bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obtaining spontaneously beating cardiomyocyte-like cells from adipose-derived stromal vascular fractions cultured on enzyme-crosslinked gelatin hydrogels
Authors: Yang Gang , Xiao Zhenghua , Ren Xiaomei , Long Haiyan , Ma Kunlong , Qian Hong , Guo Yingqiang
Published: February 2017

Heart failure often develops after acute myocardial infarction because the injured myocardial tissue fails to recover or regenerate. Stem cell transplantation using adult cell sources, such as adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF), draws extensive attention. In this study, SVF cells were isolated from rat adipose tissue and cultivated on enzyme-crosslinked gelatin hydrogels. Morphological features of cell development and spontaneous beating behavior from these cells were observed and recorded. Cardiac phenotypes were characterized via immunofluorescence staining, and the expression of cardiac-specific genes was measured via RT-PCR. The functional assessment of SVF-derived cardiomyocyte-like cells (SVF-CMs) was performed by detecting cellular calcium transient activities and pharmacological responses. Results showed that most SVF-CMs exhibited elongated myotubule shapes and expressed cardiac troponin I strongly. SVF-CMs expressed cardiac-specific RNA (including transcription factors GATA binding protein 4) and myocyte enhancer factor 2c, as well as the structural proteins, namely, sarcomere actinin alpha 2, cardiac troponin I type 3, cardiac troponin T type 2, and cardiac gap junction protein alpha 1. Their beating mode, calcium activities, and pharmacological responses were similar to those of native CMs. Spontaneously beating SVF-CMs can be derived from adipose tissue-derived SVFs, and enzyme-crosslinked gelatin hydrogel promoted the cardiac differentiation of SVF cells.
Microbial modulation of bacoside A biosynthetic pathway and systemic defense mechanism in Bacopa monnieri under Meloidogyne incognita stress
Authors: Gupta Rupali , Singh Akanksha , Srivastava Madhumita , Singh Vivek , Gupta M. M. , Pandey Rakesh
Published: February 2017

Plant-associated beneficial microbes have been explored to fulfill the imperative function for plant health. However, their impact on the host secondary metabolite production and nematode disease management remains elusive. Our present work has shown that chitinolytic microbes viz., Chitiniphilus sp. MTN22 and Streptomyces sp. MTN14 singly as well as in combination modulated the biosynthetic pathway of bacoside A and systemic defense mechanism against Meloidogyne incognita in Bacopa monnieri. Interestingly, expression of bacoside biosynthetic pathway genes (3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase, and squalene synthase) were upregulated in plants treated with the microbial combination in the presence as well as in absence of M. incognita stress. These microbes not only augmented bacoside A production (1.5 fold) but also strengthened host resistance via enhancement in chlorophyll a, defense enzymes and phenolic compounds like gallic acid, syringic acid, ferulic acid and cinnamic acid. Furthermore, elevated lignification and callose deposition in the microbial combination treated plants corroborate well with the above findings. Overall, the results provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of priming by beneficial microbes and underscore their capacity to trigger bacoside A production in B. monnieri under biotic stress.
Association of VAV2 and VAV3 polymorphisms with cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Perretta-Tejedor Nuria , Fernández-Mateos Javier , García-Ortiz Luis , Gómez-Marcos Manuel A. , Recio-Rodríguez José I. , Agudo-Conde Cristina , Rodriguez-Sánchez Emiliano , Morales Ana I. , López-Hernández Francisco J. , López-Novoa José M. , González-Sarmiento Rogelio , Martínez-Salgado Carlos
Published: February 2017

Hypertension, diabetes and obesity are cardiovascular risk factors closely associated to the development of renal and cardiovascular target organ damage. VAV2 and VAV3, members of the VAV family proto-oncogenes, are guanosine nucleotide exchange factors for the Rho and Rac GTPase family, which is related with cardiovascular homeostasis. We have analyzed the relationship between the presence of VAV2 rs602990 and VAV3 rs7528153 polymorphisms with cardiovascular risk factors and target organ damage (heart, vessels and kidney) in 411 subjects. Our results show that being carrier of the T allele in VAV2 rs602990 polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of obesity, reduced levels of ankle-brachial index and diastolic blood pressure and reduced retinal artery caliber. In addition, being carrier of T allele is associated with increased risk of target organ damage in males. On the other hand, being carrier of the T allele in VAV3 rs7528153 polymorphism is associated with a decreased susceptibility of developing a pathologic state composed by the presence of hypertension, diabetes, obesity or cardiovascular damage, and with an increased risk of developing altered basal glycaemia. This is the first report showing an association between VAV2 and VAV3 polymorphisms with cardiovascular risk factors and target organ damage.
Revisiting metallization boundary of warm dense helium in a wide ρ-T regime from ab initio study
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Zhiguo , Fu Zhijian , Dai Jiayu , Chen Qifeng , Cai Lingcang
Published: February 2017

