bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity of Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in Santander, Colombia: Epidemiological implications
Authors: Esteban Lyda , Montes José Mauricio , Angulo Víctor Manuel
Published: January 2017

Introducción. Los triatominos domiciliados y silvestres constituyen un problema de impacto epidemiológico en el departamento de Santander, pues se han asociado recientemente con brotes agudos de la enfermedad de Chagas, por lo cual el análisis de su diversidad y variación temporal contribuye al conocimiento de su biología y ecología en una de las áreas más endémicas del país.Objetivo. Analizar la diversidad de triatominos en dos regiones de Santander.Materiales y métodos. Se analizó la información de la base de datos del Laboratorio de Entomología del Centro de Investigaciones en Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad Industrial de Santander (CINTROP-UIS), la cual contiene registros de triatominos en Santander. La información se separó en dos regiones, el Magdalena Medio y la zona andina, para cada una de las cuales se diseñaron curvas de acumulación de especies y de rango de abundancia, se calcularon los índices de diversidad y de igualdad, se analizó la colonización y se evaluó la variación temporal o persistencia de la comunidad.Resultados. El 95 % de los triatominos provenía de la zona andina y, el 4,57 %, del Magdalena Medio, con nueve y diez especies, respectivamente. Se encontró mayor diversidad y riqueza en el Magdalena Medio en comparación con la zona andina. Las especies dominantes en la zona andina fueron Rhodnius prolixus y Triatoma dimidiata, mientras que en Magdalena Medio fueron Rhodnius pallescens y Panstrongylus geniculatus. La variación temporal mostró persistencia de las comunidades en el tiempo.Conclusiones. Los resultados evidenciaron diferencias en la diversidad de las dos regiones, además del potencial de las especies silvestres para ocupar ecótopos artificiales. La intrusión de triatominos y la reciente incriminación de especies silvestres en la transmisión de Trypanosoma cruzi, indican la necesidad de un mayor conocimiento de la ecología de estos vectores para orientar las estrategias de control.
Hepatitis C virus genotypes circulating in Colombia
Authors: Santos Óscar , Gómez Alberto , Vizcaíno Viviana , Casas María Consuelo , Ramírez María del Pilar , Olaya Patricia
Published: January 2017

Introducción. La infección crónica por el virus de la hepatitis C es un problema de salud pública y se estima que hay más de 180 millones de personas infectadas en el mundo. En Colombia no se conoce la epidemiología de la infección ni los genotipos virales más frecuentes.Objetivo. Describir los genotipos y subtipos del virus de la hepatitis C en pacientes colombianos infectados.Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de pruebas realizadas en dos laboratorios de referencia nacional, entre el 2003 y el 2015, mediante electroforesis en geles de poliacrilamida (Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis, PAGE) o reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en tiempo real (quantitative PCR, qPCR).Resultados. Se estudiaron 1.538 aislamientos del virus de la hepatitis C de 1.527 pacientes con una edad promedio de 53 años, de los cuales 70 % tenía entre 40 y 70 años y 52 % eran mujeres. El 57 % de las pruebas se ordenaron en la ciudad de Bogotá, y el 80 % de los casos provenía de los departamentos de Cundinamarca, Valle y Atlántico. Se encontró el genotipo 1 en 88,6 % de los casos, distribuido así: subtipo 1b, 70 %, subtipo 1a, 13,5 %, y no determinado, 5,1 % de los casos; el genotipo2 se encontró en el 5,4 % de los casos, el 3, en el 2 %, y el 4, en el 4 %. Se encontraron genotipos mixtos en 0,8 % de la muestra.Conclusión. El genotipo 1 del virus de la hepatitis C es el que circula con mayor frecuencia en el país, con predominio del subtipo 1b.
Seroprevalence of dengue infection in the municipalities of Armenia, Calarcá, La Tebaida and Montenegro in Quindío, 2014
Authors: Jiménez Mónica Marcela , Arias Jesús , Carrasquilla Gabriel
Published: January 2017

Introducción. El dengue representa un grave problema de salud pública para Colombia y, en el departamento del Quindío, afecta el 90 % de los municipios. Se necesitan estudios actualizados sobre la seroprevalencia en la población general para reforzar las acciones de salud pública.Objetivo. Determinar la seroprevalencia de la infección por dengue en barrios con alta incidencia de dengue en cuatro municipios del departamento del Quindío: Armenia, Calarcá, La Tebaida y Montenegro, en 2014.Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio de prevalencia mediante muestreo probabilístico estratificado y bietápico. Se hizo una encuesta a 658 sujetos residentes del área urbana de los municipios seleccionados y se les tomó una muestra de sangre por venopunción para determinar anticuerpos IgG e IgM contra el virus del dengue.Resultados. La seroprevalencia de anticuerpos IgG en el Quindío fue de 89,4 %; en Armenia fue de 88,7 %, en Calarcá, de 81,5 %, en Montenegro, de 91,8 %, y en La Tebaida, de 97,8 %. La seroprevalencia de anticuerpos IgM en Quindío fue de 14,2 %; en Armenia, de 11,5 %, en Calarcá, de 13,0 %, en Montenegro, de 13,1%, y en La Tebaida, de 28,9 %.Conclusiones. Se evidenció una alta prevalencia de anticuerpos IgG e IgM en los cuatro municipios. En todos los grupos de edad se encontraron personas seropositivas para IgM, lo cual indicaría infección reciente. La seropositividad simultánea para IgM e IgG (12,9 %) puede indicar infección secundaria por otro serotipo del virus o una infección en los tres meses anteriores. Es necesario impulsar estrategias multisectoriales para el control de la transmisión del dengue en el Quindío.
Pathological findings in patients with HIV infection and lymphadenopathies
Authors: Rodríguez-Vega Federico , Botero Miguel , Cortés Jorge Alberto , Tobón Ángela
Published: January 2017

