bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of constitutive characteristics of lipids and phenolics in roots of tree species in Myrtales to aluminum tolerance
Authors: Maejima Eriko , Osaki Mitsuru , Wagatsuma Tadao , Watanabe Toshihiro
Published: December 2016

High aluminum (Al) concentration in soil solution is the most important factor restricting plant growth in acidic soils. However, various plant species naturally grow in such soils. Generally, they are highly tolerant to Al, but organic acid exudation, the most common Al tolerance mechanism, cannot explain their tolerance. Lower phospholipid and higher sterol proportions in root plasma membrane enhance Al tolerance. Other cellular components, such as cell walls and phenolics, may also be involved in Al tolerance mechanisms. In this study, the relationships between these cellular components and the Al tolerance mechanisms in Melastoma malabathricum and Melaleuca cajuputi, both highly Al‐tolerant species growing in strongly acidic soils, were investigated. Both species contained lower proportions of phospholipids and higher proportions of sterols in roots, respectively. Concentrations of phenolics in roots of both species were higher than that of rice; their phenolics could form chelates with Al. In these species, phenolic concentrations and composition were the same irrespective of the presence or absence of Al in the medium, suggesting that a higher concentration of phenolics is not a physiological response to Al but a constitutive characteristic. These characteristics of cellular components in roots may be cooperatively involved in their high Al tolerance.
Description of the novel KIR3DL3*04802 allele identified in a southern Chinese Han individual
Authors: Deng Z.‐H. , Zhang G.‐B. , Chen R.
Published: December 2016

The novel KIR3DL3*04802 allele differs from the closest allele KIR3DL3*04801 by a single synonymous mutation.
The Governance of Local Productive Systems: Co‐Ordination Problems Regarding Pyrotechnic Production in Tultepec, Mexico
Authors: Manuel Velázquez Durán Víctor , Rosales Ortega Rocío
Published: December 2016

This paper examines the governance of local productive systems by articulating two fundamental concepts from geographical institutionalism: path dependency and contingency. We identify internal and external contingencies that have significantly impacted the development trajectory of pyrotechnic production in Tultepec, Mexico, giving rise to governance dynamics characterised by a lack of co‐ordination among local producer associations. Consequently, the main local institutional arrangements are controlled by particular interest groups. This limits the participation of local actors in defining national regulations relating to pyrotechnic production, resulting in a vertical/centralised law mainly defined by the state. We argue that improving the governance of the pyrotechnic productive system in Tultepec requires the co‐ordination of private and public actors at different territorial scales, in order to build up an inclusive regulatory framework which can take into consideration the diversity of local producers.
Shutting the Gates in South Africa: National Identification and Popular Attitudes towards Closing Borders to Immigration
Authors: Gordon Steven Lawrence
Published: December 2016

More than a hundred thousand people crisscross South Africa's international borders annually. Public opinion on this cross‐border migration is decidedly hostile. According to a 2013 opinion poll, more than three‐fifths of the adult population would favour closing the border. Can civic and ethnic identifications with the nation explain this opposition to immigration? Using data from the 12th (2013) round of the cross‐sectional South African Social Attitudes Survey (N= 2,739) this paper was able to investigate individual attitudes towards border control. This paper investigates different dimensions of national identity. The results revealed that ethnic national attachment was an important determinant of attitudes towards border control. Such attitudes were also associated with attitudes towards immigrant assimilation and the effect of nationalism on society. For those aiming to ameliorate public sentiment on border control, this study provides a test of multiple determinants of public opinion on the issue, examining the comparative strength of each.
Narrow and Broad Perspectives on Trade Policy and Trade Costs: How to Facilitate Trade in Madagascar
Authors: Ali Salamat , Milner Chris
Published: December 2016

Madagascar is a high trade cost and relatively closed economy. The WTO's latest Trade Policy Review (TPR) for the country, like all TPRs, concentrates on border sources of trade costs, those induced by trade policy instruments such as tariffs or implicit taxes imposed by slow and costly customs procedures or trade documentation requirements. This narrow focus for trade policy and facilitation misses the substantive within‐and‐beyond‐the‐border sources of trade costs experienced by traders in a country like Madagascar. This paper illustrates the nature and significance of a narrow and broad view of trade costs and trade facilitation for this relatively remote and ‘internally land‐locked’ economy.
Effects of oral 3% hydrogen peroxide used as an emetic on the gastroduodenal mucosa of healthy dogs
Authors: Niedzwecki Alicia H. , Book Bradley P. , Lewis Kristin M. , Estep J. Scot , Hagan Joseph
Published: December 2016

Objective

To characterize the extent of mucosal injury on the upper gastrointestinal tract following oral administration of 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce emesis in normal dogs.

Design

Prospective clinical study.

Setting

Specialty referral hospital.

Animals

Seven staff‐owned, healthy, adult dogs.

Interventions

Six dogs were assigned to the H2O2 group and 1 dog was assigned as the apomorphine control. Dogs were anesthetized for gastroduodenoscopy with gross inspection and gastroduodenal biopsies at time 0 and 4 hours, 24 hours, 1 week, and 2 weeks following administration of oral 3% H2O2 or subconjunctival apomorphine. Gross esophageal, gastric, and duodenal mucosal lesion scoring was performed by 2 blinded, experienced scorers. Biopsy samples were evaluated histologically by a veterinary pathologist.

