bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic changes during brief periods of ewe–lamb separation at different ages
Authors: Mora-Medina P. , Orihuela-Trujillo A. , Roldan-Santiago P. , Arch-Tirado E. , Vázquez-Cruz C. , Mota-Rojas D.
Published: February 2017

The present study evaluated metabolic changes in lambs during three brief periods of ewe–lamb separation, namely 1 min (T1), 10 min (T10) and 60 min (T60). The lambs were divided by age into the following three groups: 15 days (G1 = 40 lambs), 30 days (G2 = 40 lambs) and 60 days (G3 = 40 lambs). The hypothesis to be tested was that breaking the ewe–lamb bond at different ages and for these brief time periods will cause significant metabolic changes in the lambs. To this end, blood samples were taken from the three test groups 24 h before separation to establish reference values (RVs), and again at the end of the three separation times. The following blood variables were analysed for all three study groups: glucose (mg/dL), lactate (mg/dL), calcium (Ca2+, mmol/L), sodium (Na+, mmol/L), potassium (K+, mmol/L), haematocrit (HTC, %), pCO2 (mmHg), pO2 (mmHg), HCO3– (mmol/L) and pH. Results showed that the G1 lambs suffered the greatest metabolic changes for the variables pO2, pCO2, glucose, lactate, pH, HCO3–, Ca2+, Na+, K+ and HCT. With respect to time, the first 10 min of separation from the mother induced marked metabolic changes in the 15-, 30- and 60-day-old lambs, but, at 60 min, the G2 and G3 lambs tended to recover their physiological RVs, while the G1 lambs did not. These findings showed that breaking the ewe–lamb bond immediately generated metabolic changes in the lambs even though they remained in a familiar, habitual environment. They also indicated that the age of the lambs at separation was a significant factor, as the older animals tended to re-establish their RVs after the metabolic changes, likely because their physiological compensating mechanisms are more efficient, or perhaps because the intensity of attachment to the mother decreases with greater age.
Development of the HERON Reaction: A Historical Account
Authors: Glover Stephen A.
Published: February 2017

This account describes the discovery and development of the HERON reaction, a reaction with special connection to the Heron Island Conferences on Reactive Intermediates and Unusual Molecules. This modern ‘named’ reaction describes an unusual rearrangement of bisheteroatom-substituted amides RCON(X)(Y) whereby the more electron deficient group, X, migrates from nitrogen to the carbonyl carbon giving an acyl derivative, RC(O)X, and Y-stabilised nitrenes. In it, the origins, mechanistic elucidation, and theoretical validation are described in more or less chronological order. Along that time line we introduce the concepts of ‘anomeric amides’, ‘amidicity’ in anomeric amides, and their role in the HERON reaction. All known versions of the reaction that have since been discovered are outlined and a basic understanding of the relative roles of reduced resonance and the anomeric driving force, both functions of the heteroatom substituents at the amide nitrogen, are quantified.
Role of degassing of the Noril’sk nickel deposits in the Permian–Triassic mass extinction event
Authors: Le Vaillant Margaux , Barnes Stephen J. , Mungall James E. , Mungall Emma L.
Published: February 2017

Significance

The Noril’sk deposits represent one of the most valuable metal concentrations on Earth and are associated with the world’s largest outpouring of mafic magma. Mass release of nickel into the atmosphere during ore formation has been postulated as one of the triggers for the Permian–Triassic Mass Extinction Event, by promoting the activity of the marine
Archaea methanosarcina
with catastrophic greenhouse climatic effects. The missing link has been understanding how nickel, normally retained at depth in magmatic minerals, could have been mobilized into magmatic gases. The flotation of magmatic sulfides to the surface by gas bubbles was suggested as a possible mechanism. Here, we provide evidence of physically attached nickel-rich sulfide droplets and former gas bubbles, frozen into the Noril’sk ores.
Heart failure drug changes the mechanoenzymology of the cardiac myosin powerstroke
Authors: Rohde John A. , Thomas David D. , Muretta Joseph M.
Published: February 2017

Significance

Heart failure is the leading cause of mortality in the United States, despite sustained efforts to develop effective small-molecule treatments. The biophysical characterization of existing therapies will drive development of next-generation approaches for treating heart failure. Furthermore, small molecules can be powerful probes for dissecting protein structure function relationships. We used an innovative FRET-based spectroscopic approach to determine that the small-molecule heart disease therapeutic omecamtiv mecarbil (OM) changes how myosin’s working powerstroke is coordinated with actin-activated phosphate release, the biochemical step associated with force generation. This result explains how OM alters cardiac contractility at the molecular level, forcing the accumulation of actin-bound prepowerstroke cross-bridges.
High-throughput screening of rare metabolically active tumor cells in pleural effusion and peripheral blood of lung cancer patients
Authors: Tang Yin , Wang Zhuo , Li Ziming , Kim Jungwoo , Deng Yuliang , Li Yan , Heath James R. , Wei Wei , Lu Shun , Shi Qihui
Published: February 2017

