bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple self‐reported adherence tool as a predictor of viral rebound in people with viral suppression on antiretroviral therapy
Authors: O'Connor JL , Gardner EM , Esser S , Mannheimer SB , Lifson AR , Telzak EE , Phillips AN ,   International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials (INSIGHT) Strategies for Management of Antiretroviral Therapy (SMART) Study Group
Published: July 2015

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between self‐reported antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and virological outcomes in the multinational Strategies for Management of Antiretroviral Therapy (SMART) study.

Methods

Eligible participants were from the continuous ART arm and had at least one viral load (VL) ≤ 50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL and a subsequent VL value (VL pair). Self‐reported adherence was measured at each visit using a five‐point Likert scale which employed a 7‐day recall. High adherence was defined as taking ‘all pills every day’ (level 1) for every regimen component; all others had suboptimal adherence (levels 2 − 5). In individuals with VL suppression (≤ 50 copies/mL), the association between adherence (at the time of VL suppression) and VL rebound (> 200 copies/mL at next visit) was assessed using multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations.

Results

A total of 10 761 sets of VL pairs from 1986 participants were included in the study. For 1220 (11%) VL pairs, adherence was suboptimal. For 507 VL pairs (5%), VL rebound occurred. The risk of rebound generally increased as adherence decreased: 4.2% for level 1, 7.7% for level 2, 16.3% for level 3, 9.4% for level 4 and 12.9% for level 5. In multivariable analysis, suboptimal adherence at the time of suppression was associated with a 50% increased odds of experiencing subsequent VL rebound [odds ratio (OR) 1.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19–1.92; P = 0.0023], compared with high adherence.

Conclusions

Self‐reported suboptimal adherence in people with VL suppression is associated with an increased risk of VL rebound. Our findings highlight the importance of continued adherence counselling, even in people with VL suppression, and to ensure that people with HIV infection maintain excellent adherence in order to minimize the risk of VL rebound.
Titanium mesh in reconstructive surgery of the nasal pyramid. Follow‐up of our 11 initial cases
Authors: Otero‐Rivas María Mercedes , González‐Sixto Beatriz , Alonso‐Alonso Teresa , Pérez‐Bustillo Alicia , Valladares‐Narganes Luis Miguel , Rodríguez‐Prieto Manuel Ángel
Published: July 2015

Background

Titanium mesh has been employed in neurosurgery, plastic surgery, and maxillofacial surgery as a bone replacement in diverse conditions. We first reported on its use as a substitute for osteocartilaginous nasal structure with satisfactory functional and aesthetic results in 2009.

Objectives

To assess the utility and tolerance of titanium mesh as a substitute of the osteocartilaginous portion of the nose.

Materials and Methods

Eleven patients were identified who had a nasal reconstruction with titanium mesh. We retrospectively searched for infection, extrusion, nasal valve collapse, second surgery, and patient satisfaction in the patients’ records. All patients presented with various types of non‐melanoma skin cancer in the nasal pyramid. In the reconstruction of full‐thickness nasal defects, local flaps were used, employing titanium mesh as a support structure.

Results

No mesh extrusions, infections, or collapse of the nasal valve were noted in patients with a mean follow‐up of five years. Only one patient needed a second surgery to debulk the flap. Patient satisfaction achieved a mean score of 7.5 out of 9 in 10 patients.

Conclusions

As cartilage grafts need a second surgical site, with consequent morbidity, the use of titanium mesh proves useful and safe in the reconstruction of nasal full‐thickness defects. The results of our series of patients demonstrate the suitability of this material in the repair of nasal osteochondral defects, as well as its low rate of complications.
Inpatient views and experiences before and after implementing a totally smoke‐free policy in the acute psychiatry hospital setting
Authors: Filia Sacha L. , Gurvich Caroline T. , Horvat Anton , Shelton Clare L. , Katona Lynda J , Baker Amanda L. , Stafrace Simon , Keppich‐Arnold Sandra , Kulkarni Jayashri
Published: July 2015

In the present study, we examined the views and experiences of patients admitted to an acute psychiatry unit before and after the implementation of a totally smoke‐free policy. Forty‐six inpatients completed a questionnaire assessing their views before the smoking ban. Another 52 inpatients completed a questionnaire assessing their views and experiences after the smoking ban. Before the totally smoke‐free policy, 69.6% smoked, with 67.7% smoking more when admitted to the psychiatry ward. Before the smoking ban, 54.4% reported that the totally smoke‐free policy would be ‘negative’ or ‘very negative,’ and 30.5% said it would be ‘positive’ or ‘very positive.’ After the totally smoke‐free policy, 57.7% smoked heavily before hospital (mean cigarettes/day = 24.9), with consumption dramatically reducing following admission to a totally smoke‐free psychiatric unit (mean cigarettes/day = 8.3). After the totally smoke‐free policy, 36.5% reported that it was ‘negative’ or ‘very negative,’ and 50% reported that it was ‘positive’ or ‘very positive.’ Overall, inpatients reported improved acceptance of the policy following implementation. Inpatients stated that the most difficult thing about the smoking ban was experiencing increased negative emotions, while the most positive aspect was the improved physical environment of the ward. Inpatients who smoke must be appropriately supported using a range of strategies, and in the present study, we suggest relevant clinical implications.
Reforming against all odds: Multi‐pillar pension systems in the Czech Republic and Romania
Authors: Adascalitei Dragos , Domonkos Stefan
Published: July 2015

