bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuromuscular Impairments Are Associated With Impaired Head and Trunk Stability During Gait in Parkinson Fallers
Authors: Cole Michael H. , Naughton Geraldine A. , Silburn Peter A.
Published: June 2016

Background. The trunk plays a critical role in attenuating movement-related forces that threaten to challenge the body’s postural control system. For people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), disease progression often leads to dopamine-resistant axial symptoms, which impair trunk control and increase falls risk. Objective. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the relationship between impaired trunk muscle function, segmental coordination, and future falls in people with PD. Methods. Seventy-nine PD patients and 82 age-matched controls completed clinical assessments and questionnaires to establish their medical history, symptom severity, balance confidence, and falls history. Gait characteristics and trunk muscle activity were assessed using 3-dimensional motion analysis and surface electromyography. The incidence, cause, and consequence of any falls experienced over the next 12 months were recorded and indicated that 48 PD and 29 control participants fell at least once during this time. Results. PD fallers had greater peak and baseline lumbar multifidus (LMF) and thoracic erector spinae (TES) activations than control fallers and nonfallers. Analysis of covariance indicated that the higher LMF activity was attributable to the stooped posture adopted by PD fallers, but TES activity was independent of medication use, symptom severity, and trunk orientation. Furthermore, greater LMF and TES baseline activity contributed to increasing lateral head, trunk, and pelvis movements in PD fallers but not nonfallers or controls. Conclusions. The results provide evidence of neuromuscular deficits for PD fallers that are independent of medications, symptom severity, and posture and contribute to impaired head, trunk, and pelvis control associated with falls in this population.
On Leading Meetings
Authors: Odermatt Isabelle , König Cornelius J. , Kleinmann Martin , Nussbaumer Romana , Rosenbaum Amanda , Olien Jessie L. , Rogelberg Steven G.
Published: June 2016

Leading meetings represent a typically and frequently performed leadership task. This study investigated the relationship between the leadership style of supervisors and employees’ perception of meeting outcomes. Results showed that participants reported greater meeting satisfaction when their meeting leader was assessed as a considerate supervisor, with the relationship between considerate leadership style and meeting satisfaction being mediated by both relational- and task-oriented meeting procedures. The results, however, provide no support for initiating structure being associated with meeting effectiveness measures. More generally, the findings imply that leadership behavior is a crucial factor in explaining important meeting outcomes.
The Sociopolitical Implications of Firm Reputation
Authors: Martinez Arthur D. , Russell Zachary A. , Maher Liam P. , Brandon-Lai Simon A. , Ferris Gerald R.
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this investigation is to examine how different dimensions of firm reputation interact to predict firm financial performance. Specifically, we draw on the tenets of stakeholder theory to argue that firm managers can optimize their financial performance by minding their financial and social reputations. If firm managers fail to establish a sound financial reputation, then their financial performance suffers, and especially does so if the firm has dedicated resources to maintaining a strong social reputation. Time separated data from 393 firms supported our hypotheses that financial performance is predicted by financial reputation, and that this relationship is moderated by social reputation. Implications, limitations, and areas for future research are discussed.
Validation of Reverse-Engineered and Additive-Manufactured Microsurgical Instrument Prototype
Authors: Singh Ramandeep , Suri Ashish , Anand Sneh , Baby Britty
Published: June 2016

With advancements in imaging techniques, neurosurgical procedures are becoming highly precise and minimally invasive, thus demanding development of new ergonomically aesthetic instruments. Conventionally, neurosurgical instruments are manufactured using subtractive manufacturing methods. Such a process is complex, time-consuming, and impractical for prototype development and validation of new designs. Therefore, an alternative design process has been used utilizing blue light scanning, computer-aided designing, and additive manufacturing direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) for microsurgical instrument prototype development. Deviations of DMLS-fabricated instrument were studied by superimposing scan data of fabricated instrument with the computer-aided designing model. Content and concurrent validity of the fabricated prototypes was done by a group of 15 neurosurgeons by performing sciatic nerve anastomosis in small laboratory animals. Comparative scoring was obtained for the control and study instrument. T test was applied to the individual parameters and P values for force ( P < .0001) and surface roughness ( P < .01) were found to be statistically significant. These 2 parameters were further analyzed using objective measures. Results depicts that additive manufacturing by DMLS provides an effective method for prototype development. However, direct application of these additive-manufactured instruments in the operating room requires further validation.
Understanding Decision Making Among Direct Care Workers in Assisted Living
Authors: Bowman Sara E. , Rogers Wendy A.
Published: June 2016

An increase in the older adult population will likely be associated with an increased need for long-term-care communities, such as assisted living. A primary goal of assisted living communities is to help residents maintain their health and well-being. To accomplish this goal, direct care workers employed in these settings are responsible for monitoring residents for cues that might signal problems and then responding appropriately. However, very little is known about these workers’ decision making. To gain a better understanding, direct care workers from assisted living facilities took part in a critical incident interview and a scenario-based interview. The interview data revealed various cues that were categorized as cognitive, physical, or emotional in nature. Specific explanations for the scenarios were primarily that the situation was the result of a cognitive/emotional/social issue or a physical health issue. The type and number of explanations varied widely from scenario to scenario. Of the actions participants described taking to handle the scenarios, gathering and using information was discussed more than any other action. This research has implications for training of formal and informal caregivers and also highlights the potential need for decision support systems in this domain.
A risk-oriented degradation model for maintenance of reinforced concrete structure subjected to cracking
Authors: El Hajj Boutros , Castanier Bruno , Schoefs Franck , Yeung Thomas
Published: June 2016

