bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Charge and dielectric effects of biomolecules on electrical characteristics of nanowire FET biosensors
Authors: Ahn Jae-Hyuk , Choi Sung-Jin , Im Maesoon , Kim Sungho , Kim Chang-Hoon , Kim Jee-Yeon , Park Tae Jung , Lee Sang Yup , Choi Yang-Kyu
Published: September 2017

The sensing mechanism of nanowire field effect transistor (NWFET) biosensors is investigated by taking into consideration both the charge and dielectric effects of biomolecules. The dielectric effect of the biomolecules is dominantly reflected in the linear regime, whereas the charge property is manifested in the subthreshold regime. The findings are supported by bio-experiments and numerical simulations. This study provides a rudimentary means of understanding interactions between biomolecules and NWFET biosensors.
Subwavelength coupling strengthened optical amplification in nematic liquid crystal cells
Authors: Zhao Hua , Xue Tingyu , Su Hang , Wang Yingce , Zhang Jingwen
Published: September 2017

We observed strikingly different first reflection dynamics of two counter-propagating laser beams passing through a wedge-shaped C60-doped liquid crystal cell sandwiched between two ZnSe-coated ITO glass plates without applied electric field, suggesting a strong subwavelength energy coupling between light beams. Exponential gain coefficient as high as 10 574 cm−1 was obtained from the 1.1 μm-thick portion of the cell under applied voltage U0 = 3.0 V, consisting with the subwavelength coupling picture. Surface plasmon polariton (SPP) supporting layer is identified by considering dipolar properties of liquid crystal molecules that are well aligned. The specific features in energy coupling dynamics and 2D diffraction patterns perceived suggest that SPP mediated coupling is responsible for all the findings.
Plasma Treatment Enhanced Magnetic Properties in Manganese Doped Titanium Nitride Thin Films
Authors: Li Dan , Xu Ling-ming , Li Shu-wei , Zhou Xun
Published: September 2017

The ferromagnetic manganese doped TiN films were grown by plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy on MgO(001) substrates. The nitrogen concentration and the ratio of manganese at Ti lattice sites increase after the plasma annealing post treatment. TiN(002) peak shifts toward low angle direction and TiN(111) peak disappears after the post treatment. The lattice expansion and peak shift are mainly ascribed to the reduction of nitrogen vacancies in films. The magnetism was suppressed in as-prepared sample due to the pinning effect of the nitrogen vacancies at defect sites or interface. The magnetism can be activated by the plasma implantation along with nitrogen vacancies reduce. The decrease of nitrogen vacancies leads to the enhancement of ferromagnetism.
Tailoring the Self-assembly of Melamine on Au(111) via Doping with Cu Atoms
Authors: Shi He-xia , Wang Wen-yuan , Li Zhe , Wang Li , Shao Xiang
Published: September 2017

The doping effect of Cu on the self-assembly film of melamine on an Au(111) surface has been investigated with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The evaporated Cu adatoms occupy the positions underneath the amino groups and change the hydrogen bonding pattern between the melamine molecules. Accordingly, the self-assembly structure has changed stepwise from a well-defined honeycomb into a track-like and then a triangular structure depending on the amount of Cu adatoms. The interaction between Cu adatom and melamine is moderate thus the Cu adatoms can be released upon mild heating to around 100 °C. These findings are different from previous observations of either the coordination assembly or the physically trapped metal adatoms.
Samd7 is a cell type-specific PRC1 component essential for establishing retinal rod photoreceptor identity
Authors: Omori Yoshihiro , Kubo Shun , Kon Tetsuo , Furuhashi Mayu , Narita Hirotaka , Kominami Taro , Ueno Akiko , Tsutsumi Ryotaro , Chaya Taro , Yamamoto Haruka , Suetake Isao , Ueno Shinji , Koseki Haruhiko , Nakagawa Atsushi , Furukawa Takahisa
Published: September 2017

Significance

Each retinal rod and cone photoreceptor cell subtype expresses a distinct set of genes including the genes encoding phototransduction components such as opsins and transducins. This subtype-specific gene expression is essential for achieving proper function in each photoreceptor cell. While the various cone and rod photoreceptor cell gene expressions are regulated by multiple transcription factors, whether epigenetic regulation plays an important role for photoreceptor cell-specific gene expression has been unclear. In the current study, we found that a photoreceptor-specific protein, Samd7, functions as a component of the epigenetic gene-silencing complex and is essential for establishing rod photoreceptor cell identity and function by silencing nonrod gene expression in developing rod photoreceptor cells.
Targeting CXCR4-dependent immunosuppressive Ly6C
low
monocytes improves antiangiogenic therapy in colorectal cancer
Authors: Jung Keehoon , Heishi Takahiro , Incio Joao , Huang Yuhui , Beech Elizabeth Y. , Pinter Matthias , Ho William W. , Kawaguchi Kosuke , Rahbari Nuh N. , Chung Euiheon , Kim Jun Ki , Clark Jeffrey W. , Willett Christopher G. , Yun Seok Hyun , Luster Andrew D. , Padera Timothy P. , Jain Rakesh K. , Fukumura Dai
Published: September 2017

