bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation in an orchardgrass population promises successful direct or indirect selection of superior drought tolerant genotypes
Authors: Abtahi Mozhgan , Majidi Mohammad Mahdi , Hoseini Behnam , Mirlohi Aghafakhr , Araghi Bahram , Hughes Nia
Published: November 2018

Improvement in drought tolerance is an important component of forage grass breeding. To assess the potential of selecting drought tolerant genotypes of orchardgrass, a polycross population was created in 2010 and evaluated in the field under normal and drought stress conditions during 2011–2013. Drought stress reduced performance in forage yield, growth characteristics, and most of the physiological traits measured, but increased carotenoid content, proline content, and the chlorophyll a/b ratio. High estimates of narrow‐sense heritability for chlorophyll and carotenoid content, as well as forage yield components, indicated that phenotypic selection would be successful in achieving genetic progress. Indirect selection to improve forage yield under drought stress conditions was efficient through selecting for chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid content. These physiological traits were also significantly associated with drought tolerance index. Overall, families 5, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 24 with high stress tolerance index values and high forage yield under both water conditions were identified as suitable families for breeding drought adaptive varieties.
The Contemporary Presidency “It Went Off the Rails”: Trump’s Presidential Transition and the National Security System
Authors: Burke John P.
Published: November 2018

Transitions to the presidency matter, especially concerning national security. What transpired for Donald J. Trump pales in comparison to the relatively smooth transition between the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations. As one source later noted, the Trump transition “went off the rails” after the election. This was especially so in the case of national security planning, which historically has not been affected as much by problematic presidential transitions. This article will explore what transpired during Trump’s transition to the presidency and its impact on the national security system.
HPV‐related oral dysplasia in a multiple myeloma patient after stem cell transplantation
Authors: Saleh Wafaa , Cha Seunghee , Indraneel Bhattacharyya , Moreb Jan , Katz Joseph
Published: November 2018

The development of dysplastic changes in oral epithelial lesions is a potential long‐term complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This may be related to mechanisms including radiation and chemotherapy regimens, chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD), inflammation, and prolonged immunosuppression. The current case describes a 54‐year‐old male with multiple myeloma treated by autologous and allogenic HSCT followed by development of cGVHD (mouth, skin and the eyes) with the complaint of diffuse white lesions on the buccal mucosa, tongue, and palate. A biopsy performed with histopathological analysis revealed moderate to severe epithelial dysplasia with hyperkeratosis, positive for p16INK4A as a surrogate marker for human papillomavirus (HPV). Our finding suggests a possible association of oral dysplasia and HPV in patients after receiving allogenic HSCT with the necessity of more clinical follow‐ups for those patients that may be at a higher risk for the development of oral dysplasia associated with HPV.
Early socialization of hostile attribution bias: The roles of parental attributions, parental discipline, and child attributes
Authors: Lee Sujin , Chang Hyein , Ip Ka I. , Olson Sheryl L.
Published: November 2018

The goal of this study was to examine child and parent predictors of children's hostile attribution bias (HAB) with a particular focus on exploring the associations between parents’ early attribution of child misbehavior and children's HAB in the transition to school age. Participants were 241 children (118 girls) of middle‐income families who were at risk for school‐age conduct problems. Multi‐method, multi‐informant data were collected on maternal attributions of child misbehavior, parental use of corporal punishment, and child attributes (i.e., verbal IQ, effortful control, theory of mind, and emotional understanding) at 3 years, and child HAB in ambiguous situations at 6 years. Results indicated that mothers’ internal explanations for children's misconduct may either reduce or increase children's later HAB depending on the specific content of attributions, such that mothers’ belief that children misbehave because of their internal state (i.e., emotional state or temperament) was associated with lower levels of child HAB, whereas attributing power‐based motives (i.e., manipulative, controlling intentions) in children was associated with higher levels of HAB. The findings are discussed with respect to appreciating the complexity of parents’ explanations for children's behavior, and considering parental cognition as a potential target for early identification and prevention of child HAB and related problems.
A Tortonian onset for the Algerian margin inversion: Evidence from low‐temperature thermochronology
Authors: Recanati Alice , Missenard Yves , Leprêtre Rémi , Gautheron Cécile , Barbarand Jocelyn , Abbassene Fatiha , Abdallah Nachida , Ouabadi Aziouz , Derder Mohamed El Messaoud , Boukari Claire , Pinna‐Jamme Rosella , Haurine Frédéric
Published: November 2018

In North Africa, the Algerian margin is made of basement blocks that drifted away from the European margin, namely the Kabylia, and docked to the African continental crust in the Early Miocene. This young margin is now inverted, as dated Miocene (17 Ma) granites outcrop alongshore, evidencing kilometre‐scale exhumation since their emplacement. Age of inversion is actually unknown, although Pliocene is often considered in the offshore domain. To decipher the exhumation history of the margin between 17 and 5 Ma, we performed a coupled apatite fission track (AFT) and (U–Th–Sm)/He (AHe) study in the Cap Bougaroun Miocene granite. AFT dates range between 7 ± 1 and 10 ± 1 Ma, and mean AHe dates between 8 ± 2 and 10 ± 1 Ma. These data evidence rapid and multi‐kilometre exhumation during Tortonian times. This event cannot be related to slab break‐off but instead to the onset of margin inversion that has since developed as an in‐sequence north‐verging deforming prism.
Donor derived HSV hepatitis in a kidney transplant recipient leading to liver fibrosis and portal hypertension
Authors: Shaw Brian I. , Nanavati Aditya J. , Taylor Vanessa , Miller Rachel A. , Kappus Matthew , Barbas Andrew S.
Published: November 2018

