bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic electrical behaviour of a thermoresponsive polymer in well-defined poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-grafted semiconductor devices
Authors: Masuda Tsukuru , Kajisa Taira , Akimoto Aya Mizutani , Fujita Akane , Nagase Kenichi , Okano Teruo , Sakata Toshiya , Yoshida Ryo
Published: July 2017

Herein, we found that the phase transition behaviour from swelling state to deswelling state in response to temperature change was electrically detected in real time by using the poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-grafted gate field effect transistor.
Crack-based strain sensor with diverse metal films by inserting an inter-layer
Authors: Lee Taemin , Choi Yong Whan , Lee Gunhee , Kim Sang Moon , Kang Daeshik , Choi Mansoo
Published: July 2017

We present a mechanical crack-based strain sensor with metal films by introducing an inter-layer. Two inter-layers are used; Cr layer is for generating cracks and MoO3layer for enhancing the adhesion between the substrate and the metal layer.
Methane combustion over Pd/CoAl2O4/Al2O3 catalysts prepared by galvanic deposition
Authors: Mahara Yuji , Tojo Takumi , Murata Kazumasa , Ohyama Junya , Satsuma Atsushi
Published: July 2017

Pd/CoAl2O4/Al2O3 methane combustion catalysts were synthesized using a galvanic deposition (GD) method (PdCoAl-GD).
Development of a Brønsted acid Al–MIL-53 metal–organic framework catalyst and its application in [4 + 2] cycloadditions
Authors: Li Ruilian , Jiang Yi , Zhao Jian , Ramella Daniele , Peng Yu , Luan Yi
Published: July 2017

Two Brønsted acid Al–MIL-53 derived metal–organic frameworks were developed to serve as efficient [4 + 2] cycloaddition catalysts.
CO2-responsive self-healable hydrogels based on hydrophobically-modified polymers bridged by wormlike micelles
Authors: Xiong Chunming , Peng Kang , Tang Xiaofen , Ye Zhengrong , Shi Yang , Yang Haiyang
Published: July 2017

A versatile and simple strategy is proposed to design CO2-responsive self-healable hydrogels based on hydrophobically-modified polymers bridged by worm like micelles.
Simultaneous reductive and sorptive removal of Cr(vi) by activated carbon supported β-FeOOH
Authors: Yang Tingting , Meng Lirong , Han Shuwen , Hou Jianhua , Wang Shengsen , Wang Xiaozhi
Published: July 2017

An activated carbon (AC)-supported nanocomposite was prepared by precipitating β-FeOOH onto KOH activated soybean meal-derived biochar (SYBK).
Core–shell nano-latex blending method to prepare multi-shape memory polymers
Authors: Li Hongze , Luo Yingwu , Gao Xiang
Published: July 2017

Core–shell nano-latexes with a polymer chain sequence of St-block-(St-random-MA)-block-St were blended to prepare multi-shape memory polymers with a high performance.
Template-free preparation of layer-stacked hierarchical porous carbons from coal tar pitch for high performance all-solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Guan Taotao , Li Kaixi , Zhao Jianghong , Zhao Rijie , Zhang Guoli , Zhang Dongdong , Wang Jianlong
Published: July 2017

Template-free preparation of layer-stacked hierarchical porous carbons from cheap pitch precursors for high-performance all-solid-state supercapacitors.
Bishydrobis(tetrazol-1-yl)borate (BTB) based energetic ionic liquids with high density and energy capacity as hypergolic fuels
Authors: Li Xingye , Wang Chenbin , Li Haibo , Nie Fude , Yin Hongquan , Chen Fu-Xue
Published: July 2017

A new family of bishydrobis(tetrazol-1-yl)borate (BTB) based energetic ionic liquids were synthesized, which are hypergolic with oxidizers and show superior energy capacity and high density.
Seed-assisted smart construction of high mass loading Ni–Co–Mn hydroxide nanoflakes for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Yang Shaoran , Wu Chun , Cai Junjie , Zhu Ying , Zhang Hongti , Lu Yang , Zhang Kaili
Published: July 2017

Mesoporous Ni–Co–Mn hydroxide nanoflakes (NCMH) with excellent supercapacitive performance have been firstly prepared by facile and cost effective seed-assisted methods.
Ternary nickel–iron sulfide microflowers as a robust electrocatalyst for bifunctional water splitting
Authors: Yu Jiahao , Cheng Gongzhen , Luo Wei
Published: July 2017

3D ternary nickel iron sulfide microflowers with a hierarchically porous structure have been directly grown on Ni foam via a convenient two-step method for efficient bifunctional water splitting.
Benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]difuran and furan substituted diketopyrrolopyrrole alternating copolymer for organic photovoltaics with high fill factor
Authors: Du Jia , Fortney Andria , Washington Katherine E. , Biewer Michael C. , Kowalewski Tomasz , Stefan Mihaela C.
Published: July 2017

The alternative polymer featuring sustainable furan units were reported for organic photovoltaics with systematic investigation in its morphology.
A facile and highly efficient short-time homogenization hydrothermal approach for the smart production of high-quality α-Fe2O3 for rechargeable lithium batteries
Authors: Santhoshkumar P. , Prasanna K. , Jo Yong Nam , Sivagami I. Nirmal , Kang Suk Hyun , Lee Chang Woo
Published: July 2017

