bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tremor‐Dominant Pantothenate Kinase‐associated Neurodegeneration
Authors: Rohani Mohammad , Shahidi Gholamali , Alavi Afagh , Lang Anthony E. , Yousefi Niloufar , Razme Said , Fasano Alfonso
Published: May 2017

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Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) includes a rare and heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by iron deposition in the basal ganglia. Pantothenate kinase‐associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) is the most common NBIA and has 2 main presentations: typical and atypical, the latter rarely presents with tremor. Our reported patients underwent full neurologic examination, standard brain magnetic imaging, and genetic testing for PKAN. Three patients who had “tremor‐dominant” PKAN with a relatively benign course were reported, including 1 with dystonic tremor and 2 with parkinsonian tremor. All 3 patients had homozygous mutations in the PANK2 gene and typical eye of the tiger sign on brain imaging. PKAN (and NBIA in general) may be a potential cause of tremor, thus emphasizing the need to consider this diagnosis even in patients with a clinical diagnosis of essential, dystonic, or parkinsonian tremor.
MRI evaluation of regional and longitudinal changes in Z‐spectra of injured spinal cord of monkeys
Authors: Wang Feng , Zu Zhongliang , Wu Ruiqi , Wu Tung‐Lin , Gore John C. , Chen Li Min
Published: May 2017

Purpose

In principle, MR methods that exploit magnetization transfer (MT) may be used to quantify changes in the molecular composition of tissues after injury. The ability to track such changes in injured spinal cord may allow more precise assessment of the state of neural tissues.

Methods

Z‐Spectra were obtained from the cervical spinal cord before and after a unilateral dorsal column lesion in monkeys at 9.4T. The amplitudes of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) and nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) effects from multiple proton pools, along with nonspecific semisolid MT effects from immobile macromolecules, were quantified using a five‐peak Lorenzian fitting of each Z‐spectrum.

Results

Abnormal tissues/cysts that formed around lesion sites exhibited relatively low correlations between their Z‐spectra and that of normal gray matter (GM). Compared with normal GM, cysts showed strong CEST but weak semisolid MT and NOE effects after injury. The abnormal tissues around lesion sites were heterogeneous and showed different regional Z‐spectra. Different regional correlations between proton pools were observed. Longitudinally, injured spinal cord tissue exhibited remarkable recovery in all subjects.

Conclusion

Characterization of multiple proton pools from Z‐spectra permitted noninvasive, regional, quantitative assessments of changes in tissue composition of injured spinal cord over time. Magn Reson Med 79:1070–1082, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Facile fabrication of ZIF‐8 embedded millimeter‐sized porous polyethersulfone beads for selective dye removal
Authors: Feng Yi , Wang Yaquan , Liu Shichang , Qiu Jianhao , Yao Jianfeng
Published: May 2017

ZIF‐8 particles show excellent selective adsorbing ability for methyl blue (MB). However, the main problem of ZIF‐8 particles as adsorbents is the difficulty of recovery from residual solution after use due to the nano‐sized dimension. In this study, ZIF‐8 particles were embedded into polyethersulfone (PES) polymer and a phase‐inversion method was used to synthesize millimeter‐sized beads. Such composite beads showed an excellent MB adsorption performance (50 ppm MB in 40 ml aqueous solution can be fully absorbed by 400 mg of ZIF‐8/PES within 1 h). Moreover, due to millimeter size and good floatability (hydrophobic nature of polymer), such ZIF‐8/PES beads are easy to handle and can be fully recovered from dye solution after adsorption without using complex processes such as centrifugation. Through this study, a facile method was offered to synthesize millimeter‐sized beads containing adsorbents, making the adsorption process less complicated and much easier to operate. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3896–3902, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Proteomics in Cell Division
Authors: Üretmen Kagıalı Zeynep Cansu , Şentürk Aydanur , Özkan Küçük Nazlı Ezgi , Qureshi Mohammad Haroon , Özlü Nurhan
Published: May 2017

Cell division requires a coordinated action of the cell cycle machinery, cytoskeletal elements, chromosomes, and membranes. Cell division studies have greatly benefitted from the mass spectrometry (MS)‐based proteomic approaches for probing the biochemistry of highly dynamic complexes and their coordination with each other as a cell progresses into division. In this review, the authors first summarize a wide‐range of proteomic studies that focus on the identification of sub‐cellular components/protein complexes of the cell division machinery including kinetochores, mitotic spindle, midzone, and centrosomes. The authors also highlight MS‐based large‐scale analyses of the cellular components that are largely understudied during cell division such as the cell surface and lipids. Then, the authors focus on posttranslational modification analyses, especially phosphorylation and the resulting crosstalk with other modifications as a cell undergoes cell division. Combining proteomic approaches that probe the biochemistry of cell division components with functional genomic assays will lead to breakthroughs toward a systems‐level understanding of cell division.
New approaches towards the understanding of integral membrane proteins: A structural perspective on G protein‐coupled receptors
Authors: Grisshammer Reinhard
Published: May 2017

