bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry and Development of Solid-Phase Extraction for the Determination of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Toxins
Authors: Turrell Elizabeth , Stobo Lesley , Lacaze Jean-Pierre , Piletsky Sergey , Piletska Elena
Published: February 2020

The combination of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) for the determination of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins has been proposed for use in routine monitoring of shellfish. In this study, methods for the detection of multiple PSP toxins [saxitoxin (STX), neosaxitoxin (NEO), decarbamoyl saxitoxin (dcSTX), decarbamoyl neosaxitoxin (dcNEO), gonyautoxins 15 (GTX1, GTX2, GTX3, GTX4, GTX5), decarbamoyl gonyautoxins (dcGTX2 and dcGTX3), and the N-sulfocarbamoyl C toxins (C1 and C2)] were optimized using single (MS) and triple quadrupole (MS/MS) instruments. Chromatographic separation of the toxins was achieved by using a TSK-gel Amide-80 analytical column, although superior chromatography was observed through application of a ZIC-HILIC column. Preparative procedures used to clean up shellfish extracts and concentrate PSP toxins prior to analysis were investigated. The capacity of computationally designed polymeric (CDP) materials and HILIC solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges to retain highly polar PSP toxins was explored. Three CDP materials and 2 HILIC cartridges were assessed for the extraction of PSP toxins from aqueous solution. Screening of the CDPs showed that all tested polymers adsorbed PSP toxins. A variety of elution procedures were examined, with dilute 0.01 acetic acid providing optimum recovery from a CDP based on 2-(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid as the monomer. ZIC-HILIC SPE cartridges were superior to the PolyLC equivalent, with recoveries ranging from 70 to 112 (ZIC-HILIC) and 0 to 90 (PolyLC) depending on the PSP toxin. It is proposed that optimized SPE and HILIC-MS methods can be applied for the quantitative determination of PSP toxins in shellfish.
Purification of Nine Sulfonamides from Chicken Tissues by Immunoaffinity Chromatography Using Two Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Li Bingyu , Li Cun , Jiang Haiyang , Wang Zhahnui , Cao Xingyuan , Zhao Sijun , Zhang Suxia , Shen Jianzhong
Published: February 2020

An immunoaffinity chromatographic method was developed for the purification of 9 sulfonamides (sulfamethazine, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamerazine, sulfathiazole, sulfamethoxazole, sulfamethizole, sulfadiazine, sulfamonomethoxine, and sulfapyridine) from chicken tissue (muscle and liver) samples. Two monoclonal antibodies (antisulfamethazine and antisulfamethoxazole) were simultaneously covalently coupled to CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B for the preparation of a re-usable immunoaffinity column. After extraction with methanolwater and purification by immunoaffinity column, the sulfonamides were determined by reversed-phase liquid chromatography and UV detection at 270 nm. The recoveries for each drug at fortification levels of 1050 ng/g ranged from 74.1 to 108.9 with relative standard deviations from 1.9 to 11.5. The limits of detection were 2 ng/g for each drug.
Simultaneous Determination of 13 Quinolones in Eggs Using Column High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Electrospray Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Depletion of Pefloxacin Methanesulfonate in Eggs
Authors: Shen Jianzhong , Li Haiyan , Jiang Haiyang , Zhou Degang , Xu Fei , Li Jiancheng , Ding Shuangyang
Published: February 2020

An efficient method was developed for simultaneous determination of 13 quinolonesnamely, enoaxacin (ENO), marbofloxacin (MAR), ciprofloxacin (CIP), norfloxacin (NOR), ofloxacin (OFL), pefloxacin methanesulfonate (PEF), danofloxacin (DAN), enrofloxacin (ENR), lomefloxacin (LOM), difloxacin (DIF), sarafloxacin (SAR), oxolinic acid (OXO), and flumequine (FLU)in eggs by column liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Samples were extracted with a phosphoric acidphosphate buffer followed by purification with a solid-phase extraction cartridge. Recoveries for the 13 quinolones were 6793 with intraday and interday coefficients of variation ranging from 4 to 9 and 2 to 18, respectively. The limit of determination was 0.05 g/kg for OXO and FLU; 0.1 g/kg for MAR, OFL, CIP, LOM, DAN, SAR, DIF, NOR, and ENR; and 0.2 g/kg for ENO and PEF. The method was also applied to study the depletion of PEF in eggs. The concentration of PEF increased and reached a maximum value on the third day, and then decreased rapidly until it could not be detected on day 32; its metabolite NOR was detectable on the second day, and then reached a maximum on the sixth day, after which it could not be detected until day 15.
Optimizing design to estimate genetic correlations between environments with common environmental effects
Authors: Lozano-Jaramillo Maria , Komen Hans , Wientjes Yvonne C J , Mulder Han A , Bastiaansen John W M
Published: February 2020

