bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐assembled adult adipose‐derived stem cell spheroids combined with biomaterials promote wound healing in a rat skin repair model
Authors: Hsu Shan‐hui , Hsieh Pai‐Shan
Published: November 2014

Adult adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) are a type of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with easy availability and serve as a potential cell source for cell‐based therapy. Three‐dimensional MSC spheroids may be derived from the self‐assembly of individual MSCs grown on certain polymer membranes. In this study, we demonstrated that the self‐assembled ASC spheroids on chitosan‐hyaluronan membranes expressed more cytokine genes (fibroblast growth factor 1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and chemokine [C‐C motif] ligand 2) as well as migration‐associated genes (chemokine [C‐X‐C motif] receptor type 4 and matrix metalloprotease 1) compared with ASC dispersed single cells grown on culture dish. To evaluate the in vivo effects of these spheroids, we applied ASC single cells and ASC spheroids in a designed rat skin repair model. Wounds of 15 × 15 mm were created on rat dorsal skin, where ASCs were administered and covered with hyaluronan gel/chitosan sponge to maintain a moist environment. Results showed that skin wounds treated with ASC spheroids had faster wound closure and a significantly higher ratio of angiogenesis. Tracking of fluorescently labeled ASCs showed close localization of ASC spheroids to microvessels, suggesting enhanced angiogenesis through paracrine effects. Based on the in vitro and in vivo results, the self‐assembled ASC spheroids may be a promising cellular source for skin tissue engineering and wound regeneration.
In vitro burn model illustrating heat conduction patterns using compressed thermal papers
Authors: Lee Jun Yong , Jung Sung‐No , Kwon Ho
Published: November 2014

To date, heat conduction from heat sources to tissue has been estimated by complex mathematical modeling. In the present study, we developed an intuitive in vitro skin burn model that illustrates heat conduction patterns inside the skin. This was composed of tightly compressed thermal papers with compression frames. Heat flow through the model left a trace by changing the color of thermal papers. These were digitized and three‐dimensionally reconstituted to reproduce the heat conduction patterns in the skin. For standardization, we validated K91HG‐CE thermal paper using a printout test and bivariate correlation analysis. We measured the papers' physical properties and calculated the estimated depth of heat conduction using Fourier's equation. Through contact burns of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 seconds on porcine skin and our burn model using a heated brass comb, and comparing the burn wound and heat conduction trace, we validated our model. The heat conduction pattern correlation analysis (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.846, p < 0.001) and the heat conduction depth correlation analysis (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.93, p < 0.001) showed statistically significant high correlations between the porcine burn wound and our model. Our model showed good correlation with porcine skin burn injury and replicated its heat conduction patterns.
Structure and characteristics of community‐based multidisciplinary wound care teams in Ontario: An environmental scan
Authors: Abrahamyan Lusine , Wong Josephine , Pham Ba' , Trubiani Gina , Carcone Steven , Mitsakakis Nicholas , Rosen Laura , Rac Valeria E. , Krahn Murray
Published: November 2014

Multidisciplinary team approach is an essential component of evidence‐based wound management in the community. The objective of this study was to identify and describe community‐based multidisciplinary wound care teams in Ontario. For the study, a working definition of a multidisciplinary wound care team was developed, and a two‐phase field evaluation was conducted. In phase I, a systematic survey with three search strategies (environmental scan) was conducted to identify all multidisciplinary wound care teams in Ontario. In phase II, the team leads were surveyed about the service models of the teams. We identified 49 wound care teams in Ontario. The highest ratio of Ontario seniors to wound team within each Ontario health planning region was 82,358:1; the lowest ratio was 14,151:1. Forty‐four teams (90%) participated in the survey. The majority of teams existed for at least 5 years, were established as hospital outpatient clinics, and served patients with chronic wounds. Teams were heterogeneous in on‐site capacity of specialized diagnostic testing and wound treatment, team size, and patient volume. Seventy‐seven percent of teams had members from three or more disciplines. Several teams lacked essential disciplines. More research is needed to identify optimal service models leading to improved patient outcomes.
Reduction of Veterinary Antimicrobial Use in the Netherlands. The Dutch Success Model
Authors: Speksnijder D. C. , Mevius D. J. , Bruschke C. J. M. , Wagenaar J. A.
Published: November 2014

Use of antimicrobials in animals poses a potential risk for public health as it contributes to the selection and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Although knowledge of the negative consequences of extensive antimicrobial use in humans and animals accumulated over the decades, total therapeutic antimicrobial use in farm animals in the Netherlands doubled between 1990 and 2007. A series of facts and events formed a window of opportunity to reduce antimicrobial use in farm animals. The recent discovery of significant reservoirs of antimicrobial‐resistant pathogens such as methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing bacteria (ESBL) in farm animals, with potential public health implications, combined with an increasing lack of confidence of the public in intensive livestock industries, and discrepancy between the very low antimicrobial use in humans and high use in animals, resulted in intensive collaboration between the government, veterinary professional organizations and important stakeholders within the livestock sector. A combination of compulsory and voluntary actions with clear reduction goals resulted in a 56% reduction in antimicrobial use in farm animals in the Netherlands between 2007 and 2012 and aims at accomplishing a 70% reduction target in 2015. This article describes and analyses the processes and actions behind this transition from an abundant antimicrobial use in farm animals towards a more prudent application of antimicrobials in farm animals in the Netherlands.
An introduction to inhomogeneous liquids, density functional theory, and the wetting transition
Authors: Hughes Adam P. , Thiele Uwe , Archer Andrew J.
Published: November 2014

