bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of exergames on musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Collado‐Mateo D. , Merellano‐Navarro E. , Olivares P. R. , García‐Rubio J. , Gusi N.
Published: April 2017

The main objective was to systematically review the scientific literature about the effects of exergame‐based interventions on musculoskeletal pain, as well as to provide directions for the clinical practice. A systematic search was conducted in four electronic databases following PRISMA guidelines. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) the subjects were suffering musculoskeletal pain, (b) the study was randomized controlled trial (RCT), (c) intervention was based on exergames, (d) the article was written in English, and (e) the article was not an abstract or summary presented in a congress or conference. Risk of bias and quality of evidence were evaluated using the PEDro Scale and GRADE approach, respectively. A meta‐analysis was carried out to determine effect sizes. Seven studies were selected in the systematic review. The meta‐analysis included those six articles which reported means and SD before and after treatment and used a visual analog scale or a Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Four of the seven articles reported significant reduction in pain while the rest did not found any significant change in pain after the intervention. The overall effect size for pain was −0.51 (95% CI from −1.25 to 0.23) with large heterogeneity. Although four of the seven articles reported significant within‐group differences, zero was included in the CI of the overall effect size. Therefore, up‐to‐date there is not enough evidence to conclude that exergames improve musculoskeletal pain.
Autonomic testing for prediction of competition performance in Paralympic athletes
Authors: Squair J. W. , Phillips A. A. , Currie K. D. , Gee C. , Krassioukov A. V.
Published: April 2017

While we now appreciate that autonomic dysfunction can impact wheelchair rugby performance, this is currently not being assessed during classification, largely due to lack of a standardized and evidence‐based strategy to assess autonomic function. Our aim, therefore, was to establish the optimal autonomic testing protocol that best predicts cardiovascular capacity during competition by comprehensively examining autonomic function in elite wheelchair rugby athletes with cervical SCI and thereby enhance the standardized classification. Twenty‐six individuals with cervical SCI (C4‐C8; AIS A, B, C) participated in this study during the 2015 Parapan American Games in Toronto, Canada. Clinic autonomic testing included: sympathetic skin responses, baseline hemodynamics, orthostatic challenge test, and cold‐pressor tests. Further, we completed standard motor/sensory assessments and obtained each participants’ International Wheelchair Rugby Federation classification. These clinic metrics were correlated to in‐competition heart rate monitoring obtained during competition. The current study provides novel evidence that the change in systolic blood pressure during an orthostatic challenge test predicts approximately 50% of the in‐competition peak heart rate (P<.001). Conversely, International Wheelchair Rugby Federation classification was poorly associated with in‐competition peak heart rate (R2=.204; P<.05). Autonomic testing provides deep insight regarding preserved autonomic control after SCI that is associated with performance in elite wheelchair rugby athletes. As such, incorporating assessments of cardiovascular capacity in classification will help to ensure a level playing field and may obviate the need for practices such as boosting to gain an advantage due to poor cardiovascular control.
Achilles tendon adaptation in cross‐country runners across a competitive season
Authors: Stanley L. E. , Lucero A. , Mauntel T. C. , Kennedy M. , Walker N. , Marshall S. W. , Padua D. A. , Berkoff D. J.
Published: April 2017

Ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) is an imaging tool used to quantify tendon structural integrity. UTC has quantified Achilles tendon (AT) acute response to load in athletes; however, AT response to cumulative load over a season is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate AT response across a four‐month competitive season in collegiate cross‐country (XC) runners. Participants (n=21; male=9, female=12; age=19.8±1.2 years; height=171.9±8.9 cm; weight=60.2±8.5 kg) were imaged using the UTC device with a 10‐MHz linear‐array transducer mounted in a tracking device. The device captures images at 0.2 mm intervals along the AT. UTC algorithms quantified the stability of pixel brightness over every 17 contiguous transverse images into four echo types (I‐IV). A total of 168 scans (n=21, bilateral limbs) were performed monthly across the four‐month season (Aug=M1, Sep=M2, Oct=M3, Nov=M4). Echo‐type percentages (%) were calculated from each scan. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) linear regression models evaluated echo‐type % change (β) over the season (M1=reference). Type I increased from M1 to M4 (β=9.10, P<.01; 95%CI: 7.01, 11.21) and Type II decreased from M1 to M3 (β=−2.71, P=.018; 95%CI: −4.96, −0.47) and M1 to M4 (β=−10.19, P<.01; 95%CI: −12.22, −8.17). Type III increased from M1 to M3 (β=0.42, P=.003; 95%CI: 0.19, 0.65) and M1 to M4 (β=0.49, P=.002; 95%CI: 0.18, 0.81), Type IV increased from M1 to M4 (β=0.57, P<.01; 95%CI: 0.29, 0.84). A positive adaptation in AT structural integrity was observed over the XC season, with a ~10% shift from Type II to Type I UTC echo types, suggesting AT resilience to a competitive season of repetitive loading in highly trained runners.
Effect of an acute exercise bout on immediate post‐exercise irisin concentration in adults: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Fox J. , Rioux B. V. , Goulet E. D. B. , Johanssen N. M. , Swift D. L. , Bouchard D. R. , Loewen H. , Sénéchal M.
Published: April 2017

