bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial composition in whole saliva from patients with severe hyposalivation – a case–control study
Authors: Belstrøm D , Holmstrup P , Fiehn N‐E , Rosing K , Bardow A , Paster BJ , Lynge Pedersen AM
Published: January 2016

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare the microbiota of stimulated whole saliva samples from patients with severe hyposalivation to samples from individuals with normal whole saliva flow rates. It was hypothesized that the two groups differ with regard to salivary bacterial profiles.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 36 participants (24 females and 12 males, mean age 58.5 years) with severe hyposalivation and 36 gender‐, age‐, and geographically matched participants with normal salivary secretion from the Danish Health Examination Survey (DANHES). The microbiota of stimulated whole saliva samples was characterized by HOMINGS.

Results

The two groups had comparable caries experience measured by decayed, missed, filled surfaces/teeth and decayed, missed, filled root surfaces as well as active caries lesions. In addition, no single probe target was present with a significant difference in frequency or proportional presence between groups. Furthermore, data reduction by principal component analysis and correspondence analysis showed comparable bacterial community profiles between groups.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the salivary bacterial profiles of patients with severe hyposalivation do not differ from those of individuals with normal salivary secretion, when there are virtually no untreated active caries lesions present in the oral cavity.
Carbon isotopic composition of forest soil respiration in the decade following bark beetle and stem girdling disturbances in the Rocky Mountains
Authors: Maurer Gregory E. , Chan Allison M. , Trahan Nicole A. , Moore David J. P. , Bowling David R.
Published: January 2016

Bark beetle outbreaks are widespread in western North American forests, reducing primary productivity and transpiration, leading to forest mortality across large areas and altering ecosystem carbon cycling. Here the carbon isotope composition (δ13C) of soil respiration (δJ) was monitored in the decade after disturbance for forests affected naturally by mountain pine beetle infestation and artificially by stem girdling. The seasonal mean δJ changed along both chronosequences. We found (a) enrichment of δJ relative to controls (<1 ‰) in near‐surface soils in the first 2 years after disturbance; (b) depletion (1‰ or no change) during years 3–7; and (c) a second period of enrichment (1–2‰) in years 8–10. Results were consistent with isotopic patterns associated with the gradual death and decomposition of rhizosphere organisms, fine roots, conifer needles and woody roots and debris over the course of a decade after mortality. Finally, δJ was progressively more 13C‐depleted deeper in the soil than near the surface, while the bulk soil followed the well‐established pattern of 13C‐enrichment at depth. Overall, differences in δJ between mortality classes (<1‰) and soil depths (<3‰) were smaller than variability within a class or depth over a season (up to 6‰).
Facial Skin Lesions in Children Caused by Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
Authors: Lindeboom Jerome A.
Published: January 2016

Background

Nontuberculous mycobacteria rarely cause facial skin lesions in immunocompetent children.

Aim

I describe the clinical features and treatment of nontuberculous mycobacteria facial lesions.

Materials and Methods

The diagnosis of a facial nontuberculous mycobacteria infection was established using polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Of 286 children with confirmed nontuberculous mycobacteria infection, 14 (4.9%; median age 50 mos, range 9–156 mos; 5 [36%] male, 9 [64%] female) had nontuberculous mycobacteria facial skin lesions. Six (43%) had lesions on the cheek and five (36%) in the medial eye corner. Polymerase chain reaction results confirmed the presence of Mycobacterium haemophilum in eight patients (57%) and Mycobacterium avium in six patients (43%). The facial lesions were treated using a combination of clarithromycin and rifabutin for 12 weeks, with a median healing time of 4 months.

Conclusion

Nontuberculous mycobacteria facial lesions are rare in immunocompetent children. The diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. Nonsurgical treatment is preferable, because surgical excision of the cutaneous lesions might lead to undesirable visible facial scars.
Erythrosis Pigmentosa Peribuccalis in an Adolescent: Dermoscopic Description and Management
Authors: Luna Paula Carolina , Abad María Eugenia , González Virginia M. , Vigovich Felix , Casas José Gabriel , Larralde Margarita
Published: January 2016

Erythrosis pigmentosa peribuccalis is an infrequent condition, with fewer than 35 cases reported in the literature, that affects mainly women. It presents as small papules that form a hyperpigmented plaque around the mouth and nose. Little is known about the etiology of this condition, its dermoscopic characteristics have not been described, and no effective treatment has been reported. We report a 15‐year‐old girl with this rare dermatosis who was successfully managed with daily calcipotriol, weekly topical ivermectin, and strict photoprotection. We also describe for the first time the dermoscopic findings of this entity.
“EB, or Not EB?” Neonatal Desquamative Impetigo in a Degloving Pattern
Authors: Nguyen Tuyet A. , Wang Audrey S. , Eichenfield Lawrence F. , Barrio Victoria
Published: January 2016

