bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A core outcome set for aphasia treatment research: The ROMA consensus statement
Authors: Wallace Sarah J , Worrall Linda , Rose Tanya , Le Dorze Guylaine , Breitenstein Caterina , Hilari Katerina , Babbitt Edna , Bose Arpita , Brady Marian , Cherney Leora R. , Copland David , Cruice Madeline , Enderby Pam , Hersh Deborah , Howe Tami , Kelly Helen , Kiran Swathi , Laska Ann-Charlotte , Marshall Jane , Nicholas Marjorie , Patterson Janet , Pearl Gill , Rochon Elizabeth , Rose Miranda , Sage Karen , Small Steven , Webster Janet
Published: October 2018

Background

A core outcome set (COS; an agreed, minimum set of outcomes) was needed to address the heterogeneous measurement of outcomes in aphasia treatment research and to facilitate the production of transparent, meaningful, and efficient outcome data.

Objective

The Research Outcome Measurement in Aphasia (ROMA) consensus statement provides evidence-based recommendations for the measurement of outcomes for adults with post-stroke aphasia within phases I–IV aphasia treatment studies.

Methods

This statement was informed by a four-year program of research, which comprised investigation of stakeholder-important outcomes using consensus processes, a scoping review of aphasia outcome measurement instruments, and an international consensus meeting. This paper provides an overview of this process and presents the results and recommendations arising from the international consensus meeting.

Results

Five essential outcome constructs were identified: Language, communication, patient-reported satisfaction with treatment and impact of treatment, emotional wellbeing, and quality of life. Consensus was reached for the following measurement instruments: Language: The Western Aphasia Battery Revised (WAB-R) (74% consensus); emotional wellbeing: General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)-12 (83% consensus); quality of life: Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale (SAQOL-39) (96% consensus). Consensus was unable to be reached for measures of communication (where multiple measures exist) or patient-reported satisfaction with treatment or impact of treatment (where no measures exist).

Discussion

Harmonization of the ROMA COS with other core outcome initiatives in stroke rehabilitation is discussed. Ongoing research and consensus processes are outlined.

Conclusion

The WAB-R, GHQ-12, and SAQOL-39 are recommended to be routinely included within phases I–IV aphasia treatment studies. This consensus statement has been endorsed by the Collaboration of Aphasia Trialists, the British Aphasiology Society, the German Society for Aphasia Research and Therapy, and the Royal College of Speech Language Therapists.
Using a CriSTAL scoring system to identify pre-morbid conditions associated with a poor outcome after admission to intensive care in people 70 years or older
Authors: Jankowski K , Bryden DC
Published: October 2018

Older people admitted to intensive care are considered to have lower physiological reserves, an increased susceptibility to infection and longer recovery times, resulting in generally poorer outcomes after intensive care treatment. However, biological heterogeneity makes identification of those with the best chances of survival within their group difficult and risks subjecting those at the end of their lives to unsuccessful treatments. There is no fit-for-purpose outcome prediction tool capable of identifying patients most at risk of these poor outcomes at the point of admission to intensive care. This retrospective study sought to identify factors associated with mortality in older patients (≥70 years) admitted to a teaching hospital critical care unit using objective variables readily available at the point of admission. A total of 15 variables were tested for a significant association with mortality. Of these, eight were identified as significant variables (myocardial infarction within 6 months, an abnormal ECG, congestive cardiac failure (NYHA ≥2), chronic pulmonary disease, chronic liver disease, metastatic cancer, a stay in hospital ≥5 days preceding ICU admission, and frailty (Clinical Frailty Score ≥4)). These variables were used from the basis of a novel outcome prediction model. The aim of such a model would be that it could be used at the point of referral to intensive care to inform considerations regarding admission, and to facilitate conversations with the patient and family regarding realistic treatment expectations.
Variations in Leaf Functional Traits Across Ecological Scales in Riparian Plant Communities of the Lijiang River, Guilin, Southwest China
Authors: Liu Runhong , Liang Shichu , Long Wenxing , Jiang Yong
Published: October 2018

Knowing plant functional trait variation is integral to understanding species coexistence and biodiversity maintenance. To explore how variations in a given trait vary across different spatiotemporal and ecological organizational scales, we performed a linear mixed model and varcomp function to partition the variance in four key functional traits (specific leaf area [SLA], leaf area [LA], leaf thickness [LTH], and leaf chlorophyll content [CHL]) from 5,418 individuals of 51 species across four nested ecological scales (plot, species, individual, and leaf) in riparian plant communities of the Lijiang River, Guilin, southwest China. We found that the relative contribution of all traits is similar: species (0.51–0.70) > individual (0.21–0.27) > leaf and error (0.09–0.20) > plot (0–0.07). For all traits, interspecific variability was higher than intraspecific variability and the plot level accounted for only a minute percentage of the total variance, despite relatively high species turnover between plots. These results suggest that the variation of leaf functional traits is dominated by interspecific variation, but data also showed a substantial amount of intraspecific trait variability. Thus, intraspecific variation of functional traits should be taken into account if assembly rules in plant communities are to be properly understood. The low, or even lack of, functional trait variance at plot level provides substantial support for the idea that trait-based habitat filtering could play a central role in plant community assembly.
Accuracy of advanced CT imaging in prediction of functional outcome after endovascular treatment in patients with large-vessel occlusion
Authors: Di Giuliano Francesca , Picchi Eliseo , Sallustio Fabrizio , Ferrazzoli Valentina , Alemseged Fana , Greco Laura , Minosse Silvia , Da Ros Valerio , Diomedi Marina , Garaci Francesco , Marziali Simone , Floris Roberto
Published: October 2018

Background and purpose

Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) and multiphase CT angiography (mCTA) help selection for endovascular treatment (EVT) in anterior ischemic stroke (AIS). Our aim was to investigate the ability of perfusion maps and collateral score to predict functional outcome after EVT.

