bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E‐cadherin gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to urolithiasis in Iraqi children
Authors: Shamran Haidar Ahmed , Ali Shaha Hussein , Ali Mayasa Abdulla , Al‐Mayah Qasim Sharhan , Jasim Elham Ahmed
Published: October 2017

Aim

This case/control study aimed to assess the impact of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region of CDH1 gene (‐160C>A and ‐347G>GA) on urinary stone formation in a sample of Iraqi children.

Methods

Forty‐seven children with urolithiasis and 50 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls were included in the study. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood and direct sequencing was used for genotyping.

Results

The homozygous genotype of the SNP CHD1 ‐160C>A was more frequent in control than cases (18% vs. 6.38%) with significant difference (OR = 0.229, 95%CI = 0.056–0.943, P = 0.041). Furthermore, cases showed significantly less frequency of the mutant allele (allele A) of this SNP (OR = 0.403, 95%C = 0.210–0.776, P = 0.007).

Conclusion

These results strongly indicate a protective role of allele A of the SNP CHD1 ‐160C>A against urinary calculi formation in children.
A retrospective comparison of thoracic epidural infusion and multimodal analgesia protocol for pain management following the minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum
Authors: Man Janice Y. , Gurnaney Harshad G. , Dubow Scott R. , DiMaggio Theresa J. , Kroeplin Gina R. , Adzick N. Scott , Muhly Wallis T.
Published: October 2017

Background

Pain management following minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum is variable. We recently adopted a comprehensive multimodal analgesic protocol that standardizes perioperative analgesic management. We hypothesized that patients managed with this protocol would use more opioids postoperatively, have similar pain control, and shorter length of stay compared to patients managed with thoracic epidural infusion.

Aims

We retrospectively compared opioid consumption, pain scores, and length of stay between a cohort of patients managed with our multimodal analgesic protocol and a cohort managed with a thoracic epidural infusion.

Methods

This retrospective cohort comparison includes patients, 8 to 21 years of age, managed with either thoracic epidural infusion (n = 21) or multimodal analgesic protocol (n = 29) following minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum from January 1, 2011 through September 15, 2015. The primary outcome, total daily opioid consumption in morphine equivalents, is presented as an average by postoperative day. Secondary outcomes included median daily pain score and length of stay.

Results

Patients were similar in age, weight, sex, and physical status. Patients managed with thoracic epidural infusion received less opioid (morphine equivalents—mg/kg) intraoperatively compared to multimodal analgesic protocol (difference of mean [95% confidence interval] 0.22 [0.16‐0.28] P ≤ .01) but required more total opioid through postoperative day 3 (difference of mean [95% confidence interval] 1.2 [0.26‐2.14] P = .01). We did not observe a difference in pain scores. Median length of stay was 1 day less in patients managed with multimodal analgesic protocol (difference of median [95% confidence interval] 1 [0.3‐1.7] P = .003).

Conclusion

Implementation of a standardized comprehensive multimodal analgesic protocol following minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum resulted in equivalent analgesia with a modest reduction in length of stay when compared to thoracic epidural. We did not observe an opioid sparing effect in our thoracic epidural which may reflect technique variability.
Association Between Genetic Polymorphisms and Pain Sensitivity in Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Olesen Anne E. , Nielsen Lecia M. , Feddersen Søren , Erlenwein Joachim , Petzke Frank , Przemeck Michael , Christrup Lona L. , Drewes Asbjørn M.
Published: October 2017

Background

Factors such as age, gender, and genetic polymorphisms may explain individual differences in pain phenotype. Genetic associations with pain sensitivity have previously been investigated in osteoarthritis patients, with a focus on the P2X7, TRPV1, and TACR1 genes. However, other genes may play a role as well. Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease, and many patients suffering from this disease are thought to have increased sensitivity to noxious stimuli resulting from sensitization in the nociceptive system. The aim of this study was to investigate if genetic variants of mu, kappa, and delta opioid receptor genes (OPRM1, OPRK1, and OPRD1) and the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase gene (COMT) influenced the pain phenotype in patients with osteoarthritis.

Methods

The frequencies of 17 polymorphisms were examined. Pain sensitivity was assessed preoperatively by (1) hip rotation, (2) contact heat stimulation, (3) conditioned pain modulation effect, and (4) pressure stimulation at the tibia in both the affected and the unaffected leg.

Results

Ninety‐two patients (mean age 66 years) with unilateral hip osteoarthritis were included in the study. Carriage of the OPRM1 rs589046T allele was found to be associated with increased pain ratings during hip rotation (P = 0.04) and increased conditioned pain modulation (P = 0.049). Carriage of the OPRD1 rs2234918C allele was found to be associated with an increased pain detection threshold to contact heat stimulation (P = 0.001). No other associations were found (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Results from the present study suggest that, in patients with hip osteoarthritis, genetic variants in OPRM1 and OPRD1 may contribute to the pain phenotype.
The transcriptome, extracellular proteome and active secretome of agroinfiltrated Nicotiana benthamiana uncover a large, diverse protease repertoire
Authors: Grosse‐Holz Friederike , Kelly Steven , Blaskowski Svenja , Kaschani Farnusch , Kaiser Markus , van der Hoorn Renier A.L.
Published: October 2017

