bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dispersion corrected interaction of polar and nonpolar fluids confined within carbon nanotubes: Density functional theoretical analysis using Grimme's D3 scheme
Authors: Sahu Pooja , Ali Sk. Musharaf
Published: December 2017

The structural and flow characteristics of fluids within carbon nanotube (CNT) is dictated by the interaction of fluid molecules within the nanocavity of CNT. Therefore, in the present study, dispersion corrected density functional theory has been used to investigate the structure and interaction of polar and nonpolar molecules within CNT. The present study shows that there is profound effect on the interaction due to dispersion. The interaction energy of the confined water was found to be reduced with increasing distance of the water molecule from the wall of the CNT. The water is preferentially adsorbed over methane due to stronger interaction with CNT over methane. Further, water is preferentially adsorbed over methanol molecule when interaction is calculated without dispersion but after inclusion of dispersion interaction, the calculated results show that the methanol–CNT interaction is stronger than that of water molecule and hence preferentially adsorbed within the CNT as revealed from MD simulation. The present calculation reveals that that the effect of CNT confinement on the IR spectra of the single file water is quite considerable compared to the IR spectra of tetrahedral bulk water cluster. Therefore, the present results might be useful for the separation of polar molecule from nonpolar molecule during fabrication of CNT‐based filter and purification system.
Lung cancer development in the patient with granulomatosis with polyangiitis during long term treatment with cyclophosphamide: first documented case
Authors: Toriyama Midori , Tagaya Etsuko , Yamamoto Tomoko , Kondo Mitsuko , Nagashima Yoji , Tamaoki Jun
Published: December 2017

A 65‐year‐old man was diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) at the age of 47, when cytoplasmic anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (C‐ANCA) serology was positive, and he had multiple nodular shadows in both lungs. He had been treated with prednisolone, cyclophosphamide (CPA) and plasma exchange. At the age of 64, a nodular shadow was newly detected in the right lower lung field and serum tumour marker increased. Subsequent positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan demonstrated accumulations of fluorodexyglucose (FDG) in the same area, mediastinum lymph nodes, thoracic wall, right iliac bone, and right retroperitoneum. The diagnosis of squamous cell lung cancer cT2bN2M1b Stage4 was made with endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA). There are no reports of cases that lung cancer has developed with GPA during the long‐term treatment with CPA. We suggest that in such patients, the differential diagnosis should include not only the relapse of GPA, but also the rare possibility of development of carcinomas.
Pleuritis associated with primary Sjogren syndrome
Authors: Hosoda Chiaki , Hosaka Yusuke , Ryu Kai , Kinoshita Akira , Saito Keisuke , Kuwano Kazuyoshi
Published: December 2017

We herein present a case of a 71‐year‐old woman with primary Sjogren's syndrome (SjS), who developed bilateral pleural effusion and ground glass opacity during treatment with low‐dose prednisolone. The pleural effusion and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid revealed elevation of lymphocytes. Thoracoscopic pleural biopsy showed infiltration of lymphocytes with no evidence of other diseases, confirming SjS‐related pleuritis. Therefore, we initiated 20 mg prednisolone and pleural effusion was rapidly resolved. Our results indicate that SjS can be rarely complicated with pleuritis. In addition, thoracoscopic pleural biopsy and a rapid response to steroid treatment would be helpful for diagnosing SjS‐related pleuritis.
Desquamative interstitial pneumonia complicated by diffuse alveolar haemorrhage
Authors: Matsuo Ayako , Matsumoto Nobuhiro , Kitamura Akiko , Tsubouchi Hironobu , Yanagi Shigehisa , Nakazato Masamitsu
Published: December 2017

We report a rare case of desquamative interstitial pneumonia (DIP) with diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH). A 56‐year‐old man diagnosed with DIP by surgical lung biopsy 2 years ago was admitted to our hospital because of severe acute respiratory failure. The DIP had progressed despite smoking cessation. On admission, the patient appeared extremely ill, and physical examination revealed respiratory distress. The patient required mechanical ventilation. High‐resolution computed tomography showed diffuse ground glass opacity in both lungs. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was bloody, and numerous haemosiderin‐laden alveolar macrophages were detected. Pulse steroid therapy followed by oral prednisolone immediately relieved the respiratory failure and improved the long‐term control of the DIP. Paired sera tests confirmed the diagnosis of influenza A/H3N2 virus infection, which was the cause of the DAH. Chronically progressive DIP with acute respiratory failure due to DAH was successfully treated by steroid therapy.
Low‐voltage electricity‐induced lung injury
Authors: Truong Thai , Le Thuong Vu , Smith David L. , Kantrow Stephen P. , Tran Van Ngoc
Published: December 2017

