bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors related to self‐care behaviours among patients with diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Kim Eun Jo , Han Kuem‐Sun
Published: February 2020

Aims and objectives

To examine the level of self‐care behaviours among patients with diabetic foot ulcers and identify factors related to their self‐care behaviours.

Background

This study focused on the self‐care behaviours of patients diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers, a complication of diabetes.

Design

A cross‐sectional study design was adopted.

Methods

From July–August 2018, 131 outpatients and inpatients with diabetic foot ulcers were given a survey questionnaire regarding self‐care behaviours and expected related factors at two Korean hospitals. In this study, self‐care behaviours were diabetes management and diabetic foot care. Demographic, disease‐related and laboratory characteristics were collected. The data were analysed in terms of descriptive statistics, a t test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression. STROBE checklist was used as the guideline for this study.

Results

Moderate levels of self‐care behaviours were found. The stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that diabetes management was significantly related to perceived family support, experience of diabetic education, perceived stress, a problem‐focused coping style, experience of hospitalisation and comorbidity. Furthermore, diabetic foot care was significantly associated with the experience of diabetic education, perceived family support, and serum level of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and haemoglobin A1C.

Conclusions

Perceived family support was the main factor affecting diabetes management, and diabetic foot care was greatly affected by the experience of diabetic education. It is necessary to develop diabetes education programmes and nursing interventions to increase family support to improve the self‐care behaviours of patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

Relevance to clinical practice

Self‐care behaviours among patients with diabetic foot ulcers are important, as they affect healing of the wound and the quality of life. Further development of family‐based diabetes education or programmes is recommended to promote the self‐care behaviours of patients with diabetic foot ulcers.
Clinical experience of intramuscular immunoglobulin for measles prophylaxis in children: Is it practical?
Authors: Philips Leanne , Young Megan K , Wallace Janet , Dobinson Hazel C
Published: February 2020

Measles continues to be a public health concern world‐wide. Vulnerable individuals including those in which vaccinations is contraindicated, may be reliant on normal human immunoglobulin (NHIG) prophylaxis in an aim to prevent disease. This paper will summarise and discuss a tertiary paediatric hospital's clinical experience and the practicalities of administering intramuscular (IM) NHIG to paediatric patients as per the current measles prophylaxis guidelines in Australia. Following potential exposure within the emergency department, 17 paediatric patients (0–15 years) were recommended IM NHIG for prophylaxis. The dose of NHIG ranged from 0.6 to 15 mL and required multiple (2–8) injections. Two patients required sedation for staff to safely administer the injections. Staff involved with these cases reported administering multiple injections to paediatric patients to be a traumatising experience. They also expressed views that the injection of large volumes via the IM route was an impractical method of administration. Based on this experience, we recommend intravenous immunoglobulin be considered when large volumes of NHIG are recommended intramuscularly.
Rights of children and young people in health care
Authors: White Les
Published: February 2020

The 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child has provided opportunities for reflection, critical analysis and renewed commitment. While the convention is comprehensive and far reaching, the focus here is specifically on the rights of children in health care, with particular emphasis on the Australian setting. Surveys and related studies have highlighted persistent gaps and inadequacies in these domains of practice and especially in the direct and meaningful engagement of children and young people. The implementation of article 12 of the convention, the right of children to be heard and taken seriously, has been identified as a distinctly confronting challenge and the subject of improvement initiatives across, as well as beyond, health services. Appropriate reforms can only be progressed and sustained within a broader policy context that places children first and foremost, values their participatory engagement and embraces the crucial contribution of children's health and wellbeing to the future of our society.
Immune‐pineal axis protects rat lungs exposed to polluted air
Authors: Carvalho‐Sousa Claudia Emanuele , Pereira Eliana P. , Kinker Gabriela S. , Veras Mariana , Ferreira Zulma S. , Barbosa‐Nunes Fernanda P. , Martins Joilson O. , Saldiva Paulo H.N. , Reiter Russel J. , Fernandes Pedro A. , da Silveira Cruz‐Machado Sanseray , Markus Regina P.
Published: February 2020

Environmental pollution in the form of particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM2.5) is a major risk factor for diseases such as lung cancer, chronic respiratory infections, and major cardiovascular diseases. Our goal was to show that PM2.5 eliciting a proinflammatory response activates the immune‐pineal axis, reducing the pineal synthesis and increasing the extrapineal synthesis of melatonin. Herein, we report that the exposure of rats to polluted air for 6 hours reduced nocturnal plasma melatonin levels and increased lung melatonin levels. Melatonin synthesis in the lung reduced lipid peroxidation and increased PM2.5 engulfment and cell viability by activating high‐affinity melatonin receptors. Diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) promoted the synthesis of melatonin in a cultured cell line (RAW 264.7 cells) and rat alveolar macrophages via the expression of the gene encoding for AANAT through a mechanism dependent on activation of the NFκB pathway. Expression of the genes encoding AANAT, MT1, and MT2 was negatively correlated with cellular necroptosis, as disclosed by analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) microarray data from the human alveolar macrophages of nonsmoking subjects. The enrichment score for antioxidant genes obtained from lung gene expression data (GTEx) was significantly correlated with the levels of AANAT and MT1 but not the MT2 melatonin receptor. Collectively, these data provide a systemic and mechanistic rationale for coordination of the pineal and extrapineal synthesis of melatonin by a standard damage‐associated stimulus, which activates the immune‐pineal axis and provides a new framework for understanding the effects of air pollution on lung diseases.
The PRT6 N‐degron pathway restricts VERNALIZATION 2 to endogenous hypoxic niches to modulate plant development
Authors: Labandera Anne‐Marie , Tedds Hannah M. , Bailey Mark , Sprigg Colleen , Etherington Ross D. , Akintewe Olunwatunmise , Kalleechurn Geetika , Holdsworth Michael J. , Gibbs Daniel J.
Published: February 2020

