bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preventive Effect of Alginate Gel Formulation on Perineural Adhesion
Authors: Hachinota Ai , Tada Kaoru , Yamamoto Daiki , Nakajima Tadahiro , Nakada Mika , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: April 2020

Background: Perineural adhesion is a potential complication of manipulating peripheral nerves. Using a model of median nerve manipulation in the carpal tunnel, perineural adhesion preventive effects of an alginate gel formulation were examined.

Methods: After exposing carpal tunnels of Japanese white rabbits and dissecting the median nerve, the gliding floor was excised as much as possible and the transverse carpal ligament was repaired to induce a perineural tissue reaction. Prior to wound closure, 0.5 ml of alginate gel formulation was administered into the right carpal tunnel (formulation group) and 0.5 ml of physiological saline was administered into the left carpal tunnel (control group). At 1, 2, 3, and 6 weeks after treatment, electrophysiological evaluation of thenar distal latency, macroscopic evaluation with adhesion score, and pathological evaluation of carpal tunnel cross sections were performed (N = 4–5 at each time point).

Results: Although distal latency tended to be low in the formulation group, there was no significant difference between the groups according to electrophysiological evaluation. Macroscopic evaluation revealed that the adhesion score was always lower in the formulation group than in the control group; over the course of treatment, it remained unchanged in the formulation group, but peaked at 3 weeks after treatment in the control group. In pathological evaluation, neural perfusion peaked at 2–3 weeks after treatment in both groups; neural perfusion tended to be lower in the formulation group than in the control group.

Conclusions: Results suggested that the peak tissue response associated with nerve dissection occurred 2–3 weeks after treatment and that the repair process started subsequently. The alginate gel formulation modified the surrounding environment of the nerve and promoted repair by acting as a physical barrier against perineural fibrosis. The preventive effect of alginate gel on perineural adhesion may improve treatment outcomes of constrictive neuropathy.
Volar Cortical Integrity in Non-Operatively Treated Adult Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Erickson John , Lopez Wylie , Shonuga Owolabi , Azzolini Anthony , Tyler David , Monica James
Published: April 2020

Background: We sought to independently validate published data that volar cortical integrity (VCI) is an independent predictor of maintenance of closed reduction in a series of non-surgically treated distal radius fractures, while simultaneously investigating previously reported predictors of instability. Our null hypothesis was that volar cortical integrity would not affect maintenance of reduction.

Methods: Four hundred thirty-three adult distal radius fractures were screened from our Orthopedic database with 112 meeting inclusion criteria. Two groups were determined on the basis of maintenance of reduction (MOR) or loss of reduction (LOR) at 5–6 weeks post-reduction. Bivariate analysis was applied to previously published instability factors along with VCI. A forward stepwise logistic regression was then used to identify instability factors that, as a group, are most predictive of outcome.

Results: Results of 112 patients were collected. Reduction was maintained in 62 patients (55.35%) at 5–6 weeks Biivariate analysis showed a statistically significant difference in volar cortical integrity between the 2 groups (80.6% MOR vs 59.2% LOR). Forward stepwise logistic regression analysis of subgroups revealed that post-reduction radial height and VCI were together statistically significant in the model. The presence of VCI, post-reduction radial height greater than or equal to ulnar neutral at the time of initial reduction resulted in a 67.8% successful MOR.

Conclusions: We were able to confirm the importance of volar cortical integrity as a predictor of successful maintenance of reduction in non-surgically managed distal radius fractures. When combined with post-reduction radial height greater than or equal to ulnar neutral at the time of initial reduction, it showed a 67.8% MOR with non-operative management in our data-set.
Outcomes Following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation in Proximal Phalangeal Fracture with Rotational Malalignment
Authors: Lee Jun-Ku , Hong In-Tae , Cho Jin Woo , Ha Cheungsoo , Yu Woo-Jin , Han Soo-Hong
Published: April 2020

Background: The rotational malalignment in proximal phalanx fracture is unacceptable. Authors attempted to describe clinical and radiographic outcomes as well as complications after open reduction and internal fixation with screw only or plate for phalangeal fractures accompanied by rotational malalignment.

Methods: Authors conducted a retrospective review of 46 patients who had been treated between Jan. 2010 and Dec. 2016. The average follow-up period was 16.7 months. A total active motion (TAM), Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH), and tip pinch power between thumb and fractured finger were measured at the final follow-up. Complications were investigated during the follow up. We assessed the amount of rotation by measuring angle between 3rd ray and fractured finger. The measurement was divided into two groups depending on rotation direction, divergent and convergent direction group.

Results: Twenty-eight cases were fixed with mini LCP plate, 12 cases with lag screws, and rest 6 cases with combined. All patients showed solid bony union on radiographs on average follow-up of 68 days (range, 41–157 days). Average TAM of the injured finger was 244 degrees and average DASH score was 4.9 at the last follow-up. Tip pinch power was 3.2 kg, which was not significantly different from that of the contralateral side at 3.4 kg (p = 0.21).

The preexisting rotational angle was significantly adjusted (overall, 11.1°). Depending on rotation direction, preoperative 21.7° to postoperative 12.1° in 27 patients of convergent group and preoperative −5.0° to postoperative 8.3° in 19 patients of divergent group were achieved.