Significance

Identification of cancer cells in the pleural effusions of lung cancer patients is an important clinical diagnosis to verify the malignant pleural involvement. Elevated glucose uptake is a hallmark of cancer cells and has been used in positron-emission tomography to detect malignant tumors in vivo. We hypothesize that cells with enhanced glucose uptake and without expression of leukocyte markers in pleural effusion or peripheral blood samples are highly likely to be malignant cells that can be confirmed via single-cell sequencing. To this end, a high-throughput metabolic-based assay is developed for rapid detection of rare metabolically active tumor cells in pleural effusion, enabling sensitive diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion in the clinic that is associated with metastatic malignancies.
Rational design of adjuvants targeting the C-type lectin Mincle
Authors: Decout Alexiane , Silva-Gomes Sandro , Drocourt Daniel , Barbe Sophie , André Isabelle , Cueto Francisco J. , Lioux Thierry , Sancho David , Pérouzel Eric , Vercellone Alain , Prandi Jacques , Gilleron Martine , Tiraby Gérard , Nigou Jérôme
Published: February 2017

Significance

For many years, the development of adjuvants—compounds that boost the immunogenicity of vaccines—has been an empirical process. Adjuvants inducing a strong humoral immunity are available, but adjuvants directing the development of robust cellular immune responses are still needed. Recently, the C-type lectin receptor Mincle was found to elicit such responses on the recognition of microbial glycolipids, thereby providing a basis for the rational design of new adjuvants. Here we used a multidisciplinary approach, combining chemical synthesis, biology, and molecular modeling to decipher the molecular bases of ligand recognition by the receptor. This led us to synthesize new compounds inducing stronger immune responses than the currently available Mincle ligands that represent new powerful adjuvant molecules.
Intragenic CpG islands play important roles in bivalent chromatin assembly of developmental genes
Authors: Lee Sun-Min , Lee Jungwoo , Noh Kyung-Min , Choi Won-Young , Jeon Sejin , Oh Goo Taeg , Kim-Ha Jeongsil , Jin Yoonhee , Cho Seung-Woo , Kim Young-Joon
Published: February 2017

Significance

The decision-making process of cellular phenotype specification is controlled by the interplay between genetic and epigenetic elements. Intragenic CGIs (iCGIs) associated with developmental regulators have sequence features that favor DNA methylation and bivalent histone modification, i.e., both activating histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation and repressing H3K27me3 marks. The epigenetic transition from bivalent modification to DNA methylation on iCGIs during differentiation results in cell type-specific activation of their associated genes. This process is accompanied by loss of physical interactions with promoter regions, and the motifs of developmental regulators are enriched at iCGIs, indicating involvement of these regulators in the epigenetic transition. Our work uncovers the role of iCGIs in cell type-specific differentiation.
Single-neuron identification of chemical constituents, physiological changes, and metabolism using mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhu Hongying , Zou Guichang , Wang Ning , Zhuang Meihui , Xiong Wei , Huang Guangming
Published: February 2017

Significance

We anticipate that our proposed single-neuron mass spectrometry technology may provide not only the possibility to study single-cell metabolism, but also the chance to investigate chemical changes in the content and metabolism of intracellular small molecules at the single-cell level during physiological processes, such as growth and development, or pathological processes, such as depression, dementia, inflammation, cancer, and other diseases.
Glucosylceramide synthase inhibition alleviates aberrations in synucleinopathy models
Authors: Sardi S. Pablo , Viel Catherine , Clarke Jennifer , Treleaven Christopher M. , Richards Amy M. , Park Hyejung , Olszewski Maureen A. , Dodge James C. , Marshall John , Makino Elina , Wang Bing , Sidman Richard L. , Cheng Seng H. , Shihabuddin Lamya S.
Published: February 2017

Significance

Mutations in the glucocerebrosidase gene (
GBA
) represent the most common genetic risk factor for Parkinson’s disease (PD), affecting 5–10% of patients and accelerating disease progression. Mutations in
GBA
and consequent loss of enzymatic activity allow glucocerebrosides to build up in cells. Here, we tested an experimental drug that inhibits the production of glucocerebrosides, hypothesizing that producing fewer lipids may counteract the challenge of clearing them from cells. In mice with mutant
Gba
, prolonged administration of this inhibitor reduced brain glucocerebrosides. In addition, this treatment reduced levels of aggregated α-synuclein, a protein that builds up in PD brains, and improved behavioral responses. The findings suggest that reducing glucocerebrosides might represent a viable therapeutic strategy for PD patients carrying
GBA
mutations.
Ancient X chromosomes reveal contrasting sex bias in Neolithic and Bronze Age Eurasian migrations
Authors: Goldberg Amy , Günther Torsten , Rosenberg Noah A. , Jakobsson Mattias
Published: February 2017

