bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What to Consider in a Culturally Tailored Technology-Based Intervention?
Authors: Im Eun-Ok , Chee Wonshik , Hu Yun , Kim Sangmi , Choi Hanna , Hamajima Yuko , Chee Eunice
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this article is to identify practical issues in implementing a culturally tailored technology-based intervention among Asian American survivors of breast cancer. In a large-scale technology-based breast cancer intervention study, research team members wrote memos on issues in implementing a culturally tailored technology-based intervention and plausible reasons for the issues. Then, the content of the research diaries was analyzed, along with written records of the research team. The practical issues found in the research process included those related to (1) technology literacy and preferences; (2) language issues; (3) cultural attitudes, beliefs, and values; (4) intervention staff competence; (5) security and confidentiality issues; and (6) time and geographical constraints. Based on the issues, several recommendations are proposed for future research using culturally tailored technology-based interventions among racial and ethnic minorities.
Social environment modulates anxiogenic effects of caffeine in zebrafish
Authors: Neri Daniele , Ruberto Tommaso , Mwaffo Violet , Bartolini Tiziana , Porfiri Maurizio
Published: June 2018

Zebrafish has recently become a species of choice in a number of preclinical studies to examine whether and how psychoactive compounds modulate individual and social behaviors. Here, we sought to contribute an improved understanding of the effects of caffeine, a well-known anxiogenic compound, on the swimming activity and the collective response of zebrafish. To investigate how the social environment influences individual response to acute caffeine treatment, we measured the behavior of a caffeine-treated subject swimming in isolation or in the presence of a group of untreated conspecifics. The experimental paradigm used a recently developed automatic tracking system to extract individual trajectories of zebrafish and preserve their identities over time. Our results indicate that caffeine reduces the swimming activity of fish tested in isolation, and that this effect is mitigated by the presence of untreated conspecifics. The collective response is also influenced by caffeine exposure at low doses, whereby caffeine-treated subjects may act as group leaders by taking anticipatory turning manoeuvres that are followed by the rest of the group. While anxiogenic effects of caffeine could explain the reduction in the swimming activity, the observed variation in the collective response is likely related to the interplay between anxiogenic and psychostimulant properties of caffeine.
The Safety, Cosmetic Outcome, and Patient Satisfaction after Inferior Pedicle Reduction Mammaplasty for Significant Macromastia
Authors: Baslaim Muna M. , Al-Amoudi Shefaa Ahmed , Hafiz Mohammed , Al-Hazmi Wedyan Mohammed , Salman Budoor Ahmed , Al-Amoudi Mohammed Khalid
Published: June 2018

Background:

Significant macromastia is socially and physically debilitating. Reduction mammaplasty in these cases carries significant morbidity.

Methods:

Cases of inferior pedicle reduction mammaplasty performed at the breast unit, King Fahd Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, over the last 10 years were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were cases with significant macromastia in which the distance from the supra-sternal notch to the nipple was ≥ 40 cm.

Results:

There were 26 cases of inferior pedicle reduction mammaplasty done for significant macromastia. The average age was 34.56 years (range, 16–56 years). The average sternal notch to the nipple distance was 43.08 cm (range, 40–49 cm). The average amount of breast tissue removed from the right breast was 1,057.6 g (range, 495–2,450) and from the left breast was 959.4 g (range, 445–2,100). Postoperatively, 4/26 (15.4%) had ecchymosis, 9/26 (34.6%) developed T-junction sloughing, 2/26 (7.7%) had wound infection, and 1/26 (3.8%) had unilateral partial nipple-areola complex ischemia. In 7/26 (26.9%), scars were evident and revision was performed in 4/26 (15.4%) cases. Variable degrees of upper breast flattening and bottoming were seen in most cases; however, these variations were more profound in fatty breasts and longer pedicles. The average follow-up period was 26.04 months (range, 3–68 months). All patients were satisfied with the reduced breast heaviness, but only 19/26 (73.1%) were highly satisfied with the breast shape and scars.

Conclusions:

In cases of significant macromastia, inferior pedicle reduction mammaplasty is a safe procedure. Evident scars, upper breast flattening, and bottoming adversely affect the level of satisfaction.
Accuracy of Predicted Resection Weights in Breast Reduction Surgery
Authors: Kung Theodore A. , Ahmed Raouf , Kang Christine O. , Cederna Paul S. , Kozlow Jeffrey H.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Many insurance carriers continue to deny coverage for reduction mammaplasty unless a minimum amount of resected breast tissue per breast is achieved during surgery. This study investigates the accuracy of preoperative prediction that a minimum weight of 500 g can be resected and evaluates potential risk factors for not meeting this insurance requirement.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed on 445 patients with bilateral symptomatic macromastia who sought consultation for breast reduction surgery from 2007 to 2012. Women were included for analysis if they had documented predicted resection weights and underwent small-to-moderate breast reduction (< 1,000 g per side; n = 323). Relevant demographic information, mean predicted resection weight, and the mean actual resection weight were collected for analysis.