This article is within the context of decision models aimed for maintenance of structures and infrastructures in civil engineering. The contribution relies on the construction of a degradation model oriented toward risk analysis. The proposed model can be defined as a meta-model in the sense that it is based on observations while incorporating key features from the degradation process necessary for the maintenance decision. We propose to stimulate the construction of the degradation model based on the crack propagation of a submerged reinforced concrete structure subject to chloride-induced corrosion. Furthermore, a set of numerical illustrations is performed to demonstrate the advantages and applicability of the proposed approach in risk management and maintenance contexts.
A brave new world: The problems and opportunities presented by new media technologies in prisons
Authors: Jewkes Yvonne , Reisdorf Bianca C
Published: June 2016

This article discusses the digital inequalities experienced by prisoners and the potential opportunities that providing ‘new’ media in prisons offer for offender rehabilitation and resettlement. Currently denied access to online and social media that most of us take for granted, and unable to communicate in ways that have become ‘ordinary’ in the wider community, it is argued that prisoners experience profound social isolation and constitute one of the most impoverished groups in the digital age. In prisons which provide selected prisoners some access to information and communication technologies, their high socio-cultural status and consequent construction as a ‘privilege’ frequently results in them being used in the exercise of ‘soft’ power by prison officer gatekeepers. Moreover, when prisoners come to the end of their sentences, they not only are faced with prejudice and poor job prospects due to their criminal record, but their digital exclusion during a period of incarceration may have compound effects and lead to long-term and deep social exclusion.
Use of varenicline for more than 12 months for smoking cessation in heavy chronic obstructive pulmonary disease smokers unmotivated to quit: a pilot study
Authors: Sansores Raúl H. , Ramírez-Venegas Alejandra , Arellano-Rocha Rosario , Noé-Díaz Valeri , García-Gómez Leonor , Pérez Bautista Oliver , Velázquez Uncal Mónica
Published: June 2016

Introduction:

Use of varenicline for as long as necessary to achieve abstinence has not been studied. The aim of this study was to test whether smokers with mild-to-moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are able to quit if they use varenicline for a sufficient length of time.

Methods:

A total of 30 heavy smokers with COPD took varenicline for sufficiently long enough for smoking cessation. Smokers were allowed to smoke without a fixed quit date. The main endpoints were the time of voluntary abstinence (VA) and the continuous abstinence rate (CAR) at 12 and 18 months.

Results:

Of 28 subjects, eight subjects continued to smoke and 20 subjects stopped smoking, demonstrating a CAR up to 18 months (71%). Median time of treatment was 6 (range 3–24) and 2 (range 1–8) months for abstainers and non-abstainers, respectively, and the median time of VA for abstainers was 4 (range 1–21) months.

Conclusions:

Use of varenicline for more than the traditional 12 recommended weeks may be a good strategy to increase the cessation rate in heavy smokers with mild COPD.
Oxidation-reduction potential of semen: what is its role in the treatment of male infertility?
Authors: Agarwal Ashok , Roychoudhury Shubhadeep , Bjugstad Kimberly B. , Cho Chak-Lam
Published: June 2016

The diagnosis of male infertility relies largely on conventional semen analysis, and its interpretation has a profound influence on subsequent management of patients. Despite poor correlation between conventional semen parameters and male fertility potential, inclusion of advanced semen quality tests to routine male infertility workup algorithms has not been widely accepted. Oxidative stress is one of the major mediators in various etiologies of male infertility; it has deleterious effects on spermatozoa, including DNA damage. Alleviation of oxidative stress constitutes a potential treatment strategy for male infertility. Measurement of seminal oxidative stress is of crucial role in the identification and monitoring of patients who may benefit from treatments. Various tests including reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay or malondialdehyde (MDA) assay used by different laboratories have their own drawbacks. Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) is a measure of overall balance between oxidants and antioxidants, providing a comprehensive measure of oxidative stress. The MiOXSYS™ System is a novel technology based on a galvanostatic measure of electrons; it presents static ORP (sORP) measures with static referring to the passive or current state of activity between oxidants and antioxidants. Preliminary studies have correlated sORP to poor semen qualities. It is potentially useful in prognostication of assisted reproductive techniques outcomes, screening of antioxidants either in vivo or during IVF cycles, identification of infertile men who may benefit from treatment of oxidative stress, and monitoring of treatment success. The simplified laboratory test requiring a small amount of semen would facilitate clinical application and research in the field. In this paper, we discuss the measurement of ORP by the MiOXSYS System as a real-time assessment of seminal oxidative stress, and argue that it is a potential valuable clinical test that should be incorporated into the male infertility workup and become an important guide to the treatment of oxidative stress-induced male infertility.
A qualitative study of tobacco use in eight economically disadvantaged Dominican Republic communities
Authors: Chin Nancy , Dozier Ann , Quinones Zahira , Diaz Sergio , Weber Emily , Almonte Hector , Bautista Arisleyda , Raman Kiran , McIntosh Scott , Ossip Deborah
Published: June 2016

