bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Translation Strategies for Enhancing Nurses’ Evidence‐Informed Decision Making: A Scoping Review
Authors: Yost Jennifer , Thompson David , Ganann Rebecca , Aloweni Fazila , Newman Kristine , McKibbon Ann , Dobbins Maureen , Ciliska Donna
Published: June 2014

Background

Nurses are increasingly expected to engage in evidence‐informed decision making (EIDM); the use of research evidence with information about patient preferences, clinical context and resources, and their clinical expertise in decision making. Strategies for enhancing EIDM have been synthesized in high‐quality systematic reviews, yet most relate to physicians or mixed disciplines. Existing reviews, specific to nursing, have not captured a broad range of strategies for promoting the knowledge and skills for EIDM, patient outcomes as a result of EIDM, or contextual information for why these strategies “work.”

Aim

To conduct a scoping review to identify and map the literature related to strategies implemented among nurses in tertiary care for promoting EIDM knowledge, skills, and behaviours, as well as patient outcomes and contextual implementation details.

Methods

A search strategy was developed and executed to identify relevant research evidence. Participants included registered nurses, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, and advanced practice nurses. Strategies were those enhancing nurses’ EIDM knowledge, skills, or behaviours, as well as patient outcomes. Relevant studies included systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, cluster randomized controlled trials, non‐randomized trials (including controlled before and after studies), cluster non‐randomized trials, interrupted time series designs, prospective cohort studies, mixed‐method studies, and qualitative studies. Two reviewers performed study selection and data extraction using standardized forms. Disagreements were resolved through discussion or third party adjudication.

Results

Using a narrative synthesis, the body of research was mapped by design, clinical areas, strategies, and provider and patient outcomes to determine areas appropriate for a systematic review.

Conclusions

There are a sufficiently high number of studies to conduct a more focused systematic review by care settings, study design, implementation strategies, or outcomes. A focused review could assist in determining which strategies can be recommended for enhancing EIDM knowledge, skills, and behaviours among nurses in tertiary care.
The Role of Pinnae Flapping Motion on Elephant Metabolic Heat Dissipation
Authors: Koffi Moise , Andreopoulos Yiannis , Jiji Latif M.
Published: June 2014

The oscillatory rotational motion of the elephant pinna is considered a key mechanism in metabolic heat dissipation. Limited experimental investigations have revealed that the flapping of the elephant's pinna is responsible for surface heat transfer enhancement. The objective of the present experimental and computational work is to investigate the physics of the flow induced by the pinna's motion and its effects on the heat transfer. This was accomplished by designing, fabricating and testing two full-size laboratory models of elephant pinnae: one rigid and one flexible, both instrumented with small size thermocouples for time-dependent surface temperature measurements. A constant heat flux is applied to both sides of each model which is rotated about a fixed edge with a frequency of 2 rad/s in an infinite domain at ambient conditions. Of interest is the study of the impact of the flexural strength of the model's material on surface heat transfer. Additional computer simulations of the flow and thermal fields revealed a hooked-shape vortex tube around the free edges of the flapping pinna. This result is confirmed by the flow visualization with smoke particles. Both experimental and computational results exhibit local surface temperature profiles characterized by a transient unsteady periodic variation followed by a steady periodic phase. Flow visualization indicated significant interaction between the vortical structures shed off the edge and the flexible model's boundary layer. It has been found that the cooling of the flexible model is enhanced by 30%.
Modulated IR radiometry for determining thermal properties and basic characteristics of titanium thin films
Authors: Apreutesei Mihai , Lopes Claudia , Borges Joel , Vaz Filipe , Macedo Francisco
Published: June 2014

Titanium thin films of different thicknesses were prepared by direct current magnetron sputtering to study modulated infrared (IR) radiometry as a tool for analyzing film thickness. Thickness was varied by regularly increasing the deposition time, keeping all the other deposition parameters constant. The influence of film thickness on morphological, structural, and electrical properties of the titanium coatings also was investigated. The experimental results revealed a systematic grain growth with increasing film thickness, along with enhanced film crystallinity, which led to increased electrical conductivity. Using the results obtained by modulated IR radiometry, the thickness of each thin film was calculated. These thickness values were then compared with the coating thickness measurements obtained by scanning electron microscopy. The values confirmed the reliability of modulated IR radiometry as an analysis tool for thin films and coatings, and for determining thicknesses in the micrometer range, in particular.
Physical Activity, Age, and Arthritis: Exploring the Relationships of Major Risk Factors on Biopsychosocial Symptomology and Disease Status
Authors: Stone Rachael C. , Baker Joseph
Published: June 2014

The prevalence of arthritis in aging populations continues to rapidly grow. Research has highlighted 2 principal risk factors for progression of arthritis-related biopsychosocial symptoms: age and physical inactivity. This study examined the relationship between and within physical activity and age on biopsychosocial symptoms of arthritis in adults (age ≥ 30 yr). Hierarchical, multiple-regression analyses were conducted on the Canadian Community Health Survey (Cycle 4.2, 2009–2010, N = 19,103). Results revealed that more-active adults had significantly fewer symptoms (physical unstd. B = −.23, p ≤ .001; pyschosocial unstd. B = −.51, p ≤ .001). In addition, as age increased, physical symptoms intensified and psychosocial symptoms tapered (physical unstd. B = .24, p ≤ .001; psychosocial unstd. B = −.45, p ≤ .001). Inactive older adults had the highest level of physical symptoms, while inactive younger adults had the highest level of psychosocial symptoms (p ≤ .001). Findings highlight the need to target physical activity interventions to specific age cohorts and particular biopsychosocial symptomologies.
Learning to Run From Narrative Foreclosure: One Woman’s Story of Aging and Physical Activity
Authors: Griffin Meridith , Phoenix Cassandra
Published: June 2014

