bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bilateral key comparison SIM.T-K6.5 on humidity standards in the dew/frost-point temperature range from -30 °C to +20 °C
Authors: Meyer C , Solano A
Published: June 2016

A Regional Metrology Organization (RMO) Key Comparison of dew/frost point temperatures was carried out by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, USA) and the Laboratorio Costarricense de Metrología (LACOMET, Costa Rica) between February 2015 and August 2015. The results of this comparison are reported here, along with descriptions of the humidity laboratory standards for NIST and LACOMET and the uncertainty budget for these standards. This report also describes the protocol for the comparison and presents the data acquired. The results are analyzed, determining degree of equivalence between the dew/frost-point standards of NIST and LACOMET.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCT, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Profilin connects actin assembly with microtubule dynamics
Authors: Nejedla Michaela , Sadi Sara , Sulimenko Vadym , de Almeida Francisca Nunes , Blom Hans , Draber Pavel , Aspenström Pontus , Karlsson Roger
Published: June 2016

Profilin controls actin nucleation and assembly processes in eukaryotic cells. Actin nucleation and elongation promoting factors (NEPFs) such as Ena/VASP, formins, and WASP-family proteins recruit profilin:actin for filament formation. Some of these are found to be microtubule associated, making actin polymerization from microtubule-associated platforms possible. Microtubules are implicated in focal adhesion turnover, cell polarity establishment, and migration, illustrating the coupling between actin and microtubule systems. Here we demonstrate that profilin is functionally linked to microtubules with formins and point to formins as major mediators of this association. To reach this conclusion, we combined different fluorescence microscopy techniques, including superresolution microscopy, with siRNA modulation of profilin expression and drug treatments to interfere with actin dynamics. Our studies show that profilin dynamically associates with microtubules and this fraction of profilin contributes to balance actin assembly during homeostatic cell growth and affects micro­tubule dynamics. Hence profilin functions as a regulator of microtubule (+)-end turnover in addition to being an actin control element.
Imaging the recruitment and loss of proteins and lipids at single sites of calcium-triggered exocytosis
Authors: Trexler Adam J. , Sochacki Kem A. , Taraska Justin W.
Published: June 2016

How and when the dozens of molecules that control exocytosis assemble in living cells to regulate the fusion of a vesicle with the plasma membrane is unknown. Here we image with two-color total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy the local changes of 27 proteins at single dense-core vesicles undergoing calcium-triggered fusion. We identify two broad dynamic behaviors of exocytic molecules. First, proteins enriched at exocytic sites are associated with DCVs long before exocytosis, and near the time of membrane fusion, they diffuse away. These proteins include Rab3 and Rab27, rabphilin3a, munc18a, tomosyn, and CAPS. Second, we observe a group of classical endocytic proteins and lipids, including dynamins, amphiphysin, syndapin, endophilin, and PIP2, which are rapidly and transiently recruited to the exocytic site near the time of membrane fusion. Dynamin mutants unable to bind amphiphysin were not recruited, indicating that amphiphysin is involved in localizing dynamin to the fusion site. Expression of mutant dynamins and knockdown of endogenous dynamin altered the rate of cargo release from single vesicles. Our data reveal the dynamics of many key proteins involved in exocytosis and identify a rapidly recruited dynamin/PIP2/BAR assembly that regulates the exocytic fusion pore of dense-core vesicles in cultured endocrine beta cells.
A photometrically and spectroscopically confirmed population of passive spiral galaxies
Authors: Fraser-McKelvie Amelia , Brown Michael J. I. , Pimbblet Kevin A. , Dolley Tim , Crossett Jacob P. , Bonne Nicolas J.
Published: June 2016

We have identified a population of passive spiral galaxies from photometry and integral field spectroscopy. We selected z < 0.035 spiral galaxies that have WISE colours consistent with little mid-infrared emission from warm dust. Matched aperture photometry of 51 spiral galaxies in ultraviolet, optical and mid-infrared show these galaxies have colours consistent with passive galaxies. Six galaxies form a spectroscopic pilot study and were observed using the Wide-Field Spectrograph to check for signs of nebular emission from star formation. We see no evidence of substantial nebular emission found in previous red spiral samples. These six galaxies possess absorption-line spectra with 4000 Å breaks consistent with an average luminosity-weighted age of 2.3 Gyr. Our photometric and integral field spectroscopic observations confirm the existence of a population of local passive spiral galaxies, implying that transformation into early-type morphologies is not required for the quenching of star formation.
Surgical Management of the Pregnant Patient With Lumbar Disc Herniation in the Latter Stage of the Second Trimester
Authors: Hayakawa Kazuo , Mizutani Jun , Suzuki Nobuyuki , Haas Christopher , Kondo Akira , Otsuka Seiji , Fukuoka Muneyoshi , Otsuka Takanobu
Published: June 2016

Study Design.

Case report.

Objective.

To report on a pregnant woman successfully treated with microendoscopic discectomy in the left lateral position under general anesthesia at 24-week gestation.

