bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity of anatomical structure of tension wood among 242 tropical tree species
Authors: Ghislain Barbara , Engel Julien , Clair Bruno
Published: October 2019

Angiosperm trees produce tension wood to actively control their vertical position. Tension wood has often been characterised by the presence of an unlignified inner fibre wall layer called the G-layer. Using this definition, previous reports indicate that only one-third of all tree species have tension wood with G-layers. Here we aim to (i) describe the large diversity of tension wood anatomy in tropical tree species, taking advantage of the recent understanding of tension wood anatomy and (ii) explore any link between this diversity and other ecological traits of the species. We sampled tension wood and normal wood in 432 trees from 242 species in French Guiana. The samples were observed using safranin and astra blue staining combined with optical microscopy. Species were assigned to four anatomical groups depending on the presence/absence of G-layers, and their degree of lignification. The groups were analysed for functional traits including wood density and light preferences. Eighty-six% of the species had G-layers in their tension wood which was lignified in most species, with various patterns of lignification. Only a few species did not have G-layers. We found significantly more species with lignified G-layers among shade-tolerant and shade-demanding species as well as species with a high wood density. Our results bring up-to-date the incidence of species with/without G-layers in the tropical lowland forest where lignified G-layers are the most common anatomy of tension wood. Species without G-layers may share a common mechanism with the bark motor taking over the wood motor. We discuss the functional role of lignin in the G-layer.
Begonia medicinalis (Begoniaceae), a new species from Sulawesi, Indonesia

Authors: ARDI WISNU H. , ZUBAIR MUHAMMAD S. , - RAMADANIL , THOMAS DANIEL C.
Published: October 2019

A new species of Begonia, Begonia medicinalis Ardi & D.C.Thomas, is described from  Sulawesi, Indonesia. A photo plate and distribution map are provided. The new species is endemic to Sulawesi and belongs to Begonia section Petermannia.
Exploratory Analysis of Upper-Ocean Heat Content and Sea Surface Temperature Underlying Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification in the Western North Pacific
Authors: Chih Cheng-Hsiang , Wu Chun-Chieh
Published: October 2019

The statistical relationships between tropical cyclones (TCs) with rapid intensification (RI) and upper-ocean heat content (UOHC) and sea surface temperature (SST) from 1998 to 2016 in the western North Pacific are examined. RI is computed based on four best track datasets in the International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS). The statistical analysis shows that the UOHC and SST are higher in the RI duration than in non-RI duration. However, TCs with high UOHC/SST do not necessarily experience RI. In addition, the UOHC and SST are lower in the storm inner-core region due to storm-induced ocean cooling, and the UOHC reduces more significantly than the SST along the passages of TCs in the lower-latitude regions. Moreover, most of the RI (non-RI) duration is associated with the higher (lower) UOHC, but this is not the case for the SST pattern. Meanwhile, the TC intensification rate during the RI period does not appear to be sensitive to the SST, but shows statistically significant differences in the UOHC. In addition, there is a statistically significant increasing trend in the UOHC underlying TCs from 1998 to 2016. It is also noted that the percentages of the TCs with RI show different polynomial and linear trends based on different calculations of the RI events and RI durations. Finally, it is shown that there is no statistically significant difference in the UOHC, SST, and the percentage of RI among the five categories of ENSO events (i.e., strong El Niño, weak El Niño, neutral, weak La Niña, and strong La Niña).
Hukou Status and Individual-Level Labor Market Discrimination: An Experiment in China
Authors: Dulleck Uwe , Fooken Jonas , He Yumei
Published: October 2019

This article examines discrimination based on hukou status, a legal construct that segregates locals and migrants in urban China. Local and migrant household helpers were recruited as experimental participants to interact in a standard gift exchange game (GEG) as well as a new variant of the GEG, called the wage promising game (WPG). The WPG uses non-binding wage offers and final wages that employers set after observing effort. In the GEG, both statistical and preference-based discrimination may motivate employers to offer lower wages to migrants than to locals, whereas in the WPG the statistical motive is excluded. Results reveal discrimination against migrants and show that preference-based discrimination is an important employer motive.
A novel fuzzy logic algorithm for accurate fall detection of smart wristband
Authors: Zhang Hongtao , Alrifaai Muhannand , Zhou Keming , Hu Huosheng
Published: October 2019

Falling is a major cause of serious injury or even death for the elderly population. To improve the safety of elderly people, a wide range of wearable fall detection devices have been developed over recent years, such as smart watches, waistbands and other wearable fall detectors. However, most of these fall detection devices are threshold-based and have a high rate of false alarm. This paper presents a novel fuzzy logic fall detection algorithm used in smart wristbands to reduce false alarms and achieve accurate fall detection. Experiments have been conducted in our laboratory and the results show that the proposed algorithm can accurately distinguish fall events from non-fall daily activities such as walking, jumping, clapping, and so forth. It shows good potential for commercial applications.
Qualitative Data Management and Analysis within a Data Repository
Authors: Antonio Marcy G. , Schick-Makaroff Kara , Doiron James M. , Sheilds Laurene , White Lacie , Molzahn Anita
Published: October 2019

