bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood removal therapy in hereditary hemochromatosis induces a stress response resulting in improved genome integrity
Authors: Distante Sonia , Eikeland Joakim , Pawar Tina , Skinnes Ragnhild , Høie Kari , You Panpan , Mørkrid Lars , Eide Lars
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is a common disease of iron metabolism, manifesting with iron overload and affecting up to 1% of individuals of northern European descent. Untreated HH can result in irreversible damage of the liver and pancreas, potentially leading to cancer and diabetes. Therapy consists of normalizing iron stores by repeated blood donations (phlebotomy). Treated HH patients have normal survival rates and report less tiredness after phlebotomy; however, it is not understood why musculoskeletal symptoms may persist in spite of iron removal. We hypothesize that phlebotomy therapy does not simply reverse iron accumulation but has additional effects at the subcellular level. In particular, the systemic impact of phlebotomy on mitochondria and genome integrity is largely unknown.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The effects of phlebotomy therapy on mitochondrial iron proteins and genome integrity were investigated in peripheral blood mononuclear blood cells from HH patients.

RESULTS

After the reduction of systemic iron load in these patients with phlebotomy, we observed increased expression of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase, reduced iron sulfur assembly protein (Iscu1/2), and improved genome integrity.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that phlebotomy therapy in HH does not merely restore systemic iron homeostasis, but induces an “oxidative stress” defense response that manifests as improved genome integrity. These findings provide novel insights into an ancient therapy.
The effects of sulforaphane on canine osteosarcoma proliferation and invasion
Authors: Rizzo V. L. , Levine C. B. , Wakshlag J. J.
Published: April 2016

Recent evidence in in vitro and in vivo models suggests that sulforaphane (SFN), found in raw cruciferous vegetables, may have utility in chemoprevention, as an antineoplastic agent and as a free radical scavenger. The effects of SFN alone or with doxorubicin on cell viability were examined, as well as cell cycle kinetics, invasion capabilities and apoptosis in three canine osteosarcoma cell line (D17, OS 2.4 and HMPOS). Results showed that SFN could not induce cell death at potentially physiological concentrations (<50 μM), but significantly diminished cell invasion and downregulation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling. Modest cell cycle changes were observed in each cell line. When doxorubicin was used in conjunction with SFN, there was a protective effect to doxorubicin‐induced cytotoxicity in D17 and OS 2.4 cells. Further studies examining SFN as a supplement are warranted, particularly in light of pro‐proliferative and cytoprotective properties in canine osteosarcoma.
Residential water demand analysis of a Low‐Income Rate Assistance Program in California, United States
Authors: Lee Juneseok
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a statistical analysis of residential water demand in a Low‐Income Rate Assistance (LIRA) Program. A comparison of 10 years of monthly household level water use data (2002–2011) for LIRA versus non‐LIRA customers revealed significant differences in water use patterns in four of the five study cities. In addition, seasonal index (averages summer versus winter water use) were investigated for LIRA versus non‐LIRA. There was a statistically significant difference for some cities; however, the level of difference was not large enough to conclusively demonstrate an outstanding difference between the two groups. Finally, the peaking factor approach coupled with the statistical modelling of demand elaborated in this paper will provide a more realistic way of representing residential water demand variations in system performance assessment/evaluations.
Electromagnetic simulation of helicon plasma antennas for their electrostatic shield design
Authors: Stratakos Yorgos , Zeniou Angelos , Gogolides Evangelos
Published: April 2016

A detailed electromagnetic parametric analysis of the helicon antenna (half Nagoya type) is shown at 13.56 MHz using a CST Microwave Studio 2012. The antenna is used to excite plasma inside a dielectric cylinder similar to a commercial reactor. Instead of focusing on the plasma state, the authors focus on the penetration and the three dimensional distribution of electric fields through the dielectric wall. Our aim is to reduce capacitive coupling which produces unwanted longitudinal and radial electric fields. Comparison of the helicon antenna electromagnetic performance under diverse boundary conditions shows that one is allowed to use vacuum simulations without plasma present in the cylinder, or approximate the plasma as a column of gyrotropic material with a tensor dielectric permittivity and with a sheath of a few millimeters in order to qualitatively predict the electric field distribution, thus avoiding a full plasma simulation. This way the analysis of the full problem is much faster and allows an optimal shield design. A detailed study of various shields shows that one can reduce the radial and axial fields by more than 1 order of magnitude compared to the unshielded antenna, while the azimuthal field is reduced only by a factor of 2. Optimal shield design in terms of pitch and spacing of openings is determined. Finally, an experimental proof of concept of the effect of shielding on reduced wall sputtering is provided, by monitoring the roughness created during oxygen plasma etching of an organic polymer.
Electrical properties from photoinduced charging on Cd-doped (100) surfaces of CuInSe2 epitaxial thin films
Authors: Johnson Nicole , Aydogan Pinar , Suzer Sefik , Rockett Angus
Published: April 2016

