bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Syntheses and nanocrystallization of NaF–M2O3–P2O5 NASICON‐like phosphate glasses (M = V, Ti, Fe)
Authors: Pietrzak Tomasz K. , Kruk‐Fura Paulina E. , Mikołajczuk Piotr J. , Garbarczyk Jerzy E.
Published: August 2019

Six NASICON‐type phosphate glasses with a wide variety of compositions (Na3M2(PO4)2F3, where M2 = V2, Ti2, Fe2, TiV, FeV, and FeTi) were synthesized using melt‐quenching and double‐crucible techniques. Their glass transition and crystallization temperatures were determined from differential thermal analysis experiments. The electrical properties were studied with impedance spectroscopy. We found that depending on temperature and composition the studied materials exhibit predominant electronic, ionic, or mixed conduction. This observation is interesting from both fundamental and application point of view (eg, in all‐solid‐state batteries). In general, the conductivity of glasses ranged from 3·10−13 to 10−10 S/cm at room temperature, with activation energies varying from 0.65 to 0.73 eV. After crystallization at 600°C, the values of conductivity noticeably increased. For nanocrystalline materials, they were between 10−11 and 10−7 S/cm (at room temperature). The values of the activation energy spread from 0.53 to 0.70 eV. Most of the glasses exhibited predominant electronic conductivity. After nanocrystallization, the ionic transference number considerably increased in almost all samples. This study proves that thermal nanocrystallization can be used to synthesize nanocrystalline NASICON‐like cathode materials for Na‐ion batteries from their glassy analogs. We believe that this method can be adopted also to other interesting sodium compounds in the future.
Preferred human resource development activities and their functions: differences in perspective between managers and employees
Authors: Lilova Irina , Poell Rob F.
Published: August 2019

This exploratory study uses the learning‐network theory as a framework to investigate how managers and employees differ in their preference for the human resource development (HRD) activities of employees and in the functions they attribute to HRD. The research design was quantitative and cross‐sectional. Data collection took place in six countries in Europe, Asia and North America. A new instrument was used, which views work improvement (WI), career development (CD) and personal development (PD) as three main functions of HRD that can serve managers and employees. Results show that managers and employees prefer different HRD activities for employees to undertake; respectively, formal courses and programs over job experiences, and vice versa. The two groups also differ in the scores they give to WI and PD as relevant functions that employee participation in HRD can provide. It is concluded, therefore, that differences between managers and employees in their views of the relevance of HRD activities should be taken into account in theory and practice when organizing employees’ HRD activities.
Pulse wave velocity is decreased with obesity in an elderly Chinese population
Authors: Yang Hui , Zhao Jiehui , Deng Xueqin , Tan Isabella , Butlin Mark , Avolio Alberto , Zuo Junli
Published: August 2019

Obesity is generally considered an undesirable risk factor for cardiovascular disease; however, obese subjects with heart failure paradoxically can have better outcomes than their lean counterparts. This study aimed to investigate this characteristic in an elderly Chinese population. Elderly participants (N = 414, age 77 ± 11 years, 211 males) were recruited from a Chinese community‐dwelling elderly population. Subjects were divided into 3 groups according to body mass index (BMI ≤ 25, normal; 25‐28, overweight; and ≥28, obese). Arterial stiffness was assessed by brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and the atherosclerosis status was evaluated with the ankle brachial index (ABI). Brachial systolic blood pressure (BSBP) was significantly higher as BMI increased (135 ± 18.4, 138 ± 18.3, 147 ± 17.6 mm Hg;P = .003) adjusted for age, sex, and heart rate. However, baPWV was significantly lower as BMI increased (baPWV 1830 ± 18, 1793 ± 25, 1704 ± 36 cm/s;P = .008) in the three groups, even with additional adjustment for BSBP. BMI showed a significant negative correlation with baPWV (r = −.170,P = .001) after adjusting for confounding factors. Using multiple linear regression, BMI was negatively and independently associated with baPWV (β = −.190,P < .001) especially for age <80 years. Arterial stiffness, as measured by baPWV, is lower in overweight subjects in a Chinese elderly population compared to those with normal body weight. ABI showed no relationship with BMI. These findings suggest that reduced arterial stiffness in the overweight population, independent of confounding factors, may contribute to the explanation of the “obesity paradox.”
The role of limited salience of speech in selective attention to faces in toddlers with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Shic Frederick , Wang Quan , Macari Suzanne L. , Chawarska Katarzyna
Published: August 2019

Background

Impaired attention to faces of interactive partners is a marker for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in early childhood. However, it is unclear whether children with ASD avoid faces or find them less salient and whether the phenomenon is linked with the presence of eye contact or speech.

Methods

We investigated the impacts of speech (SP) and direct gaze (DG) on attention to faces in 22‐month‐old toddlers with ASD (n = 50) and typically developing controls (TD, n = 47) using the Selective Social Attention 2.0 (SSA 2.0) task. The task consisted of four conditions where the presence (+) and absence (−) of DG and SP were systematically manipulated. The severity of autism symptoms, and verbal and nonverbal skills were characterized concurrently with eye tracking at 22.4 (SD = 3.2) months and prospectively at 39.8 (SD = 4.3) months.

