bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do pancrelipase delayed‐release capsules have a protective role against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease after pancreatoduodenectomy in patients with pancreatic cancer? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Satoi Sohei , Sho Masayuki , Yanagimoto Hiroaki , Yamamoto Tomohisa , Akahori Takahiro , Kinoshita Shoichi , Nagai Minako , Hirooka Satoshi , Yamaki So , Nishiwada Satoshi , Ryota Hironori , Ikeda Naoya , Nakajima Yoshiyuki , Kon Masanori
Published: January 2016

Background

The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to investigate whether pancrelipase protects against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development after pancreatoduodenectomy in patients with pancreatic cancer better than conventional pancreatic enzyme supplementation.

Methods

A total of 57 patients were randomly assigned to the study group (n = 29; pancrelipase replacement therapy) or the control group (n = 28; conventional pancreatic enzyme supplementation). NAFLD was defined as a liver‐to‐spleen attenuation ratio less than 0.9 on CT. Clinical and laboratory findings were also assessed.

Results

NAFLD was observed in 6/29 patients (21%) in the study group, and 11/28 patients (39%) in the control group, but this was not a statistically significant difference. In the control group, crossover to pancrelipase replacement therapy upon NAFLD diagnosis produced improvement in five out of 10 patients. Multivariate analysis showed that advanced age and extended resection were independent risk factors for NAFLD development.

Conclusion

This RCT did not show a significant protective effect of pancrelipase replacement therapy over conventional pancreatic enzyme supplementation on NAFLD development after pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer. Further studies are clearly required to investigate the etiology of and new therapeutic strategies for treatment‐resistant NAFLD (UMIN 000019817).
Synthesis, PM3‐Semiempirical, and Biological Evaluation of Pyrazolo[4,3‐c]quinolinones
Authors: Hamama Wafaa S. , Hassanien Alaa E. , El‐Fedawy Manal G. , Zoorob Hanafi H.
Published: January 2016

A series of α,β‐unsaturated ketones containing quinolone moieties 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 were synthesized by condensation of 7‐methoxyquinoline‐2,4(1H,3H)‐dione (1) with different aryl aldehydes. Pyrazole derivatives 8, 9, 10, 11 were also synthesized via refluxing of α,β‐unsaturated ketones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 with hydrazine derivatives. Newly synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, spectral data, and screened for their antioxidant and antitumor activities. Geometrical optimizations of the molecular structures for different synthesized compounds were studied.
Antibody humanization by molecular dynamics simulations—in‐silico guided selection of critical backmutations
Authors: Margreitter Christian , Mayrhofer Patrick , Kunert Renate , Oostenbrink Chris
Published: January 2016

Monoclonal antibodies represent the fastest growing class of biotherapeutic proteins. However, as they are often initially derived from rodent organisms, there is a severe risk of immunogenic reactions, hampering their applicability. The humanization of these antibodies remains a challenging task in the context of rational drug design. “Superhumanization” describes the direct transfer of the complementarity determining regions to a human germline framework, but this humanization approach often results in loss of binding affinity. In this study, we present a new approach for predicting promising backmutation sites using molecular dynamics simulations of the model antibody Ab2/3H6. The simulation method was developed in close conjunction with novel specificity experiments. Binding properties of mAb variants were evaluated directly from crude supernatants and confirmed using established binding affinity assays for purified antibodies. Our approach provides access to the dynamical features of the actual binding sites of an antibody, based solely on the antibody sequence. Thus we do not need structural data on the antibody–antigen complex and circumvent cumbersome methods to assess binding affinities. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Molecular Recognition Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Enzymatic recycling of ascorbic acid from dehydroascorbic acid by glutathione‐like peptides in the extracellular loops of aminergic G‐protein coupled receptors
Authors: Root‐Bernstein Robert , Fewins Jenna , Rhinesmith Tyler , Koch Ariana , Dillon Patrick F.
Published: January 2016

The intracellular recycling of ascorbic acid from dehydroascorbic acid by the glutathione–glutathione reductase system has been well‐characterized. We propose that extracellular recycling of ascorbic acid is performed in a similar manner by cysteine‐rich, glutathione‐like regions of the first and second extracellular loops of some aminergic receptors including adrenergic, histaminergic, and dopaminergic receptors. Previous research in our laboratory demonstrated that ascorbic acid binds to these receptors at a site on their first or second extracellular loops, significantly enhancing ligand activity, and apparently recycling hundreds of times their own concentration of ascorbate in an enzymatic fashion. In this study, we have synthesized 25 peptides from the first and second extracellular loops of aminergic and insulin receptors and compared them directly to glutathione for their ability to prevent the oxidation of ascorbate and to regenerate ascorbate from dehydroascorbic acid. Peptide sequences that mimic glutathione in containing a cysteine and a glutamic acid‐like amino acid also mimic glutathione activity in effects and in kinetics. Some (but not all) peptide sequences that contain one or more methionines instead of cysteine can significantly retard the oxidation of ascorbic acid but do not recycle it from dehydroascorbate into ascorbate. Peptides lacking both cysteines and methionines uniformly failed to alter significantly ascorbate or dehydroascorbate oxidation or reduction. We believe that this is the first proof that receptors may carry out both ligand binding and enzymatic activity extracellularly. Our results suggest the existence of a previously unknown extracellular system for recycling ascorbate. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolic voxel‐based analysis of the complete human brain using fast 3D‐MRSI: Proof of concept in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Donadieu Maxime , Le Fur Yann , Lecocq Angèle , Maudsley Andrew A. , Gherib Soraya , Soulier Elisabeth , Confort‐Gouny Sylviane , Pariollaud Fanelly , Ranjeva Marie‐Pierre , Pelletier Jean , Guye Maxime , Zaaraoui Wafaa , Audoin Bertrand , Ranjeva Jean‐Philippe
Published: January 2016

