bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental outcomes in cerebrospinal fluid proven enteroviral meningitis in neonates > 32 weeks of gestation
Authors: Balasubramanian Haribalakrishna , Wagh Deepika , Rao Shripada , Keil Anthony D , McMichael Judy
Published: April 2016

Aim

The aim of this study is to assess the short‐term and long‐term (1 year) outcomes of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) confirmed enteroviral meningitis in neonates > 32 weeks of gestation.

Methods

A retrospective audit of neonates admitted between 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2012.

Results

Thirty‐three neonates were diagnosed with enteroviral meningitis based on a positive CSF enteroviral PCR. Physical growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 1 year corrected for prematurity were available for 24 infants. All infants were alive at 1 year. The median weight, length and head circumference at 1 year were in the 72nd, 62nd and 78th centile and were comparable with the birth parameters. The mean general quotient (GQ) was 98.5 (SD 7.1) and was not significantly different from the population mean of 100.2 (P = 0.27). None of the infants had a GQ > 2SD below the population mean. Neurological recovery was complete in the 24 neonates assessed except one, who developed cerebral palsy, epilepsy and progressive hydrocephalus requiring ventriculoperitoneal shunt at 1 year.

Conclusion

Neonatal enteroviral meningitis was associated with optimal growth and neurodevelopment in the majority of the infants at 1 year corrected for prematurity. Longer term studies are needed to better define developmental outcomes.
Controlling and Defence‐related Mechanisms of Bacillus Strains Against Bacterial Leaf Blight of Rice
Authors: Elshakh Ahmed S. A. , Anjum Syed Ishtiaq , Qiu Wen , Almoneafy Abdulwareth A. , Li Wang , Yang Zhang , Cui Zhou‐Qi , Li Bin , Sun Guo‐Chang , Xie Guan‐Lin
Published: April 2016

Bacillus strains are broadly studied for their beneficial role in plant growth and biological control of plant disease and pest; however, little is known about their underlying mechanisms. In this study, we assessed the controlling and defence‐related mechanisms of three Bacillus strains including rice seed‐associated strain B. subtilis A15, rhizobacterial strains B. amyloliquefaciens D29 and B. methylotrophicus H8, all of which are against bacterial leaf blight (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. Results indicated that all three strains showed strong biofilm formation ability. The culture filtrates of each strain significantly suppressed the growth and biofilm formation of X. oryzae, while changes in bacterial cell morphology such as cell swell and severe cell wall alterations were observed through the transmission electron microscopy images. PCR analysis revealed that all three strains harbour the antimicrobial‐associated genes that are responsible for biosynthesis of bacillomycin, fengycin, iturin and surfactin. Subsequent real‐time qPCR analysis revealed the upregulated expression of fenD and srfAA genes in D29 and H8, and fenD and ituC genes in A15 during their in vitro interaction with X. oryzae. It suggests that the antibacterial mechanisms of the three strains may be at least partially associated with their ability to secrete corresponding lipopeptides. Interestingly, the applications of the three strains in greenhouse conditions were found to be effective in controlling the BLB disease, which was achieved through the activation of inducing systemic resistance resulted from the enhanced activities of defence‐related enzymes. This is the first report of demonstration of the mode of antibacterial effect of Bacillus strains against X. oryzae. Overall, data from the current study provide valuable information for biological control of BLB disease in rice.
Assessing health literacy and oral health: preliminary results of a multi‐site investigation
Authors: Macek Mark D. , Atchison Kathryn A. , Watson Maria Rosa , Holtzman Jennifer , Wells William , Braun Bonnie , Aldoory Linda , Messadi Diana , Gironda Melanie , Haynes Don , Parker Ruth M. , Chen Haiyan , Coller Susan , Richards Jessica
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To introduce a multi‐site assessment of oral health literacy and to describe preliminary analyses of the relationships between health literacy and selected oral health outcomes within the context of a comprehensive conceptual model.

Methods

Data for this analysis came from the Multi‐Site Oral Health Literacy Research Study (MOHLRS), a federally funded investigation of health literacy and oral health. MOHLRS consisted of a broad survey, including several health literacy assessments, and measures of attitudes, knowledge, and other factors. The survey was administered to 922 initial care‐seeking adult patients presenting to university‐based dental clinics in California and Maryland. For this descriptive analysis, confidence filling out forms, word recognition, and reading comprehension comprised the health literacy assessments. Dental visits, oral health functioning, and dental self‐efficacy were the outcomes.

Results

Overall, up to 21% of participants reported having difficulties with practical health literacy tasks. After controlling for sociodemographic confounders, no health literacy assessment was associated with dental visits or dental caries self‐efficacy. However, confidence filling out forms and word recognition were each associated with oral health functioning and periodontal disease self‐efficacy.

Conclusions

Our analysis showed that dental school patients exhibit a range of health literacy abilities. It also revealed that the relationship between health literacy and oral health is not straightforward, depending on patient characteristics and the unique circumstances of the encounter. We anticipate future analyses of MOHLRS data will answer questions about the role that health literacy and various mediating factors play in explaining oral health disparities.
Development and characterization of a novel lipohydrogel nanocarrier: repaglinide as a lipophilic model drug
Authors: Ebrahimi Hossein Ali , Javadzadeh Yousef , Hamidi Mehrdad , Barzegar Jalali Mohammad
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are highly susceptible to phagocytosis by reticuloendothelial system (RES). To overcome this problem, a novel hydrogel-coated SLNs structure was developed and evaluated in this study.

