bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical, Pathological, and Molecular Characterization of Infant Medulloblastomas Treated with Sequential High‐Dose Chemotherapy
Authors: Lafay‐Cousin Lucie , Smith Amy , Chi Susan N. , Wells Elizabeth , Madden Jennifer , Margol Ashley , Ramaswamy Vijay , Finlay Jonathan , Taylor Michael D. , Dhall Girish , Strother Douglas , Kieran Mark W. , Foreman Nicholas K. , Packer Roger J. , Bouffet Eric
Published: May 2016

Background

High‐dose chemotherapy (HDC) strategies were developed to avoid unacceptable neurotoxicity associated with craniospinal irradiation in infants with embryonal brain tumors. However, the impact of molecular and pathological characterizations in such approaches and long‐term outcome have not been widely described in young children.

Methods

We retrospectively collected information from seven North American institutions, on young children with medulloblastoma (MB) treated with sequential HDC, as per the CCG 99703 protocol. Data collection included clinical presentation, histology, molecular subgroup, irradiation, ototoxicity, and neurocognitive evaluations.

Results

The cohort included 53 patients diagnosed at a median age of 24 months (2.9–63.2). Seventeen patients (32.1%) had nodular desmoplatic MB, all belonging to the sonic Hedgehog (SHH) subgroup, as did 30% of classic MB. The 5‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was 69.6% (±6·9%) and 76.1% (±6.5%), respectively. Seventeen (32.1%) patients received irradiation (nine adjuvant radiotherapy [RT]). Patients with SHH and group 3 MB had a 5‐year PFS of 86·2% (±7.4%) and 49·1% (±14%), respectively (P = 0.03). The 5‐year PFS radiation free for group 3 MB was 46.4%. Patients with macroscopic metastasis (M2 and M3) had a worst survival. Fifteen (45.5%) patients had significant ototoxicity. Mean Full Scale Intellectual Quotient (FSIQ) for 24 survivors was 91.6 (range 52–119).

Conclusions

This HDC strategy led to an encouraging OS while only 20% of the patients received adjuvant RT. SHH MB, irrespective of histological subgroup, had an excellent outcome. Such intensive therapy may not be needed for this subgroup. Patients with classic histology or group 3 had an encouraging PFS of 58% and 46.4%, respectively, in the absence of adjuvant RT. The neurocognitive profile of the survivors appears to be within the normal range.
The revising of the Tangney Self‐Control Scale for Chinese students
Authors: Unger Alexander , Bi Chongzeng , Xiao Ying‐Ying , Ybarra Oscar
Published: May 2016

Recent studies have characterized self‐control as a vital psychological variable that helps explain various problems. Tangney's Self‐Control Scale (SCS) is a self‐report measurement to assess individual differences in traits of self‐control. It has gained popularity in social and psychological science research. In China, there are a few Chinese‐version scales measuring general self‐control, which can be applied to college students. The purposes of the present study were to evaluate: (a) the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of Tangney's SCS using confirmatory factor analysis, and (b) whether higher scores on the scale correlated with positive outcomes in China. The final sample in this study consisted of 371 Chinese college students aged 17–23 years. The Full SCS and Brief SCS were both found to have a reasonable fitness, which also had satisfactory internal consistencies and a high correlation. Higher scores on the SCS correlated with higher self‐esteem, extraversion, better harmony in interpersonal relationships and an appropriate anger expression, less impulsiveness, and state and trait anger. The test–retest reliability was confirmed in two additional samples. Tangney's SCS could be used in China.
Development and characterization of bionanocomposites based on poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) and cellulose nanocrystals for packaging applications
Authors: Seoane Irene T , Fortunati Elena , Puglia Debora , Cyras Viviana P , Manfredi Liliana B
Published: May 2016

Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)‐based bionanocomposites were prepared using various percentages of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) by a solution casting method. CNCs were prepared from microcrystalline cellulose using sulfuric acid hydrolysis. The influence of CNCs on PHB properties was evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetry and tensile testing. Vapor permeation and light transmission of the materials were also measured. Differential scanning calorimetric tests demonstrated that CNCs were effective PHB nucleation agents. Tensile strength and Young's modulus of PHB increased with increasing CNC concentration. Moreover, the PHB/CNC bionanocomposites exhibited reduced water vapor permeation compared to neat PHB and had better UV barrier properties than commodity polymers such as polypropylene. It was found that nanocomposites with 6 wt% of CNCs had the optimum balance among thermal, mechanical and barrier properties. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation of well‐dispersed reduced graphene oxide and its mechanical reinforcement in polyvinyl alcohol fibre
Authors: Li Yajun , Sun Jun , Wang Jianjun , Qin Chuanxiang , Dai Lixing
Published: May 2016

