bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A probabilistic model for ghost delay time estimation based on recording geometry
Authors: Rickett James , Cecílio Inês 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTIn order to deconvolve the ghost response from marine seismic data, an estimate of the ghost operator is required. Typically, this estimate is made using a model of in‐plane propagation, i.e., the ray path at the receiver falls in the vertical plane defined by the source and receiver locations. Unfortunately, this model breaks down when the source is in a crossline position relative to the receiver spread. In this situation, in‐plane signals can only exist in a small region of the signal cone.In this paper, we use Bayes' theory to model the posterior probability distribution functions for the vertical component of the ray vector given the known source–receiver azimuth and the measured inline component of the ray vector. This provides a model for the ghost delay time based on the acquisition geometry and the dip of the wave in the plane of the streamer. The model is fairly robust with regard to the prior assumptions and controlled by a single parameter that is related to the likelihood of in‐plane propagation.The expected values of the resulting distributions are consistent with the deterministic in‐plane model when in‐plane likelihood is high but valid everywhere in the signal cone. Relaxing the in‐plane likelihood to a reasonable degree radically simplifies the shape of the expected‐value surface, lending itself for use in deghosting algorithms. The model can also be extended to other plane‐wave processing problems such as interpolation.
Micromonas versus virus: New experimental insights challenge viral impact
Authors: Ruiz Eliana , Baudoux Anne‐Claire , Simon Nathalie , Sandaa Ruth‐Anne , Thingstad T. Frede , Pagarete António 
Published: March 2017

SummaryViruses have recurrently been hypothesized as instrumental in driving microbial population diversity. Nonetheless, viral mediated co‐existence of r/k‐strategists, predicted in the Killing‐the‐Winner (KtW) hypothesis, remains controversial and demands empirical evidence. Therefore, we measured the life strategy parameters that characterize the relevant system Micromonas‐Micromonas Virus (MicV). A large number of host and viral strains (37 and 17, respectively) were used in a total of 629 cross‐infectivity tests. Algal and viral abundances were monitored by flow cytometry and used to calculate values of growth rate, resistance capacity, and viral production. Two main assumptions of the KtW model, namely (1) a resistance‐associated cost on growth and (2) a negative correlation between resistance and viral production capacity, were mildly observed and lacked statistical significance. Micromonas strains infected by more MicV strains presented higher lysis and viral production rates as the number of infectious virus strains increased, suggesting a ‘one‐gate’ regulation of infection in this system. MicV strains demonstrated a vast range of virion production capacity, which unexpectedly grew with increasing host‐range. Overall, the significant trends observed in here demonstrate strong co‐interactions at different levels between Micromonas and MicV populations, however, the role of viruses as major driving force in phytoplankton fitness wasn't explicitly observed.
Music‐making for health and wellbeing in youth justice settings: mediated affordances and the impact of context and social relations
Authors: Daykin Norma , de Viggiani Nick , Moriarty Yvonne , Pilkington Paul 
Published: March 2017

AbstractYoung people in the criminal justice system experience significant health and wellbeing issues that often stem from poverty and disadvantage and, in turn, are linked with offending and reoffending behaviour. There is ongoing interest in interventions such as participatory music programmes that seek to foster social reintegration, support mental wellbeing and equip young offenders with life skills, competencies and emotional resilience. However, there is a need for a situated understanding of both positive and negative experiences that shape potential outcomes of music projects. This article reports on a research study undertaken between 2010 and 2013 with 118 young people aged 13–21 years across eight youth justice settings in England and Wales. Using mixed methods we explored the experiences of young people and their responses to a participatory music programme led by a national UK arts charity. Here, we explore the impact of young people's encounters with music and musicians with reference to the notion of ‘musical affordances’ (DeNora , ). We examine the ways that such affordances, including unintended outcomes, are mediated by features of the youth justice environment, including its rules and regulations, as well as issues of power, identity and social relations.