Methods

Solid lipid nanoparticles surface was coated with chitosan, via electrostatic attraction with the negatively charged SLNs surface. The resulting polymer-coated SLNs then hosted an inorganic poly-anionic agent, tripolyphosphate, to form the final lipohydrogel structure.

Key findings

Compared with the bare SLNs, lipohydrogel nanoparticles (LHNs) showed a significant increase in size and zeta potential. The release profile showed lower burst release and lower release rate for LHNs compared with SLNs. LHNs nanoparticles released the model antidiabetic drug, repaglinide, in a more sustained manner with lower burst effect compared with the corresponding SLN structure. Cytotoxicity studies via cell culture and MTT assay revealed no bio-toxicity of the SLNs and LHNs. In addition, intravenous administration of repaglinide-loaded SLNs and LHNs in rats showed longer drug residence time in circulation for LHNs, a trend also evident for the blood glucose level-time profile.

Conclusion

The particle size, zeta potential, FTIR and microscopy data demonstrated the formation of the supposed lipohydrogel nanoparticles. All these benefits of LHNs propose it as a promising candidate for controlled release of the drugs.
Therapeutic Body Wraps in Swiss public adult acute inpatient wards. A retrospective descriptive cohort study
Authors: Opsommer E. , Dubois J. , Bangerter G. , Panchaud R. , Martin D. , Skuza K.
Published: April 2016

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

Various expert opinions reported relational benefits and tranquilizing effects of therapeutic body wraps (TBW) in adults experiencing high anxiety in the context of psychosis. Yet, this tranquilizing effect was never investigated in larger samples and in the context of modern psychopharmacology.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

This is the first study to establish descriptive statistics of this mind‐body therapy in French‐speaking Switzerland where TBWs are routinely used in two public psychiatric hospitals. It brings knowledge on patients nowadays treated with TBW. Moreover, it opens a new area of investigation on the potential of this nursing technique, which may contribute to reduce anxiolytic medication in severely ill patients.

What are the implications for practice?

This study sheds light on a clinical practice in mental health nursing and upon nurses’ specific contribution to psychiatric clinic. It investigates a potential for TBWs to reduce the use of anxiolytic medications by patients who agreed to have TBW as part of their treatment. It may help to inform the mental health nursing practice.

Introduction

Many patients suffering from serious mental illness experience severe anxiety and those with psychosis often report the feeling of their bodies falling apart. While it is believed that these patients benefit from therapeutic body wraps (TBWs), the use of this adjunct therapy has rarely been studied in adult patients.

Aims

The aim of this study was to obtain descriptive statistics on the clinical, social‐demographic and institutional reality of TBW therapy in Swiss public adult inpatient wards.

Methods

Retrospective data related to a cohort of 172 adult inpatients were retrieved from records of two public hospitals. Correlations between TBW and the prescriptions of lorazepam were explored.

Results

TBWs were primarily used for patients diagnosed with either schizophrenia, schizotypal, delusional and other non‐mood psychotic disorders or mood disorders. Patients had, on average, four psychiatric hospitalizations, and in 30% of the cases, TBWs were offered during the first hospitalization. Moreover, TBWs were mostly practiced by nurses. Body wraps were potentially associated with a reduction in both anxiolytic and neuroleptic drugs.

Discussion/Implication for practice

Based on our results, TBW might contribute to the clinical management of anxiety by nurses. The efficacy of TWB regarding anxiety has yet to be investigated in a randomized controlled trial.
Risk factors associated with a decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate based on cystatin C levels in school‐age children with extremely low birthweight
Authors: Yamamura‐Miyazaki Natsumi , Yamamoto Katsusuke , Fujiwara Kaori , Santo Yoko , Michigami Toshimi , Kitajima Hiroyuki , Satomura Kenichi
Published: April 2016

Aim

A single centre retrospective cohort study was designed to investigate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in school‐age children born with extremely low birthweight (ELBW) and to determine risk factors predictive of decreased eGFR.

Methods

We compared eGFR based on cystatin C (CysC‐eGFR) between school‐age children born with ELBW (ELBW group, n = 48; median gestational age: 26.9 weeks; median birthweight: 792 g) and children born at term (control group, n = 48). The ELBW group was then further divided into a decreased CysC‐eGFR subgroup (eGFR <90 mL/min per 1.73 m2, n = 20) and a normal CysC‐eGFR subgroup (n = 28), and perinatal background factors were compared.

Results

The ELBW group showed a significantly lower CysC‐eGFR compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Comparison between the decreased and normal CysC‐eGFR subgroups in the ELBW group showed that children with lower birthweight, shorter gestational age, lower 5‐min Apgar score, longer length of mechanical ventilation, lower weight gain in the first 11 weeks, chronic lung disease, and postnatal corticosteroid administration had significantly decreased CysC‐eGFR. Multivariate logistic regression showed that a lower 5‐min Apgar score was the only independent risk factor for decreased CysC‐eGFR.

