bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of physicians in the management of substance use disorders
Authors: Bonomo Yvonne , Ezard Nadine , Reynolds Adrian
Published: February 2017

Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs are responsible for significant contribution to the global burden of disease and injury. There are several contributions that the physician can make to reduce the burden that substance use contributes to the community, not only clinically but also through leadership and contribution to community dialogue and public policy.
Predictors of influenza a molecular viral shedding in Hutterite communities
Authors: Wang Biao , Russell Margaret L. , Fonseca Kevin , Earn David J. D. , Horsman Gregory , Van Caeseele Paul , Chokani Khami , Vooght Mark , Babiuk Lorne , Walter Stephen D. , Loeb Mark
Published: February 2017

Background

Patterns of influenza molecular viral shedding following influenza infection have been well established; predictors of viral shedding however remain uncertain.

Objectives

We sought to determine factors associated with peak molecular viral load, duration of shedding, and viral area under the curve (AUC) in children and adult Hutterite colony members with laboratory‐confirmed influenza.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted in Hutterite colonies in Alberta, Canada. Flocked nasal swabs were collected during three influenza seasons (2007‐2008 to 2009‐2010) from both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals infected with influenza. Samples were tested by real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction for influenza A and influenza B, and the viral load was determined for influenza A‐positive samples.

Results

For seasonal H1N1, younger age was associated with a larger AUC, female sex was associated with decreased peak viral load and reduced viral shedding duration, while the presence of comorbidity was associated with increased peak viral load. For H3N2, younger age was associated with increased peak viral load and increased AUC. For pandemic H1N1, younger age was associated with increased peak viral load and increased viral AUC, female sex was associated with reduced peak viral load, while inapparent infection was associated with reduced peak viral load, reduced viral shedding duration, and reduced viral AUC.

Conclusions

Patterns of molecular viral shedding vary by age, sex, comorbidity, and the presence of symptoms. Predictor variables vary by influenza A subtype.
Validity of proxy‐reported height and weight to derive body mass index in adults participating in Special Olympics
Authors: Dobranowski Kristin , Lloyd Meghann , Côté Pierre , Balogh Robert
Published: February 2017

Background

Overweight and obesity are common in adults with intellectual disabilities, which complicates their health. To meet their health needs, individuals with intellectual disability frequently rely on proxies to answer questions on their behalf. In the general population, the use of proxy‐reported height and weight to compute body mass index (BMI) has been validated, but not among adults with intellectual disability. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of proxy‐reported height, weight and derivedBMIamong adults with intellectual disability.

Methods

Proxies were asked to report height and weight on behalf of adults with intellectual disability who participate in Special Olympics Ontario; their answers were compared to measured height and weight.

Results

Proxies reported height and weight accurately; the sensitivity of proxy reports for classifying individuals with intellectual disability as overweight and/or obese was 84.6%.

Conclusion

Proxy reports may be useful when direct measurements of individuals with intellectual disability are not available.
Apples and Oranges: Four Definitions of Multiple Chronic Conditions and their Relationship to 30‐Day Hospital Readmission
Authors: Dattalo Melissa , DuGoff Eva , Ronk Katie , Kennelty Korey , Gilmore‐Bykovskyi Andrea , Kind Amy J.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To determine the extent of agreement between four commonly used definitions of multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) and compare each definition's ability to predict 30‐day hospital readmissions.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

National Medicare claims data.

Participants

Random sample of Medicare beneficiaries discharged from the hospital from 2005 to 2009 (n = 710,609).

Measurements

Baseline chronic conditions were determined for each participant using four definitions of MCC. The primary outcome was all‐cause 30‐day hospital readmission. Agreement between MCC definitions was measured, and sensitivities and specificities for each definition's ability to identify patients experiencing a future readmission were calculated. Logistic regression was used to assess the ability of each MCC definition to predict 30‐day hospital readmission.

Results

The sample prevalence of hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries with two or more chronic conditions ranged from 18.6% (Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups (ACG) Case‐Mix System software) to 92.9% (Medicare Chronic Condition Warehouse (CCW)). There was slight to moderate agreement (kappa = 0.03–0.44) between pair‐wise combinations of MCC definitions. CCW‐defined MCC was the most sensitive (sensitivity 95.4%, specificity 7.4%), and ACG‐defined MCC was the most specific (sensitivity 32.7%, specificity 83.2%) predictor of being readmitted. In the fully adjusted model, the risk of readmission was higher for those with chronic condition Special Needs Plan (c‐SNP)‐defined MCCs (odds ratio (OR) = 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.47–1.52), Charlson Comorbidity Index–defined MCCs (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.42–1.47), ACG‐defined MCCs (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.19–1.25), and CCW‐defined MCCs (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.11–1.19) than for those without MCCs.

