bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical exercise, pain and musculoskeletal function in patients with haemophilia: a systematic review
Authors: Schäfer G. S. , Valderramas S. , Gomes A. R. , Budib M. B. , Wolff Á. L. P. , Ramos A. A. T.
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Exercise can provide numerous benefits to haemophilia patients, including bleeding reduction in muscles and joints.

Aim

This systematic review (SR) aims to evaluate the effects of physical exercise on pain and the musculoskeletal function of patients with hemophilia.

Methods

Literature searches of Pubmed, Web of Science, PEDro, Cochrane, Clinical Trials SciELO and Lilacs were performed. The risks of bias were measured using the JADAD scale.

Results

Nine controlled clinical trials were included in the SR.

Conclusion

Physical exercise can promote a reduction in the perception of pain and can increase ROM and muscle strength in haemophilia patients. Future RCTs with greater methodological rigor that focus on the parameters used to prescribe exercises are necessary.
Archetypes of Translation: Recommendations for Dialogue
Authors: O'Mahoney Joe
Published: April 2016

This paper reviews 128 works on translation in management studies and identifies four perspectives (diffusion, actor‐network theory, Scandinavian Institutionalism and organizational boundaries) which are argued to be underpinned by four relatively disparate theoretical archetypes (scientism, actualism, social constructivism and symbolic interactionism). It is argued that, individually, these archetypes possess strengths and weaknesses in understanding translation, yet are relatively incommensurable, which mitigates against interperspective dialogue and the insights that this might promote. With illustrations, the paper suggests that the stratified and emergent ontology proposed by critical realism can provide a more inclusive foundation for interdisciplinary engagement on translation, which combines many strengths and ameliorates several weaknesses of the individual archetypes.
Nurses experiences discussing sexuality with urinary catheter patients
Authors: Baker‐Green Rachel
Published: April 2016

The aim of this article was to establish registered nurses experiences of discussing sexuality with urinary catheter patients.

A urinary catheter is used to provide drainage for those people who are unable to drain their bladder independently. Urinary catheters can cause issues with sex, sexuality and body image.

This is a qualitative research study using thematic concept analysis to review data. The study used semi‐structured interviews that were audio‐taped during 2015. Nine community nurses participated in this study.

Four themes emerged: the importance of the nurse–patient relationship, peer support and role models, maintaining professionalism and lack of experience, training and knowledge. The nurses reported barriers that they felt discouraged them from discussing sexuality, such as their own lack of knowledge, discussing sexuality with older people, nurse embarrassment and causing patient embarrassment.

Nurses at all levels were reluctant to discuss issues relating to a patients' sexuality, and they were often uncomfortable doing so. Further training is required for nurses in supporting urinary catheter patients with sexual quality of life. Nursing assessments that allow sexuality to be assessed as part of any holistic nursing assessment are needed in practice. More acknowledgement of older urinary catheter users' sexual quality of life is required by nurses. It is the responsibility of the nurse to address any issues relating to a patients' sexuality with a urinary catheter as part of holistic care.
Malaria infection negatively affects feather growth rate in the house sparrowPasser domesticus
Authors: Coon Courtney A. C. , Garcia‐Longoria Luz , Martin Lynn B. , Magallanes Sergio , de Lope Florentino , Marzal Alfonso
Published: April 2016

Birds often face various stressors during feather renewing, for example, enduring infection with blood parasites. Because nutritional resources are typically limited, especially for wild animals, when an individual allocates energy to one physiological system, there is subsequently less for other processes, thereby requiring a trade‐off. Surprisingly, potential trade‐offs between malaria infection and feather growth rate have not been experimentally considered yet. Here, we conducted three studies to investigate whether a trade‐off occurs among feather growth rate, malaria infection and host health conditions. First, we explored whether naturally infected and uninfected house sparrows differed in feather growth rate in the wild. Second, we asked whether experimental inoculation of malaria parasites and/or forcing the renewal of a tail feather. Lastly, we evaluated whether individual condition was affected by experimentally‐induced feather regrowth and/or malaria experimental infection. Our findings showed that feather growth rate was negatively affected by natural malaria infection status in free‐living birds and by experimental infection in captive birds. Furthermore, birds that did not increase body mass or hematocrit during the experimental study had slower feather growth. Together our results suggest that infection with blood parasites has more negative health effects than the growth of tail feathers and that these two processes (response to blood parasite infection and renewal of feathers) are traded‐off against each other. As such, our results highlight the role of malaria parasites as a potential mechanism driving other trade‐offs in wild passerines.
The scaling of postcranial muscles in cats (Felidae) I: forelimb, cervical, and thoracic muscles
Authors: Cuff Andrew R. , Sparkes Emily L. , Randau Marcela , Pierce Stephanie E. , Kitchener Andrew C. , Goswami Anjali , Hutchinson John R.
Published: April 2016

