bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data‐Driven Two‐Level Performance Evaluation of Eddy‐Current Tuned Mass Damper for Building Structures Using Shaking Table and Field Testing
Authors: Lu Xilin , Zhang Qi , Wu Weichao , Shan Jiazeng
Published: May 2018

A computational framework with a two‐level performance evaluation is proposed for the tuned mass damper (TMD)‐structure system and is implemented for a new eddy‐current (EC) TMD in a data‐driven manner by incorporating the measurements from a shaking table test and real‐world field tests. The first level of evaluation corresponds to the data analysis with classical performance indices, whereas the second level focuses on the energy dissipation and exchange behavior in the time domain. Accordingly, two key steps of physical modeling and unmeasured response estimation are sequentially presented, and the steps adopt two types of energy balance formulations and state–space descriptions for the primary structure and the TMD, respectively. In the case of shaking table test, the momentary and cumulative behavior of energy dissipation and exchange at the second level is systematically revealed, and several key issues are identified for explaining the observed performance variation and excitation‐sensitivity. In the case of field test, the damping and control performance of the EC‐TMD at the real‐world scale is investigated with informative results using the first level evaluation.
Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli increase extracytoplasmic polysaccharide biosynthesis for serum resistance in response to bloodstream signals
Authors: Ma Jiale , An Chunxia , Jiang Fengwei , Yao Huochun , Logue Catherine , Nolan Lisa K. , Li Ganwu
Published: May 2018

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) is one of the leading causes of bloodstream infections. Characteristically, these organisms exhibit strong resistance to the bactericidal action of host serum. Although numerous serum resistance factors in ExPEC have been identified, their regulatory mechanisms during in vivo infection remain largely unknown. Here, RNA sequencing analyses together with quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR revealed that ExPEC genes involved in the biosynthesis of extracytoplasmic polysaccharides (ECPs) including K‐capsule, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), colanic acid, peptidoglycan and Yjb exopolysaccharides were significantly upregulated in response to serum under low oxygen conditions and during bloodstream infection. The oxygen sensor FNR directly activated the expression of K‐capsule and colanic acid and also indirectly modulated the expression of colanic acid, Yjb exopolysaccharides and peptidoglycan via the known Rcs regulatory system. The global regulator Fur directly or indirectly repressed the expression ofECP biosynthesis genes in iron replete media, whereas the low iron conditions in the bloodstream could relieve Fur repression. Using in vitro and animal models, FNR, Fur and the Rcs system were confirmed as contributing to ExPEC ECP production, serum resistance and virulence. Altogether, these findings indicated that the global regulators FNR andFur and the signaling transduction system Rcs coordinately regulated the expression of ECP biosynthesis genes leading to increased ExPEC serum resistance in response to low oxygen and low iron levels in the bloodstream.
High‐level, constitutive expression of the mgtC gene confers increased thermotolerance on Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Gall Aaron R. , Hegarty Annie E. , Datsenko Kirill A. , Westerman Richard P. , SanMiguel Phillip , Csonka Laszlo N.
Published: May 2018

We found that mutations that increased the transcription of the mgtCBR (Mg2+ transport‐related) operon conferred increased thermotolerance on this organism. The 5′ leader of the mgtCBR mRNA contains two short open reading frames (ORFs), mgtM and mgtP, whose translation regulates the expression of the mgtCBR operon by a mechanism that is similar to attenuation in amino acid biosynthetic operons. We obtained two types of mutations that resulted in elevated transcription of the operon: defects in the mgtM ribosome‐binding site, impairing the translation of this ORF and deletions encompassing the stop codon of mgtM that extend the translation of this ORF across a downstream Rho termination site. These mgtM mutations give further insights into the mechanism of the transcriptional control of the mgtCBR operon that we discuss in this work. We show that the increased thermotolerance requires elevated expression of the mgtC gene, but functional mgtB and mgtR, which respectively encode an Mg2+ transporter and a regulatory protein, are dispensable for this response. MgtC has been shown to have complex functions, including a requirement for virulence, flagella‐independent motility and synthesis of cellulose and we now found that it has a role in the regulation of thermotolerance.
Potential value of soluble APPαand APPβin CSF as biomarkers of dementia disorders: Unresolved issues and perspectives
Authors: Araki Wataru , Araki Yumiko M , Mizusawa Hidehiro
Published: May 2018