Significance

Studies of differing female and male demographic histories on the basis of ancient genomes can provide insight into the social structures and cultural interactions during major events in human prehistory. We consider the sex-specific demography of two of the largest migrations in recent European prehistory. Using genome-wide ancient genetic data from multiple Eurasian populations spanning the last 10,000 years, we find no evidence of sex-biased migrations from Anatolia, despite the shift to patrilocality associated with the spread of farming. In contrast, we infer a massive male-biased migration from the steppe during the late Neolithic and Bronze Age. The contrasting patterns of sex-specific migration during these two migrations suggest that different sociocultural processes drove the two events.
Hypermutation signature reveals a slippage and realignment model of translesion synthesis by Rev3 polymerase in cisplatin-treated yeast
Authors: Segovia Romulo , Shen Yaoqing , Lujan Scott A. , Jones Steven J. M. , Stirling Peter C.
Published: February 2017

Significance

Cancer cells often have defects in DNA repair and are killed effectively by drugs that damage DNA. However, surviving cells can acquire additional mutations after treatment with these genotoxic chemicals. Here we apply a simple model system to reveal synergy between specific DNA repair mutations and genotoxic drugs that occurs independently of fitness defects. Moreover, by analyzing the entire genome of a mutagenized cell population, we identify a signature of mutations that informs the mechanism of the translesion synthesis DNA damage tolerance pathway. Our work establishes a conceptual framework for predicting the mutational burden of cells surviving genotoxin treatment and adds to a growing list of examples supporting the utility of model organism mutation signature analysis for generating mechanistic insights.
Inhibition of α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors prevents chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain
Authors: Romero Haylie K. , Christensen Sean B. , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Gajewiak Joanna , Ramachandra Renuka , Elmslie Keith S. , Vetter Douglas E. , Ghelardini Carla , Iadonato Shawn P. , Mercado Jose L. , Olivera Baldomera M. , McIntosh J. Michael
Published: February 2017

Significance

This study addresses the need to phase out opioids as the major analgesic drugs for moderate to severe chronic pain. We establish that a highly selective and potent inhibitor of the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtype prevents the expression of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Thus, selective antagonists of the α9α10 nAChR are potential leads for nonopioid analgesic drug development. The effects of inhibitors of the α9α10 receptor, together with genetic studies, suggest a key role for the α9α10 nAChR subtype in an intercellular signaling network that can be activated by diverse insults (e.g., chemotherapy, nerve injury, and diabetes).
A Method to Consistently Approach the Target Total Fishing Fraction of Pacific Sardine and Other Internationally Exploited Fish Stocks
Authors: Demer David A. , Zwolinski Juan P.
Published: February 2017

The “northern” stock of Pacific Sardine Sardinops sagax is fished by Mexico, the USA, and Canada. Without an international management agreement, the U.S. Pacific Fishery Management Council prorates its target total fishing fraction (F) in its harvest control rule (HCR) by 0.87. This is the proportion of the stock that it deemed in 1998 to be present, on average, during summer–fall 1964–1992 in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. However, the portion of the stock in U.S. waters is variable, depending on the environment and stock biomass and demographics. Furthermore, irrespective of the stock distribution, the combined foreign and U.S. landings may exceed those determined by an F of 0.15, potentially reducing the stock biomass and yield. This occurred each year during 2001–2014, and the F (mean = 0.22; SD = 0.06) trended upward. To more consistently approximate the target F, a method was proposed to set harvest quotas with accounting for predicted foreign landings. We refined the method by adding a prediction error term and showed that the U.S. HCR, solved with predicted foreign landings and stock biomass from each annual assessment in 2001–2014, better stabilized F about the target F relative to the historical values (original method: mean = 0.16, SD = 0.02; new method: mean = 0.16, SD = 0.05). We also compared the historical F (mean = 0.18, SD = 0.07) and optimized F (original method: mean = 0.16, SD = 0.06; new method: mean = 0.17, SD = 0.08) calculated using updated biomass estimates from the 2013 assessment. Results showed that irrespective of the assessment and its assumptions, quotas that were optimized with respect to F better approached the target F-value. Although the new method reduces bias due to trend in the foreign landings, its performance may be less precise than the original method if—as recently occurred—the assessments are significantly revised and the stock migration is abruptly abbreviated.
Density-Dependent Growth in Atlantic Menhaden: Impacts on Current Management
Authors: Schueller Amy M. , Williams Erik H.
Published: February 2017

Biological reference points (BRPs) are used to determine stock status and set management regulations. While BRPs rely on equilibrium life history data, conditions are not static, and density dependence can play a role. Our objective was to determine the relationship between recruitment strength (i.e., density) and mean length and weight at age for Atlantic Menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus in order to assess the impacts on BRP calculations used for management. Recruitment was tested for autocorrelation and related to time-varying mean lengths and weights at age. Spawning potential ratio (SPR) and yield per recruit (Y/R) benchmarks were calculated across a range of fishing mortality rates, F, and recruitment. Recruitment was autocorrelated and negatively related to mean lengths and weights at age. Both SPR and Y/R were not static under nonequilibrium assumptions about recruitment. To maintain SPR with recruitment increased above equilibrium, F would decrease, while maintaining Y/R would require increased F to maintain yield. Tracking recruitment gives managers the ability to track the population and its ability to withstand F in the short term and to make timely management decisions. Changes in life history information over time should be incorporated into BRP calculations and benchmarks, as opposed to it being equilibrium based, in order to ensure sustainability of the population while maximizing harvest.

