Given the limited knowledge on the long-term outcome of adolescents who receive electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), the study aimed to follow-up adolescents treated with ECT for severe mood disorder. Eleven subjects treated during adolescence with bilateral ECT for psychotic depression (n = 6) or mania (n = 5), and ten psychiatric controls matched for sex, age, school level, and clinical diagnosis, completed at least 1 year after treatment a clinical and social evaluation. Mean duration between time of index episode and time of follow-up evaluation was 5.2 years (range 2–9 years). At follow-up: (1) all patients except two in the control group received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. (2) Fifteen patients had had more than one episode of mood disorder. (3) The two groups did not differ in social functioning nor school achievement. (4) Impact on school achievement was related to the severity of the mood disorder rather than ECT treatment. The results suggest that adolescents given ECT for bipolar disorder, depressed or manic, do not differ in subsequent school and social functioning from carefully matched controls.

During pregnancy, mothers-to-be should adapt their diet to meet increases in nutrient requirements. Pregnant women appear to be keener to adopt healthier diets, but are not always successful. The objective of the present study was to determine whether a guided, stepwise and tailored dietary counselling programme, designed using an optimisation algorithm, could improve the nutrient adequacy of the diet of pregnant women, beyond generic guidelines. Pregnant women (n 80) who attended Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Maternity Clinic were randomly allocated to the control or intervention arm. Dietary data were obtained twice from an online 3-d dietary record. The nutrient adequacy of the diet was calculated using the PANDiet score, a 100-point diet quality index adapted to the specific nutrient requirements for pregnancy. Women were supplied with generic dietary guidelines in a reference booklet. In the intervention arm, they also received nine sets of tailored dietary advice identified by an optimisation algorithm as best improving their PANDiet score. Pregnant women (n 78) completed the 12-week dietary follow-up. Initial PANDiet scores were similar in the control and intervention arms (60·4 (sd 7·3) v. 60·3 (sd 7·3), P = 0·92). The PANDiet score increased in the intervention arm (+3·6 (sd 9·3), P = 0·02) but not in the control arm (−0·3 (sd 7·3), P = 0·77), and these changes differed between arms (P = 0·04). In the intervention arm, there were improvements in the probabilities of adequacy for α-linolenic acid, thiamin, folate and cholesterol intakes (P < 0·05). Tailored dietary counselling using a computer-based algorithm is more effective than generic dietary counselling alone in improving the nutrient adequacy of the diet of French women in mid-pregnancy.

The search for life in the Universe is a fundamental problem of astrobiology and modern science. The current progress in the detection of terrestrial-type exoplanets has opened a new avenue in the characterization of exoplanetary atmospheres and in the search for biosignatures of life with the upcoming ground-based and space missions. To specify the conditions favourable for the origin, development and sustainment of life as we know it in other worlds, we need to understand the nature of global (astrospheric), and local (atmospheric and surface) environments of exoplanets in the habitable zones (HZs) around G-K-M dwarf stars including our young Sun. Global environment is formed by propagated disturbances from the planet-hosting stars in the form of stellar flares, coronal mass ejections, energetic particles and winds collectively known as astrospheric space weather. Its characterization will help in understanding how an exoplanetary ecosystem interacts with its host star, as well as in the specification of the physical, chemical and biochemical conditions that can create favourable and/or detrimental conditions for planetary climate and habitability along with evolution of planetary internal dynamics over geological timescales. A key linkage of (astro)physical, chemical and geological processes can only be understood in the framework of interdisciplinary studies with the incorporation of progress in heliophysics, astrophysics, planetary and Earth sciences. The assessment of the impacts of host stars on the climate and habitability of terrestrial (exo)planets will significantly expand the current definition of the HZ to the biogenic zone and provide new observational strategies for searching for signatures of life. The major goal of this paper is to describe and discuss the current status and recent progress in this interdisciplinary field in light of presentations and discussions during the NASA Nexus for Exoplanetary System Science funded workshop ‘Exoplanetary Space Weather, Climate and Habitability’ and to provide a new roadmap for the future development of the emerging field of exoplanetary science and astrobiology.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging cause of viral hepatitis worldwide. Recently, HEV-7 has been shown to infect camels and humans. We studied HEV seroprevalence in dromedary camels and among Bedouins, Arabs (Muslims, none-Bedouins) and Jews and assessed factors associated with anti-HEV seropositivity. Serum samples from dromedary camels (n = 86) were used to determine camel anti-HEV IgG and HEV RNA positivity. Human samples collected between 2009 and 2016 from >20 years old Bedouins (n = 305), non-Bedouin Arabs (n = 320) and Jews (n = 195), were randomly selected using an age-stratified sampling design. Human HEV IgG levels were determined using Wantai IgG ELISA assay. Of the samples obtained from camels, 68.6% were anti-HEV positive. Among the human populations, Bedouins and non-Bedouin Arabs had a significantly higher prevalence of HEV antibodies (21.6% and 15.0%, respectively) compared with the Jewish population (3.1%). Seropositivity increased significantly with age in all human populations, reaching 47.6% and 34.8% among ⩾40 years old, in Bedouins and non-Bedouin Arabs, respectively. The high seropositivity in camels and in ⩾40 years old Bedouins and non-Bedouin Arabs suggests that HEV is endemic in Israel. The low HEV seroprevalence in Jews could be attributed to higher socio-economic status.

