bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability, reproducibility and validity of dynamic cerebral autoregulation in a large cohort with transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke
Authors: Lee Yun-Kai , Rothwell Peter M , Payne Stephen J , Webb Alastair J S
Published: August 2020

Objective: Cerebral autoregulation (CA) is critical to maintenance of cerebral perfusion but its relevance to the risk of stroke and dementia has been under-studied due to small study sizes and a lack of consensus as to the optimal method of measurement. We determined the reliability and reproducibility of multiple CA indices and the effect of intensive data-processing in a large population with transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke. Approach: Consecutive, consenting patients in the population-based Oxford Vascular Study (OXVASC) Phenotyped cohort underwent up to 10-min supine continuous blood pressure monitoring (Finometer) with bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) transcranial ultrasound (DWL-Dopplerbox). Un-processed waveforms (Un-A) were median-filtered, systematically reviewed, artefacts corrected and their quality blindly graded (optimal (A) to worst (E)). CA metrics were derived in time-domain (autoregulatory index (ARI), Pearson’s Mx, Sx, Dx) and in very-low (VLF) and low-frequency (LF) domains (WPS-SI: wavelet phase synchronisation, transfer function analysis), stratified by recording quality. Reliability and reproducibility (Cronbach’s alpha) were determined comparing MCA sides and the first vs. second 5-min of monitoring. Main results: In 453 patients, following manual data-cleaning, there was good reliability of indices when comparing MCA sides (Mx: 0.77; WPS-SI-VLF: 0.85; WPS-SI-LF 0.84), or repeated five minute epochs (Mx: 0.57; WPS-SI-VLF: 0.69; WPS-SI-LF 0.90), with persistently good reliability between sides even in lower quality Groups (Group D: Mx: 0.79; WPS-SI-VLF: 0.92; WPS-SI-LF: 0.91). Reliability was greatest for Pearson’s Mx and wavelet synchronisation index, with reasonable reliability of transfer function analyses, but ARI was prone to occasional, potentially defective, extreme estimates (left vs right MCA: 0.68). Significance: Resting-state measures of CA were valid, reproducible and robust to moderate noise, but require careful data-processing. Mx and wavelet synchronisation index were the most reliable indices for determining the prognostic value of CA in large epidemiological cohorts and its potential as a treatment target.
Effect of Nd on microstructure and properties of 6063 aluminum alloy
Authors: Ding Wanwu , Cheng Yan , Zhao Xiaoyan , Chen Taili , Zhang Haixia , Zhao Wenjun
Published: August 2020

The microstructure of 6063 aluminum alloy has an important influence on its properties. In this paper, the effect of the composite addition of Nd (0, 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.6 wt%) and Al–Ti–B master alloy on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 6063 aluminum alloy was studied. The results show that the composite modification of rare earth Nd and Al–Ti–B has great refinement effect on 6063 aluminum alloy. With the amount of rare earth Nd is 0.1 wt%, the grain boundary is mainly composite of a short rod or discontinuous granular AlFeSiMgNd complex compound. With the content of rare earth reaches 0.6 wt%, the enrichment of rare earth Nd occurs at the grain boundaries, and a grid-like AlSiNd phase is formed. After 180 days of natural aging on the basis of T6 heat treatment, with the increase in the amount of rare earth Nd added, the elongation of the 6063 aluminum alloy increased significantly, but the tensile strength and vickers hardness decreased. The alloy undergoes ductile fracture, and AlSiNd and AlFeSiMgNd particles are present on the fracture surface. This may also be the main reason for the effect of Nd on the mechanical properties of 6063 alloy.
Task syndromes: linking personality and task allocation in social animal groups
Authors: Loftus J C , Perez A A , Sih A
Published: August 2020

Studies of eusocial insects have extensively investigated two components of task allocation: how individuals distribute themselves among different tasks in a colony and how the distribution of labor changes to meet fluctuating task demand. While discrete age- and morphologically-based task allocation systems explain much of the social order in these colonies, the basis for task allocation in non-eusocial organisms and within eusocial castes remains unknown. Building from recent advances in the study of among-individual variation in behavior (i.e., animal personalities), we explore a potential mechanism by which individuality in behaviors unrelated to tasks can guide the developmental trajectories that lead to task specialization. We refer to the task-based behavioral syndrome that results from the correlation between the antecedent behavioral tendencies and task participation as a task syndrome. In this review, we present a framework that integrates concepts from a long history of task allocation research in eusocial organisms with recent findings from animal personality research to elucidate how task syndromes and resulting task allocation might manifest in animal groups. By drawing upon an extensive and diverse literature to evaluate the hypothesized framework, this review identifies future areas for study at the intersection of social behavior and animal personality.
A Comprehensive HPLC–MS-MS Screening Method for 77 New Psychoactive Substances, 24 Classic Drugs and 18 Related Metabolites in Blood, Urine and Oral Fluid
Authors: Trana Annagiulia Di , Mannocchi Giulio , Pirani Filippo , Maida Nunzia La , Gottardi Massimo , Pichini Simona , Busardò Francesco Paolo
Published: August 2020

