bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Merging verb cluster variation
Authors: Barbiers Sjef , Bennis Hans , Dros-Hendriks Lotte
Published: July 2018

In this paper we argue that verb clusters in Dutch varieties are merged and linearized in fully ascending (1-2-3) or fully descending (3-2-1) orders. We argue that verb clusters that deviate from these orders involve non-verbal material: adjectival participles, or nominal infinitives. As a result, our approach does not involve any unmotivated movements that are specific for verb clusters.

Support for our analysis comes from (i) the interpretation of verb clusters; (ii) the fact that order variation depends on the types of verbs involved, which can be explained by selectional requirements of the verbs; and (iii) the geographic co-occurrence patterns of various orders. First, the 1-3-2 and 3-1-2 orders are argued to be ascending orders with a non-verbal 3. Indeed these orders occur in grammars that have ascending, rather than descending, verb clusters. Secondly, the 1-3-2 order is argued to be an interrupted V1-V2 cluster with a non-verbal 3. Indeed, this order is most common in the region where non-verbal material can interrupt the verb cluster.

Our analysis of word order variation in verb clusters in terms of principles of grammar is further supported by an experiment in which we asked a large number of speakers distributed over the Dutch language area to rank all logically possible orders, including orders that are not common in their own variety of Dutch. The results demonstrate that speakers apply their syntactic knowledge to rank verb cluster orders that they do not use themselves. We argue that this knowledge cannot be due to familiarity with the various orders.
Not all subjects are agents
Authors: Scott Rose M. , Gertner Yael , Fisher Cynthia
Published: July 2018

Children use syntax to guide sentence comprehension and verb learning. We explored the nature of the meanings children infer from syntactic evidence by examining the types of event-roles they can link with the subjects and objects of transitive verbs. In two experiments, 23-month-olds heard a novel verb in a transitive sentence while viewing pairs of events in which one participant acted on another without producing a clear effect (Experiment 1) or one participant moved relative to another without contacting it (Experiment 2). In both cases, children looked longer at the event in which the subject referent played a more prominent role. These findings suggest that children map a highly abstract conceptual-semantic asymmetry onto the syntactic difference between subjects and objects.
Overt, covert, and clandestine operations
Authors: Syrett Kristen
Published: July 2018

One of the major challenges on the path to becoming an adult speaker arises from ambiguous sentences – sentences that are in principle compatible with multiple interpretations. In this chapter, I review experimental evidence from a series of studies run with children age four to six years, focusing on three cases of sentential ambiguity. The first is the case of ambiguity of question-answer relations arising from the interaction of wh-phrases and universal quantifiers. The second is ambiguity resulting from covert movement of a quantificational phrase yielding different interpretations of verb phrase ellipsis. The third is the interpretation of comparative constructions involving pronominal reference. In each instance, a successful interpretation depends on one or more successful abstract syntactic-semantic operations, for which the child must deploy special forces. But as history tells us with such operations outside of the grammar, not every operation is a success, and failures (in this case, retrieval of a non-target interpretation, or the generation of interpretations beyond the target one), can either indicate the child’s developing linguistic capacity or the extent to which the range of possibilities presented by the adult grammar may have been underestimated.
The acquisition path of near-reflexivity
Authors: Brunetto Valentina , Roeper Thomas
Published: July 2018

Classical statue sentences (‘Ringo hit himself’ meaning ‘Ringo hit his statue’) are a long-standing puzzle for binding theories. We enrich the Partition theory (Schwarzschild, 1996) to allow semantic partitions (based on contextual contrasts) to explain acquisition experiments. The semantic partitions, in turn, correspond to a syntactic analysis of bimorphemic versus monomorphic reflexives. Only morphologically complex anaphors allow near-reflexive reference to a statue. Two experiments on the acquisition of near-reflexivity in Italian and English show that this innate interface is present very early. Results from yes/no questions-after-stories given to children 4;0–6;0 years (Italian: N = 29; English: N = 36) and adult controls (Italian: N = 30; English: N = 72) supported our prediction: English children allowed near-reflexivity with herself, Italian children blocked near-reflexivity with se.
The natural enemies of privets (
Ligustrum
: Oleaceae): a literature review, with particular reference to biological control.
Authors: Shaw R. H. , Cock M. J. W. , Evans H. C.
Published: July 2018

The arthropod and fungal natural enemies of privets (
Ligustrum
spp., Oleaceae) are listed, based on the data from taxonomic and nomenclatural websites, printed and electronic literature searches, including CAB Abstracts. Initially, the lists were compiled to identify and assess those natural enemies occurring on
Ligustrum robustum
in its indigenous Asian range as part of a classical biological control programme for the island of La Reunion, where this privet species has become a problematic invasive alien weed. However, because other species of
Ligustrum
are also posing invasive problems in other parts of the world, wherever they have been introduced, the lists have been expanded to cover all species in the genus. These records of natural enemies of
Ligustrum
, together with the distribution data, should enable those involved with the issues of invasive privets to assess the potential of classical biological control as an option for their management. As a further aid, an overview of those natural enemies considered to have the highest potential as classical biological control agents for
L. robustum
is included.
Electroless nickel–phosphorus plating on WC–Co powders using HVOF feedstock
Authors: Alhaji Amir , Shamanian Morteza , Salehi Mehdi , Nahvi Saied Mehran , Erfanmanesh Mohammad
Published: July 2018