In the present work, we have synthesized zero-dimensional (0D) and three-dimensional (3D) iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) sub-micron particles using a one-pot hydrothermal approach.
Colorful flexible polymer tandem solar cells
Authors: Luo Bangwu , Jiang Youyu , Mao Lin , Meng Wei , Jiang Fangyuan , Xu Yang , Zhou Yinhua
Published: July 2017

Colorful flexible polymer tandem organic solar cells have been demonstrated using a transparent conducting polymer PEDOT:PSS as the top electrode as well as an optical engineering layer.
A centrosomal protein FOR20 regulates microtubule assembly dynamics and plays a role in cell migration
Authors: Srivastava Shalini , Panda Dulal
Published: July 2017

Here, we report that a centrosomal protein FOR20 [FOP (FGFR1 (fibroblast growth factor receptor 1) oncogene protein)-like protein of molecular mass of 20 kDa; also named as C16orf63, FLJ31153 or PHSECRG2] can regulate the assembly and stability of microtubules. Both FOR20 IgG antibody and GST (glutathione S-transferase)-tagged FOR20 could precipitate tubulin from the HeLa cell extract, indicating a possible interaction between FOR20 and tubulin. FOR20 was also detected in goat brain tissue extract and it cycled with microtubule-associated proteins. Furthermore, FOR20 bound to purified tubulin and inhibited the assembly of tubulin in vitro. The overexpression of FOR20 depolymerized interphase microtubules and the depletion of FOR20 prevented nocodazole-induced depolymerization of microtubules in HeLa cells. In addition, the depletion of FOR20 suppressed the dynamics of individual microtubules in live HeLa cells. FOR20-depleted MDA-MB-231 cells displayed zigzag motion and migrated at a slower rate than the control cells, indicating that FOR20 plays a role in directed cell migration. The results suggested that the centrosomal protein FOR20 is a new member of the microtubule-associated protein family and that it regulates the assembly and dynamics of microtubules.
Differential control of ageing and lifespan by isoforms and splice variants across the mTOR network
Authors: Razquin Navas Patricia , Thedieck Kathrin
Published: July 2017

Ageing can be defined as the gradual deterioration of physiological functions, increasing the incidence of age-related disorders and the probability of death. Therefore, the term ageing not only reflects the lifespan of an organism but also refers to progressive functional impairment and disease. The nutrient-sensing kinase mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) is a major determinant of ageing. mTOR promotes cell growth and controls central metabolic pathways including protein biosynthesis, autophagy and glucose and lipid homoeostasis. The concept that mTOR has a crucial role in ageing is supported by numerous reports on the lifespan-prolonging effects of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin in invertebrate and vertebrate model organisms. Dietary restriction increases lifespan and delays ageing phenotypes as well and mTOR has been assigned a major role in this process. This may suggest a causal relationship between the lifespan of an organism and its metabolic phenotype. More than 25 years after mTOR’s discovery, a wealth of metabolic and ageing-related effects have been reported. In this review, we cover the current view on the contribution of the different elements of the mTOR signalling network to lifespan and age-related metabolic impairment. We specifically focus on distinct roles of isoforms and splice variants across the mTOR network. The comprehensive analysis of mouse knockout studies targeting these variants does not support a tight correlation between lifespan prolongation and improved metabolic phenotypes and questions the strict causal relationship between them.
Evaluation des spanischen Diagnostik-Tools für die Komplexität in der Palliativmedizin, IDC-Pal, durch Hausärzte in Deutschland: Eine Pilotstudie
Authors: Comino María , Garcia Victor , López Maria , Feddersen Berend , Roselló María , Sanftenberg Linda , Schelling Jörg
Published: July 2017

Hintergrund Die Palliativmedizin ist ein essentieller Bestandteil der medizinischen Versorgung einer Gesellschaft. Unter idealen Bedingungen erfolgt diese von der Primärversorgung (Hausärzte und Pflegedienste) mit palliativmedizinischer Basisqualifikation. Hierbei ist es oft schwierig zu identifizieren, welche Patienten von einem spezialisierten Palliativ-Care Team profitieren würden. Zur Beurteilung der Komplexitätssituation eines palliativen Patienten stellen wir das spanische Diagnostik-Tool IDC-Pal (Instrumento Diagnóstico de la Complejidad en Cuidados Paliativos) vor, welches versucht zu spezifizieren wann, warum und wohin ein/-e palliative/-r Patient/-in überwiesen werden sollte. Die Ziele dieser Studie waren daher zum einen die deutsche Übersetzung und kulturelle Anpassung des bisher in Spanien verwandten Diagnostik-Tools IDC-Pal, sowie die Überprüfung der Machbarkeit und der Augenschein Validität dieses Diagnosetools.

Methoden In der ersten Phase der Studie erfolgten die Vorwärts-Rückwärts-Übersetzung mit sprachlicher und kultureller Anpassung von IDC-Pal, sowie die Validierung des Inhalts durch ein Revisionskomitee. In der zweiten Phase wurde die vorläufige Version des Diagnostiktools von 38 Hausärzten mithilfe einer 10-stufigen Likert-Skala (1= „auf keinen Fall einverstanden“ und 10= „völlig einverstanden“) qualitativ bewertet. Entsprechend wurde abschließend eine endgültige Version des Diagnostiktools IDC-Pal entwickelt.

