bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public and Population Health Informatics: The Bridging of Big Data to Benefit Communities
Authors: Gamache Roland , Kharrazi Hadi , Weiner Jonathan
Published: August 2018

Objective: To summarize the recent public and population health informatics literature with a focus on the synergistic “bridging” of electronic data to benefit communities and other populations.

Methods: The review was primarily driven by a search of the literature from July 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017. The search included articles indexed in PubMed using subject headings with (MeSH) keywords “public health informatics” and “social determinants of health”. The “social determinants of health” search was refined to include articles that contained the keywords “public health”, “population health” or “surveillance”.

Results: Several categories were observed in the review focusing on public health's socio-technical infrastructure: evaluation of surveillance practices, surveillance methods, interoperable health information infrastructure, mobile health, social media, and population health. Common trends discussing socio-technical infrastructure included big data platforms, social determinants of health, geographical information systems, novel data sources, and new visualization techniques. A common thread connected these categories of workforce, governance, and sustainability: using clinical resources and data to bridge public and population health.

Conclusions: Both medical care providers and public health agencies are increasingly using informatics and big data tools to create and share digital information. The intent of this “bridging” is to proactively identify, monitor, and improve a range of medical, environmental, and social factors relevant to the health of communities. These efforts show a significant growth in a range of population health-centric information exchange and analytics activities.
Deep Learning on 1-D Biosignals: a Taxonomy-based Survey
Authors: Ganapathy Nagarajan , Swaminathan Ramakrishnan , Deserno Thomas
Published: August 2018

Objectives: Deep learning models such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been applied successfully to medical imaging, but biomedical signal analysis has yet to fully benefit from this novel approach. Our survey aims at (i) reviewing deep learning techniques for biosignal analysis in computer- aided diagnosis; and (ii) deriving a taxonomy for organizing the growing number of applications in the field.

Methods: A comprehensive literature research was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and ACM. Deep learning models were classified with respect to the (i) origin, (ii) dimension, and (iii) type of the biosignal as input to the deep learning model; (iv) the goal of the application; (v) the size and (vi) type of ground truth data; (vii) the type and (viii) schedule of learning the network; and (ix) the topology of the model.

Results: Between January 2010 and December 2017, a total 71 papers were published on the topic. The majority (n = 36) of papers are on electrocariography (ECG) signals. Most applications (n = 25) aim at detection of patterns, while only a few (n = 6) at predection of events. Out of 36 ECG-based works, many (n = 17) relate to multi-lead ECG. Other biosignals that have been identified in the survey are electromyography, phonocardiography, photoplethysmography, electrooculography, continuous glucose monitoring, acoustic respiratory signal, blood pressure, and electrodermal activity signal, while ballistocardiography or seismocardiography have yet to be analyzed using deep learning techniques. In supervised and unsupervised applications, CNNs and restricted Boltzmann machines are the most and least frequently used, (n = 34) and (n = 15), respectively.

Conclusion: Our key-code classification of relevant papers was used to cluster the approaches that have been published to date and demonstrated a large variability of research with respect to data, application, and network topology. Future research is expected to focus on the standardization of deep learning architectures and on the optimization of the network parameters to increase performance and robustness. Furthermore, application-driven approaches and updated training data from mobile recordings are needed.
Perioperative Visual Deficit in a Patient Undergoing Dorsolumbar Spine Surgery
Authors: Pandey Ved Prakash , Dasgupta Arnab , Aggarwal Anurag , Jain Sachin
Published: August 2018

Perioperative visual loss (POVL) is a rare but potentially serious complication of long-duration surgeries in prone position under general anesthesia. The mechanism of visual loss after surgery, and its incidence, is difficult to determine. It is primarily associated with cardiothoracic and spine surgeries. The proposed causes include corneal injury, retinal ischemia (central retinal artery occlusion/branch retinal artery occlusion [CRAO/BRAO]), ischemic optic neuropathy (ION), and cortical blindness. A large, recent multicenter case-control study has identified risk factors associated with ION for patients undergoing spinal instrumentation surgery in prone position. These include male sex, obesity, use of Wilson's frame, long duration of anesthesia/surgery, larger estimated blood loss, and larger relative use of crystalloids for compensation of blood loss. This report describes a relatively healthy, 71-year-old female patient who developed significant visual impairment after thoracolumbar spine surgery in prone position under general anesthesia. The case raises dilemmas regarding the preoperative identification of patients who should be informed of the risk of POVL, and by whom.
Clinical pearls: Laboratory assessments of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACS)
Authors: Gosselin Robert , Douxfils Jonathan , Adcock Dorothy
Published: August 2018

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACS) are used for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation as well as for prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism.

