bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ontogeny and the fossil record: what, if anything, is an adult dinosaur?
Authors: Hone David W. E. , Farke Andrew A. , Wedel Mathew J.
Published: February 2016

Identification of the ontogenetic status of an extinct organism is complex, and yet this underpins major areas of research, from taxonomy and systematics to ecology and evolution. In the case of the non-avialan dinosaurs, at least some were reproductively mature before they were skeletally mature, and a lack of consensus on how to define an ‘adult’ animal causes problems for even basic scientific investigations. Here we review the current methods available to determine the age of non-avialan dinosaurs, discuss the definitions of different ontogenetic stages, and summarize the implications of these disparate definitions for dinosaur palaeontology. Most critically, a growing body of evidence suggests that many dinosaurs that would be considered ‘adults’ in a modern-day field study are considered ‘juveniles’ or ‘subadults’ in palaeontological contexts.
Timing of CD8 T cell effector responses in viral infections
Authors: Stipp Shaun R. , Iniguez Abdon , Wan Frederic , Wodarz Dominik
Published: February 2016

CD8 T cell or cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses are an important branch of the immune system in the fight against viral infections. The dynamics of anti-viral CTL responses have been characterized in some detail, both experimentally and with mathematical models. An interesting experimental observation concerns the timing of CTL responses. A recent study reported that in pneumonia virus of mice the effector CTL tended to arrive in the lung only after maximal virus loads had been achieved, an observation that seems at first counterintuitive because prevention of pathology would require earlier CTL-mediated activity. A delay in CTL-mediated effector activity has also been quoted as a possible explanation for the difficulties associated with CTL-based vaccines. This paper uses mathematical models to show that in specific parameter regimes, delayed CTL effector activity can be advantageous for the host in the sense that it can increase the chances of virus clearance. The increased ability of the CTL to clear the infection, however, is predicted to come at the cost of acute pathology, giving rise to a trade-off, which is discussed in the light of evolutionary processes. This work provides a theoretical basis for understanding the described experimental observations.
The amygdalo-nigrostriatal network is critical for an optimal temporal performance
Authors: Es-seddiqi Mouna , El Massioui Nicole , Samson Nathalie , Brown Bruce L. , Doyère Valérie
Published: February 2016

The amygdalo-nigrostriatal (ANS) network plays an essential role in enhanced attention to significant events. Interval timing requires attention to temporal cues. We assessed rats having a disconnected ANS network, due to contralateral lesions of the medial central nucleus of the amygdala (CEm) and dopaminergic afferents to the lateral striatum, as compared to controls (sham and ipsilateral lesions of CEm and dopaminergic afferents to LS) in a temporal bisection task. ANS disconnection induced poorer temporal precision and increased response latencies to a short duration. The present results reveal a role of the ANS network in temporal processing.
FDMX: extended X-ray absorption fine structure calculations using the finite difference method
Authors: Bourke Jay D. , Chantler Christopher T. , Joly Yves
Published: February 2016

A new theoretical approach and computational package,FDMX, for general calculations of X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) over an extended energy range within a full-potential model is presented. The final-state photoelectron wavefunction is calculated over an energy-dependent spatial mesh, allowing for a complete representation of all scattering paths. The electronic potentials and corresponding wavefunctions are subject to constraints based on physicality and self-consistency, allowing for accurate absorption cross sections in the near-edge region, while higher-energy results are enabled by the implementation of effective Debye–Waller damping and new implementations of second-order lifetime broadening. These include inelastic photoelectron scattering and, for the first time, plasmon excitation coupling. This is the first full-potential package available that can calculate accurate XAFS spectra across a complete energy range within a single framework and without fitted parameters. Example spectra are provided for elemental Sn, rutile TiO2and the FeO6octahedron.
Observation of scissors modes in solid state systems with a SQUID
Authors: Hatada Keisuke , Hayakawa Kuniko , Palumbo Fabrizio , Marcelli Augusto
Published: February 2016

The occurrence of scissors modes in crystals that have deformed ions in their unit cells was predicted some time ago. The theoretical value of their energy is rather uncertain, however, ranging between ten and a few tens of eV, with the corresponding widths of 10−7to 10−6 eV. Their observation by resonance fluorescence experiments therefore requires a photon spectrometer covering a wide energy range with a very high resolving power. Here, a new experiment is proposed and discussed in which such difficulties are overcome by measuring with a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) the variation of the magnetic field associated with the excitation of scissors modes.
Novel micro-reactor flow cell for investigation of model catalysts usingin situgrazing-incidence X-ray scattering
Authors: Kehres Jan , Pedersen Thomas , Masini Federico , Andreasen Jens Wenzel , Nielsen Martin Meedom , Diaz Ana , Nielsen Jane Hvolbæk , Hansen Ole , Chorkendorff Ib
Published: February 2016