To date, more than 800 molecules are classified as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), and it is reported that this number increases every year. Whereas several cases of polydrug consumption that led to acute intoxication and death are reported, a lack of effective analytical screening method to detect NPS and classical drug of abuse in human matrices affects the prompt identification of the probable cause of intoxication in emergency department of hospitals. In this concern, a fast, simple and comprehensive high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS-MS) screening method to detect and quantify 77 NPS, 24 classic drugs and 18 related metabolites has been successfully developed and validated in blood, urine and oral fluid. A small volume (100 µL) of whole blood samples spiked with internal standard deuterated mixture was added to 70 µL of M3® buffer, and after precipitation of blood proteins, the supernatant was evaporated to dryness and reconstituted in 1 mL of mobile phase. Same volume (100 µL) of urine and oral fluid samples spiked with internal standard deuterated mix were only diluted with 500 µL of M3® reagent. One microliter of samples of each matrix was injected into HPLC–MS-MS equipment. The run time lasted 10 min with a gradient mobile phase. Mass spectrometric analysis was performed in positive ion multiple reaction monitoring mode. The method was linear for all analytes under investigation with a determination coefficient always better than 0.99. The calibration range for blood and oral fluid was from limits of quantification (LOQs) to 200 ng/mL, whereas that for urine was LOQs to 1000 ng/mL. Recovery and matrix effect were always higher than 80%, whereas intra-assay and inter-assay precision were always better than 19% and accuracy was always within 19% of target in every matrix. Applicability of the method was verified by analysis of samples from real cases.
Comparison of the characteristics of patients with invasive infections and noninvasive infections caused byTrichosporon asahii
Authors: Kim Jinyeong , Kim Min Jae , Chong Yong Pil , Kim Sung-Han , Choi Sang-Ho , Lee Sang-Oh , Woo Jun Hee , Kim Yang Soo , Jung Jiwon
Published: August 2020

We performed retrospective study to identify the characteristics of invasive Trichosporon asahii infection. A total of 102 patients with T. asahii were identified including 18 (18%) with invasive infection. Invasive infection was associated with indwelling central venous catheter (94% vs 54%, P = .001), prior antifungal agent use (50% vs 18%, P = .01), hematologic malignancy (33% vs 7%, P = .006), and end-stage renal disease (28% vs 7%, P = .02). Patients with invasive infections had higher in-hospital mortality than patients with noninvasive infections (61% vs 27%, P = .006). Those with the above risk factors should be monitored for the development of invasive T. asahii infection.

Lay summary

Patients with indwelling central venous catheter, prior antifungal agent use, hematologic malignancy, and end-stage renal disease were associated with invasive Trichosporon asahii infection. Patients with invasive infections had higher in-hospital mortality than patients without invasive infection.
A multiwavelength search for black widow and redback counterparts of candidate γ-ray millisecond pulsars
Authors: Braglia C , Mignani R P , Belfiore A , Marelli M , Israel G L , Novara G , De Luca A , Tiengo A , Saz Parkinson P M
Published: August 2020

The wealth of detections of millisecond pulsars (MSPs) in γ-rays by Fermi has spurred searches for these objects among the several unidentified γ-ray sources. Interesting targets are a sub-class of binary MSPs, dubbed ‘black widows’ (BWs) and ‘redbacks’ (RBs), which are in orbit with low-mass non-degenerate companions fully or partially ablated by irradiation from the MSP wind. These systems can be easily missed in radio pulsar surveys owing to the eclipse of the radio signal by the intra-binary plasma from the ablated companion star photosphere, making them better targets for multiwavelength observations. We used optical and X-ray data from public data bases to carry out a systematic investigation of all the unidentified γ-ray sources from the Fermi Large Area Telescope Third Source Catalog, which have been pre-selected as likely MSP candidates according to a machine-learning technique analysis. We tested our procedure by recovering known binary BW/RB identifications and searched for new ones, finding two possible candidates. At the same time, we investigated previously proposed BW/RB identifications and we ruled out one of them based upon the updated γ-ray source coordinates.
Dynamic 18F-FDOPA-PET/MRI for the preoperative evaluation of gliomas: correlation with stereotactic histopathology
Authors: Ponisio Maria R , McConathy Jonathan E , Dahiya Sonika M , Miller-Thomas Michelle M , Rich Keith M , Salter Amber , Wang Qing , LaMontagne Pamela J , Guzmán Pérez-Carrillo Gloria J , Benzinger Tammie L S
Published: August 2020

Background

MRI alone has limited accuracy for delineating tumor margins and poorly predicts the aggressiveness of gliomas, especially when tumors do not enhance. This study evaluated simultaneous 3,4-dihydroxy-6-[18F]fluoro-L-phenylalanine (FDOPA)-PET/MRI to define tumor volumes compared to MRI alone more accurately, assessed its role in patient management, and correlated PET findings with histopathology.

