bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High frequency of mitochondrial DNA mutations in HIV‐infected treatment‐experienced individuals
Authors: Li M , Foli Y , Liu Z , Wang G , Hu Y , Lu Q , Selvaraj S , Lam W , Paintsil E
Published: June 2016

Objectives

We recently observed a decrease in deoxyribonucleotide (dNTP) pools in HIV‐infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Alterations in dNTPs result in mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in cell culture and animal models. Therefore, we investigated whether ART is associated with mitochondrial genome sequence variation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HIV‐infected treatment‐experienced individuals.

Methods

In this substudy of a case−control study, 71 participants were included: 22 ‘cases’, who were HIV‐infected treatment‐experienced patients with mitochondrial toxicity, 25 HIV‐infected treatment‐experienced patients without mitochondrial toxicity, and 24 HIV‐uninfected controls. Total DNA was extracted from PBMCs and purified polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were subjected to third‐generation sequencing using the PacBio Single Molecule Real‐Time (SMRT) sequencing technology. The sequences were aligned against the revised Cambridge reference sequence for human mitochondrial DNA (NC_012920.1) for detection of variants.

Results

We identified a total of 123 novel variants, 39 of them in the coding region. HIV‐infected treatment‐experienced patients with and without toxicity had significantly higher average numbers of mitochondrial variants per participant than HIV‐uninfected controls. We observed a higher burden of mtDNA large‐scale deletions in HIV‐infected treatment‐experienced patients with toxicity compared with HIV‐uninfected controls (P = 0.02). The frequency of mtDNA molecules containing a common deletion (mt.δ4977) was higher in HIV‐infected treatment‐experienced patients with toxicity compared with HIV‐uninfected controls (P = 0.06). There was no statistically significant difference in mtDNA variants between HIV‐infected treatment‐experienced patients with and without toxicity.

Conclusions

The frequency of mtDNA variants (mutations and large‐scale deletions) was higher in HIV‐infected treatment‐experienced patients with or without ART‐induced toxicity than in uninfected controls.
Effect of sequential treatments of fermentation and ultrasonication followed by extrusion on bioactive content of apple pomace and textural, functional properties of its extrudates
Authors: Lohani Umesh C. , Muthukumarappan Kasiviswanathan
Published: June 2016

Apple pomace (AP) is a potential source of phenolic compounds, and most of the phenolics are presented in the bound form. Liberation of these bound phenolics is required to improve their health functionality. In this context, AP was naturally fermented followed by the ultrasonication and microwave drying. Fermentation time (FT), pomace to water ratio (PWR), ultrasonication intensity (UI) and microwave power (MWP) had significant (P < 0.05) effect on total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) of AP. At the optimum pretreatment conditions of 24 h FT, 5% (w/v) PWR, 37 W cm−2 UI and 90 W MWP, TPC and AA of AP were 40.3% and 92.9%, respectively, higher than that of the control AP. Extrudates from pretreated AP also had improved textural (hardness, brittleness, crispness) and functional (water absorption index, water solubility index) properties. Pretreatment reduced crystalline fraction amount and enhanced solubility of AP.
The Effects of Low Oxygen Activity Conditions on the Phase Equilibria and Cation Occupancy of Strontium Barium Niobate
Authors: Bock Jonathan A. , Chan Jason H. , Tsur Yoed , Trolier‐McKinstry Susan , Randall Clive A.
Published: June 2016

Strontium barium niobate (SBN) is a tungsten bronze family ferroelectric which shows promising thermoelectric properties under reducing conditions. It is found here that the enhanced electrical conductivity of oxygen‐deficient SBN correlates with the formation of a NbO2 secondary phase. The effects of the reducing environment and the NbO2 phase formation are studied via a detailed defect chemistry analysis. Increasing amounts of the NbO2 phase are accompanied by an interesting mechanism where the A‐site occupancy of the SBN matrix increases. The resulting donor defects source the large carrier concentrations which cause the enhanced electrical conductivity necessary for thermoelectric performance. In investigation of the phase equilibria, it is found that a solid solution between (Sr0.6,Ba0.4)Nb2O6 and (Sr0.6,Ba0.4)1.2Nb2O6 exists and that the A‐site filling is found to occur at more modest reduction conditions in Sr‐ and Ba‐rich compositions. Finally, thermogravimetric analysis of the reoxidation process is performed, and the results suggest that the A‐site filling is compensated ionically. Not only do the presented results explain the enhanced electrical conductivity of oxygen‐deficient strontium barium niobate but also modification of the site occupancies by reduction and reoxidation may widen the design space for property modification in tungsten bronze‐structured materials in general.
Acid‐Resistant Coatings on Marble
Authors: Naidu Sonia , Blair Jeremy , Scherer George W.
Published: June 2016

Inorganic coatings are being developed to protect marble monuments and sculpture from weathering. In this work, the acid resistance of hydroxyapatite (HAP), calcium oxalate, and calcium tartrate coatings on Carrara marble were compared. To quantify the rate of attack on calcite, the pH of the solution was measured. This approach was validated by confirming that the rate of dissolution of untreated calcite inferred from the change in pH agrees with data in the literature. Calcium tartrate coatings were incomplete, and the mineral is so soluble that it offered no significant protection. Calcium oxalate forms coherent coatings, so it serves as a sacrificial coating in spite of having solubility comparable to that of calcite. HAP was deposited from aqueous solutions of 1M diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP), with or without millimolar additions of CaCl2 (which improved coverage) and (NH4)2CO3 (which resulted in cracking). The best HAP coatings remained porous; nevertheless, they were comparable to oxalate coatings in the short term and superior in the long term, reducing the dissolution rate by about 40%.
Tailoring Magnetic Properties of MAX Phases, a Theoretical Investigation of (Cr2Ti)AlC2 and Cr2AlC
Authors: Wang Jiemin , Liu Zhimou , Zhang Haibin , Wang Jingyang
Published: June 2016

