bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anion gap can differentiate between psychogenic and epileptic seizures in the emergency setting
Authors: Li Yi , Matzka Liesl , Maranda Louise , Weber Daniel
Published: July 2017

Differentiation between psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and generalized convulsive epileptic seizures (ES) is important for appropriate triaging in the emergency department (ED). This can be difficult in the ED, as the event is often not witnessed by a medical professional. In the current study, we investigated whether anion gap (AG), bicarbonate, and the Denver Seizure Score (DSS) could differentiate between PNES and ES. Of a total of 1,354 subjects reviewed from a tertiary care medical center, 27 PNES and 27 ES patients were identified based on clinical description and subsequent electroencephalogram. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine whether there was an association between seizure type and AG, bicarbonate, or DSS (24‐bicarbonate + 2 × [AG‐12]) when samples were drawn within 24 h of the concerning event. The result showed that sensitivity and negative predictive value dropped markedly for all measures if samples were drawn >2 h after the event; the sensitivity was similar for AG and DSS and higher than for bicarbonate. We propose that AG > 10 (sensitivity of 81.8%, specificity of 100%) in the first 2 h after the event could be used as a potential tool in the ED to help differentiate between PNES and ES.
Volcanic particles in agriculture and gardening
Authors: Troll Valentin R. , Carracedo Juan Carlos , Jägerup Beatrice , Streng Michael , Barker Abigail K. , Deegan Frances M. , Perez‐Torrado Francisco , Rodriguez‐Gonzalez Alejandro , Geiger Harri
Published: July 2017

Volcanic pyroclasts of small size, such as lapilli and small pumice stones, are widely used in agriculture, gardening, and for pot plants as natural inorganic mulch. The technique of using pyroclasts to enhance topsoil stems from the eighteenth century, and specifically from the ad 1730–1736 eruption on Lanzarote. Critical observations on plant development during and after the eruption showed that the vegetation died when buried under a thick layer of lapilli, but grew vigorously when covered thinly. While the agriculture of Lanzarote was restricted to cereals before the eruption, it diversified to many kinds of fruit and vegetables afterwards, including the production of the famous Malvasía wines in the Canaries. The population of Lanzarote doubled in the years after the eruption, from about 5000 in 1730 to near 10 000 in 1768, predominantly as a result of the higher agricultural productivity. This outcome led to widespread use of lapilli and pumice fragments throughout the islands and eventually the rest of the globe. Lapilli and pumice provide vesicle space for moisture to be retained longer within the planting soil, which can create an environment for micro‐bacteria to thrive in. Through this route, nutrients from volcanic matter are transported into the surrounding soil where they become available to plant life. The detailed processes that operate within the pyroclasts are less well understood, such as the breakdown of nutrients from the rock matrix and transport into the soil by biological action. Further studies promise significant potential to optimize future agricultural efforts, particularly in otherwise arid areas of the globe.
Insurance status and mortality among patients with AIDS
Authors: Jabs AW , Jabs DA , Van Natta ML , Palella FJ , Meinert CL ,   the Studies of the Ocular Complications of AIDS Research Group
Published: July 2017

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate risk factors for mortality, including health care insurance status, among patients with AIDS in the era of modern combination antiretroviral therapy (cART).

Methods

This study was part of the prospective, multicentre, observational Longitudinal Study of the Ocular Complications of AIDS (LSOCA). Patients were classified as having private health care insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or no insurance. Hazard ratios (HRs) for death were calculated using proportional hazards regression models and staggered entries, anchored to the AIDS diagnosis date.

Results

Among 2363 participants with AIDS, 97% were treated with cART. At enrolment, 31% of participants had private insurance, 29% had Medicare, 24% had Medicaid, and 16% were uninsured. Noninfectious, age‐related diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and renal disease, were more frequent among persons with Medicare than among those with private insurance. Compared with those who were privately insured, mortality was greater among participants with Medicare [adjusted HR (HRadj) 1.35; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–1.67; P = 0.008]. Among participants with a suppressed HIV viral load, compared with those who were privately insured, HRadj values for mortality were 1.93 (95% CI 1.08–3.44; P = 0.02) for those with Medicare and 2.09 (95% CI 1.02–4.27; P = 0.04) for those with Medicaid. Mortality among initially uninsured participants was not significantly different from that for privately insured participants, but these participants typically obtained ART and insurance during follow‐up. Compared with privately insured participants, time‐updated HRadj values for mortality were 1.34 (95% CI 1.05–1.70; P = 0.02) for those with Medicare, 1.34 (95% CI 1.01–1.80; P = 0.05) for those with Medicaid, and 1.35 (95% CI 0.97–1.88; P = 0.05) for those who were uninsured.

Conclusions

In persons with AIDS, compared with those with private insurance, those with public insurance had increased mortality, possibly as a result of a greater burden of noninfectious, age‐related diseases.
Predictors of operative time during radical retropubic prostatectomy and robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy
Authors: Simon Ross M , Howard Lauren E , Moreira Daniel M , Terris Martha K , Kane Christopher J , Aronson William J , Amling Christopher L , Cooperberg Matthew R , Freedland Stephen J
Published: July 2017

Objectives

To better predict operative time using patient/surgical characteristics among men undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy or robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy in order to achieve more efficient operative scheduling and potentially decrease costs in the Veterans Health System.

