bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectrum and origin of mutations in sporadic cases of haemophilia A in China
Authors: Lu Y. , Xin Y. , Dai J. , Wu X. , You G. , Ding Q. , Wu W. , Wang X.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

About 30% of haemophilia A (HA) patients are sporadic cases. It is important to confirm the mutation origin and carrier status in these families.

Aim

To describe the spectrum and origin of the mutations in 393 Chinese sporadic HA families and identify potential mosaics among non‐carrier mothers.

Methods

AccuCopy quantification combined with long‐distance PCR was used for genotyping intron 22/1 inversion (Inv22/Inv1) and Inv22 mosaicism. F8 gene sequences were analysed by direct sequencing. Copy number variations of F8 gene were detected by AccuCopy method. Six short tandem repeats related to F8 gene were applied for linkage analysis. Mosaicism of point mutations/small deletions/insertions was determined by ddNTP primer extension method.

Results

Most of sporadic patients’ mothers are carriers, in 257 cases with integral family members, 60% have the mutations tracing back to their fathers, 12% to their mothers. 28% had de novo mutations with non‐carrier mothers as revealed by routine genetic studies. Mutation spectrum of sporadic families was different in groups with different origins of mutations. Point mutation (51%) was the predominant mutation type in pedigrees with de novo mutations. While, in families with mutations inherited from maternal grandfathers, Inv22 was the main type (51%). We found somatic mosaic in mothers of 30% (3/10) pedigrees with de novo Inv22 and 11.5% (3/26) pedigrees with point mutations.

Conclusion

The spectrum of F8 genetic variants identified in sporadic families was fairly diverse. The high prevalence of chimaeras in carriers suggests that more cautions should be taken in genetic counselling of sporadic haemophilia families.
Purification of polyphenols from kiwi fruit peel extracts using macroporous resins and high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis
Authors: Guo Caixia , Qiao Jinping , Zhang Shengwan , Ren Xiaoting , Li Meiping
Published: January 2018

An efficient strategy for the purification of polyphenols from kiwi fruit peel extracts was developed in this study. Six different macroporous resins were evaluated in static adsorption and desorption tests, and NKA‐II resin was used for further test because of its high adsorption capacity (21.28 mg g−1 dry resin) and desorption ratio (84.92%). The adsorption mechanism of the NKA‐II resin indicated that pseudo‐second‐order kinetics and the Freundlich isotherm model could adequately explain the adsorption process, and the thermodynamic tests showed that the process was endothermic, spontaneous and feasible. Furthermore, by optimising the dynamic adsorption and desorption parameters, the purity of the final polyphenols improved dramatically from 33.2% to 55.26%. In addition, the qualitative and quantitative determinations of the polyphenols before and after purification were conducted by a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The results of this study showed that the developed method provided a promising basis for the large‐scale purification of polyphenols from kiwi fruit peel.
Optimization of reverse chemical ecology method: false positive binding of Aenasius bambawalei odorant binding protein 1 caused by uncertain binding mechanism
Authors: Li Q.L. , Yi S.C. , Li D.Z. , Nie X.P. , Li S.Q. , Wang M.‐Q. , Zhou A.M.
Published: January 2018

Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) are considered as the core molecular targets in reverse chemical ecology, which is a convenient and efficient method by which to screen potential semiochemicals. Herein, we identified a classic OBP, AbamOBP1 from Aenasius bambawalei, which showed high mRNA expression in male antennae. Fluorescence competitive binding assay (FCBA) results demonstrated that AbamOBP1 has higher binding affinity with ligands at acid pH, suggesting the physiologically inconsistent binding affinity of this protein. Amongst the four compounds with the highest binding affinities at acid pH, 2, 4, 4‐trimethyl‐2‐pentene and 1‐octen‐3‐one were shown to have attractant activity for male adults, whereas (−)‐limonene and an analogue of 1‐octen‐3‐ol exhibited nonbehavioural activity. Further homology modelling and fluorescence quenching experiments demonstrated that the stoichiometry of the binding of this protein to these ligands was not 1: 1, suggesting that the results of FCBA were false. In contrast, the apparent association constants (Ka) of fluorescence quenching experiments seemed to be more reliable, because 2, 4, 4‐trimethyl‐2‐pentene and 1‐octen‐3‐one had observably higher Ka than (−)‐limonene and 1‐octen‐3‐ol at neutral pH. Based on the characteristics of different OBPs, various approaches should be applied to study their binding affinities with ligands, which could modify and complement the results of FCBA and contribute to the application of reverse chemical ecology.
The advancement and persistence of women in the information technology profession: An extension of Ahuja's gendered theory of IT career stages
Authors: Armstrong Deborah J. , Riemenschneider Cynthia K. , Giddens Laurie G.
Published: January 2018

In 2002, Manju Ahuja articulated the challenges women face in the information technology (IT) profession with the goal of developing a theoretical model of factors influencing career choice, career advancement, and career persistence for women in the IT profession. While Ahuja's work has been regularly cited in the IT workforce literature (citation count was around 120 using ISI Web of Science and around 425 using Google Scholar as of September 30, 2017), women continue to leave the IT profession at a disturbing rate. Using Ahuja's theoretical model as the foundation, this study asked women working in IT what workplace challenges they face. The findings from this study validate many of Ahuja's propositions and suggest an extended theoretical model that could be used to further explore the challenges women face at various career stages in the IT field. In addition, the extended theoretical model might be used to galvanize the discussion around developing a more inclusive IT work environment.
A parallel variable neighborhood search approach for the obnoxious p‐median problem
Authors: Herrán Alberto , Colmenar José M. , Martí Rafael , Duarte Abraham
Published: January 2018

