bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slap Lesions in Middle-aged Patients: Biceps Repair or Tenodesis? What Should We Perform for Long Biceps Tendon?
Authors: Sergi Sastre , Guillem Claret , Lluis Peidro , Lluis Lozano , Miguel Caballero
Published: July 2015

Background/Purpose

Superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesion repair poses a significant discussion due to its high failure rate. The purpose of this study was to determine in which indications it is better to perform a tenodesis than a straight anatomical repair. The hypothesis was that in middle-aged patients and in those who did not suffer from a traumatic lesion, it is better to perform a long biceps tendon (LBT) tenodesis than a straight anatomical repair.

Methods

A total of 22 patients between the ages of 19 years and 55 years who underwent SLAP lesion repair between 2007 and 2011 were reviewed. The cases were divided into the following two groups: those with an isolated SLAP lesion (15 patients) and those with both a SLAP and a Bankart lesion (7 patients). This was a level IV longitudinal and retrospective study.

Results

Eight patients had persistent postoperative pain, which required to be revised from an anatomical repair to an LBT tenodesis. All of these patients were in the isolated SLAP lesion group. The average time between primary surgery and revision was 21.6 months. Patients over the age of 45 years had significantly poorer results after the repair.

Conclusion

Biceps tenodesis is a feasible therapeutic alternative to anatomical repair for the treatment of SLAP lesions in middle-aged patients; the reinsertion failure rates for this type of lesion are rather discouraging due to the high percentage of revision surgeries that must be carried out after the primary intervention.
Rethinking How Tropical Convection Works
Authors: Minnehan Catherine
Published: July 2015

Researchers look at previous Walker circulation models and ask, Does damping truly matter?
Coping with Future Water Woes in the Western United States
Authors: Bruno Ellen
Published: July 2015

Water Scarcity in the West: Past, Present, and Future; Davis, California, 6–7 April 2015
Phosphorylation of FE65 Ser610 by serum- and glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 modulates Alzheimer's disease amyloid precursor protein processing
Authors: Chow Wan Ning Vanessa , Ngo Jacky Chi Ki , Li Wen , Chen Yu Wai , Tam Ka Ming Vincent , Chan Ho Yin Edwin , Miller Christopher C.J. , Lau Kwok-Fai
Published: July 2015

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting 36 million people worldwide. Genetic and biochemical research indicate that the excessive generation of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) from amyloid precursor protein (APP), is a major part of AD pathogenesis. FE65 is a brain-enriched adaptor protein that binds to APP. However, the role of FE65 in APP processing and the mechanisms that regulate binding of FE65 to APP are not fully understood. In the present study, we show that serum- and glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 (SGK1) phosphorylates FE65 on Ser610 and that this phosphorylation attenuates FE65 binding to APP. We also show that FE65 promotes amyloidogenic processing of APP and that FE65 Ser610 phosphorylation inhibits this effect. Furthermore, we found that the effect of FE65 Ser610 phosphorylation on APP processing is linked to a role of FE65 in metabolic turnover of APP via the proteasome. Thus FE65 influences APP degradation via the proteasome and phosphorylation of FE65 Ser610 by SGK1 regulates binding of FE65 to APP, APP turnover and processing.
Acyl carrier protein is a bacterial cytoplasmic target of cationic antimicrobial peptide LL-37
Authors: Chung Myung-Chul , Dean Scott N. , van Hoek Monique L.
Published: July 2015

In addition to membrane disruption, the cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (AMP) LL-37 translocates through the bacterial inner membrane to target intracellular molecules. The present study aims to identify an alternate mechanism and a cytoplasmic target of LL-37 in Francisella. LL-37 binding proteins from Francisella novicida U112 bacterial lysates were precipitated by using biotinylated LL-37 (B-LL-37) and NeutrAvidin-agarose beads. Bound proteins were identified by LC–MS/MS, validated and characterized by bead pull-down assays and differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF). The cationic AMP (CAMP) LL-37 was able to interact with Francisella cytoplasmic acyl carrier protein (AcpP; FTN1340/FTT1376). Further study confirmed that LL-37 peptide could bind to AcpP and that the sheep cathelicidin SMAP-29 (Sheep Myeloid Antimicrobial Peptide 29) further increased LL-37 binding to AcpP, suggesting a synergistic effect of SMAP-29 on the binding. LL-37 could also bind to both AcpP of Escherichia coli and Bacillus anthracis, implying a mechanism of broad action of LL-37-AcpP binding. Overexpression of the acpP gene in F. novicida led to an increase in LL-37 susceptibility. LL-37 binding to AcpP changed the fatty acid composition profiles. Taken together, we identified a novel cytoplasmic target of LL-37 in Francisella, suggesting a mechanism of action of this peptide beyond membrane permeabilization. Our findings highlight a novel mechanism of antimicrobial activity of this peptide and document a previously unexplored target of α-helical CAMPs.
The miRNA miR-34a enhances HIV-1 replication by targeting PNUTS/PPP1R10, which negatively regulates HIV-1 transcriptional complex formation
Authors: Kapoor Richa , Arora Sakshi , Ponia Sanket S. , Kumar Binod , Maddika Subbareddy , Banerjea Akhil C.
Published: July 2015