Results

Toddlers with ASD looked less than TD toddlers at face and mouth regions only when the actress was speaking (direct gaze absence with speech, DG−SP+: d = 0.99, p < .001 for face, d = 0.98, p < .001 for mouth regions; direct gaze present with speech, DG+SP+, d = 1.47, p < .001 for face, d = 1.01, p < .001 for mouth regions). Toddlers with ASD looked less at the eye region only when both gaze and speech cues were present (d = 0.46, p = .03). Salience of the combined DG and SP cues was associated concurrently and prospectively with the severity of autism symptoms, and the association remained significant after controlling for verbal and nonverbal levels.

Conclusions

The study links poor attention to faces with limited salience of audiovisual speech and provides no support for the face avoidance hypothesis in the early stages of ASD. These results are consequential for research on early discriminant and predictive biomarkers as well as identification of novel treatment targets.
Maternal responsiveness to suckling is modulated by time post‐nursing: A behavioural and c‐Fos/oxytocin immunocytochemistry study in rabbits
Authors: Jiménez Angeles , González‐Mariscal Gabriela
Published: August 2019

Doe rabbits nurse once/day for approximately 3 minutes, with circadian periodicity, inside the nest box. The amount of suckling received at each bout regulates this behaviour because reducing the litter size to four kits or less disrupts nursing circadian periodicity and increases suckling bout duration. Additionally, the likelihood that does will nurse kits at a given time of day depends on the time elapsed since the last suckling episode and the litter size nursed then. We hypothesised that the time elapsed since the last nursing would impact the number of c‐Fos immunoreactive (IR) cells observed after suckling five kits and also that observed before the next nursing (“no kits”). Suckling significantly increased, relative to “no kits”, the number of c‐Fos‐IR cells in the medial preoptic area and lateral septum but not in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), suprachiasmatic nucleus or ventromedial hypothalamus in does nursing at 18 or 24 hours after the previous bout. No effects of suckling were observed in mothers nursing at 6 hours. Does given kits at 3 hours post last suckling refused to nurse but, in the remaining three groups, all does nursed normally. At “no kits”, more c‐Fos‐IR cells were seen (in all regions except the BNST) in does given kits at 24 hours after the last nursing and killed 1 hour later (ie, 4 hours after lights on) than in those killed earlier. The percentage of oxytocinergic (OT) cells co‐expressing c‐Fos was not modified by nursing in the paraventricular or supraoptic nuclei but, in the latter, the largest number of total OT‐IR cells occurred at 18 and 24 hours post‐last nursing. In conclusion, the responsiveness of particular forebrain regions involved in regulating circadian rhythms, lactation, and maternal behaviour is modulated by suckling and time of day.
Heuristics in Mutual Fund Consumers' Willingness‐to‐Invest: An Experimental Approach
Authors: Lavin Jaime F. , Valle Mauricio A. , Magner Nicolás S.
Published: August 2019

This paper improves the understanding of heuristics in the choice of mutual funds. We analyze the effect of price‐quality relationship and anchors as heuristics on the evaluation of the willingness‐to‐invest. We perform two studies with graduate students who possess a medium–high level of financial literacy in Chile. In the first study, we find that willingness‐to‐invest increases (decreases) when subjects observe (do not observe) in the market a positive relationship between expense ratios (price) and service quality. In the second study, in the presence of an anchor, the reference price obtained by individuals from the market information loses relevance and the anchor effect predominates. Our results confirm that participants, as consumers of financial services, apply heuristics as groundwork for their investment decisions. These heuristics as a decision making process are useful but do not always lead to the choice of the lowest cost alternative with the highest possible service quality.
Treatment of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in dogs: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Serrano Gonçalo , Charalambous Marios , Devriendt Nausikaa , de Rooster Hilde , Mortier Femke , Paepe Dominique
Published: August 2019

Background

Several options have been proposed for the treatment of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (cEHPSS) in dogs, but formal comparisons among different treatment options are currently unavailable. A previous evidence‐based review (2012) found low quality of evidence for papers assessing the treatment of cEHPSS in dogs.

Objectives

To assess the quality of evidence available in the treatment of cEHPSS, summarize the current state of knowledge with respect to outcome after cEHPSS management, and compare different treatment techniques.

Animals

Not used.

Methods

A bibliographic search was performed without date or language restrictions. Studies were assessed for quality of evidence (study design, study group sizes, subject enrollment quality, and overall risk of bias) and outcome measures reported (perioperative outcome, clinical outcome, and surgical or interventional outcome), all reported with 95% confidence intervals. A network meta‐analysis was performed.