Purpose

To detect local metabolic abnormalities over the complete human brain in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, we used optimized fast volumic echo planar spectroscopic imaging (3D‐EPSI).

Materials and Methods

Weighted mean combination of two 3D‐EPSI covering the whole brain acquired at 3T in AC‐PC and AC‐PC+15° axial planes was performed to obtain high‐quality metabolite maps for five metabolites: N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA), glutamate+glutamine (Glx), choline (Cho), myo‐inositol (m‐Ins), and creatine+phosphocreatine (tCr). After spatial normalization, maps from 19 patients suffering from relapsing‐remitting MS were compared to 19 matched controls using statistical mapping analyses to determine the topography of metabolic abnormalities. Probabilistic white matter (WM) T2 lesion maps and gray matter (GM) atrophy maps were also generated.

Results

Two‐group analysis of variance (ANOVA) (SPM8, P < 0.005, false discovery rate [FDR]‐corrected P < 0.05 at the cluster level with age and sex as confounding covariates) comparing patients and controls matched for age and sex showed clusters of abnormal metabolite levels with 1) decreased NAA (around –15%) and Glx (around 20%) predominantly in GM within prefrontal cortices, motor cortices, bilateral thalami, and mesial temporal cortices in line with neuronal/neuro‐astrocytic dysfunction; 2) increased m‐Ins (around + 20%) inside WM T2 lesions and in the normal‐appearing WM of temporal‐occipital lobes, suggesting glial activation.

Conclusion

We demonstrate the ability to noninvasively map over the complete brain—from vertex to cerebellum—with a validated sequence, the metabolic abnormalities associated with MS, for characterizing the topography of pathological processes affecting widespread areas of WM and GM and its functional impact. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:411–419.
Neuroelectrophysiological approaches in heroin addiction research: A review of literatures
Authors: Motlagh Farid , Ibrahim Fatimah , Menke J. Michael , Rashid Rusdi , Seghatoleslam Tahereh , Habil Hussain
Published: January 2016

Neuroelectrophysiological properties have been used in human heroin addiction studies. These studies vary in their approach, experimental conditions, paradigms, and outcomes. However, it is essential to integrate previous findings and experimental methods for a better demonstration of current issues and challenges in designing such studies. This Review examines methodologies and experimental conditions of neuroelectrophysiological research among heroin addicts during withdrawal, abstinence, and methadone maintenance treatment and presents the findings. The results show decrements in attentional processing and dysfunctions in brain response inhibition as well as brain activity abnormalities induced by chronic heroin abuse. Chronic heroin addiction causes increased β and α2 power activity, latency of P300 and P600, and diminished P300 and P600 amplitude. Findings confirm that electroencephalography (EEG) band power and coherence are associated with craving indices and heroin abuse history. First symptoms of withdrawal can be seen in high‐frequency EEG bands, and the severity of these symptoms is associated with brain functional connectivity. EEG spectral changes and event‐related potential (ERP) properties have been shown to be associated with abstinence length and tend to normalize within 3–6 months of abstinence. From the conflicting criteria and confounding effects in neuroelectrophysiological studies, the authors suggest a comprehensive longitudinal study with a multimethod approach for monitoring EEG and ERP attributes of heroin addicts from early stages of withdrawal until long‐term abstinence to control the confounding effects, such as nicotine abuse and other comorbid and premorbid conditions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isolation of a lytic bacteriophage against virulent Aeromonas hydrophila from an organized equine farm
Authors: Anand Taruna , Vaid Rajesh Kumar , Bera Bidhan Ch. , Singh Jitender , Barua Sanjay , Virmani Nitin , K. Rajukumar , Yadav Neeraj Kumar , Nagar Dinesh , Singh Raj K. , Tripathi B.N.
Published: January 2016