Significance

The survival benefit of antiangiogenic therapies for cancer patients has been limited, potentially due to intrinsic/acquired resistance. Deciphering and targeting resistance mechanisms are critical to improving treatment outcome, especially in cancers where antiangiogenic therapies are standard of care, such as colorectal cancer (CRC). Consistent with our clinical findings, we found up-regulation of CXCL12/CXCR4 in orthotopic CRC models and conditional
Apc
mutant spontaneous rectal tumors after anti-VEGFR2 treatment. CXCR4 signaling recruited immunosuppressive innate immune cells such as Ly6C
low
monocytes and Ly6G
+
neutrophils to the CRCs, conferring resistance to VEGFR2 blockade. Furthermore, we successfully targeted these pathways genetically and pharmacologically, including with an FDA-approved agent Plerixafor (AMD3100), which significantly enhanced treatment response. These strategies have the potential for rapid clinical translation.
A functional approach to self-points and self-reference in a deaf signing child and the (dis)continuity issue in child language
Authors: Caët Stéphanie , Limousin Fanny , Morgenstern Aliyah
Published: September 2017

Based on her observation of two deaf children acquiring American Sign Language (ASL) who stopped pointing to persons at around 12 months and then produced reversal errors,Petitto (1987)argued that the discontinuous development of gestures and signs gives support to the hypothesis that language does not arise from general cognitive processes. However, since then, a large amount of studies on hearing children have suggested that early pointing was strongly related to later language abilities. In this paper, we follow up on these socio-cognitive approaches, with a dataset comparable to Petitto’s. We study the development of pointing and self-reference in a deaf child acquiring French Sign Language (LSF). We focus on self-reference rather than self-points, and suggest that, despite the apparent discontinuity in the production of self-points, there is continuity in the establishment of self-reference. In our data, the child produces self-points early on. She then uses predicates without overt subject before entering more complex syntax by combining predicates and self-points. The deaf signing child constructs self-reference similarly to speaking children and uses specific forms provided by her linguistic environment according to her cognitive, social and linguistic development.
Microstructure and wear properties of spark plasma sintered 316L-30W composites
Authors: Tan Chao , Wang Sen , Chen Yong , Wang Guoyu , Ji Lina , Tong Yangang , Duan Xuan-Ming
Published: September 2017

316L-30W composites were successfully fabricated via spark plasma sintering at 1550°C to evaluate their potential as the interlayer between W and 316L stainless steel in fusion reactors. The effect of holding time on the microstructure and its subsequent effects on the fracture morphology and wear properties of the composites were investigated. The results show that more W particles melted and reacted with 316L steel as the holding time increased from 1 to 5 min. The generation of voids was mainly caused by the differences in diffusivity and the coefficient of thermal expansion between W and 316L. The 316L-30W composite held for 3 min had a smaller and more stable friction coefficient, indicating that its interface was firmly bonded and homogeneous.

This paper is part of a thematic issue on Nuclear Materials.
The Overlap of Sleep Disturbance and Depression in Primary Care Patients Treated with Buprenorphine
Authors: Garnaat Sarah L. , Weisberg Risa B. , Uebelacker Lisa A. , Herman Debra S. , Bailey Genie L. , Anderson Bradley J. , Sharkey Katherine M. , Stein Michael D.
Published: September 2017

Background

Sleep disturbance is common among patients receiving long-term opioid therapies, such as methadone maintenance. However, little is known about sleep disturbances in patients receiving medication treatment with buprenorphine. We sought to determine the frequency of subjective sleep disturbance in a sample of patients receiving medication treatment and to examine clinical factors related to sleep disturbance.

Methods

Participants were 328 persons receiving buprenorphine at 3 primary care sites. Sleep difficulty was assessed 2 questions adapted from the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) item assessing sleep. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD)-10 and PHQ-2. In addition, information was gathered on participant demographics and treatment characteristics. Demographics, buprenorphine treatment history, and depressive symptoms were compared for those with and without self-reported sleep difficulty. Logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted association of sleep disturbance with these correlates.

Results

Seventy-one percent of persons receiving medication treatment with buprenorphine in the present study reported sleep difficulty. Persons reporting sleep disturbance reported shorter time in buprenorphine treatment and more depressed mood compared with those without sleep difficulty ( p < .01). Men were significantly less likely to report disturbed sleep than women (odds ratio [OR] = 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33, 0.98). Sleep disturbance was not associated significantly with age, ethnicity, educational attainment, or buprenorphine dose.

Conclusions

Sleep disturbance is common in patients receiving medication treatment with buprenorphine and is associated with more depressive symptoms as well as a shorter duration of medication treatment. Future research, using subjective and objective sleep measures, is warranted to understand whether sleep disturbance is mitigated by longer buprenorphine treatment and whether difficulty sleeping predicts buprenorphine discontinuation among patients seeking treatment for opioid dependence.
The Debate over Inclusive Fitness as a Debate over Methodologies
Authors: Rubin Hannah
Published: September 2017

This article analyzes the recent debate surrounding inclusive fitness and argues that certain limitations ascribed to it by critics—such as requiring weak selection or providing dynamically insufficient models—are better thought of as limitations of the methodological framework most often used with inclusive fitness (quantitative genetics). In support of this, I show how inclusive fitness can be used with the replicator dynamics (of evolutionary game theory, a methodological framework preferred by inclusive fitness critics). I conclude that much of the debate is best understood as being about the orthogonal issue of using abstract versus idealized models.
Old Evidence in the Development of Quantum Theory
Authors: Kao Molly
Published: September 2017

