bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Rosuvastatin on Markers of Immune Activation in Treatment-Naive Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Patients
Authors: Weijma Robyn G. M. , Vos Eric R. A. , Ten Oever Jaap , Van Schilfgaarde Muriel , Dijksman Lea M. , Van Der Ven André , Van Den Berk Guido E. L. , Brinkman Kees , Frissen Jos P. H. J. , Leyte Anja , Schouten Ineke W. E. M. , Netea Mihai G. , Blok Willem L.
Published: January 2016

Background.  Immune activation has been implicated in the excess mortality in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, due to cardiovascular diseases and malignancies. Statins may modulate this immune activation. We assessed the capacity of rosuvastatin to mitigate immune activation in treatment-naive HIV-infected patients.

Methods.  In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study, we explored the effects of 8 weeks of rosuvastatin 20 mg in treatment-naive male HIV-infected patients (n = 28) on immune activation markers: neopterin, soluble Toll-like receptor (TLR)2, sTLR4, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1Ra, IL-18, d-dimer, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, and CD38 and/or human leukocyte antigen-DR expression on T cells. Baseline data were compared with healthy male controls (n = 10). Furthermore, the effects of rosuvastatin on HIV-1 RNA, CD4/CD8 T-cell count, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were examined and side effects were registered.

Results.  T-cell activation levels were higher in patients than in controls. Patients had higher levels of circulating IL-18, sTLR2, and neopterin (all P < .01). Twenty patients completed the study. Rosuvastatin increased the CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio (P = .02). No effect on other markers was found.

Conclusions.  Patients infected with HIV had higher levels of circulating neopterin, IL-18, sTLR2, and T-cell activation markers. Rosuvastatin had a small but significant positive effect on CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio, but no influence on other markers of T-cell activation and innate immunity was identified (The Netherlands National Trial Register [NTR] NTR 2349, http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/index.asp).
A Cumulative Spore Killing Approach: Synergistic Sporicidal Activity of Dilute Peracetic Acid and Ethanol at Low pH Against Clostridium difficile and Bacillus subtilis Spores
Authors: Nerandzic Michelle M. , Sankar C Thriveen , Setlow Peter , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: January 2016

Background.  Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the primary method of hand hygiene in healthcare settings, but they lack activity against bacterial spores produced by pathogens such as Clostridium difficile and Bacillus anthracis. We previously demonstrated that acidification of ethanol induced rapid sporicidal activity, resulting in ethanol formulations with pH 1.5–2 that were as effective as soap and water washing in reducing levels of C difficile spores on hands. We hypothesized that the addition of dilute peracetic acid (PAA) to acidified ethanol would enhance sporicidal activity while allowing elevation of the pH to a level likely to be well tolerated on skin (ie, >3).

Methods.  We tested the efficacy of acidified ethanol solutions alone or in combination with PAA against C difficile and Bacillus subtilis spores in vitro and against nontoxigenic C difficile spores on hands of volunteers.

Results.  Acidification of ethanol induced rapid sporicidal activity against C difficile and to a lesser extent B subtilis. The addition of dilute PAA to acidified ethanol resulted in synergistic enhancement of sporicidal activity in a dose-dependent fashion in vitro. On hands, the addition of 1200–2000 ppm PAA enhanced the effectiveness of acidified ethanol formulations, resulting in formulations with pH >3 that were as effective as soap and water washing.

Conclusions.  Acidification and the addition of dilute PAA induced rapid sporicidal activity in ethanol. Our findings suggest that it may be feasible to develop effective sporicidal ethanol formulations that are safe and tolerable on skin.
Clinical Liver Disease Progression Among Hepatitis C-Infected Drug Users With CD4 Cell Count Less Than 200 Cells/mm3 Is More Pronounced Among Women Than Men
Authors: Baranoski Amy S. , Cotton Deborah , Heeren Timothy , Nunes David , Kubiak Rachel W. , Horsburgh C. Robert
Published: January 2016

Background.  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality in the United States, and injection drug users are at particularly high risk.

Methods.  This prospective observational cohort study assessed the rate of, and risk factors for, clinical liver disease progression in a cohort of HCV monoinfected and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV coinfected drug users using unadjusted and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.

Results.  Of 564 subjects including 421 (75%) with HIV/HCV coinfection and 143 with HCV monoinfection, 55 (10%) had clinical liver disease progression during follow-up with a rate of 25.3 events per 1000 person-years. In unadjusted analysis, there was an interaction between sex and HIV status. In sex-stratified multivariate analysis, HIV/HCV-coinfected women with CD4 <200 cells/mm3 had 9.99 times the risk of liver disease progression as HCV-monoinfected women (confidence interval [CI], 1.84–54.31; P = .008), and white women had a trend towards increased risk of liver disease progression compared with non-white women (hazard ratio, 2.84; CI, .93–8.68; P = .07). Human immunodeficiency virus/HCV-coinfected men with CD4 <200 cells/mm3 had 2.86 times the risk of liver disease progression as HCV-monoinfected men (CI, 1.23-6.65; P = .01).

