bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A low cost ultra-microporous carbon scaffold with confined chain-like sulfur molecules as a superior cathode for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Han Junkai , Li Yu , Li Shuangwen , Long Peng , Cao Chen , Cao Yu , Wang Weizhe , Feng Yiyu , Feng Wei
Published: May 2018

This paper reports ultra-microporous carbon as the scaffold of Li–S cathodes, which confines chain-like S2–4 molecules by size limitation.
A nanosized metal–organic framework with small pores for kinetic xenon separation
Authors: Yu Guangli , Liu Yueqiao , Zou Xiaoqin , Zhao Nian , Rong Huazhen , Zhu Guangshan
Published: May 2018

The crystal size of CaSDB metal–organic framework has been engineered down to nanoscale by an additive-assisted method. The as-prepared material has exhibited superior xenon capture performance in terms of fast xenon uptake and good selectivity for xenon over krypton.
Discrimination and highly selective adsorption of phosphoproteins and glycoproteins with arginine-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane frameworks
Authors: Zhang Yue , Wang Meng-Meng , Hao Jun-Xia , Chen Xu-Wei , Wang Jian-Hua
Published: May 2018

The combination of salt-templated thermal polymerization with arginine functionalization produces a porous POSS framework, which facilitates discrimination of phosphoproteins and glycoproteins.
Carnosic acid impedes cell growth and enhances anticancer effects of carmustine and lomustine in melanoma
Authors: Lin Kun-I , Lin Chih-Chien , Kuo Shyh-Ming , Lai Jui-Chi , Wang You-Qi , You Huey-Ling , Hsu Mei-Ling , Chen Chang-Han , Shiu Li-Yen
Published: May 2018

Carnosic acid (CA), a major polyphenolic diterpene present in Rosmarinus officinalis, has been reported to have multiple functions, including antitumor activity. The MTT assay, BrdU incorporation, wound healing, and colony formation were used to detect melanoma B16F10 cell growth and proliferation. Flow cytometry was used for cell cycle detection. p21 and p27 expression was detected by Western blotting. B16F10 cell xenograft model was established, and treated with CA, carmustine (BCNU), or lomustine (CCNU). The present study found that CA exhibits significant growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest in melanoma B16F10 cells. We also found that CA triggers cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, and enhances p21 expression. Additionally, CA can enhance BCNU- and CCNU-mediated cytotoxicity and cell cycle arrest in B16F10 cells. Finally, we found that CA inhibits tumor growth, and reduces the values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in vivo. The present study study concluded that CA may be safe and useful as a novel chemotherapeutic agent.
The Wnt antagonist and secreted frizzled-related protein 5: implications on lipid metabolism, inflammation, and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Liu Ling-Bin , Chen Xiao-Dong , Zhou Xiang-Yu , Zhu Qing
Published: May 2018

Various reports have suggested that secreted frizzled-related protein (SFRP) 5 (SFRP5) plays a regulatory role in the processes of cellular proliferation and differentiation, by means of inactivating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Recently, SFRP5 has been identified as an anti-inflammatory adipokine, which may be induced during preadipocyte proliferation, differentiation, and maturation. This review aims to identify the recent progress in the research and development of SFRP5 that can play a role in influencing lipid metabolism, inflammation, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recent evidence has indicated that SFRP5 is capable of stimulating adipocyte differentiation via inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In addition, SFRP5 binding with wingless-type murine mammary tumor virus integration site family, member 5A (Wnt5a), inhibits the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) downstream of the Wnt signaling pathway. An antagonistic relationship has been found between the reductions in inflammatory cytokine production and serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) in regard to inhibition of insulin signaling network. By this mechanism, SFRP5 exerts its influence on metabolic function. Based on our review of the current available literature, we support the notion that SFRP5 can be used as a therapeutic target in the treatment of T2DM.
Moved by Reading in a Spanish-Speaking, Dual Language Learner Population
Authors: Adams Ashley M. , Glenberg Arthur M. , Restrepo Ma Adelaida
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an English-only version and a Spanish-support version of an embodied reading comprehension intervention (Moved by Reading) consisting of 3 stages (physical manipulation, imagined manipulation, and transfer) for Spanish–English dual language learners.

Method

Sixty-one dual language learners in Arizona were randomly assigned to 4 groups (Spanish-support control, Spanish-support intervention, English-only control, and English-only intervention). Analyses of variance were used to compare control and intervention groups and to compare groups according to the language of the intervention.

Results

Children in the Spanish-support intervention group significantly outperformed both control groups during the physical manipulation stage, whereas children in the English-only intervention group outperformed both control groups in the imagined manipulation stage, but there was little transfer to a new, unrelated text.

Conclusions

The Moved by Reading intervention, in both its English-only and Spanish-support versions, improved performance on comprehension questions, but in different stages of the intervention. The Spanish-support version of the intervention was most effective in the physical manipulation stage, whereas the English-only version was more effective in the imagined manipulation stage. Neither version was effective in producing significant transfer effects.
Internal and External Factors That Support Children's Minority First Language and English
Authors: Pham Giang , Tipton Timothy
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Sequential bilingual children in the United States often speak 2 languages that have different social statuses (minority–majority) and separate contexts for learning (home–school). Thus, distinct factors may support the development of each language. This study examined which child internal and external factors were related to vocabulary skills in a minority language versus English.