HIV-1 relies heavily on the host cellular machinery for its replication. During infection, HIV-1 is known to modulate the host-cell miRNA profile. One of the miRNAs, miR-34a, is up-regulated by HIV-1 in T-cells as suggested by miRNA microarray studies. However, the functional consequences and the mechanism behind this phenomenon were not explored. The present study shows that HIV-1 enhances miR-34a in a time-dependent manner in T-cells. Our overexpression and knockdown-based experimental results suggest that miR-34a promotes HIV-1 replication in T-cells. Hence, there is a positive feedback loop between miR-34a and HIV-1 replication. We show that the mechanism of action of miR-34a in HIV-1 replication involves a cellular protein, the phosphatase 1 nuclear-targeting subunit (PNUTS). PNUTS expression levels decrease with the progression of HIV-1 infection in T-cells. Also, the overexpression of PNUTS potently inhibits HIV-1 replication in a dose-dependent manner. We report for the first time that PNUTS negatively regulates HIV-1 transcription by inhibiting the assembly of core components of the transcription elongation factor P-TEFb, i.e. cyclin T1 and CDK9. Thus, HIV-1 increases miR-34a expression in cells to overcome the inhibitory effect of PNUTS on HIV-1 transcription. So, the present study provides new mechanistic details with regard to our understanding of a complex interplay between miR-34a and the HIV-1 transcription machinery involving PNUTS.
MicroRNA-224 promotes tumor progression in nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Cui Ri , Meng Wei , Sun Hui-Lung , Kim Taewan , Ye Zhenqing , Fassan Matteo , Jeon Young-Jun , Li Bin , Vicentini Caterina , Peng Yong , Lee Tae Jin , Luo Zhenghua , Liu Lan , Xu Dongyuan , Tili Esmerina , Jin Victor , Middleton Justin , Chakravarti Arnab , Lautenschlaeger Tim , Croce Carlo M.
Published: July 2015

Significance

Aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression is involved in tumorigenesis, and
miR-224
was observed to be up-regulated in certain tumor types. However, the role of
miR-224
in the pathogenesis of lung cancer remains poorly understood. Here, we comprehensively analyzed and revealed mechanisms of
miR-224
up-regulation and its oncogenic role in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We showed that
miR-224
promotes cellular migratory, invasive, and proliferative capacity and tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we identified TNFα-induced protein 1 and SMAD4 as targets of
miR-224
. In addition, up-regulated
miR-224
expression in NSCLC is partially controlled by its promoter region’s hypomethylation and activated ERK signaling. Our finding suggests that targeting
miR-224
might be a promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of NSCLC.
RxnSim: a tool to compare biochemical reactions
Authors: Giri Varun , Sivakumar Tadi Venkata , Cho Kwang Myung , Kim Tae Yong , Bhaduri Anirban
Published: July 2015

Summary  : Quantitative assessment of chemical reaction similarity aids database searches, classification of reactions and identification of candidate enzymes. Most methods evaluate reaction similarity based on chemical transformation patterns. We describe a tool, RxnSim, which computes reaction similarity based on the molecular signatures of participating molecules. The tool is able to compare reactions based on similarities of substrates and products in addition to their transformation. It allows masking of user-defined chemical moieties for weighted similarity computations.

Availability and implementation: RxnSim is implemented in R and is freely available from the Comprehensive R Archive Network, CRAN (http://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/RxnSim/).

Contact:  anirban.b@samsung.com or ty76.kim@samsung.com

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Disparities in the use of a mHealth medication adherence promotion intervention for low-income adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Nelson Lyndsay A , Mulvaney Shelagh A , Gebretsadik Tebeb , Ho Yun-Xian , Johnson Kevin B , Osborn Chandra Y
Published: July 2015

Objective Mobile health (mHealth) interventions may improve diabetes outcomes, but require engagement. Little is known about what factors impede engagement, so the authors examined the relationship between patient factors and engagement in an mHealth medication adherence promotion intervention for low-income adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Materials and Methods Eighty patients with T2DM participated in a 3-month mHealth intervention called MEssaging for Diabetes that leveraged a mobile communications platform. Participants received daily text messages addressing and assessing medication adherence, and weekly interactive automated calls with adherence feedback and questions for problem solving. Longitudinal repeated measures analyses assessed the relationship between participants’ baseline characteristics and the probability of engaging with texts and calls.

Results On average, participants responded to 84.0% of texts and participated in 57.1% of calls. Compared to Whites, non-Whites had a 63% decreased relative odds (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.19-0.73) of participating in calls. In addition, lower health literacy was associated with a decreased odds of participating in calls (AOR = 0.67, 95% CI, 0.46-0.99, P = .04), whereas older age ( Pnonlinear = .01) and more depressive symptoms (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI, 0.38-1.02, P = .059) trended toward a decreased odds of responding to texts.

Conclusions Racial/ethnic minorities, older adults, and persons with lower health literacy or more depressive symptoms appeared to be the least engaged in a mHealth intervention. To facilitate equitable intervention impact, future research should identify and address factors interfering with mHealth engagement.
Molecular Detection and Characterization of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Among Patients Hospitalized With Community-Acquired Pneumonia in the United States
Authors: Diaz Maureen H. , Benitez Alvaro J. , Cross Kristen E. , Hicks Lauri A. , Kutty Preeta , Bramley Anna M. , Chappell James D. , Hymas Weston , Patel Anami , Qi Chao , Williams Derek J. , Arnold Sandra R. , Ampofo Krow , Self Wesley H. , Grijalva Carlos G. , Anderson Evan J. , McCullers Jonathan A. , Pavia Andrew T. , Wunderink Richard G. , Edwards Kathryn M. , Jain Seema , Winchell Jonas M.
Published: July 2015

Background.  Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The molecular characteristics of M pneumoniae detected in patients hospitalized with CAP in the United States are poorly described.

