bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Natural Antifungal Compounds in Controlling Infection by Grapevine Trunk Disease Pathogens through Pruning Wounds
Authors: Cobos Rebeca , Mateos Rosa María , Álvarez-Pérez José Manuel , Olego Miguel Angel , Sevillano Silvia , González-García Sandra , Garzón-Jimeno Enrique , Coque Juan José R.
Published: July 2015

Grapevine trunk fungal pathogens, such asDiplodia seriataandPhaeomoniella chlamydospora, can infect plants through pruning wounds. They cause grapevine trunk diseases and are involved in grapevine decline. Accordingly, the protection of pruning wounds is crucial for the management of grapevine trunk diseases. The efficacy of different natural antifungals in inhibiting the growth of several fungi causing grapevine trunk diseases was evaluatedin vitro. The fungi showing greaterin vitroefficacy were tested on autoclaved grape wood assays againstD. seriataandP. chlamydospora. Based on results from these assays, chitosan oligosaccharide, vanillin, and garlic extract were selected for further evaluation on pruning wounds inoculated withD. seriataandP. chlamydosporain field trials. A significant decrease in plant mortality was observed after 2 years of growth in the plants treated with the different natural antifungals compared to the mortality rate observed in infected plants that were not treated with antifungals. Also, the infection rate for the inoculated pathogens was significantly reduced in plants treated with the selected natural antifungals. Therefore, natural antifungals represent a promising alternative for disease control and could provide significant economic benefits for the grape-growing industry.
The Enterobacterium Trabulsiella odontotermitis Presents Novel Adaptations Related to Its Association with Fungus-Growing Termites
Authors: Sapountzis Panagiotis , Gruntjes Thijs , Otani Saria , Estevez James , da Costa Rafael R. , Plunkett Guy , Perna Nicole T. , Poulsen Michael
Published: July 2015

Fungus-growing termites rely on symbiotic microorganisms to help break down plant material and to obtain nutrients. Their fungal cultivar,
Termitomyces
, is the main plant degrader and food source for the termites, while gut bacteria complement
Termitomyces
in the degradation of foodstuffs, fixation of nitrogen, and metabolism of amino acids and sugars. Due to the community complexity and because these typically anaerobic bacteria can rarely be cultured, little is known about the physiological capabilities of individual bacterial members of the gut communities and their associations with the termite host. The bacterium
Trabulsiella odontotermitis
is associated with fungus-growing termites, but this genus is generally understudied, with only two described species. Taking diverse approaches, we obtained a solid phylogenetic placement of
T. odontotermitis
among the
Enterobacteriaceae
, investigated the physiology and enzymatic profiles of
T. odontotermitis
isolates, determined the localization of the bacterium in the termite gut, compared draft genomes of two
T. odontotermitis
isolates to those of their close relatives, and examined the expression of genes relevant to host colonization and putative symbiont functions. Our findings support the hypothesis that
T. odontotermitis
is a facultative symbiont mainly located in the paunch compartment of the gut, with possible roles in carbohydrate metabolism and aflatoxin degradation, while displaying adaptations to association with the termite host, such as expressing genes for a type VI secretion system which has been demonstrated to assist bacterial competition, colonization, and survival within hosts.
Bartonella Infection among Cats Adopted from a San Francisco Shelter, Revisited
Authors: Fleischman Drew A. , Chomel Bruno B. , Kasten Rickie W. , Stuckey Matthew J. , Scarlet Jennifer , Liu Hongwei , Boulouis Henri-Jean , Haddad Nadia , Pedersen Niels C.
Published: July 2015

Bartonella
infection among cats from shelters can pose a health risk to adopters.
Bartonella henselae
is the most common species, with
B. clarridgeiae
and
B. koehlerae
being less common. The lower rates of infection by the latter species may reflect their rarity or an inefficiency of culture techniques. To assess the incidence of infection, blood cultures, serology, and PCR testing were performed on 193 kittens (6 to 17 weeks old) and 158 young adult cats (5 to 12 months old) from a modern regional shelter. Classical
B. henselae
culture medium was compared to a medium supplemented with insect cell growth factors.
Bartonella
colonies were isolated from 115 (32.8%) animals, including 50 (25.9%) kittens and 65 (41.1%) young adults. Therefore, young adults were twice as likely to be culture positive as kittens. Enhanced culture methods did not improve either the isolation rate or species profile.
B. henselae
was isolated from 40 kittens and 55 young adults, while
B. clarridgeiae
was cultured from 10 animals in each group.
B. koehlerae
was detected in one young adult by PCR only.
B. henselae
genotype II was more commonly isolated from young adults, and genotype I was more frequently isolated from kittens. Kittens were 4.7 times more likely to have a very high bacterial load than young adults. A significantly higher incidence of bacteremia in the fall and winter than in the spring and summer was observed.
Bartonella
antibodies were detected in 10% (19/193) of kittens and 46.2% (73/158) of young adults, with culture-positive kittens being 9.4 times more likely to be seronegative than young adults.
Occurrence of and Sequence Variation among F-Specific RNA Bacteriophage Subgroups in Feces and Wastewater of Urban and Animal Origins
Authors: Hartard C. , Rivet R. , Banas S. , Gantzer C.
Published: July 2015

