bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease affects expression of major cytochrome P450 genes in a mouse model
Authors: Chiba Tsuyoshi , Noji Keiko , Shinozaki Shohei , Suzuki Sachina , Umegaki Keizo , Shimokado Kentaro
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with impaired liver function, and resveratrol could suppress NAFLD progression. This study examined the effects of NAFLD on the expression of major cytochrome P450 (CYP) subtypes in the liver and whether the expression could be attenuated by resveratrol.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice (male, 10 weeks of age) were fed a high-fat and high-sucrose (HFHS) diet to induce NAFLD. Major Cyp subtype mRNA expression in the liver was measured by real-time RT-PCR.

Key findings

Body and liver weights at 4 and 12 weeks were significantly higher in mice fed the HFHS diet compared with control. The HFHS diet significantly increased the accumulation of cholesterol and triglycerides at 12 weeks. Under this condition, the HFHS diet increased the expression of Cyp1a2 and decreased that of Cyp3a11 at 1 week and thereafter. On the other hand, Cyp1a1, 2b10 and 2c29 mRNA expression levels in the liver were significantly increased at 12 weeks only. Resveratrol (0.05% (w/w) in diet) slightly suppressed lipid accumulation in the liver, but failed to recover impaired Cyp gene expression levels in NAFLD.

Conclusions

Drug metabolism may be impaired in NAFLD, and each Cyp subtype is regulated in a different manner.
Morningness–eveningness and daytime functioning in university students: the mediating role of sleep characteristics
Authors: Bakotic Marija , Radosevic‐Vidacek Biserka , Koscec Bjelajac Adrijana
Published: October 2016

The aim of this study was to explore the mediating role of sleep characteristics in the relationship between morningness–eveningness and three different aspects of daytime functioning: daytime sleepiness, depressive mood and substance use in university students. A multiple mediator model was proposed with sleep debt, poor sleep quality and bedtime delay at weekends as parallel mediators in these relationships. We analysed the data of 1052 university students aged 18–25 years who completed a modified version of the School Sleep Habits Survey, which included questions on sleep and the Composite Scale of Morningness, Sleepiness Scale, Depressive Mood Scale and Substance Use Scale. Students with more pronounced eveningness reported greater daytime sleepiness, greater depressive mood and more frequent substance use, as well as greater sleep debt, poorer sleep quality and greater bedtime delay at weekends. Mediation analyses indicated that morningness–eveningness affected daytime sleepiness and substance use both directly and indirectly through all proposed sleep‐related mediators. However, the effect of morningness–eveningness on depressive mood was entirely indirect and was accounted for more by poor sleep than by sleep debt or bedtime irregularity. In conclusion, there are multiple possible mechanisms through which morningness–eveningness affects daytime functioning in university students, and sleep characteristics are a significant mechanism. Sleep debt, poor sleep quality and bedtime irregularity can, to a significant extent, explain the feeling of daytime sleepiness and greater substance use in students with eveningness preferences. However, more depressed mood in the evening‐orientated students is primarily a consequence of their poor sleep quality.
Chromosomal inversions and ecotypic differentiation in Anopheles gambiae: the perspective from whole‐genome sequencing
Authors: Love R. Rebecca , Steele Aaron M. , Coulibaly Mamadou B. , Traore Sékou F. , Emrich Scott J. , Fontaine Michael C. , Besansky Nora J.
Published: October 2016

The molecular mechanisms and genetic architecture that facilitate adaptive radiation of lineages remain elusive. Polymorphic chromosomal inversions, due to their recombination‐reducing effect, are proposed instruments of ecotypic differentiation. Here, we study an ecologically diversifying lineage of Anopheles gambiae, known as the Bamako chromosomal form based on its unique complement of three chromosomal inversions, to explore the impact of these inversions on ecotypic differentiation. We used pooled and individual genome sequencing of Bamako, typical (non‐Bamako) An. gambiae and the sister species Anopheles coluzzii to investigate evolutionary relationships and genomewide patterns of nucleotide diversity and differentiation among lineages. Despite extensive shared polymorphism and limited differentiation from the other taxa, Bamako clusters apart from the other taxa, and forms a maximally supported clade in neighbour‐joining trees based on whole‐genome data (including inversions) or solely on collinear regions. Nevertheless, FST outlier analysis reveals that the majority of differentiated regions between Bamako and typical An. gambiae are located inside chromosomal inversions, consistent with their role in the ecological isolation of Bamako. Exceptionally differentiated genomic regions were enriched for genes implicated in nervous system development and signalling. Candidate genes associated with a selective sweep unique to Bamako contain substitutions not observed in sympatric samples of the other taxa, and several insecticide resistance gene alleles shared between Bamako and other taxa segregate at sharply different frequencies in these samples. Bamako represents a useful window into the initial stages of ecological and genomic differentiation from sympatric populations in this important group of malaria vectors.
Metastatic pathways in patients with cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Adler Nikki R. , Haydon Andrew , McLean Catriona A. , Kelly John W. , Mar Victoria J.
Published: October 2016