We report a case of bilateral pulmonary infiltrates and haemoptysis following low‐voltage electricity exposure in an agricultural worker. A 58‐year‐old man standing in water reached for an electric watering machine and sustained an exposure to 220 V circuit for an uncertain duration. The electricity was turned off by another worker, and the patient was asymptomatic for the next 10 h until he developed haemoptysis. A chest radiograph demonstrated bilateral infiltrates, and chest computed tomography (CT) revealed ground‐glass opacities with interstitial thickening. Evaluations, including electrocardiogram, serum troponin, N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐pro BNP), coagulation studies, and echocardiogram, found no abnormality. The patient was treated for suspected electricity‐induced lung injury and bleeding with tranexamic acid and for rhabdomyolysis with volume resuscitation. He recovered with complete resolution of chest radiograph abnormalities by Day 7. This is the first reported case of bilateral lung oedema and/or injury after electricity exposure without cardiac arrest.
Immunity against hepatitis E virus infection: Implications for therapy and vaccine development
Authors: Hakim Mohamad S. , Ikram Aqsa , Zhou Jianhua , Wang Wenshi , Peppelenbosch Maikel P. , Pan Qiuwei
Published: December 2017

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide and an emerging cause of chronic infection in immunocompromised patients. As with viral infections in general, immune responses are critical to determine the outcome of HEV infection. Accumulating studies in cell culture, animal models and patients have improved our understanding of HEV immunopathogenesis and informed the development of new antiviral therapies and effective vaccines. In this review, we discuss the recent progress on innate and adaptive immunity in HEV infection, and the implications for the devolopment of effective vaccines and immune‐based therapies.
Risk of HLA Homozygous Cord Blood Transplantation: Implications for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Banking and Transplantation
Authors: Morishima Yasuo , Azuma Fumihiro , Kashiwase Koichi , Matsumoto Kayoko , Orihara Takeshi , Yabe Hiromasa , Kato Shunichi , Kato Koji , Kai Shunro , Mori Tetsuo , Nakajima Kazunori , Morishima Satoko , Satake Masahiro , Takanashi Minoko , Yabe Toshio ,   on behalf of the Japanese Cord Blood Transplantation Histocompatibility Research Group
Published: December 2017

Clinical application of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) in autologous settings has just begun. To overcome the high time and cost barriers in the individual production of autologous iPS, the use of allogeneic iPS with a homozygous human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotype (HLA-homo HP) has been proposed. Cord blood transplantation (CBT) is a suitable model for evaluating the allogeneic immunogenicity of iPS transplantation from HLA-homo donors. We analyzed 1,374 Japanese single cord blood transplant pairs who were retrospectively typed as HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1, and -DPB1. Among these, six pairs with donor HLA homo—patient-HLA hetero (homo-hetero) were found, all of which showed favorable neutrophil engraftment. Multivariate analysis revealed a significantly elevated engraftment risk (HR = 1.59) compared with hetero-hetero pairs with HLA 1-2 locus mismatch (789 pts) and comparative risk (HR = 1.23) compared with hetero-hetero pairs with 0 mismatch (104 pts). These results for CBT with HLA-homo HP cord blood carry an important implication, namely the possibility that HLA-homo iPS transplantation results in favorable engraftment. Furthermore, we obtained detailed information on HLA alleles and haplotypes of HLA-homo. All donor HLA-homo HPs had a common specific ethnicity and high conservation of the HLA region, and one of two patient heterogeneous HPs invariably shared the same HP as donor HLA-homo HP, and another non-shared patient HP was mismatched with 1 to 4 HLA alleles of HLA-A, -B, -C, and -DRB1 loci in the GVH direction. These findings indicate that patients possessing a single common HLA haplotype have a higher chance of yielding HLA-homo iPS.
A New Hole Transport Material for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells With Reduced Device Cost
Authors: Sun Yuhao , Wang Changlei , Zhao Dewei , Yu Jiangsheng , Yin Xinxing , Grice Corey R. , Awni Rasha A. , Shrestha Niraj , Yu Yue , Guan Lei , Ellingson Randy J. , Tang Weihua , Yan Yanfa
Published: December 2017

To realize commercialization of perovskie solar cell (PVSC) technology, it is essential to reduce the device costs while maintaining high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). So far, the high cost of the most commonly used hole selective material, 2,2′,7,7′‐Tetrakis (N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenylamino)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (spiro‐OMeTAD), for high‐PCE PVSCs presents a significant obstacle for device cost reduction. In this work, the synthesis and characterization of a new spiro‐OMeTAD derivative hole selective material, 2,6,14‐tris(5′‐(N,N‐bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)aminophenol‐4‐yl)‐3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophen‐2‐yl)‐triptycene (TET) is reported. TET features a three‐dimensional structure consisting of a triptycene core and triarylamine arms linked by 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene, facilitating efficient hole transport. Planar PVSCs using TET hole selective layers (HSLs) achieved high fill factors of over 81% and steady‐state efficiencies of up to 18.6%, comparable with that (19.0%) of PVSC using spiro‐OMeTAD HSL. Importantly, the hereby reported efficient PVSCs can be produced with very thin TET HSLs (about 30 nm). Considering the lower laboratory synthesis and purification cost ($123 vs. $500 g−1) and thinner HSL (30 vs. 200 nm), the cost for TET on a unit area of one device is 25 times lower than that for high‐purity spiro‐OMeTAD. The device with TET HSL shows good stability under continuous illumination. Therefore, this work makes a significant step forward toward the commercialization of the emerging PVSC technology.
Effectiveness of Japanese Kampo treatment in dysmenorrhea: Single‐center observational study
Authors: Horiba Yuko , Yoshino Tetsuhiro , Watanabe Kenji
Published: December 2017

