bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Improved Ion Chromatographic Method for Fast and Sensitive Determination of Hexavalent Chromium and Total Chromium Using Conductivity Detection
Authors: Shanmugam Thyagarajan , Selvaraj Joseph , Mani Uvaraj
Published: August 2019

Chromium exists in its two stable oxidation states including trivalent chromium (Cr (III)) and hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) in natural waters. Chromium is an essential micronutrient in the trivalent form; however, the hexavalent form of chromium is considered to be a carcinogen. It is important to determine the chromium content along with speciation. There are a number of methods available for chromium determination. Speciation of chromium is essential to know the exact composition of chromium. Ion exchange chromatography is one of the techniques used to determine Cr (VI). The proposed method can be used to perform the speciation of Cr (III) and Cr (VI). It is a two-step process: first Cr (VI) is determined, followed by total chromium determination by treating the sample with potassium permanganate solution to oxidize the Cr (III) present in the sample to Cr (VI) and determining it as Cr (VI). Conductivity detector is used for the detection. Addition of potassium permanganate solution to the ground water samples for oxidizing the Cr (III) to Cr (VI) is the newly adopted sample preparation technique. The effect of potassium permanganate oxidation is studied in detail in the proposed method. This method can be used for chromium speciation in river water and ground water samples.
NADPH oxidases in the differentiation of endothelial cells
Authors: Hahner Fabian , Moll Franziska , Schröder Katrin
Published: August 2019

The differentiation of stem cells into endothelial cells involves the modulation of highly interconnected metabolic and epigenetic processes. Therefore, the differentiation of endothelial cells is a tightly controlled process, which is adjusted at multiple levels, meaning that even the smallest variation can result in major consequences. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) represent a group of second messengers that can interfere with both metabolic and epigenetic processes. Besides their generation by mitochondria, ROS are produced in a controlled manner by the family of NADPH oxidases. The different members of the NADPH oxidase family produce superoxide anions or hydrogen peroxide. Due to the specific sub-cellular localization of the different NADPH oxidases, ROS are produced at diverse sites in the cell, such as the plasma membrane or the endoplasmic reticulum. Once produced, ROS interfere with proteins, lipids, and DNA to modulate intracellular signal cascades. Accordingly, ROS represent a group of readily available and specifically localized modulators of the highly sophisticated signalling network that eventually leads to the differentiation of stem cells into endothelial cells. This review focuses on the role of NADPH oxidases in the differentiation of stem cells into endothelial cells.
The phylloplane yeast Pseudozyma: a rich potential for biotechnology
Authors: Kitamoto Hiroko
Published: August 2019

Basidiomycetous yeast Pseudozyma strains are often isolated from leaf surfaces. Here, we describe the sources of Pseudozyma yeasts and their useful secreted products, including enzymes and biosurfactants. We then outline the life of Pseudozyma on the leaf surface and introduce studies to verify ecological functions of their useful products. In addition, the function of Pseudozyma in maintaining the health of plants is briefly explained. Finally, the gene manipulation techniques necessary for future research and development of technological applications of Pseudozyma are described.
Why are we performing fewer cholecystectomies for mild acute biliary pancreatitis? Trends and predictors of cholecystectomy from the National Readmissions Database (2010–2014)
Authors: Garg Sushil Kumar , Bazerbachi Fateh , Sarvepalli Shashank , Majumder Shounak , Vege Shanthi Swaroop
Published: August 2019

Background

Current guidelines recommend cholecystectomy for patients with mild acute biliary pancreatitis (MABP) during the index admission because it is associated with better outcomes. In this study, we aimed to assess national trends in cholecystectomy during index admissions for MABP and to identify factors associated with cholecystectomy completion and 30-day readmission.

Methods

Using diagnostic codes and the National Readmissions Database, we identified patients admitted with MABP between 2010 and 2014. Differences in cholecystectomy rates were computed on the basis of various characteristics. We conducted a multivariable analysis to identify factors associated with 30-day readmission and cholecystectomy during the same admission.

Results

We identified 255,695 unique index MABP cases (41.3% male) and the 30-day readmission rate was 12.6%. Overall, 43.8% underwent cholecystectomy and 25% underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy. We observed a decreasing trend in both procedures during the study period (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, odds of 30-day readmission were reduced for patients undergoing ERCP with sphincterotomy (odds ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.74–0.84) or cholecystectomy (odds ratio, 0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.35–0.39).

Conclusions

For patients with MABP, cholecystectomy or ERCP with sphincterotomy during the index admission decreased the risk of 30-day readmission. Despite this benefit and national guidelines recommending cholecystectomy during the index MABP admission, the rate of cholecystectomies performed nationally decreased during the study period. Further research is needed to understand the implications and reasons underlying this deviation from guidelines.
Understanding Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Physical Performance in Midlife Women: Findings From SWAN (Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation)
Authors: Sternfeld Barbara , Colvin Alicia , Stewart Andrea , Appelhans Bradley M , Cauley Jane A , Dugan Sheila A , El Khoudary Samar R , Greendale Gail A , Strotmeyer Elsa , Karvonen-Gutierrez Carrie
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Evaluate degree to which racial/ethnic differences in physical performance are mediated by sociodemographic, health, behavioral, and psychosocial factors.