Clinicians who treat, or may encounter, patients with DOAC exposure, should be aware of the limitations of coagulation testing in this setting, and seek counsel from their laboratory to understand the effects of DOACS on coagulation results. Generally, assays that employ clot based principles, or methods that require thrombin or Factor Xa activation or substrates may be affected by the presence of DOACS. The clinical laboratory should have an algorithmic testing plan for adequately assessing the presence of all DOACS and readily provide this information to clinicians. We describe Clinical Pearls for DOAC assessment using common and esoteric coagulation testing.
Is ICD-9 Coding of Morbid Obesity Reliable in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Authors: George Jaiben , Sodhi Nipun , Anis Hiba , Khlopas Anton , Moskal Joseph , Klika Alison , Barsoum Wael , Higuera Carlos , Mont Michael
Published: August 2018

Morbid obesity is considered to have a stronger association with complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Although the impact of obesity coding errors has been previously reported, the extent of coding inaccuracies with respect to morbid obesity is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess (1) the utility of coding in identifying morbid obesity and (2) the effects of morbid obesity on 90-day complications after TKA when morbid obesity was defined by both body mass index (BMI) and International Classification of Diseases 9th edition (ICD-9) coding. A total of 18,030 primary TKAs performed at a single institution from 2004 to 2014 were identified. Patients were defined as morbidly obese based on ICD-9 codes or by BMI recorded in the electronic medical record (EMR). Patients were defined as obese (ICD-9 codes 278.0, 278.00, 278.01, 278.03, 649.10–14, 793.91, V85.30–39, V85.41–45, V85.54) or morbidly obese (278.01, V85.41–45) by ICD-9 codes. Patient EMRs were also reviewed to identify obese and morbidly obese patients (BMI cutoffs of 30 and 40 kg/m2, respectively). Complications between the cohorts were compared. Sensitivity and specificity were also calculated. Among the 2,880 surgeries performed in morbidly obese patients, a code for obesity was present in 1,618 (56.2%) surgeries, but only 57.9% (937) of these patients had a code specific for morbid obesity, with the rest having a code not specifying morbid obesity. The sensitivity and specificity of obesity coding were 34.5 and 96.0%, while that of morbid obesity were 32.5 and 96.7%, respectively (area under curve: 0.65 vs. 0.65, p = 0.214). A higher rate of complications was noted when patients were defined as morbidly obese by ICD-9 as when defined by EMR-reported BMI. Although morbidly obese patients are more likely to have a code for obesity compared with obese patients, these patients may not be correctly identified as morbidly obese due to a lack of specificity in the codes. These errors may lead to inadequate reimbursements, and may also overestimate the effect of morbid obesity on complications.
Operative Time, Length of Stay, Short-Term Readmission, and Complications after Hinged Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis
Authors: Sodhi Nipun , Patel Yatindra , George Jaiben , Sultan Assem , Anis Hiba , Newman Jared , Kryzak Thomas , Khlopas Anton , Moskal Joseph , Mont Michael
Published: August 2018

Despite the wide utilization of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), it can be technically challenging to perform in patients who have concomitant bone loss, ligamentous laxity, or high-grade deformity, whether in a revision situation or due to a primary pathology. Therefore, hinged knee prostheses have been developed to provide more stable fixation in these situations. The purpose of this study was to compare the short-term peri- and postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing primary TKA with and without hinged prosthesis. Specifically, we compared (1) mean operative times, (2) lengths of stay (LOS), (3) 30-day readmissions, and (4) complications. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify hinged TKAs and 99 procedures were included. They were matched in a 1:3 ratio to primary TKAs without a hinged prosthesis using propensity score matching. Operative time, LOS, discharge disposition, 30-day readmissions, and complications were compared. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) were also calculated. The operative time was significantly higher in hinged cohort compared with the nonhinged cohort (mean difference [MD] = 22 minutes; range, 10–34 minutes, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between hinged and nonhinged TKAs with respect to LOS (MD= 0.61 days, range, –0.07–1.30 days, p = 0.080), discharge disposition (OR = 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66–1.84), readmissions (OR = 2.67, 95% CI, 0.84–8.24), and any complications (OR = 1.13, 95% CI, 0.55–2.19). Not surprisingly, primary TKAs with hinged prostheses had increased operative times, but had similar LOS, discharge dispositions, and 30-day rates of readmission and complications when compared with TKAs without a hinged prosthesis. One potential contributing factor to the increased operating time is that patients who receive a hinged implant tend to present with more severe deformities. It is reassuring to know that early outcomes were similar between both cohorts (although we await longer follow-up studies), and that hinged implants can be considered in these difficult to treat patients.
Is Knee Joint Distraction a Viable Treatment Option for Knee OA?—A Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Takahashi Tsuneari , Baboolal Thomas G. , Lamb Jonathan , Hamilton Thomas W. , Pandit Hemant G.
Published: August 2018

Knee joint distraction (KJD) is a new application of an established technique to regenerate native cartilage using an external fixator. The purpose of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to determine whether KJD is beneficial for knee osteoarthritis and how results compare with established treatments. Studies assessing the outcomes of KJD were retrieved, with three studies (one cohort and two randomized controlled trials), 62 knees, meeting the inclusion criteria. The primary outcome was functional outcome, assessed using a validated outcome score, at 1 year. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, structural assessment of the joint, and adverse events. KJD is associated with improvements in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) from baseline to 1 year as well as reductions in pain scores and improvements in structural parameters assessed radiographically and by magnetic resonance imaging. KJD is not associated with decreased knee flexion, but is associated with a high risk of pin site infection. In patients aged 65 years or under at 1 year, no differences in WOMAC or pain scores was detected between patients managed with KJD compared with high tibial osteotomy or total knee arthroplasty. KJD may represent a potential treatment for knee arthritis, though further trials with longer term follow-up are required to establish its efficacy compared with contemporary treatments. This is a Level I (systematic review and meta-analysis) study.
Depression
Authors: Menzel S. , Brieger P.
Published: August 2018

