bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of
Arthrobacter
sp. OY3WO11, a Strain That Inhibits the Growth of
Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Town Jennifer , Audy Patrice , Boyetchko Susan M. , Dumonceaux Tim J.
Published: June 2016

Arthrobacter
sp. strain OY3WO11 inhibits the growth of the potato pathogen
Phytophthora infestans
in
in vivo
growth challenge assays. We determined the draft genome sequence of this strain, assembling it into 3 scaffolds of 4.2 Mbp total length. OY3WO11 may represent a novel species of
Arthrobacter
.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Achromobacter
sp. Strain AR476-2, Isolated from a Cellulolytic Consortium
Authors: Kurth Daniel , Romero Cintia M. , Fernandez Pablo M. , Ferrero Marcela A. , Martinez M. Alejandra
Published: June 2016

Achromobacter
sp. AR476-2 is a noncellulolytic strain previously isolated from a cellulolytic consortium selected from samples of insect gut. Its genome sequence could contribute to the unraveling of the complex interaction of microorganisms and enzymes involved in the biodegradation of lignocellulosic biomass in nature.
Complete Genome Sequence of Enterococcus hirae R17, a Daptomycin-Resistant Bacterium Isolated from Retail Pork in China
Authors: Peng Zixin , Wang Wei , Hu Yujie , Li Fengqin
Published: June 2016

Daptomycin-resistant
Enterococcus hirae
R17 was isolated from retail pork sold at a free-trade market in Beijing, China. The complete genome sequence of R17 contains a circular 2,886,481-bp chromosome and a circular 73,574-bp plasmid. Genes involved in cell envelope homeostasis of this bacterium were identified by whole-genome analysis.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus licheniformis Strain GB2, a Hydrocarbon-Degrading and Plant Growth-Promoting Soil Bacterium
Authors: Gkorezis Panagiotis , Van Hamme Jonathan , Bottos Eric , Thijs Sofie , Balseiro-Romero Maria , Monterroso Carmela , Kidd Petra Suzan , Rineau Francois , Weyens Nele , Sillen Wouter , Vangronsveld Jaco
Published: June 2016

We report the 4.39 Mb draft genome of
Bacillus licheniformis
GB2, a hydrocarbonoclastic Gram-positive bacterium of the family
Bacillaceae
, isolated from diesel-contaminated soil at the Ford Motor Company site in Genk, Belgium. Strain GB2 is an effective plant-growth promoter useful for diesel fuel remediation applications based on plant-bacterium associations.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Propionispora
sp. Strain 2/2-37, a New Xylan-Degrading Bacterium Isolated from a Mesophilic Biogas Reactor
Authors: Koeck Daniela E. , Maus Irena , Wibberg Daniel , Winkler Anika , Zverlov Vladimir V. , Liebl Wolfgang , Pühler Alfred , Schwarz Wolfgang H. , Schlüter Andreas
Published: June 2016

The novel mesophilic bacterial strain
Propionispora
sp. 2/2-37 was isolated from an industrial-scale biogas plant. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the isolate constitutes a new subcluster within the order
Selenomonadales
. The 2/2-37 draft genome sequence was established and provides the genetic basis for application of this microorganism in degradation of biomass for bio-fuel production.
Genome Sequence of Streptomyces aureofaciens ATCC Strain 10762
Authors: Gradnigo Julien S. , Somerville Greg A. , Huether Michael J. , Kemmy Richard J. , Johnson Craig M. , Oliver Michael G. , Moriyama Etsuko N.
Published: June 2016

Streptomyces aureofaciens
is a Gram-positive actinomycete that produces the antibiotics tetracycline and chlortetracycline. Here, we report the assembly and initial annotation of the draft genome sequence of
S. aureofaciens
ATCC strain 10762.
Draft Genome Sequence of Acetobacter malorum CECT 7742, a Strain Isolated from Strawberry Vinegar
Authors: Sainz Florencia , Mas Albert , Torija María Jesús
Published: June 2016

The present article reports the draft genome sequence of the strain
Acetobacter malorum
CECT 7742, an acetic acid bacterium isolated from strawberry vinegar. This species is characterized by the production of
d
-gluconic acid from
d
-glucose, which it further metabolizes to keto-
d
-gluconic acids.
Draft Genome Sequence of Gordonia sihwensis Strain 9, a Branched Alkane-Degrading Bacterium
Authors: Brown Lisa M. , Gunasekera Thusitha S. , Striebich Richard C. , Ruiz Oscar N.
Published: June 2016

Gordonia sihwensis
strain 9 is a Gram-positive bacterium capable of efficient aerobic degradation of branched and normal alkanes. The draft genome of
G. sihwensis
S9 is 4.16 Mb in size, with 3,686 coding sequences and 68.1% G+C content. Alkane monooxygenase and P-450 cytochrome genes required for alkane degradation are predicted in
G. sihwensis
S9.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Fish Pathogen Flavobacterium columnare Strain C#2
Authors: Bartelme Ryan P. , Newton Ryan J. , Zhu Yongtao , Li Nan , LaFrentz Benjamin R. , McBride Mark J.
Published: June 2016

Flavobacterium columnareis a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen that causes columnaris disease of freshwater fish.Flavobacterium columnarestrain C#2 was isolated from a diseased warm-water fish and is typed as genomovar II. The genome consists of a single 3.33-Mb circular chromosome with 2,689 predicted coding genes.
Are group-based and individual physiotherapy exercise programmes equally effective for musculoskeletal conditions? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: O'Keeffe Mary , Hayes Amy , McCreesh Karen , Purtill Helen , O'Sullivan Kieran
Published: June 2016

Background

Musculoskeletal pain is common and its treatment costly. Both group and individual physiotherapy interventions which incorporate exercise aim to reduce pain and disability. Do the additional time and costs of individual physiotherapy result in superior outcomes?

