bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Photobiomodulation on Functionality in Wistar Rats with Sciatic Nerve Injury
Authors: Andreo Lucas , Soldera Carla A. , Ribeiro Beatriz Guimarães , de Matos Patrick Raoul Vicente , Sousa Paola Bindes , de Alcântara Araújo Amorim Weslley Wallace , Horliana Anna Carolina Ratto Tempestini , Bussadori Sandra Kalil , Fernandes Kristianne Porta Santos , Mesquita‐Ferrari Raquel Agnelli
Published: November 2018

A peripheral nerve injury (PNI) can result in motor or sensory disorders. Low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) has demonstrated positive results as a treatment option for PNI. Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Control, Injury, Injury + LLLTn (nerve), Injury + LLLTm (muscle) and Injury + LLLTn + m (nerve and muscle irradiation). The groups were analyzed after one, two, three and four weeks. PNI was achieved by crushing the sciatic nerve. Laser treatment (780 nm, 3.2 J) was realized over the nerve and/or tibialis anterior muscle. In gait analyses, the groups irradiated over the nerve demonstrated an improvement after two weeks. In the analysis of mechanical sensitivity, the Injury + LLLTn demonstrated a reduction after one week in comparison with Injury group; the Injury + LLLTn + m and Injury + LLLTm demonstrated an increase after two weeks in comparison with Injury group; and the irradiated groups demonstrated a reduction in nociception after four weeks in comparison with Injury group. In the analysis of muscle atrophy, the Injury + LLLTn demonstrated more muscle mass after two weeks. LLLT improves functional aspects related to gait, mechanical sensitivity and muscle mass, with better results regarding motor aspects and muscle mass when administered over the injured nerve and better results regarding sensory aspects when administered over the muscle.
Identifying the abiotic and biotic drivers behind the elevational distribution shift of a parasitic plant
Authors: Zamora R. , Mellado A.
Published: November 2018

Climate change will alter the biotic and abiotic environment and dissipate ecological barriers, reorganising maps of current distribution of parasites and their hosts. In this study, we analyse the population dynamics of the parasitic plant Viscum album subsp. austriacum and explore key biotic (host availability and seed dispersal) as well as abiotic (temperature) factors influencing elevational distribution.

The study was conducted along an elevational gradient of a Mediterranean mountain, covering the distribution belts of three potential pine hosts: Pinus halepensis (1300–1500 m), P. nigra (1300–1900 m) and P. sylvestris var. nevadensis (1600–2000 m). Along this gradient, we measured multiple variables of mistletoe population (prevalence, abundance and demographic profile) and different factors that might define the current mistletoe distribution (host suitability and availability, temperature and seed dispersal services).

We found a decline in mistletoe prevalence and abundance with increasing elevation, detecting larger values of both variables at lower elevations of the most suitable host (Pinus nigra). Pinus sylvestris var. nevadensis was a suboptimal but suitable host for the parasite at high elevations. Mistletoe found suitable temperatures and seed dispersal services all along the gradient, being able to recruit at any site.

With warming temperatures, the presence of suitable vectors for parasite dispersion, and the presence of a sub‐optimal host (P. sylvestris var. nevadensis) at the mountain top, mistletoe currently has a window of opportunity to expand its present geographic distribution to the summits.
Quantitative ROS bioreporters: A robust toolkit for studying biological roles of ROS in response to abiotic and biotic stresses
Authors: Lim Sung D. , Kim Su‐Hwa , Gilroy Simon , Cushman John C. , Choi Won‐Gyu
Published: November 2018

While the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through spontaneous generation or as the by‐products of aerobic metabolism can be toxic to plants, recent findings demonstrate that ROS act as signaling molecules that play a critical role in adapting to various stress conditions. Tight regulation of ROS homeostasis is required to adapt to stress and survive, yet in vivo spatiotemporal information of ROS dynamics are still largely undefined. In order to understand the dynamics of ROS changes and their biological function in adapting to stresses, two quantitative ROS transcription‐based bioreporters were developed. These reporters use ROS‐responsive promoters from RBOHD or ZAT12 to drive green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression. The resulting GFP expression is compared to a constitutively expressed mCherry that is contained on the same cassette with the ROS‐responsive promoter: This allows for the generation of ratiometric images comparing ROS changes (GFP) to the constitutively expressed mCherry. Both reporters were used to assess ROS levels to oxidative stress, salt stress, and the pathogen defense elicitor flg22. These bioreporters showed increases in the ratio values of GFP to mCherry signals between 10 and 30 min poststress application. Such stress‐associated ROS signals correlated with the induction of abiotic/biotic stress responsive markers such as RbohD, ZAT12, SOS2 and PR5 suggesting these ROS bioreporters provide a robust indicator of increased ROS related to stress responses. Based upon the spatiotemporal response patterns of signal increase, ZAT12 promoter‐dependent ROS (Zat12p‐ROS) bioreporter appears to be suitable for cellular mapping of ROS changes in response to abiotic and biotic stresses.
Seasonality in Saint Croix male lamb reproductive development in northern Mexico
Authors: Sánchez‐Dávila Fernando , Ungerfeld Rodolfo , Bosque‐González Alejandro Sergio del , Bernal‐Barragán Hugo
Published: November 2018

