bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three species of the genus Trichogalumna (Acari: Oribatida: Galumnidae) from Japan
Authors: HAGINO WATARU , BAYARTOGTOKH BADAMDORJ , SHIMANO SATOSHI , HIRUTA SHIMPEI F.
Published: June 2017

Although almost 50 species of Galumnidae (Oribatida) have been recorded in Japan, more species remain undiscovered. In the present work, we propose two new species from southern Japan, Trichogalumna boninensis sp. nov. and T. ohkuboi sp. nov., and provide an additional description of T. imperfecta Ohkubo, 1984. Trichogalumna boninensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from other closely related species by the smaller body size, and the large granular ornamentation along the hinges of the pteromorphs. Trichogalumna ohkuboi sp. nov. can be distinguished from other closely related species by the absence of granular ornamentation on the proximal margin of the dorsal surface of the pteromorph, the striated genital plates, the absence of granular ornamentation on the humeral region of the notogaster, the short lamellar and interlamellar setae, the distantly located porose areas of A1 and A2, and the different number of epimeral setae. Furthermore, we present data on habitat ecology and biogeography of Japanese species of Trichogalumna, and a key is provided for identification of all species in the world.
Two new larval Leptus Latreille (Trombidiformes: Erythraeidae) from Brazil
Authors: Haitlinger Ryszard , Šundić Miloje , Pompermaier Vinicius Tirelli
Published: June 2017

Leptus (Leptus) brasilicus sp. nov. and L. (L.) planaltensis sp. nov. are described and illustrated from larval mites collected in Central Brazil.
Optimization of electrospun poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) mats for the rapid reversible adhesion of mammalian cells
Authors: Cicotte Kirsten N. , Reed Jamie A. , Nguyen Phuong Anh H. , De Lora Jacqueline A. , Hedberg-Dirk Elizabeth L. , Canavan Heather E.
Published: June 2017

Poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (pNIPAM) is a “smart” polymer that responds to changes in altering temperature near physiologically relevant temperatures, changing its relative hydrophobicity. Mammalian cells attach to pNIPAM at 37 °C and detach spontaneously as a confluent sheet when the temperature is shifted below the lower critical solution temperature (∼32 °C). A variety of methods have been used to create pNIPAM films, including plasma polymerization, self-assembled monolayers, and electron beam ionization. However, detachment of confluent cell sheets from these pNIPAM films can take well over an hour to achieve potentially impacting cellular behavior. In this work, pNIPAM mats were prepared via electrospinning (i.e., espNIPAM) by a previously described technique that the authors optimized for cell attachment and rapid cell detachment. Several electrospinning parameters were varied (needle gauge, collection time, and molecular weight of the polymer) to determine the optimum parameters. The espNIPAM mats were then characterized using Fourier-transform infrared, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The espNIPAM mats showing the most promise were seeded with mammalian cells from standard cell lines (MC3T3-E1) as well as cancerous tumor (EMT6) cells. Once confluent, the temperature of the cells and mats was changed to ∼25 °C, resulting in the extremely rapid swelling of the mats. The authors find that espNIPAM mats fabricated using small, dense fibers made of high molecular weight pNIPAM are extremely well-suited as a rapid release method for cell sheet harvesting.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Tigecycline in Critically Ill Patients with Severe Infections
Authors: Xie Jiao , Roberts Jason A. , Alobaid Abdulaziz S. , Roger Claire , Wang Yan , Yang Qianting , Sun Jinyao , Dong Haiyan , Wang Xue , Xing Jianfeng , Lipman Jeffrey , Dong Yalin
Published: June 2017

We sought to describe the population pharmacokinetics of tigecycline in critically ill patients and to determine optimized dosing regimens of tigecycline for different bacterial infections. This prospective study included 10 critically ill patients given a standard dose of tigecycline. Blood samples were collected during one dosing interval and were analyzed using validated chromatography. Population pharmacokinetics and Monte Carlo dosing simulations were undertaken using Pmetrics. Three target exposures, expressed as ratios of the 24-h area under the curve to MICs (AUC
0–24
/MIC), were evaluated (≥17.9 for skin infections, ≥6.96 for intra-abdominal infections, ≥4.5 for hospital-acquired pneumonia). The median age, total body weight, and body mass index (BMI) were 67 years, 69.1 kg, and 24.7 kg/m
2
, respectively. A two-compartment linear model best described the time course of tigecycline concentrations. The parameter estimates (expressed as means ± standard deviations [SD]) from the final model were as follows: clearance (CL), 7.50 ± 1.11 liters/h; volume in the central compartment, 72.50 ± 21.18 liters; rate constant for tigecycline distribution from the central to the peripheral compartment, 0.31 ± 0.16 h
−1
; and rate constant for tigecycline distribution from the peripheral to the central compartment, 0.29 ± 0.30 h
−1
. A larger BMI was associated with increased CL of tigecycline. Licensed doses were found to be sufficient for
Enterobacter cloacae
,
Escherichia coli
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, and methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
for an AUC
0–24
/MIC target of 4.5 or 6.96. For a therapeutic target of 17.9, an increased tigecycline dose is required, especially for patients with higher BMI. The dosing requirements of tigecycline differ with the indication, with pathogen susceptibility, and potentially with patient BMI.
Pharmacokinetics of Pyrazinamide and Optimal Dosing Regimens for Drug-Sensitive and -Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Chirehwa Maxwell T. , McIlleron Helen , Rustomjee Roxana , Mthiyane Thuli , Onyebujoh Philip , Smith Peter , Denti Paolo
Published: June 2017

