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Purpose: Evaluation of pulmonary oxygen transfer usually requires measurement of inspired and expired gases in laboratories during exercise. In this research, we sought to develop a simplified model and a noninvasively assessable coefficient to characterize oxygen transfer from supply air to pulmonary blood. Methods: A holistic model was developed by combining the transport resistances into one overall coefficient, Do, as a characteristic of response to an oxygen partial pressure difference. The usefulness of Doin detecting responses to environmental changes was compared with existing noninvasive measures (oxygen uptake and Oxygen Deficit (OD)) with measurements from 29 healthy adults (14 M/15F, 29 ± 4 yrs) during resting normoxia, cold pressor test (CPT), steady-state hypoxia (80% SpO2, SSH), and SSH + CPT. Results: Doincreased significantly, as expected, during SSH (p< 0.01) and CPT (p= 0.01) from resting normoxia. It also detected changes during SSH + CPT from SSH alone (p= 0.04). showed a change from resting normoxia during CPT (p< 0.01) but not during SSH (p= 0.36). The OD method was applicable to a subset of participants and did not show differences among the treatments (p> 0.05). Conclusion: The simple model and resulting coefficient (Do) exhibited promise as a noninvasive way to assess the ability to respond to changes in oxygen supply and/or demand.

There is limited convergence in neuroimaging investigations into volumes of subcortical brain regions in social anxiety disorder (SAD). The inconsistent findings may arise from variations in methodological approaches across studies, including sample selection based on age and clinical characteristics. The ENIGMA-Anxiety Working Group initiated a global mega-analysis to determine whether differences in subcortical volumes can be detected in adults and adolescents with SAD relative to healthy controls. Volumetric data from 37 international samples with 1115 SAD patients and 2775 controls were obtained from ENIGMA-standardized protocols for image segmentation and quality assurance. Linear mixed-effects analyses were adjusted for comparisons across seven subcortical regions in each hemisphere using family-wise error (FWE)-correction. Mixed-effects deffect sizes were calculated. In the full sample, SAD patients showed smaller bilateral putamen volume than controls (left: d= −0.077, pFWE= 0.037; right: d= −0.104, pFWE= 0.001), and a significant interaction between SAD and age was found for the left putamen (r= −0.034, pFWE= 0.045). Smaller bilateral putamen volumes (left: d= −0.141, pFWE< 0.001; right: d= −0.158, pFWE< 0.001) and larger bilateral pallidum volumes (left: d= 0.129, pFWE= 0.006; right: d= 0.099, pFWE= 0.046) were detected in adult SAD patients relative to controls, but no volumetric differences were apparent in adolescent SAD patients relative to controls. Comorbid anxiety disorders and age of SAD onset were additional determinants of SAD-related volumetric differences in subcortical regions. To conclude, subtle volumetric alterations in subcortical regions in SAD were detected. Heterogeneity in age and clinical characteristics may partly explain inconsistencies in previous findings. The association between alterations in subcortical volumes and SAD illness progression deserves further investigation, especially from adolescence into adulthood.

BackgroundEducation is broader than academic teaching. It includes teaching students social–emotional skills both directly and indirectly through a positive school climate.ObjectiveTo evaluate if a universal school-based mindfulness training (SBMT) enhances teacher mental health and school climate.MethodsThe My Resilience in Adolescence parallel group, cluster randomised controlled trial (registration: ISRCTN86619085; funding: Wellcome Trust (WT104908/Z/14/Z, WT107496/Z/15/Z)) recruited 85 schools (679 teachers) delivering social and emotional teaching across the UK. Schools (clusters) were randomised 1:1 to either continue this provision (teaching as usual (TAU)) or include universal SBMT. Data on teacher mental health and school climate were collected at prerandomisation, postpersonal mindfulness and SBMT teacher training, after delivering SBMT to students, and at 1-year follow-up.FindingSchools were recruited in academic years 2016/2017 and 2017/2018. Primary analysis (SBMT: 43 schools/362 teachers; TAU: 41 schools/310 teachers) showed that after delivering SBMT to students, SBMT versus TAU enhanced teachers’ mental health (burnout) and school climate. Adjusted standardised mean differences (SBMT minus TAU) were: exhaustion (−0.22; 95% CI −0.38 to −0.05); personal accomplishment (−0.21; −0.41, −0.02); school leadership (0.24; 0.04, 0.44); and respectful climate (0.26; 0.06, 0.47). Effects on burnout were not significant at 1-year follow-up. Effects on school climate were maintained only for respectful climate. No SBMT-related serious adverse events were reported.ConclusionsSBMT supports short-term changes in teacher burnout and school climate. Further work is required to explore how best to sustain improvements.Clinical implicationsSBMT has limited effects on teachers’ mental and school climate. Innovative approaches to support and preserve teachers’ mental health and school climate are needed.

