bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stabilization and control of topological magnetic solitons via magnetic nanopatterning of exchange bias systems
Authors: Albisetti Edoardo , Calò Annalisa , Spieser Martin , Knoll Armin W. , Riedo Elisa , Petti Daniela
Published: October 2018

Stabilizing and manipulating topological magnetic quasiparticles in thin films is of great interest for potential applications in data storage and information processing. Here, we present a strategy for stabilizing magnetic vortices and Bloch lines with controlled position, vorticity, and chirality in a continuous exchange bias system. By tailoring vectorially the unidirectional anisotropy of the system at the nanoscale, via thermally assisted magnetic scanning probe lithography, we show experimentally and via micromagnetic simulations the non-volatile creation of vortex-antivortex pairs. In addition, we demonstrate the deterministic stabilization of cross and circular Bloch lines within patterned Néel magnetic domain walls. This work enables the implementation of complex functionalities based on the control of tailored topological spin-textures in spintronic and magnonic nanodevices.
Geometry of two-point velocity correlation tensor of homogeneous isotropic turbulence with helicity in sol-manifold coordinates
Authors: Bakhshandeh Chamazkoti Rohollah , Oberlack Martin
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a geometric model of homogeneous isotropic turbulence with helicity in three dimensions using a family of the quadratic forms of Riemannian metrics generated by the two-point correlation tensor field is investigated. We show that this metric induces a sol-metric on infinite cylinder R×T2 as a sol-manifold. Using the corresponded Hamiltonian equation of the geodesic flow of our sol metric on the infinite cylinder R×T2, we find three functionally independent first integrals and then the geodesic flow is integrable. Moreover, we consider how the terms of this family of quadratic forms influence the length scales of turbulent motion. The conformal invariance of the corresponding manifolds on our Reimanian metric is proved using the symmetry group of the system of von Kármán–Howarth and Chkhetiani–Kurien equations in the two limits of finite and infinite Reynolds numbers. This property corresponds to the conservation of angles between the intersecting curves located on the manifold under the action of these scaling groups.
Low-frequency forbidden bandgap engineering via a cascade of multiple 1D superlattices
Authors: Zhang Sai , Zhang Yan , Lu Wei , Hu Guanghua , Xu Bai-qiang , Cao Wenwu
Published: October 2018

Low-frequency forbidden bandgap (LFB) in solid-fluid superlattice (SFSL) provides a novel degree of freedom to control the propagation of low frequency acoustic waves. However, its narrow angle range seriously restricts its practical applications. To engineer the angle range of LFB, the transmission coefficient of a cascade of multiple 1D superlattices was calculated using the transfer matrix method and also verified by finite element simulations. It was found that the LFB with ultra-wide angle range can be created using only 4 cells of a two-phased cascade structure and can be adjusted by changing the solid filling fraction of each sub-SFSL. By introducing two or more 1D superlattices into the layered cascade structure, the LFB with multiple angle ranges and/or ultra-wide angle range can be engineered for low frequency acoustic waves whose wavelengths are much larger than the lattice constant. Such acoustic low-frequency forbidden bandgap materials are useful for making perfect acoustic low-frequency filters with broad bandwidth in selective angle ranges, which are useful in subwavelength acoustic devices.
A tunable magnetic axis microdevice using polymer-dispersed liquid crystal doped with magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Yang Da-Chun Jim , Cai Jyun-Min , Yang Yao-Joe Joseph
Published: October 2018

This work proposes a magnetic microdevice with a tunable magnetic axis. The proposed device was realized by patterning a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) material doped with magnetic nanoparticles. An in situ technique of re-polarizing the magnetic axis of the device using small magnetic fields was also presented. The PDLC-based microdevice was fabricated using the standard polymerization-induced phase separation method and a simple lithography process. The re-polarization was achieved by applying a moderate magnetic field of less than 30 mT. The locomotion of the device, including translational motion, rotational motion, and magnetic re-polarization, was demonstrated in a polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic channel by using two pairs of Helmholtz coils. The measured results also showed that the time required for magnetic re-polarization decreases with the intensity of the magnetic field applied. The velocities of the devices driven in the microfluidic channel with different magnetic field gradients were also measured.
Tunable microwave magnetic field detection based on Rabi resonance with a single cesium-rubidium hybrid vapor cell
Authors: Sun Fuyu , Jiang Zhiyuan , Qu Jifeng , Song Zhenfei , Ma Jie , Hou Dong , Liu Xiaochi
Published: October 2018

We experimentally investigated continuously frequency-tunable microwave (MW) magnetic field detection based on Rabi resonance with a single cesium-rubidium hybrid vapor cell. The multispecies atomic systems, with their tunable abilities in transition frequencies, enabled this atomic sensing head to cover a broader detectable MW field scope compared to the use of a single alkali atom. Here, we demonstrated the simultaneous observation of atomic Rabi resonance signals with 85Rb, 87Rb, and 133Cs in the same vapor cell. Using an experimentally feasible static magnetic field (DC field) below 500 G, we realized a MW magnetic field strength detection with a bandwidth of 4.8 GHz around 8.1 GHz. The use of a hybrid cell system cell also enabled the detection of an identical MW field for different atomic species with the help of the DC field, allowing us to perform a perfect comparison for different applications that require the same electromagnetic environment. The results may be useful for the realization and application of many atomic detectors based on different physical principles.
Phylogenetic position of the enigmatic termite family Stylotermitidae (Insecta : Blattodea)
Authors: Wu Li-Wei , Bourguignon Thomas , Šobotník Jan , Wen Ping , Liang Wei-Ren , Li Hou-Feng
Published: October 2018

