaction in Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Using Fresh Frozen Plasma
Authors: Eguchi Megumi , Okumura Kenji , Torigoe Kazunari , Toyoda Mariko , Uekihara Soichi , Yamanaga Shigeyoshi
Published: April 2019

The incidence of allergic reactions in patients with chronic renal failure during plasma exchange using fresh frozen plasma is not well known. We retrospectively reviewed 62 patients who underwent plasma exchange between January 2013 and May 2018. The most common indication for plasma exchange was desensitization/preconditioning for kidney transplant (61.3%, 38/62). The incidence of allergic reactions was significantly higher in patients with chronic renal failure than patients without (57.1% vs. 25.0%, P = 0.029). Also, the incidence of allergic reactions tended to be higher in peritoneal dialysis patients (75%, 3/4) than in hemodialysis (58.8%, 10/17) and preemptive kidney transplant (58%, 11/19). These results suggested the relationship of chronic renal failure and the incidence of allergic reactions in patients undergoing therapeutic plasma exchange using fresh frozen plasma.
Validation of reference genes for quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction in Drosophila melanogaster exposed to two chemicals
Authors: Kim YeongHo , Kim YiSeul , Kim Donghun , Kim SeYeon , Seo GyeongJin , Shin SooHyun , Lee JaeYoung , Kim Young Ho
Published: April 2019

Drosophila melanogaster is attracted to chemicals produced by fermentation and it is abundantly found in rotten fruits. Considering its habitat, the fruit fly is reported to be tolerant to environmental chemicals. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was employed to investigate the expression pattern and physiological function of genes putatively involved in chemical detoxification. In quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assays, normalization of target gene expression with internal reference genes is required. These reference genes should be stably expressed during chemical exposure and in chemical‐free conditions. In this study, therefore, we used two programs (geNorm and BestKeeper) to evaluate the expression stability of five reference genes (nd, rpL18, ef1β, hsp22 and tbp) in female adult flies exposed to various concentrations of methanol and ethyl acetate. Four genes (nd, rpL18, ef1β and tbp) were found to be suitable for use as reference genes in methanol‐treated flies and three genes (ef1β, nd, tbp) were found to be suitable for use as reference genes in ethyl acetate‐treated flies. These results suggested that a combination of two genes among these stably expressed genes can be used for accurate normalization of target gene expression in quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction‐based determination of gene expression profiles in D. melanogaster treated with both chemicals.
Merkel cell carcinoma in situ: New insights into the cells of origin
Authors: Yang Anes , Cordoba Carolina , Cheung Karen , Konya Joseph
Published: April 2019

We report a case of a 71‐year‐old male who presented with a small skin‐coloured plaque on his cheek. Histopathology demonstrated an intraepidermal carcinoma with follicular involvement. No evidence of dermal invasion was seen. Immunohistochemical studies showed areas of positive staining for CK20, EMA and synaptophysin. Histopathology findings were found to be most consistent with a diagnosis of intraepidermal carcinoma with features of Merkel cell carcinoma in situ, in combination with a squamous cell carcinoma in situ, with follicular involvement. Recent advances and findings suggest Merkel cell polyomavirus MCPyV‐positive Merkel cell carcinoma and MCPyV‐negative Merkel cell carcinoma have different cells of origin from different germ layers.
Vaginal bromocriptine improves pain, menstrual bleeding and quality of life in women with adenomyosis: A pilot study
Authors: Andersson Johanna K. , Khan Zaraq , Weaver Amy L. , Vaughan Lisa E. , Gemzell‐Danielsson Kristina , Stewart Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Adenomyosis is a benign uterine disease where endometrial glands and stroma are found within the myometrium surrounded by an area of hypertrophic myometrium. Symptomatology includes heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain. The pathogenesis of adenomyosis is not known; however, animal models have shown increased uterine concentration of prolactin as a risk factor. Prolactin acts as a smooth muscle cell mitogen. If prolactin is central to adenomyosis pathogenesis, reducing uterine prolactin could be a possible medical treatment option. In this pilot study, we aim to evaluate the effect of bromocriptine, a prolactin inhibitor, on menstrual bleeding and pain in women with adenomyosis.

