bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ground reaction and solid ankle–foot orthoses are equivalent for the correction of crouch gait in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Ries Andrew J , Schwartz Michael H
Published: August 2018

Aim

To investigate any performance differences between the solid ankle–foot orthosis (SAFO) and ground reaction ankle–foot orthosis (GRAFO) designs for correcting crouch gait in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

We retrospectively analyzed 147 individuals seen at our center who: (1) were diagnosed with diplegic CP, (2) walked with crouch gait, (3) had bilateral SAFO or GRAFO prescription, and (4) had three‐dimensional gait analysis collected for both barefoot and orthosis walking conditions.

Results

Overall, no performance gap was identified between the SAFO and GRAFO groups (p=0.828). A series of bootstrapped stepwise regression analyses indicated that ankle–foot orthosis (AFO) design was not predictive of crouch gait improvements. Improvements in crouch gait were instead shown to be predicted by AFO neutral angle and four patient factors: amount of dorsiflexion in stance, level of knee flexion contracture, age, and severity of crouch.

Interpretation

Our results show that the SAFO and GRAFO designs are equally effective at correcting crouch gait for individuals diagnosed with CP.

What this paper adds

No performance difference was detected between solid ankle–foot orthoses and ground reaction ankle–foot orthoses designs for crouch gait correction.

Crouch gait improvement from ankle–foot orthoses (AFO) is influenced by AFO neutral angle.

Other factors of influence include: dorsiflexion in stance, level of knee flexion contracture, age, and severity of crouch.
Changes in arginine are inversely associated with type 2 diabetes: A case‐cohort study in the PREDIMED trial
Authors: Yu Edward , Ruiz‐Canela Miguel , Razquin Cristina , Guasch‐Ferré Marta , Toledo Estefania , Wang Dong D. , Papandreou Christopher , Dennis Courtney , Clish Clary , Liang Liming , Bullo Monica , Corella Dolores , Fitó Montserrat , Gutiérrez‐Bedmar Mario , Lapetra José , Estruch Ramón , Ros Emilio , Cofán Montserrat , Arós Fernando , Romaguera Dora , Serra‐Majem Lluis , Sorlí Jose V. , Salas‐Salvadó Jordi , Hu Frank B. , Martínez‐González Miguel A.
Published: August 2018

The associations between arginine‐based metabolites and incident type 2 diabetes (T2D) are unknown. We employed a case‐cohort design, nested within the PREDIMED trial, to examine six plasma metabolites (arginine, citrulline, ornithine, asymmetric dimethylarginine [ADMA], symmetric dimethylarginine [SDMA] and N‐monomethyl‐l‐arginine [NMMA]) among 892 individuals (251 cases) for associations with incident T2D and insulin resistance. Weighted Cox models with robust variance were used. The 1‐year changes in arginine (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] per SD 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49, 0.95; Q4 vs. Q1 0.46, 95% CI 0.21, 1.04; P trend = 0.02) and arginine/ADMA ratio (adjusted HR per SD 0.73, 95% CI 0.51, 1.04; Q4 vs. Q1 0.52, 95% CI 0.22, 1.25; P trend = 0.04) were associated with a lower risk of T2D. Positive changes of citrulline and ornithine, and negative changes in SDMA and arginine/(ornithine + citrulline) were associated with concurrent 1‐year changes in homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. Individuals in the low‐fat‐diet group had a higher risk of T2D for 1‐year changes in NMMA than individuals in Mediterranean‐diet groups (P interaction = 0.02). We conclude that arginine bioavailability is important in T2D pathophysiology.
Ecology of Lepidoptera associated with bird nests in mid‐Wales, UK
Authors: Boyes Douglas H. , Lewis Owen T.
Published: August 2018

1. Bird nests are ubiquitous but patchy resources in many terrestrial habitats. Nests can support diverse communities of commensal invertebrates, especially moths (Lepidoptera). However, there is a shortage of information on the moths associated with bird nests, and the factors influencing their abundance, diversity and composition.

2. Two hundred and twenty‐four nests, from 16 bird species, were sampled from sites in mid‐Wales (UK) and the moths that emerged from them were recorded.

3. Seventy eight percent of nests produced moths, with 4657 individuals of ten species recorded. Moth communities were dominated by generalist species rather than bird nest specialists.

4. Open nests built in undergrowth supported significantly fewer moths than nests in enclosed spaces (for example, nesting boxes). The occurrence of fleas was positively associated with the incidence and abundance of moths. There was no evidence that different nest types supported different moth communities.
A pilot, open‐label study of the effectiveness and tolerability of low‐dose ZX008 (fenfluramine HCl) in Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome
Authors: Lagae Lieven , Schoonjans An‐Sofie , Gammaitoni Arnold R. , Galer Bradley S. , Ceulemans Berten
Published: August 2018

Objective

Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a drug‐resistant, childhood onset electroclinical epilepsy syndrome with multiple seizure types and diagnostic electroencephalogram findings. ZX008 (fenfluramine HCl oral solution) was well tolerated and reduced seizure frequency in Dravet syndrome, prompting this phase 2, open‐label, dose‐finding study of add‐on ZX008 in patients with LGS (NCT02655198).

