bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of frequent emergency department users with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Korea
Authors: Ustulin Morena , Woo Junghoon , Woo Jeong‐taek , Rhee Sang Youl
Published: July 2017

Aims/Introduction

Frequent emergency department (ED) visitors are medically vulnerable individuals. We identified the characteristics of “frequent ED users” among Korean patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and methods

We used the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service National Patient Sample, which is a nationally representative sample. Patients (n = 109,412) with type 2 diabetes mellitus as a primary or secondary diagnosis at one of their visits were included. Individuals were classified into three groups according to the number of ED visits: frequent (≥4 visits), occasional (<4 visits) and non‐users of the ED. The characteristics of the patients that distinguished frequent users from the other groups were investigated.

Results

Frequent ED users were mainly men (P < 0.001), with longer treatment duration (P < 0.001), more frequent comorbidities (cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease) and primary diagnosis made by surgery (P = 0.0028). They had higher mortality (P = 0.0085), longer hospitalization duration (P < 0.001), higher costs per visit (P < 0.001) and more often required medical protection (P < 0.001). These patients were treated more frequently with sulfonylurea, insulin, meglitinide and alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The present findings suggest that frequent users of the ED with type 2 diabetes mellitus have serious health conditions, a poor socioeconomic situation and tend to take some medicines (sulfonylurea, etc.), which often are associated with hypoglycemia. Attention should be given to therapy, and to patients with renal and cardiovascular diseases to decrease the dependency of these patients on the ED.
Varying occurrence of extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase bacteria among three produce types
Authors: Toh Benjamin E. W. , Bokhari Osama , Kutbi Abdullah , Haroon Mohamed Fauzi , Mantilla‐Calderon David , Zowawi Hosam , Hong Pei‐Ying
Published: July 2017

A monitoring effort that spanned across 1.5 years was conducted to examine three types of produce‐associated microbiota. The average amount of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria recovered from lettuce, tomato, and cucumber was 1.02 × 1010, 2.05 × 107, and 4.78 × 109 cells per 50 g of each produce, respectively. A total of 480 bacterial isolates were obtained and identified from their 16S rRNA genes, revealing isolates that were ubiquitously recovered from all three types of produce. However, sporadic presence of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii was detected on lettuce and cucumbers but not tomatoes. End‐point PCR revealed that the K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii isolates were positive for genes encoding extended spectrum beta‐lactamase. Whole genome sequencing of two of the K. pneumoniae isolates further suggested the presence of the blaCTX‐M‐15 gene in a conjugative plasmid, as well as other antibiotic resistance genes and virulence‐associated traits in either conjugative plasmids or the chromosomal genome. Quantitative microbial risk assessment indicated varying levels of ingestion risk associated with different types of produce. In particular, the risk arising from ESBL‐positive K. pneumoniae in lettuce, but not in cucumbers or tomatoes, was higher than the acceptable annual risk of 10−4.

Practical applications

Three types of vegetables were sampled and evaluated over 1.5 years to determine differences in their associated bacterial isolates. Particular emphasis was placed on identifying pathogenic strains that were positive for extended spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL). Quantitative estimates of the microbial risk associated with the ESBL‐positive pathogens showed that different produce types may incur varying levels of ingestion risk. Most of the currently reported ESBL‐positive bacterial isolates have been identified in nosocomial environments. However, the carriage of such drug‐resistant bacteria in vegetables suggests a possible connection between our daily diet and human health.
A profile of foodservices in Curitiba and a critical analysis of the results of sanitary inspections at these establishments
Authors: Olmedo Patrícia Vitório , Stangarlin‐Fiori Lize , Opolski Medeiros Caroline , Tondo Eduardo César , Ferreira Sila Mary Rodrigues
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the profile of foodservices' in Curitiba, in southern Brazil and the results of health inspections performed at these establishments, with the goal of contributing to improvements in sanitary inspection processes and to the sanitary conditions in foodservices. The study was based on data from sanitary inspections conducted at foodservice establishments from January 2005 to July 2015 found in the Municipal Sanitary Inspection and Environmental Information System. Most of the establishments inspected were restaurants and similar establishments: snack bars, cafes; as well as grocery store, supermarkets and hypermarkets, and most irregularities were found in these sectors. Health inspections in the city are carried out in emergency criteria, and most performed at the request of foodservices that are quest a license or because of a customer complaint. Inspections led to more educational than punitive measures. Even 10 years after passage of a national law governing food handling procedures, when 70% of the foodservices presented improper sanitary conditions. The main irregularities found were related to work procedures and processes, sanitary conditions, and physical structure. These result reinforces the importance that legislators and inspection teams reevaluate their goals, strategies and work processes to prioritize food safety.

