bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequence of the Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacterium Alcanivorax dieselolei KS-293 Isolated from Surface Seawater in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Barbato Marta , Mapelli Francesca , Chouaia Bessem , Crotti Elena , Daffonchio Daniele , Borin Sara
Published: December 2015

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Alcanivorax dieselolei
KS-293, a hydrocarbonoclastic bacterium isolated from the Mediterranean Sea, by supplying diesel oil as the sole carbon source. This strain contains multiple putative genes associated with hydrocarbon degradation pathways and that are highly similar to those described in
A. dieselolei
type strain B5.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. TP-A0871, a Producer of Heronamide C
Authors: Komaki Hisayuki , Ichikawa Natsuko , Hosoyama Akira , Fujita Nobuyuki , Igarashi Yasuhiro
Published: December 2015

Streptomyces
sp. TP-A0871 produces the polyene macrolactam heronamide C. Here, we report its draft genome sequence to get insight into heronamide biosynthesis and genome-mining for novel secondary metabolites of polyketide and nonribosomal peptide classes. The genome encodes over nine orphan gene clusters for polyketide and/or nonribosomal peptide syntheses.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Nonomuraea
sp. TP-A0861, a Producer of Myxochelin A
Authors: Komaki Hisayuki , Ichikawa Natsuko , Hosoyama Akira , Fujita Nobuyuki , Igarashi Yasuhiro
Published: December 2015

Nonomuraea
sp. TP-A0861 produces the nonribosomal peptide myxochelin A, which is known as a microbial siderophore. Here, we report its draft genome sequence. The genome contains at least three nonribosomal peptide synthetase gene clusters, one of which is proposed to be responsible for the biosynthesis of myxochelin A.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. TP-A0356, a Producer of Yatakemycin
Authors: Komaki Hisayuki , Ichikawa Natsuko , Hosoyama Akira , Fujita Nobuyuki , Igarashi Yasuhiro
Published: December 2015

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. TP-A0356, a producer of a potent antitumor antibiotic, yatakemycin, to evaluate potential for secondary metabolite production. The genome sequence data suggest the presence of at least nine gene clusters for polyketide synthases and nonribosomal peptide synthetases in this strain.
Complete Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA1, Isolated from a Patient with a Respiratory Tract Infection
Authors: Lu Shuguang , Le Shuai , Li Gang , Shen Mengyu , Tan Yinling , Zhao Xia , Wang Jing , Shen Wei , Guo Keke , Yang Yuhui , Zhu Hongbin , Li Shu , Li Ming , Zhu Junmin , Rao Xiancai , Hu Fuquan
Published: December 2015

We report the 6,498,072-bp complete genome sequence of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
PA1, which was isolated from a patient with a respiratory tract infection in Chongqing, People's Republic of China. Whole-genome sequencing was performed using single-molecule real-time (SMRT) technology, and
de novo
assembly revealed a single contig with 396-fold sequence coverage.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Clinical Strain W06, a Prevalent Beijing Genotype Isolated in Taiwan
Authors: Liao Yu-Chieh , Liu Tze-Tze , Chang Jia-Ru , Chen Yih-Yuan , Lin Hsin-Hung , Hsu Chih-Hao , Lin Ching-Yen , Lo Ying-Chih , Dou Horng-Yunn
Published: December 2015

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
strain W06, analyzed by molecular methods, was classified as a modern Beijing
M. tuberculosis
strain, the most predominant strain in Taiwan. To our knowledge, this is the first draft genome announcement of a Beijing
M. tuberculosis
strain in Taiwan.
Genome Sequence Analysis Reveals Evidence of Quorum-Sensing Genes Present in Aeromonas hydrophila strain KOR1, Isolated from a Mangrove Plant (
Kandelia obovata
)
Authors: Yin Mengqing , Ma Zhiping , Cai Zhonghua , Lin Guanghui , Zhou Jin
Published: December 2015

Aeromonas hydrophila
strain KOR1, isolated from mangrove rhizosphere soil, has the ability to produce the quorum-sensing signal molecule. Here, we report the 4.78-Mb genome sequence of strain KOR1, and found its quorum-sensing encoding gene
LuxR
. The data will be crucial to understanding the quorum-sensing-dependent phenotypes of this bacterium.
Complete Genome Sequences for Two Strains of a Novel Fastidious, Partially Acid-Fast, Gram-Positive
Corynebacterineae
Bacterium, Derived from Human Clinical Samples
Authors: Nicholson Ainsley C. , Bell Melissa , Humrighouse Ben W. , McQuiston John R.
Published: December 2015

Here we report the complete genome sequences of two strains of the novel fastidious, partially acid-fast, Gram-positive bacillus “
Lawsonella clevelandensis
” (proposed). Their clinical relevance and unusual growth characteristics make them intriguing candidates for whole-genome sequencing.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bifidobacterium aesculapii DSM 26737
T
, Isolated from Feces of Baby Common Marmoset
Authors: Toh Hidehiro , Yamazaki Yumiko , Tashiro Kosuke , Kawarai Shinpei , Oshima Kenshiro , Nakano Akiyo , Kim Co Nguyen Thi , Mimura Iyo , Arakawa Kensuke , Iriki Atsushi , Kikusui Takefumi , Morita Hidetoshi
Published: December 2015

