bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association of hepatitis C infection with the onset of CKD and progression into ESRD
Authors: Henson Jacqueline B. , Sise Meghan E.
Published: November 2018

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is not only an important cause of chronic liver disease, but extrahepatic manifestations are common and include chronic kidney disease (CKD). HCV is classically associated with cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis in the context of mixed cryoglobulinemia syndrome, but other glomerular diseases also occur and may be significantly under‐recognized. HCV may cause glomerular disease by immune complex deposition; however, other potential mechanisms by which HCV promotes CKD include a direct cytopathic effect of the virus on renal tissue, and by its association with accelerated atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. Epidemiologic studies show HCV infection confers an increased risk of incident CKD and accelerates progression of CKD to end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in the general population, as well as subpopulations including diabetic patients, those coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and kidney transplant recipients. Patients with CKD and HCV infection experience inferior clinical outcomes, including poorer quality of life and an increased risk of mortality. Treatment with interferon‐based regimens is associated with decreased risk of incident CKD and ESRD, though prior studies are limited by the small number of patients with HCV and CKD who underwent treatment. With the advent of new, well‐tolerated direct‐acting antiviral combinations that are not cleared by the kidneys, it is possible to treat all genotypes of HCV infection in patients with CKD and ESRD. More data on the effect of direct‐acting antivirals on CKD incidence and progression are necessary. However, there is every expectation that with improved access to HCV treatment, the burden of CKD in patients with HCV could significantly decline.
Respiration and applied tension strategies to reduce vasovagal reactions to blood donation: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mennitto Serena , Harrison Johanna , Ritz Thomas , Robillard Pierre , France Christopher R. , Ditto Blaine
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Whether produced by breathing too fast or too deeply, hyperventilation is common in stressful situations and may contribute to blood donation–related vasovagal symptoms. The effects of some previously tested interventions for vasovagal symptoms, for example, applied tension (AT), may be related to reduction of hyperventilation. More targeted breathing techniques might be useful.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of AT, a slow, shallow “anti‐hyperventilation” breathing technique previously tested in phobic individuals (respiration control [RESP]), the combination of AT and RESP, and no intervention on blood donors participating in university clinics. A total of 547 eligible donors were assigned randomly to one of these four groups. Observational, self‐report, and physiologic measures (primarily via respiratory capnometry) were obtained.

RESULTS

Although both RESP and AT had some positive impact on blood donation outcome, the effects of RESP were more numerous, albeit limited primarily to donors who had less general fear of medical procedures. For example, lower‐fear donors assigned to practice RESP had significantly lower Blood Donation Reaction Inventory scores and were significantly less likely to require treatment for symptoms than no‐treatment individuals. In general, RESP led to a significant decrease in respiration rate, though it did not influence end‐tidal CO2, a more precise measure of hyperventilation.

CONCLUSION

While the mechanisms remain somewhat unclear and the interventions did not benefit more fearful, higher‐risk donors, respiration control is a promising additional approach to reducing vasovagal symptoms.
Accumulation of JAK activation loop phosphorylation is linked to type I JAK inhibitor withdrawal syndrome in myelofibrosis
Authors: Tvorogov Denis , Thomas Daniel , Liau Nicholas P. D. , Dottore Mara , Barry Emma F. , Lathi Maya , Kan Winnie L. , Hercus Timothy R. , Stomski Frank , Hughes Timothy P. , Tergaonkar Vinay , Parker Michael W. , Ross David M. , Majeti Ravindra , Babon Jeffrey J. , Lopez Angel F.
Published: November 2018

Pathological drug withdrawal syndrome is linked to accumulation of JAK2 phosphorylation in V617F myelofibrosis.
DNA folding for renal rescue
Authors: Conway Claire
Published: November 2018

DNA origami nanostructures offer an alternative therapeutic for kidney targeting and treatment of acute kidney injury in mice.
Decoding the mood network
Authors: Liston Conor
Published: November 2018

Machine learning and intracranial electroencephalography recordings reveal a circuit mechanism encoding mood state fluctuations over time.
Mutations in
cdsA
and
pgsA
Correlate with Daptomycin Resistance in
Streptococcus mitis
and
S. oralis
Authors: Tran Truc T. , Mishra Nagendra N. , Seepersaud Ravin , Diaz Lorena , Rios Rafael , Dinh An Q. , Garcia-de-la-Maria Cristina , Rybak Michael J. , Miro Jose M. , Shelburne Samuel A. , Sullam Paul M. , Bayer Arnold S. , Arias Cesar A.
Published: November 2018

We investigated the ability of several recent clinical viridans group streptococci (VGS) bloodstream isolates (
Streptococcus mitis
/
S. oralis
subgroup) from daptomycin (DAP)-naive patients to develop DAP resistance
in vitro
. All strains rapidly developed high-level and stable DAP resistance.
The Antibiotic Trimethoprim Displays Strong Mutagenic Synergy with 2-Aminopurine
Authors: D’Souza Sara , Miller Justin E. , Ahn Jenny , Subandi Raechel , Lozano Daniel , Ramirez James , Goff Marisa , Davidian Christina , Miller Jeffrey H.
Published: November 2018

