bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medical Writing in the Late Roman West
Authors: Cilliers Louise
Published: July 2018

After Galen, the Latin literary output of the medical sciences in the Latin West consisted of translations of earlier Greek works; new books based on Greek texts, and a large group of anonymous or pseudonymous texts. Elite western Roman society was essentially bilingual through ca 200 ce. The two chief translation centers of the era were North Africa and Ravenna. The most important authors in this period are Vindicianus, around 400 ce, his student Theodorus Priscianus, and Caelius Aurelianus, around 425 ce, who composed works largely based on Soranus the Methodist: each wrote works of recipes for general use, or specifically for female ailments. Cassius Felix, around 450 ce, wrote his Latin treatise for the use of medical students. The author Mustio composed a work of gynecology around 550 ce, for midwives, based on Soranus. Other regions produced writers, such as Marcellus of Bordeaux and Agnellus of Ravenna.
Society of Behavioral Medicine position statement: Society of Behavioral Medicine supports oral cancer early detection by all healthcare providers
Authors: Peterson Caryn E , Gordon Sara C , Le Hew Charles W , Dykens J A , Jefferson Gina D , Tampi Malavika P , Urquhart Olivia , Lingen Mark , Watson Karriem S , Buscemi Joanna , Fitzgibbon Marian L
Published: July 2018

In response to the increasing incidence of certain oral and oropharyngeal cancers, the Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) calls on healthcare providers and legislators to expand awareness of oral and oropharyngeal cancer risk factors, increase early detection, and support policies that increase utilization of dental services. SBM supports the American Dental Association’s 2017 guideline for evaluating potentially malignant oral cavity disorders and makes the following recommendations to healthcare providers and legislators. We encourage healthcare providers and healthcare systems to treat oral exams as a routine part of patient examination; communicate to patients about oral/oropharyngeal cancers and risk factors; encourage HPV vaccination for appropriate patients based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices; support avoidance of tobacco use and reduction of alcohol consumption; and follow the current recommendations for evaluating potentially malignant oral cavity lesions. Because greater evidence is needed to inform practice guidelines in the primary care setting, we call for more research in collaborative health and dental services. We encourage legislators to support policies that expand Medicaid to cover adult dental services, increase Medicaid reimbursement for dental services, and require dental care under any modification of, or replacement of, the Affordable Care Act.
Unraveling the role of aurora A beyond centrosomes and spindle assembly: implications in muscle differentiation
Authors: Dhanasekaran Karthigeyan , Bose Arnab , Rao Vinay J. , Boopathi Ramachandran , Shankar Shilpa Rani , Rao Vinay Kumar , Swaminathan Amrutha , Vasudevan Madavan , Taneja Reshma , Kundu Tapas K.
Published: July 2018

Aurora kinases are critical mitotic serine/threonine kinases and are often implicated in tumorigenesis. Recent studies of the interphase functions for aurora kinase (Aurk)A have considerably expanded our understanding of its role beyond mitosis. To identify the unknown targets of AurkA, we used peptide array‐based screening and found E2F4 to be a novel substrate. Phosphorylation of E2F4 by AurkA at Ser75 regulates its DNA binding and subcellular localization. Because E2F4 plays an important role in skeletal muscle differentiation, we attempted to gain insight into E2F4 phosphorylation in this context. We observed that a block in E2F4 phosphorylation retained it better within the nucleus and inhibited muscle differentiation. RNA sequencing analysis revealed a perturbation of the gene network involved in the process of muscle differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis. Collectively, our findings establish a novel role of AurkA in the process of skeletal muscle differentiation.—Dhanasekaran, K., Bose, A., Rao, V. J., Boopathi, R., Shankar, S. R., Rao, V. K., Swaminathan, A., Vasudevan, M., Taneja, R., Kundu, T. K. Unravelling the role of aurora A beyond centrosomes and spindle assembly: implications in muscle differentiation. FASEB J. 33, 219–230 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Research Gaps in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wexler Deborah J. , Powe Camille E. , Barbour Linda A. , Buchanan Thomas , Coustan Donald R. , Corcoy Rosa , Damm Peter , Dunne Fidelma , Feig Denice S. , Ferrara Assiamira , Harper Lorie M. , Landon Mark B. , Meltzer Sara J. , Metzger Boyd E. , Roeder Hilary , Rowan Janet A. , Sacks David A. , Simmons David , Umans Jason G. , Catalano Patrick M.
Published: July 2018

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases convened a workshop on research gaps in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with a focus on 1) early pregnancy diagnosis and treatment and 2) pharmacologic treatment strategies. This article summarizes the proceedings of the workshop. In early pregnancy, the appropriate diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of GDM remain poorly defined, and an effect of early diagnosis and treatment on the risk of adverse outcomes has not been demonstrated. Despite many small randomized controlled trials of glucose-lowering medication treatment in GDM, our understanding of medication management of GDM is incomplete as evidenced by discrepancies among professional society treatment guidelines. The comparative effectiveness of insulin, metformin, and glyburide remains uncertain, particularly with respect to long-term outcomes. Additional topics in need of further research identified by workshop participants included phenotypic heterogeneity in GDM and novel and individualized treatment approaches. Further research on these topics is likely to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of GDM to improve both short- and long-term outcomes for mothers and their children.
Adverse Events After Concurrent Procedures for Gynecologic Malignancies and Pelvic Floor Disorders
Authors: Bretschneider C. Emi , Sheyn David , Mahajan Sangeeta T. , Ferrando Cecile A.
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the incidence and trends of 30-day outcomes after concurrent surgeries for gynecologic cancer and pelvic floor disorders.

