bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical study of the stability and properties of magic numbers (m = 5, n = 2) and (m = 6, n = 3) of bimetallic bismuth‐copper nanoclusters; Bim Cun
Authors: Miralrio Alan , Hernández‐Hernández Arturo , Pescador‐Rojas Jose A. , Sansores Enrique , López‐Pérez Pablo A. , Martínez‐Farías Francisco , Rangel Cortes Eduardo
Published: August 2017

Inspired by the experimental discovery of magic numbers we present a first study using density functional theory for the structure and properties of neutral and cationic Bi6Cu3 and Bi5Cu2 clusters. Our results confirm predictions based on Wade's rules. The closed electron shells, characteristic of cationic clusters help impose enhanced stability, while also complying with Wade's rules. Charge distribution analysis, as well as electrostatic potential maps show that in almost all cases, Bi atoms donate charges to Cu atoms. According to the analysis of condensed Fukui indices, Cu atoms inside both clusters are not reactive. Contrastingly, Bi atoms are reactive and may be targeted by different types of attack. This study of the electronic properties may thus help to determine experimental strategies with the capacity to enhance the synthesis of catalysts.
Clusters of starch‐g‐PCL and their effect on the physicochemical properties of films
Authors: Ramírez‐Hernández Aurelio , Aparicio‐Saguilán Alejandro , Mata‐Mata José L. , González‐García Gerardo , Hernández‐Mendoza Héctor , Báez‐García Eduardo , Conde‐Acevedo Carlos
Published: August 2017

Starch‐g‐PCL films were prepared using the casting method and were characterized by different instrumental techniques and physicochemical properties. Nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy led to the proposal of a chemical structure for the films. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the films showed the formation of clusters of the graft copolymer starch‐g‐PCL. The effects of these clusters on the crystallinity (X‐ray powder diffraction) revealed that the crystalline zones of the films increased by 46% and the elongation percentage increased by up to 50%. Also, the chemical degradation (aqueous hydrolysis) and the soil degradation of these films were 1.9 and 2.6 times faster than the films of starch alone. However, the thermal degradation temperature of the films decreased by more than 15°C, the moisture content decreased to 6.5%, and the water vapor permeation values increased in the films that contained starch‐g‐PCL. These results were accentuated with the increase in the amount of starch‐g‐PCL clusters.
Attitudes of Individuals with Gaucher Disease toward Substrate Reduction Therapies
Authors: Wagner Victoria F. , Northrup Hope , Hashmi S. Shahrukh , Nguyen Joanne M. , Koenig Mary Kay , Davis Jessica M.
Published: August 2017

Type 1 Gaucher disease (GD) is the most common lysosomal storage disorder. Previously, treatment for GD was limited to intravenous enzyme replacement therapies (ERTs). More recently, oral substrate reduction therapies (SRTs) were approved for treatment of GD. Although both therapies alleviate disease symptoms, attitudes toward SRTs and patient perceptions of health while using SRT have not been well established. Electronic surveys were administered to adults with GD and asked about treatment history, attitudes toward SRTs, and perception of health while using SRTs as compared to ERTs, if applicable to the participant. ERT users that were offered treatment with SRTs cited potential side effects, wanting more research on SRTs, and satisfaction with their current treatment regimen as reasons for declining SRTs. SRT users expressed convenience and less invasiveness as reasons for choosing SRTs. Additionally, those using SRTs most often perceived their health to be similar to when they previously used ERT. Participant responses illustrate that attitudes toward SRTs can be variable and that one particular treatment may not be ideal for all patients with GD depending on individual perceptions of factors such as convenience, invasiveness, or side effects. Thus, individuals with GD should be counseled adequately by healthcare providers about both ERTs and SRTs for treatment of GD now that SRTs are clinically available.
Decoding nervous system by single‐cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Hu Ganlu , Wang Guang‐Zhong
Published: August 2017

Background

Mammalian brain are composed of a large number of specialized cell types with diverse molecular composition, functions and differentiation potentials. The application of recently developed single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) technology in this filed has provided us new insights about this sophisticated system, deepened our understanding of the cell type diversity and led to the discovery of novel cell types.

Results

Here we review recent progresses of applying this technology on studying brain cell heterogeneity, adult neurogenesis as well as brain tumors, then we discuss some current limitations and future directions of using scRNA‐seq on the investagation of nervous system.

Conclusions

We believe the application of single‐cell RNA sequencing in neuroscience will accelerate the progress of big brain projects.
A multi-objective optimization for brush monofilament tufting process design
Authors: Salmasnia Ali , Hasannejad Saeed , Mokhtari Hadi
Published: August 2017

This paper addresses the optimization of monofilament tufting process as the most important and the main stage of toothbrush production in sanitary industries. In order to minimize both process time and depreciation costs, and ultimately increase the production efficiency in such an industrial unit, we propose a metaheuristic based optimization approach to solve it. The Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) is used to formulate the proposed problem. Then by using multi-objective evolutionary algorithms, NSGA-II and MOPSO, we seek to obtain the best solution and objective functions described above. Extensive computational experiments on three different kinds of toothbrush handles are performed and the results demonstrate the applicability and appropriate performance of algorithms. The comparison metrics like spacing, number of Pareto solutions, time, mean distance from the ideal solution and diversity are used to evaluate the quality of solutions. Moreover a sensitivity analysis is done for investigation of the performance in various setting of parameters.