A bacteriophage (VTCCBPA6) against a pathogenic strain of Aeromonas hydrophila was isolated from the sewage of an organized equine breeding farm. On the basis of TEM analysis, phage belonged to family Myoviridae. PCR amplification and sequence analysis of gp23 gene (encoding for major capsid protein) revealed phylogenetic resemblance to T4 like virus genus. Protein profiling by SDS‐PAGE also indicated its resemblance to T4 like phage group. However, the comparison of its gp23 gene sequence with previously reported phages showed similarity with T4‐like phages infecting Enterobacteriaceae instead of Aeromonas spp. Thus, to our knowledge, this report points toward the fact that a novel/evolved phage might exist in equine environment against A. hydrophila, which can be potentially used as a biocontrol agent.
Mechanical assessment of the effects of metastatic lytic defect on the structural response of human thoracolumbar spine
Authors: Alkalay Ron N. , Harrigan Timothy P.
Published: January 2016

To investigate the effects of a clinical lytic defect on the structural response of human thoracolumbar functional spinal unit. A novel CT‐compatible mechanical test system was used to image the deformation of a T12‐L1 motion segment and measure the change in strain response under compressive loads ranging from 50 to 750 N. A lytic lesion (LM) with cortex involvement (33% by volume) was introduced to the upper vertebral body and the CT experiments were repeated. Finite element models, established from the CT volumes, were used to investigate the defect's effects on the structural response and the state of principal and shear stresses within the affected and adjacent vertebrae. The lytic lesion resulted in severe loss of the vertebral structural competence, resulting in significant, non‐linear, and asymmetric increase in the experimentally measured strains and computed stresses within both vertebrae (p < 0.01). At the cortex, the tensile strains were significantly increased, while compressive strains significantly decreased, (p < 0.05). Both the vertebral bone and cortex regions adjacent to the defect showed significant increase in computed compressive, tensile, and shear stresses (p < 0.01). Changes in stress and strain distribution within the affected and adjacent vertebral bone and the experimentally observed bulging and buckling of the vertebral cortices suggested that initiation of catastrophic vertebral failure may occur under load magnitudes encountered in daily living. Although the effect of LM on the global deformation of the spine was well‐predicted, our results show that FE predictions of local strain changes must be carefully assessed for clinical relevance. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1808–1819, 2016.
Tetrandrine suppresses articular inflammatory response by inhibiting pro‐inflammatory factors via NF‐κB inactivation
Authors: Gao Li‐Na , Feng Qi‐Shuai , Zhang Xin‐Fang , Wang Qiang‐Song , Cui Yuan‐Lu
Published: January 2016

Targeting activated macrophages using anti‐inflammatory phytopharmaceuticals has been proposed as general therapeutic approaches for rheumatic diseases. Besides macrophages, chondrocytes are another promising target of anti‐inflammatory agents. Tetrandrine is a major bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Stephania tetrandrae S. Moore which has been used for 2,000 years as an antirheumatic herbal drug in China. Although, the anti‐inflammatory effect of tetrandrine has been demonstrated, the mechanism has not been clearly clarified. In this study, we designed a comprehensive anti‐inflammatory evaluation system for tetrandrine, including complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)‐induced arthritis rat, LPS‐induced macrophage RAW 264.7 cells, and chondrogenic ATDC5 cells. The results showed that tetrandrine alleviated CFA‐induced foot swelling, synovial inflammation, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines secretion. Tetrandrine could inhibit IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α expression via blocking the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB p65 in LPS‐induced RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, ATDC5 cells well responded to LPS induced pro‐inflammatory mediators secretion and tissue degradation, and tetrandrine could also inhibit the production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2, as well as the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐3 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 via inhibiting IκBα phosphorylation and degradation. In conclusion, the results showed that one of the anti‐inflammatory mechanisms of tetrandrine was inhibiting IκBα and NF‐κB p65 phosphorylation in LPS‐induced macrophage RAW 264.7 cells and chondrogenic ATDC5 cells. Moreover, we introduce a vigorous in vitro cell screening system, LPS‐induced murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells coupling chondrogenic ADTC5 cells, for screening anti‐rheumatic drugs. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1557–1568, 2016.
Response of wheat seedlings to Mn‐lignosulfonate adhered to granular NPK
Authors: Hernández‐Apaolaza Lourdes , Martín‐Ortiz Diego , Gárate Agustín
Published: January 2016

Manganese (Mn) deficiency is a widespread crop micronutrient disorder. The aim of this work was to evaluate two NPK fertilizers coated with Mn that eliminate the specific labor cost for applying Mn and that allow the correction of Mn deficiency in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Two Mn sources [MnSO4 and Mn‐lignosulfonate (MnLS)] were compared as NPK coatings at doses of 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0% (w/w) in hydroponic, perlite, and soil pot cultures under growth chamber and greenhouse conditions with wheat to evaluate the effects on dry matter production and Mn concentrations. For the NPK+MnLS product, 52–63% of the total Mn remained in solution at calcareous conditions. However, the NPK+MnSO4 product was able to maintain only 14–25% of the total Mn added in solution. As expected, the MnLS product resulted in higher Mn concentrations in shoots than the MnSO4 product due to the Mn complexation by lignosulfonate which preserved Mn from precipitation and maintained it available for plants. In the experiment with perlite as growth substrate, at low Mn dose (0.1% Mn) a similar Mn concentration in wheat shoots was found (57 mg kg−1 DW for the MnSO4 coating versus 72 mg kg−1 DW for MnLS coating), but at the highest dose (1.0% Mn) the NPK+MnLS showed a significant increase in shoot Mn concentration (167 versus 132 mg kg−1 DW). Soil application of coated NPK products showed similar Mn concentrations in shoots with both Mn sources (29–37 mg kg−1 DW), except for the NPK+MnSO4 (0.1%) treatment (only 18 mg kg−1 DW). Based on the recommended Fe/Mn values (Fe : Mn ratio = 1.5–2.5) given in the literature for plants with a correct nutrition, only the NPK+MnLS (0.3%) fulfilled this ratio (Fe : Mn = 2.5).
Intensification of Southern Hemisphere westerly winds 2000–1000 years ago: evidence from the subantarctic Campbell and Auckland Islands (52–50°S)
Authors: Turney Chris S. M. , M c Glone Matt , Palmer Jonathan , Fogwill Christopher , Hogg Alan , Thomas Zoë A. , Lipson Mathew , Wilmshurst Janet M. , Fenwick Pavla , Jones Richard T. , Hines Ben , Clark Graeme F.
Published: January 2016