Results:

Surgeon prediction of resection weight being over 500 g had a positive predictive value of 73%. In 61 patients (19%), the predicted weights were ≥ 500 g, but the actual weights were < 500 g. Thirty percentage of these 61 patients did not meet either Schnur or minimum weight requirements. Women with a body mass index < 30 were at significantly increased odds (odds ratio, 3.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.89–7.48; P = 0.002) of not meeting the minimum weight requirement at surgery compared with patients with a body mass index ≥ 30.

Conclusions:

The common insurance criterion of removing ≥ 500 g per breast during breast reduction surgery are not met in a distinct cohort of women who are clinically appropriate candidates. This risk is particularly increased in nonobese women possibly due to proportionately smaller breast mass compared with obese women.
Peroneal Nerve Repair of a 9 Year Old: Return of Motor Function after 2 Years
Authors: Tessler Oren , Bourn Lynn , Kudji Jasmine , Tender Gabriel C.
Published: June 2018

Major factors that influence functional nerve recovery, postrepair, are length of the nerve defect, type of injury, operative technique, time until treatment, and age of the patient. We present a severe motor nerve defect in a complicated peroneal nerve injury in a 9-year-old that showed functional return after a delayed period of 23 months with sural nerve cable grafting. This case revealed the increased resiliency and regenerative capacity of motor end plates in young patients. In conclusion, autograft for a deep peroneal nerve repair, by means of sural nerve graft, proved to be an acceptable option in children.
Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Meloxicam in Subjects with Moderate-to-severe Pain Following Abdominoplasty
Authors: Singla Neil , Bindewald Matthew , Singla Sonia , Leiman David , Minkowitz Harold , McCallum Stewart W. , Mack Randall J. , Keller Rosemary , Freyer Alex , Du Wei
Published: June 2018

Background:

A nanocrystal intravenous (IV) formulation of meloxicam is being studied with the aim of providing postoperative analgesia.

Methods:

This randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated meloxicam IV 30 mg or placebo (≤ 3 doses) in 219 subjects undergoing abdominoplasty. The primary endpoint was the summed pain intensity difference over 24 hours postdose (SPID24).

Results:

Meloxicam IV–treated subjects had a statistically significant reduction in the least squares mean of SPID24 compared with placebo-treated subjects (−4,262.1 versus −3,535.7; P = 0.0145). Meloxicam IV was associated with statistically significant differences over placebo on several other secondary endpoints, including other SPID intervals (ie, SPID12, SPID48, and SPID24–48), achievement of perceptible pain relief, the proportion of subjects with a ≥ 30% improvement in the first 24 hours, and Patient Global Assessment of pain at hour 48. Meloxicam IV was also associated with a reduction in the number of subjects receiving opioid rescue medication during hours 24–48 and the total number of doses of opioid rescue analgesia. Meloxicam IV was generally well tolerated, with the numbers and frequencies of adverse events similar to that of the placebo group. There was no evidence of an increased risk of adverse events commonly associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including bleeding, thrombotic, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, cardiovascular, injection site, and wound healing events.

Conclusion:

Meloxicam IV provided sustained pain relief and generally was well tolerated in subjects with moderate-to-severe pain following abdominoplasty.
Food and Drug Administration, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Optometry, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, American Optometric Association, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists Co-Sponsored Workshop: Controlling the Progression of Myopia: Contact Lenses and Future Medical Devices
Authors: Walline Jeffrey J. , Robboy Marc W. , Hilmantel Gene , Tarver Michelle E. , Afshari Natalie A. , Dhaliwal Deepinder K. , Morse Christie L. , Quinn Christopher J. , Repka Michael X. , Eydelman Malvina B.
Published: June 2018

The prevalence of myopia is high and increasing. Approximately 5 billion people around the world are expected to be myopic by the year 2050. Methods to slow the progression of myopia and therefore potentially decrease the associated sight-threatening complications have been the subject of a number of investigations. A workshop, sponsored by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Optometry, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, American Optometric Association, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Inc, convened myopia experts from around the world to discuss principles to consider in the design of clinical trials investigating the effectiveness and safety of myopia control devices. Experts discussed parameters such as study endpoints, duration, enrollment criteria, patient-reported outcomes, recruitment, and retention. The discussions among the experts, FDA, and audience members should help to facilitate the development and evaluation of reasonably safe and effective myopia control devices.
Therapeutic Effects of Topical 8-Oxo-2ʹ-deoxyguanosine on Ethanol-Induced Ocular Chemical Injury Models
Authors: Im Sang-Taek , Kim Hee Yeon , Yoon Jin Young , Oh Joo Youn , Kim Mee Kum , Chung Myung-Hee , Paik Hae Jung , Kim Dong Hyun
Published: June 2018

Purpose:

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of topical 8-oxo-2ʹ-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) on experimental ocular chemical injury models.

Methods:

We created ocular chemical injury models with 8-week-old BALB/c mice (n = 70) by applying 100% ethanol; the mice were then treated with 8-oxo-dG eye drops 10 and 5 mg/mL and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) twice daily. After 7 days, clinical findings such as corneal integrity, clarity, and neovascularization were assessed. Histology, immunohistochemistry findings, and inflammatory cytokine levels using real-time polymerase chain reactions in the corneas of the mice were also analyzed.