Termites are eusocial insects currently classified into nine families, of which only Stylotermitidae has never been subjected to any molecular phylogenetic analysis. Stylotermitids present remarkable morphology and have the unique habit of feeding on living trees. We sequenced mitogenomes of five stylotermitid samples from China and Taiwan to reconstruct the phylogenetic position of Stylotermitidae. Our analyses placed Stylotermitidae as the sister group of all remaining Neoisoptera. The systematic position of Stylotermitidae calls for additional studies of their biology, including their developmental pathways and pheromone communication, which have the potential to change our understanding of termite evolution.
Treading water: respirometer choice may hamper comparative studies of energetics in fishes
Authors: Lear Karissa O. , Whitney Nicholas M. , Brewster Lauran R. , Gleiss Adrian C.
Published: October 2018

Measuring the metabolic rate of animals is an essential part of understanding their ecology, behaviour and life history. Respirometry is the standard method of measuring metabolism in fish, but different respirometry methods and systems can result in disparate measurements of metabolic rate, a factor often difficult to quantify. Here we directly compare the results of two of the most common respirometry systems used in elasmobranch studies, a Steffensen-style flume respirometer and an annular static respirometer. Respirometry trials with juvenile lemon sharks Negaprion brevirostris were run in both systems under the same environmental conditions and using the same individuals. Relationships between metabolic rate, swimming speed, overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA) and tail beat frequency (TBF) were compared between the two systems. The static respirometer elicited higher TBF and ODBA for a given swimming speed compared with the flume respirometer, although it produced relationships between kinematic parameters that were more similar to those observed in free-swimming animals. Metabolic rates and swimming speeds were higher for the flume respirometer. Therefore, although flume respirometers are necessary for many types of controlled laboratory studies, static respirometers may elicit lower stress and produce results that are more applicable to fish in wild systems.
Aiming for 90–90–90 – the importance of understanding the risk factors for HIV exposure and advanced HIV infection in migrant populations and other groups who do not report male-to-male sex
Authors: Peach Elizabeth , Lemoh Chris , Stoove Mark , Agius Paul , El Hayek Carol , Higgins Nasra , Hellard Margaret
Published: October 2018

Background In Australia, new HIV diagnoses increasingly occur among people who do not report male-to-male sex. Among migrants, it is not clear what proportion acquired infection before migration. Similarly, among Australian-born people, it is not clear what proportion acquired infection in-country. There is a need to better understand the epidemiology of HIV in people who do not report male-to-male sex. Methods: Victorian public health surveillance data were used to classify migrants as having likely acquired HIV before or after arrival to Australia using a CD4 cell count decline method to estimate date of infection. Place of exposure for Australian-born people was estimated based on self-report. Factors associated with place of HIV acquisition, advanced infection and newly acquired infection were explored among migrants and among Australian-born people. Results: Between July 1996 and June 2014, there were 821 new non-MSM HIV diagnoses. Most (58%) were migrants, and of these, half (54%) were estimated to have acquired HIV before migration. Among Australian-born people, 27% reported exposure likely occurring abroad; the majority of these were men who reported exposure in South-East Asia. Advanced infection was common in migrants (45%) and Australian-born people (35%). Among migrants, birth in South-East Asia was associated with increased odds of advanced infection. Conclusion: These results highlight the potential vulnerability of migrants after arrival in Australia, especially those from South-East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, and that of Australian-born men travelling to these regions. Public health practice must be strengthened to meet prevention needs of these populations in line with Australian policy.
Adaptation limits ecological diversification and promotes ecological tinkering during the competition for substitutable resources
Authors: Good Benjamin H. , Martis Stephen , Hallatschek Oskar
Published: October 2018

Significance

Most mutations are subject to competitive exclusion: Their descendants will either take over the population or go extinct. In special cases, a mutant may evade competitive exclusion by exploiting a different ecological niche. Both types of mutations can be found in large microbial populations, yet little is known about how they interact. By generalizing consumer-resource theory to include heritable beneficial mutations, we show that interactions between diversification and competitive exclusion can produce dramatic departures from existing models of evolution or ecology alone. These results suggest that short-term evolutionary processes could play an important role in shaping the structure of microbial communities.
Disorder induced power-law gaps in an insulator–metal Mott transition
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Okada Yoshinori , O’Neal Jared , Zhou Wenwen , Walkup Daniel , Dhital Chetan , Hogan Tom , Clancy Patrick , Kim Young-June , Hu Y. F. , Santos Luiz H. , Wilson Stephen D. , Trivedi Nandini , Madhavan Vidya
Published: October 2018

