bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sarajevo and the Sarajevo Sephardim
Authors: Rock Jonna
Published: January 2018

This article highlights issues pertaining to the Sephardim ([-im] is the masculine plural Hebrew ending and Sepharad is the Hebrew name for Spain. Sephardim thus literally means the Jews of Spain) in Sarajevo from the time of their arrival in the Ottoman Empire in the late fifteenth century until the present day. I describe the status quo for the Sephardi minority in post-Ottoman Sarajevo, in the first and second Yugoslavia, and in today's post-Communist Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The objective is to shed light on how historic preconditions have influenced identity formation as it expresses itself from a Sephardic perspective. The aim is moreover to generate knowledge of the circumstances that affected how Sephardim came to understand themselves in terms of their Jewish identification. I present empirical findings from my semi-structured interviews with Sarajevo Sephardim of different generations (2015 and 2016). I argue that while none of the interlocutors conceive of Jewish identification as divergent from halachic interpretations of matrilineal descent, they moreover propose other conceptions of what it means to be Jewish, such as celebrating Shabbat and other Jewish holidays, and other patterns of socialization. At the same time, these individuals also assert alternative forms of being Bosnian, one that includes multiple ethnicities, and multiple religious ascriptions. This study elucidates a little-explored history and sheds light on the ways in which historical conditions have shaped contemporary, layered framings of identification among Sarajevo's current Jewish population. This article is relevant for those interested in contemporary Sephardic Bosnian culture and in the role and function of ideology in creating conditions for identity formation and transformation.
Characteristic functions as bounded multipliers on anisotropic spaces
Authors: Baladi Viviane
Published: January 2018

We show that characteristic functions of domains with piecewise

C
3

C^3

boundaries transversal to suitable cones are bounded multipliers on a recently introduced scale

U

p

C

,
t
,
s

\mathcal {U}^{\mathbf {C}, t,s}_p

of anisotropic Banach spaces, under the conditions

−
1
+
1

/

p
>
s
>
−
t
>
0

-1+1/p>s>-t>0

, with

p
∈
(
1
,
∞
)

p\in (1,\infty )

.
Dynein pulling forces counteract lamin-mediated nuclear stability during nuclear envelope repair
Authors: Penfield Lauren , Wysolmerski Brian , Mauro Michael , Farhadifar Reza , Martinez Michael A. , Biggs Ronald , Wu Hai-Yin , Broberg Curtis , Needleman Daniel , Bahmanyar Shirin
Published: January 2018

Recent work done exclusively in tissue culture cells revealed that the nuclear envelope (NE) ruptures and repairs in interphase. The duration of NE ruptures depends on lamins; however, the underlying mechanisms and relevance to in vivo events are not known. Here, we use the Caenorhabditis elegans zygote to analyze lamin’s role in NE rupture and repair in vivo. Transient NE ruptures and subsequent NE collapse are induced by weaknesses in the nuclear lamina caused by expression of an engineered hypomorphic C. elegans lamin allele. Dynein-generated forces that position nuclei enhance the severity of transient NE ruptures and cause NE collapse. Reduction of dynein forces allows the weakened lamin network to restrict nucleo–cytoplasmic mixing and support stable NE recovery. Surprisingly, the high incidence of transient NE ruptures does not contribute to embryonic lethality, which is instead correlated with stochastic chromosome scattering resulting from premature NE collapse, suggesting that C. elegans tolerates transient losses of NE compartmentalization during early embryogenesis. In sum, we demonstrate that lamin counteracts dynein forces to promote stable NE repair and prevent catastrophic NE collapse, and thus provide the first mechanistic analysis of NE rupture and repair in an organismal context.
Respiratory chain supercomplexes associate with the cysteine desulfurase complex of the iron–sulfur cluster assembly machinery
Authors: Böttinger Lena , Mårtensson Christoph U. , Song Jiyao , Zufall Nicole , Wiedemann Nils , Becker Thomas
Published: January 2018

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of eukaryotic cells. The activity of the respiratory chain complexes generates a proton gradient across the inner membrane, which is used by the F1FO-ATP synthase to produce ATP for cellular metabolism. In baker’s yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the cytochrome bc1 complex (complex III) and cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV) associate in respiratory chain supercomplexes. Iron–sulfur clusters (ISC) form reactive centers of respiratory chain complexes. The assembly of ISC occurs in the mitochondrial matrix and is essential for cell viability. The cysteine desulfurase Nfs1 provides sulfur for ISC assembly and forms with partner proteins the ISC-biogenesis desulfurase complex (ISD complex). Here, we report an unexpected interaction of the active ISD complex with the cytochrome bc1 complex and cytochrome c oxidase. The individual deletion of complex III or complex IV blocks the association of the ISD complex with respiratory chain components. We conclude that the ISD complex binds selectively to respiratory chain supercomplexes. We propose that this molecular link contributes to coordination of iron–sulfur cluster formation with respiratory activity.
Police Reforms in Slovenia in the Past 25 Years
Authors: Meško Gorazd , Lobnikar Branko
Published: January 2018

