Physiological and Anatomical Outputs of Rat Genital Cortex

Abstract

Rat somatosensory genital cortex contains a large sexually monomorphic representation of the penis in males and the clitoris in females. Genital cortex microstimulation-evoked movements of legs, trunk and genitals, which showed sex-specific differences related to mating behaviors and included thrusting in males and lordosis-like movements in females. Erections/tumescence of penis or clitoris could not be evoked, however. Anterograde tracer injections into penis/clitoris cortex revealed eleven corticocortical and 10 subcortical projection targets, which were qualitatively similar in both sexes. Corticocortical genital-cortex-projections innervated about 3% of the cortical surface and most were analog to other somatosensory projections targeting motor cortex, secondary somatosensory cortex, parietal cortex and perirhinal cortex. Corticocortical projections that differed from other parts of somatosensory cortex targeted male scrotum cortex, female vulva cortex, the somatosensory–ear–auditory-cortex-region and the caudal parietal area. Aligning cytoarchitectonic borders with motor topography, sensory genital responses and corticocortical projections identified a candidate region for genital motor cortex. Most subcortical genital-cortex-projections were analog to other thalamic, tectal or pontine projections of somatosensory cortex. Genital-cortex-specific subcortical projections targeted amygdala and nucleus submedius and accumbens. Microstimulation-effects and projections support a sexual function of genital cortex and suggest that genital cortex is a major hub of sexual sensorimotor processing in rodents.

http://ift.tt/2n8bRgX

A Brief History of the Encoding of Hand Position by the Cerebral Cortex: Implications for Motor Control and Cognition

Abstract

Encoding hand position by the cerebral cortex is essential not only for the neural representation of the body image but also for different actions based on eye–hand coordination. These include reaching for visual objects as well as complex movement sequences, such as tea-making, tool use, and object construction, among many others. All these functions depend on a continuous refreshing of the hand position representation, relying on both predictive signaling and afferent information. The hand position influence on neural activity in the parietofrontal system, together with eye position signals, are the basic elements of an eye–hand matrix from which all the above functions can emerge and could be regarded as key features of a network with several entry points, command nodes and outflow pathways, as confirmed by the discovery of a direct parietospinal projection for the control of hand action. The integrity of this system is crucial for daily life, as testified by the consequences of cortical lesions, spanning from severe paralysis to complex forms of apraxia. In this review, I will sketch my personal understanding of the scientific and conceptual trajectory of a line of investigation with many unexpected influences on cortical function and disease, from motor behavior to cognition.

http://ift.tt/2Dx39nw

Presynaptic GABAA Receptors Modulate Thalamocortical Inputs in Layer 4 of Rat V1

Abstract

Fast inhibitory GABAergic transmission plays a fundamental role in neural circuits. Current theories of cortical function assume that fast GABAergic inhibition acts via GABA_A receptors on postsynaptic neurons, while presynaptic effects of GABA depend on GABA_B receptor activation. Manipulations of GABA_A receptor activity in vivo produced different effects on cortical function, which were generally ascribed to the mode of action of a drug, more than its site of action. Here we show that in rodent primary visual cortex, α4-containing GABA_A receptors can be located on subsets of glutamatergic and GABAergic presynaptic terminals and decrease synaptic transmission. Our data provide a novel mechanistic insight into the effects of changes in cortical inhibition; the ability to modulate inputs onto cortical circuits locally, via presynaptic regulation of release by GABA_A receptors.

http://ift.tt/2n6XvO9

On the Neural and Mechanistic Bases of Self-Control

Abstract

Intertemporal choice requires a dynamic interaction between valuation and deliberation processes. While evidence identifying candidate brain areas for each of these processes is well established, the precise mechanistic role carried out by each brain region is still debated. In this article, we present a computational model that clarifies the unique contribution of frontoparietal cortex regions to intertemporal decision making. The model we develop samples reward and delay information stochastically on a moment-by-moment basis. As preference for the choice alternatives evolves, dynamic inhibitory processes are executed by way of asymmetric lateral inhibition. We find that it is these lateral inhibition processes that best explain the contribution of frontoparietal regions to intertemporal decision making exhibited in our data.

http://ift.tt/2DBKw24

Fear Extinction Recall Modulates Human Frontomedial Theta and Amygdala Activity

Abstract

Human functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) studies, as well as animal studies, indicate that the amygdala and frontomedial brain regions are critically involved in conditioned fear and that frontomedial oscillations in the theta range (4–8 Hz) may support communication between these brain regions. However, few studies have used a multimodal approach to probe interactions among these key regions in humans. Here, our goal was to bridge the gap between prior human fMRI, EEG, and animal findings. Using simultaneous EEG–fMRI recordings 24 h after fear conditioning and extinction, conditioned stimuli presented (CS+E, CS−E) and not presented during extinction (CS+N, CS−N) were compared to identify effects specific to extinction versus fear recall. Differential (CS+ vs. CS−) electrodermal, frontomedial theta (EEG) and amygdala responses (fMRI) were reduced for extinguished versus nonextinguished stimuli. Importantly, effects on theta power covaried with effects on amygdala activation. Fear and extinction recall as indicated by theta explained 60% of the variance for the analogous effect in the right amygdala. Our findings show for the first time the interplay of amygdala and frontomedial theta activity during fear and extinction recall in humans and provide insight into neural circuits consistently linked with top-down amygdala modulation in rodents.

http://ift.tt/2n8bFhJ

Cortical Responses to Input From Distant Areas are Modulated by Local Spontaneous Alpha/Beta Oscillations

Abstract

Any given area in human cortex may receive input from multiple, functionally heterogeneous areas, potentially representing different processing threads. Alpha (8–13 Hz) and beta oscillations (13–20 Hz) have been hypothesized by other investigators to gate local cortical processing, but their influence on cortical responses to input from other cortical areas is unknown. To study this, we measured the effect of local oscillatory power and phase on cortical responses elicited by single-pulse electrical stimulation (SPES) at distant cortical sites, in awake human subjects implanted with intracranial electrodes for epilepsy surgery. In 4 out of 5 subjects, the amplitudes of corticocortical evoked potentials (CCEPs) elicited by distant SPES were reproducibly modulated by the power, but not the phase, of local oscillations in alpha and beta frequencies. Specifically, CCEP amplitudes were higher when average oscillatory power just before distant SPES (−110 to −10 ms) was high. This effect was observed in only a subset (0–33%) of sites with CCEPs and, like the CCEPs themselves, varied with stimulation at different distant sites. Our results suggest that although alpha and beta oscillations may gate local processing, they may also enhance the responsiveness of cortex to input from distant cortical sites.

http://ift.tt/2Dz46f7

Design and preparation of efficient, stable and superhydrophobic copper foam membrane for selective oil absorption and consecutive oil–water separation

