bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myeloid‐Derived Suppressor Cells in Cancers and Inflammatory Diseases: Angel or Demon?
Authors: Su Z. , Ni P. , Zhou C. , Wang J.
Published: August 2016

Myeloid‐derived suppressor cell (MDSC) is an important heterogeneous cell population that regulates innate and adaptive immune. The immunosuppressive potentiality is widely known. However, more and more data indicated that the heterogeneous cell population had immunostimulatory activities rather than immunosuppression in some microenvironments. Chronic inflammatory conditions contribute to accumulation of MDSCs. These pathologically activated cells played critical roles in cancer and inflammatory diseases. In this review, we mainly discuss the immunoregulation potentiality of MDSCs in cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Evaluation of the 113Online Suicide Prevention Crisis Chat Service: Outcomes, Helper Behaviors and Comparison to Telephone Hotlines
Authors: Mokkenstorm Jan K. , Eikelenboom Merijn , Huisman Annemiek , Wiebenga Jasper , Gilissen Renske , Kerkhof Ad J. F. M. , Smit Johannes H.
Published: August 2016

Recognizing the importance of digital communication, major suicide prevention helplines have started offering crisis intervention by chat. To date there is little evidence supporting the effectiveness of crisis chat services. To evaluate the reach and outcomes of the 113Online volunteer‐operated crisis chat service, 526 crisis chat logs were studied, replicating the use of measures that were developed to study telephone crisis calls. Reaching a relatively young population of predominantly females with severe suicidality and (mental) health problems, chat outcomes for this group were found to be comparable to those found for crisis calls to U.S. Lifeline Centers in 2003–2004, with similar but not identical associations with specific helpers' styles and attitudes. Our findings support a positive effect of the 113Online chat service, to be enhanced by practice standards addressing an apparent lack of focus on the central issue of suicidality during chats, as well as by the development of best practices specific for online crisis intervention.
Potential serious bias in National Clinical Databases with low degree of reported follow‐up
Authors: Bjerre J. J. , Jensen P. K. , Sparsø B. H. , Krogsgaard M. R.
Published: August 2016

We identified reasons for the low follow‐up rate in the Danish Knee ligament Reconstruction Register (DKRR) and evaluated its influence on the data quality. All 946 primary ACL‐reconstructed patients in the Capital Region of Denmark during 2012 were identified in the databases of 8 participating hospitals. We studied the patient files and compared them to figures reported to the DKRR. 92.5% of the operated patients was registered in DKRR. The 1‐year follow‐up rate reported to DKRR was 33.4%, and 14.5% filled in patient reported outcomes (KOOS and Tegner) at 1 year. Only 65% had actually been invited for follow‐up, but among the patients who had been invited 91% were seen. 41% of existing follow‐up data was not reported. Contemporary technology and structured motivation should be introduced to increase validity of data in national clinical databases. Follow‐up >90% in the DKRR is realistic if patents are invited and reported. The unreported data is potentially a serious bias. It is suggested that data from clinics with low follow‐up should not be used in studies involving outcomes based on national databases because of risk of bias.
Generating References in Naturalistic Face‐to‐Face and Phone‐Mediated Dialog Settings
Authors: Knutsen Dominique , Ros Christine , Le Bigot Ludovic
Published: August 2016

During dialog, references are presented, accepted, and potentially reused (depending on their accessibility in memory). Two experiments were conducted to examine reuse in a naturalistic setting (a walk in a familiar environment). In Experiment 1, where the participants interacted face to face, self‐presented references and references accepted through verbatim repetition were reused more. Such biases persisted after the end of the interaction. In Experiment 2, where the participants interacted over the phone, reference reuse mainly depended on whether the participant could see the landmarks being referred to, although this bias seemed to be only transient. Consistent with the memory‐based approach to dialog, these results shed light on how differences in accessibility in memory (due to how these references were initially added to the common ground or the media used) affect the unfolding of the interaction.
Mathematical Model of Analysis and Optimal Harmonisation of Data for Preparation of Broadband Infrastructure Development Project in the Republic of Croatia: Contribution to Achieving Objectives of the Digital Agenda for Europe
Authors: Požarnik Matej , Taras Tea , Kranjec Aleš , Mohar Lea Robič
Published: August 2016

Next Generation Access projects of developing broadband infrastructure, co-financed by the EU, require preparation and implementation of complex preparatory actions that are crucial for their successful implementation. Their implementation within member states contributes directly to achieving goals, defined in the Digital agenda for Europe. Preparation work on projects requires complex analyses and processing of governmental data on potential users of the new network. A mathematical model was developed within this study. Also, the Optimal Data Harmonization algorithm was developed, which incorporates the pointed mathematical model. Large amounts of projects’ input data were also processed with the Optimal Data Harmonization algorithm. Research showed that data processing without Optimal Data Harmonization algorithm is the key reason for inadequate preparation of the project because of imprecise definition of numbers and geolocations of potential users. Without applying such model, projects don’t achieve the target coverage of broadband infrastructure of the next generation access and therefore don’t contribute to the Digital agenda for Europe goals. Processing data with Optimal Data Harmonization algorithm, which is a beyond the state-of-the-art model, ensures a high-level harmonisation of national data. With these results, one can provide optimal coverage of eligible potential beneficiaries in the project. Projects in which data were processed with the Optimal Data Harmonization algorithm contribute to reaching the Digital agenda for Europe goals. The study also recommends the establishment of national central database of geolocations of the potential beneficiaries, as it would standardize the input data in all future projects.
Nanoimprint-assisted shear exfoliation plus transfer printing for producing transition metal dichalcogenide heterostructures
Authors: Li Da , Wi Sungjin , Chen Mikai , Ryu Byunghoon , Liang Xiaogan
Published: August 2016