Method

Participants included 69 children, aged 5–8 years, who lived in Southern California, spoke Vietnamese as the home language, and received school instruction in English. All participants had at least 1 foreign-born parent, and most mothers reported limited English proficiency. Parents completed a telephone survey, and children completed measures of receptive and expressive vocabulary in each language. Using correlations and stepwise regression, we examined predictors of vocabulary skills in each language that were internal to the child (age, gender, analytical reasoning, phonological memory) or that pertained to the surrounding environment (cumulative exposure, quantity and quality of input/output).

Results

Vietnamese vocabulary outcomes were related to multiple external factors, of which input and enrichment activities were the best predictors. In contrast, English vocabulary outcomes were related to internal factors, of which age and phonological memory were the best predictors. Parental use of Vietnamese contributed to children's Vietnamese vocabulary outcomes but was not related to children's English vocabulary outcomes.

Conclusions

Vietnamese exposure does not hinder English development. Children from immigrant families are learning English with or without familial support. Rich and frequent exposure and opportunities for practice are essential for the continued development of a minority first language.
Spielersperren in Deutschland: Stand der gesetzlichen Glücksspielregelungen und ihre Umsetzung
Authors: Motka Franziska , Grüne Bettina , Braun Barbara , Kraus Ludwig
Published: May 2018

Spielersperren stellen eine Maßnahme des Spielerschutzes dar. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist die Darstellung der derzeitigen Gesetzesgrundlage von Spielersperren in Deutschland und den Bundesländern und beispielhaft ihrer Nutzung in Bayern. Während auf Basis des Glücksspielstaatsvertrags für das staatliche Glücksspiel eine bundesweite Sperrdatei existiert, werden Spielersperren für das gewerbliche Glücksspiel länderspezifisch organisiert. Aufgrund der uneinheitlichen Gesetzeslage besteht trotz einer ausgesprochenen Spielersperre die Möglichkeit, auf andere Spielformen oder Spielstätten auszuweichen. Diese Gegebenheiten sollten im Beratungs- oder Behandlungskontext aufgegriffen werden, um betroffenen Glücksspielenden eine Abstinenz zu erleichtern. Für eine breite Nutzung von Spielersperren sind strukturelle Veränderungen der derzeitigen Organisation von Spielersperren nötig. Zum einem bedarf es unter Einbeziehung des gewerblichen Glücksspiels einer einheitlichen Regelung mit einer übergreifenden Sperrdatei. Zum anderen könnte über den Abbau von Barrieren und die Einführung transparenter Kriterien für die Entsperrung die Akzeptanz von Spielersperren erhöht werden.
Ambulant praktizierende Ärzte in Deutschland unzureichend auf Ebolafieber vorbereitet
Authors: Brekle Verena , Weiß Christel , Kolobaric Zvonimir , Schulz-Weidhaas Claudia , Vogelmann Roger
Published: May 2018

Hintergrund Globalisierung, zunehmende Mobilität und Klimawandel erhöhen die Gefahr des globalen Auftretens von Erkrankungen durch hochpathogene Erreger. Ziel der Arbeit: Anhand der Ebolafieber-Epidemie in Westafrika wurde untersucht, ob ambulant praktizierende Mediziner als Primärversorger vorbereitet sind, den Ernstfall zu erkennen, richtig zu bewerten und fachgerecht zu handeln.

Methodik In 2 anonym durchgeführten Befragungen von ambulant praktizierenden Medizinern (n=166 bzw. 129) wurden u. a. der objektive Wissensstand, die subjektive Einschätzung zum eigenen Wissen und die praktische Umsetzung in den Alltag erhoben und mit dem von 14 STAKOB-Experten (Ständiger Arbeitskreis der Kompetenz- und Behandlungszentren für Krankheiten durch hochpathogene Erreger) als erforderlich definierten Mindeststandard verglichen.

Ergebnisse Der Wissensstand der Teilnehmer blieb signifikant hinter dem in Experteninterviews definierten Standard zurück. Von 8 gestellten Wissensfragen wurden im Durchschnitt nur 5 korrekt beantwortet. Auch die subjektive Wissenseinschätzung stellte sich als weniger gut dar. Obwohl 56% der Teilnehmer Handlungsanweisungen erhalten hatten, setzten 64% diese nicht in ihrer Praxis um. Ebolafieber-spezifische Fortbildungen waren von etwa 22% der Befragten in Anspruch genommen worden, wobei die Teilnahme zu einer signifikant besseren subjektiven Wissenseinschätzung führte.

Schlussfolgerung Entgegen der landesweit offiziell kommunizierten fachlichen Einschätzung, dass Deutschland gut auf das Auftreten von Erkrankungen durch hochpathogene Erreger vorbereitet sei, legen die Ergebnisse der vorliegenden Studie diesbezüglich existierende Defizite nahe. Trotz eines umfangreich zur Verfügung stehenden Informationsangebots war das relevante Detailwissen nicht immer im erforderlichen Umfang bei der Zielgruppe abrufbar. Und das obwohl knapp die Hälfte das Risiko einer Einschleppung als wahrscheinlich oder sehr wahrscheinlich angab. Welche Konsequenzen daraus für die Informationsvermittlung und weitere Forschungsansätze gezogen werden könnten, zeigt die Studie auf.
Ein webbasierter Farbsehtest als Tool zur qualitativen Bewertung von pseudoisochromatischen Pflüger-Haken-Farbtafeln
Authors: Kuchenbecker Joern
Published: May 2018

Einleitung Pseudoisochromatische Farbtafeln werden nach bestimmten Prinzipien konstruiert und können von der Qualität sehr unterschiedlich sein. Um die diagnostische Qualität zu prüfen, müssen sie an einer größeren Anzahl von Probanden getestet werden, was jedoch mit großem Zeit- und Kostenaufwand verbunden ist. Hier bietet sich der Einsatz eines standardisierten webbasierten Tests an.

