bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Brain MR Spectroscopy and Disability in Multiple Sclerosis: 20‐Year Data from the U.S. Glatiramer Acetate Extension Study
Authors: Khan Omar , Seraji‐Bozorgzad Navid , Bao Fen , Razmjou Sara , Caon Christina , Santiago Carla , Latif Zahid , Aronov Rimma , Zak Imad , Ashtamker Natalia , Kolodny Scott , Ford Corey , Sidi Yulia
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Conventional MRI techniques do not necessarily provide information about multiple sclerosis (MS) disease pathology or progression. Nonconventional MRI techniques, including proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS), are increasingly used to improve the qualitative and quantitative specificity of MR images. This study explores potential correlations between MRI measures of disease and disability progression as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Functional Systems (FS), and ambulation index scores in a unique cohort of MS patients treated with glatiramer acetate that has been closely monitored for over 20 years.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, open‐label, cross‐sectional MRI substudy among participants in the GA‐9004 open‐label extension of the 36‐month, double‐blind GA‐9001 study, timed to coincide with the prospectively planned 20‐year clinical exam.

RESULTS

Of 64 patients who participated in the MRI substudy, results are presented for the 39 patients (61%) who had a 1H‐MRS assessment at 20 years of treatment. Both total N‐acetylaspartate relative to total creatinine (tNAA/tCr) concentration ratio and T1 lesion volume were found to be robustly associated with disability levels with different statistical approaches. Gray matter (GM) volume was found to be a more consistent parameter than white matter (WM) volume for disability allocation. The elastic net algorithm showed a trade‐off between WM and GM volumes for disability estimation when different disability definitions were used.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with MS receiving long‐term glatiramer acetate therapy, consistent effects on disability levels indicated by EDSS and pyramidal FS score thresholds were found for tNAA/tCr concentration ratio and T1 lesion volume.
Thymidine Kinase Type 1 and C‐Reactive Protein Concentrations in Dogs with Spontaneously Occurring Cancer
Authors: Selting K.A. , Ringold R. , Husbands B. , Pithua P.O.
Published: May 2016

Background

Serum thymidine kinase type 1 (TK1) and canine C‐Reactive Protein (cCRP) might be useful in detecting dogs with cancer. Algorithms combining biomarkers are sometimes more accurate than results of individual tests.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare serum TK1 and cCRP and Neoplasia Index (NI) in healthy and tumor‐bearing dogs.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs with (n = 253) and without (n = 156) cancer.

Methods

Retrospective case–control study. Dogs with cancer were identified after submission of samples for commercial assay and case details were retrospectively collected. Healthy dogs (control) were identified through breed groups and health status was confirmed by health questionnaire for a minimum of 6 months. Serum TK1 activity was measured using a quantitative chemiluminescent assay and serum cCRP was measured using a quantitative ELISA assay.

Results

TK1 activity in the cancer (n = 253) and control group (n = 156) were 7.0 μ/L (median, range <0.5 to >100) and 1.8 μ/L (median, range 0.4 to 55.3), respectively (P < .001). cCRP concentrations in the cancer and control group were 6.0 mg/L (median, range <0.5 to >50) and 1.6 mg/L (median, range 0.09 to >50), respectively (P < .001). The NI in the cancer and control group were 6.4 (median, range 0–9.9) and 0.9 (median, range 0–7.6), respectively (P < .001). ROC AUCs of the NI and TK1 for all cancers were greater than 0.8, highest for lymphoma and histiocytic sarcoma.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Increased concentrations of TK1 and cCRP, when present in dogs with cancer, might be useful in confirming a diagnosis and monitoring response to treatment.
Atrial Premature Depolarization‐Induced Changes in QRS and T Wave Morphology on Resting Electrocardiograms in Horses
Authors: Broux B. , De Clercq D. , Decloedt A. , Van Der Vekens N. , Verheyen T. , Ven S. , Pardon B. , van Loon G.
Published: May 2016

Background

The electrocardiographic differentiation between atrial (APDs) and ventricular (VPDs) premature depolarizations is important. P wave prematurity and normal QRS and T wave morphology generally are used as discriminating criteria for APDs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine whether P, Q, R, S, and T wave amplitude, PQ interval, QRS and P wave duration and P and T wave morphology differ between APDs and sinus beats. To determine the relationship between the RR coupling interval and the change in S wave amplitude between sinus beats and APDs.

Methods

Case–control study. From a modified base‐apex configuration of 30 horses with APDs at rest, sinus beat and APD associated preceding RR interval, P, PQ and QRS duration and P, R, S, and T wave amplitudes were measured. Linear mixed models and logistic regression were used to determine the effect of APDs on the ECG variables studied.

Results

In comparison to sinus beats, APDs were associated with a significant (P < .001) change in P amplitude (−0.03 ± 0.01 mV) and increase in S (0.20 ± 0.02 mV) and T (0.08 ± 0.03 mV) amplitude. PQ (−20.3 ± 5.2 ms) and RR (−519 ± 14 ms) interval and P duration (−21.1 ± 3.0 ms) decreased (P < .001). APDs were significantly associated with a singular positive P wave (OR: 11.0, P < .001) and were more likely to have a monophasic positive T wave (OR: 9.2, P < .001). A smaller RR coupling interval was associated with an increased relative difference in S amplitude (P < .01).

