bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of short‐pulse width Nd:YAG in laser hair reduction
Authors: Jane Subodh D. , Mysore Venkataram
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Laser hair reduction (LHR) is a safe and effective way of reducing unwanted hairs over body. Long‐pulse Nd:YAG laser has over the years, been proven to be particularly safe and effective in darker skin types. While conventionally, long‐pulse Nd:YAG laser has been used, recently short‐pulse width Nd:YAG laser of 0.6‐1.6 ms which is 10‐50 times less than the standard method (long‐pulse) of Nd:YAG LHR, has become available.

Objectives

To study the effectiveness of short‐pulse width Nd:YAG laser in LHR in Indian patients.

Material and methods

This was a prospective observational study conducted over a period of 1 year. Fifty female patients with fitzpatrick skin type 3‐5 were included. Patients underwent four sessions of LHR, with an interval of 6 weeks and then follow up was done for 6 months after the last session.

Results

The mean age of patient was 29.92 years ranging from 17 to 48 years. After finishing four sessions of LHR procedure 58%, 34%, 6%, and 2% of the patients showed excellent, good, moderate, and poor improvement respectively. No complications were seen during the treatment and after follow‐up. Statistical analysis by paired t test showed the results to be statistically significant.

Conclusion

Hair reduction using unique short‐pulse width Nd:YAG laser is easy to use, safe, and effective in Indian skin.
Low‐fluence Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of melasma in Asian patients
Authors: Choi Jae Eun , Lee Dong Won , Seo Soo Hong , Ahn Hyo Hyun , Kye Young Chul
Published: October 2018

Background

Melasma is a common acquired facial pigmentary disorder that is resistant to various modalities of treatment. Recently, the low‐fluence 1064‐nm Q‐switched neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser (QSNY) has emerged as the new gold standard of melasma treatment in Asia.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low‐fluence 1064‐nm QSNY in Asian patients with melasma.

Methods

Data of patients with melasma treated with low‐fluence QSNY in the department of dermatology at the Korea University Anam Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. A 1064‐nm QSNY with 8 mm spot size and fluence of 1.2‐2.0 J/cm2 at 10 Hz was used. The results were evaluated using the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) score and the physician's global assessment (PGA).

Results

A total of 40 Korean patients with Fitzpatrick skin type III to IV were included. Patients were treated for a median of 10 sessions at a median of 1‐week intervals. The mean mMASI score decreased by 54.23% from a baseline of 3.19 ± 2.64 to 1.46 ± 1.06 after treatment. On PGA, 1 out of 40 patients (2.5%) showed excellent improvement, 14 (35%) good, 15 (37.5%) fair, 6 (15%) poor, and 4 (10%) no improvement. However, two patients showed mottled hypopigmentation and rebound hyperpigmentation.

Conclusion

Low‐fluence 1064‐nm QSNY appears to be a safe and effective treatment for Asian patients with melasma.
Effect of platelet‐rich plasma on proliferation and migration in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Cho Eun Byul , Park Gil Soon , Park Seok Soon , Jang Ye Ji , Kim Kwang Ho , Kim Kwang Joong , Park Eun Joo
Published: October 2018

Background

Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is a blood fraction that contains high concentrations of several growth factors. PRP has been recently used in skin wound healing and rejuvenation. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying PRP‐induced wound healing are unknown.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PRP on extracellular matrix remodeling, which requires the activation of dermal fibroblasts.

Methods

Cell proliferation and migration assay, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent analysis, and Western blotting were performed on PRP‐treated human skin fibroblasts.

Results

Platelet numbers were enhanced by 4.6‐fold in PRP compared to that in whole blood. PRP stimulated the proliferation and migration of human dermal fibroblasts and increased the expression of human procollagen I alpha 1, elastin, MMP‐1, and MMP‐2 in human dermal fibroblasts. PRP‐treated human dermal fibroblasts also showed a dramatic reduction in the phosphorylation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), whereas total JNK levels were not significantly reduced.

Conclusions

Collectively, PRP induced increased expression of type I collagen, elastin, MMP‐1, and MMP‐2, thereby accelerating wound healing. Our findings reveal basic mechanisms underlying PRP‐mediated tissue remodeling. Thus, these results could be exploited for clinical dermatology and skin rejuvenation.
Accommodating Options
Authors: Lazar Seth
Published: October 2018

Many of us think we have agent‐centred options to act suboptimally. Some of these involve favouring our own interests. Others involve sacrificing them. In this paper, I explore three different ways to accommodate agent‐centred options in a criterion of objective permissibility. I argue against satisficing and rational pluralism and in favour of a principle built around sensitivity to personal cost.
Novel technique for pediatric living donor liver transplantation in patients with portal vein obstruction: The “pullout technique”
Authors: Kasahara Mureo , Sasaki Kengo , Uchida Hajime , Hirata Yoshihiro , Takeda Masahiro , Fukuda Akinari , Sakamoto Seisuke
Published: October 2018

PV hypoplasia may increase the risk of posttransplant complications, especially when it extends to near the SMV and SpV junction. We described our experience of 10 pediatric cases of PV hypoplasia/thrombus in which the pullout technique was required for PV reconstruction. There were five male and five female patients. The median age was 9 months, and the median weight was 8.1 kg. The indications for the pullout technique were PV hypoplasia in seven patients and PV thrombus in 3. The inflow sites of the enlarged LGV were as follows: the main PV trunk (n = 2), the SMV and SpV junction (n = 4), and the SpV (n = 4). The posterior face of the pancreas was tunneled along the PV, and the PV was returned to its original position with or without the use of an interposed vein graft. The pullout technique created a good operative field, which allowed for the complete removal of the hypoplastic PV or thrombectomy with the safe use of various interposed vein grafts.
Wicksellian Rules and the Taylor Principle: Some Practical Implications*
Authors: Bauducco Sofia , Caputo Rodrigo
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we derive and compare the determinacy regions of price‐level targeting rules (Wicksellian rules) and Taylor rules in a standard New Keynesian model. We conclude that Wicksellian rules do not require the Taylor principle to hold in order to induce determinacy. Our results have two implications. First, in a univariate setting, the estimation of simple Taylor rules when the true rule is Wicksellian can lead to the erroneous conclusion that the equilibrium is indeterminate. Second, indeterminacy is ruled out when using system‐based methods, but it can be concluded that the central bank is less averse to inflation movements than it actually is.
Effects of high‐intensity functional circuit training on motor function and sport motivation in healthy, inactive adults
Authors: Wilke Jan , Kaiser Stefanie , Niederer Daniel , Kalo Kristin , Engeroff Tobias , Morath Christian , Vogt Lutz , Banzer Winfried
Published: October 2018

Purpose

A small share of the world's population meets current physical activity guidelines, which recommend regular engagement in endurance, strength, and neuromotor exercise. As lack of time represents a major cause of inactivity, multidimensional training methods with short durations may provide a promising alternative to classical, volume‐oriented approaches focusing on one biomotor ability. This trial examined the effects of a high‐intensity functional circuit training (HIFCT) on motor performance and exercise motivation in untrained adults.

Methods

Thirty‐three inactive participants were randomly allocated to two groups exercising for six weeks. The intervention group (HIFCT, n = 20) 3×/week performed functional whole‐body exercises in a circuit. Each 15‐minute workout included repetitive 20s all‐out bouts with 10s breaks. In the comparison group (moderate aerobic exercise, MAE, n = 13), the participants walked 3×/week for 50 minutes at moderate intensity. Measured motor outcomes were cycling endurance capacity (respiratory threshold, maximum workload), maximum strength (leg and chest press), postural control (force plate), and jump capacity (counter‐movement jump, single leg hop for distance); exercise motivation was assessed using the self‐concordance index.

Results

In comparison with MAE, HIFCT enhanced maximum leg strength (between‐group difference of relative pre‐ to post‐changes of 5.0%), shoulder strength (7.6%), and endurance workload (5.0%; P < 0.05), while increasing motivation to exercise (+5.5 points, P < 0.05). No between‐group differences occurred for postural control and jump capacity (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Despite considerably shorter training duration, HIFCT enhances motor function and motivation to exercise more effectively than MAE. Further research should investigate the long‐term adherence to the program and its effectiveness in other settings.
Bioaugmentation of floating treatment wetlands for the remediation of textile effluent
Authors: Tara Nain , Iqbal Mazhar , Mahmood Khan Qaisar , Afzal Muhammad
Published: October 2018

This pilot study evaluated the effects of bacterial augmentation on the efficiency of floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) to remediate textile wastewater. Two wetland plants, Phragmites australis and Typha domingensis, were used to develop FTWs, which were then augmented with a bacterial consortium of three strains (Acinetobacter junii, Pseudomonas indoloxydans, and Rhodococcus sp.). Results showed that both plant species removed colour, organic matter, toxicity, and heavy metals from textile wastewater and their removal efficiency was further enhanced by augmentation with bacteria. The maximum removal efficiencies of colour, COD and BOD after an 8‐day period were 97, 87 and 92%, respectively, by FTWs carrying P. australis inoculated with the bacterial consortium. Furthermore, the same combination showed 87–99% reduction of heavy metals in the textile wastewater as well. These results indicate that FTWs can be used for the treatment of textile effluent and their working efficiency can be improved by plant‐bacterial synergism.
Occupational therapy interventions in child and adolescent mental health: a mixed methods systematic review protocol
Authors: Brooks Rob , Bannigan Katrina
Published: October 2018

Review question/objective:

The question of this review is: what is the effectiveness of occupational therapy on participation in everyday occupations for children and adolescents with mental health difficulties? The objective is to identify the evidence of occupational therapy interventions that are occupation-based and/or occupation-focused.

The quantitative component of the review will consider studies that evaluate the effectiveness of occupation-based and/or occupation-focused interventions; the qualitative component of this review will consider studies that investigate the experiences of these interventions, and the textual component of this review will consider publications that describe these occupational therapy interventions.

The quantitative objective is to identify the effectiveness of occupational therapy on participation in everyday occupations for children and adolescents with mental health difficulties.

The qualitative objective is to identify the experiences of occupational therapy interventions on participation for children and adolescents with mental health difficulties in everyday activities.

The textual objective is to identify narrative, text and opinion about occupational therapy interventions on the participation of children and adolescents mental health that have yet to be subjected to empirical analysis.
Experiences of learning, development and preparedness for clinical practice among undergraduate paramedicine students, graduate/intern paramedics and their preceptors: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Hanna Hilding , Jordan Zoe , Peters Micah D.J.
Published: October 2018

Review question:

What are the barriers and facilitators related to learning, development, and preparedness for practice from the perspective of undergraduate paramedicine students, graduate/intern paramedics and the preceptors/trainers that facilitate learning?
Experiences of women who have planned unassisted home births: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Macdonald Danielle , Etowa Josephine , Helwig Melissa
Published: October 2018

Review question/objective:

The objective of this review is to identify, appraise and synthesize the qualitative evidence on the experiences of women in high resource countries who have planned unassisted home births. This qualitative review aims to answer the following question: what are the experiences of women who have planned unassisted home births?
Effectiveness of strategies and interventions aiming to assist the transition from student to newly qualified nurse: an update systematic review protocol
Authors: Edwards Deborah , Carrier Judith , Hawker Clare
Published: October 2018

Review question/objective:

The objective of this systematic review update is to evaluate recent available research on the effectiveness of strategies and interventions aiming to assist the transition from student to newly qualified nurse for job satisfaction, confidence, competence, knowledge, stress, anxiety, retention, turnover and costs.
Increased sensitivity of the circadian system to light in delayed sleep–wake phase disorder
Authors: Watson Lauren A. , Phillips Andrew J. K. , Hosken Ihaia T. , McGlashan Elise M. , Anderson Clare , Lack Leon C. , Lockley Steven W. , Rajaratnam Shantha M. W. , Cain Sean W.
Published: October 2018

Key points

This is the first study to demonstrate an altered circadian phase shifting response in a circadian rhythm sleep disorder.

Patients with delayed sleep–wake phase disorder (DSWPD) demonstrate greater sensitivity of the circadian system to the phase‐delaying effects of light.

Increased circadian sensitivity to light is associated with later circadian timing within both control and DSWPD groups.

DSWPD patients had a greater sustained pupil response after light exposure.

Treatments for DSWPD should consider sensitivity of the circadian system to light as a potential underlying vulnerability, making patients susceptible to relapse.

Patients with delayed sleep–wake phase disorder (DSWPD) exhibit delayed sleep–wake behaviour relative to desired bedtime, often leading to chronic sleep restriction and daytime dysfunction. The majority of DSWPD patients also display delayed circadian timing in the melatonin rhythm. Hypersensitivity of the circadian system to phase‐delaying light is a plausible physiological basis for DSWPD vulnerability. We compared the phase shifting response to a 6.5 h light exposure (∼150 lux) between male patients with diagnosed DSWPD (n = 10; aged 20.8 ± 2.3 years) and male healthy controls (n = 11; aged 22.4 ± 3.3 years). Salivary dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) was measured under controlled conditions in dim light (<3 lux) before and after light exposure. Correcting for the circadian time of the light exposure, DSWPD patients exhibited 31.5% greater phase delay shifts than healthy controls. In both groups, a later initial melatonin phase was associated with a greater magnitude phase shift, indicating that increased circadian sensitivity to light may be a factor that contributes to delayed phase, even in non‐clinical groups. DSWPD patients also had reduced pupil size following the light exposure, and showed a trend towards increased melatonin suppression during light exposure. These findings indicate that, for patients with DSWPD, assessment of light sensitivity may be an important factor that can inform behavioural therapy, including minimization of exposure to phase‐delaying night‐time light.
Development and Application of Interferometric On-Machine Surface Measurement for Ultraprecision Turning Process
Authors: Li Duo , Jiang Xiangqian , Tong Zhen , Blunt Liam
Published: October 2018

The continuing evolution of ultraprecision machining places an increasing need to perform surface measurement in the manufacturing environment. Development of on-machine surface measurement (OMSM) tools for ultraprecision machining processes will enable the reduction of measurement cycle time as well as the potential improvement of machining accuracy. In the present study, an in-house designed interferometer probe is integrated onto an ultraprecision diamond turning machine. System configuration, calibration scheme and various scanning strategies are first presented. The benefit of OMSM preserves the consistency between the machining and measurement coordinate system. Two applications of OMSM for ultraprecision turning process are further investigated. To further improve the surface accuracy, corrective machining is carried out based on the on-machine measured data. The profile accuracy of a cosine curve sample was improved after corrective machining with OMSM. Moreover, process investigation with OMSM was employed to model the effect of process parameters on the form error in ultraprecision cylindrical turning process. OMSM enables the consistent measurement of part coordinates for each experimental run, which is critical for acquiring a deterministic response for empirical modeling. A reduced quadratic model was built by means of response surface methodology and verified by the test for significance of the regression model. The confirmation tests show that the model predicted value conformed to the experimental value with a difference less than 4%.
Design and Numerical Analysis of a Vane Shaped Receiver Hole in a Cover-Plate Preswirl System
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Liu Gaowen , Kong Xiaozhi , Wang Yangang
Published: October 2018

In a cover-plate system, rotating receiver hole is an important component, because its structure and characteristics directly influence the aerodynamic loss and cooling performance in the preswirl system. A new type of vane shaped (VS) receiver hole was designed and presented in this paper. Numerical simulations were carried out to compare the performances among high-radius direct transfer system (model-A), low-radius cover-plate system with simple drilled (SD) receiver holes (model-B), and low-radius cover-plate system with VS receiver holes (model-C). Results indicate that for the operating conditions simulated here, temperature drop effectiveness of the high-radius preswirl system is much better compared to the low-radius system with SD receiver hole. With VS receiver hole, the aerodynamic loss in model-C is the lowest. The nondimensional static pressure at preswirl nozzle exit is only 0.93, around 10% lower than model-B. Moreover, it has a more remarkable cooling performance. The temperature drop effectiveness of model-C can be as high as 0.52, around 67.7% higher compared to model-A. The system with VS receiver hole could not only realize the advantage of low leakage flow as a low-radius system, but also could achieve higher temperature drop compared to high-radius system.
NSF issues sexual harassment policy as NIH promises action
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey , Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: October 2018

Funding agencies face challenge of sanctioning grantees found guilty without disrupting academic research.
Bridging the gap
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: October 2018

In a bid to ease a history of mistrust, a summer workshop trains Indigenous scientists in genomics.
Technology Feature | Pharmacogenomics: Better drugs through better screening
Authors: Roberts Josh P.
Published: October 2018

While it's commonplace to test for liver and kidney function before prescribing certain drugs, that's not so much the case when it comes to testing for how drugs might interact with our genes—even though a variant gene can pose as much risk as compromised hepatic or renal function.
Neutrophil extracellular traps produced during inflammation awaken dormant cancer cells in mice
Authors: Albrengues Jean , Shields Mario A. , Ng David , Park Chun Gwon , Ambrico Alexandra , Poindexter Morgan E. , Upadhyay Priya , Uyeminami Dale L. , Pommier Arnaud , Küttner Victoria , Bružas Emilis , Maiorino Laura , Bautista Carmelita , Carmona Ellese M. , Gimotty Phyllis A. , Fearon Douglas T. , Chang Kenneth , Lyons Scott K. , Pinkerton Kent E. , Trotman Lloyd C. , Goldberg Michael S. , Yeh Johannes T.-H. , Egeblad Mikala
Published: October 2018

Waking up in a trap

Cancer patients who have undergone successful treatment can experience relapse of their disease years or even decades later. This is because cancer cells that have disseminated beyond the primary tumor site enter a state of dormancy, where they remain viable but not proliferating. Eventually, by mechanisms that are poorly understood, these clinically undetectable cells “wake up” and form actively growing metastases. Studying mouse models, Albrengues
et al.
found that sustained lung inflammation and the accompanying formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) could convert dormant cancer cells to aggressive lung metastases (see the Perspective by Aguirre-Ghiso). Awakening of these cells was associated with NET-mediated remodeling of the extracellular matrix and could be prevented by an antibody against the remodeled version of a matrix protein called laminin-111.

Science
, this issue p.
eaao4227
; see also p.
1314
Comment on “DNA damage is a pervasive cause of sequencing errors, directly confounding variant identification”
Authors: Stewart Chip , Leshchiner Ignaty , Hess Julian , Getz Gad
Published: October 2018

Chen
et al
. (Reports, 17 February 2017, p. 752) highlight an important problem of sequencing artifacts caused by DNA damage at the time of sample processing. However, their manuscript contains several errors that led the authors to incorrect conclusions. Moreover, the same sequencing artifacts were previously described and mitigated in The Cancer Genome Atlas and other published sequencing projects.
Arylsulfonylacetamides as bifunctional reagents for alkene aminoarylation
Authors: Monos Timothy M. , McAtee Rory C. , Stephenson Corey R. J.
Published: October 2018

Arenes and amides from a single source

Pharmaceutical synthesis often requires the formation of adjacent carbon-carbon and carbon-nitrogen bonds. Monos
et al.
present a method that delivers the carbon and nitrogen components in a single reagent, specifically, an aryl ring tethered through sulfur dioxide to an amide. A light-activated catalyst primes an olefin to react with the nitrogen, which in turn leads to migration of the aryl ring and loss of the sulfur bridge. The efficient room-temperature process is applicable to a variety of different arenes, including heterocycles.

Science
, this issue p.
1369
Ultrafast electro-optic light with subcycle control
Authors: Carlson David R. , Hickstein Daniel D. , Zhang Wei , Metcalf Andrew J. , Quinlan Franklyn , Diddams Scott A. , Papp Scott B.
Published: October 2018

Making ultrafast cycles of light

The ability to generate coherent optical frequency combs has had a huge impact on precision metrology, imaging, and sensing applications. On closer inspection, the broadband “white light” generated through the interaction of femtosecond mode-locked laser pulses is composed of billions or trillions of precisely spaced wavelengths of light. Carlson
et al.
demonstrate an alternative to the mode-locked laser approach—the electro-optic modulation of a continuous-wave laser light source can also generate optical frequency combs (see the Perspective by Torres-Company). The electro-optic modulation techniques can operate at much higher repetition rates than mode-locked lasers, which means they could potentially yield even more precise measurements.

Science
, this issue p.
1358
; see also p.
1316
Dynamic DNA methylation: In the right place at the right time
Authors: Luo Chongyuan , Hajkova Petra , Ecker Joseph R.
Published: October 2018

The classical model of cytosine DNA methylation (the presence of 5-methylcytosine, 5mC) regulation depicts this covalent modification as a stable repressive regulator of promoter activity. However, whole-genome analysis of 5mC reveals widespread tissue- and cell type–specific patterns and pervasive dynamics during mammalian development. Here we review recent findings that delineate 5mC functions in developmental stages and diverse genomic compartments as well as discuss the molecular mechanisms that connect transcriptional regulation and 5mC. Beyond the newly appreciated dynamics, regulatory roles for 5mC have been suggested in new biological contexts, such as learning and memory or aging. The use of new single-cell measurement techniques and precise editing tools will enable functional analyses of 5mC in gene expression, clarifying its role in various biological processes.
Developmental enhancers and chromosome topology
Authors: Furlong Eileen E. M. , Levine Michael
Published: October 2018

Developmental enhancers mediate on/off patterns of gene expression in specific cell types at particular stages during metazoan embryogenesis. They typically integrate multiple signals and regulatory determinants to achieve precise spatiotemporal expression. Such enhancers can map quite far—one megabase or more—from the genes they regulate. How remote enhancers relay regulatory information to their target promoters is one of the central mysteries of genome organization and function. A variety of contrasting mechanisms have been proposed over the years, including enhancer tracking, linking, looping, and mobilization to transcription factories. We argue that extreme versions of these mechanisms cannot account for the transcriptional dynamics and precision seen in living cells, tissues, and embryos. We describe emerging evidence for dynamic three-dimensional hubs that combine different elements of the classical models.
Me and you and everyone we know
You: A Natural History
William B. Irvine
Oxford University Press, 2018. 248 pp.
Authors: Goldman Michael A.
Published: October 2018

From the Big Bang to our early ancestors, a philosopher probes human origins and identity
Electro-optic combs rise above the noise
Authors: Torres-Company Victor
Published: October 2018

Electro-optic modulation of light can have a precision equivalent to one optical-field cycle
Huntingtin suppression restores cognitive function in a mouse model of Huntington’s disease
Authors: Southwell Amber L. , Kordasiewicz Holly B. , Langbehn Douglas , Skotte Niels H. , Parsons Matthew P. , Villanueva Erika B. , Caron Nicholas S. , Østergaard Michael E. , Anderson Lisa M. , Xie Yuanyun , Cengio Louisa Dal , Findlay-Black Hailey , Doty Crystal N. , Fitsimmons Bethany , Swayze Eric E. , Seth Punit P. , Raymond Lynn A. , Frank Bennett C. , Hayden Michael R.
Published: October 2018

Mutant huntingtin suppression with antisense oligonucleotides reverses cognitive impairments in a mouse model of Huntington’s disease.
Deletion of Interleukin-4 Receptor Alpha-Responsive Keratinocytes in BALB/c Mice Does Not Alter Susceptibility to Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Govender Melissa , Hurdayal Ramona , Martinez-Salazar Berenice , Gqada Kaya , Pillay Shandre , Gcanga Lorna , Passelli Katiuska , Nieuwenhuizen Natalie E. , Tacchini-Cottier Fabienne , Guler Reto , Brombacher Frank
Published: October 2018

The skin microenvironment at the site of infection plays a role in the early events that determine protective T helper 1/type 1 immune responses during cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) infection. During CL in nonhealing BALB/c mice, early interleukin-4 (IL-4) can instruct dendritic cells for protective Th1 immunity.
Remodeling mTORC1 Responsiveness to Amino Acids by the Herpes Simplex Virus UL46 and Us3 Gene Products Supports Replication during Nutrient Insufficiency
Authors: Vink Elizabeth I. , Lee Sora , Smiley James R. , Mohr Ian
Published: October 2018

Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a multisubunit cellular kinase that coordinates protein synthesis with changing amino acid levels. During amino acid insufficiency, mTORC1 is repressed in uninfected cells, dampening protein synthesis and potentially restricting virus reproduction. Here, we establish that HSV-1 alters the responsiveness of mTORC1 to metabolic stress resulting from amino acid insufficiency. Unlike in uninfected cells, mTORC1 remains activated in HSV-1-infected cells deprived of amino acids. Synergistic action of the HSV-1 UL46 gene product, which stimulates PI 3-kinase, and the Us3 kinase supports virus reproduction during amino acid withdrawal. These results define how HSV-1, a medically important human pathogen associated with a range of diseases, uncouples mTORC1 activation from amino acid availability. Furthermore, they help explain how the virus reproduces during physiological stress. Reproduction triggered by physiological stress is characteristic of herpesvirus infections, where lifelong latency is punctuated by episodic reactivation events.
Draft Genome Sequences of Five Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Skin Lesions in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis in the Russian Federation
Authors: Dmitrenko Olga , Alkhovsky Sergey , Balbutskaya Anna , Tikhomirov Timur , Fedorova Natalia , Gintsburg Alexander
Published: October 2018

We present here draft genome sequences of five
Staphylococcus aureus
strains obtained from children suffering from atopic dermatitis. The strains were determined to be of five different sequence types (sequence type 1 [ST1], ST7, ST8, ST15, and ST101) and carried a unique combination of superantigen-like protein (SSL) and serine protease genes.
Gapless, Unambiguous Genome Sequence for Escherichia coli C, a Workhorse of Industrial Biology
Authors: Pekar Jonathan E. , Phaneuf Patrick , Szubin Richard , Palsson Bernhard , Feist Adam , Monk Jonathan M.
Published: October 2018

Escherichia coli
C is a commonly used strain in the bioprocessing industry, but despite its utility, the publicly available sequence of the
E. coli
C genome has gaps and 4,180 ambiguous base calls. Here, we present an updated, high-quality, unambiguous genome sequence with no assembly gaps.
Complete Genome Sequences of 18 Paenibacillus larvae Phages from the Western United States
Authors: Merrill Bryan D. , Fajardo Christopher P. , Hilton Jared A. , Payne Ashley M. , Ward Andy T. , Walker Jamison K. , Dhalai Aziza , Imahara Cameron , Mangohig James , Monk Josh , Pascacio Cristian , Rai Padmani , Salisbury Alicia , Velez Kathie , Bloomfield Travis J. , Buhler Brett , Duncan Steven G. , Fuhriman David A. , George Josil , Graves Kiel , Heaton Karli , Hill Hunter L. , Kim Michelle , Knabe Bradley K. , Ririe Devin B. , Rogers Spencer L. , Stamereilers Casey , Stephenson Michael B. , Usher Brittian K. , Ward Colton S. , Withers Jacob M. , Wright Cole K. , Breakwell Donald P. , Grose Julianne H. , Hope Sandra , Tsourkas Philippos K.
Published: October 2018

We present here the complete genomes of 18 phages that infect
Paenibacillus larvae
, the causative agent of American foulbrood in honeybees. The phages were isolated between 2014 and 2016 as part of an undergraduate phage discovery course at Brigham Young University.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Arcobacter trophiarum Type Strain LMG 25534
Authors: Miller William G. , Yee Emma
Published: October 2018

Arcobacter
species have been recovered from food and/or food animals, and several of these species are potential human pathogens.
Arcobacter trophiarum
was recovered from fecal samples taken from pigs on two Belgian farms.
Highly Reduced Genome of the New Species
Mycobacterium uberis
, the Causative Agent of Nodular Thelitis and Tuberculoid Scrotitis in Livestock and a Close Relative of the Leprosy Bacilli
Authors: Benjak Andrej , Avanzi Charlotte , Benito Yvonne , Breysse Franck , Chartier Christophe , Boschiroli Maria-Laura , Fourichon Christine , Michelet Lorraine , Pin Didier , Flandrois Jean-Pierre , Bruyere Pierre , Dumitrescu Oana , Cole Stewart T. , Lina Gerard
Published: October 2018

M. uberis
is an emerging skin pathogen in dairy animals. Its genome underwent massive reduction and gene decay, leading to a minimal set of genes required for an obligatory intracellular lifestyle, which highly resembles the evolution of the leprosy agents
M. leprae
and
M. lepromatosis
. The genomic similarity between
M. uberis
and the leprosy bacilli can help in identifying key virulence factors of these closely related species or in identifying genes responsible for the distinct differences between thelitis or scrotitis and leprosy with respect to clinical manifestations. Specific DNA markers can now be developed for quick detection of this pathogen.
Olmesartan-induced enteropathy
Authors: Onteddu Nirmal K , Pulivarthi Venkata Siva Krishna Kumar , Ginnavaram Mihira , Kedika Ramalinga
Published: October 2018

Olmesartan-induced enteropathy (OIE) typically presents with a constellation of signs and symptoms including chronic diarrhoea, weight loss and villous atrophy on biopsy. We describe a 68-year-old Caucasian woman with a history of hypothyroidism and hypertension who presented to our hospital with recurrent episodes of acute intermittent diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, renal failure and 15 lbs weight loss. After an extensive workup, she was diagnosed with possible OIE. Cessation of the offending drug resulted in improvement of clinical symptoms and also hospital admissions for severe diarrhoea reinforcing the diagnosis of OIE. Among the adverse effects of drug therapy, diarrhoea is a relatively frequent adverse event accounting for about 7%. This report serves as an addition to existing literature and to increase the awareness of olmesartan-induced sprue-like enteropathy among the primary care physicians and gastroenterologists.
Beliefs and reality of e-cigarette smoking
Authors: Menakuru Sasmith , Inzamam Ali Mir
Published: October 2018

In this global health case study, we describe a case of nicotine addiction due to chronic use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette) and discuss the beliefs on safety and awareness of their side effects. Many people believe that smoking an e-cigarette (vaping) does not have any side effects, especially among teenagers and young adults. Teenagers using an e-cigarette at a young age are twice as likely to try cigarettes later in their life because of nicotine dependency or other social factors. More recent studies have shown long-term systemic side effects of vaping regardless of traditional cigarette smoking history. This report was done for further assessing their risk and to clear out misconceptions of this large-scale condition.
Ehrlichiosis masquerading as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Chen Dafang , Cholin Liza , Jalil Bilal Athar , El-Kersh Karim
Published: October 2018

Ehrlichiosis is a rare tickborne illness that can manifest from an asymptomatic, self-limiting disease to a severe presentation with encephalopathy and renal failure. Ehrlichiosis is diagnosed largely based on patient history with confirmatory tests including peripheral blood smear, serology and PCR. Empiric treatment is warranted in patients with suspected tick bites as a delay in treatment can result in multiorgan failure. We discuss a case of ehrlichiosis that presented with the classic pentad of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). A history of a tick bite was elicited and intravenous doxycycline 100 mg two times a day was initiated. Tick panel results revealed a positive Ehrlichia chaffeensis IgG and IgM titres, consistent with human monocytic ehrlichiosis. Autoimmune workup and antibodies to Borreliaburgdorferi were negative, and ADAMTS13 activity assay results were inconsistent with TTP. The patient completed 14 days of intravenous doxycycline and had an uneventful recovery.
Dynamics and Determinants of HPV Infection: The Michigan HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancer (M-HOC) Study
Authors: Eisenberg Marisa C , Campredon Lora P , Brouwer Andrew F , Walline Heather M , Marinelli Brittany M , Lau Yan Kwan , Thomas Trey B , Delinger Rachel L , Sullivan Taylor S , Yost Monica L , Goudsmit Christine M , Carey Thomas E , Meza Rafael
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical and other anogenital cancers and is also associated with head and neck cancers. Incidence of HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell cancers (OPSCCs) is increasing, and HPV-related OPSCCs have surpassed cervical cancer as the most common HPV-related cancer in the USA. Given the multisite nature of HPV, there is strong interest in collecting data from both genital and oral sites, as well as associated data on social and sexual behaviours. The overarching goal of this study is to evaluate patterns of oral HPV infection incidence, clearance and persistence and their relationship to sexual behaviour history.

Methods and analysis

Participants are recruited from two populations: college students at a large public university and general population from the surrounding area. At the first study visit, participants complete a detailed sexual history, health and behaviour questionnaire. Follow-up visits occur every 3–4 months over 3 years, when participants complete an abbreviated questionnaire. All participants provide a saliva sample at each visit, and eligible participants may provide a cervicovaginal self-swab. Genetic material isolated from specimens is tested for 15 high-risk and 3 low-risk HPV types. Statistical analyses will examine outcome variables including HPV prevalence, incidence, persistence and clearance. Logistic regression models will be used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for associations between the outcomes of interest and demographic/behavioural variables collected in the questionnaires. The longitudinal HPV infection data and detailed sexual history data collected in the questionnaires will allow us to develop individual-based network models of HPV transmission and will be used to parameterise multiscale models of HPV-related OPSC carcinogenesis.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the University of Michigan Institutional Review Board. All participants are consented in person by trained study staff. Study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.
Protocol for the Lactoferrin Infant Feeding Trial (LIFT): a randomised trial of adding lactoferrin to the feeds of very-low birthweight babies prior to hospital discharge
Authors: Martin Andrew , Ghadge Alpana , Manzoni Paolo , Lui Kei , Brown Rebecca , Tarnow-Mordi William
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Very-low birthweight (VLBW, <1500 g) infants comprise about 1%–1.4% of all births in high-income countries. Every year, about 3000 VLBW babies in Australia and New Zealand receive intensive care. Many die or else survive with severe brain injury, retinopathy, late-onset sepsis or necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), each of which carries substantial risk of disability.

Methods and analysis

This trial tests whether adding bovine lactoferrin (bLF) to feeds in VLBW infants improves (1) survival to hospital discharge free from brain injury, late-onset sepsis, NEC and treated retinopathy of prematurity (primary composite end point); (2) each component of the primary composite end point and (3) time to reach full enteral feeds, number of blood transfusions, chronic lung disease and length of hospital stay. It includes a cost-effectiveness analysis of bLF in improving survival free from major morbidity, and evaluates the effect of bLF on survival and developmental outcomes at 24 to 36 months corrected gestational age.

This is a multicentre, two-arm, randomised trial comparing the treatment group receiving bLF added to breast milk or formula milk daily (up to 250 mg/kg/day bLF) versus the control group receiving no bLF supplementation. The intervention is administered until 34 completed weeks corrected gestation or for 2 weeks, whichever is longer, or until discharge home, if earlier. The target sample size of 1500 participants yields 85% power, at the two-sided 5% level significance, to detect a difference in proportions meeting the primary outcome assuming the true probability is 74% in controls and 80.5% in the bLF group.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol was approved by Northern Sydney Local Human Research Ethics Committee in January 2017 (Version 2.0, Reference 1003-118M) and other relevant ethics committees. The findings of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12611000247976; Pre-results.
Acupuncture treatment for knee osteoarthritis with sensitive points: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Tang Li , Jia Pengli , Zhao Ling , Kang Deying , Luo Yanan , Liu Jiali , Li Ling , Zheng Hui , Li Ying , Li Ning , Guyatt Gordon , Sun Xin
Published: October 2018

Introduction

There is a lack of curative medical treatment for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Acupuncture represents an important alternative therapy. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine and preliminary clinical evidence, the patients’ acupoints and tender points may become sensitised when the body suffers from a disease state; stimulation of such sensitive points could lead to a disease improvement. It is thus hypothesised that acupuncture at highly sensitised points on patients with KOA would achieve better treatment outcomes than acupuncture at low/non-sensitised points. Previously, we conducted a pilot trial to prove the feasibility of further investigation.

Methods and analysis

A three-arm, parallel, multicentre randomised controlled trial of 666 patients will be conducted at four hospitals of China. Eligible patients with KOA who consent to participate will be randomly assigned to a high-sensitisation group (patients receive acupuncture treatment at high-sensitive points), a low/non-sensitisation group (patients receive acupuncture treatment at low/non-sensitive points) or a waiting-list group (patients receive standard acupuncture treatment after the study is concluded) via a central randomisation system using 1:1:1 ratio. The primary outcome is the change of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index total score from baseline to 16 weeks. Outcome assessors and data analysts will be blinded and participants will be asked not to reveal their allocation to assessors. The outcome analyses will be performed both on the intention-to-treat and per-protocol population. The primary analyses will test if acupuncture at highly sensitised points would achieve statistically better treatment outcomes than acupuncture at low/non-sensitised points and no acupuncture (ie, waiting list), respectively. A small number of prespecified subgroup analyses will be conducted.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been granted by the Bioethics Subcommittee of West China Hospital, Sichuan University: 2017 (Number 228). Results will be expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT03299439.
Defining significant childhood illness and injury in the Emergency Department: a consensus of UK and Ireland expert opinion
Authors: Lillitos Peter J , Lyttle Mark D , Roland Damian , Powell Colin VE , Sandell Julian , Rowland Andrew G , Chapman Susan M , Maconochie Ian K
Published: October 2018

Background

Clarifying whether paediatric early warning scores (PEWS) accurately predict significant illness is a research priority for UK and Ireland paediatric emergency medicine (EM). However, a standardised list of significant conditions to benchmark these scores does not exist.

Objectives

To establish standardised significant illness endpoints for use in determining the performance accuracy of PEWS and safety systems in emergency departments (ED), using a consensus of expert opinion in the UK and Ireland.

Design

Between July 2017 and February 2018, three online Delphi rounds established a consensus on ‘significant’ clinical conditions, derived from a list of common childhood illness/injury ED presentations. Conditions warranting acute hospital admission in the opinion of the respondent were defined as ‘significant’, using a 5-point Likert scale. The consensus was a priori ≥80% (positive or negative). 258 clinical conditions were tested.

Participants and settings

Eligible participants were consultants in acute or EM paediatrics, or adult EM, accessed via 53 PERUKI (Paediatric Emergency Research in the UK and Ireland)’s research collaborative sites, and 27 GAPRUKI (General and Adolescent Paediatric Research in the UK and Ireland)’s sites, 17 of which overlap with PERUKI.

Main outcome measures

To create a list of conditions regarded as ‘significant’with ≥80% expert consensus.

Results

43 (68%) of 63 PERUKI and GAPRUKI sites responded; 295 experts were invited to participate. Participants in rounds 1, 2 and 3 were 223 (76%), 177 (60%) and 148 (50%), respectively; 154 conditions reached positive consensus as ‘significant’; 1 condition reached a negative consensus (uncomplicated Henoch-Schönlein purpura); and 37 conditions achieved non-consensus.

Conclusions

A list of significant childhood conditions has been created using UK and Irish expert consensus, for research purposes, for the first time. This will be used as the benchmark endpoint list for future research into PEWS/safety systems performance in EDs.
Work-family conflict and job burn-out among Chinese doctors: the mediating role of coping styles
Authors: Chen Ling , Liu Junjun , Yang Hailong , Ma Hui , Wang Hui , Huang Yun , Cheng Hao , Tang Dianzhen , Liu Miao , Luo Houyuan , Qu Haitao , Shen Diwen , Zhang Ning
Published: October 2018

Background

Burn-out among doctors threatens their own health, and that of their patients. To identify risk factors of the doctor burn-out is vital to improving their health and increasing the quality of healthcare services. This study aims to explore the relationship between work-family conflict (WFC) and burn-out among Chinese doctors and the mediating role of coping styles in this relationship.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in China, with a questionnaire packet which consisted of the Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory (CMBI), WFC Scale and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ). A total of 2530 doctors participated in the survey. Correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationship between CMBI, WFC and SCSQ scores. A linear regression model was set to determine the mediating role of coping styles on the relationship between WFC and burn-out.

Results

Doctors who had higher scores on work interfering with family conflict, reported more emotional exhaustion (r=0.514, P<0.001) and had a sense of accomplishment (r=−0.149, P<0.001). Simultaneously, family interfering with work (FIW) was positively associated with all dimensions of burn-out (r=0.213, 0.504, 0.088, respectively, P<0.001). Coping styles had partial, complete and even mediating effects on the relationship between WFC and burn-out among Chinese doctors.

Conclusions

WFC was correlated with burn-out, and coping style was a mediator in this relationship among Chinese doctors. Coping style was a positive resource against burn-out.