bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ikarugamycin: A Natural Product Inhibitor of Clathrin‐Mediated Endocytosis
Authors: Elkin Sarah R. , Oswald Nathaniel W. , Reed Dana K. , Mettlen Marcel , MacMillan John B. , Schmid Sandra L.
Published: July 2016

Ikarugamycin (IKA) is a previously discovered antibiotic, which has been shown to inhibit the uptake of oxidized low‐density lipoproteins in macrophages. Furthermore, several groups have previously used IKA to inhibit clathrin‐mediated endocytosis (CME) in plant cell lines. However, detailed characterization of IKA has yet to be performed. Consequently, we performed biochemistry and microscopy experiments to further characterize the effects of IKA on CME. We show that IKA has an IC50 of 2.7 μm in H1299 cells and acutely inhibits CME, but not other endocytic pathways, in a panel of cell lines. Although long‐term incubation with IKA has cytotoxic effects, the short‐term inhibitory effects on CME are reversible. Thus, IKA can be a useful tool for probing routes of endocytic trafficking.
The RMB Debate: Empirical Analysis on the Effects of Exchange Rate Shocks in China and Japan
Authors: Kim Soyoung , Kim Yoonbai
Published: July 2016

For a better understanding of the ongoing debates on the RMB, this paper investigates the effects of exchange rate shocks on output and the current account for China and Japan. We use structural vector auto‐regression models and find that yen appreciation reduces current account surpluses while having no strong effect on output in Japan. RMB appreciation, on the other hand, has an insignificant effect on the current account, although it tends to reduce output in China. For China, dollar pricing with vertical trade integration seems responsible for the insignificant effect on the current account.
Colored Indicator Undergloves Increase the Detection of Glove Perforations by Surgeons During Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Meakin Lee B. , Gilman Oliver P. , Parsons Kevin J. , Burton Neil J. , Langley‐Hobbs Sorrel J.
Published: July 2016

Objective

To determine whether use of colored indicator gloves affects perforation detection rate and to identify risk factors for glove perforation during veterinary orthopedic surgery.

Study Design

Prospective randomized controlled trial.

Sample Population

574 double pairs of gloves worn during 300 orthopedic surgical procedures (2,296 gloves).

Methods

Primary and assistant surgeons double‐gloved for all orthopedic surgical procedures. Type of inner glove (standard or colored indicator) was randomized for the first 360 double pairs of gloves worn by surgeons during 180 procedures. Perforations detected by surgeons were recorded and gloves changed if requested. For a further 120 procedures, indicator gloves were used exclusively. All gloves were leak‐tested after surgery to identify perforations. Association between potential risk factors and perforation was explored using multivariate logistical regression analysis.

Results

Glove perforations occurred during 43% of surgeries with a mean of 2.3 holes/surgery. Inner gloves were intact in 63% of glove pairs where an outer perforation occurred. Intraoperative perforation detection was improved when colored indicator gloves were worn (83% sensitivity) vs. standard gloves (34% sensitivity; P<.001). Independent risk factors for perforation were placement of plates and/or screws (P=.001; OR=2.4; 95% CI, 1.4–4.0), placement of an external skeletal fixator (P=.002; OR=7.0; 95% CI, 2.1–23.8), use of orthopedic wire (P=.011; OR=2.4; 95% CI, 1.2–4.7), and primary surgeon being board‐certified (P=.016; OR=1.9; 95% CI, 1.1–3.1).

Conclusion

Increased surgeon recognition of glove perforations through use of colored indicator gloves enables prompt change of gloves if perforation occurs and may reduce potential contamination of the surgical site.
Computation of Midsurface by Feature-Based Simplification–Abstraction–Decomposition
Authors: Kulkarni Yogesh H. , Sahasrabudhe Anil , Kale Mukund
Published: July 2016

Computer-aided design (CAD) models of thin-walled solids such as sheet metal or plastic parts are often reduced dimensionally to their corresponding midsurfaces for quicker and fairly accurate results of computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis. Computation of the midsurface is still a time-consuming and mostly, a manual task due to lack of robust and automated techniques. Most of the existing techniques work on the final shape (typically in the form of boundary representation, B-rep). Complex B-reps make it hard to detect subshapes for which the midsurface patches are computed and joined, forcing usage of hard-coded heuristic rules, developed on a case-by-case basis. Midsurface failures manifest in the form of gaps, overlaps, nonmimicking input model, etc., which can take hours or even days to correct. The research presented here proposes to address these problems by leveraging feature-information available in the modern CAD models, and by effectively using techniques like simplification, abstraction, and decomposition. In the proposed approach, first, the irrelevant features are identified and removed from the input FbCAD model to compute its simplified gross shape. Remaining features then undergo abstraction to transform into their corresponding generic Loft-equivalents, each having a profile and a guide curve. The model is then decomposed into cellular bodies and a graph is populated, with cellular bodies at the nodes and fully overlapping-surface-interfaces at the edges. The nodes are classified into midsurface-patch generating nodes (called “solid cells” or sCells) and interaction-resolving nodes (“interface cells” or iCells). In a sCell, a midsurface patch is generated either by offset or by sweeping the midcurve of the owner-Loft-feature's profile along with its guide curve. Midsurface patches are then connected in the iCells in a generic manner, thus resulting in a well-connected midsurface with minimum failures. Output midsurface is then validated topologically for correctness. At the end of this paper, real-life parts are used to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Techno-Economic Assessment of Gas Turbine Cogeneration Cycles Utilizing Anaerobic Digestion Products for Biogas Fuel
Authors: Kontokostas Georgios , Goulos Ioannis
Published: July 2016

