bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of infrared thermography in an emergency department
Authors: Holm Jesper K. , Kellett John G. , Jensen Nadia H. , Hansen Søren N. , Jensen Kristian , Brabrand Mikkel
Published: December 2016

Objective

In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic potential of infrared thermography in a population of medical patients admitted to the emergency department. Central-to-peripheral temperature gradients were analyzed for association with 30-day mortality.

Methods

This prospective observational study included 198 medical patients admitted to the Emergency Department, at Odense University Hospital. A standardized thermal picture was taken and temperatures of the inner canthus, the earlobe, the nose tip, and the tip of the third finger were reported. The inner canthus was chosen as a marker for central temperature and the three others as markers for peripheral temperatures, resulting in three gradients per patient. Thirty-day follow-up was performed and 30-day mortality was reported.

Results

One hundred and ninety-eight patients were included and the number of events was nine. The gradient between the inner canthus and the nose tip (ΔN) and the gradient between the inner canthus and the fingertip (ΔF) showed a significant association with 30-day mortality (ΔN: odds ratio: 1.31; 95% confidence interval: 1.05–1.64 and ΔF: odds ratio: 1.27; 95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.57).

Conclusion

ΔN and ΔF showed a significant association with 30-day mortality, suggesting a prognostic value. However, this was a small pilot study with few events. Larger studies are warranted for confirmation of these findings.
Microsurgical Reconstruction of Traumatic Lower Extremity Defects in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Momeni Arash , Lanni Michael , Levin L. Scott , Kovach Stephen J.
Published: December 2016

Background:

Few reports focus exclusively on microsurgical reconstruction of traumatic lower extremity defects in children. Hence, the authors felt it prudent to contribute to this area of clinical research. The authors hypothesized that reconstructive success would be comparable to success rates reported in adults, and that young age or concerns regarding vessel size or behavior do not negatively impact surgical outcome.

Methods:

A retrospective review of microsurgical lower extremity reconstruction cases at two academic medical centers was performed. All pediatric patients who underwent microsurgical reconstruction of traumatic lower extremity defects between 1997 and 2012 were included for analysis.

Results:

Forty flaps transferred in 40 patients with a mean age of 11.4 years (range, 1 to 17 years) were included for analysis. Muscle flaps were predominantly used [n = 23 (57.5 percent)]; however, there was a recent increase in use of fasciocutaneous flaps [n = 16 (40 percent)]. Postoperative complications were seen in 25 percent of patients, with a total flap loss rate of 5 percent. No donor-site complications were observed. The mean postoperative length of hospital stay was 12.9 days (range, 4 to 41 days), with patients returning to full weight-bearing after a mean of 2.6 months (range, 1 to 8 months).

Conclusions:

Microsurgical reconstruction of traumatic lower extremity defects in the pediatric population is safe. Concerns related to patient age, vessel size, or vessel behavior (i.e., vasospasm) should not detract from offering free flap reconstruction, as they do not negatively impact outcomes.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Inadequate Enoxaparin Dosing Predicts 90-Day Venous Thromboembolism Risk among Plastic Surgery Inpatients: An Examination of Enoxaparin Pharmacodynamics
Authors: Pannucci Christopher J. , Rockwell W. Bradford , Ghanem Maureen , Fleming Kory I. , Momeni Arash , Agarwal Jayant
Published: December 2016

Background:

Evidence-based plastic surgery guidelines support the effectiveness of once-daily enoxaparin prophylaxis. Despite prophylaxis, one in 25 highest risk patients has a venous thromboembolism event. The authors examined the pharmacodynamics of standard enoxaparin doses in plastic surgery patients to examine whether patient-level factors predict enoxaparin metabolism, whether inadequate enoxaparin dose predicts downstream venous thromboembolism events, and whether a pharmacist-driven dose-adjustment protocol was effective.

Methods:

The authors recruited adult plastic surgery patients who received postoperative enoxaparin at 40 mg/day. Steady-state peak anti–factor Xa levels, a marker of enoxaparin effectiveness and safety, were determined. Patients with out-of-range anti–factor Xa levels had real-time dose adjustment based on a written protocol. Patients were followed for 90-day venous thromboembolism events.

Results:

Ninety-four patients were recruited, and 44 percent had in-range peak anti–factor Xa levels in response to standard enoxaparin dosing. Patient-level factors including extent of surgical injury and gross weight were independent predictors of enoxaparin metabolism. Patients with low anti–factor Xa levels were significantly more likely to have 90-day venous thromboembolism (10.2 percent versus 0 percent; p = 0.041). Real-time dose adjustment allowed a significantly increased proportion of patients to have in-range levels (67.1 percent versus 44.3 percent; p = 0.002).

Conclusions:

Based on pharmacodynamic data, the majority of plastic surgery patients receive inadequate enoxaparin prophylaxis using fixed dosing. Patient-level factors can predict how patients will metabolize enoxaparin, and patients who receive inadequate enoxaparin prophylaxis are significantly more likely to have downstream venous thromboembolism events. Individualization of enoxaparin prophylaxis may minimize perioperative venous thromboembolism risk and further improve patient safety after plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, II.
Stress-Induced Parasympathetic Control and Its Association With Inflammatory Reactivity
Authors: Woody Alex , Figueroa Wilson S. , Benencia Fabian , Zoccola Peggy M.
Published: December 2016

Objective

It has been proposed that the inflammatory cytokine system is regulated through the vagus nerve, where vagal activation inhibits release of inflammatory cytokines and, therefore, inflammation. Thus, loss of vagal activation (i.e., reduced high-frequency heart rate variability [HF-HRV]) should result in greater inflammation. Evidence to date for this relationship has relied on animal models and resting states in humans. The present study used a psychosocial stressor to test whether stress-induced decreases in HF-HRV predict increases in circulating inflammatory markers.

