bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Full-colour carbon dots: integration of multiple emission centres into single particles
Authors: Ju Bo , Nie Hui , Liu Zhihe , Xu Haijiao , Li Minjie , Wu Changfeng , Wang Hongda , Zhang Sean Xiao-An
Published: August 2017

The single particle fluorescence behaviors of F–C dots are comprehensively studied by TIRFM. It provides conclusive evidence that a single F–C dot has multiple emission centres and can feature excitation dependent multicolour emissions.
Novel poly(aniline-co-3-amino-4-methoxybenzoic acid) copolymer for the separation and recovery of Pd(ii) from the leaching liquor of automotive catalysts
Authors: Zhong Lijiang , Zhang Jinyan , Zhang Qin , Chen Muhan , Huang Zhangjie
Published: August 2017

The PANI–AMB copolymers were prepared and used for separation and recovery palladium from the leaching solutions of the automotive catalysts.
Preparation and rheological properties of a stable aqueous foam system
Authors: Jing Jiaqiang , Sun Jie , Zhang Ming , Wang Chunsheng , Xiong Xiaoqin , Hu Ke
Published: August 2017

New stable aqueous foam was prepared, and the effects of different factors on its rheological property were systematically investigated.
Impact of the structures of macrocyclic Michael acceptors on covalent proteasome inhibition
Authors: Kitahata S. , Yakushiji F. , Ichikawa S.
Published: August 2017

A systematic analysis of the structure–activity relationship of a series of syringolin analogues, which are irreversible covalent inhibitors of proteasomes.
BIAN based functional diimine polymer binder for high performance Li ion batteries
Authors: Patnaik Sai Gourang , Vedarajan Raman , Matsumi Noriyoshi
Published: August 2017

A bis-imino-acenaphthenequinone (BIAN)–fluorene copolymer (π conjugated polymer bearing BIAN and fluorene units) binder was designed, synthesised and used for the fabrication of a graphite electrode in lithium-ion batteries.
Cytokines of the IL-1 family: recognized targets in chronic inflammation underrated in organ transplantations
Authors: Striz Ilja
Published: August 2017

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) family is a group of cytokines with multiple local and systemic effects, which regulates both innate and adaptive immune responses. Generally, most IL-1 family cytokines express prevailing pro-inflammatory activities (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-18, IL-33, IL-36 α, β, γ), whereas others are anti-inflammatory (IL-1Ra (IL-1 receptor antagonist), IL-36Ra, IL-38, IL-37). In addition to their immunomodulatory roles, some of them are also involved in the physiological modulation of homeostatic processes and directly affect mRNA transcription. IL-1 family cytokines bind to specific receptors composed of a ligand-binding chain and an accessory chain. The pro-inflammatory effects of IL-1 family cytokines are regulated on the level of transcription, enzymatic processing of precursors, release of soluble antagonists, and expression of decoy receptors. Members of the IL-1 family regulate the recruitment and activation of effector cells involved in innate and adaptive immunity, but they are also involved in the pathogenesis of chronic disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and various autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. There are only limited data regarding the role of IL-1 cytokines in transplantation. In recent years, targeted therapeutics affecting IL-1 have been used in multiple clinical studies. In addition to the recombinant IL-1Ra, anakinra (highly effective in autoinflammatory diseases and tested for other chronic diseases), the monoclonal antibodies canakinumab, gevokizumab, and rilonacept (a long-acting IL-1 receptor fusion protein) provide further options to block IL-1 activity. Furthermore, new inhibitors of IL-18 (GSK 1070806, ABT-325, rIL-18BP (IL-18 binding protein)) and IL-33 (CNTO-7160) are presently under clinical studies and other molecules are being developed to target IL-1 family cytokines.
Alveolar and Postalveolar Voiceless Fricative and Affricate Productions of Spanish–English Bilingual Children With Cochlear Implants
Authors: Li Fangfang , Bunta Ferenc , Tomblin J. Bruce
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This study investigates the production of voiceless alveolar and postalveolar fricatives and affricates by bilingual and monolingual children with hearing loss who use cochlear implants (CIs) and their peers with normal hearing (NH).

Method

Fifty-four children participated in our study, including 12 Spanish–English bilingual CI users (
M
= 6;0 [years;months]), 12 monolingual English-speaking children with CIs (
M
= 6;1), 20 bilingual children with NH (
M
= 6;5), and 10 monolingual English-speaking children with NH (
M
= 5;10). Picture elicitation targeting /s/, /tʃ/, and /ʃ/ was administered. Repeated-measures analyses of variance comparing group means for frication duration, rise time, and centroid frequency were conducted for the effects of CI use and bilingualism.

Results

All groups distinguished the target sounds in the 3 acoustic parameters examined. Regarding frication duration and rise time, the Spanish productions of bilingual children with CIs differed from their bilingual peers with NH. English frication duration patterns for bilingual versus monolingual CI users also differed. Centroid frequency was a stronger place cue for children with NH than for children with CIs.

