bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting peer‐reviewed publication of abstracts presented at meetings of the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (2008–2012)
Authors: Ofri Ron , Bdolah‐Abram Tali , Yair Nadav
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To review abstracts presented at five consecutive meetings of the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ECVO), and identify abstract characteristics that affect the probability of their publication in peer‐reviewed journals.

Methods

An online search was conducted for peer‐reviewed publications (PRPs) stemming from abstracts from five ECVO meetings (2008–2012). Time to publication and journal were noted. Effects of ocular tissue/discipline, species, type of presentation and study, funding acknowledgment and affiliation, professional qualifications, and nationality of the first and last authors on probability of publication were analyzed.

Results

Of presented abstracts, 29% (87/299) were published as PRPs in Veterinary Ophthalmology (n = 50), other veterinary journals (n = 22), and nonveterinary journals (n = 15). During the 5 years studied, there was no significant difference between the impact factor of Veterinary Ophthalmology and the 25 other journals in which PRPs were published (P = 0.369). Median time to PRP acceptance or publication was 468 days. Independent variables most significant in determining the probability of PRP were oral presentation (P = 0.002), resident authorship (P < 0.0001), and species (P = 0.002), with food animal abstracts having the highest odds ratio. Ocular tissue/discipline (P = 0.13) and type of study (P = 0.33) did not affect publication probability. Funding acknowledgment (P = 0.02), author nationality (P = 0.02), and academic affiliation (P = 0.04) were also significant factors.

Conclusions

Publication rate of ECVO abstracts is lower, but time to publication is similar, compared with most biomedical meetings.
HIGH PURITY MESOPOROUS Γ-AL2O3 FROM KANO KAOLIN IN THE PRESENCE OF POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 6000 (PEG-6000) SURFACTANT
Authors: Bello Abdu Muhammad , Yacob Abdul Rahim , Kabo Kamaluddeen Suleiman
Published: March 2017

Mesoporous γ-Al2O3 with large surface area and narrow pore size was synthesized from acid-leachates of calcined kaolin in the presence of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG-6000) surfactant at room temperature. The synthesized alumina was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Nitrogen adsorption-desorption, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and thermogravimetric-Derivative thermal analysis (TG-DTA). High-purity mesoporous γ-Al2O3 with large surface area of 365.1 m2/g, narrow pore size distribution centred at 5.3 nm and pore volume of 0.46 cm3/g was obtained at 500 oC. When the calcination temperature has increased to 700 oC, the surface area decreased to 272.9 m2/g. Crystallite size calculated using Scherer’s equation revealed the average size of 4.33 and 4.12 nm for alumina calcined at 500 and 700 oC, respectively. The excellent pore structural properties (high surface area and large pore volume) of the synthesized mesoporous γ-alumina in the present study will allow for higher loading of active catalytic phases, as such it can be used as catalyst support.
FUEL DETECTION SYSTEM USING OTDR WITH MULTIMODE FIBER
Authors: Younus Marwan Hafeedh , Ameen Odai Falah , Raja Ibrahim Raja Kamarulzaman , Redzuan Norizah
Published: March 2017

This work presents an optical fiber based sensor for fuel detection and adaptionan optical time domain Reflectometer (OTDR) as an analyzer.  The sensing system consists of a portion of removal clad multimode fiber (MMF) as sensing part connected  between a receive and launch fiber. The sensing part was prepared by removing 1 cm of the MMF cladding layer using chemical etching technique. Both launch and receive fibers are using single mode fiber (SMF) where OTDR is connected to the Launch Fibre while Receive Fiber has one end with air interface.The sensor response is based on optical return loss recorded from OTDR trace when sensing part in contact with fuel where in this work diesel and benzene were tested. OTDR measurement revealed that the return loss recorded from OTDR increases when etching time of the MMF increases. The highest return loss of 2.462 dB and 3.099 dB were recorded in diesel and benzene respectively with etching time of 20 minutes. The etching time was up to 25 minutes but it was found to cause the fiber core become too thin and at the end the fiber core can completely dissolve. Further enhancement of detection sensitivity was achieved by using two-point MMF sensing system.
EXPLOITING VISUAL CUES FOR LEARNING GAIT PATTERNS ASSOCIATED WITH NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
Authors: Roy Kuhelee , Rao Geelapaturu Subrahmanya Venkata Radha Krish , Anouncia Savarimuthu, Margret
Published: March 2017

Records of cases involving neurological disorders often exhibit abnormalities in the gait pattern of an individual. As mentioned in various articles, the causes of various gait disorders can be attributed to neurological disorders. Hence analysis of gait abnormalities can be a key to predict the type of neurological disorders as a part of early diagnosis. A number of sensor-based measurements have aided towards quantifying the degree of abnormalities in a gait pattern. A shape oriented motion based approach has been proposed in this paper to envisage the task of classifying an abnormal gait pattern into one of the five types of gait viz. Parkinsonian, Scissor, Spastic, Steppage and Normal gait. The motion and shape features for two cases viz. right-leg-front and left-leg-front will be taken into account. Experimental results of application on real-time videos suggest the reliability of the proposed method.
Does Market Welcome the International Convergence of Fair Value Standard in China?
Authors: Wang Dehong , Song Jianbo , Zhang Yue
Published: March 2017