Ergebnisse Die Übersetzung und die Anpassung konnten ohne Probleme verwirklicht werden. Die Machbarkeit und die Augenschein Validität des Diagnostiktools IDC-Pal wurden als überdurchschnittlich gut eingestuft. So betrug der Mittelwert der globalen Antworten in der Likert-Skala 7,79 mit einer Standardabweichung (SD) von 0,36. Die Teilnehmer bestätigten ebenfalls die Augenschein Validität mit einem Durchschnitt von 7,82 und einer SD von 0,26 und eine Machbarkeit des Werkzeugs mit einem Durchschnitt von 7,79 und einer SD von 0,39.

Schlussfolgerungen Eine konzeptionelle, kulturelle und sprachlich gleichwertige Version des Diagnostiktools IDC-Pal konnte entwickelt werden. Die befragten deutschen Hausärzte waren sich einig, dass sie mit dem IDC-Pal Tool die Komplexitätssituation von palliativen Patienten einschätzen können. Diese Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Ärzte in Bayern und eventuell in Deutschland von der vollständigen Validierung von IDC-Pal profitieren könnten.
Correction of Pelvic Tilt and Pelvic Rotation in Cup Measurement after THA – An Experimental Study
Authors: Schwarz Timo Julian , Weber Markus , Dornia Christian , Worlicek Michael , Renkawitz Tobias , Grifka Joachim , Craiovan Benjamin
Published: July 2017

Purpose Accurate assessment of cup orientation on postoperative pelvic radiographs is essential for evaluating outcome after THA. Here, we present a novel method for correcting measurement inaccuracies due to pelvic tilt and rotation.

Method In an experimental setting, a cup was implanted into a dummy pelvis, and its final position was verified via CT. To show the effect of pelvic tilt and rotation on cup position, the dummy was fixed to a rack to achieve a tilt between + 15° anterior and -15° posterior and 0° to 20° rotation to the contralateral side. According to Murray’s definitions of anteversion and inclination, we created a novel corrective procedure to measure cup position in the pelvic reference frame (anterior pelvic plane) to compensate measurement errors due to pelvic tilt and rotation.

Results The cup anteversion measured on CT was 23.3°; on AP pelvic radiographs, however, variations in pelvic tilt (± 15°) resulted in anteversion angles between 11.0° and 36.2° (mean error 8.3°± 3.9°). The cup inclination was 34.1° on CT and ranged between 31.0° and 38.7° (m. e. 2.3°± 1.5°) on radiographs. Pelvic rotation between 0° and 20° showed high variation in radiographic anteversion (21.2°–31.2°, m. e. 6.0°± 3.1°) and inclination (34.1°–27.2°, m. e. 3.4°± 2.5°). Our novel correction algorithm for pelvic tilt reduced the mean error in anteversion measurements to 0.6°± 0.2° and in inclination measurements to 0.7° (SD± 0.2). Similarly, the mean error due to pelvic rotation was reduced to 0.4°± 0.4° for anteversion and to 1.3°± 0.8 for inclination.

Conclusion Pelvic tilt and pelvic rotation may lead to misinterpretation of cup position on anteroposterior pelvic radiographs. Mathematical correction concepts have the potential to significantly reduce these errors, and could be implemented in future radiological software tools.

Key Points 

Citation Format
Modern Cartilage Imaging of the Ankle
Authors: Weber Marc-André , Wünnemann Felix , Jungmann Pia , Kuni Benita , Rehnitz Christoph
Published: July 2017

Background Talar osteochondral lesions are an important risk factor for the development of talar osteoarthritis. Furthermore, osteochondral lesions might explain persistent ankle pain. Early diagnosis of accompanying chondral defects is important to establish the optimal therapy strategy and thereby delaying or preventing the onset of osteoarthritis. The purpose of this review is to explain modern cartilage imaging with emphasis of MR imaging as well as the discussion of more sophisticated imaging studies like CT-arthrography or functional MR imaging.

Methods Pubmed literature search concerning: osteochondral lesions, cartilage damage, ankle joint, talus, 2 D MR imaging, 3 D MR imaging, cartilage MR imaging, CT-arthrography, cartilage repair, microfracture, OATS, MACT.

Results and Conclusion Dedicated MR imaging protocols to delineate talar cartilage and the appearance of acute and chronic osteochondral lesions were discussed. Recent developments of MR imaging, such as isotropic 3 D imaging that has a higher signal-to noise ratio when compared to 2 D imaging, and specialized imaging methods such as CT-arthrography as well as functional MR imaging were introduced. Several classifications schemes and imaging findings of osteochondral lesions that influence the conservative or surgical therapy strategy were discussed. MRI enables after surgery the non-invasive assessment of the repair tissue and the success of implantation.

