bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of beaver facilitation on Common Teal: pairs and broods respond differently at the patch and landscape scales
Authors: Nummi Petri , Suontakanen Eeva‐Maria , Holopainen Sari , Väänänen Veli‐Matti
Published: June 2018

Avian species respond to ecological variability at a range of spatial scales and according to life history stage. Beaver dams create wetland systems for waterbirds that are utilized throughout different stages of the breeding season. We studied how beaver‐induced variability affected mobile pairs and more sedentary broods along with the production of Common TealAnas creccaat the patch and landscape scale on their breeding grounds. BeaversCastorspp. are ecosystem engineers that enhance waterfowl habitats by impeding water flow and creating temporary flooding. Two landscapes in southern Finland with (Evo) and without (Nuuksio) American BeaversCastor canadensiswere used in this study. To investigate the patch‐scale effect, pair and brood densities along with brood production were first compared at beaver‐occupied lakes and non‐beaver lakes in the beaver landscape. Annual pair and brood densities/km shoreline and brood production were compared between beaver and non‐beaver landscapes. Facilitative effects of beaver activity were manifest on brood density at both patch and landscape scales: these were over 90% and 60% higher in beaver patches and landscapes, respectively. An effect of beaver presence on pair density was only seen at the landscape level. Pair density did not strongly affect brood production, as shown earlier for relatively mildly density‐dependent Teal populations. Because the extent of beaver flooding was a crucial factor affecting annual Teal production in the study area, we infer beaver activity has consequences for the local Teal population. Ecosystem engineering by the beaver could therefore be considered a restoration tool in areas where waterfowl are in need of high‐quality habitats.
A study on the effect of compositing silver oxide nanoparticles by carbon on the ‎electrochemical behavior and electronic properties of zinc‐silver oxide batteries ‎
Authors: Sabzi Masoud , Mersagh Dezfuli Saeid
Published: June 2018

In this study, the effect of compositing silver oxide nanoparticles by carbon on the electrochemical behavior and electronic properties of zinc‐silver oxide batteries have been investigated. For this purpose, firstly four silver oxide electrodes containing 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt% carbon powder were produced by powder metallurgy method. For the next step, all four silver oxide electrodes were sintered at 500°C for 10 minutes. Afterward and in order to investigate the microstructure, phase and elemental analysis of the electrodes were carried out using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. Moreover, in order to investigate the effect of compositing silver oxide nanoparticles by carbon on the electrochemical behavior and electronic properties of zinc‐silver oxide, electrochemical tests (potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and electric discharge test in 1.4 wt%KOH electrolyte were carried out respectively. The microstructural observations revealed that increasing carbon content in the silver oxide electrodes results in increasing the apparent porosities in these electrodes. Investigating the phase and elemental analysis results showed that by increasing the content of carbon in the silver oxide electrode, the amount of Ag2O and AgO phases in this electrode reduces and also the extent of pure silver formation increases. Investigations on the results of electrochemical tests showed that increasing carbon content results in the reduction of corrosion resistance in silver oxide electrodes. Moreover, the results of electric discharge test revealed that the silver oxide electrode containing 10wt% carbon yields the highest energy efficiency in the zinc‐silver oxide batteries.
Social partners' levers: job quality and industrial relations in the waste sector in three small European countries
Authors: Sørensen Ole Henning , Kirov Vassil , Holtgrewe Ursula
Published: June 2018

This article examines how social partners in the waste sector in Austria, Bulgaria and Denmark strive to protect job quality from negative impacts of two European trends: privatisation and greening. The article uses qualitative, comparative research to examine social partners' levers for protecting and improving job quality. Three levers are identified: negotiation power, collective agreements and general regulation that facilitate negotiation and social partnership. In general, privatisation has had a negative influence on job quality and the levers of collective actors, whereas the impact of greening is ambiguous, that is, not necessarily positive. The article concludes that stakeholders' ability to improve job quality is contingent upon their activity on both a national and European level.
Actin cytoskeleton assembly regulates collagen production via TGF‐β type II receptor in human skin fibroblasts
Authors: Qin Zhaoping , Fisher Gary J. , Voorhees John J. , Quan Taihao
Published: June 2018

The dermal compartment of skin is primarily composed of collagen‐rich extracellular matrix (ECM), which is produced by dermal fibroblasts. In Young skin, fibroblasts attach to the ECM through integrins. During ageing, fragmentation of the dermal ECM limits fibroblast attachment. This reduced attachment is associated with decreased collagen production, a major cause of skin thinning and fragility, in the elderly. Fibroblast attachment promotes assembly of the cellular actin cytoskeleton, which generates mechanical forces needed for structural support. The mechanism(s) linking reduced assembly of the actin cytoskeleton to decreased collagen production remains unclear. Here, we report that disassembly of the actin cytoskeleton results in impairment of TGF‐β pathway, which controls collagen production, in dermal fibroblasts. Cytoskeleton disassembly rapidly down‐regulates TGF‐β type II receptor (TβRII) levels. This down‐regulation leads to reduced activation of downstream effectors Smad2/Smad3 and CCN2, resulting in decreased collagen production. These responses are fully reversible; restoration of actin cytoskeleton assembly up‐regulates TβRII, Smad2/Smad3, CCN2 and collagen expression. Finally, actin cytoskeleton‐dependent reduction of TβRII is mediated by induction of microRNA 21, a potent inhibitor of TβRII protein expression. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism that links actin cytoskeleton assembly and collagen expression in dermal fibroblasts. This mechanism likely contributes to loss of TβRII and collagen production, which are observed in aged human skin.
Infant temperament reactivity and early maternal caregiving: independent and interactive links to later childhood attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms
Authors: Miller Natalie V. , Degnan Kathryn A. , Hane Amie A. , Fox Nathan A. , Chronis‐Tuscano Andrea
Published: June 2018

