bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Spatial Scale Effects on Hydrometric Network Design Using Entropy and Multi‐objective Methods
Authors: Werstuck Connor , Coulibaly Paulin
Published: November 2017

In order to facilitate water resources decisions, it is important that accurate and informative hydrometric data are collected. Combining information theory with multi‐objective optimization has led to methods of optimizing the information content provided by hydrometric networks; however, there is no available study on the effects of spatial scale and data limitation on these methods. Herein, a dual entropy multi‐objective optimization (DEMO) and a transinformation (TI) analysis were done to recommend optimal locations for additional hydrometric stations in the Madawaska Watershed. This analysis was designed to be comparative to a similar study conducted on the Ottawa River Basin which encompasses the Madawaska Watershed to allow for an investigation of the spatial scale effects in this type of network design. This study concludes that TI analysis is not adversely affected by scaling; however, the DEMO analysis is sensitive to the placement of potential station locations and the size of the study area. This study also examines the benefit of including nearby stations when the area of interest does not have a sufficient number of existing hydrometric stations for analysis. It is shown that these stations can provide useful information because their inclusion in the analysis increased the average TI in the watershed. Recommendations were made as to the ideal locations of additional stations in the Madawaska Watershed hydrometric network.
Macrophages—common culprit in obesity and asthma
Authors: Sharma N. , Akkoyunlu M. , Rabin R. L.
Published: November 2017

Macrophages are essential innate immune cells that also regulate local metabolism. Endogenous or exogenous stimuli may polarize macrophages toward phenotypes that serve distinct innate immunological metabolic functions. IFN‐γ or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) polarizes macrophages toward the M1, or “classically activated” phenotype that participates in defense against intracellular pathogens. IL‐4, IL‐13, or chitin polarizes macrophages toward the M2, or “alternatively activated” phenotype, which defends against multicellular nematodes and fungi. As macrophages polarize in local environments, M1 and M2 macrophages may coexist in different organs and may differentially affect asthma and obesity, two comorbid diseases where polarized macrophages contribute to their pathogenesis. While M1 macrophages are considered beneficial in asthma and contribute to the pathology of obesity, M2 macrophages contribute to the pathology of asthma, but limit metabolic syndrome associated with obesity. Here, we discuss the roles for M1 and M2 macrophages in asthma and obesity, and propose a model by which M1‐mediated inflammation in adipose tissue enhances M2‐mediated inflammation in the asthmatic lung.
Risk of epilepsy in surgical patients undergoing general or neuraxial anaesthesia
Authors: Chang H. C. , Liao C. C. , Chang C. C. , Huang S. Y. , Yeh C. C. , Hu C. J. , Cherng Y. G. , Chen T. L.
Published: November 2017

Limited information is available on the risks of epilepsy after surgery in patients receiving general or neuraxial anaesthesia. Using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 1,478,977 patients aged ≥ 20 years who underwent surgery (required general or neuraxial anaesthesia with hospitalisation for more than one day) between 2004 and 2011. We selected 235,066 patients with general anaesthesia and 235,066 patients with neuraxial anaesthesia using a frequency‐matching procedure for age and sex. We did not study those with co‐existing epilepsy‐related risk factors. The adjusted rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of newly diagnosed epilepsy 1 year after surgery associated with general anaesthesia were analysed in the multivariate Poisson regression model. The one‐year incidence of postoperative epilepsy for patients with general anaesthesia and neuraxial anaesthesia were 0.41 and 0.32 per 1000 persons, respectively, and the corresponding RR was 1.27 (95%CI 1.15–1.41). The association between general anaesthesia and postoperative epilepsy was significant in men (RR = 1.22; 95%CI 1.06–1.40), women (RR = 1.33; 95%CI 1.15–1.55) and 20–39‐year‐old patients. The risk of postoperative epilepsy increased in patients with general anaesthesia who had co‐existing medical conditions and postoperative complications.
Increased risk of autoimmune disorders in infertile men: analysis of US claims data
Authors: Brubaker W. D. , Li S. , Baker L. C. , Eisenberg M. L.
Published: November 2017

