bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SIX1 maintains tumor basal cells via transforming growth factor‐β pathway and associates with poor prognosis in esophageal cancer
Authors: Nishimura Takao , Tamaoki Masashi , Komatsuzaki Rie , Oue Naohide , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Komatsu Masayuki , Aoyagi Kazuhiko , Minashi Keiko , Chiwaki Fumiko , Shinohara Hisashi , Tachimori Yuji , Yasui Wataru , Muto Manabu , Yoshida Teruhiko , Sakai Yoshiharu , Sasaki Hiroki
Published: December 2016

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors. Although improvement in both surgical techniques and neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been achieved, the 5‐year survival rate of locally advanced tumors was, at best, still 55%. Therefore, elucidation of mechanisms of the malignancy is eagerly awaited. Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) by transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) has been reported to have critical biological roles for cancer cell stemness, whereas little is known about it in ESCC. In the current study, a transcriptional factor SIX1 was found to be aberrantly expressed in ESCCs. SIX1 cDNA transfection induced overexpression of transforming growth factors (TGFB1 and TGFB2) and its receptor (TGFBR2). Cell invasion was reduced by SIX1 knockdown and was increased in stable SIX1‐transfectants. Furthermore, the SIX1‐transfectants highly expressed tumor basal cell markers such as NGFR, SOX2, ALDH1A1, and PDPN. Although mock‐transfectants had only a 20% PDPN‐high population, SIX1‐transfectants had 60–70%. In two sets of 42 and 85 ESCC patients receiving surgery alone or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery, the cases with high SIX1 mRNA and protein expression level significantly showed a poor prognosis compared with those with low levels. These SIX1 high cases also expressed the above basal cell markers, but suppressed the differentiation markers. Finally, TGF‐β signaling blockade suppressed ESCC cell growth in association with the reduction of PDPN‐positive tumor basal cell population. The present results suggest that SIX1 accelerates self‐renewal of tumor basal cells, resulting in a poor prognosis for ESCC patients.
Hurricane Sandy Exposure Alters the Development of Neural Reactivity to Negative Stimuli in Children
Authors: Kessel Ellen M. , Nelson Brady D. , Kujawa Autumn , Hajcak Greg , Kotov Roman , Bromet Evelyn J. , Carlson Gabrielle A. , Klein Daniel N.
Published: December 2016

This study examined whether exposure to Hurricane Sandy‐related stressors altered children's brain response to emotional information. An average of 8 months (Mage = 9.19) before and 9 months after (Mage = 10.95) Hurricane Sandy, 77 children experiencing high (n = 37) and low (n = 40) levels of hurricane‐related stress exposure completed a task in which the late positive potential, a neural index of emotional reactivity, was measured in response to pleasant and unpleasant, compared to neutral, images. From pre‐ to post‐Hurricane Sandy, children with high stress exposure failed to show the same decrease in emotional reactivity to unpleasant versus neutral stimuli as those with low stress exposure. Results provide compelling evidence that exposure to natural disaster‐related stressors alters neural emotional reactivity to negatively valenced information.
The “Batman Effect”: Improving Perseverance in Young Children
Authors: White Rachel E. , Prager Emily O. , Schaefer Catherine , Kross Ethan , Duckworth Angela L. , Carlson Stephanie M.
Published: December 2016

This study investigated the benefits of self‐distancing (i.e., taking an outsider's view of one's own situation) on young children's perseverance. Four‐ and 6‐year‐old children (N = 180) were asked to complete a repetitive task for 10 min while having the option to take breaks by playing an extremely attractive video game. Six‐year‐olds persevered longer than 4‐year‐olds. Nonetheless, across both ages, children who impersonated an exemplar other—in this case a character, such as Batman—spent the most time working, followed by children who took a third‐person perspective on the self, or finally, a first‐person perspective. Alternative explanations, implications, and future research directions are discussed.
Dyes, flies, and sunny skies: photodynamic therapy and neglected tropical diseases
Authors: Wainwright Mark
Published: December 2016

Photodynamic therapy, in its various applications, represents the focused combination of electromagnetic radiation, a chemical (usually a dye) capable of its absorption and conversion, and oxygen to provide cytotoxicity (cell killing). The effect has been known for over a century, and there is considerable clinical use in terms of its application to various cancers. However, the antimicrobial properties of the technology, which are considerable, have received only a lukewarm reception by healthcare providers, and the possibilities for tropical disease therapy are mainly unexplored. This is particularly vexatious given both the inexpensive nature of the photosensitisers and light sources available and the lack of conventional forward progress in widespread diseases such as leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, and tuberculosis in the Developing World. The following review therefore covers the use, or potential use, of the photodynamic approach in this area, mainly with reference to tropical diseases having current ‘neglected’ status according to the World Health Organisation.
Utility of ultrasound for body fat assessment: validity and reliability compared to a multicompartment criterion
Authors: Smith‐Ryan Abbie E. , Blue Malia N. M. , Trexler Eric T. , Hirsch Katie R.
Published: December 2016

