bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the mechanisms of the grammaticalization of comitative and instrumental categories in Slavic
Authors: Danylenko Andrii
Published: February 2016

This article critically assesses probabilistic predictions on the theory of contact-induced grammaticalization of the comitative-instrumental polysemy in those Slavic languages which have had a history of long and intense interaction with either German or Italian. Having provided extensive dialectal data, I argue instead that there are no grounds for positing a direct correlation between the introduction of the comitative preposition to instrumental in “high-contact” Slavic languages and the history of language contact with German or Italian. I propose to distinguish between the grammaticalization of the comitative-instrumental polysemy due to analytic simplification and the grammaticalization of the instrumental-comitative polysemy due to synthetic simplification. The comitative marking for instrumentals in Slavic is likely to develop in places of prolonged multilingual contacts, not necessarily with German or Italian. Under these conditions one can predict the development of convergent analytic features in closely related or even areally contingent languages (dialects), as is the case of the Circum-Baltic area.
Rethinking constructed action
Authors: Cormier Kearsy , Smith Sandra , Sevcikova-Sehyr Zed
Published: February 2016

We aim to demonstrate the importance of defining linguistic phenomena by usingconstructed actionor CA (i.e. a stretch of discourse that represents one role or combination of roles depicting actions, utterances, thought, attitudes and/or feelings of one or more referents) as an example. The problem is that different assumptions about CA have led to some apparent contradictions about the nature and characteristics of this phenomenon. Based on observations and analyses of British Sign Language narrative data, we outline criteria and recommendations for defining and annotating CA. We show that, in carefully defining the phenomenon in question and providing criteria for its identification, applying these criteria to usage data leads to emergence of particular types of CA. We also show how identifying these types can help resolve some of the apparent contradictions in the literature.
Electron microscopy analysis of structural changes within white etching areas
Authors: Diederichs A. M. , Schwedt A. , Mayer J. , Dreifert T.
Published: February 2016

In the present work, crack networks with white etching areas (WEAs) in cross-sections of bearings were investigated by a complementary use of SEM and TEM with the focus on the use of orientation contrast imaging and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Orientation contrast imaging was used for the first time to give detailed insight into the microstructure of WEA. A significant difference between Nital-etched and polished WEA samples was observed. It was revealed that WEAs are composed of different areas with varying grain sizes. As a result of secondary transformation, needle-shaped grains were observed within WEAs. Using EBSD analysis, evidence was obtained that WEA formation and accompanying crack growth are without relation microstructural features. In addition, an inhomogeneous chemical structure of WEA as a result of carbide dissolution is revealed by analytical investigations.
Binding interactions of the peripheral stalk subunit isoforms from human V-ATPase
Authors: Rahman Suhaila , Yamato Ichiro , Saijo Shinya , Mizutani Kenji , Takamuku Yuuki , Ishizuka-Katsura Yoshiko , Ohsawa Noboru , Terada Takaho , Shirouzu Mikako , Yokoyama Shigeyuki , Murata Takeshi
Published: February 2016

The mammalian peripheral stalk subunits of the vacuolar-type H+-ATPases (V-ATPases) possess several isoforms (C1, C2, E1, E2, G1, G2, G3, a1, a2, a3, and a4), which may play significant role in regulating ATPase assembly and disassembly in different tissues. To better understand the structure and function of V-ATPase, we expressed and purified several isoforms of the human V-ATPase peripheral stalk: E1G1, E1G2, E1G3, E2G1, E2G2, E2G3, C1, C2, H, a1NT, and a2NT. Here, we investigated and characterized the isoforms of the peripheral stalk region of human V-ATPase with respect to their affinity and kinetics in different combination. We found that different isoforms interacted in a similar manner with the isoforms of other subunits. The differences in binding affinities among isoforms were minor from our in vitro studies. However, such minor differences from the binding interaction among isoforms might provide valuable information for the future structural-functional studies of this holoenzyme.
Tumor cell-derived secretory factor downregulates Semaphorin-3a in osteoblasts by activating mammalian target of rapamycin pathway
Authors: Yamada Daisuke , Kawahara Kohichi , Ozaki Masanobu , Maeda Takehiko
Published: February 2016

We found that conditioned medium derived from Lewis Lung Carcinoma cells down-regulated Semaphorin3a (Sema3a) mRNA expression and increased the activity of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. Furthermore, mTORC1 inhibition with rapamycin counteracted the effect of conditioned media on Sema3a mRNA expression. These results suggest that tumor cells decrease Sema3a mRNA expression in osteoblast in an mTORC1-dependent manner.
Overexpression of ACC gene from oleaginous yeast Lipomyces starkeyi enhanced the lipid accumulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae with increased levels of glycerol 3-phosphate substrates
Authors: Wang Jiancai , Xu Ronghua , Wang Ruling , Haque Mohammad Enamul , Liu Aizhong
Published: February 2016