Oft wird davon ausgegangen, dass Depressionen unterdiagnostiziert werden. Tatsächlich hat aber die undifferenzierte Diagnostik von Depressionen, die nur noch den Schweregrad berücksichtigt, dazu geführt, dass auch Überdiagnostik erfolgt. Trauerprozesse oder psychische Auffälligkeiten mit Beteiligung unterschiedlicher Affekte werden mit Depressionsdiagnosen versehen, auch wenn die klassische Psychopathologie eines depressiven Syndroms nicht vorliegt. Entsprechende Ergebnisse werden in der Übersicht dargestellt. Zu fordern ist eine differenzierte Diagnostik der Depression, die psychopathologisch fundiert ist und die Komplexität eines fundierten Diagnoseprozesses bedenkt.
Nicht invasive Stimulationsverfahren in der Behandlung der Depression
Authors: Langguth B. , Zwanzger P. , Landgrebe M.
Published: August 2018

Depressive Störungen gehören zu den häufigsten Erkrankungen weltweit. Trotz vielfältiger Therapieoptionen stellt die effektive Behandlung noch eine Herausforderung dar. Neben einer Psychotherapie und Psychopharmakotherapie haben sich in den letzten Jahren die „nicht invasiven Stimulationsverfahren“ zu einer weiteren, erfolgsversprechenden Behandlungsalternative entwickelt. Hierzu gehören die repetitive transkranielle Magnetstimulation (rTMS) und die transkranielle Gleichstromstimulation (tDCS). rTMS und tDCS konnten in klinischen Studien ihre antidepressive Wirksamkeit und gute Verträglichkeit nachweisen. Die rTMS kann aufgrund der breiten Datenlage als etabliertes Verfahren zur Depressionsbehandlung angesehen werden. Für den Einsatz der tDCS in der Depressionsbehandlung liegen erste vielversprechende Ergebnisse vor, jedoch ist die Datenbasis noch deutlich geringer als für die rTMS, sodass weitere Studien abgewartet werden müssen, bevor eine endgültige Empfehlung gegeben werden kann.
Motorized spiral colonoscopy: a first single-center feasibility trial
Authors: Beyna Torsten , Schneider Markus , Pullmann David , Gerges Christian , Kandler Jennis , Neuhaus Horst
Published: August 2018

Background Cecal intubation rate represents a key procedural quality parameter in diagnostic colonoscopy. However, even experienced investigators report 10 % of all colonoscopies to be difficult and intubation of the cecum is sometimes impossible. A recently developed novel motorized spiral endoscope might potentially overcome some limitations of standard colonoscopy by actively pleating the bowel onto the endoscope. The study aim was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of motorized spiral colonoscopy (MSC) for diagnostic colonoscopy.

Methods 30 consecutive patients with an indication for diagnostic colonoscopy were enrolled in a proof-of-concept single-center trial.

Results 13 men and 17 women (mean age 68.9 years, range 30 – 90) were enrolled; 43.3 % had diverticula. Mean procedure time was 20.8 min (range 11.4 – 55.3). Cecal intubation rate was 96.7 %. One incomplete colonoscopy occurred because of an unexpected postinflammatory stricture. Adenoma detection rate was 46.6 %. No severe adverse events occurred.

Conclusions Results indicate that MSC is safe and effective for diagnostic colonoscopy. It potentially offers advantages in terms of ease and it may facilitate therapeutic interventions.
Efficacy and safety of endoscopic radiofrequency ablation for unresectable extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a randomized trial
Authors: Yang Jianfeng , Wang Jing , Zhou Haibin , Zhou Yifeng , Wang Yang , Jin Hangbin , Lou Qifeng , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: August 2018

Background Endoscopic placement of biliary stents to relieve jaundice is the main palliative treatment for unresectable extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Endoscopic biliary radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been reported to prolong stent patency, which may be beneficial in improving patient survival. However, available evidence is still insufficient, as most reported studies are retrospective case series. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical effect and safety of RFA in patients with unresectable extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods 65 patients with unresectable extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, except Bismuth type III and IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma, were enrolled and randomly underwent either RFA combined with biliary stenting (RFA + stent group; n = 32) or biliary stent only (stent-only group; n = 33). Overall survival time, stent patency period, and postoperative adverse events were recorded.

Results In the 21-month follow-up period, the overall mean survival time was significantly longer in the RFA + stent group than in the stent-only group (13.2 ± 0.6 vs. 8.3 ± 0.5 months; P < 0.001). The mean stent patency period of the RFA + stent group was also significantly longer than that of the stent-only group (6.8 vs. 3.4 months; P = 0.02). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative adverse events between the two groups (6.3 % [2/32] vs. 9.1 % [3/33]; P = 0.67).