The Southern Ocean plays a significant role in driving global climate–ocean–carbon dynamics. Unfortunately, a relative dearth of datasets across the region limits our ability to understand past and future mechanisms of change. Here we report a new dataset from the south‐west Pacific: radiocarbon‐dated subfossil tree stumps (Dracophyllum) eroding out from peat exposures on Campbell and Auckland Islands (52–50°S). Dracophyllum are the southernmost growing trees in the south‐west Pacific and their growth on exposed sites and at altitude is strongly controlled by the prevailing westerly airflow, providing a unique measure of past changes in zonal wind strength. Here we demonstrate a significant collapse in the altitudinal limit of growth between approximately 2000 and 1000 years ago (hereafter 2–1 ka), consistent with other records across the Southern Hemisphere that indicate westerly airflow was significantly enhanced. Importantly, this period in the late Holocene was one of marked change across the broader region, suggesting westerly airflow played a key role in driving Southern Ocean variability at this time.
Detecting outlying studies in meta‐regression models using a forward search algorithm
Authors: Mavridis Dimitris , Moustaki Irini , Wall Melanie , Salanti Georgia
Published: January 2016

When considering data from many trials, it is likely that some of them present a markedly different intervention effect or exert an undue influence on the summary results. We develop a forward search algorithm for identifying outlying and influential studies in meta‐analysis models. The forward search algorithm starts by fitting the hypothesized model to a small subset of likely outlier‐free studies and proceeds by adding studies into the set one‐by‐one that are determined to be closest to the fitted model of the existing set. As each study is added to the set, plots of estimated parameters and measures of fit are monitored to identify outliers by sharp changes in the forward plots. We apply the proposed outlier detection method to two real data sets; a meta‐analysis of 26 studies that examines the effect of writing‐to‐learn interventions on academic achievement adjusting for three possible effect modifiers, and a meta‐analysis of 70 studies that compares a fluoride toothpaste treatment to placebo for preventing dental caries in children. A simple simulated example is used to illustrate the steps of the proposed methodology, and a small‐scale simulation study is conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the prebiotic effect of raw and roasted almonds (Prunus amygdalus)
Authors: Liu Zhibin , Wang Wei , Huang Guangwei , Zhang Wen , Ni Li
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

Almonds contain considerable amounts of potential prebiotic components, and the roasting process may alter these components. The aim of this study was to compare the in vitro fermentation properties and in vivo prebiotic effect of raw and roasted almonds.

RESULTS

In vitro, predigested raw and roasted almonds promoted the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus (La‐14) and Bifidobacterium breve (JCM 1192), and no significant differences were found between these two nuts. In a 4‐week animal trial, daily intake of raw or roasted almonds promoted the population of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. and inhibited the growth of Enterococcus spp. in faeces and caecal contains of rats. Compared with roasted almonds, raw almonds had a greater bifidobacteria promotion effect. Besides, significantly higher β‐galactosidase activity and lower β‐glucuronidase and azoreductase activities in faeces or caecal contents of rats were observed with raw almonds than with roasted almonds. While, in terms of metabolic effects, the ingestion of roasted almonds resulted in significantly greater intestinal lipase activities.

CONCLUSION

Both raw and roasted almonds exhibit potential prebiotic effects, including regulation of intestinal bacteria and improved metabolic activities. The roasting process may slightly reduce the prebiotic effects of almonds but significantly improve the metabolic effects.© 2016 The Authors. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Dietary burden calculations relating to fish metabolism studies
Authors: Schlechtriem Christian , Pucher Johannes , Michalski Britta
Published: January 2016