Three‐dimensional structure determination of integral membrane proteins has advanced in unprecedented detail our understanding of mechanistic events of how ion channels, transporters, receptors, and enzymes function. This exciting progress required a tremendous amount of methods development, as exemplified here with G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs): Optimizing the production of GPCRs in recombinant hosts; increasing the probability of crystal formation using high‐affinity ligands, nanobodies, and minimal G proteins for co‐crystallization, thus stabilizing receptors into one conformation; using the T4 lysozyme technology and other fusion partners to promote crystal contacts; advancing crystallization methods including the development of novel detergents, and miniaturization and automation of the lipidic cubic phase crystallization method; the concept of conformational thermostabilization of GPCRs; and developing microfocus X‐ray synchrotron technologies to analyze small GPCR crystals. However, despite immense progress to explain how GPCRs function, many receptors pose intractable hurdles to structure determination at this time. Three emerging methods, serial femtosecond crystallography, micro electron diffraction, and single particle electron cryo‐microscopy, hold promise to overcome current limitations in structural membrane biology.
The zinc finger domain of RING finger protein 141 reveals a unique RING fold
Authors: Miyamoto Kazuhide , Uechi Airi , Saito Kazuki
Published: May 2017

Human RING finger protein 141 (RFP141) is a germ cell‐specific transcription factor during spermatogenesis. We synthesized a compact construct encoding the C‐terminal zinc finger of RFP141 (RFP141C peptide). Herein we determined the solution structure of the RFP141C peptide by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Moreover, NMR data and the chemical modification of cysteine residues demonstrated that the RFP141C peptide binds to two zinc atoms in a cross‐brace arrangement. The Simple Modular Architecture Research Tool database predicted the structure of RFP141C as a RING finger. However, the actual structure of the RFP141C peptide adopts an atypical compact C3HC4‐type RING fold. The position and range of the helical active site of the RFP141C structure were elucidated at the atomic level. Therefore, structural analysis may allow RFP141C to be used for designing an artificial RING finger possessing specific ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme (E2)‐binding capabilities.
Theoretical and experimental analysis of radiative recombination lifetimes in nonpolar InGaN/GaN quantum dots
Authors: Kanta Patra Saroj , Wang Tong , Puchtler Tim J. , Zhu Tongtong , Oliver Rachel A. , Taylor Robert A. , Schulz Stefan
Published: May 2017

We present here a combined experimental and theoretical analysis of the radiative recombination lifetime in a‐plane (110) InGaN/GaN quantum dots. The structures have been grown by modified droplet epitaxy and time‐resolved photoluminescence measurements have been performed to gain insight into the radiative lifetimes of these structures. This analysis is complemented by multi‐band calculations. To account for excitonic effects, the theory is coupled with self‐consistent Hartree calculations. Special attention is paid to the impact of the quantum dot size on the results. Our calculations show that the residual built‐in fields in these nonpolar structures are compensated by the attractive Coulomb interaction, leading to the situation that the oscillator strength is almost unaffected by changes in the quantum dot size. Furthermore, our theoretical studies reveal that the radiative lifetimes are one order magnitude lower than values for c‐plane systems of identical size and shape. Our theoretical findings are consistent with experimental results. Also, the calculated lifetimes are comparable in magnitude to the measured values. The majority of the measured dots produce lifetime values of 250–300 ps, highlighting the potential of these nanostructures for future high‐speed single‐photon emitters.
Vertical edge graphite layer on recovered diamond (001) after high‐dose ion implantation and high‐temperature annealing
Authors: Inaba Masafumi , Seki Akinori , Sato Kazuaki , Kushida Tomoyoshi , Kageura Taisuke , Yamano Hayate , Hiraiwa Atsushi , Kawarada Hiroshi
Published: May 2017

A vertical edge graphite layer (VEG) fabricated on a diamond (001) substrate and the recovery of the crystallinity of the diamond substrate following high‐dose ion implantation and high‐temperature annealing (HTA) was investigated. The Al ions were implanted into the diamond (001) surface at 773 K (500 °C), followed by HTA at 1973 K (1700 °C). The graphite edges were vertically oriented, but each domain was randomly rotated in the in‐plane direction, which was confirmed via multiple cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy images obtained from different directions rotated 2, 5, 10, and 15° around the [001] axis. The Raman and photoluminescence exhibited no significant peaks. The initial sp2 structure state of the VEG was nucleated in an early stage of the HTA and the surface diamond was subsequently reconstructed, which was confirmed using stopping‐and‐range‐of‐ions‐in‐matter calculations and Rutherford backscattering/channeling (RBS‐C) measurements. The RBS‐C spectra indicate that the crystal is maintained after hot implantation and is recovered by HTA. This VEG structure may be useful for ohmic contact with diamond electrical devices.
Translating Christianity in an Age of Reformations
Authors: Ditchfield Simon
Published: May 2017

This article argues that the age of the Protestant and Catholic Reformations and the global spread of the latter brought with it the challenge that not only was it necessary to learn new languages in order to communicate the Christian message to non-European peoples encountered during the so-called ‘Age of Discovery’, but some kind of control had to be exercised over the new, global circulation of sacred images and relics. The latter facilitated the visual (and virtual) translation of such holy sites as Jerusalem and Rome and its specific holy treasures in the mental prayers of the faithful. It concludes that it was less Lamin Sanneh's ‘triumph of [linguistic] translatability’ and more the physical translatability of the sacred that made possible the emergence of Roman Catholicism as this planet's first world religion.
The Evangelization of Korea, c.1895–1910: Translation of the Gospel or Reinvention of the Church?
Authors: Kim Kirsteen
Published: May 2017