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of group and individual physiotherapy including exercise on musculoskeletal pain and disability.

Methods

Eleven electronic databases were searched by two independent reviewers. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) including participants with musculoskeletal conditions which compared group and individual physiotherapy interventions that incorporated exercise were eligible. Study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale by two independent reviewers, and treatment effects were compared by meta-analyses.

Results

Fourteen RCTs were eligible, including patients with low back pain (7 studies), neck pain (4), knee pain (2) and shoulder pain (1). We found no clinically significant differences in pain and disability between group and individual physiotherapy involving exercise.

Conclusions

Only small, clinically irrelevant differences in pain or disability outcomes were found between group and individual physiotherapy incorporating exercise. Since all but one study included other interventions together with exercise in either the group or individual arm, deciphering the unique effect of the way in which exercise is delivered is difficult. Group interventions may need to be considered more often, given their similar effectiveness and potentially lower healthcare costs.
A prospective cohort study of 7031 distance runners shows that 1 in 13 report systemic symptoms of an acute illness in the 8–12 day period before a race, increasing their risk of not finishing the race 1.9 times for those runners who started the race: SAFER study IV
Authors: Van Tonder Anri , Schwellnus Martin , Swanevelder Sonja , Jordaan Esme , Derman Wayne , Janse van Rensburg Dina C
Published: June 2016

Background

Data on the prevalence of acute illness in the period prior to a distance running race are limited. Currently, the presence of systemic symptoms (failed ‘neck check’) is used to advise athletes on participation.

Aim

To determine (1) the period prevalence of pre-race acute illness symptoms before a distance running event, (2) if symptomatic runners receiving educational material on acute illness did not start (DNS) the race and (3) if symptomatic runners who chose to start the race, did not finish (DNF) the race.

Methods

7031 runners completed an online pre-race acute illness questionnaire in the 3–5 day period prior to a race. Symptomatic runners received educational information on exercise and acute illness. Runners were followed prospectively to determine DNS and DNF risk.

Results

1338 runners (19.0%) reporting symptoms (7.5% reporting systemic symptoms—failed ‘neck check’) and receiving educational information had a higher DNS frequency (11.0%) compared to controls (6.6%)(p=0.0002). Symptomatic runners who started the race had a higher DNF frequency (2.1%) compared to controls (1.3%) (p=0.0346), particularly runners with systemic symptoms (2.4%; RR=1.90).

Conclusions

In summary, 19% (1 in 5) runners reported pre-race acute illness symptoms, with 7.5% (1 in 13) reporting systemic symptoms. Although runner education reduced the percentage symptomatic race starters, the majority of them still chose to race, resulting in a two times higher risk of not finishing in those with systemic symptoms. Pre-race acute illness symptoms are common; an educational intervention affects an athlete's decision to compete yet most symptomatic runners still competed, and systemic symptoms negatively affect performance, with possible health implications.
Describing team development within a novel GP-led urgent care centre model: a qualitative study
Authors: Morton Sarah , Igantowicz Agnieszka , Gnani Shamini , Majeed Azeem , Greenfield Geva
Published: June 2016

Objective

Urgent care centres (UCCs) co-located within an emergency department were developed to reduce the numbers of inappropriate emergency department admissions. Since then various UCC models have developed, including a novel general practitioner (GP)-led UCC that incorporates both GPs and emergency nurse practitioners (ENPs). Traditionally these two groups do not work alongside each other within an emergency setting. Although good teamwork is crucial to better patient outcomes, there is little within the literature about the development of a team consisting of different healthcare professionals in a novel healthcare setting. Our aim was therefore to describe staff members' perspectives of team development within the GP-led UCC model.

Design

Open-ended semistructured interviews, analysed using thematic content analysis.

Setting

GP-led urgent care centres in two academic teaching hospitals in London.

Participants

15 UCC staff members including six GPs, four ENPs, two receptionists and three managers.

Results

Overall participants were positive about the interprofessional team that had developed and recognised that this process had taken time. Hierarchy within the UCC setting has diminished with time, although some residual hierarchical beliefs do appear to remain. Staff appreciated interdisciplinary collaboration was likely to improve patient care. Eight key facilitating factors for the team were identified: appointment of leaders, perception of fair workload, education on roles/skill sets and development of these, shared professional understanding, interdisciplinary working, ED collaboration, clinical guidelines and social interactions.