Methods

Eligible treatment‐refractory patients with LGS aged 3‐18 years with ≥4 documented convulsive seizures (CS) in the prior 4 weeks were administered adjunctive ZX008 twice daily at an initial dose of 0.2 mg/kg/d, with incremental dose escalations up to 0.8 mg/kg/d or 30 mg/d (maximum dose) every 4 weeks in nonresponders (<50% reduction in CS frequency). After 20 weeks (core study), responders were offered entry into a long‐term extension study. Seizures were captured via diary. Cardiac safety was monitored by Doppler echocardiography and electrocardiogram.

Results

Thirteen patients were enrolled (mean age = 11.7 years, range = 3‐17). Ten (77%) patients completed 20 weeks of ZX008 treatment. During the core study, there was a 53% median reduction (N = 13) in CS; median reduction was 60% in the 10 completers. Eight patients (62%) had a ≥50% CS reduction; three (23%) patients had a ≥75% reduction. Nine (69%) patients entered the long‐term extension study. At 15 months (n = 9), median reduction in CS was 58%; six (67%) patients had a ≥50% reduction, and three (33%) patients had a ≥75% reduction. The most common adverse events were decreased appetite (n = 4, 31%) and decreased alertness (n = 2, 15%). No echocardiographic signs of cardiac valvulopathy or pulmonary hypertension were observed.

Significance

ZX008 provided clinically meaningful reduction (≥50%) in CS frequency in the majority of patients with LGS in this pilot study and was generally well tolerated. A phase 3, randomized, controlled study is ongoing.
Attenuating M‐current suppression in vivo by a mutant Kcnq2 gene knock‐in reduces seizure burden and prevents status epilepticus–induced neuronal death and epileptogenesis
Authors: Greene Derek L. , Kosenko Anastasia , Hoshi Naoto
Published: August 2018

Objectives

The M‐current is a low‐threshold voltage‐gated potassium current generated by Kv7 subunits that regulates neural excitation. It is important to note that M‐current suppression, induced by activation of Gq‐coupled neurotransmitter receptors, can dynamically regulate the threshold of action‐potential firing and firing frequency. Here we sought to directly examine whether M‐current suppression is involved in seizures and epileptogenesis.

Methods

Kv7.2 knock‐in mice lacking the key protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation acceptor site for M‐current suppression were generated by introducing an alanine substitution at serine residue 559 of mouse Kv7.2, mKv7.2(S559A). Basic electrophysiologic properties of the M‐current between wild‐type and Kv7.2(S559A) knock‐in mice were analyzed in primary cultured neurons. Homozygous Kv7.2(S559A) knock‐in mice were used to evaluate the protective effect of mutant Kv7.2 channel against chemoconvulsant‐induced seizures. In addition, pilocarpine‐induced neuronal damage and spontaneously recurrent seizures were evaluated after equivalent chemoconvulsant‐induced status epilepticus was achieved by coadministration of the M‐current–specific channel inhibitor, XE991.

Result

Neurons from Kv7.2(S559A) knock‐in mice showed normal basal M‐currents. Knock‐in mice displayed reduced M‐current suppression when challenged by a muscarinic agonist, oxotremorine‐M. Kv7.2(S559A) mice were resistant to chemoconvulsant‐induced seizures with no mortality. Administration of XE991 transiently exacerbated seizures in knock‐in mice equivalent to those of wild‐type mice. Valproate, which disrupts neurotransmitter‐induced M‐current suppression, showed no additional anticonvulsant effect in Kv7.2(S559A) mice. After experiencing status epilepticus, Kv7.2(S559A) knock‐in mice did not show seizure‐induced cell death or spontaneous recurring seizures.

Significance

This study provides evidence that neurotransmitter‐induced suppression of M‐current generated by Kv7.2‐containing channels exacerbates behavioral seizures. In addition, prompt recovery of M‐current after status epilepticus prevents subsequent neuronal death and the development of spontaneously recurrent seizures. Therefore, prompt restoration of M‐current activity may have a therapeutic benefit for epilepsy.
Attractions and barriers to Australian physician‐researcher careers
Authors: Mills Joanna M. Z. , Januszewski Andrzej S. , Robinson Bruce G. , Traill Caroline L. , Jenkins Alicia J. , Keech Anthony C.
Published: August 2018

Background

There is a global concern that physician‐researchers are ‘a dying breed’. Recent studies of clinical career choices of Australian medical students and doctors have signalled the rising age of medical graduates, generational shifts in work–life attitudes and increased proportion of female graduates. There are scant data regarding Australian physician‐researchers.

Aims

To develop and utilise a questionnaire determining respondent characteristics and ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors for medical graduates to incorporate research into their careers.

Methods

We developed and administered an 88‐item online survey, including quantitative and qualitative questions, to medical students, faculty and alumni of Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, asking about their medical career, research experience and interest and reasons for doing or not doing medical research. Responses to all 74 quantitative questions are reported here.

Results

Data from 427 respondents (44% female; mean ± standard deviation age 38 ± 13 years; 56% completed or undertaking a PhD) were analysed. Attractions of research included a desire to improve human health, intellectual stimulation and career diversity. Barriers included low funding rates, job insecurity and low salaries. Although few were prepared to undertake or recommend full‐time research, 71% would recommend part‐time research. Respondents perceived a smaller‐than‐actual gap between clinical and research salaries, and if comparable (75–100% of a clinician’s) salaries were available, 89% would like to spend 21–60% of their work time undertaking research.