Conclusions

Atrial premature depolarizations may lead to changes in QRS and T wave morphology. Knowledge of these changes is important to avoid interpreting certain APDs as VPDs.
Using RAD‐seq to recognize sex‐specific markers and sex chromosome systems
Authors: Gamble Tony
Published: May 2016

Next‐generation sequencing methods have initiated a revolution in molecular ecology and evolution (Tautz et al. ). Among the most impressive of these sequencing innovations is restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing or RAD‐seq (Baird et al. ; Andrews et al. ). RAD‐seq uses the Illumina sequencing platform to sequence fragments of DNA cut by a specific restriction enzyme and can generate tens of thousands of molecular genetic markers for analysis. One of the many uses of RAD‐seq data has been to identify sex‐specific genetic markers, markers found in one sex but not the other (Baxter et al. ; Gamble & Zarkower ). Sex‐specific markers are a powerful tool for biologists. At their most basic, they can be used to identify the sex of an individual via PCR. This is useful in cases where a species lacks obvious sexual dimorphism at some or all life history stages. For example, such tests have been important for studying sex differences in life history (Sheldon ; Mossman & Waser ), the management and breeding of endangered species (Taberlet et al. ; Griffiths & Tiwari ; Robertson et al. ) and sexing embryonic material (Hacker et al. ; Smith et al. ). Furthermore, sex‐specific markers allow recognition of the sex chromosome system in cases where standard cytogenetic methods fail (Charlesworth & Mank ; Gamble & Zarkower ). Thus, species with male‐specific markers have male heterogamety (XY) while species with female‐specific markers have female heterogamety (ZW). In this issue, Fowler & Buonaccorsi () illustrate the ease by which RAD‐seq data can generate sex‐specific genetic markers in rockfish (Sebastes). Moreover, by examining RAD‐seq data from two closely related rockfish species, Sebastes chrysomelas and Sebastes carnatus (Fig. ), Fowler & Buonaccorsi () uncover shared sex‐specific markers and a conserved sex chromosome system.
Identification of a Vitis vinifera endo‐β‐1,3‐glucanase with antimicrobial activity against Plasmopara viticola
Authors: Mestre Pere , Arista Gautier , Piron Marie‐Christine , Rustenholz Camille , Ritzenthaler Christophe , Merdinoglu Didier , Chich Jean‐François
Published: May 2016

Inducible plant defences against pathogens are stimulated by infections and comprise several classes of pathogenesis‐related (PR) proteins. Endo‐β‐1,3‐glucanases (EGases) belong to the PR‐2 class and their expression is induced by many pathogenic fungi and oomycetes, suggesting that EGases play a role in the hydrolysis of pathogen cell walls. However, reports of a direct effect of EGases on cell walls of plant pathogens are scarce. Here, we characterized three EGases from Vitis vinifera whose expression is induced during infection by Plasmopara viticola, the causal agent of downy mildew. Recombinant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli. The enzymatic characteristics of these three enzymes were measured in vitro and in planta. A functional assay performed in vitro on germinated P. viticola spores revealed a strong anti‐P. viticola activity for EGase3, which strikingly was that with the lowest in vitro catalytic efficiency. To our knowledge, this work shows, for the first time, the direct effect against downy mildew of EGases of the PR‐2 family from Vitis.
Exploring Nature, Making the Nation: The Spatial Politics of Ecotourism in Lebanon
Authors: Monroe Kristin V.
Published: May 2016

This article explores how Lebanese ecotourism sites and excursions present a spatial narrative marked by aspirations for a consolidated nation that connects the rural and the urban across a diverse ecological terrain. Employing several ecotourism projects as case studies, I argue that ideas about nation‐making that are rooted in embodied interaction with and awareness of the natural landscape engender a form of national territorialization that relies not upon staying “in place” but rather through the very mobility of the citizen‐traveler across the national space. A central aim of my analysis of ecotourism, in a country strained by geographical divisions entangled with complex issues of national belonging, is to broaden the conversation within anthropology about the political life and spatial dimensions of domestic tourism within the Global South.
The Specter of Surveillance: Navigating “Illegality” and Indigeneity among Maya Migrants in the San Francisco Bay Area
Authors: Barenboim Deanna
Published: May 2016

This article explores how indigenous migrants experience the sociopolitical and existential condition of “illegality” in the United States. Drawing on the experiences of Maya migrants from Yucatán, Mexico, in the San Francisco Bay Area, I argue that the specter of state surveillance and the threat of law enforcement produce a particular politics of (im)mobility for indigenous migrants. This local politics of mobility takes form through spatialtactics of invisibilityandvisibility.Tracing migrants’ tactical maneuvers through public space, I show how their relations to space, place, and movement alter cultural sensibilities oftranquilidad(tranquility),and further instantiate “illegality” as a site of exclusion. This analysis of the experiential effects of anticipated surveillance provides a deeper understanding of the power of the state to enforce migrant “illegality” even in cities that promise official sanctuary.
Temporary Measures: The Production of Illegality in Costa Rican Immigration Law
Authors: Fouratt Caitlin E.
Published: May 2016