We present the case of a 7‐day‐old boy with significant, rapidly spreading blistering and desquamation in a “degloving” pattern on the hands that mimicked epidermolysis bullosa but was ultimately diagnosed as bullous impetigo caused by a clinically aggressive strain of Staphylococcus aureus. Bullous impetigo is a desquamating condition caused by local release of S. aureus exfoliative toxin A and is more commonly seen in children. This case highlights the fragility of newborn skin and reviews the major diagnoses that should be considered in an infant with significant blistering.
Congenital Panfollicular Nevus in a 6‐Month‐Old Girl
Authors: Duan Linna , Antaya Richard J. , Ko Christine J. , Narayan Deepak
Published: January 2016

A 6‐month‐old girl presented with an irregular nodule on the right lateral neck. The lesion, which superficially resembled a lymphangioma or mastocytoma, had been present since birth but had recently been growing. The patient was referred for surgical resection. Microscopic findings were compatible with a recently described rare hamartoma termed “panfollicular nevus,” which is a well‐circumscribed lesion containing aberrantly differentiated, clustered hair follicles in high density.
Successful cardiac transplantation in a patient with congenital generalized lipodystrophy
Authors: Marcos‐Alonso Sonia , Bautista‐Hernandez Víctor , Portela Torrón Francisco
Published: January 2016

We report a case of a 12‐yr‐old boy referred to our unit with congenital generalized lipodystrophy and dilated cardiomyopathy related to a lamin gene mutation. He progressively developed end‐stage heart failure and was referred for heart transplant evaluation. The patient's lipid profile, glucose level, and renal function were normal, and vascular retinopathy was ruled out. He underwent orthotopic bicaval HT and had an uneventful recovery. He was discharged home two wk after surgery with good graft function. During follow‐up, he developed hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, which were controlled by increasing leptin dose and starting oral antidiabetic drugs. The patient is currently doing well two yr after transplantation.
Supporting SIDS Families: The Public Health Nurse SIDS Home Visit
Authors: Stastny Penny F. , Keens Thomas G. , Alkon Abbey
Published: January 2016

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) death has a devastating effect on parents. There is no known cause, so parents experience guilt about what they might have done or not done to contribute to the death. Although some SIDS parents may receive support from family and friends, the public health nurse (PHN) has an important professional role in providing grief support, SIDS education, and offering SIDS resources and referrals. Based on years of clinical practice, we recommend the following: Perform the home visit as soon as possible. Show care and compassion. Personalize the baby by using his or her name and asking to see photographs. Reassure the parents that grief is a process which takes time. Educate about what SIDS is and what it is not. Increasingly, SIDS deaths occur in the presence of risk factors. Explain that risk factors are not causes of death. As an authority in health care, reassuring families that they did not cause their baby's death has a tremendous impact on relieving guilt. Putting newly bereaved SIDS parents in contact with other SIDS parents is one of the most helpful actions a PHN can take to help families.
Measuring Exocytosis Rate Using Corrected Fluorescence Recovery After Photoconversion
Authors: Luo Nan , Yan An , Yang Zhenbiao
Published: January 2016

Exocytosis plays crucial roles in regulating the distribution and function of plasma membrane (PM) and extracellular matrix proteins. However, measuring the exocytosis rate of a specific protein by conventional methods is very difficult because of exocytosis‐independent trafficking such as endocytosis, which also affects membrane protein distribution. Here, we describe a novel method, corrected fluorescence recovery after photoconversion, in which exocytosis‐dependent and ‐independent trafficking events are measured simultaneously to accurately determine exocytosis rate. In this method, the protein‐of‐interest is tagged with Dendra2, a green‐to‐red photoconvertible fluorescent protein. Following the photoconversion of PM‐localized Dendra2, both the recovery of the green signal and the changes in the photoconverted red signal are measured, and the rate of exocytosis is calculated from the changing rates of these two signals.
A Caenorhabditis elegans Homologue of LYST Functions in Endosome and Lysosome‐Related Organelle Biogenesis
Authors: Barrett Alec , Hermann Greg J.
Published: January 2016

While the trafficking pathways that mediate the delivery of proteins to lysosome‐related organelles (LROs) are becoming increasingly clear, how LRO size and numbers are controlled is relatively unstudied. BEACH domain containing proteins (BDCPs) have emerged as potential regulators of these processes. Caenorhabditis elegans lyst‐1 encodes a BDCP that is homologous to both human LYST, which is mutated in Chediak‐Higashi syndrome, and NBEAL2, which is mutated in gray platelet syndrome. We show that mutations in lyst‐1 lead to fragmentation of intestinal specific LROs called gut granules. Protein trafficking to gut granules appears to be unaffected in lyst‐1(−) mutants; however, gut granule formation and function is disrupted. We find that lysosomes are smaller in both intestinal cells and coelomocytes of lyst‐1(−) mutants. We show that mutations in the three other BDCPs encoded by C. elegans do not similarly alter gut granule morphology. While recycling and late endosomes appear to be unaltered, mutations in lyst‐1 cause a significant reduction in the number of RAB‐5::GFP containing early endosomes, an effect that has not been reported for any other BDCP mutant.
Massive haemorrhage protocol: what's the best protocol?
Authors: Callum J. L. , Nascimento B. , Alam A.
Published: January 2016

