bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraction of high charge density of states in electrolyte-gated polymer thin-film transistor with temperature-dependent measurements
Authors: Lee Jiyoul
Published: May 2016

Using temperature-dependent charge transport measurements, we investigated spectral density of states (DOS) in the bandgap of polythiophene thin-films under high carrier densities (<3.5 × 1020 cm−3) induced by electrochemical doping. The thermally activated charge transport indicates that the electrical currents in the polymer thin-film under high charge density state follow the Meyer-Neldel rule. The spectral DOS extracted from the electrolyte-gated polymer film lie in the range of 8.0 × 1019 cm−3 eV−1–8.0 × 1021 cm−3 eV−1, which are at least two orders of magnitude larger than the DOS extracted from the same polymer film at relatively low induced carrier densities by general oxide dielectrics.
Identification of novel stress-responsive biomarkers from gene expression datasets in tomato roots
Authors: Ferrández-Ayela Almudena , Sánchez-García Ana Belén , Martínez-Andújar Cristina , Kevei Zoltan , Gifford Miriam L. , Thompson Andrew J. , Pérez-Alfocea Francisco , Pérez-Pérez José Manuel
Published: May 2016

Abiotic stresses such as heat, drought or salinity have been widely studied individually. Nevertheless, in the nature and in the field, plants and crops are commonly exposed to a different combination of stresses, which often result in a synergistic response mediated by the activation of several molecular pathways that cannot be inferred from the response to each individual stress. By screening microarray data obtained from different plant species and under different stresses, we identified several conserved stress-responsive genes whose expression was differentially regulated in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) roots in response to one or several stresses. We validated 10 of these genes as reliable biomarkers whose expression levels are related to different signalling pathways involved in adaptive stress responses. In addition, the genes identified in this work could be used as general salt-stress biomarkers to rapidly evaluate the response of salt-tolerant cultivars and wild species for which sufficient genetic information is not yet available.
Effects of post-fire logging on fuel dynamics in a mixed-conifer forest, Oregon, USA: a 10-year assessment
Authors: Campbell John L. , Donato Daniel C. , Fontaine Joseph B.
Published: May 2016

Removal of fire-killed trees (i.e. post-fire or salvage logging) is often conducted in part to reduce woody fuel loads and mitigate potential reburn effects. Studies of post-salvage fuel dynamics have primarily used chronosequence or modelling approaches, with associated limitations; longitudinal studies tracking fuels over time have been rare. We resampled a network of post-fire plots, comprising a range of logging intensities, 10 years after the 2002 Biscuit Fire (Oregon, USA). For surface woody fuels, which started from large treatment differences immediately following logging (stepwise increases with harvest intensity), we found converging trends among treatments at 10 years, with convergence nearly complete for fine fuels but not for coarse fuels. Fire-killed snags for the dominant species (Pseudotsuga menziesii) decayed while standing at a statistically significant rate (single-exponential k = 0.011), similar to or only slightly slower than down wood, suggesting that not all snag biomass will reach the forest floor. Live vegetation (largely resprouting sclerophyllous vegetation) is beginning to dominate surface fuel mass and continuity (>100% cover) and likely moderates differences associated with woody fuels. Post-fire logging had little effect on live fuels or their change over time, suggesting high potential for stand-replacing early-seral fire regardless of post-fire harvest treatments.
Coronavirus receptor switch explained from the stereochemistry of protein–carbohydrate interactions and a single mutation
Authors: Bakkers Mark J. G. , Zeng Qinghong , Feitsma Louris J. , Hulswit Ruben J. G. , Li Zeshi , Westerbeke Aniek , van Kuppeveld Frank J. M. , Boons Geert-Jan , Langereis Martijn A. , Huizinga Eric G. , de Groot Raoul J.
Published: May 2016

Significance

A wide variety of vertebrate viruses, representative of at least 11 families, use sialic acid (Sia) for host cell attachment. In betacoronaviruses, the hemagglutinin-esterase envelope protein (HE) mediates dynamic attachment to
O
-acetylated Sias. HE function relies on the concerted action of carbohydrate-binding lectin and receptor-destroying esterase domains. Although most betacoronaviruses target 9-
O
-acetylated Sias, some switched to using 4-
O
-acetylated Sias instead. The crystal structure of a “type II” HE now reveals how this was achieved. Common principles pertaining to the stereochemistry of protein–carbohydrate interactions facilitated the ligand/substrate switch such that only modest architectural changes were required in lectin and esterase domains. Our findings provide fundamental insights into how proteins “see” sugars and how this affects protein and virus evolution.
Transient neuronal coactivations embedded in globally propagating waves underlie resting-state functional connectivity
Authors: Matsui Teppei , Murakami Tomonari , Ohki Kenichi
Published: May 2016

Significance

Resting-state functional connectivity (FC) is a commonly used method in neuroimaging to noninvasively study network organization of brains in humans and other animals. FC is reproducible across different institutions and sensitive enough to detect network changes due to psychiatric disorders. FC is thus a core tool for projects such as the Human Connectome Project. However, because hemodynamic signals are an indirect measure of neuronal activity, actual spatiotemporal neuronal activity underlying FC is still unknown. This study used simultaneous wide-field optical imaging of neuronal calcium signals and hemodynamic signals in transgenic mice to understand the spatiotemporal neuronal dynamics underlying FC. Transient spatial patterns of neuronal coactivations embedded within waves of activity propagating across neocortex were found to be particularly important for FC.
Clouds at Barbados are representative of clouds across the trade wind regions in observations and climate models
Authors: Medeiros Brian , Nuijens Louise
Published: May 2016