Background

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with origins early in life. There is growing evidence that individual differences in temperament reactivity are predictive of ADHD symptoms, yet little is known about the relations between temperament reactivity in early infancy and later ADHD symptoms or the combined effect of reactivity with early environmental factors on ADHD symptom development. Using a 9‐year prospective longitudinal design, this study tested the independent and interactive contributions of infant reactivity and maternal caregiving behaviors (MCB) on parent‐ and teacher‐reported childhood ADHD symptoms.

Methods

Participants included 291 children (135 male; 156 female) who participated in a larger study of temperament and social–emotional development. Reactivity was assessed by behavioral observation of negative affect, positive affect, and motor activity during novel stimuli presentations at 4 months of age. MCB were observed during a series of semistructured mother–infant tasks at 9 months of age. Finally, ADHD symptoms were assessed by parent‐ and teacher‐report questionnaires at 7 and 9 years, respectively.

Results

Reactivity was predictive of ADHD symptoms, but results were sex specific. For boys, infant motor activity was positively predictive of later ADHD symptoms, but only at lower quality MCB. For girls, infant positive affect was positively predictive of later ADHD symptoms at lower quality MCB, and—unexpectedly—infant positive affect and motor activity were negatively predictive of later ADHD symptoms at higher quality MCB.

Conclusions

These results point to early parenting as a moderating factor to mitigate temperament‐related risk for later ADHD, suggesting this as a potential intervention target to mitigate risk for ADHD among reactive infants.
Design flood estimation and utility of high‐resolution calibration data in small, heavily urbanised catchments
Authors: Vesuviano G. , Miller J.D.
Published: June 2018

Design flood estimates are often required for small, heavily urbanised catchments, which respond quickly to storm events. However, hydrological models are most frequently calibrated using daily or hourly data on larger, more rural catchments, which respond on much longer timescales. Here, we calibrate a lumped, conceptual rainfall‐runoff model (ReFH2) in three small (2–6 km2), heavily urbanised catchments in Swindon, UK, assessing the benefits of using high‐resolution temporal and spatial data. Modelling shows that heavy urbanisation does not by itself invalidate the applicability of a lumped, conceptual model. However, we find great dissimilarities between runoff behaviour in different heavily urbanised catchments, with some types behaving similarly to rural catchments. In other cases, response and contributing catchment area can depend more on underground topology than catchment topography. Calibrated runoff response is insensitive to the temporal resolution of the calibration events in all study catchments. Future research should aim to differentiate between different types of heavily urbanised catchment, potentially through landscape metrics to measure the connectivity and isolation of different land surface types.
Prediction of disease activity of Crohn's disease through fecal calprotectin evaluated by balloon‐assisted endoscopy
Authors: Iwamoto Fumihiko , Matsuoka Katsuyoshi , Motobayashi Maiko , Takenaka Kento , Kuno Toru , Tanaka Keisuke , Tsukui Yuya , Kobayashi Shoji , Yoshida Takashi , Fujii Toshimitsu , Saito Eiko , Yamaguchi Tatsuya , Nagahori Masakazu , Sato Tadashi , Ohtsuka Kazuo , Enomoto Nobuyuki , Watanabe Mamoru
Published: June 2018

Background and Aim

Fecal calprotectin (FC) is a useful marker for assessing the activity of intestinal inflammation. However, most studies have used ileocolonoscopy to evaluate the association of FC with intestinal inflammation, and it is not clear whether FC is useful for the evaluation of small‐bowel Crohn's disease (CD). This study aimed to determine the usefulness of FC for predicting intestinal inflammation evaluated by balloon‐assisted endoscopy (BAE), which can visualize the deep small intestine.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional, observational study involving 69 CD patients, 39 of whom had only small‐bowel disease. The extended simplified endoscopic activity score for Crohn's disease (eSES‐CD) was calculated based on the findings of BAE. Mucosal healing was defined as an eSES‐CD of 0.

Results

In all CD patients, FC levels were correlated with the eSES‐CD (r = 0.663, P < 0.001). The cutoff value to predict mucosal healing was 92 mg/kg, with a sensitivity of 94%, specificity of 88%, positive predictive value of 98%, negative predictive value of 64%, and the area under the curve of 0.91. Even in small‐bowel CD patients, FC levels were correlated with the eSES‐CD (r = 0.607, P < 0.001). The cutoff value was 92 mg/kg, with a sensitivity of 87%, specificity of 88%, positive predictive value of 96%, negative predictive value of 64%, and area under the curve of 0.85.