Irisin is a recently discovered myokine that increases adipocyte metabolism, induces further “browning” of white adipose tissue, and enhances glucose metabolism. No study has ever determined how an acute bout of exercise impacts immediate post‐exercise irisin concentration using a meta‐analytic approach. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of an acute bout of exercise on the magnitude of post‐exercise irisin concentration in adults using meta‐analytic procedures. Searches were performed on PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, SCOPUS, and SPORTDiscus databases. Effect summaries were obtained using random‐effects models. Random‐effects single and multiple meta‐regressions were performed to determine relationships between, and potential confounding effects of, variables of interest. Ten articles were retained for the final meta‐analysis, producing 21 study estimates. An acute bout of exercise was accompanied by a post‐exercise average increase in irisin concentration of 15.0 (95% CI: 10.8%‐19.3%). There was no significant relationship between post‐exercise irisin concentration and age, intensity of aerobic exercise, or type of exercise training session (resistance vs aerobic training). Fitness level and body mass index were identified as significant predictive variables for post‐exercise irisin concentration. However, a multiple meta‐regression model identified fitness level as the single best predictor, with being fit (21.1%±2.2%) associated with a nearly twofold increase in post‐exercise irisin concentration, compared with being unfit (11.8%±2.1%). Immediately following an acute bout of exercise, irisin concentration increases substantially in adults, with fitness level as an important modifier for the effect.
Combined aerobic and resistance training decreases inflammation markers in healthy men
Authors: Ihalainen J. K. , Schumann M. , Eklund D. , Hämäläinen M. , Moilanen E. , Paulsen G. , Häkkinen K. , Mero A. A.
Published: April 2017

Our primary aim was to study the effects of 24 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance training performed on the same day or on different days on inflammation markers. Physically active, healthy young men were randomly divided into three groups that performed: aerobic and resistance training consecutively in the same training session (SS) 2‐3 days wk−1 or on alternating days (AD) 4‐6 days wk−1 as well as control (C). The total training volume was matched in the training groups. The control group was asked to maintain their habitual physical activity and exercise level. Maximal leg press strength (1RM) and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) were measured. Abdominal fat mass was estimated with dual‐energy absorptiometry (DXA). High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), and adipocytokines resistin, adiponectin, and leptin were analyzed from plasma samples. Training significantly reduced circulating hs‐CRP, leptin, and resistin in both training groups (P<.05), whereas MCP‐1 and TNF‐α decreased only in AD (P<.05). Significant correlations were observed between changes in abdominal fat mass and corresponding changes in MCP‐1, leptin, adiponectin, and resistin. Long‐term combined aerobic and resistance training reduced markers of subclinical inflammation in healthy young men. The results indicate that a higher frequency of individual exercise sessions might be more beneficial with respect to the anti‐inflammatory effects of physical activity. The decreases in inflammation markers seem to be related to decreases in abdominal fat mass.
Bartlett correction to the likelihood ratio test for MCAR with two‐step monotone sample
Authors: Shutoh Nobumichi , Nishiyama Takahiro , Hyodo Masashi
Published: April 2017

Assuming that two‐step monotone missing data is drawn from a multivariate normal population, this paper derives the Bartlett‐type correction to the likelihood ratio test for missing completely at random (MCAR), which plays an important role in the statistical analysis of incomplete datasets. The advantages of our approach are confirmed in Monte Carlo simulations. Our correction drastically improved the accuracy of the type I error in Little's (1988, Journal of the American Statistical Association, 83, 1198–1202) test for MCAR and performed well even on moderate sample sizes.
A note on the central limit theorem for the idleness process in a one‐sided reflected Ornstein–Uhlenbeck model
Authors: Mandjes Michel , Spreij Peter
Published: April 2017

In this short communication, we present a (functional) central limit theorem for the idleness process of a one‐sided reflected Ornstein–Uhlenbeck proces.
Six Suggestions for Research on Games in Cognitive Science
Authors: Chabris Christopher F.
Published: April 2017

Games are more varied and occupy more of daily life than ever before. At the same time, the tools available to study game play and players are more powerful than ever, especially massive data sets from online platforms and computational engines that can accurately evaluate human decisions. This essay offers six suggestions for future cognitive science research on games: (1) Don't forget about chess, (2) Look beyond action games and chess, (3) Use (near)‐optimal play to understand human play and players, (4) Investigate social phenomena, (5) Raise the standards for studies of games as treatments, (6) Talk to real experts.
Laser Repair With Addition of Nano-WC on Microstructure and Fracture Behavior of 304 Stainless Steel
Authors: Jiang Wei , Jiang Xianfeng
Published: April 2017

Precracked 304 stainless steel (304SS) compact tension (CT) specimens repaired by laser with addition of different weight fractions of nano-tungsten carbide (nano-WC) were studied to investigate the effects of nano-WC on the fracture behavior and microstructure. Crack open displacements (CODs) measured by a digital image correlation (DIC) system were compared among specimens with different treatments. Microstructures were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The results indicate an overall improvement of microstructure and fracture behavior. The specimen repaired by the addition of 5% nano-WC shows the most significant improvement from the current study. Both metallurgical bonding at the interface and fine equiaxial grains in the repaired layer are observed. The densification process of the repaired layer is also improved. In addition, an approximately 10–30% reduction of COD values was observed as the applied load varied from 1 to 20 kN. However, excessive addition of nano-WC led to the agglomeration and inhomogeneous distribution of WC nanoparticles in the repaired layers, resulting in the formation of microcracks. The fracture parameter COD shows a close relationship with the microstructure in laser repaired specimens with different powder ratio addition.
Numerical Simulation of Heat Transfer Process of Viscoelastic Fluid Flow at High Weissenberg Number by Log-Conformation Reformulation
Authors: Zhang Hong-Na , Li Dong-Yang , Li Xiao-Bin , Cai Wei-Hua , Li Feng-Chen
Published: April 2017