VERNALIZATION2 (VRN2), an angiosperm‐specific subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), is an oxygen (O2)‐regulated target of the PCO branch of the PRT6 N‐degron pathway of ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis. How this post‐translational regulation coordinates VRN2 activity remains to be fully established.

Here we use Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes, mutants and transgenic lines to determine how control of VRN2 stability contributes to its functions during plant development.

VRN2 localizes to endogenous hypoxic regions in aerial and root tissues. In the shoot apex, VRN2 differentially modulates flowering time dependent on photoperiod, whilst its presence in lateral root primordia and the root apical meristem negatively regulates root system architecture. Ectopic accumulation of VRN2 does not enhance its effects on flowering, but does potentiate its repressive effects on root growth. In late‐flowering vernalization‐dependent ecotypes, VRN2 is only active outside meristems when its proteolysis is inhibited in response to cold exposure, as its function requires concomitant cold‐triggered increases in other PRC2 subunits and cofactors.

We conclude that the O2‐sensitive N‐degron of VRN2 has a dual function, confining VRN2 to meristems and primordia, where it has specific developmental roles, whilst also permitting broad accumulation outside of meristems in response to environmental cues, leading to other functions.
Roles of the underlying cause of delivery and gestational age on long‐term child health
Authors: Cairncross Zoe F. , Chaput Kathleen H. , McMorris Carly , Ospina Maria , Brown Hilary K. , Metcalfe Amy
Published: February 2020

Background

Clinical conditions leading to delivery are heterogeneous. However, most studies examining the short‐ and long‐term consequences of birth on child health only consider gestational age at delivery, not the underlying cause.

Objective

To examine the effect of both gestational age at delivery and underlying cause of delivery on child health outcomes.

Methods

This population‐based retrospective cohort study of singleton infants born in Alberta (April 2004‐March 2005) used linked administrative and perinatal data to identify birth subtypes by underlying cause (infection/inflammation (I/I), placental dysfunction (PD), both, or neither), gestational age at delivery, and child health outcomes (neonatal morbidity and mortality, paediatric complex chronic conditions, and neurodevelopmental disorders and disabilities). Poisson regression with robust variance was used to assess differences in the (adjusted) risk ratio (RR) of each outcome by gestational age, and by cause of delivery. The roles of gestational age and cause of delivery were examined using mediation analysis methods.

Results

A total of 38,192 children were included, with 66.7% experiencing neither I/I nor PD (I/I: 4.0%, PD: 27.5%, both: 1.8%). Infants born preterm had higher risk of all outcomes compared to those born at term and late‐term. Infants with exposure to both causes had higher risk of all outcomes (neonatal morbidity, RR 8.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.55, 10.63; paediatric complex chronic conditions, RR 3.94, 95% CI 3.08, 5.05; and neurodevelopmental disorders, RR 1.58, 95% CI 1.37, 1.84). The effect of underlying cause of delivery on child health outcomes was partially explained by gestational age, more in cases involving I/I than in those involving PD alone.

Conclusions

Short‐ and long‐term child health outcomes differ by the underlying cause leading to delivery, as well as the gestational age at delivery. Having a clearer prognosis for infants may promote the use of clinical interventions earlier for children at increased risk.
Fast tensorial JADE
Authors: Virta Joni , Lietzén Niko , Ilmonen Pauliina , Nordhausen Klaus
Published: February 2020

We propose a novel method for tensorial‐independent component analysis. Our approach is based on TJADE and k‐JADE, two recently proposed generalizations of the classical JADE algorithm. Our novel method achieves the consistency and the limiting distribution of TJADE under mild assumptions and at the same time offers notable improvement in computational speed. Detailed mathematical proofs of the statistical properties of our method are given and, as a special case, a conjecture on the properties of k‐JADE is resolved. Simulations and timing comparisons demonstrate remarkable gain in speed. Moreover, the desired efficiency is obtained approximately for finite samples. The method is applied successfully to large‐scale video data, for which neither TJADE nor k‐JADE is feasible. Finally, an experimental procedure is proposed to select the values of a set of tuning parameters. Supplementary material including the R‐code for running the examples and the proofs of the theoretical results is available online.
High-Temperature Erosive Wear Behavior of High-Velocity Oxy-Fuel Sprayed Cr3C225 (Ni20Cr) Coating on (AISI 316) Austenitic Steel
Authors: Nautiyal Hemant , Sharma Pankaj Kumar , Tyagi Rajnesh
Published: February 2020