Results

Forty‐eight studies were included. Six retrospective studies (grade 4b) compared 2 techniques and 7 were abstracts (grade 5). The quality of evidence was low and risk of bias high. Regarding surgical outcome, statistically significant superiority of ameroid constrictor over thin film band was observed (P= .003). No other comparisons were statistically significant.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The evidence base of choice of treatment of cEHPSS in dogs remains weak despite recent publications on the subject. Ameroid is superior to thin film band in causing EHPSS closure. Blinded randomized studies comparing different treatment modalities, which routinely include postoperative imaging to assess cEHPSS closure and acquired portosystemic shunt development are essential.
Effects of dispersal barriers and geographic distance on the genetic structure of a narrowly distributed frog in a spatially structured landscape
Authors: Pan T. , Zhou K. , Zhang S.‐L. , Shu Y.‐L. , Zhang J.‐H. , Li E. , Wang M.‐S. , Yan P. , Wu H.‐L.
Published: August 2019

Landscape features (e.g., mountains and rivers) can act as barriers to dispersal and gene flow, and therefore impede population connectivity, increasing genetic differentiation between populations. The concave‐eared torrent frog (Odorrana tormota) is a rare, stream‐associated species in eastern China. In this study, we investigated the genetic structure and population demography of this narrowly distributed frog based on mitochondrial Cyt b gene and seven nuclear microsatellite loci. As a result, we found that the rare frog still preserved a relatively high level of genetic diversity compared to some other amphibia. Population structure analyses distinctly identified three or four tentative genetic clusters for the species in the study area. Additionally, by fine‐scale spatial autocorrelation analysis, significant positive genetic structure was uncovered in the shortest distance classes (0–5 km, 5–10 km). Demographic analyses revealed a population expansion (0.075–0.017 Mya) and 15 times population decline (c. 9000 years ago). In conclusion, we supposed that stable montane environments and associated historical population expansion might provide an opportunity for the species to harbor high genetic diversity. The relatively recent population decline might be correlated with climate change as well as genetic differentiation among populations. In addition, our results showed that, on a small landscape scale, dispersal is closely linked to geographic distance and the presence of river systems may not substantially affect the genetic structure for the narrowly distributed O. tormota.
Variation and repeatability of home range in a forest‐dwelling terrestrial turtle: implications for prescribed fire in forest management
Authors: Roe J. H. , Kish A. L. , Nacy J. P.
Published: August 2019

Animal movements and use of space are in part determined by interactions between individual attributes such as sex and body size and extrinsic environmental factors such as the seasonal availability, quality and spatial configuration of resource patches in the landscape. Fire is a common and widespread disturbance process that has the potential to affect animal movements through modifications to the environment. Using radiotelemetry, we examined the contribution of these factors to variation in movements and home range over a 5‐year period in a forest‐dwelling terrestrial turtle, Terrapene carolina, at fire‐maintained and unburned habitats in the southeastern United States. Female turtles had annual home‐range sizes twice as large as males and moved longer distances per day during the nesting season (June and July), but males exhibited greater spatial fidelity from year to year. Turtles at the unburned site had home‐range sizes twice as large as those at the fire‐maintained site, and home‐range size also decreased with increasing frequency and extent of fire, but this latter effect was strongest in females. Home‐range behavior was highly repeatable within individuals of both sexes over time. This is the first evidence that fire influences the spatial ecology and movements of turtles, most likely through fire's impact on the spatial configuration, availability and quality of critical resources. That individuals behaved consistently through time, but differently from one another according to both intrinsic individual attributes and extrinsic environmental factors provides strong evidence of consistent inter‐ and intra‐population variation in space use and movement behaviors in T. carolina. Such intra‐specific behavioral variation suggests applying caution when extrapolating results to other sites across the geographic range of a species for use in conservation and management.
Oxygen isotope systematics of chondrule olivine, pyroxene, and plagioclase in one of the most pristine CV3Red chondrites (Northwest Africa 8613)
Authors: Hertwig Andreas T. , Kimura Makoto , Defouilloy Céline , Kita Noriko T.
Published: August 2019

We performed in situ oxygen three‐isotope measurements of chondrule olivine, pyroxenes, and plagioclase from the newly described CVRed chondrite NWA 8613. Additionally, oxygen isotope ratios of plagioclase in chondrules from the Kaba CV3OxB chondrite were determined to enable comparisons of isotope ratios and degree of alteration of chondrules in both CV lithologies. NWA 8613 was affected by only mild thermal metamorphism. The majority of oxygen isotope ratios of olivine and pyroxenes plot along a slope‐1 line in the oxygen three‐isotope diagram, except for a type II and a remolten barred olivine chondrule. When isotopic relict olivine is excluded, olivine, and low‐ and high‐Ca pyroxenes are indistinguishable regarding Δ17O values. Conversely, plagioclase in chondrules from NWA 8613 and Kaba plot along mass‐dependent fractionation lines. Oxygen isotopic disequilibrium between phenocrysts and plagioclase was caused probably by exchange of plagioclase with 16O‐poor fluids on the CV parent body. Based on an existing oxygen isotope mass balance model, possible dust enrichment and ice enhancement factors were estimated. Type I chondrules from NWA 8613 possibly formed at moderately high dust enrichment factors (50× to 150× CI dust relative to solar abundances); estimates for water ice in the chondrule precursors range from 0.2× to 0.6× the nominal amount of ice in dust of CI composition. Findings agree with results from an earlier study on oxygen isotopes in chondrules of the Kaba CV chondrite, providing further evidence for a relatively dry and only moderately high dust‐enriched disk in the CV chondrule‐forming region.
A target concentration strategy to determine ibuprofen dosing in children
Authors: Anderson Brian J. , Hannam Jacqueline A.
Published: August 2019

Background

Ibuprofen is widely used for ductus arteriosus closure in premature neonates and for analgesia in children and adults. There are no maturation descriptors of clearance. This lack of maturation understanding limits dosing recommendations from premature neonates to adulthood.