Conclusion

Many Australian medical students and doctors are interested in research, especially part time. Perceived obstacles include job insecurity, low funding rates and salary. Respondents underestimated clinical and research salary differences.
Adequacy of antenatal steroids, rather than place of birth, determines survival to discharge in extreme prematurity in North Queensland
Authors: Ireland Susan , Larkins Sarah , Ray Robin , Woodward Lynn , Devine Kirsty
Published: August 2018

Aim

The Townsville Hospital cares for babies in a large geographical area, many of who are outborn, are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin and have families who reside in areas of deprivation. This study examined the outcomes of babies born at all locations in North Queensland to assess the predictors of poor outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective observational study examined the survival of 313 babies born from 22 completed weeks gestation to 27 + 6 weeks gestation in North Queensland between January 2010 and December 2016. Additional analyses were performed for the 300 non‐syndromal babies whose mothers usually resided in North Queensland, studying demographics of gestation, gender, birthweight, Indigenous status, regionality of maternal residence and adequacy of antenatal steroids. Short‐term morbidities of intraventricular haemorrhage/periventricular leukomalacia (IVH/PVL), surgical necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity requiring treatment and chronic lung disease and death were studied in relation to demographic factors and clinical treatment.

Results

Adequacy of steroids was significantly associated with a decreased mortality odds ratio of 2.872 (95% confidence interval 1.228–6.715), whilst no difference in outcome was seen by retrieval status or ethnic origin. Babies from remote locations were at increased risk for IVH/PVL, 2.334 (1.037–5.255). Male babies suffered more chronic lung disease, 1.608 (1.010–2.561), and IVH/PVL, 2.572 (1.215–5.445). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies were at lower risk of IVH/PVL.

Conclusions

Steroids should be administered wherever there is any possibility of the provision of intensive care for periviable babies. Place of birth and ethnicity of mother should not unduly influence antenatal counselling.
Richness, geographic distribution patterns, and areas of endemism of selected angiosperm groups in Mexico
Authors: Rodríguez Aarón , Castro‐Castro Arturo , Vargas‐Amado Georgina , Vargas‐Ponce Ofelia , Zamora‐Tavares Pilar , González‐Gallegos Jesús , Carrillo‐Reyes Pablo , Anguiano‐Constante Marco , Carrasco‐Ortiz Marco , García‐Martínez Miguel , Gutiérrez‐Rodríguez Brandon , Aragón‐Parada Juvenal , Valdes‐Ibarra Christian , Munguía‐Lino Guadalupe
Published: August 2018

Mexico is a megadiverse country. Presently, 22 126 species of angiosperms have been registered within its territory and 11 001 are considered to be endemic. However, their geographical distributions are far from homogeneous. In addition, Mexico is the center of diversification of several groups. Our analysis focused on such groups. The aims were to identify areas of species richness and endemism. A data matrix with 766 species and 25 579 geographical records was analyzed. It included Calochortus (Liliaceae); Bletia (Orchidaceae); Tigridieae (Iridaceae); Amaryllidaceae; Poliantheae, Echeandia (Asparagaceae); Crassulaceae; Hylocereus (Cactaceae); Solanum, Lycianthes and Physalinae (Solanaceae); Salvia section Membranaceae (Lamiaceae); and Cosmos and Dahlia (Asteraceae). Using Geographic Information Systems, we determined richness and distribution based on: (i) Mexican political divisions, (ii) biogeographical regions and provinces, (iii) a grid of 0.5 × 0.5° cells, and (iv) elevation. The areas of endemism were estimated using the endemicity analysis. The highest number of taxa and endemic plants were concentrated within the Transmexican Volcanic Belt in the Mexican Transition Zone. This mountain range has been recognized as a province on the basis of geologic, tectonic, geomorphologic, physiographic and biogeographic criteria. It is a 1000 km long volcanic arc that extends east to west through Central Mexico and is variably from 80 to 230 km wide, between 17°30′ to 20°25′N and 96°20′ to 105°20′W. Our results represent a local deviation from the global richness latitudinal gradient of angiosperm species.
New infrageneric classification of Abies in light of molecular phylogeny and high diversity in western North America
Authors: Xiang Qiao‐Ping , Wei Ran , Zhu Yan‐Mei , Harris AJ , Zhang Xian‐Chun
Published: August 2018

Abies Mill. represents one of the most diverse lineages in Pinaceae with ca. 50 species. Recent phylogenetic studies of Abies using regions of the nuclear and plastid genomes generally support recent classifications. However, we have previously shown that in several cases sectional memberships should be revised, and more species are needed to generate a robust infrageneric classification. Therefore, we present a revision of Abies taxonomy based on phylogeny using the most comprehensive taxon sampling (52 taxa worldwide) to date and five chloroplast gene regions and one single‐copy nuclear gene (LFY). Our phylogenetic analyses, including maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference, yield seven well‐supported lineages that are consistent with previous studies. Our taxonomic revision integrates the phylogenies presented here as well as those from other studies. We merged sect. Pseudopicea with sect. Momi, recognized the merger of sect. Abies with sect. Piceaster, and sect. Grandis with sect. Oiamel. We recognized sect. Balsamea by excluding A. kawakamii (Hayata) T. Itô and we suspect that ancient hybridization was involved in its origin. A short morphological description is provided for each section, as well as its geographic distribution and list of accepted names of species. Five of the seven sections consist primarily of species in western North America, especially within the California Floristic Province. Phylogenetic results show that western North America is home to an exceptionally high diversity of fir lineages, which is further corroborated by the cuticle morphology and internal transcribed spacer genotypes based on the length differences.
Incidental Learning and Long‐Term Retention of New Word Meanings From Stories: The Effect of Number of Exposures
Authors: Hulme Rachael C. , Barsky Daria , Rodd Jennifer M.
Published: August 2018