Methods.  We performed molecular characterization of M pneumoniae in nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs from children and adults hospitalized with CAP in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Etiology of Pneumonia in the Community (EPIC) study, including P1 typing, multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA), and macrolide susceptibility genotyping.

Results.  Of 216 M pneumoniae polymerase chain reaction-positive specimens, 40 (18.5%) were obtained from adults and 176 (81.5%) from children. P1 type distribution differed between adults (64% type 1 and 36% type 2) and children (84% type 1, 13% type 2, and 3% variant) (P < .05) and among sites (P < .01). Significant differences in the proportions of MLVA types 4/5/7/2 and 3/5/6/2 were also observed by age group (P < .01) and site (P < .01). A macrolide-resistant genotype was ide.jpegied in 7 (3.5%) specimens, 5 of which were from patients who had recently received macrolide therapy. No significant differences in clinical characteristics were ide.jpegied among patients with various strain types or between macrolide-resistant and -sensitive M pneumoniae infections.

Conclusions.  The P1 type 1 genotype and MLVA type 4/5/7/2 predominated, but there were differences between children and adults and among sites. Macrolide resistance was rare. Differences in strain types did not appear to be associated with differences in clinical outcomes. Whole genome sequencing of M pneumoniae may help ide.jpegy better ways to characterize strains.
The Central Molecular Zone in H13CO+ and thermal SiO emission lines
Authors: Tsuboi Masato , Miyazaki Atsushi , Uehara Kenta
Published: July 2015

We present results from a high-resolution wide-field imaging observation of the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ) in H13CO+J = 1–0 and SiO v = 0, J = 2–1 emission lines using the 45-m telescope at the Nobeyama Radio Observatory in order to depict the high-density molecular gas mass distribution and explore molecular gas affected by interstellar shocks. By using the clumpfind algorithm we identify 114 molecular clumps in the H13CO+ data cube. The clump mass function (CMF) can be described by a power law (dN/dM ∝ M−γ, with γ ≃ 2) in the range of 5 × 103 < Mclump < 2 × 104 M⊙. The brightness temperature ratio RT = T(SiO)/T(H13CO+) indicates the strength of the shock. The Sgr B2 complex has several expanding shell-like structures with a large velocity-width (ΔV > 50 km s−1). They correspond to the high brightness temperature ratio area (RT ≲ 8). A Large Velocity Gradient model analysis with the RADEX program confirms the enhancement of SiO molecules in the shells. On the other hand, there is no such large shell with a high ratio in the Sgr A complex. A hollow hemispherical structure is found in the l–b–v data cube of the Sgr B2 complex. The central part of the structure has a high ratio (RT ≲ 8). The ratio decreases with proximity to the outer area. The properties are consistent with those expected from simulations of cloud–cloud collisions. The structure is probably a site of ongoing cloud–cloud collision.
The Skill Complementarity of Broadband Internet *
Authors: Akerman Anders , Gaarder Ingvil , Mogstad Magne
Published: July 2015

Does adoption of broadband internet in firms enhance labor productivity and increase wages? Is this technological change skill biased or factor neutral? We combine several Norwegian data sets to answer these questions. A public program with limited funding rolled out broadband access points and provides plausibly exogenous variation in the availability and adoption of broadband internet in firms. Our results suggest that broadband internet improves (worsens) the labor market outcomes and productivity of skilled (unskilled) workers. We explore several possible explanations for the skill complementarity of broadband internet. We find suggestive evidence that broadband adoption in firms complements skilled workers in executing nonroutine abstract tasks, and substitutes for unskilled workers in performing routine tasks. Taken together, our findings have important implications for the ongoing policy debate over government investment in broadband infrastructure to encourage productivity and wage growth.
Isoflurane Favorably Modulates Guanosine Triphosphate Cyclohydrolase-1 and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase during Myocardial Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in Rats
Authors: Baotic Ines , Weihrauch Dorothee , Procknow Jesse , Vasquez-Vivar Jeanette , Ge Zhi-Dong , Sudhakaran Shaan , Warltier David C. , Kersten Judy R.
Published: July 2015

AbstractAbstract

Anesthetic preconditioning favorably enhances gene expression in the nitric oxide biosynthetic pathway by upregulation of guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase 1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase. The work identifies potential key regulatory points in nitric oxide biosynthesis that may determine clinically relevant sensitivity versus resistance to anesthetic preconditioning.

Background:

The authors investigated the hypothesis that isoflurane modulates nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and protection against myocardial infarction through time-dependent changes in expression of key NO regulatory proteins, guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase (GTPCH)-1, the rate-limiting enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS).

Methods:

Myocardial infarct size, NO production (ozone-mediated chemiluminescence), GTPCH-1, and eNOS expression (real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and western blotting) were measured in male Wistar rats with or without anesthetic preconditioning (APC; 1.0 minimum alveolar concentration isoflurane for 30 min) and in the presence or absence of an inhibitor of GTPCH-1, 2,4-diamino-6-hydroxypyrimidine.

