bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delivering blended bioinformatics training in resource-limited settings: a case study on the University of Khartoum H3ABioNet node
Authors: Ahmed Azza E , Awadallah Ayah A , Tagelsir Mawada , Suliman Maram A , Eltigani Atheer , Elsafi Hassan , Hamdelnile Basil D , Mukhtar Mohamed A , Fadlelmola Faisal M
Published: January 2019

Motivation

Delivering high-quality distance-based courses in resource-limited settings is a challenging task. Besides the needed infrastructure and expertise, effective delivery of a bioinformatics course could benefit from hands-on sessions, interactivity and problem-based learning approaches.

Results

In this article, we discuss the challenges and best practices in delivering bioinformatics training in resource-limited settings taking the example of hosting and running a multiple-delivery online course, Introduction to Bioinformatics, that was developed by the H3ABioNet Education and Training working group and delivered in 27 remote classrooms across Africa in 2017. We take the case of the University of Khartoum classrooms. Believing that our local setting is similar to others in less-developed countries, we also reflect upon aspects like classroom environment and recruitment of students to maximize outcomes.
Evaluation of ontology structural metrics based on public repository data
Authors: Franco Manuel , Vivo Juana María , Quesada-Martínez Manuel , Duque-Ramos Astrid , Fernández-Breis Jesualdo Tomás
Published: January 2019

The development and application of biological ontologies have increased significantly in recent years. These ontologies can be retrieved from different repositories, which do not provide much information about quality aspects of the ontologies. In the past years, some ontology structural metrics have been proposed, but their validity as measurement instrument has not been sufficiently studied to date. In this work, we evaluate a set of reproducible and objective ontology structural metrics. Given the lack of standard methods for this purpose, we have applied an evaluation method based on the stability and goodness of the classifications of ontologies produced by each metric on an ontology corpus. The evaluation has been done using ontology repositories as corpora. More concretely, we have used 119 ontologies from the OBO Foundry repository and 78 ontologies from AgroPortal. First, we study the correlations between the metrics. Second, we study whether the clusters for a given metric are stable and have a good structure. The results show that the existing correlations are not biasing the evaluation, there are no metrics generating unstable clusterings and all the metrics evaluated provide at least reasonable clustering structure. Furthermore, our work permits to review and suggest the most reliable ontology structural metrics in terms of stability and goodness of their classifications.

Availability: http://sele.inf.um.es/ontology-metrics
Parental IBD and Long-term Health Outcomes in the Offspring
Authors: Nørgård Bente Mertz , Jølving Line Riis , Larsen Michael Due , Friedman Sonia
Published: January 2019

For decades, the research on reproductive consequences in women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has focused on short-term outcomes, including adverse pregnancy outcomes (eg, abruptio placenta, placenta previa, preeclampsia/eclampsia) and adverse birth outcomes (eg, small for gestational age, preterm birth, and congenital malformations). The long-term health outcomes of the children of parents with IBD have been studied to a much lesser extent, and there is a critical research gap in understanding the influence of parental IBD on long-term outcomes. In this review, we propose the reasons for this lack of evidence and highlight the weakest areas of the research on the impact of parental IBD on offspring health. We will focus on health outcomes in children of parents with IBD from an age of 1 year through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
A fully mixed finite element method for the coupling of the Stokes and Darcy–Forchheimer problems
Authors: Almonacid Javier A , Díaz Hugo S , Gatica Gabriel N , Márquez Antonio
Published: January 2019

In this paper we introduce and analyze a fully mixed formulation for the nonlinear problem given by the coupling of the Stokes and Darcy–Forchheimer equations with the Beavers–Joseph–Saffman condition on the interface. This new approach yields non-Hilbert normed spaces and a twofold saddle point structure for the corresponding operator equation, whose continuous and discrete solvabilities are analyzed by means of a suitable abstract theory developed for this purpose. In particular, feasible choices of finite element subspaces include PEERS of the lowest order for the stress of the fluid, Raviart–Thomas of the lowest order for the Darcy velocity, piecewise constants for the pressures and continuous piecewise linear elements for the vorticity. An a priori error estimates and associated rates of convergence are derived, and several numerical results illustrating the good performance of the method are reported.
On Rogers–Shephard Type Inequalities for General Measures
Authors: Alonso-Gutiérrez David , Hernández Cifre María A , Roysdon Michael , Yepes Nicolás Jesús , Zvavitch Artem
Published: January 2019

In this paper we prove a series of Rogers–Shephard type inequalities for convex bodies when dealing with measures on the Euclidean space with either radially decreasing densities or quasi-concave densities attaining their maximum at the origin. Functional versions of classical Rogers–Shephard inequalities are also derived as consequences of our approach.
Multi-centric evaluation of the online MSI platform for the identification of cryptic and rare species of Aspergillus by MALDI-TOF
Authors: Imbert Sébastien , Normand Anne Cécile , Gabriel Frédéric , Cassaing Sophie , Bonnal Christine , Costa Damien , Lachaud Laurence , Hasseine Lilia , Kristensen Lise , Schuttler Christine , Raberin Hélène , Brun Sophie , Hendrickx Marijke , Stubbe Dirk , Piarroux Renaud , Fekkar Arnaud
Published: January 2019