Methods

Published clearance estimates from different aged patients determined after administration from time‐concentration profiles were used to construct a maturation model based on size and age. Curve fitting was performed using nonlinear mixed‐effects models. A target concentration strategy was used to estimate maintenance dose at different ages.

Results

There were three publications reporting an estimate of individual clearance estimates in premature neonates, three reporting population clearances in infants, 11 in children 2‐15 years (1 with individual and 9 with population clearances), and 13 adult studies (1 with individual and 12 with population clearances). Clearance maturation, standardized to a 70 kg person was described using the Hill equation. Mature clearance was 3.81 (CV 15.5%, 95%CI 3.72, 3.92) L/h/70 kg. The maturation half‐time was 36.8 (CV 9.2%, 95%CI 34.7, 40.9) weeks postmenstrual age and the Hill coefficient 11.5 (95%CI 8.1, 15). A target effect of four units (visual analogue scale 0‐10) correlated with an effect site concentration of 6.3 mg/L: a concentration achieved at trough after 400 mg 8 hourly in adults.

Conclusion

Previously published pharmacokinetic parameters can be used to develop maturation models that address gaps in current knowledge regarding the influence of age on a drug's disposition. Maturation of ibuprofen clearance was rapid and was 90% of adult values by the first month of life in term neonates (ie, 44 weeks postmenstrual age) and 98% of standardized adult estimates by 3 months of age (53 weeks postmenstrual age). Clearance informed dosing predictions in all ages (premature neonate to adult) and matched those doses in common use in children older than 3 months.
The improved assembly of 7DL chromosome provides insight into the structure and evolution of bread wheat
Authors: Feng Kewei , Cui Licao , Wang Le , Shan Dai , Tong Wei , Deng Pingchuan , Yan Zhaogui , Wang Mengxing , Zhan Haoshuang , Wu Xiaotong , He Weiming , Zhou Xianqiang , Ji Jingjing , Zhang Guiping , Mao Long , Karafiátová Miroslava , Šimková Hana , Doležel Jaroslav , Du Xianghong , Zhao Shancen , Luo Ming‐Cheng , Han Dejun , Zhang Chi , Kang Zhensheng , Appels Rudi , Edwards David , Nie Xiaojun , Weining Song
Published: August 2019

Wheat is one of the most important staple crops worldwide and also an excellent model species for crop evolution and polyploidization studies. The breakthrough of sequencing the bread wheat genome and progenitor genomes lays the foundation to decipher the complexity of wheat origin and evolutionary process as well as the genetic consequences of polyploidization. In this study, we sequenced 3286 BACs from chromosome 7DL of bread wheat cv. Chinese Spring and integrated the unmapped contigs from IWGSC v1 and available PacBio sequences to close gaps present in the 7DL assembly. In total, 8043 out of 12 825 gaps, representing 3 491 264 bp, were closed. We then used the improved assembly of 7DL to perform comparative genomic analysis of bread wheat (Ta7DL) and its D donor, Aegilops tauschii (At7DL), to identify domestication signatures. Results showed a strong syntenic relationship between Ta7DL and At7DL, although some small rearrangements were detected at the distal regions. A total of 53 genes appear to be lost genes during wheat polyploidization, with 23% (12 genes) as RGA (disease resistance gene analogue). Furthermore, 86 positively selected genes (PSGs) were identified, considered to be domestication‐related candidates. Finally, overlapping of QTLs obtained from GWAS analysis and PSGs indicated that TraesCS7D02G321000 may be one of the domestication genes involved in grain morphology. This study provides comparative information on the sequence, structure and organization between bread wheat and Ae. tauschii from the perspective of the 7DL chromosome, which contribute to better understanding of the evolution of wheat, and supports wheat crop improvement.
Beyond rest and quiescence (endodormancy and ecodormancy): A novel model for quantifying plant–environment interaction in bud dormancy release
Authors: Lundell Robin , Hänninen Heikki , Saarinen Timo , Åström Helena , Zhang Rui
Published: August 2019