The authors present a nanofabrication technology capable of producing arrays of transition metal dichalcogenide heterostructures that are needed for a broad range of nanoelectronic and optoelectronic device applications. This nanofabrication approach uniquely combines nanoimprint-assisted shear exfoliation (NASE) and transfer printing (TP). Using this NASE + TP method, the authors have demonstrated production of WSe2/MoS2 heterostructure arrays with a high uniformity in feature thicknesses (relative standard deviation <12%). The authors have also created photodiode devices based on such WSe2/MoS2 heterostructures, which exhibit significantly enhanced degrees of current rectification as well as photovoltaic responses in comparison with pure WSe2 devices. Such results indicate that a sizable built-in potential is formed at the pristine WSe2/MoS2 interface. This work advances the top-down approaches for manufacturing high-quality functional heterostructures based on emerging layered semiconductors.
A tracking system to calculate patient skin dose in real‐time during neurointerventional procedures using a biplane x‐ray imaging system
Authors: Rana V. K. , Rudin S. , Bednarek D. R.
Published: August 2016

Purpose:

Neurovascular interventional procedures using biplane fluoroscopic imaging systems can lead to increased risk of radiation‐induced skin injuries. The authors developed a biplane dose tracking system (Biplane‐DTS) to calculate the cumulative skin dose distribution from the frontal and lateral x‐ray tubes and display it in real‐time as a color‐coded map on a 3D graphic of the patient for immediate feedback to the physician. The agreement of the calculated values with the dose measured on phantoms was evaluated.

Methods:

The Biplane‐DTS consists of multiple components including 3D graphic models of the imaging system and patient, an interactive graphical user interface, a data acquisition module to collect geometry and exposure parameters, the computer graphics processing unit, and functions for determining which parts of the patient graphic skin surface are within the beam and for calculating dose. The dose is calculated to individual points on the patient graphic using premeasured calibration files of entrance skin dose per mAs including backscatter; corrections are applied for field area, distance from the focal spot and patient table and pad attenuation when appropriate. The agreement of the calculated patient skin dose and its spatial distribution with measured values was evaluated in 2D and 3D for simulated procedure conditions using a PMMA block phantom and an SK‐150 head phantom, respectively. Dose values calculated by the Biplane‐DTS were compared to the measurements made on the phantom surface with radiochromic film and a calibrated ionization chamber, which was also used to calibrate the DTS. The agreement with measurements was specifically evaluated with variation in kVp, gantry angle, and field size.

Results:

The dose tracking system that was developed is able to acquire data from the two x‐ray gantries on a biplane imaging system and calculate the skin dose for each exposure pulse to those vertices of a patient graphic that are determined to be in the beam. The calculations are done in real‐time with a typical graphic update time of 30 ms and an average vertex separation of 3 mm. With appropriate corrections applied, the Biplane‐DTS was able to determine the entrance dose within 6% and the spatial distribution of the dose within 4% compared to the measurements with the ionization chamber and film for the SK150 head phantom. The cumulative dose for overlapping fields from both gantries showed similar agreement.

Conclusions:

The Biplane‐DTS can provide a good estimate of the peak skin dose and cumulative skin dose distribution during biplane neurointerventional procedures. Real‐time display of this information should help the physician manage patient dose to reduce the risk of radiation‐induced skin injuries.
Time‐integrated activity coefficient estimation for radionuclide therapy using PET and a pharmacokinetic model: A simulation study on the effect of sampling schedule and noise
Authors: Hardiansyah Deni , Guo Wei , Kletting Peter , Mottaghy Felix M. , Glatting Gerhard
Published: August 2016

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of PET‐based treatment planning for predicting the time‐integrated activity coefficients (TIACs).

Methods:

The parameters of a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model were fitted to the biokinetic data of 15 patients to derive assumed true parameters and were used to construct true mathematical patient phantoms (MPPs). Biokinetics of 150 MBq 68Ga‐DOTATATE‐PET was simulated with different noise levels [fractional standard deviation (FSD) 10%, 1%, 0.1%, and 0.01%], and seven combinations of measurements at 30 min, 1 h, and 4 h p.i. PBPK model parameters were fitted to the simulated noisy PET data using population‐based Bayesian parameters to construct predicted MPPs. Therapy simulations were performed as 30 min infusion of 90Y‐DOTATATE of 3.3 GBq in both true and predicted MPPs. Prediction accuracy was then calculated as relative variability vorgan between TIACs from both MPPs.