Breeding programs for different species aim to improve performance by testing members of full-sib (FS) and half-sib (HS) families in different environments. When genotypes respond differently to changes in the environment, this is defined as genotype by environment (G × E) interaction. The presence of common environmental effects within families generates covariance between siblings, and these effects should be taken into account when estimating a genetic correlation. Therefore, an optimal design should be established to accurately estimate the genetic correlation between environments in the presence of common environmental effects. We used stochastic simulation to find the optimal population structure using a combination of FS and HS groups with different levels of common environmental effects. Results show that in a population with a constant population size of 2,000 individuals per environment, ignoring common environmental effects when they are present in the population will lead to an upward bias in the estimated genetic correlation of on average 0.3 when the true genetic correlation is 0.5. When no common environmental effects are present in the population, the lowest standard error (SE) of the estimated genetic correlation was observed with a mating ratio of one dam per sire, and 10 offspring per sire per environment. When common environmental effects are present in the population and are included in the model, the lowest SE is obtained with mating ratios of at least 5 dams per sire and with a minimum number of 10 offspring per sire per environment. We recommend that studies that aim to estimate the magnitude of G × E in pigs, chicken, and fish should acknowledge the potential presence of common environmental effects and adjust the mating ratio accordingly.
Changes in cecal morphology, cell proliferation, antioxidant enzyme, volatile fatty acids, lipopolysaccharide, and cytokines in piglets during the postweaning period
Authors: Deng Qingqing , Tan Xian , Wang Huiru , Wang Qiye , Huang Pengfei , Li Yali , Li Jianzhong , Huang Jing , Yang Huansheng , Yin Yulong
Published: February 2020

Weaning stresses often induce markedly structural and functional changes in the small intestine. However, little data are available on the changes of the morphology, function, and health in the cecum of piglets post-weaning. This study was conducted to measure the effects of weaning on the cecum in piglets. Forty piglets were weaned at 21 d and samples were collected at different time points (days 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14) post-weaning. The crypt depth, crypt width, and total epithelial cell numbers increased on days 7 and 14, compared with days 0, 1, and 3 (P < 0.001). The value of Ki67/total epithelial cells was highest on day 0 compared with all other days (P < 0.05). Besides, a higher concentration of malondialdehyde was observed on day 3 (P < 0.001). The activity of CuZn-superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05) enhanced from day 0 to 1 and the activity of catalase increased from day 1 to 3 (P < 0.001). In addition, days 3, 7, and 14 had greater acetic, propanoic, and butyric acid contents than on day 1 (P < 0.001). The pH and monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) expression increased from day 0 to 1 and from day 3 to 7 and decreased between days 1 and 3 (P < 0.001). The mRNA expression of solute carrier family 9 member A3 (SLC9A3) decreased on day 1 compared to all other postweaning days (P < 0.05). The abundance of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) mRNA expression increased (P < 0.05) during the first 24 h after weaning. The concentration of lipopolysaccharide increased from day 3 to 7, then decreased on day 14 (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) enhanced from day 7 to 14 (P < 0.05). The abundance of phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin protein was lower on day 14 than day 0 (P < 0.05). Taken together, these results show that weaning in piglets influences intestinal morphology, function, and health in the cecum.
Interactions of DEET and Novel Repellents With Mosquito Odorant Receptors
Authors: Grant Gariel G , Estrera Rachel R , Pathak Narendra , Hall C Dennis , Tsikolia Maia , Linthicum Kenneth J , Bernier Ulrich R , Hall Adam C
Published: February 2020

The carboxamide N,N-di-ethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) is the most effective and widely used insect repellent today. However, drawbacks concerning the efficacy and the safety of the repellent have led to efforts to design new classes of insect repellents. Through quantitative structure–activity relationships, chemists have discovered two chemical groups of novel repellents: the acylpiperidines and the carboxamides, with the acylpiperidines generally more potent in biological assays. Although the exact mechanism of action of DEET and other repellents has not yet been thoroughly elucidated, previous research shows that the activity of insect odorant receptors are inhibited in the presence of repellents. The present electrophysiological study employs two-electrode voltage clamp with Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing AgOR2/AgOrco and AgOR8/AgOrco receptors to assess the effects of the novel repellents on Anopheles gambiae Giles (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae) mosquito odorant receptors. The novel acylpiperidines and carboxamides reversibly inhibited (12–91%) odorant-evoked currents from both AgOR2/AgOrco and AgOR8/AgOrco receptors in a dose-dependent manner at all tested concentrations (30 μM to 1 mM). Furthermore, all the novel agents were more potent inhibitors of the receptors than DEET, with the acylpiperidines producing on average greater inhibition than the carboxamides. Interestingly, there was a correlation (r2 = 0.72) between the percentage inhibition of AgOR2/AgOrco receptor currents and protection times of the acylpiperidines. Our results add to existing evidence that the repellency of a compound is linked to its ability to disrupt the insect olfactory system and that the acylpiperidines could represent a class of more effective alternatives to the current gold standard, DEET.
Dissecting mechanisms in root growth from the transition zone perspective
Authors: Salvi Elena , Di Mambro Riccardo , Sabatini Sabrina
Published: February 2020

The root of the plant Arabidopsis thaliana is a dynamic structure in which cells continuously divide and differentiate to sustain its postembryonic undetermined growth. Cells at different developmental stages are organized in distinguished zones whose position and activities are maintained constant during root growth. In this review, we will discuss the latest discoveries on the regulatory networks involved in root zonation and, in particular, in the mechanisms involved in maintaining the position of the transition zone, a root developmental boundary. Developmental boundaries physically divide cells with different functions and identities. The transition zone separates dividing cells from differentiating cells in two functional domains, preserving their identity during root growth and thus controlling root development.
The global environment of small galaxy systems
Authors: Duplancic Fernanda , Dávila-Kurbán Federico , Coldwell Georgina V , Alonso Sol , Galdeano Daniela
Published: February 2020

