bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discerning the mechanism of action of HtrA4: a serine protease implicated in the cell death pathway
Authors: Kummari Raghupathi , Dutta Shubhankar , Chaganti Lalith K. , Bose Kakoli
Published: April 2019

High-temperature requirement protease A4 (HtrA4) is a secretary serine protease whose expression is up-regulated in pre-eclampsia (PE) and hence is a possible biomarker of PE. It has also been altered in cancers such as glioblastoma, breast carcinoma, and prostate cancer making it an emerging therapeutic target. Among the human HtrAs, HtrA4 is the least characterized protease pertaining to both structure and its functions. Although the members of human HtrA family share a significant structural and functional conservation, subtle structural changes have been associated with certain distinct functional requirements. Therefore, intricate dissection of HtrA4 structural and functional properties becomes imperative to understand its role in various biological and pathophysiological processes. Here, using inter-disciplinary approaches including in silico, biochemical and biophysical studies, we have done a domain-wise dissection of HtrA4 to delineate the roles of the domains in regulating oligomerization, stability, protease activity, and specificity. Our findings distinctly demonstrate the importance of the N-terminal region in oligomerization, stability and hence the formation of a functional enzyme. In silico structural comparison of HtrA4 with other human HtrAs, enzymology studies and cleavage assays with X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) show overall structural conservation and allosteric mode of protease activation, which suggest functional redundancy within this protease family. However, significantly lower protease activity as compared with HtrA2 indicates an additional mode of regulation of the protease activity in the cellular milieu. Overall, these studies provide first-hand information on HtrA4 and its interaction with antiapoptotic XIAP thus implicating its involvement in the apoptotic pathway.
miR-1915-3p inhibits Bcl-2 expression in the development of gastric cancer
Authors: Cui Hong-wei , Han Wen-yan , Hou Li-na , Yang Ling , Li Xian , Su Xiu-lan
Published: April 2019

Many gene expressions changed during the development of gastric cancer, and non-coding RNAs including microRNAs (miRNAs) have been found to regulate cancer progression by participating in the process of tumor cell growth, migration, invasion and apoptosis. Our previous study has identified 29 miRNAs that are highly expressed in gastric cancer stem cells. One of these miRNAs, miR-1915-3p, has shown great potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for the cancers in liver, colon and thyroid, as well as in immune and kidney diseases. Herein, we found that miR-1915-3p exhibited low expression level in differentiated gastric cancer cell lines and gastric cancer tissues. It was found that the miR-1915-3p inhibited the growth of gastric cancer cells and thus promoted cell apoptosis. We discovered that the expressions of miR-1915-3p were significantly correlated to the lymph node metastasis and overall survival of patients with gastric cancer. Further study showed that there was a negative correlation between miR-1915-3p and Bcl-2 (B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2) expression, suggesting that Bcl-2 was a target gene of miR-1915-3p. Hence, miR-1915-3p possibly contributes to the development and progression of gastric cancer by inhibiting the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. The finding provides a potential therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.
Alteration in GPIIb/IIIa Binding of VWD-Associated von Willebrand Factor Variants with C-Terminal Missense Mutations
Authors: König Gesa , Obser Tobias , Marggraf Olivier , Schneppenheim Sonja , Budde Ulrich , Schneppenheim Reinhard , Brehm Maria A.
Published: April 2019

The platelet receptor glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa, formed by integrins αIIb and β3, plays an important role in platelet adhesion and aggregation. Its major binding site is the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) sequence present in several adhesive proteins. Upon platelet activation, inside-out signaling activates the complex permitting binding to RGD motif containing proteins, such as von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWF is a large multidomain plasma GP essential to primary hemostasis, which can directly interact with platelets because it exhibits binding sites for GPIbα and GPIIb/IIIa in its A1 and C4 domain, respectively. A vast variety of VWF variants have been identified in which domain-specific mutations affect distinct functions of VWF but reduced GPIIb/IIIa binding has barely been studied so far. Here, we strived to investigate the influence of C domain mutations, which have been identified in patients diagnosed with von Willebrand disease (VWD), on VWF–GPIIb/IIIa interaction. To determine binding to membrane-incorporated GPIIb/IIIa in the absence of GPIbα, we developed and validated a cell-based binding assay which uses HEK293 cells stably expressing a constitutively active form of the GPIIb/IIIa receptor complex on their plasma membrane. By employing this assay, we measured GPIIb/IIIa binding of 14 VWF C domain mutants identified in VWD patients. Mutants p.Cys2257Arg, p.Gly2441Cys, p.Cys2477Tyr, and p.Pro2722Ala exhibited significantly reduced binding. Summarizing, we have developed a useful research tool to specifically investigate GPIIb/IIIa interaction with its protein binding partners and identified four VWF variants that exhibit impaired GPIIb/IIIa binding. At least in the homozygous state, this defect could contribute to the VWD phenotype.
Synchronization of pitch and plunge motions during intermittency route to aeroelastic flutter
Authors: Raaj Ashwad , Venkatramani J. , Mondal Sirshendu
Published: April 2019

