bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International survey on definitions and current practices in prevention, diagnosis, management and reporting of transfusion‐transmitted bacterial infections
Authors: Chew E. , Benjamin R. J. , McDonald C. P. , Wiersum‐Osselton J. C. , Wood E. M. ,   the International Society of Blood Transfusion Working Parties on Transfusion‐Transmitted Infectious Diseases (Bacterial subgroup) and Haemovigilance
Published: June 2015

Background and objectives

Transfusion‐transmitted bacterial infections (TTBI) remain a threat to safe blood transfusion. Currently, there is no consensus on the definition, presentation, management and prevention of TTBI. A common set of criteria would facilitate haemovigilance and benchmarking. An international survey to assess current practices in TTBI was performed as part of efforts in developing an accepted TTBI definition.

Material and Methods

After a pilot study, the questionnaire was sent via a web‐based survey (www.surveymonkey.com) to members of the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) Working Parties on Transfusion‐Transmitted Infectious Diseases (bacterial subgroup) and Haemovigilance as well as members of the transfusion community with an interest in transfusion safety.

Results

Results from 58 respondents in 39 countries were available. Twenty‐seven countries had a haemovigilance programme. A TTBI definition was available from 27 respondents (17 countries). The reported clinical presentation and management of TTBI, and procedures to prevent bacterial contamination and screening of blood products varied amongst the respondents. The most frequently cited signs of a TTBI were fever, tachycardia, rigours and hypotension. Common methods to prevent bacterial contamination of blood products included donor health questionnaire, skin disinfection prior to blood collection and use of a diversion pouch. Routine bacterial screening of blood products was performed in 19 countries.

Conclusion

This survey highlighted the different practices in TTBI globally and provides a baseline for ongoing endeavours to harmonize TTBI definitions and management.
Snap-Through of Shallow Extensible Arches Under Unilateral Displacement Control
Authors: Plaut Raymond H.
Published: June 2015

Critical displacements are determined for snap-through of shallow, extensible, and elastic arches that are pushed downward quasi-statically at any point along the span. The initial arch is circular and unstrained, and the ends of the arch are pinned and immovable. When the vertical position at the push-down location reaches a critical value, the arch jumps into an inverted shape (unless the arch is extremely shallow). The critical displacement is given or approximated by an unstable equilibrium configuration of the unloaded arch, for which an analyical formula is derived.
Plane Contact and Partial Slip Behaviors of Elastic Layers With Randomly Rough Surfaces
Authors: Jin Fan , Wan Qiang , Guo Xu
Published: June 2015

A plane contact and partial slip model of an elastic layer with randomly rough surface were established by combining the Greenwood–Williamson (GW) rough contact model and the Cattaneo–Mindlin partial slip model. The rough surface of the elastic layer bonded to a rigid base is modeled as an ensemble of noninteracting asperities with identical radius of curvature and Gaussian-distributed heights. By employing the Hertzian solution and the Cattaneo–Mindlin solution to each individual asperity of the rough surface, we derive the total normal force, the real contact area, and the total tangential force for the rough surface, respectively, and then examine the normal contact and partial slip behaviors of the layer. An effective Coulomb coefficient is defined to account for interfacial friction properties. Furthermore, a typical stick–slip transition for the rough surface was also captured by distinguishing the stick and slip contacting asperities according to their respective indentation depths. Our analysis results show that an increasing layer thickness may result in a larger real contact area, a lower mean contact pressure, and a higher effective Coulomb coefficient.
Hyperelastic Thin Shells: Equilibrium Equations and Boundary Conditions
Authors: Zhang Chi , Wu Jian , Hwang Keh-Chih
Published: June 2015

The equilibrium equations and boundary conditions in terms of the second Piola–Kirchhoff membrane stress and moment are given in this note, which are necessary for the finite deformation analysis of shells.
Nonlinear Vibration Analysis of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube With Shell Model Based on the Nonlocal Elasticity Theory
Authors: Soltani P. , Saberian J. , Bahramian R.
Published: June 2015

In this paper, nonlinear vibration of a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) with simply supported ends is investigated based on von Karman's geometric nonlinearity and nonlocal shell theory. The SWCNT is designated as an individual shell, and the Donnell's formulations of a cylindrical shell are used to obtain the governing equations. The Galerkin's procedure is used to discretized partial differential equations (PDEs) into the ordinary differential equations (ODEs) of motion, and the method of averaging is applied to obtain an analytical solution of the nonlinear vibration of (10,0), (20,0), and (30,0) zigzag SWCNTs. The effects of the nonlocal parameters, nonlinear parameters, different aspect ratios, and different circumferential wave numbers are investigated. The results of the classical and the nonlocal models are compared with different nonlocal elasticity constants (e0a). It is shown that the nonlocal parameter predicts different resonant frequencies in comparison to the local models. The softening and/or hardening nonlinear behaviors of the CNTs may change against the nonlocal parameters. Hence, considering the geometrical nonlinearity and the nonlocal elasticity effects, the dynamical models of the SWCNTs predict their vibration behaviors accurately and should not be ignored during theoretical modeling.
Piezo-Barkhausen Emission as an Indicator of the Fatigue Limit of Steel
Authors: Guralnick S. A. , Nunez F. , Erber T.
Published: June 2015