Summary of Background Data.

Treatment for lumbar disc herniation in pregnant women poses a particular challenge due to the complexity of the clinical situation. Review of the literature emphasizes timely diagnosis with adequate management specific for each gestational period. A surgical approach mandates consideration of the physiologic parameters of pregnancy and the effects of these stressors on the fetus.

Methods.

A 38-year-old primigravid woman presented with persistent and incapacitating low back and left leg pain. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a herniated disc at L4-5 with a severely compressed left L5 nerve root. Symptoms were resistant to conservative treatment (acetaminophen; 1200 mg/day) and nerve root block with corticosteroids (1 mg/0.5 mL of betamethasone plus 0.5 mL of 1% lidocaine) provided only transient pain relief. Operative management with surgical discectomy was discussed. Anesthesiologists, obstetricians, and neonatologists were consulted for preoperative planning, focusing on appropriate anesthesia, ideal positioning for surgical access, and provision for emergent fetal care. Surgery was ultimately performed in the left lateral position, in contrast to the oft-used prone position. Microendoscopic discectomy was performed under general anesthesia at 24-week gestation.

Results.

The patient experienced complete relief from pain after surgical intervention and delivered a healthy baby at 39-week gestation after normal labor. Our methods, used in accordance with our preoperative simulation, resulted in a satisfactory outcome for both mother and child.

Conclusion.

Although previously published cases noted the safety of operating in the prone position under epidural anesthesia, we performed minimally invasive microendoscopic discectomy in the left lateral position in combination with general anesthesia and found that this is a safe and preferable alternative for pregnant patients in the latter stage of the second trimester.

Level of Evidence: N/A
Effect of Load Magnitude and Distribution on Lumbar Spine Posture in Active-duty Marines
Authors: Rodríguez-Soto Ana E. , Berry David B. , Palombo Laura , Valaik Emily , Kelly Karen R. , Ward Samuel R.
Published: June 2016

Study Design.

Repeated measures.

Objective.

The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of operationally relevant loads and distributions on lumbar spine (LS) in a group of active-duty Marines.

Summary of Background Data.

Low-back pain has been associated with heavy load carriage among military personnel. Although there are data describing the LS posture in response to load, the effect of varying load characteristics on LS posture remains unknown.

Methods.

Magnetic resonance images of Marines (n = 12) were acquired when standing unloaded and when carrying 22, 33, and 45 kg of load distributed both 50% to 50% and 20% to 80% anteriorly and posteriorly. Images were used to measure LS and pelvic postures. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and posthoc tests were used to compare LS posture across load magnitudes and distributions (α = 0.05). This project was founded by the US Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, Award No. W81XWH-13–2–0043, under Work Unit No. 1310.

Results.

No changes in LS posture were induced when load was evenly distributed. When load was carried in the 20% to 80% distribution lumbosacral flexion increased as a result of sacral anterior rotation and overall reduced lumbar lordosis. This pattern was greater as load was increased between 22 and 33 kg, but did not increase further between 33 and 45 kg. We observed that the inferior LS became uniformly less lordotic, independently of load magnitude. However, the superior LS became progressively more lordotic with increasing load magnitude

Conclusion.

Postural adaptations were found only when load was carried with a posterior bias, suggesting that load-carriage limits based on postural changes are relevant when loads are nonuniformly distributed. Although the tendency would be to interpret that loads should be carried symmetrically to protect the spine, the relationship between postural changes and injury are not clear. Finally, the operational efficiency of carrying load in this distribution needs to be tested.

Level of Evidence: 3
A Computer-Based Method for Teaching Catheter-Access Hemodialysis Management
Authors: Pun Sut-Kam , Chiang Vico Chung-Lim , Choi Kup-Sze
Published: June 2016

Patients undergoing hemodialysis are highly susceptible to infections, which could lead to morbidity and mortality. One of the major sources of infections stems from the mishandling of hemodialysis access sites. Although healthcare workers receive training on how to aseptically handle hemodialysis catheters, the increasing number of blood infections associated with dialysis suggests that the conventional approach to training may not be sufficient to ensure a clear understanding of the necessary knowledge and skills. With advancements in digital technology, computer-assisted learning has been gaining popularity as an approach to teaching clinical skills. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-based training system developed to teach healthcare workers catheter-access hemodialysis management. Forty nurses were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups: the control group, which received conventional training only; and the experimental group, which received both conventional and computer-based training. A knowledge test and a skills competence test were administered to both groups before and after the intervention to evaluate their performance. The results show that the performance of the nurses in the experimental group was significantly better than that in the control group, indicating that the proposed training system is an effective tool for supplementing the learning of catheter-access hemodialysis management.
Vaginal cuff dehiscence and evisceration: a review of the literature
Authors: Hur Hye-Chun , Lightfoot Michelle , McMillin Miranda Gomez , Kho Kimberly A.
Published: June 2016

Purpose of review

Vaginal cuff dehiscence and evisceration are rare but potentially serious complications of hysterectomy. In this article, we review the incidence, risk factors, management, and preventive measures for dehiscence based on available literature.

