bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The GALAH survey: unresolved triple Sun-like stars discovered by the Gaia mission
Authors: Čotar Klemen , Zwitter Tomaž , Traven Gregor , Kos Janez , Asplund Martin , Bland-Hawthorn Joss , Buder Sven , D’Orazi Valentina , De Silva Gayandhi M , Lin Jane , Martell Sarah L , Sharma Sanjib , Simpson Jeffrey D , Zucker Daniel B , Horner Jonathan , Lewis Geraint F , Nordlander Thomas , Ting Yuan-Sen , Wittenmyer Rob A , GALAH collaboration
Published: May 2019

The latest Gaia data release enables us to accurately identify stars that are more luminous than would be expected on the basis of their spectral type and distance. During an investigation of the 329 best solar twin candidates uncovered among the spectra acquired by the GALAH survey, we identified 64 such overluminous stars. In order to investigate their exact composition, we developed a data-driven methodology that can generate a synthetic photometric signature and spectrum of a single star. By combining multiple such synthetic stars into an unresolved binary or triple system and comparing the results to the actual photometric and spectroscopic observations, we uncovered 6 definitive triple stellar system candidates and an additional 14 potential candidates whose combined spectrum mimics the solar spectrum. Considering the volume correction factor for a magnitude-limited survey, the fraction of probable unresolved triple stars with long orbital periods is ∼2 per cent. Possible orbital configurations of the candidates were investigated using the selection and observational limits. To validate the discovered multiplicity fraction, the same procedure was used to evaluate the multiplicity fraction of other stellar types.
mCSM-PPI2: predicting the effects of mutations on protein–protein interactions
Authors: Rodrigues Carlos H M , Myung Yoochan , Pires Douglas E V , Ascher David B
Published: May 2019

Protein–protein Interactions are involved in most fundamental biological processes, with disease causing mutations enriched at their interfaces. Here we present mCSM-PPI2, a novel machine learning computational tool designed to more accurately predict the effects of missense mutations on protein–protein interaction binding affinity. mCSM-PPI2 uses graph-based structural signatures to model effects of variations on the inter-residue interaction network, evolutionary information, complex network metrics and energetic terms to generate an optimised predictor. We demonstrate that our method outperforms previous methods, ranking first among 26 others on CAPRI blind tests. mCSM-PPI2 is freely available as a user friendly webserver at http://biosig.unimelb.edu.au/mcsm_ppi2/.
Simple ClinVar: an interactive web server to explore and retrieve gene and disease variants aggregated in ClinVar database
Authors: Pérez-Palma Eduardo , Gramm Marie , Nürnberg Peter , May Patrick , Lal Dennis
Published: May 2019

Clinical genetic testing has exponentially expanded in recent years, leading to an overwhelming amount of patient variants with high variability in pathogenicity and heterogeneous phenotypes. A large part of the variant level data is aggregated in public databases such as ClinVar. However, the ability to explore this rich resource and answer general questions such as ‘How many genes inside ClinVar are associated with a specific disease? or ‘In which part of the protein are patient variants located?’ is limited and requires advanced bioinformatics processing. Here, we present Simple ClinVar (http://simple-clinvar.broadinstitute.org/) a web server application that is able to provide variant, gene and disease level summary statistics based on the entire ClinVar database in a dynamic and user-friendly web-interface. Overall, our web application is able to interactively answer basic questions regarding genetic variation and its known relationships to disease. By typing a disease term of interest, the user can identify in seconds the genes and phenotypes most frequently reported to ClinVar. Subsets of variants can then be further explored, filtered or mapped and visualized in the corresponding protein sequences. Our website will follow ClinVar monthly releases and provide easy access to ClinVar resources to a broader audience including basic and clinical scientists.
LeuRS can leucylate type I and type II tRNALeus in Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Fan Jia-Yi , Huang Qian , Ji Quan-Quan , Wang En-Duo
Published: May 2019

Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are divided into two types, type I with a short variable loop and type II with a long variable loop. Aminoacylation of type I or type II tRNALeu is catalyzed by their cognate leucyl-tRNA synthetases (LeuRSs). However, in Streptomyces coelicolor, there are two types of tRNALeu and only one LeuRS (ScoLeuRS). We found that the enzyme could leucylate both types of ScotRNALeu, and had a higher catalytic efficiency for type II ScotRNALeu(UAA) than for type I ScotRNALeu(CAA). The results from tRNA and enzyme mutagenesis showed that ScoLeuRS did not interact with the canonical discriminator A73. The number of nucleotides, rather than the type of base of the variable loop in the two types of ScotRNALeus, was determined as important for aminoacylation. In vitro and in vivo assays showed that the tertiary structure formed by the D-loop and TψC-loop is more important for ScotRNALeu(UAA). We showed that the leucine-specific domain (LSD) of ScoLeuRS could help LeuRS, which originally only leucylates type II tRNALeu, to aminoacylate type I ScotRNALeu(CAA) and identified the crucial amino acid residues at the C-terminus of the LSD to recognize type I ScotRNALeu(CAA). Overall, our findings identified a rare recognition mechanism of LeuRS to tRNALeu.
Sequence motifs recognized by the casposon integrase of Aciduliprofundum boonei
Authors: Béguin Pierre , Chekli Yankel , Sezonov Guennadi , Forterre Patrick , Krupovic Mart
Published: May 2019

