bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Small for Gestational Age Births in Chinese Women
Authors: Zhang Bin , Yang Shaoping , Yang Rong , Wang Jing , Liang Shengwen , Hu Ronghua , Xian Hong , Hu Ke , Zhang Yimin , Weaver Nancy L. , Wei Hongming , Vaughn Michael G. , Peng Hui , Boutwell Brian B. , Huang Zhen , Qian Zhengmin
Published: September 2016

Background

Both high and low prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) has been associated with small for gestational age births (SGA; birthweight below the population specific 10th centile for the gestational age), but results remain inconsistent. We examined the association between maternal BMI and SGA, and evaluated if the associations were modified by preterm birth (being born prior to 37 weeks) status.

Methods

A population‐based cohort study was conducted in Wuhan, China from June 2011, to June 2013. Women who delivered a non‐malformed livebirth (n = 76 695) were included using the Wuhan Maternal and Child Health Management Information System. Log‐binomial regression models were used to analyse the associations between prepregnancy BMI, categorized using thresholds adapted to the Chinese population, and SGA. Stratified analyses were used to examine the relationship of prepregnancy BMI to preterm‐SGA and term‐SGA.

Results

Of the 76 695 live births, 3058 (4.0%) were delivered preterm. For babies born at term, prepregnancy underweight (<18.5 kg/m2) was associated with an increased risk of SGA, the adjusted risk ratio (RR) was 1.41 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33, 1.49), whereas, being overweight (24.0–27.9 kg/m2) was associated with a decreased risk (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74, 0.94). For babies born preterm, prepregnancy underweight was not associated with risk of SGA, but being overweight was associated with an increased risk (RR 1.57, 95% CI 1.04, 2.35).

Conclusions

These data suggest that the association of overweight and underweight prepregnancy BMI and SGA differs depending on whether the baby is full term or preterm.
Integrating ecosystem functions into restoration ecology—recent advances and future directions
Authors: Kollmann Johannes , Meyer Sebastian T. , Bateman Rolf , Conradi Timo , Gossner Martin M. , de Souza Mendonça Milton , Fernandes Geraldo W. , Hermann Julia‐Maria , Koch Christiane , Müller Sandra C. , Oki Yumi , Overbeck Gerhard E. , Paterno Gustavo B. , Rosenfield Milena F. , Toma Tiago S. P. , Weisser Wolfgang W.
Published: September 2016

Including ecosystem functions into restoration ecology has been repeatedly suggested, yet there is limited evidence that this is taking place without bias to certain habitats, species, or functions. We reviewed the inclusion of ecosystem functions in restoration and potential relations to habitats and species by extracting 224 publications from the literature (2004–2013). Most studies investigated forests, fewer grasslands or freshwaters, and fewest wetlands or marine habitats. Of all studies, 14% analyzed only ecosystem functions, 44% considered both biotic composition and functions, 42% exclusively studied the biotic component, mostly vascular plants, more rarely invertebrates or vertebrates, and least often microbes. Most studies investigating ecosystem functions focused on nutrient cycling (26%), whereas productivity (18%), water relations (16%), and geomorphological processes (14%) were less covered; carbon sequestration (10%), decomposition (6%), and trophic interactions (6%) were rarely studied. Monitoring of ecosystem functions was common in forests and grasslands, but the functions considered depended on the study organisms. These associations indicate research opportunities for certain habitats, species, and functions. Overall, the call to include ecosystem functions in restoration has been heard; however, a lack of clarity about the ecosystem functions to be included and deficits of feasible field methods are major obstacles for a functional approach. Restoration ecology should learn from recent advances in rapid assessment of ecosystem functions, and by a closer integration with biodiversity–ecosystem functioning research. Not all functions need to be measured in all ecosystems, but more functions than the few commonly addressed would improve the understanding of restored ecosystems.
High‐resolution riparian vegetation mapping to prioritize conservation and restoration in an impaired desert river
Authors: Macfarlane William W. , McGinty Christopher M. , Laub Brian G. , Gifford Suzanne J.
Published: September 2016

In highly impaired watersheds, it is critical to identify both areas with desirable habitat as conservation zones and impaired areas with the highest likelihood of improvement as restoration zones. We present how detailed riparian vegetation mapping can be used to prioritize conservation and restoration sites within a riparian and instream habitat restoration program targeting 3 native fish species on the San Rafael River, a desert river in southeastern Utah, United States. We classified vegetation using a combination of object‐based image analysis (OBIA) on high‐resolution (0.5 m), multispectral, satellite imagery with oblique aerial photography and field‐based data collection. The OBIA approach is objective, repeatable, and applicable to large areas. The overall accuracy of the classification was 80% (Cohen's κ = 0.77). We used this high‐resolution vegetation classification alongside existing data on habitat condition and aquatic species' distributions to identify reaches' conservation value and restoration potential to guide management actions. Specifically, cottonwood (Populus fremontii) and tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima) density layers helped to establish broad restoration and conservation reach classes. The high‐resolution vegetation mapping precisely identified individual cottonwood trees and tamarisk thickets, which were used to determine specific locations for restoration activities such as beaver dam analogue structures in cottonwood restoration areas, or strategic tamarisk removal in high‐density tamarisk sites. The site prioritization method presented here is effective for planning large‐scale river restoration and is transferable to other desert river systems elsewhere in the world.
Tree islands: the bellwether of Everglades ecosystem function and restoration success
Authors: Wetzel Paul R. , Sah Jay P. , Ross Michael S.
Published: September 2016