The photoresponse of Cd-doped CuInSe2 (CIS) epitaxial thin films on GaAs(100) was studied using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy under illumination from a 532 nm laser between sample temperatures of 28–260 °C. The initial, air-exposed surface shows little to no photoresponse in the photoelectron binding energies, the Auger electron kinetic energies or peak shapes. Heating between 50 and 130 °C in the analysis chamber results in enhanced n-type doping at the surface and an increased light-induced binding energy shift, the magnitude of which persists when the samples are cooled to room temperature from 130 °C but which disappears when cooling from 260 °C. Extra negative charge trapped on the Cu and Se atoms indicates deep trap states that dissociate after cooling from 260 °C. Analysis of the Cd modified Auger parameter under illumination gives experimental verification of electron charging on Cd atoms thought to be shallow donors in CIS. The electron charging under illumination disappears at 130 °C but occurs again when the sample is cooled to room temperature.
Long-range propagation of nonlinear infrasound waves through an absorbing atmosphere
Authors: de Groot-Hedlin C. D.
Published: April 2016

The Navier–Stokes equations are solved using a finite-difference, time-domain (FDTD) approach for axi-symmetric environmental models, allowing three-dimensional acoustic propagation to be simulated using a two-dimensional Cylindrical coordinate system. A method to stabilize the FDTD algorithm in a viscous medium at atmospheric densities characteristic of the lower thermosphere is described. The stabilization scheme slightly alters the governing equations but results in quantifiable dispersion characteristics. It is shown that this method leaves sound speeds and attenuation unchanged at frequencies that are well resolved by the temporal sampling rate but strongly attenuates higher frequencies. Numerical experiments are performed to assess the effect of source strength on the amplitudes and spectral content of signals recorded at ground level at a range of distances from the source. It is shown that the source amplitudes have a stronger effect on a signal's dominant frequency than on its amplitude. Applying the stabilized code to infrasound propagation through realistic atmospheric profiles shows that nonlinear propagation alters the spectral content of low amplitude thermospheric signals, demonstrating that nonlinear effects are significant for all detectable thermospheric returns.
Cylindrical spreading due to downwind refraction
Authors: Makarewicz Rufin
Published: April 2016

Downwind propagation is analyzed for a low level jet (LLJ). The LLJ is characterized by a wind speed maximum (at least 10–20 m/s with peak speeds up to 30 m/s) a few hundred meters above the ground. Close to an elevated point source, such as a wind turbine or an aircraft, spherical spreading results in a 6 dB decrease in sound level per doubling of the distance. Wind turbine noise measurements show that at a transition distance, the downwind propagation changes the spherical spreading into a cylindrical spreading with a 3 dB decrease. It is shown how the transition distance and sound intensity depend on the LLJ parameters. The pivotal phenomenon is the non-coherent superposition of ground reflected rays in the turbulent atmosphere.
An acoustical study of the qin
Authors: Waltham Chris , Lan Yang , Koster Evert
Published: April 2016

The qin (guqin, chi'in) is a seven-string zither of ancient lineage that is prominent in Chinese musical culture. The qin's history is intertwined with philosophy and folklore and its construction is replete with symbolism. The qin was associated with the Imperial aristocracy, and it remains an instrument of high culture. The qin is played with strings horizontal, and the soundbox is made in two halves; the front is usually carved out of paulownia and the back is a flat plate of catalpa. There are two sound holes in the back. It appears that no acoustical study of the qin has been published hitherto. This paper describes vibroacoustic measurements on five examples, the analysis of which reveals the qin's basic sound radiation mechanisms. At low frequencies the qin shows beam bending and torsional modes with some coupling to air in the cavity. At higher frequencies the radiation is dominated by a dense spectrum of mixed cavity and wood modes; the cavity modes are described by a one-dimensional transmission matrix model.
Seasonal and diel variability of the underwater noise in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Klusek Zygmunt , Lisimenka Aliaksandr
Published: April 2016

The results of ambient sea noise measurements performed in strongly stratified shallow basins in the southern Baltic Sea are presented. The experiments were conducted with an autonomous hydroacoustic buoy that was equipped with two omnidirectional hydrophones located inside and outside the seasonal waveguide. Data were collected in two areas with contrastingly diverse sound propagation conditions—at the Bornholm Deep in winter and at the Gdansk Deep in summer. The noise spectrum levels indicate a strong dependence on the sound propagation conditions (season, location) and show significant differences with the observation depth. At frequencies f < 1 kHz, the noise at the same wind speeds is approximately 10–15 dB higher in winter than in summer. The wind-driven component of the noise frequently does not match the patterns of the Knudsen curves. Furthermore, the noise demonstrates the diel variability. The relative differences of the noise spectrum levels inside and outside of the subsurface winter waveguide reveal regular changes by as much as 15 dB, and are the most visible in the frequency range of 1–2 kHz after sunset. The changes are synchronized with the vertical migration of marine organisms and correspond to the resonant frequencies of the fishes' swim bladders.
Modification of Impulse Generation During Pirouette Turns With Increased Rotational Demands
Authors: Zaferiou Antonia M. , Wilcox Rand R. , McNitt-Gray Jill L.
Published: April 2016

