bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mothers of 0–3‐year‐old children with Down syndrome: Effects on quality of life
Authors: Senses Dinc Gulser , Cop Esra , Tos Tulay , Sari Eyup , Senel Saliha
Published: July 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) of mothers of children with Down syndrome (DS) and the factors related to it.

Methods

Seventy‐five DS child–mother diads and 54 healthy child–mother diads were included in this study. The brief World Health Organization Quality of Life scale – Turkish version (WHOQOL‐BREF‐TR), Symptom Check List‐90‐Revised (SCL‐90‐TR), Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were completed by mothers to assess maternal QoL, burnout, anxiety, depression and general psychiatric symptoms.

Results

Mothers of DS children had significantly higher SCL‐90 general symptom index scores, Beck depressive symptom scores and higher scores in all domains of the brief World Health Organization Quality of Life scale – (WHOQOL‐BREF‐TR) except the WHOQOL‐BREF‐TR‐psychological health domain. MBI personal achievement scores were weakly correlated with psychological health in mothers of DS children. There was a reverse correlation between comorbid disorders and the WHOQOL‐BREF‐TR psychological health domain, and a weak correlation between sex (having a baby girl with DS) and increased WHOQOL‐BREF‐TR physical health domain score. Number of offspring was negatively correlated with maternal social quality of life.

Conclusion

Mothers of children with DS are negatively affected in terms of QoL and mental health, even in the early period. It would be useful to systematically screen these mothers and to refer them for appropriate intervention at an early stage.
Environmental and irrigation conditions can mask the effect of Magnaporthiopsis maydis on growth and productivity of maize
Authors: Ortiz‐Bustos C. M. , López‐Bernal A. , Testi L. , Molinero‐Ruiz L.
Published: July 2019

Maize production in temperate countries is threatened by late wilt, caused by Magnaporthiopsis maydis. Plant infection occurs early after sowing, but symptoms appear from flowering onwards. The disease is mainly controlled by genetic resistance, which is often partially expressed in the field. Development of disease symptoms is also highly dependent on environmental conditions. This study looked at whether production and growth of susceptible maize are affected by M. maydis under environmental conditions that are suboptimal for disease development. In addition, the effect of water availability on disease development under optimal conditions was determined. Pot experiments were conducted in an open‐air enclosure in 2013, 2015 and 2016. Under unfavourable conditions for disease (low air temperature and relatively high air humidity), aboveground symptoms did not appear in the plants despite growth and production variables being clearly altered by the fungus. When air temperatures and humidity were optimal for disease development (air temperatures relatively high and humidity rather low), leaf symptoms on inoculated plants became apparent but with secondary importance compared to decreases in growth and production. The pathogen also affected the root:aboveground biomass ratio to a greater extent when the plants were under good water conditions than under deficit irrigation. Under optimal conditions and with good soil water content, the infected crop may end its cycle without symptoms, with the disease undetected, although reductions in yield and aboveground biomass can occur.
Costs of civil war and fragile states in Africa
Authors: Dunne John Paul , Tian Nan
Published: July 2019

This paper provides an analysis of the costs of conflict for the countries that are most affected by it, namely low‐income and fragile countries in Africa. It provides an analysis of the impact of conflict on economic growth using a panel of African countries and investigates the differences between those categorized as fragile and others. It finds that there are significant differences, with fragile countries most affected by conflict. It also considers the potential spillover effects of conflict and finds that fragile states also suffer more from conflicts within neighboring states. Finally, it considers whether the results are robust to endogeneity of the conflict variable. Using instrumental variable estimation confirms the negative effect of conflict and the larger effects on fragile states and gives even larger coefficient estimates.
Implementation of a Multimodal Analgesic Strategy Including Continuous Femoral Nerve Block in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Grueso Angulo Reinaldo , Bonilla  Ramírez Antonio José , Moreno Oliveros Ginna Milena , Moreno Martínez Diego Alberto , Quesada Montealegre Diego Aldemar , Abril Laura , Mondragon Maria Cristina , Matamoros Ana María
Published: July 2019

Total knee replacement is a painful surgical procedure. The inadequate control of postoperative pain is associated with adverse outcomes in the short and long term. Continuous femoral block has been shown to be effective and efficient as part of multimodal analgesia. This series of 48 patients who underwent total knee replacement, who received multimodal analgesic treatment including continuous femoral nerve block, documents the pain control profile during the first 48 hours. This is a successful experience of implementing regional techniques as part of perioperative pain relief, as documented in the literature. We emphasize that each institution must know its technical and human resource and characterize its patients, in order to implement multimodal analgesia protocols that include this regional technique. We also suggest to monitor and implement continuous improvement processes.
Modeling and Control Design for an Inlet Metering Valve-Controlled Pump Used to Control Actuator Velocity Via H-Infinity and Two-Degrees-of-Freedom Methods
Authors: Ali Hasan H. , Fales Roger C. , Manring Noah D.
Published: July 2019

