bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Results of Daily Hemodialysis in Catanzaro: 12‐Year Experience With 22 Patients Treated For More Than One Year
Authors: Pinciaroli Angela Rosa
Published: September 2016

Since 1985, we have been treating patients with daily hemodialysis (D‐HD). We report our results with 22 patients treated on D‐HD and daily home hemodialysis (DHHD) for a long‐term period. Patients had very good survival of native forearm arteriovenous fistula access, and upper arm access with superficialized basilic vein. One access survived 18 years: 8 years on standard hemodialysis (STND‐HD) and 10 years on D‐HD. Only two fistulas failed. Blood pressure control in 12 hypertensive patients was obtained without antihypertensive drugs in 8 and with fewer medications in 4. Hematocrit and hemoglobin improved in all patients. Cardiothoratic index decreased in all patients, and we noticed a reduction in the most important echocardiographic indices in 12 patients with cardiac hypertrophy: intraventricular septum thickness, left ventricle posterior wall thickness, left ventricle internal diastolic diameter, and left atrium diameter. Data also showed improvement in nutritional status. For the most part, the levels of hormones normalized, with regular menstrual cycles in women and good sexual function in men.

In our experience both elderly and young patients with severe cardiovascular diseases, severe hypertension or hypotension, anemia, and nutritional problems can, with D‐HD, achieve good quality of life and start work again. D‐HD, in our opinion, is the treatment of choice for patients without comorbid conditions, because good metabolic control, good nutrition, and a more normal hormonal status allow them to feel well and to have an almost normal lifestyle.
Kinetic Modeling of “Go Slow” Dialysis in Acute Renal Failure
Authors: Hombrouckx Remi O. , De Wachter Dirk S. , Verdonck Pascal R.
Published: September 2016

Go slow” dialysis is a gentle, intermittent hemodialysis therapy for acute renal failure patients, with advantages compared to slow, continuous therapies. It employs a recirculating closed dialysate circuit. A two‐pool urea kinetic model is elaborated to determine kinetic parameters from blood and dialysate concentrations. This will allow quantification of the therapy. Variable clearance is included to accurately describe the kinetic process. The model is tested in an acute renal failure patient. Solute removals, as determined from direct dialysis quantification and by the model, are comparable. Variable clearance is not required to determine the kinetic parameters, because the constant mean clearance delivers equal results. The dialysis dose, as defined, allows comparison with chronic renal therapies. It requires solute removal determined from dialysate sampling and time‐averaged concentration (TAC) from the urea kinetic modeling. In the test patient, dialysis dose is lower compared to standard thrice‐weekly therapies because of its lower efficiency and higher TAC, a result of his highly catabolic state.
Early, Frequent, and Efficient Hemodialysis: A New Trend or Déjà Vu From the 1970s?
Authors: Bonomini Vittorio , Scolari Maria Piera , Colì Luigi , Feliciangeli Giorgio
Published: September 2016

After more than a quarter century of dialysis, two factors are still present in dialysis treatment of chronic renal failure patients: inadequacy of technology (the artificial kidney acts as an artificial glomerulus) and inadequate use of technology in terms of dialysis initiation and frequency. This paper presents the results of two less unphysiological dialysis programs, introduced in Bologna at the beginning of the 1960s, which proved their clinical value and are now becoming trendy, at the end of this century. Features of these programs are twofold: (1) daily dialysis, which aims at making treatment more biologically suited to the patient; its validity relies on lower intra‐ and interdialytic osmotic fluctuations; (2) early dialysis, which aims at making the patient more biologically suited to the treatment. After more than 25 years it is evident that this treatment has fulfilled its original expectations versus late dialysis. There is a 40% improvement in survival, a 35% decrease in morbidity, and a 24% improvement in the cost/benefit ratio.

This report is based on a retrospective analysis of our overall experience and clinical results of chronic hemodialysis carried out in 224 patients on early dialysis and 1210 patients on late dialysis in Bologna from 1967 to 1997. Based on this experience, the following should be regarded as particularly important indications for early dialysis: adequate dialysis facilities; symptomatic patients despite renal creatinine clearances between 15 and 20 mL/min; patients unable to comply with dietary measures; children, to allow for adequate development; patients with diabetes mellitus; candidates for renal transplantation.
Prevention and Treatment of Thrombosis Associated With Long‐Term Hemodialysis Catheters
Authors: Twardowski Zbylut J.
Published: September 2016

Soft, cuffed, central vein hemodialysis catheters are used in about 20% of chronic hemodialysis patients in the United States, because long‐term arteriovenous blood access cannot be maintained in an aging patient population with a large proportion of diabetics. The most frequent complication of these catheters is thrombosis.

The treatment of catheter‐related thrombosis is difficult and expensive; thus the emphasis should be on prevention. The preferred material for a long‐term catheter is silicone rubber, since it is the least thombogenic. Anticoagulation should be more vigorous during “catheter dialysis” than during “fistula dialysis.” Heparin is the least expensive and most convenient anticoagulant, suitable for over 99% of chronic dialysis patients. The dose of heparin for sufficient anticoagulation depends on many factors, varies widely, and should be established for each patient based on activated clotting time (ACT). ACT should be kept over 270 sec throughout dialysis.