F-specific RNA bacteriophages (FRNAPH) have been widely studied as tools for evaluating fecal or viral pollution in water. It has also been proposed that they can be used to differentiate human from animal fecal contamination. While FRNAPH subgroup I (FRNAPH-I) and FRNAPH-IV are often associated with animal pollution, FRNAPH-II and -III prevail in human wastewater. However, this distribution is not absolute, and variable survival rates in these subgroups lead to misinterpretation of the original distribution. In this context, we studied FRNAPH distribution in urban wastewater and animal feces/wastewater. To increase the specificity, we partially sequenced the genomes of phages of urban and animal origins. The persistence of the genomes and infectivity were also studied, over time in wastewater and during treatment, for each subgroup. FRNAPH-I genome sequences did not show any specific urban or animal clusters to allow development of molecular tools for differentiation. They were the most resistant and as such may be used as fecal or viral indicators. FRNAPH-II's low prevalence and low sequence variability in animal stools, combined with specific clusters formed by urban strains, allowed differentiation between urban and animal pollution by using a specific reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) method. The subgroup's resistance over time was comparable to that of FRNAPH-I, but its surface properties allowed higher elimination rates during activated-sludge treatment. FRNAPH-III's low sequence variability in animal wastewater and specific cluster formation by urban strains also allowed differentiation by using a specific RT-PCR method. Nevertheless, its low resistance restricted it to being used only for recent urban pollution detection. FRNAPH-IV was too rare to be used.
Analysis of the Aspergillus fumigatus Biofilm Extracellular Matrix by Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Reichhardt Courtney , Ferreira Jose A. G. , Joubert Lydia-Marie , Clemons Karl V. , Stevens David A. , Cegelski Lynette
Published: July 2015

Aspergillus fumigatus
is commonly responsible for lethal fungal infections among immunosuppressed individuals.
A. fumigatus
forms biofilm communities that are of increasing biomedical interest due to the association of biofilms with chronic infections and their increased resistance to antifungal agents and host immune factors. Understanding the composition of microbial biofilms and the extracellular matrix is important to understanding function and, ultimately, to developing strategies to inhibit biofilm formation. We implemented a solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) approach to define compositional parameters of the
A. fumigatus
extracellular matrix (ECM) when biofilms are formed in RPMI 1640 nutrient medium. Whole biofilm and isolated matrix networks were also characterized by electron microscopy, and matrix proteins were identified through protein gel analysis. The
13
C NMR results defined and quantified the carbon contributions in the insoluble ECM, including carbonyls, aromatic carbons, polysaccharide carbons (anomeric and nonanomerics), aliphatics, etc. Additional
15
N and
31
P NMR spectra permitted more specific annotation of the carbon pools according to C-N and C-P couplings. Together these data show that the
A. fumigatus
ECM produced under these growth conditions contains approximately 40% protein, 43% polysaccharide, 3% aromatic-containing components, and up to 14% lipid. These fundamental chemical parameters are needed to consider the relationships between composition and function in the
A. fumigatus
ECM and will enable future comparisons with other organisms and with
A. fumigatus
grown under alternate conditions.
Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia with Bacteremia Caused by Herbaspirillum aquaticum or Herbaspirillum huttiense in an Immune-Competent Adult
Authors: Regunath Hariharan , Kimball Joanna , Smith L. Patrick , Salzer William
Published: July 2015

Herbaspirillum
spp. are Gram-negative bacteria that inhabit soil and water. Infections caused by these organisms have been reported in immunocompromised hosts. We describe severe community-acquired pneumonia and bacteremia caused by
Herbaspirillum aquaticum
or
H. huttiense
in an immunocompetent adult male.
Critical Role for the Adenosine Pathway in Controlling Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Related Immune Activation and Inflammation in Gut Mucosal Tissues
Authors: He Tianyu , Brocca-Cofano Egidio , Gillespie Delbert G. , Xu Cuiling , Stock Jennifer L. , Ma Dongzhu , Policicchio Benjamin B. , Raehtz Kevin D. , Rinaldo Charles R. , Apetrei Cristian , Jackson Edwin K. , Macatangay Bernard J. C. , Pandrea Ivona
Published: July 2015

The role of the adenosine (ADO) pathway in human immunodeficiency virus type 1/simian immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1/SIV) infection remains unclear. We compared SIVsab-induced changes of markers related to ADO production (CD39 and CD73) and breakdown (CD26 and adenosine deaminase) on T cells from blood, lymph nodes, and intestine collected from pigtailed macaques (PTMs) and African green monkeys (AGMs) that experience different SIVsab infection outcomes. We also measured ADO and inosine (INO) levels in tissues by mass spectrometry. Finally, we assessed the suppressive effect of ADO on proinflammatory cytokine production after T cell receptor stimulation. The baseline level of both CD39 and CD73 coexpression on regulatory T cells and ADO levels were higher in AGMs than in PTMs. Conversely, high INO levels associated with dramatic increases in CD26 expression and adenosine deaminase activity were observed in PTMs during chronic SIV infection. Immune activation and inflammation markers in the gut and periphery inversely correlated with ADO and directly correlated with INO.
Ex vivo
administration of ADO significantly suppressed proinflammatory cytokine production by T cells in both species. In conclusion, the opposite dynamics of ADO pathway-related markers and contrasting ADO/INO levels in species with divergent proinflammatory responses to SIV infection support a key role of ADO in controlling immune activation/inflammation in nonprogressive SIV infections. Changes in ADO levels predominately occurred in the gut, suggesting that the ADO pathway may be involved in sparing natural hosts of SIVs from developing SIV-related gut dysfunction. Focusing studies of the ADO pathway on mucosal sites of viral replication is warranted.