Conclusions.  Hepatitis C virus-monoinfected and HIV/HCV-coinfected drug users had high rates of clinical liver disease progression. In those with HIV infection, liver disease progression was associated with advanced immune suppression. This effect was strikingly more pronounced in women than in men.
Completion Rate and Side-Effect Profile of Three-Month Isoniazid and Rifapentine Treatment for Latent Tuberculosis Infection in an Urban County Jail
Authors: Juarez-Reyes Maria , Gallivan Mark , Chyorny Alexander , O'Keeffe Linda , Shah Neha S.
Published: January 2016

In an urban jail population, 3 months of isoniazid and rifapentine (3HP) was associated with an 85% latent tuberculosis infection treatment completion rate compared with 18% in a standard 9-month isoniazid treatment group. Among the 91 patients who started 3HP therapy, there were 2 treatment discontinuations from adverse drug reactions.
Observational constraint on Pluto's atmospheric CO with ASTE
Authors: Iino Takahiro , Hirahara Yasuhiro , Hidemori Takehiro , Tsukagoshi Takashi , Nakajima Taku , Nakamoto Satoru , Kato Chihaya
Published: January 2016

To confirm the previous observational results of Pluto's atmospheric CO in the J = 2–1 rotational transition, we conducted a new observation of CO (J = 3–2) in Pluto's atmosphere in 2014 August with the Atacama Submillimeter Telescope Experiment 10 m single-dish telescope. In contrast to the previous observational result obtained with the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope in 2009 and 2010 by using the J = 2–1 transition, no emission structure was observed near the rest frequency in our attempt. Possible explanations for the nondetection result of the J = 3–2 transition are discussed.
A Mutant of the Bck1 Homolog from Cryphonectria parasitica Resulted in Sectorization with an Impaired Pathogenicity
Authors: Kim Jung-Mi , Lee Joong-Gi , Yun Suk-Hyun , So Kum-Kang , Ko Yo-Han , Kim Young Ho , Park Seung-Moon , Kim Dae-Hyuk
Published: January 2016

CpBck1, an ortholog of the cell-wall integrity mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was cloned and characterized from the chestnut blight fungus Cryphonectria parasitica. The CpBck1-null mutant displayed cell wall integrity–related phenotypic changes such as abnormal cell morphology and wall formation and hypersensitivity to cell wall-disrupting agents. In addition, the mutant showed severely retarded growth without any sign of normal development, such as hyphal differentiation, conidiation, or pigmentation. As the culture proceeded, the mutant colony showed sporadic sectorization. Once sectored, the sectored phenotype of robust mycelial growth without differentiation was stably inherited. Compared with the wild type, both the parental CpBck1-null mutant and the sectored progeny exhibited marked impaired virulence. The present study revealed that a mutation in a signaling pathway component related to cell-wall integrity resulted in sporadic sectorization and these sectored phenotypes were stably inherited, suggesting that this signal transduction pathway is implicated in adaptive genetic changes for sectorization.
The Sclerotinia sclerotiorum FoxE2 Gene Is Required for Apothecial Development
Authors: Wang Lu , Liu Yanzhi , Liu Jinliang , Zhang Yanhua , Zhang Xianghui , Pan Hongyu
Published: January 2016

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a widely dispersed plant pathogenic fungus causing many diseases such as white mold, Sclerotinia stem rot, stalk rot, and Sclerotinia head rot on many varieties of broadleaf crops worldwide. Previous studies have shown that the Forkhead-box transcription factors (FOX TFs) play key regulatory roles in the sexual reproduction of some fungi. Ss-FoxE2 is one of four FOX TF family member genes in S. sclerotiorum. Based on ortholog function in other fungi it is hypothesized to function in S. sclerotiorum sexual reproduction. In this study, the role of Ss-FoxE2 in S. sclerotiorum was identified with a gene knock-out strategy. Following transformation and screening, strains having undergone homologous recombination in which the hygromycin resistance gene replaced the gene Ss-FoxE2 from the genomic DNA were identified. No difference in hyphae growth, number, and weight of sclerotia and no obvious change in virulence was observed among the wild type Ss-FoxE2 knock-out mutant and genetically complemented mutant; however, following induction of sclerotia for sexual development, apothecia were not formed in Ss-FoxE2 knock-out mutant. The Ss-FoxE2 gene expressed significantly higher in the apothecial stages than in other developmental stages. These results indicate that Ss-FoxE2 appears to be necessary for the regulation of sexual reproduction, but may not affect the pathogenicity and vegetative development of S. sclerotiorum significantly.
Activation of Peripheral μ-opioid Receptors by Dermorphin [d-Arg2, Lys4] (1–4) Amide Leads to Modality-preferred Inhibition of Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Tiwari Vinod , Yang Fei , He Shao-Qiu , Shechter Ronen , Zhang Chen , Shu Bin , Zhang Tong , Tiwari Vineeta , Wang Yun , Dong Xinzhong , Guan Yun , Raja Srinivasa N.
Published: January 2016

AbstractAbstract

By using a model of male and female rats with spinal nerve ligation–induced neuropathic pain, the authors demonstrated that systemic administration of dermorphin [d-Arg2, Lys4] (1-4) amide, a highly selective μ-receptor agonist, attenuated both neuropathic mechanical and heat hypersensitivity through activation of μ-receptor at peripheral but not central sites. Further, the efficacy of dermorphin [d-Arg2, Lys4] (1-4) amide to inhibit heat hypersensitivity is greater than that to inhibit mechanical hypersensitivity.