Since 1991, policing in Slovenia has been characterized by several police reforms aimed at bringing the police closer to the western democratic style of policing. Initial reforms were symbolic, but important: they involved the renaming of the former militia (milica) to the police (policija) and the changing of insignias. Institutional reform reached its milestone in 1998 with the adoption of the new Police Act, which significantly changed police powers and introduced a civilian oversight of policing. The General Police Directorate became an autonomous body within the Ministry of the Interior. The year 2013 saw the adoption of new police legislation aimed at achieving decentralization, defining cooperation between the police and local communities by emphasizing problem-solving, community policing and intelligence-led policing. All legislative changes and efforts to improve policing in Slovenia are reflected in police training and the level of education required for entering the police increased from secondary school to a higher education qualification. Studies on efforts related to police reforms are also presented.
An Administrative Law Code for Wales: Benefits to Reap and Obstacles to Overcome
Authors: Gardner David C
Published: January 2018

Wales is about to undergo a radical change to the legislative process. In line with the recommendations of the Law Commission in the report Form and Accessibility of the Law Applicable in Wales, Wales will soon see its first modern legal codes. A decision will need to be made on how the law in Wales will be codified and in what areas. This article will seek to provoke discussion and argue that a code bringing together the principles of administrative law should in the near future form part of the codification programme. The article will propose a model of codification that will incorporate current principles of administrative law and supplement those principles for the benefit of the principle of good administrative justice. The article will also discuss the extent to which the National Assembly has legislative competence to make an administrative law code for Wales. Finally, the article will discuss the current common law nature of administrative law in Wales and argue that codification would bring clarity and certainty without removing the safety and flexibility of the common law.
Infections: a double-edge sword in autoimmunity
Authors: Shamriz Oded , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: January 2018

Purpose of review

Infections play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases (AID). Several bacterial and viral pathogens play a double role, as both inducers and inhibitors of AID. In this review, we will present current evidence and discuss different aspects of this notion.

Recent findings

Infectors that both inhibit and induce AID include Helicobacter pylori, Klebsiella pneumoniae, hepatitis B virus, group B Coxsackieviruses, Epstein–Barr virus and Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Numerous AID are affected by infections, including polyarteritis nodosa, inflammatory bowel disease, and type 1 diabetes. Some pathogens, such as group B Coxsackieviruses, may induce and inhibit the development of the same AID. This reveals a complex role of infections in autoimmunity pathogenesis.

Elucidating the exact role of each pathogen on each specific AID is important, as this will enable evaluating the manipulation of these infections in the treatment of AID.
Early Risk and Resiliency Factors Predict Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Caregivers of Patients Admitted to a Neuroscience ICU
Authors: Choi Karmel W. , Shaffer Kelly M. , Zale Emily L. , Funes Christopher J. , Koenen Karestan C. , Tehan Tara , Rosand Jonathan , Vranceanu Ana-Maria
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

Informal caregivers—that is, close family and friends providing unpaid emotional or instrumental care—of patients admitted to ICUs are at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder. As a first step toward developing interventions to prevent posttraumatic stress disorder in ICU caregivers, we examined the predictive validity of psychosocial risk screening during admission for caregiver posttraumatic stress disorder at 3 and 6 months post hospitalization.

Design:

An observational, prospective study.

Participants:

Ninety-nine caregivers were recruited as part of a longitudinal research program of patient-caregiver dyads in a neuroscience ICU.

Intervention:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Caregiver posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were assessed during admission (baseline), 3 months, and 6 months post hospitalization. We 1) characterized prevalence of clinically significant symptoms at each time point 2); calculated sensitivity and specificity of baseline posttraumatic stress disorder screening in predicting posttraumatic stress disorder at 3 and 6 months; and 3) used recursive partitioning to select potential baseline factors and examine the extent to which they helped predict clinically significant posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms at each time point. Rates of caregiver posttraumatic stress disorder remained relatively stable over time (16–22%). Screening for posttraumatic stress disorder at baseline predicted posttraumatic stress disorder at 3 and 6 months with moderate sensitivity (75–80%) and high specificity (92–95%). Screening for posttraumatic stress disorder at baseline was associated with caregiver anxiety, mindfulness (i.e., ability to be aware of one’s thoughts and feelings in the moment), and bond with patient. Furthermore, baseline posttraumatic stress disorder screening was the single most relevant predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder at 3 and 6 months, such that other baseline factors did not significantly improve predictive ability.

Conclusions:

Screening neuroscience ICU caregivers for clinically significant posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms during admission is the single most important way to identify the majority of those likely to suffer from chronic posttraumatic stress disorder following discharge. Addressing early posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and their psychosocial correlates during admission may help prevent chronic posttraumatic stress disorder in these at-risk caregivers.
Systemic Administration of Carbon Monoxide–Releasing Molecule-3 Protects the Skeletal Muscle in Porcine Model of Compartment Syndrome
Authors: Bihari Aurelia , Cepinskas Gediminas , Sanders David , Lawendy Abdel-Rahman
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

Acute limb compartment syndrome, a complication of musculoskeletal trauma, results in muscle necrosis and cell death. Carbon monoxide, liberated from the carbon monoxide–releasing molecule-3, has been shown protective in a rat model of compartment syndrome. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of carbon monoxide–releasing molecule-3 in a preclinical large animal model of compartment syndrome, with the ultimate goal of developing a pharmacologic adjunct treatment for compartment syndrome.