Interaction of fluid forces with flexible structures is often prone to dynamical instabilities, such as aeroelastic flutter. The onset of this instability is marked by sustained large amplitude oscillations and is detrimental to the structure’s integrity. Therefore, investigating the possible physical mechanisms behind the onset of flutter instability has attracted considerable attention within the aeroelastic community. Recent studies have shown that in the presence of oncoming fluctuating flows, the onset of flutter instability is presaged by an intermediate regime of oscillations called intermittency. Further, based on the intensity of flow fluctuations and the relative time scales present in the flow, qualitatively different types of intermittency at different flow regimes have been reported hitherto. However, the coupled interaction between the pitch (torsion) and plunge (bending) modes during the transition to aeroelastic flutter has not been explored. With this, we demonstrate with a mathematical model that the onset of flutter instability under randomly fluctuating flows occurs via a mutual phase synchronization between the pitch and the plunge modes. We show that at very low values of mean flow speeds, the response is by and large noisy and, consequently, a phase asynchrony between the modes is present. Interestingly, during the regime of intermittency, we observe the coexistence of patches of synchronized periodic bursts interspersed amidst a state of desynchrony between the pitch and the plunge modes. On the other hand, at the onset of flutter, we observe a complete phase synchronization between the pitch and plunge modes. This study concludes by utilizing phase locking value as a quantitative measure to demarcate different states of synchronization in the aeroelastic response.
Modular interface and experimental setup for in-vacuum operation of microfluidic devices
Authors: Maillard Damien , De Pastina Annalisa , Larsen Tom , Villanueva Luis Guillermo
Published: April 2019

We report on the design and operation of a world-to-chip microfluidic interface and experimental setup for fluidic micro- and nano-electromechanical systems. The central component of the interface is an engineered polyether ether ketone connector that brings fluid samples from a commercial syringe pump to the chip with the help of o-rings. In addition to that, the connector serves as an on-chip vacuum chamber. To confirm the adequate operation of our interface, we use complex microfluidic devices that were previously fabricated, suspended microchannel resonators, and demonstrate a fast exchange between fluids (on the scale of 130 s from isopropyl alcohol to water), in-vacuum operation of the devices (intrinsic damping regime), and accurate temperature control of the chip at different set points.
Ergodic properties of heterogeneous diffusion processes in a potential well
Authors: Wang Xudong , Deng Weihua , Chen Yao
Published: April 2019

Heterogeneous diffusion processes can be well described by an overdamped Langevin equation with space-dependent diffusivity D(x). We investigate the ergodic and nonergodic behavior of these processes in an arbitrary potential well U(x) in terms of the observable—occupation time. Since our main concern is the large-x behavior for long times, the diffusivity and potential are, respectively, assumed as the power-law forms D(x) = D0|x|α and U(x) = U0|x|β for simplicity. Based on the competition roles played by D(x) and U(x), three different cases, β > α, β = α, and β < α, are discussed. The system is ergodic for the first case β > α, where the time average agrees with the ensemble average, both determined by the steady solution for long times. By contrast, the system is nonergodic for β < α, where the relation between time average and ensemble average is uncovered by infinite-ergodic theory. For the middle case β = α, the ergodic property, depending on the prefactors D0 and U0, becomes more delicate. The probability density distribution of the time averaged occupation time for three different cases is also evaluated from Monte Carlo simulations.
Interfacial instabilities of immiscible non-Newtonian radial displacements in porous media
Authors: Lee Y. H. , Azaiez J. , Gates I. D.
Published: April 2019

Immiscible flows that involve radial displacements of shear-thinning or shear-thickening fluids by a Newtonian fluid in a homogeneous porous medium are modeled numerically. The interfacial instabilities are tracked in time for different values of the rheological parameters, namely, the Deborah number (De) and the power-law index (n), and are characterized through the effective number of fingers and the finger area density. The results of the study reveal that the effects of these two parameters on the instability are not monotonic, and it is found that the flow is least unstable for some critical value of either De or n. The dependence of these critical values, in particular, on the mobility ratio (M) and capillary number (Ca) is analyzed. It is found that when all other parameters are fixed, the critical Deborah number (Dec) increases as the power-law index increases in shear-thinning fluids or decreases in shear-thickening ones. Similarly, the critical power-law index (nc) increases with increasing (decreasing) Deborah number in shear-thinning (shear-thickening) flows. Furthermore, both critical parameters are found to vary monotonically with the mobility ratio, with the dependence most noticeable at small values of M. Their variation with the capillary number is however nonmonotonic reaching an extremum at an intermediate value of Ca. An examination of the rate of shear strain at the interface reveals that it consistently shows the smoothest variation and the smallest average value at the critical parameter.
The formation mechanism of recirculating wake for steady flow through and around arrays of cylinders
Authors: Tang Tingting , Yu Peng , Shan Xiaowen , Chen Huisu
Published: April 2019