We show that trimethoprim (TMP), an antibiotic in current use, displays a strong synergistic effect on mutagenesis in
Escherichia coli
when paired with the base analog 2-aminopurine (2AP), resulting in a 35-fold increase in mutation frequencies in the
rpoB
-Rif
r
system. Combination therapies are often employed both as antibiotic treatments and in cancer chemotherapy.
Comparative Activity of Ceftriaxone, Ciprofloxacin, and Gentamicin as a Function of Bacterial Growth Rate Probed by Escherichia coli Chromosome Replication in the Mouse Peritonitis Model
Authors: Haugan Maria Schei , Løbner-Olesen Anders , Frimodt-Møller Niels
Published: November 2018

Commonly used antibiotics exert their effects predominantly on rapidly growing bacterial cells; yet, the growth dynamics taking place during infection in a complex host environment remain largely unknown. Hence, a means to measure
in situ
bacterial growth rate is essential to predict the outcome of antibacterial treatment.
Establishment, Validation, and Application of a New World Primate Model of Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
Disease for Vaccine Development
Authors: Rollenhagen Julianne E. , Jones Franca , Hall Eric , Maves Ryan , Nunez Gladys , Espinoza Nereyda , O'Dowd Aisling , Prouty Michael G. , Savarino Stephen J.
Published: November 2018

The establishment of an animal model that closely approximates enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) disease in humans is critical for the development and evaluation of vaccines against this enteropathogen. Here, we evaluated the susceptibility of
Aotus nancymaae
, a New World monkey species, to ETEC infection.
Performance of blood biomarkers to rule out invasive bacterial infection in febrile infants under 21 days old
Authors: Gomez Borja , Diaz Haydee , Carro Alba , Benito Javier , Mintegi Santiago
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To determine the performance of procalcitonin (PCT), C reactive protein (CRP) and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) in identifying invasive bacterial infection (IBI) among well-appearing infants ≤21 days old with fever without source and no leukocyturia. To compare this performance with that in those 22–90 days old.

Design

Substudy of a prospective single-centre registry performed between September 2008 and August 2017.

Setting

Paediatric emergency department of a tertiary teaching hospital.

Patients

196 infants ≤21 days old and 1331 infants 22–90 days old.

Main outcome measures

Sensitivity and negative likelihood ratio of blood tests for ruling out IBI (positive blood or cerebrospinal fluid culture). Abnormal blood test results: PCT ≥0.5 ng/mL, CRP >20 mg/L and ANC >10 000/µL.

Results

Prevalence of IBI in infants ≤21 days old with normal or any abnormal blood test result was 3.6% and 6.8%, respectively (OR 0.52 (95% CI 0.13 to 2.01)), compared with 0.2% and 4.5% in older infants (OR 0.03 (95% CI 0 to 0.17)). Sensitivity and negative likelihood ratio of the blood tests for ruling out IBI in infants ≤21 days were 44.4% (95% CI 18.9% to 73.3%) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.43 to 1.44), respectively (vs 84.6% (95% CI 57.8% to 95.7%)%) and 0.19 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.67) in older infants). The values improved in infants with fever ≥6 hours aged 22–90 days, but not in those ≤21 days.

Conclusions

PCT, CRP and ANC are not useful for ruling out IBI in febrile infants ≤21 days old. It is still recommended that these patients are admitted and given empirical antibiotic therapy, regardless of their general appearance or blood test results.
Temporal trends in use of tests in UK primary care, 2000-15: retrospective analysis of 250 million tests
Authors: O’Sullivan Jack W , Stevens Sarah , Hobbs F D Richard , Salisbury Chris , Little Paul , Goldacre Ben , Bankhead Clare , Aronson Jeffrey K , Perera Rafael , Heneghan Carl
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To assess the temporal change in test use in UK primary care and to identify tests with the greatest increase in use.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

UK primary care.

Participants

All patients registered to UK General Practices in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, 2000/1 to 2015/16.

Main outcome measures

Temporal trends in test use, and crude and age and sex standardised rates of total test use and of 44 specific tests.

Results

262 974 099 tests were analysed over 71 436 331 person years. Age and sex adjusted use increased by 8.5% annually (95% confidence interval 7.6% to 9.4%); from 14 869 tests per 10 000 person years in 2000/1 to 49 267 in 2015/16, a 3.3-fold increase. Patients in 2015/16 had on average five tests per year, compared with 1.5 in 2000/1. Test use also increased statistically significantly across all age groups, in both sexes, across all test types (laboratory, imaging, and miscellaneous), and 40 of the 44 tests that were studied specifically.

Conclusion

Total test use has increased markedly over time, in both sexes, and across all age groups, test types (laboratory, imaging, and miscellaneous) and for 40 of 44 tests specifically studied. Of the patients who underwent at least one test annually, the proportion who had more than one test increased significantly over time.
A smoking prevention photoageing intervention for secondary schools in Brazil delivered by medical students: protocol for a randomised trial
Authors: Faria Bianca Lisa , Brieske Christian M , Cosgarea Ioana , Omlor Albert J , Fries Fabian N , de Faria Christian Olber Moreira , Lino Henrique Augusto , Oliveira Ana Carla Cruz , Lisboa Oscar Campos , Klode Joachim , Schadendorf Dirk , Bernardes-Souza Breno , Brinker Titus J
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Most smokers start smoking during their early adolescence, often with the idea that smoking is glamorous; the dramatic health consequences are too far in the future to fathom. We recently designed and tested an intervention that takes advantage of the broad availability of mobile phones as well as adolescents’ interest in their appearance. A free photoageing mobile app (Smokerface) was implemented by medical students in secondary schools via a novel method called mirroring. The pupils’ altered three-dimensional selfies on tablets were ‘mirrored’ via a projector in front of their whole grade. This is the first randomised trial to measure the effectiveness of the mirroring approach on smoking behaviour in secondary schools.

