bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption-controlled growth of La-doped BaSnO3 by molecular-beam epitaxy
Authors: Paik Hanjong , Chen Zhen , Lochocki Edward , Seidner H. Ariel , Verma Amit , Tanen Nicholas , Park Jisung , Uchida Masaki , Shang ShunLi , Zhou Bi-Cheng , Brützam Mario , Uecker Reinhard , Liu Zi-Kui , Jena Debdeep , Shen Kyle M. , Muller David A. , Schlom Darrell G.
Published: November 2017

Epitaxial La-doped BaSnO3 films were grown in an adsorption-controlled regime by molecular-beam epitaxy, where the excess volatile SnOx desorbs from the film surface. A film grown on a (001) DyScO3 substrate exhibited a mobility of 183 cm2 V−1 s−1 at room temperature and 400 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 10 K despite the high concentration (1.2 × 1011 cm−2) of threading dislocations present. In comparison to other reports, we observe a much lower concentration of (BaO)2 Ruddlesden-Popper crystallographic shear faults. This suggests that in addition to threading dislocations, other defects—possibly (BaO)2 crystallographic shear defects or point defects—significantly reduce the electron mobility.
Optically detected magnetic resonance of nitrogen vacancies in a diamond anvil cell using designer diamond anvils
Authors: Steele L. G. , Lawson M. , Onyszczak M. , Bush B. T. , Mei Z. , Dioguardi A. P. , King J. , Parker A. , Pines A. , Weir S. T. , Evans W. , Visbeck K. , Vohra Y. K. , Curro N. J.
Published: November 2017

Optically detected magnetic resonance of nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond offers a route to both DC and AC magnetometry in diamond anvil cells under high pressures (>3 GPa). However, a serious challenge to realizing experiments has been the insertion of microwave radiation into the sample space without screening by the gasket material. We utilize designer anvils with lithographically deposited metallic microchannels on the diamond culet as a microwave antenna. We detected the spin resonance of an ensemble of microdiamonds under pressure and measured the pressure dependence of the zero field splitting parameters. These experiments enable the possibility for all-optical magnetic resonance experiments on nanoliter sample volumes at high pressures.
Dynamics of branching of negative downward lightning leaders
Authors: Zhang Xuewei , Zhu Yujie , Gu Shanqiang , He Jinliang
Published: November 2017

The branching of negative downward lightning leaders is of both theoretical insterest and practical importance. In the lightning protection of ground structures, a clearer understanding of the mechanism and dynamics of leader branching is needed to identify possible lightning strike locations as well as vulnerable parts of the protection systems. In this work, we start with the image analysis of a lightning leader process recorded with a high-speed camera and to show that the anode-directed streamer zone developed from space stems in front of a leader tip needs be smaller in size (<10 m) to make branching more likely to occur. Then, we propose a kinetic model to describe the growth of the meter-scale streamer zone, which essentially states that the growth speed decreases as the streamer zone expands. The exponent in the kinetic model can be estimated by comparing the numerical and observational results. Based on the model, the streamer zone dynamics on the meter-scale differs from that of a single streamer in that the slowing down of the growth is accompanied by the recovery of the electric field at the discharge front, which may result in new bursts of streamers. This model, if further verified, could be the foundation of inferring the structure and dynamics of the streamer zone from the morphology of the leader channel, which would significantly advance the knowledge of the streamer zone in negative lightning leaders.
Nutritional principles, integration, modelling and research management to practical applications: an overview of John Langtree Black’s contribution to animal science
Authors: Campbell Roger G. , Williams Ian H.
Published: November 2017

This is the introductory paper for a Festschrift to honour the contribution that John Langtree Black has made so far to animal science over his 50-year career. The paper outlines the extraordinary wide range of topics, disciplines and animal species covered by his research and intellectual thinking. It describes major contributions made to enhancing knowledge in areas of animal science and to the application of knowledge to rural industries through simulation models, risk-control management systems, methods for measuring ingredient and product quality and communication. An important contribution has been through the management, coordination and integration of findings in large interdisciplinary research programs, particularly with an emphasis on adherence to the scientific method and the role of statistics. The discipline of scientific integrity has been extended to his considerable involvement in community service.
Effects of different road conditions on rectal temperature, behaviour and traumatic injuries during transportation of different crosses of temperate/tropical breeds of heifers
Authors: Minka N. S. , Ayo J. O.
Published: November 2017