Methodik Es wurden 8 Pflüger-Haken-Farbtafeln (inkl. 1 Demotafel) nach Velhagen aus der Auflage von 1980 digitalisiert und in einen webbasierten Farbsehtest (www.farbsehtest.de) eingefügt. Nach visueller Bildschirmkalibrierung und 2-maliger Präsentation der Demotafel (Nr. 1) zur Prüfung des Verständnisses des Testablaufes wurden 7 Rot-Grün-Tafeln (Nr. 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16) in randomisierter Reihenfolge in 3 verschiedenen randomisierten Positionen für je 10 s präsentiert. Der Benutzer musste die Öffnung des Pflüger-Hakens per Mausklick oder Pfeiltasten angeben.

Ergebnisse In die Auswertung wurden so 6360 Bewertungen von allen Tafeln von 2120 zufällig ausgewählten Probanden einbezogen. Ohne Fehler lagen die Erkennungsraten der Tafeln zwischen 72,2% (Tafel 1) und 90,7% (Tafel 7; n = 6360). Bei einer Fehleranzahl von 7 Fehlern pro Test lagen die Erkennungsraten der Tafeln zwischen 21,6% (Tafel 1) und 67,7% (Tafel 7; n = 1556). Wird eine Fehleranzahl von 14 Fehlern zugrunde gelegt, lagen die Erkennungsraten der Tafeln zwischen 10,9% (Tafel 4) und 40,1% (Tafel 7; n = 606). Die Tafel Nr. 16 zeigte bei null Fehler die höchste Erkennungsrate, bei der Fehleranzahl von 7 und 14 ebenfalls, sodass die Qualität dieser Tafel am geringsten einzustufen ist und eine Verbesserung der kolorimetrischen Daten vorgenommen wurde. Danach lag die Erkennungsrate in einem deutlich niedrigeren Bereich.

Zusammenfassung Die unterschiedliche Qualität von pseudoisochromatischen Pflüger-Haken-Farbtafeln kann per webbasierten Test ohne großen Aufwand getestet werden, sodass eine Optimierung einer qualitativ weniger guten Tafel anschließend erfolgen konnte.
Invited Article: Visualisation of extreme value events in optical
communications
Authors: Derevyanko Stanislav , Redyuk Alexey , Vergeles Sergey , Turitsyn Sergei
Published: May 2018

Fluctuations of a temporal signal propagating along long-haul transoceanic scale fiber links can be visualised in the spatio-temporal domain drawing visual analogy with ocean waves. Substantial overlapping of information symbols or use of multi-frequency signals leads to strong statistical deviations of local peak power from an average signal power level. We consider long-haul optical communication systems from this unusual angle, treating them as physical systems with a huge number of random statistical events, including extreme value fluctuations that potentially might affect the quality of data transmission. We apply the well-established concepts of adaptive wavefront shaping used in imaging through turbid medium to detect the detrimental phase modulated sequences in optical communications that can cause extreme power outages (rare optical waves of ultra-high amplitude) during propagation down the ultra-long fiber line. We illustrate the concept by a theoretical analysis of rare events of high-intensity fluctuations—optical freak waves, taking as an example an increasingly popular optical frequency division multiplexing data format where the problem of high peak to average power ratio is the most acute. We also show how such short living extreme value spikes in the optical data streams are affected by nonlinearity and demonstrate the negative impact of such events on the system performance.
Thermal conductivity of silicon using reverse non-equilibrium molecular dynamics
Authors: El-Genk Mohamed S. , Talaat Khaled , Cowen Benjamin J.
Published: May 2018

Simulations are performed using the reverse non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (rNEMD) method and the Stillinger-Weber (SW) potential to determine the input parameters for achieving ±1% convergence of the calculated thermal conductivity of silicon. These parameters are then used to investigate the effects of the interatomic potentials of SW, Tersoff II, Environment Dependent Interatomic Potential (EDIP), Second Nearest Neighbor, Modified Embedded-Atom Method (MEAM), and Highly Optimized Empirical Potential MEAM on determining the bulk thermal conductivity as a function of temperature (400–1000 K). At temperatures > 400 K, data collection and swap periods of 15 ns and 150 fs, system size ≥6 × 6 UC2 and system lengths ≥192 UC are adequate for ±1% convergence with all potentials, regardless of the time step size (0.1–0.5 fs). This is also true at 400 K, except for the SW potential, which requires a data collection period ≥30 ns. The calculated bulk thermal conductivities using the rNEMD method and the EDIP potential are close to, but lower than experimental values. The 10% difference at 400 K increases gradually to 20% at 1000 K.
Temperature-induced band shift in bulk γ-InSe by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Huanfeng , Wang Wei , Zhao Yafei , Zhang Xiaoqian , Feng Yue , Tu Jian , Gu Chenyi , Sun Yizhe , Liu Chang , Nie Yuefeng , Edmond Turcu Ion C. , Xu Yongbing , He Liang
Published: May 2018

Indium selenide (InSe) has recently become popular research topics because of its unique layered crystal structure, direct band gap and high electron mobilities. In this work, we have acquired the electronic structure of bulk γ-InSe at various temperatures using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). We have also found that as the temperature decreases, the valence bands of γ-InSe exhibit a monotonic shift to lower binding energies. This band shift is attributed to the change of lattice parameters and has been validated by variable temperature X-ray diffraction measurements and theoretical calculations.
How proteins form spatial gradients without any sources or sinks
Authors: Kim Meeri
Published: May 2018

