bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Objective Assessment of the Interfrontal Angle for Severity Grading and Operative Decision-Making in Metopic Synostosis
Authors: Anolik Rachel A. , Allori Alexander C. , Pourtaheri Navid , Rogers Gary F. , Marcus Jeffrey R.
Published: April 2016

Background:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of a previously validated interfrontal angle for classification of severity of metopic synostosis and as an aid to operative decision-making.

Methods:

An expert panel was asked to study 30 cases ranging from minor to severe metopic synostosis. Based on computed tomographic images of the skull and clinical photographs, they classified the severity of trigonocephaly (1 = normal, 2 = mild, 3 = moderate, and 4 = severe) and management (0 = nonoperative and 1 = operative). The severity scores and management reported by experts were then pooled and matched with the interfrontal angle computed from each respective computed tomographic scan. A threshold was identified at which most experts agree on operative management.

Results:

Expert severity scores were higher for more acute interfrontal angles. There was a high concordance at the extremes of classifications, severe (4) and normal (1) (p < 0.0001); however, between interfrontal angles of 114.3 and 136.1 degrees, there exists a “gray zone,” with severe discordance in expert rankings. An operative threshold of 118.2 degrees was identified, with the interfrontal angle able to predict the expert panel’s decision to proceed with surgery 87.6 percent of the time.

Conclusions:

The interfrontal angle has been previously validated as a simple, accurate, and reproducible means for diagnosing trigonocephaly, but must be obtained from computed tomographic data. In this article, the authors demonstrate that the interfrontal angle can be used to further characterize the severity of trigonocephaly. It also correlated with expert decision-making for operative versus nonoperative management. This tool may be used as an adjunct to clinical decision-making when the decision to proceed with surgery may not be straightforward.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Diagnostic, V.
Perioperative Corneal Abrasion: Updated Guidelines for Prevention and Management
Authors: Malafa Menyoli M. , Coleman Jayne E. , Bowman R. Wayne , Rohrich Rod J.
Published: April 2016

Corneal abrasion is the most common ocular complication in surgery. Treatment requires pain control, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and close monitoring. Pain improves significantly after 24 hours and should be resolved by 48 hours. Persistent, worsening, or new symptoms warrant immediate specialist consultation. The authors review the pathophysiology of perioperative corneal abrasion, and propose updated evidence-based guidelines for improved patient care.
Total Face, Eyelids, Ears, Scalp, and Skeletal Subunit Transplant Cadaver Simulation: The Culmination of Aesthetic, Craniofacial, and Microsurgery Principles
Authors: Sosin Michael , Ceradini Daniel J. , Hazen Alexes , Levine Jamie P. , Staffenberg David A. , Saadeh Pierre B. , Flores Roberto L. , Brecht Lawrence E. , Bernstein G. Leslie , Rodriguez Eduardo D.
Published: April 2016

Background:

The application of aesthetic, craniofacial, and microsurgical principles in the execution of face transplantation may improve outcomes. Optimal soft-tissue face transplantation can be achieved by incorporating subunit facial skeletal replacement and subsequent tissue resuspension. The purpose of this study was to establish a reconstructive solution for a full face and scalp burn and to evaluate outcome precision and consistency.

Methods:

Seven mock face transplants (14 cadavers) were completed in the span of 1 year. Components of the vascularized composite allograft included the eyelids, nose, lips, facial muscles, oral mucosa, total scalp, and ears; and skeletal subunits of the zygoma, nasal bone, and genial segment. Virtual surgical planning was used for osteotomy selection, and to evaluate postoperative precision of hard- and soft-tissue elements.

Results:

Each transplant experience decreased each subsequent transplant surgical time. Prefabricated cutting guides facilitated a faster dissection of both donor and recipient tissue, requiring minimal alteration to the allograft for proper fixation of bony segments during inset. Regardless of donor-to-recipient size discrepancy, ample soft tissue was available to achieve tension-free allograft inset. Differences between virtual transplant simulation and posttransplant measurements were minimal or insignificant, supporting replicable and precise outcomes.

Conclusions:

This facial transplant model was designed to optimize reconstruction of extensive soft-tissue defects of the craniofacial region representative of electrical, thermal, and chemical burns, by incorporating skeletal subunits within the allograft. The implementation of aesthetic, craniofacial, and microsurgical principles and computer-assisted technology improves surgical precision, decreases operative time, and may optimize function.
Anthropometric Outcomes following Fronto-Orbital Advancement for Metopic Synostosis
Authors: Patel Kamlesh B. , Skolnick Gary B. , Mulliken John B.
Published: April 2016

Background:

The authors’ purpose is to present changes in anthropometric fronto-orbital dimensions after surgical correction of metopic synostosis.

Methods:

The authors retrospectively analyzed craniometric dimensions in older patients with metopic synostosis corrected by fronto-orbital advancement performed by the senior author (J.B.M.). Preoperative and postoperative linear measures (frontal breadth, cranial width, and intercanthal distance) were taken by direct anthropometry. Interdacryon distance and width of the bandeau were also recorded intraoperatively, before and after widening. Follow-up anthropometric values were compared to age- and sex-matched normative data and standard (z) scores were calculated.