Measurements and Main Results

Grade I esophagitis was noted in 2 dogs at 4 hours and in 1 dog at 2 weeks, while grade III esophagitis was observed in 1 dog 1 week following H2O2 administration. At 4 hours, gastric mucosal lesions were visualized in all dogs, and lesions worsened by 24 hours. Mild to moderate duodenal mucosal lesions were visualized up to 24 hours after administration. Histopathology identified the most severe gastric lesions at 4 hours as hemorrhage; at 24 hours as degeneration, necrosis, and mucosal edema; and at 1 week as inflammation. By 2 weeks, most visual and histopathologic lesions were resolved. No histopathologic lesions were identified at any time point in the dog administered apomorphine.

Conclusions

Significant visual and histopathologic gastric lesions occurred following administration of 3% H2O2 in all dogs. Less severe visual duodenal lesions were identified. As compared to H2O2 dogs, minimal gross gastroduodenal lesions and normal histopathology were identified in the apomorphine control.
Role of red blood cells in haemostasis and thrombosis
Authors: Litvinov R. I. , Weisel J. W.
Published: December 2016

In contrast to an obsolete notion that erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), play a passive and minor role in haemostasis and thrombosis, over the past decades there has been increasing evidence that RBCs have biologically and clinically important functions in blood clotting and its disorders. This review summarizes the main mechanisms that underlie the involvement of RBCs in haemostasis and thrombosis in vivo, such as rheological effects on blood viscosity and platelet margination, aggregation and deformability of RBCs; direct adhesion and indirect biochemical interactions with endothelial cells and platelets. The ability of stored and pathologically altered RBCs to generate thrombin through exposure of phosphatidylserine has been emphasized. The procoagulant and prothrombotic potential of RBC‐derived microparticles transfused with stored RBCs or formed in various pathological conditions associated with haemolysis has been described along with prothrombotic effects of free haemoglobin and haem. Binding of fibrinogen or fibrin to RBCs may influence their effects on fibrin network structure, clot mechanical properties and fibrinolytic resistance. Recent data on platelet‐driven clot contraction show that RBCs compressed by platelets pulling on fibrin form a tightly packed array of polyhedral erythrocytes, or polyhedrocytes, which comprises a nearly impermeable barrier important for haemostasis and wound healing. RBCs may perform dual roles, both helping to stem bleeding but at the same time contributing to thrombosis in a variety of ways.
Arbovirus epidemics and blood safety in Brazil
Authors: Levi J. E.
Published: December 2016

Brazil has experienced successive outbreaks of dengue in the last three decades, with more than one million cases per year since 2014, as vector control has proven unsuccessful. In 2014, Chikungunya and Zika viruses were introduced to Brazil in different sites. Currently, all three agents are spread all over the country, posing a considerable burden to the health system. Transfusion‐transmitted cases of CHKV have never been reported while for Dengue, there are globally less than ten well‐documented clusters and recently two cases of TT ZIKV were published, both from Brazil. It is recognized that thousands of units from asymptomatic blood donors, carrying one of the three now endemic arboviruses, were and are transfused to recipients, but clinical overt disease is a rare finding. However, in centres assisting a significant number of hospitalized transfused recipients and where haemovigilance is implemented, TT dengue has been described, with associated morbidity. When the causal association of ZIKV to microcephaly was established, it became recommendable to provide ZIKV RNA‐tested blood to pregnant women and intrauterine recipients. Pathogen inactivation methods are still not ready for red cells, making them an incomplete alternative. Viral nucleic acid detection shall be implemented when licensed and automated systems become available. At the moment, in‐house real‐time PCR is being adopted by centres with trained personnel and methodology grasp. Intense research on basic aspects of the viruses and their ecological interaction with the locally prevailing arthropod vectors may provide the tools for controlling these emergent threats.
Cost‐effectiveness of implementing molecular immunohematology
Authors: Denomme G. A.
Published: December 2016

Background

Molecular immunohematology is practised in clinical laboratories and blood centres. It is based on red cell genotyping, which is a technology whereby DNA‐based techniques are used to evaluate genes for the particular single and multiple nucleotide substitutions, deletions, insertions and gene conversions that determine the expression of red cell antigens. Fetal red cell genotyping, and in particular RHD genotyping, using the discarded cell pellet of amniotic fluid was developed some 20 years ago. It replaced the need for fetal blood sampling and also can determine paternal zygosity with better certainty. Cell‐free fetal DNA in maternal plasma is now the non‐invasive (fetal) alternative to amniotic fluid as the biological material of choice. It is being used in Europe to reduce the exposure of Rh immune globulin for the routine Rh‐negative pregnancy. RHD genotyping is used to determine zygosity and resolve weak D antigen discrepancies as a cost equivalent alternative to the administration of Rh immune globulin. Since then, a plethora of data has accumulated on the value of screening donors for rare blood types. For common antigens, red cell genotyping as an historical test‐of‐record will create efficiencies in the labelling of antigen‐negative blood if care is taken in testing appropriate repeat donors. Certainly, it has been shown that exposing antigen‐negative types through the entire supply chain replaces shipping from a central facility.