Methods

We analyzed 2619 men treated with radical retropubic prostatectomy (n = 2005) or robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (n = 614) from 1993 to 2013 from six Veterans Affairs Hospitals in the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital database. Age, body mass index, race, biopsy Gleason, prostate weight, undergoing a nerve‐sparing procedure or lymph node dissection, and hospital surgical volume were analyzed in multivariable linear regression to identify predictors of operative time and to quantify the increase/decrease observed.

Results

In men undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy, body mass index, black race, prostate weight and a lymph node dissection all predicted longer operative times (all P ≤ 0.004). In men undergoing robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, biopsy Gleason score and a lymph node dissection were associated with increased operative time (P ≤ 0.048). In both surgical methods, a lymph node dissection added 25–40 min to the operation. Also, in both, each additional operation per year per center predicted a 0.80–0.89‐min decrease in operative time (P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

Overall, several factors seem to be associated with quantifiable changes in operative time. If confirmed in future studies, these findings can allow for a more precise estimate of operative time, which could decrease the overall cost to the patient and hospital by aiding in operating room time management.
Recognizing syndromic hidradenitis suppurativa: a review of the literature
Authors: Gasparic J. , Theut Riis P. , Jemec G.B.
Published: July 2017

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory skin disease causing painful inflammation and suppuration. It may occur in rare syndromes: follicular occlusion, Bazex–Dupré–Christol, Down's, KID, PAPASH, PASS, PASH, and SAPHO syndromes, as well as Dowling‐Degos disease. An overview of syndromic HS may inform the search for aetiological factors in HS. PubMed, Ovid and Web of Science were systematically searched using ‘(hidradenitis OR acne invers*) AND (syndrome OR KID OR PASS OR PAPA OR PASH OR SAPHO OR bazex‐dupre OR ‘dowling degos’ OR triad OR tetrad)’ and Cochrane Library using ‘hidradenitis OR acne invers*’. A total of 82 articles were included in the final review. We summarize 134 cases collected from the 82 included articles. The syndromes are discussed, focusing on etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation and treatment. This study is based on case reports; therefore, conclusions may be subject to the selection bias. These syndromes are rare; however, it is important to recognize them, as treating them may require a different approach. Three subtypes of syndromic hidradenitis are suggested: syndromes with known genetic abnormalities, syndromes characterized by follicular plugging or structural defects, and syndromes with possible autoinflammatory pathogenesis. There was no universally effective treatment for syndromic HS, and treatment was individualized.
Trophic redundancy among fishes in an East African nearshore seagrass community inferred from stable‐isotope analysis
Authors: Matich P. , Kiszka J. J. , Gastrich K. R. , Heithaus M. R.
Published: July 2017

Stable‐isotope analysis supplemented with stomach contents data from published sources was used to quantify the trophic niches, trophic niche overlaps and potential trophic redundancy for the most commonly caught fish species from an East African nearshore seagrass community. This assessment is an important first step in quantifying food‐web structure in a region subject to intense fishing activities. Nearshore food webs were driven by at least two isotopically distinct trophic pathways, algal and seagrass, with a greater proportion of the sampled species feeding within the seagrass food web (57%) compared with the algal food web (33%). There was considerable isotopic niche overlap among species (92% of species overlapped with at least one other species). Narrow isotopic niche widths of most (83%) species sampled, low isotopic similarity (only 23% of species exhibited no differences in δ13C and δ15N) and low predicted trophic redundancy among fishes most commonly caught by fishermen (15%), however, suggest that adjustments to resource management concerning harvesting and gear selectivity may be needed for the persistence of artisanal fishing in northern Tanzania. More detailed trophic studies paired with information on spatio‐temporal variation in fish abundance, especially for heavily targeted species, will assist in the development and implementation of management strategies to maintain coastal food‐web integrity.
The Relationship between Pain Catastrophizing and Headache‐Related Disability: The Mediating Role of Pain Intensity
Authors: Mortazavi Nasiri Fereshte Sadat , Pakdaman Shahla , Dehghani Mohsen , Togha Mansoureh
Published: July 2017

Migraine is one of the most frequent types of headache that impacts patients’ function significantly and might be disabling. The purpose of this research was to test the effects of pain catastrophizing along with the mediating role of pain intensity on headache‐related disability in migraine patients. This study was descriptive–correlational research. To implement it, 178 patients with migraine selected through convenience sampling filled out three questionnaires: the Headache Disability Inventory (HDI), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and the Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS). To test the mediating role of pain intensity in the relationship between catastrophizing and headache‐related disability, regression analysis was employed. Pain catastrophizing was positively correlated with headache‐related disability and pain intensity. The proposed model showed that more frequent catastrophizing was associated with higher headache‐related disability in patients with migraine, and pain intensity mediated this association. According to our results, there seems to be a high rate of pain intensity and catastrophizing as a maladaptive coping strategy among migraine patients with headache‐related disability. Therefore, these variables should be considered in researches and specifically in treatment procedures.
Annual Burden of Occupationally‐Acquired Influenza Infections in Hospitals and Emergency Departments in the United States
Authors: Jones Rachael M. , Xia Yulin
Published: July 2017