Measurement of body composition to assess health risk and prevention is expanding. Accurate portable techniques are needed to facilitate use in clinical settings. This study evaluated the accuracy and repeatability of a portable ultrasound (US) in comparison with a four‐compartment criterion for per cent body fat (%Fat) in overweight/obese adults. Fifty‐one participants (mean ± SD; age: 37·2 ± 11·3 years; BMI: 31·6 ± 5·2 kg m−2) were measured for %Fat using US (GE Logiq‐e) and skinfolds. A subset of 36 participants completed a second day of the same measurements, to determine reliability. US and skinfold %Fat were calculated using the seven‐site Jackson–Pollock equation. The Wang 4C model was used as the criterion method for %Fat. Compared to a gold standard criterion, US %Fat (36·4 ± 11·8%; P = 0·001; standard error of estimate [SEE] = 3·5%) was significantly higher than the criterion (33·0 ± 8·0%), but not different than skinfolds (35·3 ± 5·9%; P = 0·836; SEE = 4·5%). US resulted in good reliability, with no significant differences from Day 1 (39·95 ± 15·37%) to Day 2 (40·01 ± 15·42%). Relative consistency was 0·96, and standard error of measure was 0·94%. Although US overpredicted %Fat compared to the criterion, a moderate SEE for US is suggestive of a practical assessment tool in overweight individuals. %Fat differences reported from these field‐based techniques are less than reported by other single‐measurement laboratory methods and therefore may have utility in a clinical setting. This technique may also accurately track changes.
Effects of supine rest duration on ultrasound measures of the vastus lateralis
Authors: Arroyo Eliott , Stout Jeffrey R. , Beyer Kyle S. , Church David D. , Varanoske Alyssa N. , Fukuda David H. , Hoffman Jay R.
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Due to the potential for intramuscular fluid shifts from changing body position, researchers often utilize a 10‐ to 15‐min period of supine rest as a standardizing procedure prior to ultrasound assessment of the lower limbs. However, no previous research has observed the changes in muscle morphological characteristics via ultrasonography of the lower limbs depending on the length of time of supine rest to determine whether 10–15 min of supine rest is necessary. The aim of this study was to examine changes in muscle morphology of the vastus lateralis (VL) at various time‐points over the course of 15 min of supine rest.

Methods

Muscle thickness (MT), cross‐sectional area (CSA) and echo intensity (EI) of the VL were assessed in 24 adults at four time‐points including the following: immediately upon moving from a standing to supine position (T0), after 5 (T5), 10 (T10) and 15 min (T15) of lying in a supine position.

Results

CSA significantly decreased from T0 to T10 (P = 0·001) and T15 (P<0·001), with no difference between any other time‐points (P = 0·055–0·666). However, the reported changes in CSA did not exceed the standard error of the measurement for this procedure. No significant differences between any time‐points for MT (P = 0·726–0·966) or EI (P = 0·061–0·783) were observed.

Discussion

These findings suggest extended periods of supine rest may not be needed to obtain consistent muscle morphological measurements of the VL using ultrasonography.
TRPM1 (melastatin) expression is an independent predictor of overall survival in clinical AJCC stage I and II melanoma patients
Authors: Brożyna Anna A. , Guo Huazhang , Yang Sun‐Eun , Cornelius Lynn , Linette Gerald , Murphy Michael , Sheehan Christine , Ross Jeffrey , Slominski Andrzej , Carlson J. Andrew
Published: December 2016

Background

The expression of TRPM1 (melastatin) mRNA is an independent marker, as measured by radioactive in situ hybridization (RISH), of disease‐free survival in primary cutaneous melanoma (PM). The aim of the study was to determine if chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) can reproduce results examining diagnostic and prognostic utility of TRPM1 mRNA expression in melanocytic proliferations as measured by RISH.

Methods

The expression of TRPM1 mRNA was detected by CISH in melanocytic nevi (MN, n = 61), PM (n = 145) and metastatic melanomas (MMs, n = 15).

Results

A progressive loss of TRPM1 was found moving from MN to PM to MM. The histologic stepwise model of melanoma progression revealed that loss of TRPM1 occurred at the transition of RGP PM to VGP PM. As a diagnostic marker, TRPM1 gradient loss showed 93.8% sensitivity and 52.4% specificity for PM. Loss of TRPM1 mRNA correlated with melanoma aggressiveness markers and was independent predictor of disease‐free and overall survival. The corresponding survival curves for degree of melanoma pigmentation matched those for degree of loss of TPRM1 mRNA.

Conclusion

Loss of TRPM1 mRNA expression appears to be a crucial event in the progression of melanoma to a more malignant, metastatic phenotype.
Scissor‐type knife significantly improves self‐completion rate of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection: Single‐center prospective randomized trial
Authors: Yamashina Takeshi , Takeuchi Yoji , Nagai Kengo , Matsuura Noriko , Ito Takashi , Fujii Mototsugu , Hanaoka Noboru , Higashino Koji , Uedo Noriya , Ishihara Ryu , Iishi Hiroyasu
Published: December 2016

Background and Aim

Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (C‐ESD) is recognized as a difficult procedure. Recently, scissors‐type knives were launched to reduce the difficulty of C‐ESD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combined use of a scissors‐type knife and a needle‐type knife with a water‐jet function (WJ needle‐knife) for C‐ESD compared with using the WJ needle‐knife alone.