Results:

Large variability values of one time‐point protocols [e.g., FSD = 1%, 240 min p.i., vkidneys = (9 ± 6)%, and vtumor = (27 ± 26)%] show inaccurate prediction. Accurate TIAC prediction of the kidneys was obtained for the case of two measurements (1 and 4 h p.i.), e.g., FSD = 1%, vkidneys = (7 ± 3)%, and vtumor = (22 ± 10)%, or three measurements, e.g., FSD = 1%, vkidneys = (7 ± 3)%, and vtumor = (22 ± 9)%.

Conclusions:

68Ga‐DOTATATE‐PET measurements could possibly be used to predict the TIACs of 90Y‐DOTATATE when using a PBPK model and population‐based Bayesian parameters. The two time‐point measurement at 1 and 4 h p.i. with a noise up to FSD = 1% allows an accurate prediction of the TIACs in kidneys.
The Influence of a Cognitive Task on the Postural Phase of Gait Initiation in Parkinson’s Disease: An Electromyographic-Based Analysis
Authors: Fernandes Ângela , Sousa Andreia S. P. , Rocha Nuno , Tavares João Manuel R. S.
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study was to compare postural control strategies during gait initiation in single- and dual-task conditions in individuals in early stages of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The activation timing of tibialis anterior occurred significantly later in the individuals with PD than in the controls (p = .05), and a significant interaction between the groups, conditions and limbs was found (p = .027). Differences between the single- and dual-task conditions were observed for the activation timing of the tibialis anterior (p = .042) and for the magnitude of soleus (p = .007), with lower values for the dual-task condition. Furthermore, not all the individuals followed the previously reported pattern of soleus inhibition followed by tibialis anterior activation. The duration of the mediolateral displacement of the center of pressure was longer in the individuals with PD than in the controls (p = .019). The anticipatory postural adjustments during gait initiation are impaired in PD and are expressed by an activation failure of tibialis anterior in both single- and dual-task conditions. Hence, it is important that during rehabilitation, intervention should concentrate on the tibialis anterior TA.
Genome Sequences of
Gordonia terrae
Bacteriophages Phinally and Vivi2
Authors: Pope Welkin H. , Anderson Kaitlyn C. , Arora Charu , Bortz Michael E. , Burnet George , Conover David H. , D'Incau Gina M. , Ghobrial Jonathan A. , Jonas Audrey L. , Migdal Emily J. , Rote Nicole L. , German Brian A. , McDonnell Jill E. , Mezghani Nadia , Schafer Claire E. , Thompson Paige K. , Ulbrich Megan C. , Yu Victor J. , Furbee Emily C. , Grubb Sarah R. , Warner Marcie H. , Montgomery Matthew T. , Garlena Rebecca A. , Russell Daniel A. , Jacobs-Sera Deborah , Hatfull Graham F.
Published: August 2016

Bacteriophages Phinally and Vivi2 were isolated from soil from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, using host
Gordonia terrae
3612. The Phinally and Vivi2 genomes are 59,265 bp and 59,337 bp, respectively, and share sequence similarity with each other and with GTE6. Fewer than 25% of the 87 to 89 putative genes have predictable functions.
Draft Genome Sequences for Seven
Streptococcus parauberis
Isolates from Wild Fish in the Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Haines Ashley , Nebergall Emily , Besong Elvira , Council Kimaya , Lambert Onaysha , Gauthier David
Published: August 2016

Streptococcus parauberis
is a pathogen of cattle and fish, closely related
Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus iniae
. We report the genomes of seven
S. parauberis
strains recovered from striped bass (
Morone saxatilis
) in the Chesapeake Bay. The availability of these genomes will allow comparative genomic analysis of Chesapeake Bay
S. parauberis
strains versus
S. parauberis
cultured from other animal hosts and geographic regions.
Draft Genome Sequences of
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Strains Sm32COP, Sm41DVV, Sm46PAILV, SmF3, SmF22, SmSOFb1, and SmCVFa1, Isolated from Different Manures in France
Authors: Bodilis Josselin , Youenou Benjamin , Briolay Jérome , Brothier Elisabeth , Favre-Bonté Sabine , Nazaret Sylvie
Published: August 2016

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
is a major opportunistic human pathogen responsible for nosocomial infections. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of Sm32COP, Sm41DVV, Sm46PAILV, SmF3, SmF22, SmSOFb1, and SmCVFa1, isolated from different manures in France, which provide insights into the genetic determinism of intrinsic or acquired antibiotic resistance in this species.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Strain of Cyanobacterium,
Anabaena
sp. 4-3
Authors: Pfeffer Sarah , Sowa Steven , Brown R. Malcolm
Published: August 2016

We report the complete nucleotide sequence of
Anabaena
sp. 4-3, an efficient producer of sucrose. It was isolated from salt flats near the University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, Texas. The genome may provide insight into the utilization of cyanobacteria as a source for biofuels.
First Genome Sequence of Wild Onion Symptomless Virus, a Novel Member of
Potyvirus
in the Turnip Mosaic Virus Phylogenetic Group
Authors: Ohshima Kazusato , Korkmaz Savas , Mitoma Shinichiro , Nomiyama Rei , Honda Yuki
Published: August 2016