This article examines the everyday lives of Nicaraguan immigrants in Costa Rica to understand the temporal aspects of illegality produced by immigration law. Two sets of temporary measures highlight the temporality of both law and illegality. First, frequent legal reform, temporary immigration measures, and the bureaucratic labyrinth of immigration administration create a sense of Costa Rican immigration law as temporary. The ongoing temporary character of law and the forms of immigrant illegality it generates create uncertainty about the boundaries between legality and illegality among migrants in Costa Rica. Second, Nicaraguans in Costa Rica respond to the indeterminacy of the law and their economic and social position in relation to it through their own temporary measures. These measures constitute two forms of waiting: first, immigrants feel “locked up” by the shifting legal and administrative complexities of immigration; and second, they create quasi‐legal ways to navigate immigration law during the long process of legalization of their status.
The Forces of Law: Duty, Coercion, and Power
Authors: Green Leslie
Published: May 2016

This paper addresses the relationship between law and coercive force. It defends, against Frederick Schauer's contrary claims, the following propositions: (a) The force of law consists in three things, not one: the imposition of duties, the use of coercion, and the exercise of social power. These are different and distinct. (b) Even if coercion is not part of the concept of law, coercion is connected to law many important ways, and these are amply recognized in contemporary analytic jurisprudence. (c) We cannot determine how important coercion is to the efficacy of law until we know what counts as coercive force. The question of what counts as coercion is not a matter for generalization or stipulation. It requires an explanation of the concept of coercion.
Schauer's Anti‐Essentialism
Authors: Spaak Torben
Published: May 2016

In his new book,The Force of Law, Frederick Schauer maintains that law has no necessary properties (a position he calls legal anti‐essentialism), and that therefore jurisprudents should not assume that an inquiry into the nature of law has to be a search for such properties. I argue, however, that Schauer's attempt to show that legal anti‐essentialism is a defensible position fails, because his one main argument (the cognitive science argument) is either irrelevant or else incomplete, depending on how one understands it, and because the other main argument (the family resemblance argument) is false.
Fusion of Boar Sperm with Nanoliposomes Prepared from Synthetic Phospholipids
Authors: Kasimanickam VR , Buhr MM
Published: May 2016

Contents

Liposomes are artificial membrane vesicles that can be used to test and model the functions and interactions of various biological membranes, or as a carrier system to deliver biologically active substances into the cells, or to incorporate lipids into the plasma membrane of target cells to modify membrane structure–function relationships. Sperm plasma membrane undergoes lipid modification during maturation in epididymis and during capacitation in the female reproductive tract to facilitate fertilization. Natural variation in the amounts and composition of lipids in the sperm plasma membrane may also contribute to the species‐specific sperm sensitivities to handling and storage conditions. Boar sperm are notoriously susceptible to membrane damage and are resistant to compositional alteration by artificial liposomes. This study used flow cytometry to demonstrate stable incorporation of nanoliposomes prepared from a complex mixture of various phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine : phosphatidylethanolamine : sphingomyelin : phosphatidylserine : phosphatidylinositol) with high fusion efficiency. Over 90% of sperm rapidly took up fluorescently labelled liposomes and retained the lipids for at least 60 min, in a significant time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. This unique fusion efficacy could be used to alter sperm plasma membrane composition and hence membrane‐based functional responses.
Do Employers' Responses to Crises Impact Men and Women Differently? Firm‐level Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Hallward‐Driemeier Mary , Rijkers Bob , Waxman Andrew
Published: May 2016

Do employers' responses to crises impact men and women differently? Using manufacturing census data from Indonesia this paper assesses gender differences in the impact of the East Asian crisis and to what extent these were due to differential treatment of men and womenwithinfirms and gender sortingacrossfirms that varied in their exposure to the crisis. On average, women experienced higher job losses than their male colleagues within the same firm. However, the aggregate adverse effect of such differential treatment was more than offset by women being disproportionately employed in firms hit relatively less hard by the crisis. The null hypothesis that there were no gender differences in wage adjustment is not rejected.
TESTING LOCALIZATION OF CHINESE FOOD INDUSTRIES: EVIDENCE FROM MICROGEOGRAPHIC DATA
Authors: WU Wenchao , JIN Shaosheng , TOKUNAGA Suminori
Published: May 2016

Uneven distribution of economic activity is commonly observed, particularly in the food industry. Generally speaking, the food industry is transportation intensive; therefore, the extent of localization is relatively low. Previous research in China has confirmed this fact; however, analysis was based on aggregate data and discrete measurements that might contain bias. On the basis of microgeographic data, this study evaluates localization of the Chinese food industry using the Duranton–Overman index. Our results indicate that contrary to previous research, the extent of localization in China's food industry is high. Specifically, among 50 four‐digit food industries, 21 exhibit localization while 15 are dispersed. The remaining 14 do not deviate significantly from randomness. Yellow wine (C1523) and aquatic products freezing (C1361) are the two most localized industries. A possible rationale for this result is that the location of the food industry follows the distribution of raw material, while the production of raw material is agglomerated in China.
Applied Photoelasticity for Residual Stress Measurement inside Crystal Silicon Wafers for Solar Applications
Authors: Jagailloux F. , Valle V. , Dupré J.‐C. , Penot J.‐D. , Chabli A.
Published: May 2016

