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Many faculty of color (FOC) lack the necessary social and professional support structures to facilitate their successful advancement on the tenure track. We present Flourish, a network for pre‐tenure social and personality psychologists of color, as a case study to illustrate how an affinity group model can aid in supporting FOC. We demonstrate that using social support to diffuse social identity threats can increase belonging and academic fit and, as a result, promote the success of early career FOC. As a field, psychological science has the potential to transcend the boundaries of academic institutions by leveraging our theories, methods, and applied expertise to build infrastructure to better support FOC. Attracting and retaining a diverse faculty workforce addresses racial inequities in higher education, diversifies research output, and makes our science more representative and reproducible. Thus, investing in affinity groups is essential for developing accessible social support systems and increasing role models for future scholars of color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Anthrax is reported with frequency but poorly understood in Southeast Asian countries including Vietnam. In Vietnam, anthrax surveillance is national. However, case detection, prevention, and control are implemented locally at the provincial level. Here, we describe the epidemiological characteristics, identify spatial clusters of human anthrax, and compare the variation in livestock anthrax vaccine coverage to disease incidence in humans and livestock using historical data in Son La province, Vietnam (2003–2020). Methods and Results: Most human cases occurred between April and September. Most of the patients were male, aged 15–54 years old. The human cases were mainly reported by public district hospitals. There was a delay between disease onset and hospitalization of ~5 days. We identified spatial clusters of high–high incidence communes in the northern communes of the province using the local Moran's I statistic. The vaccine coverage sharply decreased across the study period. The province reported sporadic human anthrax outbreaks, while animal cases were only reported in 2005 and 2022. Conclusions: These results suggest underreporting for human and livestock anthrax in the province. Intersectoral information sharing is needed to aid livestock vaccination planning, which currently relies on reported livestock cases. The spatial clusters identify areas for targeted surveillance and livestock vaccination, while the seasonal case data suggest prioritizing vaccination campaigns for February or early March ahead of the April peak. A regional approach for studying the role of livestock trading between Son La and neighbouring provinces in anthrax occurrence is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgeon‐specific outcome reporting provides an opportunity for quality assurance and improved surgical results. It is becoming increasingly prevalent and remains contentious amongst surgeons. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the extent to which published literature supports the concept that feedback of surgeon‐level outcomes reduces morbidity and/or mortality. No systematic reviews have previously been completed on this subject. Methods: Medline and Embase were systematically searched for studies published prior to the 1st of January 2022. Feedback was defined as a summary of clinical performance over a specified period of time provided in written, electronic or verbal format. Studies were required to provide surgeon‐specific feedback to multiple individual consultant surgeons with the primary purpose being to determine if feedback improved outcomes. Primary outcome(s) needed to relate to surgical outcomes as opposed to process measures only. All surgical specialties and procedures were eligible for inclusion. Results: Seventeen studies were included in the review, traversing a wide range of specialties and procedures. Sixteen were non‐randominsed and one randomized. Fifteen were before and after studies. The balance of the non‐randomized studies support the concept that provision of surgeon‐specific feedback can improve surgical outcomes, while the single randomized study suggests feedback may not be effective. Conclusions: This systematic review supports the use of surgeon‐level feedback to improve outcomes. The strength of this finding is limited by reliance on before and after studies, further randomized studies on this subject would be insightful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an active role in Alzheimer's disease (AD), relaying important physiological information about their host tissues. The internal cargo of EVs is protected from degradation, making EVs attractive AD biomarkers. However, it is unclear how circulating EVs relate to EVs isolated from disease‐vulnerable brain regions. We developed a novel method for collecting EVs from the hippocampal interstitial fluid (ISF) of live mice. EVs (EVISF) were isolated via ultracentrifugation and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, immunogold labelling, and flow cytometry. Mass spectrometry and proteomic analyses were performed on EVISF cargo. EVISF were 40–150 nm in size and expressed CD63, CD9, and CD81. Using a model of cerebral amyloidosis (e.g., APPswe, PSEN1dE9 mice), we found protein concentration increased but protein diversity decreased with Aβ deposition. Genotype, age, and Aβ deposition modulated proteostasis‐ and immunometabolic‐related pathways. Changes in the microglial EVISF proteome were sexually dimorphic and associated with a differential response of plaque associated microglia. We found that female APP/PS1 mice have more amyloid plaques, less plaque associated microglia, and a less robust‐ and diverse‐ EVISF microglial proteome. Thus, in vivo microdialysis is a novel technique for collecting EVISF and offers a unique opportunity to explore the role of EVs in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective was to identify the highest quality global emergency medicine (GEM) research published in 2022. The top articles are compiled in a comprehensive list of all the year's GEM articles and narrative summaries are performed on those included. Methods: A systematic PubMed search was conducted to identify all GEM articles published in 2022 and included a manual supplemental screen of 11 organizational websites for gray literature (GRAY). A team of trained reviewers and editors screened all identified titles and abstracts, based on three case definition categories: disaster and humanitarian response (DHR), emergency care in resource‐limited settings (ECRLS), and emergency medicine development (EMD). Articles meeting these definitions were independently scored by two reviewers using rubrics for original research (OR), review (RE) articles, and GRAY. Articles that scored in the top 5% from each category as well as the overall top 5% of articles were included for narrative summary. Results: The 2022 search identified 58,510 articles in the main review, of which 524 articles screened in for scoring, respectively, 30% and 18% increases from last year. After duplicates were removed, 36 articles were included for narrative summary. The GRAY search identified 7755 articles, of which 33 were scored and one was included for narrative summary. ECRLS remained the largest category (27; 73%), followed by DHR (7; 19%) and EMD (3; 8%). OR articles remained more common than RE articles (64% vs. 36%). Conclusions: The waning of the COVID‐19 pandemic has not affected the continued growth in GEM literature. Articles related to prehospital care, mental health and resilience among patients and health care workers, streamlining pediatric infectious disease care, and disaster preparedness were featured in this year's review. The continued lack of EMD studies despite the global growth of GEM highlights a need for more scholarly dissemination of best practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooperativity plays a critical role in self‐assembly and molecular recognition. A rigid aromatic oligoamide macrocycle with a cyclodirectional backbone binds with DABCO‐based cationic guests in a 2 : 1 ratio in high affinities (Ktotal ≈1013 M−2) in the highly polar DMF. The host–guest binding also exhibits exceptionally strong positive cooperativity quantified by interaction factors α that are among the largest for synthetic host–guest systems. The unusually strong positive cooperativity, revealed by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and fully corroborated by mass spectrometry, NMR and computational studies, is driven by guest‐induced stacking of the macrocycles and stabilization from the alkyl end chains of the guests, interactions that appear upon binding the second macrocycle. With its tight binding driven by extraordinary positive cooperativity, this host–guest system provides a tunable platform for studying molecular interactions and for constructing stable supramolecular assemblies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we unveil a methodology for a novel assessment of the fracture mechanics of SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites enabled by in situ stereoscopic digital image correlation to quantify in‐process flexural strain and crack opening displacement measurements. This technique isolates individual cracks on the composite surface as discontinuities in the spatial displacement field and correlates key fracture characteristics with the flexural strain of composite specimens during coupled four‐point bend / hermeticity testing. Fracture was observed along the specimen length, originating at the tensile