bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constipation in parkinson's disease: Subjective symptoms, objective markers, and new perspectives
Authors: Knudsen Karoline , Krogh Klaus , Østergaard Karen , Borghammer Per
Published: November 2016

Constipation is among the first nonmotor symptoms to develop in the prodromal phase of PD. Pathological alpha‐synuclein deposition is present throughout the gastrointestinal tract up to 20 years preceding diagnosis. Nevertheless, constipation in the context of PD remains ill defined and poorly understood. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of subjective symptoms and objective measures of constipation in PD. More than 10 different definitions of constipation have been used in the PD literature, making generalizations difficult. When pooling results from the most homogeneous studies in PD, a median constipation prevalence of 40% to 50% emerges, but with large variation across individual studies. Also, constipation prevalence tends to increase with disease progression. A similar prevalence is observed among patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. Interestingly, we detected a correlation between constipation prevalence in PD patients and healthy control groups in individual studies, raising concerns about how various constipation questionnaires are implemented across study populations. More than 80% of PD patients exhibit prolonged colonic transit time, and the same is probably true for de novo PD patients. Thus, the prevalence of objective colonic dysfunction exceeds the prevalence of subjective constipation. Colonic transit time measures are simple, widely available, and hold promise as a useful biomarker in manifest PD. More research is needed to elucidate the role of gastrointestinal dysfunction in disease progression of PD. Moreover, colonic transit measures may have utility as a more accurate risk factor for predicting PD in the prodromal phase. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Lung neuroendocrine tumours: deep sequencing of the four World Health Organization histotypes reveals chromatin‐remodelling genes as major players and a prognostic role for TERT, RB1, MEN1 and KMT2D
Authors: Simbolo Michele , Mafficini Andrea , Sikora Katarzyna O , Fassan Matteo , Barbi Stefano , Corbo Vincenzo , Mastracci Luca , Rusev Borislav , Grillo Federica , Vicentini Caterina , Ferrara Roberto , Pilotto Sara , Davini Federico , Pelosi Giuseppe , Lawlor Rita T , Chilosi Marco , Tortora Giampaolo , Bria Emilio , Fontanini Gabriella , Volante Marco , Scarpa Aldo
Published: November 2016

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) was applied to 148 lung neuroendocrine tumours (LNETs) comprising the four World Health Organization classification categories: 53 typical carcinoid (TCs), 35 atypical carcinoid (ACs), 27 large‐cell neuroendocrine carcinomas, and 33 small‐cell lung carcinomas. A discovery screen was conducted on 46 samples by the use of whole‐exome sequencing and high‐coverage targeted sequencing of 418 genes. Eighty‐eight recurrently mutated genes from both the discovery screen and current literature were verified in the 46 cases of the discovery screen, and validated on additional 102 LNETs by targeted NGS; their prevalence was then evaluated on the whole series. Thirteen of these 88 genes were also evaluated for copy number alterations (CNAs). Carcinoids and carcinomas shared most of the altered genes but with different prevalence rates. When mutations and copy number changes were combined, MEN1 alterations were almost exclusive to carcinoids, whereas alterations of TP53 and RB1 cell cycle regulation genes and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway genes were significantly enriched in carcinomas. Conversely, mutations in chromatin‐remodelling genes, including those encoding histone modifiers and members of SWI–SNF complexes, were found at similar rates in carcinoids (45.5%) and carcinomas (55.0%), suggesting a major role in LNET pathogenesis. One AC and one TC showed a hypermutated profile associated with a POLQ damaging mutation. There were fewer CNAs in carcinoids than in carcinomas; however ACs showed a hybrid pattern, whereby gains of TERT, SDHA, RICTOR, PIK3CA, MYCL and SRC were found at rates similar to those in carcinomas, whereas the MEN1 loss rate mirrored that of TCs. Multivariate survival analysis revealed RB1 mutation (p = 0.0005) and TERT copy gain (p = 0.016) as independent predictors of poorer prognosis. MEN1 mutation was associated with poor prognosis in AC (p = 0.0045), whereas KMT2D mutation correlated with longer survival in SCLC (p = 0.0022). In conclusion, molecular profiling may complement histology for better diagnostic definition and prognostic stratification of LNETs. © 2016 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Metathesis cyclopolymerization of substituted 1,6‐heptadiyne and dual conductivity of doped polyacetylene bearing branched triazole pendants
Authors: Wu Jianhua , Li Hongfei , Zhou Dandan , Liao Xiaojuan , Xie Meiran , Sun Ruyi
Published: November 2016

The branched triazole group is synthesized by click chemistry via a controlled approach of slow addition of AB2 compound to a B2 core, and used as the substituent for 1,6‐heptadiyne monomer. Metathesis cyclopolymerization of monomer is performed well in dichloromethane without the weakly coordinating additive, indicating that the branched triazole itself can stabilize the living propagating chain, to generate branched triazole pendant‐contained polyacetylene with trans‐double bonds and five‐membered ring repeating units along the conjugated backbone. The LiTFSI doped polyacetylenes display ionic conductivities of 2.5–1.8 × 10−6 S cm−1; by further doping with iodine, polyacetylenes show the improved ionic and electronic conductivities of 1.3 × 10−5 and 2.1 × 10−7 S cm−1 at 30 °C, respectively. Therefore, these doped polyacetylenes may act as the new electrolyte materials. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 485–494
Relationships between molecular structure and thermomechanical properties of bio‐based thermosetting polymers
Authors: Yang Jung Ho , Srikanth Arun , Jang Changwoon , Abrams Cameron F.
Published: November 2016