The body masses of cats (Mammalia, Carnivora, Felidae) span a ~300‐fold range from the smallest to largest species. Despite this range, felid musculoskeletal anatomy remains remarkably conservative, including the maintenance of a crouched limb posture at unusually large sizes. The forelimbs in felids are important for body support and other aspects of locomotion, as well as climbing and prey capture, with the assistance of the vertebral (and hindlimb) muscles. Here, we examine the scaling of the anterior postcranial musculature across felids to assess scaling patterns between different species spanning the range of felid body sizes. The muscle architecture (lengths and masses of the muscle‐tendon unit components) for the forelimb, cervical and thoracic muscles was quantified to analyse how the muscles scale with body mass. Our results demonstrate that physiological cross‐sectional areas of the forelimb muscles scale positively with increasing body mass (i.e. becoming relatively larger). Many significantly allometric variables pertain to shoulder support, whereas the rest of the limb muscles become relatively weaker in larger felid species. However, when phylogenetic relationships were corrected for, most of these significant relationships disappeared, leaving no significantly allometric muscle metrics. The majority of cervical and thoracic muscle metrics are not significantly allometric, despite there being many allometric skeletal elements in these regions. When forelimb muscle data were considered in isolation or in combination with those of the vertebral muscles in principal components analyses and MANOVAs, there was no significant discrimination among species by either size or locomotory mode. Our results support the inference that larger felid species have relatively weaker anterior postcranial musculature compared with smaller species, due to an absence of significant positive allometry of forelimb or vertebral muscle architecture. This difference in strength is consistent with behavioural changes in larger felids, such as a reduction of maximal speed and other aspects of locomotor abilities.
Objective diagnosis of arrested labor on transperineal ultrasound
Authors: Nishimura Kazuaki , Yoshimura Kazuaki , Kubo Tatsuhiko , Hachisuga Toru
Published: April 2016

Aim

Recent developments in transperineal ultrasound imaging of the pelvis have prompted trials to objectively evaluate labor progression for labor management. We evaluated the accuracy of transperineal ultrasound in diagnosing arrest of labor.

Methods

Transperineal ultrasound and digital pelvic examinations were performed simultaneously in 63 term laboring patients (singleton fetuses in cephalic presentation). We analyzed a total of 216 ultrasound images (Sonography Volume Computer Aided Display Labor [Sono VCAD Labor®] installed in Voluson E8 ultrasound). We examined the correlation between the three ultrasound parameters head direction (HD), progression distance (PD), and progression angle (PA), and digital pelvic examination findings during labor in a transvaginal delivery group and an arrested labor group.

Results

The coefficient of correlations between HD/PD/PA and cervical dilation/fetal station were 0.667/0.657/0.706 and 0.667/0.751/0.803, respectively. The three parameters had strong correlations with digital pelvic examination (P < 0.05). In the 11 cases (17%) of cesarean section due to arrested labor, the position of the fetal head was visually unchanged on sequential ultrasound images. According to receiver operating characteristic curves, the significant cut‐offs for HD, PD, and PA for arrested labor were 105° (P = 0.048), 35 mm (P = 0.048), and 120° (P = 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

Transperineal ultrasound imaging is helpful for objective evaluation of labor progression and the diagnosis of arrested labor.
Reduced glutathione in hepatitis E infection and pregnancy outcome
Authors: Bhatnagar Gunjan , Sharma Sheetal , Kumar Ashok , Prasad Sudha , Agarwal Sarita , Kar Premashish
Published: April 2016

Aim

To study reduced glutathione (GSH) as a marker of oxidative stress in hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection during pregnancy, and to clarify its association with pregnancy outcome.

Methods

A total of 30 pregnant and 30 non‐pregnant women with HEV infection were enrolled in the present study, along with 30 age‐ and gestation‐matched healthy pregnant controls. Serum GSH was measured using commercially available enzyme‐linked immunoassay kit.

Results

Significantly lower GSH was observed in HEV‐infected pregnant women than in healthy pregnant controls (10.44 ng/mL vs 19.77 ng/mL; P < 0.01). No significant association was observed between GSH and pregnant women and non‐pregnant women with HEV infection (P = 0.54). Serum GSH ≤10.88 ng/mL was more likely to be associated with HEV infection during pregnancy, with sensitivity and specificity of 73.3%. Lower GSH was observed in pregnant women with HEV infection having preterm delivery and low birthweight newborns compared with healthy pregnant women (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Serum GSH was lower in pregnant women with HEV infection who had stillbirth compared with those having live births (7.21 ng/mL vs 6.12 ng/mL, P = 0.60).

Conclusion

Oxidative stress is present in HEV infection during pregnancy, as shown by low GSH, and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Serum GSH ≤10.88 ng/mL during pregnancy can be used for risk stratification for HEV infection.
A novel pathway of arsenate detoxification
Authors: Zhao Fang‐Jie
Published: April 2016

Microorganisms have evolved various mechanisms to detoxify arsenic, an ubiquitous environmental toxin. Known mechanisms include arsenite efflux, arsenate reduction followed by arsenite efflux and arsenite methylation. In this issue, Chen et al. describe a novel mechanism for arsenate detoxification via synergistic interaction of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and a major facilitator superfamily protein (ArsJ). They propose that GAPDH catalyzes the formation of 1‐arseno‐3‐phosphoglycerate, which is then extruded out of the cell by ArsJ. The significance of this pathway and questions for further research are discussed.
Photoperiod‐dependent changes in the phase of core clock transcripts and global transcriptional outputs at dawn and dusk in Arabidopsis
Authors: Flis Anna , Sulpice Ronan , Seaton Daniel D. , Ivakov Alexander A. , Liput Magda , Abel Christin , Millar Andrew J. , Stitt Mark
Published: April 2016