Conclusion

Patterns of fricative and affricate production display effects of bilingualism and diminished signal, yielding unique patterns for bilingual and monolingual CI users.
Data‐driven adaptive fault‐tolerant control for a class of multiple‐input–multiple‐output linear discrete‐time systems
Authors: Li Zhe , Yang Guang‐Hong
Published: August 2017

In this study, a data‐driven adaptive fault‐tolerant control (FTC) scheme is proposed for a class of linear discrete‐time multiple‐input and multiple‐output systems. With the unknown system model, the nominal controller with an observer‐based residual generator is first developed based on the system input and output (I/O) data in the fault‐free case; in the faulty case, the fault tolerant compensation mechanism is designed based on the model‐free adaptive control method. Compared to the existing data‐driven FTC methods, the number of the fault‐tolerant tuning parameters in this study is determined by the system I/O dimensions instead of arbitrarily defined, which may lead to fewer tuning parameters with satisfactory performance. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is illustrated by two simulation examples.
Performance evaluation of floating solar chimney power plant in Iran: estimation of technology progression and cost investigation
Authors: Maghrebi Mohammad Javad , Masoudi Nejad Reza
Published: August 2017

High direct solar radiation and the vast desert areas in Iran are the main factors to the attraction in using solar technologies such as floating solar chimney power plant (FSCPP) for electrical and thermal productions of energy. This article studies the performance of floating solar chimney technology for manufacturing purpose. In order to find the best area for the FSCPP, 14 different areas across the country are considered. The results revealed that FSCPP can produce 5–200 MW of electrical energy. Then a study was performed according to the return of finance rate, net price value, and finance return period criterions. The results showed that these power plants are able to be built in large scales of 100 and 200 MW of electricity with the annual capacity of 311 and 641 GW, respectively. However, a comparison between the cost analysis of two tested models shows that the 200 MW power plant with the cost of 14,273.64 Rials is more beneficial.‏
Nef–Perkow–Mumm Cascade towards Imido Phosphate Derivatives
Authors: El Kaïm Laurent , Dos Santos Aurélie , Cordier Marie
Published: August 2017

A one-pot, four-component synthesis of imido phosphates has been achieved using a Nef–Perkow sequence followed by addition of carboxylic acid derivatives. The final imido moiety is formed via a Mumm rearrangement of an intermediate imidate.
Neonatal-Onset Recurrent Guillain–Barré Syndrome-Like Disease: Clues for Inherited CD59 Deficiency
Authors: Ardicli Didem , Taskiran Ekim , Kosukcu Can , Temucin Cagri , Oguz Kader , Haliloglu Goknur , Alikasifoglu Mehmet , Topaloglu Haluk
Published: August 2017

Inherited CD59 deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by chronic hemolysis, recurrent ischemic central nervous system strokes, and early-onset relapsing peripheral demyelinating neuropathy mimicking recurrent Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). We report a 7-year-old girl who presented with neonatal-onset relapsing weakness accompanied by diffuse sensory-motor demyelinating peripheral polyneuropathy. She was diagnosed as having a CIDP-like disease and partially responded to immunomodulatory treatments. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed multiphasic brainstem and cerebellar ischemic lesions consistent with vasculopathy and chronic left middle cerebral artery infarction. Whole exome sequencing (WES) analysis revealed a frameshift deletion in CD59 (c.146delA, p.Asp49Valfs*31). Inherited CD59 deficiency should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with early-onset severe neurologic symptoms even without an overt hemolysis. We would like to highlight the role of WES in the diagnosis of a condition with a targeted therapy.
Intramuscular Perfusion Response in Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS): A Quantitative Analysis with Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS)
Authors: Kellermann Marion , Heiss Rafael , Swoboda Bernd , Gelse Kolja , Freiwald Jürgen , Grim Casper , Nagel Armin , Uder Michael , Wildner Dane , Hotfiel Thilo
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this study was to analyse intramuscular perfusion response in ultrastructural muscle lesions, by applying contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to a delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) model. Results of this analysis were compared to high-resolution 3 Tesla MRI T2-weighted sequences. 14 healthy participants were recruited. Average perfusion parameters, represented as Peak enhancement (contrast agent inflow) and wash-in area under curve (WiAUC) of the gastrocnemius (GM) and soleus muscle (SM) were assessed before (baseline) and 60 h after inducing DOMS by eccentric exercise. Additionally, conventional ultrasound, high-resolution 3T MRI, creatine kinase level, range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint, calf circumference and muscle soreness data were collected. Perfusion quantification revealed a statistically significant increase of intramuscular perfusion, corresponding to an increase in peak enhancement of 129.6% (p=0.0031) and in WiAUC of 115.2% (p=0.0107) in the gastrocnemius muscle at post-intervention. At follow-up, the MRI investigations showed intramuscular oedema for GM in all participants corresponding to a significant rise in T2 signal intensity (p=0.001) and in T2 time value (p=0.005). CEUS seems to be able to detect intramuscular perfusion changes and therefore may contribute to gaining deeper insight into the histopathology, inflammatory reactions and regeneration processes of ultrastructural muscle lesions.
Pilotstudien sind wichtig
Authors: Porthun Jan
Published: August 2017

Die Wichtigkeit von Pilotstudien, wie man sie schreibt und was sie bedeuten.

