bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An algorithm to identify rheumatoid arthritis in primary care: a Clinical Practice Research Datalink study
Authors: Muller Sara , Hider Samantha L , Raza Karim , Stack Rebecca J , Hayward Richard A , Mallen Christian D
Published: December 2015

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multisystem, inflammatory disorder associated with increased levels of morbidity and mortality. While much research into the condition is conducted in the secondary care setting, routinely collected primary care databases provide an important source of research data. This study aimed to update an algorithm to define RA that was previously developed and validated in the General Practice Research Database (GPRD).

Methods

The original algorithm consisted of two criteria. Individuals meeting at least one were considered to have RA. Criterion 1: ≥1 RA Read code and a disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) without an alternative indication. Criterion 2: ≥2 RA Read codes, with at least one ‘strong’ code and no alternative diagnoses. Lists of codes for consultations and prescriptions were obtained from the authors of the original algorithm where these were available, or compiled based on the original description and clinical knowledge. 4161 people with a first Read code for RA between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012 were selected from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD, successor to the GPRD), and the criteria applied.

Results

Code lists were updated for the introduction of new Read codes and biological DMARDs. 3577/4161 (86%) of people met the updated algorithm for RA, compared to 61% in the original development study. 62.8% of people fulfilled both Criterion 1 and Criterion 2.

Conclusions

Those wishing to define RA in the CPRD, should consider using this updated algorithm, rather than a single RA code, if they wish to identify only those who are most likely to have RA.
Dermatological disease in the older age group: a cross-sectional study in aged care facilities
Authors: Deo Maneka S , Kerse Ngaire , Vandal Alain C , Jarrett Paul
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of dermatological disease in aged care facilities, and the relationship between cognitive or physical disability and significant disease.

Setting

2 large aged care facilities in Auckland, New Zealand, each providing low and high level care.

Participants

All 161 residents of the facilities were invited to participate. The only exclusion criterion was inability to obtain consent from the individual or designated guardian. 88 participants were recruited—66 females (75%), 22 males (25%) with average age 87.1 years (SD 5.5 years).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary—presence of significant skin disease (defined as that which in the opinion of the investigators needed treatment or was identified as a patient concern) diagnosed clinically on full dermatological examination by a dermatologist or dermatology trainee.Secondary—functional and cognitive status (Rehabilitation Complexity Scale and Abbreviated Mental Test Score).

Results

81.8% were found to have at least one significant condition. The most common disorders were onychomycosis 42 (47.7%), basal cell carcinoma 13 (14.8%), asteototic eczema 11 (12.5%) and squamous cell carcinoma in situ 9 (10.2%). Other findings were invasive squamous cell carcinoma 7 (8%), bullous pemphigoid 2 (2.3%), melanoma 2 (2.3%), lichen sclerosus 2 (2.3%) and carcinoma of the breast 1 (1.1%). Inflammatory disease was more common in those with little physical disability compared with those with serious physical disability (OR 3.69; 95% CI 1.1 to 12.6, p=0.04). No significant association was found between skin disease and cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

A high rate of dermatological disease was found. Findings ranged from frequent but not life-threatening conditions (eg, onychomycosis), to those associated with a significant morbidity (eg, eczema, lichen sclerosus and bullous pemphigoid), to potentially life-threatening (eg, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma and breast cancer). Those with less significant physical impairment were found to be at greater risk of inflammatory dermatoses.
Awareness of the severity of liver disease re-examined using software-combined biomarkers of liver fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity
Authors: Poynard Thierry , Deckmyn Olivier , Munteanu Mona , Ngo Yen , Drane Fabienne , Castille Jean Marie , Housset Chantal , Ratziu Vlad
Published: December 2015

Background

Effective antiviral treatment (direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs)), the requirement for a fibrosis score to support DDA reimbursement and a screening strategy, such as the USA baby boomer campaign, should lead to an increased awareness of liver disease severity.

Objective

To compare the awareness of liver disease severity between the USA and France, two countries with similar access to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) treatments, similar rules for treatment reimbursement and similar availability of validated fibrosis tests, but with different policies, as France has no screening.

Method

The global database of the FibroTest–ActiTest, including 1 085 657 subjects between 2002 and 2014, was retrospectively analysed. Awareness was defined as the test prescription rate and was compared between the USA and France, according to year of birth, gender and dates of DAA availability and screening campaign (2013–2014).

Results

In the USA 252 688 subjects were investigated for HCV, with a dramatic increase (138%) in the test rate in 2013–2014 (119 271) compared with 2011–2012 (50 031). In France 470 762 subjects were investigated (subjects with HCV and other disease) and the rates were stable. In USA 82.4% of subjects and in France 84.6% were classified as either the highest or lowest priority. The most striking difference was the higher test rate in women born between 1935 and 1944 in France 30 384/200 672 (15.1%) compared with the USA 8035/97 079 (8.3%) (OR=1.98 (95% CI 1.93 to 2.03) p<0.0001). This resulted in twice as many cases of cirrhosis being detected, 2.6% (5191/200 672 women) and 1.3% (1303/97 079), respectively, despite the same prevalence of cirrhosis in this age group (17.1% vs 16.2%) and without any clear explanation as to why they had not been included in the USA screening.