Conclusions

Fecal calprotectin showed a significant correlation with the intestinal inflammation evaluated with BAE even in patients with only small intestinal disease. FC is useful for the evaluation of CD including both the small and large intestines.
Linking the defence of territory to food sovereignty: Peasant environmentalisms and extractive neoliberalism in Guatemala
Authors: Copeland Nicholas
Published: June 2018

Food sovereignty and the defence of territory are increasingly influential environmental paradigms for rural social movements in opposition to free market hegemony in the global south. These paradigms propose radical alternatives to growth based economies, unequal property regimes, and the absolute territorial sovereignty of nation states. Drawing on fieldwork in rural Guatemala with progressive NGOs and social movements, this essay describes these tendencies' origins and characteristic discourses and demands, examines their links to traditional peasant politics and indigenous rights movements, and assesses their divergences, limitations, and possibilities for synergy. Building on Joan Martínez‐Alier' conception of the “environmentalism of the poor”, I show how these “peasant environmentalisms” converge and reinforce one another while responding to different aspects of neoliberalism's threat to lives, livelihoods, and territories during Guatemala's conflict‐ridden transition to neoliberal democracy. I also discuss how their convergence has expanded thinking about territorial alternatives and suggest that holding these paradigms in tension is vital to build broad coalitions among a fragmented peasantry. I propose food sovereignty as the economic model of the plurinational state.
The impact of advanced nurse practitioners on patient outcomes in chronic kidney disease: A systematic review
Authors: McCrory Geraldine , Patton Declan , Moore Zena , O'Connor Tom , Nugent Linda
Published: June 2018

Background

Management of individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires a collaborative approach. Nurses have diversified their skills to take on roles which have been traditionally physician‐led. The impact of such roles, mainly that of the advanced nurse practitioner (ANP), has not been previously assessed using a systematic approach.

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review (SR) was to determine the impact of the addition of an ANP on patient outcomes in adults with CKD.

Design

A SR, following the guidance of PRISMA was undertaken.

Methods

Population: adults with CKD. Intervention: ANP. Databases searched included The Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase and Medline.

Measurements

Outcome measures were blood pressure (BP), lipids, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), phosphate and parathormone (PTH) measures and recommended medication use.

Results

Four studies met the inclusion criteria. All possessed external validity and demonstrated low risk for random sequence generation and allocation concealment but were at high risk of performance bias and detection bias. The addition of an ANP resulted in the superior management of BP in all studies. Three studies reported improved control of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and PTH. One study reported greater achievement of phosphate control. Glycaemic control was equal in both groups. All studies reported higher rates of recommended medication use.

Conclusion

The addition of an ANP is superior or equal to the usual care models for the management of BP, LDL, PTH and glycaemic control in adults with CKD.
Phylogenetic diversity is a better measure of biodiversity than taxon counting
Authors: Miller Joseph T. , Jolley‐Rogers Garry , Mishler Brent D. , Thornhill Andrew H.
Published: June 2018

Biodiversity is most commonly measured in taxonomic richness. For example, it is common to describe how diverse a genus or a geographic area is by counting the number of species within them. Phylogenetic diversity (PD), a measurement of the branch lengths in a phylogenetic tree, is a better measure of biodiversity that provides a comparable, evolutionary measure of biodiversity not possible with species counts. Despite its advantages, PD is rarely used as the primary measure of biodiversity. We developed a genus‐level phylogeny for nearly 90% of taxonomically described Australian land plants and compared PD to genus richness in multiple clades. The proportion of PD per genera was skewed among clades. Non‐angiosperm clades had more PD than expected given the number of genera while angiosperm clades had less PD than expected. For example, ferns comprised only 4.7% of the genera yet 13.0% of the PD, while the angiosperms as a whole comprised 78.9% of the genera but only 62.7% of the PD. It is likely that cultural reasons, such as taxonomic biases, are more important than methodological and biological phenomena in explaining these discrepancies. Regardless of reasons for the observed results, we conclude that a shift towards the use of PD as the primary descriptor of biodiversity will promote an important conceptual shift in biodiversity studies as a quantitative science.
Invasive plants in Minnesota are “joining the locals”: A trait‐based analysis
Authors: Lodge Alexandra G. , Whitfeld Timothy J. S. , Roth Alexander M. , Reich Peter B.
Published: June 2018

Questions

Predicting which newly arrived species will establish and become invasive is a problem that has long vexed researchers. In a study of cold temperate oak forest stands, we examined two contrasting hypotheses regarding plant functional traits to explain the success of certain non‐native species. Under the “join the locals” hypothesis, successful invaders are expected to share traits with resident species because they employ successful growth strategies under light‐limited understorey conditions. Instead, under the “try harder” hypothesis, successful invaders are expected to have traits different from native species in order to take advantage of unused niche space.

Location

Minnesota, USA.

Methods

We examined these two theories using 109 native and 11 non‐native plants in 68 oak forest stands. We focused on traits related to plant establishment and growth, including specific leaf area (SLA), leaf carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio (C:N), wood density, plant maximum height, mycorrhizal type, seed mass and growth form. We compared traits of native and non‐native species using ordinations in multidimensional trait space and compared community‐weighted mean (CWM) trait values across sites.