Metastasis represents the end product of an elaborate biological process, which is determined by a complex interplay between metastatic tumour cells, host factors and homoeostatic mechanisms. Cutaneous melanoma can metastasize haematogenously or lymphogenously. The three predominant models that endeavour to explain the patterns of melanoma progression are the stepwise spread model, the simultaneous spread model and the model of differential spread. The time course to the development of metastases differs between the different metastatic routes. There are several clinical and histopathological risk factors for the different metastatic pathways. In particular, patient sex and the anatomical location of the primary tumour influence patterns of disease progression. There is limited existing evidence regarding the relationship between tumour mutation status, other diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and the metastatic pathways of primary cutaneous melanoma. This knowledge gap needs to be addressed to better identify patients at high risk of disease recurrence and personalize surveillance strategies.
Long‐term follow up of hospitalized pediatric anorexia nervosa restricting type
Authors: Tasaka Keiji , Matsubara Kousaku , Takamiya Shizuo , Ishikawa Shin‐ichi , Iwata Aya , Nigami Hiroyuki
Published: October 2016

Background

Information on long‐term follow up of childhood‐onset anorexia nervosa is scarce. This study investigated long‐term (>10 years) course, outcome and prognostic factors for hospitalized childhood‐onset anorexia nervosa restricting type (ANR).

Methods

Forty‐one ANR girls admitted to a single regional center participated. Median age at first admission was 13.3 years (range, 8.6–15.6 years). The longitudinal clinical course was retrospectively determined for a median follow‐up period of 17.1 years (range, 10.4–21.1 years). We analyzed physical, psychological, and social variables to predict partial remission (PR) and full remission (FR).

Results

The completion rate of follow up >10 years was high at 97%. At final evaluation (n = 38), distribution of prognosis was as follows: FR, n = 27 (71%); PR, n = 6 (16%); and non‐remission, n = 5 (13%). The cumulative ratio of PR and FR increased during the first 5–6 years, and gradually reached a plateau at around 10 years. More than 10 years after the onset, one patient eventually achieved FR, and one patient died. Seven patients were rehospitalized and two died due to suicide during the entire follow up. On multivariate analysis, family disorders/problems rating score was a significant predictor of PR and FR.

Conclusions

This study included hospitalized ANR children aged ≤15 years, the youngest cohort ever reported. Long‐term prognosis is generally favorable, but the mortality rate was 5%. Careful long‐term follow up >10 years is needed to evaluate outcome of childhood‐onset ANR, and family therapy is important in high‐risk patients with family disorders/problems.
Local and regional spread of banana xanthomonas wilt (BXW) in space and time in Kagera, Tanzania
Authors: Shimwela M. M. , Blackburn J. K. , Jones J. B. , Nkuba J. , Narouei‐Khandan H. A. , Ploetz R. C. , Beed F. , van Bruggen A. H. C.
Published: October 2016

Banana is an important crop in the Kagera region of Tanzania. Banana xanthomonas wilt (BXW) was first reported in Kagera in 2006, and is now an important limiting factor in banana production, because all cultivars are susceptible and infected plants can fail to produce fruit. BXW is caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm), which is spread by farm tools, infected planting materials, and pollinating insects. Practices that address Xcm dissemination, such as mat removal, debudding and tool sterilization, have not prevented the spread of BXW in the region. Disease surveys were conducted in Kagera from 2007 to 2011 to assess BXW presence, monitor its intensity and evaluate its socioeconomic impacts. Spatiotemporal clusters of BXW were analysed with ArcGIS and sas. The relationship between BXW clusters and environmental variables was examined using bivariate correlations in spss; two modelling approaches, MaxEnt (maximum entropy) and logistic regression, were used to predict the potential distribution of BXW in Tanzania. Disease progress over time was best described with the Gompertz model. Significant clustering of BXW was observed in all years and hotspots were located in the Muleba, Karagwe, Misenyi and Bukoba rural districts. These findings suggest that BXW spreads rapidly over short distances. BXW clusters were positively correlated with rainfall and negatively with temperature and altitude. According to MaxEnt, precipitation was the main factor associated with BXW development. MaxEnt and logistic regression predicted a wide potential distribution of BXW in Tanzania because the climate in all banana‐growing regions is conducive for its establishment.
Presence of sucrose in the vitrification solution and exposure for longer periods of time improve post‐warming follicle integrity in cat ovarian tissues
Authors: Mouttham L , Comizzoli P
Published: October 2016

Contents

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation followed by tissue culture is a promising approach to preserving the fertility of biomedical models and endangered species. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of exposure time to vitrification solution and presence of sucrose using different exposure temperatures and base media on intra‐ovarian follicle integrity. Peripubertal ovarian cortical pieces were obtained by isolating the cortex and dissecting it into 1 × 1 × 0.2 mm3 pieces. The cortical pieces were then exposed to equilibration solution and then vitrification solutions (VS) in one of the conditions mentioned above, plunged directly into liquid nitrogen and stored for ≥24 hr in liquid nitrogen. After thawing, the cortical pieces were cultured in vitro for 0, 1 or 7 days to determine the follicle integrity (through histological assessment) and the ability of the tissue to recover from cryoinjury. Fresh controls maintained a constant level of normal morphology (>60% of the total follicles) throughout the culture period. Cortical pieces exposed to VS with sucrose for 10 min had the highest percentage of normal follicles (approximately 20% after 7 days of culture) throughout the culture period. Other conditions using different base medium, lower exposure temperatures or different thawing methods did not improve the follicle integrity. This protocol provides a solid foundation on which to optimize ovarian tissue cryopreservation in the domestic cat and to investigate the molecular effects of vitrification.
The Othering of Muslims: Discourses of Radicalization in the New York Times, 1969–2014
Authors: Silva Derek M. D.
Published: October 2016