Aberrations in reproductive fitness may be a harbinger of medical diseases in men. Existing data suggest that female infertility is associated with autoimmune disorders; however, this has not been examined in men. As immune surveillance and hormonal factors can impact male fertility and autoimmunity, we sought to determine the association between male infertility and incident autoimmune disorders. We analyzed subjects from the Truven Health MarketScan claims database from 2001 to 2008. Infertile men were identified through diagnosis and treatment codes. We examined the most common immune disorders, which were identified by ICD9 diagnosis codes. Men diagnosed with an immune disorder at baseline or within 1 year of follow‐up were excluded. Infertile men were compared to vasectomized men (i.e., men who are likely fertile) and to age‐matched control (10 : 1) group using Cox regression analysis. A total of 33,077 infertile men (mean age of 33 years), 77,693 vasectomized men (mean age 35), and 330,770 age‐matched control men (mean age 33) were assembled with a total follow‐up of 1.49 M person‐years. Overall, immune disorders were rare in the group with the individual conditions occurring in <0.1% of men. However, infertile men displayed the highest risk of many conditions. Infertile men had a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to both vasectomized men (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.19–2.05) and age‐matched controls (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.02–1.62). Additionally, this higher risk was seen in general immune disorders (under which systemic lupus erythematosus is categorized) compared to vasectomized men (HR 3.11, 95% CI 2.00–4.86) and age‐matched men (HR 2.12, 95% CI 1.52–2.96). This same risk trend was seen in psoriasis, when compared to vasectomized men (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.09–1.50) and age‐matched controls (HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04–1.37). A similar trend was seen in the analysis comparing infertile men and vasectomized men in developing multiple sclerosis (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.10–3.31) and Grave's disease (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.10–1.92), as well as the higher risk of infertile men compared to the age‐matched group at developing thyroiditis (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.02–2.52). The current analysis shows that infertile men have a higher risk of developing certain autoimmune disorders in the years following an infertility evaluation. Specifically, infertile men had higher rates of developing rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, thyroiditis, and Grave's disease. Given these findings, further research should focus on confirmation of these associations and elucidation of the pathways between fertility and immunity.
Naringenin attenuates highly active antiretroviral therapy‐induced spermDNAfragmentations and testicular toxicity in Sprague‐Dawley rats
Authors: Adana M. Y. , Akang E. N. , Peter A. I. , Jegede A. I. , Naidu E. C. S. , Tiloke C. , Chuturgoon A. A. , Azu O. O.
Published: November 2017

Highly active antiretroviral therapy has evolved over the years, leading to a boost in the quality of life in people living withHIVandAIDS. However, growing evidence has shown that highly active antiretroviral therapy has deleterious effects on the testes and the overall reproductive capacity. Therefore, this study is to determine the adjuvant potential of Naringenin on highly active antiretroviral therapy‐induced perturbations in fertility of male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Thirty adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into six groups viz – Control; H: 30 mg/kg of highly active antiretroviral therapy (EFV, 600 mg +FTC, 200 mg +TDF, 300 mg); N40: Naringenin, 40 mg/kg; N80: Naringenin, 80 mg/kg;HN40: highly active antiretroviral therapy + Naringenin, 40 mg/kg;HN80: highly active antiretroviral therapy + Naringenin, 80 mg/kg. The rats were euthanized after 4 weeks. Results showed that there was a significant decrease in sperm count (p < 0.001), spermatozoa with normal morphology (p < 0.001) and progressive sperm motility (p < 0.05) of H compared to the control and theHNgroups. Likewise, fragmentations increased (p < 0.05) in tail lengths of spermDNAin H compared to control.HN40 andHN80 decreased tail lengths compared to H (p < 0.001). There was also a decrease in %tailDNAand tail moment inHN40 (p < 0.001) compared to H. Luteinizing hormone significantly increased (p < 0.05) inHN40,HN80, and N40 (p < 0.001) but decreased in H (p < 0.05) compared to control. The diameter of the seminiferous tubules also decreased (p < 0.05) in H compared to control, N80, andHN40. Likewise, the area of the seminiferous tubules in group H decreased (p < 0.05) compared to N80 andHN80. The seminiferous tubules epithelium increased (p < 0.05) in N40 andHN40 compared to H. This study establishes that highly active antiretroviral therapy has deleterious effects on the testicular microanatomy, sperm parameters, and spermDNAof Sprague‐Dawley rats, which may impair fertility but Naringenin is a potential complimentary adjuvant.
The guardian of the genome p53 regulates exercise‐induced mitochondrial plasticity beyond organelle biogenesis
Authors: Smiles W. J. , Camera D. M.
Published: November 2017

The Guardian of the Genome p53 has been established as a potent tumour suppressor. However, culminating from seminal findings in rodents more than a decade ago, several studies have demonstrated that p53 is required to maintain basal mitochondrial function [ie, respiration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis]. Specifically, via its role(s) as a tumour suppressor, p53 intimately surveys cellular DNA damage, in particular mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), to ensure that the mitochondrial network is carefully monitored and cell viability is upheld, because aberrant mtDNA damage leads to apoptosis and widespread cellular perturbations. Indeed, data from rodents and humans have demonstrated that p53 forms an integral component of the exercise‐induced signal transduction network regulating skeletal muscle mitochondrial remodelling. In response to exercise‐induced disruptions to cellular homeostasis that have the potential to harm mtDNA (eg, contraction‐stimulated ROS emissions), appropriate p53‐regulated, mitochondrial turnover responses prevail to protect the genome and ultimately facilitate a shift from aerobic glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation, adaptations critical for endurance‐based exercise that are commensurate with p53's role as a tumour suppressor. Despite these observations, several discrepancies exist between rodent and human studies pinpointing p53 subcellular trafficking from nuclear‐to‐mitochondrial compartments following acute exercise. Such interspecies differences in p53 activity and the plausible p53‐mediated adaptations to chronic exercise training will be discussed herein.
Different prostaglandin F2α secretion in response to oxytocin injection between pregnant and non‐pregnant cows: effect of the day of oxytocin challenge test for determining the difference
Authors: Kubo Tomoaki , Iga Kosuke , Fukuju Naoki , Kizaki Keiichiro , Osawa Takeshi , Izaike Yoshiaki , Takahashi Toru
Published: November 2017

