bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial to determine the efficacy and safety of lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc as an oral therapy for mild to moderate acne vulgaris
Authors: Chan Heidi , Chan Gertrude , Santos Joyce , Dee Kennie , Co Juliene Kimberly
Published: March 2017

Lactoferrin is an iron‐binding milk‐derived protein that has shown antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of lactoferrin, combined with vitamin E and zinc, for mild to moderate acne vulgaris. In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, 168 subjects aged 13–40 years old were randomly assigned to take either a capsule formulation containing lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc or placebo twice a day for 3 months. The primary outcome measure was a reduction in the number of acne lesions compared to placebo. A total of 164 subjects completed the study per protocol. The lactoferrin group (n = 82) showed a significant median percent reduction in total lesions as early as 2 weeks (14.5%, P = 0.0120), with the maximum reduction occurring at week 10 (28.5%, P < 0.0001) compared to placebo group (n = 82). Maximum reduction in comedones (32.5%, P < 0.0001) and inflammatory lesions (44%, P < 0.0001) was also seen at week 10 compared to placebo. Sebum scores were improved by week 12. No adverse events were observed during the trial. A twice daily regimen of lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc significantly reduced acne lesions in people with mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
Erythema ab igne: new technology rebounding upon its users?
Authors: Salgado Fernanda , Handler Marc Z. , Schwartz Robert A.
Published: March 2017

Erythema ab igne (EAI) is a persistent, chronic skin condition resulting from prolonged exposure to infrared radiation, experienced as heat. Once associated with traditional warming sources like wood burning stoves or open fires, modern, infrared exposure originates also from newer sources like laptops and heating pads and may be creating a rebound of EAI. The epidemiology may be different too, with younger patients than previously seen. Localized EAI over an area of pain in the abdomen or lower back can be a sign of an underlying disorder, including cancer. Prognosis of EAI is good, with removal of the heat source resulting in complete remission. In chronic cases in which premalignant cutaneous dysplasia has resulted, additional treatments may be necessary including topical retinoids, 5‐fluorouracil cream, and laser treatments. Rarely, cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and cutaneous marginal zone B cell lymphoma have been associated with longstanding EAI.
Multidimensional Well‐being and Regional Disparities in Europe
Authors: Döpke Jörg , Knabe Andreas , Lang Cornelia , Maschke Philip
Published: March 2017

Using data from the OECD Regional Well‐Being Index – a set of quality‐of‐life indicators measured at the sub‐national level – we construct a set of composite well‐being indices. We analyze the extent to which the choice of five alternative aggregation methods affects the well‐being ranking of regions. We find that regional inequality in these composite measures is lower than regional inequality in real GDP per capita. For most aggregation methods, the rank correlation across regions appears to be quite high. It is also shown that using alternative indices instead of GDP per capita would only have a small effect on the set of regions eligible for aid from EU Structural Funds. The exception appears to be an aggregation based on how individual dimensions relate to average life satisfaction across regions, which would substantially change both the ranking of regions and which regions would be eligible for EU funds.
Mitral Annular Plane Systolic Excursion and Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion in Cats with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Spalla I. , Payne J.R. , Borgeat K. , Pope A. , Fuentes V. Luis , Connolly D.J.
Published: March 2017

Background

Left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction is associated with increased risk of death in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Mitral and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSEandTAPSE, respectively) are measures of longitudinal systolic function and are reduced in human patients withHCM.

Hypotheses

Cats withHCMhave lowerMAPSEandTAPSEcompared to control cats; lowerMAPSEandTAPSEare associated with the presence of congestive heart failure (CHF) and reduced survival time.

Animals

64 cats withHCMand 27 healthy cats. Forty‐five cats withHCMwere not showing clinical signs, and 19 hadCHF.

Methods

Retrospective study. Anatomic M‐mode from the left apical 4‐chamber view was used to recordMAPSEfrom the free wall (MAPSE FW) and septum (MAPSE IVS) andTAPSE.

Results

Compared to controls, cats withHCMhad lowerMAPSE IVS(controls 5.2 [4.6–5.6] mm, asymptomaticHCM4.7 [4.1–5.2] mm,HCMwithCHF2.6 [2.5–3.2] mm,P< .001),MAPSE FW(controls 5.9 [5.3–6.2] mm, asymptomaticHCM4.7 [4.1–5.1] mm,HCMwithCHF2.8 [2.4–3.2] mm) andTAPSE(controls 8.6 [7.4–10.2] mm, asymptomaticHCM7.2 [6.3–8.2] mm,HCMwithCHF4.6 [4.1–5.4] mm), with the lowest in theCHFgroup. Univariate survival analysis showed a shorter survival in cats displaying lowerMAPSE IVS,MAPSE FW, andTAPSE.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

MAPSEandTAPSEwere lower in cats withHCMthan in control cats and were lowest inCHF, suggesting that systolic longitudinal dysfunction is present in cats withHCM.MAPSEandTAPSEhave potential prognostic significance.
Finding the cure for primary biliary cholangitis – Still waiting
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Gershwin M. Eric
Published: March 2017

The introduction of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)may well have contributed to some of the improvements in morbidity and mortality of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Yet nearly 40% of PBC patients are unresponsive to UDCA. Further the data on UDCA is confounded by the changes in the goepidemiology and particularly the earlier diagnosis of PBC. In this regard we welcome the addition of obeticholic acid (OCA) as an alternative therapeutic option forthe treatment of PBC in those patients refractory to UDCA. However, OCA is intellectually disappointing.There is no data on OCA that reflects dynamic and critical endpoints, for example death or liver transplantation; only surrogate endpoints have been used in the clinical trials. A nested study with liver histology wouldbeanideal surrogate marker,including intensive use of immunohistochemistry to define cellular infiltrates and cytokine/chemokine activity. More importantly, the clinical characteristics of PBCmay vary among patients and progression is not always predictable. We need to identify more appropriate and specific biomarkers that predict the clinical course, and we need to know which therapies are applicable at different stages, since treatmentfor PBC should be individualized. We need to know more about the etiology of PBC,and we want a cure for PBC.
Adaptive sequence evolution is driven by biotic stress in a pair of orchid species (Dactylorhiza) with distinct ecological optima
Authors: Balao Francisco , Trucchi Emiliano , Wolfe Thomas M. , Hao Bao‐Hai , Lorenzo Maria Teresa , Baar Juliane , Sedman Laura , Kosiol Carolin , Amman Fabian , Chase Mark W. , Hedrén Mikael , Paun Ovidiu
Published: March 2017

The orchid family is the largest in the angiosperms, but little is known about the molecular basis of the significant variation they exhibit. We investigate here the transcriptomic divergence between two European terrestrial orchids, Dactylorhiza incarnata and Dactylorhiza fuchsii, and integrate these results in the context of their distinct ecologies that we also document. Clear signals of lineage‐specific adaptive evolution of protein‐coding sequences are identified, notably targeting elements of biotic defence, including both physical and chemical adaptations in the context of divergent pools of pathogens and herbivores. In turn, a substantial regulatory divergence between the two species appears linked to adaptation/acclimation to abiotic conditions. Several of the pathways affected by differential expression are also targeted by deviating post‐transcriptional regulation via sRNAs. Finally, D. incarnata appears to suffer from insufficient sRNA control over the activity of RNA‐dependent DNA polymerase, resulting in increased activity of class I transposable elements and, over time, in larger genome size than that of D. fuchsii. The extensive molecular divergence between the two species suggests significant genomic and transcriptomic shock in their hybrids and offers insights into the difficulty of coexistence at the homoploid level. Altogether, biological response to selection, accumulated during the history of these orchids, appears governed by their microenvironmental context, in which biotic and abiotic pressures act synergistically to shape transcriptome structure, expression and regulation.
Clinical nurse leaders' and academics' perspectives in clinical assessment of final‐year nursing students: A qualitative study
Authors: Wu Xi Vivien , Enskär Karin , Pua Lay Hoon , Heng Doreen Gek Noi , Wang Wenru
Published: March 2017

The nature of nursing practice is diverse; therefore, clinical assessment is a complex process. This study explores the perceptions of clinical nurse leaders and academics on clinical assessment for undergraduate nursing education during transition to practice. An explorative qualitative approach was applied. Eight nurse managers, six clinical nurse educators, and eight academics from two tertiary hospitals and a university in Singapore participated in four focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was conducted. Four overriding themes were revealed: the need for a valid and reliable clinical assessment tool, preceptors' competency in clinical assessment, challenges encountered by the students in clinical assessment, and the need for close academic and clinical collaboration to support preceptors and students. Closer academic‐clinical partnership is recommended to review the clinical education curriculum. Clinical and educational institutions need to work closely to design a learning program to enhance preceptors' competence in clinical pedagogy and assessment. Furthermore, a stress management program could build students' resiliency in coping with unfamiliar clinical environments. Ongoing support needs to be provided for both preceptors and students to enrich the preceptorship and learning experiences.
Osteogenic Ability Detection of Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein‐2 Gene‐activated Nano Bone Putty by Reusable Double‐Cavity Bone Harvest Chamber
Authors: Sun Li , Yan Zhi‐hui , Yang Xian‐teng , Wang Tai‐zhe , Yang Qin , Li Sen‐lei , Nie Ying‐jie , Tian Xiao‐bin
Published: March 2017

Objective

To explore the feasibility of implanting a self‐designed reusable double‐cavity bone harvest chamber into Guizhou mini‐pigs for observation of the osteogenic effect of human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (hBMP‐2) gene‐activated nano bone putty on bone in growth.

Methods

Eight healthy 12‐month‐old female Guizhou mini‐pigs were used for the present experiment. In the first operation, empty double‐cavity bone harvest chambers (n= 8) were implanted into the femoral metaphysis of the animals as a blank control group. In the second operation, the femoral metaphyses were implanted with the chambers filled by the nano bone putty+hBMP‐2 plasmid in one cavity and nothing in the other cavity, respectively (experiment group,n= 8). The time interval between every operation was 3 months. The cavity materials were retrieved and replaced for assessment by gross observation, histological examination, and bone morphology metrology analysis to compare osteogenesis ability and alkaline phosphatase.

Results

Three months after surgery, the nano bone putty+hBMP‐2 plasmid in one cavity of the chambers had hard gray and white tissues inside, while the cavities pre‐installed with nothing were filled with soft brown tissues. Light microscopy showed new generated bone tissue around the filled material, but only fibrous tissues in the empty cavities. Osteogenesis ability and alkaline phosphatase of the nano bone putty+hBMP‐2 plasmid group were significantly higher than those of the blank control group (P< 0.05).

Conclusion

The reusable double‐cavity bone harvest chamber can be used to observe the osteogenic potential of the hBMP‐2 gene‐activated nano bone putty.
Staged Management of Missed Lisfranc Injuries: A Report of Short‐term Results
Authors: Feng Pin , Li Ya‐xing , Li Jia , Ouyang Xiang‐yu , Deng Wei , Chen Yu , Zhang Hui
Published: March 2017

Objective

Lisfranc joint injury is a rare injury and can be easily missed at the initial treatment. Once ignored, late reduction is very difficult and requires extensive dissection. Surgical outcome is not as good as in the case of an early reduction. The aim of this cohort study was to analyze the midterm clinical and radiographic outcomes of staged reduction and fixation in a consecutive series of patients with old Lisfranc injuries.

Methods

Fifteen patients (16 feet) with missed Lisfranc injuries were treated with staged reduction. Mean duration between injury and surgery was 4.8 months (3–8 months). In the first stage, an external fixator was applied across the Lisfranc joint or/and Chopart joint and distraction was done at 1–2 mm/day. In the second staged, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) were done and we were able to reduce all the fractures and dislocations.

Results

The mean duration between two surgeries was 3.2 weeks (range, 2.5–4.5 weeks). Anatomic reduction was obtained in all 15 patients. At the last follow‐up point, 7 feet had good functional results, 5 feet fair, and 4 feet poor functional results. In the 4 patients who achieved poor functional results, 2 cases were due to severe injuries to the articular surface and tissue scaring; 2 cases were due to loss of reduction. For the 4 feet with poor functional results, 2 were scheduled for secondary arthrodesis during the follow‐up. The average American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Midfoot Scale (AOFAS) scores for these patients were 75.8 points (range, 43–98 points). The pain visual analog scale (VAS) was 3.1 points at the final follow‐up.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that staged reduction and extra‐articular fixation should be considered for old Lisfranc injuries with a good reduction, firm stability, and low risk of intraoperative fracture and soft tissue complications.
The Effect of Gabapentin on Delayed Discharge from the Postanesthesia Care Unit: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Siddiqui Naveed T. , Yousefzadeh Amir , Yousuf Maaz , Kumar Dileep , Choudhry Farah K. , Friedman Zeev
Published: March 2017

Background

Enhanced recovery after surgery programs has incorporated gabapentin as part of a multimodal analgesia protocol. The preemptive use of gabapentin was found to be beneficial due to its opioid‐sparing effect. However, excessive sedation and delayed discharge from postanesthesia recovery units are of concern. The aim of this study was to investigate whether preoperative gabapentin increased the length of stay in the recovery unit.

Methods

This retrospective cross‐sectional study was carried out over a period of 2 months in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) of a tertiary care hospital in Canada. Two hundred and twenty‐eight consecutive patients who underwent elective surgical procedures and who required a longer than 2‐hour stay in the PACU were included. Prolonged stays caused by respiratory inadequacy, hemodynamic instability, nausea, vomiting, pain, and loss of consciousness were recorded. The data were collected from patients’ charts and nursing flow sheets.

Results

All patients were grouped into those who received 300 mg gabapentin (n = 108), 600 mg gabapentin (n = 41), and no gabapentin (n = 139). No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of opioid consumption, respiratory inadequacy, nausea, vomiting, and hemodynamic parameters. Gabapentin administration groups had significantly lower postoperative pain scores (P < 0.001). Decreased level of consciousness occurred significantly more often in a dose‐dependent fashion in the gabapentin groups and led to a longer stay in the PACU (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In the setting of enhanced recovery after surgery, gabapentin did reduce pain scores, but at the cost of delayed discharge from the recovery room. Future studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of gabapentin in this setting.
Lessons for COPD from the GOLD 2017 report
Authors: Nishimura Masaharu
Published: March 2017

See article, Respirology 2017; 22: DOI: 10.1111/resp.13012
The microbiome and secondary lung disease in neuromuscular patients: Is it time to change our clinical practice? – Reply
Authors: Stehling Florian , Steinmann Joerg , Mellies Uwe
Published: March 2017

See Letter
The microbiome and secondary lung disease in neuromuscular patients: Is it time to change our clinical practice?
Authors: Crescimanno Grazia , Marrone Oreste
Published: March 2017

See Reply
Shoulder position sense in volleyball players with infraspinatus atrophy secondary to suprascapular nerve neuropathy
Authors: Contemori S. , Biscarini A.
Published: March 2017

Isolated infraspinatus atrophy (IIA) is a common condition among overhead‐activity athletes, which affects the hitting shoulder and is caused by suprascapular nerve injury. As the suprascapular nerve is a mixed nerve, such damage could lead to reduced afferent proprioceptive information and impaired shoulder sensorimotor control. This study aimed to evaluate the proprioception of the shoulder with IIA, through the assessment of shoulder position sense. The shoulder position sense was assessed in 24 professional volleyball players (12 players with IIA and 12 healthy players) with a blind dynamic shoulder repositioning test (all participants were blindfolded during the test). Three functional glenohumeral movements were tested as follows: abduction, forward flexion, and a combination of abduction and external rotation. In all three tested movements, the affected shoulder of players with isolated infraspinatus atrophy showed significantly higher hand position error than the healthy contralateral (P<10−3, for all movements) and the healthy control group hitting shoulder (P<10−3, for abduction and flexion; P=.02, for combined movement of abduction and external rotation). The study highlights a reduced sense of position of the hitting shoulder in professional volleyball players with IIA secondary to suprascapular nerve palsy. The higher hand position error of the pathologic shoulder suggests an impairment of the shoulder sensorimotor control system, which likely results from reduced afferent proprioceptive information. Deficient afferent proprioceptive information may result in poor accuracy in descending motor commands and impairment of the shoulder neuromuscular function, leading to reduced shoulder functional stability and increased risk of injury.
Education, race and empire: a genealogy of humanitarian governance in the United States
Authors: Mitchell Katharyne
Published: March 2017

Much of the recent scholarship in critical philanthropy and humanitarianism focuses on the relationship between the origins of humanitarian governance and the development and expansion of imperialism. Imperial exploitation and dispossession were frequently linked in paradoxical ways with the protection and management of colonised populations. This paper explores these types of connections as they pertain to the relationship between humanitarianism, imperialism and the governance of African Americans in the United States (US). I focus, in particular, on how humanitarian initiatives in black education were mobilised in relation to differing moments of international and domestic colonialism, nation‐building, national security and global aspirations at the heart of American empire. The paper advances this line of inquiry through a genealogy of humanitarian reasoning and webs of belief about the proper intellectual development of African Americans at three historic moments of national development: the periods of Reconstruction, the Efficiency Movement andPax Americana. In each different context, philanthropic foundations and humanitarians sought to provide education to African Americans, who were disenfranchised and disconnected in different ways in each period. But although the specific moral reasoning and techniques of care employed in the provision of education were particular to time and place, the underlying rationalities of a ‘progressive imperial agenda’ connecting African American enfranchisement and connection to national development and imperial aspirations, was manifest. The paper employs a genealogical method in order to link the excavations of the past to the present, indicating some of the ways that these interconnected logics continue to affect humanitarianism in theUStoday.
Power Properties of Two Interacting Wind Turbine Rotors
Authors: Okulov Valery L. , Mikkelsen Robert , Sørensen Jens N. , Naumov Igor V. , Tsoy Mikhail A.
Published: March 2017

In the current experiments, two identical wind turbine models were placed in uniform flow conditions in a water flume. The initial flow in the flume was subject to a very low turbulence level, limiting the influence of external disturbances on the development of the inherent wake instability. Both rotors are three-bladed and designed using blade element/lifting line (BE/LL) optimum theory at a tip-speed ratio, λ, of 5 with a constant design lift coefficient along the span, CL = 0.8. Measurements of the rotor characteristics were conducted by strain sensors installed in the rotor mounting. The resulting power capacity has been studied and analyzed at different rotor positions and a range of tip-speed ratios from 2 to 8, and a simple algebraic relationship between the velocity deficit in the wake of the front turbine and the power of the second turbine was found, when both rotors have the coaxial position.
Generalized Heat Flow Model of a Forced Air Electric Thermal Storage Heater Core
Authors: Janssen Nicholas T. , Peterson Rorik A. , Wies Richard W.
Published: March 2017

Electric thermal storage (ETS) devices can be used for grid demand load-leveling and off-peak domestic space heating (DSH). A high-resolution three-dimensional finite element model of a forced air ETS heater core is developed and employed to create a general charge/discharge model. The effects of thermal gradients, air flow characteristics, material properties, and core geometry are simulated. A simplified general stove discharge model with a single time constant is presented based on the results of the numerical simulations. This simplified model may be used to stimulate economic/performance case studies for cold climate communities interested in distributed thermal energy storage.
Review Article: Overview of lanthanide pnictide films and nanoparticles epitaxially incorporated into III-V semiconductors
Authors: Bomberger Cory C. , Lewis Matthew R. , Vanderhoef Laura R. , Doty Matthew F. , Zide Joshua M. O.
Published: March 2017

The incorporation of lanthanide pnictide nanoparticles and films into III-V matrices allows for semiconductor composites with a wide range of potential optical, electrical, and thermal properties, making them useful for applications in thermoelectrics, tunnel junctions, phototconductive switches, and as contact layers. The similarities in crystal structures and lattice constants allow them to be epitaxially incorporated into III-V semiconductors with low defect densities and high overall film quality. A variety of growth techniques for these composites with be discussed, along with their growth mechanisms and current applications, with a focus on more recent developments. Results obtained from molecular beam epitaxy film growth will be highlighted, although other growth techniques will be mentioned. Optical and electronic characterization along with the microscopy analysis of these composites is presented to demonstrate influence of nanoinclusion composition and morphology on the resulting properties of the composite material.
The effect of nearby maskers on speech intelligibility in reverberant, multi-talker environments
Authors: Westermann Adam , Buchholz Jörg M.
Published: March 2017

The extent to which informational masking (IM) is involved in real-world listening is not well understood. In the literature, IM effects of more than 8 dB are reported, but these experiments typically used simplified spatial configurations and speech materials with exaggerated confusions. Westermann and Buchholz [(2015b). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 138, 584–593] considered a simulated cafeteria and found only substantial IM effects when the target and maskers were colocated and the same talker. The present study further investigates the relevance of IM in real-world environments, specifically distractions by nearby maskers and the effect of hearing impairment. Speech reception thresholds (SRTs) were measured with normal hearing (NH) and sensorineural hearing impaired (HI) listeners in a simulated cafeteria environment. Three different masker configurations were considered: (1) seven dialogues distributed in the cafeteria, (2) two monologues presented close to the listener with varying angular separation, and (3) a combination of (1) and (2). The contribution of IM was measured as the difference in SRTs between speech maskers and unintelligible vocoded maskers. No significant IM was found with the seven dialogues alone. Including nearby maskers resulted in substantial IM for both NH and HI listeners, suggesting that such maskers might result in IM in real-world environments.
Dynamic microbiome evolution in social bees
Authors: Kwong Waldan K. , Medina Luis A. , Koch Hauke , Sing Kong-Wah , Soh Eunice Jia Yu , Ascher John S. , Jaffé Rodolfo , Moran Nancy A.
Published: March 2017

Honey bees, bumble bees, and stingless bees have related gut microbial communities that are shaped by host evolutionary history.
The frequency and extent of sub-ice phytoplankton blooms in the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Horvat Christopher , Jones David Rees , Iams Sarah , Schroeder David , Flocco Daniela , Feltham Daniel
Published: March 2017

Recent thinning and ponding of Arctic sea ice may have led to frequent, extensive phytoplankton blooms under sea ice.
Science funders plunge into publishing
Authors: Enserink Martin
Published: March 2017

European Commission may follow Wellcome, Gates and set up open-access platform.
Looking backward to move regulations forward
Authors: Cropper Maureen , Fraas Arthur , Morgenstern Richard
Published: March 2017

Rigorous ex post analyses can improve regulatory policies
Antigenic Drift Defines a New D4 Subgenotype of Measles Virus
Authors: Muñoz-Alía Miguel Ángel , Muller Claude P. , Russell Stephen J.
Published: March 2017

The measles virus hemagglutinin (MeV-H) protein is the main target of protective neutralizing antibodies. Using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that recognize known major antigenic sites in MeV-H, we identified a D4 genotype variant that escapes neutralization by MAbs targeting the neutralizing epitope (NE) antigenic site. By site-directed mutagenesis, L249P was identified as the critical mutation disrupting the NE in this genotype D4 variant. Forty-two available D4 genotype gene sequences were subsequently analyzed and divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of the L249P MeV-H mutation. Further analysis of the MeV-N gene sequences of these 2 groups confirmed that they represent clearly definable, sequence-divergent D4 subgenotypes, which we named subgenotypes D4.1 and D4.2. The subgenotype D4.1 MeVs were isolated predominantly in Kenya and Ethiopia, whereas the MAb-resistant subgenotype D4.2 MeVs were isolated predominantly in France and Great Britain, countries with higher vaccine coverage rates. Interestingly, D4.2 subgenotype viruses showed a trend toward diminished susceptibility to neutralization by human sera pooled from approximately 60 to 80 North American donors. Escape from MAb neutralization may be a powerful epidemiological surveillance tool to monitor the evolution of new MeV subgenotypes.

IMPORTANCE
Measles virus is a paradigmatic RNA virus, as the antigenic composition of the vaccination has not needed to be updated since its discovery. The vaccine confers protection by inducing neutralizing antibodies that interfere with the function of the hemagglutinin protein. Viral strains are indistinguishable serologically, although characteristic nucleotide sequences differentiate 24 genotypes. In this work, we describe a distant evolutionary branch within genotype D4. Designated subgenotype D4.2, this virus is distinguishable by neutralization with vaccine-induced monoclonal antibodies that target the neutralizing epitope (NE). The subgenotype D4.2 viruses have a higher predominance in countries with intermediary levels of vaccine coverage. Our studies demonstrate that subgenotype D4.2 lacks epitopes associated with half of the known antigenic sites, which significantly impacts our understanding of measles virus evolution.
Basic Scholarship in Biosafety Is Critically Needed To Reduce Risk of Laboratory Accidents
Authors: Ritterson Ryan , Casagrande Rocco
Published: March 2017

Our firm conducted a risk/benefit assessment of “gain-of-function” research, as part of the deliberative process following a U.S. moratorium on the research (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
U.S. Government Gain-of-Function Deliberative Process and Research Funding Pause on Selected Gain-of-Function Research Involving Influenza
,
MERS
,
and SARS Viruses
, 2014).
Disseminated MRSA infection with purulent pericarditis
Authors: Mada Pradeep Kumar , Cady Beth , De silva Anajana , Alam Mohammad
Published: March 2017

The risk of developing pericarditis secondary to Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) infection in the absence of preceding surgical procedure is extremely low. We present a case report of a 36-year-old woman who developed disseminated MRSA infection leading to purulent pericarditis.
Successful long-term weight loss among participants with diabetes receiving an intervention promoting an adapted Mediterranean-style dietary pattern: the Heart Healthy Lenoir Project
Authors: Embree Genevieve G R , Samuel-Hodge Carmen D , Johnston Larry F , Garcia Beverly A , Gizlice Ziya , Evenson Kelly R , DeWalt Darren A , Ammerman Alice S , Keyserling Thomas C
Published: March 2017

Objective

To examine weight change by diabetes status among participants receiving a Mediterranean-style diet, physical activity, and weight loss intervention adapted for delivery in the southeastern USA, where rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are disproportionately high.

Research design and methods

The intervention included: Phase I (months 1–6), an individually tailored intervention promoting a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern and increased walking; Phase II (months 7–12), option of a 16-week weight loss intervention for those with BMI≥25 kg/m2offered as 16 weekly group sessions or 5 group sessions and 10 phone calls, or a lifestyle maintenance intervention; and Phase III (months 13–24), weight loss maintenance intervention for those losing ≥8 pounds with all others receiving a lifestyle maintenance intervention. Weight change was assessed at 6, 12, and 24-month follow-up.

Results

Baseline characteristics (n=339): mean age 56, 77% female, 65% African-American, 124 (37%) with diabetes; mean weight 103 kg for those with diabetes and 95 kg for those without. Among participants with diabetes, average weight change was −1.2 kg (95% CI −2.1 to −0.4) at 6 months (n=92), −1.5 kg (95% CI −2.9 to −0.2) at 12 months (n=96), and −3.7 kg (95% CI −5.2 to −2.1) at 24 months (n=93). Among those without diabetes, weight change was −0.4 kg (95% CI −1.4 to 0.6) at 24 months (n=154).

Conclusions

Participants with diabetes experienced sustained weight loss at 24-month follow-up. High-risk US populations with diabetes may experience clinically important weight loss from this type of lifestyle intervention.

Trial registration number

NCT01433484.
Patients' reports of adverse events: a data linkage study of Australian adults aged 45 years and over
Authors: Walton Merrilyn Margaret , Harrison Reema , Kelly Patrick , Smith-Merry Jennifer , Manias Elizabeth , Jorm Christine , Iedema Rick
Published: March 2017

Background

Understanding a patient's hospital experience is fundamental to improving health services and policy, yet, little is known about their experiences of adverse events (AEs). This study redresses this deficit by investigating the experiences of patients in New South Wales hospitals who suffered an AE.

Methods

Data linkage was used to identify a random sample of 20 000 participants in the 45 and Up Cohort Study, out of 267 153 adults aged 45 years and over, who had been hospitalised in the prior 6 months. A cross-sectional survey was administered to these patients to capture their experiences, including whether they had an AE and received honest communication about it.

Results

Of the 18 993 eligible participants, 7661 completed surveys were received (40% response rate) and 474 (7%) reported having an AE. Most AEs related to clinical processes and procedures (33%), or medications and intravenous fluids (21%). Country of birth and admission through emergency were significant predictors of the occurrence of an event. An earlier admission in the prior 6 months or a transfer to another healthcare facility was also associated with more AEs. Of those who suffered an AE, 58% reported serious or moderate effects.

Conclusions

Given the exclusions in our sample population (under 45 years), the AE rate reported by patients of 7% is similar to the approximately 10% rate reported in the general population by retrospective medical record reviews. AE data that include patient experience may provide contextual information currently missing. Capturing and using patient experience data more effectively is critical; there may be opportunities for applying co-design methodology to improve the management of AEs and be more responsive to patients' concerns.
A theoretical model study on interplay between Coulomb potential and lattice energy in graphene-on-substrate
Authors: Sahu Sivabrata , Rout G. C.
Published: March 2017

The graphene-on-substrates breaks the sub-lattice symmetry leading to the opening of a small gap. The small band gaps can be enhanced by electron–phonon interactions by keeping strongly polarized superstrate on graphene. To describe the band gap opening in graphene, we propose a tight-binding model Hamiltonian taking into account of third-nearest-neighbor electron-hoppings. We introduce repulsive Coulomb interaction at two sub-lattices of graphene. Further, we consider phonon coupling to the electron densities centered at two sub-lattices in the presence of phonon vibration with a single frequency. For high frequency phonons, the present interaction represents the Holstein interaction. Applying Lang–Firsov canonical transformation in the high phonon-frequency limit, we calculate the modified Coulomb interaction and the effective hopping integral which are functions of electron–phonon coupling, phonon-frequency and nearest-neighbor electron-hopping integral. The electron Green’s functions are calculated by Zubarevs technique. The electron occupancies at two sub-lattices for up and down spins are calculated and computed self-consistently. Finally, we calculate the modulated substrate induced gap of graphene-on-substrate, which is computed numerically for [Formula: see text] grid points for electron momentum. We have studied the interplay of Coulomb interaction, electron–phonon interaction in high phonon-frequency limit. The maximum band gap achieved due to the interplay is nearly 67% more than the substrate induced gap. To achieve this condition, one requires low Coulomb energy for low frequency phonon, while one needs high Coulomb interaction and high electron–phonon interaction of a given lattice vibration frequency. For given electron–phonon interaction and phonon-frequency, the modified gap is enhanced throughout the temperature range with increase of Coulomb interaction.
A Hybrid Model for Chinese Spelling Check
Authors: Zhao Hai , Cai Deng , Xin Yang , Wang Yuzhu , Jia Zhongye
Published: March 2017

Spelling check for Chinese has more challenging difficulties than that for other languages. A hybrid model for Chinese spelling check is presented in this article. The hybrid model consists of three components: one graph-based model for generic errors and two independently trained models for specific errors. In the graph model, a directed acyclic graph is generated for each sentence, and the single-source shortest-path algorithm is performed on the graph to detect and correct general spelling errors at the same time. Prior to that, two types of errors over functional words (characters) are first solved by conditional random fields: the confusion of “在” (
at
) (pinyin is
zai
in Chinese), “再” (
again
,
more
,
then
) (pinyin:
zai
) and “的” (
of
) (pinyin:
de
), “地” (-
ly
, adverb-forming particle) (pinyin:
de
), and “得” (
so that
,
have to
) (pinyin:
de
). Finally, a rule-based model is exploited to distinguish pronoun usage confusion: “她” (
she
) (pinyin:
ta
), “他” (
he
) (pinyin:
ta
), and some other common collocation errors. The proposed model is evaluated on the standard datasets released by the SIGHAN Bake-off shared tasks, giving state-of-the-art results.
FootStriker
Authors: Hassan Mahmoud , Daiber Florian , Wiehr Frederik , Kosmalla Felix , Krüger Antonio
Published: March 2017

In running, knee-related injuries are very common. The main cause are high impact forces when striking the ground with the heel first. Mid- or forefoot running is generally known to reduce impact loads and to be a more efficient running style. In this paper, we introduce a wearable running assistant, consisting of an electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) device and an insole with force sensing resistors. It detects heel striking and actuates the calf muscles during the flight phase to control the foot angle before landing. We conducted a user study, in which we compared the classical coaching approach using slow motion video analysis as a terminal feedback to our proposed real-time EMS feedback. The results show that EMS actuation significantly outperforms traditional coaching, i.e., a decreased average heel striking rate, when using the system. As an implication, EMS feedback can generally be beneficial for the motor learning of complex, repetitive movements.
Role of leptin in energy expenditure: the hypothalamic perspective
Authors: Pandit R. , Beerens S. , Adan R. A. H.
Published: March 2017

The adipocyte-derived hormone leptin is a peripheral signal that informs the brain about the metabolic status of an organism. Although traditionally viewed as an appetite-suppressing hormone, studies in the past decade have highlighted the role of leptin in energy expenditure. Leptin has been shown to increase energy expenditure in particular through its effects on the cardiovascular system and brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis via the hypothalamus. The current review summarizes the role of leptin signaling in various hypothalamic nuclei and its effects on the sympathetic nervous system to influence blood pressure, heart rate, and BAT thermogenesis. Specifically, the role of leptin signaling on three different hypothalamic nuclei, the dorsomedial hypothalamus, the ventromedial hypothalamus, and the arcuate nucleus, is reviewed. It is known that all of these brain regions influence the sympathetic nervous system activity and thereby regulate BAT thermogenesis and the cardiovascular system. Thus the current work focuses on how leptin signaling in specific neuronal populations within these hypothalamic nuclei influences certain aspects of energy expenditure.
Sex-dependent effects of antenatal glucocorticoids on insulin sensitivity in adult sheep: role of the adipose tissue renin angiotensin system
Authors: Massmann G. Angela , Zhang Jie , Seong Won Joon , Kim Minhyoung , Figueroa Jorge P.
Published: March 2017

Exposure to glucocorticoids in utero is associated with changes in organ function and structure in the adult. The aims of this study were to characterize the effects of antenatal exposure to glucocorticoids on glucose handling and the role of adipose tissue. Pregnant sheep received betamethasone (Beta, 0.17 mg/kg) or vehicle 24 h apart at 80 days of gestation and allowed to deliver at term. At 9 mo, male and female offspring were fed at either 100% of nutritional allowance (lean) or ad libitum for 3 mo (obese). At 1 yr, they were chronically instrumented under general anesthesia. Glucose tolerance was evaluated using a bolus of glucose (0.25 g/kg). Adipose tissue was harvested after death to determine mRNA expression levels of angiotensinogen (AGT), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 1, ACE2, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ). Data are expressed as means ± SE and analyzed by ANOVA. Sex, obesity, and Beta exposure had significant effects on glucose tolerance and mRNA expression. Beta impaired glucose tolerance in lean females but not males. Superimposed obesity worsened the impairment in females and unmasked the defect in males. Beta increased ACE1 mRNA in females and males and AGT in females only ( P < 0.05 by three-way ANOVA). Obesity increased AGT in females but had no effect on ACE1 in either males or females. PPAR-γ mRNA exhibited a significant sex ( F = 42.8; P < 0.01) and obesity ( F = 6.9; P < 0.05) effect and was significantly higher in males ( P < 0.01 by three-way ANOVA). We conclude that adipose tissue may play an important role in the sexually dimorphic response to antenatal glucocorticoids.
Activation of CB1receptors by 2-arachidonoylglycerol attenuates vasoconstriction induced by U46619 and angiotensin II in human and rat pulmonary arteries
Authors: Karpińska Olga , Baranowska-Kuczko Marta , Kloza Monika , Ambroz˙ewicz Ewa , Kozłowski Tomasz , Kasacka Irena , Malinowska Barbara , Kozłowska Hanna
Published: March 2017

Recent evidence suggests that endocannabinoids acting via cannabinoid CB1receptors may modulate vascular responses of various vasoconstrictors in the rodent systemic vasculature. The aim of the study was to investigate whether endocannabinoids modulate the contractile responses evoked by a thromboxane A2analog (U46619), angiotensin II (ANG II), serotonin (5-HT), and phenylephrine, which stimulate distinct Gq/11protein-coupled receptors (thromboxane, ANG II type 1, 5-HT2, and α1-adrenergic receptors) in isolated endothelium-intact human and rat pulmonary arteries (hPAs and rPAs, respectively). The CB1receptor antagonist AM251 (1 μM) and diacylglycerol lipase (2-arachidonoylglycerol synthesis enzyme) inhibitor RHC80267 (40 μM) enhanced contractions induced by U46619 in hPAs and rPAs and by ANG II in rPAs in an endothelium-dependent manner. AM251 did not influence vasoconstrictions induced by 5-HT or phenylephrine in rPAs. The monoacylglycerol lipase (2-arachidonoylglycerol degradation enzyme) inhibitor JZL184 (1 μM), but not the fatty acid amide hydrolase (anandamide degradation enzyme) inhibitor URB597 (1 μM), attenuated contractions evoked by U46619 in hPAs and rPAs and ANG II in rPAs. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol concentration-dependently induced relaxation of hPAs, which was inhibited by endothelium denudation or AM251 and enhanced by JZL184. Expression of CB1receptors was confirmed in hPAs and rPAs using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The present study shows the protective interaction between the endocannabinoid system and vasoconstriction in response to U46619 and ANG II in the human and rat pulmonary circulation. U46619 and ANG II may stimulate rapid endothelial release of endocannabinoids (mainly 2-arachidonoylglycerol), leading to CB1receptor-dependent and/or CB1receptor-independent vasorelaxation, which in the negative feedback mechanism reduces later agonist-induced vasoconstriction.
Sex-specific computational models of the spontaneously hypertensive rat kidneys: factors affecting nitric oxide bioavailability
Authors: Chen Ying , Sullivan Jennifer C. , Edwards Aurélie , Layton Anita T.
Published: March 2017

The goals of this study were to 1) develop a computational model of solute transport and oxygenation in the kidney of the female spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), and 2) apply that model to investigate sex differences in nitric oxide (NO) levels in SHR and their effects on medullary oxygenation and oxidative stress. To accomplish these goals, we first measured NO synthase (NOS) 1 and NOS3 protein expression levels in total renal microvessels of male and female SHR. We found that the expression of both NOS1 and NOS3 is higher in the renal vasculature of females compared with males. To predict the implications of that finding on medullary oxygenation and oxidative stress levels, we developed a detailed computational model of the female SHR kidney. The model was based on a published male kidney model and represents solute transport and the biochemical reactions among O2, NO, and superoxide ([Formula: see text]) in the renal medulla. Model simulations conducted using both male and female SHR kidney models predicted significant radial gradients in interstitial fluid oxygen tension (Po2) and NO and [Formula: see text] concentration in the outer medulla and upper inner medulla. The models also predicted that increases in endothelial NO-generating capacity, even when limited to specific vascular segments, may substantially raise medullary NO and Po2levels. Other potential sex differences in SHR, including [Formula: see text] production rate, are predicted to significantly impact oxidative stress levels, but effects on NO concentration and Po2are limited.
Raising the pressure: Hemodynamic effects of splanchnic nerve stimulation
Authors: Fudim Marat , Yalamuri Suraj , Herbert J. Taylor , Liu Peter R. , Patel Manesh R. , Sandler Aaron
Published: March 2017

A number of cardiovascular and neurological diseases are characterized by a dysregulation of intravascular volume distribution. The veins and arteries of the visceral organs form the so-called splanchnic vascular compartment and are the largest reservoir for intravascular blood. The blood localized in the splanchnic compartment can be mobilized in and out of the compartment via passive compression or active neurohormonal recruitment. We studied the hemodynamic effects of splanchnic nerve stimulation during five cases of irreversible electroporation (IRE) in patients with pancreatic cancer. In IRE, repeated bursts of high-voltage electrical fields are applied to visceral beds for >1 min, which induces rapid increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output. We present the first analysis into the hemodynamic changes with splanchnic nerve stimulation and explore potential mechanisms of the hyperdynamic state. Our analysis presents the first human report of splanchnic nerve stimulation to induce hypertension and volume redistribution, introducing the splanchnic nerves as a key component of cardiovascular regulation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our case series provides the first detailed description of human hemodynamic effects with splanchnic nerve stimulation. Splanchnic nerve stimulation results in profound hemodynamic alteration with rapid onset of hypertension and blood mobilization.