Researchers propose in a new model that such proteins may form gradients via coupling with molecules called pronogens with a localized source.
Random matrix theory identifies preorganized regions of liquid crystals
Authors: Fellet Melissae
Published: May 2018

A theoretical description of molecular behavior in liquid crystals depicts ordered and disordered states and could inform studies of supercooled liquids.
Reduction of myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion injury by inactivating oxidized phospholipids
Authors: Yeang Calvin , Hasanally Devin , Que Xuchu , Hung Ming-Yow , Stamenkovic Aleksandra , Chan David , Chaudhary Rakesh , Margulets Victoria , Edel Andrea L , Hoshijima Masahiko , Gu Yusu , Bradford William , Dalton Nancy , Miu Phuong , Cheung David Yc , Jassal Davinder S , Pierce Grant N , Peterson Kirk L , Kirshenbaum Lorrie A , Witztum Joseph L , Tsimikas Sotirios , Ravandi Amir
Published: May 2018

Aims

Myocardial ischaemia followed by reperfusion (IR) causes an oxidative burst resulting in cellular dysfunction. Little is known about the impact of oxidative stress on cardiomyocyte lipids and their role in cardiac cell death. Our goal was to identify oxidized phosphatidylcholine-containing phospholipids (OxPL) generated during IR, and to determine their impact on cell viability and myocardial infarct size.

Methods and results

OxPL were quantitated in isolated rat cardiomyocytes using mass spectrophotometry following 24 h of IR. Cardiomyocyte cell death was quantitated following exogenously added OxPL and in the absence or presence of E06, a ‘natural’ murine monoclonal antibody that binds to the PC headgroup of OxPL. The impact of OxPL on mitochondria in cardiomyocytes was also determined using cell fractionation and Bnip expression. Transgenic Ldlr−/− mice, overexpressing a single-chain variable fragment of E06 (Ldlr−/−-E06-scFv-Tg) were used to assess the effect of inactivating endogenously generated OxPL in vivo on myocardial infarct size. Following IR in vitro, isolated rat cardiomyocytes showed a significant increase in the specific OxPLs PONPC, POVPC, PAzPC, and PGPC (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001 for all). Exogenously added OxPLs resulted in significant death of rat cardiomyocytes, an effect inhibited by E06 (percent cell death with added POVPC was 22.6 ± 4.14% and with PONPC was 25.3 ± 3.4% compared to 8.0 ± 1.6% and 6.4 ± 1.0%, respectively, with the addition of E06, P < 0.05 for both). IR increased mitochondrial content of OxPL in rat cardiomyocytes and also increased expression of Bcl-2 death protein 3 (Bnip3), which was inhibited in presence of E06. Notably cardiomyocytes with Bnip3 knock-down were protected against cytotoxic effects of OxPL. In mice exposed to myocardial IR in vivo, compared to Ldlr−/− mice, Ldlr−/−-E06-scFv-Tg mice had significantly smaller myocardial infarct size normalized to area at risk (72.4 ± 21.9% vs. 47.7 ± 17.6%, P = 0.023).

Conclusions

OxPL are generated within cardiomyocytes during IR and have detrimental effects on cardiomyocyte viability. Inactivation of OxPL in vivo results in a reduction of infarct size.
ASaiM: a Galaxy-based framework to analyze microbiota data
Authors: Batut Bérénice , Gravouil Kévin , Defois Clémence , Hiltemann Saskia , Brugère Jean-François , Peyretaillade Eric , Peyret Pierre
Published: May 2018

Background

New generations of sequencing platforms coupled to numerous bioinformatics tools have led to rapid technological progress in metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to investigate complex microorganism communities. Nevertheless, a combination of different bioinformatic tools remains necessary to draw conclusions out of microbiota studies. Modular and user-friendly tools would greatly improve such studies.

Findings

We therefore developed ASaiM, an Open-Source Galaxy-based framework dedicated to microbiota data analyses. ASaiM provides an extensive collection of tools to assemble, extract, explore, and visualize microbiota information from raw metataxonomic, metagenomic, or metatranscriptomic sequences. To guide the analyses, several customizable workflows are included and are supported by tutorials and Galaxy interactive tours, which guide users through the analyses step by step. ASaiM is implemented as a Galaxy Docker flavour. It is scalable to thousands of datasets but also can be used on a normal PC. The associated source code is available under Apache 2 license at https://github.com/ASaiM/framework and documentation can be found online (http://asaim.readthedocs.io).

Conclusions

Based on the Galaxy framework, ASaiM offers a sophisticated environment with a variety of tools, workflows, documentation, and training to scientists working on complex microorganism communities. It makes analysis and exploration analyses of microbiota data easy, quick, transparent, reproducible, and shareable.
Transplantation of CCR5∆32 Homozygous Umbilical Cord Blood in a Child With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Perinatally Acquired HIV Infection
Authors: Rothenberger Meghan , Wagner John E , Haase Ashley , Richman Douglas , Grzywacz Bartosz , Strain Matthew , Lada Steven , Estes Jacob , Fletcher Courtney V , Podany Anthony T , Anderson Jodi , Schmidt Thomas , Wietgrefe Steve , Schacker Timothy , Verneris Michael R
Published: May 2018

Background

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) in a CCR5∆32 homozygous donor resulted in HIV cure. Understanding how allo-HCT impacts the HIV reservoir will inform cure strategies.