The design, fabrication and performance of a novel and highly sensitive micro-reactor device for performingin situgrazing-incidence X-ray scattering experiments of model catalyst systems is presented. The design of the reaction chamber, etched in silicon on insulator (SIO), permits grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) in transmission through 10 µm-thick entrance and exit windows by using micro-focused beams. An additional thinning of the Pyrex glass reactor lid allows simultaneous acquisition of the grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS).In situexperiments at synchrotron facilities are performed utilizing the micro-reactor and a designed transportable gas feed and analysis system. The feasibility of simultaneousin situGISAXS/GIWAXS experiments in the novel micro-reactor flow cell was confirmed with CO oxidation over mass-selected Ru nanoparticles.
Compound refractive lenses as prefocusing optics for X-ray FEL radiation
Authors: Heimann Philip , MacDonald Michael , Nagler Bob , Lee Hae Ja , Galtier Eric , Arnold Brice , Xing Zhou
Published: February 2016

The performance of X-ray free-electron laser beamlines may be limited by the angular aperture. Compound refractive lenses (CRLs) can be employed to prefocus the X-ray beam, thereby increasing the beamline transmission. A prefocusing CRL was implemented in the X-ray transport of the Matter under Extreme Conditions Instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source. A significant improvement in the beamline transmission was calculated over the 3–10 keV photon energy range. At 5 keV, the relative X-ray intensity was measured and a factor of four increase was seen in the beamline transmission. The X-ray focus was also determined by the ablation imprint method.
Densitometry and temperature measurement of combustion gas by X-ray Compton scattering
Authors: Sakurai Hiroshi , Kawahara Nobuyuki , Itou Masayoshi , Tomita Eiji , Suzuki Kosuke , Sakurai Yoshiharu
Published: February 2016

Measurement of combustion gas by high-energy X-ray Compton scattering is reported. The intensity of Compton-scattered X-rays has shown a position dependence across the flame of the combustion gas, allowing us to estimate the temperature distribution of the combustion flame. The energy spectra of Compton-scattered X-rays have revealed a significant difference across the combustion reaction zone, which enables us to detect the combustion reaction. These results demonstrate that high-energy X-ray Compton scattering can be employed as anin situtechnique to probe inside a combustion reaction.
Recovery after work experiences, employee well-being and intent to quit
Authors: Singh Parbudyal , Burke Ronald J. , Boekhorst Janet
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– A growing body of research suggests that psychological experiences related to recovery after work may reduce employee fatigue and exhaustion and improve well-being. The purpose of this paper is to extend this literature by examining several correlates and consequences of four recovery experiences: psychological detachment, relaxation, mastery, and control.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 290 nursing staff working in hospitals using a questionnaire study and well-established measures. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

– The results suggest that the four recovery experiences were, with one exception, positively and significantly correlated. Personal demographic variables (e.g. work status and level of education) had relationships with the use of particular recovery experiences. Passion was positively related to the use of mastery and control, while work intensity was negatively associated with the use of psychological detachment and relaxation. The use of particular recovery experiences was generally associated with lower intentions to quit and positive indicators of psychological well-being.

Research limitations/implications

– There are several implications for research and practice. Scholars can use the results to extend the theories such as the job demands-resources model, including the role of work intensity as job demands. At the organizational level, managers and leaders should consider supporting strategies that help employees recover after work.

Originality/value

– This study extends the empirical research on recovery after work using some variables not previously used. The theory on recovery after work is also extended.
Identification of Synthetic and Natural Host Defense Peptides with Leishmanicidal Activity
Authors: Marr A. K. , Cen S. , Hancock R. E. W. , McMaster W. R.
Published: February 2016

Leishmania
parasites are a major public health problem worldwide. Effective treatment of leishmaniasis is hampered by the high incidence of adverse effects to traditional drug therapy and the emergence of resistance to current therapeutics. A vaccine is currently not available. Host defense peptides have been investigated as novel therapeutic agents against a wide range of pathogens. Here we demonstrate that the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 and the three synthetic peptides E6, L-1018, and RI-1018 exhibit leishmanicidal activity against promastigotes and intramacrophage amastigotes of
Leishmania donovani
and
Leishmania major
. We also report that the
Leishmania
protease/virulence factor GP63 confers protection to
Leishmania
from the cytolytic properties of all
l
-form peptides (E6, L-1018, and LL-37) but not the
d
-form peptide RI-1018. The results suggest that RI-1018, E6, and LL-37 are promising peptides to develop further into components for antileishmanial therapy.
Benznidazole Extended-Release Tablets for Improved Treatment of Chagas Disease: Preclinical Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Davanço Marcelo Gomes , Campos Michel Leandro , Rosa Talita Atanazio , Padilha Elias Carvalho , Alzate Alejandro Henao , Rolim Larissa Araújo , Rolim-Neto Pedro José , Peccinini Rosângela Gonçalves
Published: February 2016