Patients and methods

Patients with M1-middle cerebral artery occlusion, evaluated by mCTA and CTP and treated with EVT within six hours of onset, were enrolled. Perfusion parametric maps of cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV) and time to maximum of tissue residue function ( Tmax) were generated; areas of altered perfusion were manually outlined to obtain volumes CBFv, CBVv, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) at 24–36 hours was used to manually outline the ischemic core (volume: DWIv). Collateral vessels were assessed on mCTA considering extent and delay of maximal enhancement (six-point scale). Functional outcome was evaluated by modified Rankin Scale score at three months. Volumes in good and poor outcome groups were compared by Wilcoxon rank-sum test t, and their discriminative ability for outcome was determined by receiver operating characteristic analysis. A logistic regression model, including Tmax, CBF and collaterals, was used to differentiate good and poor outcome.

Results

Seventy-one patients (mean age 75 ± 11 years, range 45–99 years) were included. [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], CBVv, CBFv and DWIv were statistically different between the two groups. CBF had the best discriminative value for good and poor outcome (area under the curve (AUC) 0.73; 64.5% sensitivity; 74.4% specificity); the logistic regression model might be promising (AUC 0.79, 64.5% sensitivity, 82.1% specificity).

Conclusions

In patients with AIS, the combined use of CTP and mCTA predicts functional outcome of EVT and might allow better selection.
Legal arguments used in courts regarding territoriality and cross-border production orders
Authors: de Hert Paul , Parlar Cihan , Thumfart Johannes
Published: October 2018

This contribution reflects on recent cases involving cross-border data production orders such as Yahoo Belgium, Skype Belgium and Microsoft Ireland. Cross-border data production orders are found to generally involve conflicts regarding sovereignty and enforcement jurisdiction and to frequently include voluntary cooperation of companies for which the legal framework is lacking (Introduction). The Lotus principle, which recognizes a broad extraterritorial jurisdiction to prescribe and limits extraterritorial enforcement jurisdiction, is reconsidered concerning those issues (see the ‘International law pragmatism for jurisdiction to prescribe, but not for jurisdiction to enforce’ section) and the use of mutual legal assistances, which should be the rule, is discussed with four caveats (see the ‘Four caveats to territorial sovereignty and the need for MLAs: Unclarities and politics’ section). Twelve typical arguments are identified, which are employed in courtrooms when cross-border data production orders are discussed, for example, arguments regarding territorial sovereignty, the location of servers, the virtual presence of businesses via the Internet or the nationality of the data subject (see the ‘Arguments in courtrooms in favour or against informal-based cross-border investigations’ section). Subsequently, from fourth to seventh sections, those arguments are investigated regarding their context in the cases Yahoo! Belgium (2007–2015), Skype Belgium (2012–2017), Microsoft Ireland (2013–2018) and Google in re Search Warrant (2017). Finally, a first step to evaluate and test the strength of those arguments is undertaken (see the ‘Assessing the arguments: From logically weak, to unpractical to law enforcement utilitarianism (give us everything)’ section).
The effects and costs of home-based rehabilitation for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: The REACH-HF multicentre randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dalal Hasnain M , Taylor Rod S , Jolly Kate , Davis Russell C , Doherty Patrick , Miles Jackie , van Lingen Robin , Warren Fiona C , Green Colin , Wingham Jennifer , Greaves Colin , Sadler Susannah , Hillsdon Melvyn , Abraham Charles , Britten Nicky , Frost Julia , Singh Sally , Hayward Christopher , Eyre Victoria , Paul Kevin , Lang Chim C , Smith Karen
Published: October 2018

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation improves health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and reduces hospitalizations in patients with heart failure, but international uptake of cardiac rehabilitation for heart failure remains low.

Design and methods

The aim of this multicentre randomized trial was to compare the REACH-HF (Rehabilitation EnAblement in CHronicHeart Failure) intervention, a facilitated self-care and home-based cardiac rehabilitation programme to usual care for adults with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The study primary hypothesis was that the addition of the REACH-HF intervention to usual care would improve disease-specific HRQoL (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire (MLHFQ)) at 12 months compared with usual care alone.

Results

The study recruited 216 participants, predominantly men (78%), with an average age of 70 years and mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 34%. Overall, 185 (86%) participants provided data for the primary outcome. At 12 months, there was a significant and clinically meaningful between-group difference in the MLHFQ score of –5.7 points (95% confidence interval –10.6 to –0.7) in favour of the REACH-HF intervention group ( p = 0.025). With the exception of patient self-care ( p < 0.001) there was no significant difference in other secondary outcomes, including clinical events ( p > 0.05) at follow-up compared with usual care. The mean cost of the REACH-HF intervention was £418 per participant.