The main goal of this work is to investigate the influence of environment at different scales on the properties of galaxies in systems with a low number of members. To this end, we used a catalogue of small galaxy systems comprising compact and locally isolated pairs, triplets, and groups with four and up to six galaxies. We consider fixed aperture estimators and found that at scales lower than 5 ${\ \rm Mpc}$ pairs are associated to lower density environments than triplets and groups. Moreover, a nearest neighbour approach highlights that triplets prefer denser environments than pairs and slightly less dense environments than groups. When considering the position within the cosmic web we found that pairs and triplets in our sample are associated to void environments while galaxy groups are more likely to reside in void walls. In agreement with these results, the system-galaxy cross-correlation function shows that pairs inhabit environments of lesser density compared to triplets and groups, and on small scales ($\lt\! 3{\ \rm Mpc}$) triplets appear to behave as an intermediate system. Related to the properties of neighbour galaxies of small systems we found that the neighbours of groups present a lower fractions of star-forming, young stellar population, and blue colour galaxies with respect to neighbours of triplet and pair systems. These results suggest that differences in the properties of galaxies in pairs, triplets, and groups are not only related to the existence of an extra galaxy member but also to the large-scale environment inhabited by the systems.
Discovery of a new supernova remnant G21.8−3.0
Authors: Gao X Y , Reich P , Reich W , Hou L G , Han J L
Published: February 2020

Sensitive radio continuum surveys of the Galactic plane are ideal for discovering new supernova remnants (SNRs). From the Sino-German λ6-cm polarization survey of the Galactic plane, an extended shell-like structure has been found at ℓ = 21${^{\circ}_{.}}$8, b = −3${^{\circ}_{.}}$0, which has a size of about 1°. New observations were made with the Effelsberg 100-m radio telescope at λ11 cm to estimate the source spectrum, together with Urumqi λ6-cm and Effelsberg λ21-cm data. The spectral index of G21.8−3.0 was found to be α = −0.72 ± 0.16. Polarized emission was mostly detected in the eastern half of G21.8−3.0 at both λ6 and λ11 cm. These properties, together with the Hα filament along its northern periphery and the lack of infrared emission, indicate that the emission is non-thermal, as is usual in shell-type SNRs.
Order–disorder phase transition in black hole star clusters – III. A mono-energetic cluster
Authors: Tremaine Scott
Published: February 2020

Supermassive black holes at the centres of galaxies are often surrounded by dense star clusters. For a wide range of cluster properties and orbital radii the resonant relaxation times in these clusters are much shorter than the Hubble time. Since resonant relaxation conserves semimajor axes, these clusters should be in the maximum-entropy state consistent with the given semimajor axis distribution. We determine these maximum-entropy equilibria in a simplified model in which all of the stars have the same semimajor axes. We find that the cluster exhibits a phase transition from a disordered, spherical, high-temperature equilibrium to an ordered low-temperature equilibrium in which the stellar orbits have a preferred orientation or line of apsides. Here ‘temperature’ is a measure of the non-Keplerian or self-gravitational energy of the cluster; in the spherical state, temperature is a function of the rms eccentricity of the stars. We explore a simple two-parameter model of black hole star clusters – the two parameters are semimajor axis and black hole mass – and find that clusters are susceptible to the lopsided phase transition over a range of ∼102 in semimajor axis, mostly for black hole masses $\lesssim 10^{7.5}\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$.
Wolf–Rayet stars in M 81 using GTC/OSIRIS: seven new detections, analysis, and classification of the full sample
Authors: Gómez-González V M A , Mayya Y D , Rosa-González D , Rodríguez-Merino L H , Toalá J A , Alvarez C
Published: February 2020

We report the detection of seven new Wolf–Rayet (WR) star locations in M 81 using the Multi-Object Spectrograph of the OSIRIS instrument at Gran Telescopio Canarias. These detections are the result of a follow-up of an earlier study using the same instrumental set-up that resulted in the detection of 14 WR locations. We analyse the entire sample of 21 spectra to classify them to one of the known WR sub-types using template spectra of WR stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), with similar metallicity to M 81. Taking into consideration the dispersion in the strengths of the bumps for a given WR sub-type, we found that 19 of the 21 locations correspond to individual stars, including all the seven new detections, of sub-types: WNL, WNE, WCE, and the transitional WN/C. None of the detections correspond to WCL or WO types. The positions of these stars in the red bump versus blue bump luminosity diagram agrees well with an evolutionary path according to the Conti scenario. Based on this, we propose this diagram as a straightforward tool for spectral classification of extragalactic WR sources. The detection of individual WR stars in M 81, which is at a distance of 3.6 Mpc, opens up a new environment for testing the massive star evolutionary models.
A Markov chain Monte Carlo approach for measurement of jet precession in radio-loud active galactic nuclei
Authors: Horton Maya A , Hardcastle Martin J , Read Shaun C , Krause Martin G H
Published: February 2020