Bud dormancy of plants has traditionally been explained either by physiological growth arresting conditions in the bud or by unfavourable environmental conditions, such as non‐growth‐promoting low air temperatures. This conceptual dichotomy has provided the framework also for developing process‐based plant phenology models. Here, we propose a novel model that in addition to covering the classical dichotomy as a special case also allows the quantification of an interaction of physiological and environmental factors. According to this plant–environment interaction suggested conceptually decades ago, rather than being unambiguous, the concept of “non‐growth‐promoting low air temperature” depends on the dormancy status of the plant. We parameterized the model with experimental results of growth onset for seven boreal plant species and found that based on the strength of the interaction, the species can be classified into three dormancy types, only one of which represents the traditional dichotomy. We also tested the model with four species in an independent experiment. Our study suggests that interaction of environmental and physiological factors may be involved in many such phenomena that have until now been considered simply as plant traits without any considerations of effects of the environmental factors.
Successful long‐term outcome after combined hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and small bowel transplantation: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Na Sera , Saldana Blachy Davila , Peredo‐Pinto Helka , Gonzalez Corina Elena , Kroemer Alexander Helmut , Hawksworth Jason , Matsumoto Cal Satoshi , Yazigi Nada , Kaufman Stuart , Fishbein Thomas Marlon , Khan Khalid
Published: August 2019

Combining HSCT with SOT is an unusual and challenging undertaking given the complexities of immune modulation, the need to balance comorbidities, and the cumulative potential for complications. Early life‐threatening complications include infections and related effects, graft rejection, and GVHD can be expected to be increased especially if the HSCT is indicated for high‐risk cases such as individuals with severe combined immune deficiency and SOT that includes an intestine graft. Herein, we report such a case. Our patient is unique as a long‐term survivor. We review the literature and the features of our case, especially the timing of transplants and human leukocyte antigen matching for HSCT that resulted in a successful outcome and discuss how this may be applied to others in the future.
Monitoring intra‐abdominal pressure after liver transplantation in children
Authors: Deindl Philipp , Wagner Jula , Herden Uta , Schulz‐Jürgensen Sebastian , Schild Raphael , Vettorazzi Eik , Bergers Marlies , Keck Maike , Singer Dominique , Fischer Lutz , Herrmann Jochen
Published: August 2019

IAH after LTX can impair perfusion and threaten graft viability. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of longitudinal IAP measurements as an IAH screening method in children after LTX. A cohort of 23 children with a mean age (range) 3.1 (3 months–14 years) who underwent LTX between May 2017 and February 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Longitudinal IAP measurements were compared to bedside Doppler US monitoring data. In total, 425 IAP measurements and 257 US examinations were performed. The mean ± SD (range) time expenditure for IAP measurement was 1.9 ± 0.4 (0.5‐3.2) minutes. The mean post‐operative IAP was 7.9 ± 3.6 (1‐25) mm Hg. IAH (IAP ≥ 10 mm Hg) was noted in 102 (24%) of 257 measurements. Agitation had a significant impact on IAP (estimate: 9.3 mm Hg, CI: 6.72‐11.97, P < .01). In patients with TAC, IAP was increased (6.7 ± 2.1 vs 8.7 ± 3.1 mm Hg, P = .02) while peak portal venous velocities decreased (38 ± 27 vs 26 ± 22 cm/s, P = .03) after patch reduction. An abdominal compartment syndrome with severely impaired vascular flow was noted in one patient. Episodes of elevated IAP were noted in a large proportion of patients, underscoring the need for IAP monitoring in pediatric liver transplant recipients. The safety and low time expenditure associated with IAP measurement could be included easily into standard nursing procedures for these patients.
Influence of National Cultures on Operations Management and Supply Chain Management Practices—A Research Agenda
Authors: Gupta Manjul , Gupta Sushil
Published: August 2019

The role of national culture interactions is important in operations management and supply chain management decisions. Yet, cross‐cultural research in this field is limited. Our goal in this study is to review relevant research, to raise awareness about the critical role of national culture among operations management and supply chain management researchers, and to offer directions for future research. To achieve this goal, we report our research findings in three major categories: (i) Operational Decisions (innovation, and research and development, quality management, workforce management, performance measurement, and risk, security and disaster management); (ii) Supply Chain Management (buyer–supplier interactions, governance mechanisms, outsourcing, and offshore operations); and (iii) Interdisciplinary Topics (entrepreneurship, investments, joint ventures, and mergers and acquisitions). We also suggest methodological considerations for future research by those interested in studying national culture.
Housing Allowance and Rents: Evidence from a Stepwise Subsidy Scheme*
Authors: Eerola Essi , Lyytikäinen Teemu
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we study the effect of housing demand subsidies on rents using discontinuities in the Finnish housing allowance system as a quasi‐experimental setting. The stepwise dependence of housing allowance on the floor area of the dwelling and on the year of construction of the building causes economically and statistically significant discontinuities in the amounts of housing allowances. However, our results show that there are no discontinuities in the rents paid by the recipients of housing allowance at these cut‐offs. Instead, differences in the amounts of housing allowance are translated roughly one‐to‐one into differences in the rent net of housing allowance.
The use of genome sequencing to investigate an outbreak of hospital‐acquired mucormycosis in transplant patients
Authors: Marek Caitlyn , Croxen Matthew A. , Dingle Tanis C. , Bharat Amrita , Schwartz Ilan S. , Wiens Rhoda , Smith Stephanie
Published: August 2019