Conclusions

The novel REACH-HF home-based facilitated intervention for HFrEF was clinically superior in disease-specific HRQoL at 12 months and offers an affordable alternative to traditional centre-based programmes to address current low cardiac rehabilitation uptake rates for heart failure.
Not just another sore throat: Extraluminal migration of foreign body from the hypopharynx—a case report
Authors: Salting Al Omar M
Published: October 2018

Meticulous history taking and careful examination should always be performed in all patients because a common symptom, such as sore throat, could be a presentation of an unusual problem. Sore throat from an ingested foreign body can perforate the mucosa and migrate extraluminally penetrating vital structures of the neck. Rare documentation of such cases involves sharp objects and, if untreated, may result in life-threatening complications. This article presents a case of a patient with a 3-week history of sore throat, and diagnostic work-up revealed a sharp metallic foreign body (needle pin) in the hypopharynx, which migrated extraluminally through the posterior pharyngeal wall. There were no signs or lesions on endoscopy to help point the exact entry point and location of the foreign body. Intraoperative imaging using C-arm was used to identify the exact position of the foreign body, which was at the level of C4, 0.5 cm deep to the right lateral posterior pharyngeal wall mucosa, and oriented lateral to the vertebra. The needle pin was subsequently extracted.
The influence of a microprocessor-controlled hydraulic ankle on the kinetic symmetry of trans-tibial amputees during ramp walking: A case series
Authors: McGrath Michael , Laszczak Piotr , Zahedi Saeed , Moser David
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Asymmetrical limb loading is believed to cause health problems for lower limb amputees and is exacerbated when walking on slopes. Hydraulically damped ankle-feet improve ground compliance on slopes compared to conventional prosthetic feet. Microprocessor-controlled hydraulic ankle-feet provide further adaptation by dynamically adjusting viscoelastic damping properties.

Method

Using a case series design, gait analysis was performed with four trans-tibial amputees. There were two walking conditions (ramp ascent and descent) and two prosthetic foot conditions (microprocessor-control on and off – MPF-on and MPF-off). Total support moment integral ([Formula: see text]) and degree-of-asymmetry were compared across foot conditions.

Results

During ramp descent, the transition of prosthetic ankle moment from dorsiflexion to plantarflexion occurred earlier in stance phase with MPF-on, slowing the angular velocity of the shank. During ramp ascent, the MPF-on dorsiflexion/plantarflexion moment transition occurred later, meaning less resistance to shank rotation in early stance and increasing walking speed by up to 6%. For both slope conditions, sound limb [Formula: see text] was universally decreased with MPF-on (4–13% descent, 3–11% ascent).

Discussion

Microprocessor-control of hydraulic ankle-feet reduced the total loading of the sound limb joints, for both walking conditions, for all participants. This may have beneficial consequences for long-term joint health and walking efficiency.
Early Christian English teachers in Korea: Imperialists or advocates? Exploring the lesser known other truth
Authors: Wong Mary Shepard , Lee Seong-Yun
Published: October 2018

Education has long been an interest of foreign missionaries. Many criticisms have been raised over the promotion of imperialism in foreign missionary education. However, what is often overlooked is the positive mutual impact foreign educators have had on both their host and home societies. This article explores the influence of early educational missionaries in Korea and considers the “other truth” of the positive impact they had as advocates for Koreans during the Japanese colonial period. After a historical overview, the authors highlight missionary contributions to social justice and the restoration of Korean national spirit. They conclude with implications for today.
Workplace Heat Exposure Management in Indian Construction Workers Using Cooling Garment
Authors: Ashtekar Shirish , Mishra SukhDev , Kapadia Vishal , Nag Pranab , Singh Gyanendra
Published: October 2018

Construction workers are at high risk of heat-related illnesses during summer months in India. The personal cooling garment (PCG) is a microclimate assistive device that provides protection from heat stress. The applicability and efficacy of wearing PCG for the physiological and subjective responses were tested on 29 healthy construction workers at actual field worksites. During the test, the climatic conditions were 103.64 ± 38.3°F dry bulb temperature, 41.2 ± 13.4% relative humidity, and wet bulb globe temperature 91.43 ± 39.92°F. Mean weighted skin temperature was significantly lowered by 38.66 ± 33.98°F when wearing PCG as compared with wearing habitual clothing (HC), 32.36 ± 33.44°F ( p < .05). Mean sweat loss was also significantly lower when wearing PCG: 0.365 ± 0.257 kg as compared with wearing HC: 0.658 ± 0.342 kg ( p < .05). Heart rate, along with back and chest skin temperatures were significantly reduced with wearing PCG. The present study suggests that PCG provides an affordable way of alleviating the discomfort and physiological strain caused by environmental heat exposure.
Spanish Version of the Inventory of the Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA-S)
Authors: Sánchez-Queija Inmaculada , Parra Águeda , Camacho Carlos , Arnett Jeffrey
Published: October 2018