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to study highly cross‐linked epoxy networks comprised of furanyl epoxy monomer, 2,5‐bis[(2‐oxiranylmethoxy)methyl]‐furan (BOF), that is cross‐linked by two furanyl amine hardeners, 5,5'‐methylenedifurfurylamine (DFDA) and 5,5'‐ethylidenedifurfirylamine (CH3‐DFDA). Important properties of these fully furan‐based systems, including room temperature density, glass transition temperature, and Young's modulus are found to agree with previous experimental results. We also compare the simulated and experimental values of four fully furan‐based thermosetting materials to those using the conventional resin diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) cured with the two furanyl hardeners. Our simulation results predict a slight decrease in density and Young's modulus, but no impact on the glass transition temperature, upon adding the methyl group in DFDA. Detailed analyses of the MD trajectories reveal the underlying mechanisms responsible for the observed structure/property relations, which center on the lack of collinear covalent bonds in the BOF molecular structure. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 285–292
Adherence and barriers to hyperinsufflation in children with congenital muscular dystrophy
Authors: Pascoe John E. , Sawnani Hemant , Mayer Oscar H. , McConnell Keith , McDonough Joseph M. , White Cynthia , Rutkowski Anne M. , Amin Raouf S. , Modi Avani C.
Published: November 2016

Background

Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) is a rare, inherited neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness, thoracic insufficiency, and ultimately respiratory failure. Adherence to respiratory therapies in children with neuromuscular disorders is unknown. This study examined the multimodal assessment of adherence and barriers to 15 min, twice daily hyperinsufflation in children with CMD. Adherence was hypothesized to be greater than 50% and discomfort, embarrassment, and difficulty finding time were hypothesized to be barriers.

Methods

Participants included 18 children with CMD. Personalized hyperinsufflation settings were determined based on pressure–volume measurements at each study visit. Adherence was measured by a daily phone diary (DPD) and by electronic data download from the hyperinsufflation device. The DPD was conducted twice over a 48‐hr period to capture a weekend and weekday, with the goal being 60 min of hyperinsufflation over the 48 hr (100% adherence). The hyperinsufflation objective electronic data reflected daily use of hyperinsufflation for the same 48‐hr period. Data from DPD and the corresponding hyperinsufflation device data were used for analyses.

Results

Adherence to hyperinsufflation was 40% via DPD and 44% for electronic data, with strong convergence between methods (r = 0.75, P < 0.001). Surprisingly, 53% of participants reported no barriers despite low adherence. Social distractions and family obligations were identified as barriers. There were no differences in adherence between those who did and did not endorse barriers to hyperinsufflation (DPD: t(13) = 0.44, P = n.s.; hyperinsufflation device: t(13) = −0.23, P = n.s.).

Conclusion

Adherence to hyperinsufflation is a significant problem in children with CMD and families have difficulty identifying adherence barriers. An important next step is to encourage open dialog around adherence barriers and promote adherence behaviors via intervention. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017; 52:939–945. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Reliability Analysis and Condition‐based Maintenance for Failure Processes with Degradation‐dependent Hard Failure Threshold
Authors: Rafiee Koosha , Feng Qianmei , Coit David W.
Published: November 2016

In this study, we introduce reliability models for a device with two dependent failure processes: soft failure due to degradation and hard failure due to random shocks, by considering the declining hard failure threshold according to changes in degradation. Owing to the nature of degradation for complex devices such as microelectromechanical systems, a degraded system is more vulnerable to force and stress during operation. We address two different scenarios of the changing hard failure threshold due to changes in degradation. In Case 1, the initial hard failure threshold value reduces to a lower level as soon as the overall degradation reaches a critical value. In Case 2, the hard failure threshold decreases gradually and the amount of reduction is proportional to the change in degradation. A condition‐based maintenance model derived from a failure limit policy is presented to ensure that a device is functioning under a certain level of degradation. Finally, numerical examples are illustrated to explain the developed reliability and maintenance models, along with sensitivity analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A computational study of substituent effects on the stability and geometry of carbazole‐pyridine complexes
Authors: Ziegler Eric W. , Baum James Clayton , Brown Alan B. , Blaustein Gail S.
Published: November 2016

Hydrogen bonding between carbazole and pyridine is known to quench fluorescence emission of carbazole. Three carbazolopyridinophanes—compounds composed of carbazole and pyridine subunits such that an intramolecular hydrogen bond may exist between them—have been pursued as reversible fluorescent sensors that detect given analytes through fluorescence restoration. However, these sensors exhibit background fluorescence believed to be related to the proportion of non‐hydrogen‐bonded conformers present. In this computational investigation, the potential energy surfaces of various hydrogen‐bonded carbazole:pyridine complexes are investigated using density functional theory with the intent of explaining the observed background fluorescence for the carbazolopyridinophanes. The results indicate carbazolopyridinophane conformers most resembling the geometry of their corresponding free carbazole:pyridine complexes exhibit the least background fluorescence.
Exploring hypergraphs with martingales
Authors: Bollobás Béla , Riordan Oliver
Published: November 2016