IMPORTANCE
The mechanisms responsible for the severe gut dysfunction characteristic of progressive HIV and SIV infection in humans and macaques are not completely elucidated. We report that ADO may play a key role in controlling immune activation/inflammation in nonprogressive SIV infections by limiting SIV-related gut inflammation. Conversely, in progressive SIV infection, significant degradation of ADO occurs, possibly due to an early increase of ADO deaminase complexing protein 2 (CD26) and adenosine deaminase. Our study supports therapeutic interventions to offset alterations of this pathway during progressive HIV/SIV infections. These potential approaches to control chronic immune activation and inflammation during pathogenic SIV infection may prevent HIV disease progression.
Fungal Biofilms:
In Vivo
Models for Discovery of Anti-Biofilm Drugs
Authors: Nett Jeniel E. , R. Andes David
Published: July 2015

During infection, fungi frequently transition to a biofilm lifestyle, proliferating as communities of surface-adherent aggregates of cells. Phenotypically, cells in a biofilm are distinct from free-floating cells. Their high tolerance of antifungals and ability to withstand host defenses are two characteristics that foster resilience. Biofilm infections are particularly difficult to eradicate, and most available antifungals have minimal activity. Therefore, the discovery of novel compounds and innovative strategies to treat fungal biofilms is of great interest. Although many fungi have been observed to form biofilms, the most well-studied is
Candida albicans
. Animal models have been developed to simulate common
Candida
device-associated infections, including those involving vascular catheters, dentures, urinary catheters, and subcutaneous implants. Models have also reproduced the most common mucosal biofilm infections: oropharyngeal and vaginal candidiasis. These models incorporate the anatomical site, immune components, and fluid dynamics of clinical niches and have been instrumental in the study of drug resistance and investigation of novel therapies. This chapter describes the significance of fungal biofilm infections, the animal models developed for biofilm study, and how these models have contributed to the development of new strategies for the eradication of fungal biofilm infections.
Congenital sucrase–isomaltase deficiency: diagnostic challenges and response to enzyme replacement therapy
Authors: Puntis J W L , Zamvar V
Published: July 2015

Congenital sucrase–isomaltase (SI) deficiency is a rare genetic condition characterised by a deficiency in the brush-border SI enzyme, resulting in an inability to metabolise sucrose and starches. Six cases of congenital SI deficiency treated with Sucraid (sacrosidase, a yeast-derived enzyme that facilitates sucrose digestion) are described. Typical presenting symptoms were watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain and bloating, sometimes noticeably worse after ingestion of fruit. Diagnosis is challenging since conventional hydrogen breath testing after an oral sucrose load is impractical in young children, and many laboratories no longer look for maldigested sucrose using faecal sugar chromatography. Confirmation is by disaccharidase assay of duodenal or jejunal mucosa obtained endoscopically. All six patients showed little improvement following advice regarding dietary management, but experienced a marked reduction in symptoms with sacrosidase administration; no adverse events were reported. Sacrosidase is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for patients with congenital SI deficiency. Gene testing and clinical trial of sacrosidase may become an alternative to endoscopic biopsies for diagnosis.
Long-term pulmonary function in children with recessive polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Jahnukainen Timo , Kirjavainen Turkka , Luoto Topi , Ylinen Elisa , Linkosalo Laura , Arikoski Pekka , Pakarinen Mikko , Jalanko Hannu
Published: July 2015

Background

Neonatal autosomal-recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is associated with pulmonary hypoplasia and severe respiratory distress. There is no published information on long-term lung function in ARPKD survivors.

Methods

Pulmonary function tests, including spirometry and diffusion capacity, were performed in a nationwide cohort of Finnish paediatric patients with ARPKD. The annual incidence of respiratory infections and the need for permanent asthma medication were also evaluated in this population.

Results

Pulmonary function in 11 children surviving the neonatal period was good when measured after a median follow-up time of 10.4 years (range 5.4–16.1 years). None of the patients required oxygen supplementation, and only one patient had asthma. Patients who had received ventilator therapy during infancy had significantly lower maximal instantaneous forced expiratory flow (MEF%) (66%; 43–93% vs 105%; 63–110%; p=0.048) and forced expiratory volume/forced vital capacity (0.76; 0.7–0.81 vs 0.89; 0.77–0.91; p=0.03) than patients without a history of mechanical ventilation, suggesting tendency for airway obstruction in the former group of patients. The frequency of respiratory infections did not differ from Finnish paediatric population in general.

