bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Coupled Dynamic Index for ENSO Periodicity
Authors: Lu Bo , Jin Fei-Fei , Ren Hong-Li
Published: January 2018

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the most active interannual climatic mode, with great global impacts. The state-of-the-art climate models can simulate this dominant mode variability to a large extent. Nevertheless, some of ENSO’s fundamental time–space characteristics still have a large spread in the simulations across the array of recent climate models. For example, the large biases of ENSO periodicity still exist among model simulations from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). Based on the recharge oscillator framework, a coupled dynamic index for ENSO periodicity is proposed in this study, referred to as the Wyrtki index, in parallel to the Bjerknes index for ENSO instability. The Wyrtki index provides an approximate dynamic measure for ENSO linear periodicity. It has two main contribution terms: the thermocline and zonal advective feedbacks (or F factor) multiplied by the efficiency factor B of discharging–recharging of the equatorial heat content driven by ENSO wind stress anomalies. It is demonstrated that the diversity of simulated ENSO periodicity in CMIP5 models results from the biases in mean state and several key parameters that control ENSO dynamics. A larger F factor would result in a shorter ENSO period [e.g., BCC_CSM1.1(m)], whereas a smaller B factor would lead to a longer ENSO period (e.g., HadGEM2-ES). The Wyrtki index serves as a useful tool for a quantitative assessment of the sources for ENSO periodicity in reanalysis data and its biases in CMIP5 model simulations.
Experimental Study of Drop Impact on Deep-Water Surface in the Presence of Wind
Authors: Liu Xinan
Published: January 2018

The effects of wind on the impact of a single water drop on a deep-water surface are studied experimentally in a wind tunnel. Experiments are performed by varying impacting drop diameters, ranging from 2.5 to 4.1 mm and wind speeds up to 6.7 m s−1. The sequence of splashing events that occurred during drop impacts is recorded with a backlit, cinematic shadowgraph technique. The experimental results show that for low wind speeds, an asymmetrical crown forms on the leeward of the periphery of the colliding region after the drop hits the water surface, while a wave swell forms on the windward. Secondary droplets are generated from the crown rim. For high wind speeds with large drop diameters, ligaments are generated from the crown rim on the leeward of the drop impact site. The ligaments grow, coalesce, and fragment into secondary droplets. It is found that both the drag force and surface tension play important roles in the evolution process of the ligaments. The nondimensional K number (K = WeOh−0.4, where We is the Webber number and Oh is the Ohnesorge number) is used to describe the splashing-deposition limit of drop impact. The threshold value of this K number changes with the wind velocity and/or drop impact angle.
Cloud-Assisted Retrieval of Lower-Stratospheric Water Vapor from Nadir-View Satellite Measurements
Authors: Feng Jing , Huang Yi
Published: January 2018

This study examines the feasibility of retrieving lower-stratospheric water vapor using a nadir infrared hyperspectrometer, with the focus on the detectability of small-scale water vapor variability. The feasibility of the retrieval is examined using simulation experiments that model different instrument settings. These experiments show that the infrared spectra, measured with sufficient spectral coverage, resolution, and noise level, contain considerable information content that can be used to retrieve lower-stratospheric water vapor. Interestingly, it is found that the presence of an opaque cloud layer at the tropopause level can substantially improve the retrieval performance, as it helps remove the degeneracy in the retrieval problem. Under this condition, elevated lower-stratospheric water vapor concentration—for instance, caused by convective moistening—can be detected with an accuracy of 0.09 g m−2 using improved spaceborne hyperspectrometers. The cloud-assisted retrieval is tested using the measurements of the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS). Validation against collocated aircraft data shows that the retrieval can detect the elevated water vapor concentration caused by convective moistening.
Idiosyncrasies in Late Ramesside Hieratic Writing
Authors: Janssen Jac. J.
Published: January 2018

In the search for an answer to the question of how great a degree of variation may be expected in a scribe's handwriting, a study is made of the hieratic of the recently (re)discovered P. Baldwin, the lost half of P. Amiens. ‘Principal’ variations, where, for instance, ‘classical’ instead of ‘cursive’ signs are used, are an indication, when occurring consistently, that two scribes were at work, whereas a sudden improvement of the style with only ‘incidental’ variations is probably due to a single scribe.
The Funerary Papyri of the Bodleian Library at Oxford
Authors: Coenen Marc
Published: January 2018

In this contribution the unpublished funerary papyri belonging to the papyrus collection of the Bodleian Library at Oxford are surveyed. Six copies of the Book of the Dead, one Amduat papyrus and four Documents of Breathing are presented and described.
Samanud: The Urban Context
Authors: Spencer Neal A.
Published: January 2018

As a complement to the Epigraphic Survey of the preserved temple reliefs at Samanud, published in JEA 85 (1999), the urban context of the late dynastic temple is considered. GPS data from recent fieldwork is combined with older travellers' reports to create a map, the first to indicate the locations of the temple remains, while a working contour map of the tell is also produced.
The Tomb of Nyankhnesut (Re)Dis Covered
Authors: Leahy Anthony , Mathieson Ian
Published: January 2018

