bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bactericidal activity of 3D-printed hydrogel dressing loaded with gallium maltolate
Authors: Cereceres Stacy , Lan Ziyang , Bryan Laura , Whitely Michael , Wilems Thomas , Greer Hunter , Alexander Ellen Ruth , Taylor Robert J. , Bernstein Lawrence , Cohen Noah , Whitfield-Cargile Canaan , Cosgriff-Hernandez Elizabeth
Published: April 2019

Chronic wounds are projected to reach epidemic proportions worldwide because of the aging population and the increasing incidence of diabetes. Despite extensive research, infection remains one of the leading sources of complications in chronic wounds, resulting in improper healing, biofilm formation, and lower extremity amputation. To address the limitations of standard treatments, we have developed a hydrogel wound dressing with self-tuning moisture control that incorporates a novel antimicrobial agent to eliminate and prevent infection. 3D-printing of a hydrogel dressing with dual porosity resulted in a new dressing with greater flexibility, increased water uptake, and more rapid swelling than bulk hydrogel dressings. Additionally, gallium maltolate (GaM) was incorporated into the dressing to investigate the efficacy of this antimicrobial agent. Loading profiles, release kinetics, and the bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) of GaM were investigated in vitro to identify target profiles that supported infection control. Finally, GaM-loaded hydrogel dressings were evaluated in vivo, utilizing a murine splinted-wound model that was inoculated with S. aureus. In comparison to an untreated control, GaM dressings markedly reduced the wound bacterial load without compromising wound closure rates. Overall, this work demonstrates the utility of a 3D-printed hydrogel dressing as an antimicrobial dressing to control infection in chronic wounds.
Complex impedance of TESs under AC bias using FDM readout system
Authors: Taralli E. , Khosropanah P. , Gottardi L. , Nagayoshi K. , Ridder M. L. , Bruijn M. P. , Gao J. R.
Published: April 2019

The next generation of Far-infrared and X-ray space observatories will require detector arrays with thousands of transition edge sensor (TES) pixel. It is extremely important to have a tool that is able to characterize all the pixels and that can give a clear picture of the performance of the devices. In particular, we refer to those aspects that can affect the global energy resolution of the array: logarithmic resistance sensitivity with respect to temperature and current (α and β parameters, respectively), uniformity of the TESs and the correct understanding of the detector thermal model. Complex impedance measurement of a TES is the only technique that can give all this information at once, but it has been established only for a single pixel under DC bias. We have developed a complex impedance measurement method for TESs that are AC biased since we are using a MHz frequency domain multiplexing (FDM) system to readout an array. The FDM readout demands for some modifications to the complex-impedance technique and extra considerations, e.g. how to modulate a small fraction of the bias carrier frequencies in order to get a proper excitation current through the TESs and how to perform an accurate demodulation and recombination of the output signals. Also, it requires careful calibration to remove the presence of parasitic impedances in the entire readout system. We perform a complete set of AC impedance measurements for different X-ray TES microcalorimeters based on superconducting TiAu bilayers with or without normal metal Au bar structures. We discuss the statistical analysis of the residual between impedance data and fitting model to determine the proper calorimeter thermal model for our detectors. Extracted parameters are used to improve our understanding of the differences and capabilities among the detectors and additionally the quality of the array. Moreover, we use the results to compare the calculated noise spectra with the measured data.
Large photovoltaic response in rare-earth doped BiFeO3 polycrystalline thin films near morphotropic phase boundary composition
Authors: Biswas Pranab Parimal , Pal Subhajit , Subramanian V. , Murugavel P.
Published: April 2019

The photovoltaic (PV) properties of polycrystalline Bi1−xLaxFeO3 (x = 0–0.3) films have been explored. The X-ray diffraction study reveals that there is a gradual phase transition with the increase in La doping. The composition x = 0.25 is found to be the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB), beyond which the system turns into the non-/antipolar orthorhombic phase. The polarization measurements reveal improved ferroelectric properties with the maximum remanent polarization observed for the x = 0.25 film. A systematic study on the direct and indirect bandgaps of the films has shown a decreasing trend with composition. Interestingly, the PV studies exhibit a maximum open-circuit voltage of 1.30 V for the x = 0.25 film which is three times larger than the value observed for pure BiFeO3 (BFO) (0.47 V). The enhanced PV response in La-doped BFO correlates with the polarization and the change in direct/indirect bandgaps associated with structural instability near the MPB composition. The approach used in this work for enhancing the PV performance in ferroelectric BFO through the combined effects of polarization, bandgaps and competing structures provides a better pathway for improving the ferroelectric PV effect.
Size-dependent surface potential of Si-doped InN nanorods and the role of inhomogeneous free-electron distribution
Authors: Madapu Kishore K. , Parida Santanu , Jeganathan K. , Baral Madhusmita , Dhara Sandip
Published: April 2019

We carry out the surface potential (SP) measurements of Si-doped InN nanorods (NRs) grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Photoluminescence and photoemission spectroscopic studies reveal that the Si-doped InN nanorods possess surface electron accumulation. To estimate the SP value of the InN nanorods, a contact potential difference is measured using Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). In order to avoid the influence of the surface adsorbed species, KPFM measurements were carried out at a high vacuum condition of ∼7.5 × 10−7 mbar. The SP value of the Si-doped InN nanorods is found to depend on the size of nanorods. The size-dependent SP value of the Si-doped InN nanorods is attributed to the variation in the downward surface band bending caused by the change in the sheet carrier density of surface electron accumulation. The change in surface band bending is the result of the variation in the free-electron distribution with a size of the NRs.
Effects of helium annealing in low-temperature and solution-processed amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide thin-film transistors
Authors: Kim Jeongmin , Jang Ikjun , Jeong Jaewook
Published: April 2019

In this paper, low-temperature, solution-processed amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide thin-film transistors (a-IGZO TFTs) with annealing temperatures as low as 300°C were fabricated using different annealing gases of He, N2, and O2 and their electrical characteristics and long-term stability were analyzed. The field-effect mobility was improved by nearly two times for the a-IGZO TFTs annealed in helium ambient (He sample) in comparison with those annealed in oxygen and nitrogen ambient environments. The subthreshold slope and threshold voltage were also improved for the a-IGZO TFTs annealed in the helium ambient environment due to the low defect density of states in the sub-bandgap region. However, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements indicate that the electrical characteristics of the low-temperature solution-processed a-IGZO TFTs show severe channel-length dependencies due to the oxygen vacancy variations in the active region. In addition, long-term stability measurements up to seven days reveal that due to the inherently low electron density and high defect density of states in the active region, an increase in the carrier density in the active region induces a large negative shift of the threshold voltage without changing the field-effect mobility or subthreshold slope. It is understood that low-temperature solution-processed a-IGZO TFTs strongly depend on the formation of oxygen vacancies, which can be resolved by controlling the indium mole fraction under a helium annealing condition.
Intermittent large deviation of chaotic trajectory in Ikeda map: Signature of extreme events
Authors: Ray Arnob , Rakshit Sarbendu , Ghosh Dibakar , Dana Syamal K.
Published: April 2019

We notice signatures of extreme eventslike behavior in a laser based Ikeda map. The trajectory of the system occasionally travels a large distance away from the bounded chaotic region, which appears as intermittent spiking events in the temporal dynamics. The large spiking events satisfy the conditions of extreme events as usually observed in dynamical systems. The probability density function of the large spiking events shows a long-tail distribution consistent with the characteristics of rare events. The interevent intervals obey a Poissonlike distribution. We locate the parameter regions of extreme events in phase diagrams. Furthermore, we study two Ikeda maps to explore how and when extreme events terminate via mutual interaction. A pure diffusion of information exchange is unable to terminate extreme events where synchronous occurrence of extreme events is only possible even for large interaction. On the other hand, a threshold-activated coupling can terminate extreme events above a critical value of mutual interaction.
Solution paths of variational regularization methods for inverse problems
Authors: Bungert Leon , Burger Martin
Published: April 2019

We consider a family of variational regularization functionals for a generic inverse problem, where the data fidelity and regularization term are given by powers of a Hilbert norm and an absolutely one-homogeneous functional, respectively, and the regularization parameter is interpreted as artificial time. We investigate the small and large time behavior of the associated solution paths and, in particular, prove the finite extinction time for a large class of functionals. Depending on the powers, we also show that the solution paths are of bounded variation or even Lipschitz continuous. In addition, it will turn out that the models are almost mutually equivalent in terms of the minimizers they admit. Finally, we apply our results to define and compare two different nonlinear spectral representations of data and show that only one of them is able to decompose a linear combination of nonlinear eigenvectors into the individual eigenvectors. Finally, we also briefly address piecewise affine solution paths.
Solution of the one-speed neutron transport equation in anisotropic scattering medium with a Pomraning-Eddington approximation approach
Authors: Didier Yia Etolo Hervé , Marie Ema’a Ema’a Jean , Hubert Ben-Bolie Germain , Patrice Ele Abiama
Published: April 2019

In this work, a combined modified K-integral approach and Pomraning-Eddington approximation to solve the neutron transport equation for general anisotropic scattering law is presented. This combined approach leads to the establishment of general expressions of the even e(x, μ) and odd o(x, μ) functions of the angular variable μ. Both functions are slowly varying in x. Furthermore, these expressions can be reduced to those reported in literature. In addition, the parameters such as

D

p

=

∫

−
1

1

μ

2
p

e
(
x
,
μ
)
d
μ

and

d

p

=

∫

−
1

1

μ

2
p
+
1

o
(
x
,
μ
)
d
μ

with p = 1, 2, … are obtained without any integral calculus and the variables we used α
1, α
2, r
1 and r
2 verify the relation

α

1

r

2

r

1

−

α

2

r

1

r

2

=
0

. As application, diffusion lengths are calculated for linear scattering and the neutron heat fluxes are evaluated graphically for four-parameter scattering phase function.
Elemental quantification and radioactive characterization of soil from Douala Bassa area: littoral region of Cameroon using X- and γ-rays spectrometry
Authors: Shouop Guembou Joel Cebastien , Moyo Ndontchueng Maurice , Mekongtso Nguelem Jilbert Eric , Chene Gregoire , Kayo Steve , Motapon Ousmanou , Strivay David
Published: April 2019

The objectives of the present work were to characterize the investigated soil using EDXRF and to evaluate the radioactivity concentration of the primordial radionuclides using gamma-ray spectrometry-based High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector, Broad energy type (BEGe). Soil characterization using EDXRF in the present study gives an overview of the geological origin or provenience of the investigated area. As a result, the analyzed soil samples can be classified chemically as Fe-soil and are illustrative dregs from the Continental margin because of high concentration of Fe (its concentration ranged from 14.78% to 22.26%) in all the investigated samples. The plotting of Al2O3/SiO2 (%) as a function of Fe2O3 and MgO (%) for the eighteen sample points investigated from Douala and the diagram for the tectonic discrimination of sediment provenance evidenced that all soil samples are residue from Passive margins. The observed activity concentration profile of the primordial radionuclides and the calculated radium equivalent activity show that no significant radiological risk can be observed for inhabitants within the study areas. As regards to that, the obtained results of the two analytical techniques could be viewed as baseline data for subsequent investigations on elemental characterization and radioactivity assessment in the study area.
Dietary carotenoids affect the development of individual differences and behavioral plasticity
Authors: Kelleher Shannon R , Silla Aimee J , Niemelä Petri T , Dingemanse Niels J , Byrne Phillip G
Published: April 2019

Nutritional conditions experienced during development are expected to play a key role in shaping an individual’s behavioral phenotype. The long term, irreversible effects of nutritional conditions on behavioral variation among and within individuals remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate how long-term carotenoid availability (representing low vs. high quality nutritional conditions) during both larval and adult life stages influences the expression of among-individual variation (animal personality) and within-individual variation (behavioral plasticity). We tested for personality and plasticity along the exploration/avoidance behavioral axis in the Southern Corroboree frog (Pseudophryne corroboree). We predicted that treatment groups receiving carotenoids during early development would be more exploratory and have greater among- and within-individual variation compared with individuals that did not receive carotenoids (i.e., silver spoon hypothesis). Superior nutritional conditions experienced during development are expected to provide individuals with resources needed to develop costly behaviors, giving them an advantage later in life irrespective of prevailing conditions. Unexpectedly, frogs that did not receive carotenoids as larvae expressed greater among-individual variance in exploration behavior. Additionally, frogs that did not receive carotenoids at either life stage displayed greater within-individual variance. Our findings provide no support for the silver spoon hypothesis but suggest that inconsistent nutritional conditions between life stages may adversely affect the development of behavioral phenotypes. Overall, our results indicate that early and late life nutritional conditions affect the development of personality and plasticity. They also highlight that nutritional effects on behavior may be more complex than previously theorized.
Individual differences exceed species differences in the movements of a river fish community
Authors: Harrison Philip M , Keeler Rachel A , Robichaud David , Mossop Brent , Power Michael , Cooke Steven J
Published: April 2019

Repeatable individual differences often account for large proportions of intraspecific variation in animal movements. However, meta-population models have continued to rely on single species-level and season-specific species-level means for movement prediction. Here, we test the hypothesis that repeatable individual differences can account for a similar proportion of movement distance variation as species differences. We used radio telemetry to generate repeated measures of movement from 504 hetero-specific fish. We tracked 5 large bodied fish species (Salvelinus confluentus, Oncorhynchus mykiss, Prosopium williamsoni, Thymallus arcticus, and Sander vitreus) in the upper reaches of the Peace River, British Columbia, Canada, over 8 years. We applied a hierarchical framework to partition repeatability of movement distances at the intra- and interspecific biological levels, and among short-term (within-season) and long-term (across seasons and years) temporal levels. Our results show that long-term movement distance repeatability was higher at the intraspecific level than at the interspecific level, demonstrating that animal personality can account for more variation in movement than species differences. These findings provide a novel, community level demonstration of the importance of individual variation, highlighting the predictive gains associated with a shift in the focus of spatial ecology, away from species mean and seasonal species-level mean predictive approaches, towards a spatial behavioral types-based predictive approach.
A Novel Data Mining on Breast Cancer Survivability Using MLP Ensemble Learners
Authors: Salehi Mohsen , Razmara Jafar , Lotfi Shahriar
Published: April 2019

Breast cancer survivability has always been an important and challenging issue for researchers. Different methods have been utilized mostly based on machine learning techniques for prediction of survivability among cancer patients. The most comprehensive available database of cancer incidence is SEER in the United States, which has been frequently used for different research purposes. In this paper, a new data mining has been performed on the SEER database in order to investigate the ability of machine learning techniques for survivability prediction of breast cancer patients. To this end, the data related to breast cancer incidence have been preprocessed to remove unusable records from the dataset. In sequel, two machine learning techniques were developed based on the Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) learner machine including MLP stacked generalization and mixture of MLP-experts to make predictions over the database. The machines have been evaluated using K-fold cross-validation technique. The evaluation of the predictors revealed an accuracy of 84.32% and 83.86% by the mixture of MLP-experts and MLP stacked generalization methods, respectively. This indicates that the predictors can be significantly used for survivability prediction suggesting time- and cost-effective treatment for breast cancer patients.
Percutaneous retrieval of an embolized gunshot bullet from right ventricle: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Naeim Hesham Abdo , Abuelatta Reda , Sandogji Hasan , ElRowiny Ramy
Published: April 2019

Background

Gunshots embolizing to the heart is a rare occurrence. We report a case of percutaneous retrieval of a gunshot bullet from the right ventricle (RV) cavity of a 40-year-old lady. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case to be reported with a right supraclavicular inlet of the bullet and successful percutaneous retrieval using a snare from the RV cavity.

Case summary

A 40-year-old female patient was referred to our cardiac centre from a general hospital with a gunshot injury 8 days prior. On arrival, she was haemodynamically stable, there was an inlet wound at the right supraclavicular area. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed the bullet in the RV cavity. Under conscious sedation, right femoral vein access succeeded to retrieve the shot from the RV to the groin. The bullet slipped out and resnared from the right internal iliac vein and came out safely from the right femoral vein through the 24-Fr sheath. The vein was closed using a figure of 8 suture. The patient discharged home after 2 days.

Discussion

Bullet emboli to the heart are rare, endovascular retrieval of a bullet from the right ventricular cavity is feasible and relatively safe; however, more research is required. Echocardiography during the procedure is strongly recommended to early detect any complications. Accurate use of available tools such as X-ray, echocardiography, computed tomography, and fluoroscopy is a must for precise diagnosis.
Calmodulin mutations and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias: insights from the International Calmodulinopathy Registry
Authors: Crotti Lia , Spazzolini Carla , Tester David J , Ghidoni Alice , Baruteau Alban-Elouen , Beckmann Britt-Maria , Behr Elijah R , Bennett Jeffrey S , Bezzina Connie R , Bhuiyan Zahurul A , Celiker Alpay , Cerrone Marina , Dagradi Federica , De Ferrari Gaetano M , Etheridge Susan P , Fatah Meena , Garcia-Pavia Pablo , Al-Ghamdi Saleh , Hamilton Robert M , Al-Hassnan Zuhair N , Horie Minoru , Jimenez-Jaimez Juan , Kanter Ronald J , Kaski Juan P , Kotta Maria-Christina , Lahrouchi Najim , Makita Naomasa , Norrish Gabrielle , Odland Hans H , Ohno Seiko , Papagiannis John , Parati Gianfranco , Sekarski Nicole , Tveten Kristian , Vatta Matteo , Webster Gregory , Wilde Arthur A M , Wojciak Julianne , George Alfred L , Ackerman Michael J , Schwartz Peter J
Published: April 2019

Aims

Calmodulinopathies are rare life-threatening arrhythmia syndromes which affect mostly young individuals and are, caused by mutations in any of the three genes (CALM 1–3) that encode identical calmodulin proteins. We established the International Calmodulinopathy Registry (ICalmR) to understand the natural history, clinical features, and response to therapy of patients with a CALM-mediated arrhythmia syndrome.

Methods and results

A dedicated Case Report File was created to collect demographic, clinical, and genetic information. ICalmR has enrolled 74 subjects, with a variant in the CALM1 (n = 36), CALM2 (n = 23), or CALM3 (n = 15) genes. Sixty-four (86.5%) were symptomatic and the 10-year cumulative mortality was 27%. The two prevalent phenotypes are long QT syndrome (LQTS; CALM-LQTS, n = 36, 49%) and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT; CALM-CPVT, n = 21, 28%). CALM-LQTS patients have extremely prolonged QTc intervals (594 ± 73 ms), high prevalence (78%) of life-threatening arrhythmias with median age at onset of 1.5 years [interquartile range (IQR) 0.1–5.5 years] and poor response to therapies. Most electrocardiograms (ECGs) show late onset peaked T waves. All CALM-CPVT patients were symptomatic with median age of onset of 6.0 years (IQR 3.0–8.5 years). Basal ECG frequently shows prominent U waves. Other CALM-related phenotypes are idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF, n = 7), sudden unexplained death (SUD, n = 4), overlapping features of CPVT/LQTS (n = 3), and predominant neurological phenotype (n = 1). Cardiac structural abnormalities and neurological features were present in 18 and 13 patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Calmodulinopathies are largely characterized by adrenergically-induced life-threatening arrhythmias. Available therapies are disquietingly insufficient, especially in CALM-LQTS. Combination therapy with drugs, sympathectomy, and devices should be considered.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy in a Young Man with Polysubstance Use
Authors: MacIsaac Julia , Nolan Seonaid
Published: April 2019

La consommation excessive chronique d’alcool est la principale cause d’une cardiomyopathie dilatée acquise. Ici, nous rapportons un cas d’un homme de 25 ans souffrant d’un trouble grave de l’alcoolisme, qui présente un prodrome viral et se trouve dans un choc cardiogénique secondaire à une cardiomyopathie dilatée non-ischémique. Ce cas souligne la pathophysiologie de l’exposition chronique à l’éthanol sur la fonction cardiaque et l’importance du dépistage précoce dans le cas d’une consommation à risque.

Chronic excessive alcohol consumption is the leading cause of an acquired dilated cardiomyopathy. Here we report a case of a 25-year-old male with a severe alcohol use disorder, who presents with a viral prodrome and is found to be in cardiogenic shock secondary to a nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. The case highlights the pathophysiology of chronic ethanol exposure on cardiac function and the importance of early screening for risky drinking.
Long-Term Results of Accelerated Corneal Cross-Linking in Adolescent Patients With Keratoconus
Authors: Ozer Muhammet Derda , Batur Muhammed , Mesen Selma , Tekin Serek , Seven Erbil
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

To report long-term results of accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking treatment in patients with progressive keratoconus in the pubertal period.

Methods:

Patients with progressive keratoconus aged 14 and younger were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-five eyes of 23 patients, who were followed for at least 4 years postoperatively, were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, and corneal topography data were recorded. All patients underwent an epi-off accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking protocol.

Results:

The mean age of the participants was 13 ± 0.5 (11–14) years. Male to female ratio was 3/2. The mean pupillary center to cone apex distance was 1.6 ± 0.5 mm. At presentation, 11 eyes (31%) were classified as stage 1 keratoconus; 14 eyes (40%) were classified as stage 2 keratoconus, 8 eyes (23%) were classified as stage 3 keratoconus, and 2 eyes (6%) were classified as stage 4 keratoconus. The mean follow-up period was 56 ± 8 months. At the first year of the follow-up, central corneal thickness (CCT) and thickness of thinnest point of the cornea (TTPC) were found to be decreased significantly in comparison to preoperative values (P = 0.02 and P = 0.003, respectively). At the second year of follow-up, only TTPC was found to be decreased in comparison to preoperative value (P = 0.01). At the last follow-up visit, CCT was found to be increased significantly in comparison to preoperative CCT (P = 0.04).

Conclusions:

After an average follow-up of 56 months, progression was determined in 20% of the eyes despite appropriate treatment. In the last visit, progression was found to be associated with K1, K2, CCT, TTPC, and age.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Staphylococcus aureus Implant-associated Infections in Children
Authors: Foster Catherine E. , Lamberth Linda B. , Kaplan Sheldon L. , Hulten Kristina G.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Staphylococcus aureus is a significant cause of implant-associated infections (IAIs). Data detailing the optimal treatment of IAIs are lacking in children. We describe the clinical features and outcomes of pediatric patients with S. aureus IAIs seen at Texas Children’s Hospital.

Methods:

Patients and their isolates were identified from a S. aureus surveillance database from 2008 to 2016 in Houston, TX. Demographic and clinical data were collected retrospectively. Fisher’s exact was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

Forty-five patients with 47 IAIs were identified. Most patients had an infected orthopedic implant: 22 (47%) spinal rods and 19 (40%) with other orthopedic hardware. Thirty (64%) IAIs developed within 90 days of implant placement. Six patients had polymicrobial infections and 3 patients were bacteremic. Of the 47 IAI isolates, 34 (72%) were methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and 13 (28%) were methicillin-resistant S. aureus. All children underwent surgical irrigation, debridement and antibiotic therapy. Of the 47 IAI episodes, 22 of the implants were removed at time of initial presentation, 7 implants had delayed removal, and 18 implants remained in place. Successful treatment was achieved in all patients with immediate implant removal (22/22) and in 83% of patients with implant retention (15/18), including 10 patients with early postoperative infections (<3 months) and 5 patients with late postoperative infections (>3 months). Four patients had recurrence of infection.

Conclusions:

The majority of S. aureus IAIs were methicillin-susceptible S. aureus. All children with immediate implant removal and most children with retained implants were treated successfully with surgery and antibiotic therapy.
An Assessment of Bleeding Complications Necessitating Blood Transfusion across Inpatient Plastic Surgery Procedures: A Nationwide Analysis Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database
Authors: Thomas Analise B. , Shammas Ronnie L. , Orr Jonah , Truong Tracy , Kuchibhatla Maragatha , Sergesketter Amanda R. , Hollenbeck Scott T.
Published: April 2019

Background:

This study described the prevalence of bleeding complications necessitating blood transfusion across plastic surgery procedures and identified those procedures that may be associated with higher rates of bleeding.

Methods:

The authors retrospectively identified patients who suffered from postoperative bleeding complications from 2010 to 2015 using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. This is defined by the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program as the need for transfusion of at least one unit of packed or whole red blood cells. Patient characteristics were described using summary statistics, and National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and univariate analysis of patient characteristics and bleeding complications was performed.

Results:

Overall, 1955 of 95,687 patients experienced bleeding complications. Patients with bleeding complications were more likely to be diagnosed with hypertension, have a longer total operative time, and have a previously diagnosed bleeding disorder. The most common primary plastic surgery procedure associated with bleeding complications was breast reconstruction with a free flap, and breast reconstruction with a pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap had the highest rate of bleeding. A return to the operating room was required in 539 patients (27.6 percent) who suffered a postoperative bleeding complication. Patients with a preexisting bleeding disorder [n = 1407 (1.5 percent)] were more likely to be diabetic, have a lower preoperative hematocrit, and have a longer operative time. In addition, these patients were more likely to suffer from other nonbleeding complications (1.29 percent versus 0.35 percent; p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Complex procedures (i.e., free flap breast reconstruction) have a higher prevalence of bleeding requiring a transfusion. Furthermore, patients undergoing combined procedures—specifically, breast oncologic and reconstructive cases—may be at a higher risk for experiencing bleeding-related complications.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Surgical Fixation of Metacarpophalangeal Collateral Ligament Rupture of the Fingers
Authors: Waxweiler Charlotte , Cuylits Nicolas , Lumens David , Van Hoonacker Petrus , Drossos Konstantin , Lejeune Anne , Chahidi Nader
Published: April 2019

Background:

Collateral ligament injury of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the fingers is underreported in the literature and widely underestimated by the medical community. Here, the authors present results from a large series of patients and review factors influencing success of surgery.

Methods:

The authors performed a retrospective study of 46 patients who underwent surgical fixation of the metacarpophalangeal collateral ligament using bone anchor in an acute or chronic setting. The diagnosis was predominantly clinical, based on laxity testing of the joint. The authors collected demographic data and intraoperative findings and postoperative results.

Results:

Following surgery, with a median follow-up of 17 months, all patients presented with a stable joint and complete resolution of pain. The mean flexion of the metacarpophalangeal joint was 77.11 degrees, and mean extension was 0.84 degrees. The authors measured the injured grip strength at a mean of 88.52 percent of the opposite hand, and the mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire score used to evaluate disability was 9.56 on a scale of 100 (with 100 being complete disability).

Conclusions:

Surgical treatment of metacarpophalangeal collateral ligament rupture of the fingers is a safe technique that gives reproducible positive results in terms of mobility, strength, and disability scale score. The authors’ results show that anchoring of the ligament should be performed even with prolonged time from injury to surgery.
Synchrotron radiation sources in Brazil
Authors: Liu L. , Neuenschwander R. T. , Rodrigues A. R. D.
Published: April 2019

The development of synchrotron radiation sources in Brazil is described from a brief historical point of view followed by a description of the Sirius project, a new 3 GeV fourth-generation synchrotron light source with 518 m circumference and 0.25 nm.rad emittance, in final construction stage at the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory campus, in Campinas. As one of the pioneer fourth-generation machines, many accelerator engineering challenges were studied in depth and resulted in quite a few innovative developments. In this paper, we review some of these developments.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Fifty years of synchrotron science: achievements and opportunities’.
Bax mitochondrial residency is more critical than Bax oligomerization for apoptosis
Authors: Kuwana Tomomi , King Louise , Cosentino Katia , Suess Julian , Garcia-Saez Ana , Gilmore Andrew P , Newmeyer Donald D
Published: April 2019

The Bax protein plays an important effector role in apoptosis by forming pores in the mitochondrial outer membrane. While doing so, Bax forms higher-order oligomers in the membrane, but it remains unclear whether this oligomer formation is essential for pore formation. Using cell-free and cellular experimental systems, we investigated two Bax C-terminus mutants, T182I and G179P. Neither mutant formed large oligomers when activated in liposomes. Nevertheless, the G179P mutant could produce membrane pores, suggesting that large oligomers are not required for permeabilization. Surprisingly, however, when G179P was transduced into Bax/Bak double knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts, it was purely cytoplasmic and failed to mediate cell death. T182I behaved in the opposite manner. When mixed with liposomes, T182I was inefficient in both membrane insertion and permeabilization. However, transduced into cells, BaxT182I resided constitutively in mitochondria, owing to its slow retrotranslocation and mediated apoptosis as efficiently as wild-type Bax. We conclude that Bax’s mitochondrial residence (regulated by targeting and retrotranslocation) is more important for apoptosis than its efficiency of membrane insertion and higher-order oligomerization.
Variation in PU.1 binding and chromatin looping at neutrophil enhancers influences autoimmune disease susceptibility
Authors: Watt Stephen , Vasquez Louella , Walter Klaudia , Mann Alice L. , Kundu Kousik , Chen Lu , Yan Ying , Ecker Simone , Burden Frances , Farrow Samantha , Farr Ben , Iotchkova Valentina , Elding Heather , Mead Daniel , Tardaguila Manuel , Ponstingl Hannes , Richardson David , Datta Avik , Flicek Paul , Clarke Laura , Downes Kate , Pastinen Tomi , Fraser Peter , Frontini Mattia , Javierre Biola-Maria , Spivakov Mikhail , Soranzo Nicole
Published: April 2019

Neutrophils play fundamental roles in innate inflammatory response, shape adaptive immunity1, and have been identified as a potentially causal cell type underpinning genetic associations with immune system traits and diseases2,3 The majority of these variants are non-coding and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we profiled the binding of one of the principal myeloid transcriptional regulators, PU.1, in primary neutrophils across nearly a hundred volunteers, and elucidate the coordinated genetic effects of PU.1 binding variation, local chromatin state, promoter-enhancer interactions and gene expression. We show that PU.1 binding and the associated chain of molecular changes underlie genetically-driven differences in cell count and autoimmune disease susceptibility. Our results advance interpretation for genetic loci associated with neutrophil biology and immune disease.
Brain microRNAs associated with late-life depressive symptoms are also associated with cognitive trajectory and dementia
Authors: Wingo Thomas S. , Yang Jingjing , Fan Wen , Logsdon Benjamin , Canon Se Min , Yao Bing , Seyfried Nicholas T. , Lah James J. , Levey Allan I , Boyle Patricia A. , Schneider Julia A. , Jager Philip L. De , Bennett David A. , Wingo Aliza P.
Published: April 2019

Objective

Late-life depression is associated with an increased risk for dementia, but our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying this association is limited. Hence, the authors investigated whether microRNAs, important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, contribute to this association.

Method

Late-life depressive symptoms were assessed annually in 300 non-demented participants of the Religious Orders Study and Rush Memory and Aging Project for a mean of seven years using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. Participants underwent annual cognitive testing, clinical assessment of cognitive status, and uniform neuropathologic examination after death. microRNAs were profiled from the prefrontal cortex using Nanostring platform. A global microRNA association study of late-life depressive symptoms was performed using linear mixed model adjusting for sex, age, Alzheimer’s dementia pathological burden, proportions of brain cell types, post-mortem interval, and RNA integrity.

Results

Four brain microRNAs were associated with late-life depressive symptoms at adjusted p<0.05 (miR-484, miR-26b, miR-30d, and miR-197). Lower expressions of these miRNAs were associated with greater depressive symptoms. Furthermore, lower expressions of miR-484 and miR-197 were associated with faster decline of cognitive performance over time. Additionally, lower miR-484 level was associated with higher probability of having Alzheimer’s dementia. Lastly, the predicted targets of miR-484 were enriched in a brain protein co-expression module involving synaptic transmission and regulation of long-term neuronal synaptic plasticity.

Conclusions

This is the first study to identify brain microRNAs associated with late-life depressive symptoms assessed longitudinally. Additionally, the authors found a link between late-life depressive symptoms and dementia through miR-484 and miR-197.
Immunological efficacy of self-assembled nanoparticle anti-mite vaccine
Authors: Kowalski Sean , Smith John
Published: April 2019

This report demonstrates the effects of self-assembled nanoparticle anti-caries vaccine Glu-FTH and Glu+ Poly(I:C) (in combination with adjuvant Poly(I:C) and antigen Glu) on specific humoral and mucosal immunity in mice. Mice were randomly divided into 6 groups, and Glu-FTH, Glu, Glu-FTH + Poly (I: C), Glu+Poly (I: C), FTH, and PBS were injected into mice via nasal mucosa. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect specific antibody levels in serum and saliva. Results indicate that Glu-FTH, Glu, Glu-FTH+Poly(I:C), Glu+Poly(I:C) can effectively increase anti-Glu IgG levels in mouse serum; Glu+Poly(I:C) and Glu It can effectively increase the level of anti-GlusIgA in mouse saliva. Therefore, we demonstrate that Glu-FTH has a certain immune effect. The combination of adjuvant Poly(I:C) and antigen Glu can induce strong immune response.
Uncovering the effects of Müllerian mimicry on the evolution of conspicuousness in colour patterns
Authors: Sculfort Ombeline , Maisonneuve Ludovic , Elias Marianne , Aubier Thomas G. , Llaurens Violaine
Published: April 2019

Variation in the conspicuousness of colour patterns is observed within and among defended prey species. The evolution of conspicuous colour pattern in defended species can be strongly impaired because of increased detectability by predators. Nevertheless, such evolution of the colour pattern can be favoured if changes in conspicuousness result in Müllerian mimicry with other defended prey. Here, we develop a model describing the population dynamics of a conspicuous defended prey species, and we assess the invasion conditions of derived phenotypes that differ from the ancestral phenotype by their conspicuousness. Such change in conspicuousness may then modify their level of mimicry with the local community of defended species. Derived colour pattern displayed in this focal population can therefore be either exactly similar, partially resembling or completely dissimilar to the local mimicry ring displaying the ancestral colour pattern. We assume that predation risk depends (1) on the number of individuals sharing a given colour pattern within the population, (2) on the occurrence of co-mimetic defended species, and (3) on the availability of alternative edible prey. Using a combination of analytical derivations and numerical simulations, we show that less conspicuous colour patterns are generally favoured within mimicry rings, unless reduced conspicuousness impairs mimicry. By contrast, when a mutation affecting the colour pattern leads to a shift toward a better protected mimicry ring, crypsis is no longer necessarily beneficial and a more conspicuous colour pattern can be favoured. The selected aposematic pattern then depends on the local composition of mimetic communities, as well as on the detectability, memorability and level of mimicry of the colour patterns.
Transcriptomic analysis of probable asymptomatic and symptomatic Alzheimer brains
Authors: Patel Hamel , Hodges Angela K. , Curtis Charles , Lee Sang Hyuck , Troakes Claire , Dobson Richard J.B , Newhouse Stephen J
Published: April 2019

Individuals with intact cognition and neuropathology consistent with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are referred to as asymptomatic AD (AsymAD). These individuals are highly likely to develop AD, yet transcriptomic changes in the brain which might reveal mechanisms for their AD vulnerability are currently unknown. Entorhinal cortex, frontal cortex, temporal cortex and cerebellum tissue from 27 control, 33 AsymAD and 52 AD human brains were microarray expression profiled. Differential expression analysis identified a significant increase of transcriptomic activity in the frontal cortex of AsymAD subjects, suggesting fundamental changes in AD may initially begin within the frontal cortex region prior to AD diagnosis. Co-expression analysis identified an overactivation of the brain “glutamate-glutamine cycle”, and disturbances in the brain energy pathways in both AsymAD and AD subjects, while connectivity of key hub genes in this network indicates a shift from an already increased cell proliferation in AsymAD subjects to stress response and removal of amyloidogenic proteins in AD subjects. This study provides new insight into the earliest biological changes occurring in the brain prior to the manifestation of clinical AD symptoms and provides new potential therapeutic targets for early disease intervention.
A comparative study of outcome quality, perceived value, and loyalty in four-star and five-star hotels
Authors: Keshavarz Yousef , Aziz Yuhanis Abdul , Jamshidi Dariyoush , Ansari Zeinab
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to follow a comparative framework to investigate the effects of outcome quality on loyalty through the mediating role of perceived value in four-star hotels and five-star hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a review of the literature, some hypotheses were formulated to examine the effects of outcome quality on attitudinal loyalty and behavioral intention through the mediating role of perceived value. The data guiding the comparative analysis were collected from two groups of visitors staying either in four-start or five-star hotels. The sample included 356 international tourists who stayed overnight in four- or five-star hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Analyzing the data obtained helped to construct three models. In the first model, the effects of outcome quality on attitudinal loyalty and behavioral intention through the mediating role of perceived value in both group of customers was analyzed. In the second model, the effects of outcome quality on behavioral intention through the mediating role of perceived value were compared across the two groups. In the third model, all dimensions of attitudinal loyalty and behavioral intention were combined into one single variable called composite loyalty.

Originality/value

In the first model, the (in)direct effect of outcome quality on both of the dimensions of loyalty (attitudinal loyalty and behavioral intention) was confirmed through perceived value as the mediating variable. The results of processing the second model showed that the impact of outcome quality on behavioral intention was greater in the four-star hotels clients, whereas the effect of perceived value on behavioral intention was greater in the five-star hotels visitors. The third model revealed that the (in)direct effect of outcome quality on composite loyalty through perceived value was greater in the four-star hotels clients than that in the five-star hotels clients.
Financial centers and dividend policy: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Farooq Omar , Aktaruzzaman Khondker
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Is location in the financial center of a country significant determinant of a firm’s dividend policy? The purpose of this paper is to answer this question within the context of an emerging market.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use variety of techniques (OLS regression, panel regression with random effects, TOBIT regression and quintile regression) to document the effect of location on dividend policies of Indian firms during the period between 2001 and 2016.

Findings

The results show significantly higher dividend payout ratios for firms headquartered in Mumbai, the main financial center of India. The results are robust for alternate proxy of dividend policy and for different sub-samples. The results also show that these results are more pronounced for firms with better information environment (firms with high analyst coverage).

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, most of the prior research overlooks how a location of firm’s headquarter in the financial center affects its dividend decisions. This paper fills this gap by documenting the relationship between the two in India.