Infections among health‐care personnel (HCP) occur as a result of providing care to patients with infectious diseases, but surveillance is limited to a few diseases. The objective of this study is to determine the annual number of influenza infections acquired by HCP as a result of occupational exposures to influenza patients in hospitals and emergency departments (EDs) in the United States. A risk analysis approach was taken. A compartmental model was used to estimate the influenza dose received in a single exposure, and a dose–response function applied to calculate the probability of infection. A three‐step algorithm tabulated the total number of influenza infections based on: the total number of occupational exposures (tabulated in previous work), the total number of HCP with occupational exposures, and the probability of infection in an occupational exposure. Estimated influenza infections were highly dependent upon the dose–response function. Given current compliance with infection control precautions, we estimated 151,300 and 34,150 influenza infections annually with two dose–response functions (annual incidence proportions of 9.3% and 2.1%, respectively). Greater reductions in infectious were achieved by full compliance with vaccination and IC precautions than with patient isolation. The burden of occupationally‐acquired influenza among HCP in hospitals and EDs in the United States is not trivial, and can be reduced through improved compliance with vaccination and preventive measures, including engineering and administrative controls.
Single‐center experience of antifungal prophylaxis for coccidioidomycosis in heart transplant recipients within an endemic area
Authors: Lohrmann Graham M. , Vucicevic Darko , Lawrence Romy , Steidley D. Eric , Scott Robert L. , Kusne Shimon , Blair Janis E.
Published: July 2017

In endemic regions, coccidioidomycosis causes substantial morbidity and mortality for patients receiving solid organ transplants. We aimed to demonstrate the effect of antifungal coccidioidal prophylaxis in heart transplant (HT) recipients. We retrospectively reviewed the electronic health records of all patients who received HTs between October 19, 2005, and December 13, 2014. We collected information regarding antifungal regimens and determined whether patients subsequently developed infections. Our 174‐person cohort all received antifungal prophylaxis for at least 6 months (mean follow‐up, 53.8 months). One proven and one probable coccidioidal infection (each, 0.6%) occurred during the study period. The incidence of coccidioidomycosis was 0.6% at 1 year and 2.3% at 5 years. No cases of proven coccidioidomycosis occurred within 2 years after transplantation. No patients developed disseminated disease, and no sentinel events were attributed to coccidioidomycosis. Both fluconazole and voriconazole were well tolerated. In the absence of intolerance or contraindication, we suggest continuing a universal antifungal prophylactic regimen with fluconazole for at least 6‐12 months in HT recipients residing in a coccidioidomycosis‐endemic area.
Sorting without a Golgi complex
Authors: Touz Maria C. , Zamponi Nahuel
Published: July 2017

The endoplasmic reticulum‐Golgi‐target organelle route is one of the most studied events and has fascinated researchers for years. However, the conservative mechanism of protein sorting and delivery is now being challenged by the finding of unconventional pathways driving protein sorting and transport. Protozoa parasites are being rediscovered as good models for analyzing alternative targeting pathways, associated with their ability to adapt to diverse environments and hosts. Here, we have gathered all the available information about secretory protein trafficking in Giardia lamblia, with a focus on how this protozoan parasite is able to sort and direct proteins to different compartments in the absence of a Golgi complex.
The -adic Gross–Zagier formula on Shimura curves
Authors: Disegni Daniel
Published: July 2017

We prove a general formula for the$p$-adic heights of Heegner points on modular abelian varieties with potentially ordinary (good or semistable) reduction at the primes above$p$. The formula is in terms of the cyclotomic derivative of a Rankin–Selberg$p$-adic$L$-function, which we construct. It generalises previous work of Perrin-Riou, Howard, and the author to the context of the work of Yuan–Zhang–Zhang on the archimedean Gross–Zagier formula and of Waldspurger on toric periods. We further construct analytic functions interpolating Heegner points in the anticyclotomic variables, and obtain a version of our formula for them. It is complemented, when the relevant root number is$+1$rather than$-1$, by an anticyclotomic version of the Waldspurger formula. When combined with work of Fouquet, the anticyclotomic Gross–Zagier formula implies one divisibility in a$p$-adic Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture in anticyclotomic families. Other applications described in the text will appear separately.
Jardines y paisajes para un (des)encuentro literario: El Mocho de José Donoso
Authors: Schoennenbeck Sebastián , Buksdorf Daniela
Published: July 2017

Al estar ambientada en el pueblo minero de Lota, El Mocho (1997), novela póstuma del escritor José Donoso, genera puentes intertextuales con la obra de Baldomero Lillo Sub Terra (1904). Ambos autores establecen relaciones espaciales a partir de un esquema vertical que acusa una oposición social. Sin embargo, José Donoso despliega una nueva mirada sobre este contexto minero chileno, asociado a una tradición naturalista. A través del cultivo del paisaje, la novela de José Donoso desplaza metonímicamente la mirada desde la mina hasta el Parque de Lota, alterando así las subjetividades a partir de la variable de clase.
Revistas y mapas, brújulas y teclados: los editores y el canon
Authors: Sosnowski Saúl
Published: July 2017

