bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic research and consent: On the crossroads of human and data research
Authors: Pormeister Kärt
Published: August 2018

This paper explores the legal and ethical concept of human subject research in order to determine whether genetic research with already available biosamples and data falls within this concept. Although the ethical concept seems to have evolved to recognize research based on data as human research, from a supranational legal perspective this form of research is not considered human subject research. Thus human subject research regulations do not apply and therefore do not invoke the requirement of obtaining consent prior to using an individual’s biosample or genetic data in research. Furthermore, it remains ambiguous in both the legal and ethical realm whether the use of biosamples or genetic data without additional links to the individual would invoke the same safeguards as research involving additional or specific identifiers. Seeing that research based on already available biosamples and genetic data is not governed by rules concerning human subject research, the second part of the paper analyses whether any consent requirements apply for the further use of already available bio‐samples or genetic data in research. Whereas further use of biosamples is subject to considerably lax consent requirements under Article 22 of the Oviedo Convention, under the General Data Protection Regulation further use of genetic data might not be subject to a prior consent requirement at all, unless it is stipulated in national laws. When it comes to clinical trials, however, sponsors will have the possibility under Article 28(2) of Regulation 536/2014 to obtain open consent for further use of data in any kind of future research.
Calcipotriol/betamethasone ointment compared to narrow‐band UVB in plaque psoriasis: first clinical and ultrasonographic study
Authors: Polańska Adriana , Gaura Tomasz , Bowszyc‐Dmochowska Monika , Osmola‐Mańkowska Agnieszka , Olek‐Hrab Karolina , Adamski Zygmunt , Żaba Ryszard , Dańczak‐Pazdrowska Aleksandra
Published: August 2018

Introduction

A wide range of treatments are available for psoriasis, including pharmaceuticals and phototherapy. Calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate and narrow‐band ultraviolet phototherapy (NB‐UVB) are both effective monotherapies for psoriasis; however, these two therapies have never been directly compared in a prospective clinical study. In this study, we compared the efficacy of combined calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate to NB‐UVB in psoriatic patients with Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) 9–10 treated in a routine clinical practice.

Patients and methods

This prospective, observational study included 58 consecutive patients (age range, 19–65 years) diagnosed with recurrent chronic small plaque psoriasis. Patients were offered either topical therapy with a two‐compound ointment containing calcipotriol (50 μm/g) and betamethasone dipropionate (0.5 mg/g) or NB‐UVB (311 nm). Disease severity was assessed at baseline and posttreatment according to PASI and target lesion score (TLS) and by high‐frequency (20 MHz) ultrasonography (HF‐USG).

Results

No statistically significant difference between the groups was observed in baseline or posttreatment PASI scores. Both treatments resulted in substantial reductions in PASI: 85% and 82%, respectively, for the calcipotriol/betamethasone group and the NB‐UVB group. Both treatments significantly decreased the subepidermal low echogenic band (SLEB) thickness, with no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the percentage reduction in SLEB.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates, for the first time, that NB‐UVB phototherapy and fixed combination calcipotriol/betamethasone ointment are equally effective in treating plaque psoriasis in patients with PASI 9–10 in routine clinical practice. In addition, measurement of SLEB thickness with HF‐USG may be a useful objective parameter to assess skin lesions.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Evelyn Angelia
Published: August 2018

Applied Finance and Accounting [AFA] would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AFA publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 4, Number 2Amira Houaneb, University Ibn Khaldoun, TunisiaAnastasia Kopaneli, University of Patras, GreeceAndrey Kudryavtsev, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley Academic College, IsraelAugustine Akhidime, Benson Idahosa University, NigeriaDesti Kannaiah, James Cook University, SingaporeFabio Rizzato, University of Turin, ItalyGheorghe Morosan, Stefan Cel Mare University Suceava Romania, RomaniaIoan Bogdan Robu, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, RomaniaJayendra S. Gokhale, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USALingesiya Kengatharan, University of Jaffna, Sri LankaMarco Muscettola, Independent researcher, ItalyMohammad Sami Ali Al-Dahrawi, Zarqa University, JordanMojeed Idowu John Odumeso-Jimoh, Noble Integrated Resources & Management, NigeriaNikolay Patonov, European Polytechnical University, BulgariaPeibiao Zhao, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, ChinaRui Fernandes, Porto Accounting and Business School, PortugalSawsan Saadi Halbouni, Canadian University Dubai, UAEVolodymyr Vysochansky, Uzhhorod National University, UkraineAngelia EvelynEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Finance and AccountingRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAE-mail: afa@redfame.comURL: http://afa.redfame.com
The Effect of Technical Competence in Balance Elements of Rhythmic Gymnastics on the Sportive Success of Taekwondo Poomsae Athletes
Authors: Polat Sezen Çimen
Published: August 2018

