bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolated psychosis during exposure to very high and extreme altitude – characterisation of a new medical entity
Authors: Hüfner Katharina , Brugger Hermann , Kuster Eva , Dünsser Franziska , Stawinoga Agnieszka E. , Turner Rachel , Tomazin Iztok , Sperner-Unterweger Barbara 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundPsychotic episodes during exposure to very high or extreme altitude have been frequently reported in mountain literature, but not systematically analysed and acknowledged as a distinct clinical entity.MethodsEpisodes reported above 3500 m altitude with possible psychosis were collected from the lay literature and provide the basis for this observational study. Dimensional criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders were used for psychosis, and the Lake Louise Scoring criteria for acute mountain sickness and high-altitude cerebral oedema (HACE). Eighty-three of the episodes collected underwent a cluster analysis to identify similar groups. Ratings were done by two independent, trained researchers (κ values 0.6–1).FindingsCluster 1 included 51% (42/83) episodes without psychosis; cluster 2 22% (18/83) cases with psychosis, plus symptoms of HACE or mental status change from other origins; and cluster 3 28% (23/83) episodes with isolated psychosis. Possible risk factors of psychosis and associated somatic symptoms were analysed between the three clusters and revealed differences regarding the factors ‘starvation’ (χ2 test, p = 0.002), ‘frostbite’ (p = 0.024) and ‘supplemental oxygen’ (p = 0.046). Episodes with psychosis were reversible but associated with near accidents and accidents (p = 0.007, odds ratio 4.44).ConclusionsEpisodes of psychosis during exposure to high altitude are frequently reported, but have not been specifically examined or assigned to medical diagnoses. In addition to the risk of suffering from somatic mountain illnesses, climbers and workers at high altitude should be aware of the potential occurrence of psychotic episodes, the associated risks and respective coping strategies.
The COMMAND trial of cognitive therapy to prevent harmful compliance with command hallucinations: predictors of outcome and mediators of change
Authors: Birchwood Max , Dunn Graham , Meaden Alan , Tarrier Nicholas , Lewis Shon , Wykes Til , Davies Linda , Michail Maria , Peters Emmanuelle 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundActing on harmful command hallucinations is a major clinical concern. Our COMMAND CBT trial approximately halved the rate of harmful compliance (OR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.23–0.88, p = 0.021). The focus of the therapy was a single mechanism, the power dimension of voice appraisal, was also significantly reduced. We hypothesised that voice power differential (between voice and voice hearer) was the mediator of the treatment effect.MethodsThe trial sample (n = 197) was used. A logistic regression model predicting 18-month compliance was used to identify predictors, and an exploratory principal component analysis (PCA) of baseline variables used as potential predictors (confounders) in their own right. Stata's paramed command used to obtain estimates of the direct, indirect and total effects of treatment.ResultsVoice omnipotence was the best predictor although the PCA identified a highly predictive cognitive-affective dimension comprising: voices’ power, childhood trauma, depression and self-harm. In the mediation analysis, the indirect effect of treatment was fully explained by its effect on the hypothesised mediator: voice power differential.ConclusionVoice power and treatment allocation were the best predictors of harmful compliance up to 18 months; post-treatment, voice power differential measured at nine months was the mediator of the effect of treatment on compliance at 18 months.
The role of the early social environment on Epstein Barr virus infection: a prospective observational design using the Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: GARES V. , PANICO L. , CASTAGNE R. , DELPIERRE C. , KELLY-IRVING M. 
Published: December 2017

SUMMARYEpstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a highly prevalent herpesvirus linked to infectious mononucleosis and several malignancies. This paper aims to study the association between children's early life social environment at 9 months and EBV infection at 3 years of age.MethodsWe used data on children included in the UK Millennium Cohort Study. We described the social environment using area-level and material factors as well as socioeconomic position (SEP) at 9 months. EBV was measured at 3 years of age (n = 12 457).ResultsLower rates of EBV infection were observed in children living in towns and rural areas compared with those living in cities. Lower SEP and overcrowding in the household increased the odds of being infected. Children whose parents were social tenants were more likely to be infected than homeowners. In the overall model, the strength of the association between material factors and EBV infection weakened.ConclusionsWe showed that early life material deprivation was associated with a higher risk of EBV infection among 3-year-olds. Children living in more deprived social conditions may be more likely to become EBV carriers at an earlier age.
