bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and isolation of stimulator of interferon genes (STING): an innate immune sensory and adaptor gene from camelids
Authors: Premraj A. , Aleyas A. G. , Nautiyal B. , Rasool T. J.
Published: January 2013

The mechanism by which type I interferon–mediated antiviral response is mounted by hosts against invading pathogen is an intriguing one. Of late, an endoplasmic reticulum transmembrane protein encoded by a gene called stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is implicated in the innate signalling pathways and has been identified and cloned in few mammalian species including human, mouse and pig. In this article, we report the identification of STING from three different species of a highly conserved family of mammals – the camelids. cDNAs encoding the STING of Old World camels – dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) and bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) and a New World camel – llama (Llama glama) were amplified using conserved primers and RACE. The complete STING cDNA of dromedary camel is 2171 bp long with a 706‐bp 5′ untranslated regions (UTR), an 1137‐bp open reading frame (ORF) and a 328‐bp 3′ UTR. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the ORF of STING from these three camelids indicate high level of similarity among camelids and conservation of critical amino acid residues across different species. Quantitative real‐time PCR analysis revealed high levels of STING mRNA expression in blood, spleen, lymph node and lung. The identification of camelid STING will help in better understanding of the role of this molecule in the innate immunity of the camelids and other mammals.
Perinatal xenohormone exposure impacts sweet preference and submandibular development in male rats
Authors: Kouidhi W , Bergès R , Tiffon C , Desmetz C , El May M , Auger J , Canivenc‐Lavier MC
Published: January 2013

Objective

To determine the effect of perinatal exposure to low doses of genistein and/or vinclozolin on submandibular salivary gland (SSG) development in juvenile and adult male rats and to establish a link with sweet preference.

Material and Methods

Female rats received orally (1 mg kg−1 body weight/day) genistein and vinclozolin, alone or in combination, from the first gestational day up to weaning. Sweet preference was assessed at weaning and in adulthood in male offspring; submandibular glands were then collected to study the morphogenesis and mRNA expression of steroid receptors, growth factors and taste related proteins.

Results

Exposure to genistein and/or vinclozolin resulted in a higher saccharin intake on postnatal day 25 (P < 0.05) linked to a higher number of pro‐acinar cells (P < 0.01) and mRNA expression of progesterone receptor, growth factors and gustine (P < 0.01). These increases disappeared in adulthood, but mRNA expressions of sex hormone receptors and growth factors were strongly repressed in all treated groups (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our findings confirm that the SSG are target for xenohormones and provide evidence that perinatal exposure to low doses of genistein and/or vinclozolin could simultaneously disrupt not only the salivary gland prepubertal development and sweet intake but also endocrine gene mRNA expression later in life.
Electrical impedance spectroscopy as a potential adjunct diagnostic tool for cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Mohr Peter , Birgersson Ulrik , Berking Carola , Henderson Catriona , Trefzer Uwe , Kemeny Lajos , Sunderkötter Cord , Dirschka Thomas , Motley Richard , Frohm‐Nilsson Margareta , Reinhold Uwe , Loquai Carmen , Braun Ralph , Nyberg Filippa , Paoli John
Published: January 2013

Background

Previous studies have shown statistically significant differences in electrical impedance between various cutaneous lesions. Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) may therefore be able to aid clinicians in differentiating between benign and malignant skin lesions.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to develop a classification algorithm to distinguish between melanoma and benign lesions of the skin with a sensitivity of at least 98% and a specificity approximately 20 per cent higher than the diagnostic accuracy of dermatologists.

Patients/Methods

A total of 1300 lesions were collected in a multicentre, prospective, non‐randomized clinical trial from 19 centres around Europe. All lesions were excised and subsequently evaluated independently by a panel of three expert dermatopathologists. From the data two classification algorithms were developed and verified.

Results

For the first classification algorithm, approximately 40% of the data were used for calibration and 60% for testing. The observed sensitivity for melanoma was 98.1% (101/103), non‐melanoma skin cancer 100% (25/25) and dysplastic nevus with severe atypia 84.2% (32/38). The overall observed specificity was 23.6% (66/280). For the second classification algorithm, approximately 55% of the data were used for calibration. The observed sensitivity for melanoma was 99.4% (161/162), for non‐melanoma skin cancer was 98.0% (49/50) and dysplastic nevus with severe atypia was 93.8% (60/64). The overall observed specificity was 24.5% (116/474).

Conclusion

EIS has the potential to be an adjunct diagnostic tool to help clinicians differentiate between benign and malignant (melanocytic and non‐melanocytic) skin lesions. Further studies are needed to confirm the validity of the automatic assessment algorithm.
A comparative study of colour and perfusion between two different post surgical scars. Do the laser Doppler imager and the colorimeter measure the same features of a scar?
Authors: Mermans J. F. , Peeters W. J. , Dikmans R. , Serroyen J. , van der Hulst R. R. J. W. , Van den Kerckhove E.
Published: January 2013

Background/purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of different located post surgical scars on both perfusion and redness. The pattern of change and correlation between perfusion and redness of post surgical scars is also examined.