Everglades tree islands are patches of woody vegetation ranging in size from 0.1 to 70 ha embedded in a marsh matrix. Tree islands are an essential component of the tree island–ridge–slough topographic continuum and the trees provide a mechanism for the accumulation of phosphorus in the landscape, enhancing landscape biocomplexity. This article reviews the literature of tree island ecology and describes the predicted effects of five ecosystem restoration scenarios on tree islands. Elevations of the highest points on 404 islands across the Everglades were used to assess the effects of the scenarios at a landscape level, while the plant communities of nine islands were modeled to assess local effects. Evaluation of the restoration scenarios were based on three critical components needed to maintain and restore tree islands: hydrology that allows the survival of woody species, seasonally appropriate water flow to move nutrients off the heads of islands, and oligotrophy. All restoration options generally improved water conditions for tree growth, although flooding of islands in some areas was predicted to increase. Scenarios with the greatest amount of decompartmentalization and largest capacity to remove phosphorus from water entering the Everglades provided the best chance of delivering vigorous pulses of sheet flow in directions parallel to historic flows and maintaining oligotrophy. Tree islands are “bellwethers” of restoration actions because their maintenance on the landscape requires multiple ecosystem functions.
Regulatory Entry Barriers, Rent Shifting and the Home Market Effect
Authors: Tobal Martín
Published: September 2016

This paper introduces regulatory entry barriers in a model of the home market effect. The entry barriers generate local rents that have unexpected but significant implications. First, the home market effect is magnified. Second, when countries are sufficiently unequal in size and rents are sufficiently large, symmetric reductions in trade costs reduce welfare in the small country. Third, entry barriers increase the large country's market size and, surprisingly, can increase its welfare. Fourth, a unilateral increase in trade protection shifts foreign rents to the home country. This rent‐shifting effect amplifies the standard production relocation motive for trade policy intervention.
The Civilizational Turn in Russian Political Discourse: From Pan‐Europeanism to Civilizational Distinctiveness
Authors: LINDE FABIAN
Published: September 2016

This article examines the emergence in official Russian political discourse of a conceptual framework centered on the notion of a plurality of coexisting civilizations, each distinguished by certain inherent cultural values. The article champions the view that the rise of this framework to the status of official foreign policy in 2008 can be seen as a crucial step in an increasing “symbolic sovereignization” of Russia driven forward by the Russian government. While Russia's own civilizational identity during the period in question was initially defined as European, the Russian government eventually offered a contending model based on the notion of a self‐contained and unique Russian civilization. In the concluding remarks, it is suggested that this development represents a major conceptual turn, the wider political implications of which have become apparent during the still ongoing Ukrainian crisis.
Phylogeography and taxonomy of the Psorodonotus caucasicus (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) group: independent double invasion of the Balkans from the Caucasus
Authors: KAYA SARP , ÇIPLAK BATTAL
Published: September 2016

High mountain ranges within and around Anatolia have played an important role in the biogeography of mountainous organisms, which are threatened by climate change. Using the Psorodonotus caucasicus species group (PCG), whose range is the Caucasus, Anatolia and the Balkans, as a model group, this study aims to determine the importance of Anatolian mountain ranges and to estimate possible future effects of global warming on such lineages by establishing an analogy between interglacial dynamics and global warming. Twenty populations, representing all extant species of the PCG, were studied. Sequences of four mitochondrial loci and three nuclear loci were obtained and used in phylogenetic, time estimation and phylogeographic analyses of PCG members. Additionally, ecological modelling analyses were conducted to estimate the range of PCG members at present and during the last glacial maximum and the last interglacial, with the aim of determining the roles of altitudes and glacial cycles in shaping the distribution of the PCG. Phylogenetic analyses supported the monophyly of the PCG as a whole and each individual species with the exception of P. suphani. The radiation of the PCG started approximately 3 Ma, according to beast. Species distribution models suggested a wider range during the last glacial maximum than during the last interglacial and at present, but these models also suggested that present conditions represent a substantial range loss. The PCG dispersed to the Balkans through two independent corridors from the Caucasus. The following conclusions were reached based on the results: (i) the uplift of the Pontic and East Anatolian Blocks during the mid‐Pliocene and the closing of the Mediterranean and the Paratethys connection in the Plio–Pleistocene and the mid‐Pleistocene Transition are the main events that triggered the radiation of the PCG; (ii) the PCG radiated from a Caucasian origin and invaded the Balkans twice, first through Northern Anatolia and second via the ‘Taurus Way’ dispersal corridor; (iii) lowlands are a barrier to the dispersal of PCG members; (iv) the last four intense glacial periods had little effect on the radiation of the PCG; (v) the range of the PCG has receded substantially from its original southern margin, and P. salmani and P. anatolicus have become extinct since the 1950s, possibly because of global warming; and (vi) automatic species delimitation tests supported species status of the morphospecies P. caucasicus, P. macedonicus, P. fieberi, P. illyricus and P. ebneri, but not that of P. suphani, thus, P. suphani Taylan & Sirin, 2014 syn.n. synonymized with P. caucasicus (Fischer von Waldheim, 1846).
Two new HLA class I alleles – A*11:241 and C*08:132
Authors: Street J. , Davies E. , Harvey C. , Darke C.
Published: September 2016