Methods

A 12-year-old with perinatally acquired, CCR5-tropic HIV and acute lymphoblastic leukemia underwent myeloablative conditioning and umbilical cord blood (UCB) transplantation from a CCR5∆32 homozygous donor. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the rectum were sampled pre- and post-transplant. The brain, lung, lymph node (LN), stomach, duodenum, ileum, and colon were sampled 73 days after transplantation (day +73), when the patient died from graft-vs-host disease. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH) were used detect the HIV reservoir in tissues. CCR5 and CD3 expression in the LN was assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results

HIV DNA (vDNA) was detected in PBMCs by ddPCR pretransplant but not post-transplant. vDNA was detected by ISH in the rectum at days –8 and +22, and in the LN, colon, lung, and brain day +73. vDNA was also detected in the lung by ddPCR. IHC revealed CCR5+CD3+ cells in the LN postmortem.

Conclusions

HIV was detected in multiple tissues 73 days after CCR5∆32 homozygous UCB allo-HCT despite myeloablative conditioning and complete donor marrow engraftment. These results highlight the importance of analyzing tissue during HIV cure interventions and inform the choice of assay used to detect HIV in tissue reservoirs.
JC Virus Granule Cell Neuronopathy and Lymphoma
Authors: Demas Alexis , Bennani Omar , Vandendriessche Anne , de Menibus Laurence Hellouin , Langlois Vincent , Gasnault Jacques
Published: May 2018

Neurological opportunistic infections are going to increase. Clinicians should be aware of the neurological spectrum of JC virus manifestations, including granule cell neuronopathy. Detection of JC virus DNA by polymerase chain reaction in cerebrospinal fluid should be realized in the assessment of a progressive cerebellar ataxia in an immunocompromised patient.
Cellular Stress Response to Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection of Human Skin Includes Highly Elevated Interleukin-6 Expression
Authors: Jarosinski Keith W , Carpenter John E , Buckingham Erin M , Jackson Wallen , Knudtson Kevin , Moffat Jennifer F , Kita Hirohito , Grose Charles
Published: May 2018

Background

The infectious cycle of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) after reactivation from the dorsal root ganglia includes replication and assembly of complete enveloped virions in the human skin to cause the characteristic herpes zoster (shingles).

Methods

To pursue studies of innate immunity to VZV infection, we have adapted a fetal skin organ culture model to a human neonatal foreskin explant model.

Results

Abundant expression of VZV IE62, gE, and gC was visualized by confocal microscopy while numerous enveloped virions were observed by electron microscopy in infected skin organ cultures. Microarray experiments demonstrated that the patterns of upregulated transcripts differed between VZV-infected cells and VZV-infected skin explants. One result stood out, namely a >30-fold elevated interleukin (IL)-6 level in the infected skin explant that was not present in the infected monolayer culture. The IL-6 results in the polyermase chain reaction (PCR) assay were reproduced by quantitative PCR testing with newly designed primers. To determine if increased transcription was accompanied by increased IL-6 expression, we quantitated the levels of IL-6 protein in the explant media at increasing intervals after infection. We found a statistically significant increase in IL-6 protein levels secreted into the media from VZV-infected skin explants as compared with mock-infected explants.

Conclusions

The cellular stress response to VZV infection in neonatal skin explants included highly elevated levels of IL-6 transcription and expression. This skin organ model could be adapted to other viruses with a skin tropism, such as herpes simplex virus.
Peritumoral Edema Relative to Meningioma Size Predicts Functional Outcomes after Resection in Older Patients
Authors: Loewenstern Joshua , Aggarwal Amit , Pain Margaret , Barthélemy Ernest , Costa Anthony , Bederson Joshua , Shrivastava Raj K
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Resection of meningiomas in older adults is associated with increased complications and postoperative functional deficits. Extent of peritumoral edema (PTE), which has been associated with surgical prognosis, may represent a preoperative risk marker for poorer outcomes in older adults.

OBJECTIVE

To quantitatively evaluate the relationship between preoperative PTE and postresection outcomes in older meningioma patients.

METHODS

One hundred twelve older meningioma patients (age ≥ 60) with evidence of PTE on MRI were reviewed. Extent of PTE, measured as a ratio of edema to tumor volume (edema index, EI) using semiautomatic image-processing software, was correlated with postresection outcomes. Other preoperative factors were included as covariates in multivariate analyses. Results were compared to matched nonedema older patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to identify cut-off EI values to predict postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

EI was associated with functional decline (as measured by Karnofsky Performance Status, KPS) at 6 mo, 1, 2 yr, and most recent follow-up (Ps < .05), but not among the nonedema matched patients. Seizure or prior stroke additionally trended towards increasing the likelihood of lower KPS at 2 yr (odds ratio = 3.06) and last follow-up (odds ratio = 5.55), respectively. ROC curve analysis found optimal cut-off values for EI ranging from 2.01 to 3.37 to predict lower KPS at each follow-up interval. Sensitivities ranged from 60% to 80%, specificities from 78% to 89%, and positive and negative predictive values from 38% to 58% and 80% to 97%.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative PTE may represent a significant marker of poor functional outcome risk in older adults and provides a quantitative measurement to incorporate into surgical decision-making.
Improving School Policing Programmes through Strategic Collaboration
Authors: White Shawna R , McKenna Joseph M
Published: May 2018