Pyrazinamide is used in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) because its sterilizing effect against tubercle bacilli allows the shortening of treatment. It is part of standard treatment for drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB, and it is being considered as a companion drug in novel regimens. The aim of this analysis was to characterize factors contributing to the variability in exposure and to evaluate drug exposures using alternative doses, thus providing evidence to support revised dosing recommendations for drug-susceptible and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Pyrazinamide pharmacokinetic (PK) data from 61 HIV/TB-coinfected patients in South Africa were used in the analysis. The patients were administered weight-adjusted doses of pyrazinamide, rifampin, isoniazid, and ethambutol in fixed-dose combination tablets according to WHO guidelines and underwent intensive PK sampling on days 1, 8, 15, and 29. The data were interpreted using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. PK profiles were best described using a one-compartment model with first-order elimination. Allometric scaling was applied to disposition parameters using fat-free mass. Clearance increased by 14% from the 1st day to the 29th day of treatment. More than 50% of patients with weight less than 55 kg achieved lower pyrazinamide exposures at steady state than the targeted area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h of 363 mg · h/liter. Among patients with drug-susceptible TB, adding 400 mg to the dose for those weighing 30 to 54 kg improved exposure. Average pyrazinamide exposure in different weight bands among patients with MDR-TB could be matched by administering 1,500 mg, 1,750 mg, and 2,000 mg to patients in the 33- to 50-kg, 51- to 70-kg, and greater than 70-kg weight bands, respectively.
Resistance to the Cyclotide Cycloviolacin O2 in Salmonella enterica Caused by Different Mutations That Often Confer Cross-Resistance or Collateral Sensitivity to Other Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Malik Sohaib Z. , Linkevicius Marius , Göransson Ulf , Andersson Dan I.
Published: June 2017

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential components of innate immunity in all living organisms, and these potent broad-spectrum antimicrobials have inspired several antibacterial development programs in the past 2 decades. In this study, the development of resistance to the Gram-negative bacterium-specific peptide cycloviolacin O2 (cyO2), a member of the cyclotide family of plant miniproteins, was characterized in
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium LT2. Mutants isolated from serial passaging experiments in increasing concentrations of cyO2 were characterized by whole-genome sequencing. The identified mutations were genetically reconstituted in a wild-type background. The additive effect of mutations was studied in double mutants. Fitness costs, levels of resistance, and cross-resistance to another cyclotide, other peptide and nonpeptide antibiotics, and AMPs were determined. A variety of resistance mutations were identified. Some of these reduced fitness and others had no effect on fitness
in vitro
, in the absence of cyO2. In mouse competition experiments, four of the cyO2-resistant mutants showed a significant fitness advantage, whereas the effects of the mutations in the others appeared to be neutral. The level of resistance was increased by combining several individual resistance mutations. Several cases of cross-resistance and collateral sensitivity between cyclotides, other AMPs, and antibiotics were identified. These results show that resistance to cyclotides can evolve via several different types of mutations with only minor fitness costs and that these mutations often affect resistance to other AMPs.
Antibiotic-Mediated Modulations of Outer Membrane Vesicles in Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O104:H4 and O157:H7
Authors: Bauwens Andreas , Kunsmann Lisa , Karch Helge , Mellmann Alexander , Bielaszewska Martina
Published: June 2017

Ciprofloxacin, meropenem, fosfomycin, and polymyxin B strongly increase production of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) in
Escherichia coli
O104:H4 and O157:H7. Ciprofloxacin also upregulates OMV-associated Shiga toxin 2a, the major virulence factor of these pathogens, whereas the other antibiotics increase OMV production without the toxin. These two effects might worsen the clinical outcome of infections caused by Shiga toxin-producing
E. coli
. Our data support the existing recommendations to avoid antibiotics for treatment of these infections.
Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Fosfomycin against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. from Urinary Tract Infections and the Influence of pH on Fosfomycin Activities
Authors: Fedrigo Nayara Helisandra , Mazucheli Josmar , Albiero James , Shinohara Danielle Rosani , Lodi Fernanda Gomes , Machado Ana Cristina dos Santos , Sy Sherwin K. B. , Tognim Maria Cristina Bronharo
Published: June 2017

Fosfomycin is widely used for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI), and it has recently been recommended that fosfomycin be used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacilli. Whether urine acidification can improve bacterial susceptibility to fosfomycin oral dosing regimens has not been analyzed. The MIC of fosfomycin for 245 Gram-negative bacterial isolates, consisting of 158
Escherichia coli
isolates and 87
Klebsiella
isolates which were collected from patients with urinary tract infections, were determined at pH 6.0 and 7.0 using the agar dilution method. Monte Carlo simulation of the urinary fosfomycin area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) after a single oral dose of 3,000 mg fosfomycin and the MIC distribution were used to determine the probability of target attainment (PTA). Fosfomycin was effective against
E. coli
(MIC
90
≤ 16 μg/ml) but not against
Klebsiella
spp. (MIC
90
> 512 μg/ml). Acidification of the environment increased the susceptibility of 71% of the bacterial isolates and resulted in a statistically significant decrease in bacterial survival. The use of a regimen consisting of a single oral dose of fosfomycin against an
E. coli
isolate with an MIC of ≤64 mg/liter was able to achieve a PTA of ≥90% for a target pharmacodynamic index (AUC/MIC) of 23 in urine; PTA was not achieved when the MIC was higher than 64 mg/liter. The cumulative fractions of the bacterial responses (CFR) were 99% and 55% against
E. coli
and
Klebsiella
spp., respectively, based on simulated drug exposure in urine with an acidic pH of 6.0. A decrease of the pH from 7.0 to 6.0 improved the PTA and CFR of the target pharmacodynamic index in both
E. coli
and
Klebsiella
isolates.
Control of Mucosal Candidiasis in the Zebrafish Swim Bladder Depends on Neutrophils That Block Filament Invasion and Drive Extracellular-Trap Production
Authors: Gratacap Remi L. , Scherer Allison K. , Seman Brittany G. , Wheeler Robert T.
Published: June 2017

