bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Pentagon Copying Test and the Clock Drawing Test as Prognostic Markers in Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: Vergouw Leonie J.M. , Salomé Mariet , Kerklaan Anke G. , Kies Christiaan , Roks Gerwin , van den Berg Esther , de Jong Frank Jan
Published: July 2018

Aims: To determine whether the pentagon copying test (PCT) and the clock drawing test (CDT) are associated with nursing home admission or survival in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Methods: The PCT and/or the CDT were retrospectively collected from 103 clinically diagnosed probable DLB patients at a university medical center and general hospital. Patients with high versus low scores on these tests were compared. Results: Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with a low score on the PCT had a shorter time to nursing home admission than patients with a high score (log-rank χ2 = 6.1, p = 0.01). Patients with a low score on the PCT or the CDT had a shorter survival than patients with a high score (log-rank χ2 = 5.4, p = 0.02, and log-rank χ2 = 11.2, p < 0.001, respectively). Cox regression analyses showed the same associations with an HR of 2.2 (95% CI 1.2–4.1) for the PCT and an HR of 2.9 (95% CI 1.6–5.4) for the CDT. Conclusion: The PCT and the CDT may function as prognostic markers in DLB. This finding is clinically relevant as these tests can be applied easily in the clinical setting and can provide valuable prognostic information. Furthermore, it may improve disease management and patient selection for research purposes.
Henry Whitney Bellows and “A New Catholic Church”
Authors: Willsky-Ciollo Lydia
Published: July 2018

This article examines the evolution of Bellow’s proposal for a newly reformed Unitarian “catholic” church during the 1850s and 1860s. For Bellows in particular, political, cultural, and ecclesiastical matters collided in his efforts to transform a diffuse set of liberal Christian churches in fellowship into a denomination of national, even global, caliber. The creation of this “new catholic church” would, in turn, help to heal an ailing nation. There are two questions driving this narrative. First, how did Bellows arrive at the conclusion that Unitarianism was the future of Christendom, the more “Protestant-Protestantism,” or even more boldly, the “more Catholic-Catholicism?” Secondly, how did Bellows arrive at the conclusion that uniting Christendom under a “catholic” Unitarian banner could unite a fractured country? During the early 1860s, the language of nationalism and catholicity merged in Bellows’ organization of the National Convention.
A new genus and new species of Meropathina from Lord Howe Island (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae)
Authors: PERKINS PHILIP D.
Published: July 2018

Prototympanogaster new genus and P. lordhowensis new species (Hydraenidae: Ochthebiinae: Meropathina), are described based on two male specimens collected on Mount Lidgbird, Lord Howe Island, Australia. The new genus is related to the Australian genus Tympanogaster Perkins 1979, but lacks the diagnostic metaventral tabella of members of that genus. High resolution images of the holotype, illustrations of the male genitalia, and photographs of the habitat are provided. Relationships to the other genera now known for the subtribe Meropathina (Ochthebiinae, Ochthebiini) are discussed, habitus images and diagnostic features of representative species are presented, and a key to the genera of Meropathina is provided.
New records of Synallactes virgulasolida Massin & Hendrickx, 2010 (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) from the eastern Pacific
Authors: LUNA-CRUZ ANA K. , HENDRICKX MICHEL E.
Published: July 2018

Specimens of the sea cucumber Synallactes virgulasolida were obtained during sampling operations off western Mexico. Based on a total of 190 specimens and on additional records available in the Scripps Institution of Oceanography collections, new geographical (southern California to Chile) and bathymetric (712‒1300 m) distributions are provided. SEM photographs of ossicles are provided for the first time for this species. New ecological data associated with the presence of this species are also provided: 4.17‒5.81 °C, 0.15‒0.48 ml O2/l, and in 34.40‒34.48 ups. The species occurs in a wide variety of sediments with an organic carbon content of 17.93‒52.02 mg/g (1.79–5.20 % of organic matter) and is occasionally very dense (up to 170.32 orgs/ha). All Mexican records correspond to a bathymetric fringe located below the Oxygen Minimum Zone, thus indicating that S. virgulasolida is able to tolerate hypoxic conditions.
Temperature and Moisture Gradients under Low Stratus Clouds*
Authors: Kraght Peter E.
Published: July 2018

The lapse rate of dew point is developed from thermodynamic relations. It is shown to have varied values depending on the flux of water vapor but to have a value of nearly 1.0F° per 1,000 feet for steady state. The lapse rate of temperature is developed after a method suggested by Priestley and Swinbank. Approximately 10,000 cases of ceiling heights, temperatures and dew points observed simultaneously are used as a statistical sample to represent an equilibrium state for a layer 1,000 feet or less thick. The results suggest the ratio of the equilibrium lapse rate to the dry adiabatic lapse rate is nearly 0.80.
Role of the Tian Shan Mountains and Pamir Plateau in Increasing Spatiotemporal Differentiation of Precipitation over Interior Asia
Authors: Sha Yingying , Shi Zhengguo , Liu Xiaodong , An Zhisheng , Li Xinzhou , Chang Hong
Published: July 2018