The taxonomy of Aspergillus species has recently been revolutionized with the introduction of cryptic species and section concepts. However, their species-level identification in routine laboratories remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the identification accuracy of cryptic species of Aspergillus in various laboratories using the mass spectrometry identification (MSI) platform, an independent and freely accessible online mass spectrometry database. Over a 12-month period, when a select set of MSI users identified cryptic species, they were contacted and requested to send the isolates to our laboratory for sequence-based identification. Sequence and MSI identification results were then compared. During the study period, 5108 Aspergillus isolates were identified using MSI including 1477 (28.9%) cryptic species. A total of 245 isolates that corresponded to 56 cryptic species and 13 sections were randomly selected for DNA sequencing confirmation. Agreement between the two methods was 99.6% at the section level and 66.1% at the species level. However, almost all discrepancies (72/83, 86.7%) were misidentifications between closely related cryptic species belonging to the same section. Fifty-one isolates from noncryptic species were also identified, thus yielding 100% and 92.2% agreement at the section and species level, respectively. Although the MSI fungus database is a reliable tool to identify Aspergillus at the section level, the database still requires adjustment to correctly identify rare or cryptic species at the species level. Nevertheless, the application properly differentiated between cryptic and sensu stricto species in the same section, thus alerting on possible specific isolate characteristics.
First detection of the pre-biotic molecule glycolonitrile (HOCH2CN) in the interstellar medium
Authors: Zeng S , Quénard D , Jiménez-Serra I , Martín-Pintado J , Rivilla V M , Testi L , Martín-Doménech R
Published: January 2019

Theories of a pre-RNA world suggest that glycolonitrile (HOCH2CN) is a key species in the process of ribonucleotide assembly, which is considered as a molecular precursor of nucleic acids. In this Letter, we report the first detection of this pre-biotic molecule in the interstellar medium by using ALMA data obtained at frequencies between 86.5 GHz and 266.5 GHz toward the Solar-type protostar IRAS16293–2422 B. A total of 15 unblended transitions of HOCH2CN were identified. Our analysis indicates the presence of a cold (T$\rm _{ex}$ = 24 ± 8 K) and a warm (T$\rm _{ex}$ = 158 ± 38 K) component meaning that this molecule is present in both the inner hot corino and the outer cold envelope of IRAS16293 B. The relative abundance with respect to H2 is (6.5 ± 0.6) × 10−11 and ≥(6 ± 2) × 10−10 for the warm and cold components, respectively. Our chemical modelling seems to underproduce the observed abundance for both the warm and cold component under various values of the cosmic ray ionization rate (ζ). Key gas phase routes for the formation of this molecule might be missing in our chemical network.
Intrinsic and regulated properties of minimally edited trypanosome mRNAs
Authors: Tylec Brianna L , Simpson Rachel M , Kirby Laura E , Chen Runpu , Sun Yijun , Koslowsky Donna J , Read Laurie K
Published: January 2019

Most mitochondrial mRNAs in kinetoplastids require extensive uridine insertion/deletion editing to generate translatable open reading frames. Editing is specified by trans-acting gRNAs and involves a complex machinery including basal and accessory factors. Here, we utilize high-throughput sequencing to analyze editing progression in two minimally edited mRNAs that provide a simplified system due their requiring only two gRNAs each for complete editing. We show that CYb and MURF2 mRNAs exhibit barriers to editing progression that differ from those previously identified for pan-edited mRNAs, primarily at initial gRNA usage and gRNA exchange. We demonstrate that mis-edited junctions arise through multiple pathways including mis-alignment of cognate gRNA, incorrect and sometimes promiscuous gRNA utilization and inefficient gRNA anchoring. We then examined the roles of accessory factors RBP16 and MRP1/2 in maintaining edited CYb and MURF2 populations. RBP16 is essential for initiation of CYb and MURF2 editing, as well as MURF2 editing progression. In contrast, MRP1/2 stabilizes both edited mRNA populations, while further promoting progression of MURF2 mRNA editing. We also analyzed the effects of RNA Editing Substrate Binding Complex components, TbRGG2 and GAP1, and show that both proteins modestly impact progression of editing on minimally edited mRNAs, suggesting a novel function for GAP1.
Amygdala and Hypothalamus: Historical Overview With Focus on Aggression
Authors: Gouveia Flavia Venetucci , Hamani Clement , Fonoff Erich Talamoni , Brentani Helena , Alho Eduardo Joaquim Lopes , de Morais Rosa Magaly Campêlo Borba , de Souza Aline Luz , Rigonatti Sérgio Paulo , Martinez Raquel C R
Published: January 2019

Aggressiveness has a high prevalence in psychiatric patients and is a major health problem. Two brain areas involved in the neural network of aggressive behavior are the amygdala and the hypothalamus. While pharmacological treatments are effective in most patients, some do not properly respond to conventional therapies and are considered medically refractory. In this population, surgical procedures (ie, stereotactic lesions and deep brain stimulation) have been performed in an attempt to improve symptomatology and quality of life. Clinical results obtained after surgery are difficult to interpret, and the mechanisms responsible for postoperative reductions in aggressive behavior are unknown. We review the rationale and neurobiological characteristics that may help to explain why functional neurosurgery has been proposed to control aggressive behavior.
Dutch
Authors: Corver Norbert , van Koppen Marjo
Published: January 2019

