bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical management of suspected chikungunya fever: health professionals knowledge of basic attention
Authors: Gomes Regina Kelly Guimarães , Carneiro Ruama Vieira , Maniva Samia Jardelle Costa de Freitas , Morais Isabel Cristina Oliveira de
Published: July 2020

Objetivo:identificar o conhecimento de profissionais de saúde de unidades básicas de saúde da família sobre o manejo clínico da suspeita de febre de chikungunya.Método: realizou-se um estudo transversal com 31 profissionais de saúde de unidades básicas e saúde da família, localizadas no Município de Quixadá-Ceará, nos meses de janeiro e fevereiro de 2018.Resultados:quase todos relatam que ao avaliar sinais de gravidade, critérios de internação e grupos de risco, se o paciente não apresentar sinais de gravidade, não tiver critérios de internação e /ou condições de risco, o mesmo deve permanecer em acompanhamento ambulatorial; se o paciente for apenas do grupo de risco, o mesmo deve receber acompanhamento ambulatorial em observação; e se o paciente apresentar sinais de gravidade e/ou tiver critérios de internação, ele deve receber acompanhamento em internação.Conclusão:os profissionais de saúde possuem conhecimento satisfatório sobre o manejo clínico da doença baseado nas orientações do Ministério da Saúde.
Resistance of chromatin superstructure to tryptic digestion modulated by conjugated polyacrylamide
Authors: Saccone G.T.P. , Skinner J.D. , Burgoyne L.A.
Published: July 2002

Soluble polyacrylamide conjugates have been used to modulate tryptic digestion of chromatin. Digestion of histones H1/H5 and H3 are mutually dependent and relatively independent of that of the core histones which are not significantly digested until 50–60% of H3 is degraded. H1/H5 and H3 are most exposed, H3 behaves as a ‘non‐core’ histone, its destruction appears to be the critical factor in the collapse of the chromatin superstructure during tryptic digestions. The digestion kinetics are explained by proposing that the initial sites of attack are in cavities much larger than the diameter of trypsin (4–5 nm). Procedures for the preparation of soluble polyacrylamide and its conjugation to trypsin are described.
A triple helix model for the structure of chromatin fiber
Authors: Makarov V. , Dimitrov S. , Smirnov V. , Pashev I.
Published: July 2002

A model of chromatin fiber structure is presented in which a repeating unit of a trinucleosome forms a 3‐dimensional zigzag. Twisting and compression of the zigzag result in a triple helix structure. The model is built mainly on the flow linear dichroism data showing that (a) nucleosomal disc faces are tilted relative to the fiber axis, (b) the orientation of nucleosomes does not change upon folding and unfolding of chromatin, and (c) the orientation of nucleosomes is maintained by the globular domain of histone HI.
Studies of extracellular fibronectin matrix formation with fluoresceinated fibronectin and fibronectin fragments
Authors: Chernousov M.A. , Metsis M.L. , Koteliansky V.E.
Published: July 2002

Fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated human plasma fibronectin, 70‐kDa collagen‐binding, 60‐kDa central, 60‐kDa heparin‐binding, 180‐kDa heparin, collagen‐binding fibronectin fragments and gelatin were used to study extracellular fibronectin matrix formation. Exogenous fibronectin, gelatin, 70‐kDa collagen‐binding and 180‐kDa heparin, collagen‐binding fragments were shown to be able to bind specifically to preexisting extracellular matrix of living fibroblasts. The results suggest that: (i) Fibronectin matrix formation may occur through a self‐assembly process; (ii) the NH2‐terminal part of fibronectin is responsible for fibronectin‐fibronectin interaction during fibronectin fibril formation; (iii) plasma fibronectin may be the source for tissue fibronectin.
Light‐induced Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic investigations of the primary donor oxidation in bacterial photosynthesis
Authors: Mäntele W. , Nabedryk E. , Tavitian B.A. , Kreutz W. , Breton J.
Published: July 2002

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) difference spectroscopy of the primary electron donor (P) photo–oxidation has been performed for reaction centers (RCs) and chromatophores of purple photosynthetic bacteria. In the 1800–650 cm−1 spectral region highly reproducible absorbance changes were obtained that can be related to specific changes of individual bond absorption. Several bands in the difference spectra are tentatively assigned to changes of intensity and position of the keto and ester C−O vibrations of the P bacteriochlorophylls, and a possible interpretation in terms of changes of their environment or type of bonding to the protein is given. Small difference bands in the amide I and II region allow only minor protein conformational changes.
The single proline‐glutamine substitution at position 5 enhances the potency of amyloid fibril formation of murine apo A‐II
Authors: Higuchi Keiichi , Yonezu Tomonori , Tsunasawa Susumu , Sakiyama Fumio , Takeda Toshio
Published: July 2002

The primary structure of murine apolipoprotein A‐II (apo A‐II) has been determined. Apo A‐II consists of a single polypeptide chain of 78 amino acid residues, of which the amino‐terminus is pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. Except for residues 5 and 38, the amino acid sequence is identical to that of murine senile amyloid protein (ASSAM), which has a common antigenicity with apo A‐II. Substitution of glutamine (assam) for proline (apo A‐II) at position 5 is distinct and may possibly be related to murine senile amyloidogenesis.
DNA fingerprints revealing common and divergent human DNA methylation patterns
Authors: Berneman Zwi N. , Raeymaekers Peter , Vanhoof Greet , Van Bockstaele Dirk , Ramael Marc , Peetermans Marc E. , Vandenberghe Antoon , Van Broeckhoven Christine
Published: July 2002