The knowledge of the metallization of warm dense helium has important implications for understanding the thermal histories, stellar structure and magnetic field environment of giant planets. However, it is also a pendent scientific topic. For a revisiting into the properties of warm dense helium, we performed extensive quantum Langevin molecular dynamic simulations and electronic structure calculations to study helium over a very wide range of density (ρ = 1~24 g/cm3) and temperature (T = 10~160 kK). The dependencies of helium band gap on ρ and T were presented and a metallization boundary of helium was thus determined by gap closure. Such a boundary is further identified by the calculated electrical conductivity and optical reflectivity based on Kubo-Greenwood formula: along the boundary, the electrical conductivities are found to be 7.0 × 105~1.3 × 106 Ω−1 m−1 and the optical reflectivity value at 532 nm is about 0.55, which are typical values for true metal.
Multicomponent Droplet Evaporation on Chemical Micro-Patterned Surfaces
Authors: He Minghao , Liao Dong , Qiu Huihe
Published: February 2017

The evaporation and dynamics of a multicomponent droplet on a heated chemical patterned surface were presented. Comparing to the evaporation process of a multicomponent droplet on a homogenous surface, it is found that the chemical patterned surface can not only enhance evaporation by elongating the contact line, but also change the evaporation process from three regimes for the homogenous surface including constant contact line (CCL) regime, constant contact angle (CCA) regime and mix mode (MM) to two regimes, i.e. constant contact line (CCL) and moving contact line (MCL) regimes. The mechanism of contact line stepwise movement in MCL regimes in the microscopic range is investigated in detail. In addition, an improved local force model on the contact line was employed for analyzing the critical receding contact angles on homogenous and patterned surfaces. The analysis results agree well for both surfaces, and confirm that the transition from CCL to MCL regimes indicated droplet composition changes from multicomponent to monocomponent, providing an important metric to predict and control the dynamic behavior and composition of a multicomponent droplet using a patterned surface.
Memory and betweenness preference in temporal networks induced from time series
Authors: Weng Tongfeng , Zhang Jie , Small Michael , Zheng Rui , Hui Pan
Published: February 2017

We construct temporal networks from time series via unfolding the temporal information into an additional topological dimension of the networks. Thus, we are able to introduce memory entropy analysis to unravel the memory effect within the considered signal. We find distinct patterns in the entropy growth rate of the aggregate network at different memory scales for time series with different dynamics ranging from white noise, 1/f noise, autoregressive process, periodic to chaotic dynamics. Interestingly, for a chaotic time series, an exponential scaling emerges in the memory entropy analysis. We demonstrate that the memory exponent can successfully characterize bifurcation phenomenon, and differentiate the human cardiac system in healthy and pathological states. Moreover, we show that the betweenness preference analysis of these temporal networks can further characterize dynamical systems and separate distinct electrocardiogram recordings. Our work explores the memory effect and betweenness preference in temporal networks constructed from time series data, providing a new perspective to understand the underlying dynamical systems.
Photothermal therapeutic application of gold nanorods-porphyrin-trastuzumab complexes in HER2-positive breast cancer
Authors: Kang Xinmei , Guo Ximing , Niu Xingjian , An Weiwei , Li Suhan , Liu Zhaoliang , Yang Yue , Wang Na , Jiang Qicheng , Yan Caichuan , Wang Hui , Zhang Qingyuan
Published: February 2017

Gold nanorods are effective photothermal agents in diagnosis and treatment of cancer due to their specific near-infrared laser absorption. However, tumor photothermal therapy by nanorods alone is lack of targeting. Here, we described a novel nanocomplex made up of gold nanorods, porphyrin, and trastuzumab, called TGNs and investigated the TGN-mediated photothermal therapy as a potential alternative treatment of targeting HER2-positive breast cancers. By conjugating trastuzumab and porphyrin to the surface of gold nanorods, we have increased the targeting specificity and amplified the detecting effectiveness at the same time. TGN-mediated photothermal ablation by near-infrared laser led to a selective destruction of HER2-positive cancer cells and significantly inhibited tumor growth in mouse models bearing HER2 over-expressed breast cancer xenograft with less toxicity. Moreover, TGNs provided better therapeutic efficacy in comparison with the conventional molecule targeted therapy. Our current data suggest a highly promising future of TGNs for its therapeutic application in trastuzumab-resistant breast cancers.
Plasmonic labeling of subcellular compartments in cancer cells: multiplexing with fine-tuned gold and silver nanoshells
Authors: Sobral-Filho R. G. , Brito-Silva A. M. , Isabelle M. , Jirasek A. , Lum J. J. , Brolo A. G.
Published: February 2017

Multiplexing at the single cell–single particle level was achieved with fine-tuned nanoshells featuring narrow LSPR bands.
Serre-type Equations in Deep Water
Authors: Dutykh D. , Clamond D. , Chhay M.
Published: February 2017

This manuscript is devoted to the modelling of water waves in the deep water regime with some emphasis on the underlying variational structures. The present article should be considered as a review of some existing models and modelling approaches even if new results are presented as well. Namely, we derive the deep water analogue of the celebrated SERRE–GREEN–NAGHDI equations which have become the standard model in shallow water environments. The relation to existing models is discussed. Moreover, the multi-symplectic structure of these equations is reported as well. The results of this work can be used to develop various types of robust structure-preserving variational integrators in deep water. The methodology of constructing approximate models presented in this study can be naturally extrapolated to other physical flow regimes as well.
Geographic distribution pattern of low and high nucleic acid content bacteria on a river-catchment scale
Authors: Liu Jie , Ma Dan , Ma Lili , Song Yuhao , Gao Guanghai , Wang Yingying
Published: February 2017

