bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with future intentions to use personal vaporisers among those with some experience of vaping
Authors: Ma Bernice Hua , Yong Hua‐Hie , Borland Ron , McNeill Ann , Hitchman Sara C.
Published: May 2017

Introduction and Aims. Personal vaporisers (PV), including e‐cigarettes, may be a harm reduction strategy for tobacco control. This study aims to identify factors associated with future intentions to vape among smokers and ex‐smokers in Australia and the UK. Design and Methods. Cross‐sectional data of smokers and ex‐smokers (n = 1199, mean age = 45.3 years, 44.8% male), collected in 2014/2015 and divided into four subgroups: smoking past vapers (SPV), smoking vapers (SV), ex‐smoking past vapers (ESPV) and ex‐smoking vapers (ESV), from the International Tobacco Control Australia and UK surveys were analysed by using regression models. Results. Higher vaping satisfaction increased vaping intentions for all groups except ESPV. Perceiving PVs as less harmful predicted intentions to vape for all groups except ESV. The importance of PVs for stopping smoking predicted lower intentions to continue vaping for SV, but higher intentions to initiate vaping for SPV. The importance of PVs for cutting down smoking was a positive predictor only for SPV. Among ex‐smokers, importance for maintaining not smoking was a positive predictor for ESPV, but not for ESV. The importance of perceiving vapour being less harmful also depended on vaping status for ex‐smokers. The only country interaction was that only in the UK was perceiving PVs as less harmful associated with intention among SPV. Discussion and Conclusion. Factors influencing intentions vary by smoking and/or vaping status, with greater differences between the ex‐smoker subgroups. This is consistent with PVs being seen as a way of managing smoking, rather than something that has intrinsic value, for all except the ex‐smoking vapers. [Ma BH, Yong H‐H, Borland R, McNeill A, Hitchman SC. Factors associated with future intentions to use personal vaporisers among those with some experience of vaping. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;00:000–000]
Big thrombus “sitting” in an atrial septal aneurysm
Authors: Adauy Julián Vega , Gabrielli Luigi , Córdova Samuel , Saavedra Rodrigo , McNab Paul
Published: May 2017

A 79 year‐old‐man presented three episodes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and weight loss. Endoscopy revealed bleeding and extrinsic compression at the pyloric region. Computed tomography scan showed a pancreatic tumor, peritoneal carcinomatosis, vascular infiltration, and incidentally found a partially calcified hypodense lesion of 35 mm in the left atrium, suggesting a myxoma or a thrombus. Echocardiography revealed moderate left atrium enlargement, dilated left atrial appendage with spontaneous echo contrast, moderate dilatation and dysfunction of the left ventricle, ejection fraction was 39%, and an atrial septal aneurysm in which a piriform, mass of 35×33×25 mm, was “sitting,” suggesting an organized thrombus.
ASEAN English teachers as a model for international English learners: Modified teaching principles
Authors: Kobayashi Yoko
Published: May 2017

The present study analyzes interview and written data garnered from well‐trained Malaysian ESL professionals at university‐affiliated centers. The data is examined relative to Kirkpatrick's ‘lingua franca approach’ principles that presuppose the merit of studying English in the ASEAN context where ‘the native speaker is absent’ and ‘English is used as a lingua franca’. Identifying an (in) compatibility between Kirkpatrick's principles and the reality (e.g., Malaysian Ministry of Education's reference to ‘Standard British English’ as a model), the study tentatively suggests modified principles to the teaching of English in non‐mainstream ESL classes that take into account local (un)official language policies/practices, international students' socioeconomical reasons for studying in Malaysia and Malaysian teachers' professionalism and challenges. The study concludes with pedagogical and research implications.
Blood pressure management and guideline adherence in hypertensive emergencies and urgencies: A comparison between telemedically supported and conventional out‐of‐hospital care
Authors: Brokmann Jörg C. , Rossaint Rolf , Müller Michael , Fitzner Christina , Villa Luigi , Beckers Stefan K. , Bergrath Sebastian
Published: May 2017

Prehospital hypertensive emergencies and urgencies are common, but evidence is lacking. Telemedically supported hypertensive emergencies and urgencies were prospectively collected (April 2014–March 2015) and compared retrospectively with a historical control group of on‐scene physician care in the emergency medical service of Aachen, Germany. Blood pressure management and guideline adherence were evaluated. Telemedical (n=159) vs conventional (n=172) cases: blood pressure reductions of 35±24 mm Hg vs 44±23 mm Hg revealed a group effect adjusted for baseline differences (P=.0006). Blood pressure management in categories: no reduction 6 vs 0 (P=.0121); reduction ≤25% (recommended range) 113 vs 110 patients (P=.2356); reduction >25% to 30% 13 vs 29 (0.020); reduction >30% 12 vs 16 patients (P=.5608). The telemedical approach led to less pronounced blood pressure reductions and a tendency to improved guideline adherence. Telemedically guided antihypertensive care may be an alternative to conventional care especially for potentially underserved areas.
Oncostatin M induces RIG‐I and MDA5 expression and enhances the double‐stranded RNA response in fibroblasts
Authors: Hergovits Sabine , Mais Christine , Haan Claude , Costa‐Pereira Ana P. , Hermanns Heike M.
Published: May 2017

