bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creating sustainable future landscapes: a role for landscape ecology in the rangelands of Northern Australia
Authors: Pearson Diane , Nawaz Muhammad , Wasson Robert
Published: January 2019

The principles and theory of landscape ecology can be used with careful spatial planning to maintain ecosystem function and services in the face of urbanisation and agricultural intensification of the rangelands. In the largely undisturbed catchment of Darwin harbour in Northern Australia, an area of cattle grazing, some agriculture and small urban areas, seasonally waterlogged grassy valley floors known as dambos are demonstrated to be of vital importance for the minimisation of fine sediment transport to the harbour. If the dambos are disturbed fine sediment from them will have potentially detrimental effects on the biodiversity of the upper harbour and may also add pollutants contained in the fine sediment. The incorporation of such important landscape features into landscape planning in rangelands worldwide is critical to the creation of sustainable future landscapes. Techniques that monitor condition and function of the landscape coupled with spatially informed design are able to assist in preserving the important ecosystem services that natural features can provide and thus have a significant contribution to make in landscape sustainability.
Handbook of Terminology
Authors: Tegnougui Karima
Published: January 2019

The current volume represents a revival of Arabic translation and terminology studies. These disciplines have been dominated by Western scholarship in recent decades, but in truth their historical tradition as a whole owes a great debt to Arabic scholarship. The first systematic translation activity ever organized was under the Abbasids in Baghdad in the 9th Century CE, and Arabic domination continued for several centuries before the tide turned. In this collection, the importance of the ongoing translation and terminology movement in the Arab world is revealed through the works of some of the most distinguished scholars, who investigate a wide range of relevant topics from the making of the first ever Arabic monolingual dictionary to modern-day localization into Arabic. Arabic terminology standardization as well as legal, medical, Sufi and Quranic terms — issues with both cultural and economic ramifications for the Arab world — are thoroughly examined, completing the solid framework of this rich tradition that still has a lot to offer.
Medical terminology in the Western world
Authors: Wermuth Maria-Cornelia , Verplaetse Heidi
Published: January 2019

This chapter first describes the fundamentals of medical concept formation, the different types of medical concepts and the specific properties of medical terms. We provide an overview of the most important types of terminologies (controlled vocabularies) and databases and recent medical terminology standardization activities at the national and international levels (CEN/TC 251). We introduce the domain of medical linguistics as a field of study that is concerned with specific aspects of medical language to enable the computer-aided recording, storage, and retrieval of medical data. The following types of terminologies and databases will be described in greater detail: anatomical and nosological nomenclatures, coding systems (International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine (SNOMED), indexing systems (Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)), thesauri and metathesauri (Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) and the bibliographic database Medline (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online). We conclude with a discussion of science popularization strategies for general health texts in terms of intralingual translation between Language for Specific Purposes (LSP) and Language for General Purposes (LGP), as well as implications for interlingual translation of medical terminology for lay readers.
Medical terminology in the Arab world
Authors: Sara Kassem
Published: January 2019

The cherished terminological principle of a single term for a single concept seems to be lagging behind in the Arab world despite the serious standardization steps taken to that end. Arabic medical terminology, like terminologies of other disciplines, is unfortunately still in a state of chaos due to the plurality of Arabic terms for the same scientific concept. This article attempts to describe the current state of Arabic health and medical terminology, shedding light on the political, educational and terminological practices followed to overcome this problem. It also highlights certain individual and institutional responses to issues of medical terminology and proposes a number of ways to help standardize Arabic terminology.
Covering linguistic variability in Arabic
Authors: Daniëls Helge
Published: January 2019

In this article a series of Arabic terms that refer to language variability will be discussed. The basic principle of the analysis is that these terms are explicitly or implicitly informed by language ideological attitudes concerning linguistic variability in Arabic in which a diglossic division is taken for granted. Because of its common-sense and taken-for-granted nature, (language) ideology tends to be located much more in the unsaid than in what is overtly voiced. At first sight, linguistic terminology might seem straightforward and explicit. However, especially if the terms involved are commonly used, they tend to cover a set of shared attitudes toward language and language use. A study of the terminology regarding language variability, then, can be very productive in uncovering implicit assumptions concerning linguistic variability in the Arab-speaking world. We will focus on the early Islamic era and the end of the 19th century as crucial pivotal periods in the development of both language and linguistic terminology, as our basic assumption is that the semantic and ideological load of linguistic terms evolves in parallel with important social and political changes. The article will conclude with a preliminary exploration of recent terminological developments related to computer mediated communication (CMC).
In silico drug repositioning based on drug-miRNA associations
Authors: Zhou Xu , Dai Enyu , Song Qian , Ma Xueyan , Meng Qianqian , Jiang Yongshuai , Jiang Wei
Published: January 2019