Design:

Animal research study.

Setting:

Basic research laboratory in a hospital setting.

Subjects:

Male Yorkshire-Landrace pigs (50–60 kg).

Interventions:

Pigs underwent 6 hours of intracompartmental pressure elevation by infusing fluid into the anterior compartment of the right hind limb. Carbon monoxide–releasing molecule-3 was administered systemically (2 mg/kg, IV) at fasciotomy, followed by 3-hour reperfusion.

Measurements and Main Results:

Muscle perfusion, inflammation, injury, and apoptosis were assessed in the skeletal muscle. Systemic leukocyte activation was assessed during compartment syndrome and reperfusion. Elevation of hind limb intracompartmental pressure resulted in significant microvascular perfusion deficits (44% ± 1% continuously perfused capillaries in compartment syndrome vs 76% ± 4% in sham; p < 0.001), increased tissue injury (ethidium bromide/bisbenzimide of 0.31 ± 0.07 in compartment syndrome vs 0.17 ± 0.03 in sham; p < 0.05), apoptosis (fluorescence in vivo/bisbenzimide of 0.26 ± 0.06 in compartment syndrome vs 0.13 ± 0.03 in sham; p < 0.05), and systemic leukocyte activation (14.7 relative luminescence units/106 polymorphonuclear leukocytes in compartment syndrome vs 1.0 ± 0.1 in baseline; p < 0.001). Systemic application of carbon monoxide–releasing molecule-3 at fasciotomy increased the number of continuously perfused capillaries (68% ± 3%; p < 0.001), diminished tissue injury (ethidium bromide/bisbenzimide of 0.13 ± 0.04; p < 0.05), apoptosis (fluorescence in vivo/bisbenzimide of 0.12 ± 0.03; p < 0.05), and blocked systemic leukocyte activation (3.9 ± 0.3 relative luminescence unit/106 polymorphonuclear leukocytes; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Administration of carbon monoxide–releasing molecule-3 at fasciotomy offered protection against compartment syndrome–induced microvascular perfusion deficit, tissue injury, and systemic leukocyte activation. The data suggest the potential therapeutic application of carbon monoxide–releasing molecule-3 to patients at risk of developing compartment syndrome.
Interleukin-34 Ameliorates Survival and Bacterial Clearance in Polymicrobial Sepsis*
Authors: Lin Xue , Luo Hongchun , Yan Xingxing , Song Zhixin , Gao Xun , Xia Yun , Zhang Liping , Yin Yibing , Cao Ju
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

Sepsis is a devastating condition with a high mortality rate and limited treatments. Sepsis is characterized by a failed host immune response to contain the infection, resulting in organ dysfunction. Interleukin-34 is new cytokine involved in infection and immunity. Whether interleukin-34 is beneficial or deleterious to sepsis and the underlying mechanisms remains unknown.

Design:

Prospective randomized animal investigation and in vitro studies.

Setting:

Research laboratory at a university hospital.

Subjects:

Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were used for in vivo studies, and septic human patients and healthy human subjects were used to obtain blood for in vitro studies.

Interventions:

Interleukin-34 concentrations were measured in human sepsis patients and healthy individuals. The effects of interleukin-34 administration on survival, bacterial burden, organ injury, and inflammatory response were assessed in a murine model of cecal ligation and puncture–induced polymicrobial sepsis.

Measurements and Main Results:

Interleukin-34 levels were significantly elevated in human sepsis and cecal ligation and puncture–induced experimental sepsis. Interleukin-34 administration improved survival and bacterial clearance, although suppressed vascular leakage and organ injury after cecal ligation and puncture–induced polymicrobial sepsis. Neutralization of interleukin-34 increased mortality rate and decreased bacterial clearance in septic mice. An increased neutrophil and macrophage influx were developed in interleukin-34–treated mice at the site of infection, accompanied by elevated production of neutrophil chemokine chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 and macrophage chemokine C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 in the peritoneal cavity. Depletion of neutrophils or macrophages reversed interleukin-34–mediated protection against polymicrobial sepsis.

Conclusions:

We reported for the first time a potential therapeutic role for interleukin-34 in sepsis and suggested that interleukin-34 is a novel target for the development of therapeutic agents against sepsis.
Additional Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments in Keratoconus
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Nabavi Amin , Bayat Reza , Mohebbi Masoumeh
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

To evaluate the outcome of additional KeraRing (Mediphacos, Belo Horizonte, Brazil) implantation in patients with keratoconus with previously implanted INTACS (Addition Technology Inc, Fremont, CA) segments.

Methods:

The KeraRing was implanted in 5 eyes of 3 patients with keratoconus without removal of previous intrastromal corneal ring segments. Tunnels were created manually. Snellen uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity, refractive and keratometric values, and higher-order aberrations were recorded before and after KeraRing implantation.