We report three cases of hospital‐acquired mucormycosis in heart and lung transplant patients over a 6‐month period. Traditional epidemiological investigation tools were used to look for a common link between patients to explain the outbreak. Genome sequencing of each fungal strain was used to supplement the investigation. By disproving a close genetic link between infecting strains of mucormycosis, we were able to conclude the outbreak investigation. Genome sequencing is a novel tool that can be used in addition to traditional epidemiologic investigations to help determine linkage of patients during outbreak investigations.
Retrograde trafficking and plasma membrane recycling pathways of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ma Mengxiao , Burd Christopher G.
Published: August 2019

The endosomal system functions as a network of protein and lipid sorting stations that receives molecules from endocytic and secretory pathways and directs them to the lysosome for degradation, or exports them from the endosome via retrograde trafficking or plasma membrane recycling pathways. Retrograde trafficking pathways describe endosome‐to‐Golgi transport while plasma membrane recycling pathways describe trafficking routes that return endocytosed molecules to the plasma membrane. These pathways are crucial for lysosome biogenesis, nutrient acquisition and homeostasis and for the physiological functions of many types of specialized cells. Retrograde and recycling sorting machineries of eukaryotic cells were identified chiefly through genetic screens using the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae system and discovered to be highly conserved in structures and functions. In this review, we discuss advances regarding retrograde trafficking and recycling pathways, including new discoveries that challenge existing ideas about the organization of the endosomal system, as well as how these pathways intersect with cellular homeostasis pathways.
Cytosolic aggregates in presence of non‐translocated proteins perturb endoplasmic reticulum structure and dynamics
Authors: Mookherjee Debdatto , Majumder Priyanka , Mukherjee Rukmini , Chatterjee Debmita , Kaul Zenia , Das Subhrangshu , Sougrat Rachid , Chakrabarti Saikat , Chakrabarti Oishee
Published: August 2019

Presence of cytosolic protein aggregates and membrane damage are two common attributes of neurodegenerative diseases. These aggregates delay degradation of non‐translocated protein precursors leading to their persistence and accumulation in the cytosol. Here, we find that cells with intracellular protein aggregates (of cytosolic prion protein or huntingtin) destabilize the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) morphology and dynamics when non‐translocated protein load is high. This affects trafficking of proteins out from the ER, relative distribution of the rough and smooth ER and three‐way junctions that are essential for the structural integrity of the membrane network. The changes in ER membranes may be due to high aggregation tendency of the ER structural proteins—reticulons, and altered distribution of those associated with the three‐way ER junctions—Lunapark. Reticulon4 is seen to be enriched in the aggregate fractions in presence of non‐translocated protein precursors. This could be mitigated by improving signal sequence efficiencies of the proteins targeted to the ER. These were observed using PrP variants and the seven‐pass transmembrane protein (CRFR1) with different signal sequences that led to diverse translocation efficiencies. This identifies a previously unappreciated consequence of cytosolic aggregates on non‐translocated precursor proteins—their persistent presence affects ER morphology and dynamics. This may be one of the ways in which cytosolic aggregates can affect endomembranes during neurodegenerative disease.
EFSUMB Gastrointestinal Ultrasound (GIUS) Task Force Group: Celiac sprue and other rare gastrointestinal diseases ultrasound features
Authors: Dietrich Christoph F , Hollerweger Alois , Dirks Klaus , Higginson Antony , Serra Carla , Calabrese Emma , Dong Yi , Hausken Trygve , Maconi Giovanni , Mihmanli Ismail , Nürnberg Dieter , Nylund Kim , Pallotta Nadia , Ripollés Tomás , Romanini Laura , Săftoiu Adrian , Sporea Ioan , Wüstner Matthias , Maaser Christian , Gilja Odd Helge
Published: August 2019

Transabdominal gastrointestinal ultrasound (GIUS) is unique in its capacity to examine the bowel non-invasively and in its physiological condition, including extra-intestinal features such as the splanchnic vessels, mesentery, omentum and lymph nodes- even at the bedside. Despite this, and its extensive documentation for its usefulness, it has only been fully implemented in a few European countries and expert centres. Therefore, the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) established a GIUS Task Force Group in 2014 consisting of international experts from 9 European countries with the objectives to standardize and promote the use of GIUS in a clinical setting. This is achieved by publishing clinical guidelines and recommendations on indications and use of GIUS and so far,4 guidelines have been published: first on “examination techniques and normal findings”, second on “inflammatory bowel disease”, third on “acute appendicitis and diverticulitis” and fourth on “transrectal and perineal ultrasound”.This paper describes the ultrasound features of miscellaneous disorders such as celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, omental infarction, Meckel’s diverticle, endometriosis, intestinal neoplasia, mucocele, amyloidosis, GVHD, foreign bodies, vasculitis, and pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis. Bowel ultrasound can be indicated in most of these conditions to investigate intestinal symptoms but in other cases the alterations of the bowel can be also an incidental finding that suggest other examinations which finally help to discover an unknown pathological condition.
Multimodal ultrasound investigation (grey scale, Doppler and 2D-SWE) of salivary and lacrimal glands in healthy people and patients with diabetes mellitus and/or obesity, with or without sialosis
Authors: Badarinza Maria , Serban Oana , Maghear Lavinia , Bocsa Corina , Micu Mihaela , Porojan Mihai Dumitru , Chis Bogdan Augustin , Albu Adriana , Fodor Daniela
Published: August 2019