Fish farming is increasingly dependent on plant commodities as a source of feed leading to an increased risk for pesticide residues in aquaculture diets and consequently their transfer into aquaculture food products. The European pesticide regulation requires fish metabolism and fish feeding studies where residues in fish feed exceed 0.1 mg kg−1 of the total diet (dry weight basis) to enable the setting of appropriate maximum residue levels in fish commodities. Fish dietary burden calculation is therefore an important prerequisite to decide on further experimental testing as part of the consumer risk assessment. In this review, the different aquaculture production systems are compared with regard to their specific feeding practices and the principles of dietary burden calculation are described. © 2016 Fraunhofer‐Institut für Molekularbiologie und Angewandte Oekologie. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Partial least squares model and design of experiments toward the analysis of the metabolome of Jatropha gossypifolia leaves: Extraction and chromatographic fingerprint optimization
Authors: Pilon Alan Cesar , Carnevale Neto Fausto , Freire Rafael Teixeira , Cardoso Patrícia , Carneiro Renato Lajarim , Da Silva Bolzani Vanderlan , Castro‐Gamboa Ian
Published: January 2016

A major challenge in metabolomic studies is how to extract and analyze an entire metabolome. So far, no single method was able to clearly complete this task in an efficient and reproducible way. In this work we proposed a sequential strategy for the extraction and chromatographic separation of metabolites from leaves Jatropha gossypifolia using a design of experiments and partial least square model. The effect of 14 different solvents on extraction process was evaluated and an optimized separation condition on liquid chromatography was estimated considering mobile phase composition and analysis time. The initial conditions of extraction using methanol and separation in 30 min between 5 and 100% water/methanol (1:1 v/v) with 0.1% of acetic acid, 20 μL sample volume, 3.0 mL min−1 flow rate and 25°C column temperature led to 107 chromatographic peaks. After the optimization strategy using i‐propanol/chloroform (1:1 v/v) for extraction, linear gradient elution of 60 min between 5 and 100% water/(acetonitrile/methanol 68:32 v/v with 0.1% of acetic acid), 30 μL sample volume, 2.0 mL min−1 flow rate, and 30°C column temperature, we detected 140 chromatographic peaks, 30.84% more peaks compared to initial method. This is a reliable strategy using a limited number of experiments for metabolomics protocols.
Comparison of microwave‐assisted and heat reflux extraction techniques for the extraction of ten major compounds from Zibu Piyin Recipe using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Xu Huiying , Zhan Libin , Zhang Lin
Published: January 2016

Microwave‐assisted extraction and efficient ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry were previously used to quickly extract and simultaneously quantify ginsenoside Rf, Ro, and Rd, 20(S)‐ginsenoside‐Rg2, 20(R)‐ginsenoside‐Rg2, tanshinone IIA, cryptotanshinone, dihydrotanshinone I, lithospermic acid, and osthole from Zibu Piyin Recipe. We here showed that heat reflux extraction provides higher extraction efficiency of these target compounds but is more time consuming. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an Agilent ZORBAX RRHD Eclipse Plus C18 column with a gradient mobile phase consisting of water/0.5% formic acid and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min, and detection was performed by positive and negative ion multiple‐reaction monitoring mode. All analytes showed good linearity (r, 0.9989–0.9999) within the test range, with a limit of detection of 0.002–0.180 μg/mL. The overall intra‐ and interday variations of the ten compounds were ≤2.9%, and the accuracy was evaluated using a recovery test at three concentrations and was in the range 97.61–103.18% (RSD ≤ 4.25%). The analytical results showed remarkable differences in the concentrations of the ten compounds extracted from Zibu Piyin Recipe by microwave‐assisted extraction and heat reflux extraction. These findings provide important information for determining the quality of Zibu Piyin Recipe.
Children's Exposure to Violence: The Underlying Effect of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms on Behavior Problems
Authors: Yoon Susan , Steigerwald Stacey , Holmes Megan R. , Perzynski Adam T.
Published: January 2016

In this study we investigated whether witnessing violence and violence victimization were associated with children's internalizing and externalizing behavior problems and examined the mediating role of posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms in these relationships. Secondary data analysis was conducted using 3 waves of data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well‐Being. Path analyses were conducted to test direct and indirect effects of violence exposure on behavior problems, using 2,064 children (ages 8–15 years) reported to Child Protective Services for maltreatment. Being a victim of violence in the home was directly associated with more internalizing (β = .06, p = .007) and externalizing behavior problems (β = .07, p = .002), whereas witnessing violence was not directly related to either internalizing (β = .04, p = .056) or externalizing behavior problems (β = .03, p = .130). PTS symptoms mediated the effects of witnessing violence and violence victimization on internalizing behavior problems (β = .02, p = .002). Our findings suggest that PTS symptoms may be a mechanism underlying the association between violence exposure and internalizing behavior problems (R2 = .23), underscoring the potential importance of assessing PTS symptoms and providing targeted trauma‐focused interventions for children exposed to violence at home.
5‐Hz Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Comorbid Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depression
Authors: Philip Noah S. , Ridout Samuel J. , Albright Sarah E. , Sanchez George , Carpenter Linda L.
Published: January 2016

