bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The consequences of daily cyclic hypoxia on a European grass shrimp: From short‐term responses to long‐term effects
Authors: Peruzza Luca , Gerdol Marco , Oliphant Andrew , Wilcockson David , Pallavicini Alberto , Hawkins Lawrence , Thatje Sven , Hauton Chris
Published: June 2018

Salt marshes are a key coastal environment for their important role as nursery habitats for marine and estuarine fish and crustaceans. Salt marshes are variable environments where species can experience daily cyclic hypoxic stress, characterised by profound variations in oxygen partial pressure (pO2) from supersaturated conditions (~42 kPa) to extremely hypoxic conditions (~3 kPa) in ~12‐hr.

Here, under laboratory conditions, we assessed the physiological consequences of exposing the shrimp Palaemon varians, a species commonly found in the salt marshes of northern Europe, to the daily cyclic hypoxic regime currently experienced in its habitat in August (7.1 ± 1.8 hr/day below 4.0 kPa). In the laboratory, adults were kept at water pO2 < 4.5 kPa for 7 hr each night and in normoxic conditions for the rest of the time.

We recorded an acceleration of P. varians’ moult cycle, which was 15% shorter in animals kept in cyclic hypoxia compared to animals in normoxia. Similarly, the pattern of expression of two cuticular proteins over an entire moult cycle indicated an effect of cyclic hypoxia on moult stage‐related genes. After 16 days, morphological changes to the gills were detected, with shrimps in cyclic hypoxia having a 13.6% larger lamellar surface area (measured in μm2/mg animal) than normoxic animals, which could improve gas exchange capacity. Overall, phenotypic and morphological data indicate that faster moulting is triggered in response to cyclic hypoxia, with the benefit that gill modifications can be prompted more rapidly in order to meet oxygen requirements of the body.

On the first experimental day, in cyclic hypoxic‐exposed animals, we recorded a 50% decrease in feeding rates (during hypoxic conditions) in comparison with normoxic animals. Similarly, ammonium excretion was reduced by 66%–75% during the 1st and 21st experimental day. Body size was reduced by ~4% after 28 days. Females that reproduced in cyclic hypoxic conditions reduced the amount of yolk in each egg by ~24%. Overall, results underline how, in a decapod shrimp living in a key coastal environment, many physiological parameters are impaired by a cyclic hypoxic regime that is currently found in its natural habitat.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Made in Denmark: Refugees, integration and the self‐dependent society
Authors: RYTTER MIKKEL
Published: June 2018

This article discusses how the values and aspirations of the neo‐liberal competition state(konkurrencestat) and self‐dependent society (selvstændighedssamfund) have affected recently arrived refugees in Denmark. Besides a stricter border regime, the so‐called ‘refugee crisis’ of 2015 also resulted in a new version of ‘integration’ in Denmark that emphasizes the values of responsibility (ansvar), self‐sufficiency (selvforsørgelse) and independence (uafhængighed), as refugees are expected to start working more or less from day one after their arrival. This has led to numerous creative integration programmes in Danish municipalities.
A Primer on the ‘Reproducibility Crisis’ and Ways to Fix It
Authors: Reed W. Robert
Published: June 2018

This article uses the framework of Ioannidis () to organise a discussion of issues related to the ‘reproducibility crisis’. It then goes on to use that framework to evaluate various proposals to fix the problem. Of particular interest is the ‘post‐study probability’, the probability that a reported research finding represents a true relationship. This probability is inherently unknowable. However, a number of insightful results emerge if we are willing to make some conjectures about reasonable parameter values. Among other things, this analysis demonstrates the important role that replication can play in improving the signal value of empirical research.
Recalling the performativity of the body in frontline command
Authors: Boehm Mikkel
Published: June 2018

Frontline command is based on the cognitive ability of the individual commander, but it is also a relational activity. In this article, the performativity of the body as a notion is applied to frontline command as a means of understanding how the body communicates in the midst of action. To this end, the performativity of eight frontline commanders was studied through the use of helmet‐mounted action cameras worn during real incidents. The empirical findings suggest that bodily performativity such as gearing‐up and gearing‐down affects the frontline commander's ability to command, sometimes unconsciously. The study also shows that the performativity of the commander's body plays an active role in frontline command, as it both aids and hinders decision‐making processes.
Quantitative Sex Estimation Based on Cranial Traits Using R Functions
Authors: Nikita Efthymia
Published: June 2018

This paper presents an R script that quantifies the shape of selected cranial traits and automates sex estimation. The proposed functions were tested on two modern Greek assemblages. The discriminant variables input in the functions are calculated from a digital photograph of the lateral view of the cranium. The cranial outline is determined using the Canny edge detector and discriminant variables that quantify the shape of the glabella/frontal bone, mastoid process, and external occipital protuberance are computed. The best cross‐validated results for pooled sexes in the Athens Collection range from 84.2% to 87.3%, and increase up to 93.9% when half of the sample is used for training and the rest for prediction, while correct classification for the Cretan material is 80–90% for optimum combinations of discriminant variables. The greatest advantage of the proposed method is its straightforward and time‐efficient application.
Caecal infusion of the short‐chain fatty acid propionate affects the microbiota and expression of inflammatory cytokines in the colon in a fistula pig model
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Yu Kaifan , Chen Huizi , Su Yong , Zhu Weiyun
Published: June 2018

Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate, are known to suppress inflammation, and regulate the gut bacterial ecology. However, little is known about propionate. We report here that propionate infusion in the caecum dramatically affected the structure of colonic microbiota of pigs based on 16s rRNA high‐throughput sequencing. Sixteen pig models were perfused with saline or sodium propionate by a fistula in the caecum. At d 28, all pigs were slaughtered for analysing bacterial metabolites, colonic microbiota and the expression of genes related to inflammation. The results showed that caecal infusion of sodium propionate increased the concentration of propionate and decreased the butyrate concentration in colonic content. For biogenic amines, the tyramine concentration was increased, while the concentration of cadaverine was decreased by infusion of sodium propionate. Furthermore, at the level of phylum, propionate increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and reduced the abundance of Firmicutes. Prevotella and Bacteroides counts were increased, while Turicibacter abundance was decreased at the level of genus. Real‐time qPCR showed that the expression of NF‐κB and IL‐18 was upregulated by propionate infusion, whereas no significant differences were observed for the expression of other genes related to inflammatory processes. Taken together, these results provide a new evidence for the role of short‐chain fatty acid propionate on the composition of microbial community and inflammatory cytokines.
Wording wisely: Including prevalence data and evidence based clinical outcomes of spinal and musculoskeletal degeneration in radiology reports
Authors: Doss Arockia
Published: June 2018

Diseases due to spinal and musculoskeletal degeneration are a common cause of disability worldwide. In the past few years, there has been widespread increase in the use of imaging in these conditions. However, the years lived with a disability has not declined. There is a growing body of evidence that imaging in spinal and musculoskeletal conditions due to degeneration and ageing is unnecessary and contributes to increasing costs. More worrying is the evidence that imaging may also cause harm due to prevalent use of cortisone injections and surgical procedures that are justified on the basis of a radiology report. Prevalence studies and randomized controlled trials in the past decade have provided a better understanding of these diseases beyond the morphological findings described in a radiology report. A radiology report supplemented with information on normal age related appearances, natural progression, available evidence on treatment and subsequent health outcome may help the referrer and patient understand the relevance of imaging findings in a patient specific context. This may reduce unwanted procedures, unnecessary costs and patient harm. This article attempts to provide such information for the most common degenerative diseases of the spine and musculoskeletal system.
Sleep in Infants and Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Authors: Inkelis Sarah M. , Thomas Jennifer D.
Published: June 2018

Prenatal exposure to alcohol can result in a range of neurobehavioral impairments and physical abnormalities. The term “fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)” encompasses the outcomes of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), the most severe of which is fetal alcohol syndrome. These effects have lifelong consequences, placing a significant burden on affected individuals, caregivers, and communities. Caregivers of affected children often report that their child has sleep problems, and many symptoms of sleep deprivation overlap with the cognitive and behavioral deficits characteristic of FASD. Alcohol‐exposed infants and children demonstrate poor sleep quality based on measures of electroencephalography, actigraphy, and questionnaires. These sleep studies indicate a common theme of disrupted sleep pattern, more frequent awakenings, and reduced total sleep time. However, relatively little is known about circadian rhythm disruption and the neurobehavioral correlates of sleep disturbance in individuals with PAE. Furthermore, there is limited information available to healthcare providers about identification and treatment of sleep disorders in patients with FASD. This review consolidates the findings from studies of infant and pediatric sleep in this population, providing an overview of typical sleep characteristics, neurobehavioral correlates of sleep disruption, and potential avenues for intervention in the context of PAE.
Childhood psychotic experiences are associated with poorer global functioning throughout adolescence and into early adulthood
Authors: Healy C. , Campbell D. , Coughlan H. , Clarke M. , Kelleher I. , Cannon M.
Published: June 2018

Background

Psychotic experiences (PEs) are common in childhood and have been associated with concurrent mental disorder and poorer global functioning. Little is known about the effects of childhood PEs on future functioning. We investigated the effects of childhood PEs on global functioning from childhood into early adulthood.

Method

Fifty‐six participants from a community sample completed all three waves of the Adolescent Brain Development study (T1 Age: 11.69, T2 Age: 15.80 T3Age: 18.80). At each phase, participants completed a clinical interview assessing for PEs, mental disorder and global function. Repeated measures models, adjusted for mental disorder and gender, were used to compare current (C‐GAF) and most severe past (MSP‐GAF) functioning in participants who had reported PEs in childhood and controls.

Results

Participants with a history of PEs had significantly poorer C‐GAF (P < 0.001) and MSP‐GAF scores (P < 0.001). Poorer functioning was evident in childhood (C‐GAF: P = 0.001; MSP‐GAF: P < 0.001), adolescence (C‐GAF: P < 0.001; MSP‐GAF: P = 0.004) and early adulthood (C‐GAF: P = 0.001; MSP‐GAF: P = 0.076).

