bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive review and empirical analysis of hallmarks of DNA-, RNA- and protein-binding residues in protein chains
Authors: Zhang Jian , Ma Zhiqiang , Kurgan Lukasz
Published: November 2017

Proteins interact with a variety of molecules including proteins and nucleic acids. We review a comprehensive collection of over 50 studies that analyze and/or predict these interactions. While majority of these studies address either solely protein–DNA or protein–RNA binding, only a few have a wider scope that covers both protein–protein and protein–nucleic acid binding. Our analysis reveals that binding residues are typically characterized with three hallmarks: relative solvent accessibility (RSA), evolutionary conservation and propensity of amino acids (AAs) for binding. Motivated by drawbacks of the prior studies, we perform a large-scale analysis to quantify and contrast the three hallmarks for residues that bind DNA-, RNA-, protein- and (for the first time) multi-ligand-binding residues that interact with DNA and proteins, and with RNA and proteins. Results generated on a well-annotated data set of over 23 000 proteins show that conservation of binding residues is higher for nucleic acid- than protein-binding residues. Multi-ligand-binding residues are more conserved and have higher RSA than single-ligand-binding residues. We empirically show that each hallmark discriminates between binding and nonbinding residues, even predicted RSA, and that combining them improves discriminatory power for each of the five types of interactions. Linear scoring functions that combine these hallmarks offer good predictive performance of residue-level propensity for binding and provide intuitive interpretation of predictions. Better understanding of these residue-level interactions will facilitate development of methods that accurately predict binding in the exponentially growing databases of protein sequences.
Magnetic reheating
Authors: Saga Shohei , Tashiro Hiroyuki , Yokoyama Shuichiro
Published: November 2017

We provide a new bound on the amplitude of primordial magnetic fields (PMFs) by using a novel mechanism, magnetic reheating. The damping of the magnetohydrodynamics fluid motions in a primordial plasma brings the dissipation of the PMFs. In the early Universe with z ≳ 2 × 106, cosmic microwave background (CMB) photons are quickly thermalized with the dissipated energy and shift to a different Planck distribution with a new temperature. In other words, the PMF dissipation changes the baryon-to-photon number ratio, and we name such a process magnetic reheating. From the current baryon-to-photon number ratio obtained from the big bang nucleosynthesis and CMB observations, we put the strongest constraint on the PMFs on small scales which CMB observations cannot access, B0 ≲ 1.0 μG at the scales 104 < k < 108 h Mpc−1. Moreover, when the PMF spectrum is given in a blue power-law type, the magnetic reheating puts a quite strong constraint, for example, B0 ≲ 10−17, 10−23, and 10−29 nG at 1 comoving Mpc for nB = 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0, respectively. This constraint would give an impact on generation mechanisms of PMFs in the early Universe.
Tabloidization
Authors: Mackay Jenn Burleson
Published: November 2017

As the news market has become increasingly competitive, the mainstream news media have changed dramatically. The concept of tabloidization suggests that stories about politics and civic issues have been replaced by content that is intended to be entertaining. These stories might emphasize sensationalized or lewd details and celebrities rather than information that is designed to keep the public informed of government policies and societal issues. This type of news is similar to what one might expect to see in a tabloid publication at the checkout counter at a grocery store. The term tabloidization suggests that the mainstream media are borrowing the techniques used by the tabloid press to grab the attention of the audience. Much of the literature related to tabloidization suggests that the process has had a negative effect on the audience and journalistic values by dumbing down the news. There are those who argue that the process can have positive effects on consumers by making them attend more closely to the news. Scholars typically suggest the tabloidization has occurred as a response to competition.
Filicide
Authors: Johnson Anna
Published: November 2017

Filicide is defined as the killing of a child by an individual in a parental role. The literature also differentiates between neonaticide, which is homicide that occurs during the first twenty-four hours of the child’s life, and infanticide, which occurs during the first year of the child’s life. Filicide is a relatively rare occurrence; however, it has still been widely researched. The majority of the research comprises studies done outside of the United States, but it has been studied cross-culturally as well. Despite the rarity of filicide, researchers have adopted a variety of theoretical perspectives to explain this phenomenon, as well as multiple research designs, ranging from single or multiple case studies to large-scale analyses of filicide over time. A variety of research questions have been examined, including how filicide offenders compare to other types of homicide offenders, patterns and determinants in case dispositions, gendered differences in offender characteristics and motives, and filicide typologies, such as offenders who commit suicide following the filicide and those who do not. Numerous risk factors for these types of killings have also been identified for both maternal and paternal filicide offenders; however, the majority of the literature continues to focus on mothers who kill their children. A number of theories have been used to explain why filicide may occur, including attachment theory, adaptive evolutionary hypothesis, trauma exposure perspective, parental investment theory, and psychodynamics. The literature reviews classification systems that are used to differentiate between offenders based on their motivations, with altruistic motives appearing to be the most commonly supported by a number of studies. The role of mental illness in filicide cases is also widely explored in the literature. Literature on trends in the legislation and sentencing of filicide cases demonstrates continuous changes to views of and responses to filicide over time. These views and responses have also been linked to representations of these cases in the media by a number of authors. The ways in which gender roles might be linked to social and legal responses to these cases and variations in dispositions are also documented.
Endoscopic transluminal debridement of the pancreas
Authors: Rabbat George , Rocha Jaime Teran
Published: November 2017