Methods

Thirty healthy young women completed a speech stressor. HF-HRV was assessed before and during the stressor while circulating plasma interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor α, and C-reactive protein were assessed before and 1 hour after the stressor.

Results

Consistent with the neural reflex for immunity, greater reductions in HF-HRV during the stressor were associated with greater increases in tumor necrosis factor α (β = −0.29 to −0.47) and interleukin 6 (β = −0.40 to −0.68) but not C-reactive protein (β = 0.10 to 0.29) 1 hour after the stressor.

Conclusions

These findings expand on the current literature by showing that changes in HF-HRV predict and precede changes in circulating inflammatory cytokines in humans and may have implications for treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Use of Biologic Therapy in Racial Minorities With Rheumatoid Arthritis From 2 US Health Care Systems
Authors: Kerr Gail S. , Swearingen Christopher , Mikuls Ted R. , Yazici Yusuf
Published: December 2016

Background

In the United States, there is racial/ethnic disparity in the care of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), yet there are limited data regarding the impact of varied health care systems on treatment outcomes.

Objective

The aim fo this study was to compare the frequencies of use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologic agents in racial minorities with RA in a single-payer and variable-access health systems.

Methods

Rheumatoid arthritis disease status was examined in the Ethnic Minority Rheumatoid Arthritis Consortium (EMRAC) and Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry (VARA); frequencies of prednisone and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologic agent use at enrollment were documented. Comparisons in frequencies of RA therapies between RA cohorts and white and nonwhite racial subsets were evaluated.

Results

The combined cohorts provided 2899 subjects for analysis (EMRAC = 943, VARA = 1956). Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 and Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints scores were equivalent (cohort, racial subsets), as was biologic agent use (26% vs. 28%) between whites and nonwhites. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug use was greater in EMRAC nonwhites compared with their white counterparts, but similar to all VARA patients (33% vs. 22% [P < 0.001], 36%, 39%, respectively). However, biologic agent use was significantly greater in EMRAC versus VARA patients (37% vs. 22%, P < 0.001). In VARA patients, there was no difference in biologic agent use among racial subsets (22% vs. 21%). In EMRAC patients, biologic agent use was greater in whites than in nonwhites (EMRAC white 45% vs. EMRAC nonwhite 33%, P < 0.001; odds ratio, 1.66) and compared with all VARA subjects (EMRAC white 45% vs. all VARA 22%, P < 0.001; odds ratio, 2.91). Younger age, advanced education, longstanding disease, and severe disease were associated with biologic agent use.

Conclusions

When compared with more variable-access systems, a VA system of care that includes a single-payer insurance may afford equality in use of biologic agents among different racial subsets.
Feasibility of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Prostate at 7 T
Authors: Lagemaat Miriam W. , Philips Bart W.J. , Vos Eline K. , van Uden Mark J. , Fütterer Jurgen J. , Jenniskens Sjoerd F. , Scheenen Tom W.J. , Maas Marnix C.
Published: December 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) at a magnetic field strength of 7 T.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective institutional review board–approved study, 14 patients with biopsy-proven prostate cancer (mean age, 65.2 years; median prostate-specific antigen [PSA], 6.2 ng/mL), all providing signed informed consent, underwent 7 T mpMRI with an external 8-channel body-array transmit coil and an endorectal receive coil between September 2013 and October 2014. Image and spectral quality of high-resolution T2-weighted (T2W) imaging (0.3 × 0.3 × 2 mm), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI; 1.4 × 1.4 × 2 mm or 1.75 × 1.75 × 2 mm), and (1H) MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI; real voxel size, 0.6 mm3 in 7:16 minutes) were rated on a 5-point scale by 2 radiologists and a spectroscopist.

Results

Prostate mpMRI including at least 2 of 3 MR techniques was obtained at 7 T in 13 patients in 65 ± 12 minutes. Overall T2W and DWI image quality at 7 T was scored as fair (38% and 17%, respectively) to good or very good (55% and 83%, respectively). The main artifacts for T2W imaging were motion and areas of low signal-to-noise ratio, the latter possibly caused by radiofrequency field inhomogeneities. For DWI, the primary artifact was ghosting of the rectal wall in the readout direction. Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging quality was rated fair or good in 56% of the acquisitions and was mainly limited by lipid contamination.

Conclusions

Multiparametric MRI of the prostate at 7 T is feasible at unprecedented spatial resolutions for T2W imaging and DWI and within clinically acceptable acquisition times for high-resolution MRSI, using the combination of an external 8-channel body-array transmit coil and an endorectal receive coil. The higher spatial resolutions can yield improved delineation of prostate anatomy, but the robustness of the techniques needs to be improved before clinical adoption of 7 T mpMRI.
The 100 Top-Cited Articles in Pulmonary Imaging
Authors: Hong Su Jin , Lim Kyoung Ja , Hwang Hye Jeon , Baek Sora , Seo Young Lan , Yun Eun Joo , Choi Chul Soon , Yoon Dae Young
Published: December 2016

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize the 100 top-cited articles in pulmonary imaging.