Key points Brush monofilament tufting process design. NSGA-II and MOPSO as multi-objective approaches. Extensive computational experiments. Comparison metrics like spacing, number of Pareto solutions, time, mean distance from ideal solution and diversity.
Greenland Fires Ignite Climate Change Fears
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: August 2017

The fires are stoking worries about the vast island’s thawing permafrost.
A highly efficient electrocatalyst based on amorphous Pd–Cu–S material for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Xu Wence , Zhu Shengli , Liang Yanqin , Cui Zhenduo , Yang Xianjin , Inoue Akihisa , Wang Hongxia
Published: August 2017

Hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) through water splitting draws tremendous attention as a way for generating clean energy.
The role of interactions of long non-coding RNAs and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins in regulating cellular functions
Authors: Sun Xinghui , Haider Ali Mohamed Sham Shihabudeen , Moran Matthew
Published: August 2017

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as critical regulators of various biological processes and human diseases. The mechanisms of action involve their interactions with proteins, RNA and genomic DNA. Most lncRNAs display strong nuclear localization. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) are a large family of RNA-binding proteins that are important for multiple aspects of nucleic acid metabolism. hnRNPs are also predominantly expressed in the nucleus. This review discusses the interactions of lncRNAs and hnRNPs in regulating gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels or by changing genomic structure, highlighting their involvements in glucose and lipid metabolism, immune response, DNA damage response, and other cellular functions. Toward the end, several techniques that are used to identify lncRNA binding partners are summarized. There are still many questions that need to be answered in this relatively new research area, which might provide novel targets to control the biological outputs of cells in response to different stimuli.
Glibenclamide induces apoptosis by activating reactive oxygen species dependent JNK pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Yan Bin , Peng Zhiyong , Xing Xiao , Du Chunling
Published: August 2017

Glibenclamide (Gli) is a widely employed drug in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and many lines of evidence have described its anti-tumor effects in some neoplasms. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Gli on apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and to analyze the underlying pathway involved in this action. Two HCC cell lines, HepG-2 and Huh7 were used as the cell models. We found that Gli treatment significantly inhibited cell viability, induced a significant cell-cycle arrest in G2/M-phase and induced apoptosis in both HepG-2 and Huh7 cells. We further verified that apoptosis induction by Gli was accompanied by increase in ROS levels and activation of the JNK pathway. Scavenging of the intracellular ROS with its blocker N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) could mitigate the Gli-induced apoptosis and JNK activation in the two HCC cell lines. Furthermore, inhibition of JNK pathway by its inhibitor SP100625 effectively reduced Gli-induced apoptosis in HCC cells. In conclusion, Gli treatment significantly induced cell apoptosis by promoting ROS-dependent JNK pathway activation in HCC cells. Gli may be a potential clinical anti-tumor drug for HCC.
Orientation aware vehicle detection in aerial images
Authors: Zhou H. , Wei L. , Creighton D. , Nahavandi S.
Published: August 2017

Vehicle detection in aerial images is of great interest in the field of remote sensing. Many methods such as the sliding‐window‐based detection have been successfully developed. A simple and effective mechanism to improve the existing methods is proposed. Vehicle in aerial images usually appears in arbitrary directions. Previous algorithms need to repeat the search at a pixel with all the possible orientations, which often bring the problem of increasing false alarms and computational complexity. To solve this problem, image local orientation is introduced into detection that provides a proper search direction for each pixel. Experimental results on a public database, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and satellite images demonstrate the effectiveness and promising improvements in comparison with existing techniques.
Intelligent resource allocation scheme for the cognitive radio network in the presence of primary user emulation attack
Authors: Das Deepa , Das Susmita
Published: August 2017

An energy‐efficient cognitive radio network (CRN) design is one of the primary requirements for the low‐battery‐driven wireless terminals in the presence of primary user emulation attack. Furthermore, sensing accuracy is also essential for allocating vacant bands to the secondary users (SUs) for data transmission. Hence, this study focuses on designing an energy‐efficient double threshold‐based CRN. The adversarial effects arising in the presence of the attacker are analysed and are treated as constraints while formulating the energy efficiency (EE) maximisation problem. To develop the formulation, a unique SU selection algorithm to identify most eligible SUs for data transmission is proposed. The EE is then maximised by minimising the total power consumption through novel adaptive resource allocation algorithm. Hence, the authors proposed approaches are based on the suitable selection of SUs and adaptive power allocation under the constraints of maximum throughput, controlled transmission power providing sufficient protection to the primary user, minimum power consumption and minimum false alarm probability. The extensive simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme substantially increases EE with lower complexity over the conventional scheme.
Polar code‐based secure channel coding scheme with small key size
Authors: Hooshmand Reza , Aref Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2017