Understanding social conditions prior to intervention design can enhance tobacco control interventions. This paper describes formative research conducted in 2010 about tobacco use in eight economically disadvantaged Dominican Republic communities, four of which participated in a previous intervention study (2003–2008). A combined US-Dominican team used a rapid assessment process to collect qualitative social and cultural data on tobacco use, knowledge and attitudes; plus observations about social and policy factors, such as exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), tobacco regulations, pregnancy, health care provider (HCP) practices and sustainability of the 2003–2008 intervention. This assessment found that tobacco use varied by age. While all ages typically used cigarettes, older adults used relatively more unprocessed tobacco, which is seen as less harmful and less addictive. Middle-aged smokers typically used commercial cigarettes, which are viewed as dangerous, addictive, expensive and offensive. Young adults reported avoiding smoking, but using relatively more smokeless tobacco. Smoking during pregnancy has reportedly decreased. SHS was viewed as harmful, although smoke-free homes were uncommon. HCPs discussed tobacco issues mostly for patients with tobacco-related conditions. Sustainability of the 2003–2008 intervention appeared to be linked to active Community Technology Centers with strong leadership, and community social capital. This information could be used to design better targeted interventions in these communities.
The Change Detection Advantage for Animals: An Effect of Ancestral Priorities or Progeny of Experimental Design?
Authors: Hagen Thomas , Laeng Bruno
Published: June 2016

The “animate monitoring” hypothesis proposes that humans are evolutionarily predisposed to recruit attention toward animals. Support for this has repeatedly been obtained through the change detection paradigm where animals are detected faster than artifacts. The present study shows that the advantage for animals does not stand up to more rigorous experimental controls. Experiment 1 used artificially generated change detection scenes and counterbalanced identical target objects across two sets of scenes. Results showed that detection performance is determined more by the surrounding scene than semantic category. Experiment 2 used photographs from the original studies and replaced the target animals with artifacts in the exact same locations, such that the surrounding scene was kept constant while manipulating the target category. Results replicated the original studies when photos were not manipulated but agreed with the findings of our first experiment in that the advantage shifted to the artifacts when object categories replaced each other in the original scenes. A third experiment used inverted and blurred images so as to disrupt high-level perception but failed to erase the advantage for animals. Hence, the present set of results questions whether the supposed attentional advantage for animals can be supported by evidence from the change detection paradigm.
Poor reproducibility of breath hydrogen testing: Implications for its application in functional bowel disorders
Authors: Yao Chu K , Tuck Caroline J , Barrett Jacqueline S , Canale Kim EK , Philpott Hamish L , Gibson Peter R
Published: June 2016

Background

Limited data are available regarding the reproducibility of lactulose and fructose breath testing for clinical application in functional bowel disorders.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reproducibility of lactulose and fructose breath hydrogen testing and assess symptom response to fructose testing.

Methods

Results were analysed from 21 patients with functional bowel disorder with lactulose breath tests and 30 with fructose breath tests who completed another test >2 weeks later. Oro‐caecal transit time, hydrogen responses, both qualitatively (positive/negative) and quantitatively (area under the curve (AUC) for hydrogen), were compared between tests. In another 36 patients, data scores for overall abdominal symptoms, abdominal pain, bloating, wind, nausea and fatigue were collected during the fructose test and compared to hydrogen responses.

Results

No correlations were found for lactulose AUC (linear regression, p  = 0.58) or transit time (Spearman's p  = 0.54) between tests. A significant proportion (30%) lost the presence of fructose malabsorption (p  < 0.01). Hydrogen AUC for fructose did not correlate between tests, (r  = 0.28, p  = 0.17) independent of time between testing (p  = 0.82). Whilst patients with fructose malabsorption were more likely to report symptoms than those without (56% vs 17%; p  = 0.04), changes in symptom severity were not different (p  > 0.05).

Conclusions

Routine use of lactulose and fructose breath tests in functional bowel disorder patients is not supported due to its poor reproducibility and low predictive value for symptom responses.
A Right Upper Lobe Mass in the Thorax After Modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt
Authors: Manuel Valdano , Miguel Gade , Magalhães Manuel Pedro , Nunes Maria Ana , Morais Humberto , Júnior António Filipe
Published: June 2016

We report an incidental finding of pseudoaneurysm in a 10-month-old boy with tetralogy of Fallot and Down syndrome who had undergone placement of a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt at age four months. Computed tomography was a determinant exam for better assessment. The lesion was successfully resected with concomitant complete repair of tetralogy of Fallot in a single-stage. The child was asymptomatic at fourth month follow-up.
Unscheduled Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Admissions in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Coro Melinda D. , Spaeder Michael C. , Penk Jamie S. , Levin Amanda B. , Futterman Craig
Published: June 2016

Background:

An unscheduled readmission to the intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in children. There is a paucity of data examining the impact of unscheduled admissions on outcomes in children with specific disease processes such as cardiovascular disease. We investigated the impact of scheduled versus unscheduled ICU admission on clinical outcomes and differences in patient characteristics in children with cardiovascular disease.