Using a unique inlet metering pump with fixed displacement and speed, this work introduces a new way to control a linear hydraulic actuator velocity. The inlet metering system consists of an inlet metering valve that adjusts the hydraulic fluid flow that enters the pump and a fixed displacement pump. Fluid is supplied to the inlet metering valve at a fixed pressure. Energy losses associated with flow metering in the system are reduced because the pressure drop across the inlet metering valve can be small compared to a traditional valve-controlled system. A velocity control system is designed using the inlet metering pump to control the fluid flow into a hydraulic cylinder. First, the valve dynamic model is ignored, the open-loop response is studied, and closed-loop proportional and proportional derivative controllers are designed. Next, the valve dynamic model is included and closed-loop proportional integral derivative, H∞, and two-degrees-of-freedom controllers are designed. Designs with the goals of stability and performance of the system are considered so that a precise velocity control system for the hydraulic cylinder is achieved. In addition to the potentially high efficiency of this system, there is potential for low-cost, fast-response, and less complicated dynamics compared to other systems. The results show that the velocity control system can be designed so that the system is stable for all cases and with 0% overshoot and no oscillation depending on valve dynamics using the two-degrees-of-freedom controller for tracking the desired velocity.
A heritable subset of the core rumen microbiome dictates dairy cow productivity and emissions
Authors: Wallace R. John , Sasson Goor , Garnsworthy Philip C. , Tapio Ilma , Gregson Emma , Bani Paolo , Huhtanen Pekka , Bayat Ali R. , Strozzi Francesco , Biscarini Filippo , Snelling Timothy J. , Saunders Neil , Potterton Sarah L. , Craigon James , Minuti Andrea , Trevisi Erminio , Callegari Maria L. , Cappelli Fiorenzo Piccioli , Cabezas-Garcia Edward H. , Vilkki Johanna , Pinares-Patino Cesar , Fliegerová Kateřina O. , Mrázek Jakub , Sechovcová Hana , Kopečný Jan , Bonin Aurélie , Boyer Frédéric , Taberlet Pierre , Kokou Fotini , Halperin Eran , Williams John L. , Shingfield Kevin J. , Mizrahi Itzhak
Published: July 2019

Cow genes dictate environmentally friendly microbiomes: a step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Synchronous crop failures and climate-forced production variability
Authors: Anderson W. B. , Seager R. , Baethgen W. , Cane M. , You L.
Published: July 2019

ENSO, the IOD, TAV, and NAO all affect crop production variance, but only ENSO can force globally synchronous crop failures.
Hepatocyte-specific HIF-1α ablation improves obesity-induced glucose intolerance by reducing first-pass GLP-1 degradation
Authors: Lee Yun Sok , Riopel Matthew , Cabrales Pedro , Bandyopadhyay Guatam K.
Published: July 2019

Adipose tissue dysfunction leads to increased hepatocyte HIF-1α expression, promoting first-pass incretin hormone degradation.
Imaging CAR T cell therapy with PSMA-targeted positron emission tomography
Authors: Minn Il , Huss David J. , Ahn Hye-Hyun , Chinn Tamara M. , Park Andrew , Jones Jon , Brummet Mary , Rowe Steven P. , Sysa-Shah Polina , Du Yong , Levitsky Hyam I. , Pomper Martin G.
Published: July 2019

PET targeting a mutated PSMA enabled serial imaging of CAR T cell activity in a murine model of ALL.
Ancient DNA sheds light on the genetic origins of early Iron Age Philistines
Authors: Feldman Michal , Master Daniel M. , Bianco Raffaela A. , Burri Marta , Stockhammer Philipp W. , Mittnik Alissa , Aja Adam J. , Jeong Choongwon , Krause Johannes
Published: July 2019

Bronze and Iron Age genomes suggest a European-related gene flow coincided with the Philistines arrival in ancient Ashkelon.
High-speed AFM reveals accelerated binding of agitoxin-2 to a K
+
channel by induced fit
Authors: Sumino A. , Sumikama T. , Uchihashi T. , Oiki S.
Published: July 2019

We revealed that binding of agitoxin-2 to a K
+
channel uses an induced-fit pathway by single-molecule analysis via high-speed AFM.
CATACOMB: An endogenous inducible gene that antagonizes H3K27 methylation activity of Polycomb repressive complex 2 via an H3K27M-like mechanism
Authors: Piunti Andrea , Smith Edwin R. , Morgan Marc A. J. , Ugarenko Michal , Khaltyan Natalia , Helmin Kathryn A. , Ryan Caila A. , Murray David C. , Rickels Ryan A. , Yilmaz Bahar D. , Rendleman Emily J. , Savas Jeffrey N. , Singer Benjamin D. , Bulun Serdar E. , Shilatifard Ali
Published: July 2019

CATACOMB
is a catalytic antagonist PRC2 subunit whose expression is induced upon DNA demethylation.
p21: One protein to rule cell fate
Authors: Montero Joan
Published: July 2019

Early p21 expression controls cells’ proliferation/senescence fate after chemotherapy.
Live and let die
Authors: Abalde-Atristain Leire
Published: July 2019

Death and replacement of microglia is required for effective remyelination of damaged axons.
Unraveling the Structure of the Mycobacterial Envelope
Authors: Daffé Mamadou , Marrakchi Hedia
Published: July 2019