The fatigue properties of two variants of AISI 1018 steel samples were measured in a series of 33 experiments using new kinds of magnetic diagnostics. An MTS-810 servohydraulic test machine applied sinusoidal fully reversed (R = −1) loads under strain (Є) control in the range of 0.0008 ≤ (Є)≤ 0.0020. In 28 experiments, the number of cycles to fatigue failure Nf varied between 36,000 < Nf < 3,661,000. By contrast, in five runs extending over 107 cycles, the specimens showed no detectable signs of weakening or damage. The corresponding “S-N” or classical Wöhler plots indicated that the transitions from fatigue failure to nominally infinite life (i.e., the fatigue limit) occurred at strains of about Є = 0.0009 and Є = 0.0010, respectively, for the two types of steel. Every loading cycle of each test was instrumented to record continual values of stress and strain. Flux gate magnetometers measured the variations of the piezomagnetic fields near the specimens. A 1000-turn coil surrounding the test pieces detected the piezo-Barkhausen pulses generated by abrupt rearrangements of their internal ferromagnetic domain structures. Analyses of the magnetic data yielded four independent indices each of which located the fatigue limits in complete agreement with the values derived from the Wöhler curves.
Room temperature atomic layerlike deposition of ZnS on organic thin films: Role of substrate functional groups and precursors
Authors: Shi Zhiwei , Walker Amy V.
Published: June 2015

The room temperature atomic layerlike deposition (ALLD) of ZnS on functionalized self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) was investigated, using diethyl zinc (DEZ) and in situ generated H2S as reactants. Depositions on SAMs with three different terminal groups, –CH3, –OH, and –COOH, were studied. It was found that the reaction of DEZ with the SAM terminal group is critical in determining the film growth rate. Little or no deposition is observed on –CH3 terminated SAMs because DEZ does not react with the methyl terminal group. ZnS does deposit on both –OH and –COOH terminated SAMs, but the grow rate on –COOH terminated SAMs is ∼10% lower per cycle than on –OH terminated SAMs. DEZ reacts with the hydroxyl group on –OH terminated SAMs, while on –COOH terminated SAMs it reacts with both the hydroxyl and carbonyl bonds of the terminal groups. The carbonyl reaction is found to lead to the formation of ketones rather than deposition of ZnS, lowering the growth rate on –COOH terminated SAMs. SIMS spectra show that both –OH and –COOH terminated SAMs are covered by the deposited ZnS layer after five ALLD cycles. In contrast to ZnO ALLD where the composition of the film differs for the first few layers on –COOH and –OH terminated SAMs, the deposited film composition is the same for both –COOH and –OH terminated SAMs. The deposited film is found to be Zn-rich, suggesting that the reaction of H2S with the Zn-surface adduct may be incomplete.
Plains State University’s Naming Rights Dilemma
Authors: Popp Nels , Eddy Terry , McEvoy Chad
Published: June 2015

In this case study, readers are placed in the role of a National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I Athletics Director and challenged to consider the issue of selling the corporate naming rights to the department’s premier on-campus sports venue. Readers are exposed to a myriad of issues impacting such a decision and must weigh out such factors as: (a) the appropriateness of corporate commercialization in college athletics, (b) the pressure to balance a tight athletic department budget, (c) the impact of changing a facility name which holds significant nostalgic value to the fan base, (d) what type of sponsors might be an appropriate fit for a corporate naming rights sponsorship, and (e) what are the current trends among sport facility naming rights within college athletics. The case study is supported by many scholarly research citations but also includes important appendices, including a database of 44 current college athletic facility naming rights deals, populated with key variables. This database will assist readers in the difficult process of attempting to value naming rights for a fictional facility depicted in the case study.
Concussion in Sport: Conceptual and Ethical Issues
Authors: McNamee Michael J. , Partridge Bradley , Anderson Lynley
Published: June 2015

The issue of concussion in sport is a matter of global public interest that is currently under dispute by educational, legal, and medical professionals and scientists. In this article we discuss the problem from philosophical, bioethical, and sports ethical perspectives. We articulate conceptual differences in approaches to definition and therefore diagnosis of concussion. We critically review similarities and differences in the leading consensus statements that guide the treatment of concussion diagnosis and treatment in sports. We then present a series of ethical problems including issues that relate to paternalistic intervention in the lives of athletes in order to prevent harm to athletes, conflicting and competing interests, and confidentiality.
Part 3: Targeting Cancer Pathways: Tumor Metabolism and Proliferation
Authors: Simon M. Celeste , Hay Nissim
Published: June 2015

This webinar is the third in a series focusing on the cancer pathways that support tumor development, the emerging research in identifying and targeting these pathways, and innovations in the development of increasingly effective cancer therapy options. Recent advances in our understanding of cancer have revealed that the disease cannot be understood through simple analysis of genetic mutations within the cancerous cells. Instead, tumors should be considered as complex tissues in which the cancer cells communicate directly and indirectly with the surrounding cellular microenvironment and evolve traits that promote their own survival. In this webinar we will explore how cancer cells are able to reprogram their metabolic pathways to enable energy production under conditions that are disabling to most normal cells. Of particular interest are how tumor-specific metabolic changes promote oncogenic progression and how these changes can be exploited to develop more effective treatment options.
Comprehensive serological profiling of human populations using a synthetic human virome
Authors: Xu George J. , Kula Tomasz , Xu Qikai , Li Mamie Z. , Vernon Suzanne D. , Ndung’u Thumbi , Ruxrungtham Kiat , Sanchez Jorge , Brander Christian , Chung Raymond T. , O’Connor Kevin C. , Walker Bruce , Larman H. Benjamin , Elledge Stephen J.
Published: June 2015