Casi a modo de epígrafe, quisiera compartir con ustedes una anécdota. Hace unos años tuve el privilegio de acompañar al entonces presidente de la Universidad de Maryland, un brillante ingeniero mecánico, en una visita a FANUC, una compañía japonesa ubicada al pie del Monte Fuji. Sus galpones, amplios e impecables, recibían cada tanto la visita de un par de supervisores uniformados. Los obreros eran robots que emitían un sonido suave y acompasado mientras producían otros robots. Fascinado por su perfección solo atiné a preguntar quién había creado el primer robot. Más que de ingeniería, es una pregunta de y para las humanidades, agregué mientras el ritmo robótico se instalaba en mi memoria.
Electrically conductive synthetic vocal fold replicas for voice production research
Authors: Syndergaard Kyle L. , Dushku Shelby , Thomson Scott L.
Published: July 2017

A method of fabricating electrically conductive synthetic vocal fold replicas and monitoring their vibration via resistance measurement is presented. Normally non-conductive silicone replicas were coated with conductive graphite and subjected to long-term vibration tests. Synchronized resistance and imaging data using hemilarynx and full larynx configurations showed an inverse correlation between replica contact area and resistance during vibration, similar to clinical electroglottography (EGG) used to estimate vocal fold contact area. This method has potential for long-term replica vibration monitoring and studying basic physical relationships between resistance and contact area in vocal folds and vocal fold replicas.
Spectral analysis of bistatic scattering from underwater elastic cylinders and spheres
Authors: Gunderson Aaron M. , España Aubrey L. , Marston Philip L.
Published: July 2017

Far field sound scattering from underwater elastic spheres and finite cylinders is considered over the full range of scattering angles. Three models for the frequency response of the scattered field are evaluated: a hybrid finite element/propagation simulation for a finite cylinder with broadside illumination, an approximate solution for the finite cylinder, and the exact solution for a sphere. The cylinder models are shown to give comparable results, attesting to the strength of the finite cylinder approximate solution. Interference and resonance structure present in the frequency response of the targets is identified and discussed, and the bistatic spectra for a variety of elastic sphere materials are presented. A thorough understanding of the complicated angle and frequency dependence of the scattering from simple elastic targets is helpful for interpretation of backscattering data from targets at or near an interface, or for scattering data taken by moving automated underwater vehicles, acoustic arrays, or other forms of data collection involving bistatic scattering.
Chile's glacial lakes pose newly recognized flood threat
Authors: Palmer Jane
Published: July 2017

Team will develop early warning system for dangerous outburst floods.
Challenges of S&T system reform in China
Authors: Cao Cong , Suttmeier Richard P.
Published: July 2017

Despite promising reforms, autonomy is unclear
Matters of life and death
To Be a Machine: Adventures Among Cyborgs, Utopians,Hackers, and the Futurists Solving the Modest Problem of Death
Mark O'Connell
Doubleday, 2017. 251 pp.
Modern Death: How Medicine Changed the End ofLife
Haider Warraich
St. Martin's Press, 2017. 336 pp.
Authors: Greenbaum Dov
Published: July 2017

When the end arrives, should we upgrade or shut down?
Beyond trial and error for zeolite catalysts
Authors: Millini Roberto
Published: July 2017

Designed zeolites that mimic reaction transition states are highly active and selective catalysts
Combination Therapy with Isavuconazole and Micafungin for Treatment of Experimental Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Petraitis Vidmantas , Petraitiene Ruta , McCarthy Matthew W. , Kovanda Laura L. , Zaw Myo H. , Hussain Kaiser , Shaikh Naima , Maung Bo Bo W. , Sekhon Navjot K. , Hope William W. , Walsh Thomas J.
Published: July 2017

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. We hypothesized that simultaneous inhibition of biosynthesis of ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane and (1→3)-β-
d
-glucan in the cell wall, respectively, by the antifungal triazole isavuconazole (ISA) and the echinocandin micafungin (MFG) may result in improved outcomes in experimental IPA in persistently neutropenic rabbits. Treatments included ISA at 20 mg/kg of body weight/day (ISA20), 40 mg/kg/day (ISA40), and 60 mg/kg/day (ISA60); MFG at 2 mg/kg/day (MFG2); combinations of ISA20 and MFG2, ISA40 and MFG2, and ISA60 and MFG2; and no treatment (untreated controls [UC]). The galactomannan index (GMI) and (1→3)-β-
d
-glucan levels in serum were measured. The residual fungal burden (number of CFU per gram) was significantly reduced in ISA20-, ISA40-, ISA60-, ISA20-MFG2-, ISA40-MFG2-, and ISA60-MFG2-treated rabbits compared with that in MFG2-treated or UC rabbits (
P
< 0.01). Measures of organism-mediated pulmonary injury, lung weights, and pulmonary infarct score were lower in ISA40-MFG2-treated rabbits than in rabbits treated with ISA40 or MFG2 alone (
P
< 0.01). Survival was prolonged in ISA40-MFG2-treated rabbits in comparison to those treated with ISA40 or MFG2 alone (
P
< 0.01). These outcome variables correlated directly with significant declines in GMI and serum (1→3)-β-
d
-glucan levels during therapy. The GMI correlated with measures of organism-mediated pulmonary injury, lung weights (
r
= 0.764;
P
< 0.001), and pulmonary infarct score (
r
= 0.911;
P
< 0.001). In summary, rabbits receiving combination therapy with isavuconazole and micafungin demonstrated a significant dose-dependent reduction in the residual fungal burden, decreased pulmonary injury, prolonged survival, a lower GMI, and lower serum (1→3)-β-
d
-glucan levels in comparison to rabbits receiving isavuconazole or micafungin as a single agent.
Comparison of Omadacycline and Tigecycline Pharmacokinetics in the Plasma, Epithelial Lining Fluid, and Alveolar Cells of Healthy Adult Subjects
Authors: Gotfried Mark H. , Horn Karolyn , Garrity-Ryan Lynne , Villano Stephen , Tzanis Evan , Chitra Surya , Manley Amy , Tanaka S. Ken , Rodvold Keith A.
Published: July 2017