Received May 9, 2016; accepted November 5, 2016 Published online February 22, 2017
Characterization of high hydrostatic pressure-injured Bacillus subtilis cells*
Authors: Inaoka Takashi , Kimura Keitarou , Morimatsu Kazuya , Yamamoto Kazutaka
Published: February 2017

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) affects various cellular processes. Using a sporulation-deficient Bacillus subtilis strain, we characterized the properties of vegetative cells subjected to HHP. When stationary-phase cells were exposed to 250 MPa of HHP for 10 min at 25 °C, approximately 50% of cells were viable, although they exhibited a prolonged growth lag. The HHP-injured cells autolyzed in the presence of NaCl or KCl (at concentrations ≥100 mM). Superoxide dismutase slightly protected the viability of HHP-treated cells, whereas vegetative catalases had no effect. Thus, unlike HHP-injured Escherichia coli, oxidative stress only slightly affected vegetative B. subtilis subjected to HHP.
Pulse profile and metal transfer in pulsed gas metal arc welding: droplet formation, detachment and velocity
Authors: Dos Santos Emanuel B. F. , Pistor Rob , Gerlich Adrian P.
Published: February 2017

The influence of current profile and pulse parameters on droplet formation and transfer was investigated. One profile has an exponential ramp up and down in the current pulse shape, while the second is nearly square shaped. High-speed photography, synchronised with a high-speed data acquisition system, was used to monitor the droplet formation and transfer. It was found that for long-tail current profile, most of droplet formation and detachment occurs before background current is reached. While, for the nearly square pulse, most of droplet formation and transfer occurs during background current, giving a stable and smooth metal transfer. The arc attachment position was found to vary for the different profiles. Droplet speed was measured, and it was found that it is proportional to the peak current and inversely proportional to background current. Dimensionless process parameters were defined and used to predict droplet speed using a neural networks algorithm.
Supplement to CCM.D-K4 'Hydrometer' report: linkage of EURAMET.M.D-K4 comparison, SIM.M.D-K4 comparison and the supplementary SIM.M.D-S2 to CCM.D-K4 'Hydrometer'
Authors: Lorefice S , Becerra L O
Published: February 2017

Evaluation of different types of comparisons to a common set of reference values of a CIPM key comparison is essential to satisfy the concept of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA), where the DoEs of any participant who took part in comparisons should be within the Calibration and Measurement Capability (CMC) section of the CIPM MRA Key Comparison Data Base. The subject of this supplementary report is therefore to present the equivalence of each National Metrological Institute (NMI) participant in the CCM.D-K4 'Hydrometer' key comparison, which was performed in the density range 600 kg/m3 to 2000 kg/m3 at the temperature of 20 °C, and the linkage of the European and Inter-American NMI results performed in the RMO.M.D-K4 comparisons as well as those of the supplementary SIM.M.D-S2 to the common set of KCRVs of the CCM.D-K4 'Hydrometer'.

The linking procedure has been obtained by numerical simulation, based on the Monte Carlo method, in which the differences in the results of the different comparison between the intended laboratory and one or more linking laboratory/ies, which took part in both comparisons, are correlated with a continuous function describing the DoEs of the linking laboratory/ies with respect to the common set of KCRVs of the CCM.D-K4.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Ablation of RNA interference and retrotransposons accompany acquisition and evolution of transposases to heterochromatin protein CENPB
Authors: Upadhyay Udita , Srivastava Suchita , Khatri Indu , Nanda Jagpreet Singh , Subramanian Srikrishna , Arora Amit , Singh Jagmohan
Published: February 2017