Viral exposure—the complete history

In addition to causing illness, viruses leave indelible footprints behind, because infection permanently alters the immune system. Blood tests that detect antiviral antibodies can provide information about both past and present viral exposures. Typically, such tests measure only one virus at a time. Using a synthetic representation of all human viral peptides, Xu
et al.
developed a blood test that identifies antibodies against all known human viruses. They studied blood samples from nearly 600 people of differing ages and geographic locations and found that most had been exposed to about 10 viral species over their lifetime. Despite differences in the rates of exposure to specific viruses, the antibody responses in most individuals targeted the same viral epitopes.

Science
, this issue
10.1126/science.aaa0698
Climate change tightens a metabolic constraint on marine habitats
Authors: Deutsch Curtis , Ferrel Aaron , Seibel Brad , Pörtner Hans-Otto , Huey Raymond B.
Published: June 2015

Double trouble

It is well known that climate change will warm ocean waters, but dissolved oxygen levels also decrease as water warms. Deutsch
et al.
combined data on metabolism, temperature, and demographics to determine the impact of marine deoxygenation on a variety of fish and crustacean species (see the Perspective by Kleypas). Predicted climate and oxygen conditions can be expected to contract the distribution of marine fish poleward, as equatorward waters become too low in oxygen to support their energy needs. Furthermore, even the more-poleward waters will have reduced oxygen levels.

Science
, this issue p.
1132
; see also p.
1086
Rapid nitrous oxide cycling in the suboxic ocean
Authors: Babbin Andrew R. , Bianchi Daniele , Jayakumar Amal , Ward Bess B.
Published: June 2015

More N
2
O is no laughing matter

Because N
2
O is a potent greenhouse gas, tracking its sources and sinks—including those from natural processes—is imperative. Babbin
et al.
developed an isotopic tracer method to measure biological N
2
O reduction rates directly in the Eastern Tropical North Pacific Ocean. Incomplete denitrification results in the rapid cycling and net accumulation of N
2
O. As oxygen minimum zones expand in the global ocean, more N
2
O may enter the atmosphere than previously expected.

Science
, this issue p.
1127
Rational synthesis of organic thin films with exceptional long-range structural integrity
Authors: Seiki Noriya , Shoji Yoshiaki , Kajitani Takashi , Ishiwari Fumitaka , Kosaka Atsuko , Hikima Takaaki , Takata Masaki , Someya Takao , Fukushima Takanori
Published: June 2015

Standing at order

Thin films of organic molecules on solid substrates tend to nucleate at many sites and grow multiple domains. However, one large uniform film would be much more desirable in device applications. Seiki
et al.
designed organic molecules that filled space in a hexagonal tiling; a propeller-like triptycene base adhered to crystalline surfaces and alkyl tails extended away from it. The authors could make well-ordered multilayer films up to centimeter length scales.

Science
, this issue p.
1122
Progeria accelerates adult stem cell aging
Authors: Brunauer Regina , Kennedy Brian K.
Published: June 2015

Diseases resembling premature aging model naturally aging mesenchymal stem cells

[Also see Report by

Zhang
et al.

]
Centrioles, in absentia
Authors: Stearns Tim
Published: June 2015

What is the link between centrioles and cell proliferation?

[Also see Report by

Wong
et al.

]
High-Resolution Analysis by Whole-Genome Sequencing of an International Lineage (Sequence Type 111) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Associated with Metallo-Carbapenemases in the United Kingdom
Authors: Turton Jane F. , Wright Laura , Underwood Anthony , Witney Adam A. , Chan Yuen-Ting , Al-Shahib Ali , Arnold Catherine , Doumith Michel , Patel Bharat , Planche Timothy D. , Green Jonathan , Holliman Richard , Woodford Neil
Published: June 2015

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was carried out on 87 isolates of sequence type 111 (ST-111) of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
collected between 2005 and 2014 from 65 patients and 12 environmental isolates from 24 hospital laboratories across the United Kingdom on an Illumina HiSeq instrument. Most isolates (73) carried VIM-2, but others carried IMP-1 or IMP-13 (5) or NDM-1 (1); one isolate had VIM-2 and IMP-18, and 7 carried no metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) gene. Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis divided the isolates into distinct clusters; the NDM-1 isolate was an outlier, and the IMP isolates and 6/7 MBL-negative isolates clustered separately from the main set of 73 VIM-2 isolates. Within the VIM-2 set, there were at least 3 distinct clusters, including a tightly clustered set of isolates from 3 hospital laboratories consistent with an outbreak from a single introduction that was quickly brought under control and a much broader set dominated by isolates from a long-running outbreak in a London hospital likely seeded from an environmental source, requiring different control measures; isolates from 7 other hospital laboratories in London and southeast England were also included. Bayesian evolutionary analysis indicated that all the isolates shared a common ancestor dating back ∼50 years (1960s), with the main VIM-2 set separating approximately 20 to 30 years ago. Accessory gene profiling revealed blocks of genes associated with particular clusters, with some having high similarity (≥95%) to bacteriophage genes. WGS of widely found international lineages such as ST-111 provides the necessary resolution to inform epidemiological investigations and intervention policies.
Primer ID Validates Template Sampling Depth and Greatly Reduces the Error Rate of Next-Generation Sequencing of HIV-1 Genomic RNA Populations
Authors: Zhou Shuntai , Jones Corbin , Mieczkowski Piotr , Swanstrom Ronald
Published: June 2015