Material and methods

23 women with diffuse adenomyosis were enrolled from a university hospital in Sweden and a tertiary care center in the USA. Nineteen patients completed 6 months of treatment with vaginal bromocriptine at a dose of 5 mg daily. Participants completed validated measures at baseline, 3 and 6 months of treatment, and at 9 months (3 months after cessation of bromocriptine). Validated measures utilized included Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart (PBLAC), Aberdeen Menorrhagia Clinical Outcomes Questionnaire (AMCOQ), Visual Analog Scale for pain (VAS), McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), Endometriosis Health Profile (EHP‐30), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Fibroid Symptom Quality of Life (UFS‐QOL) symptom severity and health‐related quality of life (HRQL) subscores. Scores were compared between baseline and 9 months using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results

Mean age of participants was 44.8 years. About 77.8% reported PBLAC scores >250 and 68.4% reported moderate to severe pain at baseline. Compared with baseline, women had lower 9‐month scores (median [interquartile range] for all) on PBLAC (baseline 349 [292‐645] vs 9‐month 233 [149‐515], P = 0.003), VAS (5.0 [4‐8.3] vs 2.5 [0‐4.5], P < 0.001), EHP Core Pain (15.9 [9.1‐50.0] vs 3.4 [2.3‐34.1], P = 0.029), EHP Core Self‐image (41.7 [16.7‐58.3] vs 25 [0‐5], P = 0.048) and Symptom Severity Score (60 [44‐72] vs 44 [25‐56], P < 0.001) and higher HRQL scores (57 [37‐63] vs 72 [51‐85], P < 0.001) following bromocriptine treatment. Other EHP core parameters and FSFI were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Significant improvement in menstrual bleeding, pain and quality of life after vaginal bromocriptine treatment suggests a novel therapeutic agent for adenomyosis.
Efficacy and safety of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in Swedish glaucoma patients
Authors: Rasmuson Erika , Lindén Christina , Lundberg Björn , Jóhannesson Gauti
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of all transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TCP) treatments performed during a 5‐year period.

Methods

Medical records of all patients, who had undergone TCP treatment between 2010 and 2014 at Umeå University Hospital, Sweden, were evaluated. Clinical data including intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity (VA), number of topical glaucoma medications, use of oral acetazolamide, retreatments and complications during a 2‐year follow‐up were registered. Global success was defined as IOP 6–18 mmHg with or without glaucoma medication.

Results

Three hundred patients underwent TCP during the time period. Mean IOP at baseline was 29.3 ± 11.0 (mean ± standard deviation) mmHg (n = 297) with a mean reduction of 11.5 (±12.0) mmHg at 1 year (n = 258; p < 0.001) and 12.6 (±12.0) mmHg at 2‐year follow‐up (n = 245; p < 0.001). Global success at 2 years was 64%, achieved by a mean of 1.2 treatments (n = 257). The number of topical glaucoma medications at baseline was 3.1 (±1.0; n = 296) and was reduced by 0.9 (±1.0) medications at 2 years (n = 244; p < 0.001). Use of oral acetazolamide decreased from 30% (n = 90) at baseline to 5.3% (n = 13) at 2 years. In eyes with Snellen VA ≥ 0.1, the mean VA at baseline was 0.55 (±0.3) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR; n = 132) and 1.1 (±0.9) logMAR (n = 76) at 2 years (p < 0.001). No cases of phthisis bulbi were found.

Conclusion

This study displays a substantial and long‐term reduction of IOP following TCP with a decrease in topical and oral glaucoma medications. The treatment appears to be safe but the decrease in VA during follow‐up is a concern that needs further evaluation.
Reduction of faecal immunochemical test false‐positive results using a signature based on faecal bacterial markers
Authors: Malagón Marta , Ramió‐Pujol Sara , Serrano Marta , Serra‐Pagès Mariona , Amoedo Joan , Oliver Lia , Bahí Anna , Mas–de–Xaxars Teresa , Torrealba Leyanira , Gilabert Pau , Miquel‐Cusachs Josep Oriol , García‐Nimo Laura , Saló Joan , Guardiola Jordi , Piñol Virginia , Cubiella Joaquin , Castells Antoni , Aldeguer Xavier , Garcia‐Gil Jesús
Published: April 2019

Background

Colorectal cancer is the second commonest cause of cancer mortality. Some countries are implementing colorectal cancer screening to detect lesions at an early stage using non‐invasive tools like the faecal immunochemical test. Despite affordability, this test shows a low sensitivity for precancerous lesions and a low positive predictive value for colorectal cancer, resulting in a high false‐positive rate.