The steady-state concentrations of omadacycline and tigecycline in the plasma, epithelial lining fluid (ELF), and alveolar cells (AC) of 58 healthy adult subjects were obtained. Subjects were administered either omadacycline at 100 mg intravenously (i.v.) every 12 h for two doses followed by 100 mg i.v. every 24 h for three doses or tigecycline at an initial dose of 100 mg i.v. followed by 50 mg i.v. every 12 h for six doses. A bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage were performed once in each subject following the start of the fifth dose of omadacycline at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, or 24 h and after the start of the seventh dose of tigecycline at 2, 4, 6, or 12 h. The value of the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) from time zero to 24 h postdosing (AUC0–24) (based on mean concentrations) in ELF and the ratio of the ELF to total plasma omadacycline concentration based on AUC0–24values were 17.23 mg · h/liter and 1.47, respectively. The AUC0–24value in AC was 302.46 mg · h/liter, and the ratio of the AC to total plasma omadacycline concentration was 25.8. In comparison, the values of the AUC from time zero to 12 h postdosing (AUC0–12) based on the mean concentrations of tigecycline in ELF and AC were 3.16 and 38.50 mg · h/liter, respectively. The ratio of the ELF and AC to total plasma concentrations of tigecycline based on AUC0–12values were 1.71 and 20.8, respectively. The pharmacokinetic advantages of higher and sustained concentrations of omadacycline compared to those of tigecycline in plasma, ELF, and AC suggest that omadacycline is a promising antibacterial agent for the treatment of lower respiratory tract bacterial infections caused by susceptible pathogens.
Differential Regulation of Mas-Related G Protein-Coupled Receptor X2-Mediated Mast Cell Degranulation by Antimicrobial Host Defense Peptides and Porphyromonas gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Gupta Kshitij , Idahosa Chizobam , Roy Saptarshi , Lee Donguk , Subramanian Hariharan , Dhingra Anuradha , Boesze-Battaglia Kathleen , Korostoff Jonathan , Ali Hydar
Published: July 2017

Porphyromonas gingivalisis a keystone pathogen that contributes to periodontal pathogenesis by disrupting host-microbe homeostasis and promoting dysbiosis. The virulence ofP. gingivalislikely reflects an alteration in the lipid A composition of its lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from the penta-acylated (PgLPS1690) to the tetra-acylated (PgLPS1435/1449) form. Mast cells play an important role in periodontitis, but the mechanisms of their activation and regulation remain unknown. The expression of epithelium- and neutrophil-derived host defense peptides (HDPs) (LL-37 and human β-defensin-3), which activate mast cells via Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2), is increased in periodontitis. We found that MRGPRX2-expressing mast cells are present in normal gingiva and that their numbers are elevated in patients with chronic periodontitis. Furthermore, HDPs stimulated degranulation in a human mast cell line (LAD2) and in RBL-2H3 cells stably expressing MRGPRX2 (RBL-MRGPRX2).PgLPS1690caused substantial inhibition of HDP-induced mast cell degranulation, butPgLPS1435/1449had no effect. A fluorescently labeled HDP (FAM-LL-37) bound to RBL-MRGPRX2 cells, andPgLPS1690inhibited this binding, butPgLPS1435/1449had no effect. These findings suggest that low-level inflammation induced by HDP/MRGPRX2-mediated mast cell degranulation contributes to gingival homeostasis but that sustained inflammation due to elevated levels of both HDPs and MRGPRX2-expressing mast cells promotes periodontal disease. Furthermore, differential regulation of HDP-induced mast cell degranulation byPgLPS1690andPgLPS1435/1449may contribute to the modulation of disease progression.
Bacteroides fragilis Enterotoxin Induces Formation of Autophagosomes in Endothelial Cells but Interferes with Fusion with Lysosomes for Complete Autophagic Flux through a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase-, AP-1-, and C/EBP Homologous Protein-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Ko Su Hyuk , Jeon Jong Ik , Myung Hyun Soo , Kim Young-Jeon , Kim Jung Mogg
Published: July 2017

