bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of primary care‐initiated interventions promoting physical activity on body mass index: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Goryakin Y. , Suhlrie L. , Cecchini M.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Physical inactivity is a risk factor for obesity, overweight and for a number of chronic diseases. Although primary care may be an ideal setting to encourage people to do more exercise, there are still significant gaps in the literature on the effectiveness of primary care‐initiated policies to promote physical activity.

Methods

In this paper, we systematically review and meta‐analyse the evidence on the impact of primary care‐initiated interventions to promote exercise on the body mass index and on physical activity energy expenditure levels among people at an increased risk of having potentially disabling non‐communicable diseases (but healthy enough to exercise).

Results

We find that such interventions reduce body mass index by about 0.21 kg m−2 (95% confidence interval: −0.41 to −0.01) and increase physical activity‐related energy expenditure (based mostly on self‐recall) by about 1.77 metabolic equivalent of task‐hours a week (95% confidence interval: 0.58 to 2.95).

Discussion

This study suggests that primary care‐initiated interventions promoting physical activity can be an effective strategy to reduce weight and increase exercise levels in this population group, although the question remains about whether such interventions can be cost‐effective.
Putting the “Informed” in the informed consent process for implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators: Addressing the needs of the elderly patient
Authors: Eiser Arnold R. , Kirkpatrick James N. , Patton Kristen K. , McLain Emily , Dougherty Cynthia M. , Beattie James M.
Published: January 2018

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) management complexities challenge the ethos of fully informed consent, particularly for the typically multimorbid elderly patient considering the device for primary prevention. The Heart Rhythm Society recommends providers include discussion on the potential need for later device deactivation or nonreplacement at the time of first implant, and to revisit this at appropriate intervals. The initial consent procedure could meet this standard by incorporating the future need to discuss further such issues when the recipient's clinical condition changes to such an extent that defibrillation would no longer be beneficial. At the time of obtaining consent, some patients may lack the will or capacity to make medically complex decisions when it would be necessary for healthcare surrogate decision‐makers to contribute to this process. Ensuring an appropriate level of understanding and response may be enhanced by the use of information and decision aids. With improved communication regarding the nuances of ICD therapy, device eligible patients, and those close to them, will be empowered with a better understanding of the nature, benefits, and risks of ICD implantation, allowing them to make treatment decisions consistent with their values.
International Labour Migration and Food Production in Rural Europe: A Review of the Evidence
Authors: Rye Johan Fredrik , Scott Sam
Published: January 2018

Since Hoggart and Mendoza's article on ‘African immigrant workers in Spanish agriculture’ in Sociologia Ruralis in 1999 there has been a proliferation of interest in labour migration to/in rural Europe. It is now clear that the rural realm has been, and is being, transformed by immigration, and that low‐wage migrant workers in the food production industry are playing a particularly prominent role in this transformation. This article takes stock of the literature and identifies seven key issues associated with low‐wage labour migration, contemporary food production, and rural change. Most notably, since the 1990s, there has been growing demand for migrants in the segmented, and sometimes exploitative, labour markets of the European food production industries. This demand has been met across a variety of contexts, with states and labour market intermediaries playing a largely supportive role. However, migrants’ integration into rural communities has often been problematic, with the emphasis being on the need for, rather than needs of, low‐wage migrant workers.
Radiographic findings and clinical factors in dogs with surgically confirmed or presumed colonic torsion
Authors: Gremillion Christine L. , Savage Mason , Cohen Eli B.
Published: January 2018

Colonic torsion is a life‐threatening condition in dogs and radiographic findings for this condition have not been well described. The purpose of this retrospective case series was to describe radiographic findings and clinical signs in a group of dogs with colonic torsion. Inclusion criteria were dogs presenting during the period of 2006 and 2016, and that had abdominal radiography and a surgically confirmed or presumed diagnosis of colonic torsion. For each dog, clinical data were recorded from medical records and imaging findings were recorded from retrieved plain radiographs and positive contrast radiographs in which barium enema was performed. Fourteen dogs met inclusion criteria. Of these, nine dogs had colonic torsion confirmed at surgery, with five dogs having surgical confirmation of colonic congestion or mesenteric torsion. Radiographic findings included segmental distention of the colon (14/14), focal narrowing of the colon (11/14), displacement of cecum (11/14), displacement of descending colon (14/14), and mild to no small intestinal distention (14/14). In cases where barium enema was performed, focal narrowing of the colon and longitudinal striations that course in a helical pattern were identified, termed the “torsion sign.” Vomiting was the most common clinical sign observed (12/14), followed by abdominal pain in a small majority of cases (8/14). Severe abdominal pain and hypovolemic shock were uncommon in the patients reported (3/14). Colonic torsion should be considered as a differential diagnosis for dogs with radiographic segmental colonic distention with displacement of the descending colon and cecum. Barium enema is recommended for more definitive diagnosis.
Wind characteristics of CzeCOS’s ecosystem station Štítná
Authors: Guerra Torres Carlos P. , Nguyen Vinh Xuan , Pavelka Marian , Yadav Shilpi , Marek Michal V.
Published: January 2018