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 142
Author(s): Jian Rong, Tao Zhang, Fengxian Qiu, Jicheng Xu, Yao Zhu, Dongya Yang, Yuting Dai
It is extremely important and challenging to develop an effective device for the continuous separation and recovery of large-scale oil–water mixtures due to their contribution to ecological remediation and contamination control. In this work, a superhydrophobic copper foam with high oil–water separation efficiency was successfully fabricated, which could serve both as oil absorption material and oil–water separation membrane, by in situ self-sacrificial template method combining the subsequent steaming modification. The obtained characterization results present that copper foam possesses large pore structure, micro-/nanoscale two-tier surface roughness, high water contact angle (153.6°), and low sliding angle (4.5°). Experimental results show that as-prepared copper foam could not only rapidly absorb residual oil either on the water surface or underwater, but also separate a series of oils from water, like carbon tetrachloride, trichloromethane, methylbenzene, pump oil and diesel. Furthermore, the separation efficiencies of copper foam on trichloromethane-water and diesel-water mixture were maintained above 96.9% and 90.8% after 10 cycles, respectively. Additionally, as-prepared copper foam exhibits excellent corrosion resistant ability and superior hydrophobic stability. The facile, low-cost and controllable strategy presented herein has a bright future in oil–water separation, and also can be further expanded to prepare various anti-corrosion, self-cleaning and water-proof sport materials.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2DCggEh

A simple descriptor for energetics at fcc-bcc metal interfaces

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 142
Author(s): Linda A. Zotti, Stefano Sanvito, David D. O'Regan
We have developed a new and user-friendly interface energy calculation method that avoids problems deriving from numerical differences between bulk and slab calculations, such as the number of k points along the direction perpendicular to the interface. We have applied this to 36 bcc-fcc metal interfaces in the (100) orientation and found a clear dependence of the interface energy on the difference between the work functions of the two metals, on the one hand, and the total number of d electrons on the other. Greater mechanical deformations were observed in fcc crystals than in their bcc counterparts. For each bcc metal, the interface energy was found to follow the position of its d band, whereas the same was not observed for fcc.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2n6HXda

Experimental and theoretical analysis of microstructural evolution and deformation behaviors of CuW composites during equal channel angular pressing

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 142
Author(s): Wenge Chen, Pei Feng, Longlong Dong, Bing Liu, Shuxin Ren, Yongqing Fu
CuW composites were synthesized using an equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) technique. Microstructural evolution during sintering process was investigated using both optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and their deformation mechanisms were studied using finite element analysis (FEA). Results showed severe plastic deformation of the CuW composites and effective refinement of W grains after the ECAP process. TEM observation revealed that the ECAP process resulted in lamellar bands with high densities dislocations inside the composites. Effects of extrusion temperature and extrusion angles on stress-strain relationship and sizes of deformation zones after the ECAP process were investigated both theoretically and experimentally. When the extrusion angle was 90°, a maximum equivalent stress of ~1001 MPa was obtained when the extrusion test was done at room temperature of 22 °C, and this value was lower than compression strength of the CuW composites (1105.43 MPa). The maximum equivalent strains were varied between 0.5 and 0.7. However, when the extrusion temperature was increased to 550 °C and further to 900 °C, the maximum equivalent stresses were decreased sharply, with readings of 311 MPa and 68 MPa, respectively. When the extrusion angle was increased to 135°, the maximum equivalent stresses were found to be 716.9 MPa, 208 MPa, and 32 MPa for the samples extruded at temperatures of 22 °C, 550 °C and 900 °C, respectively. Simultaneously, the maximum equivalent strains were decreased to 0.2–0.4. Furthermore, results showed that the maximum equivalent stress was located on the sample's external surface and the stress values were gradually decreased from the surface to the center of samples, and the magnitudes of plastic deformation zones at the surface were much larger than those at the central part of the sintered samples. FEA simulation results were in good agreements with experimentally measured ones.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2DzYXU7

Influence of manganese content on ε-/α′-martensitic transformation and tensile properties of low-C high-Mn TRIP steels

Publication date: 15 March 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 142
Author(s): Xing Li, Liqing Chen, Yang Zhao, Raja Devesh Kumar Misra
Low carbon steels containing 15–19 wt% Mn were processed to study the influence of Mn content on the thermally induced and deformation-induced ε-/α′-martensitic transformation and tensile properties of high-Mn TRIP steels. The stability of austenite and ε-martensite was studied in terms of thermodynamics, and the work hardening behavior during tensile deformation was divided into two stages using Hollomon analysis. The results indicated that Mn increased the stability of austenite and ε-martensite and austenite grain refinement had a larger effect on γ → ε than γ → α′ transformation. During early stages of tensile deformation, the steel having ~15 wt% Mn continued the γ → ε, ε → α′ and γ → α′ transformation because deformation energy compensated the Gibbs free energy required for phase transformation. But α′-martensitic transformation was difficult in steel having ~19 wt% Mn even after fracture because of the high stability of ε-martensite. On account of high density of dislocations in α′-martensite, the dynamic strain aging process was obvious when deformation-induced α′-martensitic transformation occurred in steel. The significant α′-martensitic transformation and intense dynamic strain aging improved work hardening exponent and ultimate tensile strength of steel, while the coordinated transformation of γ → ε and ε → α′ during tensile deformation was beneficial to improve ultimate elongation.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2na73If

Motor skills intervention research of children with disabilities

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 74
Author(s): Jason C. Bishop, Melissa Pangelinan
BackgroundPhysical inactivity and obesity among children with physical and cognitive disabilities is an emerging public health issue. Children's motor skill development is a determinant of lifelong physical activity and obesity.AimsThe purpose of this article is to critically evaluate motor skill intervention literature among children with physical and cognitive disabilities.Methods and proceduresElectronic searches were completed to identity research articles published from 1984 to 2014. Major findings were categorized among subtopics including characteristics of intervention studies, research designs, diagnostic method, motor skill interventions and motor skill outcome.Outcomes and results21 studies were found and included participants with developmental delay (42.8%), autism (19.0%), cross-disability (19.0%), intellectual disability (4.8%), cerebral palsy (4.8%), developmental coordination disorder (4.8%), and learning disabilities (4.8%). Only one study was a randomized controlled trial.Conclusionsand implications: The current literature on motor skill intervention research is broad in scope and has limited generalizability within and across disability groups. Future research is needed to develop cross-disability intervention methods adaptable to disability and function-specific needs, including the utilization of rapidly developing technology. Researchers are encouraged to utilize sound methodology with robust theoretical foundations. Family and community engagement is encouraged in intervention delivery.



http://ift.tt/2E2MG7G

Handwriting difficulties in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 74
Author(s): Agnese Capodieci, Simona Lachina, Cesare Cornoldi
Handwriting is fundamental in school and everyday life situations. Legibility guarantees that writing productions communicate information, and speed is often crucial, especially in children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in order to increase the likelihood of their being able to work efficiently and stay on-task during school activities. Preliminary reports have shown an impairment in handwriting of children with ADHD, but evidence is still unclear, especially in the case of speed where research has offered contradictory results. Children's performance, furthermore, has yet to be investigated under the cognitive loading conditions typical of academic tasks in classroom. To shed light on this matter, we examined the handwriting performance in a simple condition but also under (verbal or spatial) working memory (WM) load in 16 fourth- and fifth-grade children with symptoms of ADHD and 16 matched control children. Our results showed that the groups speed differed significantly only in the verbal WM loading condition, where children with symptoms of ADHD wrote more slowly and showed a greater intra-individual variability than controls. Handwriting legibility was affected by verbal WM loading too. These findings are discussed in relation to their educational and clinical implications.



http://ift.tt/2Dudgp9

Examination of gait parameters during perturbed over-ground walking in children with autism spectrum disorder