Classical density functional theory (DFT) is a statistical mechanical theory for calculating the density profiles of the molecules in a liquid. It is widely used, for example, to study the density distribution of the molecules near a confining wall, the interfacial tension, wetting behavior, and many other properties of nonuniform liquids. DFT can, however, be somewhat daunting to students entering the field because of the many connections to other areas of liquid-state science that are required and used to develop the theories. Here, we give an introduction to some of the key ideas, based on a lattice-gas (Ising) model fluid. This approach builds on knowledge covered in most undergraduate statistical mechanics and thermodynamics courses, so students can quickly get to the stage of calculating density profiles, etc., for themselves. We derive a simple DFT for the lattice gas and present some typical results that can readily be calculated using the theory.
Inspectional analysis to search for symmetric solutions. Applications in electromagnetism
Authors: Rodríguez Marrero José Luis
Published: November 2014

A group of symmetries of a mathematical equation is a set of transformations of the dependent and independent variables that leaves the equation invariant. Invariance under symmetry groups is important because it often reduces the set of partial differential equations that describe a problem of continuum physics to a simpler set of ordinary differential equations, which can always be integrated numerically. It is also important because one can make useful inferences about the properties of their solutions without actually solving those equations. Testing differential equations for invariance under groups of transformations is termed inspectional analysis. Examples of the applications of inspectional analysis to electromagnetic problems are discussed. Two groups of symmetries and their associated solutions are studied: the group of scalings with self-similar solutions, and the group of translations with travelling-wave solutions. Also, applications of symmetry groups to boundary value problems are considered. Finally, dimensional analysis, used to reduce the number of variables, parameters, and physical constants in physical problems, is reviewed as a special case of the group of scalings of the fundamental units. It is argued that inspectional analysis is more adequate than dimensional analysis to reduce the number of variables in a differential equation.
Meteor orbits and impacts
Authors: Garfinkle David , Rojo Alberto G.
Published: November 2014

We study the motion of meteors and calculate the speed at which they hit the Earth. The calculation is done in a rotating system where the Earth and the Sun are at rest. Our treatment is a pedagogical account of some well established celestial mechanics results, suited for presentation in an intermediate mechanics course. The impact speed of meteors in several regularly occurring meteor showers agree very well with our calculation.
Dissipation of acoustic-gravity waves: An asymptotic approach
Authors: Godin Oleg A.
Published: November 2014

Acoustic-gravity waves in the middle and upper atmosphere and long-range propagation of infrasound are strongly affected by air viscosity and thermal conductivity. To characterize the wave dissipation, it is typical to consider idealized environments, which admit plane-wave solutions. Here, an asymptotic approach is developed that relies instead on the assumption that spatial variations of environmental parameters are gradual. It is found that realistic assumptions about the atmosphere lead to rather different predictions for wave damping than do the plane-wave solutions. A modification to the Sutherland-Bass model of infrasound absorption is proposed.
Outdoor Temperature, Precipitation, and Wind Speed Affect Physical Activity Levels in Children: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Edwards Nicholas M. , Myer Gregory D. , Kalkwarf Heidi J. , Woo Jessica G. , Khoury Philip R. , Hewett Timothy E. , Daniels Stephen R.
Published: November 2014

Objective:

Evaluate effects of local weather conditions on physical activity in early childhood.

Methods:

Longitudinal prospective cohort study of 372 children, 3 years old at enrollment, drawn from a major US metropolitan community. Accelerometer-measured (RT3) physical activity was collected every 4 months over 5 years and matched with daily weather measures: day length, heating/cooling degrees (degrees mean temperature < 65°F or ≥ 65°F, respectively), wind, and precipitation. Mixed regression analyses, adjusted for repeated measures, were used to test the relationship between weather and physical activity.

Results:

Precipitation and wind speed were negatively associated with total physical activity and moderate-vigorous physical activity (P < .0001). Heating and cooling degrees were negatively associated with total physical activity and moderate-vigorous physical activity and positively associated with inactivity (all P < .0001), independent of age, sex, race, BMI, day length, wind, and precipitation. For every 10 additional heating degrees there was a 5-minute daily reduction in moderatevigorous physical activity. For every additional 10 cooling degrees there was a 17-minute reduction in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Conclusions:

Inclement weather (higher/lower temperature, greater wind speed, more rain/snow) is associated with less physical activity in young children. These deleterious effects should be considered when planning physical activity research, interventions, and policies.
Temporal and Seasonal Changes of Genetic Polymorphisms Associated with Altered Drug Susceptibility to Chloroquine, Lumefantrine, and Quinine in Guinea-Bissau between 2003 and 2012
Authors: Jovel Irina Tatiana , Kofoed Poul-Erik , Rombo Lars , Rodrigues Amabelia , Ursing Johan
Published: November 2014