[Vogel S, Draper-Rodi J. The importance of pilot studies, how to write them and what they mean. In: International Journal of Osteopathic
Medicine 2017; 23: 2–3.]

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijosm.2017.02.001
Entwicklung des neuen Phytopharmakons Episalvan (Betulin) zur Wundheilung
Authors: Scheffler Armin
Published: August 2017

Das Projekt umfasst die Erschließung des pflanzlichen Wirkstoffs Triterpentrockenextrakt (Betulin) aus der Birkenrinde für die Wundheilung:

▪ mit den weltweit patentierten Erfindungen der „Betulin-Emulsion“ und des „Betulin-Oleogels“,

▪ dem innovativen klinischen Nachweis der beschleunigten Wundheilung,

▪ der publizierten Aufklärung der Wirkweise bei der Wundheilung bis auf die molekulare Ebene

▪ und der zentralen Europäischen Zulassung mit Qualitäts-, Unbedenklichkeits- und Wirksamkeitsnachweis im Januar 2016 für das Arzneimittel Episalvan.

Mit diesem Projekt haben wir gezeigt, dass wissenschaftlich fundierte Neuentwicklungen in der Phytotherapie in Europa möglich sind. Der Wirkstoff ist neu und die Indikation ist erstmals mit Studien evident belegt. Episalvan ist das erste Arzneimittel seiner Indikation und bis 2030 patentgeschützt. Zugleich ist es das erste Phytotherapeutikum in der Chirurgie, erschließt also ein neues Therapiefeld für die Phytotherapie.

Die Birkenrinde enthält in dem weißen Korkgewebe durchschnittlich 22 % Betulin, sodass der Wirkstoff nachhaltig aus der holzverarbeitenden Industrie Nordeuropas im Maßstab von mehreren 100 000 t jährlich zur Verfügung steht. Neben seinem höchsten Wert als Arzneimittel haben wir mit dem Aufbau eines innovativen kontinuierlichen Extraktionsverfahrens eine bisher ungenutzte pflanzliche Feinchemikalie der nachhaltigen industriellen Nutzung deutlich nähergebracht.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound features of hepatocellular carcinoma not detected during the screening procedure
Authors: Dong Yi , Wang Wen-Ping , Mao Feng , Dietrich Christoph
Published: August 2017

Aim The aim of this retrospective study is to report on the characteristics of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) of primarily not detected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during the screening procedure of patients at risk.

Methods Sixty-four patients with a finally solitary and histologically proven HCC not detected HCC during the screening procedure were retrospectively analyzed. Most of HCC lesions (90.6 %, 58/64) measured < 20 mm in diameter. All HCC lesions were not detected during the initial screening procedure but suspected using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. The final gold standard was biopsy or surgery with histological examination.

Results On CEUS, 62/64 (96.8 %) of HCC were characterized as an obviously hyperenhanced lesion in arterial phase, and 41/64 (64.1 %) of HCC were characterized as hypoenhancing lesions in the portal venous and late phases. During the arterial phase of CEUS, 96.8 % of HCC displayed homogeneous hyperenhancement. Knowing the CEUS and magnetic resonance imaging findings, 45/64 (70.3 %) could have been detected using B-mode ultrasound (BMUS).

Conclusion BMUS as a screening procedure is generally accepted. Contrast-enhanced imaging modalities have improved detection and characterization of HCC. Homogeneous hyperenhancement during the arterial phase and mild washout are indicative for HCC in liver cirrhosis.
Model predictive control of distributed generation micro-grids in island and grid connected operation under balanced and unbalanced conditions
Authors: Ghanbarian Mohammad Mehdi , Nayeripour Majid , Rajaei Amir Hosein , Jamshidi Fatemeh , Waffenschmidt Eberhard
Published: August 2017

Model Predictive Control (MPC) uses the model of system at current time to predict the system behavior at the future sampling interval in the prediction horizon and sets a number of variables to their references due to their controllability from input variables. This paper concentrates on the design and analysis of a controller for Distributed Generation (DG) microgrids in islanding and grid connected operation modes using a Receding Horizon MPC scheme. In this contribution, active and reactive powers are used in a cost function as an inner control loop to produce switching states. Two outer voltage and frequency droop loops share active and reactive powers between DGs in the microgrid. The design concept of the proposed control system is evaluated through simulation studies and experiment under different test scenarios. The impact of the simulation and the experimental results shows that the operations of the DG units within the microgrid can be coordinated effectively under the proposed control system to ensure stable operation of the overall microgrid and power quality improvement.
Effects of the pulse width on the reactive species production and DNA damage in cancer cells exposed to atmospheric pressure microsecond-pulsed helium plasma jets
Authors: Joh Hea Min , Choi Ji Ye , Kim Sun Ja , Kang Tae Hong , Chung T. H.
Published: August 2017