Conclusion

Molecular immunohematology is not the implementation of cost reductions but the recognition of ‘effective’ processes and algorithms that incorporate molecular testing to provide tangible benefits to pregnant women and transfusion recipients.
Investigation of the Self-efficacy Beliefs of Pre-service Science Teachers in Terms of Following and Using the Innovations in the Field of Education
Authors: Dede Hulya , Yilmaz Zeynel Abidin , Ilhan Nail
Published: December 2016

One of the factors influencing teachers’ and pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs is the use of innovations and research in education (scientific articles, thesis, and new teaching materials). This study aims to examine to what extent pre-service science teachers follow the innovations in the field of education and use these innovations in their profession. Secondly, how the innovations in the field of education effect teachers’ science teaching self-efficacy beliefs is examined. Survey method which is one of the quantitative research approaches was used in this study. The sample group of the study consisted of 563 pre-service science teachers enrolled in the Department of Science Teacher Training in the Faculty of Education at six universities in different regions of Turkey. The data in the study were collected using the “Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument (STEBI)” developed by Riggs and Enochs (1990) and “Scale of Following and Using the Innovations in the Field of Education” (SFUIFE) developed by the researchers of this study. The data were analyzed both descriptively and predictively using SPSS. The results of the study showed that the primary resources (search engines such as google, web pages for course materials etc.) have been used and followed less than the secondary resources (conferences, symposiums, panels, workshops, thesis, and scientific articles etc.) by pre-service science teachers. In addition, it was found that following and using social media tools, thesis and scientific articles increase pre-service science teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs of science teaching.
β1‐Adrenoceptor autoantibodies increase the susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias involving abnormal repolarization in guinea‐pigs
Authors: Zhao Yu‐Hui , Huang Hai‐Xia , Liu Ping , Du Yun‐Hui , Wang Peng , Wang Wen , Wu Ye , Wang Li , Ma Chang‐Sheng , Liu Hui‐Rong
Published: December 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

High titres of autoantibodies against the second extracellular loop of the β1‐adrenergic receptor (β1‐AAs) can be detected in the sera of patients with ventricular arrhythmias, but a causal relationship between β1‐AAs and ventricular arrhythmias has not been established.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Monoclonal β1‐AAs (β1‐AR mAbs) were used in the experiments. We showed that β1‐AR mAbs increased susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias and induced repolarization abnormalities. Antibody adsorption of β1‐AAs will be a potential new therapeutic strategy for ventricular arrhythmias in patients with high titres of β1‐AAs.

High titres of autoantibodies against the second extracellular loop of the β1‐adrenergic receptor (β1‐AAs) can be detected in sera from patients with ventricular arrhythmias, but a causal relationship between β1‐AAs and ventricular arrhythmias has not been established. In this work, ECGs of guinea‐pigs and isolated guinea‐pig hearts were recorded. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) were evoked by programmed electrical stimulation of the left ventricular epicardium of isolated guinea‐pig hearts. The monophasic action potential and effective refractory period of the left ventricle were recorded in paced isolated guinea‐pig hearts. Furthermore, to increase the specificity, monoclonal autoantibodies against the second extracellular loop of the β1‐adrenergic receptor (β1‐AR mAbs) were used in all experiments. The results showed that β1‐AR mAbs induced premature ventricular contractions in guinea‐pigs and isolated guinea‐pig hearts. In addition, β1‐AR mAbs decreased the threshold of VT/VF and prolonged the duration of VT/VF. Furthermore, β1‐AR mAbs shortened the corrected QT interval and effective refractory period, and prolonged late‐phase repolarization of the monophasic action potential (MAPD90−30). These changes in electrophysiological parameters might be attributed, at least in part, to the arrhythmogenicity of β1‐AR mAbs.
Effect of droplet size, droplet placement, and gas dissolution on throughput and defect rate in UV nanoimprint lithography
Authors: Jain Akhilesh , Spann Andrew , Bonnecaze Roger T.
Published: December 2016

Simulation of multidrop spreading in ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography is performed to study the effects of droplet size, droplet arrangement, droplet placement error, and gas diffusion on filling-time and defects. Simulations are carried out for square, hexagonal, and modified hexagonal arrangements of up to 1024 droplets ink-jetted on a substrate to determine the optimum arrangement for minimum imprint time. The effect of error in droplet placement by the inkjet dispenser on the imprint time for different droplet sizes is also investigated. The square droplet arrangement leads to the shortest fluid filling time for a flat template. The filling time increases significantly for droplet placement errors of more than 0.01% relative to the width of the substrate. A model is presented to study the diffusion of gas encapsulated between droplets into the resist. A dimensionless parameter α ∼μD/kHγHo measures the relative importance gas diffusion to hydrodynamics, where D is the gas diffusion constant, kH is the Henry's law constant, μ is the resist viscosity, and γ is the surface tension of the imprint resist. For small values of α, gas diffusion is slower than resist spreading and defect size is diffusion-controlled while for larger values, gas diffusion is faster than resist spreading and the defect size is hydrodynamically controlled. Scaling laws are developed to extrapolate predictions on filling time, residual layer thickness, and defects here for hundreds to a thousand droplets to tens and hundreds of thousands of droplets.
Atomic layer deposited single-crystal hexagonal perovskite YAlO3 epitaxially on GaAs(111)A
Authors: Young Lawrence Boyu , Cheng Chao-Kai , Lu Guan-Jie , Lin Keng-Yung , Lin Yen-Hsun , Wan Hsien-Wen , Li Mei-Yi , Cai Ren-Fong , Lo Shen-Chuan , Hsu Chia-Hung , Kwo Jueinai , Hong Minghwei
Published: December 2016

