bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent P-Stabilized Boryl Radicals with Bulky Substituents at Boron
Authors: Bourissou Didier , Rosenthal Amos , Mallet-Ladeira Sonia , Bouhadir Ghenwa
Published: June 2018

Two new P-stabilized boryl radicals [Ph2P(naph)BAr] (Ar = Tip and Ter) have been prepared and characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. These radicals are persistent for several days in solution at room temperature. The high steric congestion at boron does not prevent radical reactivity. Two different types of dimerization equilibrium have been observed. The structures of the dimers have been unambiguously established by X-ray diffraction crystallography.
SN
H Arylamination of 3-Nitropyridine: A Competitive Formation of 2-Arylamino-5-nitropyridines and 2-Arylamino-5-nitrosopyridines
Authors: Borovlev Ivan , Demidov Oleg , Amangasieva Gulminat , Avakyan Elena , Borovleva Anastasia , Pobedinskaya Diana
Published: June 2018

Arylamination of 3-nitropyridine via the nucleophilic substitution of hydrogen leads to a mixture of 2-arylamino-5-nitropyridines and novel 2-arylamino-5-nitrosopyridines, with the latter as the major product. The proposed mechanism includes the formation of σH-adducts and their further aromatization proceeding either through an oxidative pathway or intramolecular Red/Ox pathway of the SN
H reaction. Moreover, we have shown that nitroso compounds can be selectively oxidized with m-chloroperbenzoic acid to give the corresponding nitro derivatives or their N-oxides, depending on the reaction temperature and the amount of oxidant.
Synthesis of (2-Aminophenyl)(naphthalen-2-yl)methanones via Intramolecular Rearrangement of (E)-3-Styrylquinolin-4(1H)-ones under Irradiation with 365 nm UV Light
Authors: Zhang Zunting , Jing Sisi , He Yun , Wang Tao , Zhang Jin , Cheng Anqi , Liang Yong
Published: June 2018

A highly efficient and environmentally friendly synthesis of (2-aminophenyl)(naphthalen-2-yl)methanones was developed. The (2-aminophenyl)(naphthalen-2-yl)methanone derivatives were obtained in high yields (up to 96%) by the irradiation of (E)-3-styrylquinolin-4(1H)-ones in EtOH–H2O (7:1) with UV light (365 nm) at room temperature under Ar atmosphere. The demonstrated photoinduced intramolecular rearrangement has advantages over other transition-metal-catalyzed reactions, e.g. no requirement of additives, green solvent, broad substrate scope, and high atom efficiency.
Hemostasis and Thrombosis in the Oldest Old
Authors: Hoffman Ron , Monreal Manuel , Tzoran Inna
Published: June 2018

There is a growing proportion of the elderly population in the Western world, and these individuals require special considerations regarding a broad variety of aspects, including treatment approaches to illnesses that affect all age groups. The hemostatic system in individuals changes considerably with aging. Specifically, changes in levels of procoagulant and natural anticoagulant factors along with thrombopathy simultaneously create a hypercoagulable state and hemostatic difficulties. Underlying morbidities, such as congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer, increase the risk for venous and arterial thrombosis. This population is also increasingly affected by acquired bleeding disorders, including acquired hemophilia and acquired von Willebrand syndrome, as well as mild congenital bleeding disorders. Real-life data demonstrate that recurrent and fatal venous thromboembolism is the major hemostatic concern in the elderly. The fact that treatment of thrombotic complications increases the bleeding risk also has to be taken into consideration, particularly in the older age group. This remains true in the era of direct oral anticoagulants. In conclusion, maintaining a delicate balance between thrombosis and bleeding risks is the key issue in providing qualified treatment to elderly patients.
Prognostische Relevanz der Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung von Frauen mit Brustkrebs im Frühstadium: Ein biopsychosoziales Mediatormodell
Authors: Nagel Gerd , Schreiber Delia , Marschner Norbert
Published: June 2018

Hintergrund Viele Patientinnen mit frühem Mammakarzinom glauben an eine prognostische Relevanz eigener Initiativen zur Krankheitsbewältigung (Kontrollüberzeugung, Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung SWE). Zur Frage des Zusammenhangs zwischen der Ausprägung der SWE und ihres möglichen Einflusses auf objektive Outcome-Parameter von Brustkrebs gibt es jedoch noch keine prospektiven klinischen Studien.

Fragestellung, Ziel Wie kann man sich die Wirkmechanismen der SWE als Prognosefaktor bei Brustkrebs vorstellen? Entwurf eines entsprechenden biopsychosozialen Mediatormodells.

Methodik Literatur-Review zum prognostischen Einfluss von psychosozialen und Wirtsfaktoren beim frühen Mammakarzinom. Quervergleich existierender Mediatormodelle.

Ergebnisse Auf der Basis neuerer psychoonkologischer, neurophysiologischer, immunologischer, molekularbiologischer und epigenetischer Erkenntnisse lässt sich eine geschlossene Kaskade der Ereignisse, angefangen von Verhaltensänderungen der Patientinnen bis hin zur Wachstumsregulation maligner Zellen bei Brustkrebs postulieren.