Massive transfusion protocols became common practice between 2006 and 2010. The terminology of ‘massive transfusion protocol’ was improved to ‘massive haemorrhage protocol (MHP)’ with the astute recognition that at the start of such a protocol, it is unclear which patients will meet the definition of massive transfusion (10 U/24 h). Despite the majority of the literature being reported from the trauma population, hospitals have generally adopted a single MHP for all patients. It remains unclear whether the same protocol can be used for all patients. MHPs assist with the prevention and management of the acute coagulopathy of trauma/shock (ACOTS). The goals of a MHP are to improve haemostasis, communication and patient outcomes. The protocol must be specific for an individual hospital, depending on factors such as prehospital transport times, distance from laboratory to trauma and operating rooms, patient populations served and types of tests available. The key components of a MHP are the 6Ts: triggering of the protocol, laboratory testing, tranexamic acid, temperature maintenance, transfusion support and termination of the protocol when haemostasis is achieved. The evidence and importance of each of these steps will be discussed in detail. It is also critical that a quality assurance programme supports the MHP. Poor compliance with the institutional MHP is associated with inferior survival. Each MHP activation should be followed by a formal debrief by the team. Audits should be performed to determine compliance and to inform annual update of the MHP. Formal training and/or simulation should be a core part of the policy.
Managing anaemia in the outpatient setting
Authors: Pendry K.
Published: January 2016

Anaemia is not a disease but the result of a variety of causes, and globally, the commonest cause is iron deficiency. Anaemic patients have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality and are more likely to require hospitalization. In addition, anaemic patients are more likely to receive blood transfusion even though this may be avoidable with timely management. It is important to elucidate the reason for the anaemia so that appropriate treatment can be offered, for the anaemia and the underlying cause. Many patients with anaemia can be managed in the outpatient setting. The diagnostic approach should be to elicit the patient's clinical history, carry out an examination and undertake some simple investigations. The mean red blood cell volume can be used to classify anaemia into microcytic, normocytic or macrocytic, which helps to guide additional investigations. The article gives an overview of the investigation of anaemia together with treatment recommendations. The development of algorithms for anaemia allows for the preliminary management of such patients to be undertaken in primary care or by specialist nurses who can then triage the patients to the appropriate specialist departments. Timely coordination of care can result in the avoidance of emergency admissions, correction of anaemia prior to surgery and reduction in unnecessary transfusions. The management of patients with anaemia is an important facet of Patient Blood Management. International initiatives are being developed to support best practice in anaemia management.
Factors contributing to the pathogenesis of IgG‐mediated alloimmune disease
Authors: Sonneveld Myrthe , van der Schoot C Ellen , Vidarsson Gestur
Published: January 2016

Alloimmune diseases against blood cells can occur in pregnancy and after blood transfusions, when antibodies are formed, targeting foreign cells and tissues for destruction by myeloid cells through IgG‐Fc receptors (FcγR) in particular. In pregnancy, antibodies against human platelet or red cell antigens (e.g. Rhesus D or HPA1a) can cause life‐threatening anaemia or thrombocytopenia in the developing foetus. Here, we discuss how both the induction of those IgG antibodies and the pro‐inflammatory status of the foetus affect the effector functions through FcγR. Recent studies have found IgG glycosylation to be important with low IgG‐Fc core fucosylation resulting in increased affinity to FcγRIIIa and FcγRIIIb and thus enhanced phagocytosis and ADCC. The importance of these and other features, including oxidative stress and acute‐phase responses (C‐reactive protein, CRP) in response to infection, will be discussed and how these features may collectively synergize resulting in elevated disease pathology.
Blood donation and altruism: the mechanisms of altruism approach
Authors: Ferguson E. , Lawrence C.
Published: January 2016

Is blood donation a pure altruistic act? The answer to this question has profound implications for the type of interventions we can adopt and the way in which research is conducted into blood donor behaviour. This review will address this question and the implications of the answer by introducing the mechanisms of altruism (MOA) approach. As a behaviour, it is argued that blood donation is altruistic, but the motivation for the act may not be. TheMOAapproach draws on insights from biology, economics and psychology to identify the keyMOAthat can be used to describe the motivations of blood donors. TheMOArequires identifying congruency between self‐report measures of motivations and behavioural indices ofMOAderived from economic games. Using theMOAapproach, we will show that blood donation is not pure altruism (caring about the welfare of others at personal expense) but rather a mixture of warm‐glow giving (finding the act of donation emotionally rewarding) and reluctant altruism (co‐operation in the face of free‐riding rather than punishment of free‐riders). With motivations that are not purely altruistic, six novel avenues for interventions are described: (1) charitable and financial incentives, (2) guilt appeals, (3) norms focused on donor rates, (4) voluntary reciprocal altruism (VRA), (5) warm‐glow appeals and (6) empathizing with a single case (identifiable victim effect). We show how theMOAapproach provides a framework for other theoretical models and present a model of donor motivation across the donation cycle.
Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
Authors: Allard S. , Hill Q. A.
Published: January 2016