Methods

Physical performance was evaluated using a decile score derived from grip strength, timed 4 m walk, and timed repeat chair stand in 1,855 African American, Caucasian, Chinese, Hispanic, and Japanese women, mean age = 61.8 (SD = 2.7) in the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation. Mediators included education, financial strain, comorbidities, pain, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and perceived stress. Structural equation models provided estimates of the total difference in physical performance between Caucasians and each race/ethnic groups and differences due to direct effects of race/ethnicity and indirect effects through mediators.

Results

The mean decile score for Caucasian women was 16.9 (SD = 5.6), 1.8, 2.6, and 2.1 points higher than the model-estimated scores in African Americans, Hispanics and Chinese, respectively, and 1.3 points lower than the Japanese. Differences between Caucasians and the Chinese and Japanese were direct effects of race/ethnicity whereas in African Americans and Hispanics 75% or more of that disparity was through mediators, particularly education, financial strain, BMI, physical activity, and pain.

Discussion

Addressing issues of poverty, racial inequality, pain, and obesity could reduce some racial/ethnic disparity in functional limitations as women age.
Diet-Induced Plasticity of Linear Static Allometry Is Not So Simple for Grasshoppers: Genotype–Environment Interaction in Ontogeny Is Masked by Convergent Growth
Authors: Thompson Daniel B
Published: August 2019

Grasshoppers, Melanoplus sanguinipes (Orthoptera: Acrididae), develop larger head width (HW) and shorter leg length, relative to body size, when fed low nutrient, lignin-rich grasses compared to sibs fed a diet of high nutrient grasses. To elucidate how underlying genetic variation and plasticity of growth generate plasticity of this linear static allometry within coarse-grained environments, I measured head and leg size of three nymphal instars and adult grasshoppers raised on either a low or high nutrient diet within a half-sib quantitative genetic experiment. Doubly-multivariate repeated measures multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) of head, mandible, and hind leg size and their rate of growth (mm/period) and growth period (days) through ontogeny were used to analyze how the ontogeny of diet-induced plasticity for these variables and additive genetic variation for plasticity (genotype × environment interaction [G×E]) contribute to plasticity in functional linear static allometry. Genetic variation for diet-induced plasticity (G×E) of head and leg size varied through ontogeny, as did genetic variation for plasticity of growth in third and fourth instar nymphs. Despite extensive genetic variation in plasticity of HW and leg length in fourth instar nymphs, the static allometry between head and leg was stable within each diet because the patterns of G×E were similar for HW, leg length and their coordinated growth. Nutrient sensitive plasticity in growth shifted the intercept but not the slope of static allometry, a result consistent with one outcome of a graphical model of the relationships between G× E and plasticity of within environment static allometry. In addition, G×E of fourth instar head and leg size was reduced in adults by negatively size-dependent, convergent growth in the last period of ontogeny. Consequently, the bivariate reaction norms of head and leg size for adults exhibited no G×E and, again, plasticity in the intercept but not in the slope of static allometry. The ontogeny of seemingly simple diet-induced linear static allometry between functional body parts in grasshoppers arises from a complex combination of differing patterns of nutrient-sensitive growth, duration of growth, convergent growth, and G×E, all relevant to understanding the development and evolution of functional allometry in hemimetabolous insects.
Do patients with the centrifugal flow HeartMate 3 or HeartWare left ventricular assist device have better outcomes compared to those with axial flow HeartMate II?
Authors: Florisson Daniel S , Conte Sean M , De Bono Joshua A , Newcomb Andrew E
Published: August 2019

A best evidence topic was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was ‘Do patients with centrifugal flow HeartMate 3 (HM3) or HeartWare left ventricular assist device (HVAD) have better outcomes compared to those with the axial flow HeartMate II (HMII)?’ Altogether 1791 papers were found using the reported search, of which 21 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. In publications reporting on MOMENTUM 3 randomized control trial (RCT), HM3 had better outcomes compared to HMII with a lower rate of pump thrombosis (1.1% vs 15.7%), stroke events (10.1% vs 19.2%) and ischaemic stroke (6.3% vs 13.4%) at 2-year follow-up. Markers of quality of life and functional capacity were comparable between the 2 devices at 6 months. In publications reporting on ENDURANCE RCTs, compared to HMII, patients with HVAD had poorer outcomes with an increased rate of sepsis (23.6% vs 15.4%), stroke (29.7% vs 12.1%) and right heart failure (38.5% vs 26.8%) postoperatively. Outcomes were improved for the HVAD group in a more recent RCT where strict blood pressure control was instigated postoperatively. Outcomes from retrospective studies comparing HMII with HVAD varied, with some publications reporting higher rates of right ventricular assist device use (29% vs 15%), gastrointestinal bleeding (30% vs 0%), cerebrovascular accident (44% vs 10%), transient ischaemic attack (5% vs 2%) and higher cumulative risk of infection and haemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident with HVAD. This is not consistent across these studies, and 9 studies including a systematic review reported no difference in any outcomes. In conclusion, patients with centrifugal flow HM3 have better outcomes than those with axial flow HMII. Although there is some variability in outcomes in retrospective studies, patients with centrifugal flow HeartWare HVAD have similar outcomes to those with axial flow HMII when strict blood pressure control is instigated postoperatively. By inference, centrifugal flow HM3 would appear to be the superior device, although all conclusions are based on 1 large (industry-sponsored) RCT.
Emergent spatiotemporal dynamics of the actomyosin network in the presence of chemical gradients
Authors: Miller Callie J , LaFosse Paul K , Asokan Sreeja B , Haugh Jason M , Bear James E , Elston Timothy C
Published: August 2019

