bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface‐based vertexwise analysis of morphometry and microstructural integrity for white matter tracts in diffusion tensor imaging: With application to the corpus callosum in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Tang Xiaoying , Qin Yuanyuan , Zhu Wenzhen , Miller Michael I.
Published: January 2017

In this article, we present a unified statistical pipeline for analyzing the white matter (WM) tracts morphometry and microstructural integrity, both globally and locally within the same WM tract, from diffusion tensor imaging. Morphometry is quantified globally by the volumetric measurement and locally by the vertexwise surface areas. Meanwhile, microstructural integrity is quantified globally by the mean fractional anisotropy (FA) and trace values within the specific WM tract and locally by the FA and trace values defined at each vertex of its bounding surface. The proposed pipeline consists of four steps: (1) fully automated segmentation of WM tracts in a multi‐contrast multi‐atlas framework; (2) generation of the smooth surface representations for the WM tracts of interest; (3) common template surface generation on which the localized morphometric and microstructural statistics are defined and a variety of statistical analyses can be conducted; (4) multiple comparison correction to determine the significance of the statistical analysis results. Detailed herein, this pipeline has been applied to the corpus callosum in Alzheimer's disease (AD) with significantly decreased FA values and increased trace values, both globally and locally, being detected in patients with AD when compared to normal aging populations. A subdivision of the corpus callosum in both hemispheres revealed that the AD pathology primarily affects the body and splenium of the corpus callosum. Validation analyses and two multiple comparison correction strategies are provided. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1875–1893, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Systematic review of same‐day discharge after minimally invasive hysterectomy
Authors: Korsholm Malene , Mogensen Ole , Jeppesen Mette M. , Lysdal Vibeke K. , Traen Koen , Jensen Pernille T.
Published: January 2017

Background

Same‐day discharge has been suggested to safe and acceptable following minimally invasive hysterectomy.

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility of same‐day discharge following minimally invasive hysterectomy and to identify associated factors.

Search strategy

Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched using the terms “same day discharge”, “minimally invasive surgery”, and “hysterectomy” between October 1 and October 31, 2015. No language or publication date restrictions were included.

Selection criteria

Randomized controlled trials and observational studies evaluating same‐day discharge before midnight on the day of minimally invasive hysterectomy were included.

Data collection and analysis

Study characteristics, pre‐operative selection criteria, and predictive factors for same‐day discharge were analyzed.

Main results

There were 15 observational studies with 11 992 patients included. Significant heterogeneity was observed in the studies, and publication and selection bias could have potentially affected the results. All the studies concluded that same‐day discharge was feasible. However, some factors were associated with a decreased possibility of same‐day discharge; these were older age, beginning surgery later than 1:00 pm and completing surgery later than 6:00 pm, longer duration of operation, and high estimated blood loss.

Conclusions

Same‐day discharge appears feasible for a majority of patients who undergo minimally invasive hysterectomies if adequate emphasis is placed on pre‐surgical planning and careful patient selection.
Implementation of a modified obstetric early warning system to improve the quality of obstetric care in Zimbabwe
Authors: Merriel Abi , Murove Bobb T. , Merriel Samuel W.D. , Sibanda Thabani , Moyo Sikangezile , Crofts Joanna
Published: January 2017

Objective

To implement a modified obstetric early warning system (MOEWS) to promote identification and stabilization of unwell women.

Methods

A before‐and‐after study of MOEWS implementation took place between April 2013 and January 2014 in a government referral hospital in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. After piloting MOEWS, cesarean case files were retrospectively assessed to compare preoperative stabilization. A longitudinal “spot‐check” study measured use of MOEWS and action taken on abnormal results. A quality indicator was introduced to assess ongoing implementation.

Results

Analysis of women undergoing cesarean before (n=79) and after (n=85) MOEWS implementation showed that preoperative stabilization improved significantly post‐intervention (odds ratio 2.78, 95% confidence interval 1.39–5.54). The longitudinal analysis of women at baseline (n=43) and after (n=85) MOEWS implementation also showed a significant improvement in action taken (1/24 [4%] vs 28/45 [62%]; P=0.001). The 6‐month aggregated quality indicator revealed that 78 (62%) of 125 patients had a completed MOEWS chart, with appropriate stabilization of 65 (93%) of 70 women.

Conclusion

Implementation of MOEWS improved women's care through action being taken on abnormal observations. Before whole‐scale adoption of MOEWS in low‐resource settings, the study should be scaled up and repeated to ensure replicable findings.
Negative HPV testing among patients with biopsy‐proven cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2/3 or cervical cancer
Authors: González‐Bosquet Eduardo , Fernandez Sergi , Sabra Sally , Lailla Jose M.
Published: January 2017

Objective

To determine the proportion of patients diagnosed with cervical cancer or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or 3 (CIN 2/3) despite testing negative for HPV.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted at a university hospital in Barcelona, Spain, between March 2003 and January 2015 among women with abnormal cytology results according to the Bethesda classification system. All participants underwent HPV testing, cytology, and colposcopy.