In this study, electroless nickel–phosphorus plating was optimised for WC–Co powder using different bath loads and then subjected to a high-velocity oxygen fuel process. The produced Ni–P-coated WC–12Co powders were subsequently used as HVOF feedstock materials. Based on the SEM results, an increase in the bath load resulted in a decrease in the thickness of the Ni–P coating formed on the WC–12Co powders. Moreover, applying the HVOF process led to a lower porosity and roughness and a higher thickness of nickel coating, whereas applying a suitable thickness of this coating can prevent the destructive W2C phase. Finally, a bath load of 16 g L–1 was determined as the optimum value to achieve a proper thickness of the Ni–P, extremely low porosity (0.3%), good surface roughness (5 μm), and high microhardness (1112 Hv) in the produced coating.
Power beyond the state: a reply to Allen
Authors: Willse Craig
Published: July 2018

This commentary takes up the question of social movements introduced in Kieran Allen's contribution, to argue for a more sustained reflection on the vitality and necessity of an autonomous grassroots left. Such movements are responding to both the economic conditions of neoliberalism and the racist, anti-immigrant discourse deployed as its justification. In these movements, we may find exactly the complex theorization of state power for which Allen calls.
Did life find its way? A reply to Kingsmith and von Bargen
Authors: Karatzogianni Athina
Published: July 2018

This is a short reflection and response to the article ‘Life Finds a Way’: Mapping a Post-positivist Marxian Science by A.T. Kingsmith and Julian von Bargen (2018). It sets out the main argumentation for the dadascience approach proposed by the authors and focuses primarily on their critique and alternative theoretical development in relation to the concept of class and the dialectic, as well as their attempt to account for indeterminacy and change through the use of affective cartographies. The response reflects on whether the authors deliver an innovative understanding of the Marxian heritage in that respect, and whether their approach has the potential to rethink, augment or stretch Marxist approaches to doing science and changing the world.
Democracy and etceteras: a reply to Dupuis-Déri
Authors: Vodovnik Žiga
Published: July 2018

This short reply to Dupuis-Déri engages with the Rancierian idea of “intrinsic equality” as a way to challenge problematic republican conceptions of the demos as narrowly defined as consent. As Dupuis-Déri argues, republicanism hinges upon an understanding of “the people” as irrational, susceptible to demagoguery, factious or unable to support the common good. It classifies and orders. Radical democracy has no place for such categorizations. It is fundamentally a process of declassification and becoming, never a total, always “more or less than what it is.” The recognition of intrinsic equality means that the only basis of democracy is its very lack of a foundation. The radical Left, therefore, needs to confront systematic trivializations and marginalizations of etceteras by conceptualizing democracy in terms of the intrinsic equality of all people. Failing to do so empties democracy of its radical purchase.
Scientists’ Reuse of Old Empirical Data: Epistemological Aspects
Authors: McAllister James W.
Published: July 2018

This article investigates epistemological aspects of scientists’ reuse of empirical data over decades and centuries. Giving examples, I discuss three respects in which empirical data are historical entities and the implications for the notion of data reuse. First, any data reuse necessitates metadata, which specify the data’s circumstances of origin. Second, interpretation of historical data often requires the tools of humanities disciplines, which produce a further historicization of data. Finally, some qualitative social scientists hold that data are personal to the researcher who coconstructs them in the research process and are therefore skeptical about the prospects of reusing data.
Simplicity and Simplification in Astrophysical Modeling
Authors: Anderl Sibylle
Published: July 2018

With the ever-growing quality of observational data in astronomy, the complexity of astrophysical models has been increasing in turn. This trend raises the question: Are there still reasons to prefer simpler models if the final goal is an actual model-target comparison? I argue for two aspects in which astrophysical research may favor models having reduced complexity: first, to address the problem of determining the values of adjustable parameters and, second, to pave the way for a validation of the model based on the modeler’s understanding of the scope of the model and the critical processes on the target’s side.
Comparative assessment of different familial aggregation methods in the context of large and unstructured pedigrees
Authors: Weichenberger Christian X , Rainer Johannes , Pattaro Cristian , Pramstaller Peter P , Domingues Francisco S
Published: July 2018

Motivation

Familial aggregation analysis is an important early step for characterizing the genetic determinants of phenotypes in epidemiological studies. To facilitate this analysis, a collection of methods to detect familial aggregation in large pedigrees has been made available recently. However, efficacy of these methods in real world scenarios remains largely unknown. Here, we assess the performance of five aggregation methods to identify individuals or groups of related individuals affected by a Mendelian trait within a large set of decoys. We investigate method performance under a representative set of combinations of causal variant penetrance, trait prevalence and number of affected generations in the pedigree. These methods are then applied to assess familial aggregation of familial hypercholesterolemia and stroke, in the context of the Cooperative Health Research in South Tyrol (CHRIS) study.

Results

We find that in some situations statistical hypothesis testing with a binomial null distribution achieves performance similar to methods that are based on kinship information, while kinship based methods perform better when information is available on fewer generations. Potential case families from the CHRIS study are reported and the results are discussed taking into account insights from the performance assessment.