In this study, the secret polar encoding and secret successive cancellation decoding algorithms are introduced; with these algorithms, secure and efficient communication can be enhanced between the honest parties. Also, the key size of the proposed polar code‐based secure channel coding system is reduced significantly compared to the existing systems. To decrease the key size, the authors employ the three following methods: (i) a new approach is proposed to save some bit‐channel indices instead of saving the generator matrix of the used polar code; (ii) the permutation and scrambling matrices are not used in this scheme; and (iii) by the help of the properties of polar codes, it does not need to save any vector as part of secret key set to generate an error vector. Moreover, the security analyses demonstrate that this system is resistant against conventional attacks on symmetric‐key code‐based cryptosystems. It means that reducing the key size of the proposed polar code‐based scheme does not affect its security level.
Operating a Motor Vehicle after Marijuana Use: Perspectives from People who use High-Potency Marijuana
Authors: Cavazos-Rehg Patricia A. , Krauss Melissa J. , Sowles Shaina J. , Zewdie Kidist , Bierut Laura
Published: August 2017

Background

With advancing marijuana legalization in the United States, a primary concern is the possible increase in consequences relating to marijuana driving impairment, especially among people who use high-potency marijuana (i.e., extracts). In this study, the research team assessed the risk perception and experiences of driving under the influence of marijuana by investigating people who use extracts.

Methods

Participants from 2 studies were queried about driving after using marijuana. In Study 1, phone interviews ( n = 19) were conducted with people who use extracts. In Study 2, people who use extracts ( n = 174) were recruited to participate in a nationwide survey via an online existing panel. Responses to marijuana and driving–related questions were qualitatively coded for themes (e.g., riskiness, engagement in behavior) developed by the research team.

Results

Prominent themes identified in Study 1 suggested a belief that driving risk following marijuana use is dependent on the individual (i.e., response/tolerance) or the amount/type of marijuana consumed. This theme was corroborated by Study 2 participants. Those who perceived no or minimal risk from driving following marijuana use were more likely to report engagement in driving following extracts use.

Conclusions

More research is needed to understand how marijuana, especially in its concentrated form, impacts driving ability in order to develop appropriate and scientifically sound regulations. Such research could subsequently fill the need to improve and more widely disseminate prevention messages on marijuana use and driving risks.
Interprofessional Prescription Opioid Abuse Communication among Prescribers and Pharmacists: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Hagemeier Nicholas E. , Tudiver Fred , Brewster Scott , Hagy Elizabeth J. , Ratliff Brittany , Hagaman Angela , Pack Robert P.
Published: August 2017

Background

Prescribers and community pharmacists commonly perceive prescription opioid abuse to be a problem in their practice settings and communities. Both cohorts have expressed support for interventions that improve interprofessional communication and reduce prescription opioid abuse. The objective of this study was to describe prescription opioid abuse-related communication among and between prescribers and community pharmacists in South Central Appalachia.

Methods

The investigators conducted five focus groups with 35 Appalachian Research Network practice-based research network providers between February and October, 2014. Two prescriber-specific, two pharmacist-specific, and one interprofessional (prescribers and pharmacists) focus groups were conducted, recorded, and transcribed. Data collection and analysis occurred iteratively. Emerging themes were inductively derived and refined. Five member-checking interviews were conducted to validate themes.

Results

Providers noted several factors that influence intraprofessional and interprofessional communication, including level of trust, role perceptions, conflict history and avoidance, personal relationships, and prescription monitoring program use. Indirect communication approaches via patients, office staff, and voicemail systems were common. Direct pharmacist to prescriber and prescriber to pharmacist communication was described as rare and often perceived to be ineffective. Prescriber to pharmacist communication was reported by prescribers to have decreased after implementation of state prescription monitoring programs. Difficult or uncomfortable conversations were often avoided by providers.

Conclusions

Interprofessional and intraprofessional prescription opioid abuse communication is situational and influenced by multiple factors. Indirect communication and communication avoidance are common. Themes identified in this study can inform development of interventions that improve providers’ intra- and interprofessional communication skills.
Tailoring Ecological Monitoring to Individual Marine Reserves: Comparing Longline to Hook-and-Line Gear to Monitor Fish Species
Authors: Huntington Brittany E. , Watson Jessica L.
Published: August 2017