The aim of the present study was to validate the Inventory of the Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA) questionnaire in Spain. The IDEA questionnaire is the only validated measure for assessing the characteristics of the emerging adulthood period. A Spanish translation of the IDEA was administered to a sample of 1,435 Spanish undergraduate students. Three confirmatory factor analyses were tested: the six-factor model proposed in the original scale by Reifman, Arnett, and Colwell, a second model with five factors proposed in the initial conception by Arnett, and a third model excluding the instability/negativity dimension. All three were found to have acceptable fit. The results support the validity of the questionnaire in the Spanish context, thus enabling cross-cultural comparisons.
Nanotribological response of a-C:H coated metallic biomaterials: the cases of stainless steel, titanium, and niobium
Authors: Kapnisis Konstantinos , Constantinou Marios , Kyrkou Maria , Nikolaou Petros , Anayiotos Andreas , Constantinides Georgios
Published: October 2018

Background

Wear and corrosion have been identified as two of the major forms of medical implant failures. This study aims to improve the surface, protective and tribological characteristics of bare metals used for medical implants, so as to improve scratch resistance and increase lifetime.

Methods

Hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) films were deposited, using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), on stainless steel (SS), titanium (Ti) and niobium (Nb) metal plates. Nanomechanical and nanotribological responses were investigated before and after a-C:H deposition. Film thickness and density were quantified through X-ray reflectivity, and surface morphology before and after deposition were measured using atomic force microscopy, whereas the tribomechanical characteristics were probed using instrumented indentation.

Results and conclusions

Films of approximately 40 nm in thickness and density of 1.7 g/cm3 were deposited. The a-C:H films reduce the roughness and coefficient of friction while improving the tribomechanical response compared with bare metals for Ti, SS and Nb plates. The very good tribomechanical properties of a-C:H make it a promising candidate material for protective coating on metallic implants.
Influence of pre-heating and ceramic thickness on physical properties of luting agents
Authors: Lima Michele O , Catelan Anderson , Marchi Giselle M , Lima Débora ANL , Martins Luís RM , Aguiar Flávio HB
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of ceramic thickness and pre-heating of luting agents on their physical properties.

Materials and methods:

The materials RelyX Arc, RelyX Ultimate, RelyX Veneer, and Filtek Z350 Flow were handled at different temperatures (23°C or 54°C), inserted into matrix, and photoactivated through ceramic disks (0.75 mm or 1.5 mm). The following tests were performed ( n=8): degree of conversion, Knoop Hardness, cross-link density, water sorption, solubility, and ultimate tensile strength. Data were analyzed using three-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s test (α=0.05).

Results:

Regarding ceramic thickness, the thinnest ceramic resulted in higher values of Knoop Hardness ( p=0.027). The lowest temperature (23°C) resulted in a higher solubility ( p=0.0257), and water sorption ( p=0.0229) values. There was also statistical difference among the materials: RelyX Arc showed a higher degree of conversion and ultimate tensile strength, followed by RelyX Veneer, RelyX Ultimate, and Filtek Z350 Flow. For Knoop Hardness and cross-link density tests, RelyX Ultimate showed the highest values, followed by RelyX Arc, RelyX Veneer, and Filtek Z350 Flow. For water sorption and solubility, RelyX Veneer showed the highest values, followed by RelyX Arc, RelyX Ultimate, and Filtek Z350 Flow.

Conclusion:

Pre-heating interfered with water sorption and solubility, whereas ceramic thickness only affected Knoop Hardness; the physical properties of the materials are dependent on their composition.
Influence of injectable microparticle size on cardiac progenitor cell response
Authors: Rosellini Elisabetta , Barbani Niccoletta , Frati Caterina , Madeddu Denise , Massai Diana , Morbiducci Umberto , Lazzeri Luigi , Falco Angela , Lagrasta Costanza , Audenino Alberto , Cascone Maria Grazia , Quaini Federico
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

Injectable scaffolds are emerging as a promising strategy in the field of myocardial tissue engineering. Among injectable scaffolds, microparticles have been poorly investigated. The goal of this study was the development of novel gelatin/gellan microparticles that could be used as an injectable scaffold to repair the infarcted myocardium. In particular, the effect of particle size on cardiac progenitor cell response was investigated.

Methods:

Particles were produced by a water-in-oil emulsion method. Phosphatidylcholine was used as a surfactant. Particles with different diameter ranges (125–300 µm and 350–450 µm) were fabricated using two different surfactant concentrations. Morphological, physicochemical, and functional characterizations were carried out. Cardiac progenitor cell adhesion and growth on microparticles were tested both in static and dynamic suspension culture conditions.

Results:

Morphological analysis of the produced particles showed a spherical shape and porous surface. The hydrophilicity of particle matrix and the presence of intermolecular interactions between gellan and gelatin were pointed out by the physicochemical characterization. A weight loss of 75 ± 5 % after 90 days of hydrolytic degradation was observed. Injectability through a narrow needle (26 G) and persistence of the microparticles at the injection site were preliminarily verified by ex vivo test. In vitro cell culture tests showed a preservation of rat cardiac progenitor biologic properties and indicated a preferential cell adherence to microparticles with a smaller size.