Aim

Kampo medicine, a Japanese traditional medicine, is a leading candidate in alternative medicine for treating dysmenorrhea. The efficacy of some formulas has been reported in randomized placebo‐controlled trials, but the effectiveness and safety of Kampo treatment with regard to specialist selection of an appropriate formula remain unclear. We therefore conducted a single‐center observational study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Kampo treatment for dysmenorrhea.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of patients with dysmenorrhea at Keio University Hospital between May 2008 and March 2015. Exclusion criteria were age >50 years and failure to attend follow up. Patients with any degree of improvement in dysmenorrhea by ≤90 days after the first consultation were categorized in the effective dysmenorrhea treatment group. We also examined any improvement in other symptoms after the prescription of medicine for the patients not included in the aforementioned group. Adverse reactions were also investigated.

Results

We examined 157 patients, with a median age of 33 years (range, 12–49 years) at the time of the first consultation. A total of 122 patients (77.7%) were diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea, 99 of whom (63.1%) were categorized in the effective dysmenorrhea treatment group. In addition, loss of appetite, premenstrual symptoms, and cold sensations were improved in the patients not in the effective dysmenorrhea treatment group. Adverse, but mild, reactions were reported in 15.9% of patients.

Conclusion

Kampo treatment by specialists can be a safe treatment option for dysmenorrhea.
Form and function relationships revealed by long‐term research in a semiarid mountain catchment
Authors: McNamara James P. , Benner Shawn G. , Poulos Michael J. , Pierce Jennifer L. , Chandler David G. , Kormos Patrick R. , Marshall Hans‐Peter , Flores Alejandro N. , Seyfried Mark , Glenn Nancy F. , Aishlin Pamella
Published: December 2017

Fifteen years of cumulative research in the Dry Creek Experimental Watershed in southwest Idaho, USA, has revealed relationships between catchment form and function that would not have been possible through independent short‐term projects alone. The impacts of aspect and elevation on incident energy and water, coupled with climate seasonality, have produced tightly connected landform properties and hydrologic processes. North‐facing hillslopes have steeper slope angles, thicker soil mantles, finer soil texture, and higher water holding capacities than their south‐facing counterparts. This trend is modulated by elevation and vegetation; higher elevation sites, where aspect differences in vegetation are less evident, exhibit less distinct hydrologic properties. The storage of water first as snow, then as soil moisture determines how upland ecosystems survive the seasonal and persistent water stress that happens each year, and sustains streamflow throughout the year. The cumulative body of local knowledge has improved general understanding of catchment science, serves as a resource for conceptual and numerical evaluation of process‐based models, and for data‐driven hydrologic education. WIREs Water 2018, 5:e1267. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1267

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
Do Transmasculine Speakers Present With Gender-Related Voice Problems? Insights From a Participant-Centered Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Azul David , Arnold Aron , Neuschaefer-Rube Christiane
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there are indications of gender-related voice problems in our transmasculine participants and to analyze how discrepancies between participant self-evaluations and researcher-led examinations can be best negotiated to ensure a participant-centered interpretation.

Method

We conducted a participant-centered mixed-methods study combining qualitative content analyses of semistructured interviews, acoustical voice analyses, and an examination of gender attributions to voice. Fourteen German-speaking transmasculine people, 14 cisfemale control persons, and 7 cismale control persons participated. The data were examined for indications of gender-related voice problems pertaining to vocal gender presentation and gender attribution to voice received from others.

Results

Eleven participants (79%) presented with indications of gender-related voice problems. Problems included dissatisfaction with gender-related voice features, difficulties with control of vocal gender presentation, and mismatch between desired gender attribution and gender attributions received from others. Discrepancies between participant self-evaluations and researcher-led examinations were observed in a number of cases.

Conclusion

Transmasculine speakers may experience a range of gender-related voice problems. Research and clinical practice with transmasculine people need to be adapted to better match the diversity of the population and the complexity of the processes that shape the production of speaker vocal gender in interaction.
R2DGC: threshold-free peak alignment and identification for 2D gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in R
Authors: Ramaker Ryne C , Gordon Emily R , Cooper Sara J
Published: December 2017

Comprehensive 2D gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is a powerful method for analyzing complex mixtures of volatile compounds, but produces a large amount of raw data that requires downstream processing to align signals of interest (peaks) across multiple samples and match peak characteristics to reference standard libraries prior to downstream statistical analysis. Very few existing tools address this aspect of analysis and those that do have shortfalls in usability or performance. We have developed an R package that implements retention time and mass spectra similarity threshold-free alignments, seamlessly integrates retention time standards for universally reproducible alignments, performs common ion filtering and provides compatibility with multiple peak quantification methods. We demonstrate that our package’s performance compares favorably to existing tools on a controlled mix of metabolite standards separated under variable chromatography conditions and data generated from cell lines.