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 74
Author(s): Jeffrey D. Eggleston, Merrill R. Landers, Barry T. Bates, Ed Nagelhout, Janet S. Dufek
BackgroundMany children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are school-aged and typically carry a backpack. It is important to understand how this task affects walking. Weighted vests (WVs) often prescribed to mitigate behavioral effects of ASD. The effects of backpack and WV walking have not been examined in children with ASD.AimsTo quantify differences in lower extremity mechanics in children with ASD during WV and backpack walking.MethodsEight male participants completed 15 trials in three conditions: body mass, and carrying or wearing a backpack or WV with 15% added body mass. Three-dimensional kinematic data were collected and normalized to 100% of the gait cycle. The Model Statistic was utilized to test for bilateral asymmetries between the lower extremity joints at all points along the gait cycle.ResultsAnalysis revealed similar numbers of significant asymmetries in hip (71.0, 70.4, 60.6), knee (68.4, 71.5, 74.6), and ankle (64.1, 68.9, 68.4) for unloaded, backpack, and WV, respectively.ConclusionParticipants exhibited individualized kinematic symmetry-responses to the loaded conditions compared to the unloaded condition. These findings suggest that 15% body mass backpack or WV does not affect gait symmetry in children with ASD.



http://ift.tt/2E2Lbq7

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided laser ablation (LA) of adrenal metastasis from pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided laser ablation (LA) is potentially applicable to tumours in the left lobe of the liver and pancreas. This report seeks to introduce the novel use of EUS-guided LA for left adrenal metastases from pancreatic adenocarcinoma. A 70-year-old female was referred to our hospital for dull abdominal pain and tiredness for 1 month. Computed tomography (CT) discovered a 1.0 × 1.7 cm mass in the area of the left adrenal gland. The lesion was highly suspicious for metastasis due to her history of pancreatic adenocarcinoma 1 year ago, which was removed through radical surgery. Intraoperative frozen-section pathology revealed a tumour invading the left adrenal gland. The left adrenal mass was clearly visualised on EUS and exhibited irregular hyper-enhancement during contrast. The tumour was successfully treated by four sessions of EUS-guided LA. After the procedure, symptomatic relief was achieved and remained. At the 4-month follow-up, contrast-enhanced CT revealed that the volume of the target was significantly decreased. Here, we introduced a new method for left adrenal metastasis using thermal ablation through EUS. As a potential alternative access to the percutaneous approach, EUS-guided LA may provide a minimally invasive treatment to relieve the tumour burdens and symptoms when applied accurately.

http://ift.tt/2DyTgFX

Direct augmented reality computed tomographic angiography technique (ARC): an innovation in preoperative imaging

Abstract

Background

Since the advent of free tissue transfer approximately 40 years ago, constant improvement particularly in the preoperative planning phase has led to flap success rate reaching 99% and improved patient outcomes. The use of imaging, such as computed tomographic angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), for preoperative planning is now routine. However, current image modalities are restricted by being represented in two dimensions (2D) and have led to clinicians seeking novel methods of utilising the scan data, such as augmented (AR) or virtual reality (VR) and holograms. These mixed-reality devices facilitate a natural mode of visual perception and have the capacity to introduce tactile feedback. However, most AR devices are currently expensive, bulky and complicated and require tedious image registration processes. We illustrate our projector-based direct AR technique using CTA, or ARC, for preoperative planning.

Methods

Our bespoke ARC method consists of compact, affordable hardware (MacBook, Philips pocket projector and a 15-cm ruler) and free, open-source software (OsiriX). We have utilised this technique in six cases of perforator flaps of the thigh and abdomen (anterolateral thigh (ALT), transverse upper gracilis (TUG) and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flaps.

Results

In all cases, 3D-reconstructed images of perforators from CTA were accurately projected onto the donor site. System calibration was rapid and convenient to use.

Conclusions

We illustrate a novel technique of projector-based AR CTA (or ARC) for preoperative planning in perforator flaps. The technique is affordable and readily reproducible.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, diagnostic study.

http://ift.tt/2DAsgpI

Bridge flap repair for central nasal dorsum defect

Abstract

Surgery of the nose to remove skin cancer often requires the use of local flaps. We present a defect after the extirpation of a previously incompletely excised infiltrative squamous cell carcinoma, which we repaired with a Bridge flap, a bipedicled and subcutaneous islanded flap whose excellent vascularity allows reliable reconstruction and rapid mobilisation, with dependable results.

http://ift.tt/2n6SqpT

Hidradenitis suppurativa, a review of pathogenesis, associations and management. Part 2

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, painful, autoinflammatory condition resulting in nodules, abscesses and sinus tracts. We present an evidence-based review providing new understanding of the pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa and associated comorbidities. By the nature of their speciality, dermatologists are uniquely positioned to investigate and treat patients.

http://ift.tt/2Bp6nU8

PHKG2 mutation spectrum in glycogen storage disease type IXc: a case report and review of the literature

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print


http://ift.tt/2G7mnxT

Multi-sensor temporal assessment of tropospheric nitrogen dioxide column densities over Pakistan

Abstract

Spatial and temporal distributions of tropospheric NO₂ vertical column densities over Pakistan during the period 2002–2014 are discussed. Data products from three satellite instruments SCIAMACHY, OMI, and GOME-2 are used to prepare a database of tropospheric NO₂ column densities over Pakistan and temporal evolution is also determined. Plausible NO₂ sources in Pakistan are also discussed. The results show a large NO₂ growth over all provinces and the major cities of Pakistan except the megacity of Karachi. Decline in industrial activities due to energy crises, worsening law and order situation, terrorist attacks, and political instability was explored as the main factor for lower NO₂ VCDs over Karachi City. The overall increase can be attributed to the anthropogenic emissions over the areas with high population, traffic density, and industrial activities. Source identification revealed that use of fossil fuels by various sectors including power generation, vehicles, and residential sectors along with agriculture fires are among significant sources of NO₂ emissions in Pakistan. Existing emission inventories such as EDGARv4.2 and MACCity largely underestimate the true anthropogenic NO_x emissions in Pakistan. This study may provide vital information to policy makers and regulatory authorities in developing countries, including Pakistan, in order to devise effective air pollution abatement policies.

http://ift.tt/2GbohNW

Incorporation of corn straw biochar inhibited the re-acidification of four acidic soils derived from different parent materials

Abstract

The effect of corn straw biochar on inhibiting the re-acidification of acid soils derived from different parent materials due to increased soil pH buffering capacity (pHBC) was investigated using indoor incubation and simulated acidification experiments. The incorporation of the biochar increased the pHBC of all four soils due to the increase in soil cation exchange capacity (CEC). When 5% biochar was incorporated, the pHBC was increased by 62, 27, 32, and 24% for the Ultisols derived from Tertiary red sandstone, Quaternary red earth, granite, and the Oxisol derived from basalt, respectively. Ca(OH)₂ and the biochar were added to adjust the soil pH to the same values, and then HNO₃ was added to acidify these amended soils. The results of this simulated acidification indicated that the decrease in soil pH induced by HNO₃ was lower for the treatments with the biochar added than that of the treatments with Ca(OH)₂ added. Consequently, the biochar could inhibit the re-acidification of the amended acid soils due to the increased resistance of the soils to acidification when the pH of amended soil was higher than 5.5. The inhibiting effectiveness of the biochar on soil re-acidification was greater in the Ultisol derived from Tertiary red sandstone due to its lower clay and organic matter contents and CEC than the other three soils. The incorporation of the biochar also decreased the potentially reactive Al, i.e., exchangeable Al, organically bound Al, and sorbed hydroxyl Al, compared with the treatments amended with Ca(OH)₂. Therefore, the incorporation of corn straw biochar not only inhibited the re-acidification of amended acid soils through increasing their resistance to acidification but also decreased the potential of Al toxicity generated during re-acidification.