Impact of different approaches of primary care mental health on the prevalence of mental disorders
Authors: Moscovici Leonardo , de Azevedo-Marques Joao Mazzoncini , Bolsoni Lívia Maria , Rodrigues-Junior Antonio Luiz , Zuardi Antonio Waldo 
Published: December 2017

AimTo compare the impact of three different approaches to primary care mental health on the prevalence of mental disorders.BackgroundMillions of people suffer from mental disorders. As entry point into the health service, primary healthcare plays an important role in providing mental health prevention and treatment.MethodsRandom sample of households in three different areas of the city of Ribeirão Preto (state of São Paulo, Brazil) were selected, and 20 trained medical students conducted interviews using a mental health screening instrument, the Mini-Screening of Mental Disorders, and a socio-demographic datasheet. Primary care mental health was provided in each area through a specific approach. The influence of the area of residence and the socio-demographic variables on the prevalence of mental disorder was explored and analyzed by univariate binary logistic regression and then by a multiple logistic regression model.FindingsA total of 1545 subjects were interviewed. Comparison between the three areas showed a significantly higher number of people with mental disorders in the area covered by the primary care team that did not have physicians with specific primary care mental health training, even when this association was adjusted for the influence of age, education, and socio-economic status.Our results suggest that residing in areas with family physicians with mental health training is associated with a lower prevalence of mental disorders.
Hong Kong: Home to the Star Ferry, the Peak Tram and @ShuyuanClassics!
Authors: Christou Anastasia 
Published: December 2017

‘Classics in Hong Kong’ is not a phrase one comes across on a regular basis, so when I was asked to write this article on my experiences of teaching Classics in Hong Kong specifically and my perspective on Classics in Asia generally, I was delighted at the opportunity. I joined The Independent Schools Foundation Academy (The ISF Academy, Hong Kong) just over two years ago, having studied, trained and taught Classics in London previously. When the prospect arose of teaching the subject I love on the other side of the globe, it was an offer I could not refuse, out of curiosity if nothing else! Although my teaching experiences on my Asian adventure thus far have been quite different and often unfamiliar, I still passionately believe that Classics is equally important everywhere: appreciating the achievements of the ancients; questioning human nature and the world we live in; and learning from heroes and villains, mortals and immortals. After all, the Ancient Greeks and Romans played an important role both in the West and the East, with interaction between the civilisations across the ages; Alexander the Great's empire is of course one such example of the mutual intellectual, political and economic exchange between the western and eastern worlds.
Oncolytic virotherapy as an immunotherapeutic strategy for multiple myeloma
Authors: Meyers Daniel E. , Thakur Satbir , Thirukkumaran Chandini M. , Morris Don G. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMultiple Myeloma (MM), a clonal malignancy of antibody-producing plasma cells, is the second most common hematologic malignancy and results in significant patient morbidity and mortality. The high degree of immune dysregulation in MM, including T cell imbalances and up-regulation of immunosuppressive checkpoint proteins and myeloid derived suppressor cells, allows this malignancy to escape from host immune control. Despite advances in the therapeutic landscape of MM over the last decade, including the introduction of immunomodulatory drugs, the prognosis for this disease is poor, with less than 50% of patients surviving 5 years. Thus, novel treatment strategies are required. Oncolytic viruses (OV) are a promising new class of therapeutics that rely on tumour specific oncolysis and the generation of a potent adaptive anti-tumour immune response for efficacy. To date, a number of OV have shown efficacy in pre-clinical studies of MM with three reaching early phase clinical trials. OVs represent a rational therapeutic strategy for MM based on (1) their tumour tropism, (2) their ability to potentiate anti-tumour immunity and (3) their ability to be rationally combined with other immunotherapeutic agents to achieve a more robust clinical response.
