bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategically designed azolyl-carboxylate MOFs for potential humid CO2 capture
Authors: Nandi Shyamapada , Haldar Sattwick , Chakraborty Debanjan , Vaidhyanathan Ramanathan
Published: September 2016

Isostructural azolyl-carboxylate MOFs with acetate modulators giving rise to nitrogen-rich pores lined with methyl groups favor high CO2 capacity via CO2⋯CO2 interactions and provide high stability towards humidity.
CdTe based quantum dot sensitized solar cells with efficiency exceeding 7% fabricated from quantum dots prepared in aqueous media
Authors: Yang Junwei , Zhong Xinhua
Published: September 2016

A low-temperature aqueous route was adopted to fabricate low-cost CdTe based quantum dot sensitized solar cells with a best performance of 7.24%.
A ceramic/polymer composite solid electrolyte for sodium batteries
Authors: Zhang Zhizhen , Zhang Qiangqiang , Ren Cheng , Luo Fei , Ma Qiang , Hu Yong-Sheng , Zhou Zhibin , Li Hong , Huang Xuejie , Chen Liquan
Published: September 2016

A solvent-free ceramic/polymer composite solid electrolyte has been proposed and demonstrated well in solid-state Na batteries for the first time.
New Y2BaAl4SiO12:Ce3+ yellow microcrystal-glass powder phosphor with high thermal emission stability
Authors: Ji Haipeng , Wang Le , Cho Yujin , Hirosaki Naoto , Molokeev Maxim S. , Xia Zhiguo , Huang Zhaohui , Xie Rong-Jun
Published: September 2016

New Y2BaAl4SiO12:Ce3+ microcrystal-glass powder phosphor (emitting at 537 nm under 460 nm excitation) exhibits high thermal emission stability.
Neurotensin stimulates sortilin and mTOR in human microglia inhibitable by methoxyluteolin, a potential therapeutic target for autism
Authors: Patel Arti B. , Tsilioni Irene , Leeman Susan E. , Theoharides Theoharis C.
Published: September 2016

Significance

Human microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, express only the neurotensin (NT) receptor-3/sortilin. NT significantly increases microglia synthesis and release of proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8 (CXCL8), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), and CCL5 via NTR3/sortilin. A soluble form of this receptor is secreted from stimulated microglia and is increased in the serum of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). These responses and the NT-stimulated increases in microglia numbers are mediated via mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation and are inhibitable by the natural flavonoids luteolin and methoxyluteolin.
Biospark: scalable analysis of large numerical datasets from biological simulations and experiments using Hadoop and Spark
Authors: Klein Max , Sharma Rati , Bohrer Chris H , Avelis Cameron M , Roberts Elijah
Published: September 2016

Data-parallel programming techniques can dramatically decrease the time needed to analyze large datasets. While these methods have provided significant improvements for sequencing-based analyses, other areas of biological informatics have not yet adopted them. Here, we introduce Biospark, a new framework for performing data-parallel analysis on large numerical datasets. Biospark builds upon the open source Hadoop and Spark projects, bringing domain-specific features for biology.

Availability and Implementation

Source code is licensed under the Apache 2.0 open source license and is available at the project website: https://www.assembla.com/spaces/roberts-lab-public/wiki/Biospark

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Large X-ray flares on stars detected with MAXI/GSC: A universal correlation between the duration of a flare and its X-ray luminosity
Authors: Tsuboi Yohko , Yamazaki Kyohei , Sugawara Yasuharu , Kawagoe Atsushi , Kaneto Soichiro , Iizuka Ryo , Matsumura Takanori , Nakahira Satoshi , Higa Masaya , Matsuoka Masaru , Sugizaki Mutsumi , Ueda Yoshihiro , Kawai Nobuyuki , Morii Mikio , Serino Motoko , Mihara Tatehiro , Tomida Hiroshi , Ueno Shiro , Negoro Hitoshi , Daikyuji Arata , Ebisawa Ken , Eguchi Satoshi , Hiroi Kazuo , Ishikawa Masaki , Isobe Naoki , Kawasaki Kazuyoshi , Kimura Masashi , Kitayama Hiroki , Kohama Mitsuhiro , Kotani Taro , Nakagawa Yujin E. , Nakajima Motoki , Ozawa Hiroshi , Shidatsu Megumi , Sootome Tetsuya , Sugimori Kousuke , Suwa Fumitoshi , Tsunemi Hiroshi , Usui Ryuichi , Yamamoto Takayuki , Yamaoka Kazutaka , Yoshida Atsumasa
Published: September 2016

