bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of polymerized sewage on viscosity of polymer solution and countermeasures
Authors: Dong W T , Wang K L , Qiu Y , Peng W
Published: October 2019

In order to better analyze the influence of sewage on the viscosity of polymer solution, this paper uses BROOKFIELD viscometer to determine the viscosity value of solution. The results show that the viscosity decreases rapidly with the increase of the of polymer solution concentration of metal cations. Especially, the concentration of Mg2+ and Ca2+ have a great influence on the viscosity and the small increase of the concentration of Mg2+ and Ca2+ can lead to the decrease of the viscosity of HPAM solution. Na2CO4 was chosen as the complexing agent to improve the viscosity of HPAM solution, and the viscosity increasing rate of HPAM solution with the concentration of 1500 mg/L reached 33.2%.
Piezoelectric characteristics of inorganic 0.965(Na, K, Li)(Nb, Sb)O3–0.035(Bi, Na)(Sr)ZrO3 ceramics doped with Fe2O3 for actuator
Authors: Yoo J-H , Choi J S , Hong J I , Jeong Y-H
Published: October 2019

In this experiment, 0.965(Na,K,Li)(Nb,Sb)O3–0.035(Bi,Na)(Sr)ZrO3 ceramics were fabricated with Fe2O3 addition, and their piezoelectric characteristics were investigated. When Fe2O3 was added to the ceramics, d33and kp were decreased. However, Qm was increased. At the NKN-BNZ ceramics with 0.1 wt% Fe2O3, the d33, kp, Qm, and εr were optimized as 263[pC/N], 0.450, 51.94, 1978, respectively.
German-Russian X-ray telescope takes off
Authors: Gwynne Peter
Published: October 2019

A long-awaited German–Russian telescope to survey the X-ray sky in unprecedented detail was successfully launched from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome on 13 July.
Girls' reading ability drives gender gap, says study
Authors: Allen Michael
Published: October 2019

The gender gap in maths-related fields could be determined by girls’ superior reading skills, which leads them to favour humanities-based professions.
Panel calls for new infrared telescope to hunt for near-Earth objects
Authors: Gwynne Peter
Published: October 2019

NASA should fund a dedicated space-based infrared-survey telescope to detect potentially dangerous asteroids and other objects approaching Earth.
The real fallout from Chernobyl
Authors: Davies Una
Published: October 2019

While HBO’s TV mini-series Chernobyl has been a hit with viewers, Una Davies warns that it risks amplifying fears over nuclear power
Fusion in a Z-pinch
Authors: Allen John
Published: October 2019

In reply to the Frontiers article “Nuclear fusion in a table-top device”, which reported that “neutrons characteristic of nuclear fusion” had been produced in the Fusion Z-pinch Experiment (June p4).
Ready, set, bake
Authors: Mandal Rahul
Published: October 2019

Baking is like a scientific experiment, combining the reactions of chemistry, the processes of biology and the laws of physics. Rahul Mandal, a metrology researcher by training, talks about how his scientific thinking helped him become a baker and win The Great British Bake Off in 2018
Why we need to keep talking about equality in physics
Authors: Wade Jess , Zaringhalam Maryam
Published: October 2019

The lack of diversity among physicists is an ongoing problem – and, while it persists, physics will fail to achieve its full potential. Jess Wade and Maryam Zaringhalam discuss the implications of poor diversity in the field and how it could be overcome
Top Brazilian physicist quits after deforestation row
Authors: Lima Eduardo Campos
Published: October 2019

Ricardo Galvão resigns after Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro casts doubt on satellite data on Amazon deforestation rate, as Eduardo Campos Lima reports
Supporting those in conflict
Authors: Shaw Kate
Published: October 2019

Kate Shaw, who has taught physics in several war-torn countries, says we must continue to support colleagues who work and study in such unimaginably difficult environments
Peering into the past
Authors: Crease Robert P
Published: October 2019

Robert P Crease talks to researchers in China who use physics-based techniques to understand the country’s history
Treating epilepsy with physics
Authors: Nemzer Louis
Published: October 2019

Millions of people with epilepsy live in dread of unpredictable seizures from this medical condition. Louis Nemzer describes how novel approaches to predicting and treating these events are being developed thanks to advances in our understanding of the physics of the brain
Model independence
Authors: Massimi Michela
Published: October 2019

Particle physicists are planning the successor to CERN’s Large Hadron Collider – but how will they deal with the deluge of data from a future machine and the proliferation of theoretical models? Michela Massimi explains why a new scientific methodology called “model independence” could hold the answer
Stepping stones to space
Authors: Commissariat Tushna
Published: October 2019

Libby Jackson, human exploration programme manager at the UK Space Agency, talks to Tushna Commissariat about taking chances, making bold choices, and finding her way into the space sector
Quantum teleportation hits new highs
Authors: Cartlidge Edwin
Published: October 2019

Physicists in China and Austria have teleported multi-dimensional states of photons for the first time.
Changes in southeastern USA summer precipitation event types using instrumental (1940–2018) and tree-ring (1790–2018) data
Authors: Mitchell T J , Knapp P A , Patterson T W
Published: October 2019