Recently, in [Random Struct Algorithm 41 (2012), 441–450] we adapted exploration and martingale arguments of Nachmias and Peres [ALEA Lat Am J Probab Math Stat 3 (2007), 133–142], in turn based on ideas of Martin‐Löf [J Appl Probab 23 (1986), 265–282], Karp [Random Struct Alg 1 (1990), 73–93] and Aldous [Ann Probab 25 (1997), 812–854], to prove asymptotic normality of the number L1 of vertices in the largest component of the random r‐uniform hypergraph in the supercritical regime. In this paper we take these arguments further to prove two new results: strong tail bounds on the distribution of L1, and joint asymptotic normality of L1 and the number M1 of edges of in the sparsely supercritical case. These results are used in [Combin Probab Comput 25 (2016), 21–75], where we enumerate sparsely connected hypergraphs asymptotically. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 50, 325–352, 2017
The Impact of Team Ability Disparity and Reward Structure on Performance
Authors: Yuan Ling , Tu Yanhong , Li Jian , Ning Lutao
Published: November 2016

We examine how the performance of teams and of the individuals within them varies with disparity in team member ability and with the reward structure in place. We carry out an experiment on a sample of 240 participants which first played a Counter‐Strike Game to determine their level of proficiency, then played in three‐person teams made up of a high, a medium and a low level performer. We observed the effect of both a competitive reward and of a cooperative one on team performance. The results indicate that when the disparity in ability is large, teams compensated using a competitive reward outperform those subject to a cooperative reward, but when the disparity in ability is small, reward structure has no influence on team performance. Hierarchical Linear Modelling (HLM) analysis confirms these findings at the individual level. Our study has implications for optimal team composition and the structuring of rewards. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cardiac output and blood flow redistribution in fetuses with D‐loop transposition of the great arteries and intact ventricular septum: insights into pathophysiology
Authors: Godfrey M. E. , Friedman K. G. , Drogosz M. , Rudolph A. M. , Tworetzky W.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

Although the postnatal physiology of D‐loop transposition of the great arteries with intact ventricular septum (D‐TGA/IVS) is well established, little is known about fetal D‐TGA/IVS. In the normal fetus, the pulmonary valve (PV) is larger than the aortic valve (AoV), there is exclusive right‐to‐left flow at the foramen ovale (FO) and ductus arteriosus (DA), and the left ventricle (LV) ejects 40% of combined ventricular output (CVO) through the aorta, primarily to the brain. In D‐TGA/IVS, the LV ejects oxygen‐rich blood to the pulmonary artery, theoretically leading to pulmonary vasodilation, increased branch pulmonary artery flow and reduced DA flow. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that D‐TGA/IVS anatomy results in altered cardiac valve sizes, ventricular contribution to CVO, and FO and DA flow direction.

Methods

Seventy‐four fetuses with D‐TGA/IVS that underwent fetal echocardiography at our institution between 2004 and 2015 were included in the study. AoV, PV, mitral valve and tricuspid valve sizes were measured and Z‐scores indexed to gestational age were generated. Ventricular output was calculated using Doppler‐derived velocity‐time integral, and direction of flow at the FO and DA shunts was recorded in each fetus using both color Doppler and flap direction. Measurements in the D‐TGA/IVS fetuses were compared with data of 222 controls, matched for gestational‐age range, from our institutional normal fetal database.

Results

The LV component of CVO was higher in D‐TGA/IVS fetuses than in controls (50.7% vs 40.2%; P < 0.0001), with no difference in the total CVO. Flow was bidirectional at the FO in 56 (75.7%) and at the DA in 24 (32.4%) D‐TGA/IVS fetuses. Only 21.6% fetuses had normal right‐to‐left flow at both shunts. Bidirectional shunting was more common in third‐trimester fetuses than in second‐trimester ones (P < 0.03). AoV and PV diameters were nearly identical in D‐TGA/IVS in contrast to control fetuses, hence AoV Z‐score was higher than PV Z‐score (1.13 vs –0.65, P < 0.0001) in D‐TGA/IVS.