Bacteria with low nucleic acid content (LNA) and high nucleic acid content (HNA) are widely distributed in aquatic environments. Most of the current understanding of these two subgroups is derived from studies in marine environments. In comparison, information on the spatial distribution of these two subgroups in freshwater environments is very limited. The present study analysed the biogeographical pattern of those two groups on a large-river scale (i.e. the Songhua River catchment, >1000km). The results showed that the concentrations of LNA and HNA bacteria were distributed over a wide range from 5.45×104 to 4.43×106cellsmL–1, and from 1.35×105 to 4.37×106cellsmL–1 respectively. The two groups have almost equal proportions in the Songhua River, with the average contribution of LNA bacteria reaching 47.0%. In comparison, the abundance of LNA bacteria in the mainstream was significantly higher than in the tributaries. The cytometric expressions (green fluorescence and side scatter) within LNA and HNA were strongly covaried, which implies that these two subgroups are intrinsically linked. Multivariate redundancy analysis indicated that both the abundance and cytometric characteristics of co-occurring LNA and HNA bacteria were regulated differently in the Songhua River. This suggests that LNA and HNA bacteria play different ecological roles in river ecosystems.
Exploring relationships between native vertebrate biodiversity and grazing land condition
Authors: Parsons Scott A. , Kutt Alex , Vanderduys Eric P. , Perry Justin J. , Schwarzkopf Lin
Published: February 2017

Although commercial grazing can degrade natural habitats, sustainably grazed land may be effective for wildlife conservation. Thus, land condition frameworks that assess the landscape quality of grazed land may also be useful for assessment of habitat quality for wildlife. However, the relationship between the condition of grazed land and native biodiversity is mostly unknown, and this knowledge gap must be addressed to adequately balance commercial production and conservation. In the present case study we determined the relevance of a widely used grazing land condition scale to understanding native vertebrate species richness and abundance (birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and all these vertebrate classes grouped) in grazed rangelands in northern Australia (~24–13°S; annual rainfall ranging from >1200 to <400 mm), sampled over approximately 10 years from 17 unique sites, containing 381 1-ha study plots. We defined the land condition scale relative to climate and comprehensive assessment of habitat attributes, and then described the relationships between land condition, habitat and biodiversity. The land condition scale partially explained richness and abundance patterns only for mammals (especially rodents), which tended to be higher in better-condition pasture. For other vertebrate groups, the scale was a very poor descriptor of richness and abundance. The land condition scale was not useful to assess wildlife diversity primarily because ‘woody thickening’ (increases in woody vegetation on grazed land, including shrubs and trees) lowers the ‘grazing value’ of land while also generally promoting vertebrate diversity. In line with this, biodiversity decreased with increasing bare ground and erosion, together with, and in the absence of, vegetation cover (i.e. desertification), consistent with grazing land degradation. The present study supports observations that land clearing and reductions in woody vegetation on grazed rangelands are particularly detrimental to native vertebrates.
Impact of vitamin D on cardiovascular disease - mini review.
Authors: Papandreou D.
Published: February 2017

Vitamin D deficiency from early ages has been implicated in the aetiology of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in adulthood. Low levels of vitamin D occur due to reduced intake as well as because of geographical location. Early intervention with vitamin D supplementation when necessary or fortification with staple foods could be other approaches towards prevention of CVD.
The advantages and disadvantages of confining cats indoors.
Authors: Siracusa C. , Provoost L. R.
Published: February 2017

The domestic cat (
Felis silvestris catus
) is a popular pet in many societies; however, the attitudes of people towards cats vary greatly among stakeholders. Today, cats fill roles as companions, competitors, hunters of small prey, and in some communities, perceived as a nuisance. There are both societal and individual differences regarding the exclusive confinement of cats indoors. The majority of cat owners in the USA confine their pet cats exclusively indoors, while the majority of cat owners in the UK allow their pet cats free access to the outdoors. The aim of this paper is to review the advantages and disadvantages of confining cats indoors for the primary stakeholders involved - the cats, their owners, the public and wildlife.
Effects of adding a weekly eccentric‐overload training session on strength and athletic performance in team‐handball players
Authors: Sabido Rafael , Hernández‐Davó Jose Luis , Botella Javier , Navarro Angel , Tous‐Fajardo Julio
Published: February 2017