Materials and Methods:

From the database of Journal Citation Reports, 274 journals whose scope included pulmonary imaging were selected. The Web of Science search tools were then used to identify the 100 top-cited articles in the subject of pulmonary imaging published in these journals. The parameters used to analyze the characteristics of the 100 top-cited articles were journal (including subject category and impact factor), publication year, number of citations and annual citations, department and institution of authors, country of origin, article type, imaging technique, and topic.

Results:

The 100 top-cited articles in pulmonary imaging were published between 1953 and 2012, with 43 published between 2000 and 2009. Citations ranged from 199 to 1447, and annual citations ranged from 5.1 to 314. The majority of articles were published in radiology or imaging journals (n=64), originated in the United States (n=49), were original articles (n=87), used computed tomography (n=66), and were based on the topic of pulmonary thromboembolism (n=18). Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic (n=7), and Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia and Vancouver General Hospital (n=7), were the leading institutions, and Müller NL (n=11) was the most prolific author.

Conclusions:

Our study lists the 100 top-cited articles in pulmonary imaging, provides an insight into historical developments, and allows for recognition of advances in this field.
Functional dizziness: from phobic postural vertigo and chronic subjective dizziness to persistent postural-perceptual dizziness
Authors: Dieterich Marianne , Staab Jeffrey P.
Published: December 2016

Purpose of review

Functional dizziness is the new term for somatoform or psychogenic dizziness. The aim of this study is to review arguments for the new nomenclature, clinical features, possible pathomechanisms, and comorbidities of functional dizziness.

Recent findings

The prevalence of functional dizziness as a primary cause of vestibular symptoms amounts to 10% in neuro-otology centers. Rates of psychiatric comorbidity in patients with structural vestibular syndromes are much higher with nearly 50% and with highest rates in patients with vestibular migraine, vestibular paroxysmia, and Ménière's disease. Pathophysiologic processes seem to include precipitating events that trigger anxiety-related changes in postural strategies with an increased attention to head and body motion and a cocontraction of leg muscles. Personality traits with high levels of neuroticism and low levels of extraversion appear as risk factors for anxiety and depressive disorders and increased morbidity in functional disorders.

Correct and early diagnosis of functional dizziness, as primary cause or secondary disorder after a structural vestibular syndrome, is very important to prevent further chronification and enable adequate treatment. Treatment plans that include patient education, vestibular rehabilitation, cognitive and behavioral therapies, and medications substantially reduce morbidity and offer the potential for sustained remission when applied systematically.
Primary pyogenic ventriculitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Gronthoud Firza , Hassan Ibrahim , Newton Pippa
Published: December 2016

Background. Pyogenic ventriculitis is a well-known complication of meningitis, brain abscesses and intraventricular drains. Primary pyogenic ventriculitis is a rare entity and few cases have been described so far. We report the first case of primary pyogenic ventriculitis in an adult caused by Neisseria meningitidis and present an overview of all reported adult primary pyogenic ventriculitis cases in the English literature.

Methods. A PubMed search was performed using the terms ependymitis, ventricular empyema, pyocephalus and ventriculitis. Filter was set for adults and English. Articles in which pyogenic ventriculitis was a complication of well-known risk factors were excluded. A total of five cases of primary pyogenic ventriculitis were identified.

Results. There were seven adult patients. Only one patient showed signs of meningeal irritation. Four patients had positive blood cultures with Escherichia coli (one patient), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (one patient), one patient was bacteraemic with Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Peptostreptococcus spp., and N. meningitidis (our patient). In four patients cerebrospinal fluid was sent for culture, which yielded methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (one patient), Peptostreptococcus spp. (one patient), Streptococcus intermedius (one patient, identified via 16S PCR) and Listeria monocytogenes (one patient). Cerebrospinal fluid cell count was determined in four patients and showed pleocytosis in all four cases. Ventricular drainage was performed in four patients. Five patients survived.

Discussion. We report the first case of pyogenic ventriculitis caused by N. meningitidis. Primary pyogenic ventriculitis is a rare entity with various clinical presentations caused by various bacterial species. Treatment consists of adequate antimicrobial therapy, and ventricular drainage may be necessary.
Improved maize reference genome with single molecule technologies
Authors: Jiao Yinping , Peluso Paul , Shi Jinghua , Liang Tiffany , Stitzer Michelle C. , Wang Bo , Campbell Michael S. , Stein Joshua C. , Wei Xuehong , Chin Chen-Shan , Guill Katherine , Regulski Michael , Kumari Sunita , Olson Andrew , Gent Jonathan , Schneider Kevin L. , Wolfgruber Thomas K. , May Michael R. , Springer Nathan M. , Antoniou Eric , McCombie Richard , Presting Gernot G. , McMullen Michael , Ross-Ibarra Jeffrey , Kelly Dawe R. , Hastie Alex , Rank David R. , Ware Doreen
Published: December 2016