This study used a Web‐based naturalistic story‐reading paradigm to investigate the impact of number of exposures on incidental acquisition and long‐term retention of new meanings for known words by native English‐speaking adults. Participants read one of four custom written stories in which they encountered novel meanings (e.g., a safe concealed within a piece of furniture) for familiar words (foam). These meanings appeared two, four, six, or eight times in the narrative. Results showed reasonably good memory of the new meanings, assessed by cued recall of novel meanings and word forms, after only two exposures, emphasizing the importance of initial encounters. Accuracy in cued recall of novel meanings showed a linear, incremental increase with more exposures. There was no significant forgetting after 1 week, regardless of the number of exposures during training, demonstrating the efficiency with which adults acquire new word meanings incidentally through reading and retain them over time.

Open Practices

This article has been awarded an Open Data badge. All data and analysis scripts are publicly accessible via the Open Science Framework at https://osf.io/ybu6r. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science: https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki.
Dissection of anterior cerebral artery presenting with cerebral infarction in contralateral frontal lobe
Authors: Nomura Motohiro , Tamase Akira , Mori Kentaro , Iida Yu , Kawabata Yuichi , Nakano Tatsu , Suzuki Kei‐ichiro , Mishima Takae , Hirano Ken‐ichi , Takahashi Mitsuyuki
Published: August 2018

Although diagnosis of dissection in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) has increased, cerebral infarction in frontal lobe due to contralateral ACA dissection is rare. A 52‐year‐old woman developed headache and motor weakness in the left hemibody. Magnetic resonance images demonstrated a fresh cerebral infarction in the right frontal lobe and thin right ACA. The initial diagnosis was a cerebral infarction in the right frontal lobe due to right ACA stenosis. Angiography performed nine days after onset showed dilatation and stenosis of the left ACA, and a small diameter of the right ACA. An intramural thrombus in the left ACA was demonstrated on MRI. The diagnosis was a cerebral infarction in the right frontal lobe due to dissection of the contralateral left A2 and A3 of ACA. There is a possibility that cerebral infarction in frontal lobe is induced by the contralateral ACA abnormality in a case with bihemispheric ACA.
Tuition Fees and University Enrolment: A Meta‐Regression Analysis
Authors: Havranek Tomas , Irsova Zuzana , Zeynalova Olesia
Published: August 2018

One of the most frequently examined relationships in education economics is the correlation between tuition fee increases and the demand for higher education. We provide a quantitative synthesis of 443 estimates of this effect reported in 43 studies. While large negative estimates dominate the literature, we show that researchers report positive and insignificant estimates less often than they should. After correcting for this publication bias, we find that the literature is consistent with the mean tuition–enrolment elasticity being close to zero. Nevertheless, we identify substantial heterogeneity among the reported effects: for example, male students and students at private universities display larger elasticities. The results are robust to controlling for model uncertainty, using both Bayesian and frequentist methods of model averaging.
Is extensive atrial fibrosis in the setting of heart failure associated with a reduced atrial fibrillation burden?
Authors: Burashnikov Alexander , Antzelevitch Charles
Published: August 2018

Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects 10–50% of patients with chronic heart failure (HF) and is associated with poor long‐term prognosis. AF is commonly associated with atrial structural remodeling (ASR), principally characterized by atrial dilatation and fibrosis. However, the occurrence of AF in the full spectrum of ASR encountered in patients with HF is poorly defined. Experimental studies have presented evidence that extensive ASR can be accompanied with a reduced burden of AF, secondary to a prominent depression of atrial excitability. This reduction in AF burden is associated with severe atrial fibrosis rather than with dilatation. Clinical studies of patients with HF point to the possibility that advanced ASR is associated with a less frequent AF occurrence than moderate ASR. Our goal in this review is to introduce the hypothesis that AF is less likely to occur in severe versus moderate atrial ASR in the setting of HF and that it is severe atrial fibrosis‐associated depression of atrial excitability that reduces AF burden.
Labor market segmentation and occupational mobility in Algeria: Repeated cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses (2007 to 2012)
Authors: Adair Philippe , Bellache Youghourta
Published: August 2018

The paper identifies the determinants and the patterns of occupational mobility across the formal/informal employment divide as well as within the informal sector. Cross‐sectional analyses are applied to two samples (1,252 and 2,026 individuals) from two representative household surveys conducted in 2007 and 2012 in Bejaia, an east‐central region of Algeria. In the first place, using a Mincer earnings function shows there is a substantial wage gap regarding the formal/informal wage employment divide. However, human capital theory applies to formal employees rather than to informal ones. Hence, labor market segmentation is not reducible to earnings functions. In the second place, a multinomial logit model captures the determinants of occupational mobility, which depend on the characteristics of individuals: age, gender, marital status, and human capital. Finally, the paper explores from a longitudinal perspective a cohort of 445 individuals both surveyed in 2007 and 2012. The aforementioned determinants explain the patterns of occupational mobility of active individuals who experience a change that improves or deteriorates their job position, while shifting in both directions across the formal and the informal sector and within the informal sector.
Spatial Cluster Detection in Mobility Networks: A Copula Approach
Authors: Kim Heeyoung , Duan Rong , Kim Sungil , Lee Jaehwan , Ma Guang-Qin
Published: August 2018