Several studies of the history of Protestant Christianity in South Korea have argued that the religion's rapid growth was chiefly because of the successful translation of the gospel into Korean language and thought. While agreeing that the foundation laid in this respect by early Western missionaries and Korean Christians was a necessary prerequisite for evangelization, this article challenges the use of a translation theory, such as has been developed by Lamin Sanneh, to describe the way that Christianity took root in Korea, both on the basis of conceptual discussions in the field of mission studies and also on historical grounds. It draws on research for A History of Korean Christianity (2014) to examine the years of initial rapid growth in Protestant churches in Korea – 1895 to 1910. Its findings suggest that rather than ‘translation of the gospel’ a more historically accurate description of what took place is ‘reinvention of the Church’.
Translation and Appropriation: Greek Relics in the Latin West in the Aftermath of the Fourth Crusade
Authors: Lester Anne E.
Published: May 2017

Following the fall of Constantinople to French, Flemish and Venetian forces at the conclusion of the Fourth Crusade, an unprecedented number of relics and other holy objects poured into the West between 1204 andc.1240. Sent as personal and diplomatic gifts, most holy objects moved in the open, with letters of authentication and identification, and not (as has often been suggested) as sacred theft. This article traces the work of translation, carried out by clerics, chaplains, monks, and laymen and women, and the mechanisms of appropriation that gave meaning to these objects in their new devotional contexts. Relics were demanding things; they needed to be enshrined, venerated, described and contextualized, and their movements needed to be accounted for and included within a broader Christian narrative that served to anchor the crusade movement to the apostolic past and to Christ's material presence in the West. Moreover, the materiality of the relics that moved from Constantinople was an important part of their significance and shaped devotional practices and connections, bridging differences between Greek and Latin culture and fostering conceptions of the material that facilitated other acts of Christian translation in the centuries to come.
Der Trend: Smarter Medicine
Authors: Gaspoz Jean-Michel
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung. Zur Unterstützung von Obamacare schlug der amerikanische Ethiker Howard Brody vor, dass für jede klinische Fachdisziplin eine Liste mit fünf Untersuchungen oder Behandlungen erstellt werden solle, die für die Mehrheit der Patienten offensichtlich keinen Nutzen haben. So entstand das Konzept der „Top-5-Listen“, das in den USA alsbald vom American College of Physicians unter der Bezeichnung „Choosing Wisely“ übernommen wurde. 2012 ging die Schweizerische Akademie der Medizinischen Wissenschaften (SAMW) in ihrem Positionspapier „Nachhaltige Medizin“ auf diese Thematik ein, und 2014 beschloss die Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Innere Medizin, in Anlehnung an „Choosing Wisely“, die Initiative „Smarter Medicine“ zu lancieren. Im selben Jahr erstellte sie eine „Top-5-Liste“ für den ambulanten Bereich und war damit die erste medizinische Fachgesellschaft in der Schweiz, die eine solche Liste veröffentlichte. Die neue medizinische Fachgesellschaft (Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Allgemeine Innere Medizin – SGAIM) entstand am 15.12.2015 aus der Fusion der Gesellschaften für Innere Medizin und für Allgemeinmedizin und setzte diese Pionierarbeit fort, indem sie im Mai 2016 eine „Top-5-Liste“ für den stationären Bereich veröffentlichte. Die beiden Kampagnen fanden breite Unterstützung bei der Fédération Suisse des Patients, der SAMW und der Presse. Seither wurden in der Schweiz keine weiteren „Top-5-Listen“ veröffentlicht, weshalb die SAMW und die SGAIM nun beschlossen haben, ihre Kräfte zu bündeln und die Bewegung auf interdisziplinärer Ebene in Schwung zu bringen. Aktionen wie „Choosing Wisely“ oder „Smarter Medicine“ zeigen langfristig Wirkung. Die Ärzte müssen ihre Praktiken überdenken und die Politiker, oder die Versicherer, einsehen, dass sie nicht nur an die Mediziner Erwartungen stellen können. In dieser Hinsicht ist die Kampagne NICE in Grossbritannien ein Paradebeispiel dafür, wie zu restriktive Kriterien oder zu grosser Druck ein solches Programm zum Scheitern bringen. Nur wenn alle betroffenen Akteure zusammenspannen (Patienten, Ärzte, Versicherer, Politiker, Medien), können Untersuchungen und Behandlungen, die dem Patienten keinen Mehrwert bringen und mit mehr Risiken als Nutzen verbunden sind, sowie unnötige Kosten eliminiert werden.
Co-evolution with Staphylococcus aureus leads to lipopolysaccharide alterations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Tognon Mikael , Köhler Thilo , Gdaniec Bartosz G , Hao Youai , Lam Joseph S , Beaume Marie , Luscher Alexandre , Buckling Angus , van Delden Christian
Published: May 2017