Conclusions

CysC‐eGFR might already be decreased at school age in children born with ELBW. Renal assessment in regular follow‐up examinations is recommended.
Decomposing Beveridge Curve Dynamics By Correlated Unobserved Components
Authors: Klinger Sabine , Weber Enzo
Published: April 2016

Our paper provides a consistent framework to study the structural or cyclical nature of Beveridge curve (BC) dynamics: We connect equilibrium unemployment theory to a flexible multivariate unobserved components model. We disentangle permanent and transitory components of all series determining the BC and its position. Cointegration and identification are addressed. The German curve is an ideal illustration as reforms of the institutional setting and the Great Recession were accompanied by a remarkable labour market development. We find an extraordinary increase in trend matching efficiency after the reforms, which testifies to a permanent improvement. Matching efficiency accounts for about half of the BCś inward shift. As tightness also increased, a persistent upward movement masked the inward shift.
Parenting and childhood obesity research: a quantitative content analysis of published research 2009–2015
Authors: Gicevic S. , Aftosmes‐Tobio A. , Manganello J. A. , Ganter C. , Simon C. L. , Newlan S. , Davison K. K.
Published: April 2016

Background

A quantitative content analysis of research on parenting and childhood obesity was conducted to describe the recent literature and to identify gaps to address in future research.

Methods

Studies were identified from multiple databases and screened according to an a priori defined protocol. Eligible studies included non‐intervention studies, published in English (January 2009–December 2015) that focused on parenting and childhood obesity and included parent participants.

Results

Studies eligible for inclusion (N = 667) focused on diet (57%), physical activity (23%) and sedentary behaviours (12%). The vast majority of studies used quantitative methods (80%) and a cross‐sectional design (86%). Few studies focused exclusively on fathers (1%) or included non‐residential (1%), non‐biological (4%), indigenous (1%), immigrant (7%), ethnic/racial minority (15%) or low‐socioeconomic status (19%) parents.

Discussion

While results illustrate that parenting in the context of childhood obesity is a robust, global and multidisciplinary area of inquiry, it is also evident that the vast majority of studies are conducted among Caucasian, female, biological caregivers living in westernized countries. Expansion of study foci and design is recommended to capture a wider range of caregiver types and obesity‐related parenting constructs, improve the validity and generalizability of findings and inform the development of culture‐specific childhood obesity prevention interventions and policies. © 2016 World Obesity
The action model of relationship security: How one's own behavior shapes confidence in partners' care, regard, and commitment
Authors: LEMAY EDWARD P. , MUIR HEATHER J.
Published: April 2016

The authors present and test the action model of relationship security, which predicts that people's behavior toward a relationship partner shapes their security regarding that partner's care, regard, and commitment. Specifically, actors who enact prosocial or antisocial behavior develop corresponding prosocial or antisocial metaperceptions (i.e., they believe they are viewed as prosocial or antisocial by their partner). In turn, these metaperceptions have a strong influence on actors' security in their partner's care, regard, and commitment due to lay theories positing that prosocial and antisocial behavior impacts others' sentiments. Four studies supported this model. Moreover, findings suggest that prosocial metaperceptions buffer the harmful effects of attachment anxiety on relationship security. This research suggests the relevance of own behavior for relationship security.
Surface-atmosphere decoupling limits accumulation at Summit, Greenland
Authors: Berkelhammer Max , Noone David C. , Steen-Larsen Hans Christian , Bailey Adriana , Cox Christopher J. , O’Neill Michael S. , Schneider David , Steffen Konrad , White James W. C.
Published: April 2016

The surface of the Greenland ice sheet becomes isolated from the atmosphere during the winter, which acts to conserve ice mass.
Mechanisms Involved in Acquisition of
bla
NDM
Genes by IncA/C
2
and IncFII
Y
Plasmids
Authors: Wailan Alexander M. , Sidjabat Hanna E. , Yam Wan Keat , Alikhan Nabil-Fareed , Petty Nicola K. , Sartor Anna L. , Williamson Deborah A. , Forde Brian M. , Schembri Mark A. , Beatson Scott A. , Paterson David L. , Walsh Timothy R. , Partridge Sally R.
Published: April 2016

bla
NDM
genes confer carbapenem resistance and have been identified on transferable plasmids belonging to different incompatibility (Inc) groups. Here we present the complete sequences of four plasmids carrying a
bla
NDM
gene, pKP1-NDM-1, pEC2-NDM-3, pECL3-NDM-1, and pEC4-NDM-6, from four clinical samples originating from four different patients. Different plasmids carry segments that align to different parts of the
bla
NDM
region found on
Acinetobacter
plasmids. pKP1-NDM-1 and pEC2-NDM-3, from
Klebsiella pneumoniae
and
Escherichia coli
, respectively, were identified as type 1 IncA/C
2
plasmids with almost identical backbones. Different regions carrying
bla
NDM
are inserted in different locations in the antibiotic resistance island known as ARI-A, and IS
CR1
may have been involved in the acquisition of
bla
NDM-3
by pEC2-NDM-3. pECL3-NDM-1 and pEC4-NDM-6, from
Enterobacter cloacae
and
E. coli
, respectively, have similar IncFII
Y
backbones, but different regions carrying
bla
NDM
are found in different locations. Tn
3
-derived inverted-repeat transposable elements (TIME) appear to have been involved in the acquisition of
bla
NDM-6
by pEC4-NDM-6 and the
rmtC
16S rRNA methylase gene by IncFII
Y
plasmids. Characterization of these plasmids further demonstrates that even very closely related plasmids may have acquired
bla
NDM
genes by different mechanisms. These findings also illustrate the complex relationships between antimicrobial resistance genes, transposable elements, and plasmids and provide insights into the possible routes for transmission of
bla
NDM
genes among species of the
Enterobacteriaceae
family.
Molecular Diversity and Plasmid Analysis of KPC-Producing Escherichia coli
Authors: Chavda Kalyan D. , Chen Liang , Jacobs Michael R. , Bonomo Robert A. , Kreiswirth Barry N.
Published: April 2016