The mechanism of recirculating wake formation was examined based on a series of numerical experiments on steady flow through and around periodic square arrays of evenly spaced circular cylinders. The Reynolds number of the array Re ranged from 1 to 50, and the solid fraction of the array ϕ was varied from 9.69 × 10−11 to 0.785. The recirculating wake was found to be completely detached from the array under a certain range of ϕ and Re, and varied in size with ϕ and Re. The trailing edge bleeding from the array affects the vortex formation in a way consistent with the entrainment-detrainment mechanism. The combination effect of vorticity accumulation and decay also gives rise to the dissipative vortex. By examining the shear layer formed by the bleeding flow and outer flow, which varies with Re and ϕ, it is concluded that the recirculation mainly results from flow separation at the junction point between the shear layer and the extended centerline of the array due to an adverse pressure gradient.
Synthesis of carbon nanofiber based WO3/TiO2 hybrid nanostructures: Enhanced and improved solar conversion efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cell
Authors: Kilic Bayram
Published: April 2019

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), which are new generation solar cells, are designed by using carbon nanofiber (CNF) based WO3/TiO2 nanostructures. CNF/WO3/TiO2 nanosemiconductors can be used as photoanodes in DSSCs. It has been indicated that CNF/WO3/TiO2 is a promising alternative to standard DSSCs due to their highly porous surface area and perfect optoelectronic properties. The uses of CNF/WO3/TiO2 hybrid structures provided an improvement to the performance of devices. DSSCs based on CNF/WO3/TiO2 hybrid structures exhibited a power-conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.28%. It was shown that enhanced light absorption prevents recombination and the perfect accord work function of the hybrid structures gives a high solar conversion efficiency. The enhancements of the PCE in DSSCs originate from the increase in photovoltage with the improvement of the fill factor (FF). The increase in Voc was caused by the increase in the dye adsorption on the substrate and the enhancement of FF which was attributed to faster electron transportation on the devices. It was shown that the CNF/WO3/TiO2 nanostructures had large surface areas, highly nanoporous structures (below 20 nm), and excellent work functions between CNF/WO3 nanoparticles and TiO2 anatase. It was also demonstrated that the new material CNF/WO3/TiO2 nanostructures displayed a wide scan scale photon absorption and exhibited the highest photovoltaic performance.
Scattering of a magnetostatic surface spin wave from a one-dimensional step potential in a ferromagnetic film
Authors: Balaji Arjun , Kostylev Mikhail , Bailleul Matthieu
Published: April 2019

As the research on magnetostatic surface spin waves (MSSWs) gains momentum, a concrete understanding of how these waves behave at interfaces is still undeveloped. In this work, we theoretically investigate how a MSSW traveling in a ferromagnetic film scatters across a sharp step of magnetic parameters in the film such as the applied field. An integral equation is derived, which describes the scattering process. We solve this equation both directly numerically and using a second Born approximation. We find that scattering produces partial reflection and partial transmission of the wave through the step. A nontrivial behavior of the amplitude of the transmitted wave as a function of the step size is observed in the calculation and analyzed.
Multi-objective optimization method for spectrum allocation in cognitive heterogeneous wireless networks
Authors: Dong Xiaoqing , Cheng Lianglun , Zheng Gengzhong , Wang Tao
Published: April 2019

In a multi-heterogeneous network dense deployment and convergence environment, the cognitive radio technology dynamically utilizes the idle spectrum resources of each primary network, which can effectively improve the data transmission rate and system capacity, and is also a key technology of the next generation wireless communication network. However, how to efficiently and reasonably select the network and allocate idle spectrum resources to meet the low cost and large traffic demand of users is a difficult problem in the case of dynamic coupling with multiple heterogeneous primary networks overlapping coverage and diversified user requirements. In this paper, with the goal of maximizing the total bandwidth and minimizing the total cost, a multi-objective optimization mathematical model for network selection and idle spectrum allocation is established in the context of comprehensive consideration of the difference of spectrum resource attributes of different primary networks in the network domain and the diversification of secondary user requirements in the user domain, and the complexity of the problem is analyzed. Based on this, two kinds of technical paths to solve the complex network selection and spectrum allocation problem are applied in this paper. The first is the simplification method. By analyzing the relationship between optimization objectives and constraints, simplification method simplifies the objective function and constraints of the mathematical model and transforms the complex allocation problem into a standard form of the 01 programming problem. The second is the intelligent optimization algorithm. By improving the traditional multi-objective optimization algorithm Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II), an improved NSGA-II(INSGA-II) method is proposed, which combines the interference constraints of the primary network and the service quality requirements of the secondary users into the objective value evaluation of NSGA-II algorithm, while making the decision selection on the optimal solution set to select a compromise solution. Finally, the performance of this two methods is compared and analyzed through experiments. The experimental results show that the simplified method has higher efficiency advantages, and the INSGA-II algorithm can often meet the user’s service requirements at a lower cost, especially the cost priority strategy.
Spin and charge state dependent electrical and magnetic properties of diamond with defects of vacancy and substituted silicon by first-principles calculation
Authors: Qiu Dongchao , Sun Zhaolong , Gao Nan , Li Hongdong
Published: April 2019