To investigate the influence of adding a weekly eccentric‐overload training (EOT) session in several athletic performance's tests, 18 team‐handball players were assigned either to an EOT (n = 11) or a Control (n = 7) group. Both groups continued to perform the same habitual strength training, but the EOT group added one session/week during a 7‐week training programme consisting of four sets of eight repetitions for the bilateral half‐squat and unilateral lunge exercises. The test battery included handball throwing velocity, maximum dynamic strength (1RM), countermovement jump (CMJ), 20 m sprint, triple hop for distance, and eccentric/concentric power in both the half‐squat and lunge exercises. Data were analysed using magnitude‐based inferences. Both groups improved their 1RM in the half squat, 20 m sprint time, and CMJ performance to a similar extent, but the EOT group showed a beneficial effect for both right [(42/58/0), possibly positive] and left [(99/1/0), very likely positive] triple hop for distance performance. In addition, the EOT group showed greater power output improvements in both eccentric and concentric phases of the half‐squat (difference in percent of change ranging from 6.5% to 22.0%) and lunge exercises (difference in per cent of change ranging from 13.1% to 24.9%). Nevertheless, no group showed changes in handball throwing velocity. Selected variables related to team‐handball performance (i.e. functional jumping performance, power output) can be improved by adding a single EOT session per week, highlighting the usefulness of this low‐volume/high‐intensity training when aiming at optimizing dynamic athletic performance.
Logical Issues With the Pressure Natriuresis Theory of Chronic Hypertension
Authors: Kurtz Theodore W. , DiCarlo Stephen E. , Morris R. Curtis
Published: February 2017

The term “abnormal pressure natriuresis” refers to a subnormal effect of a given level of blood pressure (BP) on sodium excretion. It is widely believed that abnormal pressure natriuresis causes an initial increase in BP to be sustained. We refer to this view as the “pressure natriuresis theory of chronic hypertension.” The proponents of the theory contend that all forms of chronic hypertension are sustained by abnormal pressure natriuresis, irrespective of how hypertension is initiated. This theory would appear to follow from “the three laws of long-term arterial pressure regulation” stated by Guyton and Coleman more than 3 decades ago. These “laws” articulate the concept that for a given level of salt intake, the relationship between arterial pressure and sodium excretion determines the chronic level of BP. Here, we review and examine the recent assertion by Beard that these “laws” of long-term BP control amount to nothing more than a series of tautologies. Our analysis supports Beard’s assertion, and also indicates that contemporary investigators often use tautological reasoning in support of the pressure natriuresis theory of chronic hypertension. Although the theory itself is not a tautology, it does not appear to be testable because it holds that abnormal pressure natriuresis causes salt-induced hypertension to be sustained through abnormal increases in cardiac output that are too small to be detected.
Comprehensive single cell transcriptional profiling of a multicellular organism by combinatorial indexing
Authors: Cao Junyue , Packer Jonathan S. , Ramani Vijay , Cusanovich Darren A. , Huynh Chau , Daza Riza , Qiu Xiaojie , Lee Choli , Furlan Scott N. , Steemers Frank J. , Adey Andrew , Waterston Robert H. , Trapnell Cole , Shendure Jay
Published: February 2017

Conventional methods for profiling the molecular content of biological samples fail to resolve heterogeneity that is present at the level of single cells. In the past few years, single cell RNA sequencing has emerged as a powerful strategy for overcoming this challenge. However, its adoption has been limited by a paucity of methods that are at once simple to implement and cost effective to scale massively. Here, we describe a combinatorial indexing strategy to profile the transcriptomes of large numbers of single cells or single nuclei without requiring the physical isolation of each cell (Single cellCombinatorialIndexing RNA-seq or sci-RNA-seq). We show that sci-RNA-seq can be used to efficiently profile the transcriptomes of tens-of-thousands of single cells per experiment, and demonstrate that we can stratify cell types from these data. Key advantages of sci-RNA-seq over contemporary alternatives such as droplet-based single cell RNA-seq include sublinear cost scaling, a reliance on widely available reagents and equipment, the ability to concurrently process many samples within a single workflow, compatibility with methanol fixation of cells, cell capture based on DNA content rather than cell size, and the flexibility to profile either cells or nuclei. As a demonstration of sci-RNA-seq, we profile the transcriptomes of 42,035 single cells fromC. elegansat the L2 stage, effectively 50-fold “shotgun cellular coverage” of the somatic cell composition of this organism at this stage. We identify 27 distinct cell types, including rare cell types such as the two distal tip cells of the developing gonad, estimate consensus expression profiles and define cell-type specific and selective genes. Given thatC. elegansis the only organism with a fully mapped cellular lineage, these data represent a rich resource for future methods aimed at defining cell types and states. They will advance our understanding of developmental biology, and constitute a major step towards a comprehensive, single-cell molecular atlas of a whole animal.
Examining perspectives and dimensions of clean development mechanism
Authors: Aggarwal Pravesh , Aggarwal Rupesh
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to critically evaluate the working of the clean development mechanism (CDM) particularly in developing and least developed countries in the light of recent developments.

Design/methodology/approach

Part I of the paper delves upon various international rules governing the CDM. Part II of the paper draws out the rationale behind the introduction of the CDM under the Kyoto Protocol so as to provide a basis for its critical assessment in actual practice, as dealt with in Part III. Finally, the paper makes a concluding remark and suggests a way forward.