Fishery-independent hook-and-line surveys are currently being used to assess marine reserve performance in California and Oregon using a regionally standardized approach. Catch compositions generated from these hook-and-line surveys (pole-and-line gear) at Oregon's southernmost marine reserve were compared with local commercial landing data. Several species present in the commercial catch were undersampled in the marine reserve hook-and-line dataset, including China Rockfish Sebastes nebulosus, Vermilion Rockfish S. miniatus, Quillback Rockfish S. maliger, Copper Rockfish S. caurinus, and Cabezon Scorpaenichthys marmoratus. We conducted a gear selectivity study to explore whether modified commercial long-lining gear could supplement current hook-and-line efforts. Both gear types were fished simultaneously from a single vessel inside and outside of the reserve. Species composition, catch rate, size distribution, and fish condition between the two gear types were compared. Catch composition differed significantly between longline and hook-and-line gear. Catch rates of nearshore rocky reef fish species were higher for longline than hook-and-line gear for all but two species. Importantly, higher catch rates were significant for three of the species of interest (Cabezon, Vermilion Rockfish, and Copper Rockfish). For four different species, larger individuals were caught on the longline compared with the hook-and-line gear. Incidence of predation and mortality were higher with long-lining but limited to three species groups: Black Rockfish S. melanops, Blue Rockfish S. mystinus and Deacon Rockfish S. diaconus complex, and Canary Rockfish S. pinniger. Symptoms of barotrauma were higher with hook-and-line gear. We demonstrated that longline gear can be used to catch and release species targeted by the local fishery and used simultaneously with hook-and-line gear from a single vessel to broaden both the species and the size ranges sampled. These results underscore the need to consider regionally standardized long-term monitoring approaches in conjunction with locally tailored efforts to generate data for detecting marine reserve effects at both local and regional scales.
Handling and Tagging Effects, In-River Residence Time, and Postspawn Migration of Anadromous River Herring in the Hudson River, New York
Authors: Eakin William W.
Published: August 2017

In a 2013 pilot study, acoustic tags were inserted into two species of river herring, Alewife Alosa pseudoharengus and Blueback Herring Alosa aestivalis. The primary objectives were to identify handling and tagging effects and assess in-river residence time. The secondary objective was to identify postspawn coastal migration patterns. Fish were collected on spawning grounds in the upper portion of the Hudson River, New York. Vemco V7 acoustic transmitters were gastrically inserted into 25 river herring (13 Alewives and 12 Blueback Herring) that were in pre, active, or post spawning conditions. In-river acoustic data were collected from 23 of the 25 river herring. The majority of tagged fish exhibited some level of fallback (downstream migration) after the tagging event, all Blueback Herring and all male Alewives returning to spawning areas. The majority of female Alewives did not return to the spawning area after tagging, and this may be a result of when and where tagging events occurred. Both species of river herring exhibited similar in-river residence times of approximately 2–3 weeks and exited the system 3–6 d after spawning. Information on coastal movements of four Blueback Herring (two females and two males) was also obtained, spanning the south shore of Long Island, New York, to the mouth of Penobscot Bay, Maine. Coastal and in-river tag detections were reported by members of the Atlantic Cooperative Telemetry Network. In conclusion, this experiment can now be repeated with confidence on a larger scale with multiyear tags in order to identify unknown in-river spawning areas, provide information regarding spawning site fidelity, and bolster current knowledge of coastal migration patterns for both species.
Indications of Offshore Spawning by Southern Gulf of Maine Winter Flounder
Authors: Fairchild Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2017

This is the first study to document quantitatively that Gulf of Maine (GOM) Winter Flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus spawn offshore. Three sites (southern Jeffreys Ledge, Bigear [an area southwest of Tillies Bank], and a portion of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary) were sampled during spring 2016 to determine whether Winter Flounder are spawning in non-coastal, deep waters in the southern GOM. In total, 1,384 Winter Flounder were caught by trawl, measured, sexed, and assessed for reproductive stage during the peak spawning season (March–May). These fish showed clear signs that spawning was occurring either at or very near to all three sites surveyed. In all sites, a shift from prespawn to postspawn females occurred. Running ripe females were caught at both Jeffreys Ledge and Stellwagen Bank on multiple occasions, and ripe and recently spawned females were caught at Bigear. Given that these sites are over 15 km from the coast, it is not energetically likely that fish in such advanced reproductive condition are migrating to shore to spawn. Essential fish habitat (EFH) for GOM Winter Flounder is categorized as waters with depths of 5 m or less. The present study clearly shows that this depth range is incomplete and thus inaccurate for southern GOM Winter Flounder. Although it is irrefutable that GOM estuaries and shallow bays are important as nursery grounds for juvenile Winter Flounder and as postspawn feeding grounds for adults, the current GOM EFH designation warrants reclassification.
Integrating data from multiple surveys and accounting for spatio-temporal correlation to index the abundance of juvenile Pacific halibut in Alaska
Authors: Ono Kotaro , Ianelli James N , McGilliard Carey R , Punt André E
Published: August 2017