Twenty-three giant flares from thirteen active stars (eight RS CVn systems, one Algol system, three dMe stars, and one young stellar object) were detected during the first two years of our all-sky X-ray monitoring with the gas propotional counters (GSC) of the Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image (MAXI). The observed parameters of all these MAXI/GSC flares are found to be at the upper ends for stellar flares with the luminosity of 1031–34 erg s−1 in the 2–20 keV band, the emission measure of 1054–57 cm−3, the e-folding time of 1 hr to 1.5 d, and the total radiative energy released during the flare of 1034–39 erg. Notably, the peak X-ray luminosity of $5^{+4}_{-2} \times 10^{33}\:$erg s−1 in the 2–20 keV band was detected in one of the flares on II Peg, which is one of the, or potentially the, largest-ever-observed in stellar flares. X-ray flares were detected from GT Mus, V841 Cen, SZ Psc, and TWA-7 for the first time in this survey. Whereas most of our detected sources are multiple-star systems, two of them are single stars (YZ CMi and TWA-7). Among the stellar sources within 100 pc distance, the MAXI/GSC sources have larger rotation velocities than the other sources. This suggests that the rapid rotation velocity may play a key role in generating large flares. Combining the X-ray flare data of nearby stars and the sun, taken from literature and our own data, we discovered a universal correlation of $\tau \propto L_{\rm X}^{0.2}$ for the flare duration τ and the intrinsic X-ray luminosity LX in the 0.1–100 keV band, which holds for 5 and 12 orders of magnitude in τ and LX, respectively. The MAXI/GSC sample is located at the highest ends of the correlation.
Surgical Consideration for Adolescents and Young Adults With Cervical Chordoma
Authors: Zhong Nanzhe , Yang Xinghai , Yang Jian , Meng Tong , Yang Cheng , Yan Wangjun , Xiao Jianru
Published: September 2016

Study Design.

Retrospective study.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes between adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients and old adult patients with cervical chordoma who were treated surgically and present the surgical consideration for adolescents and young adults with cervical chordoma.

Summary of Background Data.

With predominance in senior patients, chordoma is distinctively rare in AYAs. Because of the rarity of AYA chordoma, individual case report represents most of the literature on this disease entity on mobile spine and lack of long-term follow up, which leads to the paucity of clinical evidence for treatment planning and prognosis prediction.

Methods.

A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the prognosis of AYA patients with cervical chordoma who were treated surgically. We collected the clinical data of these patients and their older counterparts, and further compared the prognosis of the patients in different age groups. To estimate survival curves, Kaplan-Meier method was used, and significance was assessed using a log-rank test.

Results.

Forty consecutive patients with chordoma of the cervical spine treated in our institution were included in the study. Two groups were identified according to age. Group 1 comprised children and adolescents (age ≤ 25 yrs; n = 9) and Group 2 comprised adults (age > 25 years; n = 31). In comparison, Group 1 was featured by significantly higher rate of recurrence and shorter overall survival, although no difference found in the surgical modality between two groups.

Conclusion.

There is a dismal prognosis in young patients with chordoma, and thus support the notion that as radical a total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) of the lesions as possible may benefit the overall survival of these young patients. Although the ensuing neurological deficits may be devastating, it will be worth sacrificing if the life expectancy of these young patients is prolonged.

Levels of Evidence: 4
Long-term Outcome of Surgical Treatment for Superior Cluneal Nerve Entrapment Neuropathy
Authors: Morimoto Daijiro , Isu Toyohiko , Kim Kyongsong , Chiba Yasuhiro , Iwamoto Naotaka , Isobe Masanori , Morita Akio
Published: September 2016

Study Design.

Prospective observational cohort study.

Objective.

The objective of this study was to present the long-term surgical outcomes of operative treatment for superior cluneal nerve (SCN) entrapment neuropathy (SCNEN) and to analyze the causes of poor results and further treatment required.

Summary of Background Data.

There are a few reports of the outcomes of surgical treatment for SCNEN, and most studies describe results for operations conducted under general anesthesia with short follow-up periods.

Methods.

Surgery was performed for SCNEN in 52 consecutive patients on 79 sides, excluding patients who had undergone previous surgery on the lumbar spine. Entrapment was unilateral in 25 patients and bilateral in 27. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 41.3 months (range, 29–58 months). All patients had received conservative treatment without improvements, and operations were performed under local anesthesia.

Results.

Twenty-three cases (44%) involved only low-back pain (LBP), and 31 cases (60%) involved LBP associated with leg numbness or pain. The mean number of SCN branches decompressed in the operative field at the first operation was 1.4 (range, 1–4 branches). There were no local or systemic complications during or after the operation. All patients reported symptom improvement, but LBP caused by SCNEN recurrence was reported for 10 sides (13%) in seven patients who subsequently underwent repeat surgery. In the second surgery, the number of additionally treated SCN branches was 2.0 (range, 1–5). Additional surgeries were performed in two cases for lumbar disorders. All patients showed significant improvement at the last follow-up visit (P < 0.05), including those who developed recurrence.

Conclusion.

Long-term outcomes of surgical treatment for SCNEN were satisfactory. For prevention of recurrence, as many SCN branches as possible should be decompressed in the operation field during the first operation.

Level of Evidence: 4
Vascular Supply of the Auricle: Anatomical Study and Applications to External Ear Reconstruction
Authors: Hénoux Michaël , Espitalier Florent , Hamel Antoine , Dréno Brigitte , Michel Guillaume , Malard Olivier
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Reliable reconstructive flaps require convenient vascular supply. Thus, precise description of the vascular patterns of external ear is not completely elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

This anatomical study aims to provide comprehensive data of the arterial network of the auricular region, anastomosis, and patterns of arterial dependence regarding external ear subunits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After dyed latex injections in the external carotid artery, eleven auricles have been carefully dissected to examine the vascular network of the auricular region.

RESULTS

In all cases, the posterior auricular artery (PAA) supplied the cranial side of the auricle, as well as the concha on the lateral side through consistent perforating branches. The superficial temporal artery (STA) network supplied the upper third of the lateral aspect of the auricle. The authors' dissections showed a clear dominance of the PAA supply. However, the two arteries consistently developed anastomoses particularly in the cranial upper third of the auricle.