Bacteroides fragilis
enterotoxin (BFT), a virulence factor of enterotoxigenic
B. fragilis
(ETBF), plays an essential role in mucosal inflammation. Although autophagy contributes to the pathogenesis of diverse infectious diseases, little is known about autophagy in ETBF infection. This study was conducted to investigate the role of BFT in the autophagic process in endothelial cells (ECs). Stimulation of human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) with BFT increased light chain 3 protein II (LC3-II) conversion from LC3-I and protein expression of p62, Atg5, and Atg12. In addition, BFT-exposed ECs showed increased indices of autophagosomal fusion with lysosomes such as LC3–lysosome-associated protein 2 (LAMP2) colocalization and the percentage of red vesicles monitored by the expression of dual-tagged LC3B. BFT also upregulated expression of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and inhibition of CHOP significantly increased indices of autophagosomal fusion with lysosomes. BFT activated an AP-1 transcription factor, in which suppression of AP-1 activity significantly downregulated CHOP and augmented autophagosomal fusion with lysosomes. Furthermore, suppression of Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) significantly inhibited the AP-1 and CHOP signals, leading to an increase in autophagosomal fusion with lysosomes in BFT-stimulated ECs. These results suggest that BFT induced accumulation of autophagosomes in ECs, but activation of a signaling pathway involving JNK, AP-1, and CHOP may interfere with complete autophagy.
Temporal changes in predicted risk of type 2 diabetes in Germany: findings from the German Health Interview and Examination Surveys 1997–1999 and 2008–2011
Authors: Paprott Rebecca , Mensink Gert B M , Schulze Matthias B , Thiele Silke , Mühlenbruch Kristin , Scheidt-Nave Christa , Heidemann Christin
Published: July 2017

Objective

Over time, prevalence changes in individual diabetes risk factors have been observed for Germany and other European countries. We aimed to investigate the temporal change of a summary measure of type 2 diabetes risk in Germany.

Design

Comparison of data from two cross-sectional surveys that are about 12 years apart.

Setting

Two nationwide health examination surveys representative for the non-institutionalised population aged 18–79 years in Germany.

Participants

The study included participants without diagnosed diabetes from the national health examination surveys in 1997–1999 (n=6457) and 2008–2011 (n=6095).

Outcome measures

Predicted 5-year type 2 diabetes risk was calculated using the German Diabetes Risk Score (GDRS), which considers information on age, anthropometry, lifestyle factors, hypertension and family history of diabetes.

Results

Between the two survey periods, the overall age- and sex-standardised predicted 5-year risk of type 2 diabetes decreased by 27% from 1.5% (95% CI 1.4% to 1.6%) to 1.1% (1.0% to 1.2%). The decrease in red meat intake and waist circumference had the highest impact on the overall decrease in diabetes risk. In stratified analyses, diabetes risk decreased among both sexes and within strata of age and body mass index. Diabetes risk also decreased among highly educated persons, but remained unchanged among persons with a middle or low educational level.

Conclusions

Monitoring type 2 diabetes risk by a summary measure such as the GDRS could essentially contribute to interpret the dynamics in diabetes epidemiology.
A systematic review of the worldwide prevalence of survivors of poliomyelitis reported in 31 studies
Authors: Jones Kelly M , Balalla Shivanthi , Theadom Alice , Jackman Gordon , Feigin Valery L
Published: July 2017

Background

Accurate prevalence figures estimating the number of survivors of poliomyelitis (disease causing acute flaccid paralysis) following poliovirus infection are not available. We aim to undertake a systematic review of all literature concerning the prevalence of survivors of poliomyelitis.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched from 1900 up to May 2016 for peer-reviewed studies using a population-based approach witha defined denominator and some form of diagnostic or clinical verification of polio. Exclusion criteria were any prevalence data that were unable to be extracted or calculated and studies reporting on incidence only. The quality of each included study was assessed using an existing tool modified for use in prevalence studies. Average crude prevalence rates were used to calculate worldwide estimates.

Results

Thirty-one studies met criteria with 90% of studies conducted in low-income to lower middle-income countries. Significant variability in the prevalence of survivors of poliomyelitis was revealed, in low- income to lower middle-income (15 per 100 000 in Nigeria to 1733 in India) and upper-middle to high-income countries (24 (Japan) to 380 per 100 000 (Brazil). The total combined prevalence of survivors of poliomyelitis for those studies at low to moderate risk of bias ranged from 165 (high-income countries) to 425 (low-income to lower middle-income countries) per 100 000 person-years. Historical lameness surveys of children predominated, with wide variation in case definition and assessment criteria, and limited relevance to current prevalence given the lack of incidence of poliovirus infection in the ensuing years.

Conclusions

These results highlight the need for future epidemiological studies of poliomyelitis to examine nationally representative samples, including all ages and greater focus on high-income countries. Such efforts will improve capacity to provide reliable and more robust worldwide prevalence estimates.
The linguistic and interactional factors impacting recognition and dispatch in emergency calls for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a mixed-method linguistic analysis study protocol
Authors: Riou Marine , Ball Stephen , Williams Teresa A , Whiteside Austin , O’Halloran Kay L , Bray Janet , Perkins Gavin D , Cameron Peter , Fatovich Daniel M , Inoue Madoka , Bailey Paul , Brink Deon , Smith Karen , Della Phillip , Finn Judith
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Emergency telephone calls placed by bystanders are crucial to the recognition of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), fast ambulance dispatch and initiation of early basic life support. Clear and efficient communication between caller and call-taker is essential to this time-critical emergency, yet few studies have investigated the impact that linguistic factors may have on the nature of the interaction and the resulting trajectory of the call. This research aims to provide a better understanding of communication factors impacting on the accuracy and timeliness of ambulance dispatch.