HLA‐A*11:241 differs from A*11:01:01:01 (215G > A, exon 2, R48Q); HLA‐C*08:132 from C*08:02:01:01 (587 T > A exon 3, L172Q).
CARACTERIZACIÓN DE UNIDADES DE ADOBE SOMETIDAS A RADIACIÓN UVA
Authors: Uribe Kaffure Claudia , Ramos Cañón Alfonso Mariano , Camacho Tauta Javier Fernando
Published: September 2016

Este trabajo muestra los resultados obtenidos en la variación de las propiedades mecánicas de unidades de adobe sometidas a factores ambientales simulados de radiación y condensación. Para ello se estudiaron adobes de más de trecientos años de antigüedad, extraídos de la Capilla Doctrina de Tausa, y adobes nuevos construidos en laboratorio. Las piezas de adobe fueron sometidos a ciclos alternados de 6 horas de radiación UVA y 2 horas de condensación durante 360, 720, 1440, 2160 y 2880 horas de exposición, tiempos en los cuales se analizó la variación en las propiedades mecánicas del adobe mediante ensayos de esfuerzo deformación. Se logró concluir que la exposición a radiación UVA acelera la variación en las propiedades mecánicas de los adobes nuevos, mientras que al adobe de la capilla de Tausa no le causa ningún efecto mecánico. Igualmente, se pudo establecer que los cambios en la resistencia del adobe están dados por la variabilidad en la cohesión, ya que el ángulo de fricción de este material no se modifica con el tiempo. 
Valoración patrimonial en el Valle del Cauca, Colombia. El cambio de uso como alternativa de conservación de las estaciones de tren abandonadas
Authors: Villegas Corey María Claudia
Published: September 2016

Al observar el estado de deterioro de gran parte del patrimonio construido del Valle del Cauca catalogado como Bien de Interés Cultural de la Nación (BIC) por el Estado colombiano, se evidencia el desconocimiento que la comunidad tiene sobre estos bienes y surge la necesidad de generar acciones que permitan su conservación. Sin embargo, también hay que reconocer los avances y logros en términos de protección del Ministerio de Cultura. A lo largo de los años han sido frecuentes situaciones de desconocimiento del marco jurídico por parte de los tres actores fundamentales (el propietario, el Estado y el arquitecto) que intervienen en la construcción de memoria e identidad a partir de la valoración física de edificios representativos de nuestra historia. El Gobierno custodia el patrimonio nacional y legisla las normas generales para su protección, sin embargo, la comunicación de los estamentos con la población se basa en artículos y decretos que no permean la comunidad ni la ilustran, lo que genera un desconocimiento general que en muchos casos incluye hasta a los mismos propietarios de los inmuebles catalogados. Las estaciones
de tren en el Valle del Cauca representan más del 50% del patrimonio construido de ese departamento y son los edificios más deteriorados; el análisis que se realiza en este estudio propende por establecer una línea de base de las causas de ese estado y las posibles acciones futuras en las que se incluya la comunidad que se relaciona e
identifica con el bien patrimonial.
¿Responden las investigaciones en las áreas protegidas de Risaralda a las necesidades de manejo y gestión de la biodiversidad?
Authors: Vasquez Uribe Lina Cristina , Matallana Tobón Clara Lucia
Published: September 2016

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la incorporación de los resultados de las
investigaciones en el manejo y gestión de las áreas protegidas de Risaralda. Para ello,
se recopiló información sobre investigaciones realizadas en tres parques nacionales
naturales y tres parques regionales naturales. Como resultados, la mayoría fueron
estudios en Otún-Quimbaya, están en revistas indexadas y tratan sobre especies
vegetales y animales. Todos los planes de manejo cuentan con un programa de
investigación científica, y se propusieron nueve indicadores, relacionados con:
existencia, actualización, investigación, pertinencia, incorporación del plan de
manejo y el tipo de investigación. Se concluye que es fundamental fortalecer
centros de documentación, establecer alianzas con universidades e institutos de
investigación, definir líneas de investigación de cada área y aplicar un sistema de
indicadores.
El multiculturalismo como modelo de gobernanza en Chile: Estado, Academia y Brokers
Authors: García Peter Sabina
Published: September 2016

El presente artículo de reflexión tiene como objetivo dar cuenta de la importancia de la producción y circulación de conocimientos académicos en la construcción social del Estado. Para esto se presentan dos programas –Programa de Educación Intercultural Bilingüe y Programa Orígenes– cuya puesta en marcha y funcionamiento ha contado con una amplia participación de agentes académicos. Basado en los resultados de entrevistas a investigadores/as dentro del campo académico de las ciencias sociales y humanas en Chile (biografías relacionales), y el análisis de hojas de vida y documentos referidos a políticas públicas en materia indígena, el artículo contribuye a reflexionar desde una perspectiva crítica sobre los procesos de interacción entre el campo académico y el Estado. Los casos presentados nos permiten concluir sobre el papel de los agentes académicos como brokers que apoyan y difunden intelectualmente un modelo de gobernanza caracterizado como “multiculturalismo neoliberal”.
Los movimientos sociales en el “retorno” del Estado. Consideraciones sobre experiencias de participación en el diseño e implementación de políticas públicas en la gestión estatal de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Lozano Juan Ignacio
Published: September 2016