The unexpected transmission of donor‐derived infection through organ transplantation is a rare event with current donor screening practices. In this case report we describe a probable donor‐derived transmission of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)‐2 via deceased donor kidney transplantation resulting in HSV hepatitis in the recipient. This manifested as acute liver failure which resolved with appropriate anti‐viral therapy. Following recovery from the acute liver insult, the patient developed fibrotic liver morphology and portal hypertension, an unusual departure from the typical course.
Combining culture and microbead‐based immunoassay for the early and generic detection of bacteria in platelet concentrates
Authors: Vossier Ludivine , Valera Lionel , Leon Fanny , Roche Stéphanie , Piquer Dominique , Rubrecht Laetitia , Favier Christine , Cremer Gaelle‐Anne , Pouzet Agnès , Dagland Typhaine , Rihet Stéphane , Galea Pascale , Farre Carole , Bonnet Romaric , Jaffrézic‐Renault Nicole , Chaix Carole , Fareh Jeannette , Fournier‐Wirth Chantal
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Despite current preventive strategies, bacterial contamination of platelets is the highest residual infectious risk in transfusion. Bacteria can grow from an initial concentration of 0.03–0.3 colony‐forming units (CFUs)/mL up to 108 to 109 CFUs/mL over the product shelf life. The aim of this study was to develop a cost‐effective approach for an early, rapid, sensitive, and generic detection of bacteria in platelet concentrates.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A large panel of bacteria involved in transfusion reactions, including clinical isolates and reference strains, was established. Sampling was performed 24 hours after platelet spiking. After an optimized culture step for increasing bacterial growth, a microbead‐based immunoassay allowed the generic detection of bacteria. Antibody production and immunoassay development took place exclusively with bacteria spiked in fresh platelet concentrates to improve the specificity of the test.

RESULTS

Antibodies for the generic detection of either gram‐negative or gram‐positive bacteria were selected for the microbead‐based immunoassay. Our approach, combining the improved culture step with the immunoassay, allowed sensitive detection of 1 to 10 CFUs/mL for gram‐negative and 1 to 102 CFUs/mL for gram‐positive species.

CONCLUSION

In this study, a new approach combining bacterial culture with immunoassay was developed for the generic and sensitive detection of bacteria in platelet concentrates. This efficient and easily automatable approach allows tested platelets to be used on Day 2 after collection and could represent an alternative strategy for reducing the risk of transfusion‐transmitted bacterial infections. This strategy could be adapted for the detection of bacteria in other cellular products.
MicroRNA fingerprints in serum and whole blood of sarcoid‐affected horses as potential non‐invasive diagnostic biomarkers
Authors: Unger Lucia , Gerber Vinzenz , Pacholewska Alicja , Leeb Tosso , Jagannathan Vidhya
Published: November 2018

Serum and whole blood microRNA (miRNA) fingerprints have been proposed as a new class of non‐invasive human cancer biomarkers. In this study, we compared equine sarcoid (ES) disease‐specific serum and whole blood miRNA fingerprints and correlated them to miRNA expression in sarcoid tissue. After high throughput sequencing, miRNA differential expression analysis between six ES‐affected and five control horses was carried out in serum and whole blood using a DESeq algorithm, accounting for the influence of hemolysis and the white blood cell count. Target gene, pathway prediction and enrichment analyses were conducted using TarBase, mirPath and GeneCodis. After exclusion of 4 hemolyzed out of a total of 11 serum samples, 9 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in serum of ES vs control horses. In whole blood, all 11 samples showed normal white blood cell counts and 19 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed. A total of 2/9 serum and 7/19 whole blood differentially expressed miRNAs were also highly expressed at the tissue level and their predicted target genes were associated with cancer pathways. Serum and whole blood miRNA expression allowed discrimination between ES and control horses and merits further validation in a larger study cohort. The use of whole blood might be superior because it has higher miRNA content and is less influenced by pre‐analytical variables compared to serum. Concurrent dysregulation of single miRNAs in tissue and blood suggests a possible biological function of circulating miRNAs.
Surface Characterization by X–Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Polyethersulfone Hollow Fiber Membranes Modified with Surface Modifying Macromolecules
Authors: Bolong N. , Ismail A. F. , Salim M. R. , Rana D. , Matsuura T.
Published: November 2018

Novel charged–surface modifying macromolecules (cSMMs) were synthesized and incorporated into polyethersulfone(PES) hollow fiber membranes for water separation application. The macromolecules were synthesized with diisocynate, polypropylene oxide and poly(ethylene glycol)–hydroxybenzene sulfonate (PEG–HBS). In this study, the surface of polyethersulfone hollow fiber membranes prepared by the phase inversion method was modified using 1 wt.% of SMM and 22 wt.% PES concentration in the polymer casting solution. The effect of cSMM on PES hollow fiber membrane modification was investigated. Elemental analysis shows enrichment of oxygen and sulfone on the modified PES membrane bulk properties. In addition, the glass transition temperature confirms the miscibility of the cSMM in PES. Important relations between surface characteristics due to SMM modification with the PES membrane for water separation performance with respect to XPS characterization also highlighted.
Selection of Liquid Membrane Component for Lignosulfonate Removal from Liquid Waste Solution using Emulsion Liquid Membrane Process
Authors: Othman N. , Ooi Z. Y. , Harruddin N.
Published: November 2018