Data repositories can support secure data management for multi-institutional and geographically dispersed research teams. Primarily designed to provide secure access, storage, and sharing of quantitative data, limited focus has been given to the unique considerations of data repositories for qualitative research. We share our experiences of using a data repository in a large qualitative nursing research study. Over a 27-month period, data collected by this 15-member team from 83 participants included photos, audio recordings and transcripts of interviews, and field notes. The data repository supported the secure collection, storage, and management of over 1,800 files with data. However, challenges were introduced during analysis that required negotiations about the structure and processes of the data repository. We discuss strengths and limitations of data repositories, and introduce practical strategies for developing a data management plan for qualitative research, which is supported through a data repository.
A Scotch-Irish Clan in Middle Georgia? The Migration and Development of a McCarty Family across Two Centuries
Authors: Knight Thomas Daniel
Published: October 2019

This essay argues that characteristics of the Irish and Scottish kin-based clan systems brought to America by settlers from Ireland and Scotland in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries had lasting effects on American kinship systems. Using a case study to focus on a single family, it suggests that elements of kinship systems originating in Ireland and Scotland could be found in a central Georgia community in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This is significant because the location was far removed from areas often identified with Irish, Scottish, and Scotch-Irish settlers, such as the hill country of the lower Appalachian Mountains. It suggests that cultural folkways could persist across many generations of a family, even outside areas where they were heavily concentrated. The latter portion of the essay focuses on the role of one woman, family matriarch Rhoda Johnson, in shaping identity and transmitting culture across generations.
Native-Osteoarthritic Joint Resident Stem and Progenitor Cells for Cartilage Cell-Based Therapies: A Quantitative Comparison With Respect to Concentration and Biological Performance
Authors: Mantripragada Venkata P. , Bova Wes A. , Piuzzi Nicolas S. , Boehm Cynthia , Obuchowski Nancy A. , Midura Ronald J. , Muschler George F.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Cell-based therapy for cartilage repair is a promising approach and is becoming an established technique. Yet, there is no consensus on the optimal cell source.

Purpose:

To provide a donor-matched quantitative comparison of the connective tissue progenitors (CTPs) derived from cartilage (Outerbridge grade 1-3 [G1-2-3]), bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMC), infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP), synovium, and periosteum with respect to (1) cell concentration ([Cell], cells/mL), (2) CTP prevalence (PCTP, colonies per million cells), and (3) biological performance based on in vitro proliferation potential (cells per colony) colony density, and differentiation potential (expression of negatively charged extracellular matrix: glycosaminoglycan-rich extra cellular matrix [GAG-ECM]).

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Tissues were obtained from 10 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (mean age, 59 years; women, n = 6). Automated quantitative colony-forming unit analysis was used to compare [Cell], PCTP, and CTP biological performance across tissue sources.

Results:

[Cell] was highest in grade 3 cartilage ( P = .002) and BMC ( P = .001). Median PCTP was highest in IPFP ( P = .001), synovium ( P = .003), and G1-2 cartilage ( P = .02). Proliferation was highest in synovium-derived CTPs ( P < .001). Median colony density was highest in G1-2-3 ( P < .001). Median GAG-ECM was highest in G1-2-3 ( P < .001). Within each patient, CTPs derived from all tissues were highly heterogeneous in biological performance as determined by cells per colony, density, and GAG-ECM.

Conclusion:

Tissue sources differ in [Cell], PCTP, and biological attributes. The data presented in this study suggest that cartilage (G1-2-3) is the preferred tissue source for cartilage repair based on PCTP and GAG-ECM, followed by synovium, IPFP, BMC, and periosteum. However, due to the heterogeneous mixture of CTPs within each tissue source, there exists a subset of CTPs with biological performance similar to G1-2-3 cartilage, particularly in synovium and IPFP. Performance-based clonal selection and expansion of preferred CTPs and their progeny will potentially lead to improved cell population with predictive future.

Clinical Relevance:

Optimal tissue regeneration strategies will require informed decisions regarding which of the available tissue sources to use. Optimizing cell sourcing in any tissue may require separation of CTPs with preferred attributes from those with less desirable attributes. The heterogeneity manifest in the early stage of colony formation represents an opportunity for performance-based clone selection for clinical cell processing and manufacturing.
Why Does Planning Matter in Microclimate Management and Urban Heat Mitigation?
Authors: Heris Mehdi P. , Muller Brian , Wilson Alana M.
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we examine two mixed-use redevelopment projects in the United States, including both regulatory and procedural contexts, to assess how decision-making processes affected microclimate outcomes. We investigate Belmar in Lakewood, CO and 29th Street Mall in Boulder, CO. Measurements and simulations of microclimate show that Belmar mitigates urban heat more effectively. Policies including building height, street patterns, and landscaping standards were key variables in this outcome. Through interviews and content analysis, we found five main factors shaping those policy choices: (1) urban vision, (2) land use and form controls, (3) design guidelines, (4) public financing, and (5) ownership/condemnation factors.
Reference Gene Optimization for Circadian Gene Expression Analysis in Human Adipose Tissue
Authors: White Jeremy M. , Piron Matthew J. , Rangaraj Vittobai R. , Hanlon Erin C. , Cohen Ronald N. , Brady Matthew J.
Published: October 2019