Key points 

Citation Format
Effective medium theory based analytical models for the potential and field distributions in arrays of nanoscale junctions
Authors: Gurugubelli Vijaya Kumar , Karmalkar Shreepad
Published: July 2017

Recently, we developed an Effective Medium Theory (EMT) for the Space-Charge Region electrostatics of Schottky and p-n junctions in arrays of nanofilms (NFs), nanowires, and nanotubes in a dielectric ambient and gave formulas for their junction depletion width and screening length characterizing the space-charge tail. In the present work, we develop this EMT further and derive simple formulas for the potential and field distributions in the semiconductor and dielectric media of the array. The formulas derived are validated with numerical simulations. It is shown that the potential and field distributions perpendicular to the junction plane in the array correspond to those in a bulk junction with an effective semiconductor medium, whose permittivity and doping are their weighted averages over the cross-sectional areas of the semiconductor and dielectric; the shapes of the cross-sections are immaterial. We also analyze a single NF junction, treating it as a limiting case of an array, and obtain the following key results. For negligible film thickness, the depletion width depends linearly on applied voltage and inverse of doping; the peak electric field depends linearly on doping and inverse of ambient permittivity and varies very gradually with applied voltage. These features of a thin film junction are remarkably different from the bulk junction, wherein the depletion width and peak field have a square-root dependence on applied voltage.
Dielectric and structural relaxation in water and some monohydric alcohols
Authors: Kaatze Udo
Published: July 2017

Relaxation times of the principal (Debye-type) relaxation terms in the dielectric spectra of water and normal alcohols have been evaluated in order to eliminate the effect of multi-molecular cross-correlations and to thus yield reorientation times of the molecular electric dipole moments. The reorientation times have been compared to relaxation times from ultraviolet and X-ray Brillouin spectra as well as from broadband ultrasonic spectra, which are considered as the structure relaxation times characterizing the density fluctuations of the liquid hydrogen bond networks. With some alcohols, shear impedance spectra indicate the network fluctuations to be tightly associated with shear viscosity relaxation. Within the limits of uncertainty, the molecular dipole moment reorientation times and the structure relaxation times feature close correlations. This finding suggests a coupling between translational and orientational molecular motions, and it is discussed in the light of the wait-and-switch model of dielectric relaxation.
Partners in Recovery program evaluation: changes in unmet needs and recovery
Authors: Hancock Nicola , Scanlan Justin Newton , Gillespie James A. , Smith-Merry Jennifer , Yen Ivy
Published: July 2017

Objective
Partners in Recovery (PIR) is an Australian government initiative designed to provide support and service linkage for individuals with complex needs living with severe and persistent mental illness. The aim of the present study was to examine whether consumers engaged in PIR programs in two large regions of Sydney experienced: (1) a reduction in unmet needs (either via self- or staff report); and (2) progress in their self-reported mental health recovery.

Methods
Unmet needs were measured using the Camberwell Assessment of Need Short Appraisal Scale and recovery was measured using the Recovery Assessment Scale – Domains and Stages. For individuals with initial and follow-up data, paired t-tests were used to examine change over time.

Results
At follow-up, individuals reported an average of two to three fewer unmet needs, and recovery scores increased by approximately 5% across each domain and the total score. At follow-up, the most common unmet needs were in the areas of ‘company’ and ‘daytime activities’.

Conclusions
The results of the present study suggest that PIR services in these two geographical regions have achieved positive results. Individuals with severe and persistent mental illness engaged with PIR appear to have reduced their unmet needs and enhanced their mental health recovery.

What is known about the topic?
PIR services were established to support individuals with severe and persistent mental illness by creating service linkages to address unmet needs in order to facilitate recovery. Services were delivered through the new role of ‘support facilitator’.

What does this paper add?
By examining routinely collected outcome measures, this paper shows the success of the PIR program. Individuals engaged with PIR reported fewer unmet needs and enhanced recovery over the time they were involved with the program. However, they still faced serious challenges in building successful social interactions, such as developing friendships, and participating in meaningful activities.

What are the implications for practitioners?
The support facilitator role developed as part of PIR appears to be a useful method of supporting individuals to reduce unmet needs and enhance recovery. However, further work is required to address the challenges associated with overcoming social isolation and participation in meaningful activities.
Biological annihilation via the ongoing sixth mass extinction signaled by vertebrate population losses and declines
Authors: Ceballos Gerardo , Ehrlich Paul R. , Dirzo Rodolfo
Published: July 2017

Significance

The strong focus on species extinctions, a critical aspect of the contemporary pulse of biological extinction, leads to a common misimpression that Earth’s biota is not immediately threatened, just slowly entering an episode of major biodiversity loss. This view overlooks the current trends of population declines and extinctions. Using a sample of 27,600 terrestrial vertebrate species, and a more detailed analysis of 177 mammal species, we show the extremely high degree of population decay in vertebrates, even in common “species of low concern.” Dwindling population sizes and range shrinkages amount to a massive anthropogenic erosion of biodiversity and of the ecosystem services essential to civilization. This “biological annihilation” underlines the seriousness for humanity of Earth’s ongoing sixth mass extinction event.
WIsH: who is the host? Predicting prokaryotic hosts from metagenomic phage contigs
Authors: Galiez Clovis , Siebert Matthias , Enault François , Vincent Jonathan , Söding Johannes
Published: July 2017

WIsH predicts prokaryotic hosts of phages from their genomic sequences. It achieves 63% mean accuracy when predicting the host genus among 20 genera for 3 kbp-long phage contigs. Over the best current tool, WisH shows much improved accuracy on phage sequences of a few kbp length and runs hundreds of times faster, making it suited for metagenomics studies.