Methods

This was a prospective randomized controlled trial in a referral center. Eighty‐five patients with superficial colorectal neoplasms were enrolled and randomly assigned to undergo C‐ESD using a WJ needle‐knife alone (Flush group) or a scissor‐type knife‐supported WJ needle‐knife (SB Jr group). Procedures were conducted by two supervised residents. Primary endpoint was self‐completion rate by the residents.

Results

Self‐completion rate was 67% in the SB Jr group, which was significantly higher than that in the Flush group (39%, P = 0.01). Even after exclusion of four patients in the SB Jr group in whom C‐ESD was completed using the WJ needle‐knife alone, the self‐completion rate was significantly higher (63% vs 39%; P = 0.03). Median procedure time among the self‐completion cases did not differ significantly between the two groups (59 vs 51 min; P = 0.14). No fatal adverse events were observed in either group.

Conclusions

In this single‐center phase II trial, scissor‐type knife significantly improved residents’ self‐completion rate for C‐ESD, with no increase in procedure time or adverse events. A multicenter trial would be warranted to confirm the validity of the present study.
Judgments of damage to public versus private property in Chinese children at different historical times
Authors: Chen Xinyin , Li Dan , Liu Junsheng , Chen Huichang , Zhao Siman
Published: December 2016

This study examined children's judgments of damage to public versus private property in China at two historical times. Participants were two cohorts (1980 and 2012) of elementary school children at ages 7, 9, and 11 years. The children were administered paired stories that described a protagonist who damaged public or private property with a good or bad intention. The results showed that children in the 2012 cohort were less likely than their counterparts in the 1980 cohort to judge damage to public property as more culpable than damage to private property. The cohort differences were more evident in older children than in younger children. The results suggest that macro‐level contexts may play an important role in shaping children's judgments.
Efficacy and safety of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and mixed‐treatment comparison analysis
Authors: Htike Zin Z. , Zaccardi Francesco , Papamargaritis Dimitris , Webb David R. , Khunti Kamlesh , Davies Melanie J.
Published: December 2016

Aims

To compare efficacy and safety of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) in people with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods

We electronically searched, up to June 3, 2016, published randomized clinical trials lasting between 24 and 32 weeks that compared a GLP‐1RA (albiglutide, dulaglutide, twice‐daily exenatide and once‐weekly exenatide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, semaglutide and taspoglutide) with placebo or another GLP‐1RA. Data on cardiometabolic and safety outcomes were analysed using a mixed‐treatment comparison meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 34 trials (14 464 participants) met the inclusion criteria; no published data for semaglutide were available. Compared with placebo, all GLP‐1RAs reduced glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels (reductions ranged from −0.55% and −0.73 mmol/L, respectively, for lixisenatide to −1.21% and −1.97 mmol/L, respectively, for dulaglutide). There were no differences within short‐acting (twice‐daily exenatide and lixisenatide) or long‐acting (albiglutide, dulaglutide, once‐weekly exenatide, liraglutide and taspoglutide) groups. Compared with twice‐daily exenatide, dulaglutide treatment was associated with the greatest HbA1c and FPG reduction (0.51% and 1.04 mmol/L, respectively), followed by liraglutide (0.45% and 0.93 mmol/L, respectively) and once‐weekly exenatide (0.38% and 0.85 mmol/L, respectively); similar reductions were found when these 3 agents were compared with lixisenatide. Compared with placebo, all GLP‐1RAs except albiglutide reduced weight and increased the risk of hypoglycaemia and gastrointestinal side effects, and all agents except dulaglutide and taspoglutide reduced systolic blood pressure. When all GLP‐1RAs were compared with each other, no clinically meaningful differences were observed in weight loss, blood pressure reduction or hypoglycaemia risk. Albiglutide had the lowest risk of nausea and diarrhoea and once‐weekly exenatide the lowest risk of vomiting.

Conclusions

The RCTs in the present analysis show that all GLP‐1RAs improve glycaemic control, reduce body weight and increase the risk of adverse gastrointestinal symptoms compared with placebo. Although there were no differences when short‐acting agents were compared with each other or when long‐acting agents were compared with each other, dulaglutide, liraglutide and once‐weekly exenatide were superior to twice‐daily exenatide and lixisenatide at lowering HbA1c and FPG levels. There were no differences in hypoglycaemia between these 3 agents, whilst once‐weekly exenatide had the lowest risk of vomiting. These results, along with patient's preferences and individualized targets, should be considered when selecting a GLP‐1RA.
Effect of varying degrees of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of taspoglutide
Authors: Giraudon Mylène , Sturm Stefan , Lambert Nathalie , Niggli Markus , Brumm Jochen , Mangold Bernhard , Schmitt Christophe
Published: December 2016

Aim

To evaluate single‐dose pharmacokinetics and tolerability of taspoglutide in people with varying degrees of renal impairment and matched healthy participants.

Methods

Participants in the present study were people with mild renal impairment (n = 10), moderate impairment (n = 10), severe impairment (n = 9), and a matched healthy control group (n = 10). Participants received a single subcutaneous injection of taspoglutide (10 mg) on day 1. Plasma and urine drug concentration, antibody formation, vital signs, ECGs and routine laboratory variables were measured frequently and adverse events (AEs) were monitored for 9 weeks.