Background

Opioids have long been regarded as the most effective drugs for the treatment of severe acute and chronic pain. Unfortunately, their therapeutic efficacy and clinical utility have been limited because of central and peripheral side effects.

Methods

To determine the therapeutic value of peripheral μ-opioid receptors as a target for neuropathic pain treatment, the authors examined the effects of dermorphin [d-Arg2, Lys4] (1–4) amide (DALDA), a hydrophilic, peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor agonist, in male and female rats with spinal nerve ligation–induced neuropathic pain. The authors also utilized behavioral, pharmacologic, electrophysiologic, and molecular biologic tools to characterize DALDA’s possible mechanisms of action in male rats.

Results

DALDA, administered subcutaneously, had 70 times greater efficacy for inhibiting thermal (n = 8 to 11/group) than mechanical hypersensitivity (n = 6 to 8/group) in male rats. The pain inhibitory effects of DALDA on mechanical and heat hypersensitivity were abolished in animals pretreated with systemic methylnaltrexone (n = 7 to 9/group), a peripheral μ-opioid receptor antagonist. In the spinal wide-dynamic range neurons, systemic DALDA inhibited C-fiber–mediated, but not A-fiber–mediated, response in neuropathic male rats (n = 13). In primary sensory neurons, DALDA inhibited the capsaicin-induced [Ca2+] increase more than the β-alanine–induced [Ca2+] increase (n = 300); capsaicin and β-alanine activate subpopulations of neurons involved in the signaling of heat and mechanical pain, respectively. DALDA-treated rats (n = 5 to 8/group) did not exhibit motor deficits and locomotor impairment suggesting that it does not induce central side effects.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that DALDA may represent a potential alternative to current opioid therapy for the treatment of neuropathic pain and is likely to be associated with minimal adverse effects.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Studying the Role of Dexamethasone in Scalp Nerve Blocks for Supratentorial Craniotomy
Authors: Jose Riya , Chakravarthy Kalyana , Nair Shalini , Joseph Mathew , Jeyaseelan Visalakshi , Korula Grace
Published: January 2016

Background:

The aim of this double-blinded randomized control study was to examine the role of the steroid dexamethasone as an adjuvant to lignocaine and ropivacaine in scalp nerve blocks in adults undergoing supratentorial craniotomy under general anesthesia. We compared the intraoperative anesthetic and postoperative analgesic requirement with and without the addition of dexamethasone to the local anesthetics.

Methods:

The consented 90 patients were randomized into 2 groups: one group received 8 mg (2 mL) of dexamethasone, whereas the other received 2 mL of normal saline along with the local anesthetics in the scalp nerve block administered soon after induction of general anesthesia. All patients received oral/intravenous dexamethasone perioperatively to decrease cerebral edema. The general anesthetic technique for induction, maintenance, and recovery was standardized in the 2 groups. The primary outcome assessed was the time to administration of the first dose of analgesic postoperatively. The secondary outcomes included intraoperative opioid requirement, time to emergence, and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Results:

There was no significant difference between the dexamethasone and saline groups with respect to time to first analgesic requirement, intraoperative fentanyl requirements, time to emergence from general anesthesia, and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Conclusions:

Addition of dexamethasone as an adjuvant to local anesthetics in scalp nerve blocks in the setting of perioperative steroid therapy does not appear to provide any additional benefit with respect to prolongation of the duration of the block.
Cortical Atrophy Related to Tumor Prosthesis in Skeletally Immature Osteosarcoma Patients
Authors: Kim Wanlim , Han Ilkyu , Cho Hwan-Seong , Kang Seungcheol , Kim Han-Soo
Published: January 2016

Background:

Cortical atrophy is commonly observed after prosthetic reconstruction for bone sarcomas. However, relevant literature regarding this phenomenon in skeletally immature patients is limited. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the incidence and patterns of cortical atrophy. We then assessed its predisposing factors. Finally, we analyzed whether cortical atrophy was associated with poor prosthesis survival.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 31 stems in 19 skeletally immature osteosarcoma patients who were treated with resection and tumor prosthesis surgery. We measured the cortical thickness using plain radiographs annually. The mean patient age was 11 years (range, 6 to 14 y) and the mean follow-up period was 10 years (range, 2 to 14 y).

Results:

Cortical atrophy developed in 13 stems, all within 3 years. There were 3 gross types of cortical atrophy: hourglass in 5, sharpening in 4, and shortening atrophy in 4. On multivariate analysis, stem-cortex diameter ratio of ≥0.5 and age of less than 10 years were significantly associated with cortical atrophy (P=0.002 and P=0.019, respectively). Cortical atrophy was significantly associated with eventual prosthesis failure (9/13 in the cortical atrophy group vs. 4/18 in the nonatrophy group, P=0.035).

Conclusions:

Cortical atrophy is common in the skeletally immature patients with tumor prosthesis and is associated with prosthesis failure. Patients with cortical atrophy should be closely monitored for prosthesis failure and appropriately managed to prevent failures.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—therapeutic study.
Alda-1 Attenuates Lung Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Reducing 4-Hydroxy-2-Nonenal in Alveolar Epithelial Cells
Authors: Ding Jie , Zhang Quanyi , Luo Qipeng , Ying Yongquan , Liu Yiwei , Li Yinan , Wei Wei , Yan Fuxia , Zhang Hao
Published: January 2016

Objectives:

Excessive oxidative stress is a main cause of lung ischemia-reperfusion injury, which often results in respiratory insufficiency after open-heart surgery for a cardiopulmonary bypass. Previous studies demonstrate that the activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 could significantly reduce the oxidative stress mediated by toxic aldehydes and attenuate cardiac and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, both the involvement of aldehydes and the protective effect of the aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 agonist, Alda-1, in lung ischemia-reperfusion injury remain unknown.