Results

We found few differences between trait spaces occupied by native and non‐native species. Non‐native species occupied smaller areas of trait space than natives, yet were within that of the native species, indicating similar growth strategies. We observed a higher proportion of non‐native species in sites with higher native woody species CWM SLA and lower CWM C:N. Higher woody CWM SLA was observed in sites with higher soil pH, while lower CWM C:N was found in sites with higher light levels.

Conclusions

Non‐native plants in this system have functional traits similar to natives and are therefore “joining the locals.” However, non‐native plants may possess traits toward the acquisitive end of the native plant trait range, as evidenced by higher non‐native plant abundance in high‐resource environments.
Overmarking by adult females in four equid species: social bonds and group cohesion
Authors: Tučková V. , Šárová R. , Bartošová J. , King S. R. B. , Pluháček J.
Published: June 2018

Scent marking by overmarking deposits made by conspecifics has been well studied in male mammals, but this phenomenon remains poorly understood and rarely studied in females. Furthermore, in socially living mammals like most ungulate species many of the established hypotheses cannot be applied, leaving the function of female overmarking unexplained. In this study, we suggest and test a novel hypothesis: maintenance of social bonds. We examined the occurrence of adult female overmarking in equids and test three classical hypotheses which may explain this phenomenon: group cohesion, intrasexual competition and social hierarchy. We observed all African equid species (Equus africanus, E. grevyi, E. quagga, E. zebra) in five zoos. In total, we recorded 4668 eliminations by 130 individuals; 327 of these events were overmarked by 69 individual females representing all species. Adult females overmarked individuals of each age and sex category, but mostly other females and foals. The rate of overmarking within a dyad of adult females increased with increasing ‘friendship’ of the dyad, thus demonstrating for the first time that overmarking can serve to support social bonds in mammals. In addition, we found a higher overmarking rate among females in the temporary absence of a stallion than in his presence suggesting partial support for the group cohesion hypothesis. On the other hand, we found no evidence supporting hypotheses of intrasexual competition and social hierarchy. We suggest that the use of overmarking to maintain social bonds may be more important in mammals like equids that live in groups of unrelated individuals.
In long bacterial cells, the Min system can act off‐center
Authors: MacCready Joshua S. , Vecchiarelli Anthony G.
Published: June 2018

In many rod‐shaped bacteria, the Min system is well‐known for generating a cell‐pole to cell‐pole standing wave oscillation with a single node at mid‐cell to align cell division. In filamentous E. coli cells, the single‐node standing wave transitions into a multi‐nodal oscillation. These multi‐nodal dynamics have largely been treated simply as an interesting byproduct of artificially elongated cells. However, a recent in vivo study by Muraleedharan et al. shows how multi‐nodal Min dynamics are used to align non‐mid‐cell divisions in the elongated swarmer cells of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The authors propose a model where the combined actions of cell‐length dependent Min dynamics, in concert with nucleoid occlusion along the cell length and regulation of FtsZ levels ensures Z ring formation and complete chromosome segregation at a single off‐center position. By limiting the number of cell division events to one per cell at an off‐center position, long swarmer cells are preserved within a multiplying population. The findings unveil an elegant mechanism of cell‐division regulation by the Min system that allows long swarmer cells to divide without the need to ‘dedifferentiate’.
Ancient association of cyanobacterial multicellularity with the regulator HetR and an RGSGR pentapeptide‐containing protein (PatX)
Authors: Elhai Jeff , Khudyakov Ivan
Published: June 2018

One simple model to explain biological pattern postulates the existence of a stationary regulator of differentiation that positively affects its own expression, coupled with a diffusible suppressor of differentiation that inhibits the regulator’s expression. The first has been identified in the filamentous, heterocyst‐forming cyanobacterium, Anabaena PCC 7120 as the transcriptional regulator, HetR and the second as the small protein, PatS, which contains a critical RGSGR motif that binds to HetR. HetR is present in almost all filamentous cyanobacteria, but only a subset of heterocyst‐forming strains carry proteins similar to PatS. We identified a third protein, PatX that also carries the RGSGR motif and is coextensive with HetR. Amino acid sequences of PatX contain two conserved regions: the RGSGR motif and a hydrophobic N‐terminus. Within 69 nt upstream from all instances of the gene is a DIF1 motif correlated in Anabaena with promoter induction in developing heterocysts, preceded in heterocyst‐forming strains by an apparent NtcA‐binding site, associated with regulation by nitrogen‐status. Consistent with a role in the simple model, PatX is expressed dependent on HetR and acts to inhibit differentiation. The acquisition of the PatX/HetR pair preceded the appearance of both PatS and heterocysts, dating back to the beginnings of multicellularity.
Factors associated with immune hemolytic anemia after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Rock Nathalie , Ansari Marc , Villard Jean , Ferrari‐Lacraz Sylvie , Waldvogel Sophie , McLin Valérie Anne
Published: June 2018

Immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia following SOT is a rare disorder, the risk factors for which are unknown. Our purpose was to analyze a seemingly increased incidence in our center with the aim to identify predisposing factors. This recipients single‐center retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 96 pediatric LT between 2000 and 2013. IHA was defined as acute anemia with a positive direct antiglobulin test. Seven cases of immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia were identified (incidence 8.5%). Three cases presented during the first 3 months following LT (early IHA), and 4 presented later (late IHA). All patients with late IHA required rituximab. Using univariate analysis, the following factors were associated with IHA onset: BA (P = .04), younger age (P = .04), and the use of IGL‐1 preservation solution (P = .05). Late IHA was associated with viral infections occurring beyond 3 months following LT, younger age, and BA (P = .01). Overall, CMV infection was associated with the development of both early and late IHA: CMV‐negative recipients who received an organ from a CMV‐positive donor were more likely to develop IHA (P = .035), and de novo CMV infection during the first year post‐LT was associated with late IHA (P = .03). IHA is a rare complication following pediatric LT, occurring more frequently in younger patients and patients with an initial diagnosis of BA. CMV‐negative recipients and patients who experience a de novo CMV infection in the first year following LT seem particularly vulnerable. IGL‐1 preservation solution may be associated with an increased likelihood of developing IHA, a novel finding which warrants further investigation.
Removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution using cocoa (Theobroma cacao) nib-based activated carbon treated with hydrochloric acid
Authors: Hassan Mohd Sukri , Nikman Khairul Adli , Ahmad Fisal
Published: June 2018

Chemical activation process was applied to prepare a cocoa nib-based activated carbon using potassium carbonate (K2CO3). The performance of the activated carbon in removing Methylene Blue from aqueous solution was investigated by batch adsorption studies. The adsorptive properties were studied in terms of initial concentration (C0: 100-300 mg/L) and contact time effects. The experimental isotherm data fitted well the Langmuir and Temkin models. The adsorption kinetic followed the pseudo-second-order model and Boyd model explained the mechanism of adsorption. The results indicate that the chemically produced activated cocoa nib carbon has significant potential to be used as an adsorbent material for adsorption of Methylene Blue from aqueous solution.
Development and performance of BAC-ZS bacterial consortium as biofilm onto macrocomposites for raw textile wastewater treatment
Authors: Muhammad Mubarak Mohd Fahmi , Md Nor Muhamad Hanif , Sabaruddin Muhamad Firdaus , Bay Hui Han , Lim Chi Kim , Ibrahim Zaharah
Published: June 2018

One of the most abundant dyes that are used extensively in the textile manufacturing are azo dyes, which may endanger water bodies since incomplete breakdown of dyes may cause mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds to persist. In this study, BAC-ZS, bacterial mixed culture consisting of three acclimatised decolourising bacteria were grown as biofilm onto macrocomposites. Different time duration between 3 to 14 days of biofilm development was studied to determine the density of biofilm attached onto macrocomposites. Sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) were set up for raw textile wastewater treatment to investigate the effectiveness of the treatment with and without the presence of biofilm (control). The treatment was performed under facultative anaerobic-aerobic condition for 20 days continuously with 48-hour of hydraulic retention time (HRT) cycle (consisting both conditions). Colour and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were monitored throughout the treatment process. Results showed that the colour and COD removal by the developed biofilm were 78.6 ± 1.4% and 76.4 ± 1.12% from initial values of 1400 ADMI and 660 mg/L, respectively while only 47.9 ± 0.9% colour and 38.0 ± 1.5% COD removal for the control. In conclusion, the biofilm of BAC-ZS mixed culture coated onto macrocomposites showed potential applications in the treatment of raw textile wastewater.
Determination of rotational and vibrational temperatures of CH in CH4 plasmas
Authors: Van Surksum Tara L. , Blechle Joshua M. , Fisher Ellen R.
Published: June 2018

Understanding fundamental plasma–surface interactions remains an important component of increasing the utility of plasma systems in a range of applications including plasma-assisted catalysis (PAC). A key element in realizing the potential of these applications is understanding the foundational data that control the overall process. Here, fundamental gas-phase and film chemistry trends in methane inductively coupled plasmas are studied to model PAC systems for decomposition of volatile organic compounds. Specifically, energy partitioning trends are presented in conjunction with surface characterization data to elucidate processes occurring at the plasma–surface interface. Optical emission spectroscopy yields rotational and vibrational distribution measurements that can be converted to temperatures (TR and TV) for CH in 100% CH4 and CH4/Ar plasmas as a function of pressure (50–200 mTorr) and applied rf power (25–150 W). Under these conditions, TV ranges from ∼3000 to ∼5000 K, whereas TR has values of 1500–2500 K. These are considerably above room temperature, even at pressures of 200 mTorr and Ar content as high as 25% of total precursor feed. Surface characterization of plasma-treated substrates yields minimal changes in chemical composition but more significant variations in film morphology as functions of plasma pressure and applied rf power. Collectively, these data aim to unravel the complex chemistry of plasma systems for PAC.
Operational Performance of a Plasmodium falciparum Ultrasensitive Rapid Diagnostic Test for Detection of Asymptomatic Infections in Eastern Myanmar
Authors: Landier Jordi , Haohankhunnatham Warat , Das Smita , Konghahong Kamonchanok , Christensen Peter , Raksuansak Jathee , Phattharakokoedbun Pase , Kajeechiwa Ladda , Thwin May Myo , Jang Ihn Kyung , Imwong Mallika , Wiladphaingern Jacher , Lwin Khin Maung , Ling Clare , Proux Stephane , Domingo Gonzalo J. , Delmas Gilles , Nosten François H.
Published: June 2018