Methods

Ten patients with known or suspected gliomas underwent standard of care surgical resection and/or stereotactic biopsy. FDOPA-PET/MRI was performed prior to surgery, allowing for precise co-registration of PET, MR, and biopsies. The biopsy sites were modeled as 5-mm spheres, and the local FDOPA uptake at each site was determined. Correlations were performed between measures of tumor histopathology, and static and dynamic PET values: standardized uptake values (SUVs), tumor to brain ratios, metabolic tumor volumes, and tracer kinetics at volumes of interest (VOIs) and biopsy sites.

Results

Tumor FDOPA-PET uptake was visualized in 8 patients. In 2 patients, tracer uptake was similar to normal brain reference with no histological findings of malignancy. Eight biopsy sites confirmed for glioma had FDOPA uptake without T1 contrast enhancement. The PET parameters were highly correlated only with the cell proliferation marker, Ki-67 (SUVmax: r = 0.985, P = .002). In this study, no statistically significant difference between high-grade and low-grade tumors was demonstrated. The dynamic PET analysis of VOIs and biopsy sites showed decreasing time-activity curves patterns. FDOPA-PET imaging directly influenced patient management.

Conclusions

Simultaneous FDOPA-PET/MRI allowed for more accurate visualization and delineation of gliomas, enabling more appropriate patient management and simplified validation of PET findings with histopathology.
PrEP Nonadherence, White Coat Dosing, and HIV Risk Among a Cohort of MSM
Authors: Blair Cheríe S , Beymer Matthew R , Kofron Ryan M , Bolan Robert K , Jordan Wilbert C , Haubrich Richard H , Wohl Amy R , Landovitz Raphael J
Published: August 2020

Among a cohort of men who have sex with men in a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence trial, syphilis requiring treatment was associated with white coat dosing (increased PrEP adherence immediately preceding study visits) when compared with participants with optimal drug concentrations. The findings highlight the need for identifying and reducing barriers to PrEP adherence.
Osteomyelitis of the Distal Phalanx of the Thumb due to Parvimonas micra and Fusobacterium nucleatum: A Case Report
Authors: Tanaka Kazuhiro , Iwasaki Tatsuya , Kawano Masanori , Kubota Yuta , Itonaga Ichiro , Tsumura Hiroshi
Published: August 2020

We herein report a case of osteomyelitis of the distal phalanx of the thumb of a 55-year-old man caused by Parvimonas micra and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Osteomyelitis often occurs in long bones and rarely occurs in the bones of the fingers. In addition, osteomyelitis of the finger frequently occurs after trauma or surgery, and blood-borne infection is very rare. P. micra and F. nucleatum, normal flora of the oral cavity, are very rare pathogenic bacteria of osteomyelitis except in periodontal disease, and there are no previous reports regarding the occurrence of osteomyelitis due to P. micra and F. nucleatum in the finger bones.
Evaluation of radon adsorption efficiency values in xenon with activated carbon fibers
Authors: Nakano Y , Ichimura K , Ito H , Okada T , Sekiya H , Takeuchi Y , Tasaka S , Yamashita M
Published: August 2020

The radioactive noble gas radon-222 ($\mathrm{^{222}Rn}$) produced in the uranium series is a crucial background source in many underground experiments. We have estimated the adsorption property of Rn with activated carbon fibers (ACFs) in air, argon, and xenon gas. We evaluated six ACFs, named A-7, A-10, A-15, A-20, A-25, and S-25, provided by Unitika Ltd. We measured the intrinsic radioactivity of these ACF samples, and found A-20’s radioactivity of the uranium series to be $<5.5$  $\mathrm{mBq/kg}$ with $90\%$ confidence level. In air and Ar gas, we found that ACF A-15 has an adsorption efficiency of $1/10000$ reduction at maximum before saturation of Rn adsorption, and more than $97\%$ adsorption efficiency after the saturation. In Xe gas, we found that ACF A-20 has the best Rn adsorption ability among the tested ACFs. We also found that S-25, A-25, and A-15 have similar Rn adsorption performance.
Effect of Therapeutic Hypothermia on the Outcome in Term Neonates with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy—A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Catherine R Christina , Ballambattu Vishnu Bhat , Adhisivam Bethou , Bharadwaj Shruthi K , Palanivel Chinnakali
Published: August 2020

Objective

To assess the effect of therapeutic hypothermia on the outcome in term neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital in south India. Term infants with moderate to severe HIE were randomized to be treated with normothermia or hypothermia. Mortality, neurological abnormality or normal outcome was recorded at hospital discharge or 28 days of age, whichever was earlier, and at 18 months of age.

Results

The baseline maternal and neonatal characteristics in the two groups were similar. The 78 infants in the hypothermia group had more normal survivors at discharge (38%) than the 84 infants in the normothermia group (30%), ratio 1.29 (95% confidence interval 0.84–1.99), and at 18 months of age (65% vs. 42%), ratio 1.54 (1.13–2.10). When these results were combined with those of a previous randomized trial in the same neonatal unit, there were significantly more normal survivors with hypothermia compared to normothermia at discharge, ratio 1.49 (1.18–1.88) and at 6–18 months of age, ratio 1.37 (1.17–1.60).

Conclusion

In term infants with HIE, therapeutic hypothermia reduced mortality and neurological abnormalities, and resulted in more normal survivors.