In this article, the authors construct a story of one woman’s (Justine’s) experience of learning to run within the context of a beginners group. Building on existing scholarship on narrative, aging, and physical activity, this work is part of a larger ethnographic project examining subjective accounts of the physically active aging body across the life course. Concerned with often simplistically linear problems of representation, the authors present a messy text that represents the complex and fluid nature of Justine’s embodied tale. The aim is to show the intersection of biographical (storied) identity with health behavior choices and to interrogate the process of challenging narrative foreclosure. By using the emerging genre of messy text as a creative analytic practice, the authors avoid prompting a single, closed, convergent reading of Justine’s story. Instead, they provoke interpretation within the reader as witness and expand the ways in which research on aging and physical activity has been represented.
Association Between Health-Related Quality of Life, Physical Fitness, and Physical Activity in Older Adults Recently Discharged From Hospital
Authors: Brovold Therese , Skelton Dawn A. , Sylliaas Hilde , Mowe Morten , Bergland Astrid
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship among health-related quality of life (HRQOL), physical fitness, and physical activity in older patients after recent discharge from hospital. One hundred fifteen independent-living older adults (ages 70–92 years) were included. HRQOL (Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey), physical activity (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly), and physical fitness (Senior Fitness Test) were measured 2–4 weeks after discharge. Higher levels of physical activity and physical fitness were correlated with higher self-reported HRQOL. Although cause and effect cannot be determined from this study, the results suggest that a particular focus on the value of physical activity and physical fitness while in hospital and when discharged from hospital may be important to encourage patients to actively preserve independence and HRQOL. It may be especially important to target those with lower levels of physical activity, poorer physical fitness, and multiple comorbidities.
Functional Balance in Older Adults With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Jácome Cristina , Cruz Joana , Gabriel Raquel , Figueiredo Daniela , Marques Alda
Published: June 2014

This study assessed functional balance among older adults at all grades of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and explored balance impairment predictors. A cross-sectional study with outpatients with COPD (N = 160; M = 72.2 years, SD = 7.9; mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s = 63.8% predicted, SD = 23.7) was conducted. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test was used to assess functional balance. Functional balance impairment was defined as a TUG score exceeding the upper limit of the confidence intervals of normative values for healthy older adults. Participants performed the TUG test in 11.0 s (SD = 4.8 s). Functional balance impairment was present in 44.4% of the participants and was significantly more frequent in severe to very severe COPD (62.5%). Body mass index (odds ratio [OR] = 1.12), number of medications (OR = 1.20), restriction in recreational activities (OR = 1.66), and depression score (OR = 1.14) were multivariate predictors of functional balance impairment. Functional balance impairment is present in early COPD, although more evident at advanced grades. These findings highlight the importance of balance assessment in older patients at all COPD grades.
Neighborhood Environment and Physical Activity Among Older Adults: Do the Relationships Differ by Driving Status?
Authors: Ding Ding , Sallis James F. , Norman Gregory J. , Frank Lawrence D. , Saelens Brian E. , Kerr Jacqueline , Conway Terry L. , Cain Kelli , Hovell Melbourne F. , Hofstetter C. Richard , King Abby C.
Published: June 2014

Some attributes of neighborhood environments are associated with physical activity among older adults. This study examined whether the associations were moderated by driving status. Older adults from neighborhoods differing in walkability and income completed written surveys and wore accelerometers (N = 880, mean age = 75 years, 56% women). Neighborhood environments were measured by geographic information systems and validated questionnaires. Driving status was defined on the basis of a driver’s license, car ownership, and feeling comfortable to drive. Outcome variables included accelerometer-based physical activity and self-reported transport and leisure walking. Multilevel generalized linear regression was used. There was no significant Neighborhood Attribute × Driving Status interaction with objective physical activity or reported transport walking. For leisure walking, almost all environmental attributes were positive and significant among driving older adults but not among nondriving older adults (five significant interactions at p < .05). The findings suggest that driving status is likely to moderate the association between neighborhood environments and older adults’ leisure walking.
Community Fall Prevention Programs: Comparing Three InSTEP Models by Level of Intensity
Authors: Kramer B. Josea , Creekmur Beth , Mitchell Michael N. , Rose Debra J. , Pynoos Jon , Rubenstein Laurence Z.
Published: June 2014

