bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interplay between Antibiotic Efficacy and Drug-Induced Lysis Underlies Enhanced Biofilm Formation at Subinhibitory Drug Concentrations
Authors: Yu Wen , Hallinen Kelsey M. , Wood Kevin B.
Published: October 2017

Subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics have been shown to enhance biofilm formation in multiple bacterial species. While antibiotic exposure has been associated with modulated expression of many biofilm-related genes, the mechanisms of drug-induced biofilm formation remain a focus of ongoing research efforts and may vary significantly across species. In this work, we investigate antibiotic-induced biofilm formation in
Enterococcus faecalis
, a leading cause of nosocomial infections. We show that biofilm formation is enhanced by subinhibitory concentrations of cell wall synthesis inhibitors but not by inhibitors of protein, DNA, folic acid, or RNA synthesis. Furthermore, enhanced biofilm is associated with increased cell lysis, increases in extracellular DNA (eDNA) levels, and increases in the density of living cells in the biofilm. In addition, we observe similar enhancement of biofilm formation when cells are treated with nonantibiotic surfactants that induce cell lysis. These findings suggest that antibiotic-induced biofilm formation is governed by a trade-off between drug toxicity and the beneficial effects of cell lysis. To understand this trade-off, we developed a simple mathematical model that predicts changes in antibiotic-induced biofilm formation due to external perturbations, and we verified these predictions experimentally. Specifically, we demonstrate that perturbations that reduce eDNA (DNase treatment) or decrease the number of living cells in the planktonic phase (a second antibiotic) decrease biofilm induction, while chemical inhibitors of cell lysis increase relative biofilm induction and shift the peak to higher antibiotic concentrations. Overall, our results offer experimental evidence linking cell wall synthesis inhibitors, cell lysis, increased eDNA levels, and biofilm formation in
E. faecalis
while also providing a predictive quantitative model that sheds light on the interplay between cell lysis and antibiotic efficacy in developing biofilms.
Peptidoglycan Cross-Linking Activity of
l
,
d
-Transpeptidases from Clostridium difficile and Inactivation of These Enzymes by β-Lactams
Authors: Sütterlin Laetitia , Edoo Zainab , Hugonnet Jean-Emmanuel , Mainardi Jean-Luc , Arthur Michel
Published: October 2017

In most bacteria, the essential targets of β-lactam antibiotics are the
d
,
d
-transpeptidases that catalyze the last step of peptidoglycan polymerization by forming 4→3 cross-links. The peptidoglycan of
Clostridium difficile
is unusual since it mainly contains 3→3 cross-links generated by
l
,
d
-transpeptidases. To gain insight into the characteristics of
C. difficile
peptidoglycan cross-linking enzymes, we purified the three putative
C. difficile
l
,
d
-transpeptidase paralogues Ldt
Cd1
, Ldt
Cd2
, and Ldt
Cd3
, which were previously identified by sequence analysis. The catalytic activities of the three proteins were assayed with a disaccharide-tetrapeptide purified from the
C. difficile
cell wall. Ldt
Cd2
and Ldt
Cd3
catalyzed the formation of 3→3 cross-links (
l
,
d
-transpeptidase activity), the hydrolysis of the C-terminal
d
-Ala residue of the disaccharide-tetrapeptide substrate (
l
,
d
-carboxypeptidase activity), and the exchange of the C-terminal
d
-Ala for
d
-Met. Ldt
Cd1
displayed only
l
,
d
-carboxypeptidase activity. Mass spectrometry analyses indicated that Ldt
Cd1
and Ldt
Cd2
were acylated by β-lactams belonging to the carbapenem (imipenem, meropenem, and ertapenem), cephalosporin (ceftriaxone), and penicillin (ampicillin) classes. Acylation of Ldt
Cd3
by these β-lactams was not detected. The acylation efficacy of Ldt
Cd1
and Ldt
Cd2
was higher for the carbapenems (480 to 6,600 M
−1
s
−1
) than for ampicillin and ceftriaxone (3.9 to 82 M
−1
s
−1
). In contrast, the efficacy of the hydrolysis of β-lactams by Ldt
Cd1
and Ldt
Cd2
was higher for ampicillin and ceftriaxone than for imipenem. These observations indicate that Ldt
Cd1
and Ldt
Cd2
are inactivated only by β-lactams of the carbapenem class due to a combination of rapid acylation and the stability of the resulting covalent adducts.
Mechanism of Action of Miltefosine on Leishmania donovani Involves the Impairment of Acidocalcisome Function and the Activation of the Sphingosine-Dependent Plasma Membrane Ca
2+
Channel
Authors: Pinto-Martinez Andrea K. , Rodriguez-Durán Jessica , Serrano-Martin Xenon , Hernandez-Rodriguez Vanessa , Benaim Gustavo
Published: October 2017