Plasma-liquid and plasma-cell interactions were investigated using an atmospheric pressure dc microsecond-pulsed helium plasma jet. We investigated the effects of the electrical parameters such as applied voltage and pulse width (determined by the pulse frequency and duty ratio) on the production of reactive species in the gas/liquid phases and on the DNA damage responses in the cancer cells. The densities of reactive species including OH radicals were estimated inside the plasma-treated liquids using a chemical probe method, and the nitrite concentration was detected by Griess assay. Importantly, the more concentration of OH resulted in the more DNA base oxidation and breaks in human lung cancer A549 cells. The data are very suggestive that there is strong correlation between the production of OH in the plasmas/liquids and the DNA damage.
Computational solutions of three-dimensional advection-diffusion equation using fourth order time efficient alternating direction implicit scheme
Authors: Saqib Muhammad , Hasnain Shahid , Mashat Daoud Suleiman
Published: August 2017

To develop an efficient numerical scheme for three-dimensional advection diffusion equation, higher order ADI method was proposed. 2nd and fourth order ADI schemes were used to handle such problem. Von Neumann stability analysis shows that Alternating Direction Implicit scheme is unconditionally stable. The accuracy and efficiency of such schemes was depicted by two test problems. Numerical results for two test problems were carried out to establish the performance of the given method and to compare it with the others Typical methods. Fourth order ADI method were found to be very efficient and stable for solving three dimensional Advection Diffusion Equation. The proposed methods can be implemented for solving non-linear problems arising in engineering and physics.
Engel's Law, Diet Diversity, and the Quality of Food Consumption
Authors: Clements Kenneth W. , Si Jiawei
Published: August 2017

Increasing income brings about a decline in the relative importance of food consumption, a wider spread of spending patterns, and a demand for higher‐quality goods. Using an index‐number approach, this article analyzes these three closely‐related tendencies. Stripping out the impact of prices from the dispersion of food expenditures gives a volume‐based measure of diet diversity that is relevant for nutrition. Using unpublished data from the World Bank's International Comparison Program for 31 items of food in more than 150 countries, we find that diets of rich countries are substantially more diverse than those of the poor; and that volumes are the more appropriate way to measure the inequality of diversity. The quality of the food basket, based on the luxury‐necessity distinction of consumption, increases with income, but the elasticity is small. There is a modest tendency for the structure of prices to be regressive since prices of luxuries relative to necessities are lower in richer countries. Additionally, our diversity and quality measures are shown to have implications for demand analysis and well‐being.
Endometriosis in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Specific Symptomatic and Demographic Profile, and Response to the Low FODMAP Diet
Authors: Moore Judith S. , Gibson Peter R. , Perry Richard E. , Burgell Rebecca E.
Published: August 2017

(Abstracted from Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2017;57:201–205)

For women presenting with chronic abdominal and/or pelvic symptoms, defining the cause (endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], or both) is challenging. Women with endometriosis are often misdiagnosed as having IBS, because many symptoms—dyspareunia and diarrhea and/or constipation—are similar to those reported by patients with IBS.
Accuracy and Clinical Value of Maternal Incidental Findings During Noninvasive Prenatal Testing for Fetal Aneuploidies
Authors: Brison Nathalie , van den Bogaert Kris , Dehaspe Luc , van den Oever Jessica M. E. , Janssens Katrien , Blaumeiser Bettina , Peeters Hilde , van Esch Hilde , van Buggenhout Griet , Vogels Annick , de Ravel Thomy , Legius Eric , Devriendt Koen , Vermeesch Joris R.
Published: August 2017

(Abstracted from Genet Med 2017;19(3):306–313)

Genome-wide shotgun sequencing of cell-free (cf)DNA from the serum of pregnant women can identify chromosomal imbalances in an unborn fetus. Although initially developed to screen for fetal trisomies 21, 18, and 13, several studies have now demonstrated that genome-wide analysis can also detect other fetal aneuploidies, segmental imbalances, and even submicroscopic copy-number variations (CNVs).
Exercise During Pregnancy
Authors: Perales María , Artal Raul , Lucia Alejandro
Published: August 2017

(Abstracted from JAMA 2017;317(11):1113–1114)

Historically, providers have generally advised pregnant women to avoid vigorous exercise during pregnancy because of concerns of adverse impact such as preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction. Such concerns were not evidence based and have contributed to the worldwide obesity epidemic.
Adenovirus Infection in Children With Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Renzi Samuele , Ali Salah , Portwine Carol , Mitchell David , Dix David , Lewis Victor , Price Victoria , Science Michelle , Sung Lillian
Published: August 2017

Background:

Children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are at high risk of life-threatening bacterial and fungal infection. However, little is known about the prevalence or severity of adenovirus infection in this population. Objective was to describe the characteristics, treatments and outcomes of adenovirus infection in children with newly diagnosed AML.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective chart review based upon 2 multicenter cohort studies that focused on identifying risk factors for infection in children with AML. Inclusion criteria were patients with de novo AML who were ≤18 years of age at diagnosis with a clinical specimen positive for adenovirus.

Results:

Among the 235 patients with AML, 12 (5.1%) had positive adenovirus testing. The most common site of isolation was stool (n = 11, 91.6 %), and the most frequent symptom was diarrhea (n = 11, 91.6 %). Two patients received specific treatment for adenovirus, namely intravenous immunoglobulin only in 1 patient and both intravenous immunoglobulin and inhaled ribavirin in a second patient. In 11 patients, adenovirus resolved uneventfully without recurrence, including 10 that received no adenovirus-specific therapy. However, 1 patient developed sepsis syndrome in the setting of disseminated adenoviral infection and died from multiorgan failure.