AISI 316 austenitic steel is extensively used in various components of power plants like boilers, boiler tubes and pipes, which suffer severe air jet erosion. Fly ash is a major erodent in that case. Present study is conducted to study the effect of Cr3C225 (Ni20Cr) coating on 316 substrates, when it is exposed to thermal power plant erosive conditions. High-velocity oxy-fuel deposition technique is used for coating. Major constituent of Indian fly ash is alumina, so alumina particles are taken as erodent. Erosion wear behavior is investigated for coated and uncoated conditions using an air jet erosion tester at 100 m/s impact velocity. Three impact angles, i.e., 30 deg, 60 deg, and 90 deg, and four working temperatures, room temperature, 200 °C, 400 °C, and 600 °C, were chosen to identify wear mechanism. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were utilized to characterize the coated, uncoated, and eroded surface. Erosion behavior is correlated with micro hardness, roughness, and microstructure. Results reveal that the coated surface offers better erosion resistance than the uncoated surface. Substrate exhibits ductile wear behavior as it shows higher wear rate at low angle and decreases on increasing the impact angle, while coating offers good wear characteristics at 30 deg and 90 deg impact angles. An increase in working temperature favors wear rate increment for both coated and uncoated samples. However, coated samples exhibit ductile erosive behavior at high temperatures. Uncoated surfaces have micro-cutting and deformation as major erosive mechanisms. Whereas for coated samples at high temperature, oxide layer formation takes place and erosion takes place due to spalling of the oxides from the coated surface.
Safety and Pharmacokinetic Characterization of Nacubactam, a Novel β-Lactamase Inhibitor, Alone and in Combination with Meropenem, in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Mallalieu Navita L. , Winter Erica , Fettner Scott , Patel Katie , Zwanziger Elke , Attley Gemma , Rodriguez Ignacio , Kano Akiko , Salama Sameeh M. , Bentley Darren , Geretti Anna Maria
Published: February 2020

Nacubactam is a novel β-lactamase inhibitor with dual mechanisms of action as an inhibitor of serine β-lactamases (classes A and C and some class D) and an inhibitor of penicillin binding protein 2 in
Enterobacteriaceae
. The safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of intravenous nacubactam were evaluated in single- and multiple-ascending-dose, placebo-controlled studies. Healthy participants received single ascending doses of nacubactam of 50 to 8,000 mg, multiple ascending doses of nacubactam of 1,000 to 4,000 mg every 8 h (q8h) for up to 7 days, or nacubactam of 2,000 mg plus meropenem of 2,000 mg q8h for 6 days after a 3-day lead-in period.
Presence of Inflammatory Group I and III Innate Lymphoid Cells in the Colon of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Cogswell Andrew , Ferguson Natasha , Barker Edward
Published: February 2020

There is a slow yet significant uptick in systemic inflammation secondary to HIV infection that has long-term consequences for the infected host. The systemic inflammation most likely occurs as a consequence of the disruption of the gut epithelial barrier, leading to the translocation of gut microbial products. This disruption may result from mucosal inflammation. Here, we show in an animal model of HIV that chronic SIV-infected gut contains innate lymphoid cells producing inflammatory cytokines.
Neighbourhood socioeconomic status modifies the association between anxiety and depression during pregnancy and preterm birth: a Community-based Canadian cohort study
Authors: Adhikari Kamala , Patten Scott B , Williamson Tyler , Patel Alka B , Premji Shahirose , Tough Suzanne , Letourneau Nicole , Giesbrecht Gerald , Metcalfe Amy
Published: February 2020

Objective

This study examined the association of anxiety alone, depression alone and the presence of both anxiety and depression with preterm birth (PTB) and further examined whether neighbourhood socioeconomic status (SES) modified this association.

Design

Cohort study using individual-level data from two community-based prospective pregnancy cohort studies (All Our Families; AOF) and Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) and neighbourhood SES data from the 2011 Canadian census.

Setting

Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Participants

Overall, 5538 pregnant women who were <27 weeks of gestation and >15 years old were enrolled in the cohort studies between 2008 and 2012. 3341 women participated in the AOF study and 2187 women participated in the APrON study, with 231 women participated in both studies. Women who participated in both studies were only counted once.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

PTB was defined as delivery prior to 37 weeks of gestation. Depression was defined as an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score of ≥13, anxiety was defined as an EPDS-anxiety subscale score of ≥6, and the presence of both anxiety and depression was defined as meeting both anxiety and depression definitions.

Results

Overall, 7.3% of women delivered preterm infants. The presence of both anxiety and depression, but neither of these conditions alone, was significantly associated with PTB (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.3) and had significant interaction with neighbourhood deprivation (p=0.004). The predicted probability of PTB for women with both anxiety and depression was 10.0%, which increased to 15.7% if they lived in the most deprived neighbourhoods and decreased to 1.4% if they lived in the least deprived neighbourhoods.