Conclusions

A strong interprofessional team has evolved within the GP-led UCCs over time, breaking down traditional professional divides. Future implementation of UCC models should pro-actively incorporate the eight facilitating factors identified from the outset, to enable effective teams to develop more quickly.
A survey of social support for exercise and its relationship to health behaviours and health status among endurance Nordic skiers
Authors: Anderson Paul J , Bovard Ralph S , Wang Zhen , Beebe Timothy J , Murad Mohammad Hassan
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Regular exercise is a key component of obesity prevention and 48% of Americans do not meet minimum guidelines for weekly exercise. Social support has been shown to help individuals start and maintain exercise programmes. We evaluated social support among endurance athletes and explored the relationship between social support for exercise, health behaviours and health status.

Design

Survey.

Setting

The largest Nordic ski race in North America.

Participants

5433 past participants responded to an online questionnaire.

Outcome measures

Social support, health behaviours and health status.

Results

The mean overall support score was 32.1 (SD=16.5; possible range=−16.0 to 88.0). The most common forms of social support were verbal such as discussing exercise, invitations to exercise and celebrating the enjoyment of exercise. We found that an increase of 10 points in the social support score was associated with a 5 min increase in weekly self-reported exercise (5.02, 95% CI 3.63 to 6.41).

Conclusions

Physical activity recommendations should incorporate the importance of participation in group activities, especially those connected to strong fitness cultures created by community and competitive events.
Father’s role in supporting breastfeeding of preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit: a qualitative study
Authors: Denoual H , Dargentas M , Roudaut S , Balez R , Sizun J
Published: June 2016

Objective

To analyse the social beliefs, representations and experiences of fathers of preterm newborns (NBs) regarding breastfeeding.

Design

A qualitative interview study with analysis of transcripts using the Alceste software.

Setting

A tertiary university hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in France.

Participants

20 fathers of preterm NBs hospitalised in an NICU.

Results

The software classified 72% of the corpus into six lexical classes. Two main networks of classes emerged from the analysis: one for lactation, consisted of ‘breastfeeding’ and ‘expression of milk’ classes, and one for ‘care’. The analysis demonstrated that fathers were sensitive to arguments related to the health benefits of human milk. Fathers mentioned that breastfeeding preterm NBs was constraining and tiring for their partners (multiple daily sessions of milk expression with breast pumps, time constraints and need for supplements to tube-feeding…). They also mentioned how they could genuinely help their partners during breastfeeding.

Conclusions

The results of this qualitative study provide insight into how fathers can be supportive of breastfeeding when experiencing a preterm birth. Targeted information and practical advice provided by caregivers on the first days of life can help fathers to get involved in the breastfeeding process.
Extended opening hours and patient experience of general practice in England: multilevel regression analysis of a national patient survey
Authors: Cowling Thomas E , Harris Matthew , Majeed Azeem
Published: June 2016

Background

The UK government plans to extend the opening hours of general practices in England. The ‘extended hours access scheme’ pays practices for providing appointments outside core times (08:00 to 18.30, Monday to Friday) for at least 30 min per 1000 registered patients each week.

Objective

To determine the association between extended hours access scheme participation and patient experience.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of a national cross-sectional survey completed by questionnaire (General Practice Patient Survey 2013–2014); 903 357 survey respondents aged ≥18 years old and registered to 8005 general practices formed the study population. Outcome measures were satisfaction with opening hours, experience of making an appointment and overall experience (on five-level interval scales from 0 to 100). Mean differences between scheme participation groups were estimated using multilevel random-effects regression, propensity score matching and instrumental variable analysis.

Results

Most patients were very (37.2%) or fairly satisfied (42.7%) with the opening hours of their general practices; results were similar for experience of making an appointment and overall experience. Most general practices participated in the extended hours access scheme (73.9%). Mean differences in outcome measures between scheme participants and non-participants were positive but small across estimation methods (mean differences ≤1.79). For example, scheme participation was associated with a 1.25 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.55) increase in satisfaction with opening hours using multilevel regression; this association was slightly greater when patients could not take time off work to see a general practitioner (2.08, 95% CI 1.53 to 2.63).

Conclusions

Participation in the extended hours access scheme has a limited association with three patient experience measures. This questions expected impacts of current plans to extend opening hours on patient experience.
Family-witnessed resuscitation: focus group inquiry into UK student nurse experiences of simulated resuscitation scenarios
Authors: Pontin David , Kenny Gerard , Bray Issy , Albarran John
Published: June 2016

Aims

To describe the impact of family members’ presence on student nurse performance in a witnessed resuscitation scenario. To explore student nurses’ attitudes to simulated family-witnessed resuscitation and their views about its place in clinical practice.

Background

Family-witnessed resuscitation remains controversial worldwide. Hospital implementation remains inconsistent despite professional organisation support. Systematic reviews of international literature indicate family members wish to be involved and consulted; healthcare professionals express concerns about being observed while resuscitating. Student nurse perspectives have not been addressed.

Design

Qualitative, focus groups.

Methods

Participants: UK university second-year student nurses (n=48) who participated in simulated resuscitation scenarios (family member absent, family member present but quiet or family member present but distressed). Data generation 2014: focus group interview schedule—five open-ended questions and probing techniques. Audio recordings transcribed, analysed thematically. Research ethics approval via University Research Ethics committee.

Findings

Overarching theme=students’ sense making—making sense of situation (practically/professionally), of themselves (their skills/values) and of others (patients/family members). Students identify as important team leader allocating tasks, continuity of carer and number of nurses needed. Three orientations to practice are identified and explored—includes rule following, guidance from personal/proto-professional values and paternalistic protectionism.