Discussion

Children who report PEs have persistently poorer functioning through to early adulthood. The longitudinal association between childhood PEs and global functioning highlights the underlying global vulnerability in children reporting PEs, beyond what can be explained by mental disorder.
Texting to Reduce Alcohol Misuse (TRAM): main findings from a randomized controlled trial of a text message intervention to reduce binge drinking among disadvantaged men
Authors: Crombie Iain K. , Irvine Linda , Williams Brian , Sniehotta Falko F. , Petrie Dennis , Jones Claire , Norrie John , Evans Josie M. M. , Emslie Carol , Rice Peter M. , Slane Peter W. , Humphris Gerry , Ricketts Ian W. , Melson Ambrose J. , Donnan Peter T. , Hapca Simona M. , McKenzie Andrew , Achison Marcus
Published: June 2018

Aims

To test the effectiveness of a theoretically based text‐message intervention to reduce binge drinking among socially disadvantaged men.

Design

A multi‐centre parallel group, pragmatic, individually randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Community‐based study conducted in four regions of Scotland.

Participants

A total of 825 men aged 25–44 years recruited from socially disadvantaged areas who had two or more episodes of binge drinking (> 8 UK units on a single occasion) in the preceding 28 days: 411 men were randomized to the intervention and 414 to the control.

Intervention and comparator

A series of 112 interactive text messages was delivered by mobile phone during a 12‐week period. The intervention was structured around the Health Action Process Approach, a comprehensive model which allows integration of a range of evidence‐based behaviour change techniques. The control group received 89 texts on general health, with no mention of alcohol or use of behaviour change techniques.

Measurements

The primary outcome measure was the proportion of men consuming > 8 units on three or more occasions (in the previous 28 days) at 12 months post‐intervention.

Findings

The proportion of men consuming > 8 units on three or more occasions (in the previous 28 days) was 41.5% in the intervention group and 47.8% in the control group. Formal analysis showed that there was no evidence that the intervention was effective [odds ratio (OR) = 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.57–1.08; absolute reduction 5.7%, 95% CI = −13.3 to 1.9]. The Bayes factor for this outcome was 1.3, confirming that the results were inconclusive. The retention was high and similar in intervention (84.9%) and control (86.5%) groups. Most men in the intervention group engaged with the text messages: almost all (92%) replied to text messages and 67% replied more than 10 times.

Conclusions

A theoretically based text‐messaging intervention aimed at reducing binge drinking in disadvantaged men was not found to reduce prevalence of binge drinking at 12‐month follow‐up.
Spillover of Drosophila suzukii between noncrop and crop areas: implications for pest management
Authors: Tonina Lorenzo , Mori Nicola , Sancassani Manuel , Dall'Ara Patrizia , Marini Lorenzo
Published: June 2018

Semi‐natural areas may promote Drosophila suzukii population dynamics by providing alternative host resources, overwintering habitats and refuge areas during cold, warm or dry periods, or when crops are sprayed with insecticides.

In the present study, we investigated the spillover of D. suzukii between noncrop and crop areas using sweet cherry as a model crop. We sampled the pest at different heights and at different distances from the forest, from the the winter dormancy stage to the post‐harvest period.

Drosophila suzukii activity‐density in the orchards declined strongly with increasing distance from the forest margin and with increasing height above the ground. The observed patterns varied over the crop phenological development stages, indicating that the pest used multiple habitats throughout the year. When the host plant was not suitable for reproduction, D. suzukii preferred to fly closer to the forest margin and at lower heights. When the host plant was suitable (i.e. ripe cherries), D. suzukii further colonized the orchards both horizontally and vertically, exploring the canopy volume more in depth.

The results of the present study will contribute to the development of more effective and practical approaches for protecting fruit crops from D. suzukii and improving chemical, physical or mechanical control measures.
Prepupal diapause synchronizes adult emergence in the pine processionary moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae)
Authors: Salman Md Habibur Rahman , Giomi Folco , Laparie Mathieu , Lehmann Philipp , Battisti Andrea
Published: June 2018

Insects with short‐lived adults must synchronize their emergence to maximize fitness.

However, pre‐imaginal development time often varies among individuals as a result of exposure to varied abiotic and biotic factors; therefore, mechanisms adjusting pre‐imaginal development time are expected.

Larvae of the pine processionary moth feed throughout the winter and conclude their development with characteristic processions in spring, leaving the trees to pupate in soil.

The procession period can be as long as 2 months in some regions because of prior desynchronization of larval colonies, whereas the emergence period of the adults in summer remains short (less than 1 month).

Through weekly sampling of larvae leaving trees to pupate in soil and subsequent rearing under field and laboratory conditions, it was observed that early prepupae waited longer than late prepupae before moulting into pupa.

The differential duration of the prepupal stage was independent of temperature conditions and allowed resynchronization of colonies and overlapping emergences.

The prepupal phase therefore appears to be critical for understanding the regulation of adult emergence of this important pest insect.
Impact of ST‐segment resolution on clinical outcome in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction and preserved left ventricular function
Authors: Bendary Ahmed , Tawfeek Wael , Mahros Mohamed , Salem Mohamed
Published: June 2018

Background

Patients with successful reperfusion and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after ST‐segment myocardial infarction (STEMI)have always been thought to have low risk for adverse events. Great interest is focused on finding simple, noninvasive tools to refine risk stratification among them.

