Complete nucleotide sequence and genome organization of an endornavirus from bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) in California,U.S.A.

The full-length nucleotide sequence and genome organization of an Endornavirus isolated from ornamental hard shell bottle gourd plants (Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.) in California (CA), USA tentatively named L. siceraria endornavirus-California (LsEV-CA) was determined. The LsEV-CA genome was 15088 bp in length, with a G + C content of 36.55 %. The lengths of the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions were 111 and 52 bp, respectively. The genome of LsEV-CA contained one large ORF encoding a 576 kDa polyprotein. The predicted protein contains two glycosyltransferase motifs, as well as RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and helicase domains. LsEV-CA was detected in healthy-looking field-grown gourd plants, as well as plants expressing yellows symptoms. It was also detected in non-symptomatic greenhouse-grown gourd seedlings grown from seed obtained from the same field sites. These preliminary data indicate that LsEV-CA is likely not associated with the gourd-yellows syndrome observed in the field.     

Functional brain networks of patients with epilepsy exhibit pronounced multiscale periodicities,which correlate with seizure onset

Epileptic seizure detection and prediction by using noninvasive measurements such as scalp EEG signals or invasive, intracranial recordings, has been at the heart of epilepsy studies for at least three decades. To this end, the most common approach has been to consider short‐length recordings (several seconds to a few minutes) around a seizure, aiming to identify significant changes that occur before or during seizures. An inherent assumption in this approach is the presence of a relatively constant EEG activity in the interictal period, which is interrupted by seizure occurrence. Here, we examine this assumption by using long‐duration scalp EEG data (21–94 hr) in nine patients with epilepsy, based on which we construct functional brain networks. Our results reveal that these networks vary over time in a periodic fashion, exhibiting multiple peaks at periods ranging between 1 and 24 hr. The effects of seizure onset on the functional brain network properties were found to be considerably smaller in magnitude compared to the changes due to these inherent periodic cycles. Importantly, the properties of the identified network periodic components (instantaneous phase) were found to be strongly correlated to seizure onset, especially for the periodicities around 3 and 5 hr. These correlations were found to be largely absent between EEG signal periodicities and seizure onset, suggesting that higher specificity may be achieved by using network‐based metrics. In turn, this implies that more robust seizure detection and prediction can be achieved if longer term underlying functional brain network periodic variations are taken into account.     

Minimizing risk of bias in clinical implant research study design

The field of clinical implant research has been flourishing in recent years. The number of related publications has been on the rise, as has the number of dental journals. However, the information gathered from surveillance studies on the quality of reporting and methodologic quality of published studies is unsettling. An important challenge faced by researchers endeavoring to conduct implant studies is how to factor the differences between implant surfaces and dental surfaces in the study design. Given the considerable experience that has been gained in the research methodology of the study of teeth and periodontal tissues, clinical implant research studies have often been conducted without giving much consideration to the fundamental differences between implants and teeth. This article discusses study design related to implant research in view of these differences. Observational and interventional study design methodology is discussed, and guidelines are provided to inform researchers on how to minimize bias in the design and implementation of these clinical studies when implant‐related outcomes are studied.     

Fixation of complex proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients with a locking plate: A retrospective analysis of radiographic and clinical outcome and complications

Purpose: The optimal surgical treatment of displaced type B and C fractures of the proximal humerus in the elderly remains controversial. Good clinical results have been reported by plating these fractures as well as a high rate of complications. Our retrospective study aims to evaluate clinical recovery and complications using the S3 locking plate in elderly patients. Methods: Fifty-one patients older than 65 years of age, with a complex proximal humeral fracture type B or C (AO classification system), were included. Patients have been followed up for a minimum of 12 months. We assessed callus formation, radiological results, clinical outcome (according to the Constant Shoulder Score System) and complications. Any difference in the clinical recovery among the 2 types of fracture pattern (B and C) was investigated. Results: The mean time of fracture healing was 12.4 weeks. The mean Constant score at 3, 6 and 12 months was 68, 73 and 75 respectively. No statistically significant difference in the clinical outcome was observed between the B and C fracture patterns (p > 0.05). We noticed an overall of 5 complications (9.8%). There was no need to revision any of the implants. Conclusion: Anatomic reduction and proper plate positioning are essential for minimizing implantrelated complications. In our experience the S3 angular stability system offers a proper osteosyntesis and a good clinical recovery with a low rate of complications.