The current work reports the preparation and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite fibres reinforced with graphene reduced from graphene oxide (GO) by using oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC) as a reductant. After reduction, most of the oxygen‐containing groups were removed from the GO and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was prepared. As a result of combined OPC as a dispersant, rGO could be well dispersed in a dimethyl sulfoxide/H2O mixed solvent and in PVA matrix, and the PVA/rGO dispersion was wet spun followed by hot drawing to prepare continuous PVA/rGO composite fibres. The PVA/rGO composite fibres exhibited a significant enhancement of mechanical properties at low rGO loadings; in particular the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the 2.0 wt% rGO and PVA composite fibre increased to 244% and 294% respectively relative to neat PVA fibre. Moreover, the storage modulus (−10 °C) and Tg increased to 300% and 7.2 °C, respectively. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Surface Migration and Enrichment of Fluorinated TiO2 Nanocomposite Additives Inside Propellants
Authors: Sun Na , Tian Cuihua , Xiao Zhenggang
Published: May 2016

In order to tailor the surface properties of propellants to meet the requirements of progressive burning and anti‐erosion performance of propellant for high loading density tank guns, the surface migration and enrichment effects of fluorinated TiO2 nanocomposite additives with low surface energy toward the air/solid interface of propellants were investigated. Fluorinated TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared by emulsion polymerization and characterized by FT‐IR spectroscopy, TEM, and TGA to obtain the information of chemical groups, morphology, and thermal stability. The propellant samples containing the fluorinated TiO2 nanocomposite additives were manufactured by an extrusion process. The migration effect of the fluorinated TiO2 nanocomposite additives was observed by SEM and X‐ray energy dispersive analysis. The influence factors on the migration and enrichment properties of fluorinated TiO2 nanocomposite additives in propellants were discussed. The results showed that there exists a gradient distribution of fluorine element in the additive modified propellants, indicating a significant surface enrichment of fluorinated groups inside the propellants. The composition of propellants and the chain structure of fluoropolymer also have a significant influence on the migration and enrichment properties of fluorinated TiO2 nanocomposite additives in propellants. This study can bring forward the research of smart construction of slowing burning and anti‐wear layers in the propellants.
Proposal for a unified nomenclature for target‐site mutations associated with resistance to fungicides
Authors: Mair Wesley , Lopez‐Ruiz Francisco , Stammler Gerd , Clark William , Burnett Fiona , Hollomon Derek , Ishii Hideo , Thind Tarlochan S , Brown James KM , Fraaije Bart , Cools Hans , Shaw Michael , Fillinger Sabine , Walker Anne-Sophie , Mellado Emilia , Schnabel Guido , Mehl Andreas , Oliver Richard P
Published: May 2016

Evolved resistance to fungicides is a major problem limiting our ability to control agricultural, medical and veterinary pathogens and is frequently associated with substitutions in the amino acid sequence of the target protein. The convention for describing amino acid substitutions is to cite the wild‐type amino acid, the codon number and the new amino acid, using the one‐letter amino acid code. It has frequently been observed that orthologous amino acid mutations have been selected in different species by fungicides from the same mode of action class, but the amino acids have different numbers. These differences in numbering arise from the different lengths of the proteins in each species. The purpose of the present paper is to propose a system for unifying the labelling of amino acids in fungicide target proteins. To do this we have produced alignments between fungicide target proteins of relevant species fitted to a well‐studied ‘archetype’ species. Orthologous amino acids in all species are then assigned numerical ‘labels’ based on the position of the amino acid in the archetype protein. © 2016 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Order of stabilities in water nanoclusters: Insight from some recent double‐hybrid functionals
Authors: Alipour Mojtaba , Fallahzadeh Parisa
Published: May 2016

In the present work, the applicability of some of the recently proposed and modern double‐hybrid (DH) models and other density functional theory (DFT) approximations has been analyzed for a difficult test, the order of stability in low‐energy isomers of water nanoclusters. In particular, we aim to systematically investigate for these functionals the role played by several factors such as dispersion correction, integrand functions upon which the DHs are based, and different spin scaling for the perturbative term in DH calculations of the relative energies for various isomers of water nanoclusters (H2O)20. From the obtained results, the superior performance of DHs with respect to the functionals from previous rungs is confirmed. It is shown that the dispersion corrected DHs perform better than noncorrected counterparts. Plus, the DH models based on cubic integrand (CI) and quadratic integrand (QI) functions are nearly equivalent in performance. We also find that using only contributions of electron pairs with opposite spin for the perturbative correlation part through scaled opposite spin scheme does not represent a significant improvement on accuracy of the results. Putting all the results together, the dispersion corrected parameterized DHs and parameter‐free DH models involving CI and QI functions outperform other approximations for relative energies of water 20‐mers. Altogether, predicting the correct order of the stability in water nanoclusters may be considered as another Achilles' heel in DFT calculations, although more analyses in this context are still needed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fabrication of Hollow Microporous Carbon Spheres from Hyper‐Crosslinked Microporous Polymers
Authors: Wang Kewei , Huang Liang , Razzaque Shumaila , Jin Shangbin , Tan Bien
Published: May 2016