Candida albicans
is a ubiquitous mucosal commensal that is normally prevented from causing acute or chronic invasive disease. Neutrophils contribute to protection in oral infection but exacerbate vulvovaginal candidiasis. To dissect the role of neutrophils during mucosal candidiasis, we took advantage of a new, transparent zebrafish swim bladder infection model. Intravital microscopic tracking of individual animals revealed that the blocking of neutrophil recruitment leads to rapid mortality in this model through faster disease progression. Conversely, artificial recruitment of neutrophils during early infection reduces disease pressure. Noninvasive longitudinal tracking showed that mortality is a consequence of
C. albicans
breaching the epithelial barrier and invading surrounding tissues. Accordingly, we found that a hyperfilamentous
C. albicans
strain breaches the epithelial barrier more frequently and causes mortality in immunocompetent zebrafish. A lack of neutrophils at the infection site is associated with less fungus-associated extracellular DNA and less damage to fungal filaments, suggesting that neutrophil extracellular traps help to protect the epithelial barrier from
C. albicans
breach. We propose a homeostatic model where
C. albicans
disease pressure is balanced by neutrophil-mediated damage of fungi, maintaining this organism as a commensal while minimizing the risk of damage to host tissue. The unequaled ability to dissect infection dynamics at a high spatiotemporal resolution makes this zebrafish model a unique tool for understanding mucosal host-pathogen interactions.
Positive- and Negative-Control Pathways by Blood Components for Intermedilysin Production in Streptococcus intermedius
Authors: Tomoyasu Toshifumi , Yamasaki Takahiro , Chiba Shinya , Kusaka Shingo , Tabata Atsushi , Whiley Robert A. , Nagamune Hideaki
Published: June 2017

Streptococcus intermedius
is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen secreting a human-specific cytolysin called intermedilysin (ILY) as a major pathogenic factor. This bacterium can degrade glycans into monosaccharides using two glycosidases, multisubstrate glycosidase A (MsgA) and neuraminidase (NanA). Here, we detected a stronger hemolytic activity mediated by ILY when
S. intermedius
PC574 was cultured in fetal bovine serum (FBS) than when it was grown in the standard culture medium. FBS-cultured cells also showed higher MsgA and NanA activity, although overproduction of ILY in FBS was undetectable in mutants
nanA
-null and
msgA
-null. Addition of purified MsgA and NanA to the FBS resulted in a release of 2.8 mM galactose and 4.3 mM
N
-acetylneuraminic acid; these sugar concentrations were sufficient to upregulate the expression of ILY, MsgA, and NanA. Conversely, when strain PC574 was cultured in human plasma, no similar increase in hemolytic activity was observed. Moreover, addition of human plasma to the culture in FBS appeared to inhibit the stimulatory effect of FBS on ILY, MsgA, and NanA, although there were individual differences among the plasma samples. We confirmed that human plasma contains immunoglobulins that can neutralize ILY, MsgA, and NanA activities. In addition, human plasma had a neutralizing effect on cytotoxicity of
S. intermedius
toward HepG2 cells in FBS, and a higher concentration of human plasma was necessary to reduce the cytotoxicity of an ILY-high-producing strain than an ILY-low-producing strain. Overall, our data show that blood contains factors that stimulate and inhibit ILY expression and activity, which may affect pathogenicity of
S. intermedius
.
Mechanisms of Pyocyanin Toxicity and Genetic Determinants of Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Noto Michael J. , Burns William J. , Beavers William N. , Skaar Eric P.
Published: June 2017

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and
Staphylococcus aureus
are commonly isolated from polymicrobial infections, such as wound infections and chronic respiratory infections of persons with cystic fibrosis. Despite their coisolation,
P. aeruginosa
produces substances toxic to
S. aureus
, including pyocyanin, a blue-pigmented molecule that functions in
P. aeruginosa
virulence. Pyocyanin inhibits
S. aureus
respiration, forcing it to derive energy from fermentation and adopt a small-colony variant (SCV) phenotype. The mechanisms by which
S. aureus
sustains infection in the presence of pyocyanin are not clear. We sought to clarify the mechanisms of pyocyanin toxicity in
S. aureus
as well as identify the staphylococcal factors involved in its resistance to pyocyanin toxicity. Nonrespiring
S. aureus
SCVs are inhibited by pyocyanin through pyocyanin-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, indicating that pyocyanin toxicity is mediated through respiratory inhibition and ROS generation. Selection on pyocyanin yielded a menadione auxotrophic SCV capable of growth on high concentrations of pyocyanin. Genome sequencing of this isolate identified mutations in four genes, including
saeS
,
menD
, NWMN_0006, and
qsrR
. QsrR is a quinone-sensing repressor of quinone detoxification genes. Inactivation of
qsrR
resulted in significant pyocyanin resistance, and additional pyocyanin resistance was achieved through combined inactivation of
qsrR
and menadione biosynthesis. Pyocyanin-resistant
S. aureus
has an enhanced capability to inactivate pyocyanin, suggesting QsrR-regulated gene products may degrade pyocyanin to alleviate toxicity. These findings demonstrate pyocyanin-mediated ROS generation as an additional mechanism of pyocyanin toxicity and define QsrR as a key mediator of pyocyanin resistance in
S. aureus
.