In mobility network capacity planning, characterizing the mobility network traffic is one of the most challenging tasks. Besides the growth trend and multiple periodic temporal patterns for normal traffic, the problem is complicated by the occasionally intense traffic for special events and its dynamic spatial relationships. Identifying the areas that have different traffic patterns compared with their neighbouring areas is a problem of spatial hotspot detection. In the paper, a copula-based method is proposed: using a multivariate extreme value copula, the upper tail dependence of the traffic distributions of neighbouring cell towers is evaluated, and then a cluster of multiple time series (i.e. multiple cell towers) with high upper tail dependence is detected. The method proposed is validated by using synthetic data as well as real mobility traffic data.
Experiencing and Resisting Nonsuicidal Self‐injury Thoughts and Urges in Everyday Life
Authors: Turner Brianna J. , Baglole J. Sebastian , Chapman Alexander L. , Gratz Kim L.
Published: August 2018

Objective

We used a daily diary to examine (1) the frequency of three types of NSSI thoughts and urges (fleeting thoughts, persistent thoughts, and intense urges), (2) the correlates of NSSI thought and urges within and across days, (3) strategies that aid in resisting NSSI thoughts and urges, and (4) the prospective association of daily NSSI thoughts and urges with NSSI behavior over 12 months.

Method

Sixty adults (aged 18–35) completed a two‐week daily diary and follow‐ups every 3 months for one year.

Results

Fleeting NSSI thoughts were reported on 48% of days, whereas persistent thoughts (11%) and intense urges (17%) were less common. Within days, earlier stress predicted more persistent NSSI thoughts, whereas earlier perceived support predicted less intense NSSI urges. Furthermore, NSSI thoughts and urges were positively associated with same‐day stress and avoidant coping. Problem‐focused coping was associated with greater success resisting same‐day fleeting thoughts and intense urges, as well as success resisting next‐day persistent thoughts. Perceived support was associated with less intense same‐day urges, but also less success resisting these urges. Over the follow‐up, persistent thoughts predicted less frequent NSSI, whereas intense urges predicted more frequent NSSI.

Conclusions

NSSI thoughts and urges are commonly experienced and deserve further attention.
The effects of children’s proximity‐seeking to maternal attachment figures during mild stress exposure on mood and physiological responses: An experimental study
Authors: Dujardin Adinda , De Raedt Rudi , Borelli Jessica L. , Braet Caroline , Vos Pieter , Rinck Mike , Bosmans Guy
Published: August 2018

In this study we investigated the effects of seeking versus avoiding proximity to mother on children’s emotional recovery from a stressor. Sixty children 9–12 years underwent a moodinduction procedure and were randomly assigned to seek proximity from or avoid an image of their mothers. The effect of this manipulation on children’s self‐reported negative emotions, skin conductance and heart rate variability (respiratory sinus arhythmia) was assessed. Higher levels of attachment anxiety were linked to more self‐reported sadness when children had to avoid mother, but no evidence for such an effect was found on a physiological level. For avoidant attachment, a similar pattern of results emerged, but both for self‐reported sadness and skin conductance.
Canine intranasal tumours treated with alternating carboplatin and doxorubin in conjunction with oral piroxicam: 29 cases
Authors: Woodruff Matthew J. , Heading Kathryn L. , Bennett Peter
Published: August 2018

Few veterinary studies have evaluated the response to chemotherapy treatment of canine intranasal tumours, while many have focused on the efficacy of radiation therapy. Given the higher costs and limited access to radiation therapy, alternative treatment options are needed. The study describes a cohort of dogs with histologically confirmed intranasal tumours treated with chemotherapy as a sole therapy. This retrospective study was conducted using data from the Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre (MVSC) database between 2004 and 2017. Dogs with a histologically confirmed intranasal tumour who received chemotherapy treatment were included. Signalment, presenting signs, tumour type, chemotherapy details, adverse events (AEs) and survival times were reviewed. Twenty‐nine dogs met the inclusion criteria. Overall median survival time for dogs in the study was 234 days (range 12‐1698 days). Median survival for dogs with adenocarcinoma or carcinoma (n = 12) was 280 days, transitional cell carcinoma (n = 6) 163 days, squamous cell carcinoma, anaplastic carcinoma or undifferentiated carcinoma (n = 7) 59 days and all sarcomas (n = 4) 448 days. Adverse events were reported following 28% of treatments and 69% of dogs experienced at least one AE. Twenty four per cent of all dogs experienced grade 3 or 4 toxicities. The chemotherapy protocol was generally well tolerated. The study suggests potential benefit in the use of chemotherapy for dogs with adenocarcinoma, carcinoma and sarcoma.
Glutamatergic neurons of the paraventricular nucleus are critical contributors to the development of neurogenic hypertension
Authors: Basting Tyler , Xu Jiaxi , Mukerjee Snigdha , Epling Joel , Fuchs Robert , Sriramula Srinivas , Lazartigues Eric
Published: August 2018

Key points

Recurrent periods of over‐excitation in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus could contribute to chronic over‐activation of this nucleus and thus enhanced sympathetic drive.

Stimulation of the PVN glutamatergic population utilizing channelrhodopsin‐2 leads to an immediate frequency‐dependent increase in baseline blood pressure.

Partial lesions of glutamatergic neurons of the PVN (39.3%) result in an attenuated rise in blood pressure following Deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)‐salt treatment and reduced index of sympathetic activity.