This study determined how dancers regulated angular and linear impulse during the initiation of pirouettes of increased rotation. Skilled dancers (n = 11) performed single and double pirouette turns with each foot supported by a force plate. Linear and angular impulses generated by each leg were quantified and compared between turn types using probability-based statistical methods. As rotational demands increased, dancers increased the net angular impulse generated. The contribution of each leg to net angular impulse in both single and double pirouettes was influenced by stance configuration strategies. Dancers who generated more angular impulse with the push leg than with the turn leg initiated the turn with the center of mass positioned closer to the turn leg than did other dancers. As rotational demands increased, dancers tended to increase the horizontal reaction force magnitude at one or both feet; however, they used subject-specific mechanisms. By coordinating the generation of reaction forces between legs, changes in net horizontal impulse remained minimal, despite impulse regulation at each leg used to achieve more rotations. Knowledge gained regarding how an individual coordinates the generation of linear and angular impulse between both legs as rotational demand increased can help design tools to improve that individual’s performance.
Coping With Athlete Endorsers’ Immoral Behavior: Roles of Athlete Identification and Moral Emotions on Moral Reasoning Strategies
Authors: Lee Joon Sung , Kwak Dae Hee , Braunstein-Minkove Jessica R.
Published: April 2016

Athlete endorsers’ transgressions pose a dilemma for loyal fans who have established emotional attachments toward the individual. However, little is known regarding how fans maintain their support for the wrongdoer. Drawing on moral psychology and social identity theory, the current study proposes and examines a conceptual model incorporating athlete identification, moral emotions, moral reasoning strategies, and consumer evaluations. By using an actual scandal involving an NFL player (i.e., Ray Rice), the results show that fan identification suppresses the experience of negative moral emotions but facilitates fans’ moral disengagement processes, which enables fans to support the wrongdoer. Moreover, negative moral emotions motivate the moral coupling process. Findings contribute to the sport consumer behavior literature that highly identified fans seem to regulate negative emotions but deliberately select moral disengagement reasoning strategies to maintain their positive stance toward the wrongdoer and associated brands.
Skeletal Muscle Function in Young Patients With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Stein Lothar , Pacht Constanze , Junge Sibylle , Kaeding Tobias S. , Kück Momme , Maassen Norbert , Wittke Torge , Shushakov Vladimir
Published: April 2016

Purpose:

Defects in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) cause CF. Absence of the CFTR may result in skeletal muscle dysfunction. Here, we tested skeletal muscle function in male adolescent patients with CF.

Methods:

Ten CF and 10 control participants (age: 16.8 ± 0.6 years) performed 7 repetitive sets of maximum voluntary contractions (MVCs) and underwent an isometric fatigue test of the knee extensors. Electromyography (EMG) activity was recorded from the m. vastus lateralis (VL) and m. vastus medialis (VM).

Results:

In CF, the MVC torque was lower and correlated with the predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (r = .73, p = .012, n = 10). The M-wave in the VL was shorter in CF than in controls (18.6 ± 0.5 vs. 20.3 ± 0.5 ms, p < .028). In the VM, both the M-wave (4.96 ± 0.61 vs. 7.97 ± 0.60 mV, p = .001) and the EMG (0.29 ± 0.04 vs. 0.47 ± 0.04 mV, p = .004) amplitudes were smaller in CF.

Conclusion:

The differences in the VL and VM EMG signals between the groups indicate that the lower MVC torque in CF did not result from the direct impact of a CFTR defect on the sarcolemmal excitability; the differences more likely resulted from the less developed musculature in the patients with CF.
Adaptation of the Resistance Training Skills Battery for Use in Children Across the Motor Proficiency Spectrum
Authors: Bebich-Philip Marc Daniel , Thornton Ashleigh Lorenz , Reid Siobhan L. , Wright Kemi E. , Furzer Bonnie J.
Published: April 2016

Purpose:

The study aim was to adapt the Resistance Training Skills Battery for use in children and assess its interrater and intrarater reliability. The RTSBc provides an assessment of resistance training (RT) skill competency and an indication of readiness to perform RT. The RTSBc includes 6 basic RT skills. Scoring for individual RT skills is based on the number of performance criteria correctly demonstrated and a gross resistance training skills quotient for children (RTSQc) is calculated by summing the individual skill scores.

Methods:

Twenty participants (mean age = 8.2 ± 1.8 years) were assessed while performing the RTSBc on 2 occasions. The 3 raters completing the assessments had varying levels of movement analysis and RT experience and received training in how to appraise RT skill competency using the RTSBc.

Results:

Interrater reliability for the 3 raters was very good for the RTSQc (ICC = 0.92) and individual RT skills (ICC range = 0.82–0.94). Intrarater reliability of the live rater was also very good for the RTSQc (ICC = 0.97) and individual RT skills (ICC range = 0.87–0.95).

