bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological, Perceptual and Performance Responses Associated With Self-Selected Versus Standardized Recovery Periods During a Repeated Sprint Protocol in Elite Youth Football Players: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Gibson Neil , Brownstein Callum , Ball Derek , Twist Craig
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To examine the physiological and perceptual responses of youth footballers to a repeated sprint protocol employing standardized and self-selected recovery.

Methods:

Eleven male participants (13.7 ± 1.1 years) performed a repeated sprint assessment comprising 10 × 30 m efforts. Employing a randomized cross-over design, repeated sprints were performed using 30 s and self-selected recovery periods. Heart rate was monitored continuously with ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and lower body muscle power measured 2 min after the final sprint. The concentration of blood lactate was measured at 2, 5 and 7 min post sprinting. Magnitude of effects were reported using effect size (ES) statistics ± 90% confidence interval and percentage differences. Differences between trials were examined using paired student t tests (p < .05).

Results:

Self-selected recovery resulted in most likely shorter recovery times (57.7%; ES 1.55 ± 0.5; p < .01), a most likely increase in percentage decrement (65%; ES 0.36 ± 0.21; p = .12), very likely lower heart rate recovery (-58.9%; ES -1.10 ± 0.72; p = .05), and likely higher blood lactate concentration (p = .08–0.02). Differences in lower body power and RPE were unclear (p > .05).

Conclusion:

Self-selected recovery periods compromise repeated sprint performance.
Resistance Training Effects on Metabolic Function Among Youth: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bea Jennifer W. , Blew Robert M. , Howe Carol , Hetherington-Rauth Megan , Going Scott B.
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

This systematic review evaluates the relationship between resistance training and metabolic function in youth.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials. gov were searched for articles that (1): studied children (2); included resistance training (3); were randomized interventions; and (4) reported markers of metabolic function. The selected studies were analyzed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool.

Results:

Thirteen articles met inclusion criteria. Mean age ranged from 12.2 to 16.9 years, but most were limited to high school (n = 11) and overweight/obese (n = 12). Sample sizes (n = 22–304), session duration (40–60min), and intervention length (8–52 wks) varied. Exercise frequency was typically 2–3 d/wk. Resistance training was metabolically beneficial compared with control or resistance plus aerobic training in 5 studies overall and 3 out of the 4 studies with the fewest threats to bias (p ≤ .05); each was accompanied by beneficial changes in body composition, but only one study adjusted for change in body composition.

Conclusions:

Limited evidence suggests that resistance training may positively affect metabolic parameters in youth. Well-controlled resistance training interventions of varying doses are needed to definitively determine whether resistance training can mitigate metabolic dysfunction in youth and whether training benefits on metabolic parameters are independent of body composition changes.
Normative Values for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Testing Among US Children Aged 6-11 years
Authors: Gahche Jaime J. , Kit Brian K. , Fulton Janet E. , Carroll Dianna D. , Rowland Thomas
Published: January 2017

Background:

Nationally representative normative values for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) have not been described for US children since the mid 1980s.

Objective:

To provide sex- and age-specific normative values for CRF of US children aged 6–11 years.

Methods:

Data from 624 children aged 6–11 years who participated in the CRF testing as part of the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey National Youth Fitness Survey, a cross-sectional survey, were analyzed. Participants were assigned to one of three age-specific protocols and asked to exercise to volitional fatigue. The difficulty of the protocols increased with successive age groups. CRF was assessed as maximal endurance time (min:sec). Data analysis was conducted in 2016.

Results:

For 6–7, 8–9, 10–11 year olds, corresponding with the age-specific protocols, mean endurance time was 12:10 min:sec (95% CI: 11:49–12:31), 11:16 min:sec (95% CI: 11:00–11:31), and 10:01 min:sec (95% CI: 9:37–10:25), respectively. Youth in the lowest 20th percentile for endurance time were more likely to be obese, to report less favorable health, and to report greater than two hours of screen time per day.

Conclusions:

These data may serve as baseline estimates to monitor trends over time in CRF among US children aged 6–11 years.
Complete attenuation of genetically engineered
Plasmodium falciparum
sporozoites in human subjects
Authors: Kublin James G. , Mikolajczak Sebastian A. , Sack Brandon K. , Fishbaugher Matt E. , Seilie Annette , Shelton Lisa , VonGoedert Tracie , Firat Melike , Magee Sara , Fritzen Emma , Betz Will , Kain Heather S. , Dankwa Dorender A. , Steel Ryan W. J. , Vaughan Ashley M. , Noah Sather D. , Murphy Sean C. , Kappe Stefan H. I.
Published: January 2017

A genetically attenuated
Plasmodium falciparum
strain called Pf GAP3KO is completely attenuated, safe, and immunogenic in adults.
Blockade of protease-activated receptor-4 (PAR4) provides robust antithrombotic activity with low bleeding
Authors: Wong Pancras C. , Seiffert Dietmar , Bird J. Eileen , Watson Carol A. , Bostwick Jeffrey S. , Giancarli Mary , Allegretto Nick , Hua Ji , Harden David , Guay Jocelyne , Callejo Mario , Miller Michael M. , Lawrence R. Michael , Banville Jacques , Guy Julia , Maxwell Brad D. , Priestley E. Scott , Marinier Anne , Wexler Ruth R. , Bouvier Michel , Gordon David A. , Schumacher William A. , Yang Jing
Published: January 2017