The obnoxious p‐median problem consists of selecting p locations, considered facilities, in a way that the sum of the distances from each nonfacility location, called customers, to its nearest facility is maximized. This is an ‐hard problem that can be formulated as an integer linear program. In this paper, we propose the application of a variable neighborhood search (VNS) method to effectively tackle this problem. First, we develop new and fast local search procedures to be integrated into the basic VNS methodology. Then, some parameters of the algorithm are tuned in order to improve its performance. The best VNS variant is parallelized and compared with the best previous methods, namely branch and cut, tabu search, and GRASP over a wide set of instances. Experimental results show that the proposed VNS outperforms previous methods in the state of the art. This fact is finally confirmed by conducting nonparametric statistical tests.
Effects of customer response to fashion product stockout on holding costs, order sizes, and profitability in omnichannel retailing
Authors: Ovezmyradov Berdymyrat , Kurata Hisashi
Published: January 2018

In retailing practice, customers may actively respond in one of the following ways after experiencing stockout of a preferred brand: switch to a substitutable brand, switch to another store (where the preferred brand could be available), or delay purchase (backlogging). This paper presents a model of active customer responses to stockout of fashion products. In the single‐period model, a retailer maximizes profit by selling two substitutable brands through two different stores. Analytical results and numerical experiments suggest that active response to stockout increase the retailer's profitability due to (a) additional revenue from backlogging and brand and store switching and (b) decrease in optimal order size resulting in lower holding costs. Omnichannel fulfillment offers additional opportunities for retailers to benefit from active responses to stockout.
Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging Shows Similar Cerebral Axonal Damage in Patients with HIV Infection and Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Buyukturkoglu Korhan , Fleyser Lazar , Byrd Desiree , Morgello Susan , Inglese Matilde
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In this pilot study, we sought to investigate the pathological changes in the white matter (WM) of medically complex, combination antiretroviral therapy (cART)‐treated patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), comparing them to patients with long‐standing, secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS).

METHODS

Using diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI)‐derived WM tract integrity (WMTI) metrics, 15 HIV and 15 age‐ and sex‐matched SPMS patients with similar disease duration underwent magnetic resonance imaging analysis. Maps of WMTI metrics were created. Tract‐based spatial statistics analysis of the whole brain and regions of interest analysis of the corpus callosum (CC) and the anterior thalamic radiations (ATRs) were performed and the derived WMTI metrics were compared between the groups of patients.

RESULTS

Axonal water fraction, an index of chronic axonal loss, showed similarities between HIV and the chronic MS patients in all regions; in contrast, tortuosity, a measure more sensitive to myelin loss, was regionally variable. In addition, in HIV patients, WMTI metrics of the CC and left ATR were associated with cognitive test scores, suggesting clinical relevance for these measures of WM damage.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that DKI‐derived WMTI metrics may be a valuable tool in assessing the WM changes of medically complex HIV‐infected individuals. While not powered to examine potential etiologies of WM changes in this pilot sample, regional variations in WMTI metrics were seen. When contrasted with changes consequent to chronic MS of similar duration, HIV and its comorbidities appear to result in similar degrees of axonal damage, but regionally variable amounts of myelin loss and extraxonal abnormality.
Effects of polyphenols on doxorubicin‐induced oral keratinocyte cytotoxicity and anticancer potency against oral cancer cells
Authors: Sheng Hong , Ogawa Toru , Niwano Yoshimi , Sasaki Keiichi , Tachibana Katsuro
Published: January 2018

Background

Normal human oral keratinocytes are highly sensitive to anticancer drugs including doxorubicin. Resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, and tannic acid are polyphenolic compounds that were reported to have cardioprotective effect when combined with doxorubicin. However, it is unknown whether these polyphenols could protect normal human oral keratinocytes against doxorubicin‐induced cytotoxicity without weakening its cytotoxic potential against oral cancer cells. Here, we examined the effects of the 3 polyphenolic compounds on doxorubicin‐induced cytotoxicity in normal human oral keratinocytes and also investigated their effects on doxorubicin potency in HSC‐2 human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.

Methods

Cell viability was evaluated, followed by the analysis of apoptosis and necrosis. The changes in intracellular reactive oxygen species at the early stage after treatment were also examined.

Results

The results revealed that resveratrol in combination with doxorubicin additively augmented doxorubicin cytotoxicity in both types of cells. However, epigallocatechin gallate and tannic acid at a certain concentration mitigated the doxorubicin‐induced keratinocyte toxicity mainly due to reduced doxorubicin‐induced necrosis in normal human oral keratinocytes without weaken doxorubicin anticancer efficacy. The exact mechanism is still unknown but intracellular reactive oxygen species might be not the sole factor.