Benznidazole (BNZ) is the first-line drug for the treatment of Chagas disease. The drug is available in the form of immediate-release tablets for 100-mg (adult) and 12.5-mg (pediatric) doses. The drug is administered two or three times daily for 60 days. The high frequency of daily administrations and the long period of treatment are factors that significantly contribute to the abandonment of therapy, affecting therapeutic success. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the preclinical pharmacokinetics of BNZ administered as extended-release tablets (200-mg dose) formulated with different types of polymers (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K4M and K100M), compared to the tablets currently available. The studies were conducted with rabbits, and BNZ quantification was performed in plasma and urine by ultraperformance liquid chromatography methods previously validated. The bioavailability of BNZ was adequate in the administration of extended-release tablets; however, with the administration of the pediatric tablet, the bioavailability was lower than with other tablets, which showed that the clinical use of this formulation should be monitored. The pharmacokinetic parameters demonstrated that the extended-release tablets prolonged drug release from the pharmaceutical matrix and provided an increase in the maintenance of the drug concentration
in vivo
, which would allow the frequency of administration to be reduced. Thus, a relative bioavailability study in humans will be planned for implementation of a new product for the treatment of Chagas disease.
Preventing Implant-Associated Infections by Silver Coating
Authors: Kuehl Richard , Brunetto Priscilla S. , Woischnig Anne-Kathrin , Varisco Massimo , Rajacic Zarko , Vosbeck Juerg , Terracciano Luigi , Fromm Katharina M. , Khanna Nina
Published: February 2016

Implant-associated infections (IAIs) are a dreaded complication mainly caused by biofilm-forming staphylococci. Implant surfaces preventing microbial colonization would be desirable. We examined the preventive effect of a silver-coated titanium-aluminum-niobium (TiAlNb) alloy. The surface elicited a strong, inoculum-dependent activity against
Staphylococcus epidermidis
and
Staphylococcus aureus
in an agar inhibition assay. Gamma sterilization and alcohol disinfection did not alter the effect. In a tissue cage mouse model, silver coating of TiAlNb cages prevented perioperative infections in an inoculum-dependent manner and led to a 100% prevention rate after challenge with 2 × 10
6
CFU of
S. epidermidis
per cage. In
S. aureus
infections, silver coating had only limited effect. Similarly, daptomycin or vancomycin prophylaxis alone did not prevent
S. aureus
infections. However, silver coating combined with daptomycin or vancomycin prophylaxis thwarted methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
infections at a prevention rate of 100% or 33%, respectively. Moreover, silver release from the surface was independent of infection and occurred rapidly after implantation. On day 2, a peak of 82 μg Ag/ml was reached in the cage fluid, corresponding to almost 6× the MIC of the staphylococci. Cytotoxicity toward leukocytes in the cage was low and temporary. Surrounding tissue did not reveal histological signs of silver toxicity.
In vitro
, no emergence of silver resistance was observed in several clinical strains of staphylococci upon serial subinhibitory silver exposures. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that silver-coated TiAlNb is potent for prevention of IAIs and thus can be considered for clinical application.
Susceptibility of Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Urine Isolates to Oral Antibiotics
Authors: Hirsch Elizabeth B. , Zucchi Paola C. , Chen Alice , Raux Brian R. , Kirby James E. , McCoy Christopher , Eliopoulos George M.
Published: February 2016

Increasing resistance among Gram-negative uropathogens limits treatment options, and susceptibility data for multidrug-resistant isolates are limited. We assessed the activity of five oral agents against 91 multidrug-resistant Gram-negative urine isolates that were collected from emergency department/hospitalized patients. Fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin were most active (>75% susceptibility). Susceptibilities to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin, and ampicillin were ≤40%; empirical use of these agents likely provides inadequate coverage in areas with a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant uropathogens.
Daptomycin Tolerance in the Staphylococcus aureus pitA6 Mutant Is Due to Upregulation of the
dlt
Operon
Authors: Mechler Lukas , Bonetti Eve-Julie , Reichert Sebastian , Flötenmeyer Matthias , Schrenzel Jacques , Bertram Ralph , François Patrice , Götz Friedrich
Published: February 2016

Understanding the mechanisms of how bacteria become tolerant toward antibiotics during clinical therapy is a very important object. In a previous study, we showed that increased daptomycin (DAP) tolerance of
Staphylococcus aureus
was due to a point mutation in
pitA
(inorganic phosphate transporter) that led to intracellular accumulation of both inorganic phosphate (P
i
) and polyphosphate (polyP). DAP tolerance in the
pitA6
mutant differs from classical resistance mechanisms since there is no increase in the MIC. In this follow-up study, we demonstrate that DAP tolerance in the
pitA6
mutant is not triggered by the accumulation of polyP. Transcriptome analysis revealed that 234 genes were at least 2.0-fold differentially expressed in the mutant. Particularly, genes involved in protein biosynthesis, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and replication and maintenance of DNA were downregulated. However, the most important change was the upregulation of the
dlt
operon, which is induced by the accumulation of intracellular P
i
. The GraXRS system, known as an activator of the
dlt
operon (
d
-alanylation of teichoic acids) and of the
mprF
gene (multiple peptide resistance factor), is not involved in DAP tolerance of the
pitA6
mutant. In conclusion, DAP tolerance of the
pitA6
mutant is due to an upregulation of the
dlt
operon, triggered directly or indirectly by the accumulation of P
i
.
Mutagenesis and Functional Analysis of the Bacterial Arginine Glycosyltransferase Effector NleB1 from Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Wong Fok Lung Tania , Giogha Cristina , Creuzburg Kristina , Ong Sze Ying , Pollock Georgina L. , Zhang Ying , Fung Ka Yee , Pearson Jaclyn S. , Hartland Elizabeth L.
Published: February 2016

Enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) interferes with host cell signaling by injecting virulence effector proteins into enterocytes via a type III secretion system (T3SS). NleB1 is a novel T3SS glycosyltransferase effector from EPEC that transfers a single
N
-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) moiety in an
N
-glycosidic linkage to Arg
117
of the Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD). GlcNAcylation of FADD prevents the assembly of the canonical death-inducing signaling complex and inhibits Fas ligand (FasL)-induced cell death. Apart from the DXD catalytic motif of NleB1, little is known about other functional sites in the enzyme. In the present study, members of a library of 22 random transposon-based, in-frame, linker insertion mutants of NleB1 were tested for their ability to block caspase-8 activation in response to FasL during EPEC infection. Immunoblot analysis of caspase-8 cleavage showed that 17 mutant derivatives of NleB1, including the catalytic DXD mutant, did not inhibit caspase-8 activation. Regions of interest around the insertion sites with multiple or single amino acid substitutions were examined further. Coimmunoprecipitation studies of 34 site-directed mutants showed that the NleB1 derivatives with the E253A, Y219A, and PILN
(63–66)AAAA
(in which the PILN motif from residues 63 to 66 was changed to AAAA) mutations bound to but did not GlcNAcylate FADD. A further mutant derivative, the PDG
(236–238)AAA
mutant, did not bind to or GlcNAcylate FADD. Infection of mice with the EPEC-like mouse pathogen
Citrobacter rodentium
expressing NleB
E253A
and NleB
Y219A
showed that these strains were attenuated, indicating the importance of residues E253 and Y219 in NleB1 virulence
in vivo
. In summary, we identified new amino acid residues critical for NleB1 activity and confirmed that these are required for the virulence function of NleB1.
Identification and Validation of
Loa loa
Microfilaria-Specific Biomarkers: a Rational Design Approach Using Proteomics and Novel Immunoassays
Authors: Drame Papa M. , Meng Zhaojing , Bennuru Sasisekhar , Herrick Jesica A. , Veenstra Timothy D. , Nutman Thomas B.
Published: February 2016

Immunoassays are currently needed to quantify
Loa loa
microfilariae (mf)
.
To address this need, we have conducted proteomic and bioinformatic analyses of proteins present in the urine of a
Loa
mf-infected patient and used this information to identify putative biomarkers produced by
L. loa
mf. In total, 70 of the 15,444 described putative
L. loa
proteins were identified. Of these 70, 18 were
L. loa
mf specific, and 2 of these 18 (LOAG_16297 and LOAG_17808) were biologically immunogenic. We developed novel reverse luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) immunoassays to quantify these 2 proteins in individual plasma samples. Levels of these 2 proteins in microfilaremic
L. loa
-infected patients were positively correlated to mf densities in the corresponding blood samples (
r
= 0.71 and
P
< 0.0001 for LOAG_16297 and
r
= 0.61 and
P
= 0.0002 for LOAG_17808). For LOAG_16297, the levels in plasma were significantly higher in
Loa
-infected (geometric mean [GM], 0.045 µg/ml) than in uninfected (
P
< 0.0001),
Wuchereria bancrofti
-infected (
P
= 0.0005), and
Onchocerca volvulus
-infected (
P
< 0.0001) individuals, whereas for LOAG_17808 protein, they were not significantly different between
Loa
-infected (GM, 0.123 µg/ml) and uninfected (
P
= 0.06) and
W. bancrofti
-infected (
P
= 0.32) individuals. Moreover, only LOAG_16297 showed clear discriminative ability between
L. loa
and the other potentially coendemic filariae. Indeed, the specificity of the LOAG_16297 reverse LIPS assay was 96% (with a sensitivity of 77%). Thus, LOAG_16297 is a very promising biomarker that will be exploited in a quantitative point-of-care immunoassay for determination of
L. loa
mf densities.

IMPORTANCE
Loa loa
, the causative agent of loiasis, is a parasitic nematode transmitted to humans by the tabanid
Chrysops
fly. Some individuals infected with
L. loa
microfilariae (mf) in high densities are known to experience post-ivermectin severe adverse events (SAEs [encephalopathy, coma, or death]). Thus, ivermectin-based mass drug administration (MDA) programs for onchocerciasis and for lymphatic filariasis control have been interrupted in parts of Africa where these filarial infections coexist with
L. loa
. To allow for implementation of MDA for onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis, tools that can accurately identify people at risk of developing post-ivermectin SAEs are needed. Our study, using host-based proteomics in combination with novel immunoassays, identified a single
Loa
-specific antigen (LOAG_16297) that can be used as a biomarker for the prediction of
L. loa
mf levels in the blood of infected patients. Therefore, the use of such biomarker could be important in the point-of-care assessment of
L. loa
mf densities.
Paradoxical reaction to antitubercular treatment in a case of pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Paudyal Buddhi , Paudel Kshitiz , Shakya Mila , Basnyat Buddha
Published: February 2016