PAR4 inhibition with a reversible small-molecule antagonist is a promising antiplatelet therapy.
A bioengineered living cell construct activates an acute wound healing response in venous leg ulcers
Authors: Stone Rivka C. , Stojadinovic Olivera , Rosa Ashley M. , Ramirez Horacio A. , Badiavas Evangelos , Blumenberg Miroslav , Tomic-Canic Marjana
Published: January 2017

A bioengineered bilayered living cellular construct promotes ulcer healing by modulating inflammation, stimulating wound edge keratinocytes, and attenuating Wnt/β-catenin signaling to activate an acute wound response.
Interfering with HIV therapy
Authors: Lund Amanda W.
Published: January 2017

Type 1 interferon signaling promotes HIV persistence even during combined antiretroviral therapy.
A case of mistaken identity
Authors: Shalek Alex K.
Published: January 2017

Genuine disseminated tumor cells arise late in the life of a tumor and resemble clones from primary breast cancers or their metastases.
The Ruler Protein EscP of the Enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
Type III Secretion System Is Involved in Calcium Sensing and Secretion Hierarchy Regulation by Interacting with the Gatekeeper Protein SepL
Authors: Shaulov Lihi , Gershberg Jenia , Deng Wanyin , Finlay B. Brett , Sal-Man Neta
Published: January 2017

The type III secretion system (T3SS) is a multiprotein complex that plays a central role in the virulence of many Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. To ensure that effector proteins are efficiently translocated into the host cell, bacteria must be able to sense their contact with the host cell. In this study, we found that EscP, which was previously shown to function as the ruler protein of the enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
T3SS, is also involved in the switch from the secretion of translocator proteins to the secretion of effector proteins. In addition, we demonstrated that EscP can interact with the gatekeeper protein SepL and that the EscP-SepL complex dissociates upon a calcium concentration drop. We suggest a model in which bacterial contact with the host cell is accompanied by a drop in the calcium concentration that causes SepL-EscP complex dissociation and triggers the secretion of effector proteins.

IMPORTANCE
The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, especially those of pathogenic bacteria, has serious medical and clinical implications. At the same time, the development and approval of new antibiotics have been limited for years. Recently, antivirulence drugs have received considerable attention as a novel antibiotic strategy that specifically targets bacterial virulence rather than growth, an approach that applies milder evolutionary pressure on the bacteria to develop resistance. A highly attractive target for the development of antivirulence compounds is the type III secretion system, a specialized secretory system possessed by many Gram-negative bacterial pathogens for injecting virulence factors (effectors) into host cells. In this study, we shed light on the molecular mechanism that allows bacteria to sense their contact with the host cell and to respond with the timed secretion of effector proteins. Understanding this critical step for bacterial virulence may provide a new therapeutic strategy.
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Exhibits Dominant Control of the Tumor Genome and Transcriptome in Virus-Associated Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Starrett Gabriel J. , Marcelus Christina , Cantalupo Paul G. , Katz Joshua P. , Cheng Jingwei , Akagi Keiko , Thakuria Manisha , Rabinowits Guilherme , Wang Linda C. , Symer David E. , Pipas James M. , Harris Reuben S. , DeCaprio James A.
Published: January 2017

Merkel cell polyomavirus is the primary etiological agent of the aggressive skin cancer Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Recent studies have revealed that UV radiation is the primary mechanism for somatic mutagenesis in nonviral forms of MCC. Here, we analyze the whole transcriptomes and genomes of primary MCC tumors. Our study reveals that virus-associated tumors have minimally altered genomes compared to non-virus-associated tumors, which are dominated by UV-mediated mutations. Although virus-associated tumors contain relatively small mutation burdens, they exhibit a distinct mutation signature with observable transcriptionally biased kataegic events. In addition, viral integration sites overlap focal genome amplifications in virus-associated tumors, suggesting a potential mechanism for these events. Collectively, our studies indicate that Merkel cell polyomavirus is capable of hijacking cellular processes and driving tumorigenesis to the same severity as tens of thousands of somatic genome alterations.

IMPORTANCE
A variety of mutagenic processes that shape the evolution of tumors are critical determinants of disease outcome. Here, we sequenced the entire genome of virus-positive and virus-negative primary Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs), revealing distinct mutation spectra and corresponding expression profiles. Our studies highlight the strong effect that Merkel cell polyomavirus has on the divergent development of viral MCC compared to the somatic alterations that typically drive nonviral tumorigenesis. A more comprehensive understanding of the distinct mutagenic processes operative in viral and nonviral MCCs has implications for the effective treatment of these tumors.
Proximity Interactions among Basal Body Components in
Trypanosoma brucei
Identify Novel Regulators of Basal Body Biogenesis and Inheritance
Authors: Dang Hung Quang , Zhou Qing , Rowlett Veronica W. , Hu Huiqing , Lee Kyu Joon , Margolin William , Li Ziyin
Published: January 2017

