bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of an Orthopaedic Templating Software Package for Cemented Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Newman Michael , Shaw Grant , Kane Timothy
Published: February 2019

The main aim of this article was to assess a large, multisurgeon dataset of cemented total hip arthroplasties that had been templated using software. This assessment compared preoperative templated predictions with what was implanted with regard to (1) femoral prosthesis size, (2) offset, and (3) acetabular cup size. A database of total hip arthroplasties performed by four surgeons between the dates November 7, 2014 and October 31, 2017 was interrogated. The data was refined so that only primary cemented collarless polished tapered stem hip arthroplasties, fully templated on a correctly calibrated pelvic radiograph, were included. This provided 354 cases. The predicted software template was compared with actual implanted component sizes. With regard to the femoral stem, the software was exactly correct in 70.9% and accurate to within one size in 96.89% of cases. With regard to the femoral offset, the software was exactly correct in 87.01% and accurate to within one size in 99.72% of cases. With regard to the acetabular cup size, the software was exactly correct in 61.3% and accurate to within +/− 2 mm in 87.29% of cases. Templating software offers an accurate prediction of the femoral prosthesis size and offset, as well as acetabular cup size. Preoperative insight into likely component sizes and offset provides the operating surgeon with many benefits; templating the pelvic radiograph is a method of cognitive rehearsal, provides insight into potentially challenging aspects of the upcoming surgery, may highlight intraoperative issues where there is a large intraoperative deviation from what is templated, and enables efficient stock keeping for the healthcare institution.
Research on the main factors affecting the development and utilization of wind energy in Jilin Province, China
Authors: Yao Jie , Zhu Yue
Published: February 2019

Based on a literature review of the development of new energy, especially the status quo in the development and use of wind energy, this paper analyzed the main factors affecting the development and utilization of wind energy in Jilin Province, China, including law and policy, as well as environmental, economic, social, and industrial factors. The industrial factor mainly involved wind power industry infrastructure, the R&D level of the wind power industry, wind farm construction, and the wind power market. A questionnaire was designed to interview experts and scholars in the field with the help of the Sedentary Time and Activity Reporting Questionnaire network platform. It contained 10 latent variables and 34 measurable indexes and used a Likert-type scale. In total, 368 questionnaires were collected, including 268 valid ones and 100 invalid ones determined by automatic and artificial screening. The AMOS software was used to examine the data and build the structural equation. As a result, the wind power market was found to be the main factor affecting the development level of wind energy in Jilin Province, followed by the economic factor, law and policy, and the environmental factor. It was also found that the main factor hindering the utilization level of wind energy in Jilin Province was infrastructure, which restricted the role of wind energy in promoting economic growth in the province. Therefore, the main problems that urgently need to be solved include speeding up the power grid along with other infrastructure construction.
Photo-EPR study of compensated defects in Be-doped GaN substrates
Authors: Willoughby W. R. , Zvanut M. E. , Bockowski M.
Published: February 2019

Time-dependent photo-induced electron paramagnetic resonance measurements were performed on GaN crystals grown by the high nitrogen pressure solution method. A resonance was induced in Be-doped samples by illuminating with photon energies greater than 2.7 eV. The EPR was thermally stable at T=4K and was quenched with photon energies between 0.5 and 2.7 eV. Optical cross sections for EPR excitation and quenching processes were extracted from time-dependent measurements using a model for defect charge state populations. A fit to the cross sections was performed using a lineshape for photon absorption by deep centers in GaN. The threshold for photo-excitation of a compensated acceptor (A−+hν→A0+eCB−) was 2.5 eV followed by a lattice relaxation of 0.3 eV. The threshold for the complimentary process (A0+hν→A−+hVB+) was 0.75 eV with a relaxation energy of 0.3 eV. These values are consistent with CN being the EPR-active acceptor. Thermal quenching is attributed to delocalization of carriers from a beryllium-related electron trap, which are then captured by neutral CN.
Bayesian analysis of triple Langmuir probe measurements for the characterization of Hall thruster plasmas
Authors: Saravia M. M. , Giacobbe A. , Andreussi T.
Published: February 2019

We developed a new experimental approach to characterize the plasma behavior inside Hall thrusters. The main novelty of the developed approach regards the combination of a triple Langmuir probe, which guarantees a high flexibility, and Bayesian data analysis. The triple Langmuir probe was mounted on an articulated arm that can rapidly insert the probe inside the thruster channel, providing a clear picture of relevant plasma properties along the channel centerline, from the near plume to the near-anode region. At a given operating condition of the thruster, multiple measurements were performed, changing the arrangements of the triple probe electrodes and the applied potential differences between the electrodes. Then, in order to analyze the data gathered by the triple probe, a Bayesian integrated data analysis has been adopted. This method made it possible to combine measurements from different electrode arrangements and to improve the quality of the inferred plasma parameters. Non-uniformities of the plasma sensed by the probe electrodes were taken into account within the physical model of particle collection. In order to model the interaction of the electrodes with the plasma, a parametrization of the Laframboise sheath solution was used. The developed diagnostic system, together with the integrated data analysis, proved to be a valid approach to characterize the plasma flow in Hall thrusters, offering not only a good spatial resolution of the electron temperature, plasma density, and space potential but also a consistent estimate of the measurement accuracy.
Temporal multiparticle Monte Carlo simulation of dual frequency single surface multipactor
Authors: Iqbal Asif , Verboncoeur John , Zhang Peng
Published: February 2019