A full automated NIR polariscope has been specially built for residual stress measurement in crystal silicon wafers for solar applications. The multiple configurations of the instrument allow measuring both the isoclinic and the isochromatic parameters on a full field. A new algorithm has also been developed to extract the maximal shear stress inside the silicon wafers without linking the isoclinic parameter to the isochromatic parameter. Hence, it is straightforward to use and the extraction errors are reduced. Coupling this improved data analysis with the comprehensive capabilities of the test rig, allowed to show that the effect of the cutting process on the residual stress inside the silicon wafers is predominant compared with the effect of the cast process, related to the thermal gradient and impurities.
Distinct Roles for APPL1 and APPL2 in Regulating Toll‐like Receptor 4 Signaling in Macrophages
Authors: Yeo Jeremy C. , Wall Adam A. , Luo Lin , Condon Nicholas D. , Stow Jennifer L.
Published: May 2016

Macrophages are activated by contact with pathogens to mount innate immune defenses against infection. Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) at the macrophage surface recognizes and binds bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), setting off signaling and transcriptional events that lead to the secretion of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines; these in turn control inflammatory and antimicrobial responses. Although the complex regulatory pathways downstream of TLR4 have been extensively studied, further molecules critical for modulating the resulting cytokine outputs remain to be characterized. Here we establish potential roles for APPL1 and 2 signaling adaptors as regulators of LPS/TLR4‐induced signaling, transcription, and cytokine secretion. APPL1 and 2 are differentially localized to distinct signaling‐competent membrane domains on the surface and in endocytic compartments of LPS‐activated macrophages. By depleting cells of each adaptor respectively we show separate and opposing functions for APPL1 and 2 in Akt and MAPK signaling. Specifically, APPL2 has a dominant role in nuclear translocation of NF‐KB p65 and it serves to constrain the secretion of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. The APPLs, and in particular APPL2, are thus revealed as adaptors with important capacity to modulate inflammatory responses mounted by LPS/TLR4 during infection.
Flow cytometric characterization of peripheral blood leukocyte populations of 3 neotropical snake species:Boa constrictor, Bothrops jararaca, andCrotalus durissus
Authors: Carvalho Marcelo P. N. , Queiroz‐Hazarbassanov Nicolle G. T. , Massoco Cristina O. , Rossi Silmara , Sant'Anna Sávio S. , Catão‐Dias José L. , Grego Kathleen F.
Published: May 2016

Background

The reptilian immune system is represented by innate, humoral, and cell‐mediated mechanisms, involving different types of blood leukocytes. The development of optimized methods for the advanced study of origin and function of reptilian blood leukocytes is needed.

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to optimize leukocyte density gradient isolation protocols from snake peripheral blood samples, and characterize recovered cells by flow cytometry based on size and internal complexity for a qualitative and semi‐quantitative assessment of leukocyte populations in one boa (Boa constrictor), and 2 viper species (Bothrops jararaca, Crotalus durissus).

Methods

Blood samples from 30 snakes (10 from each species, 5 males and 5 females) were collected in tubes with sodium heparin. Fresh blood was centrifuged with either ficoll‐paquePLUSor percoll density gradients for leukocyte isolation. Flow cytometric leukocyte gates were defined based on size (forward scatter [FSC]) and internal complexity (side scatter [SSC]). Relative leukocyte differential counts after sorting the cells in these gates in one snake for each species were compared to conventional light microscopic differential counts on unsorted isolated leukocytes.

Results

There was no statistical difference in the relative leukocyte populations, including heterophils, azurophils, and small and large lymphocytes between samples isolated by ficoll or percoll. Four leukocyte gates were identified based on their location inFSC/SSCcytograms. The relative leukocyte differential counts after sorting in single animals showed some agreement with the light microscopy differential count on unsorted cells.

Conclusions

Based onFSCandSSC, 4 distinct leukocyte populations were found in ficoll or percoll density gradient isolated leukocytes from peripheral blood from boa and viper species. Further optimization of the technique should allow the performance of functional assays.
George Rudé—Communist Activist and Inactivist
Authors: Munro Doug
Published: May 2016

This article traces the various phases in the life of George Rudé (1910–93), starting with the son of a conservative family converting to communism following a chance trip to Russia as a twenty‐two year old. He combined teaching modern languages in secondary schools with being an active functionary of the Communist Party of Great Britain (CPGB), and in the late‐1940s he redirected his interests to the study of French revolutionary history, finally securing an academic position in Australia. The purpose of this article is not to write about Rudé’s academic life as such but, rather, to outline the nature and extent of his work on behalf of the CPGB and how this impacted on his life and work. In particular, why did he assume, and then shed, the mantle of party activist, and how did his Marxism affect the type of history he wrote?
Spread of Plasmids Carrying Multiple GES Variants
Authors: Cuzon Gaelle , Bogaerts Pierre , Bauraing Caroline , Huang Te-Din , Bonnin Rémy A. , Glupczynski Youri , Naas Thierry
Published: May 2016