Recently we introduced a method of locking catheter lumina with a predetermined amount of heparin; this heparin is not discarded before the next dialysis, but serves as a loading dose. This saves a number of connections/ disconnections and decreases dialysis‐associated blood losses. To prevent catheter thrombosis, over 60% of patients require warfarin in sufficient doses to keep the international normalized ratio (INR) between 1.5 and 2.5.

The most common catheter‐related thrombus is a periluminal fibrin sleeve. Locking the catheter with urokinase to dissolve the clot is of little value, because the bulk of the thrombus is outside the catheter. We have found a high‐dose (250 000 U or more) intradialytic urokinase infusion through the venous chamber to be a very efficient and convenient method for dissolving clots. Cumulative success of up to three infusions is over 99%. This obviates the need of catheter stripping or replacement, which is more cumbersome and expensive.
Length of Dialysis Session Is More Important Than Large Kt/V in Hemodialysis
Authors: Charra Bernard , Jean Guillaume , Chazot Charles , Vanel Thierry , Terrat Jean-Claude , Laurent Guy
Published: September 2016

Long, slow hemodialysis (3 × 8 hours/week) has been used without significant modification in Tassin, France, for 30 years with excellent morbidity and mortality rates. A long dialysis session easily provides high Kt/Vurea and allows for good control of nutrition and correction of anemia with a limited need for erythropoietin (EPO). Control of serum phosphate and potassium is usually achieved with low‐dose medication. The good survival achieved by long hemodialysis sessions is essentially due to lower cardiovascular morbidity and mortality than in short dialysis sessions. This, in turn, is mainly explained by good blood pressure (BP) control without the need for antihypertensive medication. Normotension in this setting is due to the gentle but powerful ultrafiltration provided by the long sessions, associated with a low salt diet and moderate interdialytic weight gains. These allow for adequate control of extracellular volume (dry weight) in most patients without important intradialytic morbidity. Therefore, increasing the length of the dialysis session seems to be the best way of achieving satisfactory long‐term clinical results.
Concentrated Sodium Citrate (23%) for Catheter Lock
Authors: Ash Stephen R. , Mankus Rita A. , Sutton James M. , Criswell Ruth E. , Crull Carol C. , Velasquez Katherine A. , Smeltzer Brian D. , Ing Todd S.
Published: September 2016

For chronic central venous dialysis catheters, the standard method for maintaining catheter patency between treatments is to instill (lock) catheters with 5000 – 10 000 units of heparin in each lumen. Sodium citrate (citrate) is an anticoagulant with intrinsic antibacterial activity (at 20% concentration or higher). Citrate has only transient anticoagulant effects if accidentally infused to the patient. Prior studies of citrate as a catheter lock solution have utilized citrate concentrations of 1% in combination with 27 mg/mL gentamicin. We changed clinical protocols for catheter locks using various solutions, including concentrated citrate, in a dialysis unit with 50% of patients having chronic central venous catheters [40 catheters total, mostly Ash Split Cath (Medcomp, Harleysville, PA, U.S.A.) but some Tesio (Medcomp) and Hickman (BARD, Salt Lake City, UT, U.S.A.) catheters]. At 3‐ to 4‐month intervals, the standard catheter lock solution for the unit was varied on the following schedule: heparin; 10% citrate with 3 mg/mL gentamicin; 20% citrate with 3 mg/mL gentamicin; heparin; and 23% citrate. Catheters were not routinely removed during treatment of bacteremia.

Incidence of bacteremia in patients with catheters using heparin as catheter lock was 4.32 episodes per 3000 patient‐days (equivalent to percent of patients with catheters having bacteremia per month). The incidence of bacteremia decreased to 1.68 using 20% citrate/gentamicin as catheter lock (p < 0.05) and to 0% with 47% citrate (p < 0.05). Incidence of bacteremia increased on return to heparin and decreased again with use of 23% citrate to 1.79 (p < 0.05). Use of urokinase for occluded catheters also significantly decreased with citrate during the time that it was available (p = 0.02). Life table analysis indicated an 83% survival of Ash Split Cath catheters at 1 year, in this unit. Concentrated citrate is an effective catheter lock solution that may provide prolonged central venous catheter use with a diminution in catheter‐related infections and occlusion.
Continuous Blood Volume Monitoring and Ultrafiltration Control
Authors: Lopot František , Nejedlý Bohdan , Sulková Sylvie
Published: September 2016

Continuous blood volume monitoring (CBVM) is believed to be a promising method for making the determination of patients' “dry weight” more objective, and ultrafiltration (UF) control more appropriate. Although blood volume response to UF and the interrelation between blood volume changes and changes in hemodynamic parameters are highly individual, certain principles of this response and interrelation can be identified and exploited for effective use of CBVM. The present work summarizes the authors' findings from practical CBVM application over the past 5 years and their opinions on the future development of this method.

Four distinct types of blood volume response to constant UF rate were identified: Type 1, flat line throughout the whole session; Type 2, flat line during the first part of dialysis, followed by a linear decrease during the remaining time; Type 3, linear decrease right from dialysis start; and Type 4, linear decrease first, followed by a flat line during the remaining time. The possibility of a shift from one type to the other was verified. Blood volume reduction due to UF was found to have a static and a dynamic component. The most important factors affecting both components were found to be, by sensitivity analysis of a three‐pool kinetic model, degree of overhydration, vascular system compliance, and UF volume (for the static component); and UF coefficient of the capillary wall and UF rate (for the dynamic component).