We used particle-based computer simulations to study the emergent properties of the actomyosin cytoskeleton. Our model accounted for biophysical interactions between filamentous actin and non-muscle myosin II and was motivated by recent experiments demonstrating that spatial regulation of myosin activity is required for fibroblasts responding to spatial gradients of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) to undergo chemotaxis. Our simulations revealed the spontaneous formation of actin asters, consistent with the punctate actin structures observed in chemotacting fibroblasts. We performed a systematic analysis of model parameters to identify biochemical steps in myosin activity that significantly affect aster formation and performed simulations in which model parameter values vary spatially to investigate how the model responds to chemical gradients. Interestingly, spatial variations in motor stiffness generated time-dependent behavior of the actomyosin network, in which actin asters continued to spontaneously form and dissociate in different regions of the gradient. Our results should serve as a guide for future experimental investigations.
Transnational Advocacy and NGOs in the Digital Era: New Forms of Networked Power
Authors: Hall Nina , Schmitz Hans Peter , Dedmon J Michael
Published: August 2019

International relations (IR) scholars have recognized the importance of technology in enabling nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to build transnational networks and enhance their influence. However, IR scholars have typically focused on elite networks across NGOs, states, and international organizations. This article considers how digital technologies generate new types of networked power between NGOs and their members. Digital tools allow for fast feedback from supporters, rapid surges in mobilization, and more decentralized campaigns. Importantly, in the digital era, NGOs must decide not only which digital platforms to use, but also whether to devolve decision-making to their supporters. Two questions arise: First, do NGO staff or supporters primarily define and produce advocacy content? Second, is the goal of digital activism to broaden or intensify participation? Answers to these questions generate four digital strategies: proselytizing, testing, conversing, and facilitating. These strategies change advocacy practices, but only facilitating strategies open up new forms of networked power based on supporter-to-supporter connections. Digital strategies have profound ramifications for individual organizations, the nature of the advocacy sector, and its power in relation to states, corporations, and other nonstate actors. Digital adoption patterns shape how NGOs choose campaigns, how they legitimate their claims, and what strategies they rely on.
Feeding a reduced protein diet with a near ideal amino acid profile improves amino acid efficiency and nitrogen utilization for milk production in sows1,2
Authors: Zhang Sai , Qiao Mu , Trottier Nathalie L
Published: August 2019

Fifty-four lactating multiparous Yorkshire sows were used to test the hypothesis that feeding a reduced protein diet with a near ideal AA (NIAA) profile increases the biological utilization efficiency of N and essential AA (EAA) for milk production in part as a result of reduced dietary Leu concentration. Sows were fed 1 of 3 isocaloric diets containing the following concentration of CP (% as-fed, analyzed): 18.74 (Control: CON), 13.78 (Optimal: OPT), and 14.25 (Optimal + Leu: OPTLEU). The OPT and OPTLEU diets contained the same concentration of crystalline AA (CAA) to meet requirements of the limiting AA. Crystalline Leu was added to OPTLEU to contain the same SID Leu concentration as that of CON. Sows were weighed on days 1 and 21 of lactation and piglets on days 1, 4, 8, 14, 18, and 21 of lactation. Nitrogen retention was measured for 48 or 72 h between days 4 and 8 (early) and days 14 and 18 (peak) of lactation. Sow BW change and ADFI did not differ between diets. Litter growth rate (LGR) during early lactation did not differ between diets. At peak lactation, LGR was higher in sows fed OPT compared with CON (P < 0.05) and lower in sows fed OPTLEU compared with OPT (P < 0.05). In early and peak lactation, total N retention, and milk N output efficiency were greater in OPT (P < 0.01) and OPTLEU (P < 0.05) than CON. Compared with CON, overall biological efficiency of N, Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Phe, and Trp were greater (P < 0.05), whereas those of Lys, Met, Thr, and Val did not differ in sows fed OPT and OPTLEU, except for Leu which did not differ between OPTLEU and CON. Compared with OPT, only Leu and Met efficiency were lower (P < 0.01) and tended to be lower (P = 0.10), respectively, in sows fed OPTLEU. Reducing CP with a NIAA profile to attain the minimum Leu requirement maintained overall lactation performance, improved utilization efficiency of N, Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Phe + Tyr, and Trp for milk production, and maximized efficiency of Ile, Leu, Lys, Met + Cys, Phe + Tyr, Thr, Trp, and Val. Addition of Leu did not reduce N and EAA utilization efficiency. This study provides revised and novel maximum biological efficiency value (MBEV) for Ile (65.4), Leu (75.1), Lys (63.2), Met + Cys (78.2), Phe + Tyr (69.5), Thr (71.0), Trp (70.1), and Val (57.0). These MBEV can be used to more accurately predict the requirement for those AA during lactation.
Trissolcus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) Causes Low Levels of Parasitism in Three North American Pentatomids Under Field Conditions
Authors: Milnes Joshua M , Beers Elizabeth H
Published: August 2019

Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead), an Asian parasitoid of Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), was first detected in North America in 2014. Although testing in quarantine facilities as a candidate for classical biological control is ongoing, adventive populations have appeared in multiple sites in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Extensive laboratory testing of T. japonicus against other North American pentatomids and H. halys has revealed a higher rate of parasitism of H. halys, but not complete host specificity. However, laboratory tests are necessarily artificial, in which many host finding and acceptance cues may be circumvented. We offered sentinel egg masses of three native pentatomid (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) pest species (Chinavia hilaris (Say), Euschistus conspersus Uhler, and Chlorochroa ligata (Say)) in a field paired-host assay in an area with a well-established adventive population of T. japonicus near Vancouver, WA. Overall, 67% of the H. halys egg masses were parasitized by T. japonicus during the 2-yr study. Despite the ‘worst case’ scenario for a field test (close proximity of the paired egg masses), the rate of parasitism (% eggs producing adult wasps) on all three native species was significantly less (0.4–8%) than that on H. halys eggs (77%). The levels of successful parasitism of T. japonicus of the three species are C. hilaris > E. conspersus > C. ligata. The potential impact of T. japonicus on these pentatomids is probably minimal.
MicroRNA Gene Regulation in Extremely Young and Parallel Adaptive Radiations of Crater Lake Cichlid Fish
Authors: Franchini Paolo , Xiong Peiwen , Fruciano Carmelo , Schneider Ralf F , Woltering Joost M , Hulsey Christopher Darrin , Meyer Axel
Published: August 2019

Cichlid fishes provide textbook examples of explosive phenotypic diversification and sympatric speciation, thereby making them ideal systems for studying the molecular mechanisms underlying rapid lineage divergence. Despite the fact that gene regulation provides a critical link between diversification in gene function and speciation, many genomic regulatory mechanisms such as microRNAs (miRNAs) have received little attention in these rapidly diversifying groups. Therefore, we investigated the posttranscriptional regulatory role of miRNAs in the repeated sympatric divergence of Midas cichlids (Amphilophus spp.) from Nicaraguan crater lakes. Using miRNA and mRNA sequencing of embryos from five Midas species, we first identified miRNA binding sites in mRNAs and highlighted the presences of a surprising number of novel miRNAs in these adaptively radiating species. Then, through analyses of expression levels, we identified putative miRNA/gene target pairs with negatively correlated expression level that were consistent with the role of miRNA in downregulating mRNA. Furthermore, we determined that several miRNA/gene pairs show convergent expression patterns associated with the repeated benthic/limnetic sympatric species divergence implicating these miRNAs as potential molecular mechanisms underlying replicated sympatric divergence. Finally, as these candidate miRNA/gene pairs may play a central role in phenotypic diversification in these cichlids, we characterized the expression domains of selected miRNAs and their target genes via in situ hybridization, providing further evidence that miRNA regulation likely plays a role in the Midas cichlid adaptive radiation. These results provide support for the hypothesis that extremely quickly evolving miRNA regulation can contribute to rapid evolutionary divergence even in the presence of gene flow.
GEMME: A Simple and Fast Global Epistatic Model Predicting Mutational Effects
Authors: Laine Elodie , Karami Yasaman , Carbone Alessandra
Published: August 2019

The systematic and accurate description of protein mutational landscapes is a question of utmost importance in biology, bioengineering, and medicine. Recent progress has been achieved by leveraging on the increasing wealth of genomic data and by modeling intersite dependencies within biological sequences. However, state-of-the-art methods remain time consuming. Here, we present Global Epistatic Model for predicting Mutational Effects (GEMME) (www.lcqb.upmc.fr/GEMME), an original and fast method that predicts mutational outcomes by explicitly modeling the evolutionary history of natural sequences. This allows accounting for all positions in a sequence when estimating the effect of a given mutation. GEMME uses only a few biologically meaningful and interpretable parameters. Assessed against 50 high- and low-throughput mutational experiments, it overall performs similarly or better than existing methods. It accurately predicts the mutational landscapes of a wide range of protein families, including viral ones and, more generally, of much conserved families. Given an input alignment, it generates the full mutational landscape of a protein in a matter of minutes. It is freely available as a package and a webserver at www.lcqb.upmc.fr/GEMME/.
Ularcirc: visualization and enhanced analysis of circular RNAs via back and canonical forward splicing
Authors: Humphreys David T , Fossat Nicolas , Demuth Madeleine , Tam Patrick P L , Ho Joshua W K
Published: August 2019