Findings

It is submitted that the CDM suffers from a gamut of concerns, which need to be adequately addressed. The business-centric approach followed by the investors of CDM projects has been a major reason behind denial of social, economic and environmental benefits pertinent for attaining sustainable development in the developing countries. The urge to derive economic benefits resulting from their investment has made the developing countries more competitive but turn a blind eye to reduced standards maintained for sustainable development. Besides, long-term benefits arising out of such projects, along with greater public participation of local stakeholders in CDM activities, have usually taken a backseat. A need is there to involve the CDM in the agricultural sector, which would have long-term benefits. Besides, it is required to enhance local stakeholder consultation, which ensures that people affected by a CDM project can give a timely, meaningful input to a proposed project. In the 80th meeting of the CDM Executive Board, held in Bonn, it was further decided that the complaints of the local stakeholders shall be given effect through subsequent changes in the project design of the CDM pipeline, along with their consultation before the real start of the project. Greater participation will also be ensured through increased publically available data on CDM projects.

Originality/value

The paper is original and brings out some valuable suggestions to improve the working of the CDM.
Influence of consumers’ brand expectations on apparel brands’ US-based sourcing strategy
Authors: Bhaduri Gargi
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This study aims to understand how consumers evaluate Made in USA messages that are congruent/incongruent to consumers’ prior expectations about the brand’s US-based sourcing initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

Two separate studies were conducted. Online experiment was designed implementing both message and treatment variance to increase internal and external validity of the study. Data collected from two distinct samples were analyzed using MANOVA and ANOVA.

Findings

Findings from Study 1 indicated that consumers’ perceived message credibility, attitude toward message and attitude toward brand were highest for congruent messages, followed by when incongruity was resolved and lowest when incongruity was not resolved. Further, consumers’ brand attitudes before and after message exposure were different, with change being most positive for incongruity resolution, followed by congruity, whereas negative for incongruity non-resolution. Findings from Study 2 indicated that consumers’ general attitude toward brands’ US-based sourcing strategies influenced their brand attitude, as well as moderated the relation between schema congruity/incongruity resolution/incongruity non-resolution and brand attitude.

Originality/value

The findings are helpful for brand managers and sourcing personnel to better invest their resources in US-based sourcing strategies. In addition, the findings of the study contribute and extend theory by identifying a boundary condition.
In Defense of Artificial Replacement
Authors: Shiller Derek
Published: February 2017

If it is within our power to provide a significantly better world for future generations at a comparatively small cost to ourselves, we have a strong moral reason to do so. One way of providing a significantly better world may involve replacing our species with something better. It is plausible that in the not‐too‐distant future, we will be able to create artificially intelligent creatures with whatever physical and psychological traits we choose. Granted this assumption, it is argued that we should engineer our extinction so that our planet's resources can be devoted to making artificial creatures with better lives.
Management of rectal cancer: the 2016 French guidelines
Authors: Lakkis Z. , Manceau G. , Bridoux V. , Brouquet A. , Kirzin S. , Maggiori L. , de Chaisemartin C. , Lefevre J. H. , Panis Y. ,   on behalf of the French Research Group of Rectal Cancer Surgery (GRECCAR) and the French National Society of Coloproctology (SNFCP)
Published: February 2017

Aim

Rectal cancer is a malignant disease requiring multidisciplinary management. In view of the increasing number of studies published over the past decade, a comprehensive update is required to draw recommendations for clinical practice mandated by the French Research Group of Rectal Cancer Surgery and the French National Coloproctology Society.

Method

Seven questions summarizing the treatment of rectal cancer were selected. A search for evidence in the literature from January 2004 to December 2015 was performed. A drafting committee and a large group of expert reviewers contributed to validate the statements.

Results

Recommendations include the indications for neoadjuvant therapy, the quality criteria for surgical resection, the management of postoperative disordered function, the role of local excision in early rectal cancer, the place of conservative strategies after neoadjuvant treatment, the management of synchronous liver metastases and the indications for adjuvant therapy. A level of evidence was assigned to each statement.

Conclusion

The current clinical practice guidelines are useful for the treatment of rectal cancer. Some statements require a higher level of evidence due to a lack of studies.
Impact of early clinical exposure on the learning experience of undergraduate dental students
Authors: Ali K. , Zahra D. , McColl E. , Salih V. , Tredwin C.
Published: February 2017

Aims

The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of early clinical exposure on the learning experiences of undergraduate dental students.

Methods

This study was based on mixed methods. The first phase involved administering a purposely designed questionnaire consisting of 16 items, grouped into three subscales. The second phase of the research was conducted using qualitative semi‐structured interviews to explore the perceptions and experiences of stakeholders regarding early clinical exposure.

Results

In total, 134 undergraduate dental students and eight clinical supervisors responded to the questionnaire and reported positive perceptions regarding the learning experiences, professional relationship and learning environment. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 12 participants, and early clinical exposure was perceived to be useful in providing a context to theoretical learning and development of interpersonal skills. Curriculum overload and further need for consolidation were highlighted as the main challenges.