Diskussion SWE ist möglicherweise der beste Indikator einer psychobiologischen Konstellation, die sich günstig auf den Verlauf von Brustkrebs auswirken kann. Diese Annahme sollte im Rahmen klinischer Studien überprüft werden. Die entsprechenden wissenschaftlichen Voraussetzungen für solche Studien sind heute gegeben.
The emergence of multistability and chaos in a two-mode van der Pol generator versus different connection types of linear oscillators
Authors: Astakhov Oleg V. , Astakhov Sergey V. , Krakhovskaya Natalia S. , Astakhov Vladimir V. , Kurths Jürgen
Published: June 2018

In this work, we study the multistability and chaos phenomena in a classical two-mode van der Pol generator which consists of a nonlinear element and two linear oscillators. We show that the configuration of the connections of the linear oscillators in the two-mode self-oscillating system significantly affects its oscillation regimes and bifurcational transitions. In the case of the feedback loop including one oscillator, the two-mode system demonstrates the well-known effect of frequency entrainment, including bistability and hysteresis phenomena. If the feedback loop involves both linear oscillators, the entrainment effect disappears; however, two new complex regimes of quasi-periodicity and chaotic self-oscillations emerge. We present here the results of the bifurcation analysis of the multistability formation and transition to chaos.
Anomalously diffusing and persistently migrating cells in 2D and 3D culture environments
Authors: Luzhansky Igor D. , Schwartz Alyssa D. , Cohen Joshua D. , MacMunn John P. , Barney Lauren E. , Jansen Lauren E. , Peyton Shelly R.
Published: June 2018

Appropriately chosen descriptive models of cell migration in biomaterials will allow researchers to characterize and ultimately predict the movement of cells in engineered systems for a variety of applications in tissue engineering. The persistent random walk (PRW) model accurately describes cell migration on two-dimensional (2D) substrates. However, this model inherently cannot describe subdiffusive cell movement, i.e., migration paths in which the root mean square displacement increases more slowly than the square root of the time interval. Subdiffusivity is a common characteristic of cells moving in confined environments, such as three-dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds, hydrogel networks, and in vivo tissues. We demonstrate that a generalized anomalous diffusion (AD) model, which uses a simple power law to relate the mean square displacement to time, more accurately captures individual cell migration paths across a range of engineered 2D and 3D environments than does the more commonly used PRW model. We used the AD model parameters to distinguish cell movement profiles on substrates with different chemokinetic factors, geometries (2D vs 3D), substrate adhesivities, and compliances. Although the two models performed with equal precision for superdiffusive cells, we suggest a simple AD model, in lieu of PRW, to describe cell trajectories in populations with a significant subdiffusive fraction, such as cells in confined, 3D environments.
Electrohydrodynamics of confined two-dimensional liquid droplets in uniform electric field
Authors: Santra Somnath , Mandal Shubhadeep , Chakraborty Suman
Published: June 2018

In this study, the electrohydrodynamics of viscous droplets in a confined domain under the action of a uniform electric field is investigated numerically. Considering both the phases to be perfect dielectric or leaky dielectric, two-dimensional numerical simulations are performed to obtain the shape deformation of droplets placed between two parallel plate electrodes. The aim of this study is to show the effect of domain confinement on the droplet morphology and temporal droplet deformation. Perfect dielectric systems always deform into a prolate shape, and the magnitude of deformation is augmented or reduced in a confined domain depending on the electrical permittivity ratio. For leaky dielectric systems, the electrical conductivity ratio comes into play and the droplet can attain an oblate or prolate shape depending on the size of the droplet relative to the channel height. A regime diagram is constructed to show the impact of domain confinement on the droplet shape. Additionally, the steady-state deformation parameter undergoes some non-monotonic variation with domain confinement for the leaky dielectric systems. The domain confinement can significantly decrease the droplet deformation and thereby suppress the droplet breakup phenomenon for few leaky dielectric systems. The domain confinement markedly affects the temporal evolution of the droplet deformation. The temporal evolution of the droplet shape shows that the droplet deforms more sluggishly toward its final steady configuration in a confined domain when the inertial effects are negligible. The oscillations in droplet deformation at the finite inertial regime are also suppressed in a confined domain. Finally, the interaction of two droplets is also studied, which shows that coalescence and detachment of the droplet pairs take place at a slower rate in a confined domain with respect to an unbounded domain. Thus, the present study shows the possibility of modulating the droplet morphology by tuning the domain confinement, which can be of potential use in designing droplet-based microfluidic devices.
Evolution of shock compression pulses in polymethylmethacrylate and aluminum
Authors: Popova T. V. , Mayer A. E. , Khishchenko K. V.
Published: June 2018