One important and inevitable aspect of animal production is transportation. The effects of different types of road transportation on rectal temperature (RT), behaviour and traumatic injuries were assessed in 60 crosses of 50/50% temperate/tropical breeds of heifers. The heifers, comprised 20 crosses, each of Brahman/Gudali, Friesian/White Fulani and Simmental/Gudali breeds, were transported for 6 h; first, for 2 h through rough untarred road, then another 2 h each through an asphalt dual- and single-carriage roads, respectively. The results showed that transportation through untarred road induced significant (P < 0.05) increase in RT values, especially in Friesian/White Fulani breed. All (100%) the cattle fell down, vocalised and urinated/defaecated at least three times during the first 30 min of transportation through rough untarred road. The mean frequencies of falls, vocalisation and urinating/defaecating were 7.8 ± 1.2, 4.3 ± 0.6 and 3.2 ± 0.4, respectively. Transportation on double- and single-lane asphalt roads had no effect on the variables measured. The cattle stood for 5 h 8 min out of the 6-h transportation time and majority stood parallel to the direction of motion. Two Friesian/White Fulani crosses sustained injuries during loading and transportation on rough road. The proportion of time the heifers spent standing was low (P < 0.05), whereas more time was spent eating and drinking 3 h post-transportation, compared with pre-transportation. Friesian/White Fulani breed stood longer (P < 0.05), but spent less time eating and drinking in both pre- and post-transportation periods. In conclusion, road transportation of temperate/tropical crosses of heifers along asphalt road did not significantly affect their RT and behaviour, however, when transported along untarred road the RT and behaviour of the cattle may be compromised.
Contaminant release from aged microplastic
Authors: Bandow Nicole , Will Verena , Wachtendorf Volker , Simon Franz-Georg
Published: November 2017

Environmental contextIncreasing global plastic production adds plastic debris to the environment. We show that potentially harmful additives present in plastic particles are released to water at an increased rate when material properties change by aging due to exposure to high temperature and especially to UV radiation. For risk assessment of such plastic additives, more information on their degradation products and their toxicity is needed.
AbstractRecycled plastic granules of high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene the size of microplastics were exposed to artificial aging conditions (2000h; photooxidative and thermo-oxidative) to simulate their fate outdoors. Their potential to leach into water during the aging process was investigated using column percolation tests. Aging-related changes on the surface of the material were characterised by IR measurements indicating oxidation reactions with the formation of new adsorption bands (C=O, C–O and OH), especially in the case of photooxidative aging. These findings were confirmed by the identification of leachable organic compounds. Leaching of total organic carbon, Cl, Ca, Cu and Zn is clearly affected by changes due to aging, and their release is increased after photooxidative aging. In general, exposure to photooxidative conditions shows a greater influence on aging and thus on leaching and seems to be the more important mechanism for the aging of microplastic in the environment. Comparison with the total content of inorganic species revealed that, for most elements, less than 3% of the total content is released after 2000h of photooxidative aging.
Rapid adaptive evolution in novel environments acts as an architect of population range expansion
Authors: Szűcs M. , Vahsen M. L. , Melbourne B. A. , Hoover C. , Weiss-Lehman C. , Hufbauer R. A.
Published: November 2017

Significance

It is crucial to understand what governs the growth and spread of populations colonizing novel environments to better predict species responses to global change, including range shifts in response to warming and biological invasions. Evolutionary processes can be rapid enough to influence colonizing populations; however, it is unclear whether evolution governs the course of colonization events or if it is an outcome that arises gradually after successful establishment. We either allowed or restricted evolution in replicate populations released in a novel environment, and found that populations that were allowed to evolve grew three times larger and expanded their ranges 46% faster compared with nonevolving populations. Thus, evolution facilitates colonization from the outset and should be considered in management decisions.
Unleashing meiotic crossovers in hybrid plants
Authors: Fernandes Joiselle Blanche , Séguéla-Arnaud Mathilde , Larchevêque Cécile , Lloyd Andrew H. , Mercier Raphael
Published: November 2017

Significance

In eukaryotes, meiotic recombination shuffles genetic information at each generation, making each offspring unique. In addition to its key role in heredity and evolution, this gene reshuffling is central in plant and animal breeding, which relies on the ability to combine desired alleles. However, the number of recombination events by generation is low, limiting the power of breeding programs. Here we showed that meiotic recombination can be massively increased in hybrid plants, up to almost eightfold. This opens the possibility of manipulating recombination to enhance the efficiency of plant breeding programs, which is important as we face the double challenge of ensuring food security while preserving natural resources.
Improved detection of synthetic lethal interactions in
Drosophila
cells using variable dose analysis (VDA)
Authors: Housden Benjamin E. , Li Zhongchi , Kelley Colleen , Wang Yuanli , Hu Yanhui , Valvezan Alexander J. , Manning Brendan D. , Perrimon Norbert
Published: November 2017

Significance

Synthetic sick or lethal (SS/L) interactions occur when disruption of two genes reduces cell viability to a greater extent than expected based on the individual gene disruptions. SS/L interactions involving tumor suppressors represent candidate drug targets for cancers because treatment is expected to kill tumor cells carrying the tumor suppressor mutation but leave healthy cells unaffected. Identification of SS/L interactions is of vital importance to develop new therapies for tumorigenic disease. We have developed an RNAi-based approach called variable dose analysis, which improves both sensitivity and robustness to noise compared with dsRNA-based methods for screening in
Drosophila
. Using this method, we identified four Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs with specific effects on cells deficient for the TSC1 and TSC2 tumor suppressor genes.
Plasma-sprayed alumina coating on Inconel 600 for fast reactor neutron detector application
Authors: Ravi Shankar A. , Thyagarajan K. , Upadhyay Chandrakanth , Mallika C. , Kamachi Mudali U.
Published: November 2017