Practical applications

This study is important because it offers a diagnosis and a discussion of foodservices and evaluates actions of Sanitary Inspection Agency, to assist in the development of tools and strategies to strengthen the work of sanitary inspectors so that they can be recognized as agents of transformation in public health.
3‐D microstructure of olivine in complex geological materials reconstructed by correlative X‐ray ‐CT and EBSD analyses
Authors: KAHL W.‐A. , DILISSEN N. , HIDAS K. , GARRIDO C.J. , LÓPEZ‐SÁNCHEZ‐VIZCAÍNO V. , ROMÁN‐ALPISTE M.J.
Published: July 2017

We reconstruct the 3‐D microstructure of centimetre‐sized olivine crystals in rocks from the Almirez ultramafic massif (SE Spain) using combined X‐ray micro computed tomography (‐CT) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The semidestructive sample treatment involves geographically oriented drill pressing of rocks and preparation of oriented thin sections for EBSD from the ‐CT scanned cores. The ‐CT results show that the mean intercept length (MIL) analyses provide reliable information on the shape preferred orientation (SPO) of texturally different olivine groups. We show that statistical interpretation of crystal preferred orientation (CPO) and SPO of olivine becomes feasible because the highest densities of the distribution of main olivine crystal axes from EBSD are aligned with the three axes of the 3‐D ellipsoid calculated from the MIL analyses from ‐CT. From EBSD data we distinguish multiple CPO groups and by locating the thin sections within the ‐CT volume, we assign SPO to the corresponding olivine crystal aggregates, which confirm the results of statistical comparison. We demonstrate that the limitations of both methods (i.e. no crystal orientation data in ‐CT and no spatial information in EBSD) can be overcome, and the 3‐D orientation of the crystallographic axes of olivines from different orientation groups can be successfully correlated with the crystal shapes of representative olivine grains. Through this approach one can establish the link among geological structures, macrostructure, fabric and 3‐D SPO‐CPO relationship at the hand specimen scale even in complex, coarse‐grained geomaterials.
A reliable approach to prepare brittle semiconducting materials for cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy
Authors: DYCUS J.H. , LEBEAU J.M.
Published: July 2017

Here, we present a sample preparation approach that simplifies the thinning of very brittle wide bandgap semiconducting materials in cross‐section geometry for (scanning) transmission electron microscopy. Using AlN thin films grown on sapphire and AlN substrates as case studies, we demonstrate that high‐quality samples can be routinely prepared while greatly reducing the preparation time and consumables cost. The approach removes the sample preparation barrier to studying a wide variety of materials by electron microscopy.
The impact of a Web‐based educational program on the recognition and management of deteriorating patients
Authors: Liaw Sok Ying , Chng Devon Yun Jia , Wong Lai Fun , Ho Jasmine Tze Yin , Mordiffi Siti Zubaidah , Cooper Simon , Chua Wei Ling , Ang Emily Neo Kim
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of a Web‐based educational program to enhance enrolled nurses’ knowledge and skills in the recognition and management of deteriorating patients.

Background

Ward nurses of different skill levels play a pivotal role in detecting and responding to deteriorating patients. A skill mix of registered nurses, enrolled nurses, licensed practical nurses or healthcare assistants is often employed for the provision of nursing care in acute settings. Non‐registered nurses frequently perform bedside care and are in the best position to detect deteriorating patients and initiate immediate actions, including commanding the attention of registered nurses. Education is needed to improve the knowledge and skills of these nurses.

Design

A randomised controlled trial with a pretest–post‐test design.

Methods

The sample included enrolled nurses from an acute care tertiary hospital. Following a baseline evaluation, the experimental group received a Web‐based educational intervention. Pre–post assessment of skills and knowledge was performed with a simulated scenario and a knowledge questionnaire. Sixty‐four nurses completed the entire study.

Results

Following the intervention, participants from the experimental group were significantly more likely than those in the control group to monitor the patient's respiratory and pulse rates. In addition, they had significantly higher post‐test mean scores for knowledge and skills in assessing and managing clinical deterioration and reporting deterioration.

Conclusion

The Web‐based educational intervention significantly improved enrolled nurses’ knowledge and skills in the recognition and management of a deteriorating patient in a simulated setting.

Relevance to clinical practice

Ease of access to the Web‐based platform contributed to the feasibility and acceptability of this study, which has the potential to positively impact patient safety.
Disparities in the Use of Diabetes Screening in Appalachia
Authors: Lobo Jennifer M. , Anderson Roger , Stukenborg George J. , McCall Anthony , Kang Hyojung , Camacho Fabian , Sohn Min‐Woong
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The Appalachian region presents disproportionately high rates of chronic disease compared to the rest of the United States. Early diagnosis of diabetes through screening is an important step in reducing diabetes complications. This study examines disparities in the use of diabetes screening in Appalachia.

Methods

We analyzed 2009 and 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data for 96,111 adults aged ≥45 years from 11 Appalachian states. Based on economic status, Appalachian counties were grouped into distressed (least affluent), at‐risk, transitional, and competitive (most affluent). Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the statistical significance and effect size of factors associated with diabetes screening.

Results

Competitive counties had the highest rate of diabetes screening (65.4%). At‐risk counties had the lowest rate (60.3%), about 7.8% lower compared to competitive counties (P < .001). After adjusting for socioeconomic factors, differences in screening rates between county economic levels in Appalachia were not statistically significant. Among respondents ≥65 years, at‐risk counties had an 8.1% lower screening rate compared to competitive counties; this difference was not adequately explained by differences in socioeconomic factors. Screening rates in distressed and transitional counties were not significantly different from competitive counties in unadjusted or adjusted models.