The mycobacterial cell envelope consists of a typical plasma membrane of lipid and protein surrounded by a complex cell wall composed of carbohydrate and lipid. In pathogenic species, such as
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, an outermost “capsule” layer surrounds the cell wall. This wall embraces a fundamental, covalently linked “cell-wall skeleton” composed of peptidoglycan, solidly attached to arabinogalactan, whose penta-saccharide termini are esterified by very-long-chain fatty acids (mycolic acids). These fatty acids form the inner leaflet of an outer membrane, called the mycomembrane, whose outer leaflet consists of a great variety of non-covalently linked lipids and glycolipids. The thickness of the mycomembrane, which is similar to that of the plasma membrane, is surprising in view of the length of mycoloyl residues, suggesting dedicated conformations of these fatty acids. Finally, a periplasmic space also exists in mycobacteria, between the plasma membrane and the peptidoglycan. This article provides a comprehensive overview of this biologically important and structurally unique mycobacterial cell compartment.
Surface Proteins ofStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Foster Timothy J.
Published: July 2019

The surface ofStaphylococcus aureusis decorated with over 20 proteins that are covalently anchored to peptidoglycan by the action of sortase A. These cell wall-anchored (CWA) proteins can be classified into several structural and functional groups. The largest is the MSCRAMM family, which is characterized by tandemly repeated IgG-like folded domains that bind peptide ligands by the dock lock latch mechanism or the collagen triple helix by the collagen hug. Several CWA proteins comprise modules that have different functions, and some individual domains can bind different ligands, sometimes by different mechanisms. For example, the N-terminus of the fibronectin binding proteins comprises an MSCRAMM domain which binds several ligands, while the C-terminus is composed of tandem fibronectin binding repeats. Surface proteins promote adhesion to host cells and tissue, including components of the extracellular matrix, contribute to biofilm formation by stimulating attachment to the host or indwelling medical devices followed by cell-cell accumulation via homophilic interactions between proteins on neighboring cells, help bacteria evade host innate immune responses, participate in iron acquisition from host hemoglobin, and trigger invasion of bacteria into cells that are not normally phagocytic. The study of genetically manipulated strains using animal infection models has shown that many CWA proteins contribute to pathogenesis. Fragments of CWA proteins have the potential to be used in multicomponent vaccines to preventS. aureusinfections.
Component Microenvironments and System Biogeography Structure Microorganism Distributions in Recirculating Aquaculture and Aquaponic Systems
Authors: Bartelme Ryan P. , Smith Matthew C. , Sepulveda-Villet Osvaldo J. , Newton Ryan J.
Published: July 2019

Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are agroecosystems for intensive on-land cultivation of products of fisheries. Practitioners that incorporate edible plant production into RAS refer to these facilities as aquaponic systems (AP). RAS have the potential to offset declining production levels of wild global fisheries while reducing waste and product distance to market, but system optimization is needed to reduce costs. Both RAS and AP rely on microbial consortia for maintaining water quality and promoting fish/plant health, but little is known about the microorganisms actually present. This lack of knowledge prevents optimization of designs and operational controls to target the growth of beneficial microbial species or consortia. The significance of our research is in identifying the common microorganisms that inhabit production RAS and AP and the operational factors that influence which microorganisms colonize and become abundant. Identifying these organisms is a first step toward advanced control of microbial activities that improve reproducibility and reduce costs.
Role of diet in type 2 diabetes incidence: umbrella review of meta-analyses of prospective observational studies
Authors: Neuenschwander Manuela , Ballon Aurélie , Weber Katharina S , Norat Teresa , Aune Dagfinn , Schwingshackl Lukas , Schlesinger Sabrina
Published: July 2019

Objective

To summarise the evidence of associations between dietary factors and incidence of type 2 diabetes and to evaluate the strength and validity of these associations.

Design

Umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses of prospective observational studies.

Data sources

PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase, searched up to August 2018.

Eligibility criteria

Systematic reviews with meta-analyses reporting summary risk estimates for the associations between incidence of type 2 diabetes and dietary behaviours or diet quality indices, food groups, foods, beverages, alcoholic beverages, macronutrients, and micronutrients.

Results

53 publications were included, with 153 adjusted summary hazard ratios on dietary behaviours or diet quality indices (n=12), food groups and foods (n=56), beverages (n=10), alcoholic beverages (n=12), macronutrients (n=32), and micronutrients (n=31), regarding incidence of type 2 diabetes. Methodological quality was high for 75% (n=115) of meta-analyses, moderate for 23% (n=35), and low for 2% (n=3). Quality of evidence was rated high for an inverse association for type 2 diabetes incidence with increased intake of whole grains (for an increment of 30 g/day, adjusted summary hazard ratio 0.87 (95% confidence interval 0.82 to 0.93)) and cereal fibre (for an increment of 10 g/day, 0.75 (0.65 to 0.86)), as well as for moderate intake of total alcohol (for an intake of 12-24 g/day
v
no consumption, 0.75 (0.67 to 0.83)). Quality of evidence was also high for the association for increased incidence of type 2 diabetes with higher intake of red meat (for an increment of 100 g/day, 1.17 (1.08 to 1.26)), processed meat (for an increment of 50 g/day, 1.37 (1.22 to 1.54)), bacon (per two slices/day, 2.07 (1.40 to 3.05)), and sugar sweetened beverages (for an increase of one serving/day, 1.26 (1.11 to 1.43)).

