bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of high-quality daytime seeing windows at the Antarctic Taishan station
Authors: Tian Qiguo , Jiang Peng , Jin Xinmiao , Li Jialu , Pei Chong , Du Fujia , Li Zhengyang , Li Xiaoyan , Chen Hualin , Ji Tuo , Shi Xiheng , Zhang Shaohua , Yang Chenwei , Zhou Hongyan
Published: February 2020

We report on the initial results of seeing measurements at the Antarctic Taishan Station (ATS) using a differential image motion monitor observed in the visible at a height of 2.5 m above the snow surface, during the site-testing experiments carried out on 2014 January 13 and 15. The median seeing was found to be 0.73 arcsec and the 25th and 75th percentiles of the seeing cumulative distribution were 0.59 and 0.87 arcsec, respectively, with a minimum of ∼0.5 arcsec at ∼16:00–19:00 local time (UTC + 5). Such a seeing minimum has a good temporal association with the refractive index structure constant ($C_n^2$) minimum simultaneously observed at ATS. Interestingly, both temporal windows of $C_n^2$ and seeing minimum coincide with those of minimum temperature gradients ($\rm \sim 0\,^{\circ }C\,m^{-1}$), we had more than one month of continuous measurements of Cn2 and temperature gradients between 2013 December 30 and 2014 February 10. This suggests that high-quality seeing windows might be opened at ATS with the potential for astronomical activities, especially for solar observations.
Properties of giant molecular clouds in the strongly barred galaxy NGC 1300
Authors: Maeda Fumiya , Ohta Kouji , Fujimoto Yusuke , Habe Asao
Published: February 2020

Star formation activity depends on galactic-scale environments. To understand the variations in star formation activity, comparing the properties of giant molecular clouds (GMCs) among environments with different star formation efficiency (SFE) is necessary. We thus focus on a strongly barred galaxy to investigate the impact of the galactic environment on the GMC properties, because the SFE is clearly lower in bar regions than in arm regions. In this paper, we present the 12CO(1 − 0) observations towards the western bar, arm, and bar-end regions of the strongly barred galaxy NGC 1300 with ALMA 12-m array at a high angular resolution of ∼40 pc. We detected GMCs associated with the dark lanes not only in the arm and bar-end regions but also in the bar region, where massive star formation is not seen. Using the CPROPS algorithm, we identified and characterized 233 GMCs across the observed regions. Based on the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, we find that there is virtually no significant variations in GMC properties (e.g. radius, velocity dispersion, molecular gas mass, and virial parameter) among the bar, arm, and bar-end region. These results suggest that systematic differences in the physical properties of the GMCs are not the cause for SFE differences with environments, and that there should be other mechanisms which control the SFE of the GMCs such as fast cloud–cloud collisions in NGC 1300.
Monitoring the spatio-temporal organization and dynamics of the genome
Authors: Shaban Haitham A , Seeber Andrew
Published: February 2020

The spatio-temporal organization of chromatin in the eukaryotic cell nucleus is of vital importance for transcription, DNA replication and genome maintenance. Each of these activities is tightly regulated in both time and space. While we have a good understanding of chromatin organization in space, for example in fixed snapshots as a result of techniques like FISH and Hi-C, little is known about chromatin dynamics in living cells. The rapid development of flexible genomic loci imaging approaches can address fundamental questions on chromatin dynamics in a range of model organisms. Moreover, it is now possible to visualize not only single genomic loci but the whole genome simultaneously. These advances have opened many doors leading to insight into several nuclear processes including transcription and DNA repair. In this review, we discuss new chromatin imaging methods and how they have been applied to study transcription.
Exploring the Point-of-Sale Among Vape Shops Across the United States: Audits Integrating a Mystery Shopper Approach
Authors: Berg Carla J , Barker Dianne C , Meyers Christina , Weber Amber , Park Amy J , Patterson Akilah , Dorvil Sarah , Fairman Robert T , Huang Jidong , Sussman Steve , Livingston Melvin D , Wagener Theodore L , Hayes Rashelle B , Pulvers Kim , Getachew Betelihem , Schleicher Nina , Henriksen Lisa
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Vape shops represent prominent, unique retailers, subject to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation in the United States.

Aims and Methods

This study assessed compliance of US vape shop retail marketing strategies with new regulations (eg, required age verification, prohibited free samples) and pre-implementation conditions for other regulations (eg, health warning labels on all nicotine products, required disclosures of e-liquid contents).

Results

95.0% of shops displayed minimum-age signage; however, mystery shoppers were asked for age verification at 35.6% upon entry and at 23.4% upon purchase. Although 85.5% of shops had some evidence of implementing FDA health warnings, 29.1% had signage indicating prohibited health claims, 16.3% offered free e-liquid samples, 27.4% had signage with cartoon imagery, and 33.3% were within two blocks of schools. All shops sold open-system devices, 64.8% sold closed-system devices, 68.2% sold their own brand of e-liquids, 42.5% sold e-liquids containing cannabidiol, 83.2% offered price promotions of some kind, and 89.9% had signage for product and price promotions.