This paper studies the international convergence of fair value measurement standard and examines market reactions towards the emergence of the standard in China. Through comparing the fair value measurement standard between IFRS 13 and newest Chinese accounting standard CAS 39, we find that CAS 39 is on the way of international convergence towards IFRS 13. Through examining market reactions to CAS 39, we find that market has significantly positive reactions to the draft version exposure, official announcement, and enforcement of CAS 39. Moreover, we find that investors have different attitudes to the applications of CAS 39 in financial and non-financial industries. Investors consistently support CAS 39 in non-financial industries. However, in financial industries, investors react positively in the draft version exposure of CAS 39, but negatively in the official announcement and enforcement of CAS 39. We believe that investors worry about the application of CAS 39 in Chinese financial industries.
“Réquiem NN” de Juan Manuel Echavarría: Entre lo evidente, lo sugestivo y lo reprimido
Authors: Rubiano Elkin
Published: March 2017

El ensayo se ocupa de la obra “Réquiem NN” de Juan Manuel Echavarría. Esta obra, elaborada entre 2006 y 2015, se vale de tres formatos: la fotografía, el video y el cine. Aunque el centro de la obra es el mismo (la adopción por parte de los habitantes de Puerto Berrío, Antioquia, de cuerpos sin identificación), los resultados son diferentes según el formato. El asunto no tiene que ver con abordar un mismo asunto desde diferentes perspectivas -pues la perspectiva del artista se mantiene en los tres formatos-, sino más bien en percatarse de que en cada formato el resultado es diferente. En este caso, el resultado final de la obra tiene implicaciones con respecto a la aprehensión que el dispositivo visual hace de la realidad en un contexto mediado por el conflicto armado en Colombia.
Geometric Mean of Fin Efficiency and Effectiveness: A Parameter to Determine Optimum Length of Open-Cell Metal Foam Used as Extended Heat Transfer Surface
Authors: Dixit Tisha , Ghosh Indranil
Published: March 2017

High porosity open-cell metal foams have captured the interest of thermal industry due to their high surface area density, low weight, and ability to create tortuous mixing of fluid. In this work, application of metal foams as heat sinks has been explored. The foam has been represented as a simple cubic structure and heat transfer from a heated base has been treated analogous to that of solid fins. Based on this model, three performance parameters namely, foam efficiency, overall foam efficiency, and foam effectiveness have been evaluated for metal foam heat sinks. Parametric studies with varying foam length, porosity, pore density, material, and fluid velocity have been conducted. It has been observed that geometric mean of foam efficiency and foam effectiveness can be a useful parameter to exactly determine the optimum foam length. Additionally, the variation in temperature profile of different foams heated from one end has been determined experimentally by cooling these with atmospheric air. The experimental results have been presented for open-cell metal foams (10 and 30 PPI) made of copper/aluminium/Fe–Ni–Cr alloy with porosity in the range of 0.908–0.964.
Methods of Identification of Definite Degenerated and Nonlinear Dynamic System Using Specially Programmed Nonharmonic Enforce
Authors: Bocian Miroslaw , Jamroziak Krzysztof , Kosobudzki Mariusz , Kulisiewicz Maciej
Published: March 2017

The paper presents the new way of identification of complex nonlinear dynamic systems. The method has been explained with the use of a dynamic structure (degenerated one) with 1.5 degrees-of-freedom and some nonlinear restitution force. The applied method allows for the assessment of the dynamic behavior of material in a wide range of dynamic loads. The equation of energy balance when oscillations are set harmonic is applicable to the solution. It is possible when the loading force is adjustable. The method has been computer verified using a system with cubic spring characteristic.
Condensation in Microchannels: Detailed Comparisons of Annular Laminar Flow Theory With Measurements
Authors: Sheng Wang Hua , Rose John W.
Published: March 2017

A relatively simple theory of annular laminar film condensation in microchannels, based on the Nusselt approximations for the condensate film and a theoretically based approximation for the vapor shear stress, has no empirical input and gives the local heat transfer coefficient and local quality for given vapor mass flux and vapor–surface temperature difference distribution along the channel. As well as streamwise vapor shear stress and gravity, the theory includes transverse (to the flow direction) surface tension-driven motion of the condensate film and gives a differential equation for the local (transverse and streamwise) condensate film thickness. As well as four transverse direction boundary conditions due to condensate surface curvature, a streamwise boundary condition is required as in the Nusselt theory. When the vapor is saturated or superheated at inlet, this is provided by the fact that the film thickness is zero around the channel perimeter at the position of onset on condensation. Most experimental investigations have been conducted with quality less than one at inlet and only approximate comparisons, discussed in earlier papers, can be made. The present paper is devoted to comparisons between theory and measurements in investigations where local heat flux and channel surface temperature were measured and the vapor at inlet was superheated. Measured and calculated heat transfer coefficients and their dependence on distance along the channel and on local quality are in surprisingly good agreement and suggest that the mode of condensation is, in fact, annular and laminar, at least where the quality is high.
Dosimetric characteristics of dual‐layer multileaf collimation for small‐field and intensity‐modulated radiation therapy applications
Authors: Liu Yaxi , Shi Chengyu , Tynan Patricia , Papanikolaou Niko
Published: March 2017