The significance of fluid biomarkers in the clinical evaluation of dementia disorders has been established. Among such biomarkers, tau (phosphorylated tau and total tau) and amyloid β‐protein 42 (Aβ42) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) stand out as relatively reliable biomarkers of Alzheimer‐type dementia and are now included in recently announced diagnostic guidelines. However, these biomarkers still have some limitations, including variability issues; thus, additional biomarkers would benefit earlier diagnosis of dementia disorders. TheCSFsoluble amyloid precursor proteins,sAPPα andsAPPβ—direct metabolites ofAPPproduced by α‐secretase– and β‐secretase–mediated cleavage—are potential biomarker candidates. However, there have been conflicting reports on their usefulness as diagnostic biomarkers. In this mini review, we consider recent biomarker studies onsAPPs with a special reference to their relevance to the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease. We also discuss unresolved issues, such as those relating to methodology, and provide perspectives for future research.
A case of incomplete Miller Fisher syndrome associated with multiple cranial neuritis and sphincter disturbance
Authors: Hosokawa Kyoko , Suzuki Hidefumi , Ono Michio , Kojima Yasuhiro , Kanda Masutaro , Shibasaki Hiroshi
Published: May 2018

A 60‐year‐old man, following diarrhea for 2 weeks, acutely developed double vision, unsteady gait, and difficulty in urination, followed by severe dysphagia and bilateral peripheral facial palsy. In view of the preserved anal sphincter and bulbocavernosus reflexes, the sphincter disturbance was ascribed to a brainstem lesion. Serum antibodies against gangliosides including GQ1b were negative. With the clinical diagnosis of incomplete Miller Fisher syndrome combined with multiple cranial neuritis and a possible brainstem lesion, the patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, and most symptoms have improved.
Fulminant Guillain–Barré syndrome with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: Report of an autopsied case
Authors: Takemoto Mami , Yamashita Toru , Ohta Yasuyuki , Hishikawa Nozomi , Sato Kota , Tsunoda Keiichiro , Shang Jingwei , Deguchi Kentaro , Tanaka Takehiro , Nishimura Hirotake , Furutani Masumi , Abe Koji
Published: May 2018

We report a case of a 77‐year‐old Japanese man with a fever of up to 39.0°C, which subsided after 5 days. The patient showed fulminant Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS), severe autonomic dysfunction with a labile blood pressure, an unstable heart rate from onset to death, and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Although Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was ameliorated by Day 14 (from admission in the hospital) with a normalized electrocardiogram, his blood pressure became markedly more variable and he died on Day 26. In the present report, we describe an autopsied case of GBS with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
Exploratory evaluation of a commercially available Japanese medical record database as an external control for comparative clinical trials in new drug development: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Fukamachi Saeko , Hashiguchi Masayuki , Takahashi Kunihiko , Mochizuki Mayumi
Published: May 2018

Clinical trials with internal control groups may not always be feasible, especially for rare diseases. We performed an exploratory evaluation of the Medical Data Vision Co., Ltd. (MDV) medical record database as an external control in clinical trials for drug development. Survival curves for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients in the MDV database were compared with those for ALS patients in phase 3 trials of riluzole inside (1997) and outside (1996) Japan. Considering the time difference between MDV data collection (2008–2016) and riluzole trials (1996–1997), survival curves for ALS patients in the riluzole‐prescribed group in the MDV database and the placebo group in a celecoxib phase 3 trial (2006) in which 71% of patients received riluzole as first‐line treatment were also compared. The MDV database survival curves for the riluzole‐not prescribed and riluzole‐prescribed groups differed markedly from those for placebo groups and riluzole groups in two riluzole phase 3 trials. The survival curve for the placebo group in a celecoxib phase 3 trial was similar to that for the riluzole‐prescribed group in the MDV database until around 300 days after the start of observation. Our results were consistent with reports that patients diagnosed with ALS more recently survived longer and had slower disease progression than those diagnosed earlier. External comparative controls should consist of patient data collected in the same time period as when clinical trials were performed if the natural history of a disease is changing.
Lymphocytic esophagitis: an update on histologic diagnosis, endoscopic findings, and natural history
Authors: Patil Deepa T. , Hammer Suntrea , Langer Rupert , Yantiss Rhonda K.
Published: May 2018

Lymphocytic esophagitis is a histologic pattern of injury characterized by increased intraepithelial lymphocytes (>20/high‐power field) with rare, or absent granulocytes. Lymphocytes tend to be more numerous in the peripapillary epithelium, and are often associated with evidence of mucosal injury, edema, and scattered dyskeratotic cells. More than a decade following its original description, lymphocytic esophagitis remains an enigmatic entity with variable clinical presentations, associated disorders, etiologies, treatment, and natural history. Most of the confusion regarding the clinical significance of this disorder stems from its diagnostic criteria: lymphocytic esophagitis is currently defined based entirely on histologic criteria, despite the common occurrence of lymphocytosis in a variety of unrelated inflammatory conditions of the esophagus. The goal of this review is to summarize the literature regarding lymphocytic esophagitis and focus on key clinicopathologic features that distinguish it from other esophageal disorders that can show increased numbers of intraepithelial lymphocytes.
iPlasticity: Induced juvenile‐like plasticity in the adult brain as a mechanism of antidepressants
Authors: Umemori Juzoh , Winkel Frederike , Didio Giuliano , Llach Pou Maria , Castrén Eero
Published: May 2018