En el siguiente trabajo propongo en primer lugar presentar el análisis de una participación institucionalizada de movimientos sociales en una sub secretaria dependiente del Ministerio de Salud del gobierno de la provincia de Buenos Aires, a partir de la cual reflexionaremos también sobre una trayectoria de institucionalización de movimientos socioterritoriales en el Estado, lo que permitirá reflexionar sobre las relaciones, alcances y limitaciones en la posibilidad de una construcción e implementación conjunta entre políticas públicas y movimientos sociales.

Puedo observar que si bien gran parte de la producción académica orientó sus consideraciones hacia ciertos déficits de los movimientos sociales para explicar ciertas dificultades de transformar la implementación de políticas, por el contrario, hallé que debe situarse al interior del Estado varias de las dificultades y desafíos tendientes a la construcción de una agenda e implementación de políticas públicas conjuntas.
Visiones críticas sobre el estado en la antropología y la administración pública: miradas al vaivén
Authors: García Reyes Paola , Sanabria Pablo
Published: September 2016

En este artículo hacemos una revisión general de las principales aproximaciones críticas al estado desde dos ciencias sociales con aparentes caminos diferentes: la antropología y la administración pública. Revisamos distintas aproximaciones críticas al rol del estado y a las teorías mismas, y su evolución en el tiempo a partir de una metáfora de vaivén. Los movimientos pendulares caracterizan los avances acumulativos en teorías, aproximaciones y explicaciones que vienen y van en busca de lo estatal, y cuestionan su impacto y su rol en la sociedad. A partir de ese marco presentamos los textos que hacen parte de este número y que contribuyen a la construcción de miradas críticas al estado desde las ciencias sociales en América Latina.
Small molecule–driven direct conversion of human pluripotent stem cells into functional osteoblasts
Authors: Kang Heemin , Shih Yu-Ru V. , Nakasaki Manando , Kabra Harsha , Varghese Shyni
Published: September 2016

Extracellular adenosine–driven osteogenic differentiation of stem cells.
Artificial cilia as autonomous nanoactuators: Design of a gradient self-oscillating polymer brush with controlled unidirectional motion
Authors: Masuda Tsukuru , Akimoto Aya Mizutani , Nagase Kenichi , Okano Teruo , Yoshida Ryo
Published: September 2016

A gradient self-oscillating polymer brush has been designed to achieve controlled unidirectional motion.
Duke fraud case highlights financial risks for universities
Authors: McCook Alison
Published: September 2016

Whistleblower alleges doctored data were used to secure $200 million in grants from NIH and other federal agencies.
Mentoring's moment
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: September 2016

NIH's new mentoring network aims to improve success rates for minority grant applicants. But it faces long odds.
Instantaneous ion configurations in the K
+
ion channel selectivity filter revealed by 2D IR spectroscopy
Authors: Kratochvil Huong T. , Carr Joshua K. , Matulef Kimberly , Annen Alvin W. , Li Hui , Maj Michał , Ostmeyer Jared , Serrano Arnaldo L. , Raghuraman H. , Moran Sean D. , Skinner J. L. , Perozo Eduardo , Roux Benoît , Valiyaveetil Francis I. , Zanni Martin T.
Published: September 2016

Potassium channels are responsible for the selective permeation of K
+
ions across cell membranes. K
+
ions permeate in single file through the selectivity filter, a narrow pore lined by backbone carbonyls that compose four K
+
binding sites. Here, we report on the two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) spectra of a semisynthetic KcsA channel with site-specific heavy (
13
C
18
O) isotope labels in the selectivity filter. The ultrafast time resolution of 2D IR spectroscopy provides an instantaneous snapshot of the multi-ion configurations and structural distributions that occur spontaneously in the filter. Two elongated features are resolved, revealing the statistical weighting of two structural conformations. The spectra are reproduced by molecular dynamics simulations of structures with water separating two K
+
ions in the binding sites, ruling out configurations with ions occupying adjacent sites.
Immunogenicity of 13-Valent Conjugate Pneumococcal Vaccine in Patients 50 Years and Older with End-Stage Renal Disease and on Dialysis
Authors: Mitra Subhashis , Stein Gary E. , Bhupalam Shyam , Havlichek Daniel H.
Published: September 2016