In 2008, artemether-lumefantrine was introduced in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, but quinine has also been commonly prescribed for the treatment of uncomplicated
Plasmodium falciparum
malaria. An efficacious high-dose chloroquine treatment regimen was used previously. Temporal and seasonal changes of genetic polymorphisms associated with altered drug susceptibility to chloroquine, lumefantrine, and quinine have been described.
P. falciparum
chloroquine resistance transporter (
pfcrt
) K76T,
pfmdr1
gene copy numbers,
pfmdr1
polymorphisms N86Y and Y184F, and
pfmdr1
sequences 1034 to 1246 were determined using PCR-based methods. Blood samples came from virtually all (
n =
1,806) children <15 years of age who had uncomplicated
P. falciparum
monoinfection and presented at a health center in suburban Bissau (from 2003 to 2012). The
pfcrt
K76T and
pfmdr1
N86Y frequencies were stable, and seasonal changes were not seen from 2003 to 2007. Since 2007, the mean annual frequencies increased (
P
< 0.001) for
pfcrt
76T (24% to 57%),
pfmdr1
N86 (72% to 83%), and
pfcrt
76 +
pfmdr1
86 TN (10% to 27%), and
pfcrt
76T accumulated during the high transmission season (
P
= 0.001). The
pfmdr1
86 + 184 NF frequency increased from 39% to 66% (from 2003 to 2011;
P
= 0.004). One sample had two
pfmdr1
gene copies.
pfcrt
76T was associated with a lower parasite density (
P
< 0.001). Following the discontinuation of an effective chloroquine regimen, probably highly artemether-lumefantrine-susceptible
P. falciparum
(with
pfcrt
76T) accumulated, possibly due to suboptimal use of quinine and despite a fitness cost linked to
pfcrt
76T. (The studies reported here were registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT00137514 [PSB-2001-chl-amo], NCT00137566 [PSB-2004-paracetamol], NCT00426439 [PSB-2006-coartem], NCT01157689 [AL-eff 2010], and NCT01704508 [Eurartesim 2012].)
Antisense Growth Inhibition of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Locked Nucleic Acid Conjugated with Cell-Penetrating Peptide as a Novel FtsZ Inhibitor
Authors: Meng Jingru , Da Fei , Ma Xue , Wang Ning , Wang Yukun , Zhang Huinan , Li Mingkai , Zhou Ying , Xue Xiaoyan , Hou Zheng , Jia Min , Luo Xiaoxing
Published: November 2014

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat, owing to acquired antibiotic resistance. The emergence and spread of MRSA limit therapeutic options and require new therapeutic strategies, including novel MRSA-active antibiotics. Filamentous temperature-sensitive protein Z (FtsZ) is a highly conserved bacterial tubulin homologue that is essential for controlling the bacterial cell division process in different species of
S. aureus
. We conjugated a locked nucleic acid (LNA) that targeted
ftsZ
mRNA with the peptide (KFF)
3
K, to generate peptide-LNA (PLNA). The present study aimed to investigate whether PLNA could be used as a novel antibacterial agent. PLNA787, the most active agent synthesized, exhibited promising inhibitory effects on four pathogenic
S. aureus
strains
in vitro
. PLNA787 inhibited bacterial growth and resolved lethal Mu50 infections in epithelial cell cultures. PLNA787 also improved the survival rates of Mu50-infected mice and was associated with reductions of bacterial titers in several tissue types. The inhibitory effects on
ftsZ
mRNA and FtsZ protein expression and inhibition of the bacterial cell division process are considered to be the major mechanisms of PLNA. PLNA787 demonstrated activity against MRSA infections
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Our findings suggest that
ftsZ
mRNA is a promising new target for developing novel antisense antibiotics.
A New Nonpolar
N
-Hydroxy Imidazoline Lead Compound with Improved Activity in a Murine Model of Late-Stage Trypanosoma brucei brucei Infection Is Not Cross-Resistant with Diamidines
Authors: Ríos Martínez Carlos H. , Miller Florence , Ganeshamoorthy Kayathiri , Glacial Fabienne , Kaiser Marcel , de Koning Harry P. , Eze Anthonius A. , Lagartera Laura , Herraiz Tomás , Dardonville Christophe
Published: November 2014

Treatment of late-stage sleeping sickness requires drugs that can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to reach the parasites located in the brain. We report here the synthesis and evaluation of four new
N
-hydroxy and 12 new
N
-alkoxy derivatives of bisimidazoline leads as potential agents for the treatment of late-stage sleeping sickness. These compounds, which have reduced basicity compared to the parent leads (i.e., are less ionized at physiological pH), were evaluated
in vitro
against
Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense
and
in vivo
in murine models of first- and second-stage sleeping sickness. Resistance profile, physicochemical parameters,
in vitro
BBB permeability, and microsomal stability also were determined. The
N
-hydroxy imidazoline analogues were the most effective
in vivo
, with 4-((1-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1
H
-imidazol-2-yl)amino)-
N
-(4-((1-hydroxy-4,5-dihydro-1
H
-imidazol-2-yl)amino)phenyl)benzamide (14d) showing 100% cures in the first-stage disease, while 15d, 16d, and 17d appeared to slightly improve survival. In addition, 14d showed weak activity in the chronic model of central nervous system infection in mice. No evidence of reduction of this compound with hepatic microsomes and mitochondria was found
in vitro
, suggesting that
N
-hydroxy imidazolines are metabolically stable and have intrinsic activity against
T. brucei
. In contrast to its unsubstituted parent compound, the uptake of 14d in
T. brucei
was independent of known drug transporters (i.e.,
T. brucei
AT1/P2 and HAPT), indicating a lower predisposition to cross-resistance with other diamidines and arsenical drugs. Hence, the
N
-hydroxy bisimidazolines (14d in particular) represent a new class of promising antitrypanosomal agents.
Novel Conjugative Plasmid from Escherichia coli of Swine Origin That Coharbors the Multiresistance Gene
cfr
and the Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase Gene
bla
CTX-M-14b
Authors: Zhang Wan-Jiang , Wang Xiu-Mei , Dai Lei , Hua Xin , Dong Zhimin , Schwarz Stefan , Liu Siguo
Published: November 2014