Recent findings

Identifying risk factors for dehiscence is challenging because studies lack comparison groups and most studies are largely underpowered to draw concrete conclusions.

High-quality data on cuff dehiscence after hysterectomy are limited. Potentially modifiable risks that optimize vaginal wound healing, minimize vaginal cuff strain, and minimize cuff infection should be optimized.
External Nursing Applications in the Supportive Management of Prolonged Postoperative Ileus
Authors: Deckers Bernhard , von Schoen-Angerer Tido , Voggenreiter Bernd , Vagedes Jan
Published: June 2016

Prolonged postoperative ileus is a common but clinically challenging problem that leads to patient discomfort and prolonged hospitalization; the condition is managed through a multimodular program of supportive measures. In anthroposophic nursing, the management of prolonged postoperative ileus involves additional tools, including external abdominal compresses and massages with plant or silver-containing oils and ointments. We describe 3 typical techniques: Oxalis tincture compresses, Thuja/Argentum ointment compresses, and massage with “Wala Melissenöl” (containing Melissa officinalis, Carvum cari, Foeniculum amari, and Origanum majorana). A 61-year-old man with chronic pain from adhesions after multiple abdominal surgical procedures developed a prolonged postoperative ileus after an elective ileostomy reversal. Following slow recovery during the first postoperative days, he began vomiting. A nasogastric tube was inserted, and daily Oxalis tincture compresses and massage with “Wala Melissenöl” and Thuja/Argentum ointment compresses were applied on the abdomen. The patient's symptoms gradually improved over the next 10 days. No prokinetic medications were needed to manage this episode. External abdominal nursing applications with plant substances and silver can be an additional tool in the management of prolonged postoperative ileus.
The Care-Integrated Concentration Meditation Program for Patients With Weaning Difficulty
Authors: Thinhuatoey Benjamard , Songwathana Praneed , Petpichetchian Wongchan
Published: June 2016

Because of the multifaceted process of weaning patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation, enhancing weaning success remains a challenge. The Care-Integrated Concentration Meditation Program was developed on the basis of Buddhist philosophy and implemented to determine its procedural feasibility. A qualitative case study with 3 participants was conducted, and the process and initial outcomes were evaluated.
INTRAOCULAR SYNOVIAL SARCOMA
Authors: Richards Nikisha Q. , Kofler Julia K. , Chu Charleen T. , Stefko S. Tonya
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

To describe the first reported case of intraocular synovial sarcoma.

Methods:

A 29-year-old man was enucleated for a blind, painful eye. Pathologic examination revealed an unexpected intraocular spindle cell tumor.

Results:

Immunohistochemical characterization revealed diffuse reactivity of the tumor cells for vimentin and focal positivity for epithelial markers pankeratin and epithelial membrane antigen. Melanoma markers were negative. Fluorescent in situ hybridization studies identified a t(X;18) (p11.2;q11.2) translocation, establishing a final diagnosis of synovial sarcoma. There was no evidence of extraocular extension as the resected margin of the optic nerve was free of tumor. Further imaging studies revealed no extraocular primary site or metastasis.

Conclusion:

The incidental discovery of an intraocular malignancy in this case underscores the importance of routine histopathologic analysis of all enucleated globes. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of an intraocular synovial sarcoma, either as metastasis or as primary site.
Interprofessional Clinical Rounding: Effects on Processes and Outcomes of Care
Authors: Ashcraft Susan , Bordelon Curry , Fells Sheila , George Vera , Thombley Karen , Shirey Maria R.
Published: June 2016

Background and Purpose:

Communication breakdown is viewed as a significant contributor to preventable patient harm. Interprofessional rounding (IPR) is one method of communication supporting the evidenced-based care delivery. The purpose of this paper is to explore the benefits of IPR for patients, clinicians, and the healthcare system.

Review of the Literature:

Interprofessional rounding supports collaboration, discussion, and timely intervention to prevent miscommunication leading to adverse patient events. Adherence to evidence-based care suggests a positive impact on patient, process, and financial outcomes. Statistically significant IPR-related improvements are seen in reducing mortality, lengths of stay, medication errors, and hospitalization costs as well as improved staff and patient satisfaction.

Evidence-Based Strategies:

One IPR-related gap in the literature is integrative care delivery, a strategy that provides a unified plan to meet the complex needs of patients and produce optimal outcomes. Activation and standardization with active participation in IPR support a collaborative integration of care.

Conclusion and Implications:

Embracing IPR and advocating for collaboration across the care continuum is a crucial process in preventing adverse events. Integrated care delivery through IPR provides a unified plan to meet the complex needs of patients, prevent harm, and produce best possible outcomes.
Quality of Life Among Mild Traumatic Brain-Injured Adults
Authors: Petchprapai Nutthita
Published: June 2016

Background:

Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is a stressful life event that may impact various dimensions of life. Challenges to daily activities after MTBI may produce significant effects on quality of life (QOL).