Electrical synapses convey orientation selectivity in the mouse retina
Authors: Nath Amurta , Schwartz Gregory W. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSensory neurons downstream of primary receptors are selective for specific stimulus features, and they derive their selectivity both from excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs from other neurons and from their own intrinsic properties. Electrical synapses, formed by gap junctions, modulate sensory circuits. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are diverse feature detectors carrying visual information to the brain, and receive excitatory input from bipolar cells and inhibitory input from amacrine cells (ACs). Here we describe a RGC that relies on gap junctions, rather than chemical synapses, to convey its selectivity for the orientation of a visual stimulus. This represents both a new functional role of electrical synapses as the primary drivers of feature selectivity and a new circuit mechanism for orientation selectivity in the retina.
Pseudogap phase of cuprate superconductors confined by Fermi surface topology
Authors: Doiron-Leyraud N. , Cyr-Choinière O. , Badoux S. , Ataei A. , Collignon C. , Gourgout A. , Dufour-Beauséjour S. , Tafti F. F. , Laliberté F. , Boulanger M.-E. , Matusiak M. , Graf D. , Kim M. , Zhou J.-S. , Momono N. , Kurosawa T. , Takagi H. , Taillefer Louis 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe properties of cuprate high-temperature superconductors are largely shaped by competing phases whose nature is often a mystery. Chiefly among them is the pseudogap phase, which sets in at a doping p* that is material-dependent. What determines p* is currently an open question. Here we show that the pseudogap cannot open on an electron-like Fermi surface, and can only exist below the doping pFS at which the large Fermi surface goes from hole-like to electron-like, so that p* ≤ pFS. We derive this result from high-magnetic-field transport measurements in La1.6−x
Nd0.4Sr
x
CuO4 under pressure, which reveal a large and unexpected shift of p* with pressure, driven by a corresponding shift in pFS. This necessary condition for pseudogap formation, imposed by details of the Fermi surface, is a strong constraint for theories of the pseudogap phase. Our finding that p* can be tuned with a modest pressure opens a new route for experimental studies of the pseudogap.
Cell cycle-dependent phosphorylation regulates RECQL4 pathway choice and ubiquitination in DNA double-strand break repair
Authors: Lu Huiming , Shamanna Raghavendra A. , de Freitas Jessica K. , Okur Mustafa , Khadka Prabhat , Kulikowicz Tomasz , Holland Priscella P. , Tian Jane , Croteau Deborah L. , Davis Anthony J. , Bohr Vilhelm A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPathway choice within DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair is a tightly regulated process to maintain genome integrity. RECQL4, deficient in Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome, promotes the two major DSB repair pathways, non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR). Here we report that RECQL4 promotes and coordinates NHEJ and HR in different cell cycle phases. RECQL4 interacts with Ku70 to promote NHEJ in G1 when overall cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) activity is low. During S/G2 phases, CDK1 and CDK2 (CDK1/2) phosphorylate RECQL4 on serines 89 and 251, enhancing MRE11/RECQL4 interaction and RECQL4 recruitment to DSBs. After phosphorylation, RECQL4 is ubiquitinated by the DDB1-CUL4A E3 ubiquitin ligase, which facilitates its accumulation at DSBs. Phosphorylation of RECQL4 stimulates its helicase activity, promotes DNA end resection, increases HR and cell survival after ionizing radiation, and prevents cellular senescence. Collectively, we propose that RECQL4 modulates the pathway choice of NHEJ and HR in a cell cycle-dependent manner.
Loss of PBRM1 rescues VHL dependent replication stress to promote renal carcinogenesis
Authors: Espana-Agusti Judit , Warren Anne , Chew Su Kit , Adams David J. , Matakidou Athena 
Published: December 2017

AbstractInactivation of the VHL (Von Hippel Lindau) tumour suppressor has long been recognised as necessary for the pathogenesis of clear cell renal cancer (ccRCC); however, the molecular mechanisms underlying transformation and the requirement for additional genetic hits remain unclear. Here, we show that loss of VHL alone results in DNA replication stress and damage accumulation, effects that constrain cellular growth and transformation. By contrast, concomitant loss of the chromatin remodelling factor PBRM1 (mutated in 40% of ccRCC) rescues VHL-induced replication stress, maintaining cellular fitness and allowing proliferation. In line with these data we demonstrate that combined deletion of Vhl and Pbrm1 in the mouse kidney is sufficient for the development of fully-penetrant, multifocal carcinomas, closely mimicking human ccRCC. Our results illustrate how VHL and PBRM1 co-operate to drive renal transformation and uncover replication stress as an underlying vulnerability of all VHL mutated renal cancers that could be therapeutically exploited.