The conversion of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA by acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) is the rate-limiting step in fatty acid biosynthesis. In this study, a gene coding for ACC was isolated and characterized from an oleaginous yeast, Lipomyces starkeyi. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis of L. starkeyi acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene (LsACC1) showed that the expression levels were upregulated with the fast accumulation of lipids. The LsACC1 was co-overexpressed with the glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene (GPD1), which regulates lipids biosynthesis by supplying another substrates glycerol 3-phosphate for storage lipid assembly, in the non-oleaginous yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Further, the S. cerevisiae acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ScACC1) was transferred with GPD1 and its function was analyzed in comparison with LsACC1. The results showed that overexpressed LsACC1 and GPD1 resulted in a 63% increase in S. cerevisiae. This study gives new data in understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of fatty acids and lipid biosynthesis in yeasts.
Biophysics of food perception
Authors: Burbidge Adam S , Le Révérend Benjamin J D
Published: February 2016

In this article, we present food perception across a range of time and length scales as well as across the disciplines of physics, chemistry and biology. We achieve the objective of the article by presenting food from a material science angle as well as presenting the physiology of food perception that enables humans to probe materials in terms of aroma, taste and texture. We highlight that by using simple physical concepts, one can also decipher the mechanisms of transport that link food structure with perception physiology and define the regime in which physiology operates. Most importantly, we emphasise the notion that food/consumer interaction operates across the biological fluid interface grouped under the terminology of mucus, acting as a transfer fluid for taste, aroma and pressure between food and dedicated receptors.
The tuning of light-matter coupling and dichroism in graphene for enhanced absorption: Implications for graphene-based optical absorption devices
Authors: Rakheja Shaloo , Sengupta Parijat
Published: February 2016

The inter-band optical absorption in graphene characterized by its fine-structure constant has a universal value of 2.3% independent of the material parameters. However, for several graphene-based photonic applications, enhanced optical absorption is highly desired. In this work, we quantify the tunability of optical absorption in graphene via the Fermi level, angle of incidence of the incident polarized light, and the dielectric constants of the surrounding dielectric media in which graphene is embedded. The influence of impurities adsorbed on the surface of graphene on the Lorentzian broadening of the spectral function of the density of states is analytically evaluated within the equilibrium Green’s function formalism. In all the cases, we find that absorption of light graphene embedded in dielectric medium is significantly higher than 2.3%. We also compute the differential absorption of right and left circularly-polarized light in graphene that is uniaxially and optically strained. The preferential absorption or circular dichroism is investigated for armchair and zigzag strain and the interplay of k-space and velocity anisotropy is examined. Finally, we relate circular dichroism to the Berry curvature of gapped graphene and explain the connection to parameters that define the underlying Hamiltonian.
Structure and function of outer dynein arm intermediate and light chain complex
Authors: Oda Toshiyuki , Abe Tatsuki , Yanagisawa Haruaki , Kikkawa Masahide
Published: February 2016

The outer dynein arm (ODA) is a molecular complex that drives the beating motion of cilia/flagella. Chlamydomonas ODA is composed of three heavy chains (HCs), two ICs, and 11 light chains (LCs). Although the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the whole ODA complex has been investigated, the 3D configurations of the ICs and LCs are largely unknown. Here we identified the 3D positions of the two ICs and three LCs using cryo–electron tomography and structural labeling. We found that these ICs and LCs were all localized at the root of the outer-inner dynein (OID) linker, designated the ODA-Beak complex. Of interest, the coiled-coil domain of IC2 extended from the ODA-Beak to the outer surface of ODA. Furthermore, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of how the OID linker transmits signals to the ODA-Beak, by manipulating the interaction within the OID linker using a chemically induced dimerization system. We showed that the cross-linking of the OID linker strongly suppresses flagellar motility in vivo. These results suggest that the ICs and LCs of the ODA form the ODA-Beak, which may be involved in mechanosignaling from the OID linker to the HCs.
Sex Differences in Risk Factors and Natural History of Oral Human Papillomavirus Infection
Authors: D'Souza Gypsyamber , Wentz Alicia , Kluz Nicole , Zhang Yuehan , Sugar Elizabeth , Youngfellow Renee M. , Guo Yingshi , Xiao Weihong , Gillison Maura L.
Published: February 2016

Oral human papillomavirus genotype 16 (HPV16) infection causes oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and the prevalence of oropharyngeal SCC is higher among men than women in the United States. In a cohort study of oral HPV infection among 409 individuals aged 18–25 years, the risk among men but not among women significantly increased as the number of recent (ie, within the prior 3 months) oral sex partners increased (Pinteraction = .05). In contrast, the risk among women but not among men significantly decreased as the lifetime number of vaginal sex partners increased (Pinteraction = .037). Men were also significantly less likely than women to clear oral HPV infection. Our data contribute to understanding sex differences in risk for HPV-positive oropharyngeal SCC.