Paediatric high‐flow nasal cannula therapy in children with bronchiolitis: A retrospective safety and efficacy study in a non‐tertiary environment
Authors: Davison Michelle , Watson Mike , Wockner Leesa , Kinnear Frances 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe objective was to examine the safety and efficacy of high‐flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy for children with bronchiolitis in a non‐tertiary paediatric setting.MethodsThis was a single‐centre retrospective study conducted over 26 months (March 2013–April 2015) on children aged 1–23 months with suspected bronchiolitis, who commenced on HFNC therapy in either the ED or the ward. Changes with respect to baseline data were analysed for effect on work of breathing (WOB), heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR). Data was analysed using a linear mixed effects model and adjusted for age (≤12 months and >12 months) and location (ED vs ward). Transfer to a tertiary environment, escalation of care and adverse event rates were also recorded.ResultsA total of 61 children commenced on HFNC therapy, with flow rates ranging from 0.6 to 3.3L/kg/min. The proportion of patients with higher WOB scores appeared to reduce within 60 min of initiation of therapy. There was also a progressive reduction in surrogate markers of respiratory distress (HR and RR), with significant reductions evident by 60 min (P < 0.05). There were no adverse events related to HFNC therapy. The transfer rate was 13%. It was predominantly due to lack of improvement of physiological parameters post initiation of HFNC therapy. None of the transferred patients required escalation of care.ConclusionWithin the limitations of this study it appears HFNC therapy may be safely commenced in both age groups in a non‐tertiary ED or ward, with an appropriate level of observation and robust transfer criteria.
Differentiation of patented crystalline glucosamine sulfate from other glucosamine preparations will optimize osteoarthritis treatment
Authors: Saengnipanthkul Sukit , Waikakul Saranatra , Rojanasthien Sattaya , Totemchokchyakarn Kitti , Srinkapaibulaya Attarit , Cheh Chin Tai , Mai Hong Nguyen , Bruyère Olivier , Cooper Cyrus , Reginster Jean‐Yves , Lwin Myat 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSymptomatic slow‐acting drugs for osteoarthritis (SYSADOAs) are recommended for the medium‐ to long‐term management of knee osteoarthritis (OA) due to their abilities to control pain, improve function and delay joint structural changes. Among SYSADOAs, evidence is greatest for the patented crystalline glucosamine sulfate (pCGS) formulation (Mylan). Glucosamine is widely available as glucosamine sulfate (GS) and glucosamine hydrochloride (GH) preparations that vary substantially in molecular form, pharmaceutical formulation and dose regimen. Only pCGS is given as a highly bioavailable once‐daily dose (1500 mg), which consistently delivers the plasma levels of around 10 μmol/L required to inhibit interleukin‐1‐induced expression of genes involved in the pathophysiology of joint inflammation and tissue destruction. Careful consideration of the evidence base reveals that only pCGS reliably provides a moderate effect size on pain that is higher than paracetamol and equivalent to non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), while non‐crystalline GS and GH fail to reach statistical significance for pain reduction. Chronic administration of pCGS has disease‐modifying effects, with a reduction in need for total joint replacement lasting for 5 years after treatment cessation. Pharmacoeconomic studies of pCGS demonstrate long‐term reduction in additional pain analgesia and NSAIDs, with a 50% reduction in costs of other OA medication and healthcare consultations. Consequently, pCGS is the logical choice, with demonstrated medium‐term control of pain and lasting impact on disease progression. Physician and patient education on the differentiation of pCGS from other glucosamine formulations will help to improve treatment selection, increase treatment adherence, and optimize clinical benefit in OA.
Post‐cardiac arrest level of free‐plasma DNA and DNA‐histone complexes
Authors: Jeppesen A. N. , Hvas A.‐M. , Grejs A. M. , Duez C. H. V. , Sorensen B. S. , Kirkegaard H. 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundPlasma DNA‐histone complexes and total free‐plasma DNA have the potential to quantify the ischaemia‐reperfusion damages occurring after cardiac arrest. Furthermore, DNA‐histone complexes may have the potential of being a target for future treatment. The aim was to examine if plasma DNA‐histone complexes and the levels of total free‐plasma DNA were elevated in post‐cardiac arrest patients compared with healthy individuals, and to examine if these biomarkers were capable of predicting mortality.MethodsWe included 42 comatose out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest patients and collected blood samples after 22, 46 and 70 h. Samples for DNA‐histone complexes were quantified by Cell Death Detection ELISAplus. The total free‐plasma DNA analyses were quantified with qPCR by analysing the Beta‐2 microglobulin gene. The control group comprised 40 healthy individuals.ResultsWe found no difference in the level of DNA‐histone complexes between the 22‐h sample and healthy individuals (P = 0.10). In the 46‐h sample, there was an increased level of DNA‐histone complexes in non‐survivors compared with survivors 30 days after the cardiac arrest (P < 0.01) and the area under the ROC curve was 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.59;0.96). The level of total free‐plasma DNA was increased in the 22‐h sample compared with healthy individuals (P < 0.001) but no significant difference was found between non‐survivors and survivors 30 days after the cardiac arrest (all P ≥ 0.06).ConclusionAn increased level of DNA‐histone complexes was associated with increased mortality and that the level of total free‐plasma DNA was elevated post‐cardiac arrest.