Drug repositioning has become a prevailing tactic as this strategy is efficient, economical and low risk for drug discovery. Meanwhile, recent studies have confirmed that small-molecule drugs can modulate the expression of disease-related miRNAs, which indicates that miRNAs are promising therapeutic targets for complex diseases. In this study, we put forward and verified the hypothesis that drugs with similar miRNA profiles may share similar therapeutic properties. Furthermore, a comprehensive drug–drug interaction network was constructed based on curated drug-miRNA associations. Through random network comparison, topological structure analysis and network module extraction, we found that the closely linked drugs in the network tend to treat the same diseases. Additionally, the curated drug–disease relationships (from the CTD) and random walk with restarts algorithm were utilized on the drug–drug interaction network to identify the potential drugs for a given disease. Both internal validation (leave-one-out cross-validation) and external validation (independent drug–disease data set from the ChEMBL) demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Finally, by integrating drug-miRNA and miRNA-disease information, we also explain the modes of action of drugs in the view of miRNA regulation. In summary, our work could determine novel and credible drug indications and offer novel insights and valuable perspectives for drug repositioning.
Motivational Impairment is Accompanied by Corticoaccumbal Dysfunction in the BACHD-Tg5 Rat Model of Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Zlebnik Natalie E , Gildish Iness , Sesia Thibaut , Fitoussi Aurelie , Cole Ellen A , Carson Brian P , Cachope Roger , Cheer Joseph F
Published: January 2019

Neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as avolition, apathy, and anhedonia, precede the onset of debilitating motor symptoms in Huntington’s disease (HD), and their development may give insight into early disease progression and treatment. However, the neuronal and circuit mechanisms of premanifest HD pathophysiology are not well-understood. Here, using a transgenic rat model expressing the full-length human mutant HD gene, we find early and profound deficits in reward motivation in the absence of gross motor abnormalities. These deficits are accompanied by significant and progressive dysfunction in corticostriatal processing and communication among brain areas critical for reward-driven behavior. Together, our results define early corticostriatal dysfunction as a possible pathogenic contributor to psychiatric disturbances and may help identify potential pharmacotherapeutic targets for the treatment of HD.
Understanding the Effectiveness of Psychosocial Services for Anxiety and Depression in Chinese Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhang Anao , Kong Dexia , Jiang Lin , Sun Fei , Dunkle Ruth E , Liu Chun
Published: January 2019

Background and Objectives

There exists an imperative need to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for Chinese geriatric populations’ mental wellbeing. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of psychosocial services for Chinese older adults’ depression and anxiety.

Research Design and Methods

A search of nine electronic databases, five geriatric mental health journals, and reference lists was conducted for studies published between 1980 and April. 2018. Thirty-three studies (including totally 3,478 participants, 107 effect sizes) of true and quasiexperimental controlled trials were eligible and included for meta-analysis using robust variance estimation in meta-regression. Outcome indicators were geriatric depression and anxiety.

Results

An overall significant treatment effect was identified for geriatric depression and anxiety (d = 0.577, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.288, 0.867, p < .001). Outcomes, geographic area, participants’ marriage, service setting, and types of control group were moderators for treatment effects. Subgroup analysis observed statistically significant effect size among studies in Taiwan, used innovative service methods and small group interventions. Both in-person, home-based interventions and interventions provided by nurse practitioners and specially trained providers were statistically significant.

Discussion and Implications

Psychosocial services can benefit Chinese geriatric populations. Innovative and culturally relevant programs received strongest research supports. Future research should incorporate social interaction as an important component for serving Chinese older adults’ mental wellbeing.
Genome-wide association study of anti-Müllerian hormone levels in pre-menopausal women of late reproductive age and relationship with genetic determinants of reproductive lifespan
Authors: Ruth Katherine S , Soares Ana Luiza G , Borges Maria-Carolina , Eliassen A Heather , Hankinson Susan E , Jones Michael E , Kraft Peter , Nichols Hazel B , Sandler Dale P , Schoemaker Minouk J , Taylor Jack A , Zeleniuch-Jacquotte Anne , Lawlor Deborah A , Swerdlow Anthony J , Murray Anna
Published: January 2019

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is required for sexual differentiation in the fetus, and in adult females AMH is produced by growing ovarian follicles. Consequently, AMH levels are correlated with ovarian reserve, declining towards menopause when the oocyte pool is exhausted. A previous genome-wide association study identified three genetic variants in and around the AMH gene that explained 25% of variation in AMH levels in adolescent males but did not identify any genetic associations reaching genome-wide significance in adolescent females. To explore the role of genetic variation in determining AMH levels in women of late reproductive age, we carried out a genome-wide meta-analysis in 3344 pre-menopausal women from five cohorts (median age 44–48 years at blood draw). A single genetic variant, rs16991615, previously associated with age at menopause, reached genome-wide significance at P = 3.48 × 10−10, with a per allele difference in age-adjusted inverse normal AMH of 0.26 standard deviations (SD) (95% confidence interval (CI) [0.18,0.34]). We investigated whether genetic determinants of female reproductive lifespan were more generally associated with pre-menopausal AMH levels. Genetically-predicted age at menarche had no robust association but genetically-predicted age at menopause was associated with lower AMH levels by 0.18 SD (95% CI [0.14,0.21]) in age-adjusted inverse normal AMH per one-year earlier age at menopause. Our findings provide genetic support for the well-established use of AMH as a marker of ovarian reserve.
Pulmonary Smooth Muscle in Vertebrates: A Comparative Review of Structure and Function
Authors: Cieri Robert L
Published: January 2019

