bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: First Documented Experience in a Mexican Urban Setting
Authors: Fraga-Sastrías Juan Manuel , Asensio-Lafuente Enrique , Martínez Ricardo , Bárcenas Iris A. , Prieto-Sagredo Julio , Castillo Lilia , Pinet-Peralta Luis Mauricio
Published: August 2016

Objective:

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Mexico, but many survival and prognostic factors are unknown. The aim of this study was to assess out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in a Mexican city.

Methods:

This was a prospective, cohort study that evaluated the records of the major ambulance services in the city of Queretaro, Mexico. Means, standard deviation, and percentages for the categorical variables were obtained. Logistic regression was performed to determine the effects between interventions, times, and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

Results:

For an 11-month period, 148 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases were recorded. The mean age of the victims was 54 ±22.6 years and 90 (65.3%) were males. Forty-nine cases were related to cardiac disease, 46 to other disease, 27 to trauma, 18 to terminal illnesses, and three to drowning. Twelve (8.6%) patients had a pulse upon hospital arrival, but none survived to discharge. No victims were defibrillated prior to ambulance arrival. The collapse-assessment interval was 22.5 ±19:1 minutes, the mean value for the ambulance response times was 13:6 ±10:4 minutes. Basic emergency medical technicians applied chest compressions to 40 victims (27.2%), controlled the airway in 32 (21.8%), and defibrillated seven (4.8%). Chest compressions and airway control showed an OR of 8 and 12 respectively for ROSC.

Conclusions:

The poor survival rate in this study emphasizes the need to improve efforts in provider training and public education. Authorities must promote actions to enhance prehospital emergency services capabilities, shorten response times, and provide community education to increase the chances of survival for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims in Mexico.
Interruption of Medication among Outpatients with Chronic Conditions after a Flood
Authors: Tomio Jun , Sato Hajime , Mizumura Hairoko
Published: August 2016

Introduction:

The disruption of routine treatment, including the interruption of medication, exacerbates chronic conditions during disasters. However, the health consequences of the interruption of medication have not been fully examined. On 22 July 2006, a flash flood affected more than 3,000 households in five cities and four towns in the northern part of Kagoshima Prefecture in southwest Japan. The aims of this study are to describe the prevalence of the interruption of medication among the outpatients in the flood-affected area and to determine the risk and preventive factors for the interruption of medication.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire. The study subjects were the outpatients who visited nine of 15 medical facilities in the flood-affected area from 23 January and 31 January 2007. Of 810 valid respondents, 309 who received medication treatment before the event were eligible for the study. Information on socio-demographic factors, chronic health conditions, preparedness-related factors before the event and damage-related factors were collected. Overall and evacuation status-specific prevalence of interruption of medication were presented. For those evacuated, the associations between interruption of medication and relevant patient characteristics, as well as deterioration of health status after the event, were examined.

Results:

The prevalence of interruption of medication was 9% in total, but it increased up to 23% among the evacuated subjects. Interruption of medication was more likely among those aged ≥75 years (odds ratio [OR] = 3.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0−12.6) and those receiving long-term care services (OR = 4.6; 95% CI = 1.1−19.1), while it was less likely among those with hypertension (OR = 0.2; 95% CI = 0.1−0.8) and those prepared to go out with medication (OR = 0.2; 95% CI = 0.03−0.8). Those who experienced interruption of medication were more likely to have deteriorated health status one month after the event (OR = 4.5; 95% CI = 1.2−17.6).

Conclusions:

Interruption of medication occurred more commonly among the evacuated subjects. Among the evacuated, the elderly and those receiving longterm care services were at high risk for interruption of medication, while the preparedness behavior of “preparing to go out with medication” had preventive effect. Special attention must be paid to the high-risk subgroups, and some preventive behaviors should be recommended.
A Graduate Curriculum in Emergency Public Health
Authors: Rottman Steven J. , Shoaf Kimberley I. , Stratton Samuel J.
Published: August 2016

The increase in adverse health impacts of disasters has raised awareness of the need for education in the field of emergency public health. In the past, most traditional models of graduate education in schools of public health have not incorporated the theory and practice of disaster public health into their curricula. This paper describes the development of a curriculum in emergency public health within a US masters program in public health, and provides a description of the courses that comprise an area of specialization in the field. The interdisciplinary nature of the faculty, close ties with public health practitioners, and practical applications of the nine courses in this program are highlighted. The curriculum is presented as one model that can be used to meet the educational needs of professionals who will assume the responsibility for planning for and responding to the public health impacts of mass-populations disasters.
Comparison of Two Protocols for Pulseless Cardiopulmonary Arrest: Vasopressin Combined with Epinephrine Versus Epinephrine Alone
Authors: Cody Patrick , Lauderdale Sean , Hogan David E. , Frantz Robert R.
Published: August 2016

Introduction:

Survival from pulseless cardiac arrest typically is dismal. Some suggest that adding vasopressin to epinephrine as a cardiovascular stimulant can improve outcomes.

Problem:

This study compares survival outcomes using epinephrine verses vasopressin and epinephrine in persons with pulseless cardiac arrest.