The numerical study of the dynamics of shock compression pulses in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and aluminum is performed in both viscoelastic and hydrodynamic approximations. The Maxwell relaxation model with two parameters, the relaxation time and the static yield strength, is used for both materials for a description of their viscoelastic properties. Constant values of the parameters suffice for a description of shock-wave profiles in the case of PMMA, while changes of these parameters in the course of deformation are needed to be taken into account in the case of aluminum. A method of accounting of such changes is proposed based on the kinetic equations for mobile and immobilized dislocations. The proposed approach lets us take into account the main features of the elastic precursor in aluminum, as well as its change with distance and target temperature. The approach by its complexity and accuracy lies between the simple relaxation models and the complete dislocation-based ones. Using the proposed models, we investigate the influence of stress deviators on the change of compression-pulse amplitude with the propagation distance inside the material. The shock pulse in the viscoelastic approximation has greater amplitude in comparison with the hydrodynamic one for low distances due to higher stiffness and conversely at larger distances due to the greater velocity of propagation of the unloading wave that overtakes the shock wave front. The maximum difference between two approximations in the value of the shock pulse amplitude is about 35% for PMMA and about 90% for aluminum.
Experimental and modeling investigation on the self-propagating combustion behavior of Al-MoO3 reactive multilayer films
Authors: Tai Yu , Xu Jianbing , Wang Fei , Dai Ji , Zhang Wei , Ye Yinghua , Shen Ruiqi
Published: June 2018

In order to probe the self-propagating combustion behavior of aluminum/molybdenum trioxide (Al/MoO3) reactive multilayer films (RMFs), RMFs with varied modulation periods and widths were deposited by the magnetron sputtering method on a glass substrate. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that thermal reaction was in the solid-solid phase at thin modulation periods (50 nm and 150 nm) and in the liquid-solid phase at the microscale (1500 nm). Furthermore, since X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated the presence of aluminum oxide, the hot spot and pre-oxidation theory of the interface in Al/MoO3 RMFs allowed logical explanation of the thermal reaction feature. The RMFs achieved stable self-propagating combustion with 50 nm–150 nm modulation periods excited by a laser pulse but not at 300 nm–1500 nm. The average stable combustion velocity was 6 m s−1 at the 150 nm modulation period and reached 10 m s−1 for 50 nm. The two-way analysis of variance demonstrated that the effect of the width on combustion velocity was not significant. Thus, we constructed a one-dimensional (1D) combustion velocity model based on heat transfer theory combing experimental data. The model explored the relationship between the stable combustion velocity and the modulation period.
Transient model for electrical activation of aluminium and phosphorus-implanted silicon carbide
Authors: Šimonka V. , Toifl A. , Hössinger A. , Selberherr S. , Weinbub J.
Published: June 2018

The development of novel electron devices requires a continuous support by process and device simulations in order to improve electrical properties and reduce production costs. However, an accurate description of the electrical properties of impurities in silicon carbide – a key wide bandgap semiconductor for power devices – is currently not available, which significantly limits the predictability of critical fabrication processes. Here, we introduce a transient model for electrical activation of implanted aluminium and phosphorus in silicon carbide to fill this gap. Our results suggest differences between acceptor- and donor-type dopants including activation speed, saturation limit, and activation regions. We predict acceptor and donor concentrations according to the various annealing times, temperatures, and doping concentrations. The results are used for the fabrication of PN-junction diodes, which are characterized and compared with the experimental findings. Finally, we predict improvements of various annealing steps, i.e., increased active concentration, increased carrier concentration, and decreased sheet resistance, and perform a comprehensive comparison with experimental data to evaluate the proposed model.
Pattern selection in miscible liquids under periodic excitation in microgravity: Effect of interface width
Authors: Gaponenko Y. , Mialdun A. , Shevtsova V.
Published: June 2018

We develop a connection between instabilities in a two-liquid miscible system and in a liquid mixture with a linear distribution of density. In both cases, the liquids are placed in a closed cell and subjected to horizontal oscillations at different frequencies and amplitudes in a microgravity environment. The study includes parabolic flight experiments and numerical simulations. We examine the transformation of the interfacial pattern when the diffusive interface widens from a thin transient zone occupying 4% of the cell height to a situation when it occupies the entire cell height. In the case of sharp concentration (density) difference between miscible liquids, under reduced gravity conditions, instability leads to the formation of rectangular columns of liquids of alternating densities with an amplitude nearly equal to the height of the cell. The increase of the interface width promotes the selection of a smaller wave number associated with columns. The experimental observations are confirmed by the numerical simulations. In order to quantify the pattern regimes, we suggested to use the averaged mass flux through the mid-height of the cell.
Atomic scale switches based on self-assembled surface magic clusters
Authors: Franz Martin , Panosetti Chiara , Große Jan , Amrhein Tim , Reuter Karsten , Dähne Mario
Published: June 2018

Atomic scale switches working at room temperature represent the ultimate level of device miniaturization. Using scanning tunneling microscopy, we find a bistable switching between two mirror-symmetric configurations of self-assembled magic rare earth silicide clusters on the Si(111) 7 × 7 surface. Density functional theory reveals an energy barrier of 1.3 eV between the two cluster configurations, suppressing the switching even at room temperature. However, intentional switching between the two states is possible in the presence of a close tunneling tip due to a tip-induced lowering of the energy barrier.
Anti-symmetric plasma moment equations with conservative discrete counterparts
Authors: Halpern Federico D. , Waltz Ronald E.
Published: June 2018