A brief account with plan of the recently identified mastaba of Nyankhnesut, an official of the Sixth Dynasty, which stands at the foot of the north-west corner of the enclosure of Sekhemkhet at Saqqara. Many of its reliefs are already in museums, particularly in the U.S.A., and little decoration survives in the tomb. The inscriptions show that the owner's many titles included that of ‘Greatest of seers of Heliopolis’.
A Curious Middle Kingdom Stela in Birmingham
Authors: Lines Daniel
Published: January 2018

A small limestone stela from the collection of the University of Birmingham is considered. The main points of interest are the relatively poor quality of the inscription, which has given rise to a number of mistakes and idiosyncrasies, and the difficulty in correctly recognizing the identity and significance of the single human figure shown.
An Ancient Egyptian ‘Cd-Rom’: Ashmolean Museum ho 1256
Authors: Bouvier Guillaume , Demarée Rob , Van Heel Koen Donker
Published: January 2018

Publication of Ashmolean Museum HO (Hieratic Ostracon) 1256, a pottery lid or cover which until 1999 was registered as Ashmolean Museum DO (Demotic Ostracon) 899. It is written in late cursive hieratic and deals with agricultural matters such as plots of land and grain. Its provenance is unknown, but may be the Theban region.
Lamps from the Sacred Animal Necropolis, North Saqqara and the Monastery of apa Antinos
Authors: Bailey Donald M.
Published: January 2018

Some 33 lamps were recorded from the excavations of the Egypt Exploration Society at North Saqqara (1964–76). They were found in the Baboon, the Falcon and the Mother of Apis Catacombs, in the associated temple site and in the monastic establishment eventually built above the latter. Several lamps were contemporary with the primary usage of the temple and catacombs, and are of Ptolemaic and perhaps of early Roman Imperial date. Late Roman lamps come only from the monastery and its cemetery area, except one found in the entrance of the Mother of Apis Catacomb. The monastery was doubtless deserted before Fatimid times and the several lamps recovered of that and subsequent periods were left behind in the three catacombs by medieval explorers.
The Exploration of Tell Belim, 1999–2002
Authors: Spencer Jeffrey
Published: January 2018

The site of Tell Belim in the northern part of Sharqiya Governorate was one of the less familiar Lower Egyptian sites to have been subject to investigation by the Society's Delta Survey. This article describes the EES survey of the site, carried out in September 2000, and the subsequent excavation of the temple area by The British Museum in the spring of 2002. Although almost completely destroyed, a temple of the Twenty-sixth Dynasty has been identified, within an enclosure of mud-brick.
Die Schriftzeugnisse Des Prädynastischen Königsgrabes U-J in Umm El-Qaab: Versuch Einer Neuinterpretation
Authors: Breyer Francis Amadeus Karl
Published: January 2018

In the first volume of the Umm el-Qaab series, G. Dreyer has published the earliest known examples of writing in Egypt, found in the tomb U-j in Umm el-Qaab, supposed to be that of an obscure king ‘Scorpion’. Although the new material has been excellently presented, many interpretations will not bear closer scrutiny, particularly the reconstructed scheme of several predynastic kings. Being of the greatest importance for our understanding not only of Egyptian culture but also of the development of writing per se, one should refrain from too far-fetched conclusions. Thus, less far-reaching solutions are proposed.
The Biographical Inscription of Ptahshepses from Saqqara: A Newly Identified Fragment
Authors: Dorman Peter F.
Published: January 2018

A limestone block in the collection of the Oriental Institute Museum (OIM 11048), can now be identified as belonging to the niched chapel wall of Ptahshepses in The British Museum (BM EA 682), known for its biographical text recounting the life of this priestly official under successive reigns during the Fourth and Fifth Dynasties. The OIM block supplies the names of two additional kings, Userkaf and Sahure, to the Ptahshepses inscription, the former of whom is the ruler who gave his daughter, Khamaat, to Ptahshepses in marriage. A grammatical and structural analysis of the inscribed façade sets the text within the context of other early biographies, and suggests that its overtly poetic structure was intended as a performative signal to invite the active participation of visitors through recitation. Finally, the value of the Ptahshepses façade as a contemporary chronological record is briefly reassessed in relation to the Ramesside king lists and the Manethonic tradition.
Gender and Conversational Tactics in the Contendings of Horus and Seth
Authors: Sweeney Deborah
Published: January 2018

This article analyses the correlation of conversational tactics and gender in The Contendings of Horus and Seth, focusing on the linguistic behaviour of the goddesses Isis and Neith, and the gods Pre-Harakhte, Seth, and Osiris. During the litigation over the kingship of Egypt, certain male deities, such as Seth and Pre-Harakhte, attempt to achieve their aims by threats and outbursts of rage, tactics seldom adopted by the goddesses in this particular text. Isis, by contrast, tends to assume a vulnerable position in relation to her interlocutors and to persuade them to cooperate with her by offering them attractive rewards. However, the issues of speech and power are subtle and complex, and a simple binary division based on gender cannot do justice to them. This text also represents goddesses acting assertively and forthrightly, such as Neith in her correspondence with the Ennead. Similarly, few male gods are shown emulating Seth's boorish behaviour, from which the whole divine assembly suffers.
The Problem of Amenirdis ii and the Heirs to the Office of God's Wife of Amun during the Twenty-Sixth Dynasty
Authors: Dodson Aidan
Published: January 2018