Viscoelastic fluids are now becoming promising candidates of microheat exchangers’ working medium due to the occurrence of elastic instability and turbulence at microscale. This paper developed a sound solver for the heat transfer process of viscoelastic fluid flow at high Wi, and this solver can be used to design the multiple heat exchangers with viscoelastic fluids as working medium. The solver validation was conducted by simulating four fundamental benchmarks to assure the reliability of the established solver. After that, the solver was adopted to study the heat transfer process of viscoelastic fluid flow in a curvilinear channel, where apparent heat transfer enhancement (HTE) by viscoelastic fluid was achieved. The observed heat transfer enhancement was attributed to the occurrence of elastic turbulence which continuously mix the hot and cold fluids by the twisting and wiggling flow motions.
Finite Volume, Computational Fluid Dynamics-Based Investigation of Supercavity Pulsations
Authors: Skidmore Grant M. , Lindau Jules W. , Brungart Timothy A. , Moeny Michael J. , Kinzel Michael P.
Published: April 2017

Computations of pulsating supercavity flows behind axisymmetric disk cavitators are presented. The method of computation is a finite volume discretization of the equations of mixture fluid motion. The gas phase is treated as compressible, the liquid phase as incompressible, and the interface accuracy enhanced using a volume of fluid (VOF) approach. The re-entrant, pulsating, and twin vortex modes of cavity closure are delineated and computationally resolved, including the expected hysteresis. A phase diagram of cavitation number versus ventilation rate at three Froude conditions is computationally constructed. Sample re-entrant, pulsation, and twin vortex snapshots are presented. Pulsation results are compared with stability criterion from the literature as well as examined for their expected character. Computations appear to capture the complete spectrum of cavity closure conditions. A detailed comparison of computational simulation and physical experiment at similar conditions is also included as a means to validate the computational results.
Effects of Uniform Heat Flux and Velocity-Slip Conditions at Interface on Heat Transfer Phenomena of Smooth Spheres in Newtonian Fluids
Authors: Ramdas Ramteke Rahul , Kishore Nanda
Published: April 2017

The effects of the uniform heat flux and a linear velocity-slip on the heat transfer phenomena of spheres in Newtonian fluids are numerically investigated using semi-implicit marker and cell (SMAC) method implemented on a staggered grid arrangement in spherical coordinates. The solver is thoroughly benchmarked through domain independence, grid independence, and comparison with literature. Further extensive results are obtained in the range of conditions as: Reynolds number, Re = 0.1–200; Prandtl number, Pr = 1–100; and dimensionless slip number, λ = 0.01–100. The results are presented and discussed such that the isotherm contours and the local and average Nusselt numbers of isoflux spheres with velocity-slip at the interface are compared with their isothermal spheres counterparts under identical conditions. Briefly, the results indicate that the average Nusselt numbers of isoflux spheres are large compared to those of isothermal spheres under identical conditions. Finally, an empirical correlation is developed for the average Nusselt numbers of the spheres in Newtonian fluids with velocity-slip and the uniform heat flux conditions along the fluid–solid sphere interface.
Comparative study on growth characteristics and electrical properties of ZrO2 films grown using pulsed plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition and plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition for oxide thin film transistors
Authors: Jung Hanearl , Oh Il-Kwon , Yeo Seungmin , Kim Hyungjun , Lee Su Jeong , Kim Yun Cheol , Myoung Jae-Min , Kim Soo-Hyun , Lim Jun Hyung , Lee Sunhee
Published: April 2017

The deposition of high-quality ZrO2 films has been achieved using both pulsed plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (P-PE-CVD) and plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD) with (C5H5)Zr[N(CH3)2]3 as a Zr precursor. The authors compared the growth characteristics, chemical compositions, and electrical properties of P-PE-CVD and PE-ALD ZrO2 prepared under various deposition conditions. The ZrO2 films prepared using both methods showed high purity and good stoichiometry. Electrical characterization of a metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitor utilizing the ZrO2 films showed that PE-ALD films have a relatively lower leakage current than P-PE-CVD films, whereas the dielectric constant, interface trap density, and hysteresis of both films are similar. Applying both methods, the electrical properties of ZrO2 films were also evaluated using In–Ga–Zn–O thin-film transistors (TFTs), which showed a good device performance in terms of high Ion-Ioff ratios (>108) and low off-currents (<10−11 A). In addition, ZrO2-based TFT showed high reliability against a negative Vth shift. Based on the self-limiting growth characteristics and electrical properties of P-PE-CVD, the authors found that the P-PE-CVD process results in electrical properties comparable to those of PE-ALD ZrO2 films. Thus, the authors believe that P-PE-CVD can be an alternative process to PE-ALD for future electronic device applications, especially for display applications due to its good electrical properties with high throughput.
The Way We Never Were: Postracial Kinesiology and America
Authors: Smith Maureen M. , Jamieson Katherine M.
Published: April 2017