Conclusions: The rotation from proximal phalanx fractures could be corrected with anatomic reduction by open reduction. Our results showed that open reduction and rigid internal fixation after physical examination for acute proximal phalanx fractures accompanied by rotational malalignment could achieve good clinical results.
Bilateral Solitary Osteochondroma of the Bicipital Tuberosity Accompanied with Painful Clicking: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Metoki Yukie , Sukegawa Koji , Onuma Kenji , Otake Yuya , Yokozeki Yuji , Miyata Tatsuki , Kenmoku Tomonori , Takaso Masashi
Published: April 2020

Although osteochondroma is a benign bone tumor often observed in daily practice, solitary osteochondroma of the bicipital tuberosity is rarely observed. Herein, we report a case of bilateral solitary osteochondroma of the bicipital tuberosity. A 76-year-old woman experienced crackling and painful clicking bilaterally in her proximal forearms during pronation-supination. X-ray imaging, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the symptom was caused by bilateral solitary osteochondroma of the bicipital tuberosity. Bone tumor resection was performed on both sides. After surgery, the symptoms improved. X-ray imaging performed 2 years after surgery revealed no tumor recurrence. When painful clicking occurs around the elbow joint, a solitary osteochondroma of the bicipital tuberosity should be suspected; this symptom should be examined, and the surgeon should consider surgery positively. Exposed subchondral bone may rub against, collide with, or impinge upon the ulna during forearm pronation-supination and induce pain.
Energy Conversion by Phase Transformation in the Small-Temperature-Difference Regime
Authors: Bucsek Ashley N. , Nunn William , Jalan Bharat , James Richard D.
Published: April 2020

The discovery of alternative methods of producing electrical energy that avoid the generation of greenhouse gases and do not contribute to global warming is a compelling problem of our time. Ubiquitous, but often highly distributed, sources of energy on earth exist in the small-temperature-difference regime, 10–250°C. In this review, we discuss a family of methods that can potentially recover this energy based on the use of first-order phase transformations in crystalline materials combined with ferromagnetism or ferroelectricity. The development of this technology will require a better understanding of these phase transformations, especially ferroelectric/ferromagnetic properties, hysteresis, and reversibility, as well as strategies for discovering improved materials.
Low-Frequency Protein Motions Coupled to Catalytic Sites
Authors: Cheatum Christopher M.
Published: April 2020

This review examines low-frequency vibrational modes of proteins and their coupling to enzyme catalytic sites. That protein motions are critical to enzyme function is clear, but the kinds of motions present in proteins and how they are involved in function remain unclear. Several models of enzyme-catalyzed reaction suggest that protein dynamics may be involved in the chemical step of the catalyzed reaction, but the evidence in support of such models is indirect. Spectroscopic studies of low-frequency protein vibrations consistently show that there are underdamped modes of the protein with frequencies in the tens of wavenumbers where overdamped behavior would be expected. Recent studies even show that such underdamped vibrations modulate enzyme active sites. These observations suggest that increasingly sophisticated spectroscopic methods will be able to unravel the link between low-frequency protein vibrations and enzyme function.
Microstructural and Mechanical Analysis of Sintered Powdered Aluminium Composites
Authors: Behera Rajesh Kumar , Samal B. P. , Panigrahi S. C. , Muduli K. K.
Published: April 2020

The present material world needs strong research studies for producing varieties of composite materials which have light weight and high strength with better performances. This leads to the introduction of materials through powder metallurgy technique. The main objective is to discover an aluminium matrix composite having enhanced characteristic performances and properties beyond the currently available materials. The current study has been carried out to develop an attractive composite having high strength, light weight, easy machinability, appreciable density, and low manufacturing cost. Aluminium powders of 99.55% purity and 325 mesh sizes are mixed with alloying metals such as copper, magnesium, silicon, and silicon carbide powders in a precisely controlled quantity. The result was found with better mechanical properties, and the XRD patterns were studied in the matrix at different intensities, showing the interfacial bonding of elements gives rise to increase in strength.
Combined IMIG and Immune Ig Attenuate Allergic Responses in Beagle Dogs
Authors: Gorczynski R. M. , Maqbool T. , Hoffmann G.
Published: April 2020

Background. We previously reported attenuation of serum OVA-specific IgE levels and of lymphocyte-derived IL-4, both nominal markers of allergic immunity, following injection of a combination of homologous (mouse) polyclonal anti-idiotypic immunoglobulin (Ig) and immune Ig in BALB/c mice. We predicted this might generalize to other species and using heterologous mixtures of Igs. This was assessed in mice using OVA sensitization in the presence of human Igs as a source of both anti-idiotype Ig and immune Ig and in dogs with peanut butter-induced allergic responses.Methods. Eight-week-old BALB/c mice received OVA immunization and 5 weekly injections of immune Ig or anti-idiotype Ig from either homologous (mouse) or heterologous (human) sources. Five-month-old Beagles received weekly topical exposure (on the abdomen) to peanut butter and treatment with pooled dog Ig and dog antirabies immune Ig, or a combination of human IMIG and human anti-Tet. All mice/dogs thereafter received a final allergen challenge, and serum IgG, IgE, and allergen-induced IL-2/IL-4 and IL-31 production in 72 hr cultures was measured.Results. In mice attenuation of OVA-induced allergy (IgE-specific Ig and OVA-induced IL-4) was seen using both mouse and human Ig mixtures, without effect on OVA serum IgG or OVA-induced IL-2. Attenuation of concanavalin A- (ConA-) induced IL-4 : IL-2 production and of peanut butter-induced IL-4 and IL-31 was seen in dogs receiving combinations of both heterologous and homologous immune Igs and anti-idiotype Igs, with no decline in IL-2 production. Allergen-specific IgE/IgG was not detectable in dog serum, but there was a trend to lower total serum IgE levels (and decreased IgE : IgG ratios).Conclusion. Homologous and heterologous combinations of polyclonal IMIG and immune Ig attenuate allergic responses in mice and dogs. This treatment protocol represents a novel approach which can be adapted for allergic desensitization in veterinary and human use.
Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Surgery of Inferior Oblique Muscle Ectopia
Authors: Xue Zhipeng , Min Xiaoshan , Wang Jieyue , Zhu Ying , He Sujun , Liu Kangcheng , Ding Yi
Published: April 2020

