bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of therapeutic positioning on vital parameters in patients with central neurological disorders: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Pickenbrock Heidrun M. , Zapf Antonia , Dressler Dirk
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectives

To investigate the effects of positioning on heart rate, breathing frequency and blood pressure in postacute, severely disabled patients with central neurological disorders.

Background

Positioning patients is part of the regular nursing routine in the care for severely disabled patients. Positioning can be done in a conventional way or in Lagerung in Neutralstellung (Engl.: positioning in neutral), which has recently been shown to have better effects on the passive range of motion and comfort than conventional positioning. While it is thought that positioning influences vital parameters, so far no study has investigated this for a clinically relevant observation period, and no study has compared different positioning concepts in this respect.

Design

A multicentre, randomised, controlled, single‐blind clinical trial.

Methods

Two hundred and eighteen patients were randomly assigned to positioning in neutral or conventional positioning. For two hours, they were lying in one of five positions (supine, 30° and 90° side lying on the right or left side) according to the respective positioning concept. Heart rate, breathing frequency and blood pressure were measured before and after positioning in a supine lying position (i.e. not positioned according to any concept). It was investigated if the interventions influence vital parameters and whether there are differences between positioning in neutral and conventional positioning, or between the different positions.

Results

In neither of the groups did heart rate, breathing frequency and blood pressure change significantly after the intervention compared to before (p ≤ 0·01).

Conclusion

Positioning does not influence heart rate, breathing frequency and blood pressure when patients are lying for a clinically feasible length of two hours.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study shows that nurses can apply both positioning concepts according to their patients' preferences or to address problems like pressure sore prevention. There is no risk of influencing basic vital parameters.
Reliability and validity of the Nurse Practitioners' Roles and Competencies Scale
Authors: Lin Li‐Chun , Lee Sheuan , Ueng Steve Wen‐Neng , Tang Woung‐Ru
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectives

The objective of this study was to test the reliability and construct validity of the Nurse Practitioners' Roles and Competencies Scale.

Background

The role of nurse practitioners has attracted international attention. The advanced nursing role played by nurse practitioners varies with national conditions and medical environments. To date, no suitable measurement tool has been available for assessing the roles and competencies of nurse practitioners in Asian countries.

Design

Secondary analysis of data from three studies related to nurse practitioners' role competencies.

Methods

We analysed data from 563 valid questionnaires completed in three studies to identify the factor structure of the Nurse Practitioners' Roles and Competencies Scale. To this end, we performed exploratory factor analysis using principal component analysis extraction with varimax orthogonal rotation. The internal consistency reliabilities of the overall scale and its subscales were examined using Cronbach's alpha coefficient.

Results

The scale had six factors: professionalism, direct care, clinical research, practical guidance, medical assistance, as well as leadership and reform. These factors explained 67·5% of the total variance in nurse practitioners' role competencies. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the overall scale was 0·98, and those of its subscales ranged from 0·83–0·97.

Conclusion

The internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the Nurse Practitioners' Roles and Competencies Scale were good. The high internal consistency reliabilities suggest item redundancy, which should be minimised by using item response theory to enhance the applicability of this questionnaire for future academic and clinical studies.

Relevance to clinical practice

The Nurse Practitioners' Roles and Competencies Scale can be used as a tool for assessing the roles and competencies of nurse practitioners in Taiwan. Our findings can also serve as a reference for other Asian countries to develop the nurse practitioner role.
Treatment of older people with dementia in surgical wards from the viewpoints of the patients and close relatives
Authors: Hynninen Nina , Saarnio Reetta , Isola Arja
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the treatment of older people with dementia in surgical wards from the viewpoints of the patients and their close relatives.

Background

Little is known about the impact of the increasing number of older people with dementia on the treatment of patients in acute care.

Design

A qualitative, descriptive design was used.

Method

The data were collected using unstructured interviews, which were then subjected to inductive content analysis.

Results

Support from close relatives was significant for the mental and social wellbeing of older dementia patients during their hospital stay. People with dementia felt insecure in their relatives’ absence, and missed them. For the relatives, the patients’ hospital stay was emotionally heavy. The relatives desired more emotional support from the nursing staff. The participating patients hoped that the nursing staff would spend more time discussing their cases with them. One of the factors that hindered good care of an older person with dementia was use of restraint. Relatives felt that use of restraints violated patients’ dignity.

Conclusions

To improve the treatment of the people with dementia, the close relatives need to participate in planning the nature of care for the patients.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results are applicable for efforts to improve the abilities of nursing staff, physicians and close relatives in the treatment of older people with dementia in acute care settings.
Nurses' documentation of physiological observations in three acute care settings
Authors: Considine Julie , Trotter Carissa , Currey Judy
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectives

To explore nurses' documentation of physiological observations in acute care; emergency department, medical and surgical units.

Background

In Australia, physiological observations include respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and level of consciousness. There is a clear relationship between abnormal physiological observations and adverse events. Nurses have highest level of responsibility for accurate measurement, interpretation and documentation of physiological observations.

Design

A descriptive exploratory design was used and the study data were collected using a prospective point prevalence approach between 25 July 2012–22 August 2012.

