bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Population Expansions of Hepatitis B Virus in the United States
Authors: Ramachandran Sumathi , Purdy Michael A. , Xia Guo-liang , Campo David S. , Dimitrova Zoya E. , Teshale Eyasu H. , Teo Chong Gee , Khudyakov Yury E.
Published: September 2014

The recent epidemic history of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in the United States is complex, as indicated by current disparity in HBV genotype distribution between acute and chronic hepatitis B cases and the rapid decline in hepatitis B incidence since the 1990s. We report temporal changes in the genetic composition of the HBV population using whole-genome sequences (
n
= 179) from acute hepatitis B cases (
n
= 1,206) identified through the Sentinel County Surveillance for Acute Hepatitis (1998 to 2006). HBV belonged mainly to subtypes A2 (75%) and D3 (18%), with times of their most recent common ancestors being 1979 and 1987, respectively. A2 underwent rapid population expansions in ca. 1995 and ca. 2002, coinciding with transient rises in acute hepatitis B notification rates among adults; D3 underwent expansion in ca. 1998. A2 strains from cases identified after 2002, compared to those before 2002, tended to cluster phylogenetically, indicating selective expansion of specific strains, and were significantly reduced in genetic diversity (
P
= 0.001) and frequency of drug resistance mutations (
P
= 0.001). The expansion of genetically close HBV A2 strains was associated with risk of infection among male homosexuals (
P
= 0.03). Incident HBV strains circulating in the United States were recent in origin and restricted in genetic diversity. Disparate transmission dynamics among phylogenetic lineages affected the genetic composition of HBV populations and their capacity to maintain drug resistance mutations. The tendency of selectively expanding HBV strains to be transmitted among male homosexuals highlights the need to improve hepatitis B vaccination coverage among at-risk adults.

IMPORTANCE
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains an important cause of acute and chronic liver disease globally and in the United States. Genetic analysis of HBV whole genomes from cases of acute hepatitis B identified from 1998 to 2006 in the United States showed dominance of genotype A2 (75%), followed by D3 (18%). Strains of both subtypes were recent in origin and underwent rapid population expansions from 1995 to 2000, indicating increase in transmission rate for certain HBV strains during a period of decline in the reported incidence of acute hepatitis B in the United States. HBV A2 strains from a particular cluster that experienced the most recent population expansion were more commonly detected among men who have sex with men. Vaccination needs to be stepped up to protect persons who remain at risk of HBV infection.
Activation of NF-κB by the Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus K15 Protein Involves Recruitment of the NF-κB-Inducing Kinase, IκB Kinases, and Phosphorylation of p65
Authors: Hävemeier Anika , Gramolelli Silvia , Pietrek Marcel , Jochmann Ramona , Stürzl Michael , Schulz Thomas F.
Published: September 2014

Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) (or human herpesvirus 8) is the cause of Kaposi's sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), and the plasma cell variant of multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD). The transmembrane K15 protein, encoded by KSHV, has been shown to activate NF-κB and the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) c-jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) as well as phospholipase C gamma (PLCγ) and to contribute to KSHV-induced angiogenesis. Here we investigate how the K15 protein activates the NF-κB pathway. We show that activation of NF-κB involves the recruitment of NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) and IKK α/β to result in the phosphorylation of p65/RelA on Ser536. A K15 mutant devoid in NIK/IKK recruitment fails to activate NF-κB but remains proficient in the stimulation of both NFAT- and AP1-dependent promoters, showing that the structural integrity of the mutant K15 protein has not been altered dramatically. Direct recruitment of NIK represents a novel way for a viral protein to activate and manipulate the NF-κB pathway.

IMPORTANCE
KSHV K15 is a viral protein involved in the activation of proinflammatory and angiogenic pathways. Previous studies reported that K15 can activate the NF-κB pathway. Here we show the molecular mechanism underlying the activation of this signaling pathway by K15, which involves direct recruitment of the NF-κB-inducing kinase NIK to K15 as well as NIK-mediated NF-κB p65 phosphorylation on Ser536. K15 is the first viral protein shown to activate NF-κB through direct recruitment of NIK. These results indicate a new mechanism whereby a viral protein can manipulate the NF-κB pathway.
Increased Replicative Fitness of a Dengue Virus 2 Clade in Native Mosquitoes: Potential Contribution to a Clade Replacement Event in Nicaragua
Authors: Quiner Claire A. , Parameswaran Poornima , Ciota Alexander T. , Ehrbar Dylan J. , Dodson Brittany L. , Schlesinger Sondra , Kramer Laura D. , Harris Eva
Published: September 2014