Casposons are a group of bacterial and archaeal DNA transposons encoding a specific integrase, termed casposase, which is homologous to the Cas1 enzyme responsible for the integration of new spacers into CRISPR loci. Here, we characterized the sequence motifs recognized by the casposase from a thermophilic archaeon Aciduliprofundum boonei. We identified a stretch of residues, located in the leader region upstream of the actual integration site, whose deletion or mutagenesis impaired the concerted integration reaction. However, deletions of two-thirds of the target site were fully functional. Various single-stranded 6-FAM-labelled oligonucleotides derived from casposon terminal inverted repeats were as efficiently incorporated as duplexes into the target site. This result suggests that, as in the case of spacer insertion by the CRISPR Cas1–Cas2 integrase, casposon integration involves splaying of the casposon termini, with single-stranded ends being the actual substrates. The sequence critical for incorporation was limited to the five terminal residues derived from the 3′ end of the casposon. Furthermore, we characterize the casposase from Nitrosopumilus koreensis, a marine member of the phylum Thaumarchaeota, and show that it shares similar properties with the A. boonei enzyme, despite belonging to a different family. These findings further reinforce the mechanistic similarities and evolutionary connection between the casposons and the adaptation module of the CRISPR–Cas systems.
Disordered region of H3K9 methyltransferase Clr4 binds the nucleosome and contributes to its activity
Authors: Akoury Elias , Ma Guoli , Demolin Segolene , Brönner Cornelia , Zocco Manuel , Cirilo Alexandre , Ivic Nives , Halic Mario
Published: May 2019

Heterochromatin is a distinctive chromatin structure that is essential for chromosome segregation, genome stability and regulation of gene expression. H3K9 methylation (H3K9me), a hallmark of heterochromatin, is deposited by the Su(var)3-9 family of proteins; however, the mechanism by which H3K9 methyltransferases bind and methylate the nucleosome is poorly understood. In this work we determined the interaction of Clr4, the fission yeast H3K9 methyltransferase, with nucleosomes using nuclear magnetic resonance, biochemical and genetic assays. Our study shows that the Clr4 chromodomain binds the H3K9me3 tail and that both, the chromodomain and the disordered region connecting the chromodomain and the SET domain, bind the nucleosome core. We show that interaction of the disordered region with the nucleosome core is independent of H3K9me and contributes to H3K9me in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we show that those interactions with the nucleosome core are contributing to de novo deposition of H3K9me and to establishment of heterochromatin.
Uncertainty in the Relationship Between Sagittal Alignment and Patient-Reported Outcomes
Authors: Angevine Peter D , Bray David , Cloney Michael , Malone Hani
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have reported correlations and precise quantitative relationships between sagittal alignment and health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) scores. These studies have not reported the extent of uncertainty in these relationships.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the uncertainty in the overall relationships between sagittal alignment and HRQOL and in the predictions of individual patient pain and disability.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all new adult patients with long-cassette radiographs and complete outcomes questionnaires presenting to the senior author from 2012 to 2014 was performed. Univariable maximum a posteriori linear regression analyses using Bayesian methods were performed. High-density probability intervals for mean regression relationships and for individual values were calculated using minimally informative prior distributions.

RESULTS

A total of 134 patients satisfied inclusion criteria and were included. For Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) vs pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (LL), the 90% high-density probability interval ranged from –0.04 to 0.23, indicating that both the magnitude and direction of the relationship were uncertain. For both ODI vs sagittal vertical axis and ODI vs LL, there was uncertainty in the magnitude of the slope. Wide regions of uncertainty were also seen for predicting individual patient scores.

CONCLUSION

We report the previously unpublished degree of uncertainty in the mean quantitative relationships between radiographic sagittal alignment and patient-reported outcomes and in individual patient outcomes scores. Based on these results, establishing treatment thresholds or predicting an individual's outcome is unreliable. Further research efforts should be focused on developing multilevel hierarchical models incorporating parameter uncertainty and heterogeneous effects.
Prognostic Factors for Adjacent Segment Disease After L4-L5 Lumbar Fusion
Authors: Maragkos Georgios A , Atesok Kivanc , Papavassiliou Efstathios
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Adjacent segment disease (ASD) is an important consideration during decision making for lumbar spinal fusion.

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors for development of ASD after L4-L5 fusion and differences in incidence between rostral and caudal ASD.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive patients at a single institution who underwent first-time spinal fusion at the L4-L5 level for degenerative spinal disease over a 10-yr period, using posterolateral pedicular screw fixation with or without posterior interbody fusion. ASD was defined as clinical and radiographic evidence of degenerative spinal disease requiring reoperation at the level rostral (L3-L4) or caudal (L5-S1) to the index fusion.

RESULTS

Among 131 identified patients, the incidence of ASD requiring reoperation was 25.2% (n = 33). Twenty-four cases (18.3% of the entire cohort) developed rostral ASD (segment L3-L4), 3 cases (2.3%) developed caudal (L5-S1), and 6 cases (4.6%) developed bilateral ASD (both rostral and caudal). Cumulatively, the incidence of caudal ASD was significantly lower than rostral ASD (P < .001). Following multivariate logistic regression for factors associated with ASD reoperation, decompression of segments outside the fusion construct was associated with higher ASD rates (odds ratio [OR] = 2.68, P = .039), as was female gender (OR = 3.55, P = .011), whereas older age was associated with lower ASD incidence (OR = 0.95, P = .011).