Results:

Topical application of 8-oxo-dG eye drops resulted in a significant improvement of epithelial defects and clarity, dose dependently (each P < 0.001). Inflammatory cell infiltration and corneal stromal edema were also decreased in the 8-oxo-dG-treated mice compared with PBS-treated controls, based on hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expressions of F4/80 and neutrophil elastase–positive inflammatory cells and IL-1 and TNF-α cytokine levels were significantly reduced in the 8-oxo-dG group compared with the PBS group (each P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Topical 8-oxo-dG application showed an excellent therapeutic effect in ocular chemical injury models by suppressing inflammation.
Long-Term Tolerability and Safety of Pharmacological Treatment of Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Edvinsson Dan , Ekselius Lisa
Published: June 2018

Background

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder typically treated with stimulants and atomoxetine. Data on long-term tolerability and safety of such pharmacological treatment in subjects diagnosed in adulthood are limited.

Methods

A cohort of adults diagnosed with ADHD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria was followed-up on an average of 6 years after first evaluation. Of 168 adults, 112 (67%) who initiated medication were available for follow-up. Data were obtained from patient record data, self-report forms, and a telephone interview.

Results

Of the 112 participants assessed, 57 (51%) were still on treatment with methylphenidate (MPH) at follow-up and 55 (49%) had discontinued. The 3 leading reasons for discontinuing treatment with MPH were lack of effect (29%), elevated mood or hypomania (11%), and losing contact with the prescribing physician (9%). The most common adverse effects in subjects still on treatment with MPH were decreased appetite (28%), dry mouth (24%), anxiousness/restlessness and increased pulse frequency (19% each), decreased sexual desire (17%), and perspiration (15%). Subjects still on treatment reported increased quality of life, a higher level of functioning, and a greater understanding of their way of functioning from those being close compared with nonmedicated subjects.

Conclusions

The high attrition rate underscores the need for further research to identify possible modes to increase retention to treatment. Those diagnosed with ADHD and on long-term treatment with stimulants experience mild and tolerable adverse effects.
Intensive Care Mortality Prognostic Model for Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension*
Authors: Balkin Emily Morell , Zinter Matt S. , Rajagopal Satish K. , Keller Roberta L. , Fineman Jeffrey R. , Steurer Martina A.
Published: June 2018

Objectives:

The disease burden and mortality of children with pulmonary hypertension are significantly higher than for the general PICU population. We aimed to develop a risk-adjustment tool predicting PICU mortality for pediatric pulmonary hypertension patients: the Pediatric Index of Pulmonary Hypertension Intensive Care Mortality score.

Design:

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter pediatric critical care data.

Setting:

One-hundred forty-three centers submitting data to Virtual Pediatric Systems database between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2015.

Patients:

Patients 21 years old or younger with a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.

Interventions:

Twenty-one demographic, diagnostic, and physiologic variables obtained within 12 hours of PICU admission were assessed for inclusion. Multivariable logistic regression with stepwise selection was performed to develop the final model. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare the Pediatric Index of Pulmonary Hypertension Intensive Care Mortality score with Pediatric Risk of Mortality 3 and Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 scores.

Measurements and Main Results:

Fourteen-thousand two-hundred sixty-eight admissions with a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension were included. Primary outcome was PICU mortality. Fourteen variables were selected for the final model: age, bradycardia, systolic hypotension, tachypnea, pH, Fio
2, hemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, mechanical ventilation, nonelective admission, previous PICU admission, PICU admission due to nonsurgical cardiovascular disease, and cardiac arrest immediately prior to admission. The receiver operating characteristic curve for the Pediatric Index of Pulmonary Hypertension Intensive Care Mortality model (area under the curve = 0.77) performed significantly better than the receiver operating characteristic curves for Pediatric Risk of Mortality 3 (area under the curve = 0.71; p < 0.001) and Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 (area under the curve = 0.69; p < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions:

The Pediatric Index of Pulmonary Hypertension Intensive Care Mortality score is a parsimonious model that performs better than Pediatric Risk of Mortality 3 and Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 for mortality in a multicenter cohort of pediatric pulmonary hypertension patients admitted to PICUs. Application of the Pediatric Index of Pulmonary Hypertension Intensive Care Mortality model to pulmonary hypertension patients in the PICU might facilitate earlier identification of patients at high risk for mortality and improve the ability to prognosticate for patients and families.
Quantitative Evaluation of Lower Extremity Joint Contractures in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Implications for Motor Function
Authors: Salazar Rachel , Montes Jacqueline , Dunaway Young Sally , McDermott Michael P. , Martens William , Pasternak Amy , Quigley Janet , Mirek Elizabeth , Glanzman Allan M. , Civitello Matt , Gee Richard , Duong Tina , Mazzone Elena S. , Main Marion , Mayhew Anna , Ramsey Danielle , Muni Lofra Robert , Coratti Giorgia , Fanelli Lavinia , De Sanctis Roberto , Forcina Nicola , Chiriboga Claudia , Darras Basil T. , Tennekoon Gihan I. , Scoto Mariacristina , Day John W. , Finkel Richard , Muntoni Francesco , Mercuri Eugenio , De Vivo Darryl C.
Published: June 2018

Purpose:

To quantitatively describe passive lower extremity range of motion in participants with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) types 2 and 3, and to establish preliminary thresholds to identify individuals at risk for performing poorly on disease-specific motor function outcome measures.