Although the airways of vertebrates are diverse in shape, complexity, and function, they all contain visceral smooth muscle. The morphology, function, and innervation of this tissue in airways is reviewed in actinopterygians, lungfish, amphibians, non-avian reptiles, birds, and mammals. Smooth muscle was likely involved in tension regulation ancestrally, and may serve to assist lung emptying in fishes and aquatic amphibians, as well as maintain internal lung structure. In certain non-avian reptiles and anurans antagonistic smooth muscle fibers may contribute to intrapulmonary gas mixing. In mammals and birds, smooth muscle regulates airway caliber, and may be important in controlling the distribution of ventilation at rest and exercise, or during thermoregulatory and vocal hyperventilation. Airway smooth muscle is controlled by the autonomic nervous system: cranial cholinergic innervation generally causes excitation, cranial non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic innervation causes inhibition, and spinal adrenergic (SA) input causes species-specific, often heterogeneous contractions and relaxations.
Enlightening the ocean’s twilight zone
Authors: Kaartvedt Stein , Langbehn Tom J , Aksnes Dag L
Published: January 2019

By definition, the mesopelagic twilight zone extends from 200 to 1000 m depth. Rather than confining the twilight zone to a certain depth interval, we here propose a definition that covers absolute light intensities ranging from 10−9 to 10−1 μmol quanta m−2 s−1. The lowest intensity of this twilight habitat corresponds to the visual threshold of lanternfishes (Myctophidae). The highest intensity corresponds to the upper light exposure of pearlsides (Maurolicus spp.), which have a unique eye adapted to higher light intensities than the lanternfishes. By this definition, the daytime twilight habitat extends deeper than 1000 m in very clear oceanic water, while may even be largely located above 200 m in very murky coastal waters. During moonlit nights in clear water, the twilight habitat would still extend deep into the mesopelagic depth zone, while becoming compressed toward the surface in dark nights. Large variation in night light, from 10−3 μmol quanta m−2 s−1 during moonlit nights to 10−8 μmol quanta m−2 s−1 in dark overcast nights, implies that division of light into night- and daylight is insufficient to characterize the habitats and distributional patterns of twilight organisms. Future research will benefit from in situ light measurements, during night- as well as daytime, and habitat classification based on optical properties in addition to depth. We suggest some pertinent research questions for future exploration of the twilight zone.
Tobacco and type 2 diabetes: is the association explained by genetic factors?
Authors: Carlsson Sofia , Kuja-Halkola Ralf , Magnusson Cecilia , Lagerros Ylva Trolle , Andersson Tomas
Published: January 2019

Background

Smoking and use of Swedish smokeless tobacco (snus) are associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Our aim was to estimate the unique and shared genetic components of these traits and to what extent the association is explained by shared genetic factors.

Methods

We used twins of the Swedish Twin Registry who responded to a questionnaire between 1998 and 2006 (n = 40 247) and were followed until 2015 in the National Prescription and Patient Registries. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) for the association between smoking/snus use and T2D (n = 2130) and used structural equation models to estimate genetic and environmental variance components and genetic correlations.

Results

Current smokers [HR 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.49–1.92] and snus users (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.01–1.41) had an increased risk of T2D. In within-pair analyses of monozygotic twins, corresponding ORs were 1.36, 95% CI 0.75–2.46 (smoking) and 1.54, 95% CI 0.80–2.99 (snus). Heritability was 43% (95% CI 36–51) for ever smoking, 58% (95% CI 44– 70) for ever snus use and 66% (95% CI 59–72) for T2D. The genetic correlation with T2D was 18% (95% CI 1–35) for smoking and –6% (95% CI –24 to 4) for snus use, indicating that only a small fraction of the genetic influence is shared.

Conclusions

We could confirm that consumers of snus and cigarettes are at increased risk of T2D. Both snus use and smoking have strong genetic components, which appears to be attributable primarily to genes that are distinct from those promoting T2D.
Disposition toward privacy and information disclosure in the context of emerging health technologies
Authors: Schairer Cynthia E , Cheung Cynthia , Kseniya Rubanovich Caryn , Cho Mildred , Cranor Lorrie Faith , Bloss Cinnamon S
Published: January 2019

Objective

We sought to present a model of privacy disposition and its development based on qualitative research on privacy considerations in the context of emerging health technologies.

Materials and Methods

We spoke to 108 participants across 44 interviews and 9 focus groups to understand the range of ways in which individuals value (or do not value) control over their health information. Transcripts of interviews and focus groups were systematically coded and analyzed in ATLAS.ti for privacy considerations expressed by respondents.

Results

Three key findings from the qualitative data suggest a model of privacy disposition. First, participants described privacy related behavior as both contextual and habitual. Second, there are motivations for and deterrents to sharing personal information that do not fit into the analytical categories of risks and benefits. Third, philosophies of privacy, often described as attitudes toward privacy, should be classified as a subtype of motivation or deterrent.

Discussion

This qualitative analysis suggests a simple but potentially powerful conceptual model of privacy disposition, or what makes a person more or less private. Components of privacy disposition are identifiable and measurable through self-report and therefore amenable to operationalization and further quantitative inquiry.

Conclusions

We propose this model as the basis for a psychometric instrument that can be used to identify types of privacy dispositions, with potential applications in research, clinical practice, system design, and policy.
Unravelling the Meaning of Place and Spatial Mobility: Analysing the Everyday Life-worlds of Refugees in Host Societies by Means of Mobility Mapping
Authors: Weidinger Tobias , Kordel Stefan , Kieslinger Julia
Published: January 2019

This article develops mobility mapping as a valuable space-related instrument to tackle the lack of attention to the meanings of places and everyday spatial mobility in the process of refugee settlement. Referring to two consecutive case studies carried out with asylum seekers and recognized refugees in rural Germany, we discuss the surplus of this tool considering both peculiarities in implementation and the opportunities of analysis of respondent-generated maps. Experiences from this trial research point out ways of implementing a tool that focuses on the graphic and visual dimension of knowledge creation. Relying on principles of participatory research, this tool can help to diminish power asymmetries between the researcher and the participant and acknowledge individuals’ competencies in terms of language. Depending on the aim of the study, the empirical data generated can be analysed both as a product and as a process. Results indicate added value by revealing the importance of spatial dimensions in asylum seekers’ and refugees’ life-worlds, encompassing the construction of individually important places as well as spatial mobility and accessibility. For practitioners, the implementation of the tool provides an opportunity to enhance participant-oriented planning and capacity building, such as in terms of networks and infrastructures, that addresses both individuals’ needs and spatial structures.
Losing face
Authors: Gall Thomas , Reinstein David
Published: January 2019

When Al makes an offer to Betty that Betty observes and rejects, Al may suffer a painful and costly ‘loss of face’ (LoF). LoF can be avoided by letting the vulnerable side make the second move, or by setting up conditionally anonymous environments that only reveal when both parties say ‘yes’. This can impact bilateral matching problems; for example, marriage markets, research partnering, and international negotiations. We model this situation assuming asymmetric information, continuous signals of individuals’ binary types, linear marriage production functions, and a primitive LoF term component to utility. LoF makes rejecting one’s match strictly preferable to being rejected, making stable the ‘high-types always reject’ equilibrium. LoF may have non-monotonic effects on stable interior equilibria. A small LoF makes high-types more selective, making marriage less common and more assortative. A greater LoF (for males only) makes low-type males reverse snobs, which makes high-type females less choosy, with ambiguous effects on the marriage rate.
Correlation of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Disease Severity and Mortality With CMV Viral Burden in CMV-Seropositive Donor and CMV-Seronegative Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: McBride Jacqueline M , Sheinson Daniel , Jiang Jenny , Lewin-Koh Nicholas , Werner Barbara G , Chow Jennifer K L , Wu Xiaoning , Tavel Jorge A , Snydman David R
Published: January 2019

Background

The rate of cytomegalovirus (CMV) viral load increase and peak viral loads are associated with CMV disease in kidney and liver transplant recipients, but relationships to disease severity or mortality have not been shown.

Methods

Using stored serial serum specimens from renal (n = 59) and liver (n = 35) transplant recipients (D+R-; CMV-seropositive donors, CMV-seronegative recipients) from 2 prospective, randomized, controlled, interventional prophylaxis trials of CMV immune globulin (CMVIG), CMV viral load was measured using the COBAS quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay and the World Health Organization CMV standard. Patients with severe CMV-associated disease were classified according to trial definitions. Pairwise comparisons of mean viral load among deceased, surviving diseased, and nondiseased patients were analyzed by 2-way analysis of variance. To determine if viral load could predict mortality, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed using area under the curve (AUC) of the viral load and peak viral concentration (Vmax).

Results

Viral load (mean log10 [AUC], peak viral load [Vmax]) for patients with severe CMV disease was significantly higher compared with nondiseased patients (P < .001). Similarly, higher viral burden was significantly associated with mortality (P < .001). Viral load AUC and Vmax AUROCs for predicting mortality were 0.796 and 0.824, respectively, for renal patients, and 0.769 and 0.807, respectively, for liver patients.

Conclusions

Using specimens from studies preceding the antiviral prophylaxis era, CMV viral load was associated with severe CMV disease and death, supporting CMV viral load quantification as a proxy for CMV disease severity and disease-associated mortality end points in solid organ transplantation.
Cell-free biosynthesis of limonene using enzyme-enriched Escherichia coli lysates
Authors: Dudley Quentin M , Nash Connor J , Jewett Michael C
Published: January 2019

Isoprenoids are an attractive class of metabolites for enzymatic synthesis from renewable substrates. However, metabolic engineering of microorganisms for monoterpenoid production is limited by the need for time-consuming, and often non-intuitive, combinatorial tuning of biosynthetic pathway variations to meet design criteria. Towards alleviating this limitation, the goal of this work was to build a modular, cell-free platform for construction and testing of monoterpenoid pathways, using the fragrance and flavoring molecule limonene as a model. In this platform, multiple Escherichia coli lysates, each enriched with a single overexpressed pathway enzyme, are mixed to construct the full biosynthetic pathway. First, we show the ability to synthesize limonene from six enriched lysates with mevalonate substrate, an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) source, and cofactors. Next, we extend the pathway to use glucose as a substrate, which relies on native metabolism in the extract to convert glucose to acetyl-CoA along with three additional enzymes to convert acetyl-CoA to mevalonate. We find that the native E. coli farnesyl diphosphate synthase (IspA) is active in the lysate and diverts flux from the pathway intermediate geranyl pyrophospahte to farnesyl pyrophsophate and the byproduct farnesol. By adjusting the relative levels of cofactors NAD+, ATP and CoA, the system can synthesize 0.66 mM (90.2 mg l−1) limonene over 24 h, a productivity of 3.8 mg l−1 h−1. Our results highlight the flexibility of crude lysates to sustain complex metabolism and, by activating a glucose-to-limonene pathway with 9 heterologous enzymes encompassing 20 biosynthetic steps, expands an approach of using enzyme-enriched lysates for constructing, characterizing and prototyping enzymatic pathways.
1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylate: A Novel and Strong Chemoattractant for the Plant Beneficial Rhizobacterium Pseudomonas putida UW4
Authors: Li Tao , Zhang Jun , Shen Chaohui , Li Huiru , Qiu Liyou
Published: January 2019

Plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and fungi-bacterial biofilms are both important biofertilizer inoculants for sustainable agriculture. However, the strongest chemoattractant for bacteria to colonize the rhizosphere and mycelia is not clear. Coincidentally, almost all the PGPRs possess 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase (AcdS) and can utilize ACC as the sole nitrogen source. Here, we found that ACC was a novel, metabolic dependent and methyl-accepting chemoreceptor–involved chemoattractant for Pseudomonas putida UW4. The chemotactic response of UW4 to ACC is significantly greater than that to the amino acids and organic acids identified in the plant root and fungal hyphal exudates. The colonization counts of the UW4 acdS or cheR deletion mutants in the wheat rhizosphere and on Agaricus bisporus mycelia were reduced one magnitude compared with those of UW4. The colonization counts of UW4 on A. bisporus antisense ACC oxidase mycelia with a high ACC production significantly increased compared with A. bisporus, followed by the UW4 cheR complementary strain and the ethylene chemoreceptor gene–deletion mutant. The colonization counts of the UW4 strains on A. bisporus acdS+ mycelia with a low ACC production decreased significantly compared with A. bisporus wild type. These results suggested that ACC and not ethylene should be the strongest chemoattractant for the PGPR that contain AcdS.
Effects of Age and Hearing Loss on the Recognition of Emotions in Speech
Authors: Christensen Julie A. , Sis Jenni , Kulkarni Aditya M. , Chatterjee Monita
Published: January 2019

Objectives:

Emotional communication is a cornerstone of social cognition and informs human interaction. Previous studies have shown deficits in facial and vocal emotion recognition in older adults, particularly for negative emotions. However, few studies have examined combined effects of aging and hearing loss on vocal emotion recognition by adults. The objective of this study was to compare vocal emotion recognition in adults with hearing loss relative to age-matched peers with normal hearing. We hypothesized that age would play a role in emotion recognition and that listeners with hearing loss would show deficits across the age range.

Design:

Thirty-two adults (22 to 74 years of age) with mild to severe, symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss, amplified with bilateral hearing aids and 30 adults (21 to 75 years of age) with normal hearing, participated in the study. Stimuli consisted of sentences spoken by 2 talkers, 1 male, 1 female, in 5 emotions (angry, happy, neutral, sad, and scared) in an adult-directed manner. The task involved a single-interval, five-alternative forced-choice paradigm, in which the participants listened to individual sentences and indicated which of the five emotions was targeted in each sentence. Reaction time was recorded as an indirect measure of cognitive load.

Results:

Results showed significant effects of age. Older listeners had reduced accuracy, increased reaction times, and reduced d’ values. Normal hearing listeners showed an Age by Talker interaction where older listeners had more difficulty identifying male vocal emotion. Listeners with hearing loss showed reduced accuracy, increased reaction times, and lower d’ values compared with age-matched normal-hearing listeners. Within the group with hearing loss, age and talker effects were significant, and low-frequency pure-tone averages showed a marginally significant effect. Contrary to other studies, once hearing thresholds were taken into account, no effects of listener sex were observed, nor were there effects of individual emotions on accuracy. However, reaction times and d’ values showed significant differences between individual emotions.

Conclusions:

The results of this study confirm existing findings in the literature showing that older adults show significant deficits in voice emotion recognition compared with their normally hearing peers, and that among listeners with normal hearing, age-related changes in hearing do not predict this age-related deficit. The present results also add to the literature by showing that hearing impairment contributes additionally to deficits in vocal emotion recognition, separate from deficits related to age. These effects of age and hearing loss appear to be quite robust, being evident in reduced accuracy scores and d’ measures, as well as in reaction time measures.
Volar Approach to Percutaneous Fixation of Acute Nondisplaced Fractures of the Scaphoid
Authors: DeGeorge Brent R. , Shin Alexander Y.
Published: January 2019

Scaphoid fractures typically occur in young, healthy males at the peak of their employment and productivity, and left untreated or inadequately treated will ultimately progress to nonunion and a “predictable” pattern of wrist arthritis and carpal collapse. Nonoperative treatment of these fractures requires prolonged cast immobilization, which can lead to wrist stiffness, loss of grip strength, muscle atrophy, and protracted loss of economic productivity. To prevent these devastating sequelae, percutaneous techniques for scaphoid fixation have been described and popularized; however, these techniques are technically demanding as optimal position of the compression screw is required to achieve bony union. The focus of this paper is to describe the indications, contraindications, and a series of reproducible, practical pearls to achieve ideal percutaneous scaphoid compression screw fixation of scaphoid waist and distal pole fractures.
Comparison of the Inflammatory Infiltrates in Tumoral Melanosis, Regressing Nevi, and Regressing Melanoma
Authors: George Eva Vertes , Kalen Jessica E. , Kapil Jyoti P. , Motaparthi Kiran
Published: January 2019

Background:

Tumoral melanosis (TM) is a histologic diagnosis characterized by abundant pigment-laden macrophages in the dermis. It is generally thought to represent a regressed melanoma, although it has also been reported after benign pigmented lesions as well. Determining the antecedent lesion in cases of TM is of clinical importance to accurately guide therapy and prognostication. Comparing the histopathologic and immunohistochemical (IHC) characteristics of TM, halo nevi (HN), and regressing melanoma (RM) may help predict the antecedent lesion in cases of TM.

Methods:

Cases of TM, HN, and RM were selected and assessed for histopathologic (preservation of junctional melanocytic component, depth and width, solar elastosis, fibrosis, and preservation of rete ridge architecture) and IHC (SOX-10, CD138, and PD-1) parameters. PD-L1 immunostaining was also evaluated in cases of HN and RM.

Results:

Severe solar elastosis, fibrosis, and marked rete ridge effacement were more frequent in RM than in HN. By contrast, numerous plasma cells, clusters of lymphocytes expressing PD-1, and >50% PD-L1 expression in melanocytes were more common in HN than in RM. However, the association of these variables did not reach statistical significance.

Discussion:

Although studies with higher statistical power are needed, this study serves as an initial investigation to characterize the histopathologic and IHC characteristics, which may help better understand TM and its precursor lesions.
Cutaneous B-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma
Authors: Amarasekera Dilru , Connolly Deirdre , Gochoco Ashley , Yang Sherry , Grosso Dolores , Flomenberg Neal , Shi Wenyin , Alpdogan Seyfettin Onder , Duffy Robert , Sahu Joya
Published: January 2019

B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (B-LBL) is a malignant neoplasm of immature B cells that accounts for only 10% of all cases of lymphoblastic lymphoma. Most commonly, B-LBL presents as bony lesions, but in rare cases, the disease manifests cutaneously. We present a case of simultaneous cutaneous and systemic presentation of B-LBL in an otherwise healthy 28-year-old man in which the lymphoblastic infiltrate stained positive for CD79a, Tdt, CD10, and CD20. A diagnosis of cutaneous B-LBL was made, and systemic work-up revealed widespread involvement of the skin, bone, and lymph nodes. Review of all currently described cases of cutaneous B-LBL with or without systemic involvement revealed that the most frequently positive tumor markers were CD79a (92.3%), Tdt (90.6%), and CD10 (83.3%). Systemic involvement of B-LBL was found in nearly half of all cases with cutaneous presentation.
In Vitro Evaluation of Preinjection Aspiration for Hyaluronic Fillers as a Safety Checkpoint
Authors: Torbeck Richard L. , Schwarcz Robert , Hazan Ezra , Wang Jordan V. , Farberg Aaron S. , Khorasani Hooman
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers have increased in popularity. Although complications are rare, knowledge regarding their prevention and management are crucial. The utility of preinjection aspiration has become controversial.

OBJECTIVE

Our study investigated the utility of preinjection aspiration as a safety checkpoint for HA fillers through comparison of physiochemical and rheological properties in an in vitro model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Whole blood was drawn from vacutainers using syringes containing 10 commonly used HA fillers. Each HA filler was examined with the plunger pulled back at volumes of 0.2 and 0.5 cc. The time required to visualize a flash was recorded. Data were compared using physiochemical and rheological properties, pullback volumes, and needle gauges.

RESULTS

Using a multivariable regression model, HA concentration, elastic modulus (G′), viscous modulus (G″), and complex modulus (G*) had significant relationships with time to flash, whereas needle gauge and pullback volume did not. However, when comparing pullback volume using an appropriate paired analysis, 0.5 cc pullback volume had a significantly decreased mean time to flash than 0.2 cc.

CONCLUSION

Preinjection aspiration may have utility as a safety checkpoint for HA fillers. Practitioners may have to adjust pullback volume and waiting time to visualize the flash based on physiochemical and rheological properties.
LONG-TERM VISUAL RECOVERY IN BILATERAL HANDHELD LASER POINTER–INDUCED MACULOPATHY
Authors: Chen Xuejing , Dajani Omar A. W. , Alibhai Agha Yasin , Duker Jay S. , Baumal Caroline R.
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

To describe the long-term visual, clinical, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) recovery after 4 years in a patient who incurred severe bilateral handheld laser pointer damage.

Methods:

The findings on clinical examination, color fundus photography, and spectral domain OCT at presentation followed by sequential time points over 4 years are presented.

Results:

A 9-year-old healthy boy presented with bilateral reduced vision to count fingers in each eye with yellow irregular lesions. After extensive evaluation, he admitted to multiple, prolonged episodes of staring at a handheld red laser pointer reflected in a mirror. Initial visual acuity was count fingers bilaterally. Clinical examination revealed bilateral yellow streaks radiating from the fovea without hemorrhages or fluid and retinal pigment epithelium pigmentary mottling. Spectral domain OCT showed disruption of the foveal outer retina extending from the outer plexiform layer to the retinal pigment epithelium spanning 896 μm in the right eye and 564 μm in the left eye. Six months after injury, vision had only minimally improved to 20/200 with resolution of outer plexiform layer and outer nuclear layer opacification on OCT. Over the ensuing 4 years, visual acuity slowly recovered to 20/30 in each eye and the regions of outer retinal disruption progressively reduced in size to 295 μm in the right eye and 115 μm in the left eye.

Conclusion:

This case illustrates gradual vision and anatomical improvement over 4 years despite initial poor vision after severe laser pointer macular damage. Visual recovery may be related to patient and exposure factors as well as initial OCT features where an intact Bruch membrane can provide a scaffold for photoreceptors to recover, thereby reducing the outer retinal defect.
Retinoscopy as a Screening Tool for Keratoconus
Authors: Al-Mahrouqi Haitham , Oraba Saif Bani , Al-Habsi Shihab , Mundemkattil Noufal , Babu Jithin , Panchatcharam Sathiya M. , Al-Saidi Rashid , Al-Raisi Abdulatif
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

To investigate the validity and reliability of retinoscopy in screening for keratoconus using the rotating Pentacam Scheimpflug camera as the gold standard comparison.

Methods:

Patients between the ages of 10 and 30 years who were referred to the outpatient clinic with keratoconus, keratoconus suspect, reduced vision, eye discomfort or frequent change of glasses, or for refraction or refractive surgery, were screened by two independent and masked retinoscopists for the presence of scissoring reflex. Patients then underwent vision testing, slit lamp examination, and Pentacam imaging. A diagnosis of keratoconus by Pentacam was made if the final D index in the Belin and Ambrósio Display was ≥2.69. The results of retinoscopy and Pentacam examinations were compared to assess the validity and reliability of the test.

Results:

A total of 123 patients (67 male patients and 45 female patients) with a mean age of 21 years ±5.6 (range 10–30 years) comprising 245 eyes were included. There were 87 eyes with keratoconus, and using the Amsler–Krumeich classification, 67.8%, 26.4%, 2.3%, and 3.4% of the eyes had stage I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of retinoscopy were 97.7%, 79.9%, 70.8%, and 98.4%, respectively. The area under the curve was 0.88 (95% confidence interval, 0.83–0.92). There was excellent agreement between the 2 retinoscopists (Cohen's kappa value 0.84).

Conclusions:

Retinoscopy appears to be a very sensitive and reliable test for detecting keratoconus including early disease. Such a test may be implemented in population-based screening programs for keratoconus.
Cytomegalovirus Corneal Endotheliitis After Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Tan Tien-En , Tan Donald Tiang Hwee
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

To describe 4 cases of cytomegalovirus (CMV) corneal endotheliitis occurring after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

Methods:

This is a retrospective, interventional case series. Case records of 4 patients (one eye each) diagnosed with CMV corneal endotheliitis after DMEK were reviewed retrospectively. Presenting clinical features, treatment, and outcomes were examined.

Results:

Patients' age ranged from 68 to 77 years. Three patients underwent DMEK for failed corneal grafts and 1 for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. Time from DMEK to presentation ranged from 5 to 15 weeks. Presenting features included corneal edema, pigmented keratic precipitates, mild anterior chamber inflammation, and raised intraocular pressure. Two cases were initially misdiagnosed as graft rejection and treated with corticosteroids. Both worsened, and delayed diagnoses of CMV corneal endotheliitis were made. The two other cases were diagnosed correctly at initial presentation. All cases were confirmed by anterior chamber paracentesis and polymerase chain reaction testing for CMV. All cases were treated initially with topical ganciclovir gel and oral valganciclovir. Three cases showed clinical resolution. Final corrected visual acuity ranged from 20/25 to 20/40. One case failed to respond to topical ganciclovir gel, oral valganciclovir, and intravenous ganciclovir and foscarnet. This patient declined further systemic treatment and was maintained on topical ganciclovir only but subsequently showed spontaneous resolution 3 months later.

Conclusion:

CMV corneal endotheliitis may occur after DMEK and can closely mimic graft rejection. Polymerase chain reaction testing of aqueous humor is advised for suspect cases. A high index of suspicion is important for prompt diagnosis and initiation of appropriate antiviral treatment.
Comparison of Graft Thickness Measured by an Eye Bank With Graft Thickness Measured After Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Feizi Sepehr , Delfazayebaher Siamak , Masoudi Ali , Babamohamadi Zahra , Javadi Mohammad Ali
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

To compare donor lenticule thickness reported by the eye bank with lenticule thickness measured at 6 months after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).