This chapter discusses ellipsis in Dutch and the dialects of Dutch. It provides detailed information on the major types of ellipsis as they have been presented in Part III of this handbook: gapping and stripping, predicate ellipsis (VP-ellipsis and pseudogapping), Conjunction Reduction and Right-Node Raising, sluicing, fragments, nominal ellipsis, Comparative Deletion, and Null Complement Anaphora. It discusses the main insights from the literature as well as new observations with respect to these constructions. The final section shows that the Dutch dialects display an enormous amount of variation concerning ellipsis constructions. In particular, it examines the variation in NP-ellipsis with possessive, demonstrative, and adjectival remnants and variation with respect to sluicing.
The Therapeutic and Health Benefits of Playing Video Games
Authors: Griffiths Mark D.
Published: January 2019

Video game playing is a popular leisure activity for many people across the world. Despite some of the negative publicity and empirical research highlighting the more negative aspects of playing video games, there is also a large literature demonstrating the therapeutic capacity that video game playing can have. This chapter briefly examines a number of therapeutic uses of video games, including: (i) cognitive remediation, (ii) distractors in the role of pain management, (iii) physiotherapy and occupational therapy, (iv) the development of social and communication skills among the learning disabled, (v) psychotherapeutic settings, (vi) health compliance, (vii) stress, anxiety, and emotional regulation, and (viii) physical activity using “exergames.” It is clear from the studies outlined that in the right context, video games can have a positive therapeutic benefit to a large range of different sub-groups. There has been considerable success when games are specifically designed to address a specific problem or to teach a certain skill. However, generalizability outside the game-playing situations remains an important consideration.
James on Percepts, Concepts, and the Function of Cognition
Authors: O’Shea James R.
Published: January 2019

Central to both James’s earlier psychology and his later philosophical views was a recurring distinction between percepts and concepts. The distinction evolved and remained fundamental to his thinking throughout his career as he sought to come to grips with its fundamental nature and significance. This chapter focuses initially on James’s early attempt to articulate the distinction in his 1885 article “The Function of Cognition.” This will highlight a key problem to which James continued to return throughout his later philosophical work on the nature of our cognition, including in his famous “radical empiricism” and metaphysics of “pure experience” (neutral monism) around the turn of the century. We shall find that James grappled insightfully but ambivalently with the perceptual and conceptual dimensions of the “given” and the “knowledge relation” or “cognitive relation,” as he called it—or what, following Franz Brentano, philosophers would later call our object-directed thought or intentionality more generally.
Analysis of Kneeling by Medical Imaging Shows the Femur Moves Back to the Posterior Rim of the Tibial Plateau, Prompting Review of the Concave-Convex Rule
Authors: Scarvell Jennie M , Hribar Nicola , Galvin Catherine R , Pickering Mark R , Perriman Diana M , Lynch Joseph T , Smith Paul N
Published: January 2019

Background

Physical therapists assess joint movement by observation and palpation. New imaging technologies that enable vision of bones and joints during functional activities can be used to analyze joint kinematics and review traditional assumptions.

Purpose

The purpose was to measure relations between flexion, rotation, and translation at the knee and to validate these visually.

Design

This was a prospective, observational study.

Methods

Twenty-five healthy participants aged >45 years (13 males) knelt from upright kneeling to full flexion with the foot free. Fluoroscopy recorded movement at 30 frames per second of x-ray. A computed tomography scan provided 3-dimensional data, which were registered to the fluoroscopy frames to provide a moving model. Motion in 6 degrees of freedom was analyzed for coupling of movements.

Results

Mean (standard deviation) flexion reached by participants was 142 (6)° in kneeling. Posterior femoral translation was coupled to flexion (r = 0.96). From 90° to 150° flexion, the femur translated posteriorly by 36 (3) mm to finish 23 (3) mm posterior to the center of the tibia at 150° flexion. From 90° to 150° flexion, the femur externally rotated from 8 (6)° to 16 (5)°. Flexion was coupled to rotation (r = 0.47). Abduction was <3° and lateral translation was <3 mm. Visually, the femur appeared to translate posteriorly until the femoral condyles rested on the posterior rim of the tibial plateau with concurrent external rotation so that the popliteal fossa aligned with the posterior margin of the medial tibial plateau.

Limitations

A limitation of the study is that knee flexion can include squat and lunge as well as kneeling.