Plants use the circadian clock to sense photoperiod length. Seasonal responses like flowering are triggered at a critical photoperiod when a light‐sensitive clock output coincides with light or darkness. However, many metabolic processes, like starch turnover, and growth respond progressively to photoperiod duration. We first tested the photoperiod response of 10 core clock genes and two output genes. qRT‐PCR analyses of transcript abundance under 6, 8, 12 and 18 h photoperiods revealed 1–4 h earlier peak times under short photoperiods and detailed changes like rising PRR7 expression before dawn. Clock models recapitulated most of these changes. We explored the consequences for global gene expression by performing transcript profiling in 4, 6, 8, 12 and 18 h photoperiods. There were major changes in transcript abundance at dawn, which were as large as those between dawn and dusk in a given photoperiod. Contributing factors included altered timing of the clock relative to dawn, light signalling and changes in carbon availability at night as a result of clock‐dependent regulation of starch degradation. Their interaction facilitates coordinated transcriptional regulation of key processes like starch turnover, anthocyanin, flavonoid and glucosinolate biosynthesis and protein synthesis and underpins the response of metabolism and growth to photoperiod.
Attachment insecurity and inducing guilt to produce desired change in romantic partners
Authors: JAYAMAHA SHANUKI D. , ANTONELLIS CHRISTIAN , OVERALL NICKOLA C.
Published: April 2016

Three studies examined the links between attachment insecurity and the use and effectiveness of inducing guilt to produce change in romantic partners (negative‐indirect partner regulation strategies). Individuals higher in attachment anxiety engaged in more negative‐indirect partner regulation strategies (Studies 1–3), but the effectiveness of negative‐indirect strategies depended on targeted partners' attachment avoidance. Targets higher in attachment avoidance reported regulation agents were less successful (Study 1) and reported less motivation to change across time (Study 2) when agents used more negative‐indirect regulation strategies. Negative‐indirect strategies during couples' conflict discussions were also associated with lower problem resolution when targets were higher in avoidance (Study 3). These results provide the first demonstration that target characteristics moderate the effectiveness of negative‐indirect regulation strategies.
Principal researcher and project manager: who should drive R&D projects?
Authors: Cassanelli Aníbal N. , Fernandez‐Sanchez Gonzalo , Guiridlian Maria Clara
Published: April 2016

In this paper, it is analyzed the hypothesis that in R&D the principal researcher (PR) is accepted as the coordinator or project manager (PM), carrying out the search for financing and to manage contracts, resources, cost, time, scope, risk and uncertainty, communication, stakeholders and so on, in addition to internal research activities. Thus, this study tries to verify this hypothesis through a major literature review in different types of projects developed by university, but also with a look to industry and industry‐university cooperation. Two case studies are also analyzed, centered in its R&D project management maturity level. It is concluded that there is an important issue in projects’ success and in the time spent by PR in management, work for which they are under trained; while at the industry there is a greater approach to project management by the proximity of the innovation projects to other industrial projects. Following these initial findings and according to the case study results, it is proposed that R&D Projects in universities would be separated into two synergistic knowledge areas: R&D Management and Project Management. It is also recommended to allocate them to two distinct roles, where they could add value to R&D through their better knowledge and skills.
DesignD-Optimal Event-Related Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Experiments
Authors: Saleh Moein , Kao Ming-Hung , Pan Rong
Published: April 2016

New computer algorithms for finding D-optimal designs of stimulus sequence for functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiments are proposed. Although functional MRI data are commonly analysed by linear models, the construction of a functional MRI design matrix is much more complicated than in conventional experimental design problems. Inspired by the widely used exchange algorithm technique, our proposed approach implements a greedy search strategy over the vast functional MRI design space for a D-optimal design. Compared with a recently proposed genetic algorithm, our algorithms are superior in terms of computing time and achieved design efficiency in both single-objective and multiobjective problems. In addition, the algorithms proposed are sufficiently flexible to incorporate a constraint that requires the exact number of appearances of each type of stimulus in a design. This realistic design issue is unfortunately not well handled by existing methods.
Quantile Residual Life Regression with Longitudinal Biomarker Measurements for Dynamic Prediction
Authors: Li Ruosha , Huang Xuelin , Cortes Jorge
Published: April 2016

Residual life is of great interest to patients with life threatening disease. It is also important for clinicians who estimate prognosis and make treatment decisions. Quantile residual life has emerged as a useful summary measure of the residual life. It has many desirable features, such as robustness and easy interpretation. In many situations, the longitudinally collected biomarkers during patients' follow-up visits carry important prognostic value. In this work, we study quantile regression methods that allow for dynamic predictions of the quantile residual life, by flexibly accommodating the post-baseline biomarker measurements in addition to the baseline covariates. We propose unbiased estimating equations that can be solved via existing L1-minimization algorithms. The resulting estimators have desirable asymptotic properties and satisfactory finite sample performance. We apply our method to a study of chronic myeloid leukaemia to demonstrate its usefulness as a dynamic prediction tool.
Compositional Tables Analysis in Coordinates
Authors: Fačevicová Kamila , Hron Karel , Todorov Valentin , Templ Matthias
Published: April 2016