Numerical simulations were conducted to determine the impact of the Tian Shan Mountains and Pamir Plateau on arid conditions over interior Asia. These topographies are crucial for the differentiation of the precipitation seasonality among the subregions in the west, east, and north of the Tian Shan Mountains and Pamir Plateau, namely, arid central Asia, the Tarim basin, and the northern plains. Before the uplift of the Tian Shan Mountains and Pamir Plateau, the precipitation seasonality over the east arid subregion was consistent with that over the west arid subregion, with maximum rainfall in spring and winter and minimum rainfall in summer. After the uplift of the Tian Shan Mountains and Pamir Plateau, the original precipitation seasonality in the west was strengthened. As the precipitation in the east arid subregion increased in summer but decreased in winter and spring, the precipitation seasonality in the east changed to peak in summer, while the precipitation in the north arid subregion showed the opposite change. The precipitation alteration corresponded well with the change of vertical motion. With the modulation of atmospheric stationary waves, the remote East Asian monsoon was also impacted. Though enhanced southerly wind blew over East Asia, the monsoon precipitation over the east coast of China and subtropical western Pacific Ocean was significantly reduced as an anticyclonic circulation appeared. The Tian Shan Mountains and Pamir Plateau also contributed to the intensification of the East Asian winter monsoon.
Left Off the Route: A Qualitative Examination of Urban Bus Drivers Wanting to be Players in the Bully Prevention Solution
Authors: Brown James R. , Karikari Isaac , Abraham Sean , Akakpo Tohoro
Published: July 2018

Every school day millions of children board the bus from home and school oftentimes with 90 others including a bus driver. Perhaps not found in a bus drivers’ job description are the details to monitor and respond to all suspected bullying behaviors. Being bullied can have long-term negative consequences for both bullies and victims. The school bus has been identified as a potential hot spot for student bullying, wherein bus drivers may see, hear, and respond to several types of bullying on a daily basis that often require support from school officials. However, a bus driver’s ability to intercede effectively in cases of school bus bullying may be limited. This qualitative study used a nonprobability, purposeful sample to examine 18 urban African American school bus drivers’ and bus attendants’experiences in addressing school bus bullying within the context of their riders and school officials. Using focus groups, a definition of school bullying was read aloud to provide context to six questions from a semistructured interview guide that related bus drivers’ experiences in responding to acts of bullying. An interpretive phenomenology method was used throughout the data analysis process. Several key themes and practices emerged. Results suggest bus drivers’ reports were mostly passified and not taken seriously. Furthermore, these bus drivers’ experiences overwhelmingly reflected a lack of both being taken seriously and being included in decision making. This led to a key stakeholder: bus drivers, being left out of the process. From these drivers’ interviews, a model was developed to illustrate their lived experiences from behind the wheel to working with the school in responding to bullying.
Experimental investigation of a liquid turbine in a full performance test rig
Authors: Li Hongyang , Zhang Xuehui , Li Wen , Zhu Yangli , Zuo Zhitao , Chen Haisheng
Published: July 2018

In traditional industrial systems, a liquid expander can be used as a substitute for a throttling valve to improve system efficiency and economy. In this paper, the research and development of liquid expanders was reviewed. A set of experimental procedures were presented and an experimental test rig was built to examine the performance of a liquid turbine, which is a model machine of the liquid expander used in the supercritical compressed air energy storage system. At the rated condition, the flow rate of the liquid turbine is 60.7 kg/s, the differential pressure is 0.662 MPa, the output power is 30.44 kW, and the efficiency is 75.16%. The experimental results indicate successful construction of the test rig, which fully demonstrates the advantages of a semi-open and semi-closed system. The experimental results of the liquid turbine are of practical value for verification and development of the liquid expander in supercritical compressed air energy storage system.
Does Ticagrelor Improve Endothelial Function?
Authors: Moulias Athanasios , Xanthopoulou Ioanna , Alexopoulos Dimitrios
Published: July 2018

Ticagrelor is a P2Y12 receptor antagonist with proven clinical benefit in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Apart from its principal antiplatelet action, pleiotropic effects have been implicated in the clinical profile of ticagrelor, including a potentially beneficial impact on endothelial function. In light of the common presence and prognostic value of endothelial dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease, several clinical studies have investigated the postulated effect of ticagrelor on endothelial function, yielding conflicting results. Limitations of the relevant studies as well as substantial differences in patient population, study design, and methods may account for these controversial findings. Most of these studies, however, support a beneficial impact of ticagrelor on endothelial function, which seems to be significant in the higher risk patients. In order to elucidate this effect, further research efforts should aim to clarify how quickly does endothelial function respond to ticagrelor, how sustained this response is during the dosing intervals and in the long term, which mechanisms are implicated, and whether this pleiotropic action is clinically significant. Future studies should include larger and diverse populations of patients, assess endothelial function at several time points after treatment initiation, and use multiple methods of endothelial function measurement, while implementing strict methodology. Nevertheless, the extent of the clinical benefit of ticagrelor attributable to actions beyond its potent and consistent antiplatelet effect remains uncertain.
On precise path planning algorithm in wireless sensor network
Authors: Javed Farhanda , Khan Samiullah , Khan Asfandyar , Javed Alweena , Tariq Rohi , Matiullah  , Khan Faheem
Published: July 2018