Alumina coating, with high electrical resistivity, has been proposed over Inconel 600 rings for application in fission chamber neutron detectors, operating at 923 K in fast breeder reactor. For improving the thermal cycling life and adhesion strength of alumina coating, selection of the suitable coating technique and bond coat, with appropriate spray parameters was pursued. In the present study, Ni–50%Cr bond coat was deposited over Inconel 600 by the high velocity oxygen fuel technique, while the top alumina coat was deposited using air plasma spray process. A dense coating with minimum porosity and a stable insulation resistance (600 V DC) of ∼1011 ohm at room temperature and ∼108 ohm at 923 K was achieved. Thermal cycling studies on coated samples and rings showed good thermal cycle life tested up to 100 cycles. The coating exhibited good bond strength and only marginal decrease in bond strength was observed with increase in thermal cycling.
Left or right? Directions to stem cell engraftment
Authors: Belderbos Mirjam E. , Bystrykh Leonid , de Haan Gerald
Published: November 2017

In this issue of JEM, Wu et al. (https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20171341) use genetic barcoding of macaque hematopoietic stem cells to demonstrate that, after transplantation, HSCs are very asymmetrically distributed and uncover a thymus-independent pathway for mature T cell production in the bone marrow.
Equilibrium study for ternary mixtures of biodiesel
Authors: Doungsri S , Sookkumnerd T , Wongkoblap A , Nuchitprasittichai A
Published: November 2017

The liquid-liquid equilibrium (LLE) data for the ternary mixtures of methanol + fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) + palm oil and FAME + palm oil + glycerol at various temperatures from 35 to 55°C, the tie lines and binodial curves were also investigated and plotted in the equilibrium curve. The experimental results showed that the binodial curves of methanol + FAME + palm oil depended significantly with temperature while the binodial curves of FAME + palm oil + glycerol illustrated insignificant change with temperatures. The interaction parameters between liquid pair obtained for NRTL (Nonrandom Two-Liquid) and UNIQUAC (Universal Quasi-Chemical Theory) models from the experimental data were also investigated. It was found that the correlated parameters of UNIQUAC model for system of FAME + palm oil + glycerol, denoted as a13 and a31, were 580.42K and -123.69K, respectively, while those for system of methanol + FAME + palm oil, denoted as a42 and a24, were 71.48 K and 965.57K, respectively. The ternary LLE data reported here would be beneficial for engineers and scientists to use for prediction of yield and purity of biodiesel for the production. The UNIQUAC model agreed well with the experimental data of ternary mixtures of biodiesel.
Two Agrobacterium tumefaciens CheW Proteins Are Incorporated into One Chemosensory Pathway with Different Efficiencies
Authors: Huang Zhiwei , Zhou Qingxuan , Sun Pan , Yang Jing , Guo Minliang
Published: November 2017

Agrobacterium tumefaciens is the agent that causes crown gall tumor disease on more than 140 species of dicotyledonous plants. Chemotaxis of A. tumefaciens toward the wound sites of the host plant is the first step to recognize the host. CheW is a coupling protein that bridges the histidine kinase CheA and the chemoreceptors to form the chemotaxis core signaling complex and plays a crucial role in the assembly and function of the large chemosensory array. Unlike all previously reported chemotaxis systems, A. tumefaciens has only one major che operon but two cheW homologs (atu2075 as cheW1 and atu2617 as cheW2) on unlinked loci. The in-frame deletion of either cheW gene significantly affects A. tumefaciens chemotaxis but does not abolish the chemotaxis, unless both cheW genes were deleted. The effect of cheW2 deletion on the chemotaxis is more severe than that of cheW1 deletion. Either CheW can interact with CheA and couple it to the cell poles. The promoter activity of cheW2 is always higher than that of cheW1 under all of the tested conditions. When two cheW genes were adjusted to the same expression level by using the identical promoter, the difference between the effects of two CheW proteins on the chemotaxis still existed. Therefore, we envision that both the different molecular ratio of two CheW proteins in cell and the different affinities of two CheW proteins with CheA and chemoreceptors result in the efficiency difference of two CheW proteins in functioning in the large chemosensory array.
A Model for Temporal Dynamics of Brown Rot Spreading in Fruit Orchards
Authors: Bevacqua Daniele , Quilot-Turion Bènèdicte , Bolzoni Luca
Published: November 2017

Brown rot, caused by Monilinia spp., is a major disease of stone fruit and, in favorable environmental conditions and in the absence of fungicide treatments, it causes important economic losses. In the present work, we propose a modification of classical susceptible, exposed, infectious and removed compartmental models to grasp the peculiarities of the progression of brown rot epidemics in stone fruit orchards in the last stage of the fruit growth (i.e., from the end of the pit hardening to harvest time). Namely, we took into account (i) the lifespan of airborne spores; (ii) the dependence of the latent period on the cuticle crack surface area, which itself varies in time with fruit growth; (iii) the impossibility of recovery in infectious fruit; and (iv) the abrupt interruption of disease development by the elimination of the host fruit at harvest time. We parametrized the model by using field data from a peach Prunus persica orchard infected by Monilinia laxa and M. fructicola in Avignon (southern France). The basic reproduction number indicates that the environmental conditions met in the field were extremely favorable to disease development and the model closely fitted the temporal evolution of the fruit abundance in the different epidemiological compartments. The model permits us to highlight crucial mechanisms undergoing brown rot build up and to evaluate the consequences of different agricultural practices on the quantity and quality of the yield. We found that winter sanitation practices (which decrease the initial infection incidence) and the control of the fruit load (which affects the host fruit density and the single fruit growth trajectory) can be effective in controlling brown rot in conjunction with or in place of fungicide treatments.
Faculty Support for Self-Directed Learning in Internal Medicine Residency: A Qualitative Study Using Grounded Theory
Authors: Sawatsky Adam P. , Ratelle John T. , Bonnes Sara L. , Egginton Jason S. , Beckman Thomas J.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Self-directed learning (SDL) is part of residency training, which residents desire guidance in implementing. To characterize SDL within the clinical context, this study explored residents’ perceptions of faculty members’ role in promoting and supporting resident SDL.