Objectives. To summarize the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for inferior oblique muscle ectopia (IO-E). Subjects and Methods. Patients diagnosed with IO-E during strabismus surgery from March 2017 to September 2018 were included in this retrospective, cross-sectional study. All patients received preoperative Krimsky test, synoptophore, cycloplegia refraction, fundus torsion, and other strabismus-related specific tests. The anatomic variations of IO-E were always discovered during surgical procedure. Postoperative eye position and binocular visual function (BVF) were all reviewed in early days after operation. Results. A total of 7 patients were enrolled in this study with an average age of 6.4 ± 3.8 yrs. They all presented with significant exotropia and unilateral (or bilateral) overelevation in adduction (OEA). No compensatory head position was detected. Some of them had vertical deviation, V pattern, or excyclotropia, which were indicated by fundus torsion. Monocular or binocular IO-E was distinguished during the surgery, and it could be classified into two types according to its anatomic features. In surgery, the ectopic IO muscle bundle was restored, and different IO weakening methods were employed. Meanwhile, the horizontal deviation was also corrected according to the preoperative examination. Eyes of all patients were properly aligned in the primary position after surgery. Varying degrees of BVF appeared in 3 cases. Conclusions. IO-E is a rare congenital dysplasia variation of the extraocular muscle, which could appear as inferior oblique overaction. It is difficult to diagnose before surgery, and weakening the overactive ectopic inferior oblique was required for better prognosis if this condition was confirmed during surgery.
Efficacy and Safety of Continuous Paravertebral Block after Minimally Invasive Radical Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Shifa , Liu Hongfeng , Cai Haibo
Published: April 2020

Objective. To compare the effects of continuous paravertebral block analgesia and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia after minimally invasive radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer and their effects on postoperative recovery. Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed among 233 patients who underwent minimally invasive esophageal cancer radical operation and met the requirements, including 87 patients (group C) who were successfully placed with a continuous paravertebral block device under direct vision and 146 patients (group P) who used a patient-controlled intravenous analgesia device. Visual analogue pain score (VAS) at rest and in motion for 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after awakening, incidence of adverse reactions of the two analgesic methods, occurrence of pulmonary complications after operation, use of emergency analgesics, and hospital stay after operation was recorded. Results. The VAS scores of group C in resting and active state at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after operation were significantly lower than those of group P (P<0.001). The incidence of adverse reactions, pulmonary complications, and the use of emergency analgesics in group C were lower than those in group P (P<0.05). The hospitalization time of group C was significantly shortened, and the satisfaction degree of group C was significantly higher than that of group P (P<0.05). Conclusion. Paravertebral block is safe and effective for patients undergoing minimally invasive radical esophagectomy. The incidence of adverse reactions and complications is lower, and the satisfaction of postoperative analgesia is higher, which is beneficial to the rapid recovery of patients after operation.
Change-Point Analysis: An Effective Technique for Detecting Abrupt Change in the Homicide Trends in a Democratic South Africa
Authors: Monyeki P. , Naicker N. , Obagbuwa I. C.
Published: April 2020

South Africa is considered the murder capital of the world. The challenge for the South African government is to attract foreign investment to boost the economy in a country plagued by homicide. In this study, a change-point analysis was used to pinpoint significant changes in the murder trends in each of the nine provinces in South Africa from 2005 to 2015. This analysis will assist authorities to gain a better understanding of the big picture view in order to mitigate against this crime. Two methods were used in the analysis, namely, CUSUM and Bootstrap. CUSUM was used to analyse data trends, and Bootstrap was used to calculate the occurrence of change points based on the confidence level. The results of the analysis clearly show the abrupt shifts in murder data across the provinces of South Africa. In addition, we used the South African population statistic dataset from 2005 to 2015 to evaluate the relationship between population of the nine provinces and contextualise the murder crime rates year to year and province to province.
Biosorption Studies of Cd2+and Cr6+from Aqueous Solution Using Cola-Nut Leaves as Low-Cost Biosorbent
Authors: Ibrahim Z. H. , Faruruwa M. D.
Published: April 2020

Cola-nut leaf is an agricultural waste which was used in this research as biosorbent for the adsorption of Cd2+and Cr6+from aqueous solutions. The leaves of cola nut were modified using 0.1 M HCl. Modified cola nut leaves biosorbent showed slightly higher percentage sorption than the unmodified leaves, for both heavy metals with increasing contact time, having greater affinity for Cd2+. The equilibrium sorption data was attained using the batch technique with increased pH (9) and increased adsorbent dose (1 g/25 cm3of adsorbate) and initial metal concentration. The functional group of cola nut leaves before and after adsorption was determined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Kinetics data were best fitted to a pseudo-second-order model. Equilibrium data were better described by the Temkin isotherm model with a multilayer adsorption capacity. The study showed that leaves of cola nut are a promising biosorbent for Cd2+and Cr6+which could be utilized for industrial wastewater remediation.
Ten Years of Aerosol Effects on Single-Layer Overcast Clouds over the US Southern Great Plains and the China Loess Plateau
Authors: Yan Hongru , Wang Tianhe
Published: April 2020