IMPORTANCE
Many bacterial infections occur in the presence of other microbes, where interactions between different microbes and the host impact disease. In patients with cystic fibrosis, chronic lung infection with multiple microbes results in the most severe disease manifestations.
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
are prevalent cystic fibrosis pathogens, and infection with both is associated with worse outcomes. These organisms have evolved mechanisms of competing with one another. For example,
P. aeruginosa
produces pyocyanin, which inhibits
S. aureus
growth. Our research has identified how pyocyanin inhibits
S. aureus
growth and how
S. aureus
can adapt to survive in the presence of pyocyanin. Understanding how
S. aureus
sustains infection in the presence of
P. aeruginosa
may identify means of disrupting these microbial communities.
A
priA
Mutant Expressed in Two Pieces Has Almost Full Activity in Escherichia coli K-12
Authors: Leroux Maxime , Jani Niketa , Sandler Steven J.
Published: June 2017

The ability to restart broken DNA replication forks is essential across all domains of life. In
Escherichia coli
, the
priA
,
priB
,
priC
, and
dnaT
genes encode the replication restart proteins (RRPs) to accomplish this task. PriA plays a critical role in replication restart such that its absence reveals a dramatic phenotype: poor growth, high basal levels of SOS expression, poorly partitioned nucleoids (Par
−
), UV sensitivity, and recombination deficiency (Rec
−
). PriA has 733 amino acids, and its structure is composed of six domains that enable it to bind to DNA replication fork-like structures, remodel the strands of DNA, interact with SSB (single-stranded DNA binding protein), PriB, and DnaT, and display ATPase, helicase, and translocase activities. We have characterized a new
priA
mutation called
priA316
::
cat
. It is a composite mutation involving an insertion that truncates the protein within the winged-helix domain (at the 154th codon) and an ACG (Thr)-to-ATG (Met) mutation that allows reinitiation of translation at the 157th codon such that PriA is expressed in two pieces.
priA316
::
cat
phenotypes are like those of the wild type for growth, recombination, and UV resistance, revealing only a slightly increased level of SOS expression and defects in nucleoid partitioning in the mutant. Both parts of PriA are required for activity, and the N-terminal fragment can be optimized to yield wild-type activity. A deletion of the
lon
protease suppresses
priA316
::
cat
phenotypes. We hypothesize the two parts of PriA form a complex that supplies most of the PriA activity needed in the cell.

IMPORTANCE
PriA is a highly conserved multifunctional protein that plays a crucial role in the essential process of replication restart. Here we characterize an insertion mutation of
priA
with an intragenic suppressor such that it is now made in two parts. These two pieces split the winged-helix domain to separate the N-terminal 3′ DNA-binding domain from the C-terminal domain of PriA. It is hypothesized that the two pieces form a complex that is capable of almost wild type
priA
function. The composite mutation leads to a moderate level of SOS expression and defects in partitioning of the chromosomes. Full function is restored by deletion of
lon
, suggesting that stability of this complex may be a reason for the partial phenotypes seen.
Middle ear adenoma with uncommon presentation and literature review
Authors: Wang Lin , Ouyang Nengtai , Guo Hai Xia , Liu Qing-yu
Published: June 2017

Middle ear adenoma (MEA) is a rare benign tumour. Here we report a case of MEA in a 39-year-old man with hearing loss. Some significant histopathological features of MEA and neuroendocrine differentiation identified by immunohistochemistry are described. The tumour showed remarkable and rare degenerative histological characteristics. There were a few tumour cells which were covered by degenerated tissue. Consequently, following frozen biopsy, the tumour was misdiagnosed as chronic ear inflammation. No recurrence was seen in this patient after 45 months of follow-up; regular clinical and radiological follow-up is necessary since recurrence is possible. A literature review for MEA is presented and this type of tumour is discussed clinically, microscopically and immunohistochemically. The differential diagnosis and associated treatment are described.
Cervical spinal glioblastoma multiforme in the elderly
Authors: Shastin Dmitri , Mathew Ryan K , Ismail Azzam , Towns Gerry
Published: June 2017

Spinal glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is uncommon, and its diagnosis may be challenging. This is especially true in the elderly population. Best management strategy remains to be defined. The purpose of this report is to document this rare condition, increase awareness (as a potential differential diagnosis) and propose treatment options in the elderly; a review of the relevant literature is included. A biopsy may be beneficial in given circumstances as cervical spinal GBM carries a better prognosis compared with intramedullary metastasis.
A rare case ofMycobacterium abscessussubspeciesabscessusprosthetic valve endocarditis and the clinical importance of inducibleerm(41) gene testing
Authors: Beatty Norman , Brown Craig , Zangeneh Tirdad , Al Mohajer Mayar
Published: June 2017