Conclusion

MCC definitions demonstrate poor agreement and should not be used interchangeably. The two definitions with the greatest agreement (CCI, c‐SNP) were also the best predictors of 30‐day hospital readmissions.
What is the main mechanism of the origin of phosphorylation sites? Still an open question
Authors: Wang Yu‐Yu , Su Zhi‐Xi , Gu Xun
Published: February 2017

In spite of high‐throughput phosphoproteomics for protein kinase–phosphorylation site interactions, the evolutionary mechanism for the origin of protein phosphorylation remains a mystery. Pearlman and his colleagues proposed that some phosphorylation sites may have evolved from acidic amino acids, because those negatively charged amino acids (Asp/Glu) can mimic the phosphorylated state of a protein. Moreover, phosphorylation has the potential to conditionally restore the salt bridge that was originally constitutively formed by Asp/Glu. Although this insightful mimic hypothesis has been supported by several examples, we point out that the replacements from Asp/Glu to serine/threonine require at least two non‐synonymous nucleotide substitutions, casting some doubt about whether it is the major mechanism for the origin of phosphorylation. As the intermediate amino acid types, such as Ala/Asn/Gly, are not observed frequently, we have to invoke the hypothesis of double‐mutation driven by natural selection; that is, the very strong positive selection for the second mutation has overcome the deleterious effect caused by the first mutation. Furthermore, we propose an alternative evolutionary scenario that phosphorylation was primarily evolved to introduce negative charges to the protein surface, thus reducing spurious protein–protein interactions in vivo by electrostatic repulsion. The specific protein–protein interaction could be regulated when corresponding signals change surface charges by means of dephosphorylation and other recognition mechanisms. Probably this is a more universal mechanism that provided the first step toward the emergence of more accurate cell signaling and regulation. Further study is needed to distinguish between these hypotheses.
Hematological adverse effects and pharmacokinetics of ribavirin in pigs following intramuscular administration
Authors: Lee D.‐U. , Je S. H. , Yoo S. J. , Kwon T. , Shin J. Y. , Byun J. J. , Park J.‐H. , Jeong K.‐w. , Ku J.‐M. , Lyoo Y. S.
Published: February 2017

Ribavirin (RBV) is a synthetic guanosine analog that is used as a drug against various viral diseases in humans. The in vitro antiviral effects of ribavirin against porcine viruses were demonstrated in several studies. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the adverse effects and pharmacokinetics of ribavirin following its intramuscular (IM) injection in pigs. Ribavirin was formulated as a double‐oil emulsion (RBV‐DOE) and gel (RBV‐Gel), which were injected into the pigs as single‐dose IM injections. After injection of RBV, all of the pigs were monitored. The collected serum and whole blood samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and complete blood count analysis, respectively. All of the ribavirin‐treated pigs showed significant decreases in body weight compared to the control groups. Severe clinical signs including dyspnea, anorexia, weakness, and depression were present in ribavirin‐treated pigs until 5 days postinjection (dpi). The ribavirin‐treated groups showed significant decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin concentration until 8 dpi. The mean half‐life of the RBV‐DOE and RBV‐Gel was 27.949 ± 2.783 h and 37.374 ± 3.502 h, respectively. The mean peak serum concentration (Cmax) and area under the serum concentration–time curve from time zero to infinity (AUCinf) of RBV‐DOE were 8340.000 ± 2562.577 ng/mL and 16 0095.430 ± 61 253.400 h·ng/mL, respectively. The Cmax and AUCinf of RBV‐Gel were 15 300.000 ± 3764.306 ng/mL and 207526.260 ± 63656.390 h·ng/mL, respectively. The results of this study provided the index of side effect and pharmacokinetics of ribavirin in pigs, which should be considered before clinical application.
Extending community management to industry‐university‐government organizations
Authors: Gustafsson Robin , Jarvenpaa Sirkka
Published: February 2017

There has been an emergence of collaborative research networks of industry‐university‐government relationships, or so‐called Triple Helix (TH) organizations. Many TH organizations strive for research and innovation community management. In the innovation and knowledge management literature, community management offers open, participatory, and distributed innovation processes. How community management elements manifest, how they evolve, and what are related contingencies remain poorly understood, especially in the case of TH organizations. Our study examines how two TH organizations in Finland have adopted community management elements, how these elements have evolved, and the contingencies that have affected adoption and evolution. We report on the first 6 years of operations in two different TH organizations. Community‐management elements have accommodated divergent interests in TH organizations, but they have also been subject to considerable degrees of conflict and tension. We extend the innovation community management literature by explicating community management elements in a TH context, we illustrate how TH organizations adopt and evolve these elements, and we identify two contingencies for community management elements in a TH context.
Microaggressions, Discrimination, and Phenotype among African Americans: A Latent Class Analysis of the Impact of Skin Tone and BMI
Authors: Keith Verna M. , Nguyen Ann W. , Taylor Robert Joseph , Mouzon Dawne M. , Chatters Linda M.
Published: February 2017