Detrimental and beneficial interactions between co-colonizing bacteria may influence the course of infections. In cystic fibrosis (CF) airways, Staphylococcus aureus prevails in childhood, whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa progressively predominates thereafter. While a range of interactions has been identified, it is unclear if these represent specific adaptations or correlated responses to other aspects of the environment. Here, we investigate how P. aeruginosa adapts to S. aureus by evolving P. aeruginosa in the presence and absence of S. aureus. P. aeruginosa populations that evolved for 150 generations were sequenced and compared to the ancestor strain. Mutations in the Wsp signaling system were identified in both treatments and likely occurred because of low oxygen availability. Despite showing increased killing activity, wsp mutants were less fit in the presence of S. aureus. In contrast, mutations in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis occurred exclusively in co-cultures with S. aureus and conferred a fitness gain in its presence. Moreover, they increased resistance towards beta-lactam antibiotics. Strikingly, both mutations in wsp and LPS genes are observed in clinical isolates from CF-patients. Our results suggest that P. aeruginosa LPS mutations are a direct consequence of S. aureus imposed selection in vitro.
Perirhinal firing patterns are sustained across large spatial segments of the task environment
Authors: Bos Jeroen J. , Vinck Martin , van Mourik-Donga Laura A. , Jackson Jadin C. , Witter Menno P. , Pennartz Cyriel M. A.
Published: May 2017

Spatial navigation and memory depend on the neural coding of an organism’s location. Fine-grained coding of location is thought to depend on the hippocampus. Likewise, animals benefit from knowledge parsing their environment into larger spatial segments, which are relevant for task performance. Here we investigate how such knowledge may be coded, and whether this occurs in structures in the temporal lobe, supplying cortical inputs to the hippocampus. We found that neurons in the perirhinal cortex of rats generate sustained firing patterns that discriminate large segments of the task environment. This contrasted to transient firing in hippocampus and sensory neocortex. These spatially extended patterns were not explained by task variables or temporally discrete sensory stimuli. Previously it has been suggested that the perirhinal cortex is part of a pathway processing object, but not spatial information. Our results indicate a greater complexity of neural coding than captured by this dichotomy.
Speciation in human blood of Metvan, a vanadium based potential anti-tumor drug
Authors: Sanna Daniele , Ugone Valeria , Micera Giovanni , Buglyó Péter , Bíró Linda , Garribba Eugenio
Published: May 2017

The speciation of the anti-tumor drug Metvan, [VIVO(Me2phen)2(SO4)], suggested that forc(V) > 50 μM, [VO(Me2phen)(citrH−1)]2−and the ternary complexes VO–Me2phen–Protein should be the major species at pH 7.4, while forc(V) < 10 μM, (VO)(hTf) is formed, Me2phen is lost and the conversion of VIVO to VVO/VVO2may occur.
Synthesis, crystal structure and thermoelectric properties of a new metal telluride Ba3Ag3InTe6
Authors: Lee M.-Y. , Bilc D. I. , Symeou E. , Lin Y.-C. , Liang I.-C. , Kyratsi T. , Hsu K.-F.
Published: May 2017

A new p-type semiconductor Ba3Ag3InTe6with transport properties dominated by the layer [Ag3Te4]5−distributed in the valence band.
Dynamic spin-current generation in hybrid structures by sound wave
Authors: Okorokov M. S. , Lyapilin I. I. , Ustinov V. V.
Published: May 2017

We have developed the theory of spin transport transverse to the interface in metal/ferromagnetic insulator hybrid structures under the spin Seebeck effect conditions. We have calculated the deviation of the conduction electrons spin temperature from equilibrium under conditions of saturation of resonance interaction between the electrons and a sound wave field. We have demonstrated that the conduction electrons spin subsystem, when excited under the above conditions, generates a spin-wave current in a nonconducting ferromagnetic of the metal/ferromagnetic insulator hybrid structure being in a nonuniform temperature field. In addition, the spin-wave current generation in the ferromagnetic has a resonance nature. We have analyzed the approximation of effective parameters, when each of the considered subsystems (conduction electrons, magnons, and phonons) is characterized by its effective temperature.
Activation transport under quantum Hall regime in HgTe-based heterostructure
Authors: Gudina S. V. , Neverov V. N. , Novik E. G. , Ilchenko E. V. , Harus G. I. , Shelushinina N. G. , Podgornykh S. M. , Yakunin M. V. , Mikhailov N. N. , Dvoretsky S. A.
Published: May 2017

We have measured the temperature (2.9 K < T < 50 K) and magnetic field (0 T < B < 9 T) dependences of longitudinal and Hall resistivities for HgCdTe/HgTe/HgCdTe system with HgTe quantum well width of 20.3 nm. The activation analysis of the experimental magnetoresistivity traces has been used as a quantitative tool to probe inter-Landau level distances. The activation energies were determined from the temperature dependence of the longitudinal resistivity in the regions of quantized Hall plateaus (for the filling factors ν of 1, 2 and 3) and the indications of the large values of the g factor ≅ 30–75 were found.
Effect of magnetic field orientation and disorder on Majorana polarization in wires with topological superconductivity
Authors: Val'kov V. V. , Aksenov S. V.
Published: May 2017