Purpose:

The purposes of this cross-sectional descriptive study were to (a) explore QOL after experiencing MTBI, (b) determine the extent of social supports, and (c) identify factors that are associated with QOL in post-MTBI patients.

Methods:

A descriptive research method was used. Potential subjects were interviewed by telephone after they signed the consent forms.

Results:

The average score of total social support was 73, the average availability subscale score was 40, and the average satisfaction subscale score was 33. The average score of total QOL was 24, the average health and functioning domain score was 22, the average psychological and spiritual domain score was 25, the average social and economic domain score was 25, and the average family domain score was 27. QOL was then regressed simultaneously on all factors after adjustment of the outliers. The model was supported (adjusted R
2 = .246, F = 4.160, p < .001). The contribution of all the stimuli explained 24.6% of the variance in QOL (p < .0125). Social support was the most significant variable affecting the variance in QOL (the unstandardized regression coefficient = 1.105, the standardized regression coefficient = 0.414, t = 5.041, p < .001).

Conclusions:

This study identified social support as the most powerful predictor for QOL. Several measures used in this study were reliable and may be used within the Thai cultural context. Further study to better understand why a small but clinically important percentage of subjects experience ongoing disability after MTBI is needed.
The Depressive Symptoms, Resourcefulness, and Self-Harm Behaviors of Adolescents
Authors: Yang Feng-Ying , Lai Chien Yu , Yen Cheng-Fang , Hsu Yu-Yun , Zauszniewski Jaclene A.
Published: June 2016

Background:

A report published by the World Health Organization indicates that depression typically first manifests during youth. However, adolescents usually lack the capacity for self-help or to seek help proactively from health professionals or other related resources to relieve their emotional distress. Failing to manage depression appropriately places adolescents at risk for self-harm and suicide.

Purpose:

This study explored the correlations among the depressivesymptoms, resourcefulness, and self-harm behaviors of adolescents. In addition, the impact of depressive symptoms and resourcefulness on the self-harm behaviors of adolescents was examined.

Methods:

A cross-sectional and correlational design was used. One hundred forty secondary school (junior and senior high school) students in southern Taiwan were recruited for data collection using three questionnaires that measured, respectively, their depressivesymptoms, resourcefulness, and self-harm behaviors.

Results:

Depressive symptoms and self-harm behaviors correlated significantly and positively (r = .79, p < .001). Resourcefulness correlated significantly and negatively with both depressive symptoms (r = −.35, p < .001) and self-harm behaviors (r = −.29, p < .001). Finally, depressive symptoms significantly predicted self-harm behaviors.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice:

This study provides new findings regarding the significant relationship between resourcefulness and self-harm behaviors in adolescents. Future research is suggested to explore the effect of interventions about resourcefulness training on the mental health of adolescents.
Cultural Competence of Healthcare Providers: A Systematic Review of Assessment Instruments
Authors: Lin Chia-Jung , Lee Chia-Kuei , Huang Mei-Chih
Published: June 2016

Background:

Few articles in the literature identify and describe the instruments that are regularly used by scholars to measure cultural competence in healthcare providers.

Purpose:

This study reviews the psychometric properties of the several instruments that are used regularly to assess the cultural competence of healthcare providers.

Methods:

Researchers conducted a systematic review of the relevant articles that were published between 1983 and 2013 and listed on academic and government Web sites or on one or more of the following databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, ERIC, PsycINFO, Psyc ARTICLES, PubMed, Cochrane, Pro Quest, Google Scholar, CNKI (China), and the National Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (Taiwan).

Results:

This study included 57 articles. Ten instruments from these articles were identified and analyzed. These instruments included five that were presented in English and five that were presented in Chinese. All were self-administered and based on respondent perceptions. Five of the 10 instruments were designed to measure cultural competence, two were designed to measure cultural sensitivity, two were designed to measure transcultural self-efficacy, and one was designed to measure cultural awareness. The six cultural dimensions addressed by these instruments were attitudes, knowledge, skills, behaviors, desires, and encounters. An expert panel validated the content of the 10 instruments. The subscales explained 33%–90% of the variance in scores for eight of the instruments. The reliability of the 10 instruments was estimated based on the internal consistency, which ranged from .57 to .97.

Conclusions:

This systematic review may assist researchers to choose appropriate instruments to assess the cultural competence of healthcare providers. The findings of this review indicate that no single instrument is adequate to evaluate cultural competence in all contexts.
Mentoring Nurse Practitioners in a Hospital Setting
Authors: Pop Rodica S.
Published: June 2016

Background:

Nursing philosophy is the foundation of nurse practitioner (NP) training. However, NP practice is based on the medical care model. Thus, the necessity of mediating between these two approaches is often problematic for new NPs who are transitioning into their new roles. Mentoring has been used successfully to facilitate role transition and role understanding for nurses, NPs, and physicians. However, mentoring has been rarely studied in NPs.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to develop a theory of mentoring for new NPs in a hospital setting.

