bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Técnicas de transferencia nerviosa en lesiones del miembro superior
Authors: Martínez Martínez Francisco , Ñíguez Sevilla B. , García García J. , García López A.
Published: August 2017

Las lesiones nerviosas proximales tanto de miembro superior como del plexo están asociadas con un mal pronóstico, incluso con una reparación temprana. En las últimas décadas ha existido un aumento de técnicas de transferencia nerviosa, mediante las cuales un nervio periférico denervado es reinervado por un nervio donante sano. Las transferencias nerviosas están indicadas en lesiones del plexo braquial proximal donde no es posible el injerto o en lesiones proximales de los nervios periféricos con largas distancias de reinervación.

Las transferencias de nervios representan una revolución en la cirugía del nervio periférico y ofrecen el potencial para la recuperación funcional superior en lesiones nerviosas graves. En las lesiones completas del plexo braquial se investiga la existencia de raíces disponibles para utilizarlas como donantes de axones (transferencias intraplexuales). En caso de no existir, se recurre a las transferencias de nervios que no forman parte del plexo (transferencias extraplexuales) como pueden ser el nervio espinal accesorio, el nervio frénico, los nervios intercostales, etc.

En el presente artículo de actualización, se hará una revisión de las técnicas quirúrgicas de transferencias nerviosas motoras tanto intra como extraplexuales.
Procedimientos quirúrgicos de los miembros de la Sociedad Española de Cirugía de la Mano (SECMA) para la artrosis trapecio-metacarpiana: Un examen de las tendencias de la práctica clínica actual
Authors: Cantero-Téllez Raquel , Villafañe Jorge , Valdes Kristin , Berjano Pedro
Published: August 2017

Objetivo El objetivo principal de este estudio fue determinar los diferentes enfoques terapéuticos empleados en la práctica clínica habitual entre los cirujanos de mano en España en el abordaje de la artrosis trapecio-metacarpiana (TMC).

Material y Método Se desarrolló una encuesta de 15 ítems para determinar los patrones terapéuticos en la práctica clínica de los cirujanos de mano en España que tratan la artrosis TMC. Esa prueba piloto se distribuyó a través de un servicio de encuestas en línea profesional (SurveyMonkey).

Resultados El 94% de los cirujanos de mano en España se basan en la intensidad de dolor referida por el paciente para tomar una decisión quirúrgica. El 75% los inmoviliza durante un periodo de 3 semanas tras la cirugía y solo el 36% de los encuestados evalúa la intensidad de dolor después de la cirugía.

Conclusiones Esa encuesta proporciona datos valiosos en relación con los patrones terapéuticos de la práctica clínica actual en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la artrosis TMC en los cirujanos de mano españoles.

Nivel de Evidencia Nivel V.
Metacarpal Enlargement of the Amputated Thumb using Callotaxis: An Observational Study
Authors: Lambán-Mascaray Noemí , Blanco-Baiges Eduardo , Marquina-Sola Pedro , Barco-Marcellán Jesús , Pajares-Cabanillas Samuel , Gómez-Vallejo Jesús
Published: August 2017

Purpose To confirm the effectiveness of bone elongation through callus distraction of the first metacarpal as a functional alternative in active patients with a thumb amputation.

Methods The study population consisted of patients who suffered a nonreplantable amputation of the thumb and failed to meet the criteria for a microsurgical transfer at our hospitals between 1995 and 2014. We performed an observational cohort study for the incidence analysis and a cross-sectional design for the analysis of the correlations among the variables.

Results We presented 23 callus distractions of the first metacarpal, with an elongation time between surgeries of approximately 104.7 days (standard deviation [SD]: 3.2), with a miniRail external mini-fixator, and an average elongation of 25.5 mm (SD: 0.54). All patients achieved a functional grip, but five of them had to find new jobs. The degree of satisfaction was high, except in two patients, and was significantly related to the time of the elongation.

Conclusions Callus distraction allows for a reconstruction of the thumb with few complications. We recommend associating it with a commissuroplasty and an adductor transposition. Patients give more importance to the comfort of the procedure than to the elongated length, provided that adequate function is achieved.
Muscle: Ischemia, Infarction, and Compartment Syndrome
Authors: Broski Stephen , Tiegs Heiden Christin , Ringler Michael
Published: August 2017

Muscle ischemia and infarction are associated with a variety of pathologic conditions and commonly encountered in busy imaging practices. This article reviews the most common clinical scenarios in which they are seen including compartment syndrome, diabetic myonecrosis, and rhabdomyolysis, focusing on the imaging findings and differential diagnosis for each disease process. Magnetic resonance imaging is increasingly useful in differentiating myonecrosis from muscle ischemia and myositis, and it is highly accurate in diagnosing the most common type of compartment syndrome.
Musculotendinous Disorders of the Abdomen and Pelvis
Authors: Palmer William , Bredella Miriam , Kheterpal Arvin
Published: August 2017

Musculotendinous disorders of the abdomen and pelvis are common causes of pain in both athletes and nonathletes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice in the work-up of these patients. This article focuses on the MRI appearance of normal anatomy and spectrum of musculotendinous disorders in the abdomen and pelvis including muscle strains and tears, avulsions and apophysitis, muscular contusions, athletic groin pain, and gluteal aponeurotic/proximal iliotibial band injuries. Normal biomechanics and injury mechanisms are discussed.
MRI of the Intrinsic Muscles of the Hand
Authors: Kislinger Benedikt , Dessouky Riham , Chhabra Avneesh , Andreisek Gustav
Published: August 2017