The four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes (DENV serotype 1 [DENV-1] to DENV-4) are transmitted by
Aedes aegypti
and
A. albopictus
mosquitoes, causing up to 390 million DENV infections worldwide each year. We previously reported a clade replacement of the DENV-2 Asian-American genotype NI-1 clade by the NI-2B clade in Managua, Nicaragua. Here, we describe our studies of the replicative ability of NI-1 and NI-2B viruses in an
A. aegypti
cell line (Aag2) and
A. aegypti
mosquitoes reared from eggs collected in Managua. In coinfection experiments, several different pairs of NI-1 and NI-2B clinical isolates were used to infect Aag2 cells or blood-fed
A. aegypti
mosquitoes. Results consistently showed a significant replicative advantage of NI-2B over NI-1 viruses early after infection
in vitro
, and in mosquitoes, NI-2B viruses attained a higher replicative index than NI-1 isolates 3 to 7 days postinfection (dpi). At 7 dpi, NI-2B viruses displayed a significantly higher replicative index in legs and salivary glands; however, this advantage was lost by 14 and 21 dpi. We also found that the percentage of mosquitoes in which NI-2B viruses were dominant was significantly higher than that in which NI-1 viruses were dominant on day 7 but not at later time points. Taken together, these data demonstrate that clade NI-2B holds a replicative advantage over clade NI-1 early in infection that wanes at later time points. This early fitness advantage of NI-2B viruses over NI-1 viruses in the native vector,
A. aegypti
, suggests a shorter extrinsic incubation period for NI-2B viruses, which could have contributed to the clade replacement event in Managua.

IMPORTANCE
Dengue virus (DENV), one of the most medically important arthropod-borne viruses, is transmitted to humans by
Aedes aegypti
and
A. albopictus
mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Dengue epidemics continue to increase in frequency, geographic range, and severity and are a major public health concern. This is due to globalization, unplanned urbanization, and climate change, as well as host genetics and immune responses and viral genetic changes. DENV consists of four serotypes, in turn composed of genotypes and genetically distinct clades. What drives the frequent replacement of a previously circulating DENV clade by another is unclear. Here, we investigate the replicative fitness of two clades of DENV serotype 2 in
Aedes aegypti
cells and mosquitoes collected from the region where the viruses circulated and conclude that increased replicative fitness could have contributed to a DENV clade replacement event in Nicaragua. These findings provide insight into vector-driven evolution of DENV epidemics.
Molecular Characterization of a Novel Temperate Sinorhizobium Bacteriophage, ФLM21, Encoding DNA Methyltransferase with CcrM-Like Specificity
Authors: Dziewit Lukasz , Oscik Karolina , Bartosik Dariusz , Radlinska Monika
Published: September 2014

ΦLM21 is a temperate phage isolated from
Sinorhizobium
sp. strain LM21 (
Alphaproteobacteria
). Genomic analysis and electron microscopy suggested that ΦLM21 is a member of the family
Siphoviridae
. The phage has an isometric head and a long noncontractile tail. The genome of ΦLM21 has 50,827 bp of linear double-stranded DNA encoding 72 putative proteins, including proteins responsible for the assembly of the phage particles, DNA packaging, transcription, replication, and lysis. Virion proteins were characterized using mass spectrometry, leading to the identification of the major capsid and tail components, tape measure, and a putative portal protein. We have confirmed the activity of two gene products, a lytic enzyme (a putative chitinase) and a DNA methyltransferase, sharing sequence specificity with the cell cycle-regulating methyltransferase (CcrM) of the bacterial host. Interestingly, the genome of
Sinorhizobium
phage ΦLM21 shows very limited similarity to other known phage genome sequences and is thus considered unique.

IMPORTANCE
Prophages are known to play an important role in the genomic diversification of bacteria via horizontal gene transfer. The influence of prophages on pathogenic bacteria is very well documented. However, our knowledge of the overall impact of prophages on the survival of their lysogenic, nonpathogenic bacterial hosts is still limited. In particular, information on prophages of the agronomically important
Sinorhizobium
species is scarce. In this study, we describe the isolation and molecular characterization of a novel temperate bacteriophage, ΦLM21, of
Sinorhizobium
sp. LM21. Since we have not found any similar sequences, we propose that this bacteriophage is a novel species. We conducted a functional analysis of selected proteins. We have demonstrated that the phage DNA methyltransferase has the same sequence specificity as the cell cycle-regulating methyltransferase CcrM of its host. We point out that this phenomenon of mimicking the host regulatory mechanisms by viruses is quite common in bacteriophages.
Characterization of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) That Induces SIV Encephalitis in Rhesus Macaques with High Frequency: Role of TRIM5 and Major Histocompatibility Complex Genotypes and Early Entry to the Brain
Authors: Matsuda Kenta , Dang Que , Brown Charles R. , Keele Brandon F. , Wu Fan , Ourmanov Ilnour , Goeken Robert , Whitted Sonya , Riddick Nadeene E. , Buckler-White Alicia , Hirsch Vanessa M.
Published: September 2014

Although nonhuman primate models of neuro-AIDS have made tremendous contributions to our understanding of disease progression in the central nervous system (CNS) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals, each model holds advantages and limitations. In this study,in vivopassage of SIVsmE543 was conducted to obtain a viral isolate that can induce neuropathology in rhesus macaques. After a series of fourin vivopassages in rhesus macaques, we have successfully isolated SIVsm804E. SIVsm804E shows efficient replication in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs)in vitroand induces neuro-AIDS in high frequenciesin vivo. Analysis of the acute phase of infection revealed that SIVsm804E establishes infection in the CNS during the early phase of the infection, which was not observed in the animals infected with the parental SIVsmE543-3. Comprehensive analysis of disease progression in the animals used in the study suggested that host major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) and TRIM5α genotypes influence the disease progression in the CNS. Taken together, our findings show that we have successfully isolated a new strain of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) that is capable of establishing infection in the CNS at early stage of infection and causes neuropathology in infected rhesus macaques at a high frequency (83%) using a single inoculum, when animals with restrictive MHC-I or TRIM5α genotypes are excluded. SIVsm804E has the potential to augment some of the limitations of existing nonhuman primate neuro-AIDS models.

IMPORTANCEHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with a high frequency of neurologic complications due to infection of the central nervous system (CNS). Although the use of antiviral treatment has reduced the incidence of severe complications, milder disease of the CNS continues to be a significant problem. Animal models to study development of neurologic disease are needed. This article describes the development of a novel virus isolate that induces neurologic disease in a high proportion of rhesus macaques infected without the need for prior immunomodulation as is required for some other models.
Human Coronavirus NL63 Utilizes Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans for Attachment to Target Cells
Authors: Milewska Aleksandra , Zarebski Miroslaw , Nowak Paulina , Stozek Karol , Potempa Jan , Pyrc Krzysztof
Published: September 2014

Human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) is an alphacoronavirus that was first identified in 2004 in the nasopharyngeal aspirate from a 7-month-old patient with a respiratory tract infection. Previous studies showed that HCoV-NL63 and the genetically distant severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV employ the same receptor for host cell entry, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), but it is largely unclear whether ACE2 interactions are sufficient to allow HCoV-NL63 binding to cells. The present study showed that directed expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on cells previously resistant to HCoV-NL63 renders them susceptible, showing that ACE2 protein acts as a functional receptor and that its expression is required for infection. However, comparative analysis showed that directed expression or selective scission of the ACE2 protein had no measurable effect on virus adhesion. In contrast, binding of HCoV-NL63 to heparan sulfates was required for viral attachment and infection of target cells, showing that these molecules serve as attachment receptors for HCoV-NL63.

IMPORTANCE
ACE2 protein was proposed as a receptor for HCoV-NL63 already in 2005, but an in-depth analysis of early events during virus infection had not been performed thus far. Here, we show that the ACE2 protein is required for viral entry but that it is not the primary binding site on the cell surface. Conducted research showed that heparan sulfate proteoglycans function as adhesion molecules, increasing the virus density on cell surface and possibly facilitating the interaction between HCoV-NL63 and its receptor. Obtained results show that the initial events during HCoV-NL63 infection are more complex than anticipated and that a newly described interaction may be essential for understanding the infection process and, possibly, also assist in drug design.
Anti-Apoptotic Signal Transduction Mechanism of Electroacupuncture in Acute Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Renfu Quan , Rongliang Chen , Mengxuan Du , Liang Zhang , Jinwei Xu , Zongbao Yang , Disheng Yang
Published: September 2014

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can be caused by a variety of pathogenic factors. In China, acupuncture is widely used to treat SCI. We previously found that acupuncture can reduce apoptosis and promote repair after SCI. However, the antiapoptotic mechanisms by which acupuncture exerts its effects on SCI remain unclear. Our aim was to investigate the role of the PI3K/Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)1/2 signalling pathways in acupuncture treatment of acute SCI. Eighty pure-bred New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into the following five groups (n=16 per group): control; model; elongated needle electroacupuncture (EA); EA+LY294002; and EA+PD98059. We established a spinal cord contusion model of SCI in all experimental groups except controls, in which only a laminectomy was performed. After SCI, three of the groups received EA once daily for 3 days. One hour before SCI, the two drug groups received LY294002 (Akt inhibitor; 10 μg, 20 μL) or PD98059 (ERK inhibitor; 3 μg, 20 μL) via intrathecal injection. At 48 h after SCI, animals were killed and spinal cord tissue samples were collected for transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assays, immunohistochemistry and western blot assays. EA significantly increased p-Akt and p-ERK1/2 expression, reduced cytochrome c and caspase-3 expression and inhibited neuronal apoptosis in the injured spinal cord segment. The opposite effects were seen after using Akt and ERK inhibitors. Acupuncture promotes the repair of SCI, possibly by activation of the PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 signalling pathways and by inhibition of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.
Challenges and remediation for Patient Safety Indicators in the transition to ICD-10-CM
Authors: Boyd Andrew D , Yang Young Min , Li Jianrong , Kenost Colleen , Burton Mike D , Becker Bryan , Lussier Yves A
Published: September 2014