Conclusions

In fetuses with D‐TGA/IVS there is loss of the normal right‐sided dominance, as each ventricle provides half of the CVO, with a relatively large AoV diameter and a small PV diameter, and high incidence of bidirectional FO and DA flow. This may support the theory that high pulmonary artery oxygen content reduces pulmonary vascular resistance, thereby increasing branch pulmonary artery flow and venous return, which results in increased LV preload and output. Pulmonary sensitivity to oxygen is thought to increase later in gestation, which may explain the higher incidence of bidirectional shunting. Consequences of these flow alterations include increased aortic and, most likely, brain flow, perhaps in an attempt to compensate for the substrate deficiency observed in D‐TGA/IVS. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Performance analysis of two‐way MAC layer network coding under finite relay buffer and non‐negligible signalling overhead
Authors: Shi Shijie , Ni Wei , Liu Ren Ping , Li Shiyin
Published: November 2016

Two‐way exclusive OR (XOR) relay can enable hidden nodes to exchange data with low delays and high data rate, while keeping signal processing simple. In this paper, we analyse practical two‐way XOR relaying systems, where finite relay buffer, non‐negligible signalling overhead, and lossy wireless channels are all captured. A two‐layer model is developed to characterise such practical two‐way relay systems, which is then reformulated into a Markov process after we project and combine inter‐layer state transitions of the two‐layer model. Using Markov techniques, we evaluate the steady state probabilities of the Markov process and, in turn, the key performance measures of two‐way XOR relaying, such as throughput, delay, and packet loss. The accuracy of our model is validated by simulations. Our model can also be used as an online tool to configure the buffer resources, adapting to wireless channel conditions and signalling requirements. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perfect timing: splicing and transcription rates in living cells
Authors: Alpert Tara , Herzel Lydia , Neugebauer Karla M.
Published: November 2016

An important step toward understanding gene regulation is the elucidation of the time necessary for the completion of individual steps. Measurement of reaction rates can reveal potential nodes for regulation. For example, measurements of in vivo transcription elongation rates reveal regulation by DNA sequence, gene architecture, and chromatin. Pre‐mRNA splicing is regulated by transcription elongation rates and vice versa, yet the rates of RNA processing reactions remain largely elusive. Since the 1980s, numerous model systems and approaches have been used to determine the precise timing of splicing in vivo. Because splicing can be co‐transcriptional, the position of Pol II when splicing is detected has been used as a proxy for time by some investigators. In addition to these ‘distance‐based’ measurements, ‘time‐based’ measurements have been possible through live cell imaging, metabolic labeling of RNA, and gene induction. Yet splicing rates can be convolved by the time it takes for transcription, spliceosome assembly and spliceosome disassembly. The variety of assays and systems used has, perhaps not surprisingly, led to reports of widely differing splicing rates in vivo. Recently, single molecule RNA‐seq has indicated that splicing occurs more quickly than previously deduced. Here we comprehensively review these findings and discuss evidence that splicing and transcription rates are closely coordinated, facilitating the efficiency of gene expression. On the other hand, introduction of splicing delays through as yet unknown mechanisms provide opportunity for regulation. More work is needed to understand how cells optimize the rates of gene expression for a range of biological conditions. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1401. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1401

This article is categorized under:

RNA-Based Catalysis > RNA Catalysis in Splicing and Translation

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA–Protein Complexes

RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms
C‐Reactive Protein Indicates Early Stage of Postoperative Infectious Complications in Patients Following Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy
Authors: Miki Yuichiro , Toyokawa Takahiro , Kubo Naoshi , Tamura Tatsuro , Sakurai Katsunobu , Tanaka Hiroaki , Muguruma Kazuya , Yashiro Masakazu , Hirakawa Kosei , Ohira Masaichi
Published: November 2016

Background

Esophagectomy for patients with esophageal cancer is associated with high rate of postoperative infectious complications (PICs). Although minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) could reduce the rate of PICs, its incidence cannot be ignored. Early detection of PICs may be beneficial in clinical settings. We investigated whether systemic inflammation markers, such as C‐reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC), are useful for the early detection of PICs.

Method

We reviewed 158 patients who underwent MIE from 2000 to 2015 and assessed PIC incidence and severity. The value of CRP and WBC in the early detection of PICs was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics analyses. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify severe PICs risk factors (Clavien–Dindo classification, grade IIIa or higher).

Results

Thirty patients developed PICs: grades III, IV, and V in 19 (12.0%), 9 (5.7%), and 2 (1.3%) patients, respectively. CRP on 4POD showed the highest value for detection of PICs (AUC = 072). Cutoff value of CRP on 4POD was determined as 11.1 (mg/dL), in which the sensitivity and specificity were the maximum value. The univariate analysis revealed that sex (male), operation time (≥597 min), and CRP on 4POD (≥11.1 mg/dL) were significant factors for detecting PICs. Multivariate analyses showed that operation time (≥597) and CRP on 4POD (≥11.1 mg/dL) were independent significant factors for detecting PICs.

Conclusions

CRP on 4POD ≥11.1 mg/dL was an independent PICs risk factor in patients who underwent MIE. It will be beneficial for the early detection of PICs following MIE.
Perioperative Risks of Dietary and Herbal Supplements
Authors: Levy Ilana , Attias Samuel , Ben‐Arye Eran , Goldstein Lee , Matter Ibrahim , Somri Mostafa , Schiff Elad
Published: November 2016

Background

Patients undergoing surgery often use Dietary and Herbal Supplements (DHS). We explored the risk of DHS–drug interactions in the perioperative setting.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional prospective study, participants hospitalized for surgery completed a questionnaire regarding DHS use. We used pharmacological databases to assess DHS–drug interactions. We then applied univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to characterize patients at risk for DHS–drug interactions.