The Fall Prevention Center of Excellence designed three progressive-intensity fall prevention program models, Increasing Stability Through Evaluation and Practice (InSTEP), to reduce risk in community-dwelling older adults. Each model included physical activity, medical risk, and home safety components and was implemented as a 12-week program for small class sizes (12–15 people) in community and senior centers. Change in fall rates and fall risk factors was assessed using a battery of performance tests, self-reports of function, and fall diaries in a 3-group within-subjects (N = 200) design measured at baseline, immediately postintervention, and at 3 and 9 months postintervention. Overall, participants experienced a reduction in falls, improved self-perception of gait and balance, and improved dynamic gait function. The medium-intensity InSTEP model signifcantly (p = .003) reduced self-reported falls in comparison with the other models. InSTEP is a feasible model for addressing fall risk reduction in community-dwelling older adults.
GT3X+ Accelerometer, Yamax Pedometer, and SC-StepMX Pedometer Step Count Accuracy in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Webber Sandra C. , Magill Sheila M. , Schafer Jenessa L. , Wilson Kaylie C.S.
Published: June 2014

The purpose was to compare step count accuracy of an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+), a mechanical pedometer (Yamax SW200), and a piezoelectric pedometer (SC-StepMX). Older adults (n = 13 with walking aids, n = 22 without; M = 81.5 years old, SD = 5.0) walked 100 m wearing the devices. Device-detected steps were compared with manually counted steps. We found no significant differences among monitors for those who walked without aids (p = .063). However, individuals who used walking aids exhibited slower gait speeds (M = 0.83 m/s, SD = 0.2) than non–walking aid users (M = 1.21 m/s, SD = 0.2, p < .001), and for them the SC-StepMX demonstrated a significantly lower percentage of error (Mdn = 1.0, interquartile range [IQR] = 0.5−2.0) than the other devices (Yamax SW200, Mdn = 68.9, IQR = 35.9−89.3; left GT3X+, Mdn = 52.0, IQR = 37.1−58.9; right GT3X+, Mdn = 51.0, IQR = 32.3−66.5; p < .05). These results support using a piezoelectric pedometer for measuring steps in older adults who use walking aids and who walk slowly.
CD4 Ligation on Human Blood Monocytes Triggers Macrophage Differentiation and Enhances HIV Infection
Authors: Zhen Anjie , Krutzik Stephan R. , Levin Bernard R. , Kasparian Saro , Zack Jerome A. , Kitchen Scott G.
Published: June 2014

A unique aspect of human monocytes, compared to monocytes from many other species, is that they express the CD4 molecule. However, the role of the CD4 molecule in human monocyte development and function is not known. We determined that the activation of CD4 via interaction with major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) triggers cytokine expression and the differentiation of human monocytes into functional mature macrophages. Importantly, we determined that CD4 activation induces intracellular signaling in monocytes and that inhibition of the MAPK and Src family kinase pathways blocked the ability of CD4 ligation to trigger macrophage differentiation. We observed that ligation of CD4 by MHC-II on activated endothelial cells induced CD4-mediated macrophage differentiation of blood monocytes. Finally, CD4 ligation by MHC-II increases the susceptibility of blood-derived monocytes to HIV binding and subsequent infection. Altogether, our studies have identified a novel function for the CD4 molecule on peripheral monocytes and suggest that a unique set of events that lead to innate immune activation differ between humans and mice. Further, these events can have effects on HIV infection and persistence in the macrophage compartment.

IMPORTANCEThe CD4 molecule, as the primary receptor for HIV, plays an important role in HIV pathogenesis. There are many cell types that express CD4 other than the primary HIV target, the CD4+T cell. Other than allowing HIV infection, the role of the CD4 molecule on human monocytes or macrophages is not known. We were interested in determining the role of CD4 in human monocyte/macrophage development and function and the potential effects of this on HIV infection. We identified a role for the CD4 molecule in triggering the activation and development of a monocyte into a macrophage following its ligation. Activation of the monocyte through the CD4 molecule in this manner increases the ability of monocytes to bind to and become infected with HIV. Our studies have identified a novel function for the CD4 molecule on peripheral monocytes in triggering macrophage development that has direct consequences for HIV infection.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Glycoprotein H Interacts with Integrin αvβ3 To Facilitate Viral Entry and Calcium Signaling in Human Genital Tract Epithelial Cells
Authors: Cheshenko Natalia , Trepanier Janie B. , González Pablo A. , Eugenin Eliseo A. , Jacobs William R. , Herold Betsy C.
Published: June 2014

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) entry requires multiple interactions at the cell surface and activation of a complex calcium signaling cascade. Previous studies demonstrated that integrins participate in this process, but their precise role has not been determined. These studies were designed to test the hypothesis that integrin αvβ3 signaling promotes the release of intracellular calcium (Ca
2+
) stores and contributes to viral entry and cell-to-cell spread. Transfection of cells with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting integrin αvβ3, but not other integrin subunits, or treatment with cilengitide, an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) mimetic, impaired HSV-induced Ca
2+
release, viral entry, plaque formation, and cell-to-cell spread of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in human cervical and primary genital tract epithelial cells. Coimmunoprecipitation studies and proximity ligation assays indicated that integrin αvβ3 interacts with glycoprotein H (gH). An HSV-2 gH-null virus was engineered to further assess the role of gH in the virus-induced signaling cascade. The gH-2-null virus bound to cells and activated Akt to induce a small Ca
2+
response at the plasma membrane, but it failed to trigger the release of cytoplasmic Ca
2+
stores and was impaired for entry and cell-to-cell spread. Silencing of integrin αvβ3 and deletion of gH prevented phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and the transport of viral capsids to the nuclear pore. Together, these findings demonstrate that integrin signaling is activated downstream of virus-induced Akt signaling and facilitates viral entry through interactions with gH by activating the release of intracellular Ca
2+
and FAK phosphorylation. These findings suggest a new target for HSV treatment and suppression.