Aim

To develop a new, non‐invasive colorectal cancer screening tool based on bacterial faecal biomarkers, which in combination with the faecal immunochemical test, could allow a reduction in the false‐positive rate. This tool is called risk assessment of intestinal disease for colorectal cancer (RAID‐CRC).

Methods

We performed both the faecal immunochemical test and the bacterial markers analysis (RAID‐CRC test) in stool samples from individuals with normal colonoscopy (167), non‐advanced adenomas (88), advanced adenomas (30) and colorectal cancer (48). All the participants showed colorectal cancer‐associated symptoms.

Results

Performance of the faecal immunochemical test for advanced neoplasia (ie advanced adenoma and colorectal cancer) was determined by using the cut‐off value established in Catalonia (20 µg haemoglobin/g of faeces) for a population‐based screening approach. Sensitivity and specificity values of 83% and 80%, respectively, and positive and negative predictive values of 56% and 94%, respectively, were obtained. When both the immunological and the biological analysis were combined, the corresponding values were 80% and 90% for sensitivity and specificity, respectively, and 70% and 94% for positive and negative predictive values, respectively, resulting in a 50% reduction of the false‐positive rate.

Conclusions

RAID‐CRC test allows a substantial reduction in the faecal immunochemical test false‐positive results (50%) in a symptomatic population. Further validation is indicated in a colorectal cancer‐screening scenario.
Exploring Diversity in Household Pottery Traditions in Crusader Greece: a Case Study from the City of Thebes, Boeotia
Authors: Liard F. , Kondyli F. , Kiriatzi E.
Published: April 2019

This paper provides new data on an under‐documented topic in Aegean archaeology, that of the impact of Latin–Greek cohabitation on craftsmanship, socio‐economic organization and household pottery traditions. The chosen approach is a petrographic study of the provenance and technology of 37 cooking pots, jugs, basins and storage jars from the city of Thebes, Boeotia. The ceramics span from the late 12th to the mid‐14th century and thereby cover the periods of Byzantine, Frankish and Catalan control over the city. The analysis indicates that most pottery products were not locally made during these periods. Pottery consumption at Thebes involved, in the 12th/13th century, regional products from northern Boeotia, while pottery supplies from Euboea that had developed under Byzantine rule continued into the 14th century, well after Boeotia and Euboea came into the hands of, respectively, Frankish and Venetian lords in the aftermath of the Fourth Crusade (1204). The petrographic analysis also allows for the characterization of Byzantine and Latin tempering practices of the pottery fabrics. These results highlight phenomena of regional economic reliance in central Greece and provide rare evidence for the cross‐cultural diffusion of technological knowledge in the late medieval Mediterranean.
Characteristics of animal hoarding cases referred to the RSPCA in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Elliott R , Snowdon J , Halliday G , Hunt GE , Coleman S
Published: April 2019

Objective

To describe the characteristics of animal hoarding in New South Wales, Australia.

Design

Cross sectional study of consecutive referred cases.

Methods

Files of animal hoarding cases referred to RSPCA NSW in 2013–15 were examined. Details concerning animal hoarding cases and supportive services, living conditions and factors believed to have contributed to animal accumulation were recorded. Data were analysed.

Results

Data were available regarding 48 properties where 50 persons (78% female) were found to be hoarding animals. Most were over 50 years of age; 40% lived alone; 15 (30%) had contact with mental health services and/or community social services. Animal hoarders were categorised as ‘breeders’ (30%), ‘overwhelmed caregiver’ (24%), ‘rescuers’ (22%), ‘exploiters’ (10%) or ‘incipient hoarders’ (14%); 24% were associated with animal rescue networks. Accumulation of animals was attributed most commonly to unplanned breeding (60% of properties) and collecting strays (38%). Other reasons for accumulation included receiving donations of animals and planned breeding; in 38% of cases there was only one identified reason. The median number of animals was 35 (range, 6–300), with cats hoarded on 75% of properties and dogs on 52%. In 75% of cases, the living conditions of animals were rated as ‘very unsanitary’ or ‘filthy’.