Availability and implementation

R2DGC can be downloaded at https://github.com/rramaker/R2DGC or installed via the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Of jellyfish, fish, and humans
Authors: Purcell Jennifer E
Published: December 2017

This paper follows my journey from childhood in Missouri, where I saw my first jellyfish, to the oceans of the world. Pelagic cnidarians and ctenophores (“jellies”) have been the focus of my career. I think my work has been relevant to the broader scientific community because jellies are predators and potential competitors of fish. In my early research, I quantitatively estimated the predation effects of jellies on zooplankton and ichthyoplankton. I found that most jellies are selective predators, with a few species having diets of only fish larvae or soft-bodied prey. As I learned more about the physical environment that jellies encounter, my early reductionist approach evolved into a more holistic approach. I thought the asexual multiplication from the attached polyp stage would be fundamental in determining jellyfish population size and that the effects of environmental variables could be tested experimentally. It also seemed that humans have changed the natural environment in ways favoring jellies over fish and jelly populations may have increased in developed, eutrophic, hypoxic, overfished, and warming coastal waters. Many opportunities were available that gave me a global perspective. I have persisted despite some difficulties because I love to learn and I am still having fun!
Preparedness Education in the Baccalaureate Nursing Curriculum
Authors: Bowker Dawn M. , Tomlinson Brandi J.
Published: December 2017

Healthy People 2020 supports the preparation of nurse graduates to assess emergency preparedness needs of defined populations and includes preparedness as one of its objectives. Natural disaster preparedness is addressed through the lens of community-centered care that meets the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses domains of patient-centered care and teamwork and collaboration. This article discusses the development of an authentic clinical experience through collaboration between the American Red Cross and a baccalaureate nursing program.
Exploring APN Students’ Perceptions, Self-Confidence, and Satisfaction With Clinical Simulation
Authors: Woodruff Kathleen , O'Neill Sharon Patricia , Walton-Moss Benita Jean
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to explore advanced practice students’ perceptions, self-confidence, and satisfaction with clinical simulation as a learning tool. The simulation was part of a health assessment course with 69 students, 25 of whom had no RN experience. On average, students were undecided but trended toward agreement that each key simulation feature was present in the simulation. Students without experience were significantly less likely to feel supported during the simulation and to endorse the appropriateness of the selected problem for the simulation. Upon multiple regression analysis, only fidelity was significantly associated with self-confidence (p = .003).
Verbal Learning and Memory After Cochlear Implantation in Postlingually Deaf Adults: Some New Findings with the CVLT-II
Authors: Pisoni David B. , Broadstock Arthur , Wucinich Taylor , Safdar Natalie , Miller Kelly , Hernandez Luis R. , Vasil Kara , Boyce Lauren , Davies Alexandra , Harris Michael S. , Castellanos Irina , Xu Huiping , Kronenberger William G. , Moberly Aaron C.
Published: December 2017

Objectives:

Despite the importance of verbal learning and memory in speech and language processing, this domain of cognitive functioning has been virtually ignored in clinical studies of hearing loss and cochlear implants in both adults and children. In this article, we report the results of two studies that used a newly developed visually based version of the California Verbal Learning Test–Second Edition (CVLT-II), a well-known normed neuropsychological measure of verbal learning and memory.

Design:

The first study established the validity and feasibility of a computer-controlled visual version of the CVLT-II, which eliminates the effects of audibility of spoken stimuli, in groups of young normal-hearing and older normal-hearing (ONH) adults. A second study was then carried out using the visual CVLT-II format with a group of older postlingually deaf experienced cochlear implant (ECI) users (N = 25) and a group of ONH controls (N = 25) who were matched to ECI users for age, socioeconomic status, and nonverbal IQ. In addition to the visual CVLT-II, subjects provided data on demographics, hearing history, nonverbal IQ, reading fluency, vocabulary, and short-term memory span for visually presented digits. ECI participants were also tested for speech recognition in quiet.

Results:

The ECI and ONH groups did not differ on most measures of verbal learning and memory obtained with the visual CVLT-II, but deficits were identified in ECI participants that were related to recency recall, the buildup of proactive interference, and retrieval-induced forgetting. Within the ECI group, nonverbal fluid IQ, reading fluency, and resistance to the buildup of proactive interference from the CVLT-II consistently predicted better speech recognition outcomes.

Conclusions:

Results from this study suggest that several underlying foundational neurocognitive abilities are related to core speech perception outcomes after implantation in older adults. Implications of these findings for explaining individual differences and variability and predicting speech recognition outcomes after implantation are discussed.
Oxygen Exposure Resulting in Arterial Oxygen Tensions Above the Protocol Goal Was Associated With Worse Clinical Outcomes in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome*
Authors: Aggarwal Neil R. , Brower Roy G. , Hager David N. , Thompson B. Taylor , Netzer Giora , Shanholtz Carl , Lagakos Adrian , Checkley William
Published: December 2017

Objectives:

High fractions of inspired oxygen may augment lung damage to exacerbate lung injury in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Participants enrolled in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Network trials had a goal partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood range of 55–80 mm Hg, yet the effect of oxygen exposure above this arterial oxygen tension range on clinical outcomes is unknown. We sought to determine if oxygen exposure that resulted in a partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood above goal (> 80 mm Hg) was associated with worse outcomes in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Design:

Longitudinal analysis of data collected in these trials.