The purpose of the present work was to measure the performance characteristics in the penumbra region and on the leaf‐end of an innovative dual‐layer micro multileaf collimator (DmMLC). The DmMLC consists of two orthogonal (upper and lower) layers of leaves; a standard MLC consists of one layer. The DmMLC provides unique performance characteristics in smoothing dose undulation, reducing leaf‐end transmission, and reducing MLC field dependence of the leaf stepping angle. Two standard MLCs (80‐leaf and 120‐leaf versions: Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA), a DmMLC (AccuKnife: Initia Medical Technology, Canton, MA), and a Cerrobend (Cerro Metal Products, Bellefonte, PA) block were used in performance studies involving a triangular field, a cross leaf‐end field, and a circular field. Measurements were made with 6‐MV X‐rays and extended dose range film at a depth of 5 cm in Solid Water (Gammex rmi, Middleton, WI) at a source–axis distance of 100 cm. The field penumbra width measured between the 20% and 80% isodose lines through the MLC‐80, MLC‐120, DmMLC, and Cerrobend block were 9.0, 5.0, 3.0, and 2.0 mm respectively. The dose undulation amplitude of the 50% isodose line was measured as 5.5, 2.0, and 0.5 mm for the MLC‐80, MLC‐120, and DmMLC respectively. The planar dose difference between the MLC‐80, MLC‐120, and DmMLC against Cerrobend block was measured as ranging at , and respectively. The leaf‐end transmission was measured at 22.4% in maximum and 15.4% in average when closing a single layer of the DmMLC, and at 2.4% in maximum and 2.1% in average when closing both layers. The MLC dependence of the leaf stepping angle with the DmMLC ranged from 45 degrees to 90 degrees. The standard MLC leaf stepping angle ranged from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. In conclusion, the dose undulation, leaf‐end transmission, and MLC field dependence of the leaf stepping angle with the DmMLC were remarkably reduced as compared with those of the standard MLCs. And as compared with Cerrobend block, the DmMLC provided very comparable performance in field‐edge smoothing and in the shaping of complex fields.

PACS numbers: 87.56.Jk, 87.56.Nk, 87.56.Nj, 87.57.Nt
Inhomogeneity correction and the analytic anisotropic algorithm
Authors: Robinson Don
Published: March 2017

The ability of the analytic anisotropic algorithm (AAA), a superposition– convolution algorithm implemented in the Eclipse (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) treatment planning system (TPS), to accurately account for the presence of inhomogeneities in simple geometries is examined. The goal of 2% accuracy, as set out by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 65, serves as a useful benchmark against which to evaluate the inhomogeneity correction capabilities of this treatment planning algorithm. A planar geometry phantom consisting of upper and lower layers of Solid Water (Gammex rmi, Middleton, WI) separated by a heterogeneity region of variable thickness, is modeled within the Eclipse TPS. Results obtained with the AAA are compared with experimental measurements. Seven different materials, spanning the range from air to aluminum, constitute the inhomogeneity layer. In general, the AAA overpredicts dose beyond low‐density regions and underpredicts dose distal to volumes of high density. In many cases, the deviation between the AAA and experimental results exceeds the Task Group 65 target of 2%. The source of these deviations appears to arise from an inability of the AAA to correctly account for altered attenuation along primary ray paths.

PACS number: 87.53.Tf
Focus Issue: Autophagy as hero and villain
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: March 2017

Context dictates whether autophagic responses to stress are beneficial or detrimental.
Ferroptosis-like cell death in plants
Authors: Mushegian Alexandra A.
Published: March 2017

Heat stress induces a form of cell death in plants that is morphologically and biochemically similar to ferroptosis in animal cells.
Hypoxia-induced plasticity in cancer cell migration
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: March 2017

Hypoxia stimulates cancer cells to switch from collective migration to amoeboid migration.
Papers of note in
Science
355
(6327)
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: March 2017

This week’s articles describe a method for engineering kinases so that they can be activated and inactivated with visible light and offer a molecular explanation for why mutations that are common in the blood cells of elderly people can promote atherosclerosis.
Papers of note in
Nature
542
(7642)
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: March 2017

This week’s articles demonstrate that fat cells release miRNAs that act on distant tissues, identify a mechanism whereby transcription factors protect B cells from malignant transformation, and show that some anticancer drugs may have the unintended consequence of increasing genomic instability in B cells.
Integrated molecular analysis of tumor biopsies on sequential CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade reveals markers of response and resistance
Authors: Roh Whijae , Chen Pei-Ling , Reuben Alexandre , Spencer Christine N. , Prieto Peter A. , Miller John P. , Gopalakrishnan Vancheswaran , Wang Feng , Cooper Zachary A. , Reddy Sangeetha M. , Gumbs Curtis , Little Latasha , Chang Qing , Chen Wei-Shen , Wani Khalida , De Macedo Mariana Petaccia , Chen Eveline , Austin-Breneman Jacob L. , Jiang Hong , Roszik Jason , Tetzlaff Michael T. , Davies Michael A. , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , Tawbi Hussein , Lazar Alexander J. , Hwu Patrick , Hwu Wen-Jen , Diab Adi , Glitza Isabella C. , Patel Sapna P. , Woodman Scott E. , Amaria Rodabe N. , Prieto Victor G. , Hu Jianhua , Sharma Padmanee , Allison James P. , Chin Lynda , Zhang Jianhua , Wargo Jennifer A. , Futreal P. Andrew
Published: March 2017