These data suggest that stimulation of PVN glutamatergic neurons is sufficient to cause autonomic dysfunction and drive the increase in blood pressure during hypertension.

Neuro‐cardiovascular dysregulation leads to increased sympathetic activity and neurogenic hypertension. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus is a key hub for blood pressure (BP) control, producing or relaying the increased sympathetic tone in hypertension. We hypothesize that increased central sympathetic drive is caused by chronic over‐excitation of glutamatergic PVN neurons. We tested how stimulation or lesioning of excitatory PVN neurons in conscious mice affects BP, baroreflex and sympathetic activity. Glutamatergic PVN neurons were unilaterally transduced with channelrhodopsin‐2 using an adeno‐associated virus (CamKII‐ChR2‐eYFP‐AAV2) in wildtype mice (n = 7) to assess the impact of acute stimulation of excitatory PVN neurons selectively on resting BP in conscious mice. Stimulation of the PVN glutamatergic population resulted in an immediate frequency‐dependent (2, 10 and 20 Hz) increase in BP from baseline by ∼9 mmHg at 20 Hz stimulation (P < 0.001). Additionally, in vGlut2‐cre mice glutamatergic neurons of the PVN were bilaterally lesioned utilizing a cre‐dependent caspase (AAV2‐flex‐taCASP3‐TEVp). Resting BP and urinary noradrenaline (norepinephrine) levels were then recorded in conscious mice before and after DOCA‐salt hypertension. Partial lesions of glutamatergic neurons of the PVN (39.3%, P < 0.05) resulted in an attenuated rise in BP following DOCA‐salt treatment (P < 0.05 at 7 day time point, n = 8). Noradrenaline levels as an index of sympathetic activity between the lesion and wildtype groups showed a significant reduction after DOCA‐salt treatment in the lesioned animals (P < 0.05). These experiments suggest that stimulation of PVN glutamatergic neurons is sufficient to cause autonomic dysfunction and drive the increase in BP.
Superconformal coating and filling of deep trenches by chemical vapor deposition with forward-directed fluxes
Authors: Talukdar Tushar K. , Wang Wenjiao B. , Girolami Gregory S. , Abelson John R.
Published: August 2018

The authors report a superconformal chemical vapor deposition method that affords bottom-up filling of trenches with oxide: the film growth rate increases with depth such that the profile of material develops a “V” shape that fills in along the centerline without a seam of low density material. The method utilizes low pressures of a metal precursor plus a forward-directed flux of co-reactant (water) at a lower pressure than the precursor. Under these conditions, many of the co-reactant molecules travel ballistically to the trench bottom where a fraction of them reflect. This scattering, which creates a virtual source of co-reactant from the trench bottom, leads to a superconformal growth process whose rate is highest at the bottom and declines toward the opening. Simultaneous with this superconformal component is the typical subconformal growth process due to the portion of the co-reactant flux that enters the trench opening isotropically; with a sufficiently large forward-directed flux, however, the overall profile is superconformal. We demonstrate this approach for filling trenches with HfO2 using 0.09 mTorr tetrakis(dimethylamido)­hafnium (TDMA-Hf) precursor and 0.009 mTorr H2O co-reactant. Precursor-rich growth conditions at a substrate temperature of ≤270 °C are used to assure that the growth rate is kinetically limited (determined) by the H2O flux and is nearly independent of the TDMA-Hf flux. Under these conditions, the growth rate in a trench with an aspect ratio of 3.5 increases from 0.6 nm/min at the top to 1.0 nm/min at the bottom sidewalls (step coverage = 1.6). The authors simulate the precursor transport-reaction problem within the trench using a Markov chain model to account for both the forward-directed and isotropic reactant fluxes and for the multiple reemission events within the trench, as a function of the surface sticking probability β of the water flux. The model predicts the fraction of the total incident flux that must be forward-directed in order to afford seam-free filling as a function of the sticking probability and the starting aspect ratio. Experimentally, the authors find that the opening of the trench accumulates a slightly greater thickness (a “bread-loaf” profile) that tends to pinch off the trench just before complete filling. To eliminate this effect, a molecular inhibitor, H(hfac) or H(acac), is used to reduce the growth rate near to the opening. The result is seam-free filling of trenches with HfO2 up to an aspect ratio of 10.
Drop breakup dynamics of dilute polymer solutions: Effect of molecular weight, concentration, and viscosity
Authors: Sur Samrat , Rothstein Jonathan
Published: August 2018