Methods:

This is a retrospective, cohort evaluation of two resuscitative protocols (P1-epinephrine or P2-vasopressin with epinephrine) in a tiered response, community emergency medical service (EMS) with an approximately 100,000 catchment area. Cases are defined as 18 years or older determined to be in pulseless cardiac arrest. Outcomes were survival to emergency department arrival, to 24 hours, and to hospital discharge. Data were entered into Microsoft Office Excel® and processed using Analyze-it® for continuous and categorical data and Epi-Info® for odds ratios with confidence intervals.

Results:

There were 204 cases (60.3% males and 39.7% females) who met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen cases received electrical therapy only, and were dropped from analysis, leaving 191 (93.6%) who were included in the study; P1 to 85 (44.5%) and P2 to 106 (55.5%). Younger age was associated with improved survival to discharge home in both protocols, p = 0.003 (95% CI = 0.004–0.010). No difference in survival was noted at the levels of emergency department arrival OR 1.42 (95% CI = 0.73, 2.76) p = 0.26; 24 hour survival OR 0.54 (95% CI = 0.22–1.30) p = 0.133, or discharge home OR = 1.81 (95% CI = 0.49–6.88) p = 0.319.

Conclusions:

This study in a community EMS did not demonstrate improved survival with the addition of vasopressin to epinephrine for pulseless cardiac arrest.
Surgery under Extreme Conditions in the Aftermath of the 2010 Haiti Earthquake: The Importance of Regional Anesthesia
Authors: Missair Andres , Gebhard Ralf , Pierre Edgar , Cooper Lebron , Lubarsky David , Frohock Jeffery , Pretto Ernesto A.
Published: August 2016

The 12 January 2010 earthquake that struck Port-au-Prince, Haiti caused >200,000 deaths, thousands of injuries requiring immediate surgical interventions, and 1.5 million internally displaced survivors. The earthquake destroyed or disabled most medical facilities in the city, seriously hampering the ability to deliver immediate life- and limb-saving surgical care. A Project Medishare/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine trauma team deployed to Haiti from Miami within 24 hours of the earthquake. The team began work at a pre-existing tent facility in the United Nations (UN) compound based at the airport, where they encountered 225 critically injured patients. However, non-sterile conditions, no means to administer oxygen, the lack of surgical equipment and supplies, and no anesthetics precluded the immediate delivery of general anesthesia. Despite these limitations, resuscitative care was administered, and during the first 72 hours following the event, some amputations were performed with local anesthesia. Because of these austere conditions, an anesthesiologist, experienced and equipped to administer regional block anesthesia, was dispatched three days later to perform anesthesia for limb amputations, debridements, and wound care using single shot block anesthesia until a better equipped tent facility was established. After four weeks, the relief effort evolved into a 250-bed, multi-specialty trauma/intensive care center staffed with >200 medical, nursing, and administrative staff. Within that timeframe, the facility and its staff completed 1,000 surgeries, including spine and pediatric neurological procedures, without major complications. This experience suggests that when local emergency medical resources are completely destroyed or seriously disabled, a surgical team staffed and equipped to provide regional nerve block anesthesia and acute pain management can be dispatched rapidly to serve as a bridge to more advanced field surgical and intensive care, which takes longer to deploy and set up.
Development of a Mass-Gathering Medical Resource Matrix for a Developing World Scenario
Authors: Smith Wayne P. , Wessels Vernon , Naicker Diane , Leuenberger Elizabeth , Fuhri Peter , Wallis Lee A.
Published: August 2016

Mass gatherings have a higher patient presentation rate than is found within the general population. Despite this fact, many mass gatherings are occurring without suitable medical coverage. South Africa has had no standard approach or model to determine the number of medical personnel needed to deploy to an event. The awarding of the FIFA (Federation International de Football Association) 2010 World Cup to South Africa has provided the impetus for the development of such a model. The model presented in this paper is based on existing recommendations that originate from the United Kingdom.

This paper outlines the modifications that have been made to this model to ensure that adequate medical resources still are provided, albeit in a developing country where medical resources may not be as plentiful.
Comparison of Techniques for Securing the Endotracheal Tube while Wearing Chemical, Biological, Radiological, or Nuclear Protection: A Manikin Study
Authors: Castle Nick , Owen Robert , Clark Simon , Hann Mark , Reeces David , Gurney Ian
Published: August 2016

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear personal protective equipment (CBRN-PPE) on the ability to secure an endotracheal tube (ETT) with either the Thomas Tube Holder™ or cotton tape tied in a knot.

Methods:

Seventy-five clinicians secured an ETT in a previously intubated manikin with the Thomas Tube Holder™ and cotton tape. A mixed quantitative and qualitative research design was used to gauge actual performance times and perceptions of difficulties. Following completion of the study, 25 clinicians were interviewed to gauge their experiences of securing the ETT with both devices while wearing CBRN-PPE.