Profiling of melanoma patients treated with checkpoint blockade reveals TCR clonality and copy number loss as correlates of therapeutic response.
Evolutionarily conserved serum microRNAs predict radiation-induced fatality in nonhuman primates
Authors: Fendler Wojciech , Malachowska Beata , Meghani Khyati , Konstantinopoulos Panagiotis A. , Guha Chandan , Singh Vijay K. , Chowdhury Dipanjan
Published: March 2017

Evolutionarily conserved serum microRNAs predict radiation-induced fatality in nonhuman primates.
Turning skin “check” into checkmate
Authors: Lev-Tov Hadar
Published: March 2017

Artificial intelligence algorithm performs on par with dermatologists to distinguish malignant from benign skin tumors.
Remembering Emil von Behring: from Tetanus Treatment to Antibody Cooperation with Phagocytes
Authors: Kaufmann Stefan H. E.
Published: March 2017

A century ago, Emil von Behring passed away. He was the first to be honored by the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1901 for the successful therapy of diphtheria and tetanus, which he had developed from the bench to the bed. He also contributed to the foundation of immunology, since his therapy was based on passive immunization with specific antisera. Being an ambitious character, he did not shy away from friction with his colleagues Paul Ehrlich and Elias Metchnikoff and his mentor, Robert Koch. Behring was not only an excellent translational researcher but also a successful entrepreneur and early proponent of public-private partnerships.
New Mouse Model for Chronic Infections by Gram-Negative Bacteria Enabling the Study of Anti-Infective Efficacy and Host-Microbe Interactions
Authors: Pletzer Daniel , Mansour Sarah C. , Wuerth Kelli , Rahanjam Negin , Hancock Robert E. W.
Published: March 2017

Only a few, relatively cumbersome animal models enable long-term Gram-negative bacterial infections that mimic human situations, where untreated infections can last for weeks. Here, we describe a simple murine cutaneous abscess model that enables chronic or progressive infections, depending on the subcutaneously injected bacterial strain. In this model,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
cystic fibrosis epidemic isolate LESB58 caused localized high-density skin and soft tissue infections and necrotic skin lesions for up to 10 days but did not disseminate in either CD-1 or C57BL/6 mice. The model was adapted for use with four major Gram-negative nosocomial pathogens,
Acinetobacter baumannii
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
,
Enterobacter cloacae
, and
Escherichia coli
. This model enabled noninvasive imaging and tracking of
lux
-tagged bacteria, the influx of activated neutrophils, and production of reactive oxygen-nitrogen species at the infection site. Screening antimicrobials against high-density infections showed that local but not intravenous administration of gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and meropenem significantly but incompletely reduced bacterial counts and superficial tissue dermonecrosis. Bacterial RNA isolated from the abscess tissue revealed that
Pseudomonas
genes involved in iron uptake, toxin production, surface lipopolysaccharide regulation, adherence, and lipase production were highly upregulated whereas phenazine production and expression of global activator
gacA
were downregulated. The model was validated for studying virulence using mutants of more-virulent
P. aeruginosa
strain PA14. Thus, mutants defective in flagella or motility, type III secretion, or siderophore biosynthesis were noninvasive and suppressed dermal necrosis in mice, while a strain with a mutation in the
bfiS
gene encoding a sensor kinase showed enhanced invasiveness and mortality in mice compared to controls infected with wild-type
P. aeruginosa
PA14.

IMPORTANCE
More than two-thirds of hospital infections are chronic or high-density biofilm infections and difficult to treat due to adaptive, multidrug resistance. Unfortunately, current models of chronic infection are technically challenging and difficult to track without sacrificing animals. Here we describe a model of chronic subcutaneous infection and abscess formation by medically important nosocomial Gram-negative pathogens that is simple and can be used for tracking infections by imaging, examining pathology and immune responses, testing antimicrobial treatments suitable for high-density bacterial infections, and studying virulence. We propose that this mouse model can be a game changer for modeling hard-to-treat Gram-negative bacterial chronic and skin infections.
Toxoplasma DJ-1 Regulates Organelle Secretion by a Direct Interaction with Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase 1
Authors: Child Matthew A. , Garland Megan , Foe Ian , Madzelan Peter , Treeck Moritz , van der Linden Wouter A. , Oresic Bender Kristina , Weerapana Eranthie , Wilson Mark A. , Boothroyd John C. , Reese Michael L. , Bogyo Matthew
Published: March 2017