Complete and accurate reference genomes and annotations provide fundamental tools for characterization of genetic and functional variation. These resources facilitate elucidation of biological processes and support translation of research findings into improved and sustainable agricultural technologies. Many reference genomes for crop plants have been generated over the past decade, but these genomes are often fragmented and missing complex repeat regions. Here, we report the assembly and annotation of maize, a genetic and agricultural model species, using Single Molecule Real-Time (SMRT) sequencing and high-resolution optical mapping. Relative to the previous reference genome, our assembly features a 52-fold increase in contig length and significant improvements in the assembly of intergenic spaces and centromeres. Characterization of the repetitive portion of the genome revealed over 130,000 intact transposable elements (TEs), allowing us to identify TE lineage expansions unique to maize. Gene annotations were updated using 111,000 full-length transcripts obtained by SMRT sequencing. In addition, comparative optical mapping of two other inbreds revealed a prevalence of deletions in the low gene density region and maize lineage-specific genes.
Habitat predicts levels of genetic admixture inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Tilakaratna Viranga , Bensasson Douda
Published: December 2016

Genetic admixture can provide material for populations to adapt to local environments, and this process has played a crucial role in the domestication of plants and animals. The model yeast,Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has been domesticated multiple times for the production of wine, sake, beer and bread, but the high rate of admixture between yeast lineages has so far been treated as a complication for population genomic analysis. Here we make use of the low recombination rate at centromeres to investigate admixture in yeast using a classic Bayesian approach and a more conservative locus by locus phylogenetic approach developed here. Using both approaches, we find thatS. cerevisiaefrom stable oak woodland habitats are less likely to show recent genetic admixture compared with those isolated from transient habitats such as fruits, wine or human infections. When woodland yeast strains do show recent genetic admixture, the degree of admixture is lower than in strains from other habitats. Furthermore,S. cerevisiaepopulations from oak woodlands are genetically isolated from each other, with only occasional migration between woodlands and local fruit habitats. Application of our phylogenetic approach suggests that there is a previously undetected population in North Africa that is the closest outgroup to the EuropeanS. cerevisiae, including the domesticated Wine population. Thorough testing for admixture inS. cerevisiaetherefore leads to a better understanding of the underlying population structure of the species and will be important for understanding the selective processes underlying domestication in this economically important species.
RNAtor: an Android-based application for biologists to plan RNA sequencing experiments
Authors: Kane Shruti , Garg Himanshu , Krishnan Neeraja M. , Singh Aditya , Panda Binay
Published: December 2016

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is a powerful technology for identification of novel transcripts (coding, non-coding and splice variants), understanding of transcript structures and estimation of gene and/or allelic expression. There are specific challenges that biologists face in determining the number of replicates to use, total number of sequencing reads to generate for detecting marginally differentially expressed transcripts and the number of lanes in a sequencing flow cell to use for the production of right amount of information. Although past studies attempted answering some of these questions, there is a lack of accessible and biologist-friendly mobile applications to answer these questions. Keeping this in mind, we have developedRNAtor, a mobile application for Android platforms, to aid biologists in correctly designing their RNA-seq experiments. The recommendations fromRNAtorare based on simulations and real data.

Availability and Implementation

The Android version ofRNAtoris available on Google Play Store and the code from GitHub (https://github.com/binaypanda/RNAtor).
The social evolution of siderophore production inPseudomonas aeruginosais environmentally determined
Authors: Harrison Freya , McNally Alan , da Silva Ana C. , Diggle Stephen P.
Published: December 2016

Bacteria secrete various exoproducts whose benefits can be shared by all cells in the vicinity. The potential importance of these “public goods” in bacterial evolutionary ecology has been extensively studied. Cheating by siderophore-null mutants of the opportunistic pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosahas received particular attention. The potential of siderophore mutants to attenuate virulence, and the possibility of exploiting this for clinical ends, have generated a wealth of publications. However, the possibility that genotype · environment interactions govern the evolutionary consequences of siderophore loss has been almost entirely ignored. A review of the available literature revealed (i) widespread use of an undefined mutant as a siderophore cheat; and (ii) a reliance on experiments conducted in iron-limited minimal medium. Whole genome sequencing of the undefined mutant revealed a range of mutations affecting phenotypes other than siderophore production. We then conducted cheating assays using defined deletion mutants, grown in conditions designed to model infected fluids and tissue in CF lung infection and non-healing wounds. Depending on the environment, we found that siderophore loss could lead to cheating, simple fitness defects, or no fitness effect at all. It is therefore crucial to develop appropriatein vitrogrowth conditions in order to better predict the social evolution of traitsin vivo.
Large-scale network dynamics of beta-band oscillations underlie auditory perceptual decision-making
Authors: Alavash Mohsen , Daube Christoph , Wöestmann Malte , Brandmeyer Alex , Obleser Jonas
Published: December 2016

Perceptual decisions vary in the speed at which we make them. Evidence suggests that translating sensory information into behavioral decisions relies on distributed interacting neural populations, with decision speed hinging on power modulations of neural oscillations. Yet, the dependence of perceptual decisions on the large-scale network organization of coupled neural oscillations has remained elusive. We measured magnetoencephalography signals in human listeners who judged acoustic stimuli made of carefully titrated clouds of tone sweeps. These stimuli were used under two task contexts where the participants judged the overall pitch or direction of the tone sweeps. We traced the large-scale network dynamics of source-projected neural oscillations on a trial-by-trial basis using power envelope correlations and graph-theoretical network discovery. Under both tasks, faster decisions were predicted by higher segregation and lower integration of coupled beta-band (~16-28 Hz) oscillations. We also uncovered brain network states that promoted faster decisions and emerged from lower-order auditory and higher-order control brain areas. Specifically, decision speed in judging tone-sweep direction critically relied on nodal network configurations of anterior temporal, cingulate and middle frontal cortices. Our findings suggest that global network communication during perceptual decision-making is implemented in the human brain by large-scale couplings between beta-band neural oscillations.