Majorana polarization, previously introduced by Sticlet et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 096802 (2012)], is studied for wires in a topological superconductive state with varying orientation of the magnetic field. Numerical calculations show that in the case of a canted field, this polarization can differ in sign, as well as absolute magnitude, at the opposite ends of a wire. Since the Majorana polarization changes sign at one end when the orientation of the magnetic field is changed from perpendicular to longitudinal, there is always a range of angles for which this quantity is significantly suppressed or equals zero. Thus, the Majorana polarization does not always appear as a local order parameter for an arbitrary angle of the magnetic field in the plane perpendicular to the effective Rashba spin-orbital interaction field. It is shown that the introduction of disorder does not lead to qualitatively new effects. At the same time, additional regions with weak Majorana polarization do show up in high magnetic fields.
Characterization of microfluidic clamps for immobilizing and imaging of Drosophila melanogaster larva's central nervous system
Authors: Ghaemi Reza , Rezai Pouya , Nejad Fatemeh Rafiei , Selvaganapathy Ponnambalam Ravi
Published: May 2017

Drosophila melanogaster is a well-established model organism to understand biological processes and study human diseases at the molecular-genetic level. The central nervous system (CNS) of Drosophila larvae is widely used as a model to study neuron development and network formation. This has been achieved by using various genetic manipulation tools such as microinjection to knock down certain genes or over-express proteins for visualizing the cellular activities. However, visualization of an intact-live neuronal response in larva's Central Nervous System (CNS) is challenging due to robust digging/burrowing behaviour that impedes neuroimaging. To address this problem, dissection is used to isolate and immobilize the CNS from the rest of the body. In order to obtain a true physiological response from the Drosophila CNS, it is important to avoid dissection, while the larva should be kept immobilized. In this paper, a series of microfluidic clamps were investigated for intact immobilization of the larva. As a result, an optimized structure for rapid mechanical immobilization of Drosophila larvae for CNS imaging was determined. The clamping and immobilization processes were characterized by imaging and movement measurement of the CNS through the expression of genetically encoded Calcium sensor GCaMP5 in all sensory and cholinergic interneurons. The optimal structure that included two 3D constrictions inside a narrowed channel considerably reduced the internal CNS capsule movements. It restricts the CNS movement to 10% of the motion from a glued larva and allows motion of only 10 ± 30 μm over 350 s immobilization which was sufficient for CNS imaging. These larva-on-a-chip platforms can be useful for studying CNS responses to sensory cues such as sound, light, chemosensory, tactile, and electric/magnetic fields.
A Risk Assessment Framework for Seed Degeneration: Informing an Integrated Seed Health Strategy for Vegetatively Propagated Crops
Authors: Thomas-Sharma S. , Andrade-Piedra J. , Carvajal Yepes M. , Hernandez Nopsa J. F. , Jeger M. J. , Jones R. A. C. , Kromann P. , Legg J. P. , Yuen J. , Forbes G. A. , Garrett K. A.
Published: May 2017

Pathogen buildup in vegetative planting material, termed seed degeneration, is a major problem in many low-income countries. When smallholder farmers use seed produced on-farm or acquired outside certified programs, it is often infected. We introduce a risk assessment framework for seed degeneration, evaluating the relative performance of individual and combined components of an integrated seed health strategy. The frequency distribution of management performance outcomes was evaluated for models incorporating biological and environmental heterogeneity, with the following results. (1) On-farm seed selection can perform as well as certified seed, if the rate of success in selecting healthy plants for seed production is high; (2) when choosing among within-season management strategies, external inoculum can determine the relative usefulness of ‘incidence-altering management’ (affecting the proportion of diseased plants/seeds) and ‘rate-altering management’ (affecting the rate of disease transmission in the field); (3) under severe disease scenarios, where it is difficult to implement management components at high levels of effectiveness, combining management components can be synergistic and keep seed degeneration below a threshold; (4) combining management components can also close the yield gap between average and worst-case scenarios. We also illustrate the potential for expert elicitation to provide parameter estimates when empirical data are unavailable.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
What an orthopaedic surgeon should know about vertebral cement augmentation
Authors: Barakat Ahmed Samir , Alhashash Mohamed , Shousha Mootaz , Boehm Heinrich
Published: May 2017

In the past 3 decades percutaneous vertebroplasty and percutaneous kyphoplasty have widely gained acceptance as a line of treatment in symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures and osteolytic primary or secondary lesions in the spinal column. With an ever aging world population these minimal invasive techniques are expected to gain more importance in improving the medical care and quality of life. This review deals with the current techniques and advances of vertebral cement augmentation, their complications, cost efficiency, and effect on pain control.
First Place Award: Can cefazolin be used in orthopaedic surgery for patients with a self-reported non-IgE mediated penicillin allergy? A prospective case series
Authors: Michaud Laura , Yen David
Published: May 2017

Background:

Cefazolin is the current recommendation for antibiotic prophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery. However, reported cross-reactivity to first generation cephalosporins in patients with a penicillin allergy ranges from 4% to 18%. In their reports on the rates of cross-reactivity, previous authors have not distinguished IgE from non-IgE reactions. The purpose of this study was to determine the various reactions that are reported as a penicillin allergy and the rate of cefazolin cross-reactivity in patients having only non-IgE reactions to penicillin.