Circular RNAs (circRNA) are a unique class of transcripts that can only be identified from sequence alignments spanning discordant junctions, commonly referred to as backsplice junctions (BSJ). Canonical splicing is also linked with circRNA biogenesis either from the parental transcript or internal to the circRNA, and is not fully utilized in circRNA software. Here we present Ularcirc, a software tool that integrates the visualization of both BSJ and forward splicing junctions and provides downstream analysis of selected circRNA candidates. Ularcirc utilizes the output of CIRI, circExplorer, or raw chimeric output of the STAR aligner and assembles BSJ count table to allow multi-sample analysis. We used Ularcirc to identify and characterize circRNA from public and in-house generated data sets and demonstrate how it can be used to (i) discover novel splicing patterns of parental transcripts, (ii) detect internal splicing patterns of circRNA, and (iii) reveal the complexity of BSJ formation. Furthermore, we identify circRNA that have potential open reading frames longer than their linear sequence. Finally, we detected and validated the presence of a novel class of circRNA generated from ApoA4 transcripts whose BSJ derive from multiple non-canonical splicing sites within coding exons. Ularcirc is accessed via https://github.com/VCCRI/Ularcirc.
Varicella Virus Vaccine Live: A 22-Year Review of Postmarketing Safety Data
Authors: Woodward Meredith , Marko Ann , Galea Susan , Eagel Barry , Straus Walter
Published: August 2019

Background

Varicella, a contagious infectious disease caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV), can result in hospitalization and, occasionally, death. Varicella virus vaccine live (VVVL [VARIVAX]) was introduced in the United States in 1995.

Methods

This comprehensive review of the VVVL safety profile is based on 22 years of postmarketing adverse event (AE) data received through spontaneous and noninterventional study reports submitted by health care providers and on a review of the published literature (cumulatively from March 17, 1995, through March 16, 2017, during which period >212 million doses were distributed globally).

Results

The VVVL safety profile was consistent with previous publications, with common AEs including varicella, rash, and pyrexia. AE reports have decreased over time, from ~500 per million doses in 1995 to ~40 per million doses in 2016; serious AEs comprise 0.8 reports per million doses. Secondary transmission was rare (8 confirmed cases); polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that 38 of the 66 reported potential secondary transmission cases of varicella were attributable to wild-type VZV. The prevalence of major birth defects in the Pregnancy Registry was similar to that in the general US population. In total, 86 cases of death were reported after vaccination with VVVL; immunocompromised individuals appeared to be most at risk for a fatal varicella- or herpes zoster–related outcome.

Conclusions

This comprehensive 22-year review confirms the overall safety profile for VVVL, with no new safety concerns identified. Since VVVL’s introduction in 1995, notable declines in varicella cases and in varicella-related deaths have occurred compared with the prevaccination period.
Detection and Concentration of Plasma Aflatoxin Is Associated With Detection of Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus in Kenyan Women
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Orang’o Omenge , Tonui Philip , Tong Yan , Maina Titus , Kiptoo Stephen , Muthoka Katpen , Groopman John , Smith Joshua , Madeen Erin , Ermel Aaron , Loehrer Patrick , Brown Darron R
Published: August 2019

Background

Cervical cancer is common in Kenyan women. Cofactors in addition to infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) are likely to be important in causing cervical cancer, because only a small percentage of HPV-infected women will develop this malignancy. Kenyan women are exposed to dietary aflatoxin, a potent carcinogen and immunosuppressive agent, which may be such a cofactor.

Methods

Demographics, behavioral data, plasma, and cervical swabs were collected from 88 human immunodeficiency virus-uninfected Kenyan women without cervical dysplasia. Human papillomavirus detection was compared between women with or without plasma aflatoxin B1-lysine (AFB1-lys) and evaluated in relation to AFB1-lys concentration.

Results

Valid HPV testing results were available for 86 women (mean age 34.0 years); 49 women (57.0%) had AFB1-lys detected and 37 (43.0%) had none. The AFB1-lys detection was not associated with age, being married, having more than secondary school education, home ownership, living at a walking distance to healthcare ≥60 minutes, number of lifetime sex partners, or age of first sex. The AFB1-lys detection and plasma concentrations were associated with detection of oncogenic HPV types.

Conclusions

The AFB1-lys positivity and higher plasma AFB1-lys concentrations were associated with higher risk of oncogenic HPV detection in cervical samples from Kenya women. Further studies are needed to determine whether aflatoxin interacts with HPV in a synergistic manner to increase the risk of cervical cancer.
Lower Crustal Heterogeneity and Fractional Crystallization Control Evolution of Small-volume Magma Batches at Ocean Island Volcanoes (Ascension Island, South Atlantic)
Authors: Chamberlain K J , Barclay J , Preece K J , Brown R J , Davidson J P
Published: August 2019

Ocean island volcanoes erupt a wide range of magmatic compositions via a diverse range of eruptive styles. Understanding where and how these melts evolve is thus an essential component in the anticipation of future volcanic activity. Here we examine the role of crustal structure and magmatic flux in controlling the location, evolution and ultimately composition of melts at Ascension Island. Located in the South Atlantic, Ascension Island is an ocean island volcano that has produced a continuum of eruptive compositions from basalt to rhyolite in its 1 Myr subaerial eruptive history. Volcanic rocks broadly follow a silica-undersaturated subalkaline evolutionary trend, and new data presented here show a continuous compositional trend from basalt through trachyte to rhyolite. Detailed petrographic observations are combined with in situ geochemical analyses of crystals and glass, and new whole-rock major and trace element data from mafic and felsic pyroclastic and effusive deposits that span the entire range in eruptive ages and compositions found on Ascension Island. These data show that extensive fractional crystallization is the main driver for the production of felsic melts for Ascension Island, a volcano built on thin, young, oceanic crust. Strong spatial variations in the compositions of erupted magmas reveal the role of a heterogeneous lower crust; differing degrees of interaction with a zone of plutonic rocks are responsible for the range in mafic lava compositions, and for the formation of the central and eastern felsic complexes. A central core of nested, small-scale plutonic, or mush-like, bodies inhibits the ascent of mafic magmas, allowing sequential fractional crystallization within the lower crust, and generating felsic magmas in the core of the island. There is no evidence for magma mixing preserved in any of the studied eruptions, suggesting that magma storage regions are transient, and material is not recycled between eruptions.
Smoking Is Associated with Pain in All Body Regions, with Greatest Influence on Spinal Pain
Authors: Smuck Matthew , Schneider Byron J , Ehsanian Reza , Martin Elizabeth , Kao Ming-Chih J
Published: August 2019

Objective

Examine the interrelationship between smoking and pain in the US population.