Reporting of hospital adverse events relies on Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs) using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. The US transition to ICD-10-CM in 2015 could result in erroneous comparisons of PSIs. Using the General Equivalent Mappings (GEMs), we compared the accuracy of ICD-9-CM coded PSIs against recommended ICD-10-CM codes from the Centers for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS). We further predict their impact in a cohort of 38 644 patients (1 446 581 visits and 399 hospitals). We compared the predicted results to the published PSI related ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. We provide the first report of substantial hospital safety reporting errors with five direct comparisons from the 23 types of PSIs (transfusion and anesthesia related PSIs). One PSI was excluded from the comparison between code sets due to reorganization, while 15 additional PSIs were inaccurate to a lesser degree due to the complexity of the coding translation. The ICD-10-CM translations proposed by CMS pose impending risks for (1) comparing safety incidents, (2) inflating the number of PSIs, and (3) increasing the variability of calculations attributable to the abundance of coding system translations. Ethical organizations addressing ‘data-, process-, and system-focused’ improvements could be penalized using the new ICD-10-CM Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality PSIs because of apparent increases in PSIs bearing the same PSI identifier and label, yet calculated differently. Here we investigate which PSIs would reliably transition between ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM, and those at risk of under-reporting and over-reporting adverse events while the frequency of these adverse events remain unchanged.
Dissemination of invasive aspergillosis: diagnostic and management dilemmas
Authors: Lazarescu Roxana Elena , Vinelli Mark
Published: September 2014

Invasive aspergillosis is a highly lethal opportunistic infection that poses a significant threat to immunocompromised patients. With studies suggesting that the incidence of this disease is increasing, and mortality rates remain high, early diagnosis and treatment are very important to improve patient survival. We present a case of a 63-year-old woman on an immunosuppression regimen with methylprednisolone and azathioprine for the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis, who presented with neurological and respiratory symptoms leading to a rapid clinical decline. A final diagnosis of disseminated invasive aspergillosis was made at autopsy. This case emphasises the importance in maintaining a high index of suspicion to ensure that the proper workup, diagnosis and treatment can be initiated earlier in the clinical presentation in an effort to decrease the extremely high mortality in these cases.
Body mass management of lightweight rowers: nutritional strategies and performance implications
Authors: Slater Gary , Rice Anthony , Jenkins David , Hahn Allan
Published: September 2014

The majority of lightweight rowers undertake acute weight loss prior to competition. Given the competitive advantage afforded to larger, more muscular rowers over their smaller counterparts, the use of moderate, acute weight loss may be justified, at least among larger, leaner athletes who struggle to achieve the specified body mass requirement and have limited potential for further body mass loss via reductions in body fat. The performance implications of moderate acute weight loss appear to be small on the ergometer and may be even less on water, at least when aggressive recovery strategies are adopted between weigh-in and racing. Furthermore, any performance implications of acute weight loss are not exacerbated when such weight loss is undertaken repeatedly throughout the course of a regatta, and may even be eliminated when aggressive recovery strategies are introduced before and after racing. The combination of adequate sodium, fluid and carbohydrate in line with current guidelines results in the best performances. While the performance implications of modest acute weight loss may still need to be considered in regard to competition outcome, chronic body mass strategies may not be without performance implications. This is especially the case for athletes who have very low levels of body fat and/or athletes who decrease their body mass too quickly. Further studies are needed to address the degree of weight loss that can be tolerated with minimal health and/or performance implications, and the optimal time frame over which this should occur. Possible adaptation to the physiological state that accompanies acute weight loss also warrants investigation.
Can paramedics use FRAX (the WHO Fracture Risk Assessment Tool) to help GPs improve future fracture risk in patients who fall? Protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility study
Authors: Clarke Shane , Bradley Rachel , Simmonds Bethany , Salisbury Chris , Benger Jonathan , Marques Elsa , Greenwood Rosemary , Shepstone Lee , Robinson Maria , Appleby-Fleming John , Gooberman-Hill Rachael
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Currently identification, and therefore, management of patients at risk of osteoporotic fracture in the UK is suboptimal. As the majority of patients who fracture have fallen, it follows that people who fall can usefully be targeted in any programme that aims to reduce osteoporotic fracture. Targeting vulnerable patients who are likely to benefit from intervention may help shift the management of fracture prevention into primary care, away from emergency departments. Paramedics who attend to patients who have fallen may be well placed to assess future fracture risk, using the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) and communicate that information directly to general practitioners (GPs).

Methods and analysis

This feasibility study takes the form of a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial aimed at exploring and refining issues of study design, recruitment, retention, sample size and acceptability preceding a large-scale study with fracture as the end point. Patients (aged >50) who fall, call an ambulance, are attended by a study paramedic and give verbal consent will be asked FRAX and fall questions. Patients who subsequently formally consent to participation will be randomised to control (usual care) or intervention groups. Intervention will constitute transmission of calculated future fracture risk to the patients’ GP with suitable, evidence-based recommendations for investigation or treatment. 3 months after the index fall, data (proportion of patients in each group undergoing investigation or starting new treatment, quality of life and health economic) will be collected and analysed using descriptive statistics. A nested qualitative study will explore issues of acceptability and study design with patients, paramedics and GPs.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol was approved by NRES Committee South Central Oxford C in October 2012. Research Ethics Committee ref.12/SC/0604. The study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and local public events. A publication plan and authorship criteria have been preagreed.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN: 36245726.
Comments on the dilemma in the July/August issue: ‘Follow‐up fiasco’
Authors: Mullan Siobhan
Published: September 2014