Methods:

This is a prospective case study of consecutive patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery that had indications for prophylactic antibiotics over a 4-year period. The patients’ self-reported specific allergic reactions to penicillin were noted. The reactions were characterized as either IgE or non-IgE mediated. Non-IgE mediated penicillin allergic patients were given cefazolin in the operating room under a controlled setting. Any adverse reaction after the administration of cefazolin was recorded.

Results:

There were 801 patients. The prevalence of a reported penicillin allergy was 14.1%. Non-IgE mediated reactions accounted for 73.5% of patients reporting a penicillin allergy. Of the 81 non-IgE mediated penicillin allergic patients who received cefazolin, no adverse reactions were reported.

Conclusions:

It is important to obtain the specific reaction in patients reporting that they are allergic to penicillin to guide the choice of antibiotics. In patients who report a non-IgE reaction to penicillin, it is safe to administer cefazolin.
Unraveling the pathogenesis of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis through genetic, immunologic, and microbiologic discoveries: an update
Authors: Manthiram Kalpana , Lapidus Sivia , Edwards Kathryn
Published: May 2017

Purpose of review

Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is considered the most common periodic fever syndrome of childhood. Although it was first described three decades ago, the pathogenesis has been poorly understood. Recent studies on the heritability and immunology of the disorder have begun to shed light into the mechanisms of this autoinflammatory disorder. This review will focus on the pathogenesis of PFAPA, especially as it pertains to the genetic susceptibility, tonsillar immunology, and the role of the microbiome.

Recent findings

Recent literature provides insights into the heritability, potential genetic modifiers, and the immunologic and microbiological profile of the tonsils in this syndrome.

Evidence is mounting that PFAPA is inherited as a complex genetic disease. Furthermore, tonsillectomy is curative in the majority of patients, including those who do not meet the complete clinical criteria for PFAPA. The tonsils in PFAPA patients may exhibit unique immunologic and microbiological features. The goal of this review is to outline these new developments.
Does Modic Change Progresss With Age?
Authors: Tarukado Kiyoshi , Ono Teruaki , Tono Osamu , Tanaka Hiroki , Ikuta Ko , Harimaya Katsumi , Doi Toshio
Published: May 2017

Study Design.

Cross-sectional imaging study.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to clarify the trend in the generation distinctions about the prevalence of Modic change (MC) including elderly patients.

Summary of Background Data.

MC has been discussed regarding its clinical significance, relationship with low back pain, suitable treatments, prevalence, and natural history. However, previous reports have focused on younger subjects, with few studies conducted in elderly patients. If MC is actually a progressive condition of a patient, then it should become more common as the patient ages. We herein report the distribution of MC across several age groups.

Methods.

Patients who underwent lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in our institution from April 2013 to March 2015 were recruited. MC was assessed using T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and divided into Modic types (MT) 1, 2, and 3, and mixed type. Trends in the prevalence of MC were analyzed based on age.

Results.

We ultimately included 585 patients of an initial 937 who underwent lumbar MRI. The mean age was 65 years. MC was identified in 36.0% of the patients. The prevalence of MC by age was 0% for those in their 10 s, 10% for those in their 20 s, 33% for those in their 30 s, 27% for those in their 40 s, 32% for those in their 50 s, 44% for those in their 60 s, 42% for those in their 70 s, and 26% for those in their 80 s. By type, 3.3% were MT1, 81.3% were MT2, 0.5% were MT3, and 14.8% were mixed type.

Conclusion.

The prevalence of MC increased with age to some degree, with the highest frequency observed in individuals in their 60 s before declining in those in their 70 s and 80 s. These findings suggest that MC might not simply progress with age, particularly after the seventh decade of life.

Level of Evidence: 4
Safety of Immediate Posterior Trunk Soft-Tissue Reconstruction in Older Adults
Authors: Calotta Nicholas A. , Coon Devin , Sacks Justin M.
Published: May 2017

Background:

Older patients, especially those older than 65 years, are accounting for an ever-increasing share of hospital costs, especially surgical procedures. Studies regarding the safety of surgery in these patients have been widespread in the past decade. Despite these efforts, there is a paucity of information regarding the safety of reconstruction following spinal surgery in older patients.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing soft-tissue reconstruction of the posterior trunk after oncologic spine surgery. Demographic, medical, and surgical variables were measured. The primary outcome variable was the development of a medical or surgical complication postoperatively. Other secondary outcomes included development of a medical complication alone, specific surgical complications (seroma, hematoma, infection, wound dehiscence, and (cerebrospinal fluid leak), unplanned reoperation, and 60-day operative mortality.

Results:

A priori power analysis suggested 205 cases would be needed. The study included 286 cases in 256 patients. The cohorts were similar in terms of demographic, surgical, and medical variables, though the older cohort had higher mean American Society of Anesthesiologists score (2.09 versus 1.65; P < 0.0001). We found no correlation between increasing age and increased rates of medical or surgical complications (35.9% for older patients versus 44.7% for younger patients; P = 0.31). However, mean American Society of Anesthesiologists score did correlate with complications (1.88 for patients with complications versus 1.69 for patients without; P = 0.04).