This work presents the development of an integrated approach for the techno-economic assessment of recuperated gas turbine cycles utilizing anaerobic digestion (AD) products of animal manure and energy crops for biogas fuel. The overall approach consists of a series of modeling methods applicable to AD and biogas fuel yield, thermodynamic evaluation of cogenerated gas turbine cycles, exergy analysis, and economic evaluation of powerplant operation. The developed method is applied for the techno-economic analysis of an AD plant yielding biogas fuel supplied to a recuperated gas turbine. The influence of gas turbine technology level on the economic sustainability of cogenerated powerplants powered by AD products is investigated. The obtained results suggest that the dominant cycle variables affecting the electrical performance of integrated digestion–cogeneration systems are the gas/air temperatures at the combustor outlet and recuperator air side (AS) exit, respectively. It is demonstrated that the profitability of the investment is highly dependent on electrical power output and the feed-in tariff used for electrical energy. It is argued that the desired split between electrical and thermal power output is dependent on the gas turbine technology level. It is shown that optimizing the cogenerated cycle for maximum electrical power output is key in terms of securing investment sustainability. A general review of the acquired results indicates that anaerobic treatment of animal manure and energy crops to produce biogas fuel can constitute a sustainable investment. This applies especially for cases that substantial volumes of substrates are available to ensure stable powerplant operation.
Joint inversion for transponder localization and sound-speed profile temporal variation in high-precision acoustic surveys
Authors: Li Zhao , Dosso Stan E. , Sun Dajun
Published: July 2016

This letter develops a Bayesian inversion for localizing underwater acoustic transponders using a surface ship which compensates for sound-speed profile (SSP) temporal variation during the survey. The method is based on dividing observed acoustic travel-time data into time segments and including depth-independent SSP variations for each segment as additional unknown parameters to approximate the SSP temporal variation. SSP variations are estimated jointly with transponder locations, rather than calculated separately as in existing two-step inversions. Simulation and sea-trial results show this localization/SSP joint inversion performs better than two-step inversion in terms of localization accuracy, agreement with measured SSP variations, and computational efficiency.
Energy Cost of Activities in Preschool-Aged Children
Authors: Puyau Maurice R. , Adolph Anne L. , Liu Yan , Wilson Theresa A. , Zakeri Issa F. , Butte Nancy F.
Published: July 2016

Background:

The absolute energy cost of activities in children increases with age due to greater muscle mass and physical capability associated with growth and developmental maturation; however, there is a paucity of data in preschool-aged children. Study aims were 1) to describe absolute and relative energy cost of common activities of preschool-aged children in terms of VO2, energy expenditure (kilocalories per minute) and child-specific metabolic equivalents (METs) measured by room calorimetry for use in the Youth Compendium of Physical Activity, and 2) to predict METs from age, sex and heart rate (HR).

Methods:

Energy expenditure (EE), oxygen consumption (VO2), HR, and child-METs of 13 structured activities were measured by room respiration calorimetry in 119 healthy children, ages 3 to 5 years.

Results:

EE, VO2, HR, and child-METs are presented for 13 structured activities ranging from sleeping, sedentary, low-, moderate- to high-active. A significant curvilinear relationship was observed between child-METs and HR (r2 = .85; P = .001).

Conclusion:

Age-specific child METs for 13 structured activities in preschool-aged children will be useful to extend the Youth Compendium of Physical Activity for research purposes and practical applications. HR may serve as an objective measure of MET intensity in preschool-aged children.
Energy Cost of Physical Activities and Sedentary Behaviors in Young Children
Authors: Groβek Anja , van Loo Christiana , Peoples Gregory E. , Hagenbuchner Markus , Jones Rachel , Cliff Dylan P.
Published: July 2016

Background:

This study reports energy expenditure (EE) data for lifestyle and ambulatory activities in young children.

Methods:

Eleven children aged 3 to 6 years (mean age = 4.8 ± 0.9; 55% boys) completed 12 semistructured activities including sedentary behaviors (SB), light (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activities (MVPA) over 2 laboratory visits while wearing a portable metabolic system to measure EE.

Results:

Mean EE values for SB (TV, reading, tablet and toy play) were between 0.9 to 1.1 kcal/min. Standing art had an energy cost that was 1.5 times that of SB (mean = 1.4 kcal/min), whereas bike riding (mean = 2.5 kcal/min) was similar to LPA (cleaning-up, treasure hunt and walking) (mean = 2.3 to 2.5 kcal/min), which had EE that were 2.5 times SB. EE for MVPA (running, active games and obstacle course) was 4.2 times SB (mean = 3.8 to 3.9 kcal/min).

Conclusion:

EE values reported in this study can contribute to the limited available data on the energy cost of lifestyle and ambulatory activities in young children.
The Energy Expenditure of Free-Living Physical Activities in Primary Schoolchildren
Authors: Innerd Alison L. , Azevedo Liane B.
Published: July 2016

Background:

The aim of this study is to establish the energy expenditure (EE) of a range of child-relevant activities and to compare different methods of estimating activity MET.

Methods:

27 children (17 boys) aged 9 to 11 years participated. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 routines of 6 activities ranging from sedentary to vigorous intensity. Indirect calorimetry was used to estimate resting and physical activity EE. Activity metabolic equivalent (MET) was determined using individual resting metabolic rate (RMR), the Harrell-MET and the Schofield equation.