Single-crystal hexagonal perovskite YAlO3 has been attained through postdeposition rapid thermal annealing with temperatures above 900 °C on nanolaminated atomic-layer-deposited Y2O3 (2.03 nm)/Al2O3 (1.08 nm) multilayers. The perovskite film is epitaxially grown on GaAs(111)A substrates. The crystallography of the heterostructure was studied utilizing synchrotron radiation x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The epitaxial relationship between YAlO3 and GaAs is YAlO3(0001)[112¯0]∥ GaAs (111)[101¯], as determined from the radial scan along the in-plane direction. The cross-sectional STEM image reveals that the crystalline YAlO3 is continuous and the XRD study detects no other crystalline phases.
Designing and defining dynamic protein cage nanoassemblies in solution
Authors: Lai Yen-Ting , Hura Greg L. , Dyer Kevin N. , Tang Henry Y. H. , Tainer John A. , Yeates Todd O.
Published: December 2016

Building a synthetic protein structure and new tools helps determine nanoscale architectural principles for designing assemblies.
Long photoperiods sustain high pH in Arctic kelp forests
Authors: Krause-Jensen Dorte , Marbà Núria , Sanz-Martin Marina , Hendriks Iris E. , Thyrring Jakob , Carstensen Jacob , Sejr Mikael Kristian , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: December 2016

In situ measurements and aquaria manipulation show that long summer days lead to sustained high pH in Arctic kelp forests.
Cost of carbon capture drops, but does anyone want it?
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: December 2016

Lure of technologies could fade with Trump administration.
The structure and flexibility of conical HIV-1 capsids determined within intact virions
Authors: Mattei Simone , Glass Bärbel , Hagen Wim J. H. , Kräusslich Hans-Georg , Briggs John A. G.
Published: December 2016

Structural insights into capsid flexibility

Viral capsids are protein structures that enclose the genetic material of viruses. Previous structural studies of the HIV-1 capsid have relied on recombinant, cross-linked, or mutant capsid proteins. Mattei
et al.
now report subnanometer-resolution cryo–electron tomography structures of the HIV-1 capsid from intact virions. These structures confirm the hollow cone shape of the capsid and allow for the specific placement of each individual capsid hexamer and pentamer within the lattice structure. The structures also reveal the flexible nature of the capsid, which likely helps it to accommodate interactions with host cell factors.

Science
, this issue p.
1434
Seismic constraints on caldera dynamics from the 2015 Axial Seamount eruption
Authors: Wilcock William S. D. , Tolstoy Maya , Waldhauser Felix , Garcia Charles , Tan Yen Joe , Bohnenstiehl DelWayne R. , Caplan-Auerbach Jacqueline , Dziak Robert P. , Arnulf Adrien F. , Mann M. Everett
Published: December 2016

Volcano monitoring goes into the deep

Axial Seamount is a large and active submarine volcano along the Juan de Fuca midocean ridge off the coast of the western United States. Eruptions in 1998 and 2011 were followed by periods of magma recharge, making it an ideal location to include in the Ocean Observatories Initiative Cabled Array. Wilcock
et al.
present real-time seismic data from the most recent eruption in April 2015 that allow the tracking of magma before and during eruption. Nooner and Chadwick show that eruptions are predictable on the basis of deformation data. As magma pools underneath it, Axial Seamount inflates and erupts when the inflation hits a threshold. Both studies elucidate the dynamics of submarine volcanoes, which vastly outnumber their aboveground counterparts.

Science
, this issue p.
1395
, p.
1399
U.S. seafood import restriction presents opportunity and risk
Authors: Williams Rob , Burgess Matthew G. , Ashe Erin , Gaines Steven D. , Reeves Randall R.
Published: December 2016

Marine mammal protections require increased global capacity
The calculators
The Glass Universe How the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars
Dava Sobel
Viking, 2016. 352 pp.
Hidden Figures The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race
Margot Lee Shetterly
Morrow, 2016. 367 pp.
Authors: Christian Carol
Published: December 2016

Two tomes uncover how women broke down barriers to explore the universe
The aftermath of AIDS in China
HIV/AIDS in China Beyond the Numbers
Zunyou Wu, Ed.
People's Medical Publishing House, 2016. 191 pp.
Authors: Harper Kristin
Published: December 2016

A candid history uncovers the country's stumbles and successes in the fight against the devastating virus
Toward sustainable fuel cells
Authors: Stephens Ifan Erfyl Lester , Rossmeisl Jan , Chorkendorff Ib
Published: December 2016

Improved fuel-cell catalysts require much less platinum for the same performance
John D. Roberts (1918–2016)
Authors: Whitesides George M.
Published: December 2016

One of the great leaders of modern chemistry during the field's most exciting time
Science's rightful place
Authors: Berg Jeremy
Published: December 2016