Results:

Sixteen patients met the inclusion criteria. Syndromic diagnosis was documented in five of 16 patients. Average age at the last postoperative evaluation was 8.9 ± 3.8 years (range, 4 to 16 years). Mean frontal width z-scores decreased postoperatively from 0.82 to –0.32 (p = 0.007), indicating diminished growth in this dimension. The last measured frontal width strongly correlated with the breadth of the bandeau after surgical correction but not with preoperative values. Postoperative mean cranial width diminished significantly to a more normal value. Mean intercanthal distance was normal preoperatively and remained so but was significantly greater in syndromic than in nonsyndromic cases.

Conclusions:

Frontal growth rate is diminished in the coronal plane after fronto-orbital advancement. The authors recommend primary techniques to overcorrect the width of the bandeau and frontal region, including zygomaticosphenoid osteotomies and interpositional cranial bone grafts to advance/widen the lateral orbital rim. Continued evaluation is required to assess whether overcorrection results in normal frontotemporal shape and breadth at skeletal maturity.
Management of the Postbariatric Medial Thigh Deformity
Authors: Capella Joseph F. , Matarasso Alan
Published: April 2016

Background:

Thigh contour deformities—in particular, those of the medial thighs—are a common concern for many individuals seeking body contouring. Despite the frequency of this concern, some plastic surgeons have often been reluctant to embrace the medial thigh-lift procedure because of the risk for significant complications and relatively poor results. The authors’ approach to medial thigh contouring is to address the variables outside of the medial thighs affecting the medial thighs before considering a medial thigh-lift procedure with a vertical component. In this article, the authors review the senior author’s (J.F.C.) experience of 350 vertical medial thigh lifts in the weight-loss patient.

Methods:

The charts of 350 consecutive individuals who had undergone vertical medial thigh lifts were reviewed for complications and other variables. The procedures were all performed by the senior author between February of 2000 and February of 2014. The preoperative markings, current surgical technique, and postoperative care are described.

Results:

There were 326 women and 24 men in the study, with an average age of 43 years. The overall complication rate was 45.14 percent. Skin dehiscence and seroma formation were the most frequent complications, at 31.14 percent and 18.18 percent, respectively. The vast majority of patients were pleased with the aesthetic and functional results of their surgery.

Conclusion:

The medial thigh deformities of the weight-loss patient are effectively addressed by a vertical medial thigh lift when the variables adjacent to the medial thighs are first treated by a body lift.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Report of two paediatric cases of central line infections caused by species of the genus Kocuria
Authors: Bhavsar Sejal Makvana , Hamula Camille L. , Dingle Tanis C.
Published: April 2016

Introduction:

Species of the genus Kocuria are Gram-positive cocci of the family Micrococcacceae that are ubiquitous in the environment and part of the normal skin and oral flora in humans. A paucity of cases have been reported of Kocuria as human pathogens and there are currently no evidence-based guidelines for managing these uncommon infections.

Case presentation:

We present two paediatric cases of central line infections with species of the genus Kocuria that required line removal despite antimicrobial therapy.

Conclusion:

Species of the genus Kocuria are uncommon human pathogens that have rarely been reported to cause opportunistic infections in both adult and paediatric populations. The cases presented here add to the growing body of literature documenting the pathogenicity of these organisms and the possible need for line removal to achieve clinical cure in central line-associated bacteraemia caused by species of the genus Kocuria.
Design principles for robust vesiculation in clathrin-mediated endocytosis
Authors: Hassinger Julian E. , Oster George , Drubin David G. , Rangamani Padmini
Published: April 2016

A critical step in cellular trafficking pathways is the budding of membranes by protein coats, which recent experiments have demonstrated can be inhibited by elevated membrane tension. The robustness of processes like clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) across a diverse range of organisms and mechanical environments suggests that the protein machinery in this process has evolved to take advantage of some set of physical design principles to ensure robust vesiculation against opposing forces like membrane tension. Using a theoretical model for membrane mechanics and membrane protein interaction, we have systematically investigated the influence of membrane rigidity, curvature induced by the protein coat, area covered by the protein coat, membrane tension and force from actin polymerization on bud formation. Under low tension, the membrane smoothly evolves from a flat to budded morphology as the coat area or spontaneous curvature increases, whereas the membrane remains essentially flat at high tensions. At intermediate, physiologically relevant, tensions, the membrane undergoes asnapthrough instabilityin which small changes in the coat area, spontaneous curvature or membrane tension cause the membrane to “snap” from an open, U-shape to a closed bud. This instability can be smoothed out by increasing the bending rigidity of the coat, allowing for successful budding at higher membrane tensions. Additionally, applied force from actin polymerization can bypass the instability by inducing a smooth transition from an open to a closed bud. Finally, a combination of increased coat rigidity and force from actin polymerization enables robust vesiculation even at high membrane tensions.