In this article, I evaluate Hartmann and Fitelson’s solution to the Bayesian problem of old evidence by applying it to an early stage in the development of quantum theory. I argue that this case study suggests that whether old evidence is anomalous affects its support for a hypothesis. I introduce and defend two formal assumptions to accommodate this idea. This analysis not only explicates an important historical example, but it also shows that the given solution captures the intuitive importance of “surprising” evidence that has previously been problematic in the context of old evidence.
Standards for Modest Bayesian Credences
Authors: Cisewski Jessi , Kadane Joseph B. , Schervish Mark J. , Seidenfeld Teddy , Stern Rafael
Published: September 2017

Gordon Belot argues that Bayesian theory is epistemologically immodest. In response, we show that the topological conditions that underpin his criticisms of asymptotic Bayesian conditioning are self-defeating. They require extreme a priori credences regarding, for example, the limiting behavior of observed relative frequencies. We offer a different explication of Bayesian modesty using a goal of consensus: rival scientific opinions should be responsive to new facts as a way to resolve their disputes. Also we address Adam Elga’s rebuttal to Belot’s analysis, which focuses attention on the role that the assumption of countable additivity plays in Belot’s criticisms.
Global wetland contribution to 2000–2012 atmospheric methane growth rate dynamics
Authors: Poulter Benjamin , Bousquet Philippe , Canadell Josep G , Ciais Philippe , Peregon Anna , Saunois Marielle , Arora Vivek K , Beerling David J , Brovkin Victor , Jones Chris D , Joos Fortunat , Gedney Nicola , Ito Akihito , Kleinen Thomas , Koven Charles D , McDonald Kyle , Melton Joe R , Peng Changhui , Peng Shushi , Prigent Catherine , Schroeder Ronny , Riley William J , Saito Makoto , Spahni Renato , Tian Hanqin , Taylor Lyla , Viovy Nicolas , Wilton David , Wiltshire Andy , Xu Xiyan , Zhang Bowen , Zhang Zhen , Zhu Qiuan
Published: September 2017

Increasing atmospheric methane (CH4) concentrations have contributed to approximately 20% of anthropogenic climate change. Despite the importance of CH4 as a greenhouse gas, its atmospheric growth rate and dynamics over the past two decades, which include a stabilization period (1999–2006), followed by renewed growth starting in 2007, remain poorly understood. We provide an updated estimate of CH4 emissions from wetlands, the largest natural global CH4 source, for 2000–2012 using an ensemble of biogeochemical models constrained with remote sensing surface inundation and inventory-based wetland area data. Between 2000–2012, boreal wetland CH4 emissions increased by 1.2 Tg yr−1 (−0.2–3.5 Tg yr−1), tropical emissions decreased by 0.9 Tg yr−1 (−3.2−1.1 Tg yr−1), yet globally, emissions remained unchanged at 184 ± 22 Tg yr−1. Changing air temperature was responsible for increasing high-latitude emissions whereas declines in low-latitude wetland area decreased tropical emissions; both dynamics are consistent with features of predicted centennial-scale climate change impacts on wetland CH4 emissions. Despite uncertainties in wetland area mapping, our study shows that global wetland CH4 emissions have not contributed significantly to the period of renewed atmospheric CH4 growth, and is consistent with findings from studies that indicate some combination of increasing fossil fuel and agriculture-related CH4 emissions, and a decrease in the atmospheric oxidative sink.
High-resolution model for estimating the economic and policy implications of agricultural soil salinization in California
Authors: Welle Paul D , Mauter Meagan S
Published: September 2017

This work introduces a generalizable approach for estimating the field-scale agricultural yield losses due to soil salinization. When integrated with regional data on crop yields and prices, this model provides high-resolution estimates for revenue losses over large agricultural regions. These methods account for the uncertainty inherent in model inputs derived from satellites, experimental field data, and interpreted model results. We apply this method to estimate the effect of soil salinity on agricultural outputs in California, performing the analysis with both high-resolution (i.e. field scale) and low-resolution (i.e. county-scale) data sources to highlight the importance of spatial resolution in agricultural analysis. We estimate that soil salinity reduced agricultural revenues by $3.7 billion ($1.7–$7.0 billion) in 2014, amounting to 8.0 million tons of lost production relative to soil salinities below the crop-specific thresholds. When using low-resolution data sources, we find that the costs of salinization are underestimated by a factor of three. These results highlight the need for high-resolution data in agro-environmental assessment as well as the challenges associated with their integration.
On the volume of locally conformally flat 4-dimensional closed hypersurface
Authors: Cui Qing , Sun Linlin
Published: September 2017

Let

M
M

be a 5-dimensional Riemannian manifold with

S
e

c
M

∈
[
0
,
1
]

Sec_M\in [0,1]

and

Σ
\Sigma

be a locally conformally flat closed hypersurface in

M
M

with mean curvature function

H
H

. We prove that there exists

ε
0

>
0

\varepsilon _0>0

such that
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="StartLayout 1st Row integral Underscript normal upper Sigma Endscripts left-parenthesis 1 plus upper H squared right-parenthesis squared greater-than-or-equal-to StartFraction 4 pi squared Over 3 EndFraction chi left-parenthesis normal upper Sigma right-parenthesis comma EndLayout">