We compared DNA fingerprints of different cell populations from the same individuals, after separate digestion with the isoschizomers MboI and Sau3A. Methylation differences were observed within every individual when comparing fingerprints of Sau3A‐ with MboI‐digested DNA, and of Sau3A‐digested sperm with somatic DNA. In some cases, differences were also detected between fingerprints of Sau3A‐digested somatic DNA originating from various cell sources. Methylation patterns common to all cell populations examined, including the germline, were observed with a higher frequency than divergent ones. These ‘common methylations’ are most likely to find their origin during early embryogenesis.
Single electron reduction of ‘slow’ and ‘fast’ cytochrome‐c oxidase
Authors: Moody A.John , Brandt Ulrich , Rich Peter R.
Published: July 2002

Evidence is presented that single electron reduction is sufficient for rapid electron transfer (k>20 s−1 at pH 8.0 in 0.43 M potassium EDTA) between haem a/CuA and the binuclear centre in ‘fast’ oxidase, whereas in ‘slow’ oxidase intramolecular electron transfer is slow even when both CuA and haem a are reduced (k⋍2 s−1). However, while a single electron can equilibrate rapidly between CuA, haem a and CuB in ‘fast’ oxidase, it seems that equilibration with haem a3 is relatively slow (k⋍2 s−1). Electron transfer between cytochrome c and CuA/haem a is similar for both types of enzyme (k=2.4×105 M−1·s−1).
Three‐dimensional structural resemblance between leucine aminopeptidase and carboxypeptidase A revealed by graph‐theoretical techniques
Authors: Artymiuk Peter J. , Grindley Helen M. , Park Julie E. , Rice David W. , Willett Peter
Published: July 2002

Using 3‐D searching techniques based on algorithms derived from graph theory we have established a striking structural similarity between the structure or bovine carboxypeptidase A and that of the C‐terminal domain of bovine leucine aminopeptidase. There is no significant sequence homology between the aminopeptidases and the carboxypeptidases but the strong structural relationship detected in this complex fold suggests that there may be a very remote divergent evolutionary relationship between these two enzyme classes.
A new type of mitogenic factor produced by Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Yutsudo Takashi , Murai Hitoshi , Gonzalez Javier , Takao Toshifumi , Shimonishi Yasutsugu , Takeda Yoshifumi , Igarashi Hisanaga , Hinuma Yorio
Published: July 2002

A new type or mitogenic factor (protein) was purified from the culture supernatant of a strain of Streptococcus pyogenes by SP‐Sephadex C‐25 column chromatography, preparative isoelectric focusing and reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. The purified factor, showing marked mitogenic activity in rabbit peripheral blood lymphocytes, gave a single‐band staining for protein an SDS‐PAGE, The molecular weight of the purified mitogenic factor was determined to be 25.370, which was different from those calculated from reported amino acid sequences deduced from 4 different nucleotide sequences of 3 kinds of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins (two SPEAs, SPEB and SPEC). The amino acid sequence of the N‐terminal region of the purified mitogenic factor was determined to be Gin‐Thr‐Gin‐Val‐Ser‐Asn‐Asp‐Val‐Val‐Leu‐Asn‐Asp‐Gly‐Ala‐Ser‐Lys‐Tyr‐Leu‐Asn‐Glu‐Ala‐, which was also different from the reported N‐terminal sequences deduced from the 4 different nucleotide sequences. These data indicate that this mitogenic factor is distinct from the already described streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins.
Protein phosphorylation is involved in the regulation of chromatin condensation during interphase
Authors: Dombrádi Viktor , Cohen Paricia T.W.
Published: July 2002

Loci affecting the condensation state of interphase chromatin have been previously identified from analysis of suppression and enhancement of position effect variegation (PEV) in Drosophila. Here we show that Su‐var(3)6 and an allelic mutant, e078, which both show suppression of PEV in the heterozygous state, have point mutations (Gly220→Ser and Gly220→Asp, respectively) in a protein phosphatase 1 catalytic subunit located at 87B (PP1 87B). The mutated glycine is conserved in all known protein serine/threonine phosphatases in the same gene family, and its substitution decreases PP1 activity. We conclude that protein dephosphorylation by PP1 87B regulates the condensation state of chromatin during interphase.
Participation of cathepsin B in processing of antigen presentation to MHC class II
Authors: Matsunaga Youichi , Saibara Toshiji , Kido Hiroshi , Katunuma Nobuhiko
Published: July 2002

Cellular and humoral immune responses to vaccines of hepatitis B type and rabies were inhibited by specific inhibitors of cathepsin B, specific synthetic substrates of cathepsin B and anti‐cathepsin B antibody. Therefore the lysosomal cathepsin B of antigen presenting cells plays an essential role in processing of these antigens for presentation to MHC class II. One of the active sites of cathepsin B, VN217–222 shares highly homologous sequences with a part of the desetope, a binding domain of antigenic peptides, VN57–62 of MHC class II, β‐chain. This evidence suggests that the peptides processed by the substrate specificity of cathepsin B exhibit a common affinity to bind with the desetope of MHC class II, β‐chain.
Polysialic acids: potential in drug delivery
Authors: Gregoriadis G. , McCormack B. , Wang Z. , Lifely R.
Published: July 2002