Wireless sensor network is a collection of small devices called sensors nodes, which are deployed in the sensing field to monitor physical and environmental information. Location information of sensor node is a critical issue for many applications in wireless sensor network. The main problem is to design a path for a mobile landmark to maximize the location accuracy as well as to reduce energy consumption. Different path planning schemes have been proposed for localization. Here, this study focused only on static path planning scheme. In this article, the performance of five static path planning schemes is evaluated, namely, random way point, Scan, D-Scan, Hilbert, and Circles based on three parameters such as location error ratio, energy consumption, and number of references. Network simulator-2 is used as a simulation tool. Simulation scenarios with three node densities are used in this research study such as sparse node density, medium node density, and dense node density. The analysis of simulation results concludes that random way point has higher performance efficiency compared to rest of the static path planning algorithms concerning location error ratio (accuracy), energy consumption, and number of references in medium and dense node density scenarios. Hilbert performance was found good only in sparse node density scenario.
Awareness and use of the 11+ injury prevention program among coaches of adolescent female football teams
Authors: Donaldson Alex , Callaghan Aisling , Bizzini Mario , Jowett Andrew , Keyzer Patrick , Nicholson Matthew
Published: July 2018

Coaches are essential to participant safety, particularly by implementing injury prevention programs. The evidence-based injury prevention programs developed by sports scientists will not prevent injuries in real-world sports settings if they are not properly implemented. This study investigated the knowledge and use of the highly efficacious 11+ injury prevention program among coaches of adolescent, female football teams, in Victoria, Australia. A cross-sectional online survey based on the RE-AIM framework identified that nearly half (42%) of the 64 respondents (response rate = 36%) were not aware of the 11+, and only one-third (31%) reported using it. Three-quarters (74%) of the 19 respondents who reported on the 11+ components they used, did not use the entire program. Nearly half (44%) of the 18 respondents who reported the frequency with which they used the 11+, used it less than the recommended twice a week. Barriers to implementing the 11+ included: limited awareness of the 11+; lack of knowledge about how to implement it; not having time to implement it; and believing that the 11+ does not incorporate appropriate progression. This study suggests that it is unlikely that the 11+ prevents a significant number of injuries in real-world football settings due to the lack of awareness and use among coaches. Football-governing bodies should use evidence-based strategies to raise awareness of the 11+, build coach competency to implement it, and address time-related implementation barriers that coaches experience. Coaches should keep up-to-date with injury prevention research evidence and prioritize injury prevention at training, including allocating time to implement injury prevention programs properly.
Efficacy of a three‐day training course in endoscopic submucosal dissection using a live porcine model: a prospective evaluation
Authors: Chapelle Nicolas , Musquer Nicolas , Métivier-Cesbron Elodie , Luet Dominique , Volteau Christelle , Le Rhun Marc , Coron Emmanuel
Published: July 2018

Background

Endoscopic submucosal dissection is currently regarded as the method of choice for the resection of superficial tumours. The objective of our study was to evaluate prospectively the efficiency of an endoscopic submucosal dissection training course using live anaesthetised pigs.

Methods

Fourteen novice endoscopists participated in three gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection training courses on anaesthetised pigs. Each trainee resected five ‘fake’ antral lesions. Resected specimen sizes, endoscopic submucosal dissection speeds and the complication rate were evaluated prospectively.

Results

Among the 70 procedures performed, 58 could be analysed. There was a strong increase in endoscopic submucosal dissection speed (from 9.7 mm2/minute to 30.4 mm2/minute) during the sessions, marked between the first two endoscopic submucosal dissections compared with the fourth and fifth. There was a significant relation between the surface area of the resected lesion and procedure speed (P < 0.0001). The complication rate was 8.6%.

Conclusion

There is a clear benefit from endoscopic submucosal dissection training courses on animal models. Improved endoscopist capability is evident from the third endoscopic submucosal dissection. These data validate the indispensable nature of dedicated training courses and echo the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy proposition for multistep learning, beginning on animal models.
Data infrastructure literacy
Authors: Gray Jonathan , Gerlitz Carolin , Bounegru Liliana
Published: July 2018

A recent report from the UN makes the case for “global data literacy” in order to realise the opportunities afforded by the “data revolution”. Here and in many other contexts, data literacy is characterised in terms of a combination of numerical, statistical and technical capacities. In this article, we argue for an expansion of the concept to include not just competencies in reading and working with datasets but also the ability to account for, intervene around and participate in the wider socio-technical infrastructures through which data is created, stored and analysed – which we call “data infrastructure literacy”. We illustrate this notion with examples of “inventive data practice” from previous and ongoing research on open data, online platforms, data journalism and data activism. Drawing on these perspectives, we argue that data literacy initiatives might cultivate sensibilities not only for data science but also for data sociology, data politics as well as wider public engagement with digital data infrastructures. The proposed notion of data infrastructure literacy is intended to make space for collective inquiry, experimentation, imagination and intervention around data in educational programmes and beyond, including how data infrastructures can be challenged, contested, reshaped and repurposed to align with interests and publics other than those originally intended.
Mental health profile and health-related behavior among Hong Kong Chinese university students
Authors: Ma Cecilia MS , Lai Catie CW
Published: July 2018