underside and propagating around the circumference of the tubular specimens with generally uniform spacing. Multiple specimens were also tested after heat treatments to 1200°C in open air, in vacuum, and in helium for 48 h to evaluate the environmental effects on the fracture mechanisms of SiC/SiC composites, which revealed degradation of flexural properties after treatment in open air resulting in brittle failure. Indentation‐based fracture toughness measurements were performed, which confirmed a 25% reduction in toughness after open air heat treatment relative to the other heat treatments. This assessment indicated that significant oxidation may occur within the composites from these heat treatments and suggested that further protection of the composites may be necessary for high‐temperature applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective was to identify, screen, highlight, review, and summarize some of the most rigorously conducted and impactful original research (OR) and review articles (RE) in global emergency medicine (EM) published in 2020 in the peer‐reviewed and gray literature. Methods: A broad systematic search of peer‐reviewed publications related to global EM indexed on PubMed and in the gray literature was conducted. The titles and abstracts of the articles on this list were screened by members of the Global Emergency Medicine Literature Review (GEMLR) Group to identify those that met our criteria of OR or RE in the domains of disaster and humanitarian response (DHR), emergency care in resource‐limited settings (ECRLS), and EM development. Those articles that met these screening criteria were then scored using one of three scoring templates appropriate to the article type. Those articles that scored in the top 5% then underwent in‐depth narrative summarization. Results: The 2020 GEMLR search initially identified 35,970 articles, more than 50% more than last year's search. From these, 364 were scored based on their full text. Nearly three‐fourths of the scored articles constituted OR, of which nearly three‐fourths employed quantitative research methods. Nearly 10% of the articles identified this year were directly related to COVID‐19. Research involving ECRLS again constituted most of the articles in this year's review, accounting for more than 60% of the literature scored. A total of 20 articles underwent in‐depth narrative critiques. Conclusions: The number of studies relevant to global EM identified by our search was very similar to that of last year. Revisions to our methodology to identify a broader range of research were successful in identifying more qualitative research and studies related to DHR. The number of COVID‐19–related articles is likely to continue to increase in subsequent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

These revised guidelines for contemporary endodontic education in Australia and New Zealand (version 2021) propose the minimum criteria for the training of dentistry students. The document contains a definition of endodontics and a description of the scope of endodontics. It proposes a general outline for education programmes in endodontics as part of general dental practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) to C2 hydrocarbons with oxygen (O2‐OCM) has garnered renewed worldwide interest in the past decade due to the emergence of enormous new shale gas resources. However, the C2 selectivity of typical OCM processes is significantly challenged by overoxidation to COx products. Other gaseous reagents such as N2O, CO2, and S2 have been investigated to a far lesser extent as alternative, milder oxidants to replace O2. Although several authoritative review articles have summarized OCM research progress in depth, recent oxidative coupling developments using alternative oxidants (X‐OCM) have not been overviewed in detail. In this perspective, we review and analyze OCM research results reporting the implementation of N2O, CO2, S2, and other non‐O2 oxidants, highlighting the unique chemistries of these systems and their advantages/challenges compared to O2‐OCM. Current outlook and potential areas for future study are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A novel methodology has been developed for extracting pyrolysis kinetic parameters from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) data. The development of this methodology is motivated by a need to automate the determination of material properties for use in fire models. The algorithm with which the methodology is implemented is described. Aside from being fully automated, the resultant script has the advantage of being efficient—a full set of kinetic parameters is provided in less than 1 second. The script is verified against manufactured TGA data for one and two reaction mechanisms and the effects of reaction peak width and the distance between reaction peaks is examined. Validation is accomplished by applying the script to TGA data for Nylon 6,6, a flexible polyurethane foam, and polyvinyl chloride. The resultant kinetic parameters are tabulated, and plots of the actual and predicted TGA data show that the algorithm is quite effective for one, two, and three reaction mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface deformation in California's Central Valley (CV) has long been linked to changes in groundwater storage. Recent advances in remote sensing have enabled the mapping of CV deformation and associated changes in groundwater resources at increasingly higher spatiotemporal resolution. Here, we use interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) from the Sentinel‐1 missions, augmented by continuous Global Positioning System (cGPS) positioning, to characterize the surface deformation of the San Joaquin Valley (SJV, southern two‐thirds of the CV) for consecutive dry (2016) and wet (2017) water years. We separate trends and seasonal oscillations in deformation time series and interpret them in the context of surface and groundwater hydrology. We find that subsidence rates in 2016 (mean −42.0 mm/yr; peak −345 mm/yr) are twice that in 2017 (mean −20.4 mm/yr; peak −177 mm/yr), consistent with increased groundwater pumping in 2016 to offset the loss of surface‐water deliveries. Locations of greatest subsidence migrated outwards from the valley axis in the wetter 2017 water year, possibly reflecting a surplus of surface‐water supplies in the lowest portions of the SJV. Patterns in the amplitude of seasonal deformation and the timing of peak seasonal uplift reveal entry points and potential pathways for groundwater recharge into the SJV and subsequent groundwater flow within the aquifer. This study provides novel insight into the SJV aquifer system that can be used to constrain groundwater flow and subsidence models, which has relevance to groundwater management in the context of California's 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Key Points: The timing, magnitude, and spatial pattern of deformation in the San Joaquin Valley changes between dry and wet water yearsSeasonal amplitudes and peak seasonal uplift timing of deformation indicate possible recharge locations and pathways for groundwater flowGeodetic observations have the potential to provide insight into aquifer dynamics at policy relevant scales [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asking questions is a fundamental aspect of human nature. Languages all around the world encode interrogative constructions. It is therefore incumbent upon semanticists to capture the meaning of questions. However, achieving this goal faces a challenge under a truth conditional approach to meaning, since questions cannot easily be assigned a truth value. Moreover, it is not sufficient to focus only on the questions themselves; one must also determine what counts as a felicitous and informative answer, and how this relates to a speaker's intention in posing a question in a discourse context. How then do semanticists approach an investigation of questions? In this article, we present the core issues inherent to question‐answer dynamics, review the main approaches to question‐answer meaning, highlight how questions are situated in a discourse context, and explore extensions of questions that highlight the connection between semantics, pragmatics, and human reasoning. This article is categorized under:Linguistics > Linguistic Theory [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plain weave planar and biaxially braided tubular SiC/SiC CMCs are evaluated in tension and four‐point bending, respectively, at ambient conditions. Custom‐designed fixtures for CMC testing are developed for each loading mode and are coupled with three‐dimensional digital image correlation. Stereoscopic image correlation analysis reveals crack initiation and failure sites to provide insight into stress redistribution mechanisms. Scanning electron microscopy is performed postmortem to determine the influence of microstructural features on crack initiation and failure. Crack spacing is measured in situ by stereoscopic image correlation and confirmed by SEM measurements to relate to underlying tow‐tow crossing points. Triangulated surface heights of plain weave tow architecture are used to determine that subtle differences in neighboring transverse tow angle, which vary within a range of ±4° from horizontal, have no significant effect on final fracture location. The results presented reaffirm the state of current SiC/SiC CMCs developed for energy applications and will help to further improve SiC/SiC and other CMCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cowpeas [Vigna unguiculate (L) Walp] as a summer cover crop have the potential to provide N to a cool-season crop. The objectives of this study