This work presents a multiparticle Monte Carlo simulation model in one dimension with adaptive time steps to investigate the time dependent physics of the single dielectric surface multipactor. Using this model, we study multipactor discharge on a dielectric with two carrier frequencies. We find that the saturation level and the oscillation pattern of the normal surface field with a parallel rf field of two carrier frequencies are different from those of single carrier frequency. Closed Lissajous curves are obtained to describe the temporal relationship between the fields normal and parallel to the surface in the ac saturation state.
Structure of wedge-induced oblique detonation in acetylene-oxygen-argon mixtures
Authors: Fang Yishen , Zhang Yuhang , Deng Xi , Teng Honghui
Published: February 2019

Stoichiometric acetylene-oxygen mixtures diluted by argon are widely used in normal detonation waves but have not yet been used in oblique detonation waves (ODWs). The present study simulates ODWs in acetylene-oxygen-argon mixtures, with a dilution ratio Φ = 50%-90%, using the reactive Euler equations with a detailed chemistry model, and describes the characteristics of acetylene ODWs. Similar to ODWs in hydrogen-air mixtures, the transition from the oblique shock wave to ODW may be either abrupt or smooth and the effects of Φ are investigated with a variable incident Mach number M0. When M0 changes between 8 and 10, the transition is abrupt in the case of Φ = 50%, while it is smooth in the case of Φ = 90%. In the case of Φ = 70%, a high M0 corresponds to a smooth transition, while a low M0 corresponds to an abrupt transition. A further study on the initiation mechanism was performed by comparing the numerical initiation length with the length obtained via the constant-volume combustion calculation, which demonstrated that the initiation is kinetic-controlled in the cases of Φ = 70% and 90%, but wave-controlled in the case of Φ = 50% with M0 below 8.5. Moreover, an initiation structure featured by two-shock in the product was observed for the first time, and its formation mechanism is qualitatively discussed and compared to hydrogen ODWs.
Incorporating movement patterns to discern habitat selection: black bears as a case study
Authors: Karelus Dana L. , McCown J. Walter , Scheick Brian K. , van de Kerk Madelon , Bolker Benjamin M. , Oli Madan K.
Published: February 2019

Context Animals’ use of space and habitat selection emerges from their movement patterns, which are, in turn, determined by their behavioural or physiological states and extrinsic factors. Aim The aims of the present study were to investigate animal movement and incorporate the movement patterns into habitat selection analyses using Global Positioning System (GPS) location data from 16 black bears (Ursus americanus) in a fragmented area of Florida, USA. Methods Hidden Markov models (HMMs) were used to discern the movement patterns of the bears. These results were then used in step-selection functions (SSFs) to evaluate habitat selection patterns and the factors influencing these patterns. Key results HMMs revealed that black bear movement patterns are best described by three behavioural states: (1) resting (very short step-lengths and large turning angles); (2) encamped (moderate step-lengths and large turning angles); and (3) exploratory (long step-lengths and small turning angles). Bears selected for forested wetlands and marsh wetlands more than any other land cover type, and generally avoided urban areas in all seasons and when in encamped and exploratory behavioural states. Bears also chose to move to locations farther away from major roads. Conclusions Because habitat selection is influenced by how animals move within landscapes, it is essential to consider animals’ movement patterns when making inferences about habitat selection. The present study achieves this goal by using HMMs to first discern black bear movement patterns and associated parameters, and by using these results in SSFs to investigate habitat selection patterns. Thus, the methodological framework developed in this study effectively incorporates state-specific movement patterns while making inferences regarding habitat selection. The unified methodological approach employed here will contribute to an improved understanding of animal ecology as well as informed management decisions. Implications Conservation plans focused on preserving forested wetlands would benefit bears by not only providing habitat for resting and foraging, but also by providing connectivity through fragmented landscapes. Additionally, the framework could be applied to species that follow annual cycles and may provide a tool for investigating how animals are using dispersal corridors.
Extreme diversification of floral volatiles within and among species ofLithophragma(Saxifragaceae)
Authors: Friberg Magne , Schwind Christopher , Guimarães Paulo R. , Raguso Robert A. , Thompson John N.
Published: February 2019

