bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bortezomib reinduction chemotherapy in high‐risk ALL in first relapse: a report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Horton Terzah M. , Whitlock James A. , Lu Xiaomin , O'Brien Maureen M. , Borowitz Michael J. , Devidas Meenakshi , Raetz Elizabeth A. , Brown Patrick A. , Carroll William L. , Hunger Stephen P.
Published: April 2019

While survival in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is excellent, survival following relapse is poor. Previous studies suggest proteasome inhibition with chemotherapy improves relapse ALL response rates. This phase 2 Children's Oncology Group study tested the hypothesis that adding the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib to chemotherapy increases complete response rates (CR2). Evaluable patients (n = 135, 103 B‐ALL, 22 T‐ALL, 10 T‐lymphoblastic lymphoma) were treated with reinduction chemotherapy plus bortezomib. Overall CR2 rates were 68 ± 5% for precursor B‐ALL patients (<21 years of age), 63 ± 7% for very early relapse (<18 months from diagnosis) and 72 ± 6% for early relapse (18–36 months from diagnosis). Relapsed T‐ALL patients had an encouraging CR2 rate of 68 ± 10%. End of induction minimal residual disease (MRD) significantly predicted survival. MRD negative (MRDneg; MRD <0·01%) rates increased from 29% (post‐cycle 1) to 64% following cycle 3. Very early relapse, end‐of‐induction MRDneg precursor B‐ALL patients had 70 ± 14% 3‐year event‐free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates, vs. 3‐year EFS/OS of 0–3% (P = 0·0001) for MRDpos (MRD ≥0·01) patients. Early relapse patients had similar outcomes (MRDneg 3‐year EFS/OS 58–65% vs. MRDpos 10–19%, EFS P = 0·0014). These data suggest that adding bortezomib to chemotherapy in certain ALL subgroups, such as T‐cell ALL, is worthy of further investigation. This study is registered at http://www.clinical.trials.gov as NCT00873093.
The status and characteristics of urinary stone composition in China
Authors: Ye Zhangqun , Zeng Guohua , Yang Huan , Li Jianxin , Tang Kun , Wang Guomin , Wang Shusheng , Yu Yonggang , Wang Yujie , Zhang Tao , Long Yongfu , Li Weibin , Wang Changmin , Wang Wei , Gao Sihe , Shan Yuxi , Huang Xiaobo , Bai Zhiming , Lin Xiaohan , Cheng Yue , Wang Qinzhang , Xu Zhuoqun , Xie Liping , Yuan Jianlin , Ren Shengqiang , Fan Yuhui , Pan Tiejun , Wang Jing , Li Xun , Chen Xuehua , Gu Xiaojian , Sun Zhaolin , Xiao Kefeng , Jia Jianye , Zhang Qinghua , Wang Gongxian , Sun Ting , Li Xuedong , Xu Changbao , Xu Chuangliang , Shi Guowei , He Jiayang , Song Leming , Sun Guang , Wang Dongwen , Liu Yili , Wang Chunxi , Han Yi , Liang Peiyu , Wang Zhiping , He Wei , Chen Zhiqiang , Xing Jinchun , Xu Hua
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To explore characteristics of urinary stone composition in China, and determine the effects of gender, age, body mass index (BMI), stone location, and geographical region on stone composition.

Patients and methods

We prospectively used Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy to analyse stones from consecutive patients presenting with new‐onset urolithiasis at 46 hospitals in seven geographical areas of China, between 1 June 2010 and 31 May 2015. Chi‐squared tests and logistic regression analyses were used to determine associations between stone composition and gender, age, BMI, stone location, and geographical region.

Results

The most common stone constituents were: calcium oxalate (CaOx; 65.9%), carbapatite (15.6%), urate (12.4%), struvite (2.7%), and brushite (1.7%). CaOx and urate stones occurred more frequently in males, whereas carbapatite and struvite were more common in females (P < 0.01). CaOx and carbapatite were more common in those aged 30–50 and 20–40 years than in other groups. Brushite and struvite were most common amongst those aged <20 and >70 years. The detection rate of urate increased with age, whilst cystine decreased with age. Obese patients were more likely to have urate stones than carbapatite or brushite stones (P < 0.01). CaOx, carbapatite, brushite, and cystine stones were more frequently found in the kidney than other types, whereas urate and struvite were more frequent in the bladder (P < 0.01). Stone composition varied by geographical region.

