bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation Op Chemicals for Control Op Citrus Thrips on Lemons, 1983
Authors: Tuttle D.M. , Mullis C.H.
Published: March 2022

Six materials were tested for control of citrus thrips on Lisbon lemons at the Yuma Mesa Citrus Station during Apr. 1983. Each treatment consisted of 0.5-acre plots and was replicated four times. Sprays were applied with a Myers Speed Sprayer at a rate of 125 gal/acre and 400 lb/in2. Treatments were made at night on 7 Apr. Results represent the average number of thrips per terminal at 4, 7, 14, and 21 days following spraying. The black box technique was utilized for thrips counts. This method involves rapping the terminals on a 1/4 in. screen fitted over a 6 by 8-in. wood box, approximately 2 in. deep.
Bayberry Whitefly Control on Lemons, 1981
Authors: Walker G.P. , Carman G.E. , Pappas J.L.
Published: March 2022

Plots were located in Corona, Calif., and were three rows of trees; evaluations came from the middle row. Tree spacing was 20 by 20 ft. Experimental design was completely randomized. Each treatment was evaluated by counting the number of adult whiteflies from 80 (10 per tree; 8 trees) young growing shoots (terminals) which are the whitefly’s preferred feeding and oviposition sites.
Bayberry Whitefly Control on Lemons, 1981
Authors: Walker G. P. , Carman G. E. , Pappas J. L.
Published: March 2022

Plots were located in Irvine, and were three rows of trees; evaluations came from the middle row. Tree spacing was 12 by 22 ft. Experimental design was completely randomized. Treatments were evaluated by counting the number of adult whiteflies on five terminals from each of eight trees per plot. All treatments except the Imidan/Lannate treatment included 2.5 gal/acre NR 415 oil.
Field Evaluation of Fenpropathrin Against A Mite Pest of Citrus Orchard in Japan, 1983
Authors: Fujita Y. , Kasamatsu K.
Published: March 2022

Experimental plots were set up in a citrus orchard at the Hiroshima Fruit Tree Experimental Station and at the Okitsu Branch, Fruit Tree Research Station, Shizuoka, Japan. Plot sizes were 1,400 m2 and 4,000 m2 . Each total-orchard treatment was applied with 4,000 liters per hectare with a motorized sprayer on 24 June 1980 and 16 June 1981. Single trees, each surrounded by untreated trees, were also used as fenpropathrin plots. Data are means of six replications in total-orchard treatment and three replications in the single-tree treatment, with adult mites recorded from the 60 randomly selected leaves per tree and expressed as a number per 100 leaves.
Control of Pecan Budmoth in the Nursery, 1983
Authors: Mizell Russell F.
Published: March 2022

Several insecticides were evaluated on seedling pecans field grown in a nursery for control of the pecan budmoth. Treatments were applied using a 3 gal hand sprayer. A randomized complete block design, with seven treatments and four replications per treatment, was used. Each replicate consisted of 100 row-ft of seedlings. A random sample of 20 row-ft was chosen in each replicate for each evaluation. The number of pecan buds infested by the pecan budmoth was counted. Prespray counts averaged 10 infested buds per 20 row ft.
Supporting Safe and Independent Living: Findings, Themes and Concept Designs from a User-Centred Study on Digital Telecare
Authors: Taylor Andrea , Pizey Hugh , Whittet Craig
Published: March 2022

Telecare technologies support people to live in the community safely. In the UK, the existing analogue telephone services for telecare will be switched off by 2025, as the telecommunications infrastructure is upgraded to digital connectivity. Internationally, analogue telephone services are also being decommissioned. The shift from analogue to digital presents a rare and major opportunity for new digital solutions that address current issues with adoption and use of telecare. This paper describes a user-centred study to design innovative digital telecare concepts. The main contributions are as follows: findings from user engagement activities, which identified issues that may be more important and less important to users; the synthesis of ideas generated through the design process, which identified four themes for future work in the field–community-based support, telecare you do not wear or notice, expand the use of telecare and introduce telecare earlier; and seven concept designs that illustrate how the themes could be approached.
A paediatric hospital care AMC report for Northern Ireland
Authors: Mallett Peter , McMichael Danielle , Hsia Yingfen , Moriarty Paul
Published: March 2022

Background

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is high on the agenda of healthcare policymakers and measurement of its impact is reliant on antimicrobial consumption (AMC) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data. Recent AMC reports have identified high antimicrobial prescribing rates in Northern Ireland (NI), compared with UK and European countries, but no separate paediatric data were reported.

Objectives

To describe AMC trends in paediatric and neonatal inpatient care in NI between September 2015 and September 2020, in order to: (i) create a paediatric-specific AMC report and benchmark for future AMS interventions; and (ii) develop an action plan for establishing paediatric AMC/AMR surveillance in NI.

Methods

AMC data, measured in monthly DDD, as well as hospital bed occupancy and admissions statistics were analysed. Hospital AMC was measured using several metrics and subdivided by level of paediatric and neonatal care, and by proportion of antibiotic use according to the WHO AWaRe classification.