CONCLUSION

When considering posterior L4-L5 fusion, surgeons should refrain from prophylactic procedures in the L5-S1 level, without clinical indications, because ASD incidence on that segment is reassuringly low.
Hourly Effect of Pretreatment With IV Antibiotics on Blood Culture Positivity Rate in Emergency Department Patients
Authors: Rand Kenneth H , Beal Stacy G , Rivera Kimberly , Allen Brandon , Payton Thomas , Lipori Gloria P
Published: May 2019

Although it is intuitive that antibiotics administered before obtaining a blood culture would reduce the likelihood of obtaining a positive culture, it is not clear exactly how rapidly and to what extent blood becomes sterile after administration of intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Using a large data set of patients admitted from the UFHealth Shands Adult Emergency Department (ED) between 2012 and 2016 (n = 25 686), we had the opportunity to more closely examine the effect of starting IV antibiotics before vs after obtaining blood cultures. We present data on the effect of pretreatment with IV antibiotics for both septic and nonseptic ED patients on the blood culture positivity rate on an hour-by-hour basis, as well as the effects on distribution of species recovered and the impact of antibiotic resistance in empiric treatment with antibiotics.
Clinical characteristics of cancer-associated myositis complicated by interstitial lung disease: a large-scale multicentre cohort study
Authors: Kaneko Yuko , Nunokawa Takahiro , Taniguchi Yoshinori , Yamaguchi Yukie , Gono Takahisa , Masui Kenichi , Kawakami Atsushi , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Sato Shinji , Kuwana Masataka ,   JAMI investigators, Okano Yutaka , Nishina Naoshi , Tamura Maasa , Kirino Yohei , Ikeda Kei , Kikuchi Jun , Kubo Makoto , Tanino Yoshinori , Kaieda Shinjiro , Naniwa Taio , Watanabe Masaki , Harada Tatsuhiko , Ukichi Taro , Kazuyori Taisuke , Kameda Hideto , Kaburaki Makoto , Matsuzawa Yasuo , Yoshida Shunji , Yoshioka Yasuko , Hirai Takuya , Asakawa Katsuaki , Wada Yoko , Ishii Koji , Fujiwara Sakuhei , Saraya Takeshi , Morimoto Kozo , Hara Tetsu , Suzuki Hiroki , Shibuya Hideki , Muro Yoshinao , Aki Ryoichi , Shibayama Takuo , Ohshima Shiro , Yasuda Yuko , Terada Masaki , Kawahara Yoshie
Published: May 2019

Objective

To clarify the incidence, risk factors, and impact of malignancy in patients with PM/DM-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Methods

This study used data from 497 patients with PM/DM-associated ILD enrolled in a multicentre, retrospective and prospective cohort of incident cases. Cancer-associated myositis (CAM) was defined as malignancy diagnosed within 3 years before or after PM/DM diagnosis. Demographic and clinical information was recorded at the time of diagnosis, and data about the occurrence of mortality and malignancy was collected.

Results

CAM was identified in 32 patients with PM/DM-associated ILD (6.4%). Patients with CAM were older (64 vs 55 years, P < 0.001), presented with arthritis less frequently (24% vs 49%, P = 0.01), and showed a lower level of serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 (687 vs 820 IU/l, P = 0.03) than those without CAM. The distribution of myositis-specific autoantibodies, including anti-melanoma differentiation–associated gene 5, anti-aminoacyl tRNA synthetase, and anti-transcriptional intermediary factor 1-γ antibodies, did not differ between the groups. Survival analysis demonstrated that CAM patients had a poorer survival than non-CAM patients (P = 0.006), primarily due to excess deaths by concomitant malignancy, while mortality due to ILD-related respiratory failure was similar between the groups (P = 0.51).

Conclusion

Concomitant malignancy can occur in patients with PM/DM-associated ILD, and has significant impact on mortality. Older age, lack of arthritis, and a lower level of serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 at diagnosis are predictors of concomitant malignancy.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ON JAPANESE PUBLIC OPINION SURVEYS (2006–17) ABOUT NUCLEAR AND RADIATION APPLICATIONS
Authors: Iimoto Takeshi , Takashima Ryuta , Kimura Hiroshi , Kawakami Kazuhisa , Endo Hironori , Yasuda Hiroshi , Nagata Natsuki , Sakai Noriaki , Kawasaki Yumiko , Funakoshi Makoto
Published: May 2019

Public opinion on the application of nuclear technology and radiation could change when a nuclear related event occurs. Japan Atomic Energy Relations Organization has tracked its variation through a nationwide opinion survey in Japan by almost the same way every year since FY 2006. We can identify a continuous long-term fluctuation of Japanese opinion before and after the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster using the data. In this study we focused on the trends of public opinion for nuclear energy, impressions and knowledge on radiation, and zero-risk request. For example, radiation can be recognised that it is dangerous and complicated matter by Japanese public regardless of that accident. However, a big change of opinions on radiation was shown on the impression for the word of ‘Useful’ between before and after the accident.
Tafenoquine for primary and terminal prophylaxis of malaria in apparently healthy people: a systematic review
Authors: Rodrigo Chaturaka , Rajapakse Senaka , Fernando Sumadhya Deepika
Published: May 2019