Methods:

Eighty participants with SMA types 2 and 3, enrolled in an international multicenter natural history study, were evaluated with lower extremity range of motion testing and the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Expanded.

Results:

A hip extension joint angle of −7.5° or less for SMA type 2 and 0° or less for SMA type 3 identified diminished motor ability with good sensitivity. For knee extension, a joint angle of −9.0° or less for SMA type 2 or 0° or less for SMA type 3 was similarly sensitive.

Conclusions:

Minimal hip and knee joint contractures were associated with diminished motor ability. Clinical trial designs should consider the effect of contractures on motor function.
Informing the Update to the Physical Therapy Management of Congenital Muscular Torticollis Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Heidenreich Emily , Johnson Robert , Sargent Barbara
Published: June 2018

Purpose:

To systematically review the recent evidence on physical therapy (PT) diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention of congenital muscular torticollis to inform the update to the PT management of congenital muscular torticollis evidence-based clinical practice guideline.

Methods:

From 2012 to 2017, 7 databases were searched for studies that informed PT diagnosis, prognosis, or intervention of infants and children with congenital muscular torticollis. Studies were appraised for risk of bias and quality.

Results:

Twenty studies were included. No studies informed PT diagnosis. Fourteen studies informed prognosis, including factors associated with presence of a sternocleidomastoid lesion, extent of symptom resolution, treatment duration, adherence to intervention, cervical spine outcomes, and motor outcome. Six studies informed intervention including stretching frequency, microcurrent, kinesiology tape, group therapy, and postoperative PT.

Conclusions:

New evidence supports that low birth weight, breech presentation, and motor asymmetry are prognostic factors associated with longer treatment duration. Higher-level evidence is emerging for microcurrent intervention.
Reliability of StepWatch Activity Monitor to Measure Locomotor Activity in Youth With Lower Limb Salvage
Authors: Braun Saori , Bjornson Kristie , Dillon-Naftolin Erin , Sheiko Melissa , Song Kit , Kang Minsoo
Published: June 2018

Purpose:

The study purpose was to determine the minimum number of monitoring days necessary to reliably capture walking among individuals with lower limb salvage.

Methods:

Nineteen participants with lower limb salvage wore an ankle-mounted motion sensor over a 7-day period to obtain step counts. Generalizability theory was used to examine the variance components in step counts (G study) and to determine the appropriate length of activity monitoring using various combinations of days (D study).

Results:

Mean step counts were higher on weekends than on weekdays. Fifty percent of the total variance in step counts was accounted for by interindividual variability in walking (D study). Eighty percent was reached individually with 4 weekdays, 2 weekend days, or 3 week days + weekend days.

Conclusion:

The study provides data for an appropriate monitoring method to track walking outcomes of rehabilitation for individuals with lower limb salvage.
Perceived Benefits of Collaboration Between Local Health Departments and Schools and Programs of Public Health: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Kovach Kevin A. , Welter Christina R. , Seweryn Steven M. , Torres Griselle
Published: June 2018

Objectives:

Collaboration between local health departments (LHDs) and schools and programs of public health (SPPH) may be a way to improve practice, education, and research. However, little is known about why LHDs and SPPH collaborate. This mixed-methods study addressed this issue by exploring what LHDs and SPPH perceive to be beneficial about their collaboration.

Methods:

A mixed-methods study using quantitative and qualitative data was conducted. A survey of 2000 LHDs that completed the 2013 National Profile of LHDs measured how important and effective LHDs perceived 30 indicators of the 10 essential public health services to be for collaboration with SPPH. Focus groups were held with LHD officials and the faculty from SPPH to further explore their perceptions of the mutual benefits of their collaboration.

Results:

This study showed that LHD officials and the faculty from SPPH valued their collaborative work because it can improve education and training, support public health accreditation, enhance LHD credibility, enhance LHD technological capabilities, and improve research and evidence-based practice. Benefits increased with an increase in the degree of collaboration. This also showed that LHD officials would like to collaborate more closely with SPPH.

Conclusion:

Collaboration between LHDs and SPPH is mutually beneficial, and close collaboration can help transform public health practice, education, and research. In light of this, more attention should be paid to developing goals and objectives for a collaborative agenda. Attention should be paid not only to the immediate needs of the organizations and individuals involved but also to their long-term goals and underlying desires. Funding opportunities to support the development of partnerships between LHDs and SPPH are needed to provide tangible tasks and opportunities for taking a more long-term and strategic view for collaborative relationships.
Minigrants to Local Health Departments: An Opportunity to Promote Climate Change Preparedness
Authors: Grossman Elena , Hathaway Michelle , Bush Kathleen F. , Cahillane Matthew , English Dorette Q. , Holmes Tisha , Moran Colleen E. , Uejio Christopher K. , York Emily A. , Dorevitch Samuel
Published: June 2018

Context:

Human health is threatened by climate change. While the public health workforce is concerned about climate change, local health department (LHD) administrators have reported insufficient knowledge and resources to address climate change. Minigrants from state to LHDs have been used to promote a variety of local public health initiatives.

