bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonography of the metacarpophalangeal joints in healthy subjects using an 18 MHz transducer.
Authors: Fodor Daniela , Felea Ioana , Popescu Daniela , Moţei Adelina , Ene Paula , Şerban Oana , Micu Mihaela
Published: June 2015

Aim: To evaluate the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints (MCP2 and 5) in healthy subjects by ultrasonography (US) using a high frequency transducer (18 MHz) and to verify the interobserver agreement. Material and methods: We enrolled 50 healthy volunteers (37 women, age between 30-58 years, mean age 41.7 years, divided into 3 groups according to age: 30-39, 40-49, and 50-58 years). The subjects were successively evaluated by 4 rheumatologists: 2 experienced (team A) and 2 beginners (team B) in US. Seven dorsal and palmar longitudinal scanning positions and a supplementary scan for MCP cartilage were performed. The bone surface (erosions, osteophytes), the intra-articular content (synovial thickening and vascularization, 4 grade scale), and the aspect of the metacarpal head cartilage were analyzed. The anterior palmar recess was measured. The time for examination was recorded. Results: Erosions were detected in 7% of joints by team A and 2% by team B (p<0.05, kappa agreement 0.567) in subjects over 40 years. The agreement by team A in the detection of the erosions was very good (kappa value 0.83). A moderate positive correlation was obtained between the presence of erosions and age (r= 0.401, p=0.004). Osteophytes were identified only on the dorsal scan in subjects over 50 years (in 3.5% of joints team A, 1.5% team B, p>0.05, kappa value 0.421). No grade 1 synovitis was observed by team A but 4 joints with grade 1 synovitis were identified by team B (p<0.05) from the dorsal scan. The dimensions of the palmar recess had large distribution (MCP 2 between 0.55-1.3 mm; MCP 5 between 0.6-1.2 mm). No statistical significant differences were obtained when comparing the dimensions of the two hands, the values obtained in age-groups (all p>0.05). No statistical significant correlations were obtained between the dimensions of palmar recess and the body mass index or dominant hand (all p>0.05). No pathological findings were found in the examination of the metacarpal head cartilage. Power Doppler investigation found the presence of grade 1 signal in 2.5% joints by team A and 1.5% by team B (p>0.05) only in the dorsal scans. The mean time for examination was 7.8±1.74 min in team A and 13.78±2.96 min in team B (p<0.05). Conclusions: In healthy subjects pathological findings are occasionally encountered, especially erosions and osteophytes. Using an 18 MHz transducer the aspect of grade 1 synovitis was not encountered in healthy non-inflammatory MCP joints. There is a permanent need for standardized training and examination in musculoskeletal US.
Ectopic cervical thymus as a rare cause of pediatric neck mass: the role of ultrasound and MRI in the diagnosis. Case report.
Authors: Ozel Alper , Akdur Pinar Ozdemir , Celebi Irfan , Karasu Rabia , Yilmaz Banu , Basak Muzaffer
Published: June 2015

Ectopic cervical thymus (ECT) is an uncommon cause for cervical mass in the pediatric age group. Ultrasound and mag- netic resonance imaging findings of the mass (location along the thymic descent pathway along the thymopharyngeal tract and the identical echostructure and signal intensities to the native thymus in the superior mediastinum) would lead to the diagnosis. The diagnosis is confirmed by fine needle aspiration biopsy or histopathology after resection. The management of ECT is a conservative follow up, except in symptomatic cases with tracheal compression and histologically confirmed neoplasia where surgery is indicated. We present the case of ECT presenting as a left upper neck mass in a 12 year old girl.
Informational masking of speech in dyslexic children
Authors: Calcus Axelle , Colin Cécile , Deltenre Paul , Kolinsky Régine
Published: June 2015

Studies evaluating speech perception in noise have reported inconsistent results regarding a potential deficit in dyslexic children. So far, most of them investigated energetic masking. The present study evaluated situations inducing mostly informational masking, which reflects cognitive interference induced by the masker. Dyslexic children were asked to identify a female target syllable presented in quiet, babble, unmodulated, and modulated speech-shaped noise. Whereas their performance was comparable to normal-reading children in quiet, it dropped significantly in all noisy conditions compared to age-, but not reading level-matched controls. Interestingly, noise affected similarly the reception of voicing, place, and manner of articulation in dyslexic and normal-reading children.
“It’s Recovery United for Me”: Promises and Pitfalls of Football as Part of Mental Health Recovery
Authors: Magee Jonathan , Spaaij Ramón , Jeanes Ruth
Published: June 2015

This paper builds on the concept of mental health recovery to critically examine three football projects in the United Kingdom and their effects on the recovery process. Drawing on qualitative research on the lived experiences of mental health clients and service providers across the three projects, we explore the role of football in relation to three components of recovery: engagement, stigma, and social isolation. The findings indicate how the projects facilitated increased client engagement, peer supports, and the transformation of self-stigma. The perception of football as an alternative setting away from the clinical environment was an important factor in this regard. Yet, the results also reveal major limitations, including the narrow, individualistic conceptualization of both recovery and stigma within the projects, the reliance on a biomedical model of mental illness, and the potentially adverse consequences of using football in mental health interventions.
Where is Childhood? In Conversation With Messner and Musto
Authors: Laurendeau Jason , Konecny Dan
Published: June 2015

In this essay, we build upon Messner and Musto’s recent call for sociologists of sport to take “kids” more seriously; we highlight that in addition to taking kids and kids’ sport more seriously, sport scholars might go further toward considering childhood not simply as a stage of life, but as a set of ideas that shape and are shaped by sporting and recreational practices and discourses. To illustrate the value of this approach, we explore a number of complexities and contradictions of contemporary risk discourses, and the ways in which these are connected to the (re)production of young people as vulnerable subjects.