Conclusions

The results of pulmonary function tests were within reference values for most patients with ARPKD, which suggested good long-term lung prognosis. Lung function tests should be considered for patients with ARPKD with a history of mechanical ventilation during infancy.
Emergency supply of prescription-only medicines to patients by community pharmacists: a mixed methods evaluation incorporating patient, pharmacist and GP perspectives
Authors: Morecroft Charles W , Mackridge Adam J , Stokes Elizabeth C , Gray Nicola J , Wilson Sarah E , Ashcroft Darren M , Mensah Noah , Pickup Graham B
Published: July 2015

Objective

To evaluate and inform emergency supply of prescription-only medicines by community pharmacists (CPs), including how the service could form an integral component of established healthcare provision to maximise adherence.

Design

Mixed methods. 4 phases: prospective audit of emergency supply requests for prescribed medicines (October–November 2012 and April 2013); interviews with CPs (February–April 2013); follow-up interviews with patients (April–May 2013); interactive feedback sessions with general practice teams (October–November 2013).

Setting

22 community pharmacies and 6 general practices in Northwest England.

Participants

27 CPs with experience of dealing with requests for emergency supplies; 25 patients who received an emergency supply of a prescribed medicine; 58 staff at 6 general practices.

Results

Clinical audit in 22 pharmacies over two 4-week periods reported that 526 medicines were requested by 450 patients. Requests peaked over a bank holiday and around weekends. A significant number of supplies were made during practice opening hours. Most requests were for older patients and for medicines used in long-term conditions. Difficulty in renewing repeat medication (forgetting to order, or prescription delays) was the major reason for requests. The majority of medicines were ‘loaned’ in advance of a National Health Service (NHS) prescription. Interviews with CPs and patients indicated that continuous supply had a positive impact on medicines adherence, removing the need to access urgent care. General practice staff were surprised and concerned by the extent of emergency supply episodes.

Conclusions

CPs regularly provide emergency supplies to patients who run out of their repeat medication, including during practice opening hours. This may aid adherence. There is currently no feedback loop, however, to general practice. Patient care and interprofessional communication may be better served by the introduction of a formally structured and funded NHS emergency supply service from community pharmacies, with ongoing optimisation of repeat prescribing.
Split-mouth and parallel-arm trials to compare pain with intraosseous anaesthesia delivered by the computerised Quicksleeper system and conventional infiltration anaesthesia in paediatric oral healthcare: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Smaïl-Faugeron Violaine , Muller-Bolla Michèle , Sixou Jean-Louis , Courson Frédéric
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Local anaesthesia is commonly used in paediatric oral healthcare. Infiltration anaesthesia is the most frequently used, but recent developments in anaesthesia techniques have introduced an alternative: intraosseous anaesthesia. We propose to perform a split-mouth and parallel-arm multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing the pain caused by the insertion of the needle for the injection of conventional infiltration anaesthesia, and intraosseous anaesthesia by the computerised QuickSleeper system, in children and adolescents.

Methods and analysis

Inclusion criteria are patients 7–15 years old with at least 2 first permanent molars belonging to the same dental arch (for the split-mouth RCT) or with a first permanent molar (for the parallel-arm RCT) requiring conservative or endodontic treatment limited to pulpotomy. The setting of this study is the Department of Paediatric Dentistry at 3 University dental hospitals in France. The primary outcome measure will be pain reported by the patient on a visual analogue scale concerning the insertion of the needle and the injection/infiltration. Secondary outcomes are latency, need for additional anaesthesia during the treatment and pain felt during the treatment. We will use a computer-generated permuted-block randomisation sequence for allocation to anaesthesia groups. The random sequences will be stratified by centre (and by dental arch for the parallel-arm RCT). Only participants will be blinded to group assignment. Data will be analysed by the intent-to-treat principle. In all, 160 patients will be included (30 in the split-mouth RCT, 130 in the parallel-arm RCT).

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol has been approved by the French ethics committee for the protection of people (Comité de Protection des Personnes, Ile de France I) and will be conducted in full accordance with accepted ethical principles. Findings will be reported in scientific publications and at research conferences, and in project summary papers for participants.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.govNCT02084433.
Reducing and managing faecal incontinence in people with advanced dementia who are resident in care homes: protocol for a realist synthesis
Authors: Goodman Claire , Rycroft Malone Jo , Norton Christine , Harari Danielle , Harwood Rowan , Roe Brenda , Russell Bridget , Fader Mandy , Buswell Marina , Drennan Vari M , Bunn Frances
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Faecal incontinence (FI) is the involuntary loss of liquid or solid stool that is a social or hygienic problem. The prevalence of FI in residents of care homes is high, but it is not an inevitable consequence of old age or dementia. There is good evidence on risk factors, but few studies provide evidence about effective interventions. There is a need to understand how, why, and in what circumstances particular programmes to reduce and manage FI are effective (or not) for people with dementia. The purpose of this review is to identify which (elements of the) interventions could potentially be effective, and examine the barriers and facilitators to the acceptability, uptake and implementation of interventions designed to address FI in people with dementia who are resident in care homes.