Objectives

We hypothesized that degree of ST‐segment resolution (STR) after STEMI can identify high‐risk group among patients with LVEF ≥ 50% following STEMI.

Methods

During the period from January to July 2017, patients with successful reperfusion of STEMI and LVEF ≥ 50% were prospectively included. Patients were divided into two groups based on the percent of ST segment resolution using single lead STR method; group I (complete STR ≥ 70%) and group II (partial STR 50%–70%). The endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular mortality, re‐hospitalization for heart failure and urgent revascularization at 30‐day.

Results

After exclusion, 110 patients were left for final analysis. No significant differences in all baseline characteristics were found between both groups. The primary endpoint occurred in seven patients (12.7%) of group I versus 17 patients (30.9%) of group II (Relative risk = 2.43, 95%CI = 1.1–5.4, p = 0.021) driven by a significant reduction in rates of re‐hospitalization due to heart failure. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed incomplete STR to be a significant independent predictor for 30‐dayMACEs (OR 3.25, 95% CI1.2–8.83, p = 0.02) even after adjustment for location of infarction.

Conclusion

Complete STR predicts 30‐day outcome in patients with preserved LVEF following successful reperfusion of STEMI.
Periocular molluscum contagiosum: six different clinical presentations
Authors: Rosner Mordechai , Zloto Ofira
Published: June 2018

Purpose

To describe the different clinical presentations of periocular molluscum contagiosum (MC) lesions and their epidemiological, clinical and histopathological features.

Methods

Medical records and histopathological sections of all cases of periocular MC treated at the oculoplastic clinic of the Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Israel, between 1995 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The following data were extracted: gender, age at the time of MC diagnosis, immune competency, location of the periocular lesions, number of lesions, dimensions of the lesions, clinical presentation, histopathological features, suspected clinical diagnosis before histopathological diagnosis and treatment.

Results

The series was composed of 41 patients (19 males, 22 females) whose mean age at presentation was 20.41  ±  21.10 years (range 1–71 years). Only one patient was immunosuppressed. The cases were classified into six proposed clinical presentations: ‘umbilicated nodular’, ‘big/giant’, ‘conglomerated’, ‘erythematous’, ‘inflamed’ and ‘pedunculated’.

Conclusion

This is the first time that different clinical types of MC lesions are labelled. The current evidence also indicates that MC lesions should be suspected not only in children and in immunosuppressed adult patients but also in immunocompetent patients of all ages.
Multiple enface image averaging for enhanced optical coherence tomography angiography imaging
Authors: Uji Akihito , Balasubramanian Siva , Lei Jianqin , Baghdasaryan Elmira , Al‐Sheikh Mayss , Borrelli Enrico , Sadda SriniVas R.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

To investigate the effect of multiple enface image averaging on image quality of the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods

Twenty‐one normal volunteers were enrolled in this study. For each subject, one eye was imaged with 3 × 3 mm scan protocol, and another eye was imaged with the 6 × 6 mm scan protocol centred on the fovea using the ZEISS Angioplex™ spectral‐domain OCTA device. Eyes were repeatedly imaged to obtain nine OCTA cube scan sets, and nine superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) were individually averaged after registration.

Results

Eighteen eyes with a 3 × 3 mm scan field and 14 eyes with a 6 × 6 mm scan field were studied. Averaged images showed more continuous vessels and less background noise in both the SCP and the DCP as the number of frames used for averaging increased, with both 3 × 3 and 6 × 6 mm scan protocols. The intensity histogram of the vessels dramatically changed after averaging. Contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) and subjectively assessed image quality scores also increased as the number of frames used for averaging increased in all image types. However, the additional benefit in quality diminished when averaging more than five frames. Averaging only three frames achieved significant improvement in CNR and the score assigned by certified grades.

Conclusion

Use of multiple image averaging in OCTA enface images was found to be both objectively and subjectively effective for enhancing image quality. These findings may of value for developing optimal OCTA imaging protocols for future studies.
Supraciliary versus intrascleral implantation with hema implant (Esnoper V‐2000) in deep sclerectomy: a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Belda Jose I. , Loscos‐Arenas Jordi , Mermoud Andre , Lozano Esther , D'Alessandro Elisa , Rebolleda Gema , Rodriguez‐Agirretxe Iñaki , Canut Maribel , Rodriguez‐Calvo Pedro P. ,   The ESNOPER V‐2000 Study Group
Published: June 2018

Purpose

To compare the supraciliary versus intrascleral implantation of the hema implant (Esnoper V‐2000) in terms of the efficacy and safety in nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS).

Patients and methods

Prospective, randomized, unmasked, competitive and multicenter clinical trial. Eighty‐three eyes from 83 patients suffering from open‐angle glaucoma (40 males, 43 females) were enrolled and followed up for 12 months. Main outcome measures were best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), perimetry (mean defect, MD and Visual Field Index, VFI), pachymetry, number of antiglaucoma medications and analysis of blebs according Moorfields Bleb Grading.