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) can be classified as warm or cold type and may be either idiopathic (primary) or secondary to haematological malignancy, infection or other conditions that result in immune dysregulation. Presentation can vary from the gradual onset of symptomatic anaemia, to an acute fulminant episode of life‐threatening haemolysis. Management, which is not evidence based, largely entails the use of initial corticosteroids for primary warm‐type AIHA with either splenectomy, rituximab or alternative immunosuppression for those requiring second‐line therapy. Rituximab is now considered a first‐line therapy for primary cold haemagglutinin disease. Transfusion may be needed as a supportive measure particularly with severe acute haemolysis and requires close liaison between clinical and laboratory teams to ensure appropriate selection of red cell units in a timely manner.
Transfusion triggers in patients with postpartum haemorrhage
Authors: Prick B. W. , Duvekot J. J. , van Rhenen D. J. , Jansen A. J. G.
Published: January 2016

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is one of the top five causes of maternal mortality both in developed and developing countries. In the Netherlands, we reported an incidence of severe PPH (defined as ≥1000 ml blood loss) of 4·5% in the period 2000–2008. As the majority of women who experience PPH have no identifiable clinical or historical risk factors, all women must be considered at risk and active third‐stage management is recommended in all women to prevent PPH. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is often necessary in the treatment of women who suffered from PPH. However, the current awareness of transfusion‐related complications (blood‐borne infections, transfusion reactions and immunologic effects) and the cost prompted a re‐evaluation of the transfusion practice. With only small differences in physical fatigue scores and no differences in secondary outcomes, we recommend implementation of a restrictive transfusion policy for women with PPH without severe anaemic complaints. This restrictive transfusion policy saves €438 per woman compared to a liberal transfusion policy. In addition, we recommend implementation of health‐related quality of life scores for counselling and decision‐making in clinical practice regarding transfusion policy after PPH.
Blood donation and ethics – personal reflections on the ISBT code of ethics
Authors: Flanagan P.
Published: January 2016

The Code of Ethics of ISBT was first published in 1980. It is a core document of the society and outlines the standards which should be applied in the practice of transfusion medicine and science. The Code has changed little since its initial publication. In recent years, however, it has been the subject of repeated criticism. A review of the Code has recently been initiated. The background to the review is outlined, and possible approaches to improving its clarity and addressing the concerns raised in recent criticisms are discussed.
Managing the bleeding emergency in a patient with red cell antibodies
Authors: Norgaard A. , Gybel‐Brask M. , Rieneck K. , Christensen B. K. , El‐Ghina R. Z. , Johansson P. I. , Dziegiel M. H.
Published: January 2016

A massive transfusion protocol can substantially improve survival of life‐threatening bleeding. This requires multidisciplinary cooperation, and a well‐organized transfusion service striving to integrate an effective antibody diagnosis and the supply of antigen‐negative red cell into the management of bleeding emergencies. Necessary prerequisites are an automated donor phenotype programme, an inventory strategy and a proactive patient assessment strategy. The donor screening secures a daily inventory to cover the most commonly needed antigen‐negative red cells. Moreover, a supply of frozen red cells with rare phenotypes, and an inter‐blood‐establishment cooperation may secure that rare blood can be provided. A proactive patient assessment should include screening of patients at risk of forming alloantibodies, identification of antibodies, and a transfusion strategy. Prior to surgery, the risk of bleeding and transfusion should be assessed. If antigen‐negative blood is limited or unavailable, relevant patient blood management measures should be undertaken. In the unexpected major bleeding, the massive transfusion protocol is activated, and transfusion of unmatched O blood may be necessitated. The clinical doctor is informed about incompatible transfusions and the patient is monitored to evaluate the consequences. Most often, haemolysis is mild, and may be alleviated by symptomatic treatment, or with immune‐suppressants. In the rare case of severe haemolysis, exchange transfusion of compatible blood may be performed. To provide a high level of care to bleeding patients with red cell antibodies, it is mandatory for the blood establishment to systematically organize donor screening, patient assessment, inventory and staff, and to communicate effectively with the clinically responsible doctors.
Effects of the invasive shrub,Lantana camara, on soil properties in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Ruwanza Sheunesu , Shackleton Charlie M.
Published: January 2016

Lantana camaraL. is an invasive alien shrub of worldwide significance due to its impacts on biodiversity. It can alter the soil properties of invaded ecosystems and, as a result, affect management outcomes. However, knowledge on the impactsof L. camaraon soil properties is scanty, especially in South Africa, despite the pervasive presence of the plant in the country. In this comparative study, the soils underneathL. camarawere assessed in order to determine if they had different properties (soil physico‐chemical properties, penetration resistance, infiltration, hydraulic conductivity and water repellency) in comparison to the soils in adjacent natural sites in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Soil samples were collected from the top soil beneath the canopy of bothL. camara‐invaded and adjacent natural sites in five different locations over three summer months. The soils that were collected from underneathL. camarahad a significantly higher total C, total P, gravimetric soil moisture (in November and December) and were repellent, compared to the soils in the adjacent natural sites. Soil penetration resistance was significantly higher in the natural sites than in theL. camara‐invaded sites. The soil hydraulic conductivity, soil infiltration rate, soil pH, exchangeable cations and total N showed no significant difference between the invaded and the natural sites. It appears that the soils underneathL. camarahave a high total C and total P, soil moisture and are repellent, thus influencing nutrient cycling, potentially making the soil properties underneath it ideal for its own growth. This could contribute to the success ofL. camaraas an invasive species.
Intra-articular glenohumeral injections of HYADD®4-G for the treatment of painful shoulder osteoarthritis: a prospective multicenter, open-label trial
Authors: Porcellini Giuseppe , Merolla Giovanni , Giordan Nicola , Paladini Paolo , Burini Andrea , Cesari Eugenio , Castagna Alessandro
Published: January 2016