Significance

Correlated electron systems often show unexpected behavior that defies theoretical explanations. One such mystery is the universal presence of V-shaped gaps with surprisingly linear energy dependence, whose origins are as-yet unknown. Conventional wisdom implicates static order like charge density waves or fluctuations of a nearby order parameter like superconductivity or antiferromagnetism. However, adding dopants to correlated systems inevitably leads to the opposite of order—i.e., electronic disorder—which begs the question: Could disorder create well-defined signatures in electronic properties? By carefully choosing a material with no additional order, we show that order is not the only path to gaps and that disorder may play a surprising role in generating universal signatures in the density of states of disordered correlated systems.
Dispersal increases ecological selection by increasing effective community size
Authors: Ron Ronen , Fragman-Sapir Ori , Kadmon Ronen
Published: October 2018

Significance

A basic challenge of ecology is to understand the mechanisms that generate changes in the composition of ecological communities. At the most fundamental level, any change in species composition results from the interplay between two contrasting forces: selection (representing deterministic forces) and drift (representing stochastic forces). Here we provide experimental evidence that the relative importance of these two forces depends on the magnitude of dispersal. Specifically, increasing dispersal increases the effective size of the communities, thereby diminishing the relative importance of demographic stochasticity and increasing the relative importance of selective forces as drivers of community assembly. Our findings, supported by computer simulations, have important implications for understanding the ecological consequences of dispersal.
Impaired hematopoiesis and leukemia development in mice with a conditional knock-in allele of a mutant splicing factor gene
U2af1
Authors: Fei Dennis Liang , Zhen Tao , Durham Benjamin , Ferrarone John , Zhang Tuo , Garrett Lisa , Yoshimi Akihide , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Bradley Robert K. , Liu Paul , Varmus Harold
Published: October 2018

Significance

Somatic mutations in some splicing factor genes are frequently found in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and MDS-related acute myeloid leukemia (AML), blood cancers with few effective treatment options. However, the pathophysiological effects of these mutations remain poorly characterized. Here, we report the establishment of mouse models to study a common splicing factor mutation,
U2AF1
(S34F). Production of the mutant protein in the murine hematopoietic compartment disrupts hematopoiesis in ways resembling human MDS. We further identified deletion of the
Runx1
gene and other known oncogenic mutations as changes that might collaborate with
U2af1
(S34F) to give rise to frank AML in mice. However, the
U2af1
(S34F) mutation was absent in two of the three AML cases, raising the possibility that this mutant protein plays a dispensable role in tumor maintenance.
Peptide design by optimization on a data-parameterized protein interaction landscape
Authors: Jenson Justin M. , Xue Vincent , Stretz Lindsey , Mandal Tirtha , Reich Lothar “Luther” , Keating Amy E.
Published: October 2018

Significance

Medicine, agriculture, and the biofuel industry use engineered proteins to perform functions such as binding, catalysis, and signaling. Designing useful proteins faces the “needle in a haystack” problem posed by the astronomical number of possible sequences. Proteins of utility can be found by experimentally screening 10
2
–10
9
molecules for properties of interest. We posit that such screens can serve as the beginning of a powerful computationally aided design process. Data collected in high-throughput experiments can be used to learn aspects of the relationship between protein sequence and function. We show how models trained on data can guide computational exploration of huge sequence spaces. This can enable rational design of molecules with custom properties that would be difficult to discover using other techniques.
From Co-Actionality to Extended Intersubjectivity: Drawing on Language Change and Ontogenetic Development
Authors: TANTUCCI Vittorio
Published: October 2018

This article combines research results centred on theory of mind (ToM) from cognitive and developmental psychology (Goldman 2006; Apperly 2010; Wilkinson and Ball 2012) with the notion of intersubjectivity in usage-based linguistics (i.a. Verhagen 2005; Nuyts 2012; Traugott 2012). It identifies some of the controversies in the literature from both domains and suggests the desiderata for a hybrid approach to intersubjectivity, which is distinctively designed to tackle applied research in social and cognitive sciences. This model is based on a mismatch between interaction as mere ‘co-action’ vs. interaction as spontaneously communicated awareness of an(other) mind(s). It provides a case study centred on the first language acquisition of pre-nominal usage of this/that and such. From, respectively, a distinctive collexeme (Gries and Stefanowitsch 2004) and behavioural profile analysis (Gries 2010) will emerge that beyond expressions of joint attention, children’s ToM ability progressively underpins ‘ad-hoc’ generalized instantiations based on extended intersubjectivity, viz. the socio-cognitive skill to problematize what a general persona would act, feel, or think in a specific context.
ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding for Neuropsychological Assessment
Authors: Uysal Suzan
Published: October 2018

Objective

This paper summarizes the basic principles of diagnosis coding for neuropsychological evaluation of patients with known or suspected brain injury or disease.

Method

The resources forming the basis of this article are the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) and the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting.