Conclusion Endoscopic RFA combined with stenting can significantly prolong survival and the stent patency period without increasing the incidence of adverse events in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patient, except Bismuth type III and IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma. This approach can be considered as a safe and effective palliative treatment for these patients.
New skip parameter to facilitate recurrence quantification of signals comprised of multiple components
Authors: Hummel James P. , Akar Joseph G. , Baher Alex , Webber Charles L.
Published: August 2018

Recurrence analyses are typically performed on discretized time series after applying proper embeddings, delays, and thresholds. In our study of atrial electrograms, we found limitations to this approach when sequential bipolar complexes were defined as the timings of the first two zero crosses following the initiation of each event. The reason for this is that each bipolar component consists of two points in odd-even pairings. Since recurrence analysis starts vectors on each sequential point, incorrect even-odd pairings occur for every other vector. To overcome this limitation, a new parameter SKIP is introduced such that recurrence vectors can skip 1 (or 2) points for signals with defined multiple components. To demonstrate the utility of parameter SKIP, we used the Courtemanche model to simulate the electrical activity in the human atrium on a square, two-dimensional plane with 800 × 800 nodes. Over this plane, a grid of 39 × 39 virtual unipoles was created. Neighboring unipoles formed 39 × 38 bipolar pairs, which were recorded as 1482 continuous and synchronous time series. At each unipolar site, the actual wavefront direction was determined by comparing the relative activation timings of the local intracellular potentials. Parameters were set such that the “tissue” exhibited both spiral waves (organized activity) and wave breakups (chaotic activity). For each bipolar complex in the continuous electrogram, discretized electrogram conformation was defined as the timing delays from the start of the complex to the first two zero-crosses. Long sequences of paired zero-cross timings were subjected to recurrence analysis using SKIP values of 0 (no skipping) and 1 (single skipping). Recurrence variables were computed and correlated with the absolute wavefront directions. The results showed that the introduction of the skipping window improved the correlations of some recurrence variables with absolute wavefront directions. This is critically important because such variables may be better markers for wavefront directions in human recordings when the absolute wavefront directions cannot be calculated directly.
Comment on “Structural, electronic, and optical properties of the C-C complex in bulk silicon from first principles” [J. Appl. Phys. 123, 161421 (2018)]
Authors: Lavrov E. V.
Published: August 2018

Recently, Timerkaeva et al. [J. Appl. Phys. 123, 161421 (2018)] reported the results of a first principles study of the di-carbon (CsCi) complex in silicon. The authors have found that CsCi may occur in four configurations labeled A, B, C, and D. The C form is claimed to have the lowest energy of all four forms. Based on this, the authors suggest that the C form was misinterpreted as the B form in some experimental studies. This comment provides arguments that the conclusions of Timerkaeva et al. [J. Appl. Phys. 123, 161421 (2018)] do not match the well-known experimental results.
Experiments confirm the mechanism behind phase-separated ferroelectric memory diodes
Authors: Kim Meeri
Published: August 2018

A new study presents an experimental demonstration of the underlying operation mechanism behind ferroelectric memory diodes based on phase-separated blends.
Preferred language regarding overweight and obesity in general practice: a survey of predominantly rural Australian adults
Authors: Glenister Kristen , Opie Cynthia A. , Wright Julian
Published: August 2018

Discussions regarding overweight may be infrequent in Australian general practice. General practitioners (GPs) may find these discussions difficult to initiate if they are unsure of the language to use, or if patients would find it acceptable to be weighed. Overweight and obesity are more prevalent in rural areas than in metropolitan areas, and strategies to address the health risks associated with these conditions need to be tailored to rural communities. The aims of this study were to identify the language preferred by an Australian adult sample with a range of body sizes, to assess acceptability of routine weight measurement by GPs, and to assess potential influence of gender, body size and rurality on these preferences. A questionnaire was distributed through the authors’ informal networks using email and social media. Australian adults were eligible to participate. Respondents (n=771) were predominantly female, health professionals and resided in rural areas. The preferred language was weight neutral (‘weight’) or linked to health (‘your weight may be damaging your health’, ‘you are above your healthy weight range’). Preferred language appeared to be influenced by gender and body size but not rurality. Most respondents (76%) would find it acceptable to be weighed regularly by their GP.
On the relation between filament density, force generation, and protrusion rate in mesenchymal cell motility
Authors: Dolati Setareh , Kage Frieda , Mueller Jan , Müsken Mathias , Kirchner Marieluise , Dittmar Gunnar , Sixt Michael , Rottner Klemens , Falcke Martin
Published: August 2018