Conclusions

This study provides reasons for recommending increased regulatory control of companion animal breeding and management, and training and support for veterinarians to help reduce the human and animal suffering caused by animal hoarding. There is widespread agreement that psychiatric and personality problems underlie cases of animal hoarding. Closer links between animal welfare organisations and mental health services are desirable.
Clinical and epidemiological features of West Nile virus equine encephalitis in New South Wales, Australia, 2011
Authors: Read AJ , Finlaison DS , Gu X , Hick PM , Moloney BJ , Wright T , Kirkland PD
Published: April 2019

Background

Between February and June 2011, more than 300 horses with unexplained neurological disease were observed in New South Wales, Australia. A virulent strain of West Nile virus (WNVNSW2011), of Australian origin, was shown to be the cause of many of these cases.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical descriptions provided by veterinary practitioners and the associated laboratory results. Although there was a range of clinical signs described, ataxia was the only sign that was consistently described in laboratory‐confirmed cases.

Results

WNV was detected in brain samples by real‐time reverse transcription PCR assay and virus isolation. For serological confirmation of clinical cases, an equine IgM ELISA specific for WNV was shown to be the most effective tool.

Conclusion

A state‐wide serological survey undertaken after the outbreak indicated that, contrary to expectation, although infection had been widespread, the seroprevalence of antibodies to WNV was very low, suggesting that there could be a significant risk of future disease outbreaks.
Analgesic efficacy and pharmacokinetics of epidural oxycodone in pain management after gynaecological laparoscopy—A randomised, double blind, active control, double‐dummy clinical comparison with intravenous administration
Authors: Piirainen Panu , Kokki Hannu , Anderson Brian , Hannam Jacqueline , Hautajärvi Heidi , Ranta Veli‐Pekka , Kokki Merja
Published: April 2019

Aims

Early pain after laparoscopy is often severe. Oxycodone is a feasible analgesic option after laparoscopy, but there are sparse data on epidural administration. The aim was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and pharmacokinetics of a single dose of epidural oxycodone as a part of multimodal analgesia after gynaecological laparoscopy.

Methods

Women (n = 60), aged 23–71 years, undergoing elective gynaecological laparoscopy, were administrated either epidural oxycodone 0.1 mg kg−1 and intravenous (i.v.) saline (EPI‐group n = 31), or epidural saline and i.v. oxycodone 0.1 mg kg−1 (IV‐group = 29) in a randomised, double blind, active control, double dummy clinical trial. A pharmacokinetic model was developed using population modelling of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations obtained in these patients and data of 2 published studies. The primary outcome was the amount of i.v. fentanyl for rescue analgesia during the first 4 hours.

Results

Twenty of the 31 patients in the EPI‐group and 26 of the 29 patients in the IV‐group needed i.v. fentanyl for rescue analgesia, P = .021. The median (interquartile range) number of fentanyl doses were 1.0 (1.0–3.0) in the EPI‐group and 2.5 (1.0–4.0) doses in the IV‐group, P = .008. Plasma concentrations were similar, but CSF concentrations were 100‐fold higher in the EPI‐group. The population model indicated that 60% of oxycodone injected into the epidural space enters into CSF and 40% is absorbed into the systemic circulation.

Conclusions

The data support superiority of epidural administration of oxycodone compared to i.v. administration during the first hours after laparoscopic surgery. This is likely to be based on enhanced permeation into the central nervous system after epidural administration.
Different medications for the treatment of Ménière's disease by intratympanic injection: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Cao Zuwei , Yue Fengjuan , Huang Wei , Rajenderkumar Deepak , Zhao Fei
Published: April 2019

Background

It is generally accepted that intratympanic injection provides an effective approach to manage severe vertigo in Ménière's disease. Although there are several medications available, that which is the most effective is still subject to debate.

Objective

To assess the effectiveness and safety of the different medications used in the treatment of Ménière's disease by intratympanic injection using a network meta‐analysis.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and CENTRAL were searched. Only randomised controlled trials that compared the effectiveness of medications used for intratympanic injection to treat Ménière's disease with each other or a placebo were included. The primary outcome assessed was the effectiveness of medication in the management of vertigo symptoms. The effectiveness was expressed in terms of risk ratio (RR) with a 95% credible interval (CrI) for individual studies analysed. Network meta‐analyses were performed by Stata version 15.0 using the network package.

Results

Nine studies involving 314 patients treated with five different medications were included in the present analysis. A number of injections given varied from 1 to 10 and the follow‐up time from 3 to 28 months. When compared to each other or to a placebo, Gentamicin was found to be the most efficacious medication, followed by Methylprednisolone, Latanoprost, Dexamethasone and Ganciclovir in order of effectiveness. However, no significant difference in efficacy was found between Gentamicin and Methylprednisolone when outcomes from studies with a follow‐up time equal to or more than 24 months were analysed. It was not possible to conduct subgroup and sensitivity analysis because of the limited number of studies that were included.