Validating the sampling depth and reducing sequencing errors are critical for studies of viral populations using next-generation sequencing (NGS). We previously described the use of Primer ID to tag each viral RNA template with a block of degenerate nucleotides in the cDNA primer. We now show that low-abundance Primer IDs (offspring Primer IDs) are generated due to PCR/sequencing errors. These artifactual Primer IDs can be removed using a cutoff model for the number of reads required to make a template consensus sequence. We have modeled the fraction of sequences lost due to Primer ID resampling. For a typical sequencing run, less than 10% of the raw reads are lost to offspring Primer ID filtering and resampling. The remaining raw reads are used to correct for PCR resampling and sequencing errors. We also demonstrate that Primer ID reveals bias intrinsic to PCR, especially at low template input or utilization. cDNA synthesis and PCR convert ca. 20% of RNA templates into recoverable sequences, and 30-fold sequence coverage recovers most of these template sequences. We have directly measured the residual error rate to be around 1 in 10,000 nucleotides. We use this error rate and the Poisson distribution to define the cutoff to identify preexisting drug resistance mutations at low abundance in an HIV-infected subject. Collectively, these studies show that >90% of the raw sequence reads can be used to validate template sampling depth and to dramatically reduce the error rate in assessing a genetically diverse viral population using NGS.

IMPORTANCE
Although next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized sequencing strategies, it suffers from serious limitations in defining sequence heterogeneity in a genetically diverse population, such as HIV-1 due to PCR resampling and PCR/sequencing errors. The Primer ID approach reveals the true sampling depth and greatly reduces errors. Knowing the sampling depth allows the construction of a model of how to maximize the recovery of sequences from input templates and to reduce resampling of the Primer ID so that appropriate multiplexing can be included in the experimental design. With the defined sampling depth and measured error rate, we are able to assign cutoffs for the accurate detection of minority variants in viral populations. This approach allows the power of NGS to be realized without having to guess about sampling depth or to ignore the problem of PCR resampling, while also being able to correct most of the errors in the data set.
Novel Arenavirus Entry Inhibitors Discovered by Using a Minigenome Rescue System for High-Throughput Drug Screening
Authors: Rathbun Jessica Y. , Droniou Magali E. , Damoiseaux Robert , Haworth Kevin G. , Henley Jill E. , Exline Colin M. , Choe Hyeryun , Cannon Paula M.
Published: June 2015

Certain members of the
Arenaviridae
family are category A agents capable of causing severe hemorrhagic fevers in humans. Specific antiviral treatments do not exist, and the only commonly used drug, ribavirin, has limited efficacy and can cause severe side effects. The discovery and development of new antivirals are inhibited by the biohazardous nature of the viruses, making them a relatively poorly understood group of human pathogens. We therefore adapted a reverse-genetics minigenome (MG) rescue system based on Junin virus, the causative agent of Argentine hemorrhagic fever, for high-throughput screening (HTS). The MG rescue system recapitulates all stages of the virus life cycle and enables screening of small-molecule libraries under biosafety containment level 2 (BSL2) conditions. The HTS resulted in the identification of four candidate compounds with potent activity against a broad panel of arenaviruses, three of which were completely novel. The target for all 4 compounds was the stage of viral entry, which positions the compounds as potentially important leads for future development.

IMPORTANCE
The arenavirus family includes several members that are highly pathogenic, causing acute viral hemorrhagic fevers with high mortality rates. No specific effective treatments exist, and although a vaccine is available for Junin virus, the causative agent of Argentine hemorrhagic fever, it is licensed for use only in areas where Argentine hemorrhagic fever is endemic. For these reasons, it is important to identify specific compounds that could be developed as antivirals against these deadly viruses.
The Torsin Activator LULL1 Is Required for Efficient Growth of Herpes Simplex Virus 1
Authors: Turner Elizabeth M. , Brown Rebecca S. H. , Laudermilch Ethan , Tsai Pei-Ling , Schlieker Christian
Published: June 2015

TorsinA is a membrane-tethered AAA+ ATPase implicated in nuclear envelope dynamics as well as the nuclear egress of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). The activity of TorsinA and the related ATPase TorsinB strictly depends on LAP1 and LULL1, type II transmembrane proteins that are integral parts of the Torsin/cofactor AAA ring, forming a composite, membrane-spanning assembly. Here, we use CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering to create single- and double knockout (KO) cell lines of TorA and TorB as well as their activators, LAP1 and LULL1, to investigate the effect on HSV-1 production. Consistent with LULL1 being the more potent Torsin activator, a LULL1 KO reduces HSV-1 growth by one order of magnitude, while the deletion of other components of the Torsin system in combination causes subtle defects. Notably, LULL1 deficiency leads to a 10-fold decrease in the number of viral genomes per host cell without affecting viral protein production, allowing us to tentatively assign LULL1 to an unexpected role that precedes HSV-1 nuclear egress.