In this work, the electrical and magnetic properties of diamond crystals with defects of substituted silicon (SiC), vacancy (VC), Si-vacancy (SiV), and Si-divacancy (SiV2) complexes are investigated by first-principles calculations considering the spin and charge state. For the cases of VC, SiV, and SiV2, the typical spin-splitting related defect levels are presented in the bandgap, mainly stemming from the dangling bonds surrounding the vacancies. The magnetic moments appear for the cases of neutral (VC0 and SiV0) and negatively charged (VC−, SiV−, and SiV2−) defects, determined by the occupied spin states and defect configurations. It reveals that the charge state plays an important role in modulating the magnetic moments and energy splitting of defect levels in diamond. This work provides theoretical guidance for achieving a class of spin-related diamond semiconductor devices.
Regularized SCAN functional
Authors: Bartók Albert P. , Yates Jonathan R.
Published: April 2019

We propose modifications to the functional form of the Strongly Constrained and Appropriately Normed (SCAN) density functional to eliminate numerical instabilities. This is necessary to allow reliable, automatic generation of pseudopotentials (including projector augmented-wave potentials). The regularized SCAN is designed to match the original form very closely, and we show that its performance remains comparable.
The tammar wallaby: a non-traditional animal model to study growth axis maturation
Authors: Hetz Jennifer A. , Menzies Brandon R. , Shaw Geoffrey , Renfree Marilyn B.
Published: April 2019

Maturation of the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) axis is a critical developmental event that becomes functional over the peripartum period in precocial eutherian mammals such as sheep. In mice and marsupials that give birth to altricial young, the GH/IGF1 axis matures well after birth, suggesting that functional maturation is associated with developmental stage, not parturition. Recent foster-forward studies in one marsupial, the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii), have corroborated this hypothesis. ‘Fostering’ tammar young not only markedly accelerates their development and growth rates, but also affects the timing of maturation of the growth axis compared with normal growing young, providing a novel non-traditional animal model for nutritional manipulation. This review discusses how nutrition affects the maturation of the growth axis in marsupials compared with traditional eutherian animal models.
Vascular endothelial growth factor C participates in regulation of maspin in extravillous trophoblast cell migration and invasion
Authors: Shi Xinwei , Zheng Guoqiang , Liu Hao , Cao Jing , Liu Wanlu , Li Yuqi , Qiao Fuyuan , Deng Dongrui , Wu Yuanyuan
Published: April 2019

Mammary serine protease inhibitor (maspin; also known as serpin family B member 5 (SERPINB5)) plays a vital role in regulating the biological functions of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells, but the mechanism remains unclear. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) C is a signature angiogenic molecule expressed and secreted by first-trimester trophoblasts, and bioinformatics analyses has revealed upregulation of VEGFC in pre-eclampsia. The aim of this study was to explore whether maspin regulates EVT cells by regulating the expression of VEGFC. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to investigate the effects of hypoxia on the expression of VEGFC in EVT cells. Cells were treated with recombinant (r) maspin and decitabine (to selectively inhibit DNA methyltransferases and then upregulate maspin gene expression), and the effects on VEGFC expression evaluated. In addition, the effects of rVEGFC on the biological functions of EVT cells invitro were evaluated using cell migration and invasion assays. Hypoxia increased the expression of VEGFC in EVT cells. rMaspin upregulated the expression of VEGFC in normoxic EVT cells, and downregulated the expression of VEGFC in hypoxic EVT cells at 24h. Decitabine increased VEGFC expression in normoxic EVT cells, but had no significant effect on VEGFC expression in hypoxic EVT cells. rVEGFC promoted the migration and invasion of normoxic EVT cells and inhibited the invasion of hypoxic EVT cells. These results suggest that VEGFC is involved in the regulation of maspin in EVT cell migration and invasion. However, other molecular mechanisms may be involved and require further investigation.
Andre Delbecq: Spiritual friend and mentor
Authors: Neal Judi
Published: April 2019

Andre Delbecq made a major difference to the field of workplace spirituality, not only through his research, his teaching, and his support for the founding of the Management, Spirituality and Religion Interest Group at the Academy of Management, but also through his friendship and mentoring. This article is based on interviews with seven people whose lives were deeply impacted by Andre’s friendship and mentoring, as well as my own personal reflections. The major themes of the interviews included Andre’s qualities, his spirituality, the ways in which he was an exemplar to others, and descriptions of Andre’s presence. More specifically, interviewees spoke about his loving friendship, his wisdom, his invisible guiding hand, his willingness to be personal and vulnerable, and his deep commitment to his Catholic faith while still being incredibly inclusive and knowledgeable about other religious traditions. Many saw him as an exemplar of how they strive to be in the world. .
Characterization of a non-contact imaging scintillator-based dosimetry system for total skin electron therapy
Authors: Tendler Irwin I , Bruza Petr , Jermyn Mike , Cao Xu , Williams Benjamin B , Jarvis Lesley A , Pogue Brian W , Gladstone David J
Published: April 2019

Surface dosimetry is required for ensuring effective administration of total skin electron therapy (TSET); however, its use is often reduced due to the time consuming and complex nature of acquisition. A new surface dose imaging technique was characterized in this study and found to provide accurate, rapid and remote measurement of surface doses without the need for post-exposure processing.