Mineral surface chemistry control for origin of prebiotic peptides
Authors: Erastova Valentina , Degiacomi Matteo T. , G. Fraser Donald , Greenwell H. Chris 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSome seventy years ago, John Desmond Bernal proposed a role for clays in the origin of life. While much research has since been dedicated to the study of silicate clays, layered double hydroxides, believed to be common on the early Earth, have received only limited attention. Here we examine the role that layered hydroxides could have played in prebiotic peptide formation. We demonstrate how these minerals can concentrate, align and act as adsorption templates for amino acids, and during wetting—drying cycles, promote peptide bond formation. This enables us to propose a testable mechanism for the growth of peptides at layered double hydroxide interfaces in an early Earth environment. Our results provide insights into the potential role of mineral surfaces in mimicking aspects of biochemical reaction pathways.
Solution-phase synthesis of Al13
− using a dendrimer template
Authors: Kambe Tetsuya , Haruta Naoki , Imaoka Takane , Yamamoto Kimihisa 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSuperatoms, clusters that mimic the properties of elements different to those of which they are composed, have the potential to serve as building blocks for unprecedented materials with tunable properties. The development of a method for the solution-phase synthesis of superatoms would be an indispensable achievement for the future progress of this research field. Here we report the fabrication of aluminum clusters in solution using a dendrimer template, producing Al13−, which is the most well-known superatom. The Al13− cluster is identified using mass spectrometry and scanning transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to measure the binding energies. The superatomic stability of Al13− is demonstrated by evaluating its tendency toward oxidation. In addition, the synthesis of Al13− in solution enables electrochemical measurements, the results of which suggest oxidation of Al13−. This solution-phase synthesis of Al13− superatoms has a significant role for the experimental development of cluster science.
Negative regulation of TGF-β1-induced MKK6-p38 and MEK-ERK signalling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by Rac1b
Authors: Witte David , Otterbein Hannah , Förster Maria , Giehl Klaudia , Zeiser Robert , Lehnert Hendrik , Ungefroren Hendrik 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPrompted by earlier findings that the Rac1-related isoform Rac1b inhibits transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced canonical Smad signalling, we studied here whether Rac1b also impacts TGF-β1-dependent non-Smad signalling such as the MKK6-p38 and MEK-ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Transient depletion of Rac1b protein in pancreatic cancer cells by RNA interference increased the extent and duration of TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in a Smad4-independent manner. Rac1b depletion also strongly increased basal ERK activation - independent of the kinase function of the TGF-β type I receptor ALK5 - and sensitised cells towards further upregulation of phospho-ERK levels by TGF-β1, while ectopic overexpression of Rac1b had the reverse effect. Rac1b depletion increased an EMT phenotype as evidenced by cell morphology, gene expression of EMT markers, cell migration and growth inhibition. Inhibition of MKK6-p38 or MEK-ERK signalling partially relieved the Rac1b depletion-dependent increase in TGF-β1-induced gene expression and cell migration. Rac1b depletion also enhanced TGF-β1 autoinduction of crucial TGF-β pathway components and decreased that of TGF-β pathway inhibitors. Our results show that Rac1b antagonises TGF-β1-dependent EMT by inhibiting MKK6-p38 and MEK-ERK signalling and by controlling gene expression in a way that favors attenuation of TGF-β signalling.