Introducción. Las adenopatías son un hallazgo frecuente en pacientes con infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV). El diagnóstico diferencial incluye infecciones, neoplasias malignas o cambios reactivos. No existen datos sobre su etiología en Suramérica.Objetivo. Describir la etiología de la histopatología ganglionar en pacientes con HIV del Hospital La María de Medellín.Materiales y métodos. Se evaluaron de manera retrospectiva historias clínicas de pacientes con HIV y linfadenopatías, a quienes se les había hecho biopsia por escisión de ganglio linfático entre junio de 2009 y octubre de 2011. Se registraron los datos de los resultados de las biopsias en cuanto al estado de inmunosupresión, el uso de tratamiento antirretroviral y el diagnóstico final de los pacientes.Resultados. Se evaluaron 120 historias clínicas, con diagnósticos distribuidos así: 58 % de origen infeccioso, 32,5 % con cambios reactivos, 6,6 % de origen neoplásico y 2,5 % normales. El diagnóstico más frecuente fue la tuberculosis (48,3 %). En 14,1 % de los pacientes, la biopsia de ganglio linfático sirvió para detectar otra infección oportunista además de las encontradas en otros órganos. Conclusión. La biopsia de ganglio linfático en pacientes con HIV es una herramienta útil que permite el diagnóstico de enfermedades infecciosas y neoplásicas graves, y que debería hacerse de rutina en todos los pacientes con adenopatías
Oral mucosa analog allografts in non-consanguineous rats
Authors: González Luis , Padrón Karla , Salmen Siham , Jerez Elsy , Dávila Lorena , Solórzano Eduvigis
Published: January 2017

Introducción. A pesar de que existen opciones terapéuticas para el tratamiento de defectos de la mucosa bucal, persiste la necesidad de encontrar sustitutos funcionales, anatómicos y estéticamente similares al tejido que se va a reemplazar, así como soluciones que reduzcan la morbilidad de los injertos autólogos.Objetivo. Determinar la compatibilidad clínica e histológica de aloinjertos equivalentes de mucosa bucal elaborados mediante ingeniería tisular en ratas no consanguíneas.Materiales y métodos. Se utilizó una muestra de mucosa bucal de ratas Sprague Dawley para la obtención de un cultivo de fibroblastos y otro de queratinocitos y fibroblastos. En ambos casos, se usó una membrana de colágeno comercial como soporte. Después de diez semanas de cultivo, las membranas resultantes se injertaron en cuatro ratas Wistar. La primera fase del estudio consistió en la elaboración de los tejidos análogos de mucosa bucal mediante ingeniería tisular, los cuales se implantaron en ratas Wistar inmunocompetentes; posteriormente, se evaluaron las características clínicas e histológicas del aloinjerto.Resultados. La evaluación in vivo de los tejidos análogos demostró que se habían integrado correctamente en los huéspedes inmunocompetentes, y se había logrado el aumento del biotipo periodontal y la creación de una zona con mayor queratinización. Desde el punto de vista histológico, el tejido adquirió características similares a las de la muestra de mucosa bucal de control, sin ningún tipo de reacción inflamatoria ni signos clínicos o histológicos de rechazo.Conclusión. Hubo compatibilidad clínica e histológica de los aloinjertos equivalentes de mucosa bucal obtenidos mediante ingeniería tisular.
Prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistance to quinolones and injectables in Colombia, 2012-2013
Authors: Llerena Claudia , Zabaleta Angie , Valbuena Angélica , Murcia Martha
Published: January 2017

Introducción. La tuberculosis es un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. En 2014, la Organización Mundial de la Salud estimó que se habían presentado 9,6 millones de casos nuevos y 480.000 multirresistentes. La evaluación de la resistencia a fármacos inyectables y a quinolonas se introdujo hace pocos años, por lo cual no se conoce su prevalencia.Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de la resistencia a amicacina, kanamicina, capreomicina y ofloxacina en casos de tuberculosis resistente a isoniacida, rifampicina o a ambas, entre 2012 y 2013.Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio de corte transversal con 489 aislamientos resistentes a isoniacida o rifampicina. Las pruebas de sensibilidad se hicieron con la técnica Bactec MGITTM. Para el análisis de la proporción de la resistencia, los casos se agruparon según el antecedente de tratamiento con medicamentos de segunda línea.Resultados. En los 438 casos nuevos, la resistencia global a la kanamicina fue mayor (7,1 %; IC95% 4,6-9,6); en los 51 casos previamente tratados, dicha resistencia fue de 27,5 % (IC95% 14,2-40,7). La resistencia global fue mayor en casos con antecedentes de tratamiento con quinolonas y fármacos inyectables. Se encontraron siete casos de tuberculosis extremadamente resistente.Conclusión. El estudio evidenció la presencia de resistencia a fármacos de segunda línea en personas con tuberculosis farmacorresistente sin tratamiento previo o tratadas previamente con quinolonas o fármacos inyectables, estos últimos con mayor porcentaje de resistencia. En consecuencia, es esencial practicar rutinariamente las pruebas de sensibilidad y el análisis de esta información.
Antibiotic resistance potential of the healthy preterm infant gut microbiome
Authors: Rose Graham , Shaw Alexander G. , Sim Kathleen , Wooldridge David J. , Li Ming-Shi , Gharbia Saheer , Misra Raju , Kroll John Simon
Published: January 2017

