bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immediate and late effects of Carnoy's solution on the mandibular bone of Wistar rats
Authors: Slusarenko da Silva Y. , Stoelinga P. J. W. , Naclério‐Homem M. G.
Published: December 2018

Aim

Carnoy's solution is used as a complementary treatment following enucleation of odontogenic keratocysts to reduce its recurrence rate. However, its use is still controversial in the area of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of Carnoy's solution on the mandibular bone of Wistar rats in vivo, with special attention to the detrimental effects on osseous tissue.

Material and methods

Monocortical defects created in the mandibular body of Wistar rats were exposed to Carnoy's solution or to saline solution for 5 min. All specimens were submitted to a histological analysis and the Wilcoxon Signed‐Rank test compared the mean percentage and percent of median of the amount of bone necrosis, blood clot and bone neoformation between the defects treated with CS and saline solution. P value <0.05 was considered to be significant.

Results

Carnoy's solution did not cause more bone necrosis than the saline solution immediately and 3 days after applications (P = 0.135 and 0.287 respectively) but diminished the formation of blood clot after 3 days (P = 0.019). However, there were no differences in the quantity and quality of bone neoformation between CS and saline 10 days after applications (P = 0.459).

Conclusions

The application of Carnoy's solution did not cause immediate nor late damage to the mandible of Wistar rats in vivo. Its use should be considered as a safe procedure and is encouraged after enucleation of keratocysts to eliminate possible epithelial cell nests, provided there is a clear clinical indication.
Case report: Leishmaniasis in the tongue presenting as an SCC
Authors: Chapman Laura , Patel Nikul
Published: December 2018

A 72‐year‐old immunocompetent male with a frequent travel history to Spain presented with a 1 cm diameter ulcer with rolled edges on the left lateral border of the tongue. This was urgently biopsied as a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was suspected. Histopathology suggested a Leishmania infection which was confirmed by positive results for Leishmania DAT and K39 tests. This resulted in a diagnosis of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. This was successfully treated by amphotericin B. Leishmaniasis solely affecting the oral mucosa is rare with few cases documented in literature.
Mitochondrial respiration is restricted by miR‐2909 within human melanocytes
Authors: Kaushik Hitaishi , Malik Deepti , Parsad Davinder , Kaul Deepak
Published: December 2018

Most of the cancer types in general and melanoma in particular exhibit mitochondrial dysfunction leading to the Warburg effect. Our present study stemmed from the observation that human A‐375 and melanoma B16 cells displayed overexpression of a novel micro‐RNA, miR‐2909, shown in our earlier studies to be involved in aerobic glycolysis. Consequently, our study attempts to demonstrate the role of miR‐2909 in the regulation of mitochondrial function within human melanocytes. Based upon such a study, we hypothesize that mitochondrial dysfunction observed in melanomas may result from deregulated miR‐2909 expression within such cells.
Effects of temperature and other environmental factors on the post‐diapause development of walnut husk fly Rhagoletis completa (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Emery Sara E. , Mills Nicholas J.
Published: December 2018

To more effectively manage walnut husk fly Rhagoletis completa (Diptera: Tephritidae), in California walnut orchards, it is important to understand the factors that affect the timing of adult emergence. In the present study, we examine the effects of incubation temperature, pre‐chill and chill durations, latitude, cultivar and size on the post‐diapause development of R. completa puparia. The lower developmental threshold, upper developmental threshold and optimal temperature for puparial development are estimated to be 4, 34 and 26.6 °C, respectively. The thermal requirement for adult emergence after 120 days of chilling is estimated to be 2024 degree days. Percentage adult emergence declines at both higher and lower incubation temperatures. Chill duration at 5 °C for diapausing puparia has a nonlinear negative effect on the thermal requirement but no effect on percentage emergence. Insufficient chilling leads to poor synchronization of adult emergence. Greater pre‐chill duration at room temperature increases the thermal requirement and slightly decreased percentage emergence. Latitude has a negative effect on the thermal requirement. Puparia from northern California black walnut (Juglans hindsii) have a slightly greater thermal requirement than puparia from cultivated walnut (Julgans regia). There is no significant difference in puparial fresh weight or mean thermal requirement between males and females, although the positive correlation between thermal requirement and puparial fresh weight is stronger for females than males. The effects of temperature and other environmental factors on the post‐diapause development of R. completa are discussed in relation to observations from other Rhagoletis species.
Channel Selection and Contracting in the Presence of a Retail Platform
Authors: Shen Yuelin , Willems Sean P. , Dai Yue
Published: December 2018