Survey indices of abundance are one of the main sources of information used in fish stock assessment. Many regions around the world, including the United States and Europe, develop survey protocols to aid in creating these indices. As ecosystems function as a continuum across borders, there is a need to develop a standardized framework for combining information across surveys. Such methods could help resolve differences in timing, spatial coverage, catchability, and selectivity among surveys. We present a method that uses survey data by length class. These data come from several regional surveys each with differing sampling designs, spatial and temporal coverage, and sampling gear. The method accounts for the spatio-temporal correlation structure in length-specific catch rates and occurrence, and allows for differences in catchability and selectivity among regions. The approach was applied to Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) in Alaska, a broadly distributed species for which there is considerable uncertainty in recent recruitment estimates. Results confirm the major recruitment event of 1987 recorded in the most recent stock assessment and also detected recruitment peaks in more recent years (1998 and 2004–2005). The signal seems to be mostly related to the Eastern Bering Sea shelf survey data. The approach introduced in this study is general and could be expanded to other regions and species where standardized survey data are collected that include extensive length and/or age measurements.
Made by Mistake: When Mistakes Increase Product Preference
Authors: Reich Taly , Kupor Daniella M , Smith Rosanna K
Published: August 2017

Mistakes are often undesirable and frequently result in negative inferences about the person or company that made the mistake. Consequently, research suggests that information about mistakes is rarely shared with consumers. However, we find that consumers actually prefer products that were made by mistake to otherwise identical products that were made intentionally. This preference arises because consumers perceive that a product made by mistake is more improbable relative to a product made intentionally, and thus, view the product as more unique. We find converging evidence for this preference in a field study, six experiments, and eBay auction sales. Importantly, this preference holds regardless of whether the mistake enhances or detracts from the product. However, in domains where consumers do not value uniqueness (e.g., utilitarian goods), the preference is eliminated.
Natural and Artificial Intelligence in Neurosurgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Senders Joeky T , Arnaout Omar , Karhade Aditya V , Dasenbrock Hormuzdiyar H , Gormley William B , Broekman Marike L , Smith Timothy R
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Machine learning (ML) is a domain of artificial intelligence that allows computer algorithms to learn from experience without being explicitly programmed.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize neurosurgical applications of ML where it has been compared to clinical expertise, here referred to as “natural intelligence.”

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in the PubMed and Embase databases as of August 2016 to review all studies comparing the performance of various ML approaches with that of clinical experts in neurosurgical literature.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies were identified that used ML algorithms for diagnosis, presurgical planning, or outcome prediction in neurosurgical patients. Compared to clinical experts, ML models demonstrated a median absolute improvement in accuracy and area under the receiver operating curve of 13% (interquartile range 4-21%) and 0.14 (interquartile range 0.07-0.21), respectively. In 29 (58%) of the 50 outcome measures for which a P-value was provided or calculated, ML models outperformed clinical experts (P < .05). In 18 of 50 (36%), no difference was seen between ML and expert performance (P > .05), while in 3 of 50 (6%) clinical experts outperformed ML models (P < .05). All 4 studies that compared clinicians assisted by ML models vs clinicians alone demonstrated a better performance in the first group.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that ML models have the potential to augment the decision-making capacity of clinicians in neurosurgical applications; however, significant hurdles remain associated with creating, validating, and deploying ML models in the clinical setting. Shifting from the preconceptions of a human-vs-machine to a human-and-machine paradigm could be essential to overcome these hurdles.
The Major Outer Membrane Protein MopB Is Required for Twitching Movement and Affects Biofilm Formation and Virulence in Two Xylella fastidiosa strains
Authors: Chen Hongyu , Kandel Prem P. , Cruz Luisa F. , Cobine Paul A. , De La Fuente Leonardo
Published: August 2017

MopB is a major outer membrane protein (OMP) in Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterial plant pathogen that causes losses on many economically important crops. Based on in silico analysis, the uncharacterized MopB protein of X. fastidiosa contains a β-barrel structure with an OmpA-like domain and a predicted calcium-binding motif. Here, MopB function was studied by mutational analysis taking advantage of the natural competence of X. fastidiosa. Mutants of mopB were constructed in two different X. fastidiosa strains, the type strain Temecula and the more virulent WM1-1. Deletion of the mopB gene impaired cell-to-cell aggregation, surface attachment, and biofilm formation in both strains. Interestingly, mopB deletion completely abolished twitching motility. Electron microscopy of the bacterial cell surface revealed that mopB deletion eliminated type IV and type I pili formation, potentially caused by destabilization of the outer membrane. Both mopB mutants showed reduced virulence using tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) as a host under greenhouse conditions. These results suggest that MopB has pleiotropic functions in biofilm formation and twitching motility and is important for virulence of X. fastidiosa.
Development of Resistance to Hymexazol AmongPythiumSpecies in Cucumber Greenhouses in Oman
Authors: Al-Balushi Zainab M. , Agrama Hesham , Al-Mahmooli Issa H. , Maharachchikumbura Sajeewa S. N. , Al-Sadi Abdullah M.
Published: August 2017