Methods and analysis

The mirroring intervention, which lasts 45 min, is implemented by Brazilian medical students in at least 35 secondary school classes with 21 participants each (at least 35 classes with 21 participants for control) in February 2018 in the city of Itauna, Brazil. External block randomisation via computer is performed on the class level with a 1:1 allocation. In addition to sociodemographic data, smoking behaviour is measured via a paper–pencil questionnaire before, 3 and 6 months postintervention plus a random carbon monoxide breathing test at baseline and end line. The primary outcome is cigarette smoking in the past week at 6 months follow-up. Smoking behaviour (smoking onset, quitting) and effects on the different genders are studied as secondary outcomes. Analysis is by intention to treat.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is obtained from the ethics committee of the University of Itauna in Brazil. Results will be disseminated at conferences, in peer-reviewed journals, throughout the Education Against Tobacco network social media channels and on our websites.

Trial registration number

NCT03178227.
Association of IL-10 and IL-10RA single nucleotide polymorphisms with the responsiveness to HBV vaccination in Chinese infants of HBsAg(+)/HBeAg(−) mothers: a nested case–control study
Authors: Wen Simin , Wu Yanhua , Pan Yuchen , Cao Mengzhuo , Zhao Dan , Wang Chong , Wang Chuan , Kong Fei , Li Jie , Niu Junqi , Jiang Jing
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To investigate the association of interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-10 receptor A (IL-10RA) single nucleotide polymorphisms with the responsiveness to hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination in newborns whose mothers were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)(+)/hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)(–).

Design

Nested case–control study.

Setting

Changchun, China.

Participants

713 infants from a Han Chinese population whose mothers were HBsAg(+)/HBeAg(–) and participated in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HBV at the First Hospital of Jilin University from July 2012 to July 2015 were included. Infants were excluded for HBsAg-positive; unstandardised vaccination process; inadequate blood samples; not Han Chinese and failed genotyping.

Results

Infants with artificial feeding pattern were correlated with low responsiveness to HBV vaccination (p=0.009). The GG genotype of IL-10 rs3021094 was correlated with a higher risk of low responsiveness to HBV vaccination (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.35 to 5.83). No haplotype was found to be correlated with responsiveness to HBV vaccination. No gene–gene interaction was found between IL-10 and IL-10RA.

Conclusions

Our study found that IL-10 gene variants were significantly associated with the immune response to the HBV vaccine. Identifying these high-risk infants who born to HBsAg(+)/HBeAg(–) mothers and low responses to hepatitis B vaccination will provide evidence for individualised prevention strategies.
Antibiotic use in children with asthma: cohort study in UK and Dutch primary care databases
Authors: Baan Esmé J , Janssens Hettie M , Kerckaert Tine , Bindels Patrick J E , de Jongste Johan C , Sturkenboom Miriam C J M , Verhamme Katia M C
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To compare the rate, indications and type of antibiotic prescriptions in children with and without asthma.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Two population-based primary care databases: Integrated Primary Care Information database (IPCI; the Netherlands) and The Health Improvement Network (THIN; the UK).

Participants

Children aged 5–18 years were included from January 2000 to December 2014. A child was categorised as having asthma if there were ≥2 prescriptions of respiratory drugs in the year following a code for asthma. Children were labelled as non-asthmatic if no asthma code was recorded in the patient file.

Main outcome measures

Rate of antibiotic prescriptions, related indications and type of antibiotic drugs.

Results

The cohorts in IPCI and THIN consisted of 946 143 and 7 241 271 person years (PY), respectively. In both cohorts, antibiotic use was significantly higher in asthmatic children (IPCI: 197vs126 users/1000 PY, THIN: 374vs250 users/1000 PY). In children with asthma, part of antibiotic prescriptions were for an asthma exacerbation only (IPCI: 14%, THIN: 4%) and prescriptions were more often due to lower respiratory tract infections then in non-asthmatic children (IPCI: 18%vs13%, THIN: 21%vs12%). Drug type and quality indicators depended more on age, gender and database than on asthma status.

Conclusions

Use of antibiotics was higher in asthmatic children compared with non-asthmatic children. This was mostly due to diseases for which antibiotics are normally not indicated according to guidelines. Further awareness among physicians and patients is needed to minimise antibiotic overuse and limit antibiotic resistance.
Impact of resilience on health in older adults: a cross-sectional analysis from the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS)
Authors: Lau Siu Yu Zoe , Guerra Ricardo Oliveira , Barbosa Juliana Fernandes de Souza , Phillips Susan P
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Self-rated health (SRH) is a predictor of objective health measures, including mortality and morbidity. The link between resilience and SRH among the elderly is unclear. We aim to examine whether resilience aligns with SRH and, secondarily, whether resilience can override the negative health consequences of adverse childhood experiences (ACE).