This paper studies how a manufacturer should engage with a platform retailer and a traditional reseller. Our work is motivated by the emergence of increasingly powerful retail platforms in China’s consumer electronics and appliances markets. The manufacturer pays a slotting fee and a portion of its sales revenue to the platform retailer in exchange for the opportunity to manage its own space within the retailer’s store. The manufacturer can also sell its product to a traditional reseller thereby earning its wholesale price. We first formulate a Stackelberg game where the platform retailer leads by setting the revenue‐sharing rate while the manufacturer follows by choosing to sell through one or both channels. We derive the equilibrium channel and characterize each party’s associated sales quantities, prices, and profits. After confirming, it is always beneficial for the platform retailer to determine the slotting fee and revenue‐sharing rate simultaneously, we then formulate two bargaining models between the manufacturer and the platform retailer. In the first model, they can negotiate just the revenue‐sharing rate and in the second they negotiate both the revenue‐sharing rate and the slotting fee. In the second model, a win‐win result for the manufacturer and platform retailer is possible. We find that the slotting fee is neither always beneficial to the platform retailer nor always harmful to the manufacturer; it depends on the demand substitution effect between the two retail channels.
The Missing Link? The Strategic Role of Procurement in Building Sustainable Supply Networks
Authors: Villena Verónica H.
Published: December 2018

The increasing number of scandals about supplier violations of environmental and social regulations has put multinational companies’ (MNCs) reputations at risk. Customers make MNCs accountable for such violations, regardless of whether the violations involve tier‐one or lower‐tier suppliers. To address this pressure, some MNCs require their tier‐one suppliers to comply with their sustainability requirements and ask them to “cascade” such requirements to their (lower‐tier) suppliers. This research investigates why this cascading effect often fails. I used inductive research to study three supply networks in the automotive, electronics, and pharmaceutical/consumer product industries. Three MNCs, 9 tier‐one suppliers, 22 lower‐tier suppliers, and 3 industry associations participated. This research (a) reveals that to cascade a buyer's sustainability requirements, the buyer's procurement unit needs to directly engage the supplier's procurement unit; (b) identifies three key interlinked procurement processes—assessing, training, and incentivizing—involving both suppliers and procurement personnel who are instrumental in building sustainable supply networks; and (c) shows how the lack of collaboration between procurement and internal (i.e., sustainability and R&D) and external stakeholders (i.e., industry associations) limits an MNC's effort to promote sustainability throughout the supply network. Thus, this study highlights procurement's strategic role in building sustainable supply networks and suggests important research directions for how to achieve sustainability throughout the supply networks.
Jews in 6th and 7th century legal texts from Spain and Gaul: A few observations
Authors: Boddens Hosang F.J. Elizabeth
Published: December 2018

Fourth to sixth century legal texts from Spain aimed at discouraging Christians from too close contacts with Jews, suggesting that contacts between Christian and Jewish faithful remained close. However, in 6th to 8th century, Spain laws became virulently anti‐Jewish. The question is of course, why did the lawmakers at this time in Spain turn against Jews? And what was the situation like in other regions, for example, in neighboring Gaul? Previous research has not yet provided adequate answers to these questions, which this article will attempt to clarify.
Variability in seedling emergence for European and North American populations ofAbutilon theophrasti
Authors: Loddo D , Bozic D , Calha I M , Dorado J , Izquierdo J , Šćepanović M , Barić K , Carlesi S , Leskovsek R , Peterson D , Vasileiadis V P , Veres A , Vrbničanin S , Masin R
Published: December 2018

Abutilon theophrastiis a weed that is spreading worldwide and that has had to adapt to different combinations of environmental conditions. Wide interpopulation variability has been reported regarding dormancy and germination. This variability, controlled by the interaction of genetic diversity and maternal effect, could hinder the adoption of Integrated Weed Management (IWM) tools. A collaborative project was conducted to compare emergence dynamics of 12 European and North American populations under diverse environmental conditions. The main aim was to assess interpopulation variability and explain this according to environmental conditions in the seed collection sites. Seeds were sown at six experimental sites, and seedling emergence was monitored. TheAlertInfmodel was tested to evaluate its ability to predict emergence dynamics of the different populations. A wide interpopulation variability was observed for emergence percentage and dynamics with consistent trends across sites and related to different seed dormancy levels. Populations from Catalonia, Iowa and Minnesota reached higher emergence percentage with earlier and concentrated emergence flushes probably due to low dormancy level, while populations from Croatia, Serbia and Hungary, given their low average emergence percentage, presented high dormancy levels. Good predictive accuracy ofAlertInfmodel was obtained at the different sites, confirming the possibility of adopting it across a wide range of environmental conditions. Achieving a better knowledge of interpopulation variability can allow specific control strategies to be designed, facilitating the replacement of solely herbicide‐based management with trueIWM.
Investigation of Interrater Reliability in The Evaluation of Foreign Language Writing Skills With Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Authors: Önen Emine , Yayvak Melike Kübra Taşdelen
Published: December 2018

In this study, it was aimed to examine the interrater reliability of the scoring of paragraph writing skills on foreign languages with the measurement invariance tests.  The study group consists of 267 students studying English at the Preparatory School at Gazi University. In the study, where students write a paragraph on the same topic, the paragraphs are rated separately by three different interrater using the same scoring key. The evidence for the validity measurements was collected with AFA and DFA while the evidence for the reliability measurements was collected by the Cronbach-alpha (α) coefficient. As a result of testing with Multi-Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis within the context of the measurement invariance of the interrater reliability, no evidence of full and partial scalar invariance can be obtained while evidence of formal configural and metric invariance is obtained. As a result, the lack of evidence of scalar invariance means that raters scoring the writing skills do not use the same initial level of performance. In this case, the invariant uniqueness and invariant factor variances could not be tested, and therefore no evidence of reliability between raters could be obtained.
Letter to the Editor: Melt rupture unleashed by few chain scission events in fully stretched strands
Authors: Wang Shi-Qing
Published: December 2018