Results

Of 526 interviewees, 230 (44%) patients reported DHS use, with 16.5% reporting using DHS that could potentially interact with anesthesia. Twenty‐four (10%) patients used DHS that could potentially interact with antithrombotic drugs taken perioperatively. The medical files of three patients included reports of intraoperative bleeding. The patient files of only 11% of DHS users documented DHS use.

Conclusions

DHS use poses a significant health risk due to potential interactions. Guidelines should emphasize perioperative management of DHS use.
Does MRI of the Thoracolumbar Spine Change Management in Blunt Trauma Patients with Stable Thoracolumbar Spinal Injuries Without Neurologic Deficits?
Authors: Deramo Paul , Agrawal Vaidehi , Amos Joseph , Patel Nimesh , Jefferson Henry
Published: November 2016

Background

In blunt trauma patients with computed tomography (CT) findings of stable thoracolumbar (TL) spinal injury without neurologic deficits, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies are commonly obtained, though the impact on overall management remains unclear. The indication for MRI in patients with TL injury without neurologic deficits continues to remain unclear. Here, we evaluate the role of MRI on clinical management of patients presenting with this diagnosis.

Methods

After IRB approval, all registry patients from December 2005 to December 2015 with all blunt TL injuries without defects were extracted. General demographics, injury parameters, hospital and ICU length of stay (ILOS/HLOS), CT/MRI findings, and intervention were collected. Impact of variant ISS in the four groups was corrected by dividing HLOS and ILOS by ISS. The Student’s t test was conducted for statistical analysis.

Results

Of 613 patients, 236 met the inclusion criteria with average age of 52 ± 23 y, ISS (7 ± 4), HLOS (5 ± 3 days), and ILOS (1 ± 2 days). One hundred and thirty‐three patients underwent MRI, and 103 patients underwent CT only. Patients who underwent MRI were no more likely to attain intervention (p < 0.06) but had longer length of stay relative to ISS (p < 0.006).

Conclusions

MRI did not affect rate of intervention though increased HLOS accounting for ISS. CT findings of stability were concordant with MRI findings. Our results suggest that MRI may not affect intervention decisions in blunt trauma patients with CT findings of stable thoracolumbar spinal injury without neurological deficits.
A Creation Narrative for the Psychometric Society and Psychometrika: In the Beginning There Was Paul Horst
Authors: Heiser Willem , Hubert Lawrence
Published: November 2016

A review is provided for the creation of the Psychometric Society in 1935, and the establishment of its journal, Psychometrika, in 1936. This document is part of the 80th anniversary celebration for Psychometrika’s founding, held during the annual meeting of the Psychometric Society in July of 2016 in Asheville, NC.
Hospital for Special Surgery ACL Registry: 2-Year Outcomes Suggest Low Revision and Return to OR Rates
Authors: McCarthy Moira , Mallett Katherine , Abola Matthew , Vassallo Sherrie , Nguyen Joseph
Published: November 2016

Background

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common knee injuries. Patient outcomes, rate of subsequent operations, and rate of subsequent ACL reconstruction following primary ACL reconstruction need to be evaluated.

Questions/Purposes

This study was designed to answer the following questions: (1) What is the return to surgery (OR) rate following primary ACL reconstruction and (2) what is the revision ACL reconstruction rate?

Methods

Data was drawn from the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) ACL Registry. International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation, Lysholm-Tegner Scales, Marx Activity Scale, and SF12 were completed by patients at baseline, 1-, and 2-year follow-up. Clinical data and intraoperative data were registered by surgeons on an intraoperative form. Subsequent surgery rates were determined by evaluating the medical records for subsequent surgery, laterality, surgeon, procedure description, and type of anesthesia.

Results

The majority of the ACL reconstructions performed were autograft (76.6%) with the most common graft being bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) autograft (47.2%), hamstring autograft (21.9%), and Achilles allograft (18.2%). Average IKDC score improved from 51.9 (SD 16.1) at baseline to 83.5 (SD 14.2) at 2-year follow-up. Females had a 2.5-point lower IKDC and 1.4-point Marx scores compared to males. Of the enrolled patients, 7.3% had revision ACL surgery with 70.4% being ipsilateral ACL surgery. Of the enrolled patients, 10.3% had subsequent knee surgery with 72.3% being ipsilateral knee surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that patients less than 18 years of age at the time of their index surgery were over three times more likely to undergo a revision ACL reconstruction compared to older patients and were at four times higher risk than older patients for any subsequent knee surgery.