Conclusions

This study for the first time reported the effects of resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, and tannic acid on doxorubicin‐induced cytotoxicity in normal oral keratinocytes and oral cancer cells. The combined use of epigallocatechin gallate or tannic acid with doxorubicin at a certain concentration could mitigate doxorubicin‐induced keratinocyte cytotoxicity without weakening doxorubicin anticancer efficacy.
Effect of Different Laser Treatments on the Bond Strength of Intracanal Fiber Posts Cemented with a Self‐Adhesive Resin Cement
Authors: Šimundić Munitić Marija , Bago Ivona , Glockner Karl , Kqiku Lumnije , Gabrić Dragana , Anić Ivica
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of laser‐activated irrigation by Er:YAG and Er:YSGG (LAI) protocols and Nd:YAG laser irradiation on the bond strength of self‐adhesively cemented fiber posts to root canal dentine.

Materials and Methods

The study sample consisted of 84 human single‐rooted permanent teeth instrumented with ProTaper Next technique. After obturation, post space preparations were created for fiber‐reinforced composite posts. The prepared specimens were divided according to the laser treatment of the post space preparations: group 1: LAI (Er:YAG) + saline solution (pulse energy: 20 mJ, repetition rate: 15 Hz); group 2: LAI (Er:YAG) + QMiX solution (pulse energy: 20 mJ, repetition rate: 15 Hz); group 3: LAI (Er,Cr:YSGG) + saline solution (pulse energy: 62.5 mJ, 20 Hz); group 4: LAI (Er,Cr:YSGG) + QMiX (pulse energy: 62.5 mJ, 20 Hz); Nd:YAG laser (pulse energy: 100 mJ, 10 Hz). Fiber‐reinforced posts were cemented with a self‐adhesive cement. The bond strength was evaluated by the push‐out bond strength test, and the mode of failure was determined under a stereomicroscope. Kruskal‐Wallis test was used for the intergroup comparative analysis with 5% level of significance.

Results

The highest bond strength was recorded in the Er:YAG + QMiX group (mean 3.401 MPa) (p < 0.05), followed by the Er,Cr:YSGG and the Er:YAG + saline solution (mean 1.111 MPa and 1.094 MPa, respectively), which did not differ significantly (p = 0.232). The irradiation with the Nd:YAG laser caused similar bond strength as the Er,Cr:YSGG + QMiX (p = 0.942).

Conclusion

All laser protocols enhanced the bond strength of the self‐adhesive cement in root canals compared to only saline irrigation. The bond strength of the self‐adhesive cement depended on the laser parameters and irrigant used for the LAI.
Effect of Silane Heat Treatment by Laser on the Bond Strength of a Repair Composite to Feldspathic Porcelain
Authors: Hakimaneh Seyed Mohammad Reza , Shayegh Sayed Shojaedin , Ghavami‐Lahiji Mehrsima , Chokr Ahmad , Moraditalab Azizollah
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Ceramic restoration fracture may occur in the oral cavity. Intraoral repair of fractured porcelain could be advantageous to both patient and dentist. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of heat treatment of the silane coupling agent by Er:YAG and CO2 lasers on the microshear bond strength of a repair composite to feldspathic porcelain.

Materials and Methods

Sixty ceramic blocks were prepared and randomly divided into six groups (n = 10): (i) HF + silane (HS); (ii) silane + CO2 laser (SC); (iii) CO2 laser + silane (CS); (iv) silane + Er:YAG laser (SE); (v) Er:YAG laser + silane (ES); (vi) bur + HF + silane (BuHS). An adhesive resin was applied to the prepared ceramic surfaces and light‐cured. Two transparent plastic tubes were placed perpendicularly to each ceramic block. The composite resin was then placed on the treated ceramic surface and light‐cured for 40 seconds. The bonded blocks were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours and subjected to 3000 thermocycles. Microshear bond strength (μSBS) tests were performed using a wire and loop method. Data were analyzed using one‐way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range tests (p ≤ 0.05).

Results

The comparison of the mean μSBS values showed no significant differences between the ES and HS groups (p = 0.914). On the other hand, the specimens in these groups exhibited significantly higher bond strengths than those in the other groups (p < 0.01). The mean μSBS of the BuHS group was statistically similar to that of CS and SE groups (p > 0.05). The μSBS for the SC group was significantly lower than that of the other groups (p < 0.01), with the exception of the CS group (p = 0.674).

Conclusions

Treatment with Er:YAG laser prior to silane application can be as effective as HF etching. Heat treatment of silane by CO2 or Er:YAG lasers does not improve the bond strength between feldspathic porcelain and composite resin.
CB1 cannabinoid receptor ligands augment the antidepressant-like activity of biometals (magnesium and zinc) in the behavioural tests
Authors: Wośko Sylwia , Serefko Anna , Szopa Aleksandra , Wlaź Piotr , Wróbel Andrzej , Wlaź Aleksandra , Górska Jolanta , Poleszak Ewa
Published: January 2018

Objective

During the last few decades, endocannabinoid system has emerged as a novel possible target for antidepressant treatment. Although the medical literature provides information on the mood-changing effects of CB1 ligands, little is known about the possible interaction between the simultaneous activation or inhibition of the CB1 receptor and administration of other agents that possess antidepressant potential. The main goal of our study was to evaluate the influence of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor ligands (oleamide – an endogenous agonist and AM251 – an inverse agonist/antagonist) on the antidepressant-like activity of biometals (i.e. magnesium and zinc).