A discussion of the evidence for the career of Amenirdis II, daughter of Taharqa, and adopted daughter of the God's Wife of Amun Shepenwepet II. Consideration of the monuments and the titles used by the God's Wives and their heirs leads to the conclusion that Amenirdis never advanced to the position of God's Wife, but instead held a secondary office, signified by the title ‘God's Hand’, successively under Shepenwepet II and Nitokris I. It is also argued that a figure on Cairo lintel JE 29254B, usually identified as Shepenwepet II, is actually a hitherto-unknown Shepenwepet IV, a prematurely deceased heir of Nitokris.
Growth Hormone-Induced Alterations in the Insulin-Signaling System
Authors: Dominici Fernando P. , Turyn1 Daniel
Published: January 2018

Growth hormone (GH) counteracts insulin action on lipid and glucose metabolism. However, the sequence of molecular events leading to these changes is poorly understood. Insulin action is initiated by binding of the hormone to its cell surface receptor (IR). This event activates the intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity residing in the β-subunit of the IR and leads to autophosphorylation of the cytoplasmic portion of the β-subunit and further activation of its tyrosine kinase towards several intermediate proteins, including the family of IR substrates (IRS) and the Shc proteins. When tyrosine phosphorylated, these cellular substrates connect the IR with several downstream signaling molecules. One of them is the enzyme phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase. The insulin antagonistic action of GH is not a consequence of a direct interaction with the IR. Instead, long-term exposure to GH is, in general, associated with hyperinsulinemia, which leads to a reduction of IR levels and an impairment of its tyrosine kinase activity. The signals of GH and insulin may converge at post-receptor levels. The signaling pathway leading to activation of PI 3-kinase appears to be an important site of convergence between the signals of these two hormones and seems to be mediated principally by IRS-1. Rodent models of chronic GH excess have been useful tools to investigate the mechanism by which GH induces insulin resistance. Decreased IR, IRS-1, and IRS-2 tyrosyl phosphorylation in response to insulin was found in skeletal muscle, whereas a chronic activation of the IRS-PI 3-kinase pathway was found in liver. The induction of the expression of proteins that inhibit IR signaling such as suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1 and -6 may also be involved in this alteration. interestingly, the modulation of Insulin signaling and action observed in states of GH excess, deficiency, or resistance seems to be relevant to the changes in longevity associated with those States.
Plasma Glucagon and Free Fatty Acid Responses to a Glucose Load in the Obese Spontaneous Hypertensive Rat (SHROB) Model of Metabolic Syndrome X
Authors: Velliquette Rodney A. , Koletsky Richard J. , Ernsberger Paul
Published: January 2018

Metabolic Syndrome X is a cluster of abnormalities including insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. We sought to determine if excess plasma glucagon and free fatty acids (FFA) might contribute to the insulin resistance in the obese spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHROB), a unique animal model of leptin resistance and metabolic Syndrome X. SHROB were extremely hyperinsulinemic and mildly glucose intolerant compared with lean SHR. SHROB had elevated fasting plasma glucagon and FFA, and showed paradoxical responses to an oral glucose challenge, with increased glucagon at 30 and 60 min postchallenge (200% ± 45% and 91% ± 13%, respectively; n = 9). In lean SHR, glucagon was nearly unchanged by glucose loading (<30% increase, P > 0.05; n = 5). Plasma FFA were not affected by a glucose load in SHROB, whereas SHR showed a decrease of 40% ± 6% (n = 5–9). The I/G molar ratio changed in opposite directions in the two genotypes, with a decrease in SHROB at 30 and 60 min, in contrast to the appropriate increase at 30 and 60 min postchallenge in the lean SHR (P < 0.01; n = 5–9). Administration of 500 ng/kg exogenous glucagon to SHR raised glucagon 56% ± 5% to a level that was similar to fasting SHROB. This level of circulating glucagon was sufficient to elevate glucose and insulin during the 7 hr of observation (n = 9). Based on these results, we suggest that fasting hyperglucagonemia and impaired suppression of glucagon secretion and FFA in response to an oral glucose load may contribute to insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in the SHROB model of metabolic Syndrome X.
Induction of Cardiac Cytochrome P450 in Cocaine-Treated Mice
Authors: Wang Ju-Feng , Yang Yinke , Sullivan Matthew F. , Min Jiangyong , Cai Jinbo , Zeldin Darryl C. , Xiao Yong-Fu , Morgan James P.
Published: January 2018

Cytochrome P450 (P450) is a ubiquitous family of enzymes responsible for the metabolism of a wide variety of drugs and their metabolites, including cocaine. To investigate the effects of cocaine on myocardial injuries and cardiac P450 expression, BALB/c mice were injected daily intraperitoneally with cocaine (30 mg/kg) or cocaine plus pretreatment of P450 inhibitors for 14 days. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) content and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity in mice hearts and serums were significantly increased after long-term treatment with cocaine. Pretreatment with the P450 inhibitor, cimetidine (Cime, 50 mg/kg) or metyrapone (Mety, 40 mg/kg) abolished or significantly attenuated the effects of cocaine on TNF-α and CPK activity. Western blot analysis shows that mouse cardiac tissues express the P450 isoforms CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP2J2. The protein levels normalized with cyclophilin A were 1.20 ± 0.07, 0.67 ± 0.03, and 1.48 ± 0.01 for CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP 2J2, respectively. After cocaine administration, CYP2J2 increased by 43.6% and CYP1A1 increased by 108.5%, but CYP1A2 was not significantly altered. However, the cytochrome P450 inhibitors Cime and Mety suppressed the cocaine-induced increase in CYP1A1 and CYP2J2 expression. Moreover, application of Cime or Mety alone did not alter the level of cardiac TNF-α or the expression of P450. Our results demonstrate that long-term exposure to cocaine causes an increase in cardiac CYP1A1 and CYP2J2 concentration. We speculate that induction of P450 isoforms may cause cardiac injury due to cocaine metabolites locally catalyzed by P450 or the increase in P450 expression itself.
Metallothionein Protection against Alcoholic Liver Injury through Inhibition of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Zhou Zhanxiang , Sun Xiuhua , Kang Y. James
Published: January 2018