Bifidobacterium aesculapii
DSM 26737
T
was isolated from feces of baby common marmoset. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this organism. This paper is the first published report of the genomic sequence of
B. aesculapii
.
Draft Genome Sequence of Linfuranone Producer
Microbispora
sp. GMKU 363
Authors: Komaki Hisayuki , Ichikawa Natsuko , Hosoyama Akira , Fujita Nobuyuki , Thamchaipenet Arinthip , Igarashi Yasuhiro
Published: December 2015

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Microbispora
sp. GMKU 363, a plant-derived actinomycete that produces linfuranone A, a linear polyketide modified with a furanone ring possessing adipocyte differentiation inducing activity. The biosynthetic gene cluster for linfuranone was identified by analyzing polyketide synthase genes in the genome.
Atlanto-axial infection after acupuncture
Authors: Robinson A , Lind C R P , Smith R J , Kodali V
Published: December 2015

A 67-year-old man presented with neck cellulitis following acupuncture for cervical spondylosis. Blood cultures were positive for methicillin-sensitiveStaphylococcus aureus. Increased neck pain and bacteraemia prompted MRI, which showed atlanto-axial septic arthritis without signs of infection of the tissues between the superficial cellulitic area and the atlanto-axial joint, thus making direct extension of infection unlikely. It is more likely that haematogenous spread of infection resulted in seeding in the atlanto-axial joint, with the proximity of the arthritis and acupuncture site being coincidental. Acupuncture is a treatment option for some indolent pain conditions. As such, acupuncture services are likely to be more frequently utilised. A history of acupuncture is rarely requested by the admitting doctor and seldom offered voluntarily by the patient, especially where the site of infection due to haematogenous spread is distant from the needling location. Awareness of infectious complications following acupuncture can reduce morbidity through early intervention.
Body mass index and risk of knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Zheng Huaqing , Chen Changhong
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Obesity is suggested to be a risk factor for knee osteoarthritis (OA). This meta-analysis aimed to examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of knee OA in published prospective studies.

Design

Meta-analysis.

Studies reviewed

An extensive literature review was performed, and relevant studies published in English were retrieved from the computerised databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane.

Methods

The effect estimate (RR or HR) and its 95% CI are investigated on the basis of the evaluation of differences of knee OR risk in overweight or obesity versus those with normal weight. Category-specific risk estimates were further transformed into estimates of the RR in terms of per increase of 5 in BMI by using the generalised least-squares method for trend estimation. Studies were independently reviewed by two investigators. Subgroup analysis was performed. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Data from eligible studies were extracted, and the meta-analysis was performed by using the STATA software V.12.0.

Results

14 studies were finally included in the analysis. The results showed that overweight and obesity were significantly associated with higher knee OA risks of 2.45 (95% CI 1.88 to 3.20, p<0.001) and 4.55 (95% CI 2.90 to 7.13, p<0.001), respectively. The risk of knee OA increases by 35% (95% CI 1.18 to 1.53, p<0.001) with a 5 kg/m2increase in BMI. Subgroup analysis showed that obesity was an independent predictor of knee OA risk regardless of the study country, sample size, gender proportion of participants, duration of follow-up, presence of adjusted knee injury and assessed study quality above or below an NOS score of 8. No publication bias was detected.

Conclusions

Obesity was a robust risk factor for knee OA. Professionals should take a possible weight reduction into account for the treatment of knee OA whenever a patient is significantly overweight.
High prevalence of HIV among men who have sex with men in Zhejiang, China: a respondent-driven sampling survey
Authors: Pan Xiaohong , Wu Minni , Ma Qiaoqin , Wang Hui , Ma Wenzhe , Zeng Shidian , Chen Junfang , Zhang Yan , Miao Dandan , Zhou Xin , Jiang Tingting , He Lin , Xia Yan , Peng Zhihang , Xia Shichang
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To examine the prevalence of HIV and risk behaviours among men who have sex with men (MSM) and to explore the feasibility of using respondent-driven sampling in this population in order to conduct customised interventions among MSM in the future.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Zhejiang, China.

Participants

1316 MSM.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

HIV prevalence rates and factors associated with HIV infection; sociodemographic and behavioural information of participants, syphilis prevalence rates.

Results

The adjusted prevalence of HIV and syphilis were 13.8% and 11.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that higher educational level, support treatment of HIV, negative syphilis are protective factors of HIV infection. MSM who had heterosexual behaviour before and whose primary sexual partner was HIV-positive were less likely to be infected with HIV compared with their counterparts, while frequency of sexual behaviour with primary sexual partner was positively associated with HIV infection.

Conclusions

This survey confirmed a high HIV prevalence among MSM in Zhejiang province. MSM are extremely vulnerable to HIV infection and comprehensive interventions are urgently needed to slow the spread of HIV among MSM.
Adding point of care ultrasound to assess volume status in heart failure patients in a nurse-led outpatient clinic. A randomised study
Authors: Gundersen Guri Holmen , Norekval Tone M , Haug Hilde Haugberg , Skjetne Kyrre , Kleinau Jens Olaf , Graven Torbjorn , Dalen Havard
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Medical history, physical examination and laboratory testing are not optimal for the assessment of volume status in heart failure (HF) patients. We aimed to study the clinical influence of focused ultrasound of the pleural cavities and inferior vena cava (IVC) performed by specialised nurses to assess volume status in HF patients at an outpatient clinic.