Porous carbon materials prepared from the porous organic polymers are currently the subject of extensive investigation. On the basis of their interesting applications, it is highly desirable to develop new synthetic methodologies to obtain carbon materials with controllable pore size and morphology. Herein, a facile synthesis of hollow microporous carbon spheres (HCSs) from hollow microporous organic capsules (HMOCs) with a good control over the pore morphology, hollow cavity, and the shell thickness is reported. The highly porous hollow carbon spheres are prepared by the pyrolysis of HMOCs‐based microporous polymers. The synthetic parameters, such as hypercrosslinking and pyrolysis conditions, are optimized to modify the porous structures and the properties. The morphology and porosity as well as energy storage applications of the microporous structures HCSs, derived through a combination of divinylbenzene‐crosslinking and micropore‐generating hypercrosslinking, are discussed. These findings provide a new benchmark for fabricating well‐defined HCSs with great promise for various applications.
Chronic High Dose Alcohol Induces Osteopenia via Activation of mTOR Signaling in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Liu Yao , Kou Xiaoxing , Chen Chider , Yu Wenjing , Su Yingying , Kim Yong , Shi Songtao , Liu Yi
Published: May 2016

Chronic consumption of excessive alcohol results in reduced bone mass, impaired bone structure, and increased risk of bone fracture. However, the mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced osteoporosis are not fully understood. Here, we show that high dose chronic alcohol consumption reduces osteogenic differentiation and enhances adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), leading to osteopenia in a mouse model. Mechanistically, impaired osteo/adipogenic lineage differentiation of BMMSCs is due to activation of a phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling cascade, resulting in downregulation of runt-related transcription factor 2 and upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma via activation of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase. Blockage of the mTOR pathway by rapamycin treatment ameliorates alcohol-induced osteopenia by rescuing impaired osteo/adipogenic lineage differentiation of BMMSCs. In this study, we identify a previously unknown mechanism by which alcohol impairs BMMSC lineage differentiation and reveal a potential rapamycin-based drug therapy for alcohol-induced osteoporosis.
A Closer Look at a Summer Reading Program: Listening to Students and Parents
Authors: Compton‐Lilly Catherine , Caloia Rachel , Quast Erin , McCann Kelly
Published: May 2016

While existing research documents the effectiveness of summer reading programs, little is know about how and to what degree children actually read the books that are sent home or how families engage with these texts. We took this opportunity to dive in and explore what happened when books were sent home to low‐income, culturally diverse families. Specifically, my doctoral students and I used home visits and interviews to better understand how students and family members engaged with summer reading books. By the end of the summer, we had a gained an expanded understanding of how our summer reading program both built upon and extended families’ existing literacy practices.
Insights from synthetic yeasts
Authors: Coudreuse Damien
Published: May 2016

Synthetic biology is one of the most exciting strategies for the investigation of living organisms and lies at the intersection of biology and engineering. Originally developed in prokaryotes, the idea of deciphering biological phenomena through building artificial genetic circuits and studying their behaviours has rapidly demonstrated its potential in a broad range of fields in the life sciences. From the assembly of synthetic genomes to the generation of novel biological functions, yeast cells have imposed themselves as the most powerful eukaryotic model for this approach. However, we are only beginning to explore the possibilities of synthetic biology, and the perspectives it offers in a genetically amenable system such as yeasts are endless. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rigorous development of component-based systems using component metadata and patterns
Authors: Oliveira M. V. M. , Antonino P. , Ramos R. , Sampaio A. , Mota A. , Roscoe A. W.
Published: May 2016

In previous work we presented a CSP-based systematic approach that fosters the rigorous design of component-based development. Our approach is strictly defined in terms of composition rules, which are the only permitted way to compose components. These rules guarantee the preservation of properties (particularly deadlock freedom) by construction in component composition. Nevertheless, their application is allowed only under certain conditions whose verification via model checking turned out impracticable even for some simple designs, and particularly those involving cyclic topologies. In this paper, we address the performance of the analysis and present a significantly more efficient alternative to the verification of the rule side conditions, which are improved by carrying out partial verification on component metadata throughout component compositions and by using behavioural patterns. The use of metadata, together with behavioural patterns, demands new composition rules, which allow previous exponential time verifications to be carried out now in linear time. Two case studies (the classical dining philosophers, also used as a running example, and an industrial version of a leadership election algorithm) are presented to illustrate and validate the overall approach.
Trocar Injuries in Laparoscopy: Techniques, Tools, and Means for Prevention. A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Cornette Bram , Berrevoet Frederik
Published: May 2016