The mortality rate of electroconvulsive therapy: a systematic review and pooled analysis
Authors: Tørring N. , Sanghani S. N. , Petrides G. , Kellner C. H. , Østergaard S. D. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains underutilized because of fears of cognitive and medical risks, including the risk of death. In this study, we aimed to assess the mortality rate of ECT by means of a systematic review and pooled analysis.MethodThe study was conducted in adherence with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. The ECT‐related mortality rate was calculated as the total number of ECT‐related deaths reported in the included studies divided by the total number of ECT treatments.ResultsFifteen studies with data from 32 countries reporting on a total of 766 180 ECT treatments met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen cases of ECT‐related death were reported in the included studies yielding an ECT‐related mortality rate of 2.1 per 100 000 treatments (95% CI: 1.2–3.4). In the nine studies that were published after 2001 (covering 414 747 treatments), there was only one reported ECT‐related death.ConclusionThe ECT‐related mortality rate was estimated at 2.1 per 100 000 treatments. In comparison, a recent analysis of the mortality of general anesthesia in relation to surgical procedures reported a mortality rate of 3.4 per 100 000. Our findings document that death caused by ECT is an extremely rare event.
Global brain asymmetry is increased in schizophrenia and related to avolition
Authors: Núñez C. , Paipa N. , Senior C. , Coromina M. , Siddi S. , Ochoa S. , Brébion G. , Stephan‐Otto C. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveSchizophrenia may be the result of a failure of the normal lateralization process of the brain. However, whole‐brain asymmetry has not been assessed up to date. Here, we propose a novel measure of global brain asymmetry based on the Dice coefficient to quantify similarity between brain hemispheres.MethodGlobal gray and white matter asymmetry was calculated from high‐resolution T1 structural images acquired from 24 patients with schizophrenia and 26 healthy controls, age‐ and sex‐matched. Some of the analyses were replicated in a much larger sample (n = 759) obtained from open‐access online databases.ResultsPatients with schizophrenia had more global gray matter asymmetry than controls. Additionally, increased gray matter asymmetry was associated with avolition, whereas the inverse relationship was found for anxiety at a trend level. These analyses were replicated in a larger sample and confirmed previous results.ConclusionOur findings suggest that global gray matter asymmetry is related to the concept of developmental stability and is a useful indicator of perturbations during neurodevelopment.
PAI‐1 in granulosa cells is suppressed directly by statin and indirectly by suppressing TGF‐β and TNF‐α in mononuclear cells by insulin‐sensitizing drugs
Authors: Yamada‐Nomoto Kaori , Yoshino Osamu , Akiyama Ikumi , Iwase Akira , Ono Yosuke , Nakamura Tomoko , Harada Miyuki , Nakashima Akitoshi , Shima Tomoko , Ushijima Akemi , Osuga Yutaka , Chang Russell Jeffrey , Shimasaki Shunichi , Saito Shigeru 
Published: March 2017

ProblemPlasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) is elevated in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the regulation in granulosa cells (GCs) is unclear.Method of studyPAI‐1 expression in PCOS ovaries was investigated immunohistologically. PAI‐1 expressions in HGrC1, a human GC cell line, were investigated at mRNA and activity levels. The expressions of TGF‐β and TNF‐α in peritoneal fluid mononuclear cells (PFMCs) were measured with quantitative PCR.ResultsLittle PAI‐1 expression is observed in healthy GCs, whereas GCs of PCOS and atretic follicle exhibit distinct expression in vivo. In vitro study using HGrC1 shows that TGF‐β and TNF‐α increase PAI‐1 mRNA and its activity, and both together exhibit a synergistic effect. The expression of PAI‐1 mRNA is suppressed by simvastatin. Moreover, insulin‐sensitizing drugs (metformin, pioglitazone, and rosiglitazone) suppress LPS‐induced TGF‐β and TNF‐α mRNA expression in PFMC.ConclusionStatin and insulin‐sensitizing drugs may provide a potential therapy for PCOS via down‐regulation of PAI‐1 expression in GCs and down‐regulation of TGF‐β and TNF‐α expression in PFMC, respectively.
