bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination and Therapeutic Exploitation of Ebola Virus Spontaneous Mutation Frequency
Authors: Alfson Kendra J. , Worwa Gabriella , Carrion Ricardo , Griffiths Anthony
Published: December 2015

Ebola virus (EBOV) is an RNA virus that can cause hemorrhagic fever with high fatality rates, and there are no approved vaccines or therapies. Typically, RNA viruses have high spontaneous mutation rates, which permit rapid adaptation to selection pressures and have other important biological consequences. However, it is unknown if filoviruses exhibit high mutation frequencies. Ultradeep sequencing and a recombinant EBOV that carries the gene encoding green fluorescent protein were used to determine the spontaneous mutation frequency of EBOV. The effects of the guanosine analogue ribavirin during EBOV infections were also assessed. Ultradeep sequencing revealed that the mutation frequency for EBOV was high and similar to those of other RNA viruses. Interestingly, significant genetic diversity was not observed in viable viruses, implying that changes were not well tolerated. We hypothesized that this could be exploited therapeutically.In vitro, the presence of ribavirin increased the error rate, and the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 27 μM. In a mouse model of ribavirin therapy given pre-EBOV exposure, ribavirin treatment corresponded with a significant delay in time to death and up to 75% survival. In mouse and monkey models of therapy given post-EBOV exposure, ribavirin treatment also delayed the time to death and increased survival. These results demonstrate that EBOV has a spontaneous mutation frequency similar to those of other RNA viruses. These data also suggest a potential for therapeutic use of ribavirin for human EBOV infections.

IMPORTANCEEbola virus (EBOV) causes a severe hemorrhagic disease with high case fatality rates; there are no approved vaccines or therapies. We determined the spontaneous mutation frequency of EBOV, which is relevant to understanding the potential for the virus to adapt. The frequency was similar to those of other RNA viruses. Significant genetic diversity was not observed in viable viruses, implying that changes were not well tolerated. We hypothesized that this could be exploited therapeutically. Ribavirin is a viral mutagen approved for treatment of several virus infections; it is also cheap and readily available. In cell culture, we showed that ribavirin was effective at reducing production of infectious EBOV. In mouse and monkey models of therapy given post-EBOV exposure, ribavirin treatment delayed the time to death and increased survival. These data provide a better understanding of EBOV spontaneous mutation and suggest that ribavirin may have great value in the context of human disease.
Early Activation of Primary Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells by Nipah Virus Glycoprotein-Containing Particles
Authors: Freitag Tanja C. , Maisner Andrea
Published: December 2015

Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic paramyxovirus that causes pronounced infection of brain endothelia and central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. Using primary porcine brain microvascular endothelial cells, we showed that upregulation of E-selectin precedes cytokine induction and is induced not only by infectious NiV but also by NiV-glycoprotein-containing virus-like particles. This demonstrates that very early events in NiV brain endothelial infection do not depend on NiV replication but can be triggered by the NiV glycoproteins alone.
Small intestine perforation due to accidental press-through package ingestion in an elderly patient with Lewy body dementia and recurrent cardiopulmonary arrest
Authors: Hashizume Tsuyoshi , Tokumaru Aya M , Harada Kazumasa
Published: December 2015

An octogenarian with Lewy body dementia presented to our hospital in cardiac arrest and was successfully resuscitated. Although he had abdominal pain the previous day, small bowel wall oedema and ascites were the only abnormalities noted on abdominal CT. Despite treatment with catecholamines and antimicrobials, he died of recurrent cardiopulmonary arrest later the same day. An autopsy showed that the patient's death was the result of a small bowel perforation caused by accidental ingestion of a press-through package (PTP). Precautions regarding PTP use and improved packaging design are necessary to prevent PTP ingestion, especially in elderly patients with dementia.
VITALITY trial: protocol for a randomised controlled trial to establish the role of postnatal vitamin D supplementation in infant immune health
Authors: Allen Katrina J , Panjari Mary , Koplin Jennifer J , Ponsonby Anne-Louise , Vuillermin Peter , Gurrin Lyle C , Greaves Ronda , Carvalho Natalie , Dalziel Kim , Tang Mimi L K , Lee Katherine J , Wake Melissa , Curtis Nigel , Dharmage Shyamali C
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Postnatal vitamin D supplementation may be associated with a reduction in IgE-mediated food allergy, lower respiratory tract infections and improved bone health. Countries in the Northern hemisphere recommend universal infant vitamin D supplementation to optimise early vitamin D levels, despite the absence of large trials proving safety or efficacy for any disease outcome. With the aim of determining the clinical and cost-effectiveness of daily vitamin D supplementation in breastfed infants from age 6–8 weeks to 12 months of age, we have started a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of daily 400 IU vitamin D supplementation during the first year of life, VITALITY.

Methods nd analysis

Infants (n=3012) who are fully breastfed and not receiving vitamin D supplementation will be recruited at the time of their first immunisation, from council-led immunisation clinics throughout metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. The primary outcome is challenge-proven food allergy at 12 months of age. Secondary outcomes are food sensitisation (positive skin prick test), number of lower respiratory infections (through hospital linkage), moderately-severe and persistent eczema (by history and examination) and vitamin D deficiency (serum vitamin D <50 nmol/L) at age 12 months. The trial is underway and the first 130 participants have been recruited.