Discussion

We explore issues of students’ fluency of response and skills repertoire to support family-witnessed resuscitation; explanatory potential to account for the inconsistent uptake of family-witnessed resuscitation. Possible future lines of inquiry include family members’ gaze as a motivational trigger, and management of guilt.
Stroke care: initial data from a county-based bypass protocol for patients with acute stroke
Authors: Zaidi Syed F , Shawver Julie , Espinosa Morales Aixa , Salahuddin Hisham , Tietjen Gretchen , Lindstrom David , Parquette Brent , Adams Andrea , Korsnack Andrea , Jumaa Mouhammad A
Published: June 2016

Background

Early identification and transfer of patients with acute stroke to a primary or comprehensive stroke center results in favorable outcomes.

Objective

To describe implementation and results of an emergency medical service (EMS)-driven stroke protocol in Lucas County, Ohio.

Method

All county EMS personnel (N=464) underwent training in theRapidArterial oCclusionEvaluation (RACE) score. The RACE Alert (RA) protocol, whereby patients with stroke and a RACE score ≥5 were taken to a facility that offered advanced therapy, was implemented in July 2015. During the 6-month study period, 109 RAs were activated. Time efficiencies, diagnostic accuracy, and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) outcomes were compared with standard ‘stroke-alert’ (N=142) patients from the preceding 6 months.

Results

An increased treatment rate (25.6% vs 12.6%, p<0.05) and improved time efficiency (median door-to-CT 10 vs 28 min, p<0.05; door-to-needle 46 vs 75 min, p<0.05) of IV tissue plasminogen activator within the RA cohort was achieved. The rate of MT (20.1% vs 7.7%, p=0.06) increased and treatment times improved, including median arrival-to-puncture (68 vs 128 min, p=0.04) and arrival-to-recanalization times (101 vs 205 min, p=0.001) in favor of the RA cohort. A non-significant trend towards improved outcome (50% vs 36.4%, p=0.3) in the RA cohort was noted. The RA protocol also showed improved diagnostic specificity for ischemic stroke (52.3% vs 30.1%, p<0.05).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that EMS adaptation of the RA protocol within Lucas County is feasible and effective for early triage and treatment of patients with stroke. Using this protocol, we can significantly improve treatment times for both systemic thrombolysis and MT.
Association of adiposity, measured by skinfold thickness, with parental history of diabetes in a South Indian population: data from CURES-114
Authors: Surendar J , Indulekha K , Deepa M , Mohan V , Pradeepa R
Published: June 2016

Purpose of the study

To look at the association of central and peripheral skinfold thickness with parental history of diabetes in subjects without diabetes.

Methods

Subjects with no parental history of diabetes (n=1132), subjects with one parent with diabetes (n=271) and subjects with both parents with diabetes (n=51) were recruited from the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiological Study (CURES) conducted between 2001 and 2003. Biceps, triceps, medial calf, mid-thigh, chest, abdomen, mid-axillary, suprailiac and subscapsular sites were measured with Lange skinfold callipers.

Results

Trunk fat measurements, such as chest (p=0.020), mid-axillary (p=0.005), suprailiac (p=0.014), subscapsular (p<0.001) and abdomen (p=0.010) skinfolds, were highest in subjects with both parents with diabetes followed by those with one parent with diabetes, and lowest in those with no parental history of diabetes. However, the peripheral fat measurements, ie, biceps, triceps, medial calf and mid-thigh, were not significantly different between the study groups. Total truncal and peripheral fat skinfold thicknesses showed a significant positive association with other indices of obesity such as body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in relation to trunk fat (BMI: r=0.748, p<0.001; waist: r=0.776, p<0.001) and peripheral fat (BMI: r=0.681, p<0.001; waist: r=0.569, p<0.001).

Conclusions

A significant association was observed between truncal and peripheral fat, assessed by skinfold thickness, and parental history of diabetes among subjects without diabetes in this urban South Indian population.
Does the ‘slipping slipper sign’ in patients with diabetes predict the presence of retinopathy and nephropathy?
Authors: Teelucksingh Joel David , Ramdass Neela , Ramnath Alicia , Teelucksingh Siara S , Seemungal Terence A , Teelucksingh Surujpal
Published: June 2016

Background

Previous research had noted that an affirmative response in patients with diabetes to the question ‘Have you ever lost your slipper/flip-flop from your feet while walking and not realised that you have done so’? That is, the presence of the ‘slipping slipper sign’ (SSS) reflected the presence of severe diabetic peripheral neuropathy with a high degree of precision. The objective of the current study was to determine whether the SSS may also predict the presence of diabetic retinopathy and/or nephropathy since microvascular complications are known to cosegregate.

Subjects and methods

Among 100 patients with diabetes, including 33 cases with the SSS and 67 controls without the SSS, data on demography, dipstick proteinuria as well as the presence and staging of diabetic retinopathy were obtained.