In the Greater Mekong Subregion in Southeast Asia, malaria elimination strategies need to target all
Plasmodium falciparum
parasites, including those carried asymptomatically. More than 70% of asymptomatic carriers are not detected by current rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) or microscopy.
Cwp19 Is a Novel Lytic Transglycosylase Involved in Stationary-Phase Autolysis Resulting in Toxin Release in
Clostridium difficile
Authors: Wydau-Dematteis Sandra , El Meouche Imane , Courtin Pascal , Hamiot Audrey , Lai-Kuen René , Saubaméa Bruno , Fenaille François , Butel Marie-José , Pons Jean-Louis , Dupuy Bruno , Chapot-Chartier Marie-Pierre , Peltier Johann
Published: June 2018

Clostridium difficile
is the major etiologic agent of antibiotic-associated intestinal disease. Pathogenesis of
C. difficile
is mainly attributed to the production and secretion of toxins A and B. Unlike most clostridial toxins, toxins A and B have no signal peptide, and they are therefore secreted by unusual mechanisms involving the holin-like TcdE protein and/or autolysis. In this study, we characterized the cell surface protein Cwp19, a newly identified peptidoglycan-degrading enzyme containing a novel catalytic domain. We purified a recombinant His
6
-tagged Cwp19 protein and showed that it has lytic transglycosylase activity. Moreover, we observed that Cwp19 is involved in cell autolysis and that a
C. difficile
cwp19
mutant exhibited delayed autolysis in stationary phase compared to the wild type when bacteria were grown in brain heart infusion (BHI) medium. Wild-type cell autolysis is correlated to strong alterations of cell wall thickness and integrity and to release of cytoplasmic material. Furthermore, we demonstrated that toxins were released into the extracellular medium as a result of Cwp19-induced autolysis when cells were grown in BHI medium. In contrast, Cwp19 did not induce autolysis or toxin release when cells were grown in tryptone-yeast extract (TY) medium. These data provide evidence for the first time that TcdE and bacteriolysis are coexisting mechanisms for toxin release, with their relative contributions
in vitro
depending on growth conditions. Thus, Cwp19 is an important surface protein involved in autolysis of vegetative cells of
C. difficile
that mediates the release of the toxins from the cell cytosol in response to specific environment conditions.

IMPORTANCE
Clostridium difficile
-associated disease is mainly known as a health care-associated infection. It represents the most problematic hospital-acquired infection in North America and Europe and exerts significant economic pressure on health care systems. Virulent strains of
C. difficile
generally produce two toxins that have been identified as the major virulence factors. The mechanism for release of these toxins from bacterial cells is not yet fully understood but is thought to be partly mediated by bacteriolysis. Here we identify a novel peptidoglycan hydrolase in
C. difficile
, Cwp19, exhibiting lytic transglycosylase activity. We show that Cwp19 contributes to
C. difficile
cell autolysis in the stationary phase and, consequently, to toxin release, most probably as a response to environmental conditions such as nutritional signals. These data highlight that Cwp19 constitutes a promising target for the development of new preventive and curative strategies.
Ssssh for Handover: protected medical handover; optimising quality and prioritising safety—a regional initiative
Authors: Mallett Peter , Thompson Andrew , Bourke Thomas , Shah Shilpa
Published: June 2018

Medical handover is one of the most commonly performed actions in the healthcare system today. While it is performed regularly, it is often not done as effectively as it could or should be.
1
Many organisations have implemented systems and structures to improve the quality and impact of their handover process. These include advocating senior presence, introducing validated handover tools and an emphasis on multidisciplinary involvement.
2
A protected handover prioritises safety, enhances communication and encourages improvement in handover effectiveness. Our local pilot and subsequent regional initiative has begun actively addressing this issue using a low-cost, interprofessional, multispeciality quality improvement initiative.
Suture snare technique for scleral fixation of intraocular lenses and capsular tension devices
Authors: Chee Soon-Phaik , Chan Nicole Shu-Wen
Published: June 2018

Polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) suture is preferred for scleral fixation of intraocular lenses or capsular tension devices as it is more resilient to breakage than polypropylene 10–0. However, manipulation of the thick calibre and overcurved configuration of the Gore-Tex needle within the eye poses a risk of damage to the intraocular structures. Existing techniques that overcome the problem of needles within the anterior chamber involve special instruments to retrieve the suture. We describe a technique that creates a suture snare from a short segment of the Gore-Tex suture borne on a 26-gauge needle, which is used to retrieve the Gore-Tex suture safely at the scleral fixation site. The suture is threaded into the bore of the needle leaving a short length extending from the hub which is secured by inserting a 1 cc syringe acting as a handle. The needle is inserted at the scleral fixation site, and the suture trailing from the needle tip forms a loop which is externalised at the main incision. This suture snare is used to retrieve the end of the Gore-Tex suture bearing the device to the scleral fixation site when the needle and the loop of the suture are withdrawn from the eye. This technique eliminates the inappropriate needle and the need for a large sclerostomy, and is cost-effective and can also be used in combination with the conjunctival-sparing Hoffman corneoscleral pocket.
Study to determine the likely accuracy of pH testing to confirm nasogastric tube placement
Authors: Rowat Anne M , Graham Catriona , Dennis Martin
Published: June 2018

Objective

To establish the likely accuracy of pH testing to identify gastric aspirates at different pH cut-offs to confirm nasogastric tube placement.