Significance

A major challenge in biology is to understand how complex traits important for ecological interactions between species coevolve and diversify across contrasting ecosystems. Floral scents are complex, and are often composed of a diverse array of chemicals important for interactions between plants and pollinators, herbivores, and microbial symbionts. We studied diversification of floral scents among populations of all woodland star species (Lithophragma) across far-western North America. Floral scent variation was structured not only phylogenetically among species and geographically among populations, but some of the divergence was driven by local differences in the presence of coevolvedGreyamoth pollinators. These results highlight the importance of conserving multiple populations of species if we are to maintain the evolutionary potential of coevolving interactions.
Mobile platform for rapid sub–picogram-per-milliliter, multiplexed, digital droplet detection of proteins
Authors: Yelleswarapu Venkata , Buser Joshua R. , Haber Margalit , Baron Jonathan , Inapuri Eshwar , Issadore David
Published: February 2019

Significance

Digital assays have enormous untapped potential for diagnostics, environmental surveillance, and biosafety monitoring, but are currently confined to laboratory settings due to the instrumentation necessary to generate, control, and measure millions of droplets. We instead use a mobile phone-based imaging technique that is

>

100× faster than conventional microfluidic droplet detection, does not require expensive optics, is invariant to flow rate, and can simultaneously measure multiple fluorescent dyes in droplets. By using this time domain modulation with cloud computing, we overcome the low frame rate of digital imaging, and achieve throughputs as high as 1 million droplets per second. We integrate on-chip delay lines and a microbead processing unit, resulting in a robust device, suitable for low-cost implementation, with ultrasensitive measurement capabilities.
Multiple interactive memory representations underlie the induction of false memory
Authors: Zhu Bi , Chen Chuansheng , Shao Xuhao , Liu Wenzhi , Ye Zhifang , Zhuang Liping , Zheng Li , Loftus Elizabeth F. , Xue Gui
Published: February 2019

Theoretical and computational models such as transfer-appropriate processing (TAP) and global matching models have emphasized the encoding–retrieval interaction of memory representations in generating false memories, but relevant neural mechanisms are still poorly understood. By manipulating the sensory modalities (visual and auditory) at different processing stages (learning and test) in the Deese–Roediger–McDermott task, we found that the auditory-learning visual-test (AV) group produced more false memories (59%) than the other three groups (42∼44%) [i.e., visual learning visual test (VV), auditory learning auditory test (AA), and visual learning auditory test (VA)]. Functional imaging results showed that the AV group’s proneness to false memories was associated with (
i
) reduced representational match between the tested item and all studied items in the visual cortex, (
ii
) weakened prefrontal monitoring process due to the reliance on frontal memory signal for both targets and lures, and (
iii
) enhanced neural similarity for semantically related words in the temporal pole as a result of auditory learning. These results are consistent with the predictions based on the TAP and global matching models and highlight the complex interactions of representations during encoding and retrieval in distributed brain regions that contribute to false memories.
Review of Sheldon, Leslie E., Ed. (2004) Directions For The Future. Issues In English For Academic Purposes
Authors: Vekemans Linda
Published: February 2019

Directions for the future. Issues in English for Academic Purposes is a collection of articles based on the 2001 conference of the British Association of Lecturers for Academic Purposes (BALEAP) held at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.
Pronominal and adjectival attributive possession in spoken Czech
Authors: Křivan Jan
Published: February 2019

This article analyses two types of possessive constructions in Czech: pronominal attributive possession and adjectival attributive possession. By means of a usage-based approach to language, the aim of the present corpus investigation is to reveal relevant patterns of grammar and usage in order to explain the evolution of the concerned constructions. The main focus is put on spoken language. I analyse the given data from the Czech corpora of both spoken (ORAL2013) and written language (SYN2010). I test the hypotheses concerning different frequency distributions, and the position of the possessor on the prominence hierarchies. The results support functional explanations of emergence of the pronominal and adjectival constructions, based on the prominent status of the possessor.
Use of Online Opioid Overdose Prevention Training for First-Year Medical Students: A Comparative Analysis of Online versus In-Person Training
Authors: Berland Noah , Lugassy Daniel , Fox Aaron , Goldfeld Keith , Oh So-Young , Tofighi Babak , Hanley Kathleen
Published: February 2019

Purpose: In response to the opioid epidemic and efforts to expand substance use education in medical school, the authors introduced opioid overdose prevention training (OOPT) with naloxone for all first-year medical students (MS1s) as an adjunct to required basic life support training (BLST). The authors previously demonstrated improved knowledge and preparedness following in-person OOPT with BLST; however, it remains unclear whether online-administered OOPT would produce comparable results. In this study, the authors perform a retrospective comparison of online-administered OOPT with in-person-administered OOPT. Objectives: To compare the educational outcomes: knowledge, preparedness, and attitudes, for online versus in-person OOPT. Methods: In-person OOPT was administered in 2014 and 2015 during BLST, whereas online OOPT was administered in 2016 during BLST pre-work. MS1s completed pre- and post-training tests covering 3 measures: knowledge (11-point scale), attitudes (66-point scale), and preparedness (60-point scale) to respond to an opioid overdose. Online scores from 2016 and in-person scores from 2015 were compared across all 3 measures using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) methods. Results: After controlling for pre-test scores, there were statistical, but no meaningful, differences across all measures for in-person- and online-administered training. The estimated differences were knowledge: −0.05 (0.5%) points (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.47, 0.36); attitudes: 0.65 (1.0%) points (95% CI: −0.22, 1.51); and preparedness: 2.16 (3.6%) points (95% CI: 1.04, 3.28). Conclusions: The educational outcomes of online-administered OOPT compared with in-person-administered OOPT were not meaningfully different. These results support the use of online-administered OOPT. As our study was retrospective, based on data collected over multiple years, further investigation is needed in a randomized controlled setting, to better understand the educational differences of in-person and online training. Further expanding OOPT to populations beyond medical students would further improve generalizability.
Energy Efficiency of Air Conditioners in Developing Countries: A Malaysian Case Study
Authors: Fatihah Salleh Siti , Mohd Isa Aishah , Eqwan Roslan Mohd , Ab Rashid Tuan Abdullah Tuan
Published: February 2019