Primaquine was the only licenced antimalarial hypnozoiticidal drug available until recently. Now there is a newly approved alternative: tafenoquine. This review explores the efficacy of tafenoquine as a primary and terminal prophylactic agent in malaria. Multiple databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [CENTRAL], MEDLINE [PubMed], Embase [Ovid], Scopus, CINAHL [EBSCOhost] and LILACS) were searched for clinical randomised controlled trials that had used tafenoquine for prophylaxis without language or time restrictions. The last date of searching was 13 August 2018. For primary prophylaxis, tafenoquine reduced episodes of malaria compared with placebo, at a dose range from 50 mg weekly to 400 mg monthly in three trials conducted in Ghana, Kenya and Thailand. Two trials compared tafenoquine vs mefloquine, but malaria episodes were too few to reach a conclusion. For terminal prophylaxis, evidence from two trials suggest that tafenoquine may have equal or better efficacy compared with primaquine. All trials excluded pregnant participants or those with G6PD deficiency. Tafenoquine is effective for both primary and terminal prophylaxis. If used for primary prophylaxis it may continue to offer protection against vivax relapses after exposure has ended (as terminal prophylaxis).
Paying More for Less: Why Don’t Households in Tanzania Take Advantage of Bulk Discounts?
Authors: Dillon Brian , De Weerdt Joachim , O’Donoghue Ted
Published: May 2019

Do poor households shop in a way that leaves money on the table? A simple way to maximize consumption, conditional on available cash, is to avoid regularly purchasing small amounts of nonperishable goods when bulk discounts are available at modestly larger quantities. Using two-week transaction diaries covering 48,501 purchases by 1,493 households in Tanzania, this article finds that through bulk purchasing the average household could spend 8.7 percent less without reducing purchasing quantities. Several explanations for this pattern are investigated, and the most likely mechanisms are found to be worries about over-consumption of stocks and avoidance of social taxation. Contrary to prior work, there is little indication that liquidity constraints prevent poorer households in the sample from buying in bulk, possibly because the bulk quantities under examination are not very large.
Effects of a Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid Tomato Strain on the Symptoms, Biomass, and Yields of Classical Indicator and Currently Grown Potato and Tomato Cultivars
Authors: Mackie Alison E. , Barbetti Martin J. , Rodoni Brendan , McKirdy Simon J. , Jones Roger A. C.
Published: May 2019

The Chittering strain of potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) infects solanaceous crops and wild plants in the subtropical Gascoyne Horticultural District of Western Australia. Classical PSTVd indicator hosts tomato cultivar Rutgers (R) and potato cultivar Russet Burbank (RB) and currently widely grown tomato cultivars Petula (P) and Swanson (S) and potato cultivars Nadine (N) and Atlantic (A) were inoculated with this strain to study its pathogenicity, quantify fruit or tuber yield losses, and establish whether tomato strains might threaten potato production. In potato foliage, infection caused spindly stems, an upright growth habit, leaves with ruffled margins and reduced size, and upward rolling and twisting of terminal leaflets (RB, A, and N); axillary shoot proliferation (A); severe plant stunting (N and RB); and necrotic spotting of petioles and stems (RB). Tubers from infected plants were tiny (N) or small and “spindle shaped” with (A) or without (RB) cracking. Potato foliage dry weight biomass was decreased by 30 to 44% in A and RB and 37% in N, whereas tuber yield was diminished by 50 to 89% in A, 69 to 71% in RB, and 90% in N. In tomato foliage, infection caused epinasty and rugosity in apical leaves, leaf chlorosis, and plant stunting (S, P, and N); cupped leaves (S and P); and reduced leaf size, flower abortion, and necrosis of midribs, petioles, and stems (R). Mean tomato fruit size was greatly decreased in all three cultivars. Tomato foliage dry weight biomass was diminished by 40 to 53% (P), 42% (S), and 37 to 51% (R). Tomato fruit yield was decreased by 60 to 76% (P), 52% (S), and 64 to 89% (R), respectively. Thus, the tomato strain studied was highly pathogenic to classical indicator and representative current tomato and potato cultivars, causing major losses in fruit and tuber yields. Tomato PSTVd strains, therefore, pose a threat to tomato and potato industries worldwide.
Comparative Reaction of Camelina sativa to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Leptosphaeria maculans
Authors: Purnamasari Maria I. , Erskine William , Croser Janine S. , You Ming Pei , Barbetti Martin J.
Published: May 2019

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Leptosphaeria maculans are two of the most important pathogens of many cruciferous crops. The reaction of 30 genotypes of Camelina sativa (false flax) was determined against both pathogens. C. sativa genotypes were inoculated at seedling and adult stages with two pathotypes of S. sclerotiorum, highly virulent MBRS-1 and less virulent WW-1. There were significant differences (P < 0.001) among genotypes, between pathotypes, and a significant interaction between genotypes and pathotypes in relation to percent cotyledon disease index (% CDI) and stem lesion length. Genotypes 370 (% CDI 20.5, stem lesion length 1.8 cm) and 253 (% CDI 24.8, stem lesion length 1.4 cm) not only consistently exhibited cotyledon and stem resistance, in contrast to susceptible genotype 2305 (% CDI 37.7, stem lesion length 7.2 cm), but their resistance was independent to S. sclerotiorum pathotype. A F5-recombinant inbred line population was developed from genotypes 370 × 2305 and responses characterized. Low broad-sense heritability indicated a complex pattern of inheritance of resistance to S. sclerotiorum. Six isolates of L. maculans, covering combinations of five different avirulent loci (i.e., five different races), were tested on C. sativa cotyledons across two experiments. There was a high level of resistance, with % CDI < 17, and including development of a hypersensitive reaction. This is the first report of variable reaction of C. sativa to different races of L. maculans and the first demonstrating comparative reactions of C. sativa to S. sclerotiorum and L. maculans. This study not only provides new understanding of these comparative resistances in C. sativa, but highlights their potential as new sources of resistance, both for crucifer disease-resistance breeding in general and to enable broader adoption of C. sativa as a more sustainable oilseed crop in its own right.
Occurrence and Distribution of Physiological Races of Exserohilum turcicum in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Jindal Krishan K. , Tenuta Albert U. , Woldemariam Tsegaye , Zhu Xiaoyang , Hooker Dave C. , Reid Lana M.
Published: May 2019

Northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) caused by Exserohilum turcicum is the most common and economically significant fungal leaf disease of corn in Ontario, Canada. During the past 10 years in Ontario, severity and incidence of NCLB have increased, possibly owing to the appearance of new races. Several races have been identified in various parts of the world; however, information on occurrence and distribution of races in Ontario is lacking. In the current study, 677 single conidial isolates of E. turcicum were isolated from 687 symptomatic leaf samples collected between 2012 and 2016. These isolates were evaluated for pathogenicity on six corn differential inbreds (A619, A619Ht1, A619Ht2, A619Ht3, A632Htn1, and H102Htm1) under controlled environmental conditions and then grouped into 17 physiological races (0, 1, 2, 3, M, N, 12, 1M, 1N, 3M, 13M, 12N, 13N, 1MN, 12MN, 13MN, 123MN) based on the reaction of the inbreds to infection (resistant or susceptible). Four races (0, 1M, 1N, and 1MN) were most frequent, with an isolation frequency of 13, 10, 12, and 41%, respectively. Seventy-six percent of the isolates were virulent on more than one Ht resistance gene, with 2.4% (16 isolates) virulent on all five Ht resistance genes used in this study. Further analysis of the distribution of races in four regions over the years revealed that the occurrence and distribution of the races changed with time in Ontario. Overall, the frequency of virulence of the 677 isolates screened on the differentials with resistance genes Ht1, Ht2, Ht3, Htm1, and Htn1 varied from 6 to 81% (Ht1 81%, Ht2 6%, Ht3 12%, Htm1 64%, and Htn1 64%). Virulent isolates produced fewer lesions on the Htm1 differential, and smaller lesions that were slower and having less sporulation on the Htn1 differential, compared with infection of the differentials with Ht1, Ht2, and Ht3 resistance genes. Virulence frequency also changed within the four geographical regions of Ontario, with fewer isolates virulent on all resistance genes in eastern Ontario compared with southern and western Ontario. Isolates from southern Ontario had greater virulence frequency against Ht1 and Htm1, whereas isolates from western Ontario were more frequently virulent on Ht1 and Htn1. The information generated in this study on the distribution of E. turcicum races in Ontario corn will help growers to select appropriate hybrids with required resistance genes and will assist seed companies in deploying resistance genes in corn hybrids across the province or within a particular region.
Spatiotemporal Spread of Cacao Swollen Shoot Virus Severe Strain 1A in Mixed Hybrid Cacao Pre-inoculated With Mild Strain N1
Authors: Domfeh O. , Ameyaw G. A. , Dzahini-Obiatey H. K. , del Río Mendoza L. E.
Published: May 2019

The spatiotemporal spread of cocoa swollen shoot virus disease (CSSVD), which is caused by cacao swollen shoot virus (CSSV) severe strain 1A in mixed hybrid cacao pre-inoculated with CSSV mild strain N1 (CSSV-N1), was investigated during a field experiment from 2006 to 2017, at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana. The development of disease epidemics has been described by the use of statistical modeling. Protecting all cacao plants with CSSV-N1 reduced the rate of CSSV-1A symptom appearance by 43% (P = 0.05) compared with the nonprotected control and by 33% compared with plots where cacao plants in the outer three or five rows were protected with CSSV-N1. Similarly, creating the protective outer rings three or five rows deep reduced the rate of CSSV-1A symptoms by 14% (P = 0.05) compared with the nonprotected control. CSSV-1A epidemics increased approximately 18% faster (P = 0.05) in transects oriented from the north and east compared with those oriented from the south and west. During the last 2 years of the study, CSSVD spread decreased significantly (P = 0.05) faster in plots where all test cacao plants were inoculated with CSSV-N1 compared with other treatments. The growth of cacao did not differ significantly among the treatments over the 9-year assessment period. Similarly, differences in the cumulative yield among the treatments over the 8-year assessment period were not significant.
Phoma Leaf Spot Susceptibility and Horticultural Characteristics of Table Beet Cultivars in New York
Authors: Koenick Lori B. , Kikkert Julie R. , Pethybridge Sarah J.
Published: May 2019

Phoma leaf spot (PLS), caused by Phoma betae (syn. Neocamarosporium betae), is an important fungal disease affecting table beet (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris) production in New York. PLS lesions on the foliage can lead to rejection in fresh market sales and can reduce leaf integrity, which can disrupt mechanized harvesting. Eight popular table beet cultivars were assessed for susceptibility to PLS using P. betae isolates representative of the New York population in two small-plot, replicated field trials in Geneva and Freeville, NY. There were significant differences in PLS incidence, severity, and epidemic progress (as measured by area under the disease progress stairs) and horticultural characteristics among cultivars. Non-red table beet cultivars (Avalanche, Boldor, and Chioggia Guardsmark) were less susceptible to PLS than red cultivars (Falcon, Merlin, Rhonda, Red Ace, and Ruby Queen). Significant differences in fresh weight of roots and dry weight of foliage were detected between cultivars at harvest (86 days after planting [DAP] in Freeville and 91 DAP in Geneva). Falcon had significantly higher root weight than Boldor, and Ruby Queen produced significantly more foliage than Boldor. Information on the performance of these cultivars provides locally valuable information for cultivar selection in a broad range of markets.
Cardiac stress testing review for the primary care provider
Authors: Daniels Karen J.
Published: May 2019

Various modes of cardiac stress testing are conducted in outpatient practices today. This article presents information on the current methods of testing to help primary care providers gain confidence in test selection, the testing process, and interpreting results.
A Case of Cutaneous Arteritis Presenting as Infiltrated Erythema in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis: Features of the Unique Morphological Evolution of Arteritis as a Diagnostic Clue
Authors: Shiiyama Rie , Chen Ko-Ron , Ishibashi Masafumi
Published: May 2019

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA, formerly Churg–Strauss syndrome) is a rare systemic vasculitis affecting small- and medium-sized vasculature, associated with asthma and eosinophilia. Different levels of vasculitis in cutaneous lesions have been observed, including dermal small vessel vasculitis and subcutaneous muscular vessel vasculitis. Although the EGPA-associated small vessel vasculitis described as leukocytoclastic vasculitis can be often found in the documented literature, the features of subcutaneous muscular vessel vasculitis in EGPA-associated cutaneous lesions have been rarely demonstrated clinically and histopathologically in English literature. Herein, we report a case of EGPA involving infiltrated erythema on the extremities, with different stages of cutaneous arteritis characterized by eosinophilic arteritis and granulomatous arteritis in the same affected artery. We present this as a unique diagnostic clue for EGPA.
A Comparative Trial of Incisional Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy in Abdominoplasty
Authors: Abesamis Gerald M. , Chopra Shiv , Vickery Karen , Deva Anand K.
Published: May 2019

The risk for minor local complications for abdominoplasty remains high despite advances in strategies in recent years. The most common complication is the formation of seroma with reported rates ranging from 15% to 40%. The use of incisional negative-pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) on closed surgical sites has been shown to decrease the infection, dehiscence, and seroma rates. Thus, this article aims to determine whether an iNPWT dressing, Prevena Plus, is able to reduce postoperative drainage and seroma formation in patients who undergo abdominoplasty. Sixteen consecutive patients who underwent abdominoplasty by a single surgeon were dressed with standard dressings and iNPWT dressings. Total drain output, day of drain removal, and adverse events were compared between cohorts with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. The iNPWT group demonstrated a significantly less amount of fluid drainage with a mean total fluid output of 370 ± 275 ml compared to 1269 ± 436 ml mean total drainage from controls (P < 0.001). Time before removal of both drains was almost halved in the iNPWT group with an average of 5.3 ± 1.6 days, which was significantly less than the average time of 10.6 ± 2.9 days seen in control patients (P < 0.001). No observed adverse events were recorded in either group. Our findings show that iNPWT for a closed abdominoplasty incision decreases the rate of postoperative fluid accumulation and results in earlier drain removal.
Periorbital Aesthetic Surgery: A Simple Algorithm for the Optimal Youthful Appearance
Authors: Akşam Ersin , Karatan Berrak
Published: May 2019

Background:

Blepharoplasty is one of the most common procedures performed. To achieve optimal results in periorbital rejuvenation, a systematic approach to patients that addresses all the problems in the periorbital region is important. The aim of this study is to analyze blepharoplasty patients according to preoperative deformities and postoperative results and to create a basic algorithm for periorbital aesthetic surgery.

Methods:

Patients who underwent periorbital aesthetic surgery were examined retrospectively. Patients’ medical records and preoperative and postoperative photographs were analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were analyzed for 6 main criteria: brow position, blepharoptosis, canthal tilt, excess skin or deficiencies, excess subcutaneous tissue or deficiencies, and periorbital skin rhytides. After the anatomical analyses, researchers rated the results as optimal or suboptimal.

Results:

In total, 176 patients’ medical records were analyzed. Among them, 154 were women and 22 were men. The mean age was 43.8 years. No comorbid situation was detected in 133 of these patients. The postoperative result was evaluated as suboptimal in 151 patients (86%) and optimal in 25 patients (14%). An algorithm was proposed for the systematic evaluation of periorbital surgery patients to achieve satisfactory results.

Conclusions:

A simple 6-step checklist is designed to define periorbital deformities and to achieve the optimal youthful appearance.
The Effect of Axillary Lymph Node Sampling during Mastectomy on Immediate Alloplastic Breast Reconstruction Complications
Authors: Verma Richa , Klein Gabriel , Dagum Alexander , Khan Sami , Bui Duc T.
Published: May 2019

Background:

Tissue expander-based immediate breast reconstruction is currently the most common technique used for postmastectomy breast reconstruction. During mastectomy, axillary lymph nodes are biopsied to stage patients. The purpose of this study is to investigate postoperative complications with respect to extent of lymph node dissection.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all patients undergoing tissue expander-based immediate breast reconstruction at our institution from 2010 to 2012 was conducted. Charts were analyzed to determine the association between the absolute number of axillary lymph nodes removed and postreconstructive incidence of skin necrosis, cellulitis, seroma, and expander removal. Independent sample t test and linear regression were used to analyze data.