A study was conducted to characterize the common Pythium spp. in greenhouses in Oman and their level of resistance to hymexazol, a widely used fungicide in the country. Pythium isolates were obtained from soil samples, cocopeat bags, and cucumber roots collected from seven regions in the country. Identification of 80 Pythium isolates to the species level using sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal RNA showed that they belong to four species: Pythium aphanidermatum (77 isolates), P. spinosum (1 isolate), P. myriotylum (1 isolate), and P. catenulatum (1 isolate). Investigating the aggressiveness of three Pythium spp. on cucumber showed that P. aphanidermatum, P. myriotylum, and P. spinosum are pathogenic. Phylogenetic analysis of P. aphanidermatum isolates showed that most of the isolates obtained from cocopeat clustered separately from isolates obtained from soil and roots. This may indicate a difference in the origin of the cocopeat isolates. Evaluating the resistance of 27 P. aphanidermatum isolates to hymexazol showed that most isolates were sensitive (0.9 to 31.2 mg liter−1) whereas one isolate was resistant (142.9 mg liter−1). This study is the first to report P. myriotylum and P. catenulatum in Oman. It is also the first to report the development of resistance to hymexazol among P. aphanidermatum populations from greenhouses. Growers should use integrated disease management strategies to avoid further development of resistance to hymexazol.
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Antagonists Prevent Anesthesia-induced Hypothermia and Decrease Postincisional Opioid Dose Requirements in Rodents
Authors: Garami Andras , Ibrahim Mohab , Gilbraith Kerry , Khanna Rajesh , Pakai Eszter , Miko Alexandra , Pinter Erika , Romanovsky Andrej A. , Porreca Frank , Patwardhan Amol M.
Published: August 2017

Background

Intraoperative hypothermia and postoperative pain control are two important clinical challenges in anesthesiology. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 has been implicated both in thermoregulation and pain. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 antagonists were not advanced as analgesics in humans in part due to a side effect of hyperthermia. This study tested the hypothesis that a single, preincision injection of a transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 antagonist could prevent anesthesia-induced hypothermia and decrease the opioid requirement for postsurgical hypersensitivity.

Methods

General anesthesia was induced in rats and mice with either isoflurane or ketamine, and animals were treated with transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 antagonists (AMG 517 or ABT-102). The core body temperature and oxygen consumption were monitored during anesthesia and the postanesthesia period. The effect of preincision AMG 517 on morphine-induced reversal of postincision hyperalgesia was evaluated in rats.

Results

AMG 517 and ABT-102 dose-dependently prevented general anesthesia-induced hypothermia (mean ± SD; from 1.5° ± 0.1°C to 0.1° ± 0.1°C decrease; P < 0.001) without causing hyperthermia in the postanesthesia phase. Isoflurane-induced hypothermia was prevented by AMG 517 in wild-type but not in transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 knockout mice (n = 7 to 11 per group). The prevention of anesthesia-induced hypothermia by AMG 517 involved activation of brown fat thermogenesis with a possible contribution from changes in vasomotor tone. A single preincision dose of AMG 517 decreased the morphine dose requirement for the reduction of postincision thermal (12.6 ± 3.0 vs. 15.6 ± 1.0 s) and mechanical (6.8 ± 3.0 vs. 9.5 ± 3.0 g) withdrawal latencies.

Conclusions

These studies demonstrate that transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 antagonists prevent anesthesia-induced hypothermia and decrease opioid dose requirements for the reduction of postincisional hypersensitivity in rodents.
Does Late Hip Dysplasia Occur After Normal Ultrasound Screening in Breech Babies?
Authors: Morris Andrew R. , Thomas Joanna M.C. , Reading Isabel C. , Clarke Nicholas M.P.
Published: August 2017

Background:

Recent literature has raised concern regarding the occurrence of late dysplasia after normal screening in breech babies. One paper states a late dysplasia incidence of 29%. This finding is in contrast with other published work, which suggests breech presentation is predictive of spontaneous stabilization of the unstable neonatal hip. We decided to identify the rate of late dysplasia after normal screening in our patient cohort and also to investigate the use of a prophylactic abduction diaper.

Methods:

During the study period of December 2012 to June 2014, breech babies referred to the screening program at our institution were identified. Ninety babies were prospectively enrolled into the study and randomized to either the observational arm or prophylactic treatment with the Healthy Hip Diaper (HALO, Minnetonka, MN). All babies had a normal initial clinical examination and ultrasound. Regular follow-up including clinical and ultrasound examination was undertaken culminating in pelvic x-rays performed at 13±1 months. A total of 63% of patients elected against their randomization to prophylactic treatment, 28% opted for prophylactic treatment against their randomization to observation only, meaning a total of 40% of babies proceeded against their initial randomization. In total, 75% of recruited babies completed follow-up. Dysplasia was defined as an acetabular index >2 SD from the mean sex, age, and side-specific values.