Results:

UDVA, corrected distance visual acuity, subjective refraction, and keratometric values were improved in 4/5 of cases and remained stable during a median follow-up of 36 months. UDVA improved from 20/200 and 20/100 to 20/100 and 20/40 in the right and left eyes of patient 1, respectively, and from 20/200 to 20/40 in both eyes of patient 2. The reduction in mean keratometric value was 2.1 and 4.4 D in the right and left eyes of patient 1, and 1.4 and 1.9 D in the right and left eyes of patient 2, respectively. In patient 3, UDVA (20/100) and mean keratometric value (52.4) remained unchanged after second intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation. Total higher-order aberrations were improved in all cases. No intraoperative or postoperative complication was observed. However, one of the cases reported glare under scotopic conditions.

Conclusions:

KeraRing implantation in properly selected eyes with previously implanted INTACS could enhance final visual and refractive outcomes.
Infectious Diseases Consultation Improves Treatment and Decreases Mortality by Enterococcal Bacteremia in Children
Authors: Furuichi Munehiro , Furuichi Mihoko , Horikoshi Yuho , Miyairi Isao
Published: January 2018

Background:

Enterococci can cause severe infectious diseases (IDs). Delaying appropriate antibiotic therapy for enterococcal bacteremia is associated with increased patient mortality.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective analysis examining the characteristics of children with enterococcal bacteremia at the 2 largest children’s hospitals in Japan. We compared outcomes of enterococcal bacteremia patients who received IDs consultation with those who did not. We also evaluated the risk factors for 30-day mortality after onset of enterococcal bacteremia.

Results:

One hundred fifty-two episodes of enterococcal bacteremia developed in 142 children. The most common pathogen was Enterococcus faecalis (94 episodes, 62%) followed by E. faecium (46 episodes, 30%). An underlying disease was present in 146 (96%) episodes. The most common type of infection was catheter-related blood stream infection (90, 59%). ID consultation, provided in 100 of 152 episodes of enterococcal bacteremia, was significantly associated with a higher rate of appropriate empiric therapy (84% versus 56%; P < 0.001) and appropriate definitive therapy (98% versus 73%; P < 0.001), treatment duration ≥7 days (97% versus 78%; P < 0.001), and the survival rate during 1 year postonset (P = 0.047). Seventeen children died within 30 days of enterococcal bacteremia onset. In multivariate analysis, those who received definitive therapy with penicillin without glycopeptides were at a statistically lower risk for death within 30 days after onset of enterococcal bacteremia (OR: 0.12; 95% confidence interval: 0.02–0.70; P = 0.02).

Conclusions:

ID consultation was associated with a higher rate of appropriate therapy and may decrease mortality because of enterococcal bacteremia in children.
Elevated triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level as marker of very high risk in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Hermans Michel P. , Valensi Paul
Published: January 2018

Purpose of review

The aim of this review is to describe in diabetic patients the determinants underlying atherogenic dyslipidemia, a complex dyslipidemia defined as the coexistence of fasting hypertriglyceridemia and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. Atherogenic dyslipidemia is often comorbid with hyperglycemia in patients with the common form of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), namely that associated with obesity, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and the metabolic syndrome phenotype.

Recent findings

The role of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, both fasting and nonfasting, is increasingly considered as a direct driver of atherosclerosis in diabetic patients, even in those receiving best standards of care, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level adequately controlled by statins and/or ezetimibe. The residual cardiovascular risk related to atherogenic dyslipidemia in T2DM patients can be inferred from subgroup analysis of diabetic patients within landmark lipid-lowering trials, or from T2DM-only trials, such as Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes study or Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes-Lipid trial.

The presence of atherogenic dyslipidemia markedly increases cardiovascular risk, and there is evidence that part of the residual cardiovascular risk in T2DM can be safely and effectively reduced by fibrates. Ongoing trials will determine whether new classes of drugs or dietary intervention targeting hypertriglyceridemia (such as n-3 fatty acids or SPPARMα) will reduce macro and microvascular residual risk in T2DM patients with atherogenic dyslipidemia at inclusion.
Update on diagnosis and management of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: White Perrin C.
Published: January 2018

Purpose of review

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is a relatively common inherited disorder of cortisol biosynthesis that can be fatal if untreated.

Recent findings

The basic biochemistry and genetics of CAH have been known for decades but continue to be refined by the discoveries of an alternative ‘backdoor’ metabolic pathway for adrenal androgen synthesis and the secretion of 11-hydroxy and 11-keto analogs of known androgens, by the elucidation of hundreds of new mutations, and by the application of high-throughput sequencing techniques to noninvasive prenatal diagnosis. Although hydrocortisone is a mainstay of treatment, overtreatment may have adverse effects on growth, risk of obesity, and cardiovascular disease; conversely, undertreatment may increase risk of testicular adrenal rest tumors in affected men.