Traditional histories of kinesiology generally read as chronological narratives of progress that highlight advancements in performance and technology; pioneering work by faculty and coaches (all White and very often male); the role of physical education in solving America’s crises of masculinity and military preparedness, and now obesity; and finally, stories of harmonious integration where sport serves as a meritocracy and level playing field. These narratives of progress remain prominent in many of the histories of our subdisciplines. Seven “snapshots” of moments in the history of kinesiology are utilized to illustrate often marginalized histories that reflect the profession’s role in creating and reinforcing racial hierarchies. Concluding remarks outline an anti-racist framing of kinesiology that may be worth pondering and outlining, especially as a way to link our subdisciplinary inquiries toward a goal of enhancing quality of life through meaningful, life-long physical activity for all.
Is Today’s Physical Education the Legacy that Franklin Henry Had Hoped For?
Authors: Park Roberta J.
Published: April 2017

The 1964 article “Physical Education, An Academic Discipline” did much to foster more and better relevant research, which is what its author, Franklin Henry, who had earned a PhD in Physiological Psychology, had hoped would occur. However, a number of negative changes (which he certainly did not want) soon began to occur in the field of physical education, which now too rarely uses that name. (Few, if any, other departments in universities and colleges have made as many name changes.) The precipitous decline of efforts to put into practice the results of research (hence, the absence of pedagogy and other “applied” courses in too many curricula) is proving to be especially detrimental. American children and young people had become so inactive that the United States Department of Health and Human Services considered it imperative to state in Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General (published in 1996): “Community leaders need to reexamine whether enough resources have been devoted to the maintenance of parks, playgrounds, community centers, and physical education. Schools and universities need to reintroduce daily, quality physical activity as a key component of a comprehensive education.” This decline has continued in spite of the fact that the number of scientific and medical studies that verify the importance of physical activity continues to grow. The field once known almost exclusively as “physical education” has become divided and fractured. When will things change for the better?
Origin of an ancient hormone/receptor couple revealed by resurrection of an ancestral estrogen
Authors: Markov Gabriel V. , Gutierrez-Mazariegos Juliana , Pitrat Delphine , Billas Isabelle M. L. , Bonneton François , Moras Dino , Hasserodt Jens , Lecointre Guillaume , Laudet Vincent
Published: April 2017

Cladistic analysis allows inference of the structure of an ancestral steroid that acts as a ligand for the ancestral receptor.
Atomically engineered electron spin lifetimes of 30 s in silicon
Authors: Watson Thomas F. , Weber Bent , Hsueh Yu-Ling , Hollenberg Lloyd C. L. , Rahman Rajib , Simmons Michelle Y.
Published: April 2017

Atomic engineering of donor-based spin qubits results in long lifetimes and high-fidelity two-qubit readout.
The complex effects of ocean acidification on the prominent N2-fixing cyanobacteriumTrichodesmium
Authors: Hong Haizheng , Shen Rong , Zhang Futing , Wen Zuozhu , Chang Siwei , Lin Wenfang , Kranz Sven A. , Luo Ya-Wei , Kao Shuh-Ji , Morel François M. M. , Shi Dalin
Published: April 2017

A future, more acidic ocean could be less productive, despite the fertilizing effects of elevated CO2.
Neandertal and Denisovan DNA from Pleistocene sediments
Authors: Slon Viviane , Hopfe Charlotte , Weiß Clemens L. , Mafessoni Fabrizio , de la Rasilla Marco , Lalueza-Fox Carles , Rosas Antonio , Soressi Marie , Knul Monika V. , Miller Rebecca , Stewart John R. , Derevianko Anatoly P. , Jacobs Zenobia , Li Bo , Roberts Richard G. , Shunkov Michael V. , de Lumley Henry , Perrenoud Christian , Gušić Ivan , Kućan Željko , Rudan Pavao , Aximu-Petri Ayinuer , Essel Elena , Nagel Sarah , Nickel Birgit , Schmidt Anna , Prüfer Kay , Kelso Janet , Burbano Hernán A. , Pääbo Svante , Meyer Matthias
Published: April 2017

Tracing our ancestors in cave sediments

Analysis of DNA from archaic hominids has illuminated human evolution. However, sites where thousand-year-old bones and other remains can be found are relatively rare. Slon
et al.
wanted to exploit any trace remains that our ancestors left behind. They looked for ancient DNA of hominids and other mammals in cave sediments, even those lacking skeletal remains. They identified mitochondrial DNA from Neandertal and Denisovan individuals in cave sediments at multiple sites.