The present study was conducted to determine the difference in plasma prostaglandin F2α metabolite concentrations following oxytocin (OT) challenge between pregnant and non‐pregnant cows. Experiment 1: cows were subjected to the OT challenge test on days 12, 14 or 16 (day of estrus = day 0) with or without prior insemination and plasma 13,14‐dihydro‐15‐keto prostaglandin F2α (PGFM) concentrations were measured from −30 to 180 min after OT injection. On day 16, the increment of plasma PGFM concentrations in response to OT injection was significantly smaller in pregnant than that in cyclic cows. On days 12 and 14, there was little OT‐induced PGFM secretion and no difference in PGFM increase between the pregnant and cyclic cows. Experiment 2: cows were inseminated on day 0 and subjected to the OT challenge test on day 16. Cows were classified into non‐pregnant/early embryonic death (NP/EED), late embryonic death (LED) and pregnant (PREG) groups. The increment of PGFM concentrations in response to OT injection was less in both PREG and LED groups than that in the NP/EED group. In conclusion, plasma PGFM secretion induced by OT is suggested as the base of pregnancy diagnosis prior to returning estrus in cows.
The risk of febrile neutropenia in breast cancer patients following adjuvant chemotherapy is predicted by the time course of interleukin‐6 and C‐reactive protein by modelling
Authors: Netterberg Ida , Karlsson Mats O. , Nielsen Elisabet I. , Quartino Angelica L. , Lindman Henrik , Friberg Lena E.
Published: November 2017

Aims

Early identification of patients with febrile neutropenia (FN) is desirable for initiation of preventive treatment, such as with antibiotics. In this study, the time courses of two inflammation biomarkers, interleukin (IL)‐6 and C‐reactive protein (CRP), following adjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer, were characterized. The potential to predict development of FN by IL‐6 and CRP, and other model‐derived and clinical variables, was explored.

Methods

The IL‐6 and CRP time courses in cycles 1 and 4 of breast cancer treatment were described by turnover models where the probability for an elevated production following initiation of chemotherapy was estimated. Parametric time‐to‐event models were developed to describe FN occurrence to assess: (i) predictors available before chemotherapy is initiated; (ii) predictors available before FN occurs; and (iii) predictors available when FN occurs.

Results

The IL‐6 and CRP time courses were successfully characterized with peak IL‐6 typically occurring 2 days prior to CRP peak. Of all evaluated variables the CRP time course was most closely associated with the occurrence of FN. Since the CRP peak typically occurred at the time of FN diagnosis it will, however, have limited value for identifying the need for preventive treatment. The time course of IL‐6 was the predictor that could best forecast FN events. Of the variables available at baseline, age was the best, although in comparison a relatively weak, predictor.

Conclusions

The developed models add quantitative knowledge about IL‐6 and CRP and their relationship to the development of FN. The study suggests that IL‐6 may have potential as a clinical predictor of FN if monitored during myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
Prototyping in theory and in practice: A study of the similarities and differences between engineers and designers
Authors: Yu Fei , Pasinelli Michele , Brem Alexander
Published: November 2017

Prototyping can be seen as the heart of the innovation process. Typically, engineers and designers both work on prototyping activities, but their diverse backgrounds make for different perspectives on prototyping. Based on earlier literature, this study investigates commonalities and differences in the prototyping behavior of engineers and designers. For this study, semi‐structured interviews and workshops with different experiments were conducted. Using low‐fidelity prototypes, our results indicated that there are differences in the early phase of prototyping. Engineers focused on the features and functions of a prototype and needed to meet specific goals in order to push the process forward. Designers, on the other hand, used prototypes to investigate the design space for new possibilities, and were more open to a variety of prototyping materials and tools, especially for low‐fidelity prototypes. In the later prototyping phases, the prototyping behaviors of engineers and designers became similar. Our study contributes to the understanding of prototyping purposes, activities, and processes across disciplines, and supports the management of prototyping in new product development processes.
Exploring the occurrence of sudden gains among anxious youth receiving evidence‐based cognitive‐behavioral therapy
Authors: Mychailyszyn Matthew P. , Carper Matthew M. , Gibby Brittany
Published: November 2017

Background

There is limited information on the occurrence of ‘sudden gains’ – recognized improvements of substantial magnitude occurring between individual sessions of treatment. This study explores changes in anxiety across sessions of CBT for youth anxiety disorders to determine whether evidence exists for sudden gains in this population.

Method

A total of 133 anxious youth (Mage = 10.16 years; 55.6% male) were randomly assigned to receive 16 sessions of individual cognitive‐behavioral therapy (ICBT), family‐based CBT (FCBT), or a family‐based educational support and attention control (FESA). At each treatment session, youth completed a measure of anxiety. Sudden gains were calculated from weekly state anxiety scores using methods consistent with previous research (i.e., Tang & DeRubeis, 1999).

Results

Three participants experienced a sudden gain at any point during treatment; all experienced a reversal of the sudden gain, although one experienced a regain of the improvement that occurred during the sudden gain.