Methods

The study was conducted in the emergency department, two 30‐bed medical units and one 30‐bed surgical unit of a 578 bed public health service in Melbourne, Australia. All adult patients aged ≥18 years present during data collection periods were eligible for inclusion. Patients in the emergency department resuscitation area were excluded. Patient characteristics and physiological observations for the preceding 24 hours in ward patients or eight hours in emergency department patients were collected.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐eight patients were included; 38 emergency department patients, 84 medical patients and 56 surgical patients. The median age was 72·5 years and 43·8% were males. The most frequently documented physiological observations were respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, heart rate and systolic blood pressure. The least frequently recorded physiological observations were temperature and conscious state. One or more abnormal physiological parameters was documented in 79·8% (n = 142) patients; evidence of reporting abnormalities was documented in 19·7% of patients (n = 28/142). When controlled for length of stay, physiological observations were more frequently documented in the emergency department.

Conclusions

There was variability in the number of parameters documented and frequency of physiological observations documented by nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

Physiological abnormalities that do not necessarily fulfil rapid response team activation criteria are common in acute care patients and provide nurses with an opportunity for early recognition of deteriorating patients.
Effects of a feeding intervention in patients with Alzheimer's disease and dysphagia
Authors: Chen Li‐Li , Li Hong , Lin Rong , Zheng Jian‐Huang , Wei Yan‐Ping , Li Jing , Chen Ping , Chen Hui‐Ying
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectives

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a feeding intervention in patients with Alzheimer's disease with dysphagia.

Background

In patients with Alzheimer's disease, inadequate food and fluid intake can result in malnutrition, dehydration and increased morbidity and mortality. Patients may lose self‐care abilities such as self‐feeding.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Methods

A three‐month self‐control feeding intervention was conducted prospectively in 30 nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease with dysphagia. Pre‐ and post‐intervention measures included the Kubota water swallow test, type and amount of food intake and assessment of nutritional status by triceps skinfold thickness, upper arm circumference, serum albumin and haemoglobin. We used the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia scale to evaluate eating compliance and the Mini‐ Mental State Examination to evaluate cognitive function. Pre‐ and post‐intervention results were compared to evaluate the effects of nursing intervention.

Results

Patients’ eating/feeding abilities improved overall, including significantly increased food intake (p < 0·001), decreased levels on the Kubota water swallow test (p < 0·001) and significant differences in skinfold thickness, arm circumference, serum albumin and haemoglobin (all p < 0·01), indicating improved nutritional status. Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia scale scores decreased significantly, showing improved eating compliance. No changes were noted in cognition post‐intervention. Among 22 patients who initially required feeding, five patients resumed self‐feeding after the intervention (p = 0·06).

Conclusions

Results of this study show that a feeding intervention can improve food intake, eating compliance and nutritional status in patients with Alzheimer's disease with dysphagia and prevent further decline in swallowing function.

Relevance to clinical practice

The significant improvement in eating/feeding measures suggest that this feeding intervention model could be developed as a feeding skills programme to improve both the eating/feeding care by nursing staff and the eating/feeding abilities and nutritional status of Alzheimer's disease patients.
Effect of birth ball on labor pain relief: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Makvandi Somayeh , Latifnejad Roudsari Robab , Sadeghi Ramin , Karimi Leila
Published: September 2015

Aim

To critically evaluate the available evidence related to the impact of using a birth ball on labor pain relief.

Methods

The Cochrane library, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE/PubMed and Scopus were searched from their inception to January 2015 using keywords: (Birth* OR Swiss OR Swedish OR balance OR fitness OR gym* OR Pezzi OR sport* OR stability) AND (ball*) AND (labor OR labour OR Obstetric). All available randomized controlled trials involving women using a birth ball for pain relief during labor were considered. The search resulted in 341 titles and abstracts, which were narrowed down to eight potentially relevant articles. Of these, four studies met the inclusion criteria. Pain intensity on a 10 cm visual analogue scale was used as the main outcome measure. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis Version 2 was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Four RCTs involving 220 women were included in the systematic review. One study was excluded from the meta‐analysis because of heterogeneous interventions and a lack of mean and standard deviation results of labor pain score. The meta‐analysis showed that birth ball exercises provided statistically significant improvements to labor pain (pooled mean difference ‐0.921; 95% confidence interval ‐1.28, ‐0.56; P = 0.0000005; I2 = 33.7%).