Methods

In this study, we measured redness and perfusion of the abdominal and breast scar of 24 women undergoing breast reconstruction with Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Free Flap surgery with the Minolta Chromameter CR‐400/410 and the Moor Instruments laser Doppler imager 12IR, respectively, at different intervals post‐operatively.

Results

The laser Doppler imager gives significantly higher values for the abdominal compared with the breast scar. There was no consistent correlation found between perfusion and redness at the different test moments for both locations.

The scores of both parameters were significantly associated after 9 months follow‐up for both locations.

Conclusion

Scars closed with higher mechanical force show higher perfusion and prolonged activity; and more redness is associated with more perfusion for both post surgical scars. Nevertheless, there was no consistent correlation found between these parameters making the laser Doppler imager and the Colorimeter still non‐replaceable instruments.
Anaerobic Sulfur Metabolism Coupled to Dissimilatory Iron Reduction in the Extremophile Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
Authors: Osorio Hï¿½ctor , Mangold Stefanie , Denis Yann , ï¿½ancucheo Ivan , Esparza Mario , Johnson D. Barrie , Bonnefoy Violaine , Dopson Mark , Holmes David S.
Published: January 2013

Gene transcription (microarrays) and protein levels (proteomics) were compared in cultures of the acidophilic chemolithotroph
Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
grown on elemental sulfur as the electron donor under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, using either molecular oxygen or ferric iron as the electron acceptor, respectively. No evidence supporting the role of either tetrathionate hydrolase or arsenic reductase in mediating the transfer of electrons to ferric iron (as suggested by previous studies) was obtained. In addition, no novel ferric iron reductase was identified. However, data suggested that sulfur was disproportionated under anaerobic conditions, forming hydrogen sulfide via sulfur reductase and sulfate via heterodisulfide reductase and ATP sulfurylase. Supporting physiological evidence for H
2
S production came from the observation that soluble Cu
2+
included in anaerobically incubated cultures was precipitated (seemingly as CuS). Since H
2
S reduces ferric iron to ferrous in acidic medium, its production under anaerobic conditions indicates that anaerobic iron reduction is mediated, at least in part, by an indirect mechanism. Evidence was obtained for an alternative model implicating the transfer of electrons from S
0
to Fe
3+
via a respiratory chain that includes a
bc
1
complex and a cytochrome
c
. Central carbon pathways were upregulated under aerobic conditions, correlating with higher growth rates, while many Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle components were upregulated during anaerobic growth, probably as a result of more limited access to carbon dioxide. These results are important for understanding the role of
A. ferrooxidans
in environmental biogeochemical metal cycling and in industrial bioleaching operations.
Modulation of Porcine β-Defensins 1 and 2 upon Individual and Combined Fusarium Toxin Exposure in a Swine Jejunal Epithelial Cell Line
Authors: Wan Murphy Lam-Yim , Woo Chit-Shing Jackson , Allen Kevin J. , Turner Paul C. , El-Nezami Hani
Published: January 2013

Defensins are small antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that play an important role in the innate immune system of mammals. Since the effect of mycotoxin contamination of food and feed on the secretion of intestinal AMPs is poorly understood, the aim of this study was to elucidate the individual and combined effects of four common
Fusarium
toxins, deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV), zearalenone (ZEA), and fumonisin B1 (FB1), on the mRNA expression, protein secretion, and corresponding antimicrobial effects of porcine β-defensins 1 and 2 (pBD-1 and pBD-2) using a porcine jejunal epithelial cell line, IPEC-J2. In general, upregulation of pBD-1 and pBD-2 mRNA expression occurred following exposure to
Fusarium
toxins, individually and in mixtures (
P
< 0.05). However, no significant increase in secreted pBD-1 and pBD-2 protein levels was observed, as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Supernatants from IPEC-J2 cells exposed to toxins, singly or in combination, however, possessed significantly less antimicrobial activity against
Escherichia coli
than untreated supernatants. When single toxins and two-toxin combinations were assessed, toxicity effects were shown to be nonadditive (including synergism, potentiation, and antagonism), suggesting interactive toxin effects when cells are exposed to mycotoxin combinations. The results show that
Fusarium
toxins, individually and in mixtures, activate distinct antimicrobial defense mechanisms possessing the potential to alter the intestinal microbiota through diminished antimicrobial effects. Moreover, by evaluating toxin mixtures, this improved understanding of toxin effects will enable more effective risk assessments for common mycotoxin combinations observed in contaminated food and feed.
Coinfection of Dermacentor silvarum Olenev (Acari: Ixodidae) by Coxiella-Like, Arsenophonus-Like, and Rickettsia-Like Symbionts
Authors: Liu Limeng , Li Lingxia , Liu Jiannan , Hu Yonghong , Liu Zhao , Guo Lida , Liu Jingze
Published: January 2013

We report that multiple symbionts coexist in
Dermacentor silvarum
. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses, we prove that
Coxiella
-like and
Arsenophonus
-like symbionts, with 95.6% and 96.7% sequence similarity to symbionts in the closest taxon, respectively, are novel. Moreover, we also provide evidence that the
Coxiella
-like symbiont appears to be the primary symbiont.
Identification of a Cyclosporine-Specific P450 Hydroxylase Gene through Targeted Cytochrome P450 Complement (CYPome) Disruption in Sebekia benihana
Authors: Lee Mi-Jin , Kim Hyun-Bum , Yoon Yeo Joon , Han Kyuboem , Kim Eung-Soo
Published: January 2013