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and on dialysis are at increased risk of pneumococcal disease. We evaluated the immunogenicity of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in this population. Eligible patients with ESRD and on dialysis were given a single dose of PCV13. The concentrations of serum antibodies against 13 pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides were measured at the baseline and at 2 and 12 months postvaccination. A response to the vaccine was defined as a ≥2-fold increase in antibody concentration from that at the baseline and an absolute postvaccination value of at least 1 μg/ml. Seventeen patients completed the study. Increases in the concentrations of antibodies to the vaccine serotype were demonstrated 2 months after vaccination. The geometric mean antibody concentrations at 12 months postvaccination declined by 38% to 72% compared to those measured at 2 months postvaccination. A response to at least 1 serotype in the vaccine was seen in all patients at both 2 and 12 months postvaccination. The overall rate of the response to each individual vaccine serotype varied between 23.5% and 94.1% at 2 months postvaccination and 23.5% and 65% at 12 months postvaccination. Pain at the injection site was the most common local reaction. Vaccination with PCV13 induces antibody responses to vaccine serotypes in patients with ESRD and on dialysis at 2 months postvaccination. However, the decline in antibody concentrations at 12 months postvaccination with a conjugate pneumococcal vaccine requires further study. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01974817.)
Natural Development of Antibodies against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis Protein Antigens during the First 13 Years of Life
Authors: Borges Igor C. , Andrade Dafne C. , Cardoso Maria Regina A. , Toppari Jorma , Vähä-Mäkilä Mari , Ilonen Jorma , Knip Mikael , Hyöty Heikki , Veijola Riitta , Simell Olli , Jartti Tuomas , Käyhty Helena , Ruuskanen Olli , Nascimento-Carvalho Cristiana M.
Published: September 2016

Conserved protein antigens have been investigated as vaccine candidates against respiratory pathogens. We evaluated the natural development of antibodies against
Streptococcus pneumoniae
,
Haemophilus influenzae
, and
Moraxella catarrhalis
proteins during childhood. Serum samples were collected from 50 healthy children from their first months to age 13 years (median sampling interval, 6 months). We also analyzed serum samples from 24 adults. Serum IgG antibodies against eight pneumococcal proteins (Ply, CbpA, PspA 1 and 2, PcpA, PhtD, StkP-C, and PcsB-N), three
H. influenzae
proteins, and five
M. catarrhalis
proteins were measured using a multiplexed bead-based immunoassay. Antibody levels were analyzed using multilevel mixed-effects regression and Spearman's correlation. Antibody levels against pneumococcal proteins peaked at 3 to 5 years of age and then reached a plateau. Antibody levels against
H. influenzae
proteins peaked during the second year and then stabilized. Antibody levels against
M. catarrhalis
proteins peaked during the first year and then slowly decreased. Peak antibody levels during childhood were higher than those of adults. Correlations among pneumococcal antibody levels were highest among anti-CbpA, anti-PcpA, and anti-PhtD antibodies (
r
= 0.71 to 0.75;
P
< 0.001). The children presented 854 symptomatic respiratory infections on 586 occasions. Symptomatic respiratory infections did not improve prediction of antibody levels in the regression model. The maturation of immune responses against the investigated pneumococcal proteins shares similarities, especially among CbpA, PcpA, and PhtD. Antibody production against
H. influenzae
and
M. catarrhalis
proteins starts early in life and reaches peak levels earlier than antibody production against the pneumococcal proteins. Basal antibody levels are not related to the occurrence of symptomatic respiratory infections.
‘Inflammatory breast cancer’ due to metastatic adenocarcinoma of lung
Authors: Ninan Jacob , Naik Vinay , George Gemy Maria
Published: September 2016

A 67-year-old woman with a history of lung adenocarcinoma presented with 3 weeks of redness, pain, swelling and skin changes in her right breast. Her vital signs and physical examination were within physiological limits except for the right breast. She had extensive red streaks radiating from the right nipple with peau d'orange appearance of her overlying skin. Her breast was tender on examination and did not have any associated cervical or axillary lymphadenopathy. Her mammography revealed thickening of the skin, increased parenchymal markings and shrinkage the breast. Multiple skin biopsies demonstrated moderately differentiated lung adenocarcinoma with lymphovascular invasion. The patient made an informed decision to undergo radiotherapy following discussion with her oncologist and breast surgeon. She succumbed to her illness 2 months after the diagnosis of metastasis to her breast.
Health conditions detected in a comprehensive periodic health evaluation of 558 professional football players
Authors: Bakken Arnhild , Targett Stephen , Bere Tone , Adamuz Maria-Carmen , Tol Johannes L , Whiteley Rod , Wilson Mathew G , Witvrouw Erik , Khan Karim M , Bahr Roald
Published: September 2016

Background

Despite the widespread use of periodic health evaluation (PHE) to detect and prevent injury and illness in athletes, its effectiveness in detecting health conditions and relevant risk factors is still debated.

Aim

To assess health conditions detected by a comprehensive PHE in professional male football players and evaluate their consequences for participation clearance.

Methods

A total of 558 professional football players in Qatar completed a PHE prior to the 2013 or 2014 seasons: history, general medical (including blood test), cardiovascular (12-lead ECG and echocardiography) and a musculoskeletal examination, including a specific test battery targeting lower extremity strength and flexibility. On the basis of the PHE, players were either cleared or not cleared for participation.

Results

In 533 players (95.5%), at least one health condition was detected requiring treatment or follow-up. Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency (≤30 ng/mL) was the most common medical condition (n=499, 89.4%), followed by hepatitis B non-immunity or infection (n=164, 29.4%). Cardiac screening identified 48 players (8.6%) with one or more abnormal findings (ECG (n=19, 3.4%) and echocardiography (n=14, 2.5%)). Musculoskeletal conditions were observed in 180 players (32.3%); injuries to or strength deficits of the hip/groin and thigh accounted for the largest proportion. Medical clearance was temporarily not given in 69 players (12.4%), while further examinations were being conducted. One player was disqualified from competitive football.