Conclusions

This study provided insights into the clinical training model in an undergraduate dental programme and highlights the benefits and challenges of early clinical exposure in the study population. The study served as a vehicle for engagement with a range of stakeholders using a mixed methods approach to inform further development of the training model.
Baicalin positively regulates osteoclast function by activating MAPK/Mitf signalling
Authors: Lu Li , Rao Li , Jia Huanhuan , Chen Jun , Lu Xingyan , Yang Guozhu , Li Qingnan , Lee Kenneth Ka Ho , Yang Li
Published: February 2017

Activation of osteoblasts in bone formation and osteoclasts in bone resorption is important during the bone fracture healing process. There has been a long interest in identifying and developing a natural therapy for bone fracture healing. In this study, we investigated the regulation of osteoclast differentiation by baicalin, which is a natural molecule extracted from Eucommiaulmoides (small tree native to China). It was determined that baicalin enhanced osteoclast maturation and bone resorption activity in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, this involves the activation of MAPK, increased Mitf nuclear translocation and up‐regulation of downstream osteoclast‐related target genes expression. The baicalin‐induced effect on osteoclast differentiation can be mimicked by specific inhibitors of p‐ERK (U0126) and the Mitf‐specific siRNA, respectively. Protein–ligand docking prediction identified that baicalin might bind to RANK, which is the upstream receptor of p‐ERK/Mitf signalling in osteoclasts. This indicated that RANK might be the binding target of baicalin. In sum, our findings revealed baicalin increased osteoclast maturation and function via p‐ERK/Mitf signalling. In addition, the results suggest that baicalin can potentially be used as a natural product for the treatment of bone fracture.
Inaccurate diagnosis of paediatric anaphylaxis in three Australian Emergency Departments
Authors: Thomson Hector , Seith Robert , Craig Simon
Published: February 2017

Aim

To determine the accuracy of emergency department (ED) paediatric anaphylaxis diagnosis, and to identify factors associated with misdiagnosis.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of children aged 0–18 years with allergic presentations to three Victorian EDs in 2014. Cases were included if an ED diagnosis of anaphylaxis was recorded, or the presentation met international consensus criteria for anaphylaxis.

Results

Of the 60 143 paediatric ED presentations during the study period, 1551 allergy‐related presentations were identified and reviewed. One hundred and eighty‐seven met consensus criteria for anaphylaxis, and another 24 were diagnosed with anaphylaxis without meeting criteria. Of the 211 presentations, 105 cases were given an ED diagnosis of anaphylaxis and 106 cases were given an alternative diagnosis in ED. ED assessment had a sensitivity of 43.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 36.1–50.7%) and specificity of 97.9% (95% CI 96.9–98.7%) for anaphylaxis. Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that an ED anaphylaxis diagnosis was associated with previous anaphylaxis (odds ratio (OR) 3.20; 95% CI 1.52–6.75), arrival by ambulance (OR 2.80; 95% CI 1.36–5.74), a high‐acuity triage category (OR 4.51; 95% CI 2.20–9.25) and presentation to a tertiary hospital (OR 2.86; 95% CI 1.44–5.67). ED diagnosis of anaphylaxis was less likely in those with resolution of symptoms and signs in at least one organ system prior to arrival (OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.12–0.62).

Conclusion

In children with allergic presentations, ED assessment has a low sensitivity but high specificity for anaphylaxis. Attention to resolved pre‐hospital symptoms and awareness of diagnostic criteria are important considerations for accurate ED diagnosis of anaphylaxis.
In-vitro evaluation of enteric coated insulin tablets containing absorption enhancer and enzyme inhibitor
Authors: Wong Chun Y , Martinez Jorge , Carnagarin Revathy , Dass Crispin R
Published: February 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to develop an enteric coated insulin tablet formulation using polymers, absorption enhancer and enzyme inhibitor, which protect the tablets in acidic pH and enhance systemic bioavailability.

Methods

In this study, the influence of coating by cellulose acetate hydrogen phthalate solution and chosen excipients on Glut-4 transporter translocation in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells was examined. Following the determination of optimum number of coating layers, two dissolution buffers such as 0.01 m hydrochloric acid, pH 2, and 50 mm phosphate, pH 7.4, were employed to determine the in-vitro release of insulin.

Key findings

Insulin was protected by the coating during the dissolution process. Five (5-CL) coating layers and eight (8-CL) coating layers had minimal insulin release in hydrochloric acid, but not three (3-CL) coating layers. Glut-4 translocation in C2C12 cells was promoted by the chosen excipients. No detrimental metabolic effects were observed in these cells.

Conclusion

To date, limited studies combine the overall effectiveness of multiple excipients. Our study showed that the coated tablets have an immediate release effect in phosphate buffer. In Glut-4 translocation assay, insulin was still functional after releasing from the tablet. Such tablet formulation can be potentially beneficial to type 1 diabetes patients.
Group supervision for healthcare professionals within primary care for patients with psychosomatic health problems: a pilot intervention study
Authors: Bullington Jennifer , Cronqvist Agneta
Published: February 2017

Background

In primary health care, efficacious treatment strategies are lacking for these patients, although the most prominent symptoms accounting for consultation in primary care often cannot be related to any biological causes.