Results

Among 1376 participants, 609 (44.3%) were diagnosed with CIN 2/3. Of these women, 74 (12.2%) tested negative for HPV. Among 479 women with colposcopy‐guided biopsy sampling showing CIN 2/3, cone biopsy results that were negative for CIN 2/3 were more frequent among patients with negative HPV testing (13/61 [21.3%]) than among those with positive HPV tests (58/418 [13.9%]; P=0.03). Additionally, among 59 patients diagnosed with cervical cancer, 9 (15.3%) tested negative for HPV.

Conclusion

The HPV test was negative for 12% and 15% of patients diagnosed with biopsy‐proven CIN 2/3 and cervical cancer, respectively.
Effects of an intervention initiated by a national society to improve postabortion care in rural facilities in Burkina Faso
Authors: Kiemtoré Sibraogo , Zamané Hyacinthe , Kaïn Danlotoma P. , Sawadogo Yobi A. , Ouédraogo Issa , Ouédraogo Ali , Lankoandé Jean
Published: January 2017

Objective

To evaluate the results of an intervention by the Societé de Gynécologues et Obstétriciens du Burkina (SOGOB) to improve postabortion care (PAC) in rural areas of Burkina Faso.

Methods

From June 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013, SOGOB increased capacity for PAC by providing training in health care and equipment to 45 rural health facilities. Performance in PAC in the year before intervention (June 1, 2011, to May 31, 2012) was compared with that in the year following intervention (June 1, 2013, to May 31, 2014).

Results

The number of cases of incomplete abortion managed within a year increased from 1812 before the intervention to 2738 afterwards. Before capacity building, none of the health facilities was using misoprostol for management of incomplete abortion. After capacity building, misoprostol was used in 805 (29.4%) cases. The use of inappropriate methods to empty the uterus decreased (27.5% [498/1812] vs 1.4% [38/2738]; P<0.001). The frequencies of uterine perforation and pelvic infection also decreased (P≤0.01 for both). In the year after implementation, 2035 (78.3%) of 2600 women had taken up a family planning method before leaving the facility.

Conclusion

SOGOB's intervention has improved the quality of PAC in rural health facilities in Burkina Faso.
Decreased rates of shoulder dystocia and brachial plexus injury via an evidence‐based practice bundle
Authors: Sienas Laura E. , Hedriana Herman L. , Wiesner Suzanne , Pelletreau Barbara , Wilson Machelle D. , Shields Laurence E.
Published: January 2017

Objective

To evaluate whether a standardized approach to identify pregnant women at risk for shoulder dystocia (SD) is associated with reduced incidence of SD and brachial plexus injury (BPI).

Methods

Between 2011 and 2015, prospective data were collected from 29 community‐based hospitals in the USA during implementation of an evidence‐based practice bundle, including an admission risk assessment, required “timeout” before operative vaginal delivery (OVD), and low‐fidelity SD drills. All women with singleton vertex pregnancies admitted for vaginal delivery were included. Rates of SD, BPI, OVD, and cesarean delivery were compared between a baseline period (January 2011–September 2013) and an intervention period (October 2013–June 2015), during which there was a system‐wide average bundle compliance of 90%.

Results

There was a significant reduction in the incidence of SD (17.6%; P=0.028), BPI (28.6%; P=0.018), and OVD (18.0%; P<0.001) after implementation of the evidence‐based practice bundle. There was a nonsignificant reduction in primary (P=0.823) and total (P=0.396) cesarean rates, but no association between SD drills and incidence of BPI.

Conclusion

Implementation of a standard evidence‐based practice bundle was found to be associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of SD and BPI. Utilization of low‐fidelity drills was not associated with a reduction in BPI.
MODELING EMERGENCY PLANNING AND RECOVERY
Authors: Campbell Michael , Dam Steven H.
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this paper is to establish the benefit of planning using model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) techniques before a hazard that could affect critical assets and to identify the risks associated after an event has occurred to establish the means of recovery for critical assets. MBSE provides a systematic approach to developing executable plans through visualizing the processes; identifying resource limitations and gaps; identifying investment requirements for mitigating and recovery from disasters; and estimating the costs associated with the entire emergency planning, preparedness, and recovery.

The scope of this paper includes the policies that have been set forth by domestic and international government and non‐governmental organizations that cover the methods of planning and recovering from an event. We will also discuss the benefits of modeling and how to utilize systems engineering methods and tools to allocate resources, identify gaps, itemize cost schedules, develop timelines, and use simulation to aid in the planning process. The proper use of technology and protection of networks during an event allows the planning process to transition smartly into recovery.