School–police partnerships that place police officers in K-12 schools are continually forging nationwide, despite a lack of empirical evidence of effectiveness. In response to this trend, we examined the current state of such partnerships, as well as school policing practices in general. We conducted focus groups with educators and school-based law enforcement officers (N = 43) across the state of Texas. Our results revealed five key areas of opportunity for improving collaboration: recognizing the desire for cross-training; knowing who has authority when; nurturing the ‘serve’ component of school policing; gaining community support; and the need for strategic documentation. The present study serves a larger purpose, which is to inform the development of a strategic framework to guide school policing programme implementation. All results indicate a need for and potential positive impact of such a framework to enhance school–police collaboration and thereby improve school policing outcomes.
‘Slipped Sandwich’ Model for Chitin and Chitosan Perception in Arabidopsis
Authors: Gubaeva Ekaterina , Gubaev Airat , Melcher Rebecca L. J. , Cord-Landwehr Stefan , Singh Ratna , El Gueddari Nour Eddine , Moerschbacher Bruno M.
Published: May 2018

Chitin, a linear polymer of N-acetyl-d-glucosamine, and chitosans, fully or partially deacetylated derivatives of chitin, are known to elicit defense reactions in higher plants. We compared the ability of chitin and chitosan oligomers and polymers (chitin oligomers with degree of polymerization [DP] 3 to 8; chitosan oligomers with degree of acetylation [DA] 0 to 35% and DP 3 to 15; chitosan polymers with DA 1 to 60% and DP approximately 1,300) to elicit an oxidative burst indicative of induced defense reactions in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. Fully deacetylated chitosans were not able to trigger a response; elicitor activity increased with increasing DA of chitosan polymers. Partially acetylated chitosan oligomers required a minimum DP of 6 and at least four N-acetyl groups to trigger a response. Invariably, elicitation of an oxidative burst required the presence of the chitin receptor AtCERK1. Our results as well as previously published studies on chitin and chitosan perception in plants are best explained by a new general model of LysM-containing receptor complexes in which two partners form a long but off-set chitin-binding groove and are, thus, dimerized by one chitin or chitosan molecule, sharing a central GlcNAc unit with which both LysM domains interact. To verify this model and to distinguish it from earlier models, we assayed elicitor and inhibitor activities of selected partially acetylated chitosan oligomers with fully defined structures. In contrast to the initial ‘continuous groove’, the original ‘sandwich’, or the current ‘sliding mode’ models for the chitin/chitosan receptor, the here-proposed ‘slipped sandwich’ model—which builds on these earlier models and represents a consensus combination of these—is in agreement with all experimental observations.
Measuring Transcutaneous Oxygenation to Validate the Duration Required to Achieve Electrode Equilibration
Authors: Chiang Nathaniel , Jain Jitendra K. , Sleigh Jamie , Vasudevan Thodur
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVE:

The transcutaneous oxygenation measurement (TCOM) system is useful in assessing tissue viability. There are no clear recommendations regarding the duration required for the electrode to equilibrate and reliably evaluate tissue oxygenation values. The objective of this study was to validate the duration required to achieve electrode equilibration in a clinical setting.

METHODS:

Minute-by-minute recordings using TCOM (TCOM3; Radiometer Medical ApS, Brønshøj, Copenhagen) were obtained for 82 limbs in 50 participants. Twenty-five limbs were in patients with peripheral vascular disease; 30 were in patients with no known peripheral vascular disease; and 27 were in healthy volunteers. Transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide (TcPo
2 and TcPco
2) were recorded over a 15-minute period.

RESULTS:

Participants’ TcPo
2 decreased and TcPco
2 increased over time. Both changed in a nonlinear fashion, eventually settling at an “equilibrium” where the measurements became stable. The difference in proportional change of TcPo
2 between minutes 14 and 15 was 0.8%, and for TcPco
2was 2.9%. Changes in TCOM measurements over time were similar among the 3 groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

This is the first study to target minute-by-minute variation in TcPo
2 and TcPco
2 measurements. Recording for a minimum of 15 minutes allows a reliable period for the TCOM electrode to equilibrate to record absolute values and determine wound healing potential.
Prevalence and Analysis of Medical Device-Related Pressure Injuries: Results from the International Pressure Ulcer Prevalence Survey
Authors: Kayser Susan A. , VanGilder Catherine A. , Ayello Elizabeth A. , Lachenbruch Charlie
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the prevalence and characteristics of medical device–related pressure injuries (MDR PIs) in a large, generalizable database.

METHODS:

This study is a retrospective analysis of the 2016 International Pressure Ulcer Prevalence data. Data were limited to US and Canadian facilities. Facilities included acute care, long-term care, rehabilitation, long-term acute care hospitals, and hospice. Analysis included 102,865 adult patients; 99,876 had complete data and were the focus of the analysis and are reported in the results below.

RESULTS:

The overall PI prevalence was 7.2% (n = 7189), and the facility-acquired prevalence was 3.1% (n = 3113). The prevalence of MDR PIs was 0.60% (n = 601), which included both mucosal and nonmucosal MDR PIs. In this study, 75% of MDR PIs were facility acquired, whereas non-MDR PIs were most commonly present on admission. Facility-acquired MDR PIs formed 3 days faster than facility-acquired non-MDR PIs (12 vs 15 days; P < .05). By stage, most MDR PIs were superficial (58% were Stage 1 or 2), 15% were deep-tissue PIs, and 22% were full-thickness PIs (Stage 3 or 4 or unstageable). The most common anatomic locations for MDR PIs were the ears (29%) and the feet (12%). The most common devices associated with MDR PIs were nasal oxygen tubes, 26%; other, 19%; cast/splints, 12%; and continuous positive airway pressure/bilevel positive airway pressure masks, 9%.