Leishmania donovani
is the causing agent of visceral leishmaniasis, a common infection that affects millions of people from the most underdeveloped countries. Miltefosine is the only oral drug to treat infections caused by
L. donovani
. Nevertheless, its mechanism of action is not well understood. While miltefosine inhibits the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and also affects the parasite mitochondrion, inhibiting the cytochrome
c
oxidase, it is to be expected that this potent drug also produces its effect through other targets. In this context, it has been reported that the disruption of the intracellular Ca
2+
homeostasis represents an important object for the action of drugs in trypanosomatids. Recently, we have described a plasma membrane Ca
2+
channel in
Leishmania mexicana
, which is similar to the L-type voltage-gated Ca
2+
channel (VGCC) present in humans. Remarkably, the parasite Ca
2+
channel is activated by sphingosine, while the L-type VGCC is not affected by this sphingolipid. In the present work we demonstrated that, similarly to sphingosine, miltefosine is able to activate the plasma membrane Ca
2+
channel from
L. donovani
. Interestingly, nifedipine, the classical antagonist of the human channel, was not able to fully block the parasite plasma membrane Ca
2+
channel, indicating that the mechanism of interaction is not identical to that of sphingosine. In this work we also show that miltefosine is able to strongly affect the acidocalcisomes from
L. donovani
, inducing the rapid alkalinization of these important organelles. In conclusion, we demonstrate two new mechanisms of action of miltefosine in
L. donovani
, both related to disruption of parasite Ca
2+
homeostasis.
Vitamin D Compounds Are Bactericidal against Streptococcus mutans and Target the Bacitracin-Associated Efflux System
Authors: Saputo S. , Faustoferri R. C. , Quivey R. G.
Published: October 2017

Vitamin D analogs were identified as compounds that induced lysis of planktonic cultures of
Streptococcus mutans
in a high-throughput screen of FDA-approved drugs. Previous studies have demonstrated that certain derivatives of vitamin D possess lytic activity against other bacteria, though the mechanism has not yet been established. Through the use of a combinatorial approach, the vitamin D derivative doxercalciferol was shown to act synergistically with bacitracin, a polypeptide-type drug that is known to interfere with cell wall synthesis, suggesting that doxercalciferol may act in a bacitracin-related pathway. Innate resistance to bacitracin is attributed to efflux by a conserved ABC-type transporter, which in
S. mutans
is encoded by the
mbrABCD
operon.
S. mutans
possesses two characterized mechanisms of resistance to bacitracin, the ABC transporter,
S. mutans
bacitracin resistance (Mbr) cassette, consisting of MbrABCD, and the rhamnose-glucose polysaccharide (Rgp) system, RgpABCDEFGHI. Loss of function of the transporter in
ΔmbrA
and
ΔmbrD
mutants exacerbated the effect of the combination of doxercalciferol and bacitracin. Despite conservation of a transporter homologous to
mbrABCD
, the combination of doxercalciferol and bacitracin appeared to be synergistic only in streptococcal species. We conclude that vitamin D derivatives possess lytic activity against
S. mutans
and act through a mechanism dependent on the bacitracin resistance mechanism of MbrABCD.
A Naturally Occurring Deletion in FliE from Salmonella enterica Serovar Dublin Results in an Aflagellate Phenotype and Defective Proinflammatory Properties
Authors: Sasías Sebastián , Martínez-Sanguiné Adriana , Betancor Laura , Martínez Arací , D'Alessandro Bruno , Iriarte Andrés , Chabalgoity José A. , Yim Lucía
Published: October 2017

Salmonella enterica
serovar Dublin is adapted to cattle but is able to infect humans with high invasiveness. An acute inflammatory response at the intestine helps to prevent
Salmonella
dissemination to systemic sites. Flagella contribute to this response by providing motility and FliC-mediated signaling through pattern recognition receptors. In a previous work, we reported a high frequency (11 out of 25) of
S
. Dublin isolates lacking flagella in a collection obtained from humans and cattle. The aflagellate strains were impaired in their proinflammatory properties
in vitro
and
in vivo
. The aim of this work was to elucidate the underlying cause of the absence of flagella in
S
. Dublin isolates. We report here that class 3 flagellar genes are repressed in the human aflagellate isolates, due to impaired secretion of FliA anti-sigma factor FlgM. This phenotype is due to an in-frame 42-nucleotide deletion in the
fliE
gene, which codes for a protein located in the flagellar basal body. The deletion is predicted to produce a protein lacking amino acids 18 to 31. The aflagellate phenotype was highly stable; revertants were obtained only when
fliA
was artificially overexpressed combined with several successive passages in motility agar. DNA sequence analysis revealed that motile revertants resulted from duplications of DNA sequences in
fliE
adjacent to the deleted region. These duplications produced a FliE protein of similar length to the wild type and demonstrate that amino acids 18 to 31 of FliE are not essential. The same deletion was detected in
S
. Dublin isolates obtained from cattle, indicating that this mutation circulates in nature.
Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis of Escherichia coli Strains Associated with Persistent and Transient Bovine Mastitis and the Role of Colanic Acid
Authors: Lippolis John D. , Holman Devin B. , Brunelle Brian W. , Thacker Tyler C. , Bearson Bradley L. , Reinhardt Timothy A. , Sacco Randy E. , Casey Thomas A.
Published: October 2017