Conclusions

PHE revealed a high prevalence of health conditions requiring treatment or follow-up in professional footballers; however, only 12.4% of conditions impacted on final clearance for participation.
Qualitative investigation into a wearable system for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the stakeholders' perspective
Authors: Kayyali Reem , Savickas Vilius , Spruit Martijn A , Kaimakamis Evangelos , Siva Roshan , Costello Richard W , Chang John , Pierscionek Barbara , Davies Nikki , Vaes Anouk W , Paradiso Rita , Philip Nada , Perantoni Eleni , D'Arcy Shona , Raptopoulos Andreas , Nabhani-Gebara Shereen
Published: September 2016

Objectives

To ascertain the stakeholders' views and devise recommendations for further stages of the Wearable Sensing and Smart Cloud Computing for Integrated Care to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients with Co-morbidities (WELCOME) system development. This system aims to create a wearable vest to monitor physiological signals for patients concerned incorporating an inhaler adherence monitoring, weight, temperature, blood pressure and glucose metres, and a mobile health application for communication with healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Design

A study of qualitative data derived from focus groups and semistructured interviews.

Setting

4 participating clinical sites in Greece, the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands.

Participants

Purposive sampling was used to recruit 32 patients with COPD with heart failure, diabetes, anxiety or depression, 27 informal carers and 23 HCPs from 4 European Union (EU) countries for focus groups and interviews.

Results

Most patients and HCPs described the WELCOME system as ‘brilliant and creative’ and felt it gave a sense of safety. Both users and HCPs agreed that the duration and frequency of vest wear should be individualised as should the mobile application functions. The parameters and frequency of monitoring should be personalised using a multidisciplinary approach. A ‘traffic light’ alert system was proposed by HCPs for abnormal results. Patients were happy to take actions in response.

Conclusions

WELCOME stakeholders provided valuable views on the development of the system, which should take into account patient's individual comorbidities, circumstances and concerns. This will enable the development of the individualised system in each member state concerned.
Protocol for a multicentre, parallel-arm, 12-month, randomised, controlled trial of arthroscopic surgery versus conservative care for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FASHIoN)
Authors: Griffin D R , Dickenson E J , Wall P D H , Donovan J L , Foster N E , Hutchinson C E , Parsons N , Petrou S , Realpe A , Achten J , Achana F , Adams A , Costa M L , Griffin J , Hobson R , Smith J
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome is a recognised cause of young adult hip pain. There has been a large increase in the number of patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for FAI; however, a recent Cochrane review highlighted that there are no randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating treatment effectiveness. We aim to compare the clinical and cost-effectiveness of arthroscopic surgery versus best conservative care for patients with FAI syndrome.

Methods

We will conduct a multicentre, pragmatic, assessor-blinded, two parallel arm, RCT comparing arthroscopic surgery to physiotherapy-led best conservative care. 24 hospitals treating NHS patients will recruit 344 patients over a 26-month recruitment period. Symptomatic adults with radiographic signs of FAI morphology who are considered suitable for arthroscopic surgery by their surgeon will be eligible. Patients will be excluded if they have radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis, previous significant hip pathology or previous shape changing surgery. Participants will be allocated in a ratio of 1:1 to receive arthroscopic surgery or conservative care. Recruitment will be monitored and supported by qualitative intervention to optimise informed consent and recruitment. The primary outcome will be pain and function assessed by the international hip outcome tool 33 (iHOT-33) measured 1-year following randomisation. Secondary outcomes include general health (short form 12), quality of life (EQ5D-5L) and patient satisfaction. The primary analysis will compare change in pain and function (iHOT-33) at 12 months between the treatment groups, on an intention-to-treat basis, presented as the mean difference between the trial groups with 95% CIs. The study is funded by the Health Technology Assessment Programme (13/103/02).

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is granted by the Edgbaston Research Ethics committee (14/WM/0124). The results will be disseminated through open access peer-reviewed publications, includingHealth Technology Assessment, and presented at relevant conferences.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN64081839; Pre-results.
Concussion reporting behaviours of community college student-athletes and limits of transferring concussion knowledge during the stress of competition
Authors: Chinn Nancy Resendes , Porter Paul
Published: September 2016

Concussion education for student-athletes is mandated by several states and is becoming an integral component of concussion management programmes; however, little is known about student-athlete concussion knowledge and self-reporting of suspected concussion. This study explored to what extent collegiate student-athletes are knowledgeable on the topic of concussion, the relationship between having concussion knowledge and reporting behaviours, and factors contributing to not reporting when education has been provided.

Method

Mixed method explanatory design. The Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey was administered to 986 community college student-athletes from 6 sports. Follow-up qualitative interviews were conducted using purposive sampling.

Results

Concussion knowledge scores positively correlated with number of times concussion education was received, but were not associated with reporting of concussion. Of respondents with a history of concussion, 64% stated that they reported all of their concussions. The highest ranked reason given for not reporting concussion was, “I was into the game/practice and didn't realize I had a concussion at the time.” Qualitative analysis revealed physiologically related and attitudinal factors particular to competition that precluded participants’ identification and reporting of concussion.