Methods

HF outpatients were prospectively included and underwent laboratory testing, history recording and clinical examination by two nurses with and without an ultrasound examination of the pleural cavities and IVC using a pocket-size imaging device, in random order. Each nurse worked in a team with a cardiologist. The influence of the different diagnostic tests on diuretic dosing was assessed descriptively and in linear regression analyses.

Results

Sixty-two patients were included and 119 examinations were performed. Mean±SD age was 74±12 years, EF was 34±14%, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) value was 3761±3072 ng/L. Dosing of diuretics differed between the teams in 31 out of 119 consultations. Weight change and volume status assessed clinically with and without ultrasound predicted dose adjustment of diuretics at follow-up (p<0.05). Change of oedema, NT-proBNP, creatinine, and symptoms did not (p≥0.10). In adjusted analyses, only volume status based on ultrasound predicted dose adjustments of diuretics at first visit and follow-up (all ultrasound p≤0.01, all other p≥0.2).

Conclusions

Ultrasound examinations of the pleural cavities and IVC by nurses may improve diagnostics and patient care in HF patients at an outpatient clinic, but more studies are needed to determine whether these examinations have an impact on clinical outcomes.

Trial registration number

NCT01794715.
High-degree atrioventricular block complicating ST segment elevation myocardial infarction in the contemporary era
Authors: Auffret Vincent , Loirat Aurélie , Leurent Guillaume , Martins Raphael P , Filippi Emmanuelle , Coudert Isabelle , Hacot Jean Philippe , Gilard Martine , Castellant Philippe , Rialan Antoine , Delaunay Régis , Rouault Gilles , Druelles Philippe , Boulanger Bertrand , Treuil Josiane , Avez Bertrand , Bedossa Marc , Boulmier Dominique , Le Guellec Marielle , Daubert Jean-Claude , Le Breton Hervé
Published: December 2015

Background

High-degree atrioventricular block (HAVB) is a common complication of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). HAVB in STEMI is historically considered as a marker of worse outcome but overall data about HAVB in the contemporary era of mechanical reperfusion and potent antiplatelet therapies are scarce.

Aim

Analysing incidence, clinical correlates and impact on inhospital outcomes of HAVB in a large prospective registry (Observatoire Régional Breton sur l'Infarctus, ORBI) of modern management of STEMI with a special focus on potential differences between patients with HAVB on admission and those who developed HAVB during hospitalisation.

Methods

All patients enrolled in ORBI between June 2006 and December 2013 were included in the present analysis and were divided into 3 groups: patients without HAVB at any time, patients with HAVB on admission and those who developed HAVB during hospitalisation.

Results

A total of 6662 patients (age: 62.0 (52.0–74.0) years; male: 76.3%) were included in the present analysis. HAVB was documented in 3.5% of patients, present on admission in 63.7% of patients and occurring during hospitalisation in 36.3%. Patients with HAVB on admission or occurring during the first 24 h of hospitalisation had higher inhospital mortality rates (18.1% and 28.6%, respectively) than patients without (4.5%) or with HAVB occurring beyond the first 24 h of hospitalisation (8.0%). However by multivariable analysis, HAVB was not independently associated with inhospital mortality contrarily to age, presentation as cardiac arrest, anterior STEMI location, reperfusion therapy, cardiogenic shock, mechanical ventilation and occurrence of sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias or mechanical complication.

Conclusions

Patients with HAVB had a higher mortality rate than patients without. However HAVB is not an independent predictor of inhospital mortality.
Reaching the poor with health interventions: programme-incidence analysis of seven randomised trials of women's groups to reduce newborn mortality in Asia and Africa
Authors: Houweling Tanja A J , Morrison Joanna , Alcock Glyn , Azad Kishwar , Das Sushmita , Hossen Munir , Kuddus Abdul , Lewycka Sonia , Looman Caspar W , Magar Bharat Budhathoki , Manandhar Dharma S , Akter Mahfuza , Dube Albert Lazarous Nkhata , Rath Shibanand , Saville Naomi , Sen Aman , Tripathy Prasanta , Costello Anthony
Published: December 2015

Background

Efforts to end preventable newborn deaths will fail if the poor are not reached with effective interventions. To understand what works to reach vulnerable groups, we describe and explain the uptake of a highly effective community-based newborn health intervention across social strata in Asia and Africa.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of seven randomised trials of participatory women's groups to reduce newborn mortality in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Malawi. We analysed data on 70 574 pregnancies. Socioeconomic and sociodemographic differences in group attendance were tested using logistic regression. Qualitative data were collected at each trial site (225 focus groups, 20 interviews) to understand our results.

Results

Socioeconomic differences in women's group attendance were small, except for occasional lower attendance by elites. Sociodemographic differences were large, with lower attendance by young primigravid women in African as well as in South Asian sites. The intervention was considered relevant and interesting to all socioeconomic groups. Local facilitators ensured inclusion of poorer women. Embarrassment and family constraints on movement outside the home restricted attendance among primigravid women. Reproductive health discussions were perceived as inappropriate for them.