Results:

Activity EE ranges from 123.7± 35.7 J/min/Kg (playing cards) to 823.1 ± 177.8 J/min/kg (basketball). Individual RMR, the Harrell-MET and the Schofield equation MET prediction were relatively similar at light and moderate but not at vigorous intensity. Schofield equation provided a better comparison with the Compendium of Energy Expenditure for Youth.

Conclusion:

This information might be advantageous to support the development of a new Compendium of Energy Expenditure for Youth.
Adversarial Growth in Olympic Swimmers: Constructive Reality or Illusory Self-Deception?
Authors: Howells Karen , Fletcher David
Published: July 2016

Previous research suggests that adversarial growth is a real and constructive phenomenon that occurs in athletes who compete at the highest level of sport. In this study, however, we adopt a critical stance on the veridicality of growth by exploring Olympic swimmers’ experience of constructive and illusory growth. Semistructured interviews, complemented by timelining, were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Despite the inherently negative aspects of adversity, it was evident from the swimmers’ interpretations that they also perceived positive consequences of their experiences. Analysis revealed that some of these positive outcomes were indicative of illusory aspects of growth, and other positive outcomes were more indicative of constructive aspects of growth. It appears that earlier phases of the growth process were characterized by more illusory aspects of growth, whereas when the temporal proximity from the adversity increased, more constructive aspects of growth were apparent.
RETRACTED: Direct imaging discovery of a Jovian exoplanet within a triple-star system
Authors: Wagner Kevin , Apai Dániel , Kasper Markus , Kratter Kaitlin , McClure Melissa , Robberto Massimo , Beuzit Jean-Luc
Published: July 2016

Spying a planet in a triple-star system

Thousands of extrasolar planets are now known, but only a handful have been detected in direct images. Wagner
et al.
used sophisticated adaptive optics to discover a planet in images of the triple-star system HD 131399 and to take a spectrum of its atmosphere (see the Perspective by Oppenheimer). The planet, about four times the mass of Jupiter, orbits around one star in the system while the other two stars move farther out. This unusual arrangement is puzzling: The planet's orbit may be stable, but it is unclear how it could have formed or migrated there. The results will be used to refine theories of planet formation.

Science
, this issue p.
673
; see also p.
644
Noninvasive high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome: A preliminary in vivo study
Authors: Shaw Caroline J. , Civale John , Botting Kimberley J. , Niu Youguo , ter Haar Gail , Rivens Ian , Giussani Dino A. , Lees Christoph C.
Published: July 2016

High-intensity focused ultrasound can ablate blood flow in the sheep placenta and may be translatable to human twin-twin transfusion syndrome.
Impaired cortical plasticity in drug abuse
Authors: Etkin Amit
Published: July 2016

Heroin addiction prevents induction of long-term potentiation-like plasticity in the brain.
Animal Models for Salmonellosis: Applications in Vaccine Research
Authors: Higginson Ellen E. , Simon Raphael , Tennant Sharon M.
Published: July 2016

Salmonellosis remains an important cause of human disease worldwide. While there are several licensed vaccines forSalmonella entericaserovar Typhi, these vaccines are generally ineffective against otherSalmonellaserovars. Vaccines that target paratyphoid and nontyphoidalSalmonellaserovars are very much in need. Preclinical evaluation of candidate vaccines is highly dependent on the availability of appropriate scientific tools, particularly animal models. Many different animal models exist for variousSalmonellaserovars, from whole-animal models to smaller models, such as those recently established in insects. Here, we discuss various mouse, rat, rabbit, calf, primate, and insect models forSalmonellainfection, all of which have their place in research. However, choosing the right model is imperative in selecting the best vaccine candidates for further clinical testing. In this minireview, we summarize the various animal models that are used to assess salmonellosis, highlight some of the advantages and disadvantages of each, and discuss their value in vaccine development.
A Tetraspecific VHH-Based Neutralizing Antibody Modifies Disease Outcome in Three Animal Models of Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Schmidt Diane J. , Beamer Gillian , Tremblay Jacqueline M. , Steele Jennifer A. , Kim Hyeun Bum , Wang Yaunkai , Debatis Michele , Sun Xingmin , Kashentseva Elena A. , Dmitriev Igor P. , Curiel David T. , Shoemaker Charles B. , Tzipori Saul
Published: July 2016

Clostridium difficile
infection (CDI), a leading cause of nosocomial infection, is a serious disease in North America, Europe, and Asia. CDI varies greatly from asymptomatic carriage to life-threatening diarrhea, toxic megacolon, and toxemia. The incidence of community-acquired infection has increased due to the emergence of hypervirulent antibiotic-resistant strains. These new strains contribute to the frequent occurrence of disease relapse, complicating treatment, increasing hospital stays, and increasing morbidity and mortality among patients. Therefore, it is critical to develop new therapeutic approaches that bypass the development of antimicrobial resistance and avoid disruption of gut microflora. Here, we describe the construction of a single heteromultimeric VHH-based neutralizing agent (VNA) that targets the two primary virulence factors of
Clostridium difficile
, toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB). Designated VNA2-Tcd, this agent has subnanomolar toxin neutralization potencies for both
C. difficile
toxins in cell assays. When given systemically by parenteral administration, VNA2-Tcd protected against CDI in gnotobiotic piglets and mice and to a lesser extent in hamsters. Protection from CDI was also observed in gnotobiotic piglets treated by gene therapy with an adenovirus that promoted the expression of VNA2-Tcd.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Multidrug-Resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Strain BAMCPA07-48, Isolated from a Combat Injury Wound
Authors: Sanjar Fatemeh , Karna S. L. Rajasekhar , Chen Tsute , Chen Ping , Abercrombie Johnathan J. , Leung Kai P.
Published: July 2016