We derive a set of fluid moment equations with inherent consistency and numerical stability, conceived by exploiting the anti-symmetric nature of the plasma flow operator (∇·v+v·∇). The obtained equations can be interpreted as an alternative to the traditional Eulerian and Lagrangian representations—one in which plasma flows generate infinitesimal rotations of generalized fluid moments n, nv, and p. The continuous model has a discrete analog with exact mass, momentum, and energy conservation, which is achieved by construction through vanishing integrals of the anti-symmetric flow terms. Positivity preservation is obtained through the use of the generalized moment quantities. The conservation properties of the approach are illustrated in simulations of seeded blob propagation, where we verify numerical conservation to machine accuracy.
A noncommutative discrete potential KdV lift
Authors: Konstantinou-Rizos S. , Kouloukas T. E.
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we construct a Grassmann extension of a Yang-Baxter map which first appeared in the work of Kouloukas and Papageorgiou [J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 42, 404012 (2009)] and can be considered as a lift of the discrete potential Korteweg-de Vries (dpKdV) equation. This noncommutative extension satisfies the Yang-Baxter equation, and it admits a 3 × 3 Lax matrix. Moreover, we show that it can be squeezed down to a novel system of lattice equations which possesses a Lax representation and whose bosonic limit is the dpKdV equation. Finally, we consider commutative analogs of the constructed Yang-Baxter map and its associated quad-graph system, and we discuss their integrability.
Kirigami patterns stretch the abilities of piezoelectric films
Authors: Majors J. H.
Published: June 2018

Cutting patterns inspired by Asian paper crafting methods lead to a stretchable 2-D piezoelectric sensor that features intersegment electrodes to produce impressive voltage performance.
Generalizing noncommutative geometry moves toward integrating quantum mechanics with gravity
Authors: DeJarnette Drew
Published: June 2018

Introducing time dependence for conventional families of noncommutative hypersurfaces serves to generalize noncommutative geometry and couple the standard model with general relativity.
Sharing the pain: lessons from missed opportunities for healthcare improvement from patient complaints and litigation in the Australian health system
Authors: Nowotny Benjamin M. , Loh Erwin , Lorenz Katherine , Wallace Euan M.
Published: June 2018

Learning from medical errors to prevent their recurrence is an important component of any healthcare system’s quality and safety improvement functions. Traditionally, this been achieved principally from review of adverse clinical outcomes. The opportunity to learn systematically and in a system manner from patient complaints and litigation has been less well harnessed. Herein we describe the pathways and processes for both patient complaints and medicolegal claims in Victoria, and Australia more broadly, and assess the potential for these to be used for system improvement. We conclude that both patient complaints and medicolegal claims could afford the potential to additionally inform and direct safety and quality improvement. At present neither patient complaints nor medicolegal claims are used systematically to improve patient safety. We identify how this may be done, particularly through sharing findings across agencies. What is known about the topic? Patient complaints and medicolegal claims are accepted parts of the healthcare industry. However, using these in a shared and collated manner as part of an improvement agenda has not been widely considered or proposed. What does the paper add? This paper provides a summary of the patient complaint and medicolegal landscape in public hospital system in Australia broadly, and Victoria more specifically, identifying the agencies involved and the opportunities for sharing learnings. The paper draws on existing literature and experiences from both Australia and elsewhere to propose a framework whereby complaints and claims data could be shared systematically and strategically to reduce future harm and improve patient care. What are the implications for practitioners? We offer an approach for practitioners, healthcare managers and policy makers in all Australian jurisdictions to design and implement a statewide capacity to share patient complaints and medicolegal claims as an additional component of system quality and safety.
Dietary calcium requirements of Sheldrake ducklings from 1 to 21 days of age
Authors: Zhu Y. W. , Jiang X. X. , Wen J. , Wang W. C. , Yang L.
Published: June 2018

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary calcium (Ca) level on growth performance and bone characteristics to evaluate the Ca requirements for Sheldrake ducklings from 1 to 21 days of age. A total of 1080 day-old male Campbell Sheldrake ducklings were randomly allotted to one of six treatments with six replicate cages of 30 birds per cage with a completely randomised design. A basal diet with 0.40% non-phytate phosphorus was supplemented with Ca source (calcium carbonate) to achieve graded concentrations of Ca (0.45–1.20%) in diets with an increment of 0.15%. The bodyweight, average daily gain and average daily feed intake displayed quadratic responses to increasing concentrations of dietary Ca with maximal responses for ducklings fed the diets with 0.60 and 0.75% Ca. Serum Ca concentration, tibia ash percentage, Ca content in tibia ash and bone mineral density were increased linearly (P < 0.02) as dietary Ca concentrations increased. According to the non-linear regression analyses, the Ca requirements for maximal weight gain and bone mineralisation of Sheldrake ducklings from 1 to 21 days of age were estimated at 0.60% and 0.64–0.87% respectively.
Analyzing gender inequality through large-scale Facebook advertising data
Authors: Garcia David , Mitike Kassa Yonas , Cuevas Angel , Cebrian Manuel , Moro Esteban , Rahwan Iyad , Cuevas Ruben
Published: June 2018