In his first inaugural address, U.S. President Obama said, “We'll restore science to its rightful place…” He subsequently used this phrase to frame a number of activities across his administration.
*
While I, like many in the scientific community, was pleased with this declaration, I found the term “rightful place” to be thought-provoking.
Adenovirus serotype 5 vaccine vectors trigger IL-27–dependent inhibitory CD4
+
T cell responses that impair CD8
+
T cell function
Authors: Larocca Rafael A. , Provine Nicholas M. , Aid Malika , Iampietro M. Justin , Borducchi Erica N. , Badamchi-Zadeh Alexander , Abbink Peter , Ng’ang’a David , Bricault Christine A. , Blass Eryn , Penaloza-MacMaster Pablo , Stephenson Kathryn E. , Barouch Dan H.
Published: December 2016

Negative immunologic regulatory pathways of vaccine vectors suppress antigen-specific CD8
+
T cell responses.
A TSLP-complement axis mediates neutrophil killing of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: West Erin E. , Spolski Rosanne , Kazemian Majid , Yu Zu Xi , Kemper Claudia , Leonard Warren J.
Published: December 2016

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin increases MRSA killing in a neutrophil- and complement-dependent manner.
Cross-talk between iNKT cells and monocytes triggers an atheroprotective immune response in SLE patients with asymptomatic plaque
Authors: Smith Edward , Croca Sara , Waddington Kirsty E. , Sofat Reecha , Griffin Maura , Nicolaides Andrew , Isenberg David A. , Torra Ines Pineda , Rahman Anisur , Jury Elizabeth C.
Published: December 2016

Altered activation of invariant natural killer T cells protects against atherogenesis in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.
Inhibition of HDAC8 and HDAC9 by microbial short-chain fatty acids breaks immune tolerance of the epidermis to TLR ligands
Authors: Sanford James A. , Zhang Ling-Juan , Williams Michael R. , Gangoiti Jon A. , Huang Chun-Ming , Gallo Richard L.
Published: December 2016

Microbial short-chain fatty acids inhibit HDAC activity and contribute to keratinocyte-triggered skin inflammation.
Nucleotide sequences of two cellulase genes from alkalophilic Bacillus sp. strain N-4 and their strong homology
Authors: Fukumori F , Sashihara N , Kudo T , Horikoshi K
Published: December 2016

Two genes for cellulases of alkalophilic Bacillus sp. strain N-4 (ATCC 21833) have been sequenced. From the DNA sequences the cellulases encoded in the plasmids pNK1 and pNK2 consist of 488 and 409 amino acids, respectively. The DNA and protein sequences of the pNK1-encoded cellulase are related to those of the pNK2-encoded cellulase. The pNK2-encoded cellulase lacks the direct repeat sequence of a stretch of 60 amino acids near the C-terminal end of the pNK1-encoded cellulase. The duplication of the cellulase genes and the formation of the direct repeat in the pNK1-encoded cellulase occurred at almost the same time.
Dipicolinic Acid Release by Germinating Clostridium difficile Spores Occurs through a Mechanosensing Mechanism
Authors: Francis Michael B. , Sorg Joseph A.
Published: December 2016

Clostridium difficile
is transmitted between hosts in the form of a dormant spore, and germination by
C. difficile
spores is required to initiate infection, because the toxins that are necessary for disease are not deposited on the spore form. Importantly, the
C. difficile
spore germination pathway represents a novel pathway for bacterial spore germination. Prior work has shown that the order of events during
C. difficile
spore germination (cortex degradation and DPA release) is flipped compared to the events during
B. subtilis
spore germination, a model organism. Here, we further characterize the
C. difficile
spore germination pathway and summarize our findings indicating that DPA release by germinating
C. difficile
spores occurs through a mechanosensing mechanism in response to the degradation of the spore cortex.
Should all anticoagulated patients with head injury receive a CT scan? Decision-analysis modelling of an observational cohort
Authors: Kuczawski Maxine , Stevenson Matt , Goodacre Steve , Teare M Dawn , Ramlakhan Shammi , Morris Francis , Mason Suzanne
Published: December 2016

Objectives

It is not currently clear whether all anticoagulated patients with a head injury should receive CT scanning or only those with evidence of traumatic brain injury (eg, loss of consciousness or amnesia). We aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of CT for all compared with selective CT use for anticoagulated patients with a head injury.

Design

Decision-analysis modelling of data from a multicentre observational study.

Setting

33 emergency departments in England and Scotland.

Participants

3566 adults (aged ≥16 years) who had suffered blunt head injury, were taking warfarin and underwent selective CT scanning.

Main outcome measures

Estimated expected benefits in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were the entire cohort to receive a CT scan; estimated increased costs of CT and also the potential cost implications associated with patient survival and improved health. These values were used to estimate the cost per QALY of implementing a strategy of CT for all patients compared with observed practice based on guidelines recommending selective CT use.

Results

Of the 1420 of 3534 patients (40%) who did not receive a CT scan, 7 (0.5%) suffered a potentially avoidable head injury-related adverse outcome. If CT scanning had been performed in all patients, appropriate treatment could have gained 3.41 additional QALYs but would have incurred £193 149 additional treatment costs and £130 683 additional CT costs. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £94 895/QALY gained for unselective compared with selective CT use is markedly above the threshold of £20–30 000/QALY used by the UK National Institute for Care Excellence to determine cost-effectiveness.

Conclusions

CT scanning for all anticoagulated patients with head injury is not cost-effective compared with selective use of CT scanning based on guidelines recommending scanning only for those with evidence of traumatic brain injury.