Design:

Prospective laboratory and animal investigation were conducted.

Setting:

State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease.

Subjects:

Primary human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells, human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells, and Sprague-Dawley rats.

Interventions:

A hypoxia/reoxygenation cell-culture model of human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cell, human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell, and an isolated-perfused lung model were applied to mimic lung ischemia-reperfusion injury. We evaluated the effects of Alda-1 on aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 quantity and activity, on aldehyde levels and pulmonary protection.

Measurements and Main Results:

We have demonstrated that ischemia-reperfusion–induced pulmonary injury concomitantly induced aldehydes accumulation in human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells and lung tissues, but not in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells. Moreover, Alda-1 pretreatment significantly elevated aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 activity, increased surfactant-associated protein C, and attenuated elevation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, apoptosis, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, inflammatory response, and the permeability of pulmonary alveolar capillary barrier, thus alleviated injury.

Conclusions:

Our study indicates that the accumulation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal plays an important role in lung ischemia-reperfusion injury. Alda-1 pretreatment can attenuate lung ischemia-reperfusion injury, possibly through the activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase-2, which in turn removes 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal in human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells. Alda-1 pretreatment has clinical implications to protect lungs during cardiopulmonary bypass.
Nonhematopoietic Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor-α Protects Against Cardiac Injury and Enhances Survival in Experimental Polymicrobial Sepsis*
Authors: Standage Stephen W. , Waworuntu Rachel L. , Delaney Martha A. , Maskal Sara M. , Bennion Brock G. , Duffield Jeremy S. , Parks William C. , Liles W. Conrad , McGuire John K.
Published: January 2016

Objectives:

Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α is significantly down-regulated in circulating leukocytes from children with sepsis. Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α null (Ppara
-/-) mice have greater mortality than wild-type mice when subjected to sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture. We sought to characterize the role of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α in sepsis and to identify the mechanism whereby peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α confers a survival advantage.

Design:

Prospective randomized preclinical study.

Setting:

Laboratory investigation.

Subjects:

Male C57Bl/6J and Ppara
–/– mice (B6.129S4-Pparatm1Gonz/J), aged 12–16 weeks.

Interventions:

Bone marrow chimeric mice were generated and subjected to cecal ligation and puncture. Survival was measured for 7 days. Separate groups of nontransplanted mice underwent cecal ligation and puncture and were euthanized 24 hours later for plasma and tissue analyses.

Measurements and Main Results:

Ppara
-/- mice had dramatically reduced survival compared with wild-type mice irrespective of the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α status of the bone marrow they received (3% vs 63%; p < 0.0001). No difference in survival was observed between Ppara
-/- mice that received wild-type versus Ppara
-/- marrow or in wild-type mice receiving wild-type versus Ppara
-/- marrow. In septic, nontransplanted mice at 24 hours, Ppara
-/- mice had elevated cardiac troponin levels compared with wild-type mice. Cardiac histologic injury scores were greater in Ppara
-/- versus wild-type mice. Expression of transcription factors and enzymes related to fatty acid oxidation in the heart were profoundly down-regulated in both wild-type and Ppara
-/- mice, but more so in the Ppara
-/- mice.

Conclusions:

Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α expression in nonhematopoietic tissues plays a critical role in determining clinical outcome in experimental polymicrobial sepsis and is more important to survival in sepsis than hematopoietic peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α expression. Cardiac injury due to inadequate energy production from fatty acid substrate is a probable mechanism of decreased survival in Ppara
-/- mice. These results suggest that altered peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α–mediated cellular metabolism may play an important role in sepsis-related end-organ injury and dysfunction, especially in the heart.
Ischemic Gastritis
Authors: Elwir Saleh , Shaukat Aasma , Mesa Hector , Colbach Christine , Dambowy Paul , Shaw Michael
Published: January 2016

Goals:

To report a case series of ischemic gastritis and discuss its etiology, management, and associated mortality according to our results and the published English literature.

Background:

Ischemic gastritis is rare, given the rich blood supply of the stomach. It has been reported in isolated case reports and small case series. Most cases are vascular in origin and associated with a high mortality.

Study:

Pathology databases from 3 hospitals affiliated with the University of Minnesota Medical School were searched for cases of ischemic gastritis in the last 10 years. Patients’ demographics, clinical course, and 1-month and 1-year mortalities were collected from electronic medical records.

Results:

A total of 12 patients were identified (age range, 32.1 to 83.2), the largest series reported to date. The presenting symptom was gastrointestinal bleeding (8), abdominal pain (2), nausea (1), and symptomatic anemia (1). The etiology included postinterventional radiology embolization (2), hemodynamic changes in the setting of celiac axis stenosis (2), vasculitis (1), systemic hypotension (1), and unknown (6). Treatment included steroid therapy, revascularization by interventional radiology, surgery, or supportive treatment. Thirty-day and 1-year mortalities were 33% and 41%, respectively.