were to evaluate two cowpea cultivars grown as a cover crop to supply N for forage rye (Secale cereale L.) and to document cowpea N and C contributions to the soil. The 2-yr study was conducted at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at Overton on a Darco loamy fine sand (loamy, siliceous, semiactive, thermic Grossarenic Paleudult) during 2014-2016. Treatments were arranged in a splitplot design with four replicates with cover crop as the main plot and N rate as subplot. Cover crop treatments included 'Combine' (COM) and 'Iron and Clay' (IAC) cowpeas and summer fallow. In late summer, cowpeas were incorporated as green manure, and four rates of fertilizer N were applied to rye. Total 2-yr cowpea biomass incorporated as green manure was similar at 4,596 kg ha-1 and 5,058 kg ha-1 for IAC and COM, respectively. Cowpeawas not effective as a green manure crop at providing N for rye biomass. Total soil N showed no difference (P ≥ .34) between cowpea entries or N rate within a soil depth. Each N rate increased rye biomass (P < .01) linearly (P < .001) in each year. Soil organic C from cowpeas increased about 6-8% over 2 yr. The extent of decomposition of cowpeas on the deep, sandy Darco soil limited nutrient transfer from cowpeas during this 2-yr period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shock‐tube detonators, used in the mining industry to initiate charges of blasting explosives, often contain pyrotechnic delay‐lines for controlling the sequence of blasts. Traditionally, delay‐lines consist of pyrotechnic compounds of toxic metals such as lead which are pressed into the metallic tubing. Since lead is well‐known to be a hazard both to people and the environment, lead‐free alternatives were investigated to create a delay‐line composition. Further, to create delay‐lines cheaply and reproducibly, a composition was developed that could be printed onto a substrate. Screen printing was investigated for this purpose. The pyrotechnic ink that we developed consists of two inert inks (a fuel and an oxidiser) so that it can be stored and transported safely and conveniently without being classified as an energetic. After being transported to its destination, the two inks can be mixed to form an energetic (wet) ink, printed, and used as a delay‐line when dry. A silicon‐bismuth trioxide composition bonded together using nitrocellulose was found to be a suitable ink for screen printing. The burning rate was measured as 52±7 mm s−1 for a thickness of 100 μm. This thickness reduces the raw delay‐line material by over 90 % compared to traditional 3D delay‐lines. The target burning rate was 24 mm/s, but the measured rate is sufficiently close to this that changes in geometry could meet this requirement. The critical thickness for a self‐sustainable burn was measured as 40±5 μm. The thermal output and viscosity of the ink were determined as functions of the particle size. The viscosity of the ink was determined as 7.04±0.05 Pa s, which is suitable for screen printing. Milling was used to reduce the particle size below 1 μm. Ignition of the printed delay‐line using shock tubing was achieved through overprinting with a shock‐sensitive ink. The burning rate of a delay‐line is one of its most defining properties when used in mining applications. Thus the effect on the delay‐line's burning rate of the pyrotechnic composition printed thickness, and the ink solvent was investigated. We found that the burning rate could be modified by changing the silicon content in the pyrotechnic, and to some extent, by adding aluminum. Adding a third, slowly evaporating solvent, to the ink vehicle was found to reduce the critical thickness to less than 40 μm, decrease the burning rate to 46±7 mm s−1, and enhance the ink's flow properties. We found that the width of printed lines did not affect the burning rate for widths between 1–5 mm. This is an interesting result and could be used to determine the most cost‐effective shape to produce printed delay‐lines. Ignition of the printed delay‐line using shock tubing was achieved through overprinting with a shock‐sensitive ink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical South America plays a central role in global climate. Bowen ratio teleconnects to circulation and precipitation processes far afield, and the global CO2 growth rate is strongly influenced by carbon cycle processes in South America. However, quantification of basin‐wide seasonality of flux partitioning between latent and sensible heat, the response to anomalies around climatic norms, and understanding of the processes and mechanisms that control the carbon cycle remains elusive. Here, we investigate simulated surface‐atmosphere interaction at a single site in Brazil, using models with different representations of precipitation and cloud processes, as well as differences in scale of coupling between the surface and atmosphere. We find that the model with parameterized clouds/precipitation has a tendency toward unrealistic perpetual light precipitation, while models with explicit treatment of clouds produce more intense and less frequent rain. Models that couple the surface to the atmosphere on the scale of kilometers, as opposed to tens or hundreds of kilometers, produce even more realistic distributions of rainfall. Rainfall intensity has direct consequences for the "fate of water," or the pathway that a hydrometeor follows once it interacts with the surface. We find that the model with explicit treatment of cloud processes, coupled to the surface at small scales, is the most realistic when compared to observations. These results have implications for simulations of global climate, as the use of models with explicit (as opposed to parameterized) cloud representations becomes more widespread. Key Points: Ecophysiological function during seasonal drought is dependent upon storage and availability of rainfall that falls during the wet seasonThe scale of coupling between land and atmosphere strongly influences this "fate of water" in simulationsSimulations tend toward "water limitation" or "light limitation" depending on this scale of coupling [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because human and environmental systems in the Anthropocene are increasingly coupled, hydrologists and economists often find themselves studying the same systems from different vantage points. Here we argue that synthesis across economics and hydrology can help address two pressing sociohydrologic challenges: actionable prediction and the generation of transferable knowledge from place‐based studies. Specifically, we review (1) empirical methods and (2) theoretical approaches from economics and connect the two through a proposed iterative framework. First, we find that empirical methods for statistical analysis of natural and quasi‐experiments in economics can be leveraged to distinguish causal relations from mere correlations in complex and data scarce systems, which can help address the challenge of sociohydrologic prediction. Second, we find that economic theories based on rational choice can be used to decipher known paradoxes in water resources, which can help address the challenge of sociohydrologic knowledge generation. In both empirical and theoretical domains, specialized knowledge in hydrology remains critical to properly applying techniques from economics to coupled human‐water systems. We propose that linkages between the two fields highlight a large potential for interaction. Key Points: Hydrology and economics are complementary and compatible approaches to predict and understand sociohydrologic systemsEconometric methods can be leveraged for quantitative causal inference from scarce observational data in coupled human‐water systemsIntegrating rational choice into sociohydrologic models can capture strategic behavior and explain water resources paradoxes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Findings: What is the central question of this study? Does passive heat stress attenuate the increase in cardiac parasympathetic stimulation, vascular resistance and blood pressure evoked by face cooling? What is the main finding and its importance? Passive heat stress attenuates the capacity to increase cardiac parasympathetic activation and impairs the ability to increase vascular resistance during sympathoexcitation, which ultimately results in a relative inability to increase blood pressure. These findings cast doubt on the efficacy of face cooling at augmenting blood pressure during orthostasis while heat stressed. Abstract: We tested the hypothesis that passive heat stress attenuates the increase in cardiac parasympathetic stimulation, vascular resistance and blood pressure evoked by face cooling. During normothermia and when intestinal temperature was elevated by 1.0 ± 0.2°C, 10 healthy young adults underwent 3 min of face cooling. Face cooling was accomplished by placing a 2.5 litre bag of ice water (0 ± 0°C) over the cheeks, eyes and forehead. Primary variables included forehead skin temperature, mean arterial pressure and systemic, forearm and cutaneous vascular resistances. Indices of heart rate variability in the time domain provided an index of cardiac parasympathetic activity. The magnitude of reduction in forehead skin temperature during face cooling was slightly greater during normothermia (−17.6 ± 1.9 versus −16.3 ± 3.0°C, P = 0.03). Increases in heart rate variability evoked by face cooling were attenuated during heat stress. Changes in systemic, forearm and cutaneous vascular resistances during face cooling were virtually abolished during heat stress (P < 0.01). However, when forearm and vascular data were reported as conductance, differences between normothermia and heat stress were not apparent (P ≥ 0.62). Nevertheless, the increase in mean arterial pressure was attenuated during heat stress with face cooling (at 3 min: 2 ± 7 mmHg) compared with normothermia (at 3 min: 19 ± 7 mmHg, P < 0.01). These data indicate that passive heat stress attenuates face cooling‐evoked increases in cardiac parasympathetic activation, vascular resistance and blood pressure. However, they also indicate that changes in indices of vascular resistance do not always reflect equivalent changes in conductance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Findings: What is the central question of the study? Is central chemosensitivity blunted during thermoneutral head‐out water immersion in healthy humans? What is the main finding and its importance? Central chemosensitivity is augmented during thermoneutral head‐out water immersion in healthy men and women. Thus, we suggest that the central chemoreceptors do not contribute to CO2 retention during head‐out water immersion. Abstract: Carbon dioxide retention occurs during water immersion. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that central chemosensitivity to hypercapnia is blunted during 2 h of thermoneutral head‐out water immersion (HOWI) in healthy young adults. Twenty‐six participants (age 22 ± 2 years; body mass index 24 ± 3 kg m−2; 14 women) participated in two experimental visits: a HOWI visit (HOWI) and a dry time‐control visit (Control). Central chemosensitivity was assessed via a rebreathing test at baseline, 10, 60, 90 and 120 min and after HOWI and Control. End‐tidal CO2 tension ( P ET , C O 2), minute ventilation, blood pressure and heart rate were recorded continuously. The P ET , C O 2 increased from baseline throughout HOWI (peak increase at 120 min 2 ± 2 mmHg; P < 0.001), and the change in P ET , C O 2 was greater throughout HOWI than Control (P < 0.001). The change in minute and alveolar ventilation was not different throughout time (P ≥ 0.173) or between conditions (P ≥ 0.052). Central chemosensitivity was greater than at baseline throughout HOWI (peak increase 0.74 ± 1.01 l min−1 mmHg−1 at 120 min; P < 0.001), and the change in central chemosensitivity was greater throughout HOWI than Control (P  ≤  0.006). We also divided the cohort into tertiles based on baseline central chemosensitivity (i.e. Low, Intermediate and High) and compared Low versus High during HOWI. Low demonstrated an increase in P ET , C O 2 starting at 10 min (2 ± 3 mmHg; P < 0.001), whereas High did not exhibit an increase in P ET , C O 2 until 60 min (2 ± 2 mmHg; P = 0.018). These data indicate that CO2 retention occurs throughout HOWI despite augmented central chemosensitivity and that having a high baseline central chemosensitivity might delay the onset of CO2 retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feather mites are obligatory ectosymbionts of birds that primarily feed on the oily secretions from the uropygial gland. Feather mite abundance varies within and among host species and has various effects on host condition and fitness, but there is little consensus on factors that drive variation of this symbiotic system. We tested hypotheses regarding how within-species and among-species traits explain variation in both (1) mite abundance and (2) relationships between mite abundance and host body condition and components of host fitness (reproductive performance and apparent annual survival). We focused on two closely related (Parulidae), but ecologically distinct, species: Setophaga cerulea (Cerulean Warbler), a canopy dwelling open-cup nester, and Protonotaria citrea (Prothonotary Warbler), an understory dwelling, cavity nester. We predicted that feather mites would be more abundant on and have a more parasitic relationship with P. citrea, and within P. citrea, females and older individuals would harbor greater mite abundances. We captured, took body measurements, quantified feather mite abundance on individuals' primaries and rectrices, and monitored individuals and their nests to estimate fitness. Feather mite abundance differed by species, but in the opposite direction of our prediction. There was no relationship between mite abundance and any measure of body condition or fitness for either species or sex (also contrary to our predictions). Our results suggest that species biology and ecological context may influence mite abundance on hosts. However, this pattern does not extend to differential effects of mites on measures of host body condition or fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To investigate whether the association of severe mental illness with Type 2 diabetes varies by ethnicity and age. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from an ethnically diverse sample of 588 408 individuals aged ≥18 years, registered to 98% of general practices (primary care) in London, UK. The outcome of interest was prevalent Type 2 diabetes. Results Relative to people without severe mental illness, the relative risk of Type 2 diabetes in people with severe mental illness was greatest in the youngest age groups. In the white British group the relative risks were 9.99 (95% CI 5.34, 18.69) in those aged 18-34 years, 2.89 (95% CI 2.43, 3.45) in those aged 35-54 years and 1.16 (95% CI 1.04, 1.30) in those aged ≥55 years, with similar trends across all ethnic minority groups. Additional adjustment for anti-psychotic prescriptions only marginally attenuated the associations. Assessment of estimated prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in severe mental illness by ethnicity (absolute measures of effect) indicated that the association between severe mental illness and Type 2 diabetes was more marked in ethnic minorities than in the white British group with severe mental illness, especially for Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi individuals with severe mental illness. Conclusions The relative risk of Type 2 diabetes is elevated in younger populations. Most associations persisted despite adjustment for anti-psychotic prescriptions. Ethnic minority groups had a higher prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in the presence of severe mental illness. Future research and policy, particularly with respect to screening and clinical care for Type 2 diabetes in populations with severe mental illness, should take these findings into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To characterize the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes between 1991 and 2013 in the UK and to determine whether corresponding glucose control and survival had changed in the diabetic population during this period. Methods For this retrospective cohort study, people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes between 1991 and 2013 were identified from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink ( CPRD) and the annual point prevalence calculated. Mean HbA1c by year was estimated. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate the risk of all-cause mortality by year for incident cases of Type 2 diabetes treated with glucose-lowering therapy. Results Crude prevalence of diagnosed Type 2 diabetes increased from 1.32% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.30% to 1.34%] in 1991 to 4.54% (4.52% to 4.56%) in 2013. Mean HbA1c for people with diagnosed Type 2 diabetes was 71 mmol/mol (8.6%) in 1991, 59 mmol/mol (7.5%) in 2003 and 58 mmol/mol (7.5%) in 2013. For diagnosed Type 2 diabetes treated with glucose-lowering therapy, when compared with 1991, the hazard ratio for all-cause mortality was 0.33 (0.27-0.41) in 2013. Conclusion The prevalence of diagnosed Type 2 diabetes trebled in the UK between 1991 and 2013. Improved survival in people with diagnosed Type 2 diabetes is likely to account, at least in part, for the increase in prevalence observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Female song in passerine birds may be more common than traditionally assumed, but it is not well-documented or understood, especially in migratory species. We describe the first evidence of sex-specific songs produced by female Prothonotary Warblers, as well as the results of playback trials aimed at exploring the adaptive function (if any) of this female-specific vocalization. Based on the behaviour of three females and our playback trials, we suggest that these unique songs are related to mate acquisition during the early stages of courtship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Acknowledgements section of this Communication one of the US NSF award numbers (CHE-2018160) is incorrect. The authors apologize for this oversight. The revised Acknowledgement is: "This work was supported by the American Chemical Society, Petroleum Research Fund (PRF# 70641-ND, to B.G.), the US National Science Foundation (CHE-1905094 and CHE-2108538 to B.G.; CHE-2108597 to D.P.M.).". [Extracted from the article]