This study aims to investigate the effect of technical competence in certain balance elements, an important parameter in rhythmic gymnastics, on sportive success in taekwondo poomsae athletes and the relationship between them. The study was conducted on 12 female taekwondo athletes (age: 17.6±1.2; height: 159.26±3.1 cm; weight: 50.79±1.82 kg; BMI: 20.88±0.98 kg/m2). The participants were selected from successful athletes who were in the top 6 in their own category in the national taekwondo competition held this year. The athletes performed 6 balance elements in rhythmic gymnastics, i.e. side passé (SP), 90° forward (90°F), side split with hand support (SSWHS), Arabesque with trunk forward (A), Cossack (C) and free leg to the side (FLS), and the Y balance test. The relationship between these balances that were assessed by 3 international judges and success rating was identified using the Spearman correlation test. The level of significance was accepted as p<0.05. As result, a statistically significant difference was found between side passé and split with hand support, balances used in rhythmic gymnastics, and success ratings (p<0.05). While no statistically significant difference was found between other balances, i.e. 90° forward, arabesque with trunk forward, cossack and free leg to the side and sportive success, there was a high relationship between them. In addition, there was no statistically significant difference between sportive success and right and left anterior (RAB, LAB) posteromedial (RPMB, LPMB) and posterolateral (RPLB, LPLB) reach distances. In conclusion, since the study found a high relationship between sportive success and technical competence of poomsae athletes in the two technical side balances, it is suggested that basic gymnastics training can be effective in improving the balancing skills of taekwondo poomsae athletes.
Guía de práctica clínica para la prevención, la detección temprana, el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el seguimiento de las dislipidemias: tratamiento no farmacológico con ejercicio
Authors: Fernández Ávila Daniel Gerardo , García Peña Ángel Alberto , Muñoz Velandia Oscar Mauricio , Higuera Moreno Angélica , Ruiz Morales Álvaro , Aschner Montoya Pablo , Toro Juan , Arteaga Juan , Merchan Alonso , Sánchez Vallejo Gregorio , Villalba Yadira
Published: August 2018

Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto del ejerciciocomo una intervención no farmacológica parala prevención primaria y secundaria de eventoscardio y cerebrovasculares asociados a dislipidemiaen personas con hipercolesterolemia.Métodos: Se elaboró una guía de práctica clínicasiguiendo los lineamientos de la guía metodológicadel Ministerio de Salud y ProtecciónSocial para recolectar de forma sistemática laevidencia científica y formular las recomendacionesutilizando la metodología GRADE. Setomó la información específica acerca de ejerciciocomo medida terapéutica en el tratamientode dislipidemia. Resultados: Tanto el ejercicioaeróbico como el de resistencia se asocian adisminución en el colesterol con lipoproteínasde baja densidad y los triglicéridos, cambiosque fueron estadísticamente significativos; peroestos no son clínicamente relevantes, dado quese trata de una reducción mínima. No se encontróun cambio estadísticamente significativo enlos valores de colesterol de alta densidad. Conclusiones:Se presenta evidencia a favor del usode ejercicio como parte fundamental del tratamientode hipercolesterolemia. Aunque no seencontraron diferencias clínicamente significativasen los valores de colesterol o triglicéridos,el ejercicio físico es una actividad con ampliosbeneficios para el paciente en otros dominiosclínicos de interés, por lo que al considerar elriesgo y el beneficio de esta práctica, los beneficiosson claros y superan ampliamente el bajoriesgo al que se expone una persona al realizaruna rutina de ejercicio, como parte de su vidacotidiana.
Biblioteca para pacientes del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio: ejemplo de liderazgo estudiantil
Authors: Laserna Estrada Andres Felipe , Barahona Correa Julian Esteban , Figueroa Gutiérrez Laura , Zarate Velasco Ana Maria , Foti Barreto Jose Rodrigo , Mejía Jaramillo Sarita , Rosas Camilo
Published: August 2018

Fortalecer las habilidades de liderazgo desde el pregrado genera profesionalesmás integrales y propositivos. Participar en investigación desarrolla unamentalidad más independiente y fortalece la confianza en sí mismos [1,2].Este empoderamiento promueve la inquietud intelectual y el pensamiento divergente, lo que genera habilidades de liderazgo [3], comunicación y colaboración [4]. Desde este precepto, el Grupo Científico Estudiantil MAJIIS [5] lideró el proyecto Libros de cabecera, con el apoyo de la Carrera de Ciencias de Información-Bibliotecología, la Biblioteca General y el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio (HUSI). El objetivo es implementaruna biblioteca para pacientes con fines sociales e investigativos.Las actividades estructuradas de lectura han disminuido la ansiedad y ladepresión en pacientes hospitalizados [6-8], posiblemente asociado con el mejoramiento de la estancia hospitalaria y la humanización de los servicios. Sin embargo, sus efectos no han sido estudiados con profundidad. En Colombia, existen pocas instituciones que presten este servicio [9].Libros de cabecera demuestra el potencial de las actividades lideradaspor estudiantes. Inicialmente, funcionará para pacientes hospitalizados,pero se planea alcanzar otros servicios del HUSI (por ejemplo, oncología onefrología). Se busca favorecer la recuperación de los pacientes, mejorar la percepción de estancia hospitalaria, optimizar los hábitos de lectura y apoyarla política de humanización de nuestro Hospital. Se espera aportar a la evidencia de la efectividad de la biblioterapia en el manejo integral de los enfermos y sus familias.
Frecuencia de anemia al diagnóstico en los pacientes pediátricos con cáncer atendidos en el Centro Javeriano de Oncología entre enero de 2008 y enero de 2014
Authors: Atencia Herrera Cindy Margarita , Gómez Neva Maria Elizabeth , Guzmán Cruz Paula Carolina
Published: August 2018