The dilemma in the July/August issue concerned a lame eight‐year‐old dog with a chronic non‐healing deep ulcer over the carpus, which was infected (In Practice, July/August 2014, vol 36, pp 374‐375). The dog had been seen about a year before for a lesion in the same place and, although the owners had been asked to come for a follow‐up, the owners hadn't returned until now. Richard Green proposed that the best approach would be to keep at the centre of any decision‐making the knowledge that the vet's primary responsibility is to the animal. This would mean taking an utilitarian approach, in which the best result for the dog was of utmost importance. He suggested trying to understand the owners' situation, without letting them off the hook, in order to create an opportunity to improve the lives of both the dog and it's owners ‐ with the caveat that if things didn't improve a more robust intervention, such as reporting the owners and confiscating the dog, might be necessary.
Impact on short-term glycaemic control of initiating diabetes care versus leaving diabetes untreated among individuals with newly screening-detected diabetes in Japan
Authors: Heianza Yoriko , Suzuki Akiko , Fujihara Kazuya , Tanaka Shiro , Kodama Satoru , Hanyu Osamu , Sone Hirohito
Published: September 2014

Background

The impact of early initiation of diabetes care soon after the identification of hyperglycaemia rather than leaving diabetes untreated on changes in glycaemic control has not been fully clarified. We aimed to quantify the effect of initiating and continuing diabetes care compared with not starting management of diabetes on short-term changes in glycaemic control among the Japanese with newly screening-detected diabetes.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from a nationwide claims database to assess histories of physician-diagnosed diabetes or hyperglycaemia, as well as the use of antidiabetic agents, blood testing for hyperglycaemia or dietary advice among individuals without a history of diabetes care. Changes in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentrations were evaluated using baseline data and data from a health examination during the following year.

Results

Among 1393 individuals with newly screening-detected diabetes, 62% (n=864) did not initiate diabetes management during the follow-up period; 49.2% (n=425) of the untreated group had poor glycaemic control (HbA1c ≥7%) at the baseline examination. Only 38% (n=529) began diabetes management in medical settings. Individuals who remained untreated had a 1.87 (95% CI 1.38 to 2.52) or 1.63 (1.10 to 2.41) times higher risk of absolute increases in HbA1c ≥0.5% or ≥1%, respectively, compared with the treated patients, a difference that was significant. Making more frequent clinic visits especially after the first visit was dose-dependently associated with improved HbA1c levels compared with no diabetes management.

Conclusions

In comparison with a lack of management of diabetes, immediately initiating and continuing diabetes care after identification of hyperglycaemia in a screening setting would contribute to clinically meaningful, improved glycaemic control in the Japanese.
Minimally invasive evacuation of parenchymal and ventricular hemorrhage using the Apollo system with simultaneous neuronavigation, neuroendoscopy and active monitoring with cone beam CT
Authors: Fiorella David , Gutman Fredrick , Woo Henry , Arthur Adam , Aranguren Ricardo , Davis Raphael
Published: September 2014

Introduction

The Apollo system is a low profile irrigation–aspiration system which can be used for the evacuation of intracranial hemorrhage. We demonstrate the feasibility of using Apollo to evacuate intracranial hemorrhage in a series of three patients with combined neuronavigation, neuroendoscopy, and cone beam CT (CB-CT).

Methods

Access to the hematoma was planned using neuronavigation software. Parietal (n=2) or frontal (1) burr holes were created and a 19 F endoscopic sheath was placed under neuronavigation guidance into the distal aspect of the hematoma along its longest accessible axis. The 2.6 mm Apollo wand was then directed through the working channel of a neuroendoscope and used to aspirate the blood products under direct visualization, working from distal to proximal. After a pass through the hematoma, the sheath, neuroendoscope, and Apollo system were removed. CB-CT was then used to evaluate for residual hematoma. When required, the CB-CT data could then be directly uploaded into the neuronavigation system and a new trajectory planned to approach the residual hematoma.

Results

Three patients with parenchymal (n=2) and mixed parenchymal–intraventricular (n=1) hematomas underwent minimally invasive evacuation with the Apollo system. The isolated parenchymal hematomas measured 93.4 and 15.6 mL and were reduced to 11.2 (two passes) and 0.9 mL (single pass), respectively. The entire parenchymal component of the mixed hemorrhage was evacuated, as was the intraventricular component within the right frontal horn (single pass). No complications were experienced. All patients showed clinical improvement after the procedure. The average presenting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 19.0, which had improved to 5.7 within an average of 4.7 days after the procedure.