Interleukin (IL)‐6‐type cytokines have no direct antiviral activity; nevertheless, they display immune‐modulatory functions. Oncostatin M (OSM), a member of theIL‐6 family, has recently been shown to induce a distinct number of classical interferon stimulated genes (ISG). Most of them are involved in antigen processing and presentation. However, induction of retinoic acid‐inducible gene (RIG)‐I‐like receptors (RLR) has not been investigated. Here we report thatOSMhas the capability to induce the expression of theDExD/H‐BoxRNAhelicasesRIG‐I and melanoma differentiation antigen 5 (MDA5) as well as of the transcription factors interferon regulatory factor (IRF)1,IRF7 andIRF9 in primary fibroblasts. Induction of the helicases depends on tyrosine as well as serine phosphorylation ofSTAT1. Moreover, we could show that theOSM‐inducedSTAT1 phosphorylation is predominantly counter‐regulated by a strongSTAT3‐dependentSOCS3 induction, asStat3as well asSocs3knock‐down results in an enhanced and prolonged helicase andIRFexpression. Other factors involved in regulation ofSTAT1 orIRF1 activity, like protein tyrosine phosphatase, non‐receptor type 2 (PTPN2), promyelocytic leukaemia protein (PML) or small ubiquitin‐related modifier 1 (SUMO1), play a minor role inOSM‐mediated induction ofRLR. Remarkably,OSMand interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) synergize to mediate transcription ofRLRand pre‐treatment of fibroblasts withOSMfosters the type I interferon production in response to a subsequent encounter with double‐strandedRNA. Together, these findings suggest that theOSM‐inducedJAK/STAT1 signalling is implicated in virus protection of non‐professional immune cells and may cooperate with interferons to enhanceRLRexpression in these cells.
Prenatal diagnosis of four‐vessel umbilical cord with supernumerary vein varix: A case report and literature review
Authors: Lei Ting , Xie Hong‐Ning , Feng Jie‐Ling
Published: May 2017

Four‐vessel umbilical cord with two arteries and two veins, and fetal intra‐abdominal umbilical vein varix are rare fetal vascular pathologies, associated with congenital anomalies and an adverse perinatal outcome, respectively. We report a case of a healthy male neonate born at a gestational age of 38 weeks, five days, after prenatal sonographic diagnosis of a four‐vessel umbilical cord with a supernumerary vein varix. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case with this combination.
Differences in Lip Support with and without Labial Flanges in a Maxillary Edentulous Population. Part 1: Objective Analysis
Authors: Bidra Avinash S. , Zapata Guillermo , Agar John R. , Taylor Thomas D. , Grady James
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To study the objective differences in lip support using common facial soft tissue markers, when evaluating patients wearing a maxillary denture with a labial flange in comparison to an experimental flangeless denture.

Materials and Methods

A total of 31 maxillary edentulous patients who were esthetically satisfied with their existing maxillary denture were recruited in this clinical study. The maxillary denture was then duplicated in clear acrylic resin. Two standardized full‐face digital photographs (frontal and profile) were made with the duplicate denture in the mouth. The labial flange of the duplicate denture was then removed from first premolar to first premolar region, to create the experimental flangeless denture. It was returned to the oral cavity, and 2 additional full‐face digital photographs were made. The differences between these images were studied using 5 facial anatomic markers (subnasale, labrale superior, stomion, nasolabial angle, lip thickness). A paired sample t‐test was used to compare differences in measurements for various anatomic markers using an alpha value of 0.05.

Results

For profile images, there were no statistically significant differences between photographs with and without a labial flange for anatomic markers‐ labrale superior and stomion (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference for subnasale as well as the nasolabial angle but the magnitude of the difference was too small to be clinically significant (p < 0.05). For frontal images, there was no statistically significant difference in lip thickness between photographs with and without a labial flange. Additionally, there was no association between differences in measurements and patient‐related factors such as gender and prior years of edentulism.

Conclusions

Removal of a labial flange in a maxillary denture resulted in minimal and clinically insignificant anatomic differences in lip support between flange and flangeless dentures, when analyzed in frontal and profile images.
Differences in Lip Support with and without Labial Flanges in a Maxillary Edentulous Population. Part 2: Blinded Subjective Analysis
Authors: Bidra Avinash S. , Manzotti Anna , Wu Rong
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To study the subjective differences in facial esthetics evaluations among lay people, general dentists, and prosthodontists, when evaluating images of patients wearing a maxillary denture with a labial flange in comparison to an experimental flangeless denture.

Materials and Methods

A random sample of 20 maxillary edentulous patients from the original sample of 31 patients described in part 1 of the study was selected for this study. A total of 60 judges comprising 15 general dentists, 15 prosthodontists, and 30 lay people were recruited for subjective analysis. The judges were blinded about the objectives of the study and were asked to rate the facial esthetics of each image using a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) instrument. Four digital images per subject (total of 80 images) were evaluated in a random order, twice by all 60 judges. A repeated measures general linear mixed modeling method using restricted maximum likelihood estimation was performed using mixed procedure in a statistical software package to study the differences in evaluations.

Results

The overall VAS ratings of facial esthetics for images with flangeless dentures were slightly lower compared to images with labial flanges, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). This was true for both profile and frontal images; however, the magnitude of the difference was too small (no greater than 4 mm on a 100 mm scale) to be clinically significant. There were no statistically significant differences in facial esthetics ratings irrespective of the background or gender of the judges.