IMPORTANCE
In this study, we conduct the first comprehensive genetic and phenotypic analysis of the Torsin/cofactor system in the context of HSV-1 infection, establishing LULL1 as the most important component of the Torsin system with respect to viral production.
Careers in Virology: Science Writing and Journalism
Authors: Dove Alan
Published: June 2015

This article condenses some highlights from a presentation that I have now given at several universities about the bench-to-newsroom career path. For readers who simply want a short explanation of how to parlay their hard-earned critical-thinking skills from graduate school into a lucrative job in a growing industry, go to law school.
Postoperative Analgesia after Low-Frequency Electroacupuncture as Adjunctive Treatment in Inguinal Hernia Surgery with Abdominal Wall Mesh Reconstruction
Authors: Dalamagka Maria , Mavrommatis Christos , Grosomanidis Vassilios , Karakoulas Konstantinos , Vasilakos Dimitrios , Samara Maria , Saros Christos , Crommydas George
Published: June 2015

Objective

To determine whether an electroacupuncture (EA) technique that was developed for a surgical population under general anaesthesia reduces pain after mesh inguinal hernia open repair.

Methods

A total of 54 patients with right or left inguinal hernia were randomised to group I (preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative EA), group II (preoperative, postoperative EA), or a sham control group (group III; preoperative and postoperative placement of needles, but without skin penetration). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (primary outcome) and the State-Trait Anxiety Spielberger Inventory were evaluated preoperatively and at 30 min, 90 min, 10 h and 24 h after surgery. Pain threshold and tolerance were evaluated using an algometer at these same time points and preoperatively before and after EA. Levels of the stress hormones cortisol, corticotrophin and prolactin were determined at 30 min, 90 min and 10 h after surgery and preoperatively before and after EA.

Results

The results showed significant differences between the true EA and control groups. The true EA groups (I and II) showed statistically significantly greater improvements in the primary (VAS pain, p<0.05) and secondary outcome measures (Anxiety scale; algometer measurements, p<0.05 and stress hormones, p<0.01) compared to the control group. There were no statistically significant differences between groups I and II.

Conclusions

Electroacupuncture reduces postoperative pain after mesh inguinal hernia repair and decreases stress hormone levels and anxiety during the postoperative period.

Trial Registration Number

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01722253.
Transient osteoporosis of the hip in a non-pregnant woman
Authors: Reddy Kanakeya Bachha , Sareen Atul , Kanojia Rajesh Kumar , Prakash Jatin
Published: June 2015

Transient osteoporosis of the hip is a rare, self-limiting condition, occurring most commonly in middle-aged men, but also sometimes in women, usually in late pregnancy. It is characterised by gradual onset of hip pain aggravated by weight bearing without any associated history of trauma and systemic illness. It is usually of unknown aetiology, but pregnancy is a recognised risk factor for women. Other conditions that can mimic transient osteoporosis of the hip on MRI are osteonecrosis, osteomyelitis and neoplasms. We present a case of a 38-year-old non-pregnant woman with transient osteoporosis of the hip, managed conservatively, leading to a full recovery. Treatment is conservative, including protected weight bearing, physical therapy and non-steroidal analgesics. The patient was completely painless and symptom free at 2-year follow-up.
Lupus or syphilis? That is the question!
Authors: Duarte Joana Azevedo , Henriques Celia Coelho , Sousa Carolina , Alves José Delgado
Published: June 2015

A 47-year-old man presented with fever, a maculopapular rash of the palms and soles, muscular weakness, weight loss, faecal incontinence, urinary retention and mental confusion with 1 month of evolution. Neurological examination revealed paraparesis and tactile hypoesthesia with distal predominance, and no sensory level. Laboratory investigations revealed a venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) titre of 1/4 andTreponema pallidumhaemagluttin antigen (TPHA) of 1/640, positive anti-nuclear antibodies of 1/640 and nephrotic proteinuria (3.6 g/24 h). Lumbar puncture excluded neurosyphilis, due to the absence of TPHA and VDRL. The diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was established and even though transverse myelitis as a rare presentation of SLE has a poor outcome, the patient improved with cyclophosphamide, high-dose corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine. A diagnosis of secondary syphilis was also established and the patient was treated with intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.
Welfare state retrenchment and increasing mental health inequality by educational credentials in Finland: a multicohort study
Authors: Kokkinen Lauri , Muntaner Carles , Kouvonen Anne , Koskinen Aki , Varje Pekka , Väänänen Ari
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Epidemiological studies have shown an association between educational credentials and mental disorders, but have not offered any explanation for the varying strength of this association in different historical contexts. In this study, we investigate the education-specific trends in hospitalisation due to psychiatric disorders in Finnish working-age men and women between 1976 and 2010, and offer a welfare state explanation for the secular trends found.