Science
, this issue p.
605
Draft Genome Sequence of Uncultured Upland Soil Cluster
Gammaproteobacteria
Gives Molecular Insights into High-Affinity Methanotrophy
Authors: Edwards Collin R. , Onstott Tullis C. , Miller Jennifer M. , Wiggins Jessica B. , Wang Wei , Lee Charles K. , Cary S. Craig , Pointing Stephen B. , Lau Maggie C. Y.
Published: April 2017

Aerated soils form the second largest sink for atmospheric CH
4
. A near-complete genome of uncultured upland soil cluster
Gammaproteobacteria
that oxidize CH
4
at <2.5 ppmv was obtained from incubated Antarctic mineral cryosols. This first genome of high-affinity methanotrophs can help resolve the mysteries about their phylogenetic affiliation and metabolic potential.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. Strain IB2014011-1, Isolated from
Trichoptera
sp. Larvae of Lake Baikal
Authors: Axenov-Gribanov Denis V. , Tokovenko Bogdan T. , Rebets Yuriy V. , Voytsekhovskaya Irina V. , Shatilina Zhanna M. , Protasov Eugenii S. , Luzhetskyy Andriy N. , Timofeyev Maxim A.
Published: April 2017

Unique ecosystems with specific environmental conditions have been proven to be a promising source for isolation of new
Actinobacteria
strains. Ancient Lake Baikal is one of the greatest examples of an ecosystem with high species biodiversity and endemicity caused by long-lasting isolated evolution and stable environmental conditions. Herein we report the draft genome sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. strain IB2014011-1, which was isolated from insect
Trichoptera
sp. larvae collected at the bottom of Lake Baikal.
Complete Coding Sequences of Two Dengue Virus Type 2 Strains Isolated from an Outbreak in Burkina Faso in 2016
Authors: Baronti Cécile , Piorkowski Géraldine , Touret Franck , Charrel Rémi , de Lamballerie Xavier , Nougairede Antoine
Published: April 2017

We report here the complete coding sequences of two strains of dengue virus type 2, isolated in France from patients returning from Burkina Faso in November 2016. Both strains (cosmopolitan genotype) are almost identical (99.91% nucleotide identity) and closely related to a strain circulating in Burkina Faso in 1983.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Nylon Oligomer-Degrading Bacterium
Arthrobacter
sp. Strain KI72
Authors: Takehara Ikki , Kato Dai-Ichiro , Takeo Masahiro , Negoro Seiji
Published: April 2017

We report here the 4.6-Mb genome sequence of a nylon oligomer-degrading bacterium,
Arthrobacter
sp. strain KI72. The draft genome sequence of strain KI72 consists of 4,568,574 bp, with a G+C content of 63.47%, 4,372 coding sequences (CDSs), 54 tRNAs, and six rRNAs.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Yeast
Starmerella bacillaris
(syn.,
Candida
zemplinina
) FRI751 Isolated from Fermenting Must of Dried Raboso Grapes
Authors: Lemos Junior Wilson José Fernandes , Treu Laura , Duarte Vinícius da Silva , Campanaro Stefano , Nadai Chiara , Giacomini Alessio , Corich Viviana
Published: April 2017

Starmerella bacillaris
is an ascomycetous yeast commonly present in enological environments. Here, we report the first draft genome sequence of
S. bacillaris
FRI751, which will facilitate the study of the characteristics of this interesting enological yeast.
Complete Genome Sequences of Identical
Zika virus
Isolates in a Nursing Mother and Her Infant
Authors: Blohm Gabriela M. , Lednicky John A. , Márquez Marilianna , White Sarah K. , Loeb Julia C. , Pacheco Carlos A. , Nolan David J. , Paisie Taylor , Salemi Marco , Rodríguez-Morales Alfonso J. , Morris J. Glenn , Pulliam Juliet R. C. , Carrillo Alejandra S. , Plaza Juan D. , Paniz-Mondolfi Alberto E.
Published: April 2017

Complete genome sequences were obtained for Zika viruses isolated from the breast milk of a Venezuelan patient and her child, who was exclusively breastfeeding at the time. These sequences are the first to be reported from a presumptive autochthonous postnatal transmission case from mother to child in Venezuela.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bordetella pertussis Pelita III, the Production Strain for an Indonesian Whole-Cell Pertussis Vaccine
Authors: Efendi Yusuf Sofyan , Susanti Dwi , Tritama Erman , Pasier Michelle Lueders , Niwan Putri Gilang Nadia , Raharso Sugeng , Iskandar  , Aditiawati Pingkan , Giri-Rachman Ernawati Arifin , Mukhopadhyay Biswarup , Purwantini Endang
Published: April 2017

PT Bio Farma, the sole World Health Organization-approved Indonesian vaccine producer, manufactures a whole-cell whooping cough vaccine (wP) that, as part of a pentavalent diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis/hepatitis B/
Haemophilus influenzae
b (DTP/HB/Hib) vaccine, is used in Indonesia and many other countries. We report here the whole-genome sequence for
Bordetella pertussis
Pelita III, PT Bio Farma’s wP production strain.
Genome Sequence of “
Candidatus
Carsonella ruddii” Strain BC, a Nutritional Endosymbiont of
Bactericera cockerelli
Authors: Riley Alex B. , Kim Dohyup , Hansen Allison K.
Published: April 2017

Here, we report the genome of “
Candidatus
Carsonella ruddii” strain BC, a nutritional endosymbiont of the tomato psyllid
Bactericera cockerelli
. The 173,802-bp genome contains 198 protein-coding genes, with a G+C content of 14.8%.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Paenalcaligenes hominis Strain Isolated from a Paraplegic Patient with Neurogenic Bladder Using Single-Molecule Real-Time Sequencing Technology
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Rituparna , Joaquin Joselita , Hogue Robin , Kilaru Austin , Jospin Guillaume , Mars Kristin , Eisen Jonathan A. , Chaturvedi Vishnu
Published: April 2017