Conclusion

Deep flexion requires femoral posterior translation and external rotation. These findings invite review of the concave-convex rule as it might apply to manual therapy of the knee.
Stakeholder perceptions of scientific knowledge in policy processes: A Peruvian case-study of forestry policy development
Authors: Ramirez Luisa F , Belcher Brian M
Published: January 2019

There is a need to better understand how scientific knowledge is used in decision-making. This is especially true in the Global South where policy processes often occur under high political uncertainty and where a shift toward multilevel governance and decision-making brings new opportunities and challenges. This study applies knowledge-policy models to analyse a forestry research project that succeeded in influencing national policy-making. We investigate how decisions were made, what factors affected and shaped the policy process, and how scientific knowledge was used. The results highlight the complexity of policy processes and the related challenges in crossing the science-policy interface. Perceptions of scientific knowledge differed greatly among stakeholders, and those perceptions strongly influenced how scientific knowledge was valued and used. The findings suggest a need for researchers to better understand the problem context to help design and implement research that will more effectively inform decision-making.
Assessment of Resistance in Potato Cultivars to Verticillium Wilt Caused by Verticillium dahliae and Verticillium nonalfalfae
Authors: Li Haiyuan , Wang Zhipeng , Hu Xiaoping , Shang Wenjing , Shen Ruiqing , Guo Chengjin , Guo Qingyun , Subbarao Krishna V.
Published: January 2019

Verticillium wilt caused by Verticillium spp., also called potato early dying disease, is one of the most serious soilborne diseases affecting potato production in China. The disease has been expanding into most potato production areas over the past few years. Information on host resistance against Verticillium wilt among the potato cultivars in China is scarce, but it is critical for sustainable management of the disease. This study, therefore, evaluated 30 commercially popular potato cultivars against Verticillium dahliae strain Vdp83 and Verticillium nonalfalfae strain Vnp24, two well-characterized strains causing Verticillium wilt of potato in China. Both strains were isolated from diseased potato plants, and they were previously proven to be highly virulent. Ten plants of each cultivar were inoculated with the V. dahliae strain and incubated on greenhouse benches. Symptoms were rated at weekly intervals, and the relative area under the disease progress curve was calculated. The experiment was repeated once, and nonparametric analysis was used to calculate the relative marginal effects and the corresponding confidence intervals. Five resistant cultivars and four susceptible cultivars identified from the analyses were then challenged with the V. nonalfalfae strain. Cultivar responses to V. nonalfalfae were like those exhibited against V. dahliae, except for one cultivar. This study showed that resistance among potato cultivars exists in China against Verticillium spp. and that the resistance to V. dahliae identified in potato is also effective against the other Verticillium species that cause Verticillium wilt with a few exceptions. Cultivars identified as resistant to Verticillium wilt can be deployed to manage the disease until the breeding programs develop new cultivars with resistance from the sources identified in this study.
Effect of Intra-arterial Nimodipine on Cerebral Oxygen Saturation and Systemic Hemodynamic Indices in Patients With Cerebral Vasospasm: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sriganesh Kamath , Venkataramaiah Sudhir , Palaniswamy Sangeetha R. , Ramalingaiah Arvinda H.
Published: January 2019

Background:

Intra-arterial nimodipine (IaN) is used in the management of cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The impact of IaN therapy on regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) assessed by near infra-red spectroscopy, and dynamic cardiac indices, is currently unknown. This study assessed the effect of IaN on rScO2 and systemic hemodynamic indices during IaN therapy for cerebral vasospasm after aSAH.

Methods:

This prospective cohort study was conducted in 20 patients over sixteen month period after ethics committee approval and informed consent. Patients with angiographic evidence of vasospasm received IaN 3mg over 30 minutes in the spastic vessels. Data regarding rScO2 heart rate (HR), mean blood pressure (MBP) cardiac index (CI), stroke volume index (SVI), stroke volume variation (SVV), and total peripheral resistance index (TPRI) were collected during IaN treatment. The primary outcome measure was change in rScO2 after IaN therapy.

Results:

There was no significant change from baseline in ipsilateral and contralateral rScO2 after IaN administration (mean difference [MD], 0.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], −2.1 to 1.6; P=0.804, and 1.3; −1.1 to 3.8; P=0.276, respectively). There was a significant decrease in MBP and TPRI (MD, −12.4; 95% CI, −6.6 to −18.2; P<0.001, and −674.3; −374.9 to −973.7; P<0.001, respectively) and increase in SVI and CI (MD, 7.5; 95% CI, 14.4 to 0.6; P=0.035 and 0.7; 0.9 to 0.4; P<0.001, respectively) after IaN therapy. HR and SVV were unchanged.

Conclusions:

IaN for aSAH-related cerebral vasospasm did not improve rScO2 but was associated with significant systemic hemodynamic effects, including a decrease in MBP and TPRI. These hemodynamic changes might offset any potential effects of IaN to improve rScO2.
Effect of Amputation Level on Quality of Life and Subjective Function in Children
Authors: McQuerry Jessica , Gammon Lee , Carpiaux Aaron , Talwalkar Vishwas , Iwinski Henry , Walker Janet , Jacobs Cale A. , Muchow Ryan
Published: January 2019

Background:

Our aim was to discern whether children with amputations have differences in subjective function based on amputation level. We hypothesized that children with more proximal amputations would report poorer function and quality of life.