The emergence and spread of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC) among
Enterobacteriaceae
presents a major public health threat to the world. Although not as common as in
K. pneumoniae
, KPC is also found in
Escherichia coli
strains. Here, we genetically characterized 9 carbapenem-resistant
E. coli
strains isolated from six hospitals in the United States and completely sequenced their
bla
KPC
-harboring plasmids. The nine strains were isolated from different geographical locations and belonged to 8 different
E. coli
sequence types. Seven
bla
KPC
-harboring plasmids belonged to four different known incompatibility groups (IncN, -FIA, -FII
K2
, and -FII
K1
) and ranged in size from ∼16 kb to ∼241 kb. In this analysis, we also identified two plasmids that have novel replicons: (i) pBK28610, which is similar to p34978-3 with an insertion of Tn
4401b
, and (ii) pBK31611, which does not have an apparent homologue in the GenBank database. Moreover, we report the emergence of a pKP048-like plasmid, pBK34397, in
E. coli
in the United States. Meanwhile, we also found examples of interspecies spread of
bla
KPC
plasmids, as pBK34592 is identical to pBK30683, isolated from
K. pneumoniae
. In addition, we discovered examples of acquisition (pBK32602 acquired an ∼46-kb fragment including a novel replication gene, along with Tn
4401b
and other resistance genes) and/or loss (pKpQIL-Ec has a 14.5-kb deletion compared to pKpQIL-10 and pBK33689) of DNA, demonstrating the plasticity of these plasmids and their rapid evolution in the clinic. Overall, our study shows that the spread of
bla
KPC
-producing
E. coli
is largely due to horizontal transfer of
bla
KPC
-harboring plasmids and related mobile elements into diverse genetic backgrounds.
In Vivo
and
In Vitro
Efficacy of Minocycline-Based Combination Therapy for Minocycline-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Yang Ya-Sung , Lee Yi , Tseng Kuo-Chuan , Huang Wei-Cheng , Chuang Ming-Fen , Kuo Shu-Chen , Lauderdale Tsai-Ling Yang , Chen Te-Li
Published: April 2016

Minocycline-based combination therapy has been suggested to be a possible choice for the treatment of infections caused by minocycline-susceptible
Acinetobacter baumannii
, but its use for the treatment of infections caused by minocycline-resistant
A. baumannii
is not well established. In this study, we compared the efficacy of minocycline-based combination therapy (with colistin, cefoperazone-sulbactam, or meropenem) to that of colistin in combination with meropenem for the treatment of minocycline-resistant
A. baumannii
infection. From 2006 to 2010, 191 (17.6%) of 1,083
A. baumannii
complex isolates not susceptible to minocycline from the Taiwan Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance program were collected. Four representative
A. baumannii
isolates resistant to minocycline, amikacin, ampicillin-sulbactam, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, cefepime, gentamicin, imipenem, levofloxacin, meropenem, and piperacillin-tazobactam were selected on the basis of the diversity of their pulsotypes, collection years, health care setting origins, and geographic areas of origination. All four isolates had
tetB
and overexpressed
adeABC
, as revealed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Among all minocycline-based regimens, only the combination with colistin produced a fractional inhibitory concentration index comparable to that achieved with meropenem combined with colistin. Minocycline (4 or 16 μg/ml) in combination with colistin (0.5 μg/ml) also synergistically killed minocycline-resistant isolates in time-kill studies. Minocycline (50 mg/kg of body weight) in combination with colistin (10 mg/kg) significantly improved the survival of mice and reduced the number of bacteria present in the lungs of mice compared to the results of monotherapy. However, minocycline (16 μg/ml)-based therapy was not effective at reducing biofilm-associated bacteria at 24 or 48 h when its effectiveness was compared to that of colistin (0.5 μg/ml) and meropenem (8 μg/ml). The clinical use of minocycline in combination with colistin for the treatment of minocycline-resistant
A. baumannii
may warrant further investigation.
Antimicrobial Peptide P60.4Ac-Containing Creams and Gel for Eradication of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus from Cultured Skin and Airway Epithelial Surfaces
Authors: Haisma Elisabeth M. , Göblyös Anikó , Ravensbergen Bep , Adriaans Alwin E. , Cordfunke Robert A. , Schrumpf Jasmijn , Limpens Ronald W. A. L. , Schimmel Kirsten J. M. , den Hartigh Jan , Hiemstra Pieter S. , Drijfhout Jan Wouter , El Ghalbzouri Abdoelwaheb , Nibbering Peter H.
Published: April 2016