Infiltration of disarmed Agrobacterium tumefaciens into leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana (agroinfiltration) facilitates quick and safe production of antibodies, vaccines, enzymes and metabolites for industrial use (molecular farming). However, yield and purity of proteins produced by agroinfiltration are hampered by unintended proteolysis, restricting industrial viability of the agroinfiltration platform. Proteolysis may be linked to an immune response to agroinfiltration, but understanding of the response to agroinfiltration is limited. To identify the proteases, we studied the transcriptome, extracellular proteome and active secretome of agroinfiltrated leaves over a time course, with and without the P19 silencing inhibitor. Remarkably, the P19 expression had little effect on the leaf transcriptome and no effect on the extracellular proteome. 25% of the detected transcripts changed in abundance upon agroinfiltration, associated with a gradual up‐regulation of immunity at the expense of photosynthesis. By contrast, 70% of the extracellular proteins increased in abundance, in many cases associated with increased efficiency of extracellular delivery. We detect a dynamic reprogramming of the proteolytic machinery upon agroinfiltration by detecting transcripts encoding for 975 different proteases and protease homologs. The extracellular proteome contains peptides derived from 196 proteases and protease homologs, and activity‐based proteomics displayed 17 active extracellular Ser and Cys proteases in agroinfiltrated leaves. We discuss unique features of the N. benthamiana protease repertoire and highlight abundant extracellular proteases in agroinfiltrated leaves, being targets for reverse genetics. This data set increases our understanding of the plant response to agroinfiltration and indicates ways to improve a key expression platform for both plant science and molecular farming.
Genetic‐based dissection of arsenic accumulation in maize using a genome‐wide association analysis method
Authors: Zhao Zhan , Zhang Huaisheng , Fu Zhongjun , Chen Hao , Lin Yanan , Yan Pengshuai , Li Weihua , Xie Huiling , Guo Zhanyong , Zhang Xuehai , Tang Jihua
Published: October 2017

Understanding the mechanism of arsenic (As) accumulation in plants is important in reducing As's toxicity to plants and its potential risks to human health. Here, we performed a genome‐wide association study to dissect the genetic basis of the As contents of different maize tissues in Xixian, which was irrigated with As‐rich surface water, and Changge using an association population consisting of 230 representative maize inbred lines. Phenotypic data revealed a wide normal distribution and high repeatability for the As contents in maize tissues. The As concentrations in maize tissues followed the same trend in the two locations: kernels < axes < stems < bracts < leaves. In total, 15, 16 and 15 non‐redundant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with As concentrations were identified (P ≤ 2.04 × 10−6) in five tissues from Xixian, Changge, and the combination of the locations, respectively, explaining 9.70%–24.65% of the phenotypic variation for each QTL, on average. Additionally, four QTLs [involving 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)] were detected in the single and the combined locations, indicating that these loci/SNPs might be stable across different environments. The candidate genes associated with these four loci were predicted. In addition, four non‐redundant QTLs (6 SNPs), including a QTL that was detected in multiple locations according to the genome‐wide association study, were found to co‐localize with four previously reported QTL intervals. These results are valuable to understand the genetic architecture of As mechanism in maize and facilitate the genetic improvement of varieties without As toxicity.
PpNAC1, a main regulator of phenylalanine biosynthesis and utilization in maritime pine
Authors: Pascual María Belén , Llebrés María‐Teresa , Craven‐Bartle Blanca , Cañas Rafael A. , Cánovas Francisco M. , Ávila Concepción
Published: October 2017

The transcriptional regulation of phenylalanine metabolism is particularly important in conifers, long‐lived species that use large amounts of carbon in wood. Here, we show that the Pinus pinaster transcription factor, PpNAC1, is a main regulator of phenylalanine biosynthesis and utilization. A phylogenetic analysis classified PpNAC1 in the NST proteins group and was selected for functional characterization. PpNAC1 is predominantly expressed in the secondary xylem and compression wood of adult trees. Silencing of PpNAC1 in P. pinaster results in the alteration of stem vascular radial patterning and the down‐regulation of several genes associated with cell wall biogenesis and secondary metabolism. Furthermore, transactivation and EMSA analyses showed that PpNAC1 is able to activate its own expression and PpMyb4 promoter, while PpMyb4 is able to activate PpMyb8, a transcriptional regulator of phenylalanine and lignin biosynthesis in maritime pine. Together, these results suggest that PpNAC1 is a functional ortholog of the ArabidopsisSND1 and NST1 genes and support the idea that key regulators governing secondary cell wall formation could be conserved between gymnosperms and angiosperms. Understanding the molecular switches controlling wood formation is of paramount importance for fundamental tree biology and paves the way for applications in conifer biotechnology.
Evaluation of organic amendments from agro‐industry waste for the control of verticillium wilt of olive
Authors: Varo‐Suárez A. , Raya‐Ortega M.C. , Agustí‐Brisach C. , García‐Ortiz‐Civantos C. , Fernández‐Hernández A. , Mulero‐Aparicio A. , Trapero A.
Published: October 2017