Escherichia coliis a leading cause of bacterial mastitis in dairy cattle. It is most often transient in nature, causing an infection that lasts 2 to 3 days. However,E. colihas been shown to cause a persistent infection in a minority of cases. Mechanisms that allow for a persistentE. coliinfection are not fully understood. The goal of this work was to determine differences betweenE. colistrains originally isolated from dairy cattle with transient and persistent mastitis. Using RNA sequencing, we show gene expression differences in nearly 200 genes when bacteria from the two clinical phenotypes are compared. We sequenced the genomes of theE. colistrains and report genes unique to the two phenotypes. Differences in thewcaoperon, which encodes colanic acid, were identified by DNA as well as RNA sequencing and differentiated the two phenotypes. Previous work demonstrated thatE. colistrains that cause persistent infections were more motile than those that cause transient infections. Deletion of genes in thewcaoperon from a persistent-infection strain resulted in a reduction of motility as measured in swimming and swarming assays. Furthermore, colanic acid has been shown to protect bacteria from complement-mediated killing. We show that transient-infectionE. colistrains were more sensitive to complement-mediated killing. The deletion of genes from thewcaoperon caused a persistent-infectionE. colistrain to become sensitive to complement-mediated killing. This work identifies important differences betweenE. colistrains that cause persistent and transient mammary infections in dairy cattle.
Lymphatic malformation with acquired Horner syndrome in an infant
Authors: Spors Birgit , Seemann Joerg , Homer Natalie , Fay Aaron
Published: October 2017

An infantpresented with right upper eyelid ptosis and was subsequently diagnosed with acquired Horner syndrome. Further evaluation revealed a right-sided cervicothoracic lymphatic malformation. At 13 weeks of age, the child underwent percutaneous intracystic sclerotherapy with a mixture of sodium tetradecyl sulphate and ethanol. Twenty-one weeks after initial treatment, ophthalmic examination showed complete resolution of the blepharoptosis and pupillary miosis. Percutaneous sclerotherapy not only effectively treated the space-occupying lymphatic malformation but also reversed the Horner syndrome that was presumably induced by neural tension (more likely) or compression.
Leiomyosarcoma presenting as ‘idiopathic’ unilateral lower limb lymphoedema
Authors: Abd Kadir Haji Khairul , Naik Jagjeeth , Chandrasekar Coonoor R
Published: October 2017

A 74-year-old woman presented with an 8-year history of unilateral swelling of her right lower limb, which was thought to be ‘idiopathic’ lymphoedema until she noticed a painless swelling in her right groin. Physical examination showed a painless, non-pulsatile, deep-seated mass in her right proximal thigh with significant lymphoedema distally. MRI scan showed a large mass at her right inguinal region, involving the common femoral vein. Histological examination on complete excision revealed leiomyosarcoma. It is important to exclude proximal obstructive lesion before making a diagnosis of unilateral idiopathic lower limb lymphoedema.
Measurement of bone mineral density as an efficacy marker in denosumab treatment of giant cell tumour of bone
Authors: Veng Christian , Jørgensen Peter Holmberg , Krog-Mikkelsen Inger , Stilling Maiken
Published: October 2017

Three patients with giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB) in the lower extremity, where the only surgical treatment options were amputation or severe weakening of the bone, were treated with denosumab (D-mab) to strengthen the bone mass in the tumour. In order to quantify changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in the GCTB lesion during D-mab treatment, we did repeated dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans. The patients underwent operation after 3, 4 and 8 months of D-mab treatment, respectively. The tumours in all three patients responded markedly to D-mab, and up to 50% BMD increase was observed. There was almost no BMD change in the control scans in the hip and spine of the same patients. DXA scans provide no information about local tumour response, but may be of value in evaluation of the time and size of the D-mab response in GCTB, and thereby aid in finding the best timing for surgery.
Buttock wounds: beware what lies beneath
Authors: Clark Stephanie , Westley Suzanne , Coupland Alexander , Hamady Mohamad , Davies Alun H
Published: October 2017

A 25-year-old man presented to a major trauma centre with multiple stab wounds, most significantly to the right buttock. Triple-phase CT revealed no acute bleeding and his wounds were closed. In the month following injury, he re-presented seven times to the emergency department (ED) complaining of bleeding and wound breakdown. After his seventh ED attendance, he was examined under general anaesthesia. Intraoperatively, profuse arterial bleeding was encountered and the local major haemorrhage protocol was activated. The on-call consultant vascular surgeon attended and definitive control was achieved. A large haematoma had acted to tamponade ongoing arterial bleeding and an underlying pseudoaneurysm: a finding not reported, but present, on the initial CT angiogram. Following 24 hours in the intensive care unit, he was transferred to the surgical ward and discharged 4 days later. Regular review in the outpatient department over the following 9 weeks monitored successful wound healing.
Transcatheter valve implantation to inferior vena cava to control carcinoid symptoms
Authors: Sagar Vandana M , Steeds Richard P , Doshi Sagar N , Shah Tahir
Published: October 2017

Severe carcinoid syndrome and carcinoid heart disease in neuroendocrine tumours can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. We present a novel approach to managing a patient with medically uncontrollable carcinoid syndrome. Inferior and superior vena cava placement of transcatheter heart valves has been used to treat patients with right heart failure due to severe tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitation. However, this procedure has not been attempted to specifically reduce hormone secretion, primarily from the liver, in order to control carcinoid syndrome symptoms. We attempted this procedure in a patient with severe carcinoid disease and tricuspid regurgitation as a bridge to later definitive therapy. The procedure was technically successful, but did not improve carcinoid symptoms. The possible reasons for the failure are discussed here.
Temporal trends in cardiovascular disease risk factor profiles in a population-based schizophrenia sample: a repeat cross-sectional study
Authors: Chiu Maria , Rahman Farah , Vigod Simone , Wilton Andrew S , Kurdyak Paul
Published: October 2017

Background

People with schizophrenia have an increased burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD); however, little is known about the cardiovascular risk factor profiles of non-institutionalised individuals with schizophrenia. This study estimated the prevalence of CVD risk factors in a population-based sample of Canadians with and without schizophrenia.