Most patients with acute pancreatitis will develop edematous pancreatitis with a mild course and spontaneous resolution within several days to a few weeks. However, about 20% of patients will develop necrotizing pancreatitis, which carries a high mortality. This case report focuses on a patient with infected necrosis of the pancreas, which is managed with endoscopic transluminal debridement, a safe alternative to open surgery.
Cultivating a high-performing team
Authors: Zwillinger Elizabeth , Huster Tammy
Published: November 2017

Discover how one group successfully sustained HCAHPS scores in the 99th percentile over 18 quarters.
Intergenerational Consequences: Women's Experiences of Discrimination in Pregnancy Predict Infant Social-Emotional Development at 6 Months and 1 Year
Authors: Rosenthal Lisa , Earnshaw Valerie A. , Moore Joan M. , Ferguson Darrah N. , Lewis Tené T. , Reid Allecia E. , Lewis Jessica B. , Stasko Emily C. , Tobin Jonathan N. , Ickovics Jeannette R.
Published: November 2017

Objective:

Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in infant development in the United States have lifelong consequences. Discrimination predicts poorer health and academic outcomes. This study explored for the first time intergenerational consequences of women's experiences of discrimination reported during pregnancy for their infants' social-emotional development in the first year of life.

Methods:

Data come from a longitudinal study with predominantly Black and Latina, socioeconomically disadvantaged, urban young women (N = 704, Mage= 18.53) across pregnancy through 1 year postpartum. Women were recruited from community hospitals and health centers in a Northeastern US city. Linear regression analyses examined whether women's experiences of everyday discrimination reported during pregnancy predicted social-emotional development outcomes among their infants at 6 months and 1 year of age, controlling for potentially confounding medical and sociodemographic factors. Path analyses tested if pregnancy distress, anxiety, or depressive symptoms mediated significant associations.

Results:

Everyday discrimination reported during pregnancy prospectively predicted greater inhibition/separation problems and greater negative emotionality, but did not predict attention skills or positive emotionality, at 6 months and 1 year. Depressive symptoms mediated the association of discrimination with negative emotionality at 6 months, and pregnancy distress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms mediated the association of discrimination with negative emotionality at 1 year.

Conclusion:

Findings support that there are intergenerational consequences of discrimination, extending past findings to infant social-emotional development outcomes in the first year of life. It may be important to address discrimination before and during pregnancy and enhance support to mothers and infants exposed to discrimination to promote health equity across the life span.
Caregivers' Priorities and Observed Outcomes of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Medication for Their Children
Authors: Ross Melissa , Nguyen Vy , Bridges John F. P. , Ng Xinyi , Reeves Gloria , Frosch Emily , dosReis Susan
Published: November 2017

Objective:

To document variability among caregivers' priorities when considering medication to treat their Children's attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and explore associations between these priorities and medication-related improvements.

Methods:

Caregivers of children, ages 4 to 14 years, diagnosed with ADHD were recruited from outpatient clinics and support groups across Maryland. A survey gathered data on caregiver-reported concerns when considering ADHD medication, demographic characteristics, and observed and desired improvements in their child's ADHD. A validated Best-Worst Scaling instrument assessed priorities among 16 concerns when considering ADHD medication. Latent class analysis identified subgroups with similar ADHD medication concerns. Differences in self-reported medication-related improvements were examined across subgroups.

Results:

The 184 participants (mean = 42 yrs) were primarily the biological mother, 68% white and 25% black. Their children were mostly male (73%) and using medication (81%). Overall, the most important ADHD medication concerns were the child becoming a successful adult (p < 0.0001), school behavior improvements (p < 0.0001), and better grades (p < 0.0001). Others thinking badly of the child was a significantly less important concern (p < 0.0001). Three subgroups were identified: short-term outcomes-oriented group (39%), long-term outcomes-oriented group (37%), and side effects/safety-oriented group (27%). Relative to the other 2 groups, a smaller proportion of the side effects/safety-oriented group desired these improvements (p < 0.2618).

