bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of supplemental conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) on fresh and post‐thaw sperm quality of Holstein bulls
Authors: Karimi R , Towhidi A , Zeinoaldini S , Rezayazdi K , Mousavi M , Safari H , Martinez‐Pastor F
Published: February 2017

Contents

This study was designed to investigate the effects of feeding‐protected conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on the semen production and sperm freezability in Holstein bulls. Twelve bulls were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 6 per group). Bulls received the normal diet (control group) or the normal diet top‐dressed with 50 g ofCLA(treated group) for 10 weeks. The control group received 40 g/day calcium soap of fatty acid. Fresh and post‐thaw semen quality was assessed on ejaculates collected at the 0, 4, 6, 8 and 10 week of supplementation. Semen evaluations including sperm concentration, motion characteristics (subjective and computer‐assisted), viability (Eosin–Nigrosin), membrane integrity (hypo‐osmotic swelling test) and abnormality were conducted. Semen volume, sperm concentration and total sperm output were not affected by dietary treatment (p > .05). The proportion of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology in fresh semen significantly increased (p < .05) in theCLA‐fed group compared to control group. Also, inCLA‐fed group, the proportion of post‐thaw spermatozoa with abnormal morphology at week 10 of trial was significantly higher inCLAthan control group (p < .05). Progressive motility tended to be increased in theCLA‐fed group, although dietary supplementation did not affect otherCASAparameters or viability in fresh and frozen‐thawed sperm. In this study,CLAsupplementation had little positive effect on fresh or post‐thaw sperm quality of Holstein bulls.
Radial endobronchial ultrasound for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ali Muhammad S. , Trick William , Mba Benjamin I. , Mohananey Divyanshu , Sethi Jaskaran , Musani Ali I.
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

Tissue diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) can be challenging. In the past, flexible bronchoscopy was commonly performed for this purpose but its diagnostic yield is suboptimal. This has led to the development of new bronchoscopic modalities such as radial endobronchial ultrasound (R‐EBUS), electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) and virtual bronchoscopy (VB). We performed this meta‐analysis using data from previously published R‐EBUS studies, to determine its diagnostic yield and other performance characteristics. Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed databases were searched for R‐EBUS studies in September 2016. Diagnostic yield was calculated by dividing the number of successful diagnoses by the total number of lesions. Meta‐analysis was performed using MedCalc (Version 16.8). Inverse variance weighting was used to aggregate diagnostic yield proportions across studies. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plot and Duval and Tweedie's test. 57 studies with a total of 7872 lesions were included in the meta‐analysis. These were published between October 2002 and August 2016. Overall weighted diagnostic yield for R‐EBUS was 70.6% (95% CI: 68–73.1%). The diagnostic yield was significantly higher for lesions >2 cm in size, malignant in nature and those associated with a bronchus sign on computerized tomography (CT) scan. Diagnostic yield was also higher when R‐EBUS probe was within the lesion as opposed to being adjacent to it. Overall complication rate was 2.8%. This is the largest meta‐analysis performed to date, assessing the performance of R‐EBUS for diagnosing PPLs. R‐EBUS has a high diagnostic yield (70.6%) with a very low complication rate.
Context inference and prediction modeling in ubiquitous health GIS
Authors: Kaffash‐Charandabi Neda , Alesheikh Ali‐Asghar
Published: February 2017

The ever‐increasing population in cities intensifies environmental pollution that increases the number of asthmatic patients. Other factors that may influence the prevalence of asthma are atmospheric parameters, physiographic elements and personal characteristics. These parameters can be incorporated into a model to monitor and predict the health conditions of asthmatic patients in various contexts. Such a model is the base for any asthma early warning system. This article introduces a novel ubiquitous health system to monitor asthmatic patients. Ubiquitous systems can be effective in monitoring asthmatic patients through the use of intelligent frameworks. They can provide powerful reasoning and prediction engines for analyzing various situations. Our proposed model encapsulates several tools for preprocessing, reasoning and prediction of asthma conditions. In the preprocessing phase, outliers in the atmospheric datasets were detected and missing sensor data were estimated using a Kalman filter, while in the reasoning phase, the required information was inferred from the raw data using some rule‐based inference techniques. The asthmatic conditions of patients were predicted accurately by a Graph‐Based Support Vector Machine in a Context Space (GBSVMCS) which functions anywhere, anytime and with any status. GBSVMCS is an improved version of the common Support Vector Machine algorithm with the addition of unlabeled data and graph‐based rules in a context space. Based on the stored value for a patient's condition and his/her location/time, asthmatic patients can be monitored and appropriate alerts will be given. Our proposed model was assessed in Region 3 of Tehran, Iran for monitoring three different types of asthma: allergic, occupational and seasonal asthma. The input data to our system included air pollution data, the patients’ personal information, patients’ locations, weather data and geographical information for 270 different situations. Our results showed that 90% of the system's predictions were correct. The proposed model also improved the estimation accuracy by 15% in comparison to conventional methods.
Mario Becomes Cognitive
Authors: Schrodt Fabian , Kneissler Jan , Ehrenfeld Stephan , Butz Martin V.
Published: February 2017

In line with Allen Newell's challenge to develop complete cognitive architectures, and motivated by a recent proposal for a unifying subsymbolic computational theory of cognition, we introduce the cognitive control architecture SEMLINCS. SEMLINCS models the development of an embodied cognitive agent that learns discrete production rule‐like structures from its own, autonomously gathered, continuous sensorimotor experiences. Moreover, the agent uses the developing knowledge to plan and control environmental interactions in a versatile, goal‐directed, and self‐motivated manner. Thus, in contrast to several well‐known symbolic cognitive architectures, SEMLINCS is not provided with production rules and the involved symbols, but it learns them. In this paper, the actual implementation of SEMLINCS causes learning and self‐motivated, autonomous behavioral control of the game figure Mario in a clone of the computer game Super Mario Bros. Our evaluations highlight the successful development of behavioral versatility as well as the learning of suitable production rules and the involved symbols from sensorimotor experiences. Moreover, knowledge‐ and motivation‐dependent individualizations of the agents’ behavioral tendencies are shown. Finally, interaction sequences can be planned on the sensorimotor‐grounded production rule level. Current limitations directly point toward the need for several further enhancements, which may be integrated into SEMLINCS in the near future. Overall, SEMLINCS may be viewed as an architecture that allows the functional and computational modeling of embodied cognitive development, whereby the current main focus lies on the development of production rules from sensorimotor experiences.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS —ANTEMORTEM DETECTION OF OLIGODENDROGLIOMA “CEREBROSPINAL FLUID DROP METASTASES” IN A DOG BY SERIAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
Authors: Vigeral Mariana , Bentley R. Timothy , Rancilio Nicholas J. , Miller Margaret A. , Heng Hock Gan
Published: February 2017

An English Bulldog underwent radiation therapy of an intracranial, left lateral ventricle mass. Following resolution of the primary mass, an intraventricular fourth ventricle lesion developed. Subsequently, multiple lesions developed from the cervical central canal and leptomeninges. Serial magnetic resonance imaging documented the propagation of lesions along the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathways, known as “CSF drop metastasis.” Histopathology confirmed multifocal intraventricular and leptomeningeal oligodendroglioma. Oligodendroglioma should be included in the differential diagnosis for an intraventricular tumor exhibiting apparent CSF drop metastasis.
Comparison of leak pressures for single‐layer simple continuous suture pattern for cystotomy closure using barbed and monofilament suture material in an ex vivo canine model*
Authors: Kieves Nina R. , Krebs Alexander I.
Published: February 2017

Objective

To compare leak pressures following simple continuous closure of cystotomy with barbed suture to an analogous monofilament suture, in an ex vivo canine model.

Study design

Ex vivo, simple randomized study.

Animals or sample population

Urinary bladders harvested from canine cadavers (n = 21).

Methods

Urinary bladders were harvested from cadavers immediately following euthanasia. A 3‐cm cystotomy was made on ventral midline of the urinary bladder. Urinary bladders were randomly assigned a suture for closure. A digital pressure transducer was inserted through 1 ureter, and the other ligated, while colored isotonic saline was infused into the urinary bladder via a Foley catheter inserted in the urethra. The initial leak pressure was defined as the pressure at which the colored saline solution first leaked from the cystotomy, and the maximum leak pressure was recorded when the pressure reached a plateau or catastrophic failure occurred. A Welch's 2‐sample t test was used to compare leak pressure between the barbed and non‐barbed closures, with significance set at P < .05.

Results

There was no significant difference in the initial or maximum leak pressure between the barbed and non‐barbed closures.

Conclusions

This study showed no difference in initial or maximum leak pressure between cystotomy closures with barbed or non‐barbed suture under ex vivo conditions. This indicates barbed suture may be appropriate for cystotomy closure but in vivo studies are needed to support this finding.
Emergence of four weed species in response to rainfall and temperature
Authors: Werth Jeff , Keenan Michelle , Thornby David , Bell Kerry , Walker Steve
Published: February 2017

The key to achieving effective weed control is to target them when they are young. Understanding their temperature and moisture requirements for emergence will help growers to develop timely control strategies. This study examined the emergence requirements of four key species: Conyza bonariensis, Sonchus oleraceus, Echinochloa colona and Chloris virgata. Two experiments were conducted in a growth room with temperatures of 25/15 and 30/20°C day/night with a photoperiod of 12 h. The first experiment examined emergence under single rainfall events of 0, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 50 mm. The second experiment examined emergence under accumulated rainfall events of 0 mm, 5 mm × 2 (consecutive) days, 5 mm × 4 days, 5 mm × 6 days, 10 mm × 1 day, 10 mm × 2 days and 10 mm × 3 days. The temperature was not significant on emergence in both experiments. In the first experiment, at least 10 mm of rainfall was required for the emergence of all the species, with significantly higher germination rates at rainfall amounts of >20 mm. In the second experiment, the species had higher emergence rates with accumulated rainfall over consecutive days, rather than single rainfall events of the same amount. The length of time that the soil surface remained above the permanent wilting point, allowing the imbibition of water, was also an important factor. This study has provided information on the drivers for emergence of these species and will assist growers in determining what rainfall events are likely to trigger emergence in the field and make timely weed management decisions.
Between Ambitions and Ambivalences: Cross-cultural Diversity Management and Immigrant Integration
Authors: Zanfrini Laura , Monaci Massimiliano
Published: February 2017

This article provides an outline and discussion of the main findings of an international research realized in 10 EU countries on Cross-cultural Diversity Management practices for immigrant workers. The fundamental aim is to explore the role of such practices for the promotion of a new model of integration based on the exploitation of immigrants’ human capital as a strategic lever for EU competitiveness. This goal is achieved through a targeted selection and a re-elaboration of the key indications from the research, which entailed desk-based analyses and the carrying out of more than 100 case histories of for-profit, public and not-for-profit organizations. By focusing on the variety of the observed practices and their impact in the context of a broader reflection on immigrant integration in EU countries, the paper suggests that there is potential for the development of significant diversity management actions towards immigrant workers.
Pastoral Care and Mindfulness: A Teaching Practice
Authors: Strongman Luke
Published: February 2017

From the earliest modern academic literature of industrial organization, supervision education and training, managerial considerations involve leveraging to improve the work of the supervisor and supervisee, and accentuating the value added opportunities for work improvement (Dawson, 1926, pp. 293-295). Reflecting the incorporation of the ‘pastoral’ within the industrial, Kadushin’s model of supervision has short and long-range objectives. The short-range objective is “to improve the [knowledge] worker’s capacity to do [his or her] job more effectively”. The long-range objective is to instill the capacity to perform a “particular service” that the organization is mandated to offer (Kadushin & Harkness, 2002, p. 20). This article discusses the concepts of mindfulness and pastoral care in teaching practices. By defining both pastoral care and mindfulness and situating them in a context of relational teaching practice it is argues that self-esteem, confidence and student focused support may be enhanced by the application of concepts from auxiliary health fields.
Generalized and degenerate Whittaker models
Authors: Gomez Raul , Gourevitch Dmitry , Sahi Siddhartha
Published: February 2017

We study generalized and degenerate Whittaker models for reductive groups over local fields of characteristic zero (archimedean or non-archimedean). Our main result is the construction of epimorphisms from the generalized Whittaker model corresponding to a nilpotent orbit to any degenerate Whittaker model corresponding to the same orbit, and to certain degenerate Whittaker models corresponding to bigger orbits. We also give choice-free definitions of generalized and degenerate Whittaker models. Finally, we explain how our methods imply analogous results for Whittaker–Fourier coefficients of automorphic representations. For $\text{GL}_{n}(\mathbb{F})$ this implies that a smooth admissible representation $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70B}$ has a generalized Whittaker model ${\mathcal{W}}_{{\mathcal{O}}}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D70B})$ corresponding to a nilpotent coadjoint orbit ${\mathcal{O}}$ if and only if ${\mathcal{O}}$ lies in the (closure of) the wave-front set $\operatorname{WF}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D70B})$. Previously this was only known to hold for $\mathbb{F}$ non-archimedean and ${\mathcal{O}}$ maximal in $\operatorname{WF}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D70B})$, see Moeglin and Waldspurger [Modeles de Whittaker degeneres pour des groupes p-adiques, Math. Z. 196 (1987), 427–452]. We also express ${\mathcal{W}}_{{\mathcal{O}}}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D70B})$ as an iteration of a version of the Bernstein–Zelevinsky derivatives [Bernstein and Zelevinsky, Induced representations of reductive p-adic groups. I., Ann. Sci. Éc. Norm. Supér. (4) 10 (1977), 441–472; Aizenbud et al., Derivatives for representations of$\text{GL}(n,\mathbb{R})$and$\text{GL}(n,\mathbb{C})$, Israel J. Math. 206 (2015), 1–38]. This enables us to extend to $\text{GL}_{n}(\mathbb{R})$ and $\text{GL}_{n}(\mathbb{C})$ several further results by Moeglin and Waldspurger on the dimension of ${\mathcal{W}}_{{\mathcal{O}}}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D70B})$ and on the exactness of the generalized Whittaker functor.
Commensurability of automorphism groups
Authors: Bartel Alex , Lenstra Hendrik W.
Published: February 2017

We develop a theory of commensurability of groups, of rings, and of modules. It allows us, in certain cases, to compare sizes of automorphism groups of modules, even when those are infinite. This work is motivated by the Cohen–Lenstra heuristics on class groups.
Lysophosphatidic acid‐induced itch is mediated by signalling of LPA5 receptor, phospholipase D and TRPA1/TRPV1
Authors: Kittaka Hiroki , Uchida Kunitoshi , Fukuta Naomi , Tominaga Makoto
Published: February 2017

Key points

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is an itch mediator, but not a pain mediator by a cheek injection model.

Dorsal root ganglion neurons directly respond to LPA depending on transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and vanilloid 1 (TRPV1).

LPA‐induced itch‐related behaviours are decreased in TRPA1‐knockout (KO), TRPV1KO or TRPA1TRPV1 double KO mice.

TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels are activated by intracellular LPA, but not by extracellular LPA following LPA5 receptor activation with an activity of Ca2+‐independent phospholipase A2 and phospholipase D.

Intracellular LPA interaction sites of TRPA1 are KK672–673 and KR977–978 (K: lysine, R: arginine).

Intractable and continuous itch sensations often accompany diseases such as atopic dermatitis, neurogenic lesions, uremia and cholestasis. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is an itch mediator found in cholestatic itch patients and it induces acute itch and pain in experimental rodent models. However, the molecular mechanism by which LPA activates peripheral sensory neurons remains unknown. In this study, we used a cheek injection method in mice to reveal that LPA induced itch‐related behaviours but not pain‐related behaviours. The LPA‐induced itch behaviour and cellular effects were dependent on transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), which are important for itch signal transduction. We also found that, among the six LPA receptors, the LPA5 receptor had the greatest involvement in itching. Furthermore, we demonstrated that phospholipase D (PLD) plays a critical role downstream of LPA5 and that LPA directly and intracellularly activates TRPA1 and TRPV1. These results suggest a unique mechanism by which cytoplasmic LPA produced de novo could activate TRPA1 and TRPV1. We conclude that LPA‐induced itch is mediated by LPA5, PLD, TRPA1 and TRPV1 signalling, and thus targeting TRPA1, TRPV1 or PLD could be effective for cholestatic itch interventions.
Patient compliance with new oral anticoagulants after major orthopaedic surgery: rivaroxaban and dabigatran compared with subcutaneous injection of fondaparinux
Authors: Di Benedetto Paolo , Vetrugno Luigi , De Franceschi Dania , Gisonni Renato , Causero Araldo , Rocca Giorgio
Published: February 2017

Purpose: the main purpose of our study was to compare patient compliance with the orally administered new oral anticoagulants (NOCs) dabigatran and rivaroxaban compared with subcutaneously injected fondaparinux after major orthopaedic surgery, and to assess patient preference for the oral vs subcutaneous administration route.

Methods: prophylactic antithrombotic drug therapy with dabigatran (group D; GD, n=32 patients), rivaroxaban (group R; GR, n=38 patients) or fondaparinux (group F; GF, n=30 patients), to prevent deep vein thrombosis, was started immediately after surgery in 100 patients submitted to total hip arthroplasty.

Results: the patients had a mean age of 68.7±11 years and 62% were female. In GD, 87.5% of patients indicated that they preferred oral intake of medications to subcutaneous injection (12.5%). In GR, 84.2% declared a preference for oral administration over subcutaneous injection (15.8%). In GF, a surprisingly high proportion of patients (73.3%; p < 0.001) declared that they preferred subcutaneous administration of medications over the oral route (26.7%). Overall, the rate of compliance with antithrombotic drug therapy was very high, at 99%.

Conclusions: intake of the NOAs dabigatran and rivaroxaban following hospital discharge is entirely the responsibility of the patient; a high level of patient compliance with these drugs must therefore be demonstrated in order for them to become well accepted within the medical community. The results of this study showed a very high level of compliance both with orally and subcutaneously administered drugs.

Level of evidence: Level I, randomized clinical study.
Surgical repair of isolated triceps tendon rupture using a suture anchor technique: a case report
Authors: Mancini Federico , Bernardi Gabriele , De Luna Vincenzo , Tudisco Cosimo
Published: February 2017

Rupture or avulsion of the distal triceps tendon is one of the least common tendon injuries. The most common clinical presentation of the injury is avulsion from the olecranon. The diagnosis of acute triceps tendon rupture may be missed and this can result in prolonged disability.

We report the case of a 42-year-old man with isolated triceps rupture treated by an open surgical repair technique involving the use of bone suture anchors.
A case of intra-articular angioleiomyoma of the talocrural joint
Authors: Thung Irene , Mahooti Sepi , Xu Xiangdong
Published: February 2017

Angioleiomyoma is a benign pericytic neoplasm with smooth muscle differentiation. Intra-articular angioleiomyoma is exceptionally rare with only four cases reported, all involving the knee joint. Here we report the first case of intra-articular angioleiomyoma entirely localized within the ankle joint. An 83-year-old male presented with progressively worsening ankle pain. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging showed a soft tissue mass within the talocrural joint. Histologic examination and ancillary testing demonstrated fascicles of smooth muscle cells and interspersed, often compressed, vascular channels, consistent with an angioleiomyoma. This case highlights the importance of including angioleiomyoma in the differential diagnosis of an ankle joint mass.
Tell me your neighbors, and I will tell you what you are
Authors: Greene Casey S.
Published: February 2017

Network neighbors improve yeast to human gene mapping for the study of parkinsonism.
Bacillus subtilis
Swarmer Cells Lead the Swarm, Multiply, and Generate a Trail of Quiescent Descendants
Authors: Hamouche Lina , Laalami Soumaya , Daerr Adrian , Song Solène , Holland I. Barry , Séror Simone J. , Hamze Kassem , Putzer Harald
Published: February 2017

Bacteria adopt social behavior to expand into new territory, led by specialized swarmers, before forming a biofilm. Such mass migration of
Bacillus subtilis
on a synthetic medium produces hyperbranching dendrites that transiently (equivalent to 4 to 5 generations of growth) maintain a cellular monolayer over long distances, greatly facilitating single-cell gene expression analysis. Paradoxically, while cells in the dendrites (nonswarmers) might be expected to grow exponentially, the rate of swarm expansion is constant, suggesting that some cells are not multiplying. Little attention has been paid to which cells in a swarm are actually multiplying and contributing to the overall biomass. Here, we show
in situ
that DNA replication, protein translation and peptidoglycan synthesis are primarily restricted to the swarmer cells at dendrite tips. Thus, these specialized cells not only lead the population forward but are apparently the source of all cells in the stems of early dendrites. We developed a simple mathematical model that supports this conclusion.

IMPORTANCE
Swarming motility enables rapid coordinated surface translocation of a microbial community, preceding the formation of a biofilm. This movement occurs in thin films and involves specialized swarmer cells localized to a narrow zone at the extreme swarm edge. In the
B. subtilis
system, using a synthetic medium, the swarm front remains as a cellular monolayer for up to 1.5 cm. Swarmers display high-velocity whirls and vortexing and are often assumed to drive community expansion at the expense of cell growth. Surprisingly, little attention has been paid to which cells in a swarm are actually growing and contributing to the overall biomass. Here, we show that swarmers not only lead the population forward but continue to multiply as a source of all cells in the community. We present a model that explains how exponential growth of only a few cells is compatible with the linear expansion rate of the swarm.
Combination therapy with vedolizumab and etanercept in a patient with pouchitis and spondylarthritis
Authors: Bethge Johannes , Meffert Silvia , Ellrichmann Mark , Conrad Claudio , Nikolaus Susanna , Schreiber Stefan
Published: February 2017

Inflammatory bowel disease is frequently associated with spondylarthritis (SpA). It has been discussed that α4/β7 expressing lymphocytes are involved in the aetiology of SpA. We report a case of a successful combination therapy of vedolizumab (VDZ) and etanercept (ETA) in a patient with ulcerative colitis with pouchitis and SpA. In our case VDZ was effective for pouchitis and ineffective for SpA. The combination with ETA might be a useful treatment strategy to control both diseases and first indications suggest that it is safe. α4/β7 Expressing lymphocytes are most likely not associated in the aetiology of SpA.
Endorsement of PRISMA statement and quality of systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in nursing journals: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tam Wilson W S , Lo Kenneth K H , Khalechelvam Parames
Published: February 2017

Objective

Systematic reviews (SRs) often poorly report key information, thereby diminishing their usefulness. Previous studies evaluated published SRs and determined that they failed to meet explicit criteria or characteristics. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was recommended as a reporting guideline for SR and meta-analysis (MA), but previous studies showed that adherence to the statement was not high for SRs published in different medical fields. Thus, the aims of this study are twofold: (1) to investigate the number of nursing journals that have required or recommended the use of the PRISMA statement for reporting SR, and (2) to examine the adherence of SRs and/or meta-analyses to the PRISMA statement published in nursing journals.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Methods

Nursing journals listed in the ISI journal citation report were divided into 2 groups based on the recommendation of PRISMA statement in their ‘Instruction for Authors’. SRs and meta-analyses published in 2014 were searched in 3 databases. 37 SRs and meta-analyses were randomly selected in each group. The adherence of each item to the PRISMA was examined and summarised using descriptive statistics. The quality of the SRs was assessed by Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews. The differences between the 2 groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

Out of 107 nursing journals, 30 (28.0%) recommended or required authors to follow the PRISMA statement when they submit SRs or meta-analyses. The median rates of adherence to the PRISMA statement for reviews published in journals with and without PRISMA endorsement were 64.9% (IQR: 17.6–92.3%) and 73.0% (IQR: 59.5–94.6%), respectively. No significant difference was observed in any of the items between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

The median adherence of SRs and meta-analyses in nursing journals to PRISMA is low at 64.9% and 73.0%, respectively. Nonetheless, the adherence level of nursing journals to the PRISMA statement does not significantly vary whether they endorse or recommend such a guideline.
Sex-based trade-offs among growth, mortality, and maturation in Great Lakes yellow perch stocks
Authors: Feiner Zachary S. , Chong Stephen C. , Fielder David G. , Hoyle James A. , Knight Carey , Lauer Thomas E. , Thomas Michael V. , Tyson Jeff T. , Höök Tomas O.
Published: February 2017

Trade-offs among growth, mortality, and reproduction form the basis of life history theory but may vary among populations owing to local ecological conditions. We examined life history trade-offs driving variation in maturation among 13 yellow perch (Perca flavescens) stocks in the Great Lakes using sex-specific age and length at 50% maturity (A50and L50, respectively) and probabilistic maturation reaction norm midpoints (Lp50,a). Both sexes exhibited positive correlations between growth and mortality, and faster-growing stocks were mature at younger ages but larger sizes. Male and female A50and L50were positively correlated among stocks, but Lp50,aestimates were negatively correlated among stocks, indicating stocks that matured at large sizes for a given age in females matured at smaller age-specific sizes in males. Female Lp50,aestimates were negatively related to growth and mortality, while male Lp50,aestimates were positively related to growth. These results suggest that (i) sex-based life history trade-offs sometimes act to differentially structure maturation schedules in males and females and (ii) males may be less responsive to changes in mortality than females.
Experimental immune activation using a mild antigen decreases reproductive success in free-living female Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis)
Authors: Graham J.L. , Mady R.P. , Greives T.J.
Published: February 2017

Seasonal animals time breeding so that offspring rearing coincides with favorable conditions. Offspring rearing is energetically demanding; therefore, additional energetic challenges during this life-history stage may allocate energy away from offspring care, decreasing reproductive success. Activation of the immune system may be one such energetic challenge, and may have a disproportionately higher impact on reproductive success earlier in the breeding season when resources are less abundant and thermoregulatory demands are greater. We monitored nestling growth and survival in incubating female Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis (L., 1758)) injected with a mild antigen to stimulate antibody production and induce an energetic challenge. We found nests of treated females were more likely than controls to fail prior to 6 days post hatch, coinciding with timing of peak antibody production. No effect of season was detected. Offspring mass did not differ between treatments prior to failure, suggesting that failure was potentially due to differences in behaviour other than nestling feeding. Our findings indicate a trade-off between immunity and nest survival that is not affected by time of season. Based on the results of our study, we suggest that future research be directed toward how immune activation influences behaviours, including nest guarding and predator aggression, and mediates this trade-off.
Local weather and regional climate influence breeding dynamics of Mountain Bluebirds (Sialia currucoides) and Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor): a 35-year study
Authors: McArthur S.L. , McKellar A.E. , Flood N.J. , Reudink M.W.
Published: February 2017

Many songbirds are under increasing pressure owing to habitat loss, land-use changes, and rapidly changing climatic conditions. Using citizen science data collected from 1980 to 2014, we asked how local weather and regional climate influenced the breeding dynamics of Mountain Bluebirds (Sialia currucoides (Bechstein, 1798)) and Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor (Vieillot, 1808)). Mountain Bluebird reproduction was strongly associated with local weather: number of nestlings and fledglings both decreased in years of high rainfall. Clutch size and number of fledglings also declined over the study period. Abundance of Mountain Bluebirds was higher in years of lower early-season snowfall and warmer local temperatures, as well as more negative Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) values, indicating a positive influence of El Niño conditions. Tree Swallow reproduction (clutch size, number of nestlings, and number of fledglings) was negatively associated with SOI values, and the number of Tree Swallow nestlings decreased in years of higher rainfall and warmer temperatures. Tree Swallows also showed a marked decline in abundance over the period of the study, consistent with recent range-wide declines. Together, our results demonstrate that local weather and regional climate differentially affect the reproductive dynamics of Mountain Bluebirds and Tree Swallows and highlight the importance of long-term citizen science data sets.
S100B impairs glycolysis via enhanced poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in rodent muscle cells
Authors: Hosokawa Kaori , Hamada Yoji , Fujiya Atsushi , Murase Masatoshi , Maekawa Ryuya , Niwa Yasuhiro , Izumoto Takako , Seino Yusuke , Tsunekawa Shin , Arima Hiroshi
Published: February 2017

S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), a multifunctional macromolecule mainly expressed in nerve tissues and adipocytes, has been suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity. To clarify the role of S100B in insulin action and glucose metabolism in peripheral tissues, we investigated the effect of S100B on glycolysis in myoblast and myotube cells. Rat myoblast L6 cells were treated with recombinant mouse S100B to examine glucose consumption, lactate production, glycogen accumulation, glycolytic metabolites and enzyme activity, insulin signaling, and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Glycolytic metabolites were investigated by enzyme assays or metabolome analysis, and insulin signaling was assessed by Western blot analysis. Enzyme activity and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of GAPDH was evaluated by an enzyme assay and immunoprecipitation followed by dot blot with an anti-poly(ADP-ribose) antibody, respectively. S100B significantly decreased glucose consumption, glucose analog uptake, and lactate production in L6 cells, in either the presence or absence of insulin. In contrast, S100B had no effect on glycogen accumulation and insulin signaling. Metabolome analysis revealed that S100B increased the concentration of glycolytic intermediates upstream of GAPDH. S100B impaired GAPDH activity and increased poly(ADP-ribosyl)ated GAPDH proteins. The effects of S100B on glucose metabolism were mostly canceled by a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor. Similar results were obtained in C2C12 myotube cells. We conclude that S100B as a humoral factor may impair glycolysis in muscle cells independent of insulin action, and the effect may be attributed to the inhibition of GAPDH activity from enhanced poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of the enzyme.
Preparation and Properties of Composite PAN/PANI Membranes
Authors: Fryczkowska Beata , Piprek Zofia , Sieradzka Marta , Fryczkowski Ryszard , Janicki Jarosław
Published: February 2017

The methods of modifying PAN membranes have been known and used for many years. An interesting solution seems to be to give the sensory properties to this type of membranes. This paper presents the results of research on the method of obtaining PAN/PANI membranes using phase inversion method from a solution in DMF, following two methods: (1) dissolving both polymers (PAN and PANI) and then coagulating in water or in an aqueous solution of CSA and (2) forming the membranes from polyacrylonitrile solution and coagulation in water, followed by coating of CSA with a solution of TFE. The membranes obtained as a result of the experiment were tested for physical and chemical properties, transport properties, surface morphology, degree of dispersion of composite components, and sensitivity to the presence of dilute acids and bases. FTIR microspectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the surface morphology. The sensory properties of membranes that are inherently colored were determined visually and by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Furthermore, when choosing the method of membrane forming, we can obtain membranes with good physical and chemical and transport properties or ones characterized by high sensitivity to the pH of the solution.
Sources of Charged Higgs Pair through Double or Triple Higgs Production at Linear Colliders
Authors: Ahmed Ijaz
Published: February 2017

The production of triple Higgs (H+H-H0), (H+H-h0) and pairwise charged Higgs boson (H+H-) is studied in the context of future linear colliders within the two-Higgs-doublet model (2HDM) type II. The aim is to compare sources of charged Higgs pair through the above processes, that is, double and triple Higgs production. Cross sections are calculated at the leading order in 2HDM type II and Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM). Several orders of magnitude (~104) enhancement are observed in 2HDM compared to MSSM, while no sizable enhancement is seen in muon collider versus electron-positron collider. The analysis is based on a heavy charged Higgs with mass above 500 GeV. It is found that double charged Higgs production cross section (being the same in 2HDM and MSSM) is few femtobarns, while the triple Higgs production cannot exceed a fraction of femtobarn within the parameter space under study.
Analytical Modelling and Verification of Bus-Clamping Modulation Technique for Switched-Capacitor Converter
Authors: Yalavarthi Amarnath , Ahmad Akbar
Published: February 2017

Space vector modulation techniques have advantages of high output voltages and reduced harmonic content as they utilize the dc bus effectively. Bus-clamped pulse width modulation classified in space vector techniques has the ability to reduce the switching losses of the converter and has reduced harmonic distortion. This paper provides mathematical analysis for 60-degree bus-clamping strategy to obtain the complete closed-form solution for finding the harmonic coefficients using double Fourier integral expression. The effectiveness of the bus-clamped approach on switched capacitor based multilevel inverter has been shown with comparison to Sinusoidal PWM. The DSP controller TMS320F240 has been chosen for the real-time implementation of 60-degree bus-clamping modulation technique. Simulation and experimental results of the prototype are presented for RL load at different modulation indices showing the superiority of the configuration to cascaded multilevel inverter.
Growth Arrest-Specific 6 Enhances the Suppressive Function of CD4+CD25+Regulatory T Cells Mainly through Axl Receptor
Authors: Zhao Guang-ju , Zheng Jia-yi , Bian Jia-lan , Chen Long-wang , Dong Ning , Yu Yan , Hong Guang-liang , Chandoo Arvine , Yao Yong-Ming , Lu Zhong-qiu
Published: February 2017

Background.Growth arrest-specific (Gas) 6 is one of the endogenous ligands of TAM receptors (Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk), and its role as an immune modulator has been recently emphasized. Naturally occurring CD4+CD25+regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for the active suppression of autoimmunity. The present study was designed to investigate whether Tregs express TAM receptors and the potential role of Gas6-TAM signal in regulating the suppressive function of Tregs.Methods.The protein and mRNA levels of TAM receptors were determined by using Western blot, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and RT-PCR. Then, TAM receptors were silenced using targeted siRNA or blocked with specific antibody. The suppressive function of Tregs was assessed by using a CFSE-based T cell proliferation assay. Flow cytometry was used to determine the expression of Foxp3 and CTLA4 whereas cytokines secretion levels were measured by ELISA assay.Results.Tregs express both Axl and Mertk receptors. Gas6 increases the suppressive function of Tregs in vitro and in mice. Both Foxp3 and CTLA-4 expression on Tregs are enhanced after Gas6 stimulation. Gas6 enhances the suppressive activity of Tregs mainly through Axl receptor.Conclusion. Gas6 has a direct effect on the functions of CD4+CD25+Tregs mainly through its interaction with Axl receptor.
Structural Derivative and Electronic Property of Armchair Carbon Nanotubes from Carbon Clusters
Authors: Tang Yuchao , Lu Junzhe , Liu Denghui , Yan Xuejun , Yao Chengpeng , Zhu Hengjiang
Published: February 2017

The structural derivative and electronic property of carbon nanotubes from carbon clusters were investigated by density functional theory (DFT), including armchair single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Results show that the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be obtained through layer-by-layer growth from the initial structure. The structural derivative processes are quantitatively described by monitoring changes in local configuration. Electronic properties show the energy gaps of finite SWCNTs and double-walled CNTs (DWCNTs) depending on their lengths. However, the band structures of MWCNTs differ from those of SWCNTs; the band structures of DWCNTs (4, 4)@(8, 8), (5, 5)@(10, 10), and TWCNTs show metallicity, whereas those of (3, 3)@(6, 6) DWCNTs show a strong semiconductor characteristic. Analysis of the partial density of states shows that the diameters and walls of CNTs have no obvious effects on the distribution of total density of states near the Fermi level of SWCNTs and MWCNTs.
Merkel Cell Carcinomas Arising in Autoimmune Disease Affected Patients Treated with Biologic Drugs, Including Anti-TNF
Authors: Rotondo John Charles , Bononi Ilaria , Puozzo Andrea , Govoni Marcello , Foschi Valentina , Lanza Giovanni , Gafà Roberta , Gaboriaud Pauline , Touzé Françoise Antoine , Selvatici Rita , Martini Fernanda , Tognon Mauro
Published: February 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to characterize Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC) arisen in patients affected by autoimmune diseases and treated with biologic drugs.

Experimental Design: Serum samples from patients with MCC were analyzed for the presence and titer of antibodies against antigens of the oncogenic Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). IgG antibodies against the viral oncoproteins large T (LT) and small T (ST) antigens and the viral capsid protein-1 were analyzed by indirect ELISA. Viral antigens were recombinant LT/ST and virus-like particles (VLP), respectively. MCPyV DNA sequences were studied using PCR methods in MCC tissues and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses were carried out in MCC tissues to reveal MCPyV LT oncoprotein.

Results: MCPyV DNA sequences identified in MCC tissues showed 100% homology with the European MKL-1 strain. PBMCs from patients tested MCPyV-negative. Viral DNA loads in the three MCC tissues were in the 0.1 to 30 copy/cell range. IgG antibodies against LT/ST were detected in patients 1 and 3, whereas patient 2 did not react to the MCPyV LT/ST antigen. Sera from the three patients with MCC contained IgG antibodies against MCPyV VP1. MCC tissues tested MCPyV LT-antigen–positive in IHC assays, with strong LT expression with diffuse nuclear localization. Normal tissues tested MCPyV LT–negative when employed as control.

Conclusions: We investigated three new MCCs in patients affected by rheumatologic diseases treated with biologic drugs, including TNF. A possible cause–effect relationship between pharmacologic immunosuppressive treatment and MCC onset is suggested. Indeed, MCC is associated with MCPyV LT oncoprotein activity. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3929–34. ©2017 AACR.
Unmet Therapeutic Needs: Focus on Intestinal Fibrosis Surgical Approach: Resection, Strictureplasty and Others
Authors: Mege Diane , Panis Yves
Published: February 2017

Background: In patients with ileo-colonic Crohn's disease (CD), the main consequence of the development of intestinal fibrosis is the occurrence of a localized symptomatic stenosis for which treatment is mandatory. Besides medical treatment, which is still considered to be ineffective against non-inflammatory fibrotic intestinal stenosis due to CD, there are 2 options for the treatment of such stenosis: endoscopic and surgical approaches. Key Messages: Endoscopic treatment includes balloon dilatation and stenting, and can be performed only on selected patients with very short stenosis. Few reports with a small sample size are available; long-term results of endoscopic treatment remain unknown, with patients being exposed to possible early recurrence of the stenosis. For this reason, intestinal resection currently remains the first option for localized symptomatic intestinal stenosis due to CD refractory to medical therapy. Laparoscopic ileocecal resection with ileocolonic anastomosis gives good short-term results, without mortality and with very low rate of morbidity. Furthermore, when the resection is shorter than 50 cm, very few functional consequences or no consequences are reported, and quality of life is improved. However, CD recurrence is frequent and can be required to redo surgery in up to 30% of the cases. In order to reduce the theoretical risk of short bowel syndrome, some surgeons have proposed strictureplasty as a more conservative approach. The concept is to treat stenosis without intestinal resection by opening the stenosis. There are different kinds of stricturoplasty, with similar reported morbidity and long-term recurrence rates than those observed with resection. Conclusions: Because no randomized study exists, it is difficult to know what the best option for symptomatic ileal stenosis in CD is. However, for a majority of patients today, ileocecal resection is the first option, strictureplasty being reserved by most of the surgeons for recurrent cases and/or multiple stenoses. It requires more experience to perform endoscopic treatment with long-term results.
Comamonas testosteroni: Is It Still a Rare Human Pathogen
Authors: Farooq Shaika , Farooq Rumana , Nahvi Nahida
Published: February 2017

Comamonas testosteroni (formally Pseudomonas testosteroni) is common environmental bacterium that is not part of the human microbiome. Since its identification as a human pathogen in 1987, numerous reports have drizzled in, implicating this organism for various infections. Although these organisms are of low virulence, some of their obscurity perhaps is due to the incapability of clinical laboratories to identify them. Most of the reported cases are bloodstream infections. We report a case of gastroenteritis caused by this organism in a 65-year-old female with colostomy in situ.
Vancomycin during the Last Hour of the Hemodialysis Session: A Pharmacokinetic Analysis
Authors: Ghouti-terki Lila , Chasseuil Elodie , Rabot Nolwenn , Paintaud Gilles , François Maud , Birmelé Béatrice , Darrouzain François , Büchler Matthias , Halimi Jean-Michel , Ternant David
Published: February 2017

Background: Vancomycin is usually administered after the dialysis sessions to patients undergoing hemodialysis. Administration of vancomycin during (as opposed to after) sessions would save time, and would be more acceptable to patients and staff, but may lead to vancomycin underexposure. The aim of this study was to propose a new dosing regimen of vancomycin taking into account the dialysis-related losses of vancomycin when administered during dialysis. Methods: In this monocentric prospective study, vancomycin was infused to dialyzed patients during the last hour of the dialysis session at increased doses. Monitoring of vancomycin was performed using repeated blood samples by pharmacokinetics modeling. Patients were treated according to our protocol and guidelines. Results: Twenty patients were included. Vancomycin protocol was efficient: 17 of 20 (85%) patients were cured, 1 needed additional vancomycin treatment, and 2 died (sepsis n = 1, multiple organ failure n = 1). Median pre-dialysis concentration was adequate (16.2 [10.2-24.4] µg/mL), and there was no emergence of resistant bacteria. Infusion of vancomycin during dialysis therefore decreased the exposure to vancomycin by 25% compared to infusion of vancomycin after dialysis. For a typical patient, the dose of vancomycin to be administered during dialysis would be 1.4 g. Conclusion: Administration of vancomycin during the last hour of dialysis session is safe, efficacious with regards to infection control, achieved recommended vancomycin concentrations despite the use of high-flux membranes, and improved patients' quality of life.