Two porcine
Escherichia coli
isolates harbored the
cfr
gene on conjugative plasmids of 38,405 bp (pGXEC6) and 41,646 bp (pGXEC3). In these two plasmids, the
cfr
gene was located within a 4,612-bp region containing a
tnpA
-IS
26-cfr
-IS
26
-Δ
hyp
element. Plasmid pGXEC3 was almost identical to pGXEC6 except for a 3,235-bp IS
Ecp1-bla
CTX-M-14b
insertion. The colocation of the multiresistance
cfr
gene with an extended-spectrum-β-lactamase gene on a conjugative plasmid may support the dissemination of these genes by coselection.
Impact of the
glpQ2
Gene on Virulence in a Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 19A Sequence Type 320 Strain
Authors: Chuang Yi-Ping , Peng Zih-Rong , Tseng Shun-Fu , Lin Yu-Chun , Sytwu Huey-Kang , Hsieh Yu-Chia
Published: November 2014

Glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase (GlpQ) metabolizes glycerophosphorylcholine from the lung epithelium to produce free choline, which is transformed into phosphorylcholine and presented on the surfaces of many respiratory pathogens. Two orthologs of
glpQ
genes are found in
Streptococcus pneumoniae
:
glpQ
, with a membrane motif, is widespread in pneumococci, whereas
glpQ2
, which shares high similarity with
glpQ
in
Haemophilus influenzae
and
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
, is present only in
S. pneumoniae
serotype 3, 6B, 19A, and 19F strains. Recently, serotype 19A has emerged as an epidemiological etiology associated with invasive pneumococcal diseases. Thus, we investigated the pathophysiological role of
glpQ2
in a serotype 19A sequence type 320 (19AST320) strain, which was the prevalent sequence type in 19A associated with severe pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease in pediatric patients. Mutations in
glpQ2
reduced phosphorylcholine expression and the anchorage of choline-binding proteins to the pneumococcal surface during the exponential phase, where the mutants exhibited reduced autolysis and lower natural transformation abilities than the parent strain. The deletion of
glpQ2
also decreased the adherence and cytotoxicity to human lung epithelial cell lines, whereas these functions were indistinguishable from those of the wild type in complementation strains. In a murine respiratory tract infection model,
glpQ2
was important for nasopharynx and lung colonization. Furthermore, infection with a
glpQ2
mutant decreased the severity of pneumonia compared with the parent strain, and
glpQ2
gene complementation restored the inflammation level. Therefore,
glpQ2
enhances surface phosphorylcholine expression in
S. pneumoniae
19AST320 during the exponential phase, which contributes to the severity of pneumonia by promoting adherence and host cell cytotoxicity.
Toll-Like Receptor 2 and NLRP3 Cooperate To Recognize a Functional Bacterial Amyloid, Curli
Authors: Rapsinski Glenn J. , Wynosky-Dolfi Meghan A. , Oppong Gertrude O. , Tursi Sarah A. , Wilson R. Paul , Brodsky Igor E. , Tükel Çagla
Published: November 2014

Amyloids are proteins with cross-β-sheet structure that contribute to pathology and inflammation in complex human diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, type II diabetes, and secondary amyloidosis. Bacteria also produce amyloids as a component of their extracellular matrix during biofilm formation. Recently, several human amyloids were shown to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to the activation of caspase 1 and production of interleukin 1β (IL-1β). In this study, we investigated the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by bacterial amyloids using curli fibers, produced by
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium and
Escherichia coli
. Here, we show that curli fibers activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to the production of IL-1β via caspase 1 activation. Investigation of the underlying mechanism revealed that activation of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) by curli fibers is critical in the generation of IL-1β. Interestingly, activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by curli fibers or by amyloid β of Alzheimer's disease does not cause cell death in macrophages. Overall, these data identify a cross talk between TLR2 and NLRP3 in response to the bacterial amyloid curli and generation of IL-1β as a product of this interaction.
A Small Unstructured Region in Vibrio cholerae ToxT Mediates the Response to Positive and Negative Effectors and ToxT Proteolysis
Authors: Thomson Joshua J. , Plecha Sarah C. , Withey Jeffrey H.
Published: November 2014