Conclusions

Overall, the association between dietary factors and type 2 diabetes has been extensively studied, but few of the associations were graded as high quality of evidence. Further factors are likely to be important in type 2 diabetes prevention; thus, more well conducted research, with more detailed assessment of diet, is needed.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42018088106.
Blood lead level risk factors and reference value derivation in a cross-sectional study of potentially lead-exposed workers in Iran
Authors: Nakhaee Sareh , Amirabadizadeh Alireza , Nakhaee Samaneh , Zardast Mahmood , Schimmel Jonathan , Ahmadian-Moghadam Jalil , Akbari Ayob , Mohammadian Darmian Homeira , Mohammadi Maryam , Mehrpour Omid
Published: July 2019

Objectives

This exploratory investigation aimed to measure blood lead levels and associated risk factors in exposed workers in Iran, and to derive appropriate reference values for blood lead in this population as a means of epidemiological comparison.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Manufacturing plants with potential lead exposure in Southern Khorasan Province, Iran.

Participants

The study included 630 workers, selected through stratified random sampling.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary measures in this exploratory investigation were venous blood lead concentration (BLC) and associated risk factors of age, gender, work experience, cigarette smoking and history of opium use. The secondary measures were symptoms associated with lead toxicity. Data analyses were conducted using Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman correlation coefficient and regression analysis.

Results

Mean and median BLCs were 6.5±8.1 μg/dL and 3.9 μg/dL (IQR: 2.9–5.8), respectively. Of the subjects, 85 (13.5%) had BLC ≥10 μg/dL. The derived reference BLC value in this study was 30 μg/dL for men and 14 μg/dL for women. Increasing work experience and age were associated with BLC >10 μg/dL. Radiator manufacturers were up to 12.9 times (95% CI 4.6 to 35, p<0.005) more likely than painters to have BLC >10 μg/dL. Most subjects reported multiple symptoms.

Conclusions

The mean BLC was above the maximum recommended concentration. There was a significant relationship between higher BLC and age or working in a printing factory or radiator manufacturing. These findings can direct efforts towards reducing occupational lead exposure.
Identification of mental health and quality of life outcomes in primary care databases in the UK: a systematic review
Authors: Carreira Helena , Williams Rachael , Strongman Helen , Bhaskaran Krishnan
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To summarise the definitions and combinations of codes used to identify outcomes of anxiety, depression, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction (including mild cognitive dysfunction and dementia), sexual dysfunction, pain, sleep disorders, and fatal and non-fatal self-harm in studies using electronic health records from primary care databases in the UK.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

Medline, Embase and lists of publications of the main primary care databases in the UK.

Eligibility criteria

Included data from a UK primary care database and studied outcome(s) of interest.

Data extraction and synthesis

We abstracted information on the outcomes definition and codelists. When necessary, authors were contacted to request codelists.

Results

120 studies were eligible. Codelists were available for 17/42 studies of depression; 21/41 studies of fatal and non-fatal self-harm; 17/27 studies of dementia/cognitive dysfunction; 5/12 studies of anxiety; 4/8 studies of pain; 3/6 studies of fatigue and sexual dysfunction; 1/2 studies of sleep disorders. Depression was most often defined using codes for diagnoses (37/42 studies) and/or antidepressants prescriptions (21/42 studies); six studies reported including symptoms in their definition. Anxiety was defined with codes for diagnoses (12/12 studies); four studies also reported including symptoms. Fatal self-harm was ascertained in primary care data linked to the Office for National Statistics mortality database in nine studies. Most studies of cognitive dysfunction included Alzheimer’s disease, and vascular and frontotemporal dementia. Fatigue definitions varied little, including chronic fatigue syndrome, neurasthenia and postviral fatigue syndrome. All studies of sexual dysfunction focused on male conditions, principally erectile dysfunction. Sleep disorders included insomnia and hypersomnia. There was substantial variability in the codelists; validation was carried out i21/120 studies.

Conclusions

There is a need for standardised definitions and validated list of codes to assess mental health and quality of life outcomes in primary care databases in the UK.
Barriers and facilitators to data quality of electronic health records used for clinical research in China: a qualitative study
Authors: Ni Kaiwen , Chu Hongling , Zeng Lin , Li Nan , Zhao Yiming
Published: July 2019

Objectives

There is an increasing trend in the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for clinical research. However, more knowledge is needed on how to assure and improve data quality. This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals’ experiences and perceptions of barriers and facilitators of data quality of EHR-based studies in the Chinese context.

Setting

Four tertiary hospitals in Beijing, China.

Participants

Nineteen healthcare professionals with experience in using EHR data for clinical research participated in the study.

Methods

A qualitative study based on face-to-face semistructured interviews was conducted from March to July 2018. The interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was performed using the inductive thematic analysis approach.