Growing demand for air conditioner (AC) in developing countries has hit an alarming point. Enforcing higher efficiency standards for cooling appliances is one of the easier initiatives that governments can implement to reduce energy consumption and emissions of potent greenhouse gases. Malaysia has adopted the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) in 2013 to regulate the energy performance of five common household appliances including ACs. This work sheds light on the overall improvement of AC’s energy performance after MEPS implementation. A rigorous data collection exercise was conducted to build a comprehensive sales and technical database of MEPS-compliant ACs covering the years 2013-2015. In 2015, the average energy efficiency ratio (EER) of ACs sold in the local market is 3.4, and the cumulative electricity saving and CO2 emission reduction after MEPS implementation are 1,764 GWh and 1,178 ktCO2eq respectively. The results from this study will contribute significantly to the review of the effectiveness of MEPS implementation in developing countries.
A Meta-Analysis of Complication Rates Among Different SMAS Facelift Techniques
Authors: Jacono Andrew A , Alemi A Sean , Russell Joseph L
Published: February 2019

Background

Sub-superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS) rhytidectomy techniques are considered to have a higher complication profile, especially for facial nerve injury, compared with less invasive SMAS techniques. This results in surgeons avoiding sub-SMAS dissection.

Objectives

The authors sought to aggregate and summarize data on complications among different SMAS facelift techniques.

Methods

A broad systematic search was performed. All included studies: (1) described a SMAS facelifting technique categorized as SMAS plication, SMASectomy/imbrication, SMAS flap, high lateral SMAS flap, deep plane, and composite; and (2) reported the number of postoperative complications in participants. Meta-analysis was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Results

A total 183 studies were included. High lateral SMAS (1.85%) and composite rhytidectomy (1.52%) had the highest rates of temporary nerve injury and were the only techniques to show a statistically significant difference compared with SMAS plication (odds ratio [OR] = 2.71 and 2.22, respectively, P < 0.05). Risk of permanent injury did not differ among techniques. An increase in major hematoma was found for the deep plane (1.22%, OR = 1.67, P < 0.05) and SMAS imbrication (1.92%, OR = 2.65, P < 0.01). Skin necrosis was higher with the SMAS flap (1.57%, OR = 2.29, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

There are statistically significant differences in complication rates between SMAS facelifting techniques for temporary facial nerve injury, hematoma, seroma, necrosis, and infection. Technique should be selected based on quality of results and not the complication profile.

Level of Evidence: 2
Explore, edit and leverage genomic annotations using Python GTF toolkit
Authors: Lopez F , Charbonnier G , Kermezli Y , Belhocine M , Ferré Q , Zweig N , Aribi M , Gonzalez A , Spicuglia S , Puthier D
Published: February 2019

Motivation

While Python has become very popular in bioinformatics, a limited number of libraries exist for fast manipulation of gene coordinates in Ensembl GTF format.

Results

We have developed the GTF toolkit Python package (pygtftk), which aims at providing easy and powerful manipulation of gene coordinates in GTF format. For optimal performances, the core engine of pygtftk is a C dynamic library (libgtftk) while the Python API provides usability and readability for developing scripts. Based on this Python package, we have developed the gtftk command line interface that contains 57 sub-commands (v0.9.10) to ease handling of GTF files. These commands may be used to (i) perform basic tasks (e.g. selections, insertions, updates or deletions of features/keys), (ii) select genes/transcripts based on various criteria (e.g. size, exon number, transcription start site location, intron length, GO terms) or (iii) carry out more advanced operations such as coverage analyses of genomic features using bigWig files to create faceted read-coverage diagrams. In conclusion, the pygtftk package greatly simplifies the annotation of GTF files with external information while providing advance tools to perform gene analyses.