Conclusion:

Most caregivers prioritize short- and long-term outcomes when considering ADHD medication. However, those most concerned with long- or short-term outcomes tended to desire additional improvements in their child's ADHD.
Changes in gut microbiota during development of compulsive checking and locomotor sensitization induced by chronic treatment with the dopamine agonist quinpirole
Authors: Jung Tony D. , Jung Paul S. , Raveendran Lucshman , Farbod Yasamin , Dvorkin-Gheva Anna , Sakic Boris , Surette Michael G. , Szechtman Henry
Published: November 2017

Long-term treatment of rats with the D2/D3 dopamine agonist quinpirole induces compulsive checking (proposed as animal model of obsessive–compulsive disorder) and locomotor sensitization. The mechanisms by which long-term use of quinpirole produces those behavioral transformations are not known. Here we examined whether changes in gut microbiota play a role in these behavioral phenomena, by monitoring the development of compulsive checking and locomotor sensitization at the same time as measuring the response of gut microbiota to chronic quinpirole injections. Two groups of rats received nine injections of saline (n=16) or quinpirole (n=15; 0.25 mg/kg), at weekly intervals for the first 5 weeks and then two injections per week until the end of treatment. After each injection, rats were placed on a large open field for 55 min, and their behavior was video recorded for subsequent analysis. Fecal matter was collected after each trial and frozen for bacterial community profiling of the 16S rRNA gene, using paired-end reads of the V3 region. The results indicated that the induction of locomotor sensitization and compulsive checking was accompanied by changes in several communities of bacteria belonging to the order Clostridiales (class Clostridia, phylum Firmicutes), and predominantly in Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae families of bacteria. It is suggested that changes in these microbes may serve to support the energy use requirements of compulsive checking and obsessive–compulsive disorder.
Corneal Cross-Linking With Verteporfin and Nonthermal Laser Therapy
Authors: Alageel Saleh A. , Arafat Samer N. , Salvador-Culla Borja , Kolovou Paraskevi E. , Jahanseir Khadijeh , Kozak Adam , Braithwaite Gavin J. C. , Ciolino Joseph B.
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

To test whether verteporfin with a nonthermal laser increases corneal mechanical stiffness and resistance to enzymatic degradation ex vivo.

Methods:

Thirty human corneas (n = 5 per group) were treated with verteporfin alone (V), irradiated with nonthermal laser therapy (689 nm) alone (NTL), or received combined treatment of verteporfin with nonthermal laser therapy for 1 sequence (V+NTL1) or 6 sequences (V+NTL6) of 1 minute of NTL exposure. Positive controls were pretreated with 0.1% riboflavin/20% dextran every 3 to 5 minutes for 30 minutes and irradiated with ultraviolet light type A (λ = 370 nm, irradiance = 3 mW/cm2) for 30 minutes using the Dresden protocol (R+UVA). Untreated corneas were used as negative controls. The corneal biomechanical properties were measured with enzymatic digestion, compression, creep, and tensile strength testing.

Results:

V+NTL6- and R+UVA-treated corneas acquired higher rigidity and more pronounced curvature than untreated corneas. The stress–strain tests showed that V+NTL6 and R+UVA corneas became significantly stiffer than controls (P < 0.005). The V+NTL6 group seemed to be slightly stiffer than the R+UVA group, although the differences were not statistically significant. V+NTL6 corneas were found to have a significantly lower absolute creep rate (−1.87 vs. −3.46, P < 0.05) and significantly higher maximum stress values (7.67 vs. 3.02 P < 0.05) compared with untreated corneas.

Conclusions:

Verteporfin-NTL (V+NTL6) increases corneal mechanical stiffness and resistance to enzymatic collagenase degradation. Although a clinical study is needed, our results suggest that V+NTL6 induces corneal cross-linking and corneal biomechanical changes that are similar to those induced by standard corneal collagen cross-linking.
Acute Angle-closure Glaucoma as a First Presentation of Coats’ Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Amro Mazen , Haydar Ali A. , El-Khoury Sylvain , Tomey Karim F. , Cherfan George , Khoueir Ziad
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to report an unusual first manifestation of Coats’ disease presenting as an acute angle-closure glaucoma attack in an adult patient.

Patients and Methods:

A 37-year-old African woman presented to the emergency department with severe headache, ocular pain, and no light perception in the left eye. The left pupil was middilated and nonreactive, and the intraocular pressure (IOP) by applanation tonometry was 47 mm Hg. Slit-lamp examination revealed anterior subcapsular opacification (glaukomflecken), posterior synechiae, and total angle closure with iris bombé. A fundus examination revealed macular exudation, inferior vascular dilation, and tortuosity with peripheral telangiectasia and macroaneurysms, in addition to partial exudative retinal detachment involving the macula. On the basis of these findings, Coats’ disease was diagnosed.

Results:

The patient was treated with antiglaucoma medications and laser peripheral iridotomy to control the IOP, which had decreased to 21 mm Hg the following day. Diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation was performed to further decrease the IOP. After completing a 360 degree laser, the IOP decreased to 8 mm Hg and then stabilized around 12 mm Hg. The vision remained no light perception; however, the patient felt major symptomatic relief.

Conclusions:

The present case describes acute angle-closure glaucoma as an initial presentation of Coats’ disease in adults. Clinicians should be aware that this unique presentation in Coats’ disease can occur even without retinal detachment.
Prediction of Vestibular Imbalance in Acute Peripheral Vestibulopathy by Measuring Horizontal Ocular Deviation on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Yang Yeon-Jun , Kim Kun Woo , Choi Ji Eun , Lee Min Young , Yoo Dong Soo , Jung Jae Yun
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

The aim of the study is to evaluate whether horizontal ocular deviation (OD) from MR imaging in the emergency room (ER) reflects vestibular imbalance, by comparing the horizontal OD in patients with acute vestibulopathy to controls.