Significance

This paper shows that clouds near Barbados exhibit similar properties to those over much of the tropical oceans. This finding allows observations taken at Barbados to be generalized to the broader tropics. The same approach is applied to climate models to show that errors in simulated clouds near Barbados are similar to errors across the tropical oceans. The errors are related to the representation of the vertical structure of clouds and the boundary layer and the underlying turbulent and convective mixing that create the clouds. Because trade wind clouds are a key contribution to the spread in climate model estimates of climate sensitivity, improvements in these clouds could reduce uncertainty in climate projections.
Cryo-EM reveals the steric zipper structure of a light chain-derived amyloid fibril
Authors: Schmidt Andreas , Annamalai Karthikeyan , Schmidt Matthias , Grigorieff Nikolaus , Fändrich Marcus
Published: May 2016

Significance

Previous studies suggested that the interactions within amyloid fibrils correspond to those seen in peptide microcrystals consisting of steric zippers. Using electron cryomicroscopy, we can now provide further evidence for this hypothesis in a fibril structure that consists of peptide dimers forming steric zippers. These zippers are arranged in a periodic fibrillar lattice, similar to the periodic structure of a crystal. The fibril structure can be rationalized as a hierarchical assembly that is based on simple chemical principles. Identifying the chemical principles that drive fibril formation may deepen our understanding of human diseases linked to these fibrils and of functional amyloids underlying vital biological functions. Furthermore, it may enable novel biotechnological applications and the design of new fibril-based nanomaterials.
KdgF, the missing link in the microbial metabolism of uronate sugars from pectin and alginate
Authors: Hobbs Joanne K. , Lee Seunghyae M. , Robb Melissa , Hof Fraser , Barr Christopher , Abe Kento T. , Hehemann Jan-Hendrik , McLean Richard , Abbott D. Wade , Boraston Alisdair B.
Published: May 2016

Significance

Pectin and alginate are polysaccharides found in the cell walls of plants and brown algae, respectively. These polysaccharides largely consist of chains of uronates, which can be metabolized by bacteria through a pathway of enzymatic steps to the key metabolite 2-keto-3-deoxygluconate (KDG). Understanding the metabolism of these sugars is important because pectin degradation is used by many plant-pathogenic bacteria during infection, and both pectin and alginate represent abundant sources of carbohydrate for the production of biofuels. Here we demonstrate that KdgF, a protein of previously unknown function, catalyzes the linearization of unsaturated uronates from both pectin and alginate. Furthermore, we show that KdgF contributes to efficient production of KDG and a bacterium’s ability to grow on uronates.
Elevated CO2maintains grassland net carbon uptake under a future heat and drought extreme
Authors: Roy Jacques , Picon-Cochard Catherine , Augusti Angela , Benot Marie-Lise , Thiery Lionel , Darsonville Olivier , Landais Damien , Piel Clément , Defossez Marc , Devidal Sébastien , Escape Christophe , Ravel Olivier , Fromin Nathalie , Volaire Florence , Milcu Alexandru , Bahn Michael , Soussana Jean-François
Published: May 2016

Significance

Ecosystems are responding to climate change and increasing atmospheric CO2concentrations. Interactions between these factors have rarely been assessed experimentally during and after extreme climate events despite their predicted increase in intensity and frequency and their negative impact on primary productivity and soil carbon stocks. Here, we document how a grassland exposed to a forecasted 2050s climate shows a remarkable recovery of ecosystem carbon uptake after a severe drought and heat wave, this recovery being amplified under elevated CO2. Over the growing season, elevated CO2entirely compensated for the negative impact of extreme heat and drought on net carbon uptake. This study highlights the importance of incorporating all interacting factors in the predictions of climate change impacts.
Laser-assisted direct ink writing of planar and 3D metal architectures
Authors: Skylar-Scott Mark A. , Gunasekaran Suman , Lewis Jennifer A.
Published: May 2016

Significance

The growing demand for customized electronic devices underpins the need for 3D fabrication methods that enable form factors well beyond those that are flat and rigid. A printing method is introduced for one-step fabrication of conductive and ductile metal features in planar and complex 3D shapes that combines direct ink writing with “on-the-fly” laser annealing.
Immunization with a heat-killed preparation of the environmental bacterium
Mycobacterium vaccae
promotes stress resilience in mice
Authors: Reber Stefan O. , Siebler Philip H. , Donner Nina C. , Morton James T. , Smith David G. , Kopelman Jared M. , Lowe Kenneth R. , Wheeler Kristen J. , Fox James H. , Hassell James E. , Greenwood Benjamin N. , Jansch Charline , Lechner Anja , Schmidt Dominic , Uschold-Schmidt Nicole , Füchsl Andrea M. , Langgartner Dominik , Walker Frederick R. , Hale Matthew W. , Lopez Perez Gerardo , Van Treuren Will , González Antonio , Halweg-Edwards Andrea L. , Fleshner Monika , Raison Charles L. , Rook Graham A. , Peddada Shyamal D. , Knight Rob , Lowry Christopher A.
Published: May 2016