Methods:

An IRB-approved, retrospective chart review of patients aged 0 to 21 years old with lower extremity amputations was performed. Demographic information, type of amputation, type of prosthesis, and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) was collected from parents and children (above 10 y old). Patients were divided into 4 groups based on the level of amputation (ankle; transtibial; knee; transfemoral), and PODCI scores were compared between groups. PODCI subscores were also compared between unilateral versus bilateral amputations, high-demand versus low-demand prostheses, and congenital versus acquired amputations.

Results:

We identified 96 patients for analysis (39 ankle, 21 transtibial, 27 knee, and 9 transfemoral amputations). The sports/physical functioning subscale of the PODCI showed the only statistically significant difference between amputation level and outcome with ankle-level amputations reporting higher scores than knee-level amputations (parent: 78.3±16.4 vs. 60.0±25.3, P=0.006; child: 87.4±15.3 vs. 65.4±31.5, P=0.03). Although not significantly different from either the ankle, knee, or transfemoral groups, patients with transtibial amputations reported intermediate scores (parent: 68.5±27.5; child: 78.9±25.5). There were no significant differences among amputation level for PODCI transfers, pain/comfort, global function, or happiness subscales. In subgroup analysis, same-level congenital amputees had similar scores to acquired amputees (P>0.05). When compared with unilateral knee amputations patients, patients with bilateral knee amputations had significantly worse transfer (62.4 vs. 88.3; P=0.02), sports/physical functioning (34.2 vs. 66.2; P=0.01), and global domains (58.4 vs. 80.5; P=0.02).

Conclusions:

Subjective sports and physical functioning of pediatric amputees were significantly worse after knee amputation when compared with ankle-level amputations. Although not statistically significant at all levels, our data suggest a graded decline in sports/physical functioning with higher level amputations. Amputation level did not affect pain, happiness, or basic mobility.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Outcomes Following Temporary Kapandji Pinning Technique and Distal Radial LCP Fixation for Intra-Articular Fractures of the Displaced Distal Radius
Authors: Jirangkul Puripun , Jitprapaikulsarn Surasak , Songpatanaslip Thawee
Published: January 2019

In partially or completely displaced intra-articular fracture of the distal radius , achieving satisfactory reduction and maintenance of good reduction before applying the plate may be difficult. Especially to accomplish the anatomic volar tilt remains a problem. Typically, the Kapandji technique has been described to reduce and stabilize a large displaced and extra-articular fracture of the distal radius. We present the results of a prospective series using the temporary Kapandji technique for K-wire intrafocal fixation followed by rigid fixation with distal radial locking compression plate. The mean follow-up period totaled 12 months. A total of 57 patients were evaluated by radiographic and clinical review. The modified Mayo wrist score was used for postoperative patient evaluation. The clinical results on follow-up were good to excellent. Minimal joint stiffness and functional outcomes of the wrist and elbow were satisfactory. Statically significant differences were found between the preoperative and postoperative radiologic parameters. No skin infection due to K-wire insertion was noted, and the fracture healed completely in every case. This paper reports the results of 57 cases of intra-articular fractures of the distal radius treated by Kapandji wires as a reduction tool and definitive fixation by the application of a locked volar plate. It could be performed easily and reliably. K-wires were used to temporarily maintain reduction throughout the rigid fixation without further displacement in the follow-up clinic. The results proved appropriate, and the technique has merit, as it obviates the need for dorsal exposure in most cases.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of Optic Disc in Eyes With Primary Open-angle Glaucoma and Normal-tension Glaucoma
Authors: Toshev Anani P. , Schuster Alexander Karl-Georg , ul Hassan Shahzada N. , Pfeiffer Norbert , Hoffmann Esther M.
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

To examine vessel density (VD) properties of the optic nerve head in eyes with ocular hypertension (OHT), high-tension glaucoma (HTG), and normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) and to evaluate associations on structural parameters of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL).

Methods:

Three groups of patients with OHT (n=15), HTG (n=36), and NTG (n=22), and a healthy control group (n=23) were included in this study. Peripapillary VD and optic disc flow area were measured using optical coherence tomography angiography, and peripapillary RNFL (pRNFL) thickness was determined. Global and sectoral analysis of optic nerve head vasculature and pRNFL thickness were measured.

Results:

Glaucomatous eyes had lower global peripapillary VD (HTG: 54.04±5.11, NTG: 54.74±6.37) compared with nonglaucomatous eyes (OHT: 59.72±1.63, controls: 61.35±2.47). VD parameters of the optic disc were comparable between the control and OHT group and between the HTG and NTG group. In the HTG and NTG groups we found significant correlations between average peripapillary VD and global pRNFL thickness (HTG ρ=0.71, P<0.001; NTG ρ=0.65, P=0.001). This was true for all sectors except for the temporal position.

Conclusions:

Overall, glaucomatous eyes had lower peripapillary VD compared with normal and OHT eyes. There is a strong relationship between the peripapillary structure of RNFL and its vasculature.
Antipsychotic Use During Pregnancy and the Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Uguz Faruk
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This study aimed to review the current literature examining a potential relationship between the use of antipsychotic drugs during pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

PubMed was searched for English language reports between January 1, 1996, and March 31, 2018, by using combinations of the following key words: antipsychotics, pregnancy, FGAs, SGAs, GDM, obstetric outcomes, pregnancy outcomes, obstetric complications, maternal complications, clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, aripiprazole, amisulpirde, ziprasidone, quetiapine, haloperidol, chlorpromazine, zuclopenthixol, and flupenthixol. Studies but not case reports, case series, or reviews published in a peer-reviewed journal were eligible for inclusion.