Setting:

Ten clinical trials conducted at Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Network hospitals between 1996 and 2013.

Subjects:

Critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

We defined above goal oxygen exposure as the difference between the fraction of inspired oxygen and 0.5 whenever the fraction of inspired oxygen was above 0.5 and when the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood was above 80 mm Hg. We then summed above goal oxygen exposures in the first five days to calculate a cumulative above goal oxygen exposure. We determined the effect of a cumulative 5-day above goal oxygen exposure on mortality prior to discharge home at 90 days. Among 2,994 participants (mean age, 51.3 yr; 54% male) with a study-entry partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood/fraction of inspired oxygen that met acute respiratory distress syndrome criteria, average cumulative above goal oxygen exposure was 0.24 fraction of inspired oxygen-days (interquartile range, 0–0.38). Participants with above goal oxygen exposure were more likely to die (adjusted interquartile range odds ratio, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.11–1.31) and have lower ventilator-free days (adjusted interquartile range mean difference of –0.83; 95% CI, –1.18 to –0.48) and lower hospital-free days (adjusted interquartile range mean difference of –1.38; 95% CI, –2.09 to –0.68). We observed a dose-response relationship between the cumulative above goal oxygen exposure and worsened clinical outcomes for participants with mild, moderate, or severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, suggesting that the observed relationship is not primarily influenced by severity of illness.

Conclusions:

Oxygen exposure resulting in arterial oxygen tensions above the protocol goal occurred frequently and was associated with worse clinical outcomes at all levels of acute respiratory distress syndrome severity.
Autologous Fat Transfer for Facial Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review on Technique, Efficacy, and Satisfaction
Authors: Groen Jan-Willem , Krastev Todor K. , Hommes Juliette , Wilschut Janneke A. , Ritt Marco J. P. F. , van der Hulst Rene R. J. W.
Published: December 2017

Background:

Parallel to the steady decline in surgical aesthetic procedures to the face, dermal fillers seem to have gained a more prominent place in facial rejuvenation over the last couple of years. As a dermal, facial filler, autologous fat transfer (AFT) seems to have real potential because of the biocompatibility of adipose tissue besides being a procedure with few and primarily minor complications. This systematic review aims to evaluate the available evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of AFT for facial rejuvenation.

Method:

A systematic review after the Preferred-Reporting-Items-for-Systematic-Reviews-and-Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement was conducted. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched up to December 2016, with no language restrictions imposed. Case series, cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on relevant outcomes were included.

Results:

Eighteen clinical articles were included, reporting on 3,073 patients in total over a mean follow-up period of 13.9 months. Meta-analysis showed an overall complication rate of 6% (95% CI 3.0–14.0), with hematoma/ecchymosis (5%), fat necrosis/oil cysts (2%), and irregular fat distribution and scars (both 2%) being among the most reported. No major complications were reported, and the overall patient satisfaction rate was 81%.

Conclusion:

Although the evidence in this systematic review is still limited and plagued by heterogeneity between studies, AFT seems to be a promising method in facial rejuvenation with fewer complications than other fillers and high patient satisfaction rates. Further large-cohort, preferably multicenter, RCTs should substantiate these results through quantifiable volumetric assessment tools and validated patient questionnaires, while adhering to predetermined nomenclature in terms of complications.
Utility of Point-of-care Ultrasound in Children With Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Bélard Sabine , Heuvelings Charlotte C. , Banderker Ebrahim , Bateman Lindy , Heller Tom , Andronikou Savvas , Workman Lesley , Grobusch Martin P. , Zar Heather J.
Published: December 2017

Background:

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) detects extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in HIV infected adults but has not been evaluated in children despite their higher risk of EPTB. This study’s aims were to investigate feasibility of POCUS for EPTB in children, frequency of POCUS findings suggestive of EPTB and time to sonographic resolution of findings with treatment.

Methods:

This prospective South African cohort study enrolled children with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). POCUS for pleural, pericardial or ascitic effusion, abdominal lymphadenopathy or splenic or hepatic microabscesses was performed and repeated at 1, 3 and 6 months of tuberculosis (TB) treatment. Prevalence of POCUS findings and their association with HIV infection was investigated in children with confirmed PTB (microbiologically proven), unconfirmed PTB (clinically diagnosed) or unlikely TB (respiratory disease that improved during follow-up without TB treatment).

Results:

Of 232 children [median age 37 months (interquartile range, 18–74)], 39 (17%) were HIV infected. Children with confirmed or unconfirmed PTB had a higher prevalence of POCUS findings than children with unlikely TB [18 of 58 (31%) and 36 of 119 (30%) vs. 8 of 55 (15%); P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively]. Pleural effusion [n = 30 (13%)] or abdominal lymphadenopathy [n = 28 (12%)] were the most common findings; splenic microabscesses [n = 12 (5%)] were strongly associated with confirmed PTB. Children coinfected with HIV and TB were more likely than HIV-uninfected children with TB to have abdominal lymphadenopathy (37% vs. 10%; P < 0.001) or splenic microabscesses (23% vs. 3%; P < 0.001]. Most ultrasound findings were resolved by 3 months with appropriate TB treatment.