Trial registration number

NCT 02461498.
Patients' perceptions and experiences of the prevention of hospital-acquired thrombosis: a qualitative study
Authors: Apenteng Patricia N , Fitzmaurice David , Litchfield Ian , Harrison Sian , Heneghan Carl , Ward Alison , Greenfield Sheila
Published: December 2016

Objective

To examine patients' understanding of hospital-associated thrombosis, and their experiences of thromboprophylaxis.

Design

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 31 patients requiring venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis following a recent hospital admission. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using framework analysis.

Setting

4 hospitals in Birmingham and Oxford.

Results

All the participants received thromboprophylaxis following surgical procedures. Participants were aware of a risk of blood clots; however, they lacked a good understanding of VTE and its components. Experiences of VTE prophylaxis were characterised with good adherence to heparin injections and poor adherence to elastic compression stockings, largely due to perceived lack of clarity in guidance from health professionals. Participants had limited knowledge of the signs and symptoms of VTE and would value improved education on VTE.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that patient education is often inadequate and impacts negatively on patients' involvement in VTE prevention. An enhanced patient education programme incorporating a consistent message on the appropriate use of elastic compression stockings and description of VTE symptoms is likely to optimise the effectiveness of the prevention of hospital-associated thrombosis. Physicians may use the results of this study to improve individual patient education.
Non-communicable diseases in decontamination workers in areas affected by the Fukushima nuclear disaster: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Sawano Toyoaki , Tsubokura Masaharu , Ozaki Akihiko , Leppold Claire , Nomura Shuhei , Shimada Yuki , Ochi Sae , Tsukada Manabu , Nemoto Tsuyoshi , Kato Shigeaki , Kanazawa Yukio , Ohira Hiromichi
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and whether NCDs were treated or not, among hospitalised decontamination workers who moved to radio-contaminated areas after Japan's 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant disaster.

Methods

We retrospectively extracted records of decontamination workers admitted to Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital between 1 June 2012 and 31 August 2015, from hospital records. We investigated the incidence of underlying NCDs such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes among the decontamination workers, and their treatment status, in addition to the reasons for their hospital admission.

Results

A total of 113 decontamination workers were admitted to the hospital (112 male patients, median age of 54 years (age range: 18–69 years)). In terms of the demographics of underlying NCDs in this population, 57 of 72 hypertensive patients (79.2%), 37 of 45 dyslipidaemic patients (82.2%) and 18 of 27 hyperglycaemic patients (66.7%) had not been treated for their NCDs before admission to the hospital.

Conclusions

A high burden of underlying NCDs was found in hospitalised decontamination workers in Fukushima. Managing underlying diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and diabetes mellitus is essential among this population.
Incidence and risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus in transitional Thailand: results from the Thai cohort study
Authors: Papier Keren , Jordan Susan , D‘Este Catherine , Bain Chris , Peungson Janya , Banwell Cathy , Yiengprugsawan Vasoontara , Seubsman Sam-ang , Sleigh Adrian
Published: December 2016

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasingly prevalent in countries undergoing rapid development, including Thailand. We assessed T2DM incidence over an 8-year period in a nationwide cohort of Thai adults.

Methods

Thai Cohort Study participants were surveyed in 2005, 2009 and 2013. The analysed cohort members were aged (15–88), did not have diabetes in 2005 and were followed up by questionnaire in 2013 (n=39 507). T2DM was ascertained using self-report, which has been validated using physician interviews. We calculated the 8-year cumulative incidence of T2DM. Multivariable logistic regression assessed associations between potential risk factors and T2DM incidence.

Results

8-year cumulative incidence of T2DM (2005 to 2013) was 177 per 10 000 (95% CI 164 to 190). Crude and age-standardised cumulative incidences of T2DM by sex were 249 per 10 000 (95% CI 226 to 272) and 222 per 10 000 (95% CI 219 to 225) for men; and 119 per 10 000 (95% CI 105 to 133) and 96 per 10 000 (95% CI 94 to 98) for women, respectively. T2DM increased significantly for both sexes with increasing age and body mass index (BMI) (p trend <0.001 for both). Residence in an urban area as a child associated with T2DM among men and women (OR=1.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.7 and OR=1.4, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.79); this was no longer statistically significant after adjusting for BMI. Among men, smoking (OR=1.7, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.2) and alcohol intake (OR=1.8, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.0) were associated with T2DM.

Conclusions

This study found that the sociodemographic and lifestyle changes that have accompanied Thailand's economic development are associated with T2DM risk in a large cohort of Thai adults. Our findings highlight the need to address these transitions to prevent a further increase in the national incidence of T2DM, particularly among Thai men.
A comparative effectiveness trial of two faecal immunochemical tests for haemoglobin (FIT). Assessment of test performance and adherence in a single round of a population-based screening programme for colorectal cancer
Authors: Passamonti Basilio , Malaspina Morena , Fraser Callum G , Tintori Beatrice , Carlani Angela , D'Angelo Valentina , Galeazzi Paola , Di Dato Eugenio , Mariotti Loretta , Bulletti Simonetta , D'Amico Maria Rosaria , Gustinucci Daniela , Martinelli Nadia , Spita Nicoletta , Cesarini Elena , Rubeca Tiziana , Giaimo Mariadonata , Segnan Nereo , Senore Carlo
Published: December 2016

Aim

To compare acceptability and diagnostic accuracy of a recently available faecal immunochemical test (FIT) system (HM-JACKarc) with the FIT routinely used in an established screening programme (OC-Sensor).