A 56-year-old man with a history of injection drug use and two prior episodes of native valve infective endocarditis presented with dyspnoea on exertion. Our preliminary work-up revealed bacteraemia with reported growth of ‘Mycobacterium abscessusgroup’ on multiple blood cultures. The patient was later found to have eustachian valve and prosthetic pulmonic valve endocarditis. Initially, he responded to standard antimycobacterial therapy for rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) with supporting laboratory susceptibilities. However, he later developed refractory disease and persistent bacteraemia in the setting of these alleged susceptible antibiotics. Further molecular testing revealed a functional and inducibleerm(41) gene which confers macrolide resistance. A subspecies analysis of theM abscessusgroup revealed the subspecies to beabscessus. We present a challenging case ofM abscessussubsp.abscessusbacteraemia and prosthetic valve endocarditis with further discussion on treatment and management of this infection along with the taxonomic complexity of this ubiquitous RGM.
Rapid development and recurrence of translocation renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kinnear Ned , Wreghitt Sam , Hennessey Derek Barry , Liodakis Peter
Published: June 2017

Translocation renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a rare aggressive malignancy in adults. A 40-year-old man presented with painless macroscopic haematuria. Initial investigations of renal ultrasound, CT scan, urine culture and urine cytology were normal. On rigid cystoscopy and pyelo-ureteroscopy, bleeding was seen from a normal-appearing right renal upper pole. An arteriovenous malformation was suspected, and laser cautery was performed. Left renal biopsy was performed due to proteinuria and suggested IgA nephropathy. The patient represented with haematuria and repeat imaging only 17 months after first presentation displayed a 9.8 cm right renal tumour with renal vein thrombus. An upper tract urothelial cancer was suspected, and the patient underwent right nephroureterectomy. Histopathology revealed translocation RCC, completely excised. Ten months postoperatively, metastasis was seen on surveillance imaging and subsequently confirmed on biopsy. The patient was referred for systemic therapy and remains alive 19 months postprocedure.
Morel-Lavallée lesion of the proximal tibia in an obese patient after low-energy trauma
Authors: Hogerzeil Dirk Pieter , Jansen Joris
Published: June 2017

Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLL) are usually localised in the hip or gluteal region, but have rarely been reported at the proximal tibia. We present a case of an overweight patient, aged 59, with a MLLof the left proximal tibia after a low-energy fall in his backyard. MLL pathogenesis, history, radiographic imaging, applied treatment and relevant literature to this specific case and MLL in general are discussed. Initially the patient’s MLL was managed conservatively until he presented with persisting pain and swelling. The lesion was subsequently treated by needle aspiration and stabilising knee brace.
Pitfalls of the duplex system: the mystery of the missing stone
Authors: Nyanhongo Donald Kudakwashe , Antil Satpal , Nasir Syed
Published: June 2017

A duplex ureter constitutes about 1% of the renal tract anomalies.

A 39-year-old man presented with a 4-week history of left loin pain and microscopic haematuria. Investigation with a non-contrast CT KUB revealed a 6 mm non-obstructing calculus in the left distal ureter.

Left ureteroscopy and lithotripsy was planned. However, ureteroscopy failed to identify the calculus. A double J ureteric stent was left in situ and the procedure abandoned in favour of further assessment with a CT urogram. Imaging surprisingly showed a left duplex ureter with the calculus in the non-stented ureter.

Repeat ureteroscopy noted the second ureter opening within the distal intramural part of the stented ureter. The calculus was identified and laser lithotripsy performed. A double J stent was appropriately reinserted and removed 2 weeks later.

Our case highlights the importance of contrasted imaging prior to performing ureteroscopy for calculus disease.
Unrecognised diaphragmatic hernia in a refugee child: an incidental diagnosis
Authors: Poddighe Dimitri , Boggini Tiziana , Savasta Salvatore , Marseglia Gian Luigi
Published: June 2017

A 4-year-old boy from Syria was evaluated at the emergency department because of an upper airway viral illness. His physical examination showed a significant intensity reduction of all heart sounds in the absence of any other pathological signs. As the child was affected with Down's syndrome and had suffered thoracic and abdominal trauma because of bombardments, a diaphragmatic hernia was immediately suspected and was confirmed through a simple chest X-ray. A careful clinical examination is crucial in refugee children and adolescents, as several medical and surgical disorders could have escaped previously.
Clinical features of HLA-B27-positive acute anterior uveitis with or without ankylosing spondylitis in a Chinese cohort
Authors: Yang Peizeng , Wan Wenjuan , Du Liping , Zhou Qingyun , Qi Jian , Liang Liang , Wang Chaokui , Wu Lili , Kijlstra Aize
Published: June 2017

Aims

To characterise the clinical features of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B27+acute anterior uveitis (AAU) patients with or without ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and investigate the retinal vascular involvement in these patients.

Methods

A total of 1056 HLA-B27+ AAU patients (1525 eyes) were retrospectively studied from April 2008 to February 2016. Patients were divided into human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B27+AS+ and HLA-B27+AS− group. Clinical features including the onset of uveitis, laterality, the age at first attack, clinical examinations, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), abnormalities in fundus fluorescence angiography (FFA) and complications were determined and compared between these two groups.