We report here the complete genome sequence of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strain BAMCPA07-48, isolated from a combat injury wound. The closed genome sequence of this isolate is a valuable resource for pathogenome characterization of
P. aeruginosa
associated with wounds, which will aid in the development of a higher-resolution phylogenomic framework for molecular-guided pathogen-surveillance.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
Serovar Kiambu Strain CRJJGF_00061 (Phylum
Gammaproteobacteria
)
Authors: Gupta Sushim K. , McMillan Elizabeth A. , Jackson Charlene R. , Desai Prerak T. , Porwollik Steffen , McClelland Michael , Hiott Lari M. , Humayoun Shaheen B. , Frye Jonathan G.
Published: July 2016

We report a 4.58 Mbp draft genome sequence of
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Kiambu strain CRJJGF_00061 isolated from cattle in 2004.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Rabies Virus Strain Isolated from a Brown Bear (
Ursus arctos
) in Primorsky Krai, Russia (November 2014)
Authors: Shchelkanov Michael Y. , Deviatkin Andrei A. , Ananiev Vasily Y. , Dedkov Vladimir G. , Shipulin German A. , Sokol Nataliya N. , Dombrovskaya Irina E. , Galkina Irina V. , Shmelev Mikhail E. , Gorelikov Vladimir N. , Kozhan Valentina N. , Prosyannikova Marina N. , Aramilev Sergei V. , Fomenko Pavel V.
Published: July 2016

We report here the complete genome sequence (GenBank KP997032) of rabies virus strain RABV/
Ursus arctos
/Russia/Primorye/PO-01/2014, isolated in November 2014 from a brown bear (
Ursus arctos
) that attacked a person in Primorsky Krai (Russian Federation). This strain was clustered into the Eurasian genetic subgroup of genotype 1 (street rage).
Draft Genome Sequence of a New Zealand Rangipo Strain of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Mac Aogáin Micheál , Gautam Sanjay S. , Bower James E. , Basu Indira , O'Toole Ronan F.
Published: July 2016

The Rangipo genotype of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex has been associated with a number of tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks in New Zealand. We report here the draft whole-genome sequence of a representative isolate of this strain.
Rationales and Treatment Approaches Underpinning the Use of Acupuncture and Related Techniques for Plantar Heel Pain: A Critical Interpretive Synthesis
Authors: Clark Maria T , Clark Richard J , Toohey Shane , Bradbury-Jones Caroline
Published: July 2016

Background

Acupuncture shows promise as a treatment for plantar heel pain (PHP) or plantar fasciitis (PF), but data heterogeneity has undermined demonstration of efficacy. Recognising that acupuncture is a diverse field of practice, the aim of this study was to gain a broader, global perspective on the different approaches and rationales used in the application of acupuncture in PHP.

Methods

We built upon an earlier systematic review (which was limited by the necessity of a methodological focus on efficacy) using the critical interpretive synthesis (CIS) method to draw upon a wider international sample of 25 clinical sources, including case reports and case series. Multiple tracks of analysis led to an emergent synthesis.

Results

Findings are presented at three levels: primary (summarised data); secondary (patterns observed); and tertiary (emergent synthesis). Multiple treatments and rationales were documented but no single approach dominated. Notable contradictions emerged such as the application of moxibustion by some authors and ice by others. Synthesis of findings revealed a ‘patchwork’ of factors influencing the approaches taken.

Conclusions

The complexity of the field of acupuncture was illustrated through the ‘lens’ of PHP. The ‘patchwork’ metaphor provides a unifying framework for a previously divergent community of practice and research. Several directions for future research were identified, such as: importance of prior duration; existence of diagnostic subgroups; and how practitioners make clinical decisions and report their findings. CIS was found to provide visibility for multiple viewpoints in developing theory and modelling the processes of ‘real world’ practice by acupuncturists addressing the problem of PHP.
Dermatomyositis as a paraneoplastic phenomenon in ovarian cancer
Authors: Arshad Ilyas , Barton Desmond
Published: July 2016

A 60-year-old woman diagnosed with papillary serous ovarian cancer had Klean-Prep and MRI contrast preoperatively. Afterwards, she developed swelling and an urticarial rash around her eye as she proceeded to have planned debulking surgery. Postoperatively the swelling and rash had spread over her face, neck, back and chest. Dermatology advised a possible allergy to Klean-Prep and MRI contrast. Subsequently over the next few months, the patient became severely debilitated from proximal myopathy of the upper and lower limbs, suffered severe pain restricting mobility and small bowel obstruction. Medical oncologist reviewed the patient, clinically diagnosed dermatomyositis and initiated treatment with high-dose intravenous steroids, resulting in remission of the patient's condition. The main purpose of this study is to describe the severity, diagnostic challenges and underline the clinical significance of dermatomyositis manifestations as a paraneoplastic effect in patients with ovarian cancer.
Bleeding heart: a case of spontaneous hemopericardium and tamponade in a hyperthyroid patient on warfarin
Authors: Sajawal Ali Muhammad , Mba Benjamin I , Ciftci Farah Diba , Ali Ahya Sajawal
Published: July 2016