The background for this paper comes from applying MBSE to disaster management and recovery for the United States (US) government, which resulted in the development of the Assessment of Disaster Readiness Tool (ADRT). ADRT is a strategic concept and framework, which includes a measurable baseline assessment of a designated partner nation's disaster readiness / resiliency level, supported by a strategic disaster management (response) plan (DMP/DRP) for improvement. ADRT is free and can be used by planners worldwide.
Shining Light on Higher Education's Newest Baccalaureate Degrees and the Research Needed to Understand Their Impact
Authors: Bragg Debra D. , Soler Maria Claudia
Published: January 2017

This chapter discusses methods and measures that are needed to conduct research on newly developing Applied Baccalaureate degrees that enable students to transfer applied college credits heretofore considered terminal to bachelor's degree programs.
Femoral Neck External Size but not aBMD Predicts Structural and Mass Changes for Women Transitioning Through Menopause
Authors: Jepsen Karl J , Kozminski Andrew , Bigelow Erin MR , Schlecht Stephen H , Goulet Robert W , Harlow Sioban D , Cauley Jane A , Karvonen‐Gutierrez Carrie
Published: January 2017

The impact of adult bone traits on changes in bone structure and mass during aging is not well understood. Having shown that intracortical remodeling correlates with external size of adult long bones led us to hypothesize that age‐related changes in bone traits also depend on external bone size. We analyzed hip dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry images acquired longitudinally over 14 years for 198 midlife women transitioning through menopause. The 14‐year change in bone mineral content (BMC, R2 = 0.03, p = 0.015) and bone area (R2 = 0.13, p = 0.001), but not areal bone mineral density (aBMD, R2 = 0.00, p = 0.931) correlated negatively with baseline femoral neck external size, adjusted for body size using the residuals from a linear regression between baseline bone area and height. The dependence of the 14‐year changes in BMC and bone area on baseline bone area remained significant after adjusting for race/ethnicity, postmenopausal hormone use, the 14‐year change in weight, and baseline aBMD, weight, height, and age. Women were sorted into tertiles using the baseline bone area‐height residuals. The 14‐year change in BMC (p = 0.009) and bone area (p = 0.001) but not aBMD (p = 0.788) differed across the tertiles. This suggested that women showed similar changes in aBMD for different structural and biological reasons: women with narrow femoral necks showed smaller changes in BMC but greater increases in bone area compared to women with wide femoral necks who showed greater losses in BMC but without large compensatory increases in bone area. This finding is opposite to expectations that periosteal expansion acts to mechanically offset bone loss. Thus, changes in femoral neck structure and mass during menopause vary widely among women and are predicted by baseline external bone size but not aBMD. How these different structural and mass changes affect individual strength‐decline trajectories remains to be determined. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Outdoor Behavioral Health Care: A Longitudinal Assessment of Young Adult Outcomes
Authors: Roberts Sean D. , Stroud Daniel , Hoag Matthew J. , Massey Katie E.
Published: January 2017

This article details a 3‐year outdoor behavioral health care outcome study. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to analyze data from 186 young adults in a wilderness therapy program. Participants completed the Outcome Questionnaire–45.2 (Lambert et al., ) 6 times from Week 1 to 18‐month postdischarge follow‐up. Results indicated that clinically and statistically significant change occurred in treatment. Rates of change varied, and posttreatment scores remained stable, thus demonstrating that in‐treatment gains were maintained. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir as salvage therapy for HCV genotype 1 failures to prior NS5A inhibitors regimens
Authors: Akuta Norio , Sezaki Hitomi , Suzuki Fumitaka , Fujiyama Shunichiro , Kawamura Yusuke , Hosaka Tetsuya , Kobayashi Masahiro , Kobayashi Mariko , Saitoh Satoshi , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Arase Yasuji , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: January 2017

There is little information on retreatment efficacy and predictors of the combination of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir) for patients who fail to respond to NS5A inhibitors. NS5A resistance variants are known to persist for long periods after such treatment. Here, we evaluated 54 patients with chronic HCV genotype 1b infection, free of decompensated cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, for sustained virological response after 12 weeks (SVR12) of once‐daily treatment with 90 mg ledipasvir and 400 mg sofosbuvir. Intention‐to‐treat analysis showed SVR12 of 70%. Using ultra‐deep sequencing, non‐responder to ledipasvir/sofosbuvir showed no change in the rates of detection of NS5A and NS5B resistant‐variants at re‐elevation of viral loads, relative to baseline. According to response to prior treatment, SVR12 rates were 18, 69, 94, and 100% in non response, viral breakthrough, relapse, and discontinuation due to adverse events, respectively. SVR12 rates in non response were significantly lower than those of the others. Multivariate analysis identified response to previous treatment (failure except for non response) and FIB4 index (<3.25) as significant determinants of SVR12. The SVR12 rates were significantly lower in patients with FIB4 index of ≥3.25 and had not responded to prior treatment, relative to others. The specificity, and positive‐ and negative‐predictive values were high for prediction of poor response based on the combination of two predictors. In conclusion, our study indicated that ledipasvir/sofosbuvir is a potentially useful salvage treatment for patients who fail prior NS5A inhibitors‐based therapy. Response to prior treatment was an important predictor of retreatment efficacy.
Diversity of immune cell types in multiple sclerosis and its animal model: Pathological and therapeutic implications
Authors: Cheng Yun , Sun Li , Xie Zhongxiang , Fan Xueli , Cao Qingqing , Han Jinming , Zhu Jie , Jin Tao
Published: January 2017