Significance

We present the Facebook Gender Divide, an inexpensive, real-time instrument for measuring gender differences in Facebook access and activity in 217 countries. The Facebook Gender Divide captures standard indicators of Internet penetration and gender equality indices in education, health, and economic opportunity. We find that the tendency of countries to approach economic gender equality is negatively associated with a high Facebook Gender Divide. Our results suggest that online social networks, while suffering gender imbalance, may lower information access barriers for women and narrow the economic gender gap.
Soluble epoxide hydrolase plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Ren Qian , Ma Min , Yang Jun , Nonaka Risa , Yamaguchi Akihiro , Ishikawa Kei-ichi , Kobayashi Kenta , Murayama Shigeo , Hwang Sung Hee , Saiki Shinji , Akamatsu Wado , Hattori Nobutaka , Hammock Bruce D. , Hashimoto Kenji
Published: June 2018

Significance

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive movement disorder; however, the precise mechanisms of its etiology remain largely unknown. Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) plays a key role in the inflammation associated with PD pathogenesis. The sEH inhibitor or deletion of the sEH gene protected against MPTP-induced neurotoxicity in mouse brain. Furthermore, expression of the sEH protein (or mRNA) was higher in the striatum of MPTP-treated mice, patients with dementia of Lewy bodies (DLB), and neurons from iPSCs of a PD patient with
PARKIN
mutations. Interestingly, treatment with sEH inhibitor protected against apoptosis in human PARK2 iPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons. Our findings indicate that sEH inhibitors or epoxy fatty acids mimics may be promising prophylactic or therapeutic drugs for PD.
Thinking about the body as subject
Authors: Morgan Daniel
Published: June 2018

The notion of immunity to error through misidentification (IEM) has played a central role in discussions of first-person thought. It seems like a way of making precise the idea of thinking about oneself ‘as subject’. Asking whether bodily first-person judgments (e.g. ‘My legs are crossed’) can be IEM is a way of asking whether one can think about oneself simultaneously as a subject and as a bodily thing. The majority view is that one cannot. I rebut that view, arguing that on all the notions of IEM that have so far been successfully defined, bodily first-person judgments can be IEM.
SCIP: a single-cell image processor toolbox
Authors: Martins Leonardo , Neeli-Venkata Ramakanth , Oliveira Samuel M D , Häkkinen Antti , Ribeiro Andre S , Fonseca José M
Published: June 2018

Each cell is a phenotypically unique individual that is influenced by internal and external processes, operating in parallel. To characterize the dynamics of cellular processes one needs to observe many individual cells from multiple points of view and over time, so as to identify commonalities and variability. With this aim, we engineered a software, ‘SCIP’, to analyze multi-modal, multi-process, time-lapse microscopy morphological and functional images. SCIP is capable of automatic and/or manually corrected segmentation of cells and lineages, automatic alignment of different microscopy channels, as well as detect, count and characterize fluorescent spots (such as RNA tagged by MS2-GFP), nucleoids, Z rings, Min system, inclusion bodies, undefined structures, etc. The results can be exported into *mat files and all results can be jointly analyzed, to allow studying not only each feature and process individually, but also find potential relationships. While we exemplify its use on Escherichia coli, many of its functionalities are expected to be of use in analyzing other prokaryotes and eukaryotic cells as well. We expect SCIP to facilitate the finding of relationships between cellular processes, from small-scale (e.g. gene expression) to large-scale (e.g. cell division), in single cells and cell lineages.

Availability and implementation

http://www.ca3-uninova.org/project_scip

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Application of net reclassification index to non-nested and point-based risk prediction models: a review
Authors: Thomas Laine E , O’Brien Emily C , Piccini Jonathan P , D’Agostino Ralph B , Pencina Michael J
Published: June 2018

Much of medical risk prediction involves externally derived prediction equations, nomograms, and point-based risk scores. These settings are vulnerable to misleading findings of incremental value based on versions of the net reclassification index (NRI) in common use. By applying non-nested models and point-based risk scores in the setting of stroke risk prediction in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), we demonstrate current recommendations for presentation and interpretation of the NRI. We emphasize pitfalls that are likely to occur with point-based risk scores that are easy to neglect when statistical methodology is focused on continuous models. In order to make appropriate decisions about risk prediction and personalized medicine, physicians, researchers, and policy makers need to understand the strengths and limitations of the NRI.
Entrapment Neuropathy and Pregnancy
Authors: Thaisetthawatkul Pariwat , Logigian Eric
Published: June 2018