Conclusions

Flangeless dentures resulted in slightly lower ratings of facial esthetics compared to images with a labial flange, but the differences were clinically insignificant. This was true for all judges comprising general dentists, prosthodontists, and lay people and for both frontal and profile images.
The Effect of Active and Passive Peer Discouragement on Adolescent Risk taking: An Experimental Study
Authors: de Boer Anouk , Harakeh Zeena
Published: May 2017

This experiment investigated the effect of peer discouragement on adolescent risk taking. Overall, 269 Dutch adolescents aged 11–15 years completed a risk taking computer task in the presence of an e‐confederate who demonstrated very little risk taking (passive peer discouragement) and/or sent risk‐discouraging messages to participants (active peer discouragement). The results showed that, compared to a situation with no peer discouragement, adolescents took significantly less risk only when they encountered a combination of active and passive peer discouragement; hence, when peers practiced what they preached. No gender differences were found in the effect of passive and active peer discouragement on risk taking. The results showed that digital peer messages play a promising role in diminishing adolescent risk taking.
Vaccine discussions with parents: The experience of Australian paediatricians
Authors: Costa‐Pinto Jessica , Willaby Harold W , Leask Julie , Wood Nicholas , Marshall Helen , Danchin Margie
Published: May 2017

Aim

Health‐care providers are crucial in maintaining parental confidence in vaccination. Health‐care providers are the most commonly accessed resource by parents for vaccine‐related information and are highly trusted. We investigated paediatricians’ (i) frequency of vaccine discussions; (ii) specific vaccine‐related topics discussed; (iii) perceived role in childhood vaccination; (iv) challenges faced when having discussions; (v) confidence in vaccine‐related knowledge and communication skills; and (vi) interest in online education and training.

Methods

We invited members of the Australian Paediatric Research Network to complete an online Research Electronic Data Capture survey in 2015–2016.

Results

Of 383 active Australian Paediatric Research Network members, 165 (43%) completed the online survey. A total of 61% reported ‘frequently’ or ‘almost always’ having vaccine‐related discussions, with 15% ‘rarely’ having them. ‘Lack of time’ was the most commonly reported barrier to having vaccine discussions (54%). Vaccine necessity was most commonly discussed (33%), followed by vaccine safety (24%), general vaccine concerns (23%) and catch‐up schedules (23%). While only 25% of paediatricians lacked confidence in their vaccine‐related knowledge and 11% in their communication skills, most expressed interest in online training to address vaccine knowledge (62%) and communication skills (53%).

Conclusion

Paediatricians play a key role in maintaining public confidence in vaccination. However, opportunities to address concerns are not being maximised by Australian paediatricians. There is a need and desire for training and resources to increase vaccine knowledge and communication skills for paediatricians, to optimise the frequency and effectiveness of vaccine discussions with parents and to ensure ongoing high immunisation coverage rates in Australia.
Validation of a Point‐of‐Care Quantitative Equine IgG Turbidimetric Immunoassay and Comparison of IgG Concentrations Measured with Radial Immunodiffusion and a Point‐of‐Care IgGELISA
Authors: Ujvari S. , Schwarzwald C.C. , Fouché N. , Howard J. , Schoster A.
Published: May 2017

Background

Point‐of‐care (POC) diagnostic tests with good sensitivity and specificity are needed for diagnosing failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) in foals. Turbidimetric immunoassays (TIA) have these characteristics and provide quantitative results. A commercially availableTIA‐basedPOCtest (POC‐TIA) has not been validated in horses.

Objective

To validate aPOC‐TIAand compare results ofPOC‐TIA, aPOC‐ELISA, and radial immunodiffusion (RID).

Animals

Heparinized blood samples (n = 127) from 48 hospitalized foals (<12 hour to 48 days).

Methods

Prospective validation study. IgG concentrations were measured usingRID(gold standard),POC‐TIA, andPOC‐ELISA. Agreement between assays was assessed using Bland–Altman analysis. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated usingROCcurves. Inter‐ and intra‐assay coefficients of variation (CVs) and linearity were evaluated forPOC‐TIA.

Results

The mean bias (95% limits of agreement) betweenRIDandPOC‐TIAwas −4 (−185 to 176), 27 (−201 to 255), and 308 (−377 to 993) mg/dLfor samples with IgG concentrations of <400, 400–800, and >800 mg/dL, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity at optimal cutoff were 94 and 100% for thePOC‐TIAand 94 and 100% for thePOC‐ELISAto detect IgG <400 mg/dL, and 85 and 87% (POC‐TIA) and 69 and 79% (POC‐ELISA) to detect IgG ≤800 mg/dL. Intra‐ and interassayCVs forPOC‐TIAranged between 1.6–3.8 and 11.9–18.8%, respectively. Linearity of the dilution series was preserved (R2> 0.96).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

ThePOC‐TIAprovided unambiguous results and had sufficient sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and precision to be used as an alternative to otherPOCtests to assessFTPIin foals.
Low‐dose Desmopressin and Tolterodine Combination Therapy for Treating Nocturia in Women with Overactive Bladder: A Double‐blind, Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: ROVNER Eric S. , RAYMOND Kyle , ANDRUCZYK Eugene , JUUL Kristian V.
Published: May 2017

Objective

Evaluation of safety and efficacy of desmopressin/tolterodine combination therapy in women.