Biological control of plant diseases using soil amendments such as animal manure and composted materials can minimize organic waste and has been proposed as an effective strategy in crop protection. In this study, 35 organic amendments (OAs) and 16 compost mixtures were evaluated against Verticillium dahliae by assessing both the antagonistic effect on the mycelial growth of two representative isolates of V. dahliae and the effect on the reduction of microsclerotia viability of the pathogen in naturally infested soil. Eleven OAs and five compost mixtures showed a consistent inhibition effect in in vitro sensitivity tests, with solid olive‐oil waste compost one of the most effective. Therefore, a bioassay with olive plants was conducted to evaluate the suppressive effect against V. dahliae of these selected OAs and compost mixtures. Significant reduction in the severity of the symptoms of V. dahliae indicates the potential use of grape marc compost (100% disease severity reduction) and solid olive‐oil waste, combined with other OAs. Microorganism mixtures and dairy waste OAs had a potential suppressive effect when they were combined with compost, showing a 73% and 63% disease severity reduction, respectively. A mixture of agro‐industrial waste with other biological control agents is a promising strategy against verticillium wilt of olive. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on the effectiveness of compost extracts (compost teas) on the inhibition of natural microsclerotia of V. dahliae, and also on verticillium wilt suppression in olive with solid olive‐oil waste.
Pharmacological and gene regulation properties point to the SlHAK5 K+ transporter as a system for high‐affinity Cs+ uptake in tomato plants
Authors: Ródenas Reyes , Nieves‐Cordones Manuel , Rivero Rosa M. , Martinez Vicente , Rubio Francisco
Published: October 2017

Potassium (K+) and cesium (Cs+) are chemically similar but while K+ is an essential nutrient, Cs+ can be toxic for living organisms, plants included. Two different situations could lead to problems derived from the presence of Cs+ in agricultural systems: (1) presence of Cs+ at high concentrations that could produce toxic effects on plants, (2) presence of micromolar concentrations of radiocesium, which can be accumulated in the plant and affect animal and human health through the food chain. While K+ uptake has been well described in tomato plants, information on molecular mechanisms involved in Cs+ accumulation in this species is absent. Here, we show that in tomato plants, high concentrations of Cs+ produce deficiency of K+ but do not induce high‐affinity K+ uptake or the gene encoding the high‐affinity K+ transporter SlHAK5. At these concentrations, Cs+ uptake takes place through a Ca2+‐sensitive pathway, probably a non‐selective cation channel. At micromolar concentrations, Cs+ is accumulated by a high‐affinity uptake system upregulated in K+‐starved plants. This high‐affinity Cs+ uptake shares features with high‐affinity K+ uptake. It is sensitive to NH4+ and insensitive to Ba2+ and Ca2+ and its presence parallels the pattern of SlHAK5 expression. Moreover, blockers of reactive oxygen species and ethylene action repress SlHAK5 and negatively regulate both high‐affinity K+ and Cs+ uptake. Thus, we propose that SlHAK5 contributes to Cs+ uptake from micromolar concentrations in tomato plants and can constitute a pathway for radiocesium transfer from contaminated areas to the food chain.
Diffusional conductance to CO2 is the key limitation to photosynthesis in salt‐stressed leaves of rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Wang Wencheng , Huang Jianliang , Peng Shaobing , Xiong Dongliang
Published: October 2017

Salinity significantly limits leaf photosynthesis but the factors causing the limitation in salt‐stressed leaves remain unclear. In the present work, photosynthetic and biochemical traits were investigated in four rice genotypes under two NaCl concentration (0 and 150 mM) to assess the stomatal, mesophyll and biochemical contributions to reduced photosynthetic rate (A) in salt‐stressed leaves. Our results indicated that salinity led to a decrease in A, leaf osmotic potential, electron transport rate and CO2 concentrations in the chloroplasts (Cc) of rice leaves. Decreased A in salt‐stressed leaves was mainly attributable to low Cc, which was determined by stomatal and mesophyll conductance. The increased stomatal limitation was mainly related to the low leaf osmotic potential caused by soil salinity. However, the increased mesophyll limitation in salt‐stressed leaves was related to both osmotic stress and ion stress. These findings highlight the importance of considering mesophyll conductance when developing salinity‐tolerant rice cultivars.
The novel HLA‐A*24:02 variant, HLA‐A*24:02:56, identified by sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Lin F.‐Q. , Zhang X. , Zhang B. , Wu C. , Li J.‐P.
Published: October 2017

HLA‐A*24:02:56 differs from A*24:02:01:01 by one nucleotide change at position 795 from C to T.
Sequencing of the novel HLA‐A*02:01:72 allele in a Chinese hematopoietic stem cell donor
Authors: Zhang X. , Lin F.‐Q. , Wu C. , Zhang B. , Li J.‐P.
Published: October 2017

HLA‐A*02:01:72 has 1 synonymous nucleotide change from HLA‐A*02:01:01:01 where 591 G is changed to A.
Exponential Stabilization of Fully Actuated Planar Bipedal Robotic Walking With Global Position Tracking Capabilities
Authors: Gu Yan , Yao Bin , George Lee C. S.
Published: October 2017