Entrapment neuropathy is caused by compression, angulation, or stretch of a peripheral nerve as it passes through a fibro-osseous canal such as the carpal or the cubital tunnel (in the case of the median or the ulnar nerves). In addition to true entrapment neuropathies, individual nerves can be injured at vulnerable anatomical locations such as the fibular head (in case of the fibular nerve). Pregnancy causes a variety of physiological changes related to reproductive hormone secretion that can affect peripheral nerve. These include weight gain, salt and water retention, edema and hyperglycemia.1 Two entrapment neuropathies that occur commonly in pregnancy are carpal tunnel syndrome and meralgia paresthetica.2 In addition to these true entrapment neuropathies, this chapter addresses other common focal mononeuropathies: femoral, obturator, and fibular neuropathies that may occur as a consequence of obstetrical procedures or of fetal or maternal positioning during delivery or in the postpartum period.
The endozoan, small-mammal reservoir hypothesis and the life cycle of Coccidioides species
Authors: Taylor John W , Barker Bridget M
Published: June 2018

The prevailing hypothesis concerning the ecology of Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii is that these human pathogenic fungi are soil fungi endemic to hot, dry, salty regions of the New World and that humans and the local, small-mammal fauna are only accidental hosts. Here we advance an alternative hypothesis that Coccidioides spp. live in small mammals as endozoans, which are kept inactive but alive in host granulomas and which transform into spore-producing hyphae when the mammal dies. The endozoan hypothesis incorporates results from comparative genomic analyses of Coccidioides spp. and related taxa that have shown a reduction in gene families associated with deconstruction of plant cell walls and an increase in those associated with digestion of animal protein, consistent with an evolutionary shift in substrate from plants to animals. If true, the endozoan hypothesis requires that models of the prevalence of human coccidioidomycosis account not only for direct effects of climate and soil parameters on the growth and reproduction of Coccidioides spp. but also consider indirect effects on these fungi that come from the plants that support the growth and reproduction of the small mammals that, in turn, support these endozoic fungi.
Genetic Susceptibility to Thirdhand-Smoke-Induced Lung Cancer Development
Authors: Hang Bo , Mao Jian-Hua , Snijders Antoine M
Published: June 2018

Recently, potential health concerns have been raised about thirdhand smoke (THS), a much less well-understood type of smoke exposure defined as residual tobacco smoke sorbed onto indoor surfaces after active smoking has ceased. THS exposure is derived from the involuntary inhalation, ingestion, or dermal uptake of indoor pollutants. The timescale for exposure to THS pollution is generally much longer than secondhand smoke, and could stretch to days, months, or years (long-term, low-level exposure). Recent studies showed that exposure to THS at early age in mice can affect body weight, immunity, and lung cancer development. However, adverse health effects of THS in human populations remain poorly understood and many questions remain unanswered. One major question is how genetic factors influence susceptibility to THS-induced health effects, especially tumor development and whether there is an age-specific window of susceptibility for these effects. By addressing these questions, we will provide a better understanding of the effects of THS on human health and disease. This information would address critical knowledge gaps that are required for the formulation of policies related to indoor air quality.

Implications

THS, the residual tobacco smoke remaining in the environment after tobacco has been smoked, represents an underestimated public health hazard. Evidence supports its widespread presence in indoor environments. Vulnerable populations are believed to include infants and children living in a smoking household exposed to THS and/or secondhand smoke, and exposure has been identified as a risk factor for lung cancer later in life. These and future studies will provide novel and important evidence of how early-life exposure to THS affects cancer development and other diseases, which should be useful for framing and enforcing new policies against passive smoking in the world.
Heterogeneity Between States in the Health and Economic Impact of Measles Immunization in the United States
Authors: Paternina-Caicedo Angel , Driessen Julia , Roberts Mark , van Panhuis Willem Gijsbert
Published: June 2018

Background

Vaccines have been used successfully for disease elimination programs in many countries. Evidence on the impact of vaccination programs can support decision-making among medical practitioners and policy makers to improve immunization rates. We estimated the health and economic impact of measles vaccination for each of the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia since 1964.

Methods

For each state, we fitted multiple time-series models to prevaccination data and used the best-fitting model to predict counterfactual cases that would have occurred in the absence of vaccination. We then subtracted observed from counterfactual measles cases, deaths, and related costs to estimate the impact of vaccination.

Results

We estimated that 149 million children were vaccinated against measles in the United States between 1964 and 2014, at a cost of $12.2 billion, and that vaccination prevented 29.8 million cases, 32 000 deaths, and $25.8 billion in societal costs. The impact exceeded the national average in 70% of Western and Northeastern states, compared with only 24% of Southern and Midwestern states.

Conclusions

The significant health and economic benefit of measles vaccination in the United States should encourage continued investments to sustain and expand vaccination programs globally.
Effect of Hepatocellular Carcinoma on Mortality Among Individuals With Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C Infection in New York City, 2001–2012
Authors: Moore Miranda S , Bocour Angelica , Tran Olivia C , Qiao Baozhen , Schymura Maria J , Laraque Fabienne , Winters Ann
Published: June 2018

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complication of chronic hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) infection. New York City (NYC) has a high prevalence of HBV and HCV, and infected persons likely face increased mortality from HCC and other causes. We describe the mortality profile of NYC residents with HBV or HCV, emphasizing the contributions of HCC and HIV coinfection.