Conclusion

All medications are more effective than a placebo in the treatment of Ménière's disease by intratympanic injection. According to the SUCRA, Gentamicin ranked the most effective, with Gentamicin and Methylprednisolone equally effective in the long‐term effect. When the potential risk of hearing loss induced by Gentamicin is taken into consideration, Methylprednisolone may be the best choice for the treatment of Ménière's disease by intratympanic injection.
Distant metastasis due to heavily pigmented epithelioid melanoma with underlying BRAF V600E, NOTCH1, ERBB3, and PTEN mutations
Authors: Motaparthi Kiran , George Eva V. , Guo Ruifeng
Published: April 2019

Pigment‐synthesizing melanoma (PSM) describes a morphologically and genetically diverse group of melanomas. In contrast, pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma (PEM) encompasses a spectrum of indolent tumors now classified as borderline/intermediate melanocytic tumors. Herein, we report a case of widely metastatic heavily pigmented epithelioid melanoma with fatal outcome in a 36‐year‐old woman. Next‐generation sequencing identified somatic (tumoral) mutations in BRAF V600E, PTEN, NOTCH1, and ERBB3. By contrast, GNAQ and GNA11 were wild type. Prkar1α and p16 expression were maintained. Identification of mutations in NOTCH1 and ERBB3 may support the diagnosis of heavily pigmented epithelioid melanoma. In contrast, PRKCA fusion genes and PRKAR1A mutations support the diagnosis of PEM. Given the heterogeneity, potential overlap (loss of Prkar1α expression), and evolving genetic profiles of these two distinct groups of tumors, careful appraisal of molecular profiles in the light of histomorphology and clinical history is necessary for distinction between PEM and PSMs including heavily pigmented epithelioid melanomas, with significant potential impact on prognosis and therapy.
Iron oxides selectively stabilize plant‐derived polysaccharides and aliphatic compounds in agricultural soils
Authors: Wan Dan , Ye Tinghong , Lu Yong , Chen Wenli , Cai Peng , Huang Qiaoyun
Published: April 2019

A strong link exists between iron oxides and soil organic carbon (SOC). However, the role of iron oxides in the preservation of SOC in agricultural soil remains poorly understood. In this study, we comprehensively examined the concentration, molecular composition and biological sources of iron oxide‐bound organic carbon (Fe‐bound OC) in arable soils collected from 12 sites in central and east China. The results indicated that 6.2–31.2% of the SOC was bound to iron oxides in agricultural soil and that the binding mechanisms varied from adsorption in most soils to coprecipitation in those with a large content of organic carbon. The distribution of Fe‐bound OC showed no clear variation in relation to site, but Fe‐bound OC reached a peak in soils with an annual mean temperature of 16.4°C. Correlation analysis demonstrated that TOC might be the main determinant for the amount of Fe‐bound OC and that the binding mechanism is influenced by both TOC and the active Fe ratio. Comprehensive studies of C/N, 13C isotope and synchrotron radiation‐based Fourier transform infrared (SR‐FTIR) spectroscopy showed that iron oxides selectively protected plant‐derived aliphatic compounds and polysaccharides in agricultural soil. This study revealed the quantitative characterization, biological sources and molecular composition of Fe‐bound OC in arable soils, which provides useful information for evaluating and managing the global C cycle under the framework of climate change.
Prediction of postpartum depression using machine learning techniques from social media text
Authors: Fatima Iram , Abbasi Burhan Ud Din , Khan Sharifullah , Al‐Saeed Majed , Ahmad Hafiz Farooq , Mumtaz Rafia
Published: April 2019

Early screening of mental disorders plays a crucial role in diagnosis and treatment. This study explores how data‐driven methods can leverage the information available on social media platforms to predict postpartum depression (PPD). A generalized approach is proposed where linguistic features are extracted from user‐generated textual posts on social media and categorized as general, depressive, and PPD representative using multiple machine learning techniques. We find that techniques used in our study exhibit strong predictive capabilities for PPD content. Holdout validation showed that multilayer perceptron outperformed other techniques such as support vector machine and logistic regression used in this study with 91.7% accuracy for depressive content identification and up to 86.9% accuracy for PPD content prediction. This work adopts a hierarchical approach to predict PPD. Therefore, the reported PPD accuracy represents the performance of the model to correctly classify PPD content from non‐PPD depressive content.