We examined short- and long-term changes in precipitation event types using instrumental (1940–2018) and tree-ring (1790–2018) data from North Carolina, USA. We documented the amount and frequency of summer (July–September) precipitation events using daily weather station data. Stationary front precipitation (SFP) represented 71% of total summer rainfall and SFP and convective uplift combined (i.e., quasi-stationary precipitation, QSP) represented 87%. SFP (r = 0.52, p < 0.01) and QSP (r = 0.61, p < 0.01) precipitation reconstructions from a montane longleaf pine latewood chronology both recorded significant declines during 1940–2018, matching the instrumental record. Conversely, no significant change in either SFP or QSP occured during the full reconstruction indicating the instrumental decline was unmatched throughout 1790–1939. Our method demonstrates that variations in latewood growth can be attributed to specific precipitation event types and that the relative contribution of each event type can be quantified over a multi-century period.
Retrospection of Anti–Blood Group Antibody Proficiency Testing Data Using the Geometric Mean and Standard Deviation
Authors: Yang John Jeongseok , Chung Yousun , Kim Hyungsuk , Ko Dae-Hyun , Hwang Sang-Hyun , Oh Heung-Bum
Published: October 2019

Objectives

We reanalyzed the data from proficiency testing (PT) to assess the effect of the geometric mean in the statistical analysis of immunohematologic data.

Methods

Using the five most recent anti–blood group antibody titer participant summary results, the geometric mean (GM) ±2 × geometric standard deviation (GSD) was used as the comparative consensus criterion to mode ±2 titers.

Results

Using the PT evaluation criterion of mode ±2 titers, the mean percentages of participants with acceptable results were 97.5% and 97.8% for anti-A and anti-D, respectively. When applying GM ±2 GSD, the mean percentages of acceptable results were 96.1% (anti-A) and 96.1% (anti-D). The percentages of responses included in each consensus criterion were lower using GM ±2 GSD, with a few exceptions.

Conclusions

Geometric means are more robust and precise in visualizing the central tendency. This method can improve the statistical robustness of PT evaluations.
Evolving concepts on bradykinesia
Authors: Bologna Matteo , Paparella Giulia , Fasano Alfonso , Hallett Mark , Berardelli Alfredo
Published: October 2019

Bradykinesia is one of the cardinal motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and other parkinsonisms. The various clinical aspects related to bradykinesia and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying bradykinesia are, however, still unclear. In this article, we review clinical and experimental studies on bradykinesia performed in patients with Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonism. We also review studies on animal experiments dealing with pathophysiological aspects of the parkinsonian state. In Parkinson’s disease, bradykinesia is characterized by slowness, the reduced amplitude of movement, and sequence effect. These features are also present in atypical parkinsonisms, but the sequence effect is not common. Levodopa therapy improves bradykinesia, but treatment variably affects the bradykinesia features and does not significantly modify the sequence effect. Findings from animal and patients demonstrate the role of the basal ganglia and other interconnected structures, such as the primary motor cortex and cerebellum, as well as the contribution of abnormal sensorimotor processing. Bradykinesia should be interpreted as arising from network dysfunction. A better understanding of bradykinesia pathophysiology will serve as the new starting point for clinical and experimental purposes.
Amyloid precursor protein processing in human neurons with an allelic series of the PSEN1 intron 4 deletion mutation and total presenilin-1 knockout
Authors: Arber Charles , Villegas-Llerena Claudio , Toombs Jamie , Pocock Jennifer M , Ryan Natalie S , Fox Nick C , Zetterberg Henrik , Hardy John , Wray Selina
Published: October 2019

Mutations in presenilin-1 (PSEN1), encoding the catalytic subunit of the amyloid precursor protein-processing enzyme γ-secretase, cause familial Alzheimer’s disease. However, the mechanism of disease is yet to be fully understood and it remains contentious whether mutations exert their effects predominantly through gain or loss of function. To address this question, we generated an isogenic allelic series for the PSEN1 mutation intron 4 deletion; represented by control, heterozygous and homozygous mutant induced pluripotent stem cells in addition to a presenilin-1 knockout line. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical neurons reveal reduced, yet detectable amyloid-beta levels in the presenilin-1 knockout line, and a mutant gene dosage-dependent defect in amyloid precursor protein processing in PSEN1 intron 4 deletion lines, consistent with reduced processivity of γ-secretase. The different effects of presenilin-1 knockout and the PSEN1 intron 4 deletion mutation on amyloid precursor protein-C99 fragment accumulation, nicastrin maturation and amyloid-beta peptide generation support distinct consequences of familial Alzheimer’s disease-associated mutations and knockout of presenilin-1 on the function of γ-secretase.
Surveillance of malaria in mainland Portugal in 2016 after the introduction of an electronic system: is it enough?
Authors: Miranda Ferrão Rita , Fronteira Inês , Sá Machado Rita , Duarte Eduardo
Published: October 2019

Since 2014, imported cases of malaria have been notified by SINAVE, the Portuguese nationwide electronic surveillance system that replaced paper-based notification. Nevertheless, the disease is still believed to be under-reported. Completeness of notification of malaria cases in 2016 was estimated using a two-source capture-recapture method, with SINAVE and the Diagnostic-Related Group cases. Completeness of SINAVE and the diagnosis-related group sources was computed in 32.9% and 72.3%, respectively. The results confirm that malaria is under-reported and highlight the need for more effective notification strategies, especially given the risk of resurgence of locally acquired cases.
Hearing Loss, Hearing Aid Use, and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults—Findings from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study (ARIC-NCS)
Authors: Shukla Aishwarya , Reed Nicholas S , Armstrong Nicole M , Lin Frank R , Deal Jennifer A , Goman Adele M
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Investigate the cross-sectional association between hearing loss (HL), hearing aid use, and depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults.