Objective:

To describe the minigrant approach used by state health departments implementing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Building Resilience Against Climate Effects (BRACE) framework, to highlight successes of this approach in promoting climate change preparedness at LHDs, and to describe challenges encountered.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey and discussion.

Intervention:

State-level recipients of CDC funding issued minigrants to local public health entities to promote climate change preparedness, adaptation, and resilience.

Main Outcome Measures:

The amount of funding, number of LHDs funded per state, goals, selection process, evaluation process, outcomes, successes, and challenges of the minigrant programs.

Results:

Six state-level recipients of CDC funding for BRACE framework implementation awarded minigrants ranging from $7700 to $28 500 per year to 44 unique local jurisdictions. Common goals of the minigrants included capacity building, forging partnerships with entities outside of health departments, incorporating climate change information into existing programs, and developing adaptation plans. Recipients of minigrants reported increases in knowledge, engagement with diverse stakeholders, and the incorporation of climate change content into existing programs. Challenges included addressing climate change in regions where the topic is politically sensitive, as well as the uncertainty about the long-term sustainability of local projects beyond the term of minigrant support.

Conclusions:

Minigrants can increase local public health capacity to address climate change. Jurisdictions that wish to utilize minigrant mechanisms to promote climate change adaptation and preparedness at the local level may benefit from the experience of the 6 states and 44 local health programs described.
Association of Aortic Arch Width Assessed by Noncontrast Cardiac Computed Tomography With Cardiac Remodeling, Cardiac Function, and Atherosclerosis in a Japanese Cohort
Authors: Nguyen-Thu Huong , Ohyama Yoshiaki , Taketomi-Takahashi Ayako , Nguyen-Cong Tien , Sugimoto Akio , Sato Makito , Sumiyoshi Hisako , Nakamura Tetsuya , Kurabayashi Masahiko , Tsushima Yoshito
Published: June 2018

Purpose:

Age-related aortic changes are related to adverse cardiac remodeling and reduced cardiac function. Here, we aim to assess the correlations between aortic arch width (AAW) and left ventricular (LV) remodeling and LV function as well as coronary artery calcification (CAC).

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective study included 194 patients (ages, 67±12 y) who underwent both coronary computed tomography angiography and echocardiography. The AAW is defined as the longest width between the ascending and descending aorta on a transaxial noncontrast coronary computed tomography angiography image at the level of the pulmonary artery bifurcation. Left ventricular mass, relative wall thickness ratio, left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial volume, and early mitral inflow velocity to mitral annular early diastolic velocity ratio (E/e’) were evaluated by echocardiography. CAC was assessed by Agatston score. The relationships between AAW and echocardiography parameters were assessed, and adjusted for demographic data and cardiovascular disease risk factors by multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results:

AAW (mean±SD, 11.6±1.4 cm) was positively correlated with left ventricular mass (r=0.28, P<0.0001), left atrial volume (r=0.28, P<0.0001), and E/e’ (r=0.21, P<0.01). These correlations remained significant after adjustment for demographic data and cardiovascular disease risk factors. There was no correlation between AAW and left ventricular ejection fraction or relative wall thickness. There was a significant difference of AAW between the groups with Agatston score <100 and those with Agatston score ≥100, and this difference persisted after adjustment for all covariates (P<0.01).

Conclusion:

Greater AAW was significantly associated with LV remodeling and impaired function as well as advanced CAC.
Effect of Piezoelectric Technique on Auditory Function on Postoperative Day One in Septorhinoplasty Surgery
Authors: Ilhan Adem Emre , Durna Yusuf Muhammed , Tekin Ahmet Mahmut , Yilmaz Fahrettin , Yilmaz Yetkin Zeki
Published: June 2018

Aim:

To examine the effect of the piezoelectric application used increasingly for osteotomy and correction of nasal dorsum in septorhinoplasty surgeries on early auditory functions.

Methods:

Our study was conducted after the decision of 10840098-604.01.01-E.9057 taken from Istanbul Medipol University Clinical Research Local Ethics Committee. This study was designed to be prospective, randomized and controlled. Twenty patients between 18 and 50 years of age that piezoelectric technique was used in the study group and 10 patients in the same age range who underwent nasal surgery (endoscopic sinus surgery, septoplasty, lower concha radiofrequency and nasal valve surgery) for any reason in the control group were included in the study. Audiologic functions of the patients in both the groups were assessed by pure audio audiometry, tympanometry and distortion product otoacoustic emission test before the surgery and 24 hours after the surgery. The data obtained were statistically compared using the SPSS 22.0 program and P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

Twenty patients (5 males, 15 females) that piezoelectric (ultrasonics) technique was used during septorhinoplasty in the study group and 10 patients (5 males, 5 females) in the control group were included in the study. In the study and the control groups, preoperative and postoperative air/bone path thresholds at the right and left ears did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) at 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz. The results of distortion product otoacoustic emission results (signal/noise ratio) obtained postoperatively were not statistically significant (P > 0.05) with the results obtained preoperatively.