This paper focuses on the development of a model-based feedback controller to realize high versatility of fully actuated planar bipedal robotic walking. To conveniently define both symmetric and asymmetric walking patterns, we propose to use the left and the right legs for gait characterization. In addition to walking pattern tracking error, a biped's position tracking error in Cartesian space is included in the output function in order to enable high-level task planning and control such as multi-agent coordination. A feedback controller based on input–output linearization and proportional–derivative control is then synthesized to realize exponential tracking of the desired walking pattern as well as the desired global position trajectory. Sufficient stability conditions of the hybrid time-varying closed-loop system are developed based on the construction of multiple Lyapunov functions. In motion planning, a new method of walking pattern design is introduced, which decouples the planning of global motion and walking pattern. Finally, simulation results on a fully actuated planar biped show the effectiveness of the proposed walking strategy.
Sharks, Dolphins and Butterflies: Micro-Sized Surfaces Have Macro Effects
Authors: Lang Amy , Afroz Farhana , Motta Philip , Wilroy Jacob , Wahidi Redha , Elliott Cassidy , Habegger Maria Laura
Published: October 2017

Sharks, dolphins and butterflies swim and fly in different flow regimes, yet the structure of their surfaces interacting with the surrounding fluid all appear to contain very important microscopic features that lead to reduced drag and increased flying or swimming efficiency. Sharks have moveable scales (approximately 200 microns in size) that act as a passive, flow-actuated dynamic roughness for separation control. Water tunnel experiments with real shortfin mako shark skin samples mounted to models have shown significant control of flow separation in both laminar and turbulent boundary layer scenarios. Dolphins have sinusoidal-shaped millimeter-sized transverse grooves covering a large percentage of their body. Experiments show that similar geometries embedded in a turbulent boundary layer can lead to separation control at the slight expense of increased friction drag. Alternatively, butterfly scales (100 microns in size covering the wings in a roof shingle pattern) appear to fundamentally alter the local skin friction drag depending on flow orientation for what is dominantly a laminar boundary layer interacting with the wings. However, in this case the surface may also slow the growth and formation of the leading-edge vortex and these effects shown in experiments may help explain a mean decrease in climbing efficiency (joules per flap) of 37.8% for live butterflies once their scales were removed. An overview of these results is discussed for these three cases, bringing out the importance of finding solutions in nature for essential engineering problems.
Sensitivity Analysis of Fluid Pre-Swirl and Swirl Brakes Design on the Performance of Labyrinth Seals
Authors: Jin Hanxiang , Untaroiu Alexandrina , Fu Gen , Hayrapetian Vahe , Elebiary Kariem
Published: October 2017

In non-contact annular labyrinth seals used in turbomachinery, the fluid pre-rotation in the direction of shaft rotation effectively increases the fluid velocity in the circumferential direction and could generate destabilizing fluid forces exerting on the rotor. Swirl brakes are typically employed to reduce the fluid pre-rotation at the inlet of the seal. The inlet flow separates as it follows the swirl brakes, and the ratio between the tangential component of the velocity in the seal and the velocity of the rotor surface varies consequently. Effective swirl brakes can significantly suppress the destabilizing fluid forces as it is effectively reduces the tangential velocity. In literature, it was shown that leakage rate can also be reduced by using swirl brakes with “negative-swirl”.

In this study, a labyrinth seal with inlet swirl brakes is selected as the baseline design and seal performance is evaluated using ANSYS-CFX. The design of experiments (DOE) approach is used to investigate the effects of various design variables on the seal performance. The design space consists of swirl brake’s length, width, curvature at the ends, the tilt angle, as well as the number of swirl brakes in the circumferential direction. Simple random DOE sampling method with Euclidean distances for the design matrix is used to generate the design points. The steady-state CFD simulations are then performed for each design point to analyze the performance of the swirl brakes. The quadratic polynomial fitting is used to evaluate the sensitivity of the average circumferential velocity with respect to the design variables, which gives a qualitative estimation for the performance of the swirl brakes. The results provide a better understanding of which design variables are critical and more effective in reduction of the destabilizing forces acting on the rotor, and thus will support the swirl brake design for annular pressure seals.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Developing Partnerships Between Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly White Institutions
Authors: Price Sarah , Williams Richard H. , Wilburn Christopher , Williams Portia , Wadsworth Danielle , Weimar Wendi , Russell Jared , Rudisill Mary E.
Published: October 2017

This article presents an overview of how faculty in the School of Kinesiology at Auburn University (AU) are working with minority-serving institutions in similar disciplines to promote diversity and inclusion. Florida A&M (FAMU) and Albany State University (ASU) are both Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), and AU is a Predominantly White Institution (PWI). Part of this initiative has been accomplished through the development of AU’s Future Scholars Summer Research Bridge Program in partnership with south-eastern HBCUs. Success has been measured as an increase in student recruitment and increased opportunities for students from underrepresented groups seeking graduate opportunities. The partnership between FAMU and AU has also provided opportunities for faculty and students to promote diversity and be more inclusive through research collaborations. These partnerships are addressing this important need to be more purposeful in our efforts of establishing greater diversity and being a more inclusive discipline.
Antileishmanial Efficacy and Pharmacokinetics of DB766-Azole Combinations
Authors: Joice April C. , Yang Sihyung , Farahat Abdelbasset A. , Meeds Heidi , Feng Mei , Li Junan , Boykin David W. , Wang Michael Zhuo , Werbovetz Karl A.
Published: October 2017