Method

The analytic sample consisted of 3,188 participants (age range 71–94 years) in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study (ARIC-NCS). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of audiometric hearing status and self-reported hearing aid use with depressive symptoms (11-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale).

Results

4.6% of participants had depressive symptoms. Forty percent had mild HL and 27% had moderate or greater HL. In multivariable-adjusted models, mild HL was associated with 1.90 times higher odds (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–3.01) and moderate or greater HL with 2.42 times higher odds (95% CI 1.44–4.07) of depressive symptoms compared to normal hearing. Each 10dB increase in HL was associated with 1.30 higher odds of depressive symptoms (95% CI 1.14–1.49). Hearing aid use was not associated with depressive symptoms among those with mild (odds ratio [OR] 0.94, 95% CI 0.35–2.54) or moderate or greater (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.60–2.11) HL.

Discussion

Older adults with HL have higher odds of depressive symptoms compared to adults with normal hearing. Future studies are needed to assess whether hearing care is protective against depressive symptoms in older adults.
The Limits of Collective Financial Statecraft: Regional Development Banks and Voting Alignment with the United States at the United Nations General Assembly
Authors: Obydenkova Anastassia V , Rodrigues Vieira Vinícius G
Published: October 2019

Which limitations does the hegemon face when exerting financial statecraft through multilateral institutions? Recent studies indicate that intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) that are tools of collective financial statecraft sponsored by the United States, like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, lead developing states to align with Washington in the United Nations (UN). The same effect is verified in the case of US bilateral aid. Little, however, has been discussed about the effect of American-sponsored regional development banks (RDBs) in the same context. RDBs are IGOs with unique characteristics as each of them covers a region of the world and relies on resources from developed sponsors and developing borrowing members alike. In this article we aim to fill this gap in the debates on economic and financial statecraft by demonstrating through tobit models that the higher the material capabilities of a borrowing state that takes loans, the less likely it is to align with the United States at the UN General Assembly (UNGA). Membership of all RDBs but the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) yields the same effect. Results indicate the need to develop further research on RDBs to assess whether they create incentives for challenging the hegemon.
Performance, rumination, and rumen pH responses to different dietary energy density and feed management strategies in auction-derived feedlot cattle
Authors: Tomczak Dexter J , Lockard Catherine L , Jennings Jenny S , Richeson John T
Published: October 2019

Auction-derived steers (n = 36; initial BW = 284 ± 11 kg) were received to compare performance, rumination characteristics, and rumen pH differences due to alternative ration energy densities and feed management strategies during a 56 d receiving study. Cattle were weighed on day -1 and randomized to 1 of 3 treatments. Time spent ruminating was quantified with a three-axis accelerometer ear-tag. Rumen pH and temperature were logged in a random subset (n = 6 per treatment) by a ruminal bolus. Cattle were processed identically and housed in individual pens. The modified-live virus respiratory vaccination was delayed until day 28. The finisher (FIN) cattle were provided their daily feed as a high energy density (1.39 Mcal NEg/kg) diet. The finisher + hay (FIN+H) cattle were provided the same diet but were also offered 0.5% BW DM as coastal Bermudagrass hay on days 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, and 28. The control (CON) cattle were fed a low energy density (0.93 Mcal NEg/kg) diet from day 0 to 7, then transitioned to the FIN diet by replacing an additional 25% of the daily feed call with FIN every 7 d until 100% of the diet was FIN on day 29. Feed offering for CON was increased more aggressively (0.45 kg DM daily for days 1 to 7, every other day for day 8 to 14) than FIN and FIN+H (0.45 kg DM every other day for days 1 to 7, daily for days 8 to 14). Performance and DMI were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS with treatment as a fixed effect. Rumination, pH, and temperature models included repeated measures. There was no treatment difference observed for BW, average daily gain (ADG), or G:F (P ≥ 0.12). There was a treatment × day interaction (P = 0.06) for rumen temperature, where FIN increased more rapidly following vaccination on day 28 compared to CON (P ≤ 0.04). Daily rumination minutes were greater (P < 0.01) for CON than FIN from days 7 to 22. Additionally, CON had the greatest (P < 0.01) hourly rumination from 2000 to 0800 hours. Lower minimum daily rumen pH occurred in FIN+H (P ≤ 0.06) on weeks 1, 2 and 6 to 8 compared to CON. There were minimal statistical differences in area under the curve or time below pH thresholds, probably due to large animal-to-animal variation. Hourly rumen pH was reduced (P ≤ 0.05) for FIN vs. FIN+H and CON during the initial 28 d, but greater (P = 0.05) for FIN and FIN+H during the final 28 d. When cattle are individually fed, greater energy density rations can be fed initially without compromising performance, but this needs to be evaluated in group pens where greater DMI variation is probable.
Photosynthetic efficiency and mesophyll conductance are unaffected in Arabidopsis thaliana aquaporin knock-out lines
Authors: Kromdijk Johannes , Głowacka Katarzyna , Long Stephen P
Published: October 2019

Extensive evaluation of gm and photosynthetic efficiency of Arabidopsis aquaporin knock-out lines using a range of methods and measurement conditions failed to establish significant deviations from the Col-0 background.
Robust non-syntenic gene expression patterns in diverse maize hybrids during root development
Authors: Baldauf Jutta A , Vedder Lucia , Schoof Heiko , Hochholdinger Frank
Published: October 2019