A number of bacterial polysialic acids were injected intravenously into mice. Half‐lives (up to 40 h) in the blood circulation were dependent on the polysialic acid used, increased by deacylation of their phospholipid moiety, decreased with shorter chain derivatives and appeared to be dose independent. A model drug (fluorescein) covalently coupled to a polysialic acid was found to assume the half‐life of its carrier. Results suggest that intact or deacylated polysialic acids and shorter chain derivatives can be used to augment the half‐lives of drugs, small peptides, proteins and drug delivery systems in the blood circulation, thus prolonging their pharmacological action.
Structure of the 16 S ribosomal RNA of the thermophilic cyanobacterium chlorogloeopsis HTF (‘mastigocladus laminosus HTF’) strain PCC7518, and phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Wilmotte Annick , Van der Auwera Gert , De Wachter Rupert
Published: July 2002

The thermophilic cyanobacterial strain, PCC7518, originally identified as ‘Mastigocladus laminosus HTF’ does not show branchings or heterocysts. The absence of branchings supports the later assignment to the genus Chlorogloeopsis. The absence of heterocysts may be the result of a mutation because heterocysts were observed in the original isolate. Alternatively, contamination may have happened. To solve this problem, the 16 S rRNA sequence was determined and used to infer a secondary structure model and build distance trees. The trees showed that strain PCC7518 belongs to the cluster of heterocystous species and has most probably lost the ability to produce heterocysts by mutation. It is only distantly related to Chlorogloeopsis fritschii PCC6718.
Cryptic responses to tissue manipulations in avian embryos
Authors: Wahl Christina , Noden Drew M.
Published: July 2002

Experimental embryology performed on avian embryos combines tissue manipulations and cell‐labeling methods with increasing opportunities and demands for critical assays of the results. These approaches continue to reveal unexpected complexities in the normal patterns of cell movement and tissue origins, documentation of which is critical to unraveling the intricacies of cell and tissue interactions during embryogenesis. Viktor Hamburger's many pioneering contributions helped launch and promote the philosophical as well as technical elements of avian experimental embryology. Furthermore, his scholarship and profoundly positive presence influenced not just those of us fortunate to have trained with him, but several generations of developmental biologists. The first part of this article presents examples of the opportunities and rewards that have occurred due to his influences. Surgical manipulation of avian embryonic tissues always introduces a greater number of variables than the experimenter can control for or, often, readily identify. We present the results of dorsal and ventral lesions of hindbrain segments, which include defects in structures within, beside, and also at a considerable distance from the site of lesion. Extramedullary loops of longitudinal tract axons exit and re‐enter the neural tube, and intra‐medullary proliferation of blood vessels is expanded. Peripherally, the coalescence of neural crest‐ and placode‐derived neuroblasts is disrupted. As expected, motor neurons and their projections close to the sites of lesion are compromised. However, an unexpected finding is that the normal projections of cranial nerves located distant to the lesion site were also disrupted. Following brainstem lesions in the region of rhombomeres 3, 4 or 5, trigeminal or oculomotor axons penetrated the lateral rectus muscle. Surprisingly, the ability of VIth nerve axons to reach the lateral rectus muscle was not destroyed in most cases, even though the terrain through which they needed to pass was disrupted. These axons typically followed a more ventral course than normal, and usually, the axons emerging from individual roots failed to fasciculate into a common VIth nerve, which suggests that each rootlet contains pathfinder‐competent axons. The lesson from these lesions is that surgical intervention in avian embryos may have substantial effects upon tissues within, adjacent to, and distant to those that are being manipulated.
Clinical characteristics of familial versus sporadic alcoholism in a sample of male and female patients
Authors: Limosin F. , Gorwood P. , Adès J.
Published: July 2002

Presence of a family history of alcoholism may predict clinical characteristics in affected subjects, such as an earlier age at onset. More frequent and severe social maladjustment and somatic complications are also regularly cited for familial alcoholism, although subject to many other confusing factors. We analysed the clinical specificities of 79 alcohol-dependent inpatients according to the absence versus presence of family history of alcoholism.

Patients were evaluated for lifetime psychiatric morbidity with the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies (DIGS), for somatic complications with a systematic screening list, and first-degree relatives (N  =  428) were assessed with the Family Inventory Schedule and Criteria (FISC).

Age at onset and social complications were predicting familial versus sporadic alcoholism, even when considering censored data and/or interaction between variables. But differences became non-significant when excluding patients with antisocial personality.