Availability and implementation

The familial aggregation analysis package is freely available at the Bioconductor repository, http://www.bioconductor.org/packages/FamAgg.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
SMSSVD: SubMatrix Selection Singular Value Decomposition
Authors: Henningsson Rasmus , Fontes Magnus
Published: July 2018

Motivation

High throughput biomedical measurements normally capture multiple overlaid biologically relevant signals and often also signals representing different types of technical artefacts like e.g. batch effects. Signal identification and decomposition are accordingly main objectives in statistical biomedical modeling and data analysis. Existing methods, aimed at signal reconstruction and deconvolution, in general, are either supervised, contain parameters that need to be estimated or present other types of ad hoc features. We here introduce SubMatrix Selection Singular Value Decomposition (SMSSVD), a parameter-free unsupervised signal decomposition and dimension reduction method, designed to reduce noise, adaptively for each low-rank-signal in a given data matrix, and represent the signals in the data in a way that enable unbiased exploratory analysis and reconstruction of multiple overlaid signals, including identifying groups of variables that drive different signals.

Results

The SMSSVD method produces a denoised signal decomposition from a given data matrix. It also guarantees orthogonality between signal components in a straightforward manner and it is designed to make automation possible. We illustrate SMSSVD by applying it to several real and synthetic datasets and compare its performance to golden standard methods like PCA (Principal Component Analysis) and SPC (Sparse Principal Components, using Lasso constraints). The SMSSVD is computationally efficient and despite being a parameter-free method, in general, outperforms existing statistical learning methods.

Availability and implementation

A Julia implementation of SMSSVD is openly available on GitHub (https://github.com/rasmushenningsson/SubMatrixSelectionSVD.jl).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
SPUTNIK: an R package for filtering of spatially related peaks in mass spectrometry imaging data
Authors: Inglese Paolo , Correia Gonçalo , Takats Zoltan , Nicholson Jeremy K , Glen Robert C
Published: July 2018

SPUTNIK is an R package consisting of a series of tools to filter mass spectrometry imaging peaks characterized by a noisy or unlikely spatial distribution. SPUTNIK can produce mass spectrometry imaging datasets characterized by a smaller but more informative set of peaks, reduce the complexity of subsequent multi-variate analysis and increase the interpretability of the statistical results.

Availability and implementation

SPUTNIK is freely available online from CRAN repository and at https://github.com/paoloinglese/SPUTNIK. The package is distributed under the GNU General Public License version 3 and is accompanied by example files and data.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
GECO: gene expression correlation analysis after genetic algorithm-driven deconvolution
Authors: Najafov Jamil , Najafov Ayaz
Published: July 2018

Motivation

Large-scale gene expression analysis is a valuable asset for data-driven hypothesis generation. However, the convoluted nature of large expression datasets often hinders extraction of meaningful biological information.

Results

To this end, we developed GECO, a gene expression correlation analysis software that uses a genetic algorithm-driven approach to deconvolute complex expression datasets into two subpopulations that display positive and negative correlations between a pair of queried genes. GECO’s mutational enrichment and pairwise drug sensitivity analyses functions that follow the deconvolution step may help to identify the mutational factors that drive the gene expression correlation in the generated subpopulations and their differential drug vulnerabilities. Finally, GECO’s drug sensitivity screen function can be used to identify drugs that differentially affect the subpopulations.

Availability and implementation

http://www.proteinguru.com/geco/ and http://www.proteinguru.com/geco/codes/

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Comparison of Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Reward Value Measured During a Cue-Reactivity Task: An Extension of the Choice Behavior Under Cued Conditions Procedure
Authors: Dowd Ashley N , Tiffany Stephen T
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Up to 24% of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) users are concurrent users of both tobacco and e-cigarettes (dual users). Dual users provide an opportunity to assess key motivational processes supporting e-cigarette use, such as the reward value of e-cigarettes. This study used the Choice Behavior Under Cued Conditions procedure to examine cue-specific reactions to tobacco and e-cigarettes with a primary focus on evaluating the relative reward value of both forms of cigarettes.

Methods

Fifty-four dual users were exposed to a lit tobacco cigarette, their own e-cigarette, or a cup of water across multiple trials. On each trial, participants rated their craving for both tobacco and e-cigarettes and indicated the amount of money they would spend to access the cue. Key measures included craving, amount of money spent to access the cue, latency to access the cue, spending choice time, and consumption.

Results

Participants reported significantly higher craving and spent significantly more money on tobacco and e-cigarette trials than on water trials. The magnitude of cue-specific craving was comparable across tobacco and e-cigarettes, but participants spent significantly more to access tobacco cigarettes than e-cigarettes.

Conclusions

This is the first study to demonstrate cue-specific reactivity to e-cigarettes utilizing a neutral comparison condition and to examine the reward value of e-cigarettes relative to tobacco cigarettes. Overall, the data suggest that e-cigarette puffs are less valued and generate less craving than tobacco cigarette puffs for dual users. The data provide clear support for the utility of Choice Behavior Under Cued Conditions for examining a range of motivational processes supporting e-cigarette use.