Human DJ-1 is a highly conserved and yet functionally enigmatic protein associated with a heritable form of Parkinson’s disease. It has been suggested to be a redox-dependent regulatory scaffold, binding to proteins to modulate their function. Here we present the X-ray crystal structure of the
Toxoplasma
orthologue
Toxoplasma gondii
DJ-1 (TgDJ-1) at 2.1-Å resolution and show that it directly associates with calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (CDPK1). The TgDJ-1 structure identifies an orthologously conserved arginine dyad that acts as a phospho-gatekeeper motif to control complex formation. We determined that the binding of TgDJ-1 to CDPK1 is sensitive to oxidation and calcium, and that this interaction potentiates CDPK1 kinase activity. Finally, we show that genetic deletion of TgDJ-1 results in upregulation of CDPK1 expression and that disruption of the CDPK1/TgDJ-1 complex
in vivo
prevents normal exocytosis of parasite virulence-associated organelles called micronemes. Overall, our data suggest that TgDJ-1 functions as a noncanonical kinase-regulatory scaffold that integrates multiple intracellular signals to tune microneme exocytosis in
T. gondii
.

IMPORTANCE
Apicomplexan parasites such as
Toxoplasma
and
Plasmodium
are obligate intracellular parasites that require the protective environment of a host cell in order to replicate and survive within a host organism. These parasites secrete effector proteins from specialized apical organelles to select and invade a chosen host cell. The secretion of these organelles is a tightly regulated process coordinated by endogenous small molecules and calcium-dependent protein kinases. We previously identified the
Toxoplasma
orthologue of the highly conserved protein DJ-1 as a regulator of microneme secretion, but the molecular basis for this was not known. We have now identified the molecular mechanism for how TgDJ-1 regulates microneme secretion. TgDJ-1 interacts with the kinase responsible for the secretion of these organelles (calcium-dependent kinase 1) and synergizes with calcium to potentiate kinase activity. This interaction is direct, phosphodependent, and necessary for the normal secretion of these important organelles.
Elevated Cholesterol in the
Coxiella burnetii
Intracellular Niche Is Bacteriolytic
Authors: Mulye Minal , Samanta Dhritiman , Winfree Seth , Heinzen Robert A. , Gilk Stacey D.
Published: March 2017

Coxiella burnetii
is an intracellular bacterial pathogen and a significant cause of culture-negative endocarditis in the United States. Upon infection, the nascent
Coxiella
phagosome fuses with the host endocytic pathway to form a large lysosome-like vacuole called the parasitophorous vacuole (PV). The PV membrane is rich in sterols, and drugs perturbing host cell cholesterol homeostasis inhibit PV formation and bacterial growth. Using cholesterol supplementation of a cholesterol-free cell model system, we found smaller PVs and reduced
Coxiella
growth as cellular cholesterol concentration increased. Further, we observed in cells with cholesterol a significant number of nonfusogenic PVs that contained degraded bacteria, a phenotype not observed in cholesterol-free cells. Cholesterol had no effect on axenic
Coxiella
cultures, indicating that only intracellular bacteria are sensitive to cholesterol. Live-cell microscopy revealed that both plasma membrane-derived cholesterol and the exogenous cholesterol carrier protein low-density lipoprotein (LDL) traffic to the PV. To test the possibility that increasing PV cholesterol levels affects bacterial survival, infected cells were treated with U18666A, a drug that traps cholesterol in lysosomes and PVs. U18666A treatment led to PVs containing degraded bacteria and a significant loss in bacterial viability. The PV pH was significantly more acidic in cells with cholesterol or cells treated with U18666A, and the vacuolar ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin blocked cholesterol-induced PV acidification and bacterial death. Additionally, treatment of infected HeLa cells with several FDA-approved cholesterol-altering drugs led to a loss of bacterial viability, a phenotype also rescued by bafilomycin. Collectively, these data suggest that increasing PV cholesterol further acidifies the PV, leading to
Coxiella
death.

IMPORTANCE
The intracellular Gram-negative bacterium
Coxiella burnetii
is a significant cause of culture-negative infectious endocarditis, which can be fatal if untreated. The existing treatment strategy requires prolonged antibiotic treatment, with a 10-year mortality rate of 19% in treated patients. Therefore, new clinical therapies are needed and can be achieved by better understanding
C. burnetii
pathogenesis. Upon infection of host cells,
C. burnetii
grows within a specialized replication niche, the parasitophorous vacuole (PV). Recent data have linked cholesterol to intracellular
C. burnetii
growth and PV formation, leading us to further decipher the role of cholesterol during
C. burnetii
-host interaction. We observed that increasing PV cholesterol concentration leads to increased acidification of the PV and bacterial death. Further, treatment with FDA-approved drugs that alter host cholesterol homeostasis also killed
C. burnetii
through PV acidification. Our findings suggest that targeting host cholesterol metabolism might prove clinically efficacious in controlling
C. burnetii
infection.
The bumper technique for advancing a large profile microcatheter
Authors: Kellner Christopher P , Chartrain Alexander G , Schwegel Claire , Oxley Thomas J , Shoirah Hazem , Mocco J
Published: March 2017