Methods

This prospective observational study included a convenience sample of adult patients who had two (one fresh and one frozen) gastric and oesophageal samples taken during gastroscopy or two bronchial and saliva samples taken during bronchoscopy. The degree of observer agreement for the pH of fresh and frozen samples was indicted by kappa (k) statistics. The sensitivities and specificities at pH ≤5.5 and the area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve at different pH cut-offs were calculated to identify gastric and non-gastric aspirates.

Results

Ninety-seven patients had a gastroscopy, 106 a bronchoscopy. There was complete agreement between observers in 57/92 (62%) of the paired fresh and frozen gastric samples (k=0.496, 95% CI 0.364 to 0.627). The sensitivity of a pH ≤5.5 to correctly identify gastric samples was 68% (95% CI 57 to 77) and the specificity was 79% (95% CI 74 to 84). The overall accuracy to correctly classify samples was between 76% and 77%, regardless of whether patients were taking antacids or not. The area under the ROC curve at different pH cut-offs was 0.74.

Conclusion

The diagnostic accuracy of pH ≤5.5 to differentiate gastric from non-gastric samples was low, regardless of whether patients were taking antacids or not. Due to the limited accuracy of the pH sticks and the operators’ ability to differentiate colorimetric results, there is an urgent need to identify more accurate and safer methods to confirm correct placement of nasogastric tubes.
Cohort profile: the Geoscience and Health Cohort Consortium (GECCO) in the Netherlands
Authors: Timmermans Erik J , Lakerveld Jeroen , Beulens Joline W J , Boomsma Dorret I , Kramer Sophia E , Oosterman Mirjam , Willemsen Gonneke , Stam Mariska , Nijpels Giel , Schuengel Carlo , Smit Jan H , Brunekreef Bert , Dekkers Jasper E C , Deeg Dorly J H , Penninx Brenda W J H , Huisman Martijn
Published: June 2018

Purpose

In the Netherlands, a great variety of objectively measured geo-data is available, but these data are scattered and measured at varying spatial and temporal scales. The centralisation of these geo-data and the linkage of these data to individual-level data from longitudinal cohort studies enable large-scale epidemiological research on the impact of the environment on public health in the Netherlands. In the Geoscience and Health Cohort Consortium (GECCO), six large-scale and ongoing cohort studies have been enriched with a variety of existing geo-data. Here, we introduce GECCO by describing: (1) the phenotypes of the involved cohort studies, (2) the collected geo-data and their sources, (3) the methodology that was used to link the collected geo-data to individual cohort studies, (4) the similarity of commonly used geo-data between our consortium and the nationwide situation in the Netherlands and (5) the distribution of geo-data within our consortium.

Participants

GECCO includes participants from six prospective cohort studies (eg, 44 657 respondents (18–100 years) in 2006) and it covers all municipalities in the Netherlands. Using postal code information of the participants, geo-data on the address-level, postal code-level as well as neighbourhood-level could be linked to individual-level cohort data.

Findings to date

The geo-data could be successfully linked to almost all respondents of all cohort studies, with successful data-linkage rates ranging from 97.1% to 100.0% between cohort studies. The results show variability in geo-data within and across cohorts. GECCO increases power of analyses, provides opportunities for cross-checking and replication, ensures sufficient geographical variation in environmental determinants and allows for nuanced analyses on specific subgroups.

Future plans

GECCO offers unique opportunities for (longitudinal) studies on the complex relationships between the environment and health outcomes. For example, GECCO will be used for further research on environmental determinants of physical/psychosocial functioning and lifestyle behaviours.
Children’s views on research without prior consent in emergency situations: a UK qualitative study
Authors: Roper Louise , Sherratt Frances C , Young Bridget , McNamara Paul , Dawson Angus , Appleton Richard , Crawley Esther , Frith Lucy , Gamble Carrol , Woolfall Kerry
Published: June 2018

Objectives

We explored children’s views on research without prior consent (RWPC) and sought to identify ways of involving children in research discussions.

Design

Qualitative interview study.

Setting

Participants were recruited through a UK children’s hospital and online advertising.

Participants

16 children aged 7–15 years with a diagnosis of asthma (n=14) or anaphylaxis (n=2) with recent (<12 months) experience of emergency care.

Results

Children were keen to be included in medical research and viewed RWPC as acceptable in emergency situations if trial interventions were judged safe. Children trusted that doctors would know about their trial participation and act in their best interests. All felt that children should be informed about the research following their recovery and involved in discussions with a clinician or their parent(s) about the use of data already collected as well as continued participation in the trial (if applicable). Participants suggested methods to inform children about their trial participation including an animation.