Conclusion:

The results of the study show that the piezoelectric technique used in septorhinoplasty does not cause a negative effect on auditory functions. This study is the first comparative study to investigate the effect of piezoelectric technique used in septorhinoplasty surgery on auditory functions. After further clinical studies performed with well-selected and large patient population, the piezoelectric techniques can be a preferred technique during septorhinoplasty operations.
Intracranial Hypotension and Hypertension Associated With Reconstructive Cranioplasty After Decompressive Craniectomy: Report of a Lethal Complication With Recommended Strategies for Future Avoidance
Authors: Dalle Ore Cecilia L. , Abraham Peter , Burns Luke P. , Lance Samuel , Gosman Amanda , Meltzer Hal S.
Published: June 2018

Reconstructive cranioplasty can be associated with many complications and add to the not insignificant potential risks associated with decompressive craniectomy. In the setting of post-traumatic hydrocephalus, treatment with a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt prior to reconstructive cranioplasty likely increases these risks even further. The authors report a case of a 17-year-old male with a history of a severe closed head injury who initially suffered a life-threatening complication associated with intracranial hypotension after cranioplasty only to succumb to malignant intracranial hypertension following a second cranioplasty attempt. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a single patient developing both these disparate complications after reconstructive cranioplasty and emphasizes the likely synergistic hazards involved with decompressive craniectomy in the setting of a VP shunt in particular and the overall myriad potential complications that may be associated with reconstructive cranioplasty in general.
Leveraging the Incidence, Burden, and Fiscal Implications of Unplanned Hospital Revisits for the Prioritization of Prevention Efforts in Pediatric Surgery
Authors: Cameron Danielle B. , Serres Stephanie K. , Glass Charity C. , Milliren Carly E. , Graham Dionne A. , Anandalwar Seema , Thangarajah Hariharan , Goldin Adam B. , Hall Matthew , Rangel Shawn J.
Published: June 2018

Objective:

To characterize procedure-level burden of revisit-associated resource utilization in pediatric surgery with the goal of establishing a prioritization framework for prevention efforts.

Summary of Background Data:

Unplanned hospital revisits are costly to the health care system and associated with lost productivity on behalf of patients and their families. Limited objective data exist to guide the prioritization of prevention efforts within pediatric surgery.

Methods:

Using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database, 30-day unplanned revisits for the 30 most commonly performed pediatric surgical procedures were reviewed from 47 children's hospitals between January 1, 2012 and March 31, 2015. The relative contribution of each procedure to the cumulative burden of revisit-associated length of stay and cost from all procedures was calculated as an estimate of public health relevance if prevention efforts were successfully applied (higher relative contribution = greater potential public health relevance).

Results:

159,675 index encounters were analyzed with an aggregate 30-day revisit rate of 10.8%. Four procedures contributed more than half of the revisit-associated length of stay burden from all procedures, with the highest relative contributions attributable to complicated appendicitis (18.4%), gastrostomy (13.4%), uncomplicated appendicitis (13.0%), and fundoplication (9.4%). Four procedures contributed more than half of the revisit-associated cost burden from all procedures, with the highest relative contributions attributable to complicated appendicitis (18.8%), gastrostomy (14.6%), fundoplication (10.4%), and uncomplicated appendicitis (10.2%).

Conclusions and Relevance:

A small number of procedures account for a disproportionate burden of revisit-associated resource utilization in pediatric surgery. Gastrostomy, fundoplication, and appendectomy should be considered high-priority targets for prevention efforts within pediatric surgery.
Parsimony, not Bayesian analysis, recovers more stratigraphically congruent phylogenetic trees
Authors: Sansom Robert S. , Choate Peter G. , Keating Joseph N. , Randle Emma
Published: June 2018

Reconstructing evolutionary histories requires accurate phylogenetic trees. Recent simulation studies suggest that probabilistic phylogenetic analyses of morphological data are more accurate than traditional parsimony techniques. Here, we use empirical data to compare Bayesian and parsimony phylogenies in terms of their congruence with the distribution of age ranges of the component taxa. Analysis of 167 independent morphological data matrices of fossil tetrapods finds that Bayesian trees exhibit significantly lower stratigraphic congruence than the equivalent parsimony trees. As such, taking stratigraphic data as an independent benchmark indicates that parsimony analyses are more accurate for phylogenetic reconstruction of morphological data. The discrepancy between simulated and empirical studies may result from historic data peaking practices or some complexities of empirical data as yet unaccounted for.
Exploiting delayed transitions to sustain semiarid ecosystems after catastrophic shifts
Authors: Vidiella Blai , Sardanyés Josep , Solé Ricard
Published: June 2018