To better understand factors that are associated with individuals’ engagement in physical activity and other health-related behaviors, this study aimed to identify the psychological well-being profiles among Chinese university students, and explore whether engagement in physical activity and other health-related behaviors vary with different psychological well-being profiles. A battery of self-report questionnaires was completed by 2022 Chinese university students for assessing psychological well-being and health-related behaviors. Four psychological well-being profiles were identified. The vast students were mentally healthy. The students with better mental health displayed lower likelihood of engagement in unhealthy behaviors. Findings and implication of the study were discussed.
PCC0208009 enhances the anti-tumor effects of temozolomide through direct inhibition and transcriptional regulation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in glioma models
Authors: Sun Shanyue , Du Guangying , Xue Jiang , Ma Jinbo , Ge Minmin , Wang Hongbo , Tian Jingwei
Published: July 2018

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which is highly expressed in human glioblastoma and involved in tumor immune escape and resistance to chemotherapy, is clinically correlated with tumor progression and poor clinical outcomes, and is a promising therapeutic target for glioblastoma. IDO inhibitors are marginally efficacious as single-agents; therefore, combination with other therapies holds promise for cancer therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-tumor effects and mechanisms of the IDO inhibitor PCC0208009 in combination with temozolomide. The effects of PCC0208009 on IDO activity inhibition, and mRNA and protein expression in HeLa cells were observed. In the mouse glioma GL261 heterotopic model, the effects of PCC0208009 on l-kynurenine/tryptophan (Kyn/Trp), tumor growth, flow cytometry for T cells within tumors, and immunohistochemistry for IDO and Ki67 were examined. In the rat glioma C6 orthotopic model, animal survival, flow cytometry for T cells within tumors, and immunohistochemistry for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and IDO were examined. The results show that PCC0208009 is a highly effective IDO inhibitor, not only directly inhibiting IDO activity but also participating in the gene regulation of IDO expression at the transcription and translation levels. PCC0208009 significantly enhanced the anti-tumor effects of temozolomide in GL261 and C6 models, by increasing the percentages of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells within tumors and suppressing tumor proliferation. These findings indicate that PCC0208009 can potentiate the anti-tumor efficacy of temozolomide and suggest that combination of IDO inhibitor-based immunotherapy with chemotherapy is a potential strategy for brain tumor treatment.
A mathematical formula to find the wing band length of a bra to fit the comfort zone of the wearer
Authors: Abeysuriya Sapadhi , Paragoda Thanuja
Published: July 2018

This work concerns on finding a formula of the length of a wing band within the comfort zone. Bra band elongation (BBE) test is one of the main methods that is being used to validate the comfort level of a bra bottom band when it is on the body. This test validates the suitable bra bottom band length, which is within the comfort zone for the wearer. However, BBE test by trial and error method is time-consuming and cost ineffective. Therefore, this research carries on an analytical method of obtaining a formula for the elongation of a wing band of a bra, which is assumed to be a rectangular thin plate. We obtain a new formula for the weighted elongation of the wing band using the Navier equation and compare the analytical weighted elongations and experimental elongation with different force values for the different bra sizes and for the different fabrics. With the weighted parameters, the model on elongation of the wing band fits with actual data and we provide specific different weighted parameters for different bra sizes to find the exact original length of the wing band of a bra.
Capability of low-temperature SQUID for transient electromagnetics under anthropogenic noise conditions
Authors: Rochlitz Raphael , Queitsch Matthias , Yogeshwar Pritam , Günther Thomas , Chwala Andreas , Janser Sascha , Kukowski Nina , Stolz Ronny
Published: July 2018

Transient electromagnetics (TEM) is a well-established method for mineral, groundwater, and geothermal exploration. Superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID)-based magnetic-field receivers used for TEM have quantitative advantages and higher sensitivity compared with commonly used induction coils. Special applications are deep soundings with target depths [Formula: see text] and settings with conductive overburden. However, SQUIDs have rarely been applied for TEM measurements in environments with significant anthropogenic noise. We compared a low-temperature SQUID with a commercially available induction coil in an area affected by anthropogenic noise. We acquired four fixed-loop data sets with totally 61 receiver stations close to Bad Frankenhausen, Germany. The high sensitivity of the SQUID enables low noise levels, which lead to longer high-quality transient data compared with the induction coil. The effect of anthropogenic and natural noise sources is more critical for the coil than for the SQUID data. In the vicinity of the transmitter loop, systematic distortion of the coil signals occurs at early times, most probably caused by sferic interferences. We have developed 1D inversion results of both receivers that matched well in general. However, the SQUID-based models were more consistent and showed greater depths of investigation. This led to a superior resolution of deeper layers and even enabled a potential detection of thin conducting targets at up to a 500 m depth. Moreover, we find that the SQUID data inversion revealed multidimensional effects within the conductive overburden. In this regard, we applied forward modeling to analyze systematic differences between inversion results of SQUID and coil data. We determine that low-temperature SQUIDs have the potential to significantly improve the reliability of subsurface models in suburban environments. Nevertheless, we recommend combined application of both types of receivers.
Prolonged exposure therapy and supportive counselling for post-traumatic stress disorder in adolescents: task-shifting randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rossouw Jaco , Yadin Elna , Alexander Debra , Seedat Soraya
Published: July 2018