In this article, I engage with Edward Said's Orientalism and various perspectives within the othering paradigm to analyze the emergence and transformation of radicalization discourses in the news media. Employing discourse analysis of 607 New York Times articles from 1969 to 2014, this article demonstrates that radicalization discourses are not new but are the result of complex sociolinguistic and historical developments that cannot be reduced to dominant contemporary understandings of the concept or to singular events or crises. The news articles were then compared to 850 government documents, speeches, and other official communications. The analysis of the data indicates that media conceptualizations of radicalization, which once denoted political and economic differences, have now shifted to overwhelmingly focus on Islam. As such, radicalization discourse now evokes the construct radicalization as symbolic marker of conflict between the West and the East. I also advanced the established notion that the news media employ strategic discursive strategies that contribute to conceptual distinctions that are used to construct Muslims as an “alien other” to the West.
A Longitudinal Study of Middle and Secondary Level Science Textbook Vocabulary Loads
Authors: Groves Fred H.
Published: October 2016

Middle and secondary science textbooks have long been a primary support for instruction, often leading to heavy emphasis on domain‐specific vocabulary. A longitudinal study was conducted to compare vocabulary loads of science textbooks published since 2010 to results of two previous studies going back to 1983. In each study, textbooks chosen represent convenience samples of commonly used middle and secondary science textbooks. Vocabulary emphasis in science textbooks remains high, and may present a problem for struggling readers and English language learners (ELL). Some vocabulary loads were found to approach or even exceed recommended limits for vocabulary instruction in modern foreign language courses. Also, science vocabulary can present an additional challenge for native English speakers and ELLs since many terms have no common colloquial English or native language equivalents. Recommendations for how to promote effective science vocabulary development are provided. Overall, over three decades there has been little change in heavy emphasis on vocabulary in middle and secondary science textbooks.
Intensive point‐of‐care ultrasound training with long‐term follow‐up in a cohort of Rwandan physicians
Authors: Henwood Patricia C. , Mackenzie David C. , Rempell Joshua S. , Douglass Emily , Dukundane Damas , Liteplo Andrew S. , Leo Megan M. , Murray Alice F. , Vaillancourt Samuel , Dean Anthony J. , Lewiss Resa E. , Rulisa Stephen , Krebs Elizabeth , Raja Rao A. K. , Rudakemwa Emmanuel , Rusanganwa Vincent , Kyanmanywa Patrick , Noble Vicki E.
Published: October 2016

Objective

We delivered a point‐of‐care ultrasound training programme in a resource‐limited setting in Rwanda, and sought to determine participants' knowledge and skill retention. We also measured trainees' assessment of the usefulness of ultrasound in clinical practice.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of 17 Rwandan physicians participating in a point‐of‐care ultrasound training programme. The follow‐up period was 1 year. Participants completed a 10‐day ultrasound course, with follow‐up training delivered over the subsequent 12 months. Trainee knowledge acquisition and skill retention were assessed via observed structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) administered at six points during the study, and an image‐based assessment completed at three points.

Results

Trainees reported minimal structured ultrasound education and little confidence using point‐of‐care ultrasound before the training. Mean scores on the image‐based assessment increased from 36.9% (95% CI 32–41.8%) before the initial 10‐day training to 74.3% afterwards (95% CI 69.4–79.2; P < 0.001). The mean score on the initial OSCE after the introductory course was 81.7% (95% CI 78–85.4%). The mean OSCE performance at each subsequent evaluation was at least 75%, and the mean OSCE score at the 58‐week follow up was 84.9% (95% CI 80.9–88.9%).

Conclusions

Physicians providing acute care in a resource‐limited setting demonstrated sustained improvement in their ultrasound knowledge and skill 1 year after completing a clinical ultrasound training programme. They also reported improvements in their ability to provide patient care and in job satisfaction.
Reduction of biological response modifiers in the supernatant of washed paediatric red blood cells
Authors: Loh Y. S. , Tan S. , Kwok M. , Stark M. J. , Marks D. C.
Published: October 2016

Background

Washing of red blood cells (RBC) can reduce unwanted biological response modifiers (BRMs) that can mediate transfusion complications in infants. The aim of this study was to examine the in vitro quality and the changes in BRMs following washing in paediatric RBC units.

Materials and Methods

A pool and split design was used to prepare RBC (either 1 or 4 days old; n = 26 pairs). One unit was washed with 0·9% saline by centrifugation and then resuspended in SAG‐M, while the other remained unwashed. Each RBC unit was divided to produce four units of paediatric‐sized components. Samples were taken after 3 h and subsequently on days 1, 2, 7 and 14 post‐wash.