Conclusions

Results indicated that most shops complied with some implementation of FDA health warnings and with free sampling bans and minimum-age signage. Other findings indicated concerns related to underage access, health claims, promotional strategies, and cannabidiol product offerings, which call for further FDA and state regulatory/enforcement efforts.
Temperature analysis of solar prominences by multi-wavelength observations
Authors: Okada Sanetaka , Ichimoto Kiyoshi , Machida Aki , Tokuda Satomi , Huang Yuwei , UeNo Satoru
Published: February 2020

The aim of this paper is to determine the kinetic temperature of solar prominences from widths of emission lines with a careful evaluation of its validity, and to investigate the spatial distribution of the non-thermal velocity and the kinetic temperature in prominences. Spectroscopic observations of prominences were carried out using the Domeless Solar Telescope at the Hida observatory in four emission lines, i.e., H$\alpha$$656.3\:$nm, H$\beta$$486.1\:$nm, Ca$^{+}$IR $854.2\:$nm, and Ca$^{+}$K $393.4\:$nm. We found systematic differences in temperature and its spatial distributions in prominences obtained from different pairs of spectral lines. The reason for the difference is that the intrinsic widths of emission lines determined by a single-slab model are different for optically thick and thin lines, and can be attributed to the assumption of a Gaussian profile of the non-thermal broadening in the single-slab model. With numerical experiments, we found that the observed differences among line pairs can be reproduced by a multi-slab model, in which each slab has different non-thermal broadening and line-of-sight velocity. The most accurate evaluation of the temperature is obtained with the pair of H$\beta$ and Ca$^{+}$IR in our selection. Based on these results, we found the typical kinetic temperature of prominences to be 8000–$12000\:$K, which is significantly higher than the temperature determined by radiative balance and suggests the presence of mechanical heating in prominences. Also suggested is the presence of positive spatial correlation between non-thermal velocity and temperature. We revisit past observational results on the prominence temperature and discuss the reason for discrepancies among them.
Quantitative Imaging Reveals Distinct Contributions of SnRK2 and ABI3 in Plasmodesmatal Permeability in Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Tomoi Takumi , Kawade Kensuke , Kitagawa Munenori , Sakata Yoichi , Tsukaya Hirokazu , Fujita Tomomichi
Published: February 2020

Cell-to-cell communication is tightly regulated in response to environmental stimuli in plants. We previously used a photoconvertible fluorescent protein Dendra2 as a model reporter to study this process. This experiment revealed that macromolecular trafficking between protonemal cells in Physcomitrella patens is suppressed in response to abscisic acid (ABA). However, it remains unknown which ABA signaling components contribute to this suppression and how. Here, we show that ABA signaling components SUCROSE NON-FERMENTING 1-RELATED PROTEIN KINASE 2 (PpSnRK2) and ABA INSENSITIVE 3 (PpABI3) play roles as an essential and promotive factor, respectively, in regulating ABA-induced suppression of Dendra2 diffusion between cells (ASD). Our quantitative imaging analysis revealed that disruption of PpSnRK2 resulted in defective ASD onset itself, whereas disruption of PpABI3 caused an 81-min delay in the initiation of ASD. Live-cell imaging of callose deposition using aniline blue staining showed that, despite this onset delay, callose deposition on cross walls remained constant in the PpABI3 disruptant, suggesting that PpABI3 facilitates ASD in a callose-independent manner. Given that ABA is an important phytohormone to cope with abiotic stresses, we further explored cellular physiological responses. We found that the acquisition of salt stress tolerance is promoted by PpABI3 in a quantitative manner similar to ASD. Our results suggest that PpABI3-mediated ABA signaling may effectively coordinate cell-to-cell communication during the acquisition of salt stress tolerance. This study will accelerate the quantitative study for ABA signaling mechanism and function in response to various abiotic stresses.
Children’s Views of the American Presidency
Authors: Oxley Zoe M , Holman Mirya R , Greenlee Jill S , Bos Angela L , Lay J Celeste
Published: February 2020

What do children think about political leaders? In classic political socialization studies of the late 1950s, children tended to hold idealized views of political leaders. In spite of enormous changes in the political landscape, we know little about how these attitudes have changed in the last 60 years. To assess the views of children today, we surveyed over 500 elementary school children (grades 1–6) in the United States. Children no longer possess favorable views of the president. However, the institution of the presidency continues to be held in high esteem.
Earmarking Risk: Relational Investing and Portfolio Choice
Authors: Hayes Adam , O’Brien Rourke
Published: February 2020

Ordinary individuals are increasingly charged with making investment decisions not only for themselves but also for close others. A child’s college savings account and a spouse’s retirement savings are instances where investing has become unmistakably relational. In this paper, we posit a theory of relational investing that extends Zelizer’s relational perspective from the domain of transactions to that of financial risk-taking. Through two original survey experiments, we demonstrate that (1) individuals are less risky with dollars earmarked for others, (2) risk tolerance varies as a function of for whom the dollars are earmarked, and (3) labeling accounts for culturally significant life-stage events (such as retirement or college) also shapes risk tolerance. Because allocation decisions determine financial returns achieved by portfolios invested in the market, our framework and findings have important implications for understanding potential drivers of wealth inequality as well as for the study of culture and economic behavior.
The influence of cobalt manganese ferrite nanoparticles (Co0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4) on reduction of hazardous effects of vanadate in adult rats
Authors: Rezk Mohamed M , Dhmees Abdelghaffar S , Abd El-Magied Mahmoud O , Manaa El-Sayed A , El-Gendy Hassan S
Published: February 2020