Compositional tables – a continuous counterpart to the contingency tables – carry relative information about relationships between row and column factors; thus, for their analysis, only ratios between cells of a table are informative. Consequently, the standard Euclidean geometry should be replaced by the Aitchison geometry on the simplex that enables decomposition of the table into its independent and interactive parts. The aim of the paper is to find interpretable coordinate representation for independent and interaction tables (in sense of balances and odds ratios of cells, respectively), where further statistical processing of compositional tables can be performed. Theoretical results are applied to real‐world problems from a health survey and in macroeconomics.
Autotransfusion in dogs using a 2‐syringe technique
Authors: Robinson Duane A. , Kiefer Kristina , Bassett Rachel , Quandt Jane
Published: April 2016

Objective

To describe the successful use of an autotransfusion technique utilizing 2 syringes in 4 dogs.

Case Series Summary

All 4 dogs in this series had a hemoabdomen and subsequent hypovolemic shock. During surgery blood was collected from the abdominal cavity by the surgeon and passed to an assistant. The blood was then transferred to a second syringe for direct IV administration. The blood was passed through an inline blood filter prior to reaching the patient. Given the transfusion volume and administration time frame, 3 cases were classified as a massive transfusion. All 4 dogs survived the transfusion, were discharged within 3 days of surgery/transfusion and no complications were noted.

New or Unique Information Provided

This case series describes a relatively simple method of performing an autotransfuion in patients with hemoabdomen and hypovolemic shock.
Retrospective evaluation of fluid overload and relationship to outcome in critically ill dogs
Authors: Cavanagh Amanda A. , Sullivan Lauren A. , Hansen Bernard D.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To determine if critically ill dogs have an increased risk of fluid overload (FO) during hospitalization compared to less ill dogs, and to determine if FO is associated with increased mortality during hospitalization.

Design

Observational, case‐control study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Thirty‐four critically ill dogs and 15 comparatively healthy stable postoperative dogs with neuro‐orthopedic disease.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Data recorded included underlying disease, body weight, and APPLEfast score at admission, single‐day and composite APPLEfull scores during hospitalization, total fluid volume administered (L), total fluid volume output (L), and outcome. Percent FO (%FO) was calculated using the equation 100 × ([fluid volume administered − fluid volume lost]/1000 mL/L) − (% dehydration at admission), with fluid volume expressed as mL/kg of baseline body weight. Critically ill dogs developed greater %FO during hospitalization compared to stable postoperative dogs (12.1 ± 11.7% vs 0.5 ± 5.2%, P = 0.001), and half (8 out of 16) of the dogs with %FO ≥ 12% died. Composite APPLEfull scores were weakly positively correlated with %FO, whereas APPLEfast and single‐day APPLEfull scores recorded at admission were not. The odds ratio for death was 1.08 for every percent increase in FO during hospitalization (95% confidence limits 1.012–1.59, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Critically ill dogs are at increased risk for FO during hospitalization, and a weak but significant association exists between %FO, illness severity, and mortality. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm the findings of this retrospective study.
Resolution of spontaneous hemoabdomen secondary to peliosis hepatis following surgery and azithromycin treatment in a Bartonella species infected dog
Authors: Berkowitz Steven T. , Gannon Kristi M. , Carberry Carol A. , Cortes Yonaira
Published: April 2016

Objective

To describe a case of hemoperitonium in a dog with Bartonellosis and peliosis hepatis (PH) lesions that resolved following antimicrobial therapy.

Case Summary

A 3‐year‐11‐month‐old 22.5 kg female spayed mixed breed dog presented for progressive lethargy and vomiting. An abdominal ultrasonographic examination revealed moderate ascites, which when sampled was nonclotting hemorrhagic fluid. An exploratory laparotomy revealed a large volume of nonclotted blood in the dog's abdomen and blood‐filled vesicular lesions dispersed diffusely along multiple lobes of the liver. Biopsies revealed lesions indicative of PH. Serology testing for Bartonella species was positive. Treatment with azithromycin resulted in Bartonella serology negative status and no further evidence of hemoperitonium at recheck examination 12 months after initial presentation.

New or Unique Information Provided

This is the first reported case of PH and hemoperitoneum in a Bartonella species serology positive dog wherein treatment with azithromycin resulted in serology negative status. There have been no subsequent episodes of hemoperitoneum in the 12 months since treatment.
Clinical‐grade quality platelet‐rich plasma releasate (PRP‐R/SRGF) from CaCl2‐activated platelet concentrates promoted expansion of mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Borghese C. , Agostini F. , Durante C. , Colombatti A. , Mazzucato M. , Aldinucci D.
Published: April 2016

Background and Objectives

The aim of our study was to test a platelet‐rich plasma releasate (PRP‐R/SRGF) from CaCl2‐activated platelets as a source of growth factors for the expansion of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). PRP‐R/SRGF, obtained with a low‐cost procedure, is characterized by a reduced variability of growth factor release.

