bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Low- Versus High-Intensity Exercise Training on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction in Adolescents With Obesity: A 6-Month Randomized Exercise Intervention Study
Authors: Tenório Thiago R.S. , Balagopal P. Babu , Andersen Lars B. , Ritti-Dias Raphael M. , Hill James O. , Lofrano-Prado Mara C. , Prado Wagner L.
Published: August 2017

Purpose:
To investigate the effects of a low- versus high-intensity aerobic training on biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in adolescents with obesity. Methods: Sixty-two adolescents with obesity [age = 15 (14) y, body mass index = 34.87 (4.22) kg·m−2] were randomized to receive either a high-intensity training (HIT, n = 31) or a low-intensity training (LIT, n = 31) for 24 weeks. All participants also received nutritional, psychological, and clinical counseling. Leptin, total and subtype leukocyte counts, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, myeloperoxidase, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were obtained at baseline and after 24 weeks. Results: HIT reduced neutrophils [from 4.4 (1.9) to 3.6 (1.3) µL−1 × 103; P = .01] and monocytes [from 7.2 (2.5) to 5.2 (1.8) µL−1 × 102; P < .01], but LIT increased neutrophils [from 4.5 (1.7) to 5.2 (3.3) µL−1 × 103; P = .01]. Although tumor necrosis factor-alpha increased in LIT [from 13.3 (7.5) to 17.7 (10.8) pg·mL−1; P = .01], it decreased in HIT [from 12.4 (7.5) to 11.3 (6.2) pg·mL−1; P = .01]. No changes in leukocyte counts, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and homeostasis assessment model for insulin resistance were observed. Conclusions: Both HIT and LIT improved the inflammatory profile. The study, however, indicated that the number of biomarkers and the magnitude of changes were higher in the HIT compared with LIT.
Nutrition Status of Young Elite Female German Football Players
Authors: Braun Hans , von Andrian-Werburg Judith , Schänzer Wilhelm , Thevis Mario
Published: August 2017

Purpose: To investigate energy intake, energy expenditure, and the nutritional status of young female elite football players using 7-day food and activity records and blood parameters. Methods: A total of 56 female elite football players [14.8 (0.7) y] completed the requested food and activity protocols. Misreporting was assessed by the ratio of energy intake to energy expenditure. The food records were analyzed concerning energy and macronutrient and micronutrient intakes, and energy expenditure was calculated using predictive equations. Hematological data and 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum concentrations were determined. Results: Mean energy intake was 2262 (368) kcal/d [40.5 (7.0) kcal/kg/d] and estimated EE averaged 2403 (195) kcal/d. Fifty-three percent of the players exhibited an energy availability <30 kcal/kg lean body mass; 31% of the athletes consumed <5 g/kg carbohydrates and 34% consumed <1.2 g/kg proteins. A large proportion of players (%) had intakes below the recommended daily allowance of folate (75%), vitamin D (100%), iron (69%), and calcium (59%). Ferritin and 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels were below the recommendations of 59% and 38%, respectively. Conclusions: A remarkable number of players failed to meet the energy balance and the recommended carbohydrate and protein intakes. Low iron and 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels were observed showing a suboptimal nutrition status of some young female football players. As a consequence, strategies have to be developed for a better information and application of sport nutrition practice among young female football players.
New connections: Understanding the tumor through the stroma
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: August 2017

Evaluating changes in the tumor stroma at the protein and signaling levels may uncover effective therapeutic targets for cancer patients.
Targeting an “undruggable” protein
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: August 2017

Blocking an interaction with the RNA-binding protein NEFLE or the kinase CAMKIIγ might provide new ways of inhibiting c-Myc in cancers.
Monitoring Antifungal Resistance in a Global Collection of Invasive Yeasts and Molds: Application of CLSI Epidemiological Cutoff Values and Whole-Genome Sequencing Analysis for Detection of Azole Resistance in Candida albicans
Authors: Castanheira Mariana , Deshpande Lalitagauri M. , Davis Andrew P. , Rhomberg Paul R. , Pfaller Michael A.
Published: August 2017

The activity of 7 antifungal agents against 3,557 invasive yeasts and molds collected in 29 countries worldwide in 2014 and 2015 was evaluated. Epidemiological cutoff values (ECVs) published in the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M59 document were applied for species with no clinical breakpoints. Echinocandin susceptibility rates were 95.9% to 100.0% for the 5 most common
Candida
species, except for the rates for
Candida parapsilosis
to anidulafungin (88.7% susceptible, 100.0% wild type). Rates of fluconazole resistance ranged from 8.0% for
Candida glabrata
to 0.4% for
Candida albicans
. Seven
Candida
species displayed 100.0% wild-type amphotericin B MIC results, and
Candida dubliniensis
and
Candida lusitaniae
exhibited wild-type echinocandin MIC results. The highest fluconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole MIC values for
Cryptococcus neoformans
var.
grubii
were 8 μg/ml, 0.12 μg/ml, and 0.25 μg/ml, respectively.
Aspergillus fumigatus
isolates were 100.0% wild type for caspofungin and amphotericin B, but 3 (0.8%) of these isolates were non-wild type to itraconazole (2 isolates) or voriconazole (1 isolate). Mutations in
FKS
hot spot (HS) regions were detected among 13/20
Candida
isolates displaying echinocandin MICs greater than the ECV (16 of these 20 isolates were
C. glabrata
). Most isolates carrying mutations in
FKS
HS regions were resistant to 2 or more echinocandins. Five fluconazole-nonsusceptible
C. albicans
isolates were submitted to whole-genome sequencing analysis. Gain-of-function,
Erg11
heterozygous, and
Erg3
homozygous mutations were observed in 1 isolate each. One isolate displayed MDR1 promoter allele alterations associated with azole resistance. Elevated levels of expression of MDR1 or CDR2 were observed in 3 isolates and 1 isolate, respectively. Echinocandin and azole resistance is still uncommon among contemporary fungal isolates; however, mechanisms of resistance to antifungals were observed among
Candida
spp., showing that resistance can emerge and monitoring is warranted.
Translocation of Carbapenemase Gene
bla
KPC-2
both Internal and External to Transposons Occurs via Novel Structures of Tn
1721
and Exhibits Distinct Movement Patterns
Authors: Tang Yu , Li Gang , Liang Wei , Shen Pinghua , Zhang Ying , Jiang Xiaofei
Published: August 2017

The
bla
KPC-2
gene encodes a carbapenemase that hydrolyzes almost all β-lactams, including carbapenems. The rapid emergence and international spread of this gene in
Enterobacteriaceae
seriously limit clinical treatment, posing an alarming threat for public health. Transposable elements, such as Tn
4401
, a proven transposon in Europe, the United States, and elsewhere, often play a role in the dissemination of the
bla
KPC-2
gene. In eastern China, the
bla
KPC-2
gene is frequently associated with several novel structures of Tn
1721
, but their transposition ability and mechanism of movement remain unclear. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that Tn
1721
-like transposons are capable of transferring
bla
KPC-2
both internal and external to the Tn
1721
element from one strain to another and that distinct transposon structures exhibit different movement patterns and transposition frequencies. This process did not involve homologous recombination. Moreover, a 5-bp duplication of the target site, a characterized signature of transposition events in the Tn
3
family, was confirmed. Tn
1721
-like transposons were found to insert preferentially into a 5-bp region that gradually exhibits a degenerated degree of AT-rich regions from both sides to the middle and that is immediately flanked by GC-rich regions. The observation in clinical isolates of diverse sequences flanking the transposons and a 5-bp duplication of the target site, as well as the prevalence of Tn
1721
-like transposons, also sustained our experimental results. This study first gives evidence about the functional role of Tn
1721
-like transposons in transferring the
bla
KPC-2
gene and provides new sight into the transposable element and the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in
Enterobacteriaceae
.
Comparative Pharmacodynamics of Single-Dose Oritavancin and Daily High-Dose Daptomycin Regimens against Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium Isolates in an
In Vitro
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Model of Infection
Authors: Belley Adam , Lalonde-Séguin David , Arhin Francis F. , Moeck Greg
Published: August 2017

There are limited therapeutic options to treat infections caused by vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
(VREfm). The lipoglycopeptide oritavancin exhibits
in vitro
activity against this pathogen, although its utility against infections caused by VREfm has not been clinically established. In this study, the pharmacodynamic activity of free-drug levels associated with 12 mg/kg/day of daptomycin and a single 1,200-mg dose of oritavancin were determined against three VanA VREfm isolates in an
in vitro
pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model.
In Vivo
Analysis of Staphylococcus aureus-Infected Mice Reveals Differential Temporal and Spatial Expression Patterns of
fhuD2
Authors: Bacconi Marta , Haag Andreas F. , Chiarot Emiliano , Donato Paolo , Bagnoli Fabio , Delany Isabel , Bensi Giuliano
Published: August 2017

Staphylococcus aureus
is an opportunistic human pathogen and a major cause of invasive infections such as bacteremia, endocarditis, pneumonia, and wound infections. FhuD2 is a staphylococcal lipoprotein involved in the uptake of iron-hydroxymate and is under the control of the iron uptake regulator Fur. This protein is part of an investigational multicomponent vaccine formulation that has shown protective efficacy in several murine models of infection. Even though
fhuD2
expression has been shown to be upregulated in murine kidneys infected with
S. aureus
, it is not known whether the bacterium undergoes increased iron deprivation during prolonged infection. Furthermore, different
S. aureus
infection niches might provide different environments and levels of iron availability, resulting in different
fhuD2
expression patterns among organs of the same host. To address these questions, we characterized the
in vitro
expression of the
fhuD2
gene and confirmed Fur-dependent regulation of its expression. We further investigated its expression in mice infected with a bioluminescent reporter strain of
S. aureus
expressing the luciferase operon under the control of the
fhuD2
promoter. The emission of bioluminescence in different organs was followed over a 7-day time course, and quantitative real-time PCR analysis of the RNA transcribed from the endogenous
fhuD2
gene was performed. Using this approach, we were able to show that
fhuD2
expression was induced during infection in all organs analyzed and that differences in expression were observed at different time points and in different infected organs. Our data suggest that
S. aureus
undergoes increased iron deprivation during the progression of infection in diverse host organs and accordingly induces dedicated iron acquisition mechanisms. Since FhuD2 plays a central role in providing the pathogen with the required iron, further knowledge of the patterns of
fhuD2
expression
in vivo
during infection will be instrumental in better defining the role of this antigen in
S. aureus
pathogenesis and as a vaccine antigen.
Type Three Secretion System-Dependent Microvascular Thrombosis and Ischemic Enteritis in Human Gut Xenografts Infected with Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Nissim-Eliraz Einat , Nir Eilam , Shoval Irit , Marsiano Noga , Nissan Israel , Shemesh Hadar , Nagy Nandor , Goldstein Allan M. , Gutnick Michael , Rosenshine Ilan , Yagel Simcha , Shpigel Nahum Y.
Published: August 2017

Enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) is a leading cause of severe intestinal disease and infant mortality in developing countries. Virulence is mediated by a type three secretion system (T3SS), causing the hallmark attaching and effacing (AE) lesions and actin-rich pedestal formation beneath the infecting bacteria on the apical surface of enterocytes. EPEC is a human-specific pathogen whose pathogenesis cannot be studied in animal models. We therefore established an EPEC infection model in human gut xenografts in SCID mice and used it to study the role of T3SS in the pathogenesis of the disease. Following EPEC O127:H6 strain E2348/69 infection, T3SS-dependent AE lesions and pedestals were demonstrated in all infected xenografts. We report here the development of T3SS-dependent intestinal thrombotic microangiopathy (iTMA) and ischemic enteritis in ∼50% of infected human gut xenografts. Using species-specific CD31 immunostaining, we showed that iTMA was limited to the larger human-mouse chimeric blood vessels, which are located between the muscularis mucosa and circular muscular layer of the human gut. These blood vessels were massively invaded by bacteria, which adhered to and formed pedestals on endothelial cells and aggregated with mouse neutrophils in the lumen. We conclude that endothelial infection, iTMA, and ischemic enteritis might be central mechanisms underlying severe EPEC-mediated disease.
Guanylate Binding Proteins Regulate Inflammasome Activation in Response to Hyperinjected Yersinia Translocon Components
Authors: Zwack Erin E. , Feeley Eric M. , Burton Amanda R. , Hu Baofeng , Yamamoto Masahiro , Kanneganti Thirumala-Devi , Bliska James B. , Coers Jörn , Brodsky Igor E.
Published: August 2017

Gram-negative bacterial pathogens utilize virulence-associated secretion systems to inject, or translocate, effector proteins into host cells to manipulate cellular processes and promote bacterial replication. However, translocated bacterial products are sensed by
n
ucleotide binding domain and
l
eucine-rich
r
epeat-containing proteins (NLRs), which trigger the formation of a multiprotein complex called the inflammasome, leading to secretion of interleukin-1 (IL-1) family cytokines, pyroptosis, and control of pathogen replication. Pathogenic
Yersinia
bacteria inject effector proteins termed Yops, as well as pore-forming proteins that comprise the translocon itself, into target cells. The
Yersinia
translocation regulatory protein YopK promotes bacterial virulence by limiting hyperinjection of the translocon proteins YopD and YopB into cells, thereby limiting cellular detection of
Yersinia
virulence activity. How hyperinjection of translocon proteins leads to inflammasome activation is currently unknown. We found that translocated YopB and YopD colocalized with the late endosomal/lysosomal protein LAMP1 and that the frequency of YopD and LAMP1 association correlated with the level of caspase-1 activation in individual cells. We also observed colocalization between YopD and Galectin-3, an indicator of endosomal membrane damage. Intriguingly, YopK limited the colocalization of Galectin-3 with YopD, suggesting that YopK limits the induction or sensing of endosomal membrane damage by components of the type III secretion system (T3SS) translocon. Furthermore, guanylate binding proteins (GBPs) encoded on chromosome 3 (
Gbp

Chr3

), which respond to pathogen-induced damage or alteration of host membranes, were necessary for inflammasome activation in response to hyperinjected YopB/-D. Our findings indicate that lysosomal damage by
Yersinia
translocon proteins promotes inflammasome activation and implicate GBPs as key regulators of this process.
Phosphoserine Phosphatase Is Required for Serine and One-Carbon Unit Synthesis in Hydrogenobacter thermophilus
Authors: Kim Keugtae , Chiba Yoko , Kobayashi Azusa , Arai Hiroyuki , Ishii Masaharu
Published: August 2017

Hydrogenobacter thermophilus
is an obligate chemolithoautotrophic bacterium of the phylum
Aquificae
and is capable of fixing carbon dioxide through the reductive tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The recent discovery of two novel-type phosphoserine phosphatases (PSPs) in
H. thermophilus
suggests the presence of a phosphorylated serine biosynthesis pathway; however, the physiological role of these novel-type metal-independent PSPs (iPSPs) in
H. thermophilus
has not been confirmed. In the present study, a mutant strain with a deletion of
pspA
, the catalytic subunit of iPSPs, was constructed and characterized. The generated mutant was a serine auxotroph, suggesting that the novel-type PSPs and phosphorylated serine synthesis pathway are essential for serine anabolism in
H. thermophilus.
As an autotrophic medium supplemented with glycine did not support the growth of the mutant, the reversible enzyme serine hydroxymethyltransferase does not appear to synthesize serine from glycine and may therefore generate glycine and 5,10-CH
2
-tetrahydrofolate (5,10-CH
2
-THF) from serine. This speculation is supported by the lack of glycine cleavage activity, which is needed to generate 5,10-CH
2
-THF, in
H. thermophilus
. Determining the mechanism of 5,10-CH
2
-THF synthesis is important for understanding the fundamental anabolic pathways of organisms, because 5,10-CH
2
-THF is a major one-carbon donor that is used for the synthesis of various essential compounds, including nucleic and amino acids. The findings from the present experiments using a
pspA
deletion mutant have confirmed the physiological role of iPSPs as serine producers and show that serine is a major donor of one-carbon units in
H. thermophilus
.

IMPORTANCE
Serine biosynthesis and catabolism pathways are intimately related to the metabolism of 5,10-CH
2
-THF, a one-carbon donor that is utilized for the biosynthesis of various essential compounds. For this reason, determining the mechanism of serine synthesis is important for understanding the fundamental anabolic pathways of microorganisms. In the present study, we experimentally confirmed that a novel phosphoserine phosphatase in the obligate chemolithoautotrophic bacterium
Hydrogenobacter thermophilus
is essential for serine biosynthesis. This finding indicates that serine is synthesized from an intermediate of gluconeogenesis in
H. thermophilus
. In addition, because glycine cleavage system activity and genes encoding an enzyme capable of producing 5,10-CH
2
-THF were not detected, serine appears to be the major one-carbon donor to tetrahydrofolate (THF) in
H. thermophilus
.
Application of Distributive Conjugal DNA Transfer in Mycobacterium smegmatis To Establish a Genome-Wide Synthetic Genetic Array
Authors: Judd Julius , Boucher Nathalie , Van Roey Erik , Gray Todd A. , Derbyshire Keith M.
Published: August 2017

Genetic redundancy can obscure phenotypic effects of single-gene mutations. Two individual mutations may be viable separately but are lethal when combined, thus synthetically linking the two gene products in an essential process. Synthetic genetic arrays (SGAs), in which defined mutations are combined, provide a powerful approach to identify novel genetic interactions and redundant pathways. A genome-scale SGA can offer an initial assignment of function to hypothetical genes by uncovering interactions with known genes or pathways. Here, we take advantage of the chromosomal conjugation system of
Mycobacterium smegmatis
to combine individual donor and recipient mutations on a genome-wide scale. We demonstrated the feasibility of a high-throughput mycobacterial SGA (mSGA) screen by using mutants of
esx3
,
fxbA
, and
recA
as query genes, which were combined with an arrayed library of transposon mutants by conjugation. The mSGA identified interacting genes that we had predicted and, most importantly, identified novel interacting genes—encoding both proteins and a noncoding RNA (ncRNA). In combination with other molecular genetic approaches, the mSGA has great potential to both reduce the high number of conserved hypothetical protein annotations in mycobacterial genomes and further define mycobacterial pathways and gene interactions.

IMPORTANCE
Mycobacterium smegmatis
is the model organism of choice for the study of mycobacterial pathogens, because it is a fast-growing nonpathogenic species harboring many genes that are conserved throughout mycobacteria. In this work, we describe a synthetic genetic array (mSGA) approach for
M. smegmatis
, which combines mutations on a genome-wide scale with high efficiency. Analysis of the double mutant strains enables the identification of interacting genes and pathways that are normally hidden by redundant biological pathways. The mSGA is a powerful genetic tool that enables functions to be assigned to the many conserved hypothetical genes found in all mycobacterial species.
Reduction en masse of inguinal hernia: a review of a rare and potential fatal complication following reduction of inguinal hernia
Authors: Yatawatta Ashanga
Published: August 2017

Reduction en masse is reduction of a hernial sac into the pre-peritoneal space with a loop of bowel remaining incarcerated at the neck of the sac, leading to early strangulation. This is a rare complication, usually encountered with inguinal hernias, with a false reassurance to the patient and the treating physician that complete reduction has been achieved. Unless early intervention is carried out, this condition will typically present with worsening pain and absence of an appreciable hernia bulge at the groin, and intestinal necrosis may be encountered on exploration. The outcome will depend on the severity of peritonitis/sepsis, and mortality remains high for late presentations. A case of early presentation of reduction en masse of an inguinal hernia is reported with a review of the existing literature.
Orbital multiple myeloma: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Tai Evelyn , Sim See Khim , Haron Juhara , Wan Hitam Wan-Hazabbah
Published: August 2017

Orbital involvement in multiple myeloma is unusual. We describe the case of an 85-year-old woman who presented with right eye proptosis, reduced visual acuity and diplopia. Computed tomography showed a lobulated, enhancing soft tissue mass arising from the right greater wing of the sphenoid with intraconal, lacrimal gland and ocular muscle involvement. Histopathology revealed predominantly atypical plasma cells in a background of reactive lymphocytes, with monoclonality towards kappa light chain protein, suggestive of multiple myeloma. This case illustrates the diagnostic imaging challenge of orbital multiple myeloma.
Risk factors for overuse shoulder injuries in a mixed-sex cohort of 329 elite handball players: previous findings could not be confirmed
Authors: Andersson Stig Haugsboe , Bahr Roald , Clarsen Benjamin , Myklebust Grethe
Published: August 2017

Background

Shoulder injuries are common among handball players and predominantly characterised by overuse characteristics. Reduced total glenohumeral rotation, external rotation weakness and scapular dyskinesis have been identified as risk factors among elite male handball players.

Aim

To assess whether previously identified risk factors are associated with overuse shoulder injuries in a large cohort of elite male and female handball players.

Methods

329 players (168 male, 161 female) from the two upper divisions in Norway were included and tested prior to the 2014–2015 season. Measures included glenohumeral internal and external rotation range of motion, isometric internal and external rotation strength, and assessment of scapular dyskinesis. Players were followed prospectively for one competitive season, with prevalence and severity of shoulder problems registered monthly using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire. A severity score based on players’ questionnaire responses was used as the outcome measure in multivariable logistic regression to investigate associations between candidate risk factors and overuse shoulder injury.

Results

No significant associations were found between total rotation (OR 1.05 per 5° change, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.13), external rotation strength (OR 1.05 per 10 N change, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.20) or obvious scapular dyskinesis (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.25 to 5.99) and overuse shoulder injury. A significant positive association was found between greater internal rotation (OR 1.16 per 5° change, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.34) and overuse shoulder injury.

Conclusion

None of the previously identified risk factors were associated with overuse shoulder injuries in a mixed-sex cohort of elite handball players.
Haemoglobin Fontainebleau (HBA2: c. 64G>C) in Oman: molecular and haematological characteristics and interaction with various haemoglobinopathies
Authors: Daar Shahina , Al Zadjali Shoaib , Alkindi Salam , Wali Yasser , Al-Rawas Abdulhakeem , Al-Haddabi Humood , Al-Riyami Arwa Z
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To describe the laboratory features of haemoglobin Fontainebleau (Hb FB) and its interactions with various α and β globin gene mutations in the Omani population.

Methods

Over a period of 10 years, a total of 94 blood samples were suspected to have an α variant on HPLC at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman. Molecular testing was performed using PCR based techniques to define the variant and to analyse other interacting mutations in either α or β globin genes.

Results

Of 94 subjects, molecular analysis confirmed the Hb FB variant in 55 samples (38 non-cord and 17 cord blood). A total of 36/38 non-cord samples were heterozygous for the variant, while all 17 cord blood samples were heterozygotes. A total of 43/55 individuals had a concomitant α and/or β globin gene mutation.

Conclusions

Hb FB is the the most common α variant in the Omani population. We report the different HPLC profiles of this variant that we observed, with and without other haemoglobinopathies in non-cord and cord blood samples. This is the first report describing the HPLC profiles of this α globin chain variant on 1 year follow-up testing of cord blood samples. With careful analysis by HPLC, it is possible not only to identify Hb FB but also to predict any concomitant α and/or β globin gene mutations.
Advice given by NHS Direct in Wales: do deprived patients get more urgent decisions? Study of routine data
Authors: Peconi Julie , Macey Steven , Rodgers Sarah , Russell Ian , Snooks Helen , Watkins Alan
Published: August 2017

Background

In the UK, National Health Service Direct Wales (NHSDW) uses computerised decision support software to advise patients on appropriate care. However, the effect of deprivation on the advice given is not known. We aimed to estimate the effect of deprivation on advice given by nurses in NHSDW adjusting for confounding variables.

Methods

We included 400 000 calls to NHSDW between January 2002 and June 2004. We used logistic regression to model the effect of deprivation on advice given by nurses in response to calls seeking advice or information. We analysed two outcomes: receiving advice to phone 999 emergency care rather than to seek other care and receiving advice to seek care face to face rather than self-care.

Results

After adjustment for covariates, an increase in deprivation from one-fifth of the distribution to the next fifth increased by 13% the probability that those calling for advice rather than information received advice to phone 999 (OR 1.127; 95% CI from 1.113 to 1.143). Deprivation increased the corresponding probability of being advised to seek care face to face rather than self-care by 5% (OR 1.049; 95% CI from 1.041 to 1.058) within advice calls and by 3% (OR 1.034; 95% CI from 1.022 to 1.047) within information calls.

Conclusions

Deprivation increased the chance of receiving more urgent advice, particularly advice to call 999. While our dataset may underestimate the ‘need’ of deprived patients, it yields no evidence of major inequity in advice given to these patients.
Mortality and causes of death among homeless in Finland: a 10-year follow-up study
Authors: Stenius-Ayoade Agnes , Haaramo Peija , Kautiainen Hannu , Gissler Mika , Wahlbeck Kristian , Eriksson Johan G
Published: August 2017

Background

Homelessness is associated with increased mortality, and some predictors of mortality have been previously identified. We examined the overall and cause-specific mortality among homeless men in Helsinki and the associations of social background and health service use with mortality.

Methods

To assess cause-specific mortality in a competing risks framework, we performed a register-based, case–control study of 617 homeless men and an age-matched control group of 1240 men from the general population that were followed for 10 years between 2004 and 2014. Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate HR for death and a competing risks model to calculate sub-HRs (sHR) for cause-specific death.

Results

During the follow-up, 45.0% of the homeless died compared with 10.5% of controls (HR 5.38, 95% CI 4.39 to 6.59). The risk of death was particularly elevated for the homeless aged ≤50 years (HR 10.3, 95% CI 7.0 to 15.2). External causes caused 34% of the deaths (sHR 11.2, 95% CI 6.8 to 18.2), but also deaths from medical causes were common (sHR 3.6, 95% CI 2.9 to 4.6). Age and somatic hospitalisation were significant predictors of death both among homeless and controls. Educational attainment, marital status, employment and psychiatric hospitalisation were significant predictors of mortality among the controls, but not among the homeless.

Conclusions

Homelessness is associated with a fivefold mortality compared with the controls, and especially homeless aged ≤50 years have an increased risk of death. Being homeless eliminates the protective effects of marriage, employment and education on mortality risk.
Genetic transmission networks reveal the transmission patterns of HIV-1 CRF01_AE in China
Authors: Li Xiaoshan , Gao Rong , Zhu Kexin , Wei Feiran , Fang Kun , Li Wei , Song Yue , Ge You , Ji Yu , Zhong Ping , Wei Pingmin
Published: August 2017

Objectives

The epidemic of HIV-1 CRF01_AE has become a major public health issue in China. This study aimed to characterise the transmission patterns of genetic networks for CRF01_AE nationwide and elucidate possible opportunities for prevention.

Methods

We isolated and conducted genetic transmission network analysis of all available CRF01_AE pol sequences (n=4704) from China in the Los Alamos HIV sequence database.

Results

A total of 1391 (29.6%) sequences were identified as belonging to 400 separate networks. Of men who have sex with men (MSM) in the networks, 93.8% were linked to other MSM and only 2.4% were linked to heterosexual women. However, 11.8% heterosexual women in the networks were linked to MSM. Lineages composed mainly of MSM had higher transmission than those that were mostly heterosexuals. Of the 1391 individuals in networks, 513 (36.9%) were linked to cases diagnosed in different provinces. The proportion of individuals involved in inter-province links was interrelated with the number of migrant people (Spearman’s r=0.738, p=0.001).

Conclusions

The outcome of this study could help improve our ability to understand HIV transmission among various regions and risk groups in China, and highlighted the importance of targeting MSM and migrants by prevention and intervention efforts.
Use of an ‘EZ‐blocker’ to facilitate thoracoscopic surgery in two dogs
Authors: Wang Wen Hui , Diez Bernal Sabina , Mirra Alessandro , Levionnois Olivier Louis Raymond , Raillard Mathieu
Published: August 2017

This report documents the practical introduction of an EZ‐blocker to achieve one‐lung ventilation in two medium‐sized dogs for video‐assisted thoracoscopic pericardiectomy and right caudal lung lobectomy. Bronchoscopy was performed after blind introduction of the device through the endotracheal tube at the level of the tracheobronchial bifurcation. The EZ‐blocker was successfully placed on the first attempt in the first case but initially remained trapped in the Murphy eye of the endotracheal tube in the second case, requiring repositioning. Surgical visibility was considered satisfactory when the left lung lobes were collapsed but not optimal when the right lung lobes had to be collapsed because the right cranial lung lobe could not be isolated for anatomical reasons. Both dogs recovered from anaesthesia uneventfully. Anaesthetic management with particular emphasis on the practical use of the EZ‐blocker is reported. Placement of the EZ‐blocker and challenges associated with right lung isolation are described.
Antimicrobial susceptibility, serotypes and genotypes of Pasteurella multocida isolates associated with swine pneumonia in Taiwan
Authors: Yeh Jih‐Ching , Lo Dan‐Yuan , Chang Shao‐Kuang , Chou Chi‐Chung , Kuo Hung‐Chih
Published: August 2017

Pasteurella multocida (PM) can cause progressive atrophic rhinitis and suppurative bronchopneumonia in pigs. The present study performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing and serotype and genotype identification on the 62 PM strains isolated from the lungs of diseased pigs with respiratory symptoms. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing examined 13 antimicrobial agents (amoxicillin, cefazolin, doxycycline, flumequine, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, kanamycin, lincomycin, Linco‐Spectin (lincomycin and spectinomycin), erythromycin, tylosin, tilmicosin and tiamulin). Antimicrobial resistance ratios were over 40% in all of the antimicrobial agents except for cefazolin. The highest levels of resistance (100%) were found for kanamycin, erythromycin and tylosin. The majority of isolated strains was serotype D:L6 (n=35) followed by A:L3 (n=17). Comparison of the antimicrobial resistance levels between the two serotypes showed that the antimicrobial resistance rates were higher in D:L6 than in A:L3 for all the tested antimicrobials except for tylosin and tilmicosin. For PM with erm(B), erm(T) or erm(42), the results showed no significant difference compared with non‐resistance gene strains in phenotype. Pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis genotyping using ApaI restriction digestion of the genomic DNA demonstrated that there were 17 distinct clusters with a similarity of 85% or more, and the genotyping result was similar to that of serotyping. The results of the present study demonstrated that the PM isolated from diseased pigs in Taiwan was resistant to multiple antimicrobials, and the distribution of antimicrobial resistance was associated with pulsotype and serotype.
Macro-spatial approach for evaluating the impact of socio-economics, land use, built environment, and road facility on pedestrian safety
Authors: Osama Ahmed , Sayed Tarek
Published: August 2017

With the increasing demand for sustainability, walking is being encouraged as a main active mode of transportation. However, pedestrians are vulnerable to severe injuries when involved in crashes, which can discourage road users from walking. Therefore, studying the factors that affect the safety of pedestrians is important. This paper investigates the relationship between pedestrian-vehicle crashes and various zone characteristics in the city of Vancouver. The goal is to assess the impact of socio-economics, land use, built environment, and road facility on pedestrian safety using macro-level collision prediction models. The models were developed using generalized linear regression and full Bayesian techniques. Both walking trips and vehicle kilometres travelled were used as the main traffic exposure variables in the models. The safety models showed that pedestrian-motorist crashes were non-linearly positively associated with the increase in traffic exposure. The crashes were also found positively associated with the socio-economic variables (i.e., employment and household densities), some built environment variables (transit stop, traffic signal, and light pole densities), commercial area density, and arterial-collector roads proportion. On the other hand, the models revealed a decline in the pedestrian-motorist crashes associated with the increase in the proportions of pedestrian-actuated signals and local roads, as well as the increase in the recreational and residential areas’ densities. The spatial effects were accounted for in the full Bayes models and were found significant, which imply the importance of considering spatial correlation when developing macro-level pedestrian safety models.
Corresponding long-term shifts in stream temperature and invasive fish migration
Authors: McCann Erin L. , Johnson Nicholas S. , Pangle Kevin L.
Published: August 2017

By investigating historic trapping records of invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) throughout tributaries to the Laurentian Great Lakes, we found that upstream spawning migration timing was highly correlated with stream temperatures over large spatial and temporal scales. Furthermore, several streams in our study exceeded a critical spring thermal threshold (i.e., 15 °C) and experienced peak spawning migration up to 30 days earlier than in the 1980s, whereas others were relatively unchanged. Streams exhibiting warming trends and earlier migration were spatially clustered and generally found on the leeward side of the Great Lakes where the lakes most affect local climate. These findings highlight that all streams are not equally impacted by climate change and represent, to our knowledge, the first observation linking long-term changes in stream temperatures to shifts in migration timing of an invasive fish. Earlier sea lamprey migration in Great Lakes tributaries may improve young of the year growth and survival but not limit their spatial distribution, making sea lamprey control more challenging.
Variation in stem form and risk of four commercially important hardwood species in the Acadian Forest: implications for potential sawlog volume and tree classification systems
Authors: Castle Mark , Weiskittel Aaron , Wagner Robert , Ducey Mark , Frank Jereme , Pelletier Gaetan
Published: August 2017

Northern hardwood trees display a wide variety of stem forms and defects, which can substantially reduce their financial value and also complicate their silviculture. While attributes of stem form and defect have been incorporated into tree classification systems, their ability to assess product value and recovery in standing trees has not been adequately tested. To address this issue, we classified stem form and risk using a system developed by the Northern Hardwoods Research Institute (NHRI) for four species across several locations in Maine, New Hampshire, and New Brunswick: sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.), red maple (Acer rubrum L.), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton), and northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.). Using these data, we (i) quantified interspecific and regional variation in stem form and damage, (ii) related potential sawlog recovery to tree size, form, and risk, and (iii) compared the efficacy of the NHRI system with a commonly used classification system and a continuous measure of stem quality. High variation in both stem form and damage among the species was found, with red maple showing the largest range. A simplified NHRI system including three form classes proved to be sufficient in differentiating sawlog potential in individual trees, while a model using a continuous measure of stem quality (estimated merchantable sawlog height) performed best.
Estimation of mass composition of high energy cosmic rays via modeling a relation between lateral distribution parameters and shower age
Authors: Doostmohammadi Saeed
Published: August 2017

Lateral distribution function of extensive air showers of energetic cosmic rays, indicate how secondary particles spread over a surface detectors. There are many different universal formulas between lateral distribution parameters and shower age parameter which can be used to infer about maximum development of extensive air shower (which is a key parameter to estimate the mass composition of primary cosmic rays). At present work, an estimated percent of mass composition of ultra-high energy cosmic rays is investigated by comparison between Ivanov et al. modeling of simulated data, which has been done by CoRSiKa, and Yakutsk experimental data.
Dynamics of two-scalar-field cosmological models beyond the exponential potential
Authors: Li Yu
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we discuss the dynamics of two- scalar-field cosmological models. Unlike in the situation of exponential potential, we find that there are late-time attractors in which one scalar field dominates the energy density of universe and the other one decay. We also discuss the possibility of multiple attractors model which is useful to realize the evolution of the universe from a scaling era to recent acceleration era. We also give the conditions of the existence of multiple attractors.
Dynamic correlation diagrams for sigmatropic reactions based on orbital phase conservation theory
Authors: Nohira Hiroyuki , Nohira Toshiyuki
Published: August 2017

For sigmatropic reactions, such as [1,3] and [1,5] hydrogen shifts, the Cope and Claisen rearrangements, and the Berson–Nelson rearrangement, no correlation diagrams consistent with the classical electronic formulas have been reported. Here, we report dynamic correlation diagrams for these sigmatropic reactions based on orbital phase conservation theory. The diagrams are consistent with both the selection rules of sigmatropic reactions proposed by Woodward and Hoffmann and classical electronic formulas.
Scalar curvature of Lagrangian Riemannian submersions and their harmonicity
Authors: Eken Meri̇ç Şemsi , Kiliç Erol , Sağiroğlu Yasemi̇n
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we consider a Lagrangian Riemannian submersion from a Hermitian manifold to a Riemannian manifold and establish some basic inequalities to obtain relationships between the intrinsic and extrinsic invariants for such a submersion. Indeed, using these inequalities, we provide necessary and sufficient conditions for which a Lagrangian Riemannian submersion [Formula: see text] has totally geodesic or totally umbilical fibers. Moreover, we study the harmonicity of Lagrangian Riemannian submersions and obtain a characterization for such submersions to be harmonic.
A short note on the mean exit time of the Brownian motion
Authors: Cadeddu Lucio , Farina Maria Antonietta
Published: August 2017

We investigate the functional [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] runs through the set of compact domains of fixed volume [Formula: see text] in any Riemannian manifold [Formula: see text] and where [Formula: see text] is the mean exit time from [Formula: see text] of the Brownian motion. We give an alternative analytical proof of a well-known fact on its critical points proved by McDonald: the critical points of [Formula: see text] are harmonic domains.
TOWARDS A COMPREHENSIVE MODEL ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEADERSHIP STYLES, ORGANISATIONAL CLIMATE, INNOVATION AND ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Authors: SETHIBE TEBOGO GILBERT
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of the relationship between leadership styles, organisational climate, innovation and organisational performance. The study was quantitative in nature using questionnaires submitted by 231 participants from various companies in South Africa. The statistical analysis was based on Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using the path analysis. The results from SEM reveal that transformational leadership style influences the climate for innovation and organisational performance directly and innovation indirectly. Similarly, a direct relationship between transactional leadership style and organisational performance was found, but no relationship was found between transactional leadership style and innovation. The findings assist managers to better understand which leadership style to adopt when the aim is to increase organisational performance using innovation as an enabler. This is the first study that investigated the nature of the relationship between leadership styles, organisational climate, innovation and organisational performance taking into account the nature of innovation (i.e., incremental and radical) and the stage at which innovation is operating in the innovation process.
Facile synthesis of γ-MnO2/rice husk-based-activated carbon and its electrochemical properties
Authors: Song Xiaolan , Duan Hailong , Zhang Ying , Wang Haibo , Cao Hongyun
Published: August 2017

In this study, composite [Formula: see text]-MnO2/activated carbon (AC) was prepared by chemical deposition method, and then it was assembled into electrode and electrochemical capacitor. Effects of reaction temperature and MnO2 content were studied. Materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and electrochemical test. MnO2 prepared at 30[Formula: see text]C was amorphous, and it displayed the high specific capacitance as nearly four times as MnO2 at 80[Formula: see text]C. Due to MnO2 particles which would block carbon pores when its content was too high, the composite containing 30% of MnO2 exhibited the largest specific capacitance of 278.3[Formula: see text]F/g at 0.2[Formula: see text]A/g in K2SO4 electrolyte. The equivalent series resistance and charge transfer resistance of material were only 1.35[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] and 1.41[Formula: see text][Formula: see text], respectively. After 1000 cycles, the capacitance retention was still 91.6%. It indicated that chemical deposition was a facile, low cost and effective method to prepare MnO2/AC with good electrochemical performances.
Winding indexes of Max. and Min. Hamiltonians in N-Gons
Authors: Niel Blanca Isabel
Published: August 2017

The resolutions of the different Shortest and Longest Euclidean Hamiltonian Path Problems on the vertices of simple regular [Formula: see text]-Gons, by means of a geometric and arithmetic algorithm allow us to define winding indexes for Euclidean Hamiltonian cycles. New statements characterize orientation of non-necessarily regular Hamiltonian cycles on the [Formula: see text]th roots of the unity embedded in the plane and deal with the existence of reflective bistarred Hamiltonian tours on vertices of coupled [Formula: see text]-Gons.
At your own risk
Authors: Welhausen Candice A.
Published: August 2017

In this article, the author proposes that the emergence of digital, disease-tracking applications over the past ten years like HealthMap (healthmap.org) and Flu Near You (flunearyou.org) that allow non-experts to contribute information about emergent public health threats have facilitated a "do-it-yourself (DIY)" risk assessment ethic. Focusing in particular on Flu Near You (FNY), a crowdsourced, flu-tracking program, the author argues that some participants use the mapping feature to curate their own risk information experience in determining the preventative behaviors they may want to engage in (if any) to prevent flu. As outbreaks of infectious diseases increase (Smith et al., 2014), mHealth technologies like disease-tracking apps are evolving as an important risk assessment tool for both public health experts as well as non-expert, public audiences. Better understanding how non-experts use such information can inform not only the design of these apps but visual risk communication strategies more generally speaking.
The cultural context of care in international communication design
Authors: Amant Kirk St.
Published: August 2017

The concept of usability is often connected to the setting - or context - in which individuals perform an activity. International settings complicate such relationships by introducing new variables that affect usability in different locations. In international health and medical communication, this situation can create problems that affect the health and wellness of patients in other nations and cultures. International patient experience design (I-PXD) presents a heuristic for addressing this situation. I-PXD helps individuals identify variables affecting usability in different international contexts. Persons working in health and medical communication can use this I-PXD heuristic to address usability expectations in various international contexts.