Effect of cobalt manganese ferrite nanoparticles (M-NPs) (Co0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4) on vanadium hazards was assessment in the present study. Four groups of adult male albino rats [control group and three variably treated groups with ammonium metavanadate accompanied with or without cobalt M-NPs] were studied. The oral administration of ammonium metavanadate (Am.V) (20 mg/kg b.wt.) demonstrated the facility of vanadium to distribute and accumulate in the distinctive body organs and ordered as kidney > liver > lung > brain > spleen. Also, Am.V administration induce a significant disturbance in many physiological parameters (RBS, cholesterol, triglyceride, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, Alb., bilirubin, Alk.Ph., urea, creat., Hb%, red blood cell count and packed cell volume) which might be expected to the liberation of free radicals according to the vanadium intoxication or its ability to disturb many body metabolisms. On the other hand, the intraperitoneal administration of 5% M-NPs in parallel with Am.V orally administration showed the ability of M-NPs to reduce Am.V dangerous impacts, which might be resulted from the essentiality of M-NPs metals to the body metabolism and to its free radicals scavenging properties. So, M-NPs could reduce Am.V hazardous effects.
Phytophthora capsici PcFtsZ2 Is Required for Asexual Development and Plant Infection (Retracted)
Authors: Li Jing , Ai CongCong , Yang CanCan , Jiang WeiLin , Sheng Hui , Morris Paul F. , Zhang XiuGuo
Published: February 2020

The authors of Li et al. 33:727–741 (2020) retracted this article because of figure composition errors. This article was retracted on 28 November 2022.

In bacteria, FtsZ proteins form a Z ring that is the initial step preceding septal fission. FtsZ proteins enable the division of mitochondria in early eukaryotes and are present in some kingdoms but have been lost in animals, fungi, and plants. Here, we have identified two Phytophthora capsici ortholog genes of Escherichia coli FtsZs, designated PcFtsZ1 and PcFtsZ2. Overexpression of PcFtsZ2 in E. coli fully complemented the overexpression phenotype of EcFtsZ. In contrast, overexpression of PcFtsZ1 in E. coli had minimal impact on cell division and separation. Thus, we focused on evaluating the impact of altered expression of PcFtsZ2 in P. capsici, as it exhibited the strongest phenotype. PcFtsZ2 was expressed at the highest levels in mycelia, sporangia, and germinating cysts, as well as in late infection. PcFtsZ2 mis-expression lines showed aberrant asexual growth and development of P. capsici. Alterations in the expression of PcFtsZ2 changed the distribution of mitochondria in hyphae and sporangia and, also, affected the number, size, and shape of actin plaques. Silencing of PcFtsZ2 restrained growth and development of invasive structures, especially cysts and sporangia, substantially inhibiting the ability of transformants to cause blight lesions. In overexpressed transformant lines, cyst and sporangial germination rates were only half that of controls, but hyphal growth from direct germination of sporangia was more rapid than controls. These transformant lines were only slightly impaired in virulence relative to controls. This study emphasizes the essential role of the evolutionarily conserved FtsZ2 proteins in affecting cytoskeleton dynamics.
Draft Genome Resource for Macrophomina phaseolina Associated With Charcoal Rot in Sorghum
Authors: Purushotham Neeraj , Jones Ashley , Poudel Barsha , Nasim Jamila , Adorada Dante , Sparks Adam , Schwessinger Benjamin , Vaghefi Niloofar
Published: February 2020

Macrophomina phaseolina is a soil-borne phytopathogenic fungus that causes charcoal rot in several plant species, including sorghum. We constructed a draft genome of M. phaseolina isolate BRIP 70780a from sorghum, using long-read native DNA from MinION sequencing, which was error-corrected using short-read Illumina MiSeq reads. The draft genome, consisting of 22 contigs with an N50 of 4,257,441 bp, 99.3% complete benchmarking universal single-copy orthologs, and 14,471 genes, is a valuable resource to aid future studies in population genomics and molecular diagnostic marker development for rapid detection of the pathogen.
Activity of the Novel Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor Fungicide Pydiflumetofen Against SDHI-Sensitive and SDHI-Resistant Isolates of Botrytis cinerea and Efficacy Against Gray Mold
Authors: He Leiming , Cui Kaidi , Song Yufei , Li Tongtong , Liu Ning , Mu Wei , Liu Feng
Published: February 2020

Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides are currently the most frequently used fungicides for controlling gray mold. However, isolates of Botrytis cinerea resistant to SDHI fungicides have emerged in the field. Pydiflumetofen is a new SDHI fungicide that can control a variety of fungal diseases, but its efficacy against gray mold and whether the activity of pydiflumetofen is affected by the current SDHI-resistant isolates is currently unknown. The sensitivity of 291 single-spore B. cinerea isolates collected from 2017 to 2019 to pydiflumetofen was determined by spore germination inhibition assays. The mean EC50 value (fungicide concentration resulting in a 50% inhibition compared with that of the control) of pydiflumetofen was 0.06 ± 0.01, 0.07 ± 0.02, and 0.05 ± 0.02 mg/liter in 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively. There was no significant difference in the sensitivity of B. cinerea to pydiflumetofen among the 3 years. Furthermore, pydiflumetofen at 300 mg/liter effectively controlled gray mold on cucumber leaves (80.9%), and its efficacy was superior to that of boscalid at 400 mg/liter (42.7%). The isolates carrying P225F, N230I, H272Y, and H272R mutations in the SdhB subunit were associated with the less sensitivity of B. cinerea to SDHI fungicides. After establishing the baseline sensitivity of B. cinerea to pydiflumetofen (EC50 of 0.03 ± 0.003 mg/liter), we found that the P225F and H272Y mutant isolates showed low to moderate levels of resistance to pydiflumetofen, and the H272R and N230I mutant isolates showed low levels of resistance. The reduced sensitivity to pydiflumetofen resulted from the positive correlation of pydiflumetofen with the other four SDHI fungicides (i.e., boscalid, fluopyram, isopyrazam, and benzovindiflupyr). These results suggest that pydiflumetofen provides effective control for the management of gray mold but must be used with caution.
Distribution of Xanthomonas hortorum pv. carotae Populations in Naturally Infested Carrot Seed Lots
Authors: Scott Jeness C. , Dung Jeremiah K. S.
Published: February 2020