Methods

Ontario respondents of the Canadian Community Health Survey were linked to administrative health databases; using a validated algorithm, we identified 1103 non-institutionalised individuals with schizophrenia and 156 376 without schizophrenia. We examined the prevalence of eight CVD risk factors: smoking, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, physical inactivity, fruit/vegetables consumption, psychosocial stress and binge drinking. To examine temporal trends, we compared prevalence estimates from 2001–2005 to 2007–2010.

Results

The prevalence of most CVD risk factors was significantly higher among those with schizophrenia than the general population. Obesity and diabetes prevalence increased by 39% and 71%, respectively, in the schizophrenia group vs 11% and 24%, respectively, in the non-schizophrenia group between the two time periods. Unlike the general population, smoking rates among those with schizophrenia did not decline. Almost 90% of individuals with schizophrenia had at least one CVD risk factor and almost 40% had ≥3 co-occurring risk factors.

Conclusion

Individuals with schizophrenia had a greater prevalence of individual and multiple CVD risk factors compared with those without schizophrenia, which persisted over time. Our findings suggest that public health efforts to reduce the burden of CVD risk factors have not been as effective in the schizophrenia population, thus highlighting the need for more targeted interventions and prevention strategies.
Characterizing the gut microbiome in trauma: significant changes in microbial diversity occur early after severe injury
Authors: Howard Benjamin M , Kornblith Lucy Z , Christie Sabrinah A , Conroy Amanda S , Nelson Mary F , Campion Eric M , Callcut Rachael A , Calfee Carolyn S , Lamere Brandon J , Fadrosh Douglas W , Lynch Susan , Cohen Mitchell Jay
Published: October 2017

Background

Recent studies have demonstrated the vital influence of commensal microbial communities on human health. The central role of the gut in the response to injury is well described; however, no prior studies have used culture-independent profiling techniques to characterize the gut microbiome after severe trauma. We hypothesized that in critically injured patients, the gut microbiome would undergo significant compositional changes in the first 72 hours after injury.

Methods

Trauma stool samples were prospectively collected via digital rectal examination at the time of presentation (0 hour). Patients admitted to the intensive care unit (n=12) had additional stool samples collected at 24 hours and/or 72 hours. Uninjured patients served as controls (n=10). DNA was extracted from stool samples and 16S rRNA-targeted PCR amplification was performed; amplicons were sequenced and binned into operational taxonomic units (OTUs; 97% sequence similarity). Diversity was analyzed using principle coordinates analyses, and negative binomial regression was used to determine significantly enriched OTUs.

Results

Critically injured patients had a median Injury Severity Score of 27 and suffered polytrauma. At baseline (0 hour), there were no detectable differences in gut microbial community diversity between injured and uninjured patients. Injured patients developed changes in gut microbiome composition within 72 hours, characterized by significant alterations in phylogenetic composition and taxon relative abundance. Members of the bacterial orders Bacteroidales, Fusobacteriales and Verrucomicrobiales were depleted during 72 hours, whereas Clostridiales and Enterococcus members enriched significantly.

Discussion

In this initial study of the gut microbiome after trauma, we demonstrate that significant changes in phylogenetic composition and relative abundance occur in the first 72 hours after injury. This rapid change in intestinal microbiota represents a critical phenomenon that may influence outcomes after severe trauma. A better understanding of the nature of these postinjury changes may lead to the ability to intervene in otherwise pathological clinical trajectories.

Level of evidence

III

Study type

Prognostic/epidemiological
Characteristics of solitary waves, quasiperiodic solutions, homoclinic breather solutions and rogue waves in the generalized variable-coefficient forced Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation
Authors: Yan Xue-Wei , Tian Shou-Fu , Dong Min-Jie , Zou Li
Published: October 2017

In this paper, the generalized variable-coefficient forced Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (gvcfKP) equation is investigated, which can be used to characterize the water waves of long wavelength relating to nonlinear restoring forces. Using a dependent variable transformation and combining the Bell’s polynomials, we accurately derive the bilinear expression for the gvcfKP equation. By virtue of bilinear expression, its solitary waves are computed in a very direct method. By using the Riemann theta function, we derive the quasiperiodic solutions for the equation under some limitation factors. Besides, an effective way can be used to calculate its homoclinic breather waves and rogue waves, respectively, by using an extended homoclinic test function. We hope that our results can help enrich the dynamical behavior of the nonlinear wave equations with variable-coefficient.
UPPER BODY ACCELERATIONS DURING LOCOMOTION IN DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS AND GENDERS
Authors: JEON HYEONG-MIN , KIM JI-WON , KWON YURI , HEO JAE-HOON , CHOI EUI-BUM , EOM GWANG-MOON
Published: October 2017