(Cr2Ti)AlC2 is a newly discovered MAX phase with ordered occupations of Ti and Cr atoms on M sites. The Cr‐containing MAX phase is expected showing magnetic property, which provides functional applications in spintronics and as self‐monitoring smart coating. The magnetic states of (Cr2Ti)AlC2 are predicted by GGA and GGA + U methods and compared to those of Cr2AlC. The ground states are predicted as FM or AFM‐XX configurations depending on the calculation methods. Analysis of the electronic structure shows that the magnetic moments mainly originate from the net spins of Cr 3d valence electrons, whereas the contribution of other atoms is negligible. The calculated magnetic moments of Cr atoms in (Cr2Ti)AlC2 are higher than those in Cr2AlC due to the larger distance between the out‐plane Cr atoms separated by the intercalated nonmagnetic Ti–C slab. This work provides an insight on tailoring magnetic properties of MAX phases by modifying the crystal structure.
DFT Predictions of Crystal Structure, Electronic Structure, Compressibility, and Elastic Properties of Hf–Al–C Carbides
Authors: Bai Yuelei , Duff Andrew , Jayaseelan Daniel Doni , Wang Rongguo , He Xiaodong , Lee William Edward
Published: June 2016

To understand the potential for use of the Hf–Al–C ternary compounds, (HfC)nAl3C2 (Hf2Al3C4 and Hf3Al3C5) and (HfC)nAl4C3 (Hf2Al4C5 and Hf3Al4C6) were investigated using density functional theory, including crystal structure, electronic structure, compressibility, and elastic properties. The theoretical density of (HfC)nAl3C2 (4.10–4.16 g/cm3) is higher than that of (HfC)nAl4C3 (3.92–3.98 g/cm3), due to the smaller number of lighter Al–C layers. With increasing numbers of Hf–C layers, the Hf–C and Al–C bond lengths remain almost unchanged. In none of the compounds is there a gap around the Fermi energy (Ef), which implies they are metal‐like conductors. With increasing pressure, there is greater shrinkage along the c axis than the a axis. The bond stiffness increases with increasing pressure. In general, (HfC)nAl3C2 has higher elastic stiffness than (HfC)nAl4C3, with the moduli increasing with the number of Hf–C layers. The Hf–Al–C compounds as well as the brittle Zr–Al–C compounds all have low shear moduli/bulk moduli ratio (G/B) from 0.71 to 0.78, suggesting that the G/B ratio is not always a suitable measure of ductility.
‘This is the best lesson ever, Miss…’: Disrupting Linear Logics of Visual Arts Teaching Practice
Authors: Mitchell Donna Mathewson
Published: June 2016

Research in visual arts education is often focused on philosophical issues or broad concerns related to approaches to curriculum. In focusing on the everyday work of teaching, this article addresses a gap in the literature to report on collaborative research exploring the experiences of secondary visual arts teachers in regional New South Wales, Australia. Drawing on qualitative data gathered through a process of educational connoisseurship and educational criticism, discussion focuses on visual arts teaching as a particular professional practice that is complex, intricate, emergent and adaptive. In drawing on themes emerging from the research, examples of unplanned aspects of teachers’ work that disrupt linear logics about teaching practice are examined. The article concludes by raising issues for further consideration and research.
A Fresh Theoretical Perspective on Practice‐Led Research
Authors: Hawkins Barbara , Wilson Brett
Published: June 2016

Practice‐led research in art and design has now come of age and can take its place alongside other forms of research at the academic ‘high table’. It no longer needs to be treated with ‘special consideration’ as a new form of intellectual enquiry. The research craft developed by those involved in practice‐led research admits them to a broader community of practice engaged in questioning the conceptual basis of how we perceive and make sense of the world around us. The objective/subjective divide that preoccupied an earlier generation of academics has eventually been replaced by a more nuanced epistemological framework able to embrace PhDs that include non‐textual artefacts as part of their exposition. An increasing number of academic institutions around the world have taken up the debate and now participate in practice‐led research programmes. However, for early‐career researchers in these fields there are still many hurdles to overcome, some of which are unique to this form of endeavour, as we outline. This article has been developed from a series of seminars and workshops presented by the authors to early‐career practice‐led researchers as part of their Project Dialogue programme which seeks greater engagement between the arts and sciences.
Whole mitochondrial genomes illuminate ancient intercontinental dispersals of grey wolves (Canis lupus)
Authors: Koblmüller Stephan , Vilà Carles , Lorente‐Galdos Belen , Dabad Marc , Ramirez Oscar , Marques‐Bonet Tomas , Wayne Robert K. , Leonard Jennifer A.
Published: June 2016

Aim

Grey wolves (Canis lupus) are widespread across the Holarctic. Here, we test the previously proposed hypothesis that extant North American wolves originate from multiple waves of colonization from Asia. We also test the hypothesis that land connections have been important in the evolutionary history of other isolated wolf populations in Japan.