Bacterial blight of carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus), caused by the plant-pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas hortorum pv. carotae, is a common seedborne disease of carrot wherever the crop is grown. Carrot seed lots were evaluated to determine the variability and distribution of populations of X. hortorum pv. carotae among individual carrot seeds. Twenty-four carrot seed lots harvested between 2014 and 2016 were subjected to a bulk seed wash dilution-plate assay to obtain mean X. hortorum pv. carotae levels. Mean infestation levels resulting from the bulk seed wash assays among the 24 seed lots ranged from 1.2 × 107 and 9.6 × 108 CFU/g seed and averaged 3.6 × 108 CFU/g seed. Individual seeds from the same 24 lots were also tested with a scaled-down wash assay of individual seeds. Among the 1,380 seeds that were individually assayed, 475 X. hortorum pv. carotae-positive seeds were detected (34.4%). Rates of X. hortorum pv. carotae detection on individual seed in seed lots ranged from 0% (not detected) to 97.9%, and the mean and median X. hortorum pv. carotae population on an individual seed was 8.3 × 104 and 6.3 × 101 CFU/seed, respectively. Among individual seeds, X. hortorum pv. carotae populations ranged from 2 (the limit of detection of the assay) to 3.6 × 107 CFU/seed. CFU data for 23 of the 24 seed lots were nonnormal and the Log-Logistic (3P) distribution best described populations of X. hortorum pv. carotae recovered from individual carrot seeds. The influence and impact of nonnormal distributions of X. hortorum pv. carotae in commercial carrot seed lots on seed health tests, seedborne transmission, and bacterial blight epidemiology requires further study.
Low Frequency of Horizontal and Vertical Transmission of Cucurbit Leaf Crumple Virus in WhiteflyBemisia tabaciGennadius
Authors: Gadhave Kiran R. , Gautam Saurabh , Dutta Bhabesh , Coolong Tim , Adkins Scott , Srinivasan Rajagopalbabu
Published: February 2020

Cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV), a bipartite begomovirus, is transmitted by whiteflies in a persistent and circulative manner. Like other begomoviruses, CuLCrV transmission via feeding is well understood; however, whether and how CuLCrV is transmitted by horizontal and vertical modes in its vector, Bemisia tabaci, remains unexplored. We studied transovarial and mating transmission of CuLCrV, and comparatively analyzed virus accumulation in whiteflies through feeding and nonfeeding modes. Furthermore, we quantified CuLCrV DNA A accumulation at different time points to determine whether this virus propagates in whiteflies. CuLCrV DNA A was transmitted vertically and horizontally by B. tabaci, with low frequency in each case. Transovarial transmission of CuLCrV DNA A was only 3.93% in nymphs and 3.09% in adults. Similarly, only a single viruliferous male was able to transmit CuLCrV DNA A to its nonviruliferous female counterparts via mating. In contrast, viruliferous females were unable to transmit CuLCrV DNA A to nonviruliferous males. Additionally, the recipient adults that presumably acquired CuLCrV transovarially and via mating were not able to transmit the virus to squash plants. We further report that the CuLCrV DNA A viral copy numbers were significantly lower in nonfeeding modes of transmission than in feeding ones. The viral copy numbers significantly decreased at succeeding time points throughout adulthood, suggesting no CuLCrV propagation in B. tabaci. Altogether, the low frequency of nonfeeding transmission, reduced virus accumulation in whiteflies, and absence of plant infectivity through nonfeeding transmission suggest that transovarial and mating CuLCrV transmission might not substantially contribute to CuLCrV epidemics.
Role of Melatonin in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi-Induced Resistance to Fusarium Wilt in Cucumber
Authors: Ahammed Golam Jalal , Mao Qi , Yan Yaru , Wu Meijuan , Wang Yaqi , Ren Jingjing , Guo Pan , Liu Airong , Chen Shuangchen
Published: February 2020

Melatonin is a multifunctional molecule that confers tolerance to a number of biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. However, the role of melatonin in plant response to Fusarium oxysporum and the interaction with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) remain unclear. Here we show that exogenous melatonin application promoted the AMF colonization rate in cucumber roots, which potentially suppressed Fusarium wilt as evidenced by a decreased disease index and an increased control effect. Leaf gas exchange analysis revealed that Fusarium inoculation significantly decreased the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), intercellular CO2 concentrations (Ci), and transpiration rate (Tr). Intriguingly, either melatonin application or AMF inoculation significantly increased the Pn, Gs, Tr, and dry biomass, and their combined treatment showed a more profound effect under Fusarium stress. Further analysis showed that Fusarium induced oxidative stress as evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage. Conversely, either melatonin or AMF drastically attenuated the levels of malondialdehyde, H2O2, and electrolyte leakage in Fusarium-inoculated plants, and their combined treatment caused a further decrease. Fusarium inoculation decreased the activity and transcripts of superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase, and the content of glutathione and proline. Besides, the activity and transcripts of peroxidase and catalase, the content of phenols and flavonoids increased after Fusarium infection. Importantly, melatonin and/or AMF significantly increased those parameters with the greatest effect with their combined treatment under Fusarium stress. Our results suggest that a positive collaboration between melatonin and AMF enhances resistance to Fusarium wilt in cucumber plants.
Adverse Events and Factors Associated With Potentially Avoidable Use of General Anesthesia in Cesarean Deliveries
Authors: Guglielminotti J. , Landau R. , Li G.
Published: February 2020