∫
Σ

(
1
+

H
2

)
2

≥

4

π
2

3

χ
(
Σ
)
,

\begin{align} \int _\Sigma (1+H^2)^2 \ge \frac {4\pi ^2}{3}\chi (\Sigma ), \end{align}

provided

|
H
|
≤

ε
0

\vert H\vert \le \varepsilon _0

, where

χ
(
Σ
)

\chi (\Sigma )

is the Euler number of

Σ
\Sigma

. In particular, if

Σ
\Sigma

is a locally conformally flat minimal hypersphere in

M
M

, then

V
o
l
(
Σ
)
≥
8

π
2

/

3

Vol(\Sigma ) \ge 8\pi ^2/3

, which partially answers a question proposed by Mazet and Rosenberg. Moreover, we show that if

M
M

is (some special but large class) rotationally symmetric, then the inequality (\ref{V1}) holds for all

H
H

.
SINCERITIES: inferring gene regulatory networks from time-stamped single cell transcriptional expression profiles
Authors: Papili Gao Nan , Ud-Dean S M Minhaz , Gandrillon Olivier , Gunawan Rudiyanto
Published: September 2017

Motivation

Single cell transcriptional profiling opens up a new avenue in studying the functional role of cell-to-cell variability in physiological processes. The analysis of single cell expression profiles creates new challenges due to the distributive nature of the data and the stochastic dynamics of gene transcription process. The reconstruction of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) using single cell transcriptional profiles is particularly challenging, especially when directed gene-gene relationships are desired.

Results

We developed SINCERITIES (SINgle CEll Regularized Inference using TIme-stamped Expression profileS) for the inference of GRNs from single cell transcriptional profiles. We focused on time-stamped cross-sectional expression data, commonly generated from transcriptional profiling of single cells collected at multiple time points after cell stimulation. SINCERITIES recovers directed regulatory relationships among genes by employing regularized linear regression (ridge regression), using temporal changes in the distributions of gene expressions. Meanwhile, the modes of the gene regulations (activation and repression) come from partial correlation analyses between pairs of genes. We demonstrated the efficacy of SINCERITIES in inferring GRNs using in silico time-stamped single cell expression data and single cell transcriptional profiles of THP-1 monocytic human leukemia cells. The case studies showed that SINCERITIES could provide accurate GRN predictions, significantly better than other GRN inference algorithms such as TSNI, GENIE3 and JUMP3. Moreover, SINCERITIES has a low computational complexity and is amenable to problems of extremely large dimensionality. Finally, an application of SINCERITIES to single cell expression data of T2EC chicken erythrocytes pointed to BATF as a candidate novel regulator of erythroid development.

Availability and implementation

MATLAB and R version of SINCERITIES are freely available from the following websites: http://www.cabsel.ethz.ch/tools/sincerities.html and https://github.com/CABSEL/SINCERITIES. The single cell THP-1 and T2EC transcriptional profiles are available from the original publications (Kouno et al., 2013; Richard et al., 2016). The in silico single cell data are available on SINCERITIES websites.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Interactive network visualization in Jupyter notebooks: visJS2jupyter
Authors: Rosenthal Sara Brin , Len Julia , Webster Mikayla , Gary Aaron , Birmingham Amanda , Fisch Kathleen M
Published: September 2017

Motivation

Network biology is widely used to elucidate mechanisms of disease and biological processes. The ability to interact with biological networks is important for hypothesis generation and to give researchers an intuitive understanding of the data. We present visJS2jupyter, a tool designed to embed interactive networks in Jupyter notebooks to streamline network analysis and to promote reproducible research.

Results

The tool provides functions for performing and visualizing useful network operations in biology, including network overlap, network propagation around a focal set of genes, and co-localization of two sets of seed genes. visJS2jupyter uses the JavaScript library vis.js to create interactive networks displayed within Jupyter notebook cells with features including drag, click, hover, and zoom. We demonstrate the functionality of visJS2jupyter applied to a biological question, by creating a network propagation visualization to prioritize risk-related genes in autism.

Availability and implementation

The visJS2jupyter package is distributed under the MIT License. The source code, documentation and installation instructions are freely available on GitHub at https://github.com/ucsd-ccbb/visJS2jupyter. The package can be downloaded at https://pypi.python.org/pypi/visJS2jupyter.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Ms2lda.org: web-based topic modelling for substructure discovery in mass spectrometry
Authors: Wandy Joe , Zhu Yunfeng , van der Hooft Justin J J , Daly Rónán , Barrett Michael P , Rogers Simon
Published: September 2017

Motivation

We recently published MS2LDA, a method for the decomposition of sets of molecular fragment data derived from large metabolomics experiments. To make the method more widely available to the community, here we present ms2lda.org, a web application that allows users to upload their data, run MS2LDA analyses and explore the results through interactive visualizations.

Results

Ms2lda.org takes tandem mass spectrometry data in many standard formats and allows the user to infer the sets of fragment and neutral loss features that co-occur together (Mass2Motifs). As an alternative workflow, the user can also decompose a data set onto predefined Mass2Motifs. This is accomplished through the web interface or programmatically from our web service.