Type 3 response, induced by more vigorous UF, was found to significantly decrease the volume of residual daily diuresis on the first postdialysis day. If confirmed, this finding may serve as a basis for the response type choice in patients with still significant residual renal function.

Exploitation of the existence of dynamic blood volume reduction component for the first generation of automated biofeedback UF controllers may be complemented by automated identification of patient's plasma refilling capacity and/or position of his/her point on the Guytonian pressure/volume characteristics curves, and thus may more advanced “intelligent” UF controllers be constructed in the future.
The Progression of Uremic Polyneuropathy in Patients on Hemodialysis and Hemofiltration: A Two‐Year Study
Authors: Mourvati Efthimia P. , Passadakis Ploumis S. , Thodis Elias D. , Panagoutsos Stelios A. , Galtsidopoulos Omiros G. , Vargemezis Vassilis A.
Published: September 2016

Uremic polyneuropathy is one of the major complications of long‐term end‐stage renal disease. In the present study, we performed an electrophysiologic evaluation in 17 patients having a mean age of 49 ± 11 years. The patients were divided into two groups according to dialysis method. Group A included 9 patients who were undergoing conventional hemodialysis (mean age, 44.2 ± 12.5 years; mean duration on dialysis, 21.7 ± 4.3 months); group B included 8 patients undergoing hemofiltration (mean age, 55.2 ± 5.2 years; mean duration on treatment, 27 ± 7.6 months). Measurements of the distal latency time of the sensory fibers (median, ulnar, and sural nerves), and measurements of the distal latency time and peripheral conduction velocity of the motor fibers (median and peroneal nerves) were performed. In addition, we recorded somatosensory evoked potentials after peripheral stimulation of the median and peroneal nerves. The electrophysiologic evaluations were repeated two times at intervals of 12 months.

In group A, a statistically significant worsening of motor and sensory conductance in the upper and lower limbs was observed; in group B, a statistically significant improvement was found. These findings suggest that hemofiltration has a more beneficial effect on motor and sensory conductivity than does conventional hemodialysis.
Revision of the genus Verilus (Perciformes: Acropomatidae) with a description of a new species
Authors: Yamanoue Y.
Published: September 2016

The acropomatid genus Verilus is redescribed as a senior synonym of Apogonops and Neoscombrops with description of a new species and a taxonomic revision of the five species that were formerly classified in these genera. This genus is characterized by the following combination of characters: a canine tooth (rarely two) near symphysis of premaxilla of upper jaw but lacking a row of conical teeth on anterior part of outer premaxillary margin; a canine tooth (rarely two) near symphysis of dentary with only villiform or a row of conical teeth posteriorly; three anal‐fin spines; 10 dorsal‐fin spines; pelvic‐fin spine smooth; luminous organ absent. This genus comprises six species: Verilus sordidus (type species, western Atlantic Ocean); Verilus anomalus (off southern and eastern coast of Australia); Verilus atlanticus (western Atlantic Ocean); Verilus cynodon (south‐western Indian Ocean); Verilus pacificus (north‐western and central Pacific Ocean); Verilus starnesi sp. nov. (Coral Sea off Chesterfield Islands, New Caledonia). These species are distinguishable from one another by dentition on the lower jaw, numbers of pectoral‐fin rays, gill rakers and lateral‐line scales, features of the proximal‐middle radial of the first anal‐fin pterygiophore, presence or absence of basioccipital fossa and body depth.
Serum collagenase‐2 and BMI levels in pregnant women with striae gravidarum
Authors: Ozturk Perihan , Kıran Hakan , Kurutas Ergul Belge , Mulayim Kamil , Avcı Fazıl
Published: September 2016

Objective

Striae gravidarum is a form of scarring on the skin observed during pregnancy and can cause serious cosmetic problems. Striae gravidarum may be influenced by hormonal changes, although the etiology is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether body mass index (BMI) and serum collagenase‐2 levels in pregnant women are related to the development of striae gravidarum.

Methods

Thirty pregnant women with striae, 30 pregnant women without striae, and 32 health controls were enrolled in the study.

Results

BMI and serum collagenase‐2 levels were measured in the participants.

Conclusion

Pregnant women with striae gravidarum had increased serum collagenase‐2 and BMI levels when compared to pregnant women without striae gravidarum and healthy controls (P < 0.05). The increase in serum collagenase‐2 levels was related to the development of striae gravidarum alone, or secondary to BMI increase.
Effects of PTEN gene silencing on invasion and EMT in oral squamous carcinoma Tca8113 cells
Authors: Lu Zhiyuan , Guo Hui , Lin Yanzhu , Shen Lijia , Yin Cao , Xie Siming
Published: September 2016

Aim

To investigate the impact of silencing of the PTEN gene using siRNA on the invasion, proliferation, cell cycle, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of the Tca8113 cell line.

Methods

The established Tca8113 cell model with siRNA interference to silence the PTEN gene was used. The transfection efficiency was examined by RT‐qPCR and Western blot analysis. CCK‐8 assay was utilized to analyze the proliferation of Tca8113 cells and cell invasion was evaluated using a transwell assay. The cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry. The protein expression levels of the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers E‐cadherin and Vimentin and the EMT‐related proteins β‐catenin and TGF‐β1 were analyzed by Western blot.