(Anesthesiology. 2019;130:912–922)

Over the last decade, the use of general anesthesia for cesarean delivery has decreased, as neuraxial anesthesia has been associated with significantly lower risk of adverse maternal events. Consequently, anesthesia-related morbidity also decreased during that time. The estimated rate for general anesthesia use in cesarean delivery in the United States is ∼5.5%. Patients may receive general anesthesia during cesarean delivery due to contraindications to neuraxial techniques, high-risk situations, or specific comorbidities. However, identifying situations in which general anesthesia was used in cesarean delivery without clinical indication could help select targets for quality assurance programs. This study aimed to examine patient-level and hospital-level risk factors for potentially avoidable general anesthesia in cesarean delivery.
Association of Adverse Perinatal Outcomes of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy With Biochemical Markers: Results of Aggregate and Individual Patient Data Meta-Analyses
Authors: Ovadia C. , Seed P.T. , Sklavounos A. , Geenes B. , Di Ilio C. , Chambers J. , Kohari K. , Bacq Y. , Bozkurt N. , Brun-Furrer R. , Bull L. , Estiú M.C. , Grymowicz M. , Gunaydin B. , Hague W.M. , Haslinger C. , Hu Y. , Kawakita T. , Kebapcilar A.G. , Kebapcilar L. , Kondrackienė J. , Koster M.P.H. , Kowalska-Kańka A. , Kupčinskas L. , Lee R.H. , Locatelli A. , Macias R.I.R. , Marschall H.U. , Oudijk M.A. , Raz Y. , Rimon E. , Shan D. , Shao Y. , Tribe R. , Tripodi V. , Abide C.Y. , Yenidede I. , Thornton J.G. , Chappell L.C. , Williamson C.
Published: February 2020

(Lancet. 2019;393:899–909)

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy has been associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, including preterm labor, fetal asphyxia, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and stillbirth. Although studies have found an increased risk of these complications when the serum bile acid concentration is >40 µmol/L, there currently are no studies to indicate a specific concentration threshold that is predictive of fetal death. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to quantify adverse perinatal complications in relation to serum bile acid concentrations and to determine whether specific concentration levels were associated with the risk of stillbirth and preterm birth.
Postpartum Readmissions Among Women With Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Wen T. , Batista N. , Wright J.D. , D’Alton M.E. , Attenello F.J. , Mack W.J. , Friedman A.M.
Published: February 2020

(Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM. 2019;1(1):89–98)

The obstetric population has been affected by the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States, with more than one fifth of women receiving opioids during the course of pregnancy. Maternal opioid use disorder (OUD) is rising and increases the risk of maternal mortality and severe morbidity. There is a knowledge gap on the risk for postpartum readmission for women with OUD, which could better inform postpartum care. This study aimed to examine and describe the risk for postpartum readmissions for women with an OUD diagnosis.
Maternal Sleep Practices and Stillbirth: Findings From an International Case-controlled Study
Authors: O'Brien L.M. , Warland J. , Stacey T. , Heazell A.E.P. , Mitchell E.A.
Published: February 2020

(Birth. 2019;46:344–354)

Late stillbirth, defined as stillbirth at 28 weeks’ gestation or later, is between 1.3 and 8.8 per 1000 and has been decreasing at an annual rate of ∼2.3% in high-income countries. There is room for improvement, as nearly 20,000 stillbirths could have been avoided in 2015 had all high-income countries achieved the rates of the 6 best-performing countries. While many risk factors for late stillbirth are not modifiable during pregnancy, maternal sleep position has been found to significantly impact the risk of stillbirth, as well as sleep duration and number of awakenings. Using a large, international study cohort, this study aimed to investigate potentially modifiable maternal risk factors, including sleep practices, with the hypothesis that supine sleeping position and long sleep duration would increase the risk of late stillbirth.
Association Between Year of Birth and 1-Year Survival Among Extremely Preterm Infants in Sweden During 2004-2007 and 2014-2016
Authors: Norman M. , Hallberg B. , Abrahamsson T. , Björklund L.J. , Domellöf M. , Farooqi A. , Foyn Bruun C. , Gadsbøll C. , Hellström-Westas L. , Ingemansson F. , Källén K. , Ley D. , Maršál K. , Normann E. , Serenius F. , Stephansson O. , Stigson L. , Um-Bergström P. , Håkansson S.
Published: February 2020

(JAMA. 2019;321(12):1188–1199)

Since 2004-2007, Sweden has created new recommendations, regulations and laws concerning extremely preterm births. In 2008, it became mandatory to register all stillbirths at 22 to 27 weeks’ gestational age to record statistics for all extremely preterm births. The withholding or withdrawal of advanced life support was the subject of regulations issued in 2011. In 2016, national guidelines for perinatal management were published and included recommendations on the resuscitation of infants delivered between 22 and 24 weeks gestation, the use of antenatal corticosteroid treatment, mode of delivery, and centralization of care. It’s unclear if these actions had significant effects on outcomes for extremely preterm infants in Sweden. This study aimed to compare the survival rates of extremely preterm infants born in 2004-2007 with those born between 2014 and 2016.
Baseline Parameters for Rotational Thromboelastometry (ROTEM) in Healthy Women Undergoing Elective Cesarean Delivery: A Prospective Observational Study in Australia
Authors: Lee J. , Eley V.A. , Wyssusek K.H. , Coonan E. , Way M. , Cohen J. , Rowell J. , van Zundert A.A.
Published: February 2020