Given the limitations of current antileishmanial drugs and the utility of oral combination therapy for other infections, developing an oral combination against visceral leishmaniasis should be a high priority.In vitrocombination studies with DB766 and antifungal azoles against intracellularLeishmania donovanishowed that posaconazole and ketoconazole, but not fluconazole, enhanced DB766 potency. Pharmacokinetic analysis of DB766-azole combinations in uninfected Swiss Webster mice revealed that DB766 exposure was increased by higher posaconazole and ketoconazole doses, while DB766 decreased ketoconazole exposure. InL. donovani-infected BALB/c mice, DB766-posaconazole combinations given orally for 5 days were more effective than DB766 or posaconazole alone. For example, 81% ± 1% (means ± standard errors) inhibition of liver parasite burden was observed for 37.5 mg/kg of body weight DB766 plus 15 mg/kg posaconazole, while 37.5 mg/kg DB766 and 15 mg/kg posaconazole administered as monotherapy gave 40% ± 5% and 21% ± 3% inhibition, respectively. Combination index (CI) analysis indicated that synergy or moderate synergy was observed in six of nine combined dose groups, while the other three were nearly additive. Liver concentrations of DB766 and posaconazole increased in almost all combination groups compared to monotherapy groups, although many increases were not statistically significant. For DB766-ketoconazole combinations evaluated in this model, two were antagonistic, one displayed synergy, and one was nearly additive. These data indicate that the efficacy of DB766-posaconazole and DB766-ketoconazole combinationsin vivois influenced in part by the pharmacokinetics of the combination, and that the former combination deserves further consideration in developing new treatment strategies against visceral leishmaniasis.
Assessing the Combined Antibacterial Effect of Isoniazid and Rifampin on Four Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains Using
In Vitro
Experiments and Response-Surface Modeling
Authors: Genestet Charlotte , Ader Florence , Pichat Catherine , Lina Gérard , Dumitrescu Oana , Goutelle Sylvain
Published: October 2017

While isoniazid and rifampin have been the cornerstone of tuberculosis therapy caused by drug-susceptible
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
for more than 40 years, their combined action has never been thoroughly assessed by modern quantitative pharmacology approaches. The aims of this work were to perform
in vitro
experiments and mathematical modeling of the antibacterial effect of isoniazid and rifampin alone and in combination against various strains of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. After MIC determination of H37Rv and three strains belonging to the Beijing, Euro-American, and Indo-Oceanic lineages, the antibacterial effects of isoniazid and rifampin alone and in combination were studied in static time-kill experiments. A sigmoidal maximum effect model (Hill equation) and a response-surface model were used to describe the effect of the drugs alone and in combination, respectively. The killing effect of isoniazid and rifampin alone were well described by the Hill equation. Rifampin displayed a more concentration-dependent effect than isoniazid around the MIC. The pharmacodynamics parameters of each drug (maximal effect, median effect concentration, and coefficient of sigmoidicity) were quite similar between the four strains. The response-surface model from Minto et al. fit data of combined effect very well with low bias and imprecision (C. F. Minto, T. W. Schnider, T. G. Short, K. M. Gregg, A. Gentilini, Anesthesiology
92:
1603–1616, 2000,
https://doi.org/10.1097/00000542-200006000-00017
). Response-surface modeling showed that the combined action of isoniazid and rifampin was synergistic for the H37Rv, Beijing, and Euro-American strains but only additive for the Indo-Oceanic strain. This study can serve as a motivating example for preclinical evaluation of combined action of antituberculous drugs.
Effect of Incubation Temperature on Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Factors of Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 17978
Authors: De Silva P. Malaka , Chong Patrick , Fernando Dinesh M. , Westmacott Garrett , Kumar Ayush
Published: October 2017

Acinetobacter baumannii
is a notorious opportunistic pathogen that is prevalent mainly in hospital settings. The ability of
A. baumannii
to adapt and to survive in a range of environments has been a key factor for its persistence and success as an opportunistic pathogen. In this study, we investigated the effect of temperature on the clinically relevant phenotypes displayed by
A. baumannii
at 37°C and 28°C. Surface-associated motility was significantly reduced at 28°C, while biofilm formation on plastic surfaces was increased at 28°C. Decreased susceptibility to aztreonam and increased susceptibility to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were observed at 28°C. No differences in virulence, as assayed in a
Galleria mellonella
model, were observed. Proteomic analysis showed differential expression of 629 proteins, of which 366 were upregulated and 263 were downregulated at 28°C. Upregulation of the Csu and iron uptake proteins at 28°C was a key finding for understanding some of the phenotypes displayed by
A. baumannii
at 28°C.
Exploring the theory, barriers and enablers for patient and public involvement across health, social care and patient safety: a protocol for a systematic review of reviews
Authors: Ocloo Josephine , Garfield Sarah , Dawson Shoba , Dean Franklin Bryony
Published: October 2017

Introduction

The emergence of patient and public involvement (PPI) in healthcare in the UK can be traced as far back as the 1970s. More recently, campaigns by harmed patients and their relatives have emerged as a result of clinical failings in the NHS, challenging paternalistic healthcare, which have led to a new focus on PPI in quality and safety, nationally and internationally. Evidence suggests that PPI within patient safety is often atheoretical and located within a biomedical discourse. This review will explore the literature on PPI across patient safety, healthcare and social care to identify theory, barriers and enablers that can be used to develop PPI in patient safety.