Refinements to screening techniques may improve the positive predictive value of newborn screening programs. Alternative dosing forms of hydrocortisone and additional therapeutic modalities are under study. Although surgical treatment of virilized female genitalia is widely accepted by families and patients, it is not without complications or controversy, and some families choose to defer it.
Role of hypertension in progression of chronic kidney disease in children
Authors: Vidi Smitha R.
Published: January 2018

Purpose of review

Hypertension is an independent risk factor for progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children. Children with early CKD develop hypertension secondary to renal disease. This review aims to highlight recent advances that help us better understand the current role of hypertension in progression of CKD in children.

Recent findings

There is increasing evidence that children with CKD who have hypertension develop early atherosclerosis and cardiac adaptive changes. Emerging data from pediatric research in CKD show that elevated blood pressure is associated with the presence of abnormal subclinical markers of cardiovascular disease including increased carotid intima-media thickness, pulse wave velocity and left ventricular mass index. There is also some evidence that these early cardiovascular changes are reversible. Twenty-four hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is recommended in children with CKD by the American Academy of Pediatrics to diagnose hypertension.

Hypertension is associated with subclinical cardiovascular disease in children with CKD. Early diagnosis of hypertension by ABPM and identification of subclinical cardiovascular changes provide a window for intervention, which may reverse early cardiovascular disease, thereby delaying dialysis and improving cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Idiopathic Sclerosing Orbital Inflammation in a Relapsing Polychondritis Patient With Impaired Vision
Authors: Wang Chrong-Reen , Hsu Sheng-Min , Chen Ying-Chen , Ho Chung-Liang , Fang Sheen-Yie
Published: January 2018

A 55-year-old woman with relapsing polychondritis had progressively enlarged right retro-orbital tumor invading the optic nerve, followed by left retrobulbar infiltrating lesions despite prescription of high-dose corticosteroids and pulse methylprednisolone. Repeated histopathologic analyses showed dense collagen fibers with scanty inflammatory cells, consistent with the diagnosis of idiopathic sclerosing orbital inflammation. This disorder has been recognized as a distinct entity with unique clinical features and coexisting rheumatologic disorders, requiring more focused diagnostic strategies and therapeutic regimens. In summary, we demonstrate a rare ocular manifestation in relapsing polychondritis and emphasize the importance of serial radiological and pathological evaluations in such patients presenting with exophthalmos.
Evaluation of Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Associated Factors in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Tas Kilic Diler , Akdogan Ali , Kilic Levent , Sari Alper , Erden Abdulsamet , Armagan Berkan , Kilickaya Muhammed , Kalyoncu Umut , Turhan Turan , Kiraz Sedat , Karaahmetoglu Selma
Published: January 2018

Background/Objective

In patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) gastrointestinal (GI) involvement, nutritional status and medications may lead to cobalamin (Vit B12) deficiency. We aimed to determine the frequency and the potential causes of Vit B12 deficiency in SSc patients.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 62 SSc patients in a single center in 1 year period. Medical history and physical examination of patients were reevaluated. Data about organ involvements were obtained from hospital file records. The nutritional status of the patients was assessed with Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST). Vit B12, homocysteine (except in three patients) and Helicobacter Pylori Immunoglobulin G (H. Pylori IgG) levels were measured in all patients. Vit B12 deficiency was considered as serum Vit B12 level <200 pg/mL or being on Vit B12 replacement therapy. Serum Vit B12 levels of the patients were also grouped as low (<200 pg/mL), borderline (200–300 pg/mL) and normal (>300 pg/mL). Plasma homocysteine levels of the patients were classified as elevated (>9 μmol/L) and hyperhomocysteinemia (>15 μmol/L). Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare parameters among the groups. Correlation was tested by Spearman’s correlation coefficient.

Results

Forty-four (71.0%) patients were defined as Vit B12 deficient; 22 had Vit B12 level <200 pg/mL (four were on Vit B12 replacement therapy) and the remaining 22 had Vit B12 >200 pg/mL and were already on Vit B12 replacement therapy. The percentage of the patients with hyperhomocysteinemia was significantly higher in the group with Vit B12 <200 pg/mL as compared to other groups (P = 0.004) but only 33.3% (7/21) of the patients with Vit B12 <200 pg/mL had hyperhomocysteinemia. There were no statistically significant differences between patients with and without Vit B12 deficiency regarding age, mean disease duration, MUST scores, mean hemoglobin levels, H. Pylori IgG positivity and organ involvements (P > 0.05 for all).

Conclusions

Vit B12 deficiency is frequent in SSc and has multiple causes. All patients should be monitored for Vit B12 deficiency. The homocysteine levels seem unlikely to be helpful for confirmation of Vit B12 deficiency.
Cross-modality Accuracy of Dual-step, Prospectively Electrocardiography-triggered Dual-source Computed Tomorgaphy Compared With Same-day Echocardiography and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Follow-up of Heart-transplant Patients
Authors: Marano Riccardo , Merlino Biagio , Natale Luigi , Savino Giancarlo , Vingiani Vincenzo , Rovere Giuseppe , Larici Anna Rita , Iezzi Roberto , Magarelli Nicola , Lombardo Antonella , Pasquale Massimo , Manfredi Riccardo
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

An accurate evaluation of left ventricular volumes, mass, and ejection fraction (EF) and an early exclusion or detection of significant coronary artery disease or cardiac allograft vasculopathy are mandatory for clinical management and prognosis assessment of heart-transplanted patients (HTP). The purpose of this article was to evaluate the role of dual-step prospective electrocardiography-triggered Dual-Source CT (pECGdual-step-DSCT) in HTP for the assessment of left-ventricular function, in comparison with echocardiography (echo) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) performed on the same day, and of the coronary arteries as well.