The network hypothesis of depression proposes that mood disorders reflect problems in information processing within particular neural networks. Antidepressants (AD), including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), function by gradually improving information processing within these networks. AD have been shown to induce a state of juvenile‐like plasticity comparable to that observed during developmental critical periods: Such critical‐period‐like plasticity allows brain networks to better adapt to extrinsic and intrinsic signals. We have coined this drug‐induced state of juvenile‐like plasticity ‘iPlasticity.’ A combination of iPlasticity induced by chronic SSRI treatment together with training, rehabilitation, or psychotherapy improves symptoms of neuropsychiatric disorders and issues underlying the developmentally or genetically malfunctioning networks. We have proposed that iPlasticity might be a critical component of AD action. We have demonstrated that iPlasticity occurs in the visual cortex, fear erasure network, extinction of aggression caused by social isolation, and spatial reversal memory in rodent models. Chronic SSRI treatment is known to promote neurogenesis and to cause dematuration of granule cells in the dentate gyrus and of interneurons, especially parvalbumin interneurons enwrapped by perineuronal nets in the prefrontal cortex, visual cortex, and amygdala. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), via its receptor tropomyosin kinase receptor B, is involved in the processes of synaptic plasticity, including neurogenesis, neuronal differentiation, weight of synapses, and gene regulation of synaptic formation. BDNF can be activated by both chronic SSRI treatment and neuronal activity. Accordingly, the BDNF/tropomyosin kinase receptor B pathway is critical for iPlasticity, but further analyses will be needed to provide mechanical insight into the processes of iPlasticity.
When your patient's parent asks: “My child's alopecia areata is not getting better. Should he or she get tested for celiac disease?”
Authors: Kaplan Laura , Castelo‐Soccio Leslie
Published: May 2018

The relationship between alopecia areata and celiac disease has been suspected for more than 20 years. For a particular individual with alopecia areata, the risk of coexisting celiac disease and the potential benefit of a gluten‐free diet on hair loss or regrowth is known. Despite this limited information, patients often aske dermatologists whether they should undergo celiac disease testing or begin a gluten‐free diet. We reviewed all available studies of the relationship between alopecia areata and celiac disease to provide guidance to practicing clinicians.
Behavioural response of Lucilia sericata to a decaying body infested by necrophagous insects
Authors: Martin Clément , Verheggen François
Published: May 2018

Numerous insect species are necrophagous, with Dipterans and Coleopterans being the most abundant on a corpse. Whether the presence of necrophageous species on a corpse affects the attraction of adult blowflies to the corpse is sparsely studied. We test the hypothesis that Lucilia sericata can discriminate the odour of a noncolonized cadaver from the odour of a cadaver on which conspecific and/or heterospecific necrophagous insects are feeding. The volatile organic compounds are collected from decomposing rats under four modalities: (i) in the absence of insects; (ii) in the presence of L. sericata adults; (iii) in the presence of Dermestes frischii adults; (iv) and in the presence of both D. frischii adults and L. sericata adults. During a multiple‐choice bioassay, blowflies are exposed to the four odour samples, and are shown to prefer the odour of a corpse where conspecific larvae are present. We also expect blowflies to avoid cadavers on which predators where present, although L. sericata are not repulsed by the odour of a cadaver colonized by hide beetles. We then compare the average quantities of all 61 volatile molecules identified, finding that the presence of necrophagous insects impacts some of them. However, none of the volatile organic compounds previously reported in the literature as being attractive for L. sericata adults are impacted by the presence of necrophagous insects. The results of the present study suggest that blowfly larvae modify the volatilome of a corpse, enabling adults to discriminate a colonized from a noncolonized corpse.
Th1 immune response to Plasmodium falciparum recombinant thrombospondin‐related adhesive protein (TRAP) antigen is enhanced by TLR3‐specific adjuvant, poly(I:C) in BALB/c mice
Authors: Mehrizi A. A. , Ameri Torzani M. , Zakeri S. , Jafary Zadeh A. , Babaeekhou L.
Published: May 2018

Sporozoite‐based malaria vaccines have provided a gold standard for malaria vaccine development, and thrombospondin‐related adhesive protein (TRAP) serves as the main vaccine candidate antigen on sporozoites. As recombinant malaria vaccine candidate antigens are poorly immunogenic, additional appropriate immunostimulants, such as an efficient adjuvant, are highly essential to modulate Th1‐cell predominance and also to induce a protective and long‐lived immune response. In this study, polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], the ligand of TLR3, was considered as the potential adjuvant for vaccines targeting stronger Th1‐based immune responses. For this purpose, BALB/c mice were immunized with rPfTRAP delivered in putative poly(I:C) adjuvant, and humoural and cellular immune responses were determined in different immunized mouse groups. Delivery of rPfTRAP with poly(I:C) induced high levels and titres of persisted and also high‐avidity anti‐rPfTRAP IgG antibodies comparable to complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)/incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (IFA) adjuvant after the second boost. In addition, rPfTRAP formulated with poly(I:C) elicited a higher ratio of IFN‐γ/IL‐5, IgG2a/IgG1, and IgG2b/IgG1 than with CFA/IFA, indicating that poly(I:C) supports the induction of a stronger Th1‐based immune response. This is a first time study which reveals the potential of rPfTRAP delivery in poly(I:C) to increase the level, avidity and durability of both anti‐PfTRAP cytophilic antibodies and Th1 cytokines.
Safety profile of uncrossmatched, cold‐stored, low‐titer, group O+ whole blood in civilian trauma patients
Authors: Seheult Jansen N. , Bahr Marshall , Anto Vincent , Alarcon Louis H. , Corcos Alain , Sperry Jason L. , Triulzi Darrell J. , Yazer Mark H.
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