http://ift.tt/2rDuKy7

The pH-dependent toxicity of triclosan to five aquatic organisms ( Daphnia magna , Photobacterium phosphoreum , Danio rerio , Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri , and Carassius auratus )

Abstract

Triclosan (TCS) is an antibacterial and antifungal agent widely used in personal care products, and it has been frequently detected in the aquatic environment. In the present study, the acute toxicity of TCS to Daphnia magna, Photobacterium phosphoreum, Danio rerio, and Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri was assessed under different pH conditions. Generally, TCS was more toxic to the four aquatic organisms in acidic medium. The LC₅₀ values for D. magna and D. rerio were smaller among the selected species, suggesting that D. magna and D. rerio were more sensitive to TCS. In addition, the oxidative stress-inducing potential of TCS was evaluated in Carassius auratus at three pH values. Changes of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, glutathione (GSH) level, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were commonly observed in all TCS exposure groups, indicating the occurrence of oxidative stress in the liver of C. auratus. The integrated biomarker response (IBR) index revealed that a high concentration of TCS induced great oxidative stress in goldfish under acidic condition. This work supplements the presently available data on the toxicity data of TCS, which would provide some useful information for the environmental risk assessment of this compound.

http://ift.tt/2DtLc5m

Identification of the driving factors’ influences on regional energy-related carbon emissions in China based on geographical detector method

Abstract

To investigate the influences of different factors on spatial heterogeneity of regional carbon emissions, we firstly studied the spatial-temporal dynamics of regional energy-related carbon emissions using global Moran's I and Getis-Ord Gi and applied geographical detector model to explain the spatial heterogeneity of regional carbon emissions. Some conclusions were drawn. Regional carbon emissions showed significant global and local spatial autocorrelation. The carbon emissions were greater in eastern and northern regions than in western and southern regions. Fixed assets investment and economic output had been the main contributing factors over the study period, and economic output had been decreasing its influence. Industrial structure's influence showed a decrease trend and became smaller in 2015. The results of the interaction detections in 2015 can be divided into two types: enhance and nonlinear, and enhance and bivariate. The interactive influences between technological level and fixed assets investment, economic output and technological level, population size and technological level, and economic output and economic development were greater than others. Some policy recommendations were proposed.

http://ift.tt/2E3QTYR

Effect of intermittent operation model on the function of soil infiltration system

Abstract

To enhance denitrification in a process of solute infiltration through a soil, a two-section mixed-medium soil infiltration system (TMSIS) for urban non-point pollution was developed. The artificial aerobic respiration and nitrification took place in the upper aerobic section (AES), while grass powders and sawdust were mixed in the bottom anaerobic section (ANS) to supply organic carbon source for denitrification bacteria, and the reduction was increased by iron addition in the ANS. Measured resident concentrations from the bottom of each ANS column were assumed to represent mean values averaged over the column cross-sectional area. The TMSIS with hydraulic loading rates (HLR) of 0.32, 0.24, and 0.16 m³ m⁻² day⁻¹ and with wetting–drying ratio (R_WD) of 1.0 showed remarkable removal efficiencies for chemical oxygen demand (COD), NH₄⁺-N, and TP, respectively. The hydraulic loading rate of 0.32 m³ m⁻² day⁻¹ was selected as the optimal HLR due to the high contaminated runoff treatment efficiency. When R_WD was 1.0, 0.5, or 0.2 with hydraulic loading rate of 0.32 m³ m⁻² day⁻¹, the TMSIS could treat synthetic urban runoff contaminants very well. The corresponding effluent water met the China's national quality standard for class V surface water. The wetting–drying ratio of 0.5 with hydraulic loading of 0.32 m³ m⁻² day⁻¹ was selected as the optimal operation conditions for the TMSIS. Aerobic respiration and nitrification mainly took place in the upper AES, in which most of the COD and the NH₄⁺-N were removed. Mixed sawdust and grass powders used as a carbon source and heterotrophic denitrification were put at the bottom of the ANS. The developed TMSIS has the potential to be applied for urban non-point pollution removal.

http://ift.tt/2DvufYn

Scholar : These new articles for Amyloid are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Amyloid and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Article Psychopathological dimensions in subjects with hereditary ATTR V30M amyloidosis and their relation with life events due to the disease Alice Lopes, Isabel Fonseca, Alexandra Sousa, Carla Rodrigues, Margarida Branco, Teresa Coelho, Jorge Sequeiros & Paula Freitas Pages: 1-11 | DOI: 10.1080/13506129.2018.1428795 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Elevated Aromatase ( CYP19A1 ) Expression Is Associated with a Poor Survival of Patients with Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer

Abstract

Genetic variants in CYP19A1, the gene encoding aromatase, have been reported to be associated with circulating estrogen concentrations, a key risk factor for breast cancer. The mechanism underlying this association is still unclear; it has been suggested that some of these variants may alter the expression and/or activity of aromatase. Here we analyzed the expression of intra-tumoral CYP19A1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and the genotypes of rs10046, a well-characterized single nucleotide polymorphism in CYP19A1, in 138 breast cancer patients and 15 breast cancer cell lines. The genotype TT was detected in 36 patients and six cell lines, genotype CT in 55 patients and five cell lines, and genotype CC in 28 patients and four cell lines. We found no evidence for a significant association of CYP19A1 levels with rs10046 genotypes, although expression tended to be higher in tumors and cell lines with the homozygous risk genotype TT. We also found no evidence for a significant association of rs10046 genotypes with breast cancer prognosis. In contrast, high CYP19A1 expression was highly significantly associated with a poor overall, disease-free, and metastasis-free survival in estrogen receptor-positive but not negative breast cancer patients. Moreover, CYP19A1 mRNA was significantly elevated in postmenopausal patients and in patients older than 50 years, and a trend towards a positive correlation with ER status and ESR1 mRNA expression was observed. These findings highlight the key role of aromatase in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer biology.

http://ift.tt/2F6ILGm

Combinatorial Effect of Abiraterone Acetate and NVP-BEZ235 on Prostate Tumor Progression in Rats

Abstract

Use of drug combinations that target different pathways involved in the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa) has emerged as an alternative to overcome the resistance caused by drug monotherapies. The antiandrogen abiraterone acetate and the PI3K/Akt inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 (BEZ235) may be suitable options for the prevention of drug resistance and the inhibition of PCa progression. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether abiraterone acetate and BEZ235 achieve superior therapeutic effects to either drug administered as monotherapy, in the early stages of PCa in an androgen-dependent system. Our study showed that each drug might impair tumor growth by reducing proliferation and increasing cell death when administered as monotherapy. However, tumor growth continued to progress with each drug monotherapy and some important side effects were related to BEZ. Conversely, when used in combination, the drugs impaired the inflammatory response, decreased hyperplastic lesions, and blocked tumor progression from premalignant to a malignant stage. Our data showed that the strategy to block the androgenic and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is an effective therapeutic option and should be investigated including distinct PI3K pathway inhibitors.

http://ift.tt/2DAY110

Scholar : These new articles for South African Theatre Journal are available online