Current treatment options for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) offer modest benefits, underscoring the need for new treatments. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) depolarizes neurons in a targeted brain region with magnetic fields typically pulsed at low (1 Hz) or high (10 Hz) frequency to relieve major depressive disorder (MDD). Prior work suggests an intermediate pulse frequency, 5 Hz, is also efficacious for treating comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms. In this chart review study, we systematically examined the clinical and safety outcomes in 10 patients with comorbid MDD and PTSD syndromes who received 5‐Hz rTMS therapy at the Providence VA Medical Center Neuromodulation Clinic. Self‐report scales measured illness severity prior to treatment, after every 5 treatments, and upon completion of treatment. Results showed significant reduction in symptoms of PTSD (p = .003, effect size = 1.12, 8/10 with reliable change) and MDD (p = .005, effect size = 1.09, 6/10 with reliable change). Stimulation was well tolerated and there were no serious adverse events. These data indicate 5‐Hz rTMS may be a useful option to treat these comorbid disorders. Larger, controlled trials are needed to confirm the benefits of 5‐Hz protocols observed in this pilot study.
Intimate Partner Violence PTSD and Neural Correlates of Inhibition
Authors: Aupperle Robin L. , Stillman Ashley N. , Simmons Alan N. , Flagan Taru , Allard Carolyn B. , Thorp Steven R. , Norman Sonya B. , Paulus Martin P. , Stein Murray B.
Published: January 2016

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to deficits in response inhibition, and neuroimaging research suggests this may be due to differences in prefrontal cortex recruitment. The current study examined relationships between PTSD from intimate partner violence (IPV) and neural responses during inhibition. There were 10 women with PTSD from IPV and 12 female control subjects without trauma history who completed the stop signal task during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Linear mixed models were used to investigate group differences in activation (stop–nonstop and hard–easy trials). Those with PTSD exhibited greater differential activation to stop–nonstop trials in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the anterior insula and less differential activation in several default mode regions (d = 1.12–1.22). Subjects with PTSD exhibited less differential activation to hard–easy trials in the lateral frontal and the anterior insula regions (driven by less activation to hard trials) and several default mode regions (i.e., medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate; driven by greater activation to easy trials; d = 1.23–1.76). PTSD was associated with difficulties disengaging default mode regions during cognitive tasks with relatively low cognitive demand, as well as difficulties modulating executive control and salience processing regions with increasing cognitive demand. Together, these results suggest that PTSD may relate to decreased neural flexibility during inhibition.
Identification With Terrorist Victims of the Washington, DC Sniper Attacks: Posttraumatic Stress and Depression
Authors: Herberman Mash Holly B. , Ursano Robert J. , Benevides K. Nikki , Fullerton Carol S.
Published: January 2016

In October 2002, a series of sniper attacks in the Washington, DC area left 10 people dead and 3 wounded. We examined the association between identification with terrorist victims and psychological and behavioral outcomes. Participants were 1,238 residents of the Washington, DC area (ages 18–90 years; M = 41.73, SD = 12.56) who completed the Impact of Event Scale‐Revised, Patient Health Questionnaire‐9, and items pertaining to identification with attack victims approximately 3 weeks following the first sniper shooting. We examined 3 types of identification with the victims: (a) as like oneself, (b) as like a friend, and (c) as like a family member. The relationships of identification to posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms were examined using linear regression analyses. Greater total identification was associated with more posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms (B = 0.27, p < .001, and B = 0.44, p < .001, respectively), after adjusting for demographics. Those who specifically identified with the victims as either self (B = 0.24, p < .001), friend (B = 0.30, p < .001), or family member (B = 0.27, p < .001) reported more PTSD symptoms (n = 1,101). Identifying with victims as like a friend or family member, but not as like oneself, was associated with increased depressive symptoms (B = 0.61, p < .001, and B = 0.45, p = .01, respectively; n = 1,222). Presence and type of identification play a differential role in psychological and behavioral responses during traumatic events.
Efficacy of Fifteen Emerging Interventions for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Metcalf Olivia , Varker Tracey , Forbes David , Phelps Andrea , Dell Lisa , DiBattista Ashley , Ralph Naomi , O'Donnell Meaghan
Published: January 2016

Although there is an abundance of novel interventions for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often their efficacy remains unknown. This systematic review assessed the evidence for 15 new or novel interventions for the treatment of PTSD. Studies that investigated changes to PTSD symptoms following the delivery of any 1 of the 15 interventions of interest were identified through systematic literature searches. There were 19 studies that met the inclusion criteria for this study. Eligible studies were assessed against methodological quality criteria and data were extracted. The majority of the 19 studies were of poor quality, hampered by methodological limitations, such as small sample sizes and lack of control group. There were 4 interventions, however, stemming from a mind–body philosophy (acupuncture, emotional freedom technique, mantra‐based meditation, and yoga) that had moderate quality evidence from mostly small‐ to moderate‐sized randomized controlled trials. The active components, however, of these promising emerging interventions and how they related to or were distinct from established treatments remain unclear. The majority of emerging interventions for the treatment of PTSD currently have an insufficient level of evidence supporting their efficacy, despite their increasing popularity. Further well‐designed controlled trials of emerging interventions for PTSD are required.
Mental Health Following Separation in a Disaster: The Role of Attachment
Authors: Gallagher H. Colin , Richardson John , Forbes David , Harms Louise , Gibbs Lisa , Alkemade Nathan , MacDougall Colin , Waters Elizabeth , Block Karen , Lusher Dean , Baker Elyse , Bryant Richard A.
Published: January 2016