Results

The main themes included factors related to healthcare systems, clinical documentation, EHR systems and researchers. The perceived barriers to data quality included heavy workload, staff rotations, lack of detailed information for specific research, variations in terminology, limited retrieval capabilities, large amounts of unstructured data, challenges with patient identification and matching, problems with data extraction and unfamiliar with data quality assessment. To improve data quality, suggestions from participants included: better staff training, providing monetary incentives, performing daily data verification, improving software functionality and coding structures as well as enhancing multidisciplinary cooperation.

Conclusions

These results provide a basis to begin to address current barriers and ultimately to improve validity and generalisability of research findings in China.
Study of a multisite prospective adverse event surveillance system
Authors: Forster Alan J , Huang Allen , Lee Todd C , Jennings Alison , Choudhri Omer , Backman Chantal
Published: July 2019

Background

We have designed a prospective adverse event (AE) surveillance method. We performed this study to evaluate this method’s performance in several hospitals simultaneously.

Objectives

To compare AE rates obtained by prospective AE surveillance in different hospitals and to evaluate measurement factors explaining observed variation.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre prospective observational study. Prospective AE surveillance was implemented for 8 weeks on the general medicine wards of five hospitals. To determine if population factors may have influenced results, we performed mixed-effects logistic regression. To determine if surveillance factors may have influenced results, we reassigned observers to different hospitals midway through surveillance period and reallocated a random sample of events to different expert review teams.

Results

During 3560 patient days of observation of 1159 patient encounters, we identified 356 AEs (AE risk per encounter=22%). AE risk varied between hospitals ranging from 9.9% of encounters in Hospital D to 35.8% of encounters in Hospital A. AE types and severity were similar between hospitals—the most common types were related to clinical procedures (45%), hospital-acquired infections (21%) and medications (19%). Adjusting for age and comorbid status, we observed an association between hospital and AE risk. We observed variation in observer behaviour and moderate agreement between clinical reviewers, which could have influenced the observed rate difference.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that it is possible to implement prospective surveillance in different settings. Such surveillance appears to be better suited to evaluating hospital safety concerns within rather than between hospitals as we could not definitively rule out whether the observed variation in AE risk was due to population or surveillance factors.
Reducing unnecessary sedative-hypnotic use among hospitalised older adults
Authors: Fan-Lun Chris , Chung Clarissa , Lee Eun Hye Grace , Pek Elisabeth , Ramsden Rebecca , Ethier Cheryl , Soong Christine
Published: July 2019

Background

Benzodiazepines and sedative hypnotics (BSH) have numerous adverse effects that can lead to negative outcomes, particularly in vulnerable hospitalised older adults. At our institution, over 15% of hospitalised older adults are prescribed sedative-hypnotics inappropriately. Of these prescriptions, 87% occurred at night to treat insomnia and almost 20% came from standard admission order sets.

Methods

We conducted a time-series study from January 2015 to August 2016 among medical and cardiology inpatients following the implementation in August 2015 of a sedative reduction bundle (education, removal of BSH from available admission order sets and non-pharmacological strategies to improve sleep). Preintervention period was January–July 2015 and postintervention period was August 2015–August 2016. A surgical ward served as control. Primary outcome was the proportion of BSH-naive (not on BSH prior to admission) patients 65 years or older discharged from medical and cardiology wards who were prescribed any new BSH for sleep in hospital. Data were analysed on statistical process control (SPC) p-charts with upper and lower limits set at 3δ using standard rules. Secondary measures included Patient-reported Median Sleep Quality scores and rates of fall and sedating drug prescriptions that may be used for sleep (dimenhydrinate).

Results

During the study period, there were 5805 and 1115 discharges from the intervention and control units, respectively. From the mean baseline BSH prescription rate of 15.8%, the postintervention period saw an absolute reduction of 8.0% (95% CI 5.6% to 10.3%; p<0.001). Adjusted for temporal trends, the intervention produced a 5.3% absolute reduction in the proportion of patients newly prescribed BSH (95% CI 5.6% to 10.3%; p=0.002). BSH prescription rates remained stable on the control ward. Patient-reported measure of sleep quality, falls and use of other sedating medications remained unchanged throughout the study duration.

Conclusion

A comprehensive intervention bundle was associated with a reduction in inappropriate BSH prescriptions among older inpatients.
Severe hypophosphataemia following ferric carboxymaltose infusion in paediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Harris Rachel Elizabeth , Armstrong Lawrence , Curtis Lee , Garrick Vikki , Gervais Lisa , Tayler Rachel , Hansen Richard , Russell Richard K
Published: July 2019

This case series describes the cases of three adolescent patients with established inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who experienced significant hypophosphataemia following intravenous infusion of ferric carboxymaltose as treatment for iron deficiency anaemia. Hypophosphataemia may cause a diverse range of symptoms and may be difficult to diagnose clinically due to their non-specific nature. Checking a baseline phosphate (PO4) prior to intravenous iron infusion may identify patients at higher risk for significant hypophosphataemia and perhaps allow the selection of an alternative iron preparation. The routine monitoring of PO4levels postinfusion presents a greater challenge; with cases of asymptomatic hypophosphataemia likely to be uncovered, as in case 3. Clinicians, patients and families should be aware of the symptoms of hypophosphataemia, and symptomatic patients should have bloods checked to allow prompt identification and correction of abnormalities where required. Review of guidelines surrounding intravenous iron infusion and management of hypophosphataemia in paediatric patients is now required.
Experimental dynamic sediment behavior under storm waves with a 50 year recurrence interval in the Yellow River Delta
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Zhang Shuyu , Zheng Jiewen , Zhang Hong , Jia Yonggang
Published: July 2019