Methods

The forced swim test and the tail suspension test in mice were used to determine the antidepressant-like activity.

Key findings

Concomitant intraperitoneal administration of per se inactive doses of oleamide (5 mg/kg) or AM251 (0.25 mg/kg) and the tested biometals (i.e. magnesium, 10 mg/kg or zinc, 5 mg/kg) shortened the immobility time of animals in the forced swim test and the tail suspension test. The observed effect was not associated with an increase in spontaneous locomotor activity of mice.

Conclusions

The simultaneous modulation of the cannabinoid system and supplementation of magnesium or zinc produce at least additive antidepressant-like effect.
Cascading and Multisensory Influences on Speech Perception Development
Authors: Choi Dawoon , Black Alexis K. , Werker Janet F.
Published: January 2018

Over the first weeks and months following birth, infants' initial, broad‐based perceptual sensitivities become honed to the characteristics of their native language. In this article, we review this process of emerging specialization within the context of a cascading “critical period” (CP) framework, in which periods of maximal openness to experience of different aspects of language occur at sequential, overlapping points in development. Importantly, as infants' experience of speech is not limited to auditory signals, but is informed by—for example—their experience of talking faces and their own oral motor movements, we review the trajectory of perceptual specialization in multisensory language processing. Throughout, we highlight the impact of increasing perceptual specialization on later language outcomes (e.g., word learning, foundations of syntax, literacy), and consider how the outcomes can be compromised if/when the timing of perceptual specialization has been perturbed.
Asia's rebalancing and growth
Authors: Kim Soyoung , Lee Jong‐Wha , McKibbin Warwick J.
Published: January 2018

The paper investigates the impact of Asia's demand rebalancing and supply‐side productivity changes on long‐term economic growth in Asia and worldwide. Results from a panel vector autoregression model show that a productivity–neutral demand‐rebalancing shock has no permanent effect on Asian output, whereas labour productivity shocks have significant, positive and permanent effects. Simulations using a global intertemporal multisector general equilibrium model suggest that labour productivity shocks increase the foreign GDP over time, but rebalancing shocks have a negative international spillover effect. In addition, labour productivity shocks help in rebalancing. Structural reforms promoting labour productivity growth along with rebalancing policies across Asia can achieve higher economic growth worldwide.
Ocular anatomy of the black pacu (Colossoma macropomum): gross, histologic, and diagnostic imaging
Authors: Gustavsen Kate A. , Paul‐Murphy Joanne R. , Weber Ernest Scott , Zwingenberger Allison L. , Dunker Freeland H. , Dubielzig Richard R. , Reilly Christopher M. , Murphy Christopher J.
Published: January 2018

Objective

To describe the ocular anatomy of the black pacu (Colossoma macropomum), a freshwater teleost fish of the Amazon River basin, including an unusual choroid laden with adipose tissue.

Procedures

Three adult black pacu were anesthetized and examined clinically and with ocular ultrasonography, then euthanized. Three fish were euthanized and their heads imaged immediately postmortem using computed tomography. One fish was euthanized and its exenterated eyes imaged by high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging. The exenterated eyes of all seven fish were fixed in formalin; eyes from three fish were examined grossly and histologically. Additionally, archived histologic sections from two smaller black pacu specimens were examined.

Results

Findings were consistent among the ocular imaging modalities used. Intrinsic to the sclera were circumferential ossicles and scleral cartilage. The lens was spherical and protruded through the ovoid pupil with an aphakic space inferiorly when the accommodative mechanism was relaxed under anesthesia. Both a small falciform process and epiretinal vasculature were present in the posterior segment. The retina was cone‐rich, and processes of the retinal pigment epithelium enveloped the photoreceptor outer segments. Remarkably, the choroid occupied one‐third of the anteroposterior length of the globe; histology confirmed that the bulk of the choroid was composed of adipose tissue.

Conclusions

The eye of the pacu overall is typical of teleosts but has the notable and consistent finding of a substantive store of choroidal fat of unknown function.
Analysis of Optimal Balancing for Robotic Manipulators in Repetitive Motions
Authors: Nikoobin Amin , Moradi Mojtaba
Published: January 2018

Balancing plays a major role in performance improvement of robotic manipulators. From an optimization point of view, some balancing parameters can be modified to decrease motion cost. Recently introduced, this concept is called optimal balancing: an umbrella term for static balancing and other balancing methods. In this method, the best combination of balancing and trajectory planning is sought. In this note, repetitive full cycle motion of robot manipulators including different subtasks is considered. The basic idea arises from the fact that, upon changing dynamic equations of a robotic manipulator or cost functions in subtasks, the entire cycle of motion must be reconsidered in an optimal balancing problem. The possibility of cost reduction for a closed contour in potential fields is shown by some simulations done for a PUMA-like robot. Also, the obtained results show 34.8% cost reduction compared to that of static balancing.
A new species of Opilioacaridae (Parasitiformes: Opilioacarida) from Belize with some observations on life history and behavior
Authors: Vázquez Maria Magdalena , May Daniel , Alamilla Elvia , Klompen Hans
Published: January 2018