It was previously proposed that regio-specific hydroxylation of an immunosuppressive cyclosporine (CsA) at the 4thN-methyl leucine is mediated by cytochrome P450 hydroxylase (CYP) in the rare actinomyceteSebekia benihana. This modification is thought to be the reason for the hair growth-promoting side effect without the immunosuppressive activity of CsA. ThroughS. benihanagenome sequencing andin silicoanalysis, we identified the complete cytochrome P450 complement (CYPome) ofS. benihana, including 21 CYPs and their electron transfer partners, consisting of 7 ferredoxins (FDs) and 4 ferredoxin reductases (FDRs). UsingEscherichia coliconjugation-basedS. benihanaCYPome-targeted disruption, all of the identified CYP, FD, and FDR genes inS. benihanawere individually inactivated. Among the 32S. benihanaexconjugant mutants tested, only a singleS. benihanaCYP mutant, ΔCYP-sb21, failed to exhibit CsA hydroxylation activity. The hydroxylation was restored by CYP-sb21 gene complementation. Since allS. benihanaFD and FDR disruption mutants maintained CsA hydroxylation activity, it can be concluded that CYP-sb21, a new member of the bacterial CYP107 family, is the only essential component of thein vivoregio-specific CsA hydroxylation process inS. benihana. Moreover, expression of an extra copy of the CYP-sb21 gene increased CsA hydroxylation in wild-typeS. benihanaand an NADPH-enrichedStreptomyces coelicolormutant, by 2-fold and 1.5-fold, respectively. These results show for the first time that regio-specific hydroxylation of CsA is carried out by a specific P450 hydroxylase present inS. benihana, and they set the stage for the biotechnological application of regio-specific CsA hydroxylation through heterologous CYP-sb21 expression.
Activation of
sarX
by Rbf Is Required for Biofilm Formation and
icaADBC
Expression in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Cue David , Lei Mei G. , Lee Chia Y.
Published: January 2013

A major constituent of many
Staphylococcus aureus
biofilms is a polysaccharide known as the polysaccharide intercellular adhesin, or poly
N
-acetylglucosamine (PIA/PNAG). PIA/PNAG is synthesized by the 4 gene products of the
icaADBC
operon, which is negatively regulated by the divergently transcribed
icaR
gene. We previously reported the identification of a gene,
rbf
, involved in the positive transcriptional regulation of
icaADBC
transcription by repressing
icaR
in
S. aureus
strain 8325-4. However, we were unable to show binding of Rbf to DNA upstream of
icaR
or
icaA
, suggesting that Rbf may control expression of an unknown factor(s) that, in turn, regulates
ica
expression. Here we report that the unknown factor is SarX protein. Results from epistasis assays and genetic complementation analyses suggest that Rbf upregulates SarX, which then downregulates IcaR, thereby activating
icaADBC
. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that SarX protein bound to a sequence upstream of
icaR
within the
icaA
coding region. Cross-linking and immunoprecipitation experiments further suggested that Rbf binds to the
sarX
promoter in
S. aureus
. These results demonstrate that Rbf and SarX represent a regulatory cascade that promotes PIA-dependent biofilm formation in
S. aureus
.
A Novel 3-Sulfinopropionyl Coenzyme A (3SP-CoA) Desulfinase from Advenella mimigardefordensis Strain DPN7
T
Acting as a Key Enzyme during Catabolism of 3,3′-Dithiodipropionic Acid Is a Member of the Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Superfamily
Authors: Schürmann Marc , Deters Anika , Wübbeler Jan Hendrik , Steinbüchel Alexander
Published: January 2013

3-Sulfinopropionyl coenzyme A (3SP-CoA) desulfinase (Acd
DPN7
) is a new desulfinase that catalyzes the sulfur abstraction from 3SP-CoA in the betaproteobacterium
Advenella mimigardefordensis
strain DPN7
T
. During investigation of a Tn
5
::
mob
-induced mutant defective in growth on 3,3′-dithiodipropionate (DTDP) and also 3-sulfinopropionate (3SP), the transposon insertion was mapped to an open reading frame with the highest homology to an acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (Acd) from
Burkholderia phenoliruptrix
strain BR3459a (83% identical and 91% similar amino acids). An
A. mimigardefordensis
Δ
acd
mutant was generated and verified the observed phenotype of the Tn
5
::
mob
-induced mutant. For enzymatic studies, Acd
DPN7
was heterologously expressed in
Escherichia coli
BL21(DE3)/pLysS by using pET23a::
acd
DPN7
. The purified protein is yellow and contains a noncovalently bound flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) cofactor, as verified by high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) analyses. Size-exclusion chromatography revealed a native molecular mass of about 173 kDa, indicating a homotetrameric structure (theoretically 179 kDa), which is in accordance with other members of the acyl-CoA dehydrogenase superfamily.
In vitro
assays unequivocally demonstrated that the purified enzyme converted 3SP-CoA into propionyl-CoA and sulfite (SO
3
2−
). Kinetic studies of Acd
DPN7
revealed a
V
max
of 4.19 μmol min
−1
mg
−1
, an apparent