LAY SUMMARY

Babies who do not breathe immediately after they are born are likely to die or have brain damage. Previous studies have suggested that cooling these babies after birth might reduce the number who die or have brain damage. In this resource-limited setting, babies who were cooled were less likely to die or survive with brain damage.
Intra-genome variability in the dinucleotide composition of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Digard Paul , Lee Hui Min , Sharp Colin , Grey Finn , Gaunt Eleanor
Published: August 2020

CpG dinucleotides are under-represented in the genomes of single-stranded RNA viruses, and SARS-CoV-2 is no exception to this. Artificial modification of CpG frequency is a valid approach for live attenuated vaccine development; if this is to be applied to SARS-CoV-2, we must first understand the role CpG motifs play in regulating SARS-CoV-2 replication. Accordingly, the CpG composition of the SARS-CoV-2 genome was characterised. CpG suppression among coronaviruses does not differ between virus genera but does vary with host species and primary replication site (a proxy for tissue tropism), supporting the hypothesis that viral CpG content may influence cross-species transmission. Although SARS-CoV-2 exhibits overall strong CpG suppression, this varies considerably across the genome, and the Envelope (E) open reading frame (ORF) and ORF10 demonstrate an absence of CpG suppression. Across the Coronaviridae, E genes display remarkably high variation in CpG composition, with those of SARS and SARS-CoV-2 having much higher CpG content than other coronaviruses isolated from humans. This is an ancestrally derived trait reflecting their bat origins. Conservation of CpG motifs in these regions suggests that they have a functionality which over-rides the need to suppress CpG; an observation relevant to future strategies towards a rationally attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.
Shared Mental Models Among Clinical Competency Committees in the Context of Time-Variable, Competency-Based Advancement to Residency
Authors: Schwartz Alan , Balmer Dorene F. , Borman-Shoap Emily , Chin Alan , Henry Duncan , Herman Bruce E. , Hobday Patricia , Lee James H. , Multerer Sara , Myers Ross E. , Ponitz Keith , Rosenberg Adam , Soep Jennifer B. , West Daniel C. , Englander Robert
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To evaluate response process validity evidence for clinical competency committee (CCC) assessments of first-year residents on a subset of General Pediatrics Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) and milestones in the context of a national pilot of competency-based, time-variable (CBTV) advancement from undergraduate to graduate medical education.

Method

Assessments of 2 EPAs and 8 milestones made by the trainees’ actual CCCs and 2 different blinded “virtual” CCCs for 48 first-year pediatrics residents at 4 residency programs between 2016 and 2018 were compared. Residents had 3 different training paths from medical school to residency: time-variable graduation at the same institution as their residency, time-fixed graduation at the same institution, or time-fixed graduation from a different institution. Assessments were compared using ordinal mixed-effects models.

Results

Actual CCCs assigned residents higher scores than virtual CCCs on milestones and one EPA’s supervision levels. Residents who graduated from a different institution than their residency received lower milestone ratings than either group from the same institution; CBTV residents received higher ratings on one milestone (ICS4) and similar ratings on all others compared with non-CBTV residents who completed medical school at the same institution.

Conclusions

First-year residents who graduated from CBTV medical school programs were assessed as having the same level of competence as residents who graduated from traditional medical school programs, but response process evidence suggests that members of CCCs may also draw on undocumented personal knowledge of the learner to draw conclusions about resident competence.
Three Decades Later: A Scoping Review of the Literature Related to the United States Medical Licensing Examination
Authors: Rashid Hanin , Coppola Kristen M. , Lebeau Robert
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To conduct a scoping review of the timing, scope, and purpose of literature related to the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) given the recent impetus to revise USMLE scoring.

Method

The authors searched PubMed, PsycInfo, and ERIC for relevant articles published from 1990 to 2019. Articles selected for review were labeled as research or commentaries and coded by USMLE Step level, sample characteristics (e.g., year(s), single/multiple institutions), how scores were used (e.g., predictor/outcome/descriptor), and purpose (e.g., clarification/justification/description).

Results

Of the 741 articles meeting inclusion criteria, 636 were research and 105 were commentaries. Publication totals in the past 5 years exceeded those of the first 20 years.Step 1 was the sole focus of 38%, and included in 84%, of all publications. Approximately half of all research articles used scores as a predictor or outcome measure related to other curricular/assessment efforts, with a marked increase in the use of scores as predictors in the past 10 years. The overwhelming majority of studies were classified as descriptive in purpose.

Conclusions

Nearly 30 years after the inception of the USMLE, aspirations for its predictive utility are rising faster than evidence supporting the manner in which the scores are used. A closer look is warranted to systematically review and analyze the contexts and purposes for which USMLE scores can productively be used. Future research should explore cognitive and noncognitive factors that can be used in conjunction with constrained use of USMLE results to inform evaluation of medical students and schools and to support the residency selection process.
Idiosyncrasy in Assessment Comments: Do Faculty Have Distinct Writing Styles When Completing In-Training Evaluation Reports?
Authors: Ginsburg Shiphra , Gingerich Andrea , Kogan Jennifer R. , Watling Christopher J. , Eva Kevin W.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Written comments are gaining traction as robust sources of assessment data. Compared with the structure of numeric scales, what faculty choose to write is ad hoc, leading to idiosyncratic differences in what is recorded. This study offers exploration of what aspects of writing styles are determined by the faculty offering comment and what aspects are determined by the trainee being commented upon.