CONCLUSION

Consistent branches and anastomoses between the PAA and the STA network provide reliable pedicles for auricular and facial reconstruction.
CONGENITAL CONTRACTILE PERIPAPILLARY STAPHYLOMA WITH RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT
Authors: Cao Xu Sheng , Peng Xiao Yan , You Qi Sheng , Jiang Li Bin , Jonas Jost B.
Published: September 2016

Purpose:

To describe the occurrence of a congenital contractile peripapillary staphyloma in association with a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

Methods:

The clinical course of a 17-year-old patient with a contractile peripapillary staphyloma and undergoing pars plana vitrectomy for repair of an associated retinal detachment was studied.

Results:

The left eye showed a peripapillary staphyloma which during the ophthalmoscopical examination revealed contractile movements after the presentation of a light stimulus to either eye. The contraction of the peripapillary staphyloma was not correlated with a Valsalva maneuver, neck venous compression, forced lid closure, or respiratory movements. Because of a retinal detachment involving the inferior, nasal, and temporal retina, best-corrected visual acuity was 20/100. During pars plana vitrectomy under systemic anesthesia, the contractions of the peripapillary staphyloma subsided in the early phase of surgery, and reoccurred at approximately 80 minutes after the start of general anesthesia, when the posterior pole was touched with an aspiration syringe.

Conclusion:

The etiology of the movements of the congenital peripapillary staphyloma in our patient may include a misbalance between intraocular pressure and orbital cerebrospinal fluid pressure or contractions of extraocular muscles. The observations may give information about the physiology and pathophysiology of the optic nerve head.
Moraxella lacunata Bacteremia and Sepsis Associated With Ecthyma Gangrenosum
Authors: Walker Durane K. , Altamimi Sarah , Henneberry Jean
Published: September 2016

We report a case of Moraxella lacunata bacteremia and sepsis associated with ecthyma gangrenosum in a patient with a hematologic malignancy and successful treatment with antimicrobial therapy. Ecthyma gangrenosum, although classically associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can occur with any bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. In this case report, we review the literature on Moraxella lacunata infections and conclude that it should be considered as a viable contender as a cause of ecthyma gangrenosum in any immunocompromised patient who presents with skin lesions and gram-negative rod bacteremia.
Efficacy of prophylactic antiviral therapy and outcomes in HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc-positive patients receiving chemotherapy: a real-life experience
Authors: Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Deutsch Melanie , Manolakopoulos Spilios , Bitsi Chrysoula , Michalakeas Helias , Poulakidas Helias , Tsironi Eftychia , Giannouli Stavroula , Papatheodoridis George V. , Koskinas John , Pectasides Dimitrios
Published: September 2016

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative, anti-HBc-positive patients who received immunosuppressive therapies.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc-positive patients with hematological diseases or solid tumors who underwent immunosuppressive therapies and were referred because of positive baseline hepatitis B virus (HBV) serology or HBV reactivation. The referral date was according to the judgment of the treating physician at the time of identification of any signs of HBV infection.

Results

We included 55 HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc-positive patients. Of these, 31 received antiviral prophylaxis (group 1), whereas 24 patients did not receive any anti-HBV agent (group 2). The majority of patients [49/55 (89%)] had hematological malignancies and most of them 39/55 (71%) received rituximab-containing regimens. Lamivudine was used as antiviral prophylaxis in 13/31 (42%) patients of group 1. One patient in this group experienced HBV reactivation and was treated successfully with tenofovir add-on therapy. All patients in the second group experienced HBV reactivation and most of them [19/24 (79%)] were treated with tenofovir or entecavir as rescue therapy. Two of these patients (one of the tenofovir/entecavir subgroup and one of the lamivudine subgroup) eventually died because of hepatic failure despite rescue treatment.

Conclusion

Patients with serological markers of previous HBV infection are still at risk for HBV reactivation. Screening of both anti-HBs and anti-HBc is mandatory before chemotherapy. Pre-emptive antiviral prophylaxis, including lamivudine, is highly effective in all subgroups of such patients, whereas deferring treatment upon HBV reactivation is not enough to rescue all cases.
Methylation Status of the Serotonin Transporter Promoter CpG Island Is Associated With Major Depressive Disorder in Chinese Han Population
Authors: Shi Mei , Sun Hongli , Xu Ye , Wang Zhenhua , Cui Hongyu , Wang Chengmin , Liu Wei , An Ganghui , Hu Jian
Published: September 2016