Results

The expression level of PTEN was significantly reduced in the PTEN‐siRNA group. The invasiveness and proliferation rate of Tca8113 cells in the PTEN‐siRNA group were significantly greater than those of the control and negative control groups. The expression levels of E‐cadherin and β‐catenin were reduced, whereas the expression levels of vimentin and TGFβ‐1 were elevated in the PTEN‐siRNA group compared with those of control and negative groups. These results were significantly different.

Conclusion

The silencing of PTEN by siRNA increased the proliferation and promoted cell invasion of Tca8113 cells. PTEN gene silencing may accelerate the EMT in Tca8113 cells.
Friendship Development and Intergroup Attitudes: The Role of Interpersonal and Intergroup Friendship Processes
Authors: Davies Kristin , Aron Arthur
Published: September 2016

Although there is a growing body of work concerning cross‐group friendship and intergroup attitudes, this work typically focuses on a limited number of interpersonal processes among established friendships. In addition, little is known about the role of group‐related processes within such friendships. Two studies were conducted to address this gap. Results from a retrospective online survey and a longitudinal study reveal that both interpersonal friendship processes (e.g., intimacy, affection, trust, self‐disclosure) and intergroup friendship processes (e.g., belief that outgroup friend respects one's own group, spending time with outgroup friend's family members and friends) are associated with positive intergroup attitudes. Specifically, the current findings suggest that interpersonal friendship processes are vital to fostering positive attitudes for the outgroup early in the relationship, but that intergroup friendship processes become more strongly linked to attitudes once the relationship progresses. Results may inform interventions designed to promote positive interactions across “real‐world” group boundaries.
The 2009+ South African Protest Wave
Authors: Paret Marcel , Runciman Carin
Published: September 2016

South Africa is not typically mentioned in studies of recent global protest. But popular resistance surged in South Africa from 2009, reaching a peak of more than one protest per day in 2012. We examine the 2009+ South African protest wave, highlighting its sources, antecedents, primary features, and key consequences. Marked by an explosion of popular resistance in both communities and workplaces, we argue that the protest wave shares key features with recent protests elsewhere. Most importantly, they are propelled by forces of marketization and critique the failures of democracy. The protest wave had a major impact on South African politics, instigating the emergence of new challenges to the dominance of the Alliance between the African National Congress (ANC)—the ruling party—the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and the South African Communist Party (SACP). But the current political trajectory is far from stable, and the future is remarkably uncertain.
Epizootics in Industrial Livestock Production: Preventable Gaps in Biosecurity and Biocontainment
Authors: Leibler J. H. , Dalton K. , Pekosz A. , Gray G. C. , Silbergeld E. K.
Published: September 2016

While technological advances in animal husbandry have facilitated increases in global meat production, the high density and geographic concentration of food animal production facilities pose risks of infectious disease transmission. The scale of the 2014–2015 highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N2 outbreak in the United States demonstrates the challenges in achieving pathogen control within and around industrial animal facilities using existing technologies. We discuss gaps in current practice in two specific systems within these facilities – ventilation and waste management – which are under‐recognized as important drivers of microbial porosity. The development of innovative ventilation systems to reduce influx and efflux of pathogens is critically needed, and cross‐sectoral partnerships should be incentivized to do so. Adapting current human biosolid treatment technologies for farm applications, reducing animal stocking density and shifting waste management responsibility from farmer to corporation would reduce risk from current manure management systems. While innovative approaches to functionally altering the industrial food animal production system remain important priorities to promote sustainability, our intention here is to identify gaps within the current system that allow for pathogen emergence and transmission and address specific areas in which technological, administrative or policy changes are necessary to mitigate these risks.
Guidance on the Selection of Appropriate Indicators for Quantification of Antimicrobial Usage in Humans and Animals
Authors: Collineau L. , Belloc C. , Stärk K. D. C. , Hémonic A. , Postma M. , Dewulf J. , Chauvin C.
Published: September 2016

An increasing variety of indicators of antimicrobial usage has become available in human and veterinary medicine, with no consensus on the most appropriate indicators to be used. The objective of this review is therefore to provide guidance on the selection of indicators, intended for those aiming to quantify antimicrobial usage based on sales, deliveries or reimbursement data. Depending on the study objective, different requirements apply to antimicrobial usage quantification in terms of resolution, comprehensiveness, stability over time, ability to assess exposure and comparability. If the aim is to monitor antimicrobial usage trends, it is crucial to use a robust quantification system that allows stability over time in terms of required data and provided output; to compare usage between different species or countries, comparability must be ensured between the different populations. If data are used for benchmarking, the system comprehensiveness is particularly crucial, while data collected to study the association between usage and resistance should express the exposure level and duration as a measurement of the exerted selection pressure. Antimicrobial usage is generally described as the number of technical units consumed normalized by the population at risk of being treated in a defined period. The technical units vary from number of packages to number of individuals treated daily by adding different levels of complexity such as daily dose or weight at treatment. These technical units are then related to a description of the population at risk, based either on biomass or number of individuals. Conventions and assumptions are needed for all of these calculation steps. However, there is a clear lack of standardization, resulting in poor transparency and comparability. By combining study requirements with available approaches to quantify antimicrobial usage, we provide suggestions on the most appropriate indicators and data sources to be used for a given study objective.
Cuidado materno y seguridad del apego antes del primer año de vida
Authors: Nóblega Magaly , Bárrig Patricia , Conde Lourdes Gabriela , Nuñez del Prado Juan , Carbonell Olga Alicia , ATI Grupo ATI
Published: September 2016