Clinical Trials Registration.  NCT00994019.
The Psychologist as Managerial Coach
Authors: Lowman Rodney L.
Published: February 2016

This article addresses executive coaching as an area of practice and research by psychologists. As an emerging area associated both with psychology and other professional groups, coaching has rapidly expanded despite a modest body of literature available in support for its efficacy so far. Coaching clearly enjoys a large market demand, and in turn there is an abundance of coaches providing services. This article covers issues associated with defining coaching, identifying the competencies apparently needed for professional practice in this area, and some of the evidence for coaching’s effectiveness (efficacy). It also identifies some of the ethical issues raised in this practice area (coaching ethics) including expectations of science- and evidence-based practice, boundaries of competence, informed consent, multiple relationships, and confidentiality.
Third Wave Variationism
Authors: Eckert Penelope
Published: February 2016

This article traces the development of the most recent approach to the study of sociolinguistic variation and considers the theoretical issues it raises. This field has moved through three waves of analytic practice. The first focused on the spread of linguistic change, finding robust correlations between linguistic variables and macrosocial categories across large populations. The second wave took an ethnographic turn, examining the relation between variation and local social dynamics. The third wave focuses on the indexical nature of sociolinguistic variation and on the stylistic practice in which variables gain their meaning. This approach differs from earlier practice in its focus on social meaning and speaker agency, and on the role of stylistic practice in social change and the construction of social distinctions.
Public Order Policing and Liberal Democracy
Authors: de Lint Willem
Published: February 2016

This article argues that public order police developed in relative autonomy from government. It accounts for the genesis of that autonomy and its significance in support of the opportunity to contest liberal rule. The argument developed is that it is from their relative insulation from public and private authorities that police draw power in liberal democracies. Understanding public order policing, it follows, requires an appreciation of how that power interacts with ideological expression. Current public order mobilizations considered more or less in favor of this account are reviewed, and an argument in favor of the pluralist account is provided.
Group-Based Trajectory Modeling
Authors: Jennings Wesley G. , Meade Caitlyn
Published: February 2016

This article explores group-based trajectory modeling as a methodological design for studying criminal behavior. Originally developed by Nagin and Land (1993) as a nonparametric, nested, mixed Poisson model, group-based trajectory modeling is a statistical methodology that uses longitudinal data to understand trajectories as a criminological endeavor. Its objective is to determine whether the age–crime curve of criminal offending found at the societal level also applies to the individual level and whether an individual’s criminal career can be modeled without including the structural elements of career onset, desistance, or dormancy. This article begins with a historical background on how group-based trajectory modeling was developed and goes on to discuss how it is implemented in the field of criminology. It also considers the methodological and substantive applications of group-based trajectory modeling, along with its advantages and disadvantages. Finally, it outlines directions for future research on group-based trajectory modeling.
Root-Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) Parasitizing Resistant Tobacco Cultivars in Southern Brazil
Authors: Filho Jerônimo Vieira de Araújo , Machado Andressa Cristina Zamboni , Dallagnol Leandro José , Aranha Camargo Luís Eduardo
Published: February 2016

Our study surveyed Meloidogyne spp. from tobacco cultivars in Brazil carrying the Rk gene, which confers resistance to Meloidogyne incognita races 1 and 3. Identification of Meloidogyne populations from 39 tobacco fields was based on the analysis of esterase phenotypes, perineal patterns, and 18S-internal transcribed spacer (ITS)1-5.8S ribosomal RNA sequences. Biometric characterization and differential host tests of isolates were determined as well. We detected M. incognita, M. javanica, M. enterolobii, M. arenaria, and M. inornata in 18 (46.2%), 16 (41%), 10 (25.6%), 2 (5.1%), and 1 (2.6%) samples, respectively. Mixtures of species were found in 25.6% of the samples. This is the first report of M. inornata parasitizing tobacco in Brazil’s southern region. Two morphological and biochemically unusual populations had host ranges and ITS1 sequences nearly identical to M. enterolobii and M. incognita, respectively. Pathogenic and biometric intraspecific variations were observed. Based on our results and considering the limited efficiency of the Rk gene, it is indispensable not only to search for resistance sources to M. incognita virulent strains but also to consider resistance to M. enterolobii, M. inornata, M. arenaria, and M. javanica in tobacco breeding programs. Changes in integrated management procedures should be considered to avoid increased crop damage in the future.
Pathotype Diversity of Phytophthora sojae in Eleven States in the United States
Authors: Dorrance A. E. , Kurle J. , Robertson A. E. , Bradley C. A. , Giesler L. , Wise K. , Concibido V. C.
Published: February 2016

Pathotype diversity of Phytophthora sojae was assessed in 11 states in the United States during 2012 and 2013. Isolates of P. sojae were recovered from 202 fields, either from soil samples using a soybean seedling bioassay or by isolation from symptomatic plants. Each isolate was inoculated directly onto 12 soybean differentials; no Rps gene or Rps 1a, 1b, 1c, 1k, 3a, 3b, 3c, 4, 6, 7, or 8. There were 213 unique virulence pathotypes identified among the 873 isolates collected. None of the Rps genes were effective against all the isolates collected but Rps6 and Rps8 were effective against the majority of isolates collected in the northern regions of the sampled area. Virulence toward Rps1a, 1b, 1c, and 1k ranged from 36 to 100% of isolates collected in each state, while virulence to Rps6 and Rps8 was less than 36 and 10%, respectively. Depending on the state, the effectiveness of Rps3a ranged from totally effective to susceptible to more than 40% of the isolates. Pathotype complexity has increased in populations of P. sojae in the United States, emphasizing the increasing importance of stacked Rps genes in combination with high partial resistance as a means of limiting losses to P. sojae.
Hop Powdery Mildew Control Through Alteration of Spring Pruning Practices
Authors: Probst Claudia , Nelson Mark E. , Grove Gary G. , Twomey Megan C. , Gent David H.
Published: February 2016