Conclusion

The clinical implementation of a birth ball exercise could be an effective tool for parturient women to reduce labor pain. However, rigorous RCTs are needed to evaluate the effect of the birth ball on labor pain relief.
Decreased baseline variability on fetal heart rate pattern in a fetus with heterotaxy syndrome
Authors: Yamada Ryutaro , Takei Kohta , Kaneshi Yosuke , Morikawa Mamoru , Cho Kazutoshi , Minakami Hisanori
Published: September 2015

In a fetus with suspected heterotaxy syndrome, a decreased/absent baseline variability of fetal heart rate pattern developed at gestational week 36+5 and continued for 5 days until birth at gestational week 37+2, while repeat biophysical profile scorings with ultrasound were consistently unremarkable. This neonate weighing 2404 g with Apgar scores of 7 (1‐min) and 8 (5‐min) and umbilical arterial cord blood pH of 7.28 with base deficit of 3.9 mmol/L, showed a heart rate of 120 b.p.m. for 3 h after birth, but subsequently developed sinus bradycardia (84 b.p.m.) unresponsive to crying. Isoproterenol initiated 9 h after birth was effective in the increase of heart rate to 120 b.p.m. in this neonate. Brain magnetic resonance imaging at 16 days of age was unremarkable. The decreased/absent baseline variability of fetal heart rate pattern was speculated to have been caused by sinus node dysfunction, and not by reduced fetal oxygenation in this case.
Sarcoid‐like reaction mimicking vaginal cancer recurrence
Authors: Mayama Michinori , Yoshihara Masato , Ukai Mayu , Kondo Shinya , Kishigami Yasuyuki , Oguchi Hidenori
Published: September 2015

A sarcoid‐like reaction is a development of non‐caseating granuloma in patients with underlying malignancy and represents a false positive finding on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). A sarcoid‐like reaction is a benign condition; therefore, differentiating a sarcoid‐like reaction from cancer recurrence is necessary. Only uterine and ovarian cancer related cases have been reported in the gynecological field and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a sarcoid‐like reaction in vaginal cancer. A 59‐year‐old vaginal cancer patient received concurrent chemoradiotherapy and achieved complete remission. Recurrence of vaginal cancer was suspected because of the elevation of serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen level. PET/CT revealed abnormal uptake at the bilateral mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. A non‐caseating granuloma was detected from the biopsy of the swollen lymph nodes. No evidence of cancer recurrence was observed. A sarcoid‐like reaction should be considered when evaluating PET/CT in cancer patients to prevent unnecessary treatments.
PucC and LhaA direct efficient assembly of the light‐harvesting complexes in Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: Mothersole David J. , Jackson Philip J. , Vasilev Cvetelin , Tucker Jaimey D. , Brindley Amanda A. , Dickman Mark J. , Hunter C. Neil
Published: September 2015

The mature architecture of the photosynthetic membrane of the purple phototroph Rhodobacter sphaeroides has been characterised to a level where an atomic‐level membrane model is available, but the roles of the putative assembly proteins LhaA and PucC in establishing this architecture are unknown. Here we investigate the assembly of light‐harvesting LH2 and reaction centre‐light‐harvesting1‐PufX (RC‐LH1‐PufX) photosystem complexes using spectroscopy, pull‐downs, native gel electrophoresis, quantitative mass spectrometry and fluorescence lifetime microscopy to characterise a series of lhaA and pucC mutants. LhaA and PucC are important for specific assembly of LH1 or LH2 complexes, respectively, but they are not essential; the few LH1 subunits found in ΔlhaA mutants assemble to form normal RC‐LH1‐PufX core complexes showing that, once initiated, LH1 assembly round the RC is cooperative and proceeds to completion. LhaA and PucC form oligomers at sites of initiation of membrane invagination; LhaA associates with RCs, bacteriochlorophyll synthase (BchG), the protein translocase subunit YajC and the YidC membrane protein insertase. These associations within membrane nanodomains likely maximise interactions between pigments newly arriving from BchG and nascent proteins within the SecYEG‐SecDF‐YajC‐YidC assembly machinery, thereby co‐ordinating pigment delivery, the co‐translational insertion of LH polypeptides and their folding and assembly to form photosynthetic complexes.
Animal toxins and renal ion transport: Another dimension in tropical nephrology
Authors: Sitprija Visith , Sitprija Siravit
Published: September 2015

Renal vascular and tubular ion channels and transporters involved in toxin injury are reviewed. Vascular ion channels modulated by animal toxins, which result in haemodynamic alterations and changes in blood pressure, include ENaC/Degenerin/ASIC, ATP sensitive K channels (KATP), Ca activated K channels (Kca) and voltage gated Ca channels, mostly L‐type. Renal tubular Na channels and K channels are also targeted by animal toxins. NHE3 and ENaC are two important targets. NCC and NKCC may be involved indirectly by vasoactive mediators induced by inflammation. Most renal tubular K channels including voltage gated K channels (Kv1), KATP, ROMK1, BK and SK are blocked by scorpion toxins. Few are inhibited by bee, wasp and spider venoms. Due to small envenoming, incomplete block and several compensatory mechanisms in renal tubules, serum electrolyte charges are not apparent. Changes in serum electrolytes are observed in injury by large amount of venom when several channels or transporters are targeted. Envenomings by scorpions and bees are examples of toxins targeting multiple ion channels and transporters.
Dipstick albuminuria and acute kidney injury recovery in critically ill septic patients
Authors: Neyra Javier A , Li Xilong , Yessayan Lenar , Adams‐Huet Beverley , Yee Jerry , Toto Robert D ,   for the Acute Kidney Injury in Critical Illness Study Group
Published: September 2015

Aim

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication of sepsis, a pro‐inflammatory state that alters tubular handling of filtered albumin. We hypothesized that dipstick albuminuria (DA) is associated with a lower rate of AKI recovery in septic patients.