Removal of lignosulfonate from pulping process as an external biofuel and in specialty chemicals is growing such as in production of vanillin, animal feed pellets binder, pesticides, ect. Though lignosulfonate(LS) is nontoxic, it imparts brownish black colour to the water bodies and makes them unsuitable for usage in other processes. Therefore the removal and recovery of LS is needed. This study examined the liquid membrane component selection of lignosulfonate(LS) removal from liquid waste solution using trioctylamine (TOA) as a mobile carrier in batch process using mixer settler. Several parameters have been investigated such as choice of diluents, effect of pH, concentration of carrier, concentration of LS solution, organic to aqueous treat ratio, choice of stripping agent and concentration of stripping agent. The results show that at favorable condition of 0.1M concentration of TOA in kerosene, pH 3 of solution, treat ratio 1:15 and 0.7 M NaOH solution as stripping agent showed that almost 90 percent of lignin was extracted and recovered in receiving phase.
Effect of Temperature on Sulfonated Poly (Ether Ether Ketone) Blended with Charged Surface Modifying Macromolecule Membrane for DMFCs
Authors: Mayahi A. , Jaafar J. , Mohd Norddin M. N. A. , Hassan H.
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this research was to determine the behavior of modified sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) with degree of sulfonation (DS) 68% blended by charged surface modifying macromolecule (cSMM) at different operating temperatures (room to 80°C) for direct methanol fuel cell application. The fabricated SPEEK (68)/cSMM membrane was compared with SPEEK (68) and Nafion112 membranes in terms of water uptake, proton conductivity, and methanol permeability at relatively high temperatures. The water uptake of SPEEK (68)/ cSMM was higher than that of SPEEK (68) and Nafion112 over the temperature ranges studied; however it was dissolved at 80°C. Proton conductivity of SPEEK (68)/cSMM showed improvement compared to SPEEK (68) at temperature range, but still lower than Nafion112, moreover methanol permeability behavior of fabricated membrane was lower at high temperatures as compared to that of SPEEK and Nafion112 and better overall performance was allocated to the fabricated membrane at 60°C.These results indicate that SPEEK (68)/cSMM membrane is promising to be used as a proton exchange membrane in direct methanol fuel cell.
Separation and Recovery of Cadmium(II) from Wastewater of Zinc Mining by Using Hollow Fiber Supported Liquid Membrane
Authors: Treephaiboon S. , Pancharoena U. , Lothongkumb A. W.
Published: November 2018

The extraction and recovery of cadmium(II) via a hollow fiber supported liquid membrane (HFSLM) containing D2EHPA as a carrier dissolved in kerosene. The various effects on extraction and recovery cadmium were studied pH of feed phase, concentration of extractant and pH of stripping phase. The extraction and recovery of cadmium by using the hollow fiber supported liquid membrane method were 97% and 57%, respectively. The transport of cadmium ions was achieved by driving force of the concentration gradient. The behavior of extraction and/or recovery in HFSLM could be demonstrated in mass-transfer coefficient among feed phase, membrane phase and stripping phase. Determining the limiting step controlling the mass transfer of cadmium ion used the permeability coefficient.
Mass Transfer and Extraction of Zinc from Rinse Water of Zinc Phosphate Coating via A Hollow Fiber Supported Liquid Membrane
Authors: Wisutthisaen Krittiya , Wannachod Pharannalak , Pancharoen Ura
Published: November 2018

The extraction of Zn(II) ions from phosphating rinsing waters in automotive assembly process was investigated though a hollow fiber supported liquid membrane (HFSLM) by using di(2-ethyhylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA)as a highly selective carrier for the transfer of zinc ions which diluted in kerosene and sulfuric acid solution have been used as the stripping solution. The various chemical parameters, such as the pH of the initial feed solution, the concentration of carrier, the concentration of stripping solution, the flow rate of feed and stripping solution were investigated. The optimum condition have been determined. The extraction of Zn(II) from feed phase was achieved at 91% by 8%(v/v) or 0.25 molar of D2EHPA. Mass transfer modeling in the systemwas developed to predict the extent of Zn(II) extraction at different time. Extraction equilibrium constant (Kex), distribution ratio (D), permeability (P) and mass transfer were determined. The aqueous-phase mass-transfer coefficient (Ki) and organic-phase mass-transfer coefficient (Km) were calculated.
Membrane Wetting in Membrane Contactor System: A Review
Authors: Naim R. , Abdullah S.
Published: November 2018

Chemical absorption is the most developed technology for carbon dioxide (CO2) removal in gas processing application. In a long term operation, this conventional method has suffered from significant drawback such as flooding, channelling, entrainment and foaming; therefore membrane contactor is seen as the perfect solution to overcome these problems. In principle, a perfect combination of membrane material and liquid absorbent is vital in membrane contactor system in order to avoid membrane wetting. This review presents the introduction to membrane contactor for CO2 removal via absorption and stripping process. Details on membrane wetting phenomena were discussed which includes the factors contributing to wetting problem and prevention methods to minimize these issues.
Preliminary Study of Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/Manganese Oxide Activated Carbon Nanofibers for Cd (II) Adsorption
Authors: Abdullah N. , Yusof N. , Jaafar J. , Ismail A. F. , Che Othman F E , Salleh W. N. W. , Misdan N.
Published: November 2018