Results

Taspoglutide exposure was higher among participants with moderate and severe renal impairment compared with participants with normal renal function. Mean AUClast
was 13% and 38% higher in participants with moderate and severe renal impairment, respectively compared with participants with normal renal function. Likewise, mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax
) was 57% and 93% higher in participants with moderate and severe renal function impairment, respectively, compared with participants with normal renal function. Linear regression analyses showed a statistically significant inverse relationship between taspoglutide exposure parameters (AUC and Cmax
) and creatinine clearance. Higher incidences of gastrointestinal (GI) AEs were reported in participants with severe renal impairment.

Conclusion

Renal impairment altered the pharmacokinetics of taspoglutide. The degree of renal impairment was associated with an increased exposure to taspoglutide and an increased risk of GI AEs.
Evaluation of the counter‐regulatory responses to hypoglycaemia in patients with type 1 diabetes during opiate receptor blockade with naltrexone
Authors: Naik Sarita , Belfort‐DeAguiar Renata , Sejling Anne‐Sophie , Szepietowska Barbara , Sherwin Robert S.
Published: December 2016

Aims

Hypoglycaemia is the major limiting factor in achieving optimal glycaemic control in people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), especially intensively treated patients with impaired glucose counter‐regulation during hypoglycaemia. Naloxone, an opiate receptor blocker, has been reported to enhance the acute counter‐regulatory response to hypoglycaemia when administered intravenously in humans. The current study was undertaken to investigate the oral formulation of the long‐acting opiate antagonist, naltrexone, and determine if it could have a similar effect, and thus might be useful therapeutically in treatment of T1DM patients with a high risk of hypoglycaemia.

Materials and methods

We performed a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded, cross‐over study in which 9 intensively treated subjects with T1DM underwent a 2‐step euglycaemic‐hypoglycaemic‐hyperinsulinaemic clamp on 2 separate occasions. At 12 hours and at 1 hour before the clamp study, participants received 100 mg of naltrexone or placebo orally. Counter‐regulatory hormonal responses were assessed at baseline and during each step of the hyperinsulinaemic‐clamp.

Results

Glucose and insulin levels did not differ significantly between the naltrexone and placebo visits; nor did the glucose infusion rates required to keep glucose levels at target. During hypoglycaemia, naltrexone, in comparison with the placebo group, induced an increase in epinephrine levels (
P
 = .05). However, no statistically significant differences in glucagon, cortisol and growth hormone responses were observed.

Conclusion

In contrast to the intravenous opiate receptor blocker naloxone, overnight administration of the oral long‐acting opiate receptor blocker, naltrexone, at a clinically used dose, had a limited effect on the counter‐regulatory response to hypoglycaemia in intensively treated subjects with T1DM.
In vitro differentiation of neural stem cells derived from human olfactory bulb into dopaminergic‐like neurons
Authors: Alizadeh Rafieh , Hassanzadeh Gholamreza , Joghataei Mohammad Taghi , Soleimani Mansoureh , Moradi Fatemeh , Mohammadpour Shahram , Ghorbani Jahangir , Safavi Ali , Sarbishegi Maryam , Pirhajati Mahabadi Vahid , Alizadeh Leila , Hadjighassem Mahmoudreza
Published: December 2016

This study describes a new accessible source of neuronal stem cells that can be used in Parkinson's disease cell transplant. The human olfactory bulb contains neural stem cells (NSCs) that are responsible for neurogenesis in the brain and the replacement of damaged cellular components throughout life. NSCs are capable of differentiating into neuronal and glial cells. We isolated NSCs from the olfactory bulb of brain‐death donors and differentiated them into dopaminergic neurons. The olfactory bulb tissues obtained were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium/nutrient mixture F12, B27 supplemented with basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor and leukemia inhibitory factor. The NSCs and proliferation markers were assessed. The multipotentiality of olfactory bulb NSCs was demonstrated by their capacity to differentiate into neurons, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. To generate dopaminergic neurons, olfactory bulb NSCs were differentiated in neurobasal medium, supplemented with B27, and treated with sonic hedgehog, fibroblast growth factor 8 and glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor from the 7th to the 21st day, followed by detection of dopaminergic neuronal markers including tyrosine hydroxylase and aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase. The cells were expanded, established in continuous cell lines and differentiated into the two classical neuronal phenotypes. The percentage of co‐positive cells (microtubule‐associated protein 2 and tyrosine hydroxylase; aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase) in the treated cells was significantly higher than in the untreated cells. These results illustrate the existence of multipotent NSCs in the adult human olfactory bulb that are capable of differentiating toward putative dopaminergic neurons in the presence of trophic factors. Taken together, our data encourage further investigations of the possible use of olfactory bulb NSCs as a promising cell‐based therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease.
Unity, Objectivity, and the Passivity of Experience
Authors: Gomes Anil
Published: December 2016

In the section ‘Unity and Objectivity’ ofThe Bounds of Sense, P. F. Strawson argues for the thesis that unity of consciousness requires experience of an objective world. My aim in this essay is to evaluate this claim. In the first and second parts of the essay, I explicate Strawson's thesis, reconstruct his argument, and identify the point at which the argument fails. Strawson's discussion nevertheless raises an important question: are there ways in which we must think of our experiences if we are to self‐ascribe them? In the third part of the essay, I use Kant's remarks concerning the passivity of experience to suggest one answer to this question: in self‐ascribing experiences, we must be capable of thinking of them as passive to their objects. This can be used to provide an alternative route from unity to objectivity.
Growth hormone/IGF‐1 axis longitudinal evaluation in clinically isolated syndrome patients on interferon β‐1b therapy: stimulation tests and correlations with clinical and radiological conversion to multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lanzillo R. , Di Somma C. , Quarantelli M. , Carotenuto A. , Pivonello C. , Moccia M. , Cianflone A. , Marsili A. , Puorro G. , Saccà F. , Russo C. V. , De Luca Picione C. , Ausiello F. , Colao A. , Brescia Morra V.
Published: December 2016