Contents

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the season of birth on the body weight, testicular size, testosterone concentrations, semen output and sexual behaviour in Saint Croix male lambs. Thirty‐three lambs were born in spring (n = 10), summer (Sum; n = 12) or autumn (n = 11). Body weight and the scrotal circumference were weekly recorded; semen was also weekly collected by electroejaculation; and sexual behaviour towards oestrous ewes was weekly evaluated. Data were recorded from 15 to 33 weeks of age. The reproductive development of Saint Croix male lambs differed according to the period in which they were born. More lambs born in spring than in summer and autumn achieved puberty during this study and were also more precocious in semen production and displayed sexual behaviour earlier. Lambs born in summer delayed their semen production; however, season‐related negative effects were less pronounced at the end of the study than in autumn born lambs born. In conclusion, despite the apparently low seasonality of the breed, Saint Croix male lambs showed in this study a seasonal pattern in their reproductive development at least until they achieve the puberty.
Euvolemia—A critical target in the management of acute kidney injury
Authors: Colbert Gates B. , Szerlip Harold M.
Published: November 2018

It has been clearly established that critically ill patients with sepsis require prompt fluid resuscitation. The optimal amount of fluid and when to taper this resuscitation is less clear. There is a growing evidence that fluid overload leads to acute kidney injury, and increased morbidity and mortality. A clinician's best intentions in resuscitating a patient can lead to too much of a good thing. Currently, there are several bedside tools to aid in determining a patient's response to a fluid challenge as well as in the assessment of the current volume status. Guidelines are not available on the exact rate of fluid overload removal and what medicinal or mechanical modality is most favorable. We discuss our experience and an examination of the literature on the problems with fluid overload, and how a patient may benefit from forced fluid removal.
Universal parental support for parents of adolescents: Who wants municipality‐based parental support and in what form?
Authors: Thorslund Karin , Alfredsson Elin , Axberg Ulf
Published: November 2018

Parenting a child through adolescence can be a challenge for many parents; adolescents go through notable developmental, physical, and psychological changes that affect the relationships around them. Most parents find parental support during these years important. These young people's relationships with their parents are important to their mental health, but although parental support is universally available to parents of younger children, it is still scarce for parents of adolescents. The aim of this study was to explore what factors are associated with interest in universal parental support through telephone interviews and questionnaires with 223 parents of 13‐ to 17‐year‐olds. Parents’ interest in parental support was linked to their own anxious mood, their lower perceived parental capacity, their perception of the child as having psychiatric problems, the parents’ perception of their adolescents’ openness about things and their perception of the adolescent's overall difficulties in daily life due to psychiatric symptoms. The results show that lighter forms of support such as lectures or seminars were more appealing to parents with higher social status. Offering community‐based individual counseling and leader‐led parent training groups therefore has the potential to reach parents with difficulties more equally, while offering support only through lectures and seminars could increase the inequality between parents in different social situations.
Participatory research meets validated outcome measures: Tensions in the co‐production of social care evaluation
Authors: Allen Kerry , Needham Catherine , Hall Kelly , Tanner Denise
Published: November 2018

Funding for care service research is increasingly subject to the satisfaction of two requirements: public involvement and adoption of validated outcome tools. This study identifies competing paradigms within these requirements and reveals significant challenges faced by researchers who seek to satisfy them. The focus here is on a study co‐produced between academic researchers and people with experience of adult social care services. It examines to what extent research studies can conduct high‐quality public involvement and genuine co‐production of knowledge, whilst attempting to produce quantifiable outcome scores. Findings add to debate around how to incorporate diverse perspectives in research, which may draw on incommensurate accounts of validity and reliability. Findings also highlight constructive attempts by academic and co‐researchers to make the combination of approaches work in the field. These small scale acts of researcher agency indicate some scope to combine the two approaches in future research studies. However, conclusions foreground the importance of broader awareness of how tensions and power imbalances related to this combination of approaches play out in social policy research practice.
Loss Aversion and Risk Aversion in Wagering on Jeopardy!’s “Daily Double”*
Authors: Simon Curtis M.
Published: November 2018

Objectives

The objective of the study was to test predictions of loss aversion and risk aversion by analyzing contestant wagers in the game show Jeopardy!

Methods

The primary method employed in this article is ordinary least squares regression analysis but the mean wagers of contestants in various player subcategories and stages of the game are also analyzed.

Results

The results support the core proposition of loss aversion in that the mean wagers of contestants who are behind in the game are greater than are the mean wagers of contestants who are ahead in the game. The results also indicate some differences in the behavior of men and women in risk taking and that contestants make use of frames of reference in making their wagers such as how far ahead or behind they are in points and how much “time” is left in the game at the time of their wager.