Author Summary

The speed at which we make perceptual decisions varies. This translation of sensory information into behavioral decisions hinges on dynamic changes in neural oscillatory activity. However, the large-scale neural network embodiment supporting perceptual decision-making is unclear. Alavash et al. address this question by experimenting two auditory perceptual decision-making situations. Using graph-theoretical network discovery, they trace the large-scale network dynamics of coupled neural oscillations to uncover brain network states supporting the speed of auditory perceptual decisions. They find that higher network segregation of coupled beta-band oscillations supports faster auditory perceptual decisions over trials. Moreover, when auditory perceptual decisions are relatively difficult, the decision speed benefits from higher segregation of frontal cortical areas, but lower segregation and integration of auditory cortical areas.
Mortality prediction in sepsis via gene expression analysis: a community approach
Authors: Sweeney Timothy E , Perumal Thanneer M , Henao Ricardo , Nichols Marshall , Howrylak Judith A , Choi Augustine M , Bermejo-Martin Jesús F , Almansa Raquel , Tamayo Eduardo , Davenport Emma E , Burnham Katie L , Hinds Charles J , Knight Julian C , Woods Christopher W , Kingsmore Stephen F , Ginsburg Geoffrey S , Wong Hector R , Parnell Grant P , Tang Benjamin , Moldawer Lyle L , Moore Frederick E , Omberg Larsson , Khatri Purvesh , Tsalik Ephraim L , Mangravite Lara M , Langley Raymond J
Published: December 2016

Improved risk stratification and prognosis in sepsis is a critical unmet need. Clinical severity scores and available assays such as blood lactate reflect global illness severity with suboptimal performance, and do not specifically reveal the underlying dysregulation of sepsis. Here three scientific groups were invited to independently generate prognostic models for 30-day mortality using 12 discovery cohorts (N=650) containing transcriptomic data collected from primarily community-onset sepsis patients. Predictive performance was validated in 5 cohorts of community-onset sepsis patients (N=189) in which the models showed summary AUROCs ranging from 0.765-0.89. Similar performance was observed in 4 cohorts of hospital-acquired sepsis (N=282). Combining the new gene-expression-based prognostic models with prior clinical severity scores led to significant improvement in prediction of 30-day mortality (p<0.01). These models provide an opportunity to develop molecular bedside tests that may improve risk stratification and mortality prediction in patients with sepsis, improving both resource allocation and prognostic enrichment in clinical trials.
Design of a prototype split-and-delay unit for XFEL pulses, and their evaluation by synchrotron radiation X-rays
Authors: Sakamoto Jun'ya , Ohwada Kenji , Ishino Masahiko , Mizuki Jun'ichiro , Ando Masami , Namikawa Kazumichi
Published: December 2016

A prototype split-and-delay unit (SDU) for X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) pulses is proposed based on the Graeff–Bonse four-Bragg-reflection interferometer by installing 12.5° slopes. The SDU can continuously provide a delay time from approximately −20 to 40 ps with a resolution of less than 26 fs. Because the SDU was constructed from a monolithic silicon crystal, alignment is straightforward. The obtained thoroughputs of the SDU reached 0.7% at 7.46 keV and 0.02% at 14.92 keV. The tunability of the delay time using the proposed SDU was demonstrated by finding the interference effects of the split X-rays, and the time resolution of the proposed SDU was evaluated using the width of the interference pattern recorded on the X-ray charge-coupled device camera by changing the energy,i.e.longitudinal coherence length, of the incident X-rays. It is expected that the proposed SDU will be applicable to XFEL experiments using delay times from tens of femtoseconds to tens of picoseconds,e.g.intensity correlation measurements.
Career adaptability as a strategic competence for career development
Authors: Bocciardi Federica , Caputo Andrea , Fregonese Chiara , Langher Viviana , Sartori Riccardo
Published: December 2016

Purpose

In the current labour market, the competence to adapt is becoming significantly relevant for career development and career success. The construct of career adaptability, i.e. the capability to adapt to changing career-related circumstances and predict advancement in career development, seems to provide a fruitful scientific base for successful career intervention. The purpose of the study is exploratory, with the aim of providing new findings about the key predictors of this meta-competence that are relevant for career development.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a web-based survey, a convenience sample of 230 working participants completed an online questionnaire, including socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, education), professional status (role seniority, sector of employment, professional role), professional development-related features (training, new professional assignments, financial incentives) and psychological factors (work self-efficacy, search for work self-efficacy and job satisfaction). Four-step hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to understand which of these factors account for the most career adaptability variance.

Findings

Results highlight that work self-efficacy, search for work self-efficacy and education play a significant role in predicting career adaptability. Surprisingly, professional development-related features and professional status do not seem to have a relevant influence.

Practical implications

Training and career-development professionals can improve their understanding of which career-related skills and attitudes can increase one’s capability to cope with sudden changes and instability of the current labour market.