Results

Washing of RBC resulted in some red cell loss, with a minor increase in haemolysis. Washing effectively reduced supernatant potassium and IgA, as well as cytokines and complement proteins. RBC microparticles were significantly reduced in RBC washed at 1, but not 4 days post‐collection. Incubation with supernatant from unwashed but not washed RBC led to endothelial cell activation, with increased cell surface expression of CD62E (E‐selectin) and CD106 (VCAM).

Conclusion

Although washing affected some aspects of the in vitro quality of RBC, it effectively reduced the concentration and activity of BRMs in the supernatant of RBC. Such a reduction may be clinically beneficial in selected patient groups.
An effective diagnostic strategy for accurate detection of RhD variants including Asian DEL type in apparently RhD‐negative blood donors in Korea
Authors: Seo M. H. , Won E. J. , Hong Y. J. , Chun S. , Kwon J. R. , Choi Y. S. , Kim J. N. , Lee S. A. , Lim A. H. , Kim S. H. , Park K. U. , Cho D.
Published: October 2016

Background and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to provide an effective RHD genotyping strategy for the East Asian blood donors.

Material and Methods

RhD phenotyping, weak D testing and RhCE phenotyping were performed on 110 samples from members of the RhD‐negative club, private organization composed of RhD‐negative blood donors, in the GwangJu‐Chonnam region of Korea. The RHD promoter, intron 4, and exons 7 and 10 were analysed by real‐time PCR. Two nucleotide changes (c.1227 G>A, and c.1222 T>C) in exon 9 were analysed by sequencing.

Results

Of 110 RhD‐negative club members, 79 (71·8%) showed complete deletion of the RHD gene, 10 (9·1%) showed results consistent with RHD‐CE‐D hybrid, and 21 (19·1%) showed amplification of RHD promoter, intron 4, and exons 7 and 10. Of the latter group, 16 (14·5%) were in the DEL blood group including c.1227 G>A (N = 14) and c.1222 T>C (N = 2), 2 (1·8%) were weak D, 1(0·9%) was partial D, and 2 (1·8%) were undetermined. The RhD‐negative phenotype samples consisted of 58 C‐E‐c+e+, 19 C‐E+c+e+, 3 C‐E+c+e‐, 21 C+E‐c+e‐, 6 C+E‐c+e+ and 3 C+E‐c‐e + . Notably, all 58 samples with the C‐E‐c+e+ phenotype were revealed to have complete deletion of the RHD gene. The C‐E‐c+e+ phenotype showed 100% positive predictive value for detecting D‐negative cases.

Conclusions

RHD genotyping is not required in half of D‐negative cases. We suggest here an effective RHD genotyping strategy for accurate detection of RhD variants in apparently RhD‐negative blood donors in East Asia.
Non‐polar lipids accumulate during storage of transfusion products and do not contribute to the onset of transfusion‐related acute lung injury
Authors: Peters A. L. , Vervaart M. A. T. , van Bruggen R. , de Korte D. , Nieuwland R. , Kulik W. , Vlaar A. P. J.
Published: October 2016

Background and Objectives

The accumulation of non‐polar lipids arachidonic acid, 5‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), 12‐HETE and 15‐HETE during storage of transfusion products may play a role in the onset of transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI), a syndrome of respiratory distress after transfusion.

Materials and Methods

We investigated non‐polar lipid accumulation in red blood cells (RBCs) stored for 42 days, plasma stored for 7 days at either 4 or 20°C and platelet (PLT) transfusion products stored for 7 days. Furthermore, we investigated whether transfusion of RBCs with increased levels of non‐polar lipids induces TRALI in a ‘two‐hit’ human volunteer model. All products were produced following Dutch Blood Bank protocols and are according to European standards. Non‐polar lipids were measured with high‐performance liquid chromotography followed by mass spectrometry.

Results

All non‐polar lipids increased in RBCs after 21 days of storage compared to baseline. The non‐polar lipid concentration in plasma increased significantly, and the increase was even more pronounced in products stored at 20°C. In platelets, baseline levels of 5‐HETE and 15‐HETE were higher than in RBCs or plasma. However, the non‐polar lipids did not change significantly during storage of PLT products. Infusion of RBCs with increased levels of non‐polar lipids did not induce TRALI in LPS‐primed human volunteers.