The nearly complete genome sequence of a new species of potyvirus was obtained from the symptomless wild onion (
Allium
sp.) in Turkey. This virus has less than 67% nucleotide sequence identities over the polyprotein to other known potyviruses. We propose the name wild onion symptomless virus for this novel potyvirus.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Rheinheimera
sp. Strain SA_1 Isolated from Iron Backwash Sludge in Germany
Authors: Schröder Josephin , Braun Burga , Liere Karsten , Szewzyk Ulrich
Published: August 2016

Rheinheimera
sp. strain SA_1 is an iron-depositing bacterium for which we report a draft genome sequence. Strain SA_1 was isolated from iron backwash sludge of a waterworks in Germany. The Illumina MiSeq technique was used to sequence the genome of the strain.
Genomic Insights into
Aquimarina
sp. Strain EL33, a Bacterial Symbiont of the Gorgonian Coral
Eunicella labiata
Authors: Keller-Costa Tina , Silva Rúben , Lago-Lestón Asunción , Costa Rodrigo
Published: August 2016

To address the metabolic potential of symbiotic
Aquimarina
spp., we report here the genome sequence of
Aquimarina
sp. strain EL33, a bacterium isolated from the gorgonian coral
Eunicella labiata
. This first-described (to our knowledge) animal-associated
Aquimarina
genome possesses a sophisticated repertoire of genes involved in drug/antibiotic resistance and biosynthesis.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Sulfate-Reducing Bacterium
Desulfotomaculum copahuensis
Strain CINDEFI1 Isolated from the Geothermal Copahue System, Neuquén, Argentina
Authors: Willis Poratti Graciana , Yaakop Amira Suriaty , Chan Chia Sing , Urbieta M. Sofía , Chan Kok-Gan , Ee Robson , Tan-Guan-Sheng Adrian , Goh Kian Mau , Donati Edgardo R.
Published: August 2016

Desulfotomaculum copahuensis
strain CINDEFI1 is a novel spore-forming sulfate-reducing bacterium isolated from the Copahue volcano area, Argentina. Here, we present its draft genome in which we found genes related with the anaerobic respiration of sulfur compounds similar to those present in the Copahue environment.
Evidence-based clinical practice update: practice guidelines for anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation based on a systematic review and multidisciplinary consensus
Authors: van Melick Nicky , van Cingel Robert E H , Brooijmans Frans , Neeter Camille , van Tienen Tony , Hullegie Wim , Nijhuis-van der Sanden Maria W G
Published: August 2016

Aim

The Royal Dutch Society for Physical Therapy (KNGF) instructed a multidisciplinary group of Dutch anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) experts to develop an evidence statement for rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction.

Design

Clinical practice guideline underpinned by systematic review and expert consensus.

Data sources

A multidisciplinary working group and steering group systematically reviewed the literature and wrote the guideline. MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library were searched for meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials and prospective cohort studies published between January 1990 and June 2015.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Included literature must have addressed 1 of 9 predetermined clinical topics: (1) preoperative predictors for postoperative outcome, (2) effectiveness of physical therapy, (3) open and closed kinetic chain quadriceps exercises, (4) strength and neuromuscular training, (5) electrostimulation and electromyographic feedback, (6) cryotherapy, (7) measurements of functional performance, (8) return to play and (9) risk for reinjury.

Ninety studies were included as the basis for the evidence statement. Rehabilitation after ACL injury should include a prehabilitation phase and 3 criterion-based postoperative phases: (1) impairment-based, (2) sport-specific training and (3) return to play. A battery of strength and hop tests, quality of movement and psychological tests should be used to guide progression from one rehabilitation stage to the next. Postoperative rehabilitation should continue for 9–12 months. To assess readiness to return to play and the risk for reinjury, a test battery, including strength tests, hop tests and measurement of movement quality, should be used.
Hyperinsulinemia and sulfonylurea use are independently associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with suboptimal blood glucose control
Authors: Inoue Tomoaki , Maeda Yasutaka , Sonoda Noriyuki , Sasaki Shuji , Kabemura Teppei , Kobayashi Kunihisa , Inoguchi Toyoshi
Published: August 2016

Objective

Although diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, the underlying mechanisms leading to left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) remain poorly understood. The study was designed to assess the risk factors for LVDD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Research design and methods

The study cohort included 101 asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without overt heart disease. Left ventricular diastolic function was estimated as the ratio of early diastolic velocity (E) from transmitral inflow to early diastolic velocity (e’) of tissue Doppler at mitral annulus (E/e’). Parameters of glycemic control, plasma insulin concentration, treatment with antidiabetic drugs, lipid profile, and other clinical characteristics were evaluated, and their association with E/e’ determined. Patients with New York Heart Association class >1, ejection fraction <50%, history of coronary artery disease, severe valvulopathy, chronic atrial fibrillation, or creatinine clearance <30 mL/min, as well as those receiving insulin treatment, were excluded.

Results

Univariate analysis showed that E/e’ was significantly correlated with age (p<0.001), sex (p<0.001), duration of diabetes (p=0.002), systolic blood pressure (p=0.017), pulse pressure (p=0.010), fasting insulin concentration (p=0.025), and sulfonylurea use (p<0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that log E/e’ was significantly and positively correlated with log age (p=0.034), female sex (p=0.019), log fasting insulin concentration (p=0.010), and sulfonylurea use (p=0.027).

