bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adherence to blood pressure measurement guidelines in long‐term care facilities: A cross sectional study
Authors: Ozone Sachiko , Sato Mikiya , Takayashiki Ayumi , Sakamoto Naoto , Yoshimoto Hisashi , Maeno Tetsuhiro
Published: March 2018

Objective

To assess the extent to which long‐term care facilities in Japan adhere to blood pressure (BP) measurement guidelines.

Design

Cross‐sectional, observational survey.

Setting

Japan (nationwide).

Participants

Geriatric health service facilities that responded to a questionnaire among 701 facilities that provide short‐time daycare rehabilitation services in Japan.

Methods

A written questionnaire that asked about types of measurement devices, number of measurements used to obtain an average BP, resting time prior to measurement, and measurement methods when patients’ arms were covered with thin (eg, a light shirt) or thick sleeves (eg, a sweater) was administered.

Main outcome measure

Proportion of geriatric health service facilities adherent to BP measurement guidelines.

Results

The response rate was 63.2% (443/701). Appropriate upper‐arm BP measurement devices were used at 302 facilities (68.2%). The number of measurements was appropriate at 7 facilities (1.6%). Pre‐measurement resting time was appropriate (≥5 minutes) at 205 facilities (46.3%). Of the 302 facilities that used appropriate BP measurement devices, 4 (1.3%) measured BP on a bare arm if it was covered with a thin sleeve, while 266 (88.1%) measured BP over a thin sleeve. When arms were covered with thick sleeves, BP was measured on a bare arm at 127 facilities (42.1%) and over a sleeve at 78 facilities (25.8%).

Conclusions

BP measurement guidelines were not necessarily followed by long‐term care service facilities in Japan. Modification of guidelines regarding removing thick sweaters and assessing BP on a visit‐to‐visit basis might be needed.
Nonseparating K4‐subdivisions in graphs of minimum degree at least 4
Authors: Kriesell Matthias
Published: March 2018

We first prove that for every vertex x of a 4‐connected graph G, there exists a subgraph H in G isomorphic to a subdivision of the complete graph K4 on four vertices such that is connected and contains x. This implies an affirmative answer to a question of Kühnel whether every 4‐connected graph G contains a subdivision H of K4 as a subgraph such that is connected. The motor for our induction is a result of Fontet and Martinov stating that every 4‐connected graph can be reduced to a smaller one by contracting a single edge, unless the graph is the square of a cycle or the line graph of a cubic graph. It turns out that this is the only ingredient of the proof where 4‐connectedness is used. We then generalize our result to connected graphs of minimum degree at least 4 by developing the respective motor, a structure theorem for the class of simple connected graphs of minimum degree at least 4. A simple connected graph G of minimum degree 4 cannot be reduced to a smaller such graph by deleting a single edge or contracting a single edge and simplifying if and only if it is the square of a cycle or the edge disjoint union of copies of certain bricks as follows: Each brick is isomorphic to K3, K5, K2, 2, 2, , , or one the four graphs , , , obtained from K5 and K2, 2, 2 by deleting the edges of a triangle, or replacing a vertex x by two new vertices and adding four edges to the endpoints of two disjoint edges of its former neighborhood, respectively. Bricks isomorphic to K5 or K2, 2, 2 share exactly one vertex with the other bricks of the decomposition, vertices of degree 4 in any other brick are not contained in any further brick of the decomposition, and the vertices of a brick isomorphic to K3 must have degree 4 in G and have pairwise no common neighbors outside that brick.
A unique signal sequence of the chemokine receptor CCR7 promotes package into COPII vesicles for efficient receptor trafficking
Authors: Uetz-von Allmen Edith , Rippl Alexandra V , Farhan Hesso , Legler Daniel F
Published: March 2018

Chemokine receptors are considered to belong to the group of G protein-coupled receptors that use the first transmembrane domain as signal anchor sequence for membrane insertion instead of a cleavable N-terminal signal sequence. Chemokine recognition is determined by the N-termini of chemokine receptors. Here, we show that the chemokine receptor CCR7, which is essential for directed migration of adaptive immune cells, possesses a 24 amino acids long N-terminal signal sequence that is unique among chemokine receptors. This sequence is cleaved off the mature human and mouse protein. Introducing single point mutations in the hydrophobic core h-region or in the polar C-terminal segment (c-region) of the signal sequence to interfere with its cleavage retained CCR7 in the ER and prevented its surface expression. Furthermore, we demonstrate the correct topology of the 35 amino acids short extracellular N-tail of CCR7 in a deletion mutant lacking the natural signal sequence. This signal sequence deletion mutant of CCR7 is fully functional as it efficiently binds its ligand, elicits chemokine-induced calcium mobilization, and directs cell migration. However, we show that the signal sequence promotes efficient recruitment of the GPCR to ER exit sites, thereby controlling efficient ER to Golgi trafficking of CCR7 on its way to reach the plasma membrane.