Aim: The purpose of this study is to measure the acceleration of upper body (pelvis, shoulder and head) during walking and to investigate whether the acceleration patterns differ among age groups and genders. Methods: Twenty-nine old subjects and thirty young subjects participated in this study. Tri-axial accelerations were measured on the back of upper body (head, shoulder and pelvis). Subjects performed two trials of walking on a treadmill in their own comfortable speeds. Three-way ANOVA (repeated measures) was carried out for the root mean square of each directional acceleration with age, gender and sensor position as independent factors. Results: Age effect was significant on the RMS accelerations of the transverse plane. In the anteroposterior direction, the pelvis acceleration was greater in the younger group, while the head acceleration was greater in the older group ([Formula: see text]). In the mediolateral direction, the pelvis acceleration was comparable between age groups but the shoulder and head accelerations were greater in the older group ([Formula: see text]). The overall accelerations were greater in men than in women ([Formula: see text]). The phase-delay and attenuation of shoulder acceleration relative to the pelvis acceleration was smaller for the elderly in AP and ML directions ([Formula: see text]). Normalization of RMS accelerations by height, weight and leg length did not affect the age differences but negated the gender differences. Discussion: Greater head acceleration in older subjects were related to less attenuation of acceleration in the upper body, which may affect the sensory systems in the head and deteriorate balance control during locomotion.
Genetic ablation ofCyp8b1preserves host metabolic function by repressing steatohepatitis and altering gut microbiota composition
Authors: Patankar Jay V. , Wong Chi K. , Morampudi Vijay , Gibson William T. , Vallance Bruce , Ioannou George N. , Hayden Michael R.
Published: October 2017

Both type 2 diabetes (T2D) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are associated with reduced hepatic mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Cholic acid (CA) is the predominant 12α-hydroxylated bile acid that regulates hepatic lipid metabolism, and its circulating levels are negatively correlated with insulin resistance. Abolishing CA synthesis via the genetic disruption of the enzyme sterol 12α-hydroxylase ( Cyp8b1−/−) leads in resistance to diabetes and hepatic steatosis. Here, we show that long-term stimulation of hepatic lipogenesis leads to a severe impairment in overall metabolic and respiratory function in control mice ( Cyp8b1+/+) but strikingly not in Cyp8b1−/−mice. Cyp8b1−/−mice are protected from such metabolic impairments associated with T2D and NASH by inhibiting hepatic de novo lipogenic gene and protein expression and altering gut microbiota composition. The protective phenotype is compromised when NASH induction is independent of impairment in de novo lipogenesis (DNL). Consequently, Cyp8b1−/−mice also show a reduction in hepatic inflammation and fibrosis along with a shift in antimicrobial dynamics in the small intestine. Our data show that the altered bile acid composition of Cyp8b1−/−mice preserves metabolic and respiratory function by repressing hepatic DNL and driving favorable changes in gut antimicrobial responses.
Angiotensin 1–7 stimulates brown adipose tissue and reduces diet-induced obesity
Authors: Morimoto Hidechika , Mori Jun , Nakajima Hisakazu , Kawabe Yasuhiro , Tsuma Yusuke , Fukuhara Shota , Kodo Kazuki , Ikoma Kazuya , Matoba Satoaki , Oudit Gavin Y. , Hosoi Hajime
Published: October 2017

The renin-angiotensin system is a key regulator of metabolism with beneficial effects of the angiotensin 1–7 (Ang 1–7) peptide. We hypothesized that the antiobesity effect of Ang 1–7 was related to the stimulation of brown adipose tissue (BAT). We administered Ang 1–7 (0.54 mg kg−1 day−1) for 28 days via implanted micro-osmotic pumps to mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Ang 1–7 treatment reduced body weight, upregulated thermogenesis, and ameliorated impaired glucose homeostasis without affecting food consumption. Furthermore, Ang 1–7 treatment enlarged BAT and the increased expression of UCP1, PRDM16, and prohibitin. Alterations in PRDM16 expression correlated with increased AMPK and phosphorylation of mTOR. Ang 1–7 treatment elevated thermogenesis in subcutaneous white adipose tissue without altering UCP1 expression. These changes occurred in the context of decreased lipid accumulation in BAT from HFD-fed mice, preserved insulin signaling concomitant with phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase and decreased expression of perilipin. These data suggest that Ang 1–7 induces brown adipocyte differentiation leading to upregulation of thermogenesis and improved metabolic profile in diet-induced obesity. Enhancing Ang 1–7 action represents a promising therapy to increase BAT and to reduce the metabolic complications associated with diet-induced obesity.
Reference Values of Flexion and Supination in the Elbow Joint of a Cohort without Shoulder Pathologies
Authors: Güleçyüz Mehmet F. , Pietschmann Matthias F. , Michalski Stefan , Eberhard Ferdinand M. , Crispin Alexander , Schröder Christian , Mittermüller Maximilian J. , Müller Peter E.
Published: October 2017