Design

A cross-sectional population-based study.

Setting

Nationwide survey.

Methods

Comprehensive pain reports categorically defined as head, spine, trunk, and limb pain; smoking history; demographics; medical history from a total of 2,307 subjects from the 2003–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey obtained from the Centers for Disease Control were analyzed. Unpaired t tests were used to analyze independent continuous variables, and chi-square tests were used to analyze categorical variables between smoker and nonsmoker groups. Weighted multivariate logistic regression analyses determined the association of current smoking with the presence of pain in various body regions.

Results

Smoking is most strongly associated with spine pain (odds ratio [OR] = 2.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.21–3.77), followed by headache (OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.73–3.53), trunk pain (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.45–2.74), and limb pain (OR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.45–2.73).

Conclusions

Current smoking is associated with pain in every region of the body. This association is strongest for spine and head pain. Given that pain is a strong motivator and that current smoking was associated with pain in all body regions, we recommend that these results be used to further raise public awareness about the potential harms of smoking.
Joint microwave radiometry for inflammatory arthritis assessment
Authors: Laskari Katerina , Pentazos George , Pitsilka Despina , Raftakis John , Konstantonis George , Toutouzas Konstantinos , Siores Elias , Tektonidou Maria , Sfikakis Petros P
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Increased in-depth joint temperature measured by the rapid, easy-to-perform microwave radiometry (MWR) method may reflect inflammation, even in the absence of clinical signs. We hypothesized that MWR is useful for RA and spondyloarthritis patients’ assessment.

Methods

Clinical examination, joint ultrasound and/or MRI and MWR were performed in two independent patient–control cohorts (n = 243).

Results

Among single RA joints MWR performed best in the knee using ultrasound as reference, with 75% sensitivity–73% specificity for grey-scale synovitis score ⩾2, and 80% sensitivity–82% specificity for power Doppler positivity. A stronger agreement was evident between increased knee relative temperature (Δt) and power Doppler positivity (82%) than with clinical examination (76%). In a different patient cohort with painful knees, a knee Δt ⩽0.2 predicted power Doppler positivity with 100% positive and negative predictive values. A thermo-score summing 10 Δt values of three large and seven small RA joints (elbow, knee, ankle, wrist, four hand and two foot joints of the clinically dominant arm or hand and leg or foot) correlated with ultrasound scores of synovitis/tenosynovitis (all P < 0.001) and the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) (P = 0.004). The agreement of the thermo-score with ultrasound-defined joint inflammation (82%) was stronger than with DAS28 (64%). The thermo-score improved significantly after 90 days of treatment in patients with active RA at baseline (P = 0.004). Using MRI as reference, Δt of sacroiliac joints could discriminate between spondyloarthritis patients with or without sacroiliitis with 78% sensitivity–74% specificity.

Conclusion

In-depth increased MWR-derived joint temperature reflects both subclinical and clinically overt inflammation and may serve as a biomarker in arthritis.
Postprandial activation of leukocyte‐endothelium interaction by fatty acids in the visceral adipose tissue microcirculation
Authors: Preston Kyle J. , Rom Inna , Vrakas Christine , Landesberg Gavin , Etwebi Zienab , Muraoka Sanae , Autieri Michael , Eguchi Satoru , Scalia Rosario
Published: August 2019

High‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity is associated with accumulation of inflammatory cells predominantly in visceral adipose depots [visceral adipose tissue (VAT)] rather than in subcutaneous ones [subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT)]. The cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for this phenotypic difference remain poorly understood. Controversy also exists on the overall impact that adipose tissue inflammation has on metabolic health in diet‐induced obesity. The endothelium of the microcirculation regulates both the transport of lipids and the trafficking of leukocytes into organ tissue. We hypothesized that the VAT and SAT microcirculations respond differently to postprandial processing of dietary fat. We also tested whether inhibition of endothelial postprandial responses to high‐fat meals (HFMs) preserves metabolic health in chronic obesity. We demonstrate that administration of a single HFM or ad libitum access to a HFD for 24 h quickly induces a transient P‐selectin‐dependent inflammatory phenotype in the VAT but not the SAT microcirculation of lean wild‐type mice. Studies in P‐selectin‐deficient mice confirmed a mechanistic role for P‐selectin in the initiation of leukocyte trafficking, myeloperoxidase accumulation, and acute reduction in adiponectin mRNA expression by HFMs. Despite reduced VAT inflammation in response to HFMs, P‐selectin‐deficient mice still developed glucose intolerance and insulin resistance when chronically fed an HFD. Our data uncover a novel nutrient‐sensing role of the vascular endothelium that instigates postprandial VAT inflammation. They also demonstrate that inhibition of this transient postprandial inflammatory response fails to correct metabolic dysfunction in diet‐induced obesity.—Preston, K. J., Rom, I., Vrakas, C., Landesberg, G., Etwebe, Z., Muraoka, S., Autieri, M., Eguchi, S., Scalia, R. Postprandial activation of leukocyte‐endothelium interaction by fatty acids in the visceral adipose tissue microcirculation. FASEB J. 33, 11993‐12007 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Randomized Clinical Trial of Intravenous Versus Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Plus Bevacizumab in Advanced Ovarian Carcinoma: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group Study
Authors: Walker Joan L. , Brady Mark F. , Wenzel Lari , Fleming Gini F. , Huang Helen Q. , DiSilvestro Paul A. , Fujiwara Keiichi , Alberts David S. , Zheng Wenxin , Tewari Krishnansu S. , Cohn David E. , Powell Matthew A. , Van Le Linda , Davidson Susan A. , Gray Heidi J. , Rose Peter G. , Aghajanian Carol , Myers Tashanna , Secord Angeles Alvarez , Rubin Stephen C. , Mannel Robert S.
Published: August 2019

(Abstracted from J Clin Oncol 2019;37:1380–1390)

The Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) protocol 172 demonstrated a median survival of 127.6 months with an intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy regimen compared with 82 months with an intravenous (IV) cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimen in women with stage 3 ovarian cancer and surgically resected disease. These findings represented an advancement in IP chemotherapy efficacy in ovarian cancer, although several phase 1 studies have concurrently found significant toxicity secondary to IP chemotherapy.
Effect of Postoperative Partial Bladder Filling After Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy on Postanesthesia Care Unit Discharge and Cost: A Single-blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Moawad Gaby , Tyan Paul , Marfori Cherie , Abi Khalil Elias , Park Daniel
Published: August 2019

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019;220:367.e1–367.e7)

Hysterectomy—one of the most common surgical procedures performed each year in the United States—has substantial related health care costs, more than US $5 billion. In 2010, it was estimated that upward of 430,000 patients received a hysterectomy, with 40% performed laparoscopically and close to half discharged the same day of surgery.
Maternal Complications Following Open and Fetoscopic Fetal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Sacco Adalina , Van der Veeken Lennart , Bagshaw Emma , Ferguson Catherine , Van Mieghem Tim , David Anna L. , Deprest Jan
Published: August 2019

(Abstracted from Prenat Diagn 2019;39(4):251–268)

Fetal therapy options have expanded, and surgery on the fetus, placenta, or cord is now relatively common in tertiary-level fetal medicine units. Fetal therapy is almost exclusively offered to mothers who are healthy themselves, yet fetal surgery poses risks to the mother not only during the procedure itself but also during the remainder of the index pregnancy, potentially during any future pregnancies and throughout the woman's entire life.
Medically Assisted Reproduction and Birth Outcomes: A Within-Family Analysis Using Finnish Population Registers
Authors: Goisis Alice , Remes Hanna , Martikainen Pekka , Klemetti Reija , Myrskylä Mikko
Published: August 2019

(Abstracted from Lancet 2019;393:1225–1232)

Medically assisted reproduction—that is, reproduction brought about through treatments such as ovulation induction, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), or intracytoplasmic sperm injection with fresh or frozen embryo transfer—has resulted in the birth of more than 5 million children. Although previous studies have consistently found that children born after medically assisted reproduction have worse perinatal outcomes than do children who were conceived naturally, the mechanisms underlying this association are not fully understood.
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at Five Years After Early-Onset Fetal Growth Restriction: Analyses in a Dutch Subgroup Participating in a European Management Trial
Authors: Pels A. , Knaven O. C. , Wijnberg-Williams B. J. , Eijsermans M. J. C. , Mulder-de Tollenaer S. M. , Aarnoudse-Moens C. S. H. , Koopman-Esseboom C. , van Eyck J. , Derks J. B. , Ganzevoort W. , van Wassenaer-Leemhuis A. G.
Published: August 2019

(Abstracted from Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2019;234:63–70)

Uteroplacental insufficiency is the most common cause of fetal growth restriction (FGR), with potentially critical consequences for both the mother and fetus. Definitions of uteroplacental insufficiency vary between an antenatal diagnosis reflecting the placental dysfunction and a postnatal diagnosis based on birth weight.
Posterior Malleolar Fracture Morphology in Tibial Shaft Versus Rotational Ankle Fractures: The Significance of the Computed Tomography Scan
Authors: Kellam Patrick J. , Haller Justin M. , Rothberg David L. , Higgins Thomas F. , Marchand Lucas S.
Published: August 2019

Objective:

To compare posterior malleolar fracture morphology in ankle fractures compared with those with tibial shaft fractures.

Setting:

Level 1 trauma center.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Patients/Participants:

Fifty-four patients with tibial shaft fractures and 61 patients with ankle fractures.

Main Outcome Measurements:

Posterior malleolar fractures in ankle fractures versus tibial shaft fractures were classified by type and pathomorphology analyzed.