Conclusion

Given the results of this article and a review of other relevant literature, the suggestion is made that future studies of loss aversion and risk aversion continue to explore complexity and variation in the context of decision making and that future research into possible differences by sex in risk aversion explore scenarios in which choices are grounded in other‐ or community‐oriented situations rather than scenarios centering only on individual gains.
Trivariate non‐Gaussian copulas to analyze the spatial behavior of rat sightings
Authors: Ayyad C. , Mateu J. , Omidi M. , Tamayo‐Uria I. , Mohammadzadeh M.
Published: November 2018

The brown rat lives with man in a wide variety of environmental contexts and adversely affects public health by transmission of diseases, bites, and allergies. Understanding behavioral and spatial correlation aspects of pest species can contribute to their effective management and control. Rat sightings can be described by spatial coordinates in a particular region of interest defining a spatial point pattern. In this paper, we investigate the spatial structure of rat sightings in the Latina district of Madrid (Spain) and its relation to a number of distance‐based covariates that relate to the proliferation of rats. Given a number of locations, biologically considered as attractor points, the spatial dependence is modeled by distance‐based covariates and angular orientations through copula functions. We build a particular spatial trivariate distribution using univariate margins coming from the covariate information and provide predictive distributions for such distances and angular orientations.
Extracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate‐dependent protein kinase A autoantibody and C‐reactive protein as serum biomarkers for diagnosis of cancer in dogs
Authors: Ryu Min‐Ok , Kim Byung‐Gak , Choi Ul‐Soo , Baek Kwan‐Hyuck , Song Young‐Ki , Li Qiang , Seo Kyoung‐Won , Ryeom Sandra , Youn Hwa‐Young , Bhang Dong‐Ha
Published: November 2018

Protein kinase A, a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP)‐dependent enzyme, normally exists within mammalian cells; however, in cancer cells, it can leak out and be found in the serum. Extracellular cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase A (ECPKA) has been determined to increase in the serum of cancer‐bearing dogs. However, there have been no reports in the veterinary literature on serum ECPKA autoantibody (ECPKA‐Ab) expression in dogs with cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate ECPKA‐Ab and C‐reactive protein (CRP) as serum biomarkers for cancer in dogs. ECPKA‐Ab and CRP levels were detected by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in serum samples from dogs with malignant tumours (n = 167), benign tumours (n = 42), or non‐tumour disease (n = 155) and from healthy control dogs (n = 123). ECPKA‐Ab and CRP levels were significantly higher in the dogs with malignant tumours than in those with benign tumours or non‐tumour diseases, as well as in the healthy controls (P < 0.001, Kruskal‐Wallis test). There was a significant positive correlation between the neoplastic index, which was developed using ECPKA‐Ab and CRP levels, and the presence of cancer in dogs (P < 0.001); the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve was estimated to be >0.85 (P < 0.001). In conclusion, ECPKA‐Ab is a potential serum biomarker for a broad spectrum of cancers. Combined measurement of CRP and ECPKA‐Ab levels in serum improves the sensitivity and accuracy of a diagnosis of cancer in dogs.
Will donor‐derived neoplasia be problematic after clinical pig organ or cell xenotransplantation?
Authors: Jagdale Abhijit , Iwase Hayato , Klein Edwin , Cooper David K. C.
Published: November 2018

There is an increased incidence of certain tumors and other neoplastic disease in organ allotransplant recipients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Following clinical pig organ xenotransplantation, will there be a risk of the development of neoplasia in the pig graft or in other tissues transplanted with it, eg, lymph nodes? The incidence of neoplasia in young slaughterhouse pigs is very low (<0.005%), but in older pigs is largely unknown (as most pigs are killed within the first six months of life). However, lymphosarcoma, nephroblastoma, and melanoma have been reported in pigs. These tumors should be readily identified by ultrasound or direct inspection and palpation before an organ is excised for clinical xenotransplantation, and so transfer to the human recipient should be unlikely. Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) has been reported in pigs receiving intensive immunomodulatory therapy, particularly if this includes whole body irradiation, in an effort to induce mixed hematopoietic chimerism and immunological tolerance. However, the pigs used as sources of organs in xenotransplantation should be free of the porcine lymphotropic herpesvirus that is a key causative factor for PTLD in pigs, and so donor‐derived PTLD should not occur. We conclude that the risk of a malignant tumor developing in a transplanted organ from a young pig is small.
The Effects of 8-Week Aerobic Training Program on Respiratory and Circulatory Parameters of Female Swimmers Between 12-14 Years Old
Authors: Kalkan Meltem Kilicaslan , Daglioglu Onder
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of 8-week aerobic training program on respiratory and circulatory parameters in female swimmers between 12-14 years old. A total of 22 female swimmers, who were between 12-14 years old and joined to the national competitions in the province of Gaziantep, participated as volunteers. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups as experimental group (n=11, age:13.12±0.69) and control group (n=11, age:12.56±0.53). Aerobic training program was applied to the experimental group 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Both groups continued their regular swimming trainings. Resting heart rate (RHR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) measurements of the subjects were performed as circulatory parameters before and after training. These values were measured by Omron M6 Comfort device. Measurements of vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and forced expiratory rate (FEV1/FVC) were performed as respiratory parameters. These values were measured by M.E.C. Pocket Spiro USB-100 instruments. For statistical analysis of data, Paired Sample t test was used for intra-group comparisons, and the Independent Sample t test was used for inter-group comparisons. The level of significance was determined as p<0.05. In the study we performed, the values of RHR, SBP, DBP, VC, FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC were found to be significant after the aerobic training program applied to the experimental group (p<0.05). The circulatory parameters of the control group showed significance at p<0.05 level in RHR value. There was no significant difference between SBP and DBP values (p>0.05). The respiratory parameters of the control group were significant in FVC and FEV1 values (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between VC and FEV1/FVC values (p>0.05). As a result, it is thought that aerobic trainings have positive effects on respiratory and circulatory parameters in swimmers. It can be said that regular aerobic training improves respiratory and circulatory parameters.
Action potential shortening rescues atrial calcium alternans
Authors: Kanaporis Giedrius , Kalik Zane M. , Blatter Lothar A.
Published: November 2018