We describe the case of an 81-year-old female, diagnosed with hyperthyroidism-related atrial fibrillation. Given her CHA2DS2VASc score of 3, she was started on warfarin for stroke prevention. One month later, she was admitted with cardiac tamponade. This tamponade was suspected to be secondary to hemopericardium, based on the elevated international normalized ratio (INR), drop in haemoglobin and the radiodensity (55 HU) of the pericardial effusion on CT. The patient was a Jehovah's witness who therefore initially refused measures for reversing coagulopathy. Given her coagulopathy and absence of imminent haemodynamic compromise, pericardiocentesis was deferred. Unfortunately, 1 day later, the patient deteriorated rapidly. By the time pericardiocentesis was performed and factor VIIa administered, the patient had already started developing multiple organ failure. She developed cardiac arrest and died 3 days after her admission. Only 10 cases of hemopericardium attributable to warfarin have previously been reported. In this report, we review the literature and also describe how hyperthyroidism most likely predisposed our patient to bleeding complications from warfarin.
Dilated aortic root and severe aortic regurgitation causing dilated cardiomyopathy in classic Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Authors: Zainal Abir , Hamad Mahmoud Nidal , Naqvi Syed Yaseen
Published: July 2016

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of heritable disorders characterised by vast clinical heterogeneity ranging from the classic constellation of symptoms including skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility and skin fragility to the exceedingly critical consequences of arterial rupture and visceral perforation. We describe the case of a 65-year-old male with a history of classic EDS who reported of dyspnoea on exertion, orthopnoea, fatigue and palpitations. He was found to have dilated cardiomyopathy with an ejection fraction of 35%, aortic root dilation and severe aortic valve regurgitation. The authors intend to draw attention to the rare cardiac manifestations of this condition and the therapeutic challenges involved in managing such patients.
Rare cause of atrial fibrillation: a thymic mass
Authors: Vishwanathan Swati , Tayshetye Pritam , Bilimoria Farshaad , Finley Gene
Published: July 2016

A 62-year-old African-American man admitted to the emergency room with chest pain and exertional dyspnoea. He was found to be in rapid atrial fibrillation with pulmonary oedema. A transoesophageal echocardiogram performed prior to cardioversion showed a depressed left ventricular function (ejection fraction 30%) and an extracardiac heterogeneous echodensity compressing the right atrium and the superior vena cava. CT of the chest confirmed an anterior mediastinal mass measuring 13.5×6.6×10.1 cm, exerting a mass effect on the right atrium with mediastinal and right hilar adenopathy. CT-guided biopsy of the mediastinal mass revealed thymic carcinoma (squamous cell subtype). The metastatic workup was negative. The mass was deemed surgically unresectable due to its proximity to the heart. Chemotherapy was initiated with carboplatin/paclitaxel every 3 weeks with plans for intensity modulated radiotherapy after one to two cycles of chemotherapy. The patient recently had a repeat CT scan of the chest showing regression of the tumour.
Can smoking initiation contexts predict how adult Aboriginal smokers assess their smoking risks? A cross-sectional study using the ‘Smoking Risk Assessment Target’
Authors: Gould Gillian Sandra , Watt Kerrianne , West Robert , Cadet-James Yvonne , Clough Alan R
Published: July 2016

Objectives

Smoking prevalence is slow to reduce among Indigenous Australians of reproductive age. We analysed the relationships between age of smoking initiation, recalled initiation influences and self-assessment of smoking risks in Aboriginal smokers.

Design, setting and participants

A community-based cross-sectional survey of Aboriginal smokers aged 18–45 years (N=121; 58 men) was undertaken, using single-item measures. The Smoking Risk Assessment Target (SRAT) as the primary outcome measure enabled self-assessment of smoking risks from 12 options, recategorised into 3 groups. Participants recalled influences on their smoking initiation. Multinomial logistic regression modelling included age, gender, strength of urges to smoke, age at initiation (regular uptake) and statistically significant initiation influences on χ2tests (‘to be cool’, alcohol and cannabis).

Results

Frequent initiation influences included friends (74%; SD 0.44), family (57%; SD 0.5) and alcohol (40%; SD 0.49). 54% (n=65) of smokers had the highest risk perception on the SRAT, selected by those who cared about the smoking risks and intended to quit soon. On multivariate analyses, compared with the highest level of SRAT, male gender, lower age of uptake and strong urges to smoke were significantly associated with the lowest level of SRAT, selected by those who refuted risks or thought they could not quit. Lower age of uptake and alcohol were associated with mid-level of SRAT, selected by those who cared about smoking risks, but did not consider quitting as a priority.

Conclusions

Characteristics of smoking initiation in youth may have far-reaching associations with how smoking risks are assessed by adults of reproductive age, and their intentions to quit smoking. Becoming a regular smoker at under the age of 16 years, and influences of alcohol on smoking uptake, were inversely associated with high-level assessment of smoking risks and intention to quit in regional Aboriginal smokers. The SRAT may help tailor approaches to Indigenous smoking cessation.
GPs' perspectives on managing the NHS Health Check in primary care: a qualitative evaluation of implementation in one area of England
Authors: Shaw Rachel L , Lowe Helen , Holland Carol , Pattison Helen , Cooke Richard
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the implementation of the National Health Service (NHS) Health Check programme in one area of England from the perspective of general practitioners (GPs).