The dynamic response of marine sediment from the Yellow River under extreme sea conditions is attracting increasing academic and engineering attention because of the high occurrence frequency of geologic hazards. To simulate the dynamic response process of sediment samples under waves with a 50 year recurrence interval, we collected undisturbed sediment samples from six sites on the intertidal flats of the Yellow River Delta and performed dynamic triaxial experiments to analyze the pore-water pressure and liquefaction process. The empirical patterns of pore-water pressure generation and ranges of sediment parameters were determined, and the factors affecting sediment liquefaction were discussed. Under the cyclic loading of waves with a 50 year recurrence interval, the pore pressure response of sediments at a depth of 4 m could be generalized into three stages: rapid growth, slow growth, and stable maintenance. Moreover, the build-up of pore-water pressure was effectively represented by a logarithmic growth model. The liquefaction characteristics of sediment in the Yellow River Delta were more related to its plasticity index, mean particle size, and clay, silt, and sand contents, as well as the sedimentary history. These factors should be considered in the development of disaster assessment models in coastal environments of the Yellow River Delta.
Endothelial and left ventricular diastolic function in young adults exposed to tobacco
Authors: Rodriguez-Portelles Ayelen , Rodriguez-Leyva Delfin
Published: July 2019

Smoking is associated with endothelial and left ventricular diastolic disfunction. We aimed to determine the endothelial and diastolic function in young adults exposed to tobacco smoke and the effects of acute exposure to it. Smokers were considered as cases and non-smokers as controls. Brachial artery diameter, brachial artery flow velocity, and echocardiographic variables were measured. Mean age of the participants was 21 years. Smokers showed significant endothelial dysfunction compared with non-smokers. Arterial dilation mediated by the endothelium was significantly higher in non-smokers than in smokers (p = 0.005). Non-endothelium-mediated arterial dilation was significantly impaired in smokers compared with non-smokers (p = 0.02). After reactive hyperaemia, there was a significant increase in blood flow in non-smokers (61%) compared with that in smokers (29%). Acute cigarette exposure showed a trend towards left ventricle diastolic disfunction in smokers. Left atrium diameter was significantly higher in smokers than in non-smokers. After acute exposure to cigarette smoke, arterial dilation and brachial flow velocity were lower than those achieved in the abstinence phase (p = 0.005). We concluded that endothelium-dependent arterial dilation is impaired in young smokers and it worsens even after acute exposure to cigarette smoke.
Dysregulation of 1-carbon metabolism and muscle atrophy: potential roles of forkhead box O proteins and PPARγ co-activator-1α
Authors: Laha Anwesha , Singh Mahavir , George Akash K. , Homme Rubens P. , Tyagi Suresh C.
Published: July 2019

Homocysteine, a non-proteinogenic amino acid but an important metabolic intermediate is generated as an integral component for the “1-carbon metabolism” during normal physiology. It is catabolized to cysteine via the transulfuration pathway resulting in the generation of hydrogen sulfide, a naturally endogenous byproduct. Genetics or metabolic derangement can alter homocysteine concentration leading to hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), a physiologically unfavorable condition that causes serious medical conditions including muscle wasting. HHcy environment can derail physiological processes by targeting biomolecules such as Akt; however, not much is known regarding the effects of HHcy on regulation of transcription factors such as forkhead box O (FOXO) proteins. Recently, hydrogen sulfide has been shown to be highly effective in alleviating the effects of HHcy by serving as an antiapoptotic factor, but role of FOXO and its interaction with hydrogen sulfide are yet to be established. In this review, we discuss role(s) of HHcy in skeletal muscle atrophy and how HHcy interact with FOXO and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha expressions that are relevant in musculoskeletal atrophy. Further, therapeutic intervention with hydrogen sulfide for harnessing its beneficial effects might help mitigate the dysregulated 1-carbon metabolism that happens to be the hallmark of HHcy-induced pathologies such as muscle atrophy.
Genome-wide transcript analysis of inflorescence development in wheat
Authors: Kim Dae Yeon , Hong Min Jeong , Seo Yong Weon
Published: July 2019

