bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Happiness Research: A Review of Critiques
Authors: Frawley Ashley
Published: January 2015

In the short decades since the introduction of positive psychology instigated broader interdisciplinary research, interest in happiness has been growing in academia, the media and public policy. Numerous critiques of these developments have been forwarded from a variety of theoretical and disciplinary traditions. This article discusses three such criticisms: the culture‐bound and normative character of happiness, ‘bad science’ and scientism, and diminished subjectivity and individualisation. It is argued that criticism, particularly internal criticism, evidences the maturity of the field. However, the depth of some critiques may also indicate that interest in happiness is bound with broader cultural preoccupations and is likely to be superseded.
Effects of donor/recipient human leukocyte antigen mismatch on human cytomegalovirus replication following liver transplantation
Authors: Aldridge R.W. , Mattes F.M. , Rolando N. , Rolles K. , Smith C. , Shirling G. , Atkinson C. , Burroughs A.K. , Milne R.S.B. , Emery V.C. , Griffiths P.D.
Published: January 2015

Background

Natural immunity against cytomegalovirus (CMV) can control virus replication after solid organ transplantation; however, it is not known which components of the adaptive immune system mediate this protection. We investigated whether this protection requires human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching between donor and recipient by exploiting the fact that, unlike transplantation of other solid organs, liver transplantation does not require HLA matching, but some donor and recipient pairs may nevertheless be matched by chance.

Methods

To further investigate this immune control, we determined whether chance HLA matching between donor (D) and recipient (R) in liver transplants affected a range of viral replication parameters.

Results

In total, 274 liver transplant recipients were stratified according to matches at the HLA A, HLA B, and HLA DR loci. The incidence of CMV viremia, kinetics of replication, and peak viral load were similar between the HLA matched and mismatched patients in the D+/R+ and D−/R+ transplant groups. D+/R− transplants with 1 or 2 mismatches at the HLA DR locus had a higher incidence of CMV viremia >3000 genomes/mL blood compared to patients matched at this locus (78% vs. 17%; P = 0.01). Evidence was seen that matching at the HLA A locus had a small effect on peak viral loads in D+/R− patients, with median peak loads of 3540 and 14,706 genomes/mL in the 0 and combined (1 and 2) mismatch groups, respectively (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Overall, our data indicate that, in the setting of liver transplantation, prevention of CMV infection and control of CMV replication by adaptive immunity is minimally influenced by HLA matching of the donor and recipient. Our data raise questions about immune control of CMV in the liver and also about the cells in which the virus is amplified to give rise to CMV viremia.
In vivo Toll‐like receptor 5 (TLR5) imaging with radiolabeled anti‐TLR5 monoclonal antibody in rapamycin‐treated mouse allogeneic skin transplantation model
Authors: Sun H. , Zhan Y. , Liang T. , Zhang C. , Song J. , Han J. , Hou G.
Published: January 2015

Background

In organ transplantation, increasing evidence, both in experimental and human studies, indicates that Toll‐like receptor (TLR) activation is involved in the innate immune recognition of allograft. TLR5, the only protein recognition receptor of TLRs, is indicated potentially to be the immune regulation target. This study was designed to determine whether TLR5 could be a biomarker for in vivo allograft visualization, after immunosuppressant rapamycin treatment, using radiolabeled sodium iodide (131I)‐anti‐TLR5 monoclonal antibody (mAb).

Methods

BALB/c mice were transplanted with C57BL/6 skin, with/without rapamycin treatment (the rapamycin‐treated group and the phosphate buffered saline [PBS]‐rejection group, respectively). In vivo dynamic whole‐body phosphor‐autoradiography and ex vivo biodistribution studies were conducted after 131I‐anti‐TLR5 mAb injection.

Results

Dynamic phosphor‐autoradiography imaging showed clear graft localization from 12 h onward. At 72 h after injection, graft uptake quantified from images was higher for the rapamycin‐treated group (26,448 ± 904 digital light units [DLU]/mm2), compared with the PBS‐treated allo‐rejection group (9176 ± 576 DLU/mm2). Treatment with anti‐TLR5 mAb inhibited graft uptake. Organ biodistribution study reflected the same tendency, and 131I‐anti‐TLR5 mAb uptake reached a maximum of 12.05 ± 1.86 %ID/g (percent injected dose per gram) at 1 h, and graft‐to‐native skin ratio reached 8.10 ± 0.10 %ID/g at 72 h after injection in rapamycin‐treated grafts.

Conclusion

Radiolabeled anti‐TLR5 mAb showed higher uptake in allo‐treated grafts compared with allo‐rejection grafts, which was proved by non‐invasive dynamic phosphor‐autoradiography imaging, and invasive ex vivo biodistribution. Radiolabeled anti‐TLR5 mAb is a new tracer for non‐invasive in vivo imaging of TLR5 in rapamycin‐treated allograft.
Mistaken identity: Legionella micdadei appearing as acid‐fast bacilli on lung biopsy of a hematopoietic stem cell transplant patient
Authors: Waldron P.R. , Martin B.A. , Ho D.Y.
Published: January 2015

Legionella micdadei is a potential cause of invasive lung infections in immunocompromised hosts. On biopsy specimens, it can appear as an acid‐fast bacillus (AFB) and can be mistaken for a member of genus Mycobacterium. As Legionella requires selective media to grow in culture, and the commonly used, commercially available urine antigen test for Legionella only detects Legionella pneumophila serogroup‐1, but not L. micdadei, it is important to consider this organism in the differential diagnosis for AFB in immunocompromised hosts. We report a case of L. micdadei infection, which was initially treated empirically for non‐tuberculous mycobacteria based on AFB staining of biopsy tissue before the final diagnosis was made.
Hey!
Authors: Haviland John B.
Published: January 2015