Availability and implementation

pygtftk and gtftk have been tested on Linux and MacOSX and are available from https://github.com/dputhier/pygtftk under the MIT license. The libgtftk dynamic library written in C is available from https://github.com/dputhier/libgtftk.
3DBIONOTES v3.0: crossing molecular and structural biology data with genomic variations
Authors: Segura Joan , Sanchez-Garcia Ruben , Sorzano C O S , Carazo J M
Published: February 2019

Motivation

Many diseases are associated to single nucleotide polymorphisms that affect critical regions of proteins as binding sites or post translational modifications. Therefore, analysing genomic variants with structural and molecular biology data is a powerful framework in order to elucidate the potential causes of such diseases.

Results

A new version of our web framework 3DBIONOTES is presented. This version offers new tools to analyse and visualize protein annotations and genomic variants, including a contingency analysis of variants and amino acid features by means of a Fisher exact test, the integration of a gene annotation viewer to highlight protein features on gene sequences and a protein–protein interaction viewer to display protein annotations at network level.

Availability and implementation

The web server is available at https://3dbionotes.cnb.csic.es

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Contact

Spanish National Institute for Bioinformatics (INB ELIXIR-ES) and Biocomputing Unit, National Centre of Biotechnology (CSIC)/Instruct Image Processing Centre, C/ Darwin nº 3, Campus of Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
Trichomonas vaginalis Virus Among Women With Trichomoniasis and Associations With Demographics, Clinical Outcomes, and Metronidazole Resistance
Authors: Graves Keonte J , Ghosh Arindam P , Schmidt Norine , Augostini Peter , Secor W Evan , Schwebke Jane R , Martin David H , Kissinger Patricia J , Muzny Christina A
Published: February 2019

Background

Trichomonas vaginalis virus (TVV) is a non-segmented, 4.5–5.5 kilo-base pair (kbp), double-stranded RNA virus infecting T. vaginalis. The objectives of this study were to examine the TVV prevalence in US Trichomonas vaginalis isolates and TVV’s associations with patient demographics, clinical outcomes, and metronidazole resistance.

Methods

Archived T. vaginalis isolates from the enrollment visits of 355 women participating in a T. vaginalis treatment trial in Birmingham, Alabama, were thawed and grown in culture. Their total RNA was extracted using a Trizol reagent. Contaminating, single-stranded RNA was precipitated using 4.0 M Lithium Chloride and centrifugation. The samples were analyzed by gel electrophoresis to visualize a 4.5 kbp band representative of TVV. In vitro testing for metronidazole resistance was also performed on 25/47 isolates obtained from the women’s test of cure visits.

Results

TVV was detected in 142/355 (40%) isolates at the enrollment visit. Women with TVV-positive (TVV+) isolates were significantly older (P = .01), more likely to smoke (P = .04), and less likely to report a history of gonorrhea (P = .04). There was no association between the presence of clinical symptoms or repeat T. vaginalis infections with TVV+ isolates (P = .14 and P = .44, respectively). Of 25 test of cure isolates tested for metronidazole resistance, 0/10 TVV+ isolates demonstrated resistance, while 2/15 TVV-negative isolates demonstrated mild to moderate resistance (P = .23).

Conclusions

Of 355 T. vaginalis isolates tested for TVV, T. vaginalis isolates tested for TVV, the prevalence was 40%. However, there was no association of TVV+ isolates with clinical symptoms, repeat infections, or metronidazole resistance. These results suggest that TVV may be commensal to T. vaginalis.
Expanded Endonasal Endoscopic Surgery in Suprasellar Craniopharyngiomas: A Retrospective Analysis of 43 Surgeries Including Recurrent Cases
Authors: Radovanovic Ivan , Dehdashti Amir R , Turel Mazda K , Almeida Joao Paulo , Godoy Bruno L , Doglietto Francesco , Vescan Allan D , Zadeh Gelareh , Gentili Fred
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

The role of expanded endonasal endoscopic surgery for primary and recurrent craniopharyngioma is not yet fully established.

OBJECTIVE

To report and evaluate our experience with the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for the resection of primary and recurrent craniopharyngiomas.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort analysis of 43 consecutive EEA procedures in 40 patients operated from September 2006 to February 2012 for suprasellar craniopharyngiomas. In 21 patients (48.8%) the disease was recurrent. We have assessed the surgical results, visual, endocrinological, and functional outcomes and resection rates in this patient cohort.

RESULTS

At presentation, 31 (72.1%) patients had visual deficits, 15 patients (34.9%) complained of headaches, 25 patients (58.1%) had anterior pituitary insufficiency, and 14 (32.5%) had diabetes insipidus. Total resection was achieved in 44.2% surgeries, of which 77.3% were in primary lesions and 9.5% in recurrent lesions (P < .001). Vision improved in 92.6% patients and worsened in 2.3%. Complications other than vision were encountered in 25.6% including 9/43 cerebrospinal fluid leak, 2/43 meningitis. A total of 51.9% of patients with preoperative residual anterior pituitary function had new anterior pituitary deficiencies and 42.8% had new diabetes insipidus. There was no mortality. Six patients (14%) had recurrence of disease during the follow-up period (mean 56.8 mo), 5 of which required repeat surgery.