The basal body shares similar architecture with centrioles in animals and is involved in nucleating flagellar axonemal microtubules in flagellated eukaryotes. The early-branching
Trypanosoma brucei
possesses a motile flagellum nucleated from the basal body that consists of a mature basal body and an adjacent pro-basal body. Little is known about the basal body proteome and its roles in basal body biogenesis and flagellar axoneme assembly in
T. brucei
. Here, we report the identification of 14 conserved centriole/basal body protein homologs and 25 trypanosome-specific basal body proteins. These proteins localize to distinct subdomains of the basal body, and several of them form a ring-like structure surrounding the basal body barrel. Functional characterization of representative basal body proteins revealed distinct roles in basal body duplication/separation and flagellar axoneme assembly. Overall, this work identified novel proteins required for basal body duplication and separation and uncovered new functions of conserved basal body proteins in basal body duplication and separation, highlighting an unusual mechanism of basal body biogenesis and inheritance in this early divergent eukaryote.

IMPORTANCE
The basal body in the early-branching protozoan
Trypanosoma brucei
nucleates flagellum assembly and also regulates organelle segregation, cell morphogenesis, and cell division. However, the molecular composition and the assembly process of the basal body remain poorly understood. Here, we identify 14 conserved basal body proteins and 25 trypanosome-specific basal body proteins via bioinformatics, localization-based screening, and proximity-dependent biotin identification. We further localized these proteins to distinct subdomains of the basal body by using fluorescence microscopy and superresolution microscopy, discovered novel regulators of basal body duplication and separation, and uncovered new functions of conserved basal body proteins in basal body duplication and separation. This work lays the foundation for dissecting the mechanisms underlying basal body biogenesis and inheritance in
T. brucei
.
RelA Mutant
Enterococcus faecium
with Multiantibiotic Tolerance Arising in an Immunocompromised Host
Authors: Honsa Erin S. , Cooper Vaughn S. , Mhaissen Mohammed N. , Frank Matthew , Shaker Jessica , Iverson Amy , Rubnitz Jeffrey , Hayden Randall T. , Lee Richard E. , Rock Charles O. , Tuomanen Elaine I. , Wolf Joshua , Rosch Jason W.
Published: January 2017

Serious bacterial infections in immunocompromised patients require highly effective antibacterial therapy for cure, and thus, this setting may reveal novel mechanisms by which bacteria circumvent antibiotics in the absence of immune pressure. Here, an infant with leukemia developed vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
(VRE) bacteremia that persisted for 26 days despite appropriate antibiotic therapy. Sequencing of 22 consecutive VRE isolates identified the emergence of a single missense mutation (L152F) in
relA
, which constitutively activated the stringent response, resulting in elevated baseline levels of the alarmone guanosine tetraphosphate (ppGpp). Although the mutant remained susceptible to both linezolid and daptomycin in clinical MIC testing and during planktonic growth, it demonstrated tolerance to high doses of both antibiotics when growing in a biofilm. This biofilm-specific gain in resistance was reflected in the broad shift in transcript levels caused by the mutation. Only an experimental biofilm-targeting ClpP-activating antibiotic was able to kill the mutant strain in an established biofilm. The
relA
mutation was associated with a fitness trade-off, forming smaller and less-well-populated biofilms on biological surfaces. We conclude that clinically relevant
relA
mutations can emerge during prolonged VRE infection, causing baseline activation of the stringent response, subsequent antibiotic tolerance, and delayed eradication in an immunocompromised state.

IMPORTANCE
The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens is a major challenge currently facing the medical community. Such pathogens are of particular importance in immunocompromised patients as these individuals may favor emergence of novel resistance determinants due to lack of innate immune defenses and intensive antibiotic exposure. During the course of chemotherapy, a patient developed prolonged bacteremia with vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
that failed to clear despite multiple front-line antibiotics. The consecutive bloodstream isolates were sequenced, and a single missense mutation identified in the
relA
gene, the mediator of the stringent response. Strains harboring the mutation had elevated baseline levels of the alarmone and displayed heightened resistance to the bactericidal activity of multiple antibiotics, particularly in a biofilm. Using a new class of compounds that modulate ClpP activity, the biofilms were successfully eradicated. These data represent the first clinical emergence of mutations in the stringent response in vancomycin-resistant entereococci.
FOSL1 Inhibits Type I Interferon Responses to Malaria and Viral Infections by Blocking TBK1 and TRAF3/TRIF Interactions
Authors: Cai Baowei , Wu Jian , Yu Xiao , Su Xin-zhuan , Wang Rong-Fu
Published: January 2017

Innate immune response plays a critical role in controlling invading pathogens, but such an immune response must be tightly regulated. Insufficient or overactivated immune responses may lead to harmful or even fatal consequences. To dissect the complex host-parasite interactions and the molecular mechanisms underlying innate immune responses to infections, here we investigate the role of FOS-like antigen 1 (FOSL1) in regulating the host type I interferon (IFN-I) response to malaria parasite and viral infections. FOSL1 is known as a component of a transcription factor but was recently implicated in regulating the IFN-I response to malaria parasite infection. Here we show that FOSL1 can act as a negative regulator of IFN-I signaling. Upon stimulation with poly(I:C), malaria parasite-infected red blood cells (iRBCs), or vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), FOSL1 “translocated” from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it inhibited the interactions between TNF receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3), TIR domain-containing adapter inducing IFN-β (TRIF), and Tank-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) via impairing K63-linked polyubiquitination of TRAF3 and TRIF. Importantly, FOSL1 knockout chimeric mice had lower levels of malaria parasitemia or VSV titers in peripheral blood and decreased mortality compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Thus, our findings have identified a new role for FOSL1 in negatively regulating the host IFN-I response to malaria and viral infections and have identified a potential drug target for controlling malaria and other diseases.

IMPORTANCE
Infections of pathogens can trigger vigorous host immune responses, including activation and production of type I interferon (IFN-I). In this study, we investigated the role of FOSL1, a molecule previously known as a transcription factor, in negatively regulating IFN-I responses to malaria and viral infections. We showed that FOSL1 was upregulated and translocated into the cytoplasm of cells after stimulation for IFN-I production. FOSL1 could affect TRAF3 and TRIF ubiquitination and consequently impaired the association of TRAF3, TRIF, and TBK1, leading to inhibition of IFN-I signaling.
In vivo
experiments with FOSL1 knockout chimeric mice further validated the negative role of FOSL1 in IFN-I production and antimicrobial responses. This report reveals a new functional role for FOSL1 in IFN-I signaling and dissects the mechanism by which FOSL1 regulates IFN-I responses to malaria and viral infections, which can be explored as a potential drug target for disease control and management.
Modulation of microRNA-mRNA Target Pairs by Human Papillomavirus 16 Oncoproteins
Authors: Harden Mallory E. , Prasad Nripesh , Griffiths Anthony , Munger Karl
Published: January 2017

The E6 and E7 proteins are the major oncogenic drivers encoded by high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs). While many aspects of the transforming activities of these proteins have been extensively studied, there are fewer studies that have investigated how HPV E6/E7 expression affects the expression of cellular noncoding RNAs. The goal of our study was to investigate HPV16 E6/E7 modulation of cellular microRNA (miR) levels and to determine the potential consequences for cellular gene expression. We performed deep sequencing of small and large cellular RNAs in primary undifferentiated cultures of human foreskin keratinocytes (HFKs) with stable expression of HPV16 E6/E7 or a control vector. After integration of the two data sets, we identified 51 differentially expressed cellular miRs associated with the modulation of 1,456 potential target mRNAs in HPV16 E6/E7-expressing HFKs. We discovered that the degree of differential miR expression in HFKs expressing HPV16 E6/E7 was not necessarily predictive of the number of corresponding mRNA targets or the potential impact on gene expression. Additional analyses of the identified miR-mRNA pairs suggest modulation of specific biological activities and biochemical pathways. Overall, our study supports the model that perturbation of cellular miR expression by HPV16 E6/E7 importantly contributes to the rewiring of cellular regulatory circuits by the high-risk HPV E6 and E7 proteins that contribute to oncogenic transformation.

IMPORTANCE
High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the causative agents of almost all cervical cancers and many other cancers, including anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. Despite the availability of efficacious HPV vaccines, it is critical to determine how HPVs cause cancer, as many people remain unvaccinated and the vaccine does not prevent cancer development in individuals who are already infected. Two HPV proteins, E6 and E7, are the major drivers of cancer development, and much remains to be learned about how the expression of these viral proteins reprograms infected cells, ultimately resulting in cancer development. Small, noncoding human RNAs, termed microRNAs (miRs), regulate gene expression and have been implicated in almost all human cancers, including HPV-associated cancers. Our study provides a comprehensive analysis of how E6 and E7 alter the expression of human miRs and how this potentially impacts cellular gene expression, which may contribute to cancer development.
Transcriptional Profiling of the Oral Pathogen Streptococcus mutans in Response to Competence Signaling Peptide XIP
Authors: Wenderska Iwona B. , Latos Andrew , Pruitt Benjamin , Palmer Sara , Spatafora Grace , Senadheera Dilani B. , Cvitkovitch Dennis G.
Published: January 2017

Genetic competence provides bacteria with an opportunity to increase genetic diversity or acquire novel traits conferring a survival advantage. In the cariogenic pathogen
Streptococcus mutans
, DNA transformation is regulated by the competence stimulating peptide XIP (Com
X
-
i
nducing
p
eptide). The present study utilizes high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to provide a greater understanding of how global gene expression patterns change in response to XIP. Overall, our work demonstrates that in
S. mutans
, XIP signaling induces a response that resembles the stringent response to amino acid starvation. We further identify a novel heat shock-responsive intergenic region with a potential role in competence shutoff. Together, our results provide further evidence that multiple stress response mechanisms are linked through the genetic competence signaling pathway in
S. mutans
.
Microbiome Helper: a Custom and Streamlined Workflow for Microbiome Research
Authors: Comeau André M. , Douglas Gavin M. , Langille Morgan G. I.
Published: January 2017

As the microbiome field continues to grow, a multitude of researchers are learning how to conduct proper microbiome experiments. We outline here a streamlined and custom approach to processing samples from detailed sequencing library construction to step-by-step bioinformatic standard operating procedures. This allows for rapid and reliable microbiome analysis, allowing researchers to focus more on their experiment design and results. Our sequencing protocols, bioinformatic tutorials, and bundled software are freely available through Microbiome Helper. As the microbiome research field continues to evolve, Microbiome Helper will be updated with new protocols, scripts, and training materials.
Growth on Chitin Impacts the Transcriptome and Metabolite Profiles of Antibiotic-Producing Vibrio coralliilyticus S2052 and Photobacterium galatheae S2753
Authors: Giubergia Sonia , Phippen Christopher , Nielsen Kristian Fog , Gram Lone
Published: January 2017

The bacterial family
Vibrionaceae
(vibrios) is considered a major player in the degradation of chitin, the most abundant polymer in the marine environment; however, the majority of studies on the topic have focused on a small number of
Vibrio
species. In this study, we analyzed the genomes of two vibrios to assess their genetic potential for the degradation of chitin. We then used transcriptomics and metabolomics to demonstrate that chitin strongly affects these vibrios at both the transcriptional and metabolic levels. We observed a strong increase in production of secondary metabolites, suggesting an ecological role for these molecules during chitin colonization in the marine environment.
Refractory primary immune thrombocytopenia with subsequent del(5q) MDS: complete remission of both after lenalidomide
Authors: Mortensen Thomas Bech , Frederiksen Henrik , Marcher Claus Werenberg , Preiss Birgitte
Published: January 2017

A patient with refractory primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) characterised by severe skin and mucosal bleedings was treated with several ITP-directed therapies including cyclophosphamide. He later developed therapy-related del(5q) myelodysplastic syndrome with no dysplastic morphological features in bone marrow. He remained severely thrombocytopenic, which suggests ongoing immune mediated platelet destruction. After two 3 week cycles of low-dose lenalidomide, complete cytogenetic remission and complete normalisation of platelet count were observed. This suggests that lenalidomide may be a viable treatment option for ITP in the presence of del(5q) not responding to standard treatments.
ECG changes in hyperemesis gravidarum
Authors: Mitchell Sophie Jessica , Cox Patricia
Published: January 2017

This is a case report of a 30-year-old patient presenting at advanced gestation with hyperemesis, who developed a prolonged QT interval secondary to electrolyte imbalance during recovery. This potentially fatal complication should be considered in all patients with hyperemesis gravidarum, especially after a prolonged period of starvation. We hope to highlight the importance of ECG monitoring and careful prescribing in such cases, something that is not considered in current guidelines.
TB or not to be? Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: a rare but important differential for TB
Authors: McKenna C , Whitfield T , Patel N , Bonington A
Published: January 2017

A 29-year-old British Pakistani woman presented with a 2-month history of drenching fevers, night sweats, lethargy and tender cervical and axillary lymphadenopathy. Initial investigations, bloods and imaging were unremarkable. Fever persisted during her admission, and treatment for tuberculosis (TB) lymphadenitis was started postbiopsy until histology confirmed a diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease (KFD). KFD has a non-specific presentation of fever, night sweats and lymphadenopathy and commonly raises a clinical suspicion of a number of other serious conditions such as TB, lymphoma, HIV, systemic lupus erythematous, toxoplasmosis and infectious mononucleosis. Although rare, KFD should be considered to be a differential diagnosis for fever of unknown origin and tender lymphadenopathy in otherwise well individuals. This case demonstrates the importance of a timely histological biopsy diagnosis to prevent an incorrect diagnosis and administration of unnecessary medications.
Sepsis and siderosis,Yersinia enterocoliticaand hereditary haemochromatosis
Authors: Thwaites Phoebe A , Woods Marion L
Published: January 2017

A 60-year-old woman was admitted with sepsis, relative bradycardia, CT evidence of numerous small liver abscesses and ‘skin bronzing’ consistent with hereditary haemochromatosis (HH).Yersinia enterocoliticaO:9 infection was confirmed by serology specimens taken 10 days apart. Iron overload was detected, and homozygous C282Y gene mutation confirmed HH. Liver biopsy revealed grade IV siderosis with micronodular cirrhosis. Haemochromatosis is a common, inherited disorder leading to iron overload that can produce end-organ damage from excess iron deposition. Haemochromatosis diagnosis allowed aggressive medical management with phlebotomy achieving normalisation of iron stores. Screening for complications of cirrhosis was started that included hepatoma surveillance. Iron overload states are known to increase patient susceptibility to infections caused by lower virulence bacteria lacking sophisticated iron metabolism pathways, for example,Yersinia enterocolitica. Although these serious disseminated infections are rare, they may serve as markers for occult iron overload and should prompt haemochromatosis screening.
Healthcare use and expenditure for diabetes in Bangladesh
Authors: Shariful Islam Sheikh Mohammed , Lechner Andreas , Ferrari Uta , Laxy Michael , Seissler Jochen , Brown Jonathan , Niessen Louis W , Holle Rolf
Published: January 2017

Background

Diabetes imposes a huge social and economic impact on nations. However, information on the costs of treating and managing diabetes in developing countries is limited. The aim of this study was to estimate healthcare use and expenditure for diabetes in Bangladesh.

Methods

We conducted a matched case–control study between January and July 2014 among 591 adults with diagnosed diabetes mellitus (DMs) and 591 age-matched, sex-matched and residence-matched persons without diabetes mellitus (non-DMs). We recruited DMs from consecutive patients and non-DMs from accompanying persons in the Bangladesh Institute of Health Science (BIHS) hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. We estimated the impact of diabetes on healthcare use and expenditure by calculating ratios and differences between DMs and non-DMs for all expenses related to healthcare use and tested for statistical difference using Student's t-tests.

Results

DMs had two times more days of inpatient treatment, 1.3 times more outpatient visits, and 9.7 times more medications than non-DMs (all p<0.005). The total annual per capita expenditure on medical care was 6.1 times higher for DMs than non-DMs (US$635 vs US$104, respectively). Among DMs, 9.8% reported not taking any antidiabetic medications, 46.4% took metformin, 38.7% sulfonylurea, 40.8% insulin, 38.7% any antihypertensive medication, and 14.2% took anti-lipids over the preceding 3 months.

Conclusions

Diabetes significantly increases healthcare use and expenditure and is likely to impose a huge economic burden on the healthcare systems in Bangladesh. The study highlights the importance of prevention and optimum management of diabetes in Bangladesh and other developing countries, to gain a strong economic incentive through implementing multisectoral approach and cost-effective prevention strategies.
System-wide analysis of health financing equity in Cambodia: a study protocol
Authors: Wiseman Virginia , Asante Augustine , Ir Por , Limwattananon Supon , Jacobs Bart , Liverani Marco , Hayen Andrew , Jan Stephen
Published: January 2017

Background

To assess progress towards universal health coverage, countries like Cambodia require evidence on equity in the financing and distribution of healthcare benefits. This evidence must be based on a system-wide perspective that recognises the complex roles played by the public and private sectors in many contemporary healthcare systems.

Objective

To undertake a system-wide assessment of who pays and who benefits from healthcare in Cambodia and to understand the factors influencing this.

Methods

Financing and benefit incidence analysis will be used to calculate the financing burden and distribution of healthcare benefits across socioeconomic groups. Data on healthcare usage, living standards and self-assessed health status will be derived from a cross-sectional household survey designed for this study involving a random sample of 5000 households. This will be supplemented by secondary data from the Cambodian National Health Accounts 2014 and the Cambodian Socioeconomic Survey (CSES) 2014. We will also collect qualitative data through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews to inform the interpretation of the quantitative analyses.

Potential impact

This study will produce previously unavailable information on who pays for, and who benefits from, health services across the entire health system of Cambodia. This evidence comes at a critical juncture in healthcare reform in South-East Asia with so many countries seeking guidance on the equity impact of their current financing arrangements that include a complex mix of public and private providers.
Association of erythrocyte methotrexate-polyglutamate levels with the efficacy and hepatotoxicity of methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a 76-week prospective study
Authors: Takahashi Chihiro , Kaneko Yuko , Okano Yutaka , Taguchi Hiroaki , Oshima Hisaji , Izumi Keisuke , Yamaoka Kunihiro , Takeuchi Tsutomu
Published: January 2017

Objective

To assess the utility of erythrocyte methotrexate-polyglutamate (MTX-PG) concentrations in determining the safety and efficacy of MTX in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

79 MTX-naïve patients with RA were enrolled in this prospective 76-week cohort study. MTX was initiated, and a predefined dose-escalation protocol was followed. Erythrocyte MTX-PG concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography. The associations of MTX-PG concentrations with disease activity and adverse events were analysed.

Results

Dose escalation of MTX resulted in increased MTX-PG concentrations and a decrease in the mean Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28). A significant association was observed between total MTX-PG concentrations and ΔDAS28 at week 12 (β=−0.013, p=0.003) and at week 24 (β=−0.014, p=0.003). The maximum MTX-PG levels were significantly higher in patients presenting with elevated transaminases (≥100 IU/L) than in those without (146 vs 106 nmol/L, p=0.009). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that a total MTX-PG concentrations of 83 nmol/L at week 12 was the threshold for a DAS28 improvement of ≥1.2 at week 24, and 105 nmol/L was the threshold for transaminases of ≥50 IU/L and 131 nmol/L for transaminases of ≥100 IU/L. MTX-PG concentrations were strongly influenced by body mass index and a serum albumin level.

Conclusions

MTX-PG concentrations are a useful biomarker in MTX therapy, in terms of efficacy and safety.
Systematic review and network meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of tumour necrosis factor inhibitor–methotrexate combination therapy versus triple therapy in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Fleischmann Roy , Tongbram Vanita , van Vollenhoven Ronald , Tang Derek H , Chung James , Collier David , Urs Shilpa , Ndirangu Kerigo , Wells George , Pope Janet
Published: January 2017

Objective

Clinical trials have not consistently demonstrated differences between tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) plus methotrexate and triple therapy (methotrexate plus hydroxychloroquine plus sulfasalazine) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study objective was to estimate the efficacy, radiographic benefits, safety and patient-reported outcomes of TNFi–methotrexate versus triple therapy in patients with RA.

Methods

A systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomised controlled trials of TNFi–methotrexate or triple therapy as one of the treatment arms in patients with an inadequate response to or who were naive to methotrexate was conducted. American College of Rheumatology 70% response criteria (ACR70) at 6 months was the prespecified primary endpoint to evaluate depth of response. Data from direct and indirect comparisons between TNFi–methotrexate and triple therapy were pooled and quantitatively analysed using fixed-effects and random-effects Bayesian models.

Results

We analysed 33 studies in patients with inadequate response to methotrexate and 19 in patients naive to methotrexate. In inadequate responders, triple therapy was associated with lower odds of achieving ACR70 at 6 months compared with TNFi–methotrexate (OR 0.35, 95% credible interval (CrI) 0.19 to 0.64). Most secondary endpoints tended to favour TNFi–methotrexate in terms of OR direction; however, no clear increased likelihood of achieving these endpoints was observed for either therapy. The odds of infection were lower with triple therapy than with TNFi−methotrexate (OR 0.08, 95% CrI 0.00 to 0.57). There were no differences observed between the two regimens in patients naive to methotrexate.

Conclusions

In this NMA, triple therapy was associated with 65% lower odds of achieving ACR70 at 6 months compared with TNFi–methotrexate in patients with inadequate response to methotrexate. Although secondary endpoints numerically favoured TNFi–methotrexate, no clear differences were observed. The odds of infection were greater with TNFi–methotrexate. No differences were observed for patients naive to methotrexate. These results may help inform care of patients who fail methotrexate first-line therapy.
Adsorption studies of ferroin in aqueous solution onto graphite oxide
Authors: Ramesh Thimmasandra Narayan , Ramyashree D.H. , Sandhya K.C.
Published: January 2017

The adsorption of ferroin by graphite oxide was studied by changing different parameters, i.e., pH, duration, concentration of ferroin, adsorbent dose, and temperature. The removal of ferroin in aqueous solution by graphite oxide increases with increase in contact time, adsorbent dose, pH, and temperature. The reaction rate of adsorption of ferroin onto graphite is a multilayer phenomenon and was found to follow pseudo second order kinetics. At 60 °C with pH 4, we observe an adsorption rate of graphite oxide with a capacity of 0.00692 mg per 10 mg of ferroin due to the presence of surface oxygen functional groups that dictate the adsorption capacity. Optimal conditions for adsorption of ferroin onto graphite oxide were determined and reported.
Extended energy and its dependence on molecular structure
Authors: Gutman Ivan , Furtula Boris , Das Kinkar Ch.
Published: January 2017

The extended energy ([Formula: see text]) is a vertex degree based and spectrum-based molecular structure descriptor, shown to be well correlated with a variety of physicochemical molecular properties. We investigate the dependence of [Formula: see text] on molecular structure and establish its basic characteristics. In particular, we show how [Formula: see text] is related with the geometric–arithmetic (GA) topological index. Our main finding is that the difference between [Formula: see text] and the total π-electron energy is linearly proportional to the difference between the number of edges and the GA index.
Comparison of sampling methods for estimation of nearest-neighbor index values
Authors: Mauro Francisco , Haxtema Zane , Temesgen Hailemariam
Published: January 2017

Neighborhood-based indices such as mingling index and diameter differentiation are a set of diversity measures that are based on the relationship between a reference tree and a certain number of nearest neighbors (i.e., trees to which it has the lowest horizontal distance). Using stem-mapped data from eight headwater sites, we compared the relative bias and relative root mean square error (relative to the true mean of each site) of several different methods of choosing reference trees for calculation of diameter differentiation ([Formula: see text]) and species mingling ([Formula: see text]) index. Indices were defined using two, three, and four neighbors and methods for selection of the reference tree were random selection of a tree in a fixed-radius plot (FI), random selection of a tree in a variable-radius plot (VA), azimuth selection method (AZ), and nearest tree selection (NT). In general, the relative bias was lower than ±2.5% for [Formula: see text] and lower than ±10% for [Formula: see text] regardless of the method. The FI method consistently had the lowest relative bias and relative root mean squared error. The NT and AZ methods were second in terms of relative root mean squared error for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. Simplicity of these two methods might outweigh their slightly worse performance.
Air molecule collision cross sections: calculation and validation
Authors: Benyoucef Djilali , Tahri Toufik
Published: January 2017

This work is a contribution to the calculation of the basic data used in the direct simulation Monte Carlo in dry air (80% N2 and 20% O2). The basic data of this modeling are the collision cross sections, which are calculated by using a semi-classical model based on the intermolecular interaction potentials of N2/N2, O2/O2, and N2/O2. To validate this data, we show a comparison between the measured dynamic viscosities reported in the literature for different temperatures and those calculated. Another comparison is performed between the calculation of the smooth cylinder drag coefficients and the measurements, which also have been presented in the literature. These two comparisons showed an excellent quantitative and qualitative agreement and therefore they confirm the calculated data validity.
Protective effects and plausible mechanisms of antler-velvet polypeptide against hydrogen peroxide induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Zhu Wenhe , Wang Huiyan , Zhang Wei , Xu Na , Xu Junjie , Li Yan , Liu Wensen , Lv Shijie
Published: January 2017

Antler velvet polypeptide (VAP) is a prominent bioactive component of antler velvet. Whereas uncharacterized crude extracts have typically been used in pharmacological studies, in this study, the velvet polypeptide was isolated and purified by acid water extraction, ethanol precipitation, ammonium sulfate fractionation and precipitation, and chromatography, progressively. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were induced with H2O2followed purified polypeptide treatment. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. The apoptosis of cells was detected by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. A cell analyzer was used to measure the mitochondrial membrane potential. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were determined by flow cytometry. Oxidative stress related biochemical parameters were detected, and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was examined by Western blot analysis. The results indicated that a 7.0 kDa polypeptide (VAP II) was isolated from antler velvet. VAP II enhanced cell viability, decreased cell apoptosis, reversed depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased ROS levels, inhibited oxidative stress, and regulated the downstream signaling apoptotic cascade expression caused by H2O2. The protective effects of VAP II on HUVECs suggests a potential strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
INCOME INEQUALITY, HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION AND CO2 EMISSIONS IN CHINA
Authors: GUO LIN
Published: January 2017

This paper analyzes the relationship between household income disparity and CO2 emissions based on a panel dataset in China over the period from 1995 to 2010 by employing a two-step, generalized method of moments estimation (GMM-3SLS estimator) to estimate the simultaneous equation model (SEM). The main findings of this study reveal that there is a U relationship between per capita CO2 emissions and income in China. The indirect effect that household income inequality affects CO2 emissions through household consumption is positive. The reasons for this positive effect are as follows: (1) an increase in household income inequality results in lower consumer demand and higher scale of investment, which leads to excess capacity, a rise in the waste of energy consumption and an increase in CO2 emissions. (2) The total consumption amount is inhibited and the consumption structure is influenced by household income inequality. The energy-intensive and low-quality-preferred consumption structure is an obstacle to the upgrading of the industrial structure and to technological innovation from the demand side. Thus, reducing CO2 emissions by upgrading the industrial structure and developing energy-saving technologies is inhibited by the consumption structure.
Highly birefringent large mode area photonic crystal fiber-based sensor for interferometry applications
Authors: Ademgil Huseyin
Published: January 2017

In this work, highly birefringent large mode area (LMA) photonic crystal fiber (PCF) structure for interferometric sensor applications is proposed. The effective mode area, birefringence and the sensitivity coefficient of the proposed PCF structure by employing the full vectorial finite element method (FV-FEM) have been thoroughly investigated. The numerical results have shown that proposed structure simultaneously offers high birefringence of order 10[Formula: see text], adequately LMA and high sensitivity for various liquid analytes by employing the elliptical liquid core holes.
Optimal temperature for alpha-decay half-lives with Yukawa proximity potential
Authors: Hosseini S. S. , Hassanabadi H. , Zarrinkamar S.
Published: January 2017

The paper investigates the alpha-decay half-lives of some nuclei by modifying the Coulomb potential with Yukawa proximity potential for the excited state decays. A new relation is found for the width diffuseness of the nuclear surface [Formula: see text] and the sharp radii [Formula: see text] for the excited system. The parameters are fitted to the experimental data for the nuclear temperature in the range [Formula: see text] (MeV). A comparison of half-life indicates that the probability of decay increases with increasing nuclear temperature for the excited system. The comparison of the results with the existing experimental data is motivating.
Computation of Seeds for
LFSR
-Based
n
-Detection Test Generation
Authors: Pomeranz Irith
Published: January 2017

This article describes a new procedure that generates seeds for
LFSR
-based test generation when the goal is to produce an
n
-detection test set. The procedure does not use test cubes in order to avoid the situation where a seed does not exist for a given test cube with a given
LFSR
. Instead, the procedure starts from a set of seeds that produces a one-detection test set. It modifies seeds to obtain new seeds such that the tests they produce increase the numbers of detections of target faults. The modification procedure also increases the number of faults that each additional seed detects. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the procedure.
From Content to Context
Authors: Shankaranarayanan G. , Blake Roger
Published: January 2017

Research in data and information quality has made significant strides over the last 20 years. It has become a unified body of knowledge incorporating techniques, methods, and applications from a variety of disciplines including information systems, computer science, operations management, organizational behavior, psychology, and statistics. With organizations viewing “Big Data”, social media data, data-driven decision-making, and analytics as critical, data quality has never been more important. We believe that data quality research is reaching the threshold of significant growth and a metamorphosis from focusing on measuring and assessing data quality—content—toward a focus on usage and context. At this stage, it is vital to understand the identity of this research area in order to recognize its current state and to effectively identify an increasing number of research opportunities within. Using Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) to analyze the abstracts of 972 peer-reviewed journal and conference articles published over the past 20 years, this article contributes by identifying the core topics and themes that define the identity of data quality research. It further explores their trends over time, pointing to the data quality dimensions that have—and have not—been well-studied, and offering insights into topics that may provide significant opportunities in this area.