Significance statement

Plasma membrane tension plays an important role in various biological processes. In particular, recent experimental studies have shown that membrane tension inhibits membrane budding processes like clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). We have identified a mathematical relationship between the curvature-generating capability of the protein coat and membrane tension that can predict whether the coat alone is sufficient to produce closed buds. Additionally, we show that a combination of increased coat rigidity and applied force from actin polymerization can produce closed buds at high membrane tensions. These findings are general to any membrane budding process, suggesting that biology has evolved to take advantage of a set of physical design principles to ensure robust vesicle formation across a range of organisms and mechanical environments.

Author Contributions

J.E.H., G.O., and P.R. designed research. J.E.H. performed research. J.E.H., D.G.D., and P.R. analyzed data. J.E.H., G.O., D.G.D., and P.R. wrote the paper.
Nuclear and Plastid DNA Sequence-based Molecular Phylogeography ofSalvadora oleoides(Salvadoraceae) in Punjab, India
Authors: Bast Felix , Kaur Navreet
Published: April 2016

Salvadora oleiodesis a tropical tree species belonging to the little-known family Salvadoraceae and distributed in the arid regions of Africa and Asia. Aims of our study were to trace the microevolutionary legacy of this tree species with the help of sequence-based multi-local phylogeography and to find the comparative placement of family Salvadoraceae within angiosperm clade malvids. A total 20 geographical isolates were collected from different regions of North India, covering a major part of its species range within the Indian Subcontinent. Sequence data from nuclear-encoded Internal Transcribed Spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and plastid-encodedtrnL-Fspacer region, were generated for this species for the first time in the world. ITS-based Bayesian phylogeographic analysis revealed the existence of four clades whiletrnL-Fspacer based Bayesian analysis revealed one clade for this species distributed in the Indian subcontinent. Between these two loci, ITS revealed more distinct phylogeographic clades, indicating the phylogeographic utility of this locus for the systematics of Salvadoraceae. Phylogenetic analyzes based ontrnL-Fspacer suggested a synonymy of this species withSalvadora angustifolia. Maximum Likelihood gene tree based on ITS sequence data revealed that Salvadoraceae belongs to Sapindales rather than Brassicales. However, in the gene tree based ontrnL-Fspacer sequence, this family clustered within Brassicales. An evolutionary congruence ofS. oleoidesisolates across its range in North India is revealed in this study. Given the conflicting results on the relative placement of Salvadoraceae in Brassicales and Sapindales, the need for further phylogenetic analyses of malvids using supermatrix approach is highlighted.
Amyloid β-peptides interfere with mitochondrial preprotein import competence by a co-aggregation process
Authors: Cenini Giovanna , Rüb Cornelia , Bruderek Michael , Voos Wolfgang
Published: April 2016

Aβ peptides play a central role in the etiology of Alzheimer disease (AD) by exerting cellular toxicity correlated with aggregate formation. Experimental evidences showed an intraneuronal accumulation of Aβ peptides and toxic effects on mitochondrial functions. Nevertheless, the relevance of intracellular Aβ peptides in the pathophysiology of AD remained controversial. Here, we found that the two major species of Aβ peptides, in particular Aβ42, exhibited a strong negative effect on the preprotein import reactions essential for mitochondrial protein biogenesis. However, Aβ peptides only weakly interact with mitochondria and did not affect the inner membrane potential or the structure of the preprotein translocase complexes. Aβ peptides significantly decreased the import competence of mitochondrial precursor proteins through a specific co-aggregation mechanism. Co-aggregation and import inhibition were significantly stronger in case of the longer peptide Aβ42, correlating with its importance in AD pathology. Our results demonstrate that a direct interference of aggregation-prone Aβ peptides with mitochondrial protein biogenesis represents a crucial aspect of the pathobiochemical mechanisms contributing to cellular damage in AD.
Carbon nanotube electrodes for retinal implants: a study of structural and functional integration over time
Authors: Eleftheriou Cyril G. , Zimmermann Jonas B. , Kjeldsen Henrik D. , David-Pur Moshe , Hanein Yael , Sernagor Evelyne
Published: April 2016

The choice of electrode material is of paramount importance in neural prosthetic devices. Electrodes must be biocompatible yet able to sustain repetitive current injections in a highly corrosive environment. We explored the suitability of carbon nanotube (CNT) electrodes to stimulate retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in a mouse model of outer retinal degeneration. We investigated morphological changes at the bio-hybrid interface and changes in RGC responses to electrical stimulation following prolongedin vitrocoupling to CNT electrodes. We observed gradual remodelling of the inner retina to incorporate CNT assemblies. Electrophysiological recordings demonstrate a progressive increase in coupling between RGCs and the CNT electrodes over three days, characterized by a gradual decrease in stimulation thresholds and increase in cellular recruitment. These results provide novel evidence for time-dependent formation of viable bio-hybrids between CNTs and the retina, demonstrating that CNTs are a promising material for inclusion in retinal prosthetic devices.
Subiculum Neurons Map the Current Axis of Travel
Authors: Olson Jacob M. , Tongprasearth Kanyanat , Nitz Douglas A.
Published: April 2016