Results

The IOP was significantly reduced in both groups from 23.74 ± 6.9 mmHg (implant sutured to the sclera, group 1) and 23.46 ± 6.47 mmHg (implant placed in the suprachoroidal space, group 2) to 15.43 ± 4.27 mmHg (p < 0.001) and 14.62 ± 3.64 mmHg (p < 0.001), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in mean IOP values between the groups a year after the surgery (p = 0.581). BCVA did not show statistical differences in comparison with baseline (p = 0.09, group 1; p = 0.42, group 2). The mean number of antiglaucoma medications was reduced in both groups from 2.58 ± 0.04 and 2.68 ± 0.02 before the surgery to 0.32 ± 0.76 and 0.24 ± 0.66 after surgery.

Conclusion

Nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy using hema implant (Esnoper V‐2000) is safe and effective regardless of the positioning of the implant. We achieved IOP decrease and reduction in antiglaucoma medications during the first year after surgery without significant differences between both techniques.
The intraocular lens as a drug delivery device for an epidermal growth factor–Receptor inhibitor for prophylaxis of posterior capsule opacification
Authors: Wertheimer Christian , Kueres Alexander , Siedlecki Jakob , Braun Christian , Kassumeh Stefan , Wolf Armin , Mayer Wolfgang , Priglinger Claudia , Priglinger Siegfried , Eibl‐Lindner Kirsten
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) occurs as a common complication after cataract surgery. Erlotinib is an inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor–Receptor and reduces critical cellular events leading to PCO. In this in vitro study, Erlotinib‐modified intraocular lenses (IOLs) employed as a drug delivery device have been evaluated for PCO prevention.

Methods

The IC50 concentration of Erlotinib was determined by using FHL‐124 cells. For the human capsular bag model, 40 cadaver eyes underwent sham cataract surgery. Sixteen capsular bags were exposed to the IC50 of Erlotinib. Intraocular lens (IOL) of three different materials was pharmacologically modified and tested in the anterior segment model and implanted into 24 capsular bags. To test for corneal toxicity, pairs of human cornea were exposed to high concentrations of Erlotinib and corneal endothelial cells (CEC) were exposed to the modified IOL. Release kinetics of Erlotinib from the IOL was measured.

Results

IC50 of Erlotinib was determined to be 10 μm. Erlotinib alone (p = 0.002) and when soaked into IOLs (p < 0.001) significantly increased the number of days needed until total cell coverage of the capsular bags in comparison with the control. Modified IOLs mitigated cell growth in the anterior segment model (p < 0.001). No short‐term corneal toxicity was observed up to a concentration of 100 μm, and IOLs did not show toxicity on CEC. Erlotinib was released constantly from IOL.

Conclusion

Erlotinib might be of clinical relevance in PCO prophylaxis, as its short‐term application induces a long‐term deceleration of cellular growth. Erlotinib can be introduced into the eye via soaked IOLs.
Comparison of standard and accelerated corneal cross‐linking for the treatment of keratoconus: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Shajari Mehdi , Kolb Carolin M. , Agha Bishr , Steinwender Gernot , Müller Michael , Herrmann Eva , Schmack Ingo , Mayer Wolfgang J. , Kohnen Thomas
Published: June 2018

Purpose

To compare results between standard and accelerated corneal collagen cross‐linking (CXL) for the treatment of progressive keratoconus.

Methods

We performed literature searches in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ISRCTN registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, and EMBASE for studies comparing conventional Dresden (C‐CXL) and accelerated CXL (A‐CXL). Outcomes were clinical results and changes in corneal properties. Weighted mean differences were used to evaluate the effects.

Results

Here, 22 studies with 1158 eyes (C‐CXL: 577 eyes; A‐CXL: 581 eyes) were included. At the last follow‐up, C‐CXL was superior regarding minimum keratometry (p < 0.00001) and demarcation line depth (p < 0.00001), whereas A‐CXL should be favoured when considering minimum corneal thickness (p = 0.0005). No differences in uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (p = 0.09 and 0.98), spherical equivalent (p = 0.11), spherical and cylindrical error (p = 0.29 and 0.32), maximal and average keratometry (p = 0.05 and 0.65), central corneal thickness (p = 0.15), corneal biomechanical properties (p ≥ 0.21 respectively), time of reepithelialization (p = 0.76), subbasal nerve density (p = 0.69), endothelial cell density (p = 0.30) and morphology (p ≥ 0.40 respectively) were found among both groups.