CONCLUSION

The EEA can be integrated in the overall management of both primary and recurrent craniopharyngiomas with good results; however, in our series recurrent surgery was associated with significantly lower rates of gross total resection.
Small RNAs in Rat Sperm Are a Predictive and Sensitive Biomarker of Exposure to the Testicular Toxicant Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether
Authors: Stermer Angela R , Reyes Gerardo , Hall Susan J , Boekelheide Kim
Published: February 2019

Testicular histology and semen parameters are considered the gold standards when determining male reproductive toxicity. Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) is a testicular toxicant with well-described effects on histopathology and sperm parameters. To compare the predictivity and sensitivity of molecular biomarkers of testicular toxicity to the traditional endpoints, small RNAs in the sperm were analyzed by next generation RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). Adult rats were exposed to 0, 50, 60, or 75 mg/kg EGME by oral gavage for 5 consecutive days. Testis histology, epididymal sperm motility, and sperm small RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), mRNA fragments, piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), and tRNA fragments (tRFs), were analyzed 5 weeks after cessation of exposure. Testicular histology showed a significant dose-dependent increase in retained spermatid heads (RSH), while sperm motility declined with increasing dose. RNA-sequencing of sperm small RNAs was used to identify significant dose-dependent changes in percent mRNA fragments (of total reads), percent miRNAs (of total reads), average tRF length, average piRNA length, and piRNA and tRF length-distributions. Discriminant analysis showed relatively low predictivity of exposure based on RSH or motility compared to the average read length of all assigned RNAs. Benchmark dose (BMD) modeling resulted in a BMD of 62 mg/kg using RSH, whereas average read length of all assigned RNAs resulted in a BMD of 47 mg/kg. These results showed that sperm small RNAs are sensitive and predictive biomarkers of EGME-induced male reproductive toxicity.
Introgression of a Novel Ug99-Effective Stem Rust Resistance Gene into Wheat and Development of Dasypyrum villosum Chromosome-Specific Markers via Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS)
Authors: Ando Kaori , Krishnan Vandhana , Rynearson Sheri , Rouse Matthew N. , Danilova Tatiana , Friebe Bernd , See Deven , Pumphrey Michael O.
Published: February 2019

Dasypyrum villosum is a wild relative of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with resistance to Puccinia graminis f. tritici, the causal agent of stem rust, including the highly virulent race TTKSK (Ug99). In order to transfer resistance, T. durum–D. villosum amphiploids were initially developed and used as a bridge to create wheat–D. villosum introgression lines. Conserved ortholog set (COS) markers were used to identify D. villosum chromosome introgression lines, which were then subjected to seedling P. graminis f. tritici resistance screening with race TTKSK. A COS marker-verified line carrying chromosome 2V with TTKSK resistance was further characterized by combined genomic in situ and fluorescent in situ analyses to confirm a monosomic substitution line MS2V(2D) (20″ + 1′ 2V[2D]). This is the first report of stem rust resistance on 2V, which was temporarily designated as SrTA10276-2V. To facilitate the use of this gene in wheat improvement, a complete set of previously developed wheat–D. villosum disomic addition lines was subjected to genotyping-by-sequencing analysis to develop D. villosum chromosome-specific markers. On average, 350 markers per chromosome were identified. These markers can be used to develop diagnostic markers for D. villosum-derived genes of interest in wheat improvement.
Treatment With Wheat Root Exudates and Soil Microorganisms From Wheat/Watermelon Companion Cropping Can Induce Watermelon Disease Resistance Against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum
Authors: Li Chun-Xia , Fu Xue-Peng , Zhou Xin-Gang , Liu Shou-Wei , Xia Ye , Li Nai-Hui , Zhang Xiao-Xiao , Wu Feng-Zhi
Published: February 2019

Companion cropping with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) can enhance watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] wilt disease resistance against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum. However, the mechanism of resistance induction remains unknown. In this study, the effects of microbial community dynamics and the interactions between wheat and watermelon plants, particularly the effect of wheat root exudates on watermelon resistance against F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum, were examined using a plant-soil feedback trial and plant tissue culture approach. The plant-soil feedback trial showed that treating watermelon with soil from wheat/watermelon companion cropping decreased watermelon wilt disease incidence and severity, increased lignin biosynthesis- and defense-related gene expression, and increased β-1,3-glucanase activity in watermelon roots. Furthermore, soil microbes can contribute to increasing disease resistance in watermelon plants. Tissue culture experiments showed that both exogenous addition of wheat root exudates and companion cropping with wheat increased host defense gene expression, lignin and total phenols, and increased β-1,3-glucanase activity in watermelon roots. In conclusion, both root exudates from wheat and the related soil microorganisms in a wheat/watermelon companion cropping system played critical roles in enhancing resistance to watermelon wilt disease induced by F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum.
Information, Support, and Follow-up Offered to Women Who Experienced Severe Maternal Morbidity
Authors: Furniss M. , Conroy M. , Filoche S. , MacDonald E.J. , Geller S.E. , Lawton B.
Published: February 2019

(Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2018;141:384–388)

Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) refers to a woman who nearly died but survived a complication that occurred during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period. It has been shown that women who experience an SMM event are at increased risk of postpartum morbidities, such as depression, and often need additional support on hospital discharge. In New Zealand, a recent review identified potential substandard care regarding certain components of care for women who experienced an SMM event. Therefore, the authors of the present study thus examined whether or not women who have experienced an SMM event were offered debriefing and a detailed discharge letter, a psychosocial report, and a follow-up opportunity with a clinical care specialist before discharge from hospitals in New Zealand.
What We Can Do about Maternal Mortality: And How to Do It Quickly
Authors: Mann S. , Hollier L.M. , McKay K. , Brown H.
Published: February 2019

(N Engl J Med. 2018;379:1689–1691)

Recent reports in the lay media have discussed increasing maternal mortality in the United States. In fact, women in the United States are more likely to die from childbirth-related or pregnancy-related causes than women in other high-income countries, with black women dying at a rate 3 to 4 times that of white women. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified 3 types of preventable complications: postpartum hemorrhage, severe hypertension, and venous thromboembolism. In this perspective article, the authors discussed 4 actions by which the health care community can reverse this trend of increasing pregnancy-related deaths.
Effect of Maternal Body Mass Index on Postpartum Hemorrhage
Authors: Butwick A.J. , Abreo A. , Bateman B.T. , Lee H.C. , El-Sayed Y.Y. , Stephansson O. , Flood P.
Published: February 2019

(Anesthesiology. 2018;128:774–783)

While postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and has been on the rise, only a small portion of its incidence can be explained by well-known risk factors including placenta previa, multiple gestation, and polyhydramnios. To improve risk assessment, other risk factors should be identified. Maternal obesity has also become more prevalent, and some data suggest obese women may have an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage. This study aimed to investigate the possible link between maternal obesity and postpartum hemorrhage. In addition, the effect of maternal body mass index (BMI) and delivery mode on risk of hemorrhage was examined.
Coverage and Capacity: Addressing the “Night & Weekend Effect” in Obstetrics
Authors: Einerson B.D.
Published: February 2019

(BJOG. 2018;125(7):892)

Recently, there has been increased focus on the possible existence of the “night and weekend effect” in obstetrics, as it has been demonstrated in other medical specialties. A study from Reif and colleagues found that nighttime delivery was associated with increased risk (odds ratio: 1.35) of severe adverse neonatal events compared with daytime delivery in 10 centers in Austria. There was no significant difference in risk of adverse events between the weekday and weekends.
Prophylactic Norepinephrine Infusion for Preventing Hypotension During Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Ngan Kee W.D. , Lee S.W.Y. , Ng F.F. , Khaw K.S.
Published: February 2019

(Anesth Analg. 2018;126:1989–1994)

Norepinephrine has been recently described as a possible alternative to phenylephrine for maintaining blood pressure during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. However, its administration via manually titrated infusions in obstetric patients has not been previously described. The authors of the present study evaluate the efficacy of a titrated, manually controlled variable-rate infusion of norepinephrine for maintaining blood pressure and preventing hypotension in patients having spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean delivery.
Postpartum Obstetric Red Cell Transfusion Practice: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Obstetric Center
Authors: Stephens B. , Sethna F. , Crispin P.
Published: February 2019

(Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2018;58:170–177)

Traditional management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) relies heavily upon packed red blood cell (prbc) transfusions. However, based on medical practitioners’ differing beliefs on the need for transfusion, variations have been noted among obstetric centers in the rates of transfusion in the peripartum setting. Although blood transfusions can be life-saving, they have also been associated with increased risks of red cell alloimmunization and infection as well as longer lengths of stay and increased costs of care in surgical patients. Hence there has been a change in the approach to transfusion from being a stand-alone treatment to being just one component of an overall holistic patient blood management approach. In Australia, where this study was performed, this holistic approach has been summarized in the National Blood Authority Module 5 Obstetrics and Maternity Patient Blood Management Guideline. This retrospective study aimed to compare the investigators’ local practice regarding transfusion of prbcs for PPH against the recommendations in the new national guidelines, and to identify potential areas for improvement by better understanding the factors leading to transfusion.
Antenatal Corticosteroids: A Retrospective Cohort Study on Timing, Indications, and Neonatal Outcome
Authors: Frändberg J. , Sandblom J. , Bruschettini M. , Maršál K. , Kristensen K.
Published: February 2019

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2018;97:591–597)

