bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Mechanism for Priming and Realignment during Influenza A Virus Replication
Authors: Oymans Judith , te Velthuis Aartjan J. W.
Published: November 2017

The influenza A virus genome consists of eight segments of single-stranded RNA. These segments are replicated and transcribed by a viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) that is made up of the influenza virus proteins PB1, PB2, and PA. To copy the viral RNA (vRNA) genome segments and the cRNA segments, the replicative intermediate of viral replication, the RdRp must use two promoters and two different
de novo
initiation mechanisms. On the vRNA promoter, the RdRp initiates on the 3′ terminus, while on the cRNA promoter, the RdRp initiates internally and subsequently realigns the nascent vRNA product to ensure that the template is copied in full. In particular, the latter process, which is also used by other RNA viruses, is not understood. Here we provide mechanistic insight into priming and realignment during influenza virus replication and show that it is controlled by the priming loop and a helix-loop-helix motif of the PB1 subunit of the RdRp. Overall, these observations advance our understanding of how the influenza A virus initiates viral replication and amplifies the genome correctly.

IMPORTANCE
Influenza A viruses cause severe disease in humans and are considered a major threat to our economy and health. The viruses replicate and transcribe their genome by using an enzyme called the RNA polymerases. To ensure that the genome is amplified faithfully and that abundant viral mRNAs are made for viral protein synthesis, the RNA polymerase must work correctly. In this report, we provide insight into the mechanism that the RNA polymerase employs to ensure that the viral genome is copied correctly.
Rapid, Selection-Free, High-Efficiency Genome Editing in Protozoan Parasites Using CRISPR-Cas9 Ribonucleoproteins
Authors: Soares Medeiros Lia Carolina , South Lilith , Peng Duo , Bustamante Juan M. , Wang Wei , Bunkofske Molly , Perumal Natasha , Sanchez-Valdez Fernando , Tarleton Rick L.
Published: November 2017

Trypanosomatids (order Kinetoplastida), including the human pathogens
Trypanosoma cruzi
(agent of Chagas disease),
Trypanosoma brucei
, (African sleeping sickness), and
Leishmania
(leishmaniasis), affect millions of people and animals globally.
T. cruzi
is considered one of the least studied and most poorly understood tropical disease-causing parasites, in part because of the relative lack of facile genetic engineering tools. This situation has improved recently through the application of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats–CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) technology, but a number of limitations remain, including the toxicity of continuous Cas9 expression and the long drug marker selection times. In this study, we show that the delivery of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes composed of recombinant Cas9 from
Staphylococcus aureus
(SaCas9), but not from the more routinely used
Streptococcus pyogenes
Cas9 (SpCas9), and
in vitro
-transcribed single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) results in rapid gene edits in
T. cruzi
and other kinetoplastids at frequencies approaching 100%. The highly efficient genome editing via SaCas9/sgRNA RNPs was obtained for both reporter and endogenous genes and observed in multiple parasite life cycle stages in various strains of
T. cruzi
, as well as in
T. brucei
and
Leishmania major
. RNP complex delivery was also used to successfully tag proteins at endogenous loci and to assess the biological functions of essential genes. Thus, the use of SaCas9 RNP complexes for gene editing in kinetoplastids provides a simple, rapid, and cloning- and selection-free method to assess gene function in these important human pathogens.

IMPORTANCE
Protozoan parasites remain some of the highest-impact human and animal pathogens, with very limited treatment and prevention options. The development of improved therapeutics and vaccines depends on a better understanding of the unique biology of these organisms, and understanding their biology, in turn, requires the ability to track and manipulate the products of genes. In this work, we describe new methods that are available to essentially any laboratory and applicable to any parasite isolate for easily and rapidly editing the genomes of kinetoplastid parasites. We demonstrate that these methods provide the means to quickly assess function, including that of the products of essential genes and potential targets of drugs, and to tag gene products at their endogenous loci. This is all achieved without gene cloning or drug selection. We expect this advance to enable investigations, especially in
Trypanosoma cruzi
and
Leishmania
spp., that have eluded investigators for decades.
Different Substrate Preferences Help Closely Related Bacteria To Coexist in the Gut
Authors: Louis Petra
Published: November 2017

Many factors shape the ability of different microbes to coexist in microbial communities. In the human gut, dietary and host-derived nutrients largely drive microbial community structure. How gut microbes with very similar nutrient profiles are able to coexist over time within the same host is not fully understood. Tuncil et al. (mBio 8:e01068-17, 2017,
https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.01068-17
) explored glycan prioritization in two closely related human gut bacteria,
Bacteroides ovatus
and
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
, on complex glycan mixtures that both organisms can degrade. Determining depletion of the individual glycans over time in pure cultures and cocultures revealed that the bacteria seem to have hardwired differences in their preferences for different glycans which likely contribute to their stable coexistence. The researchers also established that gene expression changes of the corresponding polysaccharide utilization loci did not always mirror glycan depletion, which highlights that additional regulatory mechanisms must be present.
Cystic fibrosis newborn screening: outcome of infants with normal sweat tests
Authors: Edmondson Claire , Grime Christopher , Prasad Ammani , Cowlard Jacqui , Nwokoro Chinedu E C , Ruiz Gary , Wallis Colin , Balfour-Lynn Ian M
Published: November 2017