Conclusion

We conclude that non‐polar lipids accumulate in RBC and plasma transfusion products and that accumulation is temperature dependent. Accumulation of non‐polar lipids does not appear to explain the onset of TRALI (Dutch Trial Register – NTR4455).
The Solid Mechanics of Cancer and Strategies for Improved Therapy
Authors: Stylianopoulos Triantafyllos
Published: October 2016

Tumor progression and response to treatment is determined in large part by the generation of mechanical stresses that stem from both the solid and the fluid phase of the tumor. Furthermore, elevated solid stress levels can regulate fluid stresses by compressing intratumoral blood and lymphatic vessels. Blood vessel compression reduces tumor perfusion, while compression of lymphatic vessels hinders the ability of the tumor to drain excessive fluid from its interstitial space contributing to the uniform elevation of the interstitial fluid pressure. Hypoperfusion and interstitial hypertension pose major barriers to the systemic administration of chemotherapeutic agents and nanomedicines to tumors, reducing treatment efficacies. Hypoperfusion can also create a hypoxic and acidic tumor microenvironment that promotes tumor progression and metastasis. Hence, alleviation of intratumoral solid stress levels can decompress tumor vessels and restore perfusion and interstitial fluid pressure. In this review, three major types of tissue level solid stresses involved in tumor growth, namely stress exerted externally on the tumor by the host tissue, swelling stress, and residual stress, are discussed separately and details are provided regarding their causes, magnitudes, and remedies. Subsequently, evidence of how stress-alleviating drugs could be used in combination with chemotherapy to improve treatment efficacy is presented, highlighting the potential of stress-alleviation strategies to enhance cancer therapy. Finally, a continuum-level, mathematical framework to incorporate these types of solid stress is outlined.
Lactation in the Human Breast From a Fluid Dynamics Point of View
Authors: Negin Mortazavi S. , Geddes Donna , Hassanipour Fatemeh
Published: October 2016

This study is a collaborative effort among lactation specialists and fluid dynamic engineers. The paper presents clinical results for suckling pressure pattern in lactating human breast as well as a 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of milk flow using these clinical inputs. The investigation starts with a careful, statistically representative measurement of suckling vacuum pressure, milk flow rate, and milk intake in a group of infants. The results from clinical data show that suckling action does not occur with constant suckling rate but changes in a rhythmic manner for infants. These pressure profiles are then used as the boundary condition for the CFD study using commercial ansys fluent software. For the geometric model of the ductal system of the human breast, this work takes advantage of a recent advance in the development of a validated phantom that has been produced as a ground truth for the imaging applications for the breast. The geometric model is introduced into CFD simulations with the aforementioned boundary conditions. The results for milk intake from the CFD simulation and clinical data were compared and cross validated. Also, the variation of milk intake versus suckling pressure are presented and analyzed. Both the clinical and CFD simulation show that the maximum milk flow rate is not related to the largest vacuum pressure or longest feeding duration indicating other factors influence the milk intake by infants.
Stabilization of a Fractional-Order Nonlinear Brushless Direct Current Motor
Authors: Huang Sunhua , Wang Bin
Published: October 2016

This paper describes the stabilization of a fractional-order nonlinear brushless DC motor (BLDCM) with the Caputo derivative. Based on the Laplace transform, a Mittag-Leffler function, Jordan decomposition, and Grönwall's inequality, sufficient conditions are proposed that ensure the local stabilization of a BLDCM as fractional-order α: 0<α≤1 is proposed. Then, numerical simulations are presented to show the feasibility and validity of the designed method. The proposed scheme is simpler and easier to implement than previous schemes.
Ultralow voltage imaging using a miniature electron beam column
Authors: Spallas James , Meisburger Dan , Muray Lawrence
Published: October 2016

Miniature columns that are fabricated from silicon using advanced micromachining processes are a relatively new class of electron beam column. The defining characteristics of these columns are a thermal field emitter source, low voltage operation (typically <3 keV), simple design (two lenses, no crossover), microfabricated lenses, and all electrostatic components. Current production versions of miniature columns achieve <10 nm resolution at 1 keV, and have demonstrated <7 nm resolution at higher beam energies [Spallas et al., J. Vac. Sci. Technol., B 24, 2892 (2006)]. The resolution of miniature columns is limited by competing requirements to minimize optical aberrations, relax physical or geometric constraints (e.g., working distance and electrode–electrode distance), and maintain manufacturable mechanical tolerances of the column components (e.g., alignment, diameter, and placement). In this paper, the authors investigate imaging using a miniature electron beam column in a commercial field emission electron microscope equipped with a retarding field lens. Using a retarding field allows high-resolution imaging at landing energies lower than are possible by reducing the beam voltage because the aberrations are lower. The authors show that for the same landing energy, the resolution is better when using the retarding field. High-resolution imaging at landing energies down to 50 eV and imaging is down to 10 eV are demonstrated. Imaging nonconductive samples at landing energies less than the stable unity yield energy is not expected to be beneficial, yet the authors show that in some cases the ability to image nonconducting samples improves. Finally, the authors image a gas shale sample to demonstrate energy dependent contrast.
High frequency signal acquisition using a smartphone in an undergraduate teaching laboratory: Applications in ultrasonic resonance spectra
Authors: Sturtevant Blake T. , Pantea Cristian , Sinha Dipen N.
Published: October 2016