Jet precession can reveal the presence of binary systems of supermassive black holes. The ability to accurately measure the parameters of jet precession from radio-loud active galactic nuclei is important for constraining the binary supermassive black hole population, which is expected as a result of hierarchical galaxy evolution. The age, morphology, and orientation along the line of sight of a given source often result in uncertainties regarding the jet path. This paper presents a new approach for efficient determination of precession parameters using a two-dimensional Markov chain Monte Carlo curve-fitting algorithm that provides us a full posterior probability distribution on the fitted parameters. Applying the method to Cygnus A, we find evidence for previous suggestions that the source is precessing. Interpreting in the context of binary black holes leads to a constraint of parsec scale and likely sub-parsec orbital separation for the putative supermassive binary.
Hawaii Two-0: high-redshift galaxy clustering and bias
Authors: Beck Róbert , McPartland Conor , Repp Andrew , Sanders David , Szapudi István
Published: February 2020

We perform an analysis of two-point galaxy clustering and galaxy bias using Subaru Hyper-Suprime Cam (HSC) data taken jointly by the Subaru Strategic Program and the University of Hawaii in the Cosmic Evolution Survey (COSMOS) field over an area of 1.8 sq deg. The depth of the data is similar to the ongoing Hawaii Two-0 (H20) optical galaxy survey, thus the results are indicative of future constraints from tenfold area. We measure the angular autopower spectra of the galaxy overdensity in three redshift bins, defined by dropouts from the g, r, and i bands, and compare them to the theoretical expectation from concordance cosmology with linear galaxy bias. We determine the redshift distribution of each bin using a standard template-based photometric redshift method, coupled with a self-organizing map to quantify colour space coverage. We also investigate sources of systematic errors to inform the methodology and requirements for H20. The linear galaxy bias fit results are $b_{\mathrm{gal,g}} = 3.90 \pm 0.33 (\mathrm{stat}) \substack{ +0.64 \\ -0.24 } (\mathrm{sys})$ at redshift z ≃ 3.7, $b_{\mathrm{gal,r}} = 8.44 \pm 0.63 (\mathrm{stat}) \substack{ +1.42 \\ -0.72 } (\mathrm{sys})$ at z ≃ 4.7, and $b_{\mathrm{gal,i}} = 11.94 \pm 2.24 (\mathrm{stat}) \substack{ +1.82 \\ -1.27 } (\mathrm{sys})$ at z ≃ 5.9.
Spin clusters inside four young asteroid groups
Authors: Carruba V , Ramos L G M , Spoto F
Published: February 2020

Asteroid groups may either form because of collisions or because of spin induced fission. Recently it has been shown that young spin clusters tend to form more frequently in young collisional families than in older groups. Here, we study the occurrence of spin clusters inside four very recently identified asteroid groups: the (525) Adelaide, (2258) Viipuri, (6142) Tantawi, and (18429) (1994 AO1) groups. Using combinations of techniques based on backward numerical simulations, we identify four spin pairs among the family members. All groups have fractions of observed spin clusters well above 5 per cent, so confirming an observed trend for other young asteroid groups. The (2258) Viipuri and (18429) (1994 AO1) groups are compatible with an origin as a spin clusters themselves, and could be other occurrences of cascade spin clusters, as recently detected in other asteroid groups. Finally, the separation between collisional asteroid families and spin clusters in domains of dispersion of proper semimajor axis, σa, versus age seems to be more complex than previously thought. While spin clusters tend to be much more compact in proper elements than collisional families, there appears to be a transition region in σa where both the groups be found.
Recent advances in the synthesis of hierarchically mesoporous TiO2 materials for energy and environmental applications
Authors: Zhang Wei , Tian Yong , He Haili , Xu Li , Li Wei , Zhao Dongyuan
Published: February 2020

Because of their low cost, natural abundance, environmental benignity, plentiful polymorphs, good chemical stability and excellent optical properties, TiO2 materials are of great importance in the areas of physics, chemistry and material science. Much effort has been devoted to the synthesis of TiO2 nanomaterials for various applications. Among them, mesoporous TiO2 materials, especially with hierarchically porous structures, show great potential owing to their extraordinarily high surface areas, large pore volumes, tunable pore structures and morphologies, and nanoscale effects. This review aims to provide an overview of the synthesis and applications of hierarchically mesoporous TiO2 materials. In the first section, the general synthetic strategies for hierarchically mesoporous TiO2 materials are reviewed. After that, we summarize the architectures of hierarchically mesoporous TiO2 materials, including nanofibers, nanosheets, microparticles, films, spheres, core-shell and multi-level structures. At the same time, the corresponding mechanisms and the key factors for the controllable synthesis are highlighted. Following this, the applications of hierarchically mesoporous TiO2 materials in terms of energy storage and environmental protection, including photocatalytic degradation of pollutants, photocatalytic fuel generation, photoelectrochemical water splitting, catalyst support, lithium-ion batteries and sodium-ion batteries, are discussed. Finally, we outline the challenges and future directions of research and development in this area.
Limited Positive Predictive Value of β-d-Glucan in Hematologic Patients Receiving Antimold Prophylaxis
Authors: Chang Euijin , Kim Taek Soo , Kang Chang Kyung , Jun Kang Il , Shin Dongyeop , Koh Youngil , Hong Junshik , Choe Pyoeng Gyun , Park Wan Beom , Kim Nam-Joong , Yoon Sung-Soo , Kim Inho , Oh Myoung-don
Published: February 2020

Background

Diagnostic value of β-d-glucan (BDG) in populations with low prevalence of invasive fungal infection (IFI), such as hematologic patients receiving antimold prophylaxis, should be re-evaluated.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed episodes with BDG results in hematologic patients receiving antimold prophylaxis from January 2017 to August 2019 in a tertiary hospital. The episodes were classified as true positive ([TP] positive BDG with IFI), true negative ([TN] negative BDG without IFI), false positive ([FP] positive BDG without IFI), false negative ([FN] negative BDG with IFI), and nonevaluable.