Conclusions

Despite receiving concussion education, student-athletes may not be cognizant of a possible concussion particularly during the stress of competition. Results indicate that alternate methods of providing concussion education that can affect knowledge transfer should be explored: providing education in the settings where student-athletes practice and compete, incorporating a kinaesthetic or procedural learning approach to concussion education, and addressing the social and attitudinal aspects of concussion reporting.
Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 is downregulated by hepatitis C virus: impact on production of lipo-viro-particles
Authors: Beilstein Frauke , Lemasson Matthieu , Pène Véronique , Rainteau Dominique , Demignot Sylvie , Rosenberg Arielle R
Published: September 2016

Objective

HCV is intimately linked with the liver lipid metabolism, devoted to the efflux of triacylglycerols stored in lipid droplets (LDs) in the form of triacylglycerol-rich very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs): (i) the most infectious HCV particles are those of lowest density due to association with triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins and (ii) HCV-infected patients frequently develop hepatic steatosis (increased triacylglycerol storage). The recent identification of lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1) as an LD phospholipid-remodelling enzyme prompted us to investigate its role in liver lipid metabolism and HCV infectious cycle.

Design

Huh-7.5.1 cells and primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) were infected with JFH1-HCV. LPCAT1 depletion was achieved by RNA interference. Cells were monitored for LPCAT1 expression, lipid metabolism and HCV production and infectivity. The density of viral particles was assessed by isopycnic ultracentrifugation.

Results

Upon HCV infection, both Huh-7.5.1 cells and PHH had decreased levels of LPCAT1 transcript and protein, consistent with transcriptional downregulation. LPCAT1 depletion in either naive or infected Huh-7.5.1 cells resulted in altered lipid metabolism characterised by LD remodelling, increased triacylglycerol storage and increased secretion of VLDL. In infected Huh-7.5.1 cells or PHH, LPCAT1 depletion increased production of the viral particles of lowest density and highest infectivity.

Conclusions

We have identified LPCAT1 as a modulator of liver lipid metabolism downregulated by HCV, which appears as a viral strategy to increase the triacylglycerol content and hence infectivity of viral particles. Targeting this metabolic pathway may represent an attractive therapeutic approach to reduce both the viral titre and hepatic steatosis.
Comments on the dilemma in the July/August issue: A request for euthanasia: handling the client
Authors: Stephenson Richard
Published: September 2016

In the dilemma discussed in the July/August issue of In Practice, a client brought you Bob, a healthy two‐year‐old male cat for euthanasia. The client was moving flat and couldn't bear to have him rehomed. What should you do? (IP, July/August 2016, vol 38, pp 358‐359). Andrew Knight suggested that communication skills were paramount and that you could explain that your primary duty was for the health and welfare of Bob, and that it was not in the best interests of a young, healthy cat to be euthanased. You could suggest rehoming in another area or, if the owner remained firm in their request, perhaps offer to refer them to another vet for a second opinion.
Early diverging asterids of the Late Cretaceous:Suciacarpa starriigen. et sp. nov. and the initial radiation of Cornales
Authors: Atkinson Brian A.
Published: September 2016

Two permineralized cornalean fruits from the Campanian of the state of Washington in the northwestern United States were studied using the cellulose acetate peel technique. One specimen was reconstructed three-dimensionally using ImageJ software. Fruits are ellipsoidal and consist of valvate endocarps. Valves are restricted to the apical third of the endocarp. Endocarps are tetralocular and each locule is crescent-shaped in cross section. The valve tissue consists of isodiametric sclereids and secretory cavities. Septae are composed of transversely elongated sclereids and secretory cavities. In each septum there are roughly two rows of vascular bundles that extend the length of the fruit. There is one apically attached seed per locule. These fossil fruits display a unique mosaic of characters indicative of Cornaceae, Nyssaceae, Davidiaceae, and Mastixiaceae, but not conforming to any one of these extant families. Therefore, they are assigned to a new genus and species within Cornales, Suciacarpa starrii gen. et sp. nov. The novel combination of characters of Suciacarpa sheds light on the early evolution of Cornales and supports previous phylogenetic hypotheses.
Comparison of synandrium structure and development in three species from the Myristicaceae
Authors: Yang Gui-Fang , Xu Feng-Xia
Published: September 2016

Species of Myristicaceae have diverse morphology and structure of their synandria, making them an interesting group for androecium evolution research. To clarify the morphology, structure, and origin of the synandrium, scanning electron microscopy and histology were performed on staminate flowers of Horsfieldia pandurifolia H.H.Hu, H. tetratepala C.Y.Wu & W.T.Wang, and Myristica fragrans Houtt. at different developmental stages. A whorl of stamen primordia was rapidly initiated around the margin of the floral apex in groups of two in H. pandurifolia and groups of three in M. fragrans. Each stamen primordium grew longitudinally, producing a pair of anther lobes and four microsporangia, accompanying one vascular bundle in H. pandurifolia and M. fragrans. In H. tetratepala, three stamen primordia groups were formed, and each group with several anthers was supported by one vascular bundle, indicating a secondary increase of stamen. Three types of synandrium origin were observed: in M. fragrans, the central sterile column tissues originated from the elongate receptacle; in H. pandurifolia and H. tetratepala they were derived from a combination of floral meristem and fused connectives, and a combination of receptacular tissue and stamen groups. The diverse origins of the central sterile column suggest that the synandrium develops differently and independently in different genera and species of Myristicaceae.
Isolation and characterization of wetland VSW-3, a novel lytic cold-active bacteriophage ofPseudomonas fluorescens
Authors: Qin Kunhao , Ji Xiuling , Zhang Chunjing , Ding Yafang , Kuang Anxiu , Zhang Shengting , Zhang Qi , Lin Lianbing , Wei Yunlin
Published: September 2016