The large extensional viscosity of dilute polymer solutions has been shown to dramatically delay the breakup of jets into drops. For low shear viscosity solutions, the jet breakup is initially governed by a balance of inertial and capillary stresses before transitioning to a balance of viscoelastic and capillary stresses at later times. This transition occurs at a critical time when the radius decay dynamics shift from a 2/3 power law to an exponential decay as the increasing deformation rate imposed on the fluid filament results in large molecular deformations and rapid crossover into the elasto-capillary regime. By experimental fits of the elasto-capillary thinning diameter data, a relaxation time of less than 100 μs has been successfully measured. In this paper, we show that, with a better understanding of the transition from the inertia-capillary to the elasto-capillary breakup regime, relaxation times close to 10 μs can be measured with the relaxation time resolution limited only by the frame rate and spatial resolution of the high speed camera. In this paper, the dynamics of drop formation and pinch-off are presented using dripping onto substrate capillary breakup extensional rheometry (CaBER-DoS) for a series of dilute solutions of polyethylene oxide (PEO) in water and in a viscosified water and glycerin mixture. Four different molecular weights between 100 k and 1 M g/mol were studied with varying solution viscosities between 1 and 22 mPa s and at concentrations between 0.004 and 0.5 times the overlap concentration, c*. The dependence of the relaxation time and extensional viscosity on these varying parameters was studied and compared to the predictions of dilute solution theory while simultaneously searching for the lower limit in solution elasticity that can be detected. For PEO in water, this limit was found to be a fluid with a relaxation time of roughly 20 μs. These results confirm that CaBER-DoS can be a powerful technique characterizing the rheology of a notoriously difficult material to quantify, namely, low viscosity inkjet printer inks.
Selective inhibition of Ca
V
3.2 channels reverses hyperexcitability of peripheral nociceptors and alleviates postsurgical pain
Authors: Joksimovic Sonja L. , Joksimovic Srdjan M. , Tesic Vesna , García-Caballero Agustin , Feseha Simon , Zamponi Gerald W. , Jevtovic-Todorovic Vesna , Todorovic Slobodan M.
Published: August 2018

Preventing the stabilization of a Ca
2+
channel at the surface of sensory neurons attenuates postsurgical pain.
TGF-β–mediated enhancement of T
H
17 cell generation is inhibited by bone morphogenetic protein receptor 1α signaling
Authors: Browning Lauren M. , Pietrzak Maciej , Kuczma Michal , Simms Colin P. , Kurczewska Agnieszka , Refugia Justin M. , Lowery Dustin J. , Rempala Grzegorz , Gutkin Dmitriy , Ignatowicz Leszek , Muranski Pawel , Kraj Piotr
Published: August 2018

BMP receptor 1α activation limits the TGF-β–mediated differentiation of CD4
+
T cells that produce the cytokine IL-17.
Making cells move with IRE1α
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: August 2018

IRE1α promotes cell migration independently of its function as a transducer of ER stress responses.
Epidemiology, Biology, and Impact of Clonal Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Parkins Michael D. , Somayaji Ranjani , Waters Valerie J.
Published: August 2018

Chronic lower airway infection with
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in individuals suffering from the genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF). Whereas it was long presumed that each patient independently acquired unique strains of
P. aeruginosa
present in their living environment, multiple studies have since demonstrated that shared strains of
P. aeruginosa
exist among individuals with CF.
Nonsuppurative (Aseptic) Meningoencephalomyelitis Associated with Neurovirulent Astrovirus Infections in Humans and Animals
Authors: Reuter Gábor , Pankovics Péter , Boros Ákos
Published: August 2018

Astroviruses are thought to be enteric pathogens. Since 2010, a certain group of astroviruses has increasingly been recognized, using up-to-date random amplification and high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods, as potential neurovirulent (Ni) pathogens of severe central nervous system (CNS) infections, causing encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, and meningoencephalomyelitis.
Three Distinct Contact-Dependent Growth Inhibition Systems Mediate Interbacterial Competition by the Cystic Fibrosis Pathogen Burkholderia dolosa
Authors: Perault Andrew I. , Cotter Peggy A.
Published: August 2018

Human-associated polymicrobial communities can promote health and disease, and interbacterial interactions influence the microbial ecology of such communities. Polymicrobial infections of the cystic fibrosis respiratory tract impair lung function and lead to the death of individuals suffering from this disorder; therefore, a greater understanding of these microbial communities is necessary for improving treatment strategies. Bacteria utilize contact-dependent growth inhibition systems to kill neighboring competitors and maintain their niche within multicellular communities. Several cystic fibrosis pathogens have the potential to gain an ecological advantage during infection via contact-dependent growth inhibition systems, including
Burkholderia dolosa
. Our research is significant, as it has identified three functional contact-dependent growth inhibition systems in
B
.
dolosa
that may provide this pathogen a competitive advantage during polymicrobial infections.
Comparative
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Analysis of H1N1 and H1N2 Variant Influenza Viruses Isolated from Humans between 2011 and 2016
Authors: Pulit-Penaloza Joanna A. , Pappas Claudia , Belser Jessica A. , Sun Xiangjie , Brock Nicole , Zeng Hui , Tumpey Terrence M. , Maines Taronna R.
Published: August 2018

Influenza A virus is a continuously evolving respiratory pathogen. Endemic in swine, H1 and H3 subtype viruses sporadically cause human infections. As each zoonotic infection represents an opportunity for human adaptation, the emergence of a transmissible influenza virus to which there is little or no preexisting immunity is an ongoing threat to public health. Recently isolated variant H1 subtype viruses were shown to display extensive genetic diversity and in many instances were antigenically distinct from seasonal vaccine strains. In this study, we provide characterization of representative H1N1v and H1N2v viruses isolated since the 2009 pandemic. Our results show that although recent variant H1 viruses possess some adaptation markers of concern, these viruses have not fully adapted to humans and require further adaptation to present a pandemic threat. This investigation highlights the need for close monitoring of emerging variant influenza viruses for molecular changes that could facilitate efficient transmission among humans.
Changes in the Gut Microbiota of Urban Subjects during an Immersion in the Traditional Diet and Lifestyle of a Rainforest Village
Authors: Ruggles Kelly V. , Wang Jincheng , Volkova Angelina , Contreras Monica , Noya-Alarcon Oscar , Lander Orlana , Caballero Hortensia , Dominguez-Bello Maria G.
Published: August 2018