Location

Holarctic.

Methods

We analyse 105 previously published and newly obtained complete mitochondrial genomes from a geographically diverse sample of grey wolves and date critical branches in the phylogenetic tree. Phylogeographical hypotheses are tested in an approximate Bayesian computation approach.

Results

We find that the mitogenomes of all living wolves in North America, including Mexican wolves, most likely derive from a single colonization event from Eurasia that expanded the grey wolf range into North America. This colonization occurred while a land bridge connected Eurasia and North America before the Cordillerian and Laurentide ice sheets fused in the Last Glacial Maximum,c. 23 ka, much more recent than predicted based on the fossil record. Pleistocene land bridges also facilitated the separate colonization of Hokkaido and the southern Japanese islands.

Main conclusions

Extant wolf lineages in North America derive from wolves that migrated into North America coincident with the formation of the most recent land bridge with Eurasia. The maternal lineages from earlier Pleistocene American wolves are not represented in living American wolves, indicating that they left no descendants. The timing of colonization of North America, Hokkaido and the southern Japanese islands corresponds to the changes in land connectivity as a consequence of changing sea level.
Complex niche divergence underlies lineage diversification in Oophaga poison frogs
Authors: Posso‐Terranova Andrés , Andrés José A.
Published: June 2016

Aim

Despite the incredible diversity of lowland tropical rain forests, we still have limited understanding of the drivers of speciation in these ecoregions. Here, we investigated the relative contribution of geographical and environmental factors to the diversification of a Neotropical genus of poison frogs (Oophaga).

Location

Central and South America, including regions from southern Nicaragua to northern Ecuador.

Methods

We generated gene genealogies (12S, 16S, COI, CytB and tRNA‐val, SIAH1, H3 and Rag1) and used species phylogenetic methods (MDC and *beast) to generate a robust phylogeny of Oophaga frogs. Then, we combined the resulting phylogenetic hypothesis with detailed geographical data and environmental niche modelling (ENM) to test the role of geographical isolation, climatic niche divergence and altitudinal gradients.

Results

Gene genealogies were discordant and did not show exclusive genealogical patterns; however, species tree resolved the phylogenetic relationship among Oophaga species with strong node support (> 0.9 ML/BPP). Geographical ranges showed little overlap between distantly related species. However, within the South American and Central American clades, sister taxa showed substantially overlapping ranges. Analyses of ecological disparity (DTT) indicated a departure from a neutral (Brownian) model of evolution, and age‐range correlations, predicted niche occupancy profiles, and Seeva analyses showed that different species tend to evolve under different potential climatic niches.

Main conclusions

Oophaga frogs originated in Central America and reached South America after the closure of the Panama Isthmus. The South‐ and Central‐American clades of this genus have convergently evolved to similar patterns of geographical distribution and niche occupancy. Within clades, sister taxa showed parapatric distributions replacing each other along elevational gradients as predicted by the models of divergence along continuous ecological gradients. Accordingly, we found strong shifts in climatic niches throughout the history of these two clades. However, the largest niche shifts seem to post‐date the final elevation of the Talamanca and northern Andes. Overall, our data suggest that speciation along climatic gradients on a structured landscape has been a major evolutionary force behind the diversification of Oophaga poison frogs.
Efavirenz Inhibits the Human Ether‐A‐Go‐Go Related Current (hERG) and Induces QT Interval Prolongation in CYP2B6*6*6 Allele Carriers
Authors: ABDELHADY AHMED M. , SHUGG TYLER , THONG NANCY , LU JESSICA BO LI , KREUTZ YVONNE , JAYNES HEATHER A. , ROBARGE JASON D. , TISDALE JAMES E. , DESTA ZERUESENAY , OVERHOLSER BRIAN R.
Published: June 2016

Efavirenz Induced QTc Interval Prolongation

Background

Efavirenz (EFV) has been associated with torsade de pointes despite marginal QT interval lengthening. Since EFV is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B6 enzyme, we hypothesized that EFV would lengthen the rate‐corrected QT (QTcF) interval in carriers of the CYP2B6*6 decreased functional allele.

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate EFV‐associated QT interval changes with regard to CYP2B6 genotype and to explore mechanisms of QT interval lengthening.

Methods

EFV was administered to healthy volunteers (n = 57) as a single 600 mg dose followed by multiple doses to steady‐state. Subjects were genotyped for known CYP2B6 alleles and ECGs and EFV plasma concentrations were obtained serially. Whole‐cell, voltage‐clamp experiments were performed on cells stably expressing hERG and exposed to EFV in the presence and absence of CYP2B6 expression.

Results

EFV demonstrated a gene–dose effect and exceeded the FDA criteria for QTcF interval prolongation in CYP2B6*6/*6 carriers. The largest mean time‐matched differences ∆∆QTcF were observed at 6 hours (14 milliseconds; 95% CI [1; 27]), 12 hours (18 milliseconds; 95% CI [–4; 40]), and 18 hours (6 milliseconds; 95% CI [–1; 14]) in the CYP2B6*6/*6 genotype. EFV concentrations exceeding 0.4 μg/mL significantly inhibited outward hERG tail currents (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that homozygous carriers of CYP2B6*6 allele may be at increased risk for EFV‐induced QTcF interval prolongation via inhibition of hERG.
Histamine intolerance in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Siebenhaar F. , Melde A. , Magerl M. , Zuberbier T. , Church M.K. , Maurer M.
Published: June 2016

Background

Histamine intolerance and pseudoallergy to foods have been suggested to be causes of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) with some patients reporting exacerbation with histamine‐rich foods.