The genome of
Paenalcaligenes hominis
, isolated from a paraplegic patient with neurogenic bladder, was sequenced with the Pacific Biosciences RSII platform. The genome size is 2.68 Mb and includes 3,096 annotated coding sequences, including genes associated with quinone cofactors, which play crucial roles in the virulence of Gram-negative bacteria.
Isolation of Two Virus-Like Circular DNAs from Commercially Available Milk Samples
Authors: Falida Konstantina , Eilebrecht Sebastian , Gunst Karin , zur Hausen Harald , de Villiers Ethel-Michele
Published: April 2017

Epidemiological data indicate a potential relationship between milk and dairy product consumption and the incidence of breast cancer, as well as neurodegenerative diseases. We report the isolation of two novel circular DNA molecules isolated from commercially available milk.
Draft Genome Sequences of “
Candidatus
Synechococcus spongiarum,” Cyanobacterial Symbionts of the Mediterranean Sponge
Aplysina aerophoba
Authors: Slaby Beate M. , Hentschel Ute
Published: April 2017

We report here four draft genome sequences belonging to clade F of the cyanobacterium “
Candidatus
Synechococcus spongiarum” of the marine sponge
Aplysina aerophoba
, which were collected from two nearby locations in the northern Adriatic Sea. The sequences provide the basis for within-clade comparisons between members of this widespread group of cyanobacterial sponge symbionts.
Draft Genome Sequence of Plantibacter flavus Strain 251 Isolated from a Plant Growing in a Chronically Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Site
Authors: Lumactud Rhea , Fulthorpe Roberta , Sentchilo Vladimir , van der Meer Jan Roelof
Published: April 2017

Plantibacter flavus
isolate 251 is a bacterial endophyte isolated from an
Achillea millefolium
plant growing in a natural oil seep soil located in Oil Springs, Ontario, Canada. We present here a draft genome sequence of an infrequently reported genus
Plantibacter
, highlighting an endophytic lifestyle and biotechnological potential.
Odontogenic abscess mimicking acute dacryocystitis
Authors: Mansour Ahmad M , Kheir-Jurdi Wajiha , Hadi Usamah El , Awar Ghassan
Published: April 2017

A middle-aged poorly controlled diabetic man developed left-sided orbital and facial swelling several days after extraction of a left upper wisdom tooth. The clinical impression was that of acute dacryocystitis. Opening the skin above the lacrimal sac failed to reveal an inflamed sac establishing the diagnosis of deep facial cellulitis. Complete resolution occurred few weeks after systemic antibiotics and repeated dental drainage of the tooth abscess.
A rare tumour of hand: angioleiomyoma
Authors: Kulkarni Mahesh Suresh , Vijayan Sandeep , Naik Monappa , Rao Sharath Kumar
Published: April 2017

Angioleiomyoma is a benign tumour composed of smooth muscle and vascular tissue. Because of the paucity of smooth muscles in the hand other than tunica media of the blood vessels, its occurrence is quite rare in the hand and only few cases are reported in the English literature. We present the case of a 49-year-old man with benign painless swelling on the dorsum of hand. Differential diagnosis of ganglion cyst and tendon sheath tumour were considered. However, excision biopsy revealed angioleiomyoma. At 2-year follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic with no evidence of recurrence.
Long-term outcomes of orbital fat decompression in Graves’ orbitopathy
Authors: Cheng Anny M , Wei Yi-Hsuan , Tighe Sean , Sheha Hosam , Liao Shu-Lang
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the long-term clinical efficacy of orbital fat decompression in treating proptosis in Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO).

Methods

Retrospective review of 1604 eyes of 845 patients with symmetric (1518 eyes) and asymmetric (86 eyes) proptosis who received orbital fat decompression between 2003 and 2014. Changes in Hertel values were evaluated at baseline, 6 months postoperatively and yearly thereafter. Recurrence of proptosis, diplopia and other complications that required additional surgeries were documented and analysed. The surgical outcome was defined as complete success if there was proptosis reduction with no recurrence and improved or no diplopia. Partial success was considered if there was proptosis reduction without recurrence yet persistent or new-onset diplopia. Failure was considered if there was recurrence of proptosis regardless of diplopia. The patient’s quality of life was also evaluated as a long-term outcome.

Results

After follow-up for 37.9±24.4 months, 1365 eyes (85.1%) achieved complete success, 219 eyes (13.7%) achieved partial success and 20 eyes (1.2%) had failure. Newly onset diplopia and secondary decompression occurrence rate remained low at 3.3% and 0.6%, respectively. The total proptosis reduction was 4.1±1.3 mm, which was consistent all through the intermediate and long-term (5–10 years) follow-up. The amount of orbital fat removal (4.5±1.1 mL) played a significant role in the long-term Hertel change. Importantly, the overall quality of life increased significantly for GO patients after undergoing orbital fat decompression.