Operators commonly encounter difficulty maneuvering a microcatheter beyond the distal lip of wide neck aneurysms and aneurysms in challenging locations. Few techniques have been described to guide operators in these particular situations. In this case report of a 56-year-old woman with a 16 mm ophthalmic artery aneurysm, the microcatheter continually snagged the distal aneurysm lip, preventing delivery of a flow diverter into the distal parent vessel. In troubleshooting this obstacle, a second microguidewire was introduced alongside the microcatheter and was used to cover the distal lip of the aneurysm to prevent further snagging. The second guidewire successfully deflected the microcatheter into the distal vessel, a technique that we have aptly dubbed the ‘bumper technique’.
Non-epileptic attack disorder: the importance of diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Dickson Jon Mark , Peacock Marian , Grünewald Richard A , Howlett Stephanie , Bissell Paul , Reuber Markus
Published: March 2017

A 50-year-old woman was taken to hospital by emergency ambulance during her first seizure. She was admitted to hospital, treated with intravenous diazepam, diagnosed with epilepsy and started on antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy. This was ineffective so she was referred to a tertiary centre where she underwent video EEG and was diagnosed with non-epileptic attack disorder. Her experience of the diagnosis was positive; it allowed her to understand what was happening to her and to understand the link between her seizures, adverse childhood experiences and the death of her mother. She stopped taking AEDs and she was referred to a psychologist which led to a significant improvement in her functioning and quality of life. We present this case as a good example of the benefits of accurate diagnosis, clear explanation and access to specialist care.
Return to play criteria after hamstring muscle injury in professional football: a Delphi consensus study
Authors: Zambaldi Mattia , Beasley Ian , Rushton Alison
Published: March 2017

Background

Hamstring muscle injury (HMI) is the most common injury in professional football and has a high re-injury rate. Despite this, there are no validated criteria to support return to play (RTP) decisions.

Aim

To use the Delphi method to reach expert consensus on RTP criteria after HMI in professional football.

Methods

All professional football clubs in England (n=92) were invited to participate in a 3-round Delphi study. Round 1 requested a list of criteria used for RTP decisions after HMI. Responses were independently collated by 2 researchers under univocal definitions of RTP criteria. In round 2 participants rated their agreement for each RTP criterion on a 1–5 Likert Scale. In round 3 participants re-rated the criteria that had reached consensus in round 2. Descriptive statistics and Kendall's coefficient of concordance enabled interpretation of consensus.

Results

Participation rate was limited at 21.7% (n=20), while retention rate was high throughout the 3 rounds (90.0%, 85.0%, 90.0%). Round 1 identified 108 entries with varying definitions that were collated into a list of 14 RTP criteria. Rounds 2 and 3 identified 13 and 12 criteria reaching consensus, respectively. Five domains of RTP assessment were identified: functional performance, strength, flexibility, pain and player's confidence. The highest-rated criteria were in the functional performance domain, with particular importance given to sprint ability.

Conclusion

This study defined a list of consensually agreed RTP criteria for HMI in professional football. Further work is now required to determine the validity of the identified criteria.
Cohort profiles of the cross-sectional and prospective participant groups in the second Diabetes MILES—Australia (MILES-2) study
Authors: Browne Jessica L , Holmes-Truscott Elizabeth , Ventura Adriana D , Hendrieckx Christel , Pouwer Frans , Speight Jane
Published: March 2017

Purpose

More research into the psychosocial aspects of diabetes is needed so that the health and quality of life of people with the condition can be improved. To fill this gap, we conducted the second Diabetes MILES—Australia study (MILES-2), a survey focused on psychological, behavioural and social aspects of diabetes. The aim of the MILES-2 study was to provide a (1) longitudinal follow-up of the original MILES 2011 study cohort; (2) cross-sectional assessment of a new cohort.

Participants

Eligible participants were English-speaking Australians with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, aged 18–75 years. Longitudinal cohort participants were mailed/emailed study invitations directly by researchers. Random sampling (stratified by diabetes type, insulin use, state) of the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) database and nationwide advertisements were used to recruit new cohort participants. The final sample included N=2342 eligible respondents (longitudinal cohort: n=504; 2015 new cohort: n=1838); 54% had type 2 diabetes.

Findings to date

Survey respondents were from an advantaged socioeconomic background compared to the general population. Respondents with type 1 diabetes were over-represented in the new cohort (45%) relative to the planned stratification (40% type 1 diabetes, 60% type 2 diabetes). Respondents with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes were under-represented in the new cohort relative to the stratified sampling (42% invited vs 50% response). Participants who completed both the 2011 and 2015 surveys were more likely than those completing the 2011 survey only to have type 1 diabetes, report a higher education and annual income, and live in metropolitan areas. Participant feedback indicated that the survey was perceived as relevant and valuable.

Future plans

The depth and breadth of the data available in this large sample will highlight unmet needs and priority areas for future investigation and, crucially, will inform policy, programme and intervention development and evaluation in Australia.
Association between ischaemic bowel syndromes and androgen deprivation therapy in patients with prostate cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chiang I-Ni , Huang Chao-Yuan , Pu Yeong-Shiau , Chang Chao-Hsiang , Muo Chih-Hsin , Chung Chi-Jung , Wang Ruey-Yun , Young Tai-Horng
Published: March 2017

Objective

This study investigated the risk of ischaemic bowel syndrome (IBS) in androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) users to explore the long-term outcomes of patients with prostate cancer (PC) receiving ADT treatment.