Objective

The study aim was to identify the rate of histamine‐intolerant CSU patients and to characterize the relevance of histamine intolerance as an underlying cause of CSU.

Methods

A cohort of 157 of moderate to severe CSU patients (UAS7 ≥ 10) was asked to provide a detailed clinical history, particularly in relation to symptom development after eating histamine‐rich foods. They subsequently undertook a histamine‐free pseudoallergen‐low diet followed by a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled oral histamine provocation (75 mg).

Results

One third of patients (34%) had a positive history of histamine intolerance. There was no statistical difference between the mean UAS7 scores of patients with positive and negative histories (22.4 ± 1.0 vs. 22.7 ± 0.8). When kept on diet, 46% of patients responded with reduced CSU activity (UAS7 reduction of ≥7). Following double‐blind, placebo‐controlled oral histamine provocation, 17% of patients gave a positive weal response. There appeared to be little relationship between patient history, response to diet and the weal response to oral histamine provocation. First, the history‐positive and ‐negative groups contained similar proportions of diet and histamine provocation weal‐positive patients. Second, the diet‐positive and ‐negative groups contained similar proportions of history‐positive and histamine provocation weal‐positive patients. Third, the histamine provocation weal‐positive and ‐negative groups had similar rates of history‐ and diet‐positive patients. Finally, only 2 of the 157 patients were positive in all three domains.

Conclusions

CSU due to histamine intolerance appears to be rare and cannot be diagnosed based on the history. The study confirms that avoidance diets low in pseudoallergens can improve urticaria symptoms, this is probably not due to the absence of dietary histamine.
Behaviour, feeding habits and ecology of the blind catfish Phreatobius sanguijuela (Ostariophysi: Siluriformes)
Authors: Ohara W. M. , Da Costa I. D. , Fonseca M. L.
Published: June 2016

The subterranean fish Phreatobius sanguijuela, originally described from Bolivia, was captured in different wells near São Francisco do Guaporé, Rondônia State, Brazil. Thirty wells were investigated in April and July 2012, and September 2013. These surveys resulted in the capture of 58 individuals from eight wells and comprised three to 14 individuals per well. The capture of the individuals allowed a detailed evaluation of their colours in life, behaviour in the field and in captivity, aspects of their biology, confirmation of the species identification and provided new diagnostic characteristics to distinguish between P. sanguijuela and Phreatobius dracunculus. Cannibalism, territorialism, agonistic interactions and phototaxis behaviour were not observed. Phreatobius sanguijuela exhibited cryptobiotic habits and two behaviours under stressful conditions. The analysis of stomach contents reveals that this species apparently feeds on invertebrates, almost exclusively on earthworms. The sex ratio was 1:1. The absence of opercular movement during the resting period associated with intense blood irrigation of the skin indicates a possible cutaneous respiration as an alternative form of gas exchange. Local people often mistake P. sanguijuela for helminths and have the habit of releasing non‐native fishes into the wells or to use chemicals to eliminate them. The consequence of this habit for the conservation of the species requires further evaluation.
Life history of the symbiotically luminous cardinalfish Siphamia tubifer (Perciformes: Apogonidae)
Authors: Gould A. L. , Dougan K. E. , Koenigbauer S. T. , Dunlap P. V.
Published: June 2016

Characteristics of the life history of the coral reef‐dwelling cardinalfish Siphamia tubifer, from Okinawa, Japan, were defined. A paternal mouthbrooder, S. tubifer, is unusual in forming a bioluminescent symbiosis with Photobacterium mandapamensis. The examined S. tubifer (n = 1273) ranged in size from 9·5 to 43·5 mm standard length (LS), and the minimum size at sexual maturity was 22 mm LS. The number of S. tubifer associated during the day among the spines of host urchins was 22·9 ± 16·1 (mean ± s.d.; Diadema setosum) and 3·6 ± 3·2 (Echinothrix calamaris). Diet consisted primarily of crustacean zooplankton. Batch fecundity (number of eggs; FB) was related to LS by the equations: males (fertilized eggs) FB = 27·5LS − 189·46; females (eggs) FB = 31·3LS − 392·63. Individual mass (M; g) as a function of LS was described by the equation: . Growth, determined from otolith microstructure analysis, was described with the von Bertalanffy growth function with the following coefficients: L∞ = 40·8 mm LS, K = 0·026 day−1 and t0 = 23·25 days. Planktonic larval duration was estimated to be 30 days. The age of the oldest examined individual was 240 days. The light organ of S. tubifer, which harbours the symbiotic population of P. mandapamensis, increased linearly in diameter as S. tubifer LS increased, and the bacterial population increased logarithmically with S. tubifer LS. These characteristics indicate that once settled, S. tubifer grows quickly, reproduces early and typically survives much less than 1 year in Okinawa. These characteristics are generally similar to other small reef fishes but they indicate that S. tubifer experiences higher mortality.
Lateralisation in agonistic encounters: do mirror tests reflect aggressive behaviour? A study on a West African cichlid
Authors: Scherer U. , Buck M. , Schuett W.
Published: June 2016