Hybrid-associated expression patterns of non-syntenic origin are highly conserved in a genetically diverse set of maize transcriptomes, although they show substantial fluctuations during root development.
Transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair is coordinated by ubiquitin and SUMO in response to ultraviolet irradiation
Authors: Liebelt Frauke , Schimmel Joost , Verlaan – de Vries Matty , Klemann Esra , van Royen Martin E , van der Weegen Yana , Luijsterburg Martijn S , Mullenders Leon H , Pines Alex , Vermeulen Wim , Vertegaal Alfred C O
Published: October 2019

Cockayne Syndrome (CS) is a severe neurodegenerative and premature aging autosomal-recessive disease, caused by inherited defects in the CSA and CSB genes, leading to defects in transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER) and consequently hypersensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. TC-NER is initiated by lesion-stalled RNA polymerase II, which stabilizes the interaction with the SNF2/SWI2 ATPase CSB to facilitate recruitment of the CSA E3 Cullin ubiquitin ligase complex. However, the precise biochemical connections between CSA and CSB are unknown. The small ubiquitin-like modifier SUMO is important in the DNA damage response. We found that CSB, among an extensive set of other target proteins, is the most dynamically SUMOylated substrate in response to UV irradiation. Inhibiting SUMOylation reduced the accumulation of CSB at local sites of UV irradiation and reduced recovery of RNA synthesis. Interestingly, CSA is required for the efficient clearance of SUMOylated CSB. However, subsequent proteomic analysis of CSA-dependent ubiquitinated substrates revealed that CSA does not ubiquitinate CSB in a UV-dependent manner. Surprisingly, we found that CSA is required for the ubiquitination of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II, RPB1. Combined, our results indicate that the CSA, CSB, RNA polymerase II triad is coordinated by ubiquitin and SUMO in response to UV irradiation. Furthermore, our work provides a resource of SUMO targets regulated in response to UV or ionizing radiation.
Sleep apnoea among Australian Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal patients in the Northern Territory of Australia—a comparative study
Authors: Heraganahally Subash S , Kruavit Anuk , Oguoma Victor M , Gokula Chandran , Mehra Sumit , Judge Daniel , Sajkov Dimitar
Published: October 2019

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders (ATSI) are noted to have a higher burden of chronic health conditions. However, there is a paucity of data on obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in this population. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the clinical and polysomnographic (PSG) characteristics of ATSI and non-ATSI adult patients who underwent diagnostic PSG between 2011 and 2015. There were a total of 3078 patients. Of the total, 403 (13%) were of ATSI origin. Among those of ATSI origin, 61% were male and 39% females, while among the non-ATSI cohort, 66% were males. The median age was 47.8 years in ATSI and 51.5 years in the non-ATSI cohort. In the combined cohort, body mass index was more than 30 kg/m2 (61%), hypertension (14.4%), diabetes (17.8%), and heart disease (23.3%). The ATSI patients had higher rates of class III obesity (27 vs. 15%), hypertension (26 vs. 14%), cardiac disease (34 vs. 23%), and diabetes (37 vs. 17%). Among all the study participants, the PSG confirmed 83.7% of the patients had an apnoea–hypopnea index (AHI) more than 5/h, mild (AHI 5–15/h) in 28.4%, moderate (AHI 15–30/h) in 22.3%, and severe (AHI > 30/h) in 33.0%. Among the ATSI patients, 46% had severe OSA. The median total AHI value was higher in the ATSI population (25, interquartile range [IQR]: 11–58) compared to the non-ATSI (17, IQR: 7–36), and in rural/remote population (19, IQR: 8–42) compared to urban (17, IQR: 7–37). This trend was similar for NREM (non-rapid eye movement)-AHI and REM (rapid eye movement)-AHI scores, although statistically significant difference was found only with ATSI status. In the combined cohort the probability of (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.32–2.00, p < 0.001) of severe OSA was 62% higher in individual with hypertension, however, when stratified by ATSI status, the association was only significant in the non-ATSI population (OR = 1.53 95% CI: 1.21–1.94, p < 0.001). The odds of severe AHI was also significantly associated with heart disease (1.37; 95% CI: 1.14,1.63, p < 0.001), diabetes (1.74; 95% CI: 1.43,2.10; p < 0.001) and smoking (1.28; 95% CI: 1.09,1.50, p = 0.0023) in the overall study cohort. In both ATSI and non-ATSI patients, body mass index, neck circumference, sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset, and respiratory arousal index were significantly higher and independently associated with severe AHI.
Barley yellow dwarf virus Can Be Inoculated During Brief Intracellular Punctures in Phloem Cells Before the Sieve Element Continuous Salivation Phase
Authors: Jiménez Jaime , Arias-Martín María , Moreno Aránzazu , Garzo Elisa , Fereres Alberto
Published: October 2019