Podosphaera macularis, the causal agent of hop powdery mildew, is a recurrent threat to hops in the Pacific Northwest because of the potential to reduce cone yield and quality. Early-season pruning is a common practice in hop production for horticultural reasons. Studies were conducted over a 3-year period in a commercial hop yard to quantify the effect of pruning method and timing on disease development, yield, and cone quality factors. A 4-week delay in pruning reduced the incidence of leaves with powdery mildew from 46 to 10% and cones from 9 to 1%, with the specific effect being season dependent. Pruning using chemical desiccants rather than by mechanical means had similar effects on disease levels on leaves. On cones, though, chemical pruning had a small but significant reduction in the incidence of powdery mildew compared with mechanical pruning. Cone yield, levels of bittering-acids, and color were not negatively affected in any individual year or cumulatively over three seasons when pruning treatments were applied repeatedly to the same plots during the study period. Delayed pruning may offer a low-cost means of reducing both the incidence of powdery mildew and early-season fungicide inputs in certain cultivars.
Sarcococca Blight: Use of Whole-Genome Sequencing for Fungal Plant Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Malapi-Wight Martha , Salgado-Salazar Catalina , Demers Jill E. , Clement David L. , Rane Karen K. , Crouch Jo Anne
Published: February 2016

Early and accurate diagnosis of new plant pathogens is vital for the rapid implementation of effective mitigation strategies and appropriate regulatory responses. Most commonly, pathogen identification relies on morphology and DNA marker analysis. However, for new diseases, these approaches may not be sufficient for precise diagnosis. In this study, we used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to identify the causal agent of a new disease affecting Sarcococca hookeriana (sarcococca). Blight symptoms were observed on sarcococca and adjacent Buxus sempervirens (boxwood) plants in Maryland during 2014. Symptoms on sarcococca were novel, and included twig dieback and dark lesions on leaves and stems. A Calonectria sp. was isolated from both hosts and used to fulfill Koch’s postulates but morphology and marker sequence data precluded species-level identification. A 51.4-Mb WGS was generated for the two isolates and identified both as Calonectria pseudonaviculata. A single-nucleotide polymorphism at a noncoding site differentiated between the two host isolates. These results indicate that the same C. pseudonaviculata genotype has the ability to induce disease on both plant species. This study marks the first application of WGS for fungal plant pathogen diagnosis and demonstrates the power of this approach to rapidly identify causal agents of new diseases.
Comparison of Five Detection and Quantification Methods for Phytophthora ramorum in Stream and Irrigation Water
Authors: Rollins Lucy , Coats Katie , Elliott Marianne , Chastagner Gary
Published: February 2016

Propagules of Phytophthora ramorum, the causal agent of sudden oak death (SOD) and ramorum blight, can be recovered from infested stream and nursery irrigation runoff using baiting and filtration methods. Five detection methods, including pear and rhododendron leaf baits, Bottle O’ Bait, filtration, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) performed on zoospores trapped on a filter were compared simultaneously in laboratory assays using lab or creek water spiked with known quantities of P. ramorum zoospores. The detection threshold for each method was determined and methods that could be used to quantify zoospore inoculum were identified. Filtration and qPCR were the most sensitive at detecting low levels of zoospores, followed by wounded rhododendron leaves, rhododendron leaf disks, and pear baits. Filtration, qPCR, and leaf disks were able to quantify P. ramorum zoospores ranging from 2 to 451 direct-plate CFU/liter while wounded leaves and pear baits appeared to be better at detection rather than quantification. The ability to detect and quantify P. ramorum inoculum in water will assist scientists, regulatory agencies, and nursery personnel in assessing the risk of spreading P. ramorum in nurseries and landscape sites where untreated infested water is used for irrigation.
Distribution and Characterization of Podosphaera macularis Virulent on Hop Cultivars Possessing R6-Based Resistance to Powdery Mildew
Authors: Wolfenbarger Sierra N. , Massie Stephen T. , Ocamb Cynthia , Eck Emily B. , Grove Gary G. , Nelson Mark E. , Probst Claudia , Twomey Megan C. , Gent David H.
Published: February 2016

