bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of atrial fibrillation on long‐term survival following oesophagectomy: a 21‐year observational study
Authors: Wells Cameron I. , Robertson Jason P. , Campbell Sandra , Al‐Herz Fadhel , Rhind Bruce , Young Mike
Published: June 2017

Background

Post‐operative atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication of oesophagectomy and thought to signal a complicated post‐operative course. AF is associated with prolonged admissions, increased healthcare costs and inpatient mortality. However, the impact of post‐operative AF on long‐term outcomes remains uncertain.

Methods

Patients undergoing open Ivor‐Lewis oesophagectomy from 1994 to 2014 at Palmerston North Hospital, New Zealand, were retrospectively evaluated. Demographic, perioperative and tumour variables were collected. Regression models were used to identify independent predictors of AF and assess post‐discharge survival following oesophagectomy.

Results

In total, 89 patients were included. New‐onset AF developed post‐operatively in 27 patients (30%). Median follow‐up was 6.3 years. Logistic regression identified volume of intravenous fluid in the first 24 h post‐operatively as a predictor of AF. Post‐discharge survival was predicted by AF occurrence (hazard ratio (HR): 2.99, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37–6.53, P = 0.006), preoperative chemoradiotherapy (HR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.20–0.91, P = 0.03), 1–4 positive lymph nodes (HR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.06–4.96, P = 0.04), ≥5 positive nodes (HR: 2.95, 95% CI: 1.25–6.94, P = 0.01) and year of operation from 2008 to 2014 (HR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.12–0.75, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Post‐operative AF was associated with poorer long‐term survival following oesophagectomy in this cohort. Further research should evaluate the influence of AF on cardiovascular and oncological outcomes following oesophagectomy.
Bleeding is not the main clinical issue in many patients with inherited thrombocytopaenias
Authors: Melazzini F. , Zaninetti C. , Balduini C. L.
Published: June 2017

Bleeding diathesis has been considered for a long time the main clinical issue impacting the lives of patients affected by inherited thrombocytopaenias. However, the number of known inherited thrombocytopaenias greatly increased in recent years, and careful evaluation of hundreds of patients affected by these ‘new’ disorders revealed that most of them are at risk of developing additional life‐threatening disorders during childhood or adult life. These additional disorders are usually more serious and dangerous than low platelet count. For instance, it is known that mutations in RUNX1, ANKRD26 and ETV6 cause congenital thrombocytopaenia, but we now know that they also predispose to haematological malignancies. Similarly, MYH9 mutations result in congenital thrombocytopaenia and increase the risk of developing kidney failure, cataracts and hearing loss at a later stage, while MPL mutations cause a congenital thrombocytopaenia that almost always evolves into deadly bone marrow failure. Thus, identification of patients with these disorders is essential for evaluation of their prognosis, enabling effective genetic counselling, personalizing follow‐up and giving appropriate treatments in case of development of additional diseases. Careful clinical evaluation and peripheral blood film examination are extremely useful tools in guiding the diagnostic process and identifying the candidate genes to be sequenced.
Task Variation Within Occupations
Authors: Cassidy Hugh
Published: June 2017

This paper investigates trends in task usages within and between occupations, and the validity of assigning job task usages based on occupation code alone. Using data from the German Qualification and Career Survey, I assign analytical, interactive, and manual task usage levels to workers independent of their occupation. Task usages within occupation shifted nontrivially between the surveys considered, and individual characteristics such as age, education, gender, and hierarchical level differentially affect individual task usages and occupation‐mean task usages. Individual task usages are predictors of income, even when controlling for mean occupational task usages as well as worker and job characteristics.
Biosynthesis of 1α‐hydroxycorticosterone in the winter skate Leucoraja ocellata: evidence to suggest a novel steroidogenic route
Authors: Wiens J. , Ho R. , Brassinga A. K. , Deck C. A. , Walsh P. J. , Ben R. N. , Mcclymont K. , Charlton T. , Evans A. N. , Anderson W. G.
Published: June 2017

The present study explores the ability of intracellular bacteria within the renal‐inter‐renal tissue of the winter skate Leucoraja ocellata to metabolize steroids and contribute to the synthesis of the novel elasmobranch corticosteroid, 1α‐hydroxycorticosterone (1α‐OH‐B). Despite the rarity of C1 hydroxylation noted in the original identification of 1α‐OH‐B, literature provides evidence for steroid C1 hydroxylation by micro‐organisms. Eight ureolytic bacterial isolates were identified in the renal‐inter‐renal tissue of L. ocellata, the latter being the site of 1α‐OH‐B synthesis. From incubations of bacterial isolates with known amounts of potential 1α‐OH‐B precursors, one isolate UM008 of the genus Rhodococcus was seen to metabolize corticosteroids and produce novel products via HPLC analysis. Cations Zn2+ and Fe3+ altered metabolism of certain steroid precursors, suggesting inhibition of Rhodococcus steroid catabolism. Genome sequencing of UM008 identified strong sequence and structural homology to that of Rhodococcus erythropolis PR4. A complete enzymatic pathway for steroid‐ring oxidation as documented within other Actinobacteria was identified within the UM008 genome. This study highlights the potential role of Rhodococcus bacteria in steroid metabolism and proposes a novel alternative pathway for 1α‐OH‐B synthesis, suggesting a unique form of mutualism between intracellular bacteria and their elasmobranch host.
Modeling corrosion trends in tin‐free steel and tinplate cans containing tomato paste via adaptive‐network‐based fuzzy inference system
Authors: Ganjeh Mohammad , Jafari Seid Mahdi , Amanjani Morad , Katouzian Iman
Published: June 2017