Results

A total of 10 relevant studies that met the review criteria were examined. Data from these studies indicated that the prevalence rates of GDM in pregnant women using antipsychotic drugs and the nomedication group were 2.6% to 22% and 0.95% to 10.7%, respectively. Most comparative studies reported that antipsychotic treatment during pregnancy was not significantly associated with increased in risk of GDM. In addition, the study results also suggested that underlying maternal psychopathologies might affect the risk of GDM.

Implications

Findings from some studies suggesting a higher risk of GDM in pregnant women who were administered antipsychotic drugs were not confirmed by results of many other studies. The current evidence suggests no significant relationship between antipsychotic drugs, including second- and first-generation antipsychotics, and the risk of GDM.
Computed Tomography Enhancement Pattern of the Pancreatic Parenchyma Predicts Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula After Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Maehira Hiromitsu , Iida Hiroya , Mori Haruki , Kitamura Naomi , Miyake Toru , Shimizu Tomoharu , Tani Masaji
Published: January 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the computed tomography (CT) pancreatic parenchyma attenuation value and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF).

Methods

The medical records of 115 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy and preoperative dynamic CT were retrospectively reviewed. The CT attenuation values of the nonenhanced (N), arterial (A), portal venous (P), and late (L) phase in the pancreatic parenchyma were determined via CT, and the A/N, A/P, and P/L ratios were calculated. The CT attenuation values and value ratios were compared between the POPF and non-POPF groups.

Results

Thirty-two patients (28%) were categorized in the POPF group. On univariate analysis, the A/P ratio (P < 0.001) and P/L ratio (P = 0.018) were significantly higher in the POPF group. On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the A/P and P/L ratio cutoff values for predicting POPF were 1.19 and 1.17, respectively. Of the preoperative evaluable factors, A/P ratio of 1.19 or greater (P < 0.001; odds ratio, 10.3) and P/L ratio of 1.17 or greater (P = 0.049; odds ratio, 3.23) were independent predictive factors for POPF, and the combination of the 2 ratios was useful in detecting POPF preoperatively.

Conclusions

The enhancement pattern of the pancreatic parenchyma is associated with the development of clinically relevant POPF.
Improving Tracking of Postdischarge Results of Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening Tests in Hospitalized Adolescents and Young Adults: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Maslyanskaya Sofya , Alderman Elizabeth M. , Bhalakia Avni M. , Rinke Michael L.
Published: January 2019

Hospitalizations offer chlamydia and gonorrhea screening opportunities for youth who may not seek preventive care. Tracking of screening test results still pending after hospital discharge is an important component of clinical care. This process can be improved by protocol use and enhanced by effective, automated electronic health record tools.
The Long-term Patency of Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis in Breast Cancer–Related Lymphedema
Authors: Winters Harm , Tielemans Hanneke J. P. , Verhulst Arico C. , Paulus Vera A. A. , Slater Nicholas J. , Ulrich Dietmar J. O.
Published: January 2019

Background and Objectives

Lymphedema is a condition that can greatly affect patient's quality of life. Promising results have been described with lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) in the treatment of lymphedema. It is currently unknown at what rate anastomoses remain functional after a longer follow-up. The aim of this study was to determine LVA patency at 1-year follow-up.

Methods

Retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent LVA surgery. Patients who had indocyanine green lymphography performed at 12 months' follow-up after LVA were included in this study. Volume measurements were performed prior to surgery and at 6 and 12 months' follow-up. Patients quality of life was measured prior to surgery and at 6 months' follow-up.

Results

Twelve patients met inclusion criteria. In total, 15 (56.5%) of 23 LVAs were considered patent. In 8 patients (66.7%), at least 1 patent LVA was visible. The volume difference between the healthy and affected arms decreased 32.3% on average. Quality of life increased with 1.4 points on average.

Conclusions

This study is, to our knowledge, the first to evaluate long-term patency of LVA in upper limb lymphedema. Our study demonstrates that at least 56.5% of the anastomoses created are patent after 1-year follow-up.
Understanding the Impact and Misconceptions of Rural Plastic Surgery
Authors: Meyerson Joseph , Suber Jessica , Shields Tyler , Valerio Ian , Manders Ernest , Vangelisti Garrett
Published: January 2019