A 51-year-old man presented with intermittent fever, mild cough and loss of appetite of 1-month duration. His sputum smear was positive for acid-fast bacilli and his chest radiograph revealed apical infiltrations. The patient was treated with antitubercular therapy (ATT), recovered and was well for 1 month, after which he suddenly developed focal seizures. MRI of the brain with gadolinium enhancement showed high intensity nodular foci in the frontal, parietal and occipital regions. The patient was diagnosed as a case of paradoxical reaction to ATT, and was successfully managed with continued ATT and adjunctive steroid therapy.
Good-quality social care for people with Parkinson’s disease: a qualitative study
Authors: Tod Angela Mary , Kennedy Fiona , Stocks Amanda-Jayne , McDonnell Ann , Ramaswamy Bhanu , Wood Brendan , Whitfield Malcolm
Published: February 2016

Objectives

The study examines the meaning of good-quality social care for people with Parkinson's disease and their carers. It identifies, from their perspective, the impact of good-quality social care on health and well-being.

Design

Qualitative case study methodology, interview and framework analysis techniques were used. Setting: community locations in the north and midlands of England.

Participants

Data were collected from 43 participants including individual interviews with people with Parkinson's disease (n=4), formal and informal social care providers (n=13), 2 focus groups, 1 with people with Parkinson's disease and their carers (n=17), and 1 with professionals (n=8), plus a telephone interview with a former commissioner.

Findings

Good-quality social care, delivered in a timely fashion, was reported to have a positive impact on health. Furthermore, there is an indication that good-quality social care can prevent untoward events, such as infections, symptom deterioration and deterioration in mental health. The concept of the ‘Impact Gap’ developed from the findings, illustrates how the costs of care may be reduced by delivering good-quality social care. Control, choice and maintaining independence emerged as indicators of good-quality social care, irrespective of clinical condition. Participants identified characteristics indicative of good-quality social care specific to Parkinson's disease, including understanding Parkinson's disease, appropriate administration of medication, timing of care and reassessment. ‘Parkinson's aware’ social care was seen to generate psychological, physical and social benefits that were inter-related.

Conclusions

The findings indicate how maximising quality in social care delivery for people with Parkinson's disease can impact on health and well-being. Long-term or short-term benefits may result in prevented events and reductions in health and social care resource. Health professionals can be instrumental in early detection of and signposting to social care.
Thigh length versus knee length antiembolism stockings for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis in postoperative surgical patients; a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Wade Ros , Paton Fiona , Rice Stephen , Stansby Gerard , Millner Peter , Flavell Hayley , Fox Dave , Woolacott Nerys
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To assess the clinical effectiveness of thigh length versus knee length antiembolism stockings for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in surgical patients.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis using direct methods and network meta-analysis.

Methods

Previous systematic reviews and electronic databases were searched to February 2014 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of thigh length or knee length antiembolism stockings in surgical patients. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The primary outcome was incidence of DVT. Analysis of the DVT data was performed using ORs along with 95% CIs. The I2statistic was used to quantify statistical heterogeneity.

Results

23 RCTs were included; there was substantial variation between the trials and many were poorly reported with an unclear risk of bias. Five RCTs directly comparing thigh length versus knee length stockings were pooled and the summary estimate of effect favouring thigh length stockings was not statistically significant (OR 1.48, 95% CI 0.80 to 2.73). 13 RCTs were included in the network meta-analysis; thigh length stockings with pharmacological prophylaxis were more effective than knee length stockings with pharmacological prophylaxis, but again results were not statistically significant (OR 1.76, 95% credible intervals 0.82 to 3.53).

Conclusions

Thigh length stockings may be more effective than knee length stockings, but results did not reach statistical significance and the evidence base is weak. Further research to confirm this finding is unlikely to be worthwhile. While thigh length stockings appear to have superior efficacy, practical issues such as patient acceptability may prevent their wide use in clinical practice.

Systematic review registration number

CRD42014007202.
Rates of self-harm presenting to general hospitals: a comparison of data from the Multicentre Study of Self-Harm in England and Hospital Episode Statistics
Authors: Clements Caroline , Turnbull Pauline , Hawton Keith , Geulayov Galit , Waters Keith , Ness Jennifer , Townsend Ellen , Khundakar Kazem , Kapur Nav
Published: February 2016

Objective

Rates of hospital presentation for self-harm in England were compared using different national and local data sources.

Design

The study was descriptive and compared bespoke data collection methods for recording self-harm presentations to hospital with routinely collected hospital data.

Setting

Local area data on self-harm from the 3 centres of the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England (Oxford, Manchester and Derby) were used along with national and local routinely collected data on self-harm admissions and emergency department attendances from Hospital Episode Statistics (HES).

Primary outcome

Rate ratios were calculated to compare rates of self-harm generated using different data sources nationally and locally (between 2010 and 2012) and rates of hospital presentations for self-harm were plotted over time (between 2003 and 2012), based on different data sources.

Results

The total number of self-harm episodes between 2010 and 2012 was 13 547 based on Multicentre Study data, 9600 based on HES emergency department data and 8096 based on HES admission data. Nationally, routine HES data underestimated overall rates of self-harm by approximately 60% compared with rates based on Multicentre Study data (rate ratio for HES emergency department data, 0.41 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.49); rate ratio for HES admission data, 0.42 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.49)). Direct local area comparisons confirmed an overall underascertainment in the HES data, although the difference varied between centres. There was a general increase in self-harm over time according to HES data which contrasted with a fall and then a rise in the Multicentre Study data.