Lamellipodia are flat membrane protrusions formed during mesenchymal motion. Polymerization at the leading edge assembles the actin filament network and generates protrusion force. How this force is supported by the network and how the assembly rate is shared between protrusion and network retrograde flow determines the protrusion rate. We use mathematical modeling to understand experiments changing the F-actin density in lamellipodia of B16-F1 melanoma cells by modulation of Arp2/3 complex activity or knockout of the formins FMNL2 and FMNL3. Cells respond to a reduction of density with a decrease of protrusion velocity, an increase in the ratio of force to filament number, but constant network assembly rate. The relation between protrusion force and tension gradient in the F-actin network and the density dependency of friction, elasticity, and viscosity of the network explain the experimental observations. The formins act as filament nucleators and elongators with differential rates. Modulation of their activity suggests an effect on network assembly rate. Contrary to these expectations, the effect of changes in elongator composition is much weaker than the consequences of the density change. We conclude that the force acting on the leading edge membrane is the force required to drive F-actin network retrograde flow.
Measurement of vector magnetic field in a flare kernel with a spectropolarimetric observation in He  i 10830 Å
Authors: Anan Tetsu , Yoneya Takurou , Ichimoto Kiyoshi , UeNo Satoru , Shiota Daikou , Nozawa Satoshi , Takasao Shinsuke , Kawate Tomoko
Published: August 2018

A flare kernel associated with a C4 class flare was observed in a spectral window including the He i triplet 10830 Å and Si i 10827 Å with a spectropolarimeter on the Domeless Solar Telescope at Hida Observatory on 2015 August 9. The observed Stokes profiles of the He i triplet in the flare kernel in its post-maximum phase are well reproduced through inversions considering the Zeeman and the Paschen–Back effects with a three-slab model of the flare kernel, in which two slabs which have upward and downward velocities produce emissions and one slab produces an absorption. The magnetic field strength inferred from the emission components of the He i line is 1400 G, which is significantly stronger than 690 G that is observed at the same location in the same line 6.5 hr before the flare. In addition, the photospheric magnetic field vector derived from the Si i10827 Å is similar to that of the flare kernel. To explain this result, we suggest that the emission in the He i triplet during the flare is produced in the deep layer, around which bombardment of non-thermal electrons leads to the formation of a coronal temperature plasma. Assuming a hydrogen column density at the location where the He i emissions are formed, and a power-law index of non-thermal electron energy distribution, we derived the low-energy cutoff of the non-thermal electron as 20–30 keV, which is consistent with that inferred from hard X-ray data obtained by RHESSI.
Hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Elkins Casey , Friedrich Debra
Published: August 2018

Elevated triglycerides are independently associated with increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. Hypertriglyceridemia is often a polygenic condition that can be affected by numerous interventions. Primary care NPs are well positioned to appropriately evaluate and manage hypertriglyceridemia, improving overall health outcomes.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Weatherby Laurie
Published: August 2018

Coronary artery bypass grafting remains a viable and successful option for treating high-grade coronary artery stenosis. The postoperative recovery is individual for each patient, but when following long-standing guidelines and physician orders, outcomes are generally positive.
Managing Patients With Heart Failure All the Way to a Heart Transplant
Authors: Pirozzi Rebecca
Published: August 2018

Heart transplantation is a viable option for many patients with end-stage heart failure. An extensive evaluation by specialists and in-depth testing are done to determine the risks of advanced therapies including the left ventricular assist device, since most patients need one to safely make it to transplant. A multidisciplinary approach is the most effective approach to successfully progressing a patient to transplant safely and helping him or her prosper after transplant.
Advances in the management of endometriosis in the adolescent
Authors: Mama Saifuddin T.
Published: August 2018

Purpose of review

The present article provides an overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying adolescent endometriosis and advances in both medical and surgical management.

Recent findings

Molecular and cellular features of endometriotic lesions differ from eutopic endometrium. There is altered estrogen-mediated cell signaling, proinflammatory pathways develop in the local microenvironment, along with impaired cellular immunity and growth factors, cytokines, and angiogenic factors play a critical role. This leads to proliferation and invasion by ectopic endometrial tissue, and natural clearance by the immune system fails. The inflammation, scarring, and adhesions are symptomatically expressed as dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and dyspareunia significantly compromising quality of life.

In adolescence, there is a significant delay in diagnosis, often because of physician nonresponsiveness. The social, emotional, and physical impact on adolescents is underestimated. Medical management aimed at cessation of menses is paramount, if surgical management is needed, the goal is maximal excision. A variety of new medications, including GnRH and progesterone antagonists, selective estrogen and progesterone receptor modulators, aromatase inhibitors, statins, angiogenic inhibitors, and botanicals represent future treatment options.

Early diagnosis of adolescent endometriosis is critical. An understanding of the complex proinflammatory pathways underlying its progression and tailored medical–surgical treatment offers the greatest potential to decrease disease symptomatology.
Culture-confirmed Tuberculosis in South African Infants Younger Than 3 Months of Age
Authors: Frigati Lisa , Bekker Adrie , Stroebele Silvia , Goussard Pierre , Schaaf H. Simon
Published: August 2018

Background:

Little is known about the course and management of perinatal tuberculosis (TB). We describe the presentation, medical and surgical management of culture-confirmed TB in infants younger than 3 months of age.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective study including all infants younger than 3 months of age with culture-confirmed TB admitted to Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, from March 2003 to June 2015.