This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between the methylation status of serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and major depressive disorder (MDD) in Chinese Han population. A total of 96 patients with MDD and 55 healthy volunteers were recruited, and the methylation index (MtI) at six positions in the cytosine-phosphate-guanosine island of5-HTTgene was measured for each subject using bisulfite pyrosequencing. MtIs at positions 5 and 6 were higher in patients with MDD than those in controls. According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, MtIs at positions 4 and 5 were significantly associated with MDD. Besides, depression education was an independent risk factor, whereas higher educational levels were protective factors for MDD. In addition, positions 1 and 4 were negatively correlated with weight and diurnal variation. Therefore,5-HTTmethylation might be closely related with MDD in Chinese Han population because of the correlation with diurnal variation and weight.
Academic Difficulty and Vision Symptoms in Children with Concussion
Authors: Swanson Mark W. , Weise Katherine K. , Dreer Laura E. , Johnston James , Davis Richard D. , Ferguson Drew , Hale Matthew Heath , Gould Sara J. , Christy Jennifer B. , Busettini Claudio , Lee Sarah D. , Swanson Erin
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Academic difficulty is reported in children with prolonged post-concussive symptoms. Despite growing evidence that vestibular-ocular and vision-specific dysfunction are common in children after concussion, vision is rarely mentioned in return-to-learn protocols. The purpose of this project was to evaluate a cohort of children with prolonged post-concussive symptoms to determine if vision symptoms are associated with those reporting academic difficulty.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Children’s of Alabama Concussion Clinic REDCap dataset from the period January 2007 to October 2013. From this dataset of 1033 concussion events, a cohort of 276 children aged 5 to 18 years with three or more concussion-related symptoms present for 10 days or more was identified. A cross-sectional cohort study was undertaken to evaluate the association of concussion symptoms, SCAT2 scores, and demographic and concussion severity markers to reported educational difficulty among children with prolonged post-concussive symptoms. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression techniques were used to model the association of reported educational difficulty to self-reported vision abnormalities.

Results

Mean age was 13.8 years. Median time since the concussive event was 21 days, with 33% (95/276) reporting their concussion more than 30 days before data collection. Academic difficulty was reported by 29% (79/270) and vision abnormalities in 46% (128/274). After model reduction, vision symptoms (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.02, 4.62), hearing disturbance (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.06, 5.36), and concentration difficulty (OR 21.62, 95% CI 9.50, 44.47) remained associated with academic difficulty. For those with symptoms 30 days or more after concussion, only vision (OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.06, 9.38) and concentration difficulty (OR 15.33, 95% CI 4.99, 47.05) remained statistically significant.

Conclusions

Vision problems were commonly reported in children with concussions and were independently associated with those reporting academic difficulty. Comprehensive vision assessment should be considered in children reporting academic difficulty and in the development of return-to-learn protocols.
Methods to Develop the Eye-tem Bank to Measure Ophthalmic Quality of Life
Authors: Khadka Jyoti , Fenwick Eva , Lamoureux Ecosse , Pesudovs Konrad
Published: September 2016

Purpose

There is an increasing demand for high-standard, comprehensive, and reliable patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments in all the disciplines of health care including in ophthalmology and optometry. Over the past two decades, a plethora of PRO instruments have been developed to assess the impact of eye diseases and their treatments. Despite this large number of instruments, significant shortcomings exist for the measurement of ophthalmic quality of life (QoL). Most PRO instruments are short-form instruments designed for clinical use, but this limits their content coverage often poorly targeting any study population other than that which they were developed for. Also, existing instruments are static paper and pencil based and unable to be updated easily leading to outdated and irrelevant item content. Scores obtained from different PRO instruments may not be directly comparable. These shortcomings can be addressed using item banking implemented with computer-adaptive testing (CAT). Therefore, we designed a multicenter project (The Eye-tem Bank project) to develop and validate such PROs to enable comprehensive measurement of ophthalmic QoL in eye diseases.

Methods

Development of the Eye-tem Bank follows four phases: Phase I, Content Development; Phase II, Pilot Testing and Item Calibration; Phase III, Validation; and Phase IV, Evaluation.

Conclusions/Discussion

This project will deliver technologically advanced comprehensive QoL PROs in the form of item banking implemented via a CAT system in eye diseases. Here, we present a detailed methodological framework of this project.
The Utility of Bedside Lung Ultrasound Findings in Bronchiolitis
Authors: Cohen Joanna S. , Hughes Naomi , Tat Sonny , Chamberlain James M. , Teach Stephen J. , Boniface Keith
Published: September 2016

Objectives

Recent literature suggests that bedside lung ultrasound may have a role in the evaluation of infants with bronchiolitis. B lines, which are multiple and diffuse vertical artifacts spreading from the lung pleural interface to the edge of the ultrasound screen, have been associated with thickened interlobular septa, extravascular lung water, and diffuse parenchymal disease. The aims of this study were (1) to describe the prevalence of B lines in children younger than 24 months presenting to the emergency department with wheezing, (2) to determine the interrater reliability of lung ultrasound findings in this setting, and (3) to determine the association of B lines with atopy and other clinical findings.

Methods

This was a pilot, prospective, observational study of a convenience sample of patients younger than 2 years presenting with wheezing to a large academic pediatric hospital emergency department. Investigators performed lung ultrasound examinations, and a second provider reviewed the ultrasound examinations to determine interrater reliability. We performed univariate analyses to test for associations between ultrasound findings and atopy, acute illness severity, age, and treatment response.

Results

Studies were obtained on 29 patients (mean [SD] age, 291 [187] days; 62% male). Twenty-one patients (72%) had compact B lines. B lines were significantly associated with older age and an absence of atopic features. There was poor correlation of lung ultrasound examination interpretation among enrolling providers.