This review article reviews muscle function and anatomy, describes normal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging anatomy, and shows a spectrum of abnormal imaging findings. It covers the lumbrical, interosseous, and thenar and hypothenar muscles. The described spectrum of abnormalities includes anatomical variants, exercise-induced MR signal changes, denervation syndromes, and myositis, as well as tumors. Advanced imaging techniques are discussed at the end to provide a look at future hand muscle imaging.
Diabetes Insipidus following Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Adenoma
Authors: Ajlan Abdulrazag , Abdulqader Sarah , Achrol Achal , Aljamaan Yousef , Feroze Abdullah , Katznelson Laurence , Harsh Griffith
Published: August 2017

Objectives Pituitary adenoma (PA), among the most commonly encountered sellar pathologies, accounts for 10% of primary intracranial tumors. The reported incidence of postoperative diabetes insipidus (DI) is highly variable. In this study, we report our experience with DI following endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for PAs, elucidating the risk factors of postoperative DI, the likelihood of long-term DI, and the impact of DI on the length of stay (LOS).

Methods The study included 178 patients who underwent endoscopic resection of PAs. Early DI was defined as that occurring within the first postoperative week. The mean follow-up was 36 months. Long-term DI was considered as DI apparent in the last follow-up visit.

Results Of the 178 patients included in the study, 77% of the tumors were macroadenomas. Forty-seven patients (26%) developed early DI. Long-term DI was observed in 18 (10.1%) of the full cohort. Age younger than 50 years was significantly associated with a higher incidence of long-term DI (p = 0.02). Macroadenoma and gross total resection were significantly associated with higher incidence of early DI (p = 0.05 and p = 0.04, respectively). The mean LOS was 4 days for patients with early postoperative DI and 3 days for those without it.

Conclusion The reported incidence of postoperative DI is significantly variable. We identified age younger than 50 years a risk factor for developing long-term postoperative DI. Gross total surgical resection and tumor size (> 1 cm) were associated with development of early DI. Early DI increased the LOS on average by 1 day.
A Clinical Vision Research Training and Mentoring Program as a Model for Ophthalmology and Other Medical Specialties: Implementation and Evaluation
Authors: Hark Lisa , Haller Julia , Murchison Ann , Waisbourd Michael , Mayro Eileen , Weiss David , Siraj Safa , Wright Carrie , Scully Kathryn , Jaeger Edward
Published: August 2017

Background Over the past 50 years, there has been a decline in the number of physicians pursuing careers in clinical research. In ophthalmology, the need for clinician-investigators continues to grow with the increasing eye-care demands of the aging population. Expert panels have recommended exposing medical students early in their training to structured, didactic curricula with clinical research experience and mentoring opportunities.

Methods To address this need, the Department of Research, Wills Eye Hospital, developed an 8-week Clinical Vision Research Training and Mentoring Program for undergraduate and medical students. The curriculum included an 11-hour lecture series on topics in research methods in ophthalmology and a 10-hour scientific writing workshop series. The program also involved hands-on participation in vision research projects and shadowing in one of Wills' subspecialty services. Students completed 40-question pre- and posttests on ophthalmology and research methodology. Scores were analyzed using a paired-sample t-test. The program also utilized a satisfaction survey.

Results During 2014 and 2015, a total of 34 students out of 56 applicants were accepted to the Clinical Vision Research Training and Mentoring Program. Students scored significantly higher on the posttest (mean [M] = 79.78%, standard deviation [SD] = 6.25) than on the pretest (M = 71.43%, SD = 8.43); p< 0.001. Using a satisfaction survey, students strongly agreed that they were satisfied with the program and that the lecture series and manuscript writing workshops enhanced their learning.

Conclusions The Wills Eye Clinical Vision Research Training and Mentoring Program provided an evidence-based foundation in research methods and manuscript development for students interested in careers in ophthalmology. Students emerged with clinical research skills and an increased understanding and appreciation of vision research. Results of the pre- and posttest analysis indicate that lecture material supplemented with hands-on experience can lead to better understanding of ophthalmology. This pilot program can serve as a research training and mentoring model for ophthalmology and other medical and surgical specialties.
Portal Vein Embolization in the Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Optimal Approach and Current Controversies
Authors: Gans Daniel , Siegel Christopher , Patel Indravadan , Tavri Sidhartha , Madoff David , Sutter Christopher
Published: August 2017

Colorectal carcinoma metastatic to the liver is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Many therapies targeting liver metastasis have been associated with prolonged life and palliation, but few are more effective than surgical resection. Preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) can facilitate contralateral hepatic lobe hypertrophy, and allow for subsequent surgical resection of metastatic disease in patients whose postoperative residual liver volume is considered marginal or too small to support proper liver function. A thorough preprocedural workup is necessary, including proper multidisciplinary patient selection, imaging, and liver volume measurements. PVE can be performed with multiple approaches and techniques, each with advantages and disadvantages. Both older and newer surgical alternatives exist, including portal vein ligation and the associating liver partition and portal vein ligation in staged hepatectomy strategy. The variability in embolization techniques and surgical alternatives in the treatment of patients with potentially resectable metastatic colorectal cancer in the liver naturally lends itself to controversy. We aim to discuss the workup, pathophysiology, technical details, and outcomes of PVE, as well as surgical alternatives and current controversies.
Normaldruckhydrozephalus
Authors: Kehler Uwe , Hattingen Elke
Published: August 2017