Vibrio choleraeis the causative agent of the severe diarrheal disease cholera. The production of the virulence factors that are required for human disease is controlled by a complex network of transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulators. ToxT is the transcription regulator that directly controls the production of the two major virulence factors, toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP) and cholera toxin (CT). The solved crystal structure of ToxT revealed an unstructured region in the N-terminal domain between residues 100 and 110. This region and the surrounding amino acids have been previously implicated in ToxT proteolysis, resistance to inhibition by negative effectors, and ToxT dimerization. To better characterize this region, site-directed mutagenesis was performed to assess the effects on ToxT proteolysis and bile sensitivity. This analysis identified specific mutations within this unstructured region that prevent ToxT proteolysis and other mutations that reduce inhibition by bile and unsaturated fatty acids. In addition, we found that mutations that affect the sensitivity of ToxT to bile also affect the sensitivity of ToxT to its positive effector, bicarbonate. These results suggest that a small unstructured region in the ToxT N-terminal domain is involved in multiple aspects of virulence gene regulation and response to human host signals.
Functional Type 1 Secretion System Involved in Legionella pneumophila Virulence
Authors: Fuche Fabien , Vianney Anne , Andrea Claire , Doublet Patricia , Gilbert Christophe
Published: November 2014

Legionella pneumophilais a Gram-negative pathogen found mainly in water, either in a free-living form or within infected protozoans, where it replicates. This bacterium can also infect humans by inhalation of contaminated aerosols, causing a severe form of pneumonia called legionellosis or Legionnaires' disease. The involvement of type II and IV secretion systems in the virulence ofL. pneumophilais now well documented. Despite bioinformatic studies showing that a type I secretion system (T1SS) could be present in this pathogen, the functionality of this system based on the LssB, LssD, and TolC proteins has never been established. Here, we report the demonstration of the functionality of the T1SS, as well as its role in the infectious cycle ofL. pneumophila. Using deletion mutants and fusion proteins, we demonstrated that therepeats-in-toxin protein RtxA is secreted through an LssB-LssD-TolC-dependent mechanism. Moreover, fluorescence monitoring and confocal microscopy showed that this T1SS is required for entry into the host cell, although it seems dispensable to the intracellular cycle. Together, these results underline the active participation ofL. pneumophila, via its T1SS, in its internalization into host cells.
The Cpx Envelope Stress Response Modifies Peptidoglycan Cross-Linking via the l,d-Transpeptidase LdtD and the Novel Protein YgaU
Authors: Bernal-Cabas Margarita , Ayala Juan Alfonso , Raivio Tracy L.
Published: November 2014

The Cpx envelope stress response mediates a complex adaptation to conditions that cause protein misfolding in the periplasm. A recent microarray study demonstrated that Cpx response activation led to changes in the expression of genes known, or predicted, to be involved in cell wall remodeling. We sought to characterize the changes that the cell wall undergoes during activation of the Cpx pathway inEscherichia coli. Luminescent reporters of gene expression confirmed that LdtD, a putativel,d-transpeptidase; YgaU, a protein of unknown function; and Slt, a lytic transglycosylase, are upregulated in response to Cpx-inducing conditions. Phosphorylated CpxR binds to the upstream regions of these genes, which contain putative CpxR binding sites, suggesting that regulation is direct. We show that the activation of the Cpx response causes an increase in the abundance of diaminopimelic acid (DAP)-DAP cross-links that involves LdtD and YgaU. Altogether, our data indicate that changes in peptidoglycan structure are part of the Cpx-mediated adaptation to envelope stress and indicate a role for the uncharacterized geneygaUin regulating cross-linking.
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum: an unusual but serious complication of dermatomyositis
Authors: Alexander John , Packham Stuart , Warwick Gillian , Mohan Das Lekshmi
Published: November 2014

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is an unusual but severe and potentially fatal complication of dermatomyositis. The authors reported a case of a 60-year-old woman who was referred for investigation of a persistent cough and dyspnoea. On examination she had features diagnostic of dermatomyositis and she was started on prednisolone. A chest X-ray demonstrated bi-basal reticulonodular changes. A High-resolution CT (HRCT) scan of the chest was arranged and when she had this undertaken 4 weeks after her initial review, gross surgical emphysema, extensive pneumomediastinum and small pneumothoraces were seen. She reported no new symptoms and in particular no deterioration in her dyspnoea. She was treated conservatively with a good outcome.
Gym exercising patterns, lifestyle and high-risk sexual behaviour in men who have sex with men and in heterosexual men
Authors: Mor Z , Parfionov K , Davidovitch N , Grotto I
Published: November 2014

Objective

Lifestyle may be associated with risk behaviours. This study compares gym exercise and sexual risk behaviour between men who have sex with men (MSM) and heterosexual men. The research was based on the assumption that men who become muscular and physically attractive increase their number of sex partners and consequently their risk of HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Setting

Five gyms in central Tel Aviv, Israel.

Participants

In 2012, a sample of 182 (48%) MSM and 197 (52%) heterosexual men who train in gyms completed anonymous questionnaires regarding their training, health and sexual behaviours.

Outcomes

Participants in this cross-sectional study who exercised more than the median number of anaerobic training hours were defined as performing intensive anaerobic training (IAT), and those who had performed more than one act of unprotected anal/vaginal intercourse in the preceding 6 months with a partner whose HIV status was unknown were defined as high risk.

Results

MSM showed a stronger desire to become muscular than heterosexual men, were more likely to perform IAT, and used protein powders or anabolic steroids. They reported that improving their body shape and increasing their self-confidence were their main reasons for training, whereas heterosexual men indicated weight loss and health improvement as the main reasons for training. MSM engaged in riskier sexual behaviour than heterosexual men. Of all the high-risk men, 61.9% (N=70) performed IAT, while 38.1% (N=43) performed moderate anaerobic training (p<0.01). The association between IAT and sexual risk was stronger in MSM than in heterosexual men (p<0.01 vs p=0.05, respectively). The interaction between MSM and IAT in high-risk participants was multiplicative.