Background

Few studies have investigated the gut microbiome of infants, fewer still preterm infants. In this study we sought to quantify and interrogate the resistome within a cohort of premature infants using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. We describe the gut microbiomes from preterm but healthy infants, characterising the taxonomic diversity identified and frequency of antibiotic resistance genes detected.

Results

Dominant clinically important species identified within the microbiomes included C. perfringens, K. pneumoniae and members of the Staphylococci and Enterobacter genera. Screening at the gene level we identified an average of 13 antimicrobial resistance genes per preterm infant, ranging across eight different antibiotic classes, including aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones. Some antibiotic resistance genes were associated with clinically relevant bacteria, including the identification of mecA and high levels of Staphylococci within some infants. We were able to demonstrate that in a third of the infants the S. aureus identified was unrelated using MLST or metagenome assembly, but low abundance prevented such analysis within the remaining samples.

Conclusions

We found that the healthy preterm infant gut microbiomes in this study harboured a significant diversity of antibiotic resistance genes. This broad picture of resistances and the wider taxonomic diversity identified raises further caution to the use of antibiotics without consideration of the resident microbial communities.
Opportunistic suspension feeding in the intertidal gastropod Olivella columellaris and its implications for the regulation of tidal migrations
Authors: Morse Aaron P , Peters Winfried S
Published: January 2017

The gastropod Olivella columellaris inhabits sandy beaches of the Tropical East Pacific. These snails perform tidal migrations forcontinuous suspension feeding in the moving backwash zone, possibly controlled by an endogenous circatidal clock. However, O. columellaris readily modifies its circatidal behavior, for example when flow channels develop below natural and artificial tide pools at ebb tide. Suspension feeding  continues  in  such  channels  while  water  is  running,  delaying  tidal  migration.  Such  behavioral  plasticity  questions  the  significance  ofendogenous rhythms for the regulation of tidal migrations in O. columellaris.
Effects of practice variability on spinal manipulation learning*
Authors: Marchand Andrée-Anne , Mendoza Laura , Dugas Claude , Descarreaux Martin , Pagé Isabelle
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the effects of practice variability on chiropractic students' capacity to deliver spinal manipulations (SMs) of a targeted peak force.

Methods:

Forty students participated in an experimental session including either a variable or a constant practice protocol of 45 SMs. SMs were delivered on a computer-connected device that recorded force-time profiles. Ten SMs with a target peak force of 350-N were performed before practice, immediately following practice, and 2 days later. Mixed-design analyses of variance were used to assess the effect of practice type on SM biomechanical parameters and on the constant, the absolute error (AE), and the variable error (VE).

Results:

The practice period led to significantly more accurate (FAE[2,76] = 6.17, p < .01) and consistent (FVE[2,76] = 3.90, p = .02) performances at the postintervention assessment regardless of practice type. Among biomechanical parameters, preload force was higher at the retention assessment than at baseline (F[2,76] = 6.53, p < .01), while rate of force application significantly decreased between the baseline and the retention assessment (F[2,76] = 4.10, p = .02).

Conclusion:

This experimental study showed that 1 session of SM practice including feedback leads to an increase in SM peak force accuracy and consistency, whether or not the practice period included variable practice. The current results confirmed that short practice periods with feedback should be included in the chiropractic curriculum.
Extraction of the geomagnetic activity effect from TEC data: A comparison between the spectral whitening method and 28 day running median
Authors: Chen Zhou , Wang Jing‐Song , Deng Yue , Huang Chun‐Ming
Published: January 2017

The spectral whitening method (SWM) has been previously proved to be very effective at identifying ionospheric disturbances on foF2 (the critical frequency of ionospheric F2 layer). To continuously investigate the strength of the new method, in this paper SWM has been used to extract the effect of geomagnetic activity on total electron content (TEC) and has been compared with the traditional 28 day running median centered (RMC) method. First, ionospheric variations during quiet and disturbed conditions are analyzed by both SWM and RMC. The results from RMC, compared with those from SWM, overestimate the disturbance occurrence by about 5–20% during the geomagnetic storms and up to 35% during the quiet time. The possible reason is that the results can be contaminated by the residuals of periodic components in the RMC identified disturbances. Meanwhile, the power spectral analysis of the disturbance field shows that the annual and diurnal variations are still significant in RMC results but very weak in SWM results, which indicates that SWM has some advantage to clean up the background variation. Finally, the analysis of the spatial correlation of the disturbance field with F10.7 and Ap illustrates that the effects of solar and geomagnetic activities from SWM are significantly reduced and enhanced, respectively. It suggests that the SWM is more effective in extracting the effect of geomagnetic activity from TEC than RMC. The relative deviation of TEC derived by SWM is more sensitive to geomagnetic activity than solar activity.
Tidal sensitivity of shallow very low frequency earthquakes in the Ryukyu Trench
Authors: Nakamura Mamoru , Kakazu Keito
Published: January 2017