Disc-shaped plastic scintillators (1 mm thick  ×  15 mm

) were chosen as optimal-sized samples and designed to attach to a flat-faced phantom for irradiation using electron beams. Scintillator dosimeter response to radiation damage, dose rate, and temperature were studied. The effect of varying scintillator diameter and thickness on light output was evaluated. Furthermore, the scintillator emission spectra and impact of dosimeter thickness on surface dose were also quantified. Since the scintillators were custom-machined, dosimeter-to-dosimeter variation was tested. Scintillator surface dose measurements were compared to those obtained by optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLD).

Light output from scintillator dosimeters evaluated in this study was insensitive to radiation damage, temperature, and dose rate. Maximum wavelength of emission was found to be 422 nm. Dose reported by scintillators was linearly related to that from OSLDs. Build-up from placement of scintillators and OSLDs had a similar effect on surface dose (4.9% increase). Variation among scintillator dosimeters was found to be 0.3  ±  0.2%. Scintillator light output increased linearly with dosimeter thickness (~1.9  ×  /mm). All dosimeter diameters tested were able to accurately measure surface dose.

Scintillator dosimeters can potentially improve surface dosimetry-associated workflow for TSET in the radiation oncology clinic. Since scintillator data output can be automatically recorded to a patient medical record, the chances of human error in reading out and recording surface dose are minimized.
Human organoids: a new dimension in cell biology
Authors: Lehmann Ruth , Lee Connie M. , Shugart Erika C. , Benedetti Marta , Charo R. Alta , Gartner Zev , Hogan Brigid , Knoblich Jürgen , Nelson Celeste M. , Wilson Kevin M.
Published: April 2019

Organoids derived from stem cells or tissues in culture can develop into structures that resemble the in vivo anatomy and physiology of intact organs. Human organoid cultures provide the potential to study human development and model disease processes with the same scrutiny and depth of analysis customary for research with nonhuman model organisms. Resembling the complexity of the actual tissue or organ, patient-derived human organoid studies may accelerate medical research, creating new opportunities for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, generating knowledge and tools for preclinical studies, including drug development and testing. Biologists are drawn to this system as a new “model organism” to study complex disease phenotypes and genetic variability among individuals using patient-derived tissues. The American Society for Cell Biology convened a task force to report on the potential, challenges, and limitations for human organoid research. The task force suggests ways to ease the entry for new researchers into the field and how to facilitate broader use of this new model organism within the research community. This includes guidelines for reproducibility, culturing, sharing of patient materials, patient consent, training, and communication with the public.
The Social Stratification of Choice in the Transition to Adulthood
Authors: Billari Francesco C , Hiekel Nicole , Liefbroer Aart C
Published: April 2019

The occurrence and timing of major demographic decisions in the transition to adulthood is strongly stratified, with young adults with a high socio-economic status (SES) background usually experiencing many of these events later than young adults with a low SES background. To explain this social stratification, we outline a theoretical framework in which social stratification affects choice in the transition to adulthood through three, potentially reinforcing, pathways: stratified socialization, stratified agency, and stratified opportunity. We test our framework against longitudinal data from two waves of the Generations and Gender Surveys for Austria, Bulgaria, and France. We find evidence for the importance of all three pathways. Furthermore, processes differ little by gender, age and country context.
The Role of Youth Coping Strategies and Caregiver Psychopathology in Predicting Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Pediatric Burn Survivors
Authors: Enlow Paul T , Brown Kirschman Keri J , Mentrikoski Janelle , Szabo Margo M , Butz Catherine , Aballay Ariel M , Duncan Christina L
Published: April 2019

Caregiver psychosocial functioning is repeatedly linked with postburn adjustment in pediatric burn survivors. However, few studies have examined youth characteristics as predictors, such as coping strategies. Furthermore, research has not explored how caregiver psychopathology and youth coping strategies interact to predict youth postburn adjustment. The aim of this study was to examine how youth coping strategies and caregiver anxiety and depression predict youth posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Forty-six youth between 7 and 17 years old (M = 12.5, SD = 2.65) and their caregivers were recruited from two U.S. burn centers. Youth and parents completed questionnaires that assessed demographics, caregiver anxiety, and depression, youth self-reports of coping strategies, and youth PTSS. Burn injury data (e.g. TBSA, time since injury) was obtained from medical record reviews. Hierarchical regressions were conducted with caregiver psychopathology (depression, anxiety), youth coping strategies (active, avoidant, distraction, social support), and the interaction between caregiver psychopathology and youth coping strategies as predictors and youth PTSS as the outcome variable. Higher levels of caregiver anxiety (βs = .36 to .42) and avoidance coping (βs = .38 to .43) were associated with more PTSS. Caregiver anxiety and depression moderated the association between youth use of distraction coping and youth PTSS. These findings reinforce the importance of assessing psychosocial functioning in pediatric burn survivors and their caregivers, and providing interventions to promote better psychosocial outcomes. Coping strategies may help reduce PTSS and buffer against the harmful influence of caregiver psychopathology. Future research may wish to pilot interventions that promote healthy coping.
A Qualitative Survey Study of United States Burn Units: Pathways to a Career in Burn Surgery
Authors: Egro Francesco M , Johnson Erica D , Kenny Elizabeth M , Foglio Aaron M , Smith Brandon T , Corcos Alain C , Ziembicki Jenny A
Published: April 2019