Key points

Cardiac alternans refers to a beat‐to‐beat alternation in contraction, action potential (AP) morphology and Ca2+ transient (CaT) amplitude, and represents a risk factor for cardiac arrhythmia, including atrial fibrillation.

We developed strategies to pharmacologically manipulate the AP waveform with the goal to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of CaT and contraction alternans in atrial tissue.

With combined patch‐clamp and intracellular Ca2+ measurements we investigated the effect of specific ion channel inhibitors and activators on alternans. In single rabbit atrial myocytes, suppression of Ca2+‐activated Cl− channels eliminated AP duration alternans, but prolonged the AP and failed to eliminate CaT alternans. In contrast, activation of K+ currents (IKs and IKr) shortened the AP and eliminated both AP duration and CaT alternans.

As demonstrated also at the whole heart level, activation of K+ conductances represents a promising strategy to suppress alternans, and thus reducing a risk factor for atrial fibrillation.

At the cellular level alternans is observed as beat‐to‐beat alternations in contraction, action potential (AP) morphology and magnitude of the Ca2+ transient (CaT). Alternans is a well‐established risk factor for cardiac arrhythmia, including atrial fibrillation. This study investigates whether pharmacological manipulation of AP morphology is a viable strategy to reduce the risk of arrhythmogenic CaT alternans. Pacing‐induced AP and CaT alternans were studied in rabbit atrial myocytes using combined Ca2+ imaging and electrophysiological measurements. Increased AP duration (APD) and beat‐to‐beat alternations in AP morphology lowered the pacing frequency threshold and increased the degree of CaT alternans. Inhibition of Ca2+‐activated Cl− channels reduced beat‐to‐beat AP alternations, but prolonged APD and failed to suppress CaT alternans. In contrast, AP shortening induced by activators of two K+ channels (ML277 for Kv7.1 and NS1643 for Kv11.1) abolished both APD and CaT alternans in field‐stimulated and current‐clamped myocytes. K+ channel activators had no effect on the degree of Ca2+ alternans in AP voltage‐clamped cells, confirming that suppression of Ca2+ alternans was caused by the changes in AP morphology. Finally, activation of Kv11.1 channel significantly attenuated or even abolished atrial T‐wave alternans in isolated Langendorff perfused hearts. In summary, AP shortening suppressed or completely eliminated both CaT and APD alternans in single atrial myocytes and atrial T‐wave alternans at the whole heart level. Therefore, we suggest that AP shortening is a potential intervention to avert development of alternans with important ramifications for arrhythmia prevention and therapy.
3D dSTORM imaging reveals novel detail of ryanodine receptor localization in rat cardiac myocytes
Authors: Shen Xin , van den Brink Jonas , Hou Yufeng , Colli Dylan , Le Christopher , Kolstad Terje R. , MacQuaide Niall , Carlson Cathrine R. , Kekenes‐Huskey Peter M. , Edwards Andrew G. , Soeller Christian , Louch William E.
Published: November 2018

Key points

Using 3D direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM), we developed novel approaches to quantitatively describe the nanoscale, 3D organization of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) in cardiomyocytes.

Complex arrangements of RyR clusters were observed in 3D space, both at the cell surface and within the cell interior, with allocation to dyadic and non‐dyadic pools.

3D imaging importantly allowed discernment of clusters overlapping in the z‐axis, for which detection was obscured by conventional 2D imaging techniques. Thus, RyR clusters were found to be significantly smaller than previous 2D estimates.

Ca2+ release units (CRUs), i.e. functional groupings of neighbouring RyR clusters, were similarly observed to be smaller than earlier reports. Internal CRUs contained more RyRs in more clusters than CRUs on the cell surface, and yielded longer duration Ca2+ sparks.