A metagenome-derived thermostable β-glucanase with an unusual module architecture which defines the new glycoside hydrolase family GH148
Authors: Angelov Angel , Pham Vu Thuy Trang , Übelacker Maria , Brady Silja , Leis Benedikt , Pill Nicole , Brolle Judith , Mechelke Matthias , Moerch Matthias , Henrissat Bernard , Liebl Wolfgang 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe discovery of novel and robust enzymes for the breakdown of plant biomass bears tremendous potential for the development of sustainable production processes in the rapidly evolving new bioeconomy. By functional screening of a metagenomic library from a volcano soil sample a novel thermostable endo-β-glucanase (EngU) which is unusual with regard to its module architecture and cleavage specificity was identified. Various recombinant EngU variants were characterized. Assignment of EngU to an existing glycoside hydrolase (GH) family was not possible. Two regions of EngU showed weak sequence similarity to proteins of the GH clan GH-A, and acidic residues crucial for catalytic activity of EngU were identified by mutation. Unusual, a carbohydrate-binding module (CBM4) which displayed binding affinity for β-glucan, lichenin and carboxymethyl-cellulose was found as an insertion between these two regions. EngU hydrolyzed β-1,4 linkages in carboxymethyl-cellulose, but displayed its highest activity with mixed linkage (β-1,3-/β-1,4-) glucans such as barley β-glucan and lichenin, where in contrast to characterized lichenases cleavage occurred predominantly at the β-1,3 linkages of C4-substituted glucose residues. EngU and numerous related enzymes with previously unknown function represent a new GH family of biomass-degrading enzymes within the GH-A clan. The name assigned to the new GH family is GH148.
Comparison of electrohysterogram signal measured by surface electrodes with different designs: A computational study with dipole band and abdomen models
Authors: Gao Pei , Hao Dongmei , An Yang , Wang Ying , Qiu Qian , Yang Lin , Yang Yimin , Zhang Song , Li Xuwen , Zheng Dingchang 
Published: December 2017

AbstractNon-invasive measurement of uterine activity using electrohysterogram (EHG) surface electrodes has been attempted to monitor uterine contraction. This study aimed to computationally compare the performance of acquiring EHG signals using monopolar electrode and three types of Laplacian concentric ring electrodes (bipolar, quasi-bipolar and tri-polar). With the implementation of dipole band model and abdomen model, the performances of four electrodes in terms of the local sensitivity were quantified by potential attenuation. Furthermore, the effects of fat and muscle thickness on potential attenuation were evaluated using the bipolar and tri-polar electrodes with different radius. The results showed that all the four types of electrodes detected the simulated EHG signals with consistency. That the bipolar and tri-polar electrodes had greater attenuations than the others, and the shorter distance between the origin and location of dipole band at 20 dB attenuation, indicating that they had relatively better local sensitivity. In addition, ANOVA analysis showed that, for all the electrodes with different outer ring radius, the effects of fat and muscle on potential attenuation were significant (all p < 0.01). It is therefore concluded that the bipolar and tri-polar electrodes had higher local sensitivity than the others, indicating that they can be applied to detect EHG effectively.
Design of plasmonic Ag-TiO2/H3PW12O40 composite film with enhanced sunlight photocatalytic activity towards o-chlorophenol degradation
Authors: Lu Nan , Wang Yaqi , Ning Shiqi , Zhao Wenjing , Qian Min , Ma Ying , Wang Jia , Fan Lingyun , Guan Jiunian , Yuan Xing 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA series of plasmonic Ag-TiO2/H3PW12O40 composite films were fabricated and immobilized by validated preparation technique. The chemical composition and phase, optical, SPR effect and pore-structure properties together with the morphology of as-prepared composite film are well-characterized. The multi-synergies of as-prepared composite films were gained by combined action of electron-capture action via H3PW12O40, visible-response induced by Ag, and Schottky-junction formed between TiO2-Ag. Under simulated sunlight, the maximal K
app
of o-chlorophenol (o-CP) reached 0.0075 min−1 which was 3.95-fold larger than that of TiO2 film, while it was restrained obviously under acid condition. In the photocatalytic degradation process, ·OH and ·O2− attacked preferentially ortho and para position of o-CP molecule, and accordingly the specific degradation pathways were speculated. The novel composite film exhibited an excellent applicability due to self-regeneration of H3PW12O40, well-protection of metal Ag° and favorable immobilization.