Methods and analysis

A dataset of OHCA calls and their corresponding metadata will be analysed from an interdisciplinary perspective, combining linguistic analysis and health services research. The calls will be transcribed and coded for linguistic and interactional variables and then used to answer a series of research questions about the recognition of OHCA and the delivery of basic life-support instructions to bystanders. Linguistic analysis of calls will provide a deeper understanding of the interactional dynamics between caller and call-taker which may affect recognition and dispatch for OHCA. Findings from this research will translate into recommendations for modifications of the protocols for ambulance dispatch and provide directions for further research.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee (HR128/2013) and the St John Ambulance Western Australia Research Advisory Group. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and communicated to key audiences, including ambulance dispatch professionals.
Evaluating evidence for alternative natural mortality and process error assumptions using a state-space, age-structured assessment model
Authors: Miller Timothy J. , Hyun Saang-Yoon
Published: July 2017

State-space models explicitly separate uncertainty associated with unobserved, time-varying parameters from that which arises from sampling the population. The statistical aspects of formal state-space models are appealing and these models are becoming more widely used for assessments. However, treating natural mortality as known and constant across ages continues to be common practice. We developed a state-space, age-structured assessment model that allowed different assumptions for natural mortality and the degree of temporal stochasticity in abundance. We fit a suite of models where natural mortality was either age-invariant or an allometric function of mass and interannual transitions of abundance were deterministic or stochastic to observations on Gulf of Maine – Georges Bank Acadian redfish (Sebastes fasciatus). We found that allowing stochasticity in the interannual transition in abundance was important and estimating age-invariant natural mortality was sufficient. A simulation study showed low bias in annual biomass estimation when the estimation and simulation model matched and the Akaike imformation criterion accurately measured relative model performance, but it was important to allow simulated data sets to include the stochasticity in interannual transitions of abundance-at-age.
The temporal niche and seasonal differences in predation risk to translocated and resident woodland caribou (Rangifertaranduscaribou)
Authors: Leech H. , Jelinski D.E. , DeGroot L. , Kuzyk G.
Published: July 2017

Mountain caribou are an endangered ecotype of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)) that continue to decline, ultimately, due to habitat loss and, proximately, due to predation. A particularly imperilled population of mountain caribou was experimentally augmented with 19 northern caribou, a geographically distinct ecotype, from northern British Columbia. We examined seasonal variation in risk of predation by cougars (Puma concolor (L., 1771)) to the translocated caribou with comparison to resident caribou. Our basic approach followed the Movement Ecology Paradigm, in particular the interplay among why move, and when and where to move. We applied a cluster analysis framework on space-use patterns of GPS radio-collared animals to determine biologically relevant seasons. Then we examined the spatiotemporal similarity in habitat use between caribou groups and cougars across these seasons. This analysis included a control group of caribou from the donor herd that were not translocated. Five resident caribou seasons, two donor caribou seasons, and two cougar seasons were identified. Resident caribou remained at high elevations year-round and primarily selected habitats not used by cougars. In contrast, translocated caribou tended to occupy low-elevation habitats extensively used by cougars, resulting in predation of eight translocated caribou, six of which were by cougars. We concluded that the translocated caribou did not adopt the predator avoidance strategies of resident caribou, rendering them more vulnerable to predation. We make recommendations for future herd augmentations, notably that donor caribou should be of the same ecotype, have similar seasonal patterns of habitat use and associated behavioural repertoires, and be exposed to the same complex of predators.
Extensions to AGraP Algorithm for Finding a Reduced Set of Inexact Graph Patterns
Authors: Flores-Garrido Marisol , Carrasco-Ochoa J. Ariel , Martínez-Trinidad José Fco.
Published: July 2017

Most algorithms to mine graph patterns, during the searching process, require a pattern to be identical to its occurrences, relying on the graph isomorphism problem. However, in recent years, there has been interest in the case in which it is acceptable to have some differences between a pattern and its occurrences, whether these differences are in labels or in structure. Allowing some differences and using inexact matching to measure the similarity between graphs lead to the discovery of new patterns, but some important challenges, such as the increment on the number of found patterns, make the post-mining analysis harder. In this work we focus on two extensions of the AGraP algorithm, which mines inexact patterns, addressing the issue of reducing the output pattern set while trying to retain the useful information gained through the use of inexact matching. First, exploring a traditional approach, we propose the CloseAFG algorithm that focuses on closed patterns. Then, we propose the IntAFG algorithm to find a subset of patterns covering the original pattern set, while lessening redundancy among selected patterns. We show the performance of our approaches through some experiments on synthetic databases; additionally, we also show the usefulness of the reduced pattern sets for image classification.
Bank Structure and Liquidity Shocks: Evidence from Emerging Markets During the 2008 Financial Crisis
Authors: Liu Pu , Shao Yingying , Gu Yiwen
Published: July 2017