In the United States, 54 million people live in a designated health service area with either no plastic surgeon or less than 1 plastic surgeon per 100,000 population. Previous studies demonstrate that patients in rural communities often have limitations with access to basic primary care services and subspecialty care services. Such limitations can have significant adverse impacts on health care and quality of life. Plastic and reconstructive surgeons offer unique advantages especially within rural settings given their broad scope of surgical skillsets. The purposes of this study are to illustrate the shortage of plastic and reconstructive surgeons within rural America catchment regions, identify and outline certain care offerings provided by these surgical specialists, and highlight the potential impact having such specialists directly involved in provision of care to patients within rural community settings. Our group will present data demonstrating misperceptions and an unawareness by hospital administrators on routine care services provided through plastic surgery practices. We will also report on selective surgical offerings of 2 rural-based plastic surgeons and outline certain financial and reimbursement findings from their practices, while also illustrating the impact of their practice on their patients and the health care systems they provide coverage.
The Abdominal Hernia-Q
Authors: Mauch Jaclyn T. , Enriquez Fabiola A. , Shea Judy A. , Barg Frances K. , Rhemtulla Irfan A. , Broach Robyn B. , Thrippleton Sheri L. , Fischer John P.
Published: January 2019

Objective:

Our study completes the development and estimates the psychometric properties of a novel, ventral hernia-specific patient reported outcomes (PRO) tool—the Abdominal Hernia-Q (AHQ).

Summary Background Data:

A standardized method for measuring hernia-related PRO has not been identified. There remains a need for a broadly applicable, hernia-specific tool that incorporates patient viewpoints and offers pre- and postoperative forms.

Methods:

Concept elicitation interviews, focus groups, and cognitive debriefing interviews were completed to define content. The preoperative AHQ was administered to patients scheduled to have a ventral hernia repair (VHR). The postoperative AHQ was administered to patients within 24 months post-VHR. The SF-12 and HerQLes were concurrently administered. Psychometric evaluation was performed. Subsequently, the AHQ (pre: 8 items; post: 16 items) underwent prospective testing.

Results:

Cross-sectional evaluations of patient responses to the AHQ (pre n = 104; post n = 261) demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach α pre = 0.86; post = 0.90) and moderate disattenuated correlations with the HerQLes (pre r = —0.71 and post r = —0.70) and the SF-12 domains (pre and post r ≥ 0.5 for 7 of 8 domains). Principal components analyses produced 2 factors preoperatively and 3 factors postoperatively. In prospective testing (n = 67), the AHQ scores replicated the cross-sectional psychometric results and suggested sensitivity to clinical outcomes.

Conclusions:

Through patient involvement and rigorous, iterative psychometric evaluation, we have produced substantial data to suggest the validity and reliability of AHQ scores in measuring hernia-specific PRO. The AHQ advances the clinical management and treatment of patients with abdominal hernias by providing a more complete understanding of patient-defined outcomes.
Females Are More Resistant to Ischemia-Reperfusion-induced Intestinal Injury Than Males
Authors: Hundscheid Inca H. R. , Schellekens Dirk H. S. M. , Grootjans Joep , Derikx Joep P. M. , Buurman Wim A. , Dejong Cornelis H. C. , Lenaerts Kaatje
Published: January 2019

Background and Objective:

Sex differences in responses to intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) have been recognized in animal studies. We aimed to investigate sexual dimorphism in human small intestinal mucosal responses to IR.

Methods:

In 16 patients (8 men and 8 women) undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy, an isolated part of jejunum was subjected to IR. In each patient, intestinal tissue and blood was collected directly after 45 minutes of ischemia without reperfusion (45I-0R), after 30 minutes of reperfusion (45I-30R), and after 120 minutes of reperfusion (45I-120R), as well as a control sample not exposed to IR, to assess epithelial damage, unfolded protein response (UPR) activation, and inflammation.

Results:

More extensive intestinal epithelial damage was observed in males compared to females. Intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) arteriovenous (V-A) concentrations differences were significantly higher in males compared to females at 45I-0R (159.0 [41.0–570.5] ng/mL vs 46.9 [0.3–149.9] ng/mL). Male intestine showed significantly higher levels of UPR activation than female intestine, as well as higher number of apoptotic Paneth cells per crypt at 45I-30R (16.4% [7.1–32.1] vs 10.6% [0.0–25.4]). The inflammatory response in male intestine was significantly higher compared to females, with a higher influx of neutrophils per villus at 45I-30R (4.9 [3.1–12.0] vs 3.3 [0.2–4.5]) and a higher gene expression of TNF-α and IL-10 at 45I-120R.

Conclusion:

The human female small intestine seems less susceptible to IR-induced tissue injury than the male small intestine. Recognition of such differences could lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies to reduce IR-associated morbidity and mortality.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Fertility, Diet, and Lifestyle Modifications
Authors: Boyd Melinda , Ziegler Jane
Published: January 2019

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic disorder impacting women of reproductive age. Globally, PCOS is estimated to impact 5% to 18% of the female population. Diagnosis is based on various characteristics, including hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries. Given the involvement of female reproductive organs, PCOS impacts fertility. Currently, there are no evidence-based guidelines for dietary management. The purpose of this article is to describe PCOS, the role it plays in fertility, and the management of the disease through diet and lifestyle modification.
Phagocyte chase behaviours: discrimination between Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria by amoebae
Authors: Rashidi Ghazal , Ostrowski Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2019