Availability and implementation

The website can be found at http://ms2lda.org, while the source code is available at https://github.com/sdrogers/ms2ldaviz under the MIT license.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Psychic vs. Economic Barriers to Vaccine Take-Up: Evidence from a Field Experiment in Nigeria
Authors: Sato Ryoko , Takasaki Yoshito
Published: September 2017

This paper experimentally evaluates the relative importance of psychic costs of tetanus vaccination compared to monetary costs among women in rural Nigeria. We compare vaccine take-up between two conditions to receive cash incentives: clinic attendance vs. vaccine take-up. Because the only difference between these two conditions is whether a woman was required to receive a vaccine upon arrival at the clinic, the difference in clinic attendance between these two groups captures the psychic costs of vaccination. Contrary to conventional wisdom, we find no evidence for significant psychic costs. Priming about disease severity increases the perceived severity of disease, but not vaccine take-up. Monetary costs strongly affect vaccination decisions.
Hamstring Autograft Reconstruction of the Anterior Tibial Tendon
Authors: Karnovsky Sydney C. , Drakos Mark C.
Published: September 2017

Injuries to the tibialis anterior tendon (TAT) are rarely reported in the literature, and, in existing reports, there are varied treatment options. Many authors recommend operative treatment over conservative treatment in young, healthy, and active patients, in order to give the patient as much strength back as possible and to allow them to avoid the use of a brace. Different types of operative repair have been described, including: extensor digitorum longus transfer, extensor hallucis longus transfer, plantaris transfer, Achilles autograft, as well as gracilis and semitendinosus autografts and allografts. We advocate using a hamstring autograft, either gracilis in isolation, semitendinosus in isolation, or a combination of the 2, depending on the size of the patient’s tendons, to operatively reconstruct ruptured TATs.

Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Predictors of Weight-Related Quality of Life in Adolescents Who Are Overweight or Obese
Authors: Ievers-Landis Carolyn E. , Olayinka Oluwatomisin , Burant Christopher , Moore Shirley
Published: September 2017

Objective:

Weight-related quality of life (WRQOL) is a type of health-related QOL that may serve as a patient-reported outcome of the potential burden of overweight. The present study uses structural equation modeling path analysis methods to examine body mass index (BMI) and other potential predictors of WRQOL components among adolescents who were overweight/obese from predominantly low-income, urban households.

Methods:

Baseline data were obtained from 360 participants (10–13 year olds; 57.8% female; 76.7% black; average BMI of 27.12) and their parents/legal guardians from a randomized, controlled, treatment trial. Youth completed measures of WRQOL, depressive symptoms, and family/friend social support for healthy eating. Parents completed measures of demographics and child social problems.

Results:

The initial model included BMI, gender, parent education, family/friend social support for healthy eating, child social problems, body esteem and social life WRQOL, and depressive symptoms. The final model fit the data well (χ2 = 27.738; df = 16; p = .034). Higher BMI was indirectly related to lower social life and body esteem WRQOL through greater social problems. Physical comfort and family relations WRQOL were unrelated to BMI and were not included. Lower social life and body esteem related to more depressive symptoms. Family/friend discouragement for healthy eating was associated with lower body esteem; also, family discouragement was related to lower social life.

Conclusion:

Body mass index may not directly relate to WRQOL but may be associated through other factors, including child social problems. Interventions should screen for and treat mood and social problems and address family/friend support for healthy eating.
Validation of a Unilateral Cleft Lip Surgical Outcomes Evaluation Scale for Surgeons and Laypersons
Authors: Campbell Alex , Restrepo Carolina , Deshpande Gaurav , Tredway Caroline , Bernstein Sarah M. , Patzer Rachel , Wendby Lisa , Schonmeyr Bjorn
Published: September 2017

Background:

A standardized evaluation tool is needed for the assessment of surgical outcomes in cleft lip surgery. Current scales for evaluating unilateral cleft lip/nose (UCL/N) aesthetic outcomes are limited in their reliability, ease of use, and application. The Unilateral Cleft Lip Surgical Outcomes Evaluation (UCL SOE) scale measures symmetry of 4 components and sums these for a total score. The purpose of this study was to validate the SOE as a reliable tool for use by both surgeons and laypersons.

Methods:

Twenty participants (9 surgeons and 12 laypeople) used the SOE to evaluate 25 sets of randomly selected presurgical and postsurgical standardized photographs of UCL/N patients. Interrater reliability for surgeon and laypeople was determined using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results:

Individual surgeons and laypeople both reached an ICC in the "fair to good" range (ICC = 0.42 and 0.59, respectively). Averaging 2 evaluators in the surgeon group improved the ICC to 0.58 and in the laypeople group to 0.74, respectively. Averaging 3 evaluators increased the ICC for surgeons to the "good" range (ICC = 0.71) and the ICC for laypeople to the "very good" range (ICC = 0.82).

