bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alpha diversity of vascular plants in European forests
Authors: Večeřa Martin , Divíšek Jan , Lenoir Jonathan , Jiménez‐Alfaro Borja , Biurrun Idoia , Knollová Ilona , Agrillo Emiliano , Campos Juan Antonio , Čarni Andraž , Crespo Jiménez Guillermo , Ćuk Mirjana , Dimopoulos Panayotis , Ewald Jörg , Fernández‐González Federico , Gégout Jean‐Claude , Indreica Adrian , Jandt Ute , Jansen Florian , Kącki Zygmunt , Rašomavičius Valerijus , Řezníčková Marcela , Rodwell John S. , Schaminée Joop H.J. , Šilc Urban , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Swacha Grzegorz , Vassilev Kiril , Venanzoni Roberto , Willner Wolfgang , Wohlgemuth Thomas , Chytrý Milan
Published: June 2019

Aim

The former continental‐scale studies modelled coarse‐grained plant species‐richness patterns (gamma diversity). Here we aim to refine this information for European forests by (a) modelling the number of vascular plant species that co‐occur in local communities (alpha diversity) within spatial units of 400 m2; and (b) assessing the factors likely determining the observed spatial patterns in alpha diversity.

Location

Europe roughly within 12°W–30°E and 35–60°N.

Taxon

Vascular plants.

Methods

The numbers of co‐occurring vascular plant species were counted in 73,134 georeferenced vegetation plots. Each plot was classified by an expert system into deciduous broadleaf, coniferous or sclerophyllous forest. Random Forest models were used to map and explain spatial patterns in alpha diversity for each forest type separately using 19 environmental, land‐use and historical variables.

Results

Our models explained from 51.0% to 70.9% of the variation in forest alpha diversity. The modelled alpha‐diversity pattern was dominated by a marked gradient from species‐poor north‐western to species‐rich south‐eastern Europe. The most prominent richness hotspots were identified in the Calcareous Alps and adjacent north‐western Dinarides, the Carpathian foothills in Romania and the Western Carpathians in Slovakia. Energy‐related factors, bedrock types and terrain ruggedness were identified as the main variables underlying the observed richness patterns. Alpha diversity increases especially with temperature seasonality in deciduous broadleaf forests, on limestone bedrock in coniferous forests and in areas with low annual actual evapotranspiration in sclerophyllous forests.

Main conclusions

We provide the first predictive maps and analyses of environmental factors driving the alpha diversity of vascular plants across European forests. Such information is important for the general understanding of European biodiversity. This study also demonstrates a high potential of vegetation‐plot databases as sources for robust estimation of the number of vascular plant species that co‐occur at fine spatial grains across large areas.
North Atlantic Gateway: Test bed of deep‐sea macroecological patterns
Authors: Jöst Anna B. , Yasuhara Moriaki , Wei Chih‐Lin , Okahashi Hisayo , Ostmann Alexandra , Martínez Arbizu Pedro , Mamo Briony , Svavarsson Jörundur , Brix Saskia
Published: June 2019

Aim

The deep waters around Iceland, known as the North Atlantic Gateway, constitute an ideal location to investigate deep‐sea ecological hypotheses. We constructed a comprehensive deep‐sea macroecological dataset of the North Atlantic Gateway region and investigated the controlling factors of large‐scale, deep‐sea species diversity patterns.

Location

Sub‐polar North Atlantic Ocean.

Time period

Modern.

Major taxa studied

Ostracoda (Crustacea).

Methods

We investigated deep‐sea biodiversity patterns and applied ecological modelling (multiple regression and model averaging) to test whether these patterns are governed by environmental factors such as temperature, surface primary productivity, and seasonality. Beta diversity analyses were applied to evaluate the effect of a geographical barrier (Greenland‐Iceland‐Faeroe Ridge) on deep‐sea benthic faunal distributions.

Results

We constructed a deep‐sea macroecological dataset with 32 stations, 5,676 specimens, and >122 species. We confirmed a linear latitudinal diversity gradient with higher diversity in the North Atlantic proper than in the Nordic Seas. We report a unimodal depth diversity gradient south of the ridge, but a linear diversity‐decline with depth north of the ridge. The turnover component of beta diversity increased towards the ridge.

Main conclusions

We found both temperature and surface primary production are important for deep‐sea biodiversity. For the first time, we report a significant diversity‐temperature relationship in both macroecological (spatial; this study) and existing paleoecological (time‐series) data for the same taxa. In addition to temperature and surface primary production, bathymetric features such as a shallow ridge acting as a barrier are an important factor for deep‐sea biodiversity distribution. The low diversity of the Nordic Seas is likely due to a combination of low temperatures and bathymetric barriers. These results substantially expand our understanding of the well‐known yet poorly understood Greenland‐Iceland‐Faeroe Ridge faunal transition with possible insight to its cause.
Short‐term effects of perindopril‐amlodipine vs perindopril‐indapamide on blood pressure control in sub‐Saharan type 2 diabetic individuals newly diagnosed for hypertension: A double‐blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sobngwi Eugene , Mfeukeu‐Kuate Liliane , Kouam Merveille , Tankeu Aurel T. , Nganou‐Gnindjio Chris N. , Hamadou Ba , Etoa Martine , Ngassam Eliane , Nkamgna Ariane , Dehayem Mesmin Y. , Kaze François F. , Kengne Andre P. , Mbanya Jean C.
Published: June 2019