Background. After surgery of the long head of the biceps tendon, the examination of the biceps brachii muscle function and strength is common clinical practice. The muscle strength is usually compared with the uninjured contralateral side or with a matched pair group assuming that the uninjured side can be used as an appropriate reference.Hypothesis/Purpose. The purpose of this study was to define reference values of the supination and flexion strength in the elbow joint and to investigate the influence of the arm positions and various anthropometric factors.Methods. 105 participants without any shoulder pathologies were enrolled. A full medical history was obtained and a physical examination was performed. The bilateral isometric testing included the supination torque in various forearm positions and elbow flexion strength with a custom engineered dynamometer. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the correlation of the strength and anthropometric factors.Results. Only age and gender were significant supination and flexion strength predictors of the elbow. Hence, it was possible to calculate a gender-specific regression line for each forearm position to predict the age-dependent supination torque. The supination strength was greatest with the arm in 90° elbow flexion and the upper arm in full pronation.
Endovascular Treatment for Acute Thromboembolic Occlusion of the Superior Mesenteric Artery and the Outcome Comparison between Endovascular and Open Surgical Treatments: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Wang Dan , Li Guoxun , Wang Ximo , Wang Yuxiang , Li Gang , Jiang Tao
Published: October 2017

We reported our experience with endovascular treatment for patients with acute thromboembolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (ATOS) as well as comparing the efficacy between endovascular and traditional open surgical treatments. Eighteen consecutive patients with ATOS who received endovascular treatment and 12 patients who received open surgical treatment between February 2007 and October 2012 at Tianjin Union Medical Center (Tianjin, China) were retrospectively reviewed. Primary clinical outcomes included the technical success, requirement of laparotomy, length of bowel resection, perioperative mortality within 30 days, and surgical complications. The patients were followed up for 0.1 to 98 months. For patients who underwent endovascular treatment, complete technical success was achieved in 8 (44.4%) patients and partial success was achieved in the remaining 10 (55.6%) patients. Laparotomy was required in 6 (33.3%) patients. The 30-day mortality was 16.7%. In comparison to open surgical therapy, endovascular therapy achieved lower requirement of laparotomy (in 33.3% versus in 58.3% of cases,p=0.18), significantly shorter average length of bowel resection (88 ± 44 versus 253 ± 103 cm,p=0.01), and lower mortality rate (16.7% versus 33.3%,p=0.68). The endovascular therapy is a promising treatment alternative for ATOS.
Two-Dimensional Steady-State Boundary Shape Inversion of CGM-SPSO Algorithm on Temperature Information
Authors: Wang Shoubin , Jia Huangchao , Sun Xiaogang , Zhang Li
Published: October 2017

Addressing the problem of two-dimensional steady-state thermal boundary recognition, a hybrid algorithm of conjugate gradient method and social particle swarm optimization (CGM-SPSO) algorithm is proposed. The global search ability of particle swarm optimization algorithm and local search ability of gradient algorithm are effectively combined, which overcomes the shortcoming that the conjugate gradient method tends to converge to the local solution and relies heavily on the initial approximation of the iterative process. The hybrid algorithm also avoids the problem that the particle swarm optimization algorithm requires a large number of iterative steps and a lot of time. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is feasible and effective in solving the problem of two-dimensional steady-state thermal boundary shape.
Effects of Blend Ratio and SBR Type on Properties of Carbon Black-Filled and Silica-Filled SBR/BR Tire Tread Compounds
Authors: Sae-oui Pongdhorn , Suchiva Krisda , Sirisinha Chakrit , Intiya Wenussarin , Yodjun Pram , Thepsuwan Uthai
Published: October 2017

This work aimed at investigating the effects of blend ratio between styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and butadiene rubber (BR) and SBR type (E-SBR and S-SBR) on properties of SBR/BR tire tread compounds. Influences of these parameters on properties of the tread compounds reinforced by 80 parts per hundred rubber (phr) of carbon black (CB) and silica were also compared. Results reveal that hardness, strengths, and wet grip efficiency were impaired whereas rolling resistance was improved with increasing BR proportion. Surprisingly, the presence of BR imparted poorer abrasion resistance in most systems, except for the CB-filled E-SBR system in which an enhanced abrasion resistance was observed. Obviously, S-SBR gave superior properties (tire performance) compared to E-SBR, particularly obvious in the silica-filled system. Compared with CB, silica gave comparable strengths, better wet grip efficiency, and lower rolling resistance. Carbon black, however, offered greater abrasion resistance than silica.
Antioxidants Distribution in Pulp and Seeds of Black and Red Goji Berries as Affected by Boiling Processing
Authors: Xin Guang , Zhu Fengmei , Du Bin , Xu Baojun
Published: October 2017

Pulp and seeds from four varieties of black goji and two varieties of red goji with different geographical origins were examined for their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), condensed tannin content (CTT), monomeric anthocyanin content (MAC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) using colorimetric methods. Contribution rates of pulp and seed to phytochemical contents and overall antioxidant capacities of whole fruits were calculated for each parameter. It was observed that most of the phytochemicals and antioxidant activities were predominantly contributed by the pulp in all six varieties. Boiling led to significant (p< 0.05) losses in the phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity. The average MAC value in black goji was significantly (p< 0.05) higher than that observed for red goji.
Maxillary Sinus Kaposi Sarcoma: Case Report in an HIV-Negative Patient with Thymoma
Authors: Carvalho Araújo Bernardo , Viana Baptista Sara , Mascarenhas Luís , Barros Ezequiel
Published: October 2017