Conclusions:

Surgeon and layperson raters can reliably use the SOE to assess the aesthetics results after surgical repair of UCL/N, and improved reliability and reproducibility is achieved by averaging the scores of multiple reviewers.
A Technique for Reduction of Edentulous Fractures Using Dentures and SMARTLock Hybrid Fixation System
Authors: Carlson Anna Rose , Shammas Ronnie Labib , Allori Alexander Christopher , Powers David Bryan
Published: September 2017

Establishing anatomic reduction of an edentulous mandible fracture is a frequently acknowledged challenge in craniomaxillofacial trauma surgery. In this study, we report a novel method for the reduction of the edentulous mandible fracture, via fabrication of modified Gunning splints using existing dentures and SMARTLock hybrid arch bars. This technique dramatically simplifies the application of an arch bar to dentures, obviates the need for the fabrication of impressions and custom splints, and eliminates the lag time associated with the creation of splints. Furthermore, this method may be used with or without adjunctive rigid internal fixation. The technique described herein of creating Gunning splints with SMARTLock hybrid arch bars provides surgeons with a simple, rapid, single-stage solution for reduction of mandibular fractures in the edentulous patient.
Validation of the Unilateral Cleft Lip Severity Index for Surgeons and Laypersons
Authors: Campbell Alex , Restrepo Carolina , Deshpande Gaurav , Bernstein Sarah M. , Tredway Caroline , Wendby Lisa , Schonmeyr Bjorn
Published: September 2017

Background:

Severity of the primary unilateral cleft lip/nose deformity (UCL/N) is postulated to play a key role in postoperative complications, aesthetic result, and need for secondary surgery. There is no validated and widely accepted classification scheme of initial cleft severity. The purpose of this study was to validate the Unilateral Cleft Lip Cleft Severity Index as a reliable tool for evaluating presurgical UCL/N deformity by both surgeons and laypersons.

Methods:

Twenty-five participants (10 surgeons and 15 laypeople) evaluated 25 sets of randomly selected presurgical standardized photographs of UCL/N patients. Each participant rated patients on a scale of 1–4 using the Cleft Severity Index. Interrater reliability for surgeons, laypersons, and all participants was determined using an intraclass correlation coefficient. Histograms and regression analysis were performed to compare average ratings between groups.

Results:

Interrater reliability for all groups was classified as "very good" determined by intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.837 (laymen), 0.885 (surgeons), and 0.848 (all participants). These results indicate that there was a high degree of interrater across all 3 groups and that both surgeons and laypersons can reliability rate cleft severity using the Cleft Severity Index.

Conclusions:

This study validates the use of the Cleft Severity Index by both surgeons and laypersons as a reliable tool for evaluating the degree of presurgical severity of patients with UCL/N. The Unilateral Cleft Lip Cleft Severity Index can thus serve as a reproducible and reliable grading system for primary UCL/N deformity and to categorize patients for future outcomes studies.
Gaps in Current Knowledge and Priorities for Future Research in Dry Eye
Authors: Saldanha Ian J. , Dickersin Kay , Hutfless Susan T. , Akpek Esen K.
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

Dry eye, a common yet underrecognized and evolving field, has few recommended treatment algorithms, mostly based on expert consensus rather than robust research evidence. There are high costs associated with managing dry eye and conducting research to identify effective and safe long-term treatments. To support evidence-based management of dry eye, our purpose was to identify and prioritize important clinical research questions for future clinical research.

Methods:

We translated recommendations from the American Academy of Ophthalmology's 2013 Preferred Practice Patterns for dry eye into answerable clinical research questions about treatment effectiveness. Clinicians around the world who manage patients with dry eye rated each question's importance from 0 (not important) to 10 (very important) using a 2-round online Delphi survey. We considered questions as “important” if ≥75% of respondents assigned a rating of 6 or more in round 2. We mapped the identified important clinical research questions to reliable systematic reviews published up to March 2016.

Results:

Seventy-five clinicians from at least 21 countries completed both Delphi rounds. Among the 58 questions, 24 met our definition of “important”: 9/24 and 7/24 addressed topical and systemic treatments, respectively. All 4 questions with the highest 25th percentiles addressed topical treatments. Although 6/24 “important” questions were associated with 4 existing reliable systematic reviews, none of these reviews came to a definitive conclusion about treatment effectiveness.

Conclusions:

We identified gaps pertaining to treatment options for dry eye. Future clinical research on the management of dry eye should strongly consider these prioritized questions.
Change in Eyelid Position Following Muller’s Muscle Conjunctival Resection With a Standard Versus Variable Resection Length
Authors: Rootman Daniel B. , Sinha Kunal R. , Goldberg Robert A.
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

This study compares the use of a standard 7 mm resection length to a variable 4:1 ratio of resection length to desired elevation nomogram when performing Muller’s muscle conjunctival resection surgery.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional case control study, 2 groups were defined. The first underwent Muller’s muscle conjunctival resection surgery with a standard 7 mm resection length and the second underwent the same surgery with a variable resection length determined by a 4:1 ratio of resection length to desired elevation nomogram. Groups were matched for age (within 5 years) and sex. Pre- and postoperative photographs were measured digitally. Change in upper marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1) and final MRD1 were the primary outcome measures. The study was powered to detect a 1 mm difference in MRD1 to a beta error of 0.95.

Results:

No significant preoperative differences between the groups were noted. No significant difference in final MRD1 (0.1 mm; p = 0.74) or change in MRD1 (0.2 mm; p = 0.52) was noted. Mean resection length to elevation ratios were 3.9:1 for standard group and 4.3:1 for the variable group (p = 0.54).