La relación entre el cuidado materno (sensibilidad) y la seguridad del apego del niño (conducta de base segura) ha sido corroborada en diferentes contextos y edades. Sin embargo, existe ausencia de estudios que la hayan estudiado antes del primer año de vida. La presente investigación analizó esta relación en un grupo de 32 madres peruanas de 19 a 44 años de nivel socioeconómico bajo y sus hijos de 8 a 10 meses. La sensibilidad fue evaluada a través del Q-sort del Comportamiento Materno (MBQS; Pederson & Moran, 1995) y la seguridad del apego mediante el Q-sort del Apego (Waters, 1995). Los resultados muestran que existe una relación directa y significativa entre ambas y que las separaciones físicas juegan un rol importante en esta relación.
El disfrute como mediador de la salud en el ejercicio físico
Authors: MORENO-MURCIA JUAN ANTONIO , CERVELLÓ GIMENO EDUARDO , HUÉSCAR HERNÁNDEZ ELISA , AVILÉS ANA BELÉN
Published: September 2016

En el presente estudio se comprobó un modelo predictivo del soporte social de la autonomía del practicante sobre el mediador relación con los demás, éste sobre la motivación intrínseca, éste sobre el disfrute, y por último, se comprobó la predicción del disfrute sobre el motivo fitness/salud. Se utilizó una muestra de 682 practicantes de actividades físicas no competitivas con una edad media de 35.50 ± 11.70 años. Los resultados del modelo de ecuaciones estructurales mostraron una predicción positiva del soporte de autonomía del practicante hacia la relación con los demás, ésta predijo la motivación intrínseca, que a su vez predijo el disfrute y finalmente el motivo de fitness/salud. Se discuten los resultados en pro de valorar la importancia de fomentar el disfrute en los practicantes para incrementar la práctica física saludable.
Trayectorias de control y co-variación de variables como expresión del cambio cognitivo en la solución de un problema
Authors: Escobar Melo Hugo Alberto , Abello Correa Rocio , Castaño García Jorge
Published: September 2016

Esta investigación caracteriza los trayectos y trayectorias que siguen 136 sujetos universitarios al solucionar un problema físico-matemático de proporcionalidad, planteado a través de un software interactivo, con el objetivo de analizar la variabilidad intra e inter sujeto, respecto del tipo de control de variables y co-variación utilizadas. Se evidenciaron cinco tipos de control de variables (a: No Control, b: Control Simple de dos intentos, c: Control Simple mayor a dos intentos, d: Control con Alternancia y, e: Cambio Controlado) y cuatro de co-variación (f: No co-variación, g: Co-variación Creciente, h: Co-variación Decreciente y i: Co-variación Mixta). Se utilizó el método microgenético con medidas cualitativas y cuantitativas. Los diversos trayectos y trayectorias atestiguan el cambio cognitivo en la solución del problema. Se concluye que existe significativa variabilidad en los procedimientos utilizados por la población, al igual que diferencias significativas respecto de trayectorias con control o co-variación consolidados comparadas con las que no lo tuvieron, igualmente entre los que presentaron trayectos con intermitencia y sin intermitencia.
Furfuryl methacrylate plasma polymers for biomedical applications
Authors: Shirazi Hanieh Safizadeh , Rogers Nicholas , Michelmore Andrew , Whittle Jason D.
Published: September 2016

Furfuryl methacrylate (FMA) is a promising precursor for producing polymers for biomedical and cell therapy applications. Herein, FMA plasma polymer coatings were prepared with different powers, deposition times, and flow rates. The plasma polymer coatings were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). The results from AFM and SEM show the early growth of the coatings and the existence of particle aggregates on the surfaces. XPS results indicated no measureable chemical differences between the deposited films produced under different power and flow rate conditions. ToF-SIMS analysis demonstrated differing amounts of C5H5O (81 m/z) and C10H9O2 (161 m/z) species in the coatings which are related to the furan ring structure. Through judicious choice of plasma polymerization parameters, the quantity of the particle aggregates was reduced, and the fabricated plasma polymer coatings were chemically uniform and smooth. Primary human fibroblasts were cultured on FMA plasma polymer surfaces to determine the effect of surface chemical composition and the presence of particle aggregates on cell culture. Particle aggregates were shown to inhibit fibroblast attachment and proliferation.
Hidden drivers of low-dose pharmaceutical pollutant mixtures revealed by the novel GSA-QHTS screening method
Authors: Rodea-Palomares Ismael , Gonzalez-Pleiter Miguel , Gonzalo Soledad , Rosal Roberto , Leganes Francisco , Sabater Sergi , Casellas Maria , Muñoz-Carpena Rafael , Fernández-Piñas Francisca
Published: September 2016

Novel GSA-QHTS screens out drivers of ecological effects from low-dose pharmaceutical mixtures typically missed by current policy.
How dams can go with the flow
Authors: Poff N. LeRoy , Schmidt John C.
Published: September 2016