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system with an autoimmune attack on the components of the myelin sheath and axons. The etiology of the disease remains largely unknown, but it is commonly acknowledged that the development of MS probably results from the interaction of environmental factors in conjunction with a genetic predisposition. Current therapeutic approaches can only ameliorate the clinical symptoms or reduce the frequency of relapse in MS. Most drugs used in this disease broadly suppress the functions of immune effector cells, which can result in serious side effects. Thus, new therapeutic methods resulting in greater efficacy and lower toxicity are needed. Toward this end, cell‐based therapies are of increasing interest in the treatment of MS. Several immunoregulatory cell types, including regulatory T cells, regulatory B cells, M2 macrophages, tolerogenic dendritic cells, and stem cells, have been developed as novel therapeutic tools for the treatment of MS. In this Review, we summarize studies on the application of these cell populations for the treatment of MS and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and call for further research on applications and mechanisms by which these cells act in the treatment of MS. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Neuroscience Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Post‐acquisition integration processes in publicly owned professional service companies: Senior professional behaviour and company performance
Authors: Pickering Mark Edward
Published: January 2017

The client relationships and tacit knowledge of professionals are professional service firms' (PSFs') major value creating resources producing challenges in generating post‐merger and acquisition value and risks of reducing the productivity or losing key professionals and their clients. The recent emergence of publicly owned PSFs and rapid growth through consolidating smaller privately owned firms potentially increases this risk by integrating small firms and their professionals into large public companies that may be governed very differently. This study explores post‐acquisition integration processes: professional behaviours and associated performance implications in two highly acquisitive publicly owned accounting companies. In one company, the integration process was rapid and heavily directed by senior management, while in the second company, integration was more gradual, initially undirected but then facilitated by senior management. The findings suggest that integration processes can impact the behaviour of professionals and acquiring firm performance. This research contributes to the understanding of post‐acquisition integration processes in PSFs and decision‐making and professional behaviour in recently emerged publicly owned PSFs. The study contributes to knowledge‐based theory by identifying factors that can affect the decision authority of executives and how organisational behaviour can constrain the implementation of executive integration decisions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disruption of comA homolog in Ralstonia solanacearum does not impair its twitching motility
Authors: Barman Anjan , Buragohain Chandrika , Ray Suvendra Kumar
Published: January 2017

Ralstonia solanacearum is an important phyto‐pathogenic bacterium. The bacterium exhibits type IV pili meditated twitching motility that has been implicated in the process of natural transformation in it. A comA gene homolog, alike in several other naturally competent bacteria, has been already reported in this bacterium. However, there are no report of direct link between comA and twitching motility during the natural transformation process in this pathogen. In order to figure out any connection between comA and twitching motility, we created an insertion mutation in comA gene homolog of R. solanacearum F1C1 strain. As anticipated, the insertion mutant (CBRS01 strain) was inefficient for natural transformation. CBRS01 strain was found to be proficient for twitching motility alike the wild‐type F1C1. This is interesting since recent findings of Salzer et al. (2016;Environ Microbiol;18:65–74) showed deficiency of twitching motility due to comEC gene (comA homolog) mutation in another naturally competent Gram‐negative bacterium Thermus thermophilus. Additionally, we also found CBRS01 strain to be proficient for extracellular cellulase activity and virulence on tomato seedlings. Our findings in this work indicate that an R. solanacearum strain inefficient in undergoing natural transformation can, however, be proficient in exhibiting twitching motility.
Abnormal fetal muscle forces result in defects in spinal curvature and alterations in vertebral segmentation and shape
Authors: Rolfe Rebecca A. , Bezer James H. , Kim Tyler , Zaidon Ahmed Z. , Oyen Michelle L. , Iatridis James C. , Nowlan Niamh C.
Published: January 2017

The incidence of congenital spine deformities, including congenital scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis, may be influenced by the in utero mechanical environment, and particularly by fetal movements at critical time‐points. There is a limited understanding of the influence of fetal movements on spinal development, despite the fact that mechanical forces have been shown to play an essential role in skeletal development of the limb. This study investigates the effects of muscle forces on spinal curvature, vertebral segmentation, and vertebral shape by inducing rigid or flaccid paralysis in the embryonic chick. The critical time‐points for the influence of fetal movements on spinal development were identified by varying the time of onset of paralysis. Prolonged rigid paralysis induced severe defects in the spine, including curvature abnormalities, posterior and anterior vertebral fusions, and altered vertebral shape, while flaccid paralysis did not affect spinal curvature or vertebral segmentation. Early rigid paralysis resulted in more severe abnormalities in the spine than later rigid paralysis. The findings of this study support the hypothesis that the timing and nature of fetal muscle activity are critical influences on the normal development of the spine, with implications for the understanding of congenital spine deformities. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2135–2144, 2017.
Effects of local vanadium delivery on diabetic fracture healing
Authors: Ippolito Joseph A. , Krell Ethan S. , Cottrell Jessica , Meyer Ryan , Clark Devin , Nguyen Daniel , Sudah Suleiman , Muñoz Maximillian , Lim Elisha , Lin Anthony , Lee Thomas Jae Hoon , O'Connor James Patrick , Benevenia Joseph , Lin Sheldon S.
Published: January 2017