Conclusion:

This study has demonstrated the interrater and intrarater reliability of the RTSBc for children with varying levels of motor proficiency. The RTSBc can be used reliably within and between-raters to assess the RT skill competency of children.
IP
3
receptors: Take four IP
3
to open
Authors: Taylor Colin W. , Konieczny Vera
Published: April 2016

The requirement of four IP
3
molecules to bind to activate the IP
3
receptor contributes to the complex spatial organization of intracellular Ca
2+
signals.
Beyond canonical: The Wnt and β-catenin story
Authors: Moon Randall T. , Gough Nancy R.
Published: April 2016

Regulation by Wnts and β-catenin reveals the pitfalls in canonical thinking.
Enzymes Enhance Biofilm Removal Efficiency of Cleaners
Authors: Stiefel Philipp , Mauerhofer Stefan , Schneider Jana , Maniura-Weber Katharina , Rosenberg Urs , Ren Qun
Published: April 2016

Efficient removal of biofilms from medical devices is a big challenge in health care to avoid hospital-acquired infections, especially from delicate devices like flexible endoscopes, which cannot be reprocessed using harsh chemicals or high temperatures. Therefore, milder solutions such as enzymatic cleaners have to be used, which need to be carefully developed to ensure efficacious performance.
In vitro
biofilm in a 96-well-plate system was used to select and optimize the formulation of novel enzymatic cleaners. Removal of the biofilm was quantified by crystal violet staining, while the disinfecting properties were evaluated by a BacTiter-Glo assay. The biofilm removal efficacy of the selected cleaner was further tested by using European standard (EN) for endoscope cleaning EN ISO 15883, and removal of artificial blood soil was investigated by treating TOSI (Test Object Surgical Instrument) cleaning indicators. Using the process described here, a novel enzymatic endoscope cleaner was developed, which removed 95% of
Staphylococcus aureus
and 90% of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
biofilms in the 96-well plate system. With a >99% reduction of CFU and a >90% reduction of extracellular polymeric substances, this cleaner enabled subsequent complete disinfection and fulfilled acceptance criteria of EN ISO 15883. Furthermore, it efficiently removed blood soil and significantly outperformed comparable commercial products. The cleaning performance was stable even after storage of the cleaner for 6 months. It was demonstrated that incorporation of appropriate enzymes into the cleaner enhanced performance significantly.
Linking Murine and Human Plasmodium falciparum Challenge Models in a Translational Path for Antimalarial Drug Development
Authors: McCarthy James S. , Marquart Louise , Sekuloski Silvana , Trenholme Katharine , Elliott Suzanne , Griffin Paul , Rockett Rebecca , O'Rourke Peter , Sloots Theo , Angulo-Barturen Iñigo , Ferrer Santiago , Jiménez-Díaz María Belén , Martínez María-Santos , van Huijsduijnen Rob Hooft , Duparc Stephan , Leroy Didier , Wells Timothy N. C. , Baker Mark , Möhrle Jörg J.
Published: April 2016

Effective progression of candidate antimalarials is dependent on optimal dosing in clinical studies, which is determined by a sound understanding of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD). Recently, two important translational models for antimalarials have been developed: the NOD/SCID/IL2Rγ
−/−
(NSG) model, whereby mice are engrafted with noninfected and
Plasmodium falciparum
-infected human erythrocytes, and the induced blood-stage malaria (IBSM) model in human volunteers. The antimalarial mefloquine was used to directly measure the PK/PD in both models, which were compared to previously published trial data for malaria patients. The clinical part was a single-center, controlled study using a blood-stage
Plasmodium falciparum
challenge inoculum in volunteers to characterize the effectiveness of mefloquine against early malaria. The study was conducted in three cohorts (
n =
8 each) using different doses of mefloquine. The characteristic delay in onset of action of about 24 h was seen in both NSG and IBSM systems.
In vivo
50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
s) were estimated at 2.0 μg/ml and 1.8 μg/ml in the NSG and IBSM models, respectively, aligning with 1.8 μg/ml reported previously for patients. In the IBSM model, the parasite reduction ratios were 157 and 195 for the 10- and 15-mg/kg doses, within the range of previously reported clinical data for patients but significantly lower than observed in the mouse model. Linking mouse and human challenge models to clinical trial data can accelerate the accrual of critical data on antimalarial drug activity. Such data can guide large clinical trials required for development of urgently needed novel antimalarial combinations. (This trial was registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry [
http://anzctr.org.au
] under registration number ACTRN12612000323820.)
Genetic and Molecular Basis of Kingella kingae Encapsulation
Authors: Starr Kimberly F. , Porsch Eric A. , Seed Patrick C. , St. Geme Joseph W.
Published: April 2016

Kingella kingae
is a common cause of invasive disease in young children and was recently found to produce a polysaccharide capsule containing
N
-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) and β-3-deoxy-
d
-manno-octulosonic acid (βKdo). Given the role of capsules as important virulence factors and effective vaccine antigens, we set out to determine the genetic determinants of
K. kingae
encapsulation. Using a transposon library and a screen for nonencapsulated mutants, we identified the previously identified
ctrABCD
(ABC transporter) operon, a
lipA
(
kpsC
)-like gene, a
lipB
(
kpsS
)-like gene, and a putative glycosyltransferase gene designated
csaA
(
c
apsule
s
ynthesis type
a
gene
A
). These genes were found to be present at unlinked locations scattered throughout the genome, an atypical genetic arrangement for Gram-negative bacteria that elaborate a capsule dependent on an ABC-type transporter for surface localization. The
csaA
gene product contains a predicted glycosyltransferase domain with structural homology to GalNAc transferases and a predicted capsule synthesis domain with structural homology to Kdo transferases, raising the possibility that this enzyme is responsible for alternately linking GalNAc to βKdo and βKdo to GalNAc. Consistent with this conclusion, mutation of the DXD motif in the GalNAc transferase domain and of the HP motif in the Kdo transferase domain resulted in a loss of encapsulation. Examination of intracellular and surface-associated capsule in deletion mutants and complemented strains further implicated the
lipA
(
kpsC
)-like gene, the
lipB
(
kpsS
)-like gene, and the
csaA
gene in
K. kingae
capsule production. These data define the genetic requirements for encapsulation in
K. kingae
and demonstrate an atypical organization of capsule synthesis, assembly, and export genes.
Laboratory Evolution of Microbial Interactions in Bacterial Biofilms
Authors: Martin Marivic , Hölscher Theresa , Dragoš Anna , Cooper Vaughn S. , Kovács Ákos T.
Published: April 2016