Data from the 2001–2003 National Survey of American Life are used to investigate the effects of phenotype on everyday experiences with discrimination among African Americans (N = 3343). Latent class analysis is used to identify four classes of discriminatory treatment: (1) low levels of discrimination, (2) disrespect and condescension, (3) character‐based discrimination, and (4) high levels of discrimination. We then employ latent class multinomial logistic regression to evaluate the association between skin tone and body weight and these four classes of discrimination. Designating the low‐level discrimination class as the reference group, findings revealed that respondents with darker skin were more likely to be classified into the disrespect/condescension and the high‐level microaggression types. BMI was unrelated to the discrimination type, although there was a significant interaction effect between gender and BMI. BMI was strongly and positively associated with membership in the disrespect and condescension type among men but not among women. These findings indicate that skin tone and body weight are two phenotypic characteristics that influence the type and frequency of discrimination experienced by African Americans.
Untangling the mechanisms underlying the links between religiousness, spirituality, and better health
Authors: Cheadle Alyssa C.D. , Dunkel Schetter Christine
Published: February 2017

Religion and spirituality are major forces in the lives of Americans. A large and growing body of research indicates that specific aspects of religiousness and spirituality are associated with better physical and mental health. In this article, we differentiate some hypothesized mechanisms involving social, behavioral, psychological, and biological processes, and summarize some of the evidence pertaining to these pathways. This endeavor generates testable hypotheses for future research. Interdisciplinary research is especially well suited to examining these potential pathways, and social psychology can play a pivotal role in this future research agenda.
Molecular characterization of the C‐glucosylation for puerarin biosynthesis in Pueraria lobata
Authors: Wang Xin , Li Changfu , Zhou Chen , Li Jia , Zhang Yansheng
Published: February 2017

C‐glycosyltransferases (CGTs) are important enzymes that are responsible for the synthesis of the C‐glycosides of flavonoids and isoflavonoids. Flavonoid CGTs have been molecularly characterized from several plant species; however, to date, no gene encoding an isoflavonoid CGT has been reported from any plant species. A significant example of an isoflavonoid C‐glycoside is puerarin, a compound that contributes to the major medicinal effects of Pueraria lobata. Little is known about the C‐glucosylation that occurs during puerarin biosynthesis. One possible route for puerarin synthesis is via the C‐glucosylation of daidzein. This study describes the molecular cloning and functional characterization of a novel glucosyltransferase (PlUGT43) from P. lobata. Biochemical analyses revealed that PlUGT43 possesses an activity for the C‐glucosylation of daidzein to puerarin; it shows activity with the isoflavones daidzein and genistein, but displays no activity towards other potential acceptors, including flavonoids. To validate the in vivo function of PlUGT43, the PlUGT43 gene was over‐expressed in soybean hairy roots that naturally synthesize daidzein but that do not produce puerarin. The expression of PlUGT43 led to the production of puerarin in the transgenic soybean hairy roots, confirming a role for PlUGT43 in puerarin biosynthesis.
Understanding Ethical Issues of Research Participation From the Perspective of Participating Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Crane Stacey , Broome Marion E.
Published: February 2017

Background

The past 20 years have seen distinct shifts in the way the participation of children and adolescents in research is viewed. This has been emphasized by the growing pediatric research enterprise. Additional information on children's and adolescents’ experiences during research participation is needed to better inform researchers on the ethical conduct of research with this vulnerable population.

Aims

The objective of this analysis was to examine ethical issues in research with children and adolescents from their perspective as participants, including: assent, parental consent, risk perception, impact of research participation, and incentives.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted per the Long, Godfrey, Randall, Brettle, and Grant framework by means of an iterative searching process. Using the key words “research ethics” and “child or pediatric or adolescent,” PubMed, CINAHL, and EBSCOhost databases were searched to identify articles. Limitations placed on the searches were: English language, year of publication between 2003 and 2014, humans, abstract available, and age birth–18 years.

Findings

Twenty‐three empiric studies were identified and formed the sample. Included studies represented a diverse range of areas of research, methods, settings, sample demographics, authors, and journals.