One view of major Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events is that these (proton-dominated) fluxes are accelerated in heliospheric shock sources created by Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections (ICMEs), and then travel mainly along interplanetary magnetic field lines connecting the shock(s) to the observer(s). This places a particular emphasis on the role of the heliospheric conditions during the event, requiring a realistic description of the latter to interpret and/or model SEP events. The well-known ENLIL heliospheric simulation with cone model generated ICME shocks is used together with the SEPMOD particle event modeling scheme to demonstrate the value of applying these concepts at multiple inner heliosphere sites.

To use VRI systems, a field is divided into irrigation management zones (IMZs). While IMZs are dynamic in nature, most of IMZs prescription maps are static. High-resolution thermal images (TI) coupled with measured atmospheric conditions have been utilized to map the within-field water status variability and to delineate in-season IMZs. Unfortunately, spaceborne TIs have coarse spatial resolution and aerial platforms require substantial financial investments, which may inhibit their large-scale adoption. Three approaches are proposed to facilitate large-scale adoption of TI-based IMZs: 1) increase of the capacity of aerial TI by enhancing their spatial resolution; 2) sharpening the spatial resolution of satellite TI by fusing satellite multi-spectral images in the visible-near-infrared (VIS-NIR) range; 3) increase the capacity of aerial TI by fusing satellite multi-spectral images in the VIS-NIR range. The scientific and engineering basis of each of the approaches is described together with initial results.

An important factor in controlling invasive plant infestations is frequently the acceleration of the deterioration of their persistent seed bank, which is often associated with physical dormancy mechanisms. We hypothesized that breaking dormancy by heat would enhance the vulnerability of the nondormant seeds to hydrothermal stresses. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of soil solarization treatments (heating the soil by means of polyethylene mulching) on buried Australian Acacia seeds, with emphasis on Acacia saligna L. The results of three field experiments indicate that soil solarization treatments caused an almost complete eradication of buried seeds of Acacia saligna and two other Australian Acacia species, Acacia murrayana and Acacia sclerosperma. The killing mechanism of solarization was further studied in laboratory experiments. We observed two phases of the heat-induced deterioration of seed persistence: breaking the dormancy of the seeds and exposing the “weakened seeds” to lethal temperatures. From an ecological perspective of conservation, the present study shows for the first time the possible utilization of solar energy, by means of soil solarization, for reducing persistent seed banks of invasive woody plants.