Results

The mean (SD) age of all patients was 54.6 (13.0) years, mean duration of diabetes was 12.7 (10.2) years and mean haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 8.42 (1.95) %; 43% were males. All 33 (100%) of the patients with SSS but only 12 (18%) of the patients without SSS were found to exhibit diabetic retinopathy, p<0.001. Among those patients with retinopathy, proliferative retinopathy was far more likely (39%) in the SSS group compared with non-SSS subjects (8%). Similarly, 15 (46%) with SSS and only 4 (6%) without SSS were found to have dipstick proteinuria. The sensitivity of the SSS for retinopathy was 73% and the specificity was 100% with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 82%. For proteinuria, both the sensitivity and specificity was 78%.

Conclusions

Both diabetic retinopathy and dipstick proteinuria are strongly associated with the presence of the SSS that therefore holds potential as a tool for easier identification of this high-risk group.
Mentoring among Pakistani postgraduate resident doctors
Authors: Sheikh Ali Sibtain Farooq , Sheikh Saman Ali , Huynh Minh-Huy , Mohamed Mona Adel
Published: June 2016

Background

Mentorship is the key to career success, improving job quality and productivity; however, several barriers are prevalent in many academic institutions. Low/middle-income countries are particularly facing difficulty dealing with poor and often non-existing mentoring.

Purpose

To gauge the quality of mentorship at King Edward Medical University and discover factors responsible for satisfaction or dissatisfaction of mentors and mentees.

Methods

This was an institution-based cross-sectional study using web-based questionnaires: one for mentors and another one for mentees. The authors analysed the collected data using the R statistical package (V.2.15.1). The authors used Fisher’s exact test to assess associations between the satisfactions of mentees and mentors and various factors such as having defined goals or the hours spent towards mentoring. p Values <0.05 were regarded as significant.

Results

52 mentees and nine mentors completed questionnaires. Greater face time, clear agreement in regard to goals and expectations and proper advice from mentor regarding best practices to advance in career were associated with greater mentee satisfaction (p<0.001, p=0.006 and p<0.001 respectively). Problems faced by mentees included deficiency of protected time for mentorship, poor communication and little understanding of their needs by the mentors. The majority of the mentors (seven out of nine), believed that a certification course in mentorship should be mandatory.

Conclusion

There is a lack of opportunities for effective mentorship at King Edward Medical University. Adequate training of mentors and mentees to adopt strategies for a better career outcome of young doctors should be in place.
Scintigraphic detection of TNF-driven inflammation by radiolabelled certolizumab pegol in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis
Authors: Carron Philippe , Lambert Bieke , Van Praet Liesbet , De Vos Filip , Varkas Gaëlle , Jans Lennart , Elewaut Dirk , Van den Bosch Filip
Published: June 2016

Background

Biologicals are the cornerstone for many treatment algorithms in inflammatory arthritis. While tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors may achieve important responses in ∼50% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA), a significant fraction of patients are partial or non-responders. We hypothesised that in vivo assessment of TNF by scintigraphy with 99mTc-radiolabelled certolizumab pegol (CZP) might lead to a more ‘evidence-based biological therapy’.

Objectives

Our goal was to perform a proof-of-concept study of in vivo detection of TNF by immunoscintigraphy of a radiolabelled TNF inhibitor in RA and SpA, and correlate this with clinical, imaging findings and therapeutic outcome.

Methods

CZP was conjugated with succinimidyl-6-hydrazino-nicotinamide and subsequently radiolabelled with Tc99m. Whole body and static images of hands, feet and sacroiliac joints of 20 patients (5 RA; 15 SpA) were acquired at 3 time points. Immunoscintigraphic findings were scored semiquantitatively. Subsequently, all patients were treated with CZP.

Results

In peripheral joints, clinically affected joints or abnormal ultrasound findings were observed more frequently (p<0.001) in the scintigraphic-positive group. In patients with axial SpA, bone marrow edema on MRI was detected more frequently (p<0.001) in quadrants with tracer uptake. At the patient level, the odds of a joint remaining tender despite 24 weeks of CZP treatment was significantly smaller in joints with clear tracer uptake as compared with those with no uptake (OR=0.42, p=0.04).

Conclusions

Immunoscintigraphy with radiolabelled CZP demonstrated both axial and peripheral inflammation, and displayed good correlation with clinical features, conventional imaging and therapy response.

Trial registration number

NCT01590966; Results.
Electronic structure, optical and thermodynamic properties of ternary hydrides MBeH3 (M = Li, Na, and K)
Authors: Guendouz Dj , Charifi Z. , Baaziz H. , Ghellab T. , Arikan N. , Uğur Ş. , Uğur G.
Published: June 2016

Electronic band structure, optical and thermodynamic properties of ternary hydrides MBeH3 (M = Li, Na, and K) were studied using ab initio density functional theory (DFT). The effect of the adopted approximation to the exchange-correlation functional of the DFT is explicitly investigated by considering four different expressions of two different classes (local-density approximation and generalized-gradient approximation). The calculated magnitude of B classifies MBeH3 (M = Li, Na, and K) as easily compressible materials. The bonding interaction in these compounds is quite complicated. The interaction between M and BeH6 is ionic and that between Be and H comprises both ionic and covalent characters. The electronic structure of the complex hydride was investigated by calculating the partial and total densities of states, and electron charge density distribution. Large gaps in the density of states appear at the Fermi energy of LiBeH3, NaBeH3, and KBeH3 indicating that these classes of hydrides are insulators. Optical properties, including the dielectric function, reflectivity, and absorption coefficient, each as a function of photon energy, are calculated and show an optical anisotropy for LiBeH3 and KBeH3. Through the quasi-harmonic Debye model, in which the phononic effects are considered, temperature dependence of volume V(T), bulk modulus B(T), and thermal expansion coefficient α(T), constant-volume and constant-pressure specific heat (Cv and Cp) and Debye temperature ΘD, the entropy S, and the Grüneisen parameter γ were calculated at wide pressure and temperature ranges. The principal aspect of the obtained results is the close similarity of MBeH3 (M = Li, Na, and K) compounds.
Alteration of MX-80 bentonite backfill material by high-pH cementitious fluids under lithostatic conditions – an experimental approach using core infiltration techniques
Authors: Dolder F. , Mäder U. , Jenni A. , Münch B.
Published: June 2016