Accurate wind analyses using six wind classes and twelve splitting directions were done to deeply evaluate wind conditions on Štítná CzeCOS’s ecosystem station in the Czech Republic. The analysis brings information about contribution of different part of the research-forested area to the measurement of CO2 exchange between the studied ecosystem and atmosphere. Štítná station is located inside of a forest composed of Fagus sylvatica with age 114 years and the forest can be harvested sometime forward. Total of 82 % of the wind contributions speed are in the range of 1.0 - 6.0 m s-1 and the major accumulation of winds comes from SE (9 %), SSE (17 %) and S (14 %); 13 % were calm periods. The obtained information will be useful for evaluate the conditions of the use of the eddy covariance technique in the research area.
Economic value of ecosystem services in Protected Landscape Areas in the Czech Republic
Authors: Daněk Jan , Vačkář David , Krkoška Lorencová Eliška
Published: January 2018

This study aims to explore spatially explicit economic values of ecosystem services provided by ecosystems and habitats in 25 Protected Landscape Areas (PLAs) in the Czech Republic, with a more detailed overview of three selected PLAs (Beskids Mountains, Český les Mountains and Odra River Basin). In the methodology, combination of the Consolidated Layer of Ecosystems of the Czech Republic (CLES) and the EKOSERV database allowed us to utilize the ecosystem and economic valuation data in a specific geographic context using a GIS-based approach. The total value of ecosystem services in all 25 PLAs reached € 51 billion/year, with the surface area significantly influencing the total average value of a particular PLA. When transformed to value per unit area, the values varied from €1.2 to €6.5 million/km2/year. The results suggest a dominant role of forest ecosystems in the composition of the economic value provided by ecosystem services in the PLAs. Economic valuation of benefits provided by protected areas can help to realize the social importance of these sites and to support policy and decision-making processes.
Magnesium attenuates endothelin‐1‐induced vasoreactivity and enhances vasodilatation in mouse pulmonary arteries: Modulation by chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Mu Yun‐Ping , Huang Qiu‐Hong , Zhu Jie‐Ling , Zheng Si‐Yi , Yan Fu‐Rong , Zhuang Xiao‐Ling , Sham James S. K. , Lin Mo‐Jun
Published: January 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The central goal of this study was to elucidate the role of magnesium in the regulation of pulmonary vascular reactivity in relationship to hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We found that magnesium is essential for normal vasoreactivity of the pulmonary artery. Increasing the magnesium concentration attenuates vasoconstriction and improves vasodilatation via release of nitric oxide. Pulmonary hypertension is associated with endothelial dysfunction resulting in the suppression of magnesium modulation of vasodilatation. These results provide evidence that magnesium is important for the modulation of pulmonary vascular function.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by enhanced vasoreactivity and sustained pulmonary vasoconstriction, arising from aberrant Ca2+ homeostasis in pulmonary arterial (PA) smooth muscle cells. In addition to Ca2+, magnesium, the most abundant intracellular divalent cation, also plays crucial roles in many cellular processes that regulate cardiovascular function. Recent findings suggest that magnesium regulates vascular functions by altering the vascular responses to vasodilator and vasoactive agonists and affects endothelial function by modulating endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation in hypertension. Administration of magnesium also decreased pulmonary arterial pressure and improved cardiac output in animal models of PH. However, the role of magnesium in the regulation of pulmonary vascular function related to PH has not been studied. In this study, we examined the effects of magnesium on endothelin‐1 (ET‐1)‐induced vasoconstriction, ACh‐induced vasodilatation and the generation of NO in PAs of normoxic mice and chronic hypoxia (CH)‐treated mice. Our data showed that removal of extracellular magnesium suppressed vasoreactivity of PAs to both ET‐1 and ACh. A high concentration of magnesium (4.8 mm) inhibited ET‐1‐induced vasoconstriction in endothelium‐intact or endothelium‐disrupted PAs of normoxic and CH‐treated mice, and enhanced the ACh‐induced production of NO in PAs of normoxic mice. Moreover, magnesium enhanced ACh‐induced vasodilatation in PAs of normoxic mice, and the enhancement was completely abolished after exposure to CH. Hence, in this study we demonstrated that increasing the magnesium concentration can attenuate the ET‐1‐induced contractile response and improve vasodilatation via release of NO from the endothelium. We also demonstrated that chronic exposure to hypoxia can cause endothelial dysfunction resulting in suppression of the magnesium‐dependent modulation of vasodilatation.
Lower Leg Morphology and Stretch-Shortening Cycle Performance of Dancers
Authors: Rice Paige E. , van Werkhoven Herman , Merritt Edward K. , McBride Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2018