Host resistance, both quantitative and qualitative, is the preferred long-term approach for disease management in many pathosystems, including powdery mildew of hop (Podosphaera macularis). In 2012, an epidemic of powdery mildew occurred in Washington and Idaho on previously resistant cultivars whose resistance was putatively based on the gene designated R6. In 2013, isolates capable of causing severe disease on cultivars with R6-based resistance were confirmed in Oregon and became widespread during 2014. Surveys of commercial hop yards during 2012 to 2014 documented that powdery mildew is now widespread on cultivars possessing R6 resistance in Washington and Oregon, and the incidence of disease is progressively increasing. Pathogenic fitness, race, and mating type of R6-virulent isolates were compared with isolates of P. macularis lacking R6 virulence. All isolates were positive for the mating type idiomorph MAT1-1 and were able to overcome resistance genes Rb, R3, and R5 but not R1 or R2. In addition, R6-virulent isolates were shown to infect differential cultivars reported to possess the R6 gene and also the R4 gene, although R4 has not yet been broadly deployed in the United States. R6-virulent isolates were not detected from the eastern United States during 2012 to 2015. In growth chamber studies, R6-virulent isolates of P. macularis had a significantly longer latent period and produced fewer lesions on plants with R6 as compared with plants lacking R6, indicating a fitness cost to the fungus. R6-virulent isolates also produced fewer conidia when compared with isolates lacking R6 virulence, independent of whether the isolates were grown on a plant with or without R6. Thus, it is possible that the fitness cost of R6 virulence occurs regardless of host genotype. In field studies, powdery mildew was suppressed by at least 50% on plants possessing R6 as compared with those without R6 when coinoculated with R6-virulent and avirulent isolates. R6 virulence in P. macularis appears to be race specific and, at this time, imposes a measurable fitness penalty on the fungus. Resistance genes R1 and R2 appear to remain effective against R6-virulent isolates of P. macularis in the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Thoracic Volume Modeling: The Effect of Surgical Correction
Authors: Wozniczka Jennifer K. , Ledonio Charles G. T. , Polly David W. , Rosenstein Benjamin E. , Nuckley David J.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Scoliosis has been shown to have detrimental effects on pulmonary function, traditionally measured by pulmonary function tests, which is theorized to be correlated to the distortion of the spine and thorax. The changes in thoracic volume with surgical correction have not been well quantified. This study seeks to define the effect of surgical correction on thoracic volume in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Methods:

Images were obtained from adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis enrolled in a multicenter database (Prospective Pediatric Scoliosis Study). A convenience sample of patients with Lenke type 1 curves with a complete data set meeting specific parameters was used. Blender v2.63a software was used to construct a 3-dimensional (3D) computational model of the spine from 2-dimensional calibrated radiographs. To accomplish this, the 3D thorax model was deformed to match the calibrated radiographs. The thorax volume was then calculated in cubic centimeters using Mimics v15 software.

Results:

The results using this computational modeling technique demonstrated that surgical correction resulted in decreased curve measurement as determined by Cobb method, and increased postoperative thoracic volume as expected. Thoracic volume significantly increased by a mean of 567 mm3 (P<0.001). The percent change in thoracic volume after surgical correction averaged 40% (range, 3% to 87%). The smaller the baseline volume, the greater the change in volume postoperatively (r=–0.86).

Evaluation of postoperative data demonstrated that spinal curve measurement as determined by Cobb method was significantly reduced from a mean of 69 degrees (range, 50 to 96 degrees) preoperatively to 27 degrees (range, 13 to 33 degrees) postoperatively (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

This pilot study demonstrates methodologic plausibility for measuring 3D changes in thoracic volumes using 2-dimensional imaging. This is an assessment of the novel modeling technique, to be used in larger future studies to assess clinical significance.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3—retrospective comparison of prospectively collected data.
Use of Biotelemetry to Define Physiology-Based Deterioration Thresholds in a Murine Cecal Ligation and Puncture Model of Sepsis
Authors: Lewis Anthony J. , Yuan Du , Zhang Xianghong , Angus Derek C. , Rosengart Matthew R. , Seymour Christopher W.
Published: February 2016

Objectives:

Murine models of critical illness are commonly used to test new therapeutic interventions. However, these interventions are often administered at fixed time intervals after the insult, perhaps ignoring the inherent variability in magnitude and temporality of the host response. We propose to use wireless biotelemetry monitoring to define and validate criteria for acute deterioration and generate a physiology-based murine cecal ligation and puncture model that is more similar to the conduct of human trials of sepsis.

Design:

Laboratory and animal research.

Setting:

University basic science laboratory.

Subjects:

Male C57BL/6 mice.

Interventions:

Mice underwent cecal ligation and puncture, and an HD-X11 wireless telemetry monitor (Data Sciences International) was implanted that enabled continuous, real-time measurement of heart rate, core temperature, and mobility. We performed a population-based analysis to determine threshold criteria that met face validity for acute physiologic deterioration. We assessed construct validity by temporally matching mice that met these acute physiologic deterioration thresholds with mice that had not yet met deterioration threshold. We analyzed matched blood samples for blood gas, inflammatory cytokine concentration, cystatin C, and alanine aminotransferase.

Measurements and Main Results:

We observed that a 10% reduction in both heart rate and temperature sustained for greater than or equal to 10 minutes defined acute physiologic deterioration. There was significant variability in the time to reach acute deterioration threshold across mice, ranging from 339 to 529 minutes after cecal ligation and puncture. We found adequate construct validity, as mice that met criteria for acute deterioration had significantly worse shock, systemic inflammation (elevated tumor necrosis factor-α, p = 0.003; interleukin-6, p = 0.01; interleukin-10, p = 0.005), and acute kidney injury when compared with mice that had not yet met acute deterioration criteria.