Semiarid ecosystems (including arid, semiarid and dry-subhumid ecosystems) span more than 40% of extant habitats and contain a similar percentage of the human population. Theoretical models and palaeoclimatic data predict a grim future, with rapid shifts towards a desert state, with accelerated diversity losses and ecological collapses. These shifts are a consequence of the special nonlinearities resulting from ecological facilitation. Here, we investigate a simple model of semiarid ecosystems identifying the so-called ghost, which appears after a catastrophic transition from a vegetated to a desert state once a critical rate of soil degradation is overcome. The ghost involves a slowdown of transients towards the desert state, making the ecosystem seem stable even though vegetation extinction is inevitable. We use this model to show how to exploit the ecological ghosts to avoid collapse. Doing so involves the restoration of small fractions of desert areas with vegetation capable of maintaining a stable community once the catastrophic shift condition has been achieved. This intervention method is successfully tested under the presence of demographic stochastic fluctuations.
LIM kinase1 regulates mitotic centrosome integrity via its activity on dynein light intermediate chains
Authors: Ou Sirong , Tan Mei-Hua , Weng Ting , Li HoiYeung , Koh Cheng-Gee
Published: June 2018

Abnormal centrosome number and function have been implicated in tumour development. LIM kinase1 (LIMK1), a regulator of actin cytoskeleton dynamics, is found to localize at the mitotic centrosome. However, its role at the centrosome is not fully explored. Here, we report that LIMK1 depletion resulted in multi-polar spindles and defocusing of centrosomes, implicating its involvement in the regulation of mitotic centrosome integrity. LIMK1 could influence centrosome integrity by modulating centrosomal protein localization at the spindle pole. Interestingly, dynein light intermediate chains (LICs) are able to rescue the defects observed in LIMK1-depleted cells. We found that LICs are potential novel interacting partners and substrates of LIMK1 and that LIMK1 phosphorylation regulates cytoplasmic dynein function in centrosomal protein transport, which in turn impacts mitotic spindle pole integrity.
Multimodal sensory processing in
Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Metaxakis Athanasios , Petratou Dionysia , Tavernarakis Nektarios
Published: June 2018

Multisensory integration is a mechanism that allows organisms to simultaneously sense and understand external stimuli from different modalities. These distinct signals are transduced into neuronal signals that converge into decision-making neuronal entities. Such decision-making centres receive information through neuromodulators regarding the organism's physiological state and accordingly trigger behavioural responses. Despite the importance of multisensory integration for efficient functioning of the nervous system, and also the implication of dysfunctional multisensory integration in the aetiology of neuropsychiatric disease, little is known about the relative molecular mechanisms.
Caenorhabditis elegans
is an appropriate model system to study such mechanisms and elucidate the molecular ways through which organisms understand external environments in an accurate and coherent fashion.
Waptia fieldensisWalcott, a mandibulate arthropod from the middle Cambrian Burgess Shale
Authors: Vannier Jean , Aria Cédric , Taylor Rod S. , Caron Jean-Bernard
Published: June 2018

Waptia fieldensisWalcott, 1912 is one of the iconic animals from the middle Cambrian Burgess Shale biota that had lacked a formal description since its discovery at the beginning of the twentieth century. This study, based on over 1800 specimens, finds thatW. fieldensisshares general characteristics with pancrustaceans, as previous authors had suggested based mostly on its overall aspect. The cephalothorax is covered by a flexible, bivalved carapace and houses a pair of long multisegmented antennules, palp-bearing mandibles, maxillules, and four pairs of appendages with five-segmented endopods—the anterior three pairs with long and robust enditic basipods, the fourth pair with proximal annulations and lamellae. The post-cephalothorax has six pairs of lamellate and fully annulated appendages which appear to be extensively modified basipods rather than exopods. The front part of the body bears a pair of stalked eyes with the first ommatidia preserved in a Burgess Shale arthropod, and a median ‘labral’ complex flanked by lobate projections with possible affinities to hemi-ellipsoid bodies.Waptiaconfirms the mandibulate affinity of hymenocarines, retrieved here as part of an expanded Pancrustacea, thereby providing a novel perspective on the evolutionary history of this hyperdiverse group. We construe thatWaptiawas an active swimming predator of soft prey items, using its anterior appendages for food capture and manipulation, and also potentially for clinging to epibenthic substrates.
Effect of demonstrator reliability and recency of last demonstration on acquisition of a socially transmitted food preference
Authors: Agee Laura A. , Monfils Marie-H.
Published: June 2018

In the social transmission of food preference paradigm, naive observer rats acquire safety information about novel food sources in the environment through social interaction with a demonstrator rat that has recently eaten said food. Research into the behavioural mechanisms governing this form of learning has found that observers show increased reliance on socially acquired information when the state of the environment makes personal examination of their surroundings risky. We aimed to (1) determine whether reliance on social information would decrease if previous reliance on social learning was unsuccessful, and (2) whether reliance on the specific demonstrator that had transmitted poor information would similarly decrease. By inducing illness in observers following consumption of a socially demonstrated food, we created an environmental situation in which reliance on socially acquired information was maladaptive. We found that under these conditions, observers showed no change in their reliance on a specific demonstrator or socially learned information in general. Our experiment also unexpectedly produced results showing that recent demonstrators were more influential in later transmissions than demonstrators that had been learned from less recently. Notably, this effect only emerged when the observer simultaneously interacted with both demonstrators, indicating that demonstrators must be in direct competition for this effect to manifest.
Synthesis and molecular docking studies of some novel Schiff bases incorporating 6-butylquinolinedione moiety as potential topoisomerase IIβ inhibitors
Authors: Hassanin Hany M. , Serya Rabah A. T. , Abd Elmoneam Wafaa R. , Mostafa Mai A.
Published: June 2018