Conclusions

There was a consistent underestimation of presentations for self-harm recorded by HES emergency department data, and fluctuations in year-on-year figures. HES admission data appeared more reliable but missed non-admitted episodes. Routinely collected data may miss important trends in self-harm and cannot be used in isolation as the basis for a robust national indicator of self-harm.
Sparse Spike Deconvolution of Seismic Data Using Trust-Region Based SQP Algorithm
Authors: Zhou Qingbao , Gao Jinghuai , Wang Zhiguo
Published: February 2016

A new deconvolution algorithm for retrieving a sparse reflectivity series from noisy seismic traces is proposed. The problem is formulated as a constrained minimization, taking the approximation zero norm of reflectivity as the objective function. The resulting minimization is solved efficiently by the trust-region based sequential quadratic programming (SQP) method, which provides global convergence and local quadratic convergence rates under suitable assumptions. The null space decomposition method and the de-biasing method are employed to reduce computational complexity and further improve the calculation accuracy. Synthetic simulations indicate that the spikes on the reflectivity, both their positions and amplitudes, are recovered effectively by the proposed approach.
Dolomitization Associated with Sea Level and Ocean Current Circulation in the Southern Marion Platform, Offshore Ne Australia
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Sun Yuefeng
Published: February 2016

On the Southern Marion carbonate platform, dolomitization is triggered by the circulation of normal or slightly modified seawater and is related to changes in sedimentation rate and sea level change. Dolomitization further modifies formation permeability and fluid flow patterns. Dolostone/calcareous dolostone with large vuggy or moldic porosity is formed by fabric-preserving dissolution and recrystallization, which increases the pore space and facilitates the fluid flow effectively, with permeability ranging from 1[Formula: see text]mD to 10,000[Formula: see text]mD. The frame flexibility factor ([Formula: see text]) is a rock physics parameter which is a proxy of pore structure. We find that at given porosity dolostone with larger pores, higher permeability and higher sonic velocity usually has lower values of frame flexibility factor than limestone. After strong compaction and cementation, the limestone frame occludes fluid flow, prevents dolomitization and has permeability as low as 0.02[Formula: see text]mD.

Acoustic impedance inversion confirms that the asymmetric geometry of the Southern Marion platform is shaped by the oceanographic currents, which are caused by the southward-flowing East Australian Current. Three layers of dolostone with large pores in the upper platform reveal strong fluid flow within the carbonate platform, leading to dolomitization and dissolution. These three strongly dolomitized zones follow the platform topography, indicating that the diagenetic fluid flow is driven by oceanographic currents. Three large-pore-formation dolomitization events match well with three highstands of sea level events, illustrating that the highstand of sea level induces the formation of dolomitization zones with large pores. This study demonstrates the positive feedback loop of dolomitization and ocean current circulation, as well as the relationship between dolomitization and sea level change, which could be applicable for better understanding subsurface fluid-rock interactions and dolomitization pore systems in other carbonate environments.
Interposition Arthroplasty Versus Hematoma and Distraction for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Trapeziometacarpal Joint
Authors: Corain Massimo , Zampieri Nicola , Mugnai Raffaele , Adani Roberto
Published: February 2016

Background: Various surgical techniques were reported with excellent result for the treatment of trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis. However, the best treatment option was not defined yet.

Methods: This randomized prospective study compared the result of two surgical techniques: tendon interposition arthroplasty (64 patients) and K. wire distraction (56 patients) after trapeziectomy for stage 3 or 4 osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint.

Results: After a mean follow-up period of 6.8 (range, 3-10) years it was possible to observe a higher rate of pain relief following trapeziectomy with K. wire suspension, but no significant differences in strength, range of motion and DASH score between the two groups. On lateral unloaded radiographs the height of the space between the base of the thumb metacarpal and the scaphoid showed a mean value of 6.5 mm for both groups; the average distance between the metacarpal base and the trapezium was not statistically significant in the two groups. Complications were observed only in patients treated with trapeziectomy and interposition arthroplasty and were represented by tendinitis of the FCR in 15% of cases.

Conclusions: We demonstrate that the trapezium excision and bone space distraction technique requires a smaller incision, a shorter surgical time, an easier surgical technique, and a less painful recovery, maintaining overlapping levels of functional restore.
Attritional Rupture of the Little Finger Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon in the Carpal Tunnel in a Patient with Acromegaly
Authors: Lee Munn Yi Tina , Jin Yeo Chong
Published: February 2016

Spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons within the carpal tunnel is rare in the absence of rheumatoid arthritis. Other predisposing conditions such as gout, infection, pisotriquetrial osteoarthritis, as well as hook of hamate fracture non-union, have previously been reported. However, tendon ruptures of the hand in the presence of acromegaly, as well as spontaneous ruptures within the carpal tunnel, have not been described in the literature.
Direct regulation of IGF-binding protein 1 promoter by interleukin-1β via an insulin- and FoxO-1-independent mechanism
Authors: Shi L. , Banerjee D. , Dobierzewska A. , Sathishkumar S. , Karakashian A. A. , Giltiay N. V. , Nikolova-Karakashian M. N.
Published: February 2016