Using almost 10 years of observations of clouds and aerosols from the US Southern Great Plains (SGP) atmospheric observatory and the Semi-Arid Climate and Environment Observatory of Lanzhou University (SACOL) in China, the impact of aerosols on single-layer overcast clouds over continental land for different regimes were investigated. Atmospheric conditions at the two sites were first compared in an attempt to isolate the influence of aerosols on cloud properties from dynamic and thermodynamic influences. Cloud types and amounts are similar at the two sites. The dominant aerosol types at the SGP and SACOL sites are sulphate and dust, respectively, with greater aerosol optical depths (AODs) and absorption at the SACOL site. Aerosol first indirect effect (FIE) ranges from 0.021 to 0.152 and from −0.078 to 0.047 at the SGP and SACOL sites, respectively, when using the AOD below cloud base as CCN proxy. Although differences exist, the influence of meteorological conditions on the FIE at the two sites is consistent. FIEs are easily detected under descending motion and dry condition. The FIE at the SGP site is larger than that at the SACOL site, which suggests that the cloud albedo effect is more sensitive under relatively cleaner atmospheric conditions and the dominating aerosol at the SACOL site has less hygroscopicity. The radiative forcing of the FIE over the SGP site is −3.2 W m−2 for each 0.05 increment in FIE. Cloud durations generally prolong as aerosol loading increases, which is consistent with the hypothesis of the aerosol second indirect effect. The negative relationship between cloud duration time and aerosol loading when aerosol loading reaches a large value further might suggest a semidirect effect.
Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers to Treat Cancer‐Like Symptoms in Eleven Districts, Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Solomon , Belete Anteneh , Engidawork Ephrem , Gedif Teferi , Asres Kaleab
Published: April 2020

There is no ethnobotanical study conducted specifically on medicinal plants traditionally used to treat cancer in Ethiopia. Yet, traditional herbalists in different parts of the country claim that they have been treating cancer‐like symptoms using herbal remedies. The objective of this study was to document medicinal plants traditionally used to treat cancer‐like symptoms in eleven districts, Ethiopia. Traditional herbalists were interviewed using semistructured questionnaires, and field visits were also carried out to collect claimed plants for identification purpose. Seventy‐four traditional herbalists, who claimed that they knew about and/or had used medicinal plants to treat cancer‐like symptoms, were selected using the snowball method and interviewed. Herbalists used their intuition and relied on the chronicity, growth of external mass, and spreading of the disease to other parts of the body, as a means to characterize cancer symptoms. Furthermore, in some of the study districts, herbalists reported that they treat patients who had already been diagnosed in modern healthcare institutions prior to seeking help from them. The inventory of medicinal plants is summarized in a synoptic table, which contains the scientific and vernacular names of the plants, their geographical location, the parts of the plants, and the methods used to prepare the remedies. A total of 53 traditionally used anticancer plants, belonging to 30 families, were identified during the survey. The most frequently reported anticancer plants were Acmella caulirhiza Del (Asteraceae), Clematis simensis Fresen. (Ranunculaceae), Croton macrostachyus Del. (Euphorbiaceae), and Dorstenia barnimiana Schweinf. (Moraceae). Organizing traditional healers, documenting their indigenous knowledge, and scientifically validating it for the development of better cancer therapeutic agents constitute an urgent and important task for policymakers and scientists.
MATLAB Image Treatment of Copper‐Steel Laser Welding
Authors: Mostafa Massaud , Laifi J. , Ashari M. , Alrowaili Z.A.
Published: April 2020

Continuous Yb:YAG laser keyhole welding of the pure copper plate to steel 316L sheet is performed for different laser parameters. The laser‐generated welding keyhole and weld melted zone are observed by a high‐speed camera. The image is treated by MATLAB and simple code is built to calculate the keyhole and melted zone area. This treatment is validated by the actual welding measurements, and the accuracy of the measurements is tested by the confidence interval law. The images obtained of keyhole and melt zone area in dissimilar laser welding are treated and analyzed to study the effect of changing the laser parameters.
Optimal Strategies for CLSC considering Supply Disruption and Carbon Tax
Authors: Tong Lin , Yang Kuan , Xu Wei-Jin
Published: April 2020