Corrosion process in metallic cans is one of the most significant issues, which is of utmost importance in food packaging; meanwhile, it can be studied through both economical and hygienic aspects. Designing a method to determine this process in an acidic food like tomato paste might be a good standard to monitor this phenomenon in food products. Accordingly, in this article, tin‐free steel (TFS) and tinplate (TIN) cans containing tomato paste were incubated at three different temperatures (25, 35, and 45 °C) and three filling percentages (85, 90, and 95%). Corrosion rate was then studied via image processing method within six months, thereupon corrosion modeling was carried out using adaptive‐network‐based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). Time, temperature and filling percentage were considered as the input parameters, on the other hand the corrosion rate was assumed as the output. Multiple training cycles and various membership functions were used in the form of trial and error to have the models optimized. Having the models been examined, trapezoidal membership functions with 3–3–3 functions for TFS cans and 2–2–2 functions in Tin cans were determined as the best models. High coefficients of determination (R2 = 0.97) between experimental and predicted values by optimum models presented a robust method for monitoring corrosion in metallic cans.

Practical applications

Food products might be preserved in metallic cans for more than 2 years without any significant changes in organoleptic properties. One disadvantage is that cans are more susceptible to corrosion compared with other packaging materials. The absence of appropriate methods and the high costs of analytical instruments are major problems encountered in evaluating the corrosion process. On the other hand, developing straightforward and modern techniques may be an efficient solution in this area. This study was devoted to the prediction of the corrosion process using two prevalent can plates employed in the food industry. ANFIS modeling was implemented in tomato paste, which exhibits acidic and corrosive behavior. ANFIS modeling may be an onset for further research in this area to engineer and manufacture intelligent sensors by which on‐line monitoring in complex and nonlinear interactions is undertaken.
Texture and lubrication properties of functional cream cheese: Effect of β‐glucan and phytosterol
Authors: Ningtyas Dian Widya , Bhandari Bhesh , Bansal Nidhi , Prakash Sangeeta
Published: June 2017

The effect of β‐glucan (BG) and phytosterols (PS) as fat replacers on textural, microstructural, and lubrication properties of reduced‐fat cream cheese was investigated. Five formulations (BG–PS ester, PS ester, BG–PS emulsions, PS emulsions, and BG) of cream cheese with added β‐glucan and phytosterols (in emulsified and esterified form) were investigated and compared with commercial cheese. Among the five formulations used in this experiment, the effect of β‐glucan appeared to be more pronounced imparting increased viscosity and firmness to reduced‐fat cream cheese, similar to commercial high‐fat cream cheese sample. Conversely, in lubrication study both the phytosterols (esterified and emulsified) were effective in reducing the coefficient of friction resulting in a more spreadable cream cheese. The microstructure of cream cheese with added β‐glucan and phytosterols, used solo or in combination, exhibited more open structure of casein matrix, although differences in fat globule size were observed. Cream cheese made from PS emulsion (emulsified from phytosterols powder) resulted in a larger fat globule size than PS ester and β‐glucan as shown by confocal laser scanning microscopy. In addition, the particle size distribution of cream cheese formulation containing β‐glucan only showed a monomodal curves with small globule size, while a bimodal distribution with larger particle size was observed from cream cheese with phytosterols alone.

Practical applications

Reducing the fat content, impacts the quality characteristics of low‐fat cream cheese. This research showed a novel way to incorporate β‐glucan and phytosterols as fat replacers and functional ingredients in cream cheese formulation that improves its textural and lubrication properties. In addition, this article discusses the effect of β‐glucan and phytosterols used both individually and in combination on the particle size, microstructural and rheological characteristics of functional cream cheese and compares them against commercial product. The potential use of β‐glucan and phytosterols as fat replacers in low‐fat cream cheese will be useful for the industries to develop functional cream cheese that meets consumers demand.
Embedding explained jury verdicts in the English criminal trial
Authors: Coen Mark , Doak Jonathan
Published: June 2017

English juries do not provide reasons for their verdicts. This paper argues that transparency is a fundamental value in modern decision making, and that reform is needed to trial by jury so that verdicts are routinely accompanied by explanations. It examines the options that exist to incorporate explained verdicts in the English criminal trial and concludes that accountability and legitimacy would be enhanced through the use of a trained, independent lay facilitator to chair the deliberation process and draft an explained verdict.
Picking cherries or lemons: A unified theory of cross‐border mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Luong Tuan Anh
Published: June 2017

This article provides a theoretical framework that enhances understanding of empirical evidence suggesting that international mergers and acquisitions, a key source of foreign direct investment, seemingly target in‐country firms that are at the extremes of the productivity spectrum—either high‐productivity firms, so‐called cherries, or low‐productivity firms, the “lemons.” The framework demonstrates that foreign firms with intermediate inputs seek high‐productivity domestic firms, while foreign firms with managerial expertise seek low‐productivity domestic firms. We also show that because of the difference in available outside options, high‐productivity domestic firms can demand a significantly higher portion of profits in the partnership than low‐productivity domestic firms.
The Spillover Effect of Ecological Environment Protection on Poverty Reduction
Authors: Feng Danmeng , Fan Xiang , Chu Xiaoyuan
Published: June 2017