Conclusion

Consideration of less corneal thinning favours A‐CXL, whereas the deeper demarcation line and greater changes in minimum keratometric values in C‐CXL may indicate a higher treatment efficacy. Altogether, C‐CXL, as well as A‐CXL, provides successful results in the strengthening of corneal tissue.
New‐onset epilepsy in the elderly
Authors: Vu Lily Chi , Piccenna Loretta , Kwan Patrick , O'Brien Terence J.
Published: June 2018

People who are 60 years old and older have the highest incidence of developing new‐onset epilepsy. The increase of the ageing population has resulted in a greater number of patients with new‐onset epilepsy or at risk of developing the condition. Previously published review articles regarding epilepsy in older patients have had a broad focus, including people who were diagnosed with epilepsy in their childhood or middle age. The present review focuses on the causes, treatment, prognosis and psychosocial impact of new‐onset epilepsy in people aged ≥60 years. Following a search of the medical electronic databases and relevant references, we identified 22 studies overall that met the inclusion criteria. Only four randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were identified that compared different antiepileptic drug treatments in this population, demonstrating that newer‐generation antiepileptic drugs (e.g. lamotrigine and levetiracetam) were generally better tolerated. One uncontrolled study provided promising evidence of good outcomes and safety for surgical resection as a treatment for people with uncontrolled seizures. Five studies reported that people ≥60 years with new‐onset epilepsy have significant cognitive impairments (e.g. memory loss) and psychological issues including depression, anxiety and fatigue. We found that there is limited evidence to guide treatment in people with Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy. The specific features of new‐onset epilepsy in this target population significantly influences the choice of treatment. Cognitive and psychiatric screening before treatment may be useful for management. Two studies with proposed guidelines were identified but no formal clinical practice guidelines exist for this special population to assist with appropriate management. There is a need for more RCTs that investigate effective treatments with limited side effects. More research studies on the psychosocial effects of new‐onset epilepsy, and long‐term outcomes, for people aged ≥60 years are also required.
Multicenter retrospective analysis of systemic chemotherapy for unresectable combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Kobayashi Satoshi , Terashima Takeshi , Shiba Satoshi , Yoshida Yukio , Yamada Ikuhiro , Iwadou Shouta , Horiguchi Shigeru , Takahashi Hideaki , Suzuki Eiichiro , Moriguchi Michihisa , Tsuji Kunihiro , Otsuka Taiga , Asagi Akinori , Kojima Yasushi , Takada Ryoji , Morizane Chigusa , Mizuno Nobumasa , Ikeda Masafumi , Ueno Makoto , Furuse Junji
Published: June 2018

We conducted a multicenter retrospective analysis to evaluate the efficacy of systemic chemotherapy for unresectable combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma. We enrolled 36 patients with pathologically proven, unresectable combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma treated with systemic chemotherapy. The log‐rank test determined the significance of each prognostic factor. Elevated alpha‐fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 levels were observed in 58.3%, 16.7% and 38.9% of patients, respectively. First‐line chemotherapy included platinum‐containing regimens consisting of gemcitabine/cisplatin (n = 12) and fluorouracil/cisplatin (n = 11), sorafenib (n = 5) and others (n = 8). The median overall and progression‐free survival times were 8.9 and 2.8 months, respectively, with an overall response rate of 5.6%. Prognostic factors associated with negative outcomes included poor performance status, no prior primary tumor resection, a Child‐Pugh class of B, and elevated carcinoembryonic antigen levels with a hazard ratio of 2.25, 2.48, 3.25 and 2.84 by univariate analysis, respectively. The median overall survival times of the gemcitabine/cisplatin, fluorouracil/cisplatin, sorafenib and other groups were 11.9, 10.2, 3.5 and 8.1 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the overall survival of patients within the sorafenib monotherapy group was poor compared with platinum‐containing regimens (HR: 15.83 [95% CI: 2.25‐111.43], P = .006). All 7 patients in the sorafenib group had progressive disease, including 2 patients with second‐line therapy. In conclusion, the platinum‐containing regimens such as gemcitabine/cisplatin were associated with more favorable outcomes than sorafenib monotherapy for unresectable combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma.
Symptomatic androgen deficiency develops only when both total and free testosterone decline in obese men who may have incident biochemical secondary hypogonadism: Prospective results from the EMAS
Authors: Rastrelli Giulia , O'Neill Terence W. , Ahern Tomas , Bártfai György , Casanueva Felipe F. , Forti Gianni , Keevil Brian , Giwercman Aleksander , Han Thang S. , Slowikowska‐Hilczer Jolanta , Lean Michael E.J. , Pendleton Neil , Punab Margus , Antonio Leen , Tournoy Jos , Vanderschueren Dirk , Maggi Mario , Huhtaniemi Ilpo T. , Wu Frederick C.W. ,   the EMAS study group
Published: June 2018

Objective

Limited evidence supports the use of free testosterone (FT) for diagnosing hypogonadism when sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) is altered. Low total testosterone (TT) is commonly encountered in obesity where SHBG is typically decreased. We aimed to assess the contribution of FT in improving the diagnosis of symptomatic secondary hypogonadism (SH), identified initially by low total testosterone (TT), and then further differentiated by normal FT (LNSH) or low FT (LLSH).

Design

Prospective observational study with a median follow‐up of 4.3 years.

Patients

Three thousand three hundred sixty‐nine community‐dwelling men aged 40‐79 years from eight European centres.

Measurements

Subjects were categorized according to baseline and follow‐up biochemical status into persistent eugonadal (referent group; n = 1880), incident LNSH (eugonadism to LNSH; n = 101) and incident LLSH (eugonadism to LLSH; n = 38). Predictors and clinical features associated with the transition from eugonadism to LNSH or LLSH were assessed.