METHODS:

Using the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program database, patients who underwent surgery for gynecologic cancer with and without pelvic floor reconstruction were identified between the years 2013 and 2016. Propensity score matching was performed to ameliorate selection. Student t test and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare continuous variables between two groups where appropriate. The χ2 and Fisher exact tests were used where appropriate to compare categorical variables across groups. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate factors associated with any adverse event and with postoperative transfusion specifically.

RESULTS:

Twenty-five thousand one hundred thirty-eight patients underwent oncologic surgery and 589 (2.3%) of these had concurrent pelvic reconstruction during the study period. After propensity matching, there were 488 combined cases; 976 oncologic-only cases were selected as controls. There were no statistically significant differences across any of the baseline characteristics between groups. Although more common in the combined than in the control cohort, the incidence of any postoperative adverse event (8.2% vs 5.5%, odds ratio [OR] 1.5, 95% CI 0.99–2.3) was not statistically significant between groups. Postoperative blood transfusions, however, were more common in the combined cohort than in the control cohort (7.2% vs 3.6%, OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.8). After logistic regression, ovarian cancer (adjusted OR 7.9, 95% CI 4.9–12.7) and prolapse surgery (adjusted OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.0–2.7) remained significantly associated with any postoperative adverse events. Similarly, ovarian cancer (adjusted OR 10.0, 95% CI 5.9–17.3) and prolapse surgery (adjusted OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2–3.6) remained significantly associated with a higher incidence of postoperative blood transfusions.

CONCLUSION:

Combined reconstructive and oncologic surgery is associated with a low but statistically significant increase in the risk of any postoperative adverse event and specifically blood transfusions.
Zika Virus Infection Among Pregnant Women and Their Neonates in New York City, January 2016–June 2017
Authors: Conners Erin E. , Lee Ellen H. , Thompson Corinne N. , McGibbon Emily , Rakeman Jennifer L. , Iwamoto Martha , Cooper Hannah , Vora Neil M. , Limberger Ronald J. , Fine Anne D. , Liu Dakai , Slavinski Sally ,   for the Zika Working Group
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVE:

To describe and compare differences in the epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of pregnant women with confirmed or probable Zika virus infection and to compare the risk of having a neonate with laboratory evidence of Zika virus infection with that of having a neonate without evidence of Zika virus infection by maternal characteristics.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women with Zika virus infection who completed pregnancy in New York City from January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. Confirmed Zika virus infection was defined as 1) nucleic acid amplification test–detected Zika virus, or 2) a nonnegative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test result and a plaque-reduction neutralization test result positive for Zika virus but negative for dengue virus, or 3) delivery of a neonate with laboratory evidence of Zika virus infection. Probable infection was defined as a nonnegative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test result and a positive plaque-reduction neutralization test result for Zika virus and dengue virus.

RESULTS:

We identified 390 women with confirmed (28%) or probable (72%) Zika virus infection. Fever, rash, arthralgia, or conjunctivitis was reported by 31% of women and were more common among women with confirmed than with probable infection (43% vs 26%, P=.001). Of 366 neonates born to these women, 295 (81%) were tested for Zika virus and 22 (7%) had laboratory-diagnosed congenital Zika virus infection. The relative risk (RR) for having a neonate with laboratory evidence of Zika virus infection was greater among women with fever (RR 4.8, 95% CI 2.1–10.7), tingling (RR 4.8, CI 1.7–13.7), or numbness (RR 6.9, CI 2.6–18.2) during pregnancy or the periconception period. However, the RR did not differ whether the mother had confirmed or probable Zika virus infection (RR 1.6, CI 0.7–4.1).