Originality/value

This study supports previous research, addressing the importance of career adaptability in times of dramatic change. It also provides some insight into the factors that could predict it.
Antihypertensive methyldopa, labetalol, hydralazine, and clonidine reversed tumour necrosis factor‐α inhibited endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression in endothelial‐trophoblast cellular networks
Authors: Xu Bei , Bobek Gabriele , Makris Angela , Hennessy Annemarie
Published: December 2016

Medications used to control hypertension in pregnancy also improve trophoblast and endothelial cellular interaction in vitro. Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) inhibits trophoblast and endothelial cellular interactions and simultaneously decreases endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression. This study investigated whether antihypertensive medications improved these cellular interactions by modulating eNOS and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. Human uterine myometrial microvascular endothelial cells (UtMVECs) were pre‐incubated with (or without) low dose TNF‐α (0.5 ng/mL) or TNF‐α plus soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) (100 ng/mL). The endothelial cells were cultured on Matrigel. After endothelial cellular networks appeared, trophoblast derived HTR‐8/SVneo cells were co‐cultured in the presence of clinically relevant doses of methyldopa, labetalol, hydralazine or clonidine for 24 hours. Cells were retrieved from the Matrigel to extract mRNA and eNOS and iNOS expression were examined by quantitative PCR. Methyldopa, labetalol, hydralazine and clonidine reversed the inhibitory effect of TNF‐α on eNOS mRNA expression. After pre‐incubating endothelial cells with TNF‐α and sFlt‐1, all the medications except methyldopa lost their effect on eNOS mRNA expression. In the absence of TNF‐α, antihypertensive medications did not change eNOS expression. The mRNA expression of iNOS was not affected by TNF‐α or any medications. This study shows that selected antihypertensive medications used in the treatment of hypertension in pregnancy increase eNOS expression in vitro when induced by the inflammatory TNF‐α. The anti‐angiogenic molecule sFlt‐1 may antagonise the potential benefit of these medications by interfering with the NOS pathway.
Online Hemodiafiltration Reduces Bisphenol A Levels
Authors: Quiroga Borja , Bosch Ricardo J. , Fiallos Ruth A. , Sánchez‐Heras Marta , Olea‐Herrero Nuria , López‐Aparicio Pilar , Muñóz‐Moreno Carmen , Pérez‐Alvarsan Miguel Angel , De Arriba Gabriel
Published: December 2016

Several uremic toxins have been identified and related to higher rates of morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. Bisphenol A (BPA) accumulates in patients with chronic kidney disease. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the usefulness of online hemodiafiltration (OL‐HDF) in reducing BPA levels. Thirty stable hemodialysis patients were selected to participate in this paired study. During three periods of 3 weeks each, patients were switched from high‐flux hemodialysis (HF‐HD) to OL‐HDF, and back to HF‐HD. BPA levels were measured in the last session of each period (pre‐ and post‐dialysis) using ELISA and HPLC. Twenty‐two patients (mean age 73 ± 14 years; 86.4% males) were included. Measurements of BPA levels by HPLC and ELISA assays showed a weak but significant correlation (r = 0.218, P = 0.012). BPA levels decreased in the OL‐HDF period of hemodialysis, in contrast to the HF‐HD period when they remained stable (P = 0.002). In conclusion, OL‐HDF reduced BPA levels in dialysis patients.
Tracking the amphibian pathogensBatrachochytrium dendrobatidisandBatrachochytrium salamandrivoransusing a highly specific monoclonal antibody and lateral‐flow technology
Authors: Dillon Michael J. , Bowkett Andrew E. , Bungard Michael J. , Beckman Katie M. , O'Brien Michelle F. , Bates Kieran , Fisher Matthew C. , Stevens Jamie R. , Thornton Christopher R.
Published: December 2016

The fungusBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis(Bd) causes chytridiomycosis, a lethal epizootic disease of amphibians. Rapid identification of the pathogen and biosecurity is essential to prevent its spread, but current laboratory‐based tests are time‐consuming and require specialist equipment. Here, we describe the generation of an IgM monoclonal antibody (mAb), 5C4, specific toBdas well as the related salamander and newt pathogenBatrachochytrium salamandrivorans(Bsal). The mAb, which binds to a glycoprotein antigen present on the surface of zoospores, sporangia and zoosporangia, was used to develop a lateral‐flow assay (LFA) for rapid (15 min) detection of the pathogens. TheLFAdetects known lineages ofBdand alsoBsal, as well as the closely related fungusHomolaphlyctis polyrhiza, but does not detect a wide range of related and unrelated fungi and oomycetes likely to be present in amphibian habitats. When combined with a simple swabbing procedure, theLFAwas 100% accurate in detecting the water‐soluble 5C4 antigen present in skin, foot and pelvic samples from frogs, newts and salamanders naturally infected withBdorBsal. Our results demonstrate the potential of the portableLFAas a rapid qualitative assay for tracking these amphibian pathogens and as an adjunct test to nucleic acid‐based detection methods.
Midsagittal corpus callosum area and conversion to multiple sclerosis after clinically isolated syndrome: A multicentre Australian cohort study
Authors: Odenthal Cara , Simpson Steve , Oughton Justin , van der Mei Ingrid , Rose Stephen , Fripp Jurgen , Lucas Robyn , Taylor Bruce , Dear Keith , Ponsonby Anne‐Louise , Coulthard Alan ,   the Ausimmune AusLong Investigator Groups
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Patients presenting with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) may proceed to clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS). Midsagittal corpus callosum area (CCA) is a surrogate marker for callosal atrophy, and can be obtained from a standard MRI study. This study explores the relationship between CCA measured at CIS presentation (baseline) and at 5 years post presentation, with conversion from CIS to CDMS. The association between CCA and markers of disability progression is explored.