Conclusions

At‐risk counties had significantly lower screening rates than competitive counties. They should receive more policy attention similar to that received by distressed counties. Social policies that improve socioeconomic status and educational attainment, and health policies that reduce barriers to access to care may reduce disparities in diabetes screening rates in the less affluent Appalachian counties.
The gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase‐to‐albumin ratio predicts significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Li Q. , Lu C. , Li W. , Huang Y. , Chen L.
Published: July 2017

Background/Aim Simple, inexpensive and clinically available noninvasive liver fibrosis tests are highly needed. We aimed to develop a novel noninvasive index for predicting significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Methods Using liver histology as gold standard, we developed a novel index to predict significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in CHB patients and then compared the diagnostic accuracy of the novel index, aspartate transaminase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI), and fibrosis index based on four factors (FIB‐4) in a training set (606 patients) and a validation set (216 patients) from the same patient catchment area. Results Of 606 CHB patients in the training set, 33.2% had significant fibrosis and 11.4% had cirrhosis. In multivariable analysis, gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (OR=1.032, p<0.001) and albumin (OR=0.953, p=0.048) were independent predictors of significant fibrosis. Consequently, a GGT‐to‐albumin ratio (GAR) was developed. In the training set, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of GAR was significantly higher than that of APRI and FIB‐4 to predict ≥F2 (0.82, 0.70, and 0.68, respectively), ≥F3 (0.86, 0.76, and 0.75, respectively), and F4 (0.88, 0.75, and 0.73, respectively), respectively. In the validation set, the AUROC of GAR was also better than APRI and FIB‐4 for predicting ≥F2 (0.81, 0.63 and 0.61, respectively), ≥F3 (0.88, 0.78, and 0.76, respectively) and F4 (0.92, 0.85, and 0.78, respectively), respectively. Conclusions GAR is a more accurate noninvasive index than APRI and FIB‐4 to stage significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in CHB patients and represents a novel noninvasive alternative to liver biopsy.
On the potential of a short‐term intensive intervention to interrupt HCV transmission in HIV‐positive men who have sex with men: A mathematical modelling study
Authors: Salazar‐Vizcaya L. , Kouyos R. D. , Fehr J. , Braun D. , Estill J. , Bernasconi E. , Delaloye J. , Stöckle M. , Schmid P. , Rougemont M. , Wandeler G. , Günthard H. F. , Keiser O. , Rauch A. ,   The Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: July 2017

Increasing access to direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and decelerating the rise in high‐risk behaviour over the next decade could curb the HCV epidemic among HIV‐positive men who have sex with men (MSM). We investigated if similar outcomes would be achieved by short‐term intensive interventions like the Swiss‐HCVree‐trial. We used a HCV transmission model emulating two 12‐months intensive interventions combining risk counselling with (i) universal DAA treatment (pangenotypic intervention) and (ii) DAA treatment for HCV genotypes 1 and 4 (replicating the Swiss‐HCVree‐trial). To capture potential changes outside intensive interventions, we varied time from HCV infection to treatment in clinical routine and overall high‐risk behaviour among HIV‐positive MSM. Simulated prevalence dropped from 5.5% in 2016 to ≤2.0% over the intervention period (June/2016‐May/2017) with the pangenotypic intervention, and to ≤3.6% with the Swiss‐HCVree‐trial. Assuming time to treatment in clinical routine reflected reimbursement restrictions (METAVIR ≥F2, 16.9 years) and stable high‐risk behaviour in the overall MSM population, prevalence in 2025 reached 13.1% without intensive intervention, 11.1% with the pangenotypic intervention and 11.8% with the Swiss‐HCVree‐trial. If time to treatment in clinical routine was 2 years, prevalence in 2025 declined to 4.8% without intensive intervention, to 2.8% with the pangenotypic intervention, and to 3.5% with the Swiss‐HCVree‐trial. In this scenario, the pangenotypic intervention and the Swiss‐HCVree‐trial reduced cumulative (2016‐2025) treatment episodes by 36% and 24%, respectively. Therefore, intensive interventions could reduce future HCV treatment costs and boost the benefits of long‐term efforts to prevent high‐risk behaviour and to reduce treatment delay. But if after intensive interventions treatment is deferred until F2, short‐term benefits of intensive interventions would dissipate in the long term.
Climate change andterroir: The challenge of adapting geographical indications
Authors: Clark Lisa F. , Kerr William A.
Published: July 2017

The concept ofterroiris often included in legal descriptions of Geographical Indicators (GIs). GIs are intellectual property that recognizes a food, beverage, or artisan product as holding distinct properties based on geographic origin. GIs are used to indicate these distinctions while deterring the sale of products carrying similar labels without having the GI determined qualities. Climate change and its effects on aspects ofterroirsuch as rainfall, water availability, soil quality, and temperature is already having an effect on some production aspects crucial to what brings distinctiveness to GI products based onterroir. These factors raise questions as to how conceptions ofterroirand the formalized rules underpinning the distinctiveness of GIs are evolving in the face of climatological changes. This paper discusses how climate change may influence howterroiris encoded in legally recognized GIs and how this will influence international regulation, recognition, and trade flows in GI‐protected food and beverages. It discusses the relationship between GIs, credence attributes and the legal recognition ofterroir. It then explores three options for products with GIs based onterroirthat are experiencing climate change: product quality change, definitional change, or re‐interpreting the boundaries ofterroirrelevant to the GI distinction.
Combining albumin‐bilirubin score with future liver remnant predicts post‐hepatectomy liver failure in HBV‐associated HCC patients
Authors: Zou Heng , Wen Yu , Yuan Kun , Miao Xiong‐Ying , Xiong Li , Liu Kui‐Jie
Published: July 2017

Background and Aims

Accurate assessment of liver functional reserve pre‐operatively is vital for safe hepatic resection. The ALBI score is a new model for assessing liver function. This study aimed to evaluate the value of combining ALBI score with sFLR in predicting post‐operative morbidity and PHLF in HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy.