This paper focuses on the spillover effect of the ecological poverty reduction between 30 provinces in China, applying Durbin Model and spatial correlation analysis to find out the interaction between different areas about the ecological indicators on poverty reduction. The result shows that there a high correlation relationship of poverty rate on 30 provinces in China, especially the indicators of Factory Station, Use of Chemical Fertilizers and the proportion of all Rural Population of one region has significant effects on poverty alleviation in surrounding areas, which indicates that for ecological environment view, poverty alleviation in one regions is not only influenced by its own ecological indicators, but also by which in its nearby areas, indicating the ecological poverty alleviation has a spillover effect in China.
Characteristics of a Spherical-Seat TPJB With Four Methods of Directed Lubrication—Part I: Thermal and Static Performance
Authors: Coghlan David M. , Childs Dara W.
Published: June 2017

Static and thermal characteristics (measured and predicted) are presented for a four-pad, spherical-seat, tilting-pad journal bearing (TPJB) with 0.5 pivot offset, 0.6 L/D, 101.6 mm nominal diameter, and 0.3 preload in the load-between-pivots orientation. One bearing is tested four separate times in the following four different lubrication configurations: (1) flooded single-orifice (SO) at the bearing shell, (2) evacuated leading edge groove (LEG), (3) evacuated spray-bar blocker (SBB), and (4) evacuated spray-bar (SB). The LEG, SBB, and SB are all considered methods of “directed lubrication.” These methods rely on lubrication injected directly to the pad/rotor interface. The same set of pads is used for every test to maintain clearance and preload; each method of lubrication is added as an assembly to the bearing. Test conditions include surface speeds and unit loads up to 85 m/s and 2.9 MPa, respectively. Static data include rotor–bearing eccentricities and attitude angles. Thermal data include measured temperatures from 16 bearing thermocouples. Twelve of the bearing thermocouples are embedded in the babbitt layer of the pads, while the remaining four are oriented at the leading and trailing edge of the loaded pads exposed to the lubricant. Bearing thermocouples provide a circumferential and axial temperature gradient. The pivot stiffness (pad and pivot in series) is measured and incorporated into predictions.
The diurnal aggregation behavior in Phasmahyla cochranae tadpoles (Anura: Hylidae)
Authors: Leão-Pires Thiago Augusto , Giaretta Ariovaldo , Sawaya Ricardo Jannini
Published: June 2017

We investigated schooling behavior of Phasmahyla cochranae including its periodicity based on periodic regression models. The school structure and differences between day and night were discussed. We found that tadpoles formed aggregative schools, which were significantly more frequent during the day than at night. During the day, from 06:30 to 18:00 h, tadpoles formed one or two polarized schools at the water surface. Based on these results and on observations of specific behaviors, we suggest that daylight may be a significant environmental factor related to schooling behavior in P. cochranae, although this hypothesis needs to be further investigated.
A sound future for acoustic metamaterials
Authors: Cummer Steven
Published: June 2017

The field of acoustic metamaterials borrowed ideas from electromagnetics and optics to create engineered structures that exhibit desired fluid or fluid-like properties for the propagation of sound. These metamaterials offer the possibility of manipulating and controlling sound waves in ways that are challenging or impossible with conventional materials. Metamaterials with zero, or negative, refractive index for sound offer new possibilities for acoustic imaging and for the control of sound at subwavelength scales. The combination of transformation acoustics theory and highly anisotropic acoustic metamaterials enables precise control over the deformation of sound fields, which can be used, for example, to hide or cloak objects from incident acoustic energy. And active acoustic metamaterials use external control and power to create effective material properties that are fundamentally not possible with passive structures. Challenges remain, including the development of efficient techniques for fabricating large-scale metamaterial structures and, critically, converting exciting laboratory experiments into practically useful devices. In this presentation, I will outline the recent history of the field, describe some of the designs and properties of materials with unusual acoustic parameters, discuss examples of extreme manipulation of sound, and finally, provide a personal perspective on future directions in the field.
Auditory recognition of surface texture with various scattering coefficients
Authors: Rychtarikova Monika , Zelem Lukaš , Kritly Leopold , Garcia David P. , Chmelík Vojtech , Glorieux Christ
Published: June 2017

Human echolocation is a known ability of people to grasp the information about the surrounding environment from purely acoustic information. However, the extent to what normal sighted and blind people can auditorily recognize the surface texture, such as its roughness or other different sound scattering features, is not completely known. In this paper, we investigate the ability of people to distinguish different types of surfaces by their sound reflections. Reflection patterns from 24 types of surface textures at two different distances were calculated in finite difference method and convolved with “click sound” in order to be used for perception tests. Twenty normally sighted human subjects participated on the listening test experiment.
Cytokines Are Markers of the Clostridium difficile-Induced Inflammatory Response and Predict Disease Severity
Authors: Yu Hua , Chen Kevin , Sun Ying , Carter Mihaela , Garey Kevin W. , Savidge Tor C. , Devaraj Sridevi , Tessier Mary Elizabeth , von Rosenvinge Erik C. , Kelly Ciaran P. , Pasetti Marcela F. , Feng Hanping
Published: June 2017