Results:

The mean time to apply the Thomas Tube Holder was 29.02 seconds, compared with tape which took a mean of 58 seconds (p= 0.001). Clinicians rated the Thomas Tube Holder as easier to use than tape (Mann-Whitneyz= 9.934;p<0.001), which was confirmed during interviews. Of the clinicians interviewed, 92% perceived that the Thomas Tube Holder provided the better method for securing an ETT, none of the clinicians identified the tape as the best method for securing the endotracheal tube while wearing CBRN-PPE. Clinicians identified that the design of the Thomas Tube Holder facilitated the gross motor movement required for application.

Conclusions:

The Thomas Tube Holder is easier and faster to apply when wearing CBRN-PPE when compared with cotton, and the Thomas Tube Holder is perceived by the participants as being more effective at preventing accidential extubation
Military Involvement in Disaster Preparedness, Organisation, and Disaster Relief — Civilian Military Co-Operation (CIMIC)
Authors: Fjær Rannveig Bremer , Sundnes Knut Ole
Published: August 2016

In frequent humanitarian emergencies during the last decades, military forces increasingly have been engaged through provision of equipment and humanitarian assistance, and through peace-support operations. The objective of this study was to evaluate how military resources could be used in disaster preparedness as well as in disaster management and relief.
Central System of Psychosocial Support to the Czech Victims Affected by the Tsunami in Southeast Asia
Authors: Vymetal Stepan
Published: August 2016

The Tsunami disaster affected several countries in Southeast Asia in December 2004 and killed or affected many tourists, most of them from Europe. Eight Czech citizens died, and about 500 Czechs were seriously mentally traumatized. The psychosocial needs of tourists included: (1) protection; (2) treatment; (3) safety; (4) relief; (5) psychological first aid; (6) connecting with family members; (7) transportation home; (8) information about possible mental reactions to trauma; (9) information about the normality of their reaction; (10) procedural and environmental orientation; (11) reinforcement of personal competencies; and (12) psycho-trauma therapy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic was in charge of general emergency management. General coordination of psychosocial support was coordinated under the Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic, which is connected to the Central Crisis Staff of the Czech Government. The major cooperative partners were: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Health, Czech Airlines, psychosocial intervention teams of the Czech Republic, and the Czech Association of Clinical Psychologists.

The main goals of relief workers were: (1) to bring back home the maximum number of Czech citizens; (2) to provide relevant information to the maximum number of affected Czech citizens; (3) to provide relevant information to rescue workers and professionals; and (4) to prepare working psychosocial support regional network.

Major activities of the Ministry of Interior (psychology section) included: (1) establishing a psychological helpline; (2) running a team of psychological assistance (assistance in the Czech airports, psychological monitoring of tourists, crisis intervention, psychological first aid, assistance in the collection of DNA material from relatives); (3) drafting and distributing specific information materials (brochures, leaflets, address lists, printed and electronic instructions); (4) communicating via the media and advertising; and (5) providing analysis and research studies.

Central coordination of psychosocial support has been found as successful in the first phase after the disaster. The plans must be built for preferable cooperation in the psychosocial field in the Czech Republic. Better collaborates with journalists must exist in order to reduce secondary psycho-trauma.There is a need for intensive international cooperation in the psychosocial field and to build the network at the global level.
Health Aspects of Disaster Preparedness and Response Panel Session 2: Seismic Risks including Tsunamis
Authors:   Southeast Asia Regional Office/World Health Organization
Published: August 2016

This Panel Session consisted of five country reports (India, Indonesia, Maldives, Thailand, andNepal) and the common issues identified during the Panel discussions relative to seismic events in the Southeast Asia Region. Important issues identified included the needs for: (1) a legal framework upon which to base preparedness and response; (2) coordination between the many organizations involved; (3) early warning systems within and between countries; (4) command and control; (5) access to resources including logistics; (6) strengthening the health infrastructure; (7) professionalizing the field of disaster medicine and management; (8) management of communications and information; (9) management of dead bodies; and (10) mental health of the survivors and health workers.
TAP CBRN Preparedness: Knowledge, Training and Networks
Authors: van der Woude Irene , de Cock Johan S. , Bierens Joost J.L.M. , Christiaanse Jan C.
Published: August 2016

The main goal of this targeted agenda program (TAP) was the establishment of an international network that would be able to advise on how to improve education and training for chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN)) responders. By combining the members of the TAP group, the CBRN Task Force of the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine (WADEM) and the European network of the Hesculaep Group, an enthusiastic and determined group has been established to achieve the defined goal. It was acknowledged that the bottlenecks for education and training for CBRN responders are mainly awareness and preparedness. For this reason, even basic education and training on CBRN is lacking. It was advised that the focus for the future should be on the development of internationally standardized protocols and standards. The face-to-face discussions of the TAP will be continued at future Hesculaep expert meetings. The intention is that during the 16WCDEM, the achievements of the established network will be presented.
The Professionalization of Humanitarian Health Assistance: Report of a Survey on What Humanitarian Health Workers Tell Us
Authors: Kene Mamata , Pack Mary E. , Greenough P. Gregg , Burkle Frederick M.
Published: August 2016

Introduction:

While the number of humanitarian health workers has grown considerably along with the emphasis on evidence-based humanitarian practice over the last 15 years, no organization exists to ensure ongoing professionalization of this area of expertise.