Results:

Posterior malleolar fractures were significantly larger when associated with tibial shaft fractures (32% cross-sectional area) as compared to ankle fractures (15% cross-sectional area) (P < 0.001). The distribution of posterior malleolar fracture type differed between tibial shaft fractures and ankle fractures. In addition, 47% of the type II posterior malleolar fractures in tibial shaft fractures had an additional fracture line oriented in the sagittal plane, a fracture pattern unique to these injuries that were not observed in the ankle fracture cohort.

Conclusions:

Posterior malleolar fracture morphology varied significantly between tibial shaft fractures and rotational ankle fractures. Posterior malleolar fractures in tibial shaft fractures were over twice the size of posterior malleolar fractures that occur with rotational ankle fractures and more likely to involved the medial malleolus. This information emphasizes the importance of recognizing that large posterior malleolar fractures are associated with tibial shaft fractures.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
National Trends in Timing of Death Among Patients With Septic Shock, 1994–2014
Authors: Law Anica C. , Stevens Jennifer P. , Walkey Allan J.
Published: August 2019

Objectives:

To assess trends in timing of mortality among patients with septic shock.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project’s National Inpatient Sample, 1994–2014.

Patients:

Hospitalized adults (≥ 18 yr) with International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition, Clinical Modification codes consistent with septic shock; secondary analysis: adults with International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition, Clinical Modification codes consistent with acute respiratory failure receiving invasive mechanical ventilation and patients with both septic shock and acute respiratory failure receiving invasive mechanical ventilation.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

From 1994 to 2014, 48-hour mortality rates decreased among patients with septic shock (21.2% to 10.8%) and septic shock with acute respiratory failure receiving invasive mechanical ventilation (19.1% to 13.4%) but increased among patients with acute respiratory failure receiving invasive mechanical ventilation (7.9% to 9.8%; p value for all trends, < 0.001). Three-to-14-day mortality decreased among patients with septic shock (22.1% to 15.5%), septic shock with acute respiratory failure receiving invasive mechanical ventilation (28.7% to 22.4%) and acute respiratory failure receiving invasive mechanical ventilation (16.8% to 15.0%; p value for all trends, < 0.001). Mortality after 14 days decreased among all groups (septic shock: 12.6% to 6.7%; septic shock with acute respiratory failure receiving invasive mechanical ventilation: 20.3% to 11.3%; and acute respiratory failure receiving invasive mechanical ventilation: 12.7% to 5.8%; p value for all trends, < 0.001). Cox proportional hazard ratio for declining risk in mortality per year (adjusted for patient and hospital characteristics) was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.96–0.96) for septic shock, 0.97 (0.97–0.97) for acute respiratory failure receiving invasive mechanical ventilation and septic shock, and 0.99 (0.99–0.99) for acute respiratory failure receiving invasive mechanical ventilation.

Conclusions:

Septic shock 48-hour, 3–14-day and greater than 14-day mortality declined markedly over two decades; in contrast, patients with acute respiratory failure only experienced marked decreases in greater than 14-day in-hospital mortality rates.
Infectious Endocarditis After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Kuttamperoor Francis , Yandrapalli Srikanth , Siddhamsetti Sisir , Frishman William H. , Tang Gilbert H. L.
Published: August 2019

With the expansion of the indications of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), it is being increasingly performed in older patients with aortic stenosis to improve their quality of life. However, TAVR is not without serious complications. Despite being infrequent, prosthetic valve endocarditis after TAVR is a deadly complication associated with high rates of mortality related to a delayed diagnosis from variable clinical presentations and nonconfirmatory imaging findings. Furthermore, lower intervention rates in these patients, due to their high surgical risk, increases overall mortality. Clinicians should be aware of the differences in presentation and postprocedural anatomical considerations that delay the diagnosis of infectious endocarditis post TAVR. Studies evaluating the role of the procedural setting, implant and access type, and periprocedural antibiotic prophylaxis on the development of prosthetic valve endocarditis, and consensus guidelines that address the appropriate diagnosis and management of prosthetic valve endocarditis after TAVR, are needed.
Treatment of Hypertrophic Granulation Tissue: A Literature Review
Authors: Hirotsu Kelsey , Kannan Swati , Brian Jiang Shang I
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic granulation tissue (HGT) is an uncommon but a frustrating complication of wound healing. Given its low prevalence and often refractory nature, many treatment options have been explored.

OBJECTIVE

No comprehensive review exists on HGT management in dermatology literature; thus, the authors hope to compile a review of available treatments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An exhaustive key word search of 3 databases was performed for treatment of HGT. Results from these reports were summarized in this review.

RESULTS

Methods of treatment included silver nitrate, topical steroids (n = 11), intralesional steroids (n = 55), steroid tape (n = 25), surgical removal, polyurethane foam dressing (n = 32), and pulsed-dye laser (n = 13).

CONCLUSION

With all treatment methods, the cases and studies reported varying degrees of successful treatment with HGT reduction. Given the lack of published literature, it remains unknown whether the initial injury preceding HGT formation determines treatment modality success. For HGT refractory to silver nitrate, choice of treatment depends on accessibility, ease of use, cost, and location of the wound. Intralesional and topical steroids should both be considered. Polyurethane foam can be considered an adjunct treatment. If resources allow, laser treatment should also be considered.