Method

Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, the authors conducted seven focus groups with 46 internal medicine residents at the Mayo Clinic Internal Medicine Residency Program from October 2014 to January 2015. Focus group transcripts were deidentified and processed through open coding and analytic memo writing. Guided by a previously developed SDL model, data were analyzed regarding faculty member involvement in resident SDL. Themes were organized and patterns were discussed at team meetings, with constant comparison with new data. Trustworthiness was established using two member-check sessions.

Results

The authors identified themes within the categories of faculty guidance for SDL, SDL versus other-directed learning (ODL), and faculty archetypes for supporting SDL. Clinical teachers play a key role in facilitating resident SDL and can provide guidance at each step in the SDL process. Residents discussed the distinction between SDL and ODL, highlighting the integrated nature of learning and interplay between the two approaches to learning. Residents identified themes relating to three archetypal approaches faculty implement to support resident SDL in the clinical environment (directed, collaborative, and role model SDL), with benefits and challenges of each approach.

Conclusions

This study underscores the importance of external guidance for resident SDL and expands on approaches faculty members can use to support SDL in the clinical context.
Development of a Simple Preoperative Risk Score for Persistent Pain After Breast Cancer Surgery
Authors: Dereu Domitille , Savoldelli Georges L. , Combescure Christophe , Mathivon Stanislas , Rehberg Benno
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

Persistent postoperative pain is reported by 30% to 50% of patients following breast cancer surgery. Studies testing preventive measures, however, have so far failed to produce consistent positive results. If preventive measures could be targeted to a subgroup of patients at high risk of persistent pain, positive results would be more likely. Our aim was to develop a simple risk score predicting persistent pain after breast cancer surgery.

Materials and Methods:

In a prospective observational cohort study, we tested the predictive ability of a 4 simple items score for persistent pain in 200 patients scheduled for breast cancer surgery. A multivariable logistic regression model was created for the outcome of clinically important pain at 4 months.

Results:

On the basis of literature review and univariable analysis of our data, 4 parameters were selected: preoperative pain at the surgical site, history of depression, age below 50 years and expected pain of high intensity (>6/10). Points for the score are based on the coefficients of the logistic regression model. A total score ≥2 points/5 predicts a risk of developing clinically important pain at 4 months >30%, with an area under the curve-receiver operating characteristic of 0.81.

Discussion:

We studied known risk factors for persistent pain in patients scheduled for breast cancer surgery and constructed a preoperative risk score simple enough to select high-risk patients in future prevention studies.
Direct Observation of Medication Errors in Critical Care Setting
Authors: Foster Margaret J. , Gary Jodie C. , Sooryanarayana Sreedevi Moodahanglur
Published: November 2017

Medication errors continue to be an issue for the critically ill and are costly to both patients and health care facilities. This article reviews published research about these errors and reports results of observational studies. The types of errors, incidence, and root causes have been considered along with adverse consequences. The implications for bedside practice as a result of this review are fairly straightforward. Medication errors are happening at an alarming rate in the critical care environment, and these errors are preventable. It is imperative that all personnel respect and follow established guidelines and procedural safeguards to ensure flawless drug delivery to patients.
Adverse effects of phenytoin and fosphenytoin
Authors: Ferner Robin E.
Published: November 2017

Phenytoin (diphenylhydantoin) and fosphenytoin are still important treatments for seizure disorders. The experience of fosphenytoin suggests that many of the adverse effects recognized to occur with phenytoin can also occur with the newer pro-drug. Here we consider some of the more important adverse effects of these agents.
Hemi-Intravascular Stenting for Supermicrosurgical Anastomosis
Authors: Tashiro Kensuke , Yamashita Shuji , Narushima Mitsunaga , Koshima Isao , Miyamoto Shimpei
Published: November 2017

Background:

Although supermicrosurgical anastomosis is a widely known reconstructive microsurgical technique, it is difficult to perform. To expand the clinical use of supermicrosurgery, we used hemi-intravascular stenting (hemi-IVaS), which is performed by inserting an intravascular stent into one side of the vessel. We conducted lymphaticovenular anastomosis, free perforator flap transfer, and fingertip replantation with supermicrosurgical anastomosis using hemi-IVaS technique and examined its usefulness.