The host immune response affects pathogen virulence inClostridium difficileinfection (CDI). Thus, cytokine responses to CDI likely are associated with disease initiation and progression. Understanding the molecular drivers of inflammation and biochemical markers of disease severity is important for developing novel therapies and predicting disease prognosis. In this study, we investigated cytokine production in patients with CDI and evaluated the potential of cytokines to serve as biomarkers for CDI and predictors of disease severity. The systemic cytokine profiles of 36 CDI patients (20 with severe disease) and 8 healthy donors and the toxin-induced cytokine profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were determined. Further, we evaluated glucosyltransferase (GT) activity in regulation of toxin-induced cytokine expression. We found upregulation of the majority of measured cytokines (11/20, 55%) in CDI patients. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, and IL-16 were the most upregulated. High serum levels of IL-2 and IL-15 were associated with a poor prognosis in CDI patients, whereas high levels of IL-5 and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) were associated with less severe disease. Both TcdA and TcdB were potent inducers of cytokine responses, as demonstrated by stimulation of a greater number and amount of cytokines. In addition to confirming prior reports on the role of IL-8, IL-1β, and IL-6 in CDI, our data suggest that IL-16 and IL-17A, as well as the IL-1β/Th17 axis, play a key role in driving inflammatory responses in CDI. A functional GT domain ofC. difficiletoxins was required for the induction of a majority of cytokines investigated.
Performance of the Abbott RealTi
m
e MTB and MTB RIF/INH Assays in a Setting of High Tuberculosis and HIV Coinfection in South Africa
Authors: Scott Lesley , David Anura , Noble Lara , Nduna Matilda , Da Silva Pedro , Black Andrew , Venter Francois , Stevens Wendy
Published: June 2017

South Africa is a country with a high incidence of tuberculosis (TB), complicated by coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The Xpert MTB/RIF (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) is used in South Africa as the test for the initial diagnosis of TB, and other molecular platforms such as the
m
2000 (Abbott Molecular, Des Plaines, IL, USA) are widely used for molecular monitoring of HIV load. The latter platform is now also equipped with the RealTi
m
e (RT) MTB and RealTi
m
e MTB RIF/INH assays for TB and first-line drug resistance screening but has not been evaluated in settings of HIV and TB coinfection. A prospective clinical validation study was conducted at a community health center in Johannesburg, South Africa, and consenting individuals with presumptive pulmonary TB were enrolled. The performance of the Abbott assays was compared with those of the Xpert MTB/RIF, liquid culture, drug susceptibility testing, and clinical case definitions. A statistical analysis was performed on 206 individuals (73% were HIV positive). The sensitivity and specificity of the RT MTB were 82.5% (confidence interval [CI], 67.2 to 92.7) and 93.1% (CI, 86.2 to 97.2) on raw sputum and 77.5% (CI, 61.5 to 89.2) and 95.1% (CI, 88.9 to 98.4) on concentrated sputum, respectively, compared with those from liquid culture. The RT MTB correctly identified 17/35 more smear-negative culture-positive specimens than the Xpert MTB/RIF. Both the RT MTB and the Xpert MTB/RIF displayed sensitivities >70% and specificities >90% in HIV-positive individuals. The available drug resistance results concurred with MTBDR
plus
and drug susceptibility profiles. The RT MTB assay has similar diagnostic performance to the Xpert MTB/RIF and is suited to testing presumptive TB patients coinfected with HIV. The existing laboratory information system connectivity, training, and technical support make this a viable polyvalent option to scale up TB alongside HIV laboratory testing services in South Africa.
Rapid and Robust Identification of the Agents of Black-Grain Mycetoma by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Fraser Mark , Borman Andrew M. , Johnson Elizabeth M.
Published: June 2017

Eumycetoma, a chronic fungal infection endemic in India, Indonesia, and parts of Africa and South and Central America, follows traumatic implantation of saprophytic fungi and frequently requires radical surgery or amputation in the absence of appropriate treatment. Fungal species that can cause black-grain mycetomas include
Madurella
spp.,
Falciformispora
spp.,
Trematosphaeria grisea
,
Nigrograna mackinnonii
,
Pseudochaetosphaeronema larense
,
Medicopsis romeroi
, and
Emarellia
spp.
Rhytidhysteron rufulum
and
Parathyridaria percutanea
cause similar subcutaneous infections, but these infections lack the draining sinuses and fungal grains characteristic of eumycetoma. Accurate identification of the agents of subcutaneous fungal infection is essential to guide appropriate antifungal therapy. Since phenotypic identification of the causative fungi is often difficult, time-consuming molecular approaches are currently required. In the study described here we evaluated whether matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry might allow the accurate identification of eumycetoma agents and related fungi. A panel of 57 organisms corresponding to 10 different species from confirmed cases of eumycetoma and subcutaneous pedal masses, previously formally identified by PCR amplification and sequencing of internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), was employed. Representative isolates of each species were used to create reference MALDI-TOF spectra, which were then used for the identification of the remaining isolates in a user-blinded manner. Here, we demonstrate that MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry accurately identified all of the test isolates, with 100%, 90.4%, and 67.3% of isolates achieving log scores greater than 1.8, 1.9, and 2.0, respectively.
Zika Virus Hijacks Stress Granule Proteins and Modulates the Host Stress Response
Authors: Hou Shangmei , Kumar Anil , Xu Zaikun , Airo Adriana M. , Stryapunina Iryna , Wong Cheung Pang , Branton William , Tchesnokov Egor , Götte Matthias , Power Christopher , Hobman Tom C.
Published: June 2017