Newborn babies positively screened for cystic fibrosis (CF) (high serum immunoreactive trypsin (IRT) with DNA analysis) are referred for a diagnostic sweat test, which may be normal (sweat chloride <30 mmol/L). Unless two gene mutations are identified during Newborn screening (NBS), the babies are discharged from follow-up. We wished to check that none had subsequently developed symptoms suggestive of CF. We retrospectively reviewed patient notes and contacted general practitioners of all babies with a negative sweat test, conducted in one of the four paediatric specialist CF centres in London, over the first 6 years of screening in South East England.

Of 511 babies referred, 95 (19%) had a normal sweat test. Five (5%) had CF diagnosed genetically, two of them on extended genome sequencing after clinical suspicion. Eleven (12%) were designated as CF screen positive inconclusive diagnosis (CFSPID); one of the five CF children was originally designated as CFSPID. Seventy-nine (83%) were assumed to be false-positive cases and discharged; follow-up data were available for 51/79 (65%); 32/51 (63%) had no health issues, 19/51 (37%) had other significant non-CF pathology.

These results are reassuring in that within the limitations of those lost to follow-up, CF symptoms have not emerged in the discharged children. The high non-CF morbidity in these children may relate to known causes of high IRT at birth. Clinicians need to be aware that a child can have CF despite a normal sweat test following NBS, and if symptoms suggest the diagnosis, further testing, including extended genome sequencing, is required.
Elevated mortality among weekend hospital admissions is not associated with adoption of seven day clinical standards
Authors: Meacock Rachel , Sutton Matt
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Patients admitted to hospital in an emergency at weekends have been found to experience higher mortality rates than those admitted during the week. The National Health Service (NHS) in England has introduced four priority clinical standards for emergency hospital care with the objective of reducing deaths associated with this ‘weekend effect’. This study aimed to determine whether adoption of these clinical standards is associated with the extent to which weekend mortality is elevated.

Methods

We used publicly available data on performance against the four priority clinical standards in 2015 and estimates of Trusts’ weekend effects between 2013/2014 and 2015/2016 for 123 NHS Trusts in England. We examined whether adoption of the priority clinical standards was associated with the extent to which weekend mortality was elevated, and changes over a 3 year period in the extent to which mortality was elevated.

Results

Levels of achievement of two of the four clinical standards (ongoing review and access to diagnostic services) had small positive associations with the magnitude of the weekend effect in 2015/2016. Levels of achievement of the remaining two standards (time to first consultant review and access to consultant directed interventions) had small negative associations with the magnitude of the weekend effect in 2015/2016. No association was statistically significant. The same pattern was observed in the associations between achievement of the standards and changes in the magnitudes of the weekend effect between 2013/2014 and 2015/2016.

Discussion

We found no association between Trusts’ performance against any of the four standards and the current magnitude of their weekend effects, or the change in their weekend effects over the past 3 years. These findings cast doubt on whether adoption of seven day clinical standards in the delivery of emergency hospital services will be successful in reducing the weekend effect.
Time for change: a new training programme for morpho-molecular pathologists?
Authors: Moore David A , Young Caroline A , Morris Hayley T , Oien Karin A , Lee Jessica L , Jones J Louise , Salto-Tellez Manuel
Published: November 2017

The evolution of cellular pathology as a specialty has always been driven by technological developments and the clinical relevance of incorporating novel investigations into diagnostic practice. In recent years, the molecular characterisation of cancer has become of crucial relevance in patient treatment both for predictive testing and subclassification of certain tumours. Much of this has become possible due to the availability of next-generation sequencing technologies and the whole-genome sequencing of tumours is now being rolled out into clinical practice in England via the 100 000 Genome Project. The effective integration of cellular pathology reporting and genomic characterisation is crucial to ensure the morphological and genomic data are interpreted in the relevant context, though despite this, in many UK centres molecular testing is entirely detached from cellular pathology departments. The CM-Path initiative recognises there is a genomics knowledge and skills gap within cellular pathology that needs to be bridged through an upskilling of the current workforce and a redesign of pathology training. Bridging this gap will allow the development of an integrated ‘morphomolecular pathology’ specialty, which can maintain the relevance of cellular pathology at the centre of cancer patient management and allow the pathology community to continue to be a major influence in cancer discovery as well as playing a driving role in the delivery of precision medicine approaches. Here, several alternative models of pathology training, designed to address this challenge, are presented and appraised.
Condom use behaviour among people living with HIV: a seven-country community-based participatory research in the Asia-Pacific region
Authors: Deuba Keshab , Kohlbrenner Verena , Koirala Sushil , Ekström Anna Mia
Published: November 2017

Objectives

We examined the prevalence of inconsistent condom use and its correlates among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Asia-Pacific region.