Greater levels of bone ultimate fracture load, bone stress–strain index, muscle cross-sectional area, and maximal voluntary isometric plantarflexion (MVIP) strength of the lower leg may be adaptations from chronic exposure to stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) actions. Dancers, a population that habitually performs SSC movements primarily about the ankle joint, may serve as a novel population to gain broader understanding of SSC function. A total of 10 female collegiate dancers and 10 untrained controls underwent peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans of both lower legs and performed MVIPs, countermovement hops, and drop hops at 20, 30, and 40 cm on a custom-made inclined sled. Dancers had greater right and left ultimate fracture load values and significantly (P ≤ .05) greater left leg stress–strain index than controls. Dancers had significantly larger right and left muscle cross-sectional area and MVIP values and hopped significantly higher during all hopping conditions in comparison with controls. Average force–time and power–time curves revealed significantly greater relative force and power measurements during the concentric phase for all hopping conditions in dancers when compared with controls. This investigation provides evidence that dance may be a stimulus for positive muscle and bone adaptations, strength levels, and enhanced SSC capabilities.
Using Vignettes to Analyze Potential Influences of Effective Strength and Conditioning Coaching on Athlete Development
Authors: Szedlak Christoph , Smith Matthew , Day Melissa , Callary Bettina
Published: January 2018

This study explored which strength and conditioning (S&C) coaching behaviors and characteristics are perceived as effective by elite athletes and how these influence the athletes. A secondary aim was to consider the development and usefulness of vignettes to elicit new knowledge. Ten elite athletes reflected on scenarios presented in vignettes. Resulting themes were divided into the processes and factors influencing athletes andhowthe athletes are affected. The athletes considered these themes effective because the coach had built an environment of trust and respect. How coaches might influence athletes were divided into cognitive influences and behavioral influences. The results are discussed in light of current sport coaching literature, and the way vignettes enhance the richness of the data collection is reflected on. Practically, the results suggest that S&C coaches can build trust and respect to influence athletes’ development through effective instruction, communication, and motivation.
Dimethyl fumarate potentiates oncolytic virotherapy through NF-κB inhibition
Authors: Selman Mohammed , Ou Paula , Rousso Christopher , Bergeron Anabel , Krishnan Ramya , Pikor Larissa , Chen Andrew , Keller Brian A. , Ilkow Carolina , Bell John C. , Diallo Jean-Simon
Published: January 2018

Dimethyl fumarate combined with oncolytic virus increases its potency in cancer treatment.
In Vitro
Susceptibility of Clinical Staphylococcus aureus Small-Colony Variants to β-Lactam and Non-β-Lactam Antibiotics
Authors: Idelevich Evgeny A. , Kriegeskorte André , Schleimer Nina , Peters Georg , von Eiff Christof , Becker Karsten
Published: January 2018

The
Staphylococcus aureus
small-colony variant (SCV) phenotype has been associated with relapsing and antibiotic-refractory infections. However, little is known about the activities of antibiotics on clinical SCVs. Here, we demonstrated that SCVs without detectable auxotrophies were at least as susceptible to most β-lactam and non-β-lactam antibiotics
in vitro
as their corresponding clonally identical strains with a normal phenotype. After prolonged incubation, a regrowth phenomenon has been observed in gradient diffusion inhibition zones irrespective of the strains' phenotype.
Bioavailability of Mineral-Bound Iron to a Snow Algal-Bacterial Coculture and Implications for Albedo-Altering Snow Algal Blooms
Authors: Harrold Z. R. , Hausrath E. M. , Garcia A. H. , Murray A. E. , Tschauner O. , Raymond J. A. , Huang S.
Published: January 2018

Snow algae can form large-scale blooms across the snowpack surface and near-surface environments. These pigmented blooms can decrease snow albedo and increase local melt rates, and they may impact the global heat budget and water cycle. Yet, the underlying causes for the geospatial occurrence of these blooms remain unconstrained. One possible factor contributing to snow algal blooms is the presence of mineral dust as a micronutrient source. We investigated the bioavailability of iron (Fe)-bearing minerals, including forsterite (Fo90, Mg1.8Fe0.2SiO4), goethite, smectite, and pyrite as Fe sources for aChloromonas brevispina-bacterial coculture through laboratory-based experimentation. Fo90was capable of stimulating snow algal growth and increased the algal growth rate in otherwise Fe-depleted cocultures. Fo90-bearing systems also exhibited a decrease in the ratio of bacteria to algae compared to those of Fe-depleted conditions, suggesting a shift in microbial community structure. TheC. brevispinacoculture also increased the rate of Fo90dissolution relative to that of an abiotic control. Analysis of 16S rRNA genes in the coculture identifiedGammaproteobacteria,Betaproteobacteria, andSphingobacteria, all of which are commonly found in snow and ice environments. Archaea were not detected.CollimonasandPseudomonas, which are known to enhance mineral weathering rates, comprised two of the top eight (>1%) operational taxonomic units (OTUs). These data provide unequivocal evidence that mineral dust can support elevated snow algal growth under otherwise Fe-depleted growth conditions and that snow algal microbial communities can enhance mineral dissolution under these conditions.

