bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PEER EFFECTS IN A COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT: EVIDENCE FROM THEPGATOUR
Authors: Hickman Daniel C. , Metz Neil E.
Published: July 2017

This study uses putting on thePGA TOURto examine peer effects in a competitive setting. The nature of play in golf, in which players complete tasks in a discrete order with a group of randomly assigned peers, provides a unique opportunity to observe these effects among individuals competing in a high‐stakes tournament. Players have the chance both to learn from their peers, as well as to be psychologically impacted by peer success or failure. We find that learning by observing peers has a positive impact on a player's performance, while peer outcomes are negatively correlated with a player's own performance. (JELD03, D83, L83)
Management of patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia with obinutuzumab and chlorambucil
Authors: Tam Constantine , Kuss Bryone , Opat Stephen , Boulos Joy , Marlton Paula
Published: July 2017

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) are generally older, with many considered ‘unfit’ for fludarabine–cyclophosphamide–rituximab therapy. In these patients, the combination of obinutuzumab–chlorambucil may be an appropriate therapeutic choice. Obinutuzumab–chlorambucil has been demonstrated to improve overall survival rates compared to chlorambucil alone and to improve progression‐free survival and overall response rates compared to rituximab–chlorambucil. This combination can lead to certain toxicities that need to be addressed through appropriate patient selection, pre‐medication and management. In this paper, we discuss evidence‐based and author‐recommended practical management of first‐line CLL patients receiving obinutuzumab–chlorambucil.
Meta‐analysis and critical review on the efficacy and safety of alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors in Asian and non‐Asian populations
Authors: Gao Xueying , Cai Xiaoling , Yang Wenjia , Chen Yifei , Han Xueyao , Ji Linong
Published: July 2017

Aims/Introduction

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors (AGI) in Asian and non‐Asian type 2 diabetes patients.

Materials and Methods

Studies were identified through a literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and other databases until December 2016. All statistical analyses were carried out in Review Manager statistical software by computing the weighted mean difference or odds ratio and 95% confidence interval.

Results

A total of 67 studies were included. AGI vs placebo: compared with the placebo, AGI treatment led to a greater decrease in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose and postprandial plasma glucose. No significant difference was observed in HbA1c change, fasting plasma glucose change, postprandial plasma glucose change or incidence of hypoglycemia between Asian and non‐Asian patients. AGI vs active controls: in Asian patients, AGI treatment showed a lower reduction in HbA1c compared with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors and sulfonylurea. In non‐Asian patients, AGI treatment showed a lower reduction in HbA1c compared with thiazolidinedione. No significant difference was observed in HbA1c change and bodyweight change when comparing AGI with other oral hypoglycemic agents between Asian and non‐Asian patients.

Conclusions

The effects of AGI treatment on glycemic control and bodyweight reduction were superior to the placebo without an increased incidence of hypoglycemia, but with an increased incidence of gastrointestinal discomforts. The hypoglycemic effects of AGI were comparable between Asian and non‐Asian patients.
Reproductive biology of Psammobatis rutrum (Chondrichthyes: Arhynchobatidae) in south Brazil, south‐west Atlantic
Authors: Martins M. F. , Oddone M. C.
Published: July 2017

This study presents information on the reproductive biology of Psammobatis rutrum based on 55 males and 53 females obtained as by‐catch from bottom trawlers off southern Brazil during July 2013 and September 2014 and includes a detailed description of the egg capsule. Total lengths (LT) ranged from 22·3 to 31·6 cm and most of the sample comprised larger individuals, although there were no sexual differences in length‐frequency distributions. Significant sexual differences were found for total length‐disc width, LT–body mass and LT–eviscerated body mass relationships, with females being heavier and larger. Males started to mature at 25·5 cm LT and females, at 25·9 cm LT, while LT at maturity was calculated in 26·67 and 26·81 cm, respectively. Attaining larger sizes and mass may represent a reproductive investment for females, as observed in other rajoid species. Egg bearing females were first observed over 27·1 cm LT and ovarian fecundity was 1–12 vitellogenic follicles. The egg capsules were 2·22–2·62 cm length and had attaching fibrils on both lateral sides. Microscopically, the ventral face of the egg capsule was rougher than the dorsal face.
Traditional oral health beliefs and practices of Bulang people in Yunnan, China
Authors: Zhang Shinan , Lo Edward C. M. , Chu Chun‐Hung
Published: July 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to explore traditional oral health beliefs among the Bulang ethnic minority group in China.

Methods

Eighteen village leaders, chiefs, elders, and seniors in Yunnan, China were assigned to three focus groups for discussion of traditional oral health beliefs. The discussions were led by a facilitator. Transcripts were made, and data were extracted.

Results

The focus group discussions on traditional oral health beliefs addressed three themes: (a) the perception of oral health; (b) the impact of healthy teeth (oral health), in that healthy teeth essentially have an impact on physical health, emotions, and social status; and (c) toothache management, which was regarded as tooth decay (dental caries). Blackening teeth was a pain relief method. Blackened teeth were reported to be part of ethnic identity, and considered esthetically pleasing. It also indicated the marital status of women.