Results

Paediatric-specific consumption in hospital care was 0.3–0.42 DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day, representing approximately 10% of total AMC. There was variation in AMC rates between similar units. In some areas, an increasing proportion of Watch and Reserve antibiotic consumption was observed.

Conclusions

A baseline AMC dataset for paediatric and neonatal units across NI has been created. Continuous prospective collection and analysis of these data, along with AMR surveillance, would strengthen paediatric AMS programmes and provide crucial information for their resourcing. It is hoped that this report will act as a catalyst to galvanize paediatric AMS efforts regionally.
Optimizing the Use of Semiochemical-Based Traps for Efficient Monitoring of Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae): Validation of a Volumetric Approach
Authors: Ebbenga Dominique N , Burkness E C , Hutchison W D
Published: March 2022

Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, is an invasive insect, native to Japan. The species was detected in the United States in New Jersey in 1916, and then first confirmed in Minnesota in 1968. Since their arrival, P. japonica has become a major pest in turfgrass and several crop agroecosystems. As P. japonica continues to spread throughout the U.S., it’s important to discover more efficient ways to monitor adult populations. In 2018–2020, due to the high volume of P. japonica beetles collected in traps, a comparison of weight and volume calibration methods was conducted in Minnesota. Each method yielded a strong goodness of fit with counts of beetles captured. However, with a goal of cost-effective use of traps and in-field estimates, the volume-based approach was the preferred, most efficient method. In addition, a comparison of monitoring systems was conducted to observe differences in trap type, lure age, and check interval. Results from these studies indicate a standard green/yellow trap, and multi-component, semiochemical-based lure used for the duration of the P. japonica flight period, and a weekly check interval will minimize sampling time and resources, while providing accurate population estimates. In addition, results from these studies will benefit growers and researchers as they continue to explore integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for P. japonica. More importantly, by reducing the time required to quantify trap catches and rebait traps, these results may also facilitate area-wide tracking of P. japonica populations in newly invaded regions.
Medicine, Religion, and the Humanitarian Ethos: Walter B. Cannon, Unitarianism, and the Care of Spanish Republican Refugees in France
Authors: Arrizabalaga Jon , Martínez-Vidal Àlvar
Published: March 2022

Biographies of Walter B. Cannon (1871-1945) usually present two sides of his life: one, where he was an outstanding man of science in the United States during the so-called “Golden Age of Medicine,” and the other, where he was a leading humanitarian activist engaged in myriad causes, notably in the defense of Spanish democracy during the Civil War (1936-1939). However, these biographies fail to take into account that the apparent link between these two sides of his life was his religious conviction.

This study summarizes the aims and accomplishments of the American Medical Bureau to Aid the Spanish Democracy (AMBASD) of which Cannon was chair between 1937 and 1939. Then, it examines Cannon’s inspirational role on the international relief work with Spanish Republican refugees in France, through the case of the Varsovie Hospital of Toulouse that between 1945 and 1949 was jointly managed by the Unitarian Service Committee (USC) and the Joint Anti-Fascist Refugee Committee (JAFRC), and renamed Varsovie Hospital/Walter B. Cannon Memorial in recognition of the Spanish Republicans’ debt for his extraordinary contribution during the Spanish Civil War and beyond. Finally, the article investigates the Unitarian roots of Cannon’s humanitarian ethos by exploring the historical relations of this religious movement with science and with many major actors at Harvard University as well as the links of Cannon's relatives to Unitarianism.

The analysis reveals Unitarianism’s influence on Cannon’s views about science, democracy, and liberty, as well as on his remarkable involvement in the medical solidarity movement with the Second Spanish Republic and other similar commitments. In sum, it shows how important is to branch out in our studies of medical and scientific practice to include practitioners’ broader social and religious communities in order to understand their motivations, achievements, and behavior.
Shade and microbes enhance drought stress tolerance in plants by inducing phytohormones at molecular levels: a review
Authors: Asghar Muhammad Ahsan , Ahmad Bushra , Raza Ali , Adil Bilal , Hassan Javed Hafiz , Farooq Muhammad Umer , Ghafoor Abuzar , Iftikhar Hussain Muhammad , Shafiq Iram , Karim Hassan , Sun Xin , Yang Wenyu , Kocsy Gábor , Du Junbo
Published: March 2022

Plants are frequently exposed to adverse environments during their life span. Among them drought stress is one of the major threats to agricultural productivity. In order to survive in such unstable environment, plants have developed mechanisms through which they recognize the severity of the stress based on the incoming environmental stimuli. To combat the detrimental effects of drought, the plants have evolved various strategies to modulate their physio-hormonal attributes. These strategies that can be modulated by shade and microbes contribute to enhancing tolerance to drought and reducing yield loss. Plant hormones, such as abscisic acid, auxin and ethylene have a major role in the shade- and microbe-associated improvement of drought tolerance through their effects on various metabolic pathways. In this process, the CLAVATA3/EMBRYOSURROUNDING REGION-RELATED 25 peptide has a major role due to its effect on ABA synthesis as shown in our regulatory model.
Writers-in-Residence: Women Teachers and the Formation of Character in Hardy’s Jude the Obscure
Authors: Memel Jonathan Godshaw
Published: March 2022