A hallmark of biology is the cyclical nature of organismal physiology driven by networks of biological, including circadian, rhythms. Unsurprisingly, disruptions of the circadian rhythms through sleep curtailment or shift work have been connected through numerous studies to positive associations with obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) measures oscillation in messenger RNA expression, an essential foundation for the study of the physiological circadian regulatory network. Primarily, measured oscillations have involved the use of reference gene normalization. However, the validation and identification of suitable reference genes is a significant challenge across different biological systems. This study focuses on adipose tissue of premenopausal, otherwise healthy, morbidly obese women voluntarily enrolled after being scheduled for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery. Acquisition of tissue was accomplished by aspiratory needle biopsies of subcutaneous adipose tissue 1 to 2 weeks prior to surgery and 12 to 13 weeks following surgery and an in-surgery scalpel-assisted excision of mesenteric adipose tissue. Each biopsy was sterile cultured ex vivo and serially collected every 4 h over approximately 36 h. The candidate reference genes that were tested were 18S rRNA, GAPDH, HPRT1, RPII, RPL13α, and YWHAZ. Three analytic tools were used to test suitability, and the candidate reference genes were used to measure oscillation in expression of a known circadian clock element (Dbp). No gene was deemed suitable as an individual reference gene control, which indicated that the optimal reference gene set was the geometrically averaged 3-gene panel composed of YWHAZ, RPL13α, and GAPDH. These methods can be employed to identify optimal reference genes in other systems.
Opioid Use for Treatment of Acute Pain Among Children and Adolescents Enrolled in the Mississippi Medicaid Program
Authors: Zhang Yiqiao , Yang Yi , Barnard Marie , Bentley John P. , Ramachandran Sujith
Published: October 2019

Background:

Abuse of opioids among children and adolescents has become a major public concern in the United States. Understanding the epidemiology of opioid use in this vulnerable population is critical to address opioid abuse.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to characterize opioid use for the treatment of acute pain among children and adolescents enrolled in Mississippi Medicaid and to determine the effects of related clinical factors (ie, mental health disorders and obstructive sleep apnea [OSA] on patterns of opioid use.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Mississippi Medicaid administrative claims data from October 2015 through December 2017. We examined the proportion of children and adolescents less than 21 years of age using opioids within 7 days following any qualifying acute pain episode, as well as the difference in opioid use patterns between individuals with various demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results:

Over 5% of the eligible population received opioids within 7 days of a qualifying pain episode. The majority received schedule II or schedule III to IV short-acting opioids. There was no significant difference in opioid use for acute pain between individuals with and without a mental health disorder. Opioid use for acute pain was significantly more likely among those with a history of OSA than those without OSA.

Conclusion:

This study characterizes the nature and patterns of opioid use among children and adolescents with acute pain. Further research is needed to understand the role of clinical and other demographic factors in the prescribing of opioids for acute pain in this population.
The Impact of Transitions of Care Pharmacist Services and Identification of Risk Predictors in Heart Failure Readmission
Authors: Wood Marci , Sweeney Tracey , Trayah Molly , Civalier Maria , McMillian Wesley
Published: October 2019

Background:

Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent and costly disease state for adult Americans, with 30-day readmissions rates for patients with HF utilized to limit hospital compensation.

Objective:

To determine the impact of the transitions of care (TOC) service at our institution on 30-day all-cause and HF readmissions and identify predictive risk factors for 30-day all-cause readmission.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of patients aged 18 years and older admitted with HF and all subsequent readmissions between October 1, 2015, and September 30, 2017. A weighted logistic regression model was developed to determine risk factors for 30-day all-cause readmission.

Results:

There were no significant differences in all-cause or HF readmission rates analyzed by TOC service involvement. Significant risk predictors for 30-day all-cause readmission included discharge to a rehabilitation facility (odds ratio [OR] = 9.3) or home with home health (OR = 1.6) versus home with self-care. Comorbidities associated with an increased risk of 30-day all-cause readmission included diabetes, coronary artery disease, and aortic stenosis. Use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, and spironolactone was associated with decreased risk of 30-day all-cause readmission.

Conclusion:

Identified predictors in the patient population with HF at our institution may be used to target patients at increased risk of all-cause readmission within 30 days.
Retrospective Safety Evaluation of a Pharmacist-Assisted Total Dose Iron Sucrose Protocol in Hospital Inpatients With Iron Deficiency Anemia
Authors: Wall Geoffrey , Sharma Vedica , Taylor Matthew J. , Schneider Robert , Adams Kristi , Gasperi Lindy , Lukenbill Joshua C.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Intravenous (IV) iron sucrose can be used for iron deficiency anemia (IDA), but little information exists on total dose infusion (TDI) of this drug. At a tertiary hospital, an iron sucrose TDI protocol was implemented with staff pharmacists aiding physicians in appropriate dosing.