Conclusions

Community-based women's groups can help to reach every newborn with effective interventions. Equitable intervention uptake is enhanced when facilitators actively encourage all women to attend, organise meetings at the participants’ convenience and use approaches that are easily understandable for the less educated. Focused efforts to include primigravid women are necessary, working with families and communities to decrease social taboos.
Age-specific performance of careHPV versus Papanicolaou and visual inspection of cervix with acetic acid testing in a primary cervical cancer screening
Authors: Labani Satyanarayana , Asthana Smita
Published: December 2015

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is recommended as a primary screening tool for cervical screening. Assessment of age-specific performance of newer HPV careHPV DNA testing is important as risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) varies at different ages. We aim to evaluatecareHPV in comparison to Papanicolaou (Pap) test and visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA) cervical screening tests for the detection of high-grade CIN.

Methods

The cross sectional study was conducted in a rural population of North India. Ever-married women 30–59 years of age were invited for screening by careHPV (self-collected vaginal and physician-collected cervical samples), Pap test and VIA. Associations for trend in age for detecting histological-confirmed CINII+ and CINIII+ for each screening test were evaluated. Age-specific association with each screening test was evaluated.

Results

Of a total of 7761 women invited, 5032 were screened and analysis was performed on 4658 with all screen test results. No significant (p>0.05) association of age for any screening test in the detection of CINII+ or CINIII+ was observed. For the older age group, cervical HPV (CHPV) showed high sensitivity and specificity for CINII+ detection. Specificity of CHPV or vaginal HPV (VHPV) was equal or higher than Pap in all age groups.

Conclusions

Cervical screening options of CHPV or VHPV, or Pap, performed equally in the younger age group while CHPV might be an option for all ages in the detection of high-grade CIN.
Game-Theoretic Beamforming and Power Allocation in MIMO Cognitive Radio Systems with Transmitter Antenna Correlation
Authors: Zhao Feng , Wu Hongsheng , Chen Hongbin , Wang Wen
Published: December 2015

Multi-input multioutput (MIMO) technique provides a promising solution to enhance the performance of wireless communication systems. In this paper, we consider antenna correlation at the transmitter in practical cognitive MIMO systems. What is more, a game-theoretic framework is conducted to analyze the optimum beamforming and power allocation such that each user maximizes its own rate selfishly under the transmitting power constraint and the primary user (PU) interference constraint. The design of the cognitive MIMO system is formulated as a noncooperative game, where the secondary users (SUs) compete with each other over the resources made available by the PUs. Interestingly, as the correlation parameter grows, the utility degrades. Nash equilibrium is considered as the solution of this game. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can converge quickly and clearly outperforms the strategy without game.
Dynamic Stability Improvement of Grid Connected DFIG Using Enhanced Field Oriented Control Technique for High Voltage Ride Through
Authors: Duggirala V. N. Ananth , Gundavarapu V. Nagesh Kumar
Published: December 2015

Doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) is a better alternative to increased power demand. Modern grid regulations force DFIG to operate without losing synchronism during overvoltages called high voltage ride through (HVRT) during grid faults. Enhanced field oriented control technique (EFOC) was proposed in Rotor Side Control of DFIG converter to improve power flow transfer and to improve dynamic and transient stability. Further electromagnetic oscillations are damped, improved voltage mitigation and limit surge currents for sustained operation of DFIG during voltage swells. The proposed strategy has advantages such as improved reactive power control, better damping of electromagnetic torque oscillations, and improved continuity of voltage and current from stator and rotor to grid during disturbance. In EFOC technique, rotor flux reference changes its value from synchronous speed to zero during fault for injecting current at the rotor slip frequency. In this process, DC-Offset component of stator flux is controlled so that decomposition during overvoltage faults can be minimized. The offset decomposition of flux will be oscillatory in a conventional FOC, whereas in EFOC it is aimed to be quick damping. The system performance with overvoltage of 1.3 times, 1.62 times, and 2 times the rated voltage occurring is analyzed by using simulation studies.
The MMP-1/PAR-1 Axis Enhances Proliferation and Neuronal Differentiation of Adult Hippocampal Neural Progenitor Cells
Authors: Valente Maria Maddalena , Allen Megan , Bortolotto Valeria , Lim Seung T. , Conant Katherine , Grilli Mariagrazia
Published: December 2015

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases that play a role in varied forms of developmental and postnatal neuroplasticity. MMP substrates include protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1), a G-protein coupled receptor expressed in hippocampus. We examined proliferation and differentiation of adult neural progenitor cells (aNPCs) from hippocampi of mice that overexpress the potent PAR-1 agonist MMP-1. We found that, as compared to aNPCs from littermate controls, MMP-1 tg aNPCs display enhanced proliferation. Under differentiating conditions, these cells give rise to a higher percentage of MAP-2+neurons and a reduced number of oligodendrocyte precursors, and no change in the number of astrocytes. The fact that these results are MMP and PAR-1 dependent is supported by studies with distinct antagonists. Moreover, JSH-23, an inhibitor of NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation, counteracted both the proliferation and differentiation changes seen in MMP-1 tg-derived NPCs. In complementary studies, we found that the percentage of Sox2+undifferentiated progenitor cells is increased in hippocampi of MMP-1 tg animals, compared to wt mice. Together, these results add to a growing body of data suggesting that MMPs are effectors of hippocampal neuroplasticity in the adult CNS and that the MMP-1/PAR-1 axis may play a role in neurogenesis following physiological and/or pathological stimuli.
Effect of Propolis on Experimental Cutaneous Wound Healing in Dogs
Authors: Abu-Seida Ashraf M.
Published: December 2015