In this article I argue that ‘the formation of the character’ of the teacher, a phrase coined by the pioneer of elementary-school training, James Kay-Shuttleworth, was of as much concern to the novelist as it was to the educationalist. Focusing on what became a classic depiction of Victorian teacher training in Jude the Obscure (1895), I situate Hardy among those educationalists and men of letters held responsible for refashioning character to suit the liberal currents of late nineteenth-century culture. Hardy read about the issue of formation in sources as varied as the letters of his sister Kate, who trained to be a teacher at Salisbury (1877–1879), and the reports of his acquaintance, and chief inspector of women’s training colleges (1885–1894), Joshua Fitch. At times his novel reflects the views of the inspectorate, but it also accommodates those who challenged the conception of the teacher that was otherwise imposed upon them. This article therefore contributes to recent interest in overlooked perspectives in the Victorian institution by addressing the ways in which women began shaping a profession in which they had become by far the largest constituent.
Cell wall biology of the mossPhyscomitrium patens
Authors: Ye Zheng-Hua , Zhong Ruiqin
Published: March 2022

The moss Physcomitrium (previously Physcomitrella) patens is a non-vascular plant belonging to the bryophytes that has been used as a model species to study the evolution of plant cell wall structure and biosynthesis. Here, we present an updated review of the cell wall biology of P. patens. Immunocytochemical and structural studies have shown that the cell walls of P. patens mainly contain cellulose, hemicelluloses (xyloglucan, xylan, glucomannan, and arabinoglucan), pectin, and glycoproteins, and their abundance varies among different cell types and at different plant developmental stages. Genetic and biochemical analyses have revealed that a number of genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis are functionally conserved between P. patens and vascular plants, indicating that the common ancestor of mosses and vascular plants had already acquired most of the biosynthetic machinery to make various cell wall polymers. Although P. patens does not synthesize lignin, homologs of the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway genes exist in P. patens and they play an essential role in the production of caffeate derivatives for cuticle formation. Further genetic and biochemical dissection of cell wall biosynthetic genes in P. patens promises to provide additional insights into the evolutionary history of plant cell wall structure and biosynthesis.
The 2018 failed outburst of H 1743 – 322: Insight-HXMT, NuSTAR, and NICER views
Authors: Wang P J , Kong L D , Chen Y P , Zhang S , Zhang S N , Soria R , Ji L , Qu J L , Huang Y , Tao L , Ge M Y , Lu F J , Chen L , Li T P , Xu Y P , Cao X L , Chen Y , Liu C Z , Bu Q C , Cai C , Chang Z , Chen T X , Chen Y B , Cui W W , Du Y Y , Gao G H , Gao H , Gu Y D , Guan J , Guo C C , Han D W , Huo J , Jia S M , Jiang W C , Jin J , Li B , Li C K , Li G , Li W , Li X , Li X B , Li X F , Li Z W , Liang X H , Liao J Y , Liu B S , Liu H X , Liu H W , Liu X J , Lu X F , Luo Q , Luo T , Ma R C , Ma X , Meng B , Nang Y , Nie J Y , Ou G , Ren X Q , Sai N , Song L M , Song X Y , Sun L , Tan Y , Tuo Y L , Wang C , Wang L J , Wang W S , Wang Y S , Wen X Y , Wu B Y , Wu B B , Wu M , Xiao G C , Xiao S , Xiong S L , Yang R J , Yang S , Yang Yan Ji , Yang Yi Jung , Yi Q B , Yin Q Q , You Y , Zhang F , Zhang H M , Zhang J , Zhang P , Zhang W C , Zhang W , Zhang Y F , Zhang Y H , Zhao H S , Zhao X F , Zheng S J , Zheng Y G , Zhou D K
Published: March 2022

We studied the 2018 outburst of the black hole transient H 1743 − 322 with a series of Insight-HXMT, NICER, and NuSTAR observations, covering the 1–120 keV band. With our broad-band X-ray spectral modelling, we confirm that the source remained in the low/hard state throughout the month-long outburst, although it became marginally softer at peak flux. We detected Type-C quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) and followed the evolution of their properties. The QPO frequency increased from ∼0.1 to ∼0.4 Hz during the rising phase of the outburst and decreased again in the decline. Continuum X-ray flux, power-law photon index, QPO frequency, and QPO root-mean-square amplitude were positively correlated. The QPO amplitude was slightly higher in the soft X-ray band (typical values of 12–16 per cent, compared with 8–10 per cent in the hard band). Our spectral-timing results shed light on the initial rising phase in the low/hard state, which has rarely been monitored with such high cadence, time resolution, and broad-band coverage. Combining spectral and timing properties, we find that ‘failed’ (hard state only) and ‘successful’ outbursts follow the same initial evolutionary track, although the former class of outburst never reaches the threshold for a transition to softer (thermally dominated) accretion regimes.
Turning points in the age–metallicity relations – created by late satellite infall and enhanced by radial migration
Authors: Lu Yuxi (Lucy) , Ness Melissa K , Buck Tobias , Carr Christopher
Published: March 2022