Cardiomyocyte contraction is dependent on Ca2+ release from ryanodine receptors (RyRs). However, the precise localization of RyRs remains unknown, due to shortcomings of imaging techniques which are diffraction limited or restricted to 2D. We aimed to determine the 3D nanoscale organization of RyRs in rat cardiomyocytes by employing direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM) with phase ramp technology. Initial observations at the cell surface showed an undulating organization of RyR clusters, resulting in their frequent overlap in the z‐axis and obscured detection by 2D techniques. Non‐overlapping clusters were imaged to create a calibration curve for estimating RyR number based on recorded fluorescence blinks. Employing this method at the cell surface and interior revealed smaller RyR clusters than 2D estimates, as erroneous merging of axially aligned RyRs was circumvented. Functional groupings of RyR clusters (Ca2+ release units, CRUs), contained an average of 18 and 23 RyRs at the surface and interior, respectively, although half of all CRUs contained only a single ‘rogue’ RyR. Internal CRUs were more tightly packed along z‐lines than surface CRUs, contained larger and more numerous RyR clusters, and constituted ∼75% of the roughly 1 million RyRs present in an average cardiomyocyte. This complex internal 3D geometry was underscored by correlative imaging of RyRs and t‐tubules, which enabled quantification of dyadic and non‐dyadic RyR populations. Mirroring differences in CRU size and complexity, Ca2+ sparks originating from internal CRUs were of longer duration than those at the surface. These data provide novel, nanoscale insight into RyR organization and function across cardiomyocytes.
Cultural Citizenship or Commercial Interest? The 1962 Grey Cup Fiasco
Authors: Valentine John
Published: November 2018

In 1962, the Board of Broadcast Governors (BBG), an arm of the Canadian federal government responsible for broadcasting, made the unprecedented move to force the national public broadcaster to televise the Grey Cup, the championship game of Canadian football, ostensibly because it was in the national interest. However, research reveals that this decision was not necessarily made because it was in the national interest, but more so to assist the new struggling private television network, CTV. The important content, allegedly linked to cultural citizenship, was not the national championship, but the television commercials. This paper explores why the BBG intervened and how the dispute was settled.
Toward all-day wearable health monitoring: An ultralow-power, reflective organic pulse oximetry sensing patch
Authors: Lee Hyeonwoo , Kim Eunhye , Lee Yongsu , Kim Hoyeon , Lee Jaeho , Kim Mincheol , Yoo Hoi-Jun , Yoo Seunghyup
Published: November 2018

Ultralow-power organic wearable patches have been developed for all-day monitoring of heart rate and blood oxygen level.
An ion redistributor for dendrite-free lithium metal anodes
Authors: Zhao Chen-Zi , Chen Peng-Yu , Zhang Rui , Chen Xiang , Li Bo-Quan , Zhang Xue-Qiang , Cheng Xin-Bing , Zhang Qiang
Published: November 2018

Dendrite-free lithium metal anodes are achieved by solid lithium ionic conductors as ion redistributors to homogenize Li ions.
Magnetic and defect probes of the SmB
6
surface state
Authors: Jiao Lin , Rößler Sahana , Kasinathan Deepa , Rosa Priscila F. S. , Guo Chunyu , Yuan Huiqiu , Liu Chao-Xing , Fisk Zachary , Steglich Frank , Wirth Steffen
Published: November 2018

The topological nature of surface states in SmB
6
is revealed using samples with magnetic substituents or magnetic tunneling tips.
Flexible elastomer patch with vertical silicon nanoneedles for intracellular and intratissue nanoinjection of biomolecules
Authors: Kim Hyungjun , Jang Hanmin , Kim Bongjoong , Kim Min Ku , Wie Dae Seung , Lee Heung Soo , Kim Dong Rip , Lee Chi Hwan
Published: November 2018

A thin transparent wearable patch with silicon nanoneedles is developed for efficient interface with biological cells and tissues.
Drug Interactions between Dolutegravir and Artemether-Lumefantrine or Artesunate-Amodiaquine
Authors: Walimbwa Stephen I. , Lamorde Mohammed , Waitt Catriona , Kaboggoza Julian , Else Laura , Byakika-Kibwika Pauline , Amara Alieu , Gini Joshua , Winterberg Markus , Chiong Justin , Tarning Joel , Khoo Saye H.
Published: November 2018

Across sub-Saharan Africa, patients with HIV on antiretrovirals often get malaria and need cotreatment with artemisinin-containing therapies. We undertook two pharmacokinetic studies in healthy volunteers, using standard adult doses of artemether-lumefantrine or artesunate-amodiaquine given with 50 mg once daily dolutegravir (DTG) to investigate the drug-drug interaction between artemether-lumefantrine or artesunate-amodiaquine and dolutegravir.
A Protein Complex from Human Milk Enhances the Activity of Antibiotics and Drugs against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Meikle Virginia , Mossberg Ann-Kristin , Mitra Avishek , Hakansson Anders P. , Niederweis Michael
Published: November 2018

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, the causative agent of human tuberculosis (TB), has surpassed HIV/AIDS as the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. The increasing occurrence of drug-resistant strains has become a major challenge for health care systems and, in some cases, has rendered TB untreatable.
Nitrogen Starvation Induces Persister Cell Formation in Escherichia coli
Authors: Brown Daniel R.
Published: November 2018

Bacteria often reside in environments where nutrient availability is scarce; therefore, they have evolved adaptive responses to rapidly cope with conditions of feast and famine. Understanding the mechanisms that underpin the regulation of how bacteria cope with this stress is a fundamentally important question in the wider context of understanding the biology of the bacterial cell and bacterial pathogenesis. Two major adaptive mechanisms to cope with starvation are the nitrogen regulation (ntr) stress and stringent responses. Here, I describe how these bacterial stress responses are coordinated under conditions of nitrogen starvation to promote the formation of antibiotic-tolerant persister cells by elevating levels of the secondary messenger (p)ppGpp.
Mycobacterium talmoniae, a Potential Pulmonary Pathogen Isolated from Multiple Patients with Bronchiectasis in the United States, Including the First Case of Clinical Disease in a Patient with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Vasireddy Ravikiran , Vasireddy Sruthi , Brown-Elliott Barbara A. , Greninger Alexander L. , Davidson Rebecca M. , Ard Kevin L. , Turenne Christine Y. , Wallace Richard J.
Published: November 2018