Conclusions:

POCUS for EPTB in children with PTB is feasible. The high prevalence of findings suggests that POCUS can contribute to timely diagnosis of childhood TB and to monitoring treatment response.
Ability of Functional Performance Tests to Identify Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rosen Adam B. , Needle Alan R. , Ko Jupil
Published: December 2017

Objective:

The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to determine the effectiveness of functional performance tests (FPTs) in differentiating between individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and healthy controls.

Data Sources:

The National Library of Medicine Catalog (PubMed), the Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and the SPORTDiscus, from inception to June 2017 were searched. Search terms consisted of: “Functional Performance Test*” OR “Dynamic Balance Test*” OR “Postural Stability Test*” OR “Star Excursion Balance Test*” OR “Hop Test*” AND “Ankle Instability” OR “Ankle Sprain.” Included articles assessed differences in FPTs in patients with CAI compared with a control group.

Main Results:

Included studies were assessed for methodological quality and level of evidence. Individual and mean effect sizes were also calculated for FPTs from the included articles. Twenty-nine studies met the criteria and were analyzed. The most common FPTs were timed-hop tests, side-hop, multiple-hop test, single-hop for distance, foot-lift test, and the Star Excursion Balance Tests (SEBTs). The side-hop (g = −1.056, P = 0.009, n = 7), timed-hop tests (g = −0.958, P = 0.002, n = 9), multiple-hop test (g = 1.399, P < 0.001, n = 3), and foot-lift tests (g = −0.761, P = 0.020, n = 3) demonstrated the best utility with large mean effect sizes, whereas the SEBT anteromedial (g = 0.326, P = 0.022, n = 7), medial (g = 0.369, P = 0.006, n = 7), and posteromedial (g = 0.374, P < 0.001, n = 13) directions had moderate effects.

Conclusions:

The side-hop, timed-hopping, multiple-hop, and foot-lift seem the best FPTs to evaluate individuals with CAI. There was a large degree of heterogeneity and inconsistent reporting, potentially limiting the clinical implementation of these FPTs. These tests are cheap, effective, alternatives compared with instrumented measures.
Tellurium Notebooks - An Environment for Dynamical Model Development, Reproducibility, and Reuse
Authors: Medley J Kyle , Choi Kiri , König Matthias , Smith Lucian , Gu Stanley , Hellerstein Joseph , Sealfon Stuart C. , Sauro Herbert M
Published: December 2017

The considerable difficulty encountered in reproducing the results of published dynamical models limits validation, exploration and reuse of this increasingly large biomedical research resource. To address this problem, we have developed Tellurium Notebook, a software system that facilitates building reproducible dynamical models and reusing models by 1) supporting the COMBINE archive format during model development for capturing model information in an exchangeable format and 2) enabling users to easily simulate and edit public COMBINE-compliant models from public repositories to facilitate studying model dynamics, variants and test cases. Tellurium Notebook, a Python–based Jupyter–like environment, is designed to seamlessly inter-operate with these community standards by automating conversion between COMBINE standards formulations and corresponding in–line, human–readable representations. Thus, Tellurium brings to systems biology the strategy used by other literate notebook systems such as Mathematica. These capabilities allow users to edit every aspect of the standards–compliant models and simulations, run the simulations in–line, and re–export to standard formats. We provide several use cases illustrating the advantages of our approach and how it allows development and reuse of models without requiring technical knowledge of standards. Adoption of Tellurium should accelerate model development, reproducibility and reuse.

Author summary

There is considerable value to systems and synthetic biology in creating reproducible models. An essential element of reproducibility is the use of community standards, an often challenging undertaking for modelers. This article describes Tellurium Notebook, a tool for developing dynamical models that provides an intuitive approach to building and reusing models built with community standards. Tellurium automates embedding human–readable representations of COMBINE archives in literate coding notebooks, bringing to systems biology this strategy central to other literate notebook systems such as Mathematica. We show that the ability to easily edit this human–readable representation enables users to test models under a variety of conditions, thereby providing a way to create, reuse, and modify standard–encoded models and simulations, regardless of the user’s level of technical knowledge of said standards.
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol Attenuates Oxycodone Self-Administration Under Extended Access Conditions
Authors: Nguyen Jacques D. , Grant Yanabel , Creehan Kevin M. , Hwang Candy S. , Vandewater Sophia A. , Janda Kim D. , Cole Maury , Taffe Michael A.
Published: December 2017

Growing nonmedical use of prescription opioids is a global problem, motivating research on ways to reduce use and combat addiction. Medical cannabis (“medical marijuana”) legalization has been associated epidemiologically with reduced opioid harms and cannabinoids have been shown to modulate effects of opioids in animal models. This study was conducted to determine if Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) enhances the behavioral effects of oxycodone.