Results

There were 581 (55.0%) and 475 (45.0%) patients respectively classified into HLA-B27+AS+ and HLA-B27+AS− group. Males had a higher prevalence than females in the HLA-B27+AS+ group (75.2%) as compared with the HLA-B27+AS− group (51.8%, p<0.001). The HLA-B27+AS+ patients showed a higher percentage of bilateral/alternating involvement (47.3%) as compared with the HLA-B27+AS− group (36.6%, p=0.001). A higher percentage of fibrinous exudation, synechiae as well as complications including complicated cataract and secondary glaucoma were found in the HLA-B27+AS+ group as compared with the HLA-B27+AS− group. Worse visual outcome as indicated by a higher percentage of patients with BCVA <0.5 and with BCVA <0.05 was noted in the HLA-B27+AS+ group as compared with the HLA-B27+AS− group both before and after treatment. FFA showed mild capillary fluorescence leakage in the late phase with indistinctly defined margins on the peripheral retina in 39.3% of HLA-B27+ AAU patients. There was no difference concerning the retinal vascular involvement between these two groups.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed that HLA-B27+AS+ patients show a higher percentage of males, more common bilateral involvement, a higher frequency of fibrinous exudates, synechiae and secondary glaucoma as compared with HLA-B27+AS− patients. Visual outcome was poorer, possibly due to the higher prevalence of complicated cataract in HLA-B27+AS+ patients. Retinal vascular involvement was not uncommon in HLA-B27+ AAU patients.
Environmental factors explain socioeconomic prevalence differences in myopia in 6-year-old children
Authors: Tideman J Willem L , Polling Jan Roelof , Hofman Albert , Jaddoe Vincent WV , Mackenbach Johan P , Klaver Caroline CW
Published: June 2017

Purpose

High myopia (≤−6 D) usually has its onset before 10 years of age and can lead to blinding complications later in life. We examined whether differences in myopia prevalences in socioeconomic risk groups could be explained by differences in lifestyle factors.

Methods

A total of 5711 six-year-old children participating in the prospective population-based birth cohort study Generation R underwent a stepwise ophthalmic examination, which included visual acuity and objective cycloplegic refraction to identify children with myopia (≤−0.5D). Daily activities, ethnicity, factors representing family socioeconomic status and housing were ascertained by questionnaire. Risk assessments of myopia and mediation analyses were performed using logistic regression; attenuation of risks was calculated by bootstrapping.

Results

Prevalence of myopia was 2.4% (n=137). Myopic children spent more time indoors and less outdoors than non-myopic children (p<0.01), had lower vitamin D (p=0.01), had a higher body mass index and participated less in sports (p=0.03). Children of non-European descent (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.84 to 3.68), low maternal education (OR 2.27; 95% CI 1.57 to 3.28) and low family income (OR 2.62; 95% CI 1.8 to 3.74) were more often myopic. Lifestyle factors explained the majority of the increased risk for ethnicity (82%; 95% CI 55 to 120), maternal education (69%; 95% CI 45 to 109) and family socioeconomic status (71%; 95% CI 46 to 104).

Conclusion

This study found environmental factors to be strong risk factors for myopia already at the age of 6 years. The myopia prevalence differences in socioeconomic groups were greatly determined by differences in distribution of these environmental risk factors, highlighting the importance of lifestyle adjustments in young children developing myopia.
'Treated as a number, not treated as a person': a qualitative exploration of the perceived barriers to effective pain management of patients with chronic pain
Authors: Hadi Muhammad Abdul , Alldred David Phillip , Briggs Michelle , Marczewski Kathryn , Closs S José
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To identify barriers to effective pain management encountered by patients with chronic pain within the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

Design

Secondary analysis of face-to-face, semistructured qualitative interviews using thematic analysis.

Setting

A community-based chronic pain clinic jointly managed by a nurse and pharmacist located in the North of England.

Participants

Nineteen adult (>18 years) patients with chronic pain discharged from a pain clinic, with the ability to understand and speak the English language.

Results

In general, patients were highly disappointed with the quality of pain management services provided both within primary and secondary care, and consequently were willing to seek private medical care. Barriers to effective pain management were divided into two main themes: healthcare professional-related and health systems-related. Three subthemes emerged under healthcare professionals-related barriers, namely (1) healthcare professionals’ lack of interest and empathy, (2) general practitioners’ (GP) lack of specialised knowledge in pain management and (3) lack of communication between healthcare professionals. Three subthemes emerged under health system-related barriers: (1) long waiting time for appointments in secondary care, (2) short consultation times with GPs and (3) lack of an integrated multidisciplinary approach.

Conclusions

The patients expressed a clear desire for the improved provision and quality of chronic pain management services within the NHS to overcome barriers identified in this study. An integrated holistic approach based on a biopsychosocial model is required to effectively manage pain and improve patient satisfaction. Future research should explore the feasibility, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of integrated care delivery models for chronic pain management within primary care.
Impact of age on the association between cardiac high-energy phosphate metabolism and cardiac power in women
Authors: Nathania Maria , Hollingsworth Kieren G , Bates Matthew , Eggett Christopher , Trenell Michael I , Velicki Lazar , Seferovic Petar M , MacGowan Guy A , Turnbull Doug M , Jakovljevic Djordje G
Published: June 2017

Objective

Diminished cardiac high-energy phosphate metabolism (phosphocreatine-to-ATP (PCr:ATP) ratio) and cardiac power with age may play an important roles in development of cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. The study defines the impact of age on PCr:ATP ratio and cardiac power and their relationship.