Conclusions

While sudden gains have been demonstrated in some studies, in a relatively new topic to the literature such as this, it should also be considered that many evidence‐based treatments are actually intended to produce more steady/gradual gains – which may be particularly true for youth who are not as cognitively advanced as adults and who have much to learn about how psychopathology – and for this analysis, anxiety – operates.
Self‐image and psychological distress in treatment‐seeking adolescents
Authors: Di Blasi Maria , Muccioli Patrizia , Alagna Massimo , Torres Davide , Duca Ilda , Tosto Crispino
Published: November 2017

Background

Adolescence has been recognized as a critical period for mental health during which it is fundamental to the well‐being of adolescents to provide early and appropriate mental health interventions. Self‐image perceptions play a particularly relevant role during adolescence since individuals are extensively involved in reorganizing their identity and relationships. Although the self‐image development implies adaptive outcomes for most adolescents, some age‐related tasks can be difficult to deal with and lead to psychological suffering for a minority of them.

Method

This study examined how domain‐specific self‐image was associated with psychological distress in 128 treatment‐seeking adolescents aged 13–18 (60.9% female). The adolescents completed the Offer Self‐Image Questionnaire to measure their global and domain‐specific self‐image and the Youth‐Outcome Questionnaire to assess their psychological distress.

Results

Regression analyses indicated that impulse control, emotional tone, family, and social functioning significantly predict worse psychological functioning in the entire group. Moreover, significant gender differences emerged showing a more complex set of risk factors among adolescent females, thus suggesting the need for gender‐targeted preventive and treatment strategies.

Conclusions

The findings highlight that adolescents’ feelings and concerns about their self‐image may be key factors to consider in planning, developing, and delivering effective public mental health services for adolescents.
Multiracial in Middle School: The Influence of Classmates and Friends on Changes in Racial Self‐Identification
Authors: Echols Leslie , Ivanich Jerreed , Graham Sandra
Published: November 2017

In the present research, the influence of racial diversity among classmates and friends on changes in racial self‐identification among multiracial youth was examined (n = 5,209; Mage = 10.56 years at the beginning of sixth grade). A novel individual‐level measure of diversity among classmates based on participants’ course schedules was utilized. The findings revealed that although there was some fluidity in multiracial identification at the beginning of middle school, changes in multiracial identification were more evident later in middle school. In addition, although diversity among classmates and friends both increased the likelihood of multiracial identification in the beginning of middle school, only diversity among friends mattered later in middle school, when fluidity in multiracial identification was at its peak.
Adolescent Perceptions of Parental Privacy Invasion and Adolescent Secrecy: An Illustration of Simpson's Paradox
Authors: Dietvorst Evelien , Hiemstra Marieke , Hillegers Manon H.J. , Keijsers Loes
Published: November 2017

Adolescents’ secrecy is intertwined with perception of parents’ behaviors as acts of privacy invasion. It is currently untested, however, how this transactional process operates at the within‐person level—where these causal processes take place. Dutch adolescents (n = 244, Mage = 13.84, 38.50% boys) reported three times on perceived parental privacy invasion and secrecy. Cross‐lagged panel models (CLPM) confirmed earlier findings. Privacy invasion predicted increased secrecy, but a reverse effect was found from increased secrecy to increased privacy invasion. Controlling for confounding positive group‐level associations with a novel random intercept CLPM, negative within‐person associations were found. Higher levels of secrecy predicted lower levels of privacy invasive behaviors at the within‐person level. These opposing findings within‐ versus between‐persons illustrate a Simpson's paradox.
Effect of LSR polymorphism on blood lipid levels and age‐specific epistatic interaction with the APOE common polymorphism
Authors: Xie T. , Stathopoulou M.G. , Akbar S. , Oster T. , Siest G. , Yen F.T. , Visvikis‐Siest S.
Published: November 2017

The lipolysis stimulated lipoprotein receptor (LSR) is an apolipoprotein (Apo) B and ApoE receptor that participates in the removal of triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins during the postprandial phase. LSR gene is located upstream of APOE, an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Since the APOE common polymorphism significantly affects the variability of lipid metabolism, this study aimed to determine the potential impact of a functional SNP rs916147 in LSR gene on lipid traits in healthy subjects and to investigate potential epistatic interaction between LSR and APOE. Unrelated healthy adults (N = 432) and children (N = 328, <18 years old) from the STANISLAS Family Study were used. Age‐specific epistasis was observed between APOE and LSR, reversing the protective effect of APOE ε2 allele on cholesterol, ApoE and low‐density lipoprotein levels (β: .114, P: .777 × 10−8, β: .125, P: .639 × 10−3, β: .059, P: .531 × 10−3, respectively). This interaction was verified in an independent adult population (n = 1744). These results highlight the importance of the LSR polymorphism and reveal the existence of complex molecular links between LSR and ApoE for the regulation of lipid levels, revealing potential new pathways of interest in type III hyperlipidemia and its involvement in CVD pathology.
Localized Manifold Harmonics for Spectral Shape Analysis
Authors: Melzi S. , Rodolà E. , Castellani U. , Bronstein M. M.
Published: November 2017