Design and setting

We use 2012, 2014 and 2016 data from the International Mobility in Aging Study, a longitudinal cohort study that collects survey and biophysical data from Albania, Brazil, Colombia and Canada. The main independent variables were resilience and ACE (social and economic).

Participants

Community-dwelling 65–74 year olds (in 2012) were recruited through primary care registers. The sample size of the study was 1506.

Primary outcome

The outcome measure was SRH.

Results

We found that sex, site, economic ACE, current income sufficiency, current depressive symptoms, current physical function and current resilience were associated with current SRH. In regression analyses, we showed that the association between ACE and SRH disappeared once factors such as sex, site, income, depression, physical health and resilience were considered.

Conclusions

The association between resilience and health poses a compelling argument for building resilience throughout life.
Residual pulmonary vascular obstruction and recurrence after acute pulmonary embolism: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data
Authors: Robin Philippe , Eddy Maggie , Sikora Lindsey , Le Roux Pierre-Yves , Carrier Marc , Couturaud Francis , Planquette Benjamin , Pesavento Raffaele , Rodger Marc , Salaun Pierre-Yves , Le Gal Grégoire
Published: November 2018

Background

In patients with a first, unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE), the optimal duration of anticoagulant therapy (AT) is controversial due to tightly balanced risks and benefits of indefinite anticoagulation. The objective of this study is to assess among patients with a first acute pulmonary embolism (PE) who received ≥3 months of AT and thereafter had a planar lung scan, whether residual pulmonary vascular obstruction (RPVO) is associated with VTE recurrence after discontinuation of AT.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a systematic review with a meta-analysis of individual participant data of contemporary studies evaluating the prognostic significance of RPVO in patients with a first acute PE. We will search from inception to 24 January 2018, PubMed, Medline, Embase and Cochrane’s Central Registry for Randomized Controlled Trials, CENTRAL for randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies. Two reviewers will conduct all screening and data collection independently. The methodological quality and risk of bias of eligible studies will be carefully and rigorously assessed using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Interventions tool. The primary objective will be to assess the relationship between RPVO on ventilation–perfusion scan after completion of at least 3 months of AT after an acute PE event, and the risk of an objectively confirmed symptomatic recurrent VTE (including deep vein thrombosis or PE) or death due to PE. The secondary objectives will include the assessment of the optimal RPVO cut-off and the risk of recurrent VTE, as well as the relationship between the relative change in RPVO between PE diagnosis and at discontinuation of AT (≥3 months) and risk of recurrent VTE.

Ethics and dissemination

This study of secondary data does not require ethics approval. It will be presented internationally and published in the peer-reviewed literature.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017081080.
How do we know they hurt? Assessing acute pain in cats
Authors: Robertson Sheilah
Published: November 2018

Animals cannot tell us that they are in pain; therefore, assessing pain in veterinary patients can be challenging. Two scales for evaluating acute pain in cats have been validated and can be used in everyday practice. This article describes these pain assessment scales and discusses how they can be used and interpreted to guide the use of analgesia in feline patients to the benefit of their welfare.
Clinical audit in farm animal veterinary practice. Part 2: conducting the audit
Authors: Waine Katie , Dean Rachel , Hudson Chris , Brennan Marnie
Published: November 2018

This article, the second in a two‐part series providing practical advice for practitioners on carrying out clinical audits in farm animal practice, focuses on the data collection, analysis and discussion steps of clinical audit. Part 1, which was published in the October issue of In Practice, discussed preparing for and initiating clinical audit in farm animal practice. Both articles are based on findings from a three‐year research project looking at the use of clinical audit in farm animal practice. The research included conducting audits using information already in existence in the practice setting, and audits focused on actively collecting information over a period of time in three farm animal practices, and a nationwide survey on the experiences and attitudes of farm animal veterinary surgeons towards clinical audit in the UK. The findings from this work demonstrate that clinical audit is achievable in farm animal practice, with strategic planning, selection of relevant topics and the setting of realistic goals.
Hydromechanical behaviour of overconsolidated unsaturated soil in undrained conditions
Authors: Wu Shengshen , Zhou Annan , Li Jie , Kodikara Jayantha , Cheng Wen-Chieh
Published: November 2018

Hydromechanical behaviour of an unsaturated silt with various suctions and different overconsolidated ratios (OCRs) was investigated through a series of undrained triaxial tests (constant water contents, CW). All the samples were prepared from the slurry state. Different OCRs (= 1, 2, 4, and 8 in net stress) were achieved by unloading the samples to 400, 200, 100, and 50 kPa from an initial confining net pressure of 400 kPa. Then the samples were dried to various suctions (0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 kPa). Unsaturated samples with different OCRs were then sheared at CW conditions following the conventional triaxial compression (CTC) paths. Full hydromechanical responses including the changes in deviator stress, stress ratio, volumetric strain, suction, and degree of saturation with axial strain were monitored and are presented in this paper. Some key findings include (i) the critical state for unsaturated soils with different OCRs can be well defined by Bishop’s effective stress; (ii) the peak strength in Bishop’s effective stress increases with increase of OCR, but decreases with increase of suction in the undrained condition; and (iii) the volume change of unsaturated soils in undrained conditions is related to OCRs and the volume of pore air.
Strontium isotope geochemistry of modern and ancient archives: tracer of secular change in ocean chemistry
Authors: Zaky Amir H. , Brand Uwe , Buhl Dieter , Blamey Nigel , Bitner M. Aleksandra , Logan Alan , Gaspard Daniele , Popov Alexander
Published: November 2018