We characterize three respiratory isolates of the recently described speciesMycobacterium talmoniaerecovered in Texas, Louisiana, and Massachusetts, including the first case of disease in a patient with underlying cystic fibrosis. The three isolates had a 100% match toM. talmoniaeNE-TNMC-100812Tby complete 16S rRNA,rpoBregion V, andhsp65 gene sequencing.
RNA Sequencing of the
In Vivo
Human Herpesvirus 6B Transcriptome To Identify Targets for Clinical Assays Distinguishing between Latent and Active Infections
Authors: Hill Joshua A. , Ikoma Minako , Zerr Danielle M. , Basom Ryan S. , Peddu Vikas , Huang Meei-Li , Hall Sedlak Ruth , Jerome Keith R. , Boeckh Michael , Barcy Serge
Published: November 2018

Human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) is a DNA virus that infects most children within the first few years of life. After primary infection, HHV-6B persists as a chronic, latent infection in many cell types. Additionally, HHV-6B can integrate into germ line chromosomes, resulting in individuals with viral DNA in every nucleated cell. Given that PCR to detect viral DNA is the mainstay for diagnosing HHV-6B infection, the characteristics of HHV-6B infection complicate efforts to distinguish between latent and active viral infection, particularly in immunocompromised patients who have frequent HHV-6B reactivation. In this study, we used RNA sequencing to characterize the HHV-6B gene expression profile in multiple sample types, and our findings identified evidence-based targets for diagnostic tests that distinguish between latent and active viral infection.
A Measles Virus-Based Vaccine Candidate Mediates Protection against Zika Virus in an Allogeneic Mouse Pregnancy Model
Authors: Nürnberger Cindy , Bodmer Bianca S. , Fiedler Anna H. , Gabriel Gülsah , Mühlebach Michael D.
Published: November 2018

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that causes a variety of neurological complications, including congenital birth defects. Despite the urgent need, no ZIKV vaccine has yet been licensed. Recombinant vaccine strain-derived measles viruses (MV) constitute a promising vector platform to induce immunity against foreign pathogens by expressing antigens from additional transcription units while at the same time possessing a remarkable safety profile. This concept has already been validated against different pathogens, including at least 3 other flaviviruses, and our data show that vaccination with MV expressing soluble ZIKV E protein significantly diminishes infection and prevents fetal loss or damage in an allogeneic mouse pregnancy model. It can thus be regarded as a promising emergency vaccine candidate with the potential for inclusion in routine vaccination settings in areas of endemicity to prevent teratogenic effects of circulating ZIKV during pregnancy, comparable to standard rubella virus vaccination.
Cellular Zinc Finger Protein 622 Hinders Human Adenovirus Lytic Growth and Limits Binding of the Viral pVII Protein to Virus DNA
Authors: Mun Kwangchol , Punga Tanel
Published: November 2018

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) are common human pathogens causing a wide range of acute infections. To counteract viral pathogenicity, cells encode a variety of antiviral proteins and noncoding RNAs to block virus growth. In this study, we show that the cellular zinc finger protein 622 (ZNF622) interacts with an essential HAdV protein known as pVII. This mutual interaction limits pVII binding to viral DNA. Further, ZNF622 has a role in HAdV life cycle since the lack of ZNF622 correlates with increased lysis of the infected cells and accumulation of the infectious virions. Together, our study reveals a novel cellular antiviral protein ZNF622, which may impede lytic HAdV growth.
Seasonality in clinical courses of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Shimizu Daisuke , Hoshina Takayuki , Kawamura Masaru , Tomita Yoshie , Hidaka Yasufumi , Kojiro Masumi , Muneuchi Jun , Kamizono Junji , Yamaguchi Kenichiro , Fujino Yoshihisa , Kusuhara Koichi
Published: November 2018

Objective

Epidemics of Kawasaki disease (KD) are well known; however, the seasonal variation in the clinical course of KD is uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonality in the clinical course of KD.

Methods

This study included 744 patients who were admitted to six hospitals in Kitakyushu City for KD from 2010 to 2014. We divided the patients into two groups according to the average monthly temperature (warm and cold periods) and compared the clinical courses of KD.

Results

The clinical courses of 715 patients who were initially treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) were investigated. The proportion of patients with resistance to the initial IVIG therapy was significantly higher during the warm period than during the cold period (p=0.016). There was no seasonality in the proportion of patients with coronary artery abnormalities.

Conclusion

Seasonality was observed in the response to IVIG therapy of patients with KD.
Severe haemophilia A in a neonate presenting as haemopneumothorax after tracheo-oesophageal fistula-oesophageal atresia repair
Authors: Hung Zita , Bahari Mohammed , Belletrutti Mark J , Joynt Chloe
Published: November 2018

A male infant with oesophageal atresia and distal tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TEF type C) underwent right thoracotomy and transpleural repair of TEF on day 4 of life. He did not have a family history of coagulation disorders. A preoperative finding of prolonged partial thromboplastin time (PTT)>200 s was overlooked, and he went to surgery. There were no concerns with haemostasis prior to and even during the operation. The prolonged PTT was treated with one 10 mL/kg dose of fresh frozen plasma in the immediate postoperative period. On the fourth postoperative day, the infant developed a right haemopneumothorax, requiring fresh frozen plasma and packed cell transfusions. He was subsequently diagnosed with severe haemophilia A due to intron 22 inversion in the factor VIII gene, with factor VIII level <0.01 IU/mL.
Rapid detection of Listeria monocytogenes rhombencephalitis in an immunocompetent patient by multiplexed PCR
Authors: Richards Rocco J , Simon Matthew S , Phillips C Douglas , Lief Lindsay , Jenkins Stephen G , Satlin Michael S
Published: November 2018

A 46-year-old previously healthy man presented with 1 week of headache, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. He was found to have cranial nerve deficits, his cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) demonstrated a lymphocytic pleocytosis and brain MRI suggested rhombencephalitis. Although Gram stains and cultures of his CSF did not identify a pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes DNA was detected by the FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis panel within 2 hours of performing a lumbar puncture. He was treated with ampicillin and gentamicin and had a near-complete recovery. This case highlights the importance of recognising L. monocytogenes infection as a cause of acute cranial nerve impairment with MRI findings suggestive of brainstem encephalitis. It also highlights the frequently atypical CSF profile and low yield of culture in L. monocytogenes rhombencephalitis and the value of multiplex PCR testing of CSF to rapidly identify this pathogen and permit targeted therapy.
Large mediastinal mass in a 15-year-old boy
Authors: Gohar Ali Mariyam , Zubairi Ali Bin Sarwar , Qamar Farah Naz
Published: November 2018

Hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome is a rare multisystem inherited disorder characterised by high serum IgE levels, skin disorder causing eczema, dermatitis, recurrent staphylococcal infections and pulmonary infections and various skeletal and connective tissue abnormalities. Common presentation is with recurrent skin and sinopulmonary infections. Several features unrelated to immune system such as characteristic facial features, hyperextensibility of joints, multiple bone fractures and craniosynostosis have been described in the literature. We describe a rare presentation of this disease with invasive aspergillosis presenting as mediastinal mass with extension to mediastinal structures and pulmonary vasculature.
Renal autotransplantation for the management of renal artery in-stent restenosis in an adult patient with Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Vijayvergiya Rajesh , Sharma Ashish , Kanabar Kewal Pravin , Sihag Bhupendra Kumar
Published: November 2018

Renovascular hypertension is a common clinical presentation in Takayasu arteritis (TA), when the renal arteries are involved. Although most of the patients respond to optimal antihypertensive drug therapy, certain patients with TA require percutaneous or surgical renal artery revascularisation to manage renovascular hypertension. We, hereby, present a 45-year-old woman, who had resistant hypertension secondary to in-stent restenosis (ISR) of renal artery stent in a single functioning kidney. She had successful renal autotransplantation following a failed endovascular attempt to treat ISR. Endovascular and surgical interventions related to renal artery stenosis in TA are discussed in the article.
Case of Donath-Landsteiner haemolytic anaemia in an adult female
Authors: Bhatt Ruchi , Calvo Luis , Raju Gagan , Podrumar Alida
Published: November 2018

Donath-Landsteiner haemolytic anaemia (DLHA), also known as paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria, is a very rare and difficult condition to diagnose as well as treat. Here, we present a case of a 55-year-old Hispanic woman who presented with severe intravascular haemolytic anaemia in the setting of a viral illness 2 weeks prior to presentation. Direct antiglobulin testing revealed mixed results: positive for either complement, IgG or both on various occasions which led to a battery of tests including the Donath-Landsteiner antibody testing which turned out positive establishing the diagnosis of DLHA. She was initially treated unsuccessfully with supportive care in the form of packed red blood cell transfusions and steroids as well as rituximab for about 4 weeks but her condition improved on cyclophosphamide, and she is on the road to recovery after 10 weeks of hospital stay.
Synchronous endometrioid carcinoma of the endometrium and small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix: a rare combination
Authors: Nakra Tripti , Biswas Rituparna , Pandey Rambha , Yadav Rajni
Published: November 2018

Synchronous multiple primaries of female genital tract are uncommon, with the most frequently encountered combination being of endometrium and ovary. Concurrent primary tumours of endometrium and cervix are rare. We report a case of coexistent endometrioid carcinoma of the endometrium and small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix in 48-year-old woman who presented with menometrorrhagia and was detected to have metastases to distant sites on imaging. She underwent multimodality treatment which resulted in a significant reduction in the tumour bulk.
Hydralazine-associated antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody vasculitis with pulmonary–renal syndrome
Authors: Aeddula Narothama Reddy , Pathireddy Samata , Ansari Asif , Juran Peter J
Published: November 2018