Methods

 Two existing data sets were combined to examine all individuals diagnosed with HBV or HCV in NYC first reported to the Health Department during 2001–2012 and their HCC, HIV, and vital status. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds of HCC diagnosis by viral hepatitis status, whereas Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate the hazard of death by HCC/HIV status.

Results

In total, 120 952 and 127 933 individuals were diagnosed with HBV or HCV, respectively. HCV-infected individuals had 17% higher odds of HCC diagnosis than HBV-infected individuals and 3.2 times higher odds of HIV coinfection. Those with HCV were twice as likely to die during the study period (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.96–2.12). The risk of death increased for those with HIV or HCC and was highest for those with both conditions.

Conclusions

HCC and HIV represent substantial risks to survival for both HBV- and HCV-infected individuals. Individuals with HBV need close monitoring and treatment, when indicated, and routine HCC screening. Those with HCV need increased, timely access to curative medications before developing liver disease.
Extended Asymmetrical Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy for Adult Spinal Deformity: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Buell Thomas J , Buchholz Avery L , Quinn John C , Mullin Jeffrey P , Garces Juanita , Mazur Marcus D , Shaffrey Mark E , Yen Chun-Po , Shaffrey Christopher I , Smith Justin S
Published: June 2018

Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) is an effective technique to correct fixed sagittal malalignment. A variation of this technique, the “trans-discal” or “extended” PSO (Schwab grade IV osteotomy), involves extending the posterior wedge resection of the index vertebra to include the superior adjacent disc for radical discectomy. The posterior wedge may be resected in asymmetric fashion to correct concurrent global coronal malalignment.

This video illustrates the technical nuances of an extended asymmetrical lumbar PSO for adult spinal deformity. A 62-yr-old female with multiple prior lumbar fusions presented with worsening back pain and posture. Preoperative scoliosis X-rays demonstrated severe global sagittal and coronal malalignment (sagittal vertical axis [SVA, C7-plumbline] of 13.5 cm, pelvic incidence [PI] of 60°, lumbar lordosis [LL] of 14° [in kyphosis], pelvic tilt [PT] of 61°, thoracic kyphosis [TK] of 18°, and rightward coronal shift of 9.3 cm). The patient gave informed consent to surgery and for use of her imaging for medical publication. Briefly, surgery first involved transpedicular instrumentation from T10 to S1 with bilateral iliac screw fixation, and then T11-12 and T12-L1 Smith-Petersen osteotomies were performed. Next, an extended asymmetrical L4 PSO was performed and a 12° lordotic cage (9 × 14 × 40 mm) was placed at the PSO defect. Rods were placed from T10 to iliac bilaterally, and accessory supplemental rods spanning the PSO were attached. Postoperative scoliosis X-rays demonstrated improved alignment: SVA 5.5 cm, PI 60°, LL 55°, PT 36°, TK 37°, and 3.7 cm of rightward coronal shift. The patient had uneventful recovery.
Effect of forage to concentrate ratio and duration of feeding on growth and feed conversion efficiency of male lambs
Authors: Claffey Noel A , Fahey Alan G , Gkarane Vasiliki , Moloney Aidan P , Monahan Frank J , Diskin Michael G
Published: June 2018

Rations (DM basis) for spring-born male lambs consisting of concentrates ad libitum (CON), 50:50 (50% concentrate:50% forage), and forage ad libitum (FORG) were evaluated across feeding periods of three durations (36, 54, and 72 d). Lambs on CON diets were offered ad libitum access to concentrate along with 400 g of fresh weight silage (daily), while 50:50 diets were offered 0.9 and 3.0 kg of concentrate and silage, respectively. Lambs on FORG were offered ad libitum access to 25.5% DM silage. These rations were fed to 99 spring-born male Texel cross Scottish Blackface lambs which were assigned to a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. Lambs were slaughtered following completion of their respective treatments. Lambs fed CON diets had greater ADG, FCE, and carcass weight (P < 0.001) and carcasses with greater conformation score (P < 0.001) than lambs fed 50:50 or FORG diets. Duration of feeding had no effect on production variables across all three concentrate inclusion levels. It was concluded that the inclusion of concentrates is needed to adequately finish lambs fed indoors. Feeding lamb’s 50:50 diets resulted in modest responses and may be a viable option for finishing lambs or to maintain growth in lambs when the cost of concentrate feed is high relative to the financial return on the lamb meat.
Treatment of Genital Burn Injuries: Traditional Procedures and New Techniques
Authors: Schulz Alexandra , Ribitsch Benedikt , Fuchs Paul Christian , Lipensky Alexandra , Schiefer Jennifer Lynn
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVE:

Because genital burns are rare, only limited information on treatment guidelines is available in the literature. Vital tissue should be preserved to promote spontaneous healing because reconstruction does not always lead to satisfying results. The aim of this report is to present a general overview of current, prevailing treatment for genital burns and compare this to study authors’ experiences. In addition, the article describes an entirely new approach of tissue-preserving bromelain-based enzymatic debridement of genital burn wounds.

METHODS:

This single-center study includes all patients who were treated for severe genital and perineal burn wounds at a burn intensive care unit between December 1995 and December 2016. A review of literature was performed in PubMed covering the years 1990 to 2016.