Microbial adaptation is conspicuous in essentially every environment, but the mechanisms of adaptive evolution are poorly understood. Studying evolution in the laboratory under controlled conditions can be a tractable approach, particularly when new, discernible phenotypes evolve rapidly. This is especially the case in the spatially structured environments of biofilms, which promote the occurrence and stability of new, heritable phenotypes. Further, diversity in biofilms can give rise to nascent social interactions among coexisting mutants and enable the study of the emerging field of sociomicrobiology. Here, we review findings from laboratory evolution experiments with either
Pseudomonas fluorescens
or
Burkholderia cenocepacia
in spatially structured environments that promote biofilm formation. In both systems, ecotypes with overlapping niches evolve and produce competitive or facilitative interactions that lead to novel community attributes, demonstrating the parallelism of adaptive processes captured in the lab.
Comparative Analysis of Cellulophaga algicola and Flavobacterium johnsoniae Gliding Motility
Authors: Zhu Yongtao , McBride Mark J.
Published: April 2016

Gliding motility is common in members of the phylum
Bacteroidetes
, including
Flavobacterium johnsoniae
and
Cellulophaga algicola.
F. johnsoniae
gliding has been extensively studied and involves rapid movement of the cell surface adhesin SprB. Genetic analysis of
C. algicola
allowed a comparative analysis of gliding. Sixty-three
HimarEm1
-induced mutants that formed nonspreading colonies were characterized. Each had an insertion in an ortholog of an
F. johnsoniae
motility gene, highlighting similarities between the motility systems. Differences were also observed.
C. algicola
lacks orthologs of the
F. johnsoniae
motility genes
gldA
,
gldF
, and
gldG
that are thought to encode the components of an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter. In addition, mutations in any of 12
F. johnsoniae gld
genes result in complete loss of motility, whereas all
C. algicola gld
mutants retained slight residual motility. This may indicate that
C. algicola
has multiple motility systems, that the motility proteins exhibit partial redundancy of function, or that essential components of the motility machinery of both
C. algicola
and
F. johnsoniae
remain to be discovered.

IMPORTANCE
The development of genetic tools for
C. algicola
and comparative analysis of
F. johnsoniae
and
C. algicola
motility mutants identified similarities and differences between their gliding motility machineries. Gliding motility is common in the phylum
Bacteroidetes
. Proteins that are important for gliding in both
C. algicola
and
F. johnsoniae
are potential core components of the
Bacteroidetes
gliding motility machinery.
Atlanto-Axial Infection after Acupuncture
Authors: Robinson A , Lind C R P , Smith R J , Kodali V
Published: April 2016

A 67-year-old man presented with neck cellulitis following acupuncture for cervical spondylosis. Blood cultures were positive for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Increased neck pain and bacteraemia prompted MRI, which showed atlanto-axial septic arthritis without signs of infection of the tissues between the superficial cellulitic area and the atlanto-axial joint, thus making direct extension of infection unlikely. It is more likely that haematogenous spread of infection resulted in seeding in the atlanto-axial joint, with the proximity of the arthritis and acupuncture site being coincidental. Acupuncture is a treatment option for some indolent pain conditions. As such, acupuncture services are likely to be more frequently utilised. A history of acupuncture is rarely requested by the admitting doctor and seldom offered voluntarily by the patient, especially where the site of infection due to haematogenous spread is distant from the needling location. Awareness of infectious complications following acupuncture can reduce morbidity through early intervention.
Capsular hook-assisted implantation of modified capsular tension ring
Authors: Khokhar Sudarshan , Gupta Shikha , Nayak Bhagabat , Gogia Varun
Published: April 2016

A 16-year-old boy presented with decrease of vision over a period of 2 years. On examination, he was diagnosed to have microspherophakia with lenticular myopia with secondary glaucoma in both eyes. He was treated by lens aspiration and two-point capsular support using a modified capsular tension ring (M-CTR) and capsular tension segment (CTS) sutured to the sclera along with implantation of a foldable intraocular lens inside the bag. Lens aspiration was performed without artificial capsular hook support of the bag, as the lens was soft and vitreous was formed. However, M-CTR rotation into the bag was fraught with repeated adherence of the advancing end of the M-CTR into the loose bag causing simultaneous rotation of the bag with the rotation of the ring resulting in transient increase in bag subluxation. Capsular hooks provided appropriate countertraction to the unsupported bag, thus facilitating easy insertion and rotation of the ring into the bag.
Front to back ocular injury from a vaping-related explosion
Authors: Khairudin Muhammad Najmi , Mohd Zahidin Aida Zairani , Bastion Mae-Lynn Catherine
Published: April 2016