Conclusions

Hyperinsulinemia and sulfonylurea use may be important in the development of LVDD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Impact of holding the baby following stillbirth on maternal mental health and well-being: findings from a national survey
Authors: Redshaw Maggie , Hennegan Julie M , Henderson Jane
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To compare mental health and well-being outcomes at 3 and 9 months after the stillbirth among women who held or did not hold their baby, adjusting for demographic and clinical differences.

Design

Secondary analyses of data from a postal population survey.

Population

Women with a registered stillbirth in England in 2012.

Methods

468 eligible responses were compared. Differences in demographic, clinical and care characteristics between those who held or did not hold their infant were described and adjusted for in subsequent analysis. Mental health and well-being outcomes were compared, and subgroup comparisons tested hypothesised moderating factors.

Outcome Measures

Self-reported depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and relationship difficulties.

Results

There was a 30.2% response rate to the survey. Most women saw (97%, n=434) and held (84%, n=394) their baby after stillbirth. There were some demographic differences with migrant women, women who had a multiple birth and those whose pregnancy resulted from fertility treatment being less likely to hold their baby. Women who held their stillborn baby consistently reported higher rates of mental health and relationship difficulties. After adjustment, women who held their baby had 2.12 times higher odds (95% CI 1.11 to 4.04) of reporting anxiety at 9 months and 5.33 times higher odds (95% CI 1.26 to 22.53) of reporting relationship difficulties with family. Some evidence for proposed moderators was observed with poorer mental health reported by women who had held a stillborn baby of <33 weeks’ gestation, and those pregnant at outcome assessment.

Conclusions

This study supports concern about the negative impact of holding the infant after stillbirth. Results are limited by the observational nature of the study, survey response rate and inability to adjust for women's baseline anxiety. Findings add important evidence to a mixed body of literature.
Systematic review of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for assessing disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hendrikx Jos , de Jonge Marieke J , Fransen Jaap , Kievit Wietske , van Riel Piet LCM
Published: August 2016

Patient assessment of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be useful in clinical practice, offering a patient-friendly, location independent, and a time-efficient and cost-efficient means of monitoring the disease. The objective of this study was to identify patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to assess disease activity in RA and to evaluate the measurement properties of these measures. Systematic literature searches were performed in the PubMed and EMBASE databases to identify articles reporting on clinimetric development or evaluation of PROM-based instruments to monitor disease activity in patients with RA. 2 reviewers independently selected articles for review and assessed their methodological quality based on the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) recommendations. A total of 424 abstracts were retrieved for review. Of these abstracts, 56 were selected for reviewing the full article and 34 articles, presenting 17 different PROMs, were finally included. Identified were: Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index (RADAI), RADAI-5, Patient-based Disease Activity Score (PDAS) I & II, Patient-derived Disease Activity Score with 28-joint counts (Pt-DAS28), Patient-derived Simplified Disease Activity Index (Pt-SDAI), Global Arthritis Score (GAS), Patient Activity Score (PAS) I & II, Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data (RAPID) 2–5, Patient Reported Outcome-index (PRO-index) continuous (C) & majority (M), Patient Reported Outcome CLinical ARthritis Activity (PRO-CLARA). The quality of reports varied from poor to good. Typically 5 out of 10 clinimetric domains were covered in the validations of the different instruments. The quality and extent of clinimetric validation varied among PROMs of RA disease activity. The Pt-DAS28, RADAI, RADAI-5 and RAPID 3 had the strongest and most extensive validation. The measurement properties least reported and in need of more evidence were: reliability, measurement error, cross-cultural validity and interpretability of measures.
Echocardiographic reference ranges for sedentary donkeys in the UK
Authors: Roberts S. L. , Dukes‐McEwan J.
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study was to provide two‐dimensional (2D) and M‐mode echocardiographic reference ranges from a sample of the UK population of donkeys including geriatrics (>30 years), owned by The Donkey Sanctuary, and to assess the influence of gender, weight and age on these variables. A total of 36 donkeys with no clinical or echocardiographic evidence of cardiovascular disease were examined; 24 geldings and 12 females, aged 3–45 years old, weighing 130–262 kg. Left atrial to aortic ratio was larger in geldings (P=0.004). There was no significant difference for left ventricular M‐mode diastolic diameter between females and geldings (P=0.121) after exclusion of one heavy female outlier. 2D measurements significantly increased with bodyweight including maximal left atrial diameter (R2=0.112; P=0.046), aortic diameter at various levels (e.g. annulus: R2=0.35; P<0.001) and the pulmonary artery diameter (R2=0.124; P=0.035). M‐mode measurements were not significantly influenced by weight other than the left ventricular free wall in systole (R2=0.118; P=0.041). Age and heart rate did not have any significant effect on echocardiographic variables. This is the first UK study to report on echocardiographic reference ranges of sedentary donkeys across a wide age range and shows differences compared with reference ranges from working donkeys.
Rates and patterns of molecular evolution in freshwater versus terrestrial insects
Authors: Mitterboeck T. Fatima , Fu Jinzhong , Adamowicz Sarah J.
Published: August 2016