Study Design:

Retrospective review.

Patients and Methods:

A total of 69 patients with acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy and 30 healthy subjects were included. Horizontal OD was quantified by using the axial T2-weighted fast-spin echo (FSE) images of the brain at 1.5 T. In the study group, the results of VFTs (videonystagmography [VNG], caloric test, rotary chair test, and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials [cVEMP]) were also reviewed. The averaged angle of right and left horizontal ODs was compared between patients with acute unilateral vestibulopathy and healthy controls. Also, the correlation between horizontal OD and results of VFTs was analyzed in the study group.

Results:

The averaged angle of horizontal OD in study group (23.7° ± 11.6°) was significantly greater than that of control group (4.27° ± 3.7°) (p < 0.05). Horizontal OD significantly correlated with slow phase velocity of spontaneous nystagmus (SN), the value of caloric paresis (CP) on caloric testing, rotary chair gain, asymmetry ratio of rotary chair test and interaural difference (IAD) of cVEMP, regardless of time intervals between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and VFTs.

Conclusions:

Horizontal OD significantly correlated with parameters of VFT which reflect the vestibular imbalance. Therefore, horizontal OD can be used as an indicator of unilateral peripheral vestibular weakness.
Payments and Utilization of Immunization Services Among Children Enrolled in Fee-for-Service Medicaid
Authors: Tsai Yuping
Published: November 2017

Objective:

To examine the association between state Medicaid vaccine administration fees and children’s receipt of immunization services.

Methods:

The study used the 2008–2012 Medicaid Analytic eXtract data and included children aged 0–17 years and continuously enrolled in a Medicaid fee-for-service plan in each study year. Analyses were restricted to 8 states with a Medicaid managed-care penetration rate <75%. Linear regressions were used to estimate the probability of children making ≥1 vaccination visit and the numbers of vaccination visits in the year as a function of state Medicaid vaccine administration fees, age group, sex, race/ethnicity, state unemployment rate, state managed-care penetration rate, and state and year-fixed effects.

Results:

A total of 1,678,288 children were included. In 2008–2012, the average proportion of children making ≥1 vaccination visit per year was 31% and the mean number of vaccination visits was 0.9. State Medicaid reimbursements for vaccine administration was positively associated with immunization service utilization; for every $1 increase in the payment amount, the probability of children making ≥1 vaccination visit increased by 0.72 percentage point (95% confidence interval, 0.23–1.21; P=0.01), representing a 2% increase from the mean and the number of vaccination visits increased by 0.03 (95% confidence interval, −0.00 to 0.06; P<0.1). The estimated effect was greater among younger children.

Conclusion:

Higher Medicaid reimbursements for vaccine administration were associated with increased proportion of children receiving immunization services.
Cholesterol metabolism in humans: a review of methods and comparison of results
Authors: Millar John S. , Cuchel Marina
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review

Cholesterol metabolism has been the object of intense investigation for decades. This review focuses on classical and novel methods assessing in vivo cholesterol metabolism in humans. Two factors have fueled cholesterol metabolism studies in the last few years: the renewed interest in the study of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) as an atheroprotective mechanism and the importance of the gut microbiome in affecting cholesterol metabolism.

Recent findings

Recent applications of these methods have spanned from the assessment of the effect on cholesterol synthesis, absorption or excretion of drugs (such as ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors and plant sterols) and the gut microbiome to the more complex assessment of transintestinal cholesterol excretion (TICE) and RCT.

These methods continue to be a valuable tool to answer novel questions and investigate the complexity of in-vivo cholesterol metabolism.
New instrumentations in the operating room for sinus surgery
Authors: Khanna Aman , Sama Anshul
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review

The article reviews the advancements in instrumentation in the operating room that augment the speed, safety or outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The article aims to update the Rhinologist on recent perioperative instruments that may benefit their practice.

Recent findings

The greatest advancements in the recent years have been in the field of visualization and optics. The introduction of high definition and ultra high definition 4K camera and screens supported by improvements with three-dimensional and variable angled endoscopes have greatly enhanced the quality and range of the visual information available to the sinus surgeon. This is closely supported by flexibility and enhanced functionality of the powered instrumentation with bipolar, monopolar and malleable blades and ever increasing more powerful burs.

Recent years have seen notable developments in the areas of optics, cameras and powered instruments to support the sinus surgeon. This article summarizes these developments and highlights the major benefits of these developments.
Zika clinical updates: implications for pediatrics
Authors: Adachi Kristina , Nielsen-Saines Karin
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review

Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, has gained recognition over the past few years as an important new cause of congenital infection. As a result, it is critical that pediatricians understand its epidemiology, clinical presentation, clinical sequelae, and management.

Recent findings

The recent ZIKV epidemiology, clinical presentation of acute infection in children and complications, perinatal infection, and congenital infection will be summarized in this ZIKV review. This will be followed by a brief summary on ZIKV diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention.