A new species of opilioacarid mite, Neocarus belizensis sp. nov., is described from mid-level elevations in Belize’s Maya Mountains. Laboratory observations confirmed that females nearly always deposit only one egg at a time, and that eggs are coated before deposition. Females guard both eggs and larvae. The larvae are non-feeding and molt quickly to protonymphs. Adults appear to facilitate feeding by protonymphs. Actual mating could not be observed, but pre-mating behavior is documented.
Re-description of two new records and description of Neoseiulella kazaki sp. nov. (Acari: Phytoseiidae) from Turkey
Authors: Doker Ismail
Published: January 2018

A survey was carried out to determine the native Phytoseiidae (Mesostigmata) species in Kasnak Oak Forest Nature Reserve, southwestern Turkey, an extremely reach forest habitat. In this study, Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) commenticius Livshitz & Kuznetsov and Typhloseiulus calabriae (Ragusa & Swirski) are reported for the first time in Turkey. In addition, Neoseiulella kazaki sp. nov. is described based on two adult females. The species newly recorded are re-described to allow the determination of intraspecific variations.
An Update on Host-Pathogen Interplay and Modulation of Immune Responses during Orientia tsutsugamushi Infection
Authors: Díaz Fabián E. , Abarca Katia , Kalergis Alexis M.
Published: January 2018

The obligate intracellular bacteriumOrientia tsutsugamushiis the causative agent of scrub typhus in humans, a serious mite-borne disease present in a widespread area of endemicity, which affects an estimated 1 million people every year. This disease may exhibit a broad range of presentations, ranging from asymptomatic to fatal conditions, with the latter being due to disseminated endothelial infection and organ injury. Unique characteristics of the biology and host-pathogen interactions ofO. tsutsugamushi, including the high antigenic diversity among strains and the highly variable, short-lived memory responses developed by the host, underlie difficulties faced in the pursuit of an effective vaccine, which is an imperative need. Other factors that have hindered scientific progress relative to the infectious mechanisms of and the immune response triggered by this bacterium in vertebrate hosts include the limited number of mechanistic studies performed on animal models and the lack of genetic tools currently available for this pathogen. However, recent advances in animal model development are promising to improve our understanding of host-pathogen interactions. Here, we comprehensively discuss the recent advances in and future perspectives on host-pathogen interactions and the modulation of immune responses related to this reemerging disease, highlighting the role of animal models.
Streptococcus pneumoniae PspC Subgroup Prevalence in Invasive Disease and Differences in Contribution to Complement Evasion
Authors: van der Maten Erika , van den Broek Bryan , de Jonge Marien I. , Rensen Kim J. W. , Eleveld Marc J. , Zomer Aldert L. , Cremers Amelieke J. H. , Ferwerda Gerben , de Groot Ronald , Langereis Jeroen D. , van der Flier Michiel
Published: January 2018

The pneumococcal capsular serotype is an important determinant of complement resistance and invasive disease potential, but other virulence factors have also been found to contribute. Pneumococcal surface protein C (PspC), a highly variable virulence protein that binds complement factor H to evade C3 opsonization, is divided into two subgroups: choline-bound subgroup I and LPxTG-anchored subgroup II. The prevalence of different PspC subgroups in invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and functional differences in complement evasion are unknown. The prevalence of PspC subgroups in IPD isolates was determined in a collection of 349 sequenced strains of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
isolated from adult patients.
pspC
deletion mutants and isogenic
pspC
switch mutants were constructed to study differences in factor H binding and complement evasion in relation to capsule thickness. Subgroup I
pspC
was far more prevalent in IPD isolates than subgroup II
pspC
. The presence of capsule was associated with a greater ability of bound factor H to reduce complement opsonization. Pneumococcal subgroup I PspC bound significantly more factor H and showed more effective complement evasion than subgroup II PspC in isogenic encapsulated pneumococci. We conclude that variation in the PspC subgroups, independent of capsule serotypes, affects pneumococcal factor H binding and its ability to evade complement deposition.
Intravaginal Administration of Interleukin 12 during Genital Gonococcal Infection in Mice Induces Immunity to Heterologous Strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Liu Yingru , Perez Julianny , Hammer Laura A. , Gallagher Heather C. , De Jesus Magdia , Egilmez Nejat K. , Russell Michael W.
Published: January 2018

Genital infection with
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
(gonorrhea) is a significant cause of reproductive tract morbidity in women, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal factor infertility, and increased risk for ectopic pregnancy. WHO estimates that 78 million new infections occur annually worldwide. In the United States, >350,000 cases are reported annually, but the true incidence is probably >800,000 cases/year. Increasing resistance to currently available antibiotics raises concern that gonorrhea might become untreatable. Infection does not induce a state of immune protection against reinfection. Previous studies have shown that
N. gonorrhoeae
suppresses the development of adaptive immune responses by mechanisms dependent on the regulatory cytokines TGF-β and IL-10. This study shows that intravaginal treatment of gonococcal infection in female mice with microencapsulated IL-12 induces persisting anamnestic immunity against reinfection with
N. gonorrhoeae
, even of antigenically diverse strains, dependent on T-cell production of IFN-γ and B-cell production of antibodies.
‘Rowing against the current’: the policy process and effects of removing user fees for caesarean sections in Benin
Authors: Dossou Jean-Paul , Cresswell Jenny A , Makoutodé Patrick , De Brouwere Vincent , Witter Sophie , Filippi Veronique , Kanhonou Lydie G , Goufodji Sourou B , Lange Isabelle L , Lawin Lionel , Affo Fabien , Marchal Bruno
Published: January 2018

Background

In 2009, the Benin government introduced a user fee exemption policy for caesarean sections. We analyse this policy with regard to how the existing ideas and institutions related to user fees influenced key steps of the policy cycle and draw lessons that could inform the policy dialogue for universal health coverage in the West African region.