Travel constrained to paths, a common navigational context, demands knowledge of spatial relationships between routes, their components, and their positioning in the larger environment. During traversal of an environment composed of multiple interconnected paths, a subpopulation of subiculum neurons robustly encoded the animal’s current axis of travel. The firing of these axis-tuned neurons peaked bimodally at head orientations approximately 180 degrees apart. Track rotation experiments revealed that axis encoding carried the spatial reference frame of the larger environment as opposed to the track itself. However, axis-tuned activity of the same subpopulation was largely absent during unconstrained movement about a circular arena. Thus, during navigation in a path-rich environment, subpopulations of subiculum neurons encode the animal’s current axis of travel relative to environmental boundaries - providing a powerful mechanism for mapping of specific relationships between routes, route components, and the larger environment.
The code of silence and ethical perceptions
Authors: Porter Louise E , Prenzler Tim
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore Australian police officers’ perceptions of unethical conduct scenarios with the aim of understanding unwillingness to report infractions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The responses of 845 officers were compared across 11 scenarios to explore variation in the extent to which they understood the behaviour to violate policy and their hypothetical willingness, or unwillingness, to report the behaviour. Particularly, it was hypothesised that non-reporters may justify their inaction based on the misperception that other officers hold even less ethical beliefs.

Findings

– Five scenarios emerged as least likely to be reported, with a substantial minority of officers stating their decision was despite their understanding that the behaviour constituted a policy violation. Contrary to predictions, these “non-reporters” were aware they were less likely to report than their colleagues, but believed they held the same views as their colleagues in terms of the seriousness of scenarios. Comparisons between non-reporters and other survey participants, however, found this belief to be false, with non-reporters viewing the scenarios as significantly less serious. A perceived self-other difference, along with a belief that others will report were shown to reduce the likelihood of not reporting.

Practical implications

– The results are discussed in terms of increasing willingness to report misconduct through organisational efforts to communicate values and support officers to make ethical decisions.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to understanding the “code of silence” in perpetuating police misconduct and how it may be reduced.
Social bonds and police misconduct
Authors: Donner Christopher , Maskaly Jon , Fridell Lorie
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between social control (adult social bonds) and police misconduct.

Design/methodology/approach

– Multiple regression methods are used to analyze survey data from a sample of 101 first-line police supervisors. A consequence-based measure is used to capture social bonds and workplace deviance is measured as the self-reported likelihood of future misconduct.

Findings

– Police supervisors reported varying likelihoods of future workplace deviance across four acts of misconduct. Social control was found to be negatively related to three of the four acts, which provides general support for the theory and study hypothesis.

Practical implications

– The results are discussed in terms of research and policy implications.

Originality/value

– Acknowledging important gaps in the literature, this study explores the validity of social control theory for explaining police misconduct.
Exploring gender-neutrality of police integrity in Estonia
Authors: Vallmüür Birgit
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether there are gender differences in police integrity in Estonia.

Design/methodology/approach

– The exploratory study is based on a police integrity survey – gender-neutral in nature – carried out in the Estonian Public Order Police. The study uses nonparametric methods to test whether male and female police officers are identical in their views and characterizes the differences in the sample (n=109).

Findings

– Results show that male and female respondents differ in how they relate to police integrity, but the differences are situation specific, not general across scenarios or measures.

Originality/value

– This is the first study of gender differences in police integrity in Estonia and one of the first explorations of gender differences in police integrity overall using an approach that includes a wider range of motives. As the Estonian police force has the highest proportion of women among European police services, the study explores gender differences in a unique police organization with a rare gender balance. The study compares variability across groups with the nonparametric Levene test for equality of variances – an approach that is not common in similar studies.
Does discipline fairness matter for the police code of silence? Answers from the US supervisors and line officers
Authors: Ivković Sanja Kutnjak , Peacock Robert , Haberfeld Maria
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– Following the theoretical model of reporting and disciplinary fairness developed by Kutnjak Ivković and Klockars (1998), the purpose of this paper is to use a survey of US police officers to explore empirically the contours of the code of silence and the potential relation between the code and perceptions of disciplinary fairness.

Design/methodology/approach

– In 2013-2014, a police integrity survey was used to measure the contours of police integrity among 604 police officers from 11 police agencies located in the Midwest and on the East Coast of the USA. The questionnaire contains descriptions of 11 scenarios describing various forms of police misconduct, followed by seven questions measuring officer views of scenario seriousness, the appropriate and expected discipline, and willingness to report misconduct.

Findings

– The results point out that the code of silence varies greatly across the scenarios, both for supervisors and line officers. While the supervisor code and the line officer code differ substantially, they are the most similar for the scenarios evaluated as the most serious. Compared to the respondents who evaluated expected discipline as fair, the respondents who evaluated it as too harsh were more likely to say that they would adhere to the code. On the other hand, compared to the respondents who evaluated discipline as fair, the respondents who evaluate the expected discipline as too lenient were as likely to adhere to the code.