This study evaluated the effect of local vanadyl acetylacetonate (VAC), an insulin mimetic agent, upon the early and late parameters of fracture healing in rats using a standard femur fracture model. Mechanical testing, and radiographic scoring were performed, as well as histomorphometry, including percent bone, percent cartilage, and osteoclast numbers. Fractures treated with local 1.5 mg/kg VAC possessed significantly increased mechanical properties compared to controls at 6 weeks post‐fracture, including increased torque to failure (15%; p = 0.046), shear modulus (89%; p = 0.043), and shear stress (81%; p = 0.009). The radiographic scoring analysis showed increased cortical bridging at 4 weeks and 6 weeks (119%; p = 0.036 and 209%; p = 0.002) in 1.5 mg/kg VAC treated groups. Histomorphometry of the fracture callus at days 10 and 14 showed increased percent cartilage (121%; p = 0.009 and 45%; p = 0.035) and percent mineralized tissue (66%; p = 0.035 and 58%; p = 0.006) with local VAC treated groups compared to control. Additionally, fewer osteoclasts were observed in the local VAC treated animals as compared to controls at day 14 (0.45% ± 0.29% vs. 0.83% ± 0.36% of callus area; p = 0.032). The results suggest local administration of VAC acts to modulate osteoclast activity and increase percentage of early callus cartilage, ultimately enhancing mechanical properties comparably to non‐diabetic animals treated with local VAC. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2174–2180, 2017.
Medication reconciliation in psychiatric hospitals: some reflections
Authors: Lertxundi Unax , Corcóstegui Beatriz , Prieto Marta , Gonzalez Unai , Arana Anunciación
Published: January 2017

Medication errors are one of the most common causes of harm in hospitalised patients, and these errors are often due to medication discrepancies at care transitions. Psychiatric hospitals have various characteristics that make medication reconciliation particularly challenging, such as: the length and number of admissions; the high number of care transitions; the difficulty of conducting a clinical interview with patients; the characteristics of psychoactive drugs; and segmentation in healthcare. In this paper, we present a series of real cases of medication discrepancies detected in our daily clinical practice in the pharmacy unit in order to illustrate the factors that aggravate the problem in psychiatric hospitals.
Detrital input to spring‐fed fen deposits – a problem or an opportunity in palaeoenvironmental studies? A Holocene palaeoclimatic reconstruction from central Europe
Authors: Apolinarska Karina , Gałka Mariusz
Published: January 2017

The sedimentary sequence of a spring‐fed fen located in north‐east Poland was investigated to verify the applicability of spring‐fed fen deposits in palaeoenvironmental studies. We hypothesize that spring‐fed fen deposits accumulated on the hill slope are a reliable proxy for regional hydrological changes, although they may be modified by local factors. Results of combined sedimentological, plant macrofossil, geochemical and isotopic analyses were compared with palaeoclimatic reconstructions at the nearby lakes Purwin, Kojle and Perty situated within the same sedimentary basin. The 700‐cm‐long sediment sequence from the fen was deposited between 10 900 cal a BP and recent times. The sequence starts with a lacustrine stage, but ca. 9200 cal a BP the lake changed into a spring‐fed fen functioning within a fen surrounding Lake Purwin. Highly variable SiO2 content and stable isotope (δ13C and δ18O) values of carbonates, both controlled by inwash of detrital material from young glacial deposits, were found to reflect changes in hydrology with major regional shifts in climate humidity being recorded. Links were found with lake level changes and peatland record of humidity in northern and eastern Poland, the Baltic area and Central Europe, and with climatic records in Scandinavia.
Optimization of parameters for histamine detection in fish muscle extracts by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy using silver colloid SERS substrates
Authors: Janči Tibor , Mikac Lara , Ivanda Mile , Marušić Radovčić Nives , Medić Helga , Vidaček Sanja
Published: January 2017

This study was focused on investigating possibility of histamine detection in fish by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Four different silver colloids were used as SERS substrates in combination with different aggregation agents. Excitation wavelength, aggregating agent concentration and time of data acquisition have been optimized in order to obtain maximum enhancement of histamine signals. Best results were obtained with 514.5‐nm excitation wavelength, citrate reduced silver colloid and 0.23 mol/l NaBH4 as aggregating agents enabling detection of histamine in water solutions at concentration of 5 × 10−6 mol/l. Calibration curve was constructed by applying Langmuir adsorption isotherm formula to fit the experimental data. Because of interferences from other components, histamine was detected at concentration of 1 × 10−4 mol/l (111.2 mg/kg of fish) in fish muscle extracts. Although further improvements are needed to achieve detection and quantification of histamine at legislative set limits these results show a potential for development of new histamine detection method in fish and fish products. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probing spin–phonon coupling in magnetoelectric CaCu3Ti4O12–NiFe2O4 composite nanostructures
Authors: Ahlawat Anju , Sathe Vasant G.
Published: January 2017