Zika virus (ZIKV), a member of the
Flaviviridae
family, has recently emerged as an important human pathogen with increasing economic and health impact worldwide. Because of its teratogenic nature and association with the serious neurological condition Guillain-Barré syndrome, a tremendous amount of effort has focused on understanding ZIKV pathogenesis. To gain further insights into ZIKV interaction with host cells, we investigated how this pathogen affects stress response pathways. While ZIKV infection induces stress signaling that leads to phosphorylation of eIF2α and cellular translational arrest, stress granule (SG) formation was inhibited. Further analysis revealed that the viral proteins NS3 and NS4A are linked to translational repression, whereas expression of the capsid protein, NS3/NS2B-3, and NS4A interfered with SG formation. Some, but not all, flavivirus capsid proteins also blocked SG assembly, indicating differential interactions between flaviviruses and SG biogenesis pathways. Depletion of the SG components G3BP1, TIAR, and Caprin-1, but not TIA-1, reduced ZIKV replication. Both G3BP1 and Caprin-1 formed complexes with capsid, whereas viral genomic RNA stably interacted with G3BP1 during ZIKV infection. Taken together, these results are consistent with a scenario in which ZIKV uses multiple viral components to hijack key SG proteins to benefit viral replication.

IMPORTANCE
There is a pressing need to understand ZIKV pathogenesis in order to advance the development of vaccines and therapeutics. The cellular stress response constitutes one of the first lines of defense against viral infection; therefore, understanding how ZIKV evades this antiviral system will provide key insights into ZIKV biology and potentially pathogenesis. Here, we show that ZIKV induces the stress response through activation of the UPR (unfolded protein response) and PKR (protein kinase R), leading to host translational arrest, a process likely mediated by the viral proteins NS3 and NS4A. Despite the activation of translational shutoff, formation of SG is strongly inhibited by the virus. Specifically, ZIKV hijacks the core SG proteins G3BP1, TIAR, and Caprin-1 to facilitate viral replication, resulting in impaired SG assembly. This process is potentially facilitated by the interactions of the viral RNA with G3BP1 as well as the viral capsid protein with G3BP1 and Caprin-1. Interestingly, expression of capsid proteins from several other flaviviruses also inhibited SG formation. Taken together, the present study provides novel insights into how ZIKV modulates cellular stress response pathways during replication.
Mapping of Transcription Termination within the S Segment of SFTS Phlebovirus Facilitated Generation of NSs Deletant Viruses
Authors: Brennan Benjamin , Rezelj Veronica V. , Elliott Richard M.
Published: June 2017

SFTS phlebovirus (SFTSV) is an emerging tick-borne bunyavirus that was first reported in China in 2009. Here we report the generation of a recombinant SFTSV (rHB29NSsKO) that cannot express the viral nonstructural protein (NSs) upon infection of cells in culture. We show that rHB29NSsKO replication kinetics are greater in interferon (IFN)-incompetent cells and that the virus is unable to suppress IFN induced in response to viral replication. The data confirm for the first time in the context of virus infection that NSs acts as a virally encoded IFN antagonist and that NSs is dispensable for virus replication. Using 3′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), we mapped the 3′ end of the N and NSs mRNAs, showing that the mRNAs terminate within the coding region of the opposite open reading frame. We show that the 3′ end of the N mRNA terminates upstream of a 5′-GCCAGCC-3′ motif present in the viral genomic RNA. With this knowledge, and using virus-like particles, we could demonstrate that the last 36 nucleotides of the NSs open reading frame (ORF) were needed to ensure the efficient termination of the N mRNA and were required for recombinant virus rescue. We demonstrate that it is possible to recover viruses lacking NSs (expressing just a 12-amino-acid NSs peptide or encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein [eGFP]) or an NSs-eGFP fusion protein in the NSs locus. This opens the possibility for further studies of NSs and potentially the design of attenuated viruses for vaccination studies.

IMPORTANCE
SFTS phlebovirus (SFTSV) and related tick-borne viruses have emerged globally since 2009. SFTSV has been shown to cause severe disease in humans. For bunyaviruses, it has been well documented that the nonstructural protein (NSs) enables the virus to counteract the human innate antiviral defenses and that NSs is one of the major determinants of virulence in infection. Therefore, the use of reverse genetics systems to engineer viruses lacking NSs is an attractive strategy to rationally attenuate bunyaviruses. Here we report the generation of several recombinant SFTS viruses that cannot express the NSs protein or have the NSs open reading frame replaced with a reporter gene. These viruses cannot antagonize the mammalian interferon (IFN) response mounted to virus infection. The generation of NSs-lacking viruses was achieved by mapping the transcriptional termination of two S-segment-derived subgenomic mRNAs, which revealed that transcription termination occurs upstream of a 5′-GCCAGCC-3′ motif present in the virus genomic S RNA.
Long Persistence of a Streptococcus pneumoniae 23F Clone in a Cystic Fibrosis Patient
Authors: Rieger Martin , Mauch Harald , Hakenbeck Regine
Published: June 2017