The use of Laplacian eigenfunctions is ubiquitous in a wide range of computer graphics and geometry processing applications. In particular, Laplacian eigenbases allow generalizing the classical Fourier analysis to manifolds. A key drawback of such bases is their inherently global nature, as the Laplacian eigenfunctions carry geometric and topological structure of the entire manifold. In this paper, we introduce a new framework for local spectral shape analysis. We show how to efficiently construct localized orthogonal bases by solving an optimization problem that in turn can be posed as the eigendecomposition of a new operator obtained by a modification of the standard Laplacian. We study the theoretical and computational aspects of the proposed framework and showcase our new construction on the classical problems of shape approximation and correspondence. We obtain significant improvement compared to classical Laplacian eigenbases as well as other alternatives for constructing localized bases.
First Direct Evidence of Cue Integration in Reorientation: A New Paradigm
Authors: Twyman Alexandra D. , Holden Mark P. , Newcombe Nora S.
Published: November 2017

There are several models of the use of geometric and feature cues in reorientation (Cheng, Huttenlocher, & Newcombe, ). The adaptive combination approach posits that people integrate cues with weights that depend on cue salience and learning, or, when discrepancies are large, they choose between cues based on these variables (Cheng, Shettleworth, Huttenlocher, & Rieser, ; Newcombe & Huttenlocher, ). In a new paradigm designed to evaluate integration and choice, disoriented participants attempted to return to a heading direction, in a trapezoidal enclosure in which feature and geometric cues both unambiguously specified a heading, but later the feature was moved. With discrepancies greater than 90 degrees, participants choose geometry. With smaller discrepancies, integration appeared in three of five situations; otherwise, participants used geometry alone. Variation depended on direction of feature movement and whether the nearest corner was acute or obtuse. The results have implications for contrasting adaptive combination and modularity theory, and for future research, offering a new paradigm for reorientation research, and for testing cue integration more broadly.
Neurocognitive outcome in young adults born late‐preterm
Authors: Heinonen Kati , Lahti Jari , Sammallahti Sara , Wolke Dieter , Lano Aulikki , Andersson Sture , Pesonen Anu‐Katriina , Eriksson Johan G , Kajantie Eero , Raikkonen Katri
Published: November 2017

Aim

This study examined whether late‐preterm birth (34+0 to 36+6wks+d gestational age) was associated with neurocognitive deficit in young adulthood, and whether small for gestational age (SGA) birth amplified any adversity.

Method

Participants derived from the prospective regional cohort study, the Arvo Ylppö Longitudinal Study (n=786; 398 females, 388 males) (mean age 25y 4mo, SD 8mo), born 1985 to 1986 late‐preterm (n=119; 21 SGA, <−2 SD) and at term (37+0 to 41+6wks+d; n=667; 28 SGA) underwent tests of intelligence, executive functioning, attention, and memory, and reported their education.

Results

Those born late‐preterm scored −3.71 (95% confidence interval [CI] −6.71 to −0.72) and −3.11 (95% CI −6.01 to −0.22) points lower on Full‐scale and Verbal IQ than peers born at term. Compared with those born at term and appropriate for gestational age (≥−2 to <2 SD) Full‐scale, Verbal, and Performance IQ scores of those born late‐preterm and SGA were −9.45 to −11.84 points lower. After adjustments, differences were rendered non‐significant, except that scores in Full‐scale and Performance IQ remained lower among those born late‐preterm and SGA.

Interpretation

Late‐preterm birth, per se, may not increase the risk of poorer neurocognitive functioning in adulthood. But the double burden of being born late‐preterm and SGA seems to increase this risk.

What this paper adds

Late‐preterm birth did not increase the risk of poorer neurocognitive functioning in adulthood.

But the double burden of being born late‐preterm and being small for gestational age did increase this risk.
Effect of non‐surgical weight management on weight and glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes: A comparison of interventional and non‐interventional outcomes at 3 years
Authors: Botha Shani , Forde Lorna , MacNaughton Sheila , Shearer Ross , Lindsay Robert , Sattar Naveed , Morrison David , Welsh Paul , Logue Jennifer
Published: November 2017

Aims

To examine the long‐term effectiveness of lifestyle weight management interventions, recommended in clinical guidelines for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity.

Materials and methods

Electronic health records were used to follow 23 208 patients with T2DM and obesity in Glasgow, UK, for up to 3 years between 2005 and 2014. Patients were stratified by referral to and attendance at a lifestyle weight management intervention, and by attainment of a target weight loss of ≥5 kg over 7 to 9 sessions (“successful completers”). Outcomes were change in weight, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and diabetes medications.

Results

A total of 3471 potentially eligible patients were referred to the service, and fewer than half of these attended (n = 1537). Of those who attended 7 to 9 sessions, >40% successfully completed and achieved 5‐kg weight loss (334/808). Successful completers maintained greater weight loss (change at 3 years −8.03 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI] −9.44 to −6.62) than the non‐completers (−3.26 kg; 95% CI −4.01 to −2.51; P < .001) and those not referred to the service (−1.00 kg; 95% CI −1.15 to −0.85; P < .001). Successful completers were the only patient group who did not increase their use of diabetes medication and insulin over 3 years. In adjusted models, successful completers had a clinically significant reduction in HbA1c (−3.7 mmol/mol; 95% CI −5.82 to −1.51) after 3 years; P ≤ .001) compared with non‐completers and unsuccessful completers.