K
m

of 0.013 mM, and a
k
cat
/

K
m

of 240.8 s
−1
mM
−1
for 3SP-CoA. However, Acd
DPN7
is unable to perform a dehydrogenation, which is the usual reaction catalyzed by members of the acyl-CoA dehydrogenase superfamily. Comparison to other known desulfinases showed a comparably high catalytic efficiency of Acd
DPN7
and indicated a novel reaction mechanism. Hence, Acd
DPN7
encodes a new desulfinase based on an acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (EC 1.3.8.x) scaffold. Concomitantly, we identified the gene product that is responsible for the final desulfination step during catabolism of 3,3′-dithiodipropionate (DTDP), a sulfur-containing precursor substrate for biosynthesis of polythioesters.
Police officers: a high-risk group for the development of mental health disturbances? A cohort study
Authors: van der Velden Peter G , Rademaker Arthur R , Vermetten Eric , Portengen Marie-Anne , Yzermans Joris C , Grievink Linda
Published: January 2013

Objectives

Policing is generally considered a high-risk profession for the development of mental health problems, but this assumption lacks empirical evidence. Research question of the present study is to what extent mental health disturbances, such as (very) severe symptoms of anxiety, depression and hostility are more prevalent among police officers than among other occupational groups.

Design

Multicomparative cross-sectional study using the data of several cross-sectional and longitudinal studies in the Netherlands.

Participants

Two samples of police officers (N=144 and 503), employees of banks (N=1113) and employees of banks who were robbed (N=144); employees of supermarkets (N=335), and a psychiatric hospital (N=219), employees of a governmental social welfare organisation (N=76), employees who followed a training based on rational-motive therapy to strengthen their assertiveness (N=710), soldiers before deployment (N=278) and before redeployment (N=236) and firefighters (N=123). The numbers refer to respondents with complete data.

Primary outcomes

Prevalence of severe (subclinical level) and very severe symptoms (clinical level) were computed using the Dutch norm tables (80th percentile and 95th percentile, respectively) of the Symptom Check List Revised (SCL-90-R). All comparisons were controlled for age, gender and education.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression and analyses showed that the prevalence of clinical and subclinical levels of symptoms of anxiety, depression and hostility among police officers were not significantly higher than among comparison groups. The same pattern was found for the other SCL-90-R subscales.

Conclusions

We found no indications that self-reported mental health disturbances were more prevalent among police officers than among groups of employees that are not considered high-risk groups, such as employees of banks, supermarkets, psychiatric hospital and soldiers before deployment.
Cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular hospital admissions associated with atrial fibrillation: a Danish nationwide, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Christiansen Christine Benn , Olesen Jonas Bjerring , Gislason Gunnar , Lock-Hansen Morten , Torp-Pedersen Christian
Published: January 2013

Objective

To examine the excess risk of hospitalisation in patients with incident atrial fibrillation (AF).

Design

A nationwide, retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Denmark.

Participants

Data on all admissions in Denmark from 1997 to 2009 were collected from nationwide registries. After exclusion of subjects previously admitted for AF, data on 4 602 264 subjects and 10 779 945 hospital admissions contributed to the study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Age-stratified and sex-stratified admission rates were calculated for cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular admissions. Temporal patterns of readmission, relative risk and duration of frequent types of admission were calculated.

Results

Of 10 779 945 hospital admissions, 729 088(6.8%) were associated with AF. Admissions for cardiovascular reasons after 1, 3 and 6 months occurred for 6.0, 14.3 and 28.4% of AF patients versus 0.2, 0.6 and 1.8 of non-AF patients. Admissions for non-cardiovascular reasons after 1, 3 and 6 months comprised 6.8, 16.1 and 33.3% of AF patients and 1.2, 3.2 and 9.7% of non-AF patients. When stratified for age, AF was associated with similar cardiovascular admission rates across all age groups, while non-cardiovascular admission rates were higher in older patients. Within each age group and for both cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular admissions, AF was associated with higher rates of admission. When adjusted for age, sex and time period, patients with AF had a relative risk of 8.6 (95% CI 8.5 to 8.6) for admissions for cardiovascular reasons and 4.0 (95% CI 4.0 to 4.0) for admission for non-cardiovascular reasons.

Conclusions

This study confirms that the burden of AF is considerable and driven by both cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular admissions. These findings underscore the importance of using clinical and pharmacological means to reduce the hospital burden of AF in Western healthcare systems.
Determinants of self-reported smoking and misclassification during pregnancy, and analysis of optimal cut-off points for urinary cotinine: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Aurrekoetxea Juan J , Murcia Mario , Rebagliato Marisa , López María José , Castilla Ane Miren , Santa-Marina Loreto , Guxens Mónica , Fernández-Somoano Ana , Espada Mercedes , Lertxundi Aitana , Tardón Adonina , Ballester Ferran
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with smoking and misclassification in pregnant women from INMA (INfancia y Medio Ambiente, Environment and Childhood) project, Spain, and to assess the optimal cut-offs for urinary cotinine (UC) that best distinguish daily and occasional smokers with varying levels of second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure.