CONCLUSION:

In New York City, a greater proportion of women had probable Zika virus infection than confirmed infection. Women with some symptoms during pregnancy or periconceptionally were more likely to have a neonate with laboratory evidence of Zika virus infection. Neonates born to women with confirmed or probable Zika virus infection should be tested for Zika virus infection.
Nonobstetric Surgery During Pregnancy
Authors: Tolcher Mary Catherine , Fisher William E. , Clark Steven L.
Published: July 2018

One percent to 2% of pregnant women undergo nonobstetric surgery during pregnancy. Historically, there has been a reluctance to operate on pregnant women based on concerns for teratogenesis, pregnancy loss, or preterm birth. However, a careful review of published data suggests four major flaws affecting much of the available literature. Many studies contain outcomes data from past years in which diagnostic testing, surgical technique, and perioperative maternal–fetal care were so different from current experience as to make these data of limited utility today. This issue is further compounded by a tendency to combine experience from vastly disparate types of surgery into a single report. In addition, reports in nonobstetric journals often focus on maternal outcomes and contain insufficient detail regarding perinatal outcomes to allow distinction between complications associated with surgical disease and those attributable to surgery itself. Finally, most series are either uncontrolled or use the general population of pregnant women as controls rather than women with surgical disease who are managed nonsurgically. Consideration of these factors as well as our own extensive experience suggests that when the risks of maternal hypotension or hypoxia are minimal, or can be adequately mitigated, indicated surgery during any trimester does not appear to subject either the mother or fetus to risks significantly beyond those associated with the disease itself or the complications of surgery in nonpregnant individuals. In some cases, reluctance to operate during pregnancy becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy in which delay in surgery contributes to adverse perinatal outcomes traditionally attributed to surgery itself.
Targeting cancer metabolism through synthetic lethality-based combinatorial treatment strategies
Authors: Bajpai Richa , Shanmugam Mala
Published: July 2018

Purpose of review

Targeting cancer metabolism for therapy has received much attention over the last decade with various small molecule inhibitors entering clinical trials. The present review highlights the latest strategies to target glucose and glutamine metabolism for cancer therapy with a particular emphasis on novel combinatorial treatment approaches.

Recent findings

Inhibitors of glucose, lactate, and glutamine transport and the ensuing metabolism are in preclinical to clinical trial stages of investigation. Recent advances in our understanding of cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors that dictate dependence on these targets have informed the development of rational, synthetic lethality-based strategies to exploit these metabolic vulnerabilities.

Cancer cells exhibit a number of metabolic alterations with functional consequences beyond that of sustaining cellular energetics and biosynthesis. Elucidating context-specific metabolic dependencies and their connections to oncogenic signaling and epigenetic programs in tumor cells represents a promising approach to identify new metabolic drug targets for cancer therapy.
Thermodilution Cardiac Output
Authors: Argueta Erwin E , Paniagua David
Published: July 2018

The need to quantify blood flow through the heart has led to the development of different techniques for its measurement. The 3 main approaches are the Fick method, dye dilution, and thermodilution techniques. The latter 2 are based on the use of indicators that indirectly quantify blood flow. These have slowly been developed over centuries, from the concept of measuring blood flow, to a technique, and its clinical utility. Thermodilution is the most popular dilution method used for measuring cardiac output (CO) in the clinical setting. The information obtained during this procedure is relevant in the process of clinical decision making in patients with critical illness, valvular heart disease, and congestive heart failure. The technique increased in popularity in the early 1970’s after Swan and Ganz invented the pulmonary artery catheter that simplified thermodilution enough to utilize it as a bedside procedure. This was only possible with simple yet clever engineering methods that are not commonly known in the medical community. Despite these advancements, the concept of measuring CO by dilution techniques is one where its optimal use in the clinical setting continues to be an area of investigation. The thermodilution concept and the mechanism of measuring CO will be discussed in the following review.
Wandering by Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Key Clinical Factors and the Role of Schools and Pediatricians
Authors: McLaughlin Laura , Keim Sarah A. , Adesman Andrew
Published: July 2018

Objective:

To examine the clinical characteristics associated with wandering in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the impact on families, and how medical and educational professionals address wandering.

Methods:

An anonymous, online questionnaire was distributed through autism-related organizations to parents of children with ASD. The questionnaire asked about demographics, developmental diagnoses, past wandering behavior, and impact of wandering on parents. It also asked about the use of electronic tracking devices, requested Individualized Education Program (IEP) modifications, use of restraints and/or seclusion to prevent wandering at school, and receipt of guidance about wandering. Parents were included if they lived in the United States and had a child aged 4 to 18 years with ASD who had previously wandered.

Results:

A total of 1454 parents who completed the questionnaire met the inclusion criteria. It was found that 22.4% of the children wandered from their home or yard and 24.6% from a public place more than monthly. Wandering concerns affected 73.3% of parents' decisions to let their child spend time with friends or family in their absence. Furthermore, 48.6% and 58.7% of parents were moderately/very worried about their child wandering from home or yard or a public place, respectively. Over half of the parents (54.9%) parents requested IEP changes to address wandering. Only 33.3% of parents had previously received any counseling about wandering.