Melanoma represents the third most common cause of CNS metastases. Immunotherapy has evolved as a treatment option for patients with stage-IV melanoma. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) also elicits an immune response within the brain and may interact with immunotherapy. We report a cohort of patients treated for brain metastasis with immunotherapy and evaluate the effect of SRS timing on the intracranial response. Methods: All consecutively treated melanoma patients receiving Ipilimumab and SRS for their brain metastasis were included in the retrospective analysis. 46 patients harboring 232 brain metastases were reviewed. The median clinical follow-up was 7.9 months (3-42.6). Median age was 63 years (24.3-83.6). 32 patients received SRS before or during ipilimumab cycles (Group-A) whereas 14 patients received SRS after the ipilimumab treatment (Group-B). Radiographic and clinical responses were assessed at approximately 3 months intervals after SRS. Results: The two cohorts were comparable in pertinent pre-treatment aspects with the exception of SRS timing relative to ipilimumab. Local recurrence free duration (LRFD) was significantly longer in Group-A patients (19.6 months, range 1.1-34.7 months) as compared to group-B patients (3 months, range 0.4-20.4 months), respectively (p=0.002). Post-SRS perilesional edema was more significant in Group-A. Conclusions: The effect of SRS and ipilimumab in attaining LRFD seems greater when SRS is performed before or during ipilimumab treatments. The timing of immunotherapy and SRS may effect LRFD and post-radiosurgical edema. The interactions between immunotherapy and SRS warrant further investigation so as to optimize the therapeutic benefits and mitigate the risks associated with multimodality, targeted therapy.

For patient with a recurrent or residual acromegaly or Cushing’s disease (CD) after resection, Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is often used. Hypopituitarism is the most common adverse effect after GKRS treatment. The paucity of studies with long-term follow up has hampered understanding of the latent risks of hypopituitarism in patients with a Acromegaly or CD. We report the long-term risks of hypopituitarism for patients treated with GKRS for Acromegaly or CD. Methods: From a prospectively created, IRB approved database, we identified all patients with a Acromegaly or CD treated with GKRS at the University of Virginia from 1989 to 2008. Only patients with a minimum endocrine follow up of 60 months were included. The median follow-up is 159.5 months (60.1-278). Thorough radiological and endocrine assessments were performed immediately before GKRS and at regular follow-up intervals. New onset of hypopituitarism was defined as pituitary hormone deficits after GKRS requiring corresponding hormone replacement. Results: 60 patients with either Acromegaly or CD were included. Median tumor volume at time of GKRS was 1.3 cm3 (0.3-13.4), median margin dose was 25 Gy (6-30). GKRS induced new pituitary deficiency occurred in 58.3% (n=35) of patients. Growth Hormone deficiency was most common (28.3%, n=17). The actuarial overall rates of hypopituitarism at 3, 5, and 10 years were 10%, 21.7%, and 53.3%, respectively. The median time to hypopituitarism was 61 months after GKRS (range, 12-160). Cavernous sinus invasion of the tumor was found to correlate with the occurrence of a new or progressive hypopituitarism after GKRS (p=0.018). Conclusions: Delayed hypopituitarism increases as a function of time after radiosurgery. Hormone axes appear to vary in terms of radiosensitivity. Patients with adenoma in the cavernous sinus are more prone to develop loss of pituitary function after GKRS.