Hypothesis/Problem:

To determine whether and to what degree the community of humanitarian health workers self-identify as a professional group; whether a need for a professional society exists to support such a group; and if so, what fundamental elements and activities should it encompass and provide.

Methods:

A humanitarian, listserv-based survey was undertaken to evaluate humanitarian professional self-identification, needs for and interest in professional support functions, and priorities toward developing a professional organization to provide needed services.

Results:

The resulting respondent population represented a broad distribution of age and experience with education and experience being equally important factors in defining humanitarian health professionals. Respondents viewed themselves as humanitarian professionals nearly to the extent they viewed themselves as health-specific technical experts who happen to work in humanitarian assistance; they expressed a strong desire to establish a professional society reflecting that self-identification; and that body should focus on activities of education and training, networking and dialogue, and developing and refining core competencies to support best practices.

Conclusions:

Humanitarian health workers self-identify as professionals in humanitarian assistance and as technical experts. A professional organization with specific support functions would be of interest to many humanitarian health professionals.
Burden of Surgical Disease: Strategies to Manage an Existing Public Health Emergency
Authors: McQueen K.A. Kelly , Parmar Parveen , Kene Mamata , Broaddus Sam , Casey Kathleen , Chu Kathryn , Hyder Joseph A. , Mihailovic Alexandra , Semer Nadine , Sullivan Stephen , Weiser Thomas , Burkle Frederick M.
Published: August 2016

The World Health Organization estimates that the burden of surgical disease due to war, self-inflicted injuries, and road traffic incidents will rise dramatically by 2020. During the 2009 Harvard Humanitarian Initiative's Humanitarian Action Summit (HHI/HAS), members of the Burden of Surgical Disease Working Group met to review the state of surgical epidemiology, the unmet global surgical need, and the role international organizations play in filling the surgical gap during humanitarian crises, conflict, and war. An outline of the group's findings and recommendations is provided.
miR-23a/b regulates the balance between osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Guo Qi , Chen Yusi , Guo Lijuan , Jiang Tiejian , Lin Zhangyuan
Published: August 2016

Age-related osteoporosis is associated with the reduced capacity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to differentiate into osteoblasts instead of adipocytes. However, the molecular mechanisms that decide the fate of BMSCs remain unclear. In our study, microRNA-23a, and microRNA-23b (miR-23a/b) were found to be markedly downregulated in BMSCs of aged mice and humans. The overexpression of miR-23a/b in BMSCs promoted osteogenic differentiation, whereas the inhibition of miR-23a/b increased adipogenic differentiation. Transmembrane protein 64 (Tmem64), which has expression levels inversely related to those of miR-23a/b in aged and young mice, was identified as a major target of miR-23a/b during BMSC differentiation. In conclusion, our study suggests that miR-23a/b has a critical role in the regulation of mesenchymal lineage differentiation through the suppression of Tmem64.
Stability and complexity in model meta-ecosystems
Authors: Gravel Dominique , Massol François , Leibold Mathew A.
Published: August 2016

The diversity of life and its organization in networks of interacting species has been a long-standing theoretical puzzle for ecologists. Ever since May’s provocative paper challenging whether ‘large complex systems [are] stable’ various hypotheses have been proposed to explain when stability should be the rule, not the exception. Spatial dynamics may be stabilizing and thus explain high community diversity, yet existing theory on spatial stabilization is limited, preventing comparisons of the role of dispersal relative to species interactions. Here we incorporate dispersal of organisms and material into stability–complexity theory. We find that stability criteria from classic theory are relaxed in direct proportion to the number of ecologically distinct patches in the meta-ecosystem. Further, we find the stabilizing effect of dispersal is maximal at intermediate intensity. Our results highlight how biodiversity can be vulnerable to factors, such as landscape fragmentation and habitat loss, that isolate local communities.
Anisotropic etching of platinum electrodes at the onset of cathodic corrosion
Authors: Hersbach Thomas J. P. , Yanson Alexei I. , Koper Marc T. M.
Published: August 2016

Cathodic corrosion is a process that etches metal electrodes under cathodic polarization. This process is presumed to occur through anionic metallic reaction intermediates, but the exact nature of these intermediates and the onset potential of their formation is unknown. Here we determine the onset potential of cathodic corrosion on platinum electrodes. Electrodes are characterized electrochemically before and after cathodic polarization in 10 M sodium hydroxide, revealing that changes in the electrode surface start at an electrode potential of −1.3 V versus the normal hydrogen electrode. The value of this onset potential rules out previous hypotheses regarding the nature of cathodic corrosion. Scanning electron microscopy shows the formation of well-defined etch pits with a specific orientation, which match the voltammetric data and indicate a remarkable anisotropy in the cathodic etching process, favouring the creation of (100) sites. Such anisotropy is hypothesized to be due to surface charge-induced adsorption of electrolyte cations.
A predictive nondestructive model for the covariation of tree height, diameter and stem volume scaling relationships
Authors: Zhang Zhongrui , Zhong Quanlin , Niklas Karl J. , Cai Liang , Yang Yusheng , Cheng Dongliang
Published: August 2016

Metabolic scaling theory (MST) posits that the scaling exponents among plant height H, diameter D, and biomass M will covary across phyletically diverse species. However, the relationships between scaling exponents and normalization constants remain unclear. Therefore, we developed a predictive model for the covariation of H, D and stem volume V scaling relationships and used data from Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) in Jiangxi province, China to test it. As predicted by the model and supported by the data, normalization constants are positively correlated with their associated scaling exponents for D vs. V and H vs. V, whereas normalization constants are negatively correlated with the scaling exponents of H vs. D. The prediction model also yielded reliable estimations of V (mean absolute percentage error = 10.5 ± 0.32 SE across 12 model calibrated sites). These results (1) support a totally new covariation scaling model, (2) indicate that differences in stem volume scaling relationships at the intra-specific level are driven by anatomical or ecophysiological responses to site quality and/or management practices and (3) provide an accurate non-destructive method for predicting Chinese fir stem volume.
Benchmarking of the Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencing for quantitative and qualitative assessment of cDNA populations
Authors: Oikonomopoulos Spyros , Wang Yu Chang , Djambazian Haig , Badescu Dunarel , Ragoussis Jiannis
Published: August 2016

To assess the performance of the Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION sequencing platform, cDNAs from the External RNA Controls Consortium (ERCC) RNA Spike-In mix were sequenced. This mix mimics mammalian mRNA species and consists of 92 polyadenylated transcripts with known concentration. cDNA libraries were generated using a template switching protocol to facilitate the direct comparison between different sequencing platforms. The MinION performance was assessed for its ability to sequence the cDNAs directly with good accuracy in terms of abundance and full length. The abundance of the ERCC cDNA molecules sequenced by MinION agreed with their expected concentration. No length or GC content bias was observed. The majority of cDNAs were sequenced as full length. Additionally, a complex cDNA population derived from a human HEK-293 cell line was sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq 2500, PacBio RS II and ONT MinION platforms. We observed that there was a good agreement in the measured cDNA abundance between PacBio RS II and ONT MinION (rpearson = 0.82, isoforms with length more than 700bp) and between Illumina HiSeq 2500 and ONT MinION (rpearson = 0.75). This indicates that the ONT MinION can sequence quantitatively both long and short full length cDNA molecules.
Erratum: On the use of composite analyses to form physical hypotheses: An example from heat wave – SST associations
Authors: Boschat Ghyslaine , Simmonds Ian , Purich Ariaan , Cowan Tim , Pezza Alexandre Bernardes
Published: August 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 29599; published online: 14 July 2016; updated: 24 August 2016 This Article contains an error in the legend of Table 1. “Results are computed for the entire 3150 days in DJF (black values) and for the 25 HW days selected in DJF (bold italic) during 1979–2014,” should read:
A Generalized Lossy Transmission-Line Model for Tunable Graphene-Based Transmission Lines with Attenuation Phenomenon
Authors: Wu Yongle , Qu Meijun , Liu Yuanan
Published: August 2016

To investigate the frequency shift phenomenon by inserting graphene, a generalized lossy transmission-line model and the related electrical parameter-extraction theory are proposed in this paper. Three kinds of graphene-based transmission lines with attenuation phenomenon including microstrip line, double-side parallel strip line and uniplanar coplanar waveguide are analyzed under the common conditions where different chemical potentials are loaded on graphene. The values of attenuation constant and phase constant and the real and imaginary parts of the characteristic impedance of transmission lines are extracted to analyze in details. When the attenuation constant and the reactance part of the characteristic impedance are approximately equal to zero, this kind of transmission line has low or zero insertion loss. On the contrary, the transmission line is under the radiation mode with obvious insertion loss. The phase constant changes linearly under the transmission mode and can be varied with changing of chemical potentials which attributes to the property of frequency tunability. Furthermore, a bandwidth reconfigurable uniplanar coplanar waveguide power divider is simulated to demonstrate that this theory can be applied to the design of three-port devices. In summary, this work provides a strong potential approach and design theory to help design other kinds of terahertz and mid-infrared reconfigurable devices.
Electric field control of magnon-induced magnetization dynamics in multiferroics
Authors: Risinggård Vetle , Kulagina Iryna , Linder Jacob
Published: August 2016

We consider theoretically the effect of an inhomogeneous magnetoelectric coupling on the magnon-induced dynamics of a ferromagnet. The magnon-mediated magnetoelectric torque affects both the homogeneous magnetization and magnon-driven domain wall motion. In the domains, we predict a reorientation of the magnetization, controllable by the applied electric field, which is almost an order of magnitude larger than that observed in other physical systems via the same mechanism. The applied electric field can also be used to tune the domain wall speed and direction of motion in a linear fashion, producing domain wall velocities several times the zero field velocity. These results show that multiferroic systems offer a promising arena to achieve low-dissipation magnetization rotation and domain wall motion by exciting spin-waves.
Quantitative profiling of spreading-coupled protein tyrosine phosphorylation in migratory cells
Authors: Xie Yajun , Wang Jinlong , Zhang Yuanya , Liu Xiaofei , Wang Xiaorong , Liu Kehui , Huang Xiahe , Wang Yingchun
Published: August 2016

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is an important mechanism that regulates cytoskeleton reorganization and cell spreading of migratory cells. A number of cytoskeletal proteins are known to be tyrosine phosphorylated (pY) in different cellular processes. However, the profile of pY proteins during different stages of cell spreading has not been available. Using immunoafffinity enrichment of pY proteins coupled with label free quantitative proteomics, we quantitatively identified 447 pY proteins in the migratory ECV-304 cells at the early spreading (adhesion) and the active spreading stages. We found that pY levels of the majority of the quantified proteins were significantly increased in the active spreading stage compared with the early spreading stage, suggesting that active cell spreading is concomitant with extra tyrosine phosphorylation. The major categories of proteins impacted by tyrosine phosphorylation are involved in cytoskeleton and focal adhesion regulation, protein translation and degradation. Our findings, for the first time, dissect the cell spreading-specific pY signals from the adhesion induced pY signals and provide a valuable resource for the future mechanistic research regarding the regulation of cell spreading.
Low-dose ticagrelor yields an antiplatelet efficacy similar to that of standard-dose ticagrelor in healthy subjects: an open-label randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Pan , Gu Ying , Yang Yawei , Chen Lizhi , Liu Junmei , Gao Lihong , Qin Yongwen , Cai Quancai , Zhao Xianxian , Wang Zhuo , Ma Liping
Published: August 2016

Ticagrelor has a greater antiplatelet efficacy than clopidogrel but may be accompanied by an increased risk of bleeding. This study evaluated the antiplatelet effect and pharmacokinetic profile of low-dose ticagrelor in healthy Chinese volunteers. Thirty healthy subjects were randomized to receive standard-dose ticagrelor (180-mg loading dose, 90-mg twice daily [bid] [n = 10]), low-dose ticagrelor (90-mg loading dose, 45-mg bid [n = 10]), or clopidogrel (600-mg loading dose, 75-mg once daily [n = 10]). Platelet reactivity was assessed by using the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay at baseline and 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 24, 48 and 72 hours post-dosing. The ticagrelor and AR-C124910XX concentrations were measured for pharmacokinetic analysis. The percentage inhibition of P2Y12 reaction units was higher in the low-dose and standard-dose ticagrelor group than in the clopidogrel group at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 48 hours post-dosing (P < 0.05 for all), but did not differ significantly between the two ticagrelor doses at any time-point (P > 0.05). The plasma ticagrelor and ARC124910XX concentrations were approximately 2-fold higher with standard-dose versus low-dose ticagrelor. No serious adverse events were reported. In conclusion, low-dose ticagrelor achieved faster and higher inhibition of platelet functions in healthy Chinese subjects than did clopidogrel, with an antiplatelet efficacy similar to that of standard-dose ticagrelor.
A new method for assessing plant lodging and the impact of management options on lodging in canola crop production
Authors: Wu Wei , Ma Bao–Luo
Published: August 2016

Lodging, defined as the permanent displacement of aboveground parts, is a common problem to cause yield loss, deterioration in seed quality and difficult to harvest in canola (Brassica napus L.) crop production. This study aimed to develop a method for assessing crop lodging, to examine how agronomic practices affected the relationships between root lodging and electrical capacitance traits. Canola plants were more susceptible to root lodging than stem lodging. The electrical measurements were more closely related with anchorage strength (Sp) than stem bending strength (Ss). Among the three electrical measurements, the root capacitance (C) displayed the most consistent and significant relationships with Sp in all three field experiments (R2 = 0.88–0.56; P ≤ 0.01). This study indicates that the risk of lodging can be reduced by using appropriate management practices and variety selection. Enhancing root Sp was advocated as a priority over enhancing stem Ss in cultivar improvement. Electrical measurements, especially of root C, can be considered as a non–invasive technique that could partially replace the intrusive methods used for the in situ assessment of lodging resistance among various agronomic practices or can be applied in breeding programs for selecting genotypes with high yield potentials and strong Sp values.
Individual aggregates of amyloid beta induce temporary calcium influx through the cell membrane of neuronal cells
Authors: Drews Anna , Flint Jennie , Shivji Nadia , Jönsson Peter , Wirthensohn David , De Genst Erwin , Vincke Cécile , Muyldermans Serge , Dobson Chris , Klenerman David
Published: August 2016

Local delivery of amyloid beta oligomers from the tip of a nanopipette, controlled over the cell surface, has been used to deliver physiological picomolar oligomer concentrations to primary astrocytes or neurons. Calcium influx was observed when as few as 2000 oligomers were delivered to the cell surface. When the dosing of oligomers was stopped the intracellular calcium returned to basal levels or below. Calcium influx was prevented by the presence in the pipette of the extracellular chaperone clusterin, which is known to selectively bind oligomers, and by the presence a specific nanobody to amyloid beta. These data are consistent with individual oligomers larger than trimers inducing calcium entry as they cross the cell membrane, a result supported by imaging experiments in bilayers, and suggest that the initial molecular event that leads to neuronal damage does not involve any cellular receptors, in contrast to work performed at much higher oligomer concentrations.
Normalization of human RNA-seq experiments using chimpanzee RNA as a spike-in standard
Authors: Yu Hannah , Hahn Yoonsoo , Park Sang-Ryoul , Chung Sun-Ku , Jeong Sangkyun , Yang Inchul
Published: August 2016

Normalization of human RNA-seq experiments employing chimpanzee RNA as a spike-in standard is reported. Human and chimpanzee RNAs exhibit single nucleotide variations (SNVs) in average 210-bp intervals. Spike-in chimpanzee RNA would behave the same as the human counterparts during the whole NGS procedures owing to the high sequence similarity. After discrimination of species origins of the NGS reads based on SNVs, the chimpanzee reads were used to read-by-read normalize biases and variations of human reads. By this approach, as many as 10,119 transcripts were simultaneously normalized for the entire NGS procedures leading to accurate and reproducible quantification of differential gene expression. In addition, incomparable data sets from different in-process degradations or from different library preparation methods were made well comparable by the normalization. Based on these results, we expect that the normalization approaches using near neighbor genomes as internal standards could be employed as a standard protocol, which will improve both accuracy and comparability of NGS results across different sample batches, laboratories and NGS platforms.
Nitrogen fixation and nifH diversity in human gut microbiota
Authors: Igai Katsura , Itakura Manabu , Nishijima Suguru , Tsurumaru Hirohito , Suda Wataru , Tsutaya Takumi , Tomitsuka Eriko , Tadokoro Kiyoshi , Baba Jun , Odani Shingo , Natsuhara Kazumi , Morita Ayako , Yoneda Minoru , Greenhill Andrew R. , Horwood Paul F. , Inoue Jun-ichi , Ohkuma Moriya , Hongoh Yuichi , Yamamoto Taro , Siba Peter M. , Hattori Masahira , Minamisawa Kiwamu , Umezaki Masahiro
Published: August 2016

It has been hypothesized that nitrogen fixation occurs in the human gut. However, whether the gut microbiota truly has this potential remains unclear. We investigated the nitrogen-fixing activity and diversity of the nitrogenase reductase (NifH) genes in the faecal microbiota of humans, focusing on Papua New Guinean and Japanese individuals with low to high habitual nitrogen intake. A 15N2 incorporation assay showed significant enrichment of 15N in all faecal samples, irrespective of the host nitrogen intake, which was also supported by an acetylene reduction assay. The fixed nitrogen corresponded to 0.01% of the standard nitrogen requirement for humans, although our data implied that the contribution in the gut in vivo might be higher than this value. The nifH genes recovered in cloning and metagenomic analyses were classified in two clusters: one comprising sequences almost identical to Klebsiella sequences and the other related to sequences of Clostridiales members. These results are consistent with an analysis of databases of faecal metagenomes from other human populations. Collectively, the human gut microbiota has a potential for nitrogen fixation, which may be attributable to Klebsiella and Clostridiales strains, although no evidence was found that the nitrogen-fixing activity substantially contributes to the host nitrogen balance.
H3.3 demarcates GC-rich coding and subtelomeric regions and serves as potential memory mark for virulence gene expression in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Fraschka Sabine Anne-Kristin , Henderson Rob Wilhelmus Maria , Bártfai Richárd
Published: August 2016

Histones, by packaging and organizing the DNA into chromatin, serve as essential building blocks for eukaryotic life. The basic structure of the chromatin is established by four canonical histones (H2A, H2B, H3 and H4), while histone variants are more commonly utilized to alter the properties of specific chromatin domains. H3.3, a variant of histone H3, was found to have diverse localization patterns and functions across species but has been rather poorly studied in protists. Here we present the first genome-wide analysis of H3.3 in the malaria-causing, apicomplexan parasite, P. falciparum, which revealed a complex occupancy profile consisting of conserved and parasite-specific features. In contrast to other histone variants, PfH3.3 primarily demarcates euchromatic coding and subtelomeric repetitive sequences. Stable occupancy of PfH3.3 in these regions is largely uncoupled from the transcriptional activity and appears to be primarily dependent on the GC-content of the underlying DNA. Importantly, PfH3.3 specifically marks the promoter region of an active and poised, but not inactive antigenic variation (var) gene, thereby potentially contributing to immune evasion. Collectively, our data suggest that PfH3.3, together with other histone variants, indexes the P. falciparum genome to functionally distinct domains and contribute to a key survival strategy of this deadly pathogen.
Strains of the Propionibacterium acnes type III lineage are associated with the skin condition progressive macular hypomelanosis
Authors: Barnard Emma , Liu Jared , Yankova Eliza , Cavalcanti Silvana M. , Magalhães Marcelo , Li Huiying , Patrick Sheila , McDowell Andrew
Published: August 2016

Progressive macular hypomelanosis (PMH) is a common skin disorder that causes hypopigmentation in a variety of skin types. Although the underlying aetiology of this condition is unclear, there is circumstantial evidence that links the skin bacterium Propionibacterium acnes to the condition. We now describe the first detailed population genetic analysis of P. acnes isolates recovered from paired lesional and non-lesional skin of PMH patients. Our results demonstrate a strong statistical association between strains from the type III phylogenetic lineage and PMH lesions (P = 0.0019), but not those representing other phylogroups, including those associated with acne (type IA1). We also demonstrate, based on in silico 16S rDNA analysis, that PMH isolates previously recovered from patients in Europe are also consistent with the type III lineage. Using comparative genome analysis, we identified multiple genomic regions that are specific for, or absent from, type III strains compared to other phylogroups. In the former case, these include open reading frames with putative functions in metabolism, transport and transcriptional regulation, as well as predicted proteins of unknown function. Further study of these genomic elements, along with transcriptional and functional analyses, may help to explain why type III strains are associated with PMH.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reversed Morphine Tolerance and Opioid-induced Hyperalgesia
Authors: Hua Zhen , Liu LiPing , Shen Jun , Cheng Kathleen , Liu Aijun , Yang Jing , Wang Lina , Qu Tingyu , Yang HongNa , Li Yan , Wu Haiyan , Narouze John , Yin Yan , Cheng Jianguo
Published: August 2016

More than 240 million opioid prescriptions are dispensed annually to treat pain in the US. The use of opioids is commonly associated with opioid tolerance (OT) and opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH), which limit efficacy and compromise safety. The dearth of effective way to prevent or treat OT and OIH is a major medical challenge. We hypothesized that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) attenuate OT and OIH in rats and mice based on the understanding that MSCs possess remarkable anti-inflammatory properties and that both OT and chronic pain are associated with neuroinflammation in the spinal cord. We found that the development of OT and OIH was effectively prevented by either intravenous or intrathecal MSC transplantation (MSC-TP), which was performed before morphine treatment. Remarkably, established OT and OIH were significantly reversed by either intravenous or intrathecal MSCs when cells were transplanted after repeated morphine injections. The animals did not show any abnormality in vital organs or functions. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the treatments significantly reduced activation level of microglia and astrocytes in the spinal cord. We have thus demonstrated that MSC-TP promises to be a potentially safe and effective way to prevent and reverse two of the major problems of opioid therapy.
Fine mapping QTL for resistance to VNN disease using a high-density linkage map in Asian seabass
Authors: Liu Peng , Wang Le , Wong Sek-Man , Yue Gen Hua
Published: August 2016

Asian seabass has suffered from viral nervous necrosis (VNN) disease. Our previous study has mapped quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to VNN disease. To fine map these QTL and identify causative genes, we identified 6425 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 85 dead and 94 surviving individuals. Combined with 155 microsatellites, we constructed a genetic map consisting of 24 linkage groups (LGs) containing 3000 markers, with an average interval of 1.27 cM. We mapped one significant and three suggestive QTL with phenotypic variation explained (PVE) of 8.3 to 11.0%, two significant and two suggestive QTL with PVE of 7.8 to 10.9%, for resistance in three LGs and survival time in four LGs, respectively. Further analysis one QTL with the largest effect identified protocadherin alpha-C 2-like (Pcdhac2) as the possible candidate gene. Association study in 43 families with 1127 individuals revealed a 6 bp insertion-deletion was significantly associated with disease resistance. qRT-PCR showed the expression ofPcdhac2was significantly induced in the brain, muscle and skin after nervous necrosis virus (NNV) infection. Our results could facilitate marker-assisted selection (MAS) for resistance to NNV in Asian seabass and set up the basis for functional analysis of the potential causative gene for resistance.
TGEV infection up-regulates FcRn expression via activation of NF-κB signaling
Authors: Guo Jinyue , Li Fei , Qian Shaoju , Bi Dingren , He Qigai , Jin Hui , Luo Rui , Li Shaowen , Meng Xianrong , Li Zili
Published: August 2016

It has been well characterized that the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) transports maternal IgG to a fetus or newborn and protects IgG from degradation. We previously reported that FcRn is expressed in a model of normal porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). Transmissible gastroenteritis is an acute enteric disease of swine that is caused by transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV). How porcine FcRn (pFcRn) expression is regulated by pathogenic infection remains unknown. Our research shows that IPEC-J2 cells infected with TGEV had up-regulated pFcRn expression. In addition, the NF-κB signaling pathway was activated in IPEC-J2 cells by TGEV infection. Furthermore, treatment of TGEV-infected IPEC-J2 cells with the NF-κB-specific inhibitor BAY 11-7082 resulted in down-regulation of pFcRn expression. Transient transfection of pFcRn promoter luciferase report plasmids with overexpression of NF-κB p65 transcription factor enhanced the activation of the luciferase report plasmids. We identified four NF-κB transcription factor binding sites in the promoter region of this gene using luciferase reporter system, chromatin immunoprecipitation, electromobility shift assay, and supershift analysis. Together, the data provide the first evidence that TGEV infection up-regulates pFcRn expression via activation of NF-κB signaling.