Methods

Following the policy stages model, we analyse the agenda setting, policy formulation and legitimation phase, and assess the implementation fidelity and policy results. We adopted an embedded case study design, using quantitative and qualitative data collected with 13 tools at the national level and in seven hospitals implementing the policy.

Results

We found that the initial political goal of the policy was not to reduce maternal mortality but to eliminate the detention in hospitals of mothers and newborns who cannot pay the user fees by exempting a comprehensive package of maternal health services. We found that the policy development process suffered from inadequate uptake of evidence and that the policy content and process were not completely in harmony with political and public health goals. The initial policy intention clashed with the neoliberal orientation of the political system, the fee recovery principles institutionalised since the Bamako Initiative and the prevailing ideas in favour of user fees. The policymakers did not take these entrenched factors into account. The resulting tension contributed to a benefit package covering only caesarean sections and to the variable implementation and effectiveness of the policy.

Conclusion

The influence of organisational culture in the decision-making processes in the health sector is often ignored but must be considered in the design and implementation of any policy aimed at achieving universal health coverage in West African countries.
Estimated costs of production and potential prices for the WHO Essential Medicines List
Authors: Hill Andrew M , Barber Melissa J , Gotham Dzintars
Published: January 2018

Introduction

There are persistent gaps in access to affordable medicines. The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (EML) includes medicines considered necessary for functional health systems.

Methods

A generic price estimation formula was developed by reviewing published analyses of cost of production for medicines and assuming manufacture in India, which included costs of formulation, packaging, taxation and a 10% profit margin. Data on per-kilogram prices of active pharmaceutical ingredient exported from India were retrieved from an online database. Estimated prices were compared with the lowest globally available prices for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria medicines, and current prices in the UK, South Africa and India.

Results

The estimation formula had good predictive accuracy for HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria medicines. Estimated generic prices ranged from US$0.01 to US$1.45 per unit, with most in the lower end of this range. Lowest available prices were greater than estimated generic prices for 214/277 (77%) comparable items in the UK, 142/212 (67%) in South Africa and 118/298 (40%) in India. Lowest available prices were more than three times above estimated generic price for 47% of cases compared in the UK and 22% in South Africa.

Conclusion

A wide range of medicines in the EML can be profitably manufactured at very low cost. Most EML medicines are sold in the UK and South Africa at prices significantly higher than those estimated from production costs. Generic price estimation and international price comparisons could empower government price negotiations and support cost-effectiveness calculations.
Predictive ability of a comprehensive incremental test in mountain bike marathon
Authors: Ahrend Marc-Daniel , Schneeweiss Patrick , Martus Peter , Niess Andreas M , Krauss Inga
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Traditional performance tests in mountain bike marathon (XCM) primarily quantify aerobic metabolism and may not describe the relevant capacities in XCM. We aimed to validate a comprehensive test protocol quantifying its intermittent demands.

Methods

Forty-nine athletes (38.8±9.1 years; 38 male; 11 female) performed a laboratory performance test, including an incremental test, to determine individual anaerobic threshold (IAT), peak power output (PPO) and three maximal efforts (10 s all-out sprint, 1 min maximal effort and 5 min maximal effort). Within 2 weeks, the athletes participated in one of three XCM races (n=15, n=9 and n=25). Correlations between test variables and race times were calculated separately. In addition, multiple regression models of the predictive value of laboratory outcomes were calculated for race 3 and across all races (z-transformed data).

Results

All variables were correlated with race times 1, 2 and 3: 10 s all-out sprint (r=−0.72; r=−0.59; r=−0.61), 1 min maximal effort (r=−0.85; r=−0.84; r=−0.82), 5 min maximal effort (r=−0.57; r=−0.85; r=−0.76), PPO (r=−0.77; r=−0.73; r=−0.76) and IAT (r=−0.71; r=−0.67; r=−0.68). The best-fitting multiple regression models for race 3 (r2=0.868) and across all races (r2=0.757) comprised 1 min maximal effort, IAT and body weight.

Conclusion

Aerobic and intermittent variables correlated least strongly with race times. Their use in a multiple regression model confirmed additional explanatory power to predict XCM performance. These findings underline the usefulness of the comprehensive incremental test to predict performance in that sport more precisely.
Does ovulation affect performance in tennis players?
Authors: Otaka Machiko , Chen Shu-Man , Zhu Yong , Tsai Yung-Shen , Tseng Ching-Yu , Fogt Donovan L , Lim Boon-Hooi , Huang Chih-Yang , Kuo Chia-Hua
Published: January 2018

Background

Scientific data on the performance of collegiate female tennis players during the menstrual phases are scarce.