Corrigendum: Ultra-Tight Host-Guest Binding with Exceptionally Strong Positive Cooperativity The revised Acknowledgment is: "This work was supported by the American Chemical Society, Petroleum Research Fund (PRF# 70641-ND, to B.G.), the US National Science Foundation (CHE-1905094 and CHE-2108538 to B.G.; CHE-2108597 to D.P.M.)." In the Acknowledgments section of this Communication one of the US NSF award numbers (CHE-2018160) is incorrect. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: One approach to preclinical single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging that provides both high resolution and high sensitivity is based on imaging a mouse inside a collimating tube; many magnified pinhole projection images from a small target region, e.g., the heart, can be recorded simultaneously on multiple detectors with little multiplexing since each pinhole aperture's opening angle is restricted to view mostly the target organ. However, to obtain complete data for reconstruction, it may be necessary to scan the mouse through the target region of the tube. The authors are developing a different approach based on acquisition and reconstruction of both low-resolution and high-resolution projection data acquired sequentially through many pinholes embedded in two tungsten tube sections of different diameters, a "scout" section and a high-resolution section, placed end-to-end along the axis of a triple-head clinical SPECT scanner. This paper describes the design procedures used to determine the geometric parameters of two new collimator-tube sections, as well as one approach for joint reconstruction of data acquired from both sections. Methods: The high-resolution section was designed by projecting as many pinhole views of a simulated mouse heart as possible over each detector's camera, with no overlapping of heart projections and minimal overlapping between adjacent "hot" organ and cardiac projections. The authors then jointly optimized the geometric design of the scout section for a triple-detector camera system, as well as the number of maximum-likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM) iterations required to provide minimum mean-squared error of reconstructed voxel counts throughout a 7-cm axial range, with the constraints of fixed, 2.4-mm scout system resolution at the tube center for all apertures, limited multiplexing, and no detector motion. Simulated mouse projection data from both tube sections were then reconstructed to illustrate a simple approach for using high-resolution data to improve the whole-body scout images within a cylindrical region surrounding the heart. Results: The 2-cm-inner-radius high-resolution tube section accommodated 87 platinum-iridium pinhole inserts, each with a 0.3-mm square aperture; their radial distances from the centerline of the system ranged from 2.2 to 3.0 cm. The optimal radial distance to the closest scout pinhole and optimal number of MLEM iterations were 4.4 cm and 35 iterations, respectively, and the radial distances of the 39 scout pinholes ranged from 4.4 to 4.8 cm; aperture sizes ranged from 1.1 to 1.7 mm transaxially and 0.9-1.5mmaxially. After including data from the high-resolution section viewing the heart region into whole-body mouse reconstructions from scout data, the authors obtained high-resolution images of the heart, embedded within lower resolution images of the body, with minimal artifacts. Conclusions: The authors have optimized a dual-resolution collimator tube that provides both whole-body projections of a mouse and more targeted projections centered on the heart that can be jointly reconstructed to obtain high-resolution images of the heart embedded within lower-resolution whole-body images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The authors are currently developing a dual-resolution multiple-pinhole microSPECT imaging system based on three large NaI(Tl) gamma cameras. Two multiple-pinhole tungsten collimator tubes will be used sequentially for whole-body "scout" imaging of a mouse, followed by high-resolution (hi-res) imaging of an organ of interest, such as the heart or brain. Ideally, the whole-body image will be reconstructed in real time such that data need only be acquired until the area of interest can be visualized well-enough to determine positioning for the hi-res scan. The authors investigated the utility of the origin ensemble (OE) algorithm for online and offline reconstructions of the scout data. This algorithm operates directly in image space, and can provide estimates of image uncertainty, along with reconstructed images. Techniques for accelerating the OE reconstruction were also introduced and evaluated. Methods: System matrices were calculated for our 39-pinhole scout collimator design. SPECT projections were simulated for a range of count levels using the MOBY digital mouse phantom. Simulated data were used for a comparison of OE and maximum-likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM) reconstructions. The OE algorithm convergence was evaluated by calculating the total-image entropy and by measuring the counts in a volume-of-interest (VOI) containing the heart. Total-image entropy was also calculated for simulated MOBY data reconstructed using OE with various levels of parallelization. Results: For VOI measurements in the heart, liver, bladder, and soft-tissue, MLEM and OE reconstructed images agreed within 6%. Image entropy converged after ~2000 iterations of OE, while the counts in the heart converged earlier at ~200 iterations of OE. An accelerated version of OE completed 1000 iterations in <9 min for a 6.8M count data set, with some loss of image entropy performance, whereas the same dataset required ~79 min to complete 1000 iterations of conventional OE. A combination of the two methods showed decreased reconstruction time and no loss of performance when compared to conventional OE alone. Conclusions: OE-reconstructed images were found to be quantitatively and qualitatively similar to MLEM, yet OE also provided estimates of image uncertainty. Some acceleration of the reconstruction can be gained through the use of parallel computing. The OE algorithm is useful for reconstructing multiple-pinhole SPECT data and can be easily modified for real-time reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visible and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy ( VNIR) is a rapid and multi-sensing technology that can provide spatially dense soil data for many disciplines. Soil moisture is the main barrier to the use of this technology in the field. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of five approaches, external parameter orthogonalization ( EPO), direct standardization ( DS), global moisture modelling ( GMM), slope bias correction ( SB) and selective wavelength modelling ( SWM), to enable models based on dry ground VNIR spectra of soil to be applied directly to moist spectra to predict organic carbon ( OC) and inorganic carbon ( IC). A total of 352 archived soil samples were selected and scanned, and of these 185 samples were used to develop dry ground models. The remaining 167 samples were rewetted to eight different moisture contents for the development (100) and validation (67) of the five moisture-correction approaches. The results showed that EPO, DS and GMM account satisfactorily for the effect of moisture in soil spectra. They improved the prediction of OC substantially with an increase in R2 from almost zero for no correction to over 0.5, and an RPIQ (ratio of performance to interquartile range) from 0.38 to over 1.7. Improvement was also achieved with EPO, DS and GMM for IC; RPIQ increased from 0.53 to over 1.2. External parameter orthogonalization and DS showed that their effectiveness in moisture correction depended on the moisture content of the sample (larger moisture contents decrease the effectiveness), whereas this dependence was not observed for the moisture-explicit DS and GMM methods. We concluded that EPO, DS and GMM are all viable approaches for moisture correction for VNIR-based proximal soil sensors. Highlights Accounting for the effect of soil moisture on soil spectra is essential for in situ VNIR-based soil sensors., Five methods to remove the effect of moisture on VNIR modelling of soil OC and IC are investigated., EPO, DS (with two implementations) and GMM showed promising results for moisture correction., Correction done with moisture-explicit DS and GMM showed little dependence with moisture content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Noise levels of brain SPECT images are highest in central regions, due to preferential attenuation of photons emitted from deep structures. To address this problem, the authors have designed a novel collimator for brain SPECT imaging that yields greatly increased sensitivity near the center of the brain without loss of resolution. This hybrid collimator consisted of ultrashort cone-beam holes in the central regions and slant-holes in the periphery (USCB).We evaluated this collimator for quantitative brain imaging tasks. Methods: Owing to the uniqueness of the USCB collimation, the hole pattern required substantial variations in collimator parameters. To utilize the lead-casting technique, the authors designed two supporting plates to position about 37 000 hexagonal, slightly tapered pins. The holes in the supporting plates were modeled to yield the desired focal length, hole length, and septal thickness. To determine the properties of the manufactured collimator and to compute the system matrix, the authors prepared an array of point sources that covered the entire detector area. Each point source contained 32 μCi of Tc-99m at the first scan time. The array was imaged for 5 min at each of the 64 shifted locations to yield a 2-mm sampling distance, and hole parameters were calculated. The sensitivity was also measured using a point source placed along the central ray at several distances from the collimator face. High-count projection data from a five-compartment brain phantom were acquired with the three collimators on a dual-head SPECT/CT system. The authors calculated Cramer-Rao bounds on the precision of estimates of striatal and background activity concentration. In order to assess the new collimation system to detect changes in striatal activity, the authors evaluated the precision of measuring a 5% decrease in right putamen activity. The authors also reconstructed images of projection data obtained by summing data from the individual phantom compartments. Results: The sensitivity of the novel cone-beam collimator varied with distance