The field of clinical research in ZIKV has rapidly evolved over recent months. It is critical that pediatricians continue to stay up-to-date with the continuously evolving understanding of the clinical aspects of ZIKV to ensure optimal identification and management of affected infants and children. Given the recent changes in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to limit screening of asymptomatic pregnant women in the United States with possible ZIKV exposure, comprehensive ZIKV clinical knowledge becomes even more crucial.
Exercise as an Intervention to Mitigate Decreased Cognitive Function From Cancer and Cancer Treatment
Authors: Myers Jamie S. , Erickson Kirk I. , Sereika Susan M. , Bender Catherine M.
Published: November 2017

Background:

Decreased cognitive function associated with non–central nervous system cancers and cancer treatment significantly affects cancer survivors’ quality of life. Exercise may be an effective intervention to mitigate decreased cognitive function.

Objective:

The aim of this article is to conduct an integrative review to summarize and critique the available evidence related to the use of exercise as a potential intervention for decreased cognitive function from cancer and cancer treatment.

Methods:

We conducted an integrative review through January 2016 utilizing PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Broad inclusion criteria included any quantitative study in which cognitive outcomes were reported in relationship to any type of exercise for adult cancer survivors. Effect sizes were calculated when possible based on available data.

Results:

Twenty-six studies were included for review. The majority of studies (including aerobic or resistance exercise as well as mindfulness-based exercise) were associated with some improved cognitive outcomes. However, studies varied significantly in levels of evidence, cognitive domains assessed, and types of cognitive measures. Less than half of the studies included objective measures of cognitive function.

Conclusions:

The evidence shows promising trends for the use of exercise as a potential intervention for improving cognitive function following cancer and cancer treatment, but questions remain concerning exercise type, timing of initiation, intensity, frequency, and duration.

Implications for Practice:

Additional research is warranted to understand how various types of exercise influence cognitive function in the cancer survivor population and to better understand the mechanisms driving these effects. Trial designs that include both objective and subjective measures of cognitive function are needed.
Agreement Among Clinician, Patient, and Independent Interviewer Ratings of Adaptive Functioning
Authors: Nakash Ora , Nagar Maayan , Westen Drew
Published: November 2017

We examined the interrater reliability and diagnostic efficiency of clinician report (both the treating clinician and independent expert clinical interviewer) and patient self-report of clinically meaningful information pertaining to adaptive functioning. A convenience sample of clinicians (N = 80) and patients (N = 170) from eight community mental health clinics in Israel participated in the study. Our findings suggest that clinicians overall reliably report on adaptive functioning of patients (overall correct classification rates range, 0.74–0.98). Yet, in some areas, they may fail to collect necessary information such as self-mutilation history, loss of job in the past 5 years, and adult physical abuse. The patterns of higher versus lower diagnostic efficiency suggest that both treating clinicians and independent clinician interviewers tend to make judgments conservatively, essentially sacrificing sensitivity for specificity, not diagnosing events unless they were certain, thus maximizing false-negatives and minimizing false-positives.
CDKN2A/B Deletion and Double-hit Mutations of the MAPK Pathway Underlie the Aggressive Behavior of Langerhans Cell Tumors
Authors: Xerri Luc , Adélaïde José , Popovici Cornel , Garnier Séverine , Guille Arnaud , Mescam-Mancini Lenaïg , Laurent Camille , Brousset Pierre , Coze Carole , Michel Gérard , Chaffanet Max , Bouabdallah Reda , Coso Diane , Bertucci François , Birnbaum Daniel
Published: November 2017

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) has a mostly favorable outcome, whereas Langerhans cell sarcoma (LCS) is an aggressive tumor. It is still unclear whether any specific molecular alterations could underlie the aggressive behavior of Langerhans cell proliferations. We used targeted next-generation sequencing and array-comparative genomic hybridization to profile 22 LCH samples from different patients together with 3 LCS samples corresponding to different relapses from the same patient. The third LCS relapse was a composite tumor including both B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and LCS components. The 22 LCH samples were mostly of bone origin and showed classic histophenotypical features. Array-comparative genomic hybridization showed in all 3 LCS samples a similar homozygous somatic loss affecting the CDKN2A/B locus, whereas the 17 informative LCH samples did not show any detectable abnormality. In the 3 LCS samples, targeted next-generation sequencing of 495 cancer genes detected common mutations in KMT2D/MLL2 and in both MAP2K1 and NRAS genes, whereas BRAF was not mutated. A NOTCH1 mutation was acquired in 2 LCS samples. The composite LCS/B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia tumor showed the same genetic profile in its 2 components. LCH samples showed mutually exclusive mutations of BRAF (8/20) and MAP2K1 (4/19), but no mutation of KMT2D, NRAS nor NOTCH1. These results suggest that CDKN2A/B deletion and/or simultaneous mutations of MAP2K1 and NRAS may underlie the aggressive behavior of Langerhans cell tumors, and thus could be useful for the diagnosis of malignancy in histiocytic neoplasms. The MAPK pathway “double hit” profile provides a basis for targeted therapy in LCS patients.
Addressing unhealthy alcohol use among people living with HIV: recent advances and research directions
Authors: Edelman E. Jennifer , Williams Emily C. , Marshall Brandon D.L.
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review

Unhealthy alcohol use is prevalent among people living with HIV (PLWH). We sought to identify the most current literature examining the impact of unhealthy alcohol on health outcomes and latest developments on how to best intervene.