Materials and Methods

PRP‐R/SRGF is a clinical‐grade quality solution obtained from CaCl2‐activated platelets. Its activity was evaluated by measuring the proliferation, the phenotype, the differentiation potential and the immunosuppressive properties of MSCs derived from bone marrow (BM) and adipose tissue (AT).

Results

PRP‐R/SRGF was more active than FBS to expand BM‐ and AT‐derived MSCs. PRP‐R/SRGF treatment did not affect the expression of typical MSCs surface markers, neither MSCs differentiation potential nor their capability to inhibit activated T‐cell proliferation.

Conclusions

The clinical‐grade PRP‐R/SRGF may be used in the clinical setting for the expansion of MSCs.
Fluid motion and shear forces in platelet storage bags with different modes of agitation
Authors: Torres Richard , Tormey Christopher A. , Stack Gary
Published: April 2016

This study describes a new method for comparison of fluid motion and associated shear forces with various modes of platelet agitation. Fluid motion generated by flatbed, tumbler‐type and circular platelet agitators was investigated. Trajectory tracings of polyethylene beads suspended inside platelet storage bags were used to calculate motion parameters. Mean particle speeds generated by flatbed agitation were approximately 25‐fold greater than those generated by 3‐rpm tumbler‐type agitation, corresponding to a wall shear stress increase in approximately sevenfold for flatbed agitation. As such, flatbed agitation is more likely to contribute to shear‐associated changes in platelets than other modes of agitation.
Estimation of low-altitude moving target trajectory using single acoustic array
Authors: Tong Jianfei , Xie Wei , Hu Yu-Hen , Bao Ming , Li Xiaodong , He Wei
Published: April 2016

An acoustic-signature based method of estimating the flight trajectory of low-altitude flying aircraft that only requires a stationary microphone array is proposed. This method leverages the Doppler shifts of engine sound to estimate the closest point of approach distance, time, and speed. It also leverages the acoustic phase shift over the microphone array to estimate the direction of arrival of the target. Combining these parameters, this algorithm provides a total least square estimate of the target trajectory under the assumption of constant target height, direction, and speed. Analytical bounds of potential performance degradation due to noise are derived and the estimation error caused by signal propagation delay is analyzed, and both are verified with extensive simulation. The proposed algorithm is also validated by processing the data collected in field experiments.
Rural China is no country for old people
Authors: McLaughlin Kathleen
Published: April 2016

Erosion of families sparks an epidemic of suicides among the elderly.
Underground networking
Authors: Heijden Marcel G. A. van der
Published: April 2016

Fungal networks transfer carbon between forest trees

[Also see Report by

Klein
et al.

]
When cells push the envelope
Authors: Burke Brian
Published: April 2016

Nuclear integrity is temporarily compromised to accommodate cell migration

[Also see Reports by

Denais
et al.

and

Raab
et al.

]
Methodological and Clinical Aspects of the Molecular Epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Other Mycobacteria
Authors: Jagielski Tomasz , Minias Alina , van Ingen Jakko , Rastogi Nalin , Brzostek Anna , Żaczek Anna , Dziadek Jarosław
Published: April 2016

Molecular typing has revolutionized epidemiological studies of infectious diseases, including those of a mycobacterial etiology. With the advent of fingerprinting techniques, many traditional concepts regarding transmission, infectivity, or pathogenicity of mycobacterial bacilli have been revisited, and their conventional interpretations have been challenged. Since the mid-1990s, when the first typing methods were introduced, a plethora of other modalities have been proposed. So-called molecular epidemiology has become an essential subdiscipline of modern mycobacteriology. It serves as a resource for understanding the key issues in the epidemiology of tuberculosis and other mycobacterial diseases. Among these issues are disclosing sources of infection, quantifying recent transmission, identifying transmission links, discerning reinfection from relapse, tracking the geographic distribution and clonal expansion of specific strains, and exploring the genetic mechanisms underlying specific phenotypic traits, including virulence, organ tropism, transmissibility, or drug resistance. Since genotyping continues to unravel the biology of mycobacteria, it offers enormous promise in the fight against and prevention of the diseases caused by these pathogens. In this review, molecular typing methods for
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
and nontuberculous mycobacteria elaborated over the last 2 decades are summarized. The relevance of these methods to the epidemiological investigation, diagnosis, evolution, and control of mycobacterial diseases is discussed.
Novel Taxa Associated with Human Fungal Black-Grain Mycetomas: Emarellia grisea gen. nov., sp. nov., and Emarellia paragrisea sp. nov
Authors: Borman Andrew M. , Desnos-Ollivier Marie , Campbell Colin K. , Bridge Paul D. , Dannaoui Eric , Johnson Elizabeth M.
Published: April 2016