from the detector face; it was higher than that of the fan-beam collimator by factors ranging from 2.7 to 162. Examination of the projections of the point sources revealed that only a few holes were distorted or partially blocked, indicating that the intensive manual fabrication process was very successful. Better reconstructed phantom images were obtained from the USCB+FAN collimator pair than from either LEHR or FAN collimation. For the left caudate, located near the center of the brain, the detected counts were 9.8 (8.3) times higher for UCSB compared with LEHR (FAN), averaged over 60 views. The task-specific SNR for detecting a 5% decrease in putamen uptake was 7.4 for USCB and 3.2 for LEHR. Conclusions: The authors have designed and manufactured a novel collimator for brain SPECT imaging. The sensitivity is much higher than that of a fan-beam collimator. Because of differences between the manufactured collimator and its design, reconstruction of the data requires a measured system matrix. The authors have demonstrated the potential of USCB collimation for improved precision in estimating striatal uptake. The novel collimator may be useful for early detection of Parkinson's disease, and for monitoring therapy response and disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects on cow and calf performance of replacing grass silage with brewers grains in diets based on barley straw and fed to pregnant beef cows are reported. Using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of breed and diet, cows pregnant by artificial insemination ( n = 34) of two breeds (cross-bred Limousin, n = 19 and pure-bred Luing, n = 15) were fed diets ad libitum which consisted of either (g/kg dry matter) barley straw (664) and grass silage (325; GS) or barley straw (783) and brewers grains (206, BG) and offered as total mixed rations. From gestation day ( GD) 168 until 266, individual daily feed intakes were recorded and cow body weight ( BW) and body condition score ( BCS) measured weekly. Calving date, calf sex, birth and weaning BW, and calf age at weaning were also recorded. Between GD 168 and 266, cross-bred Limousin cows gained more weight than Luing cows (p < 0.05) and cows offered BG gained more weight than cows offered GS (p < 0.001). Luing cows lost more BCS than cross-bred Limousin cows (p < 0.05), but diet did not affect BCS. There were no differences in dry matter intake as a result of breed or diet. Calf birth BW, however, was greater for cows fed BG than GS (44 vs. 38 kg, SEM 1.0, p < 0.001) with no difference between breeds. At weaning, calves born to BG-fed cows were heavier than those born to GS-fed cows (330 vs. 286 kg, SEM 9.3, p < 0.01). In conclusion, replacement of grass silage with brewers grains improved the performance of beef cows and increased calf birth and weaning BW. Further analysis indicated that the superior performance of cows offered the BG diet was most likely due to increases in protein supply which may have improved both energy and protein supply to the foetus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The larvae of Lucillia sericata, or maggots of the green-bottle fly, are used worldwide to help debride chronic, necrotic and infected wounds. Whilst there is abundant clinical and scientific evidence to support the role of maggots for debriding and disinfecting wounds, not so much emphasis has been placed on their role in stimulating wound healing. However, there is accumulating evidence to suggest that maggots and their externalized secretions may also promote wound healing in stubborn, recalcitrant chronic ulcers. There are a growing number of clinical reports which support the observation that wounds which have been exposed to a course of maggot debridement therapy also show earlier healing and closure end-points. In addition, recent pre-clinical laboratory studies also indicate that maggot secretions can promote important cellular processes which explain this increased healing activity. Such processes include activation of fibroblast migration, angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels) within the wound bed, and an enhanced production of growth factors within the wound environment. Thus, in this review, we summarize the clinical evidence which links maggots and improved wound healing, and we précis recent scientific studies which examine and identify the role of maggots, particularly individual components of maggot secretions, on specific cellular aspects of wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We review results from our monitoring observations of several lensed quasars performed in the optical, UV, and X-ray bands. Modeling of the multi-wavelength light curves provides constraints on the extent of the optical, UV, and X-ray emission regions. One of the important results of our analysis is that the optical sizes as inferred from the microlensing analysis are significantly larger than those predicted by the theoretical-thin-disk estimate. In a few cases we also constrain the slope of the size-wavelength relation. Our size constraints of the soft and hard X-ray emission regions of quasars indicate that in some objects of our sample the hard X-ray emission region is more compact than the soft and in others the soft emission region is smaller. This difference may be the result of the relative strengths of the disk-reflected (harder and extended) versus corona-direct (softer and compact) components in the quasars of our sample. Finally, we present the analysis of several strong microlensing events where we detect an evolution of the relativistic Fe line profile as the magnification caustic traverses the accretion disk. These caustic crossings are used to provide constraints on the innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO) radius and the accretion disk inclination angle of the black hole in quasar RX J1131-1231. (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss aspects of the student perspectives on socio-hydrology. Topics include the challenges and opportunities in conducting interdisciplinary socio-hydrological research, complexity of socio-hydrology, and understanding of socio-hydrological systems. Also mentioned are the uncertainties in hydrological prediction, limits of predictability in socio-hydrological systems, and water management and policy.

Background. BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) viremia/ nephropathy and reduction in immunosuppression following viremia may increase the risk of alloimmune activation and allograft rejection. This study investigates the impact of BKPyV viremia on de novo donor anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-specific antibodies (dnDSA). Patients and methods. All primary renal transplants at East Carolina University from March 1999 to December 2010, with at least 1 posttransplant BKPyV viral load testing, were analyzed. Patients were negative for anti-HLA antibodies to donor antigens (tested via single antigen beads) at transplantation and at first BKPyV testing. Results. Nineteen of 174 patients (11%) tested positive for BKPyV viremia. Within 24 months of BKPyV viremia detection, 79% of BKPyV-viremic patients developed dnDSA. Only 20% of BKPyV viremia-persistent cases, compared to 86% of BKPyV viremiaresolved cases, developed dnDSA (P = 0.03). Poor allograft survival was evident in BKPyV viremia-persistent patients (60% failure by 2 years post BKPyV diagnosis) and in BKPyV viremia-resolved patients with dnDSA (5-year post BKPyV diagnosis allograft survival of 48%). Conclusions. Post-transplant BKPyV viremia and preemptive immunosuppression reduction is associated with high rates of dnDSA. When preemptively treating BKPyV viremia, dnDSA should be monitored to prevent allograft consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a sample comprising nearly 250,000 weekly prices from the largest seven UK supermarket chains, this note investigates two pricing practices that have attracted public interest: the tendency for promotions to 'disguise' rises in non-sale prices and the inflation of prices prior to sales which 'exaggerate' the discount. Analysing price dynamics before and after periods of promotional discounting results show post-sale prices are typically lower than pre-sale prices, contrary to the disguise hypothesis. We do, however, find evidence of exaggeration of the discount, which may potentially explain why prices fall after discounts, although the evidence is not sufficiently widespread for this to be the sole cause. Results parallel the competition authority's view of supermarket promotions and point to the useful contribution that retail price microdata might play in keeping prices in check in countries where highly concentrated retail sectors raise similar concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To evaluate the association between insulin exposure and all-cause mortality, incident major adverse cardiovascular events ( MACE) and incident cancer in people with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin monotherapy. Methods For this retrospective study, people with type 2 diabetes who progressed to insulin monotherapy from the year 2000 were identified from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. The risks of progression to serious adverse outcomes were compared using Cox proportional hazards models. In the main analysis, insulin exposure was introduced into the model as prescribed international units per kilogram per day, as a cumulative, continuous, annually updated, time-dependent covariable. Results A total of 6484 subjects with type 2 diabetes who progressed to treatment with insulin monotherapy from the year 2000 onwards were followed for a mean of 3.3 years. The event numbers