Antioxidants are likely potential pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of alcoholic liver disease. Metallothionein (MT) is a cysteine-rich protein and functions as an antioxidant. This study was designed to determine whether MT confers resistance to acute alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity and to explore the mechanistic link between oxidative stress and alcoholic liver injury. MT-overexpressing transgenic and wild-type mice were administrated three gastric doses of alcohol at 5 g/kg. Liver injury, oxidative stress, and ethanol metabolism-associated changes were determined. Acute ethanol administration in the wild-type mice caused prominent microvesicular steatosis, along with necrosis and elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase. Ultrastructural changes of the hepatocytes include glycogen and fat accumulation, organelle abnormality, and focal cytoplasmic degeneration. This acute alcohol hepatotoxicity was significantly inhibited in the MT-transgenic mice. Furthermore, ethanol treatment decreased hepatic-reduced glutathione, but increased oxidized glutathione along with lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and superoxide generation in the wild-type mice. This hepatic oxidative stress was significantly suppressed in the MT-transgenic mice. However, MT did not affect the ethanol metabolism-associated decrease in NAD+/NADH ratio or increase in cytochrome P450 2E1. In conclusion, MT is an effective agent in cytoprotection against alcohol-induced liver injury, and hepatic protection by MT is likely through inhibition of alcohol-induced oxidative stress.
Early detection and evolution of preleukemic clones in therapy-related myeloid neoplasms following autologous SCT
Authors: Berger Gerbrig , Kroeze Leonie I. , Koorenhof-Scheele Theresia N. , de Graaf Aniek O. , Yoshida Kenichi , Ueno Hiroo , Shiraishi Yuichi , Miyano Satoru , van den Berg Eva , Schepers Hein , van der Reijden Bert A. , Ogawa Seishi , Vellenga Edo , Jansen Joop H.
Published: January 2018

Key Points

tMNs after ASCT originate from HSCs bearing (pre-)tMN mutations that are present years before disease onset. Post-ASCT treatment can influence selection and outgrowth of (pre)leukemic clones.
Effects of 6-month treatment with the glucagon like peptide-1 analogue liraglutide on arterial stiffness, left ventricular myocardial deformation and oxidative stress in subjects with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lambadiari Vaia , Pavlidis George , Kousathana Foteini , Varoudi Maria , Vlastos Dimitrios , Maratou Eirini , Georgiou Dimitrios , Andreadou Ioanna , Parissis John , Triantafyllidi Helen , Lekakis John , Iliodromitis Efstathios , Dimitriadis George , Ikonomidis Ignatios
Published: January 2018

Background

Incretin-based therapies are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. We investigated the changes in arterial stiffness and left ventricular (LV) myocardial deformation after 6-month treatment with the GLP-1 analogue liraglutide in subjects with newly diagnosed T2DM.

Methods

We randomized 60 patients with newly diagnosed and treatment-naive T2DM to receive either liraglutide (n = 30) or metformin (n = 30) for 6 months. We measured at baseline and after 6-month treatment: (a) carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) (b) LV longitudinal strain (GLS), and strain rate (GLSR), peak twisting (pTw), peak twisting velocity (pTwVel) and peak untwisting velocity (pUtwVel) using speckle tracking echocardiography. LV untwisting was calculated as the percentage difference between peak twisting and untwisting at MVO (%dpTw–UtwMVO), at peak (%dpTw–UtwPEF) and end of early LV diastolic filling (%dpTw–UtwEDF) (c) Flow mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery and percentage difference of FMD (FMD%) (d) malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PCs) and NT-proBNP.

Results

After 6-months treatment, subjects that received liraglutide presented with a reduced PWV (11.8 ± 2.5 vs. 10.3 ± 3.3 m/s), MDA (0.92 [0.45–2.45] vs. 0.68 [0.43–2.08] nM/L) and NT-proBNP (p < 0.05) in parallel with an increase in GLS (− 15.4 ± 3 vs. − 16.6 ± 2.7), GLSR (0.77 ± 0.2 vs. 0.89 ± 0.2), pUtwVel (− 97 ± 49 vs. − 112 ± 52°, p < 0.05), %dpTw–UtwMVO (31 ± 10 vs. 40 ± 14), %dpTw–UtwPEF (43 ± 19 vs. 53 ± 22) and FMD% (8.9 ± 3 vs. 13.2 ± 6, p < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences of the measured markers in subjects that received metformin except for an improvement in FMD. In all subjects, PCs levels at baseline were negatively related to the difference of GLS (r = − 0.53) post-treatment and the difference of MDA was associated with the difference of PWV (r = 0.52) (p < 0.05 for all associations) after 6-month treatment.