In this work, activated carbon nanofibers (ACNFs) from precursor polyacrylnitrile (PAN) and manganese oxide (MnO2) were prepared via electrospinning process. The electrospun PAN/MnO2-based ACNFs were characterized in term of its morphological structure, functional group analysis and specific surface area using SEM-EDX, FTIR and BET analysis respectively. The comparative adsorption study of cadmium (II) ions from aqueous solution between the neat ACNFs, composite ACNFs and commercial granular activated carbon was also conducted. SEM analysis illustrated that composite ACNFs have more compact fibers with presence of MnO2 beads with smaller fiber diameter of 437.2 nm as compared to the neat ACNFs which is 575.5 nm. BET analysis elucidated specific surface area of ACNFs/MnO2 to be 67 m2/g. Under adsorption study, it was found out that Cd (II) removal by ACNFs/MnO2 was the highest (97%) followed by neat ACNFs (96%) and GAC (74%).
Membranes, Chromatography and Membrane Chromatography. Separation Technologies for the Biopharm and Nutraceutical Era
Authors: V. Kale Aniket , Cheryan Munir
Published: November 2018

Membrane technology and process chromatography are widely used in the food, biopharmaceutical, nutraceutical and bioprocessing industries. Both techniques developed simultaneously and in parallel over the past few decades. The two technologies are complementary for the most part in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. Membrane chromatography integrates membranes and chromatography into one versatile technology. The resulting synergy has advantages and largely eliminates the disadvantages of the individual techniques, the most important being pore diffusion, thus leading to higher throughputs. This review compares the principles and applications of membranes, chromatography and membrane chromatography and their individual and combined roles in bioseparations.
Synthesis of Hydrophilic Polyelectrolyte as Draw Solute for Forward Osmosis Process
Authors: Khongnakorn W. , Bootluck W.
Published: November 2018

Synthesis and characterization of hydrophilic polyelectrolyte was performed in this work and used as draw solute for forward osmosis (FO) process. The effect of different ratios of acrylic acid (AA) and benzoyl peroxide (B) on the properties of polyelectrolyte was studied in this work. The physical and chemical properties of draw solution (DS) such as pH, conductivity, osmolality, viscosity, molecular weights and functional group were investigated. Results showed that the solution osmolality increased with increasing AA/B ratio. Self-synthesized polyelectrolytes with different molecular weights (MWs) were further correlated with its solution osmolality. The self-synthesized polyelectrolytes of PAA-K and PAA-Na showed an increasing of hydrophilic functional groups such as –OH or COOH. PAA-Na with lower MW and high osmotic pressure in the aqueous solution is found to exhibit a lower reverse solute flux during FO process. Meanwhile for the polyelectrolyte with higher MW, higher viscosity and lower diffusion coefficient were reported.
Slip Casting of Alumina for Membrane Application
Authors: Darunee B. , Tripob B.
Published: November 2018

Porous alumina membranes were prepared from alumina matrix, polyvinyl alcohol binder (1–5%) and calcium carbonate additive (0–3%). The disc–shaped alumina samples were fabricated by slip casting process. The alumina paste was sintered at different temperatures of 1100, 1200, 1300 and 1400°C. The results showed that the porosity of the porous membrane reached 45%–46% at 1300°C sintering for the mixtures of alumina matrix with 3% PVA and alumina matrix with 2% CaCO3 plus 3% PVA. The water permeability was 150 L/m2.h at 20 kPa and the hydraulic conductivity coefficient was 1.06 × 10–9 – 2.43 × 10–9 ms–1Pa–1. The density, linear shrinkage water absorption and mechanical strength were ca. 3.92 g/cm3, 1.61–1.71% and 20.45–21.92%, 17.26–21 MPa, respectively. The SEM micrographs of alumina membrane using PVA binder showed a dense surface layers. An increase of the PVA binder resulted in a higher pure water fluxes and bigger pore sizes. An increase of CaCO3 in a 3% PVA binder mixtures resulted in a little decrease of porosity but increase in linear shrinkage from 1.57 to 2.04% at 1300°C sintering.
Comparison of Cone Beam Computed Tomography and ultrasonography with two types of probes in the detection of opaque and non-opaque foreign bodies
Authors: Demiralp Kemal Osgur , Orhan Kaan , Kurşun-Çakmak Emine Şebnem , Gorurgoz Cansu , Bayrak Seval
Published: November 2018