Dans cet essai, nous nous appuyons sur Messner et Musto qui ont récemment encouragé les sociologues du sport à prendre les enfants plus au sérieux; nous soulignons qu’en plus de prendre les enfants et les activités sportives des enfants au sérieux, les chercheurs en sport peuvent aller plus loin et considérer l’enfance non seulement comme une étape de la vie, mais aussi comme un ensemble d’idées qui forment les pratiques et discours sportifs et récréatifs et sont formées par ceux-ci. Pour illustrer le bien-fondé de cette approche, nous explorons un certain nombre de complexités et contradictions qui existent dans les discours actuels sur le risque, et les façons dont ils sont connectés à la (re)production des jeunes comme sujets vulnérables.
Gallium Compounds Exhibit Potential as New Therapeutic Agents against Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Abdalla Maher Y. , Switzer Barbara L. , Goss Christopher H. , Aitken Moira L. , Singh Pradeep K. , Britigan Bradley E.
Published: June 2015

The rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterial speciesMycobacterium abscessushas recently emerged as an important pathogen in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Treatment options are limited because of the organism's innate resistance to standard antituberculous antibiotics, as well as other currently available antibiotics. New antibiotic approaches to the treatment ofM. abscessusare urgently needed. The goal of the present study was to assess the growth-inhibitory activity of different Ga compounds against an American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strain and clinical isolates ofM. abscessusobtained from CF and other patients. In our results, using Ga(NO3)3and all of the other Ga compounds tested inhibited the growth of ATCC 19977 and clinical isolates ofM. abscessus. Inhibition was mediated by disrupting iron uptake, as the addition of exogenous iron (Fe) restored basal growth. There were modest differences in inhibition among the isolates for the same Ga chelates, and for most Ga chelates there was only a slight difference in potency from Ga(NO3)3. In contrast, Ga-protoporphyrin completely and significantly inhibited the ATCC strain and clinical isolates ofM. abscessusat much lower concentrations than Ga(NO3)3. Inin vitrobroth culture, Ga-protoporphyrin was more potent than Ga(NO3)3. WhenM. abscessusgrowth inside the human macrophage THP-1 cell line was assessed, Ga-protoporphyrin was >20 times more active than Ga(NO3)3. The present work suggests that Ga exhibits potent growth-inhibitory capacity against the ATCC strain, as well as against antibiotic-resistant clinical isolates ofM. abscessus, including the highly antibiotic-resistant strain MC2638. Ga-based therapy offers the potential for further development as a novel therapy againstM. abscessus.
Disulfiram and Copper Ions Kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a Synergistic Manner
Authors: Dalecki Alex G. , Haeili Mehri , Shah Santosh , Speer Alexander , Niederweis Michael , Kutsch Olaf , Wolschendorf Frank
Published: June 2015

Tuberculosis is a severe disease affecting millions worldwide. Unfortunately, treatment strategies are hampered both by the prohibitively long treatment regimen and the rise of drug-resistant strains. Significant effort has been expended in the search for new treatments, but few options have successfully emerged, and new treatment modalities are desperately needed. Recently, there has been growing interest in the synergistic antibacterial effects of copper ions (Cu
II/I
) in combination with certain small molecular compounds, and we have previously reported development of a drug screening strategy to harness the intrinsic bactericidal properties of Cu
II/I
. Here, we describe the copper-dependent antimycobacterial properties of disulfiram, an FDA-approved and well-tolerated sobriety aid. Disulfiram was inhibitory to mycobacteria only in the presence of Cu
II/I
and exerted its bactericidal activity well below the active concentration of Cu
II/I
or disulfiram alone. No other physiologically relevant bivalent transition metals (e.g., Fe
II
, Ni
II
, Mn
II
, and Co
II
) exhibited this effect. We demonstrate that the movement of the disulfiram-copper complex across the cell envelope is porin independent and can inhibit intracellular protein functions. Additionally, the complex is able to synergistically induce intracellular copper stress responses significantly more than Cu
II/I
alone. Our data suggest that by complexing with disulfiram, Cu
II/I
is likely allowed unfettered access to vulnerable intracellular components, bypassing the normally sufficient copper homeostatic machinery. Overall, the synergistic antibacterial activity of Cu
II/I
and disulfiram reveals the susceptibility of the copper homeostasis system of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
to chemical attacks and establishes compounds that act in concert with copper as a new class of bacterial inhibitors.
TXA709, an FtsZ-Targeting Benzamide Prodrug with Improved Pharmacokinetics and Enhanced
In Vivo
Efficacy against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kaul Malvika , Mark Lilly , Zhang Yongzheng , Parhi Ajit K. , Lyu Yi Lisa , Pawlak Joan , Saravolatz Stephanie , Saravolatz Louis D. , Weinstein Melvin P. , LaVoie Edmond J. , Pilch Daniel S.
Published: June 2015