Hydralazine, a vasodilator, is commonly used as an adjunctive treatment for moderate to severe hypertension, heart failure and hypertensive emergencies in pregnancy. Hydralazine-induced lupus was first described in 1953. Clinical presentation ranges from arthralgia, myalgia, petechiae, or rash to single or multiorgan involvement. An occurrence of systemic vasculitis is a rare complication. When presented as the pulmonary–renal syndrome, it could have a rapidly progressive course which can be fatal. Here, we describe a case of hydralazine-associated rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and pulmonary haemorrhage. We use this case to review the current literature and discuss and highlight the importance of a high degree of clinical acumen, early diagnosis and prompt treatment for better clinical outcomes.
Quantitative analysis of structure–function relationship between ocular motility and superior oblique muscle hypoplasia in unilateral superior oblique palsy
Authors: Lee Ji Eun , Yang Hee Kyung , Kim Jae Hyoung , Hwang Jeong-Min
Published: November 2018

Aims

To determine the structure–function relationship between the degree of superior oblique (SO) hypoplasia and ocular motility in unilateral SO palsy.

Methods

A total of 166 patients with unilateral SO palsy were divided into three groups based on their aetiology and high-resolution MRI findings by an in-plane resolution of 0.25 mm: (1) congenital SO palsy and unilateral trochlear nerve agenesis (absent group, n=79), (2) congenital SO palsy and symmetric trochlear nerves on both sides (present group, n=40) and (3) acquired SO palsy (acquired group, n=47) who all had symmetric trochlear nerves on both sides. The degree of SO hypoplasia was defined as the ratio of SO area between the paretic and nonparetic sides (SOP/N) at the optic nerve–globe junction on MR images. Multivariate analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between SO hypoplasia and ocular motility parameters.

Results

The degree of SO hypoplasia (SOP/N) showed a weak negative correlation with bilateral head tilt differences in all groups (β=−0.009, p<0.001 in the absent group; β=−0.003, p=0.034 in the present group; β=−0.007, p=0.002 in the acquired group). There was only a weak positive correlation with SOP/N and hypertropia differences between both gazes in the absent group (β=0.009, p<0.001) and the acquired group (β=0.007, p=0.001). In addition, none of the other ocular motility parameters were related to the degree of SO hypoplasia in all groups.

Conclusion

Regardless of the aetiology of unilateral SO palsy, the structure–function relationship of the paretic SO size and ocular motility examination was weak and almost negligible.
Obstructive sleep apnoea and increased risk of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy
Authors: Yang Hee Kyung , Park Sang Jun , Byun Seong Jun , Park Kyu Hyung , Kim Jeong-Whun , Hwang Jeong-Min
Published: November 2018

Background/aims

To determine whether the development of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is increased among patients newly diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in a large general population.

Methods

A 12-year nationwide, population-based, retrospective cohort study including 1 025 340 beneficiaries in the 2002–2013 Korean National Health Insurance Service database was performed. We identified 919 patients newly diagnosed with OSA aged ≥40 years and matched 9190 non-OSA controls using estimated propensity scores in reference to age, sex, demographics, comorbidities and co-medications. We applied Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models to determine the risk of developing NAION in the OSA group compared with the non-OSA group.

Results

The 10-year incidence probability of NAION was higher in the OSA group (0.92%; 95% CI 0.88 to 0.97) than the non-OSA group (0.42%; 95% CI 0.41 to 0.44, p=0.002, log-rank test). The OSA group was at increased risk of developing NAION compared with the non-OSA group (HR 3.80; 95% CI 1.46 to 9.90) after adjusting for demographics, comorbidities and co-medications.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that patients with newly diagnosed OSA have an increased risk of NAION, although the absolute risk of NAION is low.
Exploring the phase for highest impact on radicality: a cross-sectional study of patient involvement in quality improvement in Swedish healthcare
Authors: Gremyr Ida , Elg Mattias , Smith Frida , Gustavsson Susanne
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Involving patients in quality improvement is often suggested as a critical step for improving healthcare processes. However, this comes with challenges related to resources, tokenism, validity and competence. Therefore, to optimise the use of available resources, there is a need to understand at what stage in the improvement cycle patient involvement is most beneficial. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the phase of an improvement cycle in which patient involvement had the highest impact on radicality of improvement.

Design

An exploratory cross-sectional survey was used.

Setting and methods

A questionnaire was completed by 155 Swedish healthcare professionals (response rate 34%) who had trained and had experience in patient involvement in quality improvement. Based on their replies, the impact of patient involvement on radicality in various phases of the improvement cycle was modelled using the partial least squares method.

Results

Patient involvement in quality improvement might help to identify and realise innovative solutions; however, there is variation in the impact of patient involvement on perceived radicality depending on the phase in which patients become involved. The highest impact on radicality was observed in the phases of capture experiences and taking action, while a moderate impact was observed in the evaluate phase. The lowest impact was observed in the identify and prioritise phase.

Conclusions

Involving patients in improvement projects can enhance the quality of care and help to identify radically new ways of delivering care. This study shows that it is possible to suggest at what point in an improvement cycle patient involvement has the highest impact, which will enable more efficient use of the resources available for patient involvement.