This study evaluates clinically the effect of propolis paste on healing of cutaneous wound in dogs. Under general anesthesia and complete aseptic conditions, two full thickness skin wounds (3 cm diameter) were created in each side of the chest in five dogs, one dorsal and one ventral, with 10 cm between them. These wounds were randomly allocated into two groups, control group (10 wounds) and propolis group (10 wounds). Both groups were represented in each dog. The wounds were cleaned with normal saline solution and dressed with macrogol ointment in control group and propolis paste in propolis group, twice daily till complete wound healing. Measurement of the wound area (cm2) was monitored planimetrically at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after injury. The data were analyzed statistically. The results revealed a significant reduction in the wound surface area in the propolis group after 14 and 21 days compared to control group. The wound reepithelization, contraction, and total wound healing were faster in propolis group than in control group during five weeks of study. In conclusion, propolis paste has a positive impact on cutaneous wound healing and it may be suggested for treating various types of wounds in animals.
Efficient Midfrequency Analysis of Built-Up Structure Systems with Interval Parameters
Authors: Yin Hui , Yu Dejie , Yin Shengwen , Xia Baizhan
Published: December 2015

To improve the efficiency of midfrequency analysis of built-up structure systems with interval parameters, the second-order interval and subinterval perturbation methods are introduced into the hybrid finite element/statistical energy analysis (FE/SEA) framework in this paper. Based on the FE/SEA for built-up structure systems and the second-order interval perturbation method, the response variables are expanded with the second-order Taylor series and nondiagonal elements of the Hessian matrices are neglected. Extreme values of the expanded variables are searched by using efficient search algorithm. For large parameter intervals, the subinterval perturbation method is introduced. Numerical results verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Review of Subcutaneous Wound Drainage in Reducing Surgical Site Infections after Laparotomy
Authors: Manzoor B. , Heywood N. , Sharma A.
Published: December 2015

Purpose.Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a significant problem after laparotomies. The aim of this review was to assess the evidence on the efficacy of subcutaneous wound drainage in reducing SSI.Methods. MEDLINE database was searched. Studies were identified and screened according to criteria to determine their eligibility for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was performed using the Mantel-Haenszel method and a fixed effects model.Results. Eleven studies were included with two thousand eight hundred and sixty-four patients. One thousand four hundred and fifty patients were in the control group and one thousand four hundred and fourteen patients were in the drain group. Wound drainage in all patients shows no statistically significant benefit in reducing SSI incidence. Use of drainage in high risk patients, contaminated wound types, and obese patients appears beneficial.Conclusion. Using subcutaneous wound drainage after laparotomy in all patients is unnecessary as it does not reduce SSI risk. Similarly, there seems to be no benefit in using it in clean and clean contaminated wounds. However, there may be benefit in using drains in patients who are at high risk, including patients who are obese and/or have contaminated wound types. A well designed trial is needed which examines these factors.
Complications Associated with the Use of Supraglottic Airway Devices in Perioperative Medicine
Authors: Michalek Pavel , Donaldson William , Vobrubova Eliska , Hakl Marek
Published: December 2015

Supraglottic airway devices are routinely used for airway maintenance in elective surgical procedures where aspiration is not a significant risk and also as rescue devices in difficult airway management. Some devices now have features mitigating risk of aspiration, such as drain tubes or compartments to manage regurgitated content. Despite this, the use of these device may be associated with various complications including aspiration. This review highlights the types and incidence of these complications. They include regurgitation and aspiration of gastric contents, compression of vascular structures, trauma, and nerve injury. The incidence of such complications is quite low, but as some carry with them a significant degree of morbidity the need to follow manufacturers’ advice is underlined. The incidence of gastric content aspiration associated with the devices is estimated to be as low as 0.02% with perioperative regurgitation being significantly higher but underreported. Other serious, but extremely rare, complications include pharyngeal rupture, pneumomediastinum, mediastinitis, or arytenoid dislocation. Mild short-lasting adverse effects of the devices have significantly higher incidence than serious complications and involve postoperative sore throat, dysphagia, pain on swallowing, or hoarseness. Devices may have deleterious effect on cervical mucosa or vasculature depending on their cuff volume and pressure.
Shape-Evolution and Growth Mechanism of Fe3O4Polyhedrons
Authors: Chen Liqiao , Zhou Qiang , Xiong Qingfeng , Li Wenlin , Liu Jisong , Yang Xianfeng
Published: December 2015