Research limitations/implications

– The data were collected online, resulting in a lower response rates those typical of traditional paper surveys.

Practical implications

– The results of the research allow police supervisors interested in the controlling the code of silence to assess where the code is the weakest and easiest to break. Furthermore, the findings suggest to the supervisors who want to curtail the code that the strategy of meting out discipline perceived by line officers as too harsh will potentially only strengthen the code.

Originality/value

– Whereas the study of the code of silence has started several decades ago, empirical studies exploring the relation between the code of silence and perceptions of disciplinary fairness are rare.
A multi-country comparative study of the perceived police disciplinary environments
Authors: Ivković Sanja Kutnjak , Haberfeld Maria , Kang Wook , Peacock Robert , Sauerman Adri
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to test an aspect of the theory of police integrity by exploring the perceived disciplinary threat made by police agencies in Croatia, South Africa, South Korea, and the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

– A police integrity survey was used to assess perceptions of the expected discipline meted out by police agencies in four countries. Samples of police officers from Croatia, South Africa, South Korea, and the USA evaluated 11 hypothetical scenarios describing various forms of police misconduct.

Findings

– Bi-variate analyses reveal considerable divergence of perceptions of disciplinary consequences across the four countries. The majority of the respondents in each country expected some discipline for every scenario, but dismissal was expected for very few scenarios. Multivariate models of perceptions of expected discipline show that the country effect remains strong in the majority of the scenarios even in the presence of numerous controls.

Research limitations/implications

– To accommodate the diversity of legal rules, answers providing disciplinary options were not identical across countries. Some of the samples are representative, while others are convenience samples.

Practical implications

– The results show that, controlling for societal integrity, organizational variables play a critical role in shaping the respondents’ perceptions of expected discipline. Teaching police officers official rules might be an effective tool toward attaining more accurate perceptions of expected discipline.

Originality/value

– Police integrity research is dominated by single-country studies; this paper provides an in-depth exploration of perceptions of expected discipline across four countries.
Normative Limits of Peace Negotiations: Questions, Guidance and Prospects
Authors: Wählisch Martin
Published: April 2016

This article considers the issue of normative limits of peace negotiations as set in the existing international guidance for peace mediators. Tensions between the aim for peace, justice and the protection of human rights in the crafting of conflict settlements have been of increasing concern. Over the past decade the United Nations (UN) has been at the forefront of informing and guiding mediators on the normative limits of peace agreements negotiated under UN auspices. This article provides an overview of UN guidance addressing normative aspects and explores how these can impact on the negotiation process. It then proposes questions for further reflection on this growing trend. Ultimately the article argues that understanding the role of normative factors, especially legal parameters such as international human rights law and minority rights, can help to strengthen the legitimacy and credibility of peace processes and their outcomes.
Australian contemporary management of synchronous metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Malouf Phillip , Gibbs Peter , Shapiro Jeremy , Sockler Jim , Bell Stephen
Published: April 2016

Introduction

This article outlines the current Australian multidisciplinary treatment of synchronous metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma and assesses the factors that influence patient outcome.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of the prospective ‘Treatment of Recurrent and Advanced Colorectal Cancer’ registry, describing the patient treatment pathway and documenting the extent of disease, resection of the colorectal primary and metastases, chemotherapy and biological therapy use. Cox regression models for progression‐free and overall survival were constructed with a comprehensive set of clinical variables. Analysis was intentionn‐ton‐treat, quantifying the effect of treatment intent decided at the multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT).

Results

One thousand one hundred and nine patients presented with synchronous metastatic disease between July 2009 and November 2015. Median follow‐up was 15.8 months; 4.4% (group 1) had already curative resections of primary and metastases prior to MDT, 22.2% (group 2) were considered curative but were referred to MDT for opinion and/or medical oncology treatment prior to resection and 70.2% were considered palliative at MDT (group 3). Overall, 83% received chemotherapy, 55% had their primary resected and 23% had their metastases resected; 13% of resections were synchronous, 20% were staged with primary resected first and 62% had only the colorectal primary managed surgically. Performance status, metastasis resection (R0 versus R1 versus R2 versus no resection), resection of the colorectal primary and treatment intent determined at MDT were the most significant factors for progression‐free and overall survival.

Conclusions

This is the largest Australian series of synchronous metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma and offers insight into the nature and utility of contemporary practice.
Three‐dimensional CT for preoperative detection of the left gastric artery and left gastric vein in laparoscopy‐assisted distal gastrectomy
Authors: Yuasa Yasuhiro , Okitsu Hiroshi , Goto Masakazu , Kuramoto Shunsuke , Tomibayashi Atsushi , Matsumoto Daisuke , Edagawa Hiroshi , Mori Osamu , Tani Ryotaro , Akagawa Takuya , Kinoshita Mitsuhiro , Akagawa Yoko , Tani Hayato , Ohnishi Norio , Shirono Ryozo
Published: April 2016

Introduction

We evaluated 3‐D CT imaging for preoperative classification of the left gastric artery and vein in patients with early gastric cancer and estimated its clinical benefit.

