bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5′‐AMP activated protein kinase α2 controls substrate metabolism during post‐exercise recovery via regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4
Authors: Fritzen Andreas Mæchel , Lundsgaard Anne‐Marie , Jeppesen Jacob , Christiansen Mette Landau Brabæk , Biensø Rasmus , Dyck Jason R. B. , Pilegaard Henriette , Kiens Bente
Published: September 2015

Key points

There is lower fat oxidation during post‐exercise recovery in mice lacking 5′‐AMP activated protein kinase α2 (AMPKα2).

AMPKα2 is involved in post‐transcriptional and not transcriptional regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) in muscle.

Exercise‐induced AMPKα2 activity increases PDK4 protein content, in turn inhibiting pyruvate dehydrogenase activity and glucose oxidation.

The mechanism for increased post‐exercise fat oxidation is by inhibition of carbohydrate oxidation allowing increased fat oxidation rather than by direct stimulation of fat oxidation.

It is well known that exercise has a major impact on substrate metabolism for many hours after exercise. However, the regulatory mechanisms increasing lipid oxidation and facilitating glycogen resynthesis in the post‐exercise period are unknown. To address this, substrate oxidation was measured after prolonged exercise and during the following 6 h post‐exercise in 5´‐AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) α2 and α1 knock‐out (KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice with free access to food. Substrate oxidation was similar during exercise at the same relative intensity between genotypes. During post‐exercise recovery, a lower lipid oxidation (P < 0.05) and higher glucose oxidation were observed in AMPKα2 KO (respiratory exchange ratio (RER) = 0.84 ± 0.02) than in WT and AMPKα1 KO (average RER = 0.80 ± 0.01) without genotype differences in muscle malonyl‐CoA or free‐carnitine concentrations. A similar increase in muscle pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) mRNA expression in WT and AMPKα2 KO was observed following exercise, which is consistent with AMPKα2 deficiency not affecting the exercise‐induced activation of the PDK4 transcriptional regulators HDAC4 and SIRT1. Interestingly, PDK4 protein content increased (63%, P < 0.001) in WT but remained unchanged in AMPKα2 KO. In accordance with the lack of increase in PDK4 protein content, lower (P < 0.01) inhibitory pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH)‐E1α Ser293 phosphorylation was observed in AMPKα2 KO muscle compared to WT. These findings indicate that AMPKα2 regulates muscle metabolism post‐exercise through inhibition of the PDH complex and hence glucose oxidation, subsequently creating conditions for increased fatty acid oxidation.
An iterative reduced field‐of‐view reconstruction for periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) MRI
Authors: Lin Jyh‐Miin , Patterson Andrew J. , Chang Hing‐Chiu , Gillard Jonathan H. , Graves Martin J.
Published: September 2015

Purpose:

To propose a new reduced field‐of‐view (rFOV) strategy for iterative reconstructions in a clinical environment. Iterative reconstructions can incorporate regularization terms to improve the image quality of periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) MRI. However, the large amount of calculations required for full FOV iterative reconstructions has posed a huge computational challenge for clinical usage. By subdividing the entire problem into smaller rFOVs, the iterative reconstruction can be accelerated on a desktop with a single graphic processing unit (GPU).

Methods:

This rFOV strategy divides the iterative reconstruction into blocks, based on the block‐diagonal dominant structure. A near real‐time reconstruction system was developed for the clinical MR unit, and parallel computing was implemented using the object‐oriented model. In addition, the Toeplitz method was implemented on the GPU to reduce the time required for full interpolation. Using the data acquired from the PROPELLER MRI, the reconstructed images were then saved in the digital imaging and communications in medicine format.

Results:

The proposed rFOV reconstruction reduced the gridding time by 97%, as the total iteration time was 3 s even with multiple processes running. A phantom study showed that the structure similarity index for rFOV reconstruction was statistically superior to conventional density compensation (p < 0.001). In vivo study validated the increased signal‐to‐noise ratio, which is over four times higher than with density compensation. Image sharpness index was improved using the regularized reconstruction implemented.

Conclusions:

The rFOV strategy permits near real‐time iterative reconstruction to improve the image quality of PROPELLER images. Substantial improvements in image quality metrics were validated in the experiments. The concept of rFOV reconstruction may potentially be applied to other kinds of iterative reconstructions for shortened reconstruction duration.
Repeated-High-Intensity-Running Activity and Internal Training Load of Elite Rugby Sevens Players During International Matches: A Comparison Between Halves
Authors: Suarez-Arrones Luis , Núñez Javier , de Villareal Eduardo Sáez , Gálvez Javier , Suarez-Sanchez Gabriel , Munguía-Izquierdo Diego
Published: September 2015

Purpose:

To describe the repeated-high-intensity activity and internal training load of rugby sevens players during international matches and to compare the differences between the 1st and 2nd halves.

Methods:

Twelve international-level male rugby sevens players were monitored during international competitive matches (n = 30 match files) using global positioning system technology and heart-rate monitoring.

Results:

The relative total distance covered by the players throughout the match was 112.1 ± 8.4 m/min. As a percentage of total distance, 35.0% (39.2 ± 9.0 m/min) was covered at medium speed and 17.1% (19.2 ± 6.8 m/min) at high speed. A substantial decrease in the distance covered at >14.0 km/h and >18.0 km/h, the number of accelerations of >2.78 m/s and >4.0 m/s, repeated-sprint sequences interspersed with ≤60 s rest, and repeated-acceleration sequences interspersed with ≤30 s or ≤60 s rest was observed in the 2nd half compared with the 1st half. A substantial increase in the mean heart rate (HR), HRmax, percentage of time at >80% HRmax and at >90% HRmax, and Edwards training load was observed in the 2nd half compared with the 1st half.

Conclusion:

This study provides evidence of a pronounced reduction in high-intensity and repeated-highintensity activities and increases in internal training load in rugby sevens players during the 2nd half of international matches.
A New Model for Estimating Peak Oxygen Uptake Based on Postexercise Measurements in Swimming
Authors: Chaverri Diego , Schuller Thorsten , Iglesias Xavier , Hoffmann Uwe , Rodríguez Ferran A.
Published: September 2015

Purpose:

Assessing cardiopulmonary function during swimming is a complex and cumbersome procedure. Backward extrapolation is often used to predict peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) during unimpeded swimming, but error can derive from a delay at the onset of V̇O2 recovery. The authors assessed the validity of a mathematical model based on heart rate (HR) and postexercise V̇O2 kinetics for the estimation of V̇O2peak during exercise.

Methods:

34 elite swimmers performed a maximal front-crawl 200-m swim. V̇O2 was measured breath by breath and HR from beat-to-beat intervals. Data were time-aligned and 1-s-interpolated. Exercise V̇O2peak was the average of the last 20 s of exercise. Postexercise V̇O2 was the first 20-s average during the immediate recovery. Predicted V̇O2 values (pV̇O2) were computed using the equation: pV̇O2(t) = V̇O2(t) HRend-exercise/HR(t). Average values were calculated for different time intervals and compared with measured exercise V̇O2peak.

Results:

Postexercise V̇O2 (0–20 s) underestimated V̇O2peak by 3.3% (95% CI = 9.8% underestimation to 3.2% overestimation, mean difference = –116 mL/min, SEE = 4.2%, P = .001). The best V̇O2peak estimates were offered by pV̇O2peak from 0 to 20 s (r2 = .96, mean difference = 17 mL/min, SEE = 3.8%).

Conclusions:

The high correlation (r2 = .86–.96) and agreement between exercise and predicted V̇O2 support the validity of the model, which provides accurate V̇O2peak estimations after a single maximal swim while avoiding the error of backward extrapolation and allowing the subject to swim completely unimpeded.
Effects of Priming and Pacing Strategy on Oxygen-Uptake Kinetics and Cycling Performance
Authors: Bailey Stephen J. , Vanhatalo Anni , Black Matthew I. , DiMenna Fred J. , Jones Andrew M.
Published: September 2015

Purpose:

To assess whether combining prior “priming” exercise with an all-out pacing strategy is more effective at improving oxygen-uptake (V̇O2) kinetics and cycling performance than either intervention administered independently.

Methods:

Nine men completed target-work cycling performance trials using a self-paced or all-out pacing strategy with or without prior severe-intensity (70%Δ) priming exercise. Breath-by-breath pulmonary V̇O2 and cycling power output were measured during all trials.

Results:

Compared with the self-paced unprimed control trial (22 ± 5 s), the V̇O2 mean response time (MRT) was shorter (V̇O2 kinetics were faster) with all-out pacing (17 ± 4 s) and priming (17 ± 3 s), with the lowest V̇O2 MRT observed when all-out pacing and priming were combined (15 ± 4 s) (P < .05). However, total O2 consumed and end-exercise V̇O2 were only higher than the control condition in the primed trials (P < .05). Similarly, cycling performance was improved compared with control (98 ± 11 s) in the self-paced primed (93 ± 8 s) and all-out primed (92 ± 8 s) trials (P < .05) but not the all-out unprimed trial (97 ± 5 s; P > .05).

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that combining an all-out start with severe-intensity priming exercise additively improves V̇O2 MRT but not total O2 consumption and cycling performance since these were improved by a similar magnitude in both primed trials relative to the self-paced unprimed control condition. Therefore, these results support the use of priming exercise as a precompetition intervention to improve oxidative metabolism and performance during short-duration high-intensity cycling exercise, independent of the pacing strategy adopted.
Better Early Than Late? A Philosophical Exploration of Early Sport Specialization
Authors: Torres Cesar R.
Published: September 2015

In contemporary sport, it is common to see children initiating their specialization at ever younger ages with the hope that this early start will assist them in making the elite ranks at a later age. The growing acceptance of early sport specialization has led to equally growing concerns among researchers. Clearly, as this thematic volume attests, early sport specialization is a controversial phenomenon. Sport philosophers have started to study the challenging issues related to early sport specialization and thus there is emerging literature addressing such issues. This paper reviews the sport philosophy literature touching on early sport specialization and focuses on some fundamental philosophical issues raised by early sport specialization. These issues are related to the right of children to an open future, dangerous sports, competition and coaching, and doping and genetic enhancements. The paper concludes with a brief commentary on the relevance of these issues for policy making.
Early Sport Specialization from a Pedagogical Perspective
Authors: Hastie Peter A.
Published: September 2015

This paper examines the literature within sport pedagogy that addresses early sport specialization. The paper is presented in two sections. First, research on a number of common sense assumptions about early specialization is examined from a pedagogical perspective: (a) Is limiting youths’ experiences to a single sport the best path to elite status? (b) Do early specializers receive better coaching? (c) Do coaches of early specializers have better sport content knowledge? (d) Do coaches of early specializers have better planning behaviors? (e) Do instructional climates differ between specialized and diversified coaching settings? Second, a research agenda from a pedagogical perspective is proposed for answering the questions posed in the first section, as well as the various assessments and protocols that would allow for these questions to be answered.
A cold, creeping menace
Authors: Kintisch Eli
Published: September 2015

In Alaska, frozen debris lobes threaten a key lifeline.
Top-Down Proteomics: Turning Protein Mass Spec Upside-Down
Authors: Perkel Jeffrey M.
Published: September 2015

Between alternative transcription start sites, alternative splicing, and posttranslational modifications, a given gene may produce dozens of protein variants, each with a different biological activity. Teasing apart those structure-function relationships requires mapping specific variants to their associated biological functions, and the tool of the trade for doing so is mass spectrometry. But not just any mass spec will do. Researchers need a holistic view of protein structure, data that is lost with the popular “bottom-up” proteomics strategy. Powered by today’s ultrahigh-resolution, high massaccuracy mass specs, protein biochemists are increasingly turning bottom-up upside-down. Their new alternative: topdown proteomics.

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Beautiful minds
A Beautiful Question Finding Nature's Deep Design
Frank Wilczek
Penguin Press, 2015. 476 pp.
Strange Tools Art and Human Nature
Alva Noë
Hill and Wang, 2015. 287 pp.
Authors: Frazzetto Giovanni
Published: September 2015

A physicist and a philosopher contemplate the nature of beauty and the value of art.
A new chemical economy
Chemicals Without Harm Policies for a Sustainable World
Ken Geiser
MIT Press, 2015. 456 pp.
Authors: Schwarzman Megan R.
Published: September 2015

Better living through (sustainable) chemistry
Fighting cancer while saving the mayapple
Authors: O'Connor Sarah E.
Published: September 2015

The genes required for synthesizing a plant-derived anticancer compound are identified

[Also see Report by
Lau and Sattely
]
Puerto Rico's future at stake
Authors: Colón Jorge
Published: September 2015

This week, Puerto Rico hosts scientists and other stakeholders in Caribbean science to discuss “Attaining Sustainability Through Science and Education.”
*
This comes at the end of a summer that saw the island's economy “death spiral” into a first-ever default on a bond payment. Its more than $70 billion in debt, high unemployment, and a shrinking economy are causing Puerto Ricans to leave the island in droves in search of stability. This includes young scientists and biomedical professionals. Austerity measures being considered by the Puerto Rican government include reducing support for higher education, but this would only drive the brain drain, decimate the scientific enterprise, and reduce the capacity to confront the economic and environmental challenges: a perfect storm that would be devastating to Puerto Rico's future. Robust science and technology are needed now more than ever to avoid this catastrophe.
Complete Genome Sequences of the Three African Horse Sickness Virus Strains from a Commercial Trivalent Live Attenuated Vaccine
Authors: Guthrie Alan J. , Coetzee Peter , Martin Darren P. , Lourens Carina W. , Venter Estelle H. , Weyer Camilla T. , Joone Christopher , le Grange Misha , Harper Cindy K. , Howell Peter G. , MacLachlan N. James
Published: September 2015

This is a report of the complete genome sequences of plaque-selected isolates of each of the three virus strains included in a South African commercial trivalent African horse sickness attenuated live virus vaccine.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Novel Temperate Clostridium difficile Phage phiCDIF1296T
Authors: Wittmann Johannes , Riedel Thomas , Bunk Boyke , Spröer Cathrin , Gronow Sabine , Overmann Jörg
Published: September 2015

Clostridium difficile
contains many integrated and extrachromosomal genetic elements. In this study, we determined, annotated, and analyzed the complete genome of the
C. difficile
bacteriophage phiCDIF1296T using single-molecule real-time sequencing technology. To our knowledge, this represents the largest genome (131 kb) of a temperate
C. difficile
phage recognized so far.
Characterization of Novel HIV-1 Intersubtype CRF01_AE/C and A1/C Recombinants from India
Authors: Pandey Sudhanshu Shekhar , Thakar Madhuri , Paranjape Ramesh
Published: September 2015

We report here three novel HIV-1 intersubtype recombinants from India. One among those is a recombinant between subtype C and CRF01_AE and another two between A1 and C. A recombinant virus with CRF01_AE is reported for the first time from India.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus cytotoxicus CVUAS 2833, a Very Close Relative to Type Strain NVH 391-98 Isolated from a Different Location
Authors: Böhm Maria-Elisabeth , Huptas Christopher , Krey Viktoria Magdalena , Scherer Siegfried
Published: September 2015

We report the draft genome sequence of
Bacillus cytotoxicus
CVUAS 2833, isolated from potato puree in Germany (2007), which is—despite its clearly different source—very similar to the type strain
B. cytotoxicus
NVH 391-98 isolated in France (average nucleotide identity, 99.5%).
Draft Genome Sequence of a Staphylococcus aureus Strain Isolated from a Cow with Clinical Mastitis
Authors: Sharma Paresh , Reddy D. Peddi , Kumar P. Anand , Gadicherla Ramya , George Neena , Bhandari Vasundhra
Published: September 2015

We report here the draft genome of
Staphylococcus aureus
causing clinical mastitis in a cow from India. It is a major causative agent of mastitis and, further, livestock-associated strains are emerging as a potential threat to public health, thereby warranting studies to understand the genome of this deadly pathogen.
Genome Sequence of a Burkholderia pseudomallei Clinical Isolate from a Patient with Community-Acquired Pneumonia and Septicemia
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Chiranjay , Vandana K. E. , Chaitanya T. A. K. , Shaw Tushar , Bhat H. Vinod , Chakrabarty Sanjiban , Paul Bobby , Mallya Sandeep , Murali T. S. , Satyamoorthy Kapaettu
Published: September 2015

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Burkholderia pseudomallei
CM_Manipal, the causative agent of melioidosis isolated from a diabetic patient in Manipal, southern India. The draft genome consists of 107 contigs and is 7,209,157 bp long. A total of 5,600 coding sequences (CDSs), 60 tRNAs, 12 rRNAs, and one noncoding RNA (ncRNA) were predicted from this assembly.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Nonpathogenic Soil-Dwelling Bacterium Clostridium sporogenes Strain NCIMB 10696
Authors: Kubiak Aleksandra M. , Poehlein Anja , Budd Patrick , Kuehne Sarah A. , Winzer Klaus , Theys Jan , Lambin Philip , Daniel Rolf , Minton Nigel P.
Published: September 2015

Clostridium sporogenes
is a harmless spore-forming anaerobe that is widely distributed in soil/water and in the intestines of humans and animals. It is extensively used as a safe model to test the suitability of new preservative methods by the food industry and has potential to deliver therapeutic agents to tumors.
Genome Sequence of Devriesea agamarum, Isolated from Agamid Lizards with Dermatitis
Authors: Haesendonck Roel , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip , Haesebrouck Freddy , Deforce Dieter , Pasmans Frank , Martel An
Published: September 2015

We report the genome sequence of
Devriesea agamarum
strain IMP2, isolated from the liver of a female
Agama impalearis
. This actinobacterium is associated with septicemia and dermatitis in agamid lizards. Availability of this genome sequence will contribute to the understanding of this pathogen's virulence.
Genome Sequences of Two Strains of Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis Isolated from Shell Eggs
Authors: Moreau Matthew R. , Wijetunge Dona Saumya S. , Kurundu Hewage Eranda Mangala K. , Jayarao Bhushan M. , Kariyawasam Subhashinie
Published: September 2015

This report presents the complete genome sequences of two
Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis strains bearing the pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profile JEGX01.0004, which were isolated from the internal contents of eggs.
Complete Genome Sequence of Acinetobacter baumannii Strain B8300, Which Displays High Twitching Motility
Authors: Vijaykumar Saranya , Balaji Veeraraghavan , Biswas Indranil
Published: September 2015

Acinetobacter baumannii
has emerged as an important nosocomial pathogen causing health care-associated infections. In this study, we determined the genome of a twitching-positive clinical strain, B8300, isolated from a hospital in southern India.
De novo
assembly of PacBio long-read sequencing data generated the B8300 genome that consists of a chromosome of 3.82 Mbp and a plasmid of 25.15 kbp.
Complete Genome Sequence of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus from Shanghai, China
Authors: Fu Xuemin , Cheng Yanwei , He Zhixiang , Dong Wei , Lan Ke , Zhang Chiyu , Hu Yihong
Published: September 2015

We report here the complete genome sequence of human respiratory syncytial virus isolated from an outpatient child with fever and respiratory symptoms in Shanghai, China, in 2014. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the full-length respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) genome sequence belongs to human RSV (HRSV) group A.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Clinical Strain Acinetobacter baumannii R2090 Carrying the Chromosomally Encoded Metallo-β-Lactamase Gene
bla
NDM-1
Authors: Krahn Thomas , Wibberg Daniel , Maus Irena , Winkler Anika , Nordmann Patrice , Pühler Alfred , Poirel Laurent , Schlüter Andreas
Published: September 2015

Acinetobacter baumannii
is an emerging human pathogen causing nosocomial and community-acquired infections. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of the clinical
A. baumannii
strain R2090 carrying the metallo-β-lactamase gene
bla
NDM-1
in its chromosome within the transposon Tn
125
.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Type Strain Corynebacterium mustelae DSM 45274, Isolated from Various Tissues of a Male Ferret with Lethal Sepsis
Authors: Rückert Christian , Eimer Janine , Winkler Anika , Tauch Andreas
Published: September 2015

The complete genome of
Corynebacterium mustelae
DSM 45274 comprises 3,474,226 bp and 3,188 genes. Prominent niche and virulence factors are SpaBCA- and SpaDEF-type pili with similarity to pilus proteins of
Corynebacterium resistens
and
Corynebacterium urealyticum
and an immunomodulatory EndoS-like endoglycosidase probably catalyzing the removal of distinct glycans from IgG antibodies.
Genome Sequence of Pantoea ananatis Strain CFH 7-1, Which Is Associated with a Vector-Borne Cotton Fruit Disease
Authors: Medrano Enrique G. , Bell Alois A.
Published: September 2015

Pantoea ananatis
is a bacterium with versatile niches that vary from pathogenic to beneficial. We present the genome of strain CFH 7-1, which was recovered from a diseased greenhouse cotton boll previously caged with a field-collected cotton fleahopper (
Pseudatomoscelis seriatus
). These data will assist in deciphering the infection process.
Draft Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica subsp.
enterica
Serovar Napoli Strain SN310, Cause of a Multischool Outbreak in Milan, Italy, in 2014
Authors: Huedo Pol , Gori Maria , Scaltriti Erika , Morganti Marina , Casadei Gabriele , Amato Ettore , Pontello Mirella
Published: September 2015

We report the draft genome sequence of
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Napoli strain SN310, isolated from a stool sample of an affected pupil during a multischool outbreak in 2014 in Milan, Italy. This represents the first reported draft genome sequence of the emerging serovar Napoli.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Beer Spoilage Bacterium Megasphaera cerevisiae Strain PAT 1
T
Authors: Kutumbaka Kirthi K. , Pasmowitz Joshua , Mategko James , Reyes Dindo , Friedrich Alex , Han Sukkyun , Martens-Habbena Willm , Neal-McKinney Jason , Janagama Harish K. , Nadala Cesar , Samadpour Mansour
Published: September 2015

The genus
Megasphaera
harbors important spoilage organisms that cause beer spoilage by producing off flavors, undesirable aroma, and turbidity.
Megasphaera cerevisiae
is mainly found in nonpasteurized low-alcohol beer. In this study, we report the draft genome of the type strain of the genus,
M. cerevisiae
strain PAT 1
T
.
Closed Genome Sequence of Octadecabacter temperatus SB1, the First Mesophilic Species of the Genus
Octadecabacter
Authors: Voget Sonja , Billerbeck Sara , Simon Meinhard , Daniel Rolf
Published: September 2015

The Gram-negative alphaproteobacterium
Octadecabacter temperatus
SB1 (DSM 26878) belongs to the marine
Roseobacter
clade. The genome of this strain is the smallest closed genome of the
Roseobacter
clade.
O. temperatus
SB1 is the first described nonpolar mesophilic isolate of the genus
Octadecabacter
and the type strain of the species.
Complete Genome Sequences of Three Neisseria gonorrhoeae Laboratory Reference Strains, Determined Using PacBio Single-Molecule Real-Time Technology
Authors: Abrams A. Jeanine , Trees David L. , Nicholas Robert A.
Published: September 2015

Neisseria gonorrhoeae
, the etiological agent that causes the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea, is a significant public health concern due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. We report the complete genome sequences of three reference isolates with varied antimicrobial susceptibility that will aid in elucidating the genetic mechanisms that confer resistance.
Draft Genome Sequence of a
vanA
-Type Vancomycin-Resistant Reference Strain, Enterococcus faecium ATCC 51559
Authors: Sung Kidon , Khan Saeed , Marasa Bernard , Min Seonggi , Kweon Ohgew , Mohamed Nawaz , Cerniglia Carl
Published: September 2015

Vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
has emerged as a multidrug-resistant pathogen in hospital settings. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of a high-level vancomycin-resistant strain,
E. faecium
ATCC 51559, which is employed as a standard laboratory
vanA
genotype-positive control strain for clinical and laboratory studies.
Dermatomyositis onset in the puerperium period
Authors: Mateus Sofia , Malheiro Mariana , Santos Miguel Perneta , Costa Rui
Published: September 2015

Dermatomyositis is rare during the reproductive period, but when it does occur, most cases have been reported from the viewpoint of the obstetric management of high-risk pregnancy. In return, there is little information concerning the contribution of pregnancy to the development and course of dermatomyositis. We describe a patient with dermatomyositis that presented after the delivery of a healthy infant. This case, with support from a literature review, suggests that pregnancy could be a trigger or contributor for the development of dermatomyositis.
Geographic and socioeconomic variation of sodium and potassium intake in Italy: results from the MINISAL-GIRCSI programme
Authors: Cappuccio Francesco P , Ji Chen , Donfrancesco Chiara , Palmieri Luigi , Ippolito Renato , Vanuzzo Diego , Giampaoli Simona , Strazzullo Pasquale
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To assess geographic and socioeconomic gradients in sodium and potassium intake in Italy.

Setting

Cross-sectional survey in Italy.

Participants

3857 men and women, aged 39–79 years, randomly sampled in 20 regions (as part of a National cardiovascular survey of 8714 men and women).

Primary outcome measures

Participants’ dietary sodium and potassium intakes were measured by 24 h urinary sodium and potassium excretions. 2 indicators measured socioeconomic status: education and occupation. Bayesian geoadditive models were used to assess spatial and socioeconomic patterns of sodium and potassium intakes accounting for sociodemographic, anthropometric and behavioural confounders.

Results

There was a significant north-south pattern of sodium excretion in Italy. Participants living in southern Italy (eg, Calabria, Basilicata and Puglia >180 mmol/24 h) had a significantly higher sodium excretion than elsewhere (eg, Val d'Aosta and Trentino-Alto Adige <140 mmol/24 h; p<0.001). There was a linear association between occupation and sodium excretion (p<0.001). When compared with occupation I (top managerial), occupations III and IV had a 6.5% higher sodium excretion (coefficients: 0.054 (90% credible levels 0.014, 0.093) and 0.064 (0.024, 0.104), respectively). A similar relationship was found between educational attainment and sodium excretion (p<0.0001). When compared with those with a university degree, participants with primary and junior school education had a 5.9% higher urinary sodium (coefficients: 0.074 (0.031, 0.116) and 0.038 (0.001, 0.075), respectively). The socioeconomic gradient explained the spatial variation. Potassium excretion was higher in central regions and in some southern regions. Those in occupation V (low-skill workers) showed a 3% lower potassium excretion compared with those in occupation I. However, the socioeconomic gradient only partially explained the spatial variation.

Conclusions

Salt intake in Italy is significantly higher in less advantaged social groups. This gradient is independent of confounders and explains the geographical variation.
Use and abuse of medication during 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil: a retrospective survey
Authors: Vaso Martin , Weber Alexis , Tscholl Philippe M , Junge Astrid , Dvorak Jiri
Published: September 2015

Objective

To examine the use of medication of top-level male players during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

Design

Retrospective survey.

Participants/information

736 top level players.

Setting

The teams’ physicians disclosed a list of the medications used by each player within 72 h before each match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

Outcome measures

Average number of medications used per player per match or during the tournament; average number and percentage of players using at least one medication per match or during the tournament.

Results

67.0% of all players took various types of medication during the tournament. The most used medications during the tournament were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), by 54.2% of all players, followed by analgaesics (12.6%); β-2 agonists were only used by 0.5%. On average, 0.8 medications per player were used before each match. More players were reported taking medications during the knockout round than during the qualification round (0.36±0.48 vs 0.49±0.50, p<0.001). Players from the South American and Asian Confederations took twice as many medications per match as players from the African Confederation (1.17±1.55 and 1.01±1.26 vs 0.48±0.69, both p<0.001).

Conclusions

There was high use of NSAIDs during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Although the intake of NSAIDs per match (0.35±0.46 vs 0.31±0.48, p<0.01) in the 2014 FIFA World Cup decreased compared to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the average use was still higher than in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and the average number of all used medications per player remained the same level as 4 years prior, with all its implications for the player's health. More efforts need to be undertaken worldwide in order to reduce the administration of medications in sports, through continuous education for players, starting from a young age, as well as for doctors and paramedics.
Simple interventions can greatly improve clinical documentation: a quality improvement project of record keeping on the surgical wards at a district general hospital
Authors: Glen Peter , Earl Naomi , Gooding Felix , Lucas Emily , Sangha Nicole , Ramcharitar Steve
Published: September 2015

Clinical documentation is an integral part of the healthcare professional’s job. Good record keeping is essential for patient care, accurate recording of consultations and for effective communication within the multidisciplinary team. Within the surgical department at the Great Western Hospital, Swindon, the case notes were deemed to be bulky and cumbersome, inhibiting effective record keeping, potentially putting patients’ at risk. The aim of this quality improvement project was therefore to improve the standard of documentation, the labelling of notes and the overall filing.

A baseline audit was firstly undertaken assessing the notes within the busiest surgical ward. A number of variables were assessed, but notably, only 12% (4/33) of the case notes were found to be without loose pages. Furthermore, less than half of the pages with entries written within the last 72 hours contained adequate patient identifiers on them. When assessing these entries further, the designation of the writer was only recorded in one third (11/33) of the cases, whilst the printed name of the writer was only recorded in 65% (21/33) of the entries.

This project ran over a 10 month period, using a plan, do study, act methodology. Initial focus was on simple education. Afterwards, single admission folders were introduced, to contain only information required for that admission, in an attempt to streamline the notes and ease the filing. This saw a global improvement across all data subsets, with a sustained improvement of over 80% compliance seen. An educational poster was also created and displayed in clinical areas, to remind users to label their notes with patient identifying stickers. This saw a 4-fold increase (16%-68%) in the labelling of notes.

In conclusion, simple, cost effective measures in streamlining medical notes, improves the quality of documentation, facilitates the filing and ultimately improves patient care.
Anti-apoptotic effects of myocardin-related transcription factor-A on rat cardiomyocytes following hypoxia-induced injury
Authors: Zhong Ze , Hu Jia-qing , Wu Xin-dong , Sun Yong , Jiang Jun
Published: September 2015

Myocardin-related transcription factor-A (MRTF-A) can transduce both biomechanical and humoral signals, which can positively modulate cardiac damage induced by acute myocardial infarction. However, the molecular mechanism that underlies the contribution that MRTF-A provides to the myocardium is not completely understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of MRTF-A on myocardium apoptosis and its mechanisms. Our experiment results showed that MRTF-A expression increased and Bcl-2 expression reduced during myocardial ischemia–reperfusion in rat. Meanwhile, primary cardiomyocytes were pretreated with wild-type MRTF-A or siRNA of MRTF-A before exposure to hypoxia. We found that overexpression of MRTF-A in myocardial cells inhibited apoptosis and the release of cytochrome c. MRTF-A enhanced Bcl-2, which contributes to MRTF-A interaction with Bcl-2 in the nuclei of cardiomyocytes. MRTF-A upregulation expression of Bcl-2 in cardiomyocytes induced by hypoxia was inhibited by PD98059, an ERK1/2 inhibitor. In conclusions, MRTF-A improved myocardial cell survival in a cardiomyocyte model of hypoxia-induced injury; this effect was correlated with the upregulation of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 through the activation of ERK1/2.
Mechanisms of DNA Packaging by Large Double-Stranded DNA Viruses
Authors: Rao Venigalla B. , Feiss Michael
Published: September 2015

Translocation of viral double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) into the icosahedral prohead shell is catalyzed by TerL, a motor protein that has ATPase, endonuclease, and translocase activities. TerL, following endonucleolytic cleavage of immature viral DNA concatemer recognized by TerS, assembles into a pentameric ring motor on the prohead's portal vertex and uses ATP hydrolysis energy for DNA translocation. TerL's N-terminal ATPase is connected by a hinge to the C-terminal endonuclease. Inchworm models propose that modest domain motions accompanying ATP hydrolysis are amplified, through changes in electrostatic interactions, into larger movements of the C-terminal domain bound to DNA. In phage ϕ29, four of the five TerL subunits sequentially hydrolyze ATP, each powering translocation of 2.5 bp. After one viral genome is encapsidated, the internal pressure signals termination of packaging and ejection of the motor. Current focus is on the structures of packaging complexes and the dynamics of TerL during DNA packaging, endonuclease regulation, and motor mechanics.
Impact of the Siewert Classification on the Outcome of Patients Treated by Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy for a Nonmetastatic Adenocarcinoma of the Oesophagogastric Junction
Authors: Moureau-Zabotto Laurence , Teissier Eric , Cowen Didier , Azria David , Ellis Steve , Resbeut Michel
Published: September 2015

The aim of the study is to analyze the impact of the Siewert classification on the pathological complete response (pcR), pattern of failure, and general outcome of patients treated, by preoperative chemoradiotherapy and surgery for an gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (OGJA). From 2000 to 2008, the charts of 68 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Tumor staging reported was UST1/T2/T3/T4/unknown, respectively,n= 1/7/54/5/1 patients, and N0/N1/unknown, respectively,n= 9/58/1 patients. Patients received primary external-beam radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy followed by surgical resection (Siewert I: upper oesogastrectomy; Siewert II/III: total gastrectomy with lower oesophagectomy). Overall survival (OS), overall relapse rate (ORR), cumulative rate of local (CRLR), nodal (CRNR), and metastatic (CRMR) relapse, and their prognostic factors were retrospectively analyzed. Median follow-up was 77.5 months. Median OS was 41.7 ± 5.2 months. The 3-year ORR was 48%. Using univariate analysis ORR was significantly increased for patients with Siewert II/III compared to Siewert I tumors (27.3% versus 62%,p=0.047). Siewert I tumors had also statistically lower CRNR and CRMR compared to Siewert II/III tumors (0/9.1% versus 41.3/60.2% resp.,p=0.012), despite an equivalent cumulative rate of local relapse and pathological complete response rate between the three groups. For OGJA treated with preoperative CRT and surgery, ORR and CRMR were lower for patients with Siewert I tumors in comparison with Siewert II/III tumors.
Positive Solutions for Systems of Second-Order Difference Equations
Authors: Henderson Johnny , Luca Rodica
Published: September 2015

We study the existence and nonexistence of positive solutions of some systems of nonlinear second-order difference equations subject to multipoint boundary conditions which contain some positive constants.
The Impact of Intravenous Lidocaine on ICP in Neurological Illness: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zeiler F. A. , Sader N. , Kazina C. J.
Published: September 2015

Background. The goal of our study was to perform a systematic review of the literature to determine the effect that intravenous (IV) lidocaine had on ICP in patients with neurological illness.Methods. All articles are from MEDLINE, BIOSIS, EMBASE, Global Health, Scopus, Cochrane Library, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (inception to March 2015). The strength of evidence was adjudicated using both the Oxford and GRADE methodology.Results. Ten original articles were considered for the final review. There were 189 patients studied. Seven studies focused on prophylactic pretreatment with IV lidocaine to determine if there would be an attenuation of ICP spikes during stimulation, with 4 displaying an attenuation of ICP. Three studies focused on a therapeutic administration of IV lidocaine in order to determine ICP reduction effects. All therapeutic studies displayed a reduction in ICP.Conclusions. We cannot make a strong definitive recommendation on the effectiveness of IV lidocaine on the attenuation of ICP spikes during stimulation. There currently exists both Oxford 2b and GRADE B literature to support and refute the attenuation of ICP spikes with IV lidocaine during stimulation. There currently exists Oxford 2b, GRADE B evidence to support ICP reduction with lidocaine when used as a therapeutic agent.
Biochemical Evaluation and Green Synthesis of Nano Silver Using Peroxidase fromEuphorbia(Euphorbia amygdaloides) and Its Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Cicek Semra , Gungor Azize Alaylı , Adiguzel Ahmet , Nadaroglu Hayrunnisa
Published: September 2015

Silver nanoparticles are used an increased attention for various biomedical and medical applications. In this study, green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was made with simple method by using peroxidase enzyme partially purified fromEuphorbia(Euphorbia amygdaloides) plant. Optimum pH, temperature and time period were determined to obtain silver nanoparticles using the peroxidase enzyme. The result shows that higher silver nanoparticle was synthesized for 4 hours and at 20°C and pH 8. Also, optimal concentration of metal ions was found as 0.5 mM. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV spectrum, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction. Antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles was measured against some microorganisms such asSerratia marcescens, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli. Synthesized silver nanoparticles have wide spectrum antibacterial activity in low concentration and may be a good alternative therapeutic approach in medicine and pharmaceutical fields in future.
Perceived Immune Status and Sleep: A Survey among Dutch Students
Authors: Donners Anouk A. M. T. , Tromp Marilou D. P. , Garssen Johan , Roth Thomas , Verster Joris C.
Published: September 2015

Reduced immune functioning may have a negative impact on sleep and health, and vice versa. A survey among Dutch young adults (18–35 years old) was administered to collect information on perception of reduced immunity and its relationship to sleep disorders, sleep duration, and quality. Sleep disorders were assessed with the SLEEP-50 questionnaire subscales of sleep apnea, insomnia, circadian rhythm disorder, and daily functioning. Dutch young adults (N= 574) completed the survey. Among them, subjects (N= 209; 36.4%) reported perceived reduced immunity. Relative to those with a normal immune status, subjects reporting reduced immunity had significantly higher scores(p=0.0001)on sleep apnea (2.6 versus 3.6), insomnia (5.1 versus 6.8), and circadian rhythm disorder (2.1 versus 2.7). Subjects reporting reduced immunity also had significantly poorer daily functioning scores (5.4 versus 7.6,p=0.0001). No differences were observed in total sleep time, but those reporting reduced immunity had significantly poorer ratings of sleep quality (6.8 versus 7.2,p=0.0001). Our findings suggest that perceived reduced immunity is associated with sleep disturbances, impaired daily functioning, and a poorer sleep quality. Experimental studies including the assessment of immune biomarkers and objective measures of sleep (polysomnography) should confirm the current observations.
Total Hip Arthroplasty after Treatment of an Atypical Subtrochanteric Femoral Fracture in a Patient with Pycnodysostosis
Authors: Yuasa Takahito , Maeda Koichi , Kaneko Kazuo , Yoshikata Kazunori
Published: September 2015

The authors describe the case of a 51-year-old woman with an osteonecrosis of her right femoral head after treatment of an atypical subtrochanteric fracture caused by pycnodysostosis. She had this fracture after a low-trauma fall. She was of short stature with typical facial features, short stubby hands, and radiological features including open cranial sutures, obtuse mandible, and generalized skeletal sclerosis. The majority of cases of atypical subtrochanteric fractures are associated with long-term use of bisphosphonates; some occur in bisphosphonate-free patients. We report a rare case of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in a patient with pycnodysostosis who developed an osteonecrosis of the femoral head after treatment of an atypical subtrochanteric femoral fracture. We performed cementless THA in combination with a plate and cables. Cementless THA is a potential intervention in a patient with pycnodysostosis; although the bone quality may have been sclerotic, healing is not a problem in this condition.
Kinetic Modeling Reveals the Roles of Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging and DNA Repair Processes in Shaping the Dose-Response Curve of KBrO3-Induced DNA Damage
Authors: Spassova Maria A. , Miller David J. , Nikolov Alexander S.
Published: September 2015

We have developed a kinetic model to investigate how DNA repair processes and scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can affect the dose-response shape of prooxidant induced DNA damage. We used as an example chemicalKBrO3which is activated by glutathione and forms reactive intermediates that directly interact with DNA to form 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine DNA adducts (8-OH-dG). The single strand breaks (SSB) that can result from failed base excision repair of these adducts were considered as an effect downstream from 8-OH-dG. We previously demonstrated that, in the presence of effective base excision repair, 8-OH-dG can exhibit threshold-like dose-response dependence, while the downstream SSB can still exhibit a linear dose-response. Here we demonstrate that this result holds for a variety of conditions, including low levels of GSH, the presence of additional SSB repair mechanisms, or a scavenger. It has been shown that melatonin, a terminal scavenger, inhibitsKBrO3-caused oxidative damage. Our modeling revealed that sustained exposure toKBrO3can lead to fast scavenger exhaustion, in which case the dose-response shapes for both endpoints are not substantially affected. The results are important to consider when forming conclusions on a chemical’s toxicity dose dependence based on the dose-response of early genotoxic events.
Differences of IL‐1β Receptors Expression by Immunocompetent Cells Subsets in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Alshevskaya Alina A. , Lopatnikova Julia A. , Shkaruba Nadezhda S. , Chumasova Oksana A. , Sizikov Aleksey E. , Karaulov Aleksander V. , Kozlov Vladimir A. , Sennikov Sergey V.
Published: September 2015

IL‐1β is involved in the induction and maintenance of chronic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Its activity is regulated and induced by soluble and membrane‐bound receptors, respectively. The effectiveness of the cytokine depends not only on the percentage of receptor‐positive cells in an immunocompetent subset but also on the density of receptor expression. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of IL‐1β membrane‐bound receptors (IL‐1R1 and IL‐1R2) in terms of the percentage of receptor‐positive cells and the number of receptors per cell in different subsets of immune cells in RA patients before and after a course of basic (excluding anticytokine) therapy and in healthy individuals. The resulting data indicate differences in the expression of IL‐1β receptors among T cells, B cells, and monocytes in healthy volunteers and in rheumatoid arthritis patients. The importance of determining both the relative percentage of cells expressing receptors to immunomodulatory cytokines and the number of membrane‐bound receptors per cell is highlighted by evidence of unidirectional or multidirectional changing of these parameters according to cell subset and health status.