Method

The authors compiled in-training evaluation report comment data, generated from 2012 to 2015 by 4 large North American Internal Medicine training programs. The Linguistic Index and Word Count (LIWC) was used to categorize and quantify the language contained. Generalizability theory was used to determine whether faculty could be reliably discriminated from one another based on writing style. Correlations and ANOVAs were used to determine what styles were related to faculty or trainee demographics.

Results

Datasets contained 23–142 faculty who provided 549–2,666 assessments on 161–989 trainees. Faculty could easily be discriminated from one another using a variety of LIWC metrics including word count, words per sentence, and the use of “clout” words. These patterns appeared person specific and did not reflect demographic factors such as gender or rank. These metrics were similarly not consistently associated with trainee factors such as postgraduate year or gender.

Conclusions

Faculty seem to have detectable writing styles that are relatively stable across the trainees they assess, which may represent an under-recognized source of construct irrelevance. If written comments are to meaningfully contribute to decision making, we need to understand and account for idiosyncratic writing styles.
Pilomatrical Tumor of Low Malignant Potential: A Tumor Between Pilomatricoma and Pilomatrical Carcinoma
Authors: Collina Guido , Filosa Alessandra , Requena Luis
Published: August 2020

We report a case of pilomatrical tumor showing intermediate histological features between pilomatricoma and pilomatrical carcinoma. The lesion recurred twice with the same histological features. Similar cases were was probably called aggressive or proliferating pilomatixoma; we think that the term pilomatrical tumor of low malignant potential is more suitable for this lesions. Excision with wide free margins and follow-up are recommended.
Identifying Predictors of Acquired Velopharyngeal Insufficiency in Cleft Lip and Palate Following Maxillary Osteotomy Using Multiple Regression Analyses
Authors: Pereira Valerie J. , Tuomainen Jyrki , Hay Norman , Mars Michael , Suchak Archna , Sell Debbie A.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Maxillary osteotomy is typically undertaken to correct abnormal facial growth in cleft lip and palate. The surgery can cause velopharyngeal insufficiency resulting in hypernasality. This study aims to identify valid predictors of acquired velopharyngeal insufficiency following maxillary osteotomy by using a range of perceptual and instrumental speech investigations and multiple regression.

Methods:

A prospective study was undertaken consisting of a consecutive series of patients with cleft lip and palate (N = 20) undergoing maxillary osteotomy by a single surgeon. Participants were seen at: 0 to 3 months pre-surgery (T1), 3-months (T2), and 12-months (T3) post-surgery. Hypernasality was rated using the cleft audit protocol for speech-augmented (CAPS-A) and visual analog scales, and nasalance was measured on the Nasometer II 6400. For lateral videofluorosopic and nasendoscopic images, visual perceptual ratings and quantitative ratiometric measurements were undertaken. Multiple regression analyses were undertaken to identify predictors.

Results:

T3 models with hypernasality as the dependent variable were found to be a good fit and significant (eg, CAPS-A: R2 = 0.920, F(11,7) = 7.303, P = 0.007). Closure ratio (a quantitative ratiometric measurement) and proportion of palate contacting the posterior pharyngeal wall (a visual perceptual rating) were identified as significant predictors for the CAPS-A model (P = 0.030, P = 0.002).
Analgesic Efficacy of Intraoperative Nerve Blocks for Primary Palatoplasty
Authors: Oberhofer Haley Marie , Breslin Nate , Heindel Hadley , Ching Jessica
Published: August 2020

Background:

Cleft palate is a common craniofacial malformation, requiring surgical repair in late infancy or early toddlerhood. Postoperative use of opioids is common to mitigate pain following palatoplasty. To decrease opioid consumption, improve postoperative pain, and decrease complications associated with general anesthetics, intraoperative regional nerve blocks have been employed for multimodal pain relief. While the literature supports intraoperative nerve block use for postprocedural comfort in children undergoing palatoplasty, the topic has not been systematically summarized.

Objectives:

The purpose of this review was to explore the efficacy of nerve block in palatoplasty, in addition to analyzing trends in nerve block modality and choice of local anesthetic on postoperative pain and opioid consumption.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was conducted through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for studies on cleft palate nerve block. Resulting reference lists were searched for potential eligible studies and then reviewed, with an emphasis on pain scores, postoperative analgesia consumption, and time to analgesia use.

Results:

A total of 259 articles were reviewed, of which 10 met inclusion criteria. Intraoperative suprazygomatic and greater palatine nerve blocks were the 2 most commonly reported blocks. Long acting agents, such as bupivacaine and ropivacaine, were the local anesthetic of choice. All modalities were effective in reducing postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption.