Trial design

Double-blind, counter-balanced, crossover trials were conducted to examine whether tennis performance was affected during menstruation, with and without dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) supplementation.

Methods

Ten Division 1 collegiate tennis players (aged 18–22 years) were evenly assigned into placebo-supplemented and DHEA-supplemented (25 mg/day) trials. Treatments were exchanged among the participants after a 28-day washout. Tennis serve performance was assessed on the first day of menstrual bleeding (day 0/28) and on days 7, 14 and 21.

Results

Mood state was unaltered during the menstrual cycles in both trials. The lowest tennis serve performance score (speed times accuracy) occurred on day 14 (P=0.06 vs day 0; P=0.01 vs day 21) in both placebo and DHEA trials. Decreased performance on day 14 was explained by decreased accuracy (P=0.03 vs day 0/28; P=0.01 vs day 21), but not velocity itself. Isometric hip strength, but not quadriceps strength, was moderately lower on day 14 (P=0.08). Increasing plasma DHEA-S (by ~65%) during the DHEA-supplemented trial had no effects on mood state, sleep quality or tennis serve performance.

Conclusion

We have shown that menses does not affect serve performance of collegiate tennis players. However, the observed decrement in the accuracy of serve speed near ovulation warrants further investigation.
‘Recover quicker, train harder, and increase flexibility’: massage therapy for elite paracyclists, a mixed-methods study
Authors: Kennedy Ann Blair , Patil Nirav , Trilk Jennifer L.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Massage therapy (MT) enhances recovery by reducing pain and fatigue in able-bodied endurance athletes. In athletes with disabilities, no studies have examined similar MT outcomes, yet participation in sport has increased by >1000 athletes from 1996 to 2016 Olympic games. We examined the effect of MT on pain, sleep, stress, function and performance goals on the bike, as well as quality of life off the bike, in elite paracycling athletes.

Methods

This is a quasi-experimental, convergent, parallel, mixed-methods design study of one team, with nine paracycling participants, in years 2015 and 2016. One-hour MT sessions were scheduled one time per week for 4 weeks, and then every other week for the duration of the time the athlete was on the team and/or in the study. Closed and open-ended survey questions investigating athlete goals, stress, sleep, pain and muscle tightness were gathered pre and post each MT session, and every 6 months for health-related quality of life. Quantitative analysis timepoints include baseline, 4–6 months of intervention and final visit. Additional qualitative data were derived from therapists’ treatment notes, exit surveys, and follow-up emails from the athletes and therapists.

Results

Significant improvement was found for sleep and muscle tightness; quantitative results were reinforced by athlete comments indicating MT assisted in their recovery while in training. There were no improvements in dimensions measuring quality of life; qualitative comments from athletes suggest reasons for lack of improvement.

Conclusion

This real-world study provides new information to support MT for recovery in elite paracyclists.
Do swingers self-identify as swingers when attending STI services for testing? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Spauwen Laura W L , Niekamp Anne-Marie , Hoebe Christian J P A , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole H T M
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Swingers, that is, members of a heterosexual couple who, as a couple, had sex with other couples and/or singles within the swinger’s subculture, are a hidden population with substantial rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and high-risk sexual behaviour. Information on swingers’ self-identification to be a swinger, their risk perception and attitudes about STI testing and safe sex will help to reveal swingers who are hidden while in care, to address them with targeted strategies.

Methods

We used data from a convenience sample of 289 swingers from our Dutch STI clinic patient registry between 2009 and 2012 (median age 45 years; 49% women; STI positivity 13%, no condom in vaginal sex: 57%). Participants filled in a self-administered questionnaire on sexual behaviour and answered statements about self-identification, risk perception and attitudes about STI testing and safe sex.

Results

Of all participating registered swingers, 56% self-identified as a swinger. Safe sex was reportedly deemed important (77%). Overall, 72%, 62% and 56% reported that STI testing, partner notification and condom use is the norm in the swinger community. The latter was reported more often by self-identified swingers compared with non–self-identified swingers. Self-identified swingers further swinged more often, had more partners and more often swinged at home parties than non–self-identified swingers.

Conclusions

About half of STI clinic attending swingers whose sexual behaviour agrees with the definition of swinging are neutral/do not identify themselves to be a swinger. As many STI clinics internationally not specifically ask clients about their swinging behaviour, swingers may be a missed target population in care. Implementation of routine questions addressing behaviour (thus not only asking whether someone is a swinger) in STI clinics is feasible and facilitated by swingers’ positive norm towards STI prevention and testing. Implementing routine swinger questions contribute to effective STI services including appropriate testing, counselling and partner notification.
Spontaneous Symmetry-Breaking in a Network Model for Quadruped Locomotion
Authors: Stewart Ian
Published: January 2018