Conclusions:

We defined a murine threshold for acute physiologic deterioration after cecal ligation and puncture that has adequate face and construct validity. This model may enable a more physiology-based model for evaluation of novel therapeutics in critical illness.
Development of a prediction model and estimation of cumulative risk for upper aerodigestive tract cancer on the basis of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 genotype and alcohol consumption in a Japanese population
Authors: Koyanagi Yuriko N. , Ito Hidemi , Oze Isao , Hosono Satoyo , Tanaka Hideo , Abe Tetsuya , Shimizu Yasuhiro , Hasegawa Yasuhisa , Matsuo Keitaro
Published: February 2016

Alcohol consumption and the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) polymorphism are associated with the risk of upper aerodigestive tract cancer, and a significant gene–environment interaction between the two has been confirmed in a Japanese population. To aid the development of a personalized prevention strategy, we developed a risk-prediction model and estimated absolute risks stratified by a combination of the ALDH2 genotype and alcohol consumption. We carried out two age-matched and sex-matched case–control studies: one (630 cases and 1260 controls) for model derivation and the second (654 cases and 654 controls) for external validation. On the basis of data from the derivation study, a prediction model was developed by fitting a conditional logistic regression model using the following predictors: age, sex, smoking, drinking, and the ALDH2 genotype. The risk model, including a combination of the ALDH2 genotype and alcohol consumption, provided high discriminatory accuracy and good calibration in both the derivation and the validation studies: C statistics were 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.80–0.84) and 0.83 (95% confidence interval 0.81–0.85), respectively, and the calibration plots of both studies remained close to the ideal calibration line. Cumulative risks were obtained by combining odds ratios estimated from the risk model with the age-specific incidence rate and population size. For heavy drinkers with a heterozygous genotype, the cumulative risk at age 80 was above 20%. In contrast, risk in the other groups was less than 5%. In conclusion, modification of alcohol consumption according to the ALDH2 genotype will have a major impact on upper aerodigestive tract cancer prevention. These findings represent a simple and practical model for personalized cancer prevention.
Syringomatous Structures in Extramammary Paget Disease: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall
Authors: Konstantinova Anastasia M. , Hayes Malcolm M. , Stewart Colin J. R. , Plaza Jose A. , Michal Michal , Kerl Katrin , Kazakov Dmitry V.
Published: February 2016

Primary extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a form of intraepithelial adenocarcinoma. Different morphological changes may accompany EMPD, including the presence of syringoma-like structures. The authors report 10 cases of EMPD, all of which manifested syringoma-like structures within the dermis both in areas involved by the carcinoma and beyond, including at the margins of the excisions. All patients were women, whose ages ranged from 49 to 93 years (median 75 years). The possible pathogenesis of the syringoma-like lesions is discussed. Awareness of these structures in vulvectomy specimens for EMPD is important to prevent misinterpretation of the syringoma-like lesions as an invasive component of the EMPD.
INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BREAST CANCER IRIS METASTASIS
Authors: Seidman Carly J. , Finger Paul T. , Silverman Joshua S. , Oratz Ruth
Published: February 2016

Purpose:

To report a case of neovascular and angle closure glaucoma secondary to breast cancer metastatic to the iris that was successfully treated with injections of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) 1.25 mg/0.05 mL.

Methods:

Case report.

Patients:

A 47-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer presented to The New York Eye Cancer Center with left ocular pain, photosensitivity, vision loss, and multiple iris nodules. Her intraocular pressure was uncontrolled. Gonioscopy revealed neovascularization of the iris and angle; no choroidal neovascularization was noted. Ultrasound biomicroscopy demonstrated tumor invasion of iris stroma with marked anterior uveal thickening and narrowed angles.

Results:

Three monthly injections of intravitreal bevacizumab resulted in nearly complete resolution of iris neovascularization, reduction of intraocular pressure, and control of tumor (although a small amount of residual tumor remained).

Conclusion:

Intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for breast cancer metastatic to the iris with secondary neovascular glaucoma provided good local control for a limited follow-up period, because the patient died because of systemic complications of her disease.
Positive Effects of Subdermal Lipotransfer on Pig’s Upper Eyelid Skin: Mature Adipocytes or Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Alone Contribute Little and Only Cotransplantation of Them Can Generate Benefits
Authors: Wang Qianwen , Wang Xiao , Zhou Lu , Wang Jiaqi , Wang Tailing
Published: February 2016

Background:

Many studies have shown that autologous fat grafting and cell-assisted lipotransfer can improve skin quality, with both mature adipocytes (MAs) and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) considered to play a role. However, it is unclear whether transplantation of ADSCs or MAs has the same impact on the overlying skin.

Methods:

Nine pigs were divided into 3 equal groups, with lipoaspirates obtained from the porcine dorsum of each pig. Transplant content was injected into the right upper eyelids, while the left eyelids were used as controls. Following cellular isolation, 1 group underwent MA grafting, 1 underwent ADSCs transplantation, and 1 underwent cotransplantation of MAs and ADSCs. Epidermal thickness, epidermal cell proliferation, dermal thickness, collagen content, and arteriole density were examined.

Results:

While no significant skin changes in the areas examined were noted following MAs or ADSCs transplantations, the cotransplantation of MAs and ADSCs resulted in significant increases in epidermal cell proliferation, dermal thickness, collagen content, and arteriole density.