Conclusion:

Overall, the obtained results indicate that the produced gelatin/gellan microparticles could be potentially employed as injectable scaffolds for myocardial regeneration.
Five-year effectiveness of short messaging service (SMS) for pre-diabetes
Authors: Wong Carlos K. H. , Siu Shing-Chung , Wong Ka-Wai , Yu Esther Y. T. , Lam Cindy L. K.
Published: October 2018

Objective

An observational post-randomized controlled trial (RCT) design was adopted to evaluate the long-term sustainability and maintenance of improved glycemic control, lipid profile, reduced progression to diabetes at 3-year following a 2-year short messaging service (SMS). We performed a naturalistic follow-up to the 104 participants of SMS intervention, a 2-year randomized controlled trial comparing the SMS to non-SMS for pre-diabetes. All participants were arranged screening for diabetes at 5-year assessment. Primary outcome of this post-RCT study was cumulative incidence of diabetes whereas secondary outcomes were the change in biometric data over a 5-year period.

Results

After a mean 57-month follow-up, 19 (18.3%) were lost to follow-up after the RCT period. Progression to diabetes occurred in 20 and 16 patients among the intervention and control group respectively, with no significant between-group difference (8.06 and 7.31 cases per 100 person years, respectively; Hazard Ratio in the intervention group, 1.184; 95% confidence interval, 0.612 to 2.288; p-value = 0.616). No significant effect of SMS on reduction in diabetes was observed in overall and pre-defined subgroups. The SMS intervention preserved the clinical benefits within the trial period but failed to transform from treatment efficacy to long-term effectiveness beyond 2 years after intervention.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01556880, retrospectively registered on March 16, 2012
Dielectric properties of fractured carbonate rocks from finite-difference modeling
Authors: Han Tongcheng , Yang Sam
Published: October 2018

Fractures are common features in virtually all types of geologic rocks and tend to dominate their mechanical and hydraulic properties. Detection and characterization of fractures in rocks are of interest to a variety of geophysical applications. We have investigated the frequency-dependent dielectric properties of fractured porous carbonate rocks in the frequency range [Formula: see text] and their relationships with different types of fluids filling the fractures, fracture connectivity, and directions of electrical field applied to the rocks using numerical simulation methods based on a 3D finite-difference model. We tested the validity of the modeling method on a spherical-shell model with the theoretical analytical solutions. The two fractures in the two digital carbonate rocks have the same length, but in one rock, they intersect and in the other sample they do not. The fractures in the brine-saturated digital rocks are filled either with oil or with the same brine as in the background rock. We found that although conductivity and relative permittivity are sensitive to the fracture-filling fluids, the dielectric loss factor is the best parameter discriminating the fluids. When filled with brine, the fracture connectivity does not affect the dielectric properties of the rocks. When filled with oil, the fracture connectivity can only be detected if the electrical field is parallel to the longer fracture orientation. The results provide new insights into the frequency-dependent dielectric responses of fractured sedimentary rocks and will help with the interpretation of the dielectric data acquired from rocks with fractures.
Enhancement of diffractions in prestack domain by means of a finite-offset double-square-root traveltime
Authors: Coimbra Tiago A. , Faccipieri Jorge H. , Speglich João H. , Gelius Leiv-J. , Tygel Martin
Published: October 2018

Exploration of redundancy contained in the seismic data set assures enhancement of images that are based on stacking results. This enhancement is the goal of developing multiparametric traveltime equations that are able to approximate reflection and diffraction events in general source-receiver configurations. The main challenge of using these equations is to estimate a large number of parameters in a computationally feasible, reliable, and fast way. To obtain a better fit for diffraction traveltime events than the ones in the literature, we have derived a finite-offset (FO) double-square-root (DSR) diffraction traveltime equation (which depends on 10 parameters in three dimensions and four parameters in two dimensions). Moreover, to reduce the number of parameters, we have developed another version called simplified FO-DSR diffraction traveltime equation (which depends on five parameters in three dimensions and two parameters in two dimensions), which delivers a similar performance. We have developed operators that make use of the simplified FO-DSR traveltime equation to construct the so-called diffraction-only data set volumes (or, more simply, D-volumes) assuring enhancement in the diffraction extraction process. The D-volume construction has two steps: first, a stacking procedure to separate the diffraction events from the input data set and second, a spreading procedure to enhance the quality of these diffractions. As proof of concept, our approach has been tested on 2D/3D synthetic and 2D field data sets with successful results.
Investigating the Association Between Advanced Practice Providers and Chemotherapy-Related Adverse Events in Women With Breast Cancer: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Yen Tina W.F. , Nattinger Ann B. , McGinley Emily L. , Fergestrom Nicole , Pezzin Liliana E. , Laud Purushottam W.
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

The effect of advanced practice provider (APP) involvement in oncology care on cancer-specific outcomes is unknown. We examined the association between team-based APP–physician care during chemotherapy and chemotherapy-related adverse events (AEs) among women with breast cancer.

Methods:

We performed separate nested case-control analyses in two national cohorts of women who received chemotherapy for incident breast cancer. Cohorts were identified from Medicare (≥ 65 years of age) and MarketScan (18 to 64 years of age) data. Cases experienced a chemotherapy-related AE (emergency room visit and/or hospitalization). Controls were matched 1:1 on the basis of each patient’s age, comorbidities, census region, state’s APP scope of practice regulations, and observation period from chemotherapy initiation to first AE. APP exposure (any outpatient claim billed by an APP during the observation period) was assessed for each matched pair member.