Methods

Patients undergoing three‐dimensional CT reconstruction prior to hepatectomy for HCC between January 2015 and January 2017 were enrolled. The values of the CP score, ALBI score and sFLR in predicting post‐operative outcomes were evaluated.

Results

A total of 229 HCC patients were enrolled; 24 (10.5%) experienced major complications and 21 (9.2%) developed PHLF. The incidence of major complications and PHLF increased with increasing ALBI grade. The ALBI grade classified patients with CP grade A into two subgroups with different incidences of PHLF (P=.029). sFLR and ALBI scores were identified as independent predictors of PHLF. The AUC values for the CP score, ALBI score, sFLR and sFLR×ALBI for predicting major complications were 0.600, 0.756, 0.660 and 0.790 respectively. The AUC values of the CP score, ALBI score, sFLR and sFLR×ALBI for predicting PHLF were 0.646, 0.738, 0.758 and 0.884 respectively.

Conclusions

The ALBI score showed superior predictive value of post‐operative outcomes over CP score, and the combination of sFLR and ALBI score was identified as a stronger predictor of post‐operative outcomes than the sFLR or ALBI score alone.
Availability of breastfeeding peer support in the United Kingdom: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Grant Aimee , McEwan Kirsten , Tedstone Sally , Greene Giles , Copeland Lauren , Hunter Billie , Sanders Julia , Phillips Rhiannon , Brown Amy , Robling Mike , Paranjothy Shantini
Published: July 2017

Peer support is recommended by the World Health Organization for the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding, and this recommendation is included in United Kingdom (U.K.) guidance. There is a lack of information about how, when, and where breastfeeding peer support was provided in the U.K. We aimed to generate an overview of how peer support is delivered in the U.K. and to gain an understanding of challenges for implementation. We surveyed all U.K. infant feeding coordinators (n = 696) who were part of U.K.‐based National Infant Feeding Networks, covering 177 National Health Service (NHS) organisations. We received 136 responses (individual response rate 19.5%), covering 102 U.K. NHS organisations (organisational response rate 58%). We also searched NHS organisation websites to obtain data on the presence of breastfeeding peer support. Breastfeeding peer support was available in 56% of areas. However, coverage within areas was variable. The provision of training and ongoing supervision, and peer‐supporter roles, varied significantly between services. Around one third of respondents felt that breastfeeding peer‐support services were not well integrated with NHS health services. Financial issues were commonly reported to have a negative impact on service provision. One quarter of respondents stated that breastfeeding peer support was not accessed by mothers from poorer social backgrounds. Overall, there was marked variation in the provision of peer‐support services for breastfeeding in the U.K. A more robust evidence base is urgently needed to inform guidance on the structure and provision of breastfeeding peer‐support services.
Molecular survey of haemoplasmas in shelter dogs and associations with Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato
Authors: AKTAS M. , OZUBEK S.
Published: July 2017

This study aimed to assess the occurrence of canine haemoplasma infection in domestic dogs and its possible trans‐stadial transmission by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in shelter dogs in Diyarbakır Province in southeast Turkey. Blood samples (n = 282) collected from domestic dogs were analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of canine haemoplasma. Fully engorged nymphs (n = 204) were removed from dogs that were positive for canine haemoplasma by PCR and maintained in an incubator at 28 °C for moulting. Unfed ticks (n = 2185) comprising 2100 nymphs and 85 adults collected from the grounds of the same shelter were also screened. Of 282 dogs, 108 [38.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 32.6–44.2] were PCR‐positive for canine haemoplasmas. Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) infection (26.2%, 95% CI 21.2–31.8) was observed in a significantly higher number of dogs than was Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (CMhp) infection (6.7%, 95% CI 4.1–10.3). Co‐infections were seen in 15 (5.3%, 95% CI 3.0–8.6) dogs. None of the tick specimens examined were found to be positive for haemoplasma. Partial sequences of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene shared 99–100% identity with the corresponding published sequences for Mhc and CMhp. The present results revealed no trans‐stadial transmission of canine haemoplasma species by R. sanguineus s.l. in field conditions.
Long term follow up of kidney donors with asymptomatic renal stones
Authors: Serur David , Charlton Marian , Juluru Krishna , Salama Gayle , Locastro Eve , Bretzlaff Gretchen , Hartono Choli
Published: July 2017