Conclusion

Understanding ACL surgery, patient outcomes, and risk factors for revision ACL surgery and subsequent knee surgery after primary ACL reconstruction is essential. Patients less than 18 years of age have a higher risk of subsequent knee surgery and subsequent ACL surgery than older patients.
Multimodal Pain Management for Enhanced Recovery: Reinforcing the Shift From Traditional Pathways Through Nurse‐Led Interventions
Authors: Montgomery Robert , McNamara Sharon A.
Published: November 2016

Despite recent advances in perioperative patient care, postsurgical pain continues to be undermanaged. There is increasing acceptance of the concept that effective postsurgical pain management is best achieved through combined use of more than one analgesic agent or technique, and overreliance on opioids produces unwanted side effects limiting their utility. Accordingly, a balanced, multimodal approach to pain management within the larger framework of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway has become standard at many institutions for perioperative care, to control postsurgical pain, reduce opioid‐related adverse events, hasten postsurgical recovery, and shorten length of hospital stay. The success of ERAS is dependent on nurses and the multidisciplinary team to execute its standardized processes across the care continuum, including patient education, perioperative care, and postsurgical evaluation. Here, we review current concepts related to multimodal analgesia and ERAS regarding care of adult surgical patients and discuss the perioperative nurse's role within this paradigm.
Corporate Negative Publicity – the Role of Cause Related Marketing
Authors: Vyravene Revadee , Rabbanee Fazlul K.
Published: November 2016

This paper examines the effects of cause-related marketing (CrM) strategies on consumers’ moral judgement and purchase behaviour in the context of experiencing substantial corporate negative publicity. Data for the study were collected from 343 respondents through mall intercept technique from two large shopping malls of Australia. Quasi-experimental design technique was adopted for the study, where the participants chose one particular cause out of two (ongoing conventional cause vs sudden disaster due to garment factory collapse in Bangladesh). The findings revealed that 56% of the respondents supported the sudden cause and are willing to pay (WTP) more for the betterment of the garment workers’ living condition. The findings further indicated that CrM variables such as cause–brand fit, cause familiarity and cause importance influence consumers’ moral judgement towards the CrM campaigns, which eventually influence them to pay additional money for the product. The multi-group moderation and mediation tests offer interesting theoretical and managerial insights.
The ‘owl of misfortune’ or the ‘phoenix of prosperity’? Re-thinking the impact of the Mongols
Authors: Waugh Daniel C.
Published: November 2016

The impact of Mongol conquests across Eurasia is still controversial: did they destroy everything in their path or rather create a “Mongol peace” under which the Silk Road exchanges flourished? Too often medieval authors are cited merely for their negative reaction to the Mongols. Yet both the written sources and evidence from archeology show a picture of some complexity that requires critical analysis. The emphasis here is on archeology, often ignored or slighted by historians of the Mongols, and on evidence from Central Asia and Eastern Europe, primarily as reported in Russian-language scholarship. The impact of the Mongols varied depending on the location and the priorities of the new conquerors.
Circadian alterations during early stages of Alzheimer's disease are associated with aberrant cycles of DNA methylation in BMAL1
Authors: Cronin Peter , McCarthy Michael J. , Lim Andrew S.P. , Salmon David P. , Galasko Douglas , Masliah Eliezer , De Jager Philip L. , Bennett David A. , Desplats Paula
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Circadian alterations are prevalent in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may contribute to cognitive impairment, behavioral symptoms, and neurodegeneration. Epigenetic mechanisms regulate the circadian clock, and changes in DNA methylation have been reported in AD brains, but the pathways that mediate circadian deregulation in AD are incompletely understood. We hypothesized that aberrant DNA methylation may affect circadian rhythms in AD.

Methods

We investigated DNA methylation, transcription, and expression of BMAL1, a positive regulator of the circadian clock, in cultured fibroblasts and brain samples from two independent cohorts of aging and AD.

Results

DNA methylation modulated rhythmic expression of clock genes in cultured fibroblasts. Moreover, rhythmic methylation of BMAL1 was altered in AD brains and fibroblasts and correlated with transcription cycles.

Discussion

Our results indicate that cycles of DNA methylation contribute to the regulation of BMAL1 rhythms in the brain. Hence, aberrant epigenetic patterns may be linked to circadian alterations in AD.
The risk of pain syndrome affecting a previously non-painful limb following trauma or surgery in patients with a history of complex regional pain syndrome
Authors: Satteson Ellen S. , Harbour Patrick W. , Koman L. Andrew , Smith Beth P. , Li Zhongyu
Published: November 2016

Background and purpose

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a challenging complication after surgery or trauma. This study sought to determine the incidence of CRPS after a second inciting event in a previously unaffected extremity in patients with a history of an ongoing CRPS diagnosis in another extremity.

Methods

A retrospective review identified patients with CRPS seen in clinic over a 20-month period. The incidence of CRPS after subsequent surgery or injury in a previous unaffected extremity was determined and compared to an average incidence reported in the literature.

Results

Ninety-three patients had a diagnosis of primary CRPS. Nineteen (20.4%) developed CRPS in one or more additional extremity compared to the incidence of 23.4 per 100,000 (0.0234%) in the literature (odds ratio 1069.6, p < 0.0001,95% CI 562.0–2035.7). Twenty patients had a documented secondary injury or surgery in a second extremity. Fifteen (75%) developed secondary CRPS compared to a CRPS incidence rate of 6.4% following distal radius fracture, as determined by literature review (odds ratio 11.7, p < 0.001, 95% CI 5.9–23.2).

Conclusions

These result suggest that patients with a history of CRPS are more likely to develop secondary CRPS compared to the rates reported in the literature among the general population.