Conclusions:

Ischemic gastritis is rare, but associated with a high mortality. Evaluation for treatable etiologies should be sought and corrected if present.
Oral Antiplatelet Therapy in Coronary Disease
Authors: Falcão Gonçalves Pedro , Menezes Falcão Luiz
Published: January 2016

Ischemic heart disease is the major isolated cause of death worldwide, responsible for 7,249,000 deaths in 2008, 12.7% of deaths from any causes. The inhibition of platelet activation and aggregation is an important therapeutic target. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors and thienopyridines are currently the 2 most used pharmacological classes, but novel antiplatelet agents have currently an important role. The most recent thienopyridine, prasugrel, allows an irreversible inhibition of the P2Y12 platelet receptor associated to a faster and more consistent onset of action rather the previous antiplatelet agents of the same class. Cyclopentyl-triazolo-pyrimidines, a newer pharmacological class from which ticagrelor is an example, also act at the P2Y12 platelet receptor, and like prasugrel, ticagrelor inhibits platelet aggregation in a fast and consistent manner, however, in a reversible way. This article aims to conduct a review on the literature about the most recent information and guidelines on oral antiplatelet agents available for the management of coronary disease.
Effects of an aerobic exercise program on driving performance in adults with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Gaudet Jeffrey , Mekary Saïd , Bélanger Mathieu , Johnson Michel
Published: January 2016

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been linked to decreases in driving performance and an increased crash risk. Regular exercise has been linked to improved driving performance among healthy adults. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between a 12-week cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program and driving performance among individuals with CVD. Twenty-five individuals, including 12 cardiac adults and 13 healthy adults, took part in this study. Simulated driving performance was assessed using a standardized demerit-based scoring system at 0 and 12 weeks. Cardiac participants completed a 12-week CR program between evaluations. At baseline, cardiac participants had a higher number of demerit points than healthy adults (120.9±38.1 vs. 94.7±28.3, P=0.04). At follow-up, there was an improvement in both groups’ driving evaluations, but the improvement was greater among the cardiac group such that there was no longer a difference in driving performance between both groups (94.6±30 vs. 86.9±34.8, P=0.51). Participation in an aerobic exercise-based CR program appears to lead to improvements in simulated driving performances of individuals with CVD.
Alcaligenes faecalis Cellulitis After a Dog Bite
Authors: Chu Andrew S. , Harkness Julia
Published: January 2016

Alcaligenes faecalis is a gram-negative organism that is commonly found in the environment and may also be a part of normal fecal flora in humans. Although various infections with this bacteria have been described in the pediatric population, it has not been previously identified in infections as the pathogen after a dog bite. A case of a 19-month-old boy is presented with a cellulitis secondary to a dog bite, which failed oral antibiotic therapy, and progressed to worsening fever and swelling. The patient ultimately required hospitalization, intravenous antibiotics, and incision and drainage. The wound culture grew A. faecalis, whose identity was confirmed through recombinant DNA sequence analysis. Although it has been identified in cat bite wounds, A. faecalis has not been cited in the literature before in an infection after a dog bite.
Surgical Treatment of Facial Infantile Hemangiomas: An Analysis Based on Tumor Characteristics and Outcomes
Authors: Goldenberg Dov C. , Hiraki Patricia Y. , Marques Tatiana Moura , Koga Andrea , Gemperli Rolf
Published: January 2016

Background:

Surgical treatment of infantile hemangiomas may interfere with patient appearance. The use of an algorithm is essential to select candidates. The objective of this study was to evaluate outcomes of surgical treatment based on tumor characteristics.

Methods:

Seventy-four patients were treated surgically between 1997 and 2010. Demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical approach, and outcomes were evaluated.

Results:

The female-to-male ratio was 5.7:1. Mean age and follow-up were 24 years and 33 months, respectively. Surgery was elective in 83.8 percent and emergent in 16.2 percent of patients. Most frequent locations were lips, nose, eyelids, and cheeks. Surgery was performed during the proliferative phase in 43 patients (58.1 percent), and growth-related deformity was the main indication. No significant association between sex and the presence of complications or treatment indication was observed. Patients who underwent emergency procedures were younger (p = 0.0031) and had a higher incidence of evolutional complications (p = 0.012). Also, they were more frequently operated on during the proliferative phase (p = 0.011). Favorable outcome of surgical treatment was observed in both simple and complex cases for facial contour, volume reduction, and need for reoperation. The best candidates for elective surgery were patients with localized eyelid, nasal, or lip hemangiomas, presenting growth-related deformities during the proliferative phase. For patients undergoing emergency procedures, the best candidates were nonresponders to pharmacologic therapy with segmental periorbital hemangiomas, treated by partial resection.

Conclusions:

A profile of patients and their specific surgical approach was established. Satisfactory results could be achieved following the proposed algorithm.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Comparison of Health Care Costs Between Claimants and Nonclaimants in the No-Fault Compensation System of Finland
Authors: Järvelin Jutta , Häkkinen Unto , Rosenqvist Gunnar
Published: January 2016

Objectives

If patients experience health care–related adverse events, they may claim for compensation. Adverse events of claimants are generally more severe and presumably involve higher health care costs than those of nonclaimants. The aim of this study was to estimate the cost differential between claimants and nonclaimants in the no-fault system in Finland.