Linking Evidence to Action

Even young children demonstrated the ability to understand essential elements of research, although there is variability in children's level of understanding. Trust was a significant contributing factor to children's and adolescents’ participation in research, and also shaped their assessments of risk. Research participation was mainly beneficial for children and adolescents. Incentives were mainly viewed positively, although concerns of possible undue influence were expressed.
Non-invasive monitoring of the fertilization rate in sea turtle nests: comparison between two techniques
Authors: Abella Elena , García-Cerdá Rosa , Marco Adolfo
Published: February 2017

Egg fertilization rate is a defining event in the life history of reproducing oviparous species. However, for many terrestrial oviparous species, this parameter is only estimated after hatching, studying evidences of embryonic development in unhatched eggs. We compared the accuracy of this method with a second non-invasive technique based in the careful nest excavation within the first 96 hours after egg-laying and counting the proportion of eggs with a white spot in the shell. The study was conducted in a nesting population of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from Boavista Island (Republic of Cabo Verde). We found significant differences on the estimation of fertilization rate between both techniques. After hatching experimented researchers significantly overestimated the number of unfertilised eggs and this parameter was not correlated with the estimation after laying. The earlier estimation had no effect on hatching success and hatchling phenotype. There was no correlation between the number of alive embryos at laying and the hatching success. Unfertile eggs have no effect on survival of developing embryos withing a nest. Fertilization rate in loggerheads did not show spatial or temporal variation during nesting season. We proposed the implementation in sea turtle nesting monitoring programs of an annual, accurate and non-invasive estimation of egg fertilization rate based in the excavation of a sample of representative nests immediately after the formation of the white spot in the shell of developing embryos.
Radiation reaction from electromagnetic fields in the neighborhood of a point charge
Authors: Singal Ashok K.
Published: February 2017

From the expression for the electromagnetic field in the neighborhood of a point charge, we determine the rate of electromagnetic momentum flow, calculated using the Maxwell stress tensor, across a surface surrounding the charge. From that we derive for a “point” charge the radiation reaction formula, which turns out to be proportional to the first time-derivative of the acceleration of the charge, identical to the expression for the self-force, hitherto obtained in the literature from the detailed mutual interaction between constituents of a small charged sphere. We then use relativistic transformations to arrive at a generalized formula for radiation reaction for a point charge undergoing relativistic motion.
New angles on the reverse sprinkler: Reconciling theory and experiment
Authors: Beals Joseph
Published: February 2017

The reverse sprinkler problem popularized in Richard Feynman's memoirs has long been a source of interest and controversy. Numerous theoretical and experimental studies have illuminated many important facets of the problem, yet disparities persist between theory and experiment. This work considers, for the first time, the spatial distribution of inertial and pressure forces on the sprinkler arms. Differences in the regions over which internal and external forces act constitute a force-couple with different moment arms consistent with reverse rotation. Two novel sprinkler forms are presented, in principle capable of forward-only and reverse-only rotation, to elucidate specific features of this concept. It is also seen that the resulting flow-field asymmetry developed downstream from the sprinkler-arm bends supports the role of vortices in reverse sprinkler rotation by suggesting a mechanism for generating vortices in a consistent direction. The experimental challenges of isolating specific forces in light of both non-conservative forces and the influence of device design are also discussed.
Estimating parameter values in a model for rating shooting sounds from field survey data
Authors: Vos Joos
Published: February 2017

Laboratory studies show that the annoyance caused by shooting sounds can be predicted from the outdoor A- and C-weighted sound exposure levels (ASELs and CSELs; LAE and LCE). For any single event, the rating sound level, Lr,s in decibel, is given by Lr,s = LAE + 12 + β(LCE − LAE)(LAE − α). On the basis of the laboratory results α = 47 dB and β = 0.015 dB−1 were recommended. In the present study, parameter values α and β are re-estimated. Subjective reactions to shooting and road-traffic sounds were determined for 400 respondents divided among 15 residential areas. Also, the noise dose for road traffic was calculated and the ammunition spent in the 12 months preceding the administration of the questionnaire was listed. Next, for all impulsive sources, the required ASELs and CSELs received in the residential areas were calculated. Based on the data from the majority of the residential areas, the estimated β in combination with α = 45 dB is equal to 0.025 dB−1. At the lower and upper limits of the 95% confidence interval of β, as obtained with the help of a bootstrap method, β is equal to 0.013 and 0.037 dB−1, respectively.
Ultraflexible nanoelectronic probes form reliable, glial scar–free neural integration
Authors: Luan Lan , Wei Xiaoling , Zhao Zhengtuo , Siegel Jennifer J. , Potnis Ojas , Tuppen Catherine A , Lin Shengqing , Kazmi Shams , Fowler Robert A. , Holloway Stewart , Dunn Andrew K. , Chitwood Raymond A. , Xie Chong
Published: February 2017

Subcellular-sized, ultraflexible electrodes form seamless integration with the living brain and afford chronically reliable recording.
Unexpected Early Triassic marine ecosystem and the rise of the Modern evolutionary fauna
Authors: Brayard Arnaud , Krumenacker L. J. , Botting Joseph P. , Jenks James F. , Bylund Kevin G. , Fara Emmanuel , Vennin Emmanuelle , Olivier Nicolas , Goudemand Nicolas , Saucède Thomas , Charbonnier Sylvain , Romano Carlo , Doguzhaeva Larisa , Thuy Ben , Hautmann Michael , Stephen Daniel A. , Thomazo Christophe , Escarguel Gilles
Published: February 2017

A new marine fossil assemblage from the Early Triassic shows unexpected phyletic diversity and functional complexity.
Demise of stream rule won't revitalize coalindustry
Authors: Cornwall Warren
Published: February 2017

Obama-era regulation one of several recent environmental rules targeted by Trump and Republicans in Congress.
Parasitic worm may trigger mystery nodding syndrome
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: February 2017

Autoimmune response to river blindness parasite could be the cause—suggesting parasite control could halt crisis.
Sweet relief for pollinators
Authors: del Rio Carlos Martinez , Dillon Michael E.
Published: February 2017

Does ingestion of nectar ameliorate oxidative damage?
Oliver Smithies (1925–2017)
Authors: Sancar Aziz
Published: February 2017

A biochemist who pioneered gene targeting technology
Spatially selective remote magnetic actuation of identical helical micromachines
Authors: Rahmer Jürgen , Stehning Christian , Gleich Bernhard
Published: February 2017

An individual helical micromachine is moved within a pack by locking the others in place with a strong gradient field.
TRIM25 Is Required for the Antiviral Activity of Zinc Finger Antiviral Protein
Authors: Zheng Xiaojiao , Wang Xinlu , Tu Fan , Wang Qin , Fan Zusen , Gao Guangxia
Published: February 2017

Zinc finger antiviral protein (ZAP) is a host factor that specifically inhibits the replication of certain viruses by binding to viral mRNAs and repressing the translation and/or promoting the degradation of target mRNA. In addition, ZAP regulates the expression of certain cellular genes. Here, we report that tripartite motif-containing protein 25 (TRIM25), a ubiquitin E3 ligase, is required for the antiviral activity of ZAP. Downregulation of endogenous TRIM25 abolished ZAP's antiviral activity. The E3 ligase activity of TRIM25 is required for this regulation. TRIM25 mediated ZAP ubiquitination, but the ubiquitination of ZAP itself did not seem to be required for its antiviral activity. Downregulation of endogenous ubiquitin or overexpression of the deubiquitinase OTUB1 impaired ZAP's activity. We provide evidence indicating that TRIM25 modulates the target RNA binding activity of ZAP. These results uncover a mechanism by which the antiviral activity of ZAP is regulated.

IMPORTANCE
ZAP is a host antiviral factor that specifically inhibits the replication of certain viruses, including HIV-1, Sindbis virus, and Ebola virus. ZAP binds directly to target mRNA, and it represses the translation and promotes the degradation of target mRNA. While the mechanisms by which ZAP posttranscriptionally inhibits target RNA expression have been extensively studied, how its antiviral activity is regulated is not very clear. Here, we report that TRIM25, a ubiquitin E3 ligase, is required for the antiviral activity of ZAP. Downregulation of endogenous TRIM25 remarkably abolished ZAP's activity. TRIM25 is required for ZAP optimal binding to target mRNA. These results help us to better understand how the antiviral activity of ZAP is regulated.
Transcriptome-Level Signatures in Gene Expression and Gene Expression Variability during Bacterial Adaptive Evolution
Authors: Erickson Keesha E. , Otoupal Peter B. , Chatterjee Anushree
Published: February 2017

Even initially sensitive bacteria can rapidly thwart antibiotic treatment through stress response processes known as adaptive resistance. Adaptive resistance fosters transient tolerance increases and the emergence of mutations conferring heritable drug resistance. In order to extend the applicable lifetime of new antibiotics, we must seek to hinder the occurrence of bacterial adaptive resistance; however, the regulation of adaptation is difficult to identify due to immense heterogeneity emerging during evolution. This study specifically seeks to generate heterogeneity by adapting bacteria to different stresses and then examines gene expression trends across the disparate populations in order to pinpoint key genes and pathways associated with adaptive resistance. The targets identified here may eventually inform strategies for impeding adaptive resistance and prolonging the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment.
Dietary phytochemical intake from foods and health outcomes: a systematic review protocol and preliminary scoping
Authors: Probst Yasmine C , Guan Vivienne X , Kent Katherine
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Dietary phytochemicals are found in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables and grains and may be categorised in a nested hierarchical manner with many hundred individual phytochemicals identified to date. To associate phytochemical intakes with positive health outcomes, a fundamental step is to accurately estimate the dietary phytochemical intake from foods reported. The purpose of this systematic review protocol is to describe the process to be undertaken to summarise the evidence for food-based dietary phytochemical intakes and health outcomes for adults.

Methods and analysis

The review will be undertaken following the PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions using the Review Manager software. Phytochemical subclasses (phenolic acids, flavanols, etc) will be used to search for relevant studies using the Web of Science and Scopus scientific databases. The retrieved studies will be screened based on inclusion of natural whole food items and health outcomes. Phytochemical studies related to cardiovascular disease, cancer, overweight, glucose tolerance, digestive, reproductive, macular and bone health and mental disorders, fatigue and immunity will be examined based on prior scoping. The evidence will be aggregated by the food types and health outcomes. Comparison of differences in the outcomes for randomised controlled trials and observational studies will be undertaken. The strength of the review lies in its focus on whole food items and health conditions rather than one type of phytochemical related to one single health condition. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses will be conducted where an adequate number of publications are found per phytochemical subclass.