There is ample evidence on how bank structure (bank concentration, development of the banking sector, and presence of foreign banks) is related to credit supply and economic growth. However, little is known about how bank structure affects credit supply when the banking sector itself is in crisis and thus credit supply is impaired. The paucity of studies in examining the relationship between bank structure and credit supply during financial crisis is probably due to the complication that bank structure itself is significantly related to financial crisis. In this study, we avoid the endogeneity problem caused by the correlation between bank structure and financial crisis by studying the stock price performance of firms in 20 emerging countries during the 2008 financial crisis because the financial hardship in these countries was caused exogenously by the crisis originated from the U.S. We find firms that are more dependent on external financing tend to suffer greater stock price declines. However, the severity of the decline is significantly smaller for firms in countries with higher level of bank concentration, greater advancement in banking sector, and higher level of foreign bank presence. The results suggest that bank concentration, bank development, and foreign bank presence all contribute to the alleviation of liquidity crunch caused by crisis transmitted from other countries.
Geochemical and Sm–Nd isotopic constraints on the petrogenesis and tectonic setting of the Proterozoic mafic magmatism of the Gwalior Basin, central India: the influence of Large Igneous Provinces on Proterozoic crustal evolution
Authors: Samom Jwellys D. , Ahmad Talat , Choudhary A. K.
Published: July 2017

Palaeoproterozoic mafic magma intruded the Gwalior Group of sediments in the form of gabbroic sills. Huge sills extending more than 120 m in depths are exposed in quarries. They are coarse to medium grained, massive and have chilled margins. They predominantly consist of plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene with accessory quartz, iron oxides and apatite. Ophitic to sub-ophitic, porphyritic and intergrowth textures are common. These are tholeiitic, sub-alkaline magma types which have been generated by varying degrees of partial melting and have experienced fractionation of dominantly pyroxene + olivine ± plagioclase. They are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs), and exhibit negative Nb and P anomalies and positive Pb anomalies. A mineral–whole-rock Sm–Nd isochron corresponds to an age of 2104 ± 23 Ma with an initial
143
Nd/
144
Nd = 0.509938 ± 0.000023 and ϵNd

t

= −0.9 (
t
= 2000). Model ages (2.6–1.7 Ga) indicate that their mantle sources had a protracted evolution. Mantle source melting may have been triggered by mantle plume in an extensional intra-continental rift tectonic setting, facilitating emplacement of a Large Igneous Province (LIP) in the northern Indian Shield. Thus, Gwalior mafic magmatism represented by the studied sills is the manifestation of one such LIP in the northern Indian Shield. These magmatic activities are contemporaneous with the widespread mafic magmatic activities concomitant with the development of supra-crustal basins on Archaean cratons worldwide and the Indian Shield in particular, where upwelling plumes triggered large-scale crustal extension, breaking-up of supercontinents and emplacement of LIPs.
Understanding the Purpose of Permission Use in Mobile Apps
Authors: Wang Haoyu , Li Yuanchun , Guo Yao , Agarwal Yuvraj , Hong Jason I.
Published: July 2017

Mobile apps frequently request access to sensitive data, such as location and contacts. Understanding the purpose of why sensitive data is accessed could help improve privacy as well as enable new kinds of access control. In this article, we propose a text mining based method to infer the purpose of sensitive data access by Android apps. The key idea we propose is to extract multiple features from app code and then use those features to train a machine learning classifier for purpose inference. We present the design, implementation, and evaluation of two complementary approaches to infer the purpose of permission use, first using purely static analysis, and then using primarily dynamic analysis. We also discuss the pros and cons of both approaches and the trade-offs involved.
Tectonic Evolution of the Central Andean Plateau and Implications for the Growth of Plateaus
Authors: Garzione Carmala N. , McQuarrie Nadine , Perez Nicholas D. , Ehlers Todd A. , Beck Susan L. , Kar Nandini , Eichelberger Nathan , Chapman Alan D. , Ward Kevin M. , Ducea Mihai N. , Lease Richard O. , Poulsen Christopher J. , Wagner Lara S. , Saylor Joel E. , Zandt George , Horton Brian K.
Published: July 2017

Current end-member models for the geodynamic evolution of orogenic plateaus predict (a) slow and steady rise during crustal shortening and ablative subduction (i.e., continuous removal) of the lower lithosphere or (b) rapid surface uplift following shortening, which is associated with punctuated removal of dense lower lithosphere and/or lower crustal flow. This review integrates results from recent studies of the modern lithospheric structure, geologic evolution, and surface uplift history of the Central Andean Plateau to evaluate the geodynamic processes involved in forming it. Comparison of the timing, magnitude, and distribution of shortening and surface uplift, in combination with other geologic evidence, highlights the pulsed nature of plateau growth. We discuss specific regions and time periods that show evidence for end-member geodynamic processes, including middle–late Miocene surface uplift of the southern Eastern Cordillera and Altiplano associated with shortening and ablative subduction, latest Oligocene–early Miocene and late Miocene–early Pliocene punctuated removal of dense lower lithosphere in the Eastern Cordillera and Altiplano, and late Miocene–early Pliocene crustal flow in the central and northern Altiplano.