Conclusions

This study highlighted in the USA the association between awareness of liver disease and both the HCV campaign and DAA availability. In comparison with France, there was a dramatically lower awareness of cirrhosis in the USA for women born between 1935 and 1944.
Harms from other people's drinking: an international survey of their occurrence, impacts on feeling safe and legislation relating to their control
Authors: Bellis Mark A , Quigg Zara , Hughes Karen , Ashton Kathryn , Ferris Jason , Winstock Adam
Published: December 2015

Objective

To examine factors associated with suffering harm from another person's alcohol consumption and explore how suffering such harms relate to feelings of safety in nightlife.

Design

Cross-sectional opportunistic survey (Global Drug Survey) using an online anonymous questionnaire in 11 languages promoted through newspapers, magazines and social media.

Subjects

Individuals (participating November 2014–January 2015) aged 18–34 years, reporting alcohol consumption in the past 12 months and resident in a country providing ≥250 respondents (n=21 countries; 63 725 respondents).

Main outcome measures

Harms suffered due to others’ drinking in the past 12 months, feelings of safety on nights out (on the way out, in bars/pubs, in nightclubs and when travelling home) and knowledge of over-serving laws and their implementation.

Results

In the past 12 months, >40% of respondents suffered at least one aggressive (physical, verbal or sexual assault) harm and 59.5% any harm caused by someone drunk. Suffering each category of harm was higher in younger respondents and those with more harmful alcohol consumption patterns. Men were more likely than women to have suffered physical assault (9.2% vs 4.7; p<0.001), with women much more likely to suffer sexual assault or harassment (15.3% vs 2.5%; p<0.001). Women were more likely to feel unsafe in all nightlife settings, with 40.8% typically feeling unsafe on the way home. In all settings, feeling unsafe increased with experiencing more categories of aggressive harm by a drunk person. Only 25.7% of respondents resident in countries with restrictions on selling alcohol to drunks knew about such laws and 75.8% believed that drunks usually get served alcohol.

Conclusions

Harms from others’ drinking are a threat to people's health and well-being. Public health bodies must ensure that such harms are reflected in measures of the societal costs of alcohol, and must advocate for the enforcement of legislation designed to reduce such harms.
Road traffic injuries to children during the school commute in Hyderabad, India: cross-sectional survey
Authors: Tetali Shailaja , Edwards P , Murthy G V S , Roberts I
Published: December 2015

Background

India is motorising rapidly. With increasing motorisation, road traffic injuries are predicted to increase. A third of a billion children travel to school every day in India, but little is known about children's safety during the school commute. We investigated road traffic injury to children during school journeys.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Hyderabad using a two-stage stratified cluster sampling design. We used school travel questionnaires to record any road injury in the past 12 months that resulted in at least 1 day of school missed or required treatment by a doctor or nurse. We estimated the prevalence of road injury by usual mode of travel and distance to school.

Results

The total sample was 5842 children, of whom 5789 (99.1%) children answered the question on road injury. The overall prevalence of self-reported road injury in the last 12 months during school journeys was 17% (95% CI 12.9% to 21.7%). A higher proportion of boys (25%) reported a road injury than girls (11%). There was a strong association between road injury, travel mode and distance to school. Children who cycled to school were more likely to be injured compared with children who walked (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.0). Travel by school bus was safer than walking (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.3 to 0.9).

Conclusions

A sixth of the children reported a road traffic injury in the past 12 months during school journeys in Hyderabad. Injury prevention interventions should focus on making walking and cycling safer for children.
CD4 count at antiretroviral therapy initiation and the risk of loss to follow-up: results from a multicentre cohort study
Authors: Grimsrud Anna , Cornell Morna , Schomaker Michael , Fox Matthew P , Orrell Catherine , Prozesky Hans , Stinson Kathryn , Tanser Frank , Egger Matthias , Myer Landon
Published: December 2015

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation is now recommended irrespective of CD4 count. However data on the relationship between CD4 count at ART initiation and loss to follow-up (LTFU) are limited and conflicting.

Methods

We conducted a cohort analysis including all adults initiating ART (2008–2012) at three public sector sites in South Africa. LTFU was defined as no visit in the 6 months before database closure. The Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox's proportional hazards models examined the relationship between CD4 count at ART initiation and 24-month LTFU. Final models were adjusted for demographics, year of ART initiation, programme expansion and corrected for unascertained mortality.

Results

Among 17 038 patients, the median CD4 at initiation increased from 119 (IQR 54–180) in 2008 to 257 (IQR 175–318) in 2012. In unadjusted models, observed LTFU was associated with both CD4 counts <100 cells/μL and CD4 counts ≥300 cells/μL. After adjustment, patients with CD4 counts ≥300 cells/μL were 1.35 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.63) times as likely to be LTFU after 24 months compared to those with a CD4 150–199 cells/μL. This increased risk for patients with CD4 counts ≥300 cells/μL was largest in the first 3 months on treatment. Correction for unascertained deaths attenuated the association between CD4 counts <100 cells/μL and LTFU while the association between CD4 counts ≥300 cells/μL and LTFU persisted.