Design

Randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN20086618) within a population-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programme. Subjects eligible for invitation in the Umbria Region (Italy) programme were randomised (ratio 1:1) to be screened using one of the FIT systems.

Results

Screening uptake among the 48 888 invitees was the same for both systems among subjects invited in the first round and higher with OC-Sensor than with HM-JACKarc (relative risk (RR): 1.03; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.04) among those invited in subsequent rounds. Positivity rate (PR) was similar with OC-Sensor (6.5%) as with HM-JACKarc (6.2%) among subjects performing their first FIT screening and higher with OC-Sensor (5.6%, RR: 1.25, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.40) than with HM-JACKarc (4.4%) among those screened in previous rounds. Positive predictive value (PPV) (OC-Sensor: 25.9%, HM-JACKarc: 25.6%) and detection rate (DR) (OC-Sensor: 1.40%; HM-JACKarc: 1.42%) for advanced neoplasia (AN: CRC + advanced adenoma) were similar among subjects performing their first FIT screening. The differences in the AN PPV (OC-Sensor: 20.3%, HM-JACKarc: 22.6%) and DR (OC-Sensor: 0.96%, HM-JACKarc: 0.83%) among those screened in previous rounds were not statistically significant. The number needed to scope to detect one AN was 3.9 (95% CI 5.8 to 2.9) and 3.9 (95% CI 5.5 to 2.9) at first and 4.9 (95% CI 5.8 to 4.2) and 4.4 (95% CI 5.3 to 3.7) at subsequent screening, with OC-Sensor and HM-JACKarc, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that acceptability and diagnostic performance of HM-JACKarc and of OC-Sensor systems are similar in a screening setting.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN20086618; Results.
Catch Plus thrombectomy device in acute stroke: initial evaluation
Authors: Peker Ahmet , Arsava Ethem Murat , Topçuoğlu Mehmet Akif , Arat Anıl
Published: December 2016

Objective

To report our initial experience with the Catch Plus thrombectomy device (CPD) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Materials and methods

We retrospectively evaluated the procedural variables as well as the clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients with acute occlusion of a major intracranial artery in the anterior circulation who were treated with CPD at our center. Baseline characteristics (gender, age, comorbidities, cardiovascular risk factors, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and vessel occlusion sites) of these patients were recorded. Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score, incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic bleeding, and 90 day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were evaluated as indicators of outcome.

Results

38 patients with a mean age of 67.5 years were treated with CPD. Mean time from symptom onset to procedure initiation was 226.7 min. Recanalization (TICI 2b–3) was achieved in 27 patients (71.1%). The median NIHSS score on admission was 20. Rates of symptomatic and asymptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage were 7.9% and 13.2%, respectively. The 90 day clinical follow-up data were available for 37 patients. The 90 day mortality rate was 18.9%, and the 90 day clinically acceptable functional outcome (mRS score ≤2) rate was 43.2% (mRS score 0–3, 54.1%). Very distal thrombectomy involving the cortical arteries was performed on four patients without complications.

Conclusions

Our initial experience suggests that mechanical thrombectomy with the CPD improves 90 day outcomes of patients with AIS by facilitating effective recanalization.
Impact of MRI on changing management of the cervical spine in blunt trauma patients with a ‘negative’ CT scan
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed A , Majeske Karl D , Sachwani-Daswani Gul , Coffey Daniel , Elghawy Karim M , Pham Amanda , Scholten Donald , Wilson Kenneth L , Mercer Leo , McCann Michael L
Published: December 2016

Background

Owing to the potential risks associated with missed injury, many blunt trauma patients with suspected cervical spine injury undergo some form of imaging technique which has progressed from primarily using plain radiography to relying on CT. Recently, studies have shown that in certain situations, adding MRI may improve the diagnostic accuracy over solely relying on CT.

Methods

Retrospective study of 3468 adult blunt trauma patients at a level I trauma center of which 94 with an initial negative CT scan underwent subsequent MRI. These 94 patients were classified as reliable or unreliable for examination; coded as either having a positive or negative MRI result; and assessed for a change in management.

Results

Of the 94 patients in the study population, 69 (73.4%) were deemed reliable and 25 (26.6%) deemed unreliable for examination. Overall, 65 (69.1%) patients had a positive MRI result—49 (71.0%) reliable and 16 (64.0%) unreliable—with some patients testing positive for more than one finding. There was no significant difference in positive MRI rates between reliable and unreliable patients. None of the 29 patients who had negative MRI had a change in management, while 31 of the 65 (47.7%) patients with positive MRI did have a change in management of either continued cervical collar immobilization or neck surgery.