Conclusions

A real‐life structured weight management intervention in patients with diabetes can reduce weight in the medium term, result in improved glycaemic control with fewer medications, and may be more effective than pharmacological alternatives. Challenges include getting a higher proportion of patients referred to and engaged with interventions.
Predicting community rank‐abundance distributions under current and future climates
Authors: McCarthy James K. , Mokany Karel , Ferrier Simon , Dwyer John M.
Published: November 2017

Understanding influences of environmental change on biodiversity requires consideration of more than just species richness. Here we present a novel framework for understanding possible changes in species' abundance structures within communities under climate change. We demonstrate this using comprehensive survey and environmental data from 1748 woody plant communities across southeast Queensland, Australia, to model rank‐abundance distributions (RADs) under current and future climates. Under current conditions, the models predicted RADs consistent with the region's dominant vegetation types. We demonstrate that under a business as usual climate scenario, total abundance and richness may decline in subtropical rainforest and shrubby heath, and increase in dry sclerophyll forests. Despite these opposing trends, we predicted evenness in the distribution of abundances between species to increase in all vegetation types. By assessing the information rich, multidimensional RAD, we show that climate‐driven changes to community abundance structures will likely vary depending on the current composition and environmental context.
Preservation of neuronal functions by exosomes derived from different human neural cell types under ischemic conditions
Authors: Deng Mingyang , Xiao Han , Peng Hongling , Yuan Huan , Xu Yunxiao , Zhang Guangsen , Tang Jianguang , Hu Zhiping
Published: November 2017

Stem cell‐based therapies have been reported in protecting cerebral infarction‐induced neuronal dysfunction and death. However, most studies used rat/mouse neuron as model cell when treated with stem cell or exosomes. Whether these findings can be translated from rodent to humans has been in doubt. Here, we used human embryonic stem cell‐derived neurons to detect the protective potential of exosomes against ischemia. Neurons were treated with in vitro oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) for 1 h. For treatment group, different exosomes were derived from neuron, embryonic stem cell, neural progenitor cell and astrocyte differentiated from H9 human embryonic stem cell and added to culture medium 30 min after OGD (100 μg/mL). Western blotting was performed 12 h after OGD, while cell counting and electrophysiological recording were performed 48 h after OGD. We found that these exosomes attenuated OGD‐induced neuronal death, Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), pro‐inflammatory and apoptotic signaling pathway changes, as well as basal spontaneous synaptic transmission inhibition in varying degrees. The results implicate the protective effect of exosomes on OGD‐induced neuronal death and dysfunction in human embryonic stem cell‐derived neurons, potentially through their modulation on mTOR, pro‐inflammatory and apoptotic signaling pathways.
Maturation in auditory event‐related potentials explains variation in language ability in children
Authors: Kwok Elaine Y. L. , Joanisse Marc F. , Archibald Lisa M. D. , Stothers Margot E. , Brown Heather M. , Oram Cardy Janis
Published: November 2017

Processing of auditory information in the cortex continues to develop into later childhood and adolescence. Recent research has indicated that intraclass correlation (ICC) is the best method for capturing maturation in auditory event‐related potentials (AEPs) of school‐age children. However, the sensitivity of the ICC approach in discerning AEP changes in children has not been consistently demonstrated and positive results have not been replicated. We attempted this replication and further explored whether AEP maturation estimated using the ICC approach predicts cognitive and linguistic abilities in addition to chronological age. We measured AEPs in response to simple tones in groups of 7‐, 8‐, 9‐ and 10‐year olds with typical development (N = 67) and used ICC to estimate the age equivalent of each child's AEP (AEP‐age). Results indicated that ICC differentiated 7‐ to 8‐year‐old children from 9‐ to 10‐year‐old children and that AEP‐age predicted both chronological age and significant, unique variance in language ability, but not in nonverbal IQ. Our findings support the view that auditory organization in children reflects both general developmental maturation and more specific development of language skills, and support the future use of AEP‐age to identify and understand individual differences in brain maturation in typically developing and clinical populations.
Probing the limits of predictability: data assimilation of chaotic dynamics in complex food webs
Authors: Massoud Elias C. , Huisman Jef , Benincà Elisa , Dietze Michael C. , Bouten Willem , Vrugt Jasper A.
Published: November 2017

The daunting complexity of ecosystems has led ecologists to use mathematical modelling to gain understanding of ecological relationships, processes and dynamics. In pursuit of mathematical tractability, these models use simplified descriptions of key patterns, processes and relationships observed in nature. In contrast, ecological data are often complex, scale‐dependent, space‐time correlated, and governed by nonlinear relations between organisms and their environment. This disparity in complexity between ecosystem models and data has created a large gap in ecology between model and data‐driven approaches. Here, we explore data assimilation (DA) with the Ensemble Kalman filter to fuse a two‐predator‐two‐prey model with abundance data from a 2600+ day experiment of a plankton community. We analyse how frequently we must assimilate measured abundances to predict accurately population dynamics, and benchmark our population model's forecast horizon against a simple null model. Results demonstrate that DA enhances the predictability and forecast horizon of complex community dynamics.
Seizure and cognitive outcomes after resection of glioneuronal tumors in children
Authors: Faramand Andrew M. , Barnes Nicola , Harrison Sue , Gunny Roxanna , Jacques Tom , Tahir M Zubair , Varadkar Sophia M. , Cross Helen J. , Harkness William , Tisdall Martin M.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Glioneuronal tumors (GNTs) are well‐recognized causes of chronic drug‐resistant focal epilepsy in children. Our practice involves an initial period of radiological surveillance and antiepileptic medications, with surgery being reserved for those with radiological progression or refractory seizures. We planned to analyze the group of patients with low‐grade GNTs, aiming to identify factors affecting seizure and cognitive outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 150 children presenting to Great Ormond Street Hospital with seizures secondary to GNTs. Analysis of clinical, neuroimaging, neuropsychological, and surgical factors was performed to determine predictors of outcome. Seizure outcome at final follow‐up was classified as either seizure‐free (group A) or not seizure‐free (group B) for patients with at least 12‐months follow‐up postsurgery. Full‐scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) was used as a measure of cognitive outcome.