Conclusions

Six-month treatment with liraglutide improves arterial stiffness, LV myocardial strain, LV twisting and untwisting and NT-proBNP by reducing oxidative stress in subjects with newly diagnosed T2DM.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03010683
Facile fabrication and comparative exploration of high cut resistant woven and knitted composite fabrics using Kevlar and polyethylene
Authors: Memon Anam Ali , Peerzada Mazhar H. , Sahito Iftikhar Ali , Abbassi Sadaf , Jeong Sung Hoon
Published: January 2018

Composite materials offer a number of distinct advantages in a wide range of low and high technology engineering applications. Considering the fact, in this study, a facile fabrication method of highly cut resistant composite fabrics using Kevlar and polyethylene is reported. 100% Kevlar, 100% Polyethylene and 50% Kevlar/50% Polyethylene composite fabrics are fabricated by weaving and knitting techniques. These fabrics were tested for cut index, abrasion, and puncture resistance for comparative exploration. Owing to higher mechanical strength and greater number of interlacements; the woven fabrics demonstrated twice cut resistance in contrast to knitted fabrics. The surface morphology of deformed samples investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) also proved that the woven fabrics of all types offered much resistance towards cutting than the knitted fabrics. Moreover, it is found that greater thickness of fabrics leads to intensification of the cut resistance. Furthermore, the effect of fiber type on cut resistant property of the fabrics was also measured and it was found that the composite fabric exhibited double cut resistance than 100% Kevlar and 100% Polyethylene fabrics. The 50% Kevlar/50% Polyethylene composite woven fabric resisted up to 35 consecutive strokes of sharp steel cutter whereas the knitted fabric completely torn apart at 20 strokes only. Thus, the as synthesized 50% Kevlar/50% Polyethylene composite woven fabric exhibiting superior cut resistance property offer a judicious choice for the preparation of efficient cut resistant fabric for industrial and domestic applications.
Enzyme washing of indigo and sulphur dyed denim
Authors: Patra A. K. , Madhu Amit , Bala Neeraj
Published: January 2018

A wide ranging finish effects have been given to denim fabrics in industrial scale to make it more fashionable and functional. Among the numerous wet and dry treatments given, worn out looks of various kinds have received the maximum attention. In this context, herein, two denim fabrics, one dyed with vat indigo and the other with sulphur black were enzyme washed. The enzymes used were acid cellulase and neutral cellulase and the treatments were done at varying concentrations, time and mechanical agitation. The trials so taken were based on design of experiments, and the effect was analysed in terms of decrease in colour depth and weight loss. Back staining of fabric during the wash was also checked and acid enzyme despite higher colour removal, caused significant staining in sulphur dyed quality. Attempt was made to contain this back staining by suitable treatment. The application conditions of cellulases on the denim qualities were also optimized for fading effect.
Effect of electroconvulsive therapy on hippocampal and amygdala volumes: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Takamiya Akihiro , Chung Jun Ku , Liang Kuo-ching , Graff-Guerrero Ariel , Mimura Masaru , Kishimoto Taishiro
Published: January 2018

Background

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most effective treatments for depression, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Animal studies have shown that electroconvulsive shock induced neuroplastic changes in the hippocampus.

Aims

To summarise volumetric magnetic resonance imaging studies investigating the effects of ECT on limbic brain structures.

Method

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess volumetric changes of each side of the hippocampus and amygdala before and after ECT. Standardised mean difference (SMD) was calculated.

Results

A total of 8 studies (n = 193) were selected for our analyses. Both right and left hippocampal and amygdala volumes increased after ECT. Meta-regression analyses revealed that age, percentage of those responding and percentage of those in remission were negatively associated with volume increases in the left hippocampus.

Conclusions

ECT increased brain volume in the limbic structures. The clinical relevance of volume increase needs further investigation.

Declaration of interest

None.
Joining psychiatric care and faith healing in a prayer camp in Ghana: randomised trial
Authors: Ofori-Atta A. , Attafuah J. , Jack H. , Baning F. , Rosenheck R. ,   the Joining Forces Research Consortium
Published: January 2018

Background

Care of people with serious mental illness in prayer camps in low-income countries generates human rights concerns and ethical challenges for outcome researchers.

Aims

To ethically evaluate joining traditional faith healing with psychiatric care including medications (Clinical trials.gov identifier NCT02593734).

Method

Residents of a Ghana prayer camp were randomly assigned to receive either indicated medication for schizophrenia or mood disorders along with usual prayer camp activities (prayers, chain restraints and fasting) (n= 71); or the prayer camp activities alone (n= 68). Masked psychologists assessed Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) outcomes at 2, 4 and 6 weeks. Researchers discouraged use of chaining, but chaining decisions remained under the control of prayer camp staff.

Results

Total BPRS symptoms were significantly lower in the experimental group (P= 0.003, effect size –0.48). There was no significant difference in days in chains.

Conclusions

Joining psychiatric and prayer camp care brought symptom benefits but, in the short-run, did not significantly reduce days spent in chains.

Declaration of interest

None.
Undetected post-traumatic stress disorder in secondary-care mental health services: systematic review
Authors: Zammit Stan , Lewis Catrin , Dawson Sarah , Colley Hannah , McCann Hannah , Piekarski Alice , Rockliff Helen , Bisson Jonathan
Published: January 2018

Background

Comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with poorer outcomes of other disorders, but is treatable.