Inactivation of retrotransposons is accompanied by the emergence of centromere-binding protein-B (CENPB) in Schizosaccharomyces, as well as in metazoans. The RNA interference (RNAi)-induced transcriptional silencing (RITS) complex, comprising chromodomain protein-1 (Chp1), Tas3 (protein with unknown function), and Argonaute (Ago1), plays an important role in RNAi-mediated heterochromatinization. We find that whereas the Ago1 subunit of the RITS complex is highly conserved, Tas3 is lost and Chp1 is truncated in Schizosaccharomyces cryophilus and Schizosaccharomyces octosporus. We show that truncated Chp1 loses the property of heterochromatin localization and silencing when transformed in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Furthermore, multiple copies of CENPB, related to Tc1/mariner and Tc5 transposons, occur in all Schizosaccharomyces species, as well as in humans, but with loss of transposase function (except Schizosaccharomyces japonicus). We propose that acquisition of Tc1/mariner and Tc5 elements by horizontal transfer in S. pombe (and humans) is accompanied by alteration of their function from a transposase/endonuclease to a heterochromatin protein, designed to suppress transposon expression and recombination. The resulting redundancy of RITS may have eased the selection pressure, resulting in progressive loss or truncation of tas3 and chp1 genes in S. octosporus and S. cryophilus and triggered similar evolutionary dynamics in the metazoan orthologues.
Understanding the Pathophysiology of Intracranial Aneurysm: The ICAN Project
Authors: Bourcier Romain , Chatel Stéphanie , Bourcereau Emmanuelle , Jouan Solène , Marec Hervé Le , Daumas-Duport Benjamin , Sevin-Allouet Mathieu , Guillon Benoit , Roualdes Vincent , Riem Tanguy , Isidor Bertrand , Lebranchu Pierre , Connault Jérôme , Tourneau Thierry Le , Gaignard Alban , Loirand Gervaise , Redon Richard , Desal Hubert ,   on behalf of the ICAN Investigators
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: Understanding the pathophysiologic mechanism of intracranial aneurysm (IA) formation is a prerequisite to assess the potential risk of rupture. Nowadays, there are neither reliable biomarkers nor diagnostic tools to predict the formation or the evolution of IA. Increasing evidence suggests a genetic component of IA but genetics studies have failed to identify genetic variation causally related to IA.

OBJECTIVE: To develop diagnostic and predictive tools for the risk of IA formation and rupture.

METHODS: The French ICAN project is a noninterventional nationwide and multicentric research program. Each typical IA of bifurcation will be included. For familial forms, further IA screening will be applied among first-degree relatives. By accurate phenotype description with high-throughput genetic screening, we aim to identify new genes involved in IA. These potential genetic markers will be tested in large groups of patients. Any relevant pathway identified will be further explored in a large cohort of sporadic carriers of IA, which will be well documented with clinical, biological, and imaging data.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES: Discovering genetic risk factors, better understanding the pathophysiology, and identifying molecular mechanisms responsible for IA formation will be essential bases for the development of biomarkers and identification of therapeutic targets.

DISCUSSION: Our protocol has many assets. A nationwide recruitment allows for the inclusion of large pedigrees with familial forms of IA. It will combine accurate phenotyping and comprehensive imaging with high-throughput genetic screening. Last, it will enable exploiting metadata to explore new pathophysiological pathways of interest by crossing clinical, genetic, biological, and imaging information.
Outcome of Finger Extension After Nerve Transfer to Repair C7-T1 Brachial Plexus Palsy in Rats: Comparative Study of the Supinator Motor Branch Transfer to the Posterior Interosseous Nerve and the Contralateral C7 Transfer to the Lower Trunk
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Chun-Lin , Dong Zhen , Gu Yu-Dong
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND:Functional recovery following supinator motor branch transfer requires further investigation.

OBJECTIVE:To compare the outcome of finger extension after supinator motor branch transfer or contralateral C7 (cC7) transfer in C7-T1 brachial plexus palsies in rats.

METHODS:In this study, 120 adult rats underwent C7-T1 nerve root avulsion and received different nerve transfer repairs: group A, cC7 nerve transfer to the lower trunk; group B, supinator motor branch nerve transfer to the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN); and group C, no repair. The ethology of the rats, latency and amplitude of the compound muscle action potential from the PIN, muscle mass and muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the extensor digitorum communis and extensor carpi ulnaris, and number of myelinated nerve fibers in the PIN were examined postoperatively.

RESULTS:There was no finger extension in group C. We observed finger extension in groups A and B 50.2 ± 5.66 and 13.1 ± 2.08 days postoperatively, respectively. Finger extension restoration in group B was greater than that in group A at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively (P< .05). Sixteen weeks after surgery, the recovery rate of the myelinated nerve fibers in group A was marginally higher than that in group B, but the difference was not significant. Of the other measured values, group B showed a greater and significant improvement compared to group A (P <.05).

CONCLUSION:Supinator motor branch transfer allows for faster recovery and is a more effective procedure for restoring finger extension in C7-T1 brachial plexus palsies.
A 66-year-old man with neck pain
Authors: Jaynstein Dayna
Published: February 2017

Neck pain is a fairly common complaint among patients in the ED. The differential diagnosis is broad, from musculoskeletal causes to potentially life-threatening causes. Providers need to have a good understanding of when the complaint of neck pain requires more diagnostic investigation, even in a patient with chronic neck pain.
Evaluating and treating mammalian bites
Authors: Rasmussen Donna , Landon Alexandra , Powell Jennifer , Brown Gina R.
Published: February 2017

Mammalian bites, typically from dogs, cats, or humans, are a common presentation in EDs and family practice settings, and patients present with varying degrees of complexity. Injuries can range from local to systemic, including aggressive bacterial infections and permanent limb impairment. Using a systematic approach to initial wound assessment, followed by appropriate diagnostic testing and treatment, is critical to improved long-term patient outcomes.
The use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes & chronic kidney disease
Authors: Bittle Polly A.
Published: February 2017

There is a need for treatment options in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and kidney disease to achieve glucose targets without risk of hypoglycemia. This article describes management options for these patients using glucose-lowering therapies, in particular dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors.
Social media use for occupational lung disease
Authors: Harber Philip , Leroy Gondy
Published: February 2017

Purpose of review

Social media have great impact on all aspects of life throughout the world. The utilization of social media for occupational lung disease, however, has been much more limited. This article summarizes recent literature concerning social media for occupational lung disease and identifies areas for additional use.