Methods

Corpus callosum area was measured on MRI scans at presentation and 5‐year review following diagnosis of a first demyelinating event, or evidence of progressive MS, in 143 participants in the Ausimmune/AusLong Study. Relationships between CCA (at baseline and follow‐up) and clinical outcomes were assessed.

Results

Mean CCA at baseline study was 6.63 cm2 (SD 1.01). Patients who converted to MS by 5‐year review (n = 100) had a significantly smaller mean CCA at follow‐up (6.22 vs. 6.74, P = 0.007). Greater CCA reduction was associated with higher annualized relapse rate over follow‐up.

Conclusion

Baseline CCA obtained from standard MRI protocols may be compared with subsequent MRI examinations as a surrogate for neurodegeneration and cerebral atrophy in patients with MS. This study demonstrates an association between CCA and disability in individuals presenting with CIS who convert to MS.
Identifying the plant‐associated microbiome across aquatic and terrestrial environments: the effects of amplification method on taxa discovery
Authors: Jackrel Sara L. , Owens Sarah M. , Gilbert Jack A. , Pfister Catherine A.
Published: December 2016

Plants in terrestrial and aquatic environments contain a diverse microbiome. Yet, the chloroplast and mitochondria organelles of the plant eukaryotic cell originate from free‐living cyanobacteria and Rickettsiales. This represents a challenge for sequencing the plant microbiome with universal primers, as ~99% of 16SrRNAsequences may consist of chloroplast and mitochondrial sequences. Peptide nucleic acid clamps offer a potential solution by blocking amplification of host‐associated sequences. We assessed the efficacy of chloroplast and mitochondria‐blocking clamps against a range of microbial taxa from soil, freshwater and marine environments. While we found that the mitochondrial blocking clamps appear to be a robust method for assessing animal‐associated microbiota, Proteobacterial 16SrRNAbinds to the chloroplast‐blocking clamp, resulting in a strong sequencing bias against this group. We attribute this bias to a conserved 14‐bp sequence in the Proteobacteria that matches the 17‐bp chloroplast‐blocking clamp sequence. By scanning the Greengenes database, we provide a reference list of nearly 1500 taxa that contain this 14‐bp sequence, including 48 families such as the Rhodobacteraceae, Phyllobacteriaceae, Rhizobiaceae, Kiloniellaceae and Caulobacteraceae. To determine where these taxa are found in nature, we mapped this taxa reference list against the Earth Microbiome Project database. These taxa are abundant in a variety of environments, particularly aquatic and semiaquatic freshwater and marine habitats. To facilitate informed decisions on effective use of organelle‐blocking clamps, we provide a searchable database of microbial taxa in the Greengenes and Silva databases matching various n‐mer oligonucleotides of eachPNAsequence.
Occult primary pulmonary synovial sarcoma presenting as recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax and explosive progression
Authors: Guo Chenglin , Liu Chengwu , Pu Qiang , Lin Feng , Liu Lunxu
Published: December 2016

Primary pulmonary synovial sarcoma (PPSS) is a relatively rare neoplasm with highly progressive potential. We present an extremely rare case of PPSS presenting as recurrent pneumothorax with bullous lesions. Bullectomy was performed at the local hospital. Unfortunately, the patient was initially misdiagnosed as atypical carcinoid. Although a negative resection margin was obtained during the first surgery and a remedial operation and chemotherapy followed, the patient developed severe disease progression and died soon after. This report demonstrates that PPSS can easily be misdiagnosed and should be seriously considered in the differential diagnosis of pneumothorax.
Lower cognitive functioning as a predictor of weight gain in bipolar disorder: a 12‐month study
Authors: Bond D. J. , Torres I. J. , Lee S. S. , Kozicky J.‐M. , Silveira L. E. , Dhanoa T. , Lam R. W. , Yatham L. N.
Published: December 2016

Objective

In cross‐sectional studies, elevated body mass index (BMI) is associated with cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder (BD). We investigated the direction of this association by prospectively examining changes in BMI and cognition.

Method

We measured BMI and performance in six cognitive domains over 12 months in 80 adolescent and young adult BD patients and 46 healthy comparison subjects (HS). Ninety‐three percent of patients received pharmacotherapy and 84% were euthymic. We used repeated‐measuresancovaand longitudinal mixed models to investigate whether (i) higher BMI and increasing BMI over time predicted lower subsequent cognitive functioning, and (ii) lower cognitive functioning and changes in cognition predicted increasing BMI.

Results

Neither baseline BMI nor BMI change predicted lower cognitive functioning. Lower baseline scores in attention, verbal memory, working memory, and a composite measure of global cognition predicted increasing BMI in patients and HS. In patients, lower cognitive functioning remained associated with increasing BMI when clinical and treatment variables were adjusted for. Improvement in working memory predicted a smaller subsequent BMI increase in patients.

Conclusion

Lower cognitive functioning in specific domains predicts increasing BMI in patients with BD and healthy young adults. Targeting cognition may be important for minimizing weight gain in BD.
Exposure to violence, a risk for suicide in youths and young adults. A meta‐analysis of longitudinal studies
Authors: Castellví P. , Miranda‐Mendizábal A. , Parés‐Badell O. , Almenara J. , Alonso I. , Blasco M. J. , Cebrià A. , Gabilondo A. , Gili M. , Lagares C. , Piqueras J. A. , Roca M. , Rodríguez‐Marín J. , Rodríguez‐Jimenez T. , Soto‐Sanz V. , Alonso J.
Published: December 2016

Objective

To assess the association and magnitude of the effect of early exposure to different types of interpersonal violence (IPV) with suicide attempt and suicide death in youths and young adults.

Method

We searched six databases until June 2015. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) assessment of any type of IPV as risk factor of suicide attempt or suicide: (i) child maltreatment [childhood physical, sexual, emotional abuse, neglect], (ii) bullying, (iii) dating violence, and (iv) community violence; (2) population‐based case–control or cohort studies; and (3) subjects aged 12–26 years. Random models were used for meta‐analyses (Reg: CRD42013005775).

Results

From 23 682 articles, 29 articles with 143 730 subjects for meta‐analyses were included. For victims of any IPV, OR of subsequent suicide attempt was 1.99 (95% CI: 1.73–2.28); for child maltreatment, 2.25 (95% CI: 1.85–2.73); for bullying, 2.39 (95% CI: 1.89–3.01); for dating violence, 1.65 (95% CI: 1.40–1.94); and for community violence, 1.48 (95% CI: 1.16–1.87). Young victims of IPV had an OR of suicide death of 10.57 (95% CI: 4.46–25.07).

Conclusion

Early exposure to IPV confers a risk of suicide attempts and particularly suicide death in youths and young adults. Future research should address the effectiveness of preventing and detecting early any type of IPV exposure in early ages.
Some PWID communities are ready for PrEP, so what's next?
Authors: Bruneau Julie , Roy Élise , Demers Nicolas , Cox Joseph
Published: December 2016

Commentary to: ‘PrEP is not ready for our community, and our community is not ready for PrEP’: pre‐exposure prophylaxis for HIV for people who inject drugs and limits to the HIV prevention response
Vitamin D contributes to mast cell stabilization
Authors: Liu Z.‐Q. , Li X.‐X. , Qiu S.‐Q. , Yu Y. , Li M.‐G. , Yang L.‐T. , Li L.‐J. , Wang S. , Zheng P.‐Y. , Liu Z.‐G. , Yang P.‐C.
Published: December 2016

Background and aims

Mast cells are the major effector cells in allergic disorders and many other informatory disorders. The mechanism of mast cell stabilization is not fully understood. Cumulative reports indicate that vitamin D (VitD) contributes to the homeostasis in the body. This study tests a hypothesis that VitD is required in the maintenance of the stability of mast cells.

Methods

The stability of mast cell lines, HMC1 cells, RBL‐2H3 cells, p815 cells, and mouse bone marrow‐derived mast cells (BMMC) was tested in the presence or absence of VitD3.

Results

Mast cells activated automatically in a VitD‐deficient environment. Exposure to calcitriol in the culture increased the expression of VitD receptor (VDR) in mast cells. VDR formed complexes with Lyn in mast cells to inhibit the binding of Lyn to the β chain of FcεRI and MyD88, which decreased the phosphorylation of Syk, decreased the levels of MAPK and NF‐κB. VDR bound to the promoter of TNF‐α to decrease the acetylation of histone H3/H4, RNA polymerase II and OCT1 (a transcription factor of TNF‐α) at the promoter locus and repressed the expression of TNF‐α in mast cells.

Conclusions

The data demonstrate that VitD is required to maintain the stability of mast cells. The deficiency of VitD results in mast cell activation.
Difficult tracheal tube passage and subglottic airway injury during intubation with the GlideScope® videolaryngoscope: a randomised, controlled comparison of three tracheal tubes
Authors: Su K. , Gao X. , Xue F.‐S. , Ding G.‐N. , Zhang Y. , Tian M.
Published: December 2016

Difficulty during placement of the tracheal tube is a known problem when intubating with the GlideScope®, which may lead to subglottic airway injury. This randomised, controlled clinical trial was designed to compare the resistance to passage of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), reinforced or BlockBuster tracheal tubes during intubation with the GlideScope. Secondary outcomes included the time taken to intubate and assessment of subglottic airway injury. One‐hundred and seventy‐seven patients were included in the data analysis. There was difficult tracheal tube passage (moderate or severe resistance) in 15 (21.4%) patients using the PVC tube compared with 4 (7.4%) and 1 (1.9%) using the reinforced and BlockBuster tubes, respectively (p = 0.003 for PVC vs. BlockBuster). The median (IQR [range]) time taken to intubate was 35 (27–45 [15–115]) s, 25 (20–27 [15–110]) s and 25 (22–30 [16–90]) s, respectively, (p < 0.001 for PVC vs. reinforced as well as PVC vs. BlockBuster). Subglottic airway injury, assessed using a fibreoptic bronchoscope after extubation, was higher with the PVC tube (p < 0.001) and the reinforced tube (p = 0.012) compared with the BlockBuster tube. We conclude that the BlockBuster tracheal tube is a better choice for orotracheal intubation with the GlideScope than PVC or reinforced tubes.