Conclusion:

The authors were not able to detect a significant difference in final MRD1 or change in MRD1 for patients undergoing Muller’s muscle conjunctival resection surgery with standard or variable resection lengths. These results tend to argue against a purely mechanical mechanism for Muller’s muscle conjunctival resection surgery.
The association of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Asfari Mohammad M. , Niyazi Fadi , Lopez Rocio , Dasarathy Srinivasan , McCullough Arthur J.
Published: September 2017

Background and aim

The association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and abnormal liver enzymes has been reported in multiple studies. The existing literature regarding the relationship between OSA and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is conflicting. Thus we aimed to determine the relationship between OSA and NASH from a large database.

Patients and methods

A cross-sectional study was performed using the 2012 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. We identified adult patients (18–90 years) who had a diagnosis of OSA using the International Classification of Diseases 9th version codes. The control group was comprised of adult individuals with no discharge records of OSA. NASH diagnosis was also identified using the International Classification of Diseases 9th version codes. The association between OSA and NASH was calculated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 30 712 524 hospitalizations were included. The OSA group included 1 490 150 patients versus 29 222 374 in the control non-OSA group. The OSA group average age was 61.8±0.07 years (44.2% females) compared with 57.0±0.11 years (60.1% females) in the non-OSA group. NASH prevalence was significantly higher in the OSA group compared with the non-OSA group [2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9, 2.1) vs. 0.65% (95% CI: 0.63, 0.66), P<0.001]. After adjusting for obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, the metabolic syndrome and Charlson comorbidity index, OSA patients were three times more likely to have NASH [adjusted odds ratio: 3.1 (95% CI: 3.0–3.3), P<0.001].

Conclusion

Patients with OSA are three times more likely to have NASH compared with patients without OSA after controlling for other confounders. These data indicate that OSA should be considered as an independent risk factor for developing NASH.
Strategies for the use of nonstatin therapies
Authors: Pirillo Angela , Norata Giuseppe D. , Catapano Alberico L.
Published: September 2017

Purpose of review

Dyslipidaemias are a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD); in particular, high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) have been associated to a higher cardiovascular risk. Reducing LDL-C levels decreases the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), and the greater the LDL-C reduction, the greater the decrease in cardiovascular risk. Although statins represent the first line lipid-lowering therapy, many patients do not reach the recommended goals or exhibit adverse side effects leading to therapy discontinuation; in addition, a significant percentage of statin-treated patients continue to experience cardiovascular events even in the presence of well controlled LDL-C levels, because of alterations in other lipid/lipoprotein classes, including triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Recent findings

These conditions require further therapeutic interventions to achieve the recommended lipid goals. Several drugs have been developed to address these needs. Recent studies have shown that the association of ezetimibe with rosuvastatin or atorvastatin results in a better hypolipidaemic effect; in addition to this, PCSK9 inhibitors significantly reduce LDL-C levels and cardiovascular events.

For patients who are intolerant to statins or not able to reach the recommended LDL-C levels, despite maximal tolerated dose of statin, or exhibiting additional lipid alterations, several drugs are available that can be used either in monotherapy or on top of the maximally tolerated dose of statins.
Differences in Partner Services Outcomes for Men Who Have Sex With Men Diagnosed With Primary and Secondary Syphilis by HIV Serostatus
Authors: Rowlinson Emily , Goings Samuel , Minnerly Sydney , Surita Karen , Pogosjans Sargis
Published: September 2017

Background

Differences in partner services outcomes in men who have sex with men (MSM) by HIV serostatus have not been explored as a potential driver of differential early syphilis (ES) burden in this population.

Methods

We compared partner services outcomes (number of partners named, notified, tested, diagnosed, and treated) between HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM initiated for ES partner services in Texas from 2013 to 2016 using logistic regression and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between HIV serostatus and having a no-partner–initiated (NPI) partner services interview controlling for demographic characteristics, prior partner services interactions, and geosocial phone application use.

Results

A total of 4161 HIV-positive MSM and 5254 HIV-negative MSM were initiated for ES partner services. HIV-positive MSM named fewer partners than did HIV-negative MSM (mean, 1.2 vs. 1.9; P < 0.001) and had lower indices of partners notified, tested, diagnosed, and treated. HIV seropositivity was significantly associated with NPI. However, this association was not significant when limited to MSM with previous partner services interviews (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.06; P = 0.38); in this subset of MSM, using geosocial phone application was negatively associated with having an NPI interview (aRR, 0.90), and having 1 (aRR, 1.33) or more than 1 previous NPI interview (aRR, 1.57) was associated with an NPI interview during the study period.