Conclusion:

Subdermal injection of MAs or ADSCs alone does not significantly impact the overlying skin and the benefits to the skin can only be seen when MAs and ADSCs are cotransplanted; these findings suggest that ADSCs-enhanced fat grafting is necessary for the aim of antiaging treatments.
Iodine-131 Therapy and Nasolacrimal Duct Obstructions: What We Know and What We Need to Know
Authors: Ali Mohammad Javed
Published: February 2016

Purpose:

The aims of the current review are to summarize the etiopathogenesis, symptomatology, management, complications, and outcomes of iodine-131-induced nasolacrimal duct obstructions, to propose a screening protocol and elucidate the potential avenues of future research.

Methods:

The authors performed an electronic database (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) search of all articles published in English on nasolacrimal duct obstructions following radioiodine therapy. These articles were reviewed along with their relevant cross references. Data reviewed included demographics, presentations, investigations, management, complications, and outcomes. In addition, based on relevant unanswered questions and current lacunae in literature, potential avenues for further research have been elucidated.

Results:

The frequency of nasolacrimal duct obstruction is reported to range from 2.2% to 18% following I-131 therapy. They are mostly bilateral and noted in patients who receive more than 150 mCi radioiodine. Exact etiopathogenesis is unknown but radiotoxicity to lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct is believed to be mediated through a sodium-iodine symporter protein. Although uncommon, it is important to increase awareness among treating physicians and patients receiving radioiodine therapy about the potential side effect of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Imaging modalities are useful adjuncts in the diagnosis. Dacryocystorhinostomy is the most common modality of management with good outcomes.

Conclusions:

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction following radioiodine treatment is a distinct clinical entity. Increased awareness would facilitate timely diagnosis, management, and an enhanced quality of life for the patients.
Postpartum Weight Retention and Subsequent Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Luke Sabrina , Kirby Russell S. , Wright Lauri
Published: February 2016

The effects of postpartum weight retention on gestational weight gain in successive pregnancies require elucidation. The purpose of the study was (1) to examine the association between postpartum weight retention and subsequent adherence to the Institute of Medicine gestational weight gain guidelines and (2) to determine whether the association varies by body mass index status and affects birth outcomes. Florida vital records for 2005-2010 were analyzed using χ2 tests and multivariable Poisson regression, adjusted for interpregnancy interval, tobacco use, maternal age, and race/ethnicity. Obese women who gained inadequate weight were more likely to retain weight between pregnancies than obese women who met or exceeded the recommended weight gain. Risks for preterm birth increased among women with inadequate weight and decreased among women with excessive weight gain. Gaining excessive weight was protective for small-for-gestational age infants in all body mass index categories but increased the risks for large-for-gestational age infants. Underweight and normal weight women who gained in excess were 40% more likely to develop hypertension than normal weight women who gained within the recommended amount. Obese women who retain or gain weight postpartum are at increased risk for inadequate weight gain in a successive pregnancy. Achieving Institute of Medicine–recommended gestational weight gain is essential for preventing adverse maternal and infant outcomes.
Randomized clinical trial comparing 10-day sequential, 7-day concomitant and 7-day standard triple therapies for Helicobacter pylori eradication
Authors: Tepeš Bojan , Vujasinović Miroslav , Šeruga Maja , Stefanovič Milan , Forte Alenka , Jeverica Samo
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To compare triple therapy with sequential and concomitant therapies directly in a head-to-head comparison in Helicobacter pylori-infected patients.

Design

Patients were allocated randomly as follows: a triple therapy with esomeprazole (20 mg), amoxicillin (1000 mg) and clarithromycin (500 mg) twice daily for 7 days; a sequential therapy with 5 days of esomeprazole (20 mg) and amoxicillin (1000 mg) twice daily, followed by 5 days of esomeprazole (20 mg), clarithromycin (500 mg) and metronidazole (400 mg) twice daily; or a concomitant therapy consisting of esomeprazole (20 mg), amoxicillin (1000 mg), clarithromycin (500 mg) and metronidazole (400 mg) twice daily for 7 days.

Results

A total of 356 consecutive patients were included. The eradication rates for the triple, sequential and concomitant therapies were 83.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) 76.9–90.4%], 94.2% (95% CI 90.0–98.4%) and 91.7% (95% CI 86.7–96.6%), respectively, in the intention-to-treat population. The differences were significant only between triple and sequential therapies (P=0.01). The primary resistance rates to amoxicillin, clarithromycin and metronidazole were 0.6, 10.5 and 25.9%, respectively. Concomitant therapy was significantly better than triple therapy in cases with clarithromycin resistance (P=0.01).