Methods

Between 1 October 2012 and 31 May 2013, a total of 7843 PLHIV aged 18–50 years were recruited using targeted and venue-based sampling in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines and Vietnam. Logistic regression was used to explore the association between condom use behaviour and demographics, social support, stigma and discrimination and various health-related variables.

Results

Overall, 43% of 3827 PLHIV practised inconsistent condom use at sexual intercourse with their regular partner. An even higher proportion, 46% of 2044 PLHIV admitted that they practised unprotected sex with a casual partner. Participants from Lao PDR reported the lowest prevalence of inconsistent condom use for both regular and casual partners, while participants from the Philippines had the highest risk behaviour. Inconsistent condom use was significantly associated with belonging to a key population (drug user, sex worker or refugee subpopulation), not knowing that condoms are still needed if both partners are HIV positive, having a regular partner whose HIV status was either positive or unknown, having experienced physical assault and not receiving antiretroviral treatment.

Conclusions

This large seven-country study highlights a high prevalence of inconsistent condom use among PLHIV in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition to knowledge-imparting interventions, the adoption and expansion of the ‘Test and Treat’ strategy could help to maximise the prevention benefits of antiretroviral treatment.
Fate of tetracycline antibiotics in dairy manure-amended soils
Authors: Pollard Anne T. , Morra Matthew J.
Published: November 2017

The US dairy industry has changed significantly during the past 20 years. The number of dairies declined 63% from 1997 to 2012 owing to the rise in concentrated animal feeding operations and the concomitant decline of small dairy farms. Efficient and cost-effective dairies adhering to the concentrated animal feeding operation business design are praised for their high milk production. However, with a per capita daily manure production of 55 kg, storage and disposal of manure at these large operations pose significant management challenges and environmental risks. Application to surrounding agricultural fields is a common practice for disposing of manure, but the fate and consequences of antibiotics present in dairy waste are issues of great concern. Although antibiotics in the environment promote microbial resistance, their risks to humans and the environment are not completely known. Understanding and predicting the fate of antibiotics from dairy manure in soils is complicated by the variability and complex interactions of soil factors in addition to the diversity of chemicals of emerging concern, their amphoteric structures, and potential antagonistic and synergistic interactions among chemicals of emerging concern. This review explores behavior of the tetracycline (TC) class of antibiotics from dairy manure in the soil environment. TC fate in soils depends significantly on soil pH, ionic strength, and soil organic matter (SOM). Molecular charge and physicochemical properties of TCs at typical soil pHs encourage strong sorption to soils; however, this interaction is complicated by organic matter and metals, and may also encourage development of antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, TC degradation products exhibit distinct properties from their parent compounds that also must be considered. Increased knowledge of the behavior of TC antibiotics in soil is needed to enable mitigation of their potential risks.
Configuration equivalence is not equivalent to isomorphism
Authors: Rejali Ali , Malekan Meisam Soleimani
Published: November 2017

Giving a condition for the amenability of groups, Rosenblatt and Willis first introduced the concept of configuration. From the beginning of the theory, the question whether the concept of configuration equivalence coincides with the concept of group isomorphism was posed. We negatively answer this question by introducing two non-isomorphic, solvable and hence amenable groups which are configuration equivalent. Also, we will prove this conjecture, due to Rosenblatt and Willis, whether the configuration equivalent groups include the free non-Abelian group of the same rank or not. We show that two-sided equivalent groups have same class numbers.
Estimation of the alpha decay of Platinum isotopes using different versions of theoretical formula
Authors: Hosseini S. S. , Hassanabadi H. , Sobhani H.
Published: November 2017

The alpha decay half-lives of even–even and even–odd Platinum (Pt) nuclei have been studied within the Coulomb and proximity potential model (CPPM). The present study is restricted to even–even nuclei with [Formula: see text]–198. The results are compared with other calculations such as the Semi-empirical formula (SemFIS) from Poenaru et al. based on fission theory of alpha decay, the Viola–Seaborg (VS), Royer (R) and Brown formulae. Also, the alpha decay half-lives have been calculated using the Scaling law of Brown (SLB), the Universal Decay Law (UDL) of Qi et al., the Scaling Law of Horoi et al. (SLH), and Akrawy–Dorin formula (ADF) of Akrawy and Poenaru, which are the Royer modified formula for alpha decay half-live by adding asymmetry term.
DYNAMICS OF BACTERIA-PHAGE INTERACTIONS WITH IMMUNE RESPONSE IN A CHEMOSTAT
Authors: WANG WENDI
Published: November 2017