Implications

The test procedure used in this research generates multiple indices of nicotine and tobacco motivation and allows for an explicit comparison of those variables in people who use both e-cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes.
Fully Endoscopic Supracerebellar Infratentorial Approach for Resection of Third Ventricle Germ Cell Tumor: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Song Jianping , Hua Wei , Pan Zhiguang , Zhu Wei
Published: July 2018

Pineal tumor that extends into the posterior portion of the third ventricle is extremely deep-seated and surgically challenging. Various microscopic approaches have been introduced to acquire access to the posterior third ventricle, but still the exposure and visualization are relatively unfavorable. However, recently the application of high-definition endoscope gave neurosurgeons a much more magnified and clearer view of anatomy around the pineal region and third ventricle. The widely used supracerebellar infratentorial approach has been proven to offer a sufficient surgical corridor for fully endoscopic surgery for pineal tumor.

We presented a case of a 13-yr-old male child with a posterior third ventricle tumor, which was surgically resected fully with the endoscope. An informed consent has been obtained from the patient and his guardians. In order to gain enough auto-retraction by gravity, diminish the pitfalls of the semisitting position, and enhance the surgeon's ergonomics, the patient was positioned with a modified “head-up” park bench position (the upper body was elevated and the head was slightly extended instead of anteflexion). The tumor was approached through suboccipital midline supracerebellar infratentorial trajectory. The superficial and deep drainage veins above the vermis were sacrificed and the quadrigeminal cistern was entered to expose the tumor. The first and the most important step of the operation was to de-vascularize the tumor bilaterally, then the tumor could be debulked and circumferentially resected. The gross total resection was achieved.

Fully endoscopic supracerebellar infratentorial approach is feasible and efficient when addressing lesions located at the posterior portion of the third ventricle.
MicroRNA‐31‐5p enhances the Warburg effect via targeting FIH
Authors: Zhu Biying , Cao Xiuye , Zhang Wenqiang , Pan Guoping , Yi Qing , Zhong Wenbin , Yan Daoguang
Published: July 2018

The enhanced expression of miR‐31 has been observed in many human malignancies including lung cancer, and this microRNA regulates several aspects of oncogenesis. However, the role of miR‐31‐5p in energy metabolism remains elusive. Here, we confirm that H1299 and A549 cells, 2 lung cancer cell lines, relay on aerobic glycolysis as main source of ATP. Inhibition of miR‐31‐5p leads to decreased glycolysis and ATP production, while miR‐31‐5p overexpression increases them. Hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1) up‐regulates the expression of glycolytic enzymes, and the HIF‐1α inhibitor (FIH) inhibits HIF‐1 activity. Because FIH is a direct target of miR‐31‐5p, inhibition of miR‐31‐5p results in enhanced FIH expression and suppression of HIF‐1 signaling, while over‐expression of miR‐31‐5p has the opposite effects. Via this mechanism, miR‐31‐5p up‐regulates aerobic glycolytic genes and maintains energy homeostasis. To further validate the mechanism of miR‐31‐5p in glycolysis regulation, we show that overexpression or knockdown of FIH rescued the effects of miR‐31‐5p or miR‐31‐5p inhibitor on HIF activation and its target gene expression, respectively. Finally, by means of an A549 cell xenograft mouse model, we demonstrate that the miR‐31‐5p promotes cell proliferation via enhancing glycolysis. In summary, this study reveals that miR‐31‐5p promotes the Warburg effect via direct targeting of FIH.—Zhu, B., Cao, X., Zhang, W., Pan, G., Yi, Q., Zhong, W., Yan, D. MicroRNA‐31‐5p enhances the Warburg effect via targeting FIH. FASEB J. 33, 545–556 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Which Protocol for Milrinone to Treat Cerebral Vasospasm Associated With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage?
Authors: Crespy Thibaud , Heintzelmann Magali , Chiron Celia , Vinclair Marc , Tahon Florence , Francony Gilles , Payen Jean-François
Published: July 2018

Background:

Milrinone has emerged as an option to treat delayed cerebral ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, substantial variation exists in the administration of this drug. We retrospectively assessed the effectiveness of 2 protocols in patients with angiographically proven cerebral vasospasm.

Methods:

During 2 successive periods, milrinone was administered using either a combination of intra-arterial milrinone infusion followed by intravenous administration until day 14 after initial bleeding (IA+IV protocol), or a continuous intravenous milrinone infusion for at least 7 days (IV protocol). The primary endpoint was the reversion rate of vasospastic arterial segments following the first IA infusion of milrinone (IA+IV protocol) compared with the reversion rate during the first week of IV infusion (IV protocol).

Results:

There were 24 and 77 consecutive patients in IA+IV and IV protocols, respectively. The reversion rate was comparable between the 2 protocols: 71% (95% confidence interval [CI], 59%-83%) in the IA+IV protocol versus 64% (95% CI, 58%-71%) in the IV protocol (P=0.36). Rescue procedures for persistence or recurrence of vasospasm, that is, mechanical angioplasty and/or IA milrinone infusion, were similar between the 2 protocols. Patients with a good neurological outcome at 1 year, that is, modified Rankin Scale scores 0-2, were comparable between the 2 protocols. Side effects of milrinone were uncommon and equally distributed within the 2 protocols.