Availability and implementation

OpenMP-parallelized GPL-licensed C ++ code available at https://github.com/soedinglab/wish.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
ScanGEO: parallel mining of high-throughput gene expression data
Authors: Koeppen Katja , Stanton Bruce A , Hampton Thomas H
Published: July 2017

Current options to mine publicly available gene expression data deposited in NCBI’s gene expression omnibus (GEO), such as the GEO web portal and related applications, are optimized to reanalyze a single study, or search for a single gene, and therefore require manual intervention to reanalyze multiple studies for user-specified gene sets. ScanGEO is a simple, user-friendly Shiny web application designed to identify differentially expressed genes across all GEO studies matching user-specified criteria, for a flexible set of genes, visualize results and provide summary statistics and other reports using a single command.

Availability and implementation

The ScanGEO source code is written in R and implemented as a Shiny app that can be freely accessed at http://scangeo.dartmouth.edu/ScanGEO/. For users who would like to run a local instantiation of the app, the R source code is available under a GNU GPLv3 license at https://github.com/StantonLabDartmouth/AppScanGEO.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Are Older Adults Perceived as A Threat to Society? Exploring Perceived Age-Based Threats in 29 Nations
Authors: Ayalon Liat
Published: July 2017

Objectives

The present study adds to the current body of literature by simultaneously examining the public perception of young and old people as posing realistic threats (e.g., to the group’s power, resources, and welfare) and symbolic threats (e.g., to one’s world view, belief system and values).

Methods

The fourth wave of the European Social Survey was administered to individuals from 29 countries. Analysis is based on 56,170 individuals, who had data on the four relevant indicators. The study relied on a latent profile analysis to develop a typology of perceived realistic and symbolic threats to society by younger and older adults.

Results

A three-profile solution indicated that the perception of older and younger adults as threats to society often co-occurs. Sociodemographic characteristics at the individual-level and the Gini coefficient (e.g., an inequality indicator) at the country-level had differential associations with the profiles identified.

Conclusions

The study calls for a more balanced approach which evaluates attitudes toward both younger and older adults as potential sources of threat. Attention should be paid to individual- and national-level characteristics associated with age-based threats (e.g., the perception of a group, defined by its chronological age, as threatening).
A Report of 2 Cases of Brainstem Hemorrhage After Suboccipital Craniectomy for Chiari Decompression
Authors: Polster Sean P , Dougherty Mark C , Zeineddine Hussein A , Lee Seon-Kyu , Frim David
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Decompression surgery for Chiari malformation is known to have very low procedure-related complications. There has been no report of post-Chiari malformation decompression surgery development of brainstem hemorrhage. We report 2 post-Chiari decompression surgery brainstem hemorrhage cases with 2-yr follow-up.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

Two cases were reviewed in which patients underwent uncomplicated suboccipital craniectomy with expansive autologous pericranium duraplasty for Chiari decompression. Postoperatively, both patients awoke with hemibody sensory and motor deficits. Immediate postoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed a small hemorrhage within the dorsal medulla in both cases. Follow-up imaging shows resolution along with near complete clinical recovery of deficits.

CONCLUSION

These cases demonstrate a rare postdecompression surgery-related complication in Chiari malformation. We hypothesize that these hemorrhages may occur from the rapid drainage of cerebrospinal fluid resulting in a loss of positive pressure, allowing a low-pressure hemorrhage to occur. Given that these hemorrhages are of low pressure, recovery is excellent.
Diversity of Sweepoviruses Infecting Sweet Potato in China
Authors: Liu Qili , Wang Yongjiang , Zhang Zhenchen , Lv Hui , Qiao Qi , Qin Yanhong , Zhang Desheng , Tian Yuting , Wang Shuang , Li Jianqiang
Published: July 2017

Sweepoviruses (a group of begomoviruses that infect plants in the family Convolvulaceae) have monopartite genomes that consist of a circular, single-stranded DNA molecule. Seventy-three complete genomic sequences of sweepoviruses were characterized from the sweet potato samples collected in China. Eight sweepovirus species, including two novel species with proposed names of Sweet potato leaf curl China virus 2 and Sweet potato leaf curl Sichuan virus 2, were identified among these samples. One species, Sweet potato leaf curl Canary virus, was first identified in China. Among the 13 identified strains of Chinese sweepoviruses, 4 were newly discovered. Sweet potato leaf curl virus had the highest frequency (53.4%) of occurrence in the sweet potato samples from China. The similarities among the 73 sweepovirus genomic sequences were between 77.6 and 100.0%. Multiple recombination events were identified, and 16 recombinant sequences were determined. Recombination was observed between different species and between different strains of the same species. Recombination breakpoints were mainly localized on the intergenic region and in three open reading frames (AC1, AV1, and AV2). This study is the first comprehensive report on the genetic diversity of sweepoviruses in China.
Sex Differences in Cannabis Use Disorder Diagnosis Involved Hospitalizations in the United States
Authors: Zhu He , Wu Li-Tzy
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

The study examined sex differences in trend and clinical characteristics of cannabis use disorder (CUD) diagnosis involved hospitalizations among adult patients.