Conclusions

The most common stone composition was CaOx, followed by carbapatite, urate, struvite, and brushite. Stone composition differed significantly in patients grouped by gender, age, BMI, stone location, and geographical region.
‘Irregular Adoptions’ in Chile: New Political Narratives About The Right To Know One's Origins
Authors: Salvo Agoglia Irene , Alfaro Monsalve Karen
Published: April 2019

This article examines the background of ‘irregular’ adoptions in Chile and the recent dispute process of political narratives about this topic, in the context of Chilean adoption policies and practices. Special focus is on how the adoption policies and practices have caused serious human rights violations in particular to the child's rights to know one's origins. The article discusses the design and implementation of recognition, justice and reparation policies, for the prevention of future risks associated with these irregular practices.
Fabric defect detection based on saliency histogram features
Authors: Li Min , Wan Shaohua , Deng Zhongmin , Wang Yajun
Published: April 2019

In order to increase the automatic quality control level in the textile industry, depending on the big data collected by the Internet of things of the textile factories, this paper proposes a novel visual saliency–based defect detection algorithm, which has the capability of automatically detecting defect in both nonpatterned and patterned fabrics. The algorithm employs the histogram features extracted from the saliency maps to detect the fabric defects. The algorithm involves three main steps: (1) saliency map generation to highlight the defective regions and suppress the defect‐free regions, (2) saliency histogram features extraction and selection to obtain the feature vectors that can effectively discriminate between the defective and defect‐free fabric images, and (3) fabric defect detection using a two‐class support vector machine classifier that has been trained using sets of feature vectors extracted from defective and defect‐free fabric samples. Experimental results show that our method yields accurate detections, outperforming other state‐of‐the‐art algorithms.
Navigating the “MACE” in Cardiovascular Outcomes Trials and decoding the relevance of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease benefits versus Heart Failure benefits
Authors: Hupfeld Christopher , Mudaliar Sunder
Published: April 2019

The publication of results from recent cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) has transformed the landscape of diabetes treatment. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) and sodium glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have demonstrated CV benefits in large, well‐conducted, randomized studies. Today, empagliflozin, canagliflozin and liraglutide are US Food and Drug Administration‐approved not only for glucose‐lowering, but also to reduce the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events/CV mortality in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and established CV disease (CVD)/high CVD risk. Although the CVOTs were primarily powered for CV safety (non‐inferiority), they also demonstrated CV efficacy (superiority). This initially surprised many in the diabetes community, but the replication of the CV benefits with different compounds in the same class alleviated concerns about the CV benefits being chance findings. However, many questions remain. While the heterogeneity in the CV benefits in the various CVOTs can be attributed to the variability in CV risk in the different studies, the reason(s) for the differences in the CV benefits between the GLP‐1RA class and the SGLT2 inhibitor class appear to be more complex. An analysis of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in the CVOTs shows that the CV benefits of GLP‐1RAs are predominantly specific to atherosclerotic CV events (non‐fatal myocardial infarction [MI], non‐fatal stroke and CV death). By contrast, the SGLT2 inhibitors do not have any significant effects on atherosclerotic CV events (non‐fatal MI/stroke). Their benefits are predominantly on hospitalization for heart failure (HF), suggesting effects primarily on myocardial function (“the pump”), and not on the “pipes” (coronary arteries). In the present review, we discuss the rationale for the conduct of CVOTs, highlight the inability of the classic three‐point MACE to capture the entire spectrum of atherosclerotic and non‐atherosclerotic CVD morbidity, especially HF in T2DM, and discuss the results of the CVOTs with a focus on the clinical significance of atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) versus HF, which develops in a sizeable proportion of people with diabetes and without prior ASCVD.
Impact of cyclosporine A concentration on acute graft‐vs‐host disease incidence after haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Stocker Nicolas , Duléry Remy , Battipaglia Giorgia , Brissot Eolia , Médiavilla Clémence , Sestili Simona , Paviglianiti Annalisa , Ledraa Tounes , Mohty Razan , Bazarbachi Abdulhamid , Belhocine Ramdane , Vekhoff Anne , Ruggeri Annalisa , Mohty Mohamad , Malard Florent
Published: April 2019

Objectives

This retrospective study analyzed the impact of early cyclosporine A (CsA) initiation (day −3) on the risk of acute graft‐vs‐host disease (aGvHD) after haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (Haplo‐HCT) using post‐transplant cyclophosphamide.