Purpose: numerous experimental and clinical studies in osteoarthritis (OA) have demonstrated that intraarticular (IA) administration of hyaluronic acid can improve the altered rheological properties of the synovial fluid and exert protective and reparative effects on the joint structure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and performance of HYADD®4-G (Hymovis®) in patients with glenohumeral joint OA.

Methods: forty-one patients with shoulder pain and limited shoulder function resulting from concentric glenohumeral joint OA were enrolled in a multicenter clinical trial. Patients received two HYADD®4-G injections administered one week apart. The main outcome measure was improvement in shoulder pain on movement at six months as assessed through a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS), range of motion (ROM) values, and Constant-Murley Shoulder Outcome Score (CS).

Results: two IA injections of HYADD®4-G (Hymovis®) significantly decreased pain and improved shoulder function for up to six months from the first injection. The VAS score decreased (from 66.1 mm to 37.7 mm at six months) and improvements were recorded in the total CS and in the ROM values ( rotation decreased from a mean value of 54.2° at baseline to 63.2° at six months and internal rotation from a mean value of 44.0° at baseline to 45.7° at 26 weeks). No serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusions: the study results demonstrated that two IA injections of HYADD®4-G (Hymovis®) may be a safe and effective treatment option for shoulder pain associated with glenohumeral OA and that the effects of the injections are still present for up to six months after the treatment.

Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.
Early joint degeneration and antagonism between growth factors and reactive oxygen species. Is non-surgical management possible?
Authors: Manunta Andrea , Zedde Pietro , Cudoni Sebastiano , Caggiari Gianfilippo , Pintus Gianfranco
Published: January 2016

Purpose: in pathological conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA), overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may overwhelm the antioxidant defenses of chondrocytes, thus promoting oxidative stress and cell death. It can be hypothesized that increasing the antioxidant machinery of chondrocytes may prevent the age-associated progression of this disease. Growth factors (GFs) play an important role in promoting both the resolution of inflammatory processes and tissue repair. in view of these considerations, we set out to investigate the protective effect, against H2O2-induced oxidative cell death, potentially exerted by fluid drained from the joint postoperatively.

Methods: the present study was conducted in 20 patients diagnosed with bilateral knee osteoarthritis and treated, between January 2013 and June 2014, with prosthetic knee implantation on the side more affected by the arthritic process, together with intraoperative placement of a closed-circuit drainage aspiration system. As a result, 20 different serum samples were collected from the drained articular fluid, prepared using two different methodologies. In addition, forty blood serum samples were obtained and prepared: 20 from the surgically treated patients and 20 from healthy controls. The present work was undertaken to investigate the potential protective effect of sera obtained from articular fluid drainage against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in cultured human chondrocytes.

Results: exposure of chondrocytes to hydrogen peroxide elicited a dose-dependent increase in oxidative stress and chondrocyte cell death, phenomena that were significantly counteracted by the pre-treatment of cell cultures with sera from articular fluid drainage.

Conclusions: oxidatively stressed chondrocytes treated with sera obtained from articular fluid drainage lived longer than those treated with blood serum samples and longer than untreated ones.

Clinical Relevance: synovial fluids are usually discarded once the drainage reservoir is full; instead they could benefit the patients from whom they are collected, as they are rich in growth factors and they may act as antagonists of ROS effects. Accordingly, they could be used to treat chondropathies, early OA, and mild OA located in other sites.
Results of meniscectomy and meniscal repair in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Deledda Davide , Rosso Federica , Cottino Umberto , Bonasia Davide , Rossi Roberto
Published: January 2016

Meniscal tears are commonly associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. A deficient medial meniscus results in knee instability and could lead to higher stress forces on the ACL reconstruction.

Comparison of results in meniscectomy and meniscal repairs revealed worse clinical outcomes in meniscectomy, but higher re-operation rates in meniscal repairs. Our aim was to review the results of ACL reconstruction associated with meniscectomy or meniscal repair.
Study on Pore Structure of Seaweed Particles After Combustion
Authors: Xu Shannan , Wang Shuang , Zhang Zhe , Li Chunhou , Jiang Xiumin
Published: January 2016