The level of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP1), a liver-produced serum protein that regulates insulin-like growth factor-I bioactivity, glucose homeostasis, and tissue regeneration, increases during inflammation. This manuscript describes a novel pathway for the regulation of hepatic IGFBP1 mRNA and protein levels by interleukin (IL)-1β. Experiments with the luciferase reporter system show that IL-1β stimulates transcriptional activity from the 1-kb promoter region of IGFBP1. Although IL-1β stimulation suppresses the insulin activation of protein kinase B, the major upstream regulator of IGFBP1 mRNA transcription, the induction of IGFBP1 by IL-1β did not require an intact insulin response element. Furthermore, neither overexpression nor silencing of FoxO-1 had any effect on the IL-1β-induced increase in IGFBP1 mRNA levels and promoter activity. However, inhibition of the ERK MAP kinases effectively prevented the IL-1β effects. Inhibition of neutral sphingomyelinase, a key player in the IL-1β signaling cascade that acts upstream of ERK, also suppressed the IL-1β effects, while increasing the ceramide, through the addition of C2-ceramide or via treatment with exogenous sphingomyelinase, was sufficient to induce IGFBP1 promoter-driven luciferase activity. Studies in primary rat hepatocytes where the levels of neutral sphingomyelinase were either elevated or suppressed using adenoviral constructs affirmed the key role of neutral sphingomyelinase and ceramide (exerted likely through ERK activation) in the IL-1β-induced IGFBP1 production. Finally, the IL-1β effects on IGFBP1 mRNA production and protein secretion could be abolished by the addition of insulin, either at very late time points or at very high doses.
Gene expression profiling of the effects of organic dust in lung epithelial and THP-1 cells reveals inductive effects on inflammatory and immune response genes
Authors: Boggaram Vijay , Loose David S. , Gottipati Koteswara R. , Natarajan Kartiga , Mitchell Courtney T.
Published: February 2016

The intensification and concentration of animal production operations expose workers to high levels of organic dusts in the work environment. Exposure to organic dusts is a risk factor for the development of acute and chronic respiratory symptoms and diseases. Lung epithelium plays important roles in the control of immune and inflammatory responses to environmental agents to maintain lung health. To better understand the effects of organic dust on lung inflammatory responses, we characterized the gene expression profiles of A549 alveolar and Beas2B bronchial epithelial and THP-1 monocytic cells influenced by exposure to poultry dust extract by DNA microarray analysis using Illumina Human HT-12 v4 Expression BeadChip. We found that A549 alveolar and Beas2B bronchial epithelial and THP-1 cells responded with unique changes in the gene expression profiles with regulation of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and other inflammatory proteins being common to all the three cells. Significantly induced genes included IL-8, IL-6, IL-1β, ICAM-1, CCL2, CCL5, TLR4, and PTGS2. Validation by real-time qRT-PCR, ELISA, Western immunoblotting, and immunohistochemical staining of lung sections from mice exposed to dust extract validated DNA microarray results. Pathway analysis indicated that dust extract induced changes in gene expression influenced functions related to cellular growth and proliferation, cell death and survival, and cellular development. These data show that a broad range of inflammatory mediators produced in response to poultry dust exposure can modulate lung immune and inflammatory responses. This is the first report on organic dust induced changes in expression profiles in lung epithelial and THP-1 monocytic cells.
A New Method Applied to the Quadrilateral Membrane Element with Vertex Rigid Rotational Freedom
Authors: Gao Xiaowei , Liu Yunfei , Lv Jun
Published: February 2016

In order to improve the performance of the membrane element with vertex rigid rotational freedom, a new method to establish the local Cartesian coordinate system and calculate the derivatives of the shape functions with respect to the local coordinates is introduced in this paper. The membrane elements with vertex rigid rotational freedom such as GQ12 and GQ12M based on this new method can achieve higher precision results than traditional methods. The numerical results demonstrate that the elements GQ12 and GQ12M with this new method can provide better membrane elements for flat shell elements. Furthermore, this new method presented in this paper offers a new approach for other membrane elements used in flat shell element to improve the computing accuracy.
User Adapted Motor-Imaginary Brain-Computer Interface by means of EEG Channel Selection Based on Estimation of Distributed Algorithms
Authors: Astigarraga Aitzol , Arruti Andoni , Muguerza Javier , Santana Roberto , Martin Jose I. , Sierra Basilio
Published: February 2016

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) have become a research field with interesting applications, and it can be inferred from published papers that different persons activate different parts of the brain to perform the same action. This paper presents a personalized interface design method, for electroencephalogram- (EEG-) based BCIs, based on channel selection. We describe a novel two-step method in which firstly a computationally inexpensive greedy algorithm finds an adequate search range; and, then, an Estimation of Distribution Algorithm (EDA) is applied in the reduced range to obtain the optimal channel subset. The use of the EDA allows us to select the most interacting channels subset, removing the irrelevant and noisy ones, thus selecting the most discriminative subset of channels for each user improving accuracy. The method is tested on the IIIa dataset from the BCI competition III. Experimental results show that the resulting channel subset is consistent with motor-imaginary-related neurophysiological principles and, on the other hand, optimizes performance reducing the number of channels.
Distinct Habitats Select Particular Bacterial Communities in Mangrove Sediments
Authors: Rocha Lidianne L. , Colares Geórgia B. , Nogueira Vanessa L. R. , Paes Fernanda A. , Melo Vânia M. M.
Published: February 2016