The distinguished intracellular stylet puncture called phloem-pd (potential drop [pd]) produced by Myzus persicae has been associated with the transmission of the semipersistently transmitted, phloem-limited Beet yellows virus (BYV, Closterovirus). However, the production of intracellular punctures in phloem cells (phloem-pd) by other aphid species and their role in the transmission of persistently transmitted, phloem-limited viruses are still unknown. Previous studies revealed that inoculation of the persistently transmitted, phloem-limited Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV, Luteovirus) is associated mainly with the sieve element continuous salivation phase (E1 waveform). However, the role of brief intracellular punctures that occur before the E1 phase in the inoculation of BYDV by aphids is unknown. We aimed to investigate whether the bird cherry-oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) produced a stereotypical phloem-pd and to study its role in the inoculation of BYDV. The feeding behavior of viruliferous R. padi individuals in barley (Hordeum vulgare) was monitored via the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique. The feeding process was artificially terminated after the observation of specific EPG waveforms: standard-pds, phloem-pd, and E1. Analysis of the EPG recordings revealed the production of a phloem-pd pattern by R. padi, in addition to a short, distinct E1-like pattern (short-E1), both resulting in successful inoculation of BYDV. Also, the transmission efficiency of BYDV was directly proportional to the time spent by aphids in intracellular salivation in phloem cells. Finally, we discussed the main differences between the inoculation process of semipersistent and persistently transmitted phloem-limited viruses by aphids.
Molecular Mapping of Loci Conferring Susceptibility to Spot Blotch and Resistance to Powdery Mildew in Barley Using the Sequencing-Based Genotyping Approach
Authors: Leng Yueqiang , Zhao Mingxia , Fiedler Jason , Dreiseitl Antonín , Chao Shiaoman , Li Xuehui , Zhong Shaobin
Published: October 2019

Spot blotch (SB) caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana and powdery mildew (PM) caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei are two important diseases of barley. To map genetic loci controlling susceptibility and resistance to these diseases, a mapping population consisting of 138 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was developed from the cross between Bowman and ND5883. A genetic map was constructed for the population with 852 unique single nucleotide polymorphism markers generated by sequencing-based genotyping. Bowman and ND5883 showed distinct infection responses at the seedling stage to two isolates (ND90Pr and ND85F) of Bipolaris sorokiniana and one isolate (Race I) of Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei. Genetic analysis of the RILs revealed that one major gene (Scs6) controls susceptibility to Bipolaris sorokiniana isolate ND90Pr, and another major gene (Mla8) confers resistance to Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei isolate Race I, respectively. Scs6 was mapped on chromosome 1H of Bowman, as previously reported. Mla8 was also mapped to the short arm of 1H, which was tightly linked but not allelic to the Rcs6/Scs6 locus. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis identified two QTLs, QSbs-1H-P1 and QSbs-7H-P1, responsible for susceptibility to spot blotch caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana isolate ND85F in ND5883, which are located on chromosome 1H and 7H, respectively. QSbs-7H-P1 was mapped to the same region as Rcs5, whereas QSbs-1H-P1 may represent a novel allele conferring seedling stage susceptibility to isolate ND85F. Identification and molecular mapping of the loci for SB susceptibility and PM resistance will facilitate development of barley cultivars with resistance to the diseases.
Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Studies of Teaching Methods in Nursing Education, 1972–2017
Authors: O’Connell Kathleen A. , Kaur Tresa
Published: October 2019

Review of 145 experimental and quasi-experimental studies of teaching strategies in nursing education revealed that 52 percent were published outside the United States, 80 percent with undergraduate students. Seventy-seven percent assessed learning outcomes, and 80 percent had statistically significant findings. A surge in studies since 2010 showed no increase in methodological rigor. Two thirds had sample sizes less than 100, 77 percent were quasi-experimental, and 23 percent were one-group designs. Few authors published more than one experimental study of teaching methods. Findings underscore the need for more sophisticated methods and more funding for nursing education research.
Addressing a Need: A Clinical Lipidology Subspecialty Postgraduate Certificate
Authors: Elkins J. Casey
Published: October 2019

The LOGIC Model was used to develop a clinical lipidology subspecialty program that provides formal preparation for health care professionals focused in the clinical lipidology content area. Objectives were developed based on the National Lipid Association core curriculum; topics include atherosclerosis, lifestyle and pharmacological management of dyslipidemias, metabolic syndrome, vascular biology, advanced lipoprotein metabolism, and atherosclerosis imaging. Four courses provide students with expert knowledge to effectively manage complex dyslipidemia. Implementation of the program within formal academic units will increase the number of health care providers with specific clinical knowledge to care for patients/families with complex dyslipidemia and related cardiometabolic conditions.
Inappropriate Opioid Prescribing in Oregon's Coordinated Care Organizations
Authors: Abraham Amanda J. , Rieckmann Traci , Gu Yifan , Lind Bonnie K.
Published: October 2019

Objectives:

The objective of this study is to identify demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with a pain diagnosis who fill potentially inappropriate opioid prescriptions within the Oregon Medicaid population.

Methods:

Using de-identified Oregon Medicaid claims data (2010–2014), a series of logistic regression models was estimated to identify factors associated with receipt of potential inappropriate opioid prescriptions among patients with acute or chronic pain. Analyses included a total of 204,364 records, representing 118,671 unique patients.

Results:

The percentage of patients with a pain diagnosis filling at least 1 inappropriate opioid prescription decreased over the study period, falling from 32.5% in 2010 to 22.3% in 2014. Multivariate logistic regression results indicated that white and older enrollees were more likely to fill an inappropriate prescription over the study period. The odds of filling an inappropriate opioid prescription were also greater for patients with chronic health conditions, psychiatric disorders, and substance use disorder. Results were similar for patients diagnosed with either acute or chronic pain, chronic pain only, or acute pain only.