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of intra-oral and extra-oral ultrasonographic (US) examinations performed with linear and convex probes in the detection of opaque and non-opaque foreign bodies (FBs) located in the maxillofacial area.Materials and methods: Thirteen different type of FBs were inserted into a sheep’s head: a) on the external bone surface of mandible (between the mandibular corpus and masseter muscle), b) in the intrinsic muscular tissue (in the dorsum of the tongue) and c) in the hollow structures (into the maxillary sinus of the sheep’s head). The FBs in muscle tissue were scanned intra-orally whereas FBs in bone external bone surface of mandible and in maxillary sinus were scanned both intra-orally and extra-orally. The sensitivity of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and US imaging methods in detection of FBs were compared for FBs on the bone surface and in the muscular tissue.Results: The intra-observer kappa coefficients provided identical values of 0.236 for the extra-oral convex probe, 0.461 for the intra-oral linear probe for overall FBs detection, which indicated notably poor to fair intra-observer agreement. The inter-observer agreement showed a poor agreement for the extra-oral use of linear probe (0.341 and 0.393) and extra-oral use of convex probe (0.319 and 0.335), However, a fair agreement was determined for use of probe intra-orally (0.530 and 0.534). Overall, the diagnostic accuracy of the CBCT was higher than the US regarding the visualization of FBs in the bone tissue.Conclusion: US with a linear probe should be the first choice for the detection of the low-radiodensity FBs, which are entrapped in the soft tissue. However, CBCT is a more sensitive technique for the visualization of FBs in air and bone tissue compared to the US, particularly for the diagnosis of high-radiodensity FBs.
Eruption made 536 ‘the worst year to be alive’
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: November 2018

Core from glacier reveals the Icelandic volcano that plunged Europe into darkness.
Large galaxy found lurking on the Milky Way's far side
Authors: Mann Adam
Published: November 2018

Antlia 2 rivals the Large Magellanic Cloud in size but is strangely dim, a puzzle for theorists.
Ice age impact
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: November 2018

A large asteroid struck Greenland in the time of humans. How did it affect the planet?
The multiple merger assembly of a hyperluminous obscured quasar at redshift 4.6
Authors: Díaz-Santos T. , Assef R. J. , Blain A. W. , Aravena M. , Stern D. , Tsai C.-W. , Eisenhardt P. , Wu J. , Jun H. D. , Dibert K. , Inami H. , Lansbury G. , Leclercq F.
Published: November 2018

Mergers drive a powerful dusty quasar

Massive galaxies in the early Universe host supermassive black holes at their centers. When material falls toward the black hole, it releases energy and is observed as a quasar. Astronomers found a population of powerful distant quasars that are obscured by dust, but it has been unclear how they are formed. Díaz-Santos
et al.
observed the dust-obscured quasar WISE J224607.56-052634.9 at submillimeter wavelengths, finding three small companion galaxies connected to the quasar by bridges of gas and dust. They inferred that galaxy mergers can provide both the raw material to power a quasar and large quantities of dust to obscure it.

Science
, this issue p.
1034
Protein assemblies ejected directly from native membranes yield complexes for mass spectrometry
Authors: Chorev Dror S. , Baker Lindsay A. , Wu Di , Beilsten-Edmands Victoria , Rouse Sarah L. , Zeev-Ben-Mordehai Tzviya , Jiko Chimari , Samsudin Firdaus , Gerle Christoph , Khalid Syma , Stewart Alastair G. , Matthews Stephen J. , Grünewald Kay , Robinson Carol V.
Published: November 2018

Innovating to be nondisruptive

Insights into the architecture and stoichiometry of membrane complexes have grown with advances in cryo–electron microscopy and native mass spectroscopy. However, most of these studies are not in the context of native membrane. Chorev
et al.
released intact membrane complexes directly from native lipid membrane vesicles into a mass spectrometer. They analyzed components of the
Escherichia coli
inner and outer membranes and the bovine mitochondrial inner membrane. For several identified complexes, they found a stoichiometry that differs from published results and, in some cases, confirmed interactions that could not be characterized structurally.

Science
, this issue p.
829
High-Dose Rifamycins Enable Shorter Oral Treatment in a Murine Model of Mycobacterium ulcerans Disease
Authors: Omansen Till F. , Almeida Deepak , Converse Paul J. , Li Si-Yang , Lee Jin , Stienstra Ymkje , van der Werf Tjip , Grosset Jacques H. , Nuermberger Eric L.
Published: November 2018

Buruli ulcer (BU), caused by
Mycobacterium ulcerans
, is a neglected tropical skin and soft tissue infection that is associated with disability and social stigma. The mainstay of BU treatment is an 8-week course of rifampin (RIF) at 10 mg/kg of body weight and 150 mg/kg streptomycin (STR).
Ischaemic heart disease and pregnancy
Authors: Cauldwell Matthew , Baris Lucia , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W , Johnson Mark R
Published: November 2018

Although ischaemic heart disease is currently rarely encountered in pregnancy, occurring between 2.8 and 6.2 per 100 000 deliveries, it is becoming more common as women delay becoming pregnant until later life, when medical comorbidities are more common, and because of the higher prevalence of obesity in the pregnant population. In addition, chronic inflammatory diseases, which are more common in women, may contribute to greater rates of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Pregnancy itself seems to be a risk factor for AMI, although the exact mechanisms are not clear. AMI in pregnancy should be investigated in the same manner as in the non-pregnant population, not allowing for delays, with investigations being conducted as they would outside of pregnancy. Maternal morbidity following AMI is high as a result of increased rates of heart failure, arrhythmia and cardiogenic shock. Delivery in women with history of AMI should be typically guided by obstetric indications not cardiac ones.
Novel range overlap of three ursids in the Canadian subarctic
Authors: Clark Douglas Andrew , Brook Ryan , Oliphant-Reskanski Chelsea , Laforge Michel P. , Olson Kiva , Rivet Danielle
Published: November 2018