Setting

Population-based setting with a 25% random sample of the population aged 30–65 years in 7 independent consecutive cohorts (1976–1980, 1981–1985, 1986–1990, 1991–1995, 1996–2000, 2001–2005, 2006–2010).

Participants

Participants were randomly selected from the Statistics Finland population database (n=2 865 746). These data were linked to diagnosis-specific records on hospitalisations, drawn from the National Hospital Discharge Registry using personal identification numbers. Employment rates by educational credentials were drawn from the Statistics Finland employment database.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Hospitalisation and employment.

Results

We found an increasing trend in psychiatric hospitalisation rates among the population with only an elementary school education, and a decreasing trend in those with higher educational credentials. The employment rate of the population with only an elementary school education decreased more than that of those with higher educational credentials.

Conclusions

We propose that restricted employment opportunities are the main mechanism behind the increased educational inequality in hospitalisation for psychiatric disorders, while several secondary mechanisms (lack of outpatient healthcare services, welfare cuts, decreased alcohol duty) further accelerated the diverging long-term trends. All of these inequality-increasing mechanisms were activated by welfare state retrenchment, which included the liberalisation of financial markets and labour markets, severe austerity measures and narrowing down of public sector employment commitment.
Does suicide have a stronger association with seasonality than sunlight?
Authors: White Richard A , Azrael Deborah , Papadopoulos Fotios C , Lambert Gavin W , Miller Matthew
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Suicide rates have widely been reported to peak in spring and summer. A frequent hypothesis is that increased sunlight exposure alters biological mechanisms. However, few attempts have been made to systematically untangle the putative suicidogenic risk of sunlight exposure from that of seasonality. We examined whether average hours of daily sunlight in a month confer additional risk over month of year when predicting monthly suicide rates.

Design

Historical population-based ecological longitudinal study.

Setting and participants

We used 3 longitudinal studies (n=31 060 suicides) with monthly suicide and meteorological data from Greece (1992–2001), Victoria, Australia (1990–1998) and Norway (1969–2009).

Intervention

We used a negative binomial regression to observe (1) the association of month of year with suicides, adjusting for different sunlight exposures, and (2) the association of sunlight exposure with suicides, adjusting for month of year. We then investigated claims that suicides were associated with daily sunlight exposures, defined by us as 2550 sunlight exposure combinations corresponding to a 1–50 days exposure window with lags of 0–50 days.

Results

Using monthly data, the association between month of year and suicides remained after adjusting for mean daily hours of sunlight and change in the mean daily hours of sunlight. Adjusted for month of year, the associations between sunlight exposure and suicides became non-significant and attenuated towards the null (the coefficient estimate for mean daily hours of sunlight decreased in absolute magnitude by 72%). The findings were consistent across all 3 cohorts, both when analysed separately and combined. When investigating daily sunlight exposures, we found no significant results after correcting for multiple testing.

Conclusions

Using monthly data, the robustness of our month of year effects, combined with the transient and modest nature of our sunlight effects, suggested that the association between sunlight exposure and suicide was a proxy for the association between seasonality and suicide.
Association of thrombelastographic parameters with post-stenting ischemic events
Authors: Wang Bo , Li Xiao-Qing , Ma Ning , Mo Dapeng , Gao Feng , Sun Xuan , Xu Xiaotong , Liu Lian , Song Ligang , Li Xin-Gang , Zhao Zhigang , Zhao Xingquan , Miao Zhong-Rong
Published: June 2015

Background and purpose

Thrombelastography (TEG) is widely used for the measurement of platelet function. However, few studies have investigated the TEG parameters in patients receiving extracranial or intracranial artery stenting for ischemic cerebrovascular disease. This study sought to describe the association of TEG parameters before the procedure with post-procedural ischemic events after extracranial or intracranial artery stenting.

Methods

Patients in whom stenting was performed for extracranial or intracranial artery stenosis (70–99%) were recruited into the study. Blood samples were obtained for TEG to assess platelet function before stenting. The primary endpoint was ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack in the territory of the stented artery.

Results

A total of 218 patients were included in the study. During a mean follow-up period of 132 days (range 98–226 days), 18 (8.3%) primary endpoint events were recorded. Compared with patients without ischemic events, the ADP-induced platelet-fibrin clot strength (MAADP) was significantly higher (41.57±15.10 vs 33.50±13.86, p=0.020) and the ADP inhibition rate (ADP%) was significantly lower in patients with ischemic events (39.54±23.15 vs 55.29±24.43, p=0.009). Multivariate analysis identified MAADPand ADP% as significant independent predictors of subsequent ischemic events with HRs of 1.036 and 0.965, respectively. From receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, MAADP>49.95 mm had the best predictive value of ischemic events.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that TEG parameters MAADPand ADP% are associated with subsequent ischemic events in patients with extracranial or intracranial stents.

Clinical trial number

NCT01925872.
Learning about equine biosecurity
Authors: Nixon Jane
Published: June 2015

Equine consultant, Jane Nixon, attended the first equine biosecurity course at the British Racing School in November last year, organised by Whorl Publishing. Here, she reports on some of the issues covered
An energy-based approach to predict debris flow mobility and analyze empirical relationships
Authors: Federico Francesco , Cesali Chiara
Published: June 2015

Several empirical relationships allowing a preliminary estimate of debris flow runout distances have been proposed to correlate the runout length to the volume of the sliding granular mass, delimit potentially hazardous areas, and design safeguarding measures. To overcome their large variability and define their fields of applicability, an energy-based model, predicting debris flow mobility, is developed. The power balance of a granular mass sliding along two planar surfaces is written by taking into account the volume of the debris mass, the slopes of the sliding surfaces, an assigned interstitial pressure, the possible mass variation along the motion, the energy dissipation due to the grain inelastic collisions (“granular temperature” within a basal “shear layer”), and friction. A system of ordinary differential equations is obtained; its numerical solution allows, through parametrical analyses: (i) highlighting of the role of physical and mechanical parameters on the runout distance, such as grain size material, interstitial pressures, grain collisions, and erodibility of the crossed channel; and (ii) defining of the favourable conditions for debris flows mechanism generation. Finally, through the back-analysis of some cases, an original relationship to estimate the runout length, as well as to interpret the results of the empirical formulas, is proposed.
Resonator Optimization and Studying the Effect of Drive Ratio on the Theoretical Performance of a 10-W Cooling Power Thermoacoustic Refrigerator
Authors: Prashantha B. G. , Govinde Gowda M. S. , Seetharamu S. , Narasimham G. S. V. L.
Published: June 2015

This paper deals with the basic insight of thermoacoustic refrigeration concepts, and the working principle, history and the role of linear thermoacoustic theory in designing a thermoacoustic refrigerator system are discussed. Resonator design optimization procedure for a 10W cooling power thermoacoustic refrigerators is discussed. The optimized resonator designs proposed in this paper are found to be efficient compared to published resonator designs. The effects of drive ratio on the theoretical performance by varying dynamic pressure amplitude from 0.2 bar to 0.4 bar in the steps of 0.05 bar on the optimized resonator designs are discussed. Performance simulation results for the optimized resonator designs using DeltaEC software are discussed. Simulation results are in agreement with theoretical results.
Contrasting mechanisms for crustal sulphur contamination of mafic magma: evidence from dyke and sill complexes from the British Palaeogene Igneous Province
Authors: Hughes Hannah S. R. , Boyce Adrian J. , McDonald Iain , Davidheiser-Kroll Brett , Holwell David A. , McDonald Alison , Oldroyd Anthony
Published: June 2015

The addition of crustal sulphur to magma can trigger sulphide saturation, a process fundamental to the development of some Ni–Cu–PGE deposits. In the British Palaeogene Igneous Province, mafic and ultramafic magmas intrude a thick sedimentary sequence offering opportunities to elucidate mechanisms of magma–crust interaction in a setting with heterogeneous S isotope signatures. We present S-isotopic data from sills and dykes on the Isle of Skye. Sharp contrasts exist between variably light δ
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S in Jurassic sedimentary sulphide (−35‰ to −10‰) and a local pristine magmatic δ
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S signature of −2.3 ± 1.5‰. Flat-lying sills have restricted δ
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S (−5‰ to 0‰) whereas steeply dipping dykes are more variable (−0‰ to −2‰). We suggest that the mechanism by which magma is intruded exerts a fundamental control on the degree of crustal contamination by volatile elements. Turbulent flow within narrow, steep magma conduits, discordant to sediments, and developed by brittle extension or dilation have maximum contamination potential. In contrast, sill-like conduits emplaced concordantly to sediments show little contamination by crustal S. The province is prospective for Ni–Cu–PGE mineralization analogous to the sill-hosted Noril’sk deposit, and Cu/Pd ratios of sills and dykes on Skye indicate that magmas had already reached S-saturation before reaching the present exposure level.

Supplementary material:

Details of the whole-rock chemical sulphur extraction method; simplified geological maps of the Isle of Skye, a geological cross-section of part of southern Skye, and a stratigraphic log of the Mesoproterozoic and Mesozoic sediments of western Scotland; trace element diagrams of sills and dykes used in this study; and tables for QA/QC of S-isotope results, sample location information, and whole-rock major and trace element results for sill and dyke samples and for Jurassic mudrocks are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18834
.
Selenium and inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kudva Avinash K. , Shay Ashley E. , Prabhu K. Sandeep
Published: June 2015

Dietary intake of the micronutrient selenium is essential for normal immune functions. Selenium is cotranslationally incorporated as the 21st amino acid, selenocysteine, into selenoproteins that function to modulate pathways involved in inflammation. Epidemiological studies have suggested an inverse association between selenium levels and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis that can potentially progress to colon cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here we summarize the current literature on the pathophysiology of IBD, which is multifactorial in origin with unknown etiology. We have focused on a few selenoproteins that mediate gastrointestinal inflammation and activate the host immune response, wherein macrophages play a pivotal role. Changes in cellular oxidative state coupled with altered expression of selenoproteins in macrophages drive the switch from a proinflammatory phenotype to an anti-inflammatory phenotype to efficiently resolve inflammation in the gut and restore epithelial barrier integrity. Such a phenotypic plasticity is accompanied by changes in cytokines, chemokines, and bioactive metabolites, including eicosanoids that not only mitigate inflammation but also partake in restoring gut homeostasis through diverse pathways involving differential regulation of transcription factors such as nuclear factor-κB and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. The role of the intestinal microbiome in modulating inflammation and aiding in selenium-dependent resolution of gut injury is highlighted to provide novel insights into the beneficial effects of selenium in IBD.
Mitochondrial STAT3 contributes to transformation of Barrett's epithelial cells that express oncogenic Ras in a p53-independent fashion
Authors: Yu Chunhua , Huo Xiaofang , Agoston Agoston T. , Zhang Xi , Theiss Arianne L. , Cheng Edaire , Zhang Qiuyang , Zaika Alexander , Pham Thai H. , Wang David H. , Lobie Peter E. , Odze Robert D. , Spechler Stuart J. , Souza Rhonda F.
Published: June 2015