Conclusions:

Inappropriate opioid prescribing for patients with pain diagnoses decreased over the study period, which stands in stark contrast to other state Medicaid programs. However, in 2014, almost 23% of patients in the Oregon Medicaid program filled at least 1 inappropriate opioid prescription, suggesting additional strategies are needed to further reduce potential inappropriate prescribing. Medicaid programs may consider adopting enhanced prescription drug monitoring program features, enacting pain clinic legislation, and implementing additional prior authorization policies to reduce inappropriate prescribing of opioids.
Prevalence and Variation of Clinically Recognized Inpatient Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Steel Tessa L. , Malte Carol A. , Bradley Katharine A. , Lokhandwala Sharukh , Hough Catherine L. , Hawkins Eric J.
Published: October 2019

Objectives:

No prior study has evaluated the prevalence or variability of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) in general hospitals in the United States.

Methods:

This retrospective study used secondary data from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to estimate the documented prevalence of clinically recognized AWS among patients engaged in VHA care who were hospitalized during fiscal year 2013. We describe variation in documented inpatient AWS by geographic region, hospital, admitting specialty, and inpatient diagnoses using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis and/or procedure codes recorded at hospital admission, transfer, or discharge.

Results:

Among 469,082 eligible hospitalizations, the national prevalence of documented inpatient AWS was 5.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.2%–6.4%), but there was marked variation by geographic region (4.3%–11.2%), hospital (1.4%–16.1%), admitting specialty (0.7%–19.0%), and comorbid diagnoses (1.3%–38.3%). AWS affected a high proportion of psychiatric admissions (19.0%, 95% CI 17.5%–20.4%) versus Medical (4.4%, 95% CI 4.0%–4.8%) or surgical (0.7%, 95% CI 0.6%–0.8%); though by volume, medical admissions represented the majority of hospitalizations complicated by AWS (n = 13,478 medical versus n = 12,305 psychiatric and n = 595 surgical). Clinically recognized AWS was also common during hospitalizations involving other alcohol-related disorders (38.3%, 95% CI 35.8%–40.8%), other substance use conditions (19.3%, 95% CI 17.7%–20.9%), attempted suicide (15.3%, 95% CI 13.0%–17.6%), and liver injury (13.9%, 95% CI 12.6%–15.1%).

Conclusions:

AWS was commonly recognized and documented during VHA hospitalizations in 2013, but varied considerably across inpatient settings. This clinical variation may, in part, reflect differences in quality of care and warrants further, more rigorous investigation.
Liposomial Bupivacaine for Postoperative Pain Control in Fragility Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures
Authors: Basmajian Hrayr G. , Liu Joseph N. , Farmer Travis D. , Agarwalla Avinesh , Lu Joana , Amin Nirav H.
Published: October 2019

Objectives:

To determine whether intraoperative liposomal bupivacaine reduces postoperative opioid requirements, pain scores, and length of stay (LOS) in patients with fragility intertrochanteric femur fractures in comparison with a group of patients who did not receive liposomal bupivacaine.

Design:

Retrospective observational study.

Setting:

Two academic medical centers.

Patients:

One hundred two patients with intertrochanteric hip fracture treated with a cephalomedullary nail implant.

Intervention:

Nonrandomized administration of liposomal bupivacaine in 2 cohorts of patients with similar injuries and treatment.

Main Outcome Measurements:

Postoperative oral average morphine equivalents (MME) and average numerical pain rating score (NRS). Secondary endpoints included postoperative LOS, operative time, and home discharge.

Results:

Forty-six patients received intraoperative liposomal bupivacaine and 56 patients did not. There was no significant difference between age, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologist level between groups (P> 0.05). The liposomal bupivacaine group received significantly less MME (0.34 vs. 0.92 mg/h/kg,P= 0.04) and had significantly lower NRS (2.89 vs. 5.13,P= 0.04) in the first 24 hours after surgery. MME (1.18 vs. 1.37 mg/h/kg,P= 0.27) and NRS (3.61 vs. 5.51,P= 0.34) were similar at the 36-hour mark. The liposomal bupivacaine group had similar LOS (3.2 days vs. 3.8,P= 0.08), more home discharges (7 vs. 2,P= 0.001), and longer operative time (73.4 vs. 67.2 minutes,P= 0.004).

Conclusions:

Intraoperative liposomal bupivacaine use reduced opioid use and postoperative pain for the first 24 hours after fixation of intertrochanteric femur fractures. Significant increases in likelihood of discharge to home may present an opportunity for cost savings.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Incidence of Spine Fracture Hospitalization and Surgery in Finland in 1998–2017
Authors: Ponkilainen Ville T. , Toivonen Leevi , Niemi Seppo , Kannus Pekka , Huttunen Tuomas T. , Mattila Ville M.
Published: October 2019

Study Design.

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and trends of the spine fracture hospitalization and surgery in Finland in 1998–2017.

Summary of Background Data.

Traumatic spine fractures are rare, yet they are known to cause significant long-term disability and therefore social, functional, and financial burden. The incidence of spine fractures and related mortality has been suggested to have declined during recent years. However, there are no population-based studies investigating the incidence of surgical treatment of spine fractures.

Methods.

The data for this study was obtained from the Finnish nationwide National Hospital Discharge Register. The study population covered all patients 20 years of age or over in Finland during a 20-year period from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2017.

Results.