Design

We used logistic regression models to study the relationship between sociodemographic variables and self-reported smoking and misclassification (self-reported non-smokers with UC >50 ng/ml). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to calculate the optimal cut-off point for discriminating smokers. The cut-offs were also calculated after stratification among non-smokers by the number of sources of SHS exposure. The cut-off points used to discriminate smoking status were the level of UC given by Youden's index and for 50 and 100 ng/ml for daily smokers, or 25 and 50 ng/ml for occasional smokers.

Participants

At the third trimester of pregnancy, 2263 pregnant women of the INMA Project were interviewed between 2004 and 2008 and a urine sample was collected.

Results

Prevalence of self-reported smokers at the third trimester of pregnancy was 18.5%, and another 3.9% misreported their smoking status. Variables associated with self-reported smoking and misreporting were similar, including born in Europe, educational level and exposure to SHS. The optimal cut-off was 82 ng/ml (95% CI 42 to 133), sensitivity 95.2% and specificity 96.6%. The area under the ROC curve was 0.986 (95% CI 0.982 to 0.990). The cut-offs varied according to the SHS exposure level being 42 (95% CI 27 to 57), 82 (95% CI 46 to 136) and 106 ng/ml (95% CI 58 to 227) for not being SHS exposed, exposed to one, and to two or more sources of SHS, respectively. The optimal cut-off for discriminating occasional smokers from non-smokers was 27 ng/ml (95% CI 11 to 43).

Conclusions

Prevalence of smoking during pregnancy in Spain remains high. UC is a reliable biomarker for classifying pregnant women according to their smoking status. However, cut-offs would differ based on baseline exposure to SHS.
Is it intelligent to intercalate? A two centre cross-sectional study exploring the value of intercalated degrees, and the possible effects of the recent tuition fee rise in England
Authors: Stubbs Timothy Alan , Lightman Elewys G , Mathieson Peter
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectives

To explore the value of intercalated degrees, including student perceptions and academic sequelae. To gauge the likely effect of the recent tuition fee rise and to identify any differences in intercalated degrees between Bristol and Sheffield universities.

Design

Cross-sectional study using questionnaires.

Setting

Bristol and Sheffield Medical Schools, UK.

Participants

1484 medical students in their clinical years were e-mailed the questionnaire. 578 students responded: 291 from Bristol and 287 from Sheffield (n=578; mean age=22.41; SD 1.944; 38.9% male; 61.1% female). The response rate from previous intercalators was 52.5% from Bristol and 58.7% from Sheffield, while for non-intercalators it was 27.7% and 34.6%, respectively.

Main outcome measures

(1) Student preconceptions, opinions, results and academic sequelae from intercalated degrees at both centres. (2) Students’ attitudes concerning the effect of the increase in tuition fees.

Results

Those with clinical academic supervisors gained significantly more posters (p=0.0002) and publications (p<0.0001), and also showed a trend to gain more first class honours (p=0.055). Students at Sheffield had a significantly greater proportion of clinical academic supervisors than students at Bristol (p<0.0001). 89.2% said that an intercalated degree was the right decision for them; however, only 27.4% stated they would have intercalated if fees had been £9000 per annum.

Conclusions

Students clearly value intercalated degrees, feel they gained a substantial advantage over their peers as well as skills helpful for their future careers. The rise in tuition fees is likely to reduce the number of medical students opting to undertake an intercalated degree, and could result in a further reduction in numbers following an academic path. Sheffield University have more intercalating students supervised by clinical academics. Clinical academics appear more effective as supervisors for medical students undertaking an intercalated degree in terms of results and additional academic sequelae.
Direct treatment comparison of DAbigatran and RIvaroxaban versus NAdroparin in the prevention of venous thromboembolism after total knee arthroplasty surgery: design of a randomised pilot study (DARINA)
Authors: Veen Lucia van der , van Raay Jos JAM , Gerritsma-Bleeker Carina L E , Veeger Nic JGM , Hulst Marinus van
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Two novel agents, dabigatran and rivaroxaban, recently gained market authorisation for prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after hip and knee arthroplasty. However, safety data of the new oral anticoagulants with a long-term use of 42 days are not available for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Furthermore, there are no clinical trials comparing dabigatran and/or rivaroxaban with nadroparin, which is used in most Dutch departments of orthopaedic surgery. Our aim is to compare the 42-day use of dabigatran and rivaroxaban versus nadroparin after TKA in a clinical explorative pilot study by assessing the incidence of major bleeding and clinically relevant non-major bleeding using a standardised model of bleeding definitions.

Methods and analysis

A randomised open-label pilot study was conducted. Patients ≥18 years and weighing more than 40 kg who were scheduled for a primary elective TKA were included. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups. Patients took either a daily oral dose of dabigatran etexilate 220 mg (n=50), 10 mg of oral rivaroxaban (n=50) or subcutaneous nadroparin 0.3 ml (n=50) for 42 days. The primary safety outcome measure was the incidence of bleeding events. Major bleeding events and clinically relevant non-major bleeding events were defined according to accepted guidelines. The secondary measures of this study were the occurrence of VTE, time until the bleeding event, compliance, duration of hospital stay, rehospitalisation, outpatient clinic visits and interventions following complications. Additionally, coagulation monitoring, knee flexion range of motion and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score were evaluated.