Aim: To evaluate the ultrasound (US) modifications [grey scale, Doppler, 2D-share wave elastography (2D-SWE)] ofsalivary (parotid and submandibular) and lacrimal glands in healthy people and patients with diabetes mellitus and/or obesity, with or without sialosis.Material and methods: We evaluated 170 patients (1020 glands, 1700 grey scale and Doppler images), split in two groups (group 1- healthy people, group 2- obese and/or diabetes patients, with or without sialosis). For each patient we assessed the parotid, submandibular and lacrimal glands in grey scale US (echogenicity, homogeneity, glandular contour, posterior border, lymph nodes), color Doppler US and 2D-SWE. All images were analyzed by two examiners blinded to each other or to patients.Results: The interobserver agreement was strong or moderate for all parameters. In group 2, the salivary glands had increased echogenicity, homogeneous aspect and invisible posterior border (all p<0.001). There was no significant variation of elasticity modulus in the groups analyzed (5.46±1.57 vs 5.67±1.81 in parotid, 8.63±1.84 vs 8.55±1.94 in submandibular and 9.47±2.1 vs 9.53±2.23 in lacrimal glands, all p<0.05) or according to the body mass index (BMI), sex, patient age, the aspect in grey scale/Doppler US or the presence of sialosis (all p<0.05).Conclusion: The main US differences between healthy people and patients with diabetes mellitus and/or obesity are suggested by the echogenicity, homogeneity, posterior border and the size of glandular area. No significant differences of elasticity modulus were found between the analyzed groups or related to BMI, sex, patient age or other grey scale/Doppler US items analyzed.
Duodenal neuroendocrine tumour associated with minimal change glomerulonephritis
Authors: Montague Emily , Hockenhull Kimberley , Lamarca Angela , Al-Sayed Tamer , Hubner Richard A
Published: August 2019

Paraneoplastic glomerular disease is an increasingly well-recognised entity, and a wide range of both solid and haematological malignancies have been implicated. The most common glomerular disease associated with cancer is membranous nephropathy. Only a few case reports have described an association between neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) and glomerulonephritis and only one paediatric case in relation to minimal change disease. A 76-year-old woman with a well-differentiated duodenal NET presented with nephrotic syndrome and renal biopsy was suggestive of minimal change glomerulonephritis. Standard therapy with corticosteroids brought little benefit, but a dramatic improvement was seen following initiation of systemic anticancer therapy with lanreotide, a somatostatin analogue. Less than 1 month after initiation of lanreotide, the patient was no longer in a nephrotic state, and after a further 2 months of follow-up had shown no sign of relapse.
Acute hepatitis due to infectious mononucleosis
Authors: Manappallil Robin G , Mampilly Neena , Josphine Blessy
Published: August 2019

The syndrome of infectious mononucleosis is commonly seen with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. It may cause acute hepatitis, which is usually self-limiting and characterised by mildly elevated liver enzymes, but rarely jaundice. The patient being reported showcases EBV infection with jaundice, which is an uncommon scenario.
An unusual case of caecal perforation following ileostomy reversal
Authors: Aksakal Gamze , Ng Suat , An Vinna
Published: August 2019

A 63-year-old man with a history of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease underwent defunctioning loop ileostomy for obstructing metastatic rectal cancer prior to receiving long-course neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Four months post completion of neoadjuvant therapy, he underwent an uncomplicated elective ultra-low anterior resection with formation of colonic J pouch and first stage liver metastasectomy for bilobar liver disease. At 1 year, he proceeded to an elective closure of loop ileostomy. Unfortunately, his postoperative course was complicated by profuse diarrhoea with subsequent colonic perforation, necessitating an emergency laparotomy and ileocolic resection with end ileostomy formation. Histopathology and stool studies were consistent withSalmonellaTyphi infection. At the present time,SalmonellaTyphi causing toxic megacolon and subsequent colonic perforation is an uncommon phenomenon in Australia. Here, we present an unusual case and explain why bowel perforation in this instance likely had a multifactorial aetiology.
Postpartum haemorrhage requiring embolisation of a hypertrophied round ligament artery
Authors: Dabrowiecki Alexander , Newsome Janice , Bercu Zachary L , Martin Jonathan G
Published: August 2019

A gravida 4 para 1021, 41-year-old woman postcaesarean section at 39 weeks and 1 day with clinically significant haemorrhage required embolisation of unique uterine arterial collaterals. She had persistent haemorrhage after initial bilateral uterine artery embolisation, and on further investigation she was found to have a hypertrophied right round ligament artery. Once successful embolisation of this abnormal right round ligament artery was completed using a combination of Gelfoam and coils, haemostasis was achieved. She had rapid clinical improvement, no complications and no further admissions on postprocedural follow-up over a year and a half later.
Diffuse melanosis cutis: a rare manifestation of metastatic melanoma
Authors: Chinai Brian , Piazza Michael , Patel Ritesh , Roy Satyajeet
Published: August 2019