Conclusions

Effects of anxiety and depression on risk of PTB differ depending on where women live. This understanding may guide the identification of women at increased risk for PTB and allocation of resources for early identification and management of anxiety and depression.
Analysis of factors related to diabetic retinopathy in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hao Zhaohu , Huang Xiao , Qin Yongzhang , Li Huanming , Tian Fengshi , Xu Rong , Chang Baocheng , Shao Hailin
Published: February 2020

Aim

To investigate the related factors of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and explore the correlation between smoking and DR in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Design

A single-centre cross-sectional study.

Setting

Tianjin 4th Central Hospital.

Participants

Patients with newly diagnosed T2DM who visited the outpatient department of the hospital from December 2018 to April 2019.

Methods

A total of 947 patients were enrolled in the study. They were divided into two groups according to whether they were diagnosed with DR (diabetic retinopathy group, DR group; non-diabetic retinopathy group, NDR group). The smoking index (SI) was calculated to assess smoking status. Factors such as sex, age, hypertension, T2DM diagnosed age, family history of diabetes, drinking history, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI) and smoking status were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression was used to analyse the relationship between DR and the above factors.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in sex, age, hypertension, DM diagnosed age, family history of diabetes, drinking history and HbA1c. BMI was significantly higher in DR patients (27.7±4.2 vs 26.7±4.4, p=0.004). Smoking status was also different between the two groups (χ2=6.350, p=0.042). BMI was shown to be a related factor for DR in patients with newly diagnosed diabetes (OR=0.592, p=0.004). When BMI was ≥28 kg/m2, heavy smoking was significantly associated with DR (OR=2.219, p=0.049), and there was a negative correlation between DR and the age of diagnosis of diabetes ≥60 years (OR=0.289, p=0.009).

Conclusions

Heavy smoking was an important related factor for DR in patients with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus when BMI was ≥28 kg/m2. Delaying the age of diabetes might prevent the occurrence of DR. To elucidate the correlation, long-term cohort studies with large samples are needed.
Exploring the facilitators and barriers to using an online infertility risk prediction tool (FoRECAsT) for young women with breast cancer: a qualitative study protocol
Authors: Edib Zobaida , Jayasinghe Yasmin , Hickey Martha , Stafford Lesley , Anderson Richard A , Su H. Irene , Stern Kate , Saunders Christobel , Anazodo Antoinette , Macheras-Magias Mary , Chang Shanton , Pang Patrick , Agresta Franca , Chin-Lenn Laura , Cui Wanyuan , Pratt Sarah , Gorelik Alex , Peate Michelle
Published: February 2020

Introduction

As cancer treatments may impact on fertility, a high priority for young patients with breast cancer is access to evidence-based, personalised information for them and their healthcare providers to guide treatment and fertility-related decisions prior to cancer treatment. Current tools to predict fertility outcomes after breast cancer treatments are imprecise and do not offer individualised prediction. To address the gap, we are developing a novel personalised infertility risk prediction tool (FoRECAsT) for premenopausal patients with breast cancer that considers current reproductive status, planned chemotherapy and adjuvant endocrine therapy to determine likely post-treatment infertility. The aim of this study is to explore the feasibility of implementing this FoRECAsT tool into clinical practice by exploring the barriers and facilitators of its use among patients and healthcare providers.

Methods and analysis

A cross-sectional exploratory study is being conducted using semistructured in-depth telephone interviews with 15–20 participants each from the following groups: (1) premenopausal patients with breast cancer younger than 40, diagnosed within last 5 years, (2) breast surgeons, (3) breast medical oncologists, (4) breast care nurses (5) fertility specialists and (6) fertility preservation nurses. Patients with breast cancer are being recruited from the joint Breast Service of three affiliated institutions of Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia—Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Women’s Hospital, and clinicians are being recruited from across Australia. Interviews are being audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and imported into qualitative data analysis software to facilitate data management and analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by Melbourne Health Human Research Ethics Committee, Australia (HREC number: 2017.163). Confidentiality and privacy are maintained at every stage of the study. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed scholarly and scientific journals, national and international conference presentations, social media, broadcast media, print media, internet and various community/stakeholder engagement activities.
Robotic versus open urological oncological surgery: study protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cacciamani Giovanni E , Gill Karanvir , Gill Inderbir S
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Minimally invasive surgery in urology has grown considerably in application since its initial description in the early 1990s. Herein, we present the protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing open versus robotic urological oncological surgery for various clinically relevant outcomes, as well as to assess their comparative penetrance over the past 20 years (2000–2020).

Methods and analysis

We will document the penetrance of robotic versus open surgery in the urological oncological field using a national database.