Spontaneous symmetry-breaking proves a mechanism for pattern generation in legged locomotion of animals. The basic timing patterns of animal gaits are produced by a network of spinal neurons known as a Central Pattern Generator (CPG). Animal gaits are primarily characterized by phase differences between leg movements in a periodic gait cycle. Many different gaits occur, often having spatial or spatiotemporal symmetries. A natural way to explain gait patterns is to assume that the CPG is symmetric, and to classify the possible symmetry-breaking periodic motions. Pinto and Golubitsky have discussed a four-node model CPG network for biped gaits with [Formula: see text] symmetry, classifying the possible periodic states that can arise. A more specific rate model with this structure has been analyzed in detail by Stewart. Here we extend these methods to quadruped gaits, using an eight-node network with [Formula: see text] symmetry proposed by Golubitsky and coworkers. We formulate a rate model and calculate how the first steady or Hopf bifurcation depends on its parameters, which represent four connection strengths. The calculations involve a distinction between “real” gaits with one or two phase shifts (pronk, bound, pace, trot) and “complex” gaits with four phase shifts (forward and reverse walk, forward and reverse buck). The former correspond to real eigenvalues of the connection matrix, the latter to complex conjugate pairs. The partition of parameter space according to the first bifurcation, ignoring complex gaits, is described explicitly. The complex gaits introduce further complications, not yet fully understood. All eight gaits can occur as the first bifurcation from a fully synchronous equilibrium, for suitable parameters, and numerical simulations indicate that they can be asymptotically stable.
Digital-Analog Hybrid Scheme and Its Application to Chaotic Random Number Generators
Authors: Yuan Zeshi , Li Hongtao , Miao Yunchi , Hu Wen , Zhu Xiaohua
Published: January 2018

Practical random number generation (RNG) circuits are typically achieved with analog devices or digital approaches. Digital-based techniques, which use field programmable gate array (FPGA) and graphics processing units (GPU) etc. usually have better performances than analog methods as they are programmable, efficient and robust. However, digital realizations suffer from the effect of finite precision. Accordingly, the generated random numbers (RNs) are actually periodic instead of being real random. To tackle this limitation, in this paper we propose a novel digital-analog hybrid scheme that employs the digital unit as the main body, and minimum analog devices to generate physical RNs. Moreover, the possibility of realizing the proposed scheme with only one memory element is discussed. Without loss of generality, we use the capacitor and the memristor along with FPGA to construct the proposed hybrid system, and a chaotic true random number generator (TRNG) circuit is realized, producing physical RNs at a throughput of Gbit/s scale. These RNs successfully pass all the tests in the NIST SP800-22 package, confirming the significance of the scheme in practical applications. In addition, the use of this new scheme is not restricted to RNGs, and it also provides a strategy to solve the effect of finite precision in other digital systems.
A Smoothing Technique for the Multifractal Analysis of a Medium Voltage Feeders Electric Current
Authors: De Santis Enrico , Sadeghian Alireza , Rizzi Antonello
Published: January 2018

The current paper presents a data-driven detrending technique allowing to smooth complex sinusoidal trends from a real-world electric load time series before applying the Detrended Multifractal Fluctuation Analysis (MFDFA). The algorithm we call Smoothed Sort and Cut Fourier Detrending (SSC-FD) is based on a suitable smoothing of high power periodicities operating directly in the Fourier spectrum through a polynomial fitting technique of the DFT. The main aim consists of disambiguating the characteristic slow varying periodicities, that can impair the MFDFA analysis, from the residual signal in order to study its correlation properties. The algorithm performances are evaluated on a simple benchmark test consisting of a persistent series where the Hurst exponent is known, with superimposed ten sinusoidal harmonics. Moreover, the behavior of the algorithm parameters is assessed computing the MFDFA on the well-known sunspot data, whose correlation characteristics are reported in literature. In both cases, the SSC-FD method eliminates the apparent crossover induced by the synthetic and natural periodicities. Results are compared with some existing detrending methods within the MFDFA paradigm. Finally, a study of the multifractal characteristics of the electric load time series detrendended by the SSC-FD algorithm is provided, showing a strong persistent behavior and an appreciable amplitude of the multifractal spectrum that allows to conclude that the series at hand has multifractal characteristics.
Nonidentical Coupled Networks with a Geographical Model for Human Behaviors During Catastrophic Events
Authors: Cantin Guillaume
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this work is to study coupled networks of nonidentical instances of the PCR system (Panic-Control-Reflex), which is a geographical model for human behaviors during catastrophic events. We endow the subsequent graph with superposed linear and quadratic couplings, and explore the effect of the topology of the network on the dynamics of each node. Especially, we investigate the possibility of controlling the panic level in the network by a clever disposal of the connections. We establish a necessary and sufficient condition for synchronization, without any reductive assumption on the nature of the network, and study the global stability of the trivial equilibrium. We illustrate our theoretical results by numerical simulations of randomly generated networks.
Stability and Hopf Bifurcation of a Reaction–Diffusion Neutral Neuron System with Time Delay
Authors: Dong Tao , Xia Linmao
Published: January 2018

In this paper, a type of reaction–diffusion neutral neuron system with time delay under homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions is considered. By constructing a basis of phase space based on the eigenvectors of the corresponding Laplace operator, the characteristic equation of this system is obtained. Then, by selecting time delay and self-feedback strength as the bifurcating parameters respectively, the dynamic behaviors including local stability and Hopf bifurcation near the zero equilibrium point are investigated when the time delay and self-feedback strength vary. Furthermore, the direction of the Hopf bifurcation and the stability of bifurcating periodic solutions are obtained by using the normal form and the center manifold theorem for the corresponding partial differential equation. Finally, two simulation examples are given to verify the theory.