Aim

The aim was to explore whether group supervision from a specific phenomenological theory of psychosomatics could provide healthcare professionals treating patients with psychosomatic health issues within primary care a deeper understanding of these conditions and stimulate profession‐specific treatment strategies. Our research questions were as follows: (i) What is the healthcare professionals’ understanding of psychosomatics before and after the intervention? (ii) What are the treatment strategies for this group of patients before and after the intervention?

Methods

The study was an explorative qualitative intervention pilot study. The six participants from a primary healthcare setting in a medium‐sized city in Sweden participated in the study. A supervision group was formed, based on a mix of professions, age, gender and years of clinical experience. Supervision consisted of one 75‐minutes meeting every month during the course of 6 months. Participants were interviewed before and after the supervision intervention.

Findings

The study showed two distinct categories emerged from the data. One category of healthcare professionals espoused a psycho‐educative approach, while the other lacked a cohesive approach. The supervision improved the second category of healthcare professionals’ understanding of psychosomatics. The psycho‐educative group did not change their understanding of psychosomatics, although they felt strengthened in their approach by the supervision. Profession‐specific strategies were not developed.

Implications

This pilot study indicates that a relatively short supervision intervention can aid clinicians in their clinical encounters with these patients; however, further research is necessary to ascertain the value of the specific phenomenologically based supervision intervention.
First Report on a Cluster of Colistin-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Isolated from a Tertiary Care Center in India: Whole-Genome Shotgun Sequencing
Authors: Mathur Purva , Veeraraghavan Balaji , Devanga Ragupathi Naveen Kumar , Inbanathan Francis Yesurajan , Khurana Surbhi , Bhardwaj Nidhi , Kumar Subodh , Sagar Sushma , Gupta Amit
Published: February 2017

Klebsiella pneumoniae
is a nosocomial pathogen with clinical importance due to its increasing resistance to carbapenems and colistin. Here, we report the genome sequences of eight colistin-resistant
K. pneumoniae
strains which might help in understanding the molecular mechanism of the species. The sequence data indicate genomes of ~5.2 to 5.4 Mb, along with several plasmids.
Draft Genome Sequence of Plant Growth-Promoting Drought-Tolerant
Bacillus
sp. Strain CMAA 1363 Isolated from the Brazilian Caatinga Biome
Authors: Kavamura Vanessa Nessner , Santos Suikinai Nobre , Taketani Rodrigo Gouvêa , Vasconcellos Rafael Leandro Figueiredo , Melo Itamar Soares
Published: February 2017

The strain of
Bacillus
sp. CMAA 1363 was isolated from the Brazilian Caatinga biome and showed plant growth-promoting traits and ability to promote maize growth under drought stress. Sequencing revealed genes involved in stress response and plant growth promotion. These genomic features might aid in the protection of plants against the negative effects imposed by drought.
Whole-Genome Sequence of the Cheese Isolate Lactobacillus rennini ACA-DC 565
Authors: Kazou Maria , Alexandraki Voula , Pot Bruno , Tsakalidou Effie , Papadimitriou Konstantinos
Published: February 2017

In this study, we present the first complete genome sequence of
Lactobacillus rennini
ACA-DC 565, a strain isolated from a traditional Greek overripened Kopanisti cheese called Mana. Although the species has been associated with cheese spoilage, the strain ACA-DC 565 may contribute to the intense organoleptic characteristics of Mana cheese.
Speeding up laboratory test reporting in Medical Emergency and Cardiac Arrest calls: a quality improvement project
Authors: Al-Talib Mohammed , Leslie Isla
Published: February 2017

Many hospitals deploy Medical Emergency (MET) and Cardiac Arrest teams to improve the management and treatment of patients who become critically ill. In many cases, blood results are key in allowing the clinicians involved in these teams to make definitive management decisions for these patients. Following anecdotal reports that these results were often delayed, we assessed the process of blood tests being reported in emergency calls, identified the key factors causing delays and sought to make improvements.

The initial intervention involved implementing a new blood form that specified the nature of the call, the tests required and a contact number for laboratory staff to contact the clinical team with results. We also developed a streamlined process within the laboratory for these samples to be fast-tracked. Successive improvement cycles sought to increase awareness of the project, improve accessibility to the new forms and embed spontaneous practices that contributed to improvement.

Results demonstrated an overall reduction in the time taken for blood samples in emergencies to be reported from 130 minutes to 97 minutes.