The clinical development of FtsZ-targeting benzamide compounds like PC190723 has been limited by poor drug-like and pharmacokinetic properties. Development of prodrugs of PC190723 (e.g., TXY541) resulted in enhanced pharmaceutical properties, which, in turn, led to improved intravenous efficacy as well as the first demonstration of oral efficacy
in vivo
against both methicillin-sensitive
Staphylococcus aureus
(MSSA) and methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA). Despite being efficacious
in vivo
, TXY541 still suffered from suboptimal pharmacokinetics and the requirement of high efficacious doses. We describe here the design of a new prodrug (TXA709) in which the Cl group on the pyridyl ring has been replaced with a CF
3
functionality that is resistant to metabolic attack. As a result of this enhanced metabolic stability, the product of the TXA709 prodrug (TXA707) is associated with improved pharmacokinetic properties (a 6.5-fold-longer half-life and a 3-fold-greater oral bioavailability) and superior
in vivo
antistaphylococcal efficacy relative to PC190723. We validate FtsZ as the antibacterial target of TXA707 and demonstrate that the compound retains potent bactericidal activity against
S. aureus
strains resistant to the current standard-of-care drugs vancomycin, daptomycin, and linezolid. These collective properties, coupled with minimal observed toxicity to mammalian cells, establish the prodrug TXA709 as an antistaphylococcal agent worthy of clinical development.
Activity of Meropenem Combined with RPX7009, a Novel β-Lactamase Inhibitor, against Gram-Negative Clinical Isolates in New York City
Authors: Lapuebla Amabel , Abdallah Marie , Olafisoye Olawole , Cortes Christopher , Urban Carl , Quale John , Landman David
Published: June 2015

Multidrug-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC)-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
are endemic to hospitals in New York City and other regions. RPX7009 is a novel β-lactamase inhibitor with activity against serine carbapenemases. We tested the activity of meropenem plus RPX7009 against 4,500 recent Gram-negative clinical isolates from 11 New York City hospitals. The meropenem-RPX7009 combination was found to have excellent
in vitro
activity against
Escherichia coli
,
K. pneumoniae
, and
Enterobacter
spp., including multidrug-resistant (MDR) KPC-producing strains. Overall, 131/133 (98.5%) KPC-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
strains were inhibited by meropenem (≤1 μg/ml) plus RPX7009 (8 μg/ml). In a limited number of strains, the combination appeared to have reduced activity against KPC-producing
K. pneumoniae
isolates with diminished
ompK35
and
ompK36
expression. The addition of RPX7009 did not affect the activity of meropenem against
Acinetobacter baumannii
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. The meropenem-RPX7009 combination shows promise as a novel agent against KPC-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
and deserves further study. Other approaches will be needed to address multidrug-resistant
A. baumannii
and
P. aeruginosa
, which typically possess different mechanisms of carbapenem resistance.
Characterization of pKP-M1144, a Novel ColE1-Like Plasmid Encoding IMP-8, GES-5, and BEL-1 β-Lactamases, from a Klebsiella pneumoniae Sequence Type 252 Isolate
Authors: Papagiannitsis Costas C. , Dolejska Monika , Izdebski Radoslaw , Dobiasova Hana , Studentova Vendula , Esteves Francisco J. , Derde Lennie P. G. , Bonten Marc J. M. , Hrabák Jaroslav , Gniadkowski Marek
Published: June 2015

IMP-8 metallo-β-lactamase was identified in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
sequence type 252 (ST252), isolated in a Portuguese hospital in 2009.
bla
IMP-8
was the first gene cassette of a novel class 3 integron, In1144, also carrying the
bla
GES-5
,
bla
BEL-1
, and
aacA4
cassettes. In1144 was located on a ColE1-like plasmid, pKP-M1144 (12,029 bp), with a replication region of limited nucleotide similarity to those of other RNA-priming plasmids, such as pJHCMW1. In1144 and pKP-M1144 represent an interesting case of evolution of resistance determinants in Gram-negative bacteria.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Strain of Cosmopolitan Fungus
Trichoderma atroviride
Authors: Shi-Kunne Xiaoqian , Seidl Michael F. , Faino Luigi , Thomma Bart P. H. J.
Published: June 2015

An unknown fungus has been isolated as a contaminant of
in vitro
-grown fungal cultures. In an attempt to identify the contamination, we isolated the causal agent and performed whole-genome sequencing. BLAST analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence against the NCBI database showed 100% identity to
Trichoderma atroviride
, and further alignment of the genome assembly confirmed the unknown fungus to be
T. atroviride
. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of a
T. atroviride
strain.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Pseudomonas
sp. Strain 10-1B, a Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Degrader in Contaminated Soil
Authors: Bello-Akinosho Maryam , Adeleke Rasheed , Swanevelder Dirk , Thantsha Mapitsi
Published: June 2015