Caesarean risk in obese women at term: A retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Nugent Rachael , de Costa Caroline , Vangaveti Venkat 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundObesity in pregnancy is a growing health problem conferring higher risk to both the woman and her infant. Internationally, peak bodies offer little guidance regarding the method and timing of delivery in these patients. Our hypothesis is that induction of labour (IOL) at term will not increase the caesarean section (CS) rate when compared to expectant management.AimsTo compare perinatal outcomes between IOL and expectant management in obese women at term.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of all term, singleton, vertex deliveries at the Townsville Hospital and Health Service from January 2011 to June 2015 in women with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35. Women undergoing IOL at 37 weeks were compared with women expectantly managed at that gestational age. Similar comparisons were made at 38, 39 and 40 weeks. χ2 tests and binary logistic regression were used for statistical comparison. The primary outcome measure was mode of delivery, with secondary measures of perinatal morbidity also considered.ResultsThere was no difference in outcome of CS, or other maternal secondary outcomes. There was no difference in rates of neonatal nursery admission. Expectant management at 38 weeks was associated with lower odds of post‐partum haemorrhage (odds ratio 0.371; 95% confidence interval 0.163–0.845).ConclusionsIn women with a BMI ≥ 35, IOL does not affect the CS rate, or the risk of neonatal adverse events, but may increase the rate of postpartum haemorrhage when compared with expectant management.
The number of CAG and GGN triplet repeats in the Androgen Receptor gene exert combinatorial effect on hormonal and sperm parameters in young men
Authors: Grigorova M. , Punab M. , Kahre T. , Ivandi M. , Tõnisson N. , Poolamets O. , Vihljajev V. , Žilaitienė B. , Erenpreiss J. , Matulevičius V. , Laan M. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryAndrogen receptor (AR) is a transcription factor that is activated upon binding to testosterone (T) and is implicated in regulating the expression of reproduction‐related genes. The human AR gene (Xq11‐12) spans 186,588 bp and eight exons. N‐terminal transactivation domain of the encoded AR protein harbours two polymorphic stretches of identical amino acids, a polyglutamine tract (encoded by 8‐37 CAG‐repeats) and a polyglycine tract (encoded by 10‐30 GGN‐repeats). We set forward to analyse independent and combinatory effects of the length of these repetitive tracts on male reproductive hormones, testicular and sperm parameters in a population‐based cohort of Baltic young men (n = 974; aged 20.1 ± 2.1 years). We designed an assay to amplify and detect simultaneously the variants of both polymorphic repeats. The study revealed that elongated AR CAG tract was associated with lower FSH (linear regression: p = 0.0002, effect per repeat −0.056 IU/L). As a novel finding, the carriers of GGN‐stretch with ≥24 repeats showed a trend for decreased sperm concentration (p = 0.027). Although neither of the variants exhibited an isolated effect on circulating T, their allelic combinations modulated serum T levels, as well as sperm concentration. The lowest T was measured for men carrying the AR gene with long CAG (n ≥ 25) and short GGN (n ≤ 21) repeat tracts (mean 18.8 vs. 25.5–28.6 nmol/L for the other AR variants, p = 0.017). The lowest sperm concentration was detected among individuals with both elongated repetitive stretches (CAG, n ≥ 25 and GGN, n ≥ 24; mean 49.0 vs. 68.4–72.1 mill/mL for the other variants; p = 0.00059). The innovative study design enabled to clearly demonstrate a combinatory impact of CAG and GGN repeat lengths at male reproductive parameters. As AR regulates transcription of over 900 genes in many tissues and organs, the combinatory effects of these common repeat‐length variants on male physiology in the wider context and across lifetime are still to be assessed.