Conclusions:

We demonstrated no increased risk for complications among older patients. Complex soft-tissue reconstruction of the posterior trunk is safe in elderly patients undergoing oncologic spinal surgery.
Protein nutrition and exercise survival kit for critically ill
Authors: Weijs Peter J.M.
Published: May 2017

Purpose of review

Protein delivery as well as exercise of critically ill in clinical practice is still a highly debated issue. Here we discuss only the most recent updates in the literature concerning protein nutrition and exercise of the critically ill.

Recent findings

By lack of randomized controlled trial (RCTs) in protein nutrition we discuss four post-hoc analyses of nutrition studies and one experimental study in mice. Studies mainly confirm some insights that protein and energy effects are separate and that the trajectory of the patient in the ICU might change these effects. Exercise has been studied much more extensively with RCTs in the last year, although also here the differences between patient groups and timing of intervention might play their roles. Overall the effects of protein nutrition and exercise appear to be beneficial. However, studies into the differential effects of protein nutrition and/or exercise, and optimization of their combined use, have not been performed yet and are on the research agenda.

Optimal protein nutrition, optimal exercise intervention as well as the optimal combination of nutrition, and exercise may help to improve long-term physical performance outcome in the critically ill patients.
Pictorial Review of Surgical Anatomy in Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: De Cecco Carlo N. , Muscogiuri Giuseppe , Madrid Pérez José M. , Eid Marwen , Suranyi Pal , Lesslie Virginia W. , Bastarrika Gorka
Published: May 2017

The survival rate of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) has dramatically improved over the last 2 decades because of technological and surgical advances in diagnosis and treatment, respectively. The vast majority of CHD patients are, in fact, amenable to treatment by either device closure or surgery. Considering the wide spectrum of surgical procedures and complex native and derived anatomy, continuous and detailed follow-up is of paramount importance. Cardiac magnetic resonance and cardiac computed tomography angiography are the cornerstones of diagnosis and follow-up of CHD, allowing for comprehensive noninvasive assessment of the heart, coronary tree, and intrathoracic great vessels, along with both morphological and functional evaluation. The aim of this pictorial review is to provide an overview of the most common CHDs and their related surgical procedures as familiarity with the radiological findings of grown-up congenital heart disease patients is crucial for proper diagnostic and follow-up pathways.
Clinical Significance of Histogram Parameters on Elastography in Patients With Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinomas
Authors: Yoon Hee Yeun , Lee Ji Hye , Kim Young Eun , Kim Eun-Kyung , Moon Hee Jung , Yoon Jung Hyun , Park Vivian Y. , Kwak Jin Young
Published: May 2017

Objective

The purpose of our study was to determine objective histogram parameters on elastography that could predict poor prognosis factors of conventional papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMCs).

Methods

From September to November in 2012, 79 patients with a diagnosis of PTMCs were included. Mean values of clinicopathologic variables and histogram parameters on elastography were compared between groups with or without poor prognostic factors using the Student t test, χ2 test, or Fisher exact test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, and size was performed to investigate independent elastography parameters predicting extrathyroidal extension, lymph node metastasis, and high TNM stage (III–IV).

Results

Of 79 patients with PTMCs, 32 (40.5%) had extrathyroidal extension, 14 (17.7%) had lymph node metastasis, and 18 (22.8%) received a diagnosis with a high TNM stage. None of the histogram parameters on elastography had significant associations with any of the poor prognostic factors.

Conclusions

There were no significant associations between all histogram parameters on elastography and known poor prognostic factors such as extrathyroidal extension, lymph node metastasis, and high TNM stage in patients with PTMCs.
Effect of Preoperative Diabetes Management on Glycemic Control and Clinical Outcomes After Elective Surgery
Authors: Garg Rajesh , Schuman Brooke , Bader Angela , Hurwitz Shelley , Turchin Alexander , Underwood Patricia , Metzger Cheyenne , Rein Raquel , Lortie Meghan
Published: May 2017

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether preoperative diabetes management can improve glycemic control and clinical outcomes after elective surgery.

Background:

There is lack of data on the importance of diabetes treatment before elective surgery. Diabetes is often ignored before surgery and aggressively treated afterwards.

Methods:

Patients with diabetes were identified and treated proactively before their scheduled surgeries. Data for all elective surgeries over 2 years before and 2 years after implementation of the program were collected.

Results:

Out of 31,392 patients undergoing first surgery, 3909 had diabetes; 2072 before and 1835 after the program. Mean blood glucose on the day of surgery was 146.4 ± 51.9 mg/dL before and 139.9 ± 45.6 mg/dL after the program (P = 0.0028). Proportion of patients seen by the inpatient diabetes team increased. Mean blood glucose during hospital stay was 166.7 ± 42.9 mg/dL before and 158.3 ± 46.6 mg/dL after program (P < 0.0001). The proportion of patients with hypoglycemic episodes (<50 mg/dL) was 4.93% before and 2.48% after the program (P < 0.0001). Length of hospital stay (LOS) decreased among patients with diabetes (4.8 ± 5.3 to 4.6 ± 4.3 days; P = 0.01) and remained unchanged among patients without diabetes (4.0 ± 4.5 and 4.1 ± 4.8, respectively; P = 0.42). Changes in intravenous antibiotic use, patients discharged to home, renal insufficiency, myocardial infarction, stroke, and in-hospital mortality were similar among diabetic and nondiabetic groups.