Pseudomonas
sp. strain 10-1B was isolated from artificially polluted soil after selective enrichment. Its draft genome consists of several predicted genes that are involved in the hydroxylation of the aromatic ring, which is the rate-limiting step in the biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Draft Genome Sequence of Arthrobacter chlorophenolicus Strain Mor30.16, Isolated from the Bean Rhizosphere
Authors: Miranda-Ríos José Antonio , Ramírez-Trujillo José Augusto , Nova-Franco Bárbara , Lozano-Aguirre Beltrán Luis Fernando , Iturriaga Gabriel , Suárez-Rodríguez Ramón
Published: June 2015

Bacteria of the genus
Arthrobacter
are commonly found in the soil and plant rhizosphere
.
In this study we report the draft genome of
Arthrobacter chlorophenolicus
strain Mor30.16 that was isolated from rhizosphere of beans grown in Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico. This strain promotes growth and ameliorates drought stress in bean plants.
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma meleagridis, a Possible Emerging Pathogen in Chickens
Authors: Abolnik Celia
Published: June 2015

Mycoplasma meleagridis
strain B2096 8B was isolated from domestic chickens in South Africa. The 845,307-bp full genome was sequenced, assembled, and annotated.
Complete Genome Sequence of Canine Papillomavirus Type 16
Authors: Luff Jennifer , Mader Michelle , Britton Monica , Fass Joseph , Rowland Peter , Orr Carolyn , Schlegel Richard , Yuan Hang
Published: June 2015

Papillomaviruses are epitheliotropic, circular, double-stranded DNA viruses within the family
Papillomaviridae
that are associated with benign and malignant tumors in humans and animals. We report the complete genome sequence of canine papillomavirus type 16 identified within multiple pigmented cutaneous plaques and squamous cell carcinoma from an intact female Basenji dog.
Insights on Quorum-Quenching Properties of Lysinibacillus fusiformis Strain RB21, a Malaysian Municipal Solid-Waste Landfill Soil Isolate, via Complete Genome Sequence Analysis
Authors: Yong Delicia , Ee Robson , Lim Yan-Lue , Chang Chien-Yi , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: June 2015

Lysinibacillus fusiformis
strain RB21 is a quorum-quenching bacterium that is able to degrade quorum-sensing signaling molecules. Here, we present the first complete genome sequence of
L. fusiformis
strain RB21
.
The finished genome is 4.8 Mbp in size, and the quorum-quenching gene was identified.
First Draft Genome Sequence of a Human Coxiella burnetii Isolate, Originating from the Largest Q Fever Outbreak Ever Reported, the Netherlands, 2007 to 2010
Authors: Hammerl J. A. , Mertens K. , Sprague L. D. , Hackert V. H. , Buijs J. , Hoebe C. J. , Henning K. , Neubauer H. , Al Dahouk S.
Published: June 2015

In 2009,
Coxiella burnetii
caused a large regional outbreak of Q fever in South Limburg, the Netherlands. Here, we announce the genome draft sequence of a human
C. burnetii
isolate, strain NL-Limburg, originating from this outbreak, including a brief summary of the genome's general features.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis Clinical Isolate
Authors: Nikitina Anastasia S. , Kharlampieva Daria D. , Babenko Vladislav V. , Shirokov Dmitriy A. , Vakhitova Maria T. , Manolov Aleksandr I. , Shkoporov Andrei N. , Taraskina Anastasia E. , Manuvera Valentin A. , Lazarev Vassili N. , Kostryukova Elena S.
Published: June 2015

Here we present the complete genome sequence of
Bacteroides fragilis
isolate BOB25. It is an enterotoxigenic isolate that was obtained from a stool sample of a patient with dysbiosis.
Sensing of Interleukin-1 Cytokines during Streptococcus pneumoniae Colonization Contributes to Macrophage Recruitment and Bacterial Clearance
Authors: Lemon Jamie K. , Miller Megan R. , Weiser Jeffrey N.
Published: June 2015

Streptococcus pneumoniae(the pneumococcus), a leading cause of bacterial disease, is most commonly carried in the human nasopharynx. Colonization induces inflammation that promotes the organism's growth and transmission. This inflammatory response is dependent on intracellular sensing of bacterial components that access the cytosolic compartment via the pneumococcal pore-forming toxin pneumolysin.In vitro, cytosolic access results in cell death that includes release of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β). IL-1 family cytokines, including IL-1β, are secreted upon activation of inflammasomes, although the role of this activation in the host immune response to pneumococcal carriage is unknown. Using a murine model of pneumococcal nasopharyngeal colonization, we show that mice deficient in the interleukin-1 receptor type 1 (Il1r1−/−) have reduced numbers of neutrophils early after infection, fewer macrophages later in carriage, and prolonged bacterial colonization. Moreover, intranasal administration of Il-1β promoted clearance. Macrophages are the effectors of clearance, and characterization of macrophage chemokines in colonized mice revealed thatIl1r1−/−mice have lower expression of the C-C motif chemokine ligand 6 (CCL6), correlating with reduced macrophage recruitment to the nasopharynx. IL-1 family cytokines are known to promote adaptive immunity; however, we observed no difference in the development of humoral or cellular immunity to pneumococcal colonization between wild-type andIl1r1−/−mice. Our findings show that sensing of IL-1 cytokines during colonization promotes inflammation without immunity, which may ultimately benefit the pneumococcus.
Preserved Dendritic Cell HLA-DR Expression and Reduced Regulatory T Cell Activation in Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax Infection
Authors: Kho Steven , Marfurt Jutta , Noviyanti Rintis , Kusuma Andreas , Piera Kim A. , Burdam Faustina H. , Kenangalem Enny , Lampah Daniel A. , Engwerda Christian R. , Poespoprodjo Jeanne R. , Price Ric N. , Anstey Nicholas M. , Minigo Gabriela , Woodberry Tonia
Published: June 2015