Conclusion:

In children with AML, adenovirus infection was rare and typically not associated with severe disease, even without specific treatment. However, disseminated and fatal disease can occur in this population. Further investigations are needed to identify pediatric AML patients at particular risk for severe adenovirus infection and to determine optimal treatment approaches in these patients.
Evaluation of Maximal Speech Intelligibility With Vibrant Soundbridge in Patients With Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Lee Hyun-Jin , Lee Jeon Mi , Choi Jae Young , Jung Jinsei
Published: August 2017

Objective:

The study investigated improvements in maximal speech intelligibility after Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) implantation and analyzed the effect of the hearing loss pattern on maximal speech intelligibility represented by a phonetically balanced word score (PBmax). The effect of middle ear implants on PBmax has not been evaluated yet.

Study Design:

Study.

Setting:

Tertiary academic medical center.

Patients/Interventions:

Sixty patients who underwent VSB from December 2011 to January 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. All the patients had hearing aids preoperatively.

Main Outcome Measures:

Pure-tone and speech audiometry were checked with and without hearing aids and then with the VSB. The patients were divided into two groups: flat and down-sloping type of hearing loss. PBmax score was evaluated at the most comfortable listening level before and after VSB implantation and compared with scores with/without HA.

Results:

PBmax for both conventional HA and VSB were significantly higher compared with the unaided condition. The improvement in speech recognition was significantly better using VSB than using HA (p = 0.003). However, there was no significant difference in the improvement provided by VSB and HA in patients with a flat hearing loss. Patients with a down-sloping audiogram showed significantly better improvement with VSB than with HA (p = 0.003). Moreover, patients with greater preoperative high-frequency hearing loss had greater improvement in PBmax after VSB implantation.

Conclusion:

Speech intelligibility can be significantly improved by VSB implantation, especially in patients with a down-sloping hearing loss. This finding can help select patients who will benefit most from VSB implantation.
Transgender Veterans’ Satisfaction With Care and Unmet Health Needs
Authors: Lehavot Keren , Katon Jodie G. , Simpson Tracy L. , Shipherd Jillian C.
Published: August 2017

Background:

Transgender individuals are overrepresented among Veterans. However, little is known regarding their satisfaction with Veterans Administration (VA) care and unmet health needs.

Objectives:

This study examined transgender Veterans’ satisfaction with VA medical and mental health care, prevalence of delaying care, and correlates of these outcomes.

Research Design:

We used data from transgender Veterans collected in 2014 through an online, national survey.

Subjects:

In total, 298 transgender Veterans living in the United States.

Measures:

We assessed patient satisfaction with VA medical and mental health care and self-reported delays in seeking medical and mental health care in the past year. Potential correlates associated with these 4 outcomes included demographic, health, and health care variables.

Results:

Over half of the sample used VA (56%) since their military discharge. Among transgender Veterans who had used VA, 79% were satisfied with medical care and 69% with mental health care. Lower income was associated with dissatisfaction with VA medical care, and being a transgender man was associated with dissatisfaction with VA mental health care. A substantial proportion reported delays in seeking medical (46%) or mental (38%) health care in the past year (not specific to VA). Screening positive for depression and/or posttraumatic stress disorder was associated with delays in seeking both types of care.

Conclusions:

Although the majority of transgender Veterans are satisfied with VA health care, certain subgroups are less likely to be satisfied with care. Further, many report delaying accessing care, particularly those with depression and/or posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Adapting health care settings to better engage these vulnerable Veterans may be necessary.
Clinical Epidemiology of Single Versus Multiple Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Bhalla Ish P. , Stefanovics Elina A. , Rosenheck Robert A.
Published: August 2017

Objective:

While research on substance abuse has largely focused on people who have a single substance use disorder (SUD), many people abuse multiple substances. Studies have yet to examine the distinctive characteristics of patients diagnosed with more than 1 SUD and how those with polysubstance use disorder (PSUD) differ from those with a single SUD.

Methods:

National Veterans Health Administration data from fiscal year 2012 were used to compare veterans diagnosed 1 SUD to veterans diagnosed with 2–3, and >3 SUDs on demographic characteristics, psychiatric and medical diagnoses, medical and psychiatric service utilization, and psychotropic medication fills. Comparisons of the 3 groups were based on bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results:

Of the 472,624 veterans with at least 1 diagnosed SUD, 346,329 (73.2%) had 1 disorder, 113,598 (24.0%) had 2–3, and 12,715 (2.7%) had >3 SUDs. Veterans with higher levels of PSUD were more likely to be black and homeless, were more likely to have hepatic disease as well as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and personality disorders. Higher levels of PSUD were associated with greater use of psychiatric inpatient care, residential and rehabilitative treatment, and with multiple psychotropic medication prescription fills.