Under the background of economic globalization, supply chain is becoming more and more complex, which is manifested in the instability of external environment. On the one hand, with the improvement of global environmental protection awareness, the government's policy tools for environmental impact (carbon tax) on the whole supply chain have become one of the major external problems faced by the supply chain enterprises; on the other hand, the intensification of competition between upstream and downstream in supply chains makes supply disruption an important proposition to be solved urgently. In this paper, the two propositions of green and supply disruption are reduced to two factors affecting the cost. The average total cost function of the manufacturer as a recycler is established. The practicability of the algorithm and the effectiveness of the model are verified by Lingo, Particle Swarm Optimization, and Genetic Algorithm, with the purpose of obtaining the optimal strategies for manufacturers who play the role of the recycler in the closed-loop supply chain.
Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Promoter Mutations Identify a Genomically Defined and Highly Aggressive Human Pleural Mesothelioma Subgroup
Authors: Pirker Christine , Bilecz Agnes , Grusch Michael , Mohr Thomas , Heidenreich Barbara , Laszlo Viktoria , Stockhammer Paul , Lötsch-Gojo Daniela , Gojo Johannes , Gabler Lisa , Spiegl-Kreinecker Sabine , Dome Balazs , Steindl Ariane , Klikovits Thomas , Hoda Mir Alireza , Jakopovic Marko , Samarzija Miroslav , Mohorcic Katja , Kern Izidor , Kiesel Barbara , Brcic Luka , Oberndorfer Felicitas , Müllauer Leonhard , Klepetko Walter , Schmidt Wolfgang M. , Kumar Rajiv , Hegedus Balazs , Berger Walter
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

Human malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is characterized by dismal prognosis. Consequently, dissection of molecular mechanisms driving malignancy is of key importance. Here we investigate whether activating mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene promoter are present in MPM and associated with disease progression, cell immortalization, and genomic alteration patterns.

Experimental Design:

TERT promoters were sequenced in 182 MPM samples and compared with clinicopathologic characteristics. Surgical specimens from 45 patients with MPM were tested for in vitro immortalization. The respective MPM cell models (N = 22) were analyzed by array comparative genomic hybridization, gene expression profiling, exome sequencing as well as TRAP, telomere length, and luciferase promoter assays.

Results:

TERT promoter mutations were detected in 19 of 182 (10.4%) MPM cases and significantly associated with advanced disease and nonepithelioid histology. Mutations independently predicted shorter overall survival in both histologic MPM subtypes. Moreover, 9 of 9 (100%) mutated but only 13 of 36 (36.1%) wild-type samples formed immortalized cell lines. TERT promoter mutations were associated with enforced promoter activity and TERT mRNA expression, while neither telomerase activity nor telomere lengths were significantly altered. TERT promoter–mutated MPM cases exhibited distinctly reduced chromosomal alterations and specific mutation patterns. While BAP1 mutations/deletions were exclusive with TERT promoter mutations, homozygous deletions at the RBFOX1 and the GSTT1 loci were clearly enriched in mutated cases.

Conclusions:

TERT promoter mutations independently predict a dismal course of disease in human MPM. The altered genomic aberration pattern indicates that TERT promoter mutations identify a novel, highly aggressive MPM subtype presumably based on a specific malignant transformation process.
Neural Signatures of Memory Encoding in Schizophrenia Are Modulated by Antipsychotic Treatment
Authors: Gurler Demet , White David Matthew , Kraguljac Nina Vanessa , Ver Hoef Lawrence , Martin Clinton , Tennant Blake , Lahti Adrienne Carol
Published: April 2020

There is no pharmacological treatment to remediate cognitive impairment in schizophrenia (SZ). It is imperative to characterize underlying pathologies of memory processing in order to effectively develop new treatments. In this longitudinal study, we combined functional magnetic resonance imaging during a memory encoding task with proton MR spectroscopy to measure hippocampal glutamate + glutamine (Glx). Seventeen SZ were scanned while unmedicated and after 6 weeks of treatment with risperidone and compared to a group of matched healthy controls (HC) scanned 6 weeks apart. Unmedicated patients showed reduced blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) response in several regions, including the hippocampus, and greater BOLD response in regions of the default mode network (DMN) during correct memory encoding. Post hoc contrasts from significant group by time interactions indicated reduced hippocampal BOLD response at baseline with subsequent increase following treatment. Hippocampal Glx was not different between groups at baseline, but at week 6, hippocampal Glx was significantly lower in SZ compared to HC. Finally, in unmedicated SZ, higher hippocampal Glx predicted less deactivation of the BOLD response in regions of the DMN. Using 2 brain imaging modalities allowed us to concurrently investigate different mechanisms involved in memory encoding dysfunction in SZ. Hippocampal pathology during memory encoding stems from decreased hippocampal recruitment and faulty deactivation of the DMN, and hippocampal recruitment during encoding can be modulated by antipsychotic treatment. High Glx in unmedicated patients predicted less deactivation of the DMN; these results suggest a mechanism by which faulty DMN deactivation, a hallmark of pathological findings in SZ, is achieved.
Maternal Undernourishment in Guinea Pigs Leads to Fetal Growth Restriction with Increased Hypoxic Cells and Oxidative Stress in the Brain
Authors: Maki Yohei , Nygard Karen , Hammond Robert R. , Regnault Timothy R.H. , Richardson Bryan S.
Published: April 2020