Ethics and dissemination

The VITALITY study is approved by the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) Human Research Ethics Committee (#34168). Outcomes will be disseminated through publication and will be presented at scientific conferences.

Trial registration numbers

ANZCTR12614000334606 andNCT02112734; pre-results.
Survey of the capacity for essential surgery and anaesthesia services in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Martin Janet , Tau Goa , Cherian Meena Nathan , Vergel de Dios Jennifer , Mills David , Fitzpatrick Jane , Adu-Krow William , Cheng Davy
Published: December 2015

Objective

To assess capacity to provide essential surgical services including emergency, obstetric and anaesthesia care in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in order to support planning for relevant post-2015 sustainable development goals for PNG.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Hospitals and health facilities in PNG.

Participants

21 facilities including 3 national/provincial hospitals, 11 district/rural hospitals, and 7 health centres.

Outcome measures

The WHO Situational Analysis Tool to Assess Emergency and Essential Surgical Care (WHO-SAT) was used to measure each participating facility's capacity to deliver essential surgery and anaesthesia services, including 108 items related to relevant infrastructure, human resources, interventions and equipment.

Results

While major surgical procedures were provided at each hospital, fewer than 30% had uninterrupted access to oxygen, and 57% had uninterrupted access to resuscitation bag and mask. Most hospitals reported capacity to provide general anaesthesia, though few hospitals reported having at least one certified surgeon, obstetrician and anaesthesiologist. Access to anaesthetic machines, pulse oximetry and blood bank was severely limited. Many non-hospital health centres providing basic surgical procedures, but almost none had uninterrupted access to electricity, running water, oxygen and basic supplies for resuscitation, airway management and obstetric services.

Conclusions

Capacity for essential surgery and anaesthesia services is severely limited in PNG due to shortfalls in physical infrastructure, human resources, and basic equipment and supplies. Achieving post-2015 sustainable development goals, including universal healthcare, will require significant investment in surgery and anaesthesia capacity in PNG.
Therapeutic management of complex anal fistulas by installing a nitinol closure clip: study protocol of a multicentric randomised controlled trial—FISCLOSE
Authors: Dubois Anne , Carrier Guillaume , Pereira Bruno , Gillet Brigitte , Faucheron Jean-Luc , Pezet Denis , Balayssac David
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Complex anal fistulas are responsible for pain, faecal incontinence and impaired quality of life. The rectal mucosa advancement flap (RMAF) procedure to cover the internal opening of the fistula remains a strategy of choice. However, a new procedure for closing anal fistulas is now available with the use of a nitinol closure clip (OTSC Proctology, OVESCO), which should ensure a better healing rate. This procedure is currently becoming more widespread, though without robust scientific validation, and it is therefore essential to carry out a prospective evaluation in order to determine the efficacy and safety of this new medical device for complex anal fistulas.

Methods and analysis

The FISCLOSE trial is aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of a nitinol closure clip compared to the RMAF procedure for the management of complex anal fistulas. This trial is a prospective, randomised, controlled, single-blind, bicentre and interventional study. Patients (n=46 per group) will be randomly assigned for management with either a closure clip or RMAF. The main objectives are to improve the healing rate of the anal fistula, lessen the postoperative pain and faecal incontinency, enhance the quality of life, and lower the number of reinterventions and therapeutic management costs. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients with a healed fistula at 3 months. The secondary outcomes are anal fistula healing (6 and 12 months), proctological pain (visual analogue scale), the faecal incontinence score (Jorge and Wexner questionnaire), digestive disorders and quality of life (Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index and Euroqol EQ5D-3 L) up to 1 year.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by an independent medical ethics committee 1 (IRB00008526, CPP Sud-Est 6, Clermont-Ferrand, France) and registered by the competent French authority (ANSM, Saint Denis, France). The results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at international congresses.

Trial registration number

NCT02336867; pre-result.
Disentangling individual- and population-scale processes within a latitudinal size gradient in sockeye salmon
Authors: Freshwater Cameron , Trudel Marc , Beacham Terry D. , Godbout Lyse , Neville Chrys-Ellen M. , Tucker Strahan , Juanes Francis
Published: December 2015

We examined how individual processes contribute to a latitudinal gradient in body size within populations of migrating juvenile sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) while simultaneously testing for size-selective mortality, a potentially confounding population scale process. Using otolith microstructure techniques and structural equation modeling, we determined that ocean entry size and phenology had strong, direct effects on size at capture. Population identity and freshwater age also had strong indirect effects, moderated by size at entry. Conversely, marine growth rates immediately after entry or before capture were relatively weak predictors of size during migration. We next tested for shifts in size distribution indicative of selective mortality, but detected no evidence of smaller individuals experiencing lower survival during early marine migrations. These results indicate that the migratory distributions of juvenile sockeye salmon are influenced by body size and that this variation is predominantly driven by traits present prior to freshwater outmigration, rather than marine growth or differential survival. We suggest integrating individual variation in migratory characteristics with the effects of environmental conditions experienced en route to provide an improved understanding of migratory species.
Potential pathogenicity ofAeromonas hydrophilacomplex strains isolated from clinical, food, and environmental sources
Authors: Albarral Vicenta , Sanglas Ariadna , Palau Montserrat , Miñana-Galbis David , Fusté M. Carmen
Published: December 2015