Conclusion

Some Bulang people believed that healthy dentition has no spacing, pain, or functioning problems. Well‐aligned dentition was associated with higher social status. Toothaches were considered to be caused by tooth worms. Consulting a monk was another way to manage a toothache. Tooth blackening was considered traditional, and effective for caries prevention.
Integrating a Nurse‐Midwife‐Led Oral Health Intervention Into CenteringPregnancy Prenatal Care: Results of a Pilot Study
Authors: Adams Sally H. , Gregorich Steven E. , Rising Sharon S. , Hutchison Margaret , Chung Lisa H.
Published: July 2017

Introduction

National and professional organizations recommend oral health promotion in prenatal care to improve women's oral health. However, few prenatal programs include education about oral health promotion. The objective of this study was to determine if women receiving a brief, low‐cost, and sustainable educational intervention entitled CenteringPregnancy Oral Health Promotion had clinically improved oral health compared to women receiving standard CenteringPregnancy care.

Methods

Women attending CenteringPregnancy, a group prenatal care model, at 4 health centers in the San Francisco Bay Area, participated in this nonrandomized controlled pilot study in 2010 to 2011. The intervention arm received the CenteringPregnancy Oral Health Promotion intervention consisting of two 15‐minute skills‐based educational modules addressing maternal and infant oral health, each module presented in a separate CenteringPregnancy prenatal care session. The present analysis focused on the maternal module that included facilitated discussions and skills‐building activities including proper tooth brushing. The control arm received standard CenteringPregnancy prenatal care. Dental examinations and questionnaires were administered prior to and approximately 9 weeks postintervention. Primary outcomes included the Plaque Index, percent bleeding on probing, and percent of gingival pocket depths 4 mm or greater. Secondary outcomes were self‐reported oral health knowledge, attitudes (importance and self‐efficacy), and behaviors (tooth brushing and flossing). Regression models tested whether pre to post changes in outcomes differed between the intervention versus the control arms.

Results

One hundred and one women participated in the study; 49 were in the intervention arm, and 52 were in the control arm. The control and intervention arms did not vary significantly at baseline. Significant pre to post differences were noted between the arms with significant improvements in the intervention arm for the Plaque Index, bleeding on probing, and pocket depths 4 mm or greater.

Discussion

Providing brief oral health education and skills‐building activities within prenatal care may be effective in improving women's oral health during pregnancy. These findings provide support for developing a full‐scale randomized clinical trial of the CenteringPregnancy Oral Health Promotion intervention.
Barriers and Facilitators of Colorectal Cancer Screening for Patients of Rural Accountable Care Organization Clinics: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Wang Hongmei , Qiu Fang , Gregg Abbey , Chen Baojiang , Kim Jungyoon , Young Lufei , Wan Neng , Chen Li‐Wu
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This study examines multilevel factors related to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in a rural Accountable Care Organization (ACO) setting.

Methods

The study used electronic medical record data from 8 rural ACO clinics in Nebraska. The final sample included 15,866 average‐risk patients aged 50‐75 years who visited participating clinics at least once from June 2014 to May 2015. Logistic regression was conducted to examine simultaneous effects of patient, provider, and county characteristics on CRC screening after accounting for provider‐county‐level correlation using a generalized estimating equations method.

Findings

The results indicated that patients aged 65 years and older, non‐Hispanic white, whose preferred language was English, who had insurance, who had a wellness visit in the past year, and who had chronic conditions were more likely to be up‐to‐date on CRC screening. Patients were also more likely to be up‐to‐date when their primary care provider was a female medical doctor who was aware of clinic CRC screening protocols or who manually checked patient CRC screening status during the patient visit. Patients in a county with no gastroenterologist, a high poverty rate, and low insurance coverage were less likely to be up‐to‐date on CRC screening.

Conclusions

 A variety of patient, provider, and county characteristics were associated with CRC screening. Effective strategies to promote CRC screening should address multilevel factors, including: targeting patients with identified individual barriers, modifying physician and clinical practices, and focusing on communities with low socioeconomic status or low levels of medical resources.
Return‐on‐Investment (ROI) Analyses of an Inpatient Lay Health Worker Model on 30‐Day Readmission Rates in a Rural Community Hospital
Authors: Cardarelli Roberto , Bausch Gregory , Murdock Joan , Chyatte Michelle Renee
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to assess the return‐on‐investment (ROI) of an inpatient lay health worker (LHW) model in a rural Appalachian community hospital impacting 30‐day readmission rates.

Methods

The Bridges to Home (BTH) study completed an evaluation in 2015 of an inpatient LHW model in a rural Kentucky hospital that demonstrated a reduction in 30‐day readmission rates by 47.7% compared to a baseline period. Using the hospital's utilization and financial data, a validated ROI calculator specific to care transition programs was used to assess the ROI of the BTH model comparing 3 types of payment models including Diagnosis Related Group (DRG)‐only payments, pay‐for‐performance (P4P) contracts, and accountable care organizations (ACOs).

Findings

The BTH program had a –$0.67 ROI if the hospital had only a DRG‐based payment model. If the hospital had P4P contracts with payers and 0.1% of its annual operating revenue was at risk, the ROI increased to $7.03 for every $1 spent on the BTH program. However, if the hospital was an ACO as was the case for this study's community hospital, the ROI significantly increased to $38.48 for every $1 spent on the BTH program.