Five GES-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates that displayed an extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) phenotype harbored two GES variants: GES-7 ESBL and GES-6 carbapenemase. In all isolates, the two GES alleles were located on the same integron that was inserted into an 80-kb IncM1 self-conjugative plasmid. Whole-genome sequencing suggested
in vivo
horizontal gene transfer of the plasmid along with clonal diffusion of
Enterobacter cloacae
. To our knowledge, this is the first description in Europe of clustered
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates carrying two GES β-lactamases, of which one has extended activity toward carbapenems.
In Vivo
Pharmacodynamic Target Assessment of Delafloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Murine Lung Infection Model
Authors: Lepak Alexander J. , Andes David R.
Published: May 2016

Delafloxacin is a broad-spectrum anionic fluoroquinolone under development for the treatment of bacterial pneumonia. The goal of the study was to determine the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) targets in the murine lung infection model for
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. Four isolates of each species were utilized for
in vivo
studies: for
S. aureus
, one methicillin-susceptible and three methicillin-resistant isolates;
S. pneumoniae
, two penicillin-susceptible and two penicillin-resistant isolates;
K. pneumoniae
, one wild-type and three extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing isolates. MICs were determined using CLSI methods. A neutropenic murine lung infection model was utilized for all treatment studies, and drug dosing was by the subcutaneous route. Single-dose plasma pharmacokinetics was determined in the mouse model after administration of 2.5, 10, 40, and 160 mg/kg. For
in vivo
studies, 4-fold-increasing doses of delafloxacin (range, 0.03 to 160 mg/kg) were administered every 6 h (q6h) to infected mice. Treatment outcome was measured by determining organism burden in the lung (CFU counts) at the end of each experiment (24 h). The Hill equation for maximum effect (
E
max
) was used to model the dose-response data. The magnitude of the PK/PD index, the area under the concentration-time curve over 24 h in the steady state divided by the MIC (AUC/MIC), associated with net stasis and 1-log kill endpoints was determined in the lung model for all isolates. MICs ranged from 0.004 to 1 mg/liter. Single-dose PK parameter ranges include the following: for maximum concentration of drug in serum (
C
max
), 2 to 70.7 mg/liter; AUC from 0 h to infinity (AUC
0–∞
), 2.8 to 152 mg · h/liter; half-life (
t
1/2
), 0.7 to 1 h. At the start of therapy mice had 6.3 ± 0.09 log
10
CFU/lung. In control mice the organism burden increased 2.1 ± 0.44 log
10
CFU/lung over the study period. There was a relatively steep dose-response relationship observed with escalating doses of delafloxacin. Maximal organism reductions ranged from 2 log
10
to more than 4 log
10
. The median free-drug AUC/MIC magnitude associated with net stasis for each species group was 1.45, 0.56, and 40.3 for
S. aureus
,
S. pneumoniae
, and
K. pneumoniae
, respectively. AUC/MIC targets for the 1-log kill endpoint were 2- to 5-fold higher. Delafloxacin demonstrated
in vitro
and
in vivo
potency against a diverse group of pathogens, including those with phenotypic drug resistance to other classes. These results have potential relevance for clinical dose selection and evaluation of susceptibility breakpoints for delafloxacin for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections involving these pathogens.
Laparoscopic transgastric resection of a large pedunculated gastric lipoma
Authors: Reddy Amit Kumar , Bann Simon
Published: May 2016

Large gastric lipomas are a rare condition. They are often asymptomatic but may present with upper gastrointestinal bleeding or gastric outlet obstruction. We describe the case of a 52-year-old woman with a large gastric lipoma presenting with pain due to intermittent prolapse through the pylorus. The patient was treated using a novel approach of laparoscopic transgastric resection and was discharged on postoperative day 3. She suffered no complication and her histology confirmed a gastric lipoma with clear surgical margins.
Factors that shape the patient's hospital experience and satisfaction with lower limb arthroplasty: an exploratory thematic analysis
Authors: Lane J V , Hamilton D F , MacDonald D J , Ellis C , Howie C R
Published: May 2016

Objective

It is generally accepted that the patients’ hospital experience can influence their overall satisfaction with the outcome of lower limb arthroplasty; however, little is known about the factors that shape the hospital experience. The aim of this study was to develop an understanding of what patients like and do not like about their hospital experience with a view to providing insight into where service improvements could have the potential to improve the patient experience and their satisfaction, and whether they would recommend the procedure.

Design

A mixed methods (quan-QUAL) approach.

Setting

Large regional teaching hospital.

Participants

216 patients who had completed a postoperative postal questionnaire at 12 months following total knee or total hip arthroplasty.

Outcome measures

Overall satisfaction with the outcome of surgery, whether to recommend the procedure to another and the rating of patient hospital experience. Free text comments on the best and worst aspects of their hospital stay were evaluated using qualitative thematic analysis.

Results

Overall, 77% of patients were satisfied with their surgery, 79% reported a good–excellent hospital experience and 85% would recommend the surgery to another. Qualitative analysis revealed clear themes relating to communication, pain relief and the process experience. Comments on positive aspects of the hospital experience were related to feeling well informed and consulted about their care. Comments on the worst aspects of care were related to being made to wait without explanation, moved to different wards and when they felt invisible to the healthcare staff caring for them.