Methods:

We analyzed hospitalization data from the 2007–2011 Nationwide Inpatient Samples for patients aged 18–64 years (N = 15,114,930). Descriptive statistics were used to characterize demographic variables and to compare the proportions of CUD diagnosis and comorbid patterns between male and female hospitalizations. Logistic regressions were performed to examine the association of sex and other demographic variables with CUD diagnosis.

Results:

During the study period, 3.3% of male and 1.5% of female hospitalizations had any-listed CUD diagnoses, and both sexes presented an upward trend in the number, rate, and proportion of CUD diagnosis. Among hospitalizations for patients aged 18–25 years, about 1 in 10 males and 1 in 20 females included a CUD diagnosis, and this proportion decreased with age strata. Mental disorders accounted for the highest proportion of CUD involved inpatient hospitalizations, and female CUD involved hospitalizations included a higher proportion of mental disorders that required hospitalized care compared with male hospitalizations (41% vs 36%). In each sex group, younger age, black race, lower household income, large metropolitan residence, non-private insurance, substance use diagnosis, and mental disorders were associated with elevated odds of having CUD diagnosis.

Conclusion:

The large sample of clinical hospitalization data suggest an increased trend in CUD diagnosis and sex differences in several comorbidities with CUD-involved hospital admissions. Prevention and treatment for CUD should consider sex differences in clinical comorbidities.
Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis During Antepartum Admissions and Postpartum Readmissions
Authors: Mardy Anne H. , Siddiq Zainab , Ananth Cande V. , Wright Jason D. , D'Alton Mary E. , Friedman Alexander M.
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To characterize the use of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis during antepartum and postpartum hospitalizations in the United States.

METHODS:

A retrospective cohort study using the Perspective database was performed to analyze temporal trends of mechanical and pharmacologic venous thromboembolism prophylaxis for patients hospitalized for antepartum and postpartum indications between 2006 and 2015. Delivery hospitalizations were excluded. The association between use of prophylaxis and medical and obstetric risk factors as well as patient demographic and hospital characteristics was evaluated with unadjusted and adjusted models accounting for demographic, hospital and medical, and obstetric risk factors.

RESULTS:

A total of 622,740 antepartum and 105,361 postpartum readmissions were identified and included in the analysis. Between 2006 and 2015, use of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis increased from 18.5% to 38.7% for antepartum admissions (adjusted risk ratio [RR] 1.94, 95% CI 1.88–2.01) and from 22.5% to 30.6% for postpartum readmissions (adjusted RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.21–1.43). Among women readmitted postpartum, 56.4% of prophylaxis was pharmacologic and 43.6% was mechanical. For antepartum admissions, 87.2% of prophylaxis was mechanical and 12.8% was pharmacologic. Significant regional and hospital-level variation was noted with prophylaxis most common in the South. In both unadjusted and unadjusted analyses, use of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis was more common for women with thrombophilia, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a history of venous thromboembolism, and prolonged hospitalization. Factors associated with decreased rates of prophylaxis included hyperemesis and postpartum endometritis.

CONCLUSION:

Although antepartum and postpartum venous thromboembolism prophylaxis is becoming increasingly common, particularly in the setting of medical or obstetric risk factors, use of prophylaxis varies regionally and on a hospital level. Some risk factors for venous thromboembolism were associated with lower rates of prophylaxis. The heterogeneity of clinical approaches to venous thromboembolism prophylaxis for these patient populations may represent an opportunity to perform outcomes research to further clarify best practices.
Relationship Between Labor and Delivery Unit Management Practices and Maternal Outcomes
Authors: Plough Avery C. , Galvin Grace , Li Zhonghe , Lipsitz Stuart R. , Alidina Shehnaz , Henrich Natalie J. , Hirschhorn Lisa R. , Berry William R. , Gawande Atul A. , Peter Doris , McDonald Rory , Caldwell Donna L. , Muri Janet H. , Bingham Debra , Caughey Aaron B. , Declercq Eugene R. , Shah Neel T.
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To define, measure, and characterize key competencies of managing labor and delivery units in the United States and assess the associations between unit management and maternal outcomes.

METHODS:

We developed and administered a management measurement instrument using structured telephone interviews with both the primary nurse and physician managers at 53 diverse hospitals across the United States. A trained interviewer scored the managers' interview responses based on management practices that ranged from most reactive (lowest scores) to most proactive (highest scores). We established instrument validity by conducting site visits among a subsample of 11 hospitals and established reliability using interrater comparison. Using a factor analysis, we identified three themes of management competencies: management of unit culture, patient flow, and nursing. We constructed patient-level regressions to assess the independent association between these management themes and maternal outcomes.

RESULTS:

Proactive management of unit culture and nursing was associated with a significantly higher risk of primary cesarean delivery in low-risk patients (relative risk [RR] 1.30, 95% CI 1.02–1.66 and RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.13–1.92, respectively). Proactive management of unit culture was also associated with a significantly higher risk of prolonged length of stay (RR 4.13, 95% CI 1.98–8.64), postpartum hemorrhage (RR 2.57, 95% CI 1.58–4.18), and blood transfusion (RR 1.87, 95% CI 1.12–3.13). Proactive management of patient flow and nursing was associated with a significantly lower risk of prolonged length of stay (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.12–0.46 and RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.11–0.62, respectively).