Conclusions

The BTH model showed a viable ROI to be considered by community hospitals that are part of an ACO or P4P program. A LHW care transition model may be a cost‐effective alternative for impacting excess 30‐day readmissions and avoiding associated penalties for hospital systems with a value‐based payment model.
Correlates of Community‐Based Colorectal Cancer Screening in a Rural Population: The Role of Fatalism
Authors: Crosby Richard A. , Collins Tom
Published: July 2017

Objective

One largely unexplored barrier to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is fatalistic beliefs about cancer. The purpose of this study was to identify correlates of ever having endoscopy screenings for CRC and to determine whether fatalism plays a unique role. Because evidence suggests that cancer‐associated fatalistic beliefs may be particularly common among rural Americans, the study was conducted in a medically underserved area of rural Appalachia. 

Methods

Rural residents (N = 260) between 51 and 75 years of age, from a medically underserved area of Appalachia, Kentucky, were recruited for a cross‐sectional study. The outcome measure was assessed by a single item asking whether participants ever had a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy. Demographic and health‐related correlates of this outcome were selected based on past studies of rural populations. A single item assessed perceptions of fatalism regarding CRC. Age‐adjusted analyses of correlates testing significant at the bivariate level were conducted. 

Results

The analytic sample was limited to 135 rural residents indicating they had ever had CRC endoscopy and 107 indicating never having endoscopy. In age‐adjusted analyses, only the measure of fatalism had a significant association with having endoscopy. Those endorsing the statement pertaining to fatalism were 2.3 times more likely (95% CI = 1.24‐4.27, P = .008) than the remainder to indicate never having endoscopy. 

Conclusions

A community‐based approach to the promotion of endoscopy for CRC screening could focus on overcoming CRC‐associated fatalism, thereby potentially bringing more unscreened people to endoscopy clinics.
Mental Health and Substance Use Care Among Young Adults Before and After Affordable Care Act (ACA) Implementation: A Rural and Urban Comparison
Authors: Chavez Laura J. , Kelleher Kelly J. , Matson Steven C. , Wickizer Thomas M. , Chisolm Deena J.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Rural young adults experience greater unmet need for mental health (MH) and alcohol or drug (AOD) treatment and lower health insurance coverage than urban residents. It is unknown whether Affordable Care Act (ACA) reforms in 2010 (dependent coverage extended to age 26) or 2014 (Medicaid expansion) closed rural/urban gaps in insurance and treatment. The present study compared changes in rates of health insurance, MH treatment, and AOD treatment for rural and urban young adults over a period of ACA reforms.

Methods

Young adult participants (18‐25 years) in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2008‐2014) with past‐year psychological distress or AOD abuse were included. Difference‐in‐differences logistic regression models estimated rural/urban differences in insurance, MH, and AOD treatment pre‐ versus post‐ACA reforms. Analyses adjusted for gender, race, marital status, and health status.

Results

Among 39,482 young adults with psychological distress or AOD, adjusted insurance rates increased from 72.0% to 81.9% (2008‐2014), but a significant rural/urban difference (5.1%) remained in 2014 (P < .05). Among young adults with psychological distress (n = 23,470), MH treatment rates increased following 2010 reforms from 30.2% to 33.0%, but gains did not continue through 2014. Differences in MH treatment over time did not vary by rural/urban status and there were no significant changes in AOD treatment for either group.

Conclusions

Although rates of insurance increased for all young adults, a significant rural/urban difference persisted in 2014. Meaningful increases in MH and AOD treatment may require targeted efforts to reduce noninsurance barriers to treatment.
Financialization and the non‐financial corporation: An investigation of firm‐level investment behavior in the United States
Authors: Davis Leila E.
Published: July 2017

Changes in the portfolio and financing behavior of non‐financial corporations (NFCs) over the post‐1970 period in the U.S. economy point to the financialization of the NFC and raise the question of accompanying changes in fixed investment behavior. Using a firm‐level panel, this article econometrically investigates the relationship between financialization and investment, exploring the implications of changes in financing behavior, increasingly entrenched shareholder value norms and rising firm‐level demand volatility for NFC investment in the U.S. economy between 1971 and 2013. Shareholder value orientation is, in particular, identified as a characteristic of the post‐1970 U.S. economy associated with a statistically and economically significant decline in NFC investment rates. The stock of financial assets, conversely, is found to be a positive correlate of firm investment. The analysis also highlights key differences by firm size. In particular, shareholder value norms are found to primarily influence the investment behavior of large NFCs, while rising volatility most substantially impacts small firms.
IgG subclass deficiencies in children: Facts and fiction
Authors: Wahn Volker , von Bernuth Horst
Published: July 2017

The chance to analyse the four IgG subclasses arose with the publication of Terry and Fahey1. Since then, a lot of new information on the role of subclasses and their deficiency states in humans has been obtained. This review tries to analyse critically our current knowledge of subclass deficiencies in children.
Targeting cholesterol transport in circulating melanoma cells to inhibit metastasis
Authors: Chen Yu‐Chi , Gowda Raghavendra , Newswanger Raymond K. , Leibich Patrick , Fell Barry , Rosenberg Gerson , Robertson Gavin P.
Published: July 2017