IMPORTANCEFe, a key micronutrient for photosynthetic growth, is necessary to support the formation of high-density snow algal blooms. The laboratory experiments described herein allow for a systematic investigation of the interactions of snow algae, bacteria, and minerals and their ability to mobilize and uptake mineral-bound Fe. Results provide unequivocal and comprehensive evidence that mineral-bound Fe in Fe-bearing Fo90was bioavailable toChloromonas brevispinasnow algae within an algal-bacterial coculture. This evidence includes (i) an observed increase in snow algal density and growth rate, (ii) decreased ratios of bacteria to algae in Fo90-containing cultures relative to those of cultures grown under similarly Fe-depleted conditions with no mineral-bound Fe present, and (iii) increased Fo90dissolution rates in the presence of algal-bacterial cocultures relative to those of abiotic mineral controls. These results have important implications for the role of mineral dust in supplying micronutrients to the snow microbiome, which may help support dense snow algal blooms capable of lowering snow albedo and increasing snow melt rates on regional, and possibly global, scales.
Whole-Genome Sequence of
Mycoplasma bovis
Strain Ningxia-1
Authors: Sun Peng , Luo Haifeng , Zhang Xin , Xu Jingyi , Guo Yanan , He Shenghu
Published: January 2018

A genome sequence of the
Mycoplasma bovis
Ningxia-1 strain was tested by Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing technology. The strain was isolated from a lesioned calf lung in 2013 in Pengyang, Ningxia, China. The single circular chromosome of 1,033,629 bp shows differences between complete
Mycoplasma bovis
genome in insertion-like sequences (ISs), integrative conjugative elements (ICEs), lipoproteins (LPs), variable surface lipoproteins (VSPs), pathogenicity islands (PAIs), etc.
Genome Sequence of
Verrucomicrobium
sp. Strain GAS474, a Novel Bacterium Isolated from Soil
Authors: Pold Grace , Conlon Erin M. , Huntemann Marcel , Pillay Manoj , Mikhailova Natalia , Stamatis Dimitrios , Reddy T. B. K. , Daum Chris , Shapiro Nicole , Kyrpides Nikos , Woyke Tanja , DeAngelis Kristen M.
Published: January 2018

Verrucomicrobium
sp. strain GAS474 was isolated from the mineral soil of a temperate deciduous forest in central Massachusetts. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of this phylogenetically novel organism, which consists of a total of 3,763,444 bp on a single scaffold, with a 65.8% GC content and 3,273 predicted open reading frames.
Complete Genome Sequence of a
bla
CTX-M-1
-Harboring
Escherichia coli
Isolate Recovered from Cattle in Germany
Authors: Hammerl Jens A. , Irrgang Alexandra , Grobbel Mirjam , Tenhagen Bernd-Alois , Käsbohrer Annemarie
Published: January 2018

We describe here the whole-genome sequence and basic characteristics of
Escherichia coli
isolate 15-AB01393, recovered from German beef within a national monitoring program in 2015. This isolate was identified as an extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing
E. coli
strain of multilocus sequence type (MLST) ST58 harboring the antimicrobial resistance genes
bla
CTX-M-1
,
mph
(A),
sul2
,
dfrA5
,
strA
, and
strB
.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Endophyte
Bacillus mycoides
Strain GM5LP Isolated from
Lolium perenne
Authors: Hollensteiner Jacqueline , Poehlein Anja , Granzow Sandra , Liesegang Heiko , Daniel Rolf , Vidal Stefan , Wemheuer Franziska
Published: January 2018

Bacillus mycoides
GM5LP is a Gram-positive endophytic bacterium isolated from aerial plant tissues of
Lolium perenne
L. The 6.0-Mb draft genome harbors 6,132 protein-coding sequences, some of which might be involved in the biosynthesis of antimicrobial substances.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Pseudomonas putida
CA-3, a Bacterium Capable of Styrene Degradation and Medium-Chain-Length Polyhydroxyalkanoate Synthesis
Authors: Almeida Eduardo L. , Margassery Lekha M. , O’Leary Niall , Dobson Alan D. W.
Published: January 2018

Pseudomonas putida
strain CA-3 is an industrial bioreactor isolate capable of synthesizing biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers via the metabolism of styrene and other unrelated carbon sources. The pathways involved are subject to regulation by global cellular processes. The draft genome sequence is 6,177,154 bp long and contains 5,608 predicted coding sequences.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Porcine Deltacoronavirus Strains, CHN-GD16-03 and CHN-GD16-05, Isolated in Southern China, 2016
Authors: Mai Kaijie , Li Di , Wu Jiaoling , Wu Zixian , Cheng Jian , He Lili , Tang Xiaoyu , Zhou Zhihai , Sun Yuan , Ma Jingyun
Published: January 2018

We report here the amplification and sequence analysis of two complete genomes of newly emerged porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) strains, isolated from diarrhea samples from piglets in Guangdong Province in southern China. These genomes provide further sequence data for evaluating the relationships among PDCoVs from different countries.
Genome Sequence of a Newly Isolated F2 Subcluster Mycobacteriophage from the Black Belt Geological Region of Western Alabama
Authors: Fast Kayla M. , Keener Tracy , Ali Rakim , Butcher Brittany M. , Millwood Joshua D. , Odom Timothy , Schellhammer P. Kiersten , Ufomadu Ezekiel , Sandel Michael W.
Published: January 2018

The bacteriophage Demsculpinboyz was discovered in a soil sample from the Black Belt region of Alabama using
Mycobacterium smegmatis
mc
2
155 as its host. The genome is 57,437 bp long and contains 116 protein-coding genes. It belongs to the F2 subcluster, which has only five other members.
Pneumococcal Phenotype and Interaction with Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae as Determinants of Otitis Media Progression
Authors: Lewnard Joseph A. , Givon-Lavi Noga , Tähtinen Paula A. , Dagan Ron
Published: January 2018