Zinacantec Family Homesign (Z) is a new sign language emerging spontaneously over the past three decades in a single family in a remote Mayan Indian village. Three deaf siblings, their Tzotzil‐speaking age‐mates, and now their children, who have had contact with no other deaf people, represent the first generation of Z signers. I postulate an augmented grammaticalization path, beginning with the adoption of a Tzotzil cospeech holophrastic gesture—meaning “come!”—into Z, and then its apparent stylization as an attention‐getting sign, followed by grammatical regimentation and pragmatic generalization as an utterance initial change of speaker or turn marker.
Anti‐K formation is not associated with the storage time of transfused red blood cells
Authors: Hogervorst Esther , Middelburg Rutger , Brand Anneke , van de Watering Leo , Schonewille Henk
Published: January 2015

Background

The formation of red blood cell (RBC) antibodies could be enhanced by the presence of inflammation caused by prolonged RBC storage, as was shown in animal studies. The low occurrence (<10%) of K‐antigen in most populations often enables identification of the K+ RBC unit that triggered anti‐K formation and determination of its storage time. This study aims to quantify the association of anti‐K formation with RBC storage time.

Study Design and Methods

K− patients who had not been previously transfused and received at least 1 K+ unit between January 2004 and August 2013 were identified. First, the influence of storage time of the K+ units was assessed as mean, maximum, and minimum storage times within one transfusion interval and at various cutoff points for old versus young blood (14, 18, and 21 days). Second, concomitantly transfused K− units were studied within different periods surrounding the K+ unit(s).

Results

Twenty‐three patients formed anti‐K, while 274 patients did not. The adjusted relative risks of anti‐K formation for mean, maximum, and minimum storage time (days) ranged from 1.01 to 1.03 (95% confidence interval, 0.96‐1.08). When analyzing the association between only “younger” and only “older” K+ units at various cutoff points, no association was found. Similarly, no association was found between storage time of the concomitantly transfused K− units and anti‐K formation.

Conclusion

Within the range of storage times used in normal clinical practice in the Netherlands, no association could be found between RBC storage time and anti‐K formation.
The new Scandinavian Donations and Transfusions database (SCANDAT2): a blood safety resource with added versatility
Authors: Edgren Gustaf , Rostgaard Klaus , Vasan Senthil K. , Wikman Agneta , Norda Rut , Pedersen Ole Birger , Erikstrup Christian , Nielsen Kaspar René , Titlestad Kjell , Ullum Henrik , Melbye Mads , Nyrén Olof , Hjalgrim Henrik
Published: January 2015

Background

Risks of transfusion‐transmitted disease are currently at a record low in the developed world. Still, available methods for blood surveillance might not be sufficient to detect transmission of diseases with unknown etiologies or with very long incubation periods.

Study Design and Methods

We have previously created the anonymized Scandinavian Donations and Transfusions (SCANDAT) database, containing data on blood donors, blood transfusions, and transfused patients, with complete follow‐up of donors and patients for a range of health outcomes. Here we describe the re‐creation of SCANDAT with updated, identifiable data. We collected computerized data on blood donations and transfusions from blood banks covering all of Sweden and Denmark. After data cleaning, two structurally identical databases were created and the entire database was linked with nationwide health outcomes registers to attain complete follow‐up for up to 47 years regarding hospital care, cancer, and death.

Results

After removal of erroneous records, the database contained 25,523,334 donation records, 21,318,794 transfusion records, and 3,692,653 unique persons with valid identification, presently followed over 40 million person‐years, with possibility for future extension. Data quality is generally high with 96% of all transfusions being traceable to their respective donation(s) and a very high (>97%) concordance with official statistics on annual number of blood donations and transfusions.

Conclusions

It is possible to create a binational, nationwide database with almost 50 years of follow‐up of blood donors and transfused patients for a range of health outcomes. We aim to use this database for further studies of donor health, transfusion‐associated risks, and transfusion‐transmitted disease.
Changing practice: red blood cell typing by molecular methods for patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Casas Jessica , Friedman David F. , Jackson Tannoa , Vege Sunitha , Westhoff Connie M. , Chou Stella T.
Published: January 2015

Background

Extended red blood cell (RBC) antigen matching is recommended to limit alloimmunization in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). DNA‐based testing to predict blood group phenotypes has enhanced availability of antigen‐negative donor units and improved typing of transfused patients, but replacement of routine serologic typing for non‐ABO antigens with molecular typing for patients has not been reported.

Study Designs and Methods

This study compared the historical RBC antigen phenotypes obtained by hemagglutination methods with genotype predictions in 494 patients with SCD. For discrepant results, repeat serologic testing was performed and/or investigated by gene sequencing for silent or variant alleles.

Results

Seventy‐one typing discrepancies were identified among 6360 antigen comparisons (1.1%). New specimens for repeat serologic testing were obtained for 66 discrepancies and retyping agreed with the genotype in 64 cases. One repeat Jk(b−) serologic phenotype, predicted Jk(b+) by genotype, was found by direct sequencing of JK to be a silenced allele, and one N typing discrepancy remains under investigation. Fifteen false‐negative serologic results were associated with alleles encoding weak antigens or single‐dose Fyb expression.