The use of cold‐stored low‐titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) for civilian trauma patients is gaining popularity. However, hemolysis might occur among non–group O recipients. This study evaluated the serologic safety of transfusing up to 4 units of LTOWB.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Hypotensive male and at least 50‐year‐old female trauma patients who received leukoreduced, uncrossmatched, group O+, low‐titer (<50 anti‐A and anti‐B), platelet‐replete whole blood during initial resuscitation were included in this prospective, observational study. Biochemical markers of hemolysis were measured on the day of LTOWB receipt (Day 0) and over the next 2 days. Blood product administration in the first 24 hours of admission and reported transfusion‐associated adverse events were also reviewed.

RESULTS

There were 102 non–group O and 70 group O recipients of 1 to 4 LTOWB units analyzed. The non–group O recipients received a median volume of 600 mL (range, 300‐4100 mL) of ABO‐incompatible plasma, including the contribution from the LTOWB units. There were no significant differences in median haptoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, creatinine, or potassium levels at any time point between the non–group O and group O recipients. There were also no differences in these markers between the subset of 23 non–group O and 14 group O recipients who received 3 or 4 LTOWB units. No transfusion‐associated adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of up to 4 units of LTOWB in civilian trauma resuscitation was not associated with clinical or biochemical evidence of hemolysis. Six units per trauma patient are now permitted at these institutions.
Optimized adipose tissue engineering strategy based on a neo‐mechanical processing method
Authors: He Yunfan , Lin Maohui , Wang Xuecen , Guan Jingyan , Dong Ziqing , Lu Feng , Xing Malcolm , Feng Chuanbo , Li Xiaojian
Published: May 2018

Decellularized adipose tissue (DAT) represents a promising scaffold for adipose tissue engineering. However, the unique and prolonged lipid removal process required for adipose tissue can damage extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents. Moreover, inadequate vascularization limits the recellularization of DAT in vivo. We proposed a neo‐mechanical protocol for rapidly breaking adipocytes and removing lipid content from adipose tissue. The lipid‐depleted adipose tissue was then subjected to a fast and mild decellularization to fabricate high‐quality DAT (M‐DAT). Adipose liquid extract (ALE) derived from this mechanical process was collected and incorporated into M‐DAT to further optimize in vivo recellularization. Ordinary DAT was fabricated and served as a control. This developed strategy was evaluated based on decellularization efficiency, ECM quality, and recellularization efficiency. Angiogenic factor components and angiogenic potential of ALE were evaluated in vivo and in vitro. M‐DAT achieved the same decellularization efficiency, but exhibited better retention of ECM components and recellularization, compared with those with ordinary DAT. Protein quantification revealed considerable levels of angiogenic factors (basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor‐β1, and vascular endothelial growth factor) in ALE. ALE promoted tube formation in vitro and induced intense angiogenesis in M‐DAT in vivo; furthermore, higher expression of the adipogenic factor PPARγ and greater numbers of adipocytes were evident following ALE treatment, compared with those in the M‐DAT group. Mechanical processing of adipose tissue led to the production of high‐quality M‐DAT and angiogenic factor‐enriched ALE. The combination of ALE and M‐DAT could be a promising strategy for engineered adipose tissue construction.
Leading Factors for the Somalian Invasion of Ogaden: Foreign Intervention, and the Ethiopian Response (1977-1978)
Authors: Zeleke Wondim Tiruneh
Published: May 2018