A mathematical model of bacteria-phage interaction in the chemostat is formulated, which incorporates the host immune response with an aim to mimic phage therapy in vivo. It is shown that the host immune response induces the backward bifurcation. Thus, there exists the bistability of phage-free equilibrium with the phage-infection equilibrium. More importantly, it is found that the model exhibits the coexistence of a stable phage-infection equilibrium with a stable periodic solution. The crucial implication of these phenomena is that phage infection fails both from the smaller dose of initial injection and from the larger dose of initial injection. Thus, a proper design of phage dose is necessary for phage therapy. Further analysis indicate that the inhibition effects of bacteria and phages can induce periodic oscillations and modulated oscillation.
Numerical Generation of Compound Random Processes with an Arbitrary Autocorrelation Function
Authors: Bykhovsky Dima , Trigano Tom
Published: November 2017

The generation of non-Gaussian random processes with a given autocorrelation function (ACF) is addressed. The generation is based on a compound process with two components. Both components are solutions of appropriate stochastic differential equations (SDEs). One of the components is a Gaussian process and the other one is non-Gaussian with an exponential ACF. The analytical study shows that a compound combination of these processes may be used for the generation of a non-Gaussian random process with a required ACF. The results are verified by two numerical examples.
An Investigation on the Usefulness of Employing a Two-Segment Foot for Traversing Stairs
Authors: Ezati Mahdokht , Khadiv Majid , Moosavian S. Ali A.
Published: November 2017

In this paper, effects of employing toe-off and heel-contact gait phases on the performance of bipedal robots traversing stairs are examined. The main goal is to demonstrate the hypothesis that employing toes and heels during walking up and down stairs improves the gait performance in terms of actuating joint torques and energy consumption. For this purpose, a comprehensive dynamics model for a 3D biped robot is developed and the inverse dynamics solutions during various walking phases are presented. To realize walking up and down stairs, a zero moment point (ZMP)-based pattern generation routine in the task space is proposed. In this routine, first, trajectories for the feet and the pelvis in the task space are designed to realize the desired task and preserve the feasibility constraints. Then, consistent with the topology of walking, suitable trajectory for the toe joint is generated. To examine the effects of heel-contact and toe-off gait phases, three walking topologies for walking up stairs and four walking topologies for walking down stairs, depending on the use of toe-off and heel-contact motions, are considered. For these topologies, the optimization procedure is conducted to yield the optimal patterns. Finally, the obtained patterns are compared in terms of energy consumption and joint torques, while obtained results show a significant improvement in the gait performance in terms of considered cost functions.
CASE REPORT: ANGIOSTRONGYLIASIS IN A PALLAS’S SQUIRREL (CALLOSCIURUS ERYTHRAEUS)
Authors: Tuan Yun-Chieh , Kuo Hsin-Yu , Yin Ji-Hang , Chang Fun-Rewn , Tung Kwong-Chung , Chang Wen-Fa , Chan Fang-Tse , Chiou Hue-Ying , Liao Jiunn-Wang
Published: November 2017

This is a rare case of a wild squirrel that was diagnosed with angiostrongyliasis characterized by the presence of larvae-induced eosinophilic meningoencephalomyelitis. A wild, intact, male Pallas’s squirrel (Callosciurus erythraeus) of unknown age was presented with a history of progressive paralysis in both forelimbs and hindlimbs. Gradually, the squirrel showed signs of deterioration, found dead and submitted for a complete pathological diagnosis. Necropsy revealed the presence of severe and diffuse congestion in the subarachnoid space of the brain and mild congestion in the spinal cord. Microscopically, severe meningoencephalomyelitis and interstitial pneumonia were consistent with lesions induced by Angiostrongylus cantonensis (A. cantonensis). Although A. cantonensis has been widely studied in rabbits, mice and humans, infection in squirrels has not been documented. This may be the first reported case of angiostrongyliasis in the Pallas’s squirrel.
Exploring the Effects of Team Collaborative Norms and Team Identification on the Quality of Individuals' Knowledge Contribution in Teams
Authors: Hung Shin-Yuan , Lai Hui-Min , Yen David C. , Chen Chun-Yi
Published: November 2017

Organizations use teams to generate novelty and useful ideas; thus, studying knowledge sharing in a team setting is important. It is essential to understand what and which factors drive the team members' high-quality knowledge contribution in a team meeting. Drawing on theories of social exchange and social capital, this paper proposes and empirically tests how an individual's cost-benefit factors and team contextual factors interact in increasing the quality of knowledge contribution in an expanded group support system meeting; additionally, a laboratory experiment with 146 participants across 30 teams was conducted to test out the proposed research model. According to the results, team collaborative norms, team identification, and enjoyment in helping others are critical predictors of the quality of individuals' knowledge contributions in a team setting environment. Team collaborative norms and identification are also critical moderators of the quality of individuals' knowledge contributions. Specifically, when weak team collaborative norms exist, loss of knowledge power inhibits contributions of useful knowledge, and the reciprocity benefit motivates contributions of useful knowledge. Further, when weak team identification exists, codification effort inhibits contributions of useful knowledge, and economic reward motivates contributions of useful knowledge. These findings have significant implications for future research and practice.
ANT: Agent Stigmergy-Based IoT-Network for Enhanced Tourist Mobility
Authors: López-Matencio Pablo , Vales-Alonso Javier , Costa-Montenegro Enrique
Published: November 2017