Materials and Methods:

Left-ventricular EF, end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, stroke volume, cardiac output (CO), and mass were assessed in 11 HTP by pECGdual-step-DSCT in comparison with CMR and echo performed on the same day. During all the examinations, the heart rate was recorded. CT coronary artery assessment was also performed.

Results:

Heart rate was lower during DSCT (75.6±7.8 bpm; P<0.001). EF resulted slightly lower for DSCT (55.7%±5.0%; P≥0.05) in comparison with CMR (57.8%±5.3%; P≥0.05) and echo (59.2%±5.6%; P≥0.05). DSCT showed statistically significant higher end-diastolic volume (153.7±24.2 mL), end-systolic volume (67.8±11.5 mL), and stroke volume (85.9±17.6 mL) (P<0.01 up to 0.001) than CMR, but with a high correlation (P<0.001). Cardiac output was almost similar for DSCT versus CMR, with a very high correlation coefficient (r=0.914; P<0.001). DSCT showed higher mass values than CMR (P<0.001), but with a high correlation (r=0.866; P<0.001). DSCT versus echo results were less correlated. No significant coronary artery disease was detected.

Conclusion:

pECGdual-step-DSCT allows reliable assessment of left-ventricular function in HTP, with good agreement and correlation with CMR, within a global diagnostic approach including coronary artery evaluation in one single-volume acquisition.
Emergency Department Use of Contrast Computed Tomography in Patients With Renal Dysfunction
Authors: Newberry Brittany M. , Evans Dian Dowling
Published: January 2018

The Research to Practice Column is designed to improve translational research critique skills of advanced practice nurses. In this issue, the article “Risk of Acute Kidney Injury After Intravenous Contrast Media Administration” (J. S. Hinson, et al., 2017) is discussed in the context of a patient presenting to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain. The study was designed to assess the risk of acute kidney injury and adverse clinical outcomes in patients receiving intravenous contrast for computed tomography. Advanced practice nurses need to be aware of advances in types of intravenous contrast and current recommendations for administration of intravenous contrast for diagnostic purposes in patients at risk for acute kidney injury to facilitate making timely and accurate diagnoses.
Spontaneous Vertebral Artery Dissection in a Healthy 26 Year Old Female Patient
Authors: Reap Valerie J.
Published: January 2018

Spontaneous vertebral artery dissection (SVAD) is an extremely rare, yet life-threatening, event that can potentially result in ischemic stroke or subarachnoid hemorrhage, depending on the origin and extension of the dissection. Vertebral artery dissection is more commonly associated with traumatic injury to the neck, resulting in compromised structural integrity of the vertebral artery wall. This case study discusses the clinical presentation, physical examination, diagnosis, clinical course, and outcome for a young, otherwise healthy, female patient who presented to the emergency department with a SVAD.
Hip Fractures
Authors: Ramponi Denise R. , Kaufmann Judith , Drahnak Gwendolen
Published: January 2018

Hip fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and a major health problem in the United States (L. M. Brunner, L. Eshilian-Oats, & T. Y. Kuo, 2003). Eighty percent of hip fractures are experienced by 80-year-old women. Plain radiographs usually confirm the diagnosis, but if there is a high level of suspicion of an occult hip fracture, magnetic resonance imaging or bone scan is the next step to confirm the diagnosis. Areas of the hip bone have varied bone strength and blood supply, making the femoral neck one of the most vulnerable areas for fracture. A consultation to an orthopedic surgeon will determine surgical interventions.
Ghosts of infections past: using archival samples to understand a century of monkeypox virus prevalence among host communities across space and time
Authors: Tiee Madeline S. , Harrigan Ryan J. , Thomassen Henri A. , Smith Thomas B.
Published: January 2018

Infectious diseases that originate from multiple wildlife hosts can be complex and problematic to manage. A full understanding is further limited by large temporal and spatial gaps in sampling. However, these limitations can be overcome, in part, by using historical samples, such as those derived from museum collections. Here, we screened over 1000 museum specimens collected over the past 120 years to examine the historical distribution and prevalence of monkeypox virus (MPXV) in five species of African rope squirrel (
Funisciurus
sp.) collected across Central Africa. We found evidence of MPXV infections in host species as early as 1899, half a century earlier than the first recognized case of MPXV in 1958, supporting the suggestion that historic pox-like outbreaks in humans and non-human primates may have been caused by MPXV rather than smallpox as originally thought. MPX viral DNA was found in 93 of 1038 (9.0%) specimens from five
Funisciurus
species (
F. anerythrus
,
F. carruthersi
,
F. congicus
,
F. lemniscatus
and
F. pyrropus
), of which
F. carruthersi
and
pyrropus
had not previously been identified as potential MPXV hosts. We additionally documented relative prevalence rates of infection in museum specimens of
Funisciurus
and examined the spatial and temporal distribution of MPXV in these potential host species across nearly a hundred years (1899–1993).
The contextual separation of lateral white line patterns in chameleons
Authors: Keren-Rotem Tammy , Roll Uri , Bouskila Amos , Geffen Eli
Published: January 2018