Conclusions

In this small sample of patients with bronchiolitis, B lines were associated with older age and an absence of atopic features. Lung ultrasound interpretation had poor interrater reliability.
Predictive Factors for Clinical Severity and Cardiopulmonary Arrest in Pediatric Electrical Injuries in Southeastern Turkey
Authors: Çağlar Aykut , Ayvaz Adnan , Güzeçiçek Ahmet , Yildirim Ali , Karaarslan Utku , Babayiğit Aslan , Duman Murat
Published: September 2016

Objective

An electrical injury (EI) is an emergency that causes high morbidity and mortality each year. The aim of this study was to define the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory factors that might predict severe patients and cardiac arrest in pediatric EI cases.

Methods

All of the patients' medical files were reviewed retrospectively through a 2-year period for the demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings. The patients were classified into the severe injury group or the mild injury group. The SPSS (Chicago, Ill) software was used to analyze the data.

Results

Among the 38 patients, 18 patients (47.4%) were in the mild group, and 20 patients (52.6%) were in the severe group. Low-voltage injuries were observed in 35 (92.1%) of the patients. Most of the severe patients were injured with low voltage (75%) and in household settings (85%). Plug and sockets were the most observed source of the injuries in all of the patients, whereas water-related injuries were most prevalent in the severe group. The source of injury was different in the mild and severe groups (P = 0.009). In the severe group, 13 patients (34.2%) were resuscitated after cardiopulmonary arrest. In the multivariate analysis of the demographic data, the most predictive parameters for cardiac arrest and the clinical severity in EIs are the factors of electrical cables and water.

Conclusions

Electrical injuries are a significant concern in the pediatric population. Our results showed that low voltage and household electricity could cause morbidity and mortality.
Two-Thumb Encircling Technique Over the Head of Patients in the Setting of Lone Rescuer Infant CPR Occurred During Ambulance Transfer
Authors: Jo Choong Hyun , Cho Gyu Chong , Lee Chang Hee
Published: September 2016

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine if the over-the-head 2-thumb encircling technique (OTTT) provides better overall quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared with conventional 2-finger technique (TFT) for a lone rescuer in the setting of infant cardiac arrest in ambulance.

Methods

Fifty medical emergency service students were voluntarily recruited to perform lone rescuer infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation for 2 minutes on a manikin simulating a 3-month-old baby in an ambulance. Participants who performed OTTT sat over the head of manikins to compress the chest using a 2-thumb encircling technique and provide bag-valve mask ventilations, whereas those who performed TFT sat at the side of the manikins to compress using 2-fingers and provide pocket-mask ventilations.

Results

Mean hands-off time was not significantly different between OTTT and TFT (7.6 ± 1.1 seconds vs 7.9 ± 1.3 seconds, P = 0.885). Over-the-head 2-thumb encircling technique resulted in greater depth of compression (42.6 ± 1.4 mm vs 41.0 ± 1.4 mm, P < 0.001) and faster rate of compressions (114.4 ± 8.0 per minute vs 112.2 ± 8.2 per minute, P = 0.019) than TFT. Over-the-head 2-thumb encircling technique resulted in a smaller fatigue score than TFT (1.7 ± 1.5 vs 2.5 ± 1.6, P < 0.001). In addition, subjects reported that compression, ventilation, and changing compression to ventilation were easier in OTTT than in TFT.

Conclusions

The use of OTTT may be a suitable alternative to TFT in the setting of cardiac arrest of infants during ambulance transfer.
Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia as the Etiology of Emergency Medical Services-Reported Traumatic Arrest
Authors: Bailey James , Berkeley Ross P.
Published: September 2016

A 13-year-old girl had a witnessed loss of consciousness after a scuffle with another student at school and was found in ventricular fibrillation at the time of arrival of emergency medical services personnel. The patient was successfully defibrillated in the field and was transported to the emergency department as a presumed “traumatic arrest”. The patient's initial electrocardiogram was remarkable for a prolonged QT interval, and it was discovered that multiple family members had died of cardiac events as young adults. Genetic testing subsequently revealed a mutation in the RYR2 gene, which is implicated in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
Neuroprotective strategies for NMDAR-mediated excitotoxicity in Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Girling KD , Wang YT
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Huntington’s Disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease causing severe neurodegeneration of the striatum as well as marked cognitive and motor disabilities. Excitotoxicity, caused by overstimulation of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) has been shown to have a key role in the neuropathogenesis of HD, suggesting that targeting NMDAR-dependent signaling may be an effective clinical approach for HD. However, broad NMDAR antagonists are generally poor therapeutics in clinical practice. It has been suggested that GluN2A-containing, synaptically located NMDARs activate cell survival signaling pathways, while GluN2B-containing, primarily extrasynaptic NMDARs trigger cell death signaling. A better approach to development of effective therapeutics for HD may be to target, specifically, the cell-death specific pathways associated with extrasynaptic GluN2B NMDAR activation, while maintaining or potentiating the cell-survival activity of GluN2A-NMDARs.

OBJECTIVE

This review outlines the role of NMDAR-mediated excitotoxicity in HD and overviews current efforts to develop better therapeutics for HD where NMDAR excitotoxicity is the target.

METHODS

A systematic review process was conducted using the PubMed search engine focusing on research conducted in the past 5-10 years. 250 articles were consulted for the review, with key search terms including “Huntington’s Disease”, “excitotoxicity”, “NMDAR” and “therapeutics”.