A unique cleavable signal sequence among chemokine receptors regulates CCR7 trafficking along the secretory pathway by facilitating coupling to the ER export machinery.
The continuum of monocyte phenotypes: Experimental evidence and prognostic utility in assessing cardiovascular risk
Authors: Cignarella Andrea , Tedesco Serena , Cappellari Roberta , Fadini Gian Paolo
Published: March 2018

The monocyte–macrophage cell lineage represents a major player in innate immunity, and is involved in many physiologic and pathologic conditions. Particularly, monocyte–macrophages play a very important role in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Monocyte heterogeneity is well recognized but the biologic and clinical meaning of the various monocyte subtypes is not entirely understood. Traditionally, monocytes can be divided in classical, intermediate, and nonclassical based on expression of the surface antigens CD14 and CD16. While macrophage diversity is now well recognized to organize as a continuum, monocyte subsets have long been considered as separated entities. However, mounting evidence obtained by tracking the ontology of human monocytes help clarifying that monocytes mature from classical to nonclassical ones, through an intermediate phenotype. This concept is therefore best depicted as a continuum, whereas the subdivision into discrete CD14/CD16 subsets appears an oversimplification. In this review, we discuss the evidence supporting the existence of a monocyte continuum along with the technical challenges of monocyte characterization. In particular, we describe the advantage of considering monocytes along a continuous distribution for the evaluation of cardiovascular risk. We make the point that small transition along the monocyte continuum better reflects cardiovascular risk than a simplified analysis of discrete monocyte subsets. Recognizing the monocyte continuum can be helpful to model other pathophysiologic conditions where these cells are involved.
Frontal sinus ontogeny and covariation with bone structures in a modern human population
Authors: Sardi Marina L. , Joosten G. Germán , Pandiani Cynthia D. , Gould María Mercedes , Anzelmo Marisol , Ventrice Fernando
Published: March 2018

In humans, the frontal sinus (FS) is located in the medial part of the supraorbital region, sometimes expanded throughout the frontal squama. It exhibits high morphological variability, but its general form appears to be constrained by surrounding structures. The goal of this study is to analyze FS growth and test for covariation between FS volume and the glabellar region, upper nasal region, bone thickness and endocranial size in a human sample from Argentina. The sample comprises 149 reconstructions derived from computed tomography images of individuals aged 0–31 years. Volume of the FS and measurements of the surrounding structures were recorded. The FS growth trajectory was assessed by parametric and nonparametric methods, and covariation was determined using correlations and partial correlations. The FS volume could be measured at an age of about 6 years and older; adults had no aplasia but hyperplasia was found in some cases. Since the most conspicuous characteristic found was variation among individuals, the nonparametric smoothing spline produced very poor fitting. The modified logistic function was the only parametric method providing significant parameters. Sexes differed in the age at which FS growth began and ended, with FS developing earlier but at a slower rate in females than in males. The FS volume did not correlate with either upper nasal width or endocranial volume, but it correlated with bone thickness measurements (mainly from the glabellar region), even when age was held constant. Expansion of the FS at the frontal poles also correlated with frontal bone thickness. Despite the difficulty in modeling and predicting the trajectory and morphology of FS, our results suggest that it is affected by its surrounding bony environment.
Molecular interactions of thymol with bovine serum albumin: Spectroscopic and molecular docking studies
Authors: Roufegarinejad Leila , Jahanban‐Esfahlan Ali , Sajed‐Amin Sanaz , Panahi‐Azar Vahid , Tabibiazar Mahnaz
Published: March 2018

Thymol is the main monoterpene phenol present in the essential oils which is used in the food industry as flavoring and preservative agent. In this study, the interaction of thymol with the concentration range of 1 to 6 μM and bovine serum albumin (BSA) at fixed concentration of 1 μM was investigated by fluorescence, UV‐vis, and molecular docking methods under physiological‐like condition. Fluorescence experiments were performed at 5 different temperatures, and the results showed that the fluorescence quenching of BSA by thymol was because of a static quenching mechanism. The obtained binding parameters, K, were in the order of 104 M−1, and the binding number, n, was approximately equal to unity indicating that there is 1 binding site for thymol on BSA. Calculated thermodynamic parameters for enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (ΔS), and Gibb's free energy (ΔG) showed that the reaction was spontaneous and hydrophobic interactions were the main forces in the binding of thymol to BSA. The results of UV‐vis spectroscopy and Arrhenius' theory showed the complex formation in the interaction of thymol and BSA. Negligible conformational changes in BSA by thymol were observed in fluorescence experiments, and the same results were also obtained from UV‐vis studies. Results of molecular docking indicated that the subdomain IA of BSA was the binding site for thymol.
Symbolic computation of the time‐dependent electric and magnetic fields in bi‐anisotropic media with polynomial inputs
Authors: Yakhno Valery , Altunkaynak Meltem
Published: March 2018