Background and purpose

Growth hormone (GH)/insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) axis abnormalities in multiple sclerosis (MS) suggest their role in its pathogenesis. Interferon β (IFN‐β) efficacy could be mediated also by an increase of IGF‐1 levels. A 2‐year longitudinal study was performed to estimate the prevalence of GH and/or IGF‐1 deficiency in clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) patients and their correlation with conversion to MS in IFN treated patients.

Methods

Clinical and demographic features of CIS patients were collected before the start of IFN‐β‐1b. IGF‐1 levels and GH response after arginine and GH releasing hormone + arginine stimulation tests were assessed. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging evaluations were performed at baseline, 1 year and 2 years.

Results

Thirty CIS patients (24 female) were enrolled. At baseline, four patients (13%) showed a hypothalamic GH deficiency (GHD), whilst no one had a pituitary GHD. Baseline demographic, clinical and radiological data were not related to GHD, whilst IGF‐1 levels were inversely related to age (P < 0.001) and GH levels (P = 0.03). GH and IGF‐1 serum mean levels were not significantly modified after 1 and 2 years of treatment in the whole group, although 3/4 GHD patients experienced a normalization of GH levels, whilst one dropped out. After 2 years of treatment 13/28 (46%) patients converted to MS. The presence of GHD and GH and IGF‐1 levels were not predictive of relapses, new T2 lesions or conversion occurrence.

Conclusions

Growth hormone/IGF‐1 axis function was found to be frequently altered in CIS patients, but this was not related to MS conversion. Patients experienced an improvement of GHD during IFN therapy. Longer follow‐up is necessary to assess its impact on disease progression.
Motor associations of iron accumulation in deep grey matter nuclei in Parkinson's disease: a cross‐sectional study of iron‐related magnetic resonance imaging susceptibility
Authors: Martin‐Bastida A. , Lao‐Kaim N. P. , Loane C. , Politis M. , Roussakis A. A. , Valle‐Guzman N. , Kefalopoulou Z. , Paul‐Visse G. , Widner H. , Xing Y. , Schwarz S. T. , Auer D. P. , Foltynie T. , Barker R. A. , Piccini P.
Published: December 2016

Background and purpose

To determine whether iron deposition in deep brain nuclei assessed using high‐pass filtered phase imaging plays a role in motor disease severity in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

Seventy patients with mild to moderate PD and 20 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy volunteers (HVs) underwent susceptibility‐weighted imaging on a 3 T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Phase shifts (radians) in deep brain nuclei were derived from high‐pass filtered phase images and compared between groups. Analysis of clinical laterality and correlations with motor severity (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Part III, UPDRS‐III) were performed. Phase shifts (in radians) were compared between HVs and three PD subgroups divided according to UPDRS‐III scores using analysis of covariance, adjusting for age and regional area.

Results

Parkinson's disease patients had significantly (P < 0.001) higher radians than HVs bilaterally in the putamen, globus pallidus and substantia nigra (SN). The SN contralateral to the most affected side showed higher radians (P < 0.001) compared to the less affected side. SN radians positively correlated with UPDRS‐III and bradykinesia−rigidity subscores, but not with tremor subscores. ancova followed by post hoc Bonferroni‐adjusted pairwise comparisons revealed that SN radians were significantly greater in the PD subgroup with higher UPDRS‐III scores compared to both lowest UPDRS‐III PD and HV groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Increased nigral iron accumulation in PD appears to be stratified according to disease motor severity and correlates with symptoms related to dopaminergic neurodegeneration. This semi‐quantitative in vivo iron assessment could prove useful for objectively monitoring PD progression, especially in clinical trials concerning iron chelation therapies.
Electroencephalographic reactivity testing in unconscious patients: a systematic review of methods and definitions
Authors: Admiraal M. M. , van Rootselaar A.‐F. , Horn J.
Published: December 2016

Electroencephalographic (EEG) reactivity testing is often presented as a clear‐cut element of electrophysiological testing. Absence of EEG reactivity is generally considered an indicator of poor outcome, especially in patients after cardiac arrest. However, guidelines do not clearly describe how to test for reactivity and how to evaluate the results. In a quest for clear guidelines, we performed a systematic review aimed at identifying testing methods and definitions of EEG reactivity. We systematically searched the literature between 1970 and May 2016. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the QUality In Prognostic Studies tool. Quality of the descriptions of stimulus protocol and reactivity definition was rated on a four‐category grading scale based on reproducibility. We found that protocols for EEG reactivity testing vary greatly and descriptions of protocols are almost never replicable. Furthermore, replicable definitions of presence or absence of EEG reactivity are never provided. In order to draw firm conclusions on EEG reactivity as a prognostic factor, future studies should include a precise stimulation protocol and reactivity definition to facilitate guideline formation.
Measuring changes in the optic nerve sheath diameter in patients with idiopathic normal‐pressure hydrocephalus: a useful diagnostic supplement to spinal tap tests
Authors: Ertl M. , Aigner R. , Krost M. , Karnasová Z. , Müller K. , Naumann M. , Schlachetzki F.
Published: December 2016

Background and purpose

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) removal improves clinical symptoms of many patients with idiopathic normal‐pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of changes in the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) with patient responses to CSF removal.