Conclusions

Orbital fat decompression has a long-term efficacy in correcting disfiguring proptosis with a low complication rate and without the need of secondary decompression procedures. This was also associated with a significant improvement in quality of life.
Barriers to evidence-based acute stroke care in Ghana: a qualitative study on the perspectives of stroke care professionals
Authors: Baatiema Leonard , de-Graft Aikins Ama , Sav Adem , Mnatzaganian George , Chan Carina K Y , Somerset Shawn
Published: April 2017

Objective

Despite major advances in research on acute stroke care interventions, relatively few stroke patients benefit from evidence-based care due to multiple barriers. Yet current evidence of such barriers is predominantly from high-income countries. This study seeks to understand stroke care professionals’ views on the barriers which hinder the provision of optimal acute stroke care in Ghanaian hospital settings.

Design

A qualitative approach using semistructured interviews. Both thematic and grounded theory approaches were used to analyse and interpret the data through a synthesis of preidentified and emergent themes.

Setting

A multisite study, conducted in six major referral acute hospital settings (three teaching and three non-teaching regional hospitals) in Ghana.

Participants

A total of 40 participants comprising neurologists, emergency physician specialists, non-specialist medical doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, clinical psychologists and a dietitian.

Results

Four key barriers and 12 subthemes of barriers were identified. These include barriers at the patient (financial constraints, delays, sociocultural or religious practices, discharge against medical advice, denial of stroke), health system (inadequate medical facilities, lack of stroke care protocol, limited staff numbers, inadequate staff development opportunities), health professionals (poor collaboration, limited knowledge of stroke care interventions) and broader national health policy (lack of political will) levels. Perceived barriers varied across health professional disciplines and hospitals.

Conclusion

Barriers from low/middle-income countries differ substantially from those in high-income countries. For evidence-based acute stroke care in low/middle-income countries such as Ghana, health policy-makers and hospital managers need to consider the contrasts and uniqueness in these barriers in designing quality improvement interventions to optimise patient outcomes.
Losing a partner: the varying financial and practical impacts of bereavement in different sociodemographic groups
Authors: Lancaster Harriet , Johnson Tom
Published: April 2017

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to describe the financial and practical impacts of the death of a life partner, up to 5 years after bereavement. The study compared the impact felt by different sociodemographic groups and evaluated the role of financial and caring organisations in improving these impacts.

Methods

An evidence review of the subject area was conducted and a qualitative assessment of the target population (individuals whose partner had died in the past 3 years) was carried out using a semistructured interview (n=6). Subsequently, a multiple choice survey was constructed to collect data from a wider target population (individuals whose partner had died in the past 5 years) and covered topics including finances, interaction with organisations and management of daily tasks (n=500).

Results

The results of the multiple choice survey have been interpreted here using basic descriptive statistical analysis. 69% of people who lost a partner were unprepared, either financially or practically, for bereavement. Women and those under the age of 50 experienced the most significant financial impact and practical changes continued beyond 3 years postbereavement. To manage this disruption, 61% of participants reported that they felt they needed more help from financial and caring organisations postbereavement.

Conclusions

The results of this survey demonstrate some of the key struggles each demographic group faces immediately after bereavement and into the future. It is clear that preparation and bereavement support have a profound effect on mitigating the negative impacts seen here.
Clinical relevance of detecting anti-infliximab antibodies with a drug-tolerant assay: post hoc analysis of the TAXIT trial
Authors: Van Stappen Thomas , Vande Casteele Niels , Van Assche Gert , Ferrante Marc , Vermeire Séverine , Gils Ann
Published: April 2017

Objective

To evaluate the clinical relevance of antidrug antibodies (ADAs) measured using a drug-tolerant assay in a post hoc analysis of the Trough Concentration (TC) Adapted Infliximab Treatment (TAXIT) randomised controlled trial.

Design

ADA in serum samples (n=221) of 76 patients enrolled in TAXIT, who presented with an infliximab TC <3 µg/mL at screening, were reanalysed after optimisation and at the end of the study using a drug-tolerant ADA assay. Patients underwent dose escalation to achieve therapeutic TCs between 3 µg/mL and 7 µg/mL prior to randomisation. Patients were grouped into quartiles (Q1–4) according to ADA concentration at screening.

Results

Using a drug-tolerant assay, the immunogenicity detection rate increased from 21% (drug-sensitive assay) to 63% at screening, from 0% to 51% after optimisation and from 3% to 42% at the end of TAXIT. Patients in ADA Q4 required a higher cumulative infliximab dose (2390 (880–2998) mg) to achieve target TCs, resulting in a higher drug cost (€10 712 (4120–13 596)) compared with ADA-negative patients (€2060 (1648–3296)) and patients in ADA Q1/Q2 (€2060 (1648–4120)/€2060 (1751–3296), p<0.001). However, all but one patient belonging to ADA Q4 were also ADA-positive using a drug-sensitive assay.

Conclusions

Upon dose intensification, low concentration ADAs, not detectable using a drug-sensitive assay, disappear in more than half of the patients over time and are clinically non-relevant. In contrast, high concentration ADAs which are typically also detected in a drug-sensitive assay, persist over time and necessitate a higher cumulative dose and drug cost. In the latter group, proactive drug switching may be more cost-efficient.