Methods

We performed a population-based retrospective cohort study. All the clinical information of the study participants were acquired from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database for Catastrophic Illness Patients in Taiwan. We extracted data for all the patients newly diagnosed with prostate malignancy (ICD-9-CM 185 or C61 in ICD-10-CM) from 2000 to 2008. The patients were then divided into two groups: 7160 male ADT cohort receiving ADT and 7160 male non-ADT comparison group frequency matched by age and index year of ADT treatment of the ADT group. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate the adjusted HR and 95% CIs of the IBS risk.

Results

No significant difference was noted in the overall incidence rate for IBS between the ADT and non-ADT cohorts (0.86 and 0.89 per 1000 person–year, respectively, p=0.89). Even after adjusting for potential risk factors, a 1.06-fold risk of IBS (95% CI 0.62 to 1.82, p=0.82) was observed in the ADT cohort relative to the non-ADT cohorts. Moreover, we stratified the ADT cohort by time point of ADT treatment after PC diagnosis. Different IBS incidence rates were observed among the early ADT, late-ADT and non-ADT users at 0.77, 1.23 and 0.89 per 1000 person-years, respectively; nonetheless, the difference was not statistically significant. Moreover, no difference was found between the ADT treatment types and IBS risk, including sole orchiectomy, sole luteinising-hormone-releasing hormone and both.

Conclusions

Results showed that ADT treatment in patients with PC is not an independent factor for IBS incidence. Large sample sizes for patients with IBS with patients with PC who had received ADT treatment are needed for further study.
Witnessing intimate partner violence and child maltreatment in Ugandan children: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Devries Karen M , Knight Louise , Child Jennifer C , Kyegombe Nambusi , Hossain Mazeda , Lees Shelley , Watts Charlotte , Naker Dipak
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Existing evidence, mainly from high-income countries, shows children who witness intimate partner violence (IPV) at home are more likely to experience other forms of violence, but very little evidence is available from lower income countries. In this paper we aim to explore whether Ugandan children who witness IPV at home are also more likely to experience other forms of maltreatment, factors associated with witnessing and experiencing violence, and whether any increased risk comes from parents, or others outside the home.

Design

A representative cross-sectional survey of primary schools.

Participants

3427 non-boarding primary school students, aged about 11–14 years.

Setting

Luwero District, Uganda, 2012.

Measures

Exposure to child maltreatment was measured using the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Child Abuse Screening Tool-Child Institutional, and 2 questions measured witnessing IPV.

Results

26% of children reported witnessing IPV, but nearly all of these children had also experienced violence themselves. Only 0.6% of boys and 1.6% of girls had witnessed partner violence and not experienced violence. Increased risk of violence was from parents and also from other perpetrators besides parents. Both girls and boys who witnessed and experienced violence had between 1.66 (95% CI 0.96 to 2.87) and 4.50 (95% CI 1.78 to 11.33) times the odds of reporting mental health difficulties, and 3.23 (95% CI 1.99 to 5.24) and 8.12 (95% CI 5.15 to 12.80) times the odds of using physical or sexual violence themselves.

Conclusions

In this sample, witnessing IPV almost never occurred in isolation—almost all children who witnessed partner violence also experienced violence themselves. Our results imply that children in Uganda who are exposed to multiple forms of violence may benefit from intervention to mitigate mental health consequences and reduce use of violence. IPV prevention interventions should be considered to reduce child maltreatment. Large numbers of children also experience maltreatment in homes with no partner violence, highlighting the need for interventions to prevent child maltreatment more broadly.

Trial registration number

NCT01678846, results.
Vasopressor use following traumatic injury: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Hylands Mathieu , Toma Augustin , Beaudoin Nicolas , Frenette Anne-Julie , D'Aragon Frederick , Belley-Côté Emilie , Hylander Morten , Lauzier François , Siemieniuk Reed Alexander , Charbonney Emmanuel , Kwong Joey , Laake Jon Henrik , Guyatt Gordon , Vandvik Per Olav , Rochwerg Bram , Green Robert , Ball Ian , Scales Damon , Murthy Srinivas , Rizoli Sandro , Asfar Pierre , Lamontagne François
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Worldwide, traumatic casualties are projected to exceed 8 million by year 2020. Haemorrhagic shock and brain injury are the leading causes of death following trauma. While intravenous fluids have traditionally been used to support organ perfusion in the setting of haemorrhage, recent investigations have suggested that restricting fluid therapy by tolerating more severe hypotension may improve survival. However, the safety of permissive hypotension remains uncertain, particularly among patients who have suffered a traumatic brain injury. Vasopressors preferentially vasoconstrict blood vessels that supply non-vital organs and capacitance vessels, thereby mobilising the unstressed blood volume. Used as fluid-sparing adjuncts, these drugs can complement resuscitative measures by correcting hypotension without diluting clotting factors or increasing the risk for tissue oedema.

Methods and analysis

We will identify randomised control trials comparing early resuscitation with vasopressors versus placebo or standard care in adults following traumatic injury. Data sources will include MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, clinical trial registries and conference proceedings. Two reviewers will independently determine trial eligibility. For each included trial, we will conduct duplicate independent data extraction and risk of bias assessment. We will assess the overall quality of the data for each individual outcome using the GRADE approach.