Conclusions

DNA‐based RBC typing provided improved accuracy and expanded information on RBC antigens compared to hemagglutination methods, leading to its implementation as the primary method for extended RBC typing for patients with SCD at our institution.
Presumed primary ocular lymphangiosarcoma with metastasis in a miniature horse
Authors: Gerding Joseph C. , Gilger Brian C. , Montgomery Stephanie A. , Clode Alison B.
Published: January 2015

A 7‐year‐old, 153.0‐kg American Miniature mare presented for evaluation of keratoconjunctivitis of the right eye (OD). A superior palpebral conjunctival mass and stromal keratitis were diagnosed. The incisional biopsy diagnosis was a presumptive corneal hemangiosarcoma. Transpalpebral enucleation was performed, and histopathologic evaluation confirmed angiosarcoma of the conjunctiva, cornea, and extraocular muscles. The horse developed progressive epistaxis and orbital swelling following surgery. A systemic workup was performed 3 months after enucleation, revealing regrowth within the orbit and marked cranial cervical lymphomegaly, suggestive of metastasis. Humane euthanasia was performed, and necropsy confirmed a locally invasive periorbital tumor with metastasis to the submandibular tissue, submandibular lymph node, and thoracic inlet. Histopathologic evaluation of necropsy specimens revealed polygonal to spindle neoplastic cells lining neoplastic vascular channels lacking erythrocytes. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells labeled strongly positive forPROX‐1, vimentin,CD‐31,VEGF, weakly positive for factorVIII‐related antigen, and negative for collagenIV. Based on the clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical features of this tumor, a primary ocular lymphangiosarcoma with metastasis was diagnosed.
MUSCULOSKELETAL LESIONS AND LAMENESS IN 121 HORSES WITH CARPAL SHEATH EFFUSION (1999–2010)
Authors: Jorgensen Joan S. , Genovese Ronald L. , Döpfer Dörte , Stewart Matthew C.
Published: January 2015

Equine carpal sheath effusion has multiple etiologies. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the prevalence of distinct musculoskeletal lesions lameness in a sample of horses with a clinical diagnosis of carpal sheath effusion. A total of 121 horses met inclusion criteria. Seventy‐four percent (89/121) of horses were lame at presentation; middle‐aged (9–18 years, 80%) and older (> 18 years, 85%) horses were lame more frequently than young horses (< 9 years, 44%). Ninety‐three percent (113/121) were diagnosed with osseous and/or soft tissue abnormalities. Of these 113 horses, 10 exhibited osseous abnormalities, whereas 111 were diagnosed with soft tissue lesions. Eighty‐four percent (93/111) of the soft tissue injuries extended from the caudodistal antebrachium to the palmar metacarpus. The superficial digital flexor tendon (98/111; 88%) and accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor tendon (64/111; 58%) were the most commonly injured structures, with both structures affected in 41 (41/111; 37%) horses. Injuries within the caudodistal antebrachium included the superficial digital flexor musculotendinous junction (66), the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor tendon (64), and deep digital flexor muscle (21), in isolation or in combination with other structures. Increased echogenicity in the medial superficial digital flexor musculotendinous junction was detected in 40 horses and was significantly associated with increasing age (middle‐aged, 19/40; old, 18/40). Findings from this study indicated that age should be taken into consideration for horses presented with carpal sheath effusion and that adjacent structures within the caudodistal antebrachium should be included in evaluations.
MSCs seeded on bioengineered scaffolds improve skin wound healing in rats
Authors: Formigli Lucia , Paternostro Ferdinando , Tani Alessia , Mirabella Carlo , Quattrini Li Alessandro , Nosi Daniele , D'Asta Federica , Saccardi Riccardo , Mazzanti Benedetta , Lo Russo Giulia , Zecchi‐Orlandini Sandra
Published: January 2015

Growing evidence has shown the promise of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for the treatment of cutaneous wound healing. We have previously demonstrated that MSCs seeded on an artificial dermal matrix, Integra (Integra Lifesciences Corp., Plainsboro, NJ) enriched with platelet‐rich plasma (Ematrix) have enhanced proliferative potential in vitro as compared with those cultured on the scaffold alone. In this study, we extended the experimentation by evaluating the efficacy of the MSCs seeded scaffolds in the healing of skin wounds in an animal model in vivo. It was found that the presence of MSCs within the scaffolds greatly ameliorated the quality of regenerated skin, reduced collagen deposition, enhanced reepithelization, increased neo‐angiogenesis, and promoted a greater return of hair follicles and sebaceous glands. The mechanisms involved in these beneficial effects were likely related to the ability of MSCs to release paracrine factors modulating the wound healing response. MSC‐seeded scaffolds, in fact, up‐regulated matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression in the extracellular matrix and enhanced the recruitment of endogenous progenitors during tissue repair. In conclusion, the results of this study provide evidence that the treatment with MSC‐seeded scaffolds of cutaneous wounds contributes to the recreation of a suitable microenvironment for promoting tissue repair/regeneration at the implantation sites.
The early evolutionary history of anomaluroid rodents in Africa: new dental remains of a zegdoumyid (Zegdoumyidae, Anomaluroidea) from the Eocene of Tunisia
Authors: Marivaux Laurent , Essid El Mabrouk , Marzougui Wissem , Khayati Ammar Hayet , Merzeraud Gilles , Tabuce Rodolphe , Vianey‐Liaud Monique
Published: January 2015

The Late Early‐to‐Early Middle Eocene Zegdoumyidae are the oldest representatives of the order Rodentia to be known in Africa thus far. Despite the fragmentary nature of their fossil record, these early African rodents have been central in discussions surrounding the early evolutionary history of the Anomaluroidea clade (the living forms of which are the ‘scaly‐tailed squirrels’, i.e. Anomaluridae). Here, we describe new dental remains attributable to Zegdoumys sbeitlai, a zegdoumyid from Tunisia (Djebel Chambi, CBI‐1) dated at ca 50–45 Ma. The original material referred to this taxon was limited to four teeth documenting few dental loci. The new gathered material comprises practically all dental loci (except P4), thereby allowing a better description and characterization of this taxon. This Tunisian species is clearly distinct from its roughly coeval Algerian counterpart (Z. lavocati) or from the younger species recorded from Namibia (Z. namibiensis). We investigated the phylogenetic positions of Z. sbeitlai and the Zegdoumyidae in a high‐level rodent phylogeny with a cladistic assessment of the dental evidence. Our results show that zegdoumyids represent the earliest offshoots (pectinately arranged) of a large clade that also encompasses the more advanced Eocene anomaluroids (here named Nementchamyidae), the Miocene Nonanomaluridae, and the stem and crown Anomaluridae. In this phylogenetic context, the species of Zegdoumys are the basalmost members of this large Anomaluroidea clade. Zegdoumyid taxa are therefore the oldest stem anomaluroid candidates, a statement which strengthens support for the hypothesis of the great antiquity of the Anomaluroidea clade in Africa. From a historical biogeography perspective, this assumption suggests that anomaluroids invaded Asia from Afro‐Arabia sometime during the Middle Eocene, a dispersal event which was likely concomitant but opposite to the dispersals envisaged for the hystricognathous rodents and anthropoid primates from Asia to Afro‐Arabia.
Coincidence detection in a neural correlate of classical conditioning is initiated by bidirectional 3‐phosphoinositide‐dependent kinase‐1 signalling and modulated by adenosine receptors
Authors: Keifer Joyce , Zheng Zhaoqing
Published: January 2015

Key points

Signalling mechanisms for coincidence detection of paired stimuli during classical conditioning are fundamental for understanding the mechanisms of associative learning.

Bidirectional 3‐phosphoinositide‐dependent kinase‐1 (PDK1) activity is signalled by TrkB neurotrophin receptors for paired stimuli and p75NTR for unpaired stimuli.

Adenosine 2A receptors modulate PDK1 responses directly as G proteins and by transactivation of TrkB.

Convergence of protein kinase A and PDK1 activity initiates signalling of paired stimuli during classical conditioning.

How the neural substrates for detection of paired stimuli are distinct from unpaired stimuli is poorly understood and a fundamental question for understanding the signalling mechanisms for coincidence detection during associative learning. To address this question, we used a neural correlate of eyeblink classical conditioning in an isolated brainstem from the turtle, in which the cranial nerves are directly stimulated in place of using a tone or airpuff. A bidirectional response is activated in <5 min of training, in which phosphorylated 3‐phosphoinositide‐dependent kinase‐1 (p‐PDK1) is increased in response to paired and decreased in response to unpaired nerve stimulation and is mediated by the opposing actions of neurotrophin receptors TrkB and p75NTR. Surprisingly, blockade of adenosine 2A (A2A) receptors inhibits both of these responses. Pairing also induces substantially increased surface expression of TrkB that is inhibited by Src family tyrosine kinase and A2A receptor antagonists. Finally, the acquisition of conditioning is blocked by a PDK1 inhibitor. The unique action of A2A receptors to function directly as G proteins and in receptor transactivation to control distinct TrkB and p75NTR signalling pathways allows for convergent activation of PDK1 and protein kinase A during paired stimulation to initiate classical conditioning.
Role of the electrode metal, waveform geometry, temperature, and postdeposition treatment on SET and RESET of HfO2-based resistive random access memory 1R-cells: Experimental aspects
Authors: Lorenzi Paolo , Rao Rosario , Irrera Fernanda
Published: January 2015

An experimental characterization of SET and RESET operations in HfO2-based resistive random access memory cells in a wide range of conditions is addressed. In particular, the influence of the electrode metal, the switch waveform geometry and the measurement temperature is considered. A postdeposition annealing at high temperature is also performed on a set of samples. The waveform geometry affects the RESET and SET voltages, in the sense that shorter raise times make less effective the ion diffusion, which, instead, is not influenced by the electrode metal. On the contrary, the presence of a highly reactive electrode (Ti) reduces the switch and the forming voltage respect to TiN and Pt electrodes, thanks to the greater oxygen reservoir, but does not seem to have a role on the ion diffusion. The high temperature annealing concurs in reducing the forming voltage, due to the formation of grains on whose boundaries the generation of oxygen vacancies is favored. Also the electron conductance is affected by the postdeposition treatment and the sensitivity on the measurement temperature is discussed.
Resistive switching in nonplanar HfO2-based structures with variable series resistance
Authors: Čičo Karol , Jančovič Peter , Dérer Jan , Šmatko Vasilij , Rosová Alica , Blaho Michal , Hudec Boris , Gregušová Dagmar , Fröhlich Karol
Published: January 2015

The authors have prepared μm-sized HfO2-based nonplanar resistive switching cells with TiN and Pt electrodes. The structures exhibited stable resistive switching loops with low resistance state current below 1 mA. The influence of series resistance of the TiN strip electrode on the switching characteristics was measured and simulated. It was shown that the series resistance reduces the low state resistance current as well as high to low resistance state ratio.
Microstructural and electrical investigation of Pd/Au ohmic contact on p-GaN
Authors: Belahsene Sofiane , Patriarche Gilles , Troadec David , Sundaram Suresh , Ougazzaden Abdallah , Martinez Anthony , Ramdane Abderrahim
Published: January 2015

Interfacial microstructure, elemental diffusion, and electrical properties of Pd/Au ohmic contact to p-type GaN have been investigated using scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The as-deposited sample exhibits the formation of an ohmic contact which is fundamentally due to epitaxial relationship between the Pd, Au and GaN layer. Pd nanocrystals are formed with crystallographic orientation with respect to the substrate described as follows (111)Pd//(0001)GaN, [11¯0]Pd//[112¯0]GaN. Thermal annealing at 800 °C leads to the formation of majority phase composed by crystalline Au rich Au6-Pd2-Ga composites, with crystallographic orientation of (11¯0)Au6−Pd2−Ga//(0001)GaN, and minority phases, which are composed of Au5-Pd2-Ga2, Au3-Pd2-Ga3, and Ga2-Pd5, which is responsible for the formation of an ohmic contact with a specific contact resistance of 1.04 × 10−2 Ω cm2.
Electronic dura mater for long-term multimodal neural interfaces
Authors: Minev Ivan R. , Musienko Pavel , Hirsch Arthur , Barraud Quentin , Wenger Nikolaus , Moraud Eduardo Martin , Gandar Jérôme , Capogrosso Marco , Milekovic Tomislav , Asboth Léonie , Torres Rafael Fajardo , Vachicouras Nicolas , Liu Qihan , Pavlova Natalia , Duis Simone , Larmagnac Alexandre , Vörös Janos , Micera Silvestro , Suo Zhigang , Courtine Grégoire , Lacour Stéphanie P.
Published: January 2015

Mechanically soft neural implants

When implanting a material into the body, not only does it need the right functional properties, but it also needs to have mechanical properties that match the native tissue or organ. If the material is too soft, it will be mechanically degraded, and if it is too hard it may get covered with scar tissue or it may damage the surrounding tissues. Starting with a transparent silicone substrate, Minev
et al.
patterned microfluidic channels to allow for drug delivery, and soft platinum/silicone electrodes and stretchable gold interconnects for transmitting electrical excitations and transferring electrophysiological signals. In tests of spinal cord implants, the soft neural implants showed biointegration and functionality within the central nervous system.

Science
, this issue p.
159
Opposite effects of anthelmintic treatment on microbial infection at individual versus population scales
Authors: Ezenwa Vanessa O. , Jolles Anna E.
Published: January 2015

Co-infection complicates treatment

Infections rarely occur in isolation, and treating one pathogen may have unpredictable effects on another. Ezenwa and Jolles, working on wild African buffaloes, expected that because deworming relieves immune suppression, such treatment would lead to a drop in tuberculosis because the animals would clear the second infection without further intervention. Not so. Deworming did improve the lot of parasite-infested individuals, but it also increased the spread of tuberculosis among the population. What apparently happened is that the worm-free buffalo lived longer but stayed infected with tuberculosis and had longer to spread the infection among the herd.

Science
, this issue p.
175
A soft approach kick-starts cybernetic implants
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: January 2015

Mimicking real tissue, novel materials lead to flexible electrode implants that help paralyzed animals walk again.
Air Force turns a keen eye on space junk
Authors: Loomis Ilima
Published: January 2015

Flood of data from new “space fence” radar may overwhelm some satellite operators.
Salvaging science
Authors: Bawaya Michael
Published: January 2015

Underwater archaeologist Charles Beeker works to preserve famous wrecks as museums.
On the trail of contagion
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: January 2015

One team's quest to find a potential Ebola case in Liberia reveals how difficult it will be to end the epidemic.
Four-dimensional imaging of carrier interface dynamics in p-n junctions
Authors: Najafi Ebrahim , Scarborough Timothy D. , Tang Jau , Zewail Ahmed
Published: January 2015

Traveling a long way past the junction

Diodes are central components of modern electronic circuits. They essentially consist of two semiconductors sandwiched together, with one deficient in electrons (p), the other enriched (n). Najafi
et al.
used ultrafast electron microscopy to study the dynamics in a silicon diode on a time scale of trillionths of a second. They discovered that when light excites the diode's charge carriers, those carriers migrate much farther past the p-n junction than standard models would imply. The authors explain the results using a ballistic transport model.

Science
, this issue p.
164
Dynamics of a cold quantum gas
Authors: Ferrari Gabriele
Published: January 2015

A cloud of cold atoms provides a route to understanding complex phase transitions

[Also see Report by

Navon
et al.

]
Prescribing splicing
Authors: Guigó Roderic , Valcárcel Juan
Published: January 2015

A model predicts the impact of variations in the human genome on RNA splicing and disease

[Also see Research Article by

Xiong
et al.

]
The Rebirth of Culture in Microbiology through the Example of Culturomics To Study Human Gut Microbiota
Authors: Lagier Jean-Christophe , Hugon Perrine , Khelaifia Saber , Fournier Pierre-Edouard , La Scola Bernard , Raoult Didier
Published: January 2015

Bacterial culture was the first method used to describe the human microbiota, but this method is considered outdated by many researchers. Metagenomics studies have since been applied to clinical microbiology; however, a “dark matter” of prokaryotes, which corresponds to a hole in our knowledge and includes minority bacterial populations, is not elucidated by these studies. By replicating the natural environment, environmental microbiologists were the first to reduce the “great plate count anomaly,” which corresponds to the difference between microscopic and culture counts. The revolution in bacterial identification also allowed rapid progress. 16S rRNA bacterial identification allowed the accurate identification of new species. Mass spectrometry allowed the high-throughput identification of rare species and the detection of new species. By using these methods and by increasing the number of culture conditions, culturomics allowed the extension of the known human gut repertoire to levels equivalent to those of pyrosequencing. Finally, taxonogenomics strategies became an emerging method for describing new species, associating the genome sequence of the bacteria systematically. We provide a comprehensive review on these topics, demonstrating that both empirical and hypothesis-driven approaches will enable a rapid increase in the identification of the human prokaryote repertoire.
Kingella kingae: Carriage, Transmission, and Disease
Authors: Yagupsky Pablo
Published: January 2015

Kingella kingae
is a common etiology of pediatric bacteremia and the leading agent of osteomyelitis and septic arthritis in children aged 6 to 36 months. This Gram-negative bacterium is carried asymptomatically in the oropharynx and disseminates by close interpersonal contact. The colonized epithelium is the source of bloodstream invasion and dissemination to distant sites, and certain clones show significant association with bacteremia, osteoarthritis, or endocarditis.
Kingella kingae
produces an RTX (repeat-in-toxin) toxin with broad-spectrum cytotoxicity that probably facilitates mucosal colonization and persistence of the organism in the bloodstream and deep body tissues. With the exception of patients with endocardial involvement, children with
K. kingae
diseases often show only mild symptoms and signs, necessitating clinical acumen. The isolation of
K. kingae
on routine solid media is suboptimal, and detection of the bacterium is significantly improved by inoculating exudates into blood culture bottles and the use of PCR-based assays. The organism is generally susceptible to antibiotics that are administered to young patients with joint and bone infections. β-Lactamase production is clonal, and the local prevalence of β-lactamase-producing strains is variable. If adequately and promptly treated, invasive
K. kingae
infections with no endocardial involvement usually run a benign clinical course.
Avian Schistosomes and Outbreaks of Cercarial Dermatitis
Authors: Horák Petr , Mikeš Libor , Lichtenbergová Lucie , Skála Vladimír , Soldánová Miroslava , Brant Sara Vanessa
Published: January 2015

Cercarial dermatitis (swimmer's itch) is a condition caused by infective larvae (cercariae) of a species-rich group of mammalian and avian schistosomes. Over the last decade, it has been reported in areas that previously had few or no cases of dermatitis and is thus considered an emerging disease. It is obvious that avian schistosomes are responsible for the majority of reported dermatitis outbreaks around the world, and thus they are the primary focus of this review. Although they infect humans, they do not mature and usually die in the skin. Experimental infections of avian schistosomes in mice show that in previously exposed hosts, there is a strong skin immune reaction that kills the schistosome. However, penetration of larvae into naive mice can result in temporary migration from the skin. This is of particular interest because the worms are able to migrate to different organs, for example, the lungs in the case of visceral schistosomes and the central nervous system in the case of nasal schistosomes. The risk of such migration and accompanying disorders needs to be clarified for humans and animals of interest (e.g., dogs). Herein we compiled the most comprehensive review of the diversity, immunology, and epidemiology of avian schistosomes causing cercarial dermatitis.
Antimicrobial Heteroresistance: an Emerging Field in Need of Clarity
Authors: El-Halfawy Omar M. , Valvano Miguel A.
Published: January 2015

“Heteroresistance” describes a phenomenon where subpopulations of seemingly isogenic bacteria exhibit a range of susceptibilities to a particular antibiotic. Unfortunately, a lack of standard methods to determine heteroresistance has led to inappropriate use of this term. Heteroresistance has been recognized since at least 1947 and occurs in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Its clinical relevance may be considerable, since more resistant subpopulations may be selected during antimicrobial therapy. However, the use of nonstandard methods to define heteroresistance, which are costly and involve considerable labor and resources, precludes evaluating the clinical magnitude and severity of this phenomenon. We review the available literature on antibiotic heteroresistance and propose recommendations for definitions and determination criteria for heteroresistant bacteria. This will help in assessing the global clinical impact of heteroresistance and developing uniform guidelines for improved therapeutic outcomes.
Norovirus
Authors: Robilotti Elizabeth , Deresinski Stan , Pinsky Benjamin A.
Published: January 2015

Norovirus, an RNA virus of the familyCaliciviridae, is a human enteric pathogen that causes substantial morbidity across both health care and community settings. Several factors enhance the transmissibility of norovirus, including the small inoculum required to produce infection (<100 viral particles), prolonged viral shedding, and its ability to survive in the environment. In this review, we describe the basic virology and immunology of noroviruses, the clinical disease resulting from infection and its diagnosis and management, as well as host and pathogen factors that complicate vaccine development. Additionally, we discuss overall epidemiology, infection control strategies, and global reporting efforts aimed at controlling this worldwide cause of acute gastroenteritis. Prompt implementation of infection control measures remains the mainstay of norovirus outbreak management.
Genome Sequence of an Extensively Drug-Resistant Strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Strain YN-1, with Carbapenem Resistance
Authors: Tan Hong-Li , Wang Yong , Cheng Xue-Qin , Huang Yan-Mei , Liu Wei , Zhang Li-Juan
Published: January 2015

The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Klebsiella pneumoniae
has been regarded as one of the major challenges among health care-associated infections worldwide. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of an extensively drug-resistant (XDR)
K. pneumoniae
strain isolated in 2013 from Yunnan Province, China.
Complete Genome Sequences of Citrobacter braakii Strains GTA-CB01 and GTA-CB04, Isolated from Ground Beef
Authors: Basra Prabh , Koziol Adam , Wong Alex , Carrillo Catherine D.
Published: January 2015

Citrobacter braakii
is a Gram-negative bacterium belonging to the
Enterobacteriaceae
family. Here, we report 5.2- and 5.0-Mb genome assemblies for C. braakii strains GTA-CB01 and GTA-CB04, respectively.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Fish Pathogen Yersinia ruckeri Strain SC09, Isolated from Diseased
Ictalurus punctatus
in China
Authors: Wang Kai-yu , Liu Tao , Wang Jun , Chen De-fang , Wu Xue-jing , Jiang Jie , Liu Jia-xing
Published: January 2015

Yersinia ruckeri
SC09 is a Gram-negative bacterium isolated from a moribund Ictalurus punctatus collected in Jianyang, China. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of this microorganism to facilitate the investigation of its pathogenicity and to reevaluate its taxonomic position.
Genome Sequence of a Novel Recombinant Coxsackievirus A6 Strain from Shanghai, China, 2013
Authors: Feng Xiaobo , Guan Wencai , Guo Yifeng , Yu Huiju , Zhang Xiaoling , Cheng Ruhong , Wang Zhen , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Jia , Li Huaguo , Zhuang Yin , Zhang Hui , Lu Zhiyong , Li Ming , Yu Hong , Bao Yixiao , Hu Yunwen , Yao Zhirong
Published: January 2015

A novel recombinant coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) strain was isolated during a coxsackievirus A6 outbreak in Shanghai, China, in 2013. Genomic sequence and similarity plot analysis showed that the novel CVA6 strain shared higher similarity with a recent CVA4 strain rather than the recent CVA6 strain in the 2C and 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs).
Draft Genome Sequence of
Acinetobacter
sp. HR7, Isolated from Hanwoo, Korean Native Cattle
Authors: Chang Dong-Ho , Rhee Moon-Soo , Jeong Haeyoung , Kim Seil , Kim Byoung-Chan
Published: January 2015

Acinetobacter
species have been reported as opportunistic pathogens. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Acinetobacter
sp. HR7 isolated from the rumen of cannulated Korean native cattle (Hanwoo;
Bos taurus
coreanae
).
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp.
plantarum
CC178, a Phyllosphere Bacterium Antagonistic to Plant Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Kim Byung-Yong , Lee Sang-Yeob , Ahn Jae-Hyung , Song Jaekyeong , Kim Wan-Gyu , Weon Hang-Yeon
Published: January 2015

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
subsp.
plantarum
strain CC178 is a phyllosphere bacterium with antagonistic activity against a wide range of plant fungal pathogens. The genome of strain CC178 is 3,916,828 bp in size and harbors 3,972 genes. Six giant gene clusters are dedicated to the nonribosomal synthesis of antimicrobial polypeptides and polyketides.
Draft Genome Sequences of Six Type Strains of the Genus Streptacidiphilus
Authors: Komaki Hisayuki , Ichikawa Natsuko , Oguchi Akio , Hamada Moriyuki , Tamura Tomohiko , Fujita Nobuyuki
Published: January 2015

Members of the genus Streptacidiphilus are acidophilic actinomycetes with streptomycete-like features. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of the type strains of
Streptacidiphilus albus
,
Streptacidiphilus anmyonensis
,
Streptacidiphilus carbonis
,
Streptacidiphilus jiangxiensis
,
Streptacidiphilus melanogenes
, and
Streptacidiphilus neutrinimicus
. These genome sequences will serve as valuable references for understanding their taxonomic relationships, genetic characteristics, and potentials for industry.
Orofacial granulomatosis as a presenting feature of Crohn's disease
Authors: Jennings Victoria Caroline Elizabeth , Williams Lisa , Henson Sophie
Published: January 2015

An 11-year-old girl was referred to oral medicine with persistent facial swelling. She was diagnosed with orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) and was treated conservatively for 7 years, with no evidence of systemic illness. Aged 17 she re-presented with a flare up of her OFG, watery diarrhoea and fluctuating febrile episodes. Inflammatory markers were raised and an MR enterogram revealed terminal ileal Crohn's disease. This case highlights that OFG may precede the onset of intestinal Crohn's disease.
‘Granuloma gravidarum’: persistence in puerperal period an unusual presentation
Authors: Purwar Parth , Dixit Jaya , Sheel Vaibhav , Goel Madhu Mati
Published: January 2015

Granuloma gravidarum (GG), an inflammatory lesion, develops in the oral mucosa of pregnant women in response to chronic low-grade irritants and hormonal factors. A persistent granuloma gravidarum post partum and appropriate management strategies are discussed. Patients must be encouraged to undergo regular dental check-ups during the gestational period. Simple oral hygiene measures are highly effective in combating most oral lesions encountered in pregnancy.
Retroperitoneal abscess: an extra-abdominal manifestation
Authors: Mallia Alvin James , Ashwood Neil , Arealis George , Galanopoulos Ilias
Published: January 2015

Retroperitoneal abscesses are unusual occurrences with occult and insidious presentations. There is often a lack of abdominal signs, leading to delays in drainage and high mortality rates. We report a case of thigh emphysema in an 88-year-old patient with diabetes. Prior to admission the patient reported a vague 4-week history of left thigh pain and an inability to fully weight bear. She presented to our emergency department with sepsis and acute kidney impairment. An X-ray of her left femur revealed widespread gas between muscular planes. A retroperitoneal abscess involving the left renal fossa, psoas, iliacus and upper thigh muscles was revealed on an urgent CT scan. The patient was transferred to intensive care unit (ICU) and underwent an emergency drainage. Despite ICU the patient died 2 days after admission.
Paraneoplastic leukemoid reaction in a patient with BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic malignant melanoma
Authors: Gouveia Emanuel , Sousa Mónica , Passos Maria José , Moreira António
Published: January 2015

A paraneoplastic leukemoid reaction is a rare condition of extreme leucocytosis in patients with solid malignancies. The differential diagnosis is often a true challenge. We present a case of a 56-year old woman with a history of stage IIIA malignant melanoma resected in 2004 that was diagnosed in May 2013 with BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic disease (left arm mass, lungs and adrenal glands). The laboratory findings revealed leucocytosis with granulocytosis that increased progressively to values up to 120.0×109/L. After a diagnostic work-up, a diagnosis of a paraneoplastic leukemoid reaction was established. We report the response of leucocytosis to radiation and BRAF inhibitor therapy, albeit short-lived. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a paraneoplastic leukemoid reaction in metastatic melanoma with characterisation of BRAF V600 mutation status. It remains unclear whether the aggressive tumour phenotype is related to the leukemoid reaction and whether this is related to the BRAF mutation.
Sports injuries and illnesses during the European Youth Olympic Festival 2013
Authors: van Beijsterveldt A M C , Thijs K M , Backx F J G , Steffen K , Brozičević V , Stubbe J H
Published: January 2015

Background

The European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) is a biennial sporting event of nine Olympic Summer Sports for talented athletes, aged 13–18 years, from all over Europe.

Objective

To analyse the injuries and illnesses that occurred during the multisport event (14–19 July 2013), with the long-term aim of enabling international sports federations, the National Olympic Committees, and the European Olympic Committee to improve protection of athletes’ health in youth.

Methods

Daily occurrence or non-occurrence of injuries and illnesses was recorded by using the IOC injury and illness surveillance system for multisport events. All National Olympic Committee physicians and healthcare providers and physicians of the Local Organizing Committee were invited to participate.

Results

In total, 2272 athletes from 49 countries took part in the EYOF 2013. During the five competition days of EYOF, 207 injuries and 46 illnesses were reported, resulting in an incidence of 91.1 injuries and 20.2 illnesses per 1000 athletes. Almost 10% of the athletes sustained at least one injury or illness.

Conclusions

This study is the first multisport surveillance study on injuries and illnesses during the EYOF or any other summer Games organised for youth elite athletes. The data form the basis for further research on risk factors and injury mechanisms for this cohort. This research is needed to gain more knowledge and finally to implement effective injury and illness prevention measures.
Methadone maintenance treatment programme reduces criminal activity and improves social well-being of drug users in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Hua-Min , Li Xiao-Yan , Chow Eric P F , Li Tong , Xian Yun , Lu Yi-Hua , Tian Tian , Zhuang Xun , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2015

Objective

Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) has been implemented in China since 2004 and has expanded into a nationwide programme. This study aims to evaluate changes in social functioning, family relations and drug-related criminal behaviour among MMT clients in China.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Both English and Chinese literature databases, including PubMed, Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Journals Database (CQVIP), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang Data, were comprehensively searched over the period 2004–2014 for studied indicators. Study selection, quality assessment and data extraction were conducted according to the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) Statement. Meta-analyses were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Biostat software.

Results

Thirty-eight articles were included in this review (1 in English and 37 in Chinese). The self-reported arrest rate decreased from 13.1% (95% CI 9.1% to 18.5%) at baseline to 3.4% (95% CI 1.5% to 7.7%) and 4.3% (95% CI 1.6% to 11.4%) after 6 and 12 months of MMT intervention, respectively. The rate of drug selling decreased from 7.6% (95% CI 3.8% to 14.8%) at baseline to 1.9% (95% CI 0.6% to 6.2%) and 3.0% (95% CI 1.0% to 8.9%) after 6 and 12 months of intervention, respectively. Similarly, the rates of selling sex for drugs and drug-related crime decreased from 5.3% (95% CI 2.4% to 11.1%) and 9.9% (95% CI 6.8% to 14.2%) at baseline to 1.1% (95% CI 0.5% to 2.3%) and 3.4% (95% CI 2.5% to 4.5%) at 6 months, then to 0.8% (95% CI 0.3% to 1.9%) and 3.4% (95% CI 0.8% to 13.1%) at 12 months after treatment initiation, respectively. In contrast, the rate of employment of clients and the proportion of clients having a good relationship with their family increased substantially from 26.4% (95% CI 22.9% to 30.1%) and 37.9% (95% CI 32.0% to 44.2%) to 41.6% (95% CI 36.6% to 48.0%) and 59.6% (95% CI 48.1% to 70.2%) at 6 months, then to 59.8% (95% CI 52.4% to 66.8%) and 75.0% (95% CI 69.0% to 80.2%) at 12 months after treatment initiation, respectively.

Conclusions

MMT has significantly reduced criminal activity, and improved employment rate and social well-being, of clients of the MMT programme. MMT is an effective measure to help drug users to resume societal and familial functions in China.