Trocar injuries are a possible cause for severe morbidity and mortality when performing laparoscopic surgery. This systematic review investigates the differences in the incidence of complications depending on the method of entry. A meta‐analysis of the medical literature was performed. Search results were limited to clinical trials and the following languages: English, French, German, or Dutch. All results that compared the Veress, Hasson, and direct entry technique or compared sharp, blunt, and radially expanding trocars (RET) were included (n = 19). Studies involving pediatric and pregnant patients were excluded. When comparing the Veress needle to direct trocar insertion (DTI), pooled analysis showed a borderline significant reduction for major complications (p = 0.04) based on five events in 2 RCT’s (n = 978) and a reduction in minor complications (p < 0.001) in favor of DTI. RCT’s comparing the Hasson and Veress techniques showed no significant reduction in major complications (p = 0.17), but the Hasson technique showed significantly less minor complications (p = 0.01) and failed entries (p = 0.002). CO2 leakage was far more common when using the Hasson technique (p < 0.001). Our search method did not reveal any studies comparing the Hasson technique to DTI. When comparing bladed to RET, three studies (n = 408) showed less minor complications when using a RET (p = 0.003) and a qualitative analysis showed a trend toward pain reduction when using RET. This meta‐analysis concludes that there are less minor complications and failed attempts when using the Hasson or direct entry technique when compared to the Veress method, but there is limited evidence regarding major complications. RET reduce minor vascular complications when compared to bladed trocars.
Spirometric Lung Age Predicts Postoperative Pneumonia After Esophagectomy
Authors: Okamura Akihiko , Watanabe Masayuki , Mine Shinji , Nishida Koujiro , Kurogochi Takanori , Imamura Yu
Published: May 2016

Background

Despite advances in treatment, postoperative pneumonia remains a major problem after esophagectomy. Lung age has been proposed as a comprehensive indicator for respiratory function. The aim of this study is to reveal the efficacy of lung age in predicting occurrence of pneumonia after esophagectomy.

Methods

We assessed 342 consecutive patients who underwent subtotal esophagectomy for primary esophageal cancer from 2011 to 2014. Lung age was calculated from the preoperative spirometric test using the methods advocated by the Japanese Respiratory Society. We investigated factors predicting the occurrence of postoperative pneumonia after esophagectomy.

Results

The incidence of postoperative pneumonia was 28.9 %. According to the Clavien–Dindo classification, grade II and grade III–V pneumonia were observed in 21.3 and 7.6 % patients, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis for the factors predicting the occurrence of postoperative pneumonia, higher lung age (p = 0.010) and lower body mass index (p = 0.006) were independent factors. Patients with grade III–V pneumonia tended to have higher lung age than those with grade II pneumonia (p = 0.084). In addition, lung age was significantly higher in patients who experienced pneumonia within postoperative days 7 than those who experienced pneumonia after postoperative days 7 (p = 0.028).

Conclusion

Spirometric lung age was associated with occurrence, severity, and time of onset of postoperative pneumonia after esophagectomy. This simple parameter deserves a greater consideration as a predictor of postoperative pneumonia after esophagectomy and can support both surgeons and patients in understanding the status of respiratory function.
Characterization of Adsorption Behavior of Sucrose Monolaurate on Gold Substrate Using the Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM)
Authors: Kwek Jin W. , Kim Sanggu
Published: May 2016

One class of biodegradable surfactants, sucrose fatty acid esters (SEs), has attracted wide interest in the food and cosmetic industries due to their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability and lower pH‐ and temperature‐sensitivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the adsorption behavior of pure sucrose monolaurate (SML) at the solid–liquid interface as a function of concentration, 0.02–0.5 % w/w, and medium pH, as these can be the pre‐determinants of their performance. The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), an effective and versatile surface adsorption tool with customizable surfaces, was used for the first time in real‐time characterization of the adsorption behavior. Adsorption was fast, between 1 and 3 min, with a typical one‐step monolayer adsorption mechanism occurring at most concentrations and medium pH used, thus justifying the application of the Sauerbrey equation to determine the deposited mass. The adsorption isotherm was likely Langmuirian and the SML deposition on gold was significantly higher, at and beyond 0.1 % w/w, in de‐ionised water (pH 6.9) than in aqueous buffer (physiological pH 5.5) due to the interaction of water molecules with the adsorbed layer. The results from this work highlight the importance of media for studying the adsorption behaviors of SEs and serve as a reference for future investigations on different functionalized surfaces.
Homeopathic treatments modify inflammation but not behavioral response to influenza antigen challenge in BALB/c mice
Authors: Siqueira Camila Monteiro , Motta Priscila Dias , Cardoso Thayná Neves , de Paula Coelho Cideli , Popi Ana Flavia , Couceiro José Nelson , Bonamin Leoni Villano , Holandino Carla
Published: May 2016

Background: Influenza affects thousands of people worldwide every year, motivating the development of new therapies. In this work, the effects of two homeopathic preparations (influenza biotherapies and thymulin) were chosen following two different rationales: isotherapy and endo-isotherapy models. The homeopathic effects were evaluated individually considering the inflammatory and behavioral responses against influenza virus antigen were studied in BALB/c mice.

Methods: Male adult mice were treated orally and blindly for 21 days with highly diluted influenza virus or with thymulin, and were divided in two sets of experiments. The first series of experiments aimed to describe their behavior, using an open field (OF) device. In the second series, mice were challenged subcutaneously with influenza hemagglutinin antigen (7 μg/200 μl) at day 21. At day 42, behavior and inflammation response were evaluated.

Results: No behavioral changes were seen in OF tests at any time point after treatments. Flow cytometry and morphometry revealed significant changes in T and B cell balance after influenza antigen challenge, varying according to treatment.