While many animals display different colour patterns that signal different messages, some species use various tactics to separate between colour and pattern displays. The common chameleon (
Chamaeleo chamaeleon
) is capable of rapidly changing and separating among displays of colour patterns and ornaments. We used chameleons to study the contextual role of separation among colour and pattern displays. Specifically, we studied the predominant white badge, which is composed of multiple parts, during different seasons and in different social contexts. We hypothesized that the badge contains important information about the sender and, therefore, would be present during important social contexts. We carried out a series of trials to document the presence/absence of the badge and found that the badge is individually specific and reflects body size. We also revealed that the badge remained fixed throughout other body colour changes, but was replaced by other colour patterns during mating behaviour. During social encounters, additional dark patches delineating the badge appeared, presumably amplifying its signal. Thus, we suggest that the badge constitutes an important feature in intraspecific communication, and is possibly employed to display quality. However, the replacement of the badge by other displays during courtship suggests that during important social events like mating, chameleons transmit exclusive information that is not broadcast by the badge. Our findings demonstrate the importance of separation between colour patterns, and the alternative use of intraspecific colour patterns for specific social contexts in chameleons.
Adsorption of hexavalent chromium by polyacrylonitrile-based porous carbon from aqueous solution
Authors: Feng Bin , Shen Wenzhong , Shi Liyi , Qu Shijie
Published: January 2018

Owing to the unique microporous structure and high specific surface area, porous carbon could act as a good carrier for functional materials. In this paper, polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based porous carbon materials (PPC-0.6-600, PPC-0.8-600, PPC-0.6-800 and PPC-0.8-800) were prepared by heating KOH at 600°C and 800
o
C for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. The adsorbent was characterized by the techniques of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), elementary analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and N
2
adsorption techniques. The results showed that the adsorption capacity increased with decreasing pH value of the initial solution. The adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) on PPC-0.8-800 was much greater than that on other materials, and maximum adsorption capacity were calculated to be 374.90 mg g
−1
. Moreover, PPC-0.8-800 had superior recyclability for the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater, about 82% of its initial adsorption capacity was retained even after five cycles. The result of kinetic simulation showed that the adsorption of Cr(VI) on the PAN-based porous carbon could be described by pseudo-second-order kinetics. The adsorption process was the ionic interaction between protonated amine groups of PPC and HCrO
4
-
ions.
Discrete-to-continuum modelling of weakly interacting incommensurate two-dimensional lattices
Authors: Español Malena I. , Golovaty Dmitry , Wilber J. Patrick
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we derive a continuum variational model for a two-dimensional deformable lattice of atoms interacting with a two-dimensional rigid lattice. The starting point is a discrete atomistic model for the two lattices which are assumed to have slightly different lattice parameters and, possibly, a small relative rotation. This is a prototypical example of a three-dimensional system consisting of a graphene sheet suspended over a substrate. We use a discrete-to-continuum procedure to obtain the continuum model which recovers both qualitatively and quantitatively the behaviour observed in the corresponding discrete model. The continuum model predicts that the deformable lattice develops a network of domain walls characterized by large shearing, stretching and bending deformation that accommodates the misalignment and/or mismatch between the deformable and rigid lattices. Two integer-valued parameters, which can be identified with the components of a Burgers vector, describe the mismatch between the lattices and determine the geometry and the details of the deformation associated with the domain walls.
Lightweight steel tidal power barrages with minimal environmental impact: application to the Severn Barrage
Authors: Rainey R. C. T.
Published: January 2018

For tidal power barrages, a breast-shot water wheel, with a hydraulic transmission, has significant advantages over a conventional Kaplan turbine. It is better suited to combined operations with pumping that maintain the tidal range upstream of the barrage (important in reducing the environmental impact), and is much less harmful to fish. It also does not require tapered entry and exit ducts, making the barrage much smaller and lighter, so that it can conveniently be built in steel. For the case of the Severn Estuary, UK, it is shown that a barrage at Porlock would generate an annual average power of 4 GW (i.e. 35 TWh yr
−1
), maintain the existing tidal ranges upstream of it and reduce the tidal ranges downstream of it by only about 10%. The weight of steel required, in relation to the annual average power generated, compares very favourably with a recent offshore wind farm.
The emotional valence and features of subliminal priming images impact conscious perception of face expressions
Authors: Huang Melissa A. , Rana Kunjan D. , Vaina Lucia M.
Published: January 2018