Entangled melts undergo rupture in startup uniaxial extension beyond a threshold Hencky rate. Contrary to the recent conclusion from Wagner et al. [J. Rheol. 62, 221 (2018)] that chain scission involved in melt rupture is due to an “entropic fracture” mechanism, we assert that such a fast melt extension has caused full stretching in entanglement strands, leading to sufficient enthalpic changes associated with conformational distortions at the bond level. The barrier for bond dissociation can only be lowered by enthalpic intrachain forces. The alternative explanation suggests that the more challenging task is to show how entanglement could lock up during sufficiently fast melt stretching.
Usefulness of Serial Blood Sampling and PCR Replicates for Treatment Monitoring of Patients with Chronic Chagas Disease
Authors: Parrado Rudy , Ramirez Juan Carlos , de la Barra Anabelle , Alonso-Vega Cristina , Juiz Natalia , Ortiz Lourdes , Illanes Daniel , Torrico Faustino , Gascon Joaquim , Alves Fabiana , Flevaud Laurence , Garcia Lineth , Schijman Alejandro G. , Ribeiro Isabela
Published: December 2018

This work evaluated a serial blood sampling procedure to enhance the sensitivity of duplex real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) for baseline detection and quantification of parasitic loads and posttreatment identification of failure in the context of clinical trials for treatment of chronic Chagas disease, namely, DNDi-CH-E1224-001 (ClinicalTrials.gov registration no. NCT01489228) and the MSF-DNDi PCR Sampling Optimization Study (NCT01678599).
Multicenter Clinical Evaluation of the Automated Aries
Bordetella
Assay
Authors: Relich Ryan F. , Leber Amy , Young Stephen , Schutzbank Ted , Dunn Ronald , Farhang Janet , Uphoff Timothy S.
Published: December 2018

Molecular methods offer superior sensitivity and specificity and reduce testing turnaround time from days to hours for detection of
Bordetella pertussis
and
Bordetella parapertussis
. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the automated PCR-based Aries
Bordetella
Assay, which detects both
B. pertussis
and
B. parapertussis
directly from nasopharyngeal swab specimens.
Assessment of Test Performance and Potential for Environmental Contamination Associated with a Point-of-Care Molecular Assay for Group A
Streptococcus
in an End User Setting
Authors: Donato Leslie J. , Myhre Nikki K. , Murray Martha A. , McDonah Margaret R. , Myers Jane F. , Maxson Julie A. , Meek Alicia M. , Espy Mark J. , Furst Joseph W. , Karon Brad S. , Binnicker Matthew J.
Published: December 2018

Although U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved and CLIA-waived point-of-care (POC) molecular systems are being implemented in routine clinical practice, instrument reliability, test performance in the hands of end users, and the potential for environmental contamination resulting from use of POC molecular systems have not been extensively evaluated.
The Need for Speed: Run-On Oligomer Filament Formation Provides Maximum Speed with Maximum Sequestration of Activity
Authors: Barahona Claudia J. , Basantes L. Emilia , Tompkins Kassidy J. , Heitman Desirae M. , Chukwu Barbara I. , Sanchez Juan , Sanchez Jonathan L. , Ghadirian Niloofar , Park Chad K. , Horton N. C.
Published: December 2018

This work is motivated by an interest in understanding the characteristics and advantages of a relatively newly discovered enzyme mechanism involving filament formation. SgrAI is an enzyme responsible for protecting against viral infections in its host bacterium and was one of the first such enzymes shown to utilize such a mechanism. In this work, filament formation by SgrAI is disrupted, and the effects on the speed of the purified enzyme as well as its function in cells are measured. It was found that even small disruptions, which weaken but do not destroy filament formation, eliminate the ability of SgrAI to protect cells from viral infection, its normal biological function. Simulations of enzyme activity were also performed and show how filament formation can greatly speed up an enzyme’s activation compared to that of other known mechanisms, as well as to better localize its action to molecules of interest, such as invading phage DNA.
Human Papillomavirus 16 E2 Regulates Keratinocyte Gene Expression Relevant to Cancer and the Viral Life Cycle
Authors: Evans Michael R. , James Claire D. , Bristol Molly L. , Nulton Tara J. , Wang Xu , Kaur Namsimar , White Elizabeth A. , Windle Brad , Morgan Iain M.
Published: December 2018

Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16)-positive tumors that retain expression of E2 have a better clinical outcome than those that have lost E2 expression. It has been suggested that this is due to a loss of E2 repression of E6 and E7 expression, but this is not supported by data from tumors where there is not more E6 and E7 expression in the absence of E2. Here we report that E2 regulates host gene expression and place this regulation in the context of the HPV16 life cycle and HPV16-positive head and neck cancers (the majority of which retain E2 expression). We propose that this E2 function may play an important part in the increased response of HPV16-positive cancers to radiation therapy. Therefore, host gene regulation by E2 may be important for promotion of the HPV16 life cycle and also for the response of HPV16-positive tumors to radiation therapy.
Marginal Zinc Deficiency and Environmentally Relevant Concentrations of Arsenic Elicit Combined Effects on the Gut Microbiome
Authors: Gaulke Christopher A. , Rolshoven John , Wong Carmen P. , Hudson Laurie G. , Ho Emily , Sharpton Thomas J.
Published: December 2018