Methods and analysis

Systematic searches of three electronic bibliographic databases will be conducted, using both MeSH and free-text terms to identify empirical literature published from database inception to May 2017. The screening process will involve input from at least two researchers and any disagreement will be resolved through discussion with a third reviewer. Initial inclusion and exclusion criteria have been developed and will be refined iteratively throughout the process. Data extraction from included articles will be conducted by at least two researchers using a data extraction form. Extracted information will be analysed using a narrative review approach, which synthesises data using a descriptive method.

Ethics and Dissemination

No ethical approval is required for this review as no empirical data were collected. We believe that the findings and recommendations from this review will be particularly relevant for an audience of academics and policymakers. The findings will, therefore, be written up and disseminated in international peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences with a health focus. They will also be disseminated to leading health policy organisations in the NHS, such as NHS England and NHS Improvement and national policy bodies such as the Health Foundation.
Cast versus functional brace in the rehabilitation of patients treated non-operatively for a rupture of the Achilles tendon: protocol for the UK study of tendo achilles rehabilitation (UK STAR) multi-centre randomised trial
Authors: Achten Juul , Parsons Nick R , Kearney Rebecca L , Maia Schlüssel Michael , Liew Anna S , Dutton Susan , Petrou Stavros , Ollivere Benjamin , Lamb Sarah E , Costa Matthew L
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Achilles tendon rupture affects over 11 000 people yearly in the UK, and the incidence is increasing. Controversy remains with regard to the best rehabilitation strategy for these patients. In operatively treated patients, functional bracing provides better outcomes compared with plaster casts. However, the role of functional bracing in non-operatively managed patients is unclear. This is the protocol for a multicentre randomised trial of plaster cast immobilisation versus functional bracing for patients with a non-operatively managed Achilles tendon rupture.

Methods and analysis

All adults presenting with a primary rupture of the Achilles tendon will be screened. Non-operatively treated patients will be eligible to take part in the trial. Broad eligibility criteria will ensure that the results of the study can be generalised to the wider patient population. Randomisation will be on a 1:1 basis. Both rehabilitation strategies are widely used within the National Health Service. Standardised protocols will be followed, and details of plaster material and brace will be as per the site’s usual practice.

A minimum of 330 patients will be randomised to obtain 90% power to detect a difference of 8 points in Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score at 9 months. Quality of life and resource use will be collected at 3, 6 and 9 months. The differences between treatment groups will be assessed on an intention-to-treat basis. The results of the trial-based economic evaluation will be expressed in terms of incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained.

Ethics and dissemination

The National Research Ethic Committee approved this study on 18 March 2016 (16/SC/0109).

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment monograph and a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal will be submitted on completion of the trial (summer 2019). The results of this trial will substantially inform clinical practice on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the treatment of this injury. This study has been registered on the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number registry with reference noISRCTN62639639.
Apathy: a neurocircuitry model based on frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Ducharme Simon , Price Bruce H , Dickerson Bradford C
Published: October 2017

Apathy is a symptom shared among many neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, the underlying neurocircuitry remains incompletely understood. Apathy is one of the core features of behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), a neurodegenerative disease presenting with heterogeneous combinations of socioaffective symptoms and executive dysfunction. We reviewed all neuroimaging studies of apathy in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) attempting to refine a neurocircuitry model and inform clinical definitions. Levels of apathy have been consistently shown to correlate with the severity of executive dysfunctions across a wide range of diseases, including FTD. Some authors view ‘energisation’—the loss of which is central in apathy—as a core executive function. Apathy in FTD is most robustly associated with atrophy, hypometabolism and/or hypoperfusion in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the anterior and middle cingulate cortex, the orbitofrontal cortex and the medial and ventromedial superior frontal gyri. Data also suggest that abnormalities in connecting white matter pathways and functionally connected more posterior cortical areas could contribute to apathy. There is a lack of consistency across studies due to small samples, lenient statistical thresholds, variable measurement scales and the focus on apathy as a unitary concept. Integrating findings across studies, we revise a neurocircuitry model of apathy divided along three subcomponents (cognition/planning, initiation, emotional-affective/motivation) with specific neuroanatomical and cognitive substrates. To increase consistency in clinical practice, a recommendation is made to modify the bvFTD diagnostic criteria of apathy/inertia. More generally, we argue that bvFTD constitutes a disease model to study the neurocircuitry of complex behaviours as a ‘lesion-based’ approach to neuropsychiatric symptoms observed across diagnostic categories.
Mammalian herbivory exacerbates plant community responses to long-term increased soil nutrients in two Alaskan tundra plant communities
Authors: Gough Laura , Johnson David R.
Published: October 2017