Results

A total of 203 episodes were analyzed: 101 episodes (49.8%) were from stem cell transplants, 89 (43.8%) were from induction chemotherapy, and 13 (6.4%) were from graft-versus-host disease treatment. There were 62 nonevaluable episodes. Among 141 evaluable ones, there were 8 (5.7%) episodes of probable/proven IFI. True positive, TN, FP, and FN cases were 4 (2.8%), 112 (79.4%), 21 (14.9%), and 4 (2.8%) episodes, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 50.0%, 84.2%, 16.1%, and 96.5%, respectively. Positive predictive value was 26.7% and 0.0% in diagnostic and surveillance episodes, respectively.

Conclusions

β-d-glucan test should be used to exclude IFI rather than for diagnosis in these patients.
Radiation-induced pemphigus in a patient with an invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast: a case report
Authors: Crocker Charles
Published: February 2020

A 72-year-old woman with a known history of breast cancer was treated with adjuvant external beam radiation therapy. She initially developed radiation field localized blistering and erosions of the skin, before developing more widespread lesions. Immunofluorescence confirmed pemphigus vulgaris, which was responsive to corticosteroids. Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune blistering disease of the skin that can rarely be associated with exposure to ionizing radiation.
Modified Orbitozygomatic Craniotomy for a Previously Coiled Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Hendricks Benjamin K , Spetzler Robert F
Published: February 2020

Clip occlusion of previously coiled aneurysms poses unique technical challenges. The coil mass can complicate aneurysm neck access and clip tine approximation. This patient had a previously ruptured anterior communicating artery (ACOM) aneurysm that had been treated with coil embolization. On follow-up evaluation, the patient was found to have a recurrence of the aneurysm, which prompted an orbitozygomatic craniotomy for clip occlusion. The approach provided a favorable view of the aneurysm neck with the coil mass protruding outside the aneurysm dome. Indocyanine green fluoroscopy was used to assist with ideal permanent clip placement along the aneurysm neck. The segment of coils present outside the aneurysm neck was removed to reduce mass effect on the optic chiasm. Postoperative imaging demonstrated aneurysm obliteration. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.
Incidence of Extravascular Perivertebral Artery Contrast Flow During Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Injections
Authors: Levin Joshua , Mohan Manoj , Levi David , Horn Scott , Smuck Matthew
Published: February 2020

Background

During a cervical transforaminal epidural injection, injectate flows along the path of least resistance. Given the proximity of the vertebral artery to the intervertebral foramen, injected contrast may flow along the external wall of the artery. The incidence of this contrast flow pattern during cervical transforaminal epidural injections is unknown.

Purpose

To determine the incidence of extravascular perivertebral artery contrast flow patterns during cervical transforaminal epidural injections.

Study Design/Setting

Retrospective, observational, in vivo study.

Patient Sample

Patients receiving cervical transforaminal epidural injections at a single outpatient spine clinic.

Outcome Measures

The presence or absence of extravascular perivertebral artery contrast flow.

Methods

The saved images from 100 consecutive patients were reviewed by two independent observers and classified with or without extravascular perivertebral artery contrast flow. The incidence was determined and kappa was used to examine inter-rater reliability. All disagreements were reviewed, and the final classification was determined by consensus.

Results

The inter-rater reliability was moderate, with a kappa value of 0.69. The incidence of extravascular perivertebral artery contrast flow patterns was 49% by consensus. No statistically significant differences in incidence were present when comparing three different final needle tip positions.

Conclusions

During a cervical transforaminal epidural injection, an extravascular perivertebral artery contrast flow pattern is frequently encountered. This includes flow along the exiting nerve and then around the vertebral artery, as suggested by this study. Although this contrast pattern does not represent an intravascular injection into the vertebral artery, practitioners should remain cautious to exclude intravascular needle placement before injecting medication.
How Policy-Specific Factors Influence Horizontal Cooperation among Subnational Governments: Evidence from the Swiss Water Sector
Authors: Fischer Manuel , Jager Nicolas W
Published: February 2020

Horizontal cooperation among political systems is crucial for addressing large-scale and boundary-crossing policy problems. This article introduces and analyzes policy-specific factors that help to explain horizontal cooperation among subnational-governments. It thereby builds on but specifies arguments from the literature on horizontal federalism that has usually been focusing on general institutional and societal factors to explain cooperation. These factors capture how a given policy problem unfolds (problem pressure), the ways in which subnational governments are exposed to and experience its consequences in similar or unequal ways (functional interdependencies and their symmetry), and how the issues are treated domestically (problem awareness). We illustrate the potential importance of these factors by analyzing treaties among Swiss substates in the water domain and relying on network analytic methods. We find that problem awareness and functional interdependencies and their (a)symmetries are important, whereas problem pressure has a mixed influence, depending on the issue area.
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor- and chemotherapy-induced large-vessel vasculitis: six patient cases and a systematic literature review
Authors: Taimen Kirsi , Heino Samu , Kohonen Ia , Relas Heikki , Huovinen Riikka , Hänninen Arno , Pirilä Laura
Published: February 2020

Objective

Patients receiving chemotherapy are prone to neutropoenic infections, presenting with non-specific symptoms such as a high fever and elevated inflammatory parameters. Large-vessel vasculitis (LVV) may have a similar clinical presentation and should be included in differential diagnostics. A few published case reports and adverse event reports suggest a causal association between LVV and the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and chemotherapy. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between LVV, G-CSF and chemotherapy.