Recent findings

Social media are used in six relevant areas: information dissemination, peer-to-peer communication, survey research data collection, participatory research and exposome data acquisition, assessing public concerns, and knowledge generation. There are very clear advantages for information dissemination from experts to workers and on a peer-to-peer basis, although variable credibility and accuracy concerns persist. For research, social media have been used for acquiring data posted for nonresearch purposes and for efficiently collecting information specifically for research. The benefits of efficiency, democracy, and very large data sources may counterbalance concerns about inadequate specification of recruitment strategies and limited control over data quality.

The potential benefits of using social media for lung health–workplace interactions are much greater than the very limited current utilization.
Silicosis and autoimmunity
Authors: Lee Suni , Hayashi Hiroaki , Mastuzaki Hidenori , Kumagai-Takei Naoko , Otsuki Takemi
Published: February 2017

Purpose of review

Of the various environmental, occupational, and medical substances that cause dysregulation of autoimmunity, the effects and causative mechanisms of silica particles and asbestos fibers are discussed in this review.

Recent findings

With respect to silica, many epidemiological studies have shown a significant association between silica exposure and the occurrence of autoimmune diseases. Although the importance of the NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NALP3) inflammasome as the initial immune reaction against silica particles has been identified, the mechanisms involved that lead to various autoimmune diseases in patients exposed to silica remain largely unknown. Silica can activate various immune cells and investigation of the associated imbalance of regulatory T cells, responder T cells as well as Th17 cells might be key in furthering our understanding of silica-induced autoimmune alterations. On the other hand, asbestos exposure shows less association with autoimmune diseases. However, interesting findings pertaining to the detection of antiendothelial and mesothelial cell antibodies in asbestos-exposed patients have been reported.

Taken together, further investigations may contribute in delineating the mechanisms involved in environmental factor-induced modification of autoimmunity.
Traffic-related air pollution and allergic disease: an update in the context of global urbanization
Authors: Carlsten Christopher , Rider Christopher F.
Published: February 2017

Purpose of review

The review aims to give an update on the literature around traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and allergic disease in the context of global urbanization, as the most populous countries in the world face severe TRAP exposure challenges.

Recent findings

As research continues to show that gene–environment interactions and epigenetics contribute to the TRAP–allergy link, evidence around the links to climate change grows. Greenspace may provide a buffer to adverse effects of traffic on health, overall, but pose risks in terms of allergic disease.

The link between traffic-related pollution and allergy continues to strengthen, in terms of supportive observational findings and mechanistic studies. Levels of TRAP across the world, particularly in Asia, continue to dramatically exceed acceptable levels, suggesting that the related adverse health consequences will accelerate. This could be counterbalanced by primary emission control and urban planning. Attention to combined effects of TRAP and allergen exposure is critical to avoiding misleading inferences drawn though examination only of isolated factors.
Professional Development Perceptions and Practices Among U.S. Physicians: A Cross-Specialty National Survey
Authors: Cook David A. , Blachman Morris J. , Price David W. , West Colin P. , Berger Richard A. , Wittich Christopher M.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Professional development (PD)—both for-credit continuing medical education (CME) and informal self-directed or point-of-care learning—is vital to all physicians. The authors sought to understand physicians’ PD perceptions and practices and how these vary by specialty and practice type.

Method

The authors administered an Internet and paper survey, from September 2015 to April 2016, to randomly sampled U.S. physicians. Survey items addressed perceived PD needs and barriers and how physicians identify knowledge/skills gaps.

Results

Of 4,648 invitees, 988 (21.6%) responded. Respondents believed that they already know what they need to learn (mean 5.8 [1 = strongly disagree; 7 = strongly agree]), can answer clinical questions using available resources (5.9), and want credit for learning during patient care (5.1). They did not strongly desire help identifying learning gaps (4.0) or indicate difficulty accumulating CME credits (3.1). Most PD was done during personal time (5.5). Competencies regarding medical knowledge/skills, wellness, informatics, and practice/systems improvement were rated the highest priority, while research, teaching, and professionalism were rated the lowest. The most important sources used to identify knowledge/skills gaps were immediate patient care needs (4.1 [1 = not important; 5 = extremely important]), personal awareness (3.8), and practice updates (3.7). The most important barriers were time (3.5) and cost (2.9). Differences by specialty and practice type were generally small and not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Physicians feel confident in identifying their own learning needs, perceive medical knowledge/skills as their highest-priority need, and desire more credit for learning during patient care.
Faculty Development for Medical School Community-Based Faculty: A Council of Academic Family Medicine Educational Research Alliance Study Exploring Institutional Requirements and Challenges
Authors: Drowos Joanna , Baker Suzanne , Harrison Suzanne Leonard , Minor Suzanne , Chessman Alexander W. , Baker Dennis
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Community-based faculty play a large role in training medical students nationwide and require faculty development. The authors hypothesized that positive relationships exist between clerkships paying preceptors and requiring faculty development, and between protected clerkship directors’ time and delivering face-to-face preceptor training, as well as with the number or length of community-based preceptor visits. Through under standing the quantity, delivery methods, barriers, and institutional support for faculty development provided to community-based preceptors teaching in family medicine clerkships, best practices can be developed.