BackgroundSystematic reviews suggest school-based mindfulness training (SBMT) shows promise in promoting student mental health.ObjectiveThe My Resilience in Adolescence (MYRIAD) Trial evaluated the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of SBMT compared with teaching-as-usual (TAU).MethodsMYRIAD was a parallel group, cluster-randomised controlled trial. Eighty-five eligible schools consented and were randomised 1:1 to TAU (43 schools, 4232 students) or SBMT (42 schools, 4144 students), stratified by school size, quality, type, deprivation and region. Schools and students (mean (SD); age range=12.2 (0.6); 11–14 years) were broadly UK population-representative. Forty-three schools (n=3678 pupils; 86.9%) delivering SBMT, and 41 schools (n=3572; 86.2%) delivering TAU, provided primary end-point data. SBMT comprised 10 lessons of psychoeducation and mindfulness practices. TAU comprised standard social-emotional teaching. Participant-level risk for depression, social-emotional-behavioural functioning and well-being at 1 year follow-up were the co-primary outcomes. Secondary and economic outcomes were included.FindingsAnalysis of 84 schools (n=8376 participants) found no evidence that SBMT was superior to TAU at 1 year. Standardised mean differences (intervention minus control) were: 0.005 (95% CI −0.05 to 0.06) for risk for depression; 0.02 (−0.02 to 0.07) for social-emotional-behavioural functioning; and 0.02 (−0.03 to 0.07) for well-being. SBMT had a high probability of cost-effectiveness (83%) at a willingness-to-pay threshold of £20 000 per quality-adjusted life year. No intervention-related adverse events were observed.ConclusionsFindings do not support the superiority of SBMT over TAU in promoting mental health in adolescence.Clinical implicationsThere is need to ask what works, for whom and how, as well as considering key contextual and implementation factors.Trial registrationCurrent controlled trials ISRCTN86619085. This research was funded by the Wellcome Trust (WT104908/Z/14/Z and WT107496/Z/15/Z).

Pediatric anxiety disorders are linked to dysfunction in multiple functional brain networks, as well as to alterations in the allocation of spatial attention. We used network-level analyses to characterize resting-state functional connectivity (rs-fc) alterations associated with 1) symptoms of anxiety and 2) alterations in stimulus-driven attention associated with pediatric anxiety disorders. We hypothesized that anxiety was related to altered connectivity of the frontoparietal, default mode, cingulo-opercular, and ventral attention networks and that anxiety-related connectivity alterations that include the ventral attention network would simultaneously be related to deviations in stimulus-driven attention.

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) causes Rift Valley fever (RVF), resulting in morbidity and mortality in humans and ruminants. Evidence of transboundary outbreaks means that RVFV remains a threat to human health and livestock industries in countries that are free from the disease. To enhance surveillance capability, methods for detection of RVFV are required. The generation of reagents suitable for the detection of RVFV antigen in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from infected animals have been developed and are described herein. Recombinant nucleoprotein (rNP) was expressed in Escherichia coliand purified using immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography. Purified rNP was used as an immunogen to produce anti-NP polyclonal antisera in rabbits for use in detection of RVFV NP in experimentally infected animals by immunohistochemistry. Antisera raised in rabbits against rNP were able to recognize viral NP antigen in fixed infected Vero cell pellets and sheep liver. Therefore, the methods and reagents described herein are useful in assays for detection of RVFV infections in animals, for research and surveillance purposes.

Introduction:

Introduction:

Interventions addressing cancer survivors’ posttreatment concerns can be time-intensive and require specialized staff. Research is needed to identify feasible minimal intervention strategies to improve survivors’ quality of life after treatment.

Bats are a major reservoir of emerging infectious viruses. Many of these viruses are highly pathogenic to humans however bats remain asymptomatic. The mechanism by which bats control viral replication is unknown. Here we utilize an integrated approach of proteomics informed by transcriptomics to compare the response of immortalized bat and human cells following infection with the highly pathogenic bat-borne Hendra virus (HeV). The host response between the cell lines was significantly different at both the mRNA and protein levels. Human cells demonstrated minimal response eight hours post infection, followed by a global suppression of mRNA and protein abundance. Bat cells demonstrated a robust immune response eight hours post infection, which led to the up-regulation of apoptosis pathways, mediated through the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL). HeV sensitized bat cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis, by up-regulating death receptor transcripts. At 48 and 72 hours post infection, bat cells demonstrated a significant increase in apoptotic cell death. This is the first study to comprehensively compare the response of bat and human cells to a highly pathogenic zoonotic virus. An early induction of innate immune processes followed by apoptosis of virally infected bat cells highlights the possible involvement of programmed cell death in the host response. Our study shows for the first time a side-by-side high-throughput analysis of a dangerous zoonotic virus in cell lines derived from humans and the natural bat host. This enables a way to search for divergent mechanisms at a molecular level that may influence host pathogenesis.