Male rats were trained to intravenously self-administer (IVSA) oxycodone (0.15 mg/kg/infusion) during 1 h, 4 h or 8 h sessions. Following acquisition rats were exposed to THC by vapor inhalation (1 h and 8 h groups) or injection (0-10 mg/kg, i.p.; all groups) prior to IVSA sessions. Fewer oxycodone infusions were obtained by rats following vaporized or injected THC compared with vehicle treatment prior to the session. Follow-up studies demonstrated parallel dose-dependent effects of THC, i.p., on self-administration of different per-infusion doses of oxycodone and a preserved loading dose early in the session. These patterns are inconsistent with behavioral suppression. Additional groups of male and female Wistar rats were assessed for nociception following inhalation of vaporized THC (50 mg/mL), oxycodone (100 mg/mL) or the combination. Tail withdrawal latency was increased more by the THC/oxycodone combination compared to either drug alone. Similar additive antinociceptive effects were produced by injection of THC (5.0 mg/kg, i.p.) and oxycodone (2.0 mg/kg, s.c.). Together these data demonstrate additive effects of THC and oxycodone and suggest the potential use of THC to enhance therapeutic efficacy, and to reduce the abuse, of opioids.
Comparative analysis of C‐type lectin domain proteins in the ghost moth, Thitarodes xiaojinensis (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae)
Authors: Meng Qian , Zhang Ji‐Hong , Zhang Huan , Zhou Gui‐Ling , Ni Ruo‐Yao , Zhao Yan‐Ni , Qin Qi‐Lian , Zou Zhen
Published: December 2017

Insects have a large family of C‐type lectins involved in cell adhesion, pathogen recognition and activation of immune responses. In this study, 32 transcripts encoding C‐type lectin domain proteins (CTLDPs) were identified from the Thitarodes xiaojinensis transcriptome. According to their domain structures, six CTLDPs with one carbohydrate‐recognition domain (CRD) were classified into the CTL‐S subfamily. The other 23 CTLDPs with two CRDs were grouped into the immulectin (IML) subfamily. The remaining three with extra regulatory domains were sorted into the CTL‐X subfamily. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CTL‐S and CTL‐X members from different insects could form orthologous groups. In contrast, no T. xiaojinensis IML orthologues were found in other insects. Remarkable lineage‐specific expansion in this subfamily was observed reflecting that these CTLDPs, as important receptors, have evolved diversified members in response to a variety of microbes. Prediction of binding ligands revealed that T. xiaojinensis, a cold‐adapted species, conserved the ability of CRDs to combine with Ca2+ to keep its receptors from freezing. Comparative analysis of induction of CTLDP genes after different immune challenges indicated that IMLs might play critical roles in immune defenses. This study examined T. xiaojinensis CTLDPs and provides a basis for further studies of their characteristics.
Aldosterone and Insulin Resistance: Vicious Combination in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Wakino Shu , Minakuchi Hitoshi , Miya Keiko , Takamatsu Norimichi , Tada Hiroaki , Tani Erina , Inamoto Hajime , Minakuchi Jun , Kawashima Shu , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: December 2017

Recently, we demonstrated that plasma aldosterone contributed to insulin resistance in chronic kidney disease. The aim of this study is the clinical impact of this relationship in hemodialysis patients. In a cross section study using a total of 128 hemodialysis patients, multiple regression analysis revealed that plasma aldosterone levels were independently associated with HOMA‐IR, insulin resistance index. This association was found to be more stringent in diabetic patients than in non‐diabetic patients. Aldosterone levels were associated with cardiac hypertrophy and carotid artery stenosis. HOMA‐IR was associated with cardiac hypertrophy. The patients whose aldosterone and HOMA‐IR were above the top tertile of each parameter in this cohort showed more severe cardiac hypertrophy and lower contractile function as compared with the patients whose aldosterone levels and HOMA‐IR are below the lowest tertile of each parameter. In conclusion, in hemodialysis patients, aldosterone levels and insulin resistance are closely interrelated and the constellation of the two is related to severe cardiovascular tissue damages.
A new association between CDK5RAP2 microcephaly and congenital cataracts
Authors: Alfares Ahmed , Alhufayti Ibtihal , Alsubaie Lamia , Alowain Mohammed , Almass Rawan , Alfadhel Majid , Kaya Namik , Eyaid Wafaa
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Primary microcephaly type 3 is a genetically heterogeneous condition caused by a homozygous or compound heterozygous mutation in CDK5 regulatory subunit associated protein 2 (CDK5RAP2) and characterized by reduced head circumference (<5th percentile) with additional phenotypes varying from pigmentary abnormalities to sensorineural hearing loss. Until now, congenital cataracts have not been reported in patients with primary microcephaly type 3.

Clinical report

We report multiple affected family members from a consanguineous Saudi family with microcephaly and congenital cataracts. We utilized a next‐generation sequencing–based microcephaly gene panel that revealed a CDK5RAP2 variant (c.4055A>G; p.Glu1352Gly) as the most plausible candidate for the likely etiology in this family. Then we performed family segregation analysis using Sanger sequencing, autozygosity mapping, and whole exome sequencing, all of which revealed no other possible disease‐causing variants.