The present-day age–metallicity relation (AMR) is a record of the star formation history of galaxies, as this traces the chemical enrichment of the gas over time. We use a zoomed-in cosmological simulation that reproduces key signatures of the Milky Way (MW), g2.79e12 from the NIHAO-UHD project, to examine how stellar migration and satellite infall shape the AMR across the disc. We find in the simulation, similar to the MW, the AMR in small spatial regions (R, z) shows turning points that connect changes in the direction of the relations. The turning points in the AMR in the simulation are a signature of late satellite infall. This satellite infall has a mass radio similar as that of the Sagittarius dwarf to the MW (∼0.001). Stars in the apex of the turning points are young and have nearly not migrated. The late satellite infall creates the turning points via depositing metal-poor gas in the disc, triggering star formation of stars in a narrow metallicity range compared to the overall AMR. The main effect of radial migration on the AMR turning points is to widen the metallicity range of the apex. This can happen when radial migration brings stars born from the infallen gas in other spatial bins, with slightly different metallicities, into the spatial bin of interest. These results indicate that it is possible that the passage of the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy played a role in creating the turning points that we see in the AMR in the Milky Way.
hnRNP G/RBMX enhances HPV16 E2 mRNA splicing through a novel splicing enhancer and inhibits production of spliced E7 oncogene mRNAs
Authors: Hao Chengyu , Zheng Yunji , Jönsson Johanna , Cui Xiaoxu , Yu Haoran , Wu Chengjun , Kajitani Naoko , Schwartz Stefan
Published: March 2022

Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E2 is an essential HPV16 protein. We have investigated how HPV16 E2 expression is regulated and have identifed a splicing enhancer that is required for production of HPV16 E2 mRNAs. This uridine-less splicing enhancer sequence (ACGAGGACGAGGACAAGGA) contains 84% adenosine and guanosine and 16% cytosine and consists of three ‘AC(A/G)AGG’-repeats. Mutational inactivation of the splicing enhancer reduced splicing to E2-mRNA specific splice site SA2709 and resulted in increased levels of unspliced E1-encoding mRNAs. The splicing enhancer sequence interacted with cellular RNA binding protein hnRNP G that promoted splicing to SA2709 and enhanced E2 mRNA production. The splicing-enhancing function of hnRNP G mapped to amino acids 236–286 of hnRNP G that were also shown to interact with splicing factor U2AF65. The interactions between hnRNP G and HPV16 E2 mRNAs and U2AF65 increased in response to keratinocyte differentiation as well as by the induction of the DNA damage response (DDR). The DDR reduced sumoylation of hnRNP G and pharmacological inhibition of sumoylation enhanced HPV16 E2 mRNA splicing and interactions between hnRNP G and E2 mRNAs and U2AF65. Intriguingly, hnRNP G also promoted intron retention of the HPV16 E6 coding region thereby inhibiting production of spliced E7 oncogene mRNAs.
Ketogenic diet, epilepsy and cognition: what do we know so far? A systematic review
Authors: Lima Maiara Cristina , Gabiatti Mariana Papini , Moreira Júlia Dubois , Ribeiro Leticia Carina , Lunardi Mariana dos Santos , Lin Katia , Venske Débora Kurrle
Published: March 2022

Context

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that has social, cognitive, and psychological consequences to the patient.

Objective

The effects of the ketogenic diet (KD) in children and adults with pharmacoresistant epilepsy on cognitive function were evaluated in this systematic review.

Data Sources

The MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS databases were searched up to February 2021.

Study Selection and Data Extraction

From the 2973 records initially identified, 24 studies were included in the systematic review. These records were screened via PICO criteria, focusing on studies that evaluated the effects of KD on cognitive function of patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy.

Results

Nineteen studies described improvements in cognitive function attributed to KD; improvements were not observed in 2 studies, but neither was aggravation. Contradictory results were reported in 3 studies, depending on the method used to assess cognition. At first glance, cognitive function appears to be associated with the number of seizures, diet effectiveness, amount of carbohydrate ingested, and antiseizure medication used. However, due to the diversity of methods used to assess cognitive function, especially self-perception of cognitive improvement by the patient, it was not possible to confirm this hypothesis.

Conclusion

It was not possible to confirm if KD itself promotes improvements in cognitive function in patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Certainly, more studies are needed with better methodological quality, larger and more homogeneous samples in relation to epileptic syndrome and clinical aspects of the disease, more rigid monitoring of adherence to the diet, and use of standardized tests for neuropsychological assessment.

Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42019129236
Slick Potassium Channels Control Pain and Itch in Distinct Populations of Sensory and Spinal Neurons in Mice
Authors: Flauaus Cathrin , Engel Patrick , Zhou Fangyuan , Petersen Jonas , Ruth Peter , Lukowski Robert , Schmidtko Achim , Lu Ruirui
Published: March 2022

Background

Slick, a sodium-activated potassium channel, has been recently identified in somatosensory pathways, but its functional role is poorly understood. The authors of this study hypothesized that Slick is involved in processing sensations of pain and itch.

Methods

Immunostaining, in situ hybridization, Western blot, and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to investigate the expression of Slick in dorsal root ganglia and the spinal cord. Mice lacking Slick globally (Slick–/–) or conditionally in neurons of the spinal dorsal horn (Lbx1-Slick–/–) were assessed in behavioral models.