We investigated the relationship among environmental variables, composition, and structure of bacterial communities in different habitats in a mangrove located nearby to an oil exploitation area, aiming to retrieve the natural pattern of bacterial communities in this ecosystem. The T-RFLP analysis showed a high diversity of bacterial populations and an increase in the bacterial richness from habitats closer to the sea and without vegetation (S1) to habitats covered byAvicennia schaueriana(S2) andRhizophora mangle(S3). Environmental variables in S1 and S2 were more similar than in S3; however, when comparing the bacterial compositions, S2 and S3 shared more OTUs between them, suggesting that the presence of vegetation is an important factor in shaping these bacterial communities.In silicoanalyses of the fragments revealed a high diversity of the class Gammaproteobacteria in the 3 sites, although in general they presented quite different bacterial composition, which is probably shaped by the specificities of each habitat. This study shows that microhabitats inside of a mangrove ecosystem harbor diverse and distinct microbiota, reinforcing the need to conserve these ecosystems as a whole.
Fourier-Transform Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy in Binary Hydrocarbon-Alcohol Single Droplet Evaporation
Authors: Daly Shane R. , Olson Nicholas , Hagen Christopher L.
Published: February 2016

Broadband absorption spectroscopy, by way of FTIR, was used to investigate the vapor cloud of a single millimeter sized liquid droplet suspended by a syringe as it evaporates at standard conditions. Single beam data were collected every 8 seconds resulting in a time-resolved record. Species concentrations were tracked using their resonant absorption peaks and correlated with a multidimensional numerical model. The numerical model combined a Gaussian beam transmission through a temporally changing spherical vapor cloud with radial concentration gradients, informed by theD2law and interpreted using the Abel transform. There was fair agreement with temporal evaporation trends for single component runs. Multicomponent experiments of ethanol and isooctane showed synergistic blending effects and preferential evaporation of ethanol. Droplets were also suspended by a thermocouple to track the droplet temperature over time as they were subject to evaporative cooling. This work is the foundation of a basic technique for collecting useful data to inform a complex transport problem.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation to Investigate the Interaction of Asphaltene and Oxide in Aggregate
Authors: Li Rui , Du Hui , Fan Zepeng , Pei Jianzhong
Published: February 2016

The asphalt-aggregate interface interaction (AAI) plays a significant role in the overall performances of asphalt mixture, which is caused due to the complicated physicochemical processes and is influenced by various factors, including the acid-base property of aggregates. In order to analyze the effects of the chemical constitution of aggregate on the AAI, the average structure C65H74N2S2is selected to represent the asphaltene in asphalt and magnesium oxide (MgO), calcium oxide (CaO), aluminium sesquioxide (Al2O3), and silicon dioxide (SiO2) are selected to represent the major oxides in aggregate. The molecular models are established for asphaltene and the four oxides, respectively, and the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was conducted for the four kinds of asphaltene-oxide system at different temperatures. The interfacial energy in MD simulation is calculated to evaluate the AAI, and higher value means better interaction. The results show that interfacial energy between asphaltene and oxide reaches the maximum value at 25°C and 80°C and the minimum value at 40°C. In addition, the interfacial energy between asphaltene and MgO was found to be the greatest, followed by CaO, Al2O3, and SiO2, which demonstrates that the AAI between asphalt and alkaline aggregates is better than acidic aggregates.
Short-Term Side Effects after Radioiodine Treatment in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Lu Liyan , Shan Fengling , Li Wenbin , Lu Hankui
Published: February 2016

Objectives. I-131 therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) could induce adverse effects. The purpose of this study was to report and analyze symptoms after I-131 treatment within the hospitalization and present relevant medical intervention.Methods. I-131 doses ranging from 3.7 to 9.25 GBq (100–250 mCi) were administrated for thyroid remnant ablation or treating DTC metastases. 117 patients with DTC for I-131 therapy were monitored through the video and intercommunicating with standardized questionnaire at different time points after I-131 oral administration. Adverse effects were recorded and relevant clinical factors were analyzed.Results. Among all the 117 patients, 55 cases complained of neck’s pain or swelling and 79 cases presented with gastrointestinal symptoms. Pain or swelling of salivary gland occurred in 15 patients, headache and vertigo in 10, insomnia in 9, vocal cord paralysis in 6, fatigue or general malaise in 6, and foreign body sensation in 5. Body numbness and urinary symptoms were observed in only 1 case, respectively. Those side effects were related with sex, pre-I-131 treatment TSH levels, frequency of I-131 therapy, and lymph node metastases.Conclusions. Short-term side effects after I-131 therapy for DTC patients varied individually; severe symptoms were not uncommon but generally did not need emergent medical intervention.