bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current Evidence in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rehabilitation: Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Combined With a Strengthening Program: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Lynch Michael E. , Lauber Christine A. 
Published: May 2017

Clinical Question:Is it beneficial to add neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to a strengthening program after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery?Clinical Bottom Line:There is sufficient evidence to support the inclusion of NMES in a rehabilitation strengthening program post ACL reconstruction. All three included studies reported significant quadriceps strength gains (p < .05) in favor of the group that completed both NMES and strengthening exercises compared with a strength-only group. Two studies initiated NMES within 4 days of surgery. One study found significant quadriceps strength increases when NMES was implemented 6 months after surgery.
Relationship of Teacher Training and School Characteristics to Middle School State Assessment Results
Authors: Hall Tina J. , Hicklin Lori K. , French Karen E. 
Published: May 2017

Purpose:To examine the relationship between the South Carolina middle school physical education assessment results and the school characteristics. In addition, the relationship between teacher training attendance and student achievement were determined.Method:Student performance on four physical education indicators in 63 middle schools (and 116 teachers) were reported to the South Carolina Physical Education Assessment Program. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationships between school characteristics as predictors of the performance indicator. ANOVAs were conducted to determine the relationship to teacher training and the performance indicators.Results:Statewide averages of student performance indicated that slightly over 50% of middle school students were rated as competent in all physical education indicators except health-related fitness (31.2%). The variability was high among all indicators. The correlations between the poverty index and the physical education indicators were significant and low. Teachers who attended data collection training sessions scored higher on all performance indicators, particularly health-related fitness knowledge. Teachers who attended professional development had significantly higher scores on motor skills, health-related fitness knowledge, and the overall weighted scores and approached significance on the health-related fitness performance.Discussion/Conclusion:This study suggests that teachers and the programs they deliver have a greater impact on student learning than do school characteristics. Teacher training and professional development is warranted. Most compelling is that the results of this study provide a strong argument against the practice of using student scores from other academic content areas to evaluate teacher effectiveness in physical education.
Laboratory Evolution to Alternating Substrate Environments Yields Distinct Phenotypic and Genetic Adaptive Strategies
Authors: Sandberg Troy E. , Lloyd Colton J. , Palsson Bernhard O. , Feist Adam M. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

Adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) experiments are often designed to maintain a static culturing environment to minimize confounding variables that could influence the adaptive process, but dynamic nutrient conditions occur frequently in natural and bioprocessing settings. To study the nature of carbon substrate fitness tradeoffs, we evolved batch cultures of
Escherichia coli
via serial propagation into tubes alternating between glucose and either xylose, glycerol, or acetate. Genome sequencing of evolved cultures revealed several genetic changes preferentially selected for under dynamic conditions and different adaptation strategies depending on the substrates being switched between; in some environments, a persistent “generalist” strain developed, while in another, two “specialist” subpopulations arose that alternated dominance. Diauxic lag phenotype varied across the generalists and specialists, in one case being completely abolished, while gene expression data distinguished the transcriptional strategies implemented by strains in pursuit of growth optimality. Genome-scale metabolic modeling techniques were then used to help explain the inherent substrate differences giving rise to the observed distinct adaptive strategies. This study gives insight into the population dynamics of adaptation in an alternating environment and into the underlying metabolic and genetic mechanisms. Furthermore, ALE-generated optimized strains have phenotypes with potential industrial bioprocessing applications.

IMPORTANCE
Evolution and natural selection inexorably lead to an organism's improved fitness in a given environment, whether in a laboratory or natural setting. However, despite the frequent natural occurrence of complex and dynamic growth environments, laboratory evolution experiments typically maintain simple, static culturing environments so as to reduce selection pressure complexity. In this study, we investigated the adaptive strategies underlying evolution to fluctuating environments by evolving
Escherichia coli
to conditions of frequently switching growth substrate. Characterization of evolved strains via a number of different data types revealed the various genetic and phenotypic changes implemented in pursuit of growth optimality and how these differed across the different growth substrates and switching protocols. This work not only helps to establish general principles of adaptation to complex environments but also suggests strategies for experimental design to achieve desired evolutionary outcomes.
Validation of the Hirst-Type Spore Trap for Simultaneous Monitoring of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Biodiversities in Urban Air Samples by Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Núñez Andrés , Amo de Paz Guillermo , Ferencova Zuzana , Rastrojo Alberto , Guantes Raúl , García Ana M. , Alcamí Antonio , Gutiérrez-Bustillo A. Montserrat , Moreno Diego A. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT
Pollen, fungi, and bacteria are the main microscopic biological entities present in outdoor air, causing allergy symptoms and disease transmission and having a significant role in atmosphere dynamics. Despite their relevance, a method for monitoring simultaneously these biological particles in metropolitan environments has not yet been developed. Here, we assessed the use of the Hirst-type spore trap to characterize the global airborne biota by high-throughput DNA sequencing, selecting regions of the 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer for the taxonomic assignment. We showed that aerobiological communities are well represented by this approach. The operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of two traps working synchronically compiled >87% of the total relative abundance for bacterial diversity collected in each sampler, >89% for fungi, and >97% for pollen. We found a good correspondence between traditional characterization by microscopy and genetic identification, obtaining more-accurate taxonomic assignments and detecting a greater diversity using the latter. We also demonstrated that DNA sequencing accurately detects differences in biodiversity between samples. We concluded that high-throughput DNA sequencing applied to aerobiological samples obtained with Hirst spore traps provides reliable results and can be easily implemented for monitoring prokaryotic and eukaryotic entities present in the air of urban areas.