Patients with asymptomatic kidney stones have a high rate of progression to becoming symptomatic kidney stones when followed for several years. Small kidney stones are often found incidentally on imaging when evaluating patients for kidney donation, and there is a concern that after nephrectomy, the donor may become symptomatic and incur damage to the remaining kidney. We reviewed kidney donors at our institution with asymptomatic stones and surveyed them several years after donation to see if the stones became clinically active.
Acquired Gitelman syndrome in a primary Sjögren syndrome patient with a SLC12A3 heterozygous mutation: A case report and literature review
Authors: Gu Xiangchen , Su Zheling , Chen Min , Xu Yanqiu , Wang Yi
Published: July 2017

Acquired Gitelman's syndrome (GS) associated with Sjögren syndrome (SS) is rare. A 50‐year‐old woman was admitted to our department because of nausea, acratia and sicca complex. Laboratory tests after admission showed renal failure, hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesaemia and hypocalciuria, all of which met the diagnostic criteria for GS. Diagnostic evaluation identified primary SS as the cause of the acquired GS. Light microscopy of the renal tissue from the patient showed severe membranoproliferative glomerunephritis and tubulointerstitial nephritis. Immunohistochemical staining of the renal tissue showed the absence of sodium‐chloride co‐transporter (NCCT) in distal convoluted tubules. Genetic analysis of chromosomal DNA extracted from the patient's peripheral blood showed SLC12A3 gene heterozygous mutation. The reported case was comprehensively analyzed on the basis of the clinical features, and laboratory, pathological and genetic test findings. The patient has achieved a complete remission after meticulous care and appropriate treatment.
Effect of near‐infrared rays on female menstrual pain in Korea
Authors: Lee Jin‐min , Kim Kye‐ha
Published: July 2017

Most Korean women who experience menstrual pain have reported taking pain medicine and making use of complementary alternative therapies. However, because some interventions may cause side effects, more effective pain‐relieving measures need to be identified. This study using a non‐equivalent group design, evaluated the effects of near‐infrared rays on dysmenorrhea among Korean women. The experimental group wore a near‐infrared ray abdominal belt for the duration of one menstrual cycle until the end of the menstrual period, while the control group used hot packs. The level of menstrual pain, menstrual pain duration, and pain medicine use were measured. The menstrual pain, average menstrual pain duration, and use of analgesics were reduced in the near‐infrared rays group. The results of this study indicate that the near‐infrared ray LED belt was effective in reducing menstrual pain, menstrual pain duration compared to the use of analgesics in Korean women with dysmenorrhea. Therefore, near‐infrared rays may be used to relieve menstrual pain and improve the quality of life of women with dysmenorrhea in Korea.
Infection and apoptosis associated with inflammation in periodontitis: An immunohistologic study
Authors: Listyarifah D , Al‐Samadi A , Salem A , Syaify A , Salo T , Tervahartiala T , Grenier D , Nordström DC , Sorsa T , Ainola M
Published: July 2017

Objective

Evidence of increased apoptosis is observed in periodontitis and may be associated with destruction of the periodontal tissue caused by the increased cell death, with the release of danger signals and subsequent stimulation of the proinflammatory processes. However, the exact mechanisms associated with these processes remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the presence of the periodontal pathogen Treponema denticola, apoptosis, high mobility group box 1 as a damage‐associated molecular pattern, and several inflammatory markers in periodontitis and gingivitis subjects.

Materials and methods

Soft tissue specimens from gingival tissues of periodontitis and gingivitis patients were used for immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining of T. denticola chymotrypsin‐like proteinase (CTLP), apoptosis markers, high mobility group box 1, Toll‐like receptor 4, inflammatory cell markers, and proinflammatory cytokines.

Results

Treponema denticola was detected in all periodontitis‐affected tissues. This was associated with a significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells, including macrophages, alterations in the expression of high mobility group box 1 and its receptor, and increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines compared with gingivitis.

Conclusions

In summary, the presence of T. denticola (especially its CTLP), apoptosis, high mobility group box 1, and inflammatory markers suggests their potential involvement in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
The role of vitamin D on circulating memory T cells in children: The Generation R study
Authors: Looman Kirsten I.M. , Jansen Michelle A.E. , Voortman Trudy , van den Heuvel Diana , Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , Franco Oscar H. , van Zelm Menno C. , Moll Henriëtte A.
Published: July 2017

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that vitamin D affects T‐cell function and maturation via the vitamin D receptor. However, no studies in children have been performed on this topic. Because most of the T‐cell memory is formed in the first 5 years of life, we aimed to determine the association between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and numbers of circulatory naive, central memory (Tcm), and effector memory (Tem) T lymphocytes in a large population of healthy children.

Methods

Among 3189 children participating in a population‐based prospective cohort, we measured 25(OH)D levels and performed detailed immunophenotyping of naive and memory T lymphocytes at a median age of 6.0 years (95% range 5.7‐7.9). Detailed lymphocyte subsets were available in 986 children. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to determine the association between 25(OH)D and the maturation of T lymphocytes in children adjusted for cord blood 25(OH)D levels, herpes seropositivity, sociodemographic and lifestyle confounders. Furthermore, multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations between 25(OH)D and childhood infections.