Results:

Among the 1,948 cases in the Medicare cohort, 225 (12%) had APP exposure before the first chemotherapy-related AE, compared with 213 controls (11%; P = .54). Among the 725 cases in the MarketScan cohort, 52 (7%) had APP exposure compared with 65 controls (9%; P = .21). In the matched case-control analysis, there was no association between outpatient APP exposure during chemotherapy and AEs in either cohort (Medicare: OR, 1.06 [95% CI, 0.87 to 1.30]; MarketScan: OR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.50 to 1.14]).

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that team-based APP-physician care that includes an APP who is billing independently, at least for certain patients receiving chemotherapy, may be a viable strategy to safely leverage the scarce oncology workforce to increase access and delivery of cancer care.
Role for Nucleotide Excision Repair Gene Variants in Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: West Hannah , Coffey Michelle , Wagner Michael J. , McLeod Howard L. , Colley James P. , Adams Richard A. , Fleck Oliver , Maughan Timothy S. , Fisher David , Kaplan Richard S. , Harris Rebecca , Cheadle Jeremy P.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Oxaliplatin forms part of routine treatment of advanced colorectal cancer; however, it often causes severe peripheral neuropathy, resulting in treatment discontinuation. We sought to determine the molecular and cellular mechanism underlying this toxicity.

Patients and Methods

We exome resequenced blood DNA samples from nine patients with advanced colorectal cancer who had severe peripheral neuropathy associated with oxaliplatin (PNAO) within 12 weeks of treatment. We Sanger sequenced the ERCC4 and ERCC6 open reading frames in 63 patients with PNAO and carried out targeted genotyping in 1,763 patients without PNAO. We tested the functionality of ERCC4 variants using viability and DNA repair assays in Schizosaccharomyces pombe and human cell lines after exposure to oxaliplatin and ultraviolet light.

Results

Exome resequencing identified one patient carrying a novel germline truncating mutation in the nucleotide excision repair (NER) gene ERCC4. This mutation was functionally associated with sensitivity to oxaliplatin ( P = 3.5 × 10−2). We subsequently found that multiple rare ERCC4 nonsynonymous variants were over-represented in affected individuals ( P = 7.7 × 10−3) and three of these were defective in the repair of ultraviolet light–induced DNA damage ( P < 1 × 10−3). We validated a role for NER genes in PNAO by finding that multiple rare ERCC6 nonsynonymous variants were similarly over-represented in affected individuals ( P = 2.4 × 10−8). Excluding private variants, 22.2% of patients (14 of 63 patients) with PNAO carried Pro379Ser or Glu875Gly in ERCC4 or Asp425Ala, Gly446Asp, or Ser797Cys in ERCC6, compared with 8.7% of unaffected patients (152 of 1,750 patients; odds ratio, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.6 to 5.6; P = 2.5 × 10−4).

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence for a role of NER genes in PNAO, together with mechanistic insights.
Intensive Care Unit Readmission After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: Causes, Associated Factors, and Association With Patient Mortality
Authors: Hui John , Mauermann William J. , Stulak John M. , Hanson Andrew C. , Maltais Simon , Barbara David W.
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND:

Previous studies on readmissions after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation have focused on hospital readmissions after dismissal from the index hospitalization. Because few data exist, the purpose of this study was to examine intensive care unit (ICU) readmissions in patients during their initial hospitalization for LVAD implantation to determine reasons for, factors associated with, and incidence of mortality after ICU readmission.

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis was performed from February 2007 to March 2015 of patients at our institution receiving first-time LVAD implantation. After LVAD implantation, patients dismissed from the ICU who then required ICU readmission before hospital dismissal were compared to those not requiring ICU readmission before hospital dismissal with respect to preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors.

RESULTS:

Among 287 LVAD patients, 266 survived their initial ICU admission, of which 49 (18.4%) required ICU readmission. The most common reasons for readmission were bleeding and respiratory failure. Factors found to be univariably associated with ICU readmission were preoperative hemoglobin, preoperative aspartate aminotransferase, preoperative atrial fibrillation, preoperative dialysis, longer cardiopulmonary bypass times, and higher intraoperative allogeneic blood transfusion requirements. Multivariable analysis revealed ICU readmission to be independently associated with preoperative dialysis (odds ratio, 12.86; 95% confidence interval, 3.16–52.28; P < .001). Overall mortality at 1 year was 22.6%. Survival after hospital dismissal was worse for patients who required ICU readmission during the index hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–4.81; P = .019).