We investigated, in young healthy subjects, how the affective content of subliminally presented priming images and their specific visual attributes impacted conscious perception of facial expressions. The priming images were broadly categorised as aggressive, pleasant, or neutral and further subcategorised by the presence of a face and by the centricity (egocentric or allocentric vantage-point) of the image content. Subjects responded to the emotion portrayed in a pixelated target-face by indicating via key-press if the expression was angry or neutral. Priming images containing a face compared to those not containing a face significantly impaired performance on neutral or angry target-face evaluation. Recognition of angry target-face expressions was selectively impaired by pleasant prime images which contained a face. For egocentric primes, recognition of neutral target-face expressions was significantly better than of angry expressions. Our results suggest that, first, the affective primacy hypothesis which predicts that affective information can be accessed automatically, preceding conscious cognition, holds true in subliminal priming only when the priming image contains a face. Second, egocentric primes interfere with the perception of angry target-face expressions suggesting that this vantage-point, directly relevant to the viewer, perhaps engages processes involved in action preparation which may weaken the priority of affect processing.
Offline coil position denoising enhances detection of TMS effects
Authors: Claudino Leonardo , Hussain Sara J , Buch Ethan R , Cohen Leonardo G
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVE

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is extensively used in basic and clinical neuroscience. Previous work has shown substantial residual variability in TMS effects even despite use of on-line visual feedback monitoring of coil position. Here, we aimed to evaluate if off-line denoising of variability induced by neuronavigated coil position and orientation deviations can enhance detection of TMS effects.

METHODS

Retrospective modeling was used to denoise the impact of common neuronavigated coil position and rotation deviations during TMS experimental sessions on motor evoked potentials (MEP) to single pulse TMS.

RESULTS

Neuronavigated coil deviations explained approximately 44% of total MEP amplitude variability. Offline denoising led to a 136.71% improvement in the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of corticospinal excitability measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Offline modeling enhanced detection of TMS effects by removing variability introduced by neuronavigated coil deviations.

SIGNIFICANCE

This approach could allow more accurate determination of TMS effects in cognitive and interventional neuroscience.

HIGHLIGHTS

Coil deviations impact TMS effects despite use of on-line neuronavigation feedback.

Offline denoising of coil deviation impacts on TMS effects significantly reduced variability at trial level.

Offline denoising also significantly improved overall SNR of TMS effects.
Quantifying Waddington’s epigenetic landscape: a comparison of single-cell potency measures
Authors: Shi Jifan , Teschendorff Andrew E. , Chen Weiyan , Chen Luonan , Li Tiejun
Published: January 2018

Over 60 years ago Waddington proposed an epigenetic landscape model of cellular differentiation, whereby cell-fate transitions are modelled as canalization events, with stable cell states occupying the basins or attractor states1, 2. A key ingredient of this landscape is the energy potential, or height3, which correlates with cell-potency. To date, very few explicit biophysical models for estimating single-cell potency have been proposed. Using 9 independent experiments, encompassing over 6,600 high-quality single-cell RNA-Seq profiles, we here demonstrate that single-cell potency can be approximated as the graph entropy of a Markov Chain process on a model signaling network. Our analysis highlights that other proposed single-cell potency measures are not robust, whilst also revealing that integration with orthogonal systems-level information improves potency estimates. Thus, this study provides a foundation for an improved systems-level understanding of single-cell potency, which may have profound implications for the discovery of novel stem-and progenitor cell phenotypes.
SAM68 is required for regulation of Pumilio by the NORAD long noncoding RNA
Authors: Tichon Ailone , Perry Rotem Ben-Tov , Stojic Lovorka , Ulitsky Igor
Published: January 2018

The number of known long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) functions is rapidly growing, but how those functions are encoded in their sequence and structure remains poorly understood. NORAD (noncoding RNA activated by DNA damage) is a recently characterized, abundant, and highly conserved lncRNA that is required for proper mitotic divisions in human cells. NORAD acts in the cytoplasm and antagonizes repressors from the Pumilio family that bind at least 17 sites spread through 12 repetitive units in NORAD sequence. Here we study conserved sequences in NORAD repeats, identify additional interacting partners, and characterize the interaction between NORAD and the RNA-binding protein SAM68 (KHDRBS1), which is required for NORAD function in antagonizing Pumilio. These interactions provide a paradigm for how repeated elements in a lncRNA facilitate function.
Determination of hydrogen site and occupancy in hydrous Mg2SiO4 spinel by single-crystal neutron diffraction
Authors: Purevjav Narangoo , Okuchi Takuo , Wang Xiaoping , Hoffmann Christina , Tomioka Naotaka
Published: January 2018

Ringwoodite [(Mg,Fe2+)2SiO4 spinel] has been considered as one of the most important host minerals of water in the Earth's deep mantle. Its extensive hydration was observed in high-pressure synthesis experiments and also by its natural occurrence. Water can dissolve into ringwoodite as structurally bound hydrogen cations by substituting other cations, although the hydrogen site and its occupancy remain unclear. In this study, neutron time-of-flight single-crystal Laue diffraction analysis was carried out for synthetic hydrous ringwoodite. Hydrogen cations were found only in the sites in MgO6 octahedra in the ringwoodite structure, which compensated the reduced occupancies of both magnesium and silicon cations. The refined cation occupancies suggest that the most plausible hydration mechanism is that three hydrogen cations simultaneously occupy an MgO6 octahedron, whereas four such hydrogenated octahedra surround a vacant SiO4 tetrahedron.