Methods

We compiled register data on patients having had coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG, n = 20,500), total hip arthroplasty (n = 17,506), or knee arthroplasty (TKA, n = 18,512) and calculated risk-adjusted cost differentials by using a gamma distributed, log-linked generalized linear model. The explained variable comprised costs, whereas the main explanatory variables were whether the patient filed a claim and whether he or she received compensation.

Results

Uncompensated claimants had higher admission costs (CABG, €3660, 29%; total hip arthroplasty, €418, 5%; TKA, €359, 4%) compared with nonclaimants, whereas the differential between compensated claimants and uncompensated claimants was statistically insignificant. Significant associations emerged concerning CABG 1-year costs: uncompensated claimants had €12,990 (71%) higher costs than nonclaimants, whereas compensated claimants had €6388 (20%) higher costs than uncompensated claimants.

Conclusions

Although the precise cost differentials may be specific to Finland, the implications may apply also to other countries. (1) Excess costs of claimants should motivate efforts to reduce adverse events. (2) Analyses of claims to improve patient safety should not be restricted to compensated claims only but should equally concern uncompensated claims. A further implication regarding Finland is that additional approaches to identify and report adverse events are necessary.
Tune-In and Time-Out: Toward Surgeon-Led Prevention of “Never” Events
Authors: Jones Niall
Published: January 2016

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) distributed a surgical safety checklist in 2008 in a bid to improve patient safety and quality of care in the operating theater. Adherence to the checklist has been shown to reduce “never” events, for example, wrong site surgery. The aim of this quality improvement study was to determine the current adherence by surgeons to the checklist at The Royal Hobart Hospital.

Methods

This is a retrospective audit of the digital medical records of 100 consecutive emergency operations performed at The Royal Hobart Hospital. The time-out section of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist was assessed for completeness. Second, an anonymized survey of theater nursing staff was performed to determine current adherence by surgeons with the time-out.

Results

The time-out was completed in 79% of emergency procedures. There were no never events in the patient cohort studied. There was overwhelming support among theater nurses for a surgeon-led time-out. Formal education on the use of the WHO Safe Surgery Checklist is lacking. Most theater nurses have experienced hostility from surgeons when conducting a time-out.

Discussion

This work is a step on the way to surgeon-led prevention of never events. Finding a completed time-out in the patient notes does not guarantee surgeon support for or contribution to the time-out process. The findings will inform combined nursing and surgeon education sessions, and together with executive-level support, improved surgeon cooperation with the time-out will inculcate a culture of safety for patients and improve harmony among staff groups.
Using an Alzheimer Disease Polygenic Risk Score to Predict Memory Decline in Black and White Americans Over 14 Years of Follow-up
Authors: Marden Jessica R. , Mayeda Elizabeth R. , Walter Stefan , Vivot Alexandre , Tchetgen Tchetgen Eric J. , Kawachi Ichiro , Glymour M. Maria
Published: January 2016

Evidence on whether genetic predictors of Alzheimer disease (AD) also predict memory decline is inconsistent, and limited data are available for African ancestry populations. For 8253 non-Hispanic white (NHW) and non-Hispanic black (NHB) Health and Retirement Study participants with memory scores measured 1 to 8 times between 1998 and 2012 (average baseline age=62), we calculated weighted polygenic risk scores [AD Genetic Risk Score (AD-GRS)] using the top 22 AD-associated loci, and an alternative score excluding apolipoprotein E (APOE) (AD-GRSexAPOE). We used generalized linear models with AD-GRS-by-age and AD-GRS-by-age2 interactions (age centered at 70) to predict memory decline. Average NHB decline was 26% faster than NHW decline (P<0.001). Among NHW, 10% higher AD-GRS predicted faster memory decline (linear β=−0.058 unit decrease over 10 y; 95% confidence interval,−0.074 to −0.043). AD-GRSexAPOE also predicted faster decline for NHW, although less strongly. Among NHB, AD-GRS predicted faster memory decline (linear β=−0.050; 95% confidence interval, −0.106 to 0.006), but AD-GRSexAPOE did not. Our nonsignificant estimate among NHB may reflect insufficient statistical power or a misspecified AD-GRS among NHB as an overwhelming majority of genome-wide association studies are conducted in NHW. A polygenic score based on previously identified AD loci predicts memory loss in US blacks and whites.
Synthesis of highly stable metal-containing extra-large-pore molecular sieves
Authors: Martínez-Franco Raquel , Paris Cecilia , Moliner Manuel , Corma Avelino
Published: January 2016

The isomorphic substitution of two different metals (Mg and Co) within the framework of the ITQ-51 zeotype (IFO structure) using bulky aromatic proton sponges as organic structure-directing agents (OSDAs) has allowed the synthesis of different stable metal-containing extra-large-pore zeotypes with high pore accessibility and acidity. These metal-containing extra-large-pore zeolites, named MgITQ-51 and CoITQ-51, have been characterized by different techniques, such as powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, UV–Vis spectroscopy, temperature programmed desorption of ammonia and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, to study their physico-chemical properties. The characterization confirms the preferential insertion of Mg and Co atoms within the crystalline structure of the ITQ-51 zeotype, providing high Brønsted acidity, and allowing their use as efficient heterogeneous acid catalysts in industrially relevant reactions involving bulky organic molecules.
Catalysts for CO
2
/epoxide ring-opening copolymerization
Authors: Trott G. , Saini P. K. , Williams C. K.
Published: January 2016