Methods:

Between January 2013 and February 2015, 11 anastomoses in 11 cases of lymphaticovenular anastomosis for lymphedema patients, 14 anastomoses in 7 cases of free perforator flap transfer with supermicrosurgical perforator-to-perforator anastomosis, and 9 anastomoses in 5 cases of fingertip replantation were performed using hemi-IVaS. Time required for anastomosis and complications were examined. Flap survival rate was also examined in free perforator flap transfer cases and fingertip replantation cases.

Results:

In all cases, anastomoses were performed without complications such as inadvertent catching of the back wall of the vessel during the procedure or the need for reanastomoses. The average time required to complete the anastomosis was 16.4 ± 3.20 minutes using the hemi IVaS technique. All flaps survived in the supermicrosurgical perforator-to-perforator anastomosis as well as fingertip replantation cases.

Conclusions:

Hemi-IVaS could be a useful alternative to conventional intravascular stenting techniques and is also effective for supermicrosurgical perforator-to-perforator anastomosis. Further studies are needed to improve the success rate and to explore its other possible utilizations in supermicrosurgery.
New Nursing Faculty and Incivility
Authors: Green Cheryl
Published: November 2017

Workplace incivility remains a problem within the nursing profession. As nurse leaders, we must recognize and not ignore the complexity of cultures that have adapted incivility into the work environment. Nursing education is a discipline that requires collaborative team work, independent drive, and commitment. New nursing faculty experiencing incivility can use mindfulness-based meditation approaches to cope with uncivil behaviors experienced within the workplace. Nurse educators applying the concepts of mindfulness can learn how to provide themselves self-care by reducing stress, as enhanced daily awareness of peace and calm are incorporated into their lifestyle. Mindfulness provides a realization that control can only be given to other persons when an individual allows or accepts another's negative behaviors. Awareness of the value and importance of oneself can assist the nurse educator experiencing incivility to maintain his or her emotional, physical, and spiritual health despite the volatility of the work environment.
LONGITUDINAL CHANGES IN THE OPTIC NERVE HEAD AND RETINA OVER TIME IN VERY YOUNG CHILDREN WITH FAMILIAL EXUDATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY
Authors: Lee Jonghyun , El-Dairi Mays A. , Tran-Viet Du , Mangalesh Shwetha , Dandridge Alexandria , Jiramongkolchai Kim , Viehland Christian , Toth Cynthia A.
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

To explore vitreoretinal pathologies and their longitudinal changes visible on handheld optical coherence tomography (OCT) of young children with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy.

Methods:

The authors retrospectively analyzed handheld OCT images for vitreoretinal interface and retinal abnormalities and optic nerve head (ONH) elevation.

Results:

From 26 eyes of 16 children (mean age 32 months) with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, 10 had ONH dragging on photographs, and in these, handheld OCT revealed temporal and anterior retinal displacement, prominent vitreopapillary adhesion or traction, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickening at ONH margins with adjacent retinal elevation. Despite a nearly normal photographic appearance, handheld OCT revealed ONH elevation with vitreopapillary traction (6/16 eyes), ONH edema (1/16 eye), and retinal vascular protrusion (5/16 eyes). Handheld OCT–visualized vitreous abnormalities (18/26 eyes) were more prevalent at higher stages of disease. Handheld OCT–visualized elevation of ONH and the retina worsened over time in nine eyes and improved in 5/6 eyes after vitrectomy.

Conclusion:

Handheld OCT can detect early ONH, retinal, and vitreous changes in eyes with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy. Contraction of strongly adherent vitreous in young patients with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy appears to cause characteristic ONH dragging and tractional complications without partial posterior vitreous detachment. Vitreopapillary dragging may be visible only on OCT and may progress in the absence of obvious retinal change on conventional examination.
CENTRAL ELLIPSOID LOSS ASSOCIATED WITH CONE DYSTROPHY AND KCNV2 MUTATION
Authors: Xu David , Su Daniel , Nusinowitz Steven , Sarraf David
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

To report a case of central ellipsoid loss with supernormal rod electroretinogram and KCNV2 gene mutation.

Methods:

Retrospective case report.

Patient:

Thirty-eight-year-old man.

Results:

We report a patient with longstanding vision loss and photophobia who illustrated central atrophy of the inner segment ellipsoid zone band on spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Fundus autofluorescence displayed mild perifoveal mottled autofluorescence. Electroretinography demonstrated a diminished rod-isolated response with delayed timing but a normal dark-adapted maximal response to bright flashes. Cone-mediated responses under light-adapted conditions were abnormal with evidence of selective loss of the b wave and a normal a wave consistent with cone dystrophy with supernormal rod electroretinogram. Genetic testing demonstrated a frameshift mutation in the KCNV2 gene.

Conclusion:

Cone dystrophy with supernormal rod electroretinogram is believed to be a monogenic disease due to KCNV2 gene mutations that affect a transmembrane potassium channel found in rod and cone photoreceptors. We report the multimodal retinal findings associated with a signature electroretinogram in this disorder. Clinicians should consider this rare condition when evaluating patients with central ellipsoid loss and associated cone dystrophy.
A CASE OF RETINAL METASTASIS OF LARYNGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA WITH HISTOPATHOLOGIC CONFIRMATION BY VITRECTOMY-ASSISTED EN BLOCK EXTRACTION
Authors: Tetsumoto Akira , Imai Hisanori , Miki Akiko , Nakamura Makoto
Published: November 2017

Background/Purpose:

To present a case report of retinal metastasis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma that was diagnosed by a histopathologic finding from the surgically extracted tumor tissue.