A new method for the computation of a solution of the Maxwell's equations in bi‐anisotropic media with polynomial input is suggested. This method consists of the reduction of Maxwell's equations to a symmetric hyperbolic system of the first‐order partial differential equations. The solutions of the obtained system are constructed by symbolic computation in Maple for the given polynomial data in an explicit form. For the case when input data are given as smooth functions, an interpolation of the data has been made by polynomials and then an approximate solution has been computed by our method. The robustness of the method is confirmed by computational experiments. The comparison of the suggested method with finite difference time domain method has been done.
Projected changes in climate extremes in China in a 1.5 °C warmer world
Authors: Chen Huopo , Sun Jianqi
Published: March 2018

In December 2015, the Paris Agreement was reached in an effort to limit global warming to below 1.5 °C. However, there is few scientific literature assessing changes in the climate with 1.5 °C of warming over China. We investigated changes in climate extremes in China that generally present high impacts on society. The results indicated that an additional warming of 0.5 °C would lead to significant increases in temperature and precipitation extremes across China. Both the temperatures on the hottest days and the frequencies of heat events across China are estimated to be lower when limiting warming to 1.5 °C compared to 2.0 °C. Events such as the record heat case in the summer of 2013 over eastern China would be approximately 28% less likely to occur if warming was limited to below 1.5 °C. Moreover, China would experience reduced precipitation extremes, although this projection is accompanied by a relatively lower confidence level than for changes in temperature extremes. High‐impact heavy rain events similar to that in the summer of 2012 over northern China (Beijing) that led to severe urban waterlogging and loss of life would be less likely if there is no more than 0.5 °C of warming. Similarly, the odds of wide‐ranging severe droughts, as witnessed in the summer of 2014 over north China, are projected to decrease clearly. The positive effects of limiting warming on changes in climate extremes are thus clear, and limiting warming should be encouraged regardless of the political and socio‐economic goals of a country.
Association of Energy and Protein Delivery on Skeletal Muscle Mass Changes in Critically Ill Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lambell Kate J. , King Susannah J. , Forsyth Adrienne K. , Tierney Audrey C.
Published: March 2018

Critically ill patients experience significant and rapid loss of skeletal muscle mass, which has been associated with negative clinical outcomes. The aetiology of muscle wasting is multifactorial and nutrition delivery may play a role. A systematic literature review was conducted to examine the association of energy and/or protein provision on changes in skeletal muscle mass in critically ill patients. Key databases were searched up until March 2016 to identify studies that measured skeletal muscle mass and/or total body protein (TBP) at 2 or more time points during acute critical illness (up to 2 weeks after an intensive care unit [ICU] stay). Studies were included if there was documentation of participant energy balance or mean energy delivered to participants during the time period between body composition measurements. Six studies met inclusion criteria. A variety of methods were used to assess skeletal muscle mass or TBP. Participants in included studies experienced differing levels of muscle loss (0%–22.5%) during the first 2 weeks of ICU admission. No association between energy and protein delivery and changes in skeletal muscle mass were observed. This review highlights that there is currently limited high‐quality evidence to clearly define the association between energy and/or protein delivery and skeletal muscle mass changes in acute critical illness. Future studies in this area should be adequately powered, account for all potential confounding factors to changes in skeletal muscle mass, and detail all sources and quantities of energy and protein delivered to participants.
Nutrition Delivery During Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy
Authors: Armstrong Lindsey B. , Ariagno Katelyn , Smallwood Craig D. , Hong Charles , Arbuthnot Mary , Mehta Nilesh M.
Published: March 2018

Background

Macronutrient delivery during pediatric ECMO therapy can be challenging. We examined predictors of nutrient delivery in the first 2 weeks of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy in the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

Details of macronutrient delivery were recorded in children (newborn–18 years of age) who survived 24 hours after cannulation to ECMO over a 3‐year period (2012–2015).

Results

We analyzed data from 54 consecutive eligible patients, 43% female, with median (interquartile range) ECMO duration of 8.5 (6–24) days, age 0.1 (0, 16) months, ICU length of stay 32 (21, 60) days, and 28‐day mortality 13%. Median weight for age z score declined from −0.1 at admission to −1.2 at 30 days (P = 0.013).

At least 80% goal energy and protein was delivered in 35 (65%) and 33 (61%) patients, respectively, by day 7; 10% of energy and 11% protein goal was delivered enterally. Parenteral nutrition (PN) was utilized in 47 (87%) patients, initiated by day 1 (1, 3). Enteral nutrition (EN) was successfully delivered in 49 (94%) patients (35% postpyloric), initiated by day 6 (2, 16). Younger age (P = 0.01) and venoarterial mode of ECMO (P = 0.0014) were associated with lower EN delivery. Use of umbilical artery catheters or vasoactive infusions did not impede EN delivery. Late PN delivery was associated with cumulative protein deficits (P = 0.019) and failure to achieve nutrient delivery goals by day 7.