This article summarizes and reviews recent progress in the development of catalysts for the ring-opening copolymerization of carbon dioxide and epoxides. The copolymerization is an interesting method to add value to carbon dioxide, including from waste sources, and to reduce pollution associated with commodity polymer manufacture. The selection of the catalyst is of critical importance to control the composition, properties and applications of the resultant polymers. This review highlights and exemplifies some key recent findings and hypotheses, in particular using examples drawn from our own research.
The effect of Mg location on Co-Mg-Ru/γ-Al
2
O
3
Fischer–Tropsch catalysts
Authors: Gallagher James R. , Boldrin Paul , Combes Gary B. , Ozkaya Don , Enache Dan I. , Ellis Peter R. , Kelly Gordon , Claridge John B. , Rosseinsky Matthew J.
Published: January 2016

The effectiveness of Mg as a promoter of Co-Ru/γ-Al
2
O
3
Fischer–Tropsch catalysts depends on how and when the Mg is added. When the Mg is impregnated into the support before the Co and Ru addition, some Mg is incorporated into the support in the form of Mg

x

Al
2
O

3+
x

if the material is calcined at 550°C or 800°C after the impregnation, while the remainder is present as amorphous MgO/MgCO
3
phases. After subsequent Co-Ru impregnation Mg

x

Co

3−
x

O
4
is formed which decomposes on reduction, leading to Co(0) particles intimately mixed with Mg, as shown by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The process of impregnating Co into an Mg-modified support results in dissolution of the amorphous Mg, and it is this Mg which is then incorporated into Mg

x

Co

3−
x

O
4
. Acid washing or higher temperature calcination after Mg impregnation can remove most of this amorphous Mg, resulting in lower values of
x
in Mg

x

Co

3−
x

O
4
. Catalytic testing of these materials reveals that Mg incorporation into the Co oxide phase is severely detrimental to the site-time yield, while Mg incorporation into the support may provide some enhancement of activity at high temperature.
Solar photochemical and thermochemical splitting of water
Authors: Rao C. N. R. , Lingampalli S. R. , Dey Sunita , Roy Anand
Published: January 2016

Artificial photosynthesis to carry out both the oxidation and the reduction of water has emerged to be an exciting area of research. It has been possible to photochemically generate oxygen by using a scheme similar to the
Z
-scheme, by using suitable catalysts in place of water-oxidation catalyst in the
Z
-scheme in natural photosynthesis. The best oxidation catalysts are found to be Co and Mn oxides with the e
1
g
configuration. The more important aspects investigated pertain to the visible-light-induced generation of hydrogen by using semiconductor heterostructures of the type ZnO/Pt/Cd

1−
x

Zn

x

S and dye-sensitized semiconductors. In the case of heterostructures, good yields of H
2
have been obtained. Modifications of the heterostructures, wherein Pt is replaced by NiO, and the oxide is substituted with different anions are discussed. MoS
2
and MoSe
2
in the 1T form yield high quantities of H
2
when sensitized by Eosin Y. Two-step thermochemical splitting of H
2
O using metal oxide redox pairs provides a strategy to produce H
2
and CO. Performance of the Ln
0.5
A
0.5
MnO
3
(Ln = rare earth ion, A = Ca, Sr) family of perovskites is found to be promising in this context. The best results to date are found with Y
0.5
Sr
0.5
MnO
3
.
Crystal structure of (n-butyl)[2-(2,6-dimethoxyphenyl)-6-methylphenyl](2-methoxyphenyl)phosphonium chloride monohydrate
Authors: Feng Ge , Filatov Alexander S. , Jordan Richard F.
Published: January 2016

The title hydrated salt, C26H32O3P+·Cl−·H2O, contains four different substituents (H, alkyl, aryl, and biaryl) on the P atom. The P—H hydrogen atom of the phosphonium ion was located in a difference Fourier map and refined without imposing additional restraints. In the crystal, the Cl−ions and water molecules are linked by pairs of Owater—H...Cl−hydrogen bonds and further linked to the phosphonium cation by P—H+...Cl−and CAr/OMe—H...Owaterhydrogen bonds to form an infinite one-dimensional chain along the [010] direction.
Crystal structure ofcatena-poly[[[trans-bis(acetonitrile-κN)diaquacobalt(II)]-μ-pyrazine-κ2N:N′] dinitrate]
Authors: Liu Chen , Felts Ashley C. , Thuijs Annaliese E. , Useche Aaron , Abboud Khalil A.
Published: January 2016

The central structural motif of the title coordination polymer, [Co(NO3)2(C4H4N2)(CH3CN)2(H2O)2]n, is a chain composed of CoIIions linked by bis-monodentate bridging pyrazine ligands through their N atoms. The CoIIion is located on an inversion center and is additionally coordinated by two O atoms of water molecules and two N atoms of acetonitrile molecules. The resultant N4O2coordination sphere is distorted octahedral. The linear cationic chains extend parallel to theaaxis and are aligned into layers parallel to theacplane. Nitrate anions are situated in the space between the CoIIchains and form O—H...O hydrogen bonds with the coordinating water molecules, leading to a three-dimensional network structure. Weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds are also present between pyrazine or acetonitrile molecules and the nitrate anions.
Sodium potassium hydrogen citrate, NaKHC6H5O7
Authors: Rammohan Alagappa , Kaduk James A.
Published: January 2016