In this study, population level lateralisation and the suitability of mirror tests as a test of natural aggressive behaviour in male rainbow kribs Pelvicachromis pulcher was investigated. Aggressive behaviour in live agonistic trials correlated positively with behaviours towards a mirror image and no visual lateralisation was detected.
Antimicrobial peptide CAP18 and its effect on Yersinia ruckeri infections in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum): comparing administration by injection and oral routes
Authors: Chettri J K , Mehrdana F , Hansen E B , Ebbensgaard A , Overgaard M T , Lauritsen A H , Dalsgaard I , Buchmann K
Published: June 2016

The antimicrobial peptide CAP18 has been demonstrated to have a strong in vitro bactericidal effect on Yersinia ruckeri, but its activity in vivo has not been described. In this work, we investigated whether CAP18 protects rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) against enteric red mouth disease caused by this pathogen either following i.p. injection or by oral administration (in feed). It was found that injection of CAP18 into juvenile rainbow trout before exposure to Y. ruckeri was associated with lowered mortality compared to non‐medicated fish although it was less effective than the conventional antibiotic oxolinic acid. Oral administration of CAP18 to trout did not prevent infection. The proteolytic effect of secretions on the peptide CAP18 in the fish gastrointestinal tract is suggested to account for the inferior effect of oral administration.
Safety Evaluation and Antibacterial Activity of Enterococci Isolated from Lighvan Cheese
Authors: Joghataei Mehri , Yavarmanesh Masoud , Dovom Mohammad Reza Edalatian
Published: June 2016

Twenty three enterococci were isolated from Lighvan cheese. Enterococcal isolates identified by 16S rDNA sequencing, were evaluated for their safety and also examined for antibacterial activity and presence of the genes coding for enterocins. Four enterococcal isolates exhibited inhibitory activity against Listeria innocua and E. faecalis and harbored the bacteriocin genes (enterocins A, B, P, X and 31) too. Multiple combinations of virulence determinant genes (vanA, vanB, gelE, esp, asa1, cpd and ace) were detected in enterococcal isolates with the exception of 5 E. faecium isolates. While the isolates exhibited resistance to some antibiotics, all of them were susceptible to ampicillin and vancomycin. In conclusion, this study shows the presence of enterococci with potential biopreservative activity in Lighvan cheese; however it also warrants further research on the safety and origins of enterococci in this cheese.

Practical Applications

Lighvan is a very popular cheese in Iran with a specific texture and taste which is produced in little amount from raw sheep milk and ripened in manmade underground galleries. There are a few studies about the microflora of this cheese and the point is that enterococcus species have proven to be always dominant. Safety evaluation of these bacteria is really necessary as far as the Lighvan cheese is produced from raw milk and also the controversial viewpoint that there is about the GRAS state of enterococcus species. Recognition of the safe strains of enterococcus species isolated from the lighvan cheese would help to produce a more hygienic and safer industrial product.
Protective and Risk Factors for 5‐Year Survival in the Oldest Veterans: Data from the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Cho Jinmyoung , Copeland Laurel A. , Stock Eileen M. , Zeber John E. , Restrepo Marcos I. , MacCarthy Andrea A. , Ory Marcia G. , Smith Paul A. , Stevens Alan B.
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To characterize physical and mental diseases and use of healthcare services and identify factors associated with mortality in the oldest individuals using the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Design

Retrospective study with 5‐year survival follow‐up.

Setting

VHA, system‐wide.

Participants

Veterans using the VHA aged 80 and older as of October 2008 (N = 721,588: n = 665,249 aged 80–89, n = 56,118 aged 90–99, n = 221 aged 100–115).

Measurements

Demographic characteristics, physical and mental diseases, healthcare services, and 5‐year survival were measured.

Results

Accelerated failure time models identified protective and risk factors associated with mortality according to age group. During 5 years of follow‐up, 44% of participants died (survival rate: 59% aged 80–89, 32% aged 90–99, 15% aged ≥100). In the multivariable model, protective effects for veterans aged 80–99 were female sex, minority race or ethnicity, being married, having certain physical and mental diagnoses (hypertension, cataract, dyslipidemia, posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder), having urgent care visits, having invasive surgery, and having few (1–3) prescriptions. Risk factors were lower VHA priority status, physical and mental conditions (diabetes mellitus, anemia, congestive heart failure, dementia, anxiety, depression, smoking, substance abuse disorder), hospital admission, and nursing home care. For those aged 100 and older, being married, smoking, hospital admission, nursing home care, invasive surgery, and prescription use were significant risk factors; only emergency department (ED) use was protective.

Conclusion

Although the data are limited to VHA care (thus missing Medicare services), this study shows that many veterans served by the VHA live to advanced old age despite multiple chronic conditions. Further study is needed to determine whether a comprehensive, coordinated care system like VHA is associated with greater longevity for very old persons.
A comparative study of vascular injection fluids in fresh‐frozen and embalmed human cadaver forearms
Authors: Doomernik D. E. , Kruse R. R. , Reijnen M. M. P. J. , Kozicz T. L. , Kooloos J. G. M.
Published: June 2016