(Int J Obst Anesth. 2019;38:10–18)

Hypercoagulation is a physiologic change associated with pregnancy. Despite this hypercoagulable state, obstetric hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Management of obstetric hemorrhage can be optimized by utilizing point-of-care ROTEM testing. However, normal reference ranges for ROTEM have not been established specifically for the obstetric population. Often ROTEM reference ranges obtained from the nonpregnant population have been utilized when using this testing in the obstetric population. The aim of this study was to establish baseline parameters for ROTEM in normal pregnancy. A secondary aim of the study was to compare these values with the reference ranges reported by the manufacturer, based on studies in nonpregnant patients.
Effect of Right-Lateral Versus Left-Lateral Tilt Position on Compression of the Inferior Vena Cava in Pregnant Women Determined by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Fujita N. , Higuchi H. , Sakuma S. , Takagi S. , Latif M.A.H.M. , Ozaki M.
Published: February 2020

(Anesth Analg. 2019;128(6):1217–1222)

Because of multiple studies conducted in the 1970s, it is currently standard procedure to tilt a cesarean delivery patient 15 degrees through table repositioning or right hip elevation following spinal anesthesia administration. More recent investigations contradict this practice, calling into question which direction of tilt would be more beneficial for expectant mothers. In this study, Fujita and colleagues used magnetic resonance imaging to monitor abdominal aortic and inferior vena cava compression from a right-tilt angle compared with a left-tilt angle in pregnant women.
Prophylactic Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Reduces the Risk of Surgical Site Infection After Caesarean Section in Obese Women: A Pragmatic Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Hyldig N. , Vinter C.A. , Kruse M. , Mogensen O. , Bille C. , Sorensen J.A. , Lamont R.F. , Wu C. , Heidemann L.N. , Ibsen M.H. , Laursen J.B. , Ovesen P.G. , Rorbye C. , Tanvig M. , Joergensen J.S.
Published: February 2020

(BJOG. 2019;126:628–625)

About 10% of obese patients experience surgical site infection after cesarean delivery, despite recognized interventions such as prophylactic antibiotics and antiseptic skin preparation to help reduce this maternal risk. An alternative to the standard postoperative dressing (SPD) that has been shown to reduce the risk of surgical site infections in nonobstetric patients is incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT). There are only a few studies that have focused on this intervention in obstetric patients undergoing cesarean delivery. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of prophylactic iNPWT on obese patients after cesarean delivery.
Comparison of Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes in Women With Super Obesity Based on Planned Mode of Delivery
Authors: Parambi A. , Davies-Tuck M. , Palmer K.R.
Published: February 2020

(Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2019;59:387–393)

Guidelines on preferred delivery methods for pregnant women with super obesity are currently nonexistent. These women are more likely to have medical comorbidities and develop obstetric disorders such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. In addition, urgent cesarean delivery may be fraught with anesthetic and surgical challenges. As a result, these women are more likely to undergo an elective cesarean section (CS) despite a lack of evidence to support this approach. The current study was undertaken to compare outcomes based on the planned mode of delivery. The investigators also sought to identify factors that could predict a successful vaginal delivery.
Subsequent Pregnancy Outcomes After Open Maternal-Fetal Surgery for Myelomeningocele
Authors: Goodnight W.H. , Bahtiyar O. , Bennett K.A. , Emery S.P. , Lillegard J.B. , Fisher A. , Goldstein R. , Jatres J. , Lim F.Y. , McCullough L. , Moehrlen U. , Moldenhauer J.S. , Moon-Grady A.J. , Ruano R. , Skupski D.W. , Thom E. , Treadwell M.C. , Tsao K. , Wagner A.J. , Waqar L.N. , Zaretsky M.
Published: February 2020

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2019;220:494.e1–494.e7)

Open maternal-fetal surgery (OMFS) for fetal myelomeningocele (fMMC) is associated with a significant reduction in morbidity related to spina bifida. OMFS for fMMC may be associated with adverse outcomes in subsequent pregnancies, but there are limited data available. There is a uterine rupture risk of 4% to 9% associated with a classical hysterotomy, but its unclear whether this risk is similar in hysterotomy for OMFS for fMMC. In 2012, the Fetal Myelomeningocele Consortium, now consisting of 25 institutions, was created to establish a registry of patients undergoing fMMC closure. This study aimed to investigate the maternal and neonatal outcomes in subsequent pregnancies following OMFS for fMMC closure.
Trauma in Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Approach to Mother and Fetus
Authors: MacArthur B. , Foley M. , Gray K. , Sisley A.
Published: February 2020

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2019;220(5):465–468)

As the maternal mortality rate in the United States has risen over the past 30 years, efforts to improve maternal and fetal outcomes have produced protocols and checklists for use in various obstetric settings. With these changes comes a need for reevaluation of the approach to trauma in pregnancy, focusing on standardization. Advanced Trauma Life Support, overseen by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, is widely recognized as the standard for the initial evaluation and treatment of trauma patients. This report described a fetal trauma survey designed to integrate with Advanced Trauma Life Support.
Association of Chorioamnionitis and its Duration With Adverse Maternal Outcomes by Mode of Delivery: A Cohort Study
Authors: Venkatesh K.K. , Glover A.V. , Vladutiu C.J. , Stamilio D.M.
Published: February 2020