Conclusion

Here we report on a new clinical manifestation of CDK5RAP2 and expand the phenotype of primary microcephaly type 3.
Chorioamnionitis, IL‐17A, and fetal origins of neurologic disease
Authors: Lawrence Shelley M. , Wynn James L.
Published: December 2017

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 1 in 323 infants have cerebral palsy. Highly correlated to intrauterine infection and inflammation, the incidence of cerebral palsy has remained constant over the last few decades despite significant advances in neonatal intensive care including improved ventilator techniques, surfactant therapy, maternal steroid administration, and use of intrapartum empiric antimicrobials. Recent advances in our understanding of immune responses to infection and inflammation have identified the cytokine IL‐17A as a crucial component of early proinflammatory mediators that cause brain injury associated with neurologic impairment. Remarkably, maternal inflammatory responses to in utero inflammation and infection can also lead to potentially debilitating neurologic conditions in the offspring, which often become clinically apparent during childhood and/or early adulthood. This review details the role of IL‐17A in fetal and maternal proinflammatory responses that lead to fetal brain injury and neurologic sequelae, including cerebral palsy. Recent findings regarding the role of maternal inflammatory responses in the development of childhood and adult neurologic conditions, such as autism, schizophrenia, and multiple sclerosis, will also be highlighted.
Prophylactic insertion of large bore peripheral intravenous catheters in maternity patients for postpartum haemorrhage: A cohort study
Authors: Webster Joan , Larsen Emily , Booker Catriona , Laws Janelle , Marsh Nicole
Published: December 2017

Background

Insertion of a 16 or 18 gauge peripheral intravenous catheter is a potentially painful intervention but one frequently experienced by pregnant women when admitted to hospital. Although the rationale for this practice is ‘in case of an emergency bleed’, evidence for using large‐bore catheters in this population is absent.

Aims

(i) To identify the proportion of 18 gauge or larger peripheral catheters inserted into maternity patients; and (ii) to investigate the proportion of women who require blood products during their perinatal period.

Materials and Methods

Data from a sub‐set of maternity patients who were included in a study of risk factors for peripheral intravenous access failure were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

One hundred and fourteen catheters were inserted in 95 women. Of the 95 first‐inserted catheters, 84 (88.4%) were 16 or 18 gauge and 69 (82.1%) of these were placed in the hand or wrist. Four women (4%) received blood products, all were for non‐urgent transfusions.

Conclusion

Postpartum haemorrhage requiring a blood transfusion remains a relatively rare event. Comprehensive risk assessment should be undertaken before inserting large‐bore catheters in perinatal women. Small veins in the hand and wrist should not be used for large bore catheters.
Utility and cost evaluation of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for the assessment of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Eddowes P. J. , McDonald N. , Davies N. , Semple S. I. K. , Kendall T. J. , Hodson J. , Newsome P. N. , Flintham R. B. , Wesolowski R. , Blake L. , Duarte R. V. , Kelly C. J. , Herlihy A. H. , Kelly M. D. , Olliff S. P. , Hübscher S. G. , Fallowfield J. A. , Hirschfield G. M.
Published: December 2017

Background

Validated diagnostic tools that are accurate, cost effective and acceptable to patients are required for disease stratification and monitoring in NAFLD.

Aims

To investigate the performance and cost of multiparametric MRI alongside existing biomarkers in the assessment of NAFLD.

Methods

Adult patients undergoing standard of care liver biopsy for NAFLD were prospectively recruited at two UK liver centres and underwent multiparametric MRI, blood sampling and transient elastography withing 2 weeks of liver biopsy. Non‐invasive markers were compared to histology as the gold standard.

Results

Data were obtained in 50 patients and 6 healthy volunteers. Corrected T1 (cT1) correlated with NAFLD activity score (ρ = 0.514, P < .001). cT1, enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) test and liver stiffness differentiated patients with simple steatosis and NASH with AUROC (95% CI) of 0.69 (0.50‐0.88), 0.87 (0.77‐0.79) and 0.82 (0.70‐0.94) respectively and healthy volunteers from patients with AUROC (95% CI) of 0.93 (0.86‐1.00), 0.81 (0.69‐0.92) and 0.89 (0.77‐1.00) respectively. For the risk stratification of NAFLD, multiparametric MRI could save £150,218 per 1000 patients compared to biopsy. Multiparametric MRI did not discriminate between individual histological fibrosis stages in this population (P = .068).

Conclusions

Multiparametric MRI accurately identified patients with steatosis, stratifies those with NASH or simple steatosis and reliably excludes clinically significant liver disease with superior negative predictive value (83.3%) to liver stiffness (42.9%) and ELF (57.1%). For the risk stratification of NAFLD, multiparametric MRI was cost effective and, combined with transient elastography, had the lowest cost per correct diagnosis.
Conditional Cash Transfer and School Outcomes: An Evaluation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in Davao Oriental, Philippines
Authors: Catubig Ma. Cecilia L. , Villano Renato A.
Published: December 2017

The present study adds to the empirical literature examining the effects of conditional cash transfers on school outcomes. Using school‐level and student‐level enrolment data from Davao Oriental Philippines, we evaluate the influence of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (also known as 4Ps), a social development policy program, on the growth rates in school enrolment outcomes. The findings show that 4Ps, on average, increased school enrolment of children by 1.12 percent. It was also apparent that using student‐level data as opposed to school‐level data revealed a more robust effect of 4Ps on school outcomes. We also found some school and socioeconomic characteristics influencing the change in school enrolments. Finally, this study highlights the role of government intervention programs in improving access to education in the poorest sector of the economy.