Methods:

This was a retrospective analysis of contemporaneously collected clinical data using the Virtual PICU Systems database. All consecutive admissions at 102 participating pediatric ICUs in patients with cardiovascular disease were collected from October 2010 to September 2012.

Results:

There were 48,653 admissions included in the analysis (44% scheduled and 56% unscheduled). The median patient age was 31 months. Unscheduled admissions were associated with longer ICU length of stay and increased mortality (both P < .001). Adjusting for age, weight, and primary ICU admission diagnosis (cardiovascular vs noncardiovascular), patients with unscheduled admissions had an increased odds of mortality (odds ratio = 4.8, P < .001).

Conclusions:

Unscheduled ICU admissions were associated with worse clinical outcomes including increased mortality. Efforts targeted at reducing unscheduled admissions in at-risk patients are warranted.
Utilization of E-Counseling in Career Information Dissemination Among Undergraduates of Federal Universities in South East Nigeria
Authors: Omeje Joachim Chinweike , Eze Justina Ukamaka , Egeonu Doris Chika
Published: June 2016

This descriptive survey study was designed to find out the utilization of e-counseling in career information dissemination among the undergraduates of the federal universities in South East Nigeria. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. The population of the study consisted of 36 guidance counselors and 64,997 undergraduates of the federal universities in South East Nigeria. The sample consisted of 1,036 participants. This is made up of all the 36 guidance counselors in the federal universities in South East Nigeria, and 1,000 undergraduates randomly selected from the various universities. In each university, 200 undergraduates made up of 100 males and 100 females were randomly selected using balloting by replacement. All the guidance counselors were used due to smallness in number. The instrument for data collection was the E-Counselling Career Information Dissemination Questionnaire (E-CCIDQ). The reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach’s alpha statistical analysis, and reliability indices of .91, .85, and .84 were obtained for the three clusters. Data for the research questions were answered using percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while the null hypotheses were analyzed using t test statistics tested at the .05 level of significance. The research findings revealed that the universities in South East of Nigeria have e-counseling facilities and the students are very aware of e-counseling opportunities in the universities. Also, the counselors and undergraduates to a high extent utilize e-counseling in career information dissemination. Based on findings, discussions and some recommendations were made.
Exploring the Demands on Nurses Working in Health Care Facilities During a Large-Scale Natural Disaster
Authors: Scrymgeour Gillian C. , Smith Lindsay , Paton Douglas
Published: June 2016

Nurses are pivotal to an effective societal response to a range of critical events, including disasters. This presents nurses with many significant and complex challenges that require them to function effectively under highly challenging and stressful circumstances and often for prolonged periods of time. The exponential growth in the number of disasters means that knowledge of disaster preparedness and how this knowledge can be implemented to facilitate the development of resilient and adaptive nurses and health care organizations represents an important adjunct to nurse education, policy development, and research considerations. Although this topic has and continues to attract attention in the literature, a lack of systematic understanding of the contingencies makes it difficult to clearly differentiate what is known and what gaps remain in this literature. Providing a sound footing for future research can be facilitated by first systematically reviewing the relevant literature. Focused themes were identified and analyzed using an ecological and interactive systems framework. Ten of the 12 retained studies included evacuation, revealing that evacuation is more likely to occur in an aged care facility than a hospital. The unpredictability of an event also highlighted organizational, functional, and competency issues in regard to the complexity of decision making and overall preparedness. The integrative review also identified that the unique roles, competencies, and demands on nurses working in hospitals and residential health care facilities during a natural disaster appear invisible within the highly visible event.
The Life Between Big Data Log Events
Authors: Veletsianos George , Reich Justin , Pasquini Laura A.
Published: June 2016

Big data from massive open online courses (MOOCs) have enabled researchers to examine learning processes at almost infinite levels of granularity. Yet, such data sets do not track every important element in the learning process. Many strategies that MOOC learners use to overcome learning challenges are not captured in clickstream and log data. In this study, we interviewed 92 MOOC learners to better understand their worlds, investigate possible mechanisms of student attrition, and extend conversations about the use of big data in education. Findings reveal three important domains of the experience of MOOC students that are absent from MOOC tracking logs: the practices at learners’ workstations, learners’ activities online but off-platform, and the wider social context of their lives beyond the MOOC. These findings enrich our understanding of learner agency in MOOCs, clarify the spaces in-between recorded tracking log events, and challenge the view that MOOC learners are disembodied autodidacts.
Gender and hormonal influences in reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome
Authors: Topcuoglu Mehmet A , McKee Kathleen E , Singhal Aneesh B
Published: June 2016

Introduction

The reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes, including postpartum angiopathy, have been characterized over the last decade. Women are predominantly affected. Some studies suggest that postpartum angiopathy carries a worse prognosis.