Wetlands are often called the “kidneys of the Earth” and contribute substantially to environmental improvement. Pseudomonas fluorescens is a major contaminant of milk products and causes the spoilage of refrigerated foods and fresh poultry. In this study, we isolated and characterized a lytic cold-active bacteriophage named VSW-3 together with P. fluorescens SW-3 cells from the Napahai wetland in China. Electron microscopy showed that VSW-3 had an icosahedral head (56 nm) and a tapering tail (20 nm × 12 nm) and a genome size of approximate 40 kb. On the basis of the top-scoring hits in the BLASTP analysis, VSW-3 showed a high degree of module similarity to the Pseudomonas phages Andromeda and Bf7. The latent and burst periods were 45 and 20 min, respectively, with an average burst size of 90 phage particles per infected cell. The pH and thermal stability of VSW-3 were also explored. The optimal pH was found to be 7.0 and the activity decreased rapidly when the temperature exceeded 60 °C. VSW-3 is a cold-active bacteriophage, hence, it is important to research its ability to prevent product contamination caused by P. fluorescens and to characterize its relationship with its host P. fluorescens in the future.
MDCK cells are capable of water secretion and reabsorption in response to changes in the ionic environment
Authors: Capra Janne P. , Eskelinen Sinikka M.
Published: September 2016

A prerequisite for tissue electrolyte homeostasis is highly regulated ion and water transport through kidney or intestinal epithelia. In the present work, we monitored changes in the cell and luminal volumes of type II Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells grown in a 3D environment in response to drugs, or to changes in the composition of the basal extracellular fluid. Using fluorescent markers and high-resolution spinning disc confocal microscopy, we could show that lack of sodium and potassium ions in the basal fluid (tetramethylammonium chloride (TMACl) buffer) induces a rapid increase in the cell and luminal volumes. This transepithelial water flow could be regulated by inhibitors and agonists of chloride channels. Hence, the driving force for the transepithelial water flow is chloride secretion, stimulated by hyperpolarization. Chloride ion depletion of the basal fluid (using sodium gluconate buffer) induces a strong reduction in the lumen size, indicating reabsorption of water from the lumen to the basal side. Lumen size also decreased following depolarization of the cell interior by rendering the membrane permeable to potassium. Hence, MDCK cells are capable of both absorption and secretion of chloride ions and water; negative potential within the lumen supports secretion, while depolarizing conditions promote reabsorption.
General quantum-mechanical setting for field–antifield formalism as a hyper-gauge theory
Authors: Batalin Igor A. , Lavrov Peter M.
Published: September 2016

A general quantum-mechanical setting is proposed for the field–antifield formalism as a unique hyper-gauge theory in the field–antifield space. We formulate a Schrödinger-type equation to describe the quantum evolution in a “current time” purely formal in its nature. The corresponding Hamiltonian is defined in the form of a supercommutator of the delta-operator with a hyper-gauge fermion. The initial wave function is restricted to be annihilated with the delta-operator. The Schrödinger’s equation is resolved in a closed form of the path integral, whose action contains the symmetric Weyl’s symbol of the Hamiltonian. We take the path integral explicitly in the case of a hyper-gauge fermion being an arbitrary function rather than an operator.
Lyapunov-based state transfer and maintenance for non-Markovian quantum system
Authors: Hu Juju , Ke Qiang , Ji Yinghua
Published: September 2016

One main problem of quantum control in quantum systems is the manipulation of states including state transfer and state tracking. We design control fields to realize arbitrary state transfer for open quantum system by Lyapunov stability theory, and investigate the state transfer for non-Markovian system with phase relaxation and energy dissipative relaxation. The numerical simulations illustrate that arbitrary state (eigenstate, superposition state or mixed state) transfer and maintenance for non-Markovian system can be realized under Lyapunov control function by an external steady control field of proper amplitude, with a success rate of more than 98%. When the right control field and function are implemented, not only the decoherence is compensated completely but also the purity of quantum states is maintained in the process of state transfer.
Spiral spectrum of multi-modified Bessel–Gaussian Schell beams in non-Kolmogorov turbulence
Authors: Zhu Yun , Zhang Yixin , Li Ye , Hu Zhengda
Published: September 2016

On the basis of the Rytov approximation, we investigate the effects of non-Kolmogorov turbulence on the spread of the spiral spectrum and the received power of multi-modified Bessel–Gaussian Schell (MMBGS) beams carrying orbital angular momentum. Numerical results show that the spread of the spiral spectrum increases as the azimuthal index of the source increases and that an optimal value of the beam waist is obtained. We find that the spread of partially coherent MMBGS beams with short wavelength is more robust than that of beams with long wavelength. The complete reverse is true for fully coherent MMBGS beams.