Aims

To estimate the frequency of clinically undetected PTSD in secondary care.

Method

A systematic review of studies that screened for PTSD and reported on PTSD documentation in clinical records. Frequency of undetected PTSD was estimated, and reasons for heterogeneity explored.

Results

The median proportion of participants with undetected PTSD (29 studies) was 28.6% (interquartile range 18.2–38.6%). There was substantial heterogeneity, with studies conducted in the USA and those with the highest proportions of in-patients and patients with psychotic disorder reporting higher frequencies of undetected PTSD.

Conclusions

Undetected PTSD is common in secondary care, even if the true value is at the lower limit of the estimates reported here. Trials examining the impact of routine screening for PTSD are required to determine whether such programmes should be standard procedure for all mental health services.

Declaration of interest

None.
Cabozantinib, a New Standard of Care for Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma and Bone Metastases? Subgroup Analysis of the METEOR Trial
Authors: Escudier Bernard , Powles Thomas , Motzer Robert J. , Olencki Thomas , Arén Frontera Osvaldo , Oudard Stephane , Rolland Frederic , Tomczak Piotr , Castellano Daniel , Appleman Leonard J. , Drabkin Harry , Vaena Daniel , Milwee Steven , Youkstetter Jillian , Lougheed Julie C. , Bracarda Sergio , Choueiri Toni K.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Cabozantinib, an inhibitor of tyrosine kinases including MET, vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, and AXL, increased progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and objective response rate (ORR) in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after previous vascular endothelial growth factor receptor–targeted therapy in the phase III METEOR trial. Because bone metastases are associated with increased morbidity in patients with RCC, bone-related outcomes were analyzed in METEOR.

Patients and Methods

Six hundred fifty-eight patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive 60 mg cabozantinib or 10 mg everolimus. Prespecified subgroup analyses of PFS, OS, and ORR were conducted in patients grouped by baseline bone metastases status per independent radiology committee (IRC). Additional end points included bone scan response per IRC, skeletal-related events, and changes in bone biomarkers.

Results

For patients with bone metastases at baseline (cabozantinib [n = 77]; everolimus [n = 65]), median PFS was 7.4 months for cabozantinib versus 2.7 months for everolimus (hazard ratio, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.21 to 0.51]). Median OS was also longer with cabozantinib (20.1 months v 12.1 months; hazard ratio, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.34 to 0.84]), and ORR per IRC was higher (17% v 0%). The rate of skeletal-related events was 23% with cabozantinib and 29% with everolimus, and bone scan response per IRC was 20% versus 10%, respectively. PFS, OS, and ORR were also improved with cabozantinib in patients without bone metastases. Changes in bone biomarkers were greater with cabozantinib than with everolimus. The overall safety profiles of cabozantinib and everolimus in patients with bone metastases were consistent with those observed in patients without bone metastases.

Conclusion

Cabozantinib treatment was associated with improved PFS, OS, and ORR when compared with everolimus treatment in patients with advanced RCC and bone metastases and represents a good treatment option for these patients.
L1 vertebral density on CT is too variable with different scanning protocols to be a useful screening tool for osteoporosis in everyday practice
Authors: Gerety Emma-Louise , Bearcroft Philip WP
Published: January 2018

Objective:

To determine whether a single L1 density threshold can be used to screen all patients undergoing CT at a busy tertiary referral centre for those at risk of osteoporosis.

Methods:

200 patients, who had been randomly selected for an audit of CT reporting of incidental vertebral fractures, had their L1 density measured on 864 routine CT examinations. These had been performed with a variety of kVp and intravenous (i.v.) contrast protocols, reflecting the wide range of imaging indications.

Results:

L1 density measured on thick axial, thin axial or sagittal images had an excellent intraclass correlation coefficient (0.996). For the same patients imaged twice within 6 months, there was mean intraexamination L1 density difference of 27.5 HU. Variability due to i.v. contrast medium administration resulted in a mean difference of 24.5 HU. Mean difference due to acquisition kVp was 24.1 HU. Once matched for sex, age, kVp and i.v. contrast, there was a significant difference between the L1 density in patients with vertebral fractures compared to those without fractures (mean 30.19 HU).

Conclusion:

There is significant variability in the L1 vertebral body CT density due to differences in acquisition variables such as kVp and timing post-i.v. contrast medium.

Advances in knowledge:

Previous studies suggested that L1 CT density could be used to screen for osteoporosis. The current study cautions that it is not possible to define a single L1 density threshold for screening, due to the number of variables within a wide range of scanning protocols for different imaging indications in everyday practice.
Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging of resectable oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma: association with tumour stage
Authors: Huang Yu-cheng , Chen Tian-wu , Zhang Xiao-ming , Zeng Nan-lin , Li Rui , Tang Yu-lian , Chen Fan , Chen Yan-li
Published: January 2018

Objective:

To determine whether intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) derived parameters can be associated with tumour stage of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods:

60 patients with resectable oesophageal SCC and 20 healthy individuals underwent oesophageal DWI-using multi b-values with a 3.0 T MR system. Pure diffusion coefficient (D), perfusion-related incoherent microcirculation (D*), microvascular volume fraction (f) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were measured on DWI. Statistical analyses were performed to determine associations of DWI-derived parameters with T-stage.