Diffuse melanosis cutis (DMC) is an extremely rare and late complication of metastatic melanoma (MM). It involves the progressive blue-grey discolouration of the skin and mucous membranes, occurring approximately 1 year after diagnosis of MM. The pathogenesis of DMC is unknown, although specific growth factors, such as alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, hepatocyte growth factor and endothelin-1, released by cancer cells, along with release of melanin precursors in the bloodstream and dermal MM micrometastases producing melanin have been attributed. Even with appropriate therapy, DMC seems to be a poor prognostic factor, with a mean survival time of 4–5 months. Here, we report a case of BRAF-mutated MM who presented with DMC. The patient underwent BRAF/MEK inhibition followed by anti-PDL1 therapy, yet passed away approximately 1 year after diagnosis.
Behavioural change: a rare presentation of leptospirosis
Authors: Tomacruz Isabelle Dominique , Sandejas Joanne Carmela , Berba Regina , Sacdalan Dennis Raymond
Published: August 2019

Neurological manifestations of leptospirosis without severe multiorgan involvement are a rare clinical entity. Despite the increasing prevalence of the disease in many tropical countries, its protean clinical presentations make its timely diagnosis challenging. We report the case of a 44-year-old Filipino man presenting with fever, myalgia, behavioural changes and altered sensorium. Neurological examination did not show any focal neurological deficits or clear signs of meningoencephalitis. Lumbar tap, cranial CT scan and cranial MRI were inconclusive. The diagnosis of leptospirosis with acute encephalitis relied heavily on the patient’s clinical clues, appropriate exposure history and patterns in ancillary laboratory tests. Empiric antibiotic therapy with ceftriaxone was initiated. Seroconversion and fourfold increase in serological antibody titres by leptospirosis microagglutination test later confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was successfully treated, and all neurological complications were reversed.
Central serous chorioretinopathy: risk factors for serous retinal detachment in fellow eyes
Authors: Shinojima Ari , Mehanna Chadi , Lavia Carlo Alessandro , Gaudric Alain , Tadayoni Ramin , Bousquet Elodie
Published: August 2019

Background/Aims

To assess risk factors for serous retinal detachment (SRD) in the fellow eye of patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) based on clinical data and multimodal imaging findings, including baseline late-phase indocyanine green angiography (ICGA).

Methods

Consecutive patients with unilateral CSC were retrospectively assessed. Inclusion criteria were the availability of late-phase ICGA and a spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) macular cube for both eyes at baseline and over 3 months. Subsequent OCT of fellow eyes was reviewed to detect the development of SRD during the follow-up. Baseline medical data and multimodal imaging findings were analysed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves (log-rank test).

Results

Sixty-eight patients with unilateral CSC were included. An SRD was detected in 19% of fellow eyes during a mean follow-up of 25.8±18.7 months. Hyperfluorescent plaques on midphase ICGA, hypofluorescent foci on late-phase ICGA, retinal pigment epithelium changes on fundus autofluorescence and fluorescein angiography abnormalities were associated with the occurrence of SRD (log-rank test; p<0.001, p=0.02, p=0.002 and p=0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

These results suggest that the fellow eyes with specific findings on multimodal imaging in patients with unilateral CSC should be carefully followed up for possible incidence of CSC.
Return to play after surgery for isolated unstable syndesmotic ankle injuries (West Point grade IIB and III) in 110 male professional football players: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: D'Hooghe Pieter , Grassi Alberto , Alkhelaifi Khalid , Calder James , Baltes Thomas PA , Zaffagnini Stefano , Ekstrand Jan
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To evaluate time to return to play following surgical stabilisation of isolated unstable syndesmosis injuries in a cohort of professional male football players.

Methods

All professional football players undergoing surgery for isolated unstable syndesmosis injury (West Point grade ≥IIB) at a specialised Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital were followed up until return to play (minimum ≥6 months). Players with a stable syndesmosis, injuries older than 6 weeks, concomitant medial or lateral malleolar fracture or previous ankle surgery were excluded. During rehabilitation, time required to return to sports-specific rehabilitation, team training and first match play, were recorded.

Results

Between January 2012 and December 2017, a total of 110 male professional football players were included. The mean time required to begin on field rehabilitation was 37±12 days, while the mean time to return to team training was 72±28 days. The first official match was played on average 103±28 days postoperatively. Multivariable analysis revealed that the severity of injury, the concomitant presence of talar cartilage injury and the age of the player were significantly associated (p<0.00001) with time to return to on field rehabilitation, team training and match play.

Conclusion

In this cohort of professional football players, surgical stabilisation of isolated unstable syndesmosis injuries (West Point grade ≥IIB) allowed for relatively quick return to play. High grade injury (West Point grade III), concomitant cartilage injury and greater age were associated with longer return to play times.

Level of evidence

Longitudinal observational cohort study (level II).