Aeromonas are autochthonous inhabitants of aquatic environments, including chlorinated and polluted waters, although they can also be isolated from a wide variety of environmental and clinical sources. They cause infections in vertebrates and invertebrates and are considered to be an emerging pathogen in humans, producing intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases. Most of the clinical isolates correspond to A. hydrophila, A. caviae, and A. veronii bv. Sobria, which are described as the causative agents of wound infections, septicaemia, and meningitis in immunocompromised people, and diarrhoea and dysenteric infections in the elderly and children. The pathogenic factors associated with Aeromonas are multifactorial and involve structural components, siderophores, quorum-sensing mechanisms, secretion systems, extracellular enzymes, and exotoxins. In this study, we analysed a representative number of clinical and environmental strains belonging to the A. hydrophila species complex to evaluate their potential pathogenicity. We thereby detected their enzymatic activities and antibiotic susceptibility pattern and the presence of virulence genes (aer, alt, ast, and ascV). The notably high prevalence of these virulence factors, even in environmental strains, indicated a potential pathogenic capacity. Additionally, we determined the adhesion capacity and cytopathic effects of this group of strains in Caco-2 cells. Most of the strains exhibited adherence and caused complete lysis.
Length scale of the dendritic microstructure affecting tensile properties of Al–(Ag)–(Cu) alloys
Authors: Duarte Roberto N. , Faria Jonas D. , Brito Crystopher , Veríssimo Nathalia C. , Cheung Noé , Garcia Amauri
Published: December 2015

The dependence of tensile properties on the length scale of the dendritic morphology of Al–Cu, Al–Ag and Al–Ag–Cu alloys is experimentally investigated. These alloys were directionally solidified (DS) under a wide range of cooling rates [Formula: see text], permitting extensive microstructural scales to be examined. Experimental growth laws are proposed relating the primary dendritic arm spacing, [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] and tensile properties to [Formula: see text]. It is shown that the most significant effect of the scale of [Formula: see text] on the tensile properties is that of the ternary alloy, which is attributed to the more homogeneous distribution of the eutectic mixture for smaller [Formula: see text] and by the combined reinforcement roles of the intermetallics present in the ternary eutectic: Al2Cu and nonequilibrium Ag3Al.
MIMO Precoding for Correlated Fading Channels
Authors: Costa Bruno Felipe , Abrão Taufik
Published: December 2015

This contribution proposes a precoder-decoder design aiming to improve the performance of multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) detectors under correlated fading channels. The MIMO detection principle namely minimum mean squared error (MMSE) detector is analyzed under such channel condition. The proposed approach deploys the channel state information (CSI) aiming to estimate the level of spatial correlation channel, namely normalized correlation index [Formula: see text] and uses this information to improve the MIMO system performance. Furthermore, the impact of the [Formula: see text] estimation errors on the performance, as well the performance degradation for different levels of correlation have been analyzed and compared with the classical MMSE-MIMO detector operating under uncorrelated channels and perfect channel estimation.
Photophysical properties of tetraphenylporphyrinsubphthalocyanine conjugates
Authors: Managa Muthumuni , Mack John , Gonzalez-Lucas Daniel , Remiro-Buenamañana Sonia , Tshangana Charmaine , Cammidge Andrew N. , Nyokong Tebello
Published: December 2015

Novel tetraphenylporphyrin-subphthalocyanine conjugates have been prepared and characterized. An analysis of their optical spectroscopy and electronic structures using fluorescence emission and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy and TD-DFT calculations, demonstrates that the two chromophores do not interact to any significant extent.
High-throughput evaluation of synthetic metabolic pathways
Authors: Klesmith Justin R. , Whitehead Timothy A.
Published: December 2015

A central challenge in the field of metabolic engineering is the efficient identification of a metabolic pathway genotype that maximizes specific productivity over a robust range of process conditions. Here we review current methods for optimizing specific productivity of metabolic pathways in living cells. New tools for library generation, computational analysis of pathway sequence-flux space, and high-throughput screening and selection techniques are discussed.
Use of a high-precision gravity survey to understand the formation of oceanic crust and the role of melt at the southern Red Sea rift in Afar, Ethiopia
Authors: Lewi E. , Keir D. , Birhanu Y. , Blundy J. , Stuart G. , Wright T. , Calais E.
Published: December 2015

The Red Sea arm of the triple junction in northeastern Ethiopia provides an opportunity to investigate rift-forming processes at divergent boundaries. In an attempt to study the subsurface, especially the distribution and role of melt in the rifting process, we carried out a high-precision gravity survey with a mean-square error of 0.011 mgal, assisted by differential global positioning system measurements. The profile is 162 km long and strikes ENE–WSW across the southern part of the Red Sea rift at a latitude of approximately 11.75° N. Modelling of the Bouguer anomaly, constrained by a priori information, showed detailed in-rift variations in the crustal structure and the distribution of melt beneath the rift axis. Our interpretation suggested that the process of continental break-up is governed by crustal stretching and rifting accompanied by the emplacement of melt into the lower crust above a lower density upper mantle. In addition, we interpreted the thickness of the crust beneath this part of the rift axis to be 25 km. The subsurface distribution of density beneath the profile shows that the south-central part of the Red Sea rift has modified thinned crust, intruded by high-density material, which resembles the crust formed during seafloor spreading.
Synergistic use of satellite thermal detection and science: a decadal perspective using ASTER
Authors: Ramsey Michael S.
Published: December 2015