We describe a case of extensive ocular injury secondary to an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette)-related explosion. The explosion was the result of modifications made to a heating element of the e-cigarette device by a non-professional. Extensive ocular injuries that result from an explosion of an e-cigarette device can potentially cause significant and permanent visual impairment.
Risk factors for 30-day readmission following hypoglycemia-related emergency room and inpatient admissions
Authors: Emons M F , Bae J P , Hoogwerf B J , Kindermann S L , Taylor R J , Nathanson B H
Published: April 2016

Objective

Hypoglycemia is a serious complication of diabetes treatment. This retrospective observational study characterized hypoglycemia-related hospital emergency room (ER) and inpatient (in-pt) admissions and identified risk factors for 30-day all-cause and hypoglycemia-related readmission.

Research design and methods

4476 hypoglycemia-related ER and in-pt encounters with discharge dates from 1/1/2009 to 3/31/2014 were identified in a large, multicenter electronic health record database. Outcomes were 30-day all-cause ER/hospital readmission and hypoglycemia-related readmission. Multivariable logistic regression methods identified risk factors for both outcomes.

Results

1095 (24.5%) encounters had ER/hospital all-cause readmission within 30 days and 158 (14.4%) of these were hypoglycemia-related. Predictors of all-cause 30-day readmission included recent exposure to a hospital/nursing home (NH)/skilled nursing facility (SNF; OR 1.985, p<0.001); age 25–34 and 35–44 (OR 2.334 and 1.996, respectively, compared with age 65–74, both p<0.001); and African-American (AA) race versus all other race categories (OR 1.427, p=0.011). Other factors positively associated with readmission include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cerebrovascular disease, cardiac dysrhythmias, congestive heart disease, hypertension, and mood disorders. Predictors of readmissions attributable to hypoglycemia included recent exposure to a hospital/NH/SNF (OR 2.299, p<0.001), AA race (OR 1.722, p=0.002), age 35–44 (OR 3.484, compared with age 65–74, p<0.001), hypertension (OR 1.891, p=0.019), and delirium/dementia and other cognitive disorders (OR 1.794, p=0.038). Obesity was protective against 30-day hypoglycemia-related readmission (OR 0.505, p=0.017).

Conclusions

Factors associated with 30-day all-cause and hypoglycemia-related readmission among patients with diabetic hypoglycemia include recent exposure to hospital/SNF/NH, adults <45 years, AAs, and several cardiovascular and respiratory-related comorbid conditions.
Realist evaluation of the antiretroviral treatment adherence club programme in selected primary healthcare facilities in the metropolitan area of Western Cape Province, South Africa: a study protocol
Authors: Mukumbang Ferdinand C , Van Belle Sara , Marchal Bruno , Van Wyk Brian
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Suboptimal retention in care and poor treatment adherence are key challenges to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa. Community-based approaches to HIV service delivery are recommended to improve patient retention in care and ART adherence. The implementation of the adherence clubs in the Western Cape province of South Africa was with variable success in terms of implementation and outcomes. The need for operational guidelines for its implementation has been identified. Therefore, understanding the contexts and mechanisms for successful implementation of the adherence clubs is crucial to inform the roll-out to the rest of South Africa. The protocol outlines an evaluation of adherence club intervention in selected primary healthcare facilities in the metropolitan area of the Western Cape Province, using the realist approach.

Methods and analysis

In the first phase, an exploratory study design will be used. Document review and key informant interviews will be used to elicit the programme theory. In phase two, a multiple case study design will be used to describe the adherence clubs in five contrastive sites. Semistructured interviews will be conducted with purposively selected programme implementers and members of the clubs to assess the context and mechanisms of the adherence clubs. For the programme's primary outcomes, a longitudinal retrospective cohort analysis will be conducted using routine patient data. Data analysis will involve classifying emerging themes using the context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) configuration, and refining the primary CMO configurations to conjectured CMO configurations. Finally, we will compare the conjectured CMO configurations from the cases with the initial programme theory. The final CMOs obtained will be translated into middle range theories.

Ethics and dissemination

The study will be conducted according to the principles of the declaration of Helsinki (1964). Ethics clearance was obtained from the University of the Western Cape. Dissemination will be done through publications and curation.
How do women with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis rate quality and coordination of healthcare services? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hansen Anne Helen , Lian Olaug S
Published: April 2016

Objective

To test the association between self-rated health and self-rated degree of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), and CFS/ME patients' assessment of quality of primary care, specialist care and coordination of care.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Self-reported questionnaire data from women members of The Norwegian ME Association obtained in 2013.

Participants

431 women with CFS/ME aged 16–73 years.

Main outcome measure

The participants' assessment of quality in primary care, specialist care and in coordination of care (good/very good or poor/very poor). Main explanatory variables: self-rated health and self-rated degree of CFS/ME.