Conclusions

MSM practised more IAT than heterosexual men, and their interaction between IAT and sexual risk was multiplicative. The MSM community could benefit from a holistic approach to sexual health and its association with body image and IAT. The gym MSM culture demonstrates how internal dynamics and social norms are possible factors driving MSM to high-risk behaviour for HIV/STI.

Study registration

The study was approved by the Wolfson Hospital Review Board, Holon, Israel (WOMC-0058-09).
Recognition and reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions by surveyed healthcare professionals in Uganda: key determinants
Authors: Kiguba Ronald , Karamagi Charles , Waako Paul , Ndagije Helen B , Bird Sheila M
Published: November 2014

Objective

To assess extent and determinants of past-month recognition of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADR) and past-year ADR reporting among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Uganda.

Setting

Geographically diverse health facilities (public, private for-profit, private not-for-profit).

Participants

Of 2000 questionnaires distributed, 1345 were completed: return rate of 67%.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Per cent HCPs who suspected ADR in the past month; reported ADR in the past year.

Results

Nurses were the majority (59%, 792/1345). Only half the respondents had heard about pharmacovigilance: 39% of nurses (295/763; 95% CI 35% to 42%), 70% otherwise (383/547; 95% CI 66% to 74%). One fifth (268/1289 or 21%; 95% CI 19% to 23%) had suspected an ADR in the previous 4 weeks, 111 of them were nurses; 15% (190/1296) had reported a suspected ADR in the past year, 103 of them were nurses. Past-month ADR suspicion was more likely by non-nurses (OR=1.7, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.40) and with medical research involvement (OR=1.5, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.15) but past-month receipt of patient ADR-complaint predominated (OR=19, 95% CI 14 to 28). Past-year ADR reporting was higher by hospital staff (OR=1.9, 95% CI 1.18 to 3.10), especially in medicine (OR=2.3, 95% CI 1.08 to 4.73); but lower from private for-profit health facilities (OR=0.5, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.77) and by older staff (OR=0.6, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.91); more likely by HCPs who had ever encountered a fatal ADR (OR=2.9, 95% CI 1.94 to 4.25), knew to whom to report (OR=1.7, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.46), or suggested how to improve ADR reporting (OR=1.6, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.49). Two attitudinal factors were important: diffidence and lethargy.

Conclusions

One in five HCPs suspected an ADR in the past-month and one in seven reported ADR in the previous year. Empowering patients could strengthen ADR detection and reporting in Africa.
Hospitalisation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and risk of suicide: a population-based case–control study
Authors: Strid Jennie Maria Christin , Christiansen Christian Fynbo , Olsen Morten , Qin Ping
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To examine risk of suicide among individuals with hospitalised chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to profile differences according to sex, age, psychiatric history, and recency and frequency of COPD hospitalisations.

Design

Nested case–control study.

Setting

Data were retrieved from Danish national registries.

Participants

All suicide cases aged 40–95 years deceased between 1981 and 2006 in Denmark (n=19 869) and up to 20 live population controls per case matched on sex and date of birth (n=321 867 controls).

Main outcome measures

The relative risk of suicide associated with COPD was computed using conditional logistic regression and adjusted for effects of psychiatric history and important sociodemographic factors.

Results

In our study population, 3% of suicide cases had been hospitalised for COPD compared with 1% of matched population controls. Thus, a hospitalised COPD was associated with a significantly increased risk for suicide (OR 2.6; 95% CI 2.3 to 2.8). The increased risk remained significant after adjustment for psychiatric history and sociodemographic variables (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.8 to 2.2), and increased progressively with frequency and recency of COPD hospitalisation. At the same time, suicide risk associated with COPD differed significantly by sex, age and psychiatric status. The relative risk was more pronounced in women, in individuals older than 60 years and in persons with no history of psychiatric illness.

Conclusions

COPD confers an important risk factor for suicide completion. Risk assessment and prevention efforts should take patients’ sex, age and psychiatric history into consideration.
Stakeholder attitudes towards the role and application of informed consent for newborn bloodspot screening: a study protocol
Authors: Nicholls S G , Tessier L , Etchegary H , Brehaut J C , Potter B K , Hayeems R Z , Chakraborty P , Marcadier J , Milburn J , Pullman D , Turner L , Wilson B J
Published: November 2014

Introduction

 Newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) involves testing a small sample of blood taken from the heel of the newborn for a number of serious and life-limiting conditions. In Canada, newborn screening programmes fall under provincial and territorial jurisdiction with no federal coordination. To date, we know very little about the underlying beliefs around different consent practices or how terminology is interpreted by different individuals. Differences in attitudes may have important healthcare consequences. This study will provide empirical data comparing stakeholder opinions on their understanding of consent-related terminology, the perceived applicability of different consent approaches to newborn screening, and the requirements of these different approaches.