Conclusions

Positive patient experiences were closely linked to effective patient–health professional interactions and logistics of the hospital processes. Within arthroplasty services, the patient experience of healthcare could be enhanced by further attention to concepts of patient-centred care. Practical examples of this include more focus on developing staff–patient communication and the avoidance of ‘boarding’ procedures.
Examining the association between serum lactic dehydrogenase and all-cause mortality in patients with metabolic syndrome: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Wu Li-Wei , Kao Tung-Wei , Lin Chien-Ming , Yang Hui-Fang , Sun Yu-Shan , Liaw Fang-Yih , Wang Chung-Ching , Peng Tao-Chun , Chen Wei-Liang
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Emerging evidence indicates that elevated serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality, but the mechanisms for this relationship remain uncertain. Since metabolic syndrome (MetS) is correlated with a higher risk of cardiovascular complications, we investigated the joint association between serum LDH levels and all-cause mortality in the US general population with MetS.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

The USA.

Participants

A retrospective observational study of 3872 adults with MetS and 7516 adults without MetS in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III was performed.

Main outcome measures

Participants with and without MetS were both divided into 3 groups according to their serum LDH level. Multivariable Cox regression analyses and Kaplan-Meier survival probabilities were used to jointly relate all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality risk to different serum LDH levels.

Results

For all-cause mortality in participants with MetS, multivariable adjusted HRs were 1.006 (95% CI 0.837 to 1.210; p=0.947) for serum LDH of 149–176 U/L compared with 65–149 U/L, and 1.273 (95% CI 1.049 to 1.547; p=0.015) for serum LDH of 176–668 U/L compared with 65–149 U/L.

Conclusions

Results support a positive association between higher level of serum LDH and mortality from all causes in individuals with MetS.
Role of psychosocial work factors in the relation between becoming a caregiver and changes in health behaviour: results from the Whitehall II cohort study
Authors: Dich Nadya , Head Jenny , Hulvej Rod Naja
Published: May 2016

Background

The present study tested the effects of becoming a caregiver combined with adverse working conditions on changes in health behaviours.

Methods

Participants were 5419 British civil servants from the Whitehall II cohort study who were not caregivers at baseline (phase 3, 1991–1994). Psychosocial work factors were assessed at baseline. Phase 4 questionnaire (1995–1996) was used to identify participants who became caregivers to an aged or disabled relative. Smoking, alcohol consumption and exercise were assessed at baseline and follow-up (phase 5, 1997–1999).

Results

Those who became caregivers were more likely to increase frequency of alcohol consumption, but only if they also reported low decision latitude at work (OR= 1.65, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.37 compared with non-caregivers with average decision latitude), or belonged to low occupational social class (OR=2.38, 95% CI 1.17 to 4.78 compared with non-caregivers of high occupational social class). Caregivers were more likely to quit smoking if job demands were low (OR=2.92; 95% CI 1.07 to 7.92 compared with non-caregivers with low job demands), or if social support at work was high (OR=2.99, 95% CI 1.01 to 8.86 compared with caregivers with average social support). There was no effect of caregiving on reducing exercise below recommended number of hours per week, or on drinking above recommended number of units per week, regardless of working conditions.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the importance of a well-balanced work environment as a resource for people exposed to increased family demands.
Family physicians prescribing lifestyle medicine: feasibility of a national training programme
Authors: Polak Rani , Shani Michal , Dacey Marie , Tzuk-Onn Adva , Dagan Iris , Malatskey Lilach
Published: May 2016

Background

The actual causes of the preponderance of non-communicable chronic diseases are related to unhealthy behaviours, such as poor nutrition, physical inactivity and tobacco use. Our goal was to evaluate the feasibility of training in lifestyle medicine (LM) for family physicians, which could be included in ‘Healthy Israel 2020’, a national initiative created to enhance the health of Israelis.

Methods

Twenty-six providers participated in a 1-year certificate of completion in LM. A control group included 21 providers who participated in a similar musculoskeletal training programme. Pre/post data were collected in both groups of participants' attitudes and self-efficacy to prescribe LM and personal health behaviours. Mid/post feedback was collected in the study group participants.

Results

Physicians in the LM training represented a nationwide distribution and attended >80% of the programmes' meetings. They reported positive outcomes in most areas after the intervention compared with baseline. Five variables reached statistical significance: potential to motivate patients to improve exercise behaviours (p<0.05), confidence in one's knowledge about LM (p=0.01) and counselling (p<0.01), particularly related to exercise (p=0.02) and smoking cessation (p<0.05). The control group demonstrated one significant change: potential to motivate patients to change behaviours to lose weight (p<0.05).