Conclusion

Ten-day sequential therapy was significantly better than 7-day triple therapy in a clinical setting with low rates of clarithromycin and dual resistance. Concomitant therapy was significantly better than standard triple therapy in the subgroup of patients with clarithromycin-resistant strains.
Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases-2/-9 is Associated With Microvessel Density in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Xiang Tinghai , Xia Xiuliang , Yan Wenyan
Published: February 2016

This study aimed to investigate the association of matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 with microvessel density (MVD) in pancreatic cancer. The tumor tissues and para-tumor tissues of 30 patients with pancreatic cancer were pathologically examined. The normal pancreatic tissues of another 17 patients served as controls. The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was examined using immunohistochemistry and scored. The association of MMP-2 and MMP-9 with the MVD values and pathological features were analyzed. The positive expression rates of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the tumor tissues were significantly higher than those in the para-tumor tissues (P < 0.01). In normal pancreatic tissues, both MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions were negative. The MVD values increased significantly along with higher tumor node metastasis stages (P = 0.04). The MVD values were positively correlated with MMP-2 scores (r = 0.563, P < 0.05) and MMP-9 scores (r = 0.451, P < 0.05). The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 is associated with angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer. MMPs might be used as prognostic factors and therapy targets for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Endoscopic Evaluation in Children With End‐Stage Liver Disease–Associated Portal Hypertension Awaiting Liver Transplant
Authors: Ng Nicholas Beng Hui , Karthik Sivaramakrishnan Venkatesh , Aw Marion Margaret , Quak Seng Hock
Published: February 2016

Objectives:

Routine oesophago‐gastro‐duodenoscopy (OGD) pre‐liver transplantation (LT) for evaluation and management of gastrointestinal (GI) pathology, in particular GI varices secondary to portal hypertension, is common practice in adult LT programmes. There is no universal consensus for this practice in children. We report our endoscopic experience in children with end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) pre‐LT.

Methods:

Retrospective audit of LT database and review of OGD findings of patients who had undergone endoscopy preceding LT.

Results:

Of 69 patients with ESLD, 50 (72.4%) had pre‐LT OGD, 37 of which were done electively, whereas the remaining 13 were event driven. Forty‐eight (96%) patients who underwent OGD had abnormalities, in which 38 (76%) patients had varices and 23 (46%) had portal hypertensive gastropathy. Eleven (22%) patients required therapeutic intervention at initial OGD either with endoscopic variceal band ligation or endoscopic sclerotherapy. Compared with the group who underwent elective OGDs, the group who had event‐driven OGDs had a significantly higher requirement for endoscopic intervention (P < 0.0001), occurrence of rebleeding (P < 0.029) and requirement for repeat OGDs (P = 0.014). There was no significant difference in terms of patient (P = 0.2746) or graft survival (P = 0.3192) between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

The role of pre‐LT OGDs in patients with ESLD associated with portal hypertension is possibly limited to control of bleeding during episodes of GI bleed, where the aim would be to stabilize the patient until eventual LT. Multicentre prospective studies are required to provide more evidence on the use of routine endoscopy for pre‐LT assessment in children.
Coping Strategies at the Time of Diagnosis and Quality of Life 2 Years Later
Authors: Bonnaud-Antignac Angélique , Bourdon Marianne , Dréno Brigitte , Quéreux Gaëlle
Published: February 2016

Background:

While coping has been found to have time-lagged effects on psychological adjustment in cancer patients, studies addressing this issue are missing in melanoma patients.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to provide more insight into the links between coping strategies at the time of diagnosis and quality of life (QOL) 2 years later in patients with primary cutaneous melanoma.

Methods:

Patients who received diagnosis of melanoma (n = 78) were assessed regarding coping strategies within 1 month of diagnosis (T1); their anxiety, depression, control, QOL, and life satisfaction were evaluated 24 months later (T2). Relevant medical and sociodemographic data were collected at T1 and T2. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed.

Results:

Consistent with the literature, we found that higher positive reframing was associated with greater life satisfaction and that increased behavioral disengagement was related to decreased cognitive functioning. Surprisingly, our results highlighted that higher active coping predicted lower emotional functioning and that greater religious coping was associated with more reports of nausea symptoms. We also noticed that depression was strongly related to QOL beyond the end of interferon α therapy.

Conclusion:

The findings of the present study suggest that specific coping strategies may have time-lagged effects on QOL when the treatment is completed.

Implications for Practice:

These findings provide new insights into the coping strategies that could be promoted in coping skills interventions in dermatology units and reveal the significant role of preventive care concerning the posttreatment period.
Enhancing Documentation of Pressure Ulcer Prevention Interventions
Authors: Jacobson Therese M. , Thompson Susan L. , Halvorson Anna M. , Zeitler Kristine
Published: February 2016

Prevention of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers requires the implementation of evidence-based interventions. A quality improvement project was conducted to provide nurses with data on the frequency with which pressure ulcer prevention interventions were performed as measured by documentation. Documentation reports provided feedback to stakeholders, triggering reminders and reeducation. Intervention reports and modifications to the documentation system were effective both in increasing the documentation of pressure ulcer prevention interventions and in decreasing the number of avoidable hospital-acquired pressure ulcers.
RN-BSN Students’ Perceptions of the Differences in Practice of the ADN- and BSN-Prepared RN
Authors: Matthias April D. , Kim-Godwin Yeoun Soo
Published: February 2016

This study explored RN-BSN students’ perceptions of practice differences between nurses prepared with an ADN and BSN. Five themes were identified in 20 students’ discussion posts: “a nurse is a nurse” at the bedside, beyond the bedside, BSN wanted, digging deeper, and appraisal. Results illustrate the need for educators to assist nurses in translating the differentiated educational competencies to the practice role of the bedside RN.