Results

Higher 25(OH)D levels were associated with higher numbers of Tem lymphocytes. Every 10 nmol/L higher 25(OH)D was associated with 2.20% (95% CI 0.54‐3.89; P=.009) higher CD4TemRA, 1.50% (95% CI 0.38‐2.62; P=.008) higher CD4TemRO, and 1.82% (95% CI 0.11‐3.56; P=.037) higher CD8TemRA cell numbers. Generally, stronger associations were observed among boys. 25(OH)D levels were not significantly associated with naive, Tcm cell numbers, herpes seropositivity, or URTIs.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that vitamin D enhances cellular immunity in young children.
Influence of substrate movement on the ITO film thickness distribution during magnetron sputtering
Authors: Starkov Ivan A. , Nyapshaev Ilya A. , Starkov Alexander S. , Abolmasov Sergey N. , Abramov Alexey S. , Levitskii Vladimir S. , Terukov Evgeny I.
Published: July 2017

In this paper, the influence of the translational/rotational movement of the substrate on the thickness distribution of the deposited indium tin oxide (ITO) layer during magnetron sputtering is studied. The ITO films were fabricated in a sputtering system equipped with a circular planar magnetron and then compared with the calculated deposition profiles. For the latter purpose, the distribution of emitted particles appear to be successfully described by the cosinelike (Lambert–Knudsen) law. The comparison results indicate that the presence of the substrate motion is equivalent to the change of the deposition angle in a nonlinear manner controlled by the ratio between the substrate and the effective sputtering velocities. The complete reproduction of the measurement results of the calculations confirms validity of the approach. The study findings provide a distinctive way to predict the film thickness distribution and allow to design a restrictive shield to improve film uniformity in planar magnetron sputtering systems with rotating substrates.
Inverse identification of the acoustic porous parameters of double-layered poroelastic structures by acoustic rigidity approximation
Authors: Liu Yaoguang , Liu Xiandong , Xu Jun , Hu Xiaojun , Xia Zhaowang
Published: July 2017

A method to characterize the porous parameters (i.e., tortuosity, flow resistivity, viscous, and thermal lengths) of double-layered poroelastic structures is proposed and validated. The porosity, elastic coefficients (estimated), frame density, and thickness of each layer are assumed to be known. The way is to first identify the effective density and bulk modulus of each layer by a system of equations established based on the measured surface impedance of the structures backed by various air cavities, and then extract the porous parameters from the above identified parameters through the least square method at frequencies where the effect of vibration of frame is trivial. Because of the insensitivity to the surface impedance and the negligibility of the thermal loss compared to the viscous dissipation, the two acoustical bulk moduli are assumed to be identical. Two double-layered structures are constructed, which parameters are identified by the proposed method, and further verified by experiments. Simulations show that for double-layered structures constructed by materials with large frame density (viscous length) or small flow resistivity, the identified precision would be better. In addition, because of the identical assumption, the ratio of two thermal lengths should not exceed two or be less than one half.
Design and demonstration of an acoustic right-angle bend
Authors: Lu Wenjia , Jia Han , Bi Yafeng , Yang Yuzhen , Yang Jun
Published: July 2017

In this paper, a broadband acoustic right-angle bend device in air is designed, fabricated and experimentally characterized. Perforated panels with various hole-sizes are used to construct the bend structure. Both the simulated and experimental results verify that the acoustic beam can be rotated effectively through the acoustic bend in a wide frequency range. This model may have potential applications in some areas such as sound absorption and acoustic detection in elbow pipes.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Lytic Giant Bacteriophage pT24 Infecting
Tenacibaculum
spp., Isolated from a Shrimp Culture Pond
Authors: Khoa Ho Viet , Midorikawa Yuki , Uchino Tsubasa , Nakai Toshihiro , Kato Goshi , Kondo Hidehiro , Hirono Ikuo , Labaiden Matthura , Direkbusarakom Sataporn , Sano Motohiko
Published: July 2017

The lytic bacteriophage pT24, which infects
Tenacibaculum
spp., was isolated from the water of a whiteleg shrimp (
Litopenaeus vannamei
) culture pond in Thailand. This giant bacteriophage with myovirus morphology comprised 234,670 bp with 296 predicted genes.
Draft Genome Sequences of the Antarctic Endolithic Fungi
Rachicladosporium antarcticum
CCFEE 5527 and
Rachicladosporium
sp. CCFEE 5018
Authors: Coleine Claudia , Masonjones Sawyer , Selbmann Laura , Zucconi Laura , Onofri Silvano , Pacelli Claudia , Stajich Jason E.
Published: July 2017

The draft genome sequences of
Rachicladosporium antarcticum
CCFEE 5527 and
Rachicladosporium
sp. CCFEE 5018 are the first sequenced genomes from this genus, which comprises rock-inhabiting fungi. These endolithic strains were isolated from inside rocks collected from the Antarctic Peninsula and Battleship Promontory (McMurdo Dry Valleys), Antarctica, respectively.
First Complete Genomic Sequence of a Rabies Virus from the Republic of Tajikistan Obtained Directly from a Flinders Technology Associates Card
Authors: Goharriz H. , Marston D. A. , Sharifzoda F. , Ellis R. J. , Horton D. L. , Khakimov T. , Whatmore A. , Khamroev K. , Makhmadshoev A. N. , Bazarov M. , Fooks A. R. , Banyard A. C.
Published: July 2017