IMPORTANCE
Detection, monitoring, and characterization of the wide diversity of biological entities present in the air are difficult tasks that require time and expertise in different disciplines. We have evaluated the use of the Hirst spore trap (an instrument broadly employed in aerobiological studies) to detect and identify these organisms by DNA-based analyses. Our results showed a consistent collection of DNA and a good concordance with traditional methods for identification, suggesting that these devices can be used as a tool for continuous monitoring of the airborne biodiversity, improving taxonomic resolution and characterization together. They are also suitable for acquiring novel DNA amplicon-based information in order to gain a better understanding of the biological particles present in a scarcely known environment such as the air.
Engineering Escherichia coli Nicotinic Acid Mononucleotide Adenylyltransferase for Fully Active Amidated NAD Biosynthesis
Authors: Wang Xueying , Zhou Yongjin J. , Wang Lei , Liu Wujun , Liu Yuxue , Peng Chang , Zhao Zongbao K. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

NAD and its reduced form NADH function as essential redox cofactors and have major roles in determining cellular metabolic features. NAD can be synthesized through the deamidated and amidated pathways, for which the key reaction involves adenylylation of nicotinic acid mononucleotide (NaMN) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), respectively. In
Escherichia coli
, NAD
de novo
biosynthesis depends on the protein NadD-catalyzed adenylylation of NaMN to nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide (NaAD), followed by NAD synthase-catalyzed amidation. In this study, we engineered NadD to favor NMN for improved amidated pathway activity. We designed NadD mutant libraries, screened by a malic enzyme-coupled colorimetric assay, and identified two variants, 11B4 (Y84V/Y118D) and 16D8 (A86W/Y118N), with a high preference for NMN. Whereas in the presence of NMN both variants were capable of enabling the viability of cells of
E. coli
BW25113-derived NAD-auxotrophic strain YJE003, for which the last step of the deamidated pathway is blocked, the 16D8 expression strain could grow without exogenous NMN and accumulated a higher cellular NAD(H) level than BW25113 in the stationary phase. These mutants established fully active amidated NAD biosynthesis and offered a new opportunity to manipulate NAD metabolism for biocatalysis and metabolic engineering.

IMPORTANCE
Adenylylation of nicotinic acid mononucleotide (NaMN) and adenylylation of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), respectively, are the key steps in the deamidated and amidated pathways for NAD biosynthesis. In most organisms, canonical NAD biosynthesis follows the deamidated pathway. Here we engineered
Escherichia coli
NaMN adenylyltransferase to favor NMN and expressed the mutant enzyme in an NAD-auxotrophic
E. coli
strain that has the last step of the deamidated pathway blocked. The engineered strain survived in M9 medium, which indicated the implementation of a functional amidated pathway for NAD biosynthesis. These results enrich our understanding of NAD biosynthesis and are valuable for manipulation of NAD homeostasis for metabolic engineering.
What is the physiological time to recovery after concussion? A systematic review
Authors: Kamins Joshua , Bigler Erin , Covassin Tracey , Henry Luke , Kemp Simon , Leddy John J , Mayer Andrew , McCrea Michael , Prins Mayumi , Schneider Kathryn J , Valovich McLeod Tamara C , Zemek Roger , Giza Christopher C 
Published: April 2017