A total of 54,612 patients were hospitalized for a spine fracture in Finland in 1998–2017, and 7138 (13%) of the patients underwent surgery. The annual population-based incidence of spine fracture hospitalization increased 57% during the 20-year period, from 57 per 100,000 person-years to 89 per 100,000 person-years. In addition, the incidence of spine fracture surgery increased 65%, from 5.3 per 100,000 person-years to 8.8 per 100,000 person-years. The incidence of cervical spine fracture surgery tripled, and thoracic spine surgery doubled from 1998 to 2017, while incidence of lumbar fracture surgery declined by 13%. Among patients 60 years of age or older, the incidence of cervical spine fracture surgery increased 400%.

Conclusion.

Incidences of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar fracture hospitalizations increased constantly in Finland during 1998–2017. Accordingly, incidence of cervical and thoracic spine fracture surgery increased rapidly, whereas the incidence of lumbar fracture surgery even decreased, during this 20-year period.

Level of Evidence: 3
Palbociclib safety and efficacy beyond Ribociclib-induced liver toxicity in metastatic hormone-receptors positive breast cancer patient
Authors: Farhat Fadi , Tarabaih Mohammad , Kanj Ali , Aoun Majeda , Kattan Joseph , Assi Tarek , Awada Ahmad
Published: October 2019

CDK4/6 inhibitors in association with aromatase inhibitors have led to a paradigm shift in the management of metastatic positive hormone-receptors breast cancer. Liver toxicity is common with these agents, but no data are reported on the sequential use of these CDK4/6 inhibitors in case of confirmed efficacy and intolerable toxicity. In this article, we report the successful use of Palbociclib in a metastatic positive hormone-receptors breast cancer patient after initial response to Ribociclib, which was interrupted for grade 4 liver toxicity.
Universal screening to identify Lynch syndrome: two years of experience in a Northern Italian Center
Authors: Chiaravalli A.M. , Carnevali I. , Sahnane N. , Leoni E. , Furlan D. , Berselli M. , Sessa F. , Tibiletti M.G.
Published: October 2019

Lynch syndrome is caused by germline mutations of genes affecting the mismatch repair proteins MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 or PMS2. Identification of Lynch syndrome patients using germline molecular testing in colorectal cancer (CRC) affected patients and in their healthy relatives is a cost-effective model of cancer prevention. Several studies demonstrate that universal tumor testing using immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of CRC samples is the most efficient approach to identifying patients affected by Lynch syndrome. We studied a cohort of 352 consecutive CRCs for MSH2, MLH1, MSH6 and PMS2 protein expression using universal IHC screening. IHC mismatch repair (MMR) defects were identified in 70 out of 352 cases (19.8%) including six CRCs MSH2/MSH6 defective, two CRCs, respectively, MSH6 and PMS2 defective, 58 CRCs MLH1/PMS2 defective and four CRCs showing atypical MMR pattern. MLH1 promoter methylation and V600E BRAF mutation analysis were investigated on 61 CRCs. Cancer genetic counseling was offered to all 68 patients affected by MMR defective CRCs and 25 patients opted in to this service (36.8% compliance). Pathogenetic variants of MSH2 genes were identified in two cases (55 and 79 years old). Universal screening based on an IHC approach showed a Lynch syndrome incidence of 1/173. The protocol recommended by regional law improved patient compliance. This study demonstrates that the IHC approach for both MMR deficiency and V600E BRAF mutation detections is the most efficient approach for Lynch syndrome screening in the Italian population.
Soft Tissue Filler Properties Can Be Altered by a Small-Diameter Needle
Authors: Lee Won , Oh Wook , Moon Hyoung-Jin , Koh Ik-Soo , Yang Eun-Jung
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Small-bore needles reduce the complications associated with soft tissue filler injection. Gel particles must be sized appropriately to pass through fine-bore needles with an acceptable extrusion force. However, most soft tissue filler particles are larger than the inner diameter of the needle. The authors hypothesized that the physical properties of these particles change as the gel passes through the needle.

OBJECTIVE

The authors aimed to investigate whether the predesigned physical and rheological properties of the filler change after passage through the small-bore needle.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Particle sizes of 4 hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers were analyzed using a particle size analyzer. Five soft tissue fillers with different particle sizes were subjected to rheological characterization. All tests were performed using fillers with and without a 30-G needle.

RESULTS

Monophasic HA fillers with smaller particle sizes exhibited small changes between particle sizes but no differences in rheological properties. Biphasic HA fillers with larger particle sizes exhibited remarkable changes in particle size and rheological properties. Calcium fillers exhibited changes in rheological properties.

CONCLUSION

Injection through small-bore needles can alter the physical properties and rheological equilibrium of soft tissue fillers. The authors suggest avoiding small-bore needles as they may affect the rheological equilibrium and clinical performance of fillers.
Postmarket Experience of Polymethylmethacrylate–Collagen Gel Dermal Filler
Authors: Lehman Alayne , Pilcher Brian , Roberts Wendy E. , Schlesinger Todd E. , Vachon Ginny
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

This report synthesizes 12 years of postmarket surveillance data (PMSD) for polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)–collagen gel dermal filler.

OBJECTIVE

To present PMMA–collagen gel PMSD findings on real-world safety.

METHODS

Postmarket surveillance data were collected from January 2007 to December 2018 and evaluated to determine the overall adverse event (AE) complaint rate, the nature of reported AEs, and whether the complaint included on-label, off-label, both, or unknown areas.