Second, we will perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of all published full-text English and non-English language articles from Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science search engines on surgical treatment of localised prostate, bladder, kidney and testis cancer published between 1st January 2000 to 10th January 2020. We will focus on the highest-volume urological oncological surgeries, namely, radical prostatectomy, radical cystectomy, partial nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Study inclusion criteria will comprise clinical trials and prospective and retrospective studies (cohort or case–control series) comparing robotic versus open surgery. Exclusion criteria will comprise meta-analyses, multiple papers with overalapping study-periods, studies analysing national databases and case series describing only one approach (robotic or open). Risk of bias for included studies will be assessed by the appropriate Cochrane risk of bias tool. Principal outcomes assessed will include perioperative, functional, oncological survival and financial outcomes of open versus robotic uro-oncological surgery. Sensitivity analyses will be performed to correlate outcomes of interest with key baseline characteristics and surrogates of surgical expertise.

Ethics and dissemination

This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis will provide rigorous, consolidated information on contemporary outcomes and trends of open versus robotic urological oncological surgery based on all the available literature. These aggregate data will help physicians better advise patients seeking surgical care for urological cancers.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017064958.
Construction of primitive polynomials over finite fields
Authors: Alizadeh Mahmood
Published: February 2020

In this paper, using the polynomial composition methods some computationally simple and explicit ways for constructing higher degrees primitive polynomials from a given primitive polynomial over [Formula: see text] are given.
Cominimaxness with respect to ideals of dimension two and local cohomology
Authors: Karimirad Hamidreza , Aghapournahr Moharram
Published: February 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a commutative Noetherian ring, [Formula: see text] an ideal of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] an [Formula: see text]-module with [Formula: see text]. We get equivalent conditions for top local cohomology module [Formula: see text] to be Artinian and [Formula: see text]-cofinite Artinian separately. In addition, we prove that if [Formula: see text] is a local ring such that [Formula: see text] is minimax, for each [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] is minimax [Formula: see text]-module for each [Formula: see text] and for each finitely generated [Formula: see text]-module [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. As a consequence we prove that if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-cominimax if (and only if) [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are minimax. We also prove that if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is minimax for all [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-cominimax for all [Formula: see text] if (and only if) [Formula: see text] is minimax for all [Formula: see text].
Moments of the ground state density for the d-dimensional Fermi gas in an harmonic trap
Authors: Forrester Peter J.
Published: February 2020

We consider properties of the ground state density for the [Formula: see text]-dimensional Fermi gas in an harmonic trap. Previous work has shown that the [Formula: see text]-dimensional Fourier transform has a very simple functional form. It is shown that this fact can be used to deduce that the density itself satisfies a third-order linear differential equation, previously known in the literature but from other considerations. It is shown too how this implies a closed form expression for the [Formula: see text]th non-negative integer moments of the density, and a second-order recurrence. Both can be extended to general Re[Formula: see text]. The moments, and the smoothed density, permit expansions in [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text] denoting the shell label. The moment expansion substituted in the second-order recurrence gives a generalization of the Harer–Zagier recurrence, satisfied by the coefficients of the [Formula: see text] expansion of the moments of the spectral density for the Gaussian unitary ensemble in random matrix theory.
Cosimulation of Power and Temperature Models at the SystemC/TLM for a Soft‐Core Processor
Authors: El Hariti Zineb , Alali Abdelhakim , Sadik Mohamed , Aamali Kaoutar
Published: February 2020

Nowadays, modern embedded applications are becoming more and more complex and resource demanding. Fortunately, Systems on Chip (SoC) are one of the keys used to follow their requirements that stand in need of high performance while maintaining a low‐power profile. On one hand, today, due to the limited power budget imposed by the batteries, power is the limiting factor of the logic CMOS. On the other hand, the downscaling of the technology node for 65 nm and beyond, based on the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS) as a reference, has not only resulted in huge energy consumption but also increased the temperature chip. To address this challenge, designing at the system level is the suitable measure to tackle with the complexity of the Systems on Chip, aiming at having better adjustment between timing and accuracy for power and temperature estimations. We present in this paper, at the first stage, two models describing the static and dynamic power at the physical level. These models are implemented on an open virtual platform Model Power‐Consumption and Temperature in SystemC/TLM (LIBTLMPWT) based on a representative SoC architecture. At the second stage, we focus on power, especially the thermal behaviour of the chip while running three benchmarks set on the game of life application for two different technology nodes.
The Interaction Force between Scheelite and Scheelite/Fluorite/Calcite Measured Using Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Yang Junyan , Qi Shen , Song Bo , Zheng Qi , Che Xiaokui , Wang Lijun
Published: February 2020