Design

A qualitative exploratory study was conducted with GPs and other healthcare professionals involved in delivering the NHS Health Check and with patients. This paper reports the experience of GPs and focuses on the management of the Heath Check programme in primary care.

Setting

Primary care surgeries in the Heart of Birmingham region (now under the auspices of the Birmingham Cross City Clinical Commissioning Group) were invited to take part in the larger scale evaluation. This study focuses on a subset of those surgeries whose GPs were willing to participate.

Participants

9 GPs from different practices volunteered. GPs served an ethnically diverse region with areas of socioeconomic deprivation. Ethnicities of participant GPs included South Asian, South Asian British, white, black British and Chinese.

Methods

Individual semistructured interviews were conducted with GPs face to face or via telephone. Thematic analysis was used to analyse verbatim transcripts.

Results

Themes were generated which represent GPs' experiences of managing the NHS Health Check:primary care as a commercial enterprise; ‘buy in’ to concordance in preventive healthcare;following protocolandsupport provision. These themes represent the key issues raised by GPs. They reveal variability in the implementation of NHS Health Checks. GPs also need support in allocating resources to the Health Check including training on how to conduct checks in a concordant (or collaborative) way.

Conclusions

The variability observed in this small-scale evaluation corroborates existing findings suggesting a need for more standardisation. Further large-scale research is needed to determine how that could be achieved. Work needs to be done to further develop a concordant approach to lifestyle advice which involves tailored individual goal setting rather than a paternalistic advice-giving model.
Potential benefits of healthy food and lifestyle policies for reducing coronary heart disease mortality in Turkish adults by 2025: a modelling study
Authors: Sahan Ceyda , Sozmen Kaan , Unal Belgin , O'Flaherty Martin , Critchley Julia
Published: July 2016

Objective

This study uses a modelling approach to compare the potential impact of future risk factor scenarios relating to smoking, physical activity levels, dietary salt, saturated fat intake, mean body mass index (BMI) levels, diabetes prevalence and fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption on future coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality in Turkey for year 2025.

Design

A CHD mortality model previously developed and validated in Turkey was extended to predict potential trends in CHD mortality from 2008 to 2025.

Setting

Using risk factor trends data from recent surveys as a baseline, we modelled alternative evidence-based future risk factor scenarios (modest/ideal scenarios). Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to account for uncertainties.

Subject

Projected populations in 2025 (aged 25–84) of 54 million in Turkey.

Results

Assuming lower mortality, modest policy changes in risk factors would result in ∼25 635 (range: 20 290–31 125) fewer CHD deaths in the year 2025; 35.6% attributed to reductions in salt consumption, 20.9% to falls in diabetes, 14.6% to declines in saturated fat intake and 13.6% to increase in F&V intake. In the ideal scenario, 45 950 (range: 36 780–55 450) CHD deaths could be prevented in 2025. Again, 33.2% of this would be attributed to reductions in salt reduction, 19.8% to increases in F&V intake, 16.7% to reductions in saturated fat intake and 14.0% to the fall in diabetes prevalence.

Conclusions

Only modest risk factor changes in salt, saturated/unsaturated fats and F&V intake could prevent around 16 000 CHD deaths in the year 2025 in Turkey, even assuming mortality continues to decline. Implementation of population-based, multisectoral interventions to reduce salt and saturated fat consumption and increase F&V consumption should be scaled up in Turkey.
Incomplete ovarian tissue removal in female dogs and cats
Authors: England Gary , White Rob
Published: July 2016

Incomplete ovariectomy (IO) is the unintentional partial or complete lack of removal of one or both ovaries during an ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy procedure, and is often referred to as ‘ovarian remnant syndrome’. It usually has a clear clinical presentation, although there are a number of other conditions that may have similar presenting signs. In female cats and dogs these include: non‐oestrous mounting behaviour, non‐oestrous vulval discharge and, solely in bitches, sexual interest from males and iatrogenic pseudopregnancy. This article considers the causes, presentation, methods of diagnosis and management of IO in bitches and queens.
Could molecular pathology testing in lung cancer be more cost-effective?
Authors: Walsh Kathy , Kheng Yuan Chun , Oniscu Anca , Harrison David J , Wallace William A
Published: July 2016

Aims

EGFRandALKanalysis is routinely undertaken prior to targeted treatment of non-squamous non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Increasingly, limited resources require molecular pathology services to be cost-effective without detriment to patient care.

Methods

Data from an audit of molecular pathology testing in the South East Scotland Cancer Network (SCAN) network have been used to explore different testing strategies with the aim of reducing costs; including investigation of thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1) expression as a negative predictor forEGFRmutations.

Results

TTF1 immunohistochemistry had a high negative predictive value forEGFRmutations (99%). Reflex testing all non-squamous NSCLC, as expected, had the highest costs, whereas limiting testing to those who might be considered for treatment would lead to a cost reduction of only 7.5%; however, a serial testing model could save 32.7%.

Conclusions

Testing only patients being considered for EGFR and ALK inhibitors represented small savings; more significant savings would be achievable if testing algorithms used known associations between clinical biomarkers.
Assessment of myeloid and monocytic dysplasia by flow cytometry in de novo AML helps define an AML with myelodysplasia-related changes category
Authors: Weinberg Olga K , Hasserjian Robert P , Li Betty , Pozdnyakova Olga
Published: July 2016

Aims

In recent years, multiparameter flow cytometry has been increasingly recognised as an important tool in diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Assessment of myeloid and monocytic ‘immunophenotypic’ dysplasia by flow cytometry in de novo AML has not been evaluated.