Methods:

Grounded theory methodology was used. The sampling approach was initially purposive and was then shifted to theoretical to ensure the collection of meaningful data. Semistructuredinterviews were recorded and transcribed into Word documents for analysis. The three-phase analysis developed by Corbin and Strauss was initiated after the second interview.

Results:

Sixteen participants (eight mentors and eight mentees) were interviewed between February and June 2011. The core category that emerged from the data was “defining self,” and the main categories were forming the relationship, developing the relationship, and mentoring outcomes.

Conclusions:

A well-designed formal mentoring program may greatly improve the transition of NPs into a new role. The theory generated by the data from these study participants provides clearly defined categories that may be operationally defined and utilized to develop evaluation tools for mentoring programs.
Comparison of Endoscopic Resection and Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy in Patients With Early Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Jin Xi-Feng , Gai Wei , Chai Tong-Hai , Li Ling , Guo Jian-Qiang
Published: June 2016

Objective:

To determine whether endoscopic resection (ER) and minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) are safe and effective for treating squamous intraepithelial neoplasia of the esophagus.

Materials and Methods:

This study retrospectively analyzed a total of 99 consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed early esophageal cancer between December 2007 and 2011. ER was performed in 59 patients, whereas MIE was performed in 40 patients. We compared the 2 groups according to R0 resection rates, treatment-related complications, mean hospital stay, local recurrence rates, and 3- and 4-year overall survival.

Results:

No significant differences were found in the R0 resection rates between ER and MIE (94.9% vs. 97.5%, P>0.05). The occurrence rate of minor complications in the ER group was significantly lower than that in the thoracoscopic esophagectomy group (11.8% vs. 32.5%, P>0.05). The mean operative time in the ER group was 74±23 minutes, which was significantly shorter than that in the MIE group (298±46 min). The average length of hospital stay in the ER group was significantly shorter than that in the MIE group (P<0.001). No significant differences were observed in the local recurrence rates between the 2 groups (P>0.05). Similarly, no differences were found in the 3-year survival rate (ER: 96.6%, vs. MIE: 97.5%, P>0.05) and 4-year survival rate (ER: 91.5% vs. MIE: 90%, P>0.05) between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

ER achieves the same positive results as MIE in the treatment of early esophageal cancer and is associated with a lower complication rate, a shorter recovery time, and a similar survival rate. However, multiple ER procedures were required for several patients in this study.
Critical Care Follow-up Clinics
Authors: Lasiter Sue , Oles Sylwia K. , Mundell James , London Susan , Khan Babar
Published: June 2016

Objective:

The purpose of this scoping review is to identify evidence describing benefits of interventions provided in intensive care unit (ICU) survivor follow-up clinics.

Background:

Advances in ICU treatments have increased the number of survivors who require specialized care for ICU-related sequelae. Intensive care unit survivor follow-up clinics exist, yet little is known about the nature and impact of interventions provided in such clinics. A scoping review of publications about in-person post-ICU follow-up care was undertaken.

Method:

Ten databases were searched yielding 111 relevant unique publication titles and abstracts. Sample heterogeneity supported using a scoping review method. After excluding nonrelated publications, 33 reports were fully reviewed. Twenty international publications were included that described ICU follow-up clinic interventions and/or outcomes.

Results:

Authors discussed very diverse interventions in 15 publications, and 9 reported some level of intervention effectiveness. Evidence was strongest that supported the use of prospective diaries as an intervention to prevent or improve psychological symptoms, whereas evidence to support implementation of other interventions was weak.

Conclusions:

Although ICU follow-up clinics exist, evidence for interventions and effectiveness of treatments in these clinics remains underexplored.

Implications:

Intensive care unit survivor follow-up clinics provide a venue for further interdisciplinary intervention research that could lead to better health outcomes for ICU survivors.
Comparative Effectiveness of Percutaneous Needle Aponeurotomy and Limited Fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s Contracture: A Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Zhou Chao , Selles Ruud W. , Slijper Harm P. , Feitz Reinier , van Kooij Yara , Moojen Thybout M. , Hovius Steven E. R.
Published: June 2016

Background:

Percutaneous needle aponeurotomy is a less invasive surgical alternative to limited fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s contracture, but appeared less efficacious in a previous randomized clinical trial. This study compared the effectiveness of both techniques in contemporary clinical practice.

Methods:

The authors evaluated prospectively gathered data from all patients who were treated with percutaneous needle aponeurotomy or limited fasciectomy between 2011 and 2014 at six hand surgery practice sites in The Netherlands. The degree of total active extension deficit, Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire subscores, and complications evaluated at 6 to 12 weeks after treatment were compared after propensity score–based inverse-probability weighting to account for the differences in baseline characteristics between the treatment groups.