Results:

The overall rate of radiographic dysplasia at 13 months was 7.4%. The rate was 5% in those using a Healthy Hip Diaper and 8.3% in those under observation only. This was not a statistically significant difference. Two patients required operative intervention, one requiring capsulorraphy with acetabuloplasty, the other requiring an arthrogram. Overall compliance with the abduction diaper was low.

Conclusions:

We conclude that late radiographic dysplasia does occur after normal clinical and ultrasound screening in breech babies, although not to the same extent as recently published data. We cannot recommend prophylactic abduction devices for breech babies who have a normal hip ultrasound at 6 weeks of age. Consideration must be given to further clinical and radiographic follow-up for hip dysplasia when the risk factor of breech presentation is present.

Level of Evidence:

Level II—prospective comparative trial.
Selective Activation of Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neurons Attenuates Polymicrobial Sepsis–Induced Inflammation via the Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway
Authors: Zhai Qian , Lai Dengming , Cui Ping , Zhou Rui , Chen Qixing , Hou Jinchao , Su Yunting , Pan Libiao , Ye Hui , Zhao Jing-Wei , Fang Xiangming
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons are proposed as a major neuromodulatory system in inflammatory modulation. However, the function of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in sepsis is unknown, and the neural pathways underlying cholinergic anti-inflammation remain unexplored.

Design:

Animal research.

Setting:

University research laboratory.

Subjects:

Male wild-type C57BL/6 mice and ChAT-ChR2-EYFP (ChAT) transgenic mice.

Interventions:

The cholinergic neuronal activity of the basal forebrain was manipulated optogenetically. Cecal ligation and puncture was produced to induce sepsis. Left cervical vagotomy and 6-hydroxydopamine injection to the spleen were used.

Measurements and Main Results:

Photostimulation of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons induced a significant decrease in the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in the serum and spleen. When cecal ligation and puncture was combined with left cervical vagotomy in photostimulated ChAT mice, these reductions in tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 were partly reversed. Furthermore, photostimulating basal forebrain cholinergic neurons induced a large increase in c-Fos expression in the basal forebrain, the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, and the ventral part of the solitary nucleus. Among them, 35.2% were tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurons. Furthermore, chemical denervation showed that dopaminergic neurotransmission to the spleen is indispensable for the anti-inflammation.

Conclusions:

These results are the first to demonstrate that selectively activating basal forebrain cholinergic neurons is sufficient to attenuate systemic inflammation in sepsis. Specifically, photostimulation of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons activated dopaminergic neurons in dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus/ventral part of the solitary nucleus, and this dopaminergic efferent signal was further transmitted by the vagus nerve to the spleen. This cholinergic-to-dopaminergic neural circuitry, connecting central cholinergic neurons to the peripheral organ, might have mediated the anti-inflammatory effect in sepsis.
Admission to Intensive Care for Palliative Care or Potential Organ Donation: Demographics, Circumstances, Outcomes, and Resource Use
Authors: Melville Andrew , Kolt Gali , Anderson David , Mitropoulos Joanna , Pilcher David
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

To describe the characteristics, circumstances, change over time, resource use, and outcomes of patients admitted to ICUs in Australia and New Zealand for the purposes of “palliative care of a dying patient” or “potential organ donation,” and compare with actively managed ICU patients.

Design:

A retrospective study of data from the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database and a nested cohort analysis of a single center.

Setting:

One hundred seventy-seven ICUs in Australia and New Zealand and a nested analysis of one university-affiliated hospital ICU in Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

Patients:

Three thousand seven hundred “palliative care of a dying patient” and 1,115 “potential organ donation” patients from 2007 to 2016. The nested cohort included 192 patients.

Interventions:

No interventions. Data extracted included patient demographics, diagnoses, length of stay, circumstances, and outcome of admission.

Measurements and Main Results:

ICU admissions for “palliative care of a dying patient” and “potential organ donation” increased from 179 in 2007 to 551 in 2016 and from 44 in 2007 to 174 in 2016 in each respective group, though only the “potential organ donation” cohort showed an increase in proportion of total ICU admissions. Lengths of stay in ICU were a mean of 33.8 hours (median, 17.5; interquartile range, 6.4–38.8) and 44.7 hours (26.6; 16.0–44.6), respectively, compared with 74.2 hours (41.5; 21.7–77.0) in actively managed patients. Hospital mortality was 86.6% and 95.9%, respectively. In the nested cohort of 192 patients, facilitating family discussions about goals of treatment and organ donation represented the most common reason for ICU admission.