Xenobiotic compounds, such as arsenic, have the potential to alter the composition and functioning of the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome may also interact with these compounds to mediate their impact on the host. However, little is known about how dietary variation may reshape how the microbiome responds to xenobiotic exposures or how these modified responses may in turn impact host physiology. Here, we investigated the combinatorial effects of marginal zinc deficiency and physiologically relevant concentrations of arsenic on the microbiome. Both zinc deficiency and arsenic exposure were individually associated with altered microbial diversity and when combined elicited synergistic effects. Microbial abundance also covaried with host physiological changes, indicating that the microbiome may contribute to or be influenced by these pathologies. Collectively, this work demonstrates that dietary zinc intake influences the sensitivity of the microbiome to subsequent arsenic exposure.
Regulation of Yeast-to-Hyphae Transition in Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Pomraning Kyle R. , Bredeweg Erin L. , Kerkhoven Eduard J. , Barry Kerrie , Haridas Sajeet , Hundley Hope , LaButti Kurt , Lipzen Anna , Yan Mi , Magnuson Jon K. , Simmons Blake A. , Grigoriev Igor V. , Nielsen Jens , Baker Scott E.
Published: December 2018

Many yeasts undergo a morphological transition from yeast-to-hyphal growth in response to environmental conditions. We used forward and reverse genetic techniques to identify genes regulating this transition in
Yarrowia lipolytica
. We confirmed that the transcription factor Yl
msn2
is required for the transition to hyphal growth and found that signaling by the histidine kinases Yl
chk1
and Yl
nik1
as well as the MAP kinases of the HOG pathway (Yl
ssk2
, Yl
pbs2
, and Yl
hog1
) regulates the transition to hyphal growth. These results suggest that
Y. lipolytica
transitions to hyphal growth in response to stress through multiple kinase pathways. Intriguingly, we found that a repetitive portion of the genome containing telomere-like and rDNA repeats may be involved in the transition to hyphal growth, suggesting a link between this region and the general stress response.
Using competing risk and multistate model to estimate the impact of nosocomial infection on length of stay and mortality in burn patients in Southeast China
Authors: Guo Hai-Lei , Zhao Guang-Ju , Ling Xiang-Wei , Xu Jian-Jun , Lu Cai-Jiao , Liu Zheng-Jun
Published: December 2018

Objective

Due to the defects in skin barrier function and immune response, burn patients who survive the acute phase of a burn injury are at a high risk of nosocomial infection (NI). The aim of this study is to evaluate the impacts of NI on length of stay (LOS) and hospital mortality in burn patients using a multistate model.

Design and setting

A retrospective observational study was conducted in burn unit and intensive care unit in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.

Participants

Data were obtained from 1143 records of patients admitted with burn between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2016.

Methods

Risk factors for NIs were determined by binary logistic regression. The extended Cox model with time-varying covariates was used to determine the impact of NIs on hospital mortality, and cumulative incidence functions were calculated. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to detect the variables associated with LOS. Using a multistate model, the extra LOS due to NI were determined.

Results

15.8% of total burn patients suffered from NIs and incidence density of NIs was 9.6 per 1000 patient-days. NIs significantly increased the rate of death (HR 4.266, 95% CI 2.218 to 8.208, p=0.000). The cumulative probability of death for patients with NI was greater that for those without NI. The extra LOS due to NIs was 17.68 days (95% CI 11.31 to 24.05).

Conclusions

Using appropriate statistical methods, the present study further illustrated that NIs were associated with the increased cumulative incidence of burn death and increased LOS in burn patients.
Being there: protocol for a scoping review of the medical education literature on grief support training for medical professionals
Authors: Soklaridis Sophie , Ferguson Genevieve , Bonato Sarah , Saikaly Riley , Mosher Pamela J
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Medical trainees and professionals do not perceive that they are adequately taught the skills to address issues of grief with their patients. Atypical grief responses can prolong suffering, interrupt normal activities and lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Grief training can help physicians cope with feelings about and responses to suffering, loss and death in a way that improves both physician and patient/family wellness. This scoping review will describe the current landscape of grief training worldwide in medical school and residency and in continuing professional development in the disciplines of paediatrics, family medicine and psychiatry. The ultimate goal is to help physicians support patients experiencing grief.