In this work, we propose ANT, a network of agents which exchange information in a stigmergy-based fashion. In ANT, each system’s actor distributes pheromones as a way of indicating places’ attractiveness, as well as for building a proper routing path to those sites. The goal of ANT is to improve the chances of discovering points of interest, as well as to reduce the time required for doing so. We have applied ANT to a tourist mobility scenario, where both people and things (events, restaurants, performances, etc.) participate. ANT has achieved notable success in this example case. We find that probability of discovering temporary events and dates improves by more than 35%, while the mean time employed to determine static point decreases by more than a third. We also introduce a mobile-based architecture which performs ANT tasks efficiently and easily for the user.
Porcine to Human Heart Transplantation: Is Clinical Application Now Appropriate?
Authors: McGregor Christopher G. A. , Byrne Guerard W.
Published: November 2017

Cardiac xenotransplantation (CXTx) is a promising solution to the chronic shortage of donor hearts. Recent advancements in immune suppression have greatly improved the survival of heterotopic CXTx, now extended beyond 2 years, and life-supporting kidney XTx. Advances in donor genetic modification (B4GALNT2 and CMAH mutations) with proven Gal-deficient donors expressing human complement regulatory protein(s) have also accelerated, reducing donor pig organ antigenicity. These advances can now be combined and tested in life-supporting orthotopic preclinical studies in nonhuman primates and immunologically appropriate models confirming their efficacy and safety for a clinical CXTx program. Preclinical studies should also allow for organ rejection to develop xenospecific assays and therapies to reverse rejection. The complexity of future clinical CXTx presents a substantial and unique set of regulatory challenges which must be addressed to avoid delay; however, dependent on these prospective life-supporting preclinical studies in NHPs, it appears that the scientific path forward is well defined and the era of clinical CXTx is approaching.
Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 2 Negatively Regulates LPS-ATP-Induced Caspase-1-Dependent Pyroptosis of Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophage by Modulating ROS Production
Authors: Wang Haihong , Zhou Xinyi , Li Hui , Qian Xiaowei , Wang Yan , Ma Liang
Published: November 2017

Background. Pyroptosis, a new form of cell death, which has special morphological characteristics, depends on caspase-1 activation and occupies an important role in inflammatory immune diseases and ischemia-reperfusion injury. ROS is a common activator of NLR/caspase-1. Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2), a selective cation channel, is involved in inflammatory regulation. This study was designed to explore the role of TRPM2 in activating caspase-1 and caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis of mouse BMDMs. Methods. BMDMs isolated from WT and TRPM2−/− mice were treated with LPS and ATP, along with ROS inhibitor (NAC and DPI), caspase-1 inhibitor (Z-YVAD), or not. The activation of caspase-1 was measured by western blot. EtBr and EthD-2 staining were used to assess the incidence of pyroptosis. Results. Compared with WT, the activated caspase-1-P10 was higher and the percentage of EtBr positive cells was also increased in TRPM2−/− group, which were both inhibited by Z-YVAD, NAC, or DPI. ASC oligomerization was increased in TRPM2−/− group. Conclusion. Deletion of TRPM2 can enhance the activation of caspase-1 and pyroptosis, which may be via modulating ROS production, suggesting that TRPM2 plays a critical role in immune adjustment.
Corneal Nerve Fiber Structure, Its Role in Corneal Function, and Its Changes in Corneal Diseases
Authors: Eguchi Hiroshi , Hiura Akio , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Kusaka Shunji , Shimomura Yoshikazu
Published: November 2017

Recently, in vivo confocal microscopy is used to examine the human corneal nerve fibers morphology. Corneal nerve fiber architecture and its role are studied in healthy and pathological conditions. Corneal nerves of rats were studied by nonspecific acetylcholinesterase (NsAchE) staining. NsAchE-positive subepithelial (stromal) nerve fiber has been found to be insensitive to capsaicin. Besides, NsAchE-negative but capsaicin-sensitive subbasal nerve (leash) fibers formed thick mesh-like structure showing close interconnections and exhibit both isolectin B4- and transient receptor potential vanilloid channel 1- (TRPV1-) positive. TRPV1, TRPV3, TRPA (ankyrin) 1, and TRPM (melastatin) 8 are expressed in corneal nerve fibers. Besides the corneal nerve fibers, the expressions of TRPV (1, 3, and 4), TRPC (canonical) 4, and TRPM8 are demonstrated in the corneal epithelial cell membrane. The realization of the importance of TRP channels acting as polymodal sensors of environmental stresses has identified potential drug targets for corneal disease. The pathophysiological conditions of corneal diseases are associated with disruption of normal tissue innervation, especially capsaicin-sensitive small sensory nerve fibers. The relationships between subbasal corneal nerve fiber morphology and neurotrophic keratopathy in corneal diseases are well studied. The recommended treatment for neurotrophic keratopathy is administration of preservative free eye drops.
Quality Assessment of Some Springs in the Awing Community, Northwest Cameroon, and Their Health Implications
Authors: Mofor Nelson Alakeh , Njoyim Estella Buleng Tamungang , Mvondo-Zé Antoine David
Published: November 2017