Methods

Between April 2009 and March 2014, 279 patients underwent preoperative 3‐D CT using a 64‐row multi‐detector CT scanner, followed by laparoscopy‐assisted distal gastrectomy. The 3‐D CT images of the arterial and portal phases were reconstructed and fused. The operative outcomes were compared between patients who had not undergone 3‐D CT (2007–2008) and who had undergone 3‐D CT (2009–2011).

Results

According to Adachi's classification, the numbers of type I, II, III, IV, V, and VI arterial patterns were 253, 15, 1, 3, 3, and 1, respectively. Three cases could not be classified. According to the Douglass classification, the left gastric vein flowed into the portal vein, splenic vein, junction of the portal vein and splenic vein, and left branch of the portal vein in 119, 111, 36, and 5 patients, respectively. The left gastric vein could not be visualized in six patients, and two patients could not be classified. In addition, the relation was absent for an Adachi type I vein and one of the “other” types of veins. The total operative time was significantly shorter with 3‐D CT than without it (P = 0.01), and the degree of lymph‐node dissection was significantly higher (P = 0.01). Inflammatory parameters and operative morbidity tended to decrease with 3‐D CT.

Conclusion

Three‐dimensional CT is a useful modality to visualize the vessel anatomy around the stomach, and it improves clinical effectiveness and reduces the invasiveness of surgery.
Spontaneously ruptured hepatic cyst treated with laparoscopic deroofing and cystobiliary communication closure: A case report
Authors: Shimada Shoji , Hara Yoshiaki , Wada Naoto , Nakahara Kenta , Takayanagi Daisuke , Ishiyama Yasuhiro , Maeda Chiyo , Mukai Shunpei , Sawada Naruhiko , Yamaguchi Noriko , Sato Yoshinobu , Hidaka Eiji , Ishida Fumio , Kudo Shin‐ei
Published: April 2016

The rupture of a nonparasitic hepatic cyst with biliary communication is rare. We report the case of a patient with a hepatic cyst with biliary communication that spontaneously ruptured and was successfully treated by laparoscopic deroofing and closure of the communication. A 61‐year‐old woman presented at our hospital with a chief complaint of right upper abdominal pain. Enhanced abdominal CT showed a collapsed hepatic cyst and fluid collection. Drip infusion CT cholangiography showed contrast medium pooling in the collapsed cyst. Therefore, hepatic cyst rupture with biliary communication was diagnosed, and laparoscopic deroofing and closure of the communication were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 6. In cases of hepatic cyst rupture, even in the presence of biliary communication, laparoscopic deroofing and closure of the communication should be recommended as the first‐choice treatment.
Minor populations of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria‐type cells in patients with chronic idiopathic neutropenia
Authors: Damianaki Athina , Stagakis Elias , Mavroudi Irene , Spanoudakis Michael , Koutala Helen , Papadogiannis Fotios , Kanellou Peggy , Pontikoglou Charalampos , Papadaki Helen A.
Published: April 2016

Chronic idiopathic neutropenia (CIN) is an acquired disorder of granulopoiesis characterized by increased apoptosis of the bone marrow (BM) granulocytic progenitor cells under the influence of pro‐inflammatory mediators and oligoclonal/monoclonal T‐lymphocytes. Because patients with immune‐mediated BM failure display frequently paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)‐type cells in the peripheral blood (PB), we investigated the possible existence of PNH‐type cells in 91 patients with CIN using flow cytometry. The patients displayed increased proportions of PNH‐type glycophorin A+/CD59dimand glycophorin A+/CD59−red blood cells (RBCs), FLAER−/CD24−granulocytes, and FLAER−/CD14−monocytes, compared to controls (n= 55). A positive correlation was found between the proportions of PNH‐type RBCs, granulocytes, and monocytes and an inverse correlation between the number of PB neutrophils and the proportions of PNH‐type cell populations. The number of patients, displaying percentages of PNH‐type cells above the highest percentage observed in the control group, was significantly increased among patients with skewed compared to those with normal T‐cell receptor repertoire suggesting that T‐cell‐mediated immune processes underlie the emergence of PNH‐type cells in CIN. Our findings suggest that patients with CIN display PNH‐type cells in the PB at a high frequency corroborating the hypothesis that CIN belongs to the immune‐mediated BM failure syndromes.
Critical concepts, practice recommendations, and research perspectives of pixantrone therapy in non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: a SIE, SIES, and GITMO consensus paper
Authors: Zinzani Pier Luigi , Corradini Paolo , Martelli Maurizio , Minotti Giorgio , Oliva Stefano , Spina Michele , Barosi Giovanni , Tura Sante
Published: April 2016

Objectives

In this paper, we present a review of critical concepts and research perspectives and produce recommendations on the optimal use of pixantrone in non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) by group discussion from an expert panel appointed by the Italian Society of Hematology and the affiliate societies, Società Italiana di Ematologia Sperimentale and Gruppo Italiano Trapianto di Midollo Osseo.