Methods and analysis

The study design has been adapted from Arksey and O’Malley’s review methodology. We will work with an information specialist who will run searches in six multidisciplinary databases. To supplement the search, we will scan the reference lists of included studies. Two levels of screening will take place: a title and abstract review for articles that fit predefined criteria and a full-text review of articles that meet those criteria. To be included in the review, articles must report on grief training for medical residents and professionals in the fields of paediatrics, family medicine and psychiatry. Two investigators will review each article and extract data.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics approval is not required for this review. We plan to share the findings through national and international medical education conferences and to publish the results in a peer-reviewed academic journal. We have the support of several directors of medical education at our institution who are interested in the growing focus on humanism in medical education as a way of decreasing burnout among medical students, residents and faculty.
High-risk basal cell carcinoma excision in primary care: a retrospective observational study of compliance with NICE guidance
Authors: Cole Simon John , Howes Rachel , Meehan Chris , Cole Richard
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To assess compliance with 2010 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on cancer services relating to the management of basal cell carcinomas (BCC) in the community, where except in specific circumstances it is recommended that only low-risk BCCs should be excised routinely.

Design and setting

A retrospective observational study of the histopathology reports of BCC excisions received from primary care in two district general hospitals in the South of England. One hundred consecutive BCC excisions were analysed from each hospital.

Outcome measures

The numbers of high-risk BCCs excised in primary care according to histological subtype, anatomical site and age and if these excisions were compliant with NICE 2010 guidance. Completeness of excision and mention of BCC on histology request were secondary outcomes.

Results

Histologically high-risk subtypes were present in 32% (64/200) of BCCs excised in the community. Only 17/64 were excised by general practitioners (GPs) who were accredited to do so. Non-compliance regarding anatomical site occurred in 16% of samples; only one was non-compliant regarding patient age. There was a high overall rate of complete excision (94.5%) with variation in presence of the term BCC on histology request forms.

Conclusions

NICE 2010 guidance relating to BCC excision in primary care was not followed in a considerable number of cases. Compliance with NICE 2010 guidance depends on the ability to recognise high-risk BCCs clinically and manage appropriately. It also shows that despite close supervision by secondary care, there are still failures of compliance.

GP training in identification of subtypes of BCC might be improved, as well as an increase in numbers of GPs accredited to carry out high-risk BCC excisions. Difficulty in diagnosing high-risk histological subtypes of BCC preoperatively should be considered in any future revision of NICE guidance.
A systematic review examining the impact of redirecting low-acuity patients seeking emergency department care: is the juice worth the squeeze?
Authors: Kirkland Scott William , Soleimani Amir , Rowe Brian H , Newton Amanda S
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Diverting patients away from the emergency department (ED) has been proposed as a solution for mitigating overcrowding. This systematic review examined the impact of interventions designed to either bypass the ED or direct patients to other alternative care after ED presentation.

Methods

Seven electronic databases and the grey literature were searched. Eligible studies included randomised/controlled trials or cohort studies that assessed the effectiveness of pre-hospital or ED-based diversion interventions. Two reviewers independently screened the studies for relevance, inclusion and risk of bias. Pooled statistics were calculated as relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random effects model.

Results

Fifteen studies were included evaluating pre-hospital (n=11) or ED-based (n=4) diversion interventions. The quality of the studies ranged from moderate to low. Patients deemed suitable for diversion among the pre-hospital studies (n=3) ranged from 19.2% to 90.4% and from 19% to 36% in ED-based studies (n=4). Of the eligible patients, the proportion of patients diverted via ED-based diversion tended to be higher (median 85%; IQR 76–93%) compared with pre-hospital diversion (median 40%; IQR 24–57%). Overall, pre-hospital diversion did not decrease the proportion of patients transferred to the ED compared with standard care (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.80 to 1.06). There was no significant decrease in subsequent ED utilisation among patients diverted via pre-hospital diversion compared with non-diverted patients (RR 1.09; 95% CI 0.99 to 1.21). Of the three pre-hospital studies completing a cost analysis, none found a significant difference in total healthcare costs between diverted and non-diverted patients.

Conclusion

There was no conclusive evidence regarding the impact of diversion strategies on ED utilisation and subsequent healthcare utilisation. The overall quality of the research limited the ability of this review to draw definitive conclusions and more research is required prior to widespread implementation.
Aortic disease and interventions in adults with tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Egbe Alexander C , Miranda William R , Ammash Naser M , Anavekar Nandan S , Missula Venkata R , Kothapalli Srikanth , Khan Arooj R , Said Sameh M , Connolly Heidi M
Published: December 2018

Background

Aortic dilation and aortic valve disease are known long-term complication of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), but the risk of aortic dissection and the indications for prophylactic aortic surgery are unknown in this population. The purpose of this study was to: (1) determine the prevalence of significant aortic valve disease and/or significant aortic aneurysm (AVD-AA); (2) determine the incidence of progressive aortic dilation and aortic dissection in patients with TOF.

Methods

Retrospective review of adults with repaired TOF, and no prior aortic valve/aorta surgery, who had ≥2 measurements of the thoracic aorta >12 months apart, 1990–2017. The aortic root and mid-ascending aorta were measured at the onset of QRS complex from leading edge to leading edge. Significant aortic valve disease was defined as the presence of ≥moderate aortic stenosis and/or ≥moderate aortic regurgitation. Significant aortic aneurysm was defined as aortic root or mid-ascending aorta dimension ≥50 mm. Progressive aortic dilation was defined as increase in aortic dimension ≥2 mm.