Conclusions

The use of CT scans should be continued as the primary imaging technique for patients with suspected cervical spine injuries. In cases where obtundation or clinical suspicion exists for a false-negative CT scan, MRI should be considered as a supplement and should not be rejected solely based on the negative result of the CT.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
The effect of soil inoculants on seed germination of native and invasive species
Authors: Balshor Bailey J. , Garrambone Matthew S. , Austin Paige , Balazs Kathleen R. , Weihe Claudia , Martiny Jennifer B.H. , Huxman Travis E. , McCollum Johannah R. , Kimball Sarah
Published: December 2016

Successful reintroduction of native species through ecological restoration requires understanding the complex process of seed germination. Soil microbes play an important role in promoting native establishment and are often added to restoration sites during seed sowing. We tested the role of soil- and lab-grown bacterial inoculants on germination timing and percent germination for 19 species of plants commonly found in coastal California. Each species exhibited a different response to the inoculant treatments, but overall time-to-germination was longer and percent germination was lower with the soil inoculant compared with the control or other treatments. The invasive species in our study had the highest percent germination of all species and germinated faster than all native shrubs. Germination timing was negatively correlated with percent germination and with seed mass. Our results suggest that lab-grown inoculant and chemical treatment are effective at increasing germination in some native species, whereas soil inoculant is not. Given differences in germination timing between native and invasive species, restoration practitioners could consider using herbicide to treat areas seeded with native shrubs immediately following germination of invasive species without harming most natives, although germination timing and herbicides need further study in relation to microbial effects on seed germination.
Examining a possible cascade effect in chiral symmetry breaking
Authors: Fariborz Amir H. , Jora Renata
Published: December 2016

We examine a toy model and a cascade effect for confinement and chiral symmetry breaking which consists in several phase transitions corresponding to the formation of bound states and chiral condensates with different number of fermions for a strong group. We analyze two examples: regular quantum chromodynamics (QCD) where we calculate the “four quark” vacuum condensate and a preon composite model based on QCD at higher scales. In this context, we also determine the number of flavors at which the second chiral and confinement phase transitions occur and discuss the consequences.
Seismo-Acoustic Benchmark Problems Involving Sloping Fluid–Solid Interfaces
Authors: Woolfe Katherine , Collins Michael D. , Calvo David C. , Siegmann William L.
Published: December 2016

The accuracy of the seismo-acoustic parabolic equation is tested for problems involving sloping fluid–solid interfaces. The fluid may correspond to the ocean or a sediment layer that only supports compressional waves. The solid may correspond to ice cover or a sediment layer that supports compressional and shear waves. The approach involves approximating the medium in terms of a series of range-independent regions, using a parabolic wave equation to propagate the field through each region, and applying single-scattering approximations to obtain transmitted fields across the vertical interfaces between regions. The accuracy of the parabolic equation method for range-dependent problems in seismo-acoustics was previously tested in the small slope limit. It is tested here for problems involving larger slopes using a finite-element model to generate reference solutions.
Seismic volcanostratigraphy of the NE Greenland continental margin
Authors: Geissler Wolfram H. , Gaina Carmen , Hopper John R. , Funck Thomas , Blischke Anett , Arting Uni , Horni Jim á , Péron-Pinvidic Gwenn , Abdelmalak Mansour M.
Published: December 2016

The Early Eocene continental break-up between the NE Greenland and the mid-Norwegian–SW Barents Sea margins was associated with voluminous magmatism and led to the emplacement of massive volcanic complexes including wedges of seawards-dipping reflections (SDR). We study the distribution of these break-up-related volcanic rocks along the NE Greenland margin by revisiting existing seismic reflection data and comparing our observations to better-studied segments of the conjugate margin. Seismic facies types match between the conjugate margins and show strong lateral variations. Seaward-dipping wedges are mapped offshore East Greenland, the conjugate to the Vøring continental margin. The geophysical signature of the SDRs becomes less visible towards the north, as it does along the conjugate Lofoten–Vesterålen margin. We suggest that the Traill Ø volcanic ridge is a result of plume–ridge interactions formed between approximately 54 and 47 Ma. North of the East Greenland Ridge, strong basement reflections conjugate to the Vestbakken Volcanic Province are interpreted as lava flows or ‘spurious’ SDRs. We discuss our findings in conjunction with results from seismic wide-angle experiments, gravity and magnetic data. We focus on the spatial and temporal relationships of the break-up volcanic rocks, and their structural setting in a late rift and initial oceanic drift stage.

Supplementary material:
The figures show the original seismic data used as the base for the interpretations shown in this paper. The seismic profiles are marked on Figure 1 (in the paper) as numbers 1 to 10 and are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3593780
Earth system transition during the Tonian–Cambrian interval of biological innovation: nutrients, climate, oxygen and the marine organic carbon capacitor
Authors: Shields Graham A.
Published: December 2016

The Tonian–Cambrian interval (
c.
0.9–0.5 Ga) witnessed major tectonic, climatic and chemical changes to the Earth system and culminated in the Ediacaran–Cambrian radiation of animals. Negative carbon isotope (δ
13
C) excursions of extraordinary magnitude form the backdrop to all these events and are consistent with the presence of a vast marine organic carbon reservoir that changed its size due to periodic imbalances between organic production (as an oxidant source) and terrestrial oxidant sinks. Prior to both Cryogenian glaciations, this pool of long-lived organic carbon may have become substantially depleted, leading to a weakening of the regulation of climate and oxygen. The late Ediacaran Shuram anomaly probably represents a third depletion event, which was followed by oxygenation and the Ediacaran–Cambrian radiation. The evolutionary diversification of animals shortened the ocean residence time of organic carbon and introduced new carbon cycle feedbacks that together helped to mould the modern Earth system.