Streptococcus pneumoniae
is a common resident in the human nasopharynx. However, carriage can result in severe diseases due to a unique repertoire of pathogenicity factors that are rare in closely related commensal streptococci. We investigated a penicillin-resistant
S. pneumoniae
clone of serotype 23F isolated from a cystic fibrosis patient on multiple occasions over an unusually long period of over 3 years that was present without causing disease. Genome comparisons revealed an apparent nonfunctional pneumococcus-specific gene encoding a hyaluronidase, supporting the view that this enzyme adds to the virulence potential of the bacterium. The 23F clone harbored unique mosaic genes encoding penicillin resistance determinants, the product of horizontal gene transfer involving the commensal
S. mitis
as donor species. Sequences identical to one such mosaic gene were identified in an
S. mitis
strain from the same patient, suggesting that in this case
S. pneumoniae
played the role of donor.
Congenital prepubic sinus (an epispadiac variant of dorsal urethral duplication) with dorsal penile curvature in an adult man: a rare association
Authors: Aeron Ruchir , Goel Sunny , Singh Manmeet , Gupta Ashok Kumar
Published: June 2017

Urethral duplication is among a very rare congenital disorder with multiple anatomical variants reported. Urethral duplication of complete type is usually diagnosed during childhood with urinary incontinence or double urinary stream as common presentation. However, patients with incomplete urethral duplication usually present with intermittent mucous discharge from the accessory urethral opening. A 20-year-old man presented to us with intermittent mucous discharge from the accessory opening along with dorsal penile curvature making sexual intercourse very difficult. The epispadiac urethral tract with proximal fibrous tract was excised, and the dorsal penile curvature was corrected by ventral plication, implicating that the fibrous cord may be the causative factor for the development of dorsal curvature.
Efficacy of dietary and physical activity intervention in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review
Authors: Kenneally Susan , Sier Joanna H , Moore J Bernadette
Published: June 2017

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, with prevalence above 30% in many adult populations. Strongly associated with obesity, weight loss through diet and physical activity is the mainstay of its management. Weight loss can be difficult to achieve and maintain however, and uncertainty exists as to which lifestyle changes are most effective.

Objective

The aim of this work was to systematically evaluate randomised controlled trials assessing diet, exercise or combination interventions aimed at reducing steatosis or markers of NAFLD activity.

Design

Medline, Scopus and Cochrane databases were searched from 1 January 1980 through to 31 July 2016, for intervention trials assessing the effects of diet, weight loss, exercise or any combination thereof, on NAFLD disease markers in human adults. Risk of publication bias and study quality was assessed using the American Dietetic Association Quality Criteria Checklist.

Results

From a total of 1710 identified records, 24 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria; 6 assessed weight loss using dietary restriction, 10 assessed exercise and 8 were combination interventions. While all of the trials demonstrated significant reduction in steatosis and/or markers of NAFLD activity, combination interventions appear to be the most effective at improving NAFLD. Results suggest that 5–10% weight loss using a modestly hypocaloric diet of 500 kcal less per day than calculated energy requirement, in combination with 30–60 min exercise on 3–5 days per week should be recommended.

Conclusions

We conclude this amount of weight loss is achievable in the trial setting but is challenging in the clinical environment. High-intensity, multidisciplinary intervention in specialist clinics is likely to be required in order to manage NAFLD by lifestyle modification alone. This systematic review protocol was registered prospectively at PROSPERO as CRD42016032764.
CD14+ CD15− HLA-DR− myeloid-derived suppressor cells impair antimicrobial responses in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure
Authors: Bernsmeier Christine , Triantafyllou Evangelos , Brenig Robert , Lebosse Fanny J , Singanayagam Arjuna , Patel Vishal C , Pop Oltin T , Khamri Wafa , Nathwani Rooshi , Tidswell Robert , Weston Christopher J , Adams David H , Thursz Mark R , Wendon Julia A , Antoniades Charalambos Gustav
Published: June 2017

Objective

Immune paresis in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) accounts for infection susceptibility and increased mortality. Immunosuppressive mononuclear CD14+HLA-DR− myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs) have recently been identified to quell antimicrobial responses in immune-mediated diseases. We sought to delineate the function and derivation of M-MDSC in patients with ACLF, and explore potential targets to augment antimicrobial responses.

Design

Patients with ACLF (n=41) were compared with healthy subjects (n=25) and patients with cirrhosis (n=22) or acute liver failure (n=30). CD14+CD15−CD11b+HLA-DR− cells were identified as per definition of M-MDSC and detailed immunophenotypic analyses were performed. Suppression of T cell activation was assessed by mixed lymphocyte reaction. Assessment of innate immune function included cytokine expression in response to Toll-like receptor (TLR-2, TLR-4 and TLR-9) stimulation and phagocytosis assays using flow cytometry and live cell imaging-based techniques.