Implications

Patients with a history of CRPS should be counselled that they may be at risk for developing secondary CRPS if they undergo surgery or sustain trauma to another extremity.
Large-scale data analysis on aviation accident database using different data mining techniques
Authors: Christopher A.B. Arockia , Vivekanandam V. Shunmughavel , Anderson A.B. Antony , Markkandeyan S. , Sivakumar V.
Published: November 2016

Data mining is an iterative process in which progress is defined by discovery through either automatic or manual methods. A data cleaning procedure is proposed to improve the quality of classification tasks in the knowledge discovery process by taking into account both redundant and conflicting data. The redundancy check is performed on the original dataset and the resultant dataset is preserved. This resultant dataset is then checked for conflicting data and, if any are found, they are corrected and updated on the original aircraft dataset. This updated dataset is then classified using a variety of classifiers such as Bayes, functions, lazy, MISC, rules and decision trees. The performance of the updated datasets on these classifiers is examine, and the result shows a significant improvement in the classification accuracy after redundancy and conflicts are removed. The conflicts after correction are updated in the original dataset, and when the performance of the classifier is evaluated, great improvement is observed. This paper aims to address how data mining techniques can be used to understand complex system accidents in the aviation domain. Decision trees are considered to be the one of the most powerful and popular approaches in knowledge discovery and data mining. The objective is to develop a classification model for aviation risk investigation and reduction using a decision tree induction method that enhances the ability to form decision trees and thereby proves that the classification accuracy of decision trees is greater. Different feature selectors are used in this study in order to reduce the number of initial attributes.
Variable Viscosity Effect on MHD Peristaltic Flow of Pseudoplastic Fluid in a Tapered Asymmetric Channel
Authors: Hayat T. , Iqbal R. , Tanveer A. , Alsaedi A.
Published: November 2016

Influence of variable viscosity the peristaltic flow of pseudoplastic fluid in a tapered channel is discussed. The effects of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) are also studied. Asymmetric channel is considered. The relevant problem is first formulated and then non-dimensionalized. The nonlinear different system subject to lubrication approach is solved. Expressions for pressure gradient, pressure rise and velocity are constructed. Graphs reflecting the variations of sundry parameters on pressure rise and velocity are examined. Trapping and pumping phenomena are also studied.
Minimizing Artificial Stiffness in Linear Tetrahedral Element Using Virtual Mesh Refinement
Authors: Waluyo S.
Published: November 2016

This work presents a new method to minimize artificial stiffness in linear tetrahedral element using virtual mesh refinement (VRM) method. The basic idea behind this work is to give additional degree of freedom by using internal mesh over the linear tetrahedral element. This local internal mesh and its corresponding equilibrium condition under particular boundary condition are invisible to users or virtual. Using specialized displacement test vectors, strain energy is obtained and used to calculate reduction factor for artificial stiffness. Numerical experiments are performed at the end to briefly qualitatively show performance of our proposed method.
The great spruce bark beetle (Dendroctonus micansKug.) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in Lithuania: occurrence, phenology, morphology and communities of associated fungi
Authors: Menkis A. , Lynikienė J. , Marčiulynas A. , Gedminas A. , Povilaitienė A.
Published: November 2016

We studied the occurrence, morphology and phenology ofDendroctonus micansin Lithuania and the fungi associated with the beetle at different developmental stages. The occurrence ofD. micanswas assessed in 19 seed orchards (at least 40 years old) ofPicea abies(L. Karst.) situated in different parts of the country. Bark beetle phenology was studied in two sites: a seed orchard ofP. abiesand a plantation ofPicea pungens(Engelm.).D. micansmorphology was assessed under the dissection microscope using individuals at different developmental stages that were sampled during phenology observations. Communities of fungi associated withD. micanswere studied using both fungal culturing methods and direct high-throughput sequencing fromD. micans. Results showed that the incidenceD. micanswas relatively rare andD. micanswas mainly detected in central and eastern Lithuania. The life cycle included the following stages: adult, egg, I–V developmental stage larvae and pupa. However, development ofD. micanswas quicker and its nests larger under the bark ofP. pungensthan ofP. abies, indicating the effect of the host species. Fungal culturing and direct high-throughput sequencing revealed thatD. micansassociated fungi communities were species rich and dominated by yeasts from a class Saccharomycetes. In total, 319 fungal taxa were sequenced, among whichPeterozyma toletana(37.5% of all fungal sequences),Yamadazyma scolyti(30.0%) andKuraishia capsulate(17.7%) were the most common. Plant pathogens and blue stain fungi were also detected suggesting their potentially negative effects to both tree health and timber quality.
Afit: a bioinformatic tool for measuring aphid fitness and invasiveness
Authors: Nardelli A. , Peona V. , Toschi A. , Mandrioli M. , Manicardi G.C.
Published: November 2016