Insect lineages have crossed between terrestrial and aquatic habitats many times, for both immature and adult life stages. We explore patterns in molecular evolutionary rates between 42 sister pairs of related terrestrial and freshwater insect clades using publicly available protein-coding DNA sequence data from the orders Coleoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Mecoptera, Trichoptera, and Neuroptera. We furthermore test for habitat-associated convergent molecular evolution in the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene in general and at a particular amino acid site previously reported to exhibit habitat-linked convergence within an aquatic beetle group. While ratios of nonsynonymous-to-synonymous substitutions across available loci were higher in terrestrial than freshwater-associated taxa in 26 of 42 lineage pairs, a stronger trend was observed (20 of 31, pbinomial= 0.15, pWilcoxon= 0.017) when examining only terrestrial–aquatic pairs including fully aquatic taxa. We did not observe any widespread changes at particular amino acid sites in COI associated with habitat shifts, although there may be general differences in selection regime linked to habitat.
A COMPARISON OF PRODUCER, CONSUMER AND SHARED RESPONSIBILITY BASED ON A NEW INTER-COUNTRY INPUT–OUTPUT TABLE CAPTURING TRADE HETEROGENEITY
Authors: JIANG XUEMEI , CHEN QUANRUN , YANG CUIHONG
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we employed a new inter-country input-output table where China’s productions are differentiated into domestic use, processing exports and non-processing exports (WIOD-DPN table), to compare the CO2 emissions responsibilities of 13 major regions under producer, consumer and shared accounting systems. The results show that the CO2 emissions responsibility of advanced countries would become less when the accounting system is changed from a consumer system to a shared system, while that of emerging countries are on the contrary. The degree of these changes depends on the value-added received by the production countries from the global value chain.
Violation of no-signaling in higher-order quantum measure theories
Authors: Joshi Karthik S. , Srikanth R. , Sinha Urbasi
Published: August 2016

More general probability sum-rules for describing interference found in quantum mechanics (QM) were formulated by Sorkin in a hierarchy of such rules. The additivity of classical measure theory corresponds to the second sum-rule. QM violates this rule, but satisfies the third and higher sum-rules. This evokes the question of whether there are physical principles that forbid their violation. We show that in a theory that is indistinguishable from quantum mechanics in first and second-order interferences, the violation of higher sum-rules allows for superluminal signaling, essentially because probability measures can be contextual in such theories.
Phosphoinositides in Control of Membrane Dynamics
Authors: Schink Kay O. , Tan Kia-Wee , Stenmark Harald
Published: August 2016

Most functions of eukaryotic cells are controlled by cellular membranes, which are not static entities but undergo frequent budding, fission, fusion, and sculpting reactions collectively referred to as membrane dynamics. Consequently, regulation of membrane dynamics is crucial for cellular functions. A key mechanism in such regulation is the reversible recruitment of cytosolic proteins or protein complexes to specific membranes at specific time points. To a large extent this recruitment is orchestrated by phosphorylated derivatives of the membrane lipid phosphatidylinositol, known as phosphoinositides. The seven phosphoinositides found in nature localize to distinct membrane domains and recruit distinct effectors, thereby contributing strongly to the maintenance of membrane identity. Many of the phosphoinositide effectors are proteins that control membrane dynamics, and in this review we discuss the functions of phosphoinositides in membrane dynamics during exocytosis, endocytosis, autophagy, cell division, cell migration, and epithelial cell polarity, with emphasis on protein effectors that are recruited by specific phosphoinositides during these processes.
Endocannabinoids in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Lee Yunna , Jo Jeongbin , Chung Hae Young , Pothoulakis Charalabos , Im Eunok
Published: August 2016

The endocannabinoid system mainly consists of endogenously produced cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) and two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1and CB2). This system also includes enzymes responsible for the synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids and molecules required for the uptake and transport of endocannabinoids. In addition, endocannabinoid-related lipid mediators and other putative endocannabinoid receptors, such as transient receptor potential channels and other GPCRs, have been identified. Accumulating evidence indicates that the endocannabinoid system is a key modulator of gastrointestinal physiology, influencing satiety, emesis, immune function, mucosal integrity, motility, secretion, and visceral sensation. In light of therapeutic benefits of herbal and synthetic cannabinoids, the vast potential of the endocannabinoid system for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases has been demonstrated. This review focuses on the role of the endocannabinoid system in gut homeostasis and in the pathogenesis of intestinal disorders associated with intestinal motility, inflammation, and cancer. Finally, links between gut microorganisms and the endocannabinoid system are briefly discussed.
Combined effects of resistance training and calorie restriction on mitochondrial fusion and fission proteins in rat skeletal muscle
Authors: Kitaoka Yu , Nakazato Koichi , Ogasawara Riki
Published: August 2016