Short‐term separation from close family members during a disaster is a highly salient event for those involved. Yet, its subsequent impact on mental health has received little empirical attention. One relevant factor may be attachment style, which influences patterns of support‐seeking under threatening conditions. Individuals (N = 914) affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires in southeastern Australia were assessed for disaster experiences, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and attachment style 3–4 years after the fires. Using multigroup structural equation modelling, individuals who reported separation from close family members during the bushfires (n = 471) were compared to those who reported no separation (n = 443). Cross‐sectional results indicated that separated individuals had higher levels of PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, attachment anxiety was more strongly positively associated with depression among separated (b = 0.62) versus not separated individuals (b = 0.32). Unexpectedly, among separated individuals, attachment avoidance had a statistically weaker association with depression (b = 0.17 vs. b = 0.35) and with PTSD symptoms (b = 0.06 vs. b = 0.22). These results suggest that attachment anxiety amplifies a negative reaction to separation; meanwhile, for avoidant individuals, separation in times of danger may facilitate defensive cognitive processes.
Reversal of rocuronium‐induced neuromuscular blockade by sugammadex allows for optimization of neural monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve
Authors: Lu I‐Cheng , Wu Che‐Wei , Chang Pi‐Ying , Chen Hsiu‐Ya , Tseng Kuang‐Yi , Randolph Gregory W. , Cheng Kuang‐I , Chiang Feng‐Yu
Published: January 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

The use of neuromuscular blocking agent may effect intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) during thyroid surgery. An enhanced neuromuscular‐blockade (NMB) recovery protocol was investigated in a porcine model and subsequently clinically applied during human thyroid neural monitoring surgery.

Study Design

Prospective animal and retrospective clinical study.

Methods

In the animal experiment, 12 piglets were injected with rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg and randomly allocated to receive normal saline, sugammadex 2 mg/kg, or sugammadex 4 mg/kg to compare the recovery of laryngeal electromyography (EMG). In a subsequent clinical application study, 50 patients who underwent thyroidectomy with IONM followed an enhanced NMB recovery protocol—rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg at anesthesia induction and sugammadex 2 mg/kg at the operation start. The train‐of‐four (TOF) ratio was used for continuous quantitative monitoring of neuromuscular transmission.

Results

In our porcine model, it took 49 ± 15, 13.2 ± 5.6, and 4.2 ± 1.5 minutes for the 80% recovery of laryngeal EMG after injection of saline, sugammadex 2 mg/kg, and sugammadex 4 mg/kg, respectively. In subsequent clinical human application, the TOF ratio recovered from 0 to >0.9 within 5 minutes after administration of sugammadex 2 mg/kg at the operation start. All patients had positive and high EMG amplitude at the early stage of the operation, and intubation was without difficulty in 96% of patients.

Conclusions

Both porcine modeling and clinical human application demonstrated that sugammadex 2 mg/kg allows effective and rapid restoration of neuromuscular function suppressed by rocuronium. Implementation of this enhanced NMB recovery protocol assures optimal conditions for tracheal intubation as well as IONM in thyroid surgery.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:1014–1019, 2016
Productivity outcomes following endoscopic sinus surgery for recurrent acute rhinosinusitis
Authors: Steele Toby O. , Detwiller Kara Y. , Mace Jess C. , Strong E. Bradley , Smith Timothy L. , Alt Jeremiah A.
Published: January 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

We sought to evaluate preoperative and postoperative productivity losses and quality of life (QOL) impairment reported by patients with recurrent acute rhinosinusitis (RARS) as compared to patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP).

Study Design

Prospective, multi‐institutional, nested case–control.

Methods

Participants with RARS (n = 20) and CRSsNP (n = 20) undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) were enrolled as part of a prospective cohort study. For comparison, participants diagnosed with RARS cases were age/gender‐matched to control participants diagnosed with CRSsNP using a 1:1 ratio.

Results

RARS and CRSsNP participants were followed for ∼14 months postoperatively. Productivity losses were reported as the number of days missed from normal productive activities out of the previous 90 days. RARS participants reported similar baseline productivity losses (12.6 ± 27.1 [standard deviation]) as participants with CRSsNP (11.7 ± 20.9; P = .314). Postoperatively, improvement in productivity losses was similar between RARS participants and CRSsNP controls (−6.7 ± 20.0 vs. −9.8 ± 19.1; P = .253). Preoperative and postoperative disease‐specific QOL measures (Sino‐Nasal Outcomes Test‐22 and Rhinosinusitis Disability Index) were similar between the two groups. RARS participants reported a significant decrease in days of previous antibiotic (P = .009) and nasal decongestant (P = .004) use following ESS, whereas participants with CRSsNP reported a significant decrease in antibiotic (P = .002) and oral corticosteroid use (P = .002).