The interaction between bottom-up and top-down forces in regulating plant communities is a long-standing topic of interest in ecology. Factorial field experiments examining these factors have been relatively few, but recent meta-analyses provide predictions that can be tested in a range of ecosystems. We tested the prediction that added nutrients would reduce species richness and evenness, while herbivore activity would offset those changes in two tundra plant communities after 11 years. In moist acidic tundra (MAT), herbivores reduced richness more in fertilized plots when mammals were present compared with fertilized plots without herbivores. In dry heath (DH), evenness was significantly reduced in fertilized plots only when herbivores were present, also providing evidence that herbivores enhanced community changes caused by greater nutrient availability. The difference in response between MAT and the meta-analysis predictions appears to be driven by Betula nana, the species that dramatically increased with added nutrients in MAT. Unlike in similar studies and in DH, B. nana is not as palatable as most of the species in the community and is generally avoided by herbivores. These results highlight how the effects of herbivory and nutrients differ across communities and can be affected by the traits of the species present.
Producer perceptions of manual and automated milk feeding systems for dairy calves in Canada
Authors: Medrano-Galarza Catalina , LeBlanc Stephen J. , Jones-Bitton Andria , DeVries Trevor J. , Rushen Jeffrey , de Passillé Anne Marie , Haley Derek B.
Published: October 2017

As part of a cross-sectional survey, Canadian dairy producers were asked a set of questions to (1) determine factors that influenced them to continue using manual milk feeding (MMF) systems or to switch to automated milk feeding (AMF) and (2) investigate producers’ perceived advantages and disadvantages regarding both feeding systems. A total of 670 responses were received. Among respondents, 16% used AMF and 84% used MMF. The four most frequent factors that producers reported as important in motivating them to switch to AMF were to raise better calves, offer more milk to calves, reduce labor, and improve working conditions. For MMF farms, investment in equipment and group housing facilities, as well as farm size, were the primary reasons reported for their continued use of MMF systems. The principal perceived advantages of having an AMF were that calves are able to express natural behaviors and drink more milk without increased labor input. For MMF systems, the main perceived advantage was related to easier identification of sick calves. Results provide insights into factors affecting the choice of calf feeding methods by dairy producers, and improve understanding of producers’ needs and expectations regarding calf management and adoption of technology.
SUSTAINABILITY NARROWNESS
Authors: DRAGICEVIC ARNAUD Z. , SHOGREN JASON F.
Published: October 2017

We study the resilience of a multiplex socio-ecological system (SES) which we structure from the spheres composing the sustainability Venn diagram. The SES network is subject to dynamics of spread of a global reform through a knock-on effect, as a direct and indirect repercussion of a small-scale reform process that spreads out over time through network connectivity. The model outcomes reveal that high probability of reform completion on an SES layer through nodes previously reformed on other SES layers is necessary and sufficient to propagate the desired reform on that layer. The maximum asymptotic density of reformed nodes can only be achieved in the absence of risk of reform abrogation. When the risk is significant, it prevents the equilibrium density from reaching a steady state. The numerical simulation results show that the combination of likely probability of reform completion and of proportional influence of all layers yields the maximum magnitude of efficiency of the knock-on effect. We provide a formal argument that favors assigning equal weight to all aspects of sustainable development.
The control of ventilation during exercise: a lesson in critical thinking
Authors: Bruce Richard. M.
Published: October 2017

Learning the basic competencies of critical thinking are very important in the education of any young scientist, and teachers must be prepared to help students develop a valuable set of analytic tools. In my experience, this is best achieved by encouraging students to study areas with little scientific consensus, such as the control mechanisms of the exercise ventilatory response, as it can allow greater objectivity when evaluating evidence, while also giving students the freedom to think independently and problem solve. In this article, I discuss teaching strategies by which physiology, biomedical science, and sport science students can simultaneously develop their understanding of respiratory control mechanisms and learn to critically analyze evidence thoroughly. This can be best achieved by utilizing both teacher-led and student-led learning environments, the latter of which encourages the development of learner autonomy and independent problem solving. In this article, I also aim to demonstrate a systematic approach of critical assessment that students can be taught, adapt, and apply independently. Among other things, this strategy involves: 1) defining the precise phenomenon in question; 2) understanding what investigations must demonstrate to explain the phenomenon and its underlying mechanisms; 3) evaluating the explanations/mechanisms of the phenomenon and the evidence for them; and 4) forming strategies to produce strong evidence, if none exists.
A Case of Proliferative Glomerulonephritis with Monoclonal IgG Deposits That Showed Predominantly Membranous Features
Authors: Shimohata Homare , Ohgi Kentaro , Maruyama Hiroshi , Miyamoto Yasunori , Takayashu Mamiko , Hirayama Kouichi , Kobayashi Masaki
Published: October 2017