Results

The authors found Slick to be enriched in nociceptive Aδ-fibers and in populations of interneurons in the spinal dorsal horn. Slick–/– mice, but not Lbx1-Slick–/– mice, showed enhanced responses to noxious heat in the hot plate and tail-immersion tests. Both Slick–/– and Lbx1-Slick–/– mice demonstrated prolonged paw licking after capsaicin injection (mean ± SD, 45.6 ± 30.1 s [95% CI, 19.8 to 71.4]; and 13.1 ± 16.1 s [95% CI, 1.8 to 28.0]; P = 0.006 [Slick–/– {n = 8} and wild-type {n = 7}, respectively]), which was paralleled by increased phosphorylation of the neuronal activity marker extracellular signal–regulated kinase in the spinal cord. In the spinal dorsal horn, Slick is colocalized with somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2), and intrathecal preadministration of the SSTR2 antagonist CYN-154806 prevented increased capsaicin-induced licking in Slick–/– and Lbx1-Slick–/– mice. Moreover, scratching after intrathecal delivery of the somatostatin analog octreotide was considerably reduced in Slick–/– and Lbx1-Slick–/– mice (Slick–/– [n = 8]: 6.1 ± 6.7 bouts [95% CI, 0.6 to 11.7]; wild-type [n =8]: 47.4 ± 51.1 bouts [95% CI, 4.8 to 90.2]; P = 0.039).

Conclusions

Slick expressed in a subset of sensory neurons modulates heat-induced pain, while Slick expressed in spinal cord interneurons inhibits capsaicin-induced pain but facilitates somatostatin-induced itch.

Editor’s Perspective

What We Already Know about This Topic

What This Article Tells Us That Is New
Anterior Approach for Fixation of Acetabular Fractures Using Anatomically Designed Plates: Accuracy of Reduction and Early Functional Outcomes With a Minimum of 1-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Khalefa Mohamed A. , El Nahal Walid A. , Abdel Karim Mahmoud , Abdel-Kader Khaled F. M. , Chesser Timothy John Sloan , Ward Anthony J. , Acharya Mehool
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

To evaluate the results of a new plate system using anterior approaches in the management of acetabular fractures.

Design:

Retrospective case-note review.

Setting:

Pelvic and acetabular tertiary center.

Patients and intervention:

A consecutive series of acetabular fractures treated using only anterior approach and anatomical plates, at one tertiary specialist unit, were reviewed. The fracture patterns, incisions used, intraoperative and postoperative complications, reduction achieved (measured on postoperative radiographs and computed tomography scans), and early postoperative results (minimum 1-year follow-up) were recorded.

Main Outcome measurement:

Postoperative reduction (measured by postoperative plain radiographs and computed tomography).

Results:

Thirty-three patients (mean age, 57 years) underwent reconstruction with the anatomical plates using anterior approaches. Associated both columns and anterior column posterior hemitransverse represented most of the patients (85%). The fracture pattern was complex with quadrilateral plate involvement in 79% of cases. Overall, anatomic reduction was seen in 82% on plain radiographs and CT scan evaluation. Increasing age was a statistically significant variable in obtaining anatomical reduction with an age cutoff value of 70 years (P 0.012). Associated both column fractures were associated with a lower incidence of anatomical reduction (P = 0.038). Complication rates were comparable with the literature. 22 patients (71%) were symptom free, with 20 patients (62.5%) having excellent radiographic outcomes at the latest follow-up.

Conclusions:

The results suggested that using approach-specific instruments and anatomical plates through anterior approaches in a specialized unit led to anatomical reconstruction in 82% with patients demonstrating satisfactory early radiological and functional outcomes at 1 year.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Role of Electrical Stimulation in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: A Systematic Review
Authors: ElAbd Rawan , Alabdulkarim Abdulaziz , AlSabah Salman , Hazan Jessica , Alhalabi Becher , Thibaudeau Stephanie
Published: March 2022

Background:

Functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury is often suboptimal despite the intrinsic permissive growth environment of the peripheral nervous system. The objective of this systematic review is to explore the use of electrical stimulation (ES) for peripheral nerve regeneration.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was conducted from inception to March 2, 2021 to retrieve articles on ES for peripheral nerve regeneration using the PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase databases. Primary outcome measures included objective measures of motor and sensory nerve function.

Results:

Four randomized control trials, two case reports, and three case series that addressed the aims were identified. The stimulation parameters varied greatly between studies, without an apparent commonality for a given electrical conduit. Outcomes measured included motor (n = 8) and sensory (n = 7) modalities (cold detection, static two-point discrimination, tactile discrimination, and pressure detection), nerve-specific muscle function and bulk, and electromyography (EMG) motor and sensory terminal latency. Different parameters for measurement were utilized and improvement was observed across the studies compared with controls (n = 4) or pre-intervention measurements (n = 5). One randomized control trial reported no benefit of ES and attributed their findings to their stimulation protocol. Complications were documented in three patients only and included wire remnant removal, skin pigmentation, and bone formation.