The main objective of this paper is to assess the historical out line on the Dynamics of Conflict and Intervention in North -East Africa: The Case Study on the Second Ethio- Somalian (Ogaden) War of 1977-1978. Hence, the Ogaden war, a brief but costly war fought between Ethiopia and Somalia that ended by the defeat of Somalia and her withdrawal in January, 1978 was seen differently by different sides. Opposing foreign intervention in civil wars has also been a central phenomenon of international politics. The war was aggravated by outsiders for many years and in 1970s, above all by the superpowers, namely, the USA and USSR, and also by their contingents. At the heart of the issues underlying the War in the Horn of Africa lie three legacies of the past: namely; European colonial rule; Somali irredentism; and superpowers intervention/ Afyare Abdi Elmi and Abdullahi Barise; 2006:45/. This conflict can be viewed as a meaningless tragedy for the people of the Horn of Africa in general and Somalia in particular. I argue that competition for resources and power, repression by the military regime and the colonial legacy are the background causes of the conflict. Politicized clan identity, the availability of weapons and the presence of a large number of unemployed youth have exacerbated the problem. With regard to the obstacles to peace, we contend that Ethiopia’s hostile policy, the absence of major power interest, lack of resources and the warlords’ lack of interest in peace are the major factors that continue to haunt the Somali peace process. Finally, the study propose ambitious peace-building mechanisms that attempt to address the key areas of security, political governance, economic development and justice in order to build a durable peace in Somalia.
The Way We Play: Male Bodies on a Gay Cruise Website
Authors: Jesus Diego Santos Vieira de
Published: May 2018

The aim is to examine how male bodies are represented on a gay cruise website. The article focus on photographs in which such bodies appear on the official Atlantis Events website in ads for cruises organized by the company for the 2018 season. The central argument points out that the bodies are predominantly masculine and athletic and reproduce aesthetic patterns connected to strength and healthy physical condition, moving away from disparaging stigmas associated with gays and their negative connection to the female condition. The clothes and accessories used by these men and the portrayed situations and places point to a pattern of consumption allowed only to middle and upper class individuals, which ends up marginalizing, in the company’s communication, other members of the LGBT population who do not fit into such aesthetic and financial standards.
Pelvic Construct Prediction of Trabecular and Cortical Bone Structural Architecture
Authors: Zaharie Dan T. , Phillips Andrew T. M.
Published: May 2018

The pelvic construct is an important part of the body as it facilitates the transfer of upper body weight to the lower limbs and protects a number of organs and vessels in the lower abdomen. In addition, the importance of the pelvis is highlighted by the high mortality rates associated with pelvic trauma. This study presents a mesoscale structural model of the pelvic construct and the joints and ligaments associated with it. Shell elements were used to model cortical bone, while truss elements were used to model trabecular bone and the ligaments and joints. The finite element (FE) model was subjected to an iterative optimization process based on a strain-driven bone adaptation algorithm. The bone model was adapted to a number of common daily living activities (walking, stair ascent, stair descent, sit-to-stand, and stand-to-sit) by applying onto it joint and muscle loads derived using a musculoskeletal modeling framework. The cortical thickness distribution and the trabecular architecture of the adapted model were compared qualitatively with computed tomography (CT) scans and models developed in previous studies, showing good agreement. The sensitivity of the model to changes in material properties of the ligaments and joint cartilage and changes in parameters related to the adaptation algorithm was assessed. Changes to the target strain had the largest effect on predicted total bone volumes. The model showed low sensitivity to changes in all other parameters. The minimum and maximum principal strains predicted by the structural model compared to a continuum CT-derived model in response to a common test loading scenario showed good agreement with correlation coefficients of 0.813 and 0.809, respectively. The developed structural model enables a number of applications such as fracture modeling, design, and additive manufacturing of frangible surrogates.
Biomechanical Analysis of a Long-Segment Fusion in a Lumbar Spine—A Finite Element Model Study
Authors: Natarajan Raghu N. , Watanabe Kei , Hasegawa Kazuhiro
Published: May 2018

Examine the biomechanical effect of material properties, geometric variables, and anchoring arrangements in a segmental pedicle screw with connecting rods spanning the entire lumbar spine using finite element models (FEMs). The objectives of this study are (1) to understand how different variables associated with posterior instrumentation affect the lumbar spine kinematics and stresses in instrumentation, (2) to compare the multidirectional stability of the spinal instrumentation, and (3) to determine how these variables contribute to the rigidity of the long-segment fusion in a lumbar spine. A lumbar spine FEM was used to analyze the biomechanical effects of different materials used for spinal rods (TNTZ or Ti or CoCr), varying diameters of the screws and rods (5 mm and 6 mm), and different fixation techniques (multilevel or intermittent). The results based on the range of motion and stress distribution in the rods and screws revealed that differences in properties and variations in geometry of the screw-rod moderately affect the biomechanics of the spine. Further, the spinal screw-rod system was least stable under the lateral bending mode. Stress analyzes of the screws and rods revealed that the caudal section of the posterior spinal instrumentation was more susceptible to high stresses and hence possible failure. Although CoCr screws and rods provided the greatest spinal stabilization, these constructs were susceptible to fatigue failure. The findings of the present study suggest that a posterior instrumentation system with a 5-mm screw-rod diameter made of Ti or TNTZ is advantageous over CoCr instrumentation system.
Surface Display of Small Affinity Proteins on Synechocystis sp. Strain PCC 6803 Mediated by Fusion to the Major Type IV Pilin PilA1
Authors: Cengic Ivana , Uhlén Mathias , Hudson Elton P.
Published: May 2018