Conclusions:

Patients admitted to ICU to manage end-of-life care represent a small proportion of overall ICU admissions, with an increasing proportion of “potential organ donation” admissions. They have shorter ICU lengths of stay than actively managed patients, suggesting resource use for these patients is not disproportionate.
Factors Associated with Developmental Behavioral Pediatricians Prescribing Psychotropic Medication to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Study of Three DBPNet Sites
Authors: Jackel Carissa , Shults Justine , Wiley Susan , Meinzen-Derr Jareen , Augustyn Marilyn , Blum Nathan
Published: August 2017

Objective:

Psychotropic medications are frequently prescribed to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but little is known about the prescribing practices of developmental-behavioral pediatricians (DBPs). Our objective was to determine whether clinical site, age, insurance, or comorbidities influenced DBPs prescribing psychotropic medication for children with ASD.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed using electronic health record data of all patients with ASD seen at 3 academic developmental-behavioral pediatrics (DBP) clinical programs from January 2010 to December 2011. Data included age, diagnoses, primary insurance, and medications prescribed. Factors associated with prescribing psychotropic medication were examined using generalized estimating equations.

Results:

Sites varied in the frequency with which they prescribed psychotropic medication for children with ASD (site 1: 33.1%, site 2: 49.3%, site 3: 4.0%; p < .001). We found that the following factors predicted prescribing of psychotropic medications: comorbidities (odds ratio [OR]: 2.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.58–3.18), age, and primary insurance. However, the impact of insurance depended on age. For 3- to 5-year-old children, those on Medicaid were more likely to be prescribed psychotropic medications than those with private insurance (OR: 1.65; 95% CI, 1.29–2.12). This was particularly true for alpha-2-adrenergic agonists (OR: 2.48; 95% CI, 1.56–3.92) and atypical antipsychotics (OR: 2.57; 95% CI, 1.46–4.55).

Conclusion:

There are large variations in prescribing psychotropic medication to children with ASD at 3 academic DBP programs. Further research is needed to understand factors that contribute to higher use of psychotropic medication in young children with Medicaid.
Evaluation of a Novel Hybrid Viable Bioprosthetic Mesh in a Model of Mesh Infection
Authors: Ha Ally , Criman Erik T. , Kurata Wendy E. , Matsumoto Karen W. , Pierce Lisa M.
Published: August 2017

Background:

The reported incidence of mesh infection in contaminated operative fields is as high as 30% regardless of material used. Our laboratory previously showed that augmenting acellular bioprosthetic mesh with allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) enhances resistance to bacterial colonization in vivo and preserves mesh integrity. This study’s aim was to determine whether augmentation of non-crosslinked porcine dermis (Strattice) with commercially available, cryopreserved, viable MSC-containing human placental tissue (Stravix) similarly improves infection resistance after inoculation with Escherichia coli (E. coli) using an established mesh infection model.

Methods:

Stravix was thawed per manufacturer’s instructions and 2 samples were tested for cell viability using a Live/Dead Cell assay at the time of surgery. Rats (N = 20) were implanted subcutaneously with 1 piece of Strattice and 1 piece of hybrid mesh (Strattice + Stravix sutured at the corners). Rats were inoculated with either sterile saline or 106 colony-forming units of E. coli before wound closure (n = 10 per group). At 4 weeks, explants underwent microbiologic and histologic analyses.

Results:

In E. coli–inoculated animals, severe or complete mesh degradation concurrent with abscess formation was observed in 100% (10/10) hybrid meshes and 90% (9/10) Strattice meshes. Histologic evaluation determined that meshes inoculated with E. coli exhibited severe acute inflammation, which correlated with bacterial recovery (P < 0.001). Viability assays performed at the time of surgery failed to verify the presence of numerous live cells in Stravix.

Conclusions:

Stravix cryopreserved MSC-containing human umbilical tissue does not improve infection resistance of a bioprosthetic mesh in vivo in rats after inoculation with E. coli.
Patient-Reported Disability Measures Do Not Correlate with Electrodiagnostic Severity in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Tulipan Jacob E. , Lutsky Kevin F. , Maltenfort Mitchell G. , Freedman Mitchell K. , Beredjiklian Pedro K.
Published: August 2017

Background:

Electrophysiologic studies including electromyography and nerve conduction studies play a role in the evaluation of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), despite evidence that these studies do not correlate with CTS-specific symptom scores. There is a lack of evidence comparing electrophysiologic data with general measures of function.

Methods:

Fifty patients presenting for CTS treatment over an 8-month period were analyzed retrospectively. All patients completed surveys including the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH) and the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short-Form Survey [(physical component summary 12, mental component summary (MCS-12)]. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies were performed on all patients and compared with outcome scores.

Results:

Analysis demonstrated no relationship between DASH or MCS-12 and electrodiagnostic severity. No significant correlations were noted between DASH or MCS-12 and median motor or sensory latency. There was a moderate–weak correlation (rho = 0.34) between more severe electrophysiologic grade and better function based on physical component summary 12.

Conclusions:

Electrodiagnostic severity grades do not correlate with patient-reported disability, including the DASH and MCS–12 surveys. There is a counterintuitive correlation between more-severe electrodiagnostic findings and decreased physical disability. These findings indicate that disability may not correlate with electrodiagnostic severity of median neuropathy in CTS.