Conclusion: The results show that both homeopathic treatments induced subtle changes in acquired immune anti-viral response regulation. A deeper understanding of the mechanism could elucidate their possible use in influenza epidemiological situations.
Reversal Surgery in Regretful Male-to-Female Transsexuals After Sex Reassignment Surgery
Authors: Djordjevic Miroslav L. , Bizic Marta R. , Duisin Dragana , Bouman Mark-Bram , Buncamper Marlon
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Sex reassignment surgery (SRS) has proved an effective intervention for patients with gender identity disorder. However, misdiagnosed patients sometimes regret their decision and request reversal surgery. This review is based on our experience with seven patients who regretted their decision to undergo male-to-female SRS.

Aims

To analyze retrospectively seven patients who underwent reversal surgery after regretting their decision to undergo male-to-female SRS elsewhere.

Methods

From November 2010 through November 2014, seven men 33 to 53 years old with previous male-to-female SRS underwent reversal phalloplasty. Preoperatively, they were examined by three independent psychiatrists. Surgery included three steps: removal of female genitalia with scrotoplasty and urethral lengthening, total phalloplasty with microvascular transfer of a musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap, and neophallus urethroplasty with penile prosthesis implantation.

Main Outcome Measures

Self-reported esthetic and psychosexual status after reversion surgery and International Index of Erectile Function scores for sexual health after phalloplasty and penile prosthesis implantation.

Results

Follow-up was 13 to 61 months (mean = 31 months). Good postoperative results were achieved in all patients. In four patients, all surgical steps were completed; two patients are currently waiting for penile implants; and one patient decided against the penile prosthesis. Complications were related to urethral lengthening: two fistulas and one stricture were observed. All complications were repaired by minor revision. According to patients' self-reports, all patients were pleased with the esthetic appearance of their genitalia and with their significantly improved psychological status.

Conclusion

Reversal surgery in regretful male-to-female transsexuals after SRS represents a complex, multistage procedure with satisfactory outcomes. Further insight into the characteristics of persons who regret their decision postoperatively would facilitate better future selection of applicants eligible for SRS.
Caso clínico 2. ¿Cuál sería su enfoque terapéutico?
Authors: Cajigas Jaime Andrés
Published: May 2016

Paciente de 46 años, sexo femenino, con dolor abdominal, se encuentra el siguiente hallazgo.
MEAN-VARIANCE VERSUS MEAN–EXPECTED SHORTFALL MODELS: AN APPLICATION TO WHEAT VARIETY SELECTION
Authors: SUKCHAROEN KUNLAPATH , LEATHAM DAVID
Published: May 2016

One of the most popular risk management strategies for wheat producers is varietal diversification. Previous studies proposed a mean-variance model as a tool to optimally select wheat varieties. However, this study suggests that the mean–expected shortfall (ES) model (which is based on a downside risk measure) may be a better tool because variance is not a correct risk measure when the distribution of wheat variety yields is multivariate nonnormal. Results based on data from Texas Blacklands confirm our conjecture that the mean-ES framework performs better in term of selecting wheat varieties than the mean-variance method.
The Necessity for a Business and Human Rights Treaty
Authors: BILCHITZ David
Published: May 2016

In June 2014, the Human Rights Council passed a resolution establishing an inter-governmental working group to discuss a legally binding instrument relating to transnational corporations and other business enterprises. In this article, I outline four arguments for why such an instrument is desirable. Identifying the purpose of such a treaty is crucial in outlining a vision of what it should seek to achieve and in determining its content. The arguments indicate that a treaty is necessary to provide legal solutions to cure serious lacunae and ambiguities in the current framework of international law which have a serious negative impact upon the rights of individuals affected by corporate activities. The emphasis throughout is upon why a binding legal instrument is important, as opposed to softer forms of regulation such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The four arguments in turn provide the resources to respond to objections raised against the treaty and to reject an alternative, more restrictive proposal for a treaty that only addresses ‘gross’ human rights violations.
Media Stories on NICU Outbreaks Lead to an Increased Prescription Rate of Third-Line Antibiotics in the Community of Neonatal Care
Authors: Härtel Christoph , Hartz Annika , Bahr Lina , Gille Christian , Gortner Ludwig , Simon Arne , Orlikowsky Thorsten , Müller Andreas , Körner Thorsten , Henneke Philipp , Haase Roland , Zemlin Michael , Viemann Dorothee , Gebauer Corinna , Thome Ulrich , Ziegler Andreas , Rupp Jan , Herting Egbert , Göpel Wolfgang ,   for the German Neonatal Network
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Between 2010 and 2012, 3 outbreaks of nosocomial infections in German neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) attracted considerable public interest. Headlines on national television channels and in newspapers had important consequences for the involved institutions and a negative impact on the relationship between families and staff in many German NICUs.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether NICU outbreaks reported in the media influenced provider behavior in the community of neonatal care and led to more third-line antibiotic prescribing.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study.

METHODS

To investigate secular trends, we evaluated data for very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWIs, birth weight <1,500 g) enrolled in the German Neonatal Network (GNN) between 2009 and 2014 (N=10,253). For outbreak effects, we specifically analyzed data for VLBWIs discharged 6 months before (n=2,428) and 6 months after outbreaks (n=2,508).