Clinical illness withPlasmodium falciparumorPlasmodium vivaxcompromises the function of dendritic cells (DC) and expands regulatory T (Treg) cells. Individuals with asymptomatic parasitemia have clinical immunity, restricting parasite expansion and preventing clinical disease. The role of DC and Treg cells during asymptomaticPlasmodiuminfection is unclear. During a cross-sectional household survey in Papua, Indonesia, we examined the number and activation of blood plasmacytoid DC (pDC), CD141+, and CD1c+myeloid DC (mDC) subsets and Treg cells using flow cytometry in 168 afebrile children (of whom 15 hadP. falciparumand 36 hadP. vivaxinfections) and 162 afebrile adults (of whom 20 hadP. falciparumand 20 hadP. vivaxinfections), alongside samples from 16 patients hospitalized with uncomplicated malaria. Unlike DC from malaria patients, DC from children and adults with asymptomatic, microscopy-positiveP. vivaxorP. falciparuminfection increased or retained HLA-DR expression. Treg cells in asymptomatic adults and children exhibited reduced activation, suggesting increased immune responsiveness. The pDC and mDC subsets varied according to clinical immunity (asymptomatic or symptomaticPlasmodiuminfection) and, in asymptomatic infection, according to host age and parasite species. In conclusion, active control of asymptomatic infection was associated with and likely contingent upon functional DC and reduced Treg cell activation.
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) Signaling in Intestinal Stromal Cells Controls KC/CXCL1 Secretion, Which Correlates with Recruitment of IL-22-Secreting Neutrophils at Early Stages of Citrobacter rodentium Infection
Authors: Lee Yong-Soo , Yang Hyungjun , Yang Jin-Young , Kim Yeji , Lee Su-Hyun , Kim Ji Heui , Jang Yong Ju , Vallance Bruce A. , Kweon Mi-Na
Published: June 2015

Attaching and effacing pathogens, including enterohemorrhagicEscherichia coliin humans andCitrobacter rodentiumin mice, raise serious public health concerns. Here we demonstrate that interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) signaling is indispensable for protection againstC. rodentiuminfection in mice. Four days after infection withC. rodentium, there were significantly fewer neutrophils (CD11b+Ly6C+Ly6G+) in the colons of IL-1R−/−mice than in wild-type mice. Levels of mRNA and protein of KC/CXCL1 were also significantly reduced in colon homogenates of infected IL-1R−/−mice relative to wild-type mice. Of note, infiltrated CD11b+Ly6C+Ly6G+neutrophils were the main source of IL-22 secretion afterC. rodentiuminfection. Interestingly, intestinal stromal cells isolated from IL-1R−/−mice secreted lower levels of KC/CXCL1 than stromal cells from wild-type mice duringC. rodentiuminfection. Similar effects were found when mouse intestinal stromal cells and human nasal polyp stromal cells were treated with IL-1R antagonists (i.e., anakinra)in vitro. These results suggest that IL-1 signaling plays a pivotal role in activating mucosal stromal cells to secrete KC/CXCL1, which is essential for infiltration of IL-22-secreting neutrophils upon bacterial infection.
Genetic and Proteomic Analyses of Pupylation in Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Compton Corey L. , Fernandopulle Michael S. , Nagari Rohith T. , Sello Jason K.
Published: June 2015

Pupylation is a posttranslational modification peculiar to actinobacteria wherein proteins are covalently modified with a small protein called the prokaryotic ubiquitin-like protein (Pup). Like ubiquitination in eukaryotes, this phenomenon has been associated with proteasome-mediated protein degradation in mycobacteria. Here, we report studies of pupylation in a streptomycete that is phylogentically related to mycobacteria. We constructed mutants of
Streptomyces coelicolor
lacking PafA (Pup ligase), the proteasome, and the Pup-proteasome system. We found that these mutants share a high susceptibility to oxidative stress compared to that of the wild-type strain. Remarkably, we found that the
pafA
null mutant has a sporulation defect not seen in strains lacking the Pup-proteasome system. In proteomics experiments facilitated by an affinity-tagged variant of Pup, we identified 110 pupylated proteins in
S. coelicolor
strains having and lacking genes encoding the 20S proteasome. Our findings shed new light on this unusual posttranslational modification and its role in
Streptomyces
physiology.