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The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for South African Theatre Journal and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles Embodied storytelling: using narrative as a vehicle for collaborative choreographic practice – a case study of FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY's 2016 HOMELAND TRILOGY (South Africa and Senegal). Lliane Loots Pages: 1-14 | DOI: 10.1080/10137548.2017.1408422 'The sight and sound of fireworks' – embodied interactions within piano performance gestures Anchen Froneman Pages: 1-17 | DOI: 10.1080/10137548.2017.1418419 Routledge Performance Archive - http://ift.tt/1txaJgs "Take a Tour" to find out more and recommend the Archive to your librarian to arrange a free trial for your institution. To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

A comparison of selenium concentrations in selected organs of wild boar ( Sus scrofa ) from industrialized and non-industrialized regions of Poland

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare selenium concentration in the liver and kidneys of wild boar inhabiting industrialized and non-industrialized regions of Poland. Selenium concentrations in organs were determined using spectrofluorometric method. In all the animals studied, Se concentrations were a few times lower than in kidneys which may indicate too low content of this element either in the boar's diet or the presence of a poorly absorbable form of Se. No statistically significant differences were noted in the mean Se concentrations in the liver and kidney of wild boar from industrialized and non-industrialized areas. In the case of wild boar, it seems that the level of selenium in their organs is more dependent on geochemical conditions in the specific feeding ground than on the scale of regional industrialization, and that this situation is most likely related to the specificity of wild boar feeding.

http://ift.tt/2G84uPn

Human Pancreatic Tumor Organoids Reveal Loss of Stem Cell Niche Factor Dependence during Disease Progression

Publication date: Available online 11 January 2018
Source:Cell Stem Cell
Author(s): Takashi Seino, Shintaro Kawasaki, Mariko Shimokawa, Hiroki Tamagawa, Kohta Toshimitsu, Masayuki Fujii, Yuki Ohta, Mami Matano, Kosaku Nanki, Kenta Kawasaki, Sirirat Takahashi, Shinya Sugimoto, Eisuke Iwasaki, Junichi Takagi, Takao Itoi, Minoru Kitago, Yuko Kitagawa, Takanori Kanai, Toshiro Sato
Despite recent efforts to dissect the inter-tumor heterogeneity of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) by determining prognosis-predictive gene expression signatures for specific subtypes, their functional differences remain elusive. Here, we established a pancreatic tumor organoid library encompassing 39 patient-derived PDACs and identified 3 functional subtypes based on their stem cell niche factor dependencies on Wnt and R-spondin. A Wnt-non-producing subtype required Wnt from cancer-associated fibroblasts, whereas a Wnt-producing subtype autonomously secreted Wnt ligands and an R-spondin-independent subtype grew in the absence of Wnt and R-spondin. Transcriptome analysis of PDAC organoids revealed gene-expression signatures that associated Wnt niche subtypes with GATA6-dependent gene expression subtypes, which were functionally supported by genetic perturbation of GATA6. Furthermore, CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing of PDAC driver genes (KRAS, CDKN2A, SMAD4, and TP53) demonstrated non-genetic acquisition of Wnt niche independence during pancreas tumorigenesis. Collectively, our results reveal functional heterogeneity of Wnt niche independency in PDAC that is non-genetically formed through tumor progression.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

Sato and colleagues established a library of patient-derived pancreas cancer organoids and identified heterogeneous patterns of dependency on Wnt ligands among pancreas cancers. Biological and genetic analyses highlighted GATA6 as a mediator of the Wnt niche requirement, which links pancreatic tumor progression to independence from the stem cell niche.


http://ift.tt/2DCOINT

Temporal Layering of Signaling Effectors Drives Chromatin Remodeling during Hair Follicle Stem Cell Lineage Progression

Publication date: Available online 11 January 2018
Source:Cell Stem Cell
Author(s): Rene C. Adam, Hanseul Yang, Yejing Ge, Wen-Hui Lien, Ping Wang, Yilin Zhao, Lisa Polak, John Levorse, Sanjeethan C. Baksh, Deyou Zheng, Elaine Fuchs
Tissue regeneration relies on resident stem cells (SCs), whose activity and lineage choices are influenced by the microenvironment. Exploiting the synchronized, cyclical bouts of tissue regeneration in hair follicles (HFs), we investigate how microenvironment dynamics shape the emergence of stem cell lineages. Employing epigenetic and ChIP-seq profiling, we uncover how signal-dependent transcription factors couple spatiotemporal cues to chromatin dynamics, thereby choreographing stem cell lineages. Using enhancer-driven reporters, mutagenesis, and genetics, we show that simultaneous BMP-inhibitory and WNT signals set the stage for lineage choices by establishing chromatin platforms permissive for diversification. Mechanistically, when binding of BMP effector pSMAD1 is relieved, enhancers driving HF-stem cell master regulators are silenced. Concomitantly, multipotent, lineage-fated enhancers silent in HF-stem cells become activated by exchanging WNT effectors TCF3/4 for LEF1. Throughout regeneration, lineage enhancers continue reliance upon LEF1 but then achieve specificity by accommodating additional incoming signaling effectors. Barriers to progenitor plasticity increase when diverse, signal-sensitive transcription factors shape LEF1-regulated enhancer dynamics.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

How external signals interface with chromatin to coax stem cells along distinct tissue lineage programs remains a mystery. Here, Adam et al. combine epigenomic, genetic, single-cell transcriptome, and chromatin sensor data to show how new fates are acquired through temporal layering of signaling effectors atop established chromatin platforms.


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A Non-canonical BCOR-PRC1.1 Complex Represses Differentiation Programs in Human ESCs

Publication date: Available online 11 January 2018
Source:Cell Stem Cell
Author(s): Zheng Wang, Micah D. Gearhart, Yu-Wei Lee, Ishan Kumar, Bulat Ramazanov, Yan Zhang, Charles Hernandez, Alice Y. Lu, Nils Neuenkirchen, Jingjing Deng, Jiaqi Jin, Yuval Kluger, Thomas A. Neubert, Vivian J. Bardwell, Natalia B. Ivanova
Polycomb group proteins regulate self-renewal and differentiation in many stem cell systems. When assembled into two canonical complexes, PRC1 and PRC2, they sequentially deposit H3K27me3 and H2AK119ub histone marks and establish repressive chromatin, referred to as Polycomb domains. Non-canonical PRC1 complexes retain RING1/RNF2 E3-ubiquitin ligases but have unique sets of accessory subunits. How these non-canonical complexes recognize and regulate their gene targets remains poorly understood. Here, we show that the BCL6 co-repressor (BCOR), a member of the PRC1.1 complex, is critical for maintaining primed pluripotency in human embryonic stem cells (ESCs). BCOR depletion leads to the erosion of Polycomb domains at key developmental loci and the initiation of differentiation along endoderm and mesoderm lineages. The C terminus of BCOR regulates the assembly and targeting of the PRC1.1 complex, while the N terminus contributes to BCOR-PRC1.1 repressor function. Our findings advance understanding of Polycomb targeting and repression in ESCs and could apply broadly across developmental systems.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

Molecular networks responsible for the maintenance of primed pluripotency in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) remain poorly defined. Wang et al. identify BCOR as a critical hESC regulator that defines a subtype of the PRC1.1 complexes with distinct recruitment and repression mechanisms that are essential for silencing differentiation programs in hESCs.