Eumycetoma is a debilitating, chronic, fungal infection that is endemic in India, Indonesia, and parts of Africa and South and Central America. It remains a neglected tropical disease in need of international recognition. Infections follow traumatic implantation of saprophytic fungi and frequently require radical surgery or amputation in the absence of appropriate treatment. Several fungal species can cause black-grain mycetomas, including
Madurella
spp. (
Sordariales
),
Falciformispora
spp.,
Trematosphaeria grisea
,
Biatriospora mackinnonii
,
Pseudochaetosphaeronema larense
, and
Medicopsis romeroi
(all
Pleosporales
). We performed phylogenetic analyses based on five loci on 31 isolates from two international culture collections to establish the taxonomic affiliations of fungi that had been isolated from cases of black-grain mycetoma and historically classified as
Madurella grisea
. Although most strains were well resolved to species level and corresponded to known agents of eumycetoma, six independent isolates, which failed to produce conidia under any conditions tested, were only distantly related to existing members of the
Pleosporales
. Five of the six isolates shared >99% identity with each other and are described as
Emarellia grisea
gen. nov. and sp. nov; the sixth isolate represents a sister species in this novel genus and is described as
Emarellia paragrisea.
Several
E. grisea
isolates were present in both United Kingdom and French culture collections and had been isolated independently over 6 decades from cases of imported eumycetoma. Four of the six isolates involved patients that had originated on the Indian subcontinent. All isolates were all susceptible
in vitro
to the azole antifungals, but had elevated MICs with caspofungin.
Influence of Culture Media on Detection of Carbapenem Hydrolysis by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ramos Ana Carolina , Carvalhaes Cecília Godoy , Cordeiro-Moura Jhonatha Rodrigo , Rockstroh Anna Carolina , Machado Antonia Maria Oliveira , Gales Ana Cristina
Published: April 2016

In this study, we evaluated the influence of distinct bacterial growth media on detection of carbapenemase hydrolysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry. False-negative results were observed for OXA-25-, OXA-26-, and OXA-72-producing
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates grown on MacConkey agar medium. The other culture media showed 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for detecting carbapenemase.
Hamstring strength and flexibility after hamstring strain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Maniar Nirav , Shield Anthony J , Williams Morgan D , Timmins Ryan G , Opar David A
Published: April 2016

Objective

To systematically review the evidence base related to hamstring strength and flexibility in previously injured hamstrings.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

A systematic literature search was conducted of PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and EMBASE from inception to August 2015.

Inclusion criteria

Full-text English articles which included studies which assessed at least one measure of hamstring strength or flexibility in men and women with prior hamstring strain injury within 24 months of the testing date.

Results

Twenty-eight studies were included in the review. Previously injured legs demonstrated deficits across several variables. Lower isometric strength was found <7 days postinjury (d=−1.72), but this did not persist beyond 7 days after injury. The passive straight leg raise was restricted at multiple time points after injury (<10 days, d=−1.12; 10–20 days, d=−0.74; 20–30 days, d=−0.40), but not after 40–50 days postinjury. Deficits remained after return to play in isokinetically measured concentric (60°/s, d=−0.33) and Nordic eccentric knee flexor strength (d=−0.39). The conventional hamstring to quadricep strength ratios were also reduced well after return to play (60:60°/s, d=−0.32; 240:240°/s, d=−0.43) and functional (30:240°/s, d=−0.88), but these effects were inconsistent across measurement methods.

Conclusions

After hamstring strain, acute isometric and passive straight leg raise deficits resolve within 20–50 days. Deficits in eccentric and concentric strength and strength ratios persist after return to play, but this effect was inconsistent across measurement methods. Flexibility and isometric strength should be monitored throughout rehabilitation, but dynamic strength should be assessed at and following return to play.
Comparison of uptake of long-acting reversible contraception after abortion from a hospital or a community sexual and reproductive healthcare setting: an observational study
Authors: Cameron Sharon T , Glasier Anna , Johnstone Anne
Published: April 2016

Background

Uptake of the most effective long-acting reversible methods of contraception (LARC) immediately after abortion has been shown to reduce a woman's risk of further abortion. We aimed to compare the uptake of LARC at abortion services from a hospital department of obstetrics and gynaecology and a specialist contraceptive setting of a community sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service within the same city.

Methods

Retrospective database review of women (n=2473) requesting abortion who were assessed at either a community SRH service or a hospital department of obstetrics and gynaecology, in the same UK city over a period of 1 year. The main outcome measures were immediate post-abortal uptake of LARC from each site.

Results

A higher proportion of women assessed at the SRH service received LARC after abortion [50.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47–0.53%] compared to those attending the hospital site (39.2%; 95% CI 0.36–0.42%;p<0.0001). Amongst women having an outpatient early medical abortion, LARC uptake at the SRH was twice that of the hospital setting (48.4% vs 23.3%;p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Higher uptake of immediate post-abortal LARC was observed amongst women who were assessed at the specialist contraceptive service in the community SRH setting compared to the hospital setting. Further research is required to determine the reasons for these observations since all abortion services should provide the same high-quality contraceptive service to women undergoing abortion.
Initial and mid-term results from 108 consecutive patients with cerebral aneurysms treated with the WEB device
Authors: Clajus Christin , Strasilla Christoph , Fiebig Tom , Sychra Vojtech , Fiorella David , Klisch Joachim
Published: April 2016

Introduction

The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) is a novel device for the treatment of wide-necked intracranial bifurcation aneurysms. The present series demonstrates our ‘real-world experience’ in the use of all iterations of WEB devices (available in Europe) in ruptured and unruptured aneurysms.