Disturbed testicular expression of the estrogen‐metabolizing enzymes CYP1A1 and COMT in infertile men with primary spermatogenic failure: possible negative implications on Sertoli cells
Authors: Parada‐Bustamante A. , Molina C. , Valencia C. , Flórez M. , Lardone M. C. , Argandoña F. , Piottante A. , Ebensperguer M. , Orihuela P. A. , Castro A. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryEstradiol (E2) is normally metabolized to hydroxyestradiols and methoxyestradiols by CYP1A1, CYP1B1 and COMT. However, an altered production of these metabolites by a disturbed expression of these enzymes is associated with reproductive and non‐reproductive pathologies. In vitro studies suggest that increased hydroxyestradiols and methoxyestradiols intratesticular generation is related to male infertility, but no studies have explored whether infertile men have a disturbed testicular expression of the enzymes that generate these E2 metabolites. The aim of this study was to assess CYP1A1, CYP1B1 and COMT testicular expression at mRNA and protein level in men with spermatogenic impairment. Seventeen men with primary spermatogenic failure (13 with Sertoli cell‐only syndrome and four with maturation arrest) and nine controls with normal spermatogenesis were subjected to testicular biopsy. mRNA was quantified using real‐time RT‐PCR and protein expression was evaluated using western blot and immunohistochemistry followed by integrated optic density analysis. Besides, the effects of hydroxyestradiols and methoxyestradiols on testosterone‐induced transcriptional activity were evaluated in TM4 cells using a luciferase reporter assay system. Our results show that patients with Sertoli cell‐only syndrome had significantly elevated COMT expression at the mRNA level, higher COMT immunoreactivity in their seminiferous tubules and increased protein expression of the soluble COMT isoform (S‐COMT), whereas patients with maturation arrest had significantly elevated CYP1A1 mRNA levels and higher CYP1A1 immunoreactivity in interstitial space. Finally, 2‐hydroxyestradiol decreased testosterone‐induced transcriptional activity in Sertoli cells in vitro. In conclusion, male infertility is related to disturbed testicular expression of the enzymes responsible for producing hydroxyestradiols and/or methoxyestradiols. If these changes are related with increased intratesticular hydroxyestradiols and methoxyestradiols concentrations, they could elicit an impaired Sertoli cell function. Our results suggest CYP1A1 and COMT as new potential targets in treating male infertility.
Pharmacokinetics of testosterone cream applied to scrotal skin
Authors: Iyer R. , Mok S. F. , Savkovic S. , Turner L. , Fraser G. , Desai R. , Jayadev V. , Conway A. J. , Handelsman D. J. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryScrotal skin is thin and has high steroid permeability, but the pharmacokinetics of testosterone via the scrotal skin route has not been studied in detail. The aim of this study was to define the pharmacokinetics of testosterone delivered via the scrotal skin route. The study was a single‐center, three‐phase cross‐over pharmacokinetic study of three single doses (12.5, 25, 50 mg) of testosterone cream administered in random sequence on different days with at least 2 days between doses to healthy eugonadal volunteers with endogenous testosterone suppressed by administration of nandrolone decanoate. Serum testosterone, DHT and estradiol concentrations were measured by liquid chromatograpy, mass spectrometry in extracts of serum taken before and for 16 h after administration of each of the three doses of testosterone cream to the scrotal skin. Testosterone administration onto the scrotal skin produced a swift (peak 1.9–2.8 h), dose‐dependent (p < 0.0001) increase in serum testosterone with the 25 mg dose maintaining physiological levels for 16 h. Serum DHT displayed a time‐ (p < 0.0001), but not dose‐dependent, increase in concentration reaching a peak concentration of 1.2 ng/mL (4.1 nm) at 4.9 h which was delayed by 2 h after peak serum testosterone. There were no significant changes in serum estradiol over time after testosterone administration. We conclude that testosterone administration to scrotal skin is well tolerated and produces dose‐dependent peak serum testosterone concentration with a much lower dose relative to the non‐scrotal transdermal route.