We investigated temperature‐dependent magnetic and phonon anomalies in epitaxial self‐assembled composite CaCu3Ti4O12–NiFe2O4 films where NiFe2O4 rods embedded in CaCu3Ti4O12 matrix. The temperature evolution of the Raman spectra for pure NiFe2O4 shows usual anharmonic behaviour in the temperature range of 80–300 K, while composite films show significant phonon anomalies in octahedral (O) site (Fe–O) phonon modes around 100 K, where sudden change in magnetic order is observed. The anomalies in A1g (O site) phonon mode position and linewidth of NiFe2O4 indicate lattice deformations around 100 K. It is suggested that spin strongly couples with phonons in magnetoelectric CaCu3Ti4O12–NiFe2O4 nanostructures. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrothermal reduction of graphene oxide; effect on surface‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Zheng Xianliang , Peng Yinshan , Yang Yan , Chen Jianli , Tian Hongwei , Cui Xiaoqiang , Zheng Weitao
Published: January 2017

In this article, a green and controllable method was introduced to reduce graphene oxide (GO) via a hydrothermal deoxygenation process. The reduced graphene oxide (RGO) obtained was characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, et al. The reduction degree as well as residual chemical components can be adjusted by changing the reaction time and pH conditions. Both GO and RGO were applied as SERS substrates, and their SERS activities were studied and compared. The mechanism on SERS enhancement of GO and RGOs was discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of blinking from multicoloured SERS‐active Ag colloidal nanoaggregates with poly‐L‐lysine via truncated power law
Authors: Kitahama Yasutaka , Nagahiro Takuji , Tanaka Yoshito , Itoh Tamitake , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: January 2017

Silver colloidal nanoaggregates have been widely used for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements. SERS‐active nanoaggregates generally show monotone colors, although multicoloured‐blinking emissions, which occur at the single‐molecule level, have been observed from each Ag colloidal nanoaggregate with poly‐L‐lysine. For the same single nanoaggregates, SERS peaks of poly‐L‐lysine were observed at shorter wavelengths than those of the background emission band; thus, their blinking can be measured separately. The background emission is attributed to fluorescence from an Ag atomic cluster. This may be modulated by the surface plasmon enhancement of each Ag nanoaggregate and is the likely cause of multicoloured background emission. Notably, the probability distributions as a function of time for not only the dark events of SERS but also those of the background emission were reproduced via a truncated power law, indicating the same random‐walk mechanism for their blinking despite the different illuminants. The power law for the dark background emission events was truncated at a shorter tail than that for the dark SERS events. This result suggests that the fluorescent Ag cluster reaches a junction of the Ag nanoaggregate covered with citrate anions more quickly than the cationic polymer chain. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A prospective clinical assessment of anatomic variability of the submental vascularized lymph node flap
Authors: Cheng Ming‐Huei , Lin Chia‐Yu , Patel Ketan M.
Published: January 2017

Introduction

The vascularized submental lymph node (VSLN) flap has become a popular choice for the treatment of lymphedema. Despite its favorable characteristics, anatomic variability exists, making the harvest of this flap challenging. Knowledge and characterization of anatomic variability can aid the surgeon in safe and effective flap harvest.

Methods

A prospective analysis of all patients who underwent VSLN flap transfer for lymphedema was performed. Demographics, operative details, and post‐operative recovery were analyzed for included patients. Intraoperative videography and detailed anatomic drawings of each case were reviewed to accurately account for anatomic variability and details.

Results

Forty‐two patients were identified during the study period. Arteriovenous anatomic variability (A1–A2 and V1–V4) existed, with most patients having the artery and vein present superior to the submandibular gland (A1V1; 31%), with other combinations occurring less frequently. Flap harvest time was found to be significantly increased with an intraglandular arterial course (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The VSLN flap can be safely and effectively harvested with knowledge of arteriovenous anatomic variability. Most commonly, the artery and vein travel together superior to the submandibular gland, but other variations exist, which may add time to surgical flap harvest and increased need for dissection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:43–47. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Similar community assembly mechanisms underlie similar biogeography of rare and abundant bacteria in lakes on Yungui Plateau, China
Authors: Liao Jingqiu , Cao Xiaofeng , Wang Jie , Zhao Lei , Sun Jinhua , Jiang Dalin , Huang Yi
Published: January 2017

The revolution of molecular techniques in the field of microbial ecology not only allows an in‐depth exploration of abundant bacteria, but also confirms the existence of “rare biosphere.” However, the mechanisms underlying the assembly process of abundant and rare bacteria in plateau lakes are still poorly understood. In the present study, distribution of abundant and rare bacteria in 21 lakes on Yungui Plateau, China and the relative importance of deterministic and neutral factors to their biogeographic patterns were examined. Results surprisingly showed that similar biogeographic patterns of rare and abundant taxa were generally shaped via similar assembly mechanisms. For both bacterial groups, deterministic process strongly influenced the distribution, while neutral process was not at play. In addition, they both exhibited a weak distance–decay relationship. Nevertheless, environmental drivers of rare and abundant taxa and their importance were not exactly the same. Water physicochemical property was the most dominant driver shaping the biogeographic pattern of rare taxa, followed by lake morphology and watershed land‐use, while for abundant taxa, watershed land‐use was the most dominant driver and lake morphology did not play a significant role. This study suggested that rare bacteria in high‐altitude aquatic ecosystems might experience equally low extinction risk and respond to environmental changes in a similar manner to abundant ones, but their ecological niches and functions were not identical. To fully understand the assembly mechanism of bacterial community, it is necessary to differentiate the community by traits of taxa.
Drugs in Clinical Trials for Alzheimer's Disease: The Major Trends
Authors: Bachurin Sergey O. , Bovina Elena V. , Ustyugov Aleksey A.
Published: January 2017