A simple and inexpensive approach to acquiring signals in the megahertz frequency range using a smartphone is described. The approach is general, applicable to electromagnetic as well as acoustic measurements, and makes available to undergraduate teaching laboratories experiments that are traditionally inaccessible due to the expensive equipment that are required. This paper focuses on megahertz range ultrasonic resonance spectra in liquids and solids, although there is virtually no upper limit on frequencies measurable using this technique. Acoustic resonance measurements in water and Fluorinert in a one dimensional (1D) resonant cavity were conducted and used to calculate sound speed. The technique is shown to have a precision and accuracy significantly better than one percent in liquid sound speed. Measurements of 3D resonances in an isotropic solid sphere were also made and used to determine the bulk and shear moduli of the sample. The elastic moduli determined from the solid resonance measurements agreed with those determined using a research grade vector network analyzer to better than 0.5%. The apparatus and measurement technique described can thus make research grade measurements using standardly available laboratory equipment for a cost that is two-to-three orders of magnitude less than the traditional measurement equipment used for these measurements.
NAD
+
repletion improves muscle function in muscular dystrophy and counters global PARylation
Authors: Ryu Dongryeol , Zhang Hongbo , Ropelle Eduardo R. , Sorrentino Vincenzo , Mázala Davi A. G. , Mouchiroud Laurent , Marshall Philip L. , Campbell Matthew D. , Ali Amir Safi , Knowels Gary M. , Bellemin Stéphanie , Iyer Shama R. , Wang Xu , Gariani Karim , Sauve Anthony A. , Cantó Carles , Conley Kevin E. , Walter Ludivine , Lovering Richard M. , Chin Eva R. , Jasmin Bernard J. , Marcinek David J. , Menzies Keir J. , Auwerx Johan
Published: October 2016

NAD
+
treatment can reverse the functional decline in degenerating muscles.
Translational research and the U.S. federal elections
Authors: Kimmelman Jonathan , Kesselheim Aaron S.
Published: October 2016

U.S. federal electoral candidates should articulate their policies on translational research.
mockrobiota: a Public Resource for Microbiome Bioinformatics Benchmarking
Authors: Bokulich Nicholas A. , Rideout Jai Ram , Mercurio William G. , Shiffer Arron , Wolfe Benjamin , Maurice Corinne F. , Dutton Rachel J. , Turnbaugh Peter J. , Knight Rob , Caporaso J. Gregory
Published: October 2016

The availability of standard and public mock community data will facilitate ongoing method optimizations, comparisons across studies that share source data, and greater transparency and access and eliminate redundancy. These are also valuable resources for bioinformatics teaching and training. This dynamic resource is intended to expand and evolve to meet the changing needs of the omics community.
Leiomyosarcoma of great saphenous vein localised to the calf
Authors: Lin Wah Wah , Erkan Serkan , Smith Richard Carey , Sieunarine Kishore
Published: October 2016

We present the case of a 76-year-old man with a 2-month history of mildly tender swelling in the right calf for which he had an initial excision and then a wide local excision followed by a split skin graft because the initial histopathology confirmed that there was a Grade I leiomyosarcoma of great saphenous vein. A simple lump in the lower limb could be a malignant vascular tumour and should always be considered in the list of differential diagnosis of a lump in the lower limb.
Infrarenal aortic clamp reviving a patient from acute surgical haemorrhagic shock: a novel management technique
Authors: Kumar Ranjith , Satya Prakash M V S , Das Subhasree , Manikandan Ramanitharan
Published: October 2016

Surgical management of renal cell carcinoma extending into the inferior vena cava (IVC) is almost always accompanied by massive intraoperative blood loss and associated complications. It is a widely recognised problem, and its active management is essential in improving the perioperative morbidity and mortality. We share our experience with a similar case of open radical nephrectomy with massive blood loss of twice the circulating volume in a duration of <8 surgical hours. Although we emphasise the goals of securing haemostasis, restoration of circulating volume, and efficient management by replacing blood components, in the present case, despite the above-mentioned goals being fulfilled, we were unable to extricate the patient from haemorrhagic shock by conventional means and therefore resorted to desperate measures, namely the novel approach of infrarenal aortic clamping along with higher than recommended vasopressor support. We resorted to this in order to maintain the haemodynamic parameters and to prevent avoidable morbidity and mortality related to persistent intraoperative hypotension. With such an approach, we successfully managed the patient perioperatively, ultimately resulting in the patient being discharged after a week of intensive care unit stay without major complications.
Unusual presentation of a young man with disseminated tuberculosis and right ventricular mass
Authors: Hashmani Shahrukh , Tipoo Sultan Fateh Ali , Masood Muhammad Qamar
Published: October 2016

We report a 22-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with worsening shortness of breath and chronic fever for 2 months. Physical examination was unremarkable except for raised jugular venous pressure and palpable liver. Echocardiogram showed a large right ventricular mass causing obstruction at tricuspid valve. A subsequent chest CT scan confirmed the presence of a large mass in the right ventricle. There were multiple enlarged lymph nodes and consolidation in the right upper lobe. Diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis (TB) was made and later confirmed by histopathology of lymph node biopsy along with positive sputum culture for acid-fast bacilli. Remarkable recovery was observed on antituberculous therapy, with complete disappearance of the cardiac mass on echocardiogram, at 1-year follow-up. Although unusual and rare, myocardial involvement as a large mass should be kept in mind while treating patients with disseminated TB.
Mycobacterium fortuituminfection of the scalp after a skin graft
Authors: Smith Blaine D , Liras Ioannis N , De Cicco Ignacio A , Aisenberg Gabriel Marcelo
Published: October 2016