Results:

NO−
2 production (158 ± 16 and 150 ± 13 pmol/mg protein at baseline in control and APC groups, respectively) was significantly (P < 0.05) increased 1.5 ± 0.1 and 1.4 ± 0.1 fold by APC (n = 4) at 60 and 90 min of reperfusion, respectively, concomitantly, with increased expression of GTPCH-1 (1.3 ± 0.3 fold; n = 5) and eNOS (1.3 ± 0.2 fold; n = 5). In contrast, total NO (NO−
2 and NO−
3) was decreased after reperfusion in control experiments. Myocardial infarct size was decreased (43 ± 2% of the area at risk for infarction; n = 6) by APC compared with control experiments (57 ± 1%; n = 6). 2, 4-Diamino-6-hydroxypyrimidine decreased total NO production at baseline (221 ± 25 and 175 ± 31 pmol/mg protein at baseline in control and APC groups, respectively), abolished isoflurane-induced increases in NO at reperfusion, and prevented reductions of myocardial infarct size by APC (60 ± 2%; n = 6).

Conclusion:

APC favorably modulated a NO biosynthetic pathway by up-regulating GTPCH-1 and eNOS, and this action contributed to protection of myocardium against ischemia and reperfusion injury.
A Systematic Appraisal of Neurosurgical Seizure Prophylaxis: Guidance for Critical Care Management
Authors: Turnbull David , Singatullina Nataliya , Reilly Charles
Published: July 2015

Clinical decisions are often made in the presence of some uncertainty. Health care should be based on a combination of scientific evidence, clinical experience, economics, patient value judgments, and preferences. Seizures are not uncommon following brain injury, surgical trauma, hemorrhage, altered brain metabolism, hypoxia, or ischemic events. The impact of seizures in the immediate aftermath of injury may be a prolonged intensive care stay or compounding of the primary injury. The aim of brain injury management is to limit the consequences of the secondary damage. The original intention of seizure prophylaxis was to limit the incidence of early-onset seizures. However, clinical trials have been equivocal on this point, and there is concern about the adverse effects of antiepileptic drug therapy. This review of the literature raises concerns regarding the arbitrary division of seizures into early onset (7 d) and late onset (8 d and beyond). In many cases it would appear that seizures present within 24 hours of the injury or after 7 days, which would be outside of the scope of current seizure prophylaxis guidance. There also does not appear to be a pathophysiological reason to divide brain injury–related seizures into these timeframes. Therefore, a solution to the conundrum is to reevaluate current practice. Prophylaxis could be offered to those receiving intensive care for the primary brain injury, where the impact of seizure would be detrimental to the management of the brain injury, or other clinical judgments where prophylaxis is prudent. Neurosurgical seizure management can then focus attention on which agent has the best adverse effect profile and the duration of therapy. The evidence seems to support levetiracetam as the most appropriate agent. Although previous reviews have identified an increase cost associated with the use of levetiracetam, current cost comparisons with phenytoin demonstrate a marginal price differential. The aim of this review is to assimilate the applicable literature regarding seizure prophylaxis. The final guidance is a forum upon which further clinical research could evaluate a new seizure prophylaxis paradigm.
Comparison of Rectus Femoris Transfer Surgery Done Concomitant With Hamstring Lengthening or Delayed in Patients With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Aiona Michael , Do K. Patrick , Feng Jing , Jabur Majid
Published: July 2015

Background:

Children with spastic cerebral palsy frequently develop stiff knee gait. A common treatment of flexed knee gait is lengthening of the hamstring tendons. It has been shown that minimum knee extension improves after hamstring surgeries. However, it has been observed that a decreased peak knee flexion in swing may be a complication of hamstring lengthening (HSL). This has been noted to occur because of an overactive rectus femoris during the swing phase of gait. A common treatment of decreased knee flexion in swing is distal rectus femoris transfer (DRFT). The purpose of this study is to compare the differences between doing DRFT concomitantly with HSL and doing delayed DRFT after HSL.

Methods:

A total of 111 children with cerebral palsy (74 males and 37 females) who underwent HSL were reviewed retrospectively. All patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into 3 groups, 28 subjects in the HSL alone group (H), 57 subjects in the HSL with concomitant rectus femoris transfer group (C), and 26 subjects in the HSL with delayed rectus femoris transfer group (D).

Results:

The groups had similar minimum knee flexion in stance preoperatively and postoperatively. Group D’s minimum knee flexion in stance improved to 5.5±12.7 degrees after HSL, but increased to 8.8±11.6 degrees after DRFT. Groups D and H had statistically significant reduction in maximum knee flexion in swing after HSL (P<0.05). Maximum knee flexion in swing was statistically significantly reduced in the D group after DRFT (P<0.05), but the C group was not statistically different from preoperative after DRFT (P>0.05). The C and D groups had similar total knee excursion postoperatively. The H group had less knee excursion than the other 2 groups, but it was not significant.

Conclusions:

The group that had DRFT concomitantly with HSL maintained maximum knee flexion in swing phase postoperatively. Although the group that had delayed DRFT had a reduction in maximum knee flexion after isolated HSL, gains in swing phase motion were achieved after delayed DRFT (comparable to that of the simultaneous group).

Level of Evidence:

Level II.
Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods for the Management of Early-onset Scoliosis: A Preliminary Report
Authors: La Rosa Guido , Oggiano Leonardo , Ruzzini Laura
Published: July 2015

Background:

A new method for the management of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) has been recently introduced: it consists of a magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) that allows gradual outpatient distractions under control of an external remote device. The aim of the present study is to present a series of 10 patients with EOS managed with MCGR (Ellipse TM MAGEC System, Irvine, CA).

Methods:

We implanted MCGR in 10 patients affected by EOS. Scoliosis and kyphosis angles, T1-T12 and T1-S1 length were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. A visual analogue scale score was used to evaluate pain during outpatient rod distraction procedures. The mean follow-up is 27 months. All patients attended distractions of the magnetic rod through an external remote control every 3 months. The mean predicted distraction was 3 mm at each lengthening session.

Results:

The mean Cobb angle value was 64.7±17.4 degrees (range, 45 to 100 degrees) preoperatively and 28.5±13.9 degrees (range, 15 to 59 degrees) at the latest follow-up. The mean T1-S1 length value was 27.1±5.4 cm (range, 16 to 34.8 cm) preoperatively and 32.8±4 cm (range, 26.5 to 39 cm) at the latest follow-up. The mean T1-T12 length value was 16.2±2.7 cm (range, 10 to 19 cm) preoperatively and 20.6±2.9 cm (range, 15.5 to 23.5 cm) at the latest follow-up.

The average monthly T1-T12 height increase was 0.8 mm, whereas the average monthly T1-S1 increase was 0.9 mm.

Two patients experienced a rod breakage and 1 patient had a pull-out of the apical hooks.

Conclusions:

Although implant-related complications could occur, as in all EOS growing rods procedures, MCGR can be effectively used in patients with EOS. This spinal instrumentation can overcome many of the complications related with the traditional growing rods implants. This procedure can be effectively used in outpatient settings, minimizing surgical scarring, surgical site infection, and psychological distress due to multiple surgeries needed in the traditional growing rods system, improving quality of life, and saving health care costs.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.
What is the Risk of Developing Proximal Junctional Kyphosis During Growth Friendly Treatments for Early-onset Scoliosis?
Authors: El-Hawary Ron , Sturm Peter , Cahill Patrick , Samdani Amer , Vitale Michael , Gabos Peter , Bodin Nathan , d’Amato Charles , Harris Colin , Al Khudairy Ammar , Smith John T.
Published: July 2015

Background:

Rib-based and spine-based systems are commonly used distraction-based growth friendly treatments for early-onset scoliosis (EOS). Our primary purpose was to determine the risk of developing postoperative proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) during distraction-based growth friendly surgery.

Methods:

A multicenter, retrospective, radiographic comparison was performed for a group of 40 children with EOS who were treated with posterior distraction-based implants. PJK was defined as proximal junction sagittal angle (PJA)≥10 degrees and PJA at least 10 degrees greater than preoperative.

Results:

Eight subjects (20%) at immediate postoperative follow-up and 11 subjects (27.5%) at minimum 2-year follow-up had developed PJK. The risk of developing PJK between rib-based and spine-based growing systems was not significantly different at immediate postoperative (17% vs. 25%) or at final (25% vs. 31%) follow-ups.

Further analysis combining both treatment groups demonstrated that PJK subjects were significantly older at time of initial surgery (7.1 y PJK vs. 5.0 y no PJK)*. Radiographic comparisons between PJK versus no PJK: Preoperative scoliosis (69.9 vs. 76.0 degrees), thoracic kyphosis (45.1 vs. 28.7 degrees)*, lumbar lordosis (53.1 vs. 44.0 degrees), PJA (2.2 vs. 2.8 degrees), sagittal vertical axis (1.5 vs. 2.6 cm), pelvic incidence (52.8 vs. 47.4 degrees), pelvic tilt (14.3 vs. 8.7 degrees), and sacral slope (37.7 vs. 35.9 degrees). At both initial postoperative and at final follow-up visits, a significant difference was found for cervical lordosis 32.2 versus 14.0 degrees* and 42.0 versus 16.6 degrees, *respectively. *Risk ratio for developing PJK at final follow-up was 2.8 for subjects with preoperative thoracic hyperkyphosis and was 3.1 for subjects with high pelvic incidence* (*
P<0.05).

Conclusions:

The risk of developing PJK during distraction-based growth friendly treatment for EOS was 20% immediately after implantation and 28% at minimum 2-year follow-up, with no difference observed between rib-based and spine-based treatment groups. As this study identifies a significant risk of developing PJK during the treatment of EOS, it allows clinicians to preoperatively council patients and their families about this possible complication. In addition, several potential risk factors for the development of postoperative PJK were identified, but should be investigated further in future studies.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—therapeutic study (retrospective, comparative).
The Etiology of Cam-type Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Collins Jason A. , Beutel Bryan G. , Liu Raymond W. , Feldman David S. , Otsuka Norman Y.
Published: July 2015

Background:

There is a dearth of literature examining the causes of cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and when such morphology appears. The purpose of the current study was to analyze how the ossific portion of the proximal femur develops over time with respect to standard cam-type FAI parameters.

Methods:

A collection of 193 femurs from cadavers aged 4 to 21 years were evaluated. The age, sex, ethnicity, and status of the proximal femoral physes (open or closed) of each were recorded. Each specimen was digitally photographed in standardized anteroposterior and modified axial positions. From these photographs, the anterior offset, anterior offset ratio (AOR), and α-angle were determined. A cam lesion was defined as an α-angle >55 degrees on the lateral view.