Conclusions

Children supported, and were keen to be involved in, clinical trials in emergency situations. We present guidance and an animation that practitioners and parents might use to involve children in trial discussions following their recovery.
Accuracy, reproducibility and costs of different laboratory assays for the monitoring of unfractionated heparin in clinical practice: a prospective evaluation study and survey among Swiss institutions
Authors: Bürki Susanne , Brand Béatrice , Escher Robert , Wuillemin Walter A , Nagler Michael
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To investigate the accuracy, reproducibility and costs of different laboratory assays for the monitoring of unfractionated heparin (UFH) in clinical practice and to study test utilisation in Switzerland.

Design

Prospective evaluation study and survey among Swiss hospitals and laboratories.

Setting

Secondary care hospital in rural Switzerland (evaluation study); all Swiss hospitals and laboratories (survey).

Participants

All consecutive patients, monitored for treatment with UFH during two time periods, were included (May to July 2014 and January to February 2015; n=254).

Outcome measures

Results of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), thrombin time (TT), prothrombinase-induced clotting time (PiCT) and anti-Xa activity with respect to UFH concentration

Results

Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rs) with regard to anti-Xa activity was 0.68 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.75) for aPTT, 0.79 (0.69 to 0.86) for TT and 0.94 (0.93 to 0.95) for PiCT. The correlation (rs) between anti-Xa activity and heparin concentration as determined by spiking plasma samples was 1.0 (1.0 to 1.0). The coefficient of variation was at most 5% for PiCT and anti-Xa activity (within-run as well as day-to-day variability). The total costs per test in Swiss Francs (SFr) were SFr23.40 for aPTT, SFr33.30 for TT, SFr15.70 for PiCT and SFr24.15 for anti-Xa activity. The various tests were employed in Swiss institutions with the following frequencies: aPTT 53.2%, TT 21.6%, anti-Xa activity 7.2%, PiCT 1.4%; 16.6% of hospitals performed more than one test.

Conclusions

The accuracy and reproducibility of PiCT and anti-Xa activity for monitoring of UFH was superior, and analytical costs were equivalent to or lower than aPTT and TT.
Feet and fertility in the healing temples: a symbolic communication system between gods and men?
Authors: Cilione Marco , Marinozzi Silvia , Gazzaniga Valentina
Published: June 2018

Anatomical ex-votos of feet have always been interpreted as representing the unhealthy part of the body for which patients were asking healing. However, according to the archaeological data and literary sources, another interpretation is also possible: the purpose of this article is to focus on the strong relationship between feet and fertility in the ancient world by cross-referencing the available archaeological evidence with the scientific data relating to this topic. That shed light on an important aspect of the Healing Temples in Greek and Roman medicine.
Numerical simulations of shallow groundwater flow and heat transport in continuous permafrost setting under impact of climate warming
Authors: Shojae Ghias Masoumeh , Therrien René , Molson John , Lemieux Jean-Michel
Published: June 2018

Numerical simulations of coupled groundwater flow and heat transport are used to address how hydrogeological conditions can affect permafrost dynamics. The simulations are based on a two-dimensional vertical-plane conceptual model of a study site at the Iqaluit Airport, Nunavut, Canada, which includes a 50 m deep permafrost terrain with a shallow active layer, overlain by a paved taxiway with winter snow-covered embankments. Coupled groundwater flow and advective–conductive heat transport with freeze–thaw dynamics, temperature-dependent pore-water freezing functions, and latent heat are included in the model. The simulation results show that a smooth (low-slope) freezing function with a higher residual unfrozen moisture content produced a deeper thaw front compared to that using a steeper freezing function, generating a maximum increase in the depth to permafrost of 17.5 m after 268 years. Permafrost thaw rates in high-permeability zones within a heterogeneous system were also relatively higher compared to an otherwise equivalent homogeneous soil, resulting in a maximum increase of 2.6 m in the depth to permafrost after 238 years. As recharge water cools while flowing along the upgradient permafrost table, advectively driven heat transport is paradoxically shown to temporarily increase the height of the permafrost table in downgradient areas.
Evaluating the influence of stem form and damage on individual-tree diameter increment and survival in the Acadian Region: implications for predicting future value of northern commercial hardwood stands
Authors: Castle Mark , Weiskittel Aaron , Wagner Robert , Ducey Mark , Frank Jereme , Pelletier Gaetan
Published: June 2018

Northern hardwood species display a variety of forms and defects that can reduce stem quality and complicate their timber management. However, for the most part, growth and yield models do not account for the influence of stem form and damage. This study determined the influence of stem form and damage on growth, survival, and projected future sawlog value among several northern commercial hardwood species. To accomplish this, hardwood trees on 112 permanent plots across three long-term research sites in Maine were assigned stem form and risk classes using a tree classification system developed in New Brunswick. A highly significant influence of stem form and risk on annualized individual-tree diameter increment and survival was found. Inclusion of these equations into a regional growth and yield model highlighted the importance of stem form and defects on long-term simulations as projected stand-level future value was significantly reduced by over 17%, on average (range of 13% to 28%), when compared with projections that did not include that tree-level information. The results highlight the importance of stem form and defects, as well as the need to account for them, in growth and yield applications that assess the forecasted value of commercially important hardwood stands.