Methods

This was a single‐centre, retrospective cohort study of adults with sepsis‐associated AKI in an urban academic intensive care unit (ICU). Patients with unknown baseline serum creatinine (SCr), absent urinalysis, and those with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <15 mL/min per 1.73m2 or receiving chronic renal replacement therapy (RRT) were excluded. The independent variable was DA (negative or trace, 30 mg/dL, and ≥100 mg/dL) within the first 72 h of ICU stay. The outcome variable was AKI recovery at 30 days following hospital discharge, defined as the last SCr returning to a level less than 1.5 times the baseline SCr level and independence of RRT.

Results

A total of 988 patients were included in the study. The median length of hospitalization was 11 days. The patients with higher degree of DA had worse critical illness scores. After adjustment for several confounders, DA ≥30 mg/dL was independently associated with “no AKI recovery” at 30 days post‐discharge (adjusted OR 1.40, 95% CI, 1.01–1.95 for DA =30 mg/dL and 1.67, 1.15–2.42 for DA ≥100 mg/dL, P = 0.02). Other independent predictors of “no AKI recovery” were cumulative fluid balance, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, exposure to diuretics, and the need for mechanical ventilation.

Conclusion

Dipstick albuminuria ≥30 mg/dL is independently associated with lower rate of AKI recovery at 30 days post‐discharge. Our findings emphasize the potential utility of a simple routine test of DA in the risk‐stratification of AKI recovery in ICU septic patients.
Functional characterization of a glucosyltransferase gene, LcUFGT1, involved in the formation of cyanidin glucoside in the pericarp of Litchi chinensis
Authors: Li Xiao‐Jing , Zhang Jie‐Qiong , Wu Zi‐Chen , Lai Biao , Huang Xu‐Ming , Qin Yong‐Hua , Wang Hui‐Cong , Hu Gui‐Bing
Published: September 2015

Anthocyanins generate the red color in the pericarp of Litchi chinensis. UDP‐glucose: flavonoid 3‐O‐glycosyltransferase (UFGT, EC. 2.4.1.91) stabilizes anthocyanidin by attaching sugar moieties to the anthocyanin aglycone. In this study, the function of an UFGT gene involved in the biosynthesis of anthocyanin was verified through heterologous expression and virus‐induced gene silencing assays. A strong positive correlation between UFGT activity and anthocyanin accumulation capacity was observed in the pericarp of 15 cultivars. Four putative flavonoid 3‐O‐glycosyltransferase‐like genes, designated as LcUFGT1 to LcUFGT4, were identified in the pericarp of litchi. Among the four UFGT gene members, only LcUFGT1 can use cyanidin as its substrate. The expression of LcUFGT1 was parallel with developmental anthocyanin accumulation, and the heterologously expressed protein of LcUFGT1 displayed catalytic activities in the formation of anthocyanin. The LcUFGT1 over‐expression tobacco had darker petals and pigmented filaments and calyxes resulting from higher anthocyanin accumulations compared with non‐transformed tobacco. In the pericarp with LcUFGT1 suppressed by virus‐induced gene silencing, pigmentation was retarded, which was well correlated with the reduced‐LcUFGT1 transcriptional activity. These results suggested that the glycosylation‐related gene LcUFGT1 plays a critical role in red color formation in the pericarp of litchi.
Political Commitment, Policy Ambiguity, and Corporate Environmental Practices
Authors: Liu Ning , Tang Shui‐Yan , Zhan Xueyong , Lo Carlos Wing‐Hung
Published: September 2015

A lack of clear political commitment together with confusing rules and enforcement often characterize the institutional context of policy implementation and regulatory compliance in developing countries. By connecting such contextual features to existing models of policy implementation and regulatory compliance, we examine how regulatory factors are related to basic and proactive corporate environmental management practices in the Pearl River Delta region in China. Drawing on data derived from both a survey and in‐depth interviews, we show that a perception of clear political commitment to environmental protection across multiple government levels and units is positively associated with business efforts in basic environmental practices, regardless of the specific enforcement intensity. Nevertheless, a perception of clear political commitment is not related to proactive environmental practices. Conversely, a perception of policy ambiguity, in the form of confusing regulatory standards and enforcement, is negatively associated with corporate efforts in both basic and proactive environmental practices; yet, intensive inspections mitigate these negative associations with policy ambiguity.
A longitudinal twin study on Tojikomori and depressive symptoms in Japanese elderly
Authors: Inui Fujio , Honda Chika , Kato Kenji , Tomizawa Rie , Nishihara Reiko , Hayakawa Kazuo
Published: September 2015

Background

Genetic factors associated with Tojikomori (being housebound without any limitations in physical functioning or mental problems) are unclear. We performed a twin study to help clarify the causes of Tojikomori and investigate the association between Tojikomori and depressive symptoms.

Methods

Participants were members of the Osaka University Aged Twin Registry. A total of 157 twin pairs (314 individuals) who provided data in 2008 and 2012 were included. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale short version (GDS). Social Activities Scores (SAS) were measured with questions assessing the frequency of going out and contact with others. Activities of daily living were assessed with the Barthel index. Structural equation modelling analysis was used to evaluate the relative importance of genes and environments for the phenotypes measured.