CONCLUSION:

Labor and delivery unit management varies dramatically across and within hospitals in the United States. Some proactive management practices may be associated with increased risk of primary cesarean delivery and maternal morbidity. Other proactive management practices may be associated with decreased risk of prolonged length of stay, indicating a potential opportunity to safely improve labor and delivery unit efficiency.
Economic Evaluation of Adjunctive Azithromycin Prophylaxis for Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Harper Lorie M. , Kilgore Meredith , Szychowski Jeff M. , Andrews William W. , Tita Alan T. N.
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the costs associated with adjunctive azithromycin compared with standard cefazolin antibiotic prophylaxis alone for unscheduled and scheduled cesarean deliveries.

METHODS:

A decision analytic model was created to compare cefazolin alone with azithromycin plus cefazolin. Published incidences of surgical site infection after cesarean delivery were used to estimate the baseline incidence of surgical site infection in scheduled and unscheduled cesarean delivery using standard antibiotic prophylaxis. The effectiveness of adjunctive azithromycin prophylaxis was obtained from published randomized controlled trials for unscheduled cesarean deliveries. No randomized study of its use in scheduled procedures has been completed. Cost estimates were obtained from published literature, hospital estimates, and the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project and considered costs of azithromycin and surgical site infections. A series of sensitivity analyses were conducted by varying parameters in the model based on observed distributions for probabilities and costs. The outcome was cost per cesarean delivery from a health system perspective.

RESULTS:

For unscheduled cesarean deliveries, cefazolin prophylaxis alone would cost $695 compared with $335 for adjunctive azithromycin prophylaxis, resulting in a savings of $360 (95% CI $155–451) per cesarean delivery. In scheduled cesarean deliveries, cefazolin prophylaxis alone would cost $254 compared with $111 for adjunctive azithromycin prophylaxis, resulting in a savings of $143 (95% CI 98–157) per cesarean delivery, if proven effective. These findings were robust to a multitude of inputs; as long as adjunctive azithromycin prevented as few as seven additional surgical site infections per 1,000 unscheduled cesarean deliveries and nine additional surgical site infections per 10,000 scheduled cesarean deliveries, adjunctive azithromycin prophylaxis was cost-saving.

CONCLUSION:

Adjunctive azithromycin prophylaxis is a cost-saving strategy in both unscheduled and scheduled cesarean deliveries.
Intensive Prenatal Nutrition Counseling in a Community Health Setting
Authors: Peccei Alessandra , Blake-Lamb Tiffany , Rahilly Debra , Hatoum Ida , Bryant Allison
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the effect of a culturally appropriate nutritional intervention delivered to overweight and obese patients in a community health setting on gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We conducted a randomized controlled trial of an intensive nutrition counseling intervention for overweight and obese women by a registered dietitian throughout pregnancy and 6 months postpartum. The primary outcome was likelihood of gestational weight gain within Institute of Medicine (IOM, now known as the Health and Medicine Division of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine) guidelines. Secondary outcomes included birth weight and maternal and neonatal complications.

RESULTS:

Three hundred patients were randomized. In intent-to-treat analyses, assignment to the intervention group did not have a significant effect on maintenance of gestational weight gain within IOM guidelines (34.2% compared with 27.5%, odds ratio [OR] 1.4, 95% CI 0.8–2.4). Among obese women, assignment to the intervention group was associated with fewer large-for-gestational-age (LGA) neonates (7% compared with 17%; OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.99). Neither primary nor secondary outcomes were significantly different among overweight women in the intervention group in intent-to-treat analyses. In as-treated analyses, women in the intervention group had lower neonatal birth weights (3,343 g compared with 3,500 g; difference −157.4 g, 95% CI −298.4 to −16.5) and lower likelihood of LGA (6% compared with 14%; OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.96). Among overweight women, participation in the intervention was associated with lower gestational weight gain (26.1 pounds compared with 31.4 pounds; difference −5.3 pounds, 95% CI −10.0 to −0.6), lower neonatal birth weights (3,237 g compared with 3,467 g; difference −230, 95% CI −452.8 to −7.8), and lower percent of initial body mass index at 6 months postpartum (101% compared with 106%; difference −4.9, 95% CI −8.8 to −0.9).

CONCLUSION:

Our intervention did not result in a significant improvement in our primary outcome, the proportion of obese and overweight women who had gestational weight gain within IOM guidelines. However, intensive prenatal nutrition counseling offered in an urban community health setting may decrease LGA births among a group of overweight and obese women from culturally diverse backgrounds at risk for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01056406.
Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulators for the Treatment of Uterine Leiomyomas
Authors: Safrai Myriam , Chill Henry H. , Reuveni Salzman Adi , Shushan Asher
Published: July 2017