Methods

97 cases of de novo AML cases were identified and reviewed by three hematopathologists. ‘Immunophenotypic’ dysplasia was assessed on blasts, monocytes and granulocytes by mean fluorescence intensity.

Results

Using the 2008 WHO classification criteria, there were 53 AML-not otherwise specified (NOS) (55%) and 28 AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) (29%), while 16 cases were ambiguous as to AML-MRC status due to limited maturing cells for morphologic but adequate events number for immunophenotypic evaluation (AML-not evaluable, 16%). Compared with AML-NOS, granulocytic cells in AML-MRC had higher CD33 expression but lower CD45, CD11b and CD15. Monocytes in AML-MRC had lower expression of CD14, CD56 and CD45. Morphologic dysplasia was associated with significantly lower granulocytic forward scatter, side scatter and CD10 but higher CD33 expression.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the workup of AML cases should include flow cytometric assessment of granulocytes and monocytes. This analysis can aid a morphologic impression of multilineage dysplasia in distinguishing AML-MRC from AML-NOS, especially in cases with limited maturing myeloid cells.
Haemoglobinopathies that occur with decreased HbA2levels: a gene mutation set involving the δ gene at a Spanish centre
Authors: Villegas Ana , González Fernando Ataúlfo , Nieto Jorge M , de la Fuente-Gonzalo Félix , Martínez Rafael , Torrejón María Josefa , Ropero Paloma
Published: July 2016

Aims

Haemoglobin A2(HbA2) consists of two globin chains, α and β. Alterations in any of these genes influences the level of HbA2. Here, we present cases of structural Hb variants and thalassaemias which present either alone or together and reduce the level of HbA2at varying degrees. Furthermore, we present a novel structural mutation in the δ globin gene, called Hb A2-Madrid.

Methods

The levels of HbA2and HbF and the different haemoglobin variants were measured and analysed by ion exchange high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC, VARIANT II), the types of haemoglobins were determined by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) (Sebia) and the globin chains were determined by reversed-phase HPLC. Genetic analysis was performed by automatic sequencing of the α and δ genes as well as by multiple PCRs for the α globin genes.

Results

In α thalassaemia (n=94), the HbA2levels ranged from 1.39% to 2.43%. Among individuals with δ thalassaemia (n=5), the HbA2level of those with δ+thalassaemia was 1.77%, and that of those with δ0thalassaemia was 1.70%. Among the individuals with δβ thalassaemia (n=13), those who were homozygous lacked HbA2. All structural haemoglobinopathies (n=97) were heterozygous; the α chain variants (n=84) presented with an HbA2level of 1.76%, while the δ chain variants (n=13) presented with a level of 1.75%.

Conclusion

HbA2is an essential parameter in the diagnostics of haemoglobinopathies. HPLC-EC and CZE allow the quantification of HbA2. Here, we show that quantification of HbA2is critical for the identification of α, δ and βδ thalassaemias. Structural variants are discovered by HPLC. Molecular genetics is required for the proper identification of the mutations. Only with this knowledge is genetic counselling possible.
Factors associated with perforator stroke after selective basilar artery angioplasty or stenting
Authors: Jia Baixue , Liebeskind David S , Ma Ning , Gao Feng , Mo Dapeng , Luo Gang , Li Xiaobing , Sui Xiaojie , Peng Guangge , Miao Zhongrong
Published: July 2016

Background and purpose

Perforator stroke is one of the most common complications of elective intracranial angioplasty and/or stenting, particularly in the basilar artery. Factors associated with the risk of post-procedural perforator stroke remain unexplored. We investigated factors affecting the risk of perforator stroke after basilar artery angioplasty and/or stenting.

Materials and methods

Consecutive patients undergoing basilar artery angioplasty and/or stenting due to symptomatic atherosclerotic stenosis were retrospectively included in this single-center study. Analyzed variables including demographic data, risk factors of atherosclerosis, symptoms, characteristics of imaging, and procedure factors were extracted from electronic health records or imaging data. The main outcome was perforator stroke associated with the procedure. Multivariate analysis that correlated factors with the occurrence of perforator stroke in these patients was performed.

Results

A total of 255 patients were included in the study. Perforator stroke associated with angioplasty and/or stenting was identified in 13 patients (5.1%). Variables with significant correlation with post-procedural perforator stroke included diabetes (OR 6.496; 95% CI 1.741 to 24.241; p=0.005), time from last symptom to procedure <18 days (OR 5.669; 95% CI 1.174 to 27.371; p=0.031), and pre-procedure stenosis percentage <88.4% (OR 5.882; 95% CI 1.465 to 23.608; p=0.012).

Conclusions

Diabetes, time from last symptom to procedure, and pre-procedure stenosis percentage may be factors affecting the risk of perforator stroke associated with basilar artery angioplasty and/or stenting. These factors should be considered in planning of potential basilar artery angioplasty and/or stenting and prospectively evaluated in future multicenter trials.
Impact of etanercept tapering on work productivity in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: results from the PRIZE study
Authors: Zhang Wei , Bansback Nick , Sun Huiying , Pedersen Ronald , Kotak Sameer , Anis Aslam H
Published: July 2016

Objective

To assess changes in work productivity in patients who have achieved response using etanercept (ETN) 50 mg+methotrexate (MTX) (phase I) are randomised to ETN 25 mg+MTX versus MTX versus placebo (phase II) and then withdrawn from treatment (phase III).