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CRISPR-Based Chromatin Remodeling of the Endogenous Oct4 or Sox2 Locus Enables Reprogramming to Pluripotency

Publication date: Available online 18 January 2018
Source:Cell Stem Cell
Author(s): Peng Liu, Meng Chen, Yanxia Liu, Lei S. Qi, Sheng Ding
Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells typically requires the ectopic expression of transcription factors to reactivate the pluripotency network. However, it remains largely unclear what remodeling events on endogenous chromatin trigger reprogramming toward induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Toward this end, we employed CRISPR activation to precisely target and remodel endogenous gene loci of Oct4 and Sox2. Interestingly, we found that single-locus targeting of Sox2 was sufficient to remodel and activate Sox2, which was followed by the induction of other pluripotent genes and establishment of the pluripotency network. Simultaneous remodeling of the Oct4 promoter and enhancer also triggered reprogramming. Authentic pluripotent cell lines were established in both cases. Finally, we showed that targeted manipulation of histone acetylation at the Oct4 gene locus could also initiate reprogramming. Our study generated authentic iPSCs with CRISPR activation through precise epigenetic remodeling of endogenous loci and shed light on how targeted chromatin remodeling triggers pluripotency induction.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

Ding and colleagues demonstrate that induced pluripotency can be achieved through targeted activation of endogenous Oct4 or Sox2 genes. With CRISPR activation, the promoter and enhancer are specifically remodeled, Oct4 or Sox2 is derepressed in fibroblasts, and reprogramming is triggered toward pluripotency.


http://ift.tt/2F8LkI2

Repeat reirradiation of the spinal cord: multi-national expert treatment recommendations

Abstract

Background

Improved survival of patients with spinal bone metastases has resulted in an increased number of referrals for retreatment and repeat reirradiation.

Methods

A consortium of expert radiation oncologists (RO) has been established with the aim of providing treatment recommendations for challenging clinical scenarios for which there are no established guidelines. In this case, a patient developed local progression of a T5 vertebral lesion after two prior courses of palliative radiotherapy (time interval >12 months, assumed cumulative biologically equivalent dose in 2‑Gy fractions [EQD2] for spinal cord [alpha/beta 2 Gy] 75 Gy). Expert recommendations were tabulated with the aim of providing guidance.

Results

Five of seven RO would offer a third course of radiotherapy, preferably with advanced techniques such as stereotactic radiotherapy. However, the dose-fractionation concepts were heterogeneous (3–20 fractions) and sometimes adjusted to different options for systemic treatment. All five RO would compromise target volume coverage to reduce the dose to the spinal cord. Definition of the spinal cord planning–organ-at-risk volume was heterogeneous. All five RO limited the EQD2 for spinal cord. Two were willing to accept more than 12.5 Gy and the highest EQD2 was 19 Gy.

Conclusions

The increasing body of literature about bone metastases and spinal cord reirradiation has encouraged some expert RO to offer palliative reirradiation with cumulative cord doses above 75 Gy EQD2; however, no consensus was achieved. Strategies for harmonization of clinical practice and development of evidence-based dose constraints are discussed.

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Study Testing The Safety and Efficacy of Adjuvant Temozolomide Plus TTFields (Optune®) Plus Pembrolizumab in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma (2-THE-TOP)

Conditions:   Glioblastoma;   Glioblastoma, WHO Grade IV
Interventions:   Drug: Temozolomide (TMZ);   Device: Optune System;   Drug: Pembrolizumab
Sponsors:   University of Florida;   NovoCure Ltd.
Not yet recruiting

http://ift.tt/2rxF8Y3

Immunotherapy in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma : Phase 2 Trial Evaluating the Efficacy and the Toxicity of Nivolumab Alone, and of the Combination Nivolumab and Ipilimumab

Condition:   Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Interventions:   Drug: Nivolumab;   Drug: Ipilimumab
Sponsor:   Gustave Roussy, Cancer Campus, Grand Paris
Not yet recruiting

http://ift.tt/2G9t4iM

Historical aspects of studies on roles of the inflammasome in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases

Summary

The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β is produced as inactive pro-IL-1β and then processed by caspase-1 to become active. In 2002, it was demonstrated that the intracellular multiprotein complex known as the inflammasome functions as a molecular platform to trigger activation of caspase-1. Inflammasomes are known to function as intracellular sensors for a broad spectrum of various pathogen- and damage-associated molecular patterns.

In 1985, it was demonstrated that Porphyromonas gingivalis, a representative bacterium causing chronic periodontitis, induces IL-1 production by murine peritoneal macrophages. Since then, many studies have suggested that IL-1, particularly IL-1β, plays key roles in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. However, the term "inflammasome" was not used until Bostanci et al. suggested the involvement of inflammasomes in periodontal disease in 2009. Several subsequent studies on the roles of the inflammasome in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases have been published. Interestingly, two contradictory reports on the modulation of inflammasomes by P. gingivalis have been published. Some papers have described that P. gingivalis activates the inflammasome to produce IL-1β, whereas some stated that P. gingivalis inhibits inflammasome activation to subvert immune responses. Several lines of evidence have also been accumulated that the inflammasome activation is modulated by the periodontopathic bacteria other than P. gingivalis.

Thus, studies on the roles of inflammasomes in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases began only 8 years ago and many pathological roles of inflammasomes remain to be clarified.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Scholar : These new articles for American Review of Canadian Studies are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for American Review of Canadian Studies and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles Guy Vanderhaeghe's Notes Towards the "Big Book" of His Generation: Man Descending in the Sociopolitical Context of the 1960s and 1970s Francis Zichy Pages: 1-22 | DOI: 10.1080/02722011.2018.1428639 Do you have original research that relates to present-day Japan and its recent historical development? Contemporary Japan welcomes your submissions. To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Neurobiology of TRP Channels. 2nd edition.

During the last two decades, there has been an explosion of research pertaining to the molecular mechanisms that allow for organisms to detect different stimuli, an essential feature for their survival. Among these mechanisms, living beings need to be able to respond to different temperatures as well as chemical and physical stimuli.

http://ift.tt/2G89QtW

Therapy interventions for children with neurodisabilities: a qualitative scoping study.

This study described the complexities of current therapy interventions for children with neurodisabilities and identified a wide-ranging research agenda.

http://ift.tt/2rv0PYP

Reslizumab (Cinqair) [Internet].

Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disorder characterized by reversible airway obstruction, pulmonary inflammation, airway hyper-responsiveness, and airway remodelling., Patients with asthma typically present with paroxysmal or persistent symptoms of wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness, sputum production, and coughing that are associated with airflow limitation and airway hyper-responsiveness to endogenous and exogenous stimuli (e.g., exercise; viral respiratory infections; or exposure to certain allergens, irritants, or gases). Severe eosinophilic asthma is an asthma phenotype characterized by the presence of eosinophils in the airways and sputum, despite compliance with conventional asthma therapy. Severe asthma can have a profound effect on patients' day-to-day lives, such as limiting physical activity, reducing performance at work or school, restricting social interactions, and leading to stigma. It may also necessitate frequent physician and emergency room visits.

http://ift.tt/2G89Biw

Clinical leadership in service redesign using Clinical Commissioning Groups: a mixed-methods study.

This study found significant examples of clinical leaders forging new modes of service design and delivery enabled by Clinical Commissioning Groups.

http://ift.tt/2rv4fux

Predictive risk stratification model: a randomised stepped-wedge trial in primary care (PRISMATIC).

Introduction of the predictive risk stratification model increased emergency episodes, hospitalisation and costs across and within risk levels without clear evidence of benefits to patients.

http://ift.tt/2G9Jtnu

Ustekinumab (Stelara) [Internet].