Conclusion:

Intraoperative nerve blocks have been shown to be incredibly effective in reducing postoperative pain in children undergoing palatoplasty, minimizing both opioid consumption and recovery time. The existing literature suggests that suprazygomatic block with combined bupivacaine and dexmedetomidine is the preferred nerve block modality. Ultrasound guidance should be used when accessible.

Level of Evidence: 2
Serial Posterior Cranial Vault Distraction for the Treatment of Complex Craniosynostosis
Authors: Veith Jacob , Johns Dana , Mehta Sagar T. , Hosein Ray , Tuncer Fatma Betul , Tyrell Richard , Kestle John R.W. , Siddiqi Faizi , Gociman Barbu
Published: August 2020

Posterior cranial vault distraction is an important modality in the management of craniosynostosis. This surgical technique increases intracranial volume and improves cranial aesthetics. A single procedure is often inadequate in patients with complex multisuture craniosynostosis, as some will go on to develop intracranial hypertension despite the operation. Considering the negative effects of intracranial hypertension, some patients may warrant 2 planned distractions to prevent this scenario from ever occurring. Three patients with complex multiple-suture synostosis and severe intracranial volume restriction (occipital frontal head circumferences [OFCs] <1st percentile) were treated with 2 planned serial posterior cranial vault distractions at the institution between 2013 and 2018. Demographics, intraoperative data, and postoperative distraction data were collected. The OFC was recorded pre- and postdistraction, at 3- and 6-month follow-up appointments. Patients had a corrected average age of 18 weeks at the time of their initial procedure. There was an average of 38 weeks between the end of consolidation and the time for their 2nd distraction procedure. There was an average age of 79 weeks at the time of the 2nd procedure. All patients had a substantial increase in OFC and improvement of the posterior calvarium shape. The average increase in OFC was 5.2 cm after first distraction and 4.3 cm after 2nd distraction. No postoperative complications were encountered. Planned serial posterior cranial vault distraction is a safe and effective strategy for increasing intracranial volume, improving aesthetic appearance, and preventing the consequences of intracranial hypertension in patients with multisuture craniosynostosis and severe intracranial volume restriction.
Ketobacter nezhaii sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from coastal sediment
Authors: Li Jianyang , Qi Mingming , Lai Qiliang , Liu Xianhua , Shao Zongze
Published: August 2020

A Gram-stain-negative, motile, aerobic and heterotrophic bacterium, designated as GYS_M3HT, was isolated from marine coastal sediment sampled at Xiamen Island. Cells were rod-shaped with one polar flagellum and weakly positive for oxidase and catalase. Growth of the strain occurred at pH 6–9 (optimum, pH 7–8), at 15–37 °C (optimum, 28 °C) and with NaCl concentrations of 1.0–6.0 % (optimum, 2.0 %). It had highest 16S rRNA similarity (97.7 %) toKetobacter alkanivoransGI5T, followed by the members of the genusAlcanivorax(lower than 91.2 %). The results of phylogenetic analysis indicated that it belonged to the genusKetobacterwithin the familyAlcanivoracaceae. In addition, the average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain GYS_M3HTandK. alkanivoransGI5Twere 71.4 and 19.7 %, respectively, indicating that strain GYS_M3HTbelonged to a novel species. Its genome consisted of 5 318 758 bp, with a genomic DNA G+C content of 50.0 mol%. The respiratory quinone was Q-8 and the dominant fatty acids were identified as iso-C15 : 0(25.4 %), C16 : 1 ω6c/C16 : 1 ω7c(14.4 %) and iso-C13 : 0(7.2 %). The main polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. Therefore, based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic results, strain GYS_M3HTrepresents a novel species within the genusKetobacter, for which the nameKetobacter nezhaiisp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain GYS_M3HT(=MCCC 1A13808T=KCTC 72247T).
Liver x receptor alpha drives chemoresistance in response to side-chain hydroxycholesterols in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Hutchinson Samantha A , Websdale Alex , Cioccoloni Giorgia , Røberg-Larsen Hanne , Lianto Priscilia , Kim Baek , Rose Ailsa , Soteriou Chrysa , Wastall Laura M , Williams Bethany J , Henn Madeline A , Chen Joy J , Ma Liqian , Moore J Bernadette , Nelson Erik , Hughes Thomas A , Thorne James L
Published: August 2020

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is challenging to treat successfully because targeted therapies do not exist. Instead, systemic therapy is typically restricted to cytotoxic chemotherapy, which fails more often in patients with elevated circulating cholesterol. Liver x receptors are ligand-dependent transcription factors that are homeostatic regulators of cholesterol, and are linked to regulation of broad-affinity xenobiotic transporter activity in non-tumor tissues. We show that LXR ligands confer chemotherapy resistance in TNBC cell lines and xenografts, and that LXRalpha is necessary and sufficient to mediate this resistance. Furthermore, in TNBC patients who had cancer recurrences, LXRalpha and ligands were independent markers of poor prognosis and correlated with P-glycoprotein expression. However, in patients who survived their disease, LXRalpha signaling and P-glycoprotein were decoupled. These data reveal a novel chemotherapy resistance mechanism in this poor prognosis subtype of breast cancer. We conclude that systemic chemotherapy failure in some TNBC patients is caused by co-opting the LXRalpha:P-glycoprotein axis, a pathway highly targetable by therapies that are already used for prevention and treatment of other diseases.
Whole brain mapping of somatosensory responses in awake marmosets investigated with ultra-high field fMRI
Authors: Cléry Justine C. , Hori Yuki , Schaeffer David J. , Gati Joseph S. , Pruszynski J. Andrew , Everling Stefan
Published: August 2020