All-cause otitis media (OM) incidence has declined in numerous settings following introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) despite increases in carriage of nonvaccine pneumococcal serotypes escaping immune pressure. To understand the basis for the declining incidence, we assessed the intrinsic capacity of pneumococcal serotypes to cause OM independently and in polymicrobial infections involving nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
(NTHi) using samples obtained from middle ear fluid and nasopharyngeal cultures before PCV7/13 rollout. Data included samples from OM episodes (11,811) submitted for cultures during a 10-year prospective study in southern Israel and nasopharyngeal samples (1,588) from unvaccinated asymptomatic children in the same population. We compared data representing pneumococcal serotype diversity across carriage and disease isolates with and without NTHi coisolation. We also measured associations between the pneumococcal phenotype and the rate of progression from colonization to OM in the presence and absence of NTHi. Whereas pneumococcal serotype diversity was lower in single-species OM than in single-species colonization, levels of serotype diversity did not differ significantly between colonization and OM in mixed-species episodes. Serotypes differed roughly 100-fold in progression rates, and those differences were attenuated in polymicrobial episodes. Vaccine serotype pneumococci had higher rates of progression than nonvaccine serotypes. While serotype invasiveness was a weak predictor of the OM progression rate, efficient capsular metabolic properties—traditionally thought to serve as an advantage in colonization—predicted an enhanced rate of progression to complex OM. The lower capacity of nonvaccine serotypes to cause OM may partially account for reductions in all-cause OM incidence despite serotype replacement in carriage following rollout of PCVs.
Molecular Prediction of the O157:H-Negative Phenotype Prevalent in Australian Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Cases Improves Concordance of
In Silico
Serotyping with Phenotypic Motility
Authors: Pintara Alexander P. , Guglielmino Christine J. D. , Rathnayake Irani U. , Huygens Flavia , Jennison Amy V.
Published: January 2018

Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) is a foodborne pathogen, and serotype O157:H7 is typically associated with severe disease. Australia is unique in its STEC epidemiology, as severe cases are typically associated with non-O157 serogroups, and locally acquired O157 isolates are H-negative/nonmotile. The H-negative phenotype and reduced severity of disease compared to that associated with H7/motile strains are distinct features of Australian O157 strains, but the molecular mechanism behind this phenotype has not been reported. Accurate characterization of the H-negative phenotype is important in epidemiological surveillance of STEC. Serotyping is moving away from phenotype-based methods, as next generation sequencing allows rapid extrapolation of serotype through
in silico
detection of the O-antigen processing genes,
wzx
,
wzy
,
wzm
, and
wzt
, and the H-antigen gene,
fliC
. The detection and genotyping of
fliC
alone is unable to determine the motility of the strain. Typically, most Australian O157:H-negative strains carry an H7 genotype yet phenotypically are nonmotile; thus, many are mischaracterized as H7 strains by
in silico
serotyping tools. Comparative genomic analysis of flagellar genes between Australian and international isolates was performed and an insertion at nucleotide (nt) 125 in the
flgF
gene was identified in H-negative isolates. Chi-square results showed that this insertion was significantly associated with the H-negative phenotype (
P
< 0.0001). Phylogenetic analysis was also completed and showed that the Australian H-negative isolates with the insertion in
flgF
represent a clade within the O157 serogroup, distinct from O157:H7 serotypes. This study provides a genetic target for inferring the nonmotile phenotype of Australian O157 STEC, which increases the predictive value of
in silico
serotyping.
Fifteen-minute consultation: Asking questions: the puzzles and problems model
Authors: Wacogne Ian D , Ward Platt Martin
Published: January 2018

People are full of useful advice, especially when you make the transition to the senior doctor grade. We present a very helpful model we have used over some time to aid us when we have issues.
Multiple anomalies in the origin and course of vertebral arteries and aberrant right subclavian artery in a child with moyamoya syndrome
Authors: Beyaz Pınar , Khan Nadia , Baltsavias Gerasimos
Published: January 2018

Here we report, for the first time, a combination of five-vessel aortic arch, anomalous origin of the right vertebral artery (VA) from the common carotid artery (CCA), an aberrant right subclavian artery (SCA), and bilateral symmetrical segmental agenesis of VAs.In this case report, we present a patient with moyamoya syndrome (MMS) and Down syndrome (DS) who has bilateral symmetrical segmental agenesis of VAs, left VA originating from aortic arch and anomalous origin of right VA arising from CCA in combination with an aberrant right SCA. Therefore, five vessels are originating from aortic arch. Here, we report, for the first time, a combination of five-vessel aortic arch with an aberrant right SCA and symmetrical segmental agenesis of both VAs. The possible embryological mechanisms of the anomalies as well as an relation with MMS and DS are discussed.
Corneal staining patterns in vernal keratoconjunctivitis: the new VKC-CLEK scoring scale
Authors: Leonardi Andrea , Lazzarini Daniela , La Gloria Valerio Alvise , Scalora Tania , Fregona Iva
Published: January 2018

Aim

To propose a new scoring system in the assessment of ocular surface epithelial damage in vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC).