CONCLUSIONS:

Because MDR PIs form faster than non-MDR PIs, timely proactive assessment and prevention measures are critical. Most MDR PIs occurred at the face and head region, and the ears specifically. The most common devices linked with MDR PIs were oxygen tubing and masks, making assessment and prevention efforts critical for patients who require those devices.
Comparison of Tracheal Intubation Conditions in Operating Room and Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Taboada Manuel , Doldan Patricia , Calvo Andrea , Almeida Xavier , Ferreiroa Esteban , Baluja Aurora , Cariñena Agustin , Otero Paula , Caruezo Valentin , Naveira Alberto , Otero Pablo , Alvarez Julian
Published: May 2018

What We Already Know about This Topic

What This Article Tells Us That Is New

Background

Tracheal intubation is a common intervention in the operating room and in the intensive care unit. The authors hypothesized that tracheal intubation using direct laryngoscopy would be associated with worse intubation conditions and more complications in the intensive care unit compared with the operating room.

Methods

The authors prospectively evaluated during 33 months patients who were tracheally intubated with direct laryngoscopy in the operating room, and subsequently in the intensive care unit (within a 1-month time frame). The primary outcome was to compare the difference in glottic visualization using the modified Cormack-Lehane grade between intubations performed on the same patient in an intensive care unit and previously in an operating room. Secondary outcomes were to compare first-time success rate, technical difficulty (number of attempts, operator-reported difficulty, need for adjuncts), and the incidence of complications.

Results

A total of 208 patients met inclusion criteria. Tracheal intubations in the intensive care unit were associated with worse glottic visualization (Cormack-Lehane grade I/IIa/IIb/III/IV: 116/24/47/19/2) compared with the operating room (Cormack-Lehane grade I/IIa/IIb/III/IV: 159/21/16/12/0; P < 0.001). First-time intubation success rate was lower in the intensive care unit (185/208; 89%) compared with the operating room (201/208; 97%; P = 0.002). Tracheal intubations in the intensive care unit had an increased incidence of moderate and difficult intubation (33/208 [16%] vs. 18/208 [9%]; P < 0.001), and need for adjuncts to direct laryngoscopy (40/208 [19%] vs. 21/208 [10%]; P = 0.002), compared with the operating room. Complications were more common during tracheal intubations in the intensive care unit (76/208; 37%) compared with the operating room (13/208; 6%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Compared with the operating room, tracheal intubations in the intensive care unit were associated with worse intubation conditions and an increase of complications.
Association Between Vestibular Vertigo and Motor Vehicle Accidents: Data From the 2016 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Wei Eric X. , Agrawal Yuri
Published: May 2018

Recent evidence has shown that individuals with vestibular impairment have higher rates of self-reported driving difficulty compared with individuals without vestibular impairment. However, it is unknown whether individuals with vestibular impairment are more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents. We used data from the 2016 National Health Interview Survey of U.S. adults to evaluate whether individuals with vestibular vertigo are more likely to experience motor vehicle accidents relative to individuals without vestibular vertigo. In multivariate analysis, vestibular vertigo was associated with an over threefold increased odds of motor vehicle accidents (odds ratio, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–7.3). This study supports an association between vestibular dysfunction and driving impairment, and provides a relative risk of motor vehicle accidents associated with vestibular vertigo that clinicians may utilize in counseling patients on the potential safety hazards of driving.
Optimal Treatment of Osteofibrous Dysplasia of the Tibia
Authors: Park Jong Woong , Lee Cheol , Han Ilkyu , Cho Hwan-Seong , Kim Han-Soo
Published: May 2018

Background:

Our study of a large patient group reports on the behavior and postoperative recurrence of osteofibrous dysplasia (OFD).

Methods:

We reviewed the medical records of 55 patients who were diagnosed with OFD of the tibia and showed typical features of this tumor. The patients’ presentation, disease course, history of pathologic fracture, typical radiographic features, surgical treatment history, and surgical results were investigated.

Results:

The longitudinal OFD lesion size peaks at a mean 13.3 years of age with a mean maximum proportionate size of 0.33. These lesions in 92% of the patients spontaneously presented with a stable disease course, while those in the other 8% continued increasing. There were no significant predictive factors of disease course. Among surgically treated lesions, we noted a higher rate of recurrence after curettage than after excision (P<0.001). Patients who underwent curettage and developed recurrence were significantly younger than those who did not (P=0.01).

Conclusions:

Our data suggest that observation can be the primary form of treatment for patients with OFD and that the disease would stop advancing with time. During observation, clinicians should carefully observe all patients with OFD because the relation between OFD and adamantinoma is unclear. If surgery is necessary due to severe morbidity, we recommend excision rather than curettage to prevent recurrence, especially for younger patients.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
A Modified Technique for the Treatment of Severe Adolescent Hallux Valgus: A Modification of the First Metatarsal Double Osteotomy
Authors: Klein Jason , Zachwieja Erik , Donnally Chester , Aiyer Amiethab , Baitner Avi
Published: May 2018

Adolescent hallux valgus is a deformity of childhood that is often difficult to treat conservatively because of its progressive nature and surgically because of its high risk of complications. Despite numerous procedures described, there is still little consensus on the best technique available for deformity correction. One of the standard procedures to address severe adult hallux valgus was described by Peterson and Newman in 1993. This procedure involved an excision of the medial eminence, an extra-articular distal closing wedge osteotomy to correct the hallux valgus, and a proximal transverse opening wedge osteotomy to correct the metatarsus primus varus. Although good outcomes have been reported, this approach is not without its own complications, including first metatarsophalangeal joint stiffness, avascular necrosis of the first metatarsal head, and painful pin removal. This paper presents a modification to the first metatarsal double osteotomy surgical technique (used by the principal investigator) to address severe adolescent hallux valgus. This technique avoids the complications associated with the traditional Peterson double osteotomy technique, whereas optimizing patient outcomes.