Results

Eighty‐six males and 64 females were identified. Median presurgical FSIQ was 81. One hundred twenty‐one patients (80.5%) underwent surgery. Median follow‐up after surgery was 2 years, with 92 patients (76%) having at least 12 months of follow‐up after surgery. Seventy‐four patients (80%) were seizure‐free, and 18 (20%) continued to have seizures. Radiologically demonstrated complete tumor resection was associated with higher rates of seizure freedom (P = .026). Higher presurgical FSIQ was related to shorter epilepsy duration until surgery (P = .012) and to older age at seizure onset (P = .043).

Significance

A high proportion of children who present with epilepsy and GNTs go on to have surgical tumor resection with excellent postoperative seizure control. Complete resection is associated with a higher chance of seizure freedom. Higher presurgical cognitive functioning is associated with shorter duration of epilepsy prior to surgery and with older age at seizure onset. Given the high rate of eventual surgery, early surgical intervention should be considered in children with continuing seizures associated with GNTs.
Invisible detergents for structure determination of membrane proteins by small‐angle neutron scattering
Authors: Midtgaard Søren Roi , Darwish Tamim A. , Pedersen Martin Cramer , Huda Pie , Larsen Andreas Haahr , Jensen Grethe Vestergaard , Kynde Søren Andreas Røssell , Skar‐Gislinge Nicholas , Nielsen Agnieszka Janina Zygadlo , Olesen Claus , Blaise Mickael , Dorosz Jerzy Józef , Thorsen Thor Seneca , Venskutonytė Raminta , Krintel Christian , Møller Jesper V. , Frielinghaus Henrich , Gilbert Elliot Paul , Martel Anne , Kastrup Jette Sandholm , Jensen Poul Erik , Nissen Poul , Arleth Lise
Published: November 2017

A novel and generally applicable method for determining structures of membrane proteins in solution via small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) is presented. Common detergents for solubilizing membrane proteins were synthesized in isotope‐substituted versions for utilizing the intrinsic neutron scattering length difference between hydrogen and deuterium. Individual hydrogen/deuterium levels of the detergent head and tail groups were achieved such that the formed micelles became effectively invisible in heavy water (D2O) when investigated by neutrons. This way, only the signal from the membrane protein remained in the SANS data. We demonstrate that the method is not only generally applicable on five very different membrane proteins but also reveals subtle structural details about the sarco/endoplasmatic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA). In all, the synthesis of isotope‐substituted detergents makes solution structure determination of membrane proteins by SANS and subsequent data analysis available to nonspecialists.
Supercomplexity and the university: Ronald Barnett and the social philosophy of Higher Education
Authors: Bengtsen Søren S. E.
Published: November 2017

Ronald Barnett's modern classic Realizing the University in an Age of Supercomplexity (published December 1999), has had a crucial impact internationally on the field of Higher Education research and development since the book was published now nearly 20 years ago. Bridging an academic oeuvre across almost 30 years with close to 30 published volumes, Realizing the University in an Age of Supercomplexity plays an important role in the development and transformation of Barnett's social theory of Higher Education into a social philosophy of Higher Education. In the book Barnett performs an important move from a focus on knowledge and epistemology to a focus on being and ontology in relation to Higher Education practices. Barnett shifts his fundamental perspective and view on the relation between universities and the wider society from one of caution and worry to a perspective of hope and vision that fully embraces the future of Higher Education. This way, Realizing the University in an Age of Supercomplexity has not only paved the way for Barnett's own development of a social philosophy of Higher Education, but also contributed invaluably to the rise and maturing of philosophy of Higher Education as a research field in its own right.
Dependence of physiochemical, functional and textural properties of high‐resistant starch rice on endogenous nonstarch polysaccharides
Authors: Sun Jian , Wang Yin , Zhang Xiuqiong , Rasmussen Søren K. , Jiang Xiaotong , Song Wenjian , Wu Dianxing , Shu Xiaoli
Published: November 2017