Methods

Transorbital ultrasonography was performed to obtain ONSD measurements in 31 patients with iNPH before and after lumbar puncture. Measurements were obtained while patients were supine and upright. Changes in the ONSD between supine and upright positions [ONSD variability (ONSD‐V)] were assessed and compared with those in 60 healthy volunteers. ONSD‐V was correlated with relative changes in a validated iNPH severity (Boon) score.

Results

Mean pre‐puncture ONSD‐V was significantly lower in healthy volunteers and patients with no response to CSF removal (Fisher test) [0.05 ± 0.14 mm (SD)] than in responsive patients [0.37 ± 0.20 mm (SD), P < 0.001]. ONSD‐V predicted response to the spinal tap test (odds ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.12–0.75 mm, P = 0.011). The higher the ONSD‐V, the better the therapeutic effect (χ2 = 14.980, P < 0.001). The post‐spinal tap test ONSD‐V correlated significantly with clinical severity in the motor portion of the Boon score [0.16 ± 0.23 mm (SD), P = 0.003].

Conclusions

The ONSD‐V before and after spinal tap test correlated well with the clinical effects of CSF removal. Transorbital ultrasonography seems to be a reliable, safe add‐on to the Fisher test and may support selection of patients for shunt intervention.
A semantic interoperability approach to health‐care data: Resolving data‐level conflicts
Authors: Sonsilphong Suphachoke , Arch‐int Ngamnij , Arch‐int Somjit , Pattarapongsin Cherdpan
Published: December 2016

The integration of data from various electronic health record (EHR) systems presents a critical conflict in the sharing and exchanging of patient information across a diverse group of health‐oriented organizations. Patient health records in each system are annotated with ontologies utilizing different health‐care standards, creating ontology conflicts both at the schema and data levels. In this study, we introduce the concept of semantic ontology mapping for the facilitation and interoperability of heterogeneous EHR systems. This approach proposes a means of detecting and resolving the data‐level conflicts that generally exist in the ontology mapping process. We have extended the semantic bridge ontology in support of ontology mapping at the data level and generated the required mapping rules to reconcile data from different ontological sources into a canonical format. As a result, linked‐patient data are generated and made available in a semantic query engine to facilitate user queries of patient data across heterogeneous EHR systems.
Atmospheric CH4 oxidation by Arctic permafrost and mineral cryosols as a function of water saturation and temperature
Authors: Stackhouse B. , Lau M. C. Y. , Vishnivetskaya T. , Burton N. , Wang R. , Southworth A. , Whyte L. , Onstott T. C.
Published: December 2016

The response of methanotrophic bacteria capable of oxidizing atmospheric CH4 to climate warming is poorly understood, especially for those present in Arctic mineral cryosols. The atmospheric CH4 oxidation rates were measured in microcosms incubated at 4 °C and 10 °C along a 1‐m depth profile and over a range of water saturation conditions for mineral cryosols containing type I and type II methanotrophs from Axel Heiberg Island (AHI), Nunavut, Canada. The cryosols exhibited net consumption of ~2 ppmv CH4 under all conditions, including during anaerobic incubations. Methane oxidation rates increased with temperature and decreased with increasing water saturation and depth, exhibiting the highest rates at 10 °C and 33% saturation at 5 cm depth (260 ± 60 pmol CH4 gdw−1 d−1). Extrapolation of the CH4 oxidation rates to the field yields net CH4 uptake fluxes ranging from 11 to 73 μmol CH4 m−2 d−1, which are comparable to field measurements. Stable isotope mass balance indicates ~50% of the oxidized CH4 is incorporated into the biomass regardless of temperature or saturation. Future atmospheric CH4 uptake rates at AHI with increasing temperatures will be determined by the interplay of increasing CH4 oxidation rates vs. water saturation and the depth to the water table during summer thaw.
Environmental impacts of bioenergy wood production from poplar short‐rotation coppice grown at a marginal agricultural site in Germany
Authors: Schweier Janine , Molina‐Herrera Saúl , Ghirardo Andrea , Grote Rüdiger , Díaz‐Pinés Eugenio , Kreuzwieser Jürgen , Haas Edwin , Butterbach‐Bahl Klaus , Rennenberg Heinz , Schnitzler Jörg‐Peter , Becker Gero
Published: December 2016