Conclusions

A training programme in LM appears feasible and could have a positive impact on interested family physicians' attitudes and confidence in prescribing LM. Thus, ‘Healthy Israel 2020’ and other programmes worldwide, which aim to improve health behaviours and decrease the impact of chronic diseases, might consider including family physicians training.
Variance in disease risk: rural populations and genetic diversity
Authors: Jenkins W.D. , Lipka A.E. , Fogleman A.J. , Delfino K.R. , Malhi R.S. , Hendricks B.
Published: May 2016

Over 19% of the US population resides in rural areas, where studies of disease risk and disease outcomes are difficult to assess due to smaller populations and lower incidence. While some studies suggest rural disparities for different chronic diseases, the data are inconsistent across geography and definitions of rurality. We reviewed the literature to examine if local variations in population genomic diversity may plausibly explain inconsistencies in estimating disease risk. Many rural communities were founded over 150 years ago by small groups of ethnically and ancestrally similar families. These have since endured relative geographical isolation, similar to groups in other industrialized nations, perhaps resulting in founder effects impacting local disease susceptibility. Studies in Europe and Asia have found that observably different phenotypes may appear in isolated communities within 100 years, and that genomic variation can significantly vary over small geographical scales. Epidemiological studies utilizing common “rural” definitions may miss significant disease differences due to assumptions of risk homogeneity and misinterpretation of administrative definitions of rurality. Local genomic heterogeneity should be an important aspect of chronic disease epidemiology in rural areas, and it is important to consider for designing studies and interpreting results, enabling a better understanding of the heritable components of complex diseases.
HAPPINESS, INCOME AND HETEROGENEITY
Authors: SCHURER STEFANIE , YONG JONGSAY
Published: May 2016

This paper investigates the relationship between happiness, income, and relative income, with an emphasis on heterogeneity between individuals. We develop a random coefficient model in which people are allowed to differ in baseline happiness, and the way they transform income and leisure into utility. We hypothesize that additional dollars of income and leisure (work) hours do not necessarily increase (decrease) the utility of all individuals in the same way, and relative income positions and heterogeneity around relative income positions are important explanations for happiness. Using eight waves Australian household panel data (HILDA), we find strong evidence of heterogeneity in the income-happiness relationship, and differences in baseline happiness were partially explained by personality traits. In addition, we also find relative income positions to play an important role in explaining happiness. In some instances the marginal utility estimates of relative income positions were larger in magnitude than the marginal utility estimate of absolute income, affirming EJ Mishan’s view that relative income is an important determinant of happiness.
IS IMBALANCES AND CURRENT ACCOUNT SURPLUSES IN JAPAN: IN MEMORY OF PROFESSOR RONALD I. MCKINNON
Authors: HORIOKA CHARLES YUJI
Published: May 2016

In this paper, I find (1) that Japan showed massive and persistent current account surpluses from at least 1981 until at least 2011, (2) that Professor Ronald McKinnon was correct, at least in the case of Japan, and that these large and persistent current account surpluses were due primarily to Japan’s large and persistent IS imbalances (the excess of saving over investment), (3) that the specific causes of the IS imbalances have changed dramatically over time, and (4) that future trends in Japan’s IS imbalances (current account surpluses) are difficult to project but that they will probably not change dramatically in either direction in the foreseeable future.
Remark on “Algorithm 916: Computing the Faddeyeva and Voigt Functions”
Authors: Zaghloul Mofreh R.
Published: May 2016

This remark describes efficiency improvements to Algorithm 916 [Zaghloul and Ali 2011]. It is shown that the execution time required by the algorithm, when run at its highest accuracy, may be improved by more than a factor of 2. A better accuracy vs efficiency tradeoff scheme is also implemented; this requires the user to supply the number of significant figures desired in the computed values as an extra input argument to the function. Using this tradeoff, it is shown that the efficiency of the algorithm may be further improved significantly while maintaining reasonably accurate and safe results that are free of the pitfalls and complete loss of accuracy seen in other competitive techniques.

The current version of the code is provided in
Matlab
and
Scilab
in addition to a
Fortran
translation prepared to meet the needs of real-world problems where very large numbers of function evaluations would require the use of a compiled language. To fulfill this last requirement, a recently proposed reformed version of Humlíček's w4 routine, shown to maintain the claimed accuracy of the algorithm over a wide and fine grid, is implemented in the present
Fortran
translation for the case of four significant figures. This latter modification assures the reliability of the code in the solution of practical problems requiring numerous evaluation of the function for applications requiring low-accuracy computations (<10
−4
).
Model-Based Design of Correct Controllers for Dynamically Reconfigurable Architectures
Authors: An Xin , Rutten Eric , Diguet Jean-Philippe , Gamatié Abdoulaye
Published: May 2016

Dynamically reconfigurable hardware has been identified as a promising solution for the design of energy-efficient embedded systems. However, its adoption is limited by costly design effort, including verification and validation, which is even more complex than for nondynamically reconfigurable systems. In this article, we propose a tool-supported formal method to automatically design a correct-by-construction control of the reconfiguration. By representing system behaviors with automata, we exploit automated algorithms to synthesize controllers that safely enforce reconfiguration strategies formulated as properties to be satisfied by control. We design generic modeling patterns for a class of reconfigurable architectures, taking into account both hardware architecture and applications, as well as relevant control objectives. We validate our approach on two case studies implemented on FPGAs.
What happens when big data blunders?
Authors: Kugler Logan
Published: May 2016

Big data is touted as a cure-all for challenges in business, government, and healthcare, but as disease outbreak predictions show, big data often fails.
Q&A: Finding New Directions in Cryptography
Authors: Hoffmann Leah
Published: May 2016

Whitfield Diffie and Martin Hellman on their meeting, their research, and the results that billions use every day.
The key to privacy
Authors: Savage Neil
Published: May 2016