MammoSite balloon brachytherapy (MBT) is a form of accelerated partial breast irradiation that is used in the setting of breast-conserving treatment for early-stage breast cancer. MBT permits effective irradiation of the tumor bed with a diminished impact on normal surrounding tissue and without the protracted course of treatment required with whole breast radiation therapy (WBRT). Although MBT remains a relatively new treatment modality compared with WBRT, mounting evidence continues to support a role for MBT as a useful alternative to WBRT.

Deterioration of concrete due to corrosion of embedded steel reinforcing bars and prestressing strands represents a significant challenge for inspection and maintenance engineers. Delaminations develop in the concrete manifest as spalling, which further exposes the steel to the corrosive environment and accelerates the deterioration process. The typical method for detecting these delaminations is hammer sounding, which requires hands-on access to the material under inspection. Specialized equipment and lane closures are frequently necessary to achieve the required access. Application of infrared imaging to detect the subsurface features in concrete can image such defects from a distance, such that direct access to the surface of the concrete is not required. However, the method relies on environmental conditions to create thermal gradients in the concrete so that these subsurface features can be detected. A study examined the optimum environmental conditions for detection of subsurface features in concrete. The goal was to provide guidance on the practical application of infrared imaging for inspection of concrete bridge components. The effects of solar loading from direct sunlight and wind speed have been examined to determine their impact on the detectability of subsurface features in concrete. The optimum time of day for detection of subsurface defects and the effect of their depth is discussed. Characteristics of optimum inspection conditions for using infrared cameras in the field are described.

Activation of T lymphocytes requires the recognition of peptide–major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs) and costimulatory signals provided by antigen-presenting cells (APCs). It has been shown that T-cell activation without costimulation can lead to anergy. In this study, we developed a novel strategy to inhibit expression of B7 molecules (CD80/86) by transfecting APCs with a gene construct encoding a modified cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) molecule (CTLA4-KDEL) that is targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). APCs expressing this construct failed to express CD80/86 on their surface, were unable to stimulate allogeneic and peptide-specific T-cell responses, and induced antigen-specific anergy of the responding T cells. Cells expressing CTLA4-KDEL do not up-regulate the indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase enzyme, unlike cells treated with soluble CTLA4-immunoglobin (Ig). This gene-based strategy to knock out surface receptors is an attractive alternative to using immature dendritic cells for preventing transplant rejection and treating of autoimmune diseases.

Activation of T lymphocytes requires the recognition of peptide–major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs) and costimulatory signals provided by antigen-presenting cells (APCs). It has been shown that T-cell activation without costimulation can lead to anergy. In this study, we developed a novel strategy to inhibit expression of B7 molecules (CD80/86) by transfecting APCs with a gene construct encoding a modified cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) molecule (CTLA4-KDEL) that is targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). APCs expressing this construct failed to express CD80/86 on their surface, were unable to stimulate allogeneic and peptide-specific T-cell responses, and induced antigen-specific anergy of the responding T cells. Cells expressing CTLA4-KDEL do not up-regulate the indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase enzyme, unlike cells treated with soluble CTLA4-immunoglobin (Ig). This gene-based strategy to knock out surface receptors is an attractive alternative to using immature dendritic cells for preventing transplant rejection and treating of autoimmune diseases.

Opinion. Focuses on Cindy Shaw-Stewart, also known as Lady Shaw-Stewart, and husband Houston Shaw-Stewart, owners of a home called `Ardgowan,' located near Inverkip in Renfrewshire, Scotland. Details on Cindy's career; Background information on the home; Reference to the renovation of the house; Comments from Cindy.

Opinion. Focuses on gardening at the Peterhead Prison in Scotland, known as the Sex Offender National Induction Center, while referencing the Butler Trust organization. General consensus of prisons; Background information on the Trust; Identity of Ian Campbell as an officer and instructor at the prison; What is grown in the prison's garden; Participation of the prisoners in the Scottish Prisons Gardening Competition. INSET: Royal Patron of The Butler Trust.

Profiles Jacqui Burke, a Scottish fashion designer. Discussion on the aspects of Burke's work; Background information on Burke's career; Comments from Burke.