Strontium isotopes of marine archives provide a significant means for tracing physical and chemical processes operating over geologic time. Modern articulated brachiopods and halite samples were collected from all depths of the world’s main water bodies. Material from the Arctic, North and South Atlantic, North and South Pacific, Indian and Southern oceans, as well as Caribbean and Mediterranean seas provide baseline parameters for diagenetic screening and reconstruction of seawater curves. The Sr isotopic ratio of modern brachiopods is unobscured by latitude, depth, and biologic factors (Order, valves, and shell segment). However, there is a small but significant impact of external sources reflected by salinity and temperature on the Sr isotope ratio of modern brachiopods. We found a significant difference in 87Sr/86Sr of brachiopods from polar and temperate-tropical habitats (p = 0.001), which should be considered when working with deep-time archives. The average 87Sr/86Sr value of all our modern shells (0.709160 ± 0.000019; N = 95) and halite (0.709153) is similar to values measured for modern seawater (0.710167 ± 0.000009; p = 0.118). The radiogenic Sr content of present-day seawater does not vary significantly, and modern biogenic-calcite 87Sr/86Sr ranges from 0.709126 to 0.709233 with a fluctuation of about ±0.000054. With the most rigorous diagenetic evaluations and stratigraphic assignment of deep-time samples, and applying the Sr isotope fluctuation recorded by modern biogenic calcite to ancient carbonates and a 1 Myr interval, reconstructions resulted in a seawater-87Sr curve with greater details during the Phanerozoic and Neoproterozoic.
Effects of temperature, dissolved oxygen, and substrate on the development of metabolic phenotypes in age-0 lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens): implications for overwintering survival
Authors: Yoon Gwangseok R. , Deslauriers David , Enders Eva C. , Treberg Jason R. , Anderson W. Gary
Published: November 2018

The impact of early rearing environment on phenotypic development in teleosts has been reasonably well-documented, but only recently has attention been paid to sturgeon raised for conservation purposes. In the present study, we hypothesized that rearing environment will result in the development of distinct metabolic phenotypes in age-0 lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) and that these phenotypes will drive differential survival rates during a simulated overwintering event. Lake sturgeon gametes were fertilized and raised in one of three different environments: 16 °C + 100% dissolved oxygen (DO), 14 °C + 100% DO, and 16 °C + 80% DO, each with or without substrate. We measured standard metabolic rate, forced maximum metabolic rate, metabolic scope, energy density, hepatosomatic index, Fulton’s condition factor, and enzyme activities associated with ATP production. Our results suggest that subtle changes in abiotic environments during early life history result in the development of distinct metabolic phenotypes during the first year of life. These have important implications for survival of age-0 lake sturgeon when stocked in the fall of their first year.
Efficient Memristor-Based Architecture for Intrusion Detection and High-Speed Packet Classification
Authors: Bontupalli Venkataramesh , Yakopcic Chris , Hasan Raqibul , Taha Tarek M.
Published: November 2018

Deep packet inspection (DPI) is a critical component to prevent intrusion detection. This requires a detailed analysis of each network packet header and body. Although this is often done on dedicated high-power servers in most networked systems, mobile systems could potentially be vulnerable to attack if utilized on an unprotected network. In this case, having DPI hardware on the mobile system would be highly beneficial. Unfortunately, DPI hardware is generally area and power consuming, making its implementation difficult in mobile systems.

We developed a memristor crossbar-based approach, inspired by memristor crossbar neuromorphic circuits, for a low-power, low-area, and high-throughput DPI system that examines both the header and body of a packet. Two key types of circuits are presented: static pattern matching and regular expression circuits. This system is able to reduce execution time and power consumption due to its high-density grid and massive parallelism. Independent searches are performed using low-power memristor crossbar arrays giving rise to a throughput of 160Gbps with no loss in the classification accuracy.
A Multi-Level-Optimization Framework for FPGA-Based Cellular Neural Network Implementation
Authors: Liu Zhongyang , Luo Shaoheng , Xu Xiaowei , Shi Yiyu , Zhuo Cheng
Published: November 2018

Cellular Neural Network (CeNN) is considered as a powerful paradigm for embedded devices. Its analog and mix-signal hardware implementations are proved to be applicable to high-speed image processing, video analysis, and medical signal processing with its efficiency and popularity limited by smaller implementation size and lower precision. Recently, digital implementations of CeNNs on FPGA have attracted researchers from both academia and industry due to its high flexibility and short time-to-market. However, most existing implementations are not well optimized to fully utilize the advantages of FPGA platform with unnecessary design and computational redundancy that prevents speedup. We propose a multi-level-optimization framework for energy-efficient CeNN implementations on FPGAs. In particular, the optimization framework is featured with three level optimizations: system-, module-, and design-space-level, with focus on computational redundancy and attainable performance, respectively. Experimental results show that with various configurations our framework can achieve an energy-efficiency improvement of 3.54× and up to 3.88× speedup compared with existing implementations with similar accuracy.
Partitional calorimetry
Authors: Cramer Matthew N. , Jay Ollie
Published: November 2018