Crohn's disease is a chronic form of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract but most commonly affects the ileum, colon, and rectum. Common gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by patients with Crohn's disease include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, perianal disease, weight loss, and bloating.– According to Crohn's and Colitis Canada, there are approximately 129,000 Canadians living with Crohn's disease (one in 150 people), and it is estimated that 5,700 new cases of Crohn's disease are diagnosed each year.

http://ift.tt/2rwiJu7

Budesonide (Cortiment MMX) [Internet].

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that is localized to the colon, and symptoms include diarrhea, pain, bloody stools, fatigue, and weight loss. If left untreated, inflammation may progress, leading to mucosal damage and potentially fatal complications such as perforation and sepsis. According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada in 2012, there are approximately 233,000 Canadians living with IBD, with 104,000 diagnosed with UC. More than 10,200 new cases of IBD are diagnosed every year (5,700 with Crohn's disease [CD] and 4,500 with UC), an incidence of 0.7%; 20% to 30% of people with IBD are diagnosed before the age of 20 years. Budesonide is a corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory properties, although the precise mechanism of action is not known. The oral and rectal formulations of budesonide have existing indications for the management of UC and CD. Budesonide MMX (Multi Matrix System) is a new formulation of budesonide that is available as 9 mg delayed- and extended-release tablets for oral administration. The Health Canada indication is for the induction of remission in patients with active, mild to moderate UC. The recommended dose is one tablet per day in the morning for up to 8 weeks.

http://ift.tt/2G8wqmr

Cluster randomised controlled trial and economic and process evaluation to determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a novel intervention [Healthy Lifestyles Programme (HeLP)] to prevent obesity in school children.

The novel school-located Healthy Lfestyles Programme did not prevent obesity in 9- to 10-year-olds at 2-year follow-up.

http://ift.tt/2rxLExP

Effect of Long-Term Mechanical Ventilation (LTMV) Part 1 – Neuromuscular Disease or Central Respiratory Failure [Internet].

Patients who fail to maintain adequate respiration may need long-term mechanical ventilation (LTMV) in shorter or longer periods. Patients using LTMV constitute a heterogeneous group with respect to age, diagnoses and disease progression. Norwegian data suggests considerable regional differences in the use of LTMV.

http://ift.tt/2G9CJG0

Effect of Interventions to Reduce Potentially Inappropriate Use of Medicines in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials [Internet].

Studies have shown that residents in nursing homes may be exposed to inappropriate medication, especially with psychoactive drugs. This increases the risk of adverse effects.

http://ift.tt/2rxLqXv

End-of-Life Care - How to Find the Appropriate Level and Intensity of Medical Treatment of Seriously Ill and Dying Patients [Internet].

Both for reasons of patient autonomy and resource considerations, there is reason to look at how to improve the decision-making processes relating to the limitation of medical treatment at the end of life so that overtreatment can be avoided. Although part of the knowledge base for the conclusions in this report is weak, it appears that:

http://ift.tt/2G8apnr

Effect of Interventions to Improve the Quality of Health Services for Ethnic Minorities [Internet].

Background All patients regardless of sex, ethnicity or social status should be provided health services according to their needs. However, both national and international studies suggest that there may be differences in quality of health care on the basis of ethnicity and that this may be due to structural, organizational and clinical barriers.

http://ift.tt/2rxoszU

Scholar : ANQ: A Quarterly Journal of Short Articles, Notes and Reviews, Volume 31, Issue 1, January-March 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

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The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content ANQ: A Quarterly Journal of Short Articles, Notes and Reviews, Volume 31, Issue 1, January-March 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. This new issue contains the following articles: Original Articles Ásmundar saga kappabana: Some Inconsistencies Explored Michael S. Nagy Pages: 1-8 | DOI: 10.1080/0895769X.2017.1354176 Chaucer's Name in Chinese Lian Zhang Pages: 9-10 | DOI: 10.1080/0895769X.2017.1347776 Contextualizing the Cruel Sufferings (For the Truths Sake) of Katharine Evans and Sarah Cheevers: A Historical Materialist Perspective Russell Palmer Pages: 11-17 | DOI: 10.1080/0895769X.2017.1340825 "Franglais Fops" and Mocking the French in English Restoration Theater Dominic Glynn Pages: 18-21 | DOI: 10.1080/0895769X.2017.1361804 Joseph Hucks (1772-1800): Poet, Travel Writer, Coleridge's Companion in Wales Matthew C. Jones Pages: 22-26 | DOI: 10.1080/0895769X.2017.1362629 "Ambition at Rome": Killing Remus in Poe's "William Wilson" Terry W. Thompson Pages: 27-31 | DOI: 10.1080/0895769X.2017.1357458 Political Geographies in E. M. Forster's "The Machine Stops" Terry W. Thompson Pages: 32-36 | DOI: 10.1080/0895769X.2017.1356213 Tally's Folly: Terra Nova Robert J. Cardullo Pages: 37-39 | DOI: 10.1080/0895769X.2017.1360758 Belief in Disbelief: Philosophical Questioning in O'Connor's "Good Country People" Colleen Shuching Wu Pages: 40-41 | DOI: 10.1080/0895769X.2017.1360759 "Picturing" Mrs. Stroeve, in Somerset Maugham's The Moon and Sixpence Laurence Wright Pages: 42-50 | DOI: 10.1080/0895769X.2017.1354284 The Importance of Being a Rat: Temple Drake in William Faulkner's Sanctuary Ulf Kirchdorfer Pages: 51-54 | DOI: 10.1080/0895769X.2017.1359484 The Ambivalent Nature of Colonial Mimicry in Hanif Kureishi's "My Son the Fanatic" Karam Nayebpour Pages: 55-60 | DOI: 10.1080/0895769X.2017.1361313 Postcolonial Metaphor of Name Change in Yann Martel's Life of Pi Junwu Tian Pages: 61-63 | DOI: 10.1080/0895769X.2017.1359776 Book Review Beowulf Unlocked: New Evidence from Lexomic Analysis Leonard Neidorf Pages: 64-67 | DOI: 10.1080/0895769X.2017.1348285 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Scholar : Electric Power Components and Systems, Volume 45, Issue 16, October 2, 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content Electric Power Components and Systems, Volume 45, Issue 16, October 2, 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. This new issue contains the following articles: Original Articles Reconfigurable DC Links for Restructuring Existing Medium Voltage AC Distribution Grids | Aditya Shekhar, Laura Ramírez-Elizondo, Xianyong Feng, Epaminondas Kontos & Pavol Bauer Pages: 1739-1746 | DOI: 10.1080/15325008.2017.1346005 Nonlinear Decentralized Feedback Linearizing Controller Design for Islanded DC Microgrids Md Apel Mahmud, Tushar Kanti Roy, Shama Naz Islam, Sajeeb Saha & Md Enamul Haque Pages: 1747-1761 | DOI: 10.1080/15325008.2017.1401020 Impact of Optimal Unified Power Flow Controller in Electrical Transmission Systems in Reducing Transmission Cost Mohammad Mahdi Hosseini-Biyouki, Sajad Jashfar, Behrooz Vahidi & Hossein Askarian-Abyaneh Pages: 1762-1772 | DOI: 10.1080/15325008.2017.1377785 A Novel Coordinated Control Approach for Commutation Failure Mitigation in Hybrid Parallel-HVDC System with MMC-HVDC and LCC-HVDC Chunyi Guo, Zhizhong Yang, Linru Ning & Chengyong Zhao Pages: 1773-1782 | DOI: 10.1080/15325008.2017.1377786 Power Quality Enhancement Using Linear Quadratic Regulator Based Current-controlled Voltage Source Inverter for the Grid Integrated Renewable Energy System Vinifa Rajakumar, Kavitha Anbukumar & Immanuel Selwynraj Arunodayaraj Pages: 1783-1794 | DOI: 10.1080/15325008.2017.1378773 Active Distribution Network Expansion Planning Integrating Practical Operation Constraints Haijun Xing, Yang Fu & Haozhong Cheng Pages: 1795-1805 | DOI: 10.1080/15325008.2017.1378942 Modeling and Hardware Implementation on the FPGA of a Variable Structure Control Associated with a DTC-SVM of an Induction Motor Saber Krim, Soufien Gdaim, Abdellatif Mtibaa & Mohamed Faouzi Mimouni Pages: 1806-1821 | DOI: 10.1080/15325008.2017.1351010 Optimization of DC Starters Based on Reluctance Network Accounting for Armature Reaction Magnetic Field Sara Bazhar, Julien Fontchastagner, Noureddine Takorabet, Nicolas Labbe & Raphaël Andreux Pages: 1822-1831 | DOI: 10.1080/15325008.2017.1402394 A Multi-objective PMU Placement Method in Power System via Binary Gravitational Search Algorithm Satyendra Pratap Singh & Shiv Pujan Singh Pages: 1832-1845 | DOI: 10.1080/15325008.2017.1378775 Double-layer Firefly Algorithm for Simultaneous Optimal Sizing and Operation of Energy Hubs Amany M. El-Zonkoly, Almoataz Y. Abdelaziz & Alaa M. Eladl Pages: 1846-1857 | DOI: 10.1080/15325008.2017.1377318 Free access to articles in this Editor's Choice collection from the Journal of Control and Decision. Don't miss it! To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Association of serum betatrophin with fibroblast growth factor-21 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Purpose