Method

Data from the 2015 Council of Academic Family Medicine’s Educational Research Alliance survey of Family Medicine Clerkship Directors were analyzed. The cross-sectional survey of clerkship directors is distributed annually to institutional representatives of U.S. and Canadian accredited medical schools. Survey questions focused on the requirements, delivery methods, barriers, and institutional support available for providing faculty development to community-based preceptors.

Results

Paying community-based preceptors was positively correlated with requiring faculty development in family medicine clerkships. The greatest barrier to providing faculty development was community-based preceptor time availability; however, face-to-face methods remain the most common delivery strategy. Many family medicine clerkship directors perform informal or no needs assessment in developing faculty development topics for community-based faculty.

Conclusions

Providing payment to community preceptors may allow schools to enhance faculty development program activities and effectiveness. Medical schools could benefit from constructing a formal curriculum for faculty development, including formal preceptor needs assessment and program evaluation. Clerkship directors may consider recruiting and retaining community-based faculty by employing innovative faculty development delivery methods.
Operative Fixation for Clavicle Fractures—Socioeconomic Differences Persist Despite Overall Population Increases in Utilization
Authors: Schairer William W. , Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Warren Russell F. , Dines David M. , Gulotta Lawrence V.
Published: February 2017

Background:

Clavicle fractures were traditionally treated conservatively, but recent evidence has shown improved outcomes with surgical management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the recent trends in operative treatment of clavicle fractures, and to analyze for patient related factors that may affect treatment strategy.

Methods:

The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) California and Florida inpatient, outpatient, and the Emergency Department databases were used to identify all patients with clavicle fractures between 2005 and 2010. We evaluated the overall number of procedures over the study period and calculated the rates of operative and nonoperative treatment by tracking a large cohort of emergency department patients with clavicle fractures. Poisson and multivariable regression were used to identify trends and patient factors associated with treatment.

Results:

There was a 290% increase in the annual number clavicle fracture procedures over the study period. The rate of fixation increased from 3.7% to 11.1% (P < 0.001). Significant increases were seen in all patient age groups less than 65 years. Comparatively, higher rates of fixation were found in patients who were white, privately insured, and of high-income status. Lower income status was also associated with delayed surgery.

Conclusions:

The rates of clavicle fracture fixation have increased. However, there are differences associated with socioeconomic factors including race, insurance type, and income level. In part, this likely representing both underutilization and overutilization but may also show differential access to care. This differential utilization suggests both that further work is needed to more clearly define indications for operative versus nonoperative management and to further evaluate referral systems and access to care to ensure equal and quality treatment is available for all patients.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Coxa vara in postseptic arthritis of the hip in children
Authors: Johari Ashok N. , Hampannavar Aravind , Johari Ratna A. , Dhawale Arjun A.
Published: February 2017

The behavior and treatment of coxa vara and pseudarthrosis of the proximal femur secondary to sepsis is not well described. The aim of this study is to describe the pathoanatomy for coxa vara and pseudarthrosis in postseptic hips, evaluate progression of neck shaft angle (NSA), and discuss treatment. This is a retrospective case series of 20 patients (21 hips). There were 11 hips with predominant avascular necrosis of the capital femoral epiphysis without pseudarthrosis (type 1) and 10 with pseudarthrosis (type 2). The interobserver κ value was 0.79. There was a decrease in NSA from 110.3° to 99.3° during an average follow-up duration of 5.2 years (range: 2–14 years). The average change in NSA between the initial presentation and the final follow-up was 5.5° in type 1 and 17.1° in type 2. Nine patients underwent a surgical intervention. In cases where subtrochanteric valgus osteotomy was performed, the mean preoperative NSA was 94° and the mean NSA at the final follow-up was 128°; all operated pseudarthroses healed without bone grafting. Acetabuloplasty is not necessary in most cases.
Treatment of syndrome-associated congenital talipes equinovarus using the Ponseti method: 4–12 years of follow-up
Authors: Matar Hosam E. , Makki Daoud , Garg Neeraj K.
Published: February 2017