With current changes in training requirements, it is important to understand the venues in the United States for a general surgery (GS) and plastic surgery (PS) resident interested in pursuing a burn surgery career. The study aims to evaluate the pathways to a career in burn surgery and the current state of leadership. A cross-sectional study was conducted between August and September 2017. A 12-question survey was sent to all burn unit directors in the United States, asking about their background, who manages various aspects of burn care and the hiring requirements. Responses were received from 55 burn unit directors (47% response rate). Burn units are lead most commonly by physicians who received GS training (69%), but the majority either did not undergo fellowship training (31%) or completed a burn surgery fellowship (29%). While surgical care (GS = 51%, PS = 42%) and wound care (GS = 51%, PS = 42%) were predominantly managed by GS- or PS-trained burn teams, management of other aspects of burn care varied depending on the institution, demonstrating that a shift in burn care management. The desired hiring characteristics, including GS (67%) or PS residency (44%) and a burn surgery (55%), trauma surgery (15%), or critical care (44%) fellowship. Directors’ training significantly influenced their preferences for hiring requirements. While leadership in burn surgery is dominated by GS-trained physicians, the surgical and wound care responsibilities are shared among PS and GS. Although one third of current directors did not undergo fellowship training, aspiring surgeons are advised to obtain a burn surgery and/or critical care fellowship.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Therapy with TPE and IVIG—10 Years of Experience of the Burns Treatment Center
Authors: Krajewski Andrzej , Mazurek Maciej Jan , Mlynska-Krajewska Elzbieta , Piorun Krzysztof , Knakiewicz Mateusz , Markowska Marta
Published: April 2019

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a potentially life-threatening, exfoliative disease. It is described as idiosyncratic, severe, skin reaction to drugs. With Stevens–Johnson’s Syndrome, it presents as a continuum of a disease being categorized relating to the percentage of affected skin. Without any multicenter trials comparing TEN treatment modalities, there is dearth of strong evidence-based guidelines of care. Total plasma exchange with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is one among plethora of possible treatment strategies. In our 10-year experience, we have observed 21 patients admitted to our burns center due to TEN. All of them were placed under intensive care with daily plasmapheresis (TPE) and IVIG. We have observed 52% mortality, with observed severe concomitant diseases in every patient in nonsurvivor group (average Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score at admission: 31.5%). We consider that TPE with IVIG might be of use in selected group of patients with TEN without any severe comorbidities. However, further multicenter trials are needed because in some cases it may raise mortality.
Directly Mailing gFOBT Kits to Previous Responders Being Recalled for Colorectal Cancer Screening Increases Participation
Authors: Tinmouth Jill , Patel Jigisha , Austin Peter C , Baxter Nancy N , Brouwers Melissa C , Earle Craig C , Levitt Cheryl , Lu Yan , MacKinnon Marnie , Paszat Lawrence , Rabeneck Linda
Published: April 2019

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) reduces CRC-related death. Average risk individuals should be recalled for screening with gFOBT every 2 years in order to maximize effectiveness. However, adherence with repeated testing is often suboptimal. Our aim was to evaluate whether adding a gFOBT kit to a mailed recall letter improves participation compared with a mailed recall letter alone, among previous responders to a mailed invitation.

Methods

We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial, with the primary care provider as the unit of randomization. Eligible patients had completed a gFOBT and tested negative in an earlier pilot study and were now due for recall. The intervention group received a mailed CRC screening recall letter from their primary care provider plus a gFOBT kit (n = 431) while the control group received a mailed CRC screening mailed recall letter alone (n = 452). The primary outcome was the uptake of gFOBT or colonoscopy within 6 months.

Results

gFOBT uptake was higher in the intervention group (61.3%, n = 264) compared with the control group (50.4%, n = 228) with an absolute difference between the two groups of 10.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4 to 20.2%, P = <0.01). Patients in the intervention group were more likely to complete the gFOBT compared with the control group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.9).

Conclusion

Our findings show that adding gFOBT kits to the mailed recall letter increased participation among persons recalled for screening. Nine gFOBT kits would have to be sent by mail in order to screen one additional person.
Systematic review of shift work and nurses’ health
Authors: Rosa D , Terzoni S , Dellafiore F , Destrebecq A
Published: April 2019

Background

Nursing is characterized by a working articulation in shifts to ensure continuity of care throughout the 24 h. However, shift work and the resulting desynchronization of circadian rhythms may have adverse effects on nurses’ health.