Results:

During the study period, 106 of 2017 (5%) children younger than 13 years of age with culture-confirmed TB were infants younger than 3 months of age. The median age on admission was 67 days (interquartile range, 40–79). Intrathoracic TB was present in 101 (95%) infants; of these, 34 (32%) had extrathoracic TB. Two (2%) infants had extrathoracic TB only, while 3 (3%) infants were asymptomatic and diagnosed as having TB infection only. Forty (38%) infants were HIV-exposed, and 14 (13%) were HIV-infected. The mother was identified as the source case in 53 (50%) infants. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was cultured in a median of 2 (interquartile range, 1–7) specimens per infant; 9 (9%) had drug-resistant TB. Bronchoscopy was done in 37 (35%) infants, and 27 (26%) underwent intrathoracic lymph node decompression. Twelve (11%) infants died during admission, 81(76%) were clinically stable on transfer or discharge from hospital, and outcome was not documented in 13 (12%) infants.

Conclusions:

TB in young infants often presents with severe intrathoracic disease, including airway compression. Bronchoscopy may aid confirmation of the diagnosis and management; decompression of intrathoracic lymph nodes was common. Mortality in this age group remains high.
Maintaining Concentration of Ribavirin in Cerebrospinal Fluid by a New Dosage Method; 3 Cases of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Treated Using a Subcutaneous Continuous Infusion Pump
Authors: Miyazaki Kyohei , Hashimoto Koichi , Suyama Kazuhide , Sato Masatoki , Abe Yusaku , Watanabe Masahiro , Kanno Syuto , Maeda Hajime , Kawasaki Yukihiko , Hosoya Mitsuaki
Published: August 2018

Background:

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a slow virus infectious disease resulting from persistent infection with mutant measles virus. At present, there is no effective treatment for SSPE. Interferon-α and inosine pranobex have both been used for the treatment of SSPE, and partial success has been reported for the antiviral drug, ribavirin (RBV). The standardization of dosage method is necessary to carry out treatment with RBV more safely and effectively. In this study, RBV concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were monitored during the intraventricular administration using a subcutaneous continuous infusion pump.

Methods:

Three patients with new-onset SSPE were treated with RBV using a subcutaneous continuous infusion pump. On days 3–10 after the start of RBV infusion, CSFs were obtained by lumbar tap, and the concentration of RBV in the CSF was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results:

RBV concentration increased in a dose-dependent manner in all 3 patients, and the target concentration could be generally maintained without any severe side effects. We observed that the clinical symptoms were temporarily relieved in each case. In the 2 cases for whom treatment is continuing, the patients remain in stage III, while the patient who discontinued the therapy progressed to stage IV.

Conclusion:

The target RBV concentration in the CSF could be maintained continuously by intraventricular administration using a subcutaneous continuous infusion pump. The accumulation of further cases is necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of this medical treatment.
Cannabidiol modulates serotonergic transmission and reverses both allodynia and anxiety-like behavior in a model of neuropathic pain
Authors: De Gregorio Danilo , McLaughlin Ryan J. , Posa Luca , Ochoa-Sanchez Rafael , Enns Justine , Lopez-Canul Martha , Aboud Matthew , Maione Sabatino , Comai Stefano , Gobbi Gabriella
Published: August 2018

Clinical studies indicate that cannabidiol (CBD), the primary nonaddictive component of cannabis that interacts with the serotonin (5-HT)1A receptor, may possess analgesic and anxiolytic effects. However, its effects on 5-HT neuronal activity, as well as its impact on models of neuropathic pain are unknown. First, using in vivo single-unit extracellular recordings in rats, we demonstrated that acute intravenous (i.v.) increasing doses of CBD (0.1-1.0 mg/kg) decreased the firing rate of 5-HT neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus, which was prevented by administration of the 5-HT1A antagonist WAY 100635 (0.3 mg/kg, i.v.) and the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine (1 mg/kg, i.v.) but not by the CB1 receptor antagonist AM 251 (1 mg/kg, i.v.). Repeated treatment with CBD (5 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously [s.c.], for 7 days) increased 5-HT firing through desensitization of 5-HT1A receptors. Rats subjected to the spared nerve injury model for 24 days showed decreased 5-HT firing activity, mechanical allodynia, and increased anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze test, open-field test, and novelty-suppressed feeding test. Seven days of treatment with CBD reduced mechanical allodynia, decreased anxiety-like behavior, and normalized 5-HT activity. Antiallodynic effects of CBD were fully prevented by capsazepine (10 mg/kg/day, s.c., for 7 days) and partially prevented by WAY 100635 (2 mg/kg/day, s.c., for 7 days), whereas the anxiolytic effect was blocked only by WAY. Overall, repeated treatment with low-dose CBD induces analgesia predominantly through TRPV1 activation, reduces anxiety through 5-HT1A receptor activation, and rescues impaired 5-HT neurotransmission under neuropathic pain conditions.
Uncommon Imaging Findings of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor
Authors: Fu Hao , Guo Xiuyu , Chen Zijun , Wu Hua , Chen Haojun
Published: August 2018

The inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare stromal tumor with diverse imaging findings. The present study describes a case of contrast-enhanced CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT manifestations of an IMT with diffuse omental and mesenteric thickening and swelling in the entire abdominal cavity. It is extremely rare to observe such imaging features in the extrapulmonary IMT. Furthermore, this case emphasizes that 18F-FDG PET/CT holds the potential for demonstrating IMT lesion extent and correctly identifying appropriate sites for biopsy.
Serendipitous Ureteral Stone Revealed on 99mTc-MDP Bone Scintigraphy
Authors: Yuan Feng , Wang Haili , Lei Chunyu , Hu Yishu , Shao Fuqiang
Published: August 2018

A 62-year-old man with esophageal cancer was referred for a99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy for staging. No metastatic lesion in the bone was identified. However, the images showed focally increased activity in the left pelvis, which were confirmed as ureteral stone on the SPECT/CT images.
Solitary Benign Schwannoma Mimics Residual Malignancy on FDG PET/CT
Authors: Bai Xia , Wang Xuemei
Published: August 2018

Schwannomas can be seen in pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis and occur generally in the limbs. Solitary schwannoma rarely occurs in pediatric patients who do not have neurofibromatosis. A 15-year-old girl with Hodgkin lymphoma in the neck underwent follow-up FDG PET/CT scan to monitor the response to the chemotherapy. Although her lesions in the neck were no longer visualized, one focal activity in her left upper back persisted. Excisional biopsy result demonstrated benign schwannoma.
Hepatic Metastases From Prostatic Adenocarcinoma Without Elevated 18F-Choline Activity
Authors: Dejust Sébastien , Messaoud Leila , Jallerat Pascaline , Marical Victoria , Morland David
Published: August 2018

We report the case of a 69-year-old man referred for 18F-fluorocholine (FCH) PET/CT for a biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. FCH PET/CT demonstrated 2 hypodense hepatic lesions with no uptake but progressing in size compared with a previous assessment. MRI showed a suspicious peripheral contrast enhancement, raising the question of a liver metastasis. Histopathologic examination concluded to a prostate adenocarcinoma metastasis. This case highlights an unusual pitfall in FCH PET/CT: the lack of uptake in prostatic liver metastasis is presumably due to the partial volume effect induced by the necrotic center and the high uptake of the liver.
John Frederick Knott. 9 December 1938—5 October 2017
Authors: Burdekin Frederick Michael , Bowen Paul
Published: August 2018

John Knott was a leading expert in materials, fracture and structural integrity applied particularly to the fields of nuclear power generation and aero-engine applications. He made significant contributions to the quantitative scientific understanding of fracture processes in metals and alloys and its applications in engineering. His early work elucidated the role of microstructure in the initiation and propagation of cracks and involved detailed analysis of the micro-mechanisms of cleavage, ductile and fatigue fracture modes in many types of steel and non-ferrous alloys. He developed innovative techniques of mechanical testing which allowed detailed monitoring of crack propagation. He was the author of a much-used text book on the principles of fracture mechanics.

The wide range of his expertise meant that John Knott was in high demand to serve on advisory committees for both government and industry organizations, particularly in the civil nuclear power generation and aerospace industries. With his deep knowledge of materials behaviour, he was invited to give many prestigious lectures at conferences. He was a convivial character with a keen sense of humour and often entertained conference dinners with poems he had composed about the particular event and about other participants.
Marsupial chromosome DNA content and genome size assessed from flow karyotypes: invariable low autosomal GC content
Authors: Kasai Fumio , O'Brien Patricia C. M. , Pereira Jorge C. , Ferguson-Smith Malcolm A.
Published: August 2018

Extensive chromosome homologies revealed by cross-species chromosome painting between marsupials have suggested a high level of genome conservation during evolution. Surprisingly, it has been reported that marsupial genome sizes vary by more than 1.2 Gb between species. We have shown previously that individual chromosome sizes and GC content can be measured in flow karyotypes, and have applied this method to compare four marsupial species. Chromosome sizes and GC content were calculated for the grey short-tailed opossum (2n= 18), tammar wallaby (2n= 16), Tasmanian devil (2n= 14) and fat-tailed dunnart (2n= 14), resulting in genome sizes of 3.41, 3.31, 3.17 and 3.25 Gb, respectively. The findings under the same conditions allow a comparison between the four species, indicating that the genomes of these four species are 1–8% larger than human. We show that marsupial genomes are characterized by a low GC content invariable between autosomes and distinct from the higher GC content of the marsupial × chromosome.
A liver health hui: hepatitis C knowledge and associated risk factors in New Zealand gang members and their families
Authors: Aluzaite Kristina , Tewhaiti-Smith Jordan , Fraser Margaret , Johnson Steve , Glen Elizabeth , Beck Allison , Smith Barbara , Dummer Jack , Schultz Michael
Published: August 2018