40 years ago, Whitfield Diffie and Martin E. Hellman introduced the public key cryptography used to secure today's online transactions.
Molecular Shape and the Hydrophobic Effect
Authors: Hillyer Matthew B. , Gibb Bruce C.
Published: May 2016

This review focuses on papers published since 2000 on the topic of the properties of solutes in water. More specifically, it evaluates the state of the art of our understanding of the complex relationship between the shape of a hydrophobe and the hydrophobic effect. To highlight this, we present a selection of references covering both empirical and molecular dynamics studies of small (molecular-scale) solutes. These include empirical studies of small molecules, synthetic hosts, crystalline monolayers, and proteins, as well as in silico investigations of entities such as idealized hard and soft spheres, small solutes, hydrophobic plates, artificial concavity, molecular hosts, carbon nanotubes and spheres, and proteins.
Biological Activities of Aerial Parts Extracts ofEuphorbia characias
Authors: Pisano Maria Barbara , Cosentino Sofia , Viale Silvia , Spanò Delia , Corona Angela , Esposito Francesca , Tramontano Enzo , Montoro Paola , Tuberoso Carlo Ignazio Giovanni , Medda Rosaria , Pintus Francesca
Published: May 2016

The aim of the present study was to evaluate antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-HIV, and cholinesterase inhibitory activities of aqueous and alcoholic extracts from leaves, stems, and flowers ofEuphorbia characias. The extracts showed a high antioxidant activity and were a good source of total polyphenols and flavonoids. Ethanolic extracts from leaves and flowers displayed the highest inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, showing potential properties against Alzheimer’s disease. Antimicrobial assay showed that leaves and flowers extracts were active against all Gram-positive bacteria tested. The ethanolic leaves extract appeared to have the strongest antibacterial activity againstBacillus cereuswith MIC value of 312.5 μg/mL followed byListeria monocytogenesandStaphylococcus aureusthat also exhibited good sensitivity with MIC values of 1250 μg/mL. Moreover, all the extracts possessed anti-HIV activity. The ethanolic flower extract was the most potent inhibitor of HIV-1 RT DNA polymerase RNA-dependent and Ribonuclease H with IC50values of 0.26 and 0.33 μg/mL, respectively. The LC-DAD metabolic profile showed that ethanolic leaves extract contains high levels of quercetin derivatives. This study suggests thatEuphorbia characiasextracts represent a good source of natural bioactive compounds which could be useful for pharmaceutical application as well as in food system for the prevention of the growth of food-borne bacteria and to extend the shelf-life of processed foods.
TheCYBAGene⁎49A>G Polymorphism (rs7195830) Is Associated with Hypertension in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Nowak Tomasz , Niemiec Paweł , Górczyńska-Kosiorz Sylwia , Balcerzyk Anna , Iwanicki Tomasz , Krauze Jolanta , Grzeszczak Wladyslaw , Ochalska-Tyka Anna , Iwanicka Joanna , Zak Iwona
Published: May 2016

Purpose. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of theCYBAgene may modify the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the⁎49A>G (rs7195830) polymorphism is associated with CAD.Materials and Methods.CYBAgene⁎49A>G polymorphism was determined in 481 subjects: 242 patients with premature CAD and 239 age and sex matched controls using the fluorescently labeled allele-specific oligonucleotides method.Results. The frequency of the⁎49G allele carrier state was significantly higher in patients than in controls (84.8% versus 76.6%, resp.,P=0.020), as well as the frequency of the⁎49G allele (62.2% versus 54.0%,P=0.009). Both factors were associated with CAD in the analyzed population (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.04–2.76 for GG+AG versus AA and OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.08–1.83 for⁎49G versus  ⁎49A). Carrier state of the⁎49G allele was a stronger and independent risk factor for CAD among women (OR = 4.35, 95% CI: 1.50–13.20,P=0.002), as well as the⁎49G allele (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.34–3.77,P=0.001). The⁎49G allele carrier state was also associated with left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with coronary artery disease (P=0.015).Conclusion. TheCYBAgene⁎49A>G polymorphism modifies the risk of coronary artery disease.
The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Diabetic Wound Healing in relation to Photobiomodulation
Authors: Ayuk Sandra Matabi , Abrahamse Heidi , Houreld Nicolette Nadene
Published: May 2016

The integration of several cellular responses initiates the process of wound healing. Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an integral role in wound healing. Their main function is degradation, by removal of damaged extracellular matrix (ECM) during the inflammatory phase, breakdown of the capillary basement membrane for angiogenesis and cell migration during the proliferation phase, and contraction and remodelling of tissue in the remodelling phase. For effective healing to occur, all wounds require a certain amount of these enzymes, which on the contrary could be very damaging at high concentrations causing excessive degradation and impaired wound healing. The imbalance in MMPs may increase the chronicity of a wound, a familiar problem seen in diabetic patients. The association of diabetes with impaired wound healing and other vascular complications is a serious public health issue. These may eventually lead to chronic foot ulcers and amputation. Low intensity laser irradiation (LILI) or photobiomodulation (PBM) is known to stimulate several wound healing processes; however, its role in matrix proteins and diabetic wound healing has not been fully investigated. This review focuses on the role of MMPs in diabetic wound healing and their interaction in PBM.