Recent studies have demonstrated that resistance exercise leads not only to muscle hypertrophy, but it also improves mitochondrial function. Because calorie restriction (CR) has been suggested as a way to induce mitochondrial biogenesis, we examined the effects of resistance training with or without CR on muscle weight and key mitochondrial parameters in rat skeletal muscle. Four weeks of resistance training (thrice/wk) resulted in increased gastrocnemius muscle weight by 14% in rats fed ad libitum (AL). The degree of muscle-weight increase via resistance training was lower in rats with CR (7.4%). CR showed no effect on phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling proteins rpS6 and ULK1. Our results revealed that CR resulted in elevated levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) protein, a known master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. Resistance training alone also resulted in increased PGC-1α levels in skeletal muscle. The magnitude of the increase in PGC-1α was similar in rats in both the CR and AL groups. Moreover, we found that resistance training with CR resulted in elevated levels of proteins involved in mitochondrial fusion (Opa1 and Mfn1), and oxidative phosphorylation, whereas there was no effect of CR on the fission-regulatory proteins Fis1 and Drp1. These results indicate that CR attenuates resistance training-induced muscle hypertrophy, and that it may enhance mitochondrial adaptations in skeletal muscle.
A Preliminary In Vitro Study on the Efficacy of High-Power Photodynamic Therapy (HLLT): Comparison between Pulsed Diode Lasers and Superpulsed Diode Lasers and Impact of Hydrogen Peroxide with Controlled Stabilization
Authors: Caccianiga Gianluigi , Baldoni Marco , Ghisalberti Carlo Angelo , Paiusco Alessio
Published: August 2016

Aim. In periodontology lasers have been suggested for the photodynamic therapy (PDT): such therapy can be defined as the inactivation of cells, microorganisms, or molecules induced by light and not by heat. The aim of this study was to evaluate results of PDT using a 980 nm diode laser (Wiser Doctor Smile, Lambda SPA, Italy) combined with hydrogen peroxide, comparing a pulsed diode laser (LI) activity to a high-frequency superpulsed diode laser (LII).Materials and Methods. Primary fibroblasts and keratinocytes cell lines, isolated from human dermis, were irradiated every 48 h for 10 days using LI and LII combined with SiOxyL+™Solution (hydrogen peroxide (HP) stabilized with a glycerol phosphate complex). Two days after the last irradiation, the treated cultures were analyzed by flow cytofluorometry (FACS) and western blotting to quantify keratin 5 and keratin 8 with monoclonal antibodies reactive to cytokeratin 5 and cytokeratin 8. Antimicrobial activity was also evaluated.Results. Both experimental models show the superiority of LII against LI. In parallel, stabilized HP provided better results in the regeneration test in respect to common HP, while the biocidal activity remains comparable.Conclusion. The use of high-frequency lasers combined with stabilized hydrogen peroxide can provide optimal results for a substantial decrease of bacterial count combined with a maximal biostimulation induction of soft tissues and osteogenesis.
The Mechanical Properties of the Concrete Using Metakaolin Additive and Polymer Admixture
Authors: Al Menhosh Adel , Wang Yan , Wang Yu
Published: August 2016

Environmentally friendly and high performance concrete is very import for the applications in sewage and water treatment industry. Using mineral additives such as fly ash and silica fume has been proven to be an effective approach to improve concrete properties. This paper reports a study of the effect of using both polymer and metakaolin additives together on the mechanical and durability properties of concrete. Different proportions of the combination using two different polymers, metakaolin, and recycled fiber reinforcement have been studied. The effects of water-to-cement ratio and the curing methods have also been compared. At last an optimized mixture and curing method has been suggested.
Microflora Disturbance during Progression of Glucose Intolerance and Effect of Sitagliptin: An Animal Study
Authors: Yan Xinfeng , Feng Bo , Li Peicheng , Tang Zhaosheng , Wang Lin
Published: August 2016

Background. Emerging evidences have shown a close interplay between obesity, diabetes, and intestinal flora disturbance. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, exemplified by sitagliptin, is highly efficacious in treating type 2 diabetes (T2DM), yet little is known if sitagliptin exerts beneficial effects on microbiota associated with obesity and T2DM. We evaluated changes of gut microbiota following the induction of obesity and T2DM in a streptozotocin treated high fat/high carbohydrate fed (HF/HC-STZ) rat model and explored the effect of sitagliptin on gut microbiota for HF/HC-STZ rats.Methods. Sitagliptin was administered via oral gavage to diabetic rats. Fecal DNA extraction and 454 pyrosequencing based on analysis of 16S rRNA genes was utilized to determine the overall structure of microbiota in fecal DNA samples.Results. Results showed that, at the level of phylum, there was higher abundance of Firmicutes and Tenericutes and less abundance of Bacteroidetes in obese rats compared to their lean counterparts. At the level of genus, short-chain fatty acid- (SCFA-) producing bacteria,Blautia,Roseburia, andClostridium, and probioticsLactobacillus,Bifidobacterium, and so forth were identified significantly different from each other among conditions.Conclusion. Marked shifts of the gut microbiota structure were observed in the rats during development of glucose intolerance. Intestinal flora changed in the process of glucose intolerance, and treatment of sitagliptin moderately corrected the dysbiosis of microbiota in T2DM.
Stability and Hopf Bifurcation Analysis on a Nonlinear Business Cycle Model
Authors: Zhao Liming , Zhao Zhipei
Published: August 2016