Objectives:

We sought to define the safety and efficacy of this protocol in adults ≥18 years old with IDA.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who received iron sucrose TDI. Inclusion criteria included patients ≥18 years old who were hospitalized and received iron sucrose in doses ≥300 mg. We reviewed the medical record for adverse reactions to any TDI of iron sucrose as well as pre-TDI and post-TDI hemoglobin (Hgb) levels to assess efficacy.

Results:

A total of 238 patients received iron sucrose TDI for IDA during the study period. One hundred ninety-three (81%) patients were female, and the mean age in our cohort was 60.6 years. Mean pre-TDI Hgb was 8.76 g/dL. The mean total dose of iron sucrose in the total cohort was 680 mg (range: 300-2500 mg). Adverse effects attributable to iron sucrose were reported in 15 patients, with nausea being the most common effect (7/238, 2.9%). When matching patients’ preadmission and postadmission records, a Hgb increase of 2.1 g/L was found ( P < .001). No increase in liver function tests was found in any patient.

Conclusions:

A pharmacist-assisted iron sucrose TDI protocol for patients with IDA successfully increased serum Hgb and was well tolerated. Anaphylaxis was not reported.
Intravenous transplantation of olfactory bulb ensheathing cells for a spinal cord hemisection injury rat model
Authors: Zhang Lijian , Zhuang Xiaoqing , Chen Yao , Xia Hechun
Published: October 2019

Cellular transplantation strategies utilizing intraspinal or intrathecal olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) have been reported as beneficial for spinal cord injury (SCI). However, there are many disadvantages of these methods, including additional trauma to the spinal cord parenchyma and technical challenges. Therefore, we investigated the feasibility and potential benefits of intravenous transplantation of OECs in a rat hemisection SCI model. OECs derived from olfactory bulb tissue were labeled with quantum dots (QDs), and their biodistribution after intravenous transplantation was tracked using a fluorescence imaging system. Accumulation of the transplanted OECs was observed in the injured spinal cord within 10 min, peaked at seven days after cell transplantation, and decreased gradually thereafter. This time window corresponded to the blood–spinal cord barrier (BSCB) opening time, which was quantitated with the Evans blue leakage assay. Using immunohistochemistry, we examined neuronal growth (GAP-43), remyelination (MBP), and microglia (Iba-1) reactions at the lesion site. Motor function recovery was also measured using a classic open field test (Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan score). Compared with the group injected only with QDs, the rats that received OEC transplantation exhibited a prominent reduction in inflammatory responses, increased neurogenesis and remyelination, and significant improvement in motor function. We suggest that intravenous injection could also be an effective method for delivering OECs and improving functional outcomes after SCI. Moreover, the time course of BSCB disruption provides a clinically relevant therapeutic window for cell-based intervention.
Health Information Seeking Through Social Media and Search Engines by Parents of Children With Orofacial Cleft in Nigeria
Authors: Adekunle Adegbayi Adeola , James Olutayo , Adeyemo Wasiu Lanre
Published: October 2019

Objective:

To ascertain the level of utilization of social media platforms and search engines by parents of children with orofacial cleft presenting to our clinic, with respect to information seeking about the condition and its treatment.

Materials and Methods:

All consenting parents of children attending the cleft outpatient clinic of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos, within the study period were included in the sample population. Data collection was done using a 17-item interviewer-administered questionnaire.

Results:

A total of 50 parents participated in the study. Eighty-eight percent first sought information about their child’s condition from hospital medical staff. Sixty-eight percent of the parents are active users of social media for general purposes, with Facebook being the most used platform (62%). Forty percent of the total respondents have used search engines/social media to seek information on their child’s condition, with majority of those (80%) using Google to search for such information, 35% of the search was in relation to diagnosis, and 75% of the parents considered the information obtained very useful. Only 3 parents reported being part of a social media support group based on their child’s condition.

Conclusion:

The use of Internet resources for information seeking among the population studied is low. There is need to leverage on social media to provide support groups for families with children who have cleft.
Development of a Pediatric PICC Team Under an Existing Sedation Service: A 5-Year Experience
Authors: Rainey Shane C , Deshpande Girish , Boehm Haley , Camp Kim , Fehr Annette , Horack Kimberly , Hanson Keith
Published: October 2019

Objective:

To examine our institutional experiences with ultrasound-guided peripherally inserted central catheter (US-PICC) placement by a dedicated US-PICC team under the umbrella of an existing pediatric sedation service.

Methods:

Retrospective review of quality data examining 968 US-PICC encounters over a 5-year period from 2012 to 2016. Data for each encounter included line indications, success rate, dwelling time, need for sedation, and incidence of complications including venous thrombosis, infection, and accidental removal.

Results:

US-PICC lines were successfully placed in 89% of patients with an average age of 5.4 years. Extended antibiotic treatment was the most common indication for US-PICC placement and the mean dwell time was 23 days. Long-term complications were noted in 6.1% of cases, with venous thrombosis and line infection complicating 1.7% and 0.9% of encounters, respectively.