Clinical Trials Register

2011-002061-38; Post-results.
Update on congenital heart disease and sudden infant/perinatal death: from history to future trends
Authors: Ottaviani Giulia , Buja L Maximilian
Published: April 2017

During the 20th century, expert pathologists contributed an in-depth characterisation of the anatomical pathology and associated pathophysiology of congenital heart disease (CHD). Starting in the 1970s, the reported CHD birth prevalence has been increasing, owing to advances in diagnostic methods. Over the years, surgical treatments have been associated with an enormous reduction of CHD mortality. Advances also have been made in understanding the developmental biology and molecular pathogenesis of CHD. In developed countries, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the most frequent form of death during the first year of life, with a death rate of 0.42 every 1000 births. Unexpected stillbirth has a six- to eightfold greater incidence than that of SIDS and remains unexplained in 40–80% of cases even after autopsy. Specific environmental risk factors, such as maternal smoking, air and water pollution, food contamination, pesticides, etc, can interact with the genetic constitution in complex ways, which may lead to polymorphisms and/or mutations of specific genes, such as polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter gene5-HTT, the regulator of the synaptic serotonin concentration. Current directions of research in this area are reviewed.
Composite biomarker panel for prediction of severity and diagnosis of acute GVHD with T-cell-depleted allogeneic stem cell transplants—single centre pilot study
Authors: Min San San , Mehra Varun , Clay Jennifer , Cross Gemma F , Douiri Abdel , Dew Tracy , Basu Tanya N , Potter Victoria , Ceesay M Mansour , Pagliuca Antonio , Sherwood Roy A , Vincent Royce P
Published: April 2017

Aims

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of a composite biomarker panel to help identify individuals at risk of developing aGVHD, and to help predict and differentiate between severity of aGVHD following T-cell-depleted allogeneic HSCT.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed our cohort of biopsy confirmed patients with aGVHD, who underwent T-cell-depleted HSCT and matched them with negative controls without any evidence of aGVHD. Post-transplant serum samples on days 0 and 7 and at onset of aGVHD were analysed for elafin, regenerating islet-derived 3-α, soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor-1, soluble interleukin-2 receptor-α and hepatocyte growth factor. Biomarker data were combined as composite panels A–F (table 2) using logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to study sensitivity and specificity of the composite panels.

Results

Our composite biomarker panels significantly differentiated between aGVHD and no GVHD patients at time of onset (panel E) and reliably predicted severity of GVHD grades at days 0 and 7 post-transplant (panels B and D). The area under the curve for the composite panel at time of onset was 0.65 with specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values of 100%, 55.6%, 100% and 78.9%, respectively (p=0.03).

Conclusions

This pilot data support the usefulness of these composite biomarker panels in the prediction of severity and diagnosis of aGVHD in patients undergoing T-cell-depleted reduced intensity allogeneic HSCT.
Barriers to timely discharge from the general medicine service at an academic teaching hospital
Authors: Ragavan Meera V , Svec David , Shieh Lisa
Published: April 2017

Background

Reducing delays for patients who are safe to be discharged is important for minimising complications, managing costs and improving quality. Barriers to discharge include placement, multispecialty coordination of care and ineffective communication. There are a few recent studies that describe barriers from the perspective of all members of the multidisciplinary team.

Study objective

To identify the barriers to discharge for patients from our medicine service who had a discharge delay of over 24 hours.

Methodology

We developed and implemented a biweekly survey that was reviewed with attending physicians on each of the five medicine services to identify patients with an unnecessary delay. Separately, we conducted interviews with staff members involved in the discharge process to identify common barriers they observed on the wards.

Results

Over the study period from 28 October to 22 November 2013, out of 259 total discharges, 87 patients had a delay of over 24 hours (33.6%) and experienced a total of 181 barriers. The top barriers from the survey included patient readiness, prolonged wait times for procedures or results, consult recommendations and facility placement. A total of 20 interviews were conducted, from which the top barriers included communication both between staff members and with the patient, timely notification of discharge and lack of discharge standardisation.

Conclusions

There are a number of frequent barriers to discharge encountered in our hospital that may be avoidable with planning, effective communication methods, more timely preparation and tools to standardise the discharge process.
Lactarius splendens, a second species with white latex in Lactarius section Deliciosi
Authors: Nuytinck Jorinde , Verbeken Annemieke , Saar Irja , Lambert Herman , Bérubé Jean , Voitk Andrus
Published: April 2017

An uncommon, small, orange-capped Lactarius Pers. with white latex was confirmed, using molecular studies of the type specimens, to be Lactarius splendens Hesler & A.H. Sm. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the species falls within Lactarius section Deliciosi (Fr.) Redeuilh, Verbeken & Walleyn., very closely related to L. rubrilacteus Hesler & A.H. Sm. and L. porninsis Rolland. Hitherto L. porninsis was the only white-latex species known in the otherwise orange-latex section Deliciosi; both are associated with Larix Mill.
Quantum 𝒟-modules for toric nef complete intersections
Authors: Mann Etienne , Mignon Thierry
Published: April 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a smooth projective toric variety with [Formula: see text] ample line bundles. Let [Formula: see text] be the zero locus of [Formula: see text] generic sections. It is well known that the ambient quantum [Formula: see text]-module of [Formula: see text] is cyclic i.e. is defined by an ideal of differential operators. In this paper, we give an explicit construction of this ideal as a quotient ideal of a GKZ system associated to the toric data of [Formula: see text] and the line bundles. This description can be seen as a “left cancellation procedure”. We consider some examples where this description enables us to compute generators of this ideal, and thus to give a presentation of the ambient quantum [Formula: see text]-module.