For thermal physiologists, calorimetry is an important methodological tool to assess human heat balance during heat or cold exposures. A whole body direct calorimeter remains the gold standard instrument for assessing human heat balance; however, this equipment is rarely available to most researchers. A more widely accessible substitute is partitional calorimetry, a method by which all components of the conceptual heat balance equation—metabolic heat production, conduction, radiation, convection, and evaporation—are calculated separately based on fundamental properties of energy exchange. Since partitional calorimetry requires relatively inexpensive equipment (vs. direct calorimetry) and can be used over a wider range of experimental conditions (i.e., different physical activities, laboratory or field settings, clothed or seminude), it allows investigators to address a wide range of problems such as predicting human responses to thermal stress, developing climatic exposure limits and fluid replacement guidelines, estimating clothing properties, evaluating cooling/warming interventions, and identifying potential thermoregulatory dysfunction in unique populations. In this Cores of Reproducibility in Physiology (CORP) review, we summarize the fundamental principles underlying the use of partitional calorimetry, present the various methodological and arithmetic requirements, and provide typical examples of its use. Strategies to minimize estimation error of specific heat balance components, as well as the limitations of the method, are also discussed. The goal of this CORP paper is to present a standardized methodology and thus improve the accuracy and reproducibility of research employing partitional calorimetry.
Hypoxia-induced vagal withdrawal is independent of the hypoxic ventilatory response in men
Authors: Siebenmann Christoph , Ryrsø Camilla K. , Oberholzer Laura , Fisher James P. , Hilsted Linda M. , Rasmussen Peter , Secher Niels H. , Lundby Carsten
Published: November 2018

Hypoxia increases heart rate (HR) in humans by sympathetic activation and vagal withdrawal. However, in anaesthetized dogs hypoxia increases vagal activity and reduces HR if pulmonary ventilation does not increase and we evaluated whether that observation applies to awake humans. Ten healthy males were exposed to 15 min of normoxia and hypoxia (10.5% O2), while respiratory rate and tidal volume were volitionally controlled at values identified during spontaneous breathing in hypoxia. End-tidal CO2 tension was clamped at 40 mmHg by CO2 supplementation. β-Adrenergic blockade by intravenous propranolol isolated vagal regulation of HR. During spontaneous breathing, hypoxia increased ventilation by 3.2 ± 2.1 l/min ( P = 0.0033) and HR by 8.9 ± 5.5 beats/min ( P < 0.001). During controlled breathing, respiratory rate (16.3 ± 3.2 vs. 16.4 ± 3.3 breaths/min) and tidal volume (1.05 ± 0.27 vs. 1.06 ± 0.24 l) were similar for normoxia and hypoxia, whereas the HR increase in hypoxia persisted without (8.6 ± 10.2 beats/min) and with (6.6 ± 5.6 beats/min) propranolol. Neither controlled breathing ( P = 0.80), propranolol ( P = 0.64), nor their combination ( P = 0.89) affected the HR increase in hypoxia. Arterial pressure was unaffected ( P = 0.48) by hypoxia across conditions. The hypoxia-induced increase in HR during controlled breathing and β-adrenergic blockade indicates that hypoxia reduces vagal activity in humans even when ventilation does not increase. Vagal withdrawal in hypoxia seems to be governed by the arterial chemoreflex rather than a pulmonary inflation reflex in humans.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Hypoxia accelerates the heart rate of humans by increasing sympathetic activity and reducing vagal activity. Animal studies have indicated that hypoxia-induced vagal withdrawal is governed by a pulmonary inflation reflex that is activated by the increased pulmonary ventilation in hypoxia. The present findings, however, indicate that humans experience vagal withdrawal in hypoxia even if ventilation does not increase, indicating that vagal withdrawal is governed by the arterial chemoreflex rather than a pulmonary inflation reflex.
B cell homeostasis is maintained during long-duration spaceflight
Authors: Spielmann Guillaume , Agha Nadia , Kunz Hawley , Simpson Richard J. , Crucian Brian , Mehta Satish , Laughlin Mitzi , Campbell John
Published: November 2018

Long-duration spaceflights reportedly induce immune dysregulation, which is considered a risk to astronaut safety and mission success. Recent studies have examined the impact of spaceflight on markers of adaptive and innate immunity, but no study, to date, has comprehensively evaluated humoral immunity and serological markers of B cell function. The aim of this study was to characterize changes in B cell numbers and phenotypes, along with plasma Igs and polyclonal free light chains (FLCs)—near-“real-time” biomarkers of Ig synthesis—in response to an ~6-mo mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Whole-blood samples were collected before flight, during flight (“Early flight,” “Mid-flight,” and “Late flight”), immediately upon return, and during a recovery period (R + 18, R + 30/R + 33, and R + 60/R + 66) from 23 ISS crew members. B Cell counts and phenotypes were measured throughout the duration of the mission, along with total plasma Ig and FLC levels. There was no effect of spaceflight on the number and proportion of the different B cell subsets. There was no difference in kappa FLC between preflight samples and either in-flight or recovery samples ( P > 0.05), and only a marginal reduction was observed in lambda FLC levels upon return to Earth ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, IgG and IgM remained unchanged during and after spaceflight compared with preflight values ( P > 0.05). Of note, plasma IgA concentrations were elevated in-flight compared with baseline and recovery values ( P < 0.05). These results indicate that B cell homeostasis is maintained during long-duration spaceflight, advocating for potential in-flight vaccination as viable countermeasures against viral reactivation during exploration-class missions.
Changes in Different Classes of Precipitation and the Impacts on Sediment Yield in the Hekouzhen-Longmen Region of the Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: Dang Suzhen , Liu Xiaoyan , Li Xiaoyu , Yao Manfei , Zhang Dan
Published: November 2018

The sediment yield of the Yellow River Basin has obviously decreased since the 1980s, and the impacts of precipitation on sediment yield changes have become increasingly important with the global climate change. The spatial and temporal variations in annual precipitation and different classes of precipitation in the Hekouzhen-Longmen region (HLR) in the middle reaches of the Yellow River Basin were investigated using data collected from 301 rainfall stations from 1966 to 2016. The impacts of precipitation variation on sediment yield were evaluated, and the hydrological modeling method was used to quantitatively assess the attribution of precipitation and other factors to sediment yield changes in the HLR. The results show that the annual precipitation and P10 increased from the northwest to the southeast of the HLR, suggesting it was drier in the northwest region of the HLR. P25 and P50 were mainly concentrated in the northwestern and southwestern parts of the HLR, reflecting that heavy rain was more likely to occur in these regions of the HLR. All of the annual precipitation and different classes of precipitation had no significant changing trends from 1966 to 2016, and the relationship between rainfall and sediment yield obviously changed in 2006. Compared with the average annual mean values from 1966 to 2016, both the annual precipitation and the different classes of precipitation were higher in the HLR during 2007–2016. The sediment yield decrease during 1990–1999 was mainly influenced by precipitation, while other factors were the main driving factor for the sediment yield decrease in the periods of 1980–1989, 2000–2009, and 2010–2016, and other factors have become the dominant driving factors of the sediment yield change in the HLR since 2000.
Effectiveness and Safety of Contrast Cryolipolysis for Subcutaneous-Fat Reduction
Authors: Savacini Marília Bueno , Bueno Débora Tazinaffo , Molina Ana Carolina Souza , Lopes Ana Caroline Almeida , Silva Caroline Nogueira , Moreira Renata Gomes , Almeida Stephani , Guidi Renata Michelini , Sant’Ana Estela , Liebano Richard Eloin
Published: November 2018

Cryolipolysis is the noninvasive treatment of localized fat through cold-induced panniculitis. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of contrast cryolipolysis for subcutaneous-fat reduction. Contrast cryolipolysis mixes the principles of conventional cryolipolysis and periods of heating in accordance with the contrast lipocryolysis process. Twenty-one subjects aged 34 ± 9 years were treated with contrast cryolipolysis in the regions of abdomen and flanks through the Polarys® device. Anthropometry, standardized photographs, measurements with a skinfold caliper, and diagnostic ultrasounds were performed at the baseline and during follow-ups at 30, 60, and 90 days after the treatment. The safety assessments included laboratory testing and monitoring of the adverse events. The level of significance for all tests was set at P < 0.05. No significant differences in weight and body mass index were found. The waist measurements at the baseline and 30-day follow-up had significant differences, as did the measurements at the 30-day and 60-day follow-ups. The skinfold and ultrasound measurements were significantly reduced in the treated areas in all the time points compared to the baseline. The laboratory results showed no significant changes from baseline. Temporary adverse effects were resolved spontaneously. This study confirmed that contrast cryolipolysis is safe and effective in reducing the fat layer and improving body contouring.
Proposition of Thin-Layer Repairing Methods Using Low-Elasticity Polymer Portland Cement Materials and Glue and Study on the Fatigue Resistance of Reinforced Concrete Slab
Authors: Abe Tadashi , Ito Kiyoshi , Kozakai Noriyuki , Kodama Takayoshi
Published: November 2018

In this repair method, two types of adhesives, such as a penetrable adhesive and a high-durability adhesive, were applied to the adhesion interface of the materials to be repaired, and then cast. The repair method was then evaluated for fatigue resistance using wheel load running tests. It was developed to ensure the long-term integrity of the repair material and RC slabs. The results of the experiments confirmed that this repair method provides significantly better fatigue resistance than the conventional construction method. Moreover, this study proposes two wet repair cycles and one dry repair cycle with reinforcement measures to improve the load-bearing performance.
Cytotoxicity of Self-Adhesive Resin Cements on Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts
Authors: Sun Fangfang , Liu Ying , Pan Yahui , Chen Meng , Meng Xiangfeng
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential cytotoxicity of self-adhesive resin cements with or without light irradiation on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs)in vitro. Three self-adhesive resin cements (RelyX U200, Maxcem Elite and Multilink Speed) were cured with light or not. Cured cements were stored at 37°C for 24 h in water or Dulbecco’s modified eagle medium (DMEM) medium. Their chromatographic analysis of water-based extract solution was made and then the DMEM-based extract solution was diluted in complete DMEM{1:5, 1:10, 1:20, 1:40, 1:80 (v/v)}for evaluating cell relative growth rate and cell apoptosis/necrosis rate of HPDLFs. The data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA and independent T test. Regardless of light irradiation, cell relative growth rate increased, and the apoptosis/necrosis rate of each resin cement decreased with the increase of gradient dilution. Regardless of gradient dilution, the cell relative growth rate and apoptosis/necrosis rate of RelyX U200 and Maxcem Elite with light irradiation were higher than those without light irradiation. Besides, without light irradiation, Multilink Speed showed higher cell relative growth rate and lower apoptosis/necrosis rate than other cements. Light irradiation and composition difference of self-adhesive resin cements could affect their cytotoxicity on HPDLFs.
Validity and Reliability of Elbow Range of Motion Measurements Using Digital Photographs, Movies, and a Goniometry Smartphone Application
Authors: Keijsers Renée , Zwerus Elisa L. , van Lith Dagmar R. M. , Koenraadt Koen L. M. , Goossens Pjotr , The Bertram , van den Bekerom Michel P. J. , Eygendaal Denise
Published: November 2018

Introduction. Range of motion (ROM) is closely monitored before and after surgery for stiff elbow and during rehabilitation. Measurements in the home environment may be helpful to increase involvement and adherence of the patient. Therefore, our objective is to investigate the validity and inter- and intraobserver reliability of 3 alternative methods to assess the ROM by the patient in a home-based situation, in comparison to the universal goniometer (UG). We hypothesize that all 3 alternative methods will be valid alternatives and show a level of reliability equivalent to UG. Methods. Goniometric measurements of elbow flexion, extension, pronation and supination using photography, movie, and a smartphone application were obtained. The validity of these measurement methods was compared to UG. The interobserver and intraobserver reliability were calculated for all measurement methods. Results. Photography and movie based goniometry of the elbow showed good validity in flexion and extension. The interobserver and intraobserver reliability were found to be good to excellent for photo and movie but moderate to poor for UG and the smartphone application. Conclusions. Photo or movie based goniometry seems to be a useful option for initial and follow-up measurement of the elbow ROM, both in the outpatient clinic and in a home environment. Based on our study, the smartphone application we used is not recommended.
An O-Antigen Glycoconjugate Vaccine Produced Using Protein Glycan Coupling Technology Is Protective in an Inhalational Rat Model of Tularemia
Authors: Marshall Laura E. , Nelson Michelle , Davies Carwyn H. , Whelan Adam O. , Jenner Dominic C. , Moule Madeleine G. , Denman Carmen , Cuccui Jon , Atkins Timothy P. , Wren Brendan W. , Prior Joann L.
Published: November 2018

There is a requirement for an efficacious vaccine to protect people against infection fromFrancisella tularensis, the etiological agent of tularemia. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) ofF. tularensisis suboptimally protective against a parenteral lethal challenge in mice. To develop a more efficacious subunit vaccine, we have used a novel biosynthetic technique of protein glycan coupling technology (PGCT) that exploits bacterial N-linked glycosylation to recombinantly conjugateF. tularensisO-antigen glycans to the immunogenic carrier proteinPseudomonas aeruginosaexoprotein A (ExoA). Previously, we demonstrated that an ExoA glycoconjugate with two glycosylation sequons was capable of providing significant protection to mice against a challenge with a low-virulence strain ofF. tularensis. Here, we have generated a more heavily glycosylated conjugate vaccine and evaluated its efficacy in a Fischer 344 rat model of tularemia. We demonstrate that this glycoconjugate vaccine protected rats against disease and the lethality of an inhalational challenge withF. tularensisSchu S4. Our data highlights the potential of this biosynthetic approach for the creation of next-generation tularemia subunit vaccines.
Parathyroid Hormone Fragments: New Targets for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder
Authors: Chen Huimin , Han Xiaxia , Cui Ying , Ye Yangfan , Purrunsing Yogendranath , Wang Ningning
Published: November 2018

As a common disorder, chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a great threat to human health. Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is a complication of CKD characterized by disturbances in the levels of calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and vitamin D; abnormal bone formation affecting the mineralization and linear growth of bone; and vascular and soft tissue calcification. PTH reflects the function of the parathyroid gland and also takes part in the metabolism of minerals. The accurate measurement of PTH plays a vital role in the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). Previous studies have shown that there are different fragments of PTH in the body’s circulation, causing antagonistic effects on bone and the kidney. Here we review the metabolism of PTH fragments; the progress being made in PTH measurement assays; the effects of PTH fragments on bone, kidney, and the cardiovascular system in CKD; and the predictive value of PTH measurement in assessing the effectiveness of parathyroidectomy (PTX). We hope that this review will help to clarify the value of accurate PTH measurements in CKD-MBD and promote the further development of multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment.