bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digital-analog quantum simulation of generalized Dicke models with superconducting circuits
Authors: Lamata Lucas 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe propose a digital-analog quantum simulation of generalized Dicke models with superconducting circuits, including Fermi- Bose condensates, biased and pulsed Dicke models, for all regimes of light-matter coupling. We encode these classes of problems in a set of superconducting qubits coupled with a bosonic mode implemented by a transmission line resonator. Via digital-analog techniques, an efficient quantum simulation can be performed in state-of-the-art circuit quantum electrodynamics platforms, by suitable decomposition into analog qubit-bosonic blocks and collective single-qubit pulses through digital steps. Moreover, just a single global analog block would be needed during the whole protocol in most of the cases, superimposed with fast periodic pulses to rotate and detune the qubits. Therefore, a large number of digital steps may be attained with this approach, providing a reduced digital error. Additionally, the number of gates per digital step does not grow with the number of qubits, rendering the simulation efficient. This strategy paves the way for the scalable digital-analog quantum simulation of many-body dynamics involving bosonic modes and spin degrees of freedom with superconducting circuits.
Biophysical studies suggest a new structural arrangement of crotoxin and provide insights into its toxic mechanism
Authors: Fernandes Carlos A. H. , Pazin Wallance M. , Dreyer Thiago R. , Bicev Renata N. , Cavalcante Walter L. G. , Fortes-Dias Consuelo L. , Ito Amando S. , Oliveira Cristiano L. P. , Fernandez Roberto Morato , Fontes Marcos R. M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractCrotoxin (CTX) is the main neurotoxin found in Crotalus durissus rattlesnake venoms being composed by a nontoxic and non-enzymatic component (CA) and a toxic phospholipase A2 (CB). Previous crystallographic structures of CTX and CB provided relevant insights: (i) CTX structure showed a 1:1 molecular ratio between CA and CB, presenting three tryptophan residues in the CA/CB interface and one exposed to solvent; (ii) CB structure displayed a tetrameric conformation. This study aims to provide further information on the CTX mechanism of action by several biophysical methods. Our data show that isolated CB can in fact form tetramers in solution; however, these tetramers can be dissociated by CA titration. Furthermore, CTX exhibits a strong reduction in fluorescence intensity and lifetime compared with isolated CA and CB, suggesting that all tryptophan residues in CTX may be hidden by the CA/CB interface. By companying spectroscopy fluorescence and SAXS data, we obtained a new structural model for the CTX heterodimer in which all tryptophans are located in the interface, and the N-terminal region of CB is largely exposed to the solvent. Based on this model, we propose a toxic mechanism of action for CTX, involving the interaction of N-terminal region of CB with the target before CA dissociation.
Computational modelling of efflux pumps and their inhibitors
Authors: Ramaswamy Venkata Krishnan , Cacciotto Pierpaolo , Malloci Giuliano , Vargiu Attilio V. , Ruggerone Paolo 
Published: March 2017

Antimicrobial resistance is based on the multifarious strategies that bacteria adopt to face antibiotic therapies, making it a key public health concern of our era. Among these strategies, efflux pumps (EPs) contribute significantly to increase the levels and profiles of resistance by expelling a broad range of unrelated compounds – buying time for the organisms to develop specific resistance. In Gram-negative bacteria, many of these chromosomally encoded transporters form multicomponent ‘pumps’ that span both inner and outer membranes and are driven energetically by a primary or secondary transporter component.
One of the strategies to reinvigorate the efficacy of antimicrobials is by joint administration with EP inhibitors (EPI), which either block the substrate binding and/or hinder any of the transport-dependent steps of the pump. In this review, we provide an overview of multidrug-resistance EPs, their inhibition strategies and the relevant findings from the various computational simulation studies reported to date with respect to deciphering the mechanism of action of inhibitors with the purpose of improving their rational design.
Service Delivery to Children With Mild Hearing Loss: Current Practice Patterns and Parent Perceptions
Authors: Walker Elizabeth A. , Spratford Meredith , Ambrose Sophie E. , Holte Lenore , Oleson Jacob 
Published: March 2017

PurposeThis study investigates clinical practice patterns and parent perception of intervention for children with mild hearing loss (HL).MethodAges at and delays between service delivery steps (first diagnostic evaluation, confirmation of HL, hearing aid [HA] fitting, entry into early intervention) were investigated for 113 children with mild HL. Comparisons were made to children with moderate-to-severe HL. Parents of children with mild HL reported reasons for delays and their perceptions of intervention and amplification for their children.ResultsSeventy-four percent of children with mild HL were identified through the newborn hearing screen; 26% were identified later due to passing or not receiving a newborn hearing screen. Ninety-four percent of children with mild HL were fit with HAs, albeit at significantly later ages than children with moderate-to-severe HL. Most parents indicated that their children benefited from HA use, but some parents expressed ambivalence toward the amount of benefit.ConclusionsAudiologists appear to be moving toward regularly providing amplification for children with mild HL. However, delays in HA fittings indicate that further educating professionals and parents about the benefits of early amplification and intervention is warranted to encourage timely fitting and consistent use of HAs.
Late Talkers: A Population-Based Study of Risk Factors and School Readiness Consequences
Authors: Hammer Carol Scheffner , Morgan Paul , Farkas George , Hillemeier Marianne , Bitetti Dana , Maczuga Steve 
Published: March 2017

PurposeThis study was designed to (a) identify sociodemographic, pregnancy and birth, family health, and parenting and child care risk factors for being a late talker at 24 months of age; (b) determine whether late talkers continue to have low vocabulary at 48 months; and (c) investigate whether being a late talker plays a unique role in children's school readiness at 60 months.MethodWe analyzed data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, a population-based sample of 9,600 children. Data were gathered when the children were 9, 24, 48, and 60 months old.ResultsThe risk of being a late talker at 24 months was significantly associated with being a boy, lower socioeconomic status, being a nonsingleton, older maternal age at birth, moderately low birth weight, lower quality parenting, receipt of day care for less than 10 hr/week, and attention problems. Being a late talker increased children's risk of having low vocabulary at 48 months and low school readiness at 60 months. Family socioeconomic status had the largest and most profound effect on children's school readiness.ConclusionsLimited vocabulary knowledge at 24 and 48 months is uniquely predictive of later school readiness. Young children with low vocabularies require additional supports prior to school entry.
Limb Body Wall Complex Associated with Placenta Accreta: A Mere Coincidence or a Sign of an Etiopathogenic Link?
Authors: Berezowski Aderson Tadeu , Carvalho Sandra Regina Marques , Duarte Geraldo , Cavalli Ricardo de Carvalho , Marcolin Alessandra Cristina , Okido Marcos Masaru 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA case was reported of a fetus with the anomaly of limb body wall complex associated with placenta accreta. To date, only one account of this condition has been published in the world literature. Due to the low frequency of both complications, the hypothesis has been raised that this association may have happened not by mere coincidence, but rather by a possible common etiopathogenic mechanism. For the first time, a study proposes the existence of a possible etiopathogenic connection between the anomaly of limb body wall complex and hypoxic disorders caused by inadequate placentation in previous uterine scarring.
Herpes Zoster and Recurrent Herpes Zoster
Authors: Shiraki Kimiyasu , Toyama Nozomu , Daikoku Tohru , Yajima Misako ,   for the Miyazaki Dermatologist Society
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of recurrent herpes zoster (HZ) and the relationship between initial and recurrent HZ are not clear.MethodsThe Miyazaki Dermatologist Society has surveyed ~5000 patients with HZ annually since 1997. A questionnaire regarding HZ and its recurrence was completed by the dermatologists.ResultsA total of 34 877 patients with HZ were registered at 43 clinics between June 2009 and November 2015. Among 16 784 patients seen at 10 of the 43 clinics, 1076 patients (6.41%) experienced recurrence. Herpes zoster was more frequent in female than in male patients (5.27 vs 4.25 in 1000 person-years, P &lt; .001), as was HZ recurrence (7.63% vs 4.73%, P &lt; .001). Two and three recurrences were observed in 49 and 3 patients, respectively. Recurrence in the same dermatome was observed in 16.3% of patients, and more frequently this occurred in the left side (P = .027). The number of HZ-experienced persons increased with age, and one third of the population had experienced HZ by the age of 80.ConclusionsRecurrent HZ was observed in 6.41% of patients, with a higher incidence in women. Moreover, HZ experience reduced the HZ incidence to 31.7% of the incidence in the HZ-naive population.
Preadmission Oral Corticosteroids Are Associated With Reduced Risk of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Critically Ill Adults With Sepsis*
Authors: McKown Andrew C. , McGuinn Erin M. , Ware Lorraine B. , Wang Li , Janz David R. , Rice Todd W. , Semler Matthew W. 
Published: March 2017

Objectives:
To determine the association between preadmission oral corticosteroid receipt and the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome in critically ill patients with sepsis.

Design:
Retrospective observational study.

Setting:
Medical, surgical, trauma, and cardiovascular ICUs of an academic medical center.

Patients:
A total of 1,080 critically ill patients with sepsis.

Interventions:
None.

Measurements and Main Results:
The unadjusted occurrence rate of acute respiratory distress syndrome within 96 hours of ICU admission was 35% among patients who had received oral corticosteroids compared with 42% among those who had not (p = 0.107). In a multivariable analysis controlling for prespecified confounders, preadmission oral corticosteroids were associated with a lower incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome in the 96 hours after ICU admission (odds ratio, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.33–0.84; p = 0.008), a finding that persisted in multiple sensitivity analyses. The median daily dose of oral corticosteroids among the 165 patients receiving oral corticosteroids, in prednisone equivalents, was 10 mg (interquartile range, 5–30 mg). Higher doses of preadmission oral corticosteroids were associated with a lower incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (odds ratio for 30 mg of prednisone compared with 5 mg 0.53; 95% CI, 0.32–0.86). In multivariable analyses, preadmission oral corticosteroids were not associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 1.41; 95% CI, 0.87–2.28; p = 0.164), ICU length of stay (odds ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.63–1.30; p = 0.585), or ventilator-free days (odds ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.71–1.57; p = 0.783).

Conclusions:
Among ICU patients with sepsis, preadmission oral corticosteroids were independently associated with a lower incidence of early acute respiratory distress syndrome.
The Experience of Intense Pain
Authors: Kiser-Larson Norma 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT:
Personal stories of illness give depth to otherwise clinical descriptions of diagnoses. This article offers an autobiographical narrative of complications after total knee replacement surgery. Diagnosis and nursing management of acute compartment syndrome, nociceptive and neuropathic origins of pain, pharmacologic and nursing interventions for pain, the use of prayer in illness, and compassionate caring from a Christian perspective are discussed.
Cardiovascular Risks in Long Distance Runners
Authors: Witham Bethany Rolfe , Babbitt Keven 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT:
Distance running has become increasingly popular since the 1970s. Despite the health benefits, long-distance running has been associated with an increased risk for cardiac events. Healthcare professionals should be familiar with distance running cardiac risk factors and preparticipation screening recommendations from the American Heart Association, and should screen and educate patients during healthcare encounters. Nurses are particularly well suited to educate runners on risks and symptoms of cardiac dysfunction.
VITRECTOMY FOR INTERMEDIATE AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION ASSOCIATED WITH TANGENTIAL VITREOMACULAR TRACTION
Authors: Ziada Jean , Hagenau Felix , Compera Denise , Wolf Armin , Scheler Renate , Schaumberger Markus M. , Priglinger Siegfried G. , Schumann Ricarda G. 
Published: March 2017

Purpose:
To describe the morphologic characteristics of the vitreomacular interface in intermediate age-related macular degeneration associated with tangential traction due to premacular membrane formation and to correlate with optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings and clinical data.

Methods:
Premacular membrane specimens were removed sequentially with the internal limiting membrane from 27 eyes of 26 patients with intermediate age-related macular degeneration during standard vitrectomy. Specimens were processed for immunocytochemical staining of epiretinal cells and extracellular matrix components. Ultrastructural analysis was performed using transmission electron microscopy. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography images and patient charts were evaluated in retrospect.

Results:
Immunocytochemistry revealed hyalocytes and myofibroblasts as predominant cell types. Ultrastructural analysis demonstrated evidence of vitreoschisis in all eyes. Myofibroblasts with contractile properties were observed to span between folds of the internal limiting membrane and vitreous cortex collagen. Retinal pigment epithelial cells or inflammatory cells were not detected. Mean visual acuity (Snellen) showed significant improvement from 20/72 ± 20/36 to 20/41 ± 20/32 (P < 0.001) after a mean follow-up period of 19 months (median, 17 months). During this period, none of the eyes required anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

Conclusion:
Fibrocellular premacular proliferation in intermediate age-related macular degeneration predominantly consists of vitreous collagen, hyalocytes, and myofibroblasts with contractile properties. Vitreoschisis and vitreous-derived cells appear to play an important role in traction formation of this subgroup of eyes. In patients with intermediate age-related macular degeneration and contractile premacular membrane, release of traction by vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling results in significantly functional and anatomical improvement.
Use of Crossed Polarizers to Enhance Images of the Eyelids
Authors: O'Sullivan Ryan , Tom Lisa M. , Bunya Vatinee Y. , Nyberg William C. , Massaro-Giordano Mina , Daniel Ebenezer , Smith Eli , Brainard David H. , Gee James , Maguire Maureen G. , Stone Richard A. 
Published: March 2017

Purpose:To describe imaging of the external eye with Crossed Polarizers to enhance clinically important features in digital photographs of the eyelids.Methods:External photographs with and without crossed polarizing filters were taken of patients with blepharitis and controls with no clinical eye pathology.Results:Photographing eyelid skin through Crossed Polarizers decreased reflections on the skin surface and improved visualization of eyelid telangiectasias and blood vessels in patients with a broad range of skin pigmentation and ethnicities.Conclusions:The use of Crossed Polarizers in imaging the external eye reduces reflections and glare from the eyelid skin and margins, thereby allowing for a more detailed evaluation of underlying structures and analysis of images. These findings suggest that including Crossed Polarizers in clinical photography has informative applications for assessing eyelid disease.
Effect of Sleep Position on the Ocular Surface
Authors: Alevi David , Perry Henry D. , Wedel Alexander , Rosenberg Eric , Alevi Limor , Donnenfeld Eric D. 
Published: March 2017

Purpose:
Dry eye disease is a multifactorial disease with numerous well-documented risk factors. However, to date, sleep position has not been associated with this condition. After observing patients in our practice, we believe that the sleep position in some cases may significantly affect dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Methods:
This is a single-centered, cross-sectional, noninterventional, institutional review board–approved, single-masked, nonrandomized study of 100 patients whose complaints were related to dry eye disease and a control group of 25 age-matched asymptomatic patients. Two questionnaires were used: one to analyze patients' sleep habits and the other to assess patients' Ocular Surface Disease Index. Dry eye severity was graded based on the MGD stage, fluorescein corneal staining and lissamine green staining, Schirmer 1 testing, tear osmolarity levels, and clinical examination.

Results:
A statistically significant difference was shown with back sleeping compared with left side sleeping using lissamine green staining (analysis of variance, P = 0.005). The Ocular Surface Disease Index score was also found to be elevated in patients who slept on their right or left side (36.4 and 34.1, respectively) as opposed to back sleepers (26.7) with P < 0.05. There was no statistically significant correlation found between the sleep position and degree of MGD.

Conclusions:
In addition to current treatment, patients who sleep on their side or face down might see a reduction in dry eye and MGD if they change their sleep pattern to the supine position.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Drug Reservoir Function of Human Amniotic Membrane Using Moxifloxacin as a Model Drug
Authors: Yelchuri Madhavi Latha , Madhavi Bhagyashree , Gohil Nilam , Sajeev Hitha Sara , Venkatesh Prajna Namperumalsamy , Srinivasan Senthilkumari 
Published: March 2017

Purpose:
To evaluate the in vitro, extended drug reservoir function of human amniotic membrane (HAM) of different thicknesses impregnated with moxifloxacin.

Methods:
HAM buttons (12 mm) were soaked with freshly prepared 0.5% wt/vol topical moxifloxacin at different soaking time intervals: 3 hours (group I), 6 hours (group II), 12 hours (group III), 24 hours (group IV), and 48 hours (group V). They were then transferred into 1 mL of fresh simulated tear fluid (pH-7.4) and incubated at 37°C. The release kinetics of moxifloxacin was studied by analyzing the amount of drug in simulated tear fluid collected at different time intervals from each pretreated HAM for 3 weeks. In another experiment, thin and thick HAMs were selected based on weight and soaked with moxifloxacin for 24 hours, and the release kinetics was studied for 7 weeks. All samples were stored at −80°C until analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results:
No significant difference was observed between different soaking times and the release of moxifloxacin. The cumulative amount of moxifloxacin released from thick HAM was found to be statistically significant compared with thin HAM (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:
Our in vitro data showed that the sustained release of moxifloxacin from HAM was achieved up to 7 weeks. The entrapment efficiency of moxifloxacin was significantly higher in thicker HAM than in thin HAM. Moxifloxacin-impregnated HAM application can be considered in bacterial keratitis to provide sustained drug delivery through a biological bandage system for up to a period of 7 weeks.
Repeat Keratoplasty for Failed Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty in Keratoconus: Incidence, Indications, and Outcomes
Authors: Feizi Sepehr , Javadi Mohammad Ali , Khajuee-Kermani Pejman , Jafari Roya 
Published: March 2017

Purpose:
To analyze the incidence, indications, and clinical outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and repeat deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) after failed DALK for keratoconus.

Methods:
This retrospective interventional case series reviewed the medical records of patients with keratoconus who underwent DALK and were followed up for at least 1 year. Patients who underwent PK or repeat DALK for failed DALK were identified. The incidence, indications, and clinical outcomes after repeat keratoplasty were assessed.

Results:
A total of 382 consecutive eyes with keratoconus underwent DALK over a 9-year period. Graft failure was observed in 14 eyes (3.7%). The reasons for the graft failure included nonhealing epithelial defects (n = 1), pseudoanterior chamber (n = 2), patient dissatisfaction with vision (n = 4), interface opacification (n = 4), high astigmatism (n = 1), and recurrence of keratoconus in the graft (n = 2). Of these 14 eyes with graft failure, 12 eyes underwent PK (n = 11) or repeat DALK (n = 1). At the most recent examination, which was performed 49.7 ± 25.2 months after the secondary graft, all regrafts were clear. There was no significant difference between eyes with clear first grafts and eyes that underwent PK or repeat DALK in visual outcomes at the final examination. Graft rejection was the most common complication, which was encountered in 75% of the regrafts.

Conclusions:
The prognosis for repeat keratoplasty was excellent, and the outcomes of secondary grafts were comparable to those of primary DALK grafts. However, the rate of rejection with secondary grafts was high, necessitating close follow-up after PK and repeat DALK performed for failed DALK.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Patients With Chemotherapy-Induced Lacrimal Drainage Obstruction
Authors: Eom Youngsub , Baek Sehyun , Kim Hyo Myung , Song Jong Suk 
Published: March 2017

Purpose:
To investigate the relationship between chemotherapy-induced lacrimal drainage (LD) obstruction and obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction.

Methods:
Twenty patients who had received chemotherapy were divided into 2 groups, according to the presence of LD obstruction: the LD obstruction group (n = 10) and control group (n = 10). Upper and lower meibomian gland loss was evaluated using noncontact meibography, and tear film lipid layer thickness was measured using an interferometer. The mean values of the right and left eyes of each patient were used to compare parameters between both groups.

Results:
The LD obstruction group had higher levels of meibomian gland loss in both upper (42.9% ± 16.4%) and lower meibomian glands (80.1% ± 16.7%) than did the control group (17.3% ± 6.7% and 22.8% ± 13.0%, respectively) (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). In the LD obstruction group, meibomian gland loss in the lower eyelid was significantly higher than that in the upper eyelid (P < 0.001). The lipid layer was significantly thinner in the LD obstruction group (28.4 ± 9.7 nm) than it was in the control group (72.9 ± 22.5 nm) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
Patients with chemotherapy-induced LD obstruction had greater meibomian gland loss and thinner lipid layers than did patients without LD obstruction. Chemotherapeutic agents that induce LD obstruction can also block the meibomian gland orifice, resulting in obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction through the same mechanism.