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative process resulting from the intracellular and extracellular accumulation of fibrillary proteins: beta‐amyloid and hyperphosphorylated Tau. Overaccumulation of these aggregates leads to synaptic dysfunction and subsequent neuronal loss. The precise molecular mechanisms of AD are still not fully understood but it is clear that AD is a multifactorial disorder and that advanced age is the main risk factor. Over the last decade, more than 50 drug candidates have successfully passed phase II clinical trials, but none has passed phase III. Here, we summarize data on current “anti‐Alzheimer's” agents currently in clinical trials based on findings available in the Thomson Reuters «Integrity» database, on the public website www.clinicaltrials.gov, and on database of the website Alzforum.org. As a result, it was possible to outline some major trends in AD drug discovery: (i) the development of compounds acting on the main stages of the pathogenesis of the disease (the so‐called “disease‐modifying agents”) — these drugs could potentially slow the development of structural and functional abnormalities in the central nervous system providing sustainable improvements of cognitive functions, which persist even after drug withdrawal; (ii) focused design of multitargeted drugs acting on multiple molecular targets involved in the pathogenesis of the disease; (3) finally, the repositioning of old drugs for new (anti‐Alzheimer's) application offers a very attractive approach to facilitate the completion of clinical trials.
Fractal analysis of visual search activity for mass detection during mammographic screening
Authors: Alamudun Folami , Yoon Hong‐Jun , Hudson Kathleen B. , Morin‐Ducote Garnetta , Hammond Tracy , Tourassi Georgia D.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The objective of this study was to assess the complexity of human visual search activity during mammographic screening using fractal analysis and to investigate its relationship with case and reader characteristics.

Methods

The study was performed for the task of mammographic screening with simultaneous viewing of four coordinated breast views as typically done in clinical practice. Eye‐tracking data and diagnostic decisions collected for 100 mammographic cases (25 normal, 25 benign, 50 malignant) from 10 readers (three board certified radiologists and seven Radiology residents), formed the corpus for this study. The fractal dimension of the readers' visual scanning pattern was computed with the Minkowski–Bouligand box‐counting method and used as a measure of gaze complexity. Individual factor and group‐based interaction ANOVA analysis was performed to study the association between fractal dimension, case pathology, breast density, and reader experience level. The consistency of the observed trends depending on gaze data representation was also examined.

Results

Case pathology, breast density, reader experience level, and individual reader differences are all independent predictors of the complexity of visual scanning pattern when screening for breast cancer. No higher order effects were found to be significant.

Conclusions

Fractal characterization of visual search behavior during mammographic screening is dependent on case properties and image reader characteristics.
Exercise in myasthenia gravis: A feasibility study of aerobic and resistance training
Authors: Rahbek Martin Amadeus , Mikkelsen Erik Elgaard , Overgaard Kristian , Vinge Lotte , Andersen Henning , Dalgas Ulrik
Published: January 2017

Introduction: It has not been established whether progressive resistance training (PRT) and aerobic training (AT) are feasible and efficient in myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods: Fifteen subjects with generalized MG (Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) clinical classification II–IV) were randomly assigned to 20 training sessions during 8 weeks of either PRT or AT. Feasibility was evaluated based on adherence, drop‐out rate, adverse events, and Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score. Results: Twelve subjects (MGFA II, n = 11; MGFA III, n=1) completed the intervention with a mean adherence of 95 % ± 8. One dropout (PRT) could potentially be related to PRT. Both groups reported adverse events, including bulbar symptoms (n = 2) and increased fatigue (n = 3), but no change in QMG score was observed in either group. The PRT group showed increases in maximal strength and functional capacity. Conclusions: Eight weeks of moderate to high intensity AT and PRT were feasible for most patients with mild MG. Maximal strength and functional capacity increased in the PRT group. Muscle Nerve 56: 700–709, 2017
Changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters following intravenous immunoglobulin treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Vo Mary L. , Chin Russell L. , Miranda Caroline , Latov Norman
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Gait impairment is a common presenting symptom in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). However, gait parameters have not previously been evaluated in detail as potential independent outcome measures.

Methods

We prospectively measured changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters of 20 patients with CIDP at baseline and following treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), using GAITRite® a computerized walkway system with embedded sensors.

Results

Overall, study patients showed significant improvements in gait velocity, cadence, stride length, double support time, stance phase, and swing phase following IVIG treatment. Mean changes in velocity, stance phase, and swing phase, exhibited the greatest statistical significance among the subgroup that exhibited clinically meaningful improvement in Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment disability score, Medical Research Council sum score, and grip strength.