Methods

Sixty‐one consecutives patients who underwent Haplo‐HCT were analyzed.

Results

At day +180, the cumulative incidences of grade II‐IV and grade III‐IV aGvHD were 39% and 18%, respectively. Patients having a lowest CsA concentration (<301 ng/mL; the cutoff value used to segregate the patients between low and high CsA concentrations) in the first week after Haplo‐HCT had a significantly higher risk of grade II‐IV aGvHD (P = 0.02), severe grade III‐IV aGvHD (P = 0.03), cGvHD (P = 0.02), and extensive cGvHD (P = 0.04). In multivariate analysis, a higher CsA concentration (≥301 ng/mL) during the first week following Haplo‐HCT was the only parameter significantly associated with a reduced risk of grade II‐IV and grade III‐IV aGvHD (RR = 0.21; P = 0.049 and RR < 0.001; P < 0.0001, respectively). We find no correlation between CsA concentration and relapse, non‐relapse mortality, progression‐free survival, GvHD‐free and progression‐free survival, or overall survival.

Conclusions

CsA could be initiated early before Haplo‐HCT with achievement of high CsA concentration to reduce the risk of aGvHD without any detrimental effect on relapse.
Gender differences in cognitive impairment among the old and the oldest‐old in China
Authors: Miyawaki Christina E , Liu Minhui
Published: April 2019

Aim

To examine gender differences in the prevalence of cognitive impairment across two age cohorts in China: the old (aged 65–79 years) and the oldest‐old (aged 80–116 years).

Methods

The Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey with waves from 2008 to 2011 was used (N = 13 586). Regression analysis was used to model the gender effects on baseline cognitive function and onset of cognitive impairment. Independent variables included demographics, socioeconomic status (SES), social network, leisure activities and functional disabilities.

Results

Among the oldest‐old, women (32.9%) were twice as likely as men (15.7%) to have cognitive impairment. For the old, women (2.2%) were only slightly more likely than men (1.9%). Regression models showed the oldest‐old women having a significantly higher risk of cognitive impairment than men (P < 0.001), even after adjusting for independent variables. No significant gender differences were found among the old cohort. SES, social network and leisure activities appeared to affect gender differences, especially among the oldest‐old. Of the independent variables examined, the gender effects were reduced the most when incorporating SES for both age cohorts.

Conclusions

For the oldest‐old, gender differences in cognitive impairment could be due to differences in SES between men and women. The old cohort showed no statistically significant gender difference at this time; however, we should follow this old cohort for their future potential gender differences in the prevalence of cognitive impairment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 586–592.
Object Interaction and Walking: Integration of Old and New Skills in Infant Development
Authors: Heiman Carli M. , Cole Whitney G. , Lee Do Kyeong , Adolph Karen E.
Published: April 2019

Manual skills such as reaching, grasping, and exploring objects appear months earlier in infancy than locomotor skills such as walking. To what extent do infants incorporate an old skill (manual actions on objects) into the development of a new skill (walking)? We video recorded 64 sessions of infants during free play in a laboratory playroom. Infants’ age (12.7–19.5 months), walking experience (0.5–10.3 months), and walking proficiency (speed, step length, etc.) varied widely. We found that the earlier developing skills of holding and exploring objects were immediately incorporated into the later developing skill of walking. Although holding incurred a reliable cost to infants’ gait patterns, holding and exploring objects in hand were relatively common activities and did not change with development. Moreover, holding objects was equally common in standing and walking. However, infants did not interact with objects indiscriminately: Object exploration was more frequent while standing than walking, and infants selectively chose lighter objects to carry and explore. Findings suggest that the earlier appearance of some skills may serve to motivate and enrich later appearing skills.
Assessment of lignocellulosic biorefineries in Germany using a hybrid LCA multi‐objective optimization model
Authors: Budzinski Maik , Cavalett Otávio , Nitzsche Roy , Strømman Anders Hammer
Published: April 2019