Conclusions

The Apollo system can be used within the neuroangiography suite for the minimally invasive evacuation of intracranial hemorrhage using simultaneous neuronavigation for planning and intraprocedural guidance, direct visualization with neuroendoscopy, and real time monitoring of progress with CB-CT.
The study of vacuolar-type ATPases by single particle electron microscopy
Authors: Zhao Jianhua , Rubinstein John L.
Published: September 2014

Nature’s molecular machines often work through the concerted action of many different protein subunits, which can give rise to large structures with complex activities. Vacuolar-type ATPases (V-ATPases) are membrane-embedded protein assemblies with a unique rotary catalytic mechanism. The dynamic nature and instability of V-ATPases make structural and functional studies of these enzymes challenging. Electron microscopy (EM) techniques, especially single particle electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM) and negative-stain EM, have provided extensive insight into the structure and function of these protein complexes. This minireview outlines what has been learned about V-ATPases using electron microscopy, highlights current challenges for their structural study, and discusses what cryo-EM will allow us to learn about these fascinating enzymes in the future.
Coupling age-structured stock assessment and fish bioenergetics models: a system of time-varying models for quantifying piscivory patterns during the rapid trophic shift in the main basin of Lake Huron
Authors: He Ji X. , Bence James R. , Madenjian Charles P. , Pothoven Steven A. , Dobiesz Norine E. , Fielder David G. , Johnson James E. , Ebener Mark P. , Cottrill R. Adam , Mohr Lloyd C. , Koproski Scott R.
Published: September 2014

We quantified piscivory patterns in the main basin of Lake Huron during 1984–2010 and found that the biomass transfer from prey fish to piscivores remained consistently high despite the rapid major trophic shift in the food webs. We coupled age-structured stock assessment models and fish bioenergetics models for lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), walleye (Sander vitreus), and lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis). The model system also included time-varying parameters or variables of growth, length–mass relations, maturity schedules, energy density, and diets. These time-varying models reflected the dynamic connections that a fish cohort responded to year-to-year ecosystem changes at different ages and body sizes. We found that the ratio of annual predation by lake trout, Chinook salmon, and walleye combined with the biomass indices of age-1 and older alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) and rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) increased more than tenfold during 1987–2010, and such increases in predation pressure were structured by relatively stable biomass of the three piscivores and stepwise declines in the biomass of alewives and rainbow smelt. The piscivore stability was supported by the use of alternative energy pathways and changes in relative composition of the three piscivores. In addition, lake whitefish became a new piscivore by feeding on round goby (Neogobius melanostomus). Their total fish consumption rivaled that of the other piscivores combined, although fish were still a modest proportion of their diet. Overall, the use of alternative energy pathways by piscivores allowed the increases in predation pressure on dominant diet species.
Origin and life history of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) near their northernmost oceanic limit
Authors: Jensen Arne J. , Karlsson Sten , Fiske Peder , Hansen Lars Petter , Østborg Gunnel M. , Hindar Kjetil
Published: September 2014

138 Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) captured in the Advent Fjord off Svalbard were genetically assigned to two main clusters of European salmon. Two-thirds were assigned to salmon rivers in Finnmark (the northernmost county in Norway) and the rest to salmon rivers further south in Norway. The genetic assignment was based on genetic profiles from 60 Norwegian rivers. The two clusters correspond to two larger genetic groupings: the Barents–White seas and Atlantic groupings. Thus, we cannot rule out other populations from these groupings as sources of Atlantic salmon at Svalbard. Svalbard salmon assigned to the two genetic groupings differed in ecological and phenological traits, with highest smolt age and lowest postsmolt growth in the Finnmark salmon cluster. High smolt ages in both groups, however, suggest a northern origin of most individuals in the sample. Although Atlantic salmon have sporadically been observed in the Arctic Ocean at earlier times, the high abundance outlined here seems to be a recent phenomenon, suggesting a northward penetration caused by climate change.
S-Diophantine quadruples with S = {2, q}
Authors: Szalay László , Ziegler Volker
Published: September 2014

Let S denote a set of primes and let a1,…,am be positive distinct integers. We call the m-tuple (a1,…,am) an S-Diophantine tuple if aiaj + 1 = si,j are S-units for all i ≠ j. In this paper, we show that no S-Diophantine quadruple (i.e. m = 4) exists if S = {2, q} with q ≡ 3 ( mod 4) or q < 109. For two arbitrary primes p, q < 105, we gain the same result.
On the solutions of an oxygen absorption model
Authors: Bougoffa Lazhar
Published: September 2014

In this note we present the Adomian decomposition method for solving a simple model for the diffusion and absorption of oxygen in tissue. The method is examined for computational efficiency and accuracy.
How reliable is the ReaxFF potential for describing the structure of alkanethiols on gold? A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Vasumathi Velachi , Fajin José Luis Cagide , Cordeiro Maria Natália Dias Soeiro
Published: September 2014

