bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous genotyping of human platelet alloantigen‐1 to 28bw systems by multiplex polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing
Authors: Hong X. , Chen S. , Ying Y. , Liu Y. , Xu X. , He J. , Zhu F.
Published: March 2017

Background and Objectives

Human platelet alloantigen (HPA) genotyping is important for the diagnosis and prevention the alloimmune platelet disorders. In this study, a simultaneous genotyping method for HPA‐1 to ‐28bw systems was established using multiplex PCR‐SBT and the frequencies of genotypes and alleles of HPA‐1 to ‐28bw systems in the Zhejiang Han population were analysed.

Materials and Methods

The specific primers were designed according to the nucleotide sequences of HPA‐1 to 28bw systems which are located in ITGB3, GP1BA, ITGA2B, ITGA2, GP1BB and CD109, respectively. The multiplex PCR amplification systems were used, and then, the amplicons were purified and sequenced. A total of 335 healthy volunteer blood donors were detected.

Results

The genotypes of ten reference samples from Platelet Immunology Workshop of ISBT were in concordance with the known genotypes. Among the 28 HPA systems, HPA a and b alleles were found in HPA‐1 to 6w, HPA‐15 and HPA‐21w systems in the Chinese Han population, while only HPA aa genotype was detected in the other HPA systems. The frequencies of HPA‐1a and HPA‐1b were 0·993 and 0·007, with 0·943 and 0·057 for HPA‐2a and HPA‐2b, 0·527 and 0·473 for HPA‐3a and HPA‐3b, 0·997 and 0·003 for HPA‐4a and HPA‐4b, 0·991 and 0·009 for HPA‐5a and HPA‐5b, 0·980 and 0·020 for HPA‐6wa and HPA‐6wb, 0·508 and 0·492 for HPA‐15a and HPA‐15b and 0·994 and 0·006 for HPA‐21wa and HPA‐21wb.

Conclusions

One multiplex PCR‐SBT method for HPAs was established and the data of the study could help to prevent and treat for alloimmune thrombocytopenia.
Design for Additive Manufacturing: Internal Channel Optimization
Authors: Pietropaoli M. , Ahlfeld R. , Montomoli F. , Ciani A. , D'Ercole M.
Published: March 2017

The new possibilities offered by additive manufacturing (AM) can be exploited in gas turbines to produce a new generation of complex and efficient internal coolant systems. The flexibility offered by this new manufacturing method needs a paradigm shift in the design approach, and a possible solution is offered by topology optimization. The overall goal of this work is to propose an innovative method to design internal channels in gas turbines that fully exploit AM capabilities. The present work contains a new application of a fluid topology sedimentation method to optimize the internal coolant geometries with minimal pressure losses while maximizing the heat exchange. The domain is considered as a porous medium with variable porosity: the solution is represented by the final solid distribution that constitutes the optimized structure. In this work, the governing equations for an incompressible flow in a porous medium are considered together with a conjugate heat transfer equation that includes porosity-dependent thermal diffusivity. An adjoint optimization approach with steepest descent method is used to build the optimization algorithm. The simulations are carried out on three different geometries: a U-bend, a straight duct, and a rectangular box. For the U-bend, a series of splitter is automatically generated by the code, minimizing the stagnation pressure losses. In the straight duct and in the rectangular box, the impact of different choices of the weights and of the definition of the porosity-dependent thermal diffusivity is analyzed. The results show the formation of splitters and bifurcations in the box and “riblike” structures in the straight duct, which enhance the heat transfer.
Far Back End of Line Aluminum Stress Reduction Methods for Two-Dimensional/2.5D Fine Pitch Assemblies
Authors: Tunga Krishna , Wassick Thomas , Cournoyer Maryse
Published: March 2017

Fine pitch interconnects when used with two-dimensional (2D)/2.5D packaging technology offer enormous potential toward decreasing signal latency and by making it possible to package increased electrical functionality within a given area. However, fine pitch interconnects present their own set of challenges not seen in packages with coarse pitch interconnects. Increased level of stresses within the far back end of line (FBEOL) layers of the chip is the primary concern. Seven different types of 2D and 2.5D test vehicles with fine pitch and coarse pitch interconnects were built and tested for mechanical integrity by subjecting them to accelerated thermal cycling between −55 °C and 125 °C. Finite element based mechanical modeling was done to determine the stress level within the FBEOL layers of these test vehicles. For all the tested assemblies, experimental data and modeling results showed a strong correlation between reduced pitch and increased level of stresses and increased incidence of failures within the FBEOL region. These failures were observed exclusively at the passivation layer and aluminum pad interface. Experimental data in conjunction with mechanical modeling were used to determine a safe level of stress at the aluminum to passivation layer interface. Global and local design changes were explored to determine their effect on the stresses at this interface. Several guidelines have been provided to reduce these stresses for a 2D/2.5D package assembly with fine pitch interconnects. Finally, a reliable low stress configuration, which takes into account all the design changes, has been proposed, which is expected to be robust with very low risk of failure within the FBEOL region.
Polydimethylsiloxane and polyisoprene-based graphene composites for strain-sensing
Authors: Catalán Jorge A. , Kaul Anupama B.
Published: March 2017

In this paper, different composite materials have been developed and characterized for different applications in the health science field and as optoelectromechanical sensors. In this work, the authors have focused on two different types of composite materials. The first one having a matrix of polyisoprene (main component of natural rubber band) and the other with a matrix of polydimethylsiloxane, which is a biocompatible elastomer. Three different two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene, MoS2, and WS2 have been used as fillers in this study. In order to develop these composite materials, the authors used a solvent based exfoliation-processing technique in order to reduce the size of the tactoids of the 2D materials, to later on implement them into the different matrixes. N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone has been our selected solvent for the exfoliation process since it has been reported as one of the most effective solvents in the exfoliation process. Using some designed features, the authors were able to characterize the electrical properties of the composites as a function of strain or deformation, which the authors report on in more detail here.
Draft Genome Sequences of Pseudomonas moraviensis UCD-KL30, Vibrio ostreicida UCD-KL16,
Colwellia
sp. Strain UCD-KL20,
Shewanella
sp. Strain UCD-KL12, and
Shewanella
sp. Strain UCD-KL21, Isolated from Seagrass
Authors: Lujan Karley M. , Eisen Jonathan A. , Coil David A.
Published: March 2017

Here, we present the draft genome sequences for five bacterial strains. These strains were all isolated from seagrass (
Zostera marina
) collected from Bodega Bay, CA, as a part of an undergraduate research project focused on seagrass-associated microbes.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas fluorescens EK007-RG4, a Promising Biocontrol Agent against a Broad Range of Bacteria, Including the Fire Blight Bacterium Erwinia amylovora
Authors: Habibi Roghayeh , Tarighi Saeed , Behravan Javad , Taheri Parissa , Kjøller Annelise Helene , Brejnrod Asker , Madsen Jonas Stenløkke , Sørensen Søren Johannes
Published: March 2017

Here, we report the first draft whole-genome sequence of
Pseudomonas fluorescens
strain EK007-RG4, which was isolated from the phylloplane of a pear tree.
P. fluorescens
EK007-RG4 displays strong antagonism against
Erwinia amylovora
, the causal agent for fire blight disease, in addition to several other pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria.
Complete Genome Sequence of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain 1756, Isolated from a Pus Specimen
Authors: Kao Cheng-Yen , Yan Jing-Jou , Lin Yu-Chun , Zheng Po-Xing , Wu Jiunn-Jong
Published: March 2017

Carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strain 1756 was isolated from a pus specimen from a Taiwanese patient. Here, the complete genome sequence of strain 1756 is presented.
First Complete Genome Sequence of Corynebacterium riegelii
Authors: Greninger Alexander L. , Streithorst Jessica , Chiu Charles Y. , Miller Steve
Published: March 2017

Here, we report the first complete genome sequence of
Corynebacterium riegelii
strain PUDD_83A45, isolated from the urine of a patient with urinary tract infection. The genome measured 2.56 Mb and contained no plasmid.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus fermentum MTCC 25067 (Formerly TDS030603), a Viscous Exopolysaccharide-Producing Strain Isolated from Indian Fermented Milk
Authors: Aryantini Ni Putu Desy , Prajapati Jashbhai B. , Urashima Tadasu , Fukuda Kenji
Published: March 2017

Lactobacillus fermentum
MTCC 25067 (formerly TDS030603) is capable of producing a highly viscous slime exopolysaccharide. We report here the complete genome sequence of the strain, which was deciphered by using PacBio single-molecule real-time sequencing technology.
Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Tailed Phage Utah
Authors: Leavitt Justin C. , Heitkamp Alexandra J. , Bhattacharjee Ananda S. , Gilcrease Eddie B. , Casjens Sherwood R.
Published: March 2017

Escherichia coli
bacteriophage Utah is a member of the chi-like tailed phage cluster in the
Siphoviridae
family. We report here the complete 59,024-bp sequence of the genome of phage Utah.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Pelagic Photoferrotroph
Chlorobium phaeoferrooxidans
Authors: Crowe Sean A. , Hahn Aria S. , Morgan-Lang Connor , Thompson Katherine J. , Simister Rachel L. , Llirós Marc , Hirst Martin , Hallam Steven J.
Published: March 2017

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Chlorobium phaeoferrooxidans
, a photoferrotrophic member of the genus
Chlorobium
in the phylum
Chlorobi
. This genome sequence provides insight into the metabolic capacity that underpins photoferrotrophy within low-light-adapted pelagic
Chlorobi
.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Human Betapapillomavirus Isolated from a Skin Sample
Authors: Dutta Sankhadeep , Robitaille Alexis , Rollison Dana E. , Tommasino Massimo , Gheit Tarik
Published: March 2017

We report the genetic characterization of a new papillomavirus (HPV_MTS1) isolated and fully cloned from a skin swab. The L1 open reading frame of HPV_MTS1 was 85% identical to its closest human papillomavirus (HPV) type 80, which belongs to the species beta-2 of the genus
Betapapillomavirus
, hence qualifying it as a new HPV type.
Emerging Fungal Threats to Plants and Animals Challenge Agriculture and Ecosystem Resilience
Authors: Fones Helen N. , Fisher Matthew C. , Gurr Sarah J.
Published: March 2017

While fungi can make positive contributions to ecosystems and agro-ecosystems, for example, in mycorrhizal associations, they can also have devastating impacts as pathogens of plants and animals. In undisturbed ecosystems, most such negative interactions will be limited through the coevolution of fungi with their hosts. In this article, we explore what happens when pathogenic fungi spread beyond their natural ecological range and become invasive on naïve hosts in new ecosystems. We will see that such invasive pathogens have been problematic to humans and their domesticated plant and animal species throughout history, and we will discuss some of the most pressing fungal threats of today.
DNA Replication in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Ditse Zanele , Lamers Meindert H. , Warner Digby F.
Published: March 2017

Faithful replication and maintenance of the genome are essential to the ability of any organism to survive and propagate. For an obligate pathogen such as
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
that has to complete successive cycles of transmission, infection, and disease in order to retain a foothold in the human population, this requires that genome replication and maintenance must be accomplished under the metabolic, immune, and antibiotic stresses encountered during passage through variable host environments. Comparative genomic analyses have established that chromosomal mutations enable
M. tuberculosis
to adapt to these stresses: the emergence of drug-resistant isolates provides direct evidence of this capacity, so too the well-documented genetic diversity among
M. tuberculosis
lineages across geographic loci, as well as the microvariation within individual patients that is increasingly observed as whole-genome sequencing methodologies are applied to clinical samples and tuberculosis (TB) disease models. However, the precise mutagenic mechanisms responsible for
M. tuberculosis
evolution and adaptation are poorly understood. Here, we summarize current knowledge of the machinery responsible for DNA replication in
M. tuberculosis
, and discuss the potential contribution of the expanded complement of mycobacterial DNA polymerases to mutagenesis. We also consider briefly the possible role of DNA replication—in particular, its regulation and coordination with cell division—in the ability of
M. tuberculosis
to withstand antibacterial stresses, including host immune effectors and antibiotics, through the generation at the population level of a tolerant state, or through the formation of a subpopulation of persister bacilli—both of which might be relevant to the emergence and fixation of genetic drug resistance.
False-negative contrast-enhanced spectral mammography: use of more than one imaging modality and application of the triple test avoids misdiagnosis
Authors: Taylor Donna , O'Hanlon Susan , Latham Bruce
Published: March 2017

A 50-year-old woman presented with chest tenderness. On examination, both breasts were lumpy. Bilateral mammography showed heterogeneously dense parenchyma, with possible stromal distortion laterally on the right at the 0900 position. On ultrasound (US), a corresponding 13×9×10 mm irregular hypoechoic mass with internal vascularity was noted and both breasts had a complex heterogeneous fibroglandular background pattern. US-guided core biopsy with marker clip insertion was performed with the diagnosis of a grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). In view of the parenchymal pattern on mammography and US, contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) was performed for local staging. Mild background enhancement was noted, but there was no enhancement at the lesion site. The patient elected to have bilateral mastectomies and sentinel node biopsies. Final histopathology showed a node negative 11 mm grade 2 oestrogen and progesterone receptor positive, IDC.
Relationship between diabetic nephropathy and depression: a cross-sectional analysis using the Diabetes Study from the Center of Tokyo Women's Medical University (DIACET)
Authors: Takasaki Keiko , Babazono Tetsuya , Ishizawa Kaya , Miura Junnosuke , Uchigata Yasuko
Published: March 2017

Objective

We conducted this cross-sectional study to investigate the relationship between stage of diabetic nephropathy and likelihood or severity of depression in patients with diabetes.

Research design and methods

We studied 2212 patients with diabetes (mean age 60.9 years; 928 women; 1838 patients with type 2 diabetes). Presence and severity of depression was examined using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Patients were classified into 5 stages of nephropathy, according to albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR); patients in stage 5 undergoing dialysis and kidney transplantation were analyzed separately (stages 5D and 5T). The relationship between stage of nephropathy and depression was examined using analysis of covariance and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Both least square mean PHQ-9 scores and prevalence of patients with PHQ-9 scores ≥5 points (mild depression) and ≥10 points (moderate or severe depression) increased from stage 1 to 5D, and then declined in stage 5T. Multivariate ORs for mild or greater depression increased in patients in stages 3, 4, and 5D in reference to those in stage 1, which declined in patients in stage 5T. Albuminuria was significantly, but eGFR was not, associated with higher PHQ-9 scores and the PHQ-9 scores ≥5 or ≥10 after adjustment for clinical findings.

Conclusions

In patients with diabetes, progression of nephropathy is likely to be associated with increased risk and severity of depression, which may be reduced after successful kidney transplantation. Albuminuria may be more strongly associated with depression than eGFR.
‘Smartscopy’ as an alternative device for cervical cancer screening: a pilot study
Authors: Tanaka Yusuke , Ueda Yutaka , Okazawa Akiko , Kakuda Mamoru , Matsuzaki Shinya , Kobayashi Eiji , Yoshino Kiyoshi , Kimura Tadashi
Published: March 2017

The use of smartphones, mobile networks and associated health applications (known as apps) is now almost universal. Countries with low medical resources need assistance in their delivery of healthcare. This is particularly true where there are limited numbers of specialised physicians or nurses with respect to cancer screening. As smartphones become more universal, real-time and near-real-time expert medical consultations and telediagnosis are becoming more common. This leads us to believe that there will soon be a demand for mobile cancer screening services, which will be particularly useful for women living in rural areas or doctor-less inner city communities. The smartphone would seem to have almost limitless possibilities to address this need. As a first step in studying how cervical cancer screening using a smartphone could have widespread implementation, we conducted a pilot study to evaluate the utility of a smartphone to diagnose cervical intraepithelial neoplasm or invasive cervical cancer in 20 patients having an abnormal cervical cytology. Our results indicate that continuing progress in digital imaging devices may allow the quality of cervical cancer screening to be improved.
Linking medical and dental health record data: a partnership with the Rochester Epidemiology Project
Authors: St. Sauver Jennifer L , Carr Alan B , Yawn Barbara P , Grossardt Brandon R , Bock-Goodner Cynthia M , Klein Lori L , Pankratz Joshua J , Finney Rutten Lila J , Rocca Walter A
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this project was to expand the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) medical records linkage infrastructure to include data from oral healthcare providers. The goal of this linkage is to facilitate research studies examining the role of oral health in overall health and quality of life.

Participants

Eight dental practices joined the REP between 2011 and 2015. The REP study team has linked oral healthcare information with medical record information from local healthcare providers for 31 750 participants who have resided in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Overall, 17 718 (56%) participants are women, 14 318 (45%) are 40 years of age or older and 26 090 (82%) are white.

Findings to date

A first study using this new information was recently completed. This resource was used to determine whether the 2007 guidelines from the American Heart Association affected prescription rates of antibiotics to patients with moderate-risk cardiac conditions prior to dental procedures. The REP infrastructure was used to identify a series of patients diagnosed with moderate-risk cardiac conditions by the local healthcare providers (n=1351), and to abstract antibiotic prescriptions from dental records both pre-2007 and post-2007. Antibiotic prescriptions prior to dental procedures declined from 62% to 7% following the change in guidelines.

Future plans

Dental data from participating practitioners will be updated on an annual basis, and new dental data will be linked to patient medical records. In addition, we will continue to invite new dental practices to participate in the REP. Finally, we will continue to use this research infrastructure to investigate associations between oral and medical health, and will present findings at conferences and in the scientific literature.
Instruments measuring the disease-specific quality of life of family carers of people with neurodegenerative diseases: a systematic review
Authors: Page Thomas E , Farina Nicolas , Brown Anna , Daley Stephanie , Bowling Ann , Basset Thurstine , Livingston Gill , Knapp Martin , Murray Joanna , Banerjee Sube
Published: March 2017

Objective

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia, have a profound impact on those with the conditions and their family carers. Consequently, the accurate measurement of family carers' quality of life (QOL) is important. Generic measures may miss key elements of the impact of these conditions, so using disease-specific instruments has been advocated. This systematic review aimed to identify and examine the psychometric properties of disease-specific outcome measures of QOL of family carers of people with neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease and other dementias; Huntington's disease; Parkinson's disease; multiple sclerosis; and motor neuron disease).

Design

Systematic review.

Methods

Instruments were identified using 5 electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus and the International Bibliography of the Social Sciences (IBSS)) and lateral search techniques. Only studies which reported the development and/or validation of a disease-specific measure for adult family carers, and which were written in English, were eligible for inclusion. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the COnsensus based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist. The psychometric properties of each instrument were examined.

Results

676 articles were identified. Following screening and lateral searches, a total of 8 articles were included; these reported 7 disease-specific carer QOL measures. Limited evidence was available for the psychometric properties of the 7 instruments. Psychometric analyses were mainly focused on internal consistency, reliability and construct validity. None of the measures assessed either criterion validity or responsiveness to change.

Conclusions

There are very few measures of carer QOL that are specific to particular neurodegenerative diseases. The findings of this review emphasise the importance of developing and validating psychometrically robust disease-specific measures of carer QOL.
Development of the Brussels Infant and Toddler Stool Scale (‘BITSS’): protocol of the study
Authors: Vandenplas Yvan , Szajewska Hania , Benninga Marc , Di Lorenzo Carlo , Dupont Christophe , Faure Christophe , Miqdadi Mohamed , Osatakul Seksit , Ribes-Konickx Carmen , Saps Miguel , Shamir Raanan , Staiano Annamaria
Published: March 2017

Introduction

The Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSS) which consists of 7 photographs of different stool forms allows assessment of stool consistency (scale 1 for hard lumps to scale 7 for watery stools), in an objective manner in adults. The BSS is also sometimes used to characterise the stools of infants and young children. Despite its use, there is general agreement among paediatric gastroenterologists that the BSS is not adequate to be used in infants and young children who wear diapers; thus, a new scale specifically designed for this population is needed. Our aim is to develop a paediatric stool scale, the Brussels Infant and Toddler Stool Scale (‘BITSS’), and to evaluate the interobserver agreement of stool assessment with the BITSS between the patient's parent and healthcare providers (physicians and nurses).

Methods and analysis

This study has two phases. In the first phase, 11 key-opinion leaders in the field of paediatric gastroenterology representing different areas of the world selected seven coloured photographs of infants and/or young children wearing diapers to match the original descriptors of the BSS. The selected photographs were used to create a new scale in which the drawings of stools of the BSS were replaced by infant/toddlers stool photographs. In phase II, we aim at demonstrating that parents, nurses and primary healthcare physicians interpret the stool-pictures of the BITSS with a high degree of consensus and that the agreement is independent of whether it is a parent or a healthcare provider. Interobserver variability of stool assessment with the BITSS between the patient's parent and healthcare providers will be assessed.

Ethics and dissemination

The study will be approved by the Ethics Committee of the participating centres. The findings of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. Abstracts will be submitted to national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT02913950.
Predicting late-onset sepsis by routine neonatal screening for colonisation by gram-negative bacteria in neonates at intensive care units: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Harder Thomas , Seidel Juliane , Eckmanns Tim , Weiss Bettina , Haller Sebastian
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Hospitals conduct extensive screening procedures to assess colonisation of the body surface of neonates by gram-negative bacteria to avoid complications like late-onset sepsis. However, the benefits of these procedures are controversially discussed. Until now, no systematic review has investigated the value of routine screening for colonisation by gram-negative bacteria in neonates for late-onset sepsis prediction.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a systematic review, considering studies of any design that include infants up to an age of 12 months. We will search MEDLINE and EMBASE (inception to 2016), reference lists and grey literature. Screening of titles, abstracts and full texts will be conducted by two independent reviewers. We will extract data on study characteristics and study results. Risk of bias will be assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) and Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tools. Subgroup analyses are planned according to characteristics of studies, participants, index tests and outcome. For quantitative data synthesis on prognostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of screening to detect late-onset sepsis will be calculated. If sufficient data are available, we will calculate summary estimates using hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristics and bivariate models. Applying a risk factor approach, pooled summary estimates will be calculated as relative risk or OR, using fixed-effects and random-effects models. I-squared will be used to assess heterogeneity. All calculations will be performed in Stata V14.1 (College Station, Texas, USA). The results will be used to calculate positive and negative predictive value and number needed to be screened to prevent one case of sepsis. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) will be used to assess certainty in the evidence. The protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guideline.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will not require ethical approval since it is not carried out in humans. The systematic review will be published in an open-access peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

CRD42016036664.
HNRNPLL, a newly identified colorectal cancer metastasis suppressor, modulates alternative splicing of CD44 during epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Sakuma Keiichiro , Sasaki Eiichi , Kimura Kenya , Komori Koji , Shimizu Yasuhiro , Yatabe Yasushi , Aoki Masahiro
Published: March 2017

Objective

Despite the recent advances in treatment of colon cancer, the prognosis is unfavourable for patients with distant metastases. The aim of this study was to identify targets for prevention and/or therapy of colon cancer metastasis.

Design

CMT93 cells, a murine rectal cancer cell line with poor metastasising activity, were transduced with lentiviral shRNA library and transplanted into the rectum of syngeneic C57BL/6 mice. Genomic DNA was collected from metastatic lesions, and the integrated shRNA were retrieved by PCR for sequencing, followed by identification of the candidate genes targeted by the shRNA.

Results

The genome-wide shRNA library screen identified Hnrnpll (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L-like) encoding a pre-mRNA splicing factor as a candidate metastasis suppressor gene. Knockdown of Hnrnpll enhanced matrigel invasion activity of colon cancer cells in vitro, as well as their metastatic ability in vivo. An RNA-immunoprecipitation analysis showed Hnrnpll-binding to Cd44 pre-mRNAs, and the level of Cd44 variable exon 6 (Cd44v6), a poor prognosis marker of colorectal cancer, was increased by knocking down Hnrnpll. A neutralising Cd44v6 antibody suppressed the matrigel invasion ability induced by Hnrnpll knockdown. HNRNPLL expression was downregulated when colon cancer cells were induced to undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Immunohistochemistry of clinical samples indicated that colorectal cancer cells with low E-cadherin expression at the invasion front exhibited decreased HNRNPLL expression.

Conclusions

HNRNPLL is a novel metastasis suppressor of colorectal cancer, and modulates alternative splicing of CD44 during EMT.
CHK2 overexpression and mislocalisation within mitotic structures enhances chromosomal instability and hepatocellular carcinoma progression
Authors: Carloni Vinicio , Lulli Matteo , Madiai Stefania , Mello Tommaso , Hall Andrew , Luong Tu Vinh , Pinzani Massimo , Rombouts Krista , Galli Andrea
Published: March 2017

Objective

Chromosomal instability (CIN) is the most common form of genomic instability, which promotes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression by enhancing tumour heterogeneity, drug resistance and immunity escape. CIN per se is an important factor of DNA damage, sustaining structural chromosome abnormalities but the underlying mechanisms are unknown.

Design

DNA damage response protein checkpoint kinase 2 (Chk2) expression was evaluated in an animal model of diethylnitrosamine-induced HCC characterised by DNA damage and elevated mitotic errors. Chk2 was also determined in two discrete cohorts of human HCC specimens. To assess the functional role of Chk2, gain on and loss-of-function, mutagenesis, karyotyping and immunofluorescence/live imaging were performed by using HCT116, Huh7 and human hepatocytes immortalised with hTERT gene (HuS).

Results

We demonstrate that mitotic errors during HCC tumorigenesis cause lagging chromosomes/DNA damage and activation of Chk2. Overexpression/phosphorylation and mislocalisation within the mitotic spindle of Chk2 contributes to induce lagging chromosomes. Lagging chromosomes and mitotic activity are reversed by knockdown of Chk2. Furthermore, upregulated Chk2 maintains mitotic activity interacting with Aurora B kinase for chromosome condensation and cytokinesis. The forkhead-associated domain of Chk2 is required for Chk2 mislocalisation to mitotic structures. In addition, retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation contributes to defective mitoses. A cohort and independent validation cohort show a strong cytoplasm to nuclear Chk2 translocation in a subset of patients with HCC.

Conclusions

The study reveals a new mechanistic insight in the coinvolvement of Chk2 in HCC progression. These findings propose Chk2 as a putative biomarker to detect CIN in HCC providing a valuable support for clinical/therapeutical management of patients.
Laparoscopic ovariectomy in small animals
Authors: Katić Nikola , Dupré Gilles
Published: March 2017

Ovariectomy and ovariohysterectomy are the two most commonly used techniques for sterilisation of female small animals. In the past decade, there has been a trend towards using minimally invasive techniques in small animal surgery, and laparoscopic ovariectomy (LapOVE) has emerged as one of the most common clinical applications of laparoscopy in small animals. LapOVE offers several advantages over the open method conducted through the median coeliotomy, including reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery and less patient immobilisation. Important advantages for the operator include magnification and better visualisation of the surgical field, which increase the procedure's safety. However, high costs for the laparoscopic equipment and a rather steep learning curve may be discouraging to many veterinarians. This article outlines the most relevant aspects of LapOVE for clinical application in small animal surgery.
Flexural deformities Part 2: Acquired
Authors: Kidd Jessica
Published: March 2017

Flexural deformities of foals and growing horses can be divided into congenital (present at birth) and acquired (developing after birth) groups. This article, part two of this series, focuses on acquired flexural deformities, which are those that develop later in a foal's life. Some facets of these flexural deformities are the same as for congenital flexural deformities, which were discussed in part one, published in last month's issue of In Practice.
Euthanasing treatable patients
Authors: Coghlan Simon
Published: March 2017

THIS series gives readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is presented, followed by discussion of some of the issues involved.

In addition, a possible way forward is suggested; however, there is rarely a cut‐and‐dried answer in such cases, and readers may wish to suggest an alternative approach. This month's dilemma, ‘Euthanasing treatable patients’, was submitted and is discussed by Simon Coghlan. Readers with comments to contribute are invited to send them as soon as possible, so that they can be considered for publication in the next issue.

The series is being coordinated by Steven McCulloch, a practising vet with a PhD in the ethics of veterinary policy. It aims to provide a framework that will help practitioners find solutions when facing similar dilemmas.
Intracranial venous pressures under conscious sedation and general anesthesia
Authors: Raper Daniel M S , Buell Thomas J , Chen Ching-Jen , Ding Dale , Starke Robert M , Liu Kenneth C
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Venous outflow obstruction has been implicated in the pathophysiology of a subset of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), and venous sinus stenting (VSS) has emerged as an effective treatment. However, the effect of anesthesia on venous sinus pressure measurements is unpredictable. A more thorough understanding of the effect of the level of anesthesia on intracranial venous pressures might help to better define patients who might benefit most from stent placement.

Objective

To compare, in a retrospective cohort study, intracranial venous pressures measured under conscious (CS) sedation versus general anesthesia (GA) and to assess the relationship between anesthetic-dependent venous pressures and outcomes after VSS.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database to identify patients undergoing angiographic evaluation and VSS for intracranial venous stenosis. Mean venous pressures (MVPs) and trans-stenosis pressure gradients obtained under CS were compared with those measured under GA.

Results

The maximal MVP was significantly lower under GA (19.8 mm Hg) than CS (21.9 mm Hg; p=0.029). The MVPs in the superior sagittal sinus, torcula, and transverse sinus were lower under GA, but were significantly higher in the sigmoid sinus and jugular bulb under GA (p<0.001). The mean trans-stenosis pressure gradient was also significantly lower under GA (8.6 mm Hg) than CS (12.1 mm Hg; p<0.001). Patients with a larger difference between maximum MVP under GA versus CS were more likely to have normalization of the MVP after VSS (p=0.0008).

Conclusions

Intracranial venous pressures are markedly affected by GA. In order to obtain an accurate measurement of MVPs and trans-stenosis gradients, patients undergoing investigation for IIH should undergo cerebral angiography and venous manometry under CS, which provides more reliable data for outcomes after VSS.
Monitoring rheumatoid arthritis using an algorithm based on patient-reported outcome measures: a first step towards personalised healthcare
Authors: Hendrikx Jos , Fransen Jaap , van Riel Piet L C M
Published: March 2017

Objectives

The objective of this proof of concept study was to evaluate alerts generated by a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM)-based algorithm for monitoring patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

The algorithm was constructed using an example PROM score of an equally weighted mean of visual analogue scale (VAS) general health, VAS disease activity and VAS pain. Based on the PROM score, red flags are generated in 2 instances: the target level of disease activity is not met; change in disease activity surpasses an early alert threshold. To reduce false alarms, 3 consecutive red flags are needed to trigger an alert to the physician. Time series data from patients included consecutively in the practice-based Nijmegen Early RA cohort were analysed to select an appropriate autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. This allowed for advanced interpolation of PROM scores and weekly data evaluation. Alerts were evaluated against disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)/biologic medication intensification registered in the cohort.

Results

Data of 165 patients followed in their second year postdiagnosis were analysed. In 89.8% of 716 visits, the algorithm did not generate an alert and medication was not escalated. Positive predictive value, sensitivity and specificity were 24.6%, 55.6% and 69.7%, respectively. Comparable performance was found when analyses were stratified for baseline Disease Activity Score 28-joint count (DAS28) level.

Conclusions

When using the algorithm to screen scheduled visits, the overall chance of missing patients in need of medication intensification is low. These findings provide evidence that an off-site monitoring system could aid in optimising the number and timing of face-to-face consultations of patients with their rheumatologists.
Patient participation as an integral part of patient-reported outcomes development ensures the representation of the patient voice: a case study from the field of rheumatology
Authors: de Wit M P T , Kvien T K , Gossec L
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are important instruments to evaluate healthcare interventions, both in clinical practice and clinical research.

Objective

To describe how representation of the perspective of people with psoriatic arthritis was obtained through active participation on different levels in the development of PROs.

Methods

This case study focuses on the methods of involving patients in the elaboration and validation of the Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease (PsAID) score. We used the concept of the participation ladder and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the involvement of patient representatives in scientific projects to analyse the variety of ways patients participated in this process.

Results

Two patient experts were part of the steering group. 12 patient research partners, coming from 12 different European countries, participated in identifying domains, formulating items for the questionnaire and determining the number of items, the recall period and the questionnaire format. They also helped with the translation of the items into different European languages. Then, 139 patients took part in ranking and prioritising the domains for importance; 65 patients were involved in cognitive debriefing interviews; 499 new patients were recruited for the validation study. Challenges of patient participation in PRO development, such as the representation of patients, are discussed.

Conclusions

Making patient participation an integral part of the PRO development and validation process is an important requisite for outcome research. The variety of patient contributions at different phases in this case study resulted in an instrument with high face validity.
Ultrasound-detectable grey scale synovitis predicts future fulfilment of the 2010 ACR/EULAR RA classification criteria in patients with new-onset undifferentiated arthritis
Authors: Horton Sarah C , Tan Ai Lyn , Wakefield Richard J , Freeston Jane E , Buch Maya H , Emery Paul
Published: March 2017

Objective

To determine the clinical outcomes for patients with new-onset undifferentiated arthritis (UA), not fulfilling the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) rheumatoid arthritis (RA) classification criteria, and the clinical and imaging predictors of disease progression in these patients.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted in treatment-naïve UA patients. Baseline ultrasound involved semiquantitative assessment of grey scale (GS) synovitis and power Doppler activity (PD) at 26 joints. Outcomes were fulfilment of 2010 RA criteria (joint involvement determined clinically) and initiation of methotrexate over 12 months. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to investigate predictors of outcome.

Results

Of 60 patients, 13(22%) progressed to RA and 32(53%) ever received methotrexate. Analyses of predictors of outcome were conducted in the subgroup (n=41) of patients with complete baseline data. The presence of GS was associated with progression to RA and methotrexate use: HRs (95% CI) were 1.25(1.07 to 1.45) and 1.16(1.02 to 1.32), respectively, for the number of joints with GS≥ grade 2 after adjustment for swollen joints. PD was not predictive in the low levels at which it was observed. Progression to RA was also associated with fulfilment of the 2010 criteria using ultrasound synovitis for enumerating joint involvement, higher baseline disability and radiographic erosion.

Conclusions

This is the first report of ultrasound findings in early UA (defined by presence of clinical synovitis and non-fulfilment of 2010 RA criteria). A significant proportion of patients with UA progressed to RA and/or required methotrexate. GS synovitis was predictive of disease progression.
Novel imaging detailing the origins of a pneumothorax
Authors: Nakanishi Kozo , Goto Hidenori , Ito Tomokazu , Nagata Yasuhito , Hayashi Shinichi , Ishihara Toshihiro
Published: March 2017

This is a prospective clinical study aimed at introducing a method to visualise the location of an air leak and to identify the bulla responsible on three-dimensional (3-D) cine CT. In 10 patients with spontaneous pneumothorax, dynamic 320-detector row CT was performed with injection of 0.9% saline into the affected pleural cavity via a preplaced chest tube. In eight cases, 3-D cine CT thoracography revealed the location of the air leak and the bulla responsible (7 cases: air stream sign; 1 case: repeated collapse and expansion of a bulla with the patient's breathing).
Shrimp oil extracted from the shrimp processing waste reduces the development of insulin resistance and metabolic phenotypes in diet-induced obese rats
Authors: Nair Sandhya , Gagnon Jacques , Pelletier Claude , Tchoukanova Nadia , Zhang Junzeng , Ewart H. Stephen , Ewart K. Vanya , Jiao Guangling , Wang Yanwen
Published: March 2017

Diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress represent the main features of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The present study was conducted to examine the efficacy and mechanisms of shrimp oil on glucose homeostasis in obese rats. Male CD rats fed a high-fat diet (52 kcal% fat) and 20% fructose drinking water were divided into 4 groups and treated with the dietary replacement of 0%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of lard with shrimp oil for 10 weeks. Age-matched rats fed a low-fat diet (10 kcal% fat) were used as the normal control. Rats on the high-fat diet showed impaired (p < 0.05) glucose tolerance and insulin resistance compared with rats fed the low-fat diet. Shrimp oil improved (p < 0.05) oral glucose tolerance, insulin response, and homeostatic model assessment-estimated insulin resistance index; decreased serum insulin, leptin, hemoglobin A1c, and free fatty acids; and increased adiponectin. Shrimp oil also increased (p < 0.05) antioxidant capacity and reduced oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. The results demonstrated that shrimp oil dose-dependently improved glycemic control in obese rats through multiple mechanisms.
Boundary behavior of the squeezing functions of ℂ-convex domains and plane domains
Authors: Nikolov N. , Andreev L.
Published: March 2017

It is shown that any non-degenerate [Formula: see text]-convex domain in [Formula: see text] is uniformly squeezing. It is also found the precise behavior of the squeezing function near a Dini-smooth boundary point of a plane domain.
Some relations of interpolated multiple zeta values
Authors: Li Zhonghua , Qin Chen
Published: March 2017

In this paper, the extended double shuffle relations for interpolated multiple zeta values (MZVs) are established. As an application, Hoffman’s relations for interpolated MZVs are proved. Furthermore, a generating function for sums of interpolated MZVs of fixed weight, depth and height is represented by hypergeometric functions, and we discuss some special cases.
Stability of single and multiple matter-wave dark solitons in collisionally inhomogeneous Bose–Einstein condensates
Authors: Kevrekidis P. G. , Carretero-González R. , Frantzeskakis D. J.
Published: March 2017

We examine the spectral properties of single and multiple matter-wave dark solitons in Bose–Einstein condensates confined in parabolic traps, where the scattering length is periodically modulated. In addition to the large density limit picture previously established for homogeneous nonlinearities, we explore a perturbative analysis in the vicinity of the linear limit, which provides good agreement with the observed spectral modes. Between these two analytically tractable limits, we use numerical computations to fill in the relevant intermediate regime. We find that the scattering length modulation can cause a variety of features absent for homogeneous nonlinearities. Among them, we note the potential oscillatory instability even of the single dark soliton, the potential absence of instabilities in the immediate vicinity of the linear limit for two dark solitons, and the existence of an exponential instability associated with the in-phase motion of three dark solitons.
Axis systems of link projections
Authors: Horiguchi Kirara , Shimizu Ayaka , Watanabe Ryohei , Yaguchi Yoshiro
Published: March 2017

An axis of a link projection is a closed curve which lies symmetrically on each region of the link projection. In this paper we define axis systems of link projections and characterize axis systems of the standard projections of twist knots.
A REVIEW ON STATE-OF-THE-ART FACE RECOGNITION APPROACHES
Authors: MAHMOOD ZAHID , MUHAMMAD NAZEER , BIBI NARGIS , ALI TAUSEEF
Published: March 2017

Automatic Face Recognition (FR) presents a challenging task in the field of pattern recognition and despite the huge research in the past several decades; it still remains an open research problem. This is primarily due to the variability in the facial images, such as non-uniform illuminations, low resolution, occlusion, and/or variation in poses. Due to its non-intrusive nature, the FR is an attractive biometric modality and has gained a lot of attention in the biometric research community. Driven by the enormous number of potential application domains, many algorithms have been proposed for the FR. This paper presents an overview of the state-of-the-art FR algorithms, focusing their performances on publicly available databases. We highlight the conditions of the image databases with regard to the recognition rate of each approach. This is useful as a quick research overview and for practitioners as well to choose an algorithm for their specified FR application. To provide a comprehensive survey, the paper divides the FR algorithms into three categories: (1) intensity-based, (2) video-based, and (3) 3D based FR algorithms. In each category, the most commonly used algorithms and their performance is reported on standard face databases and a brief critical discussion is carried out.