Despite the limitations of a small study, our results evidence higher resilience of the gut microbiota with respect to dietary manipulation in adults than in children and urge further studies to understand the extent of microbiota plasticity in response to dietary changes and the mechanisms underlying microbiota resilience. These studies are relevant to the potential of future human pre- and probiotics in preventing or curing microbiota-associated diseases.
Experimental Infection of
Tadarida brasiliensis
with
Pseudogymnoascus destructans
, the Fungus That Causes White-Nose Syndrome
Authors: Verant Michelle L. , Meteyer Carol U. , Stading Benjamin , Blehert David S.
Published: August 2018

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a fungal disease that is causing severe declines of bat populations in North America. Identifying ways to reduce the impacts of this disease is a priority but is inhibited by the lack of an experimental animal model that does not require the use of wild-caught bat species already impacted by WNS. We tested whether
Tadarida brasiliensis
, one of the most abundant species of bats in the Americas, could serve as a suitable animal model for WNS research. While
T. brasiliensis
bats were susceptible to experimental infection with the fungus under conditions that induced hibernation, the species exhibited limited pathology diagnostic for WNS. These results indicate that
T. brasiliensis
is not likely a suitable experimental model for WNS research. However, the recovery of viable WNS-causing fungus from experimentally infected bats indicates a potential for this species to contribute to the spread of the pathogen where it coexists with other species of bats affected by WNS.
The PedS2/PedR2 Two-Component System Is Crucial for the Rare Earth Element Switch in Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Wehrmann Matthias , Berthelot Charlotte , Billard Patrick , Klebensberger Janosch
Published: August 2018

The function of lanthanides for methanotrophic and methylotrophic bacteria is gaining increasing attention, while knowledge about the role of rare earth elements (REEs) in nonmethylotrophic bacteria is still limited. The present study investigates the recently described differential expression of the two PQQ-EDHs of
P. putida
in response to lanthanides. We demonstrate that a specific TCS is crucial for their inverse regulation and provide evidence for a dual regulatory function of the LuxR-type response regulator involved. Thus, our study represents the first detailed characterization of the molecular mechanism underlying the REE switch of PQQ-EDHs in a nonmethylotrophic bacterium and stimulates subsequent investigations for the identification of additional genes or phenotypic traits that might be coregulated during REE-dependent niche adaptation.
How to use…respiratory viral studies
Authors: Drysdale Simon B , Kelly Dominic F
Published: August 2018

Viral respiratory tract infections are the most common infections of childhood. They result in clinical syndromes ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infection to severe lower respiratory tract disease requiring intensive care. Respiratory viruses are most commonly identified from a respiratory swab or nasopharyngeal aspirate by real-time PCR, which has a very high sensitivity and specificity. In this article, we review when and how children should be tested for viral respiratory tract infections and how to interpret the result in context of the clinical picture.
Ethics rounds: affecting ethics quality at all organisational levels
Authors: Schmitz Dagmar , Groß Dominik , Frierson Charlotte , Schubert Gerrit A , Schulze-Steinen Henna , Kersten Alexander
Published: August 2018

Clinical ethics support (CES) services are experiencing a phase of flourishing and of growing recognition. At the same time, however, the expectations regarding the acceptance and the integration of traditional CES services into clinical processes are not met. Ethics rounds as an additional instrument or as an alternative to traditional clinical ethics support strategies might have the potential to address both deficits. By implementing ethics rounds, we were able to better address the needs of the clinical sections and to develop a more comprehensive account of ethics quality in our hospital, which covers the level of decisions and actions, and also the level of systems and processes and aspects of ethical leadership.
Half bolus dose of intravenous abciximab is safe and effective in the setting of acute stroke endovascular treatment
Authors: Delgado Fernando , Oteros Rafael , Jimenez-Gomez Elvira , Bravo Rey Isabel , Bautista María Dolores , Valverde Moyano Roberto
Published: August 2018

Background

A stent is often necessary for the treatment of stroke. In such cases,it is essential for the patient to have antiplatelet therapy. There are several methods of antiaggregation, such as oral loading doses of aspirin and clopidogrel, intravenous aspirin, or intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists, such as abciximab. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hematoma (sICH) associated with our antiplatelet protocol: intravenous abciximab bolus at half the dose (0125 mg/kg) at the time of the stenting procedure; oral aspirin (150 mg) and clopidogrel (75 mg) daily added the next day after CT shows no significant hematoma.

Materials and methods

Retrospective review of our database of endovascular management of large acute vessel occlusion treated with intravenous abciximab between January 2015 and March 2018. Demographics data, material, drugs, and complications were registered. Fisher tests were used to compare the incidence of sICH in the literature where abciximab 0.25 mg/kg plus maintenance doses are often administrated.

Results

Intravenous abciximab was administered to 99 patients. No sICH was observed. According to the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study Scale, there were 8 cases of hemorrhagic infarction 1, 5 cases of hemorrhagic infarction 2, 4 cases of parenchymal hemorrhage 1, and no cases of parenchymal hemorrhage 2. A comparison between sICH with conventional antiplatelet doses based on the literature showed a statistically significant difference favoring our protocol.

Conclusion

In the endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke, a bolus dose of 0125 mg/kg of abciximab with no maintenance doses, followed by 150 mg of aspirin and 75 mg of clopidogrel orally the next day, is safe and effective.