The mechanism of the formation of the hydrophobic agglomerate in fine scheelite flotation was studied using zeta potential measurement, contact angle measurement, optical microscope measurement, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) colloid probe technology. Zeta potential measurement results confirmed the adsorption of sodium oleate on scheelite, fluorite, and calcite surface and surface potential difference at different pH values of ultrapure water. Contact angle measurement results confirmed the surface of nature scheelite, fluorite, and calcite was hydrophilic, and the surface after thread by sodium oleate solution was hydrophobic. The optical microscope measurement results confirmed the agglomerates could really form in ultrapure water of pH 8 or 10 and in 1 mM sodium oleate solution of pH 10. The agglomerations were empty and not tight in ultrapure water. On the contrary, the hydrophobic agglomerations were larger and denser after treated with sodium oleate solution than that of in ultrapure water. According to the AFM experiment results, the interaction forces on hydrophilic scheelite-scheelite and scheelite-fluorite were repulsive at pH 5.6 and attractive at pH 8 or 10. However, the interaction forces on hydrophilic scheelite-calcite were attractive at pH 5.6, 8 or 10. The interaction forces on hydrophobic scheelite-scheelite, scheelite-fluorite, and scheelite-calcite were attractive strongly due to the existence of hydrophobic force. The measurement results of the interaction forces were in good agreement with the changes of zeta potential and contact angle at different conditions. The combined results could be beneficial to understand the interaction force in fine scheelite flotation.
Detection of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen among Febrile Patients in Ankpa, Kogi State, Nigeria
Authors: Omatola Cornelius Arome , Onoja Bernard Anyebe , Agama Joseph
Published: February 2020

Background. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has become a significant public health problem in developing countries, and the high rate of morbidity and mortality from acute and chronic infections is worrisome. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence of HBV and associated risk factors in Ankpa, Kogi State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods. Sera randomly collected from 200 participants in three public hospitals in Ankpa were screened for HBsAg using commercially available HBsAg rapid test kit (Swe-Care (R), China). Structured questionnaires were used to obtain sociodemographic details and history of exposure to risk factors. Results. Seventeen (8.5%) of the 200 patients were positive for HBsAg. Males had higher prevalence (10.89%) than females (6.06%). The age group with the highest rate of infection was 24–44 years. Patient’s occupation and marital status were significantly higher in relation to HBsAg seropositivity. Risks of HBV infection in Ankpa are sharing of sharp objects (OR = 11.62, 95% CI, 3.59–37.59), multiple sexual partners (OR = 3.39, 95% CI, 1.23–9.38), blood transfusion (OR = 13.74, 95% CI, 4.22–44.71), surgeries (OR = 3.02, 95% CI, 1.03–8.83), alcoholism (OR = 6.94, 95% CI, 2.32–20.75), mouth-to-mouth kissing (p=0.001), and contact with HBV patient (OR = 4.14, 95% CI, 1.01–17.06). People without prior knowledge of HBV infection were more infected. Conclusion. This study reaffirms the endemicity of HBV in a part of sub-Saharan African country. Public health practitioners should focus attention on apparently healthy patients in developing countries. We suggest inclusion of HBsAg screening for patients coming for routine hospital care.
Invasion of Pheochromocytoma from the Caudal Vena Cava to the Right Ventricular Cavity in a Dog
Authors: Machida Takafumi , Machida Noboru
Published: February 2020

Pheochromocytomas are catecholamine-secreting tumors that are composed of neuroectoderm-derived chromaffin cells. An 8-year-old miniature dachshund with abdominal distension was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor with invasion from the caudal vena cava to the right ventricular cavity. The dog died due to hypotensive shock from the vagal reflex, and on autopsy, an extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma (paraganglioma) was diagnosed in the caudal abdomen. At autopsy, the tumor plug of the caudal vena cava was confirmed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report that echo-captured the extension of pheochromocytoma in the right ventricle and shows it in a figure and video file.
Model Tests on the Antibreaking Countermeasures for Tunnel Lining Across Stick‐Slip Faults
Authors: Cui Guang-yao , Wang Xue-lai , Wang Zheng-zheng , Wang Dao-yuan
Published: February 2020

In order to improve the structural safety and stability of the tunnels crossing stick‐slip fault, an indoor model test on the effect of tunnel antibreaking measures under the influence of fault stick‐slip movements was conducted. Using contact pressure, longitudinal strain, and safety factor, the antibreaking effect of tunnels was compared and analyzed under 5 kinds of operating conditions, mainly including no measures, structural strengthening, structural strengthening and reducing dislocation layer, structural strengthening and reducing dislocation joint, structural strengthening and reducing dislocation layer, and reducing dislocation joint. The results showed that the longitudinal strain and contact pressure of the tunnel changed markedly (from severe change to more uniform change) when the reducing dislocation measures were adopted in the test, reducing dislocation layer/joint or reducing dislocation layer and reducing dislocation joint. The effect of reducing the fault stick‐slip dislocation on the tunnel structure is very limited by only taking structure strengthening measures. The effect of reducing the fault stick‐slip dislocation on the tunnel structure is obvious by using the reducing dislocation method, and the minimum safety factor is increased by more than 8 times. The effect of resisting and reducing the fault stick‐slip dislocation on the tunnel structure is remarkable by adopting the measures of the structural strengthening and reducing dislocation layer and reducing dislocation joint, and the minimum safety factor is increased by more than 25.45 times. The results can provide reference for the design of antibreaking for the stick‐slip fault tunnel in high earthquake intensity and dangerous mountainous areas.
Mathematical Properties of Linkage Disequilibrium Statistics Defined by Normalization of the Coefficient D = pAB – pApB
Authors: Kang Jonathan T.L. , Rosenberg Noah A.
Published: February 2020