Aim or objectiveThe aim of this study is to consolidate studies of physiological measures following sport-related concussion (SRC) to determine if a time course of postinjury altered neurobiology can be outlined. This biological time course was considered with respect to clinically relevant outcomes such as vulnerability to repeat injury and safe timing of return to physical contact risk.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesPubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, PsychINFO.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesStudies were included if they reported original research on physiological or neurobiological changes after SRC. Excluded were cases series <5 subjects, reviews, meta-analyses, editorials, animal research and research not pertaining to SRC.ResultsA total of 5834 articles were identified, of which 80 were included for full-text data extraction and review. Relatively few longitudinal studies exist that follow both physiological dysfunction and clinical measures to recovery.Summary/conclusionsModalities of measuring physiological change after SRC were categorised into the following: functional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, cerebral blood flow, electrophysiology, heart rate, exercise, fluid biomarkers and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Due to differences in modalities, time course, study design and outcomes, it is not possible to define a single ‘physiological time window’ for SRC recovery. Multiple studies suggest physiological dysfunction may outlast current clinical measures of recovery, supporting a buffer zone of gradually increasing activity before full contact risk. Future studies need to use generalisable populations, longitudinal designs following to physiological and clinical recovery and careful correlation of neurobiological modalities with clinical measures.
Improving access for Urgent patients in Paediatric Neurology
Authors: Mohamed Khalid , Al Houri Basema , Ibrahim Khalid , M Khair Abdulhafeez 
Published: April 2017

Referral and flow management is an important part of outpatient care; some patients require to be seen earlier than the next available appointment because of the nature of their presentation. We did not have a clear pathway for urgent patients being referred to our pediatric neurology service. When we reviewed this process in our Quality Improvement meeting we identified wide variation in the length of time such patients wait to be seen in clinic ranging from 2 to 11 weeks. Only 25% of patients identified as requiring urgent clinic appointments were seen in clinic within 2 weeks of triage.A new triage system was designed to identify urgent patients consistently. Three PDSA cycles tested change ideas: the first cycle tested introducing an urgent triage system, the second cycle tested giving urgent appointments directly from the triage decision utilising clinic cancellations and the third PDSA tested double notification of appointments for all urgent patients using the call centre and the neurology specialist nurses.After the third PDSA the percentage of patients seen within 2 weeks of triage increased from 25% to 80%. This change was tested across one clinic initially then tested across two more clinics. Our balancing measure, the third available routine appointment, remained stable indicating that improving access to emergency patients did not affect the waiting time for routine appointments.With good management of triage it is possible to improve access for urgent patients to be seen in clinic without impact on availability of routine appointments, resulting in better quality of care and patient satisfaction. Earlier appointments also improve clinic attendance rates.
Using real-time, anonymous staff feedback to improve staff experience and engagement
Authors: Frampton Anne , Fox Fiona , Hollowood Andrew , Northstone Kate , Margelyte Ruta , Smith-Clarke Stephanie , Redwood Sabi 
Published: April 2017

Improving staff engagement has become a priority for NHS leaders, although efforts in this area vary between organisations. University Hospital Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (UH Bristol) is a tertiary teaching hospital where concerns about staff satisfaction and communication were reflected in the 2014 staff survey. To improve staff engagement, a real-time feedback mechanism to capture staff experience and to facilitate feedback from local leaders, was developed and piloted using the Model for Improvement. Initially piloted in two areas in January 2015, the Staff Participation Engagement and Communication application (SPEaC-app) was gradually rolled out to 23 areas within the trust by November 2016.The 2015 staff survey revealed significant improvements in staff motivation, satisfaction with level of responsibility and involvement, and perceived support from managers. These improvements cannot be attributed to this new mechanism in their entirety, but local surveys indicated satisfaction with SPEaC-app, the majority reporting that giving feedback about their shift was valuable while fewer staff had noticed changes in their work area as a result of the comments made via SPEaC-app. Between March 2015 and November 2016, 9259 entries were recorded, with an average of 15 entries per day across all areas. Of the entries, 45.7% were positive and nearly 40% were negative, and ‘team working’ was the most frequent theme.The project has identified the key factors associated with usability of the SPEaC-app, including, access, location, reliability and perceived privacy of the SPEaC-app. The SPEaC-app is valued and used most by staff in areas where feedback from local leaders is regular, rapid and comprehensive, and where staff comments are acted upon, leading to tangible change. This suggests that strong, consistent local management is required in order to embed it in new areas. SPEaC-app has the potential to support local engagement between managers and their service delivery teams, stimulate tangible improvements in service delivery and support the process of change. Longer term data are needed to determine whether SPEaC-app can influence other factors including staff turnover, recruitment and retention.
Use of Electronic Clinical Decision Support and Hard Stops to Decrease Unnecessary Thyroid Function Testing
Authors: Dalal Sonia , Bhesania Siddharth , Silber Steven , Mehta Parag 
Published: April 2017

NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital embarked on a Zero Unnecessary Study (ZEUS) initiative, whereby all aspects of clinical care were evaluated and strategies were implemented to mitigate waste. An opportunity was found in regards to thyroid function testing. It has been shown that certain TFTs are ordered far more often than clinically indicated. Free T3 (fT3) and Free T4 (fT4) are only indicated when the TSH is abnormal in the inpatient setting, with rare exceptions.Thus, a clinical algorithm for Clinical Decision Support (CDS) and Hard Stops (HS) were incorporated into the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) to prevent fT3 or fT4 to be ordered without an abnormal TSH, with certain predefined exceptions. In addition, a reflex rule was built which automatically orders (reflex) fT3 and fT4 if the TSH is abnormal. The pre and post-intervention ratios of fT3 and fT4 orders per total TSH orders were analyzed.Pre-intervention data revealed that fT4 was the most frequently ordered TFT laboratory test on admission, after TSH. Post-Intervention, there was a decrease in the ratio of fT4 to TSH orders (fT4/TSH) of 35.2%, from 44.6% to 28.9%. The percentage of fT4 ordered due to abnormal TSH increased by 126.1%, from 36.8% to 83.2%. The fT3 to TSH ordering ratio similarly decreased by 55.2%, from 6.2% to 2.9%. The decreases in both fT3/TSH and fT4/TSH ratios were statistically significant.Any unnecessary orders are a burden on healthcare. It is now possible to achieve goals that were not previously thought to be possible because of advancement in medicine and technology. By making small changes and saving costs, we can target our energy and resources toward effectively treating patients.
An Output-Capacitorless Ultra-Low Power Low-Dropout Regulator
Authors: Cheng Xin , Liang Hongyu , Du Longjie , Zhang Zhang , Yi Maoxiang , Xie Guangjun 
Published: May 2017

This paper proposes an output-capacitorless low-dropout (LDO) regulator with ultra-low quiescent power. It applies an adaptive error amplifier to improve the bandwidth and transient response during heavy load, and a second gain stage to improve the stability during light load. Furthermore, an overshoot and undershoot reduction circuit is used to shorten the settling time when output load is changed. The LDO is fabricated in 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m CMOS process and occupies a chip area of 0.06[Formula: see text]mm2. The LDO is measured to output a stable voltage at 1.6[Formula: see text]V with a quiescent power of 1.8[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]W. The experimental results also show a good transient response.
Ultrasound biomicroscopy validation of a murine model of cardiac hypertrophic preconditioning: comparison with a hemodynamic assessment
Authors: Huang Jiayuan , Wu Jian , Wang Shijun , You Jieyun , Ye Yong , Ding Zhiwen , Yang Fenghua , Wang Xingxu , Guo Junjie , Ma Leilei , Yuan Jie , Shen Yunli , Yang Xiangdong , Sun Aijun , Jiang Hong , Bu Liping , Backx Peter H. , Ge Junbo , Zou Yunzeng 
Published: April 2017

In mice, myocardial hypertrophic preconditioning (HP), which is produced by the removal of short-term transverse aortic constriction (TAC), was recently reported to render the heart resistant to hypertrophic responses induced by subsequent reconstriction (Re-TAC). However, there is no efficient noninvasive method for ensuring that the repeated aortic manipulations were successfully performed. We previously demonstrated that ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) is a noninvasive and effective approach for predicting TAC success. Here, we investigated the value of UBM for serial predictions of load conditions in establishing a murine HP model. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a sham operation, TAC, or Re-TAC, and the peak flow velocity at the aortic banding site (PVb) was measured by UBM. Left ventricular end-systolic pressure (LVESP) was examined by micromanometric catheterization. The PVb was positively associated with LVESP ( R2 = 0.8204, P < 0.001, for TAC at 3 days and R2 = 0.7746, P < 0.001, for Re-TAC at 4 wk). PVb and LVESP values were markedly elevated after aortic banding, became attenuated to the sham-operated level after debanding, and increased after aortic rebanding. The cardiac hypertrophic responses were examined by UBM, histology, RT-PCR, and Western blot analysis. Four weeks after the last operation, with PVb ≥ 3.5 m/s as an indicator of successful aortic constriction, Re-TAC mice showed less cardiac hypertrophy, fetal gene expression, and ERK1/2 activation than TAC mice. Therefore, we successfully established a UBM protocol for the serial assessment of aortic flow and the prediction of LVESP during repeated aortic manipulations in mice, which might be useful for noninvasive evaluations of the murine HP model. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We successfully developed an ultrasound biomicroscopy protocol for the serial assessment of aortic bandings and the relevant left ventricular pressure in a murine model of cardiac hypertrophic preconditioning. The protocol may be of great importance in the successful establishment of the hypertrophic preconditioning model for further mechanistic and pharmacological studies.