Conclusion

Diagnosis codes are used to communicate the specific reason for health care encounters and the conditions treated. All health care providers in all health care settings are mandated to implement ICD-10-CM for coding all health care encounters and transactions. It is the providers of health care services who ultimately are responsible for medical record documentation and diagnosis coding. The neuropsychologist’s knowledge base, therefore, should include a basic understanding of the structure of the ICD-10-CM, the conventions and rules for diagnosis coding, and the rules for what constitutes accurate coding.
BMDExpress 2: enhanced transcriptomic dose-response analysis workflow
Authors: Phillips Jason R , Svoboda Daniel L , Tandon Arpit , Patel Shyam , Sedykh Alex , Mav Deepak , Kuo Byron , Yauk Carole L , Yang Longlong , Thomas Russell S , Gift Jeff S , Davis J Allen , Olszyk Louis , Merrick B Alex , Paules Richard S , Parham Fred , Saddler Trey , Shah Ruchir R , Auerbach Scott S
Published: October 2018

A new version (version 2) of the genomic dose-response analysis software, BMDExpress, has been created. The software addresses the increasing use of transcriptomic dose-response data in toxicology, drug design, risk assessment and translational research. In this new version, we have implemented additional statistical filtering options (e.g. Williams’ trend test), curve fitting models, Linux and Macintosh compatibility and support for additional transcriptomic platforms with up-to-date gene annotations. Furthermore, we have implemented extensive data visualizations, on-the-fly data filtering, and a batch-wise analysis workflow. We have also significantly re-engineered the code base to reflect contemporary software engineering practices and streamline future development. The first version of BMDExpress was developed in 2007 to meet an unmet demand for easy-to-use transcriptomic dose-response analysis software. Since its original release, however, transcriptomic platforms, technologies, pathway annotations and quantitative methods for data analysis have undergone a large change necessitating a significant re-development of BMDExpress. To that end, as of 2016, the National Toxicology Program assumed stewardship of BMDExpress. The result is a modernized and updated BMDExpress 2 that addresses the needs of the growing toxicogenomics user community.

Availability and implementation

BMDExpress 2 is available at https://github.com/auerbachs/BMDExpress-2/releases.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A non-invasive biomarker of type III collagen degradation reflects ischaemia reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Rasmussen Daniel Guldager Kring , Nielsen Per Mose , Kasab-Oglo Özlem Yashar , Nielsen Signe Holm , Kierulf-Lassen Casper , Karsdal Morten Asser , Genovese Federica , Nørregaard Rikke
Published: October 2018

Background

Maintenance of kidney function in kidney allografts remains a challenge, as the allograft often progressively develops fibrosis after kidney transplantation. Fibrosis is caused by the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins like type I and III collagen (COL I and III) that replace the functional tissue. We assessed the concentrations of a neo-epitope fragment of COL III generated by matrix metalloproteinase-9 cleavage (C3M) in two rat models resembling the ischaemic injury taking place following kidney transplantation.

Methods

We measured C3M in urine (U-C3M) and plasma (P-C3M) samples of rats subjected to unilateral nephrectomy followed by sham operation (NTx) or ischaemia reperfusion injury (NTxIRI) as well as in rats subjected to bilateral ischaemia reperfusion injury (BiIRI). Levels of U-C3M were normalized to urinary creatinine and were correlated to plasma creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) of markers of kidney injury, and mRNA and protein levels of markers of tissue repair and fibrosis.

Results

Levels of U-C3M were significantly elevated 7 days after ischaemia reperfusion in the NTxIRI. BiIRI animals showed higher levels of U-C3M after 7 and 14 days of reperfusion but not at 21 days. P-C3M did not change in any of the models. There was a significant correlation between U-C3M and mRNA levels of fibronectin, COL I alpha 1 chain (COL Ia1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and protein levels of alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA), fibronectin and COL III in NTxIRI but not in NTx animals. Levels of U-C3M increased significantly in the BiIRI animals subsequent to reperfusion, and mirrored the histological alterations. Furthermore, U-C3M was associated with the extent of fibrosis, and remained elevated even after plasma creatinine levels decreased.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that degradation of COL III increases after ischaemia reperfusion injury, and that U-C3M may be a non-invasive marker of tissue repair and fibrosis in the ischaemic kidney.
Vapes, E-cigs, and Mods: What Do Young Adults Call E-cigarettes?
Authors: Pearson Jennifer L , Reed Domonique M , Villanti Andrea C
Published: October 2018

Introduction

A diverse class of products, “e-cigarettes” present surveillance and regulatory challenges because of nonstandard terminology used to describe subtypes, especially among young adults, where occasional e-cig use is most prevalent.

Methods

Young adults (n = 3364) in wave 9 (Spring 2016) of the Truth Initiative Young Adult Cohort were randomized to see two of five photos of common e-cig products (three varieties of first-generation e-cigs and one variety each of second- and third-generation e-cigs). Qualitative responses were coded into nine classifications: “e-cigarette, e-hookah, vape-related, mod, other or more than one kind of e-cig, marijuana-related, non-e-cig tobacco product, misidentified, and don’t know.” We characterized the sample and survey responses and conducted multivariable logistic regression to identify participant characteristics associated with correctly identifying the devices as e-cigs. Data were weighted to represent the young adult population in the United States in 2016.

Results

The majority of participants identified the pictured devices as some type of e-cig (57.7%–83.6%). The white first-generation e-cig, as well as the second- and third-generation e-cigs caused the greatest confusion, with a large proportion of individuals responding “don’t know” (12.2%–25.1%, depending on device) or misidentifying the e-cig as a non-nicotine product (3.4%–16.1%, depending on device) or non-e-cig tobacco product (1.4%–14.6%, depending on device).