Results:

After inverse-probability weighting, 78 percutaneous needle aponeurotomy patients and 103 limited fasciectomy patients remained with similar characteristics (88 percent Tubiana grade I or II). The degree of total residual extension deficit at follow-up was similar between the weighted groups (percutaneous needle aponeurotomy, 21 degrees; limited fasciectomy, 18 degrees; p = 0.330). Furthermore, percutaneous needle aponeurotomy was associated with a lower mild complication rate (percutaneous needle aponeurotomy, 5.2 percent; limited fasciectomy, 24.3 percent; p < 0.001) and larger increases in the subdomain scores of satisfaction (p < 0.001), work performance (p < 0.001), activities of daily living (p = 0.009), and overall hand function (p = 0.001).

Conclusions:

This multicenter observational study found that, among patients with mildly to moderately affected digits, percutaneous needle aponeurotomy reduced contractures as effectively as limited fasciectomy does in clinical practice. Furthermore, percutaneous needle aponeurotomy provided a more rapid functional recovery and had a lower rate of mild complications.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Bilateral Facial Paralysis: A 13-Year Experience
Authors: Gaudin Robert A. , Jowett Nathan , Banks Caroline A. , Knox Christopher J. , Hadlock Tessa A.
Published: June 2016

Background:

Bilateral facial palsy is a rare clinical entity caused by myriad disparate conditions requiring different treatment paradigms. Lyme disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and leukemia are several examples. In this article, the authors describe the cause, the initial diagnostic approach, and the management of long-term sequelae of bilateral paralysis that has evolved in the authors’ center over the past 13 years.

Methods:

A chart review was performed to identify all patients diagnosed with bilateral paralysis at the authors’ center between January of 2002 and January of 2015. Demographics, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, initial medical treatment, interventions for facial reanimation, and outcomes were reviewed.

Results:

Of the 2471 patients seen at the authors’ center, 68 patients (3 percent) with bilateral facial paralysis were identified. Ten patients (15 percent) presented with bilateral facial paralysis caused by Lyme disease, nine (13 percent) with Möbius syndrome, nine (13 percent) with neurofibromatosis type 2, five (7 percent) with bilateral facial palsy caused by brain tumor, four (6 percent) with Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome, three (4 percent) with bilateral temporal bone fractures, two (3 percent) with Guillain-Barré syndrome, one (2 percent) with central nervous system lymphoma, one (2 percent) with human immunodeficiency virus infection, and 24 (35 percent) with presumed Bell palsy. Treatment included pharmacologic therapy, physical therapy, chemodenervation, and surgical interventions.

Conclusions:

Bilateral facial palsy is a rare medical condition, and treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach. The authors outline diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms of a tertiary care center to provide clinicians with a systematic approach to managing these complicated patients.
Metal Artifact Reduction in Computed Tomography After Deep Brain Stimulation Electrode Placement Using Iterative Reconstructions
Authors: Aissa Joel , Boos Johannes , Schleich Christoph , Sedlmair Martin , Krzymyk Karl , Kröpil Patric , Antoch Gerald , Thomas Christoph
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative computed tomography (CT) after deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode placement is limited due to artifacts induced by the metallic hardware, which can potentially mask intracranial postoperative complications. Different metal artifact reduction (MAR) techniques have been introduced to reduce artifacts from metal hardware in CT. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a novel iterative MAR technique on image quality and diagnostic performance in the follow-up of patients with DBS electrode implementation surgery.

Materials and Methods

Seventeen patients who had received routine intraoperative CT of the head after implantation of DBS electrodes between March 2015 and June 2015 were retrospectively included. Raw data of all patients were reconstructed with standard weighted filtered back projection (WFBP) and additionally with a novel iterative MAR algorithm. We quantified frequencies of density changes to assess quantitative artifact reduction. For evaluation of qualitative image quality, the visibility of numerous cerebral anatomic landmarks and the detectability of intracranial electrodes were scored according to a 4-point scale. Furthermore, artifact strength overall and adjacent to the electrodes was rated.

Results

Our results of quantitative artifact reduction showed that images reconstructed with iterative MAR (iMAR) contained significantly lower metal artifacts (overall low frequency values, 1608.6 ± 545.5; range, 375.5–3417.2) compared with the WFBP (overall low frequency values, 4487.3 ± 875.4; range, 2218.3–5783.5) reconstructed images (P < 0.004). Qualitative image analysis showed a significantly improved image quality for iMAR (overall anatomical landmarks, 2.49 ± 0.15; median, 3; range, 0–3; overall electrode characteristics, 2.35 ± 0.16; median, 2; range, 0–3; artifact characteristics, 2.16 ± 0.08; median, 2.5; range, 0–3) compared with WFBP (overall anatomical landmarks, 1.21 ± 0.64; median, 1; range, 0–3; overall electrode characteristics, 0.74 ± 0.37; median, 1; range, 0–2; artifact characteristics, 0.51 ± 0.15; median, 0.5; range, 0–2; P < 0.002).