Ethics and dissemination

We will report this review in accordance with the PRISMA statement. We will disseminate our findings at critical care and trauma conferences and through a publication in a peer-reviewed journal. We will also use this systematic review to create clinical guidelines (http://www.magicapp.org), which will be disseminated in a standalone publication.

Trial registration number

CRD42016033437.
Parents' views of including young boys in the Swedish national school-based HPV vaccination programme: a qualitative study
Authors: Gottvall Maria , Stenhammar Christina , Grandahl Maria
Published: March 2017

Objective

To explore parents' views of extending the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme to also include boys.

Design

Explorative qualitative design using individual, face-to-face, interviews and inductive thematic analysis.

Setting

11 strategically chosen municipalities in central Sweden.

Participants

Parents (n=42) who were offered HPV vaccination for their 11–12 years old daughter in the national school-based vaccination programme.

Results

The key themes were:equality from a public health perspectiveandperception of risk for disease. Parents expressed low knowledge and awareness about the health benefits of male HPV vaccination, and they perceived low risk for boys to get HPV. Some parents could not see any reason for vaccinating boys. However, many parents preferred gender-neutral vaccination, and some of the parents who had not accepted HPV vaccination for their daughter expressed that they would be willing to accept vaccination for their son, if it was offered. It was evident that there was both trust and distrust in authorities' decision to only vaccinate girls. Parents expressed a preference for increased sexual and reproductive health promotion such as more information about condom use. Some parents shared that it was more important to vaccinate girls than boys since they believed girls face a higher risk of deadly diseases associated with HPV, but some also believed girls might be more vulnerable to side effects of the vaccine.

Conclusions

A vaccine offered only to girls may cause parents to be hesitant to vaccinate, while also including boys in the national vaccination programme might improve parents' trust in the vaccine. More information about the health benefits of HPV vaccination for males is necessary to increase HPV vaccination among boys. This may eventually lead to increased HPV vaccine coverage among both girls and boys.
Symptoms and quality of life in patients with suspected angina undergoing CT coronary angiography: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Williams Michelle C , Hunter Amanda , Shah Anoop , Assi Valentina , Lewis Stephanie , Mangion Kenneth , Berry Colin , Boon Nicholas A , Clark Elizabeth , Flather Marcus , Forbes John , McLean Scott , Roditi Giles , van Beek Edwin JR , Timmis Adam D , Newby David E
Published: March 2017

Background

In patients with suspected angina pectoris, CT coronary angiography (CTCA) clarifies the diagnosis, directs appropriate investigations and therapies, and reduces clinical events. The effect on patient symptoms is currently unknown.

Methods

In a prospective open-label parallel group multicentre randomised controlled trial, 4146 patients with suspected angina due to coronary heart disease were randomised 1:1 to receive standard care or standard care plus CTCA. Symptoms and quality of life were assessed over 6 months using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire and Short Form 12.

Results

Baseline scores indicated mild physical limitation (74±0.4), moderate angina stability (44±0.4), modest angina frequency (68±0.4), excellent treatment satisfaction (92±0.2) and moderate impairment of quality of life (55±0.3). Compared with standard care alone, CTCA was associated with less marked improvements in physical limitation (difference −1.74 (95% CIs, −3.34 to −0.14), p=0.0329), angina frequency (difference −1.55 (−2.85 to −0.25), p=0.0198) and quality of life (difference −3.48 (−4.95 to −2.01), p<0.0001) at 6 months. For patients undergoing CTCA, improvements in symptoms were greatest in those diagnosed with normal coronary arteries or who had their preventative therapy discontinued, and least in those with moderate non-obstructive disease or had a new prescription of preventative therapy (p<0.001 for all).

Conclusions

While improving diagnosis, treatment and outcome, CTCA is associated with a small attenuation of the improvements in symptoms and quality of life due to the detection of moderate non-obstructive coronary artery disease.

Trial registration number:

NCT01149590.
Optimum location of geogrid reinforcement in unpaved road
Authors: Mousavi S. Hamed , Gabr Mohammed A. , Borden Roy H.
Published: March 2017

This study evaluated the optimum location of a reinforcement layer to maximize the efficiency of the reinforcement inclusion in an unpaved road section. The analyses are used to investigate the optimum location of the reinforcement layer within the aggregate base course (ABC) layer, and provide a possible reason for the improvement in performance. A series of three-dimensional finite element method analyses was performed, and the strain and stress response of a reinforced unpaved road section with two different ABC thicknesses was evaluated. The analyses were conducted under cyclic loading with three different radii of the circular loaded area. The embedded depth of reinforcement was varied within the ABC layer. Results indicate that regardless of ABC layer thickness, the surface deformation is minimized when the reinforcement is embedded at a depth equal to half of the radius of the loaded area (D = 0.5r). A higher tension force is mobilized in the reinforcement element when it is placed at D = 0.5r. It is also shown that the required thickness of ABC is reduced when the reinforcement layer is implemented at the depth at which the maximum vertical strain occurs. Depending on the thickness of the ABC layer, the finite element analysis results indicate that the reinforcement layer could be ineffectual if it is placed at the interface between the ABC and the subgrade layer as is traditionally the case.