Dissemination

By comparing the outcomes from experimental and observational studies, the review will determine whether the overall conclusions related to the phytochemical subclasses are the same between study types for the identified health conditions. This is useful to public health policymakers and health professionals alike.

Trial registration number

#CRD42014015610.
Finger Trauma Due to Surfing; A Case Series and Analysis of Fracture Patterns
Authors: Ruijs A.C.J. , Langenberg L.C. , Rezzouk J.
Published: February 2017

Background: The purpose of this study is to research the type of lesions to the hand and fingers in the sport of surfing.

Methods: All surfing related hand injuries reported to our hospital between January 2008 and September 2015 were analyzed.

Results: Thirty-seven patient files held a clear description of a trauma related to the surf sport. We found three finger sprains, five wounds needing suture, including one digital nerve lesion and one ring finger with flexor tendon injury, three fingertip amputations and twenty-six digital fractures. The fracture type was similar in twenty-one patients: an open extra-articular transverse fracture of the distal phalanx. Thirty-one injuries were caused by the surf leash.

Conclusions: From this case series we can conclude that surfing may lead to significant trauma to the fingers, mainly due to the leash. This can be caused by grasping the leash while it snaps to tension, which may lead to hyper flexion of the distal phalanx, resulting in a typical trans-phalangeal fracture. Also, when the leash is wrapped around a finger or grasped near the attachment of the leash to the board, ring avulsion-like trauma may occur, leading to open fractures or (partial) amputations. Recognizing that surf leash trauma causes a particular type of fracture to the distal phalanx, may lead to better education of surfers and the development of safer surfing equipment.
Vascularized Medial Femoral Condyle Bone Graft for Resistant Nonunion of the Distal Radius
Authors: Henry Mark
Published: February 2017

Background: Nonunion involving the metaphyseal region of the distal radius is exceedingly rare, usually involving co-morbidity. Patients that have failed multiple prior conventional surgical interventions represent an even more difficult subset to treat; this investigation examined the utility of a specially designed free vascularized medial femoral condyle flap consisting of a central structural block graft with an extended corticoperiosteal sleeve to wrap around the junctions.

Methods: Six patients (5 males, 1 female) with a mean age of 52 years had failed to achieve union involving the distal radius metaphysis after a mean of 3.7 prior surgeries occurring over a mean period of 24 months. Comorbidities included smoking, alcoholism, chronic nutritional deficiency, and prior osteomyelitis. The unique descending genicular artery medial femoral condyle flap designed to address these patients consisted of a central structural block graft in continuity with an extended corticoperiosteal sleeve. The structural block filled the bone defect, and the corticoperiosteal sleeve wrapped around the bone junctions and the neighboring bone margins. The mean flap size was 5.3 (+/- 1.3) cm long by 4.5 (+/- 0.9) cm wide. Pre-operative to post-operative DASH scores were compared using the paired student’ s t-test, with p < 0.05.

Results: All flaps achieved union at a mean of 6.8 (+/- 2.1) weeks following surgery, using the criteria of bridging trabeculae on all 3 radiographs: coronal, sagittal, and oblique. The mean pre-operative DASH score of 63 (+/- 10) was statistically significantly different compared to the mean post-operative DASH score of 18 (+/- 8).

Conclusions: With few alternative solutions able to address this unique and difficult problem, the structural block of vascularized bone with the extended corticoperiosteal sleeve proved able to achieve a union that had failed multiple previous attempts and able to resist reactivation of infection, in a challenging group of patients with comorbidities.
Trans-metacarpal Screw Fixation for Extra-articular Proximal Phalangeal Base Fractures
Authors: Itadera Eichi , Yamazaki Takahiro
Published: February 2017

We developed a new internal fixation method for extra-articular fractures at the base of the proximal phalanx using a headless compression screw to achieve rigid fracture fixation through a relatively easy technique. With the metacarpophalangeal joint of the involved finger flexed, a smooth guide-pin is inserted into the intramedullary canal of the proximal phalanx through the metacarpal head and metacarpophalangeal joint. Insertion tunnels are made over the guide-pin using a cannulated drill. Then, a headless cannulated screw is placed into the proximal phalanx. All of five fractures treated by this procedure obtained satisfactory results.
A New Classification Scheme for Closed Avulsion Injuries of the Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon
Authors: Azeem Mokhtar Abdul , Marwan Yousef , Morshidy Ahmed El , Esmaeel Ali , Zakaria Yehia
Published: February 2017

Background: Closed avulsion injury of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon is a relatively common condition of the hand. Its present classification system seems to be deficient in including all possible patterns of injury, leading to improper selection of the best treatment method for the injury. We aim to provide a new classification scheme for this injury.