CONCLUSIONS:

ICU readmission after LVAD implantation occurred relatively frequently and was significantly associated with 1-year mortality after hospital dismissal. These data can perhaps be used to identify subsets of LVAD patients at risk for ICU readmission and may lead to implementation of practice changes to mitigate ICU readmissions. Future larger and prospective studies are warranted.
Diverse progenitor cells preserve salivary gland ductal architecture after radiation induced damage
Authors: May Alison J. , Cruz-Pacheco Noel , Emmerson Elaine , Gaylord Eliza A. , Seidel Kerstin , Nathan Sara , Muench Marcus O. , Klein Ophir , Knox Sarah M.
Published: October 2018

The ductal system of the salivary gland has long been postulated to be resistant to radiation-induced damage, a common side effect incurred by head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Yet, whether the ducts are capable of regenerating after genotoxic injury, or if damage to ductal cells induces lineage plasticity, as has been reported in other organ systems, remains unknown. Here, we show that two ductal progenitor populations, marked exclusively by KRT14 and KIT, maintain non-overlapping ductal compartments after radiation exposure but do so through distinct cellular mechanisms. KRT14+ progenitor cells are fast cycling cells that proliferate in response to radiation-induced damage in a sustained manner and divide asymmetrically to produce differentiated cells of the larger granulated ducts. Conversely, KIT+ intercalated duct cells are long-lived progenitors for the intercalated ducts that undergo few cell divisions either during homeostasis or after gamma radiation, thus maintaining ductal architecture with slow rates of cell turnover. Together, these data illustrate the regenerative capacity of the salivary ducts and highlight the heterogeneity in the damage responses used by salivary progenitor cells to maintain tissue architecture.
Lens-regulated retinoic acid signalling controls expansion of the developing eye
Authors: Smith Jonathan N. , Walker Heather M. , Thompson Hannah , Collinson J. Martin , Vargesson Neil , Erskine Lynda
Published: October 2018

Absence of the developing lens results in severe eye defects, including substantial reductions in eye size. How the lens controls eye expansion and the underlying signalling pathways are very poorly defined. We identified RDH10, a gene crucial for retinoic acid synthesis during embryogenesis, as a key factor downregulated in the peripheral retina (presumptive ciliary body region) of lens-removed embryonic chicken eyes prior to overt reductions in eye size. This is associated with a significant decrease in retinoic acid synthesis by lens-removed eyes. Restoring retinoic acid signalling in lens-removed eyes by implanting beads soaked in retinoic acid or retinal, but not vitamin A, rescued eye size. Conversely, blocking retinoic acid synthesis decreased eye size in lens-containing eyes. Production of collagen II and collagen IX, which are major vitreal proteins, is also regulated by the lens and retinoic acid signalling. These data mechanistically link the known roles of both the lens and retinoic acid in normal eye development, and support a model whereby retinoic acid production by the peripheral retina acts downstream of the lens to support vitreous production and eye expansion.
Rab34 small GTPase is required for Hedgehog signaling and an early step of ciliary vesicle formation in mouse
Authors: Xu Shouying , Liu Yang , Meng Qing , Wang Baolin
Published: October 2018

The primary cilium is a microtubule-based organelle that protrudes from the cell surface and plays essential roles in embryonic development. Ciliogenesis begins with the successive fusion of preciliary vesicles to form ciliary vesicles, which then dock onto the distal end of the mother centriole. Rab proteins have been linked to cilia formation in cultured cells, but not yet in vivo. In the present study, we demonstrate that endocytic recycling protein Rab34 localizes to cilia, and that its mutation results in significant decrease of ciliogenesis in both cultured cells and mice. Rab34 is required for the successive fusion of preciliary vesicles to generate ciliary vesicles and for the migration of the mother centriole from perinuclear region to plasma membrane. We also show that Rab34 mutant mice exhibit polydactyly, and cleft-lip and -palate. These phenotypes are consistent with observations that nonciliated Rab34 mutant cells fail to respond to Hedgehog signaling and that processing of full-length Gli3 to its C-terminally truncated form is reduced in Rab34 mutant embryos. Therefore, Rab34 is required for an early step of ciliary vesicle formation and Hh signaling in vivo.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
The AAA ATPase Afg1 preserves mitochondrial fidelity and cellular health by maintaining mitochondrial matrix proteostasis
Authors: Germany Edward M. , Zahayko Nataliya , Huebsch Mason L. , Fox Jennifer L. , Prahlad Veena , Khalimonchuk Oleh
Published: October 2018

Mitochondrial functions are critical for cellular physiology; therefore, several conserved mechanisms are in place to maintain the functional integrity of mitochondria. However, many of the molecular details and components involved in ensuring mitochondrial fidelity remain obscure. Here, we identify a novel role for the conserved mitochondrial AAA ATPase Afg1 in mediating mitochondrial protein homeostasis during aging and in response to various cellular challenges. Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells lacking functional Afg1 are hypersensitive to oxidative insults, unable to tolerate protein misfolding in the matrix compartment and exhibit progressive mitochondrial failure as they age. Loss of the Afg1 ortholog LACE-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans is associated with reduced lifespan, impeded oxidative stress tolerance, impaired mitochondrial proteostasis in the motor neuron circuitry and altered behavioral plasticity. Our results indicate that Afg1 is a novel protein quality control factor, which plays an important evolutionarily conserved role in mitochondrial surveillance, and cellular and organismal health.
Sound production mechanism in triggerfish (Balistidae): a synapomorphy
Authors: Raick Xavier , Lecchini David , Kéver Loïc , Colleye Orphal , Bertucci Frédéric , Parmentier Éric
Published: October 2018

The ability to produce sounds for acoustic communication is known in different Balistidae species but the eventual synapomorphic aspect of the mechanism remains to be shown. In Rhinecanthus aculeatus, sounds result from alternate sweeping movements of the right and left pectoral fins, which push a system of three scutes against the swim bladder wall. In this study, we made a comparison between the sounds produced by this species and two additional ones (Balistapus undulatus and Rhinecanthus rectangulus) using hand-held specimens to provide a description of the sound mechanism. The results highlighted that the sound production mechanism is similar in the three species. According to recent phylogenetic data and shared morphological features, this mechanism could be common to the majority of Balistidae family members and all species could be capable of sound production using pectoral fins.
Angling-induced injuries have a negative impact on suction feeding performance and hydrodynamics in marine shiner perch, Cymatogaster aggregata
Authors: Thompson Melissa , Van Wassenbergh Sam , Rogers Sean M. , Seamone Scott G. , Higham Timothy E.
Published: October 2018

Fishing is a popular and lucrative sport around the world and, in some cases, may contribute to declining fish stocks. To mediate this problem and maintain fish biomass in aquatic ecosystems, catch-and-release fishing, whereby a fish is caught and immediately released, has been implemented in many countries. It is unclear whether the injuries to the mouth that are caused by the hook have an impact on feeding performance of fishes. Using high-speed video and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), we asked whether injuries around the mouth caused by fishing hooks have a negative impact on suction feeding performance (measured as maximum prey velocity) of the commonly angled marine shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata). We hypothesized that fish with mouth injuries would exhibit decreased feeding performance compared with controls. Ten shiner perch were caught using scientific angling and 10 were caught using a seine net. Feeding events were then recorded at 500 frames per second using a high-speed camera. Compared with the control group, maximum prey velocity was significantly lower in the injured group (P<0.01). Maximum gape, time to peak gape, maximum jaw protrusion and predator–prey distance were comparable between the control and injured groups, leading us to conclude that the injury-induced hole in the buccal cavity wall reduced the pressure gradient during mouth expansion, thereby reducing the velocity of water entering the fish's mouth. This was confirmed with our CFD modelling. Fishing injuries in nature are likely to depress feeding performance of fish after they have been released, although it is currently unclear whether this has a significant impact on survival.
Evidence that Rh proteins in the anal papillae of the freshwater mosquitoAedes aegyptiare involved in the regulation of acid base balance in elevated salt and ammonia environments
Authors: Durant Andrea , Donini Andrew
Published: October 2018

Aedes aegypti commonly inhabit ammonia rich sewage effluents in tropical regions of the world where the adults are responsible for the spread of disease. Studies have shown the importance of the anal papillae of Aedes aegypti in ion uptake and ammonia excretion. The anal papillae express ammonia transporters and Rh proteins which are involved in ammonia excretion and studies have primarily focused on understanding these mechanisms in freshwater. In this study, effects of rearing larvae in salt (5 mmol l−1 NaCl) or ammonia (5 mmol l−1 NH4Cl) on physiological endpoints of ammonia and ion regulation are assessed. In anal papillae of NaCl reared larvae, Rh protein expression increased, NHE3 transcript abundance decreased and NH4+ excretion increased, and this coincided with decreased hemolymph [NH4+] and pH. We propose that under these conditions larvae excrete more NH4+ through Rh proteins as a means of eliminating acid from the hemolymph. In anal papillae of NH4Cl reared larvae, expression of an apical ammonia transporter and the Rh proteins decreased, the activities of NKA and VA decreased and increased, respectively and this coincided with hemolymph acidification. The results present evidence for a role of Rh proteins in acid base balance in response to elevated levels of salt, whereby ammonia is excreted as an acid equivalent.
High-frequency temperature variability mirrors fixed differences in thermal limits of the massive coralPorites lobata(Dana, 1846)
Authors: Barshis D. J. , Birkeland C. , Toonen R. J. , Gates R. D. , Stillman J. H.
Published: October 2018

Spatial heterogeneity in environmental characteristics can drive adaptive differentiation when contrasting environments exert divergent selection pressures. This environmental and genetic heterogeneity can substantially influence population and community resilience to disturbance events. Here, we investigated corals from the highly variable back reef habitats of Ofu Island in American Samoa that thrive in thermal conditions known to elicit widespread bleaching and mortality elsewhere. To investigate the relative importance of acclimation vs. site of origin in shaping previously observed differences in coral tolerance limits in Ofu, specimens of the common Indo-Pacific coral Porites lobata (Dana, 1846) from locations with differing levels of thermal variability were acclimated to low and high thermal variation in controlled common garden aquaria. Overall, there were minimal effects of the acclimation exposure. Corals native to the site with the highest level of daily variability grew fastest, regardless of acclimation treatment. When exposed to lethal thermal stress, corals native to both variable sites contained elevated levels of heat shock proteins and maintained photosynthetic performance for 1-2 days longer than corals from the stable environment. Despite being separated by<5 km, there was significant genetic differentiation among coral colonies (FST=0.206, p<0.0001; nuclear ribosomal DNA), while Symbiodiniaceae were all Cladocopium sp. (ITS-type C15). Our study demonstrates consistent signatures of adaptation in growth and stress resistance in corals from naturally thermally variable habitats, suggesting that differences in the amount of thermal variability may be an important contributor to adaptive differentiation in reef building corals.