Recent findings

New research shows that PLWH have heightened morbidity and mortality at lower levels of alcohol consumption compared with HIV-uninfected persons. Studies published since 2016 have further elucidated the effects of persistent unhealthy alcohol use on HIV treatment outcomes over time. Screening and brief interventions, as well as pharmacologic treatment, can reduce unhealthy alcohol use among PLWH.

Unhealthy alcohol use is an important and modifiable risk factor for poor health and HIV treatment outcomes among PLWH. More research is needed to encourage and maintain engagement in alcohol-related interventions and improve implementation.
The Modified Caldwell-Luc Approach in Retrieval of Accidentally Displaced Root into the Maxillary Sinus
Authors: Asmael Huda M.
Published: November 2017

This clinical study presents a case of root displacement into the maxillary sinus that is associated with oroantral communication. A modified Caldwell-Luc procedure was performed successfully for the retrieval of the displaced root from the maxillary sinus. The aim of this article was to highlight the principles and advantages of the modified approach in the management of such a case compared with the standard Caldwell-Luc approach.
A Clinical Photographic Method to Evaluate the Need for Helmet Therapy in Deformational Plagiocephaly
Authors: Cho In Kook , Eom Jeung Ryeol , Lee Jeong Woo , Yang Jung Dug , Chung Ho Yun , Cho Byung Chae , Choi Kang Young
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

With an increase in positional plagiocephaly patients, various therapy methods have been researched and helmet therapy is the most widely used and effective treatment method. To devise a method that would allow medical professionals and patients’ parents to more easily identify the shape and outcomes before and after the therapy.

Methods:

This study included 399 patients who had helmet therapy from November 2014 to February 2016. Patients wore a cast helmet for more than 20 hours per day. A cranial caliper was used to measure their head before they wore the helmet (prehelmet), once a month during outpatient visits, and 6 months after they stopped wearing the helmet (posthelmet). Clinical photographs were taken on a transparent acrylic sheet with a grid of 5-mm intervals to measure cranial vault asymmetry (CVA), cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI), and symmetry ration (SR). The patients’ photographs were then measured twice: first against the background without the grid and then against the background with the grid.

Results:

Average age at prehelmet was 20 weeks while their average therapy period was 12 weeks. Patients’ prehelmet CVA was 13.3 mm, and their posthelmet CVA was 3.1 mm. Their prehelmet CVAI was 10.1%, and their posthelmet CVAI was 2.1% (P < 0.001). Their overall prehelmet and posthelmet SRs were 0.820 and 0.969, respectively (P < 0.001). In addition, the measurements based on clinical photographs with and without the grid were compared using Fleiss kappa. The results showed κ = 0.847 and 0.956 when the patient was mild, κ = 0.744 and 0.919 when it was moderate, and κ = 0.767 and 0.924 when it was severe (P < 0.001). In all 3 patients, the consistency was higher with the grid.

Conclusion:

Since cast helmet manufacturing for positional plagiocephaly therapy does not require computed tomography scanning, there is no need to administer a sedative, nor does it pose any radiation exposure risk. Since the cast helmet is easier to manufacture and operate and is more cost effective, it could be used to treat more people. In addition, it would be useful for both medical professionals and patients’ guardians to use clinical photographs with the acrylic sheet with the grid as a method to analyze shapes and outcomes before and after therapy, along with traditional CVA and CVAI.
The Value of a Photobook in Informing Families About the Cosmetic Results of Surgery in Craniosynostosis
Authors: Care Helen , Dalton Louise , Johnson David
Published: November 2017

This paper outlines the development and evaluation of a photobook resource to support parents’ decision making regarding potential craniofacial surgery for their child. The photobook was developed at a UK Craniofacial Unit and consisted of preoperative and postoperative photographs of patients with craniosynostosis. It was intended to act as a visual adjunct to detailed verbal discussion of surgical treatment options. No changes in the uptake rate of surgery were detected following the introduction of the photobook. An evaluation of parents’ views of the photobook indicates that families generally welcomed the resource and did not report any adverse responses. Ethical considerations of the use of such a resource cannot be discounted, and careful presentation of such a resource in the context of a specialist team is recommended.
Application of YL-1 Needle in Chronic Subdural Hematoma Treatment for Super-Aged Patients
Authors: Fei Xifeng , Wan Yi , Wang Zhimin , Chen Hanchun , Jiang Dongyi
Published: November 2017

Objective:

The proportion of the super-aged population (at the age of 80 or above) in patients with chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) and the incidence of CSDH of the population have been increasing. Since it is widely accepted that YL-1 needle is effective in CSDH treatment, this paper aimed to probe into the efficacy of YL-1 needle in minimally invasive surgery for super-aged (at the age of 80–90) CSDH patients.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis on the clinical information of 17 super-aged CSDH patients having received the YL-1 needle puncture treatment provided by the hospital from May 2012 to December 2016 was performed. At the same time, another 19 CSDH patients (ages 60–79) who were hospitalized during the same period were randomly selected to form a control group. The same surgical treatment was provided for both groups to observe and compare the treatment efficacy.

