bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting the Results of Superficial Femoral Artery Stenting
Authors: Kay Mark , Rogoveanu Radu , Hodson James , Tallowin Simon , Hopkins Jonathan , Duddy Martin , Vohra Rajiv
Published: December 2015

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to assess the durability of superficial femoral artery (SFA) stents and factors that affect stent patency.

Methods:

A retrospective assessment of 214 SFA stent procedures between 2003 and 2012 was conducted from a prospectively compiled database. Patency rates and patient outcomes were compiled from case notes and computerized records. Stent patency was confirmed by either duplex scan or clinical examination (palpable distal pulse). Survival and patency were compared across a range of factors using Kaplan-Meier plots and log-rank tests. Factors found to be significant were further assessed by Cox regression models.

Results:

Data were analyzed for 214 limbs in 205 patients. Inclusion criteria included those patients who received an SFA stent for treatment of claudication or critical limb ischemia (CLI) with follow-up data. This gave a study group of 151 limbs divided into 76 claudicant and 75 patients with CLI (male–female ratio = 103:48, mean age 71 years, standard deviation 11.7). Seventy-one percent of procedures were elective and 29% were emergency procedures; 53% of procedures were carried out on a day case basis. Median follow-up was 11 months (range 1 day-89 months). Patency was significantly worse for patients with CLI ( P = .009), with a 1- and 3-year patency of 63% and 34% compared to 79% and 60% in patients with claudication. Significant factors associated with patency included oral therapy controlled diabetes ( P = .003), lesions located in either the mid-SFA ( P = .029) or the mid-popliteal ( P = .013), and periprocedural complications ( P = .005). There was no significant difference in patency rates between insulin-dependent and nondiabetic patients (hazard ratio: 1.0, 95% confidence interval: 0.4-5.6, P = .983). The overall amputation rate for the total study group was 5%. Patients with 1- and 3-year survival were 98% and 96% in the claudication group and 74% and 51%, respectively, in the CLI group.

Conclusion:

SFA stents have superior outcomes in claudicants. Patency is related to severity of disease, diabetes, and location of disease.
Management of Lateral Plantar Artery Pseudoaneurysm After Penetrating Injury in Children
Authors: Andacheh Iden , Chamseddin Khalil , Kirkwood Melissa L.
Published: December 2015

A case of lateral plantar artery pseudoaneurysm following a penetrating injury in a 10-year-old male is presented. Only a handful of such cases have been reported in the literature, and as such, a defined treatment algorithm is lacking. Our case and a review of the literature suggest that these injuries involve vessel transection, making them unsuitable for ultrasound-guided thrombin injection. In addition, the presence of bacterial contamination of the wound makes attempts at endovascular coiling prohibitive. Direct surgical exploration and ligation should remain the mainstay of therapy in most patients.
Embolic stroke secondary to spontaneous thrombosis of unruptured intracranial aneurysm: Report of three cases
Authors: Arauz Antonio , Patiño-Rodríguez Hernán M , Chavarría-Medina Mónica , Becerril Mayra , Merino José G , Zenteno Marco
Published: December 2015

Intracranial aneurysms uncommonly present with ischemic stroke. Parent artery occlusion due to local extension of the luminal thrombus, aneurysms ejecting emboli to distal arteries, or increased mass effect have been described as possible pathogenic mechanisms. Guidelines for the management of these patients are absent. We present the clinical outcome and radiological characteristics of three patients with spontaneous thrombosis of intracranial aneurysms as a cause of ischemic stroke. This information is relevant given the possible benign history in terms of stroke recurrence and risk of bleeding.
A Personal Approach
Authors: Weir Kellyn , Costall Alan
Published: December 2015

This study explored the process of taking a personal approach to my son’s problems with computer games. As a psychology student, I should have been in a good position to explore the paradoxical emotions and this situation of conflict. Yet I was also aware that relating closely to the people we are studying has long been a taboo even in qualitative research. I nevertheless adopted a collaborative methodology in which I balanced a dual role of parent and researcher. Taking a personal approach, allowing intimate, reciprocal negotiation, I was not only able to put this taboo to the rare empirical test but also achieved an insight that would otherwise have not been available to me. By engaging in dialogue and encouraging the ability to object, a first-person plural (We), position was achieved in which an understanding of this situation developed and has transferred to our everyday lives.
Sight, Sound, Touch
Authors: Jensen Vigdis Stokker
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this article is to explore an alternative to traditional meaning-making interpretive analyses in ethnographic work. Underlying the article is my own ethnographic work with adults diagnosed with autism. The autism theme forms an example of the methodological exploration at work. I am inspired by the ontological turn in anthropology and carnal philosophy, and the methodological exploration is driven by the question about what things and practices in the informants’ lives can be seen as having ontological effects rather than epistemic value. The methodological pivot is three interview situations, extended into virtual meetings, all given extensive space in the article and where autism unfolds as various practices based on sense impressions. These practices are not seen as representations of an underlying static ontology but as performances that make worlds emerge through the relations they are part of.
Design and application on experimental platform for high-speed bearing with grease lubrication
Authors: Qiang He , Anling Li , Yuan Shen , Lili Li , Zeqiang Li , Benliu Pan
Published: December 2015

The experimental platform for high-speed grease is an important tool for research and development of high-speed motorized spindle with grease lubrication. In this article, the experimental platform for high-speed grease is designed and manufactured which consists of the drive system, the test portion, the loading system, the lubrication system, the control system, and so on. In the meantime, the high-speed angular contact ceramic ball bearings B7005C/HQ1P4 as the research object are tested and contrasted in the grease lubrication and oil mist lubrication. The experimental platform performance is validated by contrast experiment, and the high-speed lubricated bearing performance is also studied especially in the relationship among the rotating speed,load and temperature rise. The results show that the experimental platform works steadily, accurate, and reliable in the experimental testing. And the grease lubrication ceramic ball bearings B7005C/HQ1P4 can be used in high-speed motorized spindle in the circular water cooling conditions when the rotating speed is lower than 40,000 r/min or the DN value (the value of the bearing diameter times the rotating speed) is lower than the 1.44 × 106 mm r/min. Grease lubrication instead of oil mist lubrication under high-speed rotating will simplify the structure design of the high-speed motorized spindle and reduce the pollution to the environment.
A New fractional derivative for differential equation of fractional order under interval uncertainty
Authors: Salahshour Soheil , Ahmadian Ali , Ismail Fudzial , Baleanu Dumitru , Senu Norazak
Published: December 2015

In this article, we develop a new definition of fractional derivative under interval uncertainty. This fractional derivative, which is called conformable fractional derivative, inherits some interesting properties from the integer differentiability which is more convenient to work with the mathematical models of the real-world phenomena. The interest for this new approach was born from the notion that makes a dependency just on the basic limit definition of the derivative. We will introduce and prove the main features of this well-behaved simple fractional derivative under interval arithmetic uncertainty. The actualization and usefulness of this approach are validated by solving two practical models.
Autonomous path planning solution for industrial robot manipulator using backpropagation algorithm
Authors: Yuan PeiJiang , Su Feng , Shi ZhenYun , Wang TianMiao , Chen DongDong
Published: December 2015

Here, we propose an autonomous path planning solution using backpropagation algorithm. The mechanism of movement used by humans in controlling their arms is analyzed and then applied to control a robot manipulator. Autonomous path planning solution is a numerical method. The model of industrial robot manipulator used in this article is a KUKA KR 210 R2700 EXTRA robot. In order to show the performance of the autonomous path planning solution, an experiment validation of path tracking is provided. Experiment validation consists of implementation of the autonomous path planning solution and the control of physical robot. The process of converging to target solution is provided. The mean absolute error of position for tool center point is also analyzed. Comparison between autonomous path planning solution and the numerical methods based on Newton–Raphson algorithm is provided to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the autonomous path planning solution.
Development and analysis of a small-size electric field coupling wireless power system
Authors: Chang Ho , Kuo Chin Guo , Li Jeen Fong , Lin Cheng Hsiung , Lu Wen Hung
Published: December 2015

This study intends to fabricate a small-size capacitive wireless transmission device. As to the design of electrode plates, the active electrode is designed in two ways, through row array and column array, and the area of an electrode plate is limited to below 20.25 cm2. Moreover, the passive electrode of row-array electrode plates is designed in three ways: general row array, window array, and rhombus array. As seen from the results of circuit simulation, the transmission efficiency of the capacitive wireless transmission device is as high as 0.7. In the actual circuit experiment, the electrode plate in the window-array design has the highest efficiency at 51%. In addition, the electrode plates in the window array and those in other arrays have higher stability and transmission efficiency. In the rotational angle dislocation experiment, the unit area current amount of the column-array electrode plates in the high coupling region is also smaller than that of the window-array electrode plates. However, the performance of column-array electrode plates reaches higher stability in the angle dislocation experiment, and its anti-angle dislocation is obviously higher than that of the electrode plates designed in the other three row arrays. Moreover, when the area of the column-array electrode plates is 22.25 cm2, the highest transmission distance is 22.5 mm.
Mobile robot nonlinear feedback control based on Elman neural network observer
Authors: Al-Mutib Khaled , Abdessemed Fodil , Hedjar Ramdane , Alsulaiman Mansour , Bencherif Mohamed , Faisal Mohammed , Algabri Mohammed , Mekhtiche Mohamed
Published: December 2015

This article presents a new approach to control a wheeled mobile robot without velocity measurement. The controller developed is based on kinematic model as well as dynamics model to take into account parameters of dynamics. These parameters related to dynamic equations are identified using a proposed methodology. Input–output feedback linearization is considered with a slight modification in the mathematical expressions to implement the dynamic controller and analyze the nonlinear internal behavior. The developed controllers require sensors to obtain the states needed for the closed-loop system. However, some states may not be available due to the absence of the sensors because of the cost, the weight limitation, reliability, induction of errors, failure, and so on. Particularly, for the velocity measurements, the required accuracy may not be achieved in practical applications due to the existence of significant errors induced by stochastic or cyclical noise. In this article, Elman neural network is proposed to work as an observer to estimate the velocity needed to complete the full state required for the closed-loop control and account for all the disturbances and model parameter uncertainties. Different simulations are carried out to demonstrate the feasibility of the approach in tracking different reference trajectories in comparison with other paradigms.
Treatment of aortic graft infection by in situ reconstruction with Omniflow II biosynthetic prosthesis
Authors: Krasznai AG , Snoeijs MGJ , Siroen MP , Sigterman T , Korsten A , Moll FL , Bouwman LH
Published: December 2015

Currently available conduits for in situ reconstruction after excision of infected aortic grafts have significant limitations. The Omniflow II vascular prosthesis is a biosynthetic graft associated with a low incidence of infection that has succesfully been used in the treatment of infected infrainguinal bypass. We report on the first use of the Omniflow II prosthesis for in situ reconstruction after aortic graft infection.

A bifurcated biosynthetic bypass was created by spatulating and anastomosing two 8-mm tubular Omniflow II grafts. This bypass was used for in situ reconstruction after excision of infected aortic grafts in three cases. After a mean follow-up of 2.2 years, no occlusion, degeneration, or rupture of the Omniflow II grafts was observed. Although one patient suffered from graft reinfection, the bypass retained structural integrity and no anastomotic dehiscence was observed.

Treatment of aortic graft infection by in situ reconstruction with the Omniflow II vascular prosthesis is feasible. Its resistance to infection and off-the-shelf availability make this graft a promising conduit for aortoiliac reconstruction.
Unsteady forced bioconvection slip flow of a micropolar nanofluid from a stretching/shrinking sheet
Authors: Abdul Latiff Nur Amalina , Uddin Md Jashim , Bég O Anwar , Ismail Ahmad Izani
Published: December 2015

The unsteady forced bioconvection boundary layer flow of a viscous incompressible micropolar nanofluid containing microorganisms over a stretching/shrinking sheet is studied numerically. A mathematical model, with the aid of appropriate transformations, is presented. The transformed non-linear ordinary differential equations are solved numerically by the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg fourth- to fifth-order numerical method. The effect of the governing parameters on the dimensionless velocity, micro-rotation, temperature, nanoparticle volume fraction and microorganism as well as the local skin friction coefficient, the heat transfer rate and microorganisms transfer rate is thoroughly examined. The findings show that the value of skin friction and Nusselt number are decreased and microorganism number is increased as velocity slip, thermal slip and microorganism slip parameter are increased, respectively. Results from this investigation were compared with previous investigations demonstrating very good correlation. The present results are relevant to improving the performance of microbial fuel cells deploying nanofluids.
Studies on conducting nanocomposite with gallium nitride–doped ferrite, part – I
Authors: Indrakanti Rajani , Rao V Brahmaji , Kiran C Udaya
Published: December 2015

This article presents the synthesis and the structural, morphological, magnetic and spectroscopic characterisations of GaN-doped Fe2O3 nanoparticles prepared by the sol–gel method. The ‘Sci find’ software was unable to trace any of the references to point out the earlier knowledge and existence of this novel compound in the literature. We claim our contribution for the same. The structural analysis is done using the X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, while the morphological analysis is done by the scanning electron microscope and the transmission electron microscope. The samples show a simple cubic crystalline structure. The morphological and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and the infrared studies confirm the composition of the material and the particle sizes of the samples are found to be in the range of 9–27 nm (for x = 0.5) and 23–30 nm (for x = 0.75). The particle sizes, obtained from the histogram evaluations, the Debye–Scherrer formula in X-ray diffraction and the selected area electron diffraction measurements are all in good agreement. The room temperature magnetic measurements obtained using the vibration sample magnetometer for x = 0.5, 0.75,1 and 5 are presented as the hysteresis curves and their related plots. The discussion about the conclusions drawn therein infers that the coercivity increases with the concentration. The compound exhibits spinel structure and vivid changes from the super paramagnetic to the ferromagnetic state.
Traumatized victims and mutilated bodies: Human rights and the ‘politics of immediation’ in the Rohingya crisis of Burma/Myanmar
Authors: Brooten Lisa , Ashraf Syed Irfan , Akinro Ngozi Agwaziam
Published: December 2015

In June of 2012, global media attention turned to the deadly violence erupting in Western Burma/Myanmar between the Rakhine Buddhists and the stateless Muslim Rohingya, widely identified as one of the world's most persecuted minorities. This study employs critical human rights theory and literature on the use of emotion in media to analyze the constructions of the Rohingya situation in The New York Times (NYT), Inter Press Service (IPS). and the largest and most active Rohingya Facebook site, the Rohingya Community page. The Facebook page engages in an obvious politics of immediation, in which social actors mobilize extreme, violent victim images to provoke global political activism. Surprisingly, the NYT employs a similarly straightforward delineation of the savage–victim–savior framework while the IPS coverage is far more complex. This suggests the utility of a concept we have called the corporate politics of immediation and raises important questions about mainstream conflict reporting.
Lessons in implementing infection prevention
Authors: Holmes Alison , Ahmad Raheelah , Kiernan Martin
Published: December 2015

This paper has been developed from a conference presentation given by Professor Alison Holmes at the IPS Learning Labs launch event (2015). In it the implementation of research into clinical practice is discussed with reference to the upcoming Health Foundation Spotlight Report. The difficulties of engaging those in clinical practice are discussed with the importance of involvement of clinical leaders being highlighted. The importance of recognising that implementation science as a social process to bring credibility and legitimacy is also stressed. Following this, the Spotlight Report that is focused on strengthening implementation in the UK is discussed. There remains considerable scope for improvement and the impact of surveillance, targets and fatigue are considered. The tension between top–down and bottom–up approaches to implementation are discussed and a recommendation for a blended approach when implementing measures that are the components of an organisational infection prevention and control strategy is proposed. There also needs to be more scrutiny of the reasons for the failure of research implementation through an examination of the ‘soft periphery’ that comprises the organisational structure, systems and people that will be responsible for implementing and sustaining an intervention.
Piecrusting to Facilitate Skin Closure
Authors: Singh Dishan , Lomax Adam
Published: December 2015

Wound dehiscence and infection may arise when the skin around the foot or ankle is closed under tension after a surgical incision or trauma. Two cases where a piecrusting technique, using small transdermal incisions made in the surrounding skin similar to the holes in a pie crust, are presented and a literature review of the technique has been performed. The multiple small stab incisions perpendicular to the line of tension have enabled skin closure without tension and have healed with minimal scarring.

Levels of Evidence: Level V: Expert opinion
Part and Whole in Pictorial Relief
Authors: Koenderink Jan , van Doorn Andrea , Wagemans Johan
Published: December 2015

What are “natural parts” of pictorial reliefs? Intuitively, and suggested by common lore from the visual arts, they are the bulges that stick out toward the observer. Each such bulge contains a (locally) nearest point and is bounded by one or (usually) more curvilinear ruts. The latter meet in “passes” or saddle points. This divides the relief into “natural districts”. From a formal analysis one knows that reliefs can be divided into “hill districts” or “dale districts”, these two “natural” parcellations being fully distinct. We report empirical results that strongly suggest that visual awareness is based on a partition in bulges, which are mutually only weakly connected. Such a notion immediately explains why inverted reliefs or surfaces illuminated from below appear so different as to be mutually not recognizable.
The challenge of internal stakeholder support for co-creational branding strategy
Authors: Thelander Åsa , Säwe Filippa
Published: December 2015

This article focuses on co-creation as a strategy and the challenge of applying theories of co-creation in practice. Place branding and a co-creative strategy based on art is used as an example of a special type of public relations concerned with building connections between stakeholders and a specific place. This is investigated through an analysis of how key internal stakeholders in a municipality understand the co-creative strategy for branding urban renewal, looking at their understanding, alignment and support for the strategy. An organizational ethnographic approach is used and the analysis is based on interviews with 16 administrative municipal managers from five different departments. Four different rationales are identified among managers. The study highlights how these profound rationales among internal stakeholders become a challenge in branding. In theories of co-creation, absolute consensus between stakeholders is assumed. In complex organizations, such as municipality, a more realistic goal is to establish compatible zones of meaning among internal stakeholders. It is concluded that public relations practitioners and researchers must cope with this reality when they approach public relations as co-creation.
Exploring the role of private-sector corporations in public diplomacy
Authors: White Candace L.
Published: December 2015

This conceptual article explores the role of international corporations as non-state actors in the process of public diplomacy as the global environment for diplomacy becomes increasingly multi-directional and networked. It provides an operational definition of the concept of corporate diplomacy and depicts potential contributions of the private sector, particularly the role of corporate social responsibility, in public diplomacy outcomes. The private sector has vast resources to contribute to public diplomacy, but corporations may be more willing to support, rather than to directly engage in public diplomacy in order to protect their economic self-interest. Key issues for research about the role of the private sector in public diplomacy are motives and intentionality of corporate efforts and strategic coordination between business and governments.
Congenital hepatic fibrosis and polycystic kidney disease not linked to C >A mutation in exon 29 of PKD1 in a Persian cat
Authors: Guerra Juliana Mariotti , Daniel Alexandre Gonçalves Teixeira , Cardoso Natalia Cavalca , Grandi Fabrizio , Queiroga Felisbina , Cogliati Bruno
Published: December 2015

Case summary

We describe the case of a 1-year-old male Persian cat diagnosed with congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) associated with renal polycystic disease and, for the first time, we have shown that there was no C >A mutation in exon 29 of PKD1 (polycystic kidney disease 1). The cat presented with a history of chronic weight loss, anorexia, vomiting, depression and lethargy, with profuse salivation and ascites on clinical examination. A mild elevation in liver-associated plasma enzymes suggested a hepatic disease. Owing to the cat’s deteriorating condition, it was euthanized. During necropsy, the liver was found to be enlarged, firm and reddish, and the kidney had multiple small cortical cysts. Immunohistochemistry revealed that bile duct cells and epithelial cells of renal cysts showed positive immunoreactivity to keratin 19. Collagen fibers surrounding bile ducts within portal areas demonstrated reactivity to type IV collagen antibody, confirming the congenital nature of the process. A diagnosis of ductal plate malformation consistent with CHF associated with polycystic kidney in a young Persian cat was made. Interestingly, genetic testing revealed a wild-type sequence at position 3284 in exon 29 of PKD1.

Relevance and novel information

The absence of the classic genetic mutation associated with the particular clinical presentation supports the hypothesis of a distinct etiopathogenesis among fibropolycystic diseases in domestic cats. Moreover, congenital hepatic fibrosis is a rare but important differential diagnosis for young Persian cats and their crosses with clinical signs of chronic end-stage liver disease.
Retention and Attrition of Umbundu in São Tomé and Príncipe
Authors: Lorenzino Gerardo Augusto
Published: December 2015

A major event in the modern history of São Tomé and Príncipe, located in the Gulf of Guinea, was the recruitment of contracted labor from Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde between 1870 and 1960. This article will address one linguistic effect of this large-scale migration, namely, the retention and attrition of the Umbundu language spoken by the Tongas, who are descendants of the indentured laborers who never repatriated back to their homes in Africa. As opposed to noncontact Umbundu, the Tonga Umbundu (TUm) of São Tomé has a simplified nominal class system and significant borrowings from the Portuguese lexicon, which became part of the TUm class system through incorporation. The sociolinguistic factors that will be considered in evaluating the nature of the Tongas’ linguistic heritage are (a) the language situation that best explains the retention of Umbundu and (b) the typological distance between TUm, Afro-Portuguese Creoles, and Portuguese language.
An Exploratory Study of Reintegration of Women Following Obstetric Fistula Surgery in West Pokot, Kenya
Authors: Khisa Anne M.
Published: December 2015

Globally, obstetric fistula has been eradicated in developed countries although it continues to pose challenges to women living in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The condition continues to contribute to maternal morbidity in Kenya, causing immense physical and psychological suffering and disrupts women’s socioeconomic life. Following corrective surgery, experiences of Pokot women in their quest for social reintegration, a broadly neglected aspect of their healing process, are documented in an exploratory study. Primary data were collected over a 2-month period in rural Kenya using in-depth interviews with women who had undergone surgery and key informants. Thematic data analysis based on grounded theory revealed avenues for reintegration including successful surgery, family and community support, counseling, follow-up care, income generating activities, and skill training.
Difference and Reservation: A Reading of the Constituent Assembly Debates
Authors: Bader Zubair Ahmad
Published: December 2015

The debate over ‘Differences’ and ‘Disadvantage’ in the Constituent Assembly which has shaped the mainstream political discourse on the abrogation of the preferential treatment policies for the religious minorities represents the de facto narrative of their restriction to the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This article shatters this de facto narrative to arrive at an actual one and argues that reservation in the public employment for the religious minorities was not abrogated because they were considered socially and economically less backward than SCs and STs but was abrogated in a surreptitious manner; a manner which did not take cognisance of the nationalist deliberations in the Constituent Assembly and the debate over the ‘Differences’ and ‘Disadvantage’, with no particular reflective influence of these deliberations and debates upon the form which the preferential treatment policies in India were to finally assume. The article establishes this disconnect between the deliberations of the Constituent Assembly and the form the preferential treatment policies finally assume in India.
Developing and Conducting a Dissertation Study Through the Community-Based Participatory Research Approach
Authors: Nadimpalli Sarah B. , Van Devanter Nancy , Kavathe Rucha , Islam Nadia
Published: December 2015

The community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach can be an innovative and effective way to address health disparities. Doctoral students in the health sciences can benefit through structured CBPR training experiences in learning how to engage with communities, build community capacity, share resources, and implement CBPR studies. The objectives of this case study are to demonstrate ways in which one doctoral student aligned with academic mentors and a funded CBPR project to develop and implement a CBPR-focused doctoral dissertation study. The student partook in formal and informal CBPR learning experiences, built community and academic relationships, developed a research plan in collaboration with members of the community/academic partners, identified an appropriate setting and methods for recruitment/data collection, and increased the capacity and resources for all partners (the first author, community, and academic). In conclusion, CBPR-focused doctoral experiences are novel, pedagogical, and professional approaches that can lead to successful and effective community-based health research.
CCL5 derived from platelets increases megakaryocyte proplatelet formation
Authors: Machlus Kellie R. , Johnson Kelly E. , Kulenthirarajan Rajesh , Forward Jodi A. , Tippy Mason D. , Soussou Thomas S. , El-Husayni Saleh H. , Wu Stephen K. , Wang Suming , Watnick Randolph S. , Italiano Joseph E. , Battinelli Elisabeth M.
Published: December 2015

Key Points

CCL5 increases MK ploidy and subsequent proplatelet formation in a CCR5-dependent manner. CCL5 may act to increase platelet counts during physiological stress.
Airway dysbiosis:Haemophilus influenzaeandTropherymain poorly controlled asthma
Authors: Simpson Jodie L. , Daly Joshua , Baines Katherine J. , Yang Ian A. , Upham John W. , Reynolds Paul N. , Hodge Sandra , James Alan L. , Hugenholtz Philip , Willner Dana , Gibson Peter G.
Published: December 2015

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways where bacteria may act as protagonists of chronic inflammation. Little is known about the relation of airway inflammation to the presence of specific bacterial taxa. We sought to describe the sputum microbiome in adults with poorly controlled asthma.

DNA was extracted from induced sputum and microbial communities were profiled using 16S rRNA pyrosequencing. Bacterial species were characterised, and the relationship between microbial populations, asthma inflammatory subtypes and other covariates was explored. Real-time PCR was used to identifyTropheryma whippleiandHaemophilus influenzaein sputum.

Adults with neutrophilic asthma had reduced bacterial diversity and species richness.Tropherymawas identified and confirmed with real-time PCR in 12 (40%) participants.Haemophilusoccurred most often in a group of younger atopic males with an increased proportion of neutrophils. PCR confirmed the presence ofH. influenzaein 35 (76%) participants with poorly controlled asthma.

There are phenotype-specific alterations to the airway microbiome in asthma. Reduced bacterial diversity combined with a high prevalence ofH. influenzaewas observed in neutrophilic asthma, whereas eosinophilic asthma had abundantT. whipplei.
Bedaquiline in the treatment of multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Pym Alexander S. , Diacon Andreas H. , Tang Shen-Jie , Conradie Francesca , Danilovits Manfred , Chuchottaworn Charoen , Vasilyeva Irina , Andries Koen , Bakare Nyasha , De Marez Tine , Haxaire-Theeuwes Myriam , Lounis Nacer , Meyvisch Paul , Van Baelen Ben , van Heeswijk Rolf P.G. , Dannemann Brian
Published: December 2015

Bedaquiline, a diarylquinoline, improved cure rates when added to a multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment regimen in a previous placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial (TMC207-C208;NCT00449644). The current phase 2, multicenter, open-label, single-arm trial (TMC207-C209;NCT00910871) reported here was conducted to confirm the safety and efficacy of bedaquiline.

Newly diagnosed or previously treated patients with MDR-TB (including pre-extensively drug-resistant (pre-XDR)-TB or extensively drug-resistant (XDR)-TB) received bedaquiline for 24 weeks with a background regimen of anti-TB drugs continued according to National TB Programme treatment guidelines. Patients were assessed during and up to 120 weeks after starting bedaquiline.

Of 233 enrolled patients, 63.5% had MDR-TB, 18.9% had pre-XDR-TB and 16.3% had XDR-TB, with 87.1% having taken second-line drugs prior to enrolment. 16 patients (6.9%) died. 20 patients (8.6%) discontinued before week 24, most commonly due to adverse events or MDR-TB-related events. Adverse events were generally those commonly associated with MDR-TB treatment. In the efficacy population (n=205), culture conversion (missing outcome classified as failure) was 72.2% at 120 weeks, and 73.1%, 70.5% and 62.2% in MDR-TB, pre-XDR-TB and XDR-TB patients, respectively.

Addition of bedaquiline to a background regimen was well tolerated and led to good outcomes in this clinically relevant patient cohort with MDR-TB.
Accuracy of diagnostic testing in primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Jackson Claire L. , Behan Laura , Collins Samuel A. , Goggin Patricia M. , Adam Elizabeth C. , Coles Janice L. , Evans Hazel J. , Harris Amanda , Lackie Peter , Packham Samantha , Page Anton , Thompson James , Walker Woolf T. , Kuehni Claudia , Lucas Jane S.
Published: December 2015

Diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) lacks a “gold standard” test and is therefore based on combinations of tests including nasal nitric oxide (nNO), high-speed video microscopy analysis (HSVMA), genotyping and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). There are few published data on the accuracy of this approach.

Using prospectively collected data from 654 consecutive patients referred for PCD diagnostics we calculated sensitivity and specificity for individual and combination testing strategies. Not all patients underwent all tests.

HSVMA had excellent sensitivity and specificity (100% and 93%, respectively). TEM was 100% specific, but 21% of PCD patients had normal ultrastructure. nNO (30 nL·min−1cut-off) had good sensitivity and specificity (91% and 96%, respectively). Simultaneous testing using HSVMA and TEM was 100% sensitive and 92% specific.

In conclusion, combination testing was found to be a highly accurate approach for diagnosing PCD. HSVMA alone has excellent accuracy, but requires significant expertise, and repeated sampling or cell culture is often needed. TEM alone is specific but misses 21% of cases. nNO (≤30 nL·min−1) contributes well to the diagnostic process. In isolation nNO screening at this cut-off would miss ∼10% of cases, but in combination with HSVMA could reduce unnecessary further testing. Standardisation of testing between centres is a future priority.
Oestradiol metabolism and androgen receptor genotypes are associated with right ventricular function
Authors: Ventetuolo Corey E. , Mitra Nandita , Wan Fei , Manichaikul Ani , Barr R. Graham , Johnson Craig , Bluemke David A. , Lima Joao A.C. , Tandri Hari , Ouyang Pamela , Kawut Steven M.
Published: December 2015

Sex hormones are linked to right ventricular (RV) function, but the relationship between genetic variation in these pathways and RV function is unknown.

We performed a cross-sectional study of 2761 genotyped adults without cardiovascular disease. The relationships between RV measures and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 10 candidate genes were assessed. Urinary oestradiol (E2) metabolites produced by cytochrome P4501B1 (CYP1B1) and serum testosterone were measured in women and men respectively.

In African-American (AA) women, the CYP1B1 SNP rs162561 was associated with RV ejection fraction (RVEF), such that each copy of the A allele was associated with a 2.0% increase in RVEF. Haplotype analysis revealed associations with RVEF in AA (global p<7.2×10−6) and white (global p=0.05) women. In white subjects, higher E2 metabolite levels were associated with significantly higher RVEF. In men, androgen receptors SNPs (rs1337080; rs5918764) were significantly associated with all RV measures and modified the relationship between testosterone and RVEF.

Genetic variation in E2 metabolism and androgen signalling was associated with RV morphology in a sex-specific manner. The CYP1B1 SNP identified is in tight linkage disequilibrium with SNPs associated with pulmonary hypertension and oncogenesis, suggesting these pathways may underpin sexual dimorphism in RV failure.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Boundary value behaviors for solutions of the equilibrium equations with angular velocity
Authors: Wang Jiaofeng , Pu Jun , Huang Bin , Shi Guojian
Published: December 2015

This work is concerned with a mixed boundary value problems for the slow equilibrium equations with prescribed angular velocity. As an application, we find sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of blow-up solutions under weaker conditions.
Vector correlation of amplitude variation with azimuth and curvature in a post-hydraulic-fracture Barnett Shale survey
Authors: Guo Shiguang , Verma Sumit , Wang Qing , Zhang Bo , Marfurt Kurt J.
Published: December 2015

Knowledge of induced fractures can help to evaluate the success of reservoir stimulation. Seismic P-waves through fracturing media can exhibit azimuthal variation in traveltime, amplitude, and thin-bed tuning, so amplitude variation with azimuth (AVAz) can be used to evaluate the hydraulic-fracturing-caused anisotropy. The Barnett Shale of the Fort Worth Basin was the first large-scale commercial shale gas play. We have analyzed two adjacent Barnett Shale seismic surveys: one acquired before hydraulic fracturing and the other acquired after hydraulic fracturing by more than 400 wells. Although not a rigorous time-lapse experiment, comparison of AVAz anisotropy of these two surveys provided valuable insight into the possible effects of hydraulic fracturing. We found that in the survey acquired prior to hydraulic fracturing, AVAz anomalies were stronger and highly correlated with major structural lineaments measured by curvature. In contrast, AVAz anomalies in the survey acquired after hydraulic fracturing were weaker and compartmentalized by rather than correlated to the most-positive curvature lineaments. We found in five microseismic experiments within the survey that these ridge lineaments form fracture barriers. These findings suggested that future time-lapse experiments may be valuable in mapping the modified horizontal stress field to guide future drilling and in recognizing zones of bypassed pay.
Ferredoxin 1b (Fdx1b) Is the Essential Mitochondrial Redox Partner for Cortisol Biosynthesis in Zebrafish
Authors: Griffin Aliesha , Parajes Silvia , Weger Meltem , Zaucker Andreas , Taylor Angela E. , O'Neil Donna M. , Müller Ferenc , Krone Nils
Published: December 2015

Mitochondrial cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes rely on electron transfer from the redox partner ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) for catalytic activity. Key steps in steroidogenesis require mitochondrial CYP enzymes and FDX1. Over 30 ferredoxin mutations have been explored in vitro; however, no spontaneously occurring mutations have been identified in humans leaving the impact of FDX1 on steroidogenesis in the whole organism largely unknown. Zebrafish are an important model to study human steroidogenesis, because they have similar steroid products and endocrine tissues. This study aimed to characterize the influence of ferredoxin on steroidogenic capacity in vivo by using zebrafish. Zebrafish have duplicate ferredoxin paralogs: fdx1 and fdx1b. Although fdx1 was observed throughout development and in most tissues, fdx1b was expressed after development of the zebrafish interrenal gland (counterpart to the mammalian adrenal gland). Additionally, fdx1b was restricted to adult steroidogenic tissues, such as the interrenal, gonads, and brain, suggesting that fdx1b was interacting with steroidogenic CYP enzymes. By using transcription activator-like effector nucleases, we generated fdx1b mutant zebrafish lines. Larvae with genetic disruption of fdx1b were morphologically inconspicuous. However, steroid hormone analysis by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry revealed fdx1b mutants failed to synthesize glucocorticoids. Additionally, these mutants had an up-regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal axis and showed altered dark-light adaptation, suggesting impaired cortisol signaling. Antisense morpholino knockdown confirmed Fdx1b is required for de novo cortisol biosynthesis. In summary, by using zebrafish, we generated a ferredoxin knockout model system, which demonstrates for the first time the impact of mitochondrial redox regulation on glucocorticoid biosynthesis in vivo.
Developmental Programming: Impact of Gestational Steroid and Metabolic Milieus on Adiposity and Insulin Sensitivity in Prenatal Testosterone-Treated Female Sheep
Authors: Cardoso Rodolfo C. , Veiga-Lopez Almudena , Moeller Jacob , Beckett Evan , Pease Anthony , Keller Erica , Madrigal Vanessa , Chazenbalk Gregorio , Dumesic Daniel , Padmanabhan Vasantha
Published: December 2015

Prenatally testosterone (T)-treated sheep present metabolic disruptions similar to those seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. These females exhibit an increased ratio of small to large adipocytes, which may be the earliest event in the development of adult insulin resistance. Additionally, our longitudinal studies suggest the existence of a period of compensatory adaptation during development. This study tested whether 1) in utero cotreatment of prenatally T-treated sheep with androgen antagonist (flutamide) or insulin sensitizer (rosiglitazone) prevents juvenile insulin resistance and adult changes in adipocyte size; and 2) visceral adiposity and insulin sensitivity are both unaltered during early adulthood, confirming the predicted developmental trajectory in this animal model. Insulin sensitivity was tested during juvenile development and adipose tissue distribution, adipocyte size, and concentrations of adipokines were determined during early adulthood. Prenatal T-treated females manifested juvenile insulin resistance, which was prevented by prenatal rosiglitazone cotreatment. Neither visceral adiposity nor insulin sensitivity differed between groups during early adulthood. Prenatal T-treated sheep presented an increase in the relative proportion of small adipocytes, which was not substantially prevented by either prenatal intervention. A large effect size was observed for increased leptin concentrations in prenatal T-treated sheep compared with controls, which was prevented by prenatal rosiglitazone. In conclusion, gestational alterations in insulin-glucose homeostasis likely play a role in programming insulin resistance, but not adipocyte size distribution, in prenatal T-treated sheep. Furthermore, these results support the notion that a period of compensatory adaptation of the metabolic system to prenatal T exposure occurs between puberty and adulthood.
Post-Transplant Diabetes Mellitus: Causes, Treatment, and Impact on Outcomes
Authors: Shivaswamy Vijay , Boerner Brian , Larsen Jennifer
Published: December 2015

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a frequent consequence of solid organ transplantation. PTDM has been associated with greater mortality and increased infections in different transplant groups using different diagnostic criteria. An international consensus panel recommended a consistent set of guidelines in 2003 based on American Diabetes Association glucose criteria but did not exclude the immediate post-transplant hospitalization when many patients receive large doses of corticosteroids. Greater glucose monitoring during all hospitalizations has revealed significant glucose intolerance in the majority of recipients immediately after transplant. As a result, the international consensus panel reviewed its earlier guidelines and recommended delaying screening and diagnosis of PTDM until the recipient is on stable doses of immunosuppression after discharge from initial transplant hospitalization. The group cautioned that whereas hemoglobin A1C has been adopted as a diagnostic criterion by many, it is not reliable as the sole diabetes screening method during the first year after transplant. Risk factors for PTDM include many of the immunosuppressant medications themselves as well as those for type 2 diabetes. The provider managing diabetes and associated dyslipidemia and hypertension after transplant must be careful of the greater risk for drug-drug interactions and infections with immunosuppressant medications. Treatment goals and therapies must consider the greater risk for fluctuating and reduced kidney function, which can cause hypoglycemia. Research is actively focused on strategies to prevent PTDM, but until strategies are found, it is imperative that immunosuppression regimens are chosen based on their evidence to prolong graft survival, not to avoid PTDM.
Theatrical Machines
Authors: Butler Judith
Published: December 2015

Balibar’s consideration of Althusser’s notion of dramaturgy suggests that we might rethink conventional ways of understanding ideology. Althusser works out his views on dramaturgy through an engagement with Brecht, and so it makes sense to consider how Benjamin’s reading of Brecht offers an alternative point of view. Benjamin’s focus on gesture offers concrete ways of reconceptualizing both identification and disidentification. Read together with his critique of legal violence, one can also see how the gesture displays and arrests the destructive power of the state. Benjamin thus introduces a way to think about state violence through a dramaturgical formulation of ideology.
Reactive oxygen species exert opposite effects on Tyr23 phosphorylation of the nuclear and cortical pools of Annexin A2
Authors: Grindheim Ann Kari , Hollås Hanne , Raddum Aase M. , Saraste Jaakko , Vedeler Anni
Published: December 2015

Annexin A2 (AnxA2) is a multifunctional and -compartmental protein whose subcellular localisation and functions are tightly regulated by its post-translational modifications. AnxA2 and its Tyr23 phosphorylated form (pTyr23AnxA2) are involved in malignant cell transformation, metastasis and angiogenesis. Here we show that H2O2 exerts rapid, simultaneous and opposite effects on the Tyr23 phosphorylation status of AnxA2 in two distinct compartments of rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. Reactive oxygen species induce dephosphorylation of pTyr23AnxA2 located in the PML bodies of the nucleus, while AnxA2 associated with F-actin at the cell cortex is Tyr23 phosphorylated. The H2O2-induced responses in both compartments are transient and the pTyr23AnxA2 accumulating at the cell cortex is subsequently incorporated into vesicles and then released to the extracellular space. Blocking nuclear export by leptomycin B does not affect the nuclear pool of pTyr23AnxA2, but increases the amount of total AnxA2 in this compartment, indicating that the protein may have several functions in the nucleus. These results suggest that Tyr23 phosphorylation can regulate the function of AnxA2 at distinct subcellular sites.