Results

Circulating CD14+CD15−CD11b+HLA-DR− M-MDSCs were markedly expanded in patients with ACLF (55% of CD14+ cells). M-MDSC displayed immunosuppressive properties, significantly decreasing T cell proliferation (p=0.01), producing less tumour necrosis factor-alpha/interleukin-6 in response to TLR stimulation (all p<0.01), and reduced bacterial uptake of Escherichia coli (p<0.001). Persistently low expression of HLA-DR during disease evolution was linked to secondary infection and 28-day mortality. Recurrent TLR-2 and TLR-4 stimulation expanded M-MDSC in vitro. By contrast, TLR-3 agonism reconstituted HLA-DR expression and innate immune function ex vivo.

Conclusion

Immunosuppressive CD14+HLA-DR− M-MDSCs are expanded in patients with ACLF. They were depicted by suppressing T cell function, attenuated antimicrobial innate immune responses, linked to secondary infection, disease severity and prognosis. TLR-3 agonism reversed M-MDSC expansion and innate immune function and merits further evaluation as potential immunotherapeutic agent.
Patterns of cannabis use during adolescence and their association with harmful substance use behaviour: findings from a UK birth cohort
Authors: Taylor Michelle , Collin Simon M , Munafò Marcus R , MacLeod John , Hickman Matthew , Heron Jon
Published: June 2017

Background

Evidence on the role of cannabis as a gateway drug is inconsistent. We characterise patterns of cannabis use among UK teenagers aged 13–18 years, and assess their influence on problematic substance use at age 21 years.

Methods

We used longitudinal latent class analysis to derive trajectories of cannabis use from self-report measures in a UK birth cohort. We investigated (1) factors associated with latent class membership and (2) whether latent class membership predicted subsequent nicotine dependence, harmful alcohol use and recent use of other illicit drugs at age 21 years.

Results

5315 adolescents had three or more measures of cannabis use from age 13 to 18 years. Cannabis use patterns were captured as four latent classes corresponding to ‘non-users’ (80.1%), ‘late-onset occasional’ (14.2%), ‘early-onset occasional’ (2.3%) and ‘regular’ users (3.4%). Sex, mother's substance use, and child's tobacco use, alcohol consumption and conduct problems were strongly associated with cannabis use. At age 21 years, compared with the non-user class, late-onset occasional, early-onset occasional and regular cannabis user classes had higher odds of nicotine dependence (OR=3.5, 95% CI 0.7 to 17.9; OR=12.1, 95% CI 1.0 to 150.3; and OR=37.2, 95% CI 9.5 to 144.8, respectively); harmful alcohol consumption (OR=2.6, 95% CI 1.5 to 4.3; OR=5.0, 95% CI 2.1 to 12.1; and OR=2.6, 95% CI 1.0 to 7.1, respectively); and other illicit drug use (OR=22.7, 95% CI 11.3 to 45.7; OR=15.9, 95% CI 3.9 to 64.4; and OR=47.9, 95% CI 47.9 to 337.0, respectively).

Conclusions

One-fifth of the adolescents in our sample followed a pattern of occasional or regular cannabis use, and these young people were more likely to progress to harmful substance use behaviours in early adulthood.
The larval sensilla on the antennae and mouthparts of five species of Cossidae (Lepidoptera)
Authors: Xu Lili , Pei Jiahe , Wang Tao , Ren Lili , Zong Shixiang
Published: June 2017

Most species in the family Cossidae can migrate from one host to a new one in later larval instars, which is different from other bark- and wood-boring insects. In this study, we selected Eogystia hippophaecolus (Hua, Chou, Fang and Chen, 1990), Deserticossus artemisiae (Chou and Hua, 1986), Deserticossus arenicola (Staudinger, 1879), Yakudza vicarius (Walker, 1865), and Streltzoviella insularis (Staudinger, 1892) to understand how these species locate new hosts in their larval stages. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the typology, morphology, number, and distribution of sensilla on the antennae, maxillary palps, galeas, and labial palps of these five species. There were no differences in typology, morphology, and number of sensilla between the five species. We observed antenna with three to four short sensilla basiconica, two sensilla chaetica, four sensilla basiconica, and one sensillum styloconicum. The maxillary palp had seven short sensilla basiconica, one sensillum digitiformium, and two sensilla placodea. The maxillary galea had three short sensilla basiconica, two sensilla styloconica, and one sensillum chaeticum. The labial palp had one short sensillum basiconicum and one sensillum styloconicum. Our results will provide a basis for further studies on the feeding, host-transfer behaviors, and electrophysiology of this group of forest pests.
The self-consistent model of the anomalously slow relaxation of the systems nonwetting liquid–nanoporous medium
Authors: Borman Vladimir Dmitrievich , Borodulya Nikolay Andreevich , Belogorlov Anton Anatolevich , Tronin Vladimir Nikolaevich
Published: June 2017

This paper provides information on a self-consistent model of an anomalously slow relaxation of nonwetting liquid–nanoporous medium systems with a random size distribution of pores, which introduces changes in interaction between local liquid cluster configurations in the process of liquid outflow from the porous medium. A self-consistent equation was deduced, the solution of which determines a functional connection of porous medium filling degree or time [Formula: see text]. It is shown that the anomalously slow relaxation is presented as a process of decay of interacting local metastable configurations, initialized by thermal fluctuations. As time increments, relaxation acceleration takes place with subsequent avalanche fluid outflow from the porous medium, which is connected with interaction decrease between local configurations. The dependence of the fraction of volume of liquid remaining in a porous medium changes by the power law [Formula: see text]. It is shown that for a system of water–L23 at the initial stage in the time range of [Formula: see text], an index assumes a constant value [Formula: see text], while at the following stage the acceleration of relaxation and the increase of parameter [Formula: see text] are observed.
Hydrogen Storage Technologies for Future Energy Systems
Authors: Preuster Patrick , Alekseev Alexander , Wasserscheid Peter
Published: June 2017