RESULTS

A wide range of NMDAR excitotoxicity-based targets for HD were identified and reviewed, including targeting NMDARs directly by blocking GluN2B, extrasynaptic NMDARs and/or potentiating GluN2A, synaptic NMDARs, targeting glutamate release or uptake, or targeting specific downstream cell-death signaling of NMDARs.

CONCLUSION

The current review identifies NMDAR-mediated excitotoxicity as a key player in HD pathogenesis and points to various excitotoxicity-focused targets as potential future preventative therapeutics for HD.
A structural variant in the 5’-flanking region of the TWIST2 gene affects melanocyte development in belted cattle
Authors: Awasthi Mishra Nivedita , Drögemüller Cord , Jagannathan Vidhya , Bruggmann Rémy , Beck Julia , Schütz Ekkehard , Brenig Bertram , Demmel Steffi , Moser Simon , Signer-Hasler Heidi , Pieńkowska-Schelling Aldona , Schelling Claude , Rongen Ronald , Rieder Stefan , Kelsh Robert N. , Mercader Nadia , Leeb Tosso
Published: September 2016

Belted cattle have a circular belt of unpigmented hair and skin around their midsection. The belt is inherited as a monogenic autosomal dominant trait. We mapped the causative variant to a 54 kb segment on bovine chromosome 3. Whole genome sequence data of 2 belted and 130 control cattle yielded only one private genetic variant in the critical interval in the two belted animals. The belt-associated variant was a copy number variant (CNV) involving the quadruplication of a 6 kb non-coding sequence located approximately 16 kb upstream of theTWIST2gene. Increased copy numbers at this CNV were strongly associated with the belt phenotype in a cohort of 239 cases and 1303 controls (p = 1.3 x 10-278). We hypothesized that the CNV causes aberrant expression ofTWIST2during neural crest development, which might negatively affect melanoblasts. Functional studies showed that ectopic expression of bovineTWIST2in neural crest in transgenic zebrafish led to a decrease in melanocyte numbers. Our results thus implicate an unsuspected involvement of TWIST2 in regulating pigmentation and reveal a non-coding CNV underlying a captivating Mendelian character.

Author Summary

Belted cattle, a spontaneous coat color mutant, have been recognized at least 600 years ago. The striking pigmentation pattern probably has arisen in medieval cattle of the Alpine region. The belt still segregates in Brown Swiss cattle and it has become a breed-defining character in the Lakenvelder or Dutch Belted cattle. The belted allele has also been introgressed into Galloways to form the Belted Galloways. We report here the causative genetic variant, a non-coding copy number variant (CNV) upstream of theTWIST2gene. We hypothesize that the CNV leads to ectopic expression of TWIST2 in the neural crest, which negatively affects melanocyte development. Overexpression of bovine TWIST2 in transgenic zebrafish embryos led to a decrease in melanocyte numbers, which provides functional support for our hypothesis.
NODDI-DTI: extracting neurite orientation and dispersion parameters from a diffusion tensor
Authors: Edwards Luke J. , Pine Kerrin J. , Weiskopf Nikolaus , Mohammadi Siawoosh
Published: September 2016

NODDI-DTI is a simplification of the NODDI model that, when its underlying assumptions are met, allows extraction of biophysical parameters from standard single-shell DTI data, permitting biophysical analysis of DTI datasets.

In contrast to the NODDI signal model, the NODDI-DTI signal model contains no CSF compartment, restricting its application to voxels with very low CSF partial-volume contamination. This simplification allowed derivation of simple analytical relations between parameters representing axon density,vand dispersion,τ, and DTI invariants (MD and FA) through moment expansion of the NODDI-DTI signal model. These relations formally allow extraction of biophysical parameters from DTI data. It should be emphasised that the NODDI-DTI model inherits the strong assumptions of the NODDI model, and so is nominally restricted to analysis of healthy brains.

NODDI-DTI parameter estimates were computed by applying the proposed analytical relations to DTI parameters extracted from the first shell of data, and compared to parameters extracted by fitting the NODDI-DTI model to (i) both shells (recommended) and (ii) the first shell (as for DTI) of data in the white matter of three different in vivo diffusion datasets. NODDI-DTI parameters estimated from DTI and NODDI-DTI parameters estimated by fitting the model to the first shell of data gave similar errors compared to two-shell NODDI-DTI estimates. The NODDI-DTI method gave unphysical parameter estimates in a small percentage of voxels, reflecting voxelwise DTI estimation error or NODDI-DTI model invalidity. In the course of evaluating the NODDI-DTI model it was found that diffusional kurtosis strongly biased DTI-based MD values, and so a novel heuristic correction requiring only DTI data was derived and used to account for this bias.

Our results demonstrate that NODDI-DTI is a promising model and technique to interpret restricted datasets acquired for DTI analysis with greater biophysical specificity, though its limitations must be borne in mind.
Detecting large-scale networks in the human brain using high-density electroencephalography
Authors: Liu Quanying , Farahibozorg Seyedehrezvan , Porcaro Camillo , Wenderoth Nicole , Mantini Dante
Published: September 2016

High-density electroencephalography (hdEEG) is an emerging brain imaging technique that can permit investigating fast dynamics of cortical electrical activity in the healthy and the diseased human brain. Its applications are however currently limited by a number of methodological issues, among which the difficulty in obtaining accurate source localizations. In particular, these issues have so far prevented EEG studies from showing brain networks similar to those previously detected by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Here, we report for the first time a robust detection of brain networks from resting state (256-channel) hdEEG recordings. Specifically, we obtained 14 networks previously described in fMRI studies by means of realistic 12-layer head models and eLORETA source localization, together with ICA for functional connectivity analysis. Our analyses revealed three important methodological aspects. First, brain network reconstruction can be improved by performing source localization using the cortex as source space, instead of the whole brain. Second, conducting EEG connectivity analyses in individual space rather than on concatenated datasets may be preferable, as it permits to incorporate realistic information on head modeling and electrode positioning. Third, the use of a wide frequency band leads to an unbiased and generally accurate reconstruction of several network maps, whereas filtering data in a narrow frequency band may enhance the detection of specific networks and penalize that of others. We hope that our methodological work will contribute to rise of hdEEG as a powerful tool for brain research.
Addressing the implementation gap in flexiwork policies: the case of part‐time work in Singapore
Authors: Straughan Paulin T , Tadai Mindy E
Published: September 2016

This article addresses the implementation gap in the provision of work–life policies in Singapore. While both employers and government in principle endorse the ideology of flexibility in the work place, this has not yet translated into widely adopted policies. This study examines barriers and facilitators to part‐time work, and highlights organisational and managerial factors contributing to the implementation gap. It is imperative in ageing societies with declining fertility rates that flexibility be mainstreamed to encourage optimum labour force participation. For both married women with childcare responsibilities and older adults, flexiwork is central to their continued economic participation. In particular, part‐time work enables mothers to meaningfully integrate work and family responsibilities, and allows older adults to reap the benefits of economic engagement post‐retirement.
Determinants of the strategic involvement of human resource departments: evidence from large South Korean firms
Authors: Kim Andrea , Ryu Seongmin , Kim Seongsu , Lepak David P
Published: September 2016

This study draws on contextual theories to determine when strategic involvement of human resource (HR) departments is required in organisations. From institutional and contingency theories, some internal and external circumstances of organisations are considered contextual factors on how to structure the role of their HR departments. Using a multisource dataset collected from 300 large South Korean firms, our regression analysis indicates that the strategic involvement of an HR department is related to normative pressures, the industrial relations climate, and environmental uncertainty. Our work provides theoretical implications for the context‐bound understanding of the role of an HR department and practical guidelines for effective role fulfilment of an HR department according to organisational contexts.
Assessment of Right Ventricular Strain by Computed Tomography Versus Echocardiography in Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Dudzinski David M. , Hariharan Praveen , Parry Blair A. , Chang Yuchiao , Kabrhel Christopher
Published: September 2016

Background

Right ventricular strain (RVS) identifies patients at risk of hemodynamic deterioration from pulmonary embolism (PE). Our hypothesis was that chest computed tomography (CT) can provide information about RVS analogous to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and that RVS on CT is associated with adverse outcomes after PE.

Methods

Consecutive emergency department patients with acute PE were prospectively enrolled and clinical, biomarker, and imaging data were recorded. CTs were overread by two radiologists. We compared diagnoses of RVS on CT (defined as right ventricle:left ventricle ratio ≥ 0.9 or interventricular septal bowing) to echocardiography (defined as right ventricular hypokinesis, right ventricular dilatation, or interventricular septal bowing). We calculated the test characteristics (with 95% confidence interval) of CT and TTE for a composite outcome of severe clinical deterioration, thrombolysis/thrombectomy, or death within 5 days.

Results

A total of 298 patients were enrolled; 274 had CT and 118 had formal TTE. Of the 104 patients who had both CT and TTE, the mean (±SD) age was 58 (±17) years; 50 (48%) were female and 88 (85%) were Caucasian. Forty‐two (40%) had RVS by TTE and 75 (72%) had RVS by CT. CT and TTE agreed on the presence or absence of RVS in 61 (59%) cases (κ = 0.24). Using TTE as criterion standard, the test characteristics of CT for RVS were as follows: sensitivity = 88%, specificity = 39%, positive predictive value = 49%, and negative predictive value = 83%. Fourteen (13%) patients experienced severe clinical deterioration or required hospital‐based intervention within 5 days. This occurred in 30% of patients with RVS on both TTE and CT, 20% of patients with RVS on TTE alone, 3% of patients with RVS on CT alone, and 4% of patients without RVS on either modality.

Conclusions

In acute PE, CT is highly sensitive but only moderately specific for RVS compared to TTE. RVS on both CT and TTE predicts more events than either modality alone. TTE confers additional positive prognostic value compared to CT in predicting post‐PE clinical deterioration.
Recurrence of second trimester miscarriage and extreme preterm delivery at 16–27 weeks of gestation with a focus on cervical insufficiency and prophylactic cerclage
Authors: Sneider Kirstine , Christiansen Ole B. , Sundtoft Iben B. , Langhoff‐Roos Jens
Published: September 2016

Introduction

The objective of this study was to describe recurrence rates of second trimester miscarriage and extreme preterm delivery by phenotype and use of prophylactic cerclage in a register‐based cohort.