We previously found the LL-37-derived peptide P60.4Ac to be effective against methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) on human epidermal models (EMs). The goal of this study was to identify the preferred carrier for this peptide for topical application on skin and mucosal surfaces. We prepared P60.4Ac in three formulations, i.e., a water-in-oil cream with lanolin (Softisan 649), an oil-in-water cream with polyethylene glycol hexadecyl ether (Cetomacrogol), and a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (hypromellose) 4000 gel. We tested the antimicrobial efficacy of the peptide in these formulations against mupirocin-resistant and -sensitive MRSA strains on EMs and bronchial epithelial models (BEMs). The cytotoxic effects of formulated P60.4Ac on these models were determined using histology and WST-1 and lactate dehydrogenase assays. Moreover, we assessed the stability of the peptide in these formulations with storage for up to 3 months. Killing of MRSA by P60.4Ac in the two creams was less effective than that by P60.4Ac in the hypromellose gel. In agreement with those findings, P60.4Ac in the hypromellose gel was highly effective in eradicating the two MRSA strains from EMs. We found that even 0.1% (wt/wt) P60.4Ac in the hypromellose gel killed >99% of the viable planktonic bacteria and >85% of the biofilm-associated bacteria on EMs. Hypromellose gels containing 0.1% and 0.5% (wt/wt) P60.4Ac effectively reduced the numbers of viable MRSA cells from BEMs by >90%. No cytotoxic effects of P60.4Ac in the hypromellose gel with up to 2% (wt/wt) P60.4Ac on keratinocytes in EMs and in the hypromellose gel with up to 0.5% (wt/wt) P60.4Ac on epithelial cells in BEMs were observed. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that P60.4Ac was stable in the Softisan cream and the hypromellose gel but not in the Cetomacrogol cream. We conclude that P60.4Ac formulated in hypromellose gel is both stable and highly effective in eradicating MRSA from colonized EMs and BEMs.
Limits of Versatility of Versatile Peroxidase
Authors: Knop Doriv , Levinson Dana , Makovitzki Arik , Agami Avi , Lerer Elad , Mimran Avishai , Yarden Oded , Hadar Yitzhak
Published: April 2016

Although Mn
2+
is the most abundant substrate of versatile peroxidases (VPs), repression of
Pleurotus ostreatus
vp1
expression occurred in Mn
2+
-sufficient medium. This seems to be a biological contradiction. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of direct oxidation by VP1 under Mn
2+
-deficient conditions, as it was found to be the predominant enzyme during fungal growth in the presence of synthetic and natural substrates. The native VP1 was purified and characterized using three substrates, Mn
2+
, Orange II (OII), and Reactive Black 5 (RB5), each oxidized by a different active site in the enzyme. While the pH optimum for Mn
2+
oxidation is 5, the optimum pH for direct oxidation of both dyes was found to be 3. Indeed, effective
in vivo
decolorization occurred in media without addition of Mn
2+
only under acidic conditions. We have determined that Mn
2+
inhibits
in vitro
the direct oxidation of both OII and RB5 while RB5 stabilizes both Mn
2+
and OII oxidation. Furthermore, OII was found to inhibit the oxidation of both Mn
2+
and RB5. In addition, we could demonstrate that VP1 can cleave OII in two different modes. Under Mn
2+
-mediated oxidation conditions, VP1 was able to cleave the azo bond only in asymmetric mode, while under the optimum conditions for direct oxidation (absence of Mn
2+
at pH 3) both symmetric and asymmetric cleavages occurred. We concluded that the oxidation mechanism of aromatic compounds by VP1 is controlled by Mn
2+
and pH levels both in the growth medium and in the reaction mixture.

IMPORTANCE
VP1 is a member of the ligninolytic heme peroxidase gene family of the white rot fungus
Pleurotus ostreatus
and plays a fundamental role in biodegradation. This enzyme exhibits a versatile nature, as it can oxidize different substrates under altered environmental conditions. VPs are highly interesting enzymes due to the fact that they contain unique active sites that are responsible for direct oxidation of various aromatic compounds, including lignin, in addition to the well-known Mn
2+
binding active site. This study demonstrates the limits of versatility of
P. ostreatus
VP1, which harbors multiple active sites, exhibiting a broad range of enzymatic activities, but they perform differently under distinct conditions. The versatility of
P. ostreatus
and its enzymes is an advantageous factor in the fungal ability to adapt to changing environments. This trait expands the possibilities for the potential utilization of
P. ostreatus
and other white rot fungi.
Cost effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy and behavioural stress management for severe health anxiety
Authors: Hedman Erik , Andersson Erik , Ljótsson Brjánn , Axelsson Erland , Lekander Mats
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Internet-delivered exposure-based cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of severe health anxiety. The health economic effects of the treatment have, however, been insufficiently studied and no prior study has investigated the effect of ICBT compared with an active psychological treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the cost effectiveness of ICBT compared with internet-delivered behavioural stress management (IBSM) for adults with severe health anxiety defined as Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) hypochondriasis. ICBT was hypothesised to be the more cost-effective treatment.

Setting

This was a cost-effectiveness study within the context of a randomised controlled trial conducted in a primary care/university setting. Participants from all of Sweden could apply to participate.

Participants

Self-referred adults (N=158) with a principal diagnosis of DSM-IV hypochondriasis, of whom 151 (96%) provided baseline and post-treatment data.

Interventions

ICBT or IBSM for 12 weeks.

Primary and secondary measures

The primary outcome was the Health Anxiety Inventory. The secondary outcome was the EQ-5D. Other secondary measures were used in the main outcome study but were not relevant for the present health economic analysis.

Results

Both treatments led to significant reductions in gross total costs, costs of healthcare visits, direct non-medical costs and costs of domestic work cutback (p=0.000–0.035). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) indicated that the cost of one additional case of clinically significant improvement in ICBT compared with IBSM was $2214. The cost-utility ICER, that is, the cost of one additional quality-adjusted life year, was estimated to be $10 000.