Methods:

A 66-year-old man, who was suffered from the treatment-resistant laryngeal carcinoma, was referred to our department because of visual field defect in his right eye. A fundus examination revealed a parafoveal white retinal lesion, which rapidly expanded to the central fovea and decreased the visual acuity. A tissue extraction by 27G pars plana vitrectomy was performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Results:

The abnormal retinal tissue was extracted en block through 10-mm sclerocorneal tunnel during pars plana vitrectomy. The histopathologic findings revealed that the retinal lesion was retinal metastasis of laryngeal carcinoma.

Conclusion:

We must keep in mind that retinal metastasis can be one of the differential diagnoses for white retinal lesions of unknown cause.
THERAPEUTIC VITRECTOMY AS AN ADJUNCT TREATMENT TO SYSTEMIC CHEMOTHERAPY FOR INTRAOCULAR LYMPHOMA
Authors: Bever Gregory J. , Kim Dan J. , Afshar Armin R. , Rubenstein James L. , Damato Bertil E.
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

To report the outcome of a previously vitrectomized eye having less lymphoma disease burden compared with the contralateral nonvitrectomized eye over the course of 3.5 years while on systemic chemotherapy.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 51-year-old man with vitreoretinal lymphoma with central nervous system involvement underwent vitrectomy in his left eye. Over the following 3.5 years on systemic chemotherapy, the left eye had less lymphoma disease burden compared with the contralateral nonvitrectomized right eye.

Conclusion:

Therapeutic vitrectomy may be a useful adjunct to systemic chemotherapy in vitreoretinal lymphoma, particularly in cases of vitreous predominant disease manifestation.
In Vitro Evaluation of Adhesion of Two Acanthamoeba Strains to Cosmetic Contact Lenses
Authors: Bakay Berna B. , Polat Zubeyde A.
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the factors affecting the adhesion of Acanthamoeba trophozoites to the surface of cosmetic contact lenses (CCLs).

Methods:

Acanthamoeba castellanii and A. hatchetti trophozoites were inoculated onto CCLs (hema copolymer [HM] [38.5% H2O], phemfilcon [PF] [55% H2O], polymacon [PM] [38% H2O], polyhema [PH] [%42 H2O], and hema [HM55] [55% H2O]), and the number of trophozoites adhered to the lens surfaces was assessed over time, that is, at 15 min, 1, and 24 hr. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the lens surfaces was performed to evaluate the effect of lens surface topology on adhesion.

Results:

The number of amoeba adhered to the contact lens surface was found lower with PF and PH production materials, than lenses with HM, PM, and HM55 production materials (P<0.05). No significant difference was detected in amoebic strains adhered in all the contact lens types (P>0.05). No significant difference was found on average amoeba adhesion between contact lenses with hema production material but with different water contents (45%, 55%), to see the effect of water content on amoebic adhesion (P>0.05). As a result of SEM analysis, surface topology showed no effect on adhesion.

Conclusion:

(1) Chemical composition of lenses seemed to be mostly responsible for the adhesion of Acanthamoeba. (2) Different numbers of trophozoites, obtained after the adhesion experiment, could also indicate that adherence capacity can also differ among Acanthamoeba species.
Predicting Short-Term Subjective Vision Performance of Contact Lenses Used in Myopia Control
Authors: Diec Jennie , Tilia Daniel , Thomas Varghese , Bakaraju Ravi C.
Published: November 2017

Objective:

To investigate whether initial assessment of contact lenses prescribed for myopia control (MC) predicts short-term visual performance.

Method:

Retrospective analysis of 43 participants in a double-masked, randomized, cross-over trial wearing at least one lens: single-vision (SV) lens (1-DAY ACUVUE MOIST) or MC lenses (MiSight or Proclear Multifocal-Distance +2.00D). Participants completed questionnaires at the fitting visit, a take-home questionnaire (THQ) 3 days after fitting and finally at the assessment visit (≥5 days after fitting). Questions comprised vision clarity and lack of ghosting (distance, intermediate, near at day/night time); vision stability; driving vision; overall vision satisfaction and comfort (1–10 scale, 1-point steps); and willingness to purchase based on vision and MC benefit of lens (yes/no response). Visual acuity was measured at fitting and assessment visits.

Results:

Vision clarity (intermediate and near) was significantly worse at assessment compared with fitting while wearing MC lenses (P<0.001), as was overall vision satisfaction (P<0.001), comfort (P<0.001), and vision stability (P=0.001) while wearing either SV or MC lenses. Participants willing to purchase at assessment visit was 84% with SV and 36% with MC lenses, increasing to 88% (SV, P=1.00) and 61% (MC, P<0.001) if the lenses slowed myopia progression. Visual acuity was no different with either MC or SV lenses at fitting or assessment (P≥0.251).