Conclusions

Optimal nutrient delivery was achieved in most patients by day 7, predominantly via PN. Early EN is feasible in low volumes, but PN may be essential to prevent cumulative energy and protein deficits during the first week of ECMO.
Mammoth resources for hominins: from omega‐3 fatty acids to cultural objects
Authors: Guil‐Guerrero José L. , Tikhonov Alexei , Ramos‐Bueno Rebeca P. , Grigoriev Semyon , Protopopov Albert , Savvinov Grigoryi , González‐Fernández María J.
Published: March 2018

The mammoth is assessed here both for its cultural significance as well as a source of dietary n‐3 (omega‐3) fatty acids in Palaeolithic societies. For this, we analysed fats from several frozen mammoths found in the permafrost of Siberia (Russian Federation) and conducted a comprehensive literature review on the relationships of hominins with mammoths throughout the Stone Age. Different mammoth samples were included in this study, all very close to the Upper Palaeolithic. All samples were analysed by gas liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry and gas liquid chromatography‐flame ionization detection. Hominins consumed mammoths throughout the Palaeolithic, while remains of this animal were used as building materials as well as to fabricate different tools and decorative objects, and thus it is possible to link cultural development and mammoth consumption. Based on the fatty acid profiles found, fat samples from two mammoths were in apparently good preservation, yielding α‐linolenic acid percentages very close to values found in extant elephants, thus allowing an assessment of their feasibility as a source of essential fatty acids for Palaeolithic hunters. As demonstrated in this work, mammoths constituted a cultural resource in addition to contributing to fulfilling the n‐3 fatty acid needs of Palaeolithic hominins in Europe.
Antifungal effect of phenolic extract of fermented rice bran with Rhizopus oryzae and its potential use in loaf bread shelf life extension
Authors: Denardi‐Souza Taiana , Luz Carlos , Mañes Jordi , Badiale‐Furlong Eliana , Meca Giuseppe
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

In this study the antifungal potential of a phenolic extract obtained from rice bran fermented with Rhizopus oryzae CECT 7560 and its application in the elaboration of bread was assessed.

RESULTS

Eighteen compounds with antifungal potential were identified by LC‐ESI‐qTOF‐MS in the extract: organic acids, gallates and gallotannins, flavonoids, ellagic acid and benzophenone derivatives. The extract was active against strains of Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium, with minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 390 to 3100 µg mL−1 and minimum fungicidal concentration variable from 780 to 6300 µg mL−1. The strains that were most sensitive to the phenolic extract were F. graminearum, F. culmorum, F. poae, P. roqueforti, P. expansum and A. niger. The phenolic extract added at 5 and 1 g kg−1 concentrations in the preparation of bread loaves contaminated with P. expansum produced a reduction of 0.6 and 0.7 log CFU g−1. The bread loaves treated with calcium propionate and 10 g kg−1 of the phenolic extract evidenced an improvement in their shelf lives of 3 days.

CONCLUSION

The phenolic extract assessed in this study could be considered as an alternative for inhibiting toxigenic fungi and as a substitute for synthetic compounds in food preservation. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Near‐infrared spectroscopy allows detection and species identification of Epichloë endophytes in Lolium perenne
Authors: Soto‐Barajas Milton C , Zabalgogeazcoa Iñigo , González‐Martin Inmaculada , Vázquez‐de‐Aldana Beatriz R
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is systemically infected by seed‐transmitted fungal endophytes (Epichloë sp.). The presence of Epichloë endophytes alters the nutritive quality of its hosts by modifying several plant traits. The aim of this research was to develop a fast method based on near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to discriminate between perennial ryegrass plants infected (E+) or not infected (E−) with two endophyte species, Epichloë festucae var. lolii, and Epichloë typhina, using a heterogonous set of perennial ryegrass samples collected from wild grasslands and cultivars. Epichloë festucae var. lolii cultures show two morphotypes, M1 and M3, and Epichloë typhina cultures have a different M2 morphotype.

RESULTS

Near‐infrared reflectance spectra from E+ and E− ryegrass plants were recorded. Applying the best NIRS model for the detection of Epichloë, 93.3% of E+ plants were classified correctly. The NIRS morphotype classification was correct for 92.9% of M1 morphotype and 100% of M2 morphotypes. The NIRS classification of M3 morphotypes was not as accurate, but it was in accordance with the fungal species classification, identifying some M3 as M1 morphotypes.

CONCLUSION

Near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy can detect the presence of Epichloë fungal endophytes directly in samples of perennial ryegrass, and it is adequate for discriminating among fungal species. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Active polarizer dimmable lens system
Authors: Weindorf Paul , Sharif Qais , Hayden Brian , Auger Elijah , Bay Jon
Published: March 2018

Display units that utilize a dimmable smart lens may be utilized to reduce the required display luminance compared with a smoked neutral density lens to provide a hidden display appearance. A lens configuration that utilizes an active polarizer in conjunction with a linear polarizer is explored.
Military Sexual Assault in Transgender Veterans: Results From a Nationwide Survey
Authors: Beckman Kerry , Shipherd Jillian , Simpson Tracy , Lehavot Keren
Published: March 2018