Dissemination

The results of this trial provided insight into the validity of design for an adequately powered multicentre study investigating the safety of the new oral anticoagulants compared with nadroparin, an anticoagulant applied for prevention of VTE after knee arthroplasty in the Dutch situation.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT01431456.
Semen quality of fertile Japanese men: a cross-sectional population-based study of 792 men
Authors: Iwamoto Teruaki , Nozawa Shiari , Yoshiike Miki , Namiki Mikio , Koh Eitetsu , Kanaya Jiro , Okuyama Akihiko , Matsumiya Kiyomi , Tsujimura Akira , Komatsu Kiyoshi , Tsukamoto Taiji , Itoh Naoki , Mieno Makiko Naka , Vierula Matti , Toppari Jorma , Skakkebæk Niels E , Jørgensen Niels
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To establish a base line for future studies on temporal trends, to describe potential geographical differences in semen quality and reference values for studies of men from the general population.

Design

Cross-sectional study of fertile men from four areas in Japan. Inclusion criteria were: age 20–45 years at the time of invitation, and both the man and his mother had to be born in Japan. Additionally, the current pregnancy of the female partner had to be achieved by normal sexual relations without any fertility treatment.

Setting

Four Japanese study centres at urban areas located in Sapporo, Osaka, Kanazawa and Fukuoka.

Participants

792 men, median age 31.4 years, included from 1999 to 2002.

Outcome measures

Semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm motility and sperm morphology.

Results

Semen volumes, percentages of motile spermatozoa and morphologically normal spermatozoa differed slightly between the four groups, whereas no differences in sperm concentrations or total sperm counts were found. In total, 1.2% of men had a sperm concentration below 5 million/ml, 2.1% below 10 million/ml, 3.5% below 15 million/ml and 16.3% below 40 million/ml. For morphology, 14.7% had less than 5% normal spermatozoa. Reproductive hormone levels varied significantly, however, only little from a biological point of view.

Conclusions

This is the first cross-sectional study on semen quality covering fertile men from the major regions of Japan. It showed that semen quality of fertile Japanese men is comparable to that of the best in European regions. The results may serve as reference values for studies of men from the general population.
Are physicians required during winch rescue missions in an Australian helicopter emergency medical service?
Authors: Sherren Peter Brendon , Hayes-Bradley Clare , Reid Cliff , Burns Brian , Habig Karel
Published: January 2013

Background

A helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) capable of winching offers several advantages over standard rescue operations. Little is known about the benefit of physician winching in addition to a highly trained paramedic.

Objective

To analyse the mission profiles and interventions performed during rescues involving the winching of a physician in the Greater Sydney Area HEMS (GSA-HEMS).

Methods

All winch missions involving a physician from August 2009 to January 2012 were identified from the prospectively completed GSA-HEMS electronic database. A structured case sheet review for a predetermined list of demographic data and physician-only interventions (POIs) was conducted.

Results

We identified 130 missions involving the winching of a physician, of which 120 case sheets were available for analysis. The majority of patients were traumatically injured (90%) and male (85%) with a median age of 37 years. Seven patients were pronounced dead at the scene. A total of 63 POIs were performed on 48 patients. Administration of advanced analgesia was the most common POI making up 68.3% of interventions. Patients with abnormal RTSc2scores were more likely to receive a POI than those with normal RTSc2(84.8% vs 15.2%; p=0.03). The performance of a POI had no effect on median scene times (45 vs 43 min; p=0.51).

Conclusions

Our high POI rate of 40% (48/120) coupled with long rescue times and the occasional severe injuries support the argument for winching Physicians. Not doing so would deny a significant proportion of patients time-critical interventions, advanced analgesia and procedural sedation.
The impact of consultation on length of stay in tertiary care emergency departments
Authors: Brick Craig , Lowes Justin , Lovstrom Lindsay , Kokotilo Andrea , Villa-Roel Cristina , Lee Patricia , Lang Eddy , Rowe Brian H
Published: January 2013

Background

Consultations in the emergency department (ED) are infrequently studied. This study quantifies the contribution of consultations to ED length of stay (LOS) and examines patient and consultation characteristics associated with prolonged ED LOS.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of a convenience sample of shifts by volunteering emergency physicians (EP) at two urban tertiary care Canadian EDs. EPs completed standardised forms on all patients for whom a consultation was requested. Medical chart reviews and secondary analyses of administrative databases were also performed. Factors associated with longer LOS were determined through linear regression modelling.

Results

1180 patients received at least one consultation during study shifts and EPs completed data collection on 841 (71%) of these. Median patient age was 54 years, 53.3% were male, and 2.9% had documented dementia. Admitted patients receiving consultations had a longer overall LOS compared to discharged patients. Median time from triage to consultation request accounted for approximately 28% of the total median LOS in admitted patients compared to 46% for discharged patients. Consultation decision time accounted for 33% and 54% of the LOS for admitted and discharged patients, respectively. Linear regression modelling revealed that advanced age, longer latency between arrival and first consultation request, history of dementia and multiple consultations were significantly associated with longer LOS. Conversely, undergoing procedures while in the ED was associated with a shorter LOS.

Conclusions

Consultation decision time contributes significantly to ED LOS. Further efforts are needed to validate these results in other ED settings and improve this aspect of ED throughput.
Population-based characteristics of fatal and hospital admissions for poisoning in Fiji: TRIP Project-11
Authors: Peiris-John Roshini , Kafoa Berlin , Wainiqolo Iris , Reddy Ravi Krishnan , McCaig Eddie , Ameratunga Shanthi N
Published: January 2013

This study investigated the incidence and characteristics of poisoning fatalities and hospital admissions among indigenous Fijians and Indians in Viti Levu, Fiji. Individuals with a mechanism of injury classified as poisoning were identified using the Fiji injury surveillance in hospitals system, a population-based registry established for 12 months in Viti Levu, and analysed using population-based denominators. The mean annual rates of fatalities and hospitalisations were 2.3 and 26.0 per 100 000, respectively. Over two-thirds of poisonings occurred among people of Indian ethnicity. Most intentional poisoning admissions occurred among women (58.3%) and in 15–29-year-old individuals (73.8%). Unintentional poisoning admission rates were highest among Indian boys aged 0–14 years. While over 75% of events occurred at home, the substances involved were not systematically identified. The findings indicate the need for a strategy that addresses the differing contexts across age group, gender and ethnicity, and a lead agency responsible for implementing and monitoring its effectiveness.
Trichomonas vaginalisinfection in men who submit self-collected penile swabs after internet recruitment
Authors: Gaydos Charlotte A , Barnes Mathilda R , Quinn Nicole , Jett-Goheen Mary , Hsieh Yu-Hsiang
Published: January 2013

Background

Submission of self-collected penile samples collected at home could remove barriers that men face in getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Methods

From December 2006 to July 2012, sexually active men aged ≥14 years were recruited by an educational internet program (http://www.iwantthekit.org) which offered free testing forTrichomonas vaginalisinfection. Kits were ordered online and swabs were sent via US mail to the laboratory and tested by nucleic acid amplification tests. Demographics and sexual risk factors were accessed by questionnaires. Men called or were contacted to receive their results. Risk factors for trichomonas infection were determined by multivariate logistic regression

Results

Of 4398 men requesting kits, 1699 (38.6%) returned swabs by mail (55.4% returned in 2012). Forty-one percent of men were aged <25 years, 43% were black subjects and 45% were white. The overall prevalence for trichomonas in the 1699 men was 3.7%; the highest prevalence by age group was for men aged 40–49 years (5.2%) and, by year, 216 men screened in 2008 had the highest prevalence (12.5%). Risk factors for 919 men whose risk information was collected by questionnaire (prevalence 6.0%) indicated that 9.6% had a concurrent chlamydia infection. Significantly associated risks factors included: black race (adjusted OR 2.67), residence in Illinois (OR 12.02), age 30–39 years (OR 6.63) and age >40 years (OR 5.31).

Conclusions

A fairly high prevalence of trichomonas and sexual risk factors were demonstrated from internet recruitment of men. This method of engaging men to get screened for trichomonas may augment screening in STI clinics.
Patterns of weekday and weekend physical activity in youth in 2 Canadian provinces
Authors: Comte Melisa , Hobin Erin , Majumdar Sumit R. , Plotnikoff Ronald C. , Ball Geoff D.C. , McGavock Jonathan ,   MIPASS and Healthy Hearts Investigators Teams
Published: January 2013

Few Canadian children are meeting physical activity (PA) guidelines for optimal growth and health. There is little information describing the patterns of PA among Canadian youth, so it is difficult to determine where the deficits occur. The purpose of this study was to identify subgroups of youth and windows of time characterized by low PA and high sedentary behaviour. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 626 youth (aged 10–15 years) in 2 Canadian provinces. The primary exposure variables included geographic setting (rural vs. urban), sex, and days of the week (weekend days vs. weekdays). The primary outcome measures were minutes of light PA, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary behavior, assessed with accelerometry. Compared with weekdays, MVPA was ∼30% lower on weekend days (55.8 ± 23.0 min vs. 38.7 ± 26.7 min; p < 0.001), whereas light PA was ∼15% higher. Significantly more youth achieved an average of >60 min of MVPA on weekdays than on weekend days (46% vs. 22%; p < 0.001). Sex-specific differences in MVPA were more pronounced on weekdays than on weekend days (∼13 vs ∼8 min per day; p < 0.01). Youth in rural settings achieved ∼9 fewer minutes of MVPA daily than youth in urban settings (p < 0.001). In youth 10 to 15 years of age, daily MVPA is lower and light PA is higher on weekend days than on weekdays. Girls and students living in rural areas were particularly vulnerable to low levels of MVPA.
Maximum stream temperature and the occurrence, abundance, and behavior of steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in a southern California stream
Authors: Sloat Matthew R. , Osterback Ann-Marie K.
Published: January 2013