Methods and analysis

Parents, healthcare professionals and policymakers will be recruited in the provinces of Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador. Parents will be identified through records held by each provincial screening programme. Healthcare professionals will be purposively sampled on the basis of engagement with newborn screening. Within each province we will identify policymakers who have policy analysis or advisory responsibilities relating to NBS. Data collection will be by qualitative interviews. We will conduct 20 interviews with parents of young children, 10 interviews with key healthcare professionals across the range of appropriate specialties and 10 with policymakers at each site (40 per site, total, N=80). The examination of the transcripts will follow a thematic analysis approach. Recruitment started in June 2014 and is expected to be complete by June 2015.

Ethics and dissemination

This study received ethics approval from the Ottawa Health Science Network Research Ethics Board, the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Ethics Board (both Ontario), and the Health Research Ethics Authority (Newfoundland and Labrador).

Results

These will be reported in peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. The results will have specific application to the development of parent education materials for newborn screening.
Syndepositional architecture of the northern Athabasca Oil Sands Deposit, northeastern Alberta
Authors: Broughton Paul L.
Published: November 2014

Salt dissolution collapse-subsidence is proposed as the dominant tectono-stratigraphic control on the deposition of major sand trends across the northern Athabasca Oil Sands Deposit. Salt removal along linear dissolution trends 200 m below in the Prairie Evaporite (Middle Devonian) halite beds resulted in the collapse of the overlying Upper Devonian strata. The collapse-induced differential subsidence of the fault blocks formed the floor underlying the McMurray deposits in the 50 km long V-shaped Bitumount Trough extending across the northern area of the Athabasca Oil Sands Deposit. The lower and middle-upper McMurray sand trends filled the accommodation created by collapses of a linear chain of Upper Devonian fault blocks along the northern margin of the western Trough. A pair of tens-of-metres thick and 20–30 km long sand trends developed parallel in overlying accumulations of the lower and middle-upper McMurray Formation (Aptian). This half-graben tilted northward as the dissolution trend in the underlying Prairie Evaporite salt scarp widened, and the scarp margin was deeply embayed. Salt dissolution-induced structures were the principal control that located the large sand complexes exploited by bitumen mining projects. Earlier models of McMurray architecture interpreted the underlying karst collapse to have been largely pre-Cretaceous. This new architectural model reinterprets the spatio-temporal balance between erosion at the pre-Cretaceous surface and within the buried salt beds. Extensive salt removal resulted in collapse of the underlying hypogene karst during the late Aptian age. This resulted in the over-thickened multi-kilometres long McMurray sand trends. The underlying karst collapse resulted in unstable deposition surfaces along the sub-Cretaceous trough floors. This tectono-stratigraphic architecture, called the syndepositional model in this study, is proposed as an alternative to two other models, one of which proposes that deeply incised channel valleys and fills resulted from multiple significant sea-level fluctuations, while the other proposes that stacked parasequences accumulated along overlying shallow channels that meandered across a stable fluvio-estuarine coast.
Effectively managing angler satisfaction in recreational fisheries requires understanding the fish species and the anglers
Authors: Beardmore Ben , Hunt Len M. , Haider Wolfgang , Dorow Malte , Arlinghaus Robert
Published: November 2014

Whenever satisfied anglers are an important objective of recreational fisheries management, understanding how trip outcomes influence satisfaction reports is critical. While anglers, generally, prefer high catch rates and large fish, the relative importance of these catch outcomes for catch satisfaction has not been established across species and angler types. We examined relationships between angler specialization, trip outcomes (both catch and non-catch characteristics such as crowding), and catch satisfaction across six freshwater fish species in northern Germany. As expected, catch satisfaction was primarily determined by catch rate and fish size in all fish species; however, the relative importance of these two outcomes varied considerably across species and among angler types that differed by commitment to fishing. We found a diminishing marginal return of satisfaction for increasing catch rate for all but small-bodied cyprinid species, while increasing size of largest retained fish monotonically increased catch satisfaction in all species we examined. Non-catch outcomes (e.g., the number of other anglers seen while fishing) also had a significant negative influence on catch satisfaction, suggesting that non-catch factors are important in establishing expectations and for contextual evaluation of catch outcomes. We also determined that diversified trips made anglers more satisfied and that all else being equal, specialized anglers increased catch satisfaction from travel and fishing time. The results highlight the importance for managers to consider their particular mix of anglers as well as the fish species present when setting regulations aimed at increasing angler satisfaction.
Isolation and characterization of bacteria from the rhizosphere and bulk soil of Stellera chamaejasme L.
Authors: Cui Haiyan , Yang Xiaoyan , Lu Dengxue , Jin Hui , Yan Zhiqiang , Chen Jixiang , Li Xiuzhuang , Qin Bo
Published: November 2014

This study is the first to describe the composition and characteristics of culturable bacterial isolates from the rhizosphere and bulk soil of the medicinal plant Stellera chamaejasme L. at different growth stages. Using a cultivation-dependent approach, a total of 148 isolates showing different phenotypic properties were obtained from the rhizosphere and bulk soil. Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were the major bacterial groups in both the rhizosphere and bulk soil at all 4 growth stages of S. chamaejasme. The diversity of the bacterial community in the rhizosphere was higher than that in bulk soil in flowering and fruiting stages. The abundance of bacterial communities in the rhizosphere changed with the growth stages and had a major shift at the fruiting stage. Dynamic changes of bacterial abundance and many bacterial groups in the rhizosphere were similar to those in bulk soil. Furthermore, most bacterial isolates exhibited single or multiple biochemical activities associated with S. chamaejasme growth, which revealed that bacteria with multiple physiological functions were abundant and widespread in the rhizosphere and bulk soil. These results are essential (i) for understanding the ecological roles of bacteria in the rhizosphere and bulk soil and (ii) as a foundation for further evaluating their efficacy as effective S. chamaejasme growth-promoting rhizobacteria.
Interaction between endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum stress (ER/SR stress), mitochondrial signaling and Ca2+ regulation in airway smooth muscle (ASM)
Authors: Delmotte Philippe , Sieck Gary C.
Published: November 2014