Conclusions

Patients initiating ART at higher CD4 counts may be at increased risk for LTFU. With programmes initiating patients at higher CD4 counts, models of ART delivery need to be reoriented to support long-term retention.
The neurophysiology of failed visual perceptions: some implications for medical teaching
Authors: Welsby Philip D
Published: December 2015

Failed perceptions of clinical abnormalities may have a neurophysiological explanation including three major covert eye problems and seven major brain-processing problems. Seven suggestions are made in an attempt to minimise their effect. We see in detail much less than we think and there is no substitute for seeing real-life clinical abnormalities.
Acute kidney injury in three dogs after ingestion of a descaling agent containing maleic acid
Authors: Schweighauser Ariane , Francey Thierry , Gurtner Corinne , Kupferschmidt Hugo , Rauber‐Lüthy Christine
Published: December 2015

Maleic acid (MA) is a common component of descaling products and is widely used in daily life. Accidental ingestion in relevant amounts does not play a major role in human beings; however, it seems to be highly toxic for dogs. It has been commonly used experimentally to induce Fanconi syndrome in dogs or small rodents. Two dogs were presented for acute kidney injury (AKI) after accidental ingestion of a descaling agent containing MA at an estimated amount of 70 mg/kg each. The third dog involved was euthanased by the referring veterinarian, and postmortem pathological analysis revealed severe acute tubular necrosis consistent with toxic nephropathy. The other dogs received symptomatic therapy for AKI including treatment with haemodialysis and showed complete normalisation of serum creatinine at a follow‐up after five months. Renal damage can be very severe, but seems to be at least partially reversible and an attempt to treatment is warranted.
An Algebraic Framework for the Verification of Context-Aware Adaptive Systems
Authors: Ksystra Katerina , Stefaneas Petros , Frangos Panayiotis
Published: December 2015

Context-aware and self adaptive systems have become very popular during the last decade. As these technologies are increasingly used in the development of critical applications, their behavior should be extensively analyzed. While formal methods provide a wide range of techniques for reasoning about software systems, addressing formally the requirements of context-aware adaptive systems in a consistent way remains a challenge. To this end, in this paper we present an algebraic framework for their formal specification using Observational Transition Systems (OTSs) specified in the CafeOBJ algebraic specification language. This approach permits the verification of the design of such systems, and can be an effective approach to obtaining verified context-aware software. We apply the proposed framework to the modeling of a context-aware adaptive traffic monitoring system and use theorem proving techniques to prove safety properties for that system.
Topology Optimized Vibration Control of a Fluid–Conveying Carbon Nanotube with Non-Uniform Magnetic Field
Authors: Zhang Zijun , Liu Yongshou , Zhao Hailong , Liu Wei
Published: December 2015

This paper presents an approach to control the fluid-induced vibration of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) embedded in viscoelastic medium with topology non-uniform magnetic field. Non-local continuum theory and homogenization equivalence are employed to conclude small-scale effects of the carbon nanotube (CNT) and the nanofluid, respectively. Simply supported, fixed–fixed and fixed–pinned fluid–conveying carbon nanotubes (FCCNTs) with sliding and no-sliding ends are chosen as samples to illustrate the control effect of the magnetic field, and the optimal magnetic field distributions are obtained through genetic algorithm (GA). Dynamic characteristics (the eigen-frequencies and the critical velocities) of different FCCNT models are calculated through differential quadrature (DQ) method. The control effects of the magnetic field can be validated through examining the stiffness enhancement of the Ampere’s force. Results present that the eigen-frequencies and critical velocities of different FCCNTs are all raised by 3–13% through the given magnetic fields. Contrasts between different models illustrate that the dynamic stiffness of simply supported FCCNT with no-sliding ends is enhanced mostly by the magnetic field.
Evidence from Rb–Sr mineral ages for multiple orogenic events in the Caledonides of Shetland, Scotland
Authors: Walker S. , Thirlwall M. F. , Strachan R. A. , Bird A. F.
Published: December 2015

Shetland occupies a unique central location within the North Atlantic Caledonides. Thirty-three new high-precision Rb–Sr mineral ages indicate a polyorogenic history. Ages of 723–702 Ma obtained from the vicinity of the Wester Keolka Shear Zone indicate a Neoproterozoic (Knoydartian) age and preclude its correlation with the Silurian Moine Thrust. Ordovician ages of
c
. 480–443 Ma obtained from the Yell Sound Group and the East Mainland Succession constrain deformation fabrics and metamorphic assemblages to have formed during Grampian accretionary orogenic events, broadly contemporaneously with orogenesis of the Dalradian Supergroup in Ireland and mainland Scotland. The relative paucity of Silurian ages is attributed to a likely location at a high structural level in the Scandian nappe pile relative to mainland Scotland. Ages of
c
. 416 and
c
. 411 Ma for the Uyea Shear Zone suggest a late orogenic evolution that has more in common with East Greenland and Norway than with northern mainland Scotland.

Supplementary material:
Detailed appraisal of biotite petrography is available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18887
.
Leaving no stone unturned: the feedback between increased biotic diversity and early diagenesis during the Ordovician
Authors: Wright V. Paul , Cherns Lesley
Published: December 2015

Ordovician change in the nature of seafloor carbonates saw rapid decline of previously widespread flat pebble conglomerates and the Palaeozoic peak abundance of hardgrounds. The effective disappearance of flat pebble conglomerates, widely attributed to physical disruption of substrate by bioturbation, is reinterpreted as reflecting increased depth of carbonate precipitation below the Taphonomically Active Zone such that early lithified carbonates were less frequently reworked by scour. With deeper, more stable zones of cementation, exhumed limestones formed hardgrounds, whose mid-Ordovician acme supported rapid increase in epizoan diversity. Further deepening of cementation to below normal scour accompanied post-Ordovician decline in submarine hardgrounds.

Supplementary materials:

Database for Figure 2 is available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18896
.
Gold in Devono-Carboniferous red beds of northern Britain
Authors: Parnell John , Still John , Spinks Samuel , Bellis David
Published: December 2015

Authigenic gold occurs in Devono-Carboniferous red beds in northern Britain. Red beds exhibit concentrations of gold and pathfinder elements for gold mineralization including tellurium and mercury, at redox boundaries. Detailed studies of samples from Millport, Isle of Cumbrae, Firth of Clyde, show particles of native gold up to 10 µm size, typically with less than 15 wt% silver. Their context indicates that the gold was concentrated during diagenesis, in rocks that had not experienced regional temperatures above 100°C. These occurrences add to other evidence of a role for red beds in the genesis of gold mineralization.
Orbital calibration of the late Campanian carbon isotope event in the North Sea
Authors: Perdiou Anastasios , Thibault Nicolas , Anderskouv Kresten , van Buchem Frans , Arie Buijs Govert Joan , Bjerrum Christian J.
Published: December 2015

A new record of carbon isotopes, nannofossil biostratigraphy, gamma-ray and Fe content variations is presented for the upper Campanian of the Adda-3 core, Danish Central Graben, North Sea. The studied interval provides a revision of previously assigned late Coniacian to early Santonian ages. New biostratigraphic data indicate a late Campanian age for the 60 m thick studied interval. The Late Campanian Event (LCE) is well recorded by a 1.5‰ negative excursion in the bulk δ
13
C, along with two stepwise pre-excursion negative shifts (defining the pre-LCE). The amplitude of the LCE appears higher in the North Sea than in other areas as seen from the correlation to Germany, the UK and France. This correlation allows identification of a new 0.4‰ negative excursion (defined as the
conica
event). Fe and gamma-ray variations are used to calibrate the record with cyclostratigraphy. Fourteen 405 kyr cycles identified in the upper Campanian of Adda-3 can be correlated to North Germany. The compilation of previous results from North Germany and correlation to Adda-3 shows that the Boreal upper Campanian spans a total of 17 cycles each of 405 kyr; that is, 6.885 myr. The duration of the LCE is estimated to be
c
. 1 myr at Adda-3 and in North Germany.

Supplementary materials:
Calibration of the HH-XRF data is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.2134362
.
Prediction of uniaxial compressive strength of intact rocks using ultrasonic pulse velocity and rebound-hammer number
Authors: Selçuk Levent , Nar Azadi
Published: December 2015

Ultrasonic techniques are a simple, cost-effective, portable and non-destructive approach for evaluating the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of rocks. However, there are a number of factors affecting the ultrasonic pulse velocity (
V
p
) values. The main factors controlling the reliability of the method are surface irregularities of rock, micro-cracks and discontinuities, moisture content and porosity. To provide high prediction performances, data obtained from simple test methods are considered in combination to predict the mechanical properties of intact rocks. In this context, the use of both the
V
p
and Schmidt hammer rebound provides a better estimate of the UCS and minimizes the influence of the factors affecting the two techniques when they are used separately. The scope of this study is to assess the reliability and accuracy of the combined method in rock mechanics applications requiring the
in situ
determination of the UCS. The study material consists of various rock blocks of different strengths. The empirical relationships relating the
V
p
and rebound number (RN) were investigated using simple and multiple regression analysis. It was found that the combined method provides better estimates for UCS than
V
p
and RN separately. This method is proposed to indirectly determine the UCS of intact rocks.
Beyond Ussing's chambers: contemporary thoughts on integration of transepithelial transport
Authors: Herrmann Jeremy R. , Turner Jerrold R.
Published: December 2015

In the mid-20th century, Hans Ussing developed a chamber that allowed for the simultaneous measurement of current and labeled probe flux across epithelia. Using frog skin as a model, Ussing used his results to propose mechanisms of transcellular Na+ and K+ transport across apical (exterior/luminal) and basolateral (interior) membranes that is essentially unchanged today. Others took advantage of Ussing's chambers to study mucosal tissues, including bladder and intestines. It quickly became clear that, in some tissues, passive paracellular flux, i.e., across the tight junction, was an important component of overall transepithelial transport. Subsequent work demonstrated that activation of the apical Na+-glucose cotransporter SGLT1 regulated paracellular permeability such that intestinal paracellular transport could coordinate with and amplify transcellular transport. Intermediates in this process include activation of p38 MAPK, the apical Na+/H+ exchanger NHE3, and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). Investigators then focused on these processes in disease. They found that TNF induces barrier dysfunction via MLCK activation and downstream caveolin-1-dependent endocytosis of the tight junction protein occludin. TNF also inhibited NHE3, and both barrier loss and PKCα-dependent NHE3 inhibition were required for TNF-induced acute diarrhea, emphasizing the interplay between transcellular and paracellular transport. Finally, studies using immune-mediated inflammatory bowel disease models showed that mice lacking epithelial MLCK were initially protected, but became ill as epithelial damage progressed and provided a tight junction-independent means of barrier loss. None of these advances would have been possible without the insights provided by Ussing and others using Ussing's ingenious, and still useful, chambers.
Low esophageal mucosal blood flow in patients with nutcracker esophagus
Authors: Jiang Yanfen , Mittal Ravinder K.
Published: December 2015

Nutcracker esophagus (NE) is characterized by high-amplitude peristaltic esophageal contractions, and these patients often present with symptoms of “angina-like” or noncardiac chest pain. Tissue ischemia is a known cause of visceral pain, and the goal of our present study was to determine whether esophageal wall blood perfusion (EWBP) is reduced in patients with NE. Fourteen normal subjects (mean age 51 yr, 11 men) and 12 patients (mean age 53 yr, 9 men) with NE and noncardiac chest pain were investigated. The EWBP was measured continuously using a custom-designed laser Doppler probe tethered to a Bravo capsule, which anchored it to the esophageal wall. The baseline EWBP in normal subjects was 651 ± 27 perfusion units. In patients with NE, the baseline EWBP was significantly lower than in the normal subjects (451 ± 32 perfusion units). The EWBP decreased after injection of edrophonium (which increases muscle contractions) and increased following sublingual nitroglycerin administration (which relaxes muscle) in normal subjects, as well as in NE patients. Spontaneous pain events during the recording period were often associated with drops in the EWBP. We propose that low EWBP leads to hypoxia of the esophageal tissue, which may be a mechanism of esophageal pain in patients with NE.
Characterization of the sex-dependent myocardialS-nitrosothiol proteome
Authors: Shao Qin , Fallica Jonathan , Casin Kevin M. , Murphy Elizabeth , Steenbergen Charles , Kohr Mark J.
Published: December 2015

Premenopausal women exhibit endogenous cardioprotective signaling mechanisms that are thought to result from the beneficial effects of estrogen, which we have shown to increase protein S-nitrosylation in the heart. S-nitrosylation is a labile protein modification that increases with a number of different forms of cardioprotection, including ischemic preconditioning. Herein, we sought to identify a potential role for protein S-nitrosylation in sex-dependent cardioprotection. We utilized a Langendorff-perfused mouse heart model of ischemia-reperfusion injury with male and female hearts, and S-nitrosylation-resin-assisted capture with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to identify S-nitrosylated proteins and modification sites. Consistent with previous studies, female hearts exhibited resilience to injury with a significant increase in functional recovery compared with male hearts. In a separate set of hearts, we identified a total of 177 S-nitrosylated proteins in female hearts at baseline compared with 109 S-nitrosylated proteins in male hearts. Unique S-nitrosylated proteins in the female group included the F1FO-ATPase and cyclophilin D. We also utilized label-free peptide analysis to quantify levels of common S-nitrosylated identifications and noted that the S-nitrosylation of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a was nearly 70% lower in male hearts compared with female, with no difference in expression. Furthermore, we found a significant increase in endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression, phosphorylation, and total nitric oxide production in female hearts compared with males, likely accounting for the enhanced S-nitrosylation protein levels in female hearts. In conclusion, we identified a number of novel S-nitrosylated proteins in female hearts that are likely to contribute to sex-dependent cardioprotection.
Pentosan polysulfate preserves renal microvascular P2X1receptor reactivity and autoregulatory behavior in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats
Authors: Guan Zhengrong , Singletary Sean T. , Cha Haword , Van Beusecum Justin P. , Cook Anthony K. , Pollock Jennifer S. , Pollock David M. , Inscho Edward W.
Published: December 2015

Inflammation contributes to ANG II-associated impairment of renal autoregulation and microvascular P2X1receptor signaling, but its role in renal autoregulation in mineralocorticoid-induced hypertension is unknown. Autoregulatory behavior was assessed using the blood-perfused juxtamedullary nephron preparation. Hypertension was induced in uninephrectomized control rats (UNx) by subcutaneous implantation of a DOCA pellet plus administration of 1% NaCl in the drinking water (DOCA-salt) for 3 wk. DOCA-salt rats developed hypertension that was unaltered by anti-inflammatory treatment with pentosan polysulfate (DOCA-salt+PPS) but was suppressed with “triple therapy” (hydrochlorothiazide, hydralazine, and reserpine; DOCA-salt+TTx). Baseline arteriolar diameters were similar across all groups. UNx rats exhibited pressure-dependent vasoconstriction with diameters declining to 69 ± 2% of control at 170 mmHg, indicating intact autoregulation. DOCA-salt treatment significantly blunted this pressure-mediated vasoconstriction. Diameters remained between 91 ± 4 and 98 ± 3% of control over 65–170 mmHg, indicating impaired autoregulation. In contrast, pressure-mediated vasoconstriction was preserved in DOCA-salt+PPS and DOCA-salt+TTx rats, reaching 77 ± 7 and 75 ± 3% of control at 170 mmHg, respectively. ATP is required for autoregulation via P2X1receptor activation. ATP- and β,γ-methylene ATP (P2X1receptor agonist)-mediated vasoconstriction were markedly attenuated in DOCA-salt rats compared with UNx ( P < 0.05), but significantly improved by PPS or TTx ( P < 0.05 vs. DOCA-salt) treatment. Arteriolar responses to adenosine and UTP (P2Y2receptor agonist) were unaffected by DOCA-salt treatment. PPS and TTx significantly reduced MCP-1 and protein excretion in DOCA-salt rats. These results support the hypothesis that hypertension triggers inflammatory cascades but anti-inflammatory treatment preserves renal autoregulation in DOCA-salt rats, most likely by normalizing renal microvascular reactivity to P2X1receptor activation.
Eliminating medullary 5-HT neurons delays arousal and decreases the respiratory response to repeated episodes of hypoxia in neonatal rat pups
Authors: Darnall Robert A. , Schneider Robert W. , Tobia Christine M. , Commons Kathryn G.
Published: December 2015

Arousal from sleep is a critical defense mechanism when infants are exposed to hypoxia, and an arousal deficit has been postulated as contributing to the etiology of the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The brainstems of SIDS infants are deficient in serotonin (5-HT) and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) and have decreased binding to 5-HT receptors. This study explores a possible connection between medullary 5-HT neuronal activity and arousal from sleep in response to hypoxia. Medullary raphe 5-HT neurons were eliminated from neonatal rat pups with intracisterna magna (CM) injections of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (DHT) at P2-P3. Each pup was then exposed to four episodes of hypoxia during sleep at three developmental ages (P5, P15, and P25) to produce an arousal response. Arousal, heart rate, and respiratory rate responses of DHT-injected pups were compared with pups that received CM artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) and those that received DHT but did not have a significant reduction in medullary 5-HT neurons. During each hypoxia exposure, the time to arousal from the onset of hypoxia (latency) was measured together with continuous measurements of heart and respiratory rates, oxyhemoglobin saturation, and chamber oxygen concentration. DHT-injected pups with significant losses of medullary 5-HT neurons exhibited significantly longer arousal latencies and decreased respiratory rate responses to hypoxia compared with controls. These results support the hypothesis that in newborn and young rat pups, 5-HT neurons located in the medullary raphe contribute to the arousal response to hypoxia. Thus alterations medullary 5-HT mechanisms might contribute to an arousal deficit and contribute to death in SIDS infants.
A comparison of thermoregulatory responses to exercise between mass-matched groups with large differences in body fat
Authors: Dervis Sheila , Coombs Geoff B. , Chaseling Georgia K. , Filingeri Davide , Smoljanic Jovana , Jay Ollie
Published: December 2015

We sought to determine 1) the influence of adiposity on thermoregulatory responses independently of the confounding biophysical factors of body mass and metabolic heat production (Hprod); and 2) whether differences in adiposity should be accounted for by prescribing an exercise intensity eliciting a fixed Hprod per kilogram of lean body mass (LBM). Nine low (LO-BF) and nine high (HI-BF) body fat males matched in pairs for total body mass (TBM; LO-BF: 88.7 ± 8.4 kg, HI-BF: 90.1 ± 7.9 kg; P = 0.72), but with distinctly different percentage body fat (%BF; LO-BF: 10.8 ± 3.6%; HI-BF: 32.0 ± 5.6%; P < 0.001), cycled for 60 min at 28.1 ± 0.2°C, 26 ± 8% relative humidity (RH), at a target Hprod of 1) 550 W (FHP trial) and 2) 7.5 W/kg LBM (LBM trial). Changes in rectal temperature (ΔTre) and local sweat rate (LSR) were measured continuously while whole body sweat loss (WBSL) and net heat loss (Hloss) were estimated over 60 min. In the FHP trial, ΔTre (LO-BF: 0.66 ± 0.21°C, HI-BF: 0.87 ± 0.18°C; P = 0.02) was greater in HI-BF, whereas mean LSR (LO-BF 0.52 ± 0.19, HI-BF 0.43 ± 0.15 mg·cm−2·min−1; P = 0.19), WBSL (LO-BF 586 ± 82 ml, HI-BF 559 ± 75 ml; P = 0.47) and Hloss (LO-BF 1,867 ± 208 kJ, HI-BF 1,826 ± 224 kJ; P = 0.69) were all similar. In the LBM trial, ΔTre (LO-BF 0.82 ± 0.18°C, HI-BF 0.54 ± 0.19°C; P < 0.001), mean LSR (LO-BF 0.59 ± 0.20, HI-BF 0.38 ± 0.12 mg·cm−2·min−1; P = 0.04), WBSL (LO-BF 580 ± 106 ml, HI-BF 381 ± 68 ml; P < 0.001), and Hloss (LO-BF 1,884 ± 277 kJ, HI-BF 1,341 ± 184 kJ; P < 0.001) were all greater at end-exercise in LO-BF. In conclusion, high %BF individuals demonstrate a greater ΔTre independently of differences in mass and Hprod, possibly due to a lower mean specific heat capacity or impaired sudomotor control. However, thermoregulatory responses of groups with different adiposity levels should not be compared using a fixed Hprod in watts per kilogram lean body mass.
Atraumatic Anterior Dislocation of the Hip Joint
Authors: Ohtsuru Tadahiko , Morita Yasuyuki , Murata Yasuaki , Itou Junya , Morita Yuji , Munakata Yutaro , Kato Yoshiharu
Published: December 2015

Dislocation of the hip joint in adults is usually caused by high-energy trauma such as road traffic accidents or falls from heights. Posterior dislocation is observed in most cases. However, atraumatic anterior dislocation of the hip joint is extremely rare. We present a case of atraumatic anterior dislocation of the hip joint that was induced by an activity of daily living. The possible causes of this dislocation were anterior capsule insufficiency due to developmental dysplasia of the hip, posterior pelvic tilt following thoracolumbar kyphosis due to vertebral fracture, and acetabular anterior coverage changes by postural factor. Acetabular anterior coverage changes in the sagittal plane were measured using a tomosynthesis imaging system. This system was useful for elucidation of the dislocation mechanism in the present case.
Variation in Planned Resection of CAM FAI Based on Surgeon Experience
Authors: Ochiai Derek , Donovan Skye , Adib Farshad , Guidi Eric
Published: December 2015

Introduction. Currently, there are no definitive guidelines for the resection of a cam lesion. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors indicating the potential differences in low and high volume hip arthroscopists in marking the area of resection in cam lesions using X-rays for preoperative planning. Methods. Thirty-nine surgeons with varying levels of hip arthroscopy experience participated in the study. Surgeons filled out a survey and traced the area of optimal resection on radiographs with varying amounts of cam FAI. Participants were grouped by number of hip arthroscopies performed, years of surgical experience, and number of surgeries performed. Results. Surgeons who perform osteoplasty as a high percentage of their total hip surgeries per year correlate to the total number of hip arthroscopies performed per year (r=0.412, p<0.05) and number of years of experience (r=0.72, p<0.01). Surgeons performing greater than 50 cases per year traced a larger resection area for 3 different patients’ radiographs as compared to those performing less than 50 cases per year (117%, 143%, and 173%, p<0.05). Conclusions. This study demonstrates that surgeons with less experience (decreased number of years operating and total number of surgeries) plan for resecting less cam than do experienced surgeons.
Damping Property of a Cement‐Based Material Containing Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Li Wei-Wen , Ji Wei-Ming , Liu Yi , Xing Feng , Liu Yu-Kai
Published: December 2015

This study aimed to explore the damping property of a cement‐based material with carbon nanotube (CNT). In the study, the cement composites with different contents of CNT (0 wt%, 0.033 wt%, 0.066 wt%, and 0.1 wt%) were investigated. Logarithmic Decrement method and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) method were utilized to study the damping property of CNT/cement composite. The influences of CNT on pore size distribution and microstructure of composite were analyzed by Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), respectively. The experimental results showed that CNT/cement composite presented higher flexural strength index than that of a pure cement paste. Additional CNT could improve the vibration‐reduction capacity of cement paste. Furthermore, the experiments proved that CNT could bridge adjacent hydration products and support load transfer within cement matrix, which contributed to the energy dissipation during the loading process.
Betatrophin Acts as a Diagnostic Biomarker in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Is Negatively Associated with HDL-Cholesterol
Authors: Yi Min , Chen Rong-ping , Yang Rui , Guo Xian-feng , Zhang Jia-chun , Chen Hong
Published: December 2015

Objective. By assessing its circulating concentrations in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, we aimed to explore the associations of betatrophin with various metabolic parameters and evaluate its diagnostic value in T2DM.Methods. A total of 58 non-diabetes-mellitus (NDM) subjects and 73 age- and sex-matched newly diagnosed T2DM patients were enrolled. Correlation analyses between circulating betatrophin levels and multiple metabolic parameters were performed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the diagnostic value of betatrophin concentration in T2DM.Results. Circulating betatrophin levels were approximately 1.8 times higher in T2DM patients than in NDM individuals (median 747.12 versus 407.41 pg/mL,P<0.001). Correlation analysis showed that betatrophin was negatively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in all subjects. ROC curve analysis identified betatrophin as a potent diagnostic biomarker for T2DM. The optimal cut-off point of betatrophin concentration for predicting T2DM was 501.23 pg/mL.Conclusions. Serum betatrophin levels were markedly increased in newly diagnosed T2DM patients and further elevated in obese T2DM subjects. Betatrophin was negatively correlated with HDL-C levels. Our findings indicate that betatrophin could be a potent diagnostic biomarker for T2DM.
Elevated Plasma IL‐38 Concentrations in Patients with Acute ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Their Dynamics after Reperfusion Treatment
Authors: Zhong Yucheng , Yu Kunwu , Wang Xiang , Wang Xiaoya , Ji Qingwei , Zeng Qiutang
Published: December 2015

Objective. Recent studies suggest that IL‐38 is associated with autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, IL‐38 is expressed in human atheromatous plaque. However, the plasma levels of IL‐38 in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have not yet to be investigated. Methods. On admission, at 24 h, at 48 h, and at 7 days, plasma IL‐38, C‐reactive protein (CRP), cardiac troponin I (cTNI), and N‐terminal of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels were measured and IL‐38 gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was detected in STEMI patients. Results. The results showed that plasma IL‐38 levels and IL‐38 gene expression in PBMCs were significantly increased in STEMI patients compared with control group and were time dependent, peaked at 24 h. In addition, plasma IL‐38 levels were dramatically reduced in patients with reperfusion treatment compared with control group. Similar results were also demonstrated with CRP, cTNI, and NT‐proBNP levels. Furthermore, IL‐38 levels were found to be positively correlated with CRP, cTNI, and NT‐proBNP and be weakly negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in STEMI patients. Conclusions. The results indicate that circulating IL‐38 is a potentially novel biomarker for patients with STEMI and IL‐38 might be a new target for MI study.
Fetal Bowel Dilatation: A Sonographic Sign of Uncertain Prognosis
Authors: Silva Patrícia , Reis Filipa , Alves Paulo , Farinha Luís , Gomes Manuel Sousa , Câmara Pilar
Published: December 2015

Fetal bowel dilatation is an indirect sonographic sign of mechanical or functional bowel obstruction. The etiology of fetal bowel dilatation is a difficult prenatal diagnosis since ultrasound has limited accuracy for bowel evaluation. The authors describe a case of fetal bowel dilatation diagnosed in the third trimester.
An Elliptic Curve Cryptography-Based RFID Authentication Securing E-Health System
Authors: Lee Chin-I , Chien Hung-Yu
Published: December 2015

Mobile healthcare (M-health) systems can monitor the patients’ conditions remotely and provide the patients and doctors with access to electronic medical records, and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology plays an important role in M-health services. It is important to securely access RFID data in M-health systems: here, authentication, privacy, anonymity, and tracking resistance are desirable security properties. In 2014, He et al. proposed an elliptic curve cryptography- (ECC-) based RFID authentication protocol which is quite attractive to M-health applications, owing to its claimed performance of security, scalability, and efficiency. Unfortunately, we find their scheme fails to achieve the privacy protection if an adversary launches active tracking attacks. In this paper, we demonstrate our active attack on He et al.'s scheme and propose a new scheme to improve the security. Performance evaluation shows the improved scheme could meet the challenges of M-health applications.
Estimating Parameters of a Probabilistic Heterogeneous Block Model via the EM Algorithm
Authors: Bolla Marianna , Elbanna Ahmed
Published: December 2015

We introduce a semiparametric block model for graphs, where the within- and between-cluster edge probabilities are not constants within the blocks but are described by logistic type models, reminiscent of the 50-year-old Rasch model and the newly introducedα-βmodels. Our purpose is to give a partition of the vertices of an observed graph so that the induced subgraphs and bipartite graphs obey these models, where their strongly interlaced parameters give multiscale evaluation of the vertices at the same time. In this way, a profoundly heterogeneous version of the stochastic block model is built via mixtures of the above submodels, while the parameters are estimated with a special EM iteration.
Involvement of Angiopoietin‐2 and Tie2 Receptor Phosphorylation in STEC‐HUS Mediated by Escherichia coli O104:H4
Authors: Lukasz Alexander , Beneke Jan , Thamm Kristina , Kielstein Jan T. , Menne Jan , Mikesch Jan-Henrik , Schmidt Bernhard M. W. , Haller Hermann , Kümpers Philipp , David Sascha , Schiffer Mario
Published: December 2015

Escherichia coli O104:H4‐associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is characterized by Shiga toxin‐induced vascular damage. As indicated by recent studies, dysregulation of the angiopoietin (Angpt)/Tie2 ligand receptor system may be crucial for endothelial dysfunction in HUS. Early Angpt‐2 levels quantified in 48 adult HUS patients were predictive for a complicated clinical course, in particular for need of hemodialysis and mechanical ventilation as well as occurrence of seizures. In vitro challenge of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with patients’ sera indicated an injurious mediator role of Angpt‐2 opening future perspectives for mitigating endothelial activation in HUS.
Life History of an Endangered Marine InsectHalovelia septentrionalisEsaki (Hemiptera: Veliidae)
Authors: Ikawa Terumi , Nakazawa Aika
Published: December 2015

Halovelia septentrionalisEsaki is one of the endangered marine water striders found along the Japanese coast. It is of primary importance to investigate its life history in the field so as to develop conservation measures as well as to understand how this species has adapted to marine environments. We studied its life history in Misaki on the southern part of the Miura Peninsular near Tokyo, ca. 35°N, probably the northernmost locality not only forH. septentrionalisbut also for anyHaloveliaspecies, most of which are found in warm tropical or subtropical waters. The southern part of the Miura Peninsular has jagged coastlines with deep inner bays. Adults and nymphs were found skating along the rocky shore of inner bays with overhanging vegetation nearby. This species appeared to have at least 2 generations a year and to overwinter in the adult stage. We discussed its overwintering strategy in comparison to those of two other Japanese marine water striders.
Optimization of Gentisides Extraction fromGentiana rigescensFranch. ex Hemsl. by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Chu Bowen , Shi Yao , Li Zhimin , Tian Hao , Li Wanyi , Wang Yuanzhong
Published: December 2015

Gentisides are a class of chemical compounds which is considered as potential therapeutic substance for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. The heat reflux extraction conditions were optimized for seven kinds of gentisides from the root and rhizome ofGentiana rigescensFranch. ex Hemsl. by employing response surface method. Based on univariate test, a Box-Behnken design (BBD) was applied to the survey of relationships between response value (gentisides yield) and independent variables which were chosen from various extraction processes, including extraction temperature, extraction time, and solvent-material ratio. The optimized conditions for this extraction are as follows: extraction time of 3.40 h, extraction temperature of 74.33°C, and ratio of solvent to raw material of 10.21 : 1 mL/g. Verification assay revealed that the predicted value (99.24%) of extraction parameters from this model was mainly conformed to the experimentally observed values (98.61±0.61).