bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risks associated with red blood cell transfusions: potential benefits from application of pathogen inactivation
Authors: Kleinman Steve , Stassinopoulos Adonis
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion risks could be reduced if a robust technology for pathogen inactivation of RBC (PI‐RBCs) were to be approved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Estimates of per‐unit and per‐patient aggregate infectious risks for conventional RBCs were calculated; the latter used patient diagnosis as a determinant of estimated lifetime exposure to RBC units. Existing in vitro data for the two technologies under development for producing PI‐RBCs and the status of current clinical trials are reviewed.

RESULTS

Minimum and maximum per‐unit risk were calculated as 0.0003% (1 in 323,000) and 0.12% (1 in 831), respectively. The minimum estimate is for known lower‐risk pathogens while the maximal estimate also includes an emerging infectious agent (EIA) and endemic area Babesia risk. Minimum and maximum per‐patient lifetime risks by diagnosis grouping were estimated as 1.5 and 3.3%, respectively, for stem cell transplantation (which includes additional risk for cytomegalovirus transmission); 1.2 and 3.7%, respectively, for myelodysplastic syndrome; and 0.2 and 44%, respectively, for hemoglobinopathy.

DISCUSSION

There is potential for PI technologies to reduce infectious RBC risk and to provide additional benefits (e.g., prevention of transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease and possible reduction of alloimmunization) due to white blood cell inactivation. PI‐RBCs should be viewed in the context of having a fully PI‐treated blood supply, enabling a blood safety paradigm shift from reactive to proactive. Providing insurance against new EIAs. Further, when approved, the use of PI for all components may catalyze operational changes in blood donor screening, laboratory testing, and component manufacturing.
ELASTOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF NATURALLY OCCURING TENDON AND LIGAMENT INJURIES OF THE EQUINE DISTAL LIMB
Authors: Lustgarten Meghann , Redding W. Rich , Labens Raphael , Davis Weston , Daniel Thomas M. , Griffith Emily , Seiler Gabriela S.
Published: August 2015

Compression elastography is an ultrasonographic technique that estimates tissue strain and may have utility in diagnosing and monitoring soft tissue injuries in the equine athlete. Recently, elastography has been proven to be a feasible and repeatable imaging modality for evaluating normal tendons and ligaments of the equine distal forelimb. The purposes of this prospective study were to investigate the ability of elastography to detect spontaneously occurring lesions of equine tendons and ligaments diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and gray‐scale ultrasound (US) and to characterize the differences in the elastographic appearance of acute vs. chronic injuries. Fifty seven horses with a total of 65 lesions were evaluated. Images were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. Acute lesions were found to be significantly softer (P < 0.0001) than chronic lesions (P < 0.0001) and the stiffness of lesions increased with progression of healing (P = 0.0138). A negative correlation between lesion hypoechogenicity and softness was appreciated with more hypoechoic lesions appearing softer (P = 0.0087) and more hyperechoic regions harder (P = 0.0002). A similar finding occurred with increased signal intensity on short tau inversion recovery (STIR) and proton density (PD) MRI sequences correlating with increased softness on elastography (P = 0.0164). Using US and MRI as references, commonly encountered soft tissue injuries of the equine distal limb could be detected with elastography. However, elastography was limited for detecting small, proximal injuries of the hindlimb proximal suspensory ligament. Elastographic evaluation of equine tendons and ligaments may allow better characterization of lesion chronicity and severity, and sequential examinations may optimize lesion management, rehabilitation, and return to training.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS — USE OF MULTIPHASE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC UROGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF URETERAL TEAR IN A 6‐DAY‐OLD FOAL
Authors: Beccati Francesca , Cercone Marta , Angeli Giovanni , Santinelli Isabella , Pepe Marco
Published: August 2015

A 6‐day‐old foal was evaluated for depression and inappetence. After initial stabilization, the filly developed a hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis and persistent hypercreatinemia. Abdominal ultrasound revealed fluid accumulation around the left kidney and a well‐defined rounded fluid filled structure dorsal to the urinary bladder. Computed tomography revealed a partial tear of the left ureter with distension of the retroperitoneal membrane. Exploratory celiotomy was performed to allow left kidney nephrectomy. At 6 months follow‐up, the filly was growing normally without complications. Ultrasound and CT imaging in this case provided an accurate diagnosis and a presurgical aid to select the appropriate therapeutic approach.
INTER‐ AND INTRAOBSERVER AGREEMENT FOR DIAGNOSING PRESUMPTIVE ISCHEMIC MYELOPATHY AND ACUTE NONCOMPRESSIVE NUCLEUS PULPOSUS EXTRUSION IN DOGS USING MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
Authors: Fenn Joe , Drees Randi , Volk Holger A. , Decker Steven De
Published: August 2015

Ischemic myelopathy (IM) and acute noncompressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (ANNPE) are common spinal emergencies in dogs with similar clinical presentations. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria for a presumptive antemortem diagnosis have been reported, however inter‐ and intraobserver agreement for use of these criteria has not been established. The aim of this retrospective, descriptive, cross‐sectional study was to describe inter‐ and intraobserver agreement for using previously published MRI criteria to diagnose presumptive IM and ANNPE in a sample dogs. Dogs with a presumptive diagnosis of IM or ANNPE and available MRI scan data were retrieved from medical record archives during the period of 2009 and 2013. A total of 127 dogs were identified. From this sample, MRI scans for 60 dogs were randomly selected and duplicated for intraobserver analysis, giving a total of 187 anonymized studies that were presented to two blinded assessors (one board‐certified veterinary neurologist, one board‐certified veterinary radiologist). Assessors were asked to diagnose lesions as IM or ANNPE based on previously published MRI characteristics. Interobserver agreement in diagnosing IM or ANNPE was moderate (Kappa = 0.56) and intraobserver agreement was moderate to good (Assessor 1 Kappa = 0.79, Assessor 2 Kappa = 0.47). Agreement was strongest for detecting presence of lesions overlying a vertebral body (94% of lesions that were diagnosed as IM) or overlying an intervertebral disk (85% of lesions that were diagnosed as ANNPE). Findings indicated that use of previously published MRI criteria yields moderate inter‐ and moderate to good intraobserver agreement for a presumptive diagnosis of IM or ANNPE in dogs.
Planning and Engineering Strategies to Mitigate Effects of Climate Change
Authors: Wong Kaufui Vincent
Published: August 2015

Extreme weather events seem to have become more frequent with climate change. These anomalies throughout the world may generally be categorized as drought, heavy rain storms, landslides, heavy snow storms, sea level rise, ice melts from the polar regions, tornadoes and hurricanes. The environmental and real property damage caused may be minimized if proper planning and best practices are engineered into place before the catastrophic events occur. The management of vulnerable areas should definitely include such plans and strategies. The purpose of the current work is to point to the best practices already being carried out in some areas, and to draw attention to some of the knowledge embodied in the indigenous populations in particular regions, which have come by this knowledge via generations of survival through adverse climate/environmental changes. The integration of this indigenous knowledge where applicable, with modern engineering tools and techniques will help the world better to face the climatic challenges ahead.
Synthesis of hard hydrogenated amorphous carbon films by atmospheric pressure filamentary dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: Mori Takanori , Futagami Yuya , Kishimoto Eiichi , Shirakura Akira , Suzuki Tetsuya
Published: August 2015

In this study, the authors synthesized a-C:H films by filamentary dielectric barrier discharge (FDBD) to improve their mechanical properties compared to the films synthesized by glow DBD (GDBD), which is generally used for atmospheric pressure plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The discharge type was transited from GDBD to FDBD by increasing the gap between the electrodes from 1 to 4 mm. The hydrogen concentration of the a-C:H films synthesized by FDBD was reduced compared to that of the films synthesized by GDBD. The hardness of the films increased from 3.7 to 11.9 GPa by using FDBD. These results show that the hard a-C:H films can be synthesized at room temperature in a large area by FDBD.
Graphical methods for the analysis of shear-induced detachment of cells and microorganisms
Authors: Karahka Markus , Kreuzer Hans Jürgen
Published: August 2015

Treating shear stress induced detachment of micro-organisms as a bond breaking mechanism, the authors present three intuitive graphical approaches to determine the relevant parameters in the Arrhenius rate equation, i.e., attachment energy, prefactor, and maximum shear stress. They demonstrate the methods with the detachment of polystyrene spheres and show that having three different methods presents the opportunity to check the consistency of the results.
Modulation masking within and across carriers for subjects with normal and impaired hearing
Authors: Sek Aleksander , Baer Thomas , Crinnion William , Springgay Alastair , Moore Brian C. J.
Published: August 2015

The detection of amplitude modulation (AM) of a carrier can be impaired by additional (masker) AM applied to the same carrier (within-carrier modulation masking, MM) or to a different carrier (across-carrier MM). These two types of MM were compared for young normal-hearing and older hearing-impaired subjects. The signal was 4- or 16-Hz sinusoidal AM of a 4000-Hz carrier. Masker AM with depth 0.4 was applied either to the same carrier or to a carrier at 3179 or 2518 Hz. The masker AM rate was 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 times the signal rate. The signal AM depth was varied adaptively to determine the threshold. Both within-carrier and across-carrier MM patterns were similar for the two groups, suggesting that the hypothetical modulation filters are not affected by hearing loss or age. The signal AM detection thresholds were also similar for the two groups. Thresholds in the absence of masker AM were lower (better) for the older hearing-impaired than for the young normal-hearing subjects. Since the masked modulation thresholds were similar for the two groups, it seems unlikely that abnormal MM contributes to the difficulties experienced by older hearing-impaired people in understanding speech in background sounds.
The G protein α subunit variant XLα
s
promotes inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate signaling and mediates the renal actions of parathyroid hormone in vivo
Authors: He Qing , Zhu Yan , Corbin Braden A. , Plagge Antonius , Bastepe Murat
Published: August 2015

The extra-large Gα subunit that mediates the effects of parathyroid hormone on the kidney stimulates two distinct downstream pathways.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 25 August 2015
Authors: Rosen Todd , Wang Bingbing , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: August 2015

A glucocorticoid-mediated epigenetic switch promotes placental production of a stress hormone associated with labor.
Germination signals illuminated
Authors: Hines Pamela J.
Published: August 2015

The parasitic weed
Striga
has given up the secret of its key receptor.
Immune signals shape root communities
Authors: Hines Pamela J.
Published: August 2015

Bacteria that are endosymbiotic with the plant root respond to changes in the plant’s signaling status.
Our AIM is 2 prevent cancer
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: August 2015

AIM2 suppresses colorectal tumorigenesis through mechanisms that do not involve inflammasome activation.
Susceptibility of Mycobacterium abscessus to Antimycobacterial Drugs in Preclinical Models
Authors: Obregón-Henao Andrés , Arnett Kimberly A. , Henao-Tamayo Marcela , Massoudi Lisa , Creissen Elizabeth , Andries Koen , Lenaerts Anne J. , Ordway Diane J.
Published: August 2015

Over the last 10 years,
Mycobacterium abscessus
group strains have emerged as important human pathogens, which are associated with significantly higher fatality rates than any other rapidly growing mycobacteria. These opportunistic pathogens are widespread in the environment and can cause a wide range of clinical diseases, including skin, soft tissue, central nervous system, and disseminated infections; by far, the most difficult to treat is the pulmonary form. Infections with
M. abscessus
are often multidrug-resistant (MDR) and require prolonged treatment with various regimens and, many times, result in high mortality despite maximal therapy. We report here the evaluation of diverse mouse infection models for their ability to produce a progressive high level of infection with
M. abscessus
. The nude (
nu/nu
), SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency), gamma interferon knockout (GKO), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GMCSF) knockout mice fulfilled the criteria for an optimal model for compound screening. Thus, we set out to assess the antimycobacterial activity of clarithromycin, clofazimine, bedaquiline, and clofazimine-bedaquiline combinations against
M. abscessus
-infected GKO and SCID murine infection models. Treatment of GKO and SCID mice with a combination of clofazimine and bedaquiline was the most effective in decreasing the
M. abscessus
organ burden.
Guanabenz Repurposed as an Antiparasitic with Activity against Acute and Latent Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Benmerzouga Imaan , Checkley Lisa A. , Ferdig Michael T. , Arrizabalaga Gustavo , Wek Ronald C. , Sullivan William J.
Published: August 2015

Toxoplasma gondii
is a protozoan parasite that persists as a chronic infection.
Toxoplasma
evades immunity by forming tissue cysts, which reactivate to cause life-threatening disease during immune suppression. There is an urgent need to identify drugs capable of targeting these latent tissue cysts, which tend to form in the brain. We previously showed that translational control is critical during infections with both replicative and latent forms of
Toxoplasma
. Here we report that guanabenz, an FDA-approved drug that interferes with translational control, has antiparasitic activity against replicative stages of
Toxoplasma
and the related apicomplexan parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
(a malaria agent). We also found that inhibition of translational control interfered with tissue cyst biology
in vitro
.
Toxoplasma
bradyzoites present in these abnormal cysts were diminished and misconfigured, surrounded by empty space not seen in normal cysts. These findings prompted analysis of the efficacy of guanabenz
in vivo
by using established mouse models of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. In addition to protecting mice from lethal doses of
Toxoplasma
, guanabenz has a remarkable ability to reduce the number of brain cysts in chronically infected mice. Our findings suggest that guanabenz can be repurposed into an effective antiparasitic with a unique ability to reduce tissue cysts in the brain.
Phobalysin, a Small β-Pore-Forming Toxin of Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae
Authors: Rivas Amable J. , von Hoven Gisela , Neukirch Claudia , Meyenburg Martina , Qin Qianqian , Füser Sabine , Boller Klaus , Lemos Manuel L. , Osorio Carlos R. , Husmann Matthias
Published: August 2015

Photobacterium damselae
subsp.
damselae
, an important pathogen of marine animals, may also cause septicemia or hyperaggressive necrotizing fasciitis in humans. We previously showed that hemolysin genes are critical for virulence of this organism in mice and fish. In the present study, we characterized the
hlyA
gene product, a putative small β-pore-forming toxin, and termed it phobalysin P (PhlyP), for “photobacterial lysin encoded on a plasmid.” PhlyP formed stable oligomers and small membrane pores, causing efflux of K
+
, with no significant leakage of lactate dehydrogenase but entry of vital dyes. The latter feature distinguished PhlyP from the related
Vibrio cholerae
cytolysin. Attack by PhlyP provoked a loss of cellular ATP, attenuated translation, and caused profound morphological changes in epithelial cells. In coculture experiments with epithelial cells,
Photobacterium damselae
subsp.
damselae
led to rapid hemolysin-dependent membrane permeabilization. Unexpectedly, hemolysins also promoted the association of
P. damselae
subsp.
damselae
with epithelial cells. The collective observations of this study suggest that membrane-damaging toxins commonly enhance bacterial adherence.
A Duplicated ESAT-6 Region of ESX-5 Is Involved in Protein Export and Virulence of Mycobacteria
Authors: Shah Swati , Cannon Joe R. , Fenselau Catherine , Briken Volker
Published: August 2015

The ESX-5 secretion system of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is important for bacterial virulence and for the secretion of the large PE/PPE protein family, whose genes constitute 10% of the
M. tuberculosis
genome. A four-gene region of the ESX-5 system is duplicated three times in the
M. tuberculosis
genome, but the functions of these duplicates are unknown. Here we investigated one of these duplicates: the region carrying the
esxI
,
esxJ
,
ppe15
, and
pe8
genes (ESX-5a). An ESX-5a deletion mutant in the model system
M. marinum
background was deficient in the secretion of some members of the PE/PPE family of proteins. Surprisingly, we also identified other proteins that are not members of this family, thus expanding the range of ESX-5 secretion substrates. In addition, we demonstrated that ESX-5a is important for the virulence of
M. marinum
in the zebrafish model. Furthermore, we showed the role of the
M. tuberculosis
ESX-5a region in inflammasome activation but not host cell death induction, which is different from the case for the
M. tuberculosis
ESX-5 system. In conclusion, the ESX-5a region is nonredundant with its ESX-5 paralog and is necessary for secretion of a specific subset of proteins in
M. tuberculosis
and
M. marinum
that are important for bacterial virulence of
M. marinum
. Our findings point to a role for the three ESX-5 duplicate regions in the selection of substrates for secretion via ESX-5, and hence, they provide the basis for a refined model of the molecular mechanism of this type VII secretion system.
Erythrocytic Iron Deficiency Enhances Susceptibility to Plasmodium chabaudi Infection in Mice Carrying a Missense Mutation in Transferrin Receptor 1
Authors: Lelliott Patrick M. , McMorran Brendan J. , Foote Simon J. , Burgio Gaetan
Published: August 2015

The treatment of iron deficiency in areas of high malaria transmission is complicated by evidence which suggests that iron deficiency anemia protects against malaria, while iron supplementation increases malaria risk. Iron deficiency anemia results in an array of pathologies, including reduced systemic iron bioavailability and abnormal erythrocyte physiology; however, the mechanisms by which these pathologies influence malaria infection are not well defined. In the present study, the response to malaria infection was examined in a mutant mouse line,
Tfrc

MRI24910

, identified during an
N
-ethyl-
N
-nitrosourea (ENU) screen. This line carries a missense mutation in the gene for transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1). Heterozygous mice exhibited reduced erythrocyte volume and density, a phenotype consistent with dietary iron deficiency anemia. However, unlike the case in dietary deficiency, the erythrocyte half-life, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and intraerythrocytic ferritin content were unchanged. Systemic iron bioavailability was also unchanged, indicating that this mutation results in erythrocytic iron deficiency without significantly altering overall iron homeostasis. When infected with the rodent malaria parasite
Plasmodium chabaudi adami
, mice displayed increased parasitemia and succumbed to infection more quickly than their wild-type littermates. Transfusion of fluorescently labeled erythrocytes into malaria parasite-infected mice demonstrated an erythrocyte-autonomous enhanced survival of parasites within mutant erythrocytes. Together, these results indicate that TFR1 deficiency alters erythrocyte physiology in a way that is similar to dietary iron deficiency anemia, albeit to a lesser degree, and that this promotes intraerythrocytic parasite survival and an increased susceptibility to malaria in mice. These findings may have implications for the management of iron deficiency in the context of malaria.
Vibrio cholerae leuO Transcription Is Positively Regulated by ToxR and Contributes to Bile Resistance
Authors: Ante Vanessa M. , Bina X. Renee , Howard Mondraya F. , Sayeed Sameera , Taylor Dawn L. , Bina James E.
Published: August 2015

Vibrio cholerae
is an aquatic organism and facultative human pathogen that colonizes the small intestine. In the small intestine,
V. cholerae
is exposed to a variety of antimicrobial compounds, including bile.
V. cholerae
resistance to bile is multifactorial and includes alterations in the membrane permeability barrier that are mediated by ToxR, a membrane-associated transcription factor. ToxR has also been shown to be required for activation of the LysR family transcription factor
leuO
in response to cyclic dipeptides. LeuO has been implicated in the regulation of multiple
V. cholerae
phenotypes, including biofilm production and virulence. In this study, we investigated the effects of bile on
leuO
expression. We show that
leuO
transcription increased in response to bile and bile salts but not in response to other detergents. The bile-dependent increase in
leuO
expression was dependent on ToxR, which was found to bind directly to the
leuO
promoter. The periplasmic domain of ToxR was required for basal
leuO
expression and for the bile-dependent induction of both
leuO
and
ompU
transcription.
V. cholerae
mutants that did not express
leuO
exhibited increased bile susceptibility, suggesting that LeuO contributes to bile resistance. Our collective results demonstrate that ToxR activates
leuO
expression in response to bile and that LeuO is a component of the ToxR-dependent responses that contribute to bile resistance.

IMPORTANCE
The success of
Vibrio cholerae
as a human pathogen is dependent upon its ability to rapidly adapt to changes in its growth environment. Growth in the human gastrointestinal tract requires the expression of genes that provide resistance to host antimicrobial compounds, including bile. In this work, we show for the first time that the LysR family regulator LeuO mediates responses in
V. cholerae
that contribute to bile resistance.
Treatment of post-traumatic carotid–cavernous fistulas using pipeline embolization device assistance
Authors: Pradeep Nisha , Nottingham Robert , Kam Anthony , Gandhi Dheeraj , Razack Nasser
Published: August 2015

This report describes two cases of post-traumatic, high flow carotid–cavernous fistulas that demonstrated residual shunting after initial embolization with coils and Onyx, and that were successfully closed with pipeline embolization devices. Following their combined endovascular treatments, the patients experienced clinical improvement of symptoms with durable obliteration of the fistulous communications.
Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis: a rare skeletal disorder
Authors: Aygun Deniz , Barut Kenan , Camcioglu Yildiz , Kasapcopur Ozgur
Published: August 2015

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is a rare non-infectious inflammatory bone disease of unknown aetiology. CRMO mainly affects the metaphyses of long bones and spine in children and young adolescents. It presents with recurrent episodes of bone pain and fever, resembling bacterial osteomyelitis, but cultures of lesions are sterile and it is unresponsive to antibiotic therapy. We report a case of a 3-year-old boy diagnosed with CRMO, who was initially treated for bacterial osteomyelitis, and received prolonged antibiotic therapy for chronic pain, and swelling of mandible and ulna. CRMO should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of chronic bone pain and osteomyelitis unresponsive to antibiotic treatment.
A cluster-randomised quality improvement study to improve two inpatient stroke quality indicators
Authors: Williams Linda , Daggett Virginia , Slaven James E , Yu Zhangsheng , Sager Danielle , Myers Jennifer , Plue Laurie , Woodward-Hagg Heather , Damush Teresa M
Published: August 2015

Background

Quality indicator collection and feedback improves stroke care. We sought to determine whether quality improvement training plus indicator feedback was more effective than indicator feedback alone in improving inpatient stroke indicators.

Methods

We conducted a cluster-randomised quality improvement trial, randomising hospitals to quality improvement training plus indicator feedback versus indicator feedback alone to improve deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis and dysphagia screening. Intervention sites received collaborative-based quality improvement training, external facilitation and indicator feedback. Control sites received only indicator feedback. We compared indicators pre-implementation (pre-I) to active implementation (active-I) and post-implementation (post-I) periods. We constructed mixed-effect logistic models of the two indicators with a random intercept for hospital effect, adjusting for patient, time, intervention and hospital variables.

Results

Patients at intervention sites (1147 admissions), had similar race, gender and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores to control sites (1017 admissions). DVT prophylaxis improved more in intervention sites during active-I period (ratio of ORs 4.90, p<0.001), but did not differ in post-I period. Dysphagia screening improved similarly in both groups during active-I, but control sites improved more in post-I period (ratio of ORs 0.67, p=0.04). In logistic models, the intervention was independently positively associated with DVT performance during active-I period, and negatively associated with dysphagia performance post-I period.

Conclusion

Quality improvement training was associated with early DVT improvement, but the effect was not sustained over time and was not seen with dysphagia screening. External quality improvement programmes may quickly boost performance but their effect may vary by indicator and may not sustain over time.
Electronic structure and spectroscopy of homoleptic compounds of dimolybdenum using TDDFT
Authors: Vilarrubias Pere
Published: August 2015

Ten compounds of dimolybdenum are studied using density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory. The energy of the strongest symmetry-allowed bands is calculated. The results are then compared with experimental data, when available. The PW91 functional gives results for geometry and for the energy of the δ→δ* band that show good agreement with experimental data. However, the B3LYP functional gives more realistic values for the whole spectrum when the results are compared with experimental data. Finally, the different values of energy of these bands are explained analyzing the molecular orbitals involved in these transitions. Some ligands can act as an unsaturated system in conjugation with the delta bond, modifying the energies of the electronic transitions.
Production, distribution, and abundance of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: a fundamental dichotomy between freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Hixson Stefanie M. , Sharma Bhanu , Kainz Martin J. , Wacker Alexander , Arts Michael T.
Published: August 2015

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) are critical for the health of aquatic and terrestrial organisms; therefore, understanding the production, distribution, and abundance of these compounds is imperative. Although the dynamics of LC-PUFA production and distribution in aquatic environments has been well documented, a systematic and comprehensive comparison to LC-PUFA in terrestrial environments has not been rigorously investigated. Here we use a data synthesis approach to compare and contrast fatty acid profiles of 369 aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Habitat and trophic level were interacting factors that determined the proportion of individual omega-3 (n-3) or omega-6 (n-6) PUFA in aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Higher total n-3 content compared with n-6 PUFA and a strong prevalence of the n-3 PUFA eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) characterized aquatic versus terrestrial organisms. Conversely, terrestrial organisms had higher linoleic acid (LNA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) contents than aquatic organisms; however, the ratio of ALA:LNA was higher in aquatic organisms. The EPA + DHA content was higher in aquatic animals than terrestrial organisms, and increased from algae to invertebrates to vertebrates in the aquatic environment. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that fatty acid composition was highly dependent on the interaction between habitat and trophic level. We conclude that freshwater ecosystems provide an essential service through the production of n-3 LC-PUFA that are required to maintain the health of terrestrial organisms including humans.
Finite groups with all minimal subgroups solitary
Authors: Esteban-Romero R. , Liriano Orieta
Published: August 2015

We give a complete classification of the finite groups with a unique subgroup of order [Formula: see text] for each prime [Formula: see text] dividing its order.
Facile Synthesis of Graphene–Enwrapped Ag3PO4 Composites with Highly Efficient Visible Light Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Shi Lei , Chen Da , Xie Wenting , Zhang Jing , Ping Guangxing , Fan Meiqiang , Qin Laishun , Bai Liqun , Chen Zhi , Lv Chunju , Shu Kangying
Published: August 2015

In this work, thermally exfoliated graphene nanosheets (GNS) were employed to prepare novel Ag3PO4–GNS composite photocatalysts by a facile chemical precipitation approach. The as-prepared Ag3PO4–GNS composite photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. It was found that the Ag3PO4 particles were well deposited on the surfaces of GNS. Compared with bare Ag3PO4 and Ag3PO4–rGO composite, the Ag3PO4–GNS composite exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity for the photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic degradation rate of Ag3PO4–GNS composite was 1.7 times that of bare Ag3PO4 and about 1.3 times that of Ag3PO4–rGO for the degradation of RhB. Furthermore, the photocatalytic stability of Ag3PO4–GNS composite was also greatly enhanced. This enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability could be ascribed to the positive synergetic effects between the Ag3PO4 particles and GNS sheets, which could provide a greater number of active adsorption sites, suppress charge recombination and reduce the serious photocorrosion of Ag3PO4. Moreover, the photocatalytic degradation of RhB over Ag3PO4–GNS composites was also optimized, suggesting that the optimal amount of GNS in the composites was 11.4[Formula: see text]wt.%. This work shows a great potential of Ag3PO4–GNS composite for environmental treatment of organic pollutants.
Energy Efficient Operation of Cellular Network Using On/Off Base Stations
Authors: Choi Yong-Hoon , Lee Jungerl , Back Juhoon , Park Suwon , Chung Young-uk , Lee Hyukjoon
Published: August 2015

To allow rapid growth of the number of base stations, reducing the energy consumption of the stations, as the main energy consumers in cellular networks, has become an important research topic. In this paper, we attempt to find an adaptive cell zooming method to reduce the energy consumption of base stations. The cell zooming mechanism was formulated as an optimization problem with consideration of varying traffic patterns and interference, as well as the service availability of the whole area. Simulations were then conducted to verify the performance of the proposed cell zooming method. The simulations considered varying traffic conditions, both timely and spatially, in traditional 19-cell configuration. The proposed scheme demonstrated reduction of energy consumption of up to 4.72 times for urban environments and 3.78 times for rural environments against traditional static cell operation.
Assessment of Functionals for First-Principle Studies of the Structural and Electronic Properties ofδ-Bi2O3
Authors: Galván D. H. , Núñez-González R. , Rangel R. , Alemany P. , Posada-Amarillas A.
Published: August 2015

Fully relativistic full-potential density functional calculations with an all-electron linearized augmented plane waves plus local orbitals method were carried out to perform a comparative study on the structural and electronic properties of the cubic oxideδ-Bi2O3phase, which is considered as one of the most promising materials in a variety of applications including fuel cells, sensors, and catalysts. Three different density functionals were used in our calculations, LDA, the GGA scheme in the parametrization of Perdew, Burke, and Ernzerhof (PBE96), and the hybrid scheme of Perdew-Wang B3PW91. The examined properties include lattice parameter, band structure and density of states, and charge density profiles. For this modification the three functionals reveal the characteristics of a metal and the existence of minigaps at high symmetry points of the band structure when spin-orbit coupling is taken into account. Density of states exhibits hybridization of Bi 6s and O 2p orbitals and the calculated charge density profiles exhibit the ionic character in the chemical bonding of this compound. The B3PW91 hybrid functional provided a better agreement with the experimental result for the lattice parameter, revealing the importance of Hartree-Fock exchange in this compound.
Influence of Parameters of a Printing Plate on Photoluminescence of Nanophotonic Printed Elements of Novel Packaging
Authors: Sarapulova Olha , Sherstiuk Valentyn
Published: August 2015

In order to produce nanophotonic elements for smart packaging, we investigated the influence of the parameters of screen and offset gravure printing plates on features of printed application of coatings with nanophotonic components and on parameters of their photoluminescence. To determine the dependence of luminescence intensity on the thickness of solid coating, we carried out the formation of nanophotonic solid surfaces by means of screen printing with different layer thickness on polypropylene film. The obtained analytical dependencies were used to confirm the explanation of the processes that occur during the fabrication of nanophotonic coverings with offset gravure printing plates. As a result of experimental studies, it was determined that the different character of the dependency of total luminescence intensity of nanophotonic elements from the percentage of a pad is explained by the use of different types of offset gravure printing plates, where the size of raster points remains constant in one case and changes in the other case, while the depth of the printing elements accordingly changes or remains constant. To obtain nanophotonic areas with predetermined photoluminescent properties, the influence of investigated factors on changes of photoluminescent properties of nanophotonic printed surfaces should be taken into consideration.
Using mHealth to Improve Usage of Antenatal Care, Postnatal Care, and Immunization: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Watterson Jessica L. , Walsh Julia , Madeka Isheeta
Published: August 2015

Mobile health (mHealth) technologies have been implemented in many low- and middle-income countries to address challenges in maternal and child health. Many of these technologies attempt to influence patients’, caretakers’, or health workers’ behavior. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to determine what evidence exists for the effectiveness of mHealth tools to increase the coverage and use of antenatal care (ANC), postnatal care (PNC), and childhood immunizations through behavior change in low- and middle-income countries. The full text of 53 articles was reviewed and 10 articles were identified that met all inclusion criteria. The majority of studies used text or voice message reminders to influence patient behavior change (80%,n=8) and most were conducted in African countries (80%,n=8). All studies showed at least some evidence of effectiveness at changing behavior to improve antenatal care attendance, postnatal care attendance, or childhood immunization rates. However, many of the studies were observational and further rigorous evaluation of mHealth programs is needed in a broader variety of settings.
Clinicoradiological Profile of Lower Lung Field Tuberculosis Cases among Young Adult and Elderly People in a Teaching Hospital of Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Singh Saurabh Kumar , Tiwari Kamlesh Kumar
Published: August 2015

Aim. To study the clinical and radiological features of lower lung field tuberculosis (LLFTB) in relation to the patients of nonlower lung field tuberculosis (non-LLFTB).Material and Methods. All the patients of lower lung field tuberculosis defined by the lesions below an arbitrary line across the hila in their chest X-rays were included in the study. Their sputum for acid fast bacilli, HIV, blood sugar, and other relevant investigations were performed.Results. The total of 2136 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis was studied. Among them 215 (10%) cases of patients were diagnosed as the case of lower lung field tuberculosis. Females (62%) were more commonly affected. Most common clinical feature in non-LLFTB was cough (69%) followed by fever (65%), chest pain (54.7%), and weight loss (54.4%). Chest X-ray showed predominance of right side (60.9%) in cases of LLFTB. The relative risk of having the LLFTB in diabetes patients, HIV seropositive patients, end stage renal disease patients, and patients on corticosteroid therapy was high.Conclusion. Lower lung field tuberculosis is not an uncommon entity. It is more common in diabetes, HIV positive, end stage renal disease, and corticosteroid treated patients. Clinical and radiological features are different from upper lobe tuberculosis patients.
Adsorption of Toll-Like Receptor 4 Agonist to Alum-Based Tetanus Toxoid Vaccine Dampens Pro-T Helper 2 Activities and Enhances Antibody Responses
Authors: Bortolatto Juliana , Mirotti Luciana , Rodriguez Dunia , Gomes Eliane , Russo Momtchilo
Published: August 2015

Aluminum salts gels (alum) are TLR-independent adjuvants and have been used to boost antibody responses in alum-based vaccines such as diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus toxoid (DPT) triple vaccine. However, the pro-Th2 activity of alum-based vaccine formulations has not been fully appreciated. Here we found that alum-based tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine was biased toward a Th-2 profile as shown by TT-induced airway eosinophilic inflammation, type 2 cytokine production, and high levels of IgE anaphylactic antibodies. The adsorption into alum of prototypic TLR4 agonists such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) derived fromEscherichia coliconsistently dampened TT-induced Th2 activities without inducing IFNγor Th1-like responses in the lung. Conversely, adsorption of monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) extracted fromSalmonella minnesota, which is a TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β- (TRIF-) biased TLR4 agonist, was less effective in decreasing Th-2 responses. Importantly, in a situation with antigenic competition (OVA plus TT), TT-specific IgG1 or IgG2a was decreased compared with TT sensitization. Notably, LPS increased the production of IgG1 and IgG2a TT-specific antibodies. In conclusion, the addition of LPS induces a more robust IgG1 and IgG2a TT-specific antibody production and concomitantly decreases Th2-cellular and humoral responses, indicating a potential use of alum/TLR-based vaccines.
Effect of Eu3+Concentration on the Luminescent Properties of SrTiO3Phosphors Prepared by Pressure-Assisted Combustion Synthesis
Authors: García C. R. , Oliva J. , Romero M. T. , Ochoa-Valiente R. , Trujillo L. A. Garcia
Published: August 2015

This work presents the structural, morphological, and luminescent characterization of pure SrTiO3and SrTiO3:Eu3+powders doped with different europium atomic concentrations from 3.0 to 7.0 a.t.%. Those phosphors were prepared by pressure-assisted combustion synthesis using titanium oxide as precursor and were subjected to postannealing at 1200°C. XRD measurements indicated that undoped and Eu3+doped samples presented a single cubic crystalline phase and SEM images demonstrated that we have particles with sizes in the range of 0.2 µm–1.0 µm. Moreover, the size of the grains increases as the content of Eu3+dopant increases. A strong red emission from Eu3+ions was obtained by photoluminescence under excitation at 396 nm and confirmed by cathodoluminescence. All those results indicate that our red phosphors could be useful for potential applications in solid state lighting and field emission displays.
Abnormal Cystic Tumor in a Patient with Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Cancer Syndrome: Evidence of a Precursor Lesion?
Authors: Ristau Benjamin T. , Kamat Sonal N. , Tarin Tatum V.
Published: August 2015

The hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) association is a rare syndrome caused by mutation of the Kreb’s cycle enzyme, fumarate hydratase (FH). It is characterized by unusually aggressive type 2 papillary renal cell histology. FH is responsible for catalyzing the conversion of fumarate to malate. Its absence leads to a state of “pseudohypoxia,” inducing hypoxia inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α) and leading to increased growth factor transcription (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF; glucose transporter 1, GLUT1). Ultimately, this results in tumorigenesis. We present a patient who was diagnosed with HLRCC and underwent bilateral nephrectomies. One of the nephrectomy specimens was notable for benign cystic lesions that stained positive immunohistochemically for succinated proteins, a finding only noted in FH-deficient cells. Thus, we posit a potential precursor lesion to type 2 papillary renal cell carcinoma in the HLRCC syndrome.
Targeted Collection of Plasmid DNA in Large and Growing Animal Muscles 6 Weeks after DNA Vaccination with and without Electroporation
Authors: Dory Daniel , Le Moigne Vincent , Cariolet Roland , Béven Véronique , Keranflec’h André , Jestin André
Published: August 2015

DNA vaccination has been developed in the last two decades in human and animal species as a promising alternative to conventional vaccination. It consists in the injection, in the muscle, for example, of plasmid DNA encoding the vaccinating polypeptide. Electroporation which forces the entrance of the plasmid DNA in cells at the injection point has been described as a powerful and promising strategy to enhance DNA vaccine efficacy. Due to the fact that the vaccine is composed of DNA, close attention on the fate of the plasmid DNA upon vaccination has to be taken into account, especially at the injection point. To perform such studies, the muscle injection point has to be precisely recovered and collected several weeks after injection. This is even more difficult for large and growing animals. A technique has been developed to localize precisely and collect efficiently the muscle injection points in growing piglets 6 weeks after DNA vaccination accompanied or not by electroporation. Electroporation did not significantly increase the level of remaining plasmids compared to nonelectroporated piglets, and, in all the cases, the levels were below the limit recommended by the FDA to research integration events of plasmid DNA into the host DNA.
Non-CpG Oligonucleotides Exert Adjuvant Effects by Enhancing Cognate B Cell-T Cell Interactions, Leading to B Cell Activation, Differentiation, and Isotype Switching
Authors: Herbáth Melinda , Papp Krisztián , Erdei Anna , Prechl József
Published: August 2015

Natural and synthetic nucleic acids are known to exert immunomodulatory properties. Notably, nucleic acids are known to modulate immune function via several different pathways and various cell types, necessitating a complex interpretation of their effects. In this study we set out to compare the effects of a CpG motif containing oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) with those of a control and an inhibitory non-CpG ODN during cognate B cell-T cell interactions. We employed an antigen presentation system using splenocytes from TCR transgenic DO11.10 mice and the ovalbumin peptide recognized by the TCR as model antigen. We followed early activation events by measuring CD69 expression, late activation by MHC class II expression, cell division and antibody production of switched, and nonswitched isotypes. We found that both of the tested non-CpG ODN exerted significant immunomodulatory effects on early T cell and on late B cell activation events. Importantly, a synergism between non-CpG effects and T cell help acting on B cells was observed, resulting in enhanced IgG production following cognate T cell-B cell interactions. We propose that non-CpG ODN may perform as better adjuvants when a strong antigen-independent immune activation, elicited by CpG ODNs, is undesirable.
Tailoring Healthy Workplace Interventions to Local Healthcare Settings: A Complexity Theory‐Informed Workplace of Well‐Being Framework
Authors: Brand Sarah L. , Fleming Lora E. , Wyatt Katrina M.
Published: August 2015

Many healthy workplace interventions have been developed for healthcare settings to address the consistently low scores of healthcare professionals on assessments of mental and physical well‐being. Complex healthcare settings present challenges for the scale‐up and spread of successful interventions from one setting to another. Despite general agreement regarding the importance of the local setting in affecting intervention success across different settings, there is no consensus on what it is about a local setting that needs to be taken into account to design healthy workplace interventions appropriate for different local settings. Complexity theory principles were used to understand a workplace as a complex adaptive system and to create a framework of eight domains (system characteristics) that affect the emergence of system‐level behaviour. This Workplace of Well‐being (WoW) framework is responsive and adaptive to local settings and allows a shared understanding of the enablers and barriers to behaviour change by capturing local information for each of the eight domains. We use the results of applying the WoW framework to one workplace, a UK National Health Service ward, to describe the utility of this approach in informing design of setting‐appropriate healthy workplace interventions that create workplaces conducive to healthy behaviour change.