Future energy systems will be determined by the increasing relevance of solar and wind energy. Crude oil and gas prices are expected to increase in the long run, and penalties for CO2 emissions will become a relevant economic factor. Solar- and wind-powered electricity will become significantly cheaper, such that hydrogen produced from electrolysis will be competitively priced against hydrogen manufactured from natural gas. However, to handle the unsteadiness of system input from fluctuating energy sources, energy storage technologies that cover the full scale of power (in megawatts) and energy storage amounts (in megawatt hours) are required. Hydrogen, in particular, is a promising secondary energy vector for storing, transporting, and distributing large and very large amounts of energy at the gigawatt-hour and terawatt-hour scales. However, we also discuss energy storage at the 120–200-kWh scale, for example, for onboard hydrogen storage in fuel cell vehicles using compressed hydrogen storage. This article focuses on the characteristics and development potential of hydrogen storage technologies in light of such a changing energy system and its related challenges. Technological factors that influence the dynamics, flexibility, and operating costs of unsteady operation are therefore highlighted in particular. Moreover, the potential for using renewable hydrogen in the mobility sector, industrial production, and the heat market is discussed, as this potential may determine to a significant extent the future economic value of hydrogen storage technology as it applies to other industries. This evaluation elucidates known and well-established options for hydrogen storage and may guide the development and direction of newer, less developed technologies.
Algae to Economically Viable Low-Carbon-Footprint Oil
Authors: Bhujade Ramesh , Chidambaram Mandan , Kumar Avnish , Sapre Ajit
Published: June 2017

Algal oil as an alternative to fossil fuel has attracted attention since the 1940s, when it was discovered that many microalgae species can produce large amounts of lipids. Economics and energy security were the motivational factors for a spurt in algae research during the 1970s, 1990s, and early 2000s. Whenever crude prices declined, research on algae stopped. The scenario today is different. Even given low and volatile crude prices ($30–$50/barrel), interest in algae continues all over the world. Algae, with their cure-all characteristics, have the potential to provide sustainable solutions to problems in the energy-food-climate nexus. However, after years of effort, there are no signs of algae-to-biofuel technology being commercialized. This article critically reviews past work; summarizes the current status of the technology; and based on the lessons learned, provides a balanced perspective on a potential path toward commercialization of algae-to-oil technology.
The liver in regulation of iron homeostasis
Authors: Rishi Gautam , Subramaniam V. Nathan
Published: June 2017

The liver is one of the largest and most functionally diverse organs in the human body. In addition to roles in detoxification of xenobiotics, digestion, synthesis of important plasma proteins, gluconeogenesis, lipid metabolism, and storage, the liver also plays a significant role in iron homeostasis. Apart from being the storage site for excess body iron, it also plays a vital role in regulating the amount of iron released into the blood by enterocytes and macrophages. Since iron is essential for many important physiological and molecular processes, it increases the importance of liver in the proper functioning of the body’s metabolism. This hepatic iron-regulatory function can be attributed to the expression of many liver-specific or liver-enriched proteins, all of which play an important role in the regulation of iron homeostasis. This review focuses on these proteins and their known roles in the regulation of body iron metabolism.
Sex differences in renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system affect extracellular volume in healthy subjects
Authors: Toering Tsjitske J. , Gant Christina M. , Visser Folkert W. , van der Graaf Anne Marijn , Laverman Gozewijn D. , Danser A. H. Jan , Faas Marijke M. , Navis Gerjan , Lely A. Titia
Published: June 2017

Several studies reported sex differences in aldosterone. It is unknown whether these differences are associated with differences in volume regulation. Therefore we studied both aldosterone and extracellular volume in men and women on different sodium intakes. In healthy normotensive men ( n = 18) and premenopausal women ( n = 18) we investigated plasma aldosterone, blood pressure, and extracellular volume (125I-iothalamate), during both low (target intake 50 mmol Na+/day) and high sodium intake (target intake 200 mmol Na+/day) in a crossover setup. Furthermore, we studied the adrenal response to angiotensin II infusion (0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 ng·kg−1·min−1for 1 h) on both sodium intakes. Men had a significantly higher plasma aldosterone, extracellular volume, and systolic blood pressure than women during high sodium intake ( P < 0.05). During low sodium intake, extracellular volume and blood pressure were higher in men as well ( P < 0.05), whereas the difference in plasma aldosterone was no longer significant ( P = 0.252). The adrenal response to exogenous angiotensin II was significantly lower in men than in women on both sodium intakes. Constitutive sex differences in the regulation of aldosterone, characterized by a higher aldosterone and a lower adrenal response to exogenous angiotensin II infusion in men, are associated with a higher extracellular volume and blood pressure in men. These findings suggest that sex differences in the regulation of aldosterone contribute to differences in volume regulation between men and women.