Many volcanoes around the world are poorly monitored and new eruptions increase the need for rapid ground-based monitoring, which is not always available in a timely manner. Initial observations therefore are commonly provided by orbital remote sensing instruments at different temporal, spatial and wavelength scales. Even at well-monitored volcanoes, satellite data still play an important role. The ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission Radiometer) orbital sensor provides moderately high spatial resolution images in multiple wavelength regions; however, because ASTER is a scheduled instrument, the data are not acquired over specific targets every orbit. Therefore, in an attempt to improve the temporal frequency of ASTER specifically for volcano observations and to have the images integrate synergistically with high temporal resolution data, the Urgent Request Protocol (URP) system was developed in 2004. Now integrated with both the AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) and MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) hotspot monitoring programmes, the URP acquires an average of 24 volcanic datasets every month and planned improvements will allow this number to increase in the future. New URP data are sent directly to investigators responding to the ongoing eruption, and the large archive is also being used for retrospective science and operational studies for future instruments. The URP Program has been very successful over the past decade and will continue until at least 2017 or as long as the ASTER sensor is operational. Several volcanic science examples are given here that highlight the various stages of the URP development. However, not all are strictly focused on effusive eruptions. Rather, these examples were chosen to demonstrate the wide range of applications, as well as the general usefulness of the higher resolution, multispectral data of ASTER.
Archosaur footprints (cf.
Brachychirotherium
) with unusual morphology from the Upper Triassic Fleming Fjord Formation (Norian–Rhaetian) of East Greenland
Authors: Klein Hendrik , Milàn Jesper , Clemmensen Lars B. , Frobøse Nicolaj , Mateus Octávio , Klein Nicole , Adolfssen Jan S. , Estrup Eliza J. , Wings Oliver
Published: December 2015

The Ørsted Dal Member of the Upper Triassic Fleming Fjord Formation in East Greenland is well known for its rich vertebrate fauna, represented by numerous specimens of both body and ichnofossils. In particular, the footprints of theropod dinosaurs have been described. Recently, an international expedition discovered several slabs with 100 small chirotheriid pes and manus imprints (pes length 4–4.5 cm) in siliciclastic deposits of this unit. They show strong similarities with
Brachychirotherium
, a characteristic Upper Triassic ichnogenus with a global distribution. A peculiar feature in the Fleming Fjord specimens is the lack of a fifth digit, even in more deeply impressed imprints. Therefore, the specimens are assigned here tentatively to cf.
Brachychirotherium
. Possibly, this characteristic is related to the extremely small size and early ontogenetic stage of the trackmaker. The record from Greenland is the first evidence of this morphotype from the Fleming Fjord Formation. Candidate trackmakers are crocodylian stem group archosaurs; however, a distinct correlation with known osteological taxa from this unit is not currently possible. While the occurrence of sauropodomorph plateosaurs in the bone record links the Greenland assemblage more closer to that from the Germanic Basin of central Europe, here the described footprints suggest a Pangaea-wide exchange.

Supplementary material:

Three-dimensional model of cf.
Brachychirotherium
pes–manus set (from MGUH 31233b) from the Upper Triassic Fleming Fjord Formation (Norian–Rhaetian) of East Greenland as pdf, ply and jpg files (3D model created by Oliver Wings; photographs taken by Jesper Milàn) is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.2133546
Late Cretaceous dinosaurian remains from the Kristianstad Basin of southern Sweden
Authors: Poropat Stephen F. , Einarsson Elisabeth , Lindgren Johan , Bazzi Mohamad , Lagerstam Clarence , Kear Benjamin P.
Published: December 2015

Mesozoic dinosaur fossils are exceptionally rare in Scandinavia. The Swedish record is typically depauperate, with the Kristianstad Basin of Skåne (Scania) yielding all of the known fossils from Swedish Cretaceous strata. Although highly fragmentary, these body remnants are important because they provide evidence of a relatively diverse fauna, including previously recognized hesperornithiform birds and leptoceratopsid ceratopsians, as well as indeterminate ornithopods that are confirmed here for the first time. In this paper, we describe three phalanges (from Åsen) and an incomplete right tibia (from Ugnsmunnarna) from the Kristianstad Basin. One of the phalanges appears to pertain to a leptoceratopsid ceratopsian, providing further evidence of these small ornithischians in the Cretaceous sediments of Sweden. The other two phalanges are interpreted as deriving from small ornithopods similar to
Thescelosaurus
and
Parksosaurus
. The tibia appears to represent the first evidence of a non-avian theropod dinosaur in the Cretaceous of Sweden, with a previous report of theropod remains based on fish teeth having been corrected by other authors. The remains described herein provide important additions to the enigmatic dinosaurian fauna that inhabited the Fennoscandian archipelago during the latest Cretaceous.
Early Campanian (Late Cretaceous) squatiniform and synechodontiform selachians from the Åsen locality, Kristianstad Basin, Sweden
Authors: Siversson M. , Cook T. D. , Cederström P. , Ryan H. E.
Published: December 2015