Methods

Recommendations were produced using the Delphi process. Scientific evidence on pixantrone efficacy was analyzed using Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology in the areas where at least one randomized trial was published. The following key issues were addressed for practical recommendations: pixantrone monotherapy in aggressive relapsed or refractory non‐Hodgkin B‐cell lymphomas and toxicity risk management in patients candidates to pixantrone.

Results and conclusions

After a balanced and value‐oriented discussion, the panel agreed that the benefit/risk profile was in favor of pixantrone in the treatment of adult patients with multiply relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL B‐cell lymphomas. Pixantrone was deemed to be contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled cardiovascular disease. Despite a low rate of cardiotoxicity of pixantrone reported in clinical trials, the panel recommended that all patients receiving pixantrone should undergo periodical cardiac monitoring.
Effects of different secondary metabolite profiles in plant defense syndromes on specialist and generalist herbivores
Authors: Okamura Yu , Sawada Yuji , Hirai Masami Yokota , Murakami Masashi
Published: April 2016

Plants defend themselves against herbivores not only by a single trait but also by diversified multiple defense strategies. It remains unclear how these multiple defense mechanisms are effectively organized against herbivores. In this study, we focused on Brassicaceae plants, which have one of the most diversified secondary metabolites, glucosinolates (GSLs), as a defense against herbivores. By analyzing various defense traits including GSL profiles among 12 species (11 genera) of Brassicaceae plants, it is revealed that their defense strategies can be divided into three categories as multiple defenses. The GSL profiles differed between these three categories: (i) high nutritional level with long‐chain aliphatic GSLs; (ii) low nutritional level and high physical defenses with short‐chain aliphatic GSLs; and (iii) high nutritional level and low defense. The feeding experiment was conducted using two types of herbivores, Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) as a specialist herbivore and the Eri silkmoth Samia cynthia ricini (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) as a generalist, to assess the ability of each plant in multiple defense strategy. It was observed that the Eri silkmoth's performance differed according to which defense strategy it was exposed to. However, the growth rate of P. rapae did not vary among the three categories of defense strategy. These results suggest that the diversified defense strategies of Brassicaceae species have evolved to cope with diversified herbivores.
Statistics of single‐fibre tensile strength incorporating spatial distribution of microcracks
Authors: Lei W.‐S.
Published: April 2016

The random distribution of single‐fibre tensile strength has been commonly characterized by the two‐parameter Weibull statistics. However, the calibrated Weibull model from one set of strength data at a given gauge length cannot accurately predicts the strength variation of the fibre at different gauge lengths. Instead of presuming the two‐parameter Weibull distribution or any other specific statistical distribution for the single‐fibre strength to begin with, this work proposes an approach to incorporating the appropriate spatial flaw distribution within a fibre and synchronizing multiple sets of tensile strength data to evaluate the single‐fibre strength distribution. The approach is examined and validated by published single‐fibre strength data sets of glass, ceramic and synthetic and natural carbon fibres. It is shown that the single‐fibre strength statistics does not necessarily always follow the two‐parameter Weibull distribution.
Labor Rights, Venture Capital, and Firm Performance
Authors: Xing Xuejing , Howe John S. , Anderson Randy I. , Yan Shan
Published: April 2016

We investigate the role of labor unions in the performance of venture capital (VC)‐backed firms. Using a large sample of initial public offering firms from 1983 to 2013, we find that VC‐backed firms in highly unionized industries have lower Tobin's Q and are less likely to survive. This effect is robust to endogeneity concerns and to controlling for industry and firm characteristics. The findings suggest that strong labor rights impede innovative firms’ performance and survival, thereby adversely affecting innovation, economic growth, and employment.
Regional atmospheric CO2 inversion reveals seasonal and geographic differences in Amazon net biome exchange
Authors: Alden Caroline B. , Miller John B. , Gatti Luciana V. , Gloor Manuel M. , Guan Kaiyu , Michalak Anna M. , van der Laan‐Luijkx Ingrid T. , Touma Danielle , Andrews Arlyn , Basso Luana S. , Correia Caio S. C. , Domingues Lucas G. , Joiner Joanna , Krol Maarten C. , Lyapustin Alexei I. , Peters Wouter , Shiga Yoichi P. , Thoning Kirk , van der Velde Ivar R. , van Leeuwen Thijs T. , Yadav Vineet , Diffenbaugh Noah S.
Published: April 2016