Material and methods

We included women with a first second trimester miscarriage or extreme preterm delivery (16+0 to 27+6 gestational weeks) in Denmark in 1997–2012 (n = 9602) by combined use of the Danish Medical Birth Register and the Danish National Patient Register. Eight phenotypes were identified by ICD‐10 codes in a hierarchy with the following sequence: major fetal anomaly, multiple gestation, uterine anomaly, placental insufficiency, antepartum bleeding, cervical insufficiency, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and intrauterine fetal death. Recurrence rate after a second trimester miscarriage/spontaneous delivery in the period was calculated based on the register data. In cervical insufficiency outcome was stratified by prophylactic cerclage applied <16 weeks of gestation.

Results

Overall recurrence rate was 7.3% (n = 452), a rate that differed by phenotype from <5% (fetal anomaly, multiple gestations, intrauterine fetal death) to 21% (cervical insufficiency). In women with cervical insufficiency the recurrence rate was 28% without cerclage; vaginal cerclage was associated with a significant reduction [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.47; 95% CI 0.29–0.76] and abdominal cerclage with an even greater reduction (adjusted OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.03–0.61).

Conclusions

The overall recurrence rate of second trimester miscarriage or extreme preterm delivery was 7%, but it differed significantly by phenotype. The highest rate, 28%, was found in cervical insufficiency, and prophylactic cerclage was associated with a significant reduction in recurrence.
Associations between sarcoidosis clinical course and ANXA11 rs1049550 C/T, BTNL2 rs2076530 G/A, and HLA class I and II alleles
Authors: Morais Antonio , Lima Bruno , Alves Helena , Melo Natalia , Mota Patricia C. , Marques Agostinho , Delgado Luis
Published: September 2016

Background

A genetic background may be responsible for the different clinical courses in sarcoidosis. We analyzed associations between sarcoidosis clinical course and HLA class I/II alleles and susceptibility gene SNPs ANXA11 rs1049550 C/T and BTNL2 rs2076530 G/A in a Portuguese population, investigating possible gene–gene interactions.

Methods

We studied 138 unrelated Caucasian sarcoidosis patients (78 women, 56.5%; mean age, 37.2 ± 12.1 years). Disease that persisted after 2 years was considered chronic. Samples were genotyped for ANXA11 rs1049550 C/T and BTNL2 rs2076530 G/A SNPs using TaqMan Real‐Time PCR Assays. HLA class I/II alleles were typed using PCR sequence‐specific primers.

Results

Sixty‐six patients experienced disease resolution and 72 (52%) developed chronic disease. Comparison of rs1049550 and rs2076530 allele frequencies showed no significant differences. Only the HLA DRB1*03 allele was significantly associated with disease resolution (21.2% vs 4.9% for chronic disease; RR = 0.35; P < .01 after Bonferroni correction). In the logistic regression models evaluating the association between HLA alleles and chronic sarcoidosis adjusted for rs1049550 and rs2076530, only DRB1*03 was significantly associated with disease resolution. No significant interactions were found in any of the logistic regression analyses.

Conclusions

In this population of Caucasian patients with sarcoidosis, only DRB1*03 was associated with disease resolution after 2 years’ follow‐up, with no significant interactions found for susceptibility gene SNPs ANXA11 rs1049550 or BTNL2 rs2076530.
Prediction model for mortality in cancer patients with pneumonia: comparison with CURB‐65 and PSI
Authors: Ahn Byung Ki , Lee Yoon‐Seon , Kim Youn‐Jung , Sohn Chang Hwan , Ahn Shin , Seo Dong Woo , Kim Won Young , Lee Jae Ho , Lim Kyung Soo
Published: September 2016

Introduction and Objectives

We aimed to develop a new prediction model of mortality in cancer patients with pneumonia and to compare its performance with CURB‐65 and the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI).

Methods

Active cancer patients who were diagnosed with pneumonia at the Emergency Department (ED) from 7/1/2014 to 12/31/2014 were consecutively included. Clinical data were collected through a medical chart review. The primary outcome was the 28‐day mortality, and clinical factors were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among a total of 218 analyzed patients with a median age of 64.0 years (IQR, 56.8‐71.0) and a male proportion of 72%, 42 (19.3%) died within 28 days of ED admission. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, an ECOG performance status (PS) 3 (OR: 8.54, 95% CI: 3.42‐21.33) or 4 (OR: 13.17, 95% CI: 3.19‐54.32), SpO2 <90% (OR: 3.06, 95% CI: 1.17‐8.00), and elevated lactic acid levels (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.12‐1.81) were significantly associated with mortality. With these three variables, a new prediction model with total scores ranged from 0 to 6 was generated. The area under the curve of the new prediction model was 0.840, compared with 0.673 and 0.586 for CURB‐65 and PSI, respectively.

Conclusion

In cancer patients with pneumonia, a poor ECOG PS, SpO2 <90%, and lactic acid elevation are independent predictors of mortality. The new prediction model, comprising three predictors, performs better in predicting mortality in cancer patients than CURB‐65 or PSI.
‘Pink rot’: infection of Castanea sativa fruits by Colletotrichum acutatum
Authors: Gaffuri F. , Longa C.M.O. , Turchetti T. , Danti R. , Maresi G.
Published: September 2016

Pink‐coloured tissues were observed in rotting chestnut nuts collected from soil in different orchards in Italy (Emilia Romagna, Tuscany and Trentino). Morphological and molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Colletotrichum acutatum (J.H. Simmons) in affected fruits, and inoculation tests corroborated the ability of the pathogen to colonize nuts.