Results:

The mean age of the specimens was 17.5±4.2 years. The majority were male (69%) and African American (79%) with closed physes (78%). There were significant differences among discrete age groups with respect to α-angle (P=0.01), anterior offset (P<0.01), and AOR (P<0.01). In addition, younger femurs with open physes had a significantly higher mean α-angle (P<0.01), lower mean anterior offset (P<0.01), and higher mean AOR (P<0.01) compared with older ones with closed physes. Specimens defined as having a cam deformity had a statistically higher α-angle (P<0.01) and lower anterior offset (P<0.01), but there was no difference in AOR values compared with specimens without a cam lesion (P=0.1).

Conclusions:

The apparent decline in α-angles as age increases indicates that the traditional α-angle in younger patients measures a different anatomic parameter (ossified femur excluding the cartilaginous portion) than in older patients (completely ossified femur). This suggests that the bony α-angle is inappropriate in the evaluation of cam lesions in the immature physis. The AOR, rather than the anterior offset, may be more accurate in the evaluation of the growing proximal femur.

Clinical Relevance:

This study provides novel insight into, and enhances the understanding of, the development of cam-type FAI.
All-Epiphyseal ACL Reconstruction in Children: Review of Safety and Early Complications
Authors: Cruz Aristides I. , Fabricant Peter D. , McGraw Michael , Rozell Joshua C. , Ganley Theodore J. , Wells Lawrence
Published: July 2015

Background:

All-epiphyseal anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a well-described technique for skeletally immature patients. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the early complication rate and identify associated risk factors for rerupture after this procedure in children.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent all-epiphyseal ACL reconstructions performed at a large, tertiary care children’s hospital between January 2007 and April 2013. Relevant postoperative data including the development of leg-length discrepancy, angular deformity, rerupture, infection, knee range of motion, arthrofibrosis, and other complications were recorded. Independent variables analyzed for association with rerupture included age, body mass index, graft type, graft size, and associated injuries addressed at surgery.

Results:

A total of 103 patients (average 12.1 y old; range, 6.3 to 15.7) were analyzed. The mean follow-up was 21 months. The overall complication rate was 16.5% (17/103), including 11 reruptures (10.7%), 1 case (<1.0%) of clinical leg-length discrepancy of <1 cm, and 2 cases (1.9%) of arthrofibrosis requiring manipulation under anesthesia. Two patients (1.9%) sustained contralateral ACL ruptures and 3 (2.9%) sustained subsequent ipsilateral meniscus tears during the study period. There were no associations found between age, sex, graft type, graft thickness, body mass index, or associated injuries addressed during surgery and rerupture rate. Knee flexion continued to improve by 20 degrees on an average between the 6 weeks and 6 months postoperative visits (P<0.001; paired samples Student's t test).

Conclusions:

When taken in the context of known risk of future injury in an ACL-deficient knee, all-epiphyseal ACL reconstruction in children is safe. The rate of growth disturbance in this study is similar to previous reports in this patient demographic. The rerupture rate in this cohort is slightly higher compared with ACL reconstruction in older patients.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—retrospective case series.
Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Are Unaware of the Impact of Smoking on Their Disease
Authors: Ducharme-Bénard Stéphanie , Côté-Daigneault Justin , Lemoyne Michel , Orlicka Katarzyna , Lahaie Raymond , Weber Audrey , Bouin Mickael
Published: July 2015

Backgound:

Tobacco is one of the most significant risk factors for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Goals:

The main objective was to assess the knowledge of patients with IBD regarding the effects of tobacco on their disease. Secondary objectives were to determine the source of their knowledge, the influence of their knowledge on their intent to quit smoking, and the association between patients’ characteristics and their knowledge.

Study:

Patients with IBD completed a self-administered questionnaire on demographic data, severity of disease, and effects of tobacco on their disease.

Results:

In total 259 patients [182 with Crohn’s disease, 77 with ulcerative colitis (UC)] participated. The prevalence of current smokers, exsmokers, and nonsmokers was 19.6%, 40.2%, and 40.2%, respectively. Patients with Crohn’s disease were more aware of the effects of tobacco on their disease compared with those with UC (57.7% vs. 13.0%, P<0.0001). In informed patients, the main source of information was the gastroenterologist (56.9%). The intent to quit smoking was superior in informed patients compared with those uninformed (78.6% vs. 47.8%, P=0.046). Older patients (odds ratio=0.97, P=0.01) and patients with UC (odds ratio=0.11, P<0.0001) were less likely to be informed.

Conclusions:

Only half of patients with IBD are aware of the risks of smoking associated with their disease, whereas their intent to quit smoking is directly related to their awareness. In the scope of IBD’s treatment, management of smoking cessation should be undertaken in all smokers.
Intrastate Variations in Rural Cancer Risk and Incidence: An Illinois Case Study
Authors: Zahnd Whitney E. , Mueller Georgia S. , Fogleman Amanda J. , Jenkins Wiley D.
Published: July 2015

Context:

Although rural-urban cancer disparities have been explored with some depth, disparities within seemingly homogeneous rural areas have received limited attention. However, exploration of intrarural cancer incidence may have important public health implications for risk assessment, cancer control, and resource allocation.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to explore intrastate rural cancer risk and incidence differences within Illinois.

Design:

Illinois's 83 rural counties were categorized into northern, central, and southern regions (IL-N, IL-C, and IL-S, respectively). Chi-square test for independence and analysis of variance calculations were performed to assess regional differences in demographic characteristics, socioeconomic deprivation, smoking history, obesity, cancer-screening adherence, and density of general practitioners. Age-adjusted incidence rates were calculated for 5 cancer categories: all cancers combined, lung, colorectal, breast (female), and prostate cancers. Unadjusted and adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated to evaluate regional differences in rates for each cancer category.

Results:

Socioeconomic deprivation varied by region: 4.5%, 6.9%, and 40.6% of IL-N, IL-C, and IL-S counties, respectively (P < .001). Smoking history also significantly differed by region. Mean former/current smoking prevalence in IL-N, IL-C, and IL-S counties was 46.4%, 48.2%, and 51.4%, respectively (P = .006). In unadjusted analysis, IL-C (IRR = 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.23) and IL-S (IRR = 1.24; 95% CI, 1.13-1.35) had increased lung cancer incidence compared with IL-N. Elevated risk remained in IL-S after adjusting for relevant factors such as smoking and socioeconomic deprivation (IRR = 1.14; 95% CI, 1.04-1.26).

Conclusions:

Socioeconomic deprivation, health behaviors, and lung cancer incidence varied across rural regions. Our findings underscore the importance of identifying cancer risk heterogeneity, even within a state, to effectively target risk factor reduction and cancer control interventions.
Embedded Online Questionnaire Measures Are Sensitive to Identifying Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Seelye Adriana , Mattek Nora , Howieson Diane B. , Austin Daniel , Wild Katherine , Dodge Hiroko H. , Kaye Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2015

Background/Aims:

Early changes in cognitively demanding daily activities occur between normal cognition and the development of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). These real-world functional changes as early signals of cognitive change form a prime target for meaningful early detection of dementia. We examined whether passive aspects of responding to a remotely monitored weekly online questionnaire discriminated between older adults with and without MCI.

Methods:

Participants were 83 independent, community-dwelling older adults enrolled in a longitudinal study of in-home monitoring technologies, which included completion of a short weekly online questionnaire of health and life events.

Results:

In longitudinal analyses, time to complete the online questionnaire decreased over 1 year in both MCI and cognitively intact participants (P<0.01). MCI and intact participants did not differ in the time of day they submitted their questionnaires initially; however, over the course of 1 year MCI participants began to submit their questionnaires progressively later in the day and they needed greater assistance from staff as compared with intact participants (P<0.05). The online questionnaire performance measures were significantly correlated to conventional cognitive test scores (P<0.05) across the spectrum of normal cognition to MCI.

Conclusions:

Ambiently assessed, passive performance measures embedded within an online questionnaire are able to discriminate between normal cognition and MCI. Remote monitoring of cognitively demanding routine daily activities is a promising approach for ecologically valid real-world cognitive assessment.
Correlation Between Caregiver Reports of Physical Function and Performance-based Measures in a Cohort of Older Adults With Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Bernard Brittany L. , Bracey Lauren E. , Lane Kathleen A. , Ferguson Denisha Y. , LaMantia Michael A. , Gao Sujuan , Miller Douglas K. , Callahan Christopher M.
Published: July 2015

The objectives of this report are to determine the association between performance-based measures of physical function with caregiver reports of physical function in older adults with Alzheimer disease (AD) and to examine whether those associations vary by the level of patients’ cognitive functioning. Subjects included 180 patient-caregiver dyads who are enrolled in a clinical trial testing the impact of an occupational therapy intervention plus guideline-level care to delay functional decline among older adults with AD. The primary caregiver-reported measure is the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study Group Activities of Daily Living Inventory (ADCS-ADL). Performance-based measures include the Short Physical Performance Battery and the Short Portable Sarcopenia Measure. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) models were used to determine the associations of each physical performance measure with ADCS-ADL, adjusting for cognition function and other covariates. We found significant correlations between caregiver reports and observed performance-based measures across all levels of cognitive function, with patients in the lowest cognitive group showing the highest correlation. These findings support the use of proxy reports to assess physical function among older adults with AD.
Improving the Efficiency of Genomic Selection in Chinese Simmental beef cattle
Authors: Xia Jiangwei , Wu Yang , Fang Huizhong , Zhang Wengang , Song Yuxin , Zhang Lupei , Gao Xue , Chen Yan , Li Junya , Gao Huijiang
Published: July 2015

Genomic selection is an accurate and efficient method of estimating genetic merits by using high-density genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).In this study, we investigate an approach to increase the efficiency of genomic prediction by using genome-wide markers. The approach is a feature selection based on genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP),which is a statistical method used to predict breeding values using SNPs for selection in animal and plant breeding. The objective of this study is the choice of kinship matrix for genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP).The G-matrix is using the information of genome-wide dense markers. We compare three kinds of kinships based on different combinations of centring and scaling of marker genotypes.And find a suitable kinship approach that adjusts for the resource population of Chinese Simmental beef cattle.Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) can be used to estimate kinship matrix and individual inbreeding coefficients more accurately. So in our research a genomic relationship matrix was developed for 1059 Chinese Simmental beef cattle using 640000 single nucleotide polymorphisms and breeding values were estimated using phenotypes about Carcass weight and Sirloin weight. The number of SNPs needed to accurately estimate a genomic relationship matrix was evaluated in this population. Another aim of this study was to optimize the selection of markers and determine the required number of SNPs for estimation of kinship in the Chinese Simmental beef cattle. We find that the feature selection of GBLUP using Xu’s and the Astle and Balding’s kinships model performed similarly well, and were the best-performing methods in our study. Inbreeding and kinship matrix can be estimated with high accuracy using ≥12,000s in Chinese Simmental beef cattle.
Polymorphisms in oxidative pathway related genes and susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Senhaji Nezha , Nadifi Sellama , Serrano Aurora , Rodríguez Daniel León , Serbati Nadia , Karkouri Mehdi , Badre Wafaa , Martin Javier
Published: July 2015