Cyanobacteria are gaining interest for their potential as autotrophic cell factories. Development of efficient surface display strategies could improve their suitability for large-scale applications by providing options for designed microbial consortia, cell immobilization, and biomass harvesting. Here, surface display of small affinity proteins was realized by fusing them to the major subunit of the native type IV pili in
Synechocystis
sp. strain PCC 6803. The display of complementary affinity proteins allowed specific cell-cell binding between
Synechocystis
and
Escherichia coli
or
Staphylococcus carnosus
. Additionally, successful tagging of the putative pilin PilA4 helped determine its localization to the type IV pili. Analogous tagging of the S-layer protein shed light on the regions involved in its secretion and surface anchoring.
Multicenter Diagnostic Accuracy Evaluation of the Luminex Aries Real-Time PCR Assay for Group B Streptococcus Detection in Lim Broth-Enriched Samples
Authors: Hernandez D. R. , Wolk D. M. , Walker K. L. , Young S. , Dunn R. , Dunbar S. A. , Rao A.
Published: May 2018

The vertical transmission of group BStreptococcus(GBS) strains causing neonatal sepsis is one of the leading reasons for neonatal mortality worldwide. The gold standard for GBS detection is enriched culture with or without the aid of chromogenic agars.
Using ESS
tudios
Microbial Growth Modeling Program to Improve Student Comprehension of Microbial Growth and Its Underlying Mathematics
Authors: Hogan David E. , Harmon Matt J. , Brown-Hogan Kourtney A. , Maier Raina M.
Published: May 2018

The concept of bacterial growth and substrate utilization is foundational in the field of microbiology, yet the teaching of this concept is often limited to a graph displaying a single ideal growth curve. As a result, the underlying mathematics are often ignored, and when they are introduced, the equations are generally splashed across the screen with little expectation for student retention or comprehension. We have designed a web-based, interactive learning program called Environmental Science Studios (ESStudios: http://esstudios.arizona.edu/) to model microbial growth to promote active, hands-on, problem-solving that fosters a deep understanding of the mathematics of growth phenomena. The ESStudios Microbial Growth and Dynamics Modeling Program was used as a supplement to traditional lecture in an environmental microbiology course. Using the program, students were able to easily conduct a large number of virtual experiments, make direct on-screen comparisons across experiments, and develop a strong understanding of the effect of growth parameters on microbial growth curves. Student feedback on the activity was positive, and during the activity, we noted they asked questions indicative of higher level understanding. This activity demonstrates ESStudio’s potential to shift the pedagogy from teaching microbial growth using generalizations and dry oration to teaching the concept with visuals, case-studies, and interactions that allow direct relation of the underlying mathematics with the physical manifestations of microbial growth.
Riboflavin Riboswitch Regulation: Hands-On Learning about the Role of RNA Structures in the Control of Gene Expression in Bacteria
Authors: Vrentas Catherine E. , Adler Jacob J. , Kleinschmit Adam J. , Massimelli Julia
Published: May 2018

American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Curriculum Guidelines highlight the importance of instruction about informational flow in organisms, including regulation of gene expression. However, foundational central dogma concepts and more advanced gene regulatory mechanisms are challenging for undergraduate biology students. To increase student comprehension of these principles, we designed an activity for upper-level biology students centered on construction and analysis of physical models of bacterial riboswitches. Students manipulate an inexpensive bag of supplies (beads, pipe cleaners) to model two conformations of a riboswitch in a bacterial transcript. After initial pilot testing, we implemented the activity in three upper-level classes at one research-intensive and two primarily undergraduate institutions. To assess student perceptions of learning gains, we utilized a pre/post-activity 5-point Likert-type survey instrument to characterize student perceptions of confidence in both their understanding of riboswitches and their ability to apply the central dogma to riboswitches. Median post-test ranks were significantly higher than median pre-test ranks (
p
< 0.0001) when compared by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (
n
= 31). Next, we assessed post-activity knowledge via use of a rubric to score student responses on exam questions. More than 80% of students could correctly describe and diagram examples of riboswitches; data from initial iterations were used to enhance curriculum materials for subsequent implementations. We conclude that this riboswitch activity leads to both student-reported increases in confidence in the ASM curriculum dimension of gene regulation, including central dogma concepts, and demonstrated student ability to diagram riboswitches, predict outcomes of riboswitches, and connect riboswitches to evolutionary roles.
Interactive Web-Based Tool for Nutritional Microbiology in Applied Agriculture Outreach
Authors: Zambito Ivey Jennie L. , Myer Phillip R.
Published: May 2018