Conclusions

ICBT is a cost-effective treatment compared with IBSM and treatment costs are offset by societal net cost reductions in a short time. A cost-benefit analysis speaks for ICBT to play an important role in increasing access to effective treatment for severe health anxiety.

Trial registration number

NCT01673035; Results.
Microbeam systems at TIARA
Authors: Kamiya Tomihiro
Published: April 2016

Ion microbeam technology and its applications at the TIARA facility of JAEA Takasaki were summarized. In 1990, R&D of microbeam technology for TIARA was initiated in order to use an ion beam for analysis, radiation effect studies, or fabrication by the micro or nanometer scale. Three different types of ion microbeam systems with high-spatial resolutions were constructed and techniques of micro-PIXE, single ion hit and particle beam writing (PBW) were developed and applied widely in science and technology. Superior performance of these microbeams, on the other hand, was based on the highest quality of beams from the accelerators, the cyclotron in particular, which were also an important part of the R&D at TIARA.
AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF MARITAL STATUS IN JAPAN
Authors: YASUDA KOJI , KINUGASA TOMOKO , HAMORI SHIGEYUKI
Published: April 2016

This study analyzed the interdependent relationships among marital status, fertility rate and other socioeconomic factors in Japan in the 2000s by using fixed-effect 2SLS. In addition to higher fertility due to an increase in the number of married females, we demonstrated that economic conditions of males and the male co-residence rate have positive and negative co-relation on the married rate, respectively. We also found a downward convex co-relation between co-residence and parental economic condition, indicating that greater parental assets promote co-residence because of independence of children; however, poor independent parents also promote co-residence in case of less parental assets.
A Birman exact sequence for the Torelli subgroup of Aut(Fn)
Authors: Day Matthew , Putman Andrew
Published: April 2016

We develop an analogue of the Birman exact sequence for the Torelli subgroup of [Formula: see text]. This builds on earlier work of the authors, who studied an analogue of the Birman exact sequence for the entire group [Formula: see text]. These results play an important role in the authors’ recent work on the second homology group of the Torelli group.
Classical homological invariants are not determined by knot Floer homology and Khovanov homology
Authors: Cha Jae Choon , Tanaka Toshifumi
Published: April 2016

We illustrate that there are knots for which Heegaard knot Floer homology and Khovanov homology are identical but the Alexander module and torsion invariants differ. The examples are certain symmetric unions. We also give examples of similar flavor, concerning the Kauffman and Q-polynomials in place of the classical homological invariants. This shows there are nonmutant knots with the same knot Floer and Khovanov homology.
Dualities and geometrical invariants for static and spherically symmetric spacetimes
Authors: Seidel Paola Terezinha , Cabral Luís Antonio
Published: April 2016

In this work, we consider spinless particles in curved spacetime and symmetries related to extended isometries. We search for solutions of a generalized Killing equation whose structure entails a general class of Killing tensors. The conserved quantities along particle’s geodesic are associated with a dual description of the spacetime metric. In the Hamiltonian formalism, some conserved quantities generate a dual description of the metric. The Killing tensors belonging to the conserved objects imply in a nontrivial class of dual metrics even for a Schwarzschild metric in the original spacetime. From these metrics, we construct geometrical invariants for classes of dual spacetimes to explore their singularity structure. A nontrivial singularity behavior is obtained in the dual sector.
Connecting inflation with late cosmic acceleration by particle production
Authors: Nunes Rafael C.
Published: April 2016

A continuous process of creation of particles is investigated as a possible connection between the inflationary stage with late cosmic acceleration. In this model, the inflationary era occurs due to a continuous and fast process of creation of relativistic particles, and the recent accelerating phase is driven by the nonrelativistic matter creation from the gravitational field acting on the quantum vacuum, which finally results in an effective equation of state (EoS) less than [Formula: see text]. Thus, explaining recent results in favor of a phantom dynamics without the need of any modifications in the gravity theory has been proposed. Finally, we confront the model with recent observational data of type Ia Supernova, history of the Hubble parameter, baryon acoustic oscillations (BAOs) and the cosmic microwave background (CMB).
The bouncing cosmology with F(R) gravity and its reconstructing
Authors: Amani Ali R.
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we study [Formula: see text] gravity by Hu–Sawicki model in Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) background. The Friedmann equations are calculated by modified gravity action, and then the obtained Friedmann equations are written in terms of standard Friedmann equations. Next, the behavior of bouncing cosmology is investigated in the modified gravity model, i.e. this behavior can solve the problem of nonsingularity in standard big bang cosmology. We plot the cosmological parameters in terms of cosmic time and then the bouncing condition is investigated. In what follows, we reconstruct the modified gravity by redshift parameter, and also graphs of cosmological parameters are plotted in terms of redshift, in which the figures show us an accelerated expansion of universe. Finally, the stability of the scenario is investigated by a function as sound speed, and the graph of sound speed versus redshift shows us that there is the stability in late-time.
EFFECT OF SMALL BULK SULFUR CONTENT AND ANNEALING TEMPERATURE ON THE INTERGRANULAR FRACTURING SUSCEPTIBILITY OF METALLIC NICKEL
Authors: DJAMAL BOUTASSOUNA , GALL RENÉ LE , LEFKAIER IBEN KHALDOUN
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we investigate the influence of temperature on the nickel grain boundary equilibrium segregation of sulfur and the resulting intergranular fracturing susceptibility. Auger electron spectroscopy has been used to study equilibrium segregation of sulfur to the grain boundaries of a metallic nickel, with a mass bulk content of 3.6[Formula: see text]ppm in sulfur. Samples were first annealed at adequate temperatures for sufficiently large equilibrium time, and then quenched in water at room temperature. The analysis carried out shows a significant increase of sulfur concentration in the grain boundary with decreasing temperature. However, the sulfur content in the grain boundary shows a drastic shrink at 700[Formula: see text]C. This can be interpreted by the formation of an aggregate sulfide compound in the area of the grain boundaries. At 650[Formula: see text]C, in situ brittle fracture becomes unworkable and only intragranular fractures are observed. Using the results obtained through the investigation of the grain boundaries by Auger spectroscopy, the standard segregation energy is estimated as [Formula: see text].
MICROSTRUCTURE AND PITTING CORROSION OF PLASMA-SPRAYED Ni–Al NANOCOMPOSITE COATING
Authors: SHI X. , ZHONG Q. D.
Published: April 2016