Für Diagnostik, Differenzialdiagnostik und Differenzialtherapie des Normaldruckhydrozephalus ist die Bildgebung entscheidend. Auch wenn die Therapie eines Normaldruckhydrozephalus nicht erfolgreich sein sollte, werden zahlreiche Fragen an den Radiologen gestellt. Der Artikel gibt eine Übersicht über das Krankheitsbild des Normaldruckhydrozephalus und die speziellen prä- und postchirurgischen Anforderungen an die Bildgebung.
Comparison of submucosal tunneling biopsy versus EUS-guided FNA for gastric subepithelial lesions: a prospective study with crossover design
Authors: Kobara Hideki , Mori Hirohito , Nishimoto Naoki , Fujihara Shintaro , Nishiyama Noriko , Ayaki Maki , Yachida Tatsuo , Matsunaga Tae , Chiyo Taiga , Kobayashi Nobuya , Fujita Koji , Kato Kiyohito , Kamada Hideki , Oryu Makoto , Tsutsui Kunihiko , Iwama Hisakazu , Haba Reiji , Masaki Tsutomu
Published: August 2017

Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) for gastrointestinal subepithelial lesions (SELs) has limited diagnostic accuracy due to technical problems and small lesion size. We previously reported a novel submucosal tunneling biopsy (STB) technique for sampling SELs. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic ability and safety of STB compared to that of FNA for SELs.

Patients and methods The study was a non-randomized, prospective comparative study with crossover design in patients with endoluminal gastric SELs. Forty-three patients, including 29 cases with lesions < 2 cm were enrolled. A crossover design with 2 intervention stages (Group A: FNA followed by STB for 23 SELs, Group B: STB followed by FNA for 20 SELs) was implemented. The primary outcome was the diagnostic yield (DY). Secondary outcomes were technical success rate, procedure time, complication rate, and sample quality.

Results The DY of STB was significantly higher than that of FNA (100 % vs. 34.8 %; P < 0.0001) in group A, including 100 % in overall STB. The technical success rate of STB was significantly higher than that of FNA (100 % vs. 56.5 %; P = 0.0006), whereas the median procedure time of STB was significantly longer than that of FNA (37 minutes vs. 18 minutes; P < 0.0001). The median specimen area of STB samples was markedly larger than that of FNA samples (5.54 mm2 vs. 0.69 mm2; P < 0.001). No complications occurred in either method.

Conclusions STB had significantly superior diagnostic ability and a more adequate sample quality than FNA for endoluminal gastric SELs, indicating the suitability of STB for small SELs.

Clinical trial registration: UMIN 000006754
Oscillations of a single Abrikosov vortex in hard type-II superconductors
Authors: Rusakov V. F. , Chabanenko V. V. , Nabiałek A. , Chumak O. M.
Published: August 2017

During the last decade, detection and manipulation of single vortex lines in bulk superconductors have been achieved experimentally. Electrodynamic response of pinned vortices in the high-frequency range is instrumental in studying specific aspects of their behavior. The present paper reviews the state of the art in studies of the oscillations of a single Abrikosov vortex in type II superconductors. The equations for free and forced oscillations of a single elastic vortex line are analyzed taking into account different forces affecting its motion: pinning, elasticity, viscosity and the Lorenz force. The equations also account for the inertial properties of a vortex due to various mechanisms of massiveness. The nature and magnitude of the vortex effective mass caused by some of the mechanisms are discussed in the paper. The roles of each force and inertia in the free oscillation spectrum are thoroughly analyzed. For the De Gennes and Matricon mode (at about a megahertz) with parabolic dispersion and the pinning force taken into account, there is an activation threshold. Taking into account the effective vortex mass in the equation of motion leads to the occurrence of a high-frequency mode (at about a terahertz) in the oscillation spectrum which is also of the activation nature. Estimations of the characteristic frequencies for these modes are given for two common superconductors, NbTi and anisotropic YBaCuO. The paper also presents the features of the resonant behavior of an elastic massive vortex line arising under an external uniform harmonic driving force that decays into the bulk of the sample, taking into account all the above forces. The frequency and temperature dependences of the energy absorption by a vortex line are analyzed. Maximum absorption in the low-frequency mode corresponds to the threshold frequency, while that in the high-frequency mode corresponds to the vortex cyclotron frequency. Vortex manipulation experiments and vortex dynamics simulation are discussed.
Weak localization and interaction effects in acceptor graphite intercalation compounds
Authors: Prokopov O. I. , Ovsiienko I. V. , Matzui L. Yu. , Len T. A. , Naumova D. D. , Berkutov I. B. , Mirzoiev I. G. , Le Normand F.
Published: August 2017

The presented work is devoted to investigations of manifestation of quantum effects of weak localization and interaction of charge carriers in electrical conductivity of acceptor graphite intercalation compounds (CICs). As shown by studies intercalation leads to a decrease in the resistivity and to change the resistivity temperature coefficient from negative sign in the source graphite on a positive sign in intercalated graphite. At the low temperature for all GICs specimens the minimum in the temperature dependence of resistivity is observed. In terms of the model of charge carrier's weak localization and interaction for two-dimensional systems temperature dependence of phase relaxation time, localization radius and charge carriers screening constant for all GICs are estimated.
Nonlinear current resonance in a spin-torque diode with planar magnetization
Authors: Kulagin N. E. , Skirdkov P. N. , Popkov A. F. , Zvezdin K. A. , Lobachev A. V.
Published: August 2017

The microwave sensitivity of a spin diode consisting of a tunnel junction with two magnetic electrodes is investigated. The specific feature of the magnetic tunnel structure under consideration is a skew of the electrode magnetizations in the plane of the layers, arising due to exchange interaction with the adjacent antiferromagnetic layers with different superparamagnetic blocking temperatures. Within the framework of the macrospin model the stability analysis of the stationary magnetization states is carried out as a function of the electric current and the skew angle between the magnetizations of the magnetic layers on the angle-current plane, taking into account the effect of spin torque transfer. For the obtained stationary states, variations of the resonant response to an ac current of microwave range and volt-watt sensitivity of the spin diode far away from and near the critical bias-current lines of the transition to self-oscillations are determined. It is shown that with increasing the bias current upon the approach to the critical point, hysteresis of the frequency branches of resonant response appears, induced by the nonlinear microwave modulation of torque. This effect is different from the foldover-effect under the condition of initial Lorentzian character of the ferromagnetic resonance with a constant linewidth. Furthermore, micromagnetic simulation of the diode sensitivity for similar magnetic parameters is carried out.
The energy spectrum of zigzag single-walled carbon nanotubes in the Hubbard model, in the static-fluctuation approximation
Authors: Mironov G. I.
Published: August 2017

Anticommutator Green's functions, and the energy spectra of zigzag single-walled carbon nanotubes are determined using the Hubbard model with consideration of the finite curvature of the nanotube surface. The obtained spectra of the elementary excitations for nanotubes (9,0) have shown that the “metallic” zigzag nanotubes are actually narrow-gap semiconductors. A comparison with the experimental values of the band gaps has shown that the theoretical and experimental values coincide.
Refractive indices and density of cryovacuum-deposited thin films of methane in the vicinity of the α-β-transition temperature
Authors: Drobyshev A. , Aldiyarov A. , Sokolov D. , Shinbayeva A.
Published: August 2017

Experimental studies of the effect of methane condensation temperature on the value of the refractive index and density of the resulting thin films are reported. The main unit of the installation is a high-vacuum chamber, which routinely operates at 10−8–10−6 Torr. Measurements using a two-beam He–Ne laser interferometer in the vicinity of the methane phase transition temperature T = 20.4 K in the range of 14–32 K were carried out. It has been shown that in the vicinity of T = 20 K the temperature dependence of the refractive index undergoes an abrupt decrease with decreasing temperature. It is assumed that this gap is the result of the phase transition from the orientational disordered phase (α-phase) to the partially ordered phase (β-phase) of solid methane. The calculations of the polarizability of the methane molecules in the solid phase at two values of the deposition temperature T = 16 K and T = 30 K were performed using the Lorentz–Lorenz equation.
Spectroscopic study of the n-hexanol cluster structure, isolated in an argon matrix
Authors: Doroshenko I. Yu.
Published: August 2017

Infrared absorption spectra of n-hexanol isolated in an argon matrix are recorded at temperatures varying between 20 and 50 K. The temperature evolution of the recorded spectra across several spectral regions is analyzed. The experimental data are interpreted using the results of quantum-chemical modeling [DFT/B3LYP/6-31G (d,p)] of the structure and the vibrational spectra of chain and cyclic clusters that included between one and four hexanol molecules. It is shown that as the temperature of the isolating matrix is increased, there is a gradual transformation of the hexanol cluster structure.
Predicting thermal history a-priori for magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia of internal carcinoma
Authors: Dhar Purbarun , Sirisha Maganti Lakshmi
Published: August 2017

This article proposes a simplistic and realistic method where a direct analytical expression can be derived for the temperature field within a tumour during magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia. The approximated analytical expression for thermal history within the tumour is derived based on the lumped capacitance approach and considers all therapy protocols and parameters. The present method is simplistic and provides an easy framework for estimating hyperthermia protocol parameters promptly. The model has been validated with respect to several experimental reports on animal models such as mice/rabbit/hamster and human clinical trials. It has been observed that the model is able to accurately estimate the thermal history within the carcinoma during the hyperthermia therapy. The present approach may find implications in a-priori estimation of the thermal history in internal tumours for optimizing magnetic hyperthermia treatment protocols with respect to the ablation time, tumour size, magnetic drug concentration, field strength, field frequency, nanoparticle material and size, tumour location, and so on.
In vitro growth and development of isolated secondary follicles from vitrified caprine ovarian cortex
Authors: Leal Érica S. S. , Vieira Luis A. , Sá Naíza A. R. , Silva Gerlane M. , Lunardi Franciele O. , Ferreira Anna C. A. , Campello Cláudio C. , Alves Benner G. , Cibin Francielli W. S. , Smitz Johan , Figueiredo José R. , Rodrigues Ana P. R.
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the viability, antrum formation and in vitro development of isolated secondary follicles from vitrified caprine ovarian cortex in a medium previously established for fresh isolated secondary follicles, in the absence (α-minimum essential medium (α-MEM+) alone) or presence of FSH and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF; α-MEM++FSH+VEGF). Ovarian fragments were distributed among five treatments (T1 to T5): fresh follicles were fixed immediately (T1), follicles from fresh tissue were cultured in vitro in α-MEM+ (T2) or α-MEM++FSH+VEGF (T3) and follicles from vitrified tissue were cultured in vitro in α-MEM+ (T4) or α-MEM++FSH+VEGF (T5). After 6 days of culture, treated follicles (T2, T3, T4 and T5) were evaluated for morphology, viability and follicular development (growth, antrum formation and proliferation of granulosa cells by Ki67 and argyrophilic nucleolar organiser region (AgNOR) staining). The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the culture media were also assessed. Overall, morphology of vitrified follicles was altered (P < 0.05) compared with the fresh follicles. Follicular viability, antrum formation and ROS were similar between treatments (P > 0.05). The average overall and daily follicular growth was highest (P < 0.05) in T3. Granulosa cells in all treatments (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5) stained positive for Ki67. However, fresh follicles from T3 had significantly higher AgNOR staining (P < 0.05) compared with follicles of T1, T2, T4 and T5. In conclusion, secondary follicles can be isolated from vitrified and warmed ovarian cortex and survive and form an antrum when growing in an in vitro culture for 6 days.
Improvement on thermal stability of TiAlSiN coatings deposited by IBAD
Authors: Su Kang , Liu Dameng , Pang Hua , Shao Tianmin
Published: August 2017

TiAlSiN coatings were deposited on Si substrates by ion beam-assisted deposition. The oxidation resistance and mechanism of TiAlSiN at 800°C, 900°C, and 1000°C under a nitrogen atmosphere were discussed and compared with those of TiAlSiN under argon and air atmospheres. The microstructure, bonding characteristics, and phase transition of the coatings were systematically investigated. The results indicated that nitrogen atmosphere effectively inhibited oxidation of the TiAlSiN coatings. The key reason for this improvement was that nitrogen maintained Ti–N and Si–N chemical bonds, and a dense Al2O3 layer was much more easily generated under the nitrogen atmosphere. We used first-principles calculations to investigate the electronic structures and bonding characteristics of TiAlSiN in this work.
When comprehension elicits incomprehension: Deterioration of semantic categorisation in the absence of stimulus repetition
Authors: Nathaniel Upasana , Thompson Hannah E , Davies Emma , Arnold Dominic , Hallam Glyn , Stampacchia Sara , Smallwood Jonathan , Jefferies Elizabeth
Published: August 2017

Repetition improves retrieval from memory; however, under some circumstances, it can also impair performance. Separate literatures have investigated this phenomenon, including studies showing subjective loss of meaning following ‘semantic satiation’, slowed naming and categorisation when semantically related items are repeated and semantic ‘access deficits’ in aphasia. Such effects have been variously explained in terms of habituation of repeatedly accessed representations, increased interference from strongly activated competitors and long-term weight changes reflecting the suppression of non-targets on earlier trials (i.e., retrieval-induced forgetting). While studies of semantic satiation involve massed repetition of individual items, competition and weight changes at the conceptual level should elicit declining comprehension for non-repeated items: this pattern has been demonstrated for picture naming but effects in categorisation are less clear. We developed a paced serial semantic task (PSST), in which participants identified category members among distracters. Performance in healthy young adults deteriorated with ongoing retrieval for non-repeated words belonging to functional categories (e.g., picnic), taxonomic categories (e.g., animal) and feature-based categories (e.g., colour red – ‘tomato’, ‘post box’). This decline was greatest at fast presentation speeds (when there was less time to overcome competition/inhibition) and for strongly associated targets (which may have accrued more inhibition to facilitate earlier target categorisation). Deteriorating performance was also seen across words and pictures, consistent with a conceptual locus. We observed a release from deteriorating categorisation following a switch to a new category, demonstrating that this was not a general effect of time on task. Patients with semantic aphasia, who have deficient semantic control, maintained their performance throughout the categories, unlike younger adults: this finding is hard to reconcile with accounts of declining performance that propose a build-up of competition, since the patients should have had greater difficulty resolving such competition. These results instead suggest that declining performance on our goal-driven categorisation task was linked to the use of a controlled retrieval strategy by healthy young adults. Patients may not have inhibited related non-target knowledge to facilitate initial categorisation like younger volunteers, and consequently they were less vulnerable to declining comprehension in this paradigm. Together, these results demonstrate circumstances which produce declines in continuous categorisation in healthy adults.
Manganese-induced trafficking and turnover of GPP130 is mediated by sortilin
Authors: Venkat Swati , Linstedt Adam D.
Published: August 2017

Elevated, nontoxic doses of manganese (Mn) protect against Shiga toxin-1–induced cell death via down-regulation of GPP130, a cycling Golgi membrane protein that serves as an endosome-to-Golgi trafficking receptor for the toxin. Mn binds to GPP130 in the Golgi and causes GPP130 to oligomerize/aggregate, and the complexes are diverted to lysosomes. In fact, based on experiments using the self-interacting FM domain, it appears generally true that aggregation of a Golgi protein leads to its lysosomal degradation. How such oligomers are selectively sorted out of the Golgi is unknown. Here we provide evidence that Mn-induced exit of GPP130 from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) toward lysosomes is mediated by the sorting receptor sortilin interacting with the lumenal stem domain of GPP130. In contrast, FM-induced lysosomal trafficking of the Golgi protein galactosyltransferase was sortilin independent and occurred even in the absence of its native lumenal domain. Thus sortilin-dependent as well as sortilin-independent sorting mechanisms target aggregated Golgi membrane proteins for lysosomal degradation.
Bariatric Surgery and Hypertension
Authors: Owen Jonathan G , Yazdi Farshid , Reisin Efrain
Published: August 2017

Obesity continues to increase in prevalence worldwide. Hypertension has long been associated with obesity, and weight loss continues to be a first-line therapy in the treatment of hypertension. Lifestyle modification and pharmacologic therapy, however, often meet with treatment failure. Bariatric surgery continues to be the most successful approach to sustained weight loss. This review focuses on the underlying physiologic mechanisms of obesity-hypertension, and the impact of bariatric surgery on the treatment of hypertension. Current available literature on the physiologic mechanisms of obesity-hypertension, and the major trials, meta-analyses and systematic reviews of the impact of bariatric surgery procedures on hypertension are reviewed. Evidence suggests significant improvement in obesity-hypertension in patients who undergo surgical weight-reduction procedures. Malabsorptive techniques such as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or surgical resection techniques such as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy appear to offer superior results in regards to hypertension control over restrictive techniques such as Gastric Banding. Though long-term control of hypertension following surgery remains a concern, available follow-up post-operative data of up to 10 years suggests a sustained, if lessened, effect on hypertension control over time.
Striatin Gene Polymorphic Variants Are Associated With Salt Sensitive Blood Pressure in Normotensives and Hypertensives
Authors: Gupta Tina , Connors Molly , Tan Jia Wei , Manosroi Worapaka , Ahmed Noha , Ting Pei Yee , Garza Amanda E , Romero Jose R , Hopkins Paul N , Williams Jonathan S , Williams Gordon H
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Understanding the interactions between genetics, sodium (Na+) intake, and blood pressure (BP) will help overcome the lack of individual specificity in our current treatment of hypertension. This study had 3 goals: expand on the relationship between striatin gene (STRN) status and salt-sensitivity of BP (SSBP); evaluate the status of Na+ and volume regulating systems by striatin risk allele status; evaluate potential SSBP mechanisms.

METHODS

We assessed the relationship between STRN status in humans (HyperPATH cohort) and SSBP and on volume regulated systems in humans and a striatin knockout mouse (STRN+/−).

RESULTS

The previously identified association between a striatin risk allele and systolic SSBP was demonstrated in a new cohort (P = 0.01). The STRN–SSBP association was significant for the combined cohort (P = 0.003; β = +5.35 mm Hg systolic BP/risk allele) and in the following subgroups: normotensives, hypertensives, men, and older subjects. Additionally, we observed a lower epinephrine level in risk allele carriers (P = 0.014) and decreased adrenal medulla phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) in STRN+/− mice. No significant associations were observed with other volume regulated systems.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support the association between a variant of striatin and SSBP and extend the findings to normotensive individuals and other subsets. In contrast to most salt-sensitive hypertensives, striatin-associated SSBP is associated with normal plasma renin activity and reduced epinephrine levels. These data provide clues to the underlying cause and a potential pathway to achieve, specific, personalized treatment, and prevention.
Long-Term Impact of an Educational Antimicrobial Stewardship Program on Hospital-Acquired Candidemia and Multidrug-Resistant Bloodstream Infections: A Quasi-Experimental Study of Interrupted Time-Series Analysis
Authors: Molina José , Peñalva Germán , Gil-Navarro María V , Praena Julia , Lepe José A , Pérez-Moreno María A , Ferrándiz Carmen , Aldabó Teresa , Aguilar Manuela , Olbrich Peter , Jiménez-Mejías Manuel E , Gascón María L , Amaya-Villar Rosario , Neth Olaf , Rodríguez-Hernández María J , Gutiérrez-Pizarraya Antonio , Garnacho-Montero José , Montero Cristina , Cano Josefina , Palomino Julián , Valencia Raquel , Álvarez Rocío , Cordero Elisa , Herrero Marta , Cisneros José M ,   PRIOAM team, M J , P G , G N M V , Praena J , L J A , P M M A , F C , A T , A M , O P , J M M E , G M L , A V R , N O , R H M J , G P A , G M J , M C , C J , Palomino J , V R , A R , C E , H M , C J M , García-Cabrera Emilio , Porras Francisco , Jiménez-Parrilla Francisco , Obando Ignacio , Ruiz-Pérez Maite , Aznar Javier , Conde Manolo , Ortiz Carlos , Docobo Fernando , Bautista Javier
Published: August 2017

Background

The global crisis of bacterial resistance urges the scientific community to implement intervention programs in healthcare facilities to promote an appropriate use of antibiotics. However, the clinical benefits or the impact on resistance of these interventions has not been definitively proved.

Methods

We designed a quasi-experimental intervention study with an interrupted time-series analysis. A multidisciplinary team conducted a multifaceted educational intervention in our tertiary-care hospital over a 5-year period. The main activity of the program consisted of peer-to-peer educational interviews between counselors and prescribers from all departments to reinforce the principles of the proper use of antibiotics. We assessed antibiotic consumption, incidence density of Candida and multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria bloodstream infections (BSIs) and their crude death rate per 1000 occupied bed days (OBDs).

Results

A quick and intense reduction in antibiotic consumption occurred 6 months after the implementation of the intervention (change in level, −216.8 defined daily doses per 1000 OBDs; 95% confidence interval, −347.5 to −86.1), and was sustained during subsequent years (average reduction, −19,9%). In addition, the increasing trend observed in the preintervention period for the incidence density of candidemia and MDR BSI (+0.018 cases per 1000 OBDs per quarter; 95% confidence interval, −.003 to .039) reverted toward a decreasing trend of −0.130 per quarter (change in slope, −0.029; −.051 to −.008), and so did the mortality rate (change in slope, −0.015; −.021 to −.008).

Conclusions

This education-based antimicrobial stewardship program was effective in decreasing the incidence and mortality rate of hospital-acquired candidemia and MDR BSI through sustained reduction in antibiotic use.
The Type III Secretion Chaperone HpaB Controls the Translocation of Effector and Noneffector Proteins From Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria
Authors: Scheibner Felix , Hartmann Nadine , Hausner Jens , Lorenz Christian , Hoffmeister Anne-Katrin , Büttner Daniela
Published: August 2017

Pathogenicity of the gram-negative bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria depends on a type III secretion (T3S) system, which translocates effector proteins into plant cells. Effector proteins contain N-terminal T3S and translocation signals and interact with the T3S chaperone HpaB, which presumably escorts effectors to the secretion apparatus. The molecular mechanisms underlying the recognition of effectors by the T3S system are not yet understood. In the present study, we analyzed T3S and translocation signals in the type III effectors XopE2 and XopJ from X. campestris pv. vesicatoria. Both effectors contain minimal translocation signals, which are only recognized in the absence of HpaB. Additional N-terminal signals promote translocation of XopE2 and XopJ in the wild-type strain. The results of translocation and interaction studies revealed that the interaction of XopE2 and XopJ with HpaB and a predicted cytoplasmic substrate docking site of the T3S system is not sufficient for translocation. In agreement with this finding, we show that the presence of an artificial HpaB-binding site does not promote translocation of the noneffector XopA in the wild-type strain. Our data, therefore, suggest that the T3S chaperone HpaB not only acts as an escort protein but also controls the recognition of translocation signals.
A Pilot Study of Horizontal Head and Eye Rotations in Baseball Batting
Authors: Fogt Nick , Persson Tyler W.
Published: August 2017

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to measure and compare horizontal head and eye tracking movements as baseball batters “took” pitches and swung at baseball pitches.

METHODS

Two former college baseball players were tested in two conditions. A pitching machine was used to project tennis balls toward the subjects. In the first condition, subjects acted as if they were taking (i.e., not swinging) the pitches. In the second condition, subjects attempted to bat the pitched balls. Head movements were measured with an inertial sensor; eye movements were measured with a video eye tracker.

RESULTS

For each condition, the relationship between the horizontal head and eye rotations was similar for the two subjects, as were the overall head-, eye-, and gaze-tracking strategies. In the “take” condition, head movements in the direction of the ball were larger than eye movements for much of the pitch trajectory. Large eye movements occurred only late in the pitch trajectory. Gaze was directed near the ball until approximately 150 milliseconds before the ball arrived at the batter, at which time gaze was directed ahead of the ball to a location near that occupied when the ball crosses the plate. In the “swing” condition, head movements in the direction of the ball were larger than eye movements throughout the pitch trajectory. Gaze was directed near the ball until approximately 50 to 60 milliseconds prior to pitch arrival at the batter.

DISCUSSION

Horizontal head rotations were larger than horizontal eye rotations in both the “take” and “swing” conditions. Gaze was directed ahead of the ball late in the pitch trajectory in the “take” condition, whereas gaze was directed near the ball throughout much of the pitch trajectory in the “swing” condition.
Should Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography Replace Single-Energy Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography in Pregnant and Postpartum Patients?
Authors: McDermott Shaunagh , Otrakji Alexi , Flores Efren J. , Kalra Mannudeep K. , Shepard Jo-Anne O. , Digumarthy Subba R.
Published: August 2017

Objective

The study aims to compare single-energy (SE) and dual-energy (DE) computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) for evaluation of suspected pulmonary embolism in pregnant and postpartum patients.

Materials and Methods

Our study included 59 CTPA performed in pregnant/postpartum women (study group) comprised of 38 SE-CTPA and 21 DE-CTPA. The control group of 21 age- and weight-matched nonpregnant/nonpostpartum women underwent DE-CTPA. Two radiologists assessed pulmonary arterial enhancement, image quality, and artifacts. κ Test and analysis of variance were performed.

Results

Fourteen of 38 pregnant/postpartum women (37%) had suboptimal SE-CTPA compared with just 10% (2/21) suboptimal DE-CTPA studies (P = 0.02). Mean Hounsfield unit (HU) in the pulmonary trunk was 550 ± 68 HU in the DE-CTPA pregnant/postpartum group and 245 ± 12 HU in the SE-CTPA (P < 0.001). The mean volume computed tomography dose index in the pregnant/postpartum patients for DE-CTPA and SE-CTPA were 9 ± 2 and 19 ± 8 mGy, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Dual-energy CTPA substantially increased arterial enhancement for evaluation of pulmonary embolism in pregnant and postpartum women compared with SE-CTPA.
Petamenophis (Padiamenemipet), an Egyptian Child Mummy Protected for Eternity: Revelation by Multidetector Computed Tomography
Authors: Martina Maria Cristina , Cesarani Federico , Boano Rosa , Fiore Marochetti Elisa , Gandini Giovanni
Published: August 2017

Objective

The objective of our work was to report the most recent findings obtained with multidetector computed tomography of a child mummy from the Roman period (119–123 ce) housed at the Egyptian Museum in Turin, Italy.