Methods: We developed a new classification scheme based on the possible pattern of FDP tendon injury. It consisted of three main types, and 10 sub-types. This was used to classify the injury of 34 patients, and help in choosing the best management approach. All patients underwent surgical treatment of their injury. The distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint extension deficit and total active motion (TAM) of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and DIP joints were considered as the main outcomes. Five orthopaedic surgeons used the new classification system for our cases, and the inter-rater reproducibility was tested with Fleiss' kappa.

Results: The multi-rater kappa for the classification was excellent. At the final follow-up visit 24 months following surgery, the mean loss of extension of the DIP joint was 13.76° ± 13.53° (range 0° to 45°), while the mean TAM was 148.88° ± 22.64° (range 94° to 172°). Based on the TAM score, 21 (61.76%), 8 (23.53%) and 5 (14.71%) patients had excellent, good and fair results, respectively. None of our patients had poor results.

Conclusions: Our new classification scheme of FDP tendon avulsion appeared to be comprehensive and useful in guiding the surgeon for the best treatment option. Nevertheless, this should be confirmed by using it for larger number of patients with different patterns of injury.
An Experimental Survey on the Effect of Using the CTS-6 Tool on the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by Hand Surgeons
Authors: Hutchison Richard L. , Hutchison Alan L. , Hirthler Maureen A.
Published: February 2017

Background: This controlled randomized experiment tested the research hypothesis that providing the CTS-6 quantitative diagnostic information to hand surgeons affects the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methods: Surgeon members of American Association for Hand Surgery participated in an online survey. Demographic and practice pattern information was collected. Few surgeons routinely use diagnostic questionnaires or algorithms. Each member was given four clinical scenarios. The respondents were randomized, The experimental group was given the same scenarios as the control group plus the quantitative results of the CTS-6 diagnostic tool.

Results: There were statistically significant differences between the groups in the diagnostic decisions. Using the CTS-6 quantitative diagnostic tool affected the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially for patients with the lowest number of findings associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Conclusions: While accurate diagnostic decisions are dependent on the incorporation of all of the pertinent information gathered during the history and physical exams, the results of the CTS-6 may help the clinician focus their thinking and revise their diagnostic probabilities.
Extensor Tendon Instability Due to Sagittal Band Injury in a Martial Arts Athlete: A Case Report
Authors: Kochevar Andrew , Rayan Ghazi
Published: February 2017

A Taekwondo participant sustained a hand injury from punching an opponent that resulted in painful instability of the ring finger extensor digitorum communis tendon due to sagittal band damage. His symptoms resolved after reconstructive surgery on the sagittal band (SB) with stabilization of the extensor tendon over the metacarpophalangeal joint.
Gröbner-Shirshov Basis of Twisted Generic Composition Algebras of Affine Type
Authors: Yunus Gulshadam , Obul Abdukadir
Published: February 2017

In this paper, by using PBW bases for the twisted generic composition algebras of affine type, we prove that the set of the skew-commutator relations of the iso-classes of indecomposable representations forms a minimal Gröbner-Shirshov basis for the twisted generic composition algebras of affine type.
Finite Groups with Automorphism Groups Having Orders 4pq2 (2 < p < q) II
Authors: Zeng Yu , Li Jinbao , Chen Guiyun
Published: February 2017

The authors study and classify finite groups with their automorphism groups having orders 4pq2, where p and q are primes such that 2 < p < q. In 2013 the first and the third authors classified the nilpotent groups of this kind; here the authors give the classification of those finite non-nilpotent groups with their automorphism groups having orders 4pq2.
Customizable SLO and Its Near-Precise Enforcement for Storage Bandwidth
Authors: Li Ning , Jiang Hong , Feng Dan , Shi Zhan
Published: February 2017

Cloud service is being adopted as a utility for large numbers of tenants by renting Virtual Machines (VMs). But for cloud storage, unpredictable IO characteristics make accurate Service-Level-Objective (SLO) enforcement challenging. As a result, it has been very difficult to support simple-to-use and technology-agnostic SLO specifying a particular value for a specific metric (e.g., storage bandwidth). This is because the quality of SLO enforcement depends on performance error and fluctuation that measure
the precision of SLO enforcement
. High precision of SLO enforcement is critical for user-oriented performance customization and user experiences. To address this challenge, this article presents V-Cup, a framework for VM-oriented customizable SLO and its near-precise enforcement. It consists of multiple auto-tuners, each of which exports an interface for a tenant to customize the desired storage bandwidth for a VM and enable the storage bandwidth of the VM to converge on the target value with a predictable precision. We design and implement V-Cup in the Xen hypervisor based on the fair sharing scheduler for VM-level resource management. Our V-Cup prototype evaluation shows that it achieves satisfying performance guarantees through near-precise SLO enforcement.
New Technology and the Post-human Self
Authors: Ramiller Neil
Published: February 2017