Introducción: La anemia es un hallazgo común y de etiología variable en la edad pediátrica, sobre todo en países como Colombia, donde se suma la carencia nutricional como principal factor causal de este signo. En los niños con cáncer, la anemia se manifiesta con palidez, en especial relacionada con tumores hematolinfoides. Objetivo: Determinar con qué frecuencia se encontró anemia en la población infantil con diagnóstico de cáncer atendida en el Centro Javeriano de Oncología (CJO). Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo, entre enero de 2008 y enero 2014. Se recolectaron datos como edad, sexo, diagnóstico y hemoglobina. Se excluyeron los registros en los cuales no se encontraban estas variables. La información obtenida seanalizó empleando frecuencias. Los resultados fueron comparados con los reportados en la literatura según la metodología empleada. Resultados: En el CJO, la principal población pediátrica con cáncer fueron niños, en quienes se documentó una mayor proporción de afectados con tumores sólidos en comparación con hematolinfoides. Un 21 % de los pacientes con leucemias o linfomas ingresaron con concentraciones de hemoglobina menores a la media para edad y sexo, frente a 73,9 % de aquellos con tumores sólidos. Conclusión: La anemia fue un hallazgo poco frecuente en niños con tumores hematolinfoides y se observó un marcado incremento cuando se trató de tumores sólidos.La aparición de este signo es variable y los datos pueden modificarse según factores como sexo, edad al diagnóstico de la patología oncológica, así como el tipo y localización del tumor.
Evaluación de la motilidad diafragmática por ultrasonido en pacientes llevados a cirugía ortopédica de miembro superior bajo anestesia regional utilizando bloqueo infraclavicular
Authors: Grueso Angulo Reinaldo , Bonilla Ramirez Antonio Jose , Moreno Oliveros Ginna Milena , Sanín Hoyos Alejandra , Winograd Gómez Vera , Rivera Herrera Maura Alejandra , Orejarena Anzola Viviana , Luna Duran Ana Maria , Laverde Zerda Veronica
Published: August 2018

Introducción: el bloqueo de plexo braquial por vía infraclavicular ofrece anestesia completa, efectiva y segura para cirugías del miembro superior desde el tercio distal del brazo. El presente estudio evaluó la afectación de la motilidad diafragmática mediante evaluación ecográfica estandarizada en pacientes a quienes se les realizó esta técnica anestésica. Materiales y métodos: se reclutaron 53 pacientes programados para cirugía ortopédica del miembro superior distal al hombro. Se realizó escaneo ultrasonográfico del diafragma de manera bilateral, antes y después de la realización del bloqueo. Se obtuvieron mediciones de motilidad diafragmática en inspiración forzada y espiración, utilizando un transductor Convex de baja frecuencia. Se localizó el punto más profundo de visualización del diafragma que permitiera su seguimiento durante inspiración/espiración en el modo M. Resultados: la medición de la motilidad diafragmática fue hecha de forma estandarizada en todos los pacientes antes y después del bloqueo, mediante una evaluación tanto cualitativa como cuantitativa, a fin de obtener un valor promedio absoluto de 6,63 cm (DE ± 0,35) y 6,75 cm (DE ± 0,42), respectivamente. La prueba de t de Student no mostró diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el desplazamiento diafragmático antes y después de la intervención. Conclusiones: el uso de la ultrasonografía en la evaluación de la motilidad diafragmática es una herramienta simple, no invasiva y reproducible. En el bloqueo de plexo braquial por vía infraclavicular no se encontró evidencia de parálisis diafragmática ipsilateral; sin embargo, el resultado podría estar relacionado con la baja prevalencia de esta complicación en el abordaje evaluado y con la ausencia de estandarización de las variables medidas.
Infección por chikunguña materno-fetal asociada con miocarditis neonatal
Authors: Corrales Martínez Silvia Catalina , Fonseca Carlos , Salgado Doris
Published: August 2018

El virus de chikunguña es un arbovirus de la familia Togaviridae y fue aislado por primera vez en Tanzania y Uganda, en 1953. Esta infección se ha desarrollado de manera endémica y es transmitida por el mosquito del género Aedes. El mecanismo exacto de la transmisión de madre a hijo aún no se tiene claro, pero se han identificado potenciales complicaciones de la transmisión vertical, como malformaciones congénitas, mortinatos, restricción del crecimiento intrauterino y partos pretérmino. En este artículo se presentan dos casos clínicos de neonatos que presentaron arritmias cardiacas en sus primeros días de vida, hijos de madres con síndrome febril en curso por chikunguña. Se diagnosticó miocarditis por chikunguña y transmisión vertical, confirmado por reacción de cadena de polimerasa. Ambos pacientes recibieron manejo médico, incluidas inmunoglobulinas, con mejoría del cuadro clínico, sin desenlaces fatales.
Schwannoma en un miembro inferior: reporete de caso
Authors: Aljure Reales Vicente De Jesús , Caicedo Ochoa Edgar Yaset , Becerra Ramírez Diego Alejandro , Camargo Bejarano Jonathan Jesús
Published: August 2018