IMPORTANCE
The presence of 20S proteasomes reminiscent of those in eukaryotes and a functional equivalent of ubiquitin, known as the prokaryotic ubiquitin-like protein (Pup), in actinobacteria have motivated reevaluations of protein homeostasis in prokaryotes. Though the Pup-proteasome system has been studied extensively in mycobacteria, it is much less understood in streptomycetes, members of a large genus of actinobacteria known for highly choreographed life cycles in which phases of morphological differentiation, sporulation, and secondary metabolism are often regulated by protein metabolism. Here, we define constituents of the pupylome in
Streptomyces coelicolor
for the first time and present new evidence that links pupylation and the oxidative stress response in this bacterium. Surprisingly, we found that the Pup ligase has a Pup-independent role in sporulation.
Success of a sustained pharmaceutical care service with electronic adherence monitoring in patient with diabetes over 12 months
Authors: Boeni Fabienne , Hersberger Kurt E , Arnet Isabelle
Published: June 2015

We report on the first polypharmacy adherence monitoring over 371 days, integrated into a pharmaceutical care service (counselling, electronic multidrug punch cards, feedback on recent electronic records) for a 65-year-old man with diabetes after hospital discharge. The initial daily regimen of four times per day with 15 pills daily changed after 79 days into a daily regimen of two times per day with 9 pills daily for the next 292 days. The patient removed all medication from the multidrug punch cards (taking adherence 100%) and had 96.9% correct dosing intervals (timing adherence). The 57 evening doses showed the least variation in intake times at 17 h 45 min±8 min. Over the observation year, the patient was clinically stable. He was very satisfied with the multidrug punch card and the feedback on electronic records. In conclusion, long-term monitoring of polypharmacy was associated with the benefit of successful disease management.
Targeted epidural patch with n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) through a single catheter access site for treatment of a cerebral spinal fluid leak causing spontaneous intracranial hypotension
Authors: Woolen Sean , Gemmete Joseph J , Pandey Aditya S , Chaudhary Neeraj
Published: June 2015

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) usually occurs in the setting of a spontaneous cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leak. We report the first description of a case of SIH caused by a CSF leak which improved after a targeted epidural patch with n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) at the right T1–T2 level. An 81-year-old woman presented with an orthostatic headache for 6 days. MRI of the brain with contrast demonstrated low lying cerebellar tonsils, an engorged transverse sinus flow void, bifrontal small subdural fluid collections, and diffuse dural enhancement. CT myelography showed extravasation of intrathecal contrast at the right T1–T2 level. A targeted epidural patch was performed by injection of n-BCA through a catheter at the right T1–T2 level. After treatment, the patient's symptoms immediately improved and she was without a headache at 1-year follow-up.
First report ofNocardia fuscaisolated in humans
Authors: Ercibengoa Arana María , Marimón Ortiz de Zarate José María
Published: June 2015

Nocardia fuscawas first described in 1983; however, to date, no report of human infection has been done. In this work, we report the first case ofN. fuscaisolation during an episode of acute exacerbation in a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The extent of the role ofN. fuscaas human pathogen still has to be determined.
Primary herpes simplex virus infection mimicking cervical cancer
Authors: Tomkins Andrew , White Catherine , Higgins Stephen Peter
Published: June 2015

We report the case of an 18-year-old woman presenting with ulceration of the cervix caused by primary type 2 herpes simplex infection in the absence of skin lesions. The differential diagnosis included cervical cancer and we referred the patient for urgent colposcopy. However, laboratory tests proved the viral aetiology of the cervical ulceration and the cervix had healed completely 3 weeks later. The case highlights the need to consider herpes simplex infection in the differential diagnosis of ulceration of the cervix even when there are no cutaneous signs of herpes.
Mild encephalopathy with reversible splenial lesion in a patient with influenza A infection—first report in an adult patient in the USA
Authors: Wang Jonathan , Stewart Earl , Dapaah-Afriyie Kwame , Finn Arkadiy
Published: June 2015

We present a case of a 51-year-old man with panhypopituarism who developed clinically mild encephalopathy with a lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum, in the setting of acute influenza A infection. The patient's initial presentation included hypernatraemia due to pre-existing iatrogenic central diabetes insipidus. Despite adequate treatment of hypernatraemia, his course was complicated by otherwise unexplained mild encephalopathy. Brain MRI revealed a diffusion restricted lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum. This presentation was consistent with mild encephalopathy with reversible splenial lesion (MERS). The patient subsequently tested positive for influenza A. This is the first reported case of MERS syndrome due to influenza A infection in an adult patient in the USA. Mild encephalopathy associated with influenza A infection and a reversible splenial lesion of the corpus callosum has a favourable prognosis and resolves spontaneously.
Eye injuries in the extreme environment ultra-marathon runner
Authors: Cope Thomas Adam , Kropelnicki Anna
Published: June 2015

We present the case of an ultra-marathon runner who developed a painful irritated eye due to prolonged exposure to high wind speed and sub-zero temperatures causing transient freezing and subsequent abrasion of the cornea. We recommend that all ultra-marathon runners racing in windy or exposed conditions should wear wrap-around eye protection or goggles. If runners present to checkpoints or after the race to primary care or the emergency department with ocular pain, corneal freezing and abrasions should be considered. Management should include ocular examination and withdrawing the runner from harmful conditions.
The sedentary office: an expert statement on the growing case for change towards better health and productivity
Authors: Buckley John P , Hedge Alan , Yates Thomas , Copeland Robert J , Loosemore Michael , Hamer Mark , Bradley Gavin , Dunstan David W
Published: June 2015