Methods

Between 2016 and 2018, we identified six patients in Finland with probable drug-induced LVV associated with G-CSF and chemotherapy. All six patients had breast cancer. A systematic literature review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines using comprehensive search terms for cancer, chemotherapy, G-CSF and LVV.

Results

The literature search identified 18 similar published case reports, of which most were published after 2014. In all patients combined (n = 24), the time delay from the last drug administration to the LVV symptoms was on average 5 days with G-CSF (range = 1–8 days) and 9 days with chemotherapy (range = 1–21 days). Common symptoms were fever (88%), neck pain (50%) and chest pain (42%). Based on imaging, 17/24 (71%) had vascular inflammation in the thoracic aorta and supra-aortic vessels, but 5/24 (21%) reportedly had inflammation limited to the carotid area.

Conclusion

This review suggests that LVV may be a possible serious adverse event associated with G-CSF and chemotherapy. Successful management of drug-induced LVV requires early identification, through diagnostic imaging, and discontinuation of the drug.
Prognostic factors of pulmonary hypertension associated with connective tissue disease: pulmonary artery size measured by chest CT
Authors: Li Xiaodi , Zhang Chunfang , Sun Xiaoxuan , Yang Xiaoman , Zhang Miaojia , Wang Qiang , Zhu Yinsu
Published: February 2020

Objective

Pulmonary artery enlargement is a common manifestation of chest CT in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The exact clinical significance of this phenomenon has not been clarified in connective tissue disease (CTD)-associated PAH (CTD-PAH). We aimed to explore the association between the dilatation of pulmonary artery and prognosis of CTD-PAH patients.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated 140 CTD-PAH patients diagnosed by echocardiography from 2009 to 2018. A chest multi-slice CT was performed on all the patients. Main pulmonary artery (MPA), right pulmonary artery (RPA), left pulmonary artery (LPA), ascending aorta (AAo) and descending aorta (DAo) diameters were measured. The ratios MPA/AAo and MPA/DAo were also calculated. The primary end point was all-cause mortality.

Results

During the observational period of 3.44 (0.23) years, 36 patients were followed to death. Cox univariate proportional hazard analysis showed that age, gender, MPA diameter, LPA diameter and RPA diameter were related to the risk of 5-year all-cause mortality in patients with CTD-PAH. In Cox multivariate proportional hazard analysis, MPA diameter and gender were predictors of all-cause mortality in CTD-PAH patients. An all-cause mortality risk prediction model revealed that baseline MPA diameter has the ability to predict 5-year all-cause mortality in CTD-PAH patients. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the 5-year survival rate was significantly lower in patients with MPA ≥37.70 mm (P ≤ 0.00012) compared with MPA ≤ 37.70 mm.

Conclusion

MPA diameter ≥37.70 mm measured by chest multi-slice CT was a potential independent risk factor of the poor long-term prognosis in Chinese CTD-PAH patients.
Genome-wide Association Study of Creativity Reveals Genetic Overlap With Psychiatric Disorders, Risk Tolerance, and Risky Behaviors
Authors: Li Huijuan , Zhang Chuyi , Cai Xin , Wang Lu , Luo Fang , Ma Yina , Li Ming , Xiao Xiao
Published: February 2020

Creativity represents one of the most important and partially heritable human characteristics, yet little is known about its genetic basis. Epidemiological studies reveal associations between creativity and psychiatric disorders as well as multiple personality and behavioral traits. To test whether creativity and these disorders or traits share genetic basis, we performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) followed by polygenic risk score (PRS) analyses. Two cohorts of Han Chinese subjects (4,834 individuals in total) aged 18–45 were recruited for creativity measurement using typical performance test. After exclusion of the outliers with significantly deviated creativity scores and low-quality genotyping results, 4,664 participants were proceeded for GWAS. We conducted PRS analyses using both the classical pruning and thresholding (P+T) method and the LDpred method. The extent of polygenic risk was estimated through linear regression adjusting for the top 3 genotyping principal components. R2 was used as a measurement of the explained variance. PRS analyses demonstrated significantly positive genetic overlap, respectively, between creativity with schizophrenia ((P+T) method: R2(max) ~ .196%, P = .00245; LDpred method: R2(max) ~ .226%, P = .00114), depression ((P+T) method: R2(max) ~ .178%, P = .00389; LDpred method: R2(max) ~ .093%, P = .03675), general risk tolerance ((P+T) method: R2(max) ~ .177%, P = .00399; LDpred method: R2(max) ~ .305%, P = .00016), and risky behaviors ((P+T) method: R2(max) ~ .187%, P = .00307; LDpred method: R2(max) ~ .155%, P = .00715). Our results suggest that human creativity is probably a polygenic trait affected by numerous variations with tiny effects. Genetic variations that predispose to psychiatric disorders and risky behaviors may underlie part of the genetic basis of creativity, confirming the epidemiological associations between creativity and these traits.
A NovelStreptomycessp. Strain PBSH9 for Controlling Potato Common Scab Caused byStreptomyces galilaeus
Authors: Zhang Xiao-yu , Li Chi , Hao Jian-jun , Li Yu-chen , Li De-zhou , Zhang Dong-mei , Xing Xing , Liang Yan
Published: February 2020