Over the years, various vascular injection products have been developed to facilitate anatomical dissections. This study aimed to compare the most commonly used vascular injection products in fresh‐frozen and formalin‐embalmed cadaver specimens. An overview of the properties, advantages and limitations of each substance was given, and a comparison of vascular infusion procedures in both preservation methods was made. A literature search was performed in order to identify the most commonly used vascular injection products. Acrylic paint, latex, gelatin, silicone, Araldite F and Batson's No. 17 were selected for the study. One fresh‐frozen and one embalmed cadaver forearm were infused with each injection product according to a uniform protocol. The curing time, skin‐ and subcutaneous tissue penetration, degree of filling of the arterial tree, extravasations, consistency of the injected vessels during dissection, and the costs of each injection fluid were noted. There was a large variation between the injection fluids in processing‐ and curing time, colour intensity, flexibility, fragility, elasticity, strength, toxicity and costs. All fluids were suitable for infusion. The penetration of injection fluid into the skin and subcutaneous tissue was significantly better in fresh‐frozen specimens (P = 0.002 and P = 0.009, respectively), with significantly smaller branches casted (P = 0.004). Vascular infusion of fresh‐frozen cadaver specimens results in a significantly better filled coloured arterial tree, enabling more detail to be achieved and smaller branches casted. The biomechanical properties of fresh‐frozen soft tissues are less affected compared with formalin fixation. All the injection fluids studied are suitable for vascular infusion, but their different properties ensure that certain products and procedures are more suitable for specific study purposes.
Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnoea in Australian children
Authors: Tamanyan Knarik , Walter Lisa M , Davey Margot J , Nixon Gillian M , Horne Rosemary SC , Biggs Sarah N
Published: June 2016

Aim

This study aims to determine whether demographic or clinical factors predict obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) severity in Australian children.

Methods

Demographic details and medical histories of 301 Australian children (3–17 years old) referred for assessment of OSA were examined retrospectively. Children underwent overnight polysomnography and were classified as having primary snoring (PS) (obstructive apnoea hypopnoea index (OAHI) ≤ 1 event per hour; n = 150), mild OSA (>1 OAHI ≤ 5 events per hour; n = 76) or moderate/severe (MS) OSA (OAHI > 5 events per hour; n = 75). Information obtained from parent‐report questionnaire determined the predictive value of the following factors for determining OSA severity: gender, ethnicity, body mass index, asthma and/or allergic rhinitis, socio‐economic status and parental smoking status (mother/father/both). Chi‐squared analyses were used to compare the distribution of the demographic and clinical factors across the three groups. Statistically significant risk factors were subsequently entered into logistic regression analysis.

Results

Ethnicity and parental smoking were significant risk factors for MS OSA. Children with non‐Caucasian ethnicity were 36% more likely than Caucasian children to be diagnosed with MS OSA than PS (P = 0.002). Children with fathers who smoked were 53% more likely to have MS OSA than PS compared with those with fathers who did not smoke (P = 0.008). Obesity was associated with OSA severity in primary school‐aged children only. Gender, socio‐economic status and history of asthma and/or allergic rhinitis were not risk factors.

Conclusions

Non‐Caucasian ethnicity, paternal smoking and obesity in older children were associated with an increased risk of polysomnography‐confirmed MS OSA in Australian children.
The State of Nursing Home Information Technology Sophistication in Rural and Nonrural US Markets
Authors: Alexander Gregory L. , Madsen Richard W. , Miller Erin L. , Wakefield Douglas S. , Wise Keely K. , Alexander Rachel L.
Published: June 2016

Objective

To test for significant differences in information technology sophistication (ITS) in US nursing homes (NH) based on location.

Methods

We administered a primary survey January 2014 to July 2015 to NH in each US state. The survey was cross‐sectional and examined 3 dimensions (IT capabilities, extent of IT use, degree of IT integration) among 3 domains (resident care, clinical support, administrative activities) of ITS. ITS was broken down by NH location. Mean responses were compared across 4 NH categories (Metropolitan, Micropolitan, Small Town, and Rural) for all 9 ITS dimensions and domains. Least square means and Tukey's method were used for multiple comparisons.

Principal Findings

Methods yielded 815/1,799 surveys (45% response rate). In every health care domain (resident care, clinical support, and administrative activities) statistical differences in facility ITS occurred in larger (metropolitan or micropolitan) and smaller (small town or rural) populated areas.

Conclusions

This study represents the most current national assessment of NH IT since 2004. Historically, NH IT has been used solely for administrative activities and much less for resident care and clinical support. However, results are encouraging as ITS in other domains appears to be greater than previously imagined.
Evidence of Hepatitis E virus breaking through the blood–brain barrier and replicating in the central nervous system
Authors: Shi R. , Soomro M. H. , She R. , Yang Y. , Wang T. , Wu Q. , Li H. , Hao W.
Published: June 2016

Neurologic dysfunctions such as Guillain–Barre′ syndrome, encephalitis, meningitis and transverse myelitis occur frequently in patients with hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, and this study was conducted to better characterize the role of HEV in the pathogenesis of neurologic disorders. Genotype 4 strain of swine HEV was used to inoculate Mongolian gerbils. Reverse transcription–nested polymerase chain reaction (RT‐nPCR), ELISA, histopathology, ultrastructural pathology and enzyme immunohistochemistry method were conducted to investigate the replication and localization of HEV in the central nervous system (CNS) and the consequent pathological changes. Both positive‐ and negative‐strand HEV RNA was detectable in brain and spinal cord from 7 to 28 dpi (days postinoculation) via RT‐nPCR. Various pathological changes such as perineural invasion, neuron necrosis, microglia nodule, lymphocyte infiltration, perivascular cuff and myelin degeneration were observed in HEV‐positive brains and spinal cords. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining targeting on HEV ORF2 protein revealed positive signals concentrated mainly in the cytoplasm of neuron, ependymal epithelium and choroid plexus area. Positive area density of ZO‐1 (zonula occludens‐1) in brain of HEV‐positive gerbils decreased, while the GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) expression was upregulated compared with control groups. These results provide strong evidence that HEV is able to damage the blood–brain barrier (BBB), replicate in brain and spinal cord, and hammer the causative role of HEV in the pathogenesis of neurologic disorders.
A Feline‐Specific Anti‐Nerve Growth Factor Antibody Improves Mobility in Cats with Degenerative Joint Disease–Associated Pain: A Pilot Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Gruen M.E. , Thomson A.E. , Griffith E.H. , Paradise H. , Gearing D.P. , Lascelles B.D.X.
Published: June 2016