Methods and analysis

A realist synthesis approach to review the evidence will be used which will include studies on continence, person-centred care, implementation research in care homes, workforce and research on care home culture. An iterative four-stage approach is planned. Phase 1: development of an initial programme theory or theories that will be ‘tested’ through a first scoping of the literature and consultation with five stakeholder groups (care home providers, user representatives, academics and practice educators, clinicians with a special interest in FI and continence specialists). Phase 2: a systematic search and analysis of published and unpublished evidence to test and develop the programme theories identified in phase 1. Phase 3: validation of programme theory/ies with a purposive sample of participants from phase 1.

Ethics and dissemination

The overall protocol does not require ethical review. The University research ethics committee will review interviews conducted as part of phase 1 and 3. The final fourth phase will synthesise and develop recommendations for practice and develop testable hypotheses for further research.
A research protocol for developing a Point-Of-Care Key Evidence Tool ‘POCKET’: a checklist for multidimensional evidence reporting on point-of-care in vitro diagnostics
Authors: Huddy Jeremy R , Ni Melody , Mavroveli Stella , Barlow James , Williams Doris-Ann , Hanna George B
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Point-of-care in vitro diagnostics (POC-IVD) are increasingly becoming widespread as an acceptable means of providing rapid diagnostic results to facilitate decision-making in many clinical pathways. Evidence in utility, usability and cost-effectiveness is currently provided in a fragmented and detached manner that is fraught with methodological challenges given the disruptive nature these tests have on the clinical pathway. The Point-of-care Key Evidence Tool (POCKET) checklist aims to provide an integrated evidence-based framework that incorporates all required evidence to guide the evaluation of POC-IVD to meet the needs of policy and decisionmakers in the National Health Service (NHS).

Methods and analysis

A multimethod approach will be applied in order to develop the POCKET. A thorough literature review has formed the basis of a robust Delphi process and validation study. Semistructured interviews are being undertaken with POC-IVD stakeholders, including industry, regulators, commissioners, clinicians and patients to understand what evidence is required to facilitate decision-making. Emergent themes will be translated into a series of statements to form a survey questionnaire that aims to reach a consensus in each stakeholder group to what needs to be included in the tool. Results will be presented to a workshop to discuss the statements brought forward and the optimal format for the tool. Once assembled, the tool will be field-tested through case studies to ensure validity and usability and inform refinement, if required. The final version will be published online with a call for comments. Limitations include unpredictable sample representation, development of compromise position rather than consensus, and absence of blinding in validation exercise.

Ethics and dissemination

The Imperial College Joint Research Compliance Office and the Imperial College Hospitals NHS Trust R&D department have approved the protocol. The checklist tool will be disseminated through a PhD thesis, a website, peer-reviewed publication, academic conferences and formal presentations.
How social inequalities impact the course of treatment and care for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: study protocol for a qualitative cross-sectional study from the patient's perspective
Authors: Baumann Amelie , Schröder Sara L , Fink Astrid
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Studies from various scientific disciplines have demonstrated that socioeconomic inequalities in type 2 diabetes mellitus negatively affect groups with a low socioeconomic status. Furthermore, socioeconomic inequalities also exist in terms of access to, and utilisation and perceived quality of, diabetological care. The aim of this qualitative study, which focuses on the patient's perspective, is to provide insights into the ways socioeconomic inequalities impact the course of treatment and care of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study aims to develop an understanding of how socioeconomic inequalities in care arise.

Methods and analysis

A cross-sectional qualitative study will be conducted using a sample of about 20 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged 18 and older. Patients will be recruited successively from the University Hospital in Halle/Saale, Germany, a general practitioner's office, and in a specialised diabetological practice. The patients will be interviewed personally once, using semistructured qualitative interviews. All interviews will be recorded, transcribed, and analysed based on Grounded Theory.

Ethics and dissemination

All interviewees will receive comprehensive written information about the study and sign a declaration of consent prior to the interview. The study will comply rigorously with data protection legislation. The research team has obtained the approval of the Ethical Review Committee at the MLU Halle-Wittenberg, Germany. The results of the study will be published in high-quality, peer-reviewed international journals, presented at several congresses and used for developing follow-up research projects.

Trial registration number

This study has been registered with the German Clinical Trials Register and assigned DRKS00007847.
Clinicopathological correlates of hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Duan Kai , Gomez Hernandez Karen , Mete Ozgur
Published: July 2015

Hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrine disorder with potential complications on the skeletal, renal, neurocognitive and cardiovascular systems. While most cases (95%) occur sporadically, about 5% are associated with a hereditary syndrome: multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes (MEN-1, MEN-2A, MEN-4), hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumour syndrome (HPT-JT), familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia (FHH-1, FHH-2, FHH-3), familial hypercalciuric hypercalcaemia, neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism and isolated familial hyperparathyroidism. Recently, molecular mechanisms underlying possible tumour suppressor genes (MEN1, CDC73/HRPT2, CDKIs, APC, SFRPs, GSK3β, RASSF1A, HIC1, RIZ1, WT1, CaSR, GNA11, AP2S1) and proto-oncogenes (CCND1/PRAD1, RET, ZFX, CTNNB1, EZH2) have been uncovered in the pathogenesis of hyperparathyroidism. While bi-allelic inactivation ofCDC73/HRPT2seems unique to parathyroid malignancy, aberrant activation of cyclin D1 and Wnt/β-catenin signalling has been reported in benign and malignant parathyroid tumours. Clinicopathological correlates of primary hyperparathyroidism include parathyroid adenoma (80–85%), hyperplasia (10–15%) and carcinoma (<1–5%). Secondary hyperparathyroidism generally presents with diffuse parathyroid hyperplasia, whereas tertiary hyperparathyroidism reflects the emergence of autonomous parathyroid hormone (PTH)-producing neoplasm(s) from secondary parathyroid hyperplasia. Surgical resection of abnormal parathyroid tissue remains the only curative treatment in primary hyperparathyroidism, and parathyroidectomy specimens are frequently encountered in this setting. Clinical and biochemical features, including intraoperative PTH levels, number, weight and size of the affected parathyroid gland(s), are crucial parameters to consider when rendering an accurate diagnosis of parathyroid proliferations. This review provides an update on the expanding knowledge of hyperparathyroidism and highlights the clinicopathological correlations of this prevalent disease.
Pair production in a magnetic and radiation field in a pulsar magnetosphere
Authors: Diachenko M. M. , Novak O. P. , Kholodov R. I.
Published: July 2015

In this paper one- and two-photon pair production in a subcritical magnetic field have been considered. Two-photon production has been studied in the resonant case, when the cross-section considerably increases compared to the non-resonant case. While one-photon pair production is considered to be the main mechanism of plasma generation in a pulsar magnetosphere, we suggest the existence of another one, which is resonant two-photon production process.
Inference about Weibull Distribution Using Upper Record Values
Authors: Huang Kai , Mi Jie
Published: July 2015

This paper studies the frequentist inference about the shape and scale parameters of the two-parameter Weibull distribution using upper record values. The exact sampling distribution of the MLE of the shape parameter is derived. The asymptotic normality of the MLEs of both parameters are obtained. Based on these results this paper proposes various confidence intervals of the two parameters. Assuming one parameter is known certain testing procedures are proposed. Furthermore, approximate prediction interval for the immediately consequent record value is derived too. Conclusions are made based on intensive simulations.
Does Institutional Ownership Promote the Transformation of Underperforming Firms?
Authors: Erenburg Grigori , Smith Janet Kiholm , Smith Richard
Published: July 2015

We focus on firms that chronically underperform and evaluate ways that institutional investors can facilitate asset redeployment. Increases in institutional holdings are associated with subsequent acquisition and decreases are associated with subsequent failure. For surviving underperformers, holdings and changes are associated with improved performance, but long-run abnormal returns remain negative and Q remains low. This association between holdings and performance is not causal. Rather, it is explained by “flight to quality” combined with persistence of financial performance, including persistence of abnormal returns for underperformers. The evidence casts doubt on interpretations in previous findings of positive relationships between holdings and performance.
Getting Around and Getting On: Self-Interested Resistance to Technology in Law Enforcement Contexts
Authors: Wells Helen
Published: July 2015

This review considers the use of technology in law enforcement contexts, focusing on evidence of resistance to particular forms of intervention. Whereas Big Brother and civil liberties narratives dominate the academic discussion of opposition in this area, we focus on reviewing evidence of the more routine adaptations that characterize many people's response to attempts to change their behavior. Discussion of some frequently encountered technologies (including closed-circuit television and speed cameras) is situated within a reflection on the changes in conceptualizations of both crime and the criminal observable over recent decades. Many acts of resistance within this context can, it is proposed, be understood not as examples of ideological opposition but as rational and predominantly self-interested responses to these new conditions.
Misdemeanors
Authors: Natapoff Alexandra
Published: July 2015

Misdemeanors are an increasingly vital arena of criminal justice scholarship and policy. With ten million cases filed each year, and vastly outnumbering felonies, the petty offense is the paradigmatic US crime. Indeed, most Americans experience the criminal system through the petty offense process. This review surveys the major structural and theoretical issues raised by the misdemeanor system, including its assembly-line quality, high rates of wrongful conviction, and powerful influence over the system's class and racial skew. It concludes that misdemeanors offer novel ways of understanding the US criminal justice institution as a whole and open up broad new avenues for inquiry.
Effects of Southern Hemisphere Wind Changes on the Meridional Overturning Circulation in Ocean Models
Authors: Gent Peter R.
Published: July 2015