Results

Quality of care was rated poor by 60.6% in primary care, by 47.7% in specialist care, and by 71.2% regarding coordination of care. Poorer self-rated health increased the probability of rating quality in primary care poor, particularly among women 40 years and over (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.63 to 3.49), women with university education (OR 2.57, CI 1.68 to 3.94), and owing to less frequent general practitioner (GP) visits (OR 2.46, CI 1.60 to 3.78). Poorer self-rated health increased the probability of rating quality poor in specialist care (OR 1.38, CI 1.05 to 1.82), but not in coordination of care. A more severe CFS/ME was associated with a higher probability of rating quality in primary care poor (OR 0.61, CI 0.38 to 0.93). Frequent visitors and those with a long GP relationship were less likely to report primary care quality as poor.

Conclusions

A large proportion of women with CFS/ME rated quality of care poor/very poor in primary care, specialist care and in coordination of care. The dissatisfaction was higher for primary care than for specialist care. Overall, poorer self-rated health and a more severe CFS/ME were associated with lower quality scores in primary and specialist care, but not in coordination of care. Healthcare services, as assessed by women with CFS/ME, do have a large potential for improvement.
Characterisation of an epigenetically altered CD4+CD28+Kir+T cell subset in autoimmune rheumatic diseases by multiparameter flow cytometry
Authors: Strickland Faith M , Patel Dipak , Khanna Dinesh , Somers Emily , Robida Aaron M , Pihalja Michael , Swartz Richard , Marder Wendy , Richardson Bruce
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Antigen-specific CD4+T cells epigenetically modified with DNA methylation inhibitors overexpress genes normally suppressed by this mechanism, including CD11a, CD70, CD40L and the KIR gene family. The altered cells become autoreactive, losing restriction for nominal antigen and responding to self-class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules without added antigen, and are sufficient to cause a lupus-like disease in syngeneic mice. T cells overexpressing the same genes are found in patients with active lupus. Whether these genes are co-overexpressed on the same or different cells is unknown. The goal of this study was to determine whether these genes are overexpressed on the same or different T cells and whether this subset of CD4+T cells is also present in patients with lupus and other rheumatic diseases.

Methods

Multicolour flow cytometry was used to compare CD11a, CD70, CD40L and KIR expression on CD3+CD4+CD28+T cells to their expression on experimentally demethylated CD3+CD4+CD28+T cells and CD3+CD4+CD28+T cells from patients with active lupus and other autoimmune diseases.

Results

Experimentally demethylated CD4+T cells and T cells from patients with active lupus have a CD3+CD4+CD28+CD11ahiCD70+CD40LhiKIR+subset, and the subset size is proportional to lupus flare severity. A similar subset is found in patients with other rheumatic diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis and Sjögren's syndrome but not retroperitoneal fibrosis.

Conclusions

Patients with active autoimmune rheumatic diseases have a previously undescribed CD3+CD4+CD28+CD11ahiCD70+CD40LhiKIR+T cell subset. This subset may play an important role in flares of lupus and related autoimmune rheumatic diseases, provide a biomarker for disease activity and serve as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of lupus flares.
Influence of lubricant fluids on swelling behaviour of Queenston shale in southern Ontario
Authors: Al-Maamori Hayder Mohammed Salim , El Naggar Mohamed Hesham , Micic Silvana , Lo K.Y.
Published: April 2016

The feasibility of using the microtunnelling technique to install pipelines through Queenston shale of southern Ontario is being investigated. In the microtunnelling technique, lubricant fluids — such as bentonite slurry and polymer solution — are used to facilitate excavation during installation of the pipeline sections. In this regard, a comprehensive testing program was performed to investigate the time-dependent deformation behaviour of Queenston shale considering lubricant fluids used in construction. The free swell test, semi-confined swell test, and the null swell test were utilized to perform this study. Results of 144 tests are presented and the variation of swelling characteristics of Queenston shale in lubricant fluids and in water is discussed briefly. The swelling model suggested by Lo and Hefny in 1996 was adopted to develop the swelling envelopes of Queenston shale in lubricant fluids and water in both horizontal and vertical directions with respect to the rock bedding. In comparison to swelling in fresh water, the study revealed that the polymer solution has substantially reduced the swelling of Queenston shale in all directions, while the bentonite solution was less efficient in reducing the swelling of Niagara Queenston shale, and has a slight negative influence on the swelling (i.e., increased swelling) of Milton Queenston shale.
Blooming algae: a Canadian perspective on the rise of toxic cyanobacteria
Authors: Pick Frances R.
Published: April 2016