Patients and methods

We compared the clinical, neuroimaging, and angiographic features of 36 men, 110 non-pregnant women and 16 postpartum women included in our single-center cohort of patients with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes encountered from 1998 to 2016.

Results

As compared to men, non-pregnant women were older (48 ± 11 vs. 34 ± 13 years, p < 0.001), had more underlying migraine (49% vs. 19%, p = 0.002), depression (53% vs. 14%, p < 0.001) and serotonergic antidepressant use (45% vs. 11%, p < 0.001), developed more clinical worsening (18% vs. 3%, p = 0.022), more infarcts (39% vs. 20%, p = 0.031) and worse angiographic severity scores (23 ± 14 vs. 10.9 ± 10.3, p < 0.001), but had similar discharge outcomes (modified Rankin scale scores 0–3, 90% vs. 91%, p = 0.768). Sexual activity was an important trigger in men (22% vs. 4%, p = 0.002). As compared to non-pregnant women, postpartum angiopathy patients were younger (33 ± 6 years, p < 0.001) and had less vasoconstrictive drug exposure (25% vs. 67%, p = 0.002) but showed similar clinical, radiological and angiographic findings and similar discharge outcomes (modified Rankin scale scores 0–3 in 94%, p = 0.633). There were no significant differences between pre- and post-menopausal women, or those with and without hysterectomy.

Discussion/Conclusion

The observed gender differences in reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes may result from hormonal or non-hormonal factors. Hormonal imbalances may trigger reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes. Given the absence of significant differences in the female subgroups, hormonal factors do not appear to significantly affect the course or outcome of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes.
Lenalidomide-bendamustine-rituximab in patients older than 65 years with untreated mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Albertsson-Lindblad Alexandra , Kolstad Arne , Laurell Anna , Räty Riikka , Grønbæk Kirsten , Sundberg Jan , Pedersen Lone Bredo , Ralfkiær Elisabeth , Karjalainen-Lindsberg Marja-Liisa , Sundström Christer , Ehinger Mats , Geisler Christian , Jerkeman Mats
Published: June 2016

Key Points

Addition of lenalidomide to R-B is highly active in patients with untreated MCL, but associated with unexpected high rates of infections and SPMs.
The effect of APOE genotype on the delivery of DHA to cerebrospinal fluid in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yassine Hussein N. , Rawat Varun , Mack Wendy J. , Quinn Joseph F. , Yurko-Mauro Karin , Bailey-Hall Eileen , Aisen Paul S. , Chui Helena C. , Schneider Lon S.
Published: June 2016

Background

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ4 and low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid-β42 (Aβ42) levels are predictors for developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The results of several studies indicate an interaction between docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) consumption and cognitive outcomes by APOE genotype. Our objective in the present study was to examine whether APOE ɛ4 genotype and low CSF Aβ42 levels were associated with reduced delivery of DHA to CSF in the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study-sponsored DHA clinical trial.

Methods

Phospholipid DHA was assayed in the plasma of 384 participants and CSF of 70 participants at baseline. Forty-four of the 70 participants completed the 18-month follow-up visit after allocation to placebo (n = 15) or DHA (n = 29). Plasma and CSF DHA levels, CSF Aβ42, Tau, and phosphorylated Tau were measured at baseline and after the 18-month intervention. Participants were divided into tertiles based on baseline Aβ42 CSF levels. To assess DHA delivery across the blood-brain barrier, the ratio of CSF to plasma DHA levels was calculated.

Results

At baseline, there were no significant differences between CSF or plasma phospholipid DHA levels by CSF Aβ42 tertiles or ɛ4 status. After 18 months of DHA supplementation, participants at the lowest Aβ42 tertile had significantly lower CSF DHA levels (p = 0.01) and lower CSF-to-plasma DHA ratios (p = 0.05) compared to the other tertiles. Baseline CSF Aβ42 levels were significantly lower in ɛ4 carriers than in ɛ4 noncarriers (p = 0.01). Participants carrying the ɛ4 allele (n = 25) demonstrated a less pronounced increase in CSF DHA level compared with noncarriers (n = 4), with a possible interaction effect between treatment and APOE genotype (p = 0.07).

Conclusions

APOE ɛ4 allele and lower CSF Aβ42 levels were associated with less transport of DHA to CSF. Brain amyloid pathology may limit the delivery of DHA to the brain in AD.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00440050. Registered on 22 Feb 2007.
Myoprotective effects of bFGF on skeletal muscle injury in pressure-related deep tissue injury in rats
Authors: Shi Hongxue , Xie Haohuang , Zhao Yan , Lin Cai , Cui Feifei , Pan Yingying , Wang Xiaohui , Zhu Jingjing , Cai Pingtao , Zhang Hongyu , Fu Xiaobing , Xiao Jian , Jiang Liping
Published: June 2016

Background

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a major clinical problem that constitutes a tremendous economic burden on healthcare systems. Deep tissue injury (DTI) is a unique serious type of pressure ulcer that arises in skeletal muscle tissue. DTI arises in part because skeletal muscle tissues are more susceptible than skin to external compression. Unfortunately, few effective therapies are currently available for muscle injury. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a potent mitogen and survival factor for various cells, plays a crucial role in the regulation of muscle development and homeostasis. The main purpose of this study was to test whether local administration of bFGF could accelerate muscle regeneration in a rat DTI model.