We characterize and quantify processes at a cement–bentonite interface spatially and temporally during a long-term core infiltration experiment.

A young ordinary Portland cement pore fluid (K
+
–Na
+
–OH
−
: pH 13.4) was infiltrated into a MX-80 bentonite core with an initial saturated density of 1920 kg m
−3
that shifted to 1890–1930 kg m
−3
after 761 days. A hydrostatic external pressure of 4.1 MPa and an infiltration pressure of 2.1 MPa were applied in a triaxial-type apparatus. A decrease in hydraulic conductivity from approximately 2.2×10
−13
to approximately 4.2×10
−15
m s
−1
was observed passing from advection-dominated flow to a diffusion-dominated regime. Sulphate replaced chloride in the outflow during the high-pH infiltration period controlled by the dissolution of gypsum, the uptake of K
+
by ion exchange, and complex mineral reactions occurred near the inlet. X-ray computed tomography (CT) scans performed repeatedly during the experiment tracked a progressing hemispherical reaction plume in the first millimetres of the bentonite, revealing a zone of bulk density increase. This zone consisted of two distinct, but overlapping, zones of Mg- and Ca-enrichment related to precipitation of saponite and calcite. The experiment attested an effective chemical buffering capacity for bentonite, a progressing coupled hydraulic–chemical sealing process and also the preservation of the physical integrity of the interface region in this set-up with a total pressure boundary condition on the core sample.
Approaches to evaluate and underpin the technical feasibility of the Belgian disposal concept
Authors: Doudou S. , Harvey E. J. , Richardson P. J. , Wickham S. M. , Van Marcke P. , Raymaekers D. , Wacquier W.
Published: June 2016

In 2009, ONDRAF/NIRAS, the Belgian Agency for Radioactive Waste and Enriched Fissile Materials, established a six-year research, development and demonstration (RD&D) programme to explore the feasibility of its concept for the geological disposal of Category B and C radioactive waste in Belgium. This programme, generally referred to as the ‘B&C Techno project’, aims to acquire evidence and build arguments in order to demonstrate that the proposed disposal system can be constructed, operated and progressively closed, taking into account long-term safety requirements and operational safety requirements.

Galson Sciences Ltd (GSL) has been supporting the co-ordination of the activities involved in this project. This support has included synthesis of research outputs, and the development of various tools and methods to demonstrate that the Belgian geological disposal concept is feasible to implement. Two examples of studies conducted by GSL for ONDRAF/NIRAS as part of the B&C Techno project to substantiate feasibility are described in this paper:

A review of other national geological disposal concepts to identify transferable experience relating to the feasibility of constructing, and assembling comparable disposal system components.

Development of a storyboard illustrating the different steps involved in disposing of Category B and C waste.
Modelling of water and gas flow through an excavation damaged zone in the Callovo-Oxfordian argillites in the framework of a single porosity model
Authors: Bénet Luc-Vincent , Blaud Étienne , Wendling Jacques
Published: June 2016

The excavation damaged zone (EDZ) of the Callovo-Oxfordian argillites can be regarded as a double-porosity media consisting of blocks of undisturbed argillites separated by cracks generated by shear or traction stresses. However, owing to hardware limitations, most of the hydraulic-gas simulations undertaken on large scales are based on an equivalent-porous-media model of the EDZ, where the fractures are not explicitly represented. The aim of this study is to improve the equivalent-porous-media model's consistency with the double-porosity flow behaviours shown by experimental data while keeping the same level of simplification. The new model has been developed through a performance assessment (PA)-like approach in two steps: a phenomenological model including explicit fractures has been designed in accordance with the actual geometrical and hydraulic understanding of the EDZ; then, the properties of the simplified model have been calibrated to comply with the hydraulic behaviour of the explicit-fracture model. This methodological approach has been used on an access gallery parallel to the main horizontal stress axis. The new equivalent-porous-media model differs from the previous one on the following three main points: the gallery EDZ has an anisotropic intrinsic permeability that is lower than previously; the same retention law is used as the undisturbed host rock; and there is a higher relative permeability for gas and water than previously.
Timing Path-Driven Cycle Cutting for Sequential Controllers
Authors: Lee William , Vij Vikas S. , Stevens Kenneth S.
Published: June 2016