Mycobacterium fortuitumis a non-tuberculous mycobacterium found in the soil and water of most regions of the world, and it can cause disease in immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. We present a 52-year-old man who developed a scalp abscess under a free flap for cranium coverage after a motor vehicle accident. Culture of material drained from the abscess grewM. fortuitum.
Thyroid malignancy presenting with visual loss: an unusual case of paraneoplastic retinopathy
Authors: Hughes Emily , Moran Sarah , Flitcroft Ian , Logan Patricia
Published: October 2016

Paraneoplastic retinopathy is a rare cause of painless vision loss, associated with an underlying (and often occult) systemic malignancy. Ocular examination findings are subtle, and the diagnosis is often made on the basis of electrophysiology findings. This report describes the case of a 48-year-old Caucasian man with paraneoplastic retinopathy presenting as visual disturbance, central scotomata and abnormal electrophysiology. He was subsequently diagnosed with papillary thyroid malignancy.
β-alanine supplementation to improve exercise capacity and performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Saunders Bryan , Elliott-Sale Kirsty , Artioli Guilherme G , Swinton Paul A , Dolan Eimear , Roschel Hamilton , Sale Craig , Gualano Bruno
Published: October 2016

Objective

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence on the effects of β-alanine supplementation on exercise capacity and performance.

Design

This study was designed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A 3-level mixed effects model was employed to model effect sizes and account for dependencies within data.

Data sources

3 databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science) were searched using a number of terms (‘β-alanine’ and ‘Beta-alanine’ combined with ‘supplementation’, ‘exercise’, ‘training’, ‘athlete’, ‘performance’ and ‘carnosine’).

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Inclusion/exclusion criteria limited articles to double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies investigating the effects of β-alanine supplementation on an exercise measure. All healthy participant populations were considered, while supplementation protocols were restricted to chronic ingestion. Cross-over designs were excluded due to the long washout period for skeletal muscle carnosine following supplementation. A single outcome measure was extracted for each exercise protocol and converted to effect sizes for meta-analyses.

Results

40 individual studies employing 65 different exercise protocols and totalling 70 exercise measures in 1461 participants were included in the analyses. A significant overall effect size of 0.18 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.28) was shown. Meta-regression demonstrated that exercise duration significantly (p=0.004) moderated effect sizes. Subgroup analyses also identified the type of exercise as a significant (p=0.013) moderator of effect sizes within an exercise time frame of 0.5–10 min with greater effect sizes for exercise capacity (0.4998 (95% CI 0.246 to 0.753)) versus performance (0.1078 (95% CI −0.201 to 0.416)). There was no moderating effect of training status (p=0.559), intermittent or continuous exercise (p=0.436) or total amount of β-alanine ingested (p=0.438). Co-supplementation with sodium bicarbonate resulted in the largest effect size when compared with placebo (0.43 (95% CI 0.22 to 0.64)).

Summary/conclusions

β-alanine had a significant overall effect while subgroup analyses revealed a number of modifying factors. These data allow individuals to make informed decisions as to the likelihood of an ergogenic effect with β-alanine supplementation based on their chosen exercise modality.
Seasonality of gestational diabetes mellitus: a South Australian population study
Authors: Verburg Petra E , Tucker Graeme , Scheil Wendy , Erwich Jan Jaap H M , Dekker Gus A , Roberts Claire T
Published: October 2016

Objective

To investigate whether there is a seasonal variation in the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Research design and methods

This retrospective cohort study of 60 306 eligible South Australian live-born singletons during 2007–2011 recorded in the South Australian Perinatal Statistics Collection (SAPSC) examined the incidence of GDM in relation to estimated date of conception (eDoC). Fourier series analysis was used to model seasonal trends.

Results

During the study period, 3632 (6.0%) women were diagnosed with GDM. Seasonal modeling showed a strong relation between GDM and eDoC (p<0.001). Unadjusted and adjusted models (adjusted for maternal age, body mass index (BMI), parity, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and chronic hypertension) demonstrated the presence of a peak incidence occurring among pregnancies with eDoC in winter (June/July/August), with a trough for eDoc in summer (December/January/February). As this was a retrospective study, we could only use variables that had been collected as part of the routine registration system, the SAPSC.

Conclusions

This study is the first population-based study to demonstrate a seasonal variation for GDM. Several maternal lifestyle and psychosocial factors associated with seasonality and GDM may be influential in the pathophysiologic mechanisms of GDM. Ambient temperature, physical activity, nutrient intake, and vitamin D levels may affect maternal physiology, and fetal and placental development at the cellular level and contribute to the development of GDM. The mechanisms underlying these possible associations are not fully understood and warrant further investigation.
Cholera in the time of war: implications of weak surveillance in Syria for the WHO's preparedness—a comparison of two monitoring systems
Authors: Sparrow Annie , Almilaji Khaled , Tajaldin Bachir , Teodoro Nicholas , Langton Paul
Published: October 2016

Background

Public health breakdown from the Syrian government's targeting of healthcare systems in politically unsympathetic areas has yielded a resurgence of infectious diseases. Suspected cholera recently reappeared but conflict-related constraints impede laboratory confirmation. Given the government's previous under-reporting of infectious outbreaks and the reliance of the WHO on government reporting, we sought to assess the reliability of current surveillance systems.