Airway inflammation is a key aspect of diseases such as asthma. Several inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNFα and IL-13) increase cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) responses to agonist stimulation and Ca2+ sensitivity of force generation, thereby enhancing airway smooth muscle (ASM) contractility (hyper-reactive state). Inflammation also induces ASM proliferation and remodeling (synthetic state). In normal ASM, the transient elevation of [Ca2+]cyt induced by agonists leads to a transient increase in mitochondrial Ca2+ ([Ca2+]mito) that may be important in matching ATP production with ATP consumption. In human ASM (hASM) exposed to TNFα and IL-13, the transient increase in [Ca2+]mito is blunted despite enhanced [Ca2+]cyt responses. We also found that TNFα and IL-13 induce reactive oxidant species (ROS) formation and endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum (ER/SR) stress (unfolded protein response) in hASM. ER/SR stress in hASM is associated with disruption of mitochondrial coupling with the ER/SR membrane, which relates to reduced mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) expression. Thus, in hASM it appears that TNFα and IL-13 result in ROS formation leading to ER/SR stress, reduced Mfn2 expression, disruption of mitochondrion–ER/SR coupling, decreased mitochondrial Ca2+ buffering, mitochondrial fragmentation, and increased cell proliferation.
A novel role for RhoA GTPase in the regulation of airway smooth muscle contraction
Authors: Zhang Wenwu , Huang Youliang , Wu Yidi , Gunst Susan J.
Published: November 2014

Recent studies have demonstrated a novel molecular mechanism for the regulation of airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction by RhoA GTPase. In ASM tissues, both myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation and actin polymerization are required for active tension generation. RhoA inactivation dramatically suppresses agonist-induced tension development and completely inhibits agonist-induced actin polymerization, but only slightly reduces MLC phosphorylation. The inhibition of MLC phosphatase does not reverse the effects of RhoA inactivation on contraction or actin polymerization. Thus, RhoA regulates ASM contraction through its effects on actin polymerization rather than MLC phosphorylation. Contractile stimulation of ASM induces the recruitment and assembly of paxillin, vinculin, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) into membrane adhesion complexes (adhesomes) that regulate actin polymerization by catalyzing the activation of cdc42 GTPase by the G-protein-coupled receptor kinase-interacting target (GIT) – p21-activated kinase (PAK) – PAK-interacting exchange factor (PIX) complex. Cdc42 is a necessary and specific activator of the actin filament nucleation activator, N-WASp. The recruitment and activation of paxillin, vinculin, and FAK is prevented by RhoA inactivation, thus preventing cdc42 and N-WASp activation. We conclude that RhoA regulates ASM contraction by catalyzing the assembly and activation of membrane adhesome signaling modules that regulate actin polymerization, and that the RhoA-mediated assembly of adhesome complexes is a fundamental step in the signal transduction process in response to a contractile agonist.
The parton model and its applications
Authors: Yan Tung-Mow , Drell Sidney D.
Published: November 2014

This is a review of the program we started in 1968 to understand and generalize Bjorken scaling and Feynman's parton model in a canonical quantum field theory. It is shown that the parton model proposed for deep inelastic electron scatterings can be derived if a transverse momentum cutoff is imposed on all particles in the theory so that the impulse approximation holds. The deep inelastic electron–positron annihilation into a nucleon plus anything else is related by the crossing symmetry of quantum field theory to the deep inelastic electron–nucleon scattering. We have investigated the implication of crossing symmetry and found that the structure functions satisfy a scaling behavior analogous to the Bjorken limit for deep inelastic electron scattering. We then find that massive lepton pair production in collisions of two high energy hadrons can be treated by the parton model with an interesting scaling behavior for the differential cross-sections. This turns out to be the first example of a class of hard processes involving two initial hadrons.
The entropy sum of (A)dS black holes in four and higher dimensions
Authors: Xu Wei , Wang Jia , Meng Xin-He
Published: November 2014

We present the "entropy sum" relation of (A)dS charged black holes in higher-dimensional Einstein–Maxwell gravity, f(R) gravity, Gauss–Bonnet gravity and gauged supergravity. For their "entropy sum" with the necessary effect of the unphysical "virtual" horizon included, we conclude the general results that the cosmological constant dependence and Gauss–Bonnet coupling constant dependence do hold in both the four and six dimensions, while the "entropy sum" is always vanishing in odd dimensions. Furthermore, the "entropy sum" of all horizons is related to the geometry of the horizons in four and six dimensions. In these explicitly four cases, one also finds that the conserved charges M (the mass), Q (the charge from Maxwell field or supergravity) and the parameter a (the angular momentum) play no role in the "entropy sum" relations.