Conclusions

Assessment of gait parameters, in particular velocity, step phase and swing phase, is a potentially sensitive outcome measure for evaluating treatment response in CIDP. Muscle Nerve 56: 732–736, 2017
Fuzzy modeling of holding capacity of offshore suction caisson anchors
Authors: Kim Yeesock , Ahn Jaehun , Jung Jongwon
Published: January 2017

A fuzzy algorithm, the Takagi–Sugeno model, is implemented to develop a fuzzy inference system for predicting the holding capacity of suction caisson foundations for offshore platforms. The premise parameters of the fuzzy model are optimized by using a subtractive clustering algorithm. The consequent parameters are optimally determined via a weighted least square estimation. The input variables used for training the fuzzy model include the aspect ratio of the caisson, the undrained shear strength of the clay, and the angle that the chain force forms with the horizontal. The output of the proposed fuzzy model is the capacity of the suction caisson anchor. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the fuzzy modeling framework, the results of extensive finite element analyses are investigated. Comparisons of the trained fuzzy model with the data demonstrate that the proposed modeling framework is an effective method to estimate the holding capacity of offshore suction caisson systems. Moreover, the performance of the fuzzy model is robust against higher levels of input data uncertainties. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incidence and risk estimate of drug‐induced agranulocytosis in Hong Kong Chinese. A population‐based case–control study
Authors: Sing Chor‐Wing , Wong Ian C. K. , Cheung Bernard M. Y. , Chan Johnny C. Y. , Chu Jody K. P. , Cheung Ching‐Lung
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Drug‐induced agranulocytosis is a rare but life‐threatening adverse drug reaction. Its epidemiology in Chinese is largely unknown. This study aimed to estimate the incidence, mortality, and risk of the drugs associated with agranulocytosis in Hong Kong Chinese.

Methods

A population‐based case–control study was conducted using the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System, a database managed by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority. Patients with drug‐induced agranulocytosis from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2013 were identified. World Health Organization causality assessment was used to evaluate the possible drug aetiology of each case. Odd ratios (ORs) of the drug exposure were calculated using exact conditional logistic regression.

Results

A total of 155 cases of drug‐induced agranulocytosis were identified. Mean age was 51.4 years, and 95 cases were female. Incidence rate was estimated to be 2.2 cases per million person‐years, and the all‐cause mortality of patients with drug‐induced agranulocytosis was 3.9%. Among the cases, the most common associated drug groups were antithyroid drugs (41.9%), antimicrobials (20%), anticonvulsants (10.3%), and antipsychotics (6.5%). Carbimazole had the highest risk of agranulocytosis (adjusted OR 416.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 51.5–3372.9) with an incidence of 9.2 (95%CI 6.9–12.1) per 10 000 users and 3.6 (95%CI 2.7–4.8) per 10 000 user‐years. Other drugs with significant risk included cephalosporins, clozapine, penicillins, phenytoin, and propyl thiouracil.

Conclusions

The incidence and mortality in Hong Kong Chinese were relatively low compared to Caucasians. Antithyroid drugs were the most common implicated drug class, and carbimazole had the highest risk of agranulocytosis. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased availability of paracetamol in Sweden and incidence of paracetamol poisoning: using laboratory data to increase validity of a population‐based registry study
Authors: Gedeborg Rolf , Svennblad Bodil , Holm Lennart , Sjögren Hans , Bardage Carola , Personne Mark , Sjöberg Gunilla , Feltelius Nils , Zethelius Björn
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To estimate the incidence trend and outcome of paracetamol poisoning, in relation to increased availability of paracetamol from non‐pharmacy outlets in 2009.

Method

Patients' serum paracetamol results over 14 years (2000–2013) from 20 (out of 21) regions in Sweden were linked to national registers of hospital care, cause of death, and prescriptions. Paracetamol poisonings were defined by serum paracetamol levels, hospital diagnoses, or cause of death. The change in incidence of poisonings following increased availability of paracetamol was analysed by using segmental regression of time series.

Results

Of the 12 068 paracetamol poisonings, 85% were classified as intentional self‐harm. Following increased availability from non‐pharmacy outlets, there was a 40.5% increase in the incidence of paracetamol poisoning, from 11.5/100 000 in 2009 to 16.2/100 000 in 2013. Regression analyses indicated a change in the trend (p < 0.0001) but not an immediate jump in the incidence (p = 0.5991) following the increased availability. Adjusting for trends in hospital episodes for self‐harm, suicides, and the sales volume of paracetamol did not influence the result. All‐cause mortality at 30 days (3.2%) did not change over time.

Conclusions

The incidence of paracetamol poisoning in Sweden has increased since 2009, contrasting the decreased incidence in the period of 2007–2009. The change in trend was temporally associated with the introduction of availability of paracetamol from non‐pharmacy outlets but did not appear to be related to sales volume of paracetamol or general trends in self‐harm or suicides. © 2017 Commonwealth of Australia. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.