Background: We determined whether maternal nutrient restriction (MNR) in guinea pigs leading to fetal growth restriction (FGR) impacts markers for brain hypoxia and oxidative stress. Methods: Guinea pigs were fed ad libitum (control) or 70% of the control diet before pregnancy, switching to 90% at mid-pregnancy (MNR). Near term, hypoxyprobe-1 (HP-1) was injected into pregnant sows. Fetuses were then necropsied and brain tissues were processed for HP-1 (hypoxia marker) and 4HNE, 8-OHdG, and 3-nitrotyrosine (oxidative stress markers) immunoreactivity (IR). Results: FGR-MNR fetal and brain weights were decreased 38 and 12%, respectively, with brain/fetal weights thereby increased 45% as a measure of brain sparing, and more so in males than females. FGR-MNR HP-1 IR was increased in most of the brain regions studied, and more so in males than females, while 4HNE and 8-OHdG IR were increased in select brain regions, but with no sex differences. Conclusions: Chronic hypoxia is likely to be an important signaling mechanism in the FGR brain, but with males showing more hypoxia than females. This may involve sex differences in adaptive decreases in growth and normalizing of oxygen, with implications for sex-specific alterations in brain development and risk for later neuropsychiatric disorder.
Long-Term Patient-Reported Outcome of Radiofrequency Thalamotomy for Tremor
Authors: Pauwels Rik W.J. , Oterdoom D.L. Marinus , Drost Gea , van Laar Teus , van Dijk J. Marc C.
Published: April 2020

Background: Thalamotomy is an endorsed treatment for medication-refractory tremor. It used to be the standard, but nowadays deep brain stimulation (DBS) has become the treatment option of choice. Nevertheless, DBS has the disadvantage of hardware failure, battery replacement, and frequent setting adjustment. Radiofrequency (RF) thalamotomy lacks these issues, is relatively inexpensive, and has a broad applicability in patients with significant comorbidity. Therefore, we analyzed the long-term patient-reported outcome of RF thalamotomy in a cohort of patients with an otherwise intractable tremor. Methods: A single-center cohort of 27 consecutive patients with intractable tremor was assessed after unilateral RF thalamotomy. Over time, 4 patients had died because of non-related causes. In total, 21 patients responded to a telephone survey to assess their personal judgment on postoperative tremor severity, using a validated tremor scale, adverse events, recurrence, and patient satisfaction. The median time between surgery and telephone survey was 39 months (range 12–126). Seven patients had an additional analysis with postoperative imaging, video-assisted electromyography tremor registration, and a self-reported treatment effect (SRTE) assessment. Results: Nineteen out of 21 patients (90.5%) reported absence or significant improvement of their tremor. The rating score (WHIGET/UPDRS-III) dropped significantly from a mean of 3.57 preoperatively to 1.05 postoperatively (p < 0.001). Eleven patients (52.4%) reported adverse events, but the majority (76.2%) did not consider the adverse events to be severe. SRTE assessment showed a direct postoperative effect of 89.6 of 100 points (SD 10.8), with a gradual decrease to 75.3 (SD 23.5) during follow-up. Conclusions: RF thalamotomy is a very effective long-term treatment for medication-refractory tremor and should therefore be considered in patients with a refractory unilateral tremor.
Directly Transmitted 12.3-Mb Deletion with a Consistent Phenotype in the Variable 11q21q22.3 Region
Authors: Kirk Beth , Kharbanda Mira , Bateman Mark S. , Hunt David , Taylor Emma-Jane , Collins Amanda L. , Bunyan David J. , Collinson Morag N. , Russell Louisa M. , Bowell Sarah , Barber John C.K.
Published: April 2020

A phenotype is emerging for the proximal pair of G-dark bands in 11q (11q14.1 and q14.3) but not yet for the distal pair (11q22.1 and q22.3). A mother and daughter with the same directly transmitted 12.3-Mb interstitial deletion of 11q21q22.3 (GRCh37: 93,551,765-105,817,723) both had initial feeding difficulties and failure to thrive, speech delay, learning difficulties, and mild dysmorphism. Among 17 patients with overlapping deletions, developmental or speech delay, dysmorphism, hypotonia, intellectual disability or learning difficulties, short stature, and coloboma were each found in 2 or more. These results may provide the basis for a consistent phenotype for this region. Among the 53 deleted and additional breakpoint genes, CNTN5, YAP1, and GRI4 were the most likely candidates. Non-penetrance of haploinsufficient genes and dosage compensation among related genes may account for the normal cognition in the mother and variable phenotypes that can extend into the normal range.
Polygenic Hyperlipidemias and Coronary Artery Disease Risk
Authors: Ripatti Pietari , Rämö Joel T. , Mars Nina J. , Fu Yu , Lin Jake , Söderlund Sanni , Benner Christian , Surakka Ida , Kiiskinen Tuomo , Havulinna Aki S. , Palta Priit , Freimer Nelson B. , Widén Elisabeth , Salomaa Veikko , Tukiainen Taru , Pirinen Matti , Palotie Aarno , Taskinen Marja-Riitta , Ripatti Samuli ,   on behalf of FinnGen†
Published: April 2020

Background:

Hyperlipidemia is a highly heritable risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). While monogenic familial hypercholesterolemia associates with severely increased CAD risk, it remains less clear to what extent a high polygenic load of a large number of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol (LDL-C) or triglyceride (TG)-increasing variants associates with increased CAD risk.

Methods:

We derived polygenic risk scores (PRSs) with ≈6M variants separately for LDL-C and TG with weights from a UK Biobank–based genome-wide association study with ≈324K samples. We evaluated the impact of polygenic hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia to lipid levels in 27 039 individuals from the National FINRISK Study (FINRISK) cohort and to CAD risk in 135 638 individuals (13 753 CAD cases) from the FinnGen project (FinnGen).