Conclusions:

ES in peripheral nerve regeneration is beneficial in improving and accelerating recovery. A meta-analysis was not performed due to the heterogeneity, but all studies showed positive findings and minor to no complications. These results provide a primer for further development of delivery methods.
Distinguishing Healthy From Glaucomatous Eyes With Optical Coherence Tomography Global Circumpapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Thickness in the Bottom 5th Percentile
Authors: Zemborain Zane Z. , Tsamis Emmanouil , La Bruna Sol , Leshno Ari , De Moraes C. Gustavo , Ritch Robert , Hood Donald C.
Published: March 2022

Précis:

Two novel, quantitative metrics, and 1 traditional metric were able to distinguish between many, but not all healthy and glaucomatous eyes in the bottom 5th percentile of global circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) thickness.

Purpose:

To test the hypothesis that objective optical coherence tomography measures can distinguish between a healthy control with global cpRNFL thickness within the lower 5% of normal and a glaucoma patient with an equivalent cpRNFL thickness.

Patients and Methods:

A total of 37 healthy eyes from over 700 normative eyes fell within the bottom 5th percentile in global cpRNFL thickness. The global cpRNFL thickness of 35 glaucomatous eyes from 188 patients fell within the same range. For the traditional methods, the global cpRNFL thickness percentile and the global ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness percentile for the central ±8 degrees, were calculated for all 72 eyes. For the novel cpRNFL method, the normalized root mean square (RMS) difference between the cpRNFL thickness profile and the global thickness–matched normative thickness profile was calculated. For the superior-inferior (SI) GCL method, the normalized mean difference in superior and inferior GCL thickness was calculated for the central ±8 degrees.

Results:

The best quantitative metric, the RMS cpRNFL method, had an accuracy of 90% compared with 81% for the SI GCL and 81% for the global GCL methods. As expected, the global cpRNFL had the worst accuracy, 72%. Similarly, the RMS cpRNFL method had an area under the curve of 0.93 compared with 0.83 and 0.84 for the SI GCL and global GCL methods, respectively. The global cpRNFL method had the worst area under the curve, 0.75.

Conclusion:

Quantitative metrics can distinguish between most of the healthy and glaucomatous eyes with low global cpRNFL thickness. However, even the most successful metric, RMS cpRNFL, missed some glaucomatous eyes.
Eye Tracking's Place in Healthcare
Authors: Hansen Neil
Published: March 2022

Commonly used as an aid to support the communication and computing needs of severely handicapped individuals, eye tracking is gaining momentum across a broader spectrum of industries as hardware and software solutions continue to evolve. Among those industries, healthcare stands to benefit greatly from advancements in the field of precision eye tracking. Innovative and emerging use cases are ushering medical eye tracking to a new forefront.
Ventricular Assist Device Self-care Education at Tertiary Care Medical Centers
Authors: Harap Rebecca S. , Cameron Kenzie A. , Cohen Elaine R. , Grady Kathleen L. , Wilcox Jane E. , Scholtens Denise M. , Barsuk Jeffrey H.
Published: March 2022

Ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation requires patients and caregivers to attain self-care knowledge and skills before discharge from implant hospitalization. Inability to perform these skills can have devastating outcomes (i.e., death from pump malfunction, driveline site infections, and stroke). No standard-of-care guiding VAD self-care education exists. We sought to describe how select tertiary care VAD implant centers across the United States currently educate VAD patients and their caregivers. Using a multiple case studies design with a purposive sampling strategy, we conducted semistructured interviews of VAD coordinators responsible for VAD education at 18 centers. From audio recording of interviews, we used rapid qualitative analysis to organize and analyze the data. All centers spent significant time and effort educating patients and caregivers on VAD self-care. Although centers teach similar content, the rigor of assessments and follow-up education differed vastly. Only 3/18 (17%) centers performed competency-based assessments with a skills checklist and minimum passing standard assessing readiness to perform VAD self-care independently. Twelve of 18 (67%) centers provided formal follow-up education to address skills decay, yet wide variation existed in timing and content of education. Due to the diversity among centers regarding VAD self-care education, more prescriptive practice guidelines are needed.
Effect of Angiotensin II Antagonism on Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mahmoud Ahmad , Taha Yasmeen , Meece Lauren E. , Bavry Anthony A. , Ahmed Mustafa M.
Published: March 2022

The importance of medical therapy to ameliorate the incidence and impact of left ventricular assistance device-related gastrointestinal bleeding has been highlighted recently with several single-center studies. Electronic databases were searched for studies that compared the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding for those people on left ventricular assist support with and without angiotensin II inhibition. Angiotensin II inhibition was associated with a lower incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding (pooled RR 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.34–0.98; p = 0.04], with a trend toward toward lower incidence with arteriovenous malformation-associated gastrointestinal bleeding (pooled RR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.25–1.03; p = 0.06).
Arterial Carbon Dioxide and Acute Brain Injury in Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Shou Benjamin L. , Ong Chin Siang , Zhou Alice L. , Al-Kawaz Mais N. , Etchill Eric , Giuliano Katherine , Dong Jie , Bush Errol , Kim Bo Soo , Choi Chun Woo , Whitman Glenn , Cho Sung-Min
Published: March 2022