We describe for the first time in the peer-reviewed literature observations of American black bear (Ursus americanus Pallas, 1780), grizzly bear (Ursus arctos Linnaeus, 1758), and polar bear (Ursus maritimus Phipps, 1774) at the same locations. Using remote cameras we documented 401 bear-visits of all three species at three camps in Wapusk National Park, Canada, from 2011–2017. These observations add to a growing body of evidence that grizzlies are undergoing a substantial range increase in northern Canada and the timing of our observations suggests denning locally. Polar and grizzly bears are of conservation concern regionally and internationally, so from the literature we assessed the potential effects on conservation efforts from interactions between these three species. In aggregate, those effects are likely to be positive for grizzlies and weakly negative for black and polar bears; further research is needed. Range overlap of these three species in this dynamic ecotonal region should not be viewed as a threat to any of them, but rather as an ecological response to environmental change that needs to be better understood.
Computing the Rectilinear Center of Uncertain Points in the Plane
Authors: Wang Haitao , Zhang Jingru
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we consider the rectilinear one-center problem on uncertain points in the plane. In this problem, we are given a set [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] (weighted) uncertain points in the plane and each uncertain point has [Formula: see text] possible locations each associated with a probability for the point appearing at that location. The goal is to find a point [Formula: see text] in the plane which minimizes the maximum expected rectilinear distance from [Formula: see text] to all uncertain points of [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] is called a rectilinear center. We present an algorithm that solves the problem in [Formula: see text] time. Since the input size of the problem is [Formula: see text], our algorithm is optimal.
Computer-Assisted Three-Dimensional Corrective Osteotomy for Malunited Fractures of the Distal Radius Using Prefabricated Bone Graft Substitute
Authors: Shintani Kosuke , Kazuki Kenichi , Yoneda Masahiro , Uemura Takuya , Okada Mitsuhiro , Takamatsu Kiyohito , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: November 2018

Background: Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) imaging has enabled more accurate preoperative planning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of a novel, computer-assisted, 3D corrective osteotomy using prefabricated bone graft substitute to treat malunited fractures of the distal radius.

Methods: We investigated 19 patients who underwent the computer-assisted 3D corrective osteotomy for a malunited fracture of the distal radius after the operation was stimulated with CT data. A prefabricated bone graft substitute corresponding to the patient’s bone defect was implanted and internal fixation was performed using a plate and screws. We compared postoperative radiographic parameters of the patient’s operated side with their sound side and analyzed clinical outcomes using Mayo wrist score.

Results: All patients achieved bone union on X-ray imaging at final follow-up. The mean differences of palmar tilt, radial inclination and ulnar variance between the operation side and the sound side were 4.3°, 2.3° and 1.2 mm, respectively. The Mayo wrist score was fair in 4 patients and poor in 15 patients before surgery. At the final follow-up after surgery, the scores improved to excellent in 3 patients, good in 11 patients and fair in 5 patients. There were two patients with correction loss at the final follow-up, but no patient complained of hand joint pain.

Conclusions: We believe that computer-assisted 3D corrective osteotomy using prefabricated bone graft substitute achieved good results because it worked as a guide to the accurate angle.
Flexor Tendon Injuries and Repairs: A Single Centre Experience
Authors: Chang Min Kai , Tay Shian Chao
Published: November 2018

Background: Although flexor tendon injuries cause significant morbidities and socio-economic implications, there have been limited data on patient demographics, injury characteristics and surgical details. The aim of this study is to describe our experience in flexor tendon injuries and repairs.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study of all digital flexor tendon injuries that were repaired from January 2011 to December 2014. The collected data included patient demographics, injury characteristics and surgical details.

Results: A total of 214 patients, 308 digits with 446 flexor tendon repairs were identified. We found that males, non-residents, and 20–29 age group were most prone to flexor tendon injuries. Cleaners, labourers and related occupations were the most vulnerable. The mechanism of injury was usually work-related and mostly caused by glass. Most injuries involve both flexor digitorum profundus and flexor digitorum superficialis tendons. Concomitant digital nerve and vessel injuries were common. Most patients suffered zone 2 laceration of a single digit of the non-dominant hand. Most patients underwent procedures that lasted 1 to 2 hours, including multiple flexor tendon repairs, microsurgical repairs and other interventions.

Conclusions: This study is the largest study on patient demographics, injury characteristics and surgical details on flexor tendon injuries and repairs. It could be used to plan resources and policies for the management and prevention of flexor tendon injuries.
Screw Length Optimization of a Volar Locking Plate Using Three Dimensional Preoperative Planning in Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Totoki Yasukazu , Yoshii Yuichi , Kusakabe Takuya , Akita Kenichi , Ishii Tomoo
Published: November 2018

Background: A three-dimensional (3D) digital pre-operative planning system for the osteosynthesis of distal radius fracture was developed. The objective of this study was to evaluate screw choices for three-dimensional (3D) digital pre-operative planning of osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures and to compare with the screw choices for the conventional method.