Results:

ADC (r = −0.842), D (r = −0.729), D* (r = −0.301) and f (r = −0.817) were negatively correlated with T-stage of oesophageal SCC (all p < 0.01), and the multinominal regression analyses revealed that IVIM-derived parameters including D (p = 0.038; odds ratio <1) and f (p < 0.001; odds ratio <1) were associated with T-stage. The Mann–Whitney U tests with Bonferroni correction showed that D, f and ADC could discriminate oesophageal SCC, especially T  1-staged tumour, from normal oesophagus (all p < 0.05) while D* could not (p > 0.05). By receiver operating characteristic analyses, f could be the best indicator for detecting oesophageal SCC with an area under receiver operating characteristic (AUC) of 0.964, especially T  1-staged cancer with an AUC of 0.984, and for discriminating T  1-stages between T  0–1 and T  2  –  3 with an AUC of 0.957, and between T  0  –  2 and T  3 with an AUC of 0.945 in comparison with any other DWI-derived parameter.

Conclusions:

IVIM derived parameters can be associated with T-stage of oesophageal SCC.

Advances in knowledge

(1) IVIM-derived parameters are negatively correlated with stage of oesophageal SCC. (2) Among IVIM-derived parameters, microvascular volume fraction helps detect and stage oesophageal SCC.
In-bore MRI-guided biopsy: can it optimize the need for periodic biopsies in prostate cancer patients undergoing active surveillance? A pilot test–retest reliability study
Authors: Elfatairy Kareem K , Filson Christopher P , Sanda Martin G , Osunkoya Adeboye O , Geller Rachel L , Nour Sherif G
Published: January 2018

Objective:

To evaluate the test-retest reliability of repeated in-bore MRI-guided prostate biopsy (MRGB).

Methods:

19 lesions in 7 patients who had consecutive MRGBs were retrospectively analysed. Five patients had 2 consecutive MRGBs and two patients had 3 consecutive MRGBs. Both multiparametric MRI and MRGBs were performed using a 3T MRI scanner. Pathology results were categorized into benign, suspicious and malignant. Consistency between first and subsequent biopsy results were analysed as well as the negative predictive value (NPV) for prostate cancer.

Results:

15 lesions (≈79%) had matching second biopsy and 4 (21%) had non-matching second biopsy. Lesions with both Prostate Imaging – Reporting and Data System(PIRADS) categories 1 and 4 were all benign and had matching pathology results. Lesions with non-matching results had PIRADS categories 2, 3 and 5. NPV for prostate cancer in first biopsy was 87.5%. Overall agreement was 78.9% and overall disagreement was 21.1%.κ = 0.55 denoting moderate agreement (p = 0.002). 10/19 lesions had a third biopsy session. 9/10 (90%) had matching pathology results across the three biopsy sessions and all matching lesions were benign.

Conclusion:

In-bore MRI-guided prostate biopsy may have a better reliability for repeat biopsies compared to TRUS biopsy. Final conclusion awaits a prospective analysis on a larger cohort of patients.

Advances in knowledge:

This pilot study showed that repeated prostate in-bore MRI-guided prostate biopsy may have better reliability compared to TRUS biopsy with a suggested high NPV.
Carotid artery ultrasound texture, cardiovascular risk factors, and subclinical arterial disease: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Mitchell Carol C , Korcarz Claudia E , Tattersall Matthew C , Gepner Adam D , Young Rebekah L , Post Wendy S , Kaufman Joel D , McClelland Robyn L , Stein James H
Published: January 2018

Objective:

This pilot study determined if the ultrasound texture feature “contrast” was associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and subclinical arterial disease.

Methods:

We evaluated ultrasound images of the right common carotid artery (CCA) from a convenience sample of 151 participants and examined relationships between contrast, CVD risk factors, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and coronary artery calcium (CAC). Grey level difference statistics algorithms were used to evaluate the texture feature “contrast” from carotid ultrasound images. Right CCA IMT measurements were made in triplicate in the distal 1 cm segment of the far wall of the artery and CAC score was measured using the Agatston scoring method.

Results:

In individual models that included age, sex and race, grey level difference statistics contrast (outcome) was associated independently with age [beta (standard error) = –0.87 (0.38) per year; p = 0.02], C-reactive protein [–2.22 (0.96) per mg dl–1; p = 0.02], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [0.61 (0.24) per mg dl–1; p = 0.01] and CCA IMT [–0.06 (0.02) microns; p = 0.001]. Other CVD risk factors and CAC were not associated independently with contrast.

Conclusion:

These findings support the potential use of the ultrasound texture contrast for evaluating arterial injury and CVD risk.

Advances in knowledge:

This paper contributes to the literature in that it describes how the greyscale texture feature “contrast” is related to CVD risk factors.
Uterine smooth muscle tumours with hyperintense area on T
1 weighted images: differentiation between leiomyosarcomas and leiomyomas
Authors: Ando Tomohiro , Kato Hiroki , Furui Tatsuro , Morishige Ken-ichirou , Goshima Satoshi , Matsuo Masayuki
Published: January 2018

Objective:

Hyperintense area on T  1 weighted images (T  1 HIA) have been reported as suggestive features of uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS), but differentiating LMS from leiomyoma (LM) is often difficult. This study aimed to evaluate the differences between uterine LMS and LM demonstrating intratumoral T  1 HIA.