Methods

25 consecutive patients with VKC (50 eyes) were evaluated using the Quality of Life in children with VKC (QUICK) questionnaire and objective clinical measures: fluorescein and lissamine green staining and cornea confocal microscopy (Heidelberg Retina Tomography 3). Oxford, Van Bljsterweld and a new system, the VKC-Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus study (CLEK) (VKC-CLEK) scores, were used to evaluate the epithelial damage after staining.

Results

Mean Oxford and VKC-CLEK scores were significantly different after fluorescein staining (P<0.001), but significantly correlated (P<0.001; r=0.649). The same data were obtained comparing Van Bljsterweld and VKC-CLEK after lissamine green staining (P<0.001; r=0.760). In patient with limbal VKC, a statistically significant difference was found comparing new VKC-CLEK scores and Oxford or Van Bljsterweld scores (P<0.001), but not in tarsal VKC. A statistically superior concordance was found between QUICK and VKC-CLEK scores compared with standard staining scores values (P<0.001).

Conclusions

Oxford and Van Bijsterveld scores are not adequate for the evaluation of the epithelial damage in patients with limbal VKC because the staining patterns considered for these tests do not correspond to the staining patterns in patients with VKC. We propose a new scoring system, VKC-CLEK, to better evaluate both limbal and tarsal epithelial damage in patients with VKC.
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis pathogenesis: sublethal hepatocyte injury as a driver of liver inflammation
Authors: Ibrahim Samar H , Hirsova Petra , Gores Gregory J
Published: January 2018

A subset of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease develop an inflammatory condition, termed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is characterised by hepatocellular injury, innate immune cell-mediated inflammation and progressive liver fibrosis. The mechanisms whereby hepatic inflammation occurs in NASH remain incompletely understood, but appear to be linked to the proinflammatory microenvironment created by toxic lipid-induced hepatocyte injury, termed lipotoxicity. In this review, we discuss the signalling pathways induced by sublethal hepatocyte lipid overload that contribute to the pathogenesis of NASH. Furthermore, we will review the role of proinflammatory, proangiogenic and profibrotic hepatocyte-derived extracellular vesicles as disease biomarkers and pathogenic mediators during lipotoxicity. We also review the potential therapeutic strategies to block the feed-forward loop between sublethal hepatocyte injury and liver inflammation.
Exercise programmes to prevent falls among older adults: modelling health gain, cost-utility and equity impacts
Authors: Deverall Eamonn , Kvizhinadze Giorgi , Pega Frank , Blakely Tony , Wilson Nick
Published: January 2018

Background

Some falls prevention interventions for the older population appear cost-effective, but there is uncertainty about others. Therefore, we aimed to model three types of exercise programme each running for 25 years among 65+ year olds: (i) a peer-led group-based one; (ii) a home-based one and (iii) a commercial one.

Methods

An established Markov model for studying falls prevention in New Zealand (NZ) was adapted to estimate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) in cost per quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained. Detailed NZ experimental, epidemiological and cost data were used for the base year 2011. A health system perspective was taken and a discount rate of 3% applied. Intervention effectiveness estimates came from a Cochrane Review.

Results

The intervention generating the greatest health gain and costing the least was the home-based exercise programme intervention. Lifetime health gains were estimated at 47 100 QALYs (95%uncertainty interval (UI) 22 300 to 74 400). Cost-effectiveness was high (ICER: US$4640 per QALY gained; (95% UI US$996 to 10 500)), and probably more so than a home safety assessment and modification intervention using the same basic model (ICER: US$6060). The peer-led group-based exercise programme was estimated to generate 42 000 QALYs with an ICER of US$9490. The commercially provided group programme was more expensive and less cost-effective (ICER: US$34 500). Further analyses by sex, age group and ethnicity (Indigenous Māori and non-Māori) for the peer-led group-intervention showed similar health gains and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusions

Implementing any of these three types of exercise programme for falls prevention in older people could produce considerable health gain, but with the home-based version being likely to be the most cost-effective.
Prison environment and non-communicable chronic disease modifiable risk factors: length of incarceration trend analysis in Mexico City
Authors: Silverman-Retana Omar , Servan-Mori Edson , Bertozzi Stefano Michele , Orozco-Nuñez Emanuel , Bautista-Arredondo Sergio , Lopez-Ridaura Ruy
Published: January 2018

Background

There is a lack of evidence regarding chronic disease modifiable risk factors among prisoner populations in Latin America. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of modifiable risk factors for chronic diseases and to assess their relationship with length of incarceration.

Methods

We analysed data from a cross sectional study in which 4241 prisoners were randomly selected to answer a questionnaire with socio-demographic and health behaviour content using an audio computer-assisted self-interview format. Physical activity (PA), low-quality diet, current smoking and alcohol or cocaine use during the last month in prison were our main outcomes. Quantile regression models and logistic regression models were performed.

Results

Our final analytical sample consisted of 3774 prisoners from four Mexico City prisons. PA was estimated as 579 median metabolic equivalents-min/week, prevalence of alcohol use was 23.4%, cocaine use was 24.2% and current smoking was 53.2%. Our results suggest that, as length of incarceration increased, PA as well as alcohol and cocaine use increased, whereas the quality of diet decreased.

Conclusion

This study supports the hypothesis that exposure to prison environment (measured by length of incarceration) fosters modifiable risk factors for chronic diseases, particularly diet quality and cocaine use.
Sheep and farm level factors associated with footrot: a longitudinal repeated cross‐sectional study of sheep on six farms in the UK
Authors: Angell Joseph William , Grove‐White Dai H , Duncan Jennifer S
Published: January 2018

Footrot is an ovine foot disease of infectious origin and a cause of serious welfare and economic compromise in affected animals and flocks. The development of footrot in sheep is associated with the infectious agent Dichelobacter nodosus, which may invade as a primary pathogen, but the risk of disease is increased following damage to the interdigital skin of the foot. In this study, we used data from six farms in North Wales collected between June 2012 and October 2013 to model the dynamic changes of footrot prevalence over time and investigate the association of footrot with multiple farm, management, environmental and sheep factors. Footrot prevalence varied widely within and between farms and overall varied with season with an increase in prevalence shown in late summer and again in the spring. In addition, sheep were more likely to have footrot when the flock size was larger, when grazing poached pasture or when grazing a longer sward, and yearling sheep were less likely to have footrot when compared with lambs and adult sheep. These data may be helpful for advising farmers of likely environmental events, risk groups and management practices that may increase the probability of sheep developing footrot.
Message propagation in the network based on node credibility
Authors: Nian Fuzhong , Dang Zhongkai
Published: January 2018

In the propagation efficiency point of view, the node credibility is introduced in this paper. For the message receiver, the node would partially believe the message according to the credibility of the propagator. For a node, the credibility is variable. The more the true message spread, the higher the credibility, and vice versa, the credibility becomes smaller. Based on the idea, a new network was established with the node credibility. Finally, a comparing experiment between the fully trusted network and the network with the node credibility was implemented. The results indicate that the spread effect of messages is better in the network with the node credibility.
Image Denoising using Alexander Fractional Hybrid Filter
Authors: Verma Atul Kumar , Saini Barjinder Singh , Kaur Taranjit
Published: January 2018

In this paper, a hybrid filter based on the concept of fractional calculus and Alexander polynomial is proposed. The hybrid filtering mask is constructed by convolving the designed Alexander fractional differential and integral masks. The hybrid mask shows high robustness for images corrupted with Gaussian, salt & pepper, and speckle noises. For the experimentation, the standard and real world noisy images are used. The qualitative comparison shows that the proposed hybrid filter has better denoising with high edge preserving capability as compared to the other existing filters. Quantitatively, the performance of the proposed hybrid filter is also evaluated by the measures such as peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), normalized cross-correlation (NK), average difference (AD), structural content (SC), maximum difference (MD) and normalized absolute error (NAE) on standard set of images. The average values of these metrics for Gaussian noise with maximum standard deviation [Formula: see text] are PSNR [Formula: see text] 32.729, NK [Formula: see text] 0.8190, AD [Formula: see text] 0.01825, SC [Formula: see text] 0.8527, MD [Formula: see text] 87, NAE [Formula: see text] 0.0637. The experimentation reveals that the proposed hybrid filter gives better improvement as compared with other existing filters both qualitatively and quantitatively.
A Survey on Biometrics and Cancelable Biometrics Systems
Authors: Choudhury Bismita , Then Patrick , Issac Biju , Raman Valliappan , Haldar Manas Kumar
Published: January 2018

Now-a-days, biometric systems have replaced the password or token based authentication system in many fields to improve the security level. However, biometric system is also vulnerable to security threats. Unlike password based system, biometric templates cannot be replaced if lost or compromised. To deal with the issue of the compromised biometric template, template protection schemes evolved to make it possible to replace the biometric template. Cancelable biometric is such a template protection scheme that replaces a biometric template when the stored template is stolen or lost. It is a feature domain transformation where a distorted version of a biometric template is generated and matched in the transformed domain. This paper presents a review on the state-of-the-art and analysis of different existing methods of biometric based authentication system and cancelable biometric systems along with an elaborate focus on cancelable biometrics in order to show its advantages over the standard biometric systems through some generalized standards and guidelines acquired from the literature. We also proposed a highly secure method for cancelable biometrics using a non-invertible function based on Discrete Cosine Transformation (DCT) and Huffman encoding. We tested and evaluated the proposed novel method for 50 users and achieved good results.
Health IT Adoption in Nursing Homes: The Role of IT Vendors
Authors: Bezboruah Karabi C. , Hamann Darla
Published: January 2018

Applying exploratory qualitative methodologies such as interviews and focus groups, we examine the role of IT vendors in health IT adoption in nursing homes in Texas. We identify three roles pertaining to IT vendors in various adoption stages — information sources and financiers, strategic consultants, and educators in the initiation, implementation, and the institutionalization phases, respectively. Thus, vendors could be a critical factor in the health IT adoption, but nursing home management must critically evaluate not only the services, but also the strategic partnerships offered by the vendors. This is because their business interests may not address nursing homes’ distinctive need, and may prevent integration and institutionalization of health IT. As such, this research has important implications for technology adoption by nursing facilities.
P2Y receptor regulation of K2P channels that facilitate K+ secretion by human mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Srisomboon Yotesawee , Zaidman Nathan A. , Maniak Peter J. , Deachapunya Chatsri , O’Grady Scott M.
Published: January 2018

The objective of this study was to determine the molecular identity of ion channels involved in K+ secretion by the mammary epithelium and to examine their regulation by purinoceptor agonists. Apical membrane voltage-clamp experiments were performed on human mammary epithelial cells where the basolateral membrane was exposed to the pore-forming antibiotic amphotericin B dissolved in a solution with intracellular-like ionic composition. Addition of the Na+ channel inhibitor benzamil reduced the basal current, consistent with inhibition of Na+ uptake across the apical membrane, whereas the KCa3.1 channel blocker TRAM-34 produced an increase in current resulting from inhibition of basal K+ efflux. Treatment with two-pore potassium (K2P) channel blockers quinidine, bupivacaine and a selective TASK1/TASK3 inhibitor (PK-THPP) all produced concentration-dependent inhibition of apical K+ efflux. qRT-PCR experiments detected mRNA expression for nine K2P channel subtypes. Western blot analysis of biotinylated apical membranes and confocal immunocytochemistry revealed that at least five K2P subtypes (TWIK1, TREK1, TREK2, TASK1, and TASK3) are expressed in the apical membrane. Apical UTP also increased the current, but pretreatment with the PKC inhibitor GF109203X blocked the response. Similarly, direct activation of PKC with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate produced a similar increase in current as observed with UTP. These results support the conclusion that the basal level of K+ secretion involves constitutive activity of apical KCa3.1 channels and multiple K2P channel subtypes. Apical UTP evoked a transient increase in KCa3.1 channel activity, but over time caused persistent inhibition of K2P channel function leading to an overall decrease in K+ secretion.
Angiotensin AT1Areceptors expressed in vasopressin-producing cells of the supraoptic nucleus contribute to osmotic control of vasopressin
Authors: Sandgren Jeremy A. , Linggonegoro Danny W. , Zhang Shao Yang , Sapouckey Sarah A. , Claflin Kristin E. , Pearson Nicole A. , Leidinger Mariah R. , Pierce Gary L. , Santillan Mark K. , Gibson-Corley Katherine N. , Sigmund Curt D. , Grobe Justin L.
Published: January 2018

Angiotensin II (ANG) stimulates the release of arginine vasopressin (AVP) from the neurohypophysis through activation of the AT1receptor within the brain, although it remains unclear whether AT1receptors expressed on AVP-expressing neurons directly mediate this control. We explored the hypothesis that ANG acts through AT1Areceptors expressed directly on AVP-producing cells to regulate AVP secretion. In situ hybridization and transgenic mice demonstrated localization of AVP and AT1AmRNA in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), but coexpression of both AVP and AT1AmRNA was only observed in the SON. Mice harboring a conditional allele for the gene encoding the AT1Areceptor (AT1Aflox) were then crossed with AVP-Cre mice to generate mice that lack AT1Ain all cells that express the AVP gene (AT1AAVP-KO). AT1AAVP-KOmice exhibited spontaneously increased plasma and serum osmolality but no changes in fluid or salt-intake behaviors, hematocrit, or total body water. AT1AAVP-KOmice exhibited reduced AVP secretion (estimated by measurement of copeptin) in response to osmotic stimuli such as acute hypertonic saline loading and in response to chronic intracerebroventricular ANG infusion. However, the effects of these receptors on AVP release were masked by complex stimuli such as overnight dehydration and DOCA-salt treatment, which simultaneously induce osmotic, volemic, and pressor stresses. Collectively, these data support the expression of AT1Ain AVP-producing cells of the SON but not the PVN, and a role for AT1Areceptors in these cells in the osmotic regulation of AVP secretion.
Mechanical challenges and cytoskeletal impairments in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Feng Di , DuMontier Clark , Pollak Martin R.
Published: January 2018

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a histologically defined form of kidney injury typically mediated by podocyte dysfunction. Podocytes rely on their intricate actin-based cytoskeleton to maintain the glomerular filtration barrier in the face of mechanical challenges resulting from pulsatile blood flow and filtration of this blood flow. This review summarizes the mechanical challenges faced by podocytes in the form of stretch and shear stress, both of which may play a role in the progression of podocyte dysfunction and detachment. It also reviews how podocytes respond to these mechanical challenges in dynamic fashion through rearranging their cytoskeleton, triggering various biochemical pathways, and, in some disease states, altering their morphology in the form of foot process effacement. Furthermore, this review highlights the growing body of evidence identifying several mutations of important cytoskeleton proteins as causes of FSGS. Lastly, it synthesizes the above evidence to show that a better understanding of how these mutations leave podocytes vulnerable to the mechanical challenges they face is essential to better understanding the mechanisms by which they lead to disease. The review concludes with future research directions to fill this gap and some novel techniques with which to pursue these directions.