To investigate the possibility of improving the quality of rice rich in resistant starch through operation of nonstarch polysaccharides, the high dietary fibre (7.24%) mutant cw and its wild‐type R7954 were selected to study the physiochemical characteristics of starch before and after removal of nonstarch polysaccharides. Results showed that hydrolysed or partially hydrolysed nonstarch polysaccharides in cw decreased the resistant starch content significantly, from 15.23% to 10.8%. Nonstarch polysaccharides had significant influences on the gelatinisation temperature, RVA parameters of R7954, but no significant influences on that of cw. For cw, removal of cellulose increased swelling power and adhesiveness, decreased the hardness significantly, from 0.3 to 0.23 N, while the resistant starch content was still as high as 13.72% and showed no significant difference from the wild type. This suggests that the influences of nonstarch polysaccharides on starch properties depend both on the type of rice and the nonstarch polysaccharides. Operation on nonstarch polysaccharides for obtaining rice with lower glycemic index is feasible, but operation on nonstarch polysaccharides may also be an alternative way of improving the palatability for rice high in resistant starch.
Hydrodistillation condition adjustment for different material particle sizes: a method to increase batch‐to‐batch quality consistency
Authors: Wei Danni , Cheng Guilin , Huang Kaiyi , Fang Jinyang , Yan Binjun
Published: November 2017

Varying material particle sizes represent a common contributing factor to the batch‐to‐batch variation of extraction yields. To increase the batch‐to‐batch quality consistency of extracts, a method was proposed to adjust the extraction conditions for different material particle sizes, taking the hydrodistillation extraction process of Radix Curcumae and Fructus Gardeniae as a case study. Statistical models were built for five sesquiterpenes including curcumenone, curcumenol, curdione, curzerenone and furanodienone, to quantitatively describe the effects of particle size and process parameters on their extraction yields. An increase in sodium chloride concentration remarkably increased the yields of curcumenone and curcumenol, and a larger solvent‐to‐solid ratio increased the yields of five sesquiterpenes. Under the adjusted process parameters for two different particle sizes, the yield for each compound was controlled to fall in the 90–110% target range. The proposed method can be applied to various extraction processes of foods and herbal medicines.
Can time to failure predict the faulty component in artificial urinary sphincter device malfunctions?
Authors: Yang David Y , Linder Brian J , Miller Adam R , Rangel Laureano J , Elliott Daniel S
Published: November 2017

Objective

Artificial urinary sphincter malfunctions can occur in any of the individual components. Preoperative identification of the malfunctioning component can be valuable for patient counseling and surgical planning. The optimal strategy for repair of failed artificial urinary sphincter components is debated given the relative rarity of the situation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of time to failure with failed artificial urinary sphincter component and to compare our outcomes of specific component versus complete device replacement.

Methods

From 1983 to 2011, 1805 artificial urinary sphincter procedures were carried out at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota, USA), of which 1072 patients underwent primary artificial urinary sphincter placement. Clinical variables, including time to failure, were evaluated for association with component failure. Bootstrap analysis was used to estimate the differences in time to reach a fixed percentage of component failure.

Results

A total of 115 patients experienced device failure at a median follow up of 4.2 years. Urethral cuff, abdominal reservoir, scrotal pump and tubing malfunction occurred in 53 (4.9%), 26 (2.4%), 11 (1%) and 25 (2.3%) patients, respectively. Increasing age at the time of primary surgery was protective of cuff malfunction (hazard ratio 0.97, P = 0.04). Time to 3% urethral cuff failure outpaced other component failures (P < 0.05). Secondary failure‐free rates after whole device versus specific component revisions were comparable (P = 0.38).

Conclusions

Clinical predictors for artificial urinary sphincter failure continue to be difficult to establish. Although single component versus entire device replacement have similar outcomes, if pursuing single component revision, we recommend cuff‐first interrogation in devices in place for >3 years, as this represents the most likely component to fail.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm hampers murine central wound healing by suppression of vascular epithelial growth factor
Authors: Trøstrup Hannah , Lerche Christian J. , Christophersen Lars J. , Thomsen Kim , Jensen Peter Ø. , Hougen Hans Petter , Høiby Niels , Moser Claus
Published: November 2017

Biofilm‐infected wounds are clinically challenging. Vascular endothelial growth factor and host defence S100A8/A9 are crucial for wound healing but may be suppressed by biofilms. The natural course of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm infection was compared in central and peripheral zones of burn‐wounded, infection‐susceptible BALB/c mice, which display delayed wound closure compared to C3H/HeN mice. Wounds were evaluated histopathologically 4, 7 or 10 days post‐infection. Photoplanimetry evaluated necrotic areas. P. aeruginosa biofilm suppressed vascular endothelial growth factor levels centrally in BALB/c wounds but increased peripheral levels 4–7 days post‐infection. Central zones of the burn wound displayed lower levels of central vascular endothelial growth factor as observed 4 and 7 days post‐infection in BALB/c mice compared to their C3H/HeN counterparts. Biofilm suppressed early, centrally located S100A8/A9 in BALB/c and centrally and peripherally later on in C3H/HeN wounds as compared to uninfected mice. Peripheral polymorphonuclear‐dominated inflammation and larger necrosis were observed in BALB/c wounds. In conclusion, P. aeruginosa biofilm modulates wounds by suppressing central, but inducing peripheral, vascular endothelial growth factor levels and reducing host response in wounds of BALB/c mice. This suppression is detrimental to the resolution of biofilm‐infected necrosis.