Algal bloom reports are on the rise across Canada. While eutrophication is the main driver, other stressors of aquatic ecosystems, specifically climate change and food web alterations from the spread of invasive species and overfishing, are compounding factors acting in concert or independently. Current models can predict the average algal and cyanobacterial biomass concentrations across temperate lakes as a function of nutrients, but models to specifically predict harmful algal composition and toxicity are lacking. At the within-lake scale, where management occurs, strong year to year variations in cyanobacterial blooms remain challenging to explain, let alone predict. The most common cyanotoxins, the hepatotoxic microcystins, are chemically diverse with some variants more toxic than others and with greater propensity for persistence and bioaccumulation. These differences have been largely overlooked, as current guidelines have been based on microcystin-LR, considered the most common variant. Microcystin-LA is also encountered in Canadian waters and appears to exhibit greater persistence and bioaccumulation. With cyanobacterial blooms most likely to increase across the country, including the north, guidelines and policies for cyanotoxins in drinking and recreational waters as well as fish will need to be developed for the protection of ecosystem and human health. Ultimately, control of eutrophication is the most important option for managing toxic cyanobacterial blooms; nitrogen and phosphorus need to be considered as environmental contaminants, as both play a role in controlling the dominance of toxigenic cyanobacteria.
Detection of molecular markers linked to Ry genes in potato germplasm for marker-assisted selection for extreme resistance to PVY in AAFC’s potato breeding program
Authors: Nie Xianzhou , Lalany Fayruza , Dickison Virginia , Wilson Donna , Singh Mathuresh , Koeyer David De , Murphy Agnes
Published: April 2016

Molecular markers reported to be linked to extreme resistance (ER) against Potato virus Y (PVY) were evaluated in potato germplasm. YES3-3A and YES3-3B, markers linked to Rysto, were detected in ‘Barbara’ and its three descendants that exhibit ER to PVY; RYSC3, a marker linked to Ryadg, was detected in breeding clones NY121 and NY123. Assessment of RYSC3 as a marker for selection for Ryadg-mediated ER validated its efficacy in identification of selections with ER to PVY.
Environmental factors influencing local distributions of European green crab (Carcinus maenas) for modeling and management applications
Authors: Cosham Jessica , Beazley Karen F. , McCarthy Chris
Published: April 2016

Environmental factors determine the habitat selection, use and distribution of species at various spatial scales. Understanding the factors driving these distributions can help predict areas of higher species occurrence, and be used in species conservation, and management strategies. In this study we reviewed 71 publications to evaluate the most relevant factors shaping local, fine-scale distribution of a globally invasive species, the European green crab (Carcinus maenas). We compared these studies to determine how factors differ (i) between adult and juvenile life stages, (ii) with the influence of internal and temporal variables, and (iii) among clades. Factors of depth, biotic interactions, vegetation, presence of shelter and salinity were found to be important, although the supporting evidence varied between juvenile and adult stages. Internal variables of size, carapace color and sex, and temporal variables such as seasonal, tidal and diel cycles played a role in determining how crabs responded to environmental factors. The importance of environmental factors also varied by clade. All of these factors and variables may be expected to play a role in the local, fine-scale distribution of C. maenas. These variations affect the efficacy of using a single model to anticipate local green crab distribution (e.g., spatial distribution model). Application of different models for adult and juvenile subsets of the population, clades, and accounting for temporally shifting distribution may help accommodate some of this variation. The relative presence of factors in a region and the availability of local, fine-scale environmental data may further influence the efficacy of modeling. The combined effects of such considerations will make predictive local modeling at fine scales challenging, if not impossible, with existing knowledge, data and technology. Nonetheless, our results provide insight into the environmental characteristics most relevant to shaping local distributions of C. maenas, which may inform management strategies such as efficient trap-setting within an ecosystem.
Cascading failures with local load redistribution in interdependent Watts–Strogatz networks
Authors: Hong Chen , Zhang Jun , Du Wen-Bo , Sallan Jose Maria , Lordan Oriol
Published: April 2016

Cascading failures of loads in isolated networks have been studied extensively over the last decade. Since 2010, such research has extended to interdependent networks. In this paper, we study cascading failures with local load redistribution in interdependent Watts–Strogatz (WS) networks. The effects of rewiring probability and coupling strength on the resilience of interdependent WS networks have been extensively investigated. It has been found that, for small values of the tolerance parameter, interdependent networks are more vulnerable as rewiring probability increases. For larger values of the tolerance parameter, the robustness of interdependent networks firstly decreases and then increases as rewiring probability increases. Coupling strength has a different impact on robustness. For low values of coupling strength, the resilience of interdependent networks decreases with the increment of the coupling strength until it reaches a certain threshold value. For values of coupling strength above this threshold, the opposite effect is observed. Our results are helpful to understand and design resilient interdependent networks.
Relativistic path integral Monte Carlo: Relativistic oscillator problem
Authors: Ivanov Aleksandr , Novoselov Alexander , Pavlovsky Oleg
Published: April 2016

Relativistic generalization of path integral Monte Carlo (PIMC) method has been proposed. The problem of relativistic oscillator has been studied in the framework of this approach. Ultra-relativistic and nonrelativistic limits have been discussed. We show that PIMC method can be effectively used for investigation of relativistic systems.
Electric field in media with power-law spatial dispersion
Authors: Tarasov Vasily E.
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we consider electric fields in media with power-law spatial dispersion (PLSD). Spatial dispersion means that the absolute permittivity of the media depends on the wave vector. Power-law type of this dispersion is described by derivatives and integrals of non-integer orders. We consider electric fields of point charge and dipole in media with PLSD, infinite charged wire, uniformly charged disk, capacitance of spherical capacitor and multipole expansion for PLSD-media.