In this study a tiered hybrid life cycle assessment (LCA) multi‐objective optimization model is developed and applied to determine the optimal choice of new biorefinery technologies in Germany. Thereby, several aspects can be explicitly addressed, including a regionally differentiated accountability of sustainable feedstock availability, identification of environmental impacts along global value chains, and identification of trade‐offs between different sustainability goals. The model is applied to assess the optimal choice between two lignocellulosic biorefinery concepts. Two optimization objectives are taken into account: maximizing the investor's profit and minimizing global impacts on climate change related to a specified demand for products. In terms of environmental impacts, the model also takes into account the comparison of new biorefineries with current available technologies producing the specified final demand. The results of the case study show that the biorefinery concept including the ethylene production is more beneficial in terms of reducing climate impacts, while on the other hand the biorefinery including the ethanol production is more cost‐effective. Depending on the decision‐maker's preference on weighting the two objectives, different capacities of biorefineries and optimal locations in Germany are identified. Furthermore, regions in Germany providing the necessary biomass feedstock can be identified on a county level. Finally, we argue that the extension of LCA by multi‐objective optimization is well suited guiding the way toward well‐informed decision‐making in the field of technological choices.
Informal Networks of Low‐Income Mothers: Support, Burden, and Change
Authors: Radey Melissa , McWey Lenore M.
Published: April 2019

Objective

The authors examined the support and burden of low‐income, urban mothers' informal networks.

Background

Living or growing up in poverty strongly predicts barriers and instability across several life domains for mothers and their children. Informal networks can play a critical role in promoting maternal and child well‐being particularly in the midst of poverty. Understanding informal support and the reciprocal burden it may create is especially relevant for low‐income families living with a reduced public safety net in the post–welfare reform era. Therefore, study aims were to measure support and burden among low‐income mothers and determine if support and burden change over time.

Method

Data were from the Welfare, Children, Families project, a longitudinal study of 2,400 low‐income caregivers of children and adolescents living in Boston, Chicago, or San Antonio. We applied latent class analyses to support and burden indicators in four domains—emotional, favor, child care, and financial.

Results

The results supported the following four profiles of informal networks: healthy, unhealthy, burden only, and support only. Although most mothers had healthy informal networks, approximately one third experienced no support or support imbalance, which related to network changes at later time points. Demographic characteristics largely were not predictive of support profile or profile change.

Conclusion

Although many mothers had healthy support and burden, the most vulnerable did not have consistently healthy informal networks. The identification of a sizable minority of low‐income mothers who cannot consistently rely on informal support is significant in light of the diminished formal supports available to children and families.
Primary oral leiomyosarcoma: A systematic review and update
Authors: Ko Eugene
Published: April 2019

The aim of this systematic review was to address the clinicopathologic inconsistencies noted with primary oral leiomyosarcoma in the literature by amassing the available data published into a comprehensive analysis. Eligibility criteria included publications of cases with dedicated immunohistochemical work‐up along with radiographs to evaluate location. Based on these criteria, the systematic review compiled 29 cases. Four primary location sites were identified in the reported cases: soft tissue presentation only, soft tissue with bony involvement, bony involvement only, and bony involvement with a soft tissue component. The majority of primary oral leiomyosarcoma cases reviewed showed a soft tissue predilection, which is in contrast to prior reports of jawbones being the most common site. In addition, there was an improved 5‐year survival rate for primary oral leiomyosarcoma limited to the oral cavity and gnathic bones without extension into paranasal sinuses.
Pitavastatin attenuates cisplatin-induced renal injury by targeting MAPK and apoptotic pathways
Authors: Kaushik Swati , Tomar Ameesha , Puthanmadhom Narayanan Susrutha , Nag Tapas Chandra , Arya Dharamvir Singh , Bhatia Jagriti
Published: April 2019

Objective

Anti-neoplastic drug cisplatin is prescribed widely for treatment of a variety of malignancies. Its use has been restricted lately due to severe renal toxicity. The purpose of current study was to investigate the effect of pitavastatin (a hypolipidaemic drug) in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in rats.

Method

Male Wistar rats (150–200 g) were treated with different doses of pitavastatin (0.16, 0.32 and 0.64 mg/kg per day p.o.; 10 days). On 7th day of the study, rats were administered cisplatin (8 mg/kg i.p.). Rats were euthanized (11th day), and blood and tissues were processed to evaluate biochemical, histopathological and ultrastructural parameters along with the analysis of immunohistochemistry and DNA-fragmentation studies. Protein expressions were analysed to demonstrate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Key findings

In the study group with cisplatin insult, KFT parameters were found to be elevated, concentration of apoptotic markers was found to be increased, histopathological and ultramicroscopical architecture was found to be distorted and the expression of MAPK proteins was also found to be elevated as compared to the normal group rats. Pitavastatin treatment alleviated all these anomalies.