Conclusions:

These findings indicate that a continuous IV infusion of milrinone was as efficient as combined IA+IV infusion and suggest that this modality could be considered as a first easy-to-use option to treat patients with CVS.
Impact of CPAP on Forehead Near-infrared Spectroscopy Measurements in Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure: Truth or Illusion
Authors: Doerr Claudius , Kietaibl Clemens , Doerr Katharina , Hagmann Michael , Baumann Lukas , Kimberger Oliver , Ullrich Roman , Markstaller Klaus , Klein Klaus U.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure admitted to an intensive care unit are at high risk for cerebral hypoxia. We investigated the impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on regional cerebral tissue oxygenation (rSO2).

Materials and Methods:

In total, 40 extubated surgical intensive care unit patients requiring classic oxygen therapy (COT) for acute respiratory failure were examined. Near-infrared spectroscopy (INVOS 5100C, Covidien) was used for 30 minutes to detect bilateral rSO2 during COT via facemask (6 L/min) and CPAP therapy (40% fraction of inspired oxygen, 8 cm H2O CPAP) using a randomized crossover study design. Patients served as their own control. Continuous hemodynamic routine monitoring and blood gas analysis were performed. The effect of CPAP therapy on rSO2 and influence of assessed covariables were investigated using a mixed linear model.

Results:

Median rSO2 increased from 57.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 54.2-61.5) during COT to 62.8% (95% CI, 59.2-66.5) during CPAP therapy (P<0.0001). The estimated difference from the mixed model between COT and CPAP is −5.0 (95% CI, −6.3 to −3.7). Median arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide decreased from 47.8±5.1 mm Hg during COT to 43.1±5 mm Hg during CPAP (P<0.001), whereas arterial partial pressure of oxygen remained unchanged (P=0.329). In total, 23% of patients had SO2 levels <50%, with a higher prevalence under COT.

Conclusions:

Our results reveal that CPAP therapy compared with COT may influence rSO2 in patients with acute respiratory failure. However, the cause of the rSO2 increase following CPAP application remains to be elucidated, and the accuracy of cerebral oximetry during CPAP therapy in patients with acute respiratory failure remains questionable.
Readmissions, Length of Stay, and Mortality After Primary Surgery for Adult Spinal Deformity
Authors: Pitter Frederik T. , Lindberg-Larsen Martin , Pedersen Alma B. , Dahl Benny , Gehrchen Martin
Published: July 2018

Study Design.

Cohort study.

Objective.

To report outcome after primary surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD), and assess risk factors for extended length of stay (extLOS) and readmission within 90 days.

Summary of Background Data.

Complications after ASD surgery have been reported in 20% to 50% of patients. A few studies have focused on detailed information concerning postoperative morbidity.

Methods.

Patients >18 years undergoing primary instrumented surgery for ASD in Denmark in the period 2006 to 2016 were included. Patients were identified in the Danish National Patient Registry (DNPR) using procedure codes for instrumented spine surgery combined with diagnosis of spinal deformity. Information on length of stay (LOS), readmissions, and mortality were retrieved from the DNPR. Medical records were reviewed for causes of extLOS (LOS >10 days) and readmission within 90 days after surgery. Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was calculated for all patients based on DNPR.

Results.

We included 892 patients. Median LOS was 8 days (interquartile range, IQR, 7–11). A total of 175 (28.0%) patients had extLOS; 81% because of “medically” related complications. Most common medically related reason (>50%) for extLOS was pain/mobilization difficulties. The 90-days readmission risk was 13.8%; 74.5% of readmissions were “medically” related, primarily opioid related side effects (18.2%), and pain/mobilization issues (15.2%); 25.5% of readmissions were “surgically” related and 16.7% of patients required revision surgery. Ninety-days mortality was 0.9%. Age groups 61 to 70 years, >70 years, CCI score 1 to 2 and CCI score ≥3 were associated with increased risk of extLOS (odds ratio, OR = 1.79, 2.01, 1.81, and 2.49, respectively). Age group >70 years and CCI score 1 to 2 were associated with increased risk of readmission (OR = 2.21 and 1.83).

Conclusion.

Increasing age and comorbidity were associated with increased risk extLOS and readmission. Pain/mobilization difficulties were the most common postoperative complications. A future focus on early mobilization and pain management may improve outcome of ASD patients.

Level of Evidence: 3
Ponte Osteotomies Increase the Risk of Neuromonitoring Alerts in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Correction Surgery
Authors: Buckland Aaron J. , Moon John Y. , Betz Randal R. , Lonner Baron S. , Newton Peter O. , Shufflebarger Harry L. , Errico Thomas J.
Published: July 2018

Study Design.

Observational cohort study of prospective database registry.

Objective.

To determine the incidence of neurological complications in AIS patients undergoing surgical treatment with PO.

Summary of Background Data.

Despite the widespread use of Ponte Osteotomies (PO) in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) correction, outcomes and complications in patients treated with this technique have not been well characterized.

Methods.

A multicenter prospective registry of patients undergoing surgical correction of AIS was queried at 2-year follow-up for patient demographics, surgical data, deformity characteristics, and peri-operative complications. A neurological complication was defined as perioperative nerve root or spinal cord injury as identified by the surgeon. Patients were divided into those who underwent peri-apical PO and those without, and further stratified by Lenke curve classification into 3 groups (I-types 1 and 2, II-types 3, 4, 6, and III-type 5). Patients with- and without neurological complications were compared with respect to baseline demographics, surgical variables, curve types, fusion construct types (screws vs. hybrid), curve magnitude (coronal and sagittal Cobb), apical vertebral translation, and coronal-deformity angular ratios (C-DAR).