Power and performance optimization of integrated circuits is performed by timing-driven algorithms that operate on directed acyclic graphs. Sequential circuits and circuits with topological feedback contain cycles. Cyclic circuits must be represented as directed acyclic graphs to be optimized and evaluated using static timing analysis. Algorithms in commercial electronic design automation tools generate the required acyclic graphs by cutting cycles without considering timing paths. This work reports on a method for generating directed acyclic circuit graphs that do not cut the specified timing paths. The algorithm is applied to over 125 benchmark designs and asynchronous handshake controllers. The runtime is less than 1 second, even for even the largest published controllers. Circuit timing graphs generated using this method retain the necessary timing paths, which enables circuit validation and optimization employing the commercial tools. Additional benefits show these designs are on an average a third in size, operate 33.3% faster, and consume one-fourth the energy.
The Effect Of NO Donor on Calcium Uptake and Reactive Nitrogen Species Production in Mitochondria
Authors: Akopova Olga , Kotsiuruba Anatoly , Korkach Yulia , Kolchinskaya Liudmila , Nosar Valentina , Gavenauskas Bronislav , Serebrovska Zoya , Mankovska Iryna , Sagach Vadim
Published: June 2016

Background/Aims: NO and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are thought to be physiologically important effectors of mitochondrial calcium transport, but this issue was not studied in a living organism. According to literature, the modulation of Ca2+ uptake could influence RNS production via the action on mitochondrial NO synthase (mtNOS). The aim of this work was to study the effect of in vivo administration of NO donor nitroglycerine (NG) on matrix Ca2+ accumulation, RNS production and mtNOS activity. Methods: Ca2+ uptake was studied spectrophotometrically with arsenazo-III. The amounts of stable RNS (nitrite, nitrate and nitrosothiols) and L-citrulline, the product of enzymatic NOS activity, were determined analytically. Results: NG administration resulted in dose-dependent short-term increase in Ca2+-uptake accompanied by essential rise in L-citrulline and RNS content in mitochondria. In parallel, dose-dependent elevation of hydroperoxide production was detected. Ca2+-uniporter activity was not affected, but mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) was effectively blocked by NO. Conclusion: Our results indicate that MPTP blockage by NO was the primary cause for the increase in calcium uptake which eventually resulted in the activation of mtNOS and RNS production. Improved Ca2+ accumulation in mitochondria, together with MPTP blockage, may contribute to well-known cardioprotective effects of pharmacological donors of nitric oxide.
Forkhead Box Protein C2 (FOXC2) Promotes the Resistance of Human Ovarian Cancer Cells to Cisplatin In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Li Chanjuan , Ding Hongjuan , Tian Jing , Wu Lili , Wang Yun , Xing Yuan , Chen Min
Published: June 2016

Background/Aims: FOXC2 has been reported to play a role in tumor progression, but the correlations of FOXC2 with the cisplatin (CDDP) resistance of ovarian cancer cells are still unclear. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the roles of FOXC2 in the CDDP resistance of ovarian cancer cells and its possible mechanisms. Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expression of FOXC2 mRNA in CDDP-resistant or sensitive ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines (SKOV3/CDDP and SKOV3). Gain- and loss-of-function assays were performed to analyze the effects of FOXC2 knockdown or overexpression on the in vitro and in vivo sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to CDDP and its possible molecular mechanisms. Results: The relative expression level of FOXC2 mRNA in CDDP-resistant ovarian cancer tissues was higher than that in CDDP-sensitive tissues. Also, the expression of FOXC2 mRNA and protein in CDDP-resistant ovarian cancer cell line (SKOV3/CDDP) cell line was higher than that in its parental cell line (SOKV3). Small hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated FOXC2 knockdown significantly increased the in vitro and in vive sensitivity of SKOV3/CDDP cells to CDDP by enhancing apoptosis, while upregulation of FOXC2 significantly decreased the in vitro and in vivo sensitivity of SKOV3 cells to CDDP by reducing apoptosis. Furthermore, FOXC2 activates the Akt and MAPK signaling pathways, and then induced the decreased expression of Bcl-2 protein and the increased expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 proteins. Conclusions: FOXC2 mediates the CDDP resistance of ovarian cancer cells by activation of the Akt and MAPK signaling pathways, and may be a potential novel therapeutic target for overcoming CDDP resistance in human ovarian cancer.
Synergistic Utility of Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain in Asymptomatic Patients With Significant Primary Mitral Regurgitation and Preserved Systolic Function Undergoing Mitral Valve Surgery
Authors: Alashi Alaa , Mentias Amgad , Patel Krishna , Gillinov A. Marc , Sabik Joseph F. , Popović Zoran B. , Mihaljevic Tomislav , Suri Rakesh M. , Rodriguez L. Leonardo , Svensson Lars G. , Griffin Brian P. , Desai Milind Y.
Published: June 2016

Background—

In asymptomatic patients with ≥3+ mitral regurgitation and preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction who underwent mitral valve surgery, we sought to discover whether baseline LV global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) and brain natriuretic peptide provided incremental prognostic utility.