Aims

To describe the effects of shift work and desynchronization of circadian rhythms on nurse’s health.

Methods

Databases: PubMed, Cinahl, Scopus, Embase and Ilisi. Search terms (free terms, MeSH): ‘nurses’, ‘shiftwork’, ‘nightwork’, ‘sleep disorder, circadian rhythm’, ‘work schedule tolerance’, ‘breast neoplasm’, ‘metabolic syndrome X’, ‘metabolic cardiovascular syndrome’, ‘Cardiovascular disease’, ‘stress’, ‘diabetes’. We included all randomized controlled trials, observational studies, reviews and papers studying nurses’ shift work. Quality assessment of the retrieved papers was verified according to Dixon-Woods checklist.

Results

Twenty-four articles were analyzed. Literature review has shown that shift work involves an alteration in psychophysical homeostasis, with a decrease in performance. It is an obstacle for social and family relationships, as well as a risk factor for stress, sleep disorders, metabolic disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and breast cancer.

Conclusions

An organized ergonomic turnaround can be less detrimental to the health of nurses and more beneficial for the healthcare providers. Therefore, we suggest organizing studies to assess whether improving nurses’ health would lead to a reduction in miscarriages, absenteeism and work-related stress.
Pinprick Evoked Potentials—Reliable Acquisition in Healthy Human Volunteers
Authors: Rosner Jan , Scheuren Paulina Simonne , Stalder Stephanie Anja , Curt Armin , Hubli Michèle
Published: April 2019

Objective

Pinprick evoked potentials (PEPs) represent a novel tool to assess the functional integrity of mechano-nociceptive pathways with a potential toward objectifying sensory deficits and gain seen in neurological disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of PEPs with respect to age, stimulation site, and skin type.

Methods

Electroencephalographic responses evoked by two pinprick stimulation intensities (128 mN and 256 mN) applied at three sites (hand dorsum, palmar digit II, and foot dorsum) were recorded in 30 healthy individuals. Test–retest reliability was performed for the vertex negative–positive complex amplitudes, N-latencies, and pain ratings evoked by the 256mN stimulation intensity.

Results

Feasibility of PEP acquisition was demonstrated across age groups, with higher proportions of evoked potentials (>85%) for the 256mN stimulation intensity. Reliability analyses, that is, Bland-Altman and intraclass correlation coefficients, revealed poor to excellent reliability upon retest depending on the stimulation sites.

Conclusions

This study highlights the reliability of PEP acquisition from cervical and lumbar segments across clinically representative age groups. Future methodological improvements might further strengthen PEP reliability in order to complement clinical neurophysiology of sensory nerve fibers by a more specific assessment of mechano-nociceptive pathways. Beyond looking at sensory deficits, PEPs may also become applicable to revealing signs of central sensitization, complementing the clinical assessment of mechanical hyperalgesia.
EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION OF ALGORITHMS USED TO ESTIMATE EFFECTIVE DOSE DURING INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY PROCEDURES
Authors: Negri P , Campi F , De Crescenzo S , Garlati L , Tambussi O
Published: April 2019

In IR procedures, in order to evaluate the effective dose, the importance of the double dosemeter has been recognised, one worn above and one under the apron. Over the last few decades several algorithms have been developed to combine the readings of the dosemeters, however currently there is no international consensus on which is the best one. In this work, eight irradiations, corresponding to typical interventional radiology procedures, were carried out in order to experimentally verify the accuracy of the algorithms. The patient was substituted by solid water-equivalent (RW3) layers, while effective dose to personnel was calculated by TLDs inside the Alderson Rando phantom. The results show that most of the algorithms, with a few exceptions, are too conservative, however there are many factors which can affect their accuracy, so it is impossible to achieve a high level of precision in the evaluation of the effective dose.
The tokenization of assets and property rights
Authors: Prince Michael von und zu Liechtenstein H S H
Published: April 2019

Blockchain paves the way for new entrepreneurial opportunities for the trust business. Especially in connection with tokenization, asset safekeeping processes can be handled directly by a trustee through the use of a blockchain system. Therefore, a deeper understanding of blockchain, the ways it can be applied, and the relevant tax and legal ramifications are inevitable.
Comparison of 2 Automated Pupillometry Devices in Critically III Patients
Authors: Robba Chiara , Moro Salihovic Bedrana , Pozzebon Selene , Creteur Jacques , Oddo Mauro , Vincent Jean-Louis , Taccone Fabio S.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Automated pupillometry may help detect early cerebral disturbances in critically ill patients. It remains unclear whether different automated pupillometry devices can detect pupillary abnormalities with similar accuracy. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of 2 commercially available automated pupillometry devices—Neurolight Algiscan (NL) and NPi-200 (NP) versus standard pupillary light reflex (PLR) examination in an unselected cohort of critically ill patients.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective study included all adult (>18 y) patients admitted to the intensive care unit of a university hospital over a 20-day period. Measurements were made consecutively with each method once during the intensive care unit stay in each patient. To assess sensitivity and specificity, we calculated areas under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results:

A total of 112 patients were included in the study. There was a significant correlation between the 2 automated pupillometry devices for pupil size, constriction to light stimulation, and constriction velocity but not for pupillary latency. The mean bias for pupil size measured by the NL and the NP devices was −0.12 (limit of agreement [LoA], −1.29 to 1.06) mm, for pupil constriction −1.0% (LoA, −9.3% to 7.2%), and for latency 0.02 (LoA, −0.22 to 0.25) ms. There was a significant correlation between pupil size evaluated by clinical examination and that using the NL or NP. The areas under the curves for pupil constriction measured by NL and NP were 0.93 and 0.91, respectively, to detect clinically reactive pupils.

Conclusions:

Although there was a significant correlation between NL and NP values as well as with clinical examination of the PLR, the 2 devices were not always interchangeable, especially for the evaluation of pupillary latency.
The Diagnosis and Treatment of Comorbid Bipolar and Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Vaz Gina , Crockford David
Published: April 2019

Les troubles bipolaires et les troubles de l’utilisation fréquente de substances se produisent de façon concomitante, compliquant le diagnostic et le traitement, ce qui entraîne souvent des résultats plus graves pour les deux troubles. Un cas clinique est utilisé pour illustrer des moyens pour différencier le trouble bipolaire des symptômes induits par des substances, puis examiner les options de traitement fondées sur des données probantes pour les troubles bipolaires simultanés et les troubles liés à la consommation de substances.

Bipolar disorders and substance use disorders frequently co-occur complicating diagnosis and treatment, often resulting in worse outcomes for both disorders. A clinical case is used to illustrate means to differentiate bipolar disorder from substance-induced symptoms, then review evidence-based treatment options for comorbid bipolar and substance use disorders.
A Comparative Analysis of Canadian University Policies Toward Alcohol, Drugs, and Gambling Use
Authors: Marchica Loredana , Zhao Yaxi , Richard Jeremie , Derevensky Jeffrey , Shaffer Howard J.
Published: April 2019

Objectives:

Emerging adulthood remains a critical period in the participation of risky behaviors, including alcohol and substance use as well as gambling. College students are at greatest risk for participation in these risky behaviors because they are continuously exposed to multiple, drinking, substance use, and gambling environments without the support and guidance often present at home. Previous public policy studies have suggested that college and university policies might help decrease a variety of risky behaviors (eg, alcohol, substance use and gambling) among students. Although some studies have compared gambling-related policies to alcohol and substance use related policies in the United States, this has not yet been done in Canada. Thus, the current study constitutes the first Canadian comparison of college gambling policies to alcohol and substance use policies.

Methods:

Data were collected from 96 English and French colleges/universities across Canada adapting Shaffer et al's (2005) 15-item measure assessing the prevalence of gambling, alcohol and substance use related policies.

Results:

Analyses revealed significantly more schools had either an alcohol or substance use related policy (90% and 83%), compared to schools with a gambling-related policy (32%).

Conclusions:

The scarce prevalence of college gambling-related policies suggests that Canadian colleges and universities underestimate the risks associated with heavy participation in gambling activities. Although alcohol and substance use policies remain essential, gambling policies can have a significant influence on college student participatory behaviors. The present research suggests greater awareness and need for college and university administrators to develop appropriate gambling-related policies and programs.
Prescription Opioids, Opioid Use Disorder, and Overdose Crisis in Canada: Current Dilemmas and Remaining Questions
Authors: Gorfinkel Lauren , Wood Evan , Klimas Jan
Published: April 2019

In Canada, a rise in opioid use disorder (OUD) and overdose has been linked to opioid prescriptions in a number of contexts. At the same time, relatively few patients prescribed opioids reportedly develop OUD. This combination of findings suggests a pressing need for research on specific avenues through which medically prescribed opioids influence OUD and overdose in Canada. In this commentary, we therefore discuss a few of the potential processes that might allow for medically prescribed opioids to indirectly influence rising overdose rates, and the processes that might account for inconsistencies between large correlational research and studies of OUD incidence in opioid-prescribed patients.

Au Canada, une augmentation du trouble de l’usage des opioïdes (OUD) et la surdose ont été associées aux prescriptions d’opioïdes dans un certain nombre de contextes. Dans le même temps, relativement peu de patients qui se sont fait prescrire des opioïdes ont développés une OUD. Cette combinaison de résultats suggère un besoin pressant de recherche sur des avenues spécifiques par lesquelles les opioïdes prescrits par un médecin (MPO) influencent le DIU et l’overdose au Canada. Dans ces observations, nous discutons quelques-uns des processus potentiels qui pourraient permettre aux MPO d’influencer indirectement les taux de surdose croissants, et les processus qui pourraient expliquer les incohérences entre les grandes recherches corrélationnelles et les études d’incidence OUD chez les patients opioïdes.