Acute brain injury (ABI) occurs frequently in patients receiving venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). We examined the association between peri-cannulation arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) and ABI with granular blood gas data. We retrospectively analyzed adult patients who underwent VA-ECMO at a tertiary care center with standardized neuromonitoring. Pre- and post-cannulation PaCO2 were defined as the mean of all PaCO2 values in the 12 hours before and after cannulation, respectively. Peri-cannulation PaCO2 drop (∆PaCO2) equaled pre- minus post-cannulation PaCO2. ABI included intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), ischemic stroke, hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, cerebral edema, seizure, and brain death. Univariable logistic regression analysis was performed for the presence of ABI. Out of 129 VA-ECMO patients (median age = 60, 63% male), 43 (33%) patients experienced ABI. Patients had a median of 11 (interquartile range: 8–14) peri-cannulation PaCO2 values. Comparing patients with and without ABI, pre-cannulation (39 vs. 42 mm Hg; p = 0.38) and post-cannulation (37 vs. 36 mm Hg; p = 0.82) PaCO2 were not different. However, higher pre-cannulation PaCO2 (odds ratio [OR] = 2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10–4.00; p = 0.02) and larger ∆PaCO2 (OR = 2.69; 95% CI = 1.18–6.13; p = 0.02) were associated with ICH. In conclusion, in a cohort with granular arterial blood gas (ABG) data and a standardized neuromonitoring protocol, higher pre-cannulation PaCO2 and larger ∆PaCO2 were associated with increased prevalence of ICH.
The Use of Extracorporeal Support to Rescue Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Following Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Feeney Erin V. , Chan Ernest G. , Hyzny Eric J. , Ramanan Raj , Murray Holt , Luketich James D. , Sanchez Pablo G.
Published: March 2022

Postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) following a general thoracic procedure is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) offers an alternate means of cardiopulmonary support in the setting of refractory respiratory failure. We report indications and outcomes patients who after complex general thoracic surgery developed ARDS requiring ECMO support. We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients requiring venovenous (VV) ECMO support in the postoperative period following a general thoracic surgical procedure from January 2011 to December 2019. Exclusion criteria include those who underwent a cardiac procedure, venoarterial (VA) ECMO, cardiothoracic transplantation, or required ECMO only for intraoperative support. Forty instances of postoperative VV ECMO were utilized in patients who underwent a surgery with the thoracic surgical service. Lung procedures were the most common index operations performed (45%) followed by esophageal procedures (40%). Mean time to ECMO initiation from the index operation was 5.45 days with a range of 0 days to 1.3 months. Median length of ECMO support was 9.41 days with a range of 12 hours to 33 days. Patients were cannulated in an elective (70%) or emergent (30%) fashion. ECMO-related complications included a major bleeding event in seven patients. Thirty day survival was 62.5% for the entire cohort and 52.5% of patients were discharged from the hospital and 80.95% of these patients were still alive 90 days after discharge. ECMO is a viable means of cardiopulmonary support that can provide a survival advantage for patients who experience severe refractory respiratory failure following a complex general thoracic surgery.
Relationship of Cognitive and Social Engagement to Health and Psychological Outcomes in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Liebzeit Daniel , Kuo Wan-chin , Carlson Beverly , Mueller Kimberly , Koscik Rebecca L. , Smith Marianne , Johnson Sterling , Bratzke Lisa
Published: March 2022

Background

Cognitive and social engagement is an important yet underdocumented aspect of older adult engagement and function.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between cognitive and social engagement and health and psychological outcomes in a cohort of community-dwelling older adults aged approximately 55–70 years.

Methods

Analysis of data from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention, a multiwave cohort study with 1,582 participants, using a 1:1 prospective case–control design to examine whether lower cognitive and social engagement at Visit 4 (baseline) is associated with worse health and psychological outcomes at Visit 5 (2 years after Visit 4). Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention participants were included in this study if they had complete data on cognitive and social engagement and self-rated health at both visits.

Results

After matching potential covariates using propensity scores, participants with low cognitive and social engagement (cases) at baseline continued to have significantly lower cognitive and social engagement than the controls (participants with high cognitive and social engagement at baseline) at Visit 5, and they had lower self-rated health and higher surgery rate. Depressive symptoms, cognitive status, and hospitalization at Visit 5 did not significantly differ between cases and controls.

Discussion

This study provides evidence supporting cognitive and social engagement as an important marker of early decline in activity engagement that may indicate a potential later decline in functional, psychological, and health outcomes.
Inflammatory and Immune Protein Pathways Possible Mechanisms for Pain Following Walking in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Klinedinst N. Jennifer , Huang Weiliang , Nelson Amy K. , Resnick Barbara , Renn Cynthia , Kane Maureen A. , Dorsey Susan G.
Published: March 2022

Background

Knee osteoarthritis affects nearly 30% of adults aged 60 years or older and causes significant pain and disability. Walking is considered a “gold standard” treatment option for reducing knee osteoarthritis pain and maintaining joint mobility but does not reduce pain for all adults with knee osteoarthritis pain and may induce pain—particularly when starting a walking routine. The mechanism by which walking is helpful for knee osteoarthritis pain is unclear. Quantitative sensory testing has revealed that knee osteoarthritis pain has both peripheral and central components, which vary by individual.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to better understand the mechanisms underlying the value of walking for knee pain.