Methods

Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (age 12 weeks) were individually housed in plastic cages and a DTI PU model was induced according to methods described before. Animals were randomly divided into three groups: a normal group, a PU group treated with saline, and a PU group treated with bFGF (10 μg/0.1 ml) subcutaneously near the wound.

Results

We found that application of bFGF accelerated the rate of wound closure and promoted cell proliferation and tissue angiogenesis. In addition, compared to saline administration, bFGF treatment prevented collagen deposition, a measure of fibrosis, and up-regulated the myogenic marker proteins MyHC and myogenin, suggesting bFGF promoted injured muscle regeneration. Moreover, bFGF treatment increased levels of myogenesis-related proteins p-Akt and p-mTOR.

Conclusions

Our findings show that bFGF accelerated injured skeletal muscle regeneration through activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and suggest that administration of bFGF is a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of skeletal muscle injury in PUs.
Specific phenotype and function of CD56-expressing innate immune cell subsets in human thymus
Authors: Gerstner Stephanie , Köhler Wolfgang , Heidkamp Gordon , Purbojo Ariawan , Uchida Shizuka , Ekici Arif B , Heger Lukas , Luetke-Eversloh Merlin , Schubert Ralf , Bader Peter , Klingebiel Thomas , Koehl Ulrike , Mackensen Andreas , Romagnani Chiara , Cesnjevar Robert , Dudziak Diana , Ullrich Evelyn
Published: June 2016

Whereas innate immune cells, such as NK and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), have been characterized in different human tissues, knowledge on the thymic CD56-expressing cell subsets is limited. In this study, the rare subpopulations of thymic CD56+CD3− cells from samples of >100 patients have been successfully analyzed. The results revealed fundamental differences between thymic and peripheral blood (PB) CD56+CD3− cells. Thymic tissues lacked immunoregulatory CD56highCD16dim NK cells but showed two Eomes+CD56dim subsets on which common NK cell markers were significantly altered. CD56dimCD16high cells expressed high amounts of NKG2A, NKG2D, and CD27 with low CD57. Conversely, CD56dimCD16dim cells displayed high CD127 but low expression of KIR, NKG2D, and natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs). Thymic CD56+CD3− cells were able to gain cytotoxicity but were especially immunoregulatory cells, producing a broad range of cytokines. Finally, one population of thymic CD56+ cells resembled conventional NK cells, whereas the other represented a novel, noncanonical NK subset.
Biological role of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) on cells of the myeloid lineage
Authors: Ushach Irina , Zlotnik Albert
Published: June 2016

M-CSF and GM-CSF are 2 important cytokines that regulate macrophage numbers and function. Here, we review their known effects on cells of the macrophage-monocyte lineage. Important clues to their function come from their expression patterns. M-CSF exhibits a mostly homeostatic expression pattern, whereas GM-CSF is a product of cells activated during inflammatory or pathologic conditions. Accordingly, M-CSF regulates the numbers of various tissue macrophage and monocyte populations without altering their “activation” status. Conversely, GM-CSF induces activation of monocytes/macrophages and also mediates differentiation to other states that participate in immune responses [i.e., dendritic cells (DCs)]. Further insights into their function have come from analyses of mice deficient in either cytokine. M-CSF signals through its receptor (CSF-1R). Interestingly, mice deficient in CSF-1R expression exhibit a more significant phenotype than mice deficient in M-CSF. This observation was explained by the discovery of a novel cytokine (IL-34) that represents a second ligand of CSF-1R. Information about the function of these ligands/receptor system is still developing, but its complexity is intriguing and strongly suggests that more interesting biology remains to be elucidated. Based on our current knowledge, several therapeutic molecules targeting either the M-CSF or the GM-CSF pathways have been developed and are currently being tested in clinical trials targeting either autoimmune diseases or cancer. It is intriguing to consider how evolution has directed these pathways to develop; their complexity likely mirrors the multiple functions in which cells of the monocyte/macrophage system are involved.
The effect of temperature on the response of scintillation counters *Published with permission of the Director, Geological Survey of Canada.
Authors: Gregory Alan Frank , Fournier A. L.
Published: June 2016

It has been known for some years that the output of scintillation crystal-photomultiplier tube assemblies is temperature dependent (Kinard, 1957; Connor and Husain, 1960). Under certain circumstances, the counting rate may vary with the temperature but this response variation is also dependent upon the spectrum of pulses being investigated and upon the minimum pulse size which can be counted.
On the calculation of AFMAG *AFMAG—Audio Frequency Magnetics.anomalies
Authors: WAIT JAMES Richard
Published: June 2016