The process of inflorescence development is directly related to yield components that determine the final grain yield in most cereal crops. Here, microarray analysis was conducted for four different developmental stages of inflorescence to identify genes expressed specifically during inflorescence development. To select inflorescence-specific expressed genes, we conducted meta-analysis using 1245 Affymetrix GeneChip array sets obtained from various development stages, organs, and tissues of members of Poaceae. The early stage of inflorescence development was accompanied by a significant upregulation of a large number of cell differentiation genes, such as those associated with the cell cycle, cell division, DNA repair, and DNA synthesis. Moreover, key regulatory genes, including the MADS-box gene, KNOTTED-1-like homeobox genes, GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR 1 gene, and the histone methyltransferase gene, were highly expressed in the early inflorescence development stage. In contrast, fewer genes were expressed in the later stage of inflorescence development, and played roles in hormone biosynthesis and meiosis-associated genes. Our work provides novel information regarding the gene regulatory network of cell division, key genes involved in the differentiation of inflorescence in wheat, and regulation mechanism of inflorescence development that are crucial stages for determining final grain number per spike and the yield potential of wheat.
Novel Identity-Based Hash Proof System with Compact Master Public Key from Lattices in the Standard Model
Authors: Lai Qiqi , Yang Bo , Xia Zhe , Li Yannan , Chen Yuan , Li Zhenlong
Published: July 2019

As the progress of quantum computers, it is desired to propose many more efficient cryptographic constructions with post-quantum security. In the literatures, almost all cryptographic schemes and protocols can be explained and constructed modularly from certain cryptographic primitives, among which an Identity-Based Hash Proof System (IB-HPS) is one of the most basic and important primitives. Therefore, we can utilize IB-HPSs with post-quantum security to present several types of post-quantum secure schemes and protocols. Up until now, all known IB-HPSs with post-quantum security are instantiated based on latticed-based assumptions. However, all these lattice-based IB-HPSs are either in the random oracle model or not efficient enough in the standard model. Hence, it should be of great significance to construct more efficient IB-HPSs from lattices in the standard model.

In this paper, we propose a new smooth IB-HPS with anonymity based on the Learning with Errors (LWE) assumption in the standard model. This new construction is mainly inspired by a classical identity-based encryption scheme based on LWE due to Agreawal et al. in Eurocrypt 2010. And our innovation is to employ the algorithm SampleGaussian introduced by Gentry et al. and the property of random lattice to simulate the identity secret key with respect to the challenge identity. Compared with other existing IB-HPSs in the standard model, our master public key is quite compact. As a result, our construction has much lower overheads on computation and storage.
Pairing-Free Identity-Based Encryption with Authorized Equality Test in Online Social Networks
Authors: Wu Libing , Zhang Yubo , Choo Kim-Kwang Raymond , He Debiao
Published: July 2019

Online social networking applications have become more and more popular in the advance of the technological age. Much of our personal information has been disclosed in social networking activities and privacy-preserving still remains a research challenge in social network. Public key encryption scheme with equality test(PKEET), which is an extension of public key encryption with keyword search (PEKS), seems to be a solution. PKEET enables the tester to check whether two given ciphertexts are derived from the same plaintext. Recently, Zhu et al. proposed a pairing-free public key encryption scheme with equality test based on the traditional public key cryptosystem. However, it suffers from certificates management issue. In this paper, we propose a pairing-free identity-based encryption scheme with authorized equality test(PF-IBEAET). The PF-IBEAET scheme also provides fine-grained authorizations. We prove that the scheme is one way secure against chosen identity and chosen ciphertext attack (OW-ID-CCA) and indistinguishable against chosen-identity and chosen-ciphertext attack (IND-ID-CCA) in the random oracle model (ROM). Performance analysis shows that the scheme achieves a better performance than similar schemes.
Leakage-Resilient Hierarchical Identity-Based Encryption with Recipient Anonymity
Authors: Zhang Yinghui , Yang Menglei , Zheng Dong , Zhang Tiantian , Guo Rui , Ren Fang
Published: July 2019

As a promising public key cryptographic primitive, hierarchical identity-based encryption (HIBE) introduces key delegation mechanisms into identity-based encryption. However, key leakage and recipient anonymity issues have not been adequately addressed in HIBE. Hence, direct applications of traditional HIBE schemes will violate data security and abuse users’ privacy in practice. In this paper, we propose an anonymous unbounded hierarchical identity-based encryption scheme, which achieves bounded leakage resilience and the hierarchy depth is not limited. Our security proofs based on the dual system encryption technique show that the proposed scheme is capable of resisting key leakage and it realizes recipient anonymity in the standard model. In addition, leakage resilience analysis indicates that our scheme allows the leakage rate of approximate 1/3 no matter the hierarchy depth of identities. Finally, performance comparisons show the practicability of our scheme. In particular, the secret key of our construction is of a fixed-length.
Sand pipe formation by liquefaction and sand injection: examples from Kodachrome Basin State Park, Utah, USA
Authors: Davison Ian
Published: July 2019

The Kodachrome pipes were developed in a porous-sand host medium which is very unusual. The sub-vertical cylindrical sand pipes have previously been interpreted as injection structures with material derived from source beds near the base of the pipes. However, the large pipe formation (diameter >4 m) was probably caused by the disruption and partial liquefaction of the host sediments which have been broken into blocks by upward fluid streaming, with injection of only small amounts (<20% of pipe volume) of fluidized sand, derived from a source below. The strongest evidence for this mechanism is the sub-horizontal layering of large tabular blocks up to 4 m in length, which occurs in the largest pipes, and the preservation of traces of bedding extending from the host rock across the pipes. There is also a notable absence of rim synclines and upturned bedding around most of the pipes, which would be expected with local removal of highly viscous material containing large blocks derived from a source bed below the pipes.
BIM Use by Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry in Educational Facility Projects
Authors: Moreno Cristina , Olbina Svetlana , Issa Raja R.
Published: July 2019