Results.

Of 2210 patients included in the study, 1611 underwent PO. Peri-operative neurological complications occurred in 7 patients, with 6 in the PO group (0.37%) and 1 in non-PO group (0.17%) though this was not a statistically significant risk factor for peri-operative neurological injury (P = 0.45). Neuromonitoring alerts were recorded in 168 patients (7.6%: 9.3% PO group; 4.2% no-PO group (P < 0.001)). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found PO and curve magnitude to be independent risk factors for intraoperative neuromonitoring alerts (P < 0.01).

Conclusion.

PO and curve magnitude were independent risk factors for intraoperative neuromonitoring alerts in surgical AIS correction. The effect of Ponte osteotomy on neurological complications remains unknown due to the low incidence of these complications.

Level of Evidence: 3
Pedicle Screw Designs in Spinal Surgery
Authors: Seng Wei Ren Daniel , Chou Siaw Meng , Siddiqui Shiblee S. , Oh Jacob Y.L.
Published: July 2018

Study Design.

An experimental laboratory-based biomechanical study.

Objective.

The objective of this study was to evaluate, in a synthetic bone model, the difference in primary and revision pull-out strength using pedicle screws of different thread designs.

Summary of Background Data.

Over the past few decades, there has been a growing interest in optimizing the screw pull-out strength using various screw designs (single-thread, mixed-thread, dual-thread). Although primary pull-out strength has been studied previously, little is known about revision pull-out strength of different pedicle screws.

Methods.

The pull-out strengths of three different pedicle screw designs (single-thread, mixed-thread, dual-thread) were tested in standardized polyurethane foam in three sequences. Sequence 1: A 6.5 mm screw was inserted into the foam block and the primary pull-out strength measured. Sequence 2: A 6.5 mm screw was inserted, removed, and then reinserted into the same foam block. The revision pull-out strength was then measured. Sequence 3: A 6.5 mm screw was inserted, removed and a 7.5-mm screw of the same thread design was reinserted. The revision pull-out strength was then measured.

Results.

The primary pull-out strength was similar across screw designs, although dual-thread screws showed higher primary pull-out strength (2628.8 N) compared to single-thread screws (2184.4 N, P < 0.05). For revision pull-out strength, the mixed-thread screws had significant reduction in revision pull-out strength of 18.6% (1890.2 N, P = 0.0173). Revision with a larger diameter screw improved the pull-out strength back to baseline. Single and dual-thread screws showed no significant reduction in revision pull-out strength.

Conclusion.

The dual-threaded screws provided the strongest primary pull-out strength for spinal fixation. The mixed-thread screws, however, had the poorest revision pull-out strength, decreasing by 18.6% compared to other screw designs. In cases in which mixed-threaded screws have to be revised (at the index or revision surgery), surgeons should consider the use of larger diameter screws to improve the pull-out strength.

Level of Evidence: 5
Real-world performance and utility of a noninvasive gene expression assay to evaluate melanoma risk in pigmented lesions
Authors: Ferris Laura K. , Gerami Pedram , Skelsey Maral K. , Peck Gary , Hren Catherine , Gorman Christopher , Frumento Tana , Siegel Daniel M.
Published: July 2018

About 3 million surgical pigmented skin lesion biopsies are performed each year in the USA alone to diagnose fewer than 200 000 new cases of invasive melanoma and melanoma in situ using the current standard of care that includes visual assessment and histopathology. A recently described noninvasive adhesive patch-based gene expression rule-out test [pigmented lesion assay (PLA)] may be helpful in identifying high-risk pigmented skin lesions to aid with surgical biopsy decisions. The main objective of this utility study was to determine the real-world clinical performance of PLA use and assess how the PLA changes physician behavior in an observational cohort analysis of 381 patients assessed with the PLA. All (100%) of 51 PLA(+) test results were clinically managed with surgical biopsy. Of these, 19 (37%) were melanomas, corresponding to a number needed to biopsy of 2.7 and a biopsy ratio of 1.7. All melanomas were histopathologically classified as melanoma in situ or stage 1. Nearly all (99%) of 330 PLA(−) test results were clinically managed with surveillance. None of the three follow-up biopsies performed in the following 3–6 months, were diagnosed as melanoma histopathologically. The estimated sensitivity and specificity of the PLA from these data sets are 95 and 91%, respectively. Overall, 93% of PLA results positive for both LINC00518 and PRAME were diagnosed histopathologically as melanoma. PRAME-only and LINC00518-only lesions were melanomas histopathologically in 50 and 7%, respectively. The PLA alters clinical management of pigmented lesions and shows high clinical performance. The likelihood of positive histopathologic diagnosis of melanoma is higher in PLA results that are positive for both LINC00518 and PRAME.
FULL DIAGNOSTIC VITRECTOMY WITH POSTERIOR VITREOUS DETACHMENT INDUCTION FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF VITRITIS DUE TO UNCERTAIN ETIOLOGY
Authors: Patel Darshak S. , Khan Imran J. , Zayed Mohammed G. , Partridge Dave , Rennie Ian G. , Mudhar Hardeep S. , Sheard Richard
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

To report on the diagnostic outcomes and safety of full diagnostic vitrectomy (FDV) with surgical posterior vitreous detachment induction for diagnosing vitritis of uncertain etiology.