One of the most effective treatments for reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality among women at risk for preterm delivery is the administration of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS). As treatment with ACS reduces the risk of respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and neonatal death in preterm infants, it is recommended for all women at risk for preterm birth before 34 weeks gestation. In order to achieve optimal benefit from ACS therapy, the interval between drug administration and delivery has been considered to be of utmost importance. In the present study, an ACS administration to delivery interval of >24 hours and ≤7 days was defined as optimal timing. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate whether there were associations between the timing of ACS therapy and the obstetric indication for treatment as well as neonatal complications. The secondary objective was to determine whether neonates born at an optimal interval between ACS administration and delivery were at decreased risk for neonatal complications compared with neonates whose ACS treatment was suboptimally timed.
The Effect of Adding Subarachnoid Epinephrine to Hyperbaric Bupivacaine and Morphine for Repeat Cesarean Delivery: A Double-blind Prospective Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Katz D. , Hamburger J. , Gutman D. , Wang R. , Lin H.M. , Marotta M. , Zahn J. , Beilin Y.
Published: February 2019

(Anesth Analg. 2018;127:171–178)

A major limitation of spinal anesthesia is that the duration of the anesthetic may not be adequate in the event of a prolonged surgery. Bupivacaine without an adjuvant provides ∼120 minutes of surgical anesthesia. Epinephrine added to lidocaine or tetracaine can increase the block’s duration as much as 2-fold. However, less is known about the prolongation of spinal block when epinephrine is added to bupivacaine. In the present study, the authors evaluated whether the addition of subarachnoid epinephrine to bupivacaine and morphine would prolong the duration of surgical anesthesia for repeat cesarean delivery as measured by the time to T-10 regression or activation of the epidural for patient comfort.
Changes in the Organization of the Secondary Somatosensory Cortex While Processing Lumbar Proprioception and the Relationship With Sensorimotor Control in Low Back Pain
Authors: Goossens Nina , Janssens Lotte , Brumagne Simon
Published: February 2019

Objectives:

Patients with nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) rely more on the ankle compared with the lower back proprioception while standing, perform sit-to-stand-to-sit (STSTS) movements slower, and exhibit perceptual impairments at the lower back. However, no studies investigated whether these sensorimotor impairments relate to a reorganization of the primary and secondary somatosensory cortices (S1 and S2) and primary motor cortex (M1) during proprioceptive processing.

Materials and Methods:

Proprioceptive stimuli were applied at the lower back and ankle muscles during functional magnetic resonance imaging in 15 patients with NSLBP and 13 controls. The location of the activation peaks during the processing of proprioception within S1, S2, and M1 were determined and compared between groups. Proprioceptive use during postural control was evaluated, the duration to perform 5 STSTS movements was recorded, and participants completed the Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire (FreBAQ) to assess back-specific body perception.

Results:

The activation peak during the processing of lower back proprioception in the right S2 was shifted laterally in the NSLBP group compared with the healthy group (P=0.007). Moreover, patients with NSLSP performed STSTS movements slower (P=0.018), and reported more perceptual impairments at the lower back (P<0.001). Finally, a significant correlation between a more lateral location of the activation peak during back proprioceptive processing and a more disturbed body perception was found across the total group (ρ=0.42, P=0.025).

Conclusions:

The results suggest that patients with NSLBP show a reorganization of the higher-order processing of lower back proprioception, which could negatively affect spinal control and body perception.
Associations of Health Self-efficacy With Engagement in Health-Promoting Behaviors and Treatment Adherence in Rural Patients
Authors: Roncoroni Julia , Tucker Carolyn M. , Wall Whitney , Wippold Guillermo , Ratchford Julia
Published: February 2019

Rural residents have lower levels of engagement in health-promoting behaviors and treatment adherence than their urban counterparts. This cross-sectional study sought to understand the role of health self-efficacy as a precursor to engagement in health-promoting behaviors and treatment adherence in 273 rural patients. Structural equation model was used to examine whether health self-efficacy predicted engagement in health-promoting behaviors and treatment adherence. Results show that health self-efficacy predicts engagement in health-promoting behaviors and treatment adherence. Boosting patients' health self-efficacy could be a way of increasing their engagement in health-promoting behaviors and treatment adherence and thus of improving their health outcomes.
Helicopter medical evacuation in the Korean War: Did it matter?
Authors: Barr Justin , Montgomery Sean
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Because of M*A*S*H and other popular portrayals, helicopter evacuation of casualties has been closely linked to the Korean War. We sought to investigate their role in military medicine during this conflict.

METHODS

This study incorporated a thorough review of the original source documents dating to the Korean War that are housed in the National Archives, the Military History Institute, and other repositories.

RESULTS

Medical evacuation helicopters entered the war late, after the United Nations forces had suffered the majority of their casualties. There were relatively few helicopters in the country, and a combination of mechanical and personnel issues kept many grounded. Technological constraints limited their efficacy. Military policy forbade rescues from the front lines, and interhospital transfers comprised a significant percentage of their missions.

CONCLUSION

Helicopters did not appreciably decrease the average time from wounding to surgical care, nor did they evacuate a statistically significant number of casualties, and ultimately, they had minimal effect on military medicine. However, the war did provide helicopters the opportunity to prove themselves conceptually, leading to their widespread usage in Vietnam, in later conflicts, and ultimately in civilian health care systems.