Una entidad poco frecuente es la manifestación neoplásica de las células de Schwann, que comúnmente se reporta en la región vestibular y en otras partes de la cabeza. No obstante, la manifestación de esta neoplasia benigna en miembros inferiores es muy rara. Por ello se reporta el caso clínico de una joven de 23 años de edad, quien, por molestias en la parte posterior de la pierna derecha con una sensación de masa, consultó el servicio de radiología. Luego de hacérsele una ecografía sobre la masa, se optó por una biopsia de la lesión, que evidenció, según criterio histopatológico, la presencia de un schwannoma. Este es el primer caso reportado en Latinoamérica sobre la atipia de esta entidad.
Toxina botulínica aplicada bajo guía ecográfica en el tratamiento de la sialorrea: reporete de dos casos
Authors: Pérez García Irene Camila , Jiménez Fandiño Luis Humberto , Jiménez Fandiño Luis Humberto , Otalora Andrés
Published: August 2018

Introducción: la sialorrea es una condición frecuente en pacientes con enfermedades neuromusculares que genera problemas sociales y médicos en los pacientes, y para la cual existen múltiples tratamientos. Métodos: se aplicó toxina botulínica bajo guía ultrasonográfica en dos pacientes y se midió la severidad de la sialorrea previa y posterior a la aplicación. Resultados: se evidenció mejoría de la salivación excesiva dada por la escala de medición. Conclusiones: la toxina botulínica podría ser una medida beneficiosa para el manejo de la sialorrea.
Lisencefalia tipo I en un paciente de preescolar
Authors: Sánchez Sierra Luis Enrique , Ramírez Izcoa Alejandro , Varela González Douglas , Alvarenga Ramón , Vásquez Montes Raúl
Published: August 2018

La lisencefalia es una alteración del desarrollo cortical por un trastorno de la migración neuronal que provoca una superficie cerebral lisa, con una incidencia de 11,7 casos por millón de niños. En este artículo se presenta el caso de una niña de tres años de edad, que fue llevada al Hospital Escuela Universitario a los dos meses de vida por crisis convulsivas refractarias de tipo tónico generalizada, con diez episodios en veinticuatro horas.
Órdenes de no reanimación en el paciente adulto
Authors: Gempeler Rueda Fritz Eduardo , De Brigard Pérez Ana María
Published: August 2018

Con base en los malos resultados de la reanimación cardiopulmonar, hace más de tres décadas se adoptaron en la práctica clínica las órdenes de no reanimación. De manera más actual y dado el desarrollo de las garantías individuales y su adopción en la práctica clínica, se entiende por órdenes de no reanimación las decisiones concertadas entre los médicos y sus pacientes o representantes de no ser sometidos a una reanimación cardiocerebropulmonar en el evento de sufrir un paro cardiaco.Poco a poco se ha ido aceptando la definición de límites en la actividad asistencial en consideración a sus resultados ulteriores en la vida de las personas; sin embargo, aún no es clara la compatibilidad de este tipo de decisiones —calificadas como restrictivas— en pacientes que necesitan algún tipo de tratamiento. El objetivo de este artículo es establecer el marco conceptual de este dilema y ofrecer una respuesta sobre la formulación, consecuencias e implicaciones de una orden de no reanimación.
Linfocitopenia T CD4+ idiopática: reporte de caso
Authors: Pulido Arenas Jorge , Tobon Trujillo Manuela , Garzón Javier Ricardo
Published: August 2018

Este artículo presenta el caso de un hombre mayor que ingresó con cuatro meses deevolución de hemiparesia izquierda progresiva con sospecha de etiología neoplásica.Se le realizó una biopsia cerebral estereotáctica que reveló lesiones granulomatosascon estructuras micóticas intracelulares compatibles con histoplasma. Adicionalmente,el paciente había requerido una orquidectomía debido a una masa testicular con unabiopsia que evidenció lesiones granulomatosas. La prueba del VIH y la carga viralfueron negativas, el recuento de linfocitos CD4+ fue inferior a 300 células/μl, y fuepositiva la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa para M. tuberculosis en el tejidotesticular. Se realizó un nuevo recuento de linfocitos T CD4+ después de seis semanasdel diagnóstico que nuevamente fue inferior a 300 células/μl, lo cual confirmó eldiagnóstico de linfocitopenia T idiopática de CD4+.
Effect of source filter interaction on isolated vowel-consonant-vowel perception
Authors: Rao M V Achuth , Victory J Shiny , Ghosh Prasanta Kumar
Published: August 2018

Source-filter interaction explains the drop in pitch in voiced consonant due to constriction in the vocal tract during vowel-consonant-vowel (VCV) production. In this work, a perceptual study is conducted where the pitch contour in the voiced consonant region is modified to four different levels and a listening test is performed to assess the naturalness of the VCVs synthesized with the modified pitch contour. The listening test with 30 listeners shows no statistically significant difference between the naturalness of the original and synthesized VCVs with modified pitch indicating that pitch drop due to source-filter interaction may not be critical for the perceived naturalness of VCVs.
Learning to Become Instructional Coaches in Health and Physical Education
Authors: Fletcher Tim , Lodewyk Ken , Glover Katie , Albione Sandra
Published: August 2018

Purpose: To examine the experiences of a cohort of health and physical education teachers and consultants who were learning to become instructional coaches.Methods: Three surveys and three focus groups were administered to 14 participants over 9 months to consider their experiences of learning to become instructional coaches. Concepts from expectancy-value theory guided analyses of both quantitative and qualitative data.Results: Participants reported positive experiences learning to become instructional coaches. Understanding and importance-utility value increased significantly between the administration of initial and end surveys. Focus group data generally supported quantitative findings while enabling more specific insights to be gained, particularly regarding specific moments of participants’ learning that led to a shift in thinking or practice.Conclusions: Participants valued their experiences learning to become instructional coaches and identified the instructional coaching model as a powerful form of job-embedded professional learning based on teachers’ context-specific needs.
Value Orientation Inventory: Development, Applications, and Contributions
Authors: Zhu Weimo , Chen Ang
Published: August 2018

This paper provides an overview of the long and vigorous efforts made in the development, applications, and contributions of the Value Orientation Inventory (VOI) by Dr. Catherine D. Ennis, her students, and her colleagues. After a brief review of the development, validation, and cross-validation of the VOI and corresponding applications, the authors describe the contributions the VOI made in pedagogy research and the impact of teachers’ value orientations on their teaching behaviors. They also discuss how a measurement tool should be developed and present Ennis’s work as a model of how a research line should be established. Finally, they reflect on the limitations in measurement tool development in kinesiology and outline future directions for VOI revision and application.
Metaphorically ‘Taking a Knee’: Pausing, Reflecting, Acting
Authors: Walton-Fisette Theresa
Published: August 2018

Many of us want to engage in public application of our academic work, to not just understand the world, but to take part in addressing issues we investigate. Perhaps the metaphor of ‘taking a knee’ can be useful as we consider for ourselves, individually and collectively, how to do this work. Specifically, this paper considers the metaphorical meanings of ‘taking a knee’ to pause, reflect and consider ways to engage. The work of Ibram Kendi suggests that we look to how the economic, political and cultural self interest of powerful groups of people shape public life—including laws, policies and social norms to further their own self interests. In particular, this work considers the issue of the social construction of race in protests at sporting events during the national anthem and public responses to those events, finding as Kendi would predict, both progress toward racial equality and the advancement and evolution of racist ideas. Lastly, this investigation extends Kendi’s work by examining Title IX and athlete sexual assault, through firm scholarly research, as an example of both progress toward equality and also re-entrenchment of sexism and sexist ideologies, at the same time, by following the trail of self-interest.
Sequences of Zika Virus Genomes from a Pediatric Cohort in Nicaragua
Authors: Oldfield Lauren M. , Fedorova Nadia , Puri Vinita , Shrivastava Susmita , Amedeo Paolo , Durbin Alan , Rocchi Iara , Williams Torrey , Shabman Reed S. , Tan Gene S. , Balmaseda Angel , Kuan Guillermina , Saborio Saira , Gordon Aubree , Harris Eva , Pickett Brett E.
Published: August 2018

We report here the whole-genome sequence of 11 Zika virus (ZIKV) samples from six pediatric patients in Nicaragua. Serum samples were collected, and ZIKV was isolated in tissue culture. Both serum and virus isolates were sequenced. The consensus ZIKV genomes are greater than 99% identical to each other.
Complete Genome Sequences of Paenibacillus larvae Phages BN12, Dragolir, Kiel007, Leyra, Likha, Pagassa, PBL1c, and Tadhana
Authors: Walker Jamison K. , Merrill Bryan D. , Berg Jordan A. , Dhalai Aziza , Dingman Douglas W. , Fajardo Chris P. , Graves Kiel , Hill Hunter L. , Hilton Jared A. , Imahara Cameron , Knabe Bradley K. , Mangohig James , Monk Josh , Mun Heejin , Payne Ashley M. , Salisbury Alicia , Stamereilers Casey , Velez Kathie , Ward Andy T. , Breakwell Donald P. , Grose Julianne H. , Hope Sandra , Tsourkas Philippos K.
Published: August 2018

We present here the complete genomes of eight phages that infect
Paenibacillus larvae
, the causative agent of American foulbrood in honeybees. Phage PBL1c was originally isolated in 1984 from a
P. larvae
lysogen, while the remaining phages were isolated in 2014 from bee debris, honeycomb, and lysogens from three states in the USA.
Mapping an Adeno-associated Virus 9-Specific Neutralizing Epitope To Develop Next-Generation Gene Delivery Vectors
Authors: Giles April R. , Govindasamy Lakshmanan , Somanathan Suryanarayan , Wilson James M.
Published: August 2018

Gene therapy utilizing viral vectors has experienced recent success, culminating in U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of the first adeno-associated virus vector gene therapy product in the United States: Luxturna for inherited retinal dystrophy. However, application of this approach to other tissues faces significant barriers. One challenge is the immune response to viral infection or vector administration, precluding patients from receiving an initial or readministered dose of vector, respectively. Here, we mapped the epitope of a novel neutralizing antibody generated in response to this viral vector to design a next-generation capsid to evade immune responses. Epitope-based mutations in the capsid interfered with the binding and neutralizing ability of the antibody but not when tested against polyclonal samples from various sources. Our results suggest that targeted mutation of a greater breadth of neutralizing epitopes will be required to evade the repertoire of neutralizing antibodies responsible for blocking viral vector transduction.
Temperature-Dependent Nanomechanics and Topography of Bacteriophage T7
Authors: Vörös Zsuzsanna , Csík Gabriella , Herényi Levente , Kellermayer Miklós
Published: August 2018

Even though the loss of DNA, caused by heat treatment, destabilizes the T7 phage, its capsid is remarkably able to withstand high temperatures with a more or less intact global topographical structure. Thus, partial denaturation within the global structural constraints of the viral capsid may have a stabilizing effect. Understanding the structural design of viruses may help in constructing artificial nanocapsules for the packaging and delivery of materials under harsh environmental conditions.
Identification and Characterization of a Phase-Variable Element That Regulates the Autotransporter UpaE in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Battaglioli E. J. , Goh K. G. K. , Atruktsang T. S. , Schwartz K. , Schembri M. A. , Welch R. A.
Published: August 2018

UropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC) is the most common etiologic agent of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI). An important mechanism of gene regulation in UPEC is phase variation that involves inversion of a promoter-containing DNA element via enzymatic activity of tyrosine recombinases, resulting in biphasic, ON or OFF expression of target genes. The UPEC reference strain CFT073 has five tyrosine site-specific recombinases that function at two previously characterized promoter inversion systems,fimSandhyxS. Three of the five recombinases are located proximally to their cognate target elements, which is typical of promoter inversion systems. The genes for the other two recombinases, IpuA and IpuB, are located distal from these sites. Here, we identified and characterized a third phase-variable invertible element in CFT073,ipuS, located proximal toipuAandipuB. The inversion ofipuSis catalyzed by four of the five CFT073 recombinases. Orientation of the element drives transcription of a two-gene operon containingipuR, a predicted LuxR-type regulator, andupaE, a predicted autotransporter. We show that the predicted autotransporter UpaE is surface located and facilitates biofilm formation as well as adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins in a K-12 recombinant background. Consistent with this phenotype, theipuSON condition in CFT073 results in defective swimming motility, increased adherence to human kidney epithelial cells, and a positive competitive kidney colonization advantage in experimental mouse UTIs. Overall, the identification of a third phase switch in UPEC that is regulated by a shared set of recombinases describes a complex phase-variable virulence network in UPEC.

IMPORTANCEUropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC) is the most common cause of urinary tract infection (UTI). ON versus OFF phase switching by inversion of small DNA elements at two chromosome sites in UPEC regulates the expression of important virulence factors, including the type 1 fimbria adhesion organelle. In this report, we describe a third invertible element,ipuS, in the UPEC reference strain CFT073. The inversion ofipuScontrols the phase-variable expression ofupaE, an autotransporter gene that encodes a surface protein involved in adherence to extracellular matrix proteins and colonization of the kidneys in a murine model of UTI.
Promoting hygienic weaning food handling practices through a community-based programme: intervention implementation and baseline characteristics for a cluster randomised controlled trial in rural Gambia
Authors: Manjang Buba , Hemming Karla , Bradley Chris , Ensink Jeroen , Martin James T , Sowe Jama , Jarju Abdou , Cairncross Sandy , Manaseki-Holland Semira
Published: August 2018

Objective

Contamination of weaning food leads to diarrhoea in children under 5 years. Public health interventions to improve practices in low-income and middle-income countries are rare and often not evaluated using a randomised method. We describe an intervention implementation and provide baseline data for such a trial.

Design

Clustered randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Rural Gambia.

Participants

15 villages/clusters each with 20 randomly selected mothers with children aged 6–24 months per arm.

Intervention

To develop the public health intervention, we used: (A) formative research findings to determine theoretically based critical control point corrective measures and motivational drives for behaviour change of mothers; (B) lessons from a community-based weaning food hygiene programme in Nepal and a handwashing intervention programme in India; and (C) culturally based performing arts, competitions and environmental clues. Four intensive intervention days per village involved the existing health systems and village/cultural structures that enabled per-protocol implementation and engagement of whole villager communities.

Results

Baseline village and mother’s characteristics were balanced between the arms after randomisation. Most villages were farming villages accessing health centres within 10 miles, with no schools but numerous village committees and representing all Gambia’s three main ethnic groups. Mothers were mainly illiterate (60%) and farmers (92%); 24% and 10% of children under 5 years were reported to have diarrhoea and respiratory symptoms, respectively, in the last 7 days (dry season). Intervention process engaged whole village members and provided lessons for future implementation; culturally adapted performing arts were an important element.

Conclusion

This research has potential as a new low-cost and broadly available public health programme to reduce infection through weaning food. The theory-based intervention was widely consulted in the Gambia and with experts and was well accepted by the communities. Baseline analysis provides socioeconomic data and confirmation of Unicefs Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) data on the prevalence of diarrhoea and respiratory symptoms in the dry season in the poorest region of Gambia.

Trial registration number

PACTR201410000859336; Pre-results.
Which work-related characteristics are most strongly associated with common mental disorders? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Rivière Mathieu , Leroyer Ariane , Ferreira Carreira Lionel , Blanchon Thierry , Plancke Laurent , Melchior Maria , Younès Nadia
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Studies exploring work-related risk factors of common mental disorders (CMDs), such as major depressive disorder (MDD), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) or alcohol abuse, have generally focused on a limited set of work characteristics. For the first time in a primary care setting, we examine simultaneously multiple work-related risk factors in relation to CMDs.

Method

We use data from a study of working individuals recruited among 2027 patients of 121 general practitioners (GPs) representative of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region in the North of France (April–August 2014). CMDs (MDD; GAD; alcohol abuse) were assessed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Six worked-related factors were examined (work intensity, emotional demands, autonomy, social relations at work, conflict in values and job insecurity). Several covariates were considered (patient, GP and contextual characteristics). To study the association between workplace risk factors and CMDs, we used multilevel Poisson regression models adjusted for covariates.

Results

Among study participants, 389 (19.1%) met criteria for MDD, 522 (25.8%) for GAD and 196 (9.7%) for alcohol abuse. In multivariable analyses adjusted for covariates, MDD/GAD was significantly associated with work intensity (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.27) (absolute risk=52.8%), emotional demands (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.35) (absolute risk=54.9%) and social relations at work (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.87) (absolute risk=15.0%); alcohol abuse was associated with social relations at work (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.53) (absolute risk=7.6%) and autonomy (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.99) (absolute risk=8.9%).

Conclusions

Several workplace factors are associated with CMDs among working individuals seen by a GP. These findings confirm the role of organisational characteristics of work as a correlate of psychological difficulties above and beyond other sources of risk.
Resource use of healthcare services 1 year after stroke: a secondary analysis of a cluster-randomised controlled trial of a client-centred activities of daily living intervention
Authors: Tistad Malin , Flink Maria , Ytterberg Charlotte , Eriksson Gunilla , Guidetti Susanne , Tham Kerstin , von Koch Lena
Published: August 2018

Objective

The objective of the study was to compare the total use of healthcare services in the course of the first year after a stroke between participants who, after the acute care, had received occupational therapy as a client-centred activities of daily living (ADL) intervention (CADL) and participants who had received usual ADL intervention (UADL).

Design

A secondary analysis of a multicentre cluster-randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Setting

Primary and secondary care in Sweden.

Participants

Participants were included if they: (1) had received CADL or UADL in the RCT, either as inpatients in geriatric rehabilitation units or in their own homes, and (2) data could be retrieved about their use of healthcare services provided by the county council from computerised registers.

Interventions

CADL or UADL.

Outcome measures

Inpatient and outpatient healthcare in the course of the first year after stroke.

Results

Participants from 7 of the 16 units included in the RCT met the criteria. Participants in the CADL group (n=26) who received geriatric inpatient rehabilitation had a shorter length of hospital stay (p=0.03) than participants in the UADL group (n=46), and the CADL group with home rehabilitation (n=13) had fewer outpatient contacts (p=0.01) compared with the UADL group (n=25). Multiple regression analyses showed that in four of the models, a higher age was associated with a lower use of healthcare services. The use of healthcare services was also associated (some of the models) with dependence in ADL, stroke severity and type of rehabilitation received, CADL or UADL.

Conclusions

The provision of client-centred occupational therapy after stroke did not appear to increase the use of healthcare services during the first year after stroke.rrrrr

Trial registration number

NCT01417585.
Low-value care in Australian public hospitals: prevalence and trends over time
Authors: Badgery-Parker Tim , Pearson Sallie-Anne , Chalmers Kelsey , Brett Jonathan , Scott Ian A , Dunn Susan , Onley Neville , Elshaug Adam G
Published: August 2018

Objective

To examine 27 low-value procedures, as defined by international recommendations, in New South Wales public hospitals.

Design

Analysis of admitted patient data for financial years 2010–2011 to 2016–2017.

Main outcome measures

Number and proportion of episodes identified as low value by two definitions (narrower and broader), associated costs and bed-days, and variation between hospitals in financial year 2016–2017; trends in numbers of low-value episodes from 2010–2011 to 2016–2017.

Results

For 27 procedures in 2016–2017, we identified 5079 (narrower definition) to 8855 (broader definition) episodes involving low-value care (11.00%–19.18% of all 46 169 episodes involving these services). These episodes were associated with total inpatient costs of $A49.9 million (narrower) to $A99.3 million (broader), which was 7.4% (narrower) to 14.7% (broader) of the total $A674.6 million costs for all episodes involving these procedures in 2016–2017, and involved 14 348 (narrower) to 29 705 (broader) bed-days. Half the procedures accounted for less than 2% of all low-value episodes identified; three of these had no low-value episodes in 2016–2017. The proportion of low-value care varied widely between hospitals. Of the 14 procedures accounting for most low-value care, seven showed decreasing trends from 2010–2011 to 2016–2017, while three (colonoscopy for constipation, endoscopy for dyspepsia, sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma in situ) showed increasing trends.

Conclusions

Low-value care in this Australian public hospital setting is not common for most of the measured procedures, but colonoscopy for constipation, endoscopy for dyspepsia and sentinel lymph node biopys for melanoma in situ require further investigation and action to reverse increasing trends. The variation between procedures and hospitals may imply different drivers and potential remedies.
Socioeconomic inequalities in health and the use of healthcare services in Catalonia: analysis of the individual data of 7.5 million residents
Authors: García-Altés Anna , Ruiz-Muñoz Dolores , Colls Cristina , Mias Montse , Martín Bassols Nicolau
Published: August 2018

Background

The aim of this study is to analyse the health status, the use of public healthcare services and the consumption of prescription drugs in the population of Catalonia, taking into consideration the socioeconomic level of individuals and paying special attention to vulnerable groups.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of the entire population resident in Catalonia in 2015 (7.5 million people) using administrative records. Twenty indicators are analysed related to health, the use of healthcare services and consumption of prescription drugs. Rates, frequencies and averages are obtained for the different variables stratified by age groups (under 15 years, 15–64 years and 65 years or older), gender and socioeconomic status (calculated on the basis of pharmacy copayment levels and Social Security benefits received).

Results

A socioeconomic gradient was observed in all the indicators analysed, in both sexes and in all age groups. Morbidity, use of mental healthcare centres, hospitalisation rates and probability of drug consumption among children is 3–7 times higher for those with low socioeconomic level respect to those with a higher one. In children and adults, the steepest gradient was found in the use of mental health services. Moreover, there are gender inequalities.

Conclusion

There are significant socioeconomic inequalities in health status and in the use of healthcare services in the population of Catalonia. To respond to this situation, new policies on health and other areas, such as education and employment, are required, especially those that have an impact on early years.
Accidental overdose of intravenously injected unfractionated heparin followed by prolonged clotting times in an anaesthetised Shetland pony
Authors: Pekkola Vuokko , Braun Christina , Larenza Menzies Maria Paula
Published: August 2018

A six-year-old Shetland pony stallion was presented for elective castration. During surgical preparations, undiluted heparin (120 iu/kg) was unintentionally used for intravenous catheter flushing instead of heparinised saline solution. Surgery was cancelled for that day. Thromboelastography was used to monitor blood coagulation immediately after the accidental heparin overdose and on the following days. Three days after the heparin overdose, the coagulation parameters had returned to normal values and the pony was castrated. Anaesthesia and surgery were uneventful without any signs of coagulopathy. One day after surgery, the pony started to show signs of colic and was further diagnosed with colitis, most likely unrelated to heparin but due to repeated administration of penicillin and anaesthesia. Despite intensive treatment, the pony deteriorated progressively and was euthanased due to poor prognosis. Drug overdose is an example of medication error and is one of the most common errors in medicine.
Contribution of volume overload to progression of cardiovascular disease in a rat model of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Mahmoud Manal Moustafa , Shamseldeen Asmaa Mohammed , Rashed Laila Ahmed , Fares Amal Elham , Shamaa Ashraf , Gharib Doaa Mostafa
Published: August 2018

Volume overload is a common phenomenon in patients with chronic kidney disease that is associated with cardiovascular risk factors. However, its contribution to the development of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in those patients is not fully understood. Thus, the present work investigated the effect of salt-induced volume overload on cardiac functions and geometry in a rat model of chronic kidney disease. Thirty adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided. One set of animals received a sham operation, while another set of animals underwent uninephrectomy. Rats were then fed either a normal-salt (0.4%) or high-salt (8.0%) diet for 6 weeks. The salt-loaded, uninephrectomized rats were treated with indapamide (3 mg·kg–1·day–1, orally) for 6 weeks. We found that uninephrectomized rats subjected to a high-salt diet (8.0%) for 6 weeks presented with hypertension, proteinuria, decreased renal Klotho expression, and deterioration in cardiac hemodynamics and histology. Echocardiography to assess cardiac function showed that ejection fraction and fractional shortening were positively correlated with relative renal Klotho expression. In conclusion, salt-induced volume overload in a rat model of chronic kidney disease has an adverse cardiovascular outcome and is associated with inflammatory activation and decrease in renal Klotho expression.
A new class of killing invariant surfaces in 𝕊3
Authors: Barros A. , Batista R. M. , Sousa P. A.
Published: August 2018

The aim of this note is to characterize Clifford tori as the only Killing invariant surfaces, under an additional hypothesis. Moreover, we build a family of Killing invariant minimal surfaces in [Formula: see text], that does not contain Clifford tori as well as we present examples of Killing invariant surfaces whose mean curvature is not identically zero.
EDITORIAL NOTE
Authors: WANG ZHIKAI , SHI JINCHUAN
Published: August 2018

In recent years, the economic slowdown growth has been continuing in China, in tandem with the difficult situations faced by the world emerging economies, it could weaken the confidence of the world economic recovery. China is now facing many structural problems and fiscal reform is one of the fundamental ways to make structural changes that may help with sustainable development. In the introductory paper, the coordinators of this Special Issue of the Singapore Economic Review contextualize the contributions that follow the broader debates on fiscal reform and sustainable development in China, particularly with the summary of reality and vision, options for improvement, international perspectives and consolidation of taxation reform and legislation, running through the collection of papers. They conclude with suggestions for policy decision as well as for further research.
Mechanisms influencing the efficiency of aquatic locomotion
Authors: Zhang Dong , Pan Guang , Chao Liming , Yan Guoxin
Published: August 2018

The optimal aquatic locomotion has previously been associated with a narrow St(= fA/u) number range of 0.2–0.4. We present how animals tune their Strouhal (St) number to this range to reveal the mechanisms influencing efficiency. The self-propelled swimming of a 2D swimmer is simulated using an immersed boundary method. The locomotion kinematics is controlled by two variables, [Formula: see text] and frequency f. We show that only when animals constrain their [Formula: see text] = 0.125–0.25, their St number can fall into the optimal St range. When [Formula: see text] Hz, the St number is independent with frequency. Although different combinations of f and [Formula: see text] can achieve a same cruising velocity, high-f and low-[Formula: see text] motions are more efficient. This can be linked to its larger lateral velocity component in the proto-vortex region and the transition of the tail vortices into small eddies.