(BJOG. 2019;126:719–727)

Chorioamnionitis affects 2% to 5% of all births and is associated with an increased risk of maternal and neonatal morbidity. There is a lack of current population-level data on the association between intra-amniotic infections and maternal outcomes. The effect of chorioamnionitis on maternal outcomes will help inform the development of maternal safety bundles. These researchers aimed to investigate the effects of chorioamnionitis, and its duration, on adverse maternal outcomes. The authors hypothesized that the impact would be greater in mothers delivering via cesarean section compared with vaginal delivery.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound Abnormalities in Late-Onset Severe Preeclampsia: Prevalence and Association With Serum Albumin and Brain Natriuretic Peptide
Authors: Ortner C.M. , Krishnamoorthy V. , Neethling E. , Flint M. , Swanevelder J.L. , Lombard C. , Fawcus S. , Dyer R.A.
Published: February 2020

(Anesth Analg. 2019;128(6):1208–1216)

Care providers frequently use point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) on pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia to prevent serious afflictions such as cerebral complications or cardiorespiratory failure. Present-day ultrasound research has found a number of indicators for pulmonary interstitial syndrome (PIS) and a higher optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), the latter of which could indicate elevated intracranial pressure. As of now, irregular laboratory markers of oncotic pressure and cardiac dysfunction have inconclusive clinical applications; many experts posit that reduced serum albumin level is a contributor to excessive brain fluid and brain swelling. These investigators examined patients with preeclampsia to determine how PIS, ONSD, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and serum albumin level contribute to cardiac dysfunction. They also aimed to study the comparison of information acquired from a POCUS examination to information recorded with traditional clinical methods.
Pilot Survey of Female Anesthesiologists’ Childbearing and Parental Leave Experiences
Authors: Pearson A.C.S. , Dodd S.E. , Kraus M.B. , Ondecko Ligda K.M. , Hertzberg L.B. , Patel P.V. , Chandrabose R.K.
Published: February 2020

(Anesth Analg. 2019;128(6):e109–e112)

Because of the fact that recovery from childbirth is a crucial period in a woman’s life, experts in a number of medical communities have issued policy statements on parental leave and breastfeeding accommodations for physicians. However, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has not put forth any guidelines on either parental leave or breastfeeding arrangements. Previous research has been conducted to study how female surgeons’ careers are affected by childbearing, but there are no studies that examine how parental leave and breastfeeding would influence an anesthesiologist’s professional career. The aim of this study was to record information on women working in anesthesiology to understand their impressions on pregnancy, childbirth, recovery from childbirth, and lactation in the context of their career.
Effect of Companion Presence on Maternal Satisfaction During Neuraxial Catheter Placement for Labor Analgesia: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Morell E. , Peralta F.M. , Higgins N. , Suchar A. , Fitzgerald P. , McCarthy R.J.
Published: February 2020

(Int J Obstet Anesth. 2019;38:66–74)

Neuraxial labor analgesia is an effective and common choice for labor pain management, with the procedure being performed in the labor room under sterile conditions. While some hospitals ask the patient’s companion to leave the room during epidural placement, some studies have found that the presence of a companion can affect both the patient’s and companion’s anxiety level. This study performed at a teaching hospital aimed to investigate the effect of companion presence during combined spinal epidural catheter placement on maternal satisfaction with the neuraxial procedure.
Time From Neuraxial Anesthesia Placement to Delivery is Inversely Proportional to Umbilical Arterial Cord pH at Scheduled Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Rimsza R.R. , Perez W.M. , Babbar S. , O’Brien M. , Vricella L.K.
Published: February 2020

(Am J Obst Gynecol. 2019;220:389.e1–389.e9)

While the maternal risks of cesarean delivery are well documented in the literature, less is known about the risks to the fetus. Neuraxial block-related hypotension and maternal obesity have been found to contribute to uterine hypoperfusion and umbilical arterial pH depression. Examining the time between spinal anesthesia placement and delivery could provide insight into these risks to the fetus awaiting cesarean delivery. The aim of this study was to evaluate neonatal umbilical arterial pH in relation to predelivery time intervals during scheduled cesarean delivery.
High-flow Nasal Oxygen Versus Standard Flow Facemask Preoxygenation in Pregnant Patients: A Randomized Physiological Study
Authors: Shippam W. , Preston R. , Douglas J. , Taylor J. , Albert A. , Chau A.
Published: February 2020

(Anaesthesia. 2019;75:450–456)

While preoxygenation is an important component of safe general anesthesia, it is often suboptimal for obstetric patients. This is due to several factors including air entrainment even with a tight-fitting mask, the need for rapid delivery of the fetus in many situations, and human factor issues. For obstetric patients, an end-tidal oxygen concentration (EtO2) ≥90% is recommended before initiating rapid sequence induction and tracheal intubation. The standard practice for preoxygenation in this population is usually either 3 minutes of tidal volume breathing or 8 vital capacity breaths with facemask administration of 100% oxygen at 15 L/min. Growing in popularity for nonobstetric patients, including children, is high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) to increase the time to desaturation during induction of general anesthesia; however, literature on HFNO for obstetric patients is sparse. This study aimed to determine whether preoxygenation with HFNO (30 to 70 L/min oxygen flow) via nasal prongs is as effective as the recommended preoxygenation using standard 15 L/min oxygen administered via a tight-fitting facemask in obstetric patients.
Rotational Thromboelastometry (ROTEM)-guided Diagnosis and Management of Amniotic Fluid Embolism
Authors: Loughran J.A. , Kitchen T.L. , Sindhakar S. , Ashraf M. , Awad M. , Kealaher E.J.
Published: February 2020