Methods

This double‐blind, randomized, proof‐of‐concept study enrolled 106 patients (≥18 years), with overactive bladder (OAB) and nocturia, with ≥2 nocturnal voids, receiving a 3‐month once‐daily combination (desmopressin 25 µg, orally‐disintegrating tablets [ODT]/tolterodine 4 mg [Detrol® LA]; n = 49) or monotherapy (tolterodine 4 mg/placebo ODT; n = 57). Primary endpoint was change from baseline in mean number of nocturnal voids. Secondary endpoints were change from baseline in nocturnal voided volume, time to first nocturnal void, and quality‐of‐life. Post‐hoc exploratory analysis were performed for patients with and without baseline nocturnal polyuria (NP, n = 47 each).

Results

Overall population showed a non‐significant reduction in mean number of nocturnal voids with combination versus monotherapy (full analysis set: adjusted treatment contrast [TC], −0.34; P = 0.112). Change in mean nocturnal void volume (TC, −64.16 mL; P = 0.103), mean time to first nocturnal void (TC, 18.00 min; P = 0.385) and Nocturia Impact (NI) Diary© scores were comparable. In post‐hoc analysis, NP patients showed a benefit with combination versus monotherapy for nocturnal void volume (P = 0.034) and time to first nocturnal void (P = 0.045), and a non‐significant improvement in NI Diary© scores. Safety profile was comparable between treatments. A single transient event of asymptomatic clinically significant hyponatremia in combination group resolved subsequently.

Conclusion

Low‐dose desmopressin could be safely combined with tolterodine for treating nocturia in women with OAB, with a significant benefit in women with NP. Further, prospective validation studies of combination therapy are warranted in mixed NP/OAB population, based on this favorable proof‐of‐concept finding.
A role for interleukin 17A in IBD‐related neuroplasticity
Authors: Cervi A. L. , Moynes D. M. , Chisholm S. P. , Nasser Y. , Vanner S. J. , Lomax A. E.
Published: May 2017

Background

Changes to the structure and function of the innervation of the gut contribute to symptom generation in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). However, delineation of the mechanisms of these effects has proven difficult. Previous work on sympathetic neurons identified interleukin (IL)‐17A as a novel neurotrophic cytokine. Since IL‐17A is involved in IBD pathogenesis, we tested the hypothesis that IL‐17A contributes to neuroanatomical remodeling during IBD.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase was used to identify sympathetic axons in mice with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis and controls. Axon outgrowth from sympathetic neurons in response to incubation in cytokines or endoscopic patient biopsy supernatants was quantified.

Key Results

DSS‐induced colitis led to an increase in tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the inflamed colon but not the spleen. Colonic supernatants from mice with colitis and biopsy supernatants from Crohn's disease patients increased axon outgrowth from mouse sympathetic neurons compared to supernatants from uninflamed controls. An antibody that neutralized IL‐17A blocked the ability of DSS‐induced colitis and Crohn's disease supernatants to induce axon extension.

Conclusions and Inferences

These findings identify IL‐17A as a potential mediator of neuroanatomical remodeling of the gut innervation during IBD.
A novel marketing mix and choice architecture framework to nudge restaurant customers toward healthy food environments to reduce obesity in the United States
Authors: Kraak V. I. , Englund T. , Misyak S. , Serrano E. L.
Published: May 2017

This review identified and adapted choice architecture frameworks to develop a novel framework that restaurant owners could use to promote healthy food environments for customers who currently overconsume products high in fat, sugar and sodium that increase their risk of obesity and diet‐related non‐communicable diseases. This review was conducted in three steps and presented as a narrative summary to demonstrate a proof of concept. Step 1 was a systematic review of nudge or choice architecture frameworks used to categorize strategies that cue healthy behaviours in microenvironments. We searched nine electronic databases between January 2000 and December 2016 and identified 1,244 records. Inclusion criteria led to the selection of five choice architecture frameworks, of which three were adapted and combined with marketing mix principles to highlight eight strategies (i.e. place, profile, portion, pricing, promotion, healthy default picks, prompting or priming and proximity). Step 2 involved conducting a comprehensive evidence review between January 2006 and December 2016 to identify U.S. recommendations for the restaurant sector organized by strategy. Step 3 entailed developing 12 performance metrics for the eight strategies. This framework should be tested to determine its value to assist restaurant owners to promote and socially normalize healthy food environments to reduce obesity and non‐communicable diseases.
A Radiographic Measurement of the Anterior Epidural Space at L4–5 Disc Level
Authors: Xu Rui‐sheng , Wu Jie‐shi , Lu Hai‐dan , Zhu Hao‐gang , Li Xia , Dong Jian , Yuan Feng‐lai
Published: May 2017

To observe the morphology character of the anterior epidural space at the L4–5 disc level and to provide an anatomical basis for safely and accurately performing a percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD). Fifty‐five cases with L5S1 lumbar disc herniation were included in this study, and cases with L4–5 disease were excluded. When the puncture needle reached the epidural space at the L5S1 level, iohexol was injected at the pressure of 50 cm H2O during the PELD, then C‐Arm fluoroscopy was used to obtain standard lumbar frontal and lateral images. The widths of epidural space at the level of the L4 lower endplate, the L5 upper endplate, as well as the middle point of the L4–5 disc were measured from the lumbar lateral X‐ray film. Epidural space at the L4–5 disc plane performs like a trapezium chart with a short side at the head end and a long side at the tail end in the lumbar lateral X‐ray radiograph, while the average widths of epidural space were 10.2 ± 2.5, 12.3 ± 2.3, and 13.8 ± 2.6 mm at the upper, middle, and lower level of the L4–5 disc. Understanding the morphological characteristics of epidural space will contribute to improving the safety of the tranforaminal percutaneous endoscopy technique.
Solitary terminal cells of Aphanizomenon gracile (Cyanobacteria, Nostocales) can divide and renew trichomes
Authors: Wejnerowski Lukasz , Wojciechowicz Maria K. , Glama Małgorzata , Olechnowicz Julia , Dziuba Marcin K. , Cerbin Slawek
Published: May 2017