Conclusions

RARS patients report baseline productivity losses and disease‐specific QOL impairment to levels that parallel those with CRSsNP. Patients with RARS report improvement in QOL following ESS in all disease‐specific QOL measures and in several medication measures. Productivity losses and postoperative improvements are similar between patients with RARS and CRSsNP.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 126:1046–1053, 2016
Neck abscess: An unusual clinical presentation of immunoglobulin G4 related disease
Authors: Tirelli Giancarlo , Gardenal Nicoletta , Del Piero Giulia Carolina
Published: January 2016

Immunoglobulin G4 related disease (IgG4‐RD) is a systemic fibroinflammatory disease that can affect almost any organ. Only a few cases of IgG4‐RD have been reported to present with cervical lymphadenopathy and none with neck abscesses. We report a case in a patient with bilateral neck mass and bilateral neck abscesses. The patient underwent bilateral neck incision for drainage of the abscesses on two occasions, followed by a neck dissection after a third recurrence. Immunohistochemistry of the specimen revealed IgG4‐RD. Although surgery is not the recommended first‐line approach for IgG4‐RD, only a neck dissection enabled clinical resolution of the lesions in our patient.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:1114–1116, 2016
How accurate are cited references in Iranian peer‐reviewed journals?
Authors: Ghane Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2016

The references cited in scientific articles are as important as any other part of the paper, because of their usefulness to the scientific community and to abstracting and indexing services and citation databases. I studied inaccuracies in references and in‐text citations in sample of 97 of the 519 peer‐reviewed journals accredited by the Iranian National Commission for Journal Accreditation Policy (Ministry of Research, Science and Technology). The target journals published 2,980 articles with 74,577 cited references and 108,151 in‐text citations. The results showed 36.6% as the average percentage error rate (range 5.6% to 61.3%). The mean number of errors in cited reference and in‐text citations was 2.7 per article, and the mean number of errors per journal was 690. For the entire sample of articles, 4,369 in‐text citations did not match any source in the list of references (4%), and 8,683 cited references did not match any in‐text citation (11.6%). The stakeholders in scholarly communication, especially authors, pay insufficient attention to the accuracy of bibliographic references. Peer‐reviewed journals should encourage the use of standardized journal policies and quality‐control measures regarding peer review, data quality and accuracy.
Back to the future: (re)turning from peer review to peer engagement
Authors: Kennison Rebecca
Published: January 2016

Key points

Scholarly communication – with the exception of traditional (e.g. blind and double‐blind) peer review – prizes the open exchange of ideas.

The aim of peer review should be engagement, not judgement.

Reviews that improve the quality of a work and thus advance the field are not merely service to the community, but contributions to existing scholarship, and need to be rewarded accordingly; an open and transparent review process is the first step in enabling such reviews to be properly recognized.
An update on peer review and research data
Authors: Murphy Fiona
Published: January 2016

Key points

Technological advances in the amounts of data that researchers generate and use are causing problems for the scholarly communication system.

How, when and by whom should quality checks and assurance be integrated into this – already overloaded – ecosystem?

This paper outlines the challenges, illustrates some current initiatives and posits possible directions for the future.
Peer review: The current landscape and future trends
Authors: Jubb Michael
Published: January 2016

This paper is based on research commissioned by the Wellcome Trust in 2015 and catalogues current initiatives and trends in the systems and processes surrounding peer review. It considers issues such as open and interactive reviews, post‐publication comments and ratings, and the platforms provided by both publishers and other organisations to support such activity; third‐party peer review platforms; and measures from publishers and others to provide more recognition and rewards for peer reviewers. It also speculates on likely key trends in peer review for the future.
The JBJS Peer‐Review Scoring Scale: A valid, reliable instrument for measuring the quality of peer review reports
Authors: Thompson Stephen R. , Agel Julie , Losina Elena
Published: January 2016

Many journals seek to evaluate the quality of reviews performed by their panel of reviewers. The purpose of this study is to determine if members of a journal editorial board can consistently and reliably use a single numeric scoring system to evaluate the quality of peer reviews. A retrospective analysis of 11 randomly selected manuscripts that had undergone external peer review by three reviewers was performed. Six had been rejected and five accepted. Each deputy editor was asked to score each of the reviews. The intraclass correlation was determined for each of the manuscripts to determine the consistency in grading. The intraclass correlation for 10 of the 11 manuscripts was above 0.87. This study demonstrates that an editorial board of deputy editors, without external training, can consistently and reliably grade reviews with excellent agreement.
Peer choice – does reviewer self‐selection work?
Authors: Hartley James , Cowan John , Rushby Nick
Published: January 2016

The British Journal of Educational Technology (BJET) uses a novel system for obtaining referees by e‐mailing the abstracts of submissions to a panel of over 250 referees and allowing these individuals to choose which papers they would like to review. An analysis of 13 experienced referees showed that, of 473 reviews assessed, these referees were slightly more lenient than the editor and that electronic records provide useful data that can be mined in interesting ways.