Small changes to water flow regimes from dams can help to restore river ecosystems
Long-Term Rasamsonia argillacea Complex Species Colonization Revealed by PCR Amplification of Repetitive DNA Sequences in Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Mouhajir Abdelmounaim , Matray Olivier , Giraud Sandrine , Mély Laurent , Marguet Christophe , Sermet-Gaudelus Isabelle , Le Gal Solène , Labbé Franck , Person Christine , Troussier Françoise , Ballet Jean-Jacques , Gargala Gilles , Zouhair Rachid , Bougnoux Marie-Elisabeth , Bouchara Jean-Philippe , Favennec Loïc
Published: September 2016

The aim of this work was to document molecular epidemiology of
Rasamsonia argillacea
species complex isolates from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. In this work, 116 isolates belonging to this species complex and collected from 26 CF patients and one patient with chronic granulomatous disease were characterized using PCR amplification assays of repetitive DNA sequences and electrophoretic separation of amplicons (rep-PCR). Data revealed a clustering consistent with molecular species identification. A single species was recovered from most patients.
Rasamsonia aegroticola
was the most common species, followed by
R. argillacea sensu stricto
and
R. piperina
, while
R. eburnea
was not identified. Of 29 genotypes, 7 were shared by distinct patients while 22 were patient specific. In each clinical sample, most isolates exhibited an identical genotype. Genotyping of isolates recovered from sequential samples from the same patient confirmed the capability of
R. aegroticola
and
R. argillacea
isolates to chronically colonize the airways. A unique genotype was recovered from two siblings during a 6-month period. In the other cases, a largely dominant genotype was detected. Present results which support the use of rep-PCR for both identification and genotyping for the
R. argillacea
species complex provide the first molecular evidence of chronic airway colonization by these fungi in CF patients.
Application of Mass Spectrometry Technology to Early Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Infections
Authors: Mery Alexandre , Sendid Boualem , François Nadine , Cornu Marjorie , Poissy Julien , Guerardel Yann , Poulain Daniel
Published: September 2016

We recently developed a mass spectrometry (MS) procedure based on the detection of a serum disaccharide (MS-DS) in patients with invasive candidiasis (IC). Here, we compare the performance of MS-DS for the diagnosis of IC, invasive aspergillosis (IA), and mucormycosis (MM) with those of commercially available antigen detection tests. This retrospective study included 48 patients (23 IC patients [74 serum samples], 15 IA patients [40 serum samples], and 10 MM patients [15 serum samples]) and 49 appropriate controls (102 serum samples). MS-DS, mannan (Mnn), galactomannan (GM), and (1,3)-β-
d
-glucan (BDG) were detected by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) MS, Platelia, and Fungitell assays, respectively. For IC, the sensitivity and specificity of the MS-DS index, BDG detection, and Mnn detection were 62% and 84%, 82% and 60%, and 33% and 94% per serum sample and 83% and 69%, 96% and 31%, and 39% and 86% per patient, respectively. For IA, the corresponding values in comparison to BDG and GM detection were 83% and 81%, 62% and 95%, and 62% and 100% per serum sample and 93% and 76%, 87% and 90%, and 93% and 100% per patient, respectively. Nine of the 10 MM patients had a positive MS-DS result. MS-DS gave an early diagnosis in IC (73% positivity before blood culture), IA (positive before GM detection in six patients), and MM (positivity mainly preceded the date of diagnosis) patients. For IC, persisting MS-DS was associated with a poor prognosis. The different biomarkers were rarely detected simultaneously, suggesting different kinetics of release and clearance. For IA, MS-DS provided better complementation to GM monitoring than BDG monitoring. MS-DS detects panfungal molecules circulating during invasive fungal infections. The performance of MS-DS compared favorably with those of biological tests currently recommended for monitoring at-risk patients. Further validation of this test in multicenter studies is required.
Alteration of a Second Putative Fusion Peptide of Structural Glycoprotein E2 of Classical Swine Fever Virus Alters Virus Replication and Virulence in Swine
Authors: Holinka L. G. , Largo E. , Gladue D. P. , O'Donnell V. , Risatti G. R. , Nieva J. L. , Borca M. V.
Published: September 2016

E2, the major envelope glycoprotein of classical swine fever virus (CSFV), is involved in several critical virus functions, including cell attachment, host range susceptibility, and virulence in natural hosts. Functional structural analysis of E2 based on a Wimley-White interfacial hydrophobicity distribution predicted the involvement of a loop (residues 864 to 881) stabilized by a disulfide bond (
869
CKWGGNWTCV
878
, named FPII) in establishing interactions with the host cell membrane. This loop further contains an
872
GG
873
dipeptide, as well as two aromatic residues (
871
W and
875
W) accessible to solvent. Reverse genetics utilizing a full-length infectious clone of the highly virulent CSFV strain Brescia (BICv) was used to evaluate how amino acid substitutions within FPII may affect replication of BICv
in vitro
and virus virulence in swine. Recombinant CSFVs containing mutations in different residues of FPII were constructed. A particular construct, harboring amino acid substitutions W871T, W875D, and V878T (FPII.2), demonstrated a significantly decreased ability to replicate in a swine cell line (SK6) and swine macrophage primary cell cultures. Interestingly, mutated virus FPII.2 was completely attenuated in pigs. Also, animals infected with FPII.2 virus were protected against virulent challenge with Brescia virus at 21 days postvaccination. Supporting a role for the E2 the loop from residues 864 to 881 in membrane fusion, only synthetic peptides that were based on the native E2 functional sequence were competent for insertion into model membranes and perturbation of their integrity, and this functionality was lost in synthetic peptides harboring amino acid substitutions W871T, W875D, and V878T in FPII.2.