Results

Of the 453 consecutive patients (37±13 years, men 216 (49%)) in the study, aortic aneurysm was present in 312 (69%) based on normative data; progressive aortic dilation occurred in 40 (9%), and there was no case of aortic dissection. Significant AVD-AA occurred in 52 (12%) patients; and 15 of them (29%) underwent aortic surgery without any surgical mortality.

Conclusions

Although aortic aneurysm was common, progressive aortic dilation was uncommon and aortic dissection did not occur in our patients with TOF with significant aortic aneurysms who did not undergo aortic surgery. This has important clinical implication in deciding the frequency of imaging follow-up and timing of surgical intervention in this population.
JAK2-tree: a simple CBC-based decision rule to guide appropriate JAK2 V617F mutation testing
Authors: Mahe Etienne , Pedersen Kasper Mønsted , Çolak Yunus , Bojesen Stig Egil , Lynch Tarah , Sinclair Gary , Khan Faisal , Shabani-Rad Meer-Taher
Published: December 2018

Aims

The JAK2 V617F mutation is highly recurrent in many of the myeloproliferative neoplasms, a molecular variant that can be easily detected using sensitive and minimally invasive techniques. Given the ease of JAK2 V617F testing, this test may be improperly requested for the purposes of patient ‘screening’ and to optimise laboratory resource utilisation, it behooves clinicians and laboratorians to perform JAK2 V617F testing only when most appropriate.

Methods

To assist with the screening of patients being considered for JAK2 V617F testing, we developed a clinical decision rule, “JAK2-tree”, which can be easily applied to basic CBC parameters (haemoglobin, platelet and white blood cell counts).

Results

We tested JAK2-tree on two independent datasets, one an unselected population-based sample (the Copenhagen General Population Study) and the other an historical clinical laboratory referral set, with sensitivities for JAK2 V617F detection of 91% and 94%, respectively. As applied to the historical laboratory referral dataset, moreover, the JAK2-tree algorithm would have reduced JAK2 V617F testing volume over the period of evaluation by 15%.

Conclusions

Our work supports a simple decision-tree-based screening approach to optimize the selection of patients most appropriate for JAK2 V617F testing.
Confidence of treatment decision and perceived risk of procedure-related neurological complications in the management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Ernst Marielle , Kriston Levente , Hanning Uta , Frölich Andreas M , Fiehler Jens , Buhk Jan Hendrik
Published: December 2018

Background and purpose

To evaluate factors influencing the confidence of management recommendation for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) and to assess the ability of neurointerventionalists to predict procedure-related neurological complications compared with a 3-point risk score.

Materials and methods

Twenty-eight neurointerventionalists were asked to evaluate digital subtraction angiographies examinations of patients with UIAs by determining the best management approach, their level of confidence in their management recommendation, and estimating the risk of procedure-related neurological complications. Knowledge and experience in interventional neuroradiology (INR) of each participant were assessed.

Results

Reliability was moderate regarding any treatment recommendation (ICC=0.49) and low regarding the estimation of risk of complications (ICC=0.38). The recommendation of clipping was less likely with more experience in INR (OR=0.6) and more likely with increasing knowledge (OR=1.7). Odds of recommending WEB device were lower with more experience in INR (OR=0.6), higher in patients with multiple aneurysms (OR=3.6) and increasing neck width (OR=2.7). The recommendation of stent-assisted coiling was more likely with increasing neck width (OR=2.4) and when cerebral ischemic comorbidities were present (OR=2.9). The participants were significantly worse than the risk score (mean area under the curve of 0.53) and not better than random guess in predicting complications. Neither knowledge nor experience in INR was significantly associated with the participants’ ability to predict neurological complications.

Conclusions

Our study shows a moderate interrater reliability of treatment recommendations of UIAs. Confidence in treatment recommendation varied significantly according to recommended treatments. Overall performance in predicting neurological complications was worse than the risk score and not better than random guess.
Assessment of distal access catheter performance during neuroendovascular procedures: measuring force in three-dimensional patient specific phantoms
Authors: Mokin Maxim , Waqas Muhammad , Setlur Nagesh Swetadri Vasan , Karkhanis Nitant Vivek , Levy Elad I , Ionita Ciprian N , Siddiqui Adnan H
Published: December 2018

Background

The amount of force applied on a device is an important measure to evaluate the endovascular and surgical device manipulations. The measure has not been evaluated for neuroenodvascular procedures.

Purpose

We aimed to study the use of force measure as a novel approach to test distal access catheter (DAC) performance during catheterization of cervical and intracranial vessels using patient specific 3-dimentional (3D) phantoms.

Methods

Using patient specific 3D phantoms of the cervical and intracranial circulation, we recorded measure of force required to deliver three types of DACs beyond the ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery. Six different combinations of DAC–microcatheter–guidewire were tested. We intentionally included what we considered suboptimal combinations of DACs, microcatheters, and guidewires during our experiments to test the feasibility of measuring force under different conditions. A six axis force sensor was secured to the DAC with an adjustable torque used to track axially directed push and pull forces required to navigate the DAC to the target site.