Conclusion:

Results suggest that our endeavor of creating a dedicated US-PICC team under an existing pediatric sedation service is successful with regard to the number of lines placed, success rates, and incidence of complications. This approach may be beneficial to other institutions seeing to maximize resource utilization and streamline patient care.
Single Test to ARrive at Multiple Sclerosis (STAR-MS) diagnosis: A prospective pilot study assessing the accuracy of the central vein sign in predicting multiple sclerosis in cases of diagnostic uncertainty
Authors: Clarke Margareta A , Samaraweera Amal PR , Falah Yasser , Pitiot Alain , Allen Christopher M , Dineen Robert A , Tench Chris R , Morgan Paul S , Evangelou Nikos
Published: October 2019

Background:

Misdiagnosis is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) as a proportion of patients present with atypical clinical/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. The central vein sign has the potential to be a non-invasive, MS-specific biomarker.

Objective:

To test the accuracy of the central vein sign in predicting a diagnosis of MS in patients with diagnostic uncertainty at disease presentation using T2*-weighted, 3 T MRI.

Methods:

In this prospective pilot study, we recruited individuals with symptoms unusual for MS but with brain MRI consistent with the disease, and those with a typical clinical presentation of MS whose MRI did not suggest MS. We calculated the proportion of lesions with central veins for each patient and compared the results to the eventual clinical diagnoses. The optimal central vein threshold for diagnosis was established.

Results:

Thirty-eight patients were scanned, 35 of whom have received a clinical diagnosis. Median percentage of lesions with central veins was 51% in MS and 28% in non-MS. A threshold of 40.7% lesions with central veins resulted in 100% sensitivity and 73.9% specificity.

Conclusion:

The central vein sign assessed with a clinically available T2* scan can successfully diagnose MS in cases of diagnostic uncertainty. The central vein sign should be considered as a diagnostic biomarker in MS.
Stress and number of servings of fruit and vegetables consumed: Buffering effects of monetary incentives
Authors: Gardiner Casey K , Hagerty Sarah L , Bryan Angela D
Published: October 2019

Diet is a key factor of human health, and additional research is needed in order to understand the psychological causes, consequences, and moderators of dietary behavior. Participants in two studies in the United States completed a 21-day intervention that involved either self-monitoring their fruit and vegetable consumption or self-monitoring combined with earning monetary incentives for behavior. Each day, participants reported their stress, affect, and consumption of fruits and vegetables. Hierarchical linear mixed effects model results suggest that on average, daily reports of higher stress were associated with fewer fruits and vegetables consumed on that day. This effect was moderated by incentive condition, such that the relationship between stress and fruit and vegetable consumption was reduced among incented participants. There was also a marginal negative effect of time on consumption of fruits and vegetables, but this was also significantly moderated by condition, such that those participants who did not receive incentives decreased their daily servings, while incented participants did not decrease over the course of the intervention. These studies suggest that incentives may be a novel method for buffering against the negative effect of daily stress on eating a healthy diet.
Indigenous Children and Young People in Residential Care: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Gatwiri Kathomi , McPherson Lynne , Parmenter Natalie , Cameron Nadine , Rotumah Darlene
Published: October 2019

In Australia and internationally, Indigenous children are seriously overrepresented in the child welfare system. This article provides an overview of literature investigating the needs of Indigenous children in residential care facilities. The provision of culturally safe and trauma-informed therapeutic care to Indigenous children and young people in residential care recognizes that the trauma and violence that they have experienced is exacerbated by their Indigeneity due to the colonial histories presenting. Utilizing a systematic scoping review methodology, the study returned a total of 637 peer-reviewed articles that were identified and reviewed for inclusion. The process of exclusion resulted in the inclusion of eight peer-reviewed studies and 51 reports and discussion papers sourced from gray literature. Findings from this study, though dearth, indicate that trauma-informed and culturally safe interventions play a significant role in Indigenous children’s health and well-being while in care. Their experiences of abuse and neglect transcend individual trauma and include intergenerational pain and suffering resulting from long-lasting impacts of colonization, displacement from culture and country, genocidal policies, racism, and the overall systemic disadvantage. As such, a therapeutic response, embedded within Indigenous cultural frameworks and knowledges of trauma, is not only important but absolutely necessary and aims to acknowledge the intersectionality between the needs of Indigenous children in care and the complex systemic disadvantage impacting them.
Comparison of Monitored Anesthesia Care and General Anesthesia for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Kislitsina Olga N. , Smith Danielle , Sherwani Saadia S. , Pham Duc Thinh , Churyla Andrei , Ricciardi Mark J. , Davidson Charles J. , Flaherty James D. , Sweis Ranya N. , Kruse Jane , Andrei Adin-Chistian , McCarthy Patrick M. , Chris Malaisrie S.
Published: October 2019

Objective

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a safe, minimally invasive treatment for severe aortic stenosis in patients with moderate-to-high surgical risk. Monitored anesthesia is administered by an anesthesiologist. This study compares transcatheter aortic valve outcomes under monitored anesthesia vs general anesthesia.

Methods

Data were prospectively collected for 286 patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement at a single academic hospital from March 2012 to August 2016. The patients were grouped by type of anesthesia: monitored vs general. A propensity score match was performed to compare intraoperative and post-operative outcomes between groups.

Results

General anesthesia was used in 102 patients and moderate sedation in 184. Propensity score matching produced 80 pairs. Compared to procedures under general anesthesia, patients receiving monitored anesthesia had shorter procedure (1.6 [1.4, 2.0] vs 2.0 [1.6, 2.5] hours; P < 0.001) and fluoroscopy times (17 [14.5, 22.5] vs 25 [17.9, 30.3] minutes; P < 0.001) and shorter hospital length-of-stay (3 [2.0, 4.0] vs 5 [3.0, 7.0] days; P < 0.001) but no difference in intensive care unit length-of-stay. Blood transfusion was more common in patients undergoing general anesthesia, but there was no difference in stroke, renal failure, postoperative atrial fibrillation, or need for permanent pacemaker. More patients were discharged to home after monitored anesthesia (90% vs 64%; P < 0.001). There was no difference in 30-day mortality (0% vs 3%; P = 0.15).

Conclusions

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement under monitored anesthesia provides the safety of anesthesia-led sedation without intubation and general anesthetic. We found no compromise in patient safety or clinical outcomes.
Metabolomic Analysis of Radiation-Induced Lung Injury in Rats: The Potential Radioprotective Role of Taurine
Authors: Gao Yiying , Li Xugang , Gao Jingjing , Zhang Zhen , Feng Yang , Nie Jihua , Zhu Wei , Zhang Shuyu , Cao Jianping
Published: October 2019

Radiation-induced lung injury is a major dose-limiting toxicity that occurs due to thoracic radiotherapy. Metabolomics is a powerful quantitative measurement of low-molecular-weight metabolites in response to environmental disturbances. However, the metabolomic profiles of radiation-induced lung injury have not been reported yet. In this study, male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a single dose of 10 or 20 Gy irradiation to the right lung. One week after radiation, the obvious morphological alteration of lung tissues after radiation was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining through a transmission electron microscope. We then analyzed the metabolites and related pathways of radiation-induced lung injury by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and a total of 453 metabolites were identified. Compared to the nonirradiated left lung, 19 metabolites (8 upregulated and 11 downregulated) showed a significant difference in 10 Gy irradiated lung tissues, including mucic acid, methyl-β-d-galactopyranoside, quinoline-4-carboxylic acid, and pyridoxine. There were 31 differential metabolites (16 upregulated and 15 downregulated) between 20 Gy irradiated and nonirradiated lung tissues, including taurine, piperine, 1,2,4-benzenetriol, and lactamide. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes–based pathway analysis enriched 32 metabolic pathways between the irradiated and nonirradiated lung tissues, including pyrimidine metabolism, ATP-binding cassette transporters, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, and β-alanine metabolism. Among the dysregulated metabolites, we found that taurine promoted clonogenic survival and reduced radiation-induced necrosis in human embryonic lung fibroblast (HELF) cells. This study provides evidence indicating that radiation induces metabolic alterations of the lung. These findings significantly advance our understanding of the pathophysiology of radiation-induced lung injury from the perspective of metabolism.
Vanishing point detection in corridor for autonomous mobile robots using monocular low-resolution fisheye vision
Authors: Ni Dejing , Ji Peng , Song Aiguo
Published: October 2019

It is crucial for mobile robots to implement vanishing point detection during navigation in corridors. For the fisheye vision, the conventional methods of vanishing point detection usually obtain poor detection results. This is mainly attributed to serious barrel distortion in images acquired from fisheye cameras that are widely used in mobile robot systems. In the proposed system, a novel vanishing point detection algorithm based on the Gabor filter bank and the convolutional neural network is put forward to realize more accurate detection. The Gabor filter bank is used to extract image texture information in the preprocessing step, thereby enhancing the generalization. The convolutional neural network is used to predict the position of the vanishing point in the fisheye images. To improve the real-time performance and guarantee the accuracy, the low-resolution image should be selected as the input image as far as possible. For this purpose, a multi-resolution experiment was carried out. With the appropriate resolution, the proposed vanishing point detector was found still effective even if 60% of the original information was discarded. In addition, an experiment was conducted to verify the generalization on the condition of illumination changing, pedestrians passing, and different corridor appearance. The experiments displayed good effect and generalization on fisheye images captured in the corridor.
Evoking Work Motivation in Industry 4.0
Authors: Tan Shen Kian , Rajah Sivan
Published: October 2019

Many scholars are commenting the impossibility of high technologies to replace human at work. To motivate people to cope with variety of organizational and work changes in the dawn of forth industrial revolution, the science of motivation remains the key to answers. As the dissimilar of current industrial context and work content are leaving doubts on empirical findings collected in earlier industrial landscape, this article was written for two purposes: first is to synthesis development of behavioral science in the four stages of industrial revolution, while the second is to suggest future researches on work motivation in current industrial context. It is hopes that this article will enlighten researchers to conduct more empirical studies on work behaviors in this new industrial landscape.
Retinal Vasculitis in Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis With Concurrent Cytomegalovirus Retinitis
Authors: Cao Jessica L. , Sharma Sumit
Published: October 2019