Background: Many statistics for measuring linkage disequilibrium (LD) take the form of a normalization of the LD coefficient D. Different normalizations produce statistics with different ranges, interpretations, and arguments favoring their use. Methods: Here, to compare the mathematical properties of these normalizations, we consider 5 of these normalized statistics, describing their upper bounds, the mean values of their maxima over the set of possible allele frequency pairs, and the size of the allele frequency regions accessible given specified values of the statistics. Results: We produce detailed characterizations of these properties for the statistics d and ρ, analogous to computations previously performed for r2. We examine the relationships among the statistics, uncovering conditions under which some of them have close connections. Conclusion: The results contribute insight into LD measurement, particularly the understanding of differences in the features of different LD measures when computed on the same data.
Treatment of Persons with Multiple Myeloma in Underprivileged Circumstances: Real-World Data from a Single Institution
Authors: Murrieta-Álvarez Iván  , Steensma David P. , Olivares-Gazca Juan Carlos , Olivares-Gazca Mauricio , León-Peña Andrés , Cantero-Fortiz Yahveth , García-Navarrete Yarely Itzayana , Cruz-Mora Antonio , Ruiz-Argüelles Alejandro , Ruiz-Delgado Guillermo José , Ruiz-Argüelles Guillermo José
Published: February 2020

Background: The treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has evolved in recent years, and the disease-associated prognosis has improved substantially. This improvement has been driven largely by the approval of novel agents, many of which are expensive and not universally available. Less expensive but effective approaches would be of value globally. Patients and Methods: All consecutive MM patients diagnosed in the Centro de Hematología y Medicina Interna de Puebla after 1993 were included in this study. Patients were given oral thalidomide (100 mg/day), oral dexamethasone (36–40 mg/week), and aspirin 100 mg/day. Bor­tezomib (1.75 mg s.c. every week) was administered to those who could afford it. After 4–6 weeks of treatment, patients were offered an outpatient-based hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). After the recovery of granulocytes following HCT, patients continued indefinitely on thalidomide; those who failed to tolerate thalidomide were switched to lenalidomide (25 mg/day). Results: The median overall survival (OS) for all patients has not been reached and is >157 months. Median follow-up of the patients lasted 14 months (range 1.3–157). The median OS of patients with and without HCT was similar. The response rate (complete remission or very good partial remission) was 72% for those given thalidomide plus dexamethasone versus 88% for those given bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone before HCT, but OS was not different. As post-HCT maintenance, 37 patients received thalidomide; 26 of those (70%) could be maintained indefinitely on thalidomide, whereas 11 were switched to lenalidomide after a median of 7 months; median OS of patients maintained on thalidomide or lenalidomide after HCT was not different. Conclusion: In this series, a regimen incorporating low-cost novel agents and outpatient HCT was associated with excellent long-term survival in the treatment of MM patients. This approach may be a model for MM treatment in underprivileged circumstances.
Etiology and Morphology Impact on the Clinical Course of Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Perkhofer Lukas , Besold Theresa , Schmidberger Julian , Seufferlein Thomas , Hann Alexander , Müller Martin , Kleger Alexander
Published: February 2020

Background: Symptoms caused by chronic pancreatitis (CP) are common but often elusive hampering therapeutic decisions. Though correlations of morphologic findings in imaging and clinical appearance remain vague. We aimed in investigating whether a distinct combination of clinical parameters can better define the extent of pancreatic insufficiency and disease burden. Methods: Data from 350 CP patients were evaluated retrospectively from a single center data base following predefined criteria: (i) confirmed CP, (ii) endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) plus (iii) fecal elastase-1 testing, (iv) age ≥18 years, and (v) Cambridge Score ≥1 on EUS evaluation. Results: In total, 182 patients (137 male, 45 female) fulfilled criteria. Median age was 52 years (range 19–88 years). Etiology distributed as follows: idiopathic 50%, alcohol 42.3%, autoimmune 7.7%. Totally, 56.6% of patients suffered from chronic pain that was significantly associated with male sex and younger age. Stool elastase-1 activity discriminated exocrine pancreatic function in Cambridge IV significantly better than in lower stages. Similarly, the endocrine function was significantly more reduced in Cambridge IV CP. Multinominal regression analysis revealed (i) presence of diabetes, (ii) presence of complications, and (iii) extent of Cambridge score as main determinants for exocrine impairment. Conclusion: A high disease burden is linked to extensive morphological alterations in EUS, while pain is more frequent in younger and male patients. The etiology of CP predicts the course of disease in terms of complications.
Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease: Valuable Programming Insights from Anecdotal Observations
Authors: Dayal Viswas , Akram Harith , Zrinzo Ludvic , Limousin Patricia , Foltynie Thomas
Published: February 2020