Results

In a total of 55 experiments, we found a significant difference in the amount of force used between different DACs (mean force for DAC A, 1.887±0.531N; for DAC B, 2.153±1.280 N; and for DAC C, 1.194±0.521 N, P=0.007). There was also a significant difference in force measures among the six different catheter systems (P=0.035).

Conclusions

Significant difference in the amount of force used between different DACs and catheter systems were recorded. Use of force measure in neuroendovascular procedures on 3D printed phantoms is feasible.
Simultaneous determination of three sulfanilamide artificial sweeteners in foodstuffs by capillary electrophoresis coupled with contactless conductivity detection based on porous aromatic frameworks enhanced solid phase extraction
Authors: Xia Shaige , Yin Dan , Chen Yanlong , Yang Zhicong , Miao Ying , Zhang Wenfen , Chen Sheng , Zhao Wuduo , Zhang Shusheng
Published: December 2018

In this paper, a simple and easy method of solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by capillary electrophoresis (CE) with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D) is evaluated as a novel approach for the simultaneous determination of acesulfame-K (ACE), sodium saccharin (SAC), and sodium cyclamate (CYC) in foodstuffs without derivatization. To reduce the complex matrix interference resulting from the constituents of samples and enriched targets, porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) enhanced SPE, a suitable sample pretreatment procedure, was introduced. Several factors affecting extraction efficiency and electrophoretic separation were investigated. Additionally, the interaction mechanisms between the host (PAF-6) and guests (ACE, SAC, and CYC) were studied. Under the optimum conditions, three sulfanilamide artificial sweeteners were baseline separated within 8 min, exhibiting a linear calibration over two orders of magnitude (R2 > 0.995). The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were considered better than those usually obtained by CE with ultraviolet and C4D detection. The proposed SPE–CE–C4D method has been successfully applied to analyse beverage samples and candied fruits with recoveries in the range of 78.89%–92.00%.
Energy levels, wavelengths, transition probabilities, and line strengths of Si-like Se ions
Authors: Wu Miao , Sun Lianlian , Li Xiangfu , Zhang Ji
Published: December 2018

The multi-configuration Dirac–Hartree–Fock (MCDHF) method and the active space approach have been employed to investigate the energy levels, wavelengths, transition probabilities, and line strengths of Si-like Se ions. The contributions of Breit interaction (BI) and quantum electrodynamic (QED) correction are taken into consideration. The wavelengths, transition probabilities, and line strengths of Si-like Se ions have also been calculated. Compared with other theoretical and experimental values of these parameters, our values are in good agreement with others, and the number of energy levels we considered is larger than that of any other theoretical calculations.
Remote ischemic per-conditioning protects against renal ischemia–reperfusion injury via suppressing gene expression of TLR4 and TNF-α in rat model
Authors: Gholampour Firouzeh , Roozbeh Jamshid , Janfeshan Sahar , Karimi Zeinab
Published: December 2018

The pathogenesis of renal ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) involves both inflammatory processes and oxidative stress in the kidney. This study determined whether remote ischemic per-conditioning (RIPerC) is mediated by toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway in rats. Renal IR injury was induced by occluding renal arteries for 45 min followed by 24 h of reperfusion. RIPerC included 4 cycles of 2 min of ischemia of the left femoral artery followed by 3 min of reperfusion performed at the start of renal ischemia. Rats were divided into sham, IR, and RIPerC groups. At the end of the reperfusion period, urine, blood and tissue samples were gathered. IR created kidney dysfunction, as ascertained by a significant decrease in creatinine clearance and a significant increase in sodium fractional excretion. These changes occurred in concert with a decrease in the activities of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase with an increment in malondialdehyde levels, mRNA expression levels of TLR4 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and histological damage in renal tissues. RIPerC treatment diminished all these changes. This study demonstrates that RIPerC has protective effects on the kidney after renal IR, which might be related to the inhibition of the TLR4 signaling pathway and augmentation of antioxidant systems.
Does donor group size matter? The response of guppies (Poecilia reticulata) and convict cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) to disturbance cues from conspecific and heterospecific donors
Authors: Goldman Jack A. , Singh Annick , Demers Ebony E.M. , Feyten Laurence E.A. , Brown Grant E.
Published: December 2018

Prey are under immense pressure to make context-specific, behavioural decisions. Prey use public information to reduce the costs associated with making inappropriate decisions. Chemical cues are commonly used by aquatic vertebrates to assess local threats and facilitate behavioural decision making. Previous studies on chemosensory assessment of risk have largely focused on damage-released alarm cues, with the cues released by disturbed or stressed prey (i.e., disturbance cues) receiving less attention. Disturbance cues are “early-warning signals” common among aquatic vertebrates that may warn conspecific and heterospecific prey guild members of potential risk. Initially, we conducted a series of laboratory studies to determine (i) if guppies (Poecilia reticulata Peters, 1859) produce and respond to disturbance cues and (ii) if relative concentration (donor group size) determines response intensity. Secondly, we examined if guppies and convict cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata (Günther, 1867)) show similar response patterns to their own vs. heterospecific disturbance cues. Our results suggest that guppies exhibit increased predator avoidance behaviour to conspecific disturbance cues (relative to water from undisturbed conspecifics) and increased donor group size lead to stronger antipredator responses. However, although guppies and cichlids respond to each other’s disturbance cues, we found no effect of donor group size towards heterospecific disturbance cues. Our results suggest that disturbance cues are not generalized cues and present a degree of species-specificity.
Synthesis of Sm–Co nanoparticles by sol–gel method
Authors: Wu Wei , Zhang Jinshan , Cao Pengjun , Dong Jiling , Ding Hao
Published: December 2018