Methods

We analyzed our all-inclusive cerebrovascular database for patients treated with the WEB device between October 2010 and May 2015. Anatomic and clinical results are reported for all patients.

Results

One hundred and eight patients with 114 intracranial aneurysms were included in the series. Forty-seven aneurysms (41.2%) were ruptured. Eighty-six patients received angiographic and clinical follow-up after a mean of 13.4 months. One hundred and ten of 114 WEB devices (96.5%) were deployed successfully. Thromboembolic complications occurred in 11 of 110 interventions (10.0%), with a new permanent deficit in one patient. Re-rupture after WEB treatment was detected in two aneurysms (4.3%), which had both initially presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Angiographic follow-up revealed adequate occlusion in 68 of 90 aneurysms (75.6%). Fifteen aneurysms required retreatment.

Conclusions

This series confirms a high level of safety and efficacy of the WEB device for the treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms.
NADPH oxidase inhibitor improves outcome of mechanical reperfusion by suppressing hemorrhagic transformation
Authors: Tuo Yong-Hua , Liu Zhong , Chen Jian-Wen , Wang Qing-Yuan , Li Song-Lin , Li Ming-Chang , Dai Gang , Wang Jin-Shan , Zhang Yong-Li , Feng Lei , Shi Zhong-Song
Published: April 2016

Background

Severe hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after mechanical thrombectomy predicts a poor clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke. To better understand the mechanism of HT, we investigated the role of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) in HT after reperfusion during acute stroke and whether NOX2/4 inhibitor VAS2870 reduces reperfusion-induced HT after mechanical recanalization.

Methods

A model of reperfusion-induced HT was established in rats (n=182) with hyperglycemic challenge and 5 h middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by 19 h reperfusion. NOX inhibitor VAS2870 was delivered intravenously 30 min before reperfusion. Infarct volume, brain water content, HT, neurological score, mortality rate, blood–brain barrier (BBB) damage, neuronal apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species were determined at 24 h after cerebral ischemia. The expressions of NOX1, NOX2, NOX4, and BBB-associated proteins were measured.

Results

NOX2 and NOX4 upregulation and severe HT were observed in hyperglycemic rats after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. VAS2870 suppressed oxidative stress, neuronal apoptosis, and NOX2/4 upregulation in the ischemic hemisphere. VAS2870 reduced infarct volume (17.2±5.3% vs 37.4±9.2%, p<0.01) and the frequency of reperfusion-induced parenchymal hematoma (29.7% vs 59.5%, p<0.05) at 24 h after ischemia compared with the ischemia/reperfusion group. VAS2870 attenuated brain edema and reduced reperfusion-induced BBB breakdown, resulting in improved neurological outcome (neurological deficit score 1.43±0.50 vs 2.43±0.93, p<0.001) and reduced mortality (11.9% vs 64.1%, p<0.001).

Conclusions

NOX2 and NOX4 may mediate HT in rats with large vessel stroke after mechanical reperfusion. Infusion of NOX inhibitor VAS2870 before mechanical thrombectomy represents a novel adjunctive therapeutic strategy to prevent reperfusion-induced HT and improve outcome of acute stroke treatment.
Biotic processes in the Okanagan Highlands floras: possible evidence of hybridization in plants adapting to a temperate forest
Authors: DeVore Melanie L. , Pigg Kathleen B.
Published: April 2016

Hybridization is a key mechanism for increased diversification and speciation among modern plants and is especially important in certain families such as Rosaceae and Anacardiaceae. This mechanism is found to occur most commonly in areas of ecological disturbance, distribution, and migration. Resulting hybrid individuals have characteristic intermediate or mosaic patterns that combine those of the two parents in morphologically distinct and identifiable ways. The diverse latest Early Eocene flora of Republic, Washington, USA, is among the most collected of the Okanagan Highlands floras. This fossil flora includes relatives of modern taxa that are known to hybridize and produce characteristic patterns of leaf morphology and venation (Rosaceae; Anacardiaceae). In this study, we document patterns found in representative fossil leaves that are comparable to those indicative of hybridization in the modern relatives. We use the genera Sorbus L. (Rosaceae) and Rhus L. (Anacardiaceae) as models to demonstrate potential hybridization in the latest Early Eocene.
Relativistic proton-impact excitation of hydrogen atom in the presence of intense laser field
Authors: Hrour E. , Taj S. , Chahboune A. , Manaut B.
Published: April 2016