Observations show that the Southern Hemisphere zonal wind stress maximum has increased significantly over the past 30 years. Eddy-resolving ocean models show that the resulting increase in the Southern Ocean mean flow meridional overturning circulation (MOC) is partially compensated by an increase in the eddy MOC. This effect can be reproduced in the non-eddy-resolving ocean component of a climate model, providing the eddy parameterization coefficient is variable and not a constant. If the coefficient is a constant, then the Southern Ocean mean MOC change is balanced by an unrealistically large change in the Atlantic Ocean MOC. Southern Ocean eddy compensation means that Southern Hemisphere winds cannot be the dominant mechanism driving midlatitude North Atlantic MOC variability.
Characteristic Sizes of Life in the Oceans, from Bacteria to Whales
Authors: Andersen K.H. , Berge T. , Gonçalves R.J. , Hartvig M. , Heuschele J. , Hylander S. , Jacobsen N.S. , Lindemann C. , Martens E.A. , Neuheimer A.B. , Olsson K. , Palacz A. , Prowe A.E.F. , Sainmont J. , Traving S.J. , Visser A.W. , Wadhwa N. , Kiørboe T.
Published: July 2015

The size of an individual organism is a key trait to characterize its physiology and feeding ecology. Size-based scaling laws may have a limited size range of validity or undergo a transition from one scaling exponent to another at some characteristic size. We collate and review data on size-based scaling laws for resource acquisition, mobility, sensory range, and progeny size for all pelagic marine life, from bacteria to whales. Further, we review and develop simple theoretical arguments for observed scaling laws and the characteristic sizes of a change or breakdown of power laws. We divide life in the ocean into seven major realms based on trophic strategy, physiology, and life history strategy. Such a categorization represents a move away from a taxonomically oriented description toward a trait-based description of life in the oceans. Finally, we discuss life forms that transgress the simple size-based rules and identify unanswered questions.
Differences in hemodynamic response to metaboreflex activation between obese patients with metabolic syndrome and healthy subjects with obese phenotype
Authors: Milia Raffaele , Velluzzi Fernanda , Roberto Silvana , Palazzolo Girolamo , Sanna Irene , Sainas Gianmarco , Pusceddu Matteo , Mulliri Gabriele , Loviselli Andrea , Crisafulli Antonio
Published: July 2015

Patients suffering from obesity and metabolic syndrome (OMS) manifest a dysregulation in hemodynamic response during exercise, with an exaggerated systemic vascular increase. However, it is not clear whether this is the consequence of metabolic syndrome per se or whether it is due to concomitant obesity. The aim of the present investigation was to discover whether OMS and noncomplicated obesity resulted in different hemodynamic responses during the metaboreflex. Twelve metabolically healthy but obese subjects (MHO; 7 women), 13 OMS patients (5 women), and 12 normal age-matched controls (CTL; 6 women) took part in this study. All participants underwent a postexercise muscle ischemia protocol to evaluate the metaboreflex activity. Central hemodynamics were evaluated by impedance cardiography. The main result shows an exaggerated increase in systemic vascular resistance from baseline during the metaboreflex in the OMS patients as compared with the other groups (481.6 ± 180.3, −0.52 ± 177.6, and −60.5 ± 58.6 dynes·s−1·cm−5 for the OMS, the MHO, and the CTL groups, respectively; P < 0.05). Moreover, the MHO subjects and the CTL group showed an increase in cardiac output during the metaboreflex (288.7 ± 325.8 and 703.8 ± 276.2 ml/m increase with respect to baseline), whereas this parameter tended to decrease in the OMS group (−350 ± 236.5 ml/m). However, the blood pressure response, which tended to be higher in the OMS patients, was not statistically different between groups. The results of the present investigation suggest that OMS patients have an exaggerated vasoconstriction in response to metaboreflex activation and that this fact is not due to obesity per se.
Umbilical Cord Tissue-Derived Cells as Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Maslova Olga , Novak Miroslav , Kruzliak Peter
Published: July 2015

Although the characteristics of SC, including UC-derived cells, are a dramatically discussed issue, this review will focus particularly on some controversial issues regarding clinical utility of cells isolated from UC tissue. UC-derived cells have several advantages compared to other types and sources of stem cells. The impact of UC topography on cell characteristics is briefly discussed. The necessity to adapt existing methods of cell isolation and culturing to GMP conditions is mentioned, as well as possible cryopreservation of this material. Light is shed on some future perspectives for UC-derived cells.
Propofol Attenuates Small Intestinal Ischemia Reperfusion Injury through Inhibiting NADPH Oxidase Mediated Mast Cell Activation
Authors: Gan Xiaoliang , Xing Dandan , Su Guangjie , Li Shun , Luo Chenfang , Irwin Michael G. , Xia Zhengyuan , Li Haobo , Hei Ziqing
Published: July 2015

Both oxidative stress and mast cell (MC) degranulation participate in the process of small intestinal ischemia reperfusion (IIR) injury, and oxidative stress induces MC degranulation. Propofol, an anesthetic with antioxidant property, can attenuate IIR injury. We postulated that propofol can protect against IIR injury by inhibiting oxidative stress subsequent from NADPH oxidase mediated MC activation. Cultured RBL-2H3 cells were pretreated with antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or propofol and subjected to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) stimulation without or with MC degranulator compound 48/80 (CP). H2O2significantly increased cells degranulation, which was abolished by NAC or propofol. MC degranulation by CP further aggravated H2O2induced cell degranulation of small intestinal epithelial cell, IEC-6 cells, stimulated by tryptase. Rats subjected to IIR showed significant increases in cellular injury and elevations of NADPH oxidase subunits p47phoxand gp91phoxprotein expression, increases of the specific lipid peroxidation product 15-F2t-Isoprostane and interleukin-6, and reductions in superoxide dismutase activity with concomitant enhancements in tryptase andβ-hexosaminidase. MC degranulation by CP further aggravated IIR injury. And all these changes were attenuated by NAC or propofol pretreatment, which also abrogated CP-mediated exacerbation of IIR injury. It is concluded that pretreatment of propofol confers protection against IIR injury by suppressing NADPH oxidase mediated MC activation.
Rank-One and Transformed Sparse Decomposition for Dynamic Cardiac MRI
Authors: Xiu Xianchao , Kong Lingchen
Published: July 2015