We show that the activity between 2002 and 2014 of shallow very low frequency earthquakes (VLFEs), which occur in shallow subduction zones of the Ryukyu Trench, responds to ocean and Earth tides. Tidal sensitivity is highest in the central portion of the Ryukyu Trench and lowest in the southwest. The lag of peak VLFE activation behind the peaks of shear stress or normal stress is laterally heterogeneous along the Ryukyu Trench. The lateral variation of the lag between the peaks of sensitivity and stresses can be explained by the dependence of VLFE activation on thrust‐encouraging shear stress on the plate. The effective normal stress, which is calculated through rock experiments and from the sensitivity of VLFE for shear stress, is 0.25 MPa in the central Ryukyu Trench, which implies that high pore pressure on the plate interface would induce the VLFEs. The lateral variation of the sensitivity can be explained by differences in pore pressure within the plate interface. Although tidal sensitivity is lowest in the southwestern Ryukyu Trench, it increased temporarily during the middle of the decay of VLFE swarm activity. This is interpreted as reflecting a temporary increase in pore pressure on the fault, frictional heterogeneity, or fault weakening during the slip of slow slip events.
High‐resolution NO2 observations from the Airborne Compact Atmospheric Mapper: Retrieval and validation
Authors: Lamsal L. N. , Janz S. J. , Krotkov N. A. , Pickering K. E. , Spurr R. J. D. , Kowalewski M. G. , Loughner C. P. , Crawford J. H. , Swartz W. H. , Herman J. R.
Published: January 2017

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a short‐lived atmospheric pollutant that serves as an air quality indicator and is itself a health concern. The Airborne Compact Atmospheric Mapper (ACAM) was flown on board the NASA UC‐12 aircraft during the Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality Maryland field campaign in July 2011. The instrument collected hyperspectral remote sensing measurements in the 304–910 nm range, allowing daytime observations of several tropospheric pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), at an unprecedented spatial resolution of 1.5 × 1.1 km2. Retrievals of slant column abundance are based on the differential optical absorption spectroscopy method. For the air mass factor computations needed to convert these retrievals to vertical column abundance, we include high‐resolution information for the surface reflectivity by using bidirectional reflectance distribution function data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer. We use high‐resolution simulated vertical distributions of NO2 from the Community Multiscale Air Quality and Global Modeling Initiative models to account for the temporal variation in atmospheric NO2 to retrieve middle and lower tropospheric NO2 columns (NO2 below the aircraft). We compare NO2 derived from ACAM measurements with in situ observations from NASA's P‐3B research aircraft, total column observations from the ground‐based Pandora spectrometers, and tropospheric column observations from the space‐based Ozone Monitoring Instrument. The high‐resolution ACAM measurements not only give new insights into our understanding of atmospheric composition and chemistry through observation of subsampling variability in typical satellite and model resolutions, but they also provide opportunities for testing algorithm improvements for forthcoming geostationary air quality missions.
Evaluation of WRF capability to detect dry and wet periods in Spain using drought indices
Authors: García‐Valdecasas Ojeda Matilde , Gámiz‐Fortis Sonia R. , Castro‐Díez Yolanda , Esteban‐Parra María Jesús
Published: January 2017

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model has been used to show the benefits provided by downscaled fields to detect and analyze wet and dry periods over a region with high precipitation variability such as Spain. We have analyzed the spatiotemporal behavior of two widely used drought indices: the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), computed at 3 and 12 month time scales, which provide important information in an agricultural and water‐resource context. These two indices were computed from WRF outputs and compared with those calculated from observational (monthly precipitation and temperature databases of Spain, MOPREDAS and MOTEDAS) and from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Interim Re‐Analysis (ERA‐Interim) data sets. This evaluation was made by using a regional scale and a multistep regionalization method and by comparison of individual grid points. In general, results indicate that the drought indices obtained by using WRF outputs provide a noticeable improvement regarding those computed by using ERA‐Interim, higher at longer time scales. Although results show no significant differences between drought indices analyzed, the improvement offered by WRF is greater for SPI than for SPEI. In terms of averaged duration, magnitude, and severity of drought, the benefits provided by WRF are not so evident, presenting better agreement with the observational data at 12 month time scale, being clearer for the intensity. These findings evidence the benefit of using WRF climate fields to monitor, analyze, and detect drought events, being a valuable source of knowledge for a suitable decision making, especially for water‐resource management.
A new geophone device for understanding environmental impacts caused by gravel bedload during artificial floods
Authors: Tsubaki Ryota , Kawahara Yoshihisa , Zhang Xin‐Hua , Tsuboshita Kentaro
Published: January 2017

To assess the contribution of gravel bedload on the removal of attached‐algae and aquatic plants from a cobble‐bed river during small floods, we propose a geophone type method for measuring the local bedload of non‐uniform sized gravel. Due to limited peak discharge for focused events during our study, a large fraction of bed material (here cobbles) was immobile and only a small fraction of bed material (sand and gravel) was expected to be transported during the flushing flows we analyzed. The device we developed has a size equivalent to immobile bed material and a shape similar to bed material (rounded cobbles) at the site. The instrument's design allows avoidance of disturbances in river bed micro‐topography during installation and local bedload transport during floods. A flume experiment was conducted in order to establish an empirical algorithm for estimating the diameter of impacted gravel, and uncertainty related to diameter estimation is discussed. The proposed method was utilized to quantify gravel bedload in a cobble‐bed river during flushing flows. We also discuss the contribution of measured gravel bedload during flushing flows on the removal of attached‐algae (up to a 37% reduction in chlorophyll‐a density) and aquatic plants (a reduction of 38% in dry mass per area). Based on time variation for the measured gravel bedload, we also suggest the propagation of a bed‐form composed of the fine sediment fraction migrating on immobile larger sediment and implications for the propagation of the fine sediment wave for attached‐algae removal.
Platelet microparticles: a biomarker for recanalization in rtPA‐treated ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Bivard Andrew , Lincz Lisa F , Maquire Jane , Parsons Mark , Levi Christopher
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Identification of a biomarker for acute recanalization could have significant clinical impact.

Methods

We prospectively collected baseline, 24‐h, and 90‐day clinical and imaging data from consecutive ischemic stroke patients who fulfilled standard clinical eligibility criteria for treatment with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA). Computed tomography angiography was acquired at 24 h and assessed using the thrombolysis is myocardial infarction (TIMI) scale with a score of 2b/3 indicating recanalization. Blood samples collected at 24 h after stroke symptom onset were used to measure the inflammatory biomarkers of glycoprotein IIb (CD41) expressing microparticles (MP), C‐reactive protein (CRP), COX 2, APOE, and Angiopoietin 1. Analysis was performed using linear regression and Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results

A total of 57 patients met study eligibility criteria and had sufficient data and sample quality to be analyzed. Circulating levels of platelet derived CD41 + MP were significantly related to reperfusion (Pearson correlation, PC: 0.554, P < 0.001) and recanalization (PC: 0.495, P < 0.001) as well as related with 3‐month modified Rankin Score (PC: 0.483, P < 0.001). CRP was significantly negatively correlated with recanalization on 24 h CTA (PC: −0.292, P = 0.041). Backward logistic regression with CRP and CD41 + MP increased the association with reperfusion (r2 = 0.357 P < 0.001).

Interpretation

There is a significant relationship between the inflammatory biomarkers CD41 + MP and CRP and recanalization.
Combined state and parameter estimation for Hammerstein systems with time delay using the Kalman filtering
Authors: Ma Junxia , Ding Feng , Xiong Weili , Yang Erfu
Published: January 2017

This paper discusses the state and parameter estimation problem for a class of Hammerstein state space systems with time delay. Both the process and the measurement noises are considered in the system. On the basis of the observable canonical state space form and the key term separation, a pseudolinear regressive identification model is obtained. For the unknown states in the information vector, the Kalman filter is used to search for the optimal state estimates. A Kalman filter–based least squares iterative and a recursive least squares algorithms are proposed. Extending the information vector to include the latest information terms, which are missed for the time delay, the Kalman filter–based recursive extended least squares algorithm is derived to obtain the estimates of the unknown time delay, parameters, and states. The numerical simulation results are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Divergent Regioselective Homocoupling and Hydroxylation of 3‐Arylbenzo[d]isoxazoles
Authors: Guo Ying , Yu Kun‐Kun , Xing Li‐Hao , Liu Hong‐Wei , Wang Wei , Ji Ya‐Fei
Published: January 2017

Palladium‐catalyzed oxidative homocoupling and hydroxylation of 3‐arylbenzo[d]isoxazoles have been developed via direct C(sp2)−H bond activation using benzoisoxazoles as a new directing group. The protocols offer a divergent approach to functionalized, synthetically useful benzoisoxazoles in good yields. Critically, 1‐iodo‐4‐methoxybenzene functions as an oxidant to mediate the dehydrogenative homocoupling and minimize the cross‐coupling. A dual‐core dimeric palladacycle intermediate is confirmed by X‐ray crystallography, and serves as an active catalytic species in the catalytic cycles.

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Graphene‐Based Polymer Bilayers with Superior Light‐Driven Properties for Remote Construction of 3D Structures
Authors: Tang Zhenhua , Gao Ziwei , Jia Shuhai , Wang Fei , Wang Yonglin
Published: January 2017

3D structure assembly in advanced functional materials is important for many areas of technology. Here, a new strategy exploits IR light‐driven bilayer polymeric composites for autonomic origami assembly of 3D structures. The bilayer sheet comprises a passive layer of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and an active layer comprising reduced graphene oxides (RGOs), thermally expanding microspheres (TEMs), and PDMS. The corresponding fabrication method is versatile and simple. Owing to the large volume expansion of the TEMs, the two layers exhibit large differences in their coefficients of thermal expansion. The RGO‐TEM‐PDMS/PDMS bilayers can deflect toward the PDMS side upon IR irradiation via the cooperative effect of the photothermal effect of the RGOs and the expansion of the TEMs, and exhibit excellent light‐driven, a large bending deformation, and rapid responsive properties. The proposed RGO‐TEM‐PDMS/PDMS composites with excellent light‐driven bending properties are demonstrated as active hinges for building 3D geometries such as bidirectionally folded columns, boxes, pyramids, and cars. The folding angle (ranging from 0° to 180°) is well‐controlled by tuning the active hinge length. Furthermore, the folded 3D architectures can permanently preserve the deformed shape without energy supply. The presented approach has potential in biomedical devices, aerospace applications, microfluidic devices, and 4D printing.
Band Bending Engineering at Organic/Inorganic Interfaces Using Organic Self‐Assembled Monolayers
Authors: Hofmann Oliver T. , Rinke Patrick
Published: January 2017

Adsorbing strong electron donors or acceptors on semiconducting surfaces induces band bending, whose extent and magnitude are strongly dependent on the doping concentration of the semiconductor. This study applies hybrid density‐functional theory calculations together with the recently developed charge reservoir electrostatic sheet technique to account for charge transfer from the bulk of the semiconductor to the interface. This study further investigates the impact of surface‐functionalization with specifically tailored self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs). For the example of three chemically‐similar SAMs, that all bond to the ZnO surface via pyridine docking groups, it is shown that the SAMs introduce shallow or deep donor levels that pin the band bending at the position of the SAM's highest occupied molecular orbital. In this way, the magnitude of the induced band bending can be controlled by the type of SAM, to a point where the doping‐concentration dependence is completely eliminated.
Height, BMI, and relative economic standing in children from developing countries
Authors: Murasko Jason E.
Published: January 2017

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to estimate a height‐BMI association in child and female adolescent populations in developing countries, and to evaluate the potential role of relative economic status in this association.

Methods

Flexible structured additive regression models were used to estimate associations between height, BMI, and relative wealth. Linear regression models were used to evaluate height‐wealth interactions on BMI outcomes. The models were applied to pooled samples of 971,180 children under 5 years of age and 225,718 adolescent females between 15 and 19 years. Samples were taken from Demographic and Health Surveys from 64 developing countries.

Results

Children exhibited a strong inverse association between height and BMI over the entire distribution of height. Female adolescents showed a weak inverse association. Relative economic status was associated with a stronger height‐BMI relationship in early‐life (<3 years) and a weaker relationship as children age into their fifth year.

Conclusions

Relative economic status may protect against consequences of a negative height‐BMI association in young children in developing countries, first by promoting higher body weight among shorter children during the risk period for early‐life mortality, and afterwards by limiting body weight in shorter children when overweight and obesity become longer‐term health issues.
Overall trends vs. individual trajectories in the second‐to‐fourth digit (2D:4D) and metacarpal (2M:4M) ratios during puberty and adolescence
Authors: Králík Miroslav , Ingrová Pavlína , Kozieł Sławomir , Hupková Adela , Klíma Ondřej
Published: January 2017

Objectives

The second‐to‐fourth digit ratio (2D:4D ratio) can be assumed a valid indicator of sexual differentiation, provided that it is stable once it develops, or eventual changes remain uniform in a respective cohort throughout ontogenesis. The main goal of this study was to determine whether the metacarpal 2M:4M and the digit 2D:4D ratio change during the period of pubertal/adolescent growth.

Materials and Methods

The metacarpals and digits were measured on radiographs of left hands in the sample of 328 individuals (96 pairs of male and 68 pairs of female twins) from the Wrocław Longitudinal Study of Twins (1967–1983). Five consecutive annual measurements were done for each individual within a 4‐year‐interval somewhere between 7 and 18 years of age. Age‐related changes in both ratios were studied using a set of mixed‐effects linear models. Three types of correlation coefficients were used for assessment of stability between repeated measurements at different ages.

Results

An overall decrease in the average 2M:4M ratio was observed, attributable to a much larger extent to males than to females. On the contrary, a slight overall increase in the average 2D:4D ratio was observed, attributable to a much larger extent to females than to males. The rank order of the ratios remained highly stable within the monitored period (the correlation coefficient mostly ranged between 0.85 and 0.95). In spite of these findings, we recorded significant intraindividual changes in both ratios. In some individuals the 2D:4D ratio can undergo changes comparable to average sex differences and much higher than average age‐related changes.

Discussion

Relatively slight overall changes in digit ratio in puberty and adolescence themselves are not inconsistent with the use of the 2D:4D ratio as an indirect marker of prenatal sexual differentiation. Nevertheless, individual changes in the ratios varied substantially in this study and differed from the average trends. Future studies should focus on the nature of interindividual developmental differences in the digit and metacarpal ratios.
A facile and efficient synthesis of 3‐cyanoindoles by a simple palladium(II)‐catalyzed C─H activation of indoles
Authors: Chu Hailiang , Guo Mengping , Yi Yanping , Wen Yongju , Zhou Lanjiang , Huang Hongwei
Published: January 2017

An efficient trans‐PdCl2(NH2CH2COOH)2‐catalyzed direct C3‐cyanation of indole C─H bonds is described. Notably, free (N─H)‐indoles reacted smoothly using the procedure, and the desired product 3‐cyanoindoles were obtained in good to excellent yields.
Control‐oriented modeling of colloid transport by solute gradients in dead‐end channels
Authors: Chen Tehuan , Xu Chao
Published: January 2017

When colloids are placed in the nonuniform solute concentration, they transfer toward or away from the higher solute concentration side. This phenomenon is called diffusiophoresis, which is widely founded in many solute–particle interaction processes. In this paper, we consider the colloid transport by solute gradients in dead‐end channels with a boundary solute concentration being manipulated, which is a step‐like concentration input. We model this process by a coupled solute–particle system, which involves the solute diffusion model and the colloid transport model, and establish a control‐oriented model, which is important for controller strategy synthesis in practice. We use the method of separation of variables to obtain the analytical solution of the solute diffusion model and proposed an effective computational scheme for solving the colloid transport model. Thus, we give the simulation results of colloid transfer by considering different boundary solute concentration inputs and show the effectiveness and feasibility for more flexible external control. Finally, because the control‐oriented modeling is a switching system governed by partial differential equations essentially, we reformulate the colloid transfer control problem and discuss this problem in detailed from the viewpoint of the computational optimal control. Copyright © 2017 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgical adhesive: Synthesis and properties of thermoresponsive Pluronic L‐31–3,4–dihydroxyphenylalanine–arginine derivatives
Authors: Lu Dedai , Li Yunfei , Li Tinģe , Zhang Yongyong , Dou Fajuan , Wang Xiaoying , Zhao Xiaolong , Ma Hengchang , Guan Xiaolin , Wei Qiangbing , Lei Ziqiang
Published: January 2017

A novel thermosensitive adhesive was synthesized by the esterification reaction of multihydroxyl Pluronic L‐31 with 3,4‐dihydroxy‐l‐phenylalanine and l‐arginine. Pluronic L‐31–DOPA–arginine derivative (PDA) gels, rapidly formed in situ with horseradish peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide, were used to explore the performance of efficient tissue adhesives. The results of their adhesive strength on porcine skin demonstrate that the structure of the polymers and temperature influenced the adhesiveness to tissue of the polymers. Compared with the PDAs at 25 °C, the PDAs at 37 °C showed superior adhesive strength. The attractive performance of the PDA gels were demonstrated by this study's results, which suggest biomedical applications in tissue‐adhesive devices in the future. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44729.
Persistence of Disease‐Associated Anti–Citrullinated Protein Antibody–Expressing Memory B Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis in Clinical Remission
Authors: Pelzek Adam J. , Grönwall Caroline , Rosenthal Pamela , Greenberg Jeffrey D. , McGeachy Mandy , Moreland Larry , Rigby William F. C. , Silverman Gregg J.
Published: January 2017

Objective

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), autoreactive B cells are pathogenic drivers and sources of anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) that are a diagnostic biomarker and predictor of worse long‐term prognosis. Yet, the immunobiologic significance of persistent ACPA production at the cellular level is poorly understood. This study was undertaken to investigate the representation of ACPA‐expressing switched‐memory B cells in RA.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study of RA patients, we investigated the presence of continued defects in immune homeostasis as a function of disease activity. Using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a sensitive multiplex bead‐based immunoassay, we characterized fine binding antibody specificities in sera, synovial fluid (SF), and B cell culture supernatants. In this manner, we determined the frequency and epitope reactivity patterns of ACPAs produced by SF B cells and switched‐memory blood B cells and compared the latter to serum ACPA levels and disease activity scores.

Results

Cultured B cells from SF were shown to spontaneously secrete ACPAs, while constitutive IgG autoantibody production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was substantially less frequent. After in vitro stimulation, PBMCs secreted IgG ACPA that was overwhelmingly from switched‐memory B cells, across all patient groups treated with methotrexate and/or a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor. Intriguingly, the frequencies of ACPA‐expressing switched‐memory B cells significantly correlated with serum IgG anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide 3 (r = 0.57, P = 0.003). Moreover, treatment‐induced clinical remission had little or no effect on the circulating burden of switched‐memory ACPA‐expressing B cells, in part explaining the continued dysregulation of humoral immunity.

Conclusion

Our findings rationalize why therapeutic cessation most often results in disease reactivation and clinical flare. Hence, a clinical disease activity score is not a reliable indicator of the resolution of pathologic recirculating B cell autoimmunity.
1H‐NMR‐based Metabolomics Studies of the Toxicity of Mesoporous Carbon Nanoparticles in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Raja Ganesan , Kim Siwon , Yoon Dahye , Yoon Changshin , Kim Suhkmann
Published: January 2017

Mesoporous carbon nanoparticles (MCNs) have been applied in a variety of drug/gene carriers. In addition to their potential benefits, many studies of their potential toxicity have been reported, showing the limitations of metabolic contextualization. In this study, we conducted
1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) profiling combined with statistical methods such as orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis and Pearson correlation analysis to assess metabolic alterations in the whole body of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in the presence of various concentrations of MCNs. The MCN exposure influenced numerous metabolites in energy metabolism (e.g., metabolites involved in glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle) and disturbed the balance of neurotransmitters and osmoregulators. Our findings demonstrate the potential applicability of using a metabolomics approach to determine underlying metabolic disturbances caused by MCNs.
A Comparison of Accidental and Abusive Ano‐Genital Injury in Children
Authors: McIntosh Neil , Mok Jacqueline Y. Q.
Published: January 2017

Three two‐year datasets of ano‐genital signs were collected for comparisons of the injuries seen with accidental trauma and child sexual abuse in children less than 16 years of age: (1) Those attending a regional children's emergency department (South East Scotland) (n = 146) for injuries to the ano‐genital area; (2) all admissions to hospital in Scotland for straddle injury (n = 56); and (3) all children attending a regional child abuse and neglect service for assessment of suspected child sexual abuse (n = 98). Accidental injury types were combined for comparison with abusive injuries.

‘Three two‐year datasets of ano‐genital signs were collected for comparisons of the injuries seen with accidental trauma and child sexual abuse’

In South East Scotland, 1:1785 children under 16 years will attend an emergency department and 1:9305 will be admitted annually for an ano‐genital injury.

In boys, penile and scrotal injuries were only seen following accidents; anal injury was more frequent following suspected abuse (36%) than after accidents (5%).

In girls, injuries to the perineum and labia were more frequent after accidental trauma (32% and 74%, respectively, compared to 2% and 11% following suspected abuse), while hymenal injuries were more frequent after sexual abuse (19% compared to 1% in the accident group). Acute injuries to the posterior fourchette were common from both causes, (17% accidents and 10% abuse) and vaginal injuries were uncommon in both groups (5% accidents and 2% abuse).

The sites of injury may assist in the differential diagnosis of the cause in ano‐genital injuries. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Key Practitioner Messages

Hymenal or vaginal injury is very unlikely in accidental ano‐genital injury unless there are indications of significant impalement.

Perineal and labial injuries are very common in accidental ano‐genital injury.

Injuries to the posterior fourchette poorly differentiate abusive and accidental ano‐genital injuries.

In boys, penile and scrotal injuries are more common following accidental injury, whereas anal/perianal injuries are more likely abusive.
Can I Have A Word? Social Worker Interaction and Sense‐Making
Authors: Helm Duncan
Published: January 2017

This paper explores the ways in which practitioners in children and family social work teams make sense of information in their work. By examining observations and recordings from an ethnographic study, the paper focuses on how informal discussions within the office space inform and affect social workers' analysis (or sense‐making). Three elements of sense‐making activity are illustrated with vignettes and extracts from field notes: methodical doubt, proximity/reflexivity and security. These three distinct features of practice are then discussed and the significance of the findings considered in relation to contemporary practice. The paper highlights the importance of informal interaction and discussion in the social work office as part of the process of social workers' sense‐making. It indicates that feelings of trust and security may be linked to intellectual curiosity and an ability to work with uncertainty in sense‐making. Ethnography can provide a means of illuminating this complex and inaccessible element of practice and the findings add to the body of knowledge. Practitioners and organisations may wish to reflect on the findings and consider how they contribute to, and are affected by, such cultures and practices. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Explores the ways in which practitioners in children and family social work teams make sense of information in their work’

Key Practitioner Messages

Curiosity and methodical doubt are central elements in effective social work sense‐making.

Social workers can use informal discussions effectively to support open‐minded and rigorous sense‐making.

Choice and proximity of colleagues can promote shared sense‐making.

The nature of office spaces may influence the sense of self‐security that underpins effective sense‐making.

‘Choice and proximity of colleagues can promote shared sense‐making’
Consider advantages of body‐worn cameras
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: January 2017

Body‐worn cameras can provide a big benefit to campus safety units. Campus police officers respond to many calls on foot, and many calls take officers inside residence halls and academic buildings, so a dashcam doesn't do them much good, said Tom Saccenti, chief of police at Furman University.
Angiographic and interventional management of spontaneous coronary artery dissections: When less is more, or “When ‘Better’ flow is the enemy of good flow”
Authors: Wood Malissa J. , Drachman Douglas E.
Published: January 2017

Key Points

Conservative management of SCAD in clinically stable patients with non‐flow limiting lesions in major arteries is associated with favorable outcomes

A careful, methodical approach to pursuing PCI in patients with SCAD is warranted

Peripartum patients with SCAD appear to be at higher risk for technical complications; interventions in these patients should be performed by highly experienced operators
Recurrent pain abdomen following appendectomy: Stump Appendicitis, a surgeon's dilemma
Authors: Shah Tuhin , Gupta Rakesh Kumar , Karkee Rikesh Jung , Agarwal Chandra Shekhar
Published: January 2017

Key Clinical Message

Although there are many causes of pain right lower abdomen, stump appendicitis should always strike a clinician in postappendectomy patients even if it is a rare diagnosis. Here, we are discussing a 35‐year female with stump appendicitis who underwent completion appendectomy.
Highly Efficient and Selective Catalytic Synthesis of Quinolines Involving Transition‐Metal‐Doped Carbon Aerogels
Authors: Godino‐Ojer M. , López‐Peinado A. J. , Maldonado‐Hódar F. J. , Pérez‐Mayoral E.
Published: January 2017

Carbon aerogels doped with transition metals are found to be efficient and reusable catalysts involved in the selective synthesis of quinolines. Interestingly, we report herein the first aldol‐based reactions, particularly the Friedländer reaction, catalyzed by zero‐valent metal nanoparticles, the activity of which is mainly related with the nature of the metal. Co0‐ and Cu0‐doped aerogels resulted in the most active catalysts. Resorcinol–formaldehyde Cu‐doped and steam‐activated (RFCuS) aerogel represents an alternative nanocatalyst to the metal–organic framework CuBTC showing similar reactivity but superior thermal and chemical stability. The unusual reactivity observed could be explained by the in situ generation of the Co0–CoII catalytic system formed in the activation of ethyl acetoacetate.