The latest early Campanian archipelago deposits of the Kristianstad Basin, southern Sweden, yield one of the most diverse Cretaceous chondrichthyan faunas collected from a narrow stratigraphical interval. Building on previous descriptions of various selachians, squatiniform and synechodontiform sharks are added to the faunal list. Squatinidae is represented by
Squatina
(
Squatina
)
lundegreni
sp. nov. and
Squatina
(
Squatina
)
fortemordeo
sp. nov. The poorly preserved type specimens of the nominal
Squatina hassei
from the Maastrichtian of The Netherlands were recently regarded conspecific with better preserved Santonian–Maastrichtian teeth of
Squatina
(
Cretascyllium
) from the Anglo-Paris Basin. This appears to have been based largely on the assumption that the nominal
S
.
hassei
was the only
Squatina
present in NW Europe during the Santonian–Maastrichtian. The Swedish material indicates a greater diversity of squatinoids, and the nominal
S
.
hassei
is here regarded as a
nomen dubium
of uncertain subgeneric affinity. Two types of synechodontid teeth with a tall central cusp co-occur in the Campanian of the Kristianstad Basin. Based on articulated jaws of the markedly dignathic
S
.
dubrisiensis
from the Cenomanian of England, the two morphs are regarded as upper and lower anterior teeth of the single species
S
.
filipi
sp. nov.
Myosin content of individual human muscle fibers isolated by laser capture microdissection
Authors: Stuart Charles A. , Stone William L. , Howell Mary E. A. , Brannon Marianne F. , Hall H. Kenton , Gibson Andrew L. , Stone Michael H.
Published: December 2015

Muscle fiber composition correlates with insulin resistance, and exercise training can increase slow-twitch (type I) fibers and, thereby, mitigate diabetes risk. Human skeletal muscle is made up of three distinct fiber types, but muscle contains many more isoforms of myosin heavy and light chains, which are coded by 15 and 11 different genes, respectively. Laser capture microdissection techniques allow assessment of mRNA and protein content in individual fibers. We found that specific human fiber types contain different mixtures of myosin heavy and light chains. Fast-twitch (type IIx) fibers consistently contained myosin heavy chains 1, 2, and 4 and myosin light chain 1. Type I fibers always contained myosin heavy chains 6 and 7 (MYH6 and MYH7) and myosin light chain 3 (MYL3), whereas MYH6, MYH7, and MYL3 were nearly absent from type IIx fibers. In contrast to cardiomyocytes, where MYH6 (also known as α-myosin heavy chain) is seen solely in fast-twitch cells, only slow-twitch fibers of skeletal muscle contained MYH6. Classical fast myosin heavy chains (MHC1, MHC2, and MHC4) were present in variable proportions in all fiber types, but significant MYH6 and MYH7 expression indicated slow-twitch phenotype, and the absence of these two isoforms determined a fast-twitch phenotype. The mixed myosin heavy and light chain content of type IIa fibers was consistent with its role as a transition between fast and slow phenotypes. These new observations suggest that the presence or absence of MYH6 and MYH7 proteins dictates the slow- or fast-twitch phenotype in skeletal muscle.
Vitamin D supplementation improves pathophysiology in a rat model of preeclampsia
Authors: Faulkner Jessica L. , Cornelius Denise C. , Amaral Lorena M. , Harmon Ashlyn C. , Cunningham Mark W. , Darby Marie M. , Ibrahim Tarek , Thomas D'Andrea S. , Herse Florian , Wallukat Gerd , Dechend Ralf , LaMarca Babbette
Published: December 2015

Deficiency of vitamin D (VD) is associated with preeclampsia (PE), a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by proinflammatory immune activation. We sought to determine whether VD supplementation would reduce the pathophysiology and hypertension associated with the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model of PE. Normal pregnant (NP) and RUPP rats were supplemented with VD2 or VD3 (270 IU and 15 IU/day, respectively) on gestation days 14–18 and mean arterial pressures (MAPs) measured on day 19. MAP increased in RUPP to 123 ± 2 mmHg compared with 102 ± 3 mmHg in NP and decreased to 113 ± 3 mmHg with VD2 and 115 ± 3 mmHg with VD3 in RUPP rats. Circulating CD4+ T cells increased in RUPP to 7.90 ± 1.36% lymphocytes compared with 2.04 ± 0.67% in NP but was lowered to 0.90 ± 0.19% with VD2 and 4.26 ± 1.55% with VD3 in RUPP rats. AT1-AA, measured by chronotropic assay, decreased from 19.5 ± 0.4 bpm in RUPPs to 8.3 ± 0.5 bpm with VD2 and to 15.4 ± 0.7 bpm with VD3. Renal cortex endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression was increased in RUPP rats (11.6 ± 2.1-fold change from NP) and decreased with both VD2 (3.3 ± 1.1-fold) and VD3 (3.1 ± 0.6-fold) supplementation in RUPP rats. Plasma-soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) was also reduced to 74.2 ± 6.6 pg/ml in VD2-treated and 91.0 ± 16.1 pg/ml in VD3-treated RUPP rats compared with 132.7 ± 19.9 pg/ml in RUPP rats. VD treatment reduced CD4+ T cells, AT1-AA, ET-1, sFlt-1, and blood pressure in the RUPP rat model of PE and could be an avenue to improve treatment of hypertension in response to placental ischemia.
Intrarenal renin-angiotensin system mediates fatty acid-induced ER stress in the kidney
Authors: Li Chunling , Lin Yu , Luo Renfei , Chen Shaoming , Wang Feifei , Zheng Peili , Levi Moshe , Yang Tianxin , Wang Weidong
Published: December 2015