Ni-Al nanoparticles coating (NAN) was manufactured via atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) and thermal treated under hydrogen atmosphere at 1300[Formula: see text]C (TNAN) remained 1 h, and NiAl microparticles coating (NAM) was manufactured as a reference. Nanoscale particles were observed in NAN by TEM, and these nanoscale particles disappeared in TNAN. Many pores and cracks were observed in NAM. Few pores and cracks were observed in NAN, and no pores and cracks were found in TNAN with SEM. A scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) testing in 3.5% (wt.) NaCl solution for 3 h revealed that NAM underwent several pitting corrosion, NAN pitting corrosion was relatively minor, and TNAN had no pitting corrosion.
Facial Synthesis of Zn-Doped Fe3O4 with Enhanced Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Performance in S and C Bands
Authors: Liu Zhenfeng , Xing Honglong , Wang Lei , Tan Dexin , Gan Ying , Ji Xiaoli , Xu Guocai
Published: April 2016

In this study, Zn-doped Fe3O4 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a facile solvothermal method in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The morphology, magnetic properties and electromagnetic wave absorbing properties of these materials were characterized. Results showed that Zn[Formula: see text] played a significant role in the formation of Zn-doped Fe3O4. With the protection of SDS, highly dispersed Fe3O4 nanoparticles were obtained. The nanoparticle size decreased after Zn[Formula: see text] doping, and the dispersity deteriorated with increasing Zn[Formula: see text] doping concentration. Zn-doped Fe3O4 exhibited excellent electromagnetic wave absorbing property, which resulted in magnetic loss and dielectric loss at an appropriate doping concentration. The minimum reflection loss (RL) was approximately [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB at 16.9[Formula: see text]GHz. As the coating layer thickness increased to 4.0[Formula: see text]mm, the bandwidth was approximately 5.0[Formula: see text]GHz corresponding to RL below [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB, which nearly covered the entire S band (2–4[Formula: see text]GHz) and C band (4–8[Formula: see text]GHz). The peak frequency of RL and the number of peaks matched the quarter-wave thickness criteria. It was believed that the Zn-doped Fe3O4 could be a potential electromagnetic wave absorbing material in S and C bands.
Inverse Optimal Attitude Stabilization of Flexible Spacecraft with Actuator Saturation
Authors: Pukdeboon Chutiphon
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a new robust inverse optimal control strategy for flexible spacecraft attitude maneuvers in the presence of external disturbances and actuator constraint. A new constrained attitude controller for flexible spacecraft is designed based on the Sontag-type formula and a control Lyapunov function. This control law optimizes a meaningful cost functional and the stability of the resulting closed-loop system is ensured by the Lyapunov framework. A sliding mode disturbance observer is used to compensate unknown bounded external disturbances. The ultimate boundedness of estimation error dynamics is guaranteed via a rigorous Lyapunov analysis. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the performance of the proposed control law.
The Artery of Percheron Infarction after Coronary Angiography
Authors: Mazek Haitham , Sherif Khaled , Suarez Jose , Wischmeyer Jason
Published: April 2016

Coronary angiography is the golden choice for coronary artery disease evaluation and management. However, as with any invasive procedures, there is a risk of complications. We are reporting a case of 69-year-old male with past medical history of cardiac bypass surgery, CHF, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia who was admitted to the hospital to evaluate his chest pain. He had treadmill stress test that showed ischemic induced exercise. Patient underwent coronary angiography that showed proximal complete occlusion of the RCA with a patent graft. At the end of the procedure, the patient did not wake up and remained minimally responsive. An urgent brain MRI was ordered and showed infarctions consistent with an artery of Percheron infarction. Later, patient has improved slowly and was discharged home. We briefly here discuss this rare complication including the risk factor, clinical presentation, and the management.
Central Interleukin-1βSuppresses the Nocturnal Secretion of Melatonin
Authors: Herman A. P. , Bochenek J. , Król K. , Krawczyńska A. , Antushevich H. , Pawlina B. , Herman A. , Romanowicz K. , Tomaszewska-Zaremba D.
Published: April 2016