The structures of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of short (methyl) and long (hexyl) chain alkyl thiols on the clean gold(111) surface were modeled using for the Au – S interactions either the reactive ReaxFF potential or the well-known nonreactive Morse potential, while for the Au – Au interactions either the ReaxFF potential or an embedded-atom method (EAM). Analysis of the molecular dynamics (MD) trajectories of possible SAM structures suggests that disordering of interfacial Au atoms is definitely driven by the gold–sulphur interactions. Our MD results reveal a novel structure where two methanethiol molecules are bound to a gold adatom that has been lifted from the surface at 300 K, and the same kind of RS– Au –SR motif was also observed for hexanethiol at 600 K but not at 300 K. What is more, the above motif is only observed for the reactive ReaxFF potential. Moreover, these results are in clear agreement with recent experiments and more costly first principles-based MD simulations. These findings strongly support the use of reactive potentials such as ReaxFF for gathering an accurate description of Au – S interactions in inexpensive classical MD simulations.
Establishment and solution of the RNC flow network model
Authors: Sun Liying , Liu Liang
Published: September 2014

Refrigerant natural circulation (RNC) system is a closed loop recycling system which is composed of evaporator, condenser, gas pipe and the liquid pipe. The difference in indoor and outdoor temperatures will lead to the refrigerant phase-change, and the gravity difference caused by different heights of condenser and evaporator will make the low boiling point refrigerants carry on natural circulation to realize the indoor heating or cooling. In order to analyze the effect of changes in the RNC system upon the working conditions of the indoor and outdoor units as well as the function of the indoor unit, this paper describes the incidence relations among the various components of the RNC system, and establishes gas–liquid two-phase fluid network mathematical model by using the method of fluid network; besides utilizing the model, it also conducts simulator investigation of coupling characteristics of the RNC system's refrigeration condition, and makes an analysis of indoor temperature, indoor unit's air volume, the number of indoor units and the indoor unit capacity and other factors' changes on the coupling characteristics of the RNC system. The results show that under refrigeration conditions, the increase in the air volume of a single indoor unit or room temperature will result in an increase in the cooling capacity of its own indoor units, a decrease in the cooling capacity of other indoor units and a reduction in the total cooling capacity of indoor units of the RNC system; however, the decrease in the outdoor units' inlet temperature will lead to a drop in the evaporation temperature of the system and increase in the cooling capacity.
EPITAXIAL GROWTH OF CUBIC MnSb ON GaAs AND InGaAs(111)
Authors: BELL GAVIN R. , BURROWS CHRISTOPHER W. , HASE THOMAS P. A. , ASHWIN MARK J. , MCMITCHELL SEAN R. C. , SANCHEZ ANA M. , ALDOUS JAMES D.
Published: September 2014

The cubic polymorph of the binary transition metal pnictide (TMP) MnSb , c- MnSb , has been predicted to be a robust half-metallic ferromagnetic (HMF) material with minority spin gap ≳1 eV. Here, MnSb epilayers are grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on GaAs and In 0.5 Ga 0.5 As (111) substrates and analyzed using synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction. We find polymorphic growth of MnSb on both substrates, where c- MnSb co-exists with the ordinary niccolite n- MnSb polymorph. The grain size of the c- MnSb is of the order of tens of nanometer on both substrates and its appearance during MBE growth is independent of the very different epitaxial strain from the GaAs (3.1%) and In 0.5 Ga 0.5 As (0.31%) substrates.
Colmenar Limestone, Madrid, Spain: considerations for its nomination as a Global Heritage Stone Resource due to its long term durability
Authors: Fort R. , Varas-Muriel M. J. , Alvarez de Buergo M. , Perez-Monserrat E. M.
Published: September 2014

Colmenar Limestone is one of the traditional materials most commonly used in monuments in Madrid, Spain. The petrophysical properties of this stone determine its high resistance to decay. Its low water absorption and pore size distribution favour good hydraulic behaviour, which is likewise furthered by its high ultrasound velocity and low anisotropy. The durability findings pursuant to the 280 freeze–thaw, 42 thermal shock, 30 salt crystallization and 120 salt mist cycles conducted confirmed the stone's resistance to decay in these simulated aggressive environments. The mass loss recorded in the samples and the variation in petrophysical parameters were generally very low after all except the salt crystallization trials, which induced loss of cohesion on the stone surface, increased roughness and the formation of concentric microcracks, sub-parallel to the more exposed surface, that also affected the arris and vertices of the specimens tested.
Understanding the acetylome: translating targeted proteomics into meaningful physiology
Authors: Philp Andrew , Rowland Thomas , Perez-Schindler Joaquin , Schenk Simon
Published: September 2014

It is well established that exercise elicits a finely tuned adaptive response in skeletal muscle, with contraction frequency, duration, and recovery shaping skeletal muscle plasticity. Given the power of physical activity to regulate metabolic health, numerous research groups have focused on the molecular mechanisms that sense, interpret, and translate this contractile signal into postexercise adaptation. While our current understanding is that contraction-sensitive allosteric factors (e.g., Ca2+, AMP, NAD+, and acetyl-CoA) initiate signaling changes, how the muscle translates changes in these factors into the appropriate adaptive response remains poorly understood. During the past decade, systems biology approaches, utilizing “omics” screening techniques, have allowed researchers to define global processes of regulation with incredible sensitivity and specificity. As a result, physiologists are now able to study substrate flux with stable isotope tracers in combination with metabolomic approaches and to coordinate these functional changes with proteomic and transcriptomic analysis. In this review, we highlight lysine acetylation as an important posttranslational modification in skeletal muscle. We discuss the evolution of acetylation research and detail how large proteomic screens in diverse metabolic systems have led to the current hypothesis that acetylation may be a fundamental mechanism to fine-tune metabolic adaptation in skeletal muscle.
Vestibular and visual responses in human posterior insular cortex
Authors: Frank Sebastian M. , Baumann Oliver , Mattingley Jason B. , Greenlee Mark W.
Published: September 2014