A brain homogenate derived from a rabid dog in the district of Tojikobod, Republic of Tajikistan, was applied to a Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) card. A full-genome sequence of rabies virus (RABV) was generated from the FTA card directly without extraction, demonstrating the utility of these cards for readily obtaining genetic data.
Draft Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli K-12 (ATCC 10798)
Authors: Dimitrova Daniela , Engelbrecht Kathleen C. , Putonti Catherine , Koenig David W. , Wolfe Alan J.
Published: July 2017

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
Escherichia coli
ATCC 10798.
E. coli
ATCC 10798 is a K-12 strain, one of the most well-studied model microorganisms. The size of the genome was 4,685,496 bp, with a G+C content of 50.70%. This assembly consists of 62 contigs and the F plasmid.
Draft Genome Sequence of an IMP-7-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bloodstream Infection Isolate from Australia
Authors: McCarthy K. L. , Jennison A. , Wailan A. M. , Paterson D. L.
Published: July 2017

IMP-7 is one of the two IMP-type carbapenemases that in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
are not limited to a geographic area, but it has not been previously reported in the Australian setting. We report here the draft genome sequence of an Australian
P. aeruginosa
bloodstream infection isolate that contains IMP-7.
Persistent sacral chloroma in refractory acute myelogenous leukaemia
Authors: McCarty Scott Mathew , Kuo Dennis John
Published: July 2017

Acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) is a clonal process involving the myeloid subgroup of white blood cells. Chloromas, or myeloid sarcomas, are masses of myeloid leukaemic cells and are a unique aspect of AML. This case involves a 14-year-old boy with AML who presented with multiple chloromas at diagnosis. The patient’s extra-calvarial masses and bone marrow involvement responded to chemotherapy; however, his sacral epidural chloromas persisted despite four courses of chemotherapy. The central nervous system, bone marrow and testes have been known to be sanctuary sites for AML. This case illustrates that the sacral spinal canal may potentially be a sanctuary site for the disease process also.
Diencephalic syndrome: a rare cause of failure to thrive
Authors: Tosur Mustafa , Tomsa Anca , Paul David L
Published: July 2017

Timely diagnosis of diencephalic syndrome is not often the case for patients presenting with failure to thrive (FTT) because of its rarity and lack of specific symptoms. Herein, we report two cases of diencephalic syndrome (2-year-old girl and 10-month-old boy) presenting with severe emaciation. Both patients had histories of poor weight gain for months despite having good appetites prior to diagnosis. Initial work-up did not reveal the diagnosis. Horizontal nystagmus was noted in both patients: by a neurologist in the first patient and by a family member in the second patient. MRI of the brain showed large suprasellar mass and pilocytic astrocytoma was confirmed by pathology in each case. The patients were started on appropriate chemotherapy with interval improvements in weight gain. These cases illustrate the importance of cranial imaging and consideration of diencephalic syndrome for children presenting with FTT despite normal or increased caloric intake.
Major adverse events and atrial tachycardia in Ebstein’s anomaly predicted by cardiovascular magnetic resonance
Authors: Rydman Riikka , Shiina Yumi , Diller Gerhard-Paul , Niwa Koichiro , Li Wei , Uemura Hideki , Uebing Anselm , Barbero Umberto , Bouzas Beatriz , Ernst Sabine , Wong Tom , Pennell Dudley J , Gatzoulis Michael A , Babu-Narayan Sonya V
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Patients with Ebstein’s anomaly of the tricuspid valve (EA) are at risk of tachyarrhythmia, congestive heart failure and sudden cardiac death. We sought to determine the value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) for predicting these outcomes.

Methods

Seventy-nine consecutive adult patients (aged 37±15 years) with unrepaired EA underwent CMR and were followed prospectively for a median 3.4 (range 0.4–10.9) years for clinical outcomes, namely major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs: sustained ventricular tachycardia/heart failure hospital admission/cardiac transplantation/death) and first-onset atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT).

Results

CMR-derived variables associated with MACE (n=6) were right ventricular (RV) or left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) (HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.168 to 3.623, p=0.012 and HR 2.35, 95% CI 1.348 to 4.082, p=0.003, respectively), LV stroke volume index (HR 2.82, 95% CI 1.212 to 7.092, p=0.028) and cardiac index (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.002 to 1.366, p=0.037); all remained significant when tested solely for mortality. History of AT (HR 11.16, 95% CI 1.30 to 95.81, p=0.028) and New York Heart Association class >2 (HR 7.66, 95% CI 1.54 to 38.20, p=0.013) were also associated with MACE; AT preceded all but one MACE, suggesting its potential role as an early marker of adverse outcome (p=0.011).

CMR variables associated with first-onset AT (n=17; 21.5%) included RVEF (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.103 to 2.160, p=0.011), total R/L volume index (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.32, p=0.002), RV/LV end diastolic volume ratio (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.10, p=0.005) and apical septal leaflet displacement/total LV septal length (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.07, p=0.041); the latter two combined enhanced risk prediction (HR 6.12, 95% CI 1.67 to 22.56, p=0.007).