For avoiding competition with food production, marginal land is economically and environmentally highly attractive for biomass production with short‐rotation coppices (SRCs) of fast‐growing tree species such as poplars. Herein, we evaluated the environmental impacts of technological, agronomic, and environmental aspects of bioenergy production from hybrid poplar SRC cultivation on marginal land in southern Germany. For this purpose, different management regimes were considered within a 21‐year lifetime (combining measurements and modeling approaches) by means of a holistic Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). We analyzed two coppicing rotation lengths (7 × 3 and 3 × 7 years) and seven nitrogen fertilization rates and included all processes starting from site preparation, planting and coppicing, wood chipping, and heat production up to final stump removal. The 7‐year rotation cycles clearly resulted in higher biomass yields and reduced environmental impacts such as nitrate (NO3) leaching and soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. Fertilization rates were positively related to enhanced biomass accumulation, but these benefits did not counterbalance the negative impacts on the environment due to increased nitrate leaching and N2O emissions. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the heat production from poplar SRC on marginal land ranged between 8 and 46 kg CO2‐eq. GJ−1 (or 11–57 Mg CO2‐eq. ha−1). However, if the produced wood chips substitute oil heating, up to 123 Mg CO2‐eq. ha−1 can be saved, if produced in a 7‐year rotation without fertilization. Dissecting the entire bioenergy production chain, our study shows that environmental impacts occurred mainly during combustion and storage of wood chips, while technological aspects of establishment, harvesting, and transportation played a negligible role.
UNEXPECTED AND VITAL CONTROVERSIES: FOUCAULT'S LES MOTS ET LES CHOSES IN ITS PHILOSOPHICAL MOMENT AND IN OURS
Authors: WORMS FRÉDÉRIC
Published: December 2016

An explicit controversy stirred by Foucault's announcement of the “death of man” in Les mots et les choses had a side effect: it hid another kind of controversy between allies and friends, that is between Foucault and contemporaries of the new moment he was opening, among whom were Canguilhem, Deleuze, and Derrida. These internal and unexpected controversies are the very life of the “60s” moment in French philosophy. It so happens that they also all dealt with the question of life, thus leading to the heart of our moment today.
Effects of spring temperature and volcanic eruptions on wader productivity
Authors: Gunnarsson Tómas Grétar , Jóhannesdóttir Lilja , Alves José A. , Þórisson Böðvar , Gill Jennifer A.
Published: December 2016

Key demographic parameters often show substantial annual variation that can have important consequences for rates of population growth. Since 2011 we have conducted annual estimates of the productivity of Icelandic Black‐tailed Godwits Limosa limosa islandica over a large part of their breeding range. During this period, a volcanic eruption resulted in extensive dust deposition across the region. We show that Godwit productivity varies with spring temperatures but in the year of the volcanic eruption, productivity was reduced to almost zero. This rare but extreme event is likely to have had only a short‐term influence, whereas ongoing warming of sub‐Arctic regions is potentially a more substantial driver of the continued growth of this population.
A novel method for quantifying overdispersion in count data and its application to farmland birds
Authors: Mcmahon Barry J. , Purvis Gordon , Sheridan Helen , Siriwardena Gavin M. , Parnell Andrew C.
Published: December 2016

The statistical modelling of count data permeates the discipline of ecology. Such data often exhibit overdispersion compared with a standard Poisson distribution, so that the variance of the counts is greater than that of the mean. Whereas modelling to reveal the effects of explanatory variables on the mean is commonplace, overdispersion is generally regarded as a nuisance parameter to be accounted for and subsequently ignored. Instead, we propose a method that models the overdispersion as a biologically interesting property of a data set and show how novel inference is provided as a result. We adapted the double hierarchical generalized linear model approach to create an easily extendible model structure that quantifies the influence of explanatory variables on the overdispersion of count data, and apply it to farmland birds. These data were from a study within Irish agricultural ecosystems, in which total bird species abundance and the abundance of farmland indicator species were compared on dairy and non‐dairy farms in the winter and breeding seasons. In general, overdispersion in bird counts was greater on dairy farms than on non‐dairy farms, and for total bird numbers, overdispersion was greatest on dairy farms in winter. Our code is fitted using the Bayesian package Rstan, and we make all code and data available in a GitHub repository. Within a Bayesian framework, this approach facilitates a meaningful quantification of the effects of categorical explanatory variables on any response variable with a tendency to overdispersion that has a meaningful biological or ecological explanation.
Immune cell profile of dental pulp tissue treated with zoledronic acid
Authors: de Barros Silva P. G. , Verde M. E. Q. L. , Brizeno L. A. C. , Wong D. V. T. , Lima Júnior R. C. P. , Sousa F. B. , Mota M. R. L. , Alves A. P. N. N.
Published: December 2016

Aim

To characterize the pulp immune cell profile in the teeth of rats treated with zoledronic acid (ZA).

Methodology

Male Wistar rats (n = 6 per group) received four intravenous infusions of ZA at doses of 0.04, 0.20 or 1.00 mg kg−1 ZA or saline (control). On the 70th experimental day, they were euthanized. The first right molar was examined microscopically and submitted to toluidine blue reaction and immunohistochemical for CD68, tumour necrosis Factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐kB) and IL‐18 binding protein (IL‐18 bp). The presence of ectasic/dilated vessels and inflammatory cells was analysed, and mast cells and mononuclear CD68‐positive cells were counted along with the intensity of immunostaining (0–3) for inflammatory markers in odontoblasts and nonodontoblasts pulp cells. The Kruskal‐Wallis/Dunn's test (scores or quantitative data) and the chi‐squared test (categorical data) were used (GraphPad Prism 5.0, P < 0.05).

