bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflatable Penile Prostheses Implantation: Does Antibiotic Exposure Matter?
Authors: Chanyi Ryan M. , Alzubaidi Raidh , Leung Everett J.Y. , Wilcox Hannah B. , Brock Gerald B. , Burton Jeremy P.
Published: July 2018

Background

Inflatable penile prosthetic (IPP) infections are unusual but carry high patient morbidity and healthcare costs.

Aim

To increase the bactericidal effect of IPP tubing material to prevent future bacterial infections and to determine whether this effect is time-dependent.

Methods

A modified disk diffusion assay was developed to measure the zones of inhibition against Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis when tubing was immersed in gentamycin, ampicillin, tetracycline, kanamycin, erythromycin, or ciprofloxacin. To further assess the efficacy of this approach, IPP tubing was exposed to ampicillin or ciprofloxacin for 30 seconds, 2 minutes, 10 minutes, or 60 minutes.

Outcomes

Bacterial zones of inhibition against IPP tubing material exposed to various treatments.

Results

IPP tubing was more effective against Gram-positive bacteria (S aureus and S epidermidis) then Gram-negative bacteria (E coli and P mirabilis). Immersing IPP tubing material in ampicillin or ciprofloxacin increased bactericidal effect of tubing material against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively. The observed inhibitory effect was time dependent.

Clinical Translation

Exposing IPP to a specific antimicrobial directly before implantation increases the bactericidal properties of the material, potentially decreasing the likelihood of infection.

Strengths & Limitations

This study is limited in that it is in vitro experimentation observing the effect of a single strain of each bacterium. Although the strains used were clinically relevant, further analysis is required to determine whether these results were strain specific.

Conclusion

Immersing IPP material into an antibiotic solution, such as ampicillin or ciprofloxacin, increases the bactericidal properties and may aid in the prevention of infection.
Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Patients’ Sexual Problems and Satisfaction With Their Sex Life Following Anti-Cancer Treatment
Authors: Martin Hald Gert , Dahl Pind Mie , Borre Michael , Lange Theis
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Active prostate cancer treatment is often associated with significant adverse physiological and psychological effects including significant sexual problems. Most studied among these sexual problems is erectile dysfunction while related sexual bothers such as overall sexual function and satisfaction with one’s sex life are much less studied.

Aim

To investigate problems related to erectile functioning, orgasmic ability, sexual function, and satisfaction with one’s sex life among a cohort of Scandinavian prostate cancer patients age 40 years and older who were sexually active prior to their diagnosis of prostatic cancer.

Methods

The survey study used a cross-sectional design and a mixed recruitment procedure. Patients were recruited through the prostate cancer patient advocate organizations in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden (Scandinavia). The final sample included 1,707 prostate cancer patients. For analyses, participants were stratified into 4 groups according to their total treatment burden.

Outcomes

Outcomes included subjective reporting of erectile functioning, orgasm, and sexual functioning, and satisfaction with one's sex life.

Results

The study found that the prevalence of erectile dysfunction and problems related to orgasm and overall sexual function ranged from 72–92% across prostatic cancer treatment groups. Conversely, this range was 61–69% among the respondents who had not undergone prostatic cancer treatment. Across treatment groups, a minority of patients (<15%) reported being satisfied with their sex lives. After socio-demographic variables were controlled for, patients who did not receive prostatic cancer treatment were 3.75 times more likely than those in the reference group to not report sexual function problems.

Conclusion

Among older prostate cancer patients, who at their time of diagnose were sexually active, sexual satisfaction is low and prevalence rates of sexual problems is high, thus underlining the strong clinical need to address sexual problems and satisfaction among this cohort of patients in order to promote sexual health and well-being following active cancer treatments.
Prenatal undernutrition attenuates fasting‐induced reproductive dysfunction in pre‐pubertal male rats
Authors: Iwasa Takeshi , Matsuzaki Toshiya , Yano Kiyohito , Mayila Yiliyasi , Irahara Minoru
Published: July 2018

Prenatal undernutrition affects various physiological functions, such as metabolic and reproductive functions, after birth, and such changes are associated with the pathogeneses of certain diseases. It has been hypothesized that these changes are predictive adaptive responses that help individuals to endure similar conditions in the postnatal period. Thus, we evaluated the effects of prenatal undernutrition on the responses of the body weight (BW) regulation system and reproductive functions to fasting in the pre‐pubertal period in male rats. Prenatally normally nourished and undernourished rats exhibited similar reductions in BW and visceral fat after 48 h fasting in the pre‐pubertal period. Furthermore, these two groups displayed similar fasting‐induced patterns of change in their hypothalamic levels of appetite regulatory factors; i.e., neuropeptide Y and pro‐opiomelanocortin. These results indicate that prenatal undernutrition had no marked effects on BW regulation in male rats. On the other hand, serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels were decreased by 48 h fasting in the prenatally normally nourished rats, whereas the levels of these hormones did not change in the prenatally undernourished rats. However, the hypothalamic mRNA level of kisspeptin 1 (Kiss1), which is a positive regulator of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone/gonadotropins, was reduced by fasting in both groups. These results indicate that prenatal undernutrition might attenuate fasting‐induced reproductive dysfunction in the postnatal period; however, these changes might not be induced by alterations in the hypothalamic Kiss1 system. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms involved in these changes in reproductive function.
Spiral tool paths for high-speed machining of 2D pockets with or without islands
Authors: Abrahamsen Mikkel
Published: July 2018

We describe new methods for the construction of spiral tool paths for high-speed machining. In the simplest case, our method takes a polygon as input and a number δ>0 and returns a spiral starting at a central point in the polygon, going around towards the boundary while morphing to the shape of the polygon. The spiral consists of linear segments and circular arcs, it is G1 continuous, it has no self-intersections, and the distance from each point on the spiral to each of the neighboring revolutions is at most δ. Our method has the advantage over previously described methods that it is easily adjustable to the case where there is an island in the polygon to be avoided by the spiral. In that case, the spiral starts at the island and morphs the island to the outer boundary of the polygon. It is shown how to apply that method to make significantly shorter spirals in some polygons with no islands than what is obtained by conventional spiral tool paths. Finally, we show how to make a spiral in a polygon with multiple islands by connecting the islands into one island.

Highlights It is described how to construct a spiral to be used for pocket machining. The spiral respects a user-defined maximum stepover distance between neighbouring revolutions. The algorithm can create a spiral that morphs an island to the boundary of the pocket. The obtained spirals are in some cases much shorter than previously described spiral toolpaths. The algorithm is fast and a popular industrial strength implementation has been created.
Predictors of Satisfaction in Men After Penile Implant Surgery
Authors: Habous Mohamad , Tal Raanan , Tealab Alaa , Aziz Mohammed , Sherif Hammoda , Mahmoud Saad , Abdelwahab Osama , Nassar Mohammed , Kamil Usama , Abdelrahman Ziad , Binsaleh Saleh , Giona Simone , Ralph David , Bettocchi Carlo , Mulhall John P.
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Despite the high satisfaction with penile implant (PI) surgery reported in the literature, a significant proportion of patients remain dissatisfied.

Aim

To evaluate satisfaction after PI surgery, using a single question and a scoring system. Furthermore, we attempted to define factors that predicted high patient satisfaction.

Methods

The study population consisted of all patients undergoing PI surgery between 2009 and 2015. Comorbidity, demographic, and implant information were recorded. Complications recorded included: minor (requiring no re-operation) such as penile or scrotal hematoma, superficial wound breakdown; major (requiring hospitalization or re-operation) such as device infection, erosion, and mechanical malfunction. Patient satisfaction was defined using a single question posed to the patient 6 months after surgery using a 5-point Likert scale (5 being the most satisfied). Descriptive statistics were used to define complication rates and multivariable analysis (MVA) was performed to define predictors of high satisfaction (score ≥ 4), including presence and degree of complications, Peyronie's disease (PD), diabetes mellitus (DM), number of vascular comorbidities, body mass index (BMI) > 30, and patient age.

Main Outcome Measure

Patients with a major complication, with or without an additional minor complication, had a higher likelihood of being dissatisfied (25%) compared to patients with no complication or only minor complication 1.9% (no complications) and 3.7% (only minor complications), P < .001.

Results

902 patients were analysed. Mean age was 56.6 ± 10.6 years. Mean BMI was 30 ± 5. Comorbidity profile was diabetes 75%, dyslipidaemia 44%, hypertension 33%, cigarette smoking 32%, and PD 34%. 76% had a malleable implant (MPP) and 24% an inflatable implant (IPP). 31% had a minor complication and 9% a major complication. 93% had high satisfaction (score ≥4). Patients with any complication had a reduced rate of high satisfaction (97.5% vs 87.7%; P < .001) and even more pronounced with a major complication (96.7% vs 64.2%; P < .001). On MVA, only the absence of a major complication was a significant predictor of high satisfaction (OR 20, 95% CI 9-50, P < .001).

Conclusion

A high percentage of men are satisfied after penile implant surgery. Only the presence of a major complication is linked to a lower likelihood of achieving high satisfaction.
Novel Multi-Modal Analgesia Protocol Significantly Decreases Opioid Requirements in Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Patients
Authors: Tong Ching Man Carmen , Lucas Jacob , Shah Ankur , Foote Christopher , Simhan Jay
Published: July 2018

Background

Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery is associated with significant perioperative pain that may reduce patient satisfaction. Though various pain management strategies have been proposed, most implanters manage postoperative patients with only prescription opioids. No protocol to date has been implemented and reported for pain management in IPP patients throughout the entire recovery process following surgery.

Aim

Develop a multimodal analgesic (MMA) regimen consisting of perioperative administration of acetaminophen, meloxicam, and gabapentin with intraoperative local anesthetic injections, and compare post-operative pain control to a matched cohort of patients managed with an opioid-based (OB) regimen.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed our prospectively maintained IPP database from November 2015–January 2018. The MMA protocol was instituted for all patients beginning June 2017, and these patients were matched in a 1:2 ratio to a cohort of eligible IPP patients managed through an OB protocol. Only patients receiving a 3-piece IPP were included; those with a history of narcotic dependence, neuropathy, or chronic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use were excluded. Postoperative pain scores (visual analog scale) and opioid usage (total morphine equivalents [TME] in milligrams) were compared temporally in the post-anesthesia care unit, postoperative day (POD) 0, POD 1, and following discharge.

Outcomes

The primary outcomes of the study are postoperative pain scores and narcotic usage.

Results

57 patients were eligible for analysis: 19 (33%) and 38 (66%) in the MMA and OB groups, respectively. Groups were similar in demographics. MMA patients had significantly lower visual analog scale scores in post-anesthesia care unit, POD 0, or POD 1 (mean 0.84 vs 2.97, P = .01; 2.62 vs 4.73, P = .003; and 2.26 vs 4.0, P = .01, respectively) and used fewer narcotics on POD 0 (mean 4.08 vs 13.8 mg TME, P < .001) and POD 1 (mean 5.05 vs 25.1 mg TME, P < .001). MMA patients were discharged home with fewer narcotics (mean 12.7 vs 51.3 tabs, P < .001), and despite this, the MMA group needed less narcotic medication refills (11% vs 49%, P = .007). Neither group experienced a medication-related postoperative adverse event.

Clinical Implications

Multimodal pain management allows for effective pain control with minimal side effects, enhancing recovery.

Strengths & Limitations

This is the first report to assess use of a multi-modal pain regimen on IPP recipients with demonstration of tangible benefit throughout the recovery process. Limitations include a single-surgeon and retrospective study design.

Conclusion

In our rigorous assessment of IPP patients, implementation of a novel MMA protocol achieved equivalent and effective pain control, while resulting in substantially fewer narcotics throughout the entire post-operative period following IPP implantation.
Sexual Health Knowledge of U.S. Medical Students: A National Survey
Authors: Warner Christina , Carlson Samantha , Crichlow Renee , Ross Michael W.
Published: July 2018

Background

Sexual health is a critical component of overall wellness; however, only half of U.S. medical schools currently require formal instruction in sexuality.

Aim

This study sought to quantify the sexual health knowledge of undergraduate medical students using a novel survey tool evaluating 6 domains: sexual function and dysfunction; fertility and reproduction; sexuality across the lifespan; sexual minority health; society, culture, and behavior; as well as safety and prevention.

Methods

A novel 32-question survey tool was developed by subject matter experts from the University of Minnesota Program in Human Sexuality. Survey questions were derived from the 2012 and 2014 Summits on Medical School Education in Sexual Health as well as the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States Guidelines for Kindergarten through 12th Grade. The total knowledge score was calculated out of 30 points (excluding 2 terminology questions that were subjective). Medical students at 178 allopathic and osteopathic medical schools in the United States were invited to take the online survey.

Outcomes

Students performed below a passing rate (70%) in 4 of the 6 knowledge categories and below a passing rate overall in the knowledge assessment.

Results

Survey respondents (n = 1,014) scored an average of 66% correct (approximately 20/30). Overall, students scored lowest on questions regarding safety and prevention (x- = 49%) and highest on questions regarding sexuality across the lifespan (x- = 75%). Higher knowledge scores were associated with the following variables (P < .05): medical school year, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, future medical specialty choice, program type (MD/DO), and taking a human sexuality course in medical school.

Clinical Implications

Medical students may be under-prepared to address essential sexual health issues in future clinical practice.

Strengths & Limitations

To the knowledge of the authors this is the only contemporary study seeking to measure U.S. medical student sexual health knowledge. Limitations include sample population size and diversity as well as a non-validated survey tool.

Conclusion

Significant advances must be made in undergraduate medical education in order to prepare future physicians to address critical issues such as sexually transmitted disease, family planning, and health disparities.
Effects of sex, educational background, and chronic kidney disease grading on longitudinal cognitive and functional decline in patients in the Japanese Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study
Authors: Iwata Atsushi , Iwatsubo Takeshi , Ihara Ryoko , Suzuki Kazushi , Matsuyama Yutaka , Tomita Naoki , Arai Hiroyuki , Ishii Kenji , Senda Michio , Ito Kengo , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Kuwano Ryozo , Matsuda Hiroshi ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative,   Japanese Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2018

Introduction

The objective of this study was to determine whether sex or education level affects the longitudinal rate of cognitive decline in Japanese patients in the Alzheimer's disease Neuroimaging Initiative study with defined mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

We accessed the entire Japanese Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative data set of 537 individuals, among whom 234 had MCI and 149 had Alzheimer's disease. We classified participants into three categories of educational history: (1) low, 0 to 9 years; (2) moderate, 10 to 15 years; and (3) high ≥16 years. We examined the main effects and interactions of visit, sex, and educational achievement on scores for the Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes, Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–cognitive subscale 13, Mini‐Mental State Examination, and Functional Activities Questionnaire in a longitudinal manner.

Results

Women with MCI had a significantly faster rate of decline than men over a 3‐year period. Highly educated men showed a significantly slower rate of decline than the other groups. Sex differences in the rates of decline remained after stratification by amyloid or apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 status but were absent in Alzheimer's disease over a 2‐year period. Subtle differences in chronic kidney disease grade affected the rate of decline. A higher Fazekas periventricular hyperintensity score was associated with a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate in women only.

Discussion

In patients with MCI, sex and educational history significantly affected the rate of change in cognitive and clinical assessments. Furthermore, a subtle decline in chronic kidney disease grade was associated with a faster rate of decline regardless of amyloid pathology in women.
TOMMORROW neuropsychological battery: German language validation and normative study
Authors: Romero Heather R. , Monsch Andreas U. , Hayden Kathleen M. , Plassman Brenda L. , Atkins Alexandra S. , Keefe Richard S.E. , Brewster Shyama , Chiang Carl , O'Neil Janet , Runyan Grant , Atkinson Mark J. , Crawford Stephen , Budur Kumar , Burns Daniel K. , Welsh‐Bohmer Kathleen A. ,   TOMMORROW Study Investigators
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Assessment of preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) requires reliable and validated methods to detect subtle cognitive changes. The battery of standardized cognitive assessments that is used for diagnostic criteria for mild cognitive impairment due to AD in the TOMMORROW study have only been fully validated in English‐speaking countries. We conducted a validation and normative study of the German language version of the TOMMORROW neuropsychological test battery, which tests episodic memory, language, visuospatial ability, executive function, and attention.

Methods

German‐speaking cognitively healthy controls (NCs) and subjects with AD were recruited from a memory clinic at a Swiss medical center. Construct validity, test–retest, and alternate form reliability were assessed in NCs. Criterion and discriminant validities of the cognitive measures were tested using logistic regression and discriminant analysis. Cross‐cultural equivalency of performance of the German language tests was compared with English language tests.

Results

A total of 198 NCs and 25 subjects with AD (aged 65–88 years) were analyzed. All German language tests discriminated NCs from persons with AD. Episodic memory tests had the highest potential to discriminate with almost twice the predictive power of any other domain. Test‐retest reliability of the test battery was adequate, and alternate form reliability for episodic memory tests was supported. For most tests, age was a significant predictor of group effect sizes; therefore, normative data were stratified by age. Validity and reliability results were similar to those in the published US cognitive testing literature.

Discussion

This study establishes the reliability and validity of the German language TOMMORROW test battery, which performed similarly to the English language tests. Some variations in test performance underscore the importance of regional normative values. The German language battery and normative data will improve the precision of measuring cognition and diagnosing incident mild cognitive impairment due to AD in clinical settings in German‐speaking countries.
Adherence/Retention Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative Colombia Plan
Authors: Rios‐Romenets Silvia , Acosta‐Baena Natalia , Lopez Liliana , Madrigal‐Zapata Lucia , Street Helen , Jakimovich Laura , Langbaum Jessica B. , Cho William , Reiman Eric M. , Tariot Pierre N. , Lopera Francisco
Published: July 2018

Introduction

The Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative Colombia Trial is a collaborative project involving the Neurosciences Group of Antioquia, Genentech/Roche, and the Banner Alzheimer's Institute, studying whether crenezumab can delay or prevent the clinical onset of Alzheimer's disease in cognitively unimpaired individuals who carry the PSEN1 E280A mutation. In an effort to optimize participant compliance and adherence and maintain interest in the trial for its duration, the Neurosciences Group of Antioquia developed an “Adherence/Retention Plan.” This plan identifies potential barriers to trial adherence related to characteristics of the participants and study partners, protocol design, sponsors, investigators, environmental factors, and characteristics of this population in general and identifies potential solutions to these barriers.

Methods

Neurosciences Group of Antioquia designed and implemented a number of strategies including a) a prescreening process that emphasized detailed and staged informed consent involving the participant and family and/or friends, b) a schedule of visits and assessments designed to minimize burden while achieving the trial's aims, c) appointment reminders, d) reimbursement for transportation and missed work, e) meals during study visits, f) birthday cards, g) quarterly newsletters, h) annual in‐person feedback meetings, i) a supplemental health plan to participants, and j) a social plan to support family members. All the methods used in this plan were approved by local ethics committees.

Results

By the end of the fourth year of the trial, participant retention was 94.0%, with most participants reporting that they felt “very satisfied” with their participation in the trial.

Discussion

The Adherence/Retention Plan plays a crucial role in maintaining adherence and compliance needed to achieve the ambitious goals of the Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative‐Colombia Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease Trial and may offer guideposts for other prevention trials.
Intranasal rifampicin for Alzheimer's disease prevention
Authors: Umeda Tomohiro , Tanaka Akiko , Sakai Ayumi , Yamamoto Akira , Sakane Toshiyasu , Tomiyama Takami
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Oral rifampicin has been shown to significantly reduce amyloid β (Aβ) and tau pathologies in mice. However, it shows occasional adverse effects such as liver injury in humans, making its use difficult for a long period.

Methods

To explore safer rifampicin treatment, APPOSK mice, a model of Alzheimer's disease, were treated with rifampicin for 1 month via oral, intranasal, and subcutaneous administration, and its therapeutic efficacy and safety were compared.

Results

Intranasal or subcutaneous administration of rifampicin improved memory more effectively than oral administration. The improvement of memory was accompanied with the reduction of neuropathologies, including Aβ oligomer accumulation, tau abnormal phosphorylation, and synapse loss. Serum levels of a liver enzyme significantly rose only by oral administration. Pharmacokinetic study revealed that the level of rifampicin in the brain was highest with intranasal administration.

Discussion

Considering its easiness and noninvasiveness, intranasal administration would be the best way for long‐term dosing of rifampicin.
Difficult airway management in children and young adults with arthrogryposis
Authors: Isaacson Glenn , Drum Elizabeth T.
Published: July 2018

Objective

To review current evidence and experience with anesthesia and airway management issues in children and young adults with arthrogryposis.

Data sources

Review of existing world literature and description of personal experience at a center for children's orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation over 2 decades.

Methods

Description of common problems and their solutions in this unusual and diverse group of patients.

Results

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenital includes more than 400 conditions that lead to congenital joint contractures affecting more than one body area. Among the many causes of arthrogryposis, 50%–65% fall into two large categories – amyoplasia and distal arthrogryposis. There is general agreement that best function in children with arthrogryposis is achieved through early mobilization of joint contractures. Children with arthrogryposis average >5 operative procedures during childhood. Anesthesia for these procedures may be complicated by limited jaw mobility and mouth opening, restricted lung development, positioning difficulties, difficult venous access and concerns about increased risk for malignant hyperthermia. 75% of arthrogryposis patients do not have a difficult airway. For those with a history of airway problems or those meeting criteria for a difficult airway, careful advanced planning helps to assure safe and successful surgery. We describe several specialized techniques for endotracheal intubation of children with arthrogryposis.

Conclusions

Children and young adults with arthrogryposis are a diverse group. Many pose unique challenges for airway and surgical management. Review of individual anesthesia records and careful advanced planning by a coordinated, experienced airway team can lead to best outcomes from arthrogryposis surgery.
Honeycomb seal technology achieves superior sealing effect in centrifugal air compressor – Part I
Authors: Zhang Lihao , Hu Hangling , He Lidong , Feng Haoran
Published: July 2018

Through the use of a detailed case study, this article explains why honeycomb seals, which are used mainly in the aerospace industry, have the potential to be successfully applied to rotating turbine machinery used in the industrial sector. The authors analyse the way in which seals in a centrifugal air compressor in use at a coal chemicals enterprise in Inner Mongolia have failed, and describe how honeycomb seals have solved the sealing-related problems at the company's facility. The first part, which appears here, analyses the balance hub seal failure, looks at larger axial forces caused by sealing failure and discusses the main thrust bearing pad, which would frequently burn out. It also considers initial numerical calculations and comparative analyses of the lateral teeth seal and honeycomb seal, together with the advantages that the latter offers.
Digitising the wisdom of our elders: connectedness through digital storytelling
Authors: Hausknecht Simone , Vanchu-Orosco Michelle , Kaufman David
Published: July 2018

Digital storytelling provides older adults with an opportunity to become digital producers, connect with others through story and explore their life history. The authors report on the results of a digital storytelling project for older adults. The study investigated the experiences and perceived benefits of older adults who created digital stories during a ten-week course and explored the reactions of story viewers to the digital stories they viewed during a special sharing event. Eighty-eight older adult participants in Metro Vancouver who attended one of 13 courses offered were included in the study. Most of the participants were female and over half were immigrants. Results from the focus group interviews demonstrated a rich array of reported social and emotional benefits experienced through the process of creating a digital story within the course. Three main themes emerged: social connectedness through shared experience and story, reminiscence and reflecting on life, and creating a legacy. Viewers who attended a ‘Sharing Our Stories’ event reported that the stories were meaningful, well constructed and invoked a range of emotions. The researchers conclude that digital storytelling may help digital storytellers increase connectedness to others and to self. Additionally, this connectedness may extend over time through the process of examining the past to create a digital story that can serve as a legacy to connect to future generations.
Longitudinal Structure of the Midlatitude Ionosphere Using COSMIC Electron Density Profiles
Authors: Li Qiaoling , Liu Libo , Balan N. , Huang He , Zhang Ruilong , Chen Yiding , Le Huijun
Published: July 2018

Longitudinal variations of electron density (Ne) near zero magnetic declination lines at midlatitude ionosphere have been disclosed earlier in some longitude regions. However, its global picture remains unclear. In this study, Ne at midlatitudes (40–50° magnetic latitude) within 170‐ to 550‐km altitudes obtained from Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) satellites for low solar activity (2006–2011) are used to investigate the local time, seasonal, altitudinal, and hemispheric variations of ΔNe (difference between Ne and its zonal mean). Results indicate (1) ΔNe showing different patterns below 180 km and above 220 km and (2) an eastward phase shift of ΔNe above 220 km. The ΔNe above 220 km shows wave‐1 longitudinal structure during forenoon in northern winter, which differs from the wave‐2 longitudinal structure in other seasons. The ΔNe below 180 km presents solstice asymmetries and wave‐1 longitudinal structures. (3) On average, ΔNe above 220 km is stronger in North American sector (30–150°W) by 32% compared to Europe‐Asian sector (30–150°E), and it is also stronger in Southern Hemisphere by 35% than in Northern Hemisphere. The wave‐1 longitudinal structure below 180 km is due to the latitudinal difference of solar zenith angle in magnetic coordinates. The ΔNe above 220 km has high consistency with that of ΔhmF2 (peak height) indicating significant effects of neutral wind dynamics. Results of the empirical model Horizontal Wind Model 14 further disclose that the vertical drifts due to zonal wind (via magnetic declination) and meridional wind (via its zonal difference) are responsible for the longitudinal structures in ΔNe above 220 km.
In situ topographical chemical and electrical imaging of carboxyl graphene oxide at the nanoscale
Authors: Su Weitao , Kumar Naresh , Krayev Andrey , Chaigneau Marc
Published: July 2018

Visualising the distribution of structural defects and functional groups present on the surface of two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene oxide challenges the sensitivity and spatial resolution of the most advanced analytical techniques. Here we demonstrate mapping of functional groups on a carboxyl-modified graphene oxide (GO–COOH) surface with a spatial resolution of ≈10 nm using tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS). Furthermore, we extend the capability of TERS by measuring local electronic properties in situ, in addition to the surface topography and chemical composition. Our results reveal that the Fermi level at the GO–COOH surface decreases as the ID/IG ratio increases, correlating the local defect density with the Fermi level at nanometre length-scales. The in situ multi-parameter microscopy demonstrated in this work significantly improves the accuracy of nanoscale surface characterisation, eliminates measurement artefacts, and opens up the possibilities for characterising optoelectronic devices based on 2D materials under operational conditions.
Reaction and diffusion thermodynamics explain optimal temperatures of biochemical reactions
Authors: Ritchie Mark E.
Published: July 2018

Ubiquitous declines in biochemical reaction rates above optimal temperatures (Topt) are normally attributed to enzyme state changes, but such mechanisms appear inadequate to explain pervasive Topt well below enzyme deactivation temperatures (Tden). Here, a meta-analysis of 92 experimental studies shows that product formation responds twice as strongly to increased temperature than diffusion or transport. This response difference has multiple consequences for biochemical reactions, such as potential shifts in the factors limiting reactions as temperature increases and reaction-diffusion dynamics that predict potential product inhibition and limitation of the reaction by entropy production at temperatures below Tden. Maximizing entropy production by the reaction predicts Topt that depend on enzyme concentration and efficiency as well as reaction favorability, which are patterns not predicted by mechanisms of enzyme state change. However, these predictions are strongly supported by patterns in a meta-analysis of 121 enzyme kinetic studies. Consequently, reaction-diffusion thermodynamics and entropy production may constrain organism performance at higher temperatures, yielding temperature optima of life that may depend on reaction characteristics and environmental features rather than just enzyme state changes.
Analyzing 74,248 Samples Confirms the Association Between CLU rs11136000 Polymorphism and Alzheimer’s Disease in Caucasian But Not Chinese population
Authors: Han Zhijie , Qu Jiaojiao , Zhao Jiehong , Zou Xiao
Published: July 2018

Clusterin (CLU) is considered one of the most important roles for pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The early genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified the CLU rs11136000 polymorphism is significantly associated with AD in Caucasian. However, the subsequent studies are unable to replicate these findings in different populations. Although two independent meta-analyses show evidence to support significant association in Asian and Caucasian populations by integrating the data from 18 and 25 related GWAS studies, respectively, many of the following 18 studies also reported the inconsistent results. Moreover, there are six missed and a misclassified GWAS studies in the two meta-analyses. Therefore, we suspected that the small-scale and incompletion or heterogeneity of the samples maybe lead to different results of these studies. In this study, large-scale samples from 50 related GWAS studies (28,464 AD cases and 45,784 controls) were selected afresh from seven authoritative sources to reevaluate the effect of rs11136000 polymorphism to AD risk. Similarly, we identified that the minor allele variant of rs11136000 significantly decrease AD risk in Caucasian ethnicity using the allele, dominant and recessive model. Different from the results of the previous studies, however, the results showed a negligible or no association in Asian and Chinese populations. Collectively, our analysis suggests that, for Asian and Chinese populations, the variant of rs11136000 may be irrelevant to AD risk. We believe that these findings can help to improve the understanding of the AD’s pathogenesis.
Mechanical loading induces primary cilia disassembly in tendon cells via TGFβ and HDAC6
Authors: Rowson Daniel T. , Shelton Julia C. , Screen Hazel R. C. , Knight Martin M.
Published: July 2018

This study used isolated human tenocytes to test the hypothesis that cyclic mechanical strain directly stimulates primary cilia disassembly, and to elucidate the mechanisms involved. Cells were seeded onto flexible membranes and strained at 0–3%; 1 Hz, for up to 24 hours. Cilia length and prevalence progressively reduced with increasing strain duration but showed full recovery within 2 hours of strain removal. The response to loading was not influenced by actin organisation as seen in other cell types. However, the loading response could be recreated by treatment with TGFβ. Furthermore, treatment with the HDAC6 inhibitor Tubacin, or a TGFβ receptor inhibitor both prevented strain induced cilia disassembly. These data are the first to describe primary cilia expression in isolated tenocytes, showing that mechanical strain regulates cilia expression independent of changes in tendon extracellular matrix. Furthermore, we show that cilia disassembly is mediated by the activation of TGFβ receptors leading to activation of HDAC6. Previous studies have shown that cilia are required for TGFβ signalling and that tendon mechanosignalling is mediated by TGFβ. The present study therefore suggests a novel feedback mechanism whereby cilia disassembly inhibits prolonged TGFβ activation in response to continuous cyclic loading.
A tryptophan residue in the caffeine-binding site of the ryanodine receptor regulates Ca2+ sensitivity
Authors: Murayama Takashi , Ogawa Haruo , Kurebayashi Nagomi , Ohno Seiko , Horie Minoru , Sakurai Takashi
Published: July 2018

Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are Ca2+ release channels in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal and cardiac muscles and are essential for muscle contraction. Mutations in genes encoding RyRs cause various muscle and arrhythmogenic heart diseases. Although RyR channels are activated by Ca2+, the actual mechanism of Ca2+ binding remains largely unknown. Here, we report the molecular basis of Ca2+ binding to RyRs for channel activation and discuss its implications in disease states. RyR1 and RyR2 carrying mutations in putative Ca2+ and caffeine-binding sites were functionally analysed. The results were interpreted with respect to recent near-atomic resolution RyR1 structures in various ligand states. We demonstrate that a tryptophan residue in the caffeine-binding site controls the structure of the Ca2+-binding site to regulate the Ca2+ sensitivity. Our results reveal the initial step of RyR channel activation by Ca2+ and explain the molecular mechanism of Ca2+ sensitization by caffeine and disease-causing mutations.
Spontaneous power source in ambient air of a well-directionally reduced graphene oxide bulk
Authors: Cheng Huhu , Huang Yaxin , Zhao Fei , Yang Ce , Zhang Panpan , Jiang Lan , Shi Gaoquan , Qu Liangti
Published: July 2018

Spontaneous electric generation (voltage up to 450 mV) in ambient atmosphere has been achieved on a functional groups-reconfigured graphene oxide membrane.
Strain-assisted band gap modulation in intrinsic and aluminum doped p-type SiC
Authors: Deng Sihao , Wang Lielin , Xie Hua , Wang Zaihong , Wang Yutian , Jiang Shuqing , Guo Hui
Published: July 2018

The uniaxial strain-induced electronic structure variations in intrinsic and Al doped (3C-, 4H-) SiC are studied by using first-principle calculations. The main findings are summarized as follows: (I) the tensile strain leads to a structural transformation in Al doped 3C-SiC, which is signed by the total energy and lattice characteristics; (II) the band gap Eg modulation with large reductions is achieved by applying strains up to 2% in all compounds; (III) The high-symmetry points of valence band maximum and conduction band minimum in intrinsic and Al doped 4H-SiC show the abnormal characteristic under strain, corresponding to the maximum Eg as the strain is ∼-1%. These results suggest that the strain approach could be used to tune the electronic structures of SiC compounds.
On Some Local Cohomology Spectral Sequences
Authors: Àlvarez Montaner Josep , Boix Alberto F , Zarzuela Santiago
Published: July 2018

We introduce a formalism to produce several families of spectral sequences involving the derived functors of the limit and colimit functors over a finite partially ordered set. The 1st type of spectral sequences involves the left derived functors of the colimit of the direct system that we obtain by applying a family of functors to a single module. For the 2nd type we follow a completely different strategy as we start with the inverse system that we obtain by applying a covariant functor to an inverse system. The spectral sequences involve the right derived functors of the corresponding limit. We also have a version for contravariant functors. In all the introduced spectral sequences we provide sufficient conditions to ensure their degeneration at their 2nd page. As a consequence we obtain some decomposition theorems that greatly generalize the well-known decomposition formula for local cohomology modules of Stanley–Reisner rings given by Hochster.
Congress of Neurological Surgeons Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines on the Evaluation and Treatment of Patients with Thoracolumbar Spine Trauma: Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment
Authors: Rabb Craig H , Hoh Daniel J , Anderson Paul A , Arnold Paul M , Chi John H , Dailey Andrew T , Dhall Sanjay S , Eichholz Kurt M , Harrop James S , Qureshi Sheeraz , Raksin P B , Kaiser Michael G , O’Toole John E
Published: July 2018

QUESTION 1

Does the surgical treatment of burst fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine improve clinical outcomes compared to nonoperative treatment?

RECOMMENDATION 1

There is conflicting evidence to recommend for or against the use of surgical intervention to improve clinical outcomes in patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture who are neurologically intact. Therefore, it is recommended that the discretion of the treating provider be used to determine if the presenting thoracic or lumbar burst fracture in the neurologically intact patient warrants surgical intervention.

Strength of Recommendation: Grade Insufficient

QUESTION 2

Does the surgical treatment of nonburst fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine improve clinical outcomes compared to nonoperative treatment?

RECOMMENDATION 2

There is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the use of surgical intervention for nonburst thoracic or lumbar fractures. It is recommended that the decision to pursue surgery for such fractures be at the discretion of the treating physician.

Strength of Recommendation: Grade Insufficient

The full version of the guideline can be reviewed at: https://www.cns.org/guideline-chapters/congress-neurological-surgeons-systematic-review-evidence-based-guidelines/chapter_1.
Congress of Neurological Surgeons Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines on the Evaluation and Treatment of Patients With Thoracolumbar Spine Trauma: Timing of Surgical Intervention
Authors: Eichholz Kurt M , Rabb Craig H , Anderson Paul A , Arnold Paul M , Chi John H , Dailey Andrew T , Dhall Sanjay S , Harrop James S , Hoh Daniel J , Qureshi Sheeraz , Raksin P B , Kaiser Michael G , O’Toole John E
Published: July 2018

QUESTION

Does early surgical intervention improve outcomes for patients with thoracic and lumbar fractures?

RECOMMENDATIONS

There is insufficient and conflicting evidence regarding the effect of timing of surgical intervention on neurological outcomes in patients with thoracic and lumbar fractures.

Strength of Recommendation: Grade Insufficient

It is suggested that “early” surgery be considered as an option in patients with thoracic and lumbar fractures to reduce length of stay and complications. The available literature has defined “early” surgery inconsistently, ranging from <8 h to <72 h after injury.

Strength of Recommendation: Grade B

The full version of the guideline can be reviewed at: https://www.cns.org/guideline-chapters/congress-neurological-surgeons-systematic-review-evidence-based-guidelines/chapter_10.
Soybean-Macrophomina phaseolina-Specific Interactions and Identification of a Novel Source of Resistance
Authors: Reznikov Sebastián , Chiesa María A. , Pardo Esteban M. , De Lisi Vicente , Bogado Noelia , González Victoria , Ledesma Fernando , Morandi Eligio N. , Ploper L. Daniel , Castagnaro Atilio P.
Published: July 2018

Charcoal rot, caused by the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina, is an economically important disease of soybean (Glycine max) worldwide. Objectives of the present research were to (i) study the genetic and pathogenic diversity in a collection of M. phaseolina isolates from Argentina and Paraguay and (ii) develop an improved in vitro phenotyping method to evaluate disease response of soybean genotypes to M. phaseolina isolates. Cluster analysis showed no clear association among simple sequence repeat profiles, year of collection, pathogenicity, and geographical origin of the isolates from Argentina and Paraguay. Subsequently, the response of four soybean genotypes against seven M. phaseolina isolates was evaluated in the field and the results were confirmed using the in vitro assay developed. This assay, which is based on root disease development on soybean seedlings, allowed the detection of a differential level of aggressiveness among the isolates on four soybean genotypes. The results suggest the existence of specific interactions among soybean genotypes and M. phaseolina isolates. In addition, cultivar Munasqa RR showed a superior response against M. phaseolina compared with DT 97-4290 (moderately resistant), thus becoming a novel source of resistance to charcoal rot.
Reply to Cross-Contamination Explains ‘‘Inter and Intraspecific Horizontal Genetic Transfers’’ between Asexual Bdelloid Rotifers (Wilson, Nowell & Barraclough 2018)
Authors: Flot Jean-François , Debortoli Nicolas , Hallet Bernard , Narayan Jitendra , Doninck Karine Van
Published: July 2018

We thank Wilson et al. (2018) for their thorough re-analysis of our data and for their constructive criticisms that led our groups to exchange many stimulating emails over the last two years. Although we agree that inter-individual contamination can yield patterns suggestive of inter-individual recombination, we are not fully convinced by their criticisms of our 2016 dataset and would like to point here briefly to some inaccuracies and likely errors in their interpretation of our chromatograms.
CBD-1 scaffolds two independent complexes required for eggshell vitelline layer formation and egg activation in C. elegans
Authors: González Delfina P. , Lamb Helen V. , Partida Diana , Wilson Zachary T. , Harrison Marie-Claire , Prieto Julián A. , Moresco James J. , Diedrich Jolene K. , Yates John R. , Olson Sara K.
Published: July 2018

Metazoan eggs have a specialized coat of extracellular matrix that aids in sperm-egg recognition. The coat is rapidly remodeled after fertilization to prevent polyspermy and establish a more permanent barrier to protect the developing embryo. In nematodes, this coat is called the vitelline layer, which is remodeled into the outermost layer of a rigid and impermeable eggshell. We have identified three key components of the vitelline layer structural scaffold – PERM-2, PERM-4 and CBD-1, the first such proteins to be described in the nematode C. elegans. CBD-1 recruited PERM-2 and PERM-4 to the nascent vitelline layer via two N-terminal chitin-binding domains. After fertilization, all three proteins redistributed from the zygote surface to the outer eggshell. Depletion of PERM-2 and PERM-4 from the scaffold led to a porous vitelline layer that permitted soluble factors to leak through the eggshell and resulted in embryonic death. In addition to its role in vitelline layer assembly, CBD-1 is also known to scaffold a protein complex required for fertilization and egg activation (EGG-1-5/CHS-1/MBK-2). We found the PERM complex and EGG complex to be structurally and functionally independent, and regulated through distinct domains of CBD-1. CBD-1 is thus a multifaceted regulator that promotes distinct aspects of vitelline layer assembly and egg activation. In sum, our findings identify the first vitelline layer components in nematodes, and provide a foundation through which to explore both conserved and species-specific strategies used by animals to build protective barriers following fertilization.