RESULTS

The exposure of all VLBWIs to third-line antibiotics increased after outbreaks (19.4% before vs 22.5% after; P=.007). This trend particularly affected male infants (4.6% increase; P=.005) and infants with a birth weight between 1,000 and 1,499 g (3.5% increase; P=.001)

In a logistic regression analysis, month of discharge as linear variable of time was associated with increased exposure to third-line antibiotics (odds ratio [OR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.009–1.014; P<.001), and discharge within the 6-month period after outbreak reports independently contributed to this long-term trend (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.017–1.270; P=.024).

CONCLUSIONS

Media reports directly affect medical practice, eg, overuse of third-line antibiotics. Future communication and management strategies must be based on objective dialogues between the scientific community and investigative journalists.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:924–930
Contrasting the modelled sensitivity of the Amundsen Sea Embayment ice streams
Authors: NIAS ISABEL J. , CORNFORD STEPHEN L. , PAYNE ANTONY J.
Published: May 2016

Present-day mass loss from the West Antarctic ice sheet is centred on the Amundsen Sea Embayment (ASE), primarily through ice streams, including Pine Island, Thwaites and Smith glaciers. To understand the differences in response of these ice streams, we ran a perturbed parameter ensemble, using a vertically-integrated ice flow model with adaptive mesh refinement. We generated 71 sets of three physical parameters (basal traction coefficient, ice viscosity stiffening factor and sub-shelf melt rate), which we used to simulate the ASE for 50 years. We also explored the effects of different bed geometries and basal sliding laws. The mean rate of sea-level rise across the ensemble of simulations is comparable with current observed rates for the ASE. We found evidence that grounding line dynamics are sensitive to features in the bed geometry: simulations using BedMap2 geometry resulted in a higher rate of sea-level rise than simulations using a rougher geometry, created using mass conservation. Modelled grounding-line retreat of all the three ice streams was sensitive to viscosity and basal traction, while the melt rate was more important in Pine Island and Smith glaciers, which flow through more confined ice shelves than Thwaites, which has a relatively unconfined shelf.
Guidelines for the Prevention of Intravascular Catheter–Related Infections
Authors: O'Grady Naomi P. , Alexander Mary , Dellinger E. Patchen , Gerberding Julie L. , Heard Stephen O. , Maki Dennis G. , Masur Henry , McCormick Rita D. , Mermel Leonard A. , Pearson Michele L. , Raad Issam I. , Randolph Adrienne , Weinstein Robert A. ,   Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee
Published: May 2016

Background:

Although many catheter-related blood-stream infections (CRBSIs) are preventable, measures to reduce these infections are not uniformly implemented.

Objective:

To update an existing evidenced-based guideline that promotes strategies to prevent CRBSIs.

Data Sources:

The MEDLINE database, conference proceedings, and bibliographies of review articles and book chapters were searched for relevant articles.

Studies Included:

Laboratory-based studies, controlled clinical trials, prospective interventional trials, and epidemiologic investigations.

Outcome Measures:

Reduction in CRBSI, catheter colonization, or catheter-related infection.

Synthesis:

The recommended preventive strategies with the strongest supportive evidence are education and training of healthcare providers who insert and maintain catheters; maximal sterile barrier precautions during central venous catheter insertion; use of a 2% chlorhexidine preparation for skin antisepsis; no routine replacement of central venous catheters for prevention of infection; and use of antiseptic/antibiotic-impregnated short-term central venous catheters if the rate of infection is high despite adherence to other strategies (ie, education and training, maximal sterile barrier precautions, and 2% chlorhexidine for skin antisepsis).

Conclusion:

Successful implementation of these evidence-based interventions can reduce the risk for serious catheter-related infection.
Utilization of Long-Acting Antipsychotic Medication in Patient Care
Authors: Kane John M.
Published: May 2016

Schizophrenia is a complex disorder characterized by a broad spectrum of psychopathology. Aggressive efforts to bring the patient into remission should begin immediately after the first episode. Consequences of non-remission include poor prognosis, psychiatric and general medical complications, treatment resistance, and death from medical comorbidities and suicide. Prevention of relapse following remission is critical to the well-being and optimal functioning of patients with schizophrenia.

The key to optimizing patients' outcomes is to ensure a patient's long-term continuation on medication. As treatment discontinuation can greatly impact the progression of the illness and the patient's ultimate outcome, selecting a treatment with maximum treatment effectiveness is optimal. Nonadherence to treatment is extremely prevalent among patients with schizophrenia, due to such factors as impaired cognition, lack of insight, and side effects associated with antipsychotic treatment.