Some springs in Awing, North West Cameroon, were assessed in order to ascertain their quality for human consumption. Achialum, Meupi, and Ala’amiti quarters in Awing depend on springs as the major source of drinking water and inhabitants consume it in its natural state without prior assessment and treatment. Water samples were collected from Achialum, Meupi, and Ala’amiti and analysed for organoleptic, physicochemical, and bacteriological parameters using standard methods. Results of organoleptic and physicochemical parameters showed that most of the parameters fell below WHO limits. Water quality index results, based on physicochemical parameters only, showed that Achialum and Ala’amiti springs were of good quality while Meupi spring was of poor quality. Water quality index may not carry enough information about the real quality situation since a single bad parameter value can give misleading information about the water quality. However, the bacteriological aspect revealed the presence of faecal coliforms and pathogenic bacteria in all the springs that justified the high rate of water borne diseases recorded in the area. This poor water quality could be associated to poor hygiene and farming practices. Thus, the population of Awing should implement home water treatment methods such as boiling, filtration, or chlorination before consumption.
Shape and Boundary Similarity Features for Accurate HCC Image Recognition
Authors: Duan Xiaoyu , Jiang Huiyan , Li Siqi
Published: November 2017

Nucleus morphology is of great importance in conventional cancer pathological diagnosis, which could provide information difference between normal and abnormal nuclei visually. Therefore, this paper proposes two novel kinds of features for normal and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nucleus recognition, including shape and boundary similarity. First, each individual nucleus patch with the fixed size is obtained using center-proliferation segmentation (CPS) method. Then, nucleus shape library is constructed based on manual selection by pathologists, which is utilized to measure nucleus shape similarity via Dice, Jaccard, precision, and recall coefficients. Meanwhile, boundary similarity is evaluated through triangles composed of some boundary feature points for each nucleus. Finally, the conventional random forest (RF) is used to train and test the classification model for HCC nucleus recognition. Extensive cross-validation tests could facilitate the selection of the optimal feature set and the experiment comparison results demonstrate that our proposed morphological features are more beneficial for classification compared with other traditional characteristics.
Urine-Derived Stem Cells: The Present and the Future
Authors: Ji Xiaoli , Wang Min , Chen Fang , Zhou Junmei
Published: November 2017

Stem cell research provides promising strategies in improving healthcare for human beings. As a noninvasively obtained and easy-to-culture cell resource with relatively low expense, urine-derived stem cells have special advantages. They have been extensively studied on its proliferation ability and differentiation potential and were being reprogrammed to model diseases during the last decade. In this review, we intend to summarize the latest progress on the research of urine-derived stem cells for its broad application mainly in regenerative medicine and disease modeling, as well as in what is challenging currently. This minireview will highlight the potential application of urine-derived stem cells and provides possible direction of further research in the future.
Ustekinumab and Vedolizumab Dual Biologic Therapy in the Treatment of Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Liu Eddie Y. , Loomes Dustin E.
Published: November 2017

We present a case of refractory ileocolonic Crohn’s disease in a 27-year-old female treated with dual ustekinumab and vedolizumab biologic therapy. She had mucosal healing for the first time in 13 years after a 10-month treatment of ustekinumab overlapped with 6 months of vedolizumab. No side effects were observed during the 6 months of dual biologic therapy. Short-term dual biologic therapy may be considered as a treatment option for induction of remission in refractory cases of Crohn’s disease.
Adaptive Neural Network Control of Serial Variable Stiffness Actuators
Authors: Guo Zhao , Pan Yongping , Sun Tairen , Zhang Yubing , Xiao Xiaohui
Published: November 2017

This paper focuses on modeling and control of a class of serial variable stiffness actuators (SVSAs) based on level mechanisms for robotic applications. A multi-input multi-output complex nonlinear dynamic model is derived to fully describe SVSAs and the relative degree of the model is determined accordingly. Due to nonlinearity, high coupling, and parametric uncertainty of SVSAs, a neural network-based adaptive control strategy based on feedback linearization is proposed to handle system uncertainties. The feasibility of the proposed approach for position and stiffness tracking of SVSAs is verified by simulation results.
Effects of Structured Physical Activity Program on Chinese Young Children’s Executive Functions and Perceived Physical Competence in a Day Care Center
Authors: Xiong Shanying , Li Xianxiong , Tao Kun
Published: November 2017