were as follows: deaths, n = 1110; incident MACE, n = 342; incident cancers, n = 382. Unadjusted event rates were 61.3 deaths per 1000 person-years, 26.4 incident MACE per 1000 person-years and 24.6 incident cancers per 1000 person-years. The adjusted hazard ratios in relation to 1-unit increases in insulin dose were 1.54 [95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.32-1.78] for all-cause mortality, 1.37 (95% CI 1.05-1.81) for MACE and 1.35 (95% CI 1.04-1.75) for cancer. Conclusions There was an association between increasing exogenous insulin dose and increased risk of all-cause mortality, MACE and cancer in people with type 2 diabetes. The limitations of observational studies mean that this should be further investigated using an interventional study design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiritual beliefs and practices are believed to promote adjustment to cancer through their effect on existential concerns, including one's personal search for the meaning of life and death, and hope. This study sought to identify the nature, prevalence, and correlates of spiritual/existential needs among an ethnically-diverse, urban sample of cancer patients (n=248). Patients indicated wanting help with: overcoming my fears (51%), finding hope (42%), finding meaning in life (40%), finding spiritual resources (39%); or someone to talk to about: finding peace of mind (43%), the meaning of life (28%), and dying and death (25%). Patients (n=71) reporting five or more spiritual/existential needs were more likely to be of Hispanic (61%) or African-American (41%) ethnicity (vs. 25% White; p<0.001), more recently diagnosed (mean=25.6 vs. 43.7 months; p<0.02), and unmarried (49% vs. 34%; p<0.05), compared with those (n=123) reporting two or fewer needs. Treatment status, cancer site, education, gender, age, and religion were not associated with level of needs endorsement. Discriminant analysis found minority status to be the best predictor of high needs endorsement, providing 65% correct classification, p<0.001. Implications for the development and delivery of spiritual/existential interventions in a multi-ethnic oncology setting are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Clinical and observational studies have shown an increased risk of cardiovascular events and death associated with sulphonylureas versus metformin. However, it has never been determined whether this was due to the beneficial effects of metformin or detrimental effects of sulphonylureas. The objective of this study was therefore to compare all-cause mortality in diabetic patients treated first-line with either sulphonylurea or metformin monotherapy with that in matched individuals without diabetes. Methods We used retrospective observational data from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) from 2000. Subjects with type 2 diabetes who progressed to first-line treatment with metformin or sulphonylurea monotherapy were selected and matched to people without diabetes. Progression to all-cause mortality was compared using parametric survival models that included a range of relevant co-variables. Results We identified 78 241 subjects treated with metformin, 12 222 treated with sulphonylurea, and 90 463 matched subjects without diabetes. This resulted in a total, censored follow-up period of 503 384 years. There were 7498 deaths in total, representing unadjusted mortality rates of 14.4 and 15.2, and 50.9 and 28.7 deaths per 1000 person-years for metformin monotherapy and their matched controls, and sulphonylurea monotherapy and their matched controls, respectively. With reference to observed survival in diabetic patients initiated with metformin monotherapy [survival time ratio (STR) = 1.0], adjusted median survival time was 15% lower (STR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.81-0.90) in matched individuals without diabetes and 38% lower (0.62, 0.58-0.66) in diabetic patients treated with sulphonylurea monotherapy. Conclusions Patients with type 2 diabetes initiated with metformin monotherapy had longer survival than did matched, non-diabetic controls. Those treated with sulphonylurea had markedly reduced survival compared with both matched controls and those receiving metformin monotherapy. This supports the position of metformin as first-line therapy and implies that metformin may confer benefit in non-diabetes. Sulphonylurea remains a concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To evaluate the risk of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events ( MACE) for patients exposed to first-line monotherapy with sulphonylurea or metformin. Methods Data were from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink ( CPRD). Patients with type 2 diabetes were selected if initiated with metformin or sulphonylurea monotherapy as their first-line glucose-lowering regimen 2000-2012. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality; the secondary endpoint was MACE (myocardial infarction or stroke). Times to endpoints were compared using Cox proportional hazards models. Additional analyses were performed on subsets matched directly on key characteristics and by propensity score. Results In the main analysis, 76 811 patients were prescribed metformin monotherapy (mean follow-up 2.9 years) and 15 687 sulphonylurea monotherapy (mean follow-up 3.1 years). A total of 2604 patients were included in each arm of the directly matched cohorts and 8836 in the propensity-matched. With respect to all-cause mortality, using all three analytical approaches the hazard ratio ( HR) was significantly increased for sulphonylurea compared with metformin: adjusted HR = 1.580 (95% CI 1.483-1.684) for the main analysis, 1.902 (1.733-2.088) for those matched on propensity score, and 1.272 (1.021-1.584) for the directly matched cohort analysis. For MACE, the respective HRs were 1.196 (1.090-1.313), 1.202 (1.001-1.442) and 0.814 (0.578-1.148), respectively. Conclusions All-cause mortality was significantly increased in patients prescribed sulphonylurea compared with metformin monotherapy. Whilst residual confounding and confounding by indication may remain, this study indicates that first-line treatment with sulphonylurea monotherapy should be reconsidered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To compare the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events ( MACE) and mortality for combination therapies with metformin and either sulphonylurea ( SU) or dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor ( DPP-4i). Methods Data were from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink ( CPRD). Patients with type 2 diabetes were selected if initiated with combination therapies comprising metformin plus SU or DPP-4i 2007-2012. The co-primary endpoints were all-cause mortality and MACE (myocardial infarction or stroke). Times to endpoints were compared using Cox proportional hazards models. Additional analyses were performed on subsets matched directly on key characteristics and by propensity score. Results A total of 33 983 patients were prescribed SU and 7864 DPP-4i, and 5447 patients in each cohort could be matched directly and 6901 by propensity score. In the main analysis, there were 716 MACE events and 1217 deaths. Crude event rates for MACE were 11.3 events per 1000 person-years (pkpy) for SU, versus 5.3 pkpy for DPP-4i. For all-cause mortality, rates were 16.9 versus 7.3 pkpy, respectively. Following adjustment, there was a significant increase in the adjusted hazard ratio ( aHR) for all-cause mortality in those exposed to SU across all analytical models: aHR = 1.357 (95% CI 1.076-1.710) for all subjects, 1.850 (1.245-2.749) directly matched and 1.497 (1.092-2.052) propensity-matched. For MACE, aHR was 1.710 (1.280-2.285) for all subjects, 1.323 (0.832-2.105) directly matched and 1.547 (1.076-2.225) propensity-matched. Conclusions There was a reduction in all-cause mortality for patients treated with metformin combined with DPP-4i versus metformin plus SU, and a similar trend for MACE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphocyte responses from 208 individuals: 20 with melanoma, 34 with colon cancer, and 4 with lung cancer (58), 18 with suspected melanoma, 28 with polyposis, and 10 with COPD (56), and 94 healthy volunteers were examined. The natural logarithm of the Olive tail moment (OTM) was plotted for exposure to UVA through 5 different agar depths (100 cell measurements/depth) and analyzed using a repeated measures regression model. Responses of patients with cancer plateaued after treatment with different UVA intensities, but returned toward control values for healthy volunteers. For precancerous conditions and suspected cancers, intermediate responses occurred. ROC analysis of mean log OTMs, for cancers plus precancerous/suspect conditions vs. controls, cancer vs. precancerous/suspect conditions plus controls, and cancer vs. controls, gave areas under the curve of 0.87, 0.89, and 0.93, respectively (P<0.001). Optimization allowed test sensitivity or specificity to approach 100% with acceptable complementary measures. This modified comet assay could represent a stand-alone test or an adjunct to other investigative procedures for detecting cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We sought to systematically review the literature on ethnic differences in the likelihood of general practitioner ( GP) involvement, police involvement, and involuntary admission on the pathway to care of patients with first-episode psychosis ( FEP). Method We searched electronic databases and conducted forward and backward tracking to identify relevant studies. We calculated pooled odds ratios ( OR) to examine the variation between aggregated ethnic groups in the indicators of the pathway to care. Results We identified seven studies from Canada and England that looked at ethnic differences in GP involvement ( n = 7), police involvement ( n = 7), or involuntary admission ( n = 5). Aggregated ethnic groups were most often compared. The pooled ORs suggest that Black patients have a decreased likelihood of GP involvement ( OR = 0.70, 0.57-0.86) and an increased likelihood of police involvement ( OR = 2.11, 1.67-2.66), relative to White patients. The pooled ORs were not statistically significant for patients with Asian backgrounds ( GP involvement OR = 1.23, 0.87-1.75; police involvement OR = 0.86, 0.57-1.30). There is also evidence to suggest that there may be ethnic differences in the likelihood of involuntary admission; however, effect modification by several sociodemographic factors precluded a pooling of these data. Conclusion Ethnic differences in pathways to care are present at the first episode of psychosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