It has been proposed by S. H. Ward (1959) and C. S. Wright et al. (1960) that nonuniformity in the earth's crust will tend to tilt the direction of the fluctuating components of the geomagnetic field from its normal horizontal direction. In fact, Ward and colleagues have developed a practical scheme (AFMAG) for geophysical prospecting which makes use of this phenomenon in the frequency range from 100 to 400 c/s. Sir Charles Wright et al., on the other hand, have found that at much lower frequencies, .005 to 1 c/s, a substantial verticalcomponent of the field in the vicinity of coast lines or other situations where the earth's crust departs from horizontal stratification.
Discussion On The Paper “Statistical Evaluation Of Deep Crustal Reflections In Germany” By Gerhard Dohr And Karl Fuchs
Authors: Healy J. H.
Published: June 2016

Papers such as “Statistical Evaluation of Deep Crustal Reflections in Germany,” by Dohr and Fuchs may seem unusual to the many readers of Geophysics who are likely to be involved in seismic exploration for oil. This is because geophysicists using seismic techniques in oil exploration have an enormous advantage
Computers and creativity
Authors: Scales John A. , Snieder Roel
Published: June 2016

The essence of research is discovery. This activity is driven by two factors: a desire to know new things and a creative state of mind. The desire to discover is turned into exploration of the unknown by formulating the right questions, whereas a creative state of mind is indispensable in striking out in new directions.
Quality of Life in Patients With Advanced Cancer: Differential Association With Performance Status and Systemic Inflammatory Response
Authors: Laird Barry J.A. , Fallon Marie , Hjermstad Marianne J. , Tuck Sharon , Kaasa Stein , Klepstad Pål , McMillan Donald C.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Quality of life is a key component of cancer care; however, the factors that determine quality of life are not well understood. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between quality of life parameters, performance status (PS), and the systemic inflammatory response in patients with advanced cancer.

Methods

An international biobank of patients with advanced cancer was analyzed. Quality of life was assessed at a single time point by using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). PS was assessed by using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) classification. Systemic inflammation was assessed by using the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS), which combines C-reactive protein and albumin. The relationship between quality of life parameters, ECOG PS, and the mGPS was examined.

Results

Data were available for 2,520 patients, and the most common cancers were GI (585 patients [22.2%]) and pulmonary (443 patients [17.6%]). The median survival was 4.25 months (interquartile range, 1.36 to 12.9 months). Increasing mGPS (systemic inflammation) and deteriorating PS were associated with deterioration in quality-of-life parameters (P < .001). Increasing systemic inflammation was associated with deterioration in quality-of-life parameters independent of PS.

Conclusion

Systemic inflammation was associated with quality-of-life parameters independent of PS in patients with advanced cancer. Further investigation of these relationships in longitudinal studies and investigations of possible effects of attenuating systemic inflammation are now warranted.
Stereotactic Accuracy and Surgical Utility of the O-Arm in Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
Authors: Carlson Jonathan Dennis , McLeod Kate Elizabeth , McLeod Pamela Sue , Mark Jamelynn Brooke
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND: The stereotactic accuracy of intraoperative imaging is critical to clinical outcome, particularly in “asleep” deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery that typically forgoes neurophysiological techniques. Different intraoperative imaging modalities and associated accuracies have been reported, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and O-arm.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze intraoperative O-arm imaging accuracy and to evaluate the utility of microelectrode mapping.

METHODS: O-arm images of DBS electrodes were collected during implantation in the subthalamic nucleus in patients with Parkinson disease. Images were fused to postoperative MRI and postoperative CT scans. Stereotactic coordinates for the electrode tip were measured independently. Radial distances between the images were compared. The impact of microelectrode mapping on final DBS electrode positioning was also evaluated.

RESULTS: In 71 consecutive DBS electrodes, the average radial error of the electrode tip between the O-arm and MRI was 1.55 ± 0.58 mm. The average radial error between the O-arm and CT was 1.03 ± 0.61 mm. Thus, the O-arm images accurately depicted the position of the electrode. However, in 14% of cases, microelectrode mapping revised the DBS electrode position beyond the preoperative direct target in combination with accurate intraoperative imaging.

CONCLUSION: Intraoperative O-arm images reliably and accurately displayed the location of the DBS electrode compared with postoperative CT and MRI images. Microelectrode mapping provided superior subnuclear resolution to imaging. Both intraoperative imaging and microelectrode mapping are effective tools that can be synergistically combined for optimal DBS electrode placement.
Uses and abuses of macropinocytosis
Authors: Bloomfield Gareth , Kay Robert R.
Published: June 2016