Potato common scab is an important soilborne disease worldwide that can significantly reduce the quality and economic values of potato. The disease is caused by multiple species of Streptomyces, which are not well controlled due to lack of effective strategies. Streptomyces galilaeus has been recently identified as a dominant species causing potato common scab in Inner Mongolia, China. This study was focused on screening and characterizing antagonists for biological control against pathogenic S. galilaeus. Bacterial strain PBSH9 was isolated from a potato tuber. PBSH9 was identified as a Streptomyces sp. on the basis of morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics, as well as DNA sequence analysis. PBSH9 inhibited S. galilaeus with a diameter of inhibitory zone of 19.8 mm on agar plates. The extracellular filtrate of PBSH9 also inhibited S. galilaeus growth with a diameter of inhibition zone of 10.0 mm. Furthermore, PBSH9 promoted potato sprouting and emergence. Disease control was up to 81.88% in greenhouse trials, and from 47.64 to 73.97% in 3-year field trials. Among the tested inoculation methods, seed treatment was more effective than soil drenching for PBSH9 application. PBSH9 not only effectively controlled potato common scab but also increased potato growth. Thus, it can be a potential candidate for biocontrol agent.
Inflammatory response in trauma patients: are there ways to decrease the inflammatory reaction?
Authors: Schlömmer Christine , Meier Jens
Published: February 2020

Purpose of review

Trauma patients are considered a complex population of patients in emergency medicine and need extensive, specialized therapy. One major part is the prevention and treatment of the inflammatory response, which occurs in patients after severe injury resulting in complications like endotheliopathy. Likely as a consequence, coagulopathy occurs. Sterile inflammation is hard to address, especially because of the lack of a single activator. Moreover, it is a complex composition of factors that lead to a pathologic immune response. Our understanding of these patterns is increasing, but the complete pathophysiologic changes have yet to be investigated. Therefore, there is no specific target to treat inflammatory response in trauma patients at the moment.

Recent findings

There is increasing knowledge of the pathways and mediators that are responsible for the inflammatory response in patients after severe trauma. The endothelial glycocalyx has been identified to be an integral part of these mechanisms. There have been several new therapeutic approaches to diminish the inflammatory response.

Our increasing understanding of the immune system have led to new potential therapeutic perspectives. All of these approaches need further research to be validated. As the current therapies are based on empirical strategies and have not changed much over the years, new treatment options would be an important progress.
A Diagnostic Approach to Myelopathy Based on Prognostic Factors in Patients With Lower Extremity Symptoms
Authors: Tsukamoto Manabu , Nakamura Eiichiro , Narusawa Kenichiro , Shimizu Kenji , Otomo Hajime , Yamane Hirotoshi , Muramoto Teppei , Yamada Shinji , Sakai Akinori
Published: February 2020

Study Design.

Case-control study.

Objective.

We aimed to identify predictors for latent myelopathy and to develop a diagnostic protocol based on these factors.

Summary of Background data.

There is no diagnostic protocol for latent myelopathy to avoid misdiagnosis in patients complaining only of lower extremity symptoms.

Methods.

This case-control study identified 791 patients discussed at conferences from April 2006 to August 2012. Overall, 460 patients complaining only of lower extremity symptoms and who underwent spine surgery were included as participants; 54 underwent surgery involving the cervical and thoracic vertebrae and were assigned to the cervical-thoracic group (C-T group); 406 underwent lumbar surgery and were assigned to the lumbar group (L group).

Results.

By univariate analysis, age ≥67 years, patellar tendon (PT) hyperreflexia, Achilles tendon (AT) hyperreflexia, spastic gait, and gait inability were more common in the C-T group than in the L group. By multivariate analysis, age ≥67 years (OR, 8; P = 0.001), AT hyperreflexia (OR, 20.5; P < 0.001), spastic gait (OR, 225; P < 0.001), and gait inability (OR, 64; P < 0.001) were significant predictive factors. In patients with age ≥67 years, PT hyperreflexia, and/or AT hyperreflexia, the sensitivity for myelopathy diagnosis was 98%. In patients with spastic gait or gait inability, the specificity of myelopathy diagnosis was 96%.

Conclusions.

We analyzed factors that predict latent myelopathy in patients complaining only of lower extremity symptoms. We believe a diagnostic protocol based on the predictors shown in this study would contribute to the accurate diagnosis of latent myelopathy.

Level of Evidence: 4
Additional Magnetic Resonance or Nuclear Scintigraphy Imaging Influences Approach to Vertebral Augmentation
Authors: Martin Jonathan G. , Goldman Daryl T. , Dabrowiecki Alexander M. , Newsome Janice , Bercu Zachary L. , Gilliland Charles
Published: February 2020

Study Design.

Retrospective review.

Objective.

To ascertain impact of preprocedural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or nuclear medicine Tc99m-DMP scintigraphy on the treatment plan when compared with plain films and/or computed tomography prior to vertebral augmentation procedures.

Summary of Background Data.