Introduction. Kaposi sarcoma is an angioproliferative disorder that requires infection with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) for its development. The majority of cases are associated with HIV infection or other immunocompromising conditions. Thymomas are occasionally associated to cytopenia, which may alter the patients’ immune responses. Methods. Case report using clinical records. Results. Case report of a 46-year-old male patient diagnosed with thymoma and myasthenia gravis. The patient was referred to an otolaryngology consultation with complaints of facial pain in the right malar region, interpreted as an acute sinusitis. Following examination, an expansive maxillary sinus mass was found, and endoscopic surgery was undertaken. After careful investigation, it was diagnosed as a Kaposi sarcoma. Conclusions. It is thought to be the first described case of a maxillary sinus Kaposi sarcoma in an HIV-negative patient. Thus, this entity has to be considered in the differential diagnosis of sinus masses, even in non-HIV patients.
Yogi Detox Tea: A Potential Cause of Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Kesavarapu Keerthana , Kang Mitchell , Shin Jaewook James , Rothstein Kenneth
Published: October 2017

We present a case of acute fulminant liver failure from a liver detoxification tea. We present a 60-year-old female with weakness, lethargy, scleral icterus, jaundice, and worsening mental status. She drank herbal tea three times a day for 14 days prior to symptom development. Liver tests were elevated. Remaining laboratory tests and imaging were negative for other etiologies. An ultrasound-guided liver biopsy showed submassive necrosis. A literature search on the ingredients shows six ingredients as having hepatotoxic effects and remaining ingredients as having very sparse hepatoprotective data. Healthcare professionals should discuss herbal medication and tea use and report adverse effects.
Diabetes Mellitus Secondary to Acute Pancreatitis in a Child with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome
Authors: Deeb Asma
Published: October 2017

Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome (WHS) is a rare genetic disease caused by deletion in the short arm of chromosome 4. It is characterized by typical fascial features and a varying degree of intellectual disabilities and multiple systemic involvement. Epidemiological studies confirmed the association of acute pancreatitis with the development of diabetes. However, this association has not been reported in WHS. We report an 18-year-old girl with WHS who presented acutely with nonketotic Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Status (HHS) in association with severe acute pancreatitis. Her presentation was preceded by febrile illness with preauricular abscess. She was treated with fluids and insulin infusion and remained on insulin 18 months after presentation. Her parents are cousins and the mother was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. She had negative autoantibodies and no signs of insulin resistance and her monogenic diabetes genetic testing was negative. Microarray study using WHS probe confirmed deletion of 4p chromosome. Acute pancreatitis is uncommon in children and development of diabetes following pancreatitis has not been reported in WHS. HHS is considerably less frequent than diabetes ketoacidosis in children. We highlight the complex presentation with HHS and acute pancreatitis leading to diabetes that required long term of insulin treatment.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Off-Shore Wind Energy Project’s Risks
Authors: Mirkheshti Sayed Amir Hamzeh , Feshari Majid
Published: October 2017

The benefits of wind power can solve the issue of growing power consumption with insufficient distribution facilities. Based on an extensive research on more than 20 studies, this study explores the risks associated with off-shore wind energy in Persian Gulf in Iran. This paper tries to identify the risks in related off-shore wind energy project, in order to specify which variables have the most impact on project by qualitative analysis through application of the impact and the possibility of every risk. A survey was conducted in order to determine the relative importance of variables and risks. Certain key components in completion of the project should be taken into account such as technology, research team, expert teams (personnel that have a good knowledge of this industry), and choosing the right spot where the wind farms will be located. The objective of this paper is to present the variables encountered in wind power project and to highlight the risks that must be controlled by the project developers, project team, supply chain actors, manufacturers, and all the stockholders involved in successful completion of a project.
Oxidative Stress Modulation and ROS‐Mediated Toxicity in Cancer: A Review on In Vitro Models for Plant‐Derived Compounds
Authors: Vallejo María José , Salazar Lizeth , Grijalva Marcelo
Published: October 2017

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are known and have been long in use for a variety of health and cosmetics applications. Potential pharmacological usages that take advantage of bioactive plant‐derived compounds’ antimicrobial, antifungal, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant properties are being developed and many new ones explored. Some phytochemicals could trigger ROS‐mediated cytotoxicity and apoptosis in cancer cells. A lot of effort has been put into investigating novel active constituents for cancer therapeutics. While other plant‐derived compounds might enhance antioxidant defenses by either radical scavenging or stimulation of intracellular antioxidant enzymes, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to oxidative stress is one of the strategies that may show effective in damaging cancer cells. The biochemical pathways involved in plant‐derived bioactive compounds’ properties are complex, and in vitro platforms have been useful for a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of action of these potential anticancer drugs. The present review aims at compiling the findings of particularly interesting studies that use cancer cell line models for assessment of antioxidant and oxidative stress modulation properties of plant‐derived bioactive compounds.
Which Environmental Factor Is Correlated with Long-Term Multiple Sclerosis Incidence Trends: Ultraviolet B Radiation or Geomagnetic Disturbances?
Authors: Sajedi Seyed Aidin , Abdollahi Fahimeh
Published: October 2017