Methods:

MRI was performed in 509 patients with 1137 uterine smooth muscle tumours [14 LMSs, 5 smooth muscle tumours of uncertain malignant potential , and 1118 LMs] which exceeded 3 cm in diameter. LM with red degeneration and lipoleiomyoma were excluded from the study. We retrospectively reviewed the images and assessed T  1 HIA within tumours.

Results

T  1 HIAs were observed in 11/14 (78.6%) LMSs, 0/5 (0%) smooth muscle tumours of uncertain malignant potential, and 15/1118 (1.3%) LMs. T  1 HIAs were more homogenous (53 vs 0%, p < 0.01) and more well-demarcated (60 vs 9%, p < 0.05) in LMs than in LMSs. T  2 hypointense rim within T  1 HIA (53 vs 9%, p < 0.05) was more frequently observed in LMs than in LMSs. The occupying rate of T  1 HIA (0.20 ± 0.24 vs 0.42 ± 0.27, p < 0.05) was smaller in LMs than in LMSs. The signal intensity ratio of T  1 HIA (1.83 ± 0.36 vs 1.38 ± 0.23, p < 0.01) was greater in LMs than in LMSs.

Conclusion:

T  1 HIA within LM showed more homogeneity, better demarcation, smaller occupying rate, and higher signal intensity than T  1 HIA within LMS.

Advances in knowledge:

The differences in T  1 HIA within tumours may be useful for differentiating between LMS and LM.
Identification of organic pigments in tattoo inks and permanent make-up using laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry
Authors: Niederer Markus , Hauri Urs , Kroll Lydia , Hohl Christopher
Published: January 2018

Nowadays, about 12% of the European and 20% of the US population are tattooed. Rising concerns regarding consumer safety, led to legal restrictions on tattoo and permanent make-up (PMU) inks. Restrictions also include bans on certain colourants. Both ink types use organic pigments for colour-giving, plus inorganic pigments for white and black and colour tones. Pigments are only sparingly soluble in common solvents and occur as suspended particles in the ink matrix. Their detection and identification therefore pose a major challenge for laboratories involved in monitoring the legal compliance of tattoo inks and PMU. We overcame this challenge by developing a direct laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry method, which included an easy sample clean up. The method proved to be capable of detecting and identifying organic pigments in almost all of the tested ink samples. Method validation and routine deployment during market surveys showed the method to be fit for purpose. Pigment screening of 396 tattoo inks and 55 PMU taken from the Swiss market between 2009 and 2017 lead to the following conclusions: Pigment variety is much greater in tattoo inks (18) than in PMU (10); four prohibited pigments (Pigment Green 7, Pigment Red 122, Pigment Violet 19 and 23) were found in both ink types; for PMU, these four pigments made up 12% of the pigment findings, compared to 32% for tattoo inks. Therefore, legal compliance of PMU was at a higher level. A comparison of pigments found with those declared on tattoo ink labels clearly showed that banned pigments are rarely declared, but rather masked by listing non present legal pigments and label forging; therefore, highlighting the urgency of widespread market controls.
archiDART v3.0: A new data analysis pipeline allowing the topological analysis of plant root systems
Authors: Delory Benjamin M. , Li Mao , Topp Christopher N. , Lobet Guillaume
Published: January 2018

Quantifying plant morphology is a very challenging task that requires methods able to capture the geometry and topology of plant organs at various spatial scales. Recently, the use of persistent homology as a mathematical framework to quantify plant morphology has been successfully demonstrated for leaves, shoots, and root systems. In this paper, we present a new data analysis pipeline implemented in the R package archiDART to analyse root system architectures using persistent homology. In addition, we also show that both geometric and topological descriptors are necessary to accurately compare root systems and assess their natural complexity.
Evaluating healthcare priority setting at the meso level: A thematic review of empirical literature
Authors: Waithaka Dennis , Tsofa Benjamin , Barasa Edwine
Published: January 2018

Background: Decentralization of health systems has made sub-national/regional healthcare systems the backbone of healthcare delivery. These regions are tasked with the difficult responsibility of determining healthcare priorities and resource allocation amidst scarce resources. We aimed to review empirical literature that evaluated priority setting practice at the meso level of health systems.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google scholar databases and supplemented these with manual searching for relevant studies, based on the reference list of selected papers. We only included empirical studies that described and evaluated, or those that only evaluated priority setting practice at the meso-level. A total of 16 papers were identified from LMICs and HICs. We analyzed data from the selected papers by thematic review.

Results: Few studies used systematic priority setting processes, and all but one were from HICs. Both formal and informal criteria are used in priority-setting, however, informal criteria appear to be more perverse in LMICs compared to HICs. The priority setting process at the meso-level is a top-down approach with minimal involvement of the community. Accountability for reasonableness was the most common evaluative framework as it was used in 12 of the 16 studies. Efficiency, reallocation of resources and options for service delivery redesign were the most common outcome measures used to evaluate priority setting.

Limitations: Our study was limited by the fact that there are very few empirical studies that have evaluated priority setting at the meso-level and there is likelihood that we did not capture all the studies.

Conclusions: Improving priority setting practices at the meso level is crucial to strengthening health systems. This can be achieved through incorporating and adapting systematic priority setting processes and frameworks to the context where used, and making considerations of both process and outcome measures during priority setting and resource allocation.