to evaluate the effectiveness of the Ponseti method in treating syndrome-associated (nonidiopathic) congenital talipes equinovarus. This was a retrospective consecutive review over a 12-year period in a tertiary centre of all patients with syndrome-associated talipes equinovarus treated with the Ponseti method. The primary outcome measure at the final follow-up was the functional correction of the deformity. There were 16 (28 feet) children, with an average follow-up of 7 years (range: 4–12). The average age at presentation was 6.1 (range: 2–17) weeks. Deformities were severe, with an average Pirani score of 5.0 (range: 3.0–6.0). Initial correction was achieved in all children, with an average of 6 (range: 4–9) Ponseti casts and a tendo-Achilles tenotomy performed in 21/28 (75%) feet. Satisfactory outcome at the final follow-up was achieved in 23/28 (82%) feet. The Ponseti method is an effective first-line treatment for syndrome-associated talipes equinovarus to achieve functional painless feet; children will often require more casts and have a higher risk of relapse.
Undercorrection of planovalgus deformity after calcaneal lengthening in patients with cerebral palsy
Authors: Cho Byung Chae , Lee In Hyeok , Chung Chin Youb , Sung Ki Hyuk , Lee Kyoung Min , Kwon Soon-Sun , Moon Seung Jun , Kim Jaeyoung , Lim Hyunwoo , Park Moon Seok
Published: February 2017

Calcaneal lengthening (CL) is one of the treatment options for planovalgus deformity in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). However, its indication still needs to be clarified according to the functional status of CP. The aim of this study was to investigate the radiographic outcome after CL in patients with CP and to evaluate the risk factors causing undercorrection of planovalgus deformities. We included consecutive patients with CP who underwent CL for planovalgus deformity, were followed for more than 2 years, and had preoperative and postoperative weight-bearing anteroposterior (AP) and lateral foot radiographs. Six radiographic indices were used to assess the radiographic outcome. The patient age, sex, and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level were evaluated as possible risk factors, and we controlled for the interaction of potentially confounding variables using multivariate analysis. A total of 44 (77 feet) patients were included in this study. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 10.5±4.0 years and the mean follow-up was 5.1±2.2 years. Patients with GMFCS III/IV achieved less correction than those with GMFCS I/II in the AP talus-first metatarsal angle (P=0.001), lateral talocalcaneal angle (P=0.028), and the lateral talus-first metatarsal angle (P<0.001). The rate of undercorrection in the GMFCS III/IV group was 1.6 times higher than that in the GMFCS I/II group in the AP talus-first metatarsal angle (odds ratios: 1.6; 95% confidence interval: 1.2–2.0; P<0.001) and 1.6 times higher in the lateral talus-first metatarsal angle (odds ratios: 1.6; 95% confidence interval: 1.3–1.9; P<0.001). In GMFCS I/II patients with CP, we found CL to be an effective procedure for the correction of planovalgus foot deformities. However, in GMFCS III/IV patients with planovalgus deformities, CL appears to be insufficient on the basis of the high rate of undercorrection in these patients. For patients with GMFCS level III/IV, additional or alternative procedures should be considered to correct the deformity and maintain the correction achieved. Level of evidence: Level III, therapeutic study.
The Sexting Phenomenon in Spanish Nursing Students
Authors: Gutiérrez-Puertas Vanesa , Gutiérrez-Puertas Lorena , Aguilera-Manrique Gabriel , Baños-Martín María del Mar , Granados-Gámez Genoveva , Márquez-Hernández Verónica V.
Published: February 2017

One of the adverse effects arising among young people who engage in various social practices is the phenomenon of sexting. Sexting involves the production and delivery of sexual content voluntarily and freely and, in many cases, without the consent of the recipient. The aim of this study was to describe the presence of sexting in undergraduate students at the College of Nursing of the University of Almeria in Spain. It is a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study. A total of 105 undergraduate nursing students completed the sexuality and technology questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of seven dimensions with 59 items. Depending on size, statistically significant differences between the use of social networks and the dimension “sexting actions completed” and the dimension “position on statements about sexting” were found. No statistically significant differences between gender and the practice of sexting were found. The three main reasons for sexting match in both genders, these being “to draw attention,” “as a sexy gift,” and “to feel sexy.” Nursing students associated behaviors to show sexting, being a standard practice, common in both genders. Future research should consider the possible influence of this behavior on future professionals and on the field of nursing.
Nurses’ Use and Perception of an Information and Communication Technology System for Improving Coordination During Hospital Discharges
Authors: Christiansen Line , Fagerström Cecilia , Nilsson Lina
Published: February 2017

To facilitate communications between care levels and improve coordination during hospital discharges, there is great potential in using information and communication technology systems, because they can significantly help to deter unnecessary readmissions. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about how often nurses use information and communication technology and the indicators related to its use. The aims of this study were to describe the indicators related to nurses’ use of an information and communication technology system for collaboration between care levels and to estimate whether the level of use can be related to nurses’ perceptions of the information and communication technology system’s contribution to improve coordination during hospital discharges. A quantitative survey of 37 nurses from 11 primary healthcare centers was performed in a county in southern Sweden. The data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative analyses. The results showed that perceptions concerning the information and communication technology system’s usability and time consumption differed between nurses who used the system and those who did not. Simultaneously, the nurses were rather unaware of the ability of the information and communication technology system to improve coordination during patient discharges.