If age at onset effectively appears to be the most informative characteristic for predicting familial versus sporadic alcoholism, it seems that it may be necessary in future studies to systematically take into account antisocial personality diagnosis, because of a probable contamination.
Bipolar sensation seeking is associated with a propensity to abuse rather than to temperamental characteristics
Authors: Henry C. , Bellivier F. , Sorbara F. , Tangwongchai S. , Lacoste J. , Faure-Chaigneau M. , Leboyer M.
Published: July 2002

Objective. As some temperament profiles may be markers of genetic vulnerability traits, we aimed to compare sensation seeking in euthymic bipolar patients and in controls. Methods. One hundred ninety-four patients fulfilling DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorders (BP), 81% of whom presented type I BP, and 95 controls were included in this study. Euthymia was assessed using both the MADRS and Bech mania scales. Subjects were evaluated using the French abbreviated form of Zuckerman’s Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS), which provide a total score (TS) and four subscores: Thrill and Adventure Seeking (TAS), Experience Seeking (ES), Disinhibition (Dis), and Boredom Susceptibility (BS). Results. SSS total score differed significantly between men (17.2 ± 0.5) and women (15.3 ± 0.6) (P = 0.02) and all the subscores were negatively correlated with age. On adjustement for sex and age, we found that bipolar patients had a high Dis score (P = 0.003). However, if the same analysis was performed with a lifetime history of alcohol abuse or dependence as a covariable, no such difference was found (P = 0.436). The SSS demonstrated a high degree of test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.91). Conclusion. These results suggest that sensation seeking assessed with the SSS is not a temperament characteristic associated with bipolar disorders but is instead linked to a tendency towards alcohol abuse.
An epidemiological study on eating disorders in two high schools in Naples
Authors: Cotrufo P , Barretta V , Monteleone P
Published: July 2002

In this study, we investigated the prevalence of full syndrome (FS), partial syndrome (PS) and subclinical syndrome (SCS) eating disorders in a sample of 356 high school girls. We identified two cases of anorexia nervosa (0.56%), 14 of bulimia nervosa (3.94%) and one of binge eating disorder (0.28%) according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-IV. Moreover, 17 girls (4.77%) were recognized as PS cases and 49 (13.7%) as SCS cases. A follow-up is now ongoing to explore the clinical evolution of partial and subclinical syndromes.
The heterogeneous processes of cheating: Attention evidence from two eye tracking experiments
Authors: Fosgaard Toke , Jacobsen Catrine , Street Chris
Published: July 2020

Dishonesty erodes society. Although much is known about dishonesty, the process leading up to the decision of whether to be honest or dishonest is often assumed to be homogenous and is not well understood. In this paper, we take a more nuanced approach and explore more closely the process of deciding whether to cheat or be honest when an opportunity to cheat arises. We do this in two laboratory eye tracking experiments. In our first experiment (n = 193), we identify heterogeneity in the decision to cheat. Some decisions on whether to cheat or be honest exhibit relatively little variation and appear to be oriented towards cheating (or honesty) with apparently little consideration of the alternative, whereas other decisions seem to be characterized by a higher degree of consideration for both decision alternatives. Our second experiment (n = 299) demonstrates that a gaze dependent intervention in the choices process is able to affect the behavioral outcomes.
Nation‐to‐Nation in Evaluation: Utilizing an Indigenous Evaluation Model to Frame Systems and Government Evaluations
Authors: Bowman Nicole
Published: July 2020

Evaluation scholars have offered culturally responsive evaluation theories, methods, and frameworks, but few have applied them to systems or governance evaluations. Culturally responsive and systems evaluation literature does not address the unique legal and political components of sovereign Tribal/First Nations Governments. This chapter addresses literature and practice gaps through an emerging Nation‐to‐Nation (N2N) Systems Evaluation Framework. Applying Tribal Critical Theory (TCT) to systems and governance evaluations, the author builds on an emerging Tribal Critical Systems Theory (TCST) to consider future culturally responsive and legally inclusive evaluation applications at systems and governance levels. TCST is applied within an emerging N2N systems evaluation model helping evaluation practitioners conceptualize systems evaluation design used between sovereign governments.
Global motion detection and censoring in high‐density diffuse optical tomography
Authors: Sherafati Arefeh , Snyder Abraham Z. , Eggebrecht Adam T. , Bergonzi Karla M. , Burns‐Yocum Tracy M. , Lugar Heather M. , Ferradal Silvina L. , Robichaux‐Viehoever Amy , Smyser Christopher D. , Palanca Ben J. , Hershey Tamara , Culver Joseph P.
Published: July 2020

Motion‐induced artifacts can significantly corrupt optical neuroimaging, as in most neuroimaging modalities. For high‐density diffuse optical tomography (HD‐DOT) with hundreds to thousands of source‐detector pair measurements, motion detection methods are underdeveloped relative to both functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and standard functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). This limitation restricts the application of HD‐DOT in many challenging imaging situations and subject populations (e.g., bedside monitoring and children). Here, we evaluated a new motion detection method for multi‐channel optical imaging systems that leverages spatial patterns across measurement channels. Specifically, we introduced a global variance of temporal derivatives (GVTD) metric as a motion detection index. We showed that GVTD strongly correlates with external measures of motion and has high sensitivity and specificity to instructed motion—with an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.88, calculated based on five different types of instructed motion. Additionally, we showed that applying GVTD‐based motion censoring on both hearing words task and resting state HD‐DOT data with natural head motion results in an improved spatial similarity to fMRI mapping. We then compared the GVTD similarity scores with several commonly used motion correction methods described in the fNIRS literature, including correlation‐based signal improvement (CBSI), temporal derivative distribution repair (TDDR), wavelet filtering, and targeted principal component analysis (tPCA). We find that GVTD motion censoring on HD‐DOT data outperforms other methods and results in spatial maps more similar to those of matched fMRI data.
Principalism in public health decision making in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Ferrinho Paulo , Sidat Mohsin , Leiras Gisela , Passos Cupertino de Barros Fernando , Arruda Horácio
Published: July 2020

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic lead scientists and governmental authorities to issue clinical and public health recommendations based on progressively emerging evidence and expert opinions and many of these fast‐tracked to peer‐reviewed publications. Concerns were raised on scientific quality and generalizability of this emerging evidence.

Main argument

However, this way acting is not entirely new and often public health decisions are based on flawed and ambiguous evidence.

Thus, to better guide decisions in these circumstances, in this article we argue that there is a need to follow fundamental principles in order to guide best public health practices. We purpose the usefulness of the framework of principalism in public which has been proved useful in real life conditions as a guide in the absence of reliable evidence.

Conclusions

It is recommended the implementation of these principles in an integrated manner adopting an holistic system approach to health policies adapted to specificities of local contexts.
A review of studies on observed precipitation trends in Italy
Authors: Caporali Enrica , Lompi Marco , Pacetti Tommaso , Chiarello Valentina , Fatichi Simone
Published: July 2020

Research to detect changes in precipitation variables has become a topic of particular interest to understand modifications in water resources availability. The review is focused on the Italian territory, outlining the “state of the art” of changes in precipitation regime through a review of 54 published studies on observed rainfall trend analyses, in the period 1999–2018. The aim is to combine a large body of knowledge in a single review and to explain the main patterns of rainfall changes occurred in Italy over the last decades. The analysis focused on the Total Precipitation (TP) and the number of Wet Days (WDs) indices at the annual and seasonal scale. A weight factor is introduced to take into account the differences among studies in geographical area, time series length, and number of stations. The review is accompanied by the discussion of other rainfall related variables, that is, precipitation intensity, extreme rainfall events and meteorological droughts, which are useful to provide a broader picture of rainfall changes. Overall, there is an agreement about the tendency of a decrease in wet days on the entire Italy, with limited discrepancies in the various regions. A decrease in wet days is accompanied by a negative trend (although less evident) in total precipitation, especially in winter. Nevertheless, a univocal direction of trends (or lack of thereof) in annual total precipitation and mostly hydrological extreme events is difficult to achieve.
Effect of dry heating on egg white powder influencing water mobility and intermolecular interactions of its gels
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Wang Juntong , Chi Yuan , Ma Zihong , Geng Xuhao , Chi Yujie
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Dry heat processing remains the most promising and simple approach for achieving better gelling properties of spray‐dried egg white powder (EWP). Water mobility and intermolecular interactions in gels derived from EWP were investigated after subjecting EWP to various dry heating times (0–21 days).

RESULTS

The gel hardness and water‐holding capacity significantly increased with an increase in dry heating time (P < 0.05), and both parameters were positively correlated with gel transparency. In contrast to the coarser structure of untreated EWP gel, the gel of EWP corresponding to 15 days of dry heating time had a fine‐stranded and orderly network structure with smaller pores. An increase in the binding force between the gel and water was observed with an increase in dry heating time due to the formation of more ‘protein–water’ hydrogen bonds. Increasing the dry heating time resulted in an increase in the contribution of disulfide bonds, which in turn made a significant contribution to the rigidity of the EWP gels. By contrast, a decrease in the contribution of ionic bonds and hydrophobic interactions upon increasing the dry heating time promoted the formation of orderly networks.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, gel corresponding to EWP dry heating for 15 days had better gel properties, the highest transparency and water‐holding capacity, as well as a fine‐stranded and orderly network structure. These results provide more information on improvement of the gel properties of EWP through dry heat treatment. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Slaughterhouse By-Product Valorization: Hydrolysis Degree Modification for Higher Antimicrobial Recovery by Electroseparation
Authors: Przybylski Rémi , Bazinet Laurent , Kouach Mostafa , Goossens Jean-François , Dhulster Pascal , Firdaous Loubna , Nedjar-Arroume Naïma
Published: July 2020

In the actual context of food safety and circular economy, the separation of the α137–141 antimicrobial peptide (TSKYR, 653 Da) coming from the hydrolysis of bovine hemoglobin, a non-valorized slaughterhouse by-product, and its reuse as a preservative agent for food products during storage would be of major interest. However, depending on the degree of hydrolysis (DH) of the bovine hemoglobin, the TSKYR peptide environment into the hydrolysate will be different and would impact its recovery yield by electrodialysis with ultrafiltration membranes (EDUF), a hybrid and eco-friendly technology. In this context, five DHs (3, 5, 10, 13 and 18%) were investigated to study the influence of the peptide populations on the α137–141 selective separation by EDUF. It appeared from these results that the most appropriate DH was of 5% since a lower population of peptides between 500 and 1000 Da was present and the subunits of hemoglobin were already digested. Hence, an enrichment factor of about 13 folds for the α137–141 was obtained in comparison with the initial hydrolysate. At our knowledge, it was the first time that the effect of the hydrolysis degree of a protein is demonstrated to impact preferentially the separation of a specific peptide by EDUF.

Graphic Abstract
Aquatic Plants May Help Chesapeake Bay Resist Ocean Acidification
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: July 2020

In freshwater vegetation flats upstream of the Chesapeake, chemical reactions create molecules that raise pH levels in the bay.
An advanced prosthetic manufacturing framework for economic personalised ear prostheses
Authors: Cruz Rena L. J. , Ross Maureen T. , Skewes Jacob , Allenby Mark C. , Powell Sean K. , Woodruff Maria A.
Published: July 2020

Craniofacial prostheses are commonly used to restore aesthetics for those suffering from malformed, damaged, or missing tissue. Traditional fabrication is costly, uncomfortable for the patient, and laborious; involving several hours of hand-crafting by a prosthetist, with the results highly dependent on their skill level. In this paper, we present an advanced manufacturing framework employing three-dimensional scanning, computer-aided design, and computer-aided manufacturing to efficiently fabricate patient-specific ear prostheses. Three-dimensional scans were taken of ears of six participants using a structured light scanner. These were processed using software to model the prostheses and 3-part negative moulds, which were fabricated on a low-cost desktop 3D printer, and cast with silicone to produce ear prostheses. The average cost was approximately $3 for consumables and $116 for 2 h of labour. An injection method with smoothed 3D printed ABS moulds was also developed at a cost of approximately $155 for consumables and labour. This contrasts with traditional hand-crafted prostheses which range from $2,000 to $7,000 and take around 14 to 15 h of labour. This advanced manufacturing framework provides potential for non-invasive, low cost, and high-accuracy alternative to current techniques, is easily translatable to other prostheses, and has potential for further cost reduction.
Clinical manifestations of cuticular drusen in Korean patients
Authors: Shin Dong Hoon , Kong Mingui , Han Gyule , Han Jong Chul , Ham Don-Il
Published: July 2020

Cuticular drusen show some similarities to and differences from soft drusen in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and might thus be a unique AMD subtype. Previous studies on cuticular drusen were performed mainly in white ethnic groups, but AMD shows ethnic differences. We investigated clinical manifestations of cuticular drusen in Korean patients to evaluate possible ethnic differences. Clinical records of Korean patients with cuticular drusen were retrospectively reviewed. Fundus distribution pattern, imaging features, and presence of large drusen, drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment (PED), and macular complications, including geographic atrophy (GA), choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and acquired vitelliform lesion (AVL), were assessed via multimodal imaging in 162 eyes with cuticular drusen (n = 81 patients; 67 females; mean age: 66.6 ± 9.1 years). Diffuse distribution was found in 61.7% and peripapillary involvement in 75.3% of eyes. Large drusen, drusenoid PED, GA, CNV, and AVL were observed in 59.3%, 26.5%, 18.5%, 3.7%, and 1.2% of eyes, respectively. The macular complication prevalence was similar between patients ≤ 60 and those > 60 years old. In Korean patients, cuticular drusen were less frequently associated with macular complications than in white patients, and the proportion of macular complications differed significantly, with AVL representing an uncommon complication.
Die spezifischen Auswirkungen und Merkmale von Trampolinpark-assoziierten Verletzungen
Authors: Florido Prados Benigno , Salmanton-Garcia Jon , Bullmann Viola , Skouras Emmanouil
Published: July 2020

Einleitung In den letzten Jahrzehnten wurden Verletzungsmuster im Zusammenhang mit Trampolinspringen und Indoor-Trampolinparks (ITP) in mehreren Studien untersucht, jedoch zeigten diese unterschiedlichste Ergebnisse. Da in Deutschland bislang keine derartige Arbeit veröffentlicht wurde, war das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie, die spezifischen Trampolinpark-assoziierten Verletzungsmuster in unserer Bevölkerung zu analysieren.

Methode Retrospektiv wurden alle Patienten, die zwischen dem 01.10.2016 und dem 30.04.2018 eine ITP-bedingte Verletzung erlitten hatten, in die Studie eingeschlossen. Die Patientendaten beinhalteten neben demografischen Angaben wie Alter und Geschlecht auch Angaben zur verletzten Körperregion, Verletzungsdiagnose, Dauer der Aufnahme und Behandlung (operativ/konservativ).

Ergebnisse Im Betrachtungszeitraum von 19 Monaten erlitten 258 Patienten ITP-assoziierte Verletzungen. Bei 250 Patienten wurde eine ITP-bedingte Verletzung als Monoverletzung diagnostiziert. Das durchschnittliche Alter der Verletzten betrug 22 Jahre (IQR 15–28). 126 (50,4 %) der Verletzungen traten dabei bei Männern und 124 (49,6 %) bei Frauen auf. 168 (67,2 %) Verletzungen betrafen die untere Extremität (UE). Verstauchungen (n = 114; 45,6 %) und Frakturen ohne Luxation (n = 59; 23,6 %) waren die am häufigsten gestellten Diagnosen. Männer litten signifikant häufiger an Verletzungen der oberen Extremität (26,2 vs. 9,7 %; p = 0,010), während bei Frauen signifikant häufiger die UE betroffen war (79,8 vs. 54,8 %; p < 0,001). Insgesamt wurden 45 (18 %) Patienten stationär in unserem Krankenhaus aufgenommen, davon mussten 25 (10,0 %) Patienten operiert werden. 8 (3,1 %) Patienten erlitten Verletzungen an mehr als 1 Körperregion.

Schlussfolgerung ITP-bedingte Verletzungen traten in der zugrunde liegenden Studie bei Erwachsenen häufiger als bei Kindern auf. Die untere Extremität war in jedem Alter die am häufigsten betroffene Körperregion. Insgesamt gilt es festzustellen, dass Trampolinpark-assoziierte Verletzungen ein vielfältiges Bild zeigen und aufgrund dieses sehr heterotopen Verletzungsmusters die Behandlung moderne Unfallchirurgen vor große Herausforderungen stellen kann.
Delir – Bedeutung und Auswirkungen auf Patient und Klinik
Authors: Özlü Ismail
Published: July 2020

Patienten, die ein Delir entwickeln, leiden oft noch sehr lange unter den Folgen. Aber auch für die Kliniken und das betreuende Pflegepersonal sind delirante Patienten eine enorme Herausforderung. Autor Ismail Özlü gibt einen Überblick über die verschiedenen Arten des Delirs, seine Entstehung und Bedeutung für Patienten und klinisches Umfeld und zeigt, wie wichtig eine frühzeitige Erfassung ist.
The Mystery behind “Yawning”: A Physiological Insight
Authors: Dhar Dipak Kumar , Arora Ritik
Published: July 2020

Yawning is a very ubiquitous yet very poorly understood phenomenon. Even though with advancements in science, the scientific community has been able to decode the mechanisms and mysteries behind most of the physiological functions of the body, but we still do not have clear answers to this common activity that all of us experience numerous times on a daily basis. It is the enigma surrounding yawning that makes it all more intriguing. A lot of hypotheses and theories have been proposed since the times of Hippocrates. With more modern neuroimaging methods and bioassays available now, more meticulous inquiry is being increasingly made to elucidate a rational and scientifically sound physiological basis of yawning. A comprehensive and exhaustive study of articles and research work available on the internet on the subject was made through various search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, etc. This article attempts to provide in a nutshell the available information and knowledge on the subject and discuss its plausibility and the future direction of research in this field.
Immunohistochemical Markers of Tumor Microenvironment as Prognostic Predictors in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Study from an Oncology Centre in South India
Authors: Nair Indu R. , Sadeesh Athulya , Phalak Pooja , Keechilat Pavithran
Published: July 2020

Introduction Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) accounts for 60% of lymphomas in India. Although the survival of DLBCL patients has improved following the addition of rituximab, a subset of patients do not respond well to therapy. Among the several factors responsible for this varied response, tumor microenvironment is considered to be crucial. This study is a search for such prognostic markers in the tumor microenvironment.

Materials and Methods A total of 97 patients were selected, of whom 34 were treated with the CHOP regimen and 63 with RCHOP. Immunohistochemistry for CD68 was performed to study the stromal-1 signature and CD34 for stromal-2 signature.

Results There was a significant increase in the counts of CD68-positive cells among patients free of events. CD34 count was higher in patients with events in both CHOP and RCHOP groups.

Conclusion Additional assessment of stromal microenvironment along with the cell of origin might predict the clinical outcome better in DLBCL.
The fiscal–monetary policy mix in the euro area: challenges at the zero lower bound
Authors: Orphanides Athanasios
Published: July 2020

This paper explores the reasons for the suboptimal fiscal–monetary policy mix in the euro area in the aftermath of the global financial crisis and ways in which the status quo can be improved. A comparison of fiscal and monetary policy and of economic outcomes in the euro area, the United States and Japan suggests that both fiscal and monetary policies in the euro area have been overly tight. Fiscal policy has been hampered by the institutional framework which constrains individual states and lacks instruments to secure an appropriate aggregate stance. Monetary policy has been hampered by the distributional effects of balance sheet policies which needed to be adopted at the zero lower bound and by discretionary decisions taken before the crisis such as the reliance on credit rating agencies for determining collateral eligibility for monetary operations. The compromising of the ‘safe asset’ status of euro area sovereign debt during the crisis complicated fiscal and monetary policies. Changes in the discretionary decisions governing the implementation of monetary policy in the euro area can potentially reduce the distributional effects of policy and improve the fiscal–policy mix and longer-term prospects for the euro area.
In vitroactivity of the siderophore cephalosporin, cefiderocol, against molecularly characterized, carbapenem-non-susceptible Gram-negative bacteria from Europe
Authors: Longshaw Christopher , Manissero Davide , Tsuji Masakatsu , Echols Roger , Yamano Yoshinori
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Many carbapenem-resistant (CR) Gram-negative (GN) pathogens exhibit MDR, meaning few therapeutic options are available for CR-GN infections. Cefiderocol, a siderophore cephalosporin, has demonstrated in vitro efficacy against CR-GN bacteria. In the SIDERO-CR-2014–2016 surveillance study, European clinical isolates comprising carbapenem-non-susceptible (CarbNS) Enterobacterales and MDR non-fermenters were tested against cefiderocol and comparators.

Methods

Cefiderocol MICs were determined using iron-depleted CAMHB, and comparators using CAMHB, per recommended CLSI methodology. Carbapenemase gene profiles were determined using PCR.

Results

Isolates (N = 870) from 23 European countries comprised CarbNS Enterobacterales (n = 457), MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 177) and MDR Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 236). The most common carbapenemases were KPC (52%), OXA-48-like (19%), VIM (14%) and NDM (8%) in Enterobacterales, VIM (41%) in P. aeruginosa and OXA-23-like (57%) and OXA-24/40-like (37%) in A. baumannii. Most carbapenemase-producing isolates (65%) co-carried ESBLs. Approximately half of P. aeruginosa isolates were negative for carbapenemases, compared with 10% of Enterobacterales and 3% of A. baumannii. A similar proportion of Enterobacterales were susceptible to cefiderocol (81.6%; 79.0% of VIM producers; 51.4% of NDM producers; based on EUCAST breakpoint values) compared with comparator antimicrobial agents, including colistin (76.4%; 93.5% of VIM producers; 78.4% of NDM producers) and ceftazidime/avibactam (76.6%; 1.6% of VIM producers; 2.7% of NDM producers). Of P. aeruginosa isolates, 98.3% were susceptible to cefiderocol (100% of VIM producers), similar to colistin (100%). Against A. baumannii, 94.9% had cefiderocol MIC ≤2 mg/L and 93.6% of isolates were susceptible to colistin.

Conclusions

Cefiderocol demonstrated potent activity against CarbNS and MDR GN bacteria, including non-fermenters and a wide variety of MBL- and serine-β-lactamase-producing strains.
Epstein Virus Barr-Positive Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Associated with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Ricard Jocelyn A , Charles River , Tommee Carolina Gil , Yohe Sophia , Bell W Robert , Flanagan Margaret E
Published: July 2020

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and often fatal disease if not diagnosed and treated promptly. HLH can be due to genetic factors or infections, malignancies and collagen-associated vascular diseases. Malignancy-associated HLH is not only more common in the setting of T/NK-cell lymphomas, but may also rarely be seen in the setting of B-cell lymphoma. Here, we describe a unique case of a patient who initially was diagnosed with HLH secondary to Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infection and subsequently developed EBV-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma affecting the brain. This case highlights the spectrum of findings associated with EBV infections and the challenges in diagnosing underlying diseases associated with HLH.
Microsurgical Transcranial Approach of 112 Paraoptic Meningiomas: A Single-Center Case Series
Authors: Lefevre Etienne , Terrier Louis-Marie , Bekaert Olivier , Simonneau Adrien , Rogers Alister , Vignal-Clermont Catherine , Boissonnet Hervé , Robert Gilles , Lot Guillaume , Chauvet Dorian
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Predictors of visual outcomes after optic nerve decompression are controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the predictors of poor visual outcomes after surgery of meningiomas responsible of a compressive optic neuropathy.

METHODS

We focused on paraoptic meningiomas (POMs), which gathered tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) and anterior clinoid meningiomas (ACMs) responsible for visual impairment or threatening visual function, that underwent surgery at our institution between January 2009 and December 2015 and analyzed the clinical and radiological findings of our patients.

RESULTS

Among 112 patients who underwent surgery for a POM, a preoperative visual deficit was present in 108 patients (96.4%). Six months after surgery, 79 patients (70.5%) had a visual improvement, 15 patients (13.4%) had an unchanged vision, and 18 patients (16.1%) had deteriorated vision. A preoperative visual deficit of 6 mo or more was a strong predictor of poor visual outcome after surgery (P = .034). Poor visual outcome after surgery was not significantly related to the size of the tumor (P = .057), the age of the patient (P = .94), or the tumor extension into the optic canal (P = .47).

CONCLUSION

The duration of preoperative visual deficit was found to be a strong predictor of poor visual outcomes after surgery in POMs Other predictors of poor visual outcomes are still needed and are currently under evaluation in a prospective study at our institution.
Endovascular Embolization of a Paracavernous Arteriovenous Fistula Through a Cortical Venous Access: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Akamatsu Yosuke , Gomez-Paz Santiago , Moore Justin M , Thomas Ajith J , Ogilvy Christopher S
Published: July 2020

We present the case of a 62-yr-old female with a right bulging eye and intermittent headaches. A T2 weighted magnetic resonance image revealed a dilated serpiginous vessel in the right orbit and abnormal flow voids lateral to the orbital apex. The right internal carotid contrast injection demonstrated a dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) fed by the ophthalmic artery and drainage into the ipsilateral superficial middle cerebral veins (SMCVs) and the basal vein of Rosenthal without opacification of the cavernous sinus. A fistulous pouch was identified anterolateral to the carotid siphon. The venous phase of the left internal carotid injection demonstrated the bilateral cavernous sinuses, suggesting no involvement of the cavernous sinus with the fistula. Concerning the risk of future hemorrhagic events, endovascular treatment was recommended. Considering the robust connection of the cortical draining vein with the superior sagittal sinus (SSS), a transvenous embolization was performed. The lesion was accessed through the SSS and the right SMCV and embolized with platinum coils, resulting in complete fistula obliteration without any complications. The SMCVs can drain into paracavernous venous structure, which independently presents lateral to cavernous sinus.
1,2
Because incomplete embolization of this fistula through cavernous sinus can alter the shunt flow toward cerebral veins, we did not get into the fistula site through the cavernous sinus using conventional methods. Transvenous access through a cortical bridging vein is an efficient alternative for endovascular embolization of paracavernous dAVFs. Patient approval and consent was obtained prior to the procedure and for submission of this article.