Results:

The patients of both groups were cured and discharged. Among the super-aged patients, there was 1 patient with postoperative hematoma recurrence, 1 patient with pneumocephalus, and 1 patient with wound infection; among the aged patients, 1 reported postoperative recurrence and 2 had pneumocephalus; The average length of stay of the super-aged group was 9.235 ± 2.948 days while that of the aged group was 7.316 ± 3.660 days, which showed no statistical difference.

Conclusion:

The YL-1 needle puncture treatment is safe and efficacious for both the super-aged and the aged CSDH patients.
Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Pan Hua-Feng , Wang Gang , Liu Jiang , Liu Xin-Xin , Zhao Kun , Tang Xiao-Fei , Jiang Zhi-Wei
Published: November 2017

Robotic gastrectomy (RG) has progressed rapidly in the last decade, overcoming many obstacles in laparoscopic technology. We compared surgical performance and short-term clinical outcomes between RG and laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG). In total, 163 patients with gastric cancer were randomly treated with RG (n=102) or LG (n=61). D2 lymphadenectomy was achieved in all patients. Digestive tract reconstruction in the RG group was performed by intracorporeal hand sewing, but extracorporeal anastomosis in the LG group was performed with a 25-mm circular stapler or linear stapler. Compared with the LG group, the RG group had less intraoperative blood loss (P=0.005) and more lymph nodes retrieved (P=0.000). Postoperative complications between the 2 groups were not significantly different during the 11-month follow-up (P=0.063). Compared with LG, RG is a feasible and safe approach with minimally invasive, satisfactory intracorporeal digestive tract reconstruction, and fast recovery. Multicenter randomized controlled studies of larger numbers of patients are needed.
Symptom cluster among patients with advanced heart failure: a review of its manifestations and impacts on health outcomes
Authors: Yu Doris Sau-fung , Li Polly Wai-chi , Chong Sherry On-ki
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review

Assessment of symptom clustering is effective in enhancing care planning for symptom palliation in life-limiting disease. This review was aimed at identifying symptom cluster manifestation among advanced heart failure patients and to investigate the prognostic impact of the identified symptom clusters.

Recent findings

A systematic search of the literature identified 10 relevant articles. Two approaches were undertaken based on: correlations between symptoms and shared characteristics of patients’ symptom profiles, to identify the symptom clusters. By comparing the findings for heart failure patients at an advanced disease stage and those who were not, the symptom clusters of advanced heart failure were found to have unique characteristics. In particular, the typical symptoms associated with cardiac decompensation are not clustered together. Instead, dyspnoea is clustered with emotional symptoms indicating that a distressing dyspnoeic attack may reinforce awareness of the life-limiting nature of the disease and arouse negative emotions. In addition, the debilitating heart failure-specific symptoms share the cause of the life-limiting aspects in compromising patient vitality. The strong positive association between symptom burden and cardiac event prompts the need for effective intervention to palliate not only typical but also atypical and emotional symptoms of advanced heart failure.

This review provides insight on potentially effective interventions for symptom palliation in advanced heart failure.
Colour as a backup for scent in the presence of olfactory noise: testing the efficacy backup hypothesis using bumblebees (
Bombus terrestris
)
Authors: Lawson David A. , Whitney Heather M. , Rands Sean A.
Published: November 2017

The majority of floral displays simultaneously broadcast signals from multiple sensory modalities, but these multimodal displays come at both a metabolic cost and an increased conspicuousness to floral antagonists. Why then do plants invest in these costly multimodal displays? The efficacy backup hypothesis suggests that individual signal components act as a backup for others in the presence of environmental variability. Here, we test the efficacy backup hypothesis by investigating the ability of bumblebees to differentiate between sets of artificial flowers in the presence of either chemical interference or high wind speeds, both of which have the potential to impede the transmission of olfactory signals. We found that both chemical interference and high wind speeds negatively affected forager learning times, but these effects were mitigated in the presence of a visual signal component. Our results suggest that visual signals can act as a backup for olfactory signals in the presence of chemical interference and high wind speeds, and support the efficacy backup hypothesis as an explanation for the evolution of multimodal floral displays.
Vulnerability mapping as a tool to manage the environmental impacts of oil and gas extraction
Authors: Esterhuyse Surina , Sokolic Frank , Redelinghuys Nola , Avenant Marinda , Kijko Andrzej , Glazewski Jan , Plit Lisa , Kemp Marthie , Smit Ansie , Vos A. Tascha , von Maltitz Michael J.
Published: November 2017