IMPORTANCE
This report describes the identification and characterization of a putative fusion peptide (FP) in the major structural protein E2 of classical swine fever virus (CSFV). The FP identification was performed by functional structural analysis of E2. We characterized the functional significance of this FP by using artificial membranes. Replacement of critical amino acid residues within the FP radically alters how it interacts with the artificial membranes. When we introduced the same mutations into the viral sequence, there was a reduction in replication in cell cultures, and when we infected domestic swine, the natural host of CSFV host, we observed that the virus was now completely attenuated in swine. In addition, the virus mutant that was attenuated
in vivo
efficiently protected pigs against wild-type virus. These results provide the proof of principle to support as a strategy for vaccine development the discovery and manipulation of FPs.
Cell-Cell Sensing of Viral Infection by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells
Authors: Webster Brian , Assil Sonia , Dreux Marlène
Published: September 2016

All cells possess signaling pathways designed to trigger antiviral responses, notably characterized by type I interferon (IFN) production, upon recognition of invading viruses. Especially, host sensors recognize viral nucleic acids. Nonetheless, virtually all viruses have evolved potent strategies that preclude host responses within the infected cells. The plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) is an immune cell type known as a robust type I IFN producer in response to viral infection. Evidence suggests that such functionality of the pDCs participates in viral clearance. Nonetheless, their contribution, which is likely complex and varies depending on the pathogen, is still enigmatic for many viruses. pDCs are not permissive to most viral infections, and consistently, recent examples suggest that pDCs respond to immunostimulatory viral RNA transferred via noninfectious and/or noncanonical viral/cellular carriers. Therefore, the pDC response likely bypasses innate signaling blockages induced by virus within infected cells. Importantly, the requirement for cell-cell contact is increasingly recognized as a hallmark of the pDC-mediated antiviral state, triggered by evolutionarily divergent RNA viruses.
Aspirin unmasking acquired haemophilia A in a patient with prostate cancer
Authors: Okiro Julie Omolola , Khan Amjad Zaman , Keane Fergus , Murad Faiza
Published: September 2016

A 72-year-old man, on treatment for prostate cancer, attended the emergency department with his 2nd episode of spontaneous extensive bruising and haematomas. His first presentation was 2 months prior but this was thought to be because of his aspirin and he improved when aspirin was discontinued. On this occasion aspirin had been restarted 7 days before he developed his symptoms. His blood investigation was significant for a much raised activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). On his 3rd day of admission he deteriorated clinically with a drastic drop in his haemoglobin and worsening tense haematomas. Blood investigations confirmed the diagnosis of acquired factor VIII deficiency and he subsequently received treatment with factor VIII inhibitor bypassing activity, steroids and immunosuppresants.
Gemigliptin ameliorates Western-diet-induced metabolic syndrome in mice
Authors: Choi Seung Hee , Leem Jaechan , Park Sungmi , Lee Chong-Kee , Park Keun-Gyu , Lee In-Kyu
Published: September 2016

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are widely used antihyperglycemic agents for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recently, increasing attention has been focused on the pleiotropic actions of DPP-4 inhibitors. The aim of the present study was to examine whether gemigliptin, a recently developed DPP-4 inhibitor, could ameliorate features of metabolic syndrome. Mice were fed a Western diet (WD) for 12 weeks and were subsequently divided into 2 groups: mice fed a WD diet alone or mice fed a WD diet supplemented with gemigliptin for an additional 4 weeks. Gemigliptin treatment attenuated WD-induced body mass gain, hypercholesterolemia, adipocyte hypertrophy, and macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue, which were accompanied by an increased expression of uncoupling protein 1 in subcutaneous fat. These events contributed to improved insulin sensitivity, as assessed by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test. Furthermore, gemigliptin reduced WD-induced hepatic triglyceride accumulation via inhibition of de novo lipogenesis and activation of fatty acid oxidation, which was accompanied by AMP-dependent protein kinase activation. Gemigliptin ameliorated WD-induced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis through suppression of oxidative stress. These results suggest that DPP-4 inhibitors may represent promising therapeutic agents for metabolic syndrome beyond their current role as antihyperglycemic agents.
Elliptic PDEs with distributional drift and backward SDEs driven by a càdlàg martingale with random terminal time
Authors: Russo Francesco , Wurzer Lukas
Published: September 2016

We introduce a generalized notion of semilinear elliptic partial differential equations where the corresponding second order partial differential operator [Formula: see text] has a generalized drift. We investigate existence and uniqueness of generalized solutions of class [Formula: see text]. The generator [Formula: see text] is associated with a Markov process [Formula: see text] which is the solution of a stochastic differential equation with distributional drift. If the semilinear PDE admits boundary conditions, its solution is naturally associated with a backward stochastic differential equation (BSDE) with random terminal time, where the forward process is [Formula: see text]. Since [Formula: see text] is a weak solution of the forward SDE, the BSDE appears naturally to be driven by a martingale. In the paper we also discuss the uniqueness of solutions of a BSDE with random terminal time when the driving process is a general càdlàg martingale.
The Atacama Desert: Technical Resources and the Growing Importance of Novel Microbial Diversity
Authors: Bull Alan T. , Asenjo Juan A. , Goodfellow Michael , Gómez-Silva Benito
Published: September 2016