Purpose: This case report describes a patient with retinal vasculitis and intraocular inflammation secondary to lymphomatoid granulomatosis who was later found to have concurrent cytomegalovirus retinitis. Methods: Case report. Results: The patient was treated with antivirals and his condition improved. Conclusions: Lymphomatoid granulomatosis is a rare multisystem disease that can involve the eye but it is important to consider concurrent infectious etiologies.
How I treat patients with hereditary antithrombin deficiency
Authors: Pabinger Ingrid , Thaler Johannes
Published: October 2019

This issue’s How I Treat article offers valuable insights to clinicians caring for patients with congenital antithrombin deficiency and is likely to be especially helpful for clinicians who only see a few cases in their career.
Australian GPs’ perceptions of barriers and enablers to best practice palliative care: a qualitative study
Authors: Herrmann Anne , Carey Mariko L. , Zucca Alison C. , Boyd Lucy A. P. , Roberts Bernadette J.
Published: October 2019

Background

General Practitioners (GPs) often play an important role in caring for people at the end of life. While some international studies suggest that GPs experience a number of barriers to providing palliative care, little is known about views and experiences of GPs in Australia. This study explored Australian GPs’ perceptions of barriers and enablers to the provision of palliative care and provides new insights into how to implement best practice care at the end of life.

Methods

This was a qualitative study using 25 semi-structured phone interviews conducted with GPs practising in metropolitan and non-metropolitan New South Wales, Australia. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

GPs reported difficulties with palliative care provision due to i) the complex and often emotional nature of doctor-family-interaction; ii) a lack of evidence to guide care; and iii) the need to negotiate roles and responsibilities within the healthcare team. GPs listed a number of strategies to help deal with their workload and to improve communication processes between healthcare providers. These included appropriate scheduling of appointments, locally tailored mentoring and further education, and palliative care guidelines which more clearly outline the roles and responsibilities within multidisciplinary teams. GPs also noted the importance of online platforms to facilitate their communication with patients, their families and other healthcare providers, and to provide centralised access to locally tailored information on palliative care services. GPs suggested that non-government organisations could play an important role by raising awareness of the key role of GPs in palliative care provision and implementing an “official visitor” program, i.e. supporting volunteers to provide peer support or respite to people with palliative care needs and their families.

Conclusions

This study offers new insights into strategies to overcome well documented barriers to palliative care provision in general practice and help implement optimal care at the end of life. The results suggest that researchers and policy makers should adopt a comprehensive approach to improving the provision of palliative care which tackles the array of barriers and enablers identified in this study.
A potential relation between premenstrual symptoms and subjective perception of health and stress among college students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Matsumoto Tamaki , Egawa Miho , Kimura Tetsuya , Hayashi Tatsuya
Published: October 2019

Background

A majority of women from all cultures and socioeconomic levels experience myriad symptoms known as premenstrual syndrome during the days prior to menstruation. The present study investigated commonly reported symptoms in the premenstrual phase among college students. The authors further scrutinized potential factors, including subjective perceptions of health, which may be related to the premenstrual-symptom constellation.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey, which included 200 participants (mean age: 19.8 ± 0.1 years old). The subjects completed a rating of their premenstrual experiences relative to 46 symptoms in eight categories of the self-reporting menstrual distress questionnaire (MDQ) to evaluate the prevalence and severity of premenstrual symptoms. The participants also answered a standardized health questionnaire regarding subjective perceptions of health, self-rating stress, lifestyle, and demographic variables.

Results

Regardless of severity, the 10 symptoms most often occurring among the participants included skin disorders, irritability, fatigue, mood swings, general aches and pains, lowered school or work performance, backache, painful breasts, weight gain, and swelling. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed subjective perception of health (β = 0.28; p <  0.001) and self-rating stress (β = 0.18; p = 0.008) as the factors most strongly related to the MDQ total scores. In addition, the 19 women who evaluated themselves as “unhealthy and stressed” had greater prevalence of severe or extremely severe physical (general aches and pains) and psychosocial symptoms (confusion, lowered school or work performance, decreased efficiency, loneliness, anxiety, restlessness, mood swings, and depression), compared to the healthy and non-stressed women.

Conclusions

The present study indicates the prevalence of premenstrual symptoms, regardless of severity and number, among college students and suggests that negative subjective perceptions of health and stress may be related to the intensity of premenstrual symptomatology.
Reduced caregiving quality measured during the strange situation procedure increases child’s autonomic nervous system stress response
Authors: Köhler-Dauner Franziska , Roder Eva , Krause Sabrina , Buchheim Anna , Gündel Harald , Fegert Jörg M. , Ziegenhain Ute , Waller Christiane
Published: October 2019

Background

Dysfunctional maternal behavior has been shown to lead to disturbances in infant’s regulatory capacities and alterations in vagal reactivity. We aim to investigate the autonomic nervous system (ANS) response of the child during the strange situation procedure (SSP) in relation to the quality of maternal behavior.