This study begins with the establishment of a three-dimension business cycle model based on the condition of a fixed exchange rate. Using the established model, the reported study proceeds to describe and discuss the existence of the equilibrium and stability of the economic system near the equilibrium point as a function of the speed of market regulation and the degree of capital liquidity and a stable region is defined. In addition, the condition of Hopf bifurcation is discussed and the stability of a periodic solution, which is generated by the Hopf bifurcation and the direction of the Hopf bifurcation, is provided. Finally, a numerical simulation is provided to confirm the theoretical results. This study plays an important role in theoretical understanding of business cycle models and it is crucial for decision makers in formulating macroeconomic policies as detailed in the conclusions of this report.
Identifying the Types of Ion Channel-Targeted Conotoxins by Incorporating New Properties of Residues into Pseudo Amino Acid Composition
Authors: Wu Yun , Zheng Yufei , Tang Hua
Published: August 2016

Conotoxins are a kind of neurotoxin which can specifically interact with potassium, sodium type, and calcium channels. They have become potential drug candidates to treat diseases such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, correctly identifying the types of ion channel-targeted conotoxins will provide important clue to understand their function and find potential drugs. Based on this consideration, we developed a new computational method to rapidly and accurately predict the types of ion-targeted conotoxins. Three kinds of new properties of residues were proposed to use in pseudo amino acid composition to formulate conotoxins samples. The support vector machine was utilized as classifier. A feature selection technique based onF-score was used to optimize features. Jackknife cross-validated results showed that the overall accuracy of 94.6% was achieved, which is higher than other published results, demonstrating that the proposed method is superior to published methods. Hence the current method may play a complementary role to other existing methods for recognizing the types of ion-target conotoxins.
An Outcome Study of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion among Iranian Population
Authors: Haghnegahdar Ali , Sedighi Mahsa
Published: August 2016

Background and Aim. First-line treatment strategy for managing cervical disc herniation is conservative measures. In some cases, surgery is indicated either due to signs/symptoms of severe/progressive neurological deficits, or because of persistence of radicular pain despite 12 weeks of conservative treatment. Success for treatment of cervical disc herniation using ACDF has been successfully reported in the literature. We aim to determine the outcome of ACDF in treatment of cervical disc herniation among Iranians. Methods and Materials/Patients. In a retrospective cohort study, we evaluated 68 patients who had undergone ACDF for cervical disc herniation from March 2006 to March 2011. Outcome tools were as follows: (1) study-designed questionnaire that addressed residual and/or new complaints and subjective satisfaction with the operation; (2) recent (one week prior to the interview) postoperative VAS for neck and upper extremity radicular pain; (3) Japanese Orthopaedic Association Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ) (standard Persian version); and (4) follow-up cervical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and lateral X-ray. Results. With mean follow-up time of 52.93 (months) ± 31.89 SD (range: 13–131 months), we had success rates with regard to ΔVAS for neck and radicular pain of 88.2% and 89.7%, respectively. Except QOL functional score of JOAMEQ, 100% success rate for the other 4 functional scores of JOAMEQ was achieved. Conclusion. ACDF is a successful surgical technique for the management of cervical disc herniation among Iranian population.
Management and Reconstruction of a Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma Patient Three Years after Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Surgical Puzzle
Authors: Dellaportas Dionysios , Gossage James A. , Davies Andrew R.
Published: August 2016

Introduction. With the improving survival of cancer patients, the development of a secondary primary cancer is an increasingly common phenomenon. Extensive surgery during initial treatment may pose significant challenges to surgeons managing the second primary cancer.Case Presentation. A 69-year-old male, who had a pancreaticoduodenectomy three years ago for pancreatic head adenocarcinoma, underwent an uneventful extended total gastrectomy for gastroesophageal junctional adenocarcinoma. The reconstruction controversies and considerations are highlighted.Discussion. Genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors are common for several gastrointestinal malignancies. However, the occurrence of a second unfavorable cancer such as gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma after pancreatic head cancer treatment is extremely uncommon. This clinical scenario possesses numerous difficulties for the surgeon, since surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for both malignancies. Gastrointestinal reconstruction becomes challenging and requires careful planning and meticulous surgical technique along with sound intraoperative judgement.
Nerve Growth Factor Regulation by TNF-αand IL-1βin Synovial Macrophages and Fibroblasts in Osteoarthritic Mice
Authors: Takano Shotaro , Uchida Kentaro , Miyagi Masayuki , Inoue Gen , Fujimaki Hisako , Aikawa Jun , Iwase Dai , Minatani Atsushi , Iwabuchi Kazuya , Takaso Masashi
Published: August 2016

To investigate the role of macrophages as a regulator and producer of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the synovial tissue (ST) of osteoarthritis (OA) joints, the gene expression profiles of several inflammatory cytokines in the ST, including synovial macrophages and fibroblasts, of OA mice (STR/Ort) were characterized. Specifically, real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to evaluate the expression of tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-)α, interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-6, and NGF in CD11b+ and CD11b– cells isolated from the ST of a murine OA model. The effects of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 on the expression of NGF in cultured synovial cells were also examined. The expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and NGF in the ST of STR/Ort was higher than that in C57/BL6J mice. Compared to the CD11b– cell fraction, higher expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were detected in the CD11b+ cell fraction, whereas no differences in the expression of NGF were detected between the two cell fractions. Notably, TNF-αupregulated NGF expression in synovial fibroblasts and macrophages and IL-1βupregulated NGF expression in synovial fibroblasts. IL-1βand TNF-αmay regulate NGF signaling in OA joints and be suitable therapeutic targets for treating OA pain.