Methods

Thirty-five healthy women (young≤50 years, n=20; and old≥60 years, n=15) underwent cardiac MRI with 31P spectroscopy to assess PCr:ATP ratio and performed maximal graded cardiopulmonary exercise testing with simultaneous gas-exchange and central haemodynamic measurements. Peak cardiac power output, as the best measure of pumping capability and performance of the heart, was calculated as the product of peak exercise cardiac output and mean arterial blood pressure.

Results

PCr:ATP ratio was significantly lower in old compared with young age group (1.92±0.48 vs 2.29±0.55, p=0.03), as were peak cardiac power output (3.35±0.73 vs 4.14±0.81W, p=0.01), diastolic function (ie, early-to-late diastolic filling ratio, 1.33±0.54 vs 3.07±1.84, p<0.01) and peak exercise oxygen consumption (1382.9±255.0 vs 1940.3±434.4 mL/min, p<0.01). Further analysis revealed that PCr:ATP ratio shows a significant positive relationship with early-to-late diastolic filling ratio (r=0.46, p=0.02), peak cardiac power output (r=0.44, p=0.02) and peak oxygen consumption (r=0.51, p=0.01).

Conclusions

High-energy phosphate metabolism and peak power of the heart decline with age. Significant positive relationship between PCr:ATP ratio, early-to-late diastolic filling ratio and peak cardiac power output suggests that cardiac high-energy phosphate metabolism may be an important determinant of cardiac function and performance.
Flexibility training and the repeated-bout effect: priming interventions prior to eccentric training of the knee flexors
Authors: Leslie Andrew W. , Lanovaz Joel L. , Andrushko Justin W. , Farthing Jonathan P.
Published: June 2017

Both the repeated-bout effect and increased flexibility have been linked to reduced muscle damage, fatigue, and strength loss after intense eccentric exercise. Our purpose was to compare the eccentric-training (ECC) response after first priming the muscles with either static flexibility training or a single intense bout of eccentric exercise. Twenty-five participants were randomly assigned to flexibility training (n = 8; 3×/week; 30 min/day), a single bout of intense eccentric exercise (n = 9), or no intervention (control; n = 8) during a 4-week priming phase, prior to completing a subsequent 4-week period of eccentric training of the knee flexors. Testing was completed prior to the priming phase, before ECC, during acute ECC (0 h, 24 h, and 48 h after bouts 1 and 4), and after ECC. Measures included muscle thickness (MT; via ultrasound); isometric, concentric, and eccentric strength; muscle power (dynamometer); electromyography; range of motion; optimal angle of peak torque; and soreness (visual analog scale). Flexibility training and single-bout groups had 47% less soreness at 48 h after the first bout of ECC compared with control (p < 0.05). The flexibility training group had 10% less soreness at 48 h after the fourth ECC bout compared with both the single-bout and control groups (p < 0.05). Isometric strength loss was attenuated for the flexibility training group (−9%) after the fourth ECC bout compared with control (−19%; p < 0.05). All groups had similar increases in strength, MT, and power after ECC (p < 0.05). Prior flexibility training may be more effective than a single session of eccentric exercise in reducing adverse symptoms during the acute stages of eccentric training; however, these benefits did not translate into greater performance after training.
Covariant KSGNS construction and quantum instruments
Authors: Haapasalo Erkka , Pellonpää Juha-Pekka
Published: June 2017

We study completely positive (CP) [Formula: see text]-sesquilinear-form-valued maps on a unital [Formula: see text]-algebra [Formula: see text], where the sesquilinear forms operate on a module over a [Formula: see text]-algebra [Formula: see text]. We also study the cases when either one or both of the algebras are von Neumann algebras. Moreover, we assume that the CP maps are covariant with respect to actions of a symmetry group. This allows us to view these maps as generalizations of covariant quantum instruments. We determine minimal covariant dilations (KSGNS constructions) for covariant CP maps to find necessary and sufficient conditions for a CP map to be extreme in convex subsets of normalized covariant CP maps. As a special case, we study covariant quantum observables and instruments whose value space is a transitive space of a unimodular type-I group. Finally, we discuss the case of instruments that are covariant with respect to a square-integrable representation.
Electronic conductance of a poly(p-phenylene)-like nanowire in the presence of thermal atomic vibrations
Authors: Shariati Ashrafalsadat , Rabani Hassan , Mardaani Mohammad
Published: June 2017

We present a theoretical method based on Green’s function technique and tight-binding approach as well as harmonic approximation in order to calculate the coherent electronic conductance of an extended poly(p-phenylene) oligomer in the presence of thermal atomic vibrations. We study two proposed mass-spring models for atomic vibrations: one, including rigid benzene rings connected to each other by vibrating bonds; and in another, the bonds along the oligomer vibrate even in the benzene rings. The electron–phonon (e–ph) interaction influences the electron hopping energies linearly with respect to atomic displacements. The model shows that the conductance spectra exhibit some new energy gaps in the presence of e–ph interaction even at zero temperature. The conductance is more affected by e–ph interaction when the atomic vibrations are supposed to be present in the benzene rings. At the edges of the band energy and central gap, the phonon-assisted phenomena can be observed. Generally, the increasing e–ph interaction strength as well as temperature destroys the electronic conductance especially in the resonance region.
Analyzing synchronization of time-delayed complex dynamical networks with periodic on-off coupling
Authors: Li Wang , Sun Yongzheng , Liu Youquan , Zhao Donghua
Published: June 2017