Meningiomas are the most common primary benign brain tumor. Radiosurgery (primary or adjuvant) allows excellent local control. The Geriatric scoring system (GSS) for pre-operative risk stratification and outcome prediction of patients with meningiomas has been previously reported. The GSS incorporates eight tumor and patient parameters on admission. A GSS score higher than 16 was previously reported to be associated with a more favorable outcome. We assessed the validity of the GSS score and its influence on outcome in patients treated with gamma-knife radiosurgery (GKRS). Methods: Patients treated with single session GKRS for WHO-1 meningioma during 1989-2013 at the University of Virginia were reviewed. A cohort of 323 patients, 50.2% (n=162) males. Median age was 56 (29-84), and median follow-up was 53.6 (6-235) months. Median tumor volume was 4.5 cm3 (0.2-23). Median margin and maximal doses were 15 Gy (8-36) and 32.3 Gy (20-65), respectively. Results: Tumor volume control was achieved in 87% (n=281), and post-GKRS clinical neurological improvement reported in 66.3% (n=214). The median change in KPS was +10 (range -30 to +40). The most common complication was intermittent headaches (34.1%, n=110) and cranial nerve deficits (14.2%, n=46). The GSS (calculated and grouped as GSS>16 and GSS<=16) was found to correlate with different Post-GKRS functional status (p<0.0001) and tumor control (p=0.028). Conclusion: The GSS, used for risk stratification and outcome prediction in patients with meningiomas seems valid for patients undergoing single session GRKS. GSS score greater than 16 is associated with a better long-term functional status and tumor control.

Hemangiopericytomas (HPC) are widely recognized for their aggressive clinical behavior. We report a large multicenter study, through the International Gamma Knife Research Foundation reviewing management and outcome following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for recurrent or newly-discovered HPC’s. Methods: Eight centers participated, reviewing a total of 90 patients harboring 133 tumors. Prior treatments included embolization (n = 8), chemotherapy (n=2), and fractionated radiotherapy (n=34). The median tumor volume at the time of SRS was 4.9 ml (range 0.2-42.4 ml). WHO-grade II (typical) HPC’s formed 78.9% (n=71) of the cohort. The median margin and maximal doses delivered were 15 Gy (2.8-24) and 32 Gy (8-51), respectively. The median clinical and radiographic follow-up period was 59 months (6-190) and 59 months (6-183), respectively. Results: At last follow-up, 55% of tumors and 62.2% of patients demonstrated local tumor control. New remote intracranial tumors were found in 27.8%. 24.4% of patients developed extra-cranial metastases. Adverse radiation effects were noted in 6.7%. The overall survival was 91.5%, 82.1%, 73.9%, 56.7%, and 53.7% at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 years, respectively, after initial SRS. Local progression free survival was 81.7%, 66.3%, 54.5%, 37.2%, and 25.5% at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 years, respectively, after initial SRS. In our cohort, 32 patients underwent 48 repeat SRS procedures for 76 lesions. Margin dose greater than 16 Gy (p=0.037) and tumor histology (p=0.006) were shown to influence PFS. Conclusions: SRS provides a reasonable rate of local tumor control and a low risk of adverse effects

The radiological detection of BMs is essential for optimizing a patient’s treatment. This statement is even more valid when stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), a non-invasive image guided treatment that can target BM as small as 1-2 mm, is delivered as part of that care. The timing of image acquisition after contrast administration can influence the diagnostic sensitivity of contrast enhanced MRI for BM. Objective: Investigate the effect of time delayed acquisition after administration of intravenous Atavist® (Gadobutrol 1mmol/ml) on the detection of BM. Methods: This is a prospective IRB approved study of 50 patients with BM who underwent post-contrast MRI sequences immediately after injection of 0.1 mmol/kg Gadavist® as part of clinical care (t0), followed by axial T1 sequences after a 10 minutes (t1) and 20 minute delay (t2). MRI studies were blindly compared by 3 neuro-radiologists. Results: Single measure intraclass correlation coefficients were very high (0.914, 0.904 and 0.905 for t0, t1 and t2 respectively), corresponding to a reliable inter-observer correlation. The t2 delayed sequences showed a significant and consistently higher diagnostic sensitivity for BM by every participating neuroradiologist as well as for the entire cohort (p=0.016, p=0.035 and 0.034 respectively). A disproportionately high representation of BM detected on the delayed studies was located within posterior circulation territories (compared to predictions based on tissue volume and blood-flow volumes). Conclusion: Considering the safe and potentially high yield nature of delayed MRI sequences, it should supplement the basic MRI sequences in all patients in need of precise delineation of their intracranial disease.