In this work, the particles of two seaweeds, Enteromorpha clathrata (E. clathrata) (EN) and Sargassum natans (S. natans), were combusted in a fluidized bed. It was found that while combustion of EN particles was stable, there was a substantial slagging period during the combustion of S. natans particles. Seaweed and its bottom ash samples were collected, and their pore structures were determined with both mercury intrusion method and N2 adsorption–desorption method. The structural analysis revealed that the number of porosity, pore volume, and specific surface area was all increased and the internal pore in ash samples was expanded after combustion. Fractal analysis showed that while the surface of original seaweed was smooth, it became irregular and rough after combustion. This study has suggested that the ash of seaweeds with porous structure can be valuable for comprehensive utilization.
Effect of Hydrophilic Nanostructured Cupric Oxide Surfaces on the Heat Transport Capability of a Flat-Plate Oscillating Heat Pipe
Authors: Zhang F. Z. , Winholtz R. A. , Black W. J. , Wilson M. R. , Taub H. , Ma H. B.
Published: January 2016

With a surface treatment of hydrophilic cupric oxide (CuO) nanostructures on the channels inside a flat-plate oscillating heat pipe (FP-OHP), the wetting effect on the thermal performance of an FP-OHP was experimentally investigated. Three FP-OHP configurations were tested: (1) evaporator treated, (2) condenser treated, and (3) untreated. Both evaporator- and condenser-treated FP-OHPs show significantly enhanced performance. The greatest improvement was seen in the condenser-treated FP-OHP, a 60% increase in thermal performance. Neutron imaging provided insight into the fluid dynamics inside the FP-OHPs. These findings show that hydrophilic nanostructures and their placement play a key role in an OHP's performance.
Design Optimization of a Magnetic Field-Based Localization Device for Enhanced Ventriculostomy
Authors: Maréchal Luc , Foong Shaohui , Ding Shuoyu , Wood Kristin L. , Patil Vaibhav , Gupta Rajiv
Published: January 2016

The accuracy of many freehand medical procedures can be improved with assistance from real-time localization. Magnetic localization systems based on harnessing passive permanent magnets (PMs) are of great interest to track objects inside the body because they do not require a powered source and provide noncontact sensing without the need for line-of-sight. While the effect of the number of sensors on the localization accuracy in such systems has been reported, the spatial design of the sensing assembly is an open problem. This paper presents a systematic approach to determine an optimal spatial sensor configuration for localizing a PM during a medical procedure. Two alternative approaches were explored and compared through numerical simulations and experimental investigation: one based on traditional grid configuration and the other derived using genetic algorithms (GAs). Our results strongly suggest that optimizing the spatial arrangement has a larger influence on localization performance than increasing the number of sensors in the assembly. We found that among all the optimization schemes, the approach utilizing GA produced sensor designs with the smallest localization errors.
Reaction Kinetics of Pressurized Entrained Flow Coal Gasification: Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of a 5 MW Siemens Test Gasifier
Authors: Halama Stefan , Spliethoff Hartmut
Published: January 2016

Modeling pressurized entrained flow gasification of solid fuels plays an important role in the development of integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plants and other gasification applications. A better understanding of the underlying reaction kinetics is essential for the design and optimization of entrained flow gasifiers—in particular at operating conditions relevant to large-scale industrial gasifiers. The presented computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations aim to predict conversion rates as well as product gas compositions in entrained flow gasifiers. The simulations are based on the software ansys fluent 15.0 and include several detailed submodels in user defined functions (UDF). In a previous publication, the developed CFD model has been validated for a Rhenish lignite against experimental data, obtained from a pilot-scale entrained flow gasifier operated at the Technische Universität München. In the presented work, the validated CFD model is applied to a Siemens test gasifier geometry. Simulation results and characteristic parameters, with focus on char gasification reactions, are analyzed in detail and provide new insights into the gasification process.
Diesel-Like Efficiency Using Compressed Natural Gas/Diesel Dual-Fuel Combustion
Authors: Nithyanandan Karthik , Zhang Jiaxiang , Li Yuqiang , Meng Xiangyu , Donahue Robert , Lee Chia-Fon , Dou Huili
Published: January 2016

The use of natural gas in compression ignition (CI) engines as a supplement to diesel under dual-fuel combustion mode is a promising technique to increase efficiency and reduce emissions. In this study, the effect of dual-fuel operating mode on combustion characteristics, engine performance and pollutant emissions of a diesel engine using natural gas as primary fuel and neat diesel as pilot fuel, has been examined. Natural gas (99% methane) was port injected into an AVL 5402 single cylinder diesel research engine under various engine operating conditions and up to 90% substitution was achieved. In addition, neat diesel was also tested as a baseline for comparison. The experiments were conducted at three different speeds—1200, 1500, and 2000 rpm, and at different diesel-equivalent loads (injection quantity)—15, 20 (7 bar IMEP), and 25 mg/cycle. Both performance and emissions data are presented and discussed. The performance was evaluated through measurements of in-cylinder pressure, power output and various exhaust emissions including unburned hydrocarbons (UHCs), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and soot. The goal of these experiments was to maximize the efficiency. This was done as follows—the compressed natural gas (CNG) substitution rate (based on energy) was increased from 30% to 90% at fixed engine conditions, to identify the optimum CNG substitution rate. Then using that rate, a main injection timing sweep was performed. Under these optimized conditions, combustion behavior was also compared between single, double, and triple injections. Finally, a load and speed sweep at the optimum CNG rate and timings were performed. It was found that a 70% CNG substitution provided the highest indicated thermal efficiency (ITE). It appears that dual-fuel combustion has a maximum brake torque (MBT) diesel injection timing for different conditions which provides the highest torque. Based on multiple diesel injection tests, it was found that the conditions that favor pure diesel combustion, also favor dual-fuel combustion because better diesel combustion provides better ignition and combustion for the CNG-air mixture. For 70% CNG dual-fuel combustion, multiple diesel injections showed an increase in the efficiency. Based on the experiments conducted, diesel-CNG dual-fuel combustion is able to achieve similar efficiency and reduced emissions relative to pure diesel combustion. As such, CNG can be effectively used to substitute for diesel fuel in CI engines.
Draft Genome Sequences of Nine Strains of Ralstonia solanacearum Differing in Virulence to Eggplant (
Solanum melongena
)
Authors: Guinard Jérémy , Vinatzer Boris A. , Poussier Stéphane , Lefeuvre Pierre , Wicker Emmanuel
Published: January 2016