Background

Empirical evidence on the effectiveness of evidence-based treatments for adolescents with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in low-resource settings is needed.

Aims

To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of prolonged exposure and supportive counselling in adolescents with PTSD.

Method

Sixty-three adolescents (13–18 years) with PTSD were randomly assigned to receive either of the interventions comprising 7–14 sessions of treatment (trial registration in the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry: PACTR201511001345372). The primary outcome measure was PTSD symptom severity, as independently assessed on the Child PTSD Symptom Scale at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up.

Results

Participants receiving prolonged exposure experienced greater improvement on the PTSD symptom severity scale than those receiving supportive counselling (between group differences at post-intervention, mean 12.49, 95% CI 6.82–18.17, P<0.001; d = 1.22). A similar effect size was maintained at 3-month (d = 0.85) and 6-month (d = 1.02) follow-up assessments.

Conclusions

Adolescents with PTSD experienced greater benefit from prolonged exposure treatment when provided by non-specialist health workers (nurses) in a community setting.

Declaration of interest

None.
Ultrasound-Guided Pericapsular Hip Joint Alcohol Neurolysis for the Treatment of Hip Pain: A Case Report of a Novel Approach
Authors: Sasaki Sumire , Chan Wing Sang , Ng Tony Kwun-Tung , Sham Penelope
Published: July 2018

Severe pain after a hip fracture commonly delays hospital discharge and poses significant nursing problems in patients who are not surgical candidates. We present ultrasound-guided pericapsular hip alcohol neurolysis of the articular branches of the femoral and obturator nerves as a novel approach in the treatment of severe pain after hip fracture. This technique provided excellent pain relief in a 94-year-old patient with intertrochanteric hip fracture until her death 2 months later.
Successful Treatment of Refractory Cardiac Arrest With β-Blockade and Extracorporeal Life Support in a Pediatric Patient With Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia: A Case Report
Authors: Cafferkey Aine , McMahon Cathy
Published: July 2018

We describe a case of refractory pulseless polymorphic ventricular tachycardia successfully treated with a bolus of propranolol intravenously, followed by an esmolol infusion and extracorporeal life support for 4 days in a 12-year-old boy later diagnosed with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. He had an excellent neurological outcome. Genetic testing for mutations associated with cardiac arrhythmias yielded a mutation of the syntrophin α-1 gene. The pathogenicity of this specific variant is uncertain. A mutation of this gene at a different locus is implicated in rare cases of long-QT syndrome. The patient subsequently underwent left cardiac sympathetic denervation followed by implantable cardiac defibrillator insertion. He remains symptom and arrhythmia free on atenolol.
Perioperative Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: The Defibrillator of the 21st Century?: A Case Report
Authors: Charlesworth Michael , Barker Julian M. , Greenhalgh Donna , Ashworth Alan D.
Published: July 2018

Veno-arterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECMO-CPR) has been recommended by new resuscitation guidelines in the United Kingdom. Our recently established yet unfunded ECMO-CPR service has thus far treated 6 patients, with 3 making a good recovery. One patient suffered a catastrophic perioperative complication through glycine absorption and we are in no doubt that she would not have survived without ECMO. We argue for a pragmatic approach to funding of ECMO-CPR because observational evidence suggests superiority over traditional resuscitation and there exists major methodological and ethical barriers to randomized controlled studies. We also call for high-quality observational evidence in the perioperative setting.
Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block to Treat Shoulder Tip Pain After Thoracic Surgery: Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Grant Gilbert J. , Echevarria Ghislaine C. , Lax Jerome , Pass Harvey I. , Oshinsky Michael L.
Published: July 2018

Shoulder tip pain may occur after thoracic surgical procedures. The pain is caused by diaphragmatic irritation and is referred to the shoulder. Shoulder tip pain is often resistant to treatment with conventional analgesics. The sphenopalatine ganglion block has been described to manage many painful conditions. We report here the first use of this block to treat shoulder tip pain in 2 thoracic surgical patients. In both patients, the block produced rapid and sustained relief of the shoulder tip pain. We suggest that sphenopalatine ganglion block be considered to treat postoperative shoulder tip pain after thoracic surgical procedures.
Serial Gastric Ultrasound to Evaluate Gastric Emptying After Prokinetic Therapy With Domperidone and Erythromycin in a Surgical Patient With a Full Stomach: A Case Report
Authors: Sebrechts Tom , Perlas Anahi , Abbas Sheriff , Van de Putte Peter
Published: July 2018