Purpose. To examine the effects of a structured physical activity program on executive functions and perceived physical competence as compared to a traditional recess among preschool children. Methods. Participants were 40 preschool children aged 4-5 from an urban child care center in a southern Chinese metropolitan area. Prior to the intervention, baseline assessments of children’s executive functions and perceived physical competence were conducted. Children were then assigned to (1) intervention condition: a structured physical activity intervention group; (2) control condition: free-activity recess. The structured physical activity or recess programs were provided to the intervention and control groups 30 minutes daily for 3 months, respectively, followed by the identical postintervention measures. Results. Thirty-nine children (19 girls; mean age = 4.67 years old, BMI = 15.54±1.21) were included in the analysis. In general, children’s executive functions and perceived physical competence increased over time. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed the intervention group had significant greater increases in executive functions compared to the control children (F(1, 37) = 4.20, p=0.04, η2=.10), yet there were no greater increases in perceived physical competence (F(1, 37) = 2.35, p=0.13, η2=.06). Conclusion. The intervention exerted significant greater increases in executive functions in preschool children. It is meaningful to offer structured physical activity programs in day care centers.
Investigation of Surface Behavior of DPPC and Curcumin in Langmuir Monolayers at the Air-Water Interface
Authors: Xu Guoqing , Hao Changchun , Zhang Lei , Sun Runguang
Published: November 2017

Langmuir monolayers of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) and a mixture of DPPC with curcumin (CUR) have been investigated at the air-water interface through a combination of surface pressure measurements and atomic force microscopy (AFM) observation. By analyzing the correlation data of mean molecular areas, the compressibility coefficient, and other thermodynamic parameters, we obtained that the interaction between the two components perhaps was mainly governed by the hydrogen bonding between the amino group of DPPC and the hydroxyl groups of CUR. CUR markedly affected the surface compressibility, the thermodynamic stability, and the thermodynamic phase behaviors of mixed monolayers. The interaction between CUR and DPPC was sensitive to the components and the physical states of mixed monolayers under compression. Two-dimensional phase diagrams and interaction energies indicated that DPPC and CUR molecules were miscible in mixed monolayers. AFM images results were in agreement with these analyses results of experimental data. This study will encourage us to further research the application of CUR in the biomedical field.
Insights on Genomic and Molecular Alterations in Multiple Myeloma and Their Incorporation towards Risk-Adapted Treatment Strategy: Concise Clinical Review
Authors: Nishihori Taiga , Shain Kenneth
Published: November 2017

Although recent advances in novel treatment approaches and therapeutics have shifted the treatment landscape of multiple myeloma, it remains an incurable plasma cell malignancy. Growing knowledge of the genome and expressed genomic information characterizing the biologic behavior of multiple myeloma continues to accumulate. However, translation and incorporation of vast molecular understanding of complex tumor biology to deliver personalized and precision treatment to cure multiple myeloma have not been successful to date. Our review focuses on current evidence and understanding of myeloma biology with characterization in the context of genomic and molecular alterations. We also discuss future clinical application of the genomic and molecular knowledge, and more translational research is needed to benefit our myeloma patients.
Clinical, Epidemiological, and Histopathological Features of Respiratory Involvement in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Alunno Alessia , Gerli Roberto , Giacomelli Roberto , Carubbi Francesco
Published: November 2017

Although by definition rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an articular disorder, it is a systemic disease, and 18–40% of patients experience extra-articular manifestations (EAMs). The involvement of the respiratory system occurs in about 30–40% of RA patients, and in about 10–20% of them it represents the first manifestation of RA. A wide range of pulmonary manifestations are detectable in RA patients, including pulmonary parenchymal disease, pleural involvement, and airway and pulmonary inflammation. The clinical, radiological, and histological spectra of respiratory manifestations in RA reflect chronic immune activation, increased susceptibility to infection (often related to immunosuppressive medications), or direct drug. The type and severity of pulmonary involvement influence the prognosis, ranging from mild self-limiting conditions to severe life-threatening complications. Herein, we reviewed the various manifestations of respiratory involvement in RA, providing an overview on epidemiological, histological, clinical, and radiological data.
Interaction of Pubertal Development and Metabolic Control in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Plamper M. , Gohlke B. , Woelfle J. , Konrad K. , Rohrer T. , Hofer S. , Bonfig W. , Fink K. , Holl R. W.
Published: November 2017