Atypical antipsychotics have shown some advantages over conventional antipsychotics in terms of reducing positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, preventing relapse, and incidence of tardive dyskinesia. Injectables and long-acting formulations of antipsychotics offer additional benefits in terms of ensuring treatment adherence.
Disgust Proneness and the Perception of Disgust-Evoking	Pictures
Authors: Schienle Anne , Übel Sonja , Gremsl Andreas , Schöngassner Florian , Körner Christof
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Disgust has been conceptualized as an emotion which promotes disease-avoidance behavior. The present eye-tracking experiment investigated whether disgust-evoking stimuli provoke specific eye movements and pupillary responses. Forty-three women viewed images depicting disgusting, fear-eliciting, neutral items and fractals while their eye movements (fixation duration and frequency, blinking rate, saccade amplitude) and pupil size were recorded. Disgust and fear ratings for the pictures as well as trait disgust and trait anxiety were assessed. The disgust pictures evoked the target emotion specifically and prompted characteristic scanning patterns. The participants made more and shorter fixations when looking at the repulsive pictures compared to all other categories. Moreover, state and trait disgust of the participants correlated negatively with their pupil size during disgust elicitation. Our data point to a disgust-specific visual exploration behavior, which possibly supports the fast identification of health-threatening aspects of a stimulus.
A More Powerful Reality Test for Climate Models
Authors: Gleckler Peter , Doutriaux Charles , Durack Paul , Taylor Karl , Zhang Yuying , Williams Dean , Mason Erik , Servonnat Jérôme
Published: May 2016

A new climate model evaluation package will deliver objective comparisons between models and observations for research and model development and provide a framework for community engagement.
Pro-inflammatory effects of a litchi protein extract in murine RAW264.7 macrophages
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Hu Xiaorong , Yan Huiqing , Ma Zhaocheng , Deng Xiuxin
Published: May 2016

It has been observed that the consumption of litchi often causes symptoms characterized by itching or sore throat, gum swelling, oral cavity ulcers and even fever and inflammation, which significantly impair the quality of life of a large population. Using the RAW264.7 cell line, a step-by-step strategy was used to screen for the components in litchi fruits that elicited adverse reactions. The adverse reaction fractions were identified by mass spectrometry and analyzed using the SMART program, and a sequence alignment of the homologous proteins was performed. MTT tests were used to determine the cytotoxicity of a litchi protein extract in RAW264.7 macrophages, and real-time PCR was applied to analyze the expression of inflammatory genes in the RAW264.7 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide or the litchi protein extract. The results showed that the litchi water-soluble protein extract could increase the production of the pro-inflammatory mediators IL-1β, iNOS and COX-2, and the anti-inflammatory mediator HO-1 in the RAW264.7 cell line. The 14-3-3-like proteins GF14 lambda, GF14 omega and GF14 upsilon were likely the candidate proteins that caused the adverse effects.
Analytic framework for peptidomics applied to large-scale neuropeptide identification
Authors: Secher Anna , Kelstrup Christian D. , Conde-Frieboes Kilian W. , Pyke Charles , Raun Kirsten , Wulff Birgitte S. , Olsen Jesper V.
Published: May 2016

Large-scale mass spectrometry-based peptidomics for drug discovery is relatively unexplored because of challenges in peptide degradation and identification following tissue extraction. Here we present a streamlined analytical pipeline for large-scale peptidomics. We developed an optimized sample preparation protocol to achieve fast, reproducible and effective extraction of endogenous peptides from sub-dissected organs such as the brain, while diminishing unspecific protease activity. Each peptidome sample was analysed by high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry and the resulting data set was integrated with publically available databases. We developed and applied an algorithm that reduces the peptide complexity for identification of biologically relevant peptides. The developed pipeline was applied to rat hypothalamus and identifies thousands of neuropeptides and their post-translational modifications, which is combined in a resource format for visualization, qualitative and quantitative analyses.
Seawater usable for production and consumption of hydrogen peroxide as a solar fuel
Authors: Mase Kentaro , Yoneda Masaki , Yamada Yusuke , Fukuzumi Shunichi
Published: May 2016

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in water has been proposed as a promising solar fuel instead of gaseous hydrogen because of advantages on easy storage and high energy density, being used as a fuel of a one-compartment H2O2 fuel cell for producing electricity on demand with emitting only dioxygen (O2) and water. It is highly desired to utilize the most earth-abundant seawater instead of precious pure water for the practical use of H2O2 as a solar fuel. Here we have achieved efficient photocatalytic production of H2O2 from the most earth-abundant seawater instead of precious pure water and O2 in a two-compartment photoelectrochemical cell using WO3 as a photocatalyst for water oxidation and a cobalt complex supported on a glassy-carbon substrate for the selective two-electron reduction of O2. The concentration of H2O2 produced in seawater reached 48 mM, which was high enough to operate an H2O2 fuel cell.
Integrating a dual-silicon photoelectrochemical cell into a redox flow battery for unassisted photocharging
Authors: Liao Shichao , Zong Xu , Seger Brian , Pedersen Thomas , Yao Tingting , Ding Chunmei , Shi Jingying , Chen Jian , Li Can
Published: May 2016