Conclusions

Reconstructions of cranial CT images with the novel iMAR algorithm in patients after DBS implantation allows an efficient reduction of metal artifacts near DBS electrodes compared with WFBP reconstructions. We demonstrated an improvement of quantitative and qualitative image quality of iMAR compared with WFBP in patients with DBS electrodes.
Improved multimodal method for the acoustic propagation in waveguides with a wall impedance and a uniform flow
Authors: Mercier Jean-François , Maurel Agnès
Published: June 2016

We present an efficient multimodal method to describe the acoustic propagation in the presence of a uniform flow in a waveguide with locally a wall impedance treatment. The method relies on a variational formulation of the problem, which allows to derive a multimodal formulation within a rigorous mathematical framework, notably to properly account for the boundary conditions on the walls (being locally the Myers condition and the Neumann condition otherwise). Also, the method uses an enriched basis with respect to the usual cosine basis, able to absorb the less converging part of the modal series and thus, to improve the convergence of the method. Using the cosine basis, the modal method has a low convergence, 1/
N
, with
N
the order of truncation. Using the enriched basis, the improvement in the convergence is shown to depend on the Mach number, from 1/
N
5
to roughly 1/
N
1.5
for
M
=0 to
M
close to unity. The case of a continuously varying wall impedance is considered, and we discuss the limiting case of piecewise constant impedance, which defines pressure edge conditions at the impedance discontinuities.
Zika Virus in the Human Placenta and Developing Brain: Cell Tropism and Drug Inhibition
Authors: Retallack Hanna , Di Lullo Elizabeth , Arias Carolina , Knopp Kristeene A. , Sandoval-Espinosa Carmen , Laurie Matthew T. , Zhou Yan , Gormley Matthew , Mancia Leon Walter R. , Krencik Robert , Ullian Erik M. , Spatazza Julien , Pollen Alex A. , Ona Katherine , Nowakowski Tomasz J. , DeRisi Joseph L. , Fisher Susan J. , Kriegstein Arnold R.
Published: June 2016

The rapid spread of Zika virus (ZIKV) and its association with abnormal brain development constitute a global health emergency. Congenital ZIKV infection produces a range of mild to severe pathologies, including placental damage and microcephaly. However, the placenta’s role in viral transmission and the mechanisms of microcephaly have not been addressed in primary human tissues. Moreover, there is an urgent need for drugs that can prevent developmental defects following infection. Here, we identify the placental and brain cell populations most susceptible to ZIKV infection, provide evidence for a mechanism of viral entry, and show that a commonly used antibiotic protects cultured brain cells by inhibiting viral proliferation. In the early gestation placenta, the virus readily infected trophoblast subpopulations that are in direct contact with maternal blood and uterine cells, suggesting routes of ZIKV transmission to the embryo and fetus. In the brain, ZIKV preferentially infected neural stem cells, astrocytes, and microglia, whereas neurons were less susceptible to infection. These findings suggest mechanisms for microcephaly and other pathologic features of infants with congenital ZIKV infection that are not explained by neural stem cell infection alone, such as calcifications in the cortical plate and brain abnormalities caused by third trimester infection. Blocking a putative viral entry receptor, AXL, which is highly enriched in the infected placenta and brain cell types, reduced ZIKV infection of astrocytesin vitro. In a glial cell line, the macrolide antibiotic, azithromycin, inhibited viral proliferation and viral-induced cytopathic effects at clinically relevant concentrations. Our characterization of infection in primary human tissues clarifies the pathogenesis of congenital ZIKV infection and provides critical context for interpreting results from model systems. Further work on azithromycin and related compounds may yield additional therapeutic strategies to safely alleviate or prevent the most severe consequences of the epidemic.
A formula to estimate a researcher’s impact by prioritizing highly cited publications
Authors: Belikov Aleksey V. , Belikov Vitaly V.
Published: June 2016

Here we suggest a new index to estimate the scientific impact of an individual researcher, namely theS-index. This index has been designed to emphasize highly cited, truly important works and to be minimally affected by poorly cited ones, without setting any arbitrary threshold. The first property makes it advantageous over theh-index, which does not discriminate between highly and moderately cited articles, while the second property - over the total number of citations, preventing the possibility of overclocking an index by publishing many trivial articles. Contrary to theh-index, which has an upper limit of the total number of publications regardless of their citation numbers, the S-index is not limited by the publication count. This allows scientists having few but very influential works to receive appropriate and respectable index values, which is impossible with theh-index. Moreover, only 10 most cited publications of an individual are typically required to calculate anS-index to 99% accuracy. Collectively, theS-index is principally different from the existing scientometric indicators and should facilitate better recognition of prominent researchers.
mmgenome: a toolbox for reproducible genome extraction from metagenomes
Authors: Karst Søeren M. , Kirkegaard Rasmus H. , Albertsen Mads
Published: June 2016

Recovery of population genomes is becoming a standard analysis in metagenomics and a multitude of different approaches exists. However, the workflows are complex, requiring data generation, binning, validation and finishing to generate high quality population genome bins. In addition, several different approaches are often used on the same dataset as the optimal strategy to extract a specific population genome varies. Here we introduce mmgenome: a toolbox for reproducible genome extraction from metagenomes. At the core of mmgenome is an R package that facilitates effortless integration of different binning strategies by collecting information on scaffolds. Genome binning is facilitated through integrated tools that support effortless visualizations, validation and calculation of key statistics. Full reproducibility and transparency is obtained through Rmarkdown, whereby every step can be recreated.