Level of Evidence: Level IV—Technique paper/case series with no control group. Diagnostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Total Ankle Replacement in Obese and Young Patients
Authors: Smyth Niall A. , Aiyer Amiethab A. , Parekh Selene G.
Published: May 2018

End-stage ankle arthritis is an increasingly common pathology that results in significant physical and mental disability. Historically, treating the young and obese patient with a total ankle replacement (TAR) resulted in high failure rates. However, with modern advances in prosthesis design and understanding of ligamentous balancing, the use of TAR for ankle arthritis has been increasing in popularity. This article discusses the considerations, techniques used, and the current literature regarding the use of TAR in the young and obese patient.

Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Suture Anchor Repair of Quadriceps Tendon and Patellar Tendon Ruptures
Authors: Huleatt Joel , Gebrelul Aaron , Premkumar Ajay , Xerogeanes John
Published: May 2018

Purpose:

To document patient-reported function, range of motion (ROM), and failure rate of a surgical technique for repairing quadriceps tendon (QT) and patellar tendon (PT) ruptures with suture anchors.

Methods:

Consecutive patients 18 years of age or older who had isolated QT or PT ruptures treated with suture anchor repair between 2004 and 2014 were identified. Patients were included if preoperative and minimum 6-month postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores and/or minimum 8-week postoperative ROM had been collected. The effects of patient age, interval between injury and surgery, and length of follow-up period on postoperative IKDC scores were analyzed with Pearson correlation.

Results:

QT repair was performed in 36 patients with a mean postoperative IKDC score of 66.9 and mean ROM of 0 to 116 degrees. PT repair was performed in 27 patients with a mean postoperative IKDC score of 64.4 and mean ROM of 0 to 117 degrees. The failure rate of the 63 suture anchor repairs was 4.8%. There was no significant correlation between IKDC score and either increasing age (r=−0.23, P=0.15), increasing interval between injury and surgery (r=0.12, P=0.46) or length of follow-up period (r=0.07, P=0.67). No significant difference in IKDC score was found between knot-tied and knotless suture anchor repairs (P=0.4).

Conclusions:

Suture anchor repair of QT and PT ruptures results in full active extension and a low failure rate, but IKDC scores indicate continued functional deficits in most patients.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—therapeutic.
Criteria to Identify a Potential Deceased Organ Donor: A Systematic Review
Authors: Squires Janet E. , Coughlin Mary , Dorrance Kristin , Linklater Stefanie , Chassé Michaël , Grimshaw Jeremy M. , Shemie Sam D. , Dhanani Sonny , Knoll Gregory A.
Published: May 2018

Objectives:

To systematically review the global published literature defining a potential deceased organ donor and identifying clinical triggers for deceased organ donation identification and referral.

Data Sources:

Medline and Embase databases from January 2006 to September 2017.

Study Selection:

All published studies containing a definition of a potential deceased organ donor and/or clinical triggers for referring a potential deceased organ donor were eligible for inclusion. Dual, independent screening was conducted of 3,857 citations.

Data Extraction:

Data extraction was completed by one team member and verified by a second team member. Thematic content analysis was used to identify clinical criteria for potential deceased organ donation identification from the published definitions and clinical triggers.

Data Synthesis:

One hundred twenty-four articles were included in the review. Criteria fell into four categories: Neurological, Medical Decision, Cardiorespiratory, and Administrative. Distinct and globally consistent sets of clinical criteria by type of deceased organ donation (neurologic death determination, controlled donation after circulatory determination of death, and uncontrolled donation after circulatory determination of death) are reported.

Conclusions:

Use of the clinical criteria sets reported will reduce ambiguity associated with the deceased organ donor identification and the subsequent referral process, potentially reducing the number of missed donors and saving lives globally through increased transplantation.
The Utility of Diagnostic Laparoscopy in Patients Being Evaluated for Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Peritoneal Chemotherapy
Authors: Bravo Raquel , Jafari Mehnareh D. , Pigazzi Alessio
Published: May 2018

Background:

To assess the role of diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) to evaluate candidates for optimal cytoreduction surgery of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in a consecutive series.

Methods:

The characteristics of 31 patients undergoing DL between August 2012 and October 2016 for a diagnosis of PC secondary to digestive neoplasms were retrospectively reviewed.

Results:

Laparoscopic evaluation was successful and well-tolerated in 100% patients (N=31). In 17 patients (54.8%) the PC was deemed unresectable. A cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy was performed in 10 of 12 patients with PC considered resectable at laparoscopy wity a positive predictive value of 83.3%. One patient was diagnosed with more extensive disease than that as assessed by the DL at the time of laparotomy and 1 patient elected not to have further surgery. There were no port-site recurrences and morbidity at mean follow-up of 19.3 months.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic assessment of PC is a useful tool to assess the complete resectability of peritoneal surface disease in patients for whom there is inadequate information concerning disease extent. DL also helps selected patients to avoid an unnecessary laparotomy.