Conclusions:

Veterans with PSUD have more severe problems along several dimensions and use more numerous and varied services than those with 1 SUD. This distinctive clinical profile warrants research to develop and evaluate methods for treating patients with complex multimorbid disorders that involve interactions between medical morbidity and psychosocial dysfunction.
Increased Health Care Utilization and Costs Among Veterans With a Positive Screen for Military Sexual Trauma
Authors: Brignone Emily , Gundlapalli Adi V. , Blais Rebecca K. , Kimerling Rachel , Barrett Tyson S. , Nelson Richard E. , Carter Marjorie E. , Samore Matthew H. , Fargo Jamison D.
Published: August 2017

Background:

The effects of sexual trauma on long-term health care utilization and costs are not well understood due to infrequent documentation of sexual trauma history in health care systems. The Veteran’s Health Administration provides a unique opportunity to address this constraint as sexual trauma is actively screened for as part of routine care.

Methods:

We used a retrospective cohort design to analyze Veteran’s Health Administration mental health and medical service utilization and costs as a function of a positive screen for exposure to military sexual trauma (MST) among Veterans of recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. We computed adjusted 5-year estimates of overall utilization and costs, and utilization and costs determined not to be related to MST.

Results:

The cohort included 426,223 men and 59,611 women. A positive MST screen was associated with 50% higher health care utilization and costs relative to a negative screen. Overall, a positive relative to negative MST screen was associated with a 5-year incremental difference of 34.6 encounters and $10,734 among women, and 33.5 encounters and $11,484 among men. After accounting for MST-related treatment, positive MST screen was associated with 11.9 encounters and $4803 among women, and 19.5 encounters and $8001 among men.

Conclusions:

Results demonstrate significant and consistent differences in health care utilization and costs between Veterans with a positive relative to negative MST screen. Even after accounting for MST-related care, a positive screen was associated with significantly higher utilization and costs. MST-related needs may be more readily recognized in women relative to men.
Pregnancy Outcomes Following Cervical Conization or Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedures
Authors: Gatta Luke A. , Kuller Jeffrey A. , Rhee Eleanor H. J.
Published: August 2017

Importance

Conservative excisional measures used to manage cervical dysplasia are often cited as risk factors for preterm labor in subsequent pregnancies.

Objective

We performed an evidence-based review of the obstetric complications following excisional procedures for cervical dysplasia in women of reproductive age.

Evidence Acquisition

Between 1993 and 2016, there were 7 published meta-analyses of cohort studies that consistently demonstrated an association between excisional cervical procedures and preterm labor. However, controversy remains as to whether the increased risk is due to the cervical amputation or to the risk factors that underlie the dysplasia.

Results

Although data suggest an association between excisional procedures and preterm labor, the choice of the control group may either overestimate or underestimate the relative risk. In addition, recent data suggest that depth of excision greater than 10 to 12 mm is associated with increases in risk of preterm birth.

Conclusions

Women with cervical dysplasia are at an increased baseline risk of preterm birth, and surgical excision confers additional risk. Pregnant patients with advanced cervical dysplasia or a history of surgical excision should be considered high-risk pregnancies.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians.

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, the learner should be better able to describe the incidence and risk factors for cervical dysplasia, discuss how these risk factors confound studies assessing pregnancy outcomes following excisional treatment, recognize that women with a history of cervical dysplasia likely have an increased baseline risk of preterm birth, and recall the controversy whether excisional treatment further increases this risk.
Body Mass Index 50 kg/m2 and Beyond: Perioperative Care of Pregnant Women With Superobesity Undergoing Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Smid Marcela Carolina , Dotters-Katz Sarah K. , Silver Robert M. , Kuller Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2017

Importance

Superobesity, defined as body mass index 50 kg/m2 or greater, is the fastest-growing obesity group in the United States. Currently, 2% of pregnant women in the United States are superobese, and 50% will deliver via cesarean delivery.

Objective

To review evidence of perioperative care during cesarean delivery among superobese women.

Evidence Acquisition

We performed an evidence-based review of maternal and neonatal risks of cesarean delivery and of intraoperative management and immediate postpartum care of superobese pregnant women. We also reviewed bariatric and general literature surgery on perioperative care of superobese patients.

Results

There is limited information to direct evidence-based care of superobese women who undergo cesarean delivery. Superobese women have a 30% to 50% risk of wound complications, a 20% risk of neonatal intensive care unit admission, and a 1% to 2% risk of maternal intensive care unit admission. Preoperative discussion with superobese women should include a review of maternal and fetal risks associated with cesarean delivery, as well as operative options including skin incision. Preoperative cefazolin with a 3-g dose, chlorhexidine skin preparation, and availability of adequate personnel for patient transfers are important evidence-directed approaches to reducing maternal and personnel morbidity. Postoperatively, early ambulation and chemical prophylaxis are reasonable, although there is a lack of evidence as to whether these measures prevent thromboembolic complications.