To determine individual and population responses of steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to stream temperature, we sampled summer stream temperature and juvenile steelhead occurrence, abundance, and behavior in a small stream near the species' southern limit. Maximum annual stream temperature (22.3–33.1 °C) exerted a strong threshold effect on steelhead occurrence. Steelhead persisted through summer in all pools that did not exceed 30 °C, but the probability of persistence rapidly decreased to zero at warmer sites. Below the threshold for fish persistence, thermal effects on steelhead abundance were inconsistent, with temperature receiving strong support for inclusion in models of fish abundance at the beginning of summer but weak support for inclusion in models of end-of-summer abundance and summer fish loss. Thermal refugia that would allow steelhead to behaviorally thermoregulate were rare. In response to elevated stream temperatures, steelhead reduced foraging and agonistic activity, presumably to minimize energetic costs. In anticipation of the effects of global climate trends on stream temperature, management actions that limit or reduce stream heating will be critical for conservation of steelhead populations in habitats approaching thermal tolerance thresholds.
Superconducting Materials and Conductors: Fabrication and Limiting Parameters
Authors: Bottura Luca , Godeke Arno
Published: January 2013

Superconductivity is the technology that enabled the construction of the most recent generation of high-energy particle accelerators, the largest scientific instruments ever built. In this review we trace the evolution of superconducting materials for particle accelerator magnets, from the first steps in the late 1960s, through the rise and glory of Nb–Ti in the 1970s, till the 2010s, and the promises of Nb3Sn for the 2020s. We conclude with a perspective on the opportunities for high-temperature superconductors (HTSs). Many such reviews have been written in the past, as witnessed by the long list of references provided. In this review we put particular emphasis on the practical aspects of wire and tape manufacturing, cabling, engineering performance, and potential for use in accelerator magnets, while leaving in the background matters such as the physics of superconductivity and fundamental material issues.
Superconducting Magnets for Particle Detectors and Fusion Devices
Authors: Yamamoto Akira , Taylor Thomas
Published: January 2013

The application of superconductivity to the large magnets required for charged particle spectroscopy in high energy physics experiments, and for plasma containment in fusion experiments, has resulted in a spectacular leap in the efficiency of these devices. First applied in the late 1960s, the technology has progressed to meet increasingly demanding goals of the experiments and has stimulated important development of the associated conductors. In this article we describe briefly the basic requirements that determine the design of the different types of magnets. This is followed by descriptions of examples of representative working and projected magnets, as well as essential auxiliary equipment. An overview is provided of ongoing development that may impact on the design of future magnets.
Superconducting Radio-Frequency Cavities for Low-Beta Particle Accelerators
Authors: Kelly Michael
Published: January 2013

High-power proton and ion linac projects based on superconducting accelerating cavities are driving a worldwide effort to develop and build superconducting cavities for beta < 1. Laboratories and institutions building quarter-wave, half-wave and single- or multi-spoke cavities continue to advance the state of the art for this class of cavities, and the common notion that low-beta SRF cavities fill a need in niche applications and have low performance is clearly no longer valid. This article reviews recent developments and results for SC cavity performance for cavities with beta up to approximately 0.5. The considerable ongoing effort on reduced beta elliptical cell cavities is not discussed. An overview of associated subsystems required to operate low-beta cavities, including rf power couplers and fast and slow tuners, is presented.
Cryogenic Technology for Superconducting Accelerators
Authors: Hosoyama Kenji
Published: January 2013

Superconducting devices such as magnets and cavities are key components in the accelerator field for increasing the beam energy and intensity, and at the same time making the system compact and saving on power consumption in operation. An effective cryogenic system is required to cool and keep the superconducting devices in the superconducting state stably and economically. The helium refrigeration system for application to accelerators will be discussed in this review article. The concept of two cooling modes — the liquefier and refrigerator modes — will be discussed in detail because of its importance for realizing efficient cooling and stable operation of the system. As an example of the practical cryogenic system, the TRISTAN cryogenic system of KEK Laboratory will be treated in detail and the main components of the cryogenic system, including the high-performance multichannel transfer line and liquid nitrogen circulation system at 80 K, will also be discussed. In addition, we will discuss the operation of the cryogenic system, including the quench control and safety of the system. The satellite refrigeration system will be discussed because of its potential for wide application in medium-size accelerators and in industry.
Pursuit of Accelerator Projects at KEK in Japan
Authors: Kimura Yoshitaka , Toge Nobukazu
Published: January 2013

We present a historical survey of accelerator projects evolved at KEK since its foundation as the National Laboratory for High Energy Physics in 1971. Also included is a brief description of the high energy accelerator programs in Japan prior to the birth of KEK, and a short account of Shigeki Suwa and Tetsuji Nishikawa, who played crucial roles in the birth and development of KEK.
IMPACT OF IMF-SUPPORTED PROGRAMS ON ECONOMIC SENTIMENTS: A MULTINOMIAL ORDERED PROBIT ANALYSIS ON TRANSITION ECONOMIES
Authors: IMAM PATRICK A.
Published: January 2013

This paper analyses the effect of IMF-supported programs on economic agents' sentiment in transition countries. Using multinomial ordered probit models, we find that IMF-supported programs during periods of economic collapse reinforce underlying sentiments; they strengthen confidence in the future for those with an optimistic outlook and weaken sentiments for those with a weak outlook. This reflects the "confirmation bias", a tendency for individuals to prefer information that confirms their preconceptions. Once recovery is underway, IMF arrangements cease to be consequential for the outlook, implying that the biggest impact on sentiments occur during periods of great uncertainty and not during minor shocks.