In keeping with the current appreciation for the sociomateriality of technology-enabled practice, we are now advised to de-center human beings and to situate them as but one component among many in complex networks of heterogeneous actors. More radical still, we are counseled to question the very premise of distinctive subjects and objects. Human actors and technological artifacts are increasingly seen to have no independent status of their own, but to emerge in a mutually constitutive way from the unfolding of ordinary practices. This essay explores the implications of this line of thinking for people's practical encounters with new information technologies. We begin by considering how the individual's engagement with spaces, materials, and technologies builds upon a fundamental embodiment of mind and then extends outward in a way that makes flexible and expansive the effective boundaries of the self. On the other hand, we observe that the kind of fusion this implies is not ontologically given, but emerges through the active and disciplined engagement of the human practitioner. Acknowledging that the materiality of the post-human self is, in fact, a human accomplishment can yield a richer understanding of two opposed phenomena at the core of our discipline: the expert appropriation of information technologies, and user resistance to systems imposed by other interests.
Critical Realism as a Sociomaterial Stream of Research
Authors: Cuellar Michael J.
Published: February 2017

Niemimaa (2016) argues that agential realism (Barad 2003) represents a radical form of sociomateriality (Cecez-Kecmanovic et al. 2014a; Orlikowski and Scott 2008) and that critical realism (Bhaskar 1979; Bhaskar 1997) represents a conservative form of sociomateriality and attempts to bring to the foreground the differences in the approaches so as to avoid inappropriate "theoretical mélanges." This response argues that critical realism is not properly part of the sociomaterial stream of research as it violates the five basic notions of sociomateriality (Jones 2014). It further suggests that given the criticisms of Mutch (2013) and Leonardi (2013) as confirmed by Scott and Orlikowski (2013) of Agential Realism represent significant issues that compromise the usefulness of agential realism for IS research. Nevertheless, it is important that whatever paradigm is chosen, it is important to use it faithfully to its meta-theoretical commitments.
Technology Portfolios
Authors: Carroll Jennie , Reich Blaize Horner
Published: February 2017

Although people today regularly use a wide range of digital technologies for communication, information management and entertainment purposes, academic research has no conceptual way to describe this collection. This research seeks to answer 2 questions: 1) How well does the ?portfolio? concept describe the collection of technologies that individuals routinely use?, and 2) How do individuals manage technology portfolios over time? To answer these questions, data was gathered data using a multi-method qualitative design from technically-adept participants. Each participant had assembled a collection of technologies. We compared their technology selection and usage against five characteristics of a financial portfolio (purposeful, diverse, dynamic, balanced and holistic) and found many similarities and some differences. Using inductive analysis, a technology portfolio lifecycle containing five processes (Scan, Research, Trial, Use, and Retire) was developed. The paper concludes with a call to researchers to further develop the technology portfolio concept and to vendors and organizations to consider the ways that technologies are researched, trialed and integrated into a portfolio to increase chances for successful change.
The influence of rosuvastatin on the gastrointestinal microbiota and host gene expression profiles
Authors: Nolan J. A. , Skuse P. , Govindarajan K. , Patterson E. , Konstantinidou N. , Casey P. G. , MacSharry J. , Shanahan F. , Stanton C. , Hill C. , Cotter P. D. , Joyce S. A. , Gahan C. G. M.
Published: February 2017

Statins are the most widely prescribed medications worldwide for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. They inhibit the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-R), an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis in higher organisms and in isoprenoid biosynthesis in some bacteria. We hypothesized that statins may influence the microbial community in the gut through either direct inhibition or indirect mechanisms involving alterations to host responses. We therefore examined the impact of rosuvastatin (RSV) on the community structure of the murine gastrointestinal microbiota. RSV was orally administered to mice and the effects on the gut microbiota, host bile acid profiles, and markers of inflammation were analyzed. RSV significantly influenced the microbial community in both the cecum and feces, causing a significant decrease in α-diversity in the cecum and resulting in a reduction of several physiologically relevant bacterial groups. RSV treatment of mice significantly affected bile acid metabolism and impacted expression of inflammatory markers known to influence microbial community structure (including RegIIIγ and Camp) in the gut. This study suggests that a commonly used statin (RSV) leads to an altered gut microbial composition in normal mice with attendant impacts on local gene expression profiles, a finding that should prompt further studies to investigate the implications of statins for gut microbiota stability and health in humans.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This work demonstrates that rosuvastatin administration in mice affects the gastrointestinal microbiota, influences bile acid metabolism, and alters transcription of genes encoding factors involved in gut homeostasis and immunity in the gastrointestinal tract.