Conclusions

Accurate surveillance and analyses of the effect of e-cigs on health behavior and outcomes depend on accurate data collection on users’ subtype of e-cig. Carefully chosen images in surveys may improve reporting of e-cig use in population studies.

Implications

Survey researchers using images to cue respondents, especially young adult respondents, should consider avoiding use of white or colorful first-generation e-cigs, which were commonly misidentified in this research, in preference for black or dark colored first-generation e-cigs, such as the blu brand e-cig. Given the sizable proportion of respondents who classified second- and third-generation e-cigs with terminology related to vaping, surveys specifically aimed at assessing use of these types of e-cigs should include the term “vape” when describing this subclass of devices.
Too many medication alerts
Authors: Fant Catherine , Adelman Deborah
Published: October 2018

NPs see many medication alerts on a daily basis. The dilemma is finding a balance between having enough alerts to prevent harm and too many inappropriate alerts, causing alert fatigue. Technical and human factors affect how alerts impact NPs, and consequently, NPs should play a role in ensuring only appropriate alerts are used.
The Effects of Wheel Running on Skeletal Muscle Function During and Following Doxorubicin Treatment
Authors: Hochberg Leanne M. , Busekrus Raquel B. , Hydock David S.
Published: October 2018

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a powerful chemotherapeutic agent, but its use is associated with adverse side effects including skeletal muscle dysfunction. Exercise prior to DOX treatment has been shown to attenuate muscle dysfunction, but the effects of exercise on DOX myotoxicity during and following treatment remain unknown.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was therefore to explore the effects of endurance exercise during and following DOX treatment on skeletal muscle function.

Methods:

Male rats received DOX or saline weekly for 6 weeks and were housed in either voluntary running wheel cages or sedentary condition. Grip force was measured at baseline, week 5, and week 10, and ex vivo skeletal muscle function was assessed at week 10.

Results:

Wheel running during and following DOX treatment attenuated late-onset grip force reduction and promoted improved function in type I, or slow muscle.

Conclusion:

Skeletal muscle function can be preserved during and following DOX treatment with low-volume endurance exercise, but this protection may be limited to type I muscle.
Extensive CD34-to-CD90 Fibroblast Transition Defines Regions of Cutaneous Reparative, Hypertrophic, and Keloidal Scarring
Authors: Ho Jonathan Dale , Chung Hye Jin , MS Barron Alexander , Ho Djavila Amari , Sahni Debjani , Browning Jeffrey L. , Bhawan Jag
Published: October 2018

Background:

CD90+ fibroblasts have been described arising from and replacing the homeostatic CD34+ network in scleroderma, but have not been specifically examined in other forms of cutaneous fibrosis.

Objectives:

To address expression, timelines, and spatial relationships of CD90, CD34, and smooth muscle actin (SMA) expressing fibroblasts in scars and to examine for the presence of a CD34-to-CD90 transition.

Methods:

One hundred and seventeen scars (reparative/hypertrophic/keloidal) were evaluated for CD90, CD34, and SMA expression. Double-staining immunohistochemistry for CD90/CD34 was performed to identify CD90+/CD34+ transitioning cells, confirmed by double-color immunofluorescence. In addition, some scars were double-stained with CD90/SMA, CD90/procollagen-1, or SMA/procollagen-1 to evaluate spatial relationships and active collagen synthesis. Expression was graded as diffuse, minority, and negative.

Results:

Most scars demonstrate a CD90diffuse/CD34negative/minority pattern, and dual CD90+/CD34+ fibroblasts were observed in 91% of scars. In reparative scars, CD90 expression reverses to a CD34+/CD90− state with maturation. Pathologic scars exhibit prolonged CD90 expression. Both CD90+ and SMA+ fibroblasts collagenize scars, although CD90+ fibroblasts are more prevalent.

Conclusions:

CD90+ fibroblasts likely arise from the resting CD34+ fibroblastic network. Actively collagenizing scar fibroblasts exhibit a CD90diffuse/CD34negative/minority phenotype, which is prolonged in pathologic scars. CD90+ fibroblasts are likely important players in cutaneous scarring.
Simultaneous Quantification of Nine Antimicrobials by LC-MS/MS for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Neugebauer Sophie , Wichmann Christina , Bremer-Streck Sibylle , Hagel Stefan , Kiehntopf Michael
Published: October 2018

Background:

Adequate antibiotic treatment is a prerequisite for the successful treatment of systemic infections. Based on accumulating scientific evidence, a fixed dosage regimen can lead to insufficient and ineffective antibiotic therapy. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop and validate a simplified, but sensitive method for the simultaneous quantification of antimicrobials by using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the development of personalized therapy regimens using therapeutic drug monitoring.

Methods:

A method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of 9 antimicrobials (aciclovir, ampicillin, cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin, meropenem, metronidazole, piperacillin, rifampicin, and tazobactam) in lithium–heparin plasma. A simple sample preparation method and a chromatographic run time of 10 minutes enabled the quick processing of the samples. The method was validated according to the guidelines for bioanalytical method validation of the European Medicines Agency and addressed sensitivity, specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, dilution integrity, carry-over, recovery, matrix effects, and stability.

Results:

The chromatographic run time was 10 minutes and antimicrobials eluted at retention times ranging from 1.1 to 2.2 minutes. Calibration curve for all antimicrobials was linear over a range of 1–100 mg/L, and a 2-fold or 5-fold dilution of the samples was possible. The method accuracy ranged from 85.1% to 114.9% for all measured antimicrobials, and the within- and between-run precision values were <11.9% and <16.5% for the lower limit of quantification. No interferences and carry-over were observed. The samples were stable for at least 5 hours at room temperature or in the autosampler (10°C).

Conclusions:

The LC-MS/MS method developed in this study is appropriate and practical for the therapeutic drug monitoring of antimicrobials in the daily clinical laboratory practice because of its short analysis time, the need for a small amount of plasma, high specificity, and accuracy.
Effectiveness of Nurse's Intentional Presence as a Holistic Modality on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress of Cardiac Surgery Patients
Authors: Khajian Gelogahi Zeynab , Aghebati Nahid , Mazloum Seyed Reza , Mohajer Samira
Published: October 2018

One of the important aspects of recovering after bypass surgery is mental disorders of patients. Despite the importance of intentional presence in interpersonal interactive space in holistic nursing, a few experimental and clinical trial studies are conducted on this subject. This study determines the effect of intentional presence of a holistic nurse on anxiety, stress, and depression in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The study used a randomized clinical trial conducted on 80 patients referred to heart surgery department from March 2016 to June 2017, who were allocated to the control and intervention groups randomly. DASS 21 (Depression, Anxiety, Stress scale) questionnaire and a checklist to determine stressor resources were used to measure the variables. Four 30- to 45-minute sessions of nursing intentional presence were conducted for each patient individually in the intervention group. The results showed homogeneity between 2 groups in demographic variables (P > .05). But there was heterogeneity between 2 groups (P < .05) for some stressors. By using analysis of covariance and excluding the effect of stressors and the first scores before the intervention, statistics represented a significant decrease in stress, anxiety, and depression scores in the intervention group compared with the control group (P < .0001). The results of this study indicated that the intentional presence of a nurse as an effective nursing procedure can reduce the depression, stress, and anxiety of the patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.
Testing the Feasibility of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention With Underserved Adolescents at Risk for Depression
Authors: Young Cara C. , Minami Haruka , Aguilar Rodolfo , Brown Richard A.
Published: October 2018

This study tested the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a mindfulness-based intervention with at-risk adolescents from a predominantly Hispanic/Latino community. Seven adolescents (57% female, 85% Hispanic/Latino) completed the mindfulness-based intervention, demonstrating feasibility, and reported acceptability as well as sustained improvements in depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and self-esteem.
A Case of Hyaluronic Acid Induced Blindness With Ophthalmoplegia and Ptosis
Authors: Chen Hui , Wang Huan , Yang Zhenglin
Published: October 2018

Hyaluronic acid injection can lead to skin necrosis, visual loss, and other complications. The blindness with ophthalmoplegia and ptosis is a rare, but terrible and devastating complication. The disfigured appearance usually has significant impact on patient’s social life. There is no standard treatment. A patient with hyaluronic acid induced blindness, ophthalmoplegia, and ptosis is reported. Six days after the onset, peribulbar/retrobulbar injections of high dosage hyaluronidase were performed. The orbital edema and ptosis immediately improved. The ophthalmoplegia and ptosis improved significantly within a month and resolved completely within 3 months, although the right vision remained blind. Peribulbar/retrobulbar injection of hyaluronidase is a potential rescue therapy for the hyaluronic acid induced ophthalmoplegia and ptosis.
Pituitary Adenoma Apoplexy of the Orbit, Diagnosis, and Management With Presurgical Embolization
Authors: Hodgson Nickisa M. , Campbell Ashley A. , Chang Jessica R. , Vizcaino Adelita , Eberhart Charles , Pearl Monica S. , McCulley Timothy J.
Published: October 2018

Orbital invasion of pituitary adenomas has been previously reported. In this report, the authors describe a 71-year-old female with a prolactinoma that presented with invasion of and apoplexy within the orbit. The patient underwent exenteration, followed by rapid tumor recurrence and growth. Given the hemorrhagic nature of the tumor, she subsequently underwent preoperative embolization and surgical resection. This case is notable in that it illustrates both apoplexy of a pituitary tumor within the orbit and the benefit of presurgical embolization.
Orbitocerebral Mucormycosis in a Patient With Central Nervous System Lymphoma
Authors: Beketova Tatyana R. , Bailey Lucy , Crowell Eric L. , Supsupin Emilio P. , Adesina Ore-ofe O.
Published: October 2018