Methods

Patients included in the analysis were in employment entering phase II of the PRIZE trial and had one or more follow-ups. Phase II was a 39-week, randomised and double-blind comparison of the 3 dose-reduction treatments. Phase III was a 26-week observational study where treatment was withdrawn. The Valuation of Lost Productivity was completed approximately every 13 weeks to estimate productivity impacts from a societal perspective.

Results

A total of 120 participants were included in our analyses. During phase II, ETN25+MTX or MTX improved paid work productivity by over 100 hours compared with placebo, amounting to a gain of €1752 or €1503, respectively. ETN25+MTX compared with placebo gains €1862 in total paid/unpaid productivity. At week 52, the 3-month paid work productivity loss was 21.8, 12.8 and 14.0 hours, respectively. The productivity loss increased at week 64 from week 52, dropped at week 76 for all treatment groups and then continued rising after week 76 for the placebo group (71.9 hours at week 91) but not for the other 2 groups (21.9 hours for ETX25+MTX and 27.6 hours for MTX).

Conclusions

The work productivity gain in phase I as a result of ETN50+MTX was marginally lost in the dose-reduction treatment groups, ETN25+MTX and MTX, but substantially lost in the placebo group during phase II.

Trial registration number

NCT00913458; Results.
Changes in aerobic capacity and glycaemic control in response to reduced-exertion high-intensity interval training (REHIT) are not different between sedentary men and women
Authors: Metcalfe Richard S. , Tardif Nicolas , Thompson Dylan , Vollaard Niels B.J.
Published: July 2016

Previously it has been reported that reduced-exertion high-intensity interval training (REHIT; total training time of 3 × 10 min per week) improves maximal aerobic capacity in both sedentary men and women, but improves insulin sensitivity in men only. The aim of the present study was to determine whether there is a true sex difference in response to REHIT, or that these findings can be explained by the large interindividual variability in response inherent to all exercise training. Thirty-five sedentary participants (18 women; mean ± SD age for men and women, respectively: age, 33 ± 9 and 36 ± 9 years; body mass index, 25.1 ± 2.1 and 24.1 ± 3.5 kg·m−2; maximal aerobic capacity, 38.6 ± 8.3 and 31.6 ± 4.6 mL·kg−1·min−1) completed a 6-week REHIT programme consisting of eighteen 10-min unloaded cycling sessions with 1 (first session) or 2 (all other sessions) “all-out” 10–20-s sprints against a resistance of 5% of body mass. Maximal aerobic capacity and oral glucose tolerance test-derived insulin sensitivity were determined before and after training. REHIT was associated with an increase in maximal aerobic capacity (2.54 ± 0.65 vs. 2.78 ± 0.68 L·min−1, main effect of time: p < 0.01), a trend toward reduced plasma insulin area-under-the-curve (AUC; 6.7 ± 4.8 vs. 6.1 ± 4.0 IU·min−1·mL−1, p = 0.096), but no significant change in plasma glucose AUC or the Cederholm index of insulin sensitivity. Substantial interindividual variability in response to REHIT was observed for all variables, but there was no significant effect of sex. In conclusion, REHIT improves the key health marker of aerobic capacity within a minimal total training time-commitment. There is large interindividual variability in responses to REHIT, but sex differences in the responses are not apparent.
MgF3−and AlF4−transition state analogue complexes of yeast phosphoglycerate kinase
Authors: McCormick Nicole E. , Forget Stephanie M. , Syvitski Raymond T. , Jakeman David L.
Published: July 2016

The phospho-transfer mechanism of yeast phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) has been probed through formation of trifluoromagnesate (MgF3−) and tetrafluoroaluminate (AlF4−) transition state analogue complexes and analyzed using19F,1H waterLOGSY and1H chemical shift perturbation NMR spectroscopy. We observed the first19F NMR spectroscopic evidence for the formation of metal fluoride transition state analogues of yeast PGK and also observed significant changes to proton chemical shifts of PGK in the presence, but not in the absence, of fluoride upon titration of ligands, providing indirect evidence of the formation of a closed ternary transition state. WaterLOGSY NMR spectroscopy experiments using an uncompetitive model were used in an attempt to measure ligand binding affinities within the transition state analogue complexes.
Nonclassical correlations in a two-mode optomechanical system
Authors: El Qars J. , Daoud M. , Ahl Laamara R.
Published: July 2016

The pairwise quantum correlations in a tripartite optomechanical system comprising a mechanical mode and two optical modes are analyzed. The Simon criterion is used as a witness of the separability. Whereas the Gaussian discord is employed to capture the quantumness of correlations. Both entanglement and Gaussian discord are evaluated as functions of the parameters characterizing the environment and the system (temperature, squeezing and optomechanical coupling). We work in the resolved-sideband regime. We show that it is possible to reach three simultaneous bipartite entanglements via the quantum correlations transfer from the squeezed light to the system. While, even without squeezed light, the quantumness of correlations can be captured simultaneously between the three modes for a very wide range of parameters. Specifically, we find that the two optical modes exhibit more quantum correlations in comparison with the entangled mechanical–optical modes. Finally, unlike the two hybrid subsystems, the purely optical one seems more resilient against the environmental destructive effects.