Attempts to replace pay‐as‐you‐go pension schemes with private funded systems came to a halt in Central and Eastern Europe after 2005. However, more recently, the region has witnessed two belated reformers: the Czech Republic and Romania. Both countries decided to partially privatize pensions despite the rising tide of evidence concerning the challenges associated with the policy. We argue that while part of the domestic political elite remained supportive of private funded pensions, the difficulties experienced by earlier reformers and reduced support from International Financial Institutions led to the adoption of small funded pension pillars. Such cautious attempts at privatization might become more common in the future as large reforms have proven politically unsustainable.
A call for more elaborate and transparent pension data to inform policy‐making: A critical examination of World Bank data for Eastern Europe
Authors: Altiparmakov Nikola
Published: July 2015

This article offers a critical analysis of the methods by means of which data relating to the performance of second pillar pension schemes are collated, compared and reported. This is done with regard to the performance of mandatory private second pillar pension funds in Eastern Europe. By critically examining data published in a number of World Bank studies, and through the identification of data problems and irregularities, the article argues that a much more elaborate and transparent approach to the collation, comparative analysis and reporting of data is needed. Required is the establishment of a consensus regarding what should represent a robust basis for making credible policy recommendations, not least with regard to pension re‐reforms in the countries of Eastern Europe and elsewhere. In the absence of such a consensus, unresolved data problems and irregularities may potentially continue to influence the formulation of incomplete national policy conclusions regarding the performance of second pillar pension funds and, in turn, the ability of policy‐makers to evaluate appropriately the need for, and assess the feasibility of implementing in a sustainable manner, pension re‐reform.
Loss of Pace Capture on the Ablation Line During Pulmonary Vein Isolation versus “Dormant Conduction”: Is Adenosine Expendable?
Authors: SCHAEFFER BENJAMIN , WILLEMS STEPHAN , SULTAN ARIAN , HOFFMANN BORIS A. , LÜKER JAKOB , SCHREIBER DOREEN , AKBULAK RUKEN , MOSER JULIA , KUKLIK PAWEL , STEVEN DANIEL
Published: July 2015

Loss of Pace Capture and Dormant Conduction in PVI

Introduction

Permanent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) remains an essential goal of ablation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation. Aim of this study was the intraindividual comparison of unexcitability to pacing along the ablation line versus dormant conduction (DC) as additional procedural endpoints.

Methods

A total of 58 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) underwent PVI by circumferential ablation of ipsilateral pulmonary veins (PVs), followed by testing for DC by adenosine administration. Irrespective of the presence of DC, pacing along the ablation line for left atrium capture was performed and additional radio frequency energy applied if necessary. PVs with initial DC were retested after achieving unexcitability.

Results

PVI was achieved in 224 of 224 PVs. In 33 of 224 PVs (15%) DC was revealed. At 92 of 112 ablation lines (82%) sites of excitability were found. Three (9%) of the initial 33 PVs with DC showed further DC after achieving unexcitability at repeated testing. Thirty‐two of 33 assumed areas of unmasked PV–LA reconduction as revealed by DC‐testing showed a corresponding site of excitability on the ablation line. After a follow‐up of 11.6 ± 3.4 months 79% of patients were free of arrhythmia.

Conclusions

Pacing for unexcitability can safely identify potential sites of DC and even sites that would have not been detected by testing for DC. Unexcitability, therefore, serves as a suitable and safe procedural endpoint not only for patients with contraindications to adenosine administration. Our data suggest that adenosine may be expendable when achieving unexcitability along the ablation line.
Reducing Sodium Intake in Children: A Public Health Investment
Authors: Appel Lawrence J. , Lichtenstein Alice H. , Callahan Emily A. , Sinaiko Alan , Van Horn Linda , Whitsel Laurie
Published: July 2015

The antecedents of elevated blood pressure (BP) and its major consequences (cardiovascular disease and stroke) begin in childhood. Higher levels of BP early in life track into adulthood and are associated with subclinical target organ damage in children and adults. Diet behaviors, including the choice of high sodium containing foods, are established during childhood. On average, children, ages 2‐19, consume more than 3,100 mg of sodium per day, with substantially greater sodium intakes in boys than girls. Importantly, studies show that lowering sodium intake in children lowers blood pressure. In view of this evidence, US Dietary Guidelines recommend a reduced sodium intake in children. Current federal nutrition standards include a step‐wise reduction in the sodium levels of school meals. The ultimate goal is to help children achieve daily sodium intakes that do not exceed upper levels recommended by the Institute of Medicine and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In summary, available data are sufficiently strong to recommend a lower sodium intake beginning in early in life as an effective and well‐tolerated approach to reducing BP in children. Current efforts to weaken nutrition standards for school meals undermine an effective strategy aimed at improving the health of our children and our nation.
Assessment of fidelity in an educational workshop designed to increase the uptake of a primary care alcohol screening recommendation
Authors: Hanbury Andria , Farley Katherine , Thompson Carl , Wilson Paul M.
Published: July 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Educational workshops are a commonly used quality improvement intervention. Often delivered by credible local health professionals who do not necessarily have skills in pedagogy, it can be challenging to achieve high intervention fidelity. This paper summarizes the fidelity assessment of a workshop designed to increase the uptake of a primary care alcohol screening recommendation.

Method

Delivered in a single health region, the workshop comprised separate sessions delivered by three local health professionals, plus two role plays delivered by a commercial company. Sessions were tailored to local barriers. Meetings were held with presenters and an outline of the barriers was provided. Two researchers attended the workshop, rating the number of specified barriers targeted by presenters and their quality of delivery. Participant responsiveness was measured through attendees' feedback and intervention dose was calculated as the proportion of health professionals who attended and proportion of general practices represented.

Results

Exposure was low, with 62 of 545 health professionals from 30 of a possible 80 practices attending. Sixty‐five per cent of the specified barriers were targeted. There was variability in quality of delivery and participant responsiveness; challenges included potential mixed messages, overreliance on didactic methods and certain barriers appearing easier to target than others.

Conclusions

The framework provided a rounded assessment of intervention fidelity: intervention coverage was low, adherence was moderate and there was variability in the quality of delivery across presenters. Future studies testing the effectiveness of interventions delivered by local experts with and without brief training in pedagogy/behaviour change would be beneficial.
Quantitative comparison of cerebral artery development in human embryos with other eutherians
Authors: Ashwell Ken W. S. , Shulruf Boaz
Published: July 2015

The embryonic and early fetal human brain is known to undergo extraordinary expansion of its cellular population during embryonic and early fetal life, and is critically dependant on a steady supply of nutrients and oxygen for proper brain development. Quantitative analysis of the internal radius of the aorta and cerebral arteries in a range of eutherian mammals has been used to compare arterial flow to the developing human brain with that to the brains of non‐human eutherians. Human embryos showed a much steeper rise of internal radius of the aorta with increasing body size than the embryos of non‐human eutherians, but the thickness of the aorta rose at the same pace relative to body size in both humans and non‐humans, suggesting that aortic pressure is similar in all eutherian embryos of a similar size. The sums of internal radii of both the internal carotids and vertebral arteries of human embryos raised to the fourth power were much lower at embryonic stages (less than 22 mm body length) than in non‐human eutherians, were similar between humans and non‐humans at 22–30 mm body length, and exceeded the non‐humans at body lengths of more than 30 mm. The relative size of the internal calibre of the cerebral feeder arteries (internal carotid and vertebral) to the aorta did not change between embryonic and fetal sizes in either humans or non‐humans. The findings suggest that the developing human brain may actually receive less blood flow at embryonic sizes (less than 22 mm body length) than do other mammalian embryos of a similar body size, but that internal carotid and vertebral flow is higher in human fetuses (body length greater than 30 mm) than in developing non‐humans of the same body size. Increased flow to the developing human brain relative to non‐humans is achieved by simultaneous increases in both aortic and cerebral feeder artery internal calibre.
Epaxial muscle fiber architecture favors enhanced excursion and power in the leaper Galago senegalensis
Authors: Huq Emranul , Wall Christine E. , Taylor Andrea B.
Published: July 2015

Galago senegalensis is a habitual arboreal leaper that engages in rapid spinal extension during push‐off. Large muscle excursions and high contraction velocities are important components of leaping, and experimental studies indicate that during leaping by G. senegalensis, peak power is facilitated by elastic storage of energy. To date, however, little is known about the functional relationship between epaxial muscle fiber architecture and locomotion in leaping primates. Here, fiber architecture of select epaxial muscles is compared between G. senegalensis (n = 4) and the slow arboreal quadruped, Nycticebus coucang (n = 4). The hypothesis is tested that G. senegalensis exhibits architectural features of the epaxial muscles that facilitate rapid and powerful spinal extension during the take‐off phase of leaping. As predicted, G. senegalensis epaxial muscles have relatively longer, less pinnate fibers and higher ratios of tendon length‐to‐fiber length, indicating the capacity for generating relatively larger muscle excursions, higher whole‐muscle contraction velocities, and a greater capacity for elastic energy storage. Thus, the relatively longer fibers and higher tendon length‐to‐fiber length ratios can be functionally linked to leaping performance in G. senegalensis. It is further predicted that G. senegalensis epaxial muscles have relatively smaller physiological cross‐sectional areas (PCSAs) as a consequence of an architectural trade‐off between fiber length (excursion) and PCSA (force). Contrary to this prediction, there are no species differences in relative PCSAs, but the smaller‐bodied G. senegalensis trends towards relatively larger epaxial muscle mass. These findings suggest that relative increase in muscle mass in G. senegalensis is largely attributable to longer fibers. The relative increase in erector spinae muscle mass may facilitate sagittal flexibility during leaping. The similarity between species in relative PCSAs provides empirical support for previous work linking osteological features of the vertebral column in lorisids with axial stability and reduced muscular effort associated with slow, deliberate movements during anti‐pronograde locomotion.
Does Hyphal‐Tip Ensure the Same Allelic Composition at SSR Loci as Monosporic Isolates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum?
Authors: Lehner Miller S. , Paula Júnior Trazilbo J. , Mizubuti Eduardo S. G.
Published: July 2015

The proper characterization of individual is a basic stage in population genetic studies. In Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, genetic uniformity of an individual can be obtained by isolation of single ascospore; however, hyphal‐tip isolates are commonly used in genetic studies. The aim of this study was to assess whether hyphal‐tip isolates of S. sclerotiorum can be used as surrogate of monoascosporic (monosporic) isolates. Twenty‐eight isolates of S. sclerotiorum were collected from common bean plants with white mold symptoms and were purified by hyphal‐tip or single ascospore. The correspondence between hyphal‐tip and monosporic isolates was assessed through the allelic composition at 10 microsatellite (SSR) loci of the isolates obtained by both methods. For the SSR loci comprised of dinucleotide repeats in 92% of the cases, the difference (di) between the amplicon size values for hyphal‐tip and monosporic isolates was no more than one base pair. For the loci comprised of tetra or pentanucleotide repeats in 89% of the cases, di was no more than one base pair. The same allelic profile was found for hyphal‐tip or single ascospore isolates of S. sclerotiorum. When monosporic isolates cannot be easily obtained, hyphal‐tip can safeguard the genotypic identity of S. sclerotiorum isolates.
Pleasant Events, Hopelessness, and Quality of Life in Rural Older Adults
Authors: Scogin Forrest , Morthland Martin , DiNapoli Elizabeth A. , LaRocca Michael , Chaplin William
Published: July 2015

Purpose

Rural older adults are susceptible to depression and reduced quality of life. This study explored contrasting explanations (behavioral vs cognitive route) for the relation of emotional distress with quality of life.

Methods

This retrospective study included rural older adults (N = 134) with reduced quality of life and increased psychological symptoms. Multiple mediation analysis was conducted to test the indirect effect of engagement in pleasant events and hopelessness on the emotional distress and quality of life relation.

Findings

Both engagement in pleasant events and hopelessness were found to partially mediate the relation between emotional distress and quality of life.

Conclusions

Targeting both hopelessness and engagement in pleasant events may be helpful in improving the quality of life of vulnerable, rural older adults.
The Impact of the Euro on the Quality of Trade: Evidence from the European Union
Authors: Ito Tadashi , Okubo Toshihiro
Published: July 2015

This paper examines the effects of a common currency on the quality of traded goods. For this purpose, we construct a quality‐based heterogeneous firm trade model to incorporate the formation of currency unions and the ensuing elimination of exchange rate volatility. Our main hypothesis is that a common currency enables low‐quality (low marginal cost) firms to commence exporting to the common currency's member countries, which causes the average export price to fall. We empirically test this hypothesis for the euro and the eurozone using Harmonized System 8‐digit traded product data for European Union countries.
Heinrich Schenker and the Radio
Authors: HEWLETT KIRSTIE
Published: July 2015

Heinrich Schenker had a radio installed in his home on 19 October 1924, less than three weeks after the inception of broadcasting in Austria. Almost overnight, it became his main connection to cultural life in Vienna: from the day his receiver was installed until his death in January 1935, he documented references to over 1,000 broadcasts of concerts, plays and talks in his diary, touching on anything from orchestral concerts, opera and jazz bands to plays and talks. In contrast to the portrayal – and self‐portrayal – of Schenker as a misanthrope, utterly disillusioned by the culture of his time, his extensive documentation of his listening habits offers a rare glimpse into the true breadth of his cultural interests in private. This article traces the role that radio assumed in his life, following its transition from a resource that radically transformed his access to the arts to a source of diversion in his final years.
Gene duplication and divergence affecting drug content in Cannabis sativa
Authors: Weiblen George D. , Wenger Jonathan P. , Craft Kathleen J. , ElSohly Mahmoud A. , Mehmedic Zlatko , Treiber Erin L. , Marks M. David
Published: July 2015

Cannabis sativa is an economically important source of durable fibers, nutritious seeds, and psychoactive drugs but few economic plants are so poorly understood genetically.

Marijuana and hemp were crossed to evaluate competing models of cannabinoid inheritance and to explain the predominance of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) in marijuana compared with cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) in hemp. Individuals in the resulting F2 population were assessed for differential expression of cannabinoid synthase genes and were used in linkage mapping. Genetic markers associated with divergent cannabinoid phenotypes were identified.

Although phenotypic segregation and a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for the THCA/CBDA ratio were consistent with a simple model of codominant alleles at a single locus, the diversity of THCA and CBDA synthase sequences observed in the mapping population, the position of enzyme coding loci on the map, and patterns of expression suggest multiple linked loci. Phylogenetic analysis further suggests a history of duplication and divergence affecting drug content.

Marijuana is distinguished from hemp by a nonfunctional CBDA synthase that appears to have been positively selected to enhance psychoactivity. An unlinked QTL for cannabinoid quantity may also have played a role in the recent escalation of drug potency.
Mechanisms of drug resistance: quinolone resistance
Authors: Hooper David C. , Jacoby George A.
Published: July 2015

Quinolone antimicrobials are synthetic and widely used in clinical medicine. Resistance emerged with clinical use and became common in some bacterial pathogens. Mechanisms of resistance include two categories of mutation and acquisition of resistance‐conferring genes. Resistance mutations in one or both of the two drug target enzymes, DNA gyrase and DNA topoisomerase IV, are commonly in a localized domain of the GyrA and ParE subunits of the respective enzymes and reduce drug binding to the enzyme–DNA complex. Other resistance mutations occur in regulatory genes that control the expression of native efflux pumps localized in the bacterial membrane(s). These pumps have broad substrate profiles that include quinolones as well as other antimicrobials, disinfectants, and dyes. Mutations of both types can accumulate with selection pressure and produce highly resistant strains. Resistance genes acquired on plasmids can confer low‐level resistance that promotes the selection of mutational high‐level resistance. Plasmid‐encoded resistance is due to Qnr proteins that protect the target enzymes from quinolone action, one mutant aminoglycoside‐modifying enzyme that also modifies certain quinolones, and mobile efflux pumps. Plasmids with these mechanisms often encode additional antimicrobial resistances and can transfer multidrug resistance that includes quinolones. Thus, the bacterial quinolone resistance armamentarium is large.
Mechanisms of echinocandin antifungal drug resistance
Authors: Perlin David S.
Published: July 2015

Fungal infections due to Candida and Aspergillus species cause extensive morbidity and mortality, especially among immunosuppressed patients, and antifungal therapy is critical to patient management. Yet only a few drug classes are available to treat invasive fungal diseases, and this problem is compounded by the emergence of antifungal resistance. Echinocandin drugs are the preferred choice to treat candidiasis. They are the first cell wall–active agents and target the fungal‐specific enzyme glucan synthase, which catalyzes the biosynthesis of β‐1,3‐glucan, a key cell wall polymer. Therapeutic failures occur rarely among common Candida species, with the exception of Candida glabrata, which is frequently multidrug resistant. Echinocandin resistance in susceptible species is always acquired during therapy. The mechanism of resistance involves amino acid changes in hot‐spot regions of Fks subunits of glucan synthase, which decrease the sensitivity of the enzyme to drug. Cellular stress response pathways lead to drug adaptation, which promotes the formation of resistant fks strains. Clinical factors promoting echinocandin resistance include empiric therapy, prophylaxis, gastrointestinal reservoirs, and intra‐abdominal infections. A better understanding of the echinocandin‐resistance mechanism, along with cellular and clinical factors promoting resistance, will facilitate more effective strategies to overcome and prevent echinocandin resistance.
Cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD): focus on hypoxemia, secondary erythrocytosis, and coagulation alterations
Authors: Zabala Luis M. , Guzzetta Nina A.
Published: July 2015

Children with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) have complex alterations in their whole blood composition and coagulation profile due to long‐standing hypoxemia. Secondary erythrocytosis is an associated physiological response intended to increase circulating red blood cells and oxygen carrying capacity. However, this response is frequently offset by an increase in whole blood viscosity that paradoxically reduces blood flow and tissue perfusion. In addition, the accompanying reduction in plasma volume leads to significant deficiencies in multiple coagulation proteins including platelets, fibrinogen and other clotting factors. On the one hand, these patients may suffer from severe hyperviscosity and subclinical ‘sludging’ in the peripheral vasculature with an increased risk of thrombosis. On the other hand, they are at an increased risk for postoperative hemorrhage due to a complex derangement in their hemostatic profile. Anesthesiologists caring for children with CCHD and secondary erythrocytosis need to understand the pathophysiology of these alterations and be aware of available strategies that lessen the risk of bleeding and/or thrombosis. The aim of this review is to provide an updated analysis of the systemic effects of long‐standing hypoxemia in children with primary congenital heart disease with a specific focus on secondary erythrocytosis and hemostasis.
Comparison of selective head cooling versus whole‐body cooling
Authors: Celik Yalcın , Atıcı Aytug , Gulası Selvi , Okuyaz Cetin , Makharoblıdze Khatuna , Sungur Mehmet Ali
Published: July 2015

Background

This study compared selective head cooling (SHC) and whole‐body cooling (WBC) in newborns with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).

Methods

We conducted a prospective randomized small‐scale pilot study in newborns with HIE, born after >35 weeks of gestation. The patients were randomly assigned to receive SHC or WBC.

Results

The SHC group consisted of 17 patients, and the WBC group, 12 patients. There was no significant difference in adverse effects related to cooling therapy between the two groups. During the 12 month study period, seven patients in the SHC group and four in the WBC group died, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.667). Among the patients alive at 12 months after treatment, six in the SHC group and four in the WBC group had severe disabilities; the difference was not significant (P = 0.671). When the composite outcome of death or severe disability was evaluated, the difference between the SHC group (77%, n = 13) and the WBC group (67%, n = 8) was not significant (P = 0.562). Moreover, the number of survivors without disability at 12 months after treatment did not differ significantly between the SHC group (n = 3) and the WBC group (n = 4; P = 0.614).

Conclusions

There were no significant differences in adverse effects, 12 month neuromotor development, or mortality rate between SHC and WBC in newborns with HIE, born after >35 weeks of gestation.
Efficacy of new leukocyte parameters versus serum C‐reactive protein, procalcitonin, and interleukin‐6 in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis
Authors: Çelik H. Tolga , Portakal Oytun , Yiğit Şule , Hasçelik Gülşen , Korkmaz Ayşe , Yurdakök Murat
Published: July 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the efficacy of the new leukocyte parameters mean neutrophil and monocyte volume (MNV, MMV), conductivity (MNC, MMC), scattering (MNS, MMS) and volume distribution width (NDW, MDW) with serum C‐reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PC) and interleukin (IL)‐6 in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.

Methods

A total of 227 newborns (132 boys, 95 girls) were analyzed. There were 116 infants in the sepsis group (proven sepsis, n = 40; clinical sepsis, n = 76) and 111 in the control group. Venous blood samples were collected from infants at the time of diagnosis and complete blood count, peripheral blood smear, blood cultures, CRP, PC, IL‐6 and MNV, MMV, MNC, MMC, MNS, MMS, NDW, and MDW were analyzed.

Results

MNV, NDW, MMV and, MDW were higher in infants with sepsis than in controls (P < 0.05 for all). MNS was lower in the patients with sepsis (P = 0.002). There was no significant difference between the sepsis and control groups in terms of MNC, MMC and MMS.

Conclusion

Although the predictive value of leukocyte parameters including neutrophil and monocyte volume, conductivity, scattering and volume distribution width in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis was lower than that of CRP, PC and IL‐6, some of these new parameters may be useful in the differential diagnosis of newborn sepsis, along with the other screening tools. In particular, MNV seems to be the most useful parameter with the highest specificity; also, the importance of PC in the diagnosis of early onset sepsis was confirmed.
Dynamics of hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid in epilepsy patients treated with valproic acid
Authors: Azumagawa Kohji , Mino Makoto , Ishida Noriko , Shichiri Mototada , Shigeri Yasushi , Yoshida Yasukazu , Tamai Hiroshi
Published: July 2015

Background

The effects of valproic acid (VPA) on oxidative stress are controversial due to differences in experimental conditions. Recently, total hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (tHODE), derived from linoleic acid, was proposed as a potent biomarker to evaluate oxidative stress.

Methods

The subjects consisted of 10 new‐onset epilepsy patients treated with VPA. We measured plasma tHODE consecutively for 1 year to evaluate the degree of oxidative stress and then compared plasma tHODE at the beginning and the end of experiments with the peak level. Ten age‐matched healthy subjects were recruited as a control group and their plasma tHODE was compared to the initial plasma tHODE of the epilepsy group. Measurements were done using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Mean initial plasma tHODE in the epilepsy group was 165.2 ± 76.8 nmol/L, which was not significantly different from that of the control group (199.3 ± 62.5 nmol/L). In five epilepsy patients, plasma tHODE increased above the pathological level in 6 months, but returned to normal within 1 year. In the whole group, the difference plasma tHODE between peak, at the beginning and 1 year later, was significant.

Conclusion

Oxidative stress generated by VPA increased temporarily, but decreased to normal after 1 year. it is reasonable to be concerned about the effects of oxidative stress, especially at the start of VPA treatment.
Detection of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in feces has limited value in predicting CMV enteritis in patients with intestinal graft‐versus‐host disease after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Sun Y.‐Q. , Xu L.‐P. , Han T.‐T. , Zhang X.‐H. , Wang Y. , Han W. , Wang F.‐R. , Wang J.‐Z. , Chen H. , Chen Y.‐H. , Yan C.‐H. , Chen Y. , Liu K.‐Y. , Huang X.‐J.
Published: July 2015

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) enteritis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) is difficult to diagnose. We aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the detection of CMV DNA in feces for predicting CMV enteritis.

Methods

HSCT patients with intestinal graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) were enrolled if they met the following criteria: (i) underwent a colonoscopy and (ii) peripheral blood and feces specimens were available for CMV DNA detection within 24 h of colonoscopy. The colonoscopy histology was used as the gold standard for diagnosing CMV enteritis.

Results

Fifty‐six patients underwent 58 colonoscopy examinations, and 7 were diagnosed as having CMV enteritis. Within 24 h of colonoscopy, 9 patients had detectable CMV in the feces and 19 patients had detectable CMV in the plasma, respectively. In the 7 patients with CMV enteritis, only 2 had detectable CMV in the stool, resulting in a sensitivity of 28.6%. In the 51 patients without CMV enteritis, 44 had no detectable CMV in the stool, with a specificity of 86.3%.

Conclusion

We concluded that CMV detection in the feces was not a good predictor of CMV enteritis in patients with intestinal GVHD after allo‐HSCT.
Deletion of a C–terminal intrinsically disordered region of WRINKLED1 affects its stability and enhances oil accumulation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ma Wei , Kong Que , Grix Michael , Mantyla Jenny J. , Yang Yang , Benning Christoph , Ohlrogge John B.
Published: July 2015

WRINKLED1 (WRI1) is a key transcription factor governing plant oil biosynthesis. We characterized three intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in Arabidopsis WRI1, and found that one C–terminal IDR of AtWRI1 (IDR3) affects the stability of AtWRI1. Analysis by bimolecular fluorescence complementation and yeast‐two‐hybrid assays indicated that the IDR3 domain does not determine WRI1 stability by interacting with BTB/POZ‐MATH proteins connecting AtWRI1 with CULLIN3‐based E3 ligases. Analysis of the WRI1 sequence revealed that a putative PEST motif (proteolytic signal) is located at the C–terminal region of AtWRI1IDR3. We also show that a 91 amino acid domain at the C–terminus of AtWRI1 without the PEST motif is sufficient for transactivation. We found that removal of the PEST motif or mutations in putative phosphorylation sites increased the stability of AtWRI1, and led to increased oil biosynthesis when these constructs were transiently expressed in tobacco leaves. Oil content was also increased in the seeds of stable transgenic wri1–1 plants expressing AtWRI1 with mutations in the IDR3‐PEST motif. Taken together, our data suggest that intrinsic disorder of AtWRI1IDR3 may facilitate exposure of the PEST motif to protein kinases. Thus, phosphorylation of the PEST motif in the AtWRI1IDR3 domain may affect AtWRI1‐mediated plant oil biosynthesis. The results obtained here suggest a means to increase accumulation of oils in plant tissues through WRI1 engineering.
Rice Exo70 interacts with a fungal effector, AVR‐Pii, and is required for AVR‐Pii‐triggered immunity
Authors: Fujisaki Koki , Abe Yoshiko , Ito Akiko , Saitoh Hiromasa , Yoshida Kentaro , Kanzaki Hiroyuki , Kanzaki Eiko , Utsushi Hiroe , Yamashita Tetsuro , Kamoun Sophien , Terauchi Ryohei
Published: July 2015

Vesicle trafficking including the exocytosis pathway is intimately associated with host immunity against pathogens. However, we still have insufficient knowledge about how it contributes to immunity, and how pathogen factors affect it. In this study, we explore host factors that interact with the Magnaporthe oryzae effector AVR‐Pii. Gel filtration chromatography and co‐immunoprecipitation assays identified a 150 kDa complex of proteins in the soluble fraction comprising AVR‐Pii and OsExo70‐F2 and OsExo70‐F3, two rice Exo70 proteins presumably involved in exocytosis. Simultaneous knockdown of OsExo70‐F2 and F3 totally abrogated Pii immune receptor‐dependent resistance, but had no effect on Pia‐ and Pik‐dependent resistance. Knockdown levels of OsExo70‐F3 but not OsExo70‐F2 correlated with reduction of Pii function, suggesting that OsExo70‐F3 is specifically involved in Pii‐dependent resistance. Under our current experimental conditions, over‐expression of AVR‐Pii or knockdown of OsExo70‐F2 and ‐F3 genes in rice did not affect the virulence of compatible isolates of M. oryzae. AVR‐Pii interaction with OsExo70‐F3 appears to play a crucial role in immunity triggered by Pii, suggesting a role for OsExo70 as a decoy or helper in Pii/AVR‐Pii interactions.
Macro‐regional integration, the frontiers of capital and the externalisation of economic governance
Authors: Smith Adrian
Published: July 2015

This paper examines the role of macro‐regional integration in the European Union's interactions with its ‘southern neighbours’ within the context of the aftermath of the ‘Arab Spring’. It focuses on attempts to deepen trade liberalisation and create a new institutional architecture as a state‐mediated project of macro‐regional political‐economic integration. Drawing on interviews with key institutional actors, policymakers and strategists, the paper examines the Tunisian case to highlight how the interests of international states and fractions of EU capital are being forged through new institutional and policy architectures in the Euro‐Mediterranean region. The paper extends geographical research on the EU's relations with its neighbourhood and political science research on ‘Europeanisation’, both of which have primarily focused on the geo‐political dynamics of macro‐regional integration, on geo‐political imaginations of the region and on the ‘normative power’ of the EU. It does so by examining the ways in which the EU is attempting to externalise its economic space beyond its borders through the negotiation of Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements and Agreements on Conformity and Acceptance of industrial products. It also highlights the contested nature of this process in relation to the complex politics of transformation in the southern Mediterranean. In doing so, the paper contributes to understanding of the reconfiguration of border spaces by exploring the tensions between the frontiers of capital accumulation and political‐juridical boundaries.
Tribological Properties of the Castor Oil Affected by the Additive of the Ionic Liquid [HMIM]BF4
Authors: Shanhua Qian , Xuliang Chen , Liguo Liu , Qingzhong Li
Published: July 2015

The influence of the ionic liquid used as the additive on the tribological properties of castor oil is investigated using a four-ball test rig. The additive percentages of ionic liquid in castor oil are 0.6 wt.%, 1 wt.%, 2 wt.%, and 3 wt.%. The test results show that a small amount of ionic liquid can postpone the peak coefficient of friction and decrease the wear behavior of castor oil. The minimum of the wear scar diameter (WSD) occurs at 1 wt.% ionic liquid. It seems that the chemical adsorption of castor oil and ionic liquid on the steel surface is more significant than the physical adsorption. This study should be of great importance of understanding the potential engineering application of castor oil.
A Novel Global Sliding Mode Control Based on Exponential Reaching Law for a Class of Underactuated Systems With External Disturbances
Authors: Mobayen Saleh
Published: July 2015

This paper is concerned with the control of underactuated systems with external disturbances. Using the global sliding mode control (GSMC) technique, a new robust controller is presented to improve the robustness and stability of the system. The conditions of asymptotic stability are presented by linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Our purpose is to build a control law so that it would enforce the states of the system to exponentially verge the sliding surface. The suggested controller has a simple structure because it is derived from the associated first-order differential equation and is able to handle the external disturbances and system nonlinearities. The efficiency of the proposed scheme is observed through simulations in an illustrative example. Simulation results demonstrate the considerable performance of the suggested technique.
Spectrum pattern resolution after noise exposure in a beluga whale, Delphinapterus leucas: Evoked potential study
Authors: Popov Vladimir V. , Nechaev Dmitry I. , Sysueva Evgenia V. , Rozhnov Viatcheslav V. , Supin Alexander Ya.
Published: July 2015

Temporary threshold shift (TTS) and the discrimination of spectrum patterns after fatiguing noise exposure (170 dB re 1 μPa, 10 min duration) was investigated in a beluga whale, Delphinapterus leucas, using the evoked potential technique. Thresholds were measured using rhythmic (1000/s) pip trains of varying levels and recording the rhythmic evoked responses. Discrimination of spectrum patterns was investigated using rippled-spectrum test stimuli of various levels and ripple densities, recording the rhythmic evoked responses to ripple phase reversals. Before noise exposure, the greatest responses to rippled-spectrum probes were evoked by stimuli with a low ripple density with a decrease in the response magnitude occurring with an increasing ripple density. After noise exposure, both a TTS and a reduction of the responses to rippled-spectrum probes appeared and recovered in parallel. The reduction of the responses to rippled-spectrum probes was maximal for high-magnitude responses at low ripple densities and was negligible for low-magnitude responses at high ripple densities. It is hypothesized that the impacts of fatiguing sounds are not limited by increased thresholds and decreased sensitivity results in reduced ability to discriminate fine spectral content with the greatest impact on the discrimination of spectrum content that may carry the most obvious information about stimulus properties.
Experimental observation of Weyl points
Authors: Lu Ling , Wang Zhiyu , Ye Dexin , Ran Lixin , Fu Liang , Joannopoulos John D. , Soljačić Marin
Published: July 2015

Weyl physics emerges in the laboratory

Weyl fermions—massless particles with half-integer spin—were once mistakenly thought to describe neutrinos. Although not yet observed among elementary particles, Weyl fermions may exist as collective excitations in so-called Weyl semimetals. These materials have an unusual band structure in which the linearly dispersing valence and conduction bands meet at discrete “Weyl points.” Xu
et al.
used photoemission spectroscopy to identify TaAs as a Weyl semimetal capable of hosting Weyl fermions. In a complementary study, Lu
et al.
detected the characteristic Weyl points in a photonic crystal. The observation of Weyl physics may enable the discovery of exotic fundamental phenomena.

Science
, this issue p.
613
and
622
Discovery of a Weyl fermion semimetal and topological Fermi arcs
Authors: Xu Su-Yang , Belopolski Ilya , Alidoust Nasser , Neupane Madhab , Bian Guang , Zhang Chenglong , Sankar Raman , Chang Guoqing , Yuan Zhujun , Lee Chi-Cheng , Huang Shin-Ming , Zheng Hao , Ma Jie , Sanchez Daniel S. , Wang BaoKai , Bansil Arun , Chou Fangcheng , Shibayev Pavel P. , Lin Hsin , Jia Shuang , Hasan M. Zahid
Published: July 2015

Weyl physics emerges in the laboratory

Weyl fermions—massless particles with half-integer spin—were once mistakenly thought to describe neutrinos. Although not yet observed among elementary particles, Weyl fermions may exist as collective excitations in so-called Weyl semimetals. These materials have an unusual band structure in which the linearly dispersing valence and conduction bands meet at discrete “Weyl points.” Xu
et al.
used photoemission spectroscopy to identify TaAs as a Weyl semimetal capable of hosting Weyl fermions. In a complementary study, Lu
et al.
detected the characteristic Weyl points in a photonic crystal. The observation of Weyl physics may enable the discovery of exotic fundamental phenomena.

Science
, this issue p.
613
and
622
T cell help controls the speed of the cell cycle in germinal center B cells
Authors: Gitlin Alexander D. , Mayer Christian T. , Oliveira Thiago Y. , Shulman Ziv , Jones Mathew J. K. , Koren Amnon , Nussenzweig Michel C.
Published: July 2015

B cells have a need for speed

High-affinity antibodies provide long-lasting protective immunity against many infections. Generating such antibodies requires help, in the form of T cells, which interact with antibody-producing B cells. As B cells proliferate and mutate their antibody genes, T cells select the cells producing high-affinity antibodies. Gitlin
et al.
show in mice that B cells that receive T cell help transit through the cell cycle more quickly by increasing the speed at which replication forks progress. Such a rapid cell cycle transition gives high-affinity B cells a selective advantage.

Science
, this issue p.
643
Complete Genome Sequence of
Citrobacter
Phage CVT22 Isolated from the Gut of the Formosan Subterranean Termite,
Coptotermes formosanus
Shiraki
Authors: Tikhe Chinmay Vijay , Martin Thomas M. , Gissendanner Chris R. , Husseneder Claudia
Published: July 2015

The complete genome of bacteriophage CVT22 infecting
Citrobacter
sp. strain TM1552 is reported here. Both the bacteriophage and
Citrobacter
sp. TM1552 were isolated from the gut of the Formosan subterranean termite,
Coptotermes formosanus
. This is the first report of a genome sequence of a bacteriophage isolated from the termite gut.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Endomicrobium proavitum
, a Free-Living Relative of the Intracellular Symbionts of Termite Gut Flagellates (Phylum
Elusimicrobia
)
Authors: Zheng Hao , Brune Andreas
Published: July 2015

We sequenced the complete genome of
Endomicrobium proavitum
strain Rsa215, the first isolate of the class
Endomicrobia
(phylum
Elusimicrobia
). It is the closest free-living relative of the endosymbionts of termite gut flagellates and thereby provides an excellent model for studying the evolutionary processes during the establishment of an intracellular symbiosis.