Methods and Results—

Four hundred and forty-eight asymptomatic patients (61±12 years and 69% men) with ≥3+ primary mitral regurgitation and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, who underwent mitral valve surgery (92% repair) at our center between 2005 and 2008, were studied. Baseline clinical and echocardiographic data (including LV-GLS using Velocity Vector Imaging, Siemens, PA) were recorded. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was calculated. The primary outcome was death. Mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score, left ventricular ejection fraction, mitral effective regurgitant orifice, indexed LV end-diastolic volume, and right ventricular systolic pressure were 4±1%, 62±3%, 0.55±0.2 cm
2
, 58±13 cc/m
2
, and 37±15 mm Hg, respectively. Forty-five percent of patients had flail. Median log-transformed BNP and LV-GLS were 4.04 (absolute brain natriuretic peptide: 60 pg/dL) and −20.7%. At 7.7±2 years, death occurred in 41 patients (9%; 0% at 30 days). On Cox analysis, a higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons score (hazard ratio 1.55), higher baseline right ventricular systolic pressure (hazard ratio 1.11), more abnormal LV-GLS (hazard ratio 1.17), and higher median log-transformed BNP (hazard ratio 2.26) were associated with worse longer-term survival (all
P
<0.01). Addition of LV-GLS and median log-transformed BNP to a clinical model (Society of Thoracic Surgeons score and baseline right ventricular systolic pressure) provided incremental prognostic utility (χ
2
for longer-term mortality increased from 31–47 to 61;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

In asymptomatic patients with significant primary mitral regurgitation and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction who underwent mitral valve surgery, brain natriuretic peptide and LV-GLS provided synergistic risk stratification, independent of established factors.
Constitutive Expression of a Dominant-Negative TGF-β Type II Receptor in the Posterior Left Atrium Leads to Beneficial Remodeling of Atrial Fibrillation Substrate
Authors: Kunamalla Aaron , Ng Jason , Parini Vamsi , Yoo Shin , McGee Kate A. , Tomson Todd T. , Gordon David , Thorp Edward B. , Lomasney Jon , Zhang Qiang , Shah Sanjiv , Browne Suzanne , Knight Bradley P. , Passman Rod , Goldberger Jeffrey J. , Aistrup Gary , Arora Rishi
Published: June 2016

Rationale:

Fibrosis is an important structural contributor to formation of atrial fibrillation (AF) substrate in heart failure. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is thought to be intricately involved in creation of atrial fibrosis.

Objective:

We hypothesized that gene-based expression of dominant-negative type II TGF-β receptor (TGF-β-RII-DN) in the posterior left atrium in a canine heart failure model will sufficiently attenuate fibrosis-induced changes in atrial conduction and restitution to decrease AF. Because AF electrograms are thought to reflect AF substrate, we further hypothesized that TGF-β-RII-DN would lead to increased fractionation and decreased organization of AF electrograms.

Methods and Results:

Twenty-one dogs underwent injection+electroporation in the posterior left atrium of plasmid expressing a dominant-negative TGF-β type II receptor (pUBc-TGFβ-DN-RII; n=9) or control vector (pUBc-
LacZ
; n=12), followed by 3 to 4 weeks of right ventricular tachypacing (240 bpm). Compared with controls, dogs treated with pUBC-TGFβ-DN-RII demonstrated an attenuated increase in conduction inhomogeneity, flattening of restitution slope and decreased duration of induced AF, with AF electrograms being more fractionated and less organized in pUBc-TGFβ-DN-RII versus pUBc-
LacZ
dogs. Tissue analysis revealed a significant decrease in replacement/interstitial fibrosis, p-SMAD2/3 and p-ERK1/2.

Conclusions:

Targeted gene-based reduction of TGF-β signaling in the posterior left atrium—with resulting decrease in replacement fibrosis—led to beneficial remodeling of both conduction and restitution characteristics of the posterior left atrium, translating into a decrease in AF and increased complexity of AF electrograms. In addition to providing mechanistic insights, this data may have important diagnostic and therapeutic implications for AF.
The Biological Basis for Cardiac Repair After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Prabhu Sumanth D. , Frangogiannis Nikolaos G.
Published: June 2016

In adult mammals, massive sudden loss of cardiomyocytes after infarction overwhelms the limited regenerative capacity of the myocardium, resulting in the formation of a collagen-based scar. Necrotic cells release danger signals, activating innate immune pathways and triggering an intense inflammatory response. Stimulation of toll-like receptor signaling and complement activation induces expression of proinflammatory cytokines (such as interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α) and chemokines (such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/ chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 [CCL2]). Inflammatory signals promote adhesive interactions between leukocytes and endothelial cells, leading to extravasation of neutrophils and monocytes. As infiltrating leukocytes clear the infarct from dead cells, mediators repressing inflammation are released, and anti-inflammatory mononuclear cell subsets predominate. Suppression of the inflammatory response is associated with activation of reparative cells. Fibroblasts proliferate, undergo myofibroblast transdifferentiation, and deposit large amounts of extracellular matrix proteins maintaining the structural integrity of the infarcted ventricle. The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and members of the transforming growth factor-β family play an important role in activation of infarct myofibroblasts. Maturation of the scar follows, as a network of cross-linked collagenous matrix is formed and granulation tissue cells become apoptotic. This review discusses the cellular effectors and molecular signals regulating the inflammatory and reparative response after myocardial infarction. Dysregulation of immune pathways, impaired suppression of postinfarction inflammation, perturbed spatial containment of the inflammatory response, and overactive fibrosis may cause adverse remodeling in patients with infarction contributing to the pathogenesis of heart failure. Therapeutic modulation of the inflammatory and reparative response may hold promise for the prevention of postinfarction heart failure.