Background. In T1DM, delayed pubertal development and reduced final height are associated with inadequate metabolic control. Objective. To assess whether T1DM affects pubertal growth spurt and whether metabolic control during puberty is gender-related. Methods. Using a large multicentre database, longitudinal data from 1294 patients were analysed. Inclusion criteria: complete records of height and HbA1c from the age of seven to 16 years. Exclusion criteria: other significant chronic diseases and medications, T1DM duration less than three months, and initial BMI < 3rd or >97th percentile. Results. Growth velocity (GV) was impaired with a significant reduction of peak GV by 1.2 cm in boys. HbA1c increase during male puberty was lower except for a period of 1.5 years. The highest HbA1c increase in boys coincided with maximum growth spurt. In girls, the highest HbA1c increase was observed during late puberty. Even though there is impaired GV, both sexes reach a height at 16 years of age which corresponds to the background population height. Conclusion. Worsening of metabolic control is sex-discordant and associated with gender-specific alterations of GV. However, the vast majority of boys and girls with T1DM seems to reach normal height at the age of 16 years.
First-Principles Study of Properties of Alpha Uranium Crystal and Seven Alpha Uranium Surfaces
Authors: Huang Shan-Qisong , Ju Xue-Hai
Published: November 2017

First-principles calculation based on the GGA methods has been applied to the prediction of the properties of bulk α-uranium and seven α-uranium surfaces. The number of layers in the slab has great effects on the simulated surface properties. The predicted surface properties are trustworthy when the slab number is nine or more. The surface energies of the seven low index uranium surfaces are in the range from 1.756 to 2.151 J/m2. The hybrid between the 5f orbital and 6d orbital also has somewhat impacts on the surface energies of uranium.
Short-Lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform Headache Attacks with Conjunctival Injection and Tearing in a Patient with Varicella-Zoster Virus Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Gray Megan E. , Wispelwey Brian , Arnold Christopher J.
Published: November 2017

Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing syndrome (SUNCT) is a type of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia. Its etiology is generally idiopathic, though rarely it has been associated with viral infections. We describe the fourth case reported in the literature of SUNCT in association with viral meningoencephalitis.
Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization including Practically Desirable Solutions
Authors: Sagawa Miyako , Kusuno Natsuki , Aguirre Hernán , Tanaka Kiyoshi , Koishi Masataka
Published: November 2017

In many practical situations the decision-maker has to pay special attention to decision space to determine the constructability of a potential solution, in addition to its optimality in objective space. Practically desirable solutions are those around preferred values in decision space and within a distance from optimality. This work investigates two methods to find simultaneously optimal and practically desirable solutions. The methods expand the objective space by adding fitness functions that favor preferred values for some variables. In addition, the methods incorporate a ranking mechanism that takes into account Pareto dominance in objective space and desirability in decision space. One method searches with one population in the expanded space, whereas the other one uses two populations to search concurrently in the original and expanded space. Our experimental results on benchmark and real world problems show that the proposed method can effectively find optimal and practically desirable solutions.
Associations between Familial Rates of Psychiatric Disorders and De Novo Genetic Mutations in Autism
Authors: Luhrs Kyleen , Ward Tracey , Hudac Caitlin M. , Gerdts Jennifer , Stessman Holly A. F. , Eichler Evan E. , Bernier Raphael A.
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the confluence of genetic and familial risk factors in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with distinct de novo genetic events. We hypothesized that gene-disrupting mutations would be associated with reduced rates of familial psychiatric disorders relative to structural mutations. Participants included families of children with ASD in four groups: de novo duplication copy number variations (DUP,n=62), de novo deletion copy number variations (DEL,n=74), de novo likely gene-disrupting mutations (LGDM,n=267), and children without a known genetic etiology (NON,n=2111). Familial rates of psychiatric disorders were calculated from semistructured interviews. Results indicated overall increased rates of psychiatric disorders in DUP families compared to DEL and LGDM families, specific to paternal psychiatric histories, and particularly evident for depressive disorders. Higher rates of depressive disorders in maternal psychiatric histories were observed overall compared to paternal histories and higher rates of anxiety disorders were observed in paternal histories for LGDM families compared to DUP families. These findings support the notion of an additive contribution of genetic etiology and familial factors are associated with ASD risk and highlight critical need for continued work targeting these relationships.
Assessment of Drug-Drug Interaction in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Mekelle, Northern Ethiopia: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Gebretsadik Zeru , Gebrehans Micheale , Getnet Desalegn , Gebrie Desye , Alema Tsgab , Belay Yared Belete
Published: November 2017

Introduction. Adverse drug interaction is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Its occurrence is influenced by a multitude of factors. The influences of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) can be minimized through creation of awareness to health care professionals.Objective. The objective of this study was to assess DDIs in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (ACSH).Methodology. A retrospective study design was employed on patient prescriptions available in the outpatient department of pharmacy and filled from September 2016 to February 2017 in ACSH.Result. From the 600 prescription records assessed, the average number of drugs on single prescription was 2.73. Regarding the interaction observed 34 (9.63%) prescriptions with major drug-drug interaction, 210 (59.5%) moderate, 87 (24.65%) minor, and 22 (6.22%) unknown were identified. Age category showed significant association to affect the occurrence of DDIs and polypharmacy had statistically significant association with DDIs in bivariate analysis which was lost in adjusted OR.Conclusion. From the current study it can be concluded that nearly half of the prescription ordered in ACSH contained DDIs and from the prescription with interacting medications majority of them had moderate DDIs.