Conclusion:

Initial performance at fitting did not predict short-term performance for SV or MC lenses. A significant increase in willingness to purchase if lenses slowed myopia progression was observed while wearing MC lenses. Educating patients on the benefits might increase acceptability of MC lenses.
Menthol reduces phototoxicity pain in a mouse model of photodynamic therapy
Authors: Wright Lisa , Baptista-Hon Daniel , Bull Fiona , Dalgaty Faith , Gallacher Michael , Ibbotson Sally H. , Hales Tim G.
Published: November 2017

Phototoxicity-induced pain is a major clinical problem triggered by light acting on photosensitising drugs or endogenous porphyrins, notably protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), an intermediary in heme biosynthesis. Protoporphyrin IX accumulates in individuals with erythropoietic protoporphyria and is elevated during photodynamic therapy subsequent to application of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). Pain occurs during irradiation of PpIX and responds poorly to conventional analgesics. Our objective was to develop a model of PpIX phototoxicity pain and investigate the potential of menthol as an analgesic. Application of ALA to the tails of C57 black and SWISS white mice caused PpIX accumulation and nociception during irradiation (630 nm at 3.7 J/cm2). Despite similar PpIX accumulation, C57 mice exhibited less pain behavior compared with SWISS mice because of light absorption by pigmentation. Irradiation of ALA-treated dorsal root ganglion neurons caused phototoxicity-evoked action potentials (APs) in both mouse strains. The antioxidant L-tryptophan increased the light dose required to elicit such APs. By contrast, the addition of keratinocytes to neuronal cultures decreased the threshold for APs, suggesting a requirement for proliferating cells. Inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase, selective antagonism of TRPV1 or the application of lidocaine or its quaternary derivative QX-314, reduced AP frequency, whereas antagonism of TRPA1 had no effect. These results suggest that products of singlet oxygen–mediated lipid peroxidation trigger nociceptor activation via TRPV1. Menthol inhibited phototoxicity-evoked APs and reduced pain behavior when applied topically to mice. These findings suggest that menthol might provide pain relief in patients experiencing PpIX–phototoxicity pain caused by photodynamic therapy or erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Inflammation in the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain
Authors: Sommer Claudia , Leinders Mathias , Üçeyler Nurcan
Published: November 2017

Peripheral nerve injuries and diseases often lead to pain persisting beyond the resolution of damage, indicating an active disease-promoting process, which may result in chronic pain. This is regarded as a maladaptive mechanism resulting from neuroinflammation that originally serves to promote regeneration and healing. Knowledge on these physiological and pathophysiological processes has accumulated over the last few decades and has started to yield potential therapeutic targets. Key players are macrophages, T-lymphocytes, cytokines, and chemokines. In the spinal cord and brain, microglia and astrocytes are involved. Recently, data have been emerging on the regulation of these players. MicroRNAs and other noncoding RNAs have been discussed as potential master switches that may link nerve injury, pain, and inflammation. Clinical disorders most intensely studied in the context of neuroinflammation and pain are the complex regional pain syndrome, polyneuropathies, postherpetic neuralgia, and the fibromyalgia syndrome, in which recently a neuropathic component has been described. Research from several groups has shown an important role of both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in neuropathic and other chronic pain states in humans. There is ample evidence of an analgesic action of anti-inflammatory cytokines in animal models. The interplay of anti-inflammatory cytokines and the nociceptive system provides possibilities and challenges concerning treatment strategies based on this concept.
Learning Needs of Hospitalized Patients With Heart Failure in Singapore: A Descriptive Correlational Study
Authors: ONG Shu-Fen , FOONG Pamela Pei-Mei , SEAH Juanna Shen-Hwei , ELANGOVAN Lavanya , WANG Wenru
Published: November 2017

Background:

Understanding the learning needs of patients with heart failure (HF) is important in reducing the incidence of HF-related hospital readmissions. Sociocultural differences are known to influence patient learning needs. However, most HF learning needs studies have been conducted on Western populations.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to investigate the learning needs of hospitalized patients with HF in Singapore.

Methods:

A cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design was adopted using a questionnaire survey that included the Heart Failure Learning Needs Inventory and sociodemographic and clinical datasheets. A convenience sample of 97 patients with HF was recruited from an acute hospital in Singapore.

Results:

Findings revealed that education topics relating to signs and symptoms, risk factors, general HF information, and medications were perceived by participants as the most important. Contrastingly, education topics relating to diet, activity, and psychological factors were poorly valued. The only significant demographic factor that was correlated to the patients’ learning needs was monthly household income, which correlated to education on HF risk factors and general HF information.

Conclusions:

This study supports the necessity of carefully prioritizing patient education topics in line with patient learning needs. Furthermore, education should be culturally sensitive and take into account the unique values, needs, and situations of patients.
A Prospective Study of Pain From Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Cochlear Implant Magnets In Situ
Authors: Pross Seth E. , Ward Bryan K. , Sharon Jeffrey D. , Weinreich Heather M. , Aygun Nafi , Francis Howard W.
Published: November 2017

Objective:

To describe changes in pain associated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with cochlear implant magnets in place.