Methods:

Forty-nine patients underwent primary FDV using the cassette washings for histopathological analysis. In addition, an undiluted core vitreous sample was obtained for microbial analysis in suspected infective cases. Cases were retrospectively given a diagnosis of inflammatory, infective, or neoplastic based on the results at final follow-up and the outcome of primary FDV categorized as diagnostic or nondiagnostic. The success of FDV was evaluated in relation to the final diagnosis. The need for additional intraocular biopsies and intraoperative or postoperative complications was also recorded.

Results:

Full diagnostic vitrectomy was diagnostic in 26/49 cases (53%) and nondiagnostic in 23 (47%). The diagnostic success rate was greatest in neoplastic (16/20, 80%) and infective cases (9/13, 69%). Seven cases (14%) required additional biopsies to establish the diagnosis, and in 15/49 cases (31%), no cause of vitritis was identified. Intraoperative retinal breaks occurred in 3/49 cases (6%) and retinal detachment in 1/49 cases (2%). Three of 49 cases (6%) developed transiently elevated intraocular pressure postoperatively.

Conclusion:

Full diagnostic vitrectomy in combination with an undiluted core vitreous biopsy for suspected infections is safe and effective at securing a diagnosis in vitritis, particularly in cases of neoplasia.
MOSAICISM AS A PROPOSED MECHANISM FOR ASYMMETRIC RETINAL TESSELLATIONS
Authors: Raevis Joseph J. , Denisova Ksenia , Mechel Elzbieta , Shrier Eric M.
Published: July 2018

Background/Purpose:

Report a case of markedly asymmetric retinal tessellations and propose mosaicism as a mechanism.

Methods and Results:

A 59-year-old pseudophakic woman presented with uncorrected 20/20 vision and was found to have markedly different retinal tessellation appearances in both eyes. The axial lengths were 25.66 mm and 25.88 mm in the right and left eyes, respectively, and no significant asymmetrical choroidal thinning was seen on optical coherence tomography or optical coherence tomography angiography. Fluorescein angiogram showed significant hyperfluorescence, representing the underlying choroid, which correlated with the tessellation patterns in the left eye. She had no other ocular or systemic findings such as stripes or whorled skin.

Conclusion:

This is the first reported case of markedly asymmetric retinal tessellation patterns that are not due to asymmetric axial myopia or choroidal thinning. We propose that mosaicism is a possible mechanism causing this finding.
A Common Glaucoma-risk Variant of SIX6 Alters Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer and Optic Disc Measures in a European Population: The EPIC-Norfolk Eye Study
Authors: Khawaja Anthony P. , Chan Michelle P.Y. , Yip Jennifer L.Y. , Broadway David C. , Garway-Heath David F. , Viswanathan Ananth C. , Luben Robert , Hayat Shabina , Hauser Michael A. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Khaw Kay-Tee , Fortune Brad , Allingham R. Rand , Foster Paul J.
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

A common missense variant in the SIX6 gene (rs33912345) is strongly associated with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). We aimed to examine the association of rs33912345 with optic disc and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measures in a European population.

Methods:

We examined participants of the population-based EPIC-Norfolk Eye Study. Participants underwent confocal laser scanning tomography (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II, HRT) to estimate optic disc rim area and vertical cup-disc ratio (VCDR). Scanning laser polarimetry (GDxVCC) was used to estimate average RNFL thickness. The mean of right and left eye values was considered for each participant. Genotyping was performed using the Affymetrix UK Biobank Axiom Array. Multivariable linear regression with the optic nerve head parameter as outcome variable and dosage of rs33912345 genotype as primary explanatory variable was used, adjusted for age, sex, disc area, axial length, and intraocular pressure. We further repeated analyses stratified into age tertiles.

Results:

In total, 5433 participants with HRT data and 3699 participants with GDxVCC data were included. Each “C” allele of rs33912345 was associated with a smaller rim area (−0.030 mm2 [95% CI −0.040, −0.020]; P=5.4×10−9), a larger VCDR (0.025 [95% CI 0.017, 0.033]; P=3.3×10−10) and a thinner RNFL (−0.39 μm [95% CI -0.62, -0.15]; P=0.001). The RNFL association was strongest in the oldest age tertile, whereas rim area and VCDR associations were strongest in the youngest and oldest age tertiles.