Results

In the first analysis, for SAS (2012), 25% of the variance was explained by additive genetic effects, and 75% was explained by unique environmental (including error) effects. For the GDS (2012), 28% of the variance was explained by additive genetic effects, and 72% was explained by unique environmental (including error) effects. In the second analysis, 25% of the total variance in SAS (2012) was explained by additive genetic factors, which influenced GDS scores (2008 and 2012). However, only 10% of the total variance in GDS scores (2012) was explained by additive genetic factors that influenced SAS (2008 and 2012).

Conclusions

Tojikomori was influenced by genetic factors in the elderly Japanese subjects. The association between Tojikomori and depressive symptoms was explained by genetic and environmental factors that are common to both phenotypes. Depressive symptoms were a cause of future Tojikomori and were affected by additive genetic factors. Genetic factors of Tojikomori were not a major cause of future depressive symptoms.
The interaction between internalR&Dand different types of external knowledge sourcing: an empirical study ofChinese innovative firms
Authors: Chen Yufen , Vanhaverbeke Wim , Du Jingshu
Published: September 2015

This paper investigates to what extent internalR&Defforts and different types of external knowledge sources jointly affect innovation performance of firms in emerging economies. Based on a survey about external knowledge sourcing activities ofChinese innovative firms, we categorize external knowledge sources into four groups: science‐based partners; horizontal connections; value chain partners, and technology service providers. We find that both internalR&Dactivities and external knowledge sourcing have a positive effect on firms' innovation performance. Strong internalR&Dcapabilities also increase the effect of sourcing from value chain partners and horizontal connections, but we do not find support for complementarity between internalR&Dand collaborations with universities and research labs. These findings jointly suggest that the mixture of different types of external knowledge partners in combination with internalR&Dcapabilities is crucial in understanding the role of open innovation in emerging economies.
The determinants of the public cofinancing rate for applied R&D: an empirical assessment on agricultural projects in an Italian region
Authors: Esposti Roberto , Materia Valentina Cristiana
Published: September 2015

This paper empirically analyzes how a public institution chooses the cofinancing rate in funding competitive applied agricultural research projects. The public funding institution observes some objective features of the selected projects and of the proponents. The paper puts forward some testable hypotheses about how the funding institution uses this available information to decide the cofinancing rate. An empirical model is then specified and estimated to test these hypotheses. The empirical application refers to the real case of the agricultural R&D program funded by an Italian region (Emilia‐Romagna) over years 2001–2006. Results suggest that the cofinancing rate actually responds to the observed features but this response does not always follow the formulated hypotheses.
A Conserved Structural Motif Mediates Retrograde Trafficking of Shiga Toxin Types 1 and 2
Authors: Selyunin Andrey S. , Mukhopadhyay Somshuvra
Published: September 2015

Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) produce two types of Shiga toxin (STx): STx1 and STx2. The toxin A‐subunits block protein synthesis, while the B‐subunits mediate retrograde trafficking. STEC infections do not have definitive treatments, and there is growing interest in generating toxin transport inhibitors for therapy. However, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of toxin trafficking is essential for drug development. While STx2 is more toxic in vivo, prior studies focused on STx1 B‐subunit (STx1B) trafficking. Here, we show that, compared with STx1B, trafficking of the B‐subunit of STx2 (STx2B) to the Golgi occurs with slower kinetics. Despite this difference, similar to STx1B, endosome‐to‐Golgi transport of STx2B does not involve transit through degradative late endosomes and is dependent on dynamin II, epsinR, retromer and syntaxin5. Importantly, additional experiments show that a surface‐exposed loop in STx2B (β4–β5 loop) is required for its endosome‐to‐Golgi trafficking. We previously demonstrated that residues in the corresponding β4–β5 loop of STx1B are required for interaction with GPP130, the STx1B‐specific endosomal receptor, and for endosome‐to‐Golgi transport. Overall, STx1B and STx2B share a common pathway and use a similar structural motif to traffic to the Golgi, suggesting that the underlying mechanisms of endosomal sorting may be evolutionarily conserved.
Five‐day stability of thawed plasma: solvent/detergent‐treated plasma comparable with fresh‐frozen plasma and plasma frozen within 24 hours
Authors: Neisser‐Svae Andrea , Trawnicek Laurenz , Heger Andrea , Mehta Trupti , Triulzi Darrell
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

Plasma stored refrigerated for up to 5 days after thawing is common practice in many US hospitals. Therefore, clotting factor activities in fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP), plasma frozen within 24 hours (PF24), and solvent/detergent‐treated plasma (SDP), thawed and stored at 1 to 6°C for up to 5 days, were investigated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Five A, B, O, and AB units of FFP, PF24, and SDP were thawed and maintained for 5 days at 1 to 6°C. The activity of factor (F)V, FVII, FVIII, protein S (PS), and ADAMTS13 was determined in each unit at baseline and every 24 hours thereafter for 5 days.