RESULTS

In the 12 years examined, 754,229 PMMA–collagen gel syringes were distributed worldwide, and 839 product-related complaints (including those classified as unknown) resulted in an overall complaint rate of 0.11%. The 3 most frequent primary complaints in AE reports were lump/bump (309/839, 37%), nodule (152/839, 18%), and swelling (138/839, 16%). Histologically confirmed granuloma accounted for 17/839 complaints (2.0%; overall complaint rate of 0.002%), and histologically unconfirmed granuloma accounted for 66/839 complaints (8%; overall rate of 0.009%). There were 666 complaints representing AEs related to off-label injection in which the periocular area was most frequently represented.

CONCLUSION

Although a limiting factor across all PMSD is voluntary reporting and resultant underrepresentation of AEs, the PMSD reported here are consistent with safety findings from US clinical studies in more than 1,500 patients with up to 5 years of follow-up.
Stability of 21 Antihypertensive Drugs in Serum Collected in Standard (Nongel) Serum Tubes Versus Tubes Containing a Gel Separator
Authors: Hegstad Solfrid , Spigset Olav , Helland Arne
Published: October 2019

Background:

Therapeutic drug monitoring of antihypertensive drugs is being increasingly used to optimize treatment and to assess nonadherence. Separator gels are often used in blood collection tubes to facilitate serum or plasma separation from other blood constituents before analyses. Drug adsorption into the separator gel presents a possible pre-analytical cause of falsely low concentrations or false negative results.

Methods:

Drug-free blood from blood donors was spiked with therapeutic concentrations of 21 antihypertensive drugs, transferred to serum tubes with and without separator gel (Vacuette gel plastic tubes and plain serum plastic tubes, respectively), and centrifuged. Serum was collected immediately after centrifugation and after 24 and 72 hours of room temperature storage, samples were analyzed in triplicates using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Results:

Serum samples collected immediately after centrifugation or 24 hours later, had the same drug concentrations in the gel and nongel tubes. After 72 hours of room temperature storage, verapamil and lercanidipine serum concentrations were 43% and 29%, respectively, lower in gel tubes than nongel tubes. Canrenone, diltiazem, and bendroflumethiazide showed between 10% and 20% concentration loss in gel tubes, compared with nongel tubes, with the 2 latter observed as unstable also in nongel tubes.

Conclusions:

Except for verapamil, lercanidipine, and canrenone, which showed substantial concentration loss in gel tubes, gel tubes may be used for therapeutic drug monitoring purposes for the most commonly used antihypertensive drugs. Transferring serum to gel-free containers immediately after centrifugation minimizes concentration loss; however, bendroflumethiazide and diltiazem are generally unstable at room temperature.
A Pilot Study of the Effects of Chair Yoga and Chair-Based Exercise on Biopsychosocial Outcomes in Older Adults With Lower Extremity Osteoarthritis
Authors: McCaffrey Ruth , Taylor David , Marker Craig , Park Juyoung
Published: October 2019

This pilot study examined whether chair yoga and chair-based exercise are effective in managing biopsychosocial outcomes for older adults with lower extremity osteoarthritis. Both interventions improved physical function and mobility over time, although no significant differences between the 2 interventions were identified.
CHOROIDAL VASCULARITY INDEX AND CHOROIDAL THICKNESS IN EYES WITH RETICULAR PSEUDODRUSEN
Authors: Velaga Swetha B. , Nittala Muneeswar G. , Vupparaboina Kiran K. , Jana Soumya , Chhablani Jay , Haines Jonathan , Pericak-Vance Margaret A. , Stambolian Dwight , Sadda Srinivas R.
Published: October 2019

Purpose:

To evaluate choroidal vascularity index (CVI), choroidal thickness, choroidal volume, and choroidal intensity in subjects with nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration (NNVAMD) with and without reticular pseudodrusen (RPD).

Methods:

We included 60 eyes of 35 subjects with NNVAMD (including 30 eyes of 18 subjects with RPD) and 30 eyes of 17 age-matched healthy individuals from the ongoing Amish Eye study. The choroid was segmented from dense volume spectral domain optical coherence tomography scans and choroidal thickness (microns), choroidal intensity (log units), and choroidal volume (mm3) from the entire macula (6 × 6 mm) were computed. A central horizontal B-scan was binarized and the luminal and stromal portions of the choroid were segmented. Choroidal vascularity index (%) was calculated as the ratio of luminal area to total choroid area. Choroidal parameters were compared between the groups by pairwise comparisons using the Student's t-test.

Results:

The CVI was significantly lower in healthy eyes compared to those with RPD (53.43 ± 8.51 vs. 54.76 ± 4.83, P < 0.001). The CVI was also significantly lower in NNVAMD eyes without RPD compared to those with RPD (50.09 ± 7.51 vs. 54.76 ± 4.83, P = 0.006). There was no difference in CVI between healthy eyes and NNVAMD eyes without RPD (P = 0.84). Choroidal thickness and choroidal volume were significantly higher in NNVAMD without RPD (P < 0.05); and significantly lower in NNVAMD with RPD (P < 0.05) when compared with normal eyes. Choroidal intensity was significantly higher in NNVAMD with RPD when compared with normal eyes (P = 0.02) and NNVAMD eyes without RPD (P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

Multiple choroidal parameters reflecting the status of the choroidal vasculature and stroma seem to be altered in eyes with RPD compared with both normal eyes and NNVAMD eyes without RPD. These findings may provide insights into the pathophysiology of RPD.