Methods: Distal radius fracture patients who underwent osteosynthesis using volar locking plates were evaluated. Thirty wrists in the plan group utilized 3D preoperative planning, and nineteen wrists in the control group utilized conventional preoperative assessment. In the plan group, the 3D preoperative planning was performed prior to surgery. The reduction was simulated with 3D image, and the implant choice/placement also simulated on the 3D image. In the control group, standard preoperative planning was performed using posterior-anterior and lateral view radiographs, and CT scan. After the planning, osteosynthesis was performed. During the surgery, the operator performed the reduction and the placement of the plate while comparing images between the pre-operative plan and fluoroscopy. The distal screw lengths and the anteroposterior diameter of the radius along the axis of the distal screws were measured. The ratios of the screw length and radius diameter were evaluated. The screw/radius ratios within the range of 0.75–1.00 were considered appropriate. The screw choices less than 0.75, or greater than 1.00 were considered inappropriate. The rate of appropriate screw choices were compared between plan and control groups.

Results: The results of appropriate screw choices were 86.1% and 74.8% in the plan group and the control group, respectively. The inappropriate screw choices were 14.0% and 25.2% in the plan group and the control group, respectively. The three-dimensional planning significantly increased appropriate screw choices compared to the conventional planning (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Three-dimensional digital preoperative planning is useful for the optimization of screw lengths in osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures.
Cadaveric Dissection of the Axillary Nerve: An Investigation of Extra-Muscular and Intra-Muscular Branching Patterns
Authors: Rastogi Pratik , Stewart David A. , Lawson Richard D. , Tremblay Dominique M. , Smith Belinda J. , Tonkin Michael A.
Published: November 2018

Background: Variations in the axillary nerve branching patterns have been reported. The aim of the study is to investigate the extra- and intra-muscular course of the axillary nerve and quantify the regional innervation of the deltoid.

Methods: In fresh frozen specimens, the origin of the axillary nerve from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus and its extra- and intra-muscular course were identified. Muscle dimensions, branching patterns and the distance from the axillary nerve origin to major branches were measured. The weights of muscle segments supplied by major branches of the axillary nerve were recorded.

Results: Twenty-three cadaveric dissections were completed. The axillary nerve bifurcated within the quadrangular space in all cases. The mean distance from the origin to bifurcation of the axillary nerve was 39 ± 13 mm; from axillary nerve bifurcation to the teres minor branch was 13 ± 6 mm; and from axillary nerve bifurcation to the middle branch of anterior division was 26 ± 11 mm. The nerve to teres minor and superior lateral brachial cutaneous nerve originated from the posterior division or common trunk in all cases. No fibrous raphe were identified separating anterior, middle and posterior deltoid segments. The anterior division of axillary nerve supplied 85 ± 4% of the deltoid muscle (by weight). The posterior division supplied 15 ± 4% of the deltoid muscle (by weight). The posterior deltoid was supplied by both anterior and posterior divisions in 91.3% of cases.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates a consistent branching pattern of the axillary nerve. The anterior division of the axillary nerve innervates all three deltoid segments in most instances (85% of the deltoid by weight). This study supports the concept of re-innervation of the anterior division alone in isolated axillary nerve injuries.
An Exploratory Study Using Semi-Tabular Plate in Zone II Flexor Tendon Repair
Authors: Wong Yoke-Rung , Jais Ita Suzana Mat , Chang Min-Kai , Lim Beng-Hai , Tay Shian-Chao
Published: November 2018

Background: This study evaluated the feasibility of using a low-profile titanium (Ti) plate implant, also known as the Ti-button, for Zone II flexor tendon repair. We hypothesize that the use of the Ti-button can distribute the tensile force on the digital flexor tendons to achieve better biomechanical performance.

Methods: Twenty lacerated porcine flexor tendons were randomly divided into two groups and repaired using Ti-button or 6-strand modified Lim-Tsai technique. Ultimate tensile strength, load to 2 mm gap force, and mode of failure were recorded during a single cycle loading test. We also harvested twelve fingers with lacerated flexor digitorum profundus tendons from six fresh-frozen cadaver hands and repaired the tendons using either Ti-button method or modified Lim-Tsai technique. A custom-made bio-friction measurement jig was used to measure the gliding resistance and coefficient of friction of the tendon sheath interface at the A2 pulley.

Results: The ultimate tensile strength, load to 2 mm gap force, stiffness, and gliding resistance of the Ti-button repairs were 101.5 N, 25.7 N, 7.8 N/mm, and 2.2 N respectively. Ti-button repairs had significantly higher ultimate tensile strength and stiffness than the modified Lim-Tsai repair. However, Ti-button also increased the gliding resistance and coefficient of friction but there was no significant difference between the two repair techniques.

Conclusions: Ti-button repair displayed comparable mechanical properties to the traditional repair in terms of 2-mm gap formation and gliding resistance, but with a stronger repair construct. Thus, this deepened our interest to further investigate the potential of using Ti-button implant in Zone II flexor tendon repair by studying both the mechanical and biochemical (tendon healing) properties in more in-depth.
Which Factors Affect the Rate of Surgery Performed in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Authors: Lee Yo-Han , Kim Jihyeung , Cho Jaewoo , Lee Min Ho , Oh Sohee , Bae Kee Jeong
Published: November 2018

Background: Carpal tunnel release is recommended when patients have positive electrophysiologic test and their symptoms are not resolved in spite of conservative treatment. However, only some of them eventually undergo the surgery. The purposes of this study, therefore, were to evaluate the rate of carpal tunnel release performed among the patients with positive electrophysiologic test, and to identify which factors were associated with the rate of the surgery.