Conclusions and Relevance

Superobese women are at increased risk of cesarean delivery and resultant complications. Most evidence-directed recommendations for perioperative care are extrapolated from studies of obese women undergoing bariatric surgery. As the prevalence of reproductive-age women with superobesity increases, studies directed at this high-risk population are urgently need.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, the learner should be better able to describe maternal and neonatal risks of cesarean delivery among superobese women, describe preoperative considerations of cesarean delivery among superobese women, and recall evidence-based recommendations for intraoperative and postoperative management of cesarean delivery among superobese women.
Conserved Roles of Mouse DUX and Human DUX4 in Activating Cleavage-Stage Genes and MERVL/HERVL Retrotransposons
Authors: Hendrickson Peter G. , Doráis Jessie A. , Grow Edward J. , Whiddon Jennifer L. , Lim Jong-Won , Wike Candice L. , Weaver Bradley D. , Pflueger Christian , Emery Benjamin R. , Wilcox Aaron L. , Nix David A. , Peterson C. Matthew , Tapscott Stephen J. , Carrell Douglas T. , Cairns Bradley R.
Published: August 2017

(Abstracted from Nat Genet 2017;49(6):925–934)

After fertilization of the oocyte by the sperm cell, the primordial zygote carries 1 copy each of the maternal and the paternal genomes. This genetic information, however, is expressed only after the zygote divides a few times.
Plurality of Birth and Infant Mortality Due to External Causes in the United States, 2000–2010
Authors: Ahrens Katherine A. , Thoma Marie E. , Rossen Lauren M. , Warner Margaret , Simon Alan E.
Published: August 2017

(Abstracted from Am J Epidemiol 2017;185(5):335–344)

In the United States, external factors, such as accidental injury or assault, account for approximately 5% of infant mortality. While it is known that twins and higher-order multiples are 5 times more likely to die before 1 year of age than singletons, it is not clear how the risk of death due to external causes for multiples compares with that of singletons.
Comparisons of Coding and Noncoding Sequences to infer the Origin of Codon usage Bias
Authors: Mainali Prashant , Pathak Sobita
Published: August 2017

Codon usage bias is the preferential use of the subset of synonymous codons during translation. In this paper, the comparisons of normalized entropy and GC content between the sequence of coding regions ofEscherichia coli k12and noncoding regions (ncRNA, rRNA) of various organisms were done to shed light on the origin of the codon usage bias.The normalized entropy of the coding regions was found significantly higher than the noncoding regions, suggesting the role of the translation process in shaping codon usage bias. Further, when the position specific GC content of both coding and noncoding regions was analyzed, the GC2 content in coding regions was lower than GC1 and GC2 while in noncoding regions, the GC1, GC2, GC3 contents were approximately equal. This discrepancy is explained by the biased mutation coupled with the presence and absence of selection pressure. The accumulation of CG content occurs in the sequences due to mutation bias in DNA repair and recombination process. In noncoding regions, the mutation is harmful and thus, selected against while due to the degeneracy of codons in coding regions, a mutation in GC3 is neutral and hence, not selected. Thus, the accumulation of GC content occurs in coding regions, and thus codon usage bias occurs.
C. elegansHIF-1 is broadly required for survival in hydrogen sulfide
Authors: Topalidou Irini , Miller Dana L
Published: August 2017

Hydrogen sulfide is common in the environment, and is also endogenously produced by animal cells. Although hydrogen sulfide is often toxic, exposure to low levels of hydrogen sulfide improves outcome in a variety of mammalian models of ischemia-reperfusion injury. InCaenorhabditis elegans, the initial transcriptional response to hydrogen sulfide depends on thehif-1transcription factor, andhif-1mutant animals die when exposed to hydrogen sulfide. In this study, we use rescue experiments to identify tissues in whichhif-1is required to survive exposure to hydrogen sulfide. We find that expression ofhif-1from theunc-14promoter is sufficient to survive hydrogen sulfide. Althoughunc-14is generally considered to be a pan-neuronal promoter, we show that it is active in many non-neuronal cells as well. Using other promoters, we show that pan-neuronal expression ofhif-1is not sufficient to survive exposure to hydrogen sulfide. Our data suggest thathif-1is required in many different tissues to direct the essential response to hydrogen sulfide.
Mouse hue and wavelength-specific luminance contrast sensitivity are non-uniform across visual space
Authors: Denman Daniel J. , Luviano Jennifer A. , Ollerenshaw Douglas R. , Cross Sissy , Williams Derric , Buice Michael A. , Olsen Shawn R. , Reid R. Clay
Published: August 2017

Mammalian visual behaviors, as well as responses in the neural systems thought to underlie these behaviors, are driven by luminance and hue contrast. With tools for measuring activity in cell-type specific populations in the mouse during visual behavior gaining traction, it is important to define the extent of luminance and hue information that is behaviorally-accessible to the mouse. A non-uniform distribution of cone opsins in the mouse potentially complicates both luminance and hue sensitivity: opposing gradients of short (UV-shifted) and middle (blue/green) cone opsins suggest that hue discrimination and wavelength-specific luminance contrast sensitivity may differ depending on retinotopic location. Here we ask if, and how well, mice can discriminate color and wavelength-specific luminance across visuotopic space. We found that mice were able to discriminate hue, and were able to do so more broadly across visuotopic space than expected from the cone-opsin distribution. We also found wavelength-band specific differences in luminance sensitivity.
POLD replicates both strands of small kilobase-long replication bubbles initiated at a majority of human replication origins
Authors: Artemov Artem V. , Andrianova Maria A. , Bazykin Georgii A. , Seplyarskiy Vladimir B.
Published: August 2017