Methods

Twelve month after birth, 163 mother–child-dyads were investigated during the SSP. Heart rate (HR) and both, the parasympathetic branch (PNS) via the respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and the sympathetic branch (SNS) via the left ventricular ejection time (LVET) of the ANS were continuously determined during the SSP using electrocardiogram (ECG) and impedance cardiogram (ICG) measures. Maternal behavior was assessed by using the AMBIANCE measure.

Results

The ANS response in infants of mothers with disruptive behavior compared to infants of non-disruptive mothers was significantly altered during the SSP: HR increased especially when infants of disruptive mothers were alone with the stranger (F (1, 161) = 4.15, p = .04) with a significant vagal withdrawal when being in contact with the stranger despite of presence of the mother (F (1, 161) = 5.11, p = .03) and a significant increase in vagal tone during final reunion (F (1, 161) = 3.76, p = .05). HR increase was mainly based on a decrease in LVET (F (1, 161) = 4.08, p = .05) with a maximum infant’s HR when the stranger came into the room instead of the mother.

Conclusion

Both, SNS and PNS branches of the child are significantly altered in terms of an ANS imbalance, especially during contract to a stranger, in relation to dysfunctional maternal behavior. Our findings suggest the importance of supporting high quality caregiving that enables the infant to adapt adequately to stressful interpersonal situations which is likely to promote later health.
Stable transmission of complex chromosomal rearrangements involving chromosome 1q derived from constitutional chromoanagenesis
Authors: Gudipati Mary A. , Waters Elizabeth , Greene Carol , Goel Nidhi , Hoppman Nicole L. , Pitel Beth A. , Webley Matthew R. , Zou Ying
Published: October 2019

Background

Chromoanagenesis events encompassing chromoanasynthesis, chromoplexy, and chromothripsis are described in cancers and can result in highly complex chromosomal rearrangements derived from ‘all-at-once’ catastrophic cellular events. The complexity of these rearrangements and the original descriptions in cancer cells initially led to the assumption that it was an acquired anomaly. While rare, these phenomena involving chromosome 1 have been reported a few individuals in a constitutional setting.

Case presentation

Here, we describe a newborn baby who was initially referred for cytogenetic testing for multiple congenital anomalies including cystic encephalomalacia, patent ductus arteriosus, inguinal hernia, and bilateral undescended testicles. Chromosome analysis was performed and revealed a derivative chromosome 1 with an 1q24-q31 segment inserted into 1q42.13 resulting in gain of 1q24-q31. Whole genome SNP microarray analysis showed a complex pattern of copy number variants with four gains and one loss involving 1q24-q31. Mate pair next-generation sequencing analysis revealed 18 chromosome breakpoints, six gains along an 1q24-q31 segment, one deletion of 1q31.3 segment and one deletion of 1q42.13 segment, which is strongly evocative of a chromoanasynthesis event for developing this complex rearrangement. Parental chromosome analyses were performed and showed the same derivative chromosome 1 in the mother.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, our case is the first case with familial constitutional chromoanagenesis involving chromosome 1q24-q42. This report emphasizes the value of performing microarray and mate pair next-generation sequencing analysis for individuals with germline abnormal or complex chromosome rearrangements.
Correction to: KIFC1 is activated by TCF-4 and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma pathogenesis by regulating HMGA1 transcriptional activity
Authors: Teng Kai , Wei Shi , Zhang Chi , Chen Jiewei , Chen Jinbin , Xiao Kanghua , Liu Jun , Dai Miaomiao , Guan Xinyuan , Yun Jingping , Xie Dan
Published: October 2019

In the original publication of this article [1], the indicated stages (I-II III-IV) were missing in the clinical stage part at both Table 1 and Table 2.
Contaminating reactivity of a monoclonal CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein β antibody in differentiating myoblasts
Authors: AlSudais Hamood , Wiper-Bergeron Nadine
Published: October 2019

Objective

CCAAT/Enhancer Binding proteins (C/EBPs) are transcription factors involved in the regulation of a variety of cellular processes. We used the Abcam Recombinant Anti-C/EBP beta antibody (E299) to detect C/EBPβ expression during myogenesis. Though the antibody is monoclonal, and the immunogen used is highly specific to C/EBPβ, we identified an intense band at 23 kDa on western blot that did not correspond to any of the known isoforms of C/EBPβ, or family members predicted to cross-react. Absent in myoblast cells overexpressing C/EBPβ, the band was present when C/EBPβ was knocked down, confirming specificity for a protein other than C/EBPβ. The objective of this work was to identify the contaminating reactivity.

Results

We performed immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry to identified myosin light chain 4 (MYL4) as the unknown band, suggesting that the Abcam monoclonal antibody directed against C/EBPβ is not pure, but contains a contaminating antibody against MYL4. Caution should be used when working in cells lines that express MYL4 to not confound the detection of MYL4 with that of C/EBPβ isoforms.