Fasting guidelines are used to prevent perioperative aspiration but they are only reliable in healthy elective patients. Point-of-care gastric ultrasound allows qualitative and quantitative evaluation of gastric contents at the bedside. This case report describes the use of serial gastric point-of-care ultrasound to evaluate the effect of prokinetic therapy with domperidone and erythromycin in an elective surgical patient with multiple comorbidities who presented with a full stomach.
Lidocaine Patch to Treat Postoperative Tourniquet Pain After Total Knee Replacement: A Case Report
Authors: Clark Brittney M. , Pagani-Estevez Gabriel L. , Johnson Rebecca L.
Published: July 2018

Intraoperative tourniquet-related pain is well recognized by anesthesiologists, but postoperative tourniquet-related pain has received little attention. We present a patient who underwent a total knee arthroplasty under general anesthesia and an adductor canal nerve block. She complained of intractable thigh pain postoperatively. Lidocaine 5% patches completely resolved her postoperative tourniquet-related pain.
The Use of High-Frequency Percussive Ventilation for Whole-Lung Lavage: A Case Report
Authors: Kinthala Sudhakar , Liang Mark , Khusid Felix , Harrison Sebron
Published: July 2018

Whole-lung lavage (WLL) remains the gold standard in the treatment of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. However, anesthetic management during WLL can be challenging because of the risk of intraoperative hypoxemia and various cardiorespiratory complications of 1-lung ventilation. Here, we describe a novel strategy involving the application of high-frequency percussive ventilation using a volumetric diffusive respirator (VDR-4) during WLL in a 47-year-old woman with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Our observations suggest that high-frequency percussive ventilation is a potentially effective ventilation strategy during WLL that may reduce the risk of hypoxemia and facilitate lavage.
Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of Pulmonary Metastasis and Thoracic Paravertebral Block Under Computed Tomographic Scan Guidance: A Case Report
Authors: Ruscio Laura , Planche Olivier , Zetlaoui Paul , Benhamou Dan
Published: July 2018

Pain during and after pulmonary percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be severe enough to require opioids. Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) is a regional anesthetic technique that can relieve pain during and after abdominal or thoracic painful procedures. We report the use of TPVB to relieve postprocedural pain in a 50-year-old woman after RFA of lung metastasis. The TPVB was performed under computed tomographic guidance by the anesthesiologist. The patient was pain free (rest and mobilization) during the first postoperative 36 hours. TPVB may represent an easy, safe, and effective strategy to prevent or treat postoperative pain after pulmonary RFA.
Transthoracic Arteriovenous Graft Repair With the Pectoralis (PECS) II Nerve Block for Primary Intraoperative Anesthesia and Postoperative Analgesia: A Case Report
Authors: Farkas Gabriel , Weber Garret , Miller Jonathon , Xu Jeff
Published: July 2018

The PECS II nerve block is a relatively new regional anesthetic technique that targets the medial and lateral pectoral nerves, as well as the lateral cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves. It has been described for surgical cases involving the breast, as an adjunct or alternative to neuraxial or paravertebral techniques. This case report describes the first successful use of the PECS II nerve block placed using ultrasound guidance as the primary anesthetic and postoperative analgesic in a non–breast-related chest wall surgery.
Extraforaminal Lumbar Nerve Root Stimulation for Neuropathic Pain: A Case Report
Authors: Ishizaka Shunsuke , Tsuda Mami , Urasaki Eiichirou
Published: July 2018

Electrical stimulation of the spinal cord is commonly used to treat neuropathic pain. However, epidural space adhesion caused by previous surgery may interfere with precise electrical lead placement. We here report a case of successful placement of electrical leads via an extraforaminal approach in the management of recurrent pain after primary spinal cord stimulation. Extraforaminal nerve root stimulation may be an alternative choice for repeated epidural spinal cord stimulation in cases of recurrent neuropathic pain.
Misadventures of a Pigtail: Case Report of Accidental Insertion of a Chest Tube Into the Left Atrium During Interventional Radiology-Guided Placement
Authors: Deshpande Seema P. , Chow Jonathan H. , Odonkor Patrick , Griffith Bartley , Carr Shamus R.
Published: July 2018

Chest tube thoracostomy is a commonly performed procedure in the emergency department, operating room, and intensive care unit. We report an extremely rare case of accidental insertion of a chest tube into the left atrium via the right pulmonary vein during an interventional radiology-guided placement of the catheter. To our knowledge, such a case has not been reported to date. The anesthetic and surgical management of this injury are discussed.
Anesthetic Management of a Pediatric Patient With Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Patel Roshan , Kahana Madelyn
Published: July 2018