Sm–Co nanoparticles have promising applications in both scientific and industrial fields. In this paper, Sm–Co single-crystal nanoparticles were prepared using respective metal salts and complexing agents, such as citric acid by Pechini-type sol–gel method. The mixture solution was heated to form a highly viscous gel, and then heated at different temperatures to achieve SmCo-oxide. And then Sm–Co particles were yielded by reductive annealing of the precursors. Phase analysis, microstructural investigation and magnetic properties were performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and VSM. TGA trace analysis of the gel determined the heat treatment temperature. XRD results showed that SmCoO3 and Co3O4 were obtained at 800[Formula: see text]C, FT-IR spectrometry analysis also verified the results. In the calcium-thermal reduction process, Sm2O3 and Co were obtained after reductive annealing at 800[Formula: see text]C, meanwhile Sm–Co nanoparticles were formed at 850[Formula: see text]C. FESEM analysis revealed that the Sm–Co nanoparticles were composed in the form of spherical granules and exhibited well distribution with size in the range of 100 nm. The room temperature saturation magnetization and coercivity of the Sm–Co nanoparticles were 49.61 emu/g and 3.53 kOe, respectively.
Configurations, electronic and spin properties of FeN adsorbed HNCO
Authors: Li Zhi , Zhao Zhen
Published: December 2018

The configurations, electronic and spin of the FeN–HNCO clusters are calculated at PW91 basis set. The results indicate that a chain structure of H–N–N–Fe–C–O possesses the highest structural and kinetic stability. The FeN–HNCO cluster which possesses an Fe–N–C–N quadrangular ring displays the highest adsorption capacity between FeN and HNCO. The isomer (16) which possesses the chain configuration has higher kinetic activity. The [Formula: see text] orbitals of C and N atoms of the FeN–HNCO clusters gain electrons and the [Formula: see text] orbital of C and N atoms of the FeN–HNCO clusters loss electrons. The chain structure of the isomer (17) has the largest total spin (2.955 [Formula: see text]/atom) than the others.
Infinite families of prime knots with alt(K) = 1 and their Alexander polynomials
Authors: Guevara Hernández María de los Angeles , Cabrera Ibarra Hugo
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we construct, by using the Alexander polynomial, infinite families of nonalternating prime knots, which have alternation number equal to one. More specifically these knots after one crossing change yield a 2-bridge knot or the trivial knot. In particular, we display two infinite families of nonalternating knots and their Alexander polynomials.

Moreover, we give formulae to obtain the Conway and Alexander polynomials of oriented 3-tangles and the links formed from their closure with a specific orientation. In particular, we propose a construction to form families of links for which their Alexander polynomials can be obtained by nonrecursive formulae.
Distance to longitude
Authors: Matignon Daniel
Published: December 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be a hyperbolic knot in the [Formula: see text]-sphere. If a [Formula: see text]-Dehn surgery on [Formula: see text] produces manifold with an embedded Klein bottle or essential [Formula: see text]-torus, then we prove that [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the genus of [Formula: see text]. We obtain different upper bounds according to the production of a Klein bottle, a non-separating [Formula: see text]-torus, or an essential and separating [Formula: see text]-torus. The well known examples which are the figure eight knot and the pretzel knot [Formula: see text] reach the given upper bounds. We study this problem considering null-homologous hyperbolic knots in compact, orientable and closed [Formula: see text]-manifolds.
FRACTAL ANALYSIS OF THE PENETRATION FLOW THROUGH MICRO-NANO POROUS GASKETS WITH EFFECTS OF SLIPPAGE AND STRESS-SENSITIVITY
Authors: HUANG XIAOMING , SUN JIAWEI , SHI CHUNYU , DU YANG , XU GUOLIANG
Published: December 2018

The airtightness of non-metallic sealing structures undergoing harsh conditions is very crucial to the reliability of equipment in many industrial fields. In this study, the gas penetration through a non-metallic sealing material (NSM) with micro-nano porous structure under stress was investigated in detail based on the transport theory of fractal porous media. A complete theoretical model for predicting the stress sensitivity of the gasket permeability was developed, in which the slippage effect was of concern due to very fine pore size. The permeability of a flexible graphite gasket under different stresses was numerically predicted via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and image processing. The influencing factors on the permeability of the NSM were analyzed quantitatively and good agreements with existing experimental results demonstrate the validity of the proposed model. Since the effects of the pore-size distribution and flow pattern regime were taken into account, the parameters of the model had a clear physical meaning and the model was suitable for determining the mechanism of penetration leakage through the NSM. In addition, the model could also be used for the analysis of other tight porous media with complex microstructure under stress deformation.