Obesity-related kidney disease is related to caloric excess promoting deleterious cellular responses. Accumulation of saturated free fatty acids in tubular cells produces lipotoxicity involving significant cellular dysfunction and injury. The objectives of this study were to elucidate the role of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation in saturated fatty acid-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in cultured human proximal tubule epithelial cells (HK2) and in mice fed with a high-fat diet. Treatment with saturated fatty acid palmitic acid (PA; 0.8 mM) for 24 h induced ER stress in HK2, leading to an unfolded protein response as reflected by increased expressions of the ER chaperone binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) and proapoptotic transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) protein as evaluated by immunoblotting. PA treatment also induced increased protein expression of inositol requiring protein 1α (IRE1α), phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor-α (eIF2α), and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) as well as activation of caspase-3. PA treatment was associated with increased angiotensin II levels in cultured medium. The angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blocker valsartan or renin inhibitor aliskiren dramatically suppressed PA-induced upregulation of BiP, CHOP, IRE1α, p-eIF2α, and ATF4 in HK2 cells. In contrast, valsartan or aliskiren did not prevent ER stress induced by tunicamycin. C57BL/6 mice fed with a high-fat diet for 14 wk exhibited increased protein expressions of BiP and CHOP compared with control mice, which were significantly attenuated by the valsartan treatment. Increased angiotensin II levels in serum and urine were observed in mice fed with a high-fat diet when compared with controls. It is suggested that the intrarenal RAS activation may play an important role in diabetic kidney injury via mediating ER stress induced by saturated fatty acid.
Power spectral analysis of hypoglossal nerve activity during intermittent hypoxia-induced long-term facilitation in mice
Authors: ElMallah Mai K. , Stanley David A. , Lee Kun-Ze , Turner Sara M. F. , Streeter Kristi A. , Baekey David M. , Fuller David D.
Published: December 2015

Power spectral analyses of electrical signals from respiratory nerves reveal prominent oscillations above the primary rate of breathing. Acute exposure to intermittent hypoxia can induce a form of neuroplasticity known as long-term facilitation (LTF), in which inspiratory burst amplitude is persistently elevated. Most evidence indicates that the mechanisms of LTF are postsynaptic and also that high-frequency oscillations within the power spectrum show coherence across different respiratory nerves. Since the most logical interpretation of this coherence is that a shared presynaptic mechanism is responsible, we hypothesized that high-frequency spectral content would be unchanged during LTF. Recordings of inspiratory hypoglossal (XII) activity were made from anesthetized, vagotomized, and ventilated 129/SVE mice. When arterial O2 saturation (SaO2) was maintained >96%, the XII power spectrum and burst amplitude were unchanged for 90 min. Three, 1-min hypoxic episodes (SaO2 = 50 ± 10%), however, caused a persistent (>60 min) and robust (>400% baseline) increase in burst amplitude. Spectral analyses revealed a rightward shift of the signal content during LTF, with sustained increases in content above ∼125 Hz following intermittent hypoxia and reductions in power at lower frequencies. Changes in the spectral content during LTF were qualitatively similar to what occurred during the acute hypoxic response. We conclude that high-frequency content increases during XII LTF in this experimental preparation; this may indicate that intermittent hypoxia-induced plasticity in the premotor network contributes to expression of XII LTF.
Annual Observations of Climatic Impacts in the Songhua River Basin, China
Authors: Song Xiaocheng , Jing Liu
Published: December 2015

Heat fluxes have been recognized as determinant regarding the river effect on microclimate. The relationship between rivers and the atmosphere is particularly significant for heat fluxes and varies with the meteorology and hydrology. In this study, based on annual observation data from the Songhua River Basin (Harbin, China), a regression and a stochastic model were used to analyze the relationship of the atmosphere-river daily maximum temperatures and evaluate the heat fluxes. The root mean square error (RMSE) of the river temperature was 2.21°C with the regression method, improving to 0.83°C with the stochastic model. The net shortwave radiation flux was the dominant heat gain component, while the latent heat flux accounted for the main heat loss. The sensible heat flux represented the smallest contribution. The river thermal effect in summer mainly resulted from the latent heat exchange, while the effect of the sensible heat exchange tended to be stronger in spring and autumn.
“Looks Can Be Deceiving”: Adrenal Teratoma Causing Diagnostic Difficulty
Authors: Nadeem Mehwash , Ather Muhammad Hammad , Sulaiman M. Nasir , Pervez Shahid
Published: December 2015

Teratomas are unusual tumours that derived from totipotent cells with their origin from more than one or usually all three germ cells. Here authors are presenting a case of primary retroperitoneal tumour that is a rare clinical entity. A 19-year-old male presented with right lumbar pain and was found to have complex cyst with large calcification in right adrenal gland on imaging. Intraoperatively, he was found to have a solid mass with areas of soft consistency, which was excised en bloc. On gross examination, the cyst contained pieces of bone, few teeth, and hairs entangled in mucinous material. On histological evaluation, it was confirmed to be mature teratoma arising from the right adrenal gland. He made uneventful recovery and was kept well on annual follow-up.
Serum Markers in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Longitudinal Study of Patients Undergoing Infliximab Treatment
Authors: Selaas Oddgeir , Nordal Hilde H. , Halse Anne-Kristine , Brun Johan G. , Jonsson Roland , Brokstad Karl A.
Published: December 2015