A 3-year-old pediatric patient with previously diagnosed Pelizaeus-Merzbacher syndrome presented for outpatient dental restoration. Given the infrequency of this demyelinating disorder, an anesthetic plan was tailored to address the patient’s hypotonia and aspiration risk, as well as minimize potential complications including seizures, hemodynamic instability, and postoperative respiratory support. Multimodal analgesia, along with an appropriate ventilation strategy and normothermia, allowed the patient to successfully undergo a general anesthetic and be safely discharged home the same day.
Postoperative Airway Obstruction in a Low Resource Setting: A Case Report
Authors: Sund Gregory C. , Nizigiyimana Samuel
Published: July 2018

A 2-month-old girl with abnormal facial features and malnutrition presented for placement of a gastrostomy tube. The surgery was performed under general anesthesia using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA); however, after removal of the LMA, the patient had recurrent airway collapse, requiring repeated insertion of the LMA. The authors describe the management of this problem with the use of a tongue suture and anterior traction in the postoperative period in a resource-limited setting.
Parameters of motion vision in low-light in the hawkmoth,Manduca sexta
Authors: Kalyanasundaram P. , Willis M. A.
Published: July 2018

The hawkmoth Manduca sexta, is nocturnally active, beginning its flight activity at sunset, and executing rapid controlled maneuvers to search for food and mates in dim light conditions. This moth's visual system has been shown to trade off spatial and temporal resolution for increased sensitivity in these conditions. The study presented here uses tethered flying moths to characterize the flight performance envelope of M. sexta's wide-field-motion-triggered steering response in low light conditions by measuring attempted turning in response to wide-field visual motion. Moths were challenged with a horizontally oscillating sinusoidal grating at a range of luminance, from daylight to starlight conditions. The impact of luminance on response to a range of temporal frequencies and spatial wavelengths was assessed across a range of pattern contrasts. The optomotor response decreased as a function of decreasing luminance, and the lower limit of the moth's contrast sensitivity was found to be between 1% to 5%. The preferred spatial frequency for M. sexta increased from 0.06 to 0.3 cycles/degree as the luminance decreased, but the preferred temporal frequency remained stable at 4.5 Hz across all conditions. The relationship between the optomotor response time to the temporal frequency of the pattern movement did not vary significantly with luminance levels. Taken together, these results suggest that the behavioral response to wide-field visual input in M. sexta is adapted to operate during crepuscular to nocturnal luminance levels, and the decreasing light levels experienced during that period changes visual acuity and does not affect their response time significantly.
Hypoxia-induced changes in hemoglobins of Lake Victoria cichlids
Authors: van den Thillart Guido , Wilms Inger , Nieveen Maaike , Weber Roy E. , Witte Frans
Published: July 2018

Broods of the Lake Victoria cichlid Haplochromis ishmaeli raised under hypoxic and normoxic conditions, showed striking differences in isohemoglobin (isoHb) pattern not observed in two other cichlids that do not belong to the Lake Victoria species flock (Rutjes et al., 2007). We therefore hypothesized that the adaptive mechanism seen in H. ishmaeli in response to hypoxia constitutes a trait the Lake Victoria species flock inherited from ancestors that lived in hypoxic environments. We tested this hypothesis by designing split-brood experiments with three other representative species from the same species flock: the insectivorous Haplochromis thereuterion, the mollusc shelling Platytaeniodus degeni and the zooplanktivorous Haplochromis piceatus, while keeping H. ishmaeli as a reference. Split broods were raised, under either normoxia or hypoxia. All hypoxia-raised (HR) individuals of each of the 4 species exhibited a distinctly different isoHb pattern compared to their normoxia raised (NR) siblings. The hemoglobin of HR H. thereuterion showed higher O2-affinity compared to NR siblings particularly in the presence of ATP and GTP indicating that blood of HR juveniles has significantly improved O2-binding affinity under hypoxic conditions. We also tested the capacity to acclimate at greater age in 2 species by reversing the O2 condition after 7 (H. thereuterion) and 4 (H. ishmaeli) months. After reacclimation for 1 and 2 months, respectively, we found incomplete reversal with intermediate isoHb patterns. As 3 of the 4 species do not encounter hypoxic conditions in their environment this unique trait seems a relic inherited from predecessors that lived in hypoxic environments.
Cooler snakes respond more strongly to infrared stimuli, but we have no idea why
Authors: Bakken George S. , Schraft Hannes A. , Cattell Robert W. , Tiu Donna B. , Clark Rulon W.
Published: July 2018

The pit organ defining pit vipers (Crotalinae) contains a membrane covered with temperature receptors that detect thermal radiation from environmental surfaces. Temperature is both the environmental parameter being sensed and the mechanism by which the pit membrane detects the signal. As snakes are ectotherms, temperature also has a strong influence on neurological and locomotor responses to the signal. This study of Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus) systematically examined the effect of body, target, and background temperatures on response to a moving target. We presented each snake with a moving pendulum bob regulated at a series of 6 temperatures against a uniform background regulated at one of 3 temperatures. Snake body temperatures varied from 18° to 36°C. As expected, we found stronger responses to positive contrasts (target warmer than background) than to negative contrasts, and stronger responses to greater contrasts. However, the effect of body temperature was contrary to expectations based on studies of the TRPA1 ion channel (believed to be the molecular basis for pit membrane temperature receptors) and typical thermal reaction norms for neural and motor performance. These predict (1) no response below the threshold where the TRPA1 channel opens, (2) response increasing as temperature increases, peaking near preferred body temperature, and (3) declining thereafter. Remarkably, this behavioral response decreased as body temperature increased from 18°C to 36°C, with no threshold or peak in this range. We review various possible physiological mechanisms related to body temperature proposed in the literature, but find none that can satisfactorily explain this result.
Borrowing against the future: the response to the public consultation on the NHS bursary
Authors: Regan Paul , Ball Elaine
Published: July 2018

This paper discusses the UK Government's public consultation into the NHS bursary and the response from the Nursing and Midwifery Council. A public consultation stipulated that the current arrangements for funding, by the State, were not to be considered for discussion. Instead, the consultation only appraised views that would lead to the successful introduction of student finance loans for NHS professional education. Testimonies from nurses, midwives and nursing students expressed concern that the new funding arrangements were unaffordable, dis-incentivising and biased towards the marketisation of student loans in the UK, yet the changes went ahead. The changes to NHS bursary funding resulted from the UK Government's desire for growth in student numbers (and ostensibly not growth in financial figures), and the fact that nursing (and other healthcare) students will become more fiscally indebted, despite society's moral obligation to them.
Dermatology emergencies: handy hints for the acute medical team
Authors: Sharif Jennifer , McMullen Emma
Published: July 2018

This article will help the general physician recognize and manage acute dermatology presentations. This can be challenging for non-dermatology doctors owing partly to the difficulty in providing an extensive dermatology undergraduate education and the lack of exposure to dermatology patients. The problem is further compounded at many hospital trusts because of the lack of on-site dermatology ‘on-call’. The general physician must be able to recognize dermatology emergencies in order to provide initial management and maintain appropriate referrals to acute dermatology services.

The emergency presentations discussed are erythroderma, life-threatening drug eruptions, cutaneous vasculitis, eczema herpeticum and bullous disorders.
Goramy spermatozoa quality after sub-zero freezing: The role of coconut water as the cryoprotectant
Authors: ABINAWANTO ABINAWANTO , PUTRI PRAMITA EKA
Published: July 2018

Abinawanto, Putri PE. 2017. Goramy spermatozoa quality after sub-zero freezing: The role of coconut water as thecryoprotectant. Cell Biol Dev 1: 1-5. The coconut water effect combined with 5% of glycerol for preserving goramy spermatozoa at -34Â°C for 48 hours has been studied. The objective of study is to find the best combination among 0%, 21%, 23%, 25% 27%, and 29%,respectively, of coconut water combined with 5% of glycerol for maintaining the good spermatozoa motility and viability, andminimizing spermatozoa abnormality. One part of semen/sperm were mixed with three parts of solvent (5% of glycerol + fish ringer +coconut water), and were equilibrated at 4 Â°C for 45 min. The diluted sperm were then freezed at -34 Â°C for 48 h. Cryopreserved spermswere thawed at 30 Â°C for 3-5 min. Spermatozoa quality were evaluated before and after sub-zero freezing. Based on Kruskal-Wallis test,spermatozoa motility and viability were higher than control (P<0.05), while the spermatozoa abnormality were not significantlydifferent compared to control (P>0.05). Twenty five percent of coconut water combined with 5% of glycerol were the best combinationfor preserving spermatozoa motility (80.36Â±1.54)% and spermatozoa viability (82Â±1.86)%, and also minimized spermatozoaabnormality (10Â±1.03)%.
Genetic potential of cassava biodiversity in Bangka Island, Indonesia
Authors: LESTARI TRI , APRIYADI RION
Published: July 2018

Lestari T, Apriyadi R. 2017. Genetic potential of cassava biodiversity in Bangka Island, Indonesia. Cell Biol Dev 2: 41-45. Cassava is potential as a mixture ingredient of flour in the Bangkaâ€™s food industry. This study aimed to discover the biodiversity of local cassava in Bangka. This research was conducted in experimental field of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bangka Belitung, Indonesia from July 2015 to July 2016. The experimental design was randomized block design with 10 local cassavas of Bangka that consisted of upang, sekula, bayel, mentega, kuning, batin, pulut, sutera, rakit, and Selangor. Isozyme analysis performed using starch gel electrophoresis with horizontal models. Analysis for five Bangka local cassava varieties and one National cassava variety used RAPD group OP A and OP B. The results showed that the phenotypic performance was different on the type of plant, the morphology of leaves, stems, and tubers of local cassava of Bangka. Isozyme analysis showed polymorphic banding pattern, while the eight RAPD primers used did not produce polymorphic. This research showed Bangka local cassava morphologically different based on visual observation. Morphological character of Bangka local cassava leaf was divided into three shapes of lobe: ellipse (upang, sekula, bayel, mentega, batin, pulut, rakit, Selangor), linear (kuning) and lanceolate (sutera). This research data showed that the genetic diversity of local cassava in Bangka relatively high. Bangka local cassava has genetic potential as plant propagation material for plant breeding.