Opinion. Focuses on Chris Rose and his paintings which are inspired by birds and wildlife. Comments from Rose; Rose's perception of his attraction to water as an other form of inspiration for his artwork; Background information on Rose; Reference to his books `Gerbes of the World,' and `Chats of the World'; Techniques used by Rose to achieve quality artwork.

Profiles Wendy Barrie, the chief inspector with the food guide Taste of Scotland and a stylist. What Barrie's job entails; Details on Barrie's family; Types of foods which are produced in Scotland; Appointment of Barrie to the board of directors of Edinburgh's St. George's School for Girls.

Profiles creator of Sycamore Mansion tree house, Adam McIntosh. What is McIntosh's vision; Great aspect of McIntosh's vision; When McIntosh finished the work on Sycamore Mansion; Features of Sycamore Mansion; Comments by McIntosh.

Focuses on Laurie Black, the chairman of Taste of Scotland, whose mission is to ensure that Scotland's tourism industry, especially its restaurants, makes the most of its natural produce. Background information on Black; Location and name of Black's restaurant; When Black joined the Ayrshire Tourism Industry Forum; Comments from Black.

Profiles Hazel Aronson, first female Senator of The College of Justice, with reference to her title Lady Cosgrove. When Aronson was appointed to the Scotland's Supreme Court Bench; Background information on her career; Information on Aronson's age; Comments from Aronson.

Profiles Scottish rugby player, Doddie Weir. Age of Weir; Background information on Weir; When Dodie first became interested in rugby; Comments made by Weir; Details on Weir's profession.

Presents information on the center which is set in a renovated block of the Edinburgh Western General Hospital, Scotland called the Maggie's Center. Why the center was built; Benefits of the center; Inspiration of the center; Reference to oncology nurse, Laura Lee; Future plans made by center. INSET: For more information....

Profiles Reverend, Callum O'Donnell, minister of the Southend parish in Kintyre, Scotland. Background information on O'Donnell; Comments made by O'Donnell; Details on O'Donnell's day to day life.

Presents information on the museum, the Burrell Collection which is located on the grounds of Pollok House and Estate in Glasgow. Information on Sir William Burrell, the founder of the collection; Background information on the Burrell family; Comments made by Rosemary Watt, a curator at the museum; Insight on the art pieces.

Focuses on the lifestyle of Helen Gardiner who is an antique dealer. Description of Gardiner's personality; Background information on Gardiner; Indepth look at her daily routines.

Provides information on McEwens of Perth, owned by Sandy and Michael Bullough. Comments from Sandy Bullough fashion buyer and controller for the store's clothing departments; Background information on the McEwens store; Detailed information on the Bullough's family life.

Focuses on the life of Caroline Craig, who is not only a housewife but a career woman. Background information on Craig; Reference to her stock market career; Recreational activities Craig enjoys.

Opinion. Focuses on weddings and wedding apparels in Scotland. Discussion on the bridal gown; Reference to the National Wedding Show, held in Glasgow's SECC on October 18 and 19, 1997; Description of bridalwear by Joyce Young at By Storm; Discussion on the groom's apparel.

Features the town of St. Andrew in Scotland. Popularity of golf in St. Andrew; History of the town; Attractions in the area.

Profiles Liessa Allan, a resident of Scotland, who is a school teacher, a truck driver, as well as a horse breeder. Comments from Allan; Reason why Allan changed her name; Information on Allan's child life.

Features the mansion entitled Grantully, focusing on the design of its surrounding gardens. Profile of the mansion's owners Una and Dereck Finlay; History of the mansion.

Focuses on Ali Findlay, marketing manager with the John Martin Group, which incorporates the Murray, Weir, Dunedin and Belmont car franchises. Annual advertising budget which Findlay controls; Professional career of Findlay; Personal information on Findlay; Findlay's love for the motoring industry; Importance of appearance to Findlay; Comments from Findlay.

Presents information on Ballindalloch Castle, owned by generations of the Macpherson-Grant family, located in Speyside, Scotland. Number of years which generations of the family have owned and occupied the castle; Alterations and restorations made to the castle over the centuries; Description of the nursery; Details on the dining room; Type of design found on ceiling in main hallway; Ghosts of persons rumored to inhabit castle.

Presents information on the Moray Riviera, a stretch of coastline in Scotland. Description of Lossiemouth, birthplace of James Ramsey MacDonald, British prime minister between 1923-24, 1929-31, and 1931-35; Year Duffus Castle is believed to be dated from; Other historic buildings found along the Moray; Example of some of the items found in the Moray Motor Museum collection; Favorite visitor centre in town of Elgin; Where Moray border ends.