Study Design:

Prospective, single-arm study.

Setting:

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects:

Adults with cochlear implants requiring MRI.

Intervention:

Tight head wrapping over internal device during MRI.

Main Outcome Measures:

Change in pain score using an 11-point visual analogue scale, duration/completion of MRI, body mass index (BMI), quality of pain, status of the skin, functioning of implant, displacement/polarity change of magnet, willingness to repeat MRI without magnet removal.

Results:

A total of 27 subjects obtained 42 MRI scans. Subjects were 59% male with age range of 21 to 80 years. All three manufacturers were represented. Forty-eight percent of scans imaged the brain/head while 52% imaged other sites. The mean individual change in pain was 3.9 (SD 3.5, range 0–10). The pain was most commonly described as “pressure”, “heat”, or “sharp”. There was no significant correlation between change in pain and scan duration, BMI, or body part imaged. Eighty-eight percent of the scans were completed. There were no skin complications except temporary erythema (29%) and there were no magnet/device complications. Eighty-eight percent said they would undergo MRI without magnet removal again.

Conclusion:

The pain associated with obtaining an MRI without cochlear implant magnet removal is highly variable. Increase in pain is not related to duration of MRI scan, body part imaged, or BMI. Despite the pain, almost all patients prefer MRI scanning with the magnet in place, to avoid two surgical procedures.
Effect of Inhaled Nitric Oxide on Hemodynamics in Lambs with 1½ Ventricle Circulation
Authors: Kanamitsu Hitoshi , Fujii Yasuhiro , Centola Luca , Kinouchi Katsushi , Zhu Liqun , Riemer Robert K. , Reinhartz Olaf
Published: November 2017

Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) is widely used to treat postoperative pulmonary hypertension in congenital heart disease. It is believed that NO increases cardiac output (CO) by decreasing pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), leading to increased left ventricular preload. However, the effect of NO on CO in patients with 1½ ventricle circulation remains unclear. To evaluate this, a superior cavopulmonary (SCP) shunt was constructed in 10 juvenile sheep. A PTFE graft was inserted between the superior vena cava (SVC) and the main pulmonary artery (PA). The SVC was clamped at the right atrial junction to establish a 1½ ventricle circulation. Flows, pressures, and arterial blood gases were recorded before and during inhalation of NO. Mean arterial pressure (46.6 ± 5.4 to 44.6 ± 5.9 mm Hg; p = 0.06) and left atrial pressure (4.0 ± 2.5 to 4.0 ± 2.3 mm Hg; p = 1.0) did not change. Mean PA pressure (13.6 ± 2.4 to 11.7 ± 2.9 mm Hg; p = 0.006) and PVR (5.47 ± 2.99 to 4.54 ± 2.61 Wood Units; p = 0.037) decreased significantly. SVC flow (24.8 ± 11.3 to 22.0 ± 9.7 ml/min/kg; p = 0.09) did not change, and CO decreased (140.2 ± 37.2 to 132.1 ± 39.2 ml/min/kg; p = 0.033). Arterial PO2 improved (103.72 ± 29.30 to 132.43 ± 47.02 mm Hg; p = 0.007). In this 1½ ventricle model, NO surprisingly decreased cardiac output (CO) and did not increase left ventricular preload.
Hospital Readmissions After Pediatric Trauma
Authors: Maddux Aline B. , DeWitt Peter E. , Mourani Peter M. , Bennett Tellen D.
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

To determine the rate, etiology, and timing of unplanned and planned hospital readmissions and to identify risk factors for unplanned readmission in children who survive a hospitalization for trauma.

Design:

Multicenter retrospective cohort study of a probabilistically linked dataset from the National Trauma Data Bank and the Pediatric Health Information System database, 2007–2012.

Setting:

Twenty-nine U.S. children’s hospitals.

Patients:

51,591 children (< 18 yr at admission) who survived more than or equal to a 2-day hospitalization for trauma.

Measurements and Main Results:

The primary outcome was unplanned readmission within 1 year of discharge from the injury hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included any readmission, reason for readmission, time to readmission, and number of readmissions within 1 year of discharge. The primary exposure groups were isolated traumatic brain injury, both traumatic brain injury and other injury, or nontraumatic brain injury only. We hypothesized a priori that any traumatic brain injury would be associated with both planned and unplanned hospital readmission. We used All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups codes to categorize readmissions by etiology and planned or unplanned. Overall, 4,301/49,982 of the patients (8.6%) with more than or equal to 1 year of observation time were readmitted to the same hospital within 1 year. Many readmissions were unplanned: 2,704/49,982 (5.4%) experienced an unplanned readmission in the first year. The most common reason for unplanned readmission was infection (22%), primarily postoperative or posttraumatic infection (38% of readmissions for infection). Traumatic brain injury was associated with lower odds of unplanned readmission in multivariable analyses. Seizure or RBC transfusion during the index hospitalization were the strongest predictors of unplanned, earlier, and multiple readmissions.

Conclusions:

Many survivors of pediatric trauma experience unplanned, and potentially preventable, hospital readmissions in the year after discharge. Identification of those at highest risk of readmission can guide targeted in-hospital or postdischarge interventions.