There is limited understanding about the frequency of military sexual assault (MSA) in transgender veterans, characteristics associated with MSA, or subsequent mental and behavioral health problems. To address this gap, we used an online national survey of 221 transgender veterans to identify prevalence of MSA and to assess its association with demographic characteristics, past history of sexual victimization, and stigma‐related factors. We also evaluated the association between MSA and several mental and behavioral health problems. Overall, 17.2% of transgender veterans experienced MSA, but rates differed significantly between transgender women (15.2%) and transgender men (30.0%). Using adjusted regression models, MSA was associated with adult sexual assault prior to military service, odds ratio (OR) = 4.05, 95% CI [1.62, 10.08], and distal minority stress during military service, OR = 2.98, 95% CI [1.28, 6.91]. With respect to health outcomes, MSA was associated with past‐month posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity, B = 10.18, 95% CI [3.45, 16.91]; current depression symptom severity, B = 3.71, 95% CI [1.11, 6.30]; and past‐year drug use, OR = 3.17, 95% CI [1.36, 7.40]. Results highlight the vulnerability of transgender veterans to MSA, and the need for military prevention programs that acknowledge transgender individuals’ heightened risk. Furthermore, clinicians should consider clinical screening for PTSD, depression, and drug use in transgender veterans who have a history of MSA.
Delayed Allergic Reactions to Jellyfish Stings: Usefulness of Ultrasonographic Evaluation
Authors: Giavedoni Priscila , Velasco Verónica , Morgado‐Carrasco Daniel , Nogué Santiago , Mascaró Galy Jose Manuel
Published: March 2018

Jellyfish stings often cause immediate local skin reactions, and, less frequently, the affected individuals may develop delayed allergic reactions days or months after the sting. Here, we present 4 such cases. In all cases, color Doppler ultrasonography was performed at the time of diagnosis, and in 3 of the cases, clinical follow‐ups with ultrasonographic evaluations were performed. Ultrasonography initially showed dermal thickening with decreased echogenicity that progressively normalized during follow‐up. Ultrasonography was useful in quantifying inflammation by measuring the thickness of the dermis and was more precise than standard clinical follow‐up of cutaneous lesions in these cases.
Ultrasonography of Plantar Fibromatosis: Updated Case Series, Review of the Literature, and a Novel Descriptive Appearance Termed the “Comb Sign”
Authors: Cohen Blake E. , Murthy Naveen S. , McKenzie Gavin A.
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this series is to review the appearance of plantar fibromatosis with high‐resolution ultrasonography (US) and highlight a new imaging sign termed the “comb sign.” A retrospective study was performed for patients with a clinical diagnosis of plantar fibromatosis. Charts of 43 patients (age range, 26–77 years; mean age, 54 years) were reviewed to gather patient demographics and symptoms. Several US characteristics were evaluated with emphasis on any new imaging features. A total of 57 plantar fibromas in 43 patients were examined. Plantar fibromatosis was seen as a lobular marginated oval nodule along the superficial plantar fascia involving the central or medial cord, often at the middle third (84%) of the plantar fascia, showing posterior acoustic enhancement (65%), mixed echogenicity (82%), and intralesional vascularity (53%). Slightly more than half (51%) of the lesions showed a previously unrecognized appearance, designated the comb sign. This sign was more commonly seen in the setting of larger fibromas (P < .05). Plantar fibromatosis is usually a clinical diagnosis that can be aided by a typical US appearance. Although the imaging characteristics are largely similar to prior literature, this series suggests that most show mixed echogenicity and posterior acoustic enhancement, and approximately half show internal vascularity. A new US sign, termed the comb sign, shows alternating bands of hypoechogenicity and isoechogenicity, particularly in larger plantar fibromas, and can help in further characterization.
Incremental Value of the Tissue Motion of Annular Displacement Derived From Speckle‐Tracking Echocardiography for Differentiating Chronic Constrictive Pericarditis From Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Liu Shuang , Ren Weidong , Zhang Jing , Ma Chunyan , Yang Jun , Zhang Yan , Guan Zhengyu
Published: March 2018

Objectives

The tissue motion of annular displacement provides an accurate and rapid assessment of left ventricular (LV) systolic function. However, it has rarely been used in patients with chronic constrictive pericarditis and restrictive cardiomyopathy. This study aimed to assess the differences in LV systolic function in patients with constrictive pericarditis and restrictive cardiomyopathy using tissue motion of annular displacement derived from speckle‐tracking echocardiography.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients with constrictive pericarditis, 24 with restrictive cardiomyopathy, and 25 healthy volunteers (controls) were enrolled. The septal and lateral mitral annular longitudinal displacements, displacement at the midpoint, and normalized midpoint displacement of the mitral ring were calculated.

Results

Mitral annular tracking and quantification of the tissue motion of annular displacement were achieved within 10 seconds. In patients with constrictive pericarditis, the lateral mitral annular longitudinal displacement, displacement at the midpoint, and midpoint displacement of the mitral ring were decreased, whereas the septal mitral annular longitudinal displacement was preserved compared to controls, indicating that the reduction of systolic function in constrictive pericarditis was caused by pericardial adhesion and calcium. In patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy, tissue motion of annular displacement was more reduced compared to patients with constrictive pericarditis and controls. The correlation between the septal mitral annular longitudinal displacement and left ventricular ejection fraction was 0.67 (P < .001). A cutoff value of 8.45 mm for the septal mitral annular longitudinal displacement could effectively differentiate constrictive pericarditis from restrictive cardiomyopathy with 95.2% sensitivity and 91.7% specificity.