Over 1 million vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) occur in the United States annually with over 150,000 individuals hospitalized each year. Physical examination and history are essential to the workup of VCFs, but imaging remains necessary for confirming the diagnosis. VCFs can be imaged with various modalities and there is limited data on the comparative effectiveness of different imaging modalities.

Methods.

Six hundred fifty consecutive patients treated with vertebral augmentation at a single institution between May of 2013 and April of 2018 were reviewed. Preprocedure imaging of the spine obtained within 30 days prior to the procedure were reviewed. Preprocedure imaging results were cross-referenced against the levels treated by vertebral augmentation to determine whether there was a change in the levels treated after receiving an MRI or NM imaging study.

Results.

Three hundred sixty-three patients had adequate imaging for inclusion. One hundred fifty-four of these 363 patients (42.4%) had an alteration of their treatment plan based upon the MR or NM imaging. Fewer vertebral levels were treated in 33, different levels were treated in 41, and more levels were treated in 80 patients.

Conclusion.

MRI or nuclear medicine bone scan imaging prior to vertebral augmentation altered the location and number of levels treated in a large percentage of patients, adding specificity to treatment over findings on radiographs or computed tomography alone.

Level of Evidence: 3
Is Bone Nonunion, Vertebral Deformity, or Spinopelvic Malalignment the Best Therapeutic Target for Amelioration of Low Back Pain After Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture?
Authors: Iwata Akira , Kanayama Masahiro , Oha Fumihiro , Shimamura Yukitoshi , Hashimoto Tomoyuki , Takahata Masahiko , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: February 2020

Study Design.

Cohort study (level 3).

Objective.

The aim of this study was to identify independent risk factors for residual low back pain (LBP) following osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF).

Summary of Background Data.

Nonunion has been proposed as the primary cause of residual LBP following OVF. However, LBP can occur even when union is maintained. Other reported causes of LBP after OVF include vertebral deformities and spinopelvic malalignment.

Methods.

Sixty-seven patients with single-level thoracolumbar OVF who had not received previous osteoporotic treatment were enrolled. Conservative treatment was conducted using a soft lumbosacral orthosis plus osteoporosis drugs, either weekly alendronate (bisphosphonate) or daily teriparatide. Pain scores, kyphosis angle of fractured vertebra (VKA), and spinopelvic alignment, including pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI–LL), were assessed periodically during treatment. Radiographic union was evaluated independently by three specialists at 24 weeks post-admission. Patients were divided by pain scores >40% at 24 weeks into the LBP (n = 36) and non-LBP (n = 31) groups. Temporal changes and statistical associations were examined to identify risk factors for LBP at 24 weeks.

Results.

At 24 weeks, 25% of OVFs failed to achieve union. The LBP group consisted of 71% of nonunion and 48% of union cases. Stepwise multinomial regression analysis showed VKA at 24 weeks >25° was significant risk factor for the LBP group (odds ratio: 6.24, 95% confidence interval: 1.77–22.02, P = 0.004). Significant differences in VKA emerged during treatment in the LBP group, but PI-LL showed the tendency not to change throughout the treatment period. Non-union was correlated with VKA (area under the curve: 0.864).

Conclusion.

Although spinopelvic malalignment is considered as a preexisting factor for LBP, VKA exacerbated by nonunion predominantly led to LBP after a new OVF. Each incidence of OVF should be treated to limit further morphological changes to the fractured vertebra.

Level of Evidence: 3
Traumatic Atlanto-occipital Dislocation
Authors: Chang Dong-Gune , Park Jong-Beom , Song Kyung-Jin , Park Heui-Jeon , Kim Whoan Jeang , Heu Jun Young
Published: February 2020

Study Design.

Retrospective case analyses.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and characteristics of associated upper cervical spine injuries in 15 survival cases of traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD).

Summary of Background Data.

Traumatic AOD is a rare and generally fatal injury. Information regarding associated upper cervical spine injuries that may affect treatment methods, outcomes, and prognosis is limited.

Methods.

Fifteen patients (11 patients with posterior-type AOD and four patients with vertical-type AOD) who survived traumatic AOD were included in this study. Plain radiographs, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and medical records were reviewed. The incidence and characteristics of associated upper and lower cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine injuries and brain injuries were evaluated.

Results.

Thirteen patients with traumatic AOD (11 patients with posterior-type AOD and two patients with vertical-type AOD) showed associated upper cervical spine injuries; the overall incidence was 87% (100% in posterior-type AOD and 50% in vertical-type AOD). In posterior-type AOD, eight (72.7%) patients had C1 fractures (four patients had three-part fracture, three patients had two-part fracture, and one patient had four-part fracture), four (36.4%) patients had C1 lateral mass fractures, two (18.2%) patients had transverse atlantal ligament injuries. In vertical-type AOD, two (50%) patients had C1-C2 vertical subluxation with C1 anterior arch horizontal and sagittal split fractures. In posterior-type AOD, two (18%) patients had lower cervical spine injuries and one (9%) patient had brain injury. In vertical-type AOD, one (25%) patient had thoracic spine injury, and three (75%) patients had brain injuries additionally.

Conclusion.

Survival cases with traumatic AOD showed a high incidence of associated upper cervical spine injuries and brain injuries. High index of suspicion and careful radiologic examination are needed to investigate the presence of associated upper cervical spine injuries and brain injuries in traumatic AOD, which affects treatment, outcome, and prognosis.

Level of Evidence: 4