Results:

In FINRISK, median LDL-C was 3.39 (95% CI, 3.38–3.40) mmol/L, and it ranged from 2.87 (95% CI, 2.82–2.94) to 3.78 (95% CI, 3.71–3.83) mmol/L between the lowest and highest 5% of the LDL-C PRS distribution. Median TG was 1.19 (95% CI, 1.18–1.20) mmol/L, ranging from 0.97 (95% CI, 0.94–1.00) to 1.55 (95% CI, 1.48–1.61) mmol/L with the TG PRS. In FinnGen, comparing the highest 5% of the PRS to the lowest 95%, CAD odds ratio was 1.36 (95% CI, 1.24–1.49) for the LDL-C PRS and 1.31 (95% CI, 1.19–1.43) for the TG PRS. These estimates were only slightly attenuated when adjusting for a CAD PRS (odds ratio, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.16–1.38] for LDL-C and 1.24 [95% CI, 1.13–1.36] for TG PRS).

Conclusions:

The CAD risk associated with a high polygenic load for lipid-increasing variants was proportional to their impact on lipid levels and partially overlapping with a CAD PRS. In contrast with a PRS for CAD, the lipid PRSs point to known and directly modifiable risk factors providing additional guidance for clinical translation.
Association Between Atrial Fibrillation and Cognitive Impairment in Individuals With Prior Stroke
Authors: Kokkinidis Damianos G. , Zareifopoulos Nikos , Theochari Christina A. , Arfaras-Melainis Angelos , Papanastasiou Christos A. , Uppal Dipan , Giannakoulas George , Kalogeropoulos Andreas P. , Fontes Joao Daniel T.
Published: April 2020

Background and Purpose—

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common chronic arrhythmia. Dementia and cognitive impairment (CI) are major burdens to public health. The prevalence of all 3 entities is projected to increase due to population aging. Previous reports have linked AF with a higher risk of CI and dementia in patients without prior stroke. Stroke is known to increase the risk for dementia and CI. It is unclear if AF in patients with history of stroke can further increase the risk for dementia or CI. Our purpose was to evaluate the impact of AF on risk for dementia or CI among patients with history of stroke.

Methods—

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Pubmed, Scopus, and Cochrane central were searched. The outcomes of interest were dementia, CI, and the composite end point of dementia or CI. A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed. Meta-regression analysis was also performed. Publication bias was assessed with the Egger test and with funnel plots.

Results—

Fourteen studies and 14 360 patients (1363 with AF) were included in the meta-analysis. In the meta-analysis of adjusted odds ratio, AF was associated with increased risk of CI (odds ratio, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.20–2.14]), dementia (odds ratio, 3.11 [95% CI, 2.05–4.73]), and the composite end point of CI or dementia (odds ratio, 2.26 [95% CI, 1.61–3.19]). The heterogeneity for the composite end point of dementia or CI was moderate (adjusted analysis). The heterogeneity for the analysis of the end point of CI only was substantial in the unadjusted analysis and moderate in the adjusted analysis. The heterogeneity for the end point of dementia only was moderate in the unadjusted analysis and zero in the adjusted analysis.

Conclusions—

Our results indicate that an association between AF and CI or dementia is patients with prior strokes is possible given the persistent positive associations we noticed in the unadjusted and adjusted analyses. The heterogeneity levels limit the certainty of our findings.
Translesional Pressure Gradient Alters Relationship Between Blood Pressure and Recurrent Stroke in Intracranial Stenosis
Authors: Feng Xueyan , Chan Ka Lung , Lan Linfang , Abrigo Jill , Ip Vincent H.L. , Soo Yannie O.Y. , Leung Thomas W. , Leng Xinyi
Published: April 2020

Background and Purpose—

There is debate over an optimal systolic blood pressure (SBP) in secondary stroke prevention of patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (sICAS). We investigated whether translesional pressure gradient across sICAS would alter the relationship between SBP and risk of recurrent stroke in such patients.

Methods—

We recruited patients with sICAS (50%–99% stenosis) confirmed in computed tomography angiography. We simulated blood flow across sICAS with computed tomography angiography-based computational fluid dynamics models. Translesional pressure ratio (PR=Pressure
post-stenotic
/Pressure
pre-stenotic
) was calculated in each case. Pressure ratio (PR) ≤ median was defined as low PR, indicating larger translesional pressure gradient across sICAS. All patients received optimal medical treatment. We investigated the interaction of translesional PR and mean SBP during follow-up (SBP
FU
) in determining the risk of the primary outcome, recurrent ischemic stroke in the same territory within 1 year.

Results—

Among 157 patients with sICAS, the median PR was 0.93. Multivariate Cox regression revealed significant PR-SBP
FU
interaction on the primary outcome (
P
=0.008): in patients with normal PR, risk of primary outcome significantly decreased with lower SBP
FU
(hazard ratio for 10 mm Hg decrement =0.46;
P
=0.018); however, in those with low PR, SBP
FU
≤130 mm Hg was associated with significantly increased risk of primary outcome, compared with 130<SBP
FU
<150 mm Hg (hazard ratio=5.08;
P
=0.043).