The Atacama Desert of northern Chile is the oldest and most arid nonpolar environment on Earth. It is a coastal desert covering approximately 180,000 km2, and together with the greater Atacama region it comprises a dramatically wide range of ecological niches. Long known and exploited for its mineral resources, the Atacama Desert harbors a rich microbial diversity that has only recently been discovered; the great majority of it has not yet been recovered in culture or even taxonomically identified. This review traces the progress of microbiology research in the Atacama and dispels the popular view that this region is virtually devoid of life. We examine reasons for such research activity and demonstrate that microbial life is the latest recognized and least explored resource in this inspiring biome.
Evolution and Ecology ofActinobacteriaand Their Bioenergy Applications
Authors: Lewin Gina R. , Carlos Camila , Chevrette Marc G. , Horn Heidi A. , McDonald Bradon R. , Stankey Robert J. , Fox Brian G. , Currie Cameron R.
Published: September 2016

The ancient phylum Actinobacteria is composed of phylogenetically and physiologically diverse bacteria that help Earth's ecosystems function. As free-living organisms and symbionts of herbivorous animals, Actinobacteria contribute to the global carbon cycle through the breakdown of plant biomass. In addition, they mediate community dynamics as producers of small molecules with diverse biological activities. Together, the evolution of high cellulolytic ability and diverse chemistry, shaped by their ecological roles in nature, make Actinobacteria a promising group for the bioenergy industry. Specifically, their enzymes can contribute to industrial-scale breakdown of cellulosic plant biomass into simple sugars that can then be converted into biofuels. Furthermore, harnessing their ability to biosynthesize a range of small molecules has potential for the production of specialty biofuels.
Chronic binge alcohol administration impairs glucose-insulin dynamics and decreases adiponectin in asymptomatic simian immunodeficiency virus-infected macaques
Authors: Ford Stephen M. , Simon Liz , Vande Stouwe Curtis , Allerton Tim , Mercante Donald E. , Byerley Lauri O. , Dufour Jason P. , Bagby Gregory J. , Nelson Steve , Molina Patricia E.
Published: September 2016

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) frequently exist among persons living with HIV/AIDS. Chronic alcohol consumption, HIV infection, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) are independently associated with impairments in glucose-insulin dynamics. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that chronic binge alcohol (CBA) administration decreases body mass index, attenuates weight gain, and accentuates skeletal muscle wasting at end-stage disease in non-ART-treated simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected male rhesus macaques. The aim of this study was to investigate whether CBA and ART alone or in combination alter body composition or glucose-insulin dynamics in SIV-infected male rhesus macaques during the asymptomatic phase of SIV infection. Daily CBA or sucrose (SUC) administration was initiated 3 mo before intrarectal SIV inoculation and continued until the study end point at 11 mo post-SIV infection. ART or placebo was initiated 2.5 mo after SIV infection and continued until study end point. Four treatment groups (SUC/SIV ± ART and CBA/SIV ± ART) were studied. CBA/SIV macaques had significantly decreased circulating adiponectin and resistin levels relative to SUC/SIV macaques and reduced disposition index and acute insulin response to glucose, insulin, and C-peptide release during frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test, irrespective of ART status. No statistically significant differences were observed in homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance values, body weight, total body fat, abdominal fat, or total lean mass or bone health among the four groups. These findings demonstrate CBA-mediated impairments in glucose-insulin dynamics and adipokine profile in asymptomatic SIV-infected macaques, irrespective of ART.
Heme Oxygenases in Cardiovascular Health and Disease
Authors: Ayer Anita , Zarjou Abolfazl , Agarwal Anupam , Stocker Roland
Published: September 2016

Heme oxygenases are composed of two isozymes, Hmox1 and Hmox2, that catalyze the degradation of heme to carbon monoxide (CO), ferrous iron, and biliverdin, the latter of which is subsequently converted to bilirubin. While initially considered to be waste products, CO and biliverdin/bilirubin have been shown over the last 20 years to modulate key cellular processes, such as inflammation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, as well as antioxidant defense. This shift in paradigm has led to the importance of heme oxygenases and their products in cell physiology now being well accepted. The identification of the two human cases thus far of heme oxygenase deficiency and the generation of mice deficient in Hmox1 or Hmox2 have reiterated a role for these enzymes in both normal cell function and disease pathogenesis, especially in the context of cardiovascular disease. This review covers the current knowledge on the function of both Hmox1 and Hmox2 at both a cellular and tissue level in the cardiovascular system. Initially, the roles of heme oxygenases in vascular health and the regulation of processes central to vascular diseases are outlined, followed by an evaluation of the role(s) of Hmox1 and Hmox2 in various diseases such as atherosclerosis, intimal hyperplasia, myocardial infarction, and angiogenesis. Finally, the therapeutic potential of heme oxygenases and their products are examined in a cardiovascular disease context, with a focus on how the knowledge we have gained on these enzymes may be capitalized in future clinical studies.