RESULTS

After thaw, mean values of the variables tested were within the normal range in all three plasma products although, in SDP, FVIII activity was significantly lower (p = 0.0039). After 5 days of storage all factors significantly declined except for ADAMTS13 activity, which was stable. Mean FVIII and ADAMTS13 activity was comparable in all three plasma products and within the normal range, mean FV activity was significantly lower in FFP and PF24 (p<0.0001) compared to SDP, and mean FVII activity was significantly lower in PF24 (p<0.03) than in FFP or SDP. Mean PS activity was below the normal range in all three plasma products with the lowest values in SDP (p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Over 5 days of refrigerated storage the changes in the measured coagulation factors in FFP, PF24, and SDP are comparable. Clinical follow‐up is needed to assess whether slightly lower PS levels in SDP are clinically important.
Using the Program Logic Model to Evaluate ¡Cuídate!: A Sexual Health Program for Latino Adolescents in a School‐Based Health Center
Authors: Serowoky Mary L. , George Nancy , Yarandi Hossein
Published: September 2015

Background

Addressing the disparities in pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates for Latino youth in the United States requires an evidence‐based approach. Although randomized controlled trials for sexual risk reduction interventions have shown promise in improving short‐term outcomes, program sustainability has not been extensively examined in school settings where teens spend time. Latina teen pregnancy rates are nearly twice the national average. Adolescents comprise only 17% of the U.S. population, yet they account for 50% of STIs. ¡Cuídate! is a high‐impact sexual health group program endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that has not been replicated in a real‐world setting.

Aims

The program logic model (PLM) was used as the systematic approach to plan, implement, and evaluate a sustainable model of sexual health group programing (¡Cuídate!) in a U.S. high school with a large Latino student population.

Methods

The PLM provided the framework for the evaluation of outputs, outcome, and impact. A multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance was used as the means to evaluate the participant outcomes immediately postprogram and at 8–12 weeks.

Results

¡Cuídate! was executed within an existing school structure and time constraints, below cost projections, and with high participant retention (95.8%). Three cohorts (N = 24) of female teens demonstrated significant increases in STI or HIV knowledge, self‐efficacy, and intention to use condoms (p < .01). Condom use increased postprogram. No participants initiated sexual behavior, nor were there any reported pregnancies or STIs.

Conclusions

An evidence‐based intervention previously tested in randomized controlled trials can be sustained in a school‐based health center with similar results of efficacy.

Linking Evidence to Action

Our success served as a platform for a sustainable program. We continue to extend the impact of the program by delivering ¡Cuídate! in the school setting using a community health worker.
Mordell’s equation: a classical approach
Authors: Bennett Michael A. , Ghadermarzi Amir
Published: September 2015

We solve the Diophantine equation$Y^{2}=X^{3}+k$for all nonzero integers$k$with$|k|\leqslant 10^{7}$. Our approach uses a classical connection between these equations and cubic Thue equations. The latter can be treated algorithmically via lower bounds for linear forms in logarithms in conjunction with lattice-basis reduction.
Modeling of Axial-Symmetric Flow Structure in Gas–Solids Risers
Authors: He Pengfei , Wang Dawei , Patel Rajesh , Zhu Chao
Published: September 2015

Pneumatic transport of solids in a riser has a unique nonuniform flow structure, characterized by the core solids acceleration and the wall solids deceleration along the riser, which causes the down-flow of solids and hence back mixing. To predict this nonuniform flow structure, this paper presents a mechanistic model that includes two controlling mechanisms: the interparticle collision damping for axial transport of solids and the effects of collision-induced diffusion and turbulent convection for radial transport of solids. The model predictions are partially validated against available measurements, such as axial and radial distributions of concentration and velocity of solids.
A Resolved Eulerian–Lagrangian Simulation of Fluidization of 1204 Heated Spheres in a Bed With Heat Transfer
Authors: Feng Zhi-Gang , Alatawi Eid S. , Roig Adam , Sarikaya Cenk
Published: September 2015

A resolved Eulerian–Lagrangian numerical approach is used to study the heat transfer of 1204 heated spheres fluidized in a slit bed. This approach uses a direct numerical simulation combined with the immersed boundary method (DNS-IB). Pan et al. (2002, “Fluidization of 1204 Spheres: Simulation and Experiment,” J. Fluid Mech., 451, pp. 169–192) studied the fluidization of 1204 spheres by a uniform flow without heat transfer using a fictitious domain-based DNS. The focus of this study is placed on the heat transfer between the heated spheres and fluid and also the fluidization by a jet flow. In the DNS-IB method, fluid velocity and temperature fields are obtained by solving the modified momentum and heat transfer equations, which result from the presence of heated spheres in the fluid. Particles are tracked individually and their velocities and positions are solved based on the equations of linear and angular motions; particle temperature is assumed to be a constant. The momentum and heat exchange between a particle and the surrounding fluid at its surface are resolved using the IB method with the direct forcing scheme. By exploring the rich data generated from the DNS-IB simulations, we are able to obtain statistically averaged fluid and particle velocity as well as particle heat transfer rate in a fluidized bed. Our results on the pressure drop and bed height are compared to the results of Pan et al. (2002, “Fluidization of 1204 Spheres: Simulation and Experiment,” J. Fluid Mech., 451, pp. 169–192), which show good agreements. The case of the fluidization of 1204 spheres by a jet flow has also been studied and compared against the case of the fluidization by a uniform flow. The flow structures, drag, and heat transfer rate of two spheres placed along flow directions have been studied to understand the influence of a neighboring sphere. Results show that the trailing sphere has an insignificant effect on the leading sphere when it comes to the drag and heat transfer rate. On the contrary, the leading sphere can reduce the drag and heat transfer rate of the trailing sphere by more than 20% even when the two spheres are separated by six diameters. This demonstrates the need of a fully resolved DNS in accurately modeling dense particulate flows where a particle could be surrounded by multiple neighboring particles.
Flow Modulation by Finite-Size Neutrally Buoyant Particles in a Turbulent Channel Flow
Authors: Wang Lian-Ping , Peng Cheng , Guo Zhaoli , Yu Zhaosheng
Published: September 2015

A fully mesoscopic, multiple-relaxation-time (MRT) lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is developed to perform particle-resolved direct numerical simulation (DNS) of wall-bounded turbulent particle-laden flows. The fluid–solid particle interfaces are treated as sharp interfaces with no-slip and no-penetration conditions. The force and torque acting on a solid particle are computed by a local Galilean-invariant momentum exchange method. The first objective of the paper is to demonstrate that the approach yields accurate results for both single-phase and particle-laden turbulent channel flows, by comparing the LBM results to the published benchmark results and a full-macroscopic finite-difference direct-forcing (FDDF) approach. The second objective is to study turbulence modulations by finite-size solid particles in a turbulent channel flow and to demonstrate the effects of particle size. Neutrally buoyant particles with diameters 10% and 5% the channel width and a volume fraction of about 7% are considered. We found that the mean flow speed was reduced due to the presence of the solid particles, but the local phase-averaged flow dissipation was increased. The effects of finite particle size are reflected in the level and location of flow modulation, as well as in the volume fraction distribution and particle slip velocity near the wall.
Study of Local Turbulence Profiles Relative to the Particle Surface in Particle-Laden Turbulent Flows
Authors: Wang Lian-Ping , Ardila Oscar G. C. , Ayala Orlando , Gao Hui , Peng Cheng
Published: September 2015

As particle-resolved simulations (PRSs) of turbulent flows laden with finite-size solid particles become feasible, methods are needed to analyze the simulated flows in order to convert the simulation data to a form useful for model development. In this paper, the focus is on turbulence statistics at the moving fluid–solid interfaces. An averaged governing equation is developed to quantify the radial transport of turbulent kinetic energy when viewed in a frame moving with a solid particle. Using an interface-resolved flow field solved by the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), we computed each term in the transport equation for a forced, particle-laden, homogeneous isotropic turbulence. The results illustrate the distributions and relative importance of volumetric source and sink terms, as well as pressure work, viscous stress work, and turbulence transport. In a decaying particle-laden flow, the dissipation rate and kinetic energy profiles are found to be self-similar.
A Simple Analytical Model of a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
Authors: Fakourian Sh. , Kalbasi M. , Hasani-Sadrabadi M. M.
Published: September 2015

A one-dimensional analytical model of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) was presented. This model was developed to describe the electrochemical reactions on the anode and cathode electrodes, and the transport phenomena in fuel cell consisting of methanol transport from anode to cathode through the membrane (methanol crossover), diffusion of reactants in gas diffusion layers (GDLs), and fluid flow in flow channels. One of the main strike features of this work was that the complicated relations were simplified logically and the model was solved analytically by the first-order differential equation. The results of the model indicated that increasing the current density led to lower methanol concentration in anode in spite of higher oxygen concentration in cathode. The presented model supports the experimental data well.
Effect of Temperature Fluctuation on Creep and Failure Probability for Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Jiang Wenchun , Luo Yun , Zhang Weiya , Woo Wanchuck , Tu S. T.
Published: September 2015

The creep and failure probability of a planar solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) through a duty cycle is calculated by finite element method (FEM) and Weibull method, respectively. Two sealing methods, namely, rigid seal and bonded compliant seal (BCS), are compared. For the rigid seal, failure is predicted in the glass ceramic because of a failure probability of 1 and maximum creep strain. For the BCS design, the foil can absorb part of thermal stresses in the cell by its own elastoplastic deformation, which considerably decreases failure probability and creep strain in the SOFC. The creep strength of BCS method is achieved by sealing foil with excellent creep properties. Temperature fluctuation during the operating stage leads to the increase in thermal stress and failure probability. In particular, temperature change from low-power to high-power state results in a considerable increase in the creep strain, leading to creep failure for the rigid seal. A failure probability of 1 is generated during start-up and shut-down stages. Therefore, temperature fluctuation should be controlled to ensure structural integrity, and lowering the operating temperature can decrease failure probability and creep failure.
Human endogenous retrovirus-K contributes to motor neuron disease
Authors: Li Wenxue , Lee Myoung-Hwa , Henderson Lisa , Tyagi Richa , Bachani Muzna , Steiner Joseph , Campanac Emilie , Hoffman Dax A. , von Geldern Gloria , Johnson Kory , Maric Dragan , Morris H. Douglas , Lentz Margaret , Pak Katherine , Mammen Andrew , Ostrow Lyle , Rothstein Jeffrey , Nath Avindra
Published: September 2015