Background. Insufficient received ultraviolet B radiation (UV) is regarded as the main environmental risk factor (RF) for MS in vitamin D deficiency hypothesis. Nevertheless, geomagnetic disturbance (GMD) has also been proposed as a potential trigger for MS in GMD hypothesis. The aim of this study was to investigate which of these mentioned RF is correlated with long-term ultradecadal MS incidence. Methods. After a systematic search, long-term incidence reports of the United Kingdom (UK), Denmark, Tayside County, Nordland County, the Orkney, and Shetland Islands were selected for this retrospective time-series study. Possible lead-lag relationships between MS incidence, GMD, and UV were evaluated by cross-correlation analysis. Results. Significant positive correlations between GMD and MS incidence were seen in Tayside County (at lag of 2 years: rS = 0.38), Denmark (peak correlation at lag of 2 years: rS = 0.53), and UK (at lag of 1 year: rS = 0.50). We found a positive correlation between received UV and MS incidences in the Nordland at lag of 1 year (rS = 0.49). Conclusion. This study found significant positive correlations between alterations in GMD with alterations in long-term MS incidence in three out of six studied locations and supports the GMD hypothesis. The observed significant correlation between MS and UV is positive; hence it is not supportive for UV related vitamin D deficiency hypothesis.
Dissatisfaction in Child Welfare and Its Role in Predicting Self-Efficacy and Satisfaction at Work: A Mixed-Method Research
Authors: Berlanda Sabrina , Pedrazza Monica , Trifiletti Elena , Fraizzoli Marta
Published: October 2017

Child welfare organizations are increasingly concerned with challenges emerging from the assessment of social workers’ dissatisfaction. This type of service represents the work area where social workers are at greater risk of burnout. Although several studies account for high social workers’ burnout scores, they do not systematically dwell upon its sources and roots. In addition, scholars point out that a considerable number of work related issues may be perceived both as a source of dissatisfaction and satisfaction. We assume that there is a need to deepen the understanding of how dissatisfaction’s sources may exert an impact on both personal job satisfaction and professional self-efficacy, which are positively associated with well-being at work. The present mixed-method research has two aims: (1) the extensive exploration, applying qualitative methodology, of the perceived sources of dissatisfaction; (2) the attempt to identify the extent to which those sources predict job satisfaction and professional self-efficacy. It is our purpose to further explore which differences emerge by age. The research involved child welfare workers, that is, SWs employed in public child welfare agencies in the North East of Italy. Results show the predominant role of interpersonal trust and mutual respect, as main predictors of both professional self-efficacy and job satisfaction. Practical implications of findings are discussed.
Human Infection withFusobacterium necrophorumwithout Jugular Venous Thrombosis: A Varied Presentation of Lemierre’s Syndrome
Authors: Rana Muhammad Asim , Kumar Yashwant , Lashari Abdullah Ali , Mady Ahmed F.
Published: October 2017

Lemierre’s syndrome is also known as postangina septicemia, which is commonly caused byFusobacterium necrophorumalso known as Necrobacillus and also by other microorganisms likeStaphylococcus,Streptococcus,Peptostreptococcus, andBacteroides. Though the disease starts as an upper respiratory tract infection, it may spread and cause thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein. It may present itself through cranial nerve palsy or sepsis involving distant organs like the lungs or bones. It is also known as forgotten disease because of its rarity.Fusobacterium necrophorumusually causes infection in animals and rarely affects humans. We hereby present a case of Necrobacillus infection which did not cause any thrombophlebitis but resulted in severe pneumonia and acute kidney injury, leading to respiratory failure and requiring mechanical ventilation.
Bayesian Hierarchical Modeling Monthly Crash Counts on Freeway Segments with Temporal Correlation
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Sun Jiaren , Wen Huiying
Published: October 2017

As the basis of traffic safety management, crash prediction models have long been a prominent focus in the field of freeway safety research. Studies usually take years or seasons as the observed time units, which may result in heterogeneity in crash frequency. To eliminate that heterogeneity, this study analyzes monthly crash counts and develops Bayesian hierarchical models with random effects, lag-1 autoregression (AR-1), and both (REAR-1) to accommodate the multilevel structure and temporal correlation in crash data. The candidate models are estimated and evaluated in the freeware WinBUGS using a crash dataset obtained from the Kaiyang Freeway in Guangdong Province, China. Significant temporal effects are found in the three models, and Deviance Information Criteria (DIC) results show that taking temporal correlation into account considerably improves the model fit compared with the Poisson model. The hierarchical models also avoid any misidentification of the factors with significant safety effects, because their variances are greater than in the Poisson model. The DIC value of the AR-1 model is substantially lower than that of the random effect model and equivalent to that of the REAR-1 model, which indicates the superiority of the lag-1 autoregressive structure in accounting for the temporal effects in crash frequency.
Parainfluenza 3 Respiratory Infection Associated with Pericardial Effusion in a Very Low Birthweight Infant
Authors: Aranda Cazón Cristina , Arruza Gómez Luis , Herranz Carrillo Gloria , González Menchén Cristina , Daoud Pérez Zarife , Martínez-Orgado José Antonio , Ramos Amador José Tomás
Published: October 2017

Parainfluenza 3 virus is a frequent cause of respiratory infections in the pediatric population although it is uncommonly diagnosed in neonates, being usually reported as neonatal intensive care unit microepidemics. We report a case of parainfluenza 3 respiratory infection associated with pericardial effusion in a very low birthweight infant.