The interconnection of microbiology, biology, and agriculture poses unique challenges for dissemination of basic science research data in an applied format. Further, audiences including the general public, stakeholders, agricultural commodity producers, and students to which information is directed often possess various backgrounds and educational training. In response to technological advances, and the benefits of web-based learning tools to deliver complex information, an integrative approach to deliver microbial content information was developed. Through the constructed web-based interface, an interactive format to highlight the microbe of interest consisted of a main image with strategically placed hotspots to illuminate the location/environment/organ where the microbe can be found. As each hotspot is accessed, an additional image and description of the role and function of the microbe at the location is presented. To encourage regular user access with the learning tool, monthly features were created to focus on various concepts in nutritional microbiology. Monthly themes were selected by the educator to cover a specific microbe, environment, and physiological or nutritional function. Facilitation of educator operation of the interface was achieved through development of an easy-to-use dashboard, allowing for uploading of main, monthly, and hotspot images, along with information on the overview of microbe function and with details contained within the hotspot descriptions. Additionally, an archive feature was created to allow access to information that was previously covered within the learning tool. Application of this web-based interface can span across classroom settings, outreach educational events, adult and youth learning within Extension, student recruitment, and many other non-traditional learning settings to impact production agriculture with research-driven microbiological and biological concepts.
Distress during airway sampling in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Chau Jun Ting , Peebles Karen , Belessis Yvonne , Jaffe Adam , Doumit Michael
Published: May 2018

Background

Oropharyngeal suction and oropharyngeal swab are two methods of obtaining airway samples with similar diagnostic accuracy in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). The primary aim was comparing distress between suctioning and swabbing. A secondary aim was establishing the reliability of the Groningen Distress Rating Scale (GDRS).

Methods

Randomised oropharyngeal suction or swab occurred over two visits. Two physiotherapists and the child’s parent rated distress using the GDRS. Heart rate (HR) was also measured.

Results

24 children with CF, mean age of 3 years, participated. Both physiotherapist and parent rating showed significantly higher distress levels during suction than swab. Inter-rater reliability for the GDRS was very good between physiotherapists, and good between physiotherapist and parents.

Conclusion

The study found that oropharyngeal swab is less distressing in obtaining samples than oropharyngeal suction and that the GDRS was reliable and valid.
Effects of a home-based participatory play intervention on infant and young child nutrition: a randomised evaluation among low-income households in El Alto, Bolivia
Authors: Martinez Sebastian , Johannsen Julia , Gertner Gaston , Franco Jorge , Perez Exposito Ana B , Bartolini Rosario M , Condori Irma , Ayllón Jhovanna Flores , Llanque Ramiro , Alvarado Nohora , Lunstedt Christian , Ferrufino Cecilia , Reinaga Teresa , Chumacero Mauricio , Foronda Carlos , Albarracin Santiago , Aguilar Ana Maria
Published: May 2018

Background

Stunting affects child survival and is a key indicator of child well-being. Therefore, reducing stunting is a global goal. Improving infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices is a recommended approach to reduce the risk of mortality and ameliorate nutritional status. Behavioural change interventions have the potential to improve IYCF practices.

Methods

We evaluated the effectiveness of an innovative behavioural change strategy on caregiver’s knowledge, IYCF practices and nutritional status of children from low-income households in El Alto, Bolivia. Home visits used culturally adapted participatory play strategies to promote recommended IYCF practices. A total of 2014 households with children younger than 12 months at baseline were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups.

Findings

Caregiver knowledge and IYCF practices improved by 0.2 SD, as did food expenditures on recommended foods and dietary diversity. No significant effects were detected on anthropometric indicators or anaemia. Treatment compliance was 88% of households at enrolment and 66% at completion.

Interpretation

Participatory play-based behavioural change strategies are a promising delivery model to improve recommended IYCF practices. After 30 months of intervention, we found sustained positive effects on caregiver’s knowledge and IYCF practices but no effect on nutritional status. Despite the lack of effect on linear growth and anaemia, our results highlight the relevance of implementing interventions that improve IYCF practices due to their importance for early development and prevention of obesity. Other contextual variables, apart from diet, that could be limiting children’s growth potential in this population need to be identified to design holistic approaches that improve child well-being and human capital.
Prevalence of tobacco use and perceptions of student health professionals about cessation training: results from Global Health Professions Students Survey
Authors: Sreeramareddy Chandrashekhar T , Ramakrishnareddy N , Rahman Mahbubur , Mir Imtiyaz Ali
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Health professionals play an important role in providing advice to their patients about tobacco prevention and cessation. Health professionals who use tobacco may be deterred from providing cessation advice and counselling to their patients. We aimed to provide prevalence estimates of tobacco use among student health professionals and describe their attitudes towards tobacco cessation training.

Methods

Country-wise aggregate data from the Global Health Professions Student Survey on ‘current cigarette smoking’(smoking cigarettes on 1 or more days during the past 30 days), and ‘currentuse of tobacco products other than cigarettes’(chewing tobacco, snuff, bidis, cigars or pipes, 1 or more days during the past 30 days) were analysed. For each WHO region, we estimated mean prevalence rates of tobacco use weighted by the population of the sampling frame and aggregate proportions for ‘health professionals’ role’and ‘cessation training’indicators using ‘metaprop’ command on Stata V.11.