The shape evolution of spinel-structured Fe3O4was systematically investigated using a one-pot solvothermal route. Using FeCl3·6H2O as the precursor, triangular and hexagonal plates, octahedrons, dodecahedrons, and spherical Fe3O4were obtained by selecting the adequate ration of NaOH, N2H4·H2O, Fe3+, and EDTA. The slow nucleation and growth rate favor the formation of low energy plate-like products, and the spherical crystals are obtained as the result of extremely fast nucleation and growth rate. It is also suggested that the generating rate of Fe(II) reduced from Fe(III) probably affects the growth speed along different facets, further influencing the final size and shape of the produced crystals.
Neutrophil Leukocyte: Combustive Microbicidal Action and Chemiluminescence
Authors: Allen Robert C.
Published: December 2015

Neutrophil leukocytes protect against a varied and complex array of microbes by providing microbicidal action that is simple, potent, and focused. Neutrophils provide such action via redox reactions that change the frontier orbitals of oxygen (O2) facilitating combustion. The spin conservation rules define the symmetry barrier that prevents direct reaction of diradical O2with nonradical molecules, explaining why combustion is not spontaneous. In burning, the spin barrier is overcome when energy causes homolytic bond cleavage producing radicals capable of reacting with diradical O2to yield oxygenated radical products that further participate in reactive propagation. Neutrophil mediated combustion is by a different pathway. Changing the spin quantum state of O2removes the symmetry restriction to reaction. Electronically excited singlet molecular oxygen (O2*1) is a potent electrophilic reactant with a finite lifetime that restricts its radius of reactivity and focuses combustive action on the target microbe. The resulting exergonic dioxygenation reactions produce electronically excited carbonyls that relax by light emission, that is, chemiluminescence. This overview of neutrophil combustive microbicidal action takes the perspectives of spin conservation and bosonic-fermionic frontier orbital considerations. The necessary principles of particle physics and quantum mechanics are developed and integrated into a fundamental explanation of neutrophil microbicidal metabolism.
The Values and Limitations of FDG-PET/CT for Diagnosis of Hibernoma
Authors: Park Jong Hoon , Ogura Koichi , Fujiwara Tomohiro , Nagano Akihito , Numoto Kunihiko , Terauchi Takashi , Yoshida Akihiko , Kawai Akira
Published: December 2015

Hibernoma is a rare benign lipogenic tumor of brown fat that develops in a wide variety of locations. Although the features of hibernoma demonstrated by MRI resemble those of liposarcoma, recent FDG-PET/CT studies have documented higher radiotracer uptake than liposarcoma, suggesting that FDG/PET/CT is useful for differentiating hibernoma from liposarcoma. Here we report two cases of hibernoma that showed relatively lower SUVs than those reported previously, lying within the range for liposarcoma. Our findings emphasize that hibernoma needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of any fat-containing tumor showing intense accumulation by FDG-PET/CT. Although it is unlikely that such a rare condition could be reasonably diagnosed on the basis of MRI and FDG-PET/CT alone due to possible SUV overlap between hibernoma and liposarcoma, it is important to recognize this extremely rare lipogenic tumor for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Fabrication of Spin‐Transfer Nano‐Oscillator by Colloidal Lithography
Authors: Fang Bin , Feng Jiafeng , Wei Hongxiang , Han Xiufeng , Zhang Baoshun , Zeng Zhongming
Published: December 2015

We fabricate nanoscale spin‐transfer oscillators (STOs) by utilizing colloidal nanoparticles as a lithographic mask. By this approach, high quality STO devices can be fabricated, and as an example the fabricated STO devices using MgO magnetic tunnel junction as the basic cell exhibit current‐induced microwave emission with a large frequency tunability of 0.22 GHz/mA. Compared to the conventional approaches that involve a step of defining nanoscale elements by means of electron beam lithography, which is not readily available for many groups, our strategy for STO fabrication does not require the sophisticated equipment (~ million dollars per unit) and expensive lithography resist, while being cost‐effective and easy to use in laboratory level. This will accelerate efforts to implement STO into on‐chip integrated high‐radio frequency applications.
The Protective Effects of Trypsin Inhibitor on Hepatic Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury and Liver Graft Survival
Authors: Guan Lianyue , Liu Hongyu , Fu Peiyao , Li Zhuonan , Li Peidong , Xie Lijuan , Xin Mingang , Wang Zhanpeng , Li Wei
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to explore the protective effects of ulinastatin (urinary trypsin inhibitor, UTI) on liver ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) and graft survival. We employed mouse liver cold IRI and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) models. UTI was added to lactated Ringer’s (LR) solution for liver perfusion and preservation in vitro or combined with UTI injection intraperitoneally to the liver graft recipient. Our results indicated that UTI supplementation protected the liver from cold IRI in a dose‐dependent manner and prolonged liver graft survival from extended cold preserved liver donors significantly. The underlying mechanism of UTI on liver IRI may be mediated by inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine release, increasing the expression of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 and decreasing the expression of the proapoptosis genes of Caspase-3 and Bax, and further protects hepatocytes from apoptotic death and improves liver function.
Gene Transfection of Human Turbinate Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Derived from Human Inferior Turbinate Tissues
Authors: Kwon Jin Seon , Park Seung Hun , Baek Ji Hye , Dung Truong Minh , Kim Sung Won , Min Byoung Hyun , Kim Jae Ho , Kim Moon Suk
Published: December 2015

Human turbinate mesenchymal stromal cells (hTMSCs) are novel stem cells derived from nasal inferior turbinate tissues. They are easy to isolate from the donated tissue after turbinectomy or conchotomy. In this study, we applied hTMSCs to a nonviral gene delivery system using polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a gene carrier; furthermore, the cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency of hTMSCs were evaluated to confirm their potential as resources in gene therapy. DNA‐PEI nanoparticles (NPs) were generated by adding the PEI solution to DNA and were characterized by a gel electrophoresis and by measuring particle size and surface charge of NPs. The hTMSCs were treated with DNA‐PEI NPs for 4 h, and toxicity of NPs to hTMSCs and gene transfection efficiency were monitored using MTT assay, fluorescence images, and flow cytometry after 24 h and 48 h. At a high negative‐to‐positive charge ratio, DNA‐PEI NPs treatment led to cytotoxicity of hTMSCs, but the transfection efficiency of DNA was increased due to the electrostatic effect between the NPs and the membranes of hTMSCs. Importantly, the results of this research verified that PEI could deliver DNA into hTMSCs with high efficiency, suggesting that hTMSCs could be considered as untapped resources for applications in gene therapy.
Morin Attenuates Ovalbumin‐Induced Airway Inflammation by Modulating Oxidative Stress‐Responsive MAPK Signaling
Authors: Ma Yuan , Ge Ai , Zhu Wen , Liu Ya-Nan , Ji Ning-Fei , Zha Wang-Jian , Zhang Jia-Xiang , Zeng Xiao-Ning , Huang Mao
Published: December 2015

Asthma is one of the most common inflammatory diseases characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and remodeling. Morin, an active ingredient obtained from Moraceae plants, has been demonstrated to have promising anti‐inflammatory activities in a range of disorders. However, its impacts on pulmonary diseases, particularly on asthma, have not been clarified. This study was designed to investigate whether morin alleviates airway inflammation in chronic asthma with an emphasis on oxidative stress modulation. In vivo, ovalbumin‐ (OVA‐) sensitized mice were administered with morin or dexamethasone before challenge. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were obtained to perform cell counts, histological analysis, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In vitro, human bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) were challenged by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α). The supernatant was collected for the detection of the proinflammatory proteins, and the cells were collected for reactive oxygen species (ROS)/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) evaluations. Severe inflammatory responses and remodeling were observed in the airways of the OVA‐sensitized mice. Treatment with morin dramatically attenuated the extensive trafficking of inflammatory cells into the BALF and inhibited their infiltration around the respiratory tracts and vessels. Morin administration also significantly suppressed goblet cell hyperplasia and collagen deposition/fibrosis and dose‐dependently inhibited the OVA‐induced increases in IgE, TNF‐α, interleukin‐ (IL‐) 4, IL‐13, matrix metalloproteinase‐9, and malondialdehyde. In human BECs challenged by TNF‐α, the levels of proteins such as eotaxin‐1, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, IL‐8 and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, were consistently significantly decreased by morin. Western blotting and the 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein assay revealed that the increases in intracellular ROS and MAPK phosphorylation were abolished by morin, implying that ROS/MAPK signaling contributes to the relief of airway inflammation. Our findings indicate for the first time that morin alleviates airway inflammation in chronic asthma, which probably occurs via the oxidative stress‐responsive MAPK pathway, highlighting a novel profile of morin as a potent agent for asthma management.
Visibility of River Plume Fronts with an X-Band Radar
Authors: Takewaka Satoshi
Published: December 2015

A land-based X-band radar was employed to observe river plume fronts at the mouth of the Tenryu River, Japan. Time-averaged radar images captured fronts extending offshore from the river’s mouth as bright streaks. Comparisons between satellite optical images and radar images confirm that streaky features in the radar image represent color river plume fronts. Further corroboration comes from field observations of water temperature, salinity, and turbidity conducted simultaneously with the radar measurements. When a survey ship crossed the front, the measured properties varied discontinuously, suggesting that water from the river and sea converged there and also that a downwards current was present. Variation of visibility of the fronts was assessed and compared with the rate of variation of water level and the wind speed and direction. The radar is able to image fronts when the water level is decreasing during ebb tide and the wind speed is over 3 m/s along shore. Surface ripple waves are generated by the local wind, and if they propagate across the front, wave heights increase, causing higher backscatter of the emitted radar beam. This observation gives further evidence on the imaging mechanism of river plume fronts with X-band radars in relation to wind direction.
SIRT1-Activating Compounds (STAC) Negatively Regulate Pancreatic Cancer Cell Growth and Viability Through a SIRT1 Lysosomal-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Chini Claudia C.S. , Espindola-Netto Jair M. , Mondal Gourish , Guerrico Anatilde M. Gonzalez , Nin Veronica , Escande Carlos , Sola-Penna Mauro , Zhang Jin-San , Billadeau Daniel D. , Chini Eduardo N.
Published: December 2015

Purpose: Recent studies suggest that SIRT1-activating compounds (STAC) are a promising class of anticancer drugs, although their mechanism of action remains elusive. The main goal of this study is to determine the role of STACs as a potential therapy for pancreatic cancer. In addition, we also explored the mechanism by which these compounds affect pancreatic cancer.

Experimental design: Using in vitro (cell culture experiments) and in vivo (xenograft experiments) approaches, we studied the role of SIRT1 agonists (STAC) in human pancreatic cancer cell viability and growth.

Results: We show that SIRT1 is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer cells and that the STACs SRT1720, SRT1460, and SRT3025 inhibited cell growth and survival of pancreatic cancer cells. STACs enhanced the sensitivity of pancreatic cells to gemcitabine and paclitaxel, indicating that these drugs could be used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. We also show that STACs were very effective in inhibiting tumor xenograft growth. In mechanistic studies, we observed that STACs activated a SIRT1 lysosomal–dependent cell death. Furthermore, the effect of STACs on cell viability was also dependent on the expression of the endogenous SIRT1 inhibitor DBC1.

Conclusions: Taken together, our results reveal an essential role for SIRT1 and lysosomes in the death pathway regulated by STACs in pancreatic cancer cells. Clin Cancer Res; 22(10); 2496–507. ©2015 AACR.
T1 Mapping in Discrimination of Hypertrophic Phenotypes: Hypertensive Heart Disease and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hinojar Rocio , Varma Niharika , Child Nick , Goodman Benjamin , Jabbour Andrew , Yu Chung-Yao , Gebker Rolf , Doltra Adelina , Kelle Sebastian , Khan Sitara , Rogers Toby , Arroyo Ucar Eduardo , Cummins Ciara , Carr-White Gerald , Nagel Eike , Puntmann Valentina O.
Published: December 2015

Background—

The differential diagnosis of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy remains challenging in clinical practice, in particular, between hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and increased LV wall thickness because of systemic hypertension. Diffuse myocardial disease is a characteristic feature in HCM, and an early manifestation of sarcomere–gene mutations in subexpressed family members (G+P− subjects). This study aimed to investigate whether detecting diffuse myocardial disease by T1 mapping can discriminate between HCM versus hypertensive heart disease as well as to detect genetically driven interstitial changes in the G+P− subjects.

Methods and Results—

Patients with diagnoses of HCM or hypertension (HCM, n=95; hypertension, n=69) and G+P− subjects (n=23) underwent a clinical cardiovascular magnetic resonance protocol (3 tesla) for cardiac volumes, function, and scar imaging. T1 mapping was performed before and >20 minutes after administration of 0.2 mmol/kg of gadobutrol. Native T1 and extracellular volume fraction were significantly higher in HCM compared with patients with hypertension (
P
<0.0001), including in subgroup comparisons of HCM subjects without evidence of late gadolinium enhancement, as well as of hypertensive patients LV wall thickness of >15 mm (
P
<0.0001). Compared with controls, native T1 was significantly higher in G+P− subjects (
P
<0.0001) and 65% of G+P− subjects had a native T1 value >2 SD above the mean of the normal range. Native T1 was an independent discriminator between HCM and hypertension, over and above extracellular volume fraction, LV wall thickness and indexed LV mass. Native T1 was also useful in separating G+P− subjects from controls.

Conclusions—

Native T1 may be applied to discriminate between HCM and hypertensive heart disease and detect early changes in G+P− subjects.
Acute Kidney Injury Risk Prediction in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography in a National Veterans Health Administration Cohort With External Validation
Authors: Brown Jeremiah R. , MacKenzie Todd A. , Maddox Thomas M. , Fly James , Tsai Thomas T. , Plomondon Mary E. , Nielson Christopher D. , Siew Edward D. , Resnic Frederic S. , Baker Clifton R. , Rumsfeld John S. , Matheny Michael E.
Published: December 2015

Background

Acute kidney injury (
AKI
) occurs frequently after cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention. Although a clinical risk model exists for percutaneous coronary intervention, no models exist for both procedures, nor do existing models account for risk factors prior to the index admission. We aimed to develop such a model for use in prospective automated surveillance programs in the Veterans Health Administration.

Methods and Results

We collected data on all patients undergoing cardiac catheterization or percutaneous coronary intervention in the Veterans Health Administration from January 01, 2009 to September 30, 2013, excluding patients with chronic dialysis, end‐stage renal disease, renal transplant, and missing pre‐ and postprocedural creatinine measurement. We used 4
AKI
definitions in model development and included risk factors from up to 1 year prior to the procedure and at presentation. We developed our prediction models for postprocedural
AKI
using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (
LASSO
) and internally validated using bootstrapping. We developed models using 115 633 angiogram procedures and externally validated using 27 905 procedures from a New England cohort. Models had cross‐validated C‐statistics of 0.74 (95%
CI
: 0.74–0.75) for
AKI
, 0.83 (95%
CI
: 0.82–0.84) for
AKIN
2, 0.74 (95%
CI
: 0.74–0.75) for contrast‐induced nephropathy, and 0.89 (95%
CI
: 0.87–0.90) for dialysis.

Conclusions

We developed a robust, externally validated clinical prediction model for
AKI
following cardiac catheterization or percutaneous coronary intervention to automatically identify high‐risk patients before and immediately after a procedure in the Veterans Health Administration. Work is ongoing to incorporate these models into routine clinical practice.