Solar rechargeable flow cells (SRFCs) provide an attractive approach for in situ capture and storage of intermittent solar energy via photoelectrochemical regeneration of discharged redox species for electricity generation. However, overall SFRC performance is restricted by inefficient photoelectrochemical reactions. Here we report an efficient SRFC based on a dual-silicon photoelectrochemical cell and a quinone/bromine redox flow battery for in situ solar energy conversion and storage. Using narrow bandgap silicon for efficient photon collection and fast redox couples for rapid interface charge injection, our device shows an optimal solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of ∼5.9% and an overall photon–chemical–electricity energy conversion efficiency of ∼3.2%, which, to our knowledge, outperforms previously reported SRFCs. The proposed SRFC can be self-photocharged to 0.8 V and delivers a discharge capacity of 730 mAh l−1. Our work may guide future designs for highly efficient solar rechargeable devices.
Structure and transformation of tactoids in cellulose nanocrystal suspensions
Authors: Wang Pei-Xi , Hamad Wadood Y. , MacLachlan Mark J.
Published: May 2016

Cellulose nanocrystals obtained from natural sources are of great interest for many applications. In water, cellulose nanocrystals form a liquid crystalline phase whose hierarchical structure is retained in solid films after drying. Although tactoids, one of the most primitive components of liquid crystals, are thought to have a significant role in the evolution of this phase, they have evaded structural study of their internal organization. Here we report the capture of cellulose nanocrystal tactoids in a polymer matrix. This method allows us to visualize, for the first time, the arrangement of cellulose nanocrystals within individual tactoids by electron microscopy. Furthermore, we can follow the structural evolution of the liquid crystalline phase from tactoids to iridescent-layered films. Our insights into the early nucleation events of cellulose nanocrystals give important information about the growth of cholesteric liquid crystalline phases, especially for cellulose nanocrystals, and are crucial for preparing photonics-quality films.
Converging prefrontal pathways support associative and perceptual features of conditioned stimuli
Authors: Howard James D. , Kahnt Thorsten , Gottfried Jay A.
Published: May 2016

Perceptually similar stimuli often predict vastly different outcomes, requiring the brain to maintain specific associations in the face of potential ambiguity. This could be achieved either through local changes in stimulus representations, or through modulation of functional connections between stimulus-coding and outcome-coding regions. Here we test these competing hypotheses using classical conditioning of perceptually similar odours in the context of human fMRI. Pattern-based analyses of odour-evoked fMRI activity reveal that odour category, identity and value are coded in piriform (PC), orbitofrontal (OFC) and ventromedial prefrontal (vmPFC) cortices, respectively. However, we observe no learning-related reorganization of category or identity representations. Instead, changes in connectivity between vmPFC and OFC are correlated with learning-related changes in value, whereas connectivity changes between vmPFC and PC predict changes in perceived odour similarity. These results demonstrate that dissociable neural pathways support associative and perceptual representations of sensory stimuli.
Development of Quantitative Real-time PCR Assays for Different Clades of “Candidatus Accumulibacter”
Authors: Zhang An Ni , Mao Yanping , Zhang Tong
Published: May 2016

We designed novel quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) primers for the polyphosphate kinase 1 (ppk1) gene, targeting eight individual “Candidatus Accumulibacter” (referred to as Accumulibacter) clades. An evaluation of primer sets was conducted regarding the coverage, specificity, and PCR efficiency. (i) All primer sets were designed to cover all available sequences of the target clade. (ii) The phylogenetic analysis of the sequences retrieved from the qPCR products by each primer set demonstrated a high level of specificity. (iii) All calibration curves presented high PCR efficiencies in the range of 85–112% (R2 = 0.962–0.998). In addition, the possible interference of non-target amplicons was individually examined using the qPCR assay for 13 Accumulibacter clades, which were either undetected or showed negligible detection. With the primers designed by other research groups, a highly selective and sensitive qPCR-based method was developed to quantify all Accumulibacter clades, with the exception of Clade IE, in one assay, which enables more comprehensive insights into the community dynamics. The applicability to environmental samples was demonstrated by profiling the Accumulibacter clades in activated sludge samples of nine full-scale wastewater treatment plants.
Disrupted progression of the intestinal microbiota with age in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Nielsen Shaun , Needham Bronwen , Leach Steven T. , Day Andrew S. , Jaffe Adam , Thomas Torsten , Ooi Chee Y.
Published: May 2016

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that leads to formation of thick epithelial secretions in affected organs. Chronic microbial infections associated with thick mucus secretions are the hallmarks of lung disease in CF. Despite similar conditions existing in the gastrointestinal tract, it is much less studied. We therefore examined the microbial communities within the gastrointestinal tract of children with and without CF (either pancreatic sufficient or insufficient) across a range of childhood ages (0.87–17 years). We observed a substantial reduction in the richness and diversity of gut bacteria associated with CF from early childhood (2 years) until late adolescence (17 years). A number of bacteria that establish themselves in the gut of healthy children were unable to do so in children with CF. In contrast, a few bacteria dominated the gut microbiota in children with CF and are unlikely to be beneficial for the metabolic function of the gut. A functioning pancreas (pancreatic sufficient) under a CF lifestyle showed little effect on microbial communities. Our results argue that any attempts to rectify the loss of bacterial diversity and provide normal bacterial function in the gut of CF patients should be conducted no later than early childhood.