A theoretical treatment, using the first Born approximation, is presented to analyse the results of relativistic laser-assisted proton – hydrogen atom scattering. Specific calculations are carried out for excitation of hydrogen atoms from 1s1/2 to 2s1/2 states by proton impact. We work in an approximation in which the incoming proton may be described by Dirac–Volkov states in the presence of a laser field. Semi-relativistic Darwin wave functions are used to describe the hydrogen atom in its initial and final states, while relativistic, spin, and laser interaction effects are also accounted for. The results presented in this paper show that the differential cross section for this process depends not only upon the energy of the incident proton, but also upon its interaction with the laser field through intensity and frequency.
Nonmodal scutes patterns in the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Carettacaretta): a possible epigenetic effect?
Authors: Caracappa S. , Pisciotta A. , Persichetti M.F. , Caracappa G. , Alduina R. , Arculeo M.
Published: April 2016

Eleven specimens of the threatened Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta (L., 1758)) were caught accidentally by fishermen in different parts of Sicily (Mediterranean Sea). Five of them showed an atypical number of carapacial and plastron scutes, making the immediate identification of the specimens as C. caretta difficult. Both genetic and epigenetic analysis were carried out on these specimens. Sequencing of a 649 bp sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene allowed us to classify all the individuals as C. caretta. Epigenetic analysis, performed by evaluating the total level of DNA cytosine methylation, showed a reduced and significant (F = 72.65, p < 0.01) global level of methylated cytosines in the turtles with nonmodal scutes compared with the normal turtles. Our results suggest that the variability in the number of scutes could be dependent on the environmental conditions during embryonic incubation, via an epigenetic mechanism. This finding could have implications in our understanding of the pathways of morphological evolution and diversification in the chelonians.
OAM: An Ontology Application Management Framework for Simplifying Ontology-Based Semantic Web Application Development
Authors: Buranarach Marut , Supnithi Thepchai , Thein Ye Myat , Ruangrajitpakorn Taneth , Rattanasawad Thanyalak , Wongpatikaseree Konlakorn , Lim Azman Osman , Tan Yasuo , Assawamakin Anunchai
Published: April 2016

Although the Semantic Web data standards are established, ontology-based applications built on the standards are relatively limited. This is partly due to high learning curve and efforts demanded in building ontology-based Semantic Web applications. In this paper, we describe an ontology application management (OAM) framework that aims to simplify creation and adoption of ontology-based application that is based on the Semantic Web technology. OAM introduces an intermediate layer between user application and programming and development environment in order to support ontology-based data publishing and access, abstraction and interoperability. The framework focuses on providing reusable and configurable data and application templates, which allow the users to create the applications without programming skill required. Three forms of templates are introduced: database to ontology mapping configuration, recommendation rule and application templates. We describe two case studies that adopted the framework: activity recognition in smart home domain and thalassemia clinical support system, and how the framework was used in simplifying development in both projects. In addition, we provide some performance evaluation results to show that, by limiting expressiveness of the rule language, a specialized form of recommendation processor can be developed for more efficient performance. Some advantages and limitations of the application framework in ontology-based applications are also discussed.
Chirality transitions in frustrated S2-valued spin systems
Authors: Cicalese Marco , Ruf Matthias , Solombrino Francesco
Published: April 2016

We study the discrete-to-continuum limit of the helical XY [Formula: see text]-spin system on the lattice [Formula: see text]. We scale the interaction parameters in order to reduce the model to a spin chain in the vicinity of the Landau–Lifschitz point and we prove that at the same energy scaling under which the [Formula: see text]-model presents scalar chirality transitions, the cost of every vectorial chirality transition is zero. In addition we show that if the energy of the system is modified penalizing the distance of the [Formula: see text]-field from a finite number of copies of [Formula: see text], it is still possible to prove the emergence of nontrivial (possibly trace-dependent) chirality transitions.
Facile synthesis of water-soluble graphene-based composite: Non-covalently functionalized with chitosan-ionic liquid conjugation
Authors: Li Pei-Ying , Cheng Kai-Yu , Zheng Xiu-Cheng , Liu Pu , Xu Xiu-Juan
Published: April 2016

Chitosan-ionic liquid conjugation (CILC), which was prepared through the reaction of 1-(4-bromobutyl)-3-methylimidazolium bromide (BBMIB) with chitosan, was firstly used to prepare functionalized graphene composite via the chemical reduction of graphene oxide (GO). The obtained water soluble graphene-based composite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy and so on. CILC-RGO showed excellent dispersion stability in water at the concentration of 2.0 mg/mL, which was stable for several months without any precipitate. This may be ascribed to the electrostatic attraction and [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] interaction between CILC and graphene.
A workflow for vertical and horizontal near-wellbore permeability modelling in the McMurray Formation
Authors: Babak O. , Resnick J.
Published: April 2016

The McMurray Formation is the most volumetrically important source of bitumen in the Canadian oil sands. While there are many parameters that affect prediction of bitumen recovery in commercial
in situ
oil sand projects, absolute permeability is the most important geological parameter. In this paper, we describe a customized near-wellbore modelling workflow for the estimation of vertical and horizontal permeability in the McMurray Formation using high-resolution microresistivity images. All steps required to calculate permeability logs calibrated to core plug measurements are documented and detailed. To show a general applicability of the method, a case study of several wells from the Cenovus Energy Inc. (Cenovus) Foster Creek project is presented. The wells are specifically selected to be different in terms of facies, their characteristics and interval lengths.