The central hub of the cortical vestibular network in humans is likely localized in the region of posterior lateral sulcus. An area characterized by responsiveness to visual motion has previously been described at a similar location and named posterior insular cortex (PIC). Currently it is not known whether PIC processes vestibular information as well. We localized PIC using visual motion stimulation in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and investigated whether PIC also responds to vestibular stimuli. To this end, we designed an MRI-compatible caloric stimulation device that allowed us to stimulate bithermally with hot temperature in one ear and simultaneously cold temperature in the other or with warm temperatures in both ears for baseline. During each trial, participants indicated the presence or absence of self-motion sensations. We found activation in PIC during periods of self motion when vestibular stimulation was carried out with minimal visual input. In combined visual-vestibular stimulation area PIC was activated in a similar fashion during congruent and incongruent stimulation conditions. Our results show that PIC not only responds to visual motion but also to vestibular stimuli related to the sensation of self motion. We suggest that PIC is part of the cortical vestibular network and plays a role in the integration of visual and vestibular stimuli for the perception of self motion.
External QX-314 inhibits evoked cranial primary afferent synaptic transmission independent of TRPV1
Authors: Hofmann Mackenzie E. , Largent-Milnes Tally M. , Fawley Jessica A. , Andresen Michael C.
Published: September 2014

The cell-impermeant lidocaine derivative QX-314 blocks sodium channels via intracellular mechanisms. In somatosensory nociceptive neurons, open transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptors provide a transmembrane passageway for QX-314 to produce long-lasting analgesia. Many cranial primary afferents express TRPV1 at synapses on neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract and caudal trigeminal nucleus (Vc). Here, we investigated whether QX-314 interrupts neurotransmission from primary afferents in rat brain-stem slices. Shocks to the solitary tract (ST) activated highly synchronous evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (ST-EPSCs). Application of 300 μM QX-314 increased the ST-EPSC latency from TRPV1+ ST afferents, but, surprisingly, it had similar actions at TRPV1− ST afferents. Continued exposure to QX-314 blocked evoked ST-EPSCs at both afferent types. Neither the time to onset of latency changes nor the time to ST-EPSC failure differed between responses for TRPV1+ and TRPV1− inputs. Likewise, the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine failed to prevent the actions of QX-314. Whereas QX-314 blocked ST-evoked release, the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous EPSCs remained unaltered. In neurons exposed to QX-314, intracellular current injection evoked action potentials suggesting a presynaptic site of action. QX-314 acted similarly at Vc neurons to increase latency and block EPSCs evoked from trigeminal tract afferents. Our results demonstrate that QX-314 blocked nerve conduction in cranial primary afferents without interrupting the glutamate release mechanism or generation of postsynaptic action potentials. The TRPV1 independence suggests that QX-314 either acted extracellularly or more likely entered these axons through an undetermined pathway common to all cranial primary afferents.
Proprioceptive feedback modulates coordinating information in a system of segmentally distributed microcircuits
Authors: Mulloney Brian , Smarandache-Wellmann Carmen , Weller Cynthia , Hall Wendy M. , DiCaprio Ralph A.
Published: September 2014

The system of modular neural circuits that controls crustacean swimmerets drives a metachronal sequence of power-stroke (PS, retraction) and return-stroke (RS, protraction) movements that propels the animal forward efficiently. These neural modules are synchronized by an intersegmental coordinating circuit that imposes characteristic phase differences between these modules. Using a semi-intact preparation that left one swimmeret attached to an otherwise isolated central nervous system (CNS) of the crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus, we investigated how the rhythmic activity of this system responded to imposed movements. We recorded extracellularly from the PS and RS nerves that innervated the attached limb and from coordinating axons that encode efference copies of the periodic bursts in PS and RS axons. Simultaneously, we recorded from homologous nerves in more anterior and posterior segments. Maintained retractions did not affect cycle period but promptly weakened PS bursts, strengthened RS bursts, and caused corresponding changes in the strength and timing of efference copies in the module's coordinating axons. Changes in these efference copies then caused changes in the phase and duration, but not the strength, of PS bursts in modules controlling neighboring swimmerets. These changes were promptly reversed when the limb was released. Each swimmeret is innervated by two nonspiking stretch receptors (NSSRs) that depolarize when the limb is retracted. Voltage clamp of an NSSR changed the durations and strengths of bursts in PS and RS axons innervating the same limb and caused corresponding changes in the efference copies of this motor output.