Ralstonia solanacearum
displays variability in its virulence to solanaceous crops. We report here the draft genome sequences of eight phylotype I strains and one phylotype III strain differing in virulence to the resistant eggplant genotype AG91-25. These data will allow the identification of virulence- and avirulence-related genes.
Draft Genome Sequences of Five Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Strains Isolated from Sputum Samples from Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Couger M. B. , Wright Anna , Lutter Erika I. , Youssef Noha
Published: January 2016

We report here the draft genome sequences of five
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates obtained from sputum samples from two cystic fibrosis patients with chronic colonization. These closely related strains harbor 225 to 493 genes absent from the
P. aeruginosa
POA1 genome and contain 178 to 179 virulence factors and 29 to 31 antibiotic resistance genes.
Identification and Complete Genome Sequence Analysis of a Genotype XIV Newcastle Disease Virus from Nigeria
Authors: Shittu Ismaila , Sharma Poonam , Volkening Jeremy D. , Solomon Ponman , Sulaiman Lanre K. , Joannis Tony M. , Williams-Coplin Dawn , Miller Patti J. , Dimitrov Kiril M. , Afonso Claudio L.
Published: January 2016

The first complete genome sequence of a strain of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) from genotype XIV is reported here. Strain duck/Nigeria/NG-695/KG.LOM.11-16/2009 was isolated from an apparently healthy domestic duck from a live bird market in Kogi State, Nigeria, in 2009. This strain is classified as a member of subgenotype XIVb of class II.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Duck Tembusu Virus Strain DTMUV/CH/2014, Isolated in China
Authors: Zhou Xinrong , Zhang Tiansheng , Song Deping , Huang Tao , Peng Qi , Chen Yanjun , Li Anqi , Zhang Fanfan , Wu Qi , Ye Yu , Tang Yuxin
Published: January 2016

The whole-complete genome sequence of a strain of duck tembusu virus (DTMUV), DTMUV/CH/2014, affecting layer ducks in China, was determined and characterized. Compared with DTMUV sequences available in GenBank, DTMUV/CH/2014 has 3 amino acid mutations located in the capsid, prM, and NS3 genes of DTMUV/CH/2014.
Genome Sequence of Bovine Polyomavirus 1 Detected in a Salers Cow (Bos taurus) from Catalonia, Spain
Authors: Ben Salem Nicole , Pérez de Val Bernat , Martin Maite , Moens Ugo , Ehlers Bernhard
Published: January 2016

We identified a variant of the first bovine polyomavirus (BPyV1; family
Polyomaviridae
) in a lymph node of a Salers cow. As the 2 previously published genome sequences of this virus originated from fetal bovine serum and ground beef, respectively, this is the first BPyV1 genome that could be traced back to an individual.
Complete Genome Sequence of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Strain PA01, Isolated from Sheep in Pará, Brazil
Authors: Alves Jorianne T. C. , Veras Adonney A. O. , Cavalcante Ana Lídia Q. , de Sá Pablo H. C. G. , Dias Larissa M. , Guimarães Luis C. , Morais Ezequiel , Silva André G. M. , Azevedo Vasco , Ramos Rommel T. J. , Silva Artur , Carneiro Adriana R.
Published: January 2016

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis
is the etiological agent of caseous lymphadenitis disease. In this work, we present the first complete genome sequence of
Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis
strain PA01, isolated in northern Brazil from an infected sheep. The genome length is 2,337,920 bp, and 2,003 coding sequences (CDS), 12 rRNAs, and 49 tRNAs were predicted.
Complete Genome Sequence of MIDG2331, a Genetically Tractable Serovar 8 Clinical Isolate of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
Authors: Bossé Janine T. , Chaudhuri Roy R. , Li Yanwen , Leanse Leon G. , Fernandez Crespo Roberto , Coupland Paul , Holden Matthew T. G. , Bazzolli Denise M. , Maskell Duncan J. , Tucker Alexander W. , Wren Brendan W. , Rycroft Andrew N. , Langford Paul R.
Published: January 2016