The common marmoset(Callithrix jacchus)is a small-bodied New World primate that is becoming an important model to study brain functions. Despite several studies exploring the somatosensory system of marmosets, all results have come from anesthetized animals using invasive techniques and post-mortem analyses. Here we demonstrate the feasibility for getting high-quality and reproduceable sensorimotor mapping in awake marmosets with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We acquired fMRI sequences in four animals while they received tactile stimulation (via air-puffs), delivered to the face, arm or leg. We found that the body representation progressed medially from the leg to the face in areas 3a, 3b, 1/2, and from caudal to rostral sites in areas S2 and PV. SI and SII exhibited a body representation in their functional connectivity pattern within the posterior and midcingulate and the thalamus. Interestingly, we also found a somatotopic body representation in two subcortical areas: the thalamus and, for the first time, in the putamen. These maps have similar organizations as those previously found in Old World macaque monkeys and humans, suggesting that these subcortical somatotopic organizations were already established before Old and New World primates diverged. Our results show the first whole brain mapping of somatosensory responses acquired in a non-invasive way in awake marmosets.

Significant statement

Here we used somatosensory stimulation combined with functional magnetic resonance imaging to map whole brain activation in awake marmosets. We used light tactile stimulation, consisting of air-puffs, delivered on the face, arm or leg. We found a topographic body representation in primary (SI) and secondary (SII) somatosensory regions, thalamus and putamen. We also revealed the existence of a body representation organization within the thalamus and the cingulate cortex by computing functional connectivity maps from seeds defined in SI/SII for face, arm and leg using resting-state fMRI data. This non-invasive approach will be essential for chronic studies by guiding invasive recording and manipulation techniques.
A SEIR-like model with a time-dependent contagion factor describes the dynamics of the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Dickman Ronald
Published: August 2020

I consider a simple, deterministic SEIR-like model without spatial or age structure, including a presymptomatic state and distinguishing between reported and nonreported infected individuals. Using a time-dependent contagion factor β(t) (in the form a piecewise constant function) and literature values for other epidemiological parameters, I obtain good fits to observational data for the cumulative number of confirmed cases in over 160 regions (103 countries, 24 Brazilian states and 34 U.S. counties). The evolution of β is useful for characterizing the state of the epidemic. The analysis provides insight into general trends associated with the pandemic, such as the tendency toward reduced contagion, and the fraction of the population exposed to the virus.
Positive interactions within and between populations decrease the likelihood of evolutionary rescue
Authors: Goldberg Yaron , Friedman Jonathan
Published: August 2020

Positive interactions, including intraspecies cooperation and interspecies mutualisms, play crucial roles in shaping the structure and function of many ecosystems, ranging from plant communities to the human microbiome. While the evolutionary forces that form and maintain positive interactions have been investigated extensively, the influence of positive interactions on the ability of species to adapt to new environments is still poorly understood. Here, we use numerical simulations and theoretical analyses to study how positive interactions impact the likelihood that populations survive after an environment deteriorates, such that survival in the new environment requires quick adaptation via the rise of new mutants - a scenario known as evolutionary rescue. We find that the probability of evolutionary rescue in populations engaged in positive interactions is reduced significantly. In cooperating populations, this reduction is largely due to the fact that survival may require at least a minimal number of individuals, meaning that adapted mutants must arise and spread before the population declines below this threshold. In mutualistic populations, the rescue probability is decreased further due to two additional effects - the need for both mutualistic partners to adapt to the new environment, and competition between the two species. Finally, we show that the presence of cheaters reduces the likelihood of evolutionary rescue even further, making it extremely unlikely. These results indicate that while positive interactions may be beneficial in stable environments, they can hinder adaptation to changing environments and thereby elevate the risk of population collapse. Furthermore, these results may hint at the selective pressures that drove co-dependent unicellular species to form more adaptable organisms able to differentiate into multiple phenotypes, including multicellular life.
Continuous constant pH Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Transmembrane Proteins
Authors: Huang Yandong , Henderson Jack A. , Shen Jana
Published: August 2020

Many membrane channels, transporters, and receptors utilize a pH gradient or proton coupling to drive functionally relevant conformational transitions. Conventional molecular dynamics simulations employ fixed protonation states, thus neglecting the coupling between protonation and conformational equilibria. Here we describe the membrane-enabled hybrid-solvent continuous constant pH molecular dynamics method for capturing atomic details of proton-coupled conformational dynamics of transmembrane proteins. Example protocols from our recent application studies of proton channels and ion/substrate transporters are discussed.
A decision support system for road freight transportation route selection with new fuzzy numbers
Authors: Meethom Warapoj , Koohathongsumrit Nitidetch
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to propose a framework for designing appropriate triangular fuzzy numbers in a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) for selecting a road freight transport route and investigate the appropriate fuzzy numbers determined from a reliable consensus among participating experts based on the Delphi method.