Objective

To better characterize the genetic factors, implicated in oxidative pathway, determining susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we assessed for the first time the potential role ofNOS2A,HIF1AandNFKB1polymorphisms on the risk of developing IBD in Moroccan population.

Methods

The distribution of (TAAA)n_rs12720460 and (CCTTT)n_rs3833912NOS2Amicrosatellite repeats,HIF-1A_rs11549467 andNFKB1–94ins/delATTG_rs28362491 was analyzed in 507 subjects grouped in 199 IBD and 308 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed with polymerase chain reaction-fluorescent method and the TaqMan® allelic discrimination technology.

Results

The allele and genotype frequencies ofHIF1A_rs11549467,NFKB1_rs28362491 andNOS2A_(TAAA)n did not differ significantly between patients and controls. Analysis ofNOS2A_(CCTTT)n markers evidenced differences between patients and healthy controls. A preferential presence of the (CCTTT)8 (P=0.02; OR=1.71, 95%CI=1.07–2.74), (CCTTT)14 (P=0.02; OR=1.71, 95%CI=1.06–2.76) alleles in IBD, (CCTTT)8 (P=0.008; OR=1.95, 95%CI=1.17–3.23) in CD and (CCTTT)7 (P=0.009; OR = 7.61, 95%CI=1.25-46.08), (CCTTT)11 (P=0.05 ; OR= 0.51, 95%CI=0.25-1.01), (CCTTT)14 (P=0.02 ; OR= 2.05, 95%CI=1.07-3.94), (CCTTT)15 (P=0.01 ; OR= 2.25, 95%CI=1.16-4.35) repeats in UC patients indicated its possible association with higher disease risk which need to be confirmed in a larger sample size.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that theNOS2A_(CCTTT)n gene variations may influence IBD susceptibility in the Moroccan population.
Iron Age and Anglo-Saxon genomes from East England reveal British migration history
Authors: Schiffels Stephan , Haak Wolfgang , Paajanen Pirita , Llamas Bastien , Popescu Elizabeth , Lou Louise , Clarke Rachel , Lyons Alice , Mortimer Richard , Sayer Duncan , Tyler-Smith Chris , Cooper Alan , Durbin Richard
Published: July 2015

British population history has been shaped by a series of immigrations and internal movements, including the early Anglo-Saxon migrations following the breakdown of the Roman administration after 410CE. It remains an open question how these events affected the genetic composition of the current British population. Here, we present whole-genome sequences generated from ten ancient individuals found in archaeological excavations close to Cambridge in the East of England, ranging from 2,300 until 1,200 years before present (Iron Age to Anglo-Saxon period). We use present-day genetic data to characterize the relationship of these ancient individuals to contemporary British and other European populations. By analyzing the distribution of shared rare variants across ancient and modern individuals, we find that today’s British are more similar to the Iron Age individuals than to most of the Anglo-Saxon individuals, and estimate that the contemporary East English population derives 30% of its ancestry from Anglo-Saxon migrations, with a lower fraction in Wales and Scotland. We gain further insight with a new method, rarecoal, which fits a demographic model to the distribution of shared rare variants across a large number of samples, enabling fine scale analysis of subtle genetic differences and yielding explicit estimates of population sizes and split times. Using rarecoal we find that the ancestors of the Anglo-Saxon samples are closest to modern Danish and Dutch populations, while the Iron Age samples share ancestors with multiple Northern European populations including Britain.
What’s in your next-generation sequence data? An exploration of unmapped DNA and RNA sequence reads from the bovine reference individual
Authors: Whitacre Lynsey K. , Tizioto Polyana C. , Kim JaeWoo , Sonstegard Tad S. , Schroeder Steven G. , Alexander Leeson J. , Medrano Juan F. , Schnabel Robert D. , Taylor Jeremy F. , Decker Jared E.
Published: July 2015

Next-generation sequencing projects commonly commence by aligning reads to a reference genome assembly. While improvements in alignment algorithms and computational hardware have greatly enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of alignments, a significant percentage of reads often remain unmapped. We generated de novo assemblies of unmapped reads from the DNA and RNA sequencing of theBos taurusreference individual and identified the closest matching sequence to each contig by alignment to the NCBI non-redundant nucleotide database using BLAST. As expected, many of these contigs represent vertebrate sequence that is absent, incomplete, or misassembled in the UMD3.1 reference assembly. However, numerous additional contigs represent invertebrate species. Most prominent were several species of Spirurid nematodes and a blood-borne parasite,Babesia bigemina. These species are not known to infect taurine cattle and the reference animal appears to have been host to unsequenced sister species. We demonstrate the importance of exploring unmapped reads to ascertain sequences that are either absent or misassembled in the reference assembly and for detecting sequences indicative of infectious or symbiotic organisms.