We investigate the synchronization of time-delayed complex dynamical networks with periodic on-off coupling. We derive sufficient conditions for the complete and generalized outer synchronization. Both our analytical and numerical results show that two time-delayed networks can achieve outer synchronization even if the couplings between the two networks switch off periodically. This synchronization behavior is largely dependent of the coupling strength, the on-off period, the on-off rate and the time delay. In particular, we find that the synchronization time nonmonotonically increases as the time delay increases when the time delay step is not equal to an integer multiple of the on-off period.
Numerical simulation of azimuth electromagnetic wave tool response based on self-adaptive FEM
Authors: Li Hui , Shen Yi-Ze
Published: June 2017

Azimuth electromagnetic wave is a new type of electromagnetic prospecting technology. It can detect weak electromagnetic wave signal and realize real-time formation conductivity imaging. For effectively optimizing measurement accuracy of azimuth electromagnetic wave imaging tool, the efficient numerical simulation algorithm is required. In this paper, self-adaptive finite element method (FEM) has been used to investigate the azimuth electromagnetic wave logging tool response by adjusting antenna array system in different geological conditions. Numerical simulation examples show the accuracy and efficiency of the method, and provide physical interpretation of amplitude attenuation and phase shift of electromagnetic wave signal. Meanwhile, the high-accuracy numerical simulation results have great value to azimuth electromagnetic wave imaging tool calibration and data interpretation.
Study of Dynamometer Cards Identification Based on Root-Mean-Square Error Algorithm
Authors: Ren Tao , Kang Xiaoqing , Sun Wen , Song Hong
Published: June 2017

The surface dynamometer cards are important working condition data of sucker-rod pumping system. It has a very important practical significance for the analysis of transmission system and the diagnosis of oil production condition of sucker-rod pumping system. The pump dynamometer cards are important reference for the diagnosis of oil production condition, and its key technology is the identification of pump dynamometer cards. A new similar pattern recognition algorithm based on root-mean-square error (RMSE) is proposed, a theoretical model of the similarity matching algorithm based on RMSE is established, and the algorithm is studied and analyzed. The three-dimensional vibration mathematical models for the surface dynamometer cards are created, by which the surface dynamometer cards can be transformed to the pump dynamometer cards. The accuracy, reliability and stability between the algorithm of RMSE similarity matching and the classical algorithms of similarity pattern matching are studied. The research shows that the resistance to the graphics deformation of RMSE algorithm is the highest among all algorithms. The application of RMSE algorithm and classic similarity matching algorithms to the identification of real pump dynamometer cards and the fault diagnosis of oil wells indicates that the RMSE algorithm has very high identification reliability and accuracy. The remarkable feature of the RMSE algorithm is that it has very high identification accuracy for small difference, while the classical similarity matching algorithms do not have this feature.
Feedback Big Data-Based Lie Robot
Authors: Zhu Dingju
Published: June 2017

Existing robots only try to give reasonable answers to users, not considering if the answer can make user happy or not. This paper proposed a new kind of robot, lie robot. Lie robot does not like existing robots which always select answers for users according to the truth, lie robot select answers for users mainly according to the user preferences in order to make user happier. The main idea of lie robot is to predict the user feedbacks for answers based on the big data of the user past feedbacks detected by the lie robot.
Concentration of cylindrical Wigner measures
Authors: Falconi Marco
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we aim to characterize the cylindrical Wigner measures associated to regular quantum states in the Weyl C*-algebra of canonical commutation relations. In particular, we provide conditions at the quantum level sufficient to prove the concentration of all the corresponding cylindrical Wigner measures as Radon measures on suitable topological vector spaces. The analysis is motivated by variational and dynamical problems in the semiclassical study of bosonic quantum field theories.
On Lipschitz vector fields and the Cauchy problem in homogeneous groups
Authors: Magnani Valentino , Trevisan Dario
Published: June 2017

We introduce a class of “Lipschitz horizontal” vector fields in homogeneous groups, for which we show equivalent descriptions, e.g., in terms of suitable derivations. We then investigate the associated Cauchy problem, providing a uniqueness result both at equilibrium points and for vector fields of an involutive submodule of Lipschitz horizontal vector fields. We finally exhibit a counterexample to the general well-posedness theory for Lipschitz horizontal vector fields, in contrast with the Euclidean theory.
The group ring ℤ(p)Cq and Ye’s theorem
Authors: McGovern Warren Wm.
Published: June 2017

We generalize Ye’s Theorem which states that the group ring [Formula: see text] is a semi-clean ring [Y. Ye, Semiclean rings, Comm. Algebra 31 (2003) 5609–5625]. The proof provided here is more efficient; it is less algorithmic but has the feature that the following statement is evident: for distinct primes [Formula: see text], the group ring [Formula: see text] is feebly clean if and only if the order of [Formula: see text] modulo [Formula: see text] is at least [Formula: see text].
Canonical bases of modified quantum algebras for type A2
Authors: Cui Weideng
Published: June 2017

The modified quantum algebra [Formula: see text] associated to a quantum algebra [Formula: see text] was introduced by Lusztig. [Formula: see text] has a remarkable basis, which was defined by Lusztig, called the canonical basis. In this paper, we give an explicit description of all elements of the canonical basis of [Formula: see text] for type [Formula: see text].