Methods:

This prospective, interventional case series enrolled 30 eyes from 30 patients who underwent DSAEK using precut eye bank tissue. Preoperative thickness measurements of the donor lenticules were taken centrally and at pericentral and peripheral graft areas using an anterior segment optical coherence tomography system. The same measurements were repeated 6 months postoperatively. The preoperative and postoperative values were compared, and the relationships between these measurements were investigated using Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results:

The mean donor age was 47.7 ± 10.7 years. The mean preoperative endothelial cell density was 3017 ± 361 cells/mm2, which decreased to 1645 ± 482 cells/mm2 postoperatively (P < 0.001). The graft thickness of the precut tissue, as reported by the eye bank, was 136.8 ± 24.9 μm at the center, 149.4 ± 27.3 μm at the pericentral area, and 198.4 ± 32.8 μm at the periphery. The corresponding postoperative values were 119.2 ± 29.8 μm (P = 0.004), 124.5 ± 34.6 μm (P = 0.002), and 156.3 ± 45.4 μm (P < 0.001), respectively. The graft thickness measured by the eye bank was significantly associated with that measured in vivo at 6 months at the central (r = 0.63, P = 0.001) and pericentral (r = 0.50, P = 0.009) graft areas. However, the correlation between preoperative and postoperative peripheral graft thickness was insignificant (P = 0.14).

Conclusion:

Compared with preoperative values, central, pericentral, and peripheral graft thicknesses were reduced by 10.4%, 14.2%, and 18.4%, respectively, 6 months after DSAEK. Postoperative graft thinning was greater at the periphery compared with the central and pericentral areas.
Reduction of Acanthamoeba Cyst Density Associated With Treatment Detected by In Vivo Confocal Microscopy in Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Authors: Wang Ye Elaine , Tepelus Tudor Cosmin , Gui Wei , Irvine John A. , Lee Olivia L. , Hsu Hugo Y.
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a severe vision-threatening ocular infection that is frequently a diagnostic challenge. Treatment course is lengthy and often not fully effective. Contact lens wear has been recognized as the prime risk factor for AK. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) is a noninvasive imaging modality that allows direct visualization of potential causative pathogens in real time with an established utility in the diagnosis of AK. In this study, we aim to assess the utility of IVCM in monitoring disease progression in contact lens wearers with culture-confirmed keratitis.

Methods:

Fourteen eyes from 11 patients with culture-confirmed AK were included in this retrospective study. IVCM was performed during the patient's initial visit and all follow-up visits. All available confocal sequences were reviewed and graded in a masked fashion. Density of Acanthamoeba cyst infiltration and changes in the cyst density as a percentage of baseline cyst density measured at each patient's initial visit were calculated. A univariate regression analysis was performed to assess the association between treatment and changes in cyst density per month of treatment.

Results:

Acanthamoeba cysts were identified by IVCM in all of these culture-confirmed cases of keratitis. Mean cyst density in the central cornea at presentation was 99 ± 64.9 cells per square millimeter (range, 38–255/mm2). Cyst density in our study population significantly decreased by approximately 5.3% with each month of antiamebic treatment (P = 0.001; R
2 = 0.41).

Conclusions:

Reduction in Acanthamoeba cyst density with treatment can be monitored by IVCM, which in turn can be used clinically in prognostication and disease monitoring of AK.
Secondary Intraocular Lens Implantation After Simultaneous Penetrating Keratoplasty and Cataract Extraction for Coexisting Corneal and Lens Opacities
Authors: Solaiman Kamal A. M. , El-Haig Wael M. , Bor'i Ashraf , Khalil Ahmad S. , Awad Ahmed M. B. , Al-Bialy Hani A. , Ibrahim Basem M.
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

To report the results of a new approach to the 2-stage surgical management of coexisting visually significant corneal opacities and cataract.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of eyes with corneal opacities and cataract that were surgically treated with simultaneous penetrating keratoplasty and cataract surgery, followed by secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation after removal of corneal sutures, was conducted. The parameters used for assessment were the following: mean percentage of graft endothelial cell loss after IOL implantation, deviation of the postoperative mean spherical equivalent from the target refraction, and mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA).

Results:

Twenty-nine eyes were included in the study. The mean baseline UDVA was 1.94 ± 0.46, and the mean baseline best-corrected distance visual acuity was 1.56 ± 0.42. The mean interval between the 2 surgical interventions was 13.3 ± 2.2 months. Just before secondary IOL implantation, the mean endothelial cell density was 2198 ± 311 cells. The mean percentage of corneal endothelial cell loss was 7.3% at 6 months after IOL implantation (P= 0.16). Before IOL implantation, the mean spherical equivalent was +11.75 ± 3.38 D. After IOL implantation, the mean spherical equivalent improved to −0.19 ± 0.93 D (P= 0.003) at 6 months. The mean UDVA improved to 0.34 ± 0.18 (P= 0.017), whereas the mean corrected distance visual acuity improved to 0.18 ± 0.29 at 6 months (P= 0.016). All grafted corneas maintained their clarity until the final follow-up visit.

Conclusions:

Postponing IOL implantation some months after simultaneous penetrating keratoplasty and cataract extraction has a negligible effect on the corneal graft endothelium and achieves near postoperative target refraction with significant improvement in UDVA.