Conclusion

Cisplatin-induced acute renal injury was improved on administration of pitavastatin via inhibition of MAPK and apoptotic pathway.
Cytokine balance is restored as patient‐reported outcomes improve in patients recovering from chronic hepatitis C
Authors: de Avila Leyla , Weinstein Ali A. , Estep J. Michael , Curry Michael P. , Golabi Pegah , Escheik Carey , Birerdinc Aybike , Stepanova Maria , Gerber Lynn , Younossi Zobair M.
Published: April 2019

Background & Aims

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has a negative impact on patient‐reported outcomes (PROs). Although most CHC patients who achieve sustained virologic response (SVR) show an improvement in PRO scores, some continue to experience impairment in PROs. The aim was to investigate if serum biomarkers (selected neurotransmitters and cytokines) are associated with changes in PROs in CHC patients who achieve SVR.

Methods

Data were utilized from a prospective clinical trial of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir fixed‐dose combination. Chronic genotype 1 HCV subjects without cirrhosis (N = 40, age: 45.3 ± 11.5, 48% male, 90% white) were treated for 12 weeks open label with 97% achieving SVR24. PRO questionnaires included Short Form‐36 (SF‐36), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II), Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire‐HCV (CLDQ‐HCV) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy‐Fatigue (FACIT‐F). Sera were used for measurement of selected neurotransmitters and cytokines. Data were collected at baseline and follow‐up week 24.

Results

Changes in physical health correlated with changes in several biomarkers. BDNF negatively correlated with SF‐36 physical health summary score (rho = −0.34, P < 0.05), SF‐36 physical functioning (rho = −0.34, P < 0.05), SF‐36 bodily pain (rho = −0.39, P < 0.05) and FACIT‐F physical well‐being (rho = −0.54, P < 0.001). Changes in emotional well‐being (FACIT‐F) were positively associated with changes in serotonin (rho = 0.34, P < 0.05), but negatively associated with changes in GABA and BDNF (rho = −0.4, P = 0.01, and rho = −0.35, P < 0.05 respectively).

Conclusions

These data indicate relationships between PROs and serum biomarkers pre‐ and post‐SVR in CHC. These concomitant changes may have important clinical relevance.
The Gossypium hirsutum TIR‐NBS‐LRR gene GhDSC1 mediates resistance against Verticillium wilt
Authors: Li Ting‐Gang , Wang Bao‐Li , Yin Chun‐Mei , Zhang Dan‐Dan , Wang Dan , Song Jian , Zhou Lei , Kong Zhi‐Qiang , Klosterman Steven J. , Li Jun‐Jiao , Adamu Sabiu , Liu Ting‐Li , Subbarao Krishna V. , Chen Jie‐Yin , Dai Xiao‐Feng
Published: April 2019

Improving genetic resistance is a preferred method to manage Verticillium wilt of cotton and other hosts. Identifying host resistance is difficult because of the dearth of resistance genes against this pathogen. Previously, a novel candidate gene involved in Verticillium wilt resistance was identified by a genome‐wide association study using a panel of Gossypium hirsutum accessions. In this study, we cloned the candidate resistance gene from cotton that encodes a protein sharing homology with the TIR‐NBS‐LRR receptor‐like defence protein DSC1 in Arabidopsis thaliana (hereafter named GhDSC1). GhDSC1 expressed at higher levels in response to Verticillium wilt and jasmonic acid (JA) treatment in resistant cotton cultivars as compared to susceptible cultivars and its product was localized to nucleus. The transfer of GhDSC1 to Arabidopsis conferred Verticillium resistance in an A. thaliana dsc1 mutant. This resistance response was associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and increased expression of JA‐signalling‐related genes. Furthermore, the expression of GhDSC1 in response to Verticillium wilt and JA signalling in A. thaliana displayed expression patterns similar to GhCAMTA3 in cotton under identical conditions, suggesting a coordinated DSC1 and CAMTA3 response in A. thaliana to Verticillium wilt. Analyses of GhDSC1 sequence polymorphism revealed a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) difference between resistant and susceptible cotton accessions, within the P‐loop motif encoded by GhDSC1. This SNP difference causes ineffective activation of defence response in susceptible cultivