bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Race To Find Antivirals for Zika Virus
Authors: Saiz Juan-Carlos , Martín-Acebes Miguel A.
Published: March 2017

Zika virus (ZIKV), a flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes, was an almost neglected pathogen until its introduction in the Americas in 2015 and its subsequent explosive spread throughout the continent, where it has infected millions of people. The virus has caused social and sanitary alarm, mainly due to its association with severe neurological disorders (Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly in fetuses and newborns). Nowadays, no specific antiviral therapy against ZIKV is available. However, during the past months, a great effort has been made to search for antiviral candidates using different approaches and methodologies, ranging from testing specific compounds with known antiviral activity to the screening of libraries with hundreds of bioactive molecules. The identified antiviral candidates include drugs targeting viral components as well as cellular ones. Here, an updated review of what has been done in this line is presented.
Iron Efflux by PmtA Is Critical for Oxidative Stress Resistance and Contributes Significantly to Group A Streptococcus Virulence
Authors: VanderWal Arica R. , Makthal Nishanth , Pinochet-Barros Azul , Helmann John D. , Olsen Randall J. , Kumaraswami Muthiah
Published: March 2017

Group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) is a human-only pathogen that causes a spectrum of disease conditions. Given its survival in inflamed lesions, the ability to sense and overcome oxidative stress is critical for GAS pathogenesis. PerR senses oxidative stress and coordinates the regulation of genes involved in GAS antioxidant defenses. In this study, we investigated the role of PerR-controlled metal transporter A (PmtA) in GAS pathogenesis. Previously, PmtA was implicated in GAS antioxidant defenses and suggested to protect against zinc toxicity. Here, we report that PmtA is a P
1B4
-type ATPase that functions as an Fe(II) exporter and aids GAS defenses against iron intoxication and oxidative stress. The expression of
pmtA
is specifically induced by excess iron, and this induction requires PerR. Furthermore, a
pmtA
mutant exhibited increased sensitivity to iron toxicity and oxidative stress due to an elevated intracellular accumulation of iron. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that GAS undergoes significant alterations in gene expression to adapt to iron toxicity. Finally, using two mouse models of invasive infection, we demonstrated that iron efflux by PmtA is critical for bacterial survival during infection and GAS virulence. Together, these data demonstrate that PmtA is a key component of GAS antioxidant defenses and contributes significantly to GAS virulence.
Differential Gamma Interferon- and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha-Driven Cytokine Response Distinguishes Acute Infection of a Metatherian Host with Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum
Authors: Donahoe Shannon L. , Phalen David N. , McAllan Bronwyn M. , O'Meally Denis , McAllister Milton M. , Ellis John , Šlapeta Jan
Published: March 2017

Toxoplasma gondiiandNeospora caninum(both Apicomplexa) are closely related cyst-forming coccidian parasites that differ significantly in their host ranges and ability to cause disease. Unlike eutherian mammals, Australian marsupials (metatherian mammals) have long been thought to be highly susceptible to toxoplasmosis and neosporosis because of their historical isolation from the parasites. In this study, the carnivorous fat-tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata) was used as a disease model to investigate the immune response and susceptibility to infection of an Australian marsupial toT. gondiiandN. caninum. The disease outcome was more severe inN. caninum-infected dunnarts than inT. gondii-infected dunnarts, as shown by the severity of clinical and histopathological features of disease and higher tissue parasite burdens in the tissues evaluated. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) of spleens from infected dunnarts and mitogen-stimulated dunnart splenocytes was used to define the cytokine repertoires. Changes in mRNA expression during the time course of infection were measured using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) for key Th1 (gamma interferon [IFN-γ] and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]), Th2 (interleukin 4 [IL-4] and IL-6), and Th17 (IL-17A) cytokines. The results show qualitative differences in cytokine responses by the fat-tailed dunnart to infection withN. caninumandT. gondii. Dunnarts infected withT. gondiiwere capable of mounting a more effective Th1 immune response than those infected withN. caninum, indicating the role of the immune response in the outcome scenarios of parasite infection in this marsupial mammal.
Immune Recognition of the Epidemic Cystic Fibrosis Pathogen Burkholderia dolosa
Authors: Roux Damien , Weatherholt Molly , Clark Bradley , Gadjeva Mihaela , Renaud Diane , Scott David , Skurnik David , Priebe Gregory P. , Pier Gerald , Gerard Craig , Yoder-Himes Deborah R.
Published: March 2017

Burkholderia dolosa
caused an outbreak in the cystic fibrosis (CF) clinic at Boston Children's Hospital from 1998 to 2005 and led to the infection of over 40 patients, many of whom died due to complications from infection by this organism. To assess whether
B. dolosa
significantly contributes to disease or is recognized by the host immune response, mice were infected with a sequenced outbreak
B. dolosa
strain, AU0158, and responses were compared to those to the well-studied CF pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. In parallel, mice were also infected with a polar flagellin mutant of
B. dolosa
to examine the role of flagella in
B. dolosa
lung colonization. The results showed a higher persistence in the host by
B. dolosa
strains, and yet, neutrophil recruitment and cytokine production were lower than those with
P. aeruginosa
. The ability of host immune cells to recognize
B. dolosa
was then assessed,
B. dolosa
induced a robust cytokine response in cultured cells, and this effect was dependent on the flagella only when bacteria were dead. Together, these results suggest that
B. dolosa
can be recognized by host cells
in vitro
but may avoid or suppress the host immune response
in vivo
through unknown mechanisms.
B. dolosa
was then compared to other
Burkholderia
species and found to induce similar levels of cytokine production despite being internalized by macrophages more than
Burkholderia cenocepacia
strains. These data suggest that
B. dolosa
AU0158 may act differently with host cells and is recognized differently by immune systems than are other
Burkholderia
strains or species.
Actinoplanes Swims into the Molecular Age
Authors: Buttner Mark J.
Published: March 2017

The survival strategy of
Actinoplanes
is fascinating from an evolutionary perspective, combining a short motile phase in an otherwise nonmotile, filamentous life cycle and the somewhat paradoxical concept of spores—normally thought of as a resting stage—that swim. In the first paper to report a molecular genetic analysis of development in
Actinoplanes
, the authors identify a key regulator of the entry into development (Y. Mouri, K. Konishi, A. Fujita, T. Tezuka, Y. Ohnishi, J Bacteriol 199:e00840-16, 2017,
https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.00840-16
).
Influencing factors on compliance of timely visits among patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy in southern China: a qualitative study
Authors: Duan Fang , Liu Yuhong , Chen Xiang , Congdon Nathan , Zhang Jian , Chen Qianyun , Chen Lingling , Chen Xi , Zhang Xiulan , Yu Chengpu , Liu Yizhi
Published: March 2017

Objective

To identify the reasons for low adherence among patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in southern China using a qualitative method.

Methods

Exploratory indepth interviews were conducted in 27 diabetic patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy who required vitrectomy surgery at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, from March to August 2015. Qualitative data analysis and research software (ATLAS.ti7) was used for data processing and analysis.

Results

Factors influencing the occurrence of timely visits included lack of DR related knowledge, fear and worries about insulin, interactions between patients and society combined with the complexity of emotions and social culture, and the economic burden of treatment.

Conclusions

Although the reasons for low adherence involved social, emotional, cultural and economic factors, the key issue was the lack of awareness and knowledge of DR. Our findings have several practical implications for health policymakers and programme planners in China.
Improving swallowing outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer using a theory-based pretreatment swallowing intervention package: protocol for a randomised feasibility study
Authors: Govender Roganie , Smith Christina H , Gardner Benjamin , Barratt Helen , Taylor Stuart A
Published: March 2017

Introduction

The incidence of head and neck cancer (HNC) in the UK is rising, with an average of 31 people diagnosed daily. Patients affected by HNC suffer significant short-term and long-term post-treatment morbidity as a result of dysphagia, which affects daily functioning and quality of life (QOL). Pretreatment swallowing exercises may provide additional benefit over standard rehabilitation in managing dysphagia after primary HNC treatments, but uncertainty about their effectiveness persists. This study was preceded by an intervention development phase to produce an optimised swallowing intervention package (SIP). The aim of the current study is to assess the feasibility of this new intervention and research processes within a National Health Service (NHS) setting.

Method and analysis

A two-arm non-blinded randomised controlled feasibility study will be carried out at one tertiary referral NHS centre providing specialist services in HNC. Patients newly diagnosed with stage III and IV disease undergoing planned surgery and/or chemoradiation treatments will be eligible. The SIP will be delivered pre treatment, and a range of swallowing-related and QOL measures will be collected at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Outcomes will test the feasibility of a future randomised controlled trial (RCT), detailing rate of recruitment and patient acceptance to participation and randomisation. Salient information relating to protocol implementation will be collated and study material such as the case report form will be tested. A range of candidate outcome measures will be examined for suitability in a larger RCT.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from an NHS Research Ethics Committee. Findings will be published open access in a peer-reviewed journal, and presented at relevant conferences and research meetings.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN40215425; Pre-results.
No effects of functional exercise therapy on walking biomechanics in patients with knee osteoarthritis: exploratory outcome analyses from a randomised trial
Authors: Henriksen Marius , Klokker Louise , Bartholdy Cecilie , Schjoedt-Jorgensen Tanja , Bandak Elisabeth , Bliddal Henning
Published: March 2017

Aim

To assess the effects of a functional and individualised exercise programme on gait biomechanics during walking in people with knee OA.

Methods

Sixty participants were randomised to 12 weeks of facility-based functional and individualised neuromuscular exercise therapy (ET), 3 sessions per week supervised by trained physical therapists, or a no attention control group (CG). Three-dimensional gait analyses were used, from which a comprehensive list of conventional gait variables were extracted (totally 52 kinematic, kinetic and spatiotemporal variables). According to the protocol, the analyses were based on the ‘Per-Protocol’ population (defined as participants following the protocol with complete and valid gait analyses). Analysis of covariance adjusting for the level at baseline was used to determine differences between groups (95% CIs) in the changes from baseline at follow-up.

Results

The per-protocol population included 46 participants (24 ET/22 CG). There were no group differences in the analysed gait variables, except for a significant group difference in the second peak knee flexor moment and second peak vertical ground reaction force.

Conclusion

While plausible we have limited confidence in the findings due to multiple statistical tests and lack of biomechanical logics. Therefore we conclude that a 12-week supervised individualised neuromuscular exercise programme has no effects on gait biomechanics. Future studies should focus on exercise programmes specifically designed to alter gait patterns, or include other measures of mobility, such as walking on stairs or inclined surfaces.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT01545258.
Adjunctive interpulmonary isthmus ablation has no added effects on atrial fibrillation recurrence
Authors: Higashiya Shunichi , Yamaji Hirosuke , Murakami Takashi , Hina Kazuyoshi , Kawamura Hiroshi , Murakami Masaaki , Kamikawa Shigeshi , Komatsubara Issei , Kusachi Shozo
Published: March 2017

Objective

Data on the efficacy of adjunctive interpulmonary isthmus ablation following completion of extensive encircling pulmonary vein isolation (EEPVI) on atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence have still been insufficient. We aimed to compare the AF recurrence between EEPVI with and without adjunctive interpulmonary isthmus ablation.

Methods

We enrolled 200 consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF (first session) who underwent EEPVI with double-Lasso technique. Patients were prospectively randomised into two groups: EEPVI with (group 1) and without (group 2) adjunctive interpulmonary isthmus ablation.

Results

No differences were found in patients’ clinical and echocardiographic backgrounds, including arrhythmia status, between the two groups. No differences were also observed in complications (two groin haematoma in both groups). All patients in both groups reached the EEPVI endpoint. The AF recurrence rate between groups 1 (32/100, 32%) and 2 (33/100, 33%; p=1.0) was quite similar during the follow-up period (45±5 months; 36–54 months). The two groups showed identical Kaplan-Meier AF-free curves (p=0.460; NS). Similar pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection incidence was observed in both groups during the second session. Durable isolation between the superior and inferior PVs was confirmed in 88% (21/27) of patients in group 1, indicating that interpulmonary isthmus ablation maintained a non-conducting state in a considerable number of patients. Nevertheless, AF recurrence was identical between the two groups.

Conclusion

The results of our study showed similar AF recurrence rates between the two groups, indicating that adjunctive interpulmonary isthmus ablation with EEPVI has no obvious effects on AF recurrence.
Induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes: cardiac applications, opportunities, and challenges
Authors: Moreau Adrien , Boutjdir Mohamed , Chahine Mohamed
Published: March 2017

Chronic diseases are the primary cause of mortality worldwide, accounting for 67% of deaths. One of the major challenges in developing new treatments is the lack of understanding of the exact underlying biological and molecular mechanisms. Chronic cardiovascular diseases are the single most common cause of death worldwide, and sudden deaths due to cardiac arrhythmias account for approximately 50% of all such cases. Traditional genetic screening for genes involved in cardiac disorders is labourious and frequently fails to detect the mutation that explains or causes the disorder. However, when mutations are identified, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from affected patients make it possible to address fundamental research questions directly relevant to human health. As such, hiPSC technology has recently been used to model human diseases and patient-specific hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) thus offer a unique opportunity to investigate potential disease-causing genetic variants in their natural environment. The purpose of this review is to present the current state of knowledge regarding hiPSC-CMs, including their potential, limitations, and challenges and to discuss future prospects.
Nuclear equation of state and neutron star cooling
Authors: Lim Yeunhwan , Hyun Chang Ho , Lee Chang-Hwan
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we investigate the cooling of neutron stars with relativistic and nonrelativistic models of dense nuclear matter. We focus on the effects of uncertainties originated from the nuclear models, the composition of elements in the envelope region, and the formation of superfluidity in the core and the crust of neutron stars. Discovery of [Formula: see text] neutron stars PSR J1614−2230 and PSR J0343[Formula: see text]0432 has triggered the revival of stiff nuclear equation of state at high densities. In the meantime, observation of a neutron star in Cassiopeia A for more than 10 years has provided us with very accurate data for the thermal evolution of neutron stars. Both mass and temperature of neutron stars depend critically on the equation of state of nuclear matter, so we first search for nuclear models that satisfy the constraints from mass and temperature simultaneously within a reasonable range. With selected models, we explore the effects of element composition in the envelope region, and the existence of superfluidity in the core and the crust of neutron stars. Due to uncertainty in the composition of particles in the envelope region, we obtain a range of cooling curves that can cover substantial region of observation data.
Managing community managers
Authors: deWinter Jennifer , Kocurek Carly A. , Vie Stephanie
Published: March 2017

In the game industry, community managers engage in social and emotional labor as they split their loyalties between game communities and game companies. Community managers do not fully represent the interests of one group, and their intermediary role puts particular stresses on the types of emotional labor that they are called upon to enact. Further, community managers must also participate in social labor---work that builds and exploits social connections for monetary gain. Most of this labor, however, is undervalued and in some instances is simply uncompensated "free" labor carried out by members of a fan community. Ultimately, we argue, casting the role of the community manager as a social and emotional laborer feminizes this work, monetarily devaluing it while isolating workers in these roles from the communities that they ostensibly serve.
Enabling Health Reform through Regional Health Information Exchange: A Model Study from China
Authors: Lei Jianbo , Wen Dong , Zhang Xingting , Li Jiayu , Lan Haiying , Meng Qun , Sittig Dean F.
Published: March 2017

Objective. To investigate and share the major challenges and experiences of building a regional health information exchange system in China in the context of health reform. Methods. This study used interviews, focus groups, a field study, and a literature review to collect insights and analyze data. The study examined Xinjin’s approach to developing and implementing a health information exchange project, using exchange usage data for analysis. Results. Within three years and after spending approximately $2.4 million (15 million RMB), Xinjin County was able to build a complete, unified, and shared information system and many electronic health record components to integrate and manage health resources for 198 health institutions in its jurisdiction, thus becoming a model of regional health information exchange for facilitating health reform. Discussion. Costs, benefits, experiences, and lessons were discussed, and the unique characteristics of the Xinjin case and a comparison with US cases were analyzed. Conclusion. The Xinjin regional health information exchange system is different from most of the others due to its government-led, government-financed approach. Centralized and coordinated efforts played an important role in its operation. Regional health information exchange systems have been proven critical for meeting the global challenges of health reform.
On Propagation of Sphericity of Real Analytic Hypersurfaces across Levi Degenerate Loci
Authors: Merker Joël
Published: March 2017

A connected real analytic hypersurface M⊂Cn+1 whose Levi form is nondegenerate in at least one point—hence at every point of some Zariski-dense open subset—is locally biholomorphic to the model Heisenberg quadric pseudosphere of signature (k,n-k) in one point if and only if, at every other Levi nondegenerate point, it is also locally biholomorphic to some Heisenberg pseudosphere, possibly having a different signature (l,n-l). Up to signature, pseudosphericity then jumps across the Levi degenerate locus and in particular across the nonminimal locus, if there exists any.
Are Patients Ready for “EARLYSTIM”? Attitudes towards Deep Brain Stimulation among Female and Male Patients with Moderately Advanced Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Sperens Maria , Hamberg Katarina , Hariz Gun-Marie
Published: March 2017

Objective. To explore, in female and male patients with medically treated, moderately advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD), their knowledge and reasoning about Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).Methods. 23 patients with PD (10 women), aged 46–70, were interviewed at a mean of 8 years after diagnosis, with open-ended questions concerning their reflections and considerations about DBS. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed according to the difference and similarity technique in Grounded Theory.Results. From the patients’ narratives, the core category “Processing DBS: balancing symptoms, fears and hopes” was established. The patients were knowledgeable about DBS and expressed cautious and well considered attitudes towards its outcome but did not consider themselves ill enough to undergo DBS. They were aware of its potential side-effects. They considered DBS as the last option when oral medication is no longer sufficient. There was no difference between men and women in their reasoning and attitudes towards DBS.Conclusion. This study suggests that knowledge about the pros and cons of DBS exists among PD patients and that they have a cautious attitude towards DBS. Our patients did not seem to endorse an earlier implementation of DBS, and they considered that it should be the last resort when really needed.
The Use of Endothelial Progenitor Cells for the Regeneration of Musculoskeletal and Neural Tissues
Authors: Kamei Naosuke , Atesok Kivanc , Ochi Mitsuo
Published: March 2017

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) derived from bone marrow and blood can differentiate into endothelial cells and promote neovascularization. In addition, EPCs are a promising cell source for the repair of various types of vascularized tissues and have been used in animal experiments and clinical trials for tissue repair. In this review, we focused on the kinetics of endogenous EPCs during tissue repair and the application of EPCs or stem cell populations containing EPCs for tissue regeneration in musculoskeletal and neural tissues including the bone, skeletal muscle, ligaments, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. EPCs can be mobilized from bone marrow and recruited to injured tissue to contribute to neovascularization and tissue repair. In addition, EPCs or stem cell populations containing EPCs promote neovascularization and tissue repair through their differentiation to endothelial cells or tissue-specific cells, the upregulation of growth factors, and the induction and activation of endogenous stem cells. Human peripheral blood CD34(+) cells containing EPCs have been used in clinical trials of bone repair. Thus, EPCs are a promising cell source for the treatment of musculoskeletal and neural tissue injury.
Malware Propagation and Prevention Model for Time-Varying Community Networks within Software Defined Networks
Authors: Liu Lan , Ko Ryan K. L. , Ren Guangming , Xu Xiaoping
Published: March 2017

As the adoption of Software Defined Networks (SDNs) grows, the security of SDN still has several unaddressed limitations. A key network security research area is in the study of malware propagation across the SDN-enabled networks. To analyze the spreading processes of network malware (e.g., viruses) in SDN, we propose a dynamic model with a time-varying community network, inspired by research models on the spread of epidemics in complex networks across communities. We assume subnets of the network as communities and links that are dense in subnets but sparse between subnets. Using numerical simulation and theoretical analysis, we find that the efficiency of network malware propagation in this model depends on the mobility rate q of the nodes between subnets. We also find that there exists a mobility rate threshold qc. The network malware will spread in the SDN when the mobility rate q>qc. The malware will survive when q>qc and perish when q<qc. The results showed that our model is effective, and the results may help to decide the SDN control strategy to defend against network malware and provide a theoretical basis to reduce and prevent network security incidents.
Estimation of Sideslip Angle Based on Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Huang Yupeng , Bao Chunjiang , Wu Jian , Ma Yan
Published: March 2017

The sideslip angle plays an extremely important role in vehicle stability control, but the sideslip angle in production car cannot be obtained from sensor directly in consideration of the cost of the sensor; it is essential to estimate the sideslip angle indirectly by means of other vehicle motion parameters; therefore, an estimation algorithm with real-time performance and accuracy is critical. Traditional estimation method based on Kalman filter algorithm is correct in vehicle linear control area; however, on low adhesion road, vehicles have obvious nonlinear characteristics. In this paper, extended Kalman filtering algorithm had been put forward in consideration of the nonlinear characteristic of the tire and was verified by the Carsim and Simulink joint simulation, such as the simulation on the wet cement road and the ice and snow road with double lane change. To test and verify the effect of extended Kalman filtering estimation algorithm, the real vehicle test was carried out on the limit test field. The experimental results show that the accuracy of vehicle sideslip angle acquired by extended Kalman filtering algorithm is obviously higher than that acquired by Kalman filtering in the area of the nonlinearity.
System Performance of an Inertially Stabilized Gimbal Platform with Friction, Resonance, and Vibration Effects
Authors: Jia Ruting , Nandikolla Vidya K. , Haggart Gary , Volk Charles , Tazartes Daniel
Published: March 2017

The research work evaluates the quality of the sensor to perform measurements and documents its effects on the performance of the system. It also evaluates if this performance changes due to the environments and other system parameters. These environments and parameters include vibration, system friction, structural resonance, and dynamic system input. The analysis is done by modeling a gimbal camera system that requires angular measurements from inertial sensors and gyros for stabilization. Overall, modeling includes models for four different types of gyros, the gimbal camera system, the drive motor, the motor rate control system, and the angle position control system. Models for friction, structural resonance, and vibration are analyzed, respectively. The system is simulated, for an ideal system, and then includes the more realistic environmental and system parameters. These simulations are run with each of the four types of gyros. The performance analysis depicts that for the ideal system; increasing gyro quality provides better system performance. However, when environmental and system parameters are introduced, this is no longer the case. There are even cases when lower quality sensors provide better performance than higher quality sensors.
Application of Genomic In Situ Hybridization in Horticultural Science
Authors: Ramzan Fahad , Younis Adnan , Lim Ki-Byung
Published: March 2017

Molecular cytogenetic techniques, such as in situ hybridization methods, are admirable tools to analyze the genomic structure and function, chromosome constituents, recombination patterns, alien gene introgression, genome evolution, aneuploidy, and polyploidy and also genome constitution visualization and chromosome discrimination from different genomes in allopolyploids of various horticultural crops. Using GISH advancement as multicolor detection is a significant approach to analyze the small and numerous chromosomes in fruit species, for example,Diospyroshybrids. This analytical technique has proved to be the most exact and effective way for hybrid status confirmation and helps remarkably to distinguish donor parental genomes in hybrids such asClivia,Rhododendron, andLycorisornamental hybrids. The genome characterization facilitates in hybrid selection having potential desirable characteristics during the early hybridization breeding, as this technique expedites to detect introgressed sequence chromosomes. This review study epitomizes applications and advancements of genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) techniques in horticultural plants.
Modulation of Myostatin/Hepatocyte Growth Factor Balance by Different Hemodialysis Modalities
Authors: Esposito Pasquale , La Porta Edoardo , Calatroni Marta , Grignano Maria Antonietta , Milanesi Samantha , Verzola Daniela , Battaglia Yuri , Gregorini Marilena , Libetta Carmelo , Garibotto Giacomo , Rampino Teresa
Published: March 2017

Background. In this study we investigated the relevance of myostatin and Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) in patients undergoing hemodialysis HD and the influence of different HD modalities on their levels. Methods. We performed a prospective crossover study in which HD patients were randomized to undergo 3-month treatment periods with bicarbonate hemodialysis (BHD) followed by online hemodiafiltration (HDF). Clinical data, laboratory parameters, and myostatin and HGF serum levels were collected and compared. Results. Ten patients and six controls (C) were evaluated. In any experimental condition myostatin and HGF levels were higher in HD than in C. At enrollment and after BHD there were not significant correlations, whereas at the end of the HDF treatment period myostatin and HGF were inversely correlated (r  -0.65, p<0.05), myostatin serum levels inversely correlated with transferrin (r  -0.73, p<0.05), and HGF levels that resulted positively correlated with BMI (r 0.67, p<0.05). Moving from BHD to HDF, clinical and laboratory parameters were unchanged, as well as serum HGF, whereas myostatin levels significantly decreased (6.3 ± 4.1 versus 4.3 ± 3.1 ng/ml, p<0.05). Conclusions. Modulation of myostatin levels and myostatin/HGF balance by the use of different HD modalities might represent a novel approach to the prevention and treatment of HD-related muscle wasting syndrome.
Cholesterol Levels in Genetically Determined Familial Hypercholesterolaemia in Russian Karelia
Authors: Korneva V. A. , Kuznetsova T. Yu. , Bogoslovskaya T. Yu. , Polyakov D. S. , Vasilyev V. B. , Orlov A. V. , Mandelshtam M. Yu.
Published: March 2017

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a rare disease that tends to be diagnosed lately. In Russia, the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of the disease are not well defined. We investigated 102 patients with definite FH. In 52 of these patients (50.9%) genetic analysis was performed, revealing pathogenic mutations of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene in 22 patients. We report here five mutations of the LDL receptor gene found in the Karelian FH sample for the first time. The detection rate of mutations in definite FH patients was 42.3%. Two groups of patients with a definite diagnosis of FH according to the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network criteria were compared: the first group had putatively functionally important LDL receptor gene mutations, while in the second group LDL receptor gene mutations were excluded by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis. Total and LDL cholesterol levels were higher in the group with LDL receptor mutations compared to the mutation-free population. The frequency of mutations in patients with LDL cholesterol > 6.5 mmol/L was more than 3 times higher than that in patients with LDL < 6.5 mmol/L. Total and LDL cholesterol levels and the frequency of coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction were higher in the group with definite FH compared to groups with probable and possible FH. Cholesterol figures in FH patients of different age and sex from the Karelian population were comparable.
Comparison of the Induction-to-Delivery Interval in Terminations of Pregnancy with or without Dilapan-S®
Authors: Vincienne Marie , Anselem Olivia , Cordier Anne Gaelle , Le Ray Camille , Tsatsaris Vassilis , Benachi Alexandra , Goffinet François
Published: March 2017

Objective: In France, terminations of pregnancy (TOP) for medical reasons beyond the second trimester use mifepristone and misoprostol. We sought to determine the effectiveness of Dilapan-S®, an osmotic cervical dilator, in shortening the induction-to-delivery interval (IDI). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study of TOP in 2010-2012 compared the results from 2 hospitals with different TOP protocols starting at 16 weeks' gestation, one (164 women) with and one (106) without Dilapan-S®. The principal endpoint was the IDI. Results were analyzed according to 2 definitions of induction onset: definition 1, first dose of misoprostol in both centers, or definition 2, dilator placement if used, and otherwise first dose of misoprostol. Results: With definition 1, the IDI was shorter with dilators (5 h 48 min vs. 10 h 18 min, p < 0.001); the rates of uterine evacuation within 12 and 24 h were higher (94.5 and 100 vs. 68.9 and 91.5%, p < 0.001), and the time between first misoprostol dose and amniotomy was shorter (0 h 47 min vs. 4 h 30 min, p < 0.001). Under definition 2, the IDI was longer with dilators (18 h 24 min vs. 10 h 18 min, p < 0.001), but the rate of evacuation within 24 h did not differ significantly. Conclusion: Dilapan-S® acts on cervical ripening and dilatation, thereby allowing early amniotomy. Assessing potential side effects and women's satisfaction requires prospective trials.
Greedy Transition-Based Dependency Parsing with Stack LSTMs
Authors: Ballesteros Miguel , Dyer Chris , Goldberg Yoav , Smith Noah A.
Published: March 2017

We introduce a greedy transition-based parser that learns to represent parser states using recurrent neural networks. Our primary innovation that enables us to do this efficiently is a new control structure for sequential neural networks—the stack long short-term memory unit (LSTM). Like the conventional stack data structures used in transition-based parsers, elements can be pushed to or popped from the top of the stack in constant time, but, in addition, an LSTM maintains a continuous space embedding of the stack contents. Our model captures three facets of the parser's state: (i) unbounded look-ahead into the buffer of incoming words, (ii) the complete history of transition actions taken by the parser, and (iii) the complete contents of the stack of partially built tree fragments, including their internal structures. In addition, we compare two different word representations: (i) standard word vectors based on look-up tables and (ii) character-based models of words. Although standard word embedding models work well in all languages, the character-based models improve the handling of out-of-vocabulary words, particularly in morphologically rich languages. Finally, we discuss the use of dynamic oracles in training the parser. During training, dynamic oracles alternate between sampling parser states from the training data and from the model as it is being learned, making the model more robust to the kinds of errors that will be made at test time. Training our model with dynamic oracles yields a linear-time greedy parser with very competitive performance.
Second-step lectotypification of three names of Araceae from India
Authors: MANUDEV K.M. , NAMPY SANTHOSH
Published: March 2017

During a taxonomic revision of the genus Arisaema (Araceae) in India, three names, i.e. Arisaema echinatum, A. leschenaultii and A. nepenthoides were found to lack a proper typification. The erroneous lectotypifications are rectified by selecting lectotypes.
Taxonomic review of Stictophaula (Orthoptera: Phaneropterinae) with the description of one new species from Brunei Darussalam
Authors: TAN MING KAI , WAHAB RODZAY BIN HAJI ABDUL
Published: March 2017

Stictophaula Hebard, 1922 is a genus of katydid from the subfamily Phaneropterinae, and most similar to Arnobia Stål, 1876. A review of the genus Stictophaula reveals 26 species from Southeast Asia. One new species, Stictophaula bruneii sp. nov., is described from Brunei Darussalam. Nomenclature change is also verified: Arnobia ocellata comb. nov. An illustrated key to species is presented.
Photography-based taxonomy: Is it necessary to reform the Code, and what that exactly means?
Authors: FAÚNDEZ EDUARDO I.
Published: March 2017

A recent series of papers, and rebuttals, regarding Photography-based taxonomy (PBT) (Pape et al. 2016, Krell et al. 2016, Ceríaco et al. 2016, Thorpe 2017) has raised much controversy and discussion about the practice of describing new species without preserved type specimens. Although there has been thoughtful discussion upon this issue, there is still much misunderstanding, especially regarding the idea of changing parts of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 1999) to regulate this practice.
Institutional Dynamics of Governance Reform in India (1991–2016)
Authors: Rajan Amitabh
Published: March 2017

Loss of governance reform efficacy is an identified entrenched institutional problem in systems. Reform, anywhere, is a sticky material because holders of powers and their cronies have rarely shown altruistic intentions of relaxing their profiteering grips over resources. Instead, they have done their best to retain, defend and preach status quo; howsoever ossified or inhuman in form. Under these circumstances, governance reforms surface under fiscal compulsions, public order implications and/or interventions from the judiciary. This article takes up the case of India, a country where power holding, too, has been a compulsive exercise of mediation on such matters. To examine efficacy, it goes into the institutional dynamics of textual politics in course correction and process implementation. The case is built up on the strength of evidence from economic reforms, administrative reforms, police reforms, devolution strategies and corporate governance reforms during the past 25 years. The article highlights discourse ethics and concludes with a heuristic intent.
Fragmented Responses towards Global Governance: The Indian Context
Authors: Rai Sheila
Published: March 2017

The liberalisation dice of the globalisation game has been loaded in favour of developed countries. The recipe of Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) prescribed by the World Trade Organization (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other international economic institutions has proved detrimental to developing countries like India where poverty is pervasive and scarcity of basic amenities crippling. 1 The SAP syndrome has manifested in lockouts, industrial takeovers, closures, massive retrenchments and weakening/diluting of labour laws, etc. Service sectors such as hospitals and schools have also been adversely affected under pressures from international donor agencies. The unsavoury social and economic consequences on the marginal sections have therefore led to a series of protests and demonstrations. The struggle in all its complexities is both ideological and practical. Pressure to alter the pace and intensity of liberalisation, and change ‘scorecards’ of growth, security and redistribution have gained momentum. The propensity of the elite to coalesce with the predominant forces of globalisation and ignore the basic urges of the masses further adds to the complexities. Evidently, the cataclysmic change augured by global governance on the society, politics and economics is multifaceted. The response of the southern states, namely, India, to this crossfire between the dictates of the global institutions vis-à-vis the complexities of the protests and demands of the classes and masses has been critically analysed in this article. The ongoing attempts to assuage the brutal edges of poverty and provide security and protection are also scrutinised.
The Nationalism Debate: Past and Present
Authors: Dubey Muchkund
Published: March 2017

The nation states have emerged and been shaped through an evolutionary process. The major factors triggering their emergence have been rise of capitalism, breakdown of empires, independence of colonial territories and, in recent years, the disintegration of large federal states. The character and the authority of nation states have been shaped initially by the interstate system of the Treaty of Westphalia and largely by the French Revolution and the United Nations (UN) Charter, rise of regionalism and globalisation. Nationalism continues to thrive and remain dominant all over the world mainly because its possible substitutes such as global capitalism, socialist internationalism and UN multilateralism did not prove viable. The major challenges the nation states face today are coping with new problems arising within their territories and those which affect the very survival of mankind. The Indian nationalism embraces the entire variety of elements which go into the making of a nation state. It has been a subject of bitter controversy starting from India’s independence movement. To be true to its ethos reflected in the Indian Constitution, it must remain pluralistic, inclusive and humanitarian.
Tax Incentive Policy for Development of Himalayan and North-eastern States in India
Authors: Kolhe Piyush
Published: March 2017

Government of India announced a tax incentive policy for North-eastern and Himalayan states by which income tax and excise duty exemption of ₹2,186,330 million was granted for a period of 12 years from financial year (FY) 2004–2005 to FY 2015–2016 to new industrial units set up in these states, with an objective to boost development. The aim of this article is to evaluate whether these states have developed as a result of this policy and also to examine whether the policy has affected the North-eastern and Himalayan states differently. In this article, the development is measured on six indicators: (i) per capita net state domestic product; (ii) per capita manufacturing sector state domestic product; (iii) per capita employment in private sector; (iv) number of industrial units set up; (v) amount of investment in the industrial units and (vi) human development index. It is observed that only Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim show development as a result of the policy and even this development has taken place only in pockets. The policy has failed to give fillip to development in the seven North-eastern states. As a policy recommendation, this article suggests that the government should discontinue tax incentives. It should collect taxes on Pan-India basis and use it on infrastructural development of these states, especially on those projects demanded by the states.
The experience of voice hearing and the role of self-help group: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Rácz József , Kaló Zsuzsa , Kassai Szilvia , Kiss Márta , Pintér Judit Nóra
Published: March 2017

Background:

Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) played an important role in the psychiatric diagnostics, but in the last few decades the diagnostic-free complex phenomenological understanding of the phenomena of voice hearing became the focus of studies.

Materials:

Six semi-structured interviews with recovering voice hearers were conducted and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).

Discussion:

The self-help group gives significant help in identification and dealing with the voices; therefore, it serves as turning point in the life story of voice hearers.

Conclusion:

Applying self-help group in clinical context contributes to better outcomes in treatment of voice hearers.
Mechanical in-plane behaviour of masonry walls reinforced by composite materials: Experimental and analytical approaches
Authors: Bui L , Reboul N , Si Larbi A , Ferrier E
Published: March 2017

Masonry is a traditional building system in most countries of the world, including France. However, in recent decades, earthquakes have caused significant damage to masonry structures. The possibility of using textile-reinforced concrete or fibre-reinforced polymers to strengthen masonry structures has been recently assessed. This article addresses the effectiveness of externally bonded composite materials, particularly those based on newly developed cementitious matrices, to strengthen masonry structures. Experimental tests were performed in a previous study on six masonry walls, five of which were strengthened on both sides with either textile-reinforced concrete or fibre-reinforced polymers. This experimental campaign has been supplemented to determine the mechanical properties of the materials involved in design models, and it is used to check the potential of analytical models to predict lateral strength. This study identifies the interests and the restrictions governing the use of traditional empirical design approaches (employed for fibre-reinforced polymer-strengthened walls) when next-generation textile-reinforced concrete composites are used as strengthening materials. Adjustments taking into account the specificities of textile-reinforced concrete behaviour have been introduced, and their impact on the relevance of the models has been quantified.
Characteristics of polyurethane nanowebs treated with silver nanowire solutions as strain sensors
Authors: Kim Inhwan , Lee Eugene , Jang Eunji , Cho Gilsoo
Published: March 2017

This study presents a simple methodology to fabricate a conductive polyurethane nanoweb for use as a textile strain sensor. The purpose of this paper is to (1) fabricate an electrically-conductive polyurethane nanoweb coated with silver nanowires and investigate changes in its electrical resistance in relation to the amount of silver nanowires, (2) investigate changes in the electrical resistance of the polyurethane nanowebs under stretching, (3) evaluate the mechanical and chemical properties of the treated nanowebs, and (4) observe the breathability of the coated nanowebs. Silver nanowires dispersed in ethanol (AgNW) were diluted as necessary by addition of ethanol. Electrical conductivity was imparted to the polyurethane nanowebs by a pour-coating process utilizing AgNWs. The initial electrical resistance of the specimens and the changes with stretching up to 20% and release were recorded, and the data were analyzed. The electrical resistance decreased in accordance with the AgNW concentration. The electrical resistance increased under stretch and decreased upon release. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy analysis displayed the polyurethane, the silver nanowire attachment to the fibers, and the silver nanowire networks. According to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, hydrogen bonds derived from the treatment with ethanol generated a crimp structure on the polyurethane nanowebs. Both tensile strength and bending rigidity increased after the treatment. Breathability tests showed that the specimens had semi-windproof and good water vapor transmission properties as textiles.