Error-prone mutants of polymerase epsilon (POLE*) or polymerase delta (POLD1*) induce a mutator phenotype in human cancers. Here we show that the rate of mutations introduced by POLD1* is elevated by 50%, while the rate of POLE*-induced mutations is decreased twofold, within one kilobase from replication origins. These results support a model in which POLD1 replicates both the leading and the lagging strands within a kilobase from an origin. The magnitude of the mutational bias suggests that the probability of an individual origin to initiate replication exceeds 50%, which is much higher than previous estimates. Using additional data from nascent DNA sequencing and Okazaki fragments sequencing (OK-seq) experiments, we showed that a majority of origins are firing at each replication round, but the initiated replication fork does not propagate further than 1Kb in both directions. Analyses based on mutational data and on OK-seq data concordantly suggest that only approximately a quarter of fired origins result in a processive replication fork. Taken together, our results provide a new model of replication initiation.
Identification and characterization of functional modules reflecting transcriptome transition during human neuron maturation
Authors: He Zhisong , Yu Qianhui
Published: August 2017

Background

Neuron maturation is a critical process in neurogenesis, during which neurons gain their morphological, electrophysiological and molecular characteristics for their functions as the central components of the nervous system.

Results

To better understand the molecular changes during this process, we combined the protein-protein interaction network and public single cell RNA-seq data of mature and immature neurons to identify functional modules relevant to the neuron maturation process in humans. The analysis resulted in 33 discriminable modules which participate in varied functions including energy consumption, synaptic functions and housekeeping functions such as translation and splicing. Based on the identified modules, we trained a neuron maturity index (NMI) model for the quantification of maturation states of single neurons or purified bulk neurons. Applied to multiple single neuron transcriptome data sets of neuron development in humans and mice, the NMI model made estimation of neuron maturity states which were significantly correlated with the neuron maturation trajectories in both species, implying the reproducibility and conservation of the identified transcriptome transition.

Conclusion

We identified 33 functional modules whose activities were significantly correlated with single neuron maturity states, which may play important roles in the neuron maturation process.
Neural entrainment determines the words we hear
Authors: Kösem Anne , Bosker Hans Rutger , Takashima Atsuko , Meyer Antje , Jensen Ole , Hagoort Peter
Published: August 2017

Low-frequency neural entrainment to rhythmic input has been hypothesized as a canonical mechanism that shapes sensory perception in time. Neural entrainment is deemed particularly relevant for speech analysis, as it would contribute to the extraction of discrete linguistic elements from continuous acoustic signals. Yet, its causal influence in speech perception has been difficult to establish. Here, we provide evidence that oscillations build temporal predictions about the duration of speech tokens that directly influence perception. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), we studied neural dynamics during listening to sentences that changed in speech rate. We observed neural entrainment to preceding speech rhythms persisting for several cycles after the change in rate. The sustained entrainment was associated with changes in the perceived duration of the last word’s vowel, resulting in the perception of words with radically different meanings. These findings support oscillatory models of speech processing, suggesting that neural oscillations actively shape speech perception.
Evolution of Hominin Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolism: From Africa to the New World
Authors: Harris Daniel N. , Ruczinski Ingo , Yanek Lisa R. , Becker Lewis C. , Becker Diane M. , Guio Heinner , Cui Tao , Chilton Floyd H. , Mathias Rasika A. , O’Connor Timothy D.
Published: August 2017

Background

The metabolic conversion of dietary omega-3 and omega-6 18 carbon (18C) to long chain (> 20 carbon) polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) is vital for human life. Fatty acid desaturase (FADS) 1 and 2 catalyze the rate-limiting steps in the biosynthesis of LC-PUFAs. TheFADSregion contains two haplotypes; ancestral and derived, where the derived haplotypes are associated with more efficient LC-PUFA biosynthesis and is nearly fixed in Africa. In addition, Native American populations appear to be nearly fixed for the lesser efficient ancestral haplotype, which could be a public health problem due to associated low LC-PUFA levels, while Eurasia is polymorphic. This haplotype frequency distribution is suggestive of archaic re-introduction of the ancestral haplotype to non-African populations or ancient polymorphism with differential selection patterns across the globe. Therefore, we tested theFADSregion for archaic introgression or ancient polymorphism. We specifically addressed the genetic architecture of theFADSregion in Native American populations to better understand this potential public health impact.

Results

We confirmed Native American ancestry is nearly fixed for the ancestral haplotype and is under positive selection. The ancestral haplotype frequency is also correlated to Siberian populations’ geographic location further suggesting the ancestral haplotype’ s role in cold weather adaptation and leading to the high haplotype frequency within Native American populations’. We also find that the Neanderthal is more closely related to the derived haplotypes while the Denisovan clusters closer to the ancestral haplotypes. In addition, the derived haplotypes have a time to the most recent common ancestor of 688,474 years ago which is within the range of the modern-archaic hominin divergence.

Conclusions

These results support an ancient polymorphism forming in theFADSgene region with differential selection pressures acting on the derived and ancestral haplotypes due to the old age of the derived haplotypes and the ancestral haplotype being under positive selection in Native American ancestry populations. Further, the near fixation of the less efficient ancestral haplotype in Native American ancestry suggests the need for future studies to explore the potential health risk of associated low LC-PUFA levels in Native American ancestry populations.