Significance

The hygiene, or “old friends,” hypothesis proposes that lack of exposure to immunoregulatory microorganisms in modern urban societies is resulting in an epidemic of inflammatory disease, as well as psychiatric disorders in which chronic, low-level inflammation is a risk factor. An important determinant of immunoregulation is the microbial community occupying the host organism, collectively referred to as the microbiota. Here we show that stress disrupts the homeostatic relationship between the microbiota and the host, resulting in exaggerated inflammation. Treatment of mice with a heat-killed preparation of an immunoregulatory environmental microorganism,
Mycobacterium vaccae
, prevents stress-induced pathology. These data support a strategy of “reintroducing” humans to their old friends to promote optimal health and wellness.
Ocean dynamics, not dust, have controlled equatorial Pacific productivity over the past 500,000 years
Authors: Winckler Gisela , Anderson Robert F. , Jaccard Samuel L. , Marcantonio Franco
Published: May 2016

Significance

The equatorial Pacific is a key oceanographic region in Earth’s climate system. Biological production in this region is limited, in part, by the lack of the micronutrient iron. Atmospheric dust is a source of iron, as is upwelling of ocean waters from below. A longstanding question has been whether biological productivity has responded to variable dust supply over ice age cycles. We use geochemical proxies in three sediment cores spanning the breadth of the equatorial Pacific to show that biological productivity did not respond to dustier ice age conditions. Rather than atmospheric iron supply, we infer that ocean dynamics, linking the equatorial Pacific to nutrient supply from the Southern Ocean, played a crucial role in regulating equatorial Pacific productivity.
AtVPS41-mediated endocytic pathway is essential for pollen tube–stigma interaction inArabidopsis
Authors: Hao Lihong , Liu Jingjing , Zhong Sheng , Gu Hongya , Qu Li-Jia
Published: May 2016

Significance

Signaling pathways responsive to both external and internal signals are essential for implementation of biological functions in a cell. After perceiving the signal, the signaling needs to be attenuated and terminated, usually mediated by the endocytic trafficking, to ensure a temporal and spatial control of the signaling activities. In mammals, disruption of the vacuolar protein sorting 41 (VPS41)-mediated endocytic pathway was reported to cause pleiotropic diseases such as neurological disorders. However, the role of the endocytic pathway in plant cells is unknown. We report here that a VPS41-mediated late stage of the endocytic pathway is essential for male–female interaction inArabidopsis.
Neural circuits underlying mother’s voice perception predict social communication abilities in children
Authors: Abrams Daniel A. , Chen Tianwen , Odriozola Paola , Cheng Katherine M. , Baker Amanda E. , Padmanabhan Aarthi , Ryali Srikanth , Kochalka John , Feinstein Carl , Menon Vinod
Published: May 2016

Significance

The human voice provides a wealth of social information, including who is speaking. A salient voice in a child’s life is mother's voice, which guides social function during development. Here we identify brain circuits that are selectively engaged in children by their mother’s voice and show that this brain activity predicts social communication abilities. Nonsense words produced by mother activate multiple brain systems, including reward, emotion, and face-processing centers, reflecting how widely mother’s voice is broadcast throughout a child’s brain. Importantly, this activity provides a neural fingerprint of children’s social communication abilities. This approach provides a template for investigating social function in clinical disorders, e.g., autism, in which perception of biologically salient voices may be impaired.
Phosphorylation of spore coat proteins by a family of atypical protein kinases
Authors: Nguyen Kim B. , Sreelatha Anju , Durrant Eric S. , Lopez-Garrido Javier , Muszewska Anna , Dudkiewicz Małgorzata , Grynberg Marcin , Yee Samantha , Pogliano Kit , Tomchick Diana R. , Pawłowski Krzysztof , Dixon Jack E. , Tagliabracci Vincent S.
Published: May 2016

Significance

The posttranslational modification of proteins with a molecule of phosphate, termed protein phosphorylation, is a mechanism used by cells to regulate cellular activities. Protein phosphorylation occurs in all life forms and is catalyzed by a superfamily of enzymes known as protein kinases. Using bioinformatics, we have identified a family of spore coat protein (Cot) kinases, which are related to the secreted kinase, family with sequence similarity 20C (Fam20C). The founding member of this family is CotH from the spore-forming bacterium
Bacillus subtilis
. We show that CotH-dependent phosphorylation of the spore proteins CotB and CotG is necessary for the proper germination of spores. Because several CotH-containing organisms are human pathogens, our work has important clinical implications to combat human diseases, such as anthrax.
BPTF transduces MITF-driven prosurvival signals in melanoma cells
Authors: Dar Altaf A. , Majid Shahana , Bezrookove Vladimir , Phan Binh , Ursu Sarah , Nosrati Mehdi , De Semir David , Sagebiel Richard W. , Miller James R. , Debs Robert , Cleaver James E. , Kashani-Sabet Mohammed
Published: May 2016

Significance

Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is a master regulator of survival of the melanocyte lineage, exerting its effects through a cascade of transcriptional activation by interacting with a consensus DNA-binding sequence on the promoters of target genes. This study found that MITF regulates expression of bromodomain plant homeodomain finger transcription factor (BPTF), which has been recently shown to promote melanoma cell growth and metastasis, and serves as a prognostic marker of survival associated with melanoma. These results suggest that MITF directs its prosurvival program in melanoma cells, at least in part by activating BPTF expression, providing additional insight into the MITF signaling cascade. The participation of BPTF in the MITF pathway suggests a critical role for BPTF in maintaining melanoma cell survival, further supporting its role in melanoma progression.
R is for Rebecca: A Consonant and Consummate Haunting
Authors: Dodge Robbins Dorothy
Published: May 2016

In Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca (1938), the narrator, a second wife, is haunted by her predecessor’s first initial. A towering R is the signature mark of the infamous Rebecca, a woman presumed to have drowned, but revealed to have been murdered. The most visible manifestation of Rebecca’s ghostly presence is her omnipresent initial. So impactful is the R on the narrator’s psyche, that the initial consumes her own given name, of which not a single letter is revealed. Reasons for the narrator’s concealed name are considered. These include her need for protection from a malevolent spirit, her desire for anonymity, and her obsession with her ethereal rival, who appears not as a disembodied haunting, but as the very tangible letter R.
National findings regarding health IT use and participation in health care delivery reform programs among office-based physicians
Authors: Heisey-Grove Dawn , Patel Vaishali
Published: May 2016

Objective: Our objective was to characterize physicians’ participation in delivery and payment reform programs over time and describe how participants in these programs were using health information technology (IT) to coordinate care, engage patients, manage patient populations, and improve quality.

Materials and Methods: A nationally representative cohort of physicians was surveyed in 2012 (unweighted N = 2567) and 2013 (unweighted N = 2399). Regression analyses used those survey responses to identify associations between health IT use and participation in and attrition from patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs), accountable care organizations (ACOs), and pay-for-performance programs (P4Ps).

Results: In 2013, 45% of physicians participated in PCMHs, ACOs, or P4Ps. While participation in each program increased (P < .05) between 2012 and 2013, program attrition ranged from 31–40%. Health IT use was associated with greater program participation (RR = 1.07–1.16). PCMH, ACO, and P4P participants were more likely than nonparticipants to perform quality improvement and patient engagement activities electronically (RR = 1.09–1.14); only ACO participants were more likely to share information electronically (RR = 1.07–1.09).

Discussion: Participation in delivery and payment reform programs increased between 2012 and 2013. Participating physicians were more likely to use health IT. There was significant attrition from and switching between PCMHs, ACOs, and P4Ps.

Conclusion: This work provides the basis for understanding physician participation in and attrition from delivery and payment reform programs, as well as how health IT was used to support those programs. Understanding health IT use by program participants may help to identify factors enabling a smooth transition to alternative payment models.
The Relationship Between Timing of Postpartum Hemorrhage Interventions and Adverse Outcomes
Authors: Howard T.F. , Grobman W.A.
Published: May 2016

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2015;213:239.e1–239.e3)

As the causes of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) are varied, there are also a variety of methods involved in its management. Typical interventions include fundal massage, uterotonic medications, balloon tamponade (BT), and uterine artery embolization (UAE). But while some studies have shown that the use of PPH protocols can help lower the risk of maternal mortality, there has not been much research on whether the timing of specific interventions has a positive impact on outcomes.
E-Cigarettes and Pregnancy. Is a Closer Look Appropriate?
Authors: Bryce R. , Robson S.J.
Published: May 2016

(Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2015;55(3):218–221)

It has been estimated that 1 of every 7 pregnant women in Australia smokes, and the trend does not appear to be decreasing. As smoking is one of the most avoidable causes of a variety of adverse outcomes in pregnancy, it is important to encourage women to quit smoking as early as possible.
Differential Effect of Intrauterine Growth Restriction on Childhood Neurodevelopment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Murray E. , Fernandes M. , Fazel M. , Kennedy S.H. , Villar J. , Stein A.
Published: May 2016

(BJOG. 2015;122(8):1062–1072)

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is the second leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, and is associated with significant neurodevelopmental impairment. Despite this, there have been no systematic reviews that examine the effects of IUGR on various neurodevelopmental domains throughout childhood (up to 12 y), nor has there been an attempt to differentiate the contributions of several insults often are associated with IUGR to childhood neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Angiogenic Biomarkers in Pregnancy: Defining Maternal and Fetal Health
Authors: Rasmussen L.G. , Lykke J.A. , Staff A.C.
Published: May 2016

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2015;94:820–832)

The physiological processes behind preeclampsia are not completely understood. In women who are suffering from overt cases of preeclampsia or have a growth-restricted fetus there seem to be abnormal levels of several distinct circulating angiogenic proteins.
Using Interinstitutional Practice Variation to Understand the Risks and Benefits of Routine Labor Induction at 41+0 Weeks
Authors: Hutcheon J.A. , Harper S. , Strumpf E.C. , Lee L. , Marquette G.
Published: May 2016

(BJOG. 2015;122(7):973–981)

There is no consensus regarding the best clinical management practices for women who remain pregnant a week or more past their expected delivery date, due in part to the lack of high-quality evidence on the risks and benefits of routine labor induction at 41 weeks. The present study aimed to determine whether routine labor induction at 41+0 weeks’ gestation increases the risk of cesarean delivery (CD), instrumental delivery, or maternal or neonatal health complications compared with expectant management. The study cohort was women in British Columbia (BC), Canada who remained pregnant past 41+0 weeks and delivered at one of the province’s 42 hospitals between 2008 and 2012.
Large Heterogeneity in Mean Durations of Labor Analgesia Among Hospitals Reporting to the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ Anesthesia Quality Institute
Authors: Flood Pamela , Dexter Franklin , Ledolter Johannes , Dutton Richard P.
Published: May 2016

(Anesth Analg. 2015;121(5):1283–1289)

Expected duration of labor varies widely and depends on multiple covariates, ranging from biological factors, such as genotype, obesity and fetal weight, to obstetrical practices, such as intention to reduce infection risk or provide a more natural birth. Such variability in mean duration of labor analgesia for vaginal delivery may influence appropriate equitable fee-for-service payments. In order to address this issue, the authors of the present study determined mean durations of labor analgesia among hospitals in the United States.
Adverse Childhood Experiences Influence Development of Pain During Pregnancy
Authors: Drevin J. , Stern J. , Annerbäck E.M. , Peterson M. , Butler S. , Tydén T. , Berglund A. , Larsson M. , Kristiansson P.
Published: May 2016

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2015;94:840–846)

Assessing adverse childhood experience (ACE) is a way of measuring a wide range of traumatic events that might take place before an individual is 18 years of age. These traumas may include emotional, physical, and sexual abuse as well as various household dysfunctions. Adverse childhood experiences are currently believed to lead to impaired social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Risk of Uterine Rupture Among Women Attempting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean With an Unknown Uterine Scar
Authors: Smith D. , Stringer E. , Vladutiu C.J. , Zink A.H. , Strauss R.
Published: May 2016

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2015;213:80.e1-80.e5)

Since a history of multiple cesarean deliveries is known to carry an increased risk of morbidity during childbirth, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women who have previously had 1 low transverse cesarean delivery be counseled about the option of attempting a vaginal birth. However, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) delivery is associated with its own risks, the most serious of which is uterine rupture. This risk is known to be low for women who have had a low transverse incision, but investigators are attempting to determine whether other populations have an acceptable level of risk. The authors of this study looked at the association between an unknown uterine incision and the risk of uterine rupture among women attempting vaginal birth following 1 cesarean delivery.
Severe Secondary Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Historical Cohort
Authors: Dossou M. , Debost-Legrand A. , Déchelotte P. , Lémery D. , Vendittelli F.
Published: May 2016

(Birth. 2015;42(2):149–155)

As postpartum hemorrhage occurring within the first 24 hours of delivery is a common cause of mortality and has been the subject of many studies, the same is not true for secondary postpartum hemorrhage, a condition in which there is significant bleeding from the genital tract anytime between 24 hours after delivery and the 42nd postpartum day. The authors of this study attempted to address this deficit in the literature by determining the incidence rate of severe secondary postpartum hemorrhage. They also sought to describe and assess the various causes of this condition.
First Trimester Maternal Serum Biochemical Markers of Aneuploidy in Pregnancies With Abnormally Invasive Placentation
Authors: Thompson O. , Otigbah C. , Nnochiri A. , Sumithran E. , Spencer K.
Published: May 2016

(BJOG. 2015;122:1370–1376)

This study aims to examine whether differences exist in routine first trimester maternal serum biochemical screening measurements among normal pregnancies and those complicated by placenta previa and abnormally invasive placentation (AIP). The term, AIP was suggested recently to avoid the confusion with terminology defining the various types of morbidly adherent placentae—placenta accreta, increta, and percreta.
Perinatal Outcomes Following an Earlier Postterm Labour Induction Policy: A Historical Cohort Study
Authors: Hedegaard M. , Lidegaard Ø. , Skovlund C.W. , Mørch L.S. , Hedegaard M.
Published: May 2016

(BJOG. 2015;122:1377–1385)

The aim of the study undertaken was to assess the changes in perinatal outcomes in children born from 37 weeks of gestation after implementation of a more proactive labor induction practice from 2009. This register-based historical cohort study included all newborns in Denmark delivered from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2012. To reduce the random year-to-year variation, the 13-year study period was subdivided into 5 intervals of 3, 3, 3, 2, and 2 years.
The ED90 of Prophylactic Oxytocin Infusion After Delivery of the Placenta During Cesarean Delivery in Laboring Compared with Nonlaboring Women: An Up-Down Sequential Allocation Dose-Response Study
Authors: Lavoie Anne , McCarthy Robert J. , Wong Cynthia A.
Published: May 2016

(Anesth Analg. 2015;121:159–164)

Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality and is most frequently caused by uterine atony. Prophylactic administration of oxytocin during the third stage of labor has been shown to lower both uterine atony and the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. However, laboring patients who have already been administered oxytocin and subsequently undergo cesarean delivery due to labor dystocia will likely require a greater than normal amount of oxytocin to achieve adequate uterine tone because of desensitization. The purpose of this study was to determine the effective dose (ED90) of oxytocin infusion for these laboring patients compared with the effective dose for nonlaboring patients who undergo elective cesarean delivery.
The Importance of the Monitoring of Resuscitation With Blood Transfusion for Uterine Inversion in Obstetrical Hemorrhage
Authors: Furukawa S. , Sameshima H.
Published: May 2016

(Obstet Gynecol Int. 2015;2015:269156)

This study was a retrospective review of pregnant women with uterine inversion at 4 Japanese secondary and tertiary perinatal centers from January 2007 to December 2013. For the 6 cases found, the authors reviewed the patients’ medical records for maternal characteristics and delivery information. All 6 women were experiencing their first pregnancy, had an average age of 28, and had a shock index of at least 1.6 on admission (range 1.6-2.7). Two of the cases involved manual removal of the placenta, and the uterine inversion was noticed immediately.
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) Clinical Guideline #8: The Fetus at Risk for Anemia—Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Mari G. , Norton M.E. , Stone J. , Berghella V. , Sciscione A.C. , Tate D. , Schenone M.H.
Published: May 2016

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2015;212(6):697–710)

Fetal anemia is a life-threatening condition that is typically caused by red cell alloimmunization or parvovirus infection, but can also result from a variety of other causes. The purpose of this review was to enumerate the various causes of fetal anemia and outline surveillance options and management strategies. The authors performed a systematic search for relevant articles in the following online databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, searching for English-language original research articles published between 1966 and May 2014. Reviews, commentaries, evidence reports, and published guidelines were also considered and evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology to determine the strength of the findings. The authors synthesized this information into a coherent set of evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment.
Prenatal Factors in Singletons With Cerebral Palsy Born at or Near Term
Authors: Nelson Karin B. , Blair Eve
Published: May 2016

(N Engl J Med. 2015;373:946–953)

Gestational age at birth is strongly associated with cerebral palsy (CP), a congenital motor disability of cerebral origin often accompanied by intellectual deficits, epilepsy, and sensory disabilities. In fact, a 2004 report suggested that 70% to 80% of CP is due to prenatal factors, with birth asphyxia playing only a minor role. Despite these findings, most studies in singletons born after 35 weeks of gestation have focused on the contribution of birth asphyxia on CP. Consequently, in this present review, the authors review evidence and posit that prenatal factors, rather than birth asphyxia, are the chief determinants of CP risk in children born at or near-term.
Labor Analgesia Consumption and Time to Neuraxial Catheter Placement in Women With a History of Surgical Correction for Scoliosis: A Case-Matched Study
Authors: Bauchat Jeanette R. , McCarthy Robert J. , Koski Tyler R. , Wong Cynthia A.
Published: May 2016

(Anesth Analg. 2015;121:981–987)

Though neuraxial analgesic techniques are known to be more effective than other types of labor analgesia, some small studies in the past have shown these techniques to be only effective in 50% to 66% of patients who have undergone surgical correction for scoliosis. Although it has become easier to access the epidural space due to recent developments in surgical interventions for scoliosis, the effectiveness of neuraxial labor analgesia can still be diminished by postsurgical scarring and adhesions. The authors sought to carry out a prospective case-matched study to compare the rate of bupivacaine consumption and time to placement of neuraxial technique between laboring women with and without a history of spinal instrumentation.
First MTP Joint Distraction Arthrodesis With Cancellous Autograft and Bridge Plating: A Novel Surgical Technique to Restore Maximum Length
Authors: Loewy Evan M. , Clare Michael P.
Published: May 2016

A novel technique used in a small series of patients is presented that describes a management option for the difficult situation of hallux metatarsophalangeal pathology with associated first-ray shortening and transfer lesions. Distraction arthrodesis was performed using proximal tibial cancellous autograft and locked plating to achieve an average of 10.6 mm length restoration with all patients showing radiographic signs of union by the eighth postoperative week and resolution of transfer metatarsalgia. This novel technique shows promise for reliable outcomes in a variety of historically difficult clinical situations such as inflammatory arthritis and salvage arthrodesis.

Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level 4. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Perioperative Rotator Cuff Injury and Disease With Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Sears Benjamin W.
Published: May 2016

Rotator cuff disease is a relatively uncommon but important complication in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Posterior superior cuff injury is not commonly encountered in the setting of glenohumeral osteoarthritis, but has been reported in 5% to 10% of standard anatomic shoulder replacements. In these cases, cuff lesions that are small or moderate are usually amenable to direct repair during the time of standard arthroplasty implantation. Glenoid component implantation is typically avoided in patients with massive tears due to concerns for eccentric wear of the component from abnormal humeral shear forces. Rotator cuff disease in the postoperative setting after standard TSA may occur either traumatically or chronically. Traumatic rupture of the subscapularis is a challenging problem that typically requires surgical repair of the tendon or consideration for capsular reconstruction with allograft and pectoralis major transfer if the tendon is irreparable. Chronic secondary cuff dysfunction affects the posterior superior rotator cuff and has been reported in up to 55% of the patients with retained implants over 15 years. For these patients, conversion to a reverse TSA has demonstrated adequate clinical outcomes.
The Role of Suprascapular Neuropathy in Rotator Cuff Dysfunction
Authors: Apostolakos John , DiVenere Jessica , Singh Hardeep , Brzoska Alison , Mazzocca Augustus D. , Voss Andreas
Published: May 2016

Suprascapular neuropathy (SN) is caused by traction or compression injury producing clinical manifestations of pain, weakness, and muscle atrophy. Its diagnosis has long been complicated by the combination of these relatively vague clinical presentations in the setting of other shoulder comorbidities. Current etiologies associated with this condition include anatomic variants, space-occupying lesions, and retracted rotator cuff tears. Patients with clinical examination findings consistent with SN should be evaluated with standard plain film imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and electrodiagnostic studies if warranted. These electrodiagnostic studies include electromyography and nerve conduction velocity studies which are considered the gold standard for definitive diagnosis. Treatment of SN is largely determined by the source of the neuropathy. Both nonoperative and operative interventions currently exist with varying opinions regarding the optimal management of these patients. This review will describe the current understanding of the anatomy, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment options for patients presenting with SN.
Platelet-rich Plasma in the Management of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Update 2016
Authors: Weber Stephen C.
Published: May 2016

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has shown a high rate of patient satisfaction. Multiple studies, however, have shown significant structural failure rates. Platelet-rich plasma seemed to be a safe, reasonable way to provide growth factors to improve these rates of healing. While preliminary results were encouraging, higher-level studies with longer-term follow-up have not borne out the early enthusiasm for the use of platelet-rich plasma. The reason for this failure is multifactorial, and includes differences in products as prepared, variations in growth factor concentrations both between patients and even day to day in the same patient. Timing and technique of application also remain to be resolved. Although complications have been minimal, the lack of long-term benefit and cost of the material indicate that this material cannot be recommended in its current preparations.
Conjugated estrogens and bazedoxifene in minority populations: pooled analysis of four phase 3 trials
Authors: Pinkerton JoAnn V. , Pickar James H. , Ryan Kelly A. , Yu Ching-Ray , Mirkin Sebastian , Komm Barry S.
Published: May 2016

Objective:

The aim of the study was to compare efficacy of conjugated estrogens (CE)/bazedoxifene (BZA) for treatment of menopausal symptoms and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis in minorities (black/Hispanic) versus whites.

Methods:

In a post hoc analysis, data were pooled from 3,424 white or minority nonhysterectomized postmenopausal women randomized to CE 0.45 or 0.625 mg/BZA 20 mg or placebo in four double-blind, phase 3 Selective Estrogens, Menopause, and Response to Therapy (SMART) trials. Outcomes included hot flush frequency/severity (daily diary) in women with at least seven moderate-to-severe hot flushes per day (SMART-1, -2), vaginal cytology in women with at most 5% superficial cells (SMART-1, -3), lumbar spine and total hip bone mineral density (BMD) (SMART-1, -5), and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire (SMART-1, -2, -3, -5).

Results:

The analysis included 2,907 white (84.9%), 315 black (9.2%), and 202 Hispanic (5.9%) women. The reduction in hot flush frequency/severity versus placebo (P < 0.05; week 12) was similar in white and minority women. In both populations, both doses significantly (P < 0.05 vs placebo) improved MENQOL vasomotor function, sexual function, and total scores at 3 months; decreased the percentage of parabasal cells at 2 years; and increased the percentage of BMD responders at 12 and 24 months. Significant differential treatment effects by race/ethnicity were observed only for effects on vaginal superficial cells at month 24 and vaginal pH at month 3.

Conclusions:

Notwithstanding a limited sample size, CE/BZA had a similar and beneficial impact on hot flushes, MENQOL, and BMD in minorities and whites.
Effects of walking on body composition in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gao Hong-Lian , Gao Hai-Xia , Sun Feng Mei , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2016

Objective:

The aim of the study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that examined the effect of walking on body weight, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Methods:

Two authors identified randomized controlled trials of interventions at least 4 weeks in duration that included at least one group with walking as the only treatment and a no-exercise control group. Participants were inactive at baseline. Weighted mean differences were calculated using the fixed-effects and random-effects models. Heterogeneity among trials was examined using the Q statistic and I2 methods. Potential publication bias was assessed through funnel plot inspection.

Results:

Eight studies met the study inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis results showed statistically significant reductions in mean differences for BMI (−0.33 kg/m2, 95% CI −0.62 to −0.04 kg/m2), body weight (−1.14 kg, 95% CI −1.86 to −0.42 kg), and body fat percentage (−2.36%, 95% CI −3.21% to −1.52%). The results were consistent in showing effects of walking on BMI (I2 = 11%), body weight (I2 = 20%), and body fat percentage (I2 = 0%). Funnel plots showed asymmetry for body composition.