In this article, we use a case to illustrate and discuss some practically important learning points about programming subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease patients and highlight clinically relevant issues resulting from anatomical and device-related anomalies. These include the phenomenon of a dominant subthalamic nucleus, clinical variability with delayed response to stimulation, equivalence of electrical charge when using short-pulse settings, and issues regarding conversion of settings between constant-current and constant-voltage devices that are increasingly common with the use of device components from multiple manufacturers.
Johann Bernhard Aloys von Gudden: The Unrecognized Role of the Psychiatrist and Neuroanatomist in Modern Stereotactic Neurosurgery
Authors: Coenen Volker A. , Hurwitz Trevor A. , Schlaepfer Thomas E.
Published: February 2020

Bernhard von Gudden was the founder of the famous school of psychiatry and neuroanatomy in Munich, Germany. Beyond his association with the mysterious death of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, not much is known about Bernhard von Gudden’s work in neuroanatomy. He pioneered fiber tract mapping by studying the effects of neurodegeneration following brain lesions. His ideas and work lay the foundation for subsequent fiber tract mapping strategies including the latest method using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance. This paper describes and acknowledges his contribution to the field, now collectively known as connectomics, and describes how it has become an essential tool in modern stereotactic neurosurgery.
False-Positive Elevation of CK-MB Levels with Chest Pain in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ota Takayo , Hasegawa Yoshikazu , Murata Eriko , Tanaka Noriko , Fukuoka Masahiro
Published: February 2020

The creatinine kinase (CK)-MB assay can be used for the early diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. We describe the case of an 82-year-old male with lung adenocarcinoma who presented with chest pain. While laboratory findings showed elevated CK-MB levels, there was no cardiac injury. A chest computed tomography scan revealed pleural carcinomatosis. Later, electrophoretic analysis of CK showed a normal CK-MB range but increased CK-BB levels and the presence of macro CK type 2. We determined that the patient’s chest pain originated from the visceral pleural invasion of lung cancer. Because of the methods used to measure the CK-MB isozyme, the CK-MB level appeared elevated.
Bilingualism Delays Expression of Alzheimer’s Clinical Syndrome
Authors: Mendez Mario F. , Chavez Diana , Akhlaghipour Golnoush
Published: February 2020

Objective: To evaluate the effects of bilingualism on the emergence of Alzheimer’s clinical syndrome. Background: Studies have proposed an increase in cognitive and neural reserve from the management and control of two languages, with a consequent delayed expression of dementia. Methods: In a clinic with a large immigrant population, we identified 253 patients with probable Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with intermediate or high evidence of AD pathophysiological process. These patients were reviewed for demographic variables, native language (L1) other than English, ages of onset and presentation, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), digit spans, word fluencies, naming, and memory. Results: Among these patients, 74 (29.2%) were bilinguals with various L1s (Farsi, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Arabic, others). When compared to the 179 monolingual AD patients, those who were bilingual had significant delays in ages of onset and presentation of approximately 4 years (p = 0.003). These delays persisted despite bilinguals having worse MMSE scores on presentation. There were no significant group differences on other variables except for worse naming in English among bilinguals versus monolinguals. Caregiver/informants reported that 66 (89.2%) of the 74 bilingual AD patients had gradually regressed to the predominant use of their L1. Conclusions: In line with published reports worldwide, we found that bilingualism delays the expression of Alzheimer’s clinical syndrome. We also found frequent reversion to the first learned language. These findings suggest that, among bilinguals, the availability of an L1 “back-up” either facilitates compensation or masks emergence of the early symptoms of dementia.
Contribution of Immune-Mediated Paraneoplastic Syndromes to Neurological Manifestations of Neuroendocrine Tumours: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Tannoury Jenny , de Mestier Louis , Hentic Olivia , Ruszniewski Philippe , Créange Alain , Sobhani Iradj
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Neurological symptoms associated with neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) may be related to metastatic disease or paraneoplastic syndromes (PNSs); these last are often associated with autoantibodies targeting various onconeural antigens. To better characterize neurological PNSs related to NETs, we report the largest case-series study to date. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients diagnosed with NETs of the gastrointestinal tract who presented with neurological symptoms at either of 2 tertiary academic hospitals (Henri Mondor and Beaujon, France) between 1994 and 2016. All patients underwent extensive neurological tests including clinical, laboratory, and radiological investigations. The clinical response to immunomodulating agents was recorded. Results: In the 13 identified patients, the most common presentations were peripheral neuropathy (46.2%) and encephalopathy (26.6%). Of the 6 (53.3%) patients whose serum anti-neuronal antibodies were assayed, 5 had high titres. Short-term oral corticosteroid and immunosuppressant drug therapy was given to 4 of these patients, of whom 3 had a clinical response and 1 no response. Repeated high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy induced a complete clinical response in 1 patient. Encephalopathy resolved fully after hepatectomy or intrahepatic chemoembolization for liver metastases in another 2 patients. Discussion: The neurological symptoms associated with NETs may be due in part to autoimmune PNS. Based on experience at our 2 centres, we estimate that autoimmune PNS occurs in about 1% of patients with NETs. Early symptom recognition allows the initiation of effective treatments including corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, and/or intravenous immunoglobulins.