Understanding tropical rainforest carbon exchange and its response to heat and drought is critical for quantifying the effects of climate change on tropical ecosystems, including global climate–carbon feedbacks. Of particular importance for the global carbon budget is net biome exchange of CO2 with the atmosphere (NBE), which represents nonfire carbon fluxes into and out of biomass and soils. Subannual and sub‐Basin Amazon NBE estimates have relied heavily on process‐based biosphere models, despite lack of model agreement with plot‐scale observations. We present a new analysis of airborne measurements that reveals monthly, regional‐scale (~1–8 × 106 km2) NBE variations. We develop a regional atmospheric CO2 inversion that provides the first analysis of geographic and temporal variability in Amazon biosphere–atmosphere carbon exchange and that is minimally influenced by biosphere model‐based first guesses of seasonal and annual mean fluxes. We find little evidence for a clear seasonal cycle in Amazon NBE but do find NBE sensitivity to aberrations from long‐term mean climate. In particular, we observe increased NBE (more carbon emitted to the atmosphere) associated with heat and drought in 2010, and correlations between wet season NBE and precipitation (negative correlation) and temperature (positive correlation). In the eastern Amazon, pulses of increased NBE persisted through 2011, suggesting legacy effects of 2010 heat and drought. We also identify regional differences in postdrought NBE that appear related to long‐term water availability. We examine satellite proxies and find evidence for higher gross primary productivity (GPP) during a pulse of increased carbon uptake in 2011, and lower GPP during a period of increased NBE in the 2010 dry season drought, but links between GPP and NBE changes are not conclusive. These results provide novel evidence of NBE sensitivity to short‐term temperature and moisture extremes in the Amazon, where monthly and sub‐Basin estimates have not been previously available.
Is it getting hot in here? Adjustment of hydraulic parameters in six boreal and temperate tree species after 5 years of warming
Authors: McCulloh Katherine A. , Petitmermet Joshua , Stefanski Artur , Rice Karen E. , Rich Roy L. , Montgomery Rebecca A. , Reich Peter B.
Published: April 2016

Global temperatures (T) are rising, and for many plant species, their physiological response to this change has not been well characterized. In particular, how hydraulic parameters may change has only been examined experimentally for a few species. To address this, we measured characteristics of the hydraulic architecture of six species growing in ambient T and ambient +3.4 °C T plots in two experimentally warmed forest sites in Minnesota. These sites are at the temperate–boreal ecotone, and we measured three species from each forest type. We hypothesized that relative to boreal species, temperate species near their northern range border would increase xylem conduit diameters when grown under elevated T. We also predicted a continuum of responses among wood types, with conduit diameter increases correlating with increases in the complexity of wood structure. Finally, we predicted that increases in conduit diameter and specific hydraulic conductivity would positively affect photosynthetic rates and growth. Our results generally supported our hypotheses, and conduit diameter increased under elevated T across all species, although this pattern was driven predominantly by three species. Two of these species were temperate angiosperms, but one was a boreal conifer, contrary to predictions. We observed positive relationships between the change in specific hydraulic conductivity and both photosynthetic rate (P = 0.080) and growth (P = 0.012). Our results indicate that species differ in their ability to adjust hydraulically to increases in T. Specifically, species with more complex xylem anatomy, particularly those individuals growing near the cooler edge of their range, appeared to be better able to increase conduit diameters and specific hydraulic conductivity, which permitted increases in photosynthesis and growth. Our data support results that indicate individual's ability to physiologically adjust is related to their location within their species range, and highlight that some wood types may adjust more easily than others.
Spatial Cluster Detection in Spatial Flow Data
Authors: Tao Ran , Thill Jean‐Claude
Published: April 2016

As a typical form of geographical phenomena, spatial flow events have been widely studied in contexts like migration, daily commuting, and information exchange through telecommunication. Studying the spatial pattern of flow data serves to reveal essential information about the underlying process generating the phenomena. Most methods of global clustering pattern detection and local clusters detection analysis are focused on single‐location spatial events or fail to preserve the integrity of spatial flow events. In this research we introduce a new spatial statistical approach of detecting clustering (clusters) of flow data that extends the classical local K‐function, while maintaining the integrity of flow data. Through the appropriate measurement of spatial proximity relationships between entire flows, the new method successfully upgrades the classical hot spot detection method to the stage of “hot flow” detection. Several specific aspects of the method are discussed to provide evidence of its robustness and expandability, such as the multiscale issue and relative importance control, using a real data set of vehicle theft and recovery location pairs in Charlotte, NC.
“Fully Equal to That of Any Children”: Experimental Creek Education in the Antebellum Era
Authors: Steineker Rowan Faye
Published: April 2016

During the 1840s and 1850s, members of the Creek Nation rejected schools as a colonial tool and instead experimented with various forms of education to fit their own local and national needs. Diverse individuals and communities articulated educational visions for their nation in conversation with fellow citizens, national leaders, and U.S. educators. Rather than embrace education to assimilate into the American republic, Creeks turned to schools and English literacy as one strategy to shape their own society and defend it from further Euro-American colonial policies. By the end of the 1850s, they had established a fledgling national school system consisting of both neighborhood and mission schools. These institutions reflected and reinforced changes in race, class, gender, culture, and religion in the antebellum Creek Nation.