IMPORTANCE
Herpes simplex viruses are the leading cause of genital disease worldwide, the most common infection associated with neonatal encephalitis, and a major cofactor for HIV acquisition and transmission. There is no effective vaccine. These epidemiological findings underscore the urgency to develop novel HSV treatment or prevention strategies. This study addresses this gap by further defining the signaling pathways the virus usurps to enter human genital tract epithelial cells. Specifically, the study defines the role played by integrins and by the viral envelope glycoprotein H in entry and cell-to-cell spread. This knowledge will facilitate the identification of new targets for the development of treatment and prevention.
Immune Activation Is Associated with CD8 T Cell Interleukin-21 Production in HIV-1-Infected Individuals
Authors: Williams LaTonya D. , Amatya Nilesh , Bansal Anju , Sabbaj Steffanie , Heath Sonya L. , Sereti Irini , Goepfert Paul A.
Published: June 2014

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) can be produced by CD8 T cells from HIV-1-infected individuals and those with autoimmune disease, but the mechanism remains poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that IL-21-producing CD8 T cells are not associated with CD4 depletion and are absent in patients with idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia. Instead, IL-21 production by CD8 T cells was associated with high levels of activation, suggesting that these cells emerge as a consequence of excessive chronic immune activation rather than CD4 lymphopenia.
A Novel Role of the Potyviral Helper Component Proteinase Contributes To Enhance the Yield of Viral Particles
Authors: Valli Adrian , Gallo Araíz , Calvo María , Pérez José de Jesús , García Juan Antonio
Published: June 2014

The helper component proteinase (HCPro) is an indispensable, multifunctional protein of members of the genusPotyvirusand other viruses of the familyPotyviridae. This viral factor is directly involved in diverse steps of viral infection, such as aphid transmission, polyprotein processing, and suppression of host antiviral RNA silencing. In this paper, we show that although a chimeric virus based on the potyvirusPlum pox viruslacking HCPro, which was replaced by a heterologous silencing suppressor, caused an efficient infection inNicotiana benthamianaplants, its viral progeny had very reduced infectivity. Making use of different approaches, here, we provide direct evidence of a previously unknown function of HCPro in which the viral factor enhances the stability of its cognate capsid protein (CP), positively affecting the yield of virions and consequently improving the infectivity of the viral progeny. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that the ability of HCPro to stabilize CP and enhance the yield of infectious viral particles is not linked to any of its previously known activities and helped us to delimit the region of HCPro involved in this function in the central region of the protein. Moreover, the function is highly specific and cannot be fulfilled by the HCPro of a heterologous potyvirus. The importance of this novel requirement in regulating the sorting of the viral genome to be subjected to replication, translation, and encapsidation, thus contributing to the synchronization of these viral processes, is discussed.

IMPORTANCEPotyviruses form one of the most numerous groups of plant viruses and are a major cause of crop loss worldwide. It is well known that these pathogens make use of virus-derived multitasking proteins, as well as dedicated host factors, to successfully infect their hosts. Here, we describe a novel requirement for the proper yield and infectivity of potyviral progeny. In this case, such a function is performed by the extensively studied viral factor HCPro, which seems to use an unknown mechanism that is not linked to its previously described activities. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a factor different from capsid protein (CP) has been shown to be directly involved in the yield of potyviral particles. Based on the data presented here, we hypothesize that this capacity of HCPro might be involved in the coordination of mutually exclusive activities of the viral genome by controlling correct assembly of CP in stable virions.
Regulation of Tissue-Dependent Differences in CD8+T Cell Apoptosis during Viral Infection
Authors: Kapoor Varun N. , Shin Hyun Mu , Cho Ok Hyun , Berg Leslie J. , Kang Joonsoo , Welsh Raymond M.
Published: June 2014

Virus-specific CD8+T cells in the lymphoid organs contract at the resolution of virus infections by apoptosis or by dissemination into peripheral tissues, and those residing in nonlymphoid organs, including the peritoneal cavity and fat pads, are more resistant to apoptosis than those in the spleen and lymph nodes. This stability of memory T cells in the nonlymphoid tissues may enhance protection to secondary challenges. Here, we show that lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)-specific CD8+T cells in nonlymphoid tissues were enriched for memory precursors (expressing high levels of interleukin-7 receptor and low levels of killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 [IL-7RhiKLRG1lo]) and had higher expression of CD27, CXCR3, and T cell factor-1 (TCF-1), each a marker that is individually correlated with decreased apoptosis. CD8+T cells in the peritoneal cavity of TCF-1-deficient mice had decreased survival, suggesting a role for TCF-1 in promoting survival in the nonlymphoid tissues. CXCR3+CD8+T cells resisted apoptosis and accumulated in the lymph nodes of mice treated with FTY720, which blocks the export of lymph node cells into peripheral tissue. The peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) expressed increased amounts of CXCR3 ligands, CXCL9 and CXCL10, which may normally recruit these nonapoptotic cells from the lymph nodes. In addition, adoptive transfer of splenic CD8+T cells into PEC or spleen environments showed that the peritoneal environment promoted survival of CD8+T cells. Thus, intrinsic stability of T cells which are present in the nonlymphoid tissues along with preferential migration of apoptosis-resistant CD8+T cells into peripheral sites and the availability of tissue-specific factors that enhance memory cell survival may collectively account for the tissue-dependent apoptotic differences.

IMPORTANCEMost infections are initiated at nonlymphoid tissue sites, and the presence of memory T cells in nonlymphoid tissues is critical for protective immunity in various viral infection models. Virus-specific CD8+T cells in the nonlymphoid tissues are more resistant to apoptosis than those in lymphoid organs during the resolution and memory phase of the immune response to acute LCMV infection. Here, we investigated the mechanisms promoting stability of T cells in the nonlymphoid tissues. This increased resistance to apoptosis of virus-specific CD8+T cells in nonlymphoid tissues was due to several factors. Nonlymphoid tissues were enriched in memory phenotype CD8+T cells, which were intrinsically resistant to apoptosis irrespective of the tissue environment. Furthermore, apoptosis-resistant CD8+T cells preferentially migrated into the nonlymphoid tissues, where the availability of tissue-specific factors may enhance memory cell survival. Our findings are relevant for the generation of long-lasting vaccines providing protection at peripheral infection sites.
HIV-1 and HIV-2 Vif Interact with Human APOBEC3 Proteins Using Completely Different Determinants
Authors: Smith Jessica L. , Izumi Taisuke , Borbet Timothy C. , Hagedorn Ariel N. , Pathak Vinay K.
Published: June 2014

Human APOBEC3 (A3) restriction factors provide intrinsic immunity against zoonotic transmission of pathogenic viruses. A3D, A3F, A3G, and A3H haplotype II (A3H-hapII) can be packaged into virion infectivity factor (Vif)-deficient HIVs to inhibit viral replication. To overcome these restriction factors, Vif binds to the A3 proteins in viral producer cells to target them for ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, thus preventing their packaging into assembling virions. Therefore, the Vif-A3 interactions are attractive targets for novel drug development. HIV-1 and HIV-2 arose via distinct zoonotic transmission events of simian immunodeficiency viruses from chimpanzees and sooty mangabeys, respectively, and Vifs from these viruses have limited homology. To gain insights into the evolution of virus-host interactions that led to successful cross-species transmission of lentiviruses, we characterized the determinants of the interaction between HIV-2 Vif (Vif2) with human A3 proteins and compared them to the previously identified HIV-1 Vif (Vif1) interactions with the A3 proteins. We found that A3G, A3F, and A3H-hapII, but not A3D, were susceptible to Vif2-induced degradation. Alanine-scanning mutational analysis of the first 62 amino acids of Vif2 indicated that Vif2 determinants important for degradation of A3G and A3F are completely distinct from these regions in Vif1, as are the determinants in A3G and A3F that are critical for Vif2-induced degradation. These observations suggest that distinct Vif-A3 interactions evolved independently in different SIVs and their nonhuman primate hosts and conservation of the A3 determinants targeted by the SIV Vif proteins resulted in successful zoonotic transmission into humans.

IMPORTANCE
Primate APOBEC3 proteins provide innate immunity against invading pathogens, and Vif proteins of primate lentiviruses have evolved to overcome these host defenses by interacting with them and inducing their proteasomal degradation. HIV-1 and HIV-2 are two human pathogens that induce AIDS, and elucidating interactions between their Vif proteins and human A3 proteins could facilitate the development of novel antiviral drugs. Furthermore, understanding Vif-A3 interactions can provide novel insights into the cross-species transmission events that led to the HIV-1 and HIV-2 pandemics and evolution of host-virus interactions. We carried out mutational analysis of the N-terminal 62 amino acids of HIV-2 Vif (Vif2) and analyzed A3G/A3F chimeras that retained antiviral activity to identify the determinants of the Vif2 and A3 interaction. Our results show that the Vif2-A3 interactions are completely different from the Vif1-A3 interactions, suggesting that these interactions evolved independently and that conservation of the A3 determinants resulted in successful zoonotic transmission into humans.
Introducing a chest pain pathway in the emergency department to improve quality of care for patients with possible cardiac chest pain
Authors: Byrne Jill
Published: June 2014

Chest pain is a common reason for patients to present to an emergency department (ED). It is crucial not to miss presentations of the potentially life-threatening acute coronary syndrome (ACS), although often these people present with a non-diagnostic ECG. This makes recognition of a history consistent with ACS very important. We noted inconsistencies in assessment, with many admissions to cardiology beds who did not prove to have ACS and some erroneous discharges who subsequently did have an ACS.

We introduced a history based risk tool as part of a chest pain pathway into the ED for use by medical staff assessing patients presenting with chest pain. The intervention involved a nurse from cardiology engaging with clerical, nursing, and medical staff in the ED to ensure success of this quality improvement project.

The project showed a reduction in admissions to cardiology with suspected ACS from 29% to 15%, with a projected saving of £889 per patient who was prevented from being admitted. In addition, admissions became more appropriate, with an increase in the proportion of patients with a final diagnosis of ACS from 25% to 46% and a reduction in admissions with atypical chest pain from 75% to 54%.
A systematic review to establish health-related quality-of-life domains for intervention targets in cancer cachexia
Authors: Wheelwright S J , Darlington A-S , Hopkinson J B , Fitzsimmons D , White A , Johnson C D
Published: June 2014

Objectives

To develop a model of the impact of cancer cachexia on patients by identifying the relevant health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) issues, and to use the model to identify opportunities for intervention.

Methods

Standard systematic review methods were followed to identify papers which included direct quotes from cancer patients with cachexia or problems with eating or weight loss. Following thematic synthesis methodology, the quotes were coded, and themes and metathemes were extracted. The metathemes were used to develop a model of the patient's experience of cachexia.

Results

18 relevant papers were identified which, in total, contained interviews with more than 250 patients. 226 patient quotes were extracted from the papers and 171 codes. 26 themes and 8 metathemes were formulated. The model developed from the metathemes demonstrated a direct link between eating and food problems and negative emotions and also a link mediated by the associated physical decline. These links provide opportunities for interventions.

Conclusions

There are a vast number of HRQOL issues associated with cancer cachexia as identified from patients’ own words. The model generated from these issues indicates that relationships, coping and knowledge of the condition are important components of new psychosocial interventions.
Impact of unemployment variations on suicide mortality in Western European countries (2000–2010)
Authors: Laanani Moussa , Ghosn Walid , Jougla Eric , Rey Grégoire
Published: June 2014

Background

A scientific debate is currently taking place on whether the 2008 economic crisis caused an increase in suicide rates. Our main objective was to assess the impact of unemployment rate on suicide rate in Western European countries between 2000 and 2010. We then tried to estimate the excess number of suicides attributable to the increase of unemployment during the 2008–2010 economic crisis.

Methods

The yearly suicide rates were modelled using a quasi-Poisson model, controlling for sex, age, country and a linear time trend. For each country, the unemployment–suicide association was assessed, and the excess number of suicides attributable to the increase of unemployment was estimated. Sensitivity analyses were performed, notably in order to evaluate whether the unemployment–suicide association found was biased by a confounding context effect (‘crisis effect’).

Results

A significant 0.3% overall increase in suicide rate for a 10% increase in unemployment rate (95% CI 0.1% to 0.5%) was highlighted. This association was significant in three countries: 0.7% (95% CI 0.0% to 1.4%) in the Netherlands, 1.0% (95% CI 0.2% to 1.8%) in the UK and 1.9% (95% CI 0.8% to 2.9%) in France, with a significant excess number of suicides attributable to unemployment variations between 2008 and 2010 (respectively 57, 456 and 564). The association was modified inconsistently when adding a ‘crisis effect’ into the model.

Conclusions

Unemployment and suicide rates are globally statistically associated in the investigated countries. However, this association is weak, and its amplitude and sensitivity to the ‘crisis effect’ vary across countries. This inconsistency provides arguments against its causal interpretation.
Magnetostructural characterization of copper(II) hydroxide dimers and coordination polymers coordinated to apical isothiocyanate and cyanide-based counteranions
Authors: Savard Didier , Storr Tim , Leznoff Daniel B.
Published: June 2014

Five Cu(II) hydroxo-bridged complexes of the type [Cu2(μ-OH)2(L)2][A]x·yH2O (where L = 1,10-phenanthroline, A = NCS–, x = 2, y = 2 (1); L = 2,2′-bipyridine, A = NCS–, x = 2, y = 1 (2); L = 2,2′-bipyridine, A = [Au(CN)4]–, x = 2, y = 0 (3) and 2 (4); L = N,N,N′,N′-teteramethylethylenediamine, A = [Pt(SCN)4]2–, x = 1, y = 0 (5)) have been prepared and have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and Raman spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and SQUID magnetometry. Complexes 1 and 2 consist of five-coordinate Cu(II) hydroxo-bridged dinuclear units bound to two NCS– anions in the apical positions, 3 and 4 are pseudo-polymorphs of a Cu(II) hydroxo-bridged dimer core with [Au(CN)4]– counteranions, and 5 is a coordination polymer of Cu(II) hydroxo-bridged dimers with trans-bridging [Pt(SCN)4]2– anions coordinated in the apical position of the five-coordinate Cu(II) centres. The magnetic susceptibility versus temperature for each system was measured, fit to obtain J-coupling values (which range from –0.37 to 17.8 cm−1), and qualitatively compared to known magnetostructural correlation parameters.
Partial windthrow as a driving process of forest dynamics in old-growth boreal forests
Authors: Girard François , De Grandpré Louis , Ruel Jean-Claude
Published: June 2014

As climate changes, boreal forest ecosystems may become subject to disturbances that were previously uncommon in some regions. In recent decades, large tracts of northeastern boreal forest of Canada have been affected by different types of climatic events causing a lot of partial and some total stand mortality. Since these disturbances may become more important drivers of forest dynamics, there is a need to document their impact on forest structure. The objectives of this study were to describe temporal dynamics of partial windthrows and determine the effect of partial windthrow on stand composition and understory vegetation. The study was conducted in the North-Shore region of Quebec (Canada). Eighteen plots in closed forests were paired with 18 adjacent windthrow areas, in which trees experienced similar edaphic and climatic conditions. Dendroecological analyses, combined with vegetation sampling, were conducted on each site to determine stand structure and vegetation development through time. Significant increases in balsam fir and shade-tolerant species were observed in windthrow gaps. Tree mortality in windthrown stands was a slow process until the mid-1990s, a period during which spruce budworm defoliation may have played a role in weakening trees and making them more vulnerable to partial windthrow. Greater mortality observed following the mid-1990s was most certainly related to a regional storm. The initial composition of stands plays an important role in driving postwindthrow succession, as balsam fir is more susceptible to treefall. As opposed to stand-replacing windthrow and spruce budworm outbreaks that generate various postdisturbance responses, partial windthrow appears to only create opportunities for pre-established balsam fir to undergo release in gaps.
On the frequency dependent negative dielectric constant behavior in Al/Co-doped (PVC+TCNQ)/p-Si structures
Authors: Yücedağ İ. , Kaya A. , Altındal Ş.
Published: June 2014

The dielectric properties, electric modulus and ac electrical conductivity (σac) of Al / Co -doped (PVC+TCNQ)/p- Si structures have been investigated in the wide frequency and voltage range of 0.5 kHz–3 MHz and (-4 V)–(9 V), respectively, using the capacitance-voltage (C–V) and conductance-voltage (G/ω–V) measurements at room temperature. The real and imaginary parts of dielectric constant (ε′, ε″), loss tangent ( tan δ), σac and the real and imaginary parts of electric modulus (M′, M″) were found strongly function of frequency and applied voltage especially at low frequencies. The ε′–V plot shows an anomalous peak in the forward bias region due to the series resistance (Rs), surface states (Nss) and interfacial layer (PVC+TCNQ) effects for each frequency and then it goes to negative values known as negative dielectric constant (NDC) at low frequencies (f ≤ 70 kHz). Such observation of NDC is important result because it implies that an increment of bias voltage produces a decrease in the charge on the electrodes. The amount of negativity ε′ value increases with decreasing frequency and this decrement in the NDC corresponds to the increment in the ε″.
REACTIVITY AND MORPHOLOGY OFNi,Mo, ANDNi–MoOXIDE CLUSTERS SUPPORTED ON MCM-48 TOWARD THIOPHENE HYDRODESULPHURIZATION
Authors: BARTHOLOMEW CATHERINE , CHAKRADHAR ASHISH , BURGHAUS UWE , WU CHIA-MING , PENG RUI , MISHRA SRUJAN , KOODALI RANJIT T.
Published: June 2014

In this paper, the morphology, chemical composition and reactivity of MCM-48 powders impregnated with Ni , Mo or both toward hydrodesulphurization (HDS) of thiophene were characterized. The reactivity of the catalyst was quantitatively compared with a standard industrial catalyst (from HaldorTopsoe, Denmark) and a novel WS2nanotube-based catalysts (from R. Tenne, Israel). Morphology and chemical composition were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and EDX elemental maps. Reactivity was determined in a gas-chromatograph based mini flow reactor using thiophene as a probe molecule. The sulfided MCM-48 supported Mo catalyst showed the largest HDS activity with turnover frequencies (TOF) about half as large as for the commercial system under the test conditions used here. Presulfiding did increase activity of all MCM-48 catalysts.
PIPELINE INSPECTION USING A TORSIONAL GUIDED-WAVES INSPECTION SYSTEM. PART 1: DEFECT IDENTIFICATION
Authors: KHARRAT M. , ICHCHOU M. N. , BAREILLE O. , ZHOU W.
Published: June 2014

A steel pipeline of about 60 m long containing several pipes and structural singularities (bends, welds, clamps, etc.) is inspected in this work using a guided-waves technique. The inspection system is a pair of transducer-rings operating with the torsional mode T(0,1) and allows the long-range fast screening of the structure from defined measurement points. Recorded signals have submitted some numerical treatments in order to make them interpretable. The wavelet analysis is one of them and serves for denoising the raw signals. Besides, the Hilbert transform (HT) is applied in order to obtain the wave signals' envelopes leading to simplified curves easy to interpret. The processed signals are analyzed to identify defects' reflections from structural-singularities' echoes in the pipeline. The inspection system prove its efficiency for a global screening of such a long-range pipeline by detecting and localizing the defects.
Optimal ferromagnetic fraction in till samples along ice-flow paths: case studies from the Sue-Dianne and Thompson deposits, Canada
Authors: Sappin A.-A. , Dupuis C. , Beaudoin G. , Pozza M. , McMartin I. , McClenaghan M.B.
Published: June 2014

Iron oxides are minerals resistant to chemical alteration and mechanical abrasion, and which have ferromagnetic properties and a range of chemical compositions. These characteristics are useful as indicator minerals in exploration, for example using till in glaciated terrains. Iron oxide proportions, grain size, and chemical composition of till samples collected near the Sue-Dianne Cu-Au-Ag IOCG deposit in the Great Bear magmatic zone (Northwest Territories, Canada) and magmatic Ni-Cu deposits in the Thompson Nickel Belt (Manitoba, Canada) show that subsamples containing
c.
100 grains from the 0.25–1.0 mm grain size ferromagnetic fraction yield a representative mineralogical and compositional range of oxide grains from a till sample. Subsamples with less than 100 grains yield statistically less representative data. The 1–2 mm grain size fraction typically contains too few iron oxide grains and thus using this fraction is not statistically representative.

The composition of iron oxides from eight till and five bedrock samples was determined along transects up- and down-ice of the Cu-Au-Ag Sue-Dianne IOCG deposit. At, and immediately down-ice of, the deposit, hematite is the principal oxide and shows dominant BIF and IOCG chemical signatures in the Ca+Al+Mn v. Ti+V discriminant diagram. Up-ice and farther down-ice of the deposit, magnetite and titanomagnetite are the dominant oxides and magnetite shows dominant Kiruna and IOCG signatures. The composition of iron oxides from six till samples along a north–south transect and 11 till samples from a 180 km-long east–west transect, along the older and younger directions of ice-flow, respectively, was determined in the Thompson Nickel Belt (Manitoba, Canada). The proportion of magnetite in till with the signature of Ni-Cu deposits increases for at least 1 km south of the Pipe Ni-Cu deposit along the direction of the older southward ice flow, whereas the glacial dispersal of magnetite with a chemical signature typical of Ni-Cu deposits was limited during the younger westerly ice flow.
Cytokine-induced iNOS and ERK1/2 inhibit adenylyl cyclase type 5/6 activity and stimulate phosphodiesterase 4D5 activity in intestinal longitudinal smooth muscle
Authors: Mahavadi Sunila , Nalli Ancy D. , Kumar Divya P. , Hu Wenhui , Kuemmerle John F. , Grider John R. , Murthy Karnam S.
Published: June 2014

This study identified a distinctive pattern of expression and activity of adenylyl cyclase (AC) and phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoforms in mouse colonic longitudinal smooth muscle cells and determined the changes in their expression and/or activity in response to proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) in vitro and 2,4,6 trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colonic inflammation in vivo. AC5/6 and PDE4D5, expressed in circular muscle cells, were also expressed in longitudinal smooth muscle. cAMP formation was tightly regulated via feedback phosphorylation of AC5/6 and PDE4D5 by PKA. Inhibition of PKA activity by myristoylated PKI blocked phosphorylation of AC5/6 and PDE4D5 and enhanced cAMP formation. TNBS treatment in vivo and IL-1β and TNF-α in vitro induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, stimulated ERK1/2 activity, caused iNOS-mediated S-nitrosylation and inhibition of AC5/6, and induced phosphorylation of PDE4D5 and stimulated its activity. The resultant decrease in AC5/6 activity and increase in PDE4D5 activity decreased cAMP formation and smooth muscle relaxation. S-nitrosylation and inhibition of AC5/6 activity were reversed by the iNOS inhibitor 1400W, whereas phosphorylation and activation of PDE4D5 were reversed by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 and the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059. The effects of IL-1β or TNF-α on forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation and smooth muscle relaxation reflected inhibition of AC5/6 activity and activation of PDE4D5 and were partly reversed by 1400W or PD98059 and completely reversed by a combination of the two inhibitors. The changes in the cAMP/PKA signaling and smooth muscle relaxation contribute to colonic dysmotility during inflammation.
High-throughput chemical screening identifies AG-490 as a stimulator of aquaporin 2 membrane expression and urine concentration
Authors: Nomura Naohiro , Nunes Paula , Bouley Richard , Nair Anil V. , Shaw Stanley , Ueda Erica , Pathomthongtaweechai Nutthapoom , Lu Hua A. Jenny , Brown Dennis
Published: June 2014

A reduction or loss of plasma membrane aquaporin 2 (AQP2) in kidney principal cells due to defective vasopressin (VP) signaling through the VP receptor causes excessive urine production, i.e., diabetes insipidus. The amount of AQP2 on the plasma membrane is regulated by a balance of exocytosis and endocytosis and is the rate limiting step for water reabsorption in the collecting duct. We describe here a systematic approach using high-throughput screening (HTS) followed by in vitro and in vivo assays to discover novel compounds that enhance vasopressin-independent AQP2 membrane expression. We performed initial chemical library screening with a high-throughput exocytosis fluorescence assay using LLC-PK1 cells expressing soluble secreted yellow fluorescent protein and AQP2. Thirty-six candidate exocytosis enhancers were identified. These compounds were then rescreened in AQP2-expressing cells to determine their ability to increase AQP2 membrane accumulation. Effective drugs were then applied to kidney slices in vitro. Three compounds, AG-490, β-lapachone, and HA14-1 increased AQP2 membrane accumulation in LLC-PK1 cells, and both AG-490 and β-lapachone were also effective in MDCK cells and principal cells in rat kidney slices. Finally, one compound, AG-490 (an EGF receptor and JAK-2 kinase inhibitor), decreased urine volume and increased urine osmolality significantly in the first 2–4 h after a single injection into VP-deficient Brattleboro rats. In conclusion, we have developed a systematic procedure for identifying new compounds that modulate AQP2 trafficking using initial HTS followed by in vitro assays in cells and kidney slices, and concluding with in vivo testing in an animal model.