Betatrophin and fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21), which are recently discovered members of hepatokine/adipokine family, have been proposed to be associated with some metabolic disorders in which insulin resistance plays a major role.

Methods

We aimed to investigate serum betatrophin and FGF-21 concentrations in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 31 women with PCOS and 34 women as healthy controls. Serum betatrophin level and its relationship with serum FGF-21 level as well as metabolic parameters were examined.

Results

Serum betatrophin level was significantly higher in women with PCOS‏ than the control group [1.10 (0.20–4.20) vs 0.70 (0.20–3.50) ng/ml, p = 0.004], whereas FGF-21 did not differ between the groups [74.80 (7.80–435.90) vs 119.30 (10.50–443.40) pg/ml, p = 0.13]. Serum betatrophin correlated positively with LH levels (r = 0.26, p = 0.03). After controlling BMI, there was a significant positive correlation between betatrophin and FGF-21 (r = 0.25, p = 0.04). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that FGF-21 and presence of PCOS were the significant predictors of betatrophin concentrations (R² = 0.22, F = 2.56, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that betatrophin levels are increased and associated with LH and FGF-21 levels, but not with insulin resistance, in women with PCOS.

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Mitteilungen der DGKFO

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Scholar : Traffic Injury Prevention, Volume 19, Issue 2, February 17, 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content Traffic Injury Prevention, Volume 19, Issue 2, February 17, 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. This new issue contains the following articles: Original Articles The impact of retail beverage service training and social host laws on adolescents' DUI rates in San Diego County, California Michael Scherer, Eduardo Romano, Susan Caldwell & Eileen Taylor Pages: 111-117 | DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2017.1350268 Prevalence of alcohol among nonfatally injured road accident casualties in two level III trauma centers in northern Ghana James Damsere-Derry, Gavan Palk & Mark King Pages: 118-124 | DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2017.1369533 Relationship between neuropsychological tests and driver's license renewal tests in Parkinson's disease Dolors Badenes, Maite Garolera, Laura Casas, Juan Carlos Cejudo-Bolivar, Silvia Zaragoza, Noemi Calzado & Miquel Aguilar Pages: 125-132 | DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2017.1360491 Using medico-legal data to investigate fatal older road user crash circumstances and risk factors Sjaan Koppel, Lyndal Bugeja, Daisy Smith, Ashne Lamb, Jeremy Dwyer, Michael Fitzharris, Stuart Newstead, Angelo D'Elia & Judith Charlton Pages: 133-140 | DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2017.1360492 Adaptive response criteria in road hazard detection among older drivers Jing Feng, HeeSun Choi, Fergus I. M. Craik, Brian Levine, Sylvain Moreno, Gary Naglie & Motao Zhu Pages: 141-146 | DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2017.1373190 Ticketing aggressive cars and trucks (TACT): How does it work on city streets? Russell Telford, Lawrence J. Cook & Lenora M. Olson Pages: 147-152 | DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2017.1359417 Belted driver fatalities: Time of death and risk by injury severity David C. Viano & Chantal S. Parenteau Pages: 153-158 | DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2017.1355053 Investigating factors influencing pedestrian injury severity at intersections Zhuanglin Ma, Xi Lu, Steven I-Jy Chien & Dawei Hu Pages: 159-164 | DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2017.1354371 Role of age and injury mechanism on cervical spine injury tolerance from head contact loading Narayan Yoganandan, Sajal Chirvi, Liming Voo, Frank A. Pintar & Anjishnu Banerjee Pages: 165-172 | DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2017.1355549 Helmet retention system types as a risk factor to properly attach the chin strap C. A. Freitas, A. M. Furtado, R. R. Petterle, S. K. Pimentel & F. H. Carvalho Pages: 173-178 | DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2017.1356022 An evaluation scheme for assessing the effectiveness of intersection movement assist (IMA) on improving traffic safety Kun-Feng Wu, Muhammad Nashir Ardiansyah & Wei-Jyun Ye Pages: 179-183 | DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2017.1363891 Unintentional non-traffic injury and fatal events: Threats to children in and around vehicles Mark R. Zonfrillo, Mackenzie L. Ramsay, Janette E. Fennell & Amber Andreasen Pages: 184-188 | DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2017.1369053 Secondary collisions and injury severity: A joint analysis using structural equation models Kun Xie, Kaan Ozbay & Hong Yang Pages: 189-194 | DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2017.1369530 Evaluation of the effectiveness of toe board energy-absorbing material for foot, ankle, and lower leg injury reduction John P. Patalak & Joel D. Stitzel Pages: 195-200 | DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2017.1354128 Young females' attention toward road safety images: An ERP study of the revised reinforcement sensitivity theory Sherrie-Anne Kaye, Melanie J. White & Ioni Lewis Pages: 201-206 | DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2017.1369531 Investigation of hit-and-run crash occurrence and severity using real-time loop detector data and hierarchical Bayesian binary logit model with random effects Meiquan Xie, Wen Cheng, Gurdiljot Singh Gill, Jiao Zhou, Xudong Jia & Simon Choi Pages: 207-213 | DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2017.1371302 Classification of driving workload affected by highway alignment conditions based on classification and regression tree algorithm Jiangbi Hu & Ronghua Wang Pages: 214-218 | DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2017.1353084 Rail height effects on safety performance of Midwest Guardrail System Mojdeh Asadollahi Pajouh, Ramen D. Julin, Cody S. Stolle, John D. Reid & Ronald K. Faller Pages: 219-224 | DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2017.1353687 Browse articles in this special issue on: 'Advancements in Civil and Structural Engineering' To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.