Methods

We conducted a pretest/posttest study using quantitative sensory testing to measure neurophysiological parameters and examined systemic protein signatures. Adults with knee osteoarthritis and healthy controls underwent quantitative sensory testing and blood draw for platelet proteomics before and after a 30-minute walk at 100 steps per minute.

Results

A single 30-minute walk moderately increased pressure pain sensitivity at the affected knee among persons with knee osteoarthritis. Healthy adults showed no difference in pain sensitivity. Protein signatures among participants with knee osteoarthritis indicated changes in inflammatory and immune pathways, including the complement system and SAA1 protein that coincided with changes in pain with walking and differed from healthy participants.

Discussion

One goal of developing individualized interventions for knee osteoarthritis pain is to elucidate the mechanisms by which self-management interventions affect pain. The addition of therapies that target the complement system or SAA1 expression may improve the pain sensitivity after a moderate walk for adults with knee osteoarthritis.
Are We Aware of the Neurological Manifestations of Cytomegalovirus Infection in Immunocompetent Individuals?
Authors: Yilmaz Murat , Halicioglu Siddika , Aydin Turkoglu Sule , Sirmatel Fatma
Published: March 2022

Background:

While cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection usually causes disease in immunosuppressed individuals, it mostly progresses as an asymptomatic infection in healthy adults. However, very rarely, immunocompetent individuals may also suffer from encephalitis and stroke.

Methods:

Nine patients who were admitted to the Neurology Clinic of Abant Izzet Baysal University Faculty of Medicine from 2016 to 2020 who had various neurological symptoms and were diagnosed with CMV infection were retrospectively analyzed. Symptoms, examination findings, laboratory results, radiologic imaging, and treatments were recorded and evaluated.

Results:

Although severe infections because of CMV generally occur in newborns and immunosuppressed adults, it is estimated that the disease is more common in immunocompetent adults than known. This may be associated with unrecognized risks, in part because of immune dysfunction or comorbidities such as renal failure or diabetes mellitus. Also, CMV replication in arterial endothelial cells can restrict blood flow, inducing an atherosclerotic environment and causing stroke. Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion and serology. Ganciclovir is administered for treatment.

Conclusion:

CMV infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with neurological symptoms, even among immunocompetent individuals, because of the high possibility that patients can greatly benefit from antiviral treatment at the early stage.
A Case of Syphilitic Hepatitis in an Adolescent
Authors: Hoffmann Natalie V. , Berken Jonathan A. , Banc-Husu Anna M. , Taylor Sarah A. , Kriegermeier Alyssa
Published: March 2022

The incidence of syphilis is rising among adolescents necessitating improved provider awareness and screening practices. We present a case of an adolescent with acute hepatitis ultimately diagnosed with secondary syphilitic hepatitis. Clinical presentation, laboratory abnormalities, and histologic features of syphilitic hepatitis are nonspecific, with diagnosis relying on clinical suspicion and targeted testing. This case highlights the importance of screening for syphilis in sexually active adolescents with acute hepatitis. The rising incidence of syphilis among adolescents, and the variety of clinical manifestations including those commonly seen by pediatric gastroenterologists, makes elevated clinical suspicion essential to prompt diagnosis and treatment. With improved provider awareness across general pediatric and subspecialty providers, the transmission of syphilis among adolescent patients can be reduced.
Real-world Follow-up Practice of Children With Coeliac Disease: A Cross-sectional Study From Western Sweden
Authors: Oskarsson Jennie , Myleus Anna , Mårild Karl
Published: March 2022

Coeliac disease (CD) is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. Follow-up of CD aims to ensure dietary adherence and prevent disease complications, but there are few real-world data on how its management in children is conducted. This study aimed to survey the follow-up practice of pediatric CD in Western Sweden. Two web-based surveys were distributed to all 22 pediatric outpatient clinics rendering answers from 48 physicians and 12 dietitians. Overall, clinical practice was similar throughout the region and in line with national and international CD guidelines, including an annual to biannually follow-up frequency and dietary adherence assessment through unstructured interviewing and serology measurements. The study identified possible areas of improvement, such as implementing a formal transition process to adult care and the use of validated questionaries to assess dietary adherence. Additionally, a positive attitude towards electronic-health technologies (eHealth) as part of CD follow-up was identified.
Unifocal Gastric Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in a Child—A Unique Case to Remember
Authors: Acharyya Bhaswati C. , Roy Mandira , Chakraborty Hema
Published: March 2022

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is the most common of the histiocytic disorders and occurs when the body accumulates too many CD1a/CD 207 positive Langerhans cells, a subset of the histiocytes in certain parts of the body where they can form tumors or damage organs. LCH is not a very common diagnosis in the pediatric age group. More than two-thirds of cases have the single-system disease with bones or skin as the commonly involved sites. Here, we present a 4-year-old child who had acute abdominal pain as chief complaint and etiological workup eventually led to a diagnosis of gastric LCH without affection of any other organ system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a unifocal gastric LCH in a child.