Human endogenous retrovirus-K is activated in the cortical neurons of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and expression of the viral envelope protein in mouse brain reproduces the clinical and pathological phenotype of this disease.
Asthma: Undoing millions of years of coevolution in early life?
Authors: Dominguez-Bello Maria Gloria , Blaser Martin J.
Published: September 2015

Early microbiome composition can predict asthma risk, and asthma development can be subverted when missing protective microbes are restored (Arrieta
et al
., this issue).
Boosting the success of retinal gene therapy
Authors: Dalkara Deniz
Published: September 2015

Delivering enough therapeutic gene to photoreceptor cells prevents their loss even during the later stages of retinal disease.
Gut feelings about heart disease
Authors: Alvarez Jessica A.
Published: September 2015

The gut microbiome might play a role in blood lipids.
Platelet impersonation
Authors: Wong Ian Y.
Published: September 2015

Nanoparticles disguised with platelet membranes target vascular injury and infection.
Science Translational Medicine
Podcast: 30 September 2015
Authors: Sather Blythe D. , Ibarra Guillermo S. Romano , Scharenberg Andrew M. , Rawlings David J. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: September 2015

Blythe Sather, Guillermo Romano Ibarra, Andy Scharenberg, and David Rawlings describe their new efficient method for repairing or replacing human genes using homologous recombination.
V-myc- and c-myc-encoded proteins are associated with the nuclear matrix.
Authors: Eisenman R N , Tachibana C Y , Abrams H D , Hann S R
Published: September 2015

A series of extraction procedures were applied to avian nuclei which allowed us to define three types of association of v-myc- and c-myc-encoded proteins with nuclei: (i) a major fraction (60 to 90%) which is retained in DNA- and RNA-depleted nuclei after low- and high-salt extraction, (ii) a small fraction (1%) released during nuclease digestion of DNA in intact nuclei in the presence of low-salt buffer, and (iii) a fraction of myc protein (less than 10%) extractable with salt or detergents and found to have affinity for both single- and double-stranded DNA. Immunofluorescence analysis with anti-myc peptide sera on cells extracted sequentially with nucleases and salts confirmed the idea that myc proteins were associated with a complex residual nuclear structure (matrix-lamin fraction) which also contained avian nuclear lamin protein. Dispersal of myc proteins into the cytoplasm was found to occur during mitosis. Both c-myc and v-myc proteins were associated with the matrix-lamin, suggesting that the function of myc may relate to nuclear structural organization.
Viral and cellular fos proteins are complexed with a 39,000-dalton cellular protein.
Authors: Curran T , Van Beveren C , Verma I M
Published: September 2015

The structure of viral and cellular fos gene products and their association with a 39,000-dalton cellular protein (p39) were investigated by using antisera raised against synthetic peptides. The first peptide, termed M, corresponded to amino acids 127 to 152 of the v-fos sequence, a region which is identical in c-fos. The second peptide, termed V, corresponded to the nine C-terminal amino acids of v-fos; this region is not present in c-fos. Rabbit antisera were purified by affinity chromatography against their respective peptides before being used for immunoprecipitation. M peptide antisera precipitated p55v-fos and p55c-fos, whereas V peptide antisera precipitated only p55v-fos. This observation confirms the prediction from nucleotide sequence analysis that these proteins are distinct at their C termini. p39 was precipitated in association with p55v-fos and p55c-fos by M and V peptide antisera. However, V peptide antisera did not precipitate p39 from cells expressing p55c-fos, even though the presence of p39 in such cells was demonstrated with M peptide antisera. Denaturation of cell lysates completely abolished the precipitation of p39, whereas the precipitation of p55v-fos was unaffected. Taken together, the data demonstrate that p39 exists in a complex with p55.
Kinetochore components recognized by human autoantibodies are present on mononucleosomes.
Authors: Palmer D K , Margolis R L
Published: September 2015

We have developed a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for solubilized kinetochore components, using human CREST (calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia) scleroderma autoimmune antibodies specific for these kinetochore elements. Using this quantitative assay, we found interphase persistent or "pre-kinetochore" components in low- and moderately high-salt (375 mM salt) extracts of micrococcal nuclease-digested rat liver and chicken erythrocyte nuclei. The release of antigen activity from nuclei under these conditions has been correlated with loss of pre-kinetochore foci as determined by immunofluorescence microscopy. Combined biochemical and competition assay analysis of chicken erythrocyte nuclear extracts indicates that pre-kinetochore components are tightly bound to chromatin of mononucleosome size. The conclusions based on competition assay data are supported by a direct binding assay, which confirms that antigens recognized by CREST sera are present on chromatin. These results raise the possibility that the kinetochore-specific chromosomal antigen(s) we have detected substitutes for "standard" mononucleosome components, such as histone H1. Furthermore, they suggest approaches to the isolation of kinetochore-specific DNA sequences from higher eucaryotes.