In vertebrates, numerous processes occur in a rhythmic manner. The hormonal signal reliably reflecting the environmental light conditions is melatonin. Nocturnal melatonin secretion patterns could be disturbed in pathophysiological states, including inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression. All of these states share common elements in their aetiology, including the overexpression of interleukin- (IL-) 1βin the central nervous system. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the effect of the central injection of exogenous IL-1βon melatonin release and on the expression of the enzymes of the melatonin biosynthetic pathway in the pineal gland of ewe. It was found that intracerebroventricular injections of IL-1β(50 µg/animal) suppressed(P<0.05)nocturnal melatonin secretion in sheep regardless of the photoperiod. This may have resulted from decreased(P<0.05)synthesis of the melatonin intermediate serotonin, which may have resulted, at least partially, from a reduced expression of tryptophan hydroxylase. IL-1βalso inhibited(P<0.05)the expression of the melatonin rhythm enzyme arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase and hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase. However, the ability of IL-1βto affect the expression of these enzymes was dependent upon the photoperiod. Our study may shed new light on the role of central IL-1βin the aetiology of disruptions in melatonin secretion.
Global Quantitative Sensitivity Analysis and Compensation of Geometric Errors of CNC Machine Tool
Authors: Guo Shijie , Zhang Dongsheng , Xi Yang
Published: April 2016

A quantitative analysis to identify the key geometric error elements and their coupling is the prerequisite and foundation for improving the precision of machine tools. The purpose of this paper is to identify key geometric error elements and compensate for geometric errors accordingly. The geometric error model of three-axis machine tool is built on the basis of multibody system theory; and the quantitative global sensitivity analysis (GSA) model of geometric error elements is constructed by using extended Fourier amplitude sensitivity test method. The crucial geometric errors are identified; and stochastic characteristics of geometric errors are taken into consideration in the formulation of building up the compensation strategy. The validity of geometric error compensation based on sensitivity analysis is verified on a high-precision three-axis machine tool with open CNC system. The experimental results show that the average compensation rates along theX,Y, andZdirections are 59.8%, 65.5%, and 73.5%, respectively. The methods of sensitivity analysis and geometric errors compensation presented in this paper are suitable for identifying the key geometric errors and improving the precision of CNC machine tools effectively.
Highly Selective Synthesis of Chlorophenols under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Xiong Yawen , Duan Hongdong , Meng Xia , Ding Zhaoyun , Feng Weichun
Published: April 2016

Oxychlorination of various phenols is finished in 60 minutes with high efficiency and perfect selectivity under microwave irradiation. These reactions adopt copper(II) chloride (CuCl2) as the catalyst and hydrochloric acid as chlorine source instead of expensive and toxic ones. Oxychlorination of phenols substituted with electron donating groups (methyl, methoxyl, isopropyl, etc.) atortho-andmeta-positions is accomplished with higher conversion rates, lower reaction time, and excellent selectivity. A proposed reaction mechanism is deduced; one electron transfers from CuCl2to phenol followed by the formation of tautomeric radical that can be rapidly captured by chlorine atom and converts intopara-substituted product.
An Unusual Association in an Uncommon Disease: Two Cases of Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum Associated with Pneumorrhachis
Authors: Martins Luís , Dionísio Patrícia , Moreira Susana , Manique Alda , Correia Isabel , Bárbara Cristina
Published: April 2016

Pneumomediastinum, the presence of free air in the mediastinum, is described as spontaneous pneumomediastinum when there is no apparent cause such as trauma, surgery, interventional procedures, or intrathoracic infections. Pneumorrhachis is a rare clinical condition, consisting of intraspinal air. The main causes are iatrogenic, traumatic, and nontraumatic. Spontaneous mediastinum is usually associated with subcutaneous emphysema and, occasionally, with pneumothorax; however, its association with pneumorrhachis is extremely rare. Here, we present two rare cases of spontaneous pneumomediastinum associated with pneumorrhachis caused by vigorous coughing.
Cytoreductive Surgery plus Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Management of Peritoneal Sarcomatosis: A Preliminary Single-Center Experience from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abu-Zaid Ahmed , Azzam Ayman , Abuzaid Mohammed , Elhassan Tusneem , Albadawi Naryman , Alkhatib Lynn , AlOmar Osama , Alsuhaibani Abdullah , Amin Tarek , Al-Badawi Ismail A.
Published: April 2016

Aim.To report our preliminary single-center experience with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for management of peritoneal sarcomatosis (PS).Methods.Eleven patients were retrospectively analyzed for perioperative details.Results.Cytoreduction completeness (CC-0/1) was achieved in all patients with median peritoneal cancer index (PCI) of 14 ± 8.9 (range: 3–29). Combination cisplatin + doxorubicin HIPEC chemotherapy was used in 6 patients. Five patients received intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT). The median operative time, estimated blood loss, and hospital stay were 8 ± 1.4 hours (range: 6–10), 1000 ± 250 mL (range: 700–3850), and 11 ± 2.4 days (range: 7–15), respectively. Major postoperative Clavien-Dindo grade III/IV complications occurred in 1 patient and none developed HIPEC chemotherapy-related toxicities. The median overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) after CRS + HIPEC were 28.3 ± 3.2 and 18.0 ± 4.0 months, respectively. The median follow-up time was 12 months (range: 6–33). Univariate analysis of several prognostic factors (age, gender, PS presentation/pathology, CC, PCI, HIPEC chemotherapy, and IORT) did not demonstrate statistically significant differences of OS and DFS.Conclusion.CRS + HIPEC appear to be feasible, safe, and offer survival oncological benefits. However, definitive conclusions cannot be deduced.