A 61-year-old man with well-controlled diabetes mellitus type 2, cirrhosis from hepatitis C, alcohol abuse, and portal hypertension presented with painful vision loss and left orbital swelling. Imaging showed diffuse orbital, perineural, and pachymeningeal inflammation. He was initially diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis. However, cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed central nervous system lymphoma, and lacrimal gland biopsy showed fungal organisms consistent with mucormycosis. The authors describe a case of Mucorales infection lacking sinonasal involvement and discuss the differential diagnosis and management of patients presenting with orbital and central nervous system inflammation from this uncommon fungal infection.
Embracing the future for emergency nurse practitioners and specialty practice: Implications for research, clinical practice, education, and health policy
Authors: Evans Dian Dowling , Hoyt Karen Sue , Wilbeck Jennifer , Schumann Lorna , Ramirez Elda , Tyler Diane , Agan Donna
Published: October 2018

The emergency nurse practitioner (ENP) specialty has grown rapidly, responding and adapting to changes within emergency care. Designation and advancement of nurse practitioner (NP) specialties follows a systematic process as defined by the profession. This includes establishment of scope and standards of practice, educational standards, and policy initiatives to ensure quality and safety within the profession. This article describes how the ENP specialty has used evidence to meet health system needs and chart a transformational future. Current recommendations for advancing health care transformation, as described by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing-Manatt Report, inform and frame the processes by which the ENP specialty has collaborated with diverse stakeholders to create a research and policy agenda to ensure that ENPs are appropriately prepared to lead and provide access to safe, affordable, quality health care. These processes provide a future-oriented model that promotes advancement of the NP profession through provision of new NP specialty designations as they emerge to meet changing health care system needs.
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing for breast cancer risk
Authors: Reed E. Kate , Edelman Emily A.
Published: October 2018

Increasingly, individuals are interested in genetic testing to find out if they are at increased risk for breast cancer and other diseases. Through direct-to-consumer genetic testing, people can receive information about many different traits, including some risk information about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. With more people getting this information outside of the medical setting, clinicians should be aware of the benefits and limitations of such testing.
Pulmonary embolism critical care update: prognosis, treatment, and research gaps
Authors: Chodakowski Jason D. , Courtney D. Mark
Published: October 2018

Purpose of review

We provide a timely update on treatment care issues facing clinicians and patients with acute pulmonary embolism accompanied by either right ventricular strain (sub-massive pulmonary embolism) or shock (massive pulmonary embolism).

Recent findings

Care and research changes over the last several years have resulted in four important trends: more consensus and accuracy in the way acute pulmonary embolism severity is described and communicated among acute care clinicians and researchers, increased availability and use of risk prediction scoring systems, increased use of advanced invasive therapy in the setting of severe right ventricular dysfunction, and emergence of multidisciplinary pulmonary embolism response teams to guide standard care decision-making.

Pulmonary embolism with shock should be treated with either systemic or catheter-based thrombolytic therapy in the absence of contraindications. Patients with sub-massive pulmonary embolism accompanied by right heart dysfunction who are treated with thrombolytic therapy likely will experience more rapid improvement in RV function and are less likely to progress to hemodynamic decompensation. This comes, however, with an increased risk of major bleeding. Our recommendation is to consider catheter-based or systemic fibrinolytic therapy in sub-massive pulmonary embolism cases where patients demonstrate high-risk features such as: severe RV strain on echo or CT, and importantly worsening over time trends in pulse, SBP, and oxygenation despite anticoagulation. Understanding the impact of advanced therapy beyond standard anticoagulation on patient-centered outcomes, such as functional status and quality of life represent a research knowledge gap.
Place of Sterotactic Radiotherapy in Treatment of Extramedullary Plasmocytoma
Authors: Cihan Yasemin Benderli
Published: October 2018

In conclusion, extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMPs) initially develop as localized disease. These tumors are quite sensitive to radiotherapy (RT) and the response is often complete recovery after RT. In addition, highly sensitive, conformal radiosurgery can be preferred to conventional RT; however, further studies are needed to define indications and therapeutic fractions in stereotactic RT of plasmacytoma since guidelines and clinical trials are lacking. Although general principles are valid, radiosurgery may be planned based on anatomical localization of EMP.
An Unusual Case of Schwannoma in the Infraorbital Region
Authors: Pirimoglu Berhan , Kantarci Mecit
Published: October 2018

Schwannoma is usually an uncommon benign encapsulated slow-growing neural tumor that originates from Schwann cells of peripheral, cranial, and autonomic nerves. It constitutes 1% to 8% of all head and neck neoplasms. Extracranial schwannoma are very rarely seen originating from the infraorbital nerve. Most of the schwannomas are usually solitary and not associated with NF1. The typical presentation is a slow-growing soft-tissue mass. Treatment of schwannoma is surgical resection.
Does Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia Need Rhizotomy in Neurovascular Decompression Surgery?
Authors: Wang Ji , Yu Rui , Qu Chuncheng , Jiang Jun , Wang Chengwei , Meng Qinghu , Wei Shengcheng
Published: October 2018

Objective:

To evaluate and compare the long-term efficacy and safety of microvascular decompression (MVD) and glossopharyngeal nerve roots rhizotomy (GNR) in the treatment of glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GN).