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and B virus (HBV) infections are highly prevalent, with a high percentage of undiagnosed cases. Knowledge of HCV and its modes of transmission are essential for disease prevention and management. We studied a high-risk New Zealand gang population on viral hepatitis prevalence, their level of knowledge and the liver health risk factors in a community setting. Participants completed demographic, risk factor and knowledge questionnaires in three health meetings in New Zealand. Participants' blood samples were tested for HBV, HCV, biochemical indicators of liver disease. Liver fibrosis levels were assessed using a Fibroscan
®
device. We studied 52 adult Mongrel Mob members, affiliates and whānau (extended family) throughout New Zealand. We identified no HCV and two HBV cases, confirmed high-risk factor levels and poor associated knowledge, with a significant association between lack of knowledge and presence of specific risk factors. We successfully conducted a community-focused, high-risk, hard-to-reach gang population study, and found a link between lack of knowledge and risk factors for HCV infection. This study provided first-of-its-kind data on viral hepatitis in a gang population and demonstrated the need for educational screening programmes to aid early HCV detection, prevention and treatment.
Compressor map regression modelling based on partial least squares
Authors: Li Xu , Yang Chuanlei , Wang Yinyan , Wang Hechun , Zu Xianghuan , Sun Yongrui , Hu Song
Published: August 2018

In this work, two kinds of partial least squares modelling methods are applied to predict a compressor map: one uses a power function polynomial as the basis function (PLSO), and the other uses a trigonometric function polynomial (PLSN). To demonstrate the potential capabilities of PLSO and PLSN for a typical interpolated prediction and an extrapolated prediction, they are compared with two other classical data-driven modelling methods, namely the look-up table and artificial neural network (ANN). PLSO and PLSN are also compared with each other. The results show that PLSO and PLSN have a better prediction performance than the look-up table and the ANN, especially for the extrapolated prediction. The computational time is also decreased sharply. Compared with PLSO, PLSN is characterized by a higher prediction accuracy and shorter computational time than PLSO. It is expected that PLSN could save computational time and also improve the accuracy of a thermodynamic model of a diesel engine.
The impact of experimental design choices on parameter inference for models of growing cell colonies
Authors: Parker Andrew , Simpson Matthew J. , Baker Ruth E.
Published: August 2018

To better understand development, repair and disease progression, it is useful to quantify the behaviour of proliferative and motile cell populations as they grow and expand to fill their local environment. Inferring parameters associated with mechanistic models of cell colony growth using quantitative data collected from carefully designed experiments provides a natural means to elucidate the relative contributions of various processes to the growth of the colony. In this work, we explore how experimental design impacts our ability to infer parameters for simple models of the growth of proliferative and motile cell populations. We adopt a Bayesian approach, which allows us to characterize the uncertainty associated with estimates of the model parameters. Our results suggest that experimental designs that incorporate initial spatial heterogeneities in cell positions facilitate parameter inference without the requirement of cell tracking, while designs that involve uniform initial placement of cells require cell tracking for accurate parameter inference. As cell tracking is an experimental bottleneck in many studies of this type, our recommendations for experimental design provide for significant potential time and cost savings in the analysis of cell colony growth.
Goats prefer positive human emotional facial expressions
Authors: Nawroth Christian , Albuquerque Natalia , Savalli Carine , Single Marie-Sophie , McElligott Alan G.
Published: August 2018

Domestication has shaped the physiology and the behaviour of animals to better adapt to human environments. Therefore, human facial expressions may be highly informative for animals domesticated for working closely with people, such as dogs and horses. However, it is not known whether other animals, and particularly those domesticated primarily for production, such as goats, are capable of perceiving human emotional cues. In this study, we investigated whether goats can distinguish human facial expressions when simultaneously shown two images of an unfamiliar human with different emotional valences (positive/happy or negative/angry). Both images were vertically attached to a wall on one side of a test arena, 1.3 m apart, and goats were released from the opposite side of the arena (distance of 4.0 m) and were free to explore and interact with the stimuli during the trials. Each of four test trials lasted 30 s. Overall, we found that goats preferred to interact first with happy faces, meaning that they are sensitive to human facial emotional cues. Goats interacted first, more often and for longer duration with positive faces when they were positioned on the right side. However, no preference was found when the positive faces were placed on the left side. We show that animals domesticated for production can discriminate human facial expressions with different emotional valences and prefer to interact with positive ones. Therefore, the impact of domestication on animal cognitive abilities may be more far-reaching than previously assumed.
A lateral flow immunochromatographic strip test for rapid detection of hexoestrol in fish samples
Authors: Yang Xingdong , Sun Zhongke , Tian Fengshou , Jia Guochao , Yang Jifei , Hu Xiaofei
Published: August 2018

A lateral flow immunochromatographic strip test was developed for rapid and sensitive on-site detection of hexoestrol (HES) residues in fish samples with colloidal gold labelling of the anti-HES monoclonal antibody. The strip is composed of a sample pad, a conjugate reagent pad, an absorbent pad and a test membrane containing a control line and a test line. The sensitivity (half inhibitory concentration, IC
50
) of the strip in the detection of fish extract samples was confirmed to be 1.86 µg kg
−1
, and the limit of detection value was 0.62 µg kg
−1
. For intra-assay and inter-assay reproducibility, recoveries of HES-spiked samples ranged from 86.3% to 92.3% and 85.8% to 93.4%, coefficients of variation were 2.91–4.64% and 4.24–5.17%, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography was employed to confirm the performance of the strip. The strip test takes less than 10 min, and thus provides a repaid method for on-site detection of HES residues.