Objective.The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effect and serum markers in a cohort of rheumatoid arthritis patients with moderate to high disease activity, participating in an open clinical phase IV study conducted in Norway between 2001 and 2003 receiving infliximab treatment.Method.A total of 39 patients were studied, with a mean age of 54 years and 12-year disease duration. The analyses were performed using serum from patients at four assessment time points: baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after starting treatment with infliximab. A wide variety of clinical data was collected and disease activity of 28 joints and Simple Disease Activity Index were calculated. The joint erosion was determined by X-ray imaging and the Sharp/van der Heijde score was determined. Serum analysis included multiplex immunoassays for 12 cytokines, 5 matrix metalloproteases, and 2 VEGFs.Results.The majority of the RA patients in this study had initially moderate to high disease activity and the infliximab treatment reduced the disease activity significantly and also reduced any further joint destruction and improved disease status. Most of the serum levels of cytokines and metalloproteases remained unchanged during the course of the study, and we were unable to detect changes in TNF-αin serum. Serum levels of IL-6 and VEGF-A decreased significantly after initiation of infliximab treatment.Conclusion.The serum levels of IL-6 and VEGF-A may be promising disease markers as they vary with disease progression. The clinical significance of these findings is yet to be determined and has to be confirmed in future clinical trials before being applied in the clinics.
An Existence Result of Positive Solutions for Fully Second-Order Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Li Yongxiang , Shang Yaya
Published: December 2015

An existence result of positive solutions is obtained for the fully second-order boundary value problem  -u′′(t)=f(t,u(t),u′(t)),  t∈[0,1],  u(0)=u(1)=0,wheref:[0,1]×R+×R→Ris continuous. The nonlinearityf(t,x,y)may be sign-changing and superlinear growth onxandy. Our discussion is based on the method of lower and upper solution.
On Constructing Two-Point Optimal Fourth-Order Multiple-Root Finders with a Generic Error Corrector and Illustrating Their Dynamics
Authors: Kim Young Ik , Geum Young Hee
Published: December 2015

With an error corrector via principal branch of themth root of a function-to-function ratio, we propose optimal quartic-order multiple-root finders for nonlinear equations. The relevant optimal order satisfies Kung-Traub conjecture made in 1974. Numerical experiments performed for various test equations demonstrate convergence behavior agreeing with theory and the basins of attractions for several examples are presented.
Right Hepatic Artery: A Cadaver Investigation and Its Clinical Significance
Authors: Dandekar Usha , Dandekar Kundankumar , Chavan Sushama
Published: December 2015

The right hepatic artery is an end artery and contributes sole arterial supply to right lobe of the liver. Misinterpretation of normal anatomy and anatomical variations of the right hepatic artery contribute to the major intraoperative mishaps and complications in hepatobiliary surgery. The frequency of inadvertent or iatrogenic hepatobiliary vascular injury rises with the event of an aberrant anatomy. This descriptive study was carried out to document the normal anatomy and different variations of right hepatic artery to contribute to existing knowledge of right hepatic artery to improve surgical safety. This study conducted on 60 cadavers revealed aberrant replaced right hepatic artery in 18.3% and aberrant accessory right hepatic artery in 3.4%. Considering the course, the right hepatic artery ran outside Calot’s triangle in 5% of cases and caterpillar hump right hepatic artery was seen in 13.3% of cases. The right hepatic artery (normal and aberrant) crossed anteriorly to the common hepatic duct in 8.3% and posteriorly to it in 71.6%. It has posterior relations with the common bile duct in 16.7% while in 3.4% it did not cross the common hepatic duct or common bile duct. The knowledge of such anomalies is important since their awareness will decrease morbidity and help to keep away from a number of surgical complications.
Synthesis of Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes Using Injection‐Vertical Chemical Vapor Deposition: Effects of Synthesis Parameters on the Nitrogen Content
Authors: Hachimi Abdouelilah , Merzougui Belabbes , Hakeem Abbas , Laoui Tahar , Swain Greg M. , Chang Qiaowan , Shao Minhua , Atieh Muataz Ali
Published: December 2015

Nitrogen‐doped CNTs (N‐CNTs) were synthesized using an injection‐vertical chemical vapor deposition (IV‐CVD) reactor. This type of reactor is quite useful for the continuous mass production of CNTs. In this work, the optimum deposition conditions for maximizing the incorporation of nitrogen were identified. Ferrocene served as the source of the Fe catalyst and was dissolved in acetonitrile, which served as both the hydrocarbon and nitrogen sources. Different concentrations of ferrocene in acetonitrile were introduced into the top of a vertically aligned reactor at a constant flow rate with hydrogen serving as the carrier. The effects of hydrogen flow rate, growth temperature, and catalyst loading (Fe from the ferrocene) on the microstructure, elemental composition, and yield of N‐CNTs were investigated. The N‐CNTs possessed a bamboo‐like microstructure with a nitrogen doping level as high as 14 at.% when using 2.5 to 5 mg/mL of the ferrocene/acetonitrile mixture at 800°C under a 1000 sccm flow of hydrogen. A production rate of 100 mg/h was achieved under the optimized synthesis conditions.
Prediction of Optimal Daily Step Count Achievement from Segmented School Physical Activity
Authors: Burns Ryan D. , Brusseau Timothy A. , Hannon James C.
Published: December 2015