Patients and Methods:

The data of 37 patients with glossopharyngeal neuralgia undergoing MVD alone and MVD + GNR from July 2004 to March 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 22 were MVD alone and 15 were MVD + GNR. All patients underwent preoperative cocaine experiments to verify diagnoses, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging examinations to detect compressing vessels near the root entry zone of the glossopharyngeal nerve. Operation via retrosigmoid approach, keyhole craniotomy, and postoperative efficacy was followed up.

Results:

Efficacy: In the 22 patients with MVD alone, 19 patients were cured and 3 patients improved. In the 15 patients with MVD + GNR, 14 patients were cured and 1 patient improved. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups (χ2 test, P > 0.05). Complications: Postoperative complications in MVD group: 2 patients had short-term hoarseness and drinking cough, 1 patient with cerebrospinal fluid leakage, 1 patient with intracranial infection, 1 patient with ipsilateral hearing loss, and no deaths; postoperative complications in MVD + GNR group: permanent hoarseness in 2 patients, short-term drinking cough and hoarseness in 4 patients, ipsilateral facial paralysis in 1 patient, 1 patient with cerebrospinal fluid leakage, no intracranial infection and death. The incidence of postoperative hoarseness and drinking cough in MVD + GNR group was higher than that in MVD group (χ2 test, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The MVD alone was a safe and effective method for the treatment of primary glossopharyngeal neuralgia, the efficacy was equivalent to MVD + GNR, and had low incidence of hoarseness and drinking cough.
Isolated Congenital Cleft of the Nose
Authors: Bilgen Fatma , Ural Alper , Bekerecioğlu Mehmet
Published: October 2018

The intrauterine growth of the face is formed by appropriate fusion of frontonasal, maxillary, and mandibular protrusions. These anomalies are very rare and there may be differences between individuals according to cleft types. In this article, a very rare condition of isolated alar cleft and its treatment method were presented. A 14-year-old female patient applied to our clinic with complaint of congenital nasal deformity. On physical examination, a full thickness defect was observed on distal 1/3 of right alar wing, and the right alar cartilage was found as malpositioned of 2 cm more cranially than it should have supposed to be. The patient was diagnosed as isolated nasal cleft and repaired with rotation and transposition flaps. In the technique described earlier, it was observed that the rotation and transposition flaps not only correct the incomplete units but also facilitating the correction of the nostril malposition. One must consider full-layer repair to obtain a more acceptable image in terms of aesthetic and functional results. According to authors, this technique is advantageous as it provides both excellent color and texture harmony.
Rhinogenic Headache: Standardization of Terminologies Used for Headaches Arising From Problems in the Nose and Nasal Cavity
Authors: Yi Hyung Suk , Kwak Chan Yee , Kim Hong Il , Kim Hyo Young , Han Daniel Seungyoul
Published: October 2018

Objective:

The use of different expressions between physicians frequently results in confusion in the process of diagnosis and treatment of patients with headaches due to problems in the nose and nasal cavity. The aim of this study was to assess the terminologies that have been used most frequently to standardize these terminologies.

Methods:

Terminologies that are most frequently used in general, including rhinogenic migraine, sinus headache, rhinogenic contact point headache, middle turbinate headache syndrome, and rhinogenic headache, were found by searching PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. These terminologies were objectively assessed on the basis of existing research and definitions and the range of diagnoses by organizations with public credibility.

Results:

There were many terminologies in use for headache related to nose; however, these were not logical expressions and only partly explained the phenomenon. Among the terms, “rhinogenic headache” was most appropriate in expressing and describing the related symptoms.

Conclusion:

The results indicated that the term “rhinogenic headache” is most appropriate for describing pain in the nose and eyes in patients with deformation within the nose or the nasal cavity due to external injuries or underlying diseases related to nose as observed on computed tomography.
The Periangular Approach to the Posterior Mandible: A Novel Approach and Technique
Authors: Patel Neel , Cronyn Robert
Published: October 2018

There exist 2 classic extraoral approaches to the posterior aspect of the mandible, namely the submandibular or Risdon approach, and the retromandibular approach. Despite their widespread use, there still exist concerns of damage to surrounding structures, in particular cranial nerve VII, as well as vascular structures and salivary glands. Evidence of facial nerve palsy has been shown to be as high as 48% in the patient with the Risdon approach, and as high as 30% in the retromandibular approach. The authors wish to propose a more conservative, technically easier, and less time-consuming approach to the posterior mandible, with less risk of damage to the branches of the facial nerve, as well as other structures such as the facial vessels and the parotid gland.
Vagus Nerve Schwannoma Mimicking a Lateral Neck Cyst
Authors: Cukic Ognjen , Jovanovic Milan B.
Published: October 2018

Schwannomas are benign tumors originating from Schwann cells of the myelin sheath. The cystic appearance of a cervical vagal schwannoma is an extremely rare finding, with few patients reported in the literature. A 60-year-old female patient was seen at our service for a slow-growing, 9 × 6 cm left-sided cystic neck mass. Preoperative clinical and computed tomography evaluation suggested a diagnosis of a lateral neck cyst. The surgical exploration through the lateral cervicotomy revealed a large cystic mass and clearly identified that the tumor was originating from the left vagal nerve. The histopathologic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma. Although uncommon, vagal schwannoma with pronounced cystic component should be included in the differential diagnosis of the cystic neck swellings.