The crystal structure of sodium potassium hydrogen citrate has been solved and refined using laboratory X-ray powder diffraction data, and optimized using density functional theory techniques. The Na+cation is six-coordinate, with a bond-valence sum of 1.17. The K+cation is also six-coordinate, with a bond-valence sum of 1.08. The distorted [NaO6] octahedra share edges, forming chains along theaaxis. The likewise distorted [KO6] octahedra share edges with the [NaO6] octahedra on either side of the chain, and share corners with other [KO6] octahedra, resulting in triple chains along theaaxis. The most prominent feature of the structure is the chain along [111] of very short, very strong hydrogen bonds; the O...O distances are 2.414 and 2.400 Å. The Mulliken overlap populations in these hydrogen bonds are 0.138 and 0.142 e, which correspond to hydrogen-bond energies of 20.3 and 20.6 kcal mol−1.
3-(1-{[1-(4-Bromophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]methyl}piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoro-1,2-benzoxazole hemihydrate
Authors: Ashwini N. , Naveen S. , Rakesh K. S. , Lokanath N. K. , Rangappa K. S.
Published: January 2016

The title compound, C21H19BrFN5O·0.5H2O, crystallizes as a hemihydrate with the water molecule located on a twofold rotation axis. The piperidine ring has a chair conformation, whereas the triazole and the benzisoxazole rings are planar (r.m.s. deviations = 0.006 and 0.009 Å, respectively). The N—C and C—C bonds connecting the triazole and benzisoxazole rings, respectively, to the piperidine ring lie in equatorial positions. In the crystal, molecules related by a twofold rotation axis are linkedviaO—H...N hydrogen bonds involving the water molecule and a pair of C—H...N hydrogen bonds forming dimers. The dimers are linkedviaa pair of C—H...F hydrogen bonds leading to the formation of chains propagating along [101].
Job insecurity, workload and job exhaustion in temporary agency workers (TAWs)
Authors: Giunchi Marianna , Emanuel Federica , Chambel Maria José , Ghislieri Chiara
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– Different studies underline that perceived job insecurity (PJI) has negative consequences at both individual and organisational level. Some authors investigated PJI in temporary agency workers (TAWs) but these studies did not focus on specific countries and did not discuss the relationship with job exhaustion. Other researchers explored gender differences in PJI and found different results; some investigated differences in PJI perception and others its relationship with the outcome of stress or well-being. The purpose of this paper is to inquire about the effects of PJI (as a demanding condition) on job exhaustion, considering the mediation role of workload and exploring differences between male and female TAWs.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research involved 474 Portuguese TAWs (209 men, 265 women). Data were collected through a self-report questionnaire; data analyses were performed using IBM Spss Statistics 22 for descriptive statistics, correlations and t-test; Mplus7 was used to estimate a multi-group structural equation model and to test the mediation.

Findings

– The results confirmed that workload is a mediator and indicated gender differences in how PJI relates to workload and job exhaustion in TAWs. In fact, the mediation of workload in the relationship between PJI and job exhaustion was partial in men and total in women: in the women group the direct effect of PJI on job exhaustion is not significant, and the indirect effect mediated by workload is significant; in the men group both direct and indirect effects are significant.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to extend the research on job insecurity of TAWs in a specific national context and highlights gender differences in the relationship between PJI and job exhaustion.
Ownership structure and analysts’ forecast properties: a study of Chinese listed firms
Authors: Liu Sun
Published: January 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between ownership structure and the properties of analysts’ forecasts in China’s unique corporate setting.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple regression models were used to examine the influence of ownership structure mechanisms on analysts’ forecast properties for listed Chinese firms during the period 2008-2012.

Findings

The paper finds that analysts’ forecast accuracy is higher for listed firms with high levels of foreign ownership and managerial ownership. However, the complex pyramidal ownership structure could make corporate information less transparent and then increase the complexity of forecasting; hence, it results in less precise analysts’ forecasts. Interestingly, the relationship between state ownership and analysts’ forecast properties appears to be non-linear (an inverted U-shape), and the inflection point at which the relationship becomes negative occurs at state ownership over 45 per cent.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is the first to investigate the influence of ownership structure mechanisms on the properties of analysts’ forecasts in an emerging market, and the findings provide some insight on how the properties of analysts’ forecast might be shaped by certain ownership and control features in the context of concentrated state ownership and complex pyramidal ownership structure.
Owners’ preferences for CEOs characteristics: did the world change after the global financial crisis?
Authors: Mio Chiara , Fasan Marco , Ros Antonio
Published: January 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study whether and how owners’ preferences for CEO characteristics changed due to the 2008-2009 global financial crisis. The authors identify three fundamental success factors needed for companies to compete in the after-crisis environment, and the authors connect five CEO characteristics to such factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors rely on a hand-collected database to build a panel data of European CEOs for the 2010-2012 period.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that after 2009, CEOs of companies that were more severely hit by the crisis are significantly different compared to those of other companies. More specifically, they have a background in science or engineering; they have international experience; and they are remunerated to a higher extent through stock options. The results of this paper also indicate that only international experience had a positive and significant impact on financial performance.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the stream of literature on CEO characteristics and owners’ identity, tackling the research theme from a dynamic rather than from a static perspective.