Methods

We compared weekly surveillance reports of waterborne diseases from the Syrian government's (WHO-associated) Early Warning and Response System (EWARS), based in Damascus, and the independent, non-governmental Early Warning and Response Network (EWARN) headquartered in Gaziantep, Turkey. We compared raw case rates by EWARS and EWARN and assessed the quality of reporting against the WHO benchmarks.

Results

We identified significant under-reporting and delays in the government's surveillance. On average, EWARS reports were published 24 days (range 12–61) after the reference week compared with 11 days (5–21) for EWARN. Average completeness for EWARS was 75% (55–84%), compared with 92% for EWARN (85–99%). Average timeliness for EWARS was 79% (51–100%), compared with 88% for EWARN (70–97%). EWARS made limited use of rapid diagnostic tests, and rates of collection of stool samples for laboratory cholera testing were well below reference levels.

Conclusions

In the context of the current Syrian war, the government's surveillance is inadequate due to lack of access to non-government held territory, an incentive to under-report the consequence of government attacks on health infrastructure, and an impractical insistence on laboratory confirmation. These findings should guide the WHO reform for surveillance in conflict zones.
Leptin status in adolescence is associated with academic performance in high school: a cross-sectional study in a Chilean birth cohort
Authors: Correa-Burrows Paulina , Blanco Estela , Reyes Marcela , Castillo Marcela , Peirano Patricio , Algarín Cecilia , Lozoff Betsy , Gahagan Sheila , Burrows Raquel
Published: October 2016

Objective

Leptin is a pleiotropic hormone associated with learning and memory via brain receptors. However, elevated plasma leptin levels may impair cognitive and memory functions. Since individual differences in memory performance affect students’ ability to learn, we aimed to study the relation between leptin status in adolescence and school performance.

Design and setting

We studied 568 adolescents aged 16–17 years from Santiago. A cross-sectional analysis was carried out on a birth cohort conducted in Santiago (Chile).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We measured serum leptin concentration using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cut-offs from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) Study for 16-year-olds were used to define abnormally high leptin levels (hyperleptinaemia). Academic performance was measured using high-school grades and grade point average (GPA). Data were collected in 2009–2012; data analysis was performed in 2014.

Results

15% of participants had hyperleptinaemia. They had significantly lower school grades and GPA compared with participants with normal leptin levels (eg, GPA mean difference=33.8 points). Leptin levels were negative and significantly correlated with school grades in 9th, 10th and 12th. Similarly, it was negatively correlated with high-school GPA. After controlling for health, sociodemographic and education confounders, the chances of having a performance ≥75th centile in students having hyperleptinaemia were 32% (95% CI 0.19% to 0.89%) that of students having normal serum leptin concentration.

Conclusions

In high school students, abnormally high levels of leptin were associated with poorer academic performance. These findings support the idea of a relationship between leptin and cognition. Further research is needed on the cognitive effects of leptin in younger populations.
Effect of characteristics of women on attendance in blind and non-blind randomised trials: analysis of recruitment data from the EPHT Trial
Authors: Veerus Piret , Fischer Krista , Hemminki Elina , Hovi Sirpa-Liisa , Hakama Matti
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To analyse the effect of women's characteristics on their willingness to join a blind or a non-blind subtrial or to be excluded by physicians.

Design

Primary prevention trial of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT). A 2×2, randomised design with a non-blind HT arm or control arm and a blind HT arm or placebo arm.

Setting

3 clinical centres in Estonia.

Methods

Interest in joining the trial was asked in a questionnaire together with demographic and health status data. Interested and eligible women were invited to a health examination that also informed whether they belonged to a blind or to a non-blind subtrial; the arm was not revealed. Trial physicians made further exclusions when checking the women's eligibility. Thereafter, informed consent was asked as detailed in the flow chart. Comparisons were made between non-blind and blind subtrials. Analyses were carried out for each of the background variables.

Outcome measures

The proportion of willingness, eligibility and attendance.

Results

Women randomised to the non-blind subtrial were more willing to join (relative risk (RR) 1.17) and more likely to be found eligible by physicians (RR 1.10) than women in the blind subtrial, resulting in larger attendance (RR 1.29). Women with higher education were differentially more willing to join the non-blind trial (RR 1.29) than those with basic education (RR 1.08); the differential willingness of never-smokers (RR 1.20) was larger than that of current smokers (RR 1.07). The differential exclusion by physicians by education and smoking were small. Some subjective symptoms (eg, diarrhoea/constipation, stomach pain) had reverse differential effects on attendance in the non-blind subtrial in comparison to the blind subtrial. Menopausal symptoms did not affect the differential interest, eligibility or attendance.

Conclusions

Blinding in RCT reduces attendance, due to decisions of the women and the trial physicians. Differential attendance by blinding may affect the generalisability of the results from trials.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN35338757.