Despite recent breakthroughs in targeted‐ and immune‐based therapies, rapid development of drug resistance remains a hurdle for the long‐term treatment of patients with melanoma. Targeting metastatically spreading circulating tumor cells (CTCs) may provide an additional approach to manage melanoma. This study investigates whether targeting cholesterol transport in melanoma CTCs can retard metastasis development. Nanolipolee‐007, the liposomal form of leelamine, reduced melanoma metastasis in both a novel in vitro flow system mimicking the circulating system and in experimental as well as spontaneous animal metastasis models, irrespective of the BRAF mutational status of the CTCs. Leelamine led to cholesterol trapping in lysosomes, which subsequently shut down receptor‐mediated endocytosis, endosome trafficking, and inhibited the major oncogenic signaling cascades important for survival such as the AKT pathway. As pAKT is important in CTC survival, inhibition by targeting cholesterol metabolism led to apoptosis, suggesting this approach might be particularly effective for those CTCs having high levels of pAKT to aid survival in the circulation system.
Multiclass Vector Auto-Regressive Models for Multistore Sales Data
Authors: Wilms Ines , Barbaglia Luca , Croux Christophe
Published: July 2017

Retailers use the vector auto-regressive (VAR) model as a standard tool to estimate the effects of prices, promotions and sales in one product category on the sales of another product category. Besides, these price, promotion and sales data are available not just for one store, but for a whole chain of stores. We propose to study cross-category effects by using a multiclass VAR model: we jointly estimate cross-category effects for several distinct but related VAR models, one for each store. Our methodology encourages effects to be similar across stores, while still allowing for small differences between stores to account for store heterogeneity. Moreover, our estimator is sparse: unimportant effects are estimated as exactly 0, which facilitates the interpretation of the results. A simulation study shows that the multiclass estimator proposed improves estimation accuracy by borrowing strength across classes. Finally, we provide three visual tools showing clustering of stores with similar cross-category effects, networks of product categories and similarity matrices of shared cross-category effects across stores.
Is Poverty in the African DNA (Gene)?
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Kodila‐Tedika Oasis
Published: July 2017

A 2015 World Bank report on attainment of Millennium Development Goals concludes that the number of extremely poor has dropped substantially in all regions with the exception of Sub‐Saharan Africa. We assess if poverty is in the African gene by revisiting the findings of Ashraf and Galor and reformulating the “Out of Africa Hypothesis” into a “Genetic Diversity Hypothesis” for a “Within Africa Analysis.” We motivate this reformulation with five shortcomings largely drawn from the 2015 findings of the African Gerome Variation Project, notably: limitations in the conception of space, an African dummy in genetic diversity, linearity in migratory patterns, migratory origins and underpinnings of genetic diversity in Africa. Ashraf and Galor have concluded that cross‐country differences in development can be explained by genetic diversity in a Kuznets or inverted U‐shaped pattern. Our results from an exclusive African perspective partially confirm the underlying hypothesis in a contemporary context, but not in the historical analysis. From a historical context, the nexus is U‐shaped for migratory distance, mobility index and predicted diversity while for the contemporary analysis; it is hump shaped for ancestry‐adjusted predicted diversity. Hence from a within‐Africa comparative standpoint, poverty is not in the African gene.
Sprint mechanics evaluation using inertial sensor‐based technology: A laboratory validation study
Authors: Setuain I. , Lecumberri P. , Ahtiainen J. P. , Mero A. A. , Häkkinen K. , Izquierdo M.
Published: July 2017

Advances in micro‐electromechanical systems have turned magnetic inertial measurement units (MIMUs) into a suitable tool for vertical jumping biomechanical evaluation. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether appropriate reliability and agreement reports could also be obtained when analyzing 20‐m sprint mechanics. Four bouts of 20‐m sprints were evaluated to determine whether the data provided by a MIMU placed at the lumbar spine could reliably assess sprint mechanics and to examine the validity of the MIMU sensor compared to force plate recordings. Maximal power (P0), force (F0), and velocity (V0), as well as other mechanical determinants of sprint performance associated with the force‐velocity, power‐velocity, and ratio of forces‐velocity, such as applied horizontal force loss (Sfv) and decrease in ratio of forces (Drf), were calculated and compared between instrumentations. Extremely large‐to‐very large correlation levels between MIMU sensor‐based sprint mechanics variables and force plate recordings were obtained (mean±SD, force plate vs MIMU; V0, 8.61±0.85 vs 8.42±0.69; F0, 383±110 vs 391±103; P0, 873±246 vs 799±241; Sfv, −44.6±12.7 vs −46.2±10.7), ranging from 0.88 to 0.94, except for Drf, which showed weak‐to‐moderate correlation level (r=.45; −6.32±1.08 vs −5.76±0.68). Step‐averaged force values measured with both systems were highly correlated (r=.88), with a regression slope close to the identity (1.01). Bland and Altman graphical representation showed a no random distribution of measured force values. Finally, very large‐to‐extremely large retest correlation coefficients were found for the intertrial reliability of MIMU measurements of sprint performance variables (r value ranging from .72 to .96). Therefore, MIMUs showed appropriate validity and reliability values for 20‐m sprint performance variables.
HLA‐A*02:687, a novel allele identified by sequence‐based typing in cord blood from a Korean woman
Authors: Kim K. M. , Han O. J. , Kang M. S. , Huh J. Y.
Published: July 2017

A*02:687 showed one nucleotide difference with A*02:01:01:01 resulting in an amino acid change.
Names of Truth Bearers, and “That”‐Clauses: A Dilemma for Millians
Authors: Bonardi Paolo
Published: July 2017

Millianism is the doctrine according to which the semantic content of a proper name is exhausted by its referent. This article raises and attempts to solve a dilemma for Millians: either a proper name of a truth bearer is in turn a truth bearer (which seems inadmissible); or having a truth bearer as semantic content is not sufficient for a linguistic expression to be a truth bearer (but then what is required for such a purpose?). As it will be shown in the manuscript, the dilemma does not arise with “that”‐clauses in the place of proper names, if “that”‐clauses are taken to be non‐Millian designators whose semantic content is not a truth bearer. An account of “that”‐clauses having such features and originating with Salmon, Frege's Puzzle, will be defended.
Stratifying the potential local transmission of Zika in municipalities of Antioquia, Colombia
Authors: Ospina Juan , Hincapie‐Palacio Doracelly , Ochoa Jesús , Molina Adriana , Rúa Guillermo , Pájaro Dubán , Arrubla Marcela , Almanza Rita , Paredes Marlio , Mubayi Anuj
Published: July 2017

Objective

To stratify and understand the potential transmission processes of Zika virus in Colombia, in order to effectively address the efforts on surveillance and disease control.

Methods

We compare R0 of Zika for municipalities based on data from the regional surveillance system of Antioquia, Colombia. The basic reproduction number (R0) and its 95% confidence intervals were estimated from an SIR model with implicit vector dynamics, in terms of recovered individuals in each time unit, using an approximate solution. These parameters were estimated fitting the solution of the model to the daily cumulative frequency of each Zika case according to symptoms onset date relative to the index case reported to the local surveillance system.

Results

R0 was estimated for 20 municipalities with a median of 30 000 inhabitants, all located less than 2200 m above sea level. The reported cases ranged from 17 to 347 between these municipalities within 4 months (January to April of 2016). The results suggest that 15 municipalities had a high transmission potential (R0 > 1), whereas in five municipality transmissions were potentially not sustaining (R0 < 1), although the upper bound of the confidence interval of the R0 for 3 of these 5 was greater than one, indicating the possibility of an outbreak later on.

Conclusion

The study identified high‐risk municipalities (R0 > 1) and provide a technique to optimise surveillance and control of Zika. Health authorities should promote the collection, analysis, modelling and sharing of anonymous data onto individual cases to estimate R0.
Central metabolite and sterol profiling divides tobacco male gametophyte development and pollen tube growth into eight metabolic phases
Authors: Rotsch Alexander H. , Kopka Joachim , Feussner Ivo , Ischebeck Till
Published: July 2017

While changes in the transcriptome and proteome of developing pollen have been investigated in tobacco and other species, the metabolic consequences remain rather unclear. Here, a broad range of metabolites was investigated in close succession of developmental stages. Thirteen stages of tobacco male gametophyte development were collected, ranging from tetrads to pollen tubes. Subsequently, the central metabolome and sterol composition were analyzed by GC‐mass spectrometry (MS), monitoring 77 metabolites and 29 non‐identified analytes. The overall results showed that development and tube growth could be divided into eight metabolic phases with the phase including mitosis I being most distinct. During maturation, compounds such as sucrose and proline accumulated. These were degraded after rehydration, while γ‐aminobutyrate transiently increased, possibly deriving from proline breakdown. Sterol analysis revealed that tetrads harbor similar sterols as leaves, but throughout maturation unusual sterols increased. Lastly, two further sterols exclusively accumulated in pollen tubes. This study allows a deeper look into metabolic changes during the development of a quasi‐single cell type. Metabolites accumulating during maturation might accelerate pollen germination and tube growth, protect from desiccation, and feed pollinators. Future studies of the underlying processes orchestrating the changes in metabolite levels might give valuable insights into cellular regulation of plant metabolism.
Altering equine corneal fibroblast differentiation through Smad gene transfer
Authors: Marlo Todd L. , Giuliano Elizabeth A. , Tripathi Ratnakar , Sharma Ajay , Mohan Rajiv R.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To explore the impact of equine corneal fibroblast (ECF) to myofibroblast (ECM) differentiation by altering the expression of the Smad genes either individually or in combination. Specifically, we sought to examine theECFdifferentiation after (a) silencing of Smad2, 3, and 4 profibrotic genes individually and (b) overexpression of antifibrotic Smad7 gene and in a combination with pro‐ and antifibrotic Smad genes.

Methods

Equine corneal fibroblast primary cultures were generated as previously described.ECFs were transfected with individual plasmids which silenced gene expression of either Smad2, 3, or 4 or in combination with a plasmid overexpressing Smad7 using Lipofectamine 2000™ or LipofectamineBLOCK‐iT™. Smad‐transfected clones were then exposed toTGF‐β1 to induce differentiation to myofibroblasts. Immunofluorescence andqRT‐PCRtechniques quantified levels ofECFdifferentiation toECMby measuring alpha smooth muscle actin, a known marker ofECMtransdifferentiation.

Results

Silencing of individual Smad2, 3, or 4 genes or overexpression of Smad7 showed significant inhibition ofECFtransdifferentiation (73–83% reduction). Silencing of Smad2 showed the greatest inhibition ofECFtransdifferentiation in (a) and was therefore utilized for the combination gene transfer testing. The combination gene transfer consisting of Smad7 overexpression and Smad2 silencing attenuatedECFdifferentiation significantly; however, the level was not significant compared to the overexpression of Smad7 individually.

Conclusions

Using gene transfer technology involving profibrotic Smad silencing, antifibrotic Smad overexpression or its combination is a novel strategy to controlTGF‐β1‐mediated fibrosis in equine fibroblasts. Combination gene therapy was not better than single gene therapy in this study.
Characterization of phased array-steered acoustic vortex beams
Authors: Pazos-Ospina Jhon F. , Ealo Joao L. , Franco Ediguer E.
Published: July 2017

Acoustic vortex (AV) beams generation is a subject of current interest. Even though different applications have been proposed using AV, their potential of use is still to be explored. Recent research works on particle manipulation use phased array systems for AV generation because it allows a flexible beam configuration, i.e., the beam can be easily focalized and modified in its shape. However, little attention has been paid to the fact that the AV can also be electronically steered. In view of this, this work presents a study of the steering capability of an AV. In particular, this paper gives an analysis of the effect of the applied delay law on the structure of AV beams steered at different angles using an array transducer of 32 equidistant elements, deployed on a triangular lattice, operating at 40 kHz. Special attention is paid to the appearance of grating vortices. The effect of the individual element directivity on the resultant beam is also studied. Experimental measurements were carried out in order to validate numerical estimations. Obtained results paves the way for the use of electronically steered vortices in different applications. Also, the potential of use of acoustic grating vortices is discussed.
Draft Genome Sequences of Salinivibrio proteolyticus, Salinivibrio sharmensis, Salinivibrio siamensis, Salinivibrio costicola subsp.
alcaliphilus
, Salinivibrio costicola subsp.
vallismortis
, and 29 New Isolates Belonging to the Genus
Salinivibrio
Authors: López-Hermoso Clara , de la Haba Rafael R. , Sánchez-Porro Cristina , Bayliss Sion C. , Feil Edward J. , Ventosa Antonio
Published: July 2017

The draft genome sequences of 5 type strains of species of the halophilic genus
Salinivibrio
and 29 new isolates from different hypersaline habitats belonging to the genus
Salinivibrio
have been determined. The genomes have 3,123,148 to 3,641,359 bp, a G+C content of 49.2 to 50.9%, and 2,898 to 3,404 open reading frames (ORFs).
Full-Length Genome Sequence of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Strain CH/GX/2015/750A
Authors: Qin Yibin , Lu Bingxia , He Ying , Li Bin , Duan Qunpeng , Liang Jiaxing , Chen Zhongwei , Su Qianlian , Bi Bingfen , Zhao Wu
Published: July 2017

We report here the complete genome sequence of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) strain CH/GX/2015/750A (750A), which was isolated from a suckling piglet with watery diarrhea in Guangxi, China. The isolate is genetically close to other recent Chinese variant PEDVs and distinct from the classical PEDVs.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Mycobacterium bovis Strains Identified in Cattle and Wildlife in France
Authors: Branger Maxime , Hauer Amandine , Michelet Lorraine , Karoui Claudine , Cochard Thierry , De Cruz Krystel , Henault Sylvie , Boschiroli María Laura , Biet Franck
Published: July 2017

Mycobacterium bovis
is the etiologic agent of bovine tuberculosis, a chronic infectious disease affecting livestock, wild animals, and sometimes humans. We report here three draft genome sequences of
Mycobacterium bovis
strains of spoligotypes SB0821 and SB0134, isolated from wildlife but circulating in wildlife-livestock multihost systems, and SB0121, circulating exclusively in cattle.
Whole-Genome Shotgun Sequence of Salmonella bongori, First Isolated in Northwestern Italy
Authors: Romano Angelo , Bellio Alberto , Macori Guerrino , Cotter Paul D. , Bianchi Daniela Manila , Gallina Silvia , Decastelli Lucia
Published: July 2017

This study describes the whole-genome shotgun sequence of
Salmonella bongori
48:z35:–, originally isolated from a 1-year-old symptomatic patient in northwest Italy, a typically nonendemic area. The draft genome sequence contained 4.56 Mbp and the G+C content was 51.27%.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Olive-Infecting Strain Xylella fastidiosa subsp.
pauca
De Donno
Authors: Giampetruzzi Annalisa , Saponari Maria , Almeida Rodrigo P. P. , Essakhi Salwa , Boscia Donato , Loconsole Giuliana , Saldarelli Pasquale
Published: July 2017

We report here the complete and annotated genome sequence of the plant-pathogenic bacterium
Xylella fastidiosa
subsp.
pauca
strain De Donno. This strain was recovered from an olive tree severely affected by olive quick decline syndrome (OQDS), a devastating olive disease associated with
X. fastidiosa
infections in susceptible olive cultivars.
Draft Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli K-12 (ATCC 29425)
Authors: Engelbrecht Kathleen C. , Putonti Catherine , Koenig David W. , Wolfe Alan J.
Published: July 2017

A draft genome sequence for
Escherichia coli
ATCC 29425 was investigated. The size of the genome was 4,608,319 bp, with an observed G+C content of 50.68%. This assembly consisted of 80 contigs, with an average coverage of 122.2×, including one contig representative of the complete genome for the temperate phage P1.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas stutzeri LH-42, Isolated from Petroleum-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Zhang Mengjun , Ma Liyuan , Yang Yu , Hu Tingting , Liu Xueduan , Zhang Xian , Hua Yaokun , Gao Yu , Zhu Zhenyu
Published: July 2017

We used Illumina HiSeq technology to sequence the whole genome of
Pseudomonas stutzeri
LH-42, a bacterium isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil in Liaoning Province, China. The bacterium contains a series of specific genes involved in the oxidation of organic sulfur compounds.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Multidrug-Resistant,
bla
NDM-1
-Expressing Klebsiella pneumoniae K66-45 Clinical Isolate from Norway
Authors: Heikal Adam , Samuelsen Ørjan , Kristensen Tom , Økstad Ole Andreas
Published: July 2017

Multidrug-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
is a major cause of hospital-acquired infections. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the multidrug-resistant,
bla
NDM-1
-positive strain
K. pneumoniae
K66-45, isolated from a hospitalized Norwegian patient.
Genome Sequences of Three Vaccine Strains and Two Wild-Type Canine Distemper Virus Strains from a Recent Disease Outbreak in South Africa
Authors: Loots Angelika K. , Du Plessis Morné , Dalton Desiré Lee , Mitchell Emily , Venter Estelle H.
Published: July 2017

Canine distemper virus causes global multihost infectious disease. This report details complete genome sequences of three vaccine and two new wild-type strains. The wild-type strains belong to the South African lineage, and all three vaccine strains to the America 1 lineage. This constitutes the first genomic sequences of this virus from South Africa.
Draft Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus epidermidis (Winslow and Winslow) Evans (ATCC 14990)
Authors: Putonti Catherine , Kalesinskas Laurynas , Cudone Evan , Engelbrecht Kathleen C. , Koenig David W. , Wolfe Alan J.
Published: July 2017

Here, we report the draft genome sequence for the type strain
Staphylococcus epidermidis
(Winslow and Winslow) Evans (ATCC 14990). The assembly consisted of 2,457,519 bp with an observed G+C content of 32.04%. Thirty-seven contigs were produced, including two putative plasmids, with a 296.8× coverage and an
N
50
of 180,848 bp.
Substantial harm associated with failure of chronic paediatric central venous access devices
Authors: Ullman Amanda J , Kleidon Tricia , Cooke Marie , Rickard Claire M
Published: July 2017

Central venous access devices (CVADs) form an important component of modern paediatric healthcare, especially for children with chronic health conditions such as cancer or gastrointestinal disorders. However device failure and complications rates are high.

Over 2½ years, a child requiring parenteral nutrition and associated vascular access dependency due to ‘short gut syndrome’ (intestinal failure secondary to gastroschisis and resultant significant bowel resection) had ten CVADs inserted, with ninesubsequently failing. This resulted in multiple anaesthetics, invasive procedures, injuries, vascular depletion, interrupted nutrition, delayed treatment and substantial healthcare costs. A conservative estimate of the institutional costs for each insertion, or rewiring, of her tunnelled CVAD was $A10 253 (2016 Australian dollars).

These complications and device failures had significant negative impact on the child and her family. Considering the commonality of conditions requiring prolonged vascular access, these failures also have a significant impact on international health service costs.
Transient neonatal hypercalcaemia secondary to excess maternal vitamin D intake: too much of a good thing
Authors: Reynolds Adam , O'Connell Susan M , Kenny Louise Clare , Dempsey Eugene
Published: July 2017

We report a case of transient neonatal hypercalcaemia secondary to excess maternal vitamin D intake in pregnancy. Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in pregnancy are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, but there is no definite benefit to supplementation. The Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology recommends routine supplementation with vitamin D3400 IU/day, but higher dose preparations usually recommended for the treatment of vitamin D deficiency are readily available over the counter. This case highlights the risks of excess supplementation, especially at higher doses and in women without evidence of vitamin D deficiency. The amount used in this case was at the upper end of the generally accepted safe dose range, but still less than that commonly recognised to cause problems. Neonatal hypercalcaemia is a potentially serious condition. The current local or national recommendations for vitamin D supplementation and the possible adverse effects of excess vitamin D consumption should be clearly communicated to pregnant women.
Hiding in plain sight: a case of chronic disseminated histoplasmosis with central nervous system involvement
Authors: Thind Guramrinder Singh , Patri Sandeep
Published: July 2017

A 64-year-old man presented with gradual onset of confusion, ataxia and 25-pound weight loss over 3 months. MRI of the brain revealed two enhancing cerebellar lesions suspicious for metastases. Positron emission tomography-CT showed enhancement of cervical and axillary lymph nodes. Left axillary lymph node biopsy showed no evidence of malignancy but instead showed fungal organisms morphologically consistent with Histoplasma spp. Disseminated histoplasmosis with central nervous system involvement was suspected. Further history revealed that the patient had been having subjective fever for the past several months. He has had mild pancytopenia for about 2 years, which had not been further evaluated. Additionally, he had an oesophagogastroduodenoscopy 3 months prior to admission, which had shown granulomatous gastritis. Subsequently, the diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis was confirmed by serological testing and bone marrow biopsy. The patient was started on liposomal amphotericin B. Unfortunately, the patient had a catastrophic stroke and was transitioned to comfort care measures.
A rare case of malposition of central venous catheter detected by ultrasonography-guided saline flush test
Authors: Kumar Niraj , Kaushal Ashutosh , Dev Soni Kapil , Tomar Gaurav Singh
Published: July 2017

Central venous catheter (CVC) insertion is associated with many potential complications; malposition of the catheter is one of them. A chest X-ray is routinely done to detect the malposition of catheter, but sometimes it has been seen that X-ray is time-consuming and its accuracy is also low for determining the exact position of the catheter tip. In our case, an ultrasonography (USG)-guided CVC was placed into the right internal jugular vein of the patient. As there was no ECG change obtained during insertion of guidewire and catheter, malposition was suspected, which was easily detected by a novel USG-guided saline flush test. We present a case report where USG was used for detection of a misplaced CVC (from right internal jugular vein to right subclavian vein). With ultrasound, the location of the catheter tip can be confirmed in very less time compared with chest X-ray.
A rare case of Epstein-Barr virus mucocutaneous ulcer of the colon
Authors: Osman Mohammed , Al Salihi Mohammed , Abu Sitta Emad , Al Hadidi Samer
Published: July 2017

Epstein-Barr virus mucocutaneous ulcer (EBVMCU) is a rare form of EBV lymphoproliferative disorder. The disease was recently described in 2010 for the first time in a case series and it was recently identified by the WHO classification of haematological malignancies as a separate category among the EBV lymphoproliferative disorders. We present a case of EBVMCU of the colon presenting as an ulcerating inflammatory mass in a female in her mid-60s who presented initially with abdominal pain and diarrhoea. The patient had extensive workup for her disease and due to progression of her symptoms, she was taken for an exploratory laparotomy. During the procedure, there was an inflammatory mass at the caecum and severe inflammation of the caecum and the terminal ileum and right hemicolectomy was performed. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology as EBV-positive lymphoproliferative disorder best classified as EBV-positive mucocutaneous ulcer.
How is rating of perceived capacity related to VO2maxand what is VO2maxat onset of training?
Authors: Gjestvang Christina , Stensrud Trine , Haakstad Lene A H
Published: July 2017

Objective

To evaluate how rating of perceived capacity (RPC) is related to maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and examine VO2maxat onset of training in healthy adults.

Methods

In total, 125 newly registered fitness centre members, equally men and women, answered the RPC scale and performed a treadmill test for measurement of VO2max. Eligible criteria were <4 weeks of fitness centre membership, physically inactive, ≥18 years and not pregnant. The RPC is a one-page scale (1–20) based on metabolic equivalent tasks, where the individual chooses the most strenuous activity that can be sustained for at least 30 min.

Results

The Bland-Altman plot demonstrated a tendency of overestimation, meaning that the participants ranked their own aerobic capacity 17.5% higher than objectively measured values of VO2max. The mean difference between the two methods were +4.92±1.96 and +6.35±1.96 mL/min/kg VO2in men and women, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient was moderate, with r=0.426 (p<0.01). A linear regression analysis showed that both age and VO2maxwere significant predictors of RPC (p<0.01). Measured VO2maxat onset of fitness centre membership was in men aged 38.7±11.7 and women aged 34.7±9.9, 40.5±7.2 and 35.0±6.0 mL/min/kg, respectively. Estimated VO2maxfrom the RPC scale was 45.7±9.8 and 41.4±10.1 mL/min/kg in men and women, respectively.

Conclusions

The RPC seems less accurate at the individual level and may overestimate VO2max. Still, it may be considered useful in large-scale studies.
Risk factors associated with 90-day recurrent stroke in patients on dual antiplatelet therapy for minor stroke or high-risk TIA: a subgroup analysis of the CHANCE trial
Authors: Wangqin Runqi , Wang Xianwei , Wang Yilong , Xian Ying , Zhao Xingquan , Liu Liping , Li Hao , Meng Xia , Wang Yongjun
Published: July 2017

Objective

Many patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy still had recurrent strokes. We aimed to identify factors associated with recurrent stroke at 90 days in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy in Clopidogrel in High-risk patients with Acute Non-disabling Cerebrovascular Events trial.

Methods

Patients with transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke receiving clopidogrel and aspirin in the trial were analysed in the study. The primary outcome was recurrent stroke within 90 days after the index event. Cox proportional hazard model with backward selection was used to identify factors associated with stroke.

Results

Among 2584 patients, 212 (8.2%) had a recurrent stroke, 216 (8.4%) had a composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, or vascular death and 204 (7.9%) had ischaemic stroke within 90 days. Multivariate analysis identified the following factors associated with stroke: history of hypertension with poor blood pressure control (HR, 1.92; 95% CI 1.22 to 3.03), the high baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 2 and 3 (2.12 (1.07 to 4.21) and 4.11 (2.05 to 8.22), respectively), time from onset to randomisation of <12 hours (1.47 (1.12 to 1.94)), the lipid-lowering therapy (0.61 (0.47 to 0.83)), the open-label aspirin dose at day 1 of ≥300 mg (1.98 (1.45 to 2.69)). Intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS) was significantly associated with stroke in the sensitivity analysis (2.17 (1.16 to 4.04)).

Conclusions

The high baseline NIHSS score, hypertension with poor blood pressure control, ICAS, time from onset to randomisation of less than 12 hours and no lipid-lowering therapy were associated with stroke, suggesting that patients with identified predictors still remain to be at high risk of recurrent stroke although being under the dual antiplatelet therapy.

Trial registration number

http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00979589.ClinicalTrials.gov number:NCT00979589