An international group of experts convened to provide guidance for employers to promote the avoidance of prolonged periods of sedentary work. The set of recommendations was developed from the totality of the current evidence, including long-term epidemiological studies and interventional studies of getting workers to stand and/or move more frequently. The evidence was ranked in quality using the four levels of the American College of Sports Medicine. The derived guidance is as follows: for those occupations which are predominantly desk based, workers should aim to initially progress towards accumulating 2 h/day of standing and light activity (light walking) during working hours, eventually progressing to a total accumulation of 4 h/day (prorated to part-time hours). To achieve this, seated-based work should be regularly broken up with standing-based work, the use of sit–stand desks, or the taking of short active standing breaks. Along with other health promotion goals (improved nutrition, reducing alcohol, smoking and stress), companies should also promote among their staff that prolonged sitting, aggregated from work and in leisure time, may significantly and independently increase the risk of cardiometabolic diseases and premature mortality. It is appreciated that these recommendations should be interpreted in relation to the evidence from which they were derived, largely observational and retrospective studies, or short-term interventional studies showing acute cardiometabolic changes. While longer term intervention studies are required, the level of consistent evidence accumulated to date, and the public health context of rising chronic diseases, suggest initial guidelines are justified. We hope these guidelines stimulate future research, and that greater precision will be possible within future iterations.
Individualised cognitive functional therapy compared with a combined exercise and pain education class for patients with non-specific chronic low back pain: study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: O'Keeffe Mary , Purtill Helen , Kennedy Norelee , O'Sullivan Peter , Dankaerts Wim , Tighe Aidan , Allworthy Lars , Dolan Louise , Bargary Norma , O'Sullivan Kieran
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a very common and costly musculoskeletal disorder associated with a complex interplay of biopsychosocial factors. Cognitive functional therapy (CFT) represents a novel, patient-centred intervention which directly challenges pain-related behaviours in a cognitively integrated, functionally specific and graduated manner. CFT aims to target all biopsychosocial factors that are deemed to be barriers to recovery for an individual patient with NSCLBP. A recent randomised controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated the superiority of individualised CFT for NSCLBP compared to manual therapy combined with exercise. However, several previous RCTs have suggested that class-based interventions are as effective as individualised interventions. Therefore, it is important to examine whether an individualised intervention, such as CFT, demonstrates clinical effectiveness compared to a relatively cheaper exercise and education class. The current study will compare the clinical effectiveness of individualised CFT with a combined exercise and pain education class in people with NSCLBP.

Methods and analysis

This study is a multicentre RCT. 214 participants, aged 18–75 years, with NSCLBP for at least 6 months will be randomised to one of two interventions across three sites. The experimental group will receive individualised CFT and the length of the intervention will be varied in a pragmatic manner based on the clinical progression of participants. The control group will attend six classes which will be provided over a period of 6–8 weeks. Participants will be assessed preintervention, postintervention and after 6 and12 months. The primary outcomes will be functional disability and pain intensity. Non-specific predictors, moderators and mediators of outcome will also be analysed.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the Mayo General Hospital Research Ethics Committee (MGH-14-UL). Outcomes will be disseminated through publication according to the SPIRIT statement and will be presented at scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

(ClinicalTrials.govNCT02145728).
Predicting the diversion length of capillary barriers using steady state and transient state numerical modeling: case study of the Saint-Tite-des-Caps landfill final cover
Authors: Lacroix Vachon Benoit , Abdolahzadeh Amir M. , Cabral Alexandre R.
Published: June 2015

Covers with capillary barrier effect (CCBE) have already been proposed to meet regulatory requirements for landfill final covers. Modeling of CCBE can be a relatively complex and time-consuming task. Simpler, albeit conservative, design tools — such as steady state numerical analyses — can, in certain cases, be justified and have a positive impact in practice. In this study, numerical simulations were performed of the experimental CCBE constructed on the Saint-Tite-des-Caps landfill (Quebec). The CCBE consists of a capillary barrier, composed of sand and gravel, on top of which a layer of deinking by-products (DBP) was installed as a protective layer (also to control seepage). The addition of a protective layer over the infiltration control layer (such as a capillary barrier) is required in most jurisdictions. In many European countries, such as Germany and the Netherlands, a thick “recultivation” layer is required. The results of numerical simulations were compared with the in situ behaviour of the Saint-Tite CCBE as well as with analytical solutions. The effectiveness of the capillary barrier was assessed by quantifying the diversion length (DL), which reflects the lateral drainage capacity of the CCBE, i.e., the capacity to drain water laterally. Collection of the water that has drained laterally prevents seepage into the waste mass. This study shows that when the seepage rate reaching the top layer of the capillary barrier is controlled, it is possible to predict the worst-case scenario in terms of seepage (and therefore predict the shortest DL) using steady state numerical simulations. These simpler-to-perform numerical simulations could be adopted in practice, at least in a pre-feasibility study for cases with a similar profile as the one at the Saint-Tite-des-Caps experimental CCBE.
Three-dimensional finite element modelling of a full-scale geosynthetic-reinforced, pile-supported embankment
Authors: Rowe R. Kerry , Liu K.-W.
Published: June 2015

The performance of four sections of a full-scale embankment constructed on soft soil is examined using a fully coupled and fully three-dimensional finite element analysis. The four sections had similar embankment loadings but different improvement options (one unimproved, one with pile-support only, one with a single layer geotextile-reinforced platform and pile-support, and one with two layers of geogrid-reinforced platform and pile-support). Like the field data, the numerical results show that the inclusion of piles decreases the settlement at the subsoil surface to 52% of that for the unimproved section, and the addition of a single layer of geotextile reinforcement (J = 800 kN/m) further reduced settlement to only 31% of that of the unimproved section. The effects of geosynthetic reinforcement and multiple layers of reinforcement on the performance of the pile-supported embankment are discussed. The relative load transfer is calculated using eight existing methods and they are compared with the field measurements and numerical results.
The shape dynamics description of gravity
Authors: Koslowski Tim
Published: June 2015

Classical gravity can be described as a relational dynamical system without ever appealing to space–time or its geometry. This description is the so-called shape dynamics description of gravity. The existence of relational first principles from which the shape dynamics description of gravity can be derived is a motivation to consider shape dynamics (rather than general relativity) as the fundamental description of gravity. Adopting this point of view leads to the question: What is the role of space–time in the shape dynamics description of gravity? This question contains many aspects: Compatibility of shape dynamics with the description of gravity in terms of space–time geometry, the role of local Minkowski space, universality of space–time geometry and the nature of quantum particles, which can no longer be assumed to be irreducible representations of the Poincaré group. In this contribution I derive effective space–time structures by considering how matter fluctuations evolve along with shape dynamics. This evolution reveals an “experienced space–time geometry.” This leads (in an idealized approximation) to local Minkowski space and causal relations. The small-scale structure of the emergent geometric picture depends on the specific probes used to experience space–time, which limits the applicability of effective space–time to describe shape dynamics. I conclude with discussing the nature of quantum fluctuations (particles) in shape dynamics and how local Minkowski space–time emerges from the evolution of quantum particles.
LADE: Learning Automata Based Differential Evolution
Authors: Mahdaviani Mahshid , Kordestani Javidan Kazemi , Rezvanian Alireza , Meybodi Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2015

Many engineering optimization problems do not standard mathematical techniques, and cannot be solved using exact algorithms. Evolutionary algorithms have been successfully used for solving such optimization problems. Differential evolution is a simple and efficient population-based evolutionary algorithm for global optimization, which has been applied in many real world engineering applications. However, the performance of this algorithm is sensitive to appropriate choice of its parameters as well as its mutation strategy. In this paper, we propose two different underlying classes of learning automata based differential evolution for adaptive selection of crossover probability and mutation strategy in differential evolution. In the first class, genomes of the population use the same mutation strategy and crossover probability. In the second class, each genome of the population adjusts its own mutation strategy and crossover probability parameter separately. The performance of the proposed methods is analyzed on ten benchmark functions from CEC 2005 and one real-life optimization problem. The obtained results show the efficiency of the proposed algorithms for solving real-parameter function optimization problems.
ELM Regularized Method for Classification Problems
Authors: Carrasco Juan J. , Millán-Giraldo Mónica , Caravaca Juan , Escandell-Montero Pablo , Martínez-Martínez José M. , Soria-Olivas Emilio
Published: June 2015

Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) is a recently proposed algorithm, efficient and fast for learning the parameters of single layer neural structures. One of the main problems of this algorithm is to choose the optimal architecture for a given problem solution. To solve this limitation several solutions have been proposed in the literature, including the regularization of the structure. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no works where such adjustment is applied to classification problems in the presence of a non-linearity in the output; all published works tackle modelling or regression problems. Our proposal has been applied to a series of standard databases for the evaluation of machine learning techniques. Results obtained in terms of classification success rate and training time, are compared to the original ELM, to the well known Least Square Support Vector Machine (LS-SVM) algorithm and with two other methods based on the ELM regularization: Optimally Pruned Extreme Learning Machine (OP-ELM) and Bayesian Extreme Learning Machine (BELM). The obtained results clearly demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed method and its superiority over a classical approach.
On the Strategic Equivalence of Linear Dynamic and Repeated Games
Authors: Hubmer Joachim
Published: June 2015

Dynamic (or stochastic) games are, in general, considerably more complicated to analyze than repeated games. This paper shows that for every deterministic dynamic game that is linear in the state, there exists a strategically equivalent representation as a repeated game. A dynamic game is said to be linear in the state if it holds for both the state transition function as well as for the one-period payoff function that (i) they are additively separable in action profiles and states and (ii) the state variables enter linearly. Strategic equivalence refers to the observation that the two sets of subgame perfect equilibria coincide, up to a natural projection of dynamic game strategy profiles on the much smaller set of repeated game histories. Furthermore, it is shown that the strategic equivalence result still holds for certain stochastic elements in the transition function if one allows for additional signals in the repeated game or in the presence of a public correlating device.
Stochastic Approach for Determining Stable Coalition Structure
Authors: Parilina Elena , Sedakov Artem
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we study TU-games with coalition structure and propose an approach for determining a stable coalition structure solving a stochastic game of a special form. Using a Nash equilibrium in this game, we draw an analogy between the stable coalition structure and an absorbing state in a Markov chain. In addition, we consider a case of restricted coalitions assuming that not all coalitions are feasible and extend the definition of the stable coalition structure to this case.