Phagocytes are cells that pursue, engulf and kill bacteria. They include macrophages and neutrophils of the mammalian immune system, as well as free-living amoebae that hunt and engulf bacteria for food. Phagocytosis can result in diverse outcomes, ranging from sustenance to infection and colonization by either pathogens or beneficial symbionts—and thus, discrimination may be necessary to seek out good bacteria while avoiding bad ones. Here we tested whether the soil amoeba
Dictyostelium discoideum
can discriminate among different types of bacteria using behavioural assays where amoebae were presented with paired choices of different bacteria. We observed variation in the extent to which the amoebae pursued different types of bacteria, as well as preferential migration towards Gram-negative compared with Gram-positive bacteria. Response profiles were similar for amoebae that originated from different geographical locations, suggesting that chase preference is conserved across much of the species range. While prior work has demonstrated that bacteria use chemotaxis to seek out amoebae they colonize, our work suggests that the opposite also occurs—amoebae can preferentially direct themselves to particular bacteria in the environment. Preferential sensing and response may help to explain why some amoeba–bacteria associations are more common in nature than others.
Social affiliation predicts mitochondrial DNA copy number in female rhesus macaques
Authors: Debray Reena , Snyder-Mackler Noah , Kohn Jordan N. , Wilson Mark E. , Barreiro Luis B. , Tung Jenny
Published: January 2019

In many social mammals, social adversity predicts compromised health and reduced fitness. These effects are thought to be driven in part by chronic social stress, but their molecular underpinnings are not well understood. Recent work suggests that chronic stress can affect mitochondrial copy number, heteroplasmy rates and function. Here, we tested the first two possibilities for the first time in non-human primates. We manipulated dominance rank in captive female rhesus macaques (
n
= 45), where low rank induces chronic social stress, and measured mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and heteroplasmy in five peripheral blood mononuclear cell types from each study subject. We found no effect of dominance rank on either mtDNA copy number or heteroplasmy rates. However, grooming rate, a measure of affiliative social behaviour predicted by high social status, was positively associated with mtDNA copy number in B cells, cytotoxic T cells and monocytes. Our results suggest that social interactions can influence mtDNA regulation in immune cells. Further, they indicate the importance of considering both affiliative and competitive interactions in investigating this relationship.
Eggshell spheres protect brown widow spider (
Latrodectus geometricus
) eggs from bacterial infection
Authors: Makover Vardit , Ronen Zeev , Lubin Yael , Khalaila Isam
Published: January 2019

Eggs provide a rich source of nutrients for the developing embryo, making them a favoured food source for other organisms as well. Several defence mechanisms have evolved to protect the developing embryos against microbial threats. In this article, we elucidate the defence strategy of brown widow spider (
Latrodectus geometricus
) eggs against bacteria. Antibacterial activity was shown by inhibition of bacterial growth on agar plate, liquid culture and retarded biofilm formation. The defence strategy against bacterial invasion was demonstrated in the whole egg, whole egg extract, egg surface extract, eggshell and eggshell extract. The source and characteristics of this antibacterial activity are distinctive and stem in part from a dense layer of spheres covering the egg surface, likely originated from the oviposition fluid. The spheres are rich in low-molecular-weight proteins, yet their exact composition remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that the egg surface is hydrophobic, while the spheres are superhydrophilic. Egg surface roughness and hydrophobicity combined with its antibacterial chemical properties reduce the ability of bacteria to grow on the egg surface. Understanding the properties of these unique structures may contribute significantly to our knowledge of how nature deals with bacterial infections.
Why microbes secrete molecules to modify their environment: the case of iron-chelating siderophores
Authors: Leventhal Gabriel E. , Ackermann Martin , Schiessl Konstanze T.
Published: January 2019

Many microorganisms secrete molecules that interact with resources outside of the cell. This includes, for example, enzymes that degrade polymers like chitin, and chelators that bind trace metals like iron. In contrast to direct uptake via the cell surface, such release strategies entail the risk of losing the secreted molecules to environmental sinks, including ‘cheating’ genotypes. Nevertheless, such secretion strategies are widespread, even in the well-mixed marine environment. Here, we investigate the benefits of a release strategy whose efficiency has frequently been questioned: iron uptake in the ocean by secretion of iron chelators called siderophores. We asked the question whether the release itself is essential for the function of siderophores, which could explain why this risky release strategy is widespread. We developed a reaction–diffusion model to determine the impact of siderophore release on iron uptake from the predominant iron sources in marine environments, colloidal or particulate iron, formed due to poor iron solubility. We found that release of siderophores is essential to accelerate iron uptake, as secreted siderophores transform slowly diffusing large iron particles to small, quickly diffusing iron–siderophore complexes. In addition, we found that cells can synergistically share their siderophores, depending on their distance and the size of the iron sources. Our study helps understand why release of siderophores is so widespread: even though a large fraction of siderophores is lost, the solubilization of iron through secreted siderophores can efficiently increase iron uptake, especially if siderophores are produced cooperatively by several cells. Overall, resource uptake mediated via release of molecules transforming their substrate could be essential to overcome diffusion limitation specifically in the cases of large, aggregated resources. In addition, we find that including the reaction of the released molecule with the substrate can impact the result of cooperative and competitive interactions, making our model also relevant for release-based uptake of other substrates.