Results

The cumulative incidence of LNSH and LLSH over 4.3 years was 4.9% and 1.9%, respectively. Baseline obesity predicted both LNSH and LLSH, but the former occurred more frequently in younger men. LLSH, but not LNSH, was associated with new/worsened sexual symptoms, including low desire [OR = 2.67 (1.27‐5.60)], erectile dysfunction [OR = 4.53 (2.05‐10.01)] and infrequent morning erections [OR = 3.40 (1.48‐7.84)].

Conclusions

These longitudinal data demonstrate the importance of FT in the diagnosis of hypogonadism in obese men with low TT and SHBG. The concurrent fall in TT and FT identifies the minority (27.3%) of men with hypogonadal symptoms, which were not present in the majority developing low TT with normal FT.
From Faces to Outdoor Light Probes
Authors: Calian Dan A. , Lalonde Jean‐François , Gotardo Paulo , Simon Tomas , Matthews Iain , Mitchell Kenny
Published: June 2018

Image‐based lighting has allowed the creation of photo‐realistic computer‐generated content. However, it requires the accurate capture of the illumination conditions, a task neither easy nor intuitive, especially to the average digital photography enthusiast. This paper presents an approach to directly estimate an HDR light probe from a single LDR photograph, shot outdoors with a consumer camera, without specialized calibration targets or equipment. Our insight is to use a person's face as an outdoor light probe. To estimate HDR light probes from LDR faces we use an inverse rendering approach which employs data‐driven priors to guide the estimation of realistic, HDR lighting. We build compact, realistic representations of outdoor lighting both parametrically and in a data‐driven way, by training a deep convolutional autoencoder on a large dataset of HDR sky environment maps. Our approach can recover high‐frequency, extremely high dynamic range lighting environments. For quantitative evaluation of lighting estimation accuracy and relighting accuracy, we also contribute a new database of face photographs with corresponding HDR light probes. We show that relighting objects with HDR light probes estimated by our method yields realistic results in a wide variety of settings.
Extended Narrow Band FLIP for Liquid Simulations
Authors: Sato T. , Wojtan C. , Thuerey N. , Igarashi T. , Ando R.
Published: June 2018

The Fluid Implicit Particle method (FLIP) reduces numerical dissipation by combining particles with grids. To improve performance, the subsequent narrow band FLIP method (NB‐FLIP) uses a FLIP‐based fluid simulation only near the liquid surface and a traditional grid‐based fluid simulation away from the surface. This spatially‐limited FLIP simulation significantly reduces the number of particles and alleviates a computational bottleneck. In this paper, we extend the NB‐FLIP idea even further, by allowing a simulation to transition between a FLIP‐like fluid simulation and a grid‐based simulation in arbitrary locations, not just near the surface. This approach leads to even more savings in memory and computation, because we can concentrate the particles only in areas where they are needed. More importantly, this new method allows us to seamlessly transition to smooth implicit surface geometry wherever the particle‐based simulation is unnecessary. Consequently, our method leads to a practical algorithm for avoiding the noisy surface artifacts associated with particle‐based liquid simulations, while simultaneously maintaining the benefits of a FLIP simulation in regions of dynamic motion.
Fast Penetration Volume for Rigid Bodies
Authors: Nirel D. , Lischinski D.
Published: June 2018

Handling collisions among a large number of bodies can be a performance bottleneck in video games and many other real‐time applications. We present a new framework for detecting and resolving collisions using the penetration volume as an interpenetration measure. Given two non‐convex polyhedral bodies, a new sampling paradigm locates their near‐contact configurations in advance, and stores associated contact information in a compact database. At runtime, we retrieve a given configuration's nearest neighbors. By taking advantage of the penetration volume's continuity, cheap geometric methods can use the neighbors to estimate contact information as well as a translational gradient. This results in an extremely fast, geometry‐independent, and trivially parallelizable computation, which constitutes the first global volume‐based collision resolution. When processing multiple collisions simultaneously on a 4‐core processor, the average running cost is as low as 5 μs. Furthermore, no additional proximity or contact‐regions queries are required. These results are orders of magnitude faster than previous penetration volume approaches.
Watercolor Woodblock Printing with Image Analysis
Authors: Panotopoulou A. , Paris S. , Whiting E.
Published: June 2018

Watercolor paintings have a unique look that mixes subtle color gradients and sophisticated diffusion patterns. This makes them immediately recognizable and gives them a unique appeal. Creating such paintings requires advanced skills that are beyond the reach of most people. Even for trained artists, producing several copies of a painting is a tedious task. One can resort to scanning an existing painting and printing replicas, but these are all identical and have lost an essential characteristic of a painting, its uniqueness. We address these two issues with a technique to fabricate woodblocks that we later use to create watercolor prints. The woodblocks can be reused to produce multiple copies but each print is unique due to the physical process that we introduce. We also design an image processing pipeline that helps users to create the woodblocks and describe a protocol that produces prints by carefully controlling the interplay between the paper, ink pigments, and water so that the final piece depicts the desired scene while exhibiting the distinctive features of watercolor. Our technique enables anyone with the resources to produce watercolor prints.
Approximate Program Smoothing Using Mean‐Variance Statistics, with Application to Procedural Shader Bandlimiting
Authors: Yang Y. , Barnes C.
Published: June 2018