Conclusions—

Low SBP level may be associated with increased risk of stroke recurrence in patients with sICAS with a large translesional pressure gradient. Translesional PR by computational fluid dynamics models may yield a promising indicator to guide more individualized blood pressure management in patients with sICAS, warranting future studies.
Our Lady of Victory or Our Lady of Beauty?: The Virgin Mary in Early Modern Dominican and Jesuit Approaches to Islam
Authors: George Tvrtković Rita
Published: April 2020

Ottoman incursions into Europe during the early modern period prompted reactions from the Dominicans and the Jesuits, both of whom used images of Mary against Islam, though in different ways. Some Dominicans advocated conquering Muslims under the banner of “Our Lady of Victory,” an image that emerged after the 1571 defeat of the Ottomans at the Battle of Lepanto, a victory Catholics attributed to Mary via the rosary. Some Jesuits, however, sought to convert Muslims through “Our Lady of Beauty,” images which stressed the beauty and purity of Mary, who is revered by both Christians and Muslims. Neither approach was very effective in crossing early modern interreligious divides, yet today Mary continues to be employed both as a bridge and barrier between Christians and Muslims (and Catholics and Protestants), with mixed results.
Dominican and Jesuit Theologians at an Ecumenical Council: Yves Congar and Karl Rahner
Authors: F. O’Meara, O.P. Thomas
Published: April 2020

The Second Vatican Council was not only a meeting of bishops from around the world, it was also an assembly of theologians. Prominent among those gathered were the Dominican theologian Yves Congar and the Jesuit theologian Karl Rahner. Both offered a positive theology of grace outside of Christianity, an embrace of true inculturation within the church, and both saw the council as a beginning in opening up the church to theological variety appropriate to become a global presence in a new era. During the council, Congar and Rahner worked together, developed a friendship, and found that they had harmonious theological perspectives that allowed them to become valuable allies in shaping the final outcome of the council.
Redescription of the poorly known ghost shrimp species, Scallasis amboinae Bate, 1888, review of the genus, and description of a new species from the Ryukyu Islands, Japan (Decapoda: Axiidea: Callianassidae)
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI , POORE GARY C. B. , FUJITA YOSHIHISA
Published: April 2020

A poorly known callianassid ghost shrimp species, Scallasis amboinae Bate, 1888, is redescribed and illustrated on the basis of the holotype and new material from Papua New Guinea. A new species, S. inermis, is described from the Ryukyu Islands, Japan. Callianassa (Cheramus) pygmaea De Man 1928 is synonymised with S. amboinae. All seven species of Scallasis are diagnosed and compared.
Species of Acryptolaria Norman, 1875 (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) collected by US Antarctic and sub-Antarctic expeditions
Authors: CANTERO ÁLVARO L. PEÑA
Published: April 2020

Acryptolaria is a worldwide genus of deep-water benthic hydroids. The genus has relatively high species diversity, with 36 species described so far, yet most of them have been reported only occasionally. As a result, scientific knowledge of their ecology and distribution is scarce. Here I present the results of the study of species of Acryptolaria collected during several Antarctic and sub-Antarctic expeditions under the United States Antarctic Research Program between 1958 and 1986. Eight species were found in the collection (plus one determined to the genus level), with A. operculata having the highest occurrence. Acryptolaria flabellum is reported for the second time; the study also represents the third record for A. corniformis and A. minuta. Despite the scarcity of records, most of the species studied seem to have a wide geographical distribution, which could be related to their deep-water bathymetric distribution and the deep-water circulation of the Great Ocean Conveyor Belt.
Description of tadpoles of the frogs Heterixalus tricolor, H. carbonei and H. luteostriatus (Anura: Hyperoliidae) from western Madagascar
Authors: GRIEP STINE , GLOS JULIAN
Published: April 2020

The genus Heterixalus is endemic to Madagascar. It contains eleven species of small to medium-sized tree frogs that typically inhabit open areas like swamps and rice fields. We describe the larval stages of three sympatric species that occur in western Madagascar: H. tricolor, H. carbonei, and H. luteostriatus. Similar to other species of this genus, the tadpoles of these species have a depressed, ovoid body-form and a generalized oral disc. The labial tooth row formula is 1/3(1). Examined phenotypes differed marginally between species. Compared to H. tricolor and H. carbonei, H. luteostriatus showed fewer cusps on the fork-like labial teeth, a lower ventral fin, and a shorter tail. The high morphological resemblance implicates an ecological similarity between species. Highly overlapping niches raise questions on how species co-occur.
Monitoring the Stability of Artificial Prosthesis Performance for Hip Replacement
Authors: Zhang Xingen , Sun Xianjie , Shi Gang
Published: April 2020

The hip replacement is beneficial to relieve joint pain and misfunction. We previously designed the model to monitor the stability of the artificial prosthesis during the surgery based on the resonance frequency (RF), which is a non-invasive and sensitive technique. In this study, we
further applied the techniques to monitor its use in hip replacement and compared the effect in individuals. Our data have showed that resonance frequency is very promising for the analysis of stability of artificial prosthesis in hip replacement, and the performance of the technique is also
promising for the translational studies in the clinic.
Microsphere-Embedded Fibroblast Aggregates Showing Prolonged Survival
Authors: Kwon Se Chang , Hur Won
Published: April 2020

Fibroblast aggregates in the size range of a few hundred micrometers were prepared from a dissociated monolayer culture and fibroin microspheres under non-adhesion conditions. Transmission electron micrograph revealed the presence of fibroin microspheres entrapped in the aggregates.
Microsphere-embedded 3T3 cell aggregates showed an increase in glucose consumption and survival. Fibroin microspheres also prolonged the survival of human dermal fibroblasts cultured under three-dimensional conditions. A nucleoside incorporation assay revealed that only a few cells in the
aggregates were proliferating. Accordingly, fibroblast aggregates with fibroin microspheres can be a candidate having extended shelf life for grafting.