We report here the complete annotated genome sequence of a clinical serovar 8 isolate
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
MIDG2331. Unlike the serovar 8 reference strain 405, MIDG2331 is amenable to genetic manipulation via natural transformation as well as conjugation, making it ideal for studies of gene function.
Identification of Proteins Bound to Dengue Viral RNA
In Vivo
Reveals New Host Proteins Important for Virus Replication
Authors: Phillips Stacia L. , Soderblom Erik J. , Bradrick Shelton S. , Garcia-Blanco Mariano A.
Published: January 2016

Dengue virus is the most prevalent cause of arthropod-borne infection worldwide. Due to the limited coding capacity of the viral genome and the complexity of the viral life cycle, host cell proteins play essential roles throughout the course of viral infection. Host RNA-binding proteins mediate various aspects of virus replication through their physical interactions with viral RNA. Here we describe a technique designed to identify such interactions in the context of infected cells using UV cross-linking followed by antisense-mediated affinity purification and mass spectrometry. Using this approach, we identified interactions, several of them novel, between host proteins and dengue viral RNA in infected Huh7 cells. Most of these interactions were subsequently validated using RNA immunoprecipitation. Using small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated gene silencing, we showed that more than half of these host proteins are likely involved in regulating virus replication, demonstrating the utility of this method in identifying biologically relevant interactions that may not be identified using traditional
in vitro
approaches.

IMPORTANCE
Dengue virus is the most prevalent cause of arthropod-borne infection worldwide. Viral RNA molecules physically interact with cellular RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) throughout the course of infection; the identification of such interactions will lead to the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of virus replication. Until now, the identification of host proteins bound to dengue viral RNA has been accomplished using
in vitro
strategies. Here, we used a method for the specific purification of dengue viral ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes from infected cells and subsequently identified the associated proteins by mass spectrometry. We then validated a functional role for the majority of these proteins in mediating efficient virus replication. This approach has broad relevance to virology and RNA biology, as it could theoretically be used to purify any viral RNP complex of interest.
Effects of exercise training in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—a narrative review for FYSS (Swedish Physical Activity Exercise Prescription Book)
Authors: Emtner M , Wadell K
Published: January 2016

The aims of this review were to determine the level of evidence for exercise training in the management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and provide evidence-based recommendations on exercise training. This review was performed in PubMed and Cochrane Library. Included studies investigated patients with COPD who had been randomised to exercise training or no training. Six systematic reviews were included. The methodological quality was scored using a grading system (GRADE). The analysis showed that aerobic and resistance training in patients in a stable state of COPD results in improved health-related quality of life and decreased dyspnoea, anxiety and depression (moderately strong scientific evidence, grade +++), and increased physical capacity and decreased dyspnoea in daily activities (limited scientific evidence, grade ++). In patients with an acute exacerbation, aerobic and resistance training, performed directly after the exacerbation, results in improved health-related quality of life (moderately strong scientific evidence, grade +++), improved exercise capacity and decreased mortality and hospitalisation (limited scientific evidence, grade ++). Thus, patients with COPD should be recommended to take part in exercise training.
Estimating peak oxygen uptake based on postexercise measurements in swimming
Authors: Chaverri Diego , Iglesias Xavier , Schuller Thorsten , Hoffmann Uwe , Rodríguez Ferran A.
Published: January 2016

To assess the validity of postexercise measurements in estimating peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) in swimming, we compared oxygen uptake (V̇O2) measurements during supramaximal exercise with various commonly adopted methods, including a recently developed heart rate — V̇O2 modelling procedure. Thirty-one elite swimmers performed a 200-m maximal swim where V̇O2 was measured breath-by-breath using a portable gas analyzer connected to a respiratory snorkel, 1 min before, during, and 3 min postexercise. V̇O2peak(-20–0) was the average of the last 20 s of effort. The following postexercise measures were compared: (i) first 20-s average (V̇O2peak(0–20)); (ii) linear backward extrapolation (BE) of the first 20 s (BE(20)), 30 s, and 3 × 20-, 4 × 20-, and 3 or 4 × 20-s averages; (iii) semilogarithmic BE at 20 s (LOG(20)) and at the other same time intervals as in linear BE; and (iv) predicted V̇O2peak using mathematical modelling (pV̇O2(0–20)]. Repeated-measures ANOVA and post-hoc Bonferroni tests compared V̇O2peak (criterion) and each estimated value. Pearson’s coefficient of determination (r2) was used to assess correlation. Exercise V̇O2peak(-20–0) (mean ± SD 3531 ± 738 mL·min−1) was not different (p > 0.30) from pV̇O2(0–20) (3571 ± 735 mL·min−1), BE(20) (3617 ± 708 mL·min−1), or LOG(20) (3627 ± 746 mL·min−1). pV̇O2(0–20) was very strongly correlated with exercise V̇O2peak (r2 = 0.962; p < 0.001), and showed a low standard error of the estimate (146 mL·min−1, 4.1%) and the lowest mean difference (40 mL·min−1; 1.1%). We confirm that the new modelling procedure based on postexercise V̇O2 and heart rate measurements is a valid and accurate procedure for estimating V̇O2peak in swimmers and avoids the estimation bias produced by other methods.