In 2004, the novel category of monoclonal IgG deposition disease has been proposed and termed “proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG deposits” (PGNMID). This disease is characterized by membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and staining for a single light-chain isotype and gamma heavy-chain subclass. A 76-year-old male who had monoclonal gammopathy was referred to our hospital because of proteinuria. The renal biopsy showed diffuse thickening of the glomerular capillary walls with focal mesangial proliferation. On immunofluorescence study, only IgG1 among the four subclasses and lambda light chains were detected mainly in the glomerular capillary walls. From these results, we diagnosed our case as PGNMID showing predominantly membranous features. Almost all pathological findings on light microscopy of PGNMID are membranoproliferative GN or endocapillary proliferative GN, while membranous GN cases are rare. Here, we present the case of PGNMID that showed predominantly membranous features on light microscopy.
Deglutition Syncope: Two Case Reports Attributed to Vagal Hyperactivity
Authors: Bhogal Sukhdeep , Sethi Pooja , Taha Yasir , Papireddy Muralidhar , Mahajan Akhilesh , Zaidi Syed Imran M. , Ramu Vijay , Paul Timir
Published: October 2017

Deglutition syncope is a relatively rare cause of syncope that belongs to the category of neurally mediated reflex syncopal syndromes. The phenomenon is related to vagal reflex in context to deglutition causing atrioventricular block and acute reduction in cardiac output leading to dizziness or syncope. We present case series of two cases of deglutition syncope, of which first was managed medically and second with pacemaker implantation.
Preemptive Analgesic and Antioxidative Effect of Curcumin for Experimental Migraine
Authors: Bulboacă Adriana E. , Bolboacă Sorana D. , Stănescu Ioana C. , Sfrângeu Carmen A. , Bulboacă Angelo C.
Published: October 2017

Objective. Our study aimed to investigate the analgesic and antioxidative stress effects of Curcumin (CC) in experimental migraine induced by Nitroglycerin (NTG) on rats, compared with Indomethacin (ID) and Propranolol (PP) treatments. Material and Methods. Five groups of 10 rats treated i.p. were investigated: control group (healthy rats) injected with saline solution (0.9%), NTG-control group injected with NTG (1 mg/100 gbw, bw = body weight), and three groups with pretreatment applied 30 min previous to the formalin test (NTG + CC group: Curcumin (10 mg/100 gbw), NTG + PP group: Propranolol (100 μg/100 gbw), and NTG + ID group: Indomethacin (0.5 mg/100 gbw)). Formalin test was performed and number of flinches and shakes were counted. Several oxidative stress parameters were also assessed. Results. The smallest values of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NOx), and total oxidative status (TOS) were observed on NTG + CC with significant differences as compared with the control group (p<0.0001). The group pretreated with Curcumin proved significantly smaller number of flinches and shakes compared with both NTG + PP and NTG + ID. Conclusion. Our study demonstrates a superior activity of Curcumin not only versus control, but also versus Propranolol and Indomethacin.
In VitroScreening of Three Indian Medicinal Plants for Their Phytochemicals, Anticholinesterase, Antiglucosidase, Antioxidant, and Neuroprotective Effects
Authors: Penumala Mohan , Zinka Raveendra Babu , Shaik Jeelan Basha , Amooru Gangaiah Damu
Published: October 2017

Cooccurrence of Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease in elder people prompts scientists to develop multitarget agents that combat causes and symptoms of both diseases simultaneously. In line with this modern paradigm and as a follow-up to our previous studies, the present study is designed to investigate the crude methanolic extracts and subsequent CHCl3,n-BuOH, and H2O fractions ofAcalypha alnifolia,Pavetta indica,andOchna obtusatafor their inhibitory activities towards specific targets involved in AD and DM, namely, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, andα-glucosidase (α-Glc). The methanolic extract and its derived chloroform fractions exhibited remarkable inhibitory capacities with IC50values being found at theμg/mL level. Further studies on most active chloroform fractions presented a prominent ability to scavenge DPPH and ABTS reactive species and highest neuroprotective effect against H2O2induced cell injury. Phytochemical analysis showed a large amount of phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids in active fractions. In conclusion,A. alnifolia,P. indica,andO. obtusatacould be promising sources for the treatment of AD and DM since these fractions induced significant anticholinesterase, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and neuroprotection effects attributable to phenolic, flavonoid, and terpenoid contents and encourage further studies for development of multifunctional therapeutic agent for AD and DM dual therapy.
A Stability-Indicating RP-HPLC-UV Method for Determination and Chemical Hydrolysis Study of a Novel Naproxen Prodrug
Authors: Hamid Mohamed H. M. , Elsaman Tilal
Published: October 2017

A new naproxen amide prodrug was synthesized and spectrally characterized and a simple, precise, and accurate stability-indicating RP-HPLC method was developed and validated for determination and chemical hydrolysis study of the prodrug. Forced degradation studies were conducted as per the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines to establish the stability-indicating power of the method. Separations were performed on a C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm p.s.). The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer pH 4.0 in the ratio 60 : 40. The flow rate and injection volume were 1.0 mL/min and 15 μL, respectively. The peaks were monitored at 272 nm. The average retention time is 5.136 min. The linearity of the method was investigated in the range of 10–50 μg/mL and r2 was found to be larger than 0.9987. The LOD and LOQ were found to be 1.853 and 5.615 μg/mL, respectively. Results indicated that the degradants are well resolved and separated from the prodrug. Hydrolysis kinetics studies were carried out in buffer solutions (pH 1.2, 5.5 and 7.4) to establish the fate of the prodrug. The half-lives in the respective buffers were 23.5, 262, and 334 hours indicating sufficient stability to attain the goal of oral delivery.