Poor blood pressure (BP) control contributes to complications in sub‐Saharan African (SSA) type 2 diabetic individuals. Experts have advocated the use of combination therapies for effective BP control in these patients. The suggested combinations should include a RAAS antagonist and either a CCB or a thiazide diuretic; however, their efficacy is yet to be established in SSA. We investigated the short‐term effects of two combination therapies on BP control in SSA type 2 diabetic individuals. This was a double‐blinded randomized controlled trial conducted at the Yaoundé Central Hospital (Cameroon) from October 2016 to May 2017. We included type 2 diabetic patients, newly diagnosed for hypertension. After baseline assessment and 24‐hour ABPM, participants were allocated to receive either a fixed combination of perindopril + amlodipine or perindopril + indapamide for 42 days. Data analyses followed the intention‐to‐treat principle. We included fifteen participants (8 being females) in each group. Both combinations provided good circadian BP control after 6 weeks with similar efficacy. Twenty‐four‐hour SBP dropped from 144 to 145 mm Hg vs 128 to 126 mm Hg with perindopril‐amlodipine and perindopril‐indapamide, respectively (P = 0.003 for both groups). Twenty‐four‐hour DBP dropped from 85 to 78 mm Hg (P = 0.013) vs 89 to 79 mm Hg (P = 0.006) in the same respective groups. No significant adverse effect was reported. A fixed initial combination of perindopril‐amlodipine or perindopril‐indapamide achieved similar effective BP control after 6 weeks in SSA type 2 diabetic individuals with newly diagnosed hypertension. Therefore, these combinations can be used interchangeably in this indication.
Isoallopregnanolone reduces tic‐like behaviours in the D1CT‐7 mouse model of Tourette syndrome
Authors: Cadeddu Roberto , Bäckström Torbjörn , Floris Gabriele , Nordkild Peter , Segerdahl Märta , Bortolato Marco
Published: June 2019

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterised by multiple, persistent tics. These semi‐voluntary motor and phonic manifestations are typically aggravated by exposure to acute stress, yet the mechanisms underlying this exacerbation remain unclear. Using a well‐characterised animal model of TS, the D1CT‐7 mouse, we recently showed that acute stress increases tic‐like responses and causes sensorimotor gating deficits, as measured by the prepulse inhibition of the startle. We showed that these effects are promoted by the brain synthesis of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (AP). In line with this idea, inhibition of AP synthesis by finasteride was found to suppress the tic‐exacerbating effects of stress; conversely, AP administration resulted in a marked enhancement of the number of tic‐like motor bursts. Given that the primary mechanism of AP is based on the positive allosteric modulation of GABAA receptors, in the present study, we hypothesised that the enhancement in tic‐like behaviours induced by either stress or AP may be countered by isoallopregnanolone (isoAP), the natural 3β‐epimer of AP that acts as an antagonist to the AP‐binding site within GABAA receptors. In agreement with our hypothesis, isoAP (5‐10 mg kg‐1, s.c.) dose‐dependently reduced the number of tic‐like behaviours induced by stress in D1CT‐7 mice. These effects were comparable to those elicited by both the benchmark TS therapy haloperidol (0.3 mg kg‐1, i.p.), as well as finasteride (25 mg kg‐1, i.p.). IsoAP also countered the prepulse inhibition deficits secondary to stress in D1CT‐7 mice. Finally, isoAP opposed the enhancement of tic‐like behaviours induced by AP (15 mg kg‐1, i.p.). Given that isoAP is well‐tolerated and has an optimal safety profile, these data suggest that this steroid may have therapeutic properties in TS.
Evaluation of different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide solution (3% and 6%) as a potential new therapeutic option of nongenital warts: A randomized controlled triple‐blinded clinical trial
Authors: Mahran Ayman M. , Twisy Howida Omar , Elghazally Shimaa A. , Badran Aya Y.
Published: June 2019

Background

Warts are common viral skin infections caused by human papillomavirus. None of the available treatment modalities fulfills the criteria of an ideal treatment option.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hydrogen peroxide (HP) 3% and 6% solution as a topical treatment of nongenital warts.

Methods

This prospective randomized controlled study included 145 patients with nongenital warts. They were divided into three groups. Group 1 used topical hydrogen peroxide 6% solution under occlusion with a plastic tape for one hour daily for 6 weeks, group 2 used hydrogen peroxide 3% solution, and group 3 used normal saline 0.9% as a placebo. Patients were evaluated at the third and sixth weeks of treatment and 12 weeks after treatment completion.

Results

Treatment responses were significantly better in groups 1 and 2 than in group 3 with a better overall responses in group 1 than in group 2 (P = 0.0001*). Apart from mild hypopigmentation which was detected in only two patients in groups 1 and 2, no other side effects could be detected. Three months after treatment completion, no recurrence was observed.

Conclusion

Hydrogen peroxide solution (3% and 6%) is an effective, safe, and cheap treatment modality for nongenital warts which can be used simply at home. Since the overall response was better with the 6% concentration, it should be the better therapeutic option.
TGF‐β1‐induced connexin43 promotes scar formation via the Erk/MMP‐1/collagen III pathway
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Guo Lijia , Yang Xiaohui , Wang Jingyi , Hou Yanan , Zhu Siying , Du Juan , Feng Jie , Xie Yongmei , Zhuang Li , He Xin , Liu Yi
Published: June 2019

Wound healing can be divided into different phases, and timely initiation and cessation of these stages is key to successful wound healing; otherwise, scar tissue forms in the wounded area. Connexins (Cxs) were confirmed to influence scar formation, and Cx43, an indispensable member of the Cx family, was shown to be involved in this process. Our study investigated the regulatory role of Cx43 in scar formation and the possible cell signalling pathways. We established oral mucosa and skin wound healing models in C57BL/6J mice. RT‐PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to examine the expression of ECM components and key proteins in cell signalling pathways (TGF‐β1, Smad2/3, Cx43, Erk1/2 MMP‐1 and collagen III). After injury, buccal mucosa wounds healed with no scar, whereas skin wounds healed with an evident scar. Nevertheless, TGF‐β1 expression gradually increased by the 5th day after injury; Cx43 expression showed a similar response, with a progressive increase in the skin and a peak on day 14. In contrast, TGF‐β1 and Cx43 expression in the oral mucosa remained low. The high level of TGF‐β1 increased p‐Smad2/3 levels and then induced Cx43, whereas increased expression of Cx43 antagonised the phosphorylation of Erk1/2, a protein downstream of Cx43, which affected MMP‐1 synthesis. MMP‐1 deficiency led to collagen III accumulation and facilitated scar formation. We demonstrated that TGF‐β1‐induced Cx43 promotes scar formation via the Erk/MMP‐1/collagen III pathway.
Learning language regimes: Children's representations of minority language education
Authors: Purkarthofer Judith , De Korne Haley
Published: June 2019

Minority language education initiatives often aim to resist dominant language regimes and to raise the social status of migrant or autochthonous minorities. We consider how participating children experience these alternative language regimes by analysing drawings made by children in two minority education settings—a Slovene‐German bilingual school in Austria and an Isthmus Zapotec (Indigenous) language and art workshop in Mexico. We examine how children's drawings represent language regimes in the social spaces they inhabit. Considering these drawings in relation to ethnographic observations and interviews with educators, we illustrate differences between how the social spaces are planned by educators and how they are represented and experienced by learners. Generally speaking, the children in our studies depict flexible, multilingual experiences and spaces, in contrast to the educators’ agendas of separating or emphasizing languages for pedagogical purposes. Mexican children's perception of themselves as participants in fluid language regimes, and Austrian children's increasing appropriation of multilingual space over time through both (school‐like) routines and (fun) exceptions can inform the efforts of minority language educators.
Real‐life glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in a large cohort of patients with hepatitis C virus infection: The MISTRAL study
Authors: Persico Marcello , Aglitti Andrea , Milella Michele , Coppola Carmine , Messina Vincenzo , Claar Ernesto , Gentile Ivan , Sogari Fernando , Pierri Paola , Surace Lorenzo A. , Morisco Filomena , Tundo Paolo , Brancaccio Giuseppina , Serviddio Gaetano , Gatti Pietro , Termite Antonio P. , Di Costanzo Giovan G. , Caroleo Benedetto , Cozzolongo Raffaele , Coppola Nicola , Longo Annamaria , Fontanella Luca , Federico Alessandro , Rosato Valerio , Terrenato Irene , Masarone Mario
Published: June 2019

Background and aims

It is paramount to identify predictors of treatment failure with direct antiviral agents in ‘field‐practice’ patients, including people who inject drugs (PWID). Data on the efficacy of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) in a field‐practice scenario are scant. The multicentre MISTRAL study enrolled 1177 patients, including PWID, to assess real‐life efficacy and safety of GLE/PIB and to identify the predictive factors for this treatment.

Methods

This was a prospective, longitudinal study. The outcome variable was the rate of sustained virological response (SVR) at week 12.

Results

A total of 123 patients (10%) were infected from hepatitis C virus (HCV) 3. METAVIR fibrosis score was F4 in 104 subjects (9%); 118 patients (10%) were PWID.

Overall, 1163/1177 (99%) patients achieved SVR. The baseline clinical factors discriminating between treatment success and treatment failure were age at treatment (P = 0.031) and creatinine level (P = 0.034). SVR rates were not influenced by gender, substance abuse, previous treatment, treatment duration, fibrosis or chronic kidney disease stage. Compared with non‐substance users, the 118 PWID exhibited a significantly different genotype pattern distribution (χ2 < 0.001). A total of 40/118 (33.9%) of substance users were HCV3 compared to 83/1056 (7.9%) non‐substance users. Only 6 patients (0.5%) reported a serious adverse event.

Conclusions

The MISTRAL study provides evidence of GLE/PIB efficacy in a field‐practice scenario in a highly epidemic HCV area in southern Italy; it unveiled significant differences in genotype distribution among the most underserved and difficult‐to‐treat patient subgroups including PWID.
ECF σ factors with regulatory extensions: the one‐component systems of the σ universe
Authors: Pinto Daniela , Liu Qiang , Mascher Thorsten
Published: June 2019

The σ subunit of the bacterial RNA polymerase determines promoter specificity. The extracytoplasmic function σ factors (ECFs) represent the most abundant and diverse group of alternative σ factors and are present in the vast majority of bacterial genomes. Typically, ECFs are regulated by anti‐σ factors that sequester their cognate ECFs, thereby preventing their interaction with the RNA polymerase. Beyond these ECF paradigms, a number of distinct modes of regulation have been proposed and experimentally investigated. Regulatory extensions represent one such alternative mechanism of ECF regulation that can be found in 18 phylogenetically distinct ECF groups. Here, the σ factors contain additional domains that are fused to the ECF core domains and are involved in stimulus perception and modulation of σ factor activity. We will summarize the current state of knowledge on regulating ECF activity by C‐terminal extensions. We will also discuss newly identified ECF groups containing either N‐ or C‐terminal extensions and propose possible mechanisms by which these extensions have been generated and affect ECF σ factor activity. Based on their modular architecture and the resulting physical connection between stimulus perception and transcriptional output, these ECFs are analogous to one‐component systems, the primary mechanism of bacterial signal transduction.
How FtsEX localizes to the Z ring and interacts with FtsA to regulate cell division
Authors: Du Shishen , Henke Wyatt , Pichoff Sebastien , Lutkenhaus Joe
Published: June 2019

In Escherichia coli, FtsEX, a member of the ABC transporter superfamily, is involved in regulating the assembly and activation of the divisome to couple cell wall synthesis to cell wall hydrolysis at the septum. Genetic studies indicate FtsEX acts on FtsA to begin the recruitment of the downstream division proteins but blocks septal PG synthesis until a signal is received that divisome assembly is complete. However, the details of how FtsEX localizes to the Z ring and how it interacts with FtsA are not clear. Our results show that recruitment of FtsE and FtsX is codependent and suggest that the FtsEX complex is recruited through FtsE interacting with the conserved tail of FtsZ (CCTP), thus adding FtsEX to a growing list of proteins that interacts with the CCTP of FtsZ. Furthermore, we find that the N‐terminus of FtsX is not required for FtsEX localization to the Z ring but is required for its functions in cell division indicating that it interacts with FtsA. Taken together, these results suggest that FtsEX first interacts with FtsZ to localize to the Z ring and then interacts with FtsA to promote divisome assembly and regulate septal PG synthesis.
Preparing for hard times: Scalp and intracranial physiological signatures of proactive cognitive control
Authors: De Loof Esther , Vassena Eliana , Janssens Clio , De Taeye Leen , Meurs Alfred , Van Roost Dirk , Boon Paul , Raedt Robrecht , Verguts Tom
Published: June 2019

Based on reward and difficulty information, people can strategically adjust proactive cognitive control. fMRI research shows that motivated proactive control is implemented through fronto‐parietal control networks that are triggered by reward and difficulty cues. Here, we investigate electrophysiological signatures of proactive control. Previously, the contingent negative variation (CNV) in the ERPs and oscillatory power in the theta (4–8 Hz) and alpha band (8–14 Hz) have been suggested as signatures of control implementation. However, experimental designs did not always separate control implementation from motor preparation. Critically, we used a mental calculation task to investigate effects of proactive control implementation on the CNV and on theta and alpha power, in absence of motor preparation. In the period leading up to task onset, we found a more negative CNV, increased theta power, and decreased alpha power for hard versus easy calculations, showing increased proactive control implementation when a difficult task was expected. These three measures also correlated with behavioral performance, both across trials and across subjects. In addition to scalp EEG in healthy participants, we collected intracranial local field potential recordings in an epilepsy patient. We observed a slow‐drift component that was more pronounced for hard trials in a hippocampal location, possibly reflecting task‐specific preparation for hard mental calculations. The current study thus shows that difficulty information triggers proactive control in absence of motor preparation and elucidates its neurophysiological signatures.
Hemophagocytosis and Histoplasma‐like fungal infection in 32 cats
Authors: Schaefer Deanna M. W. , Rizzi Theresa E. , Royal Angela B.
Published: June 2019

Histoplasmosis is one of the most common systemic fungal diseases in cats from the United States. It commonly causes respiratory or disseminated disease and is often associated with one or more cytopenias. Here, we describe 32 cats in which a Histoplasma‐like fungal infection was associated with concurrent hemophagia in at least one sample site, commonly spleen, bone marrow, liver, and/or lymph node. The degree of hemophagia was characterized as moderate or marked in the majority of cases, and in all cases, there was a predominance of phagocytized mature erythrocytes. A few cases also had macrophages with phagocytized erythroid precursors, platelets, and/or neutrophils. Complete blood count results were available for 25 cats, and cytopenias were common (20/25), including solitary anemia (10), anemia and thrombocytopenia (5), solitary neutropenia (2), pancytopenia (2), and anemia and neutropenia (1). Bone marrow samples were only available in a small subset of cases, preventing the further assessment of the causes of the cytopenias. Hemophagocytosis has been previously reported in cats with neoplastic diseases and a cat with calicivirus infection, and likely occurs with other conditions as well, such as hemorrhage or hemolysis. Results of this report suggest that systemic fungal disease is an additional differential to consider when there is hemophagia in a feline cytology sample.
Tip-Shroud Labyrinth Seal Effect on the Flutter Stability of Turbine Rotor Blades
Authors: Corral Roque , Greco Michele , Vega Almudena
Published: June 2019

The effect of the tip-shroud seal on the flutter onset of a shrouded turbine rotor blade, representative of a modern gas turbine, is numerically tested, and the contributions to the work per cycle of the aerofoil and the tip shroud are clearly identified. The numerical simulations are conducted using a linearized frequency-domain solver. The flutter stability of the shrouded rotor blade is evaluated for an edgewise mode and compared with the standard industrial approach of not including the tip-shroud cavity. It turns out that including the tip shroud significantly changes the stability prediction of the rotor blade. This is due to two facts. First, the amplitude of the unsteady pressure created in the inter-fin cavity due to the motion of the airfoil is much greater than that of the airfoil. The impact of this contribution increases with the frequency. Second, the effect of the outer shroud of the rotor blade, which usually is not included either in the simulations, has an opposite trend with the nodal diameter than the airfoil reducing the maximum and minimum damping. It is concluded that the combined effect of the seal and its platform tends to stabilize the edgewise mode of the rotor blade for all the examined nodal diameters and reduced frequencies. Finally, the numerical results are shown to be consistent with those obtained using an analytical simplified model to account for the effect of the labyrinth seals.
A Systematic Validation of a Francis Turbine Under Design and Off-Design Loads
Authors: Trivedi Chirag
Published: June 2019

Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) techniques have played a significant role in improving the efficiency of the hydraulic turbines. To achieve safe and reliable design, numerical results should be trustworthy and free from any suspicion. Proper verification and validation (V&V) are vital to obtain credible results. In this work, first we present verification of a numerical model, Francis turbine, using different approaches to ensure minimum discretization errors and proper convergence. Then, we present detailed validation of the numerical model. Two operating conditions, best efficiency point (BEP) (100% load) and part load (67.2% load), are selected for the study. Turbine head, power, efficiency, and local pressure are used for validation. The pressure data are validated in time- and frequency-domains at sensitive locations in the turbine. We also investigated the different boundary conditions, turbulence intensity, and time-steps. The results showed that, while assessing the convergence history, convergence of local pressure/velocity in the turbine is important in addition to the mass and momentum parameters. Furthermore, error in hydraulic efficiency can be misleading, and effort should make to determine the errors in torque, head, and flow rate separately. The total error is 9.82% at critical locations in the turbine. The paper describes a customized V&V approach for the turbines that will help users to determine total error and to establish credibility of numerical models within hydraulic turbines.
Numerical Investigation of Regular and Hybrid Nanofluids Application as the Working Fluids on Thermal Performance of TPCT
Authors: Vadi Roozbeh , Sepanloo Kamran
Published: June 2019

Two-phase closed thermosyphon (TPCT) is a cost-effective heat transfer device with high thermal efficiency owing to extensive interphase heat and mass transfer. Thus, TPCT has found many industrial applications. Proper selection of the working fluid could further improve efficiency of TPCT, and nanofluids with superior thermal properties are suitable choices. Numerical simulation of boiling and condensation, natural circulation, and hybrid nanofluid modeling in a closed space is a notable challenge and current study is devoted to this subject. In this study, a novel methodology for incorporating the effects of compressibility and thermal expansion into all thermophysical properties of both phases is developed and programmed into a validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. Distilled water, a regular nanofluid, Al2O3/water, and a hybrid nanofluid, TiSiO4/water are selected as the working fluids. Experimental data for wall thermal profile are employed to validate the numerical simulation. Then, overall thermal resistance is evaluated in terms of nanoparticles concentration and input power variations. Results indicate that the numerical methodology developed in this study could evaluate the optimum state of TPCT in an efficient and accurate manner and the optimum state for regular and hybrid nanofluid demonstrates 48% and 54% improvement over distilled water, respectively. Furthermore, a subtle relation between the thermal resistance and the height to which fluid column rises in TPCT has been discerned and quantified, which is used as a supplement to the conventional qualitative method of reasoning to justify the somewhat controversial behaviors of nanofluid application in TPCT.
Mechanobiological Mechanisms of Load-Induced Osteoarthritis in the Mouse Knee
Authors: Adebayo Olufunmilayo O. , Holyoak Derek T. , van der Meulen Marjolein C. H.
Published: June 2019

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide, yet its disease mechanism is not clearly understood. Animal models have been established to study disease progression by initiating OA through modified joint mechanics or altered biological activity within the joint. However, animal models often do not have the capability to directly relate the mechanical environment to joint damage. This review focuses on a novel in vivo approach based on controlled, cyclic tibial compression to induce OA in the mouse knee. First, we discuss the development of the load-induced OA model, its different loading configurations, and other techniques used by research laboratories around the world. Next, we review the lessons learned regarding the mechanobiological mechanisms of load-induced OA and relate these findings to the current understanding of the disease. Then, we discuss the role of specific genetic and cellular pathways involved in load-induced OA progression and the contribution of altered tissue properties to the joint response to mechanical loading. Finally, we propose using this approach to test the therapeutic efficacy of novel treatment strategies for OA. Ultimately, elucidating the mechanobiological mechanisms of load-induced OA will aid in developing targeted treatments for this disabling disease.
Thyroid-like low-grade papillary adenocarcinoma of nasopharynx
Authors: Sourati Ainaz , Malekzadeh Mona , Rakhshan Azadeh
Published: June 2019

We report a 35-year-old woman with complaints of nasal obstruction and mild post-nasal drip for 6 months. She did not improve with medical treatment. Clinical examination had no positive finding. She was evaluated with a CT scan and MRI that revealed a polypoid mass lesion in nasopharynx without any adhesion to adjacent tissue. Endoscopic examination of nasopharynx revealed an exophytic nasopharyngeal mass in anterior wall of nasopharynx that complete macroscopic transnasal endoscopic resection was performed. The histopathological examination reported thyroid-like low-grade nasopharyngeal papillary adenocarcinoma that was confirmed on immunohistochemical staining. After complete macroscopic resection of the mass, patient was regularly followed-up for 6 years and there was no evidence of recurrence. This example has the educational tips of the optimal therapeutic strategies for primary nasopharyngeal adenocarcinomas with long follow-up.
Management of a case of orbital lymphangioma presenting in adulthood with negative-pressure aspiration and bleomycin injection
Authors: Sen Sagnik , Singh Pallavi , Bajaj Mandeep S , Gaur Nripen
Published: June 2019

We hereby report a case of a 55-year-old woman, with complaints of sudden onset outward protrusion of left eye progressing over 2 months, along with pain and loss of vision. Visual acuity in the affected eye was light perception only. On imaging, a well-defined solitary cystic lesion was noted in the retrobulbar space, which showed no enhancement on contrast-enhanced MRI. We performed fluid aspiration from the cyst under negative pressure and injected bleomycin as a sclerosant, without attempting a surgical excision. The proptosis reduced visibly, and after a week, visual acuity improved to finger counting at 1 m. At the 6 months follow-up, the patient did not show any recurrence of proptosis. This report highlights the importance of sclerosant therapy without the need for surgical excision in managing macrocystic lymphangiomas in adult age group.
Blow: a case of pufferfish intoxication in South Florida
Authors: Almeida Patricia , Diaz Raiko , Hernandez Felix , Ferrer Gustavo
Published: June 2019

We report the case of a 43-year-old African American man with a history of hypertension and chronic kidney disease presenting with hypertensive emergency and bulbar paralysis in a descending fashion, which ultimately led to acute respiratory failure. He ingested pufferfish liver during the preceding 4 hours prior to presentation, as well as canned foods and cocaine over the prior 3 days. He had a complicated hospital course requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation, as well as the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute renal failure requiring haemodialysis. This case exemplifies the classic manifestations of tetrodotoxin poisoning with some unique overlapping features, in the setting of an interesting social history.
Herpes zoster oticus with meningitis masquerading as malignant otitis externa
Authors: Cunniffe Harriet A , Cunniffe Nicholas G
Published: June 2019

This is a case of an 85-year-old woman whom was admitted with otalgia and an abducens nerve palsy alongside a Pseudomonas otitis externa; she was presumed to have malignant otitis externa. However, despite optimum treatment and resolution of her otitis externa, she went on to develop an ipsilateral facial nerve palsy and sensorineural hearing loss. After further investigation, it was discovered that varicella-zoster meningitis was causing her polyneuropathy. She eventually responded to antivirals and steroids and, at follow-up, her sixth and seventh cranial nerve palsies had completely resolved, though a hearing deficit remained. This case highlights the importance of keeping a diagnosis under review, with the help of the multidisciplinary team, when the clinical course is not progressing as expected.
Parvoviral infection with systemic impact and renal consequences
Authors: Mira Filipe Santos , Marques Daniel , Sousa Vítor , Nogueira Célia , Garcia Rui , Alves Rui
Published: June 2019

Parvovirus infection is usually asymptomatic especially in immunocompetent adults. When symptomatic it can range from mild to life threatening depending on the patient’s age and comorbidities. We report a case of a 40-year-old male patient with parvovirus infection who presented a purpuric rash in distal extremities, acute kidney injury, type II mixed cryoglobulinaemia and hypocomplementaemia. His renal biopsy showed a mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis with positive immunoreactivity to C3, IgM and C1q. Parvovirus B19 was detected in the biopsy tissue by PCR. He was treated with prednisolone with total remission after 1 month. We discuss the diagnosis of kidney lesion due to parvovirus in an immunocompetent person, which is a very rare condition and its association with the cryoglobulinaemia diagnosis.
Aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI) but not FIB-5 or FIB-4 is accurate in ruling out significant fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in an urban slum-dwelling population
Authors: Kolhe Kailash Marotrao , Amarapurkar Anjali , Parikh Pathik , Chaubal Alisha , Chauhan Shamsher , Khairnar Harshad , Walke Swapnil , Ingle Meghraj , Pandey Vikas , Shukla Akash
Published: June 2019

Background and aims

Non-invasive assessment of fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is challenging, especially in resource-limited settings. MR or transient elastography and many patented serum scores are costly and not widely available. There are limited data on accuracy of serum-based fibrosis scores in urban slum-dwelling population, which is a unique group due to its dietary habits and socioeconomic environment. We did this study to compare the accuracy of serum-based fibrosis scores to rule out significant fibrosis (SF) in this population.

Methods

Histological and clinical data of 100 consecutive urban slum-dwelling patients with NAFLD were analysed. Institutional ethics committee permission was taken. Aspartate transaminase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) and FIB-5 scores were compared among those with non-significant fibrosis (METAVIR; F0 to F1; n=73) and SF (METAVIR; F2 to F4; n=27).

Results

AST (IU/mL) (68.3±45.2 vs 23.9±10.9; p<0.0001), alanine transaminase (IU/mL) (76.4±36.8 vs 27.9±11.4; p<0.0001), FIB-4 (2.40±2.13 vs 0.85±0.52; p<0.0001) and APRI (1.18±0.92 vs 0.25±0.16; p<0.0001) were higher and platelets (100 000/mm3) (1.8±0.8 vs 2.6±0.7; p<0.0001), albumin (g/dL) (3.4±0.50 vs 3.7±0.4; p<0.0001), alkaline phosphatase (IU/L) (60.9±10.2 vs 76.4±12.9; p<0.0001) and FIB-5 (−1.10±6.58 vs 3.79±4.25; p<0.0001) were lower in SF group. APRI had the best accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve=0.95) followed by FIB-4 (0.78) and FIB-5 (0.75) in ruling out SF.

Conclusions

APRI but not FIB-5 or FIB-4 is accurate in ruling out SF in patients with NAFLD in an urban slum-dwelling population.
Development and initial testing of a Health Confidence Score (HCS)
Authors: Benson Tim , Potts Henry W W , Bark Pippa , Bowman Clive
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Patients need to feel confident about looking after their own health. This is needed to improve patient outcomes and clinical support. With few suitable tools available to measure self-care health confidence, we developed and validated a short, generic survey instrument for use in evaluation and quality improvement.

Methods

The Health Confidence Score (HCS) was developed through literature review, patient and expert focus groups and discussions. This paper reports an initial survey (n = 1031, study 1) which identified some issues and a further face-to-face survey (n = 378, study 2) to test the construct and concurrent validity of the final version. Scores were correlated against the My Health Confidence (MHC) rating scale, howRu (health status measure) and relevant demographics.

Results

The HCS is short (50 words) with good readability (reading age 8). It has four items covering health knowledge, capability to self-manage, access to help and shared decision-making; each has four response options (strongly agree, agree, neutral disagree). Items are reported independently and as a summary score.

The mean summary score was 76.7 (SD 20.4) on 0–100 scale. Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82. Exploratory factor analysis suggested that the four items relate to a single dimension. Correlation of the HCS summary score with MHC was high (Spearman r = 0.76). It was also associated with health status (Spearman r = 0.49), negatively with number of medications taken (r=–0.29) and age (r=–0.22) and not with ethnicity, having children or education level.

Conclusions

The HCS is short, easy to use, with good psychometric properties and construct validity. Each item is meaningful independently and the summary score gives an overall picture of health confidence.
Intersection syndrome: an acute surgical disease in elite rowers
Authors: Hoy Gregory , Trease Larissa , Braybon (Deceased) Wendy
Published: June 2019

Objective

Intersection syndrome is a relatively common condition in elite rowers and continuing conjecture over its pathology and best management often includes prolonged withdrawal from training and changes to the technique that may affect rowing outcomes.

Methods

We reviewed a case series in a national rowing squad and the effect on time loss produced by the condition. We reviewed the pathophysiology. We revisited the aggressive operative management put forward in the 1960s and applied it to modern rowing workload by reviewing a retrospective case series of six international rowers who had early surgical intervention.

Results

Approximately 5% of the squad suffered intersection syndrome during a 3-year period. The effect on training time was between 20% and 40% of their training time in the period. Using our understanding of the pathology as a true tendinitis of the second wrist compartment caused by fascial compression from hypertrophied first compartment muscles, we advocated earlier surgery and almost immediate return to training, which occurred at a median of 7 days postsurgery. We had successful return in five of six rowers in an accelerated programme to minimise muscle wasting and technique modification caused by the condition, achieving career goals in a matter of weeks after surgical intervention.

Conclusions

We encourage early surgical management of intersection syndrome of the wrist to allow almost immediate return to training, and therefore interfere less with technique modification and time out of the water. This minimises career disruption in the elite rowing community.
Porcine circovirus type 3 detection in a Hungarian pig farm experiencing reproductive failures
Authors: Deim Zoltán , Dencső László , Erdélyi Ildikó , Valappil Sarshad Koderi , Varga Csaba , Pósa Anikó , Makrai László , Rákhely Gábor
Published: June 2019

Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) infection has been reported in piglets and sows with porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome, reproductive failure, and cardiac and multisystemic inflammation. Few studies linked PCV3 infection to increased incidence of abortion and weak‐born piglets. This is the first report of a detection of PCV3 Hungarian strain in several organs of aborted and weak‐born piglets, including the thymus, lymph node, placenta, spleen, kidney and the liver. The tissue tropism of PCV3 in affected litters was analysed using real‐time quantitative PCR, and the result showed the highest load of viral DNA in the thymus and lymph nodes. The ORF2 of Hungarian PCV3 strains was 524 nucleotides in length, and the sequence identity to GenBank sequences ranged from 98.5 per cent to 99.2 per cent. The results suggest that PCV3 may have a relevant role in reproductive failure in gilts.
Atmospheric Spectroscopy and Photochemistry at Environmental Water Interfaces
Authors: Zhong J. , Kumar M. , Anglada J.M. , Martins-Costa M.T.C. , Ruiz-Lopez M.F. , Zeng X.C. , Francisco Joseph S.
Published: June 2019

The air–water interface is ubiquitous in nature, as manifested in the form of the surfaces of oceans, lakes, and atmospheric aerosols. The aerosol interface, in particular, can play a crucial role in atmospheric chemistry. The adsorption of atmospheric species onto and into aerosols modifies their concentrations and chemistries. Moreover, the aerosol phase allows otherwise unlikely solution-phase chemistry to occur in the atmosphere. The effect of the air–water interface on these processes is not entirely known. This review summarizes recent theoretical investigations of the interactions of atmosphere species with the air–water interface, including reactant adsorption, photochemistry, and the spectroscopy of reactants at the water surface, with an emphasis on understanding differences between interfacial chemistries and the chemistries in both bulk solution and the gas phase. The results discussed here enable an understanding of fundamental concepts that lead to potential air–water interface effects, providing a framework to understand the effects of water surfaces on our atmosphere.
Lycopene Inhibits Smoke-Induced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Lung Carcinogenesis by Modulating Reverse Cholesterol Transport in Ferrets
Authors: Mustra Rakic Jelena , Liu Chun , Veeramachaneni Sudipta , Wu Dayong , Paul Ligi , Chen C.-Y. Oliver , Ausman Lynne M. , Wang Xiang-Dong
Published: June 2019

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer share the same etiologic factor, cigarette smoking. Higher consumption of dietary lycopene has been associated with lower risks of COPD and lung cancer in smokers. We investigated whether lycopene feeding protects against COPD and lung cancer in ferrets, a nonrodent model that closely mimics cigarette smoke (CS)-induced chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and lung tumorigenesis in human. We also explored whether the protective effect of lycopene is associated with restoring reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), a key driver in persistent inflammation with CS exposure. Ferrets (4 groups, n = 12–16/group) were exposed to a combination of tobacco carcinogen (NNK) and CS with or without consuming lycopene at low and high doses (equivalent to ∼30 and ∼90 mg lycopene/day in human, respectively) for 22 weeks. Results showed that dietary lycopene at a high dose significantly inhibited NNK/CS-induced chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and preneoplastic lesions, including squamous metaplasia and atypical adenomatous hyperplasia, as compared with the NNK/CS alone (P < 0.05). Lycopene feeding also tended to decrease the lung neoplastic lesions. Furthermore, lycopene feeding significantly inhibited NNK/CS-induced accumulation of total cholesterol, and increased mRNA expression of critical genes related to the RCT (PPARα, LXRα, and ATP-binding cassette transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1) in the lungs, which were downregulated by the NNK/CS exposure. The present study has provided the first evidence linking a protective role of dietary lycopene against COPD and preneoplastic lesions to RCT-mediated cholesterol accumulation in lungs.
Blood and Guts in Living Color: A Study of the Internet Death Video Community
Authors: Khayambashi Shahbaz
Published: June 2019

Journalism has taken on a new form in the age of new media, allowing anyone to not only report the news, but to provide visual proof of it, uncensored and freely available. When this visual proof began to allow people to see death in its entirety, various communities began to form to not just view these videos but to also ensure their availability and continuation. This essay is about those communities and how they operate.
Assessment of 2D ultrasound fluid volume estimation accuracy in different shaped objects: an in vitro study
Authors: Kodikara Iroshani , Abeysekara Iroshini , Gamage Dhanusha , Ilayperuma Isurani
Published: June 2019

Background

Volume estimation of organs using two-dimensional (2D) ultrasonography is frequently warranted. Considering the influence of estimated volume on patient management, maintenance of its high accuracy is empirical. However, data are scarce regarding the accuracy of estimated volume of non-globular shaped objects of different volumes.

Purpose

To evaluate the volume estimation accuracy of different shaped and sized objects using high-end 2D ultrasound scanners.

Material and Methods

Globular (n=5); non-globular elongated (n=5), and non-globular near-spherical shaped (n=4) hollow plastic objects were scanned to estimate the volumes; actual volumes were compared with estimated volumes. T-test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare means; P<0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The actual volumes of the objects were in the range of 10–445 mL; estimated volumes ranged from 6.4–425 mL ( P=0.067). The estimated volume was lower than the actual volume; such volume underestimation was marked for non-globular elongated objects. Regardless of the scanner, the highest volume estimation error was for non-globular elongated objects (<40%) followed by non-globular near-spherical shaped objects (<23.88%); the lowest was for globular objects (<3.6%). Irrespective of the shape or the volume of the object, volume estimation difference among the scanners was not significant: globular (F=0.430, P=0.66); non-globular elongated (F=3.69, P=0.064); and non-globular near-spherical (F=4.00, P=0.06). A good inter-rater agreement (R=0.99, P<0.001) and a good correlation between actual versus estimated volumes (R=0.98, P<0.001) were noted.

Conclusion

The 2D ultrasonography can be recommended for volume estimation purposes of different shaped and different sized objects, regardless the type of the high-end scanner used.