Optimizing physical activity in childhood is needed for prevention of disease and for healthy social and psychological development. There is limited research examining how segmented school physical activity patterns relate to a child achieving optimal physical activity levels. The purpose of this study was to examine the predictive relationship between step counts during specific school segments and achieving optimal school (6,000 steps/day) and daily (12,000 steps/day) step counts in children. Participants included 1,714 school-aged children (mean age =9.7±1.0years) recruited across six elementary schools. Physical activity was monitored for one week using pedometers. Generalized linear mixed effects models were used to determine the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of achieving both school and daily step count standards for every 1,000 steps taken during each school segment. The school segment that related in strongest way to a student achieving 6,000 steps during school hours was afternoon recess (OR = 40.03;P<0.001) and for achieving 12,000 steps for the entire day was lunch recess (OR = 5.03;P<0.001). School segments including lunch and afternoon recess play an important role for optimizing daily physical activity in children.
Cartilage Tissue Engineering Using Combination of Chitosan Hydrogel and Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Yuan Dechao , Chen Zhu , Lin Tao , Luo Xuwei , Dong Hua , Feng Gang
Published: December 2015

A novel chitosan hydrogel with high porosity was fabricated by a crosslinking method. Cartilage tissue engineering formed after mesenchymal stem cells was cultured on this hydrogel scaffold for 12 weeks. The immunohistochemistry tests demonstrated that the obtained cartilage had the specific histological properties of natural cartilage. And the qPCR tests also proved that the genes for type II collagen in the obtained cartilage were expressed the same as in the natural one.
West African Crystalline Maculopathy in Sickle Cell Retinopathy
Authors: Kung Jennifer S. , Leng Theodore
Published: December 2015

Purpose. To describe the first reported case of West African crystalline maculopathy (WACM) from a member of the Benin tribe and explore the association with sickle cell retinopathy.Methods. Full ophthalmic examination and high-resolution ocular coherence tomographic imaging.Patients. 61-year-old patient from an academic retina practice.Results. The patient demonstrated bilateral yellow-green birefringent crystals localized to the inner retina on optical coherence tomography, as well as sickle cell-related neovascularization in the right eye. She reported no consumption of kola nuts.Conclusions. Associated retinal vascular disease may be important in the pathogenesis of crystalline maculopathy.
A Data Stream-Based, Integrative Approach to Reliable and Easily Manageable Real Time Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Jiang Meilan , Lee Jonghyun , Jeong Karpjoo , Cui Zhenguo , Kim Bomchul , Hwang Suntae , Choi Young Jean
Published: December 2015

Real time environmental monitoring (hereafter, RTEM) is crucial for observing and studying dynamic, rare, or abrupt phenomena in the environment. Conventional RTEM systems are developed in a domain-specific way and not based on a well-defined distributed system model. Therefore, it is challenging to develop such RTEM systems, to extend them to support new requirements, and to integrate them with other application systems. In this paper, we raise challenging issues in RTEM, propose a generic distributed system model for RTEM to address those issues, and present the Galilee middleware system for RTEM based on the model. The distributed system model is based on the concept of data streams. It is intended to simplify and to conceptualize the design of RTEM systems. Therefore, the simple data stream-based distributed system model facilitates the development of general RTEM middleware system. The Galilee middleware system for RTEM is based on the distributed system model and designed to support various RTEM applications in a reliable and easily manageable way. In this paper, we also demonstrate and evaluate the current prototype implementation of the Galilee system with those datasets obtained from the previous sensor-based water quality monitoring project for Lake Soyang from 2011 to 2012.
Web-Based Learning for Emergency Airway Management in Anesthesia Residency Training
Authors: Hindle Ada , Cheng Ji , Thabane Lehana , Wong Anne
Published: December 2015

Introduction. Web-based learning (WBL) is increasingly used in medical education; however, residency training programs often lack guidance on its implementation. We describe how the use of feasibility studies can guide the use of WBL in anesthesia residency training.Methods. Two case-based WBL emergency airway management modules were developed for self-directed use by anesthesia residents. The feasibility of using this educational modality was assessed using a single cohort pretest/posttest design. Outcome measures included user recruitment and retention rate, perceptions of educational value, and knowledge improvement. The differences between pre- and postmodule test scores and survey Likert scores were analysed using the pairedttest.Results. Recruitment and retention rates were 90% and 65%, respectively. User-friendliness of the modules was rated highly. There was a significant improvement in perceptions of the value of WBL in the postsurvey. There was a significant knowledge improvement of 29% in the postmodule test.Conclusions. Feasibility studies can help guide appropriate use of WBL in curricula. While our study supported the potential feasibility of emergency airway management modules for training, collaboration with other anesthesia residency programs may enable more efficient development, implementation, and evaluation of this resource-intensive modality in anesthesia education and practice.