(Int J Obstet Anesth. 2019;38:127–145)

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is rare but can be deadly, affecting 0.35 of 100,000 maternities in the United Kingdom. Diagnosis can be challenging and relies on exclusion, as this condition lacks special clinical features. Disseminated intravascular coagulation usually occurs in women with AFE and can lead to major postpartum hemorrhage. There has been increasing utilization of point-of-care viscoelastometric testing, including rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), during obstetric hemorrhage. This case report described a case of AFE in which ROTEM testing guided patient management.
A Multidimensional Latent Class Analysis of Harmful Alcohol Use Among Older Adults: Subtypes Within the Swedish Addiction Severity Index Registry
Authors: Jemberie Wossenseged Birhane , Padyab Mojgan , Snellman Fredrik , Lundgren Lena
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

The present study aimed to identify multidimensional typologies of harmful alcohol use based on the Swedish Addiction Severity Index (ASI) assessment data on individuals aged 50 years and above.

Methods:

Latent class analysis examined 11 indicators from ASI data on 1747 individuals (men = 1255, women = 492) who reported they were troubled by alcohol problem at least one day in the past 30 days before their assessment. The discriminative validity of the classes was assessed by comparing other measures of individual characteristics and problem severity of other ASI dimensions.

Results:

Five subtypes of harmful alcohol use were identified. Two classes with alcohol problems varying in psychosocial functioning, age composition and ages of onset of both regular and heavy drinking. Two with psychiatric comorbidity but varying in violence, criminality, gender composition and ages of onset of regular and heavy drinking. One with high prevalence of concurrent use of other substances, psychiatric, legal, and employment problems.

Conclusions:

The analysis identified, in a national sample, heterogeneous risk groups of older adults with harmful alcohol use. These findings suggest a need for healthcare providers to assess older adults not only for their substance use but also for associated problems and needs. Given these findings, the Addiction Severity Index is a valuable assessment tool for older adults with harmful alcohol use.
Preoperative and Postoperative Sitting Radiographs for Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery
Authors: Yoshida Go , Ushirozako Hiroki , Hasegawa Tomohiko , Yamato Yu , Kobayashi Sho , Yasuda Tatsuya , Banno Tomohiro , Arima Hideyuki , Oe Shin , Mihara Yuki , Ide Koichiro , Watanabe Yuh , Yamada Tomohiro , Togawa Daisuke , Matsuyama Yukihiro
Published: February 2020

Study Design.

Case-control study from a continuous series.

Objectives.

To study the impact of perioperative sitting radiographs in adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients and determine whether proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) can be prevented using preoperative sitting radiograph.

Summary of Background Data.

Radiographic analysis of ASD comprises standing whole-spine radiography which cannot evaluate the relaxed posture without head-to-foot compensation.

Methods.

Preoperative and postoperative whole-spine standing and sitting radiographs and proximal mechanical complications in surgically treated spinal disorders with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were studied. Whole-spinal alignment was defined by cervical lordosis (CL), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T1 slope (T1S), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), and level of kyphotic apex (KA). Proximal mechanical complication was described as a PJK (proximal junctional angle >20°) or reoperation due to proximal junctional failure.

Results.

Surgically treated 113 patients were prospectively investigated. Patients were divided into either the ASD (thoracic to ilium posterior corrective fusion), or non-ASD groups. In the ASD group, 10 patients had postoperative PJK, and three revision surgeries were carried out due to PJF with neurological deficit. Comparing standing with sitting positions, CL, TK, and PT became larger, SVA became frontal, LL and SS became smaller, and KA became caudal particularly in the ASD group. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the most influenced plumb line for PJK was the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) to C2 plumb line distance, with a cutoff value of 115 mm for predicting PJK.

Conclusion.

Our findings highlight the usefulness of sitting spinal alignment evaluation, particularly in ASD patients, with maximum effort of thoracic spine and lower extremity compensation at standing. Mechanical complications such as PJK could be predicted using the distance from the planned UIV to the C2 plumb line in preoperative sitting radiographs.

Level of Evidence: 3
Vascularized Ulnar Transposition and Radioulnoscapholunate Fusion With Volar Locking Plate in a Dorsal Position Following Resection of Giant Cell Tumor of the Distal Radius
Authors: Van Handel Amelia C. , Galvez Michael G. , Brogan David M. , Boyer Martin I. , Cipriano Cara A. , Hirbe Angela C. , Pet Mitchell A.
Published: February 2020

Giant cell tumor of the distal radius is a rare, locally destructive, and frequently recurrent tumor. We present a case of Campanacci Grade III giant cell tumor of the distal radius with pathologic fracture and cortical destruction which was treated with neoadjuvant denosumab. This facilitated en-bloc resection of the entire distal radius, including the articular surface, while minimizing tumor contamination. Reconstruction was accomplished using a vascularized ulnar transposition flap to facilitate radioulnoscapholunate fusion, which was fixated using a long-stem contralateral variable angle locking volar distal radius plate in a dorsal position. This case illustrates multidisciplinary management of a challenging reconstructive problem and demonstrates a novel strategy for fixation which repurposes familiar and readily available hardware to provide optimal osteosynthesis.