Design/methodology/approach

The fundamental nine-point scale was investigated and separated into nonfuzzy intervals for importance assessment. A total of 17 individual experts participated in this study, and their consensus was that appropriate fuzzy numbers could be obtained using a three-round Delphi process. Moreover, the appropriate fuzzy numbers were used instead of the primary fuzzy numbers to calculate the relative weights of the decision criteria for road freight route selection.

Findings

The results confirmed that the Delphi method can be easily and rigorously applied to define appropriate fuzzy numbers. Further, this framework can serve as a guideline for a situation wherein the input of other fuzzy multiple criteria decision-making tools must be provided.

Originality/value

The FAHP has been widely used to address the imprecise assessments of decision-makers. However, most existing studies on the incorporation of such techniques have not defined fuzzy numbers, which are relevant to the problem of interest. This study contributes by incorporating the Delphi method that can design an appropriate fuzzy number for road freight route selection.
Theatre festival as a tourist attraction: a case study of Almagro International Classical Theatre Festival, Spain
Authors: Gomez-Casero Gema , Jara Alba Carol Angélica , López-Guzman Tomás , Pérez Gálvez Jesús Claudio
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Researchers have become aware of the importance of festivals as a phenomenon worthy of studying, but in-depth studies of cultural festivals are lacking. The purpose of this study is to describe the attributes of cultural festivals, specifically theatre festivals and examine the motivations to organise them. Similarly, this study seeks to discover the type of tourist that attends these types of festivals.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was applied to a representative sample of tourists who visited one of the most prestigious festivals in the international panorama: Almagro International Festival of Classical Theatre. A non-probabilistic technical sample was used. Tabulation of the data was performed by the study group using the SPSS, v. 23.

Findings

This study makes a segmentation of the tourists who attend the festival based on their motivations. Using this segmentation, the authors analyse the socio-demographic characteristics and tourists’ behaviour, as well as their experience at the festival. Amongst the higher-rated attributes of the festival are care and service organisation and interpretative quality of the actors and/or theatre company.

Research limitations/implications

The main practical application of this study is to help understand the peculiarities of each segment of visitors and their evaluation of the destination to create tourist and cultural products that provide greater satisfaction with respect to their needs.

Originality/value

The main value is the novelty of studying this kind of cultural event. The authors analyse the reasons to visit it in relation to the motivations that move the visitors. The authors also study the assessment the tourist does of the qualities of the festival.
Alcohol‐Related, Drug‐Related, and Non–Substance‐Related Aggression: 3 Facets of a Single Construct or 3 Distinct Constructs?
Authors: Chester David S. , Bucholz Kathleen K. , Chan Grace , Kamarajan Chella , Pandey Ashwini K. , Wetherill Leah , Kramer John R. , Nurnberger John I. , Salvatore Jessica E. , Dick Danielle M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Aggression often occurs alongside alcohol and drug misuse. However, it is not clear whether the latent and manifest relations among alcohol‐related, drug‐related, and non–substance‐related aggression are separate manifestations of a single construct or instead are 3 distinct constructs.

Methods

To examine these associations, we conducted a preregistered analysis of 13,490 participants in the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism. In a structured interview, participants reported their lifetime perpetration of these 3 aggression phenotypes.

Results

The data were better fit by a model that treated these aggression phenotypes as 3 distinct latent factors, as compared to models in which the items all loaded onto 1 (“general”) or 2 (“substance‐related” and “non–substance‐related”) aggression factors. This 3‐factor model fit better for men than women. Subsequent exploratory analyses then showed that among these 3 factors, alcohol‐related aggression explained the variance of overall aggression better than the other 2 factors.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that these 3 forms of aggression are distinct phenotypes (especially among men). Yet, people’s alcohol‐related aggression can accurately characterize their overall aggressive tendencies across these domains. Future research will benefit from articulating the unique and shared pathways and risk factors underlying each of these facets of aggression.
Developing a family engagement plan for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander STEM students in higher education: A review and critique of the literature
Authors: Baker Jonathan D. , Keahiolalo RaeDeen M. , Keahi‐Wood Kahoali'i , Cogbill Jolene , Naeole Chrystie , Turner Helen
Published: August 2020

This paper reviews and critiques the literature on family engagement programmes in higher education, from the perspective of issues that may affect the design of programmes serving Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students and their families. While there is compelling research suggesting that increasing students' family members' engagement with higher education will benefit students, it is unclear whether the concept of family engagement as it is conceived in western educational contexts can be universally and unproblematically applied in Pacific contexts. Recommendations for best practices in family engagement programme design highlight communication efforts with parents that can be characterised as fundraising and ‘friendraising’, but do not address issues specific to the experiences of under‐represented groups in higher education. Drawing on the literature and experiences of indigenous and other under‐represented students, and incorporating insights from literature on decolonising methodologies, we present considerations for authentic and culturally responsive family engagement for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students, families and communities.