A series of novel pyranoquinolinone-based Schiff's bases were designed and synthesized. They were evaluated for topoisomerase IIβ (TOP2B) inhibitory activity, and cytotoxicity against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) for the development of novel anticancer agents. A molecular docking study was employed to investigate their binding and functional properties as TOP2B inhibitors, using the D
iscovery
S
tudio
2.5 software, where they showed very interesting ability to intercalate the DNA–topoisomerase complex. Compounds
2a
,
2c
and
2f
showed high docking score values (82.36% −29.98 kcal mol
−1
for compound
2a
, 78.18% −26.98 kcal mol
−1
for compound
2c
and 78.65, −28.11 kcal mol
−1
for compound
2f
) and revealed the highest enzyme inhibition activity. The best hit compounds exhibited highly potent TOP2B inhibitors with submicromolar IC50 at 5 µM compared to the reference doxorubicin.
Molecular mechanism of viscoelastic polymer enhanced oil recovery in nanopores
Authors: Fan Jing Cun , Wang Feng Chao , Chen Jie , Zhu Yin Bo , Lu De Tang , Liu He , Wu Heng An
Published: June 2018

Polymer flooding is a promising chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method, which realizes more efficient extraction in porous formations characterized with nanoscale porosity and complicated interfaces. Understanding the molecular mechanism of viscoelastic polymer EOR in nanopores is of great significance for the advancement of oil exploitation. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the detailed process of a viscoelastic polymer displacing oil at the atomic scale. We found that the interactions between polymer chains and oil provide an additional pulling effect on extracting the residual oil trapped in dead-end nanopores, which plays a key role in increasing the oil displacement efficiency. Our results also demonstrate that the oil displacement ability of polymer can be reinforced with the increasing chain length and viscoelasticity. In particular, a polymer with longer chain length exhibits stronger elastic property, which enhances the foregoing pulling effect. These findings can help to enrich our understanding on the molecular mechanism of polymer enhanced oil recovery and provide guidance for oil extraction engineering.
Surface chemical changes analysis of UV-light irradiated Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescensMazel)
Authors: Yu Hai-xia , Pan Xin , Xu Man-ping , Yang Wei-ming , Wang Jin , Zhuang Xiao-wei
Published: June 2018

Photodegradation is one of the key factors that affect bamboo material application in the exterior environment. Photo radiation will cause chemical degradation, discoloration and cracks on the bamboo surface, thus resulting in weakened strength. The study imitated the accelerated weathering effect of Moso bamboo in sunlight by using UV 313 light. Results showed that after UV irradiation, lignin content decreased sharply. Lignin degradation products are commonly rich in double bonds conjugated with benzene rings; they absorb UV light and shift surface spectral absorbency from the visible to the UV region and play an important role in the first stage of reddish-yellow discoloration. The photochemical reactions were very rapid at the beginning and then slowed down after one week. The degraded products covered the surface and protected the inner layer from further degradation. The surface colour turned grey and lighter with erosion of degradation products when the experimental time was extended.
Divergent coevolutionary trajectories in parent–offspring interactions and discrimination against brood parasites revealed by interspecific cross-fostering
Authors: Capodeanu-Nägler Alexandra , Ruiz de la Torre Elena , Eggert Anne-Katrin , Sakaluk Scott K. , Steiger Sandra
Published: June 2018

In animal families, parents are expected to adapt to their offspring's traits, and offspring, in turn, are expected to adapt to the environment circumscribed by their parents. However, whether such coevolutionary trajectories differ between closely related species is poorly understood. Here, we employ interspecific cross-fostering in three species of burying beetles,
Nicrophorus orbicollis
,
Nicrophorus pustulatus
and
Nicrophorus vespilloides
, to test for divergent co-adaptation among species with different degrees of offspring dependency on parental care, and to test whether they are able to discriminate against interspecific parasites. We found that offspring survival was always higher when offspring were reared by conspecific rather than heterospecific parents. In the case of
N. orbicollis
raising
N. pustulatus
, none of the larvae survived. Overall, these results indicate that parent and offspring traits have diverged between species, and that the differential survival of conspecific and heterospecific larvae is because of improper matching of co-adapted traits, or, in the case of
N. orbicollis
with larval
N. pustulatus
, because of selection on parents to recognize and destroy interspecific brood parasites. We suggest that burying beetles experiencing a high risk of brood parasitism have evolved direct recognition mechanisms that enable them to selectively kill larvae of potential brood parasites.