Uterine leiomyomas have drawn much attention since being described more than 200 years ago. These common benign uterine tumors often present with prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, and reproductive disorders and pose a true financial burden on health care systems all over the world. Over the past few decades, surgical treatment of uterine leiomyomas has received most of the focus compared with other treatment options. Choosing the appropriate surgical technique depends on many factors such as uterine leiomyoma location, patient's age, interest in future fertility, concomitant comorbidities, and the patient's preference. Pharmacologic treatments such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and antagonists have been used for the treatment of symptomatic uterine leiomyomas with only partial success. Myriad side effects and limited clinical results have rendered them less popular and have exposed a true need for new effective medical treatments. Recently, treatment with selective progesterone receptor modulators has shown promising results with shrinkage of uterine leiomyomas and a prolonged clinical effect. Selective progesterone receptor modulators provide hope for women with this challenging condition and are a promising new option in the armamentarium of medical treatments for uterine leiomyomas.
Identifying and Assisting Sexually Exploited and Trafficked Patients Seeking Women's Health Care Services
Authors: Tracy Erin E. , Macias-Konstantopoulos Wendy
Published: July 2017

It is estimated that 21 million people are trafficked worldwide, including 11.4 million women and girls. Approximately 4.5 million are forced to do sexual labor. The exact prevalence of human trafficking is difficult to ascertain, however, given the limitations of data collection in an illegal industry. Obstetrician–gynecologists should not only be aware of the widespread nature of human trafficking, but also have the tools to assess patients for trafficking and respond to victim identifications. Patients may present with signs of physical abuse, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, substance use, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, and nonspecific somatic complaints. As with intimate partner violence, clinicians should be suspicious if the patient is accompanied by an individual who refuses to leave her side. Other potential red flags include patients with wounds in various stages of healing, patients appearing fearful or unable to answer specific questions, and patients who do not have any personal identification. Health care providers should speak with the patient privately, using professional interpreters when indicated. Although there are no validated screening questions for the health care setting, in this article, we provide sample questions such as, “Is anyone forcing you to do anything physically or sexually that you do not want to do?” The physical examination should be thorough with appropriate workup, sexually transmitted infection prophylaxis, and emergency contraception. Physicians and patients should be aware of their state's mandatory reporting requirements and careful documentation is essential. Finally, to ensure a comprehensive, interdisciplinary response to trafficked patients, practitioners should engage hospital-based and community-based services when appropriate.
Primary Posterior Blade Plate Tibiotalar Arthrodesis: A Salvage Procedure for Complex Nonreconstructable Pilon Fractures
Authors: Abebe Ermias , Farrell Dana J. , Zelle Boris , Gruen Gary
Published: July 2017

A subset of C2/C3 pilon fractures, open pilon injuries, metaphyseal bone comminution, and those involving substantial soft tissue or vascular injury may be nonreconstructable. Such injuries are at risk of progress to nonunion and failing open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The risk of infection, malunion, and nonunion is relatively high with such injury patterns. In such cases, tibiotalar arthrodesis is performed after ORIF fails as a salvage procedure. Overall, the literature agrees that all pilon fractures will develop posttraumatic osteoarthritis, and these patients are ultimately treated with an arthrodesis or in narrow population with total ankle arthroplasty. Given these combined findings, it follows that patients identified as high risk of failing ORIF could benefit from the use of primary arthrodesis. The proposed technique provides a reliable approach designed to achieve ankle fusion. It provides a means to achieve reliable union rates and spares the subtalar joint. In addition, it avoids the anterior soft tissue envelope, and hardware irritation is tempered as the final implants are covered by a muscular layer. Last, patients who are at higher risk of failing ORIF are selected and spared, having to undergo trial ORIF, time to nonunion, work absence, and rehab.
Do Physical Activities Trigger Flare-ups During an Acute Low Back Pain Episode?
Authors: Suri Pradeep , Rainville James , de Schepper Evelien , Martha Julia , Hartigan Carol , Hunter David J.
Published: July 2017

Study Design.

Prospective, longitudinal case-crossover study.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to determine whether physical activities trigger flare-ups of pain during the course of acute low back pain (LBP).

Summary of Background Data. .

There exist no evidence-based estimates for the transient risk of pain flare-ups associated with specific physical activities, during acute LBP.

Methods.

Participants with LBP of duration <3 months completed frequent, Internet-based serial assessments at both 3- and 7-day intervals for 6 weeks. At each assessment, participants reported whether they had engaged in specific physical activity exposures, or experienced stress or depression, during the past 24 hours. Participants also reported whether they were currently experiencing a LBP flare-up, defined as “a period of increased pain lasting at least 2 hours, when your pain intensity is distinctly worse than it has been recently.” Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for associations between potential triggers during the past 24 hours, and the risk of LBP flare-ups, using conditional logistic regression.

Results.

Of 48 participants followed longitudinally, 30 participants had both case (“flare”) and control periods and contributed data to the case-crossover analysis. There were 81 flare periods and 247 control periods, an average of 11 periods per participant. Prolonged sitting (>6 hours) was the only activity that was significantly associated with flare-ups(OR 4.4, 95% CI 2.0–9.7; P < 0.001). Having either stress or depression was also significantly associated with greater risk of flare-ups (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.0–6.0; P = 0.04). In multivariable analyses, prolonged sitting (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.9–9.1; P < 0.001), physical therapy (PT) (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.1–1.0; P = 0.05), and stress/depression (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.2–6.7; P = 0.02) were independently and significantly associated with LBP flare-up risk.

Conclusion.

Among participants with acute LBP, prolonged sitting (>6 hours) and stress or depression triggered LBP flare-ups. PT was a deterrent of flare-ups.

Level of Evidence: 2