Conclusions:

The protein-coding SIX6 variant rs33912345, previously associated with POAG, has a functional effect on glaucoma-associated optic nerve head traits in Europeans.
Catastrophizing, pain, and functional outcomes for children with chronic pain: a meta-analytic review
Authors: Miller Megan M. , Meints Samantha M. , Hirsh Adam T.
Published: July 2018

Pediatric chronic pain is associated with numerous negative outcomes including increased physical disability, increased rates of depression and anxiety, and decreased quality of life (QOL). Pain catastrophizing–broadly conceptualized as including rumination, magnification, and helplessness cognitions surrounding one's pain–has been linked with poor functional outcomes in children with chronic pain. Pain catastrophizing in pediatric chronic pain is often considered a key factor on which to focus treatment efforts. However, absent a systematic review that integrates the relevant literature, this call for routine assessment and targeted treatment may be premature. This study aimed to: (1) meta-analytically quantify the relationship between catastrophizing and pain and functional/psychosocial outcomes (functional disability/physical functioning, anxiety, depression, and QOL) in children with chronic pain, and (2) examine potential moderators of these relationships. Using a random-effects model, a total of 111 effect sizes from 38 studies were analyzed. Effect sizes ranged from medium to large, with anxiety, depression, and QOL demonstrating a strong association with catastrophizing. Pain intensity and physical disability had a moderate association with catastrophizing. These relationships were robust, minimizing potential publication bias. None of the examined moderators were significant. The strong relationships found between catastrophizing and anxiety, depression, and QOL suggest that successfully intervening on catastrophizing could have far reaching implications in improving pain outcomes in pediatric chronic pain.
Neural mechanisms supporting the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and pain
Authors: Zeidan Fadel , Salomons Tim , Farris Suzan R. , Emerson Nichole M. , Adler-Neal Adrienne , Jung Youngkyoo , Coghill Robert C.
Published: July 2018

Interindividual differences in pain sensitivity vary as a function of interactions between sensory, cognitive–affective, and dispositional factors. Trait mindfulness, characterized as the innate capacity to nonreactively sustain attention to the present moment, is a psychological construct that is associated with lower clinical pain outcomes. Yet, the neural mechanisms supporting dispositional mindfulness are unknown. In an exploratory data analysis obtained during a study comparing mindfulness to placebo analgesia, we sought to determine whether dispositional mindfulness is associated with lower pain sensitivity. We also aimed to identify the brain mechanisms supporting the postulated inverse relationship between trait mindfulness and pain in response to noxious stimulation. We hypothesized that trait mindfulness would be associated with lower pain and greater deactivation of the default mode network. Seventy-six meditation-naive and healthy volunteers completed the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory and were administered innocuous (35°C) and noxious stimulation (49°C) during perfusion-based functional magnetic resonance imaging. Higher Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory ratings were associated with lower pain intensity (P = 0.005) and pain unpleasantness ratings (P = 0.005). Whole brain analyses revealed that higher dispositional mindfulness was associated with greater deactivation of a brain region extending from the precuneus to posterior cingulate cortex during noxious heat. These novel findings demonstrate that mindful individuals feel less pain and evoke greater deactivation of brain regions supporting the engagement sensory, cognitive, and affective appraisals. We propose that mindfulness and the posterior cingulate cortex should be considered as important mechanistic targets for pain therapies.
Evolution in clinical presentation of inflammatory bowel disease over time at diagnosis: a multicenter cohort study
Authors: Nahon Stéphane , Ramtohul Toulsie , Paupard Thierry , Belhassan Mehdi , Clair Emeline , Abitbol Vered
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Delayed diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has become a major issue, particularly in terms of the presence of nonspecific and heterogeneous clinical signs. This study aimed to identify changes over time in the epidemiological characteristics and clinical presentation of IBD in a French cohort.

Patients and methods

Sociodemographic data from patients at three French hospitals (age, sex, country of origin, smoking habits) and characteristics of IBD [diagnostic delay, phenotype, location, first symptoms, first test suggesting diagnosis (endoscopy, imaging examination)] were collected in a computerized database (Focus_MICI). Four diagnostic time periods were assessed: <2000, 2000–2004, 2005–2009, and >2009.

Results

Among the 926 patients analyzed, 638 (<2000, n=181; 2000–2004, n=104; 2005–2009, n=147; >2009, n=206) had Crohn’s disease (CD) and 288 (<2000, n=54; 2000–2004, n=39; 2005–2009, n=80; >2009, n=115) had ulcerative colitis (UC). For CD, statistically significant differences over time were observed for (a) the first revealing disease symptom [more frequent abdominal pain vs. chronic diarrhea (P<0.001)], (b) first investigation suggestive of diagnosis [more frequent computed tomography vs. colonoscopy (P<0.001)], and (c) CD behavior [more frequent inflammatory vs. stricturing/penetrating forms (P<0.001)]. No significant differences over time were observed for UC variables.

Conclusion

In this large multicenter cohort study clinical diagnostic presentation of CD has changed over time. By contrast, there were no changes in the UC clinical presentation.
Description and Factors Associated With Missed Nursing Care in an Acute Care Community Hospital
Authors: Duffy Joanne R. , Culp Stacey , Padrutt Tom
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study are to describe and evaluate the factors associated with missed nursing care in an acute care community hospital.

BACKGROUND

Despite RNs’ accountability for high-quality patient care in hospitals, missed nursing care is widespread, jeopardizing patient safety and health system costs. Better understanding of the factors associated with missed nursing care may provide nurse leaders with opportunities for improvement.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional correlational study design, 138 RNs were randomly sampled during May-June 2017.

RESULTS

The extent of missed nursing care is consistent with other studies, was greater on medical-surgical and telemetry units compared with specialty units, and was negatively associated with staffing/resources, satisfaction with current position, and collegial nurse-physician relationships.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest urgent nurse leader action and future research.