Conclusions:

Walking interventions improved body composition in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, which underscores the central role of walking as a physical activity for health promotion.
Demonstration of Trophozoites of G. Lamblia in Ileal Mucosal Biopsy Specimens May Reveal Giardiasis in Patients With Significantly Inflamed Parasite-free Duodenal Mucosa
Authors: Oberhuber Georg , Mesteri Ildiko , Kopf Wolfram , Müller Heiko
Published: May 2016

In the majority of individuals, infestation with trophozoites of Giardia lamblia (synonymous G. duodenalis or G. intestinalis) leads to a self-limited disease. Whereas most duodenal biopsies with chronic giardiasis show little or no inflammatory reaction, some patients may develop a severe disease with significant mucosal inflammation and various degrees of villous blunting. Occasionally, the histologic changes may resemble those of celiac disease. In this paper, we describe 11 patients, 5 of them female, with chronic giardiasis and demonstrable G. lamblia in ileal biopsies. The median age was 45 years (35 to 62 y), with male patients being at least 10 years younger than female patients. All of the duodenal biopsies showed at least mild villous blunting (grading: mild, marked, or total). In the mucosa an increased number of plasma cells and lymphocytes was observed. Furthermore, varying numbers of granulocytes were found in the lamina propria and in the epithelial layer. In 1 case only, the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes was >40/100 epithelial cells thus mirroring the histologic picture of celiac disease with a flat mucosa (with negative celiac disease–specific serological findings). Interestingly enough, all mucosal biopsy specimens from the duodenum were parasite free. Therefore, giardiasis could only be revealed by the demonstration of trophozoites of G. lamblia in biopsy specimens from the terminal ileum, which had been taken simultaneously or several weeks later. In contrast to duodenal biopsies, the ileal mucosa appeared either normal or only mildly inflamed in this setting. All patients but 1 were symptomatic, with chronic diarrhea being the leading symptom. Symptoms resolved after antibiotic therapy. This study demonstrates that giardiasis may be associated with a significant duodenal pathology in biopsy specimens without discernible parasites. In the cases described here infestation with G. lamblia was only proven histologically by examination of mucosal biopsy specimens taken from the terminal ileum.
Self-Help for Medically Unexplained Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: van Gils Anne , Schoevers Robert A. , Bonvanie Irma J. , Gelauff Jeannette M. , Roest Annelieke M. , Rosmalen Judith G.M.
Published: May 2016

Objective

Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS), which are highly prevalent in all fields of medicine, are considered difficult to treat. The primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of self-help for adults with MUS.

Methods

Four electronic databases were searched for relevant studies. Randomized controlled trials comparing self-help to usual care or waiting list in adults with MUS were selected. Studies were critically appraised using the Cochrane “risk of bias assessment tool.” Standardized mean differences (Hedges g) were pooled using a random-effects model. Outcomes were symptom severity and quality of life (QoL) directly posttreatment and at follow-up.

Results

Of 582 studies identified, 18 studies met all inclusion criteria. Studies were heterogeneous with regard to patient populations, intervention characteristics, and outcome measures. Compared with usual care or waiting list, self-help was associated with lower symptom severity (17 studies, n = 1894, g = 0.58, 95% confidence interval = 0.32–0.84, p < .001) and higher QoL (16 studies, n = 1504, g = 0.66, 95% confidence interval = 0.34–0.99, p < .001) directly posttreatment. Similar effect sizes were found at follow-up. A high risk of bias was established in most of the included studies. However, sensitivity analyses suggested that this did not significantly influence study results. Funnel plot asymmetry indicated potential publication bias.

Conclusions

Self-help is associated with a significant reduction in symptom severity and improvement of QoL. The methodological quality of included studies was suboptimal, and further research is needed to confirm the findings of this meta-analysis.
Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Angiography of the Head and Neck With Single-Source Computed Tomography
Authors: Kaemmerer Nadine , Brand Michael , Hammon Matthias , May Matthias , Wuest Wolfgang , Krauss Bernhard , Uder Michael , Lell Michael M.
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Dual-energy computed tomographic angiography (DE-CTA) has been demonstrated to improve the visualization of the head and neck vessels. The aim of this study was to test the potential of split-filter single-source dual-energy CT to automatically remove bone from the final CTA data set.

Materials and Methods

Dual-energy CTA was performed in 50 consecutive patients to evaluate the supra-aortic arteries, either to grade carotid artery stenosis or to rule out traumatic dissections. Dual-energy CTA was performed on a 128-slice single-source CT system equipped with a special filter array to separate the 120-kV spectrum into a high- and a low-energy spectrum for DE-based automated bone removal. Image quality of fully automated bone suppression and subsequent manual optimization was evaluated by 2 radiologists on maximum intensity projections using a 4-grade scoring system. The effect of image reconstruction with an iterative metal artifact reduction algorithm on DE postprocessing was tested using a 3-grade scoring system, and the time demand for each postprocessing step was measured.

Results

Two patients were excluded due to insufficient arterial contrast enhancement; in the remaining 48 patients, automated bone removal could be performed successfully. The addition of iterative metal artifact reduction algorithm improved image quality in 58.3% of the cases. After manual optimization, DE-CTA image quality was rated excellent in 7, good in 29, and moderate in 10 patients. Interobserver agreement was high (κ = 0.85). Stenosis grading was not influenced using DE-CTA with bone removal as compared with the original CTA. The time demand for DE image reconstruction was significantly higher than for single-energy reconstruction (42.1 vs 20.9 seconds).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that bone removal in DE-CTA of the head and neck vessels with a single-source CT is feasible and can be performed within acceptable time and moderate user interaction.