R3533 --> 842.13 --> PURPOSE: The association between clinical outcomes of prostate cancer progression and lipid remodeling is not well understood. Although it is known that increases in select circulating lipids correlate to decreased patient survival, the mechanisms mediating alterations in these lipids are not fully explained. We addressed this gap‐in‐knowledge using in vitro models of non‐cancerous, hormone‐sensitive, castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), and docetaxel resistant (DR) CRPC cell lines combined with quantitative HPLC‐ESI‐Orbitrap‐MS lipidomic analysis. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that the expression of lipin (phosphatidic acid phosphatase), an enzyme mediating the conversion of phosphatidic acid to diacylglycerol, correlates to changes in lipidomic profiles in prostate cancer cells. We further hypothesized that the lipidomic profile of metastatic CRPC cell lines (PC‐3 and DU‐145) will shift as they are undergoing multiple treatments of docetaxel. METHODS: Lipids were isolated using the Bligh‐Dyer extraction from non‐cancerous, hormone‐sensitive, CRPC, and DR‐CRPC cell lines. Lipids were initially analyzed using an untargeted shotgun approach (ESI‐MS), followed by a targeted‐based quantitative HPLC‐ESI‐Orbitrap‐MS approach. Post data acquisition were based on multiple methods including isotope, carbon number (to internal standards) and ionization efficiency‐based corrections. Online resources and software's utilized included MetaboAnalyst, LIPIDMATCH, LIPID MAPS, XCMS, and MZmine. Lipin‐1 expression in cells was determined using immunoblot analysis. Docetaxel‐sensitive traits were obtained after five treatments of 1 nM docetaxel between passages of the CRPC cell line PC‐3. Results were demonstrated by a 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay. RESULTS: Our data showed significant changes in the abundance of lipid species between the various cell lines and a correlation between select lipid species and the progression of prostate cancer. Prominent among these were the levels of phosphatidic acid (PA) and diacylglycerol (DAG). Most notably, PA levels in cells tended to inversely correlate with DAG levels. These levels correlated to the decreased expression on lipin, specifically lipin‐1. CONCLUSIONS: Distinct phospholipid classes were observed to have increased levels in prostate cancer cells, as compared to non‐cancer cells. The protein expression of lipin‐1 in most prostate cell lines correlated to the abundance of PA, excluding the DR cell lines. This suggests that altered lipin expression correlates to decreased survival. Additionally, dosing the parent and treated PC‐3 cells with a range of docetaxel indicated that the 5x1nM treated cells had a larger cytotoxic effect to docetaxel, as compared to the non‐treated cells. REFERENCES: Ingram, L.M., et al., Identification of lipidomic profiles associated with drug‐resistant prostate cancer cells. Lipids Health Dis, 2021. 20(1): p. 15. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To characterize the incidence of type 2 diabetes in the UK over the previous 20 years; and determine if there has been an increase in people aged 40 years or less at diagnosis. Methods For this retrospective cohort study, patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes between 1991 and 2010 were identified from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink ( CPRD). Patient data were grouped into 5-year intervals by year of diagnosis and age at diagnosis. A standardized incidence ratio ( SIR) was determined (1991-1995 = 100). The percentage of newly diagnosed patients for each age group and aged ≤40 years was calculated for each 5-year calendar period. The incidence rate by age and 5-year calendar period was also determined. Results In 2010, the crude incidence rate of type 2 diabetes was 515 per 100,000 population. The overall SIR increased to 158 (95% CI 157-160, p < 0.001), 237 (235-238, p < 0.001) and 275 (273-276, p < 0.001) for 1996-2000, 2001-2005 and 2006-2010, respectively. For those ≤40, the respective values were 217 (209-226, p < 0.001), 327 (320-335, p < 0.001) and 598 (589-608, p < 0.001). An increase in incidence occurred with increasing 5-year calendar period. The incidence of type 2 diabetes was higher for males after the age of 40 and higher for females aged ≤40. The percentage of patients aged ≤40 years at diagnosis increased with each increasing 5-year calendar period (5.9, 8.4, 8.5 and 12.4%, respectively). Conclusions There was a significant increase in the incidence of diagnosed type 2 diabetes between 1991 and 2010 and the proportion of people diagnosed at a relatively early age has increased markedly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes BP's crisis communication related to the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Specifically, we observe how an organization whose priorities are misaligned with the ethic of first and second things has a severely limited capacity for delivering a crisis message that resonates with the general public, and especially those most affected by the disaster. Organizational connectedness and Lewis' essays on the ethic of first and second things are discussed and research on virtuous responses to crisis and renewal discourse is highlighted to explain how BP's focus on maximizing profit over safety and the environment stymied their communication efforts. A discourse of renewal is suggested as essential for the organization to regain connectedness post-crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South American caviomorph rodents comprise four major lineages encompassing wide taxonomic and ecological diversity, but the morphological diversity of their postcranial skeleton has not been thoroughly explored using phylogenetic comparative methods. The main goal of this work is to analyze their humerus using geometric morphometrics in a phylogenetic context and attempt to tease apart the influence of locomotory preferences and shared evolutionary history on morphological variation. We examined 28 genera in 9 families representing all major clades. Humeral shape was captured by 13 landmarks and four semilandmarks in 2D. In the morphospace of the first two principal components, most taxa were located near the origin along both axes. Fossorial octodontoids were apart from this central group. Most caviids were separated in one extreme of the morphospace; the specialized digging ctenomyid Ctenomys, the fossorial chinchillid Lagostomus and the generalized cavioid Cuniculus were located at the opposite end. Phylogenetic signal was significant. Regressions of shape on size were not significant; regression of shape on habit was significant for raw data and not significant after phylogenetic control. Humeral shape variation was primarily associated with the phylogenetic structure of the group; additionally, some morphological traits were associated with particular habits and interpreted as functional specializations. This association between humeral shape and both phylogeny and habit at different hierarchical levels suggests early ecomorphological diversification of caviomorphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The benefits of secondary preventive measures for stable coronary artery disease are well established and risk factor treatment targets are defined. Aim The aim of this study was to examine Australian general practitioners' ( GP) perception and management of risk factors in chronic stable angina patients in primary care. Methods Using a cluster-stratified design, 2031 consecutive stable angina patients were recruited between October 2006 and March 2007 by 207 GP who documented their risk factors and reported if they were optimally controlled. Results Among the patients, 93% had objective evidence of coronary artery disease and 63% were male, and mean age was 71 ± 11 years. Based upon national guidelines, recommended targets were achieved in: 60% for blood pressure, 24% for body mass index, 23% for waist circumference, 17% for lipid profiles (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides) and 54% of diabetics for haemoglobin A 1c. However, GP perceived risk factors to be 'optimally controlled' in: 86% for blood pressure (kappa statistic (κ) = 0.37), 44% for weight (κ = 0.3), 70% for lipids (κ = 0.20) and 60% for haemoglobin A1c (κ = 0.74). Conclusions In this representative cohort of chronic stable angina patients attending GP, cardiovascular risk factor control was frequently suboptimal despite being perceived as satisfactory by the clinicians. New strategies that raise awareness and address this treatment gap need to be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]