Results

There was no differences in the number of animals exhibiting dilated/ectasic blood vessels (P = 0.242) and inflammatory cells (P = 0.489) or in the number of mast cells (P = 1.000). However, there was an increase in mononuclear CD68‐positive cells (P = 0.026), immunostaining of TNF‐α (P = 0.020), IL‐1β (P = 0.027) and iNOS (P = 0.001) in odontoblasts, and IL‐1β (P = 0.013) in nonodontoblast pulp cells dose‐dependently. NFkB (nucleus and cytoplasm) and IL‐18 bp did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

ZA modified the immune cell profile in the dental pulp, increasing the number of macrophages and expression of pro‐inflammatory markers independent of NFkB.
Preparation and performance study of cordierite/mullite composite ceramics for solar thermal energy storage
Authors: Xu Xiaohong , Zhang Yinfeng , Wu Jianfeng , Hu Cheng , Tang Zhaohui
Published: December 2016

The employment of solar energy in recent years has reached a remarkable edge. It has become even more popular as the cost of fossil fuel continues to rise. Energy storage system improves an adjustability and marketability of solar thermal and allowing it to produce electricity in demand. This study attempted to prepare cordierite/mullite composite ceramics used as solar thermal storage material from calcined bauxite, talcum, soda feldspar, potassium feldspar, quartz, and mullite. The thermal physical performances were evaluated and characterized by XRD, SEM, EPMA, and EDS. It was found that the optimum sintering temperature was 1280°C for preparing, and the corresponding water adsorption was 11.25%, apparent porosity was 23.59%, bulk density was 2.10 mg·cm−3, bending strength was 88.52 MPa. The residual bending strength of specimen sintered at 1280°C after thermal shock of 30 times decreased to be 57 MPa that was 36% lower than that before. The thermal conductivity of samples sintered at 1280°C was tested to be 2.20 W·(m·K)−1 (26°C), and after wrapped a PCM (phase change materials) of K2SO4, the thermal storage density was 933 kJ·kg−1 with the temperature difference (ΔT) ranged in 0‐800°C. The prepared cordierite/mullite composite ceramic was proved to be a promising material for solar thermal energy storage.
Hong Kong English, but not as we know it: Kongish and language in late modernity
Authors: Sewell Andrew , Chan Jason
Published: December 2016

In 2015 a new term appeared in public discourse regarding English in Hong Kong: Kongish, which refers to a hybrid form of English and Cantonese used in online communication. This article outlines some of the features of Kongish and assesses its status in Hong Kong, comparing and contrasting it with previous conceptualisations of ‘Hong Kong English’ as a local variety. We argue that the Kongish phenomenon is interesting for two main reasons: first it reveals certain aspects of language use under conditions of late modernity, including computer mediation, the relationship between language and identity, and the presence of a dynamic multilingual language ecology. Second, comparing Kongish and Hong Kong English reveals some of the uses and limitations of the variety concept in studies of language.
Television food advertising viewed by preschoolers, children and adolescents: contributors to differences in exposure for black and white youth in the United States
Authors: Fleming‐Milici F. , Harris J. L.
Published: December 2016

Background

Public health experts raise concerns about adolescents' and black youth's greater exposure to TV advertising for unhealthy foods and beverages compared with children and white youth.

Objectives

Examine how television‐viewing patterns and rates of advertising during targeted programming contribute to this greater exposure.

Methods

Nielsen panel data provided viewing times and amount of food advertising viewed on U.S. television in 2008 and 2012. Researchers compared results by network type (black‐, child‐ and youth‐targeted), age group (preschoolers, children and adolescents) and race (black and white youth).

Results

Food advertising exposure increased with age for both black and white youth, but black youth viewed approximately 50% or more ads than did white youth of the same age. Higher rates of food advertising on youth‐targeted networks explained greater adolescent exposure. However, greater television viewing and higher rates of advertising on youth‐ and black‐targeted networks both contributed to black youth's greater exposure. From 2008 to 2012, increases in food‐ads‐per‐hour increased exposure for all youth.

Conclusions

Food advertisers and networks, especially those targeting adolescents and black youth, must do more to reduce advertising that negatively impacts young people's health. Furthermore, reducing commercial‐television viewing by black youth may help reduce health disparities affecting their communities.
Elderly patients are at high risk of night‐time admission to the intensive care unit following a rapid response team call
Authors: Sundararajan K. , Flabouris A. , Thompson C. , Seppelt,, I. ,   on behalf of the George Institute of Global Health and the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Clinical Trials Group Point Prevalence study Investigators
Published: December 2016

Previous studies have shown that elderly patients (age ≥65 years) are less likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit following a rapid response team call and have high hospital mortality rates. This study has shown that elderly patients have a significantly higher probability of being admitted to an intensive care unit following a rapid response team call at night than during the day. However, at no time are they at greater risk than younger patients of incomplete vital sign recording, a failure to escalate care for acute deterioration or mortality.
Legal and ethical issues associated with Advance Care Directives in an Australian context
Authors: Denniss D. L.
Published: December 2016

The need for appropriate mechanisms guiding end‐of‐life care is increasingly vital. This commentary compares the use of Advance Care Directives (ACD) in New South Wales and South Australia in order to highlight the inconsistency in Australian legislation, before exploring common problems, legal concerns and ethical issues associated with their application in an adult population. The benefits and detriments of statutory legislation for ACD are also evaluated.