This project demonstrates that using a specific blood request form for emergency calls, and tying this to a specified laboratory process, improves the time taken for these tests to be reported. In addition, the project provides some insight into challenges faced when implementing change in new departments.
COHERENT FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET MODELS
Authors: GNOATTO ALESSANDRO
Published: February 2017

A model describing the dynamics of a foreign exchange (FX) rate should preserve the same level of analytical tractability when the inverted FX process is considered. We show that affine stochastic volatility models satisfy such a requirement. Such a finding allows us to use affine stochastic volatility models as a building block for FX dynamics that are functionally-invariant with respect to the construction of suitable products/ratios of rates, thus generalizing the model of [A. De Col, A. Gnoatto & M. Grasselli (2013) Smiles all around: FX joint calibration in a multi-Heston model, Journal of Banking and Finance 37 (10), 3799–3818.].
Skin Conductance as an
In Situ
Marker for Emotional Arousal in Children with Neurodevelopmental Communication Impairments
Authors: Betancourt Mariana Aparicio , Dethorne Laura S. , Karahalios Karrie , Kim Jennifer G.
Published: February 2017

Even though electrodermal activity has been widely used in the study of psychological states and processes for over 130 years, the use of such technology
in situ,
within the context of daily activities, remains a major challenge. Recent technological advancements have led to the development of wearable biosensors that noninvasively measure electrical conductance across the skin. These biosensors represent a new approach for skin conductance assessment, as a proxy for emotional arousal, in children with neurodevelopmental communication impairments who are often described as having difficulties with emotional regulation, expressing thoughts and feelings, and present a higher prevalence of challenging behaviors. Here we provide an overview of skin conductance and explore the benefits of recent technological advancements for applied research and clinical practice. We draw on user experience from two experimental interventions involving eight children with neurodevelopmental impairments. In both cases investigators monitored phasic and tonic EDA measures
in situ
using wearable biosensors. We share the behavioral and technical challenges experienced across these two experimental contexts, and propose associated considerations for future use. Specifically, sensor functioning, synchronization, and data preprocessing/analysis difficulties, as well as behavioral findings related to developmental differences, sensor tolerance over time, and sensor placement are discussed.
Metabolic imaging in exercise physiology
Authors: Rudroff Thorsten , Ketelhut Nathaniel B. , Kindred John H.
Published: February 2017

This minireview focuses on selected, noninvasive imaging techniques that have been used in the study of exercise physiology. These imaging modalities can be roughly divided into two categories: tracer based and nontracer based. Tracer-based methods use radiolabeled substrates whose location and quantity can subsequently be imaged once they are incorporated into metabolic processes. Nontracer-based imaging modalities rely on specific properties of substrates to identify metabolites and determine their concentrations. Identification and quantification of metabolites is usually based on magnetic properties or on differences in light absorption. In this review, we will highlight two tracer-based imaging modalities, positron emission tomography and single-photon-emission computed tomography, as well as two nontracer-based methods, magnetic resonance spectroscopy and near-infrared spectroscopy. Some of the recent findings that each technique has provided on cerebral and skeletal muscle metabolism during exercise, as well as the strengths and limitations of each technique, will be discussed.
Visualizing the Diffusion of Digital Mammography in New York State
Authors: Boscoe Francis P. , Zhang Xiuling
Published: February 2017

Background: Digital mammography saw rapid adoption during the first decade of the 2000s. We were interested in identifying the times and locations where the technology was introduced within the state of New York as a way of illustrating the uneven introduction of this technology.

Methods: Using a sample of Medicare claims data from the period 2004 to 2012 from women ages 65 and over without cancer, we calculated the percentage of mammograms that were digital by zip code of residence and illustrated them with a series of smoothed maps.

Results: Maps for three of the years (2005, 2008, and 2011) show the conversion from almost no digital mammography to nearly all digital mammography. The 2008 map reveals sharp disparities between areas that had and had not yet adopted the technology. Socioeconomic differences explain some of this pattern.

Conclusions: Geographic disparities in access to medical technology are underappreciated relative to other sources of disparities. Our method provides a way of measuring and communicating this phenomenon.

Impact: Our method could be applied to illuminate current examples, where access to medical technology is highly uneven, such as 3D tomography and robotic surgery. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(4); 490–4. ©2017 AACR.

See all the articles in this CEBP Focus section, “Geospatial Approaches to Cancer Control and Population Sciences.”
As políticas de educação continuada por competências: um estudo das configurações subjetivas do trabalhador público brasileiro
Authors: Magnin Luana Silvy de Lorenzi Tezza , Pan Miriam Aparecida Graciano de Souza
Published: February 2017

Ser competente tornou-se objeto de consumo dos trabalhadores, que se dedicam ilimitadamente ao seu desenvolvimento. Este artigo analisa os modos de produção subjetiva do trabalhador público brasileiro a partir das amplas políticas de capacitação por competências, essas pouco problematizadas em seus fundamentos. Trata-se de um estudo documental discursivo e teórico-conceitual, realizado via perspectiva bakhtiniana, em que se analisou a política nacional de desenvolvimento de pessoal, o relatório da Comissão Internacionalsobre a Educação para a UNESCO e o Programa de Capacitação da ENAP. O enunciado das competências, como forma de oportunizar rápida qualificação e inclusão, está comprometido com uma visão de educação liberal e flexível que transfere ao servidor a responsabilidade pela (in)eficiência da gestão pública brasileira. Conclui-se que embora os fundamentos do termo “competências” estejam silenciados na literatura, seus usos e efeitos podem ser lidos em sua perspectiva pragmática, produzindo um trabalhador autônomo, flexível e que se responsabiliza individualmente por suas competências e capacidade de entrega. Na promessa de rápida qualificação e inclusão, o discurso de competência funciona como potente e competente aliado do Estado capitalista.