In recent years, many public and private sector owners have started to require a building information modeling (BIM) component in new construction projects. Although there has been a significant increase in industry‐wide acceptance of BIM, it is still not a standard practice in the educational facility sector. This research aimed at exploring the use of BIM in educational facility projects by the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) disciplines. A survey that investigated BIM adoption at the company level, BIM implementation in projects, benefits of using BIM, and obstacles to using BIM was distributed to architects, site engineers, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, and contractors across the United States. The survey results showed that a majority of the respondents from all five disciplines used BIM. BIM was most commonly used for 3D visualization, automation of documentation, and clash detection. The most important benefits of BIM included better marketing and clearer understanding of projects which is crucial for clients such as school students, teachers, and principals. Lack of expertise and need for training seemed to be main obstacles to BIM use. The research contributes to the body of knowledge by showing prevalence of BIM use on educational facility projects and indicating how BIM could help improve collaborative knowledge sharing among designers, contractors, and clients, resulting in better quality educational buildings. These research findings can be used to assist AEC companies that are interested in implementing BIM in the educational facility projects.
Understanding How Short‐Termism and a Dynamic Investor Network Affects Investor Returns: An Agent‐Based Perspective
Authors: Oldham Matthew
Published: July 2019

The unexplained and inconsistent behavior of financial markets provides the motivation to engage interdisciplinary approaches to understand its intricacies better. A proven approach is to consider investors as heterogeneous interacting agents who form information networks to inform their investment decisions. The rationale is that the topology of these networks has contributed to a better understanding of the erratic behavior of financial markets. Introducing investor heterogeneity also allows researchers to identify the characteristics of higher performing investors and the implications of investors exhibiting short‐termism, a feature recognized by some as detrimental to the performance of the economy. To address these topics, an agent‐based artificial stock market is implemented, where investors utilize various information sources, including advice from investors in their network, to inform their investment decisions. Over time investors update their trust in their information sources and evolve their network by connecting to outperforming investors—Oracles—and discarding poor advisers, thereby simulating the evolution of an investor network. The model’s most significant finding is uncovering how the market’s behavior is materially affected by the time‐horizon of investors, with short‐term behavior resulting in greater volatility in the market. Another finding is the reason why short‐term investors generally outperform their long‐term counterparts, particularly in more volatile environments. By providing significant insights into the formation of an investor network and its ramifications for market volatility and wealth creation (destruction), this paper provides crucial clues regarding the empirical data that needs to be collected, assessed, and tracked to ensure policymakers and investors better understand the dynamics of financial markets.
Effect of Adsorption Characteristics of Rhodamine 6G Dye Solution in Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanoparticles on Fluorescence Quantum Yield
Authors: Phoemphoonthanyakit Suwaphit , Seeharaj Panpailin , Damrongsak Pattareeya , Locharoenrat Kitsakorn
Published: July 2019

In this work, the use of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles in the adsorption of rhodamine 6G solution was evaluated via absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy using the UV-Vis spectrometer. The adsorption mechanism of rhodamine 6G on Fe3O4 was determined with respect to the adsorbent dosage (2.5–10 mg/L) and treatment time (0–150 min). The experimental data revealed that the fluorescence quantum yield of rhodamine 6G was inversely proportional to the percentage of dye removal. The highest efficiency of dye removal was obtained at 10 mg/L Fe3O4, and the adsorption capacity was about 150 mg/g, together with a reduced treatment time of 30 min, owing to active adsorption of Fe3O4. We believe that our study makes a significant contribution to the literature because Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were found to be able to quench rhodamine 6G dye molecules, which will aid in eliminating toxic and hazardous pollutants from dye wastewater, which are otherwise detrimental to the environment and human health.
Functional Composition, Nutritional Properties, and Biological Activities of MoroccanSpirulinaMicroalga
Authors: Seghiri Rajaa , Kharbach Mourad , Essamri Azzouz
Published: July 2019

The present study aimed to characterize the nutraceutical properties and the antimicrobial effect of MoroccanSpirulina(Arthrospira platensis). The nutritional composition was evaluated, including water content, crude protein, total carbohydrates, lipids, phenolic composition, macro- and micromineral content, fiber content, and energy value. Then, the microbiological analysis and antioxidant activity were measured. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the minimum inhibitory concentration method on bacteria and fungi. MoroccanSpirulinacontained a large amount of protein (76.65 ± 0.15%), followed by carbohydrates (6.46 ± 0.32%), minerals (20.91 ± 0.88%), crude fiber (4.07 ± 1.42%), lipids (2.45 ± 0.82%), ash (14.56 ± 0.74), and twenty phenolic acids being identified and quantified. Moreover, flavonoid and phenolic contents were present at 15.60 ± 2.74 mg RE/g dw and 4.19 ± 0.21 mg GAE/g dw, respectively. Microbiological risk assessment indicated that this product is safe to be consumed as a human food product. The antioxidant activity was higher in the methanolic fraction (23 mg TE/g dw) (DPPH).