Conclusion:

Children with ASD and a history of elopement wandered at a fairly high frequency. Wandering concerns increased worry and anxiety for parents and negatively impacted household routines. The medical community is not adequately educating families about these risks. Pediatricians must become more aware of available prevention and mitigation strategies.
Validation of an Isavuconazole High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Assay in Plasma for Routine Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Applications
Authors: Mueller Silke C. , Karasch Ilona , Lakner Johannes , Wacke Rainer
Published: July 2018

Background:

Isavuconazole is a triazole antifungal agent for treatment of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis. At present, it is unclear whether a therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of isavuconazole would be necessary. The aim of the investigation was to validate a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay for routine applications.

Methods:

An HPLC assay for routine determination of isavuconazole in plasma has been adapted and validated. The assay used the reagents and HPLC column provided by the ChromSystems HPLC Kit for TDM of itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole. Isocratic flow rate was set at 1.0 mL/min. Detection was performed using a fluorescence detector with excitation wavelength set at 261 nm and emission wavelength set at 366 nm.

Results:

The assay was linear between 0.15 and 10 mg/L with intraday and interday imprecision and accuracy <10% (<20% at lower limit of quantification). The method was applied to routine TDM of 7 patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (n = 31 samples). In these patients, trough levels ranged from 0.45 to 3.06 mg/L (median 1.44 mg/L).

Conclusions:

A robust and simple HPLC assay of isavuconazole in plasma for routine TDM applications is presented.
Aδ and not C fibers mediate thermal hyperalgesia to short laser stimuli after burn injury in man
Authors: Slimani Hocine , Plaghki Leon , Valenti Paola , Werner Mads U. , Kehlet Henrik , Kupers Ron
Published: July 2018

It remains unclear which nerve fibers are responsible for mediating hyperalgesia after skin injury. Here, we examined the role of Aδ and C fibers in inflammatory hyperalgesia after a first-degree burn injury. A CO2 laser delivered ultrafast short constant-temperature heat pulses to the upper part of the lower leg to stimulate selectively the relatively fast-conducting thinly myelinated Aδ and the slowly conducting unmyelinated C fibers. Participants were asked to respond as fast as possible whenever they detected a thermal stimulus. Thresholds and reaction times to selective Aδ and C fiber activations were measured in the conditioned and the surrounding intact skin, at pre-injury, and 1 hour and 24 hours after injury. First-degree burn injury caused a significant decrease in Aδ fiber detection thresholds and a significant increase in the proportion of Aδ-fiber-mediated responses in the inflamed area 24 hours, but not 1 hour, after burn injury. No changes in heat perception were observed in the intact skin surrounding the injury. No group differences in C-fiber-mediated sensations were observed. Our findings indicate that quickly adapting Aδ fibers but not quickly adapting C fibers are sensitized when activated by short and ultrafast heat stimuli after skin burn injury. Our results further show that this change occurs between 1 hour and 24 hours after injury and that it does not extend to the skin surrounding the injury.
The Association Between Modiolar Base Anomalies and Intraoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage in Patients With Incomplete Partition Type-II Anomaly: A Classification System and Presentation of 73 Cases
Authors: Bajin Münir Demir , Pamuk Ahmet Erim , Pamuk Gözde , Özgen Burçe , Sennaroğlu Levent
Published: July 2018

Objective:

Modiolus and modiolar base abnormalities in patients with incomplete partition-II anomaly (IP-II) increase the risk of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. This study aimed to classify modiolar abnormalities and define objective radiological measures for preoperatively evaluating intraoperative CSF leakage risk.

Study Design:

Retrospective case series.

Setting:

Tertiary referral center.

Patients:

The study included 73 patients with IP-II that underwent cochlear implant surgery between 2002 and 2017.

Intervention:

Analysis of preoperative temporal bone computed tomography (CT) scans and surgical records.

Main Outcome Measures:

Preoperative CT modiolar anomalies and intraoperative CSF leakage status.

Results:

Among the 73 patients (41 men and 32 women), mean age at cochlear implant surgery was 11.4 (range, 0–42) years. Preoperative CT-based modiolar base anomaly classification was as follows: grade 1 (complete modiolus, n = 1), grade 2 (thin plate of bone in the modiolar base + partial modiolus, n = 14); grade 3 (thin plate of bone in the modiolar base, n = 53); grade 4 (total modiolar base defect, n = 5). The gusher rate was 8%. All patients with grade 4 anomaly had an intraoperative gusher. Patients with grade 3 anomaly accounted for 86% of oozing cases. Oozing, pulsation, and no CSF leakage rates were similar in those with grade 2 anomaly.

Conclusions:

The modiolus and modiolar base must be carefully evaluated in patients with IP-II. Gushers primarily occur in IP-II patients with grade 4 anomaly. A thin plate of bone in the modiolar base most commonly prevents gushers.
Hearing Changes After Intratympanic Steroids for Secondary (Salvage) Therapy of Sudden Hearing Loss: A Meta-Analysis Using Mathematical Simulations of Drug Delivery Protocols
Authors: Liebau Arne , Pogorzelski Olivia , Salt Alec N. , Plontke Stefan K.
Published: July 2018

Objective:

The use of glucocorticoids for secondary (salvage/rescue) therapy of idiopathic sudden hearing loss (ISSHL), including controlled and uncontrolled studies with intratympanic injections or continuous, catheter mediated applications, were evaluated by means of a meta-analysis in an attempt to define optimal local drug delivery protocols for ISSHL.

Study Design:

A total of 30 studies with 33 treatment groups between January 2000 and June 2014 were selected based on sufficiently detailed description of application protocols. Cochlear drug levels were calculated by a validated computer model of drug dispersion in the inner ear fluids based on the concentration and volume of glucocorticoids applied, the time drug remained in the middle ear, and on the specific timing of injections. Various factors were compared with hearing outcome, including baseline data, individual parameters of the application protocols, calculated peak concentration (C
max), and total dose (area under the curve, AUC).

Results:

There was no dependence of hearing outcome on individual parameters of the application protocol, C
max or AUC. Hearing gain and final hearing thresholds were independent of treatment delay.

Conclusion:

Based on the available data from uncontrolled and controlled randomized and non-randomized studies no clear recommendation can be made so far for a specific application protocol for either primary or secondary (salvage) intratympanic steroid treatment in patients with ISSHL. For meta-analyses, change in pure tone average (PTA) may not be an adequate outcome parameter to assess effectiveness of the intervention especially with inhomogeneity of patient populations. Final PTA might provide a better outcome parameter.
Pediatric HIV Treatment Gaps in 7 East and Southern African Countries: Examination of Modeled, Survey, and Routine Program Data
Authors: Saito Suzue , Chung Hannah , Mahy Mary , Radin Anna K. , Jonnalagadda Sasi , Hakim Avi , Awor Anna C. , Mwila Annie , Gonese Elizabeth , Wadonda-Kabondo Nellie , Rwehumbiza Patrick , Ao Trong , Kim Evelyn J. , Frederix Koen , Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha Harriet , Musuka Godfrey , Mugurungi Owen , Mushii Jeremiah , Mnisi Zandile , Munthali Gloria , Jahn Andreas , Kirungi Wilford L. , Sivile Suilanji , Abrams Elaine J.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Remarkable success in the prevention and treatment of pediatric HIV infection has been achieved in the past decade. Large differences remain between the estimated number of children living with HIV (CLHIV) and those identified through national HIV programs. We evaluated the number of CLHIV and those on treatment in Lesotho, Malawi, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Methods:

We assessed the total number of CLHIV, CLHIV on antiretroviral treatment (ART), and national and regional ART coverage gaps using 3 data sources: (1) Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS model-based estimates and national program data used as input values in the models, (2) population-based HIV impact surveys (PHIA), and (3) program data from the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)–supported clinics.

Results:

Across the 7 countries, HIV prevalence among children aged 0–14 years ranged from 0.4% (Uncertainty Bounds (UB) 0.2%–0.6%) to 2.8% (UB: 2.2%–3.4%) according to the PHIA surveys, resulting in estimates of 520,000 (UB: 460,000–580,000) CLHIV in 2016–2017 in the 7 countries. This compared with Spectrum estimates of pediatric HIV prevalence ranging from 0.5% (UB: 0.5%–0.6%) to 3.5% (UB: 3.0%–4.0%) representing 480,000 (UB: 390,000–550,000) CLHIV. CLHIV not on treatment according to the PEPFAR, PHIA, and Spectrum for the countries stood at 48% (UB: 25%–60%), 49% (UB: 37%–50%), and 38% (UB: 24%–47%), respectively. Of 78 regions examined across 7 countries, 33% of regions (PHIA data) or 41% of regions (PEPFAR data) had met the ART coverage target of 81%.

Conclusions:

There are substantial gaps in the coverage of HIV treatment in CLHIV in the 7 countries studied according to all sources. There is continued need to identify, engage, and treat infants and children. Important inconsistencies in estimates across the 3 sources warrant in-depth investigation.
Long-term Quality of Life in Neonatal Surgical Disease
Authors: Amin Ruchi , Knezevich Michelle , Lingongo Melissa , Szabo Aniko , Yin Ziyan , Oldham Keith T. , Calkins Casey M. , Sato Thomas T. , Arca Marjorie J.
Published: July 2018

Objective:

This prospective observational study was designed to assess Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) after surgical treatment for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF), Hirschsprung disease (HD), gastroschisis (GAS), omphalocele (OMP), and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

Summary of Background Data:

Improvements in neonatal and surgical care have led to increased survival for many newborn conditions. Quality of life in these patients is seldom explored in a longitudinal manner. We hypothesized that age-adjusted physical and psychosocial scores would improve over time, but with diagnosis-dependent variation.

Methods:

Data were collected from 241 patients (CDH = 52; EA/TEF = 62; HD = 46; GAS = 32; OMP = 26; NEC = 23) in an institutional Clinical Outcomes Registry (COR) from 2012 to 2017. Aggregate physical, psychosocial, and overall PedsQL scores were determined for each diagnosis. Spline regression models were created to model scores as a function of age.

Results:

Physical scores trended up for all diagnoses except CDH and NEC beyond age 10. Psychosocial scores trended up for all diagnoses except NEC and EA/TEF beyond age 10. Beyond age 12, CDH, GAS, and HD patients had overall scores within the normal range, while NEC, OMP, and EA/TEF patients had scores similar to children with chronic medical illness.

Conclusion:

Variation exists in long-term PedsQL scores after neonatal surgery for selected, complex disease. Beyond age 12, quality of life is significantly impaired in NEC, moderately impaired in OMP and EA/TEF, and within normal range for CDH, HD, and GAS patients at the population level. These data are relevant to prenatal and perioperative discussions with patients and families.
Flexible decision-making in grooming partner choice in sooty mangabeys and chimpanzees
Authors: Mielke Alexander , Preis Anna , Samuni Liran , Gogarten Jan F. , Wittig Roman M. , Crockford Catherine
Published: July 2018

Living in permanent social groups forces animals to make decisions about when, how and with whom to interact, requiring decisions to be made that integrate multiple sources of information. Changing social environments can influence this decision-making process by constraining choice or altering the likelihood of a positive outcome. Here, we conceptualized grooming as a choice situation where an individual chooses one of a number of potential partners. Studying two wild populations of sympatric primate species, sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys atys) and western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus), we tested what properties of potential partners influenced grooming decisions, including their relative value based on available alternatives and the social relationships of potential partners with bystanders who could observe the outcome of the decision. Across 1529 decision events, multiple partner attributes (e.g. dominance ranks, social relationship quality, reproductive state, partner sex) influenced choice. Individuals preferred to initiate grooming with partners of similar global rank, but this effect was driven by a bias towards partners with a high rank compared to other locally available options. Individuals also avoided grooming partners who had strong social relationships with at least one bystander. Results indicated flexible decision-making in grooming interactions in both species, based on a partner's value given the local social environment. Viewing partner choice as a value-based decision-making process allows researchers to compare how different species solve similar social problems.
Growth profiling, kinetics and substrate utilization of low-cost dairy waste for production of β-cryptoxanthin by
Kocuria marina
DAGII
Authors: Mitra Ruchira , Dutta Debjani
Published: July 2018

The dairy industry produces enormous amount of cheese whey containing the major milk nutrients, but this remains unutilized all over the globe. The present study investigates the production of β-cryptoxanthin (β-CRX) by
Kocuria marina
DAGII using cheese whey as substrate. Response surface methodology (RSM) and an artificial neural network (ANN) approach were implemented to obtain the maximum β-CRX yield. Significant factors, i.e. yeast extract, peptone, cheese whey and initial pH, were the input variables in both the optimizing studies, and β-CRX yield and biomass were taken as output variables. The ANN topology of 4-9-2 was found to be optimum when trained with a feed-forward back-propagation algorithm. Experimental values of β-CRX yield (17.14 mg l
−1
) and biomass (5.35 g l
−1
) were compared and ANN predicted values (16.99 mg l
−1
and 5.33 g l
−1
, respectively) were found to be more accurate compared with RSM predicted values (16.95 mg l
−1
and 5.23 g l
−1
, respectively). Detailed kinetic analysis of cellular growth, substrate consumption and product formation revealed that growth inhibition took place at substrate concentrations higher than 12% (v/v) of cheese whey. The Han and Levenspiel model was the best fitted substrate inhibition model that described the cell growth in cheese whey with an
R
2
and MSE of 0.9982% and 0.00477%, respectively. The potential importance of this study lies in the development, optimization and modelling of a suitable cheese whey supplemented medium for increased β-CRX production.
Finite-element analysis of microwave scattering from a three-dimensional human head model for brain stroke detection
Authors: Munawar Qureshi Awais , Mustansar Zartasha , Mustafa Samah
Published: July 2018

In this paper, a detailed analysis of microwave (MW) scattering from a three-dimensional (3D) anthropomorphic human head model is presented. It is the first time that the finite-element method (FEM) has been deployed to study the MW scattering phenomenon of a 3D realistic head model for brain stroke detection. A major contribution of this paper is to add anatomically more realistic details to the human head model compared with the literature available to date. Using the MRI database, a 3D numerical head model was developed and segmented into 21 different types through a novel tissue-mapping scheme and a mixed-model approach. The heterogeneous and frequency-dispersive dielectric properties were assigned to brain tissues using the same mapping technique. To mimic the simulation set-up, an eight-elements antenna array around the head model was designed using dipole antennae. Two types of brain stroke (haemorrhagic and ischaemic) at various locations inside the head model were then analysed for possible detection and classification. The transmitted and backscattered signals were calculated by finding out the solution of the Helmholtz wave equation in the frequency domain using the FEM. FE mesh convergence analysis for electric field values and comparison between different types of iterative solver were also performed to obtain error-free results in minimal computational time. At the end, specific absorption rate analysis was conducted to examine the ionization effects of MW signals to a 3D human head model. Through computer simulations, it is foreseen that MW imaging may efficiently be exploited to locate and differentiate two types of brain stroke by detecting abnormal tissues’ dielectric properties. A significant contrast between electric field values of the normal and stroke-affected brain tissues was observed at the stroke location. This is a step towards generating MW scattering information for the development of an efficient image reconstruction algorithm.
Comparison of electron injection and recombination on TiO
2
nanoparticles and ZnO nanorods photosensitized by phthalocyanine
Authors: Virkki K. , Tervola E. , Ince M. , Torres T. , Tkachenko N. V.
Published: July 2018