Results

A total of 107 527 student health professionals participated in 236 surveys done in four health profession disciplines spanning 70 countries with response rates ranging from 40% to 100%. Overall, prevalence of smoking was highest in European countries (20% medical and 40% dental students) and the Americas (13% pharmacy to 23% dental students). Other tobacco use was higher in eastern Mediterranean (10%–23%) and European countries (7%–13%). In most WHO regions, ≥70% of the students agreed that health professionals are role models, and have a role in advising about smoking cessation to their patients and the public. Only ≤33% of all student health professionals in most WHO regions (except 80% dental students in the Eastern Mediterranean region) had received formal training on smoking cessation approaches and ≥80% of all students agreed that they should receive formal cessation training.

Conclusions

Tobacco control should take place together with medical educators to discourage tobacco use among student health professionals and implement an integrated smoking cessation training into health professions' curricula.
Cancer recording in patients with and without type 2 diabetes in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink primary care data and linked hospital admission data: a cohort study
Authors: Williams Rachael , van Staa Tjeerd-Pieter , Gallagher Arlene M , Hammad Tarek , Leufkens Hubert G M , de Vries Frank
Published: May 2018

Objectives and setting

Conflicting results from studies using electronic health records to evaluate the associations between type 2 diabetes and cancer fuel concerns regarding potential biases. This study aimed to describe completeness of cancer recording in UK primary care data linked to hospital admissions records.

Design

Patients aged 40+ years with insulin or oral antidiabetic prescriptions in Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) primary care without type 1 diabetes were matched by age, sex and general practitioner practice to non-diabetics. Those eligible for linkage to Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care (HES APC), and with follow-up during April 1997–December 2006 were included.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Cancer recording and date of first record of cancer were compared. Characteristics of patients with cancer most likely to have the diagnosis recorded only in a single data source were assessed. Relative rates of cancer estimated from the two datasets were compared.

Participants

53 585 patients with type 2 diabetes matched to 47 435 patients without diabetes were included.

Results

Of all cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) recorded in CPRD, 83% were recorded in HES APC. 94% of cases in HES APC were recorded in CPRD. Concordance was lower when restricted to same-site cancer records, and was negatively associated with increasing age. Relative rates for cancer were similar in both datasets.

Conclusions

Good concordance in cancer recording was found between CPRD and HES APC among type 2 diabetics and matched controls. Linked data may reduce misclassification and increase case ascertainment when analysis focuses on site-specific cancers.
Factors affecting the operating time for complete cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in paediatric cases of congenital choledochal malformation: a retrospective case study in Southeast China
Authors: Guo Wan-liang , Zhan Yang , Fang Fang , Huang Shun-gen , Deng Yan-bing , Zhao Jun-gang , Wang Jian
Published: May 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate factors affecting the operating time for complete cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in paediatric cases of congenital choledochal malformation (CCM).

Design

A 3-year retrospective study was undertaken between January 2013 and December 2015 in four centres in China.

Setting

This involved a retrospective chart review of paediatric patients with CCM in four large hospitals in Southeast China.

Participants

Sixty-five paediatric patients with CCM were included in this study. We derived all available information on patient demographics, clinical characteristics, preoperative complications and surgical methods from the charts of all these patients.

Interventions

Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate factors significantly affecting the operating time for complete cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in paediatric cases of CCM.

Results

Twenty-three of the 65 case surgeries were performed using laparoscopic technique, and 42 surgeries were performed by conventional open surgery. The median operating time was 215 min (range 120–430 min). The morphological subtype of CCM and the presence of cholecystitis or cholangitis were the only factors found to affect the operating time (p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis confirmed cholangitis as an independent risk factor.

Conclusions

The morphological subtype of CMM and the presence of cholecystitis or cholangitis are factors affecting the operating time for complete cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in paediatric cases of CCM, whereas cholangitis is an independent risk factor.
From Northern Ireland to Afghanistan: half a century of blast injuries
Authors: McGuire Ruth , Hepper A , Harrison K
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Throughout the last half century, blast injuries have been a common occurrence to UK military personnel during combat operations. This study investigates casualty data from three different military operations to determine whether survivability from blast injuries has improved over time and whether the tactics used could have influenced the injuries sustained.

Methods

Casualty data from operations in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan were reviewed and found to contain a total of 2629 casualties injured by improvised explosive devices. The injury severities were examined and the suitability of comparison between conflicts was considered.

Results

The case fatality rate and mean severity score sustained remained consistent among the operations included in this study. Using the New Injury Severity Score, the probabilities of survival were calculated for each separate operation. The body regions injured were identified for both fatalities and survivors. Using this information, comparisons of injury severities sustained at an Abbreviated Injury Scale of 3 and above (identified as a threshold for fatal injury) were conducted between the different operations.

Conclusions

The data showed that as operations changed over time, survivability improved and the proportions of body regions injured also changed; however, this study also highlights how studying casualty data from different conflicts without taking account for the contextual differences may lead to misleading conclusions.