Conclusions:

Preoperative and inpatient diabetes management improves glycemic control on the day of surgery and postoperatively and decreases the incidence of hypoglycemia. These changes may eventually improve clinical outcomes. Although statistically significant, the decrease in LOS was of equivocal clinical significance in this study.
Hepatoblastoma: Transplant Versus Resection Experience in a Latin American Transplant Center
Authors: Caicedo Luis A. , Sabogal Angie , Serrano Oscar , Villegas Jorge I. , Botero Verónica , Agudelo María T. , Lotero Viviana , Dávalos Diana , Manzi Eliana , Aristizabal Ana M. , Gomez Catalina , Echeverri Gabriel J.
Published: May 2017

Background

Hepatoblastoma is the most common primary malignant liver tumor in children and is usually diagnosed during the first 3 years of life. Overall survival has increased 50% due to chemotherapeutic schemes, expertise surgery centers, and liver transplantation.

Methods

A retrospective collection of data was performed from pediatric patients with diagnosis of hepatoblastoma. Variables included demographic, diagnostic tools and histological classification; chemotherapy and surgical treatment; and outcomes and patient survival. The PRETEXT classification was applied, which included the risk evaluation, and according to the medical criterion in an individualized way, underwent resection or transplant. The morbidity of patients was evaluated by the Clavien-Dindo classification. Statistical analysis was performed according to the distribution of data and the survival analysis was carried out using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

The patients (n = 16) were divided in a resection group (n = 8) and a transplant group (n = 8). The median age at the time of diagnosis was 13.5 months. The motive for the initial consultation was the discovery of a mass; all patients had high levels of α-fetoprotein and an imaging study. Ten of 16 patients required chemotherapy before the surgical procedure. In the resection group, 5 of 8 patients were classified as Clavien I and 4 of 8 patients of the transplant group were classified as Clavien II. Patient survival at 30 months was 100% in the resection group and 65% in the liver transplantation group.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first case report of pediatric patients with hepatoblastoma and liver resection or transplant in Colombia and Latin America. Our results are comparable with the series worldwide, showing that resection and transplant increase the survival of the pediatric patients with hepatoblastoma. It is important to advocate for an increase of reporting in the scientific literature in Latin America.
The individual teacher in lesson study collaboration
Authors: Skott Charlotte Krog , Møller Hanne
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to investigate the learning of individual teachers participating in lesson study collaboration by adapting a participatory framework about teacher learning; and second, to investigate the potential of this framework compared with other approaches used in lesson study research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use collective case studies. By being participant observers the authors provide detailed descriptions of two selected teachers’ lived experiences of lesson study collaboration. In addition to gain first-hand insights, the authors conducted interviews before, between and after two rounds of lesson studies, and recorded the various lesson study activities.

Findings

This paper provides empirical insights into the complexity of teacher learning. By using the participatory framework, the authors identify significant shifts in the participation of each of the two teachers during a two-year lesson study project. By comparing these shifts the authors identify significant conditions for their individual learning.

Research limitations/implications

Although the study is small scale, both the insights into the different ways in which teachers participated and the theoretical insights might be valuable for other lesson study research approaches.

Practical implications

This paper provides valuable insights into conditions that might influence teachers’ participation in lesson study activities, especially in cultures with little experience of lesson study.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a need to investigate individual teachers’ learning in lesson study collaborations. It also contributes to deeper theoretical understandings of teacher learning which have been called for in recent lesson study research.
The Roles of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Septic Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Ueno Takuya
Published: May 2017

Despite hundreds of clinical and basic studies that have led to a better mechanistic understanding of sepsis, the number of cases with sepsis in the United States is still rising. Sepsis is a common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) and may explain long‐term complications and mortality. In the current article, a new therapeutic concept using continuous renal replacement therapy to prevent and manage long‐term sequelae in septic AKI is described.
Resveratrol beneficially affects meat quality of heat‐stressed broilers which is associated with changes in muscle antioxidant status
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Zhao Xiaohui , Wang Li , Yang Lei , Chen Xingyong , Geng Zhaoyu
Published: May 2017

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary resveratrol (Res) supplementation on serum parameters, meat quality and muscle antioxidant status of broilers under heat stress (HS). A total of 270 21‐day‐old male Cobb broilers were randomly assigned to three treatment groups with six replicates of 15 birds each. The three treatment groups were as follows: the control group, in which birds were reared at 22 ± 1°C, and the HS and HS + Res (400 mg/kg) groups, in which birds were reared at 33 ± 1°C for 10 h (08.00–18.00 h) and 22 ± 1°C for the rest of the time. Compared with birds in the control group, birds in the HS group exhibited increased serum corticosterone (CORT) and triacylglycerol contents, L*, drip loss and muscle malondialdehyde content, and decreased serum glucose content, pH24 h, muscle total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐PX) activities (P < 0.05). Compared with birds in the HS group, birds in HS + Res group exhibited increased serum glucose content, a*, pH24 h, muscle T‐AOC and CAT activities, and decreased serum CORT and triacylglycerol contents, L*24 h, drip loss and muscle malondialdehyde content (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Res beneficially protects against HS‐impaired meat quality of broilers through regulating muscle antioxidant status.