Conclusions

The tissue motion of annular displacement was decreased in patients with constrictive pericarditis, which indicated early impairment of longitudinal function in constrictive pericarditis; adhesion and calcium in the pericardium might account for the reduction. The septal mitral annular longitudinal displacement provides a fast and effective method for the assessment of LV systolic function in patients with constrictive pericarditis and restrictive cardiomyopathy.
The potential of three halophytes (Tecticornia pergranulata, Sclerolaena longicuspis, and Frankenia serpyllifolia) for the rehabilitation of brine‐affected soils
Authors: Shaygan Mandana , Mulligan David , Baumgartl Thomas
Published: March 2018

Brine, produced as a by‐product of oil extraction, when contained in evaporation ponds can cause soil salinization in the vicinity of these ponds. Native halophytes may assist revegetation and rehabilitation of these salt‐affected soils. This study was conducted to investigate the revegetation and rehabilitation potential of brine‐affected land using native halophytes (Tecticornia pergranulata (J.M.Black) K.A.Sheph. & Paul G.Wilson, Sclerolaena longicuspis (F.Muell.) A.J.Scott and Frankenia serpyllifolia Lindl). Soil samples from adjacent bare and vegetated areas of brine‐affected land were compared to assess the physico‐chemical properties associated with the vegetation cover. The salt contents of the halophytes, plant bioaccumulation, bioconcentration, and translocation factors were measured to evaluate remediation capacity of the species. We hypothesized that the halophytes reduce the ions' concentrations and thus soil salinity and sodicity. The examined halophytes were associated with a reduction in salinity and sodicity by an average of 38.5% and 33% in the top 10 cm of the soil, respectively. T. pergranulata had the highest shoot Na+ content (98 g/kg dry wt), bioaccumulation (14.21), and translocation (23.09) factors for Na+ that indicated the higher remediation potential of this species. Despite the high remediation potential of the examined species, halophytes are not able to reduce the salt content of the landscape to create conditions for the growth of glycophytes. However, the salt‐affected land can be revegetated by halophytes, and halophytes probably provide a stable vegetation cover for the landscape in ecological succession. An improvement in soil physical properties is required for revegetation success.
Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and droplet digital PCR duplex assays for detecting Zostera marina DNA in coastal sediments
Authors: Hamaguchi Masami , Shimabukuro Hiromori , Hori Masakazu , Yoshida Goro , Terada Tomoko , Miyajima Toshihiro
Published: March 2018

The sequestration of atmospheric CO2 in seagrass meadows as organic carbon (OC) has been attracting more attention as a means for climate change mitigation and adaptation. A direct method to detect seagrass DNA in coastal sediments, which is essential to unravel long‐term seagrass‐derived OC accumulation, was developed based on environmental DNA (eDNA) detection techniques. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) were applied to quantify Zostera marina DNA in coastal sediments, using species‐specific primers and dual‐labeled probes for one nuclear and one chloroplast gene. Suitable pretreatments and methods for extracting Z. marina DNA from coastal sediments were examined and their applicability to environmental samples was demonstrated. Surface sediments collected from Z. marina meadows contained about 2000 times more Z. marina DNA than the unvegetated tidal‐flats in the Seto Inland Sea. Moreover, both qPCR and ddPCR successfully detected Z. marina DNA in ancient sediments (up to 5000 calibrated years before present), evidencing that Z. marina DNA can be preserved in temperate coastal sediments for several millennia. In addition, qPCR and ddPCR results obtained in the present study were highly correlated, although the latter was more accurate than qPCR, particularly at low eDNA concentrations in ancient sediments. This work opens avenues to explore and clarify the process of the sequestration of OC produced by Z. marina and demonstrate the presence of past seagrass meadows from several millennia.
Expanding the donor pool: Donation after circulatory death and living liver donation do not compromise the results of liver transplantation
Authors: Kollmann Dagmar , Sapisochin Gonzalo , Goldaracena Nicolas , Hansen Bettina E. , Rajakumar Ramraj , Selzner Nazia , Bhat Mamatha , McCluskey Stuart , Cattral Mark S. , Greig Paul D. , Lilly Les , McGilvray Ian D. , Ghanekar Anand , Grant David R. , Selzner Markus
Published: March 2018