Availability and implementation

The binning framework of mmge-nome is implemented in R. Wrapper scripts for data generation and finishing is written in Perl. The mmgenome toolbox and associated step-by-step guides are available athttp://madsal-bertsen.github.io/mmgenome/.

Contact

ma@bio.aau.dk

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available atBioinformaticsonline.
RNase reverses segment sequence in the anterior of a beetle egg (Callosobruchus maculatus, Coleoptera)
Authors: van der Meer Jitse M.
Published: June 2016

The genetic regulation of anterior-posterior segment pattern development has been elucidated in detail forDrosophila, but it is not canonical for insects. A surprising diversity of regulatory mechanisms is being uncovered not only between insect Orders, but also within the Order of the Diptera. This raises the question whether the same diversity of regulatory mechanisms exists within other insect Orders. This paper draws attention to the promise of the pea beetleCallosobruchus maculatusfor elucidating the evolution of pattern regulation mechanisms in Coleoptera and other insect Orders. Introduction of RNase in eggs ofCallosobruchusreplaces anterior segments with posterior segments oriented in mirror image symmetry to the original posterior segments (double abdomens). Reversal is specific for RNase activity, for treatment of the anterior egg pole and for cytoplasmic RNA. Yield depends on developmental stage, enzyme concentration and temperature. A maximum of 30% of treated eggs reversed segment sequence after puncture in 10.0 μg/ml RNase S reconstituted from S-protein and S-peptide at 30 °C. This result sets the stage for an analysis of the genetic regulation of segment pattern formation in the long germ embryo of the ColeopteranCallosobruchusand for comparison with the short germ embryo of the ColeopteranTribolium.
Understanding boundary effects and confocal optics enables quantitative FRAP analysis in the confined geometries of animal, plant, and fungal cells
Authors: Kingsley James L. , Bibeau Jeffrey P. , Mousavi S. Iman , Unsal Cem , Chen Zhilu , Huang Xinming , Vidali Luis , Tüzel Erkan
Published: June 2016

Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) is an important tool used by cell biologists to study the diffusion and binding kinetics of vesicles, proteins, and other molecules in the cytoplasm, nucleus or cell membrane. While many FRAP models have been developed over the past decades, the influence of the complex boundaries of three-dimensional cellular geometries on the recovery curves, in conjunction with ROI and optical effects (imaging, photobleaching, photoswitching, and scanning), has not been well studied. Here, we developed a three-dimensional computational model of the FRAP process that incorporates particle diffusion, cell boundary effects, and the optical properties of the scanning confocal microscope, and validated this model using the tip-growing cells ofPhyscomitrella patens. We then show how these cell boundary and optical effects confound the interpretation of FRAP recovery curves, including the number of dynamic states of a given fluorescent protein, in a wide range of cellular geometries-both in two and three dimensions-namely nuclei, filopodia, and lamellipodia of mammalian cells, and in cell types such as the budding yeast,S. pombe, and tip-growing plant cells. We explored the performance of existing analytical and algorithmic FRAP models in these various cellular geometries, and determined that the VCell VirtualFRAP tool provides the best accuracy to measure diffusion coefficients. Our computational model is not limited only to these cells types, but can easily be extended to other cellular geometries via the graphical Java-based application we also provide. This particle-based simulation-called the Digital Confocal Microscopy Suite, DCMS-can also perform fluorescence dynamics assays, such as Number and Brightness (N&B), Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS), Raster Image Correlation Spectroscopy (RICS), and could help shape the way these techniques are interpreted.
Gene discovery by chemical mutagenesis and whole-genome sequencing in Dictyostelium
Authors: Li Cheng-Lin Frank , Santhanam Balaji , Webb Amanda Nicole , Zupan Blaž , Shaulsky Gad
Published: June 2016

Whole-genome sequencing is a useful approach for identification of chemical-induced lesions, but previous applications involved tedious genetic mapping to pinpoint the causative mutations. We propose that saturation mutagenesis under low mutagenic loads, followed by whole-genome sequencing, should allow direct implication of genes by identifying multiple independent alleles of each relevant gene. We tested the hypothesis by performing three genetic screens with chemical mutagenesis in the social soil amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. Through genome sequencing, we successfully identified mutant genes with multiple alleles in near-saturation screens, including resistance to intense illumination and strong suppressors of defects in an allorecognition pathway. We tested the causality of the mutations by comparison to published data and by direct complementation tests, finding both dominant and recessive causative mutations. Therefore, our strategy provides a cost- and time-efficient approach to gene discovery by integrating chemical mutagenesis and whole-genome sequencing. The method should be applicable to many microbial systems, and it is expected to revolutionize the field of functional genomics in Dictyostelium by greatly expanding the mutation spectrum relative to other common mutagenesis methods.