We introduce a general method to approximate the convolution of a program with a Gaussian kernel. This results in the program being smoothed. Our compiler framework models intermediate values in the program as random variables, by using mean and variance statistics. We decompose the input program into atomic parts and relate the statistics of the different parts of the smoothed program. We give several approximate smoothing rules that can be used for the parts of the program. These include an improved variant of Dorn et al. [DBLW15], a novel adaptive Gaussian approximation, Monte Carlo sampling, and compactly supported kernels. Our adaptive Gaussian approximation handles multivariate Gaussian distributed inputs, gives exact results for a larger class of programs than previous work, and is accurate to the second order in the standard deviation of the kernel for programs with certain analytic properties. Because each expression in the program can have multiple approximation choices, we use a genetic search to automatically select the best approximations. We apply this framework to the problem of automatically bandlimiting procedural shader programs. We evaluate our method on a variety of geometries and complex shaders, including shaders with parallax mapping, animation, and spatially varying statistics. The resulting smoothed shader programs outperform previous approaches both numerically and aesthetically.
Fast Catmull‐Rom Spline Interpolation for High‐Quality Texture Sampling
Authors: Csébfalvi Balázs
Published: June 2018

It is well known that cubic texture filtering can be efficiently implemented on the GPU by using a method published by Sigg and Hadwiger [SH05], which simplifies the evaluation to a linear combination of linear texture fetches. However, their method cannot be directly applied if the filter kernel takes also negative values like the popular Catmull‐Rom spline, for example. In this paper, we propose a modified algorithm that is able to handle also the negative weights. Therefore, using our method, the Catmull‐Rom spline interpolation can also be evaluated in one, two, and three dimensions by taking two, four, and eight linear texture fetches, respectively.
Feasible stabilization of chondroitinase abc enables reduced astrogliosis in a chronic model of spinal cord injury
Authors: Raspa Andrea , Bolla Edoardo , Cuscona Claudia , Gelain Fabrizio
Published: June 2018

Aims

Usually, spinal cord injury (SCI) develops into a glial scar containing extracellular matrix molecules including chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs). Chondroitinase ABC (ChABC), from Proteus vulgaris degrading the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains of CSPGs, offers the opportunity to improve the final outcome of SCI. However, ChABC usage is limited by its thermal instability, requiring protein structure modifications, consecutive injections at the lesion site, or implantation of infusion pumps.

Methods

Aiming at more feasible strategy to preserve ChABC catalytic activity, we assessed various stabilizing agents in different solutions and demonstrated, via a spectrophotometric protocol, that the 2.5 mol/L Sucrose solution best stabilized ChABC as far as 14 days in vitro.

Results

ChABC activity was improved in both stabilizing and diluted solutions at +37°C, that is, mimicking their usage in vivo. We also verified the safety of the proposed aqueous sucrose solution in terms of viability/cytotoxicity of mouse neural stem cells (NSCs) in both proliferating and differentiating conditions in vitro. Furthermore, we showed that a single intraspinal treatment with ChABC and sucrose reduced reactive gliosis at the injury site in chronic contusive SCI in rats and slightly enhanced their locomotor recovery.

Conclusion

Usage of aqueous sucrose solutions may be a feasible strategy, in combination with rehabilitation, to ameliorate ChABC‐based treatments to promote the regeneration of central nervous system injuries.
Conserving Himalayan birds in highly seasonal forested and agricultural landscapes
Authors: Elsen Paul R. , Ramesh Krishnamurthy , Wilcove David S.
Published: June 2018

The Himalayas are a global biodiversity hotspot threatened by widespread agriculture and pasture expansion. To determine the impact of these threats on biodiversity and to formulate appropriate conservation strategies, we surveyed birds along elevational gradients in primary forest and in human‐dominated lands spanning a gradient of habitat alteration, including forest‐agriculture mosaics, mixed agriculture mosaics, and pasture. We surveyed birds during the breeding season and in winter to account for pronounced seasonal migrations. Bird abundance and richness in forest‐agriculture and mixed agriculture mosaics were equal to or greater than in primary forest and greater than in pasture at local and landscape scales during both seasons. Pasture had greater abundance and richness of birds in winter than primary forest, but richness was greater in primary forest at the landscape scale during the breeding season. All 4 land‐use types held unique species, suggesting that all must be retained in the landscape to conserve the entire avifauna. Our results suggest forest‐agriculture and mixed agriculture mosaics are particularly important for sustaining Himalayan bird communities during winter and primary forests are vital for sustaining Himalayan bird communities during the breeding season. Further conversion of forest‐agriculture and mixed agriculture mosaics to pasture would likely result in significant biodiversity losses that would disproportionately affect breeding species. To ensure comprehensive conservation, strategies in the western Himalayas must balance the protection of intact primary forest with the minimization of pasture expansion.