Background

Neutralizing antibodies against nerve growth factor (NGF) are analgesic in rodent models, naturally occurring degenerative joint disease (DJD) pain in dogs, and chronic pain in humans.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of a fully felinized anti‐NGF antibody (NV‐02) for the treatment of DJD pain and mobility impairment in cats.

Animals

Thirty‐four client‐owned cats with DJD‐associated pain and mobility impairment.

Methods

In a placebo‐controlled, pilot, masked clinical study, cats were randomized to a single treatment with NV‐02 (0.4 mg/kg SC [n = 11] or 0.8 mg/kg SC [n = 12]) or placebo (saline, SC [n = 11]). Activity was measured objectively. Additionally, owners completed clinical metrology instruments (client‐specific outcome measures [CSOM] and feline musculoskeletal pain index [FMPI]) on days 0 (screening), 14 (baseline), 35, 56, and 77. A repeated‐measures model was used to evaluate the objective activity data.

Results

NV‐02 significantly increased objectively measured activity overall (P = .017) and at 2 (P = .035), 3 (P = .007), 4 (P = .006), 5 (P = .007), and 6 (P = .017) weeks after treatment. CSOM scores (P = .035) and pain (P = .024) showed a significant effect of treatment 3 weeks after administration. In the treatment group, 83% of the owners correctly identified the treatment administered compared with 45% of owners in the placebo group (P = .013). No treatment‐related adverse effects were identified.

Conclusions

These pilot data demonstrate a 6‐week duration positive analgesic effect of this fully felinized anti‐NGF antibody in cats suffering from DJD‐associated pain.
Increasing Signalized Intersection Capacity with Unconventional Use of Special Width Approach Lanes
Authors: Zhao Jing , Liu Yue , Wang Tao
Published: June 2016

Heavy traffic volume coupled with insufficient capacity due to limited space cause most of traffic congestion at urban signalized intersections. This article presents an innovative design to increase the capacity of heavily congested intersections by using the special width approach lane (SWAL), which consists of two narrow approach lanes that are dynamically utilized by either two passenger cars or a heavy vehicle (e.g., buses or trucks) depending on the composition of traffic. The impact of the SWAL on the saturation flow rate is quantified and validated, followed by an optimization model for best geometric layout and signal timing design with the presence of the SWAL. The optimization model is formulated as a mixed‐integer‐linear‐program for intersection capacity maximization which can be efficiently solved by the standard branch‐and‐bound technique. Results of extensive numerical analyses and case studies show the effectiveness of SWAL to increase intersection capacity, indicating its promising application at intersections with very limited space that prevents the addition of separate lanes.
The evaluation of local oxidative/nitrosative stress in patients with pityriasis versicolor: a preliminary study
Authors: Kurutas Ergul Belge , Ozturk Perihan
Published: June 2016

Yeast of Malassezia, members of the microbiologic flora of the skin, cause pityriasis versicolor and have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of other superficial dermatoses. The mechanisms by which the yeast cause these dermatoses, however, are not yet clear, and there have been no studies on the interaction between fungi and keratinocytes, especially the effects of fungi on the production of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species by human keratinocytes. This is the first study we aimed to evaluate the role of oxidative/nitrosative stress in affected skin areas in patients with pityriasis versicolor. Sixty pityriasis versicolor patients and 60 healthy subjects as control group were enrolled. Scraping samples were obtained from the lesional skin areas in patients and from the normal skin areas in controls. The distribution of lesions of pityriasis versicolor was mild in all patients. We have isolated two Malassezia species: M. furfur being isolated in 75% of patients, followed by M. globosa (25%). The levels of oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers were significantly higher in patients than the controls (P < 0.001). Our results demonstrated that pityriasis versicolor is associated with significant alteration in oxidant/antioxidant balance. It might be secondary consequence of pityriasis versicolor infection or contributing factor in its pathogenesis.
Mustard vesicating agent–induced toxicity in the skin tissue and silibinin as a potential countermeasure
Authors: Tewari‐Singh Neera , Agarwal Rajesh
Published: June 2016

Exposure to the vesicating agents sulfur mustard (SM) and nitrogen mustard (NM) causes severe skin injury with delayed blistering. Depending upon the dose and time of their exposure, edema and erythema develop into blisters, ulceration, necrosis, desquamation, and pigmentation changes, which persist weeks and even years after exposure. Research advances have generated data that have started to explain the probable mechanism of action of vesicant‐induced skin toxicity; however, despite these advances, effective and targeted therapies are still deficient. This review highlights studies on two SM analogs, 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) and NM, and CEES‐ and NM‐induced skin injury mouse models that have substantially added to the knowledge on the complex pathways involved in mustard vesicating agent–induced skin injury. Furthermore, employing these mouse models, studies under the National Institutes of Health Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats program have identified the flavanone silibinin as a novel therapeutic intervention with the potential to be developed as an effective countermeasure against skin injury following exposure to mustard vesicating agents.
Oral surgery simulated teaching; 3D model printing
Authors: Shepherd S. , Macluskey M. , Napier A. , Jackson R.
Published: June 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to present the development of a cost effective, inexpensive and anatomically accurate model for the teaching of hard tissue oral surgery using three‐dimensional printing technology.