Conclusion

CMR-derived indices carry prognostic information regarding MACE and first-onset AT among adults with unrepaired EA. CMR may be included in the periodic surveillance of these patients.
Transcriptional regulation of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cardiac fibrosis: role of myocardin-related transcription factor A and activating transcription factor 3
Authors: Sharma Vibhuti , Dogra Nilambra , Saikia Uma Nahar , Khullar Madhu
Published: July 2017

The etiology of cardiac fibrogenesis is quite diverse, but a common feature is the presence of activated fibroblasts. Experimental evidence suggests that a subset of cardiac fibroblasts is derived via transition of vascular endothelial cells into fibroblasts by endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). During EndMT, endothelial cells lose their endothelial characteristics and acquire a mesenchymal phenotype. Molecular mechanisms and the transcriptional mediators controlling EndMT in heart during development or disease remain relatively undefined. Myocardin-related transcription factor A facilitates the transcription of cytoskeletal genes by serum response factor during fibrosis; therefore, its specific role in cardiac EndMT might be of importance. Activation of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF-3) during cardiac EndMT is speculative, since ATF-3 responds to a transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) stimulus and controls the expression of the primary epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers Snail, Slug, and Twist. Although the role of TGF-β in EndMT-mediated cardiac fibrosis has been established, targeting of the TGF-β ligand has not proven to be a viable anti-fibrotic strategy owing to the broad functional importance of this ligand. Thus, targeting of downstream transcriptional mediators may be a useful therapeutic approach in attenuating cardiac fibrosis. Here, we discuss some of the transcription factors that may regulate EndMT-mediated cardiac fibrosis and their involvement in type 2 diabetes.
Island tameness and the repeatability of flight initiation distance in a large herbivore
Authors: Cabrera Doreen , Andres Daniel , McLoughlin Philip D. , Debeffe Lucie , Medill Sarah A. , Wilson Alastair J. , Poissant Jocelyn
Published: July 2017

Antipredator behaviours can be lost relatively quickly in populations that are relieved of predation, as is known for several species inhabiting islands. Flight initiation distance (FID) is often studied in the context of island tameness; however, little is known about the factors that influence and maintain FID variation in predation-free populations. Here, we studied FID in foals of an isolated predator-free population of feral horses (Equus caballus L., 1758) on Sable Island, Canada, to determine if FID could be used for research on consistent individual differences in risk aversion and island tameness. In addition to testing for temporal, spatial, and sex effects on FID, we compared repeatability estimates at two temporal scales (within and among days). Similar FID for measurements obtained on the same day and for males and females indicated an absence of short-term desensitization and sex effects. In contrast, FID decreased for measurements made on subsequent days and from east to west, which could reflect habituation to human presence and (or) other temporal and spatial processes. Repeatability was high (0.42 ± 0.06), but tended to decrease with increasing time intervals. This study highlights the potential of FID for individual-based research on the ecology and evolutionary dynamics of risk aversion in predation-free populations.
Efficient Hardware Implementation of KMAP+: An Ultralightweight Mutual Authentication Protocol
Authors: Mujahid Umar , Najam-ul-Islam M. , Khalid Madiha
Published: July 2017

Internet of Things (IoTs) are becoming one of the integral parts of our lives, as all of the modern devices including pervasive systems use internet for its connectivity with the rest of the world. The Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) provides unique identification and nonline of sight capabilities, therefore plays a very important role in development of IoTs. However, the RFID systems incorporate wireless channel for communication, therefore have some allied risks to the system from threat agents. In order to prevent the system from malicious activities in a cost effective way, numerous Ultralightweight Mutual Authentication Protocols (UMAPs) have been proposed since last decade. These UMAPs mainly involve simple bitwise logical operators such as XOR, AND, OR, etc., in their designs and can be implemented with extremely low cost RFID tags. However, most of the UMAP designers didn’t provide the proper hardware approximations of their UMAPs and presented only theoretical results which mostly mislead the reader. In this paper, we have addressed this problem by reporting our experiences with FPGA and ASIC-based implementation of UMAP named psuedo Kasami code-based Mutual Authentication Protocol (KMAP[Formula: see text]. Further, we have also improved the structure of the KMAP protocol to overcome the previously highlighted attack model. The hardware implementation results show that KMAP[Formula: see text] successfully conform to EPC-C1G2 tags and can be implemented using less than 4[Formula: see text]K GE (for 32-bit word length).
The Design and Realization of a Hyper-Chaotic Circuit Based on a Flux-Controlled Memristor with Linear Memductance
Authors: Wang Chunhua , Zhou Ling , Wu Renping
Published: July 2017

In this paper, a flux-controlled memristor with linear memductance is proposed. Compared with the memristor with piecewise linear memductance and the memristor with smooth continuous nonlinearity memductance which are widely used in the study of memristive chaotic system, the proposed memristor has simple mathematical model and is easy to implement. Multisim circuit simulation and breadboard experiment are realized, and the memristor can exhibit a pinched hysteresis loop in the voltage–current plane when driven by a periodic voltage. In addition, a new hyper-chaotic system is presented in this paper by adding the proposed memristor into the Lorenz system. The transient chaos and multiple attractors are observed in this memristive system. The dynamical behaviors of the proposed system are analyzed by equilibria, Lyapunov exponents, bifurcation diagram and phase portrait. Finally, an electronic circuit is designed to implement the hyper-chaotic memristive system.