Methods

Multidetector computed tomography and postprocessing were applied to understand the embalming techniques, the nature of a foreign object, and anthropometrical values. The information was compared with that from other mummies that were buried in the same tomb, but today housed in different museums.

Results

New information regarding the embalming technique was revealed. Multidetector computed tomography allowed the identification of a knife-like metallic object, probably an amulet for the child's protection in the afterlife.

Conclusions

Multidetector computed tomography and image postprocessing confirm their valuable role in noninvasive studies in ancient mummies and provided evidence of a unique cultural practice in the late history of Ancient Egypt such as placing a knife possibly as an amulet.
Lessons in effector and NLR biology of plant-microbe systems
Authors: Białas Aleksandra , Zess Erin K. , De la Concepcion Juan Carlos , Franceschetti Marina , Pennington Helen G. , Yoshida Kentaro , Upson Jessica L. , Chanclud Emilie , Wu Chih-Hang , Langner Thorsten , Maqbool Abbas , Varden Freya A. , Derevnina Lida , Belhaj Khaoula , Fujisaki Koki , Saitoh Hiromasa , Terauchi Ryohei , Banfield Mark J. , Kamoun Sophien
Published: August 2017

A diversity of plant-associated organisms secrete effectors—proteins and metabolites that modulate plant physiology to favor host infection and colonization. However, effectors can also activate plant immune receptors, notably nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat-containing (NLR) proteins, enabling plants to fight off invading organisms. This interplay between effectors, their host targets, and the matching immune receptors is shaped by intricate molecular mechanisms and exceptionally dynamic coevolution. In this article, we focus on three effectors, AVR-Pik, AVR-Pia, and AVR-Pii, from the rice blast fungusMagnaporthe oryzae(syn.Pyricularia oryzae), and their corresponding rice NLR immune receptors, Pik, Pia, and Pii, to highlight general concepts of plant-microbe interactions. We draw 12 lessons in effector and NLR biology that have emerged from studying these three little effectors and are broadly applicable to other plant-microbe systems.
AMELIE accelerates Mendelian patient diagnosis directly from the primary literature
Authors: Birgmeier Johannes , Haeussler Maximilian , Deisseroth Cole A. , Jagadeesh Karthik A. , Ratner Alexander J. , Guturu Harendra , Wenger Aaron M. , Stenson Peter D. , Cooper David N. , Ré Christopher , Bernstein Jonathan A. , Bejerano Gill
Published: August 2017

The diagnosis of Mendelian disorders requires labor-intensive literature research. Our software system AMELIE (AutomaticMendelianLiteratureEvaluation) greatly automates this process. AMELIE parses hundreds of thousands of full text articles to find an underlying diagnosis to explain a patient’s phenotypes given the patient’s exome. AMELIE prioritizes patient candidate genes for their likelihood of causing the patient’s phenotypes. Diagnosis of singleton patients (without relatives’ exomes) is the most time-consuming scenario. AMELIE’s gene ranking method was tested on 215 singleton Mendelian patients with a clinical diagnosis. AMELIE ranked the causal gene among the top 2 in the majority (63%) of cases. Examining AMELIE’s top 10 genes, amounting to 8% of 124 candidate genes with rare functional variants per patient, results in diagnosis for 95% of cases. Strikingly, training only on gene pathogenicity knowledge from 2011 leads to identical performance compared to training on current data. An accompanying analysis web portal has launched atAMELIE.stanford.edu.
Single-molecule assay for proteolytic susceptibility using centrifuge force microscopy:force-induced destabilization of collagen‘s triple helix
Authors: Kirkness Michael W.H. , Forde Nancy R.
Published: August 2017

Force plays a key role in regulating dynamics of biomolecular structure and interactions, yet techniques are lacking to manipulate and continuously read out this response with high throughput. We present an enzymatic assay for force-dependent accessibility of structure that makes use of a wireless mini-radio centrifuge force microscope (MR.CFM) to provide a real-time readout of kinetics. The microscope is designed for ease of use, fits in a standard centrifuge bucket, and offers high-throughput, video-rate readout of individual proteolytic cleavage events. Proteolysis measurements on thousands of tethered collagen molecules show a load-enhanced trypsin sensitivity, indicating destabilization of the triple helix.
Accurate estimation of molecular counts in droplet-based single-cell RNA-seq experiments
Authors: Petukhov Viktor , Guo Jimin , Baryawno Ninib , Severe Nicolas , Scadden David , Samsonova Maria G. , Kharchenko Peter V.
Published: August 2017

Single-cell RNA-seq protocols provide powerful means for examining the gamut of cell types and transcriptional states that comprise complex biological tissues. Recently-developed approaches based on droplet microfluidics, such as inDrop or Drop-seq, use massively multiplexed barcoding to enable simultaneous measurements of transcriptomes for thousands of individual cells. The increasing complexity of such data also creates challenges for subsequent computational processing and troubleshooting of these experiments, with few software options currently available. Here we describe a flexible pipeline for processing droplet-based transcriptome data that implements barcode corrections, classification of cell quality, and diagnostic information about the droplet libraries. We introduce advanced methods for correcting composition bias and sequencing errors affecting cellular and molecular barcodes to provide more accurate estimates of molecular counts in individual cells.