RESULTS:

A total of 149 patients were admitted with severe burns or scalding of the genitals or the perineum. As in the majority of cases reported in the current literature, most of these patients were treated conservatively. When there was demarcation of necrotic tissue, tangential excision and skin grafting were performed, and since 2015, 3 patients admitted to this facility have been treated with bromelain-based debridement followed by spontaneous healing. Certain small-scale studies in the literature describe a disproportionate number of surgical interventions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Based on this evidence, study authors support a conservative view of genital burn treatment. Enzymatic debridement allows earlier and more selective debridement, which can improve the aesthetic outcome.
Epidural Abscess
Authors: Chaker Anisse N. , Bhimani Abhiraj D. , Esfahani Darian R. , Rosinski Clayton L. , Geever Brett W. , Patel Akash S. , Hobbs Jonathan G. , Burch Taylor G. , Patel Saavan , Mehta Ankit I.
Published: June 2018

Study Design.

Observational analysis of retrospectively collected data.

Objective.

A retrospective study was performed in order to compare the surgical profile of risk factors and perioperative complications for laminectomy and laminectomy with fusion procedures in the treatment of spinal epidural abscess (SEA).

Summary of Background Data.

SEA is a highly morbid condition typically presenting with back pain, fever, and neurologic deficits. Posterior fusion has been used to supplement traditional laminectomy of SEA to improve spinal stability. At present, the ideal surgical strategy—laminectomy with or without fusion—remains elusive.

Methods.

Thirty-day outcomes such as reoperation and readmission following laminectomy and laminectomy with fusion in patients with SEA were investigated utilizing the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program database. Demographics and clinical risk factors were collected, and propensity matching was performed to account for differences in risk profiles between the groups.

Results.

Seven hundred thirty-eight patients were studied (608 laminectomy alone, 130 fusion). The fusion population was in worse health. The fusion population experienced significantly greater rate of return to the operating room (odds ratio [OR] 1.892), with the difference primarily accounted for by cervical spine operations. Additionally, fusion patients had significantly greater rates of blood transfusion. Infection was the most common reason for reoperation in both populations.

Conclusion.

Both laminectomy and laminectomy with fusion effectively treat SEA, but addition of fusion is associated with significantly higher rates of transfusion and perioperative return to the operating room. In operative situations where either procedure is reasonable, surgeons should consider that fusion nearly doubles the odds of reoperation in the short-term, and weigh this risk against the benefit of added stability.

Level of Evidence: 3
Total Hip Arthroplasty in Untreated Ankylosing Spondylitis: Tips and Tricks to Avoid Complications
Authors: Reynolds John , Harper Katharine D. , Gokcen Eric C.
Published: June 2018

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a seronegative inflammatory disease that progressively affects the spine and sacroiliac joints and is more common in men with the B 27 human leucocyte antigen. This leads to inflammation, synovitis and, eventually, secondary arthritis in the hips of those affected. Hips of those affected are often completely ankylosed at time of presentation to the orthopedic surgeon. Total hip arthroplasty offers a stable mobile hip for patients who are functionally disabled due to their debilitating disease. As disease progresses, the native hip anatomy, which is familiar to orthopedic surgeon in routine total hip arthroplasties for osteoarthritis, can be distorted by complete ankyloses. These surgeons must be aware of the unique technical challenges and considerations with regard to, anesthesia, OR setup, patient positioning, implant choice, and potential complications. The tips and tricks presented in this case provided the patient with a successful outcome due to careful planning and utilization of the described technical pearls.
Cardiac Immune-Related Adverse Events in Immune Checkpoint Inhibition Therapy
Authors: Brumbaugh Aaron D. , Narurkar Roshni , Parikh Kaushal , Fanucchi Michael , Frishman William H.
Published: June 2018

Immune checkpoint inhibitors present clinicians with both an exciting step forward in cancer treatment and the unknown possibilities of an unshackled immune system. The latter phenomena, known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs), are of particular interest because they may affect any organ system with autoimmune-like pathologies, such as hepatitis and colitis. Within the cardiovascular system, irAEs associated with immune checkpoint blockade exist as a broad clinical spectrum, with autoimmune myocarditis being the best-characterized entity at this time. In general, irAEs are often reversible with immunosuppression. However, irAEs that affect the cardiovascular system pose the possibility of a rapid and fatal clinical deterioration. The mortality attributed to immune checkpoint blockade-associated autoimmune myocarditis, as reported in the WHO database, exists from 36% to 67%, dependent on the therapeutic regimen. Yet, despite the potential severity such events pose, guidelines dictating the identification of immune checkpoint inhibition irAEs do not exist, providing a stark contrast with other anticancer medications with known cardiovascular effects. The lack of guidelines may be related to the perceived rarity of these events, yet a recent study of immune checkpoint inhibition-associated autoimmune myocarditis suggests that this clinical entity may be more prevalent than initially believed. Until more standardized information regarding these potentially serious events is available, the study of documented cases is instructive to improve identification of such phenomena, as well as the outcomes for patients who develop them.