Titanium dioxide (TiO
2
) and zinc oxide (ZnO) semiconductors have similar band gap positions but TiO
2
performs better as an anode material in dye-sensitized solar cell applications. We compared two electrodes made of TiO
2
nanoparticles and ZnO nanorods sensitized by an aggregation-protected phthalocyanine derivative using ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy. In agreement with previous studies, the primary electron injection is two times faster on TiO
2
, but contrary to the previous results the charge recombination is slower on ZnO. The latter could be due to morphology differences and the ability of the injected electrons to travel much further from the sensitizer cation in ZnO nanorods.
Effect of surface bending and stress on the transmission of line force to an elastic substrate
Authors: Hui Chung Yuen , Liu Zezhou , Jagota Anand
Published: July 2018

For a broad class of soft materials their surface stress can strongly influence mechanical behaviour. For example, a line force applied to the surface of an elastic substrate is locally supported by surface stress over an elasto-capillary length

l

c

(surface stress/elastic modulus). Surface stress regularizes the otherwise highly singular stress and strain fields. However, surface such as lipid bilayer interfaces can also resist deformation by bending. This has not been studied either by experiments or theories. We analyse a theoretical model of the response of a half-space to a line force when the surface carries both a stress and resistance to bending. We find that surface bending further regularizes the singular fields. The local stress field near the line load can be separated into three regions. Region 1 occupies distances from the line load smaller than an elasto-capillary bending length

l

b

(bending stiffness/elastic modulus to the 1/3 power) where surface bending dominates and the elastic stress and strains are continuous. Region 2 occupies intermediate distances between

l

b

and

l

c

 
(
>

l

b

)

where surface stress dominates. At distances larger than

l

c

we retrieve the classical elasticity solution. The size of region 2 depends on

κ
=

l

c

/

l

b

and vanishes for small

l

c

.
Three-dimensional visualization and quantification of the fracture mechanisms in sparse fibre networks using multiscale X-ray microtomography
Authors: Krasnoshlyk Victoria , Rolland du Roscoat Sabine , Dumont Pierre J. J. , Isaksson Per , Ando Edward , Bonnin Anne
Published: July 2018

The structural changes that are induced by the initiation and the propagation of a crack in a low-density paper (LDP) were studied using single edge-notched fracture tests that were imaged under an optical microscope or in laboratory or synchrotron X-ray microtomographs. The two-dimensional optical images were used to analyse the links between the mesoscale structural variations of LDP and the crack path. Medium-resolution X-ray three-dimensional images were used to analyse the variations in the thickness and local porosity of samples as well as their displacement field that were induced by the LDP fracture. High-resolution three-dimensional images showed that these mesostructural variations were accompanied by complex fibre and bond deformation mechanisms that were, for the first time,in situimaged. These mechanisms occurred in the fracture process zone that developed ahead of the crack tip before the crack path became distinct and visible. They were at the origin of the aforementioned thickness variations that developed more particularly along the crack path. They eventually led to fibre–fibre bond detachment phenomena and crack propagation through the fibrous network. These results can be used to enhance the current structural and mechanical models for the prediction of the fracture behaviour of papers.
Forgotten Mediterranean calving grounds of grey and North Atlantic right whales: evidence from Roman archaeological records
Authors: Rodrigues Ana S. L. , Charpentier Anne , Bernal-Casasola Darío , Gardeisen Armelle , Nores Carlos , Pis Millán José Antonio , McGrath Krista , Speller Camilla F.
Published: July 2018

Right whales (
Eubalaena glacialis
) were extirpated from the eastern North Atlantic by commercial whaling. Grey whales (
Eschrichtius robustus
) disappeared from the entire North Atlantic in still-mysterious circumstances. Here, we test the hypotheses that both species previously occurred in the Mediterranean Sea, an area not currently considered part of their historical range. We used ancient DNA barcoding and collagen fingerprinting methods to taxonomically identify a rare set of 10 presumed whale bones from Roman and pre-Roman archaeological sites in the Strait of Gibraltar region, plus an additional bone from the Asturian coast. We identified three right whales, and three grey whales, demonstrating that the ranges of both of these species historically encompassed the Gibraltar region, probably including the Mediterranean Sea as calving grounds. Our results significantly extend the known range of the Atlantic grey whale, and suggest that 2000 years ago, right and grey whales were common when compared with other whale species. The disappearance of right and grey whales from the Mediterranean region is likely to have been accompanied by broader ecosystem impacts, including the disappearance of their predators (killer whales) and a reduction in marine primary productivity. The evidence that these two coastal and highly accessible species were present along the shores of the Roman Empire raises the hypothesis that they may have formed the basis of a forgotten whaling industry.
Natural selection and outbreeding depression suggest adaptive differentiation in the invasive range of a clonal plant
Authors: Pantoja Pauline O. , Paine C. E. Timothy , Vallejo-Marín Mario
Published: July 2018

Analyses of phenotypic selection and demography in field populations are powerful ways to establishing the potential role of natural selection in shaping evolution during biological invasions. Here we use experimental F
2
crosses between native and introduced populations of
Mimulus guttatus
to estimate the pattern of natural selection in part of its introduced range, and to seek evidence of outbreeding depression of colonists. The F
2
s combined the genome of an introduced population with the genome of either native or introduced populations. We found that the introduced × introduced cross had the fastest population growth rate owing to increased winter survival, clonality and seed production. Our analysis also revealed that selection through sexual fitness favoured large floral displays, large vegetative and flower size, lateral spread and early flowering. Our results indicate a source-of-origin effect, consistent with outbreeding depression exposed by mating between introduced and native populations. Our findings suggest that well-established non-native populations may pay a high fitness cost during subsequent bouts of admixture with native populations, and reveal that processes such as local adaptation in the invasive range can mediate the fitness consequences of admixture.
Discontinuities in quinoa biodiversity in the dry Andes: an 18-century perspective based on allelic genotyping
Authors: Winkel Thierry , Aguirre María Gabriela , Arizio Carla Marcela , Aschero Carlos Alberto , Babot María del Pilar , Benoit Laure , Burgarella Concetta , Costa-Tártara Sabrina , Dubois Marie-Pierre , Gay Laurène , Hocsman Salomón , Jullien Margaux , López-Campeny Sara María Luisa , Manifesto María Marcela , Navascués Miguel , Oliszewski Nurit , Pintar Elizabeth , Zenboudji Saliha , Bertero Héctor Daniel , Joffre Richard
Published: July 2018

History and environment shape crop biodiversity, particularly in areas with vulnerable human communities and ecosystems. Tracing crop biodiversity over time helps understand how rural societies cope with anthropogenic or climatic changes. Exceptionally well preserved ancient DNA of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoaWilld.) from the cold and arid Andes of Argentina has allowed us to track changes and continuities in quinoa diversity over 18 centuries, by coupling genotyping of 157 ancient and modern seeds by 24 SSR markers with cluster and coalescence analyses. Cluster analyses revealed clear population patterns separating modern and ancient quinoas. Coalescence-based analyses revealed that genetic drift within a single population cannot explain genetic differentiation among ancient and modern quinoas. The hypothesis of a genetic bottleneck related to the Spanish Conquest also does not seem to apply at a local scale. Instead, the most likely scenario is the replacement of preexisting quinoa gene pools with new ones of lower genetic diversity. This process occurred at least twice in the last 18 centuries: first, between the 6th and 12th centuries—a time of agricultural intensification well before the Inka and Spanish conquests—and then between the 13th century and today—a period marked by farming marginalization in the late 19th century likely due to a severe multidecadal drought. While these processes of local gene pool replacement do not imply losses of genetic diversity at the metapopulation scale, they support the view that gene pool replacement linked to social and environmental changes can result from opposite agricultural trajectories.
Adolescent Cognitive Control, Theta Oscillations, and Social Motivation
Authors: Buzzell George A. , Barker Tyson V. , Troller-Renfree Sonya V. , Bernat Edward M. , Bowers Maureen E. , Morales Santiago , Bowman Lindsay C. , Henderson Heather A. , Pine Daniel S. , Fox Nathan A.
Published: July 2018

Theta oscillations (4-8 Hz) provide an organizing principle of cognitive control, allowing goal-directed behavior that is conserved across species. In human adults, theta power over medial-frontal cortex (MFC) underlies monitoring, whereas theta synchrony between MFC and lateral-frontal regions reflects control recruitment. Prior work has not separated theta before/after motor responses, nor explained how medial-lateral synchrony drives different kinds of control behaviors. Theta’s role during adolescence, a developmental window characterized by a motivation-control mismatch also remains unclear, preventing possible cross-species work. Here, adolescents performed a flanker task alone or under observation to increase social motivation. We separated theta dynamics immediately before/after motor responses, identifying functional dissociations. We also dissociate MFC connectivity with rostral/caudal frontal cortex and distinct forms of behavioral control, which further differed before/after response. Finally, social motivation was found to exclusively upregulate post-response error monitoring and changes in control to prevent future errors, as opposed to pre-response theta dynamics.