Conclusions

Suboptimal outcomes for syphilis partner service may result in missed opportunities for testing and treatment of sexual contacts, which could allow for propagation of syphilis. Implementation of innovative protocols is needed to ensure that partner services continue to be an effective and acceptable method of syphilis disease intervention in MSM.
New Developments in the Molecular Mechanisms of Pancreatic Tumorigenesis
Authors: Felsenstein Matthäus , Hruban Ralph H. , Wood Laura D.
Published: September 2017

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease with a dismal prognosis in dire need of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The past decade has witnessed an explosion of data on the genetic alterations that occur in pancreatic cancer, as comprehensive next-generation sequencing analyses have been performed on samples from large cohorts of patients. These studies have defined the genomic landscape of this disease and identified novel candidates whose mutations contribute to pancreatic tumorigenesis. They have also clarified the genetic alterations that underlie multistep tumorigenesis in precursor lesions and provided insights into clonal evolution in pancreatic neoplasia. In addition to these important insights into pancreatic cancer biology, these large scale genomic studies have also provided a foundation for the development of novel early detection strategies and targeted therapies. In this review, we discuss the results of these comprehensive sequencing studies of pancreatic neoplasms, with a particular focus on how their results will impact the clinical care of patients with pancreatic cancer.
Endometrial Polyps and Benign Endometrial Hyperplasia Have Increased Prevalence of DNA Fragmentation Factors 40 and 45 (DFF40 and DFF45) Together With the Antiapoptotic B-Cell Lymphoma (Bcl-2) Protein Compared With Normal Human Endometria
Authors: Banas Tomasz , Pitynski Kazimierz , Mikos Marcin , Cielecka-Kuszyk Joanna
Published: September 2017

DNA fragmentation factor 40 (DFF40) is a key executor of apoptosis. It localizes to the nucleus together with DNA fragmentation factor 45 (DFF45), which acts as a DFF40 inhibitor and chaperone. B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2) protein is a proven antiapoptotic factor present in the cytoplasm. In this study, we aimed to investigate DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2 immunoexpression in endometrial polyps (EPs) and benign endometrial hyperplasia (BEH) tissue compared with that in normal proliferative endometrium (NPE) and normal secretory endometrium (NSE) as well as normal post menopausal endometrium (NAE). This study used archived samples from 65 and 62 cases of EPs and BEH, respectively. The control group consisted of 52 NPE, 54 NSE, and 54 NAE specimens. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2. DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2 were more highly expressed in the glandular layer of EPs and BEH compared with the stroma, and this was not influenced by menopausal status. Both glandular and stromal expression of DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2 were significantly higher in EPs compared with NPE, NSE, and NAE. Glandular BEH tissue showed significantly higher DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2 expression than in NPE, NSE, and NAE. No differences in the glandular expression of DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2 were observed between EP and BEH tissues, while Bcl-2 stromal expression in BEH was significantly lower than in EPs. Glandular, menopause-independent DFF40, DFF45, and Bcl-2 overexpression may play an important role in the pathogenesis of EPs and BEH.
Frequent PD-L1 Expression in Malignant Melanomas of the Vulva
Authors: Saleh Banafsheh , Kriegsmann Jörg , Falk Stephan , Aulmann Sebastian
Published: September 2017

Blockade of immune checkpoint pathways such as the programmed cell death protein 1 pathway (PD-1/PD-L1) is an emerging approach in the treatment of solid tumors. In malignant melanoma, the efficiacy of antibodies against PD-L1 has been shown to be associated with PD-L1 protein expression. To evaluate whether this approach may be of use in the rare cases of primary melanoma of the vulva, we have evaluated a series of 13 cases for PD-L1 expression as well as additional molecular alterations of KIT, NRAS, KRAS, and BRAF. PD-L1 expression was detected in 69% of cases and was not associated with any other molecular alteration, tumor stage or morphology. In conclusion, targeting PD-L1 by selective antibodies may be of benefit in the treatment of these uncommon tumors.
Inducing Somatic Symptoms in Functional Syndrome Patients: Effects of Manipulating State Negative Affect
Authors: Van Den Houte Maaike , Bogaerts Katleen , Van Diest Ilse , De Bie Jozef , Persoons Philippe , Van Oudenhove Lukas , Van den Bergh Omer
Published: September 2017

Objective

Induction of negative affective states can enhance bodily symptoms in high habitual symptom reporters among healthy persons and in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. The aims of this study were to replicate this effect in patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome and to investigate the role of moderators, focusing on alexithymia, negative affectivity, and absorption.

Methods

Patients with fibromyalgia and/or chronic fatigue syndrome (n = 81) and HCs (n = 41) viewed series of neutral, positive, and negative affective pictures. After every picture series, participants filled out a somatic symptom checklist and rated emotions experienced during the picture series on valence, arousal, and perceived control.

Results

Patients reported more somatic symptoms after viewing negative pictures (least square mean [LSM] = 19.40, standard error (SE) = 0.50) compared with neutral (LSM = 17.59, SE = 0.42, p < .001) or positive (LSM = 17.04, SE = 0.41, p < .001) pictures, whereas somatic symptom ratings of HCs after viewing negative picture series (LSM = 12.07, SE = 0.71) did not differ from ratings after viewing neutral (LSM = 11.07, SE = 0.59, p = .065) or positive (LSM = 11.10, SE = 0.58, p = .93) pictures. Negative affectivity did not moderate the symptom-enhancing effect of negative affective pictures, whereas the alexithymia factor “difficulty identifying feelings” and absorption did (p = .016 and p = .006, respectively).

Conclusion

Negative affective states elicit elevated somatic symptom reports in patients experiencing fibromyalgia and/or chronic fatigue syndrome. This symptom-enhancing effect is greater in patients having higher difficulty to identify feelings and higher absorption scores. The results are discussed in a predictive coding framework of symptom perception.