Macropinocytosis is a means by which eukaryotic cells ingest extracellular liquid and dissolved molecules. It is widely conserved amongst cells that can take on amoeboid form and, therefore, appears to be an ancient feature that can be traced back to an early stage of evolution. Recent advances have highlighted how this endocytic process can be subverted during pathology – certain cancer cells use macropinocytosis to feed on extracellular protein, and many viruses and bacteria use it to enter host cells. Prion and prion-like proteins can also spread and propagate from cell to cell through macropinocytosis. Progress is being made towards using macropinocytosis therapeutically, either to deliver drugs to or cause cell death by inducing catastrophically rapid fluid uptake. Mechanistically, the Ras signalling pathway plays a prominent and conserved activating role in amoebae and in mammals; mutant amoebae with abnormally high Ras activity resemble tumour cells in their increased capacity for growth using nutrients ingested through macropinocytosis. This Commentary takes a functional and evolutionary perspective to highlight progress in understanding and use of macropinocytosis, which is an ancient feeding process used by single-celled phagotrophs that has now been put to varied uses by metazoan cells and is abused in disease states, including infection and cancer.
The MRI features of placental adhesion disorder—a pictorial review
Authors: Cuthbert Faye , Teixidor Vinas Mireia , Whitby Elspeth
Published: June 2016

Placental adhesion disorder (PAD) comprises placenta accreta, increta and percreta lesions; these are classified according to the depth of uterine invasion. Although PAD is considered a rare condition, its incidence has increased 10-fold in the last 50 years. Ultrasound is the primary imaging modality for the assessment of the placenta and in the majority of cases, it is sufficient for diagnosis; however, when ultrasound findings are suspicious or inconclusive, MRI is recommended as an adjunct imaging technique. Numerous MRI features of PAD have been described, including dark intraplacental bands, disorganized intraplacental vascularity and abnormal uterine bulging. This pictorial review describes and illustrates these characteristics and discusses their implications in planning delivery. In addition, we present a series of “pitfall” cases to aid the interpreting radiologist and discuss management of PAD. PAD is a clinical and diagnostic challenge that is encountered with increasing frequency, requiring a cohesive multidisciplinary approach to its management.
Evolving specificity of tRNA 3-methyl-cytidine-32 (m3C32) modification: a subset of tRNAsSer requires N6-isopentenylation of A37
Authors: Arimbasseri Aneeshkumar G. , Iben James , Wei Fan-Yan , Rijal Keshab , Tomizawa Kazuhito , Hafner Markus , Maraia Richard J.
Published: June 2016

Post-transcriptional modifications of anticodon loop (ACL) nucleotides impact tRNA structure, affinity for the ribosome, and decoding activity, and these activities can be fine-tuned by interactions between nucleobases on either side of the anticodon. A recently discovered ACL modification circuit involving positions 32, 34, and 37 is disrupted by a human disease-associated mutation to the gene encoding a tRNA modification enzyme. We used tRNA-HydroSeq (-HySeq) to examine 3methyl-cytidine-32 (m3C32), which is found in yeast only in the ACLs of tRNAsSer and tRNAsThr. In contrast to that reported for Saccharomyces cerevisiae in which all m3C32 depends on a single gene, TRM140, the m3C32 of tRNAsSer and tRNAsThr of the fission yeast S. pombe, are each dependent on one of two related genes, trm140+ and trm141+, homologs of which are found in higher eukaryotes. Interestingly, mammals and other vertebrates contain a third homolog and also contain m3C at new sites, positions 32 on tRNAsArg and C47:3 in the variable arm of tRNAsSer. More significantly, by examining S. pombe mutants deficient for other modifications, we found that m3C32 on the three tRNAsSer that contain anticodon base A36, requires N6-isopentenyl modification of A37 (i6A37). This new C32–A37 ACL circuitry indicates that i6A37 is a pre- or corequisite for m3C32 on these tRNAs. Examination of the tRNA database suggests that such circuitry may be more expansive than observed here. The results emphasize two contemporary themes, that tRNA modifications are interconnected, and that some specific modifications on tRNAs of the same anticodon identity are species-specific.
Monilophyte mitochondrial rps1 genes carry a unique group II intron that likely originated from an ancient paralog in rpl2
Authors: Knie Nils , Grewe Felix , Knoop Volker
Published: June 2016

Intron patterns in plant mitochondrial genomes differ significantly between the major land plant clades. We here report on a new, clade-specific group II intron in the rps1 gene of monilophytes (ferns). This intron, rps1i25g2, is strikingly similar to rpl2i846g2 previously identified in the mitochondrial rpl2 gene of seed plants, ferns, and the lycophyte Phlegmariurus squarrosus. Although mitochondrial ribosomal protein genes are frequently subject to endosymbiotic gene transfer among plants, we could retrieve the mitochondrial rps1 gene in a taxonomically wide sampling of 44 monilophyte taxa including basal lineages such as the Ophioglossales, Psilotales, and Marattiales with the only exception being the Equisetales (horsetails). Introns rps1i25g2 and rpl2i846g2 were likewise consistently present with only two exceptions: Intron rps1i25g2 is lost in the genus Ophioglossum and intron rpl2i846g2 is lost in Equisetum bogotense. Both intron sequences are moderately affected by RNA editing. The unprecedented primary and secondary structure similarity of rps1i25g2 and rpl2i846g2 suggests an ancient retrotransposition event copying rpl2i846g2 into rps1, for which we suggest a model. Our phylogenetic analysis adding the new rps1 locus to a previous data set is fully congruent with recent insights on monilophyte phylogeny and further supports a sister relationship of Gleicheniales and Hymenophyllales.