Because of the shortfall between the number of patients listed for liver transplantation (LT) and the available grafts, strategies to expand the donor pool have been developed. Donation after circulatory death (DCD) and living donor (LD) grafts are not universally used because of the concerns of graft failure, biliary complications, and donor risks. In order to overcome the barriers for the implementation of using all 3 types of grafts, we compared outcomes after LT of DCD, LD, and donation after brain death (DBD) grafts. Patients who received a LD, DCD, or DBD liver graft at the University of Toronto were included. Between January 2009 through April 2017, 1054 patients received a LT at our center. Of these, 77 patients received a DCD graft (DCD group); 271 received a LD graft (LD group); and 706 received a DBD graft (DBD group). Overall biliary complications were higher in the LD group (11.8%) compared with the DCD group (5.2%) and the DBD group (4.8%; P < 0.001). The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year graft survival rates were similar between the groups with 88.3%, 83.2%, and 69.2% in the DCD group versus 92.6%, 85.4%, and 84.7% in the LD group versus 90.2%, 84.2%, and 79.9% in the DBD group (P = 0.24). Furthermore, the 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year patient survival was comparable, with 92.2%, 85.4%, and 71.6% in the DCD group versus 95.2%, 88.8%, and 88.8% in the LD group versus 93.1%, 87.5%, and 83% in the DBD group (P = 0.14). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the type of graft did not impact graft survival. In conclusion, DCD, LD, and DBD grafts have similar longterm graft survival rates. Increasing the use of LD and DCD grafts may improve access to LT without affecting graft survival rates. Liver Transplantation 24 779–789 2018 AASLD.
Glycosylated amyloid‐like proteins in the structural extracellular polymers of aerobic granular sludge enriched with ammonium‐oxidizing bacteria
Authors: Lin Yuemei , Reino Clara , Carrera Julián , Pérez Julio , van Loosdrecht Mark C. M.
Published: March 2018

A new type of structural extracellular polymers (EPS) was extracted from aerobic granular sludge dominated by ammonium‐oxidizing bacteria. It was analyzed by Raman and FTIR spectroscopy to characterize specific amino acids and protein secondary structure, and by SDS‐PAGE with different stains to identify different glycoconjugates. Its intrinsic fluorescence was captured to visualize the location of the extracted EPS in the nitrifying granules, and its hydrogel‐forming property was studied by rheometry. The extracted EPS is abundant with cross ß‐sheet secondary structure, contains glycosylated proteins/polypeptides, and rich in tryptophan. It forms hydrogel with high mechanical strength. The extraction and discovery of glycosylated proteins and/or amyloids further shows that conventionally used extraction and characterization techniques are not adequate for the study of structural extracellular polymers in biofilms and/or granular sludge. Confirming amyloids secondary structure in such a complex sample is challengeable due to the possibility of amyloids glycosylation and self‐assembly. A new definition of extracellular polymers components which includes glycosylated proteins and a better approach to studying them is required to stimulate biofilm research.
Identification of metabolites in plasma for predicting survival in glioblastoma
Authors: Shen Jie , Song Renduo , Hodges Tiffany R. , Heimberger Amy B. , Zhao Hua
Published: March 2018

Circulating metabolomics profiling holds prognostic potential. However, such efforts have not been extensively carried out in glioblastoma. In this study, two‐step (training and testing) metabolomics profiling was conducted from the plasma samples of 159 glioblastoma patients. Metabolomics profiling was tested for correlation with 2‐year overall and disease‐free survivals. Arginine, methionine, and kynurenate levels were significantly associated with 2‐year overall survival in both the training and testing sets. In the combined sets, elevated levels of arginine and methionine were associated with a 34% and 37% increased probability whereas kynurenate was associated with a 55% decreased probability of 2‐year overall survival. These three metabolites were also significantly associated with 2‐year disease‐free survival. Risk scores were generated using the linear combination of levels of these significant metabolites. Glioblastoma patients with a high‐risk score exhibited a 2.41‐fold decreased probability of 2‐year overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.41; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.20‐4.93) and a 3.17‐fold decreased probability of 2‐year disease free survival (HR = 3.17, 95%CI = 1.42‐7.54) relative to those with a low‐risk score. In conclusion, we identified a unique plasma metabolite profile that is predictive of glioblastoma prognosis.
Prognostic implications of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 polymorphisms in primary breast cancer
Authors: Wei Wei , You Zilong , Sun Shanshan , Wang Yuhang , Zhang Xianyu , Pang Da , Jiang Yongdong
Published: March 2018

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) belongs to the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family, and FGFR4 polymorphisms have been implicated in both normal development and cancer, including breast cancer. In the present study, we investigated correlations between polymorphisms in FGFR4 and breast cancer prognosis. The FGFR4 SNPs rs1966265 and rs351855 were genotyped in 747 breast cancer patients using the SNaPshot method. FGFR4 protein expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in 339 samples. SNP rs351855 was correlated with FGFR4 protein expression under dominant and co‐dominant models. Lymph node metastasis (LNM), ER (estrogen receptor) status, and molecular subtype were associated with high FGFR4 expression. Univariate analysis revealed rs351855 (CC/CT: P = 0.027, CC/TT: P < 0.001, CC/CT + TT: P = 0.005) to be a prognostic predictor, and multivariate analysis indicated rs351855 (CC/TT: P = 0.005) to be an independent prognostic factor. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis showed that high FGFR4 protein expression was associated with a poor prognosis. SNP rs351855 was correlated with worse outcomes, with a dose‐dependent effect. The results of this study show that FGFR4 SNP rs351855 is associated with up‐regulation of FGFR4 protein expression and a worse prognosis in breast cancer.
Business model innovation in a knowledge revolution: An evolutionary theory perspective
Authors: Downs James B. , Velamuri Vivek K.
Published: March 2018

For knowledge‐intensive industries, a need remains to increase clarity on the dynamics through which business model innovation occurs. Progress has been limited owing to complexities in these industries and to the underlying ontology of the business model concept itself. Through a conceptual methodology, our findings expose impediments to current business model theory and propose economic evolutionary theory as a useful alternative lens through which to address these limitations. This research contributes to the literature by broadening the traditional scope of the economic evolutionary view as relevant for business model innovation research and by offering a corresponding framework for future research.
Disease Modification for Parkinson's Disease: Axonal Regeneration and Trophic Factors
Authors: Kordower Jeffrey H. , Burke Robert E.
Published: March 2018

Disease modification and structural neuroprotection have been the holy grail for Parkinson's disease (PD) experimental therapeutics. Theoretically, there are a number of ways to implement such therapeutics, but to date all have failed. This review examines the potential of axonal regeneration and trophic factor delivery for the nigrostriatal system as 2 such approaches that historically have initiated much excitement. However, we conclude this discussion with the following question: has science passed these approaches by? © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The Chromosome 18 Clinical Resource Center
Authors: Cody Jannine D. , Hasi‐Zogaj Minire , Heard Patricia , Hill Annice , Rupert David , Sebold Courtney , Soileau Bridgette , Hale Daniel E.
Published: March 2018

Background

The Chromosome 18 Clinical Research Center has created a pediatrician‐friendly virtual resource center for managing patients with chromosome 18 abnormalities. To date, children with rare chromosome abnormalities have been cared for either symptomatically or palliatively as a reaction to the presenting medical problems. As we enter an era of genomic‐informed medicine, we can provide children, even those with individually unique chromosome abnormalities, with proactive medical care and management based on the most contemporary data on their specific genomic change. It is problematic for practicing physicians to obtain and use the emerging data on specific genes because this information is derived from diverse sources (e.g., animal studies, case reports, in vitro explorations) and is often published in sources that are not easily accessible in the clinical setting.

Methods

The Chromosome 18 Clinical Resource Center remedies this challenging problem by curating and synthesizing the data with clinical implications. The data are collected from our database of over 26 years of natural history and medical data from over 650 individuals with chromosome 18 abnormalities.

Results

The resulting management guides and video presentations are a first edition of this collated data specifically oriented to guide clinicians toward the optimization of care for each child.

Conclusion

The chromosome 18 data and guides also serve as models for an approach to the management of any individual with a rare chromosome abnormality of which there are over 1,300 born every year in the US alone.
CALIPER: A deformable image registration algorithm for large geometric changes during radiotherapy for locally advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Guy Christopher L. , Weiss Elisabeth , Christensen Gary E. , Jan Nuzhat , Hugo Geoffrey D.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Locally advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients may experience dramatic changes in anatomy during radiotherapy and could benefit from adaptive radiotherapy (ART). Deformable image registration (DIR) is necessary to accurately accumulate dose during plan adaptation, but current algorithms perform poorly in the presence of large geometric changes, namely atelectasis resolution. The goal of this work was to develop a DIR framework, named Consistent Anatomy in Lung Parametric imagE Registration (CALIPER), to handle large geometric changes in the thorax.

Methods

Registrations were performed on pairs of baseline and mid‐treatment CT datasets of NSCLC patients presenting with atelectasis at the start of treatment. Pairs were classified based on atelectasis volume change as either full, partial, or no resolution. The evaluated registration algorithms consisted of several combinations of a hybrid intensity‐ and feature‐based similarity cost function to investigate the ability to simultaneously match healthy lung parenchyma and adjacent atelectasis. These components of the cost function included a mass‐preserving intensity cost in the lung parenchyma, use of filters to enhance vascular structures in the lung parenchyma, manually delineated lung lobes as labels, and several intensity cost functions to model atelectasis change. Registration error was quantified with landmark‐based target registration error and post‐registration alignment of atelectatic lobes.

Results

The registrations using both lobe labels and vasculature enhancement in addition to intensity of the CT images were found to have the highest accuracy. Of these registrations, the mean (SD) of mean landmark error across patients was 2.50 (1.16) mm, 2.80 (0.70) mm, and 2.04 (0.13) mm for no change, partial resolution, and full atelectasis resolution, respectively. The mean (SD) atelectatic lobe Dice similarity coefficient was 0.91 (0.08), 0.90 (0.08), and 0.89 (0.04), respectively, for the same groups. Registration accuracy was comparable to healthy lung registrations of current state‐of‐the‐art algorithms reported in literature.

Conclusions

The CALIPER algorithm developed in this work achieves accurate image registration for challenging cases involving large geometric and topological changes in NSCLC patients, a requirement for enabling ART in this patient group.