A careful measure of fitness represents a crucial target in crop pest management and becomes fundamental considering extremely prolific insects. In the present paper, we describe a standardized rearing protocol and a bioinformatics tool to calculate aphid fitness indices and invasiveness starting from life table data. We tested the protocol and the bioinformatic tool using six Myzus persicae (Sulzer) asexual lineages in order to investigate if karyotype rearrangements and ecotype could influence their reproductive performances. The tool showed that different karyotypes do not influence adaptive success and put in evidence a marked invasive potential of the M. persicae lineage 64. The presence of a similar fitness rate of 33H and 7GK asexual lineages (both possessing intra-individual karyotype variations) in respect to the asexual lineage 1 (with a standard karyotype) represents an important demonstration of the potentiality of holocentric chromosomes to reduce the effects of chromosome rearrangements.
To “Mother” or not to “Mother”: The Representative Roles of Women Judges in Ghana
Authors: Dawuni Josephine J
Published: November 2016

Feminist scholars have debated questions of gender and judging by focusing on variables such as representation, difference, diversity and legitimacy. While illuminating, most of these studies are by scholars in the global north. More research is needed to understand issues of gender and judging in the global south. This article adds to existing literature by asking whether women judges promote women's rights. Through in-depth interviews with women judges in Ghana, the article demonstrates that women judges do promote women's rights. The article presents a new method of analysis: exploring the dichotomy betweendirect and indirectmodes of representing women's rights. Recognizing the importance of substantive representation and the contributions of female judges in promoting women's rights, it argues that female judges are not a sufficient condition for promoting women's rights. Necessary conditions include laws guaranteeing women's rights, working partnerships with women's civil society organizations and an enabling socio-cultural climate.
Effect of enhanced biosecurity and selected on-farm factors onCampylobactercolonization of chicken broilers
Authors: GEORGIEV M. , BEAUVAIS W. , GUITIAN J.
Published: November 2016

Human campylobacteriosis is the most commonly reported gastrointestinal bacterial infection in the EU; poultry meat has been identified as the main source of infection. We tested the hypothesis that enhanced biosecurity and other factors such as welfare status, breed, the practice of partial depopulation and number of empty days between flocks may preventCampylobacterspp. caecal colonization of poultry batches at high levels (>123 000 c.f.u./g in pooled caecal samples). We analysed data from 2314 poultry batches sampled at slaughter in the UK in 2011–2013. We employed random-effects logistic regression to account for clustering of batches within farms and adjust for confounding. We estimated population attributable fractions using adjusted risk ratios. Enhanced biosecurity reduced the odds of colonization at partial depopulation [odds ratio (OR) 0·25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·14–0·47] and, to a lesser extent, at final depopulation (OR 0·47, 95% CI 0·25–0·89). An effect of the type of breed was also found. Under our assumptions, approximately 1/3 of highly colonized batches would be avoided if they were all raised under enhanced biosecurity or without partial depopulation. The results of the study indicate that on-farm measures can play an important role in reducing colonization of broiler chickens withCampylobacterspp. and as a result human exposure.
Comparative dynamics, seasonality in transmission, and predictability of childhood infections in Mexico
Authors: MAHMUD A. S. , METCALF C. J. E. , GRENFELL B. T.
Published: November 2016

The seasonality and periodicity of infections, and the mechanisms underlying observed dynamics, can have implications for control efforts. This is particularly true for acute childhood infections. Among these, the dynamics of measles is the best understood and has been extensively studied, most notably in the UK prior to the start of vaccination. Less is known about the dynamics of other childhood diseases, particularly outside Europe and the United States. In this paper, we leverage a unique dataset to examine the epidemiology of six childhood infections – measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, scarlet fever and pertussis – across 32 states in Mexico from 1985 to 2007. This dataset provides us with a spatio-temporal probe into the dynamics of six common childhood infections, and allows us to compare them in the same setting over the same time period. We examine three key epidemiological characteristics of these infections – the age profile of infections, spatio-temporal dynamics, and seasonality in transmission – and compare them with predictions from existing theory and past findings. Our analysis reveals interesting epidemiological differences between the six pathogens, and variations across space. We find signatures of term-time forcing (reduced transmission during the summer) for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and scarlet fever; for pertussis, a lack of term-time forcing could not be rejected.
Mill, Rawls and Cohen on Incentives and Occupational Freedom
Authors: CASAL PAULA
Published: November 2016

G. A. Cohen's critique of Rawls's defence of economic incentives echoes some of J. S. Mill's insights on the subject. Some of Cohen's arguments, however, clash not only with those of Rawls but also with each other as well as with Mill's. A similar charge, however, may be made against Rawls. This article has conciliatory ambitions. It suggests reconciling each author with himself, as well as with each other, by focusing onthe worthof liberty. It stresses the importance of non-pecuniary occupational inequalities and proposes various measures to enhance the worth of the occupational freedom of those with fewer options.
Methodological considerations for research on ethnopolitical violence
Authors: Little Todd D.
Published: November 2016

The methodological and epistemological challenges that research on ethnopolitical violence faces are examined. This research area is fundamentally important for political reasons and for understanding, as well as subsequent interventions to ameliorate, youths’ responses to ethnopolitical violence. Advances in methods are reviewed that can overcome the obstacles placed by the various challenges. These issues are discussed in the context of the articles that comprise this Special Section.