Metaplastic epithelial cells of Barrett's esophagus transformed by the combination of p53-knockdown and oncogenic Ras expression are known to activate signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). When phosphorylated at tyrosine 705 (Tyr705), STAT3 functions as a nuclear transcription factor that can contribute to oncogenesis. STAT3 phosphorylated at serine 727 (Ser727) localizes in mitochondria, but little is known about mitochondrial STAT3's contribution to carcinogenesis in Barrett's esophagus, which is the focus of this study. We introduced a constitutively active variant of human STAT3 (STAT3CA) into the following: 1) non-neoplastic Barrett's (BAR-T) cells; 2) BAR-T cells with p53 knockdown; and 3) BAR-T cells that express oncogenic H-RasG12V. STAT3CA transformed only the H-RasG12V-expressing BAR-T cells (evidenced by loss of contact inhibition, formation of colonies in soft agar, and generation of tumors in immunodeficient mice), and did so in a p53-independent fashion. The transformed cells had elevated levels of both mitochondrial (Ser727) and nuclear (Tyr705) phospho-STAT3. Introduction of a STAT3CA construct with a mutated tyrosine phosphorylation site into H-RasG12V-expressing Barrett's cells resulted in high levels of mitochondrial phospho-STAT3 (Ser727) with little or no nuclear phospho-STAT3 (Tyr705), and the cells still formed tumors in immunodeficient mice. Thus tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3 is not required for tumor formation in Ras-expressing Barrett's cells. We conclude that mitochondrial STAT3 (Ser727) can contribute to oncogenesis in Barrett's cells that express oncogenic Ras. These findings suggest that agents targeting STAT3 might be useful for chemoprevention in patients with Barrett's esophagus.
Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide directly induces glucose transport in rat skeletal muscle
Authors: Snook Laelie A. , Nelson Emery M. , Dyck David J. , Wright David C. , Holloway Graham P.
Published: June 2015

Several gastrointestinal proteins have been identified to have insulinotropic effects, including glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP); however, the direct effects of incretins on skeletal muscle glucose transport remain largely unknown. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to examine the role of GIP on skeletal muscle glucose transport and insulin signaling in rats. Relative to a glucose challenge, a mixed glucose+lipid oral challenge increased circulating GIP concentrations, skeletal muscle Akt phosphorylation, and improved glucose clearance by ∼35% ( P < 0.05). These responses occurred without alterations in serum insulin concentrations. In an incubated soleus muscle preparation, GIP directly stimulated glucose transport and increased GLUT4 accumulation on the plasma membrane in the absence of insulin. Moreover, the ability of GIP to stimulate glucose transport was mitigated by the addition of the PI 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor wortmannin, suggesting that signaling through PI3K is required for these responses. We also provide evidence that the combined stimulatory effects of GIP and insulin on soleus muscle glucose transport are additive. However, the specific GIP receptor antagonist (Pro3)GIP did not attenuate GIP-stimulated glucose transport, suggesting that GIP is not signaling through its classical receptor. Together, the current data provide evidence that GIP regulates skeletal muscle glucose transport; however, the exact signaling mechanism(s) remain unknown.
The interaction between peripheral and central fatigue at different muscle temperatures during sustained isometric contractions
Authors: Lloyd Alex , Hodder Simon , Havenith George
Published: June 2015

Changes in central fatigue have been linked to active and passive changes in core temperature, as well as integration of sensory feedback from thermoreceptors in the skin. However, the effects of muscle temperature (Tm), and thereby metaboreceptor and local afferent nerve temperature, on central fatigue (measured using voluntary activation percentage) during sustained, high muscle fatigue exercise remain unexamined. In this study, we investigated Tm across the range of cold to hot, and its effect on voluntary activation percentage during sustained isometric contractions of the knee extensors. The results suggest that contrary to brief contractions, during a sustained fatiguing contraction Tm significantly ( P < 0.001) influences force output (−0.7%/°C increase) and central fatigue (−0.5%/°C increase), showing a negative relationship across the Tm continuum in moderately trained individuals. The negative relationship between voluntary activation percentage and Tm indicates muscle temperature may influence central fatigue during sustained and high muscle fatigue exercise. On the basis of on an integrative analysis between the present data and previous literature, the impact of core and muscle temperature on voluntary muscle activation is estimated to show a ratio of 5.5 to 1, respectively. Accordingly, Tm could assume a secondary or tertiary role in the reduction of voluntary muscle activation when body temperature leaves a thermoneutral range.