An attempt was made to find evidence that morphologically distinct terminal cells of filamentous cyanobacterium Aphanizomenon gracile strain CCALA 8 are capable of dividing and forming trichomes. Based on our current knowledge, the division of morphologically diversified terminal cells is possible in nostocalean cyanobacteria. However, this process has been observed only in a few species. Terminal cells of A. gracile differ morphologically from other vegetative cells of a trichome, as they are not hyaline and can sometimes be found as solitary cells in cultures. Hence, it was reasonable for us to suspect that these cells are capable of dividing and forming trichomes. We observed terminal cells under a light and transmission electron microscope. Microscopic observations revealed that the septum formed in both solitary terminal cells and in terminal cells attached to trichomes. Our study is the first to demonstrate division and renewal of trichomes in terminal cells of A. gracile. Previously, such mode of reproduction was described only for another nostocalean cyanobacterium Raphidiopsis mediterranea. Moreover, our findings further emphasize the variability among members that belong to the genus Aphanizomenon
, in which a type species (A. flos‐aquae) has hyaline cells incapable of dividing and renewing trichomes, while A. gracile can additionally propagate by solitary terminal cells division. This additional feature distinguishing A. gracile from typical species of Aphanizomenon, such as A. flos‐aquae, might be valuable for resolving taxonomic position of the species considering ambiguous genetic relationship between A. gracile and A. flos‐aquae.
Time domain measurement of the vascular and myocardial branches of the baroreflex: A study in physically active versus sedentary individuals
Authors: Reyes del Paso Gustavo A. , de la Coba Pablo , Martín‐Vázquez María , Thayer Julian F.
Published: May 2017

This study tests the spontaneous sequence method for the evaluation of the cardiac, vasomotor, and myocardial branches of the baroreflex. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), interbeat interval (IBI), stroke volume (SV), preejection period (PEP), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were continuously recorded in 33 physically active and 25 sedentary participants at rest and during a mental arithmetic task. Sequences of spontaneous covariation between SBP and IBI (for the cardiac branch), SV and PEP (for the myocardial branch), and TPR (for the vasomotor branch) were located. The slope of the regression line between values in the sequences produced an estimate of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and the proportion of progressive SBP changes that elicited reflex modulations yielded an estimate of baroreflex effectiveness (BEI). The active group showed greater BRS in all three branches than the sedentary group. Cardiac and vasomotor BEI decreased during the arithmetic task in the sedentary group but not in the active one. Only cardiac BRS decreased during the arithmetic task. In conclusion, the method appears appropriate for the simultaneous assessment of the three baroreflex branches. The assessment of the vascular branch of the baroreflex may have prognostic relevance in the development of hypertension or other cardiometabolic diseases.
A Big Data Analysis Approach for Rail Failure Risk Assessment
Authors: Jamshidi Ali , Faghih‐Roohi Shahrzad , Hajizadeh Siamak , Núñez Alfredo , Babuska Robert , Dollevoet Rolf , Li Zili , De Schutter Bart
Published: May 2017

Railway infrastructure monitoring is a vital task to ensure rail transportation safety. A rail failure could result in not only a considerable impact on train delays and maintenance costs, but also on safety of passengers. In this article, the aim is to assess the risk of a rail failure by analyzing a type of rail surface defect called squats that are detected automatically among the huge number of records from video cameras. We propose an image processing approach for automatic detection of squats, especially severe types that are prone to rail breaks. We measure the visual length of the squats and use them to model the failure risk. For the assessment of the rail failure risk, we estimate the probability of rail failure based on the growth of squats. Moreover, we perform severity and crack growth analyses to consider the impact of rail traffic loads on defects in three different growth scenarios. The failure risk estimations are provided for several samples of squats with different crack growth lengths on a busy rail track of the Dutch railway network. The results illustrate the practicality and efficiency of the proposed approach.
The Mediated Amplification of a Crisis: Communicating the A/H1N1 Pandemic in Press Releases and Press Coverage in Europe
Authors: Rossmann Constanze , Meyer Lisa , Schulz Peter J.
Published: May 2017

In the aftermath of the A/H1N1 pandemic, health authorities were criticized for failures in crisis communication efforts, and the media were accused of amplifying the pandemic. Considering these criticisms, A/H1N1 provides a suitable case for examining risk amplification processes that may occur in the transfer of information from press releases to print news media during a health crisis. We integrated the social amplification of risk framework with theories of news decisions (news values, framing) in an attempt to contribute to existing research both theoretically and empirically. We conducted a quantitative content analysis of press releases disseminated by health and governmental authorities, as well as the quality and tabloid press in 10 European countries between March 2009 and March 2011. Altogether 243 press releases, 1,243 quality press articles, and 834 tabloid press articles were coded. Consistent with research on news values and framing the results suggest that quality and tabloid papers alike amplified A/H1N1 risks by emphasizing conflict and damage, presenting information in a more dramatized way, and using risk‐amplifying frames to a greater extent and risk‐attenuating frames to a lesser extent than press releases. To some extent, the quality and tabloid press differed in how risk information was presented. While tabloid press articles seemed to follow the leading quality press with regards to content and framing of health crisis coverage, they exhibited a stronger emphasis on drama and emotion in the way they presented information.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome and septic shock in a cat with disseminated toxoplasmosis
Authors: Evans Natashia A. , Walker Julie M. , Manchester Alison C. , Bach Jonathan F.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To describe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and septic shock in a cat with disseminated toxoplasmosis.

Case Summary

A 2‐year‐old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was presented for acute respiratory distress. At the time of presentation it had been receiving cyclosporine for treatment of eosinophilic dermatitis. Thoracic radiographs revealed severe mixed nodular interstitial and alveolar patterns. An endotracheal wash was performed, which confirmed a diagnosis of pulmonary toxoplasmosis. Despite initial treatment with oxygen supplementation and intravenous clindamycin, the cat developed refractory hypoxemia and hypotension requiring mechanical ventilation and vasopressor support within 24 hours of hospital admission. Cardiac arrest occurred 56 hours after admission. Necropsy was performed and histopathology revealed protozoal organisms disseminated throughout the heart, lungs, liver, and brain.

New or Unique Information Provided

The clinical and necropsy findings presented here are consistent with ARDS secondary to disseminated toxoplasmosis in a cat. This is the first detailed report of ARDS in a cat. Toxoplasma titer testing and antimicrobial prophylaxis should be considered in cats prior to immunosuppressive treatment with cyclosporine.
Outer membrane cytochromes/flavin interactions in Shewanella spp.—A molecular perspective
Authors: Babanova Sofia , Matanovic Ivana , Cornejo Jose , Bretschger Orianna , Nealson Kenneth , Atanassov Plamen
Published: May 2017

Extracellular electron transfer (EET) is intrinsically associated with the core phenomena of energy harvesting/energy conversion in natural ecosystems and biotechnology applications. However, the mechanisms associated with EET are complex and involve molecular interactions that take place at the “bionano interface” where biotic/abiotic interactions are usually explored. This work provides molecular perspective on the electron transfer mechanism(s) employed by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. Molecular docking simulations were used to explain the interfacial relationships between two outer-membrane cytochromes (OMC) OmcA and MtrC and riboflavin (RF) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN), respectively. OMC-flavin interactions were analyzed by studying the electrostatic potential, the hydrophilic/hydrophobic surface properties, and the van der Waals surface of the OMC proteins. As a result, it was proposed that the interactions between flavins and OMCs are based on geometrical recognition event. The possible docking positions of RF and FMN to OmcA and MtrC were also shown.
In Vitro
Efficacy of Moxidectin versus Ivermectin against Sarcoptes scabiei
Authors: Mounsey Kate E. , Walton Shelley F. , Innes Ashlee , Cash-Deans Skye , McCarthy James S.
Published: May 2017

Moxidectin is under consideration for development as a treatment for human scabies. As some arthropods show decreased sensitivity to moxidectin relative to ivermectin, it was important to assess this for
Sarcoptes scabiei
.
In vitro
assays showed that the concentration of moxidectin required to kill 50% of mites was lower than that of ivermectin (0.5 μM versus 1.8 μM at 24 h;
P
< 0.0001). This finding provides further support for moxidectin as a candidate for the treatment of human scabies.
The Fluorocycline TP-271 Is Efficacious in Models of Aerosolized Francisella tularensis SCHU S4 Infection in BALB/c Mice and Cynomolgus Macaques
Authors: Grossman Trudy H. , Anderson Michael S. , Christ David , Gooldy Melanie , Henning Lisa N. , Heine Henry S. , Kindt M. Victoria , Lin Winston , Siefkas-Patterson Kaylyn , Radcliff Anne K. , Tam Vincent H. , Sutcliffe Joyce A.
Published: May 2017

TP-271 is a novel, fully synthetic fluorocycline in development for complicated bacterial respiratory infections. TP-271 was active
in vitro
against a panel of 29
Francisella tularensis
isolates, showing MICs against 50% and 90% of isolates of 0.25 and 0.5 μg/ml, respectively. In a mouse model of inhalational tularemia, animals were exposed by aerosol to 91 to 283 50% lethal doses (LD
50
)/mouse of
F. tularensis
SCHU S4. Following 21 days of once-daily intraperitoneal dosing with TP-271 at 3, 6, 12, and 18 mg/kg of body weight/day, initiating at 24 h postchallenge, survival was 80%, 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. When treatment was initiated at 72 h postchallenge, survival was 89%, 100%, 100%, and 100% in the 3-, 6-, 12-, and 18-mg/kg/day TP-271 groups, respectively. No mice treated with the vehicle control survived. Surviving mice treated with TP-271 showed little to no relapse during 14 days posttreatment. In a nonhuman primate model of inhalational tularemia, cynomolgus macaques received an average aerosol exposure of 1,144 CFU of
F. tularensis
SCHU S4. Once-daily intravenous infusion with 1 or 3 mg/kg TP-271, or vehicle control, for 21 days was initiated within 6 h of confirmed fever. All animals treated with TP-271 survived to the end of the study, with no relapse during 14 days after the last treatment, whereas no vehicle control-treated animals survived. The protection and low relapse afforded by TP-271 treatment in these studies support continued investigation of TP-271 for use in the event of aerosolized exposure to
F. tularensis
.
Circulation of
bla
KPC-3
-Carrying IncX3 Plasmids among Citrobacter freundii Isolates in an Italian Hospital
Authors: Venditti Carolina , Fortini Daniela , Villa Laura , Vulcano Antonella , D'Arezzo Silvia , Capone Alessandro , Petrosillo Nicola , Nisii Carla , Carattoli Alessandra , Di Caro Antonino
Published: May 2017

Colonizations due to carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
(CRE) are a source of antimicrobial resistance transmission in health care settings. Eleven
Citrobacter freundii
strains producing KPC-3 carbapenemase were isolated from rectal swabs during a 3-year surveillance program.
bla
KPC-3
-carrying plasmids were found to belong to the IncX3 group in 9 of the 11 strains, and complete nucleotide sequences were obtained for 2 of them. Our results highlight the possible role of
C. freundii
as reservoir of resistance genes.
Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Assembly Modulators, but Not Nucleoside Analogs, Inhibit the Production of Extracellular Pregenomic RNA and Spliced RNA Variants
Authors: Lam Angela M. , Ren Suping , Espiritu Christine , Kelly Mollie , Lau Vincent , Zheng Lingjie , Hartman George D. , Flores Osvaldo A. , Klumpp Klaus
Published: May 2017

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein serves multiple essential functions in the viral life cycle, and antiviral agents that target the core protein are being developed. Capsid assembly modulators (CAMs) are compounds that target core and misdirect capsid assembly, resulting in the suppression of HBV replication and virion production. Besides HBV DNA, circulating HBV RNA has been detected in patient serum and can be associated with the treatment response. Here we studied the effect of HBV CAMs on the production of extracellular HBV RNA using infected HepaRG cells and primary human hepatocytes. Representative compounds from the sulfonamide carboxamide and heteroaryldihydropyrimidine series of CAMs were evaluated and compared to nucleos(t)ide analogs as inhibitors of the viral polymerase. The results showed that CAMs blocked extracellular HBV RNA with efficiencies similar to those with which they blocked pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) encapsidation, HBV DNA replication, and Dane particle production. Nucleos(t)ide analogs inhibited viral replication and virion production but not encapsidation or production of extracellular HBV RNA. Profiling of HBV RNA from both culture supernatants and patient serum showed that extracellular viral RNA consisted of pgRNA and spliced pgRNA variants with an internal deletion(s) but still retained the sequences at both the 5′ and 3′ ends. Similar variants were detected in the supernatants of infected cells with and without nucleos(t)ide analog treatment. Overall, our data demonstrate that HBV CAMs represent direct antiviral agents with a profile differentiated from that of nucleos(t)ide analogs, including the inhibition of extracellular pgRNA and spliced pgRNA.
MK-8591 (4′-Ethynyl-2-Fluoro-2′-Deoxyadenosine) Exhibits Potent Activity against HIV-2 Isolates and Drug-Resistant HIV-2 Mutants in Culture
Authors: Wu Vincent H. , Smith Robert A. , Masoum Sara , Raugi Dana N. , Ba Selly , Seydi Moussa , Grobler Jay A. , Gottlieb Geoffrey S.
Published: May 2017

There is a pressing need to identify more effective antiretroviral drugs for HIV-2 treatment. Here, we show that the investigational compound MK-8591 (4′-ethynyl-2-fluoro-2′-deoxyadenosine [EFdA]) is highly active against group A and B isolates of HIV-2; 50% effective concentrations [EC50] for HIV-2 were, on average, 4.8-fold lower than those observed for HIV-1. MK-8591 also retains potent activity against multinucleoside-resistant HIV-2 mutants (EC50≤ 11 nM). These data suggest that MK-8591 may have antiviral activity in HIV-2-infected individuals.
Structural Insights into TMB-1 and the Role of Residues 119 and 228 in Substrate and Inhibitor Binding
Authors: Skagseth Susann , Christopeit Tony , Akhter Sundus , Bayer Annette , Samuelsen Ørjan , Leiros Hanna-Kirsti S.
Published: May 2017

Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) threaten the effectiveness of β-lactam antibiotics, including carbapenems, and are a concern for global public health. β-Lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations active against class A and class D carbapenemases are used, but no clinically useful MBL inhibitor is currently available. Tripoli metallo-β-lactamase-1 (TMB-1) and TMB-2 are members of MBL subclass B1a, where TMB-2 is an S228P variant of TMB-1. The role of S228P was studied by comparisons of TMB-1 and TMB-2, and E119 was investigated through the construction of site-directed mutants of TMB-1, E119Q, E119S, and E119A (E119Q/S/A). All TMB variants were characterized through enzyme kinetic studies. Thermostability and crystallization analyses of TMB-1 were performed. Thiol-based inhibitors were investigated by determining the 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
) and binding using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for analysis of TMB-1. Thermostability measurements found TMB-1 to be stabilized by high NaCl concentrations. Steady-state enzyme kinetics analyses found substitutions of E119, in particular, substitutions associated with the penicillins, to affect hydrolysis to some extent. TMB-2 with S228P showed slightly reduced catalytic efficiency compared to TMB-1. The IC
50
levels of the new thiol-based inhibitors were 0.66 μM (inhibitor 2a) and 0.62 μM (inhibitor 2b), and the equilibrium dissociation constant (

K
D

) of inhibitor 2a was 1.6 μM; thus, both were more potent inhibitors than
l
-captopril (IC
50
= 47 μM;

K
D

= 25 μM). The crystal structure of TMB-1 was resolved to 1.75 Å. Modeling of inhibitor 2b in the TMB-1 active site suggested that the presence of the W64 residue results in T-shaped π-π stacking and R224 cation-π interactions with the phenyl ring of the inhibitor. In sum, the results suggest that residues 119 and 228 affect the catalytic efficiency of TMB-1 and that inhibitors 2a and 2b are more potent inhibitors for TMB-1 than
l
-captopril.
Brucella abortus Induces a Warburg Shift in Host Metabolism That Is Linked to Enhanced Intracellular Survival of the Pathogen
Authors: Czyż Daniel M. , Willett Jonathan W. , Crosson Sean
Published: May 2017

Intracellular bacterial pathogens exploit host cell resources to replicate and survive inside the host. Targeting these host systems is one promising approach to developing novel antimicrobials to treat intracellular infections. We show that human macrophage-like cells infected with
Brucella abortus
undergo a metabolic shift characterized by attenuated tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism, reduced amino acid consumption, altered mitochondrial localization, and increased lactate production. This shift to an aerobic glycolytic state resembles the Warburg effect, a change in energy production that is well described in cancer cells and also occurs in activated inflammatory cells.
B. abortus
efficiently uses lactic acid as its sole carbon and energy source and requires the ability to metabolize lactate for normal survival in human macrophage-like cells. We demonstrate that chemical inhibitors of host glycolysis and lactate production do not affect
in vitro
growth of
B. abortus
in axenic culture but decrease its survival in the intracellular niche. Our data support a model in which infection shifts host metabolism to a Warburg-like state, and
B. abortus
uses this change in metabolism to promote intracellular survival. Pharmacological perturbation of these features of host cell metabolism may be a useful strategy to inhibit infection by intracellular pathogens.

IMPORTANCE
Brucella
spp. are intracellular bacterial pathogens that cause disease in a range of mammals, including livestock. Transmission from livestock to humans is common and can lead to chronic human disease. Human macrophage-like cells infected with
Brucella abortus
undergo a Warburg-like metabolic shift to an aerobic glycolytic state where the host cells produce lactic acid and have reduced amino acid catabolism. We provide evidence that the pathogen can exploit this change in host metabolism to support growth and survival in the intracellular niche. Drugs that inhibit this shift in host cell metabolism inhibit intracellular replication and decrease the survival of
B. abortus
in an
in vitro
infection model; these drugs may be broadly useful therapeutics for intracellular infections.
Fascioliasis—a rare cause of hepatic nodules
Authors: Temido Helena , Oliveira-Santos Manuel , Parente Francisco , Santos Lèlita
Published: May 2017

Fascioliasis is a zoonotic disease that can sometimes affect humans. It presents with non-specific signs and symptoms which makes it difficult to establish an early definitive diagnosis. This can be particularly true in non-endemic countries where a high degree of suspicion is needed to make the diagnosis. Another confounding factor is that many of the initial complains and findings are very similar to those of malignancy. We report a case of an otherwise healthy 47 year-old male presenting with abdominal pain, night-time sweating, anorexia, weight loss and loose stools that had several hepatic nodules visible in the abdominal CT scan. Although the initial hypothesis was hepatic malignancy or liver metastasis of unknown primary neoplasm, the workup performed led us to the correct diagnosis. He was treated successfully for hepatic fascioliasis, with a full recovery.
Comparison of corneal dynamic parameters and tomographic measurements using Scheimpflug imaging in keratoconus
Authors: Chan Tommy CY , Wang Yu Meng , Yu Marco , Jhanji Vishal
Published: May 2017

Aim

To compare the diagnostic ability of corneal tomography and corneal dynamic response measurements in normal and keratoconus eyes.

Methods

Consecutive patients with grade II–III keratoconus and age-matched normal subjects were recruited. Corneal imaging was performed using Pentacam (Oculus Optikgeräte, Wetzlar, Germany) and Corvis (Oculus Optikgeräte). A beta version of Corvis software was used with three additional parameters: maximal change of arc length, deformation amplitude (DA) ratio 1 and DA ratio 2. Diagnostic ability of both devices to differentiate normal and keratoconus eyes was evaluated using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The areas under the ROC curve (AUC) and partial AUC (pAUC) for specificity ≥80% for each parameter of Corvis and final D value of Belin/Ambrosio Enhanced Ectasia Display (BAD) were compared.

Results

Forty-two eyes of 42 patients (21 patients with keratoconus and 21 normal subjects) were included. Both groups were age matched (p=0.760). The ROC analysis showed that the final D value of BAD had the highest AUC (0.994) and pAUC (0.194). Maximum inverse radius had the highest AUC (0.954) but a relatively lower pAUC (0.158), while DA ratio 2 had the second highest AUC (0.946) together with the highest pAUC (0.177) among Corvis parameters. There was no significant difference between AUC and pAUC of BAD compared with those of DA ratio 1 (p≥0.162) and DA ratio 2 (p≥0.208).

Conclusions

The results of our study suggest that Corvis measurements have the potential to differentiate keratoconus and normal eyes. The diagnostic ability of novel parameters on Corvis was comparable to Pentacam.