Results:

In total, 282 patients with 467 reconstructions were included. Overall incidence of all postoperative complications per breast was 23.8%. Breasts in which a complication occurred had a mean of 6 nodes removed versus 4 nodes in uncomplicated breasts (P = 0.018). Complications were noted at a significantly higher rate in patients who underwent axillary lymph node dissection compared with sentinel lymph node biopsy (P = 0.008). Expander removal and seroma occurred more frequently in breasts that had a greater number of nodes removed (P = 0.006 and P = 0.015, respectively). Preoperative radiation resulted in higher incidence of cellulitis and skin necrosis. Postoperative radiation and chemotherapy did not adversely affect reconstruction.

Conclusions:

Axillary lymph node removal of >4 nodes confers a greater risk of postreconstructive seroma formation and tissue expander loss in patients undergoing immediate reconstruction following mastectomy. Axillary lymph node dissection has a higher incidence of breast reconstruction complications compared with sentinel lymph node biopsy. Therefore, we encourage plastic surgeons to consider degree of lymphadenectomy when discussing reconstructive options with patients, as this may significantly impact their reconstructive outcome.
Medicaid Expansion and Hospitalization for Ambulatory Care–Sensitive Conditions Among Nonelderly Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Mondesir Favel L. , Kilgore Meredith L. , Shelley John P. , Levitan Emily B. , Huang Lei , Riggs Kevin R. , Pisu Maria , Li Yufeng , Bronstein Janet M. , Agne April , Cherrington Andrea L.
Published: May 2019

Among nonelderly adults with diabetes, we compared hospitalizations for ambulatory care–sensitive conditions from 2013 (pre-Medicaid expansion) and 2014 (post-Medicaid expansion) for 13 expansion and 4 nonexpansion states using State Inpatient Databases. Medicaid expansion was associated with decreases in proportions of hospitalizations for chronic conditions (difference between 2014 and 2013 −0.17 percentage points in expansion and 0.37 in nonexpansion states, P = .04), specifically diabetes short-term complications (difference between 2014 and 2013 −0.05 percentage points in expansion and 0.21 in nonexpansion states, P = .04). Increased access to care through Medicaid expansion may improve disease management in nonelderly adults with diabetes.
Symptom Clusters and Influencing Factors in Children With Acute Leukemia During Chemotherapy
Authors: Li Rongrong , Ma Jinling , Chan Yuying , Yang Qi , Zhang Chunxu
Published: May 2019

Background:

Acute leukemia is the most common malignancy in childhood. Identification of symptom clusters and their influencing factors in children with acute leukemia may improve the management of symptoms.

Objective:

The aims of this study were to investigate symptom clusters in children with acute leukemia during chemotherapy and analyze the factors influencing their severity.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was administered to 159 Chinese children with acute leukemia during chemotherapy. A demographic questionnaire and the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale 10-18 were completed by the patients and their parents. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify symptom clusters. Univariate analyses and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to analyze the factors affecting symptom clusters.

Results:

Six clusters were identified, including gastrointestinal cluster, emotional cluster, head-related cluster, self-image disorder cluster, skin itching/irritation cluster, and somatic cluster. Factors influencing the severity of symptom clusters included age, gender, stage of chemotherapy, and medical reimbursement.

Conclusions:

There are multiple symptom clusters in children with acute leukemia during chemotherapy. Medical care staff should manage symptoms from the perspective of symptom cluster and carry out personalized interventions according to factors influencing these clusters.

Implications for Practice:

The ability to predict symptom clusters in children with acute leukemia undergoing chemotherapy may assist with optimal clinical decision making in order to alleviate the symptom burden and improve children’s quality of life.
Case Report: Vitamin A Deficiency and Nyctalopia in a Patient with Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Lee Anne , Tran Nina , Monarrez Jennifer , Mietzner David
Published: May 2019

SIGNIFICANCE

Vitamin A deficiency is a known concern in developing countries, but it is often overlooked in developed regions. A history of conditions causing alimentary malabsorption should be considered when patients present with complaints of nyctalopia.

PURPOSE

A case of vitamin A deficiency with nyctalopia in a patient with chronic pancreatitis including pertinent diagnostic testing, treatment, and management is presented. The intent is to draw attention to the condition as a differential diagnosis for nyctalopia due to increased prevalence of conditions causing malabsorption.

CASE REPORT

A patient with a history of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic tumor presented with symptoms of nyctalopia and xerophthalmia. Given his systemic history, testing was ordered to determine serum vitamin A levels and retinal function. After results had confirmed depleted vitamin A levels and diminished retinal function, treatment with both oral and intramuscular vitamin A supplementation was initiated to normalize vitamin A levels and improve retinal photoreceptor function. Subjective improvement in symptoms was reported shortly after beginning supplementation, and ultimately, vitamin A levels and retinal function showed improvement after intramuscular treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Detailed case history and a careful review of systems along with serum vitamin A testing and, if available, electroretinography to assess retinal function can help to make a definitive diagnosis. With appropriate comanagement with the patient's primary care physician, it is possible for those with nyctalopia to begin vitamin A supplementation and regain retinal function.
Beyond “Triton”
Authors: Hornick Jason L. , Nielsen G. Petur
Published: May 2019

Spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive sarcoma type with a predilection for the head and neck and frequent transactivating MYOD1 mutations. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) show heterologous (most often rhabdomyoblastic) differentiation in 10% of cases; such tumors have been referred to as malignant “Triton” tumors. MPNST frequently harbors inactivating mutations in SUZ12 or EED, resulting in PRC2 dysfunction and loss of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), most often seen in sporadic and radiation-associated, high-grade tumors; immunohistochemistry (IHC) for H3K27me3 is a useful diagnostic marker. We recently encountered a tumor showing H3K27me3 loss but with otherwise typical features of spindle cell RMS. The purpose of this study was to evaluate H3K27me3 in spindle cell RMS and further investigate putative spindle cell RMS with loss of H3K27me3. IHC for H3K27me3 was performed on 50 tumors diagnosed as spindle cell RMS. Targeted sequencing of all exonic and selected intronic regions of ~450 genes was performed on the tumors with H3K27me3 loss using hybrid capture with a custom probe set and massively parallel (next-generation) sequencing (NGS). Of the 50 patients, 32 were male and 18 were female with a median age of 33 years (range, 6 wk to 77 y). Tumors most often involved head and neck (N=23), extremities/limb girdles (N=11), and trunk wall (N=5). Three cases (6%) showed loss of H3K27me3; based on all available evidence, we believe at least 2 of these cases in fact represent MPNST with complete heterologous rhabdomyoblastic differentiation: a deep-seated groin mass in a 76-year-old female and a paratesticular mass in a 22-year-old male (neither of whom had a history or signs of type 1 neurofibromatosis). The tumors showed similar histologic appearances: fascicular architecture, marked nuclear atypia, eosinophilic cytoplasm, and a high mitotic rate; rhabdomyoblasts were not apparent. One tumor showed focal areas with scant myxoid stroma and alternating hypocellularity and hypercellularity. By IHC, the tumors showed diffuse staining for desmin, myogenin, and MyoD1, whereas S100 protein and SOX10 were negative. NGS on 2 tumors revealed (1) 2-copy deletion of NF1, CDKN2A, and SUZ12 and a TP53 mutation with arm-level loss of 17p; and (2) 2-copy deletion of CDKN2A and an NF1 mutation with loss of 17q11, findings characteristic of MPNST. NGS on the third tumor showed no distinctive alterations. MPNST may occasionally show complete heterologous rhabdomyoblastic differentiation without histologic evidence of residual conventional MPNST, closely mimicking spindle cell RMS. IHC for H3K27me3 reliably distinguishes MPNST from spindle cell RMS.
Comparison of the Fisher Anatomical Subunit and Modified Millard Rotation-Advancement Cleft Lip Repairs
Authors: Patel Terral A. , Patel Krishna G.
Published: May 2019

Background:

When analyzing cleft lip repair techniques, the modified rotation-advancement repair is most widely used; however, the anatomical subunit approach is gaining popularity. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of these two surgical techniques performed by the same surgeon.

Methods:

Anthropometric measurements were performed on postoperative photographs of cleft lip repairs performed by a single surgeon. As described by Rossell-Perry, four parameters were measured: lip height, lip width, vermilion height, and alar base width. An aesthetic ratio of cleft to noncleft sides for each measurement was used as a quantitative measure of outcome. Qualitative analysis of cleft lip repair was evaluated using the Steffensen criteria.

Results: Twelve

modified rotation-advancement repairs and 10 anatomical subunit repairs were analyzed. A one-sample t test was used to assess the difference of each aesthetic ratio from the perfect ratio of 1.00. For repairs involving an incomplete cleft lip, statistically significant asymmetry was detected in vermilion height for the rotation-advancement repair and no measurements in the anatomical subunit approach. For repairs involving a complete cleft lip, statistically significant asymmetry was detected in lip height, vermilion height, and alar base for the rotation-advancement repair and in lip height for the anatomical subunit approach.

Conclusions: The authors’

findings show that when separating the complete and incomplete cleft lips, the rotation-advancement technique seemed to have asymmetry in more parameters than the anatomical subunit approach. This seems to suggest that the outcomes of the anatomical subunit technique are less dependent on cleft lip severity.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
AcidoCEST-UTE MRI for the Assessment of Extracellular pH of Joint Tissues at 3 T
Authors: Ma Ya-Jun , High Rachel A. , Tang Qingbo , Wan Lidi , Jerban Saeed , Du Jiang , Chang Eric Y.
Published: May 2019

Objectives

The goal of this study was to demonstrate feasibility of measuring extracellular pH in cartilage and meniscus using acidoCEST technique with a 3-dimensional ultrashort echo time readout (acidoCEST-UTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and Methods

Magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry, radiofrequency (RF) power mismatch, and relative saturation transfer were evaluated in liquid phantoms for iopromide, iopamidol, and iohexol over a pH range of 6.2 to 7.8, at various agent concentrations, temperatures, and buffer concentrations. Tissue phantoms containing cartilage and meniscus were evaluated with the same considerations for iopamidol and iohexol. Phantoms were imaged with the acidoCEST-UTE MRI sequence at 3 T. Correlation coefficients and coefficients of variations were calculated. Paired Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to evaluate for statistically significant differences.

Results

The RF power mismatch and relative saturation transfer analyses of liquid phantoms showed iopamidol and iohexol to be the most promising agents for this study. Both these agents appeared to be concentration independent and feasible for use with or without buffer and at physiologic temperature over a pH range of 6.2 to 7.8. Ultimately, RF power mismatch fitting of iohexol showed the strongest correlation coefficients between cartilage, meniscus, and fluid. In addition, ratiometric values for iohexol are similar among liquid as well as different tissue types.

Conclusions

Measuring extracellular pH in cartilage and meniscus using acidoCEST-UTE MRI is feasible.