It is challenging and inspiring for us to achieve high spatiotemporal resolutions in dynamic cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this paper, we introduce two novel models and algorithms to reconstruct dynamic cardiac MRI data from under-sampledk-tspace data. In contrast to classical low-rank and sparse model, we use rank-one and transformed sparse model to exploit the correlations in the dataset. In addition, we propose projected alternative direction method (PADM) and alternative hard thresholding method (AHTM) to solve our proposed models. Numerical experiments of cardiac perfusion and cardiac cine MRI data demonstrate improvement in performance.
The Application of Data Mining Technology to Build a Forecasting Model for Classification of Road Traffic Accidents
Authors: Shiau Yau-Ren , Tsai Ching-Hsing , Hung Yung-Hsiang , Kuo Yu-Ting
Published: July 2015

With the ever-increasing number of vehicles on the road, traffic accidents have also increased, resulting in the loss of lives and properties, as well as immeasurable social costs. The environment, time, and region influence the occurrence of traffic accidents. The life and property loss is expected to be reduced by improving traffic engineering, education, and administration of law and advocacy. This study observed 2,471 traffic accidents which occurred in central Taiwan from January to December 2011 and used the Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) of Feature Selection to screen the important factors affecting traffic accidents. It then established models to analyze traffic accidents with various methods, such as Fuzzy Robust Principal Component Analysis (FRPCA), Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN), and Logistic Regression (LR). The proposed model aims to probe into the environments of traffic accidents, as well as the relationships between the variables of road designs, rule-violation items, and accident types. The results showed that the accuracy rate of classifiers FRPCA-BPNN (85.89%) and FRPCA-LR (85.14%) combined with FRPCA is higher than that of BPNN (84.37%) and LR (85.06%) by 1.52% and 0.08%, respectively. Moreover, the performance of FRPCA-BPNN and FRPCA-LR combined with FRPCA in classification prediction is better than that of BPNN and LR.
Placebo-Controlled Discontinuation of Long-Term Acid-Suppressant Therapy: A Randomised Trial in General Practice
Authors: Zwisler Jon Eik , Jarbøl Dorte Ejg , Lassen Annmarie Touborg , Kragstrup Jakob , Thorsgaard Niels , Schaffalitzky de Muckadell Ove B.
Published: July 2015

Objective. To investigate whether patients on long-term antisecretory medication need to continue treatment to control symptoms. Methods. A double-blinded randomised placebo-controlled trial in general practices in Denmark. Patients aged 18–90 who were treated with antisecretory drugs on a long-term basis were randomized to esomeprazole 40 mg or identical placebo. Outcome measures were time to discontinuation with trial medication due to failed symptom control analysed as survival data. The proportion of patients stopping trial medication during the one-year follow-up was estimated. Results. A total of 171 patients were included with a median prior duration of antisecretory treatment of four years (range: 0.5 to 14.6 years). 86 patients received esomeprazole 40 mg and 85 patients received placebo. At 12 months, statistically significantly more patients in the placebo group had discontinued (73% (62/85)) compared with the esomeprazole group (21% (18/86); p < 0.001). Conclusions. Long-term users of antisecretory drugs showed a preference for the active drug compared to placebo. However, 27% of patients continued on placebo throughout the study and did not need to reinstitute usual treatment. One in five patients treated with esomeprazole discontinued trial medication due to unsatisfactory symptom control. Discontinuation of antisecretory treatment should be considered in long-term users of antisecretory drugs. This trial is registered with Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT00120315.
Umami the Fifth Basic Taste: History of Studies on Receptor Mechanisms and Role as a Food Flavor
Authors: Kurihara Kenzo
Published: July 2015

Three umami substances (glutamate, 5′-inosinate, and 5′-guanylate) were found by Japanese scientists, but umami has not been recognized in Europe and America for a long time. In the late 1900s, umami was internationally recognized as the fifth basic taste based on psychophysical, electrophysiological, and biochemical studies. Three umami receptors (T1R1 + T1R3, mGluR4, and mGluR1) were identified. There is a synergism between glutamate and the 5′-nucleotides. Among the above receptors, only T1R1 + T1R3 receptor exhibits the synergism. In rats, the response to a mixture of glutamate and 5′-inosinate is about 1.7 times larger than that to glutamate alone. In human, the response to the mixture is about 8 times larger than that to glutamate alone. Since glutamate and 5′-inosinate are contained in various foods, we taste umami induced by the synergism in daily eating. Hence umami taste induced by the synergism is a main umami taste in human.