Methods: Subjects of this study were 865 wrists of 508 patients (90 males and 418 females) who were diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome between January 2013 and December 2016. The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome was confirmed by electrophysiologic test, and only the patients who were followed up for more than 1 year were enrolled in this study. The average age at the time of the electrophysiologic test performed was 61.4 years, and the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome was evaluated according to the Bland scale (Gr 1–6) based on the electrophysiologic test. Whether or not the patients received carpal tunnel release was evaluated at the last follow-up visit.

Results: Among the 865 wrists, carpal tunnel release was performed on 528 wrists (61%). Rate of the surgery performed significantly increased in patients with more severe grades on electrophyisiologic test. More patients in female (63.3%) than in male (50.3%) and more patients with age under 60 (67.5%) than age over 60 (57.1%) received the surgery. However, there was no significant difference in the rate of carpal tunnel release according to the bilaterality or dominant hand.

Conclusions: The rate of carpal tunnel release among the patients diagnosed and confirmed as carpal tunnel syndrome was not higher than we expected. We should also pay more attention to the patients who did not undergo carpal tunnel release and investigate the reasons why those patients did not undergo surgery.
A Case of Thumb Polydactyly which Ulnar Thumb Has No Active Motion in Ring Chromosome 4
Authors: Kishi Yoko , Ikeda Hitoshi
Published: November 2018

The objective of this study was to clarify the difference in thumb deformity between our case with ring chromosome 4 and thumb polydactyly, in which ulnar side was small and had no active motion, and other cases of ring chromosome 4, by analyzing previous reports. Our case had bilateral atypical thumb polydactyly, which was classified as type 4 on the right side and type 5 on the left side, according to the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand: Modified International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand classification. Of the 39 cases in previous reports, 20 (51.3%) had thumb deformities. Among them, 19 cases (95%) showed radial ray deficiency and only 1 case (5%) showed bilateral thumb polydactyly. Clinodactyly was seen in 5 cases (12.8%). Foot deformities were present in 6 cases (15.4%). We discussed about thumb polydactyly with and without chromosomal deformities.
Corrective Osteotomy with Autogenous Bone Graft with Callus after Malunion of Distal Radius Fracture
Authors: Goto Kenji , Naito Kiyohito , Sugiyama Yoichi , Kinoshita Mayuko , Nagura Nana , Kajihara Hajime , Iwase Yoshiyuki , Kaneko Kazuo
Published: November 2018

Corrective osteotomy with callus filling at fracture site for malunion after distal radius fracture is a rare technique, but it achieved a favorable postoperative outcome. The patient, 66-year-old female, visited our hospital 4 months after distal radius fracture. Corrective osteotomy of the distal radius was planned aiming at improving the wrist joint function, and was performed using a volar locking plate, then the bone defect was filled with callus as autogenous bone grafting. At 12 months after surgery, left wrist joint pain and the range of motion have improved, and the Mayo wrist score was excellent. To our knowledge, there has been no study on the treatment of bone defects by filling with callus. Since favorable bone fusion was achieved with callus, this treatment method may overcome the disadvantages of autogenous bone graft, such as pain at the donor region.
Existing or Worsening Symptoms of Kienböck’s Disease after Distal Radius Fracture: Two Case Reports
Authors: Ogawa Takeshi , Asakawa Shunsuke
Published: November 2018

We report two rare cases of existing or worsening symptoms due to Kienböck’s disease after distal radius fracture (DRF). During examination, radiographs show changes in the lunate bone; there was persistent wrist pain after treatment for DRF. In each case, surgeries were performed: A combined therapy (bone marrow transfusion, bone peg graft, external fixation, and low intensity pulsed ultrasound) for one, as well as carpal coalition for another. The etiology of these case presentations suggest that a compression fracture of the lunate due to a DRF resulted in softening and sclerosis.
Locked Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Little Finger in Extension Position due to the Incarceration of a Chronic Fracture Fragment: A Case Report
Authors: Asakawa Shunsuke , Ogawa Takeshi
Published: November 2018

We managed a case of locked metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger in the extension position. Incarceration of a chronic osteochondral fracture fragment led to this unique condition. The fracture fragment partially adhered to the volar plate and ulnar collateral ligament on the joint side, which is supposed to have resulted in manually irreducible locking of the joint. We performed open reduction and achieved release of the locked joint by excising the fracture fragment.
Congenital Great Toe Hypoplasia Equivalent to a Grade 3 Hypoplastic Thumb in a Patient with VACTERL Association
Authors: Mende Konrad , Tonkin Michael A.
Published: November 2018

Lower limb malformations in VACTERL patients are extremely rare and the most common anomalies are found in the tibial ray. We present the case of a 15 month old male with VACTERL and, additionally, a hypoplastic hallucal ray of the right foot in conjunction with a floating preaxial polydactyly. The great toe hypoplasia is similar to a grade 3b thumb hypoplasia with absence of the proximal two-thirds of the first metatarsal on the plain X-ray. We would like to draw the attention of hand surgeons to anomalies of the tibial ray, which, although rare, are the most common pattern of lower limb malformations in VACTERL association. All patients with VACTERL defects should be assessed for these additional findings.