Various biophysical and socio-economic impacts may be associated with unconventional oil and gas (UOG) extraction. A vulnerability map may assist governments during environmental assessments, spatial planning and the regulation of UOG extraction, as well as decision-making around UOG extraction in fragile areas. A regional interactive vulnerability map was developed for UOG extraction in South Africa. This map covers groundwater, surface water, vegetation, socio-economics and seismicity as mapping themes, based on impacts that may emanate from UOG extraction. The mapping themes were developed using a normative approach, where expert input during the identification and classification of vulnerability indicators may increase the acceptability of the resultant map. This article describes the development of the interactive vulnerability map for South Africa, where UOG extraction is not yet allowed and where regulations are still being developed to manage this activity. The importance and policy implications of using vulnerability maps for managing UOG extraction impacts in countries where UOG extraction is planned are highlighted in this article.
Using geometric algebra to represent curvature in shell theory with applications to Starling resistors
Authors: Gregory A. L. , Agarwal A. , Lasenby J.
Published: November 2017

We present a novel application of rotors in geometric algebra to represent the change of curvature tensor that is used in shell theory as part of the constitutive law. We introduce a new decomposition of the change of curvature tensor, which has explicit terms for changes of curvature due to initial curvature combined with strain, and changes in rotation over the surface. We use this decomposition to perform a scaling analysis of the relative importance of bending and stretching in flexible tubes undergoing self-excited oscillations. These oscillations have relevance to the lung, in which it is believed that they are responsible for wheezing. The new analysis is necessitated by the fact that the working fluid is air, compared to water in most previous work. We use stereographic imaging to empirically measure the relative importance of bending and stretching energy in observed self-excited oscillations. This enables us to validate our scaling analysis. We show that bending energy is dominated by stretching energy, and the scaling analysis makes clear that this will remain true for tubes in the airways of the lung.
Intercalation of calcein into layered silicate magadiite and their optical properties
Authors: Gao Shengnan , Zhu Jiang , Zhang Yifu , Wang Qiushi , Jing Xuyang , Meng Changgong
Published: November 2017

Calcein–Ca (II), Zn (II) and Al (III) complexes were successfully intercalated into interlayer surfaces of layered silicate magadiite and fluorescence properties of organic metal-chelates in the confined spaces were investigated. Structures, compositions and morphologies of the intercalated magadiites were adequately studied by tests, including X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer, elemental mapping, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectra, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, thermo-gravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Results confirmed that metal–organic chelate species were immobilized onto the silicate sheets via solid-state interaction. Basal spacings between silicate layers decreased by exchanged metal ions and increased after intercalation of calcein into the interlayer spaces of cation-exchanged magadiites. The encapsulation was obtained by a flexible solid–solid reaction, and the present reaction and products had a potential of application to industrial uses. A speculative mechanism was proposed for reaction by solid-state intercalation. Furthermore, it was found that the complexes in the interlayer space also exhibited special fluorescence properties. The significance of this current work was that it provided a possible route for synthesizing metal–organic complexes that encapsulated in phyllosilicate.
Local fields and effective conductivity tensor of ellipsoidal particle composite with anisotropic constituents
Authors: Kushch Volodymyr I. , Sevostianov Igor , Giraud Albert
Published: November 2017

An accurate semi-analytical solution of the conductivity problem for a composite with anisotropic matrix and arbitrarily oriented anisotropic ellipsoidal inhomogeneities has been obtained. The developed approach combines the superposition principle with the multipole expansion of perturbation fields of inhomogeneities in terms of ellipsoidal harmonics and reduces the boundary value problem to an infinite system of linear algebraic equations for the induced multipole moments of inhomogeneities. A complete full-field solution is obtained for the multi-particle models comprising inhomogeneities of diverse shape, size, orientation and properties which enables an adequate account for the microstructure parameters. The solution is valid for the general-type anisotropy of constituents and arbitrary orientation of the orthotropy axes. The effective conductivity tensor of the particulate composite with anisotropic constituents is evaluated in the framework of the generalized Maxwell homogenization scheme. Application of the developed method to composites with imperfect ellipsoidal interfaces is straightforward. Their incorporation yields probably the most general model of a composite that may be considered in the framework of analytical approach.
A load-based mechanism for inter-leg coordination in insects
Authors: Dallmann Chris J. , Hoinville Thierry , Dürr Volker , Schmitz Josef
Published: November 2017

Animals rely on an adaptive coordination of legs during walking. However, which specific mechanisms underlie coordination during natural locomotion remains largely unknown. One hypothesis is that legs can be coordinated mechanically based on a transfer of body load from one leg to another. To test this hypothesis, we simultaneously recorded leg kinematics, ground reaction forces and muscle activity in freely walking stick insects (Carausius morosus). Based on torque calculations, we show that load sensors (campaniform sensilla) at the proximal leg joints are well suited to encode the unloading of the leg in individual steps. The unloading coincides with a switch from stance to swing muscle activity, consistent with a load reflex promoting the stance-to-swing transition. Moreover, a mechanical simulation reveals that the unloading can be ascribed to the loading of a specific neighbouring leg, making it exploitable for inter-leg coordination. We propose that mechanically mediated load-based coordination is used across insects analogously to mammals.