Material and methods

Scan data of a dentate human mandible was digitally manipulated and combined with phantom head baseplate data. The resultant three‐dimensional printing of the conglomerate file provided an anatomically accurate plastic model for teaching. Three clinicians with extensive undergraduate oral surgery teaching experience evaluated the resource.

Results and conclusion

Initial comments suggest that the printed mandible provides realistic feel, feedback and bone removal experience satisfactory for undergraduate teaching. The authors present a relatively easy, malleable and inexpensive alternative approach for the development and local construction of oral surgery teaching resources.
Could acupuncture be an adequate alternative to dexamethasone in pediatric tonsillectomy?
Authors: Moeen Seham M.
Published: June 2016

Background

Usage of nonpharmacological treatment contributes to an overall patient well‐being, assisting in physical and emotional healing. Acupuncture has been reported to be useful in reducing early postoperative vomiting (POV) and attenuating postoperative pain.

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of dexamethasone vs acupuncture at P6 bilaterally and CV13 on the incidence and severity of POV in children undergoing tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy.

Method

One hundred and twenty children, ASA I–III aged 2–8 years undergoing elective tonsillectomy were included in this prospective randomized double‐blind study. Children were randomly divided into two equal groups (60 each). At induction of anesthesia, the dexamethasone group received 0.15 mg·kg−1 dexamethasone IV plus sham acupuncture, and the acupuncture group received acupuncture at P6 bilaterally and CV13 plus 2 ml of normal saline IV. Vomiting was recorded at 0–6, 6–24, and 0–24 h postoperatively.

Results

There was no difference in the incidence of vomiting between the acupuncture and dexamethasone groups. The mean difference in time to first oral intake (95% CI) was 4.3 (0.5–8.6) min between dexamethasone group and acupuncture group; P = 0.426. The mean difference in time until first vomit (95% CI) was 12 (9.5–13.8) min between both groups. No significant differences between Kaplan–Meier curves for time until first vomit (log‐rank test) were obtained (P = 0.697).

Conclusion

Acupuncture at P6 bilaterally and CV13 provided similar antiemetic effect to dexamethasone in children undergoing tonsillectomy.
Main regulatory pathways, key genes and microRNAs involved in flower formation and development of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis)
Authors: Ge Wei , Zhang Ying , Cheng Zhanchao , Hou Dan , Li Xueping , Gao Jian
Published: June 2016

Moso bamboo is characterized by infrequent sexual reproduction and erratic flowering habit; however, the molecular biology of flower formation and development is not well studied in this species. We studied the molecular regulation mechanisms of moso bamboo development and flowering by selecting three key regulatory pathways: plant–pathogen interaction, plant hormone signal transduction and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum at different stages of flowering in moso bamboo. We selected PheDof1, PheMADS14 and six microRNAs involved in the three pathways through KEGG pathway and cluster analysis. Subcellular localization, transcriptional activation, Western blotting, in situ hybridization and qRT‐PCR were used to further investigate the expression patterns and regulatory roles of pivotal genes at different flower development stages. Differential expression patterns showed that PheDof1, PheMADS14 and six miRNAs may play vital regulatory roles in flower development and floral transition in moso bamboo. Our research paves way for further studies on metabolic regulatory networks and provides insight into the molecular regulation mechanisms of moso bamboo flowering and senescence.
Serum oxidative stress parameters and paraoxonase‐1 in children and adolescents exposed to passive smoking
Authors: Kahraman Feyza Ustabaş , Torun Emel , Osmanoğlu Nurcan Keskin , Oruçlu Suera , Özer Ömer Faruk
Published: June 2016

Background

Exposure to secondhand smoke is too common in many countries. The mechanism of the detrimental effects of passive smoking on childhood health, however, is poorly described. The purpose of this study was therefore to examine the effect of passive smoking on total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and paraoxonase‐1 in children compared with healthy non‐passive smokers.

Methods

This study included 40 children and adolescents passively exposed to cigarette smoke (as verified on urine cotinines) and 40 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls not regularly exposed to cigarette smoke. TAS, TOS, and paraoxonase‐1 were all measured, and the oxidative stress index (OSI) calculated for each child to determine the degree of oxidative stress.

Results

Age and gender distribution were not statistically different between the two groups (P = 0.619 and 0.712, respectively). Urine cotinine/creatinine was significantly higher in the passive smoking group (127.89 ± 57.14 ng/mL) compared with the controls (5.05 ± 16.66 ng/mL; P < 0.001). TAS was not different between the two groups (P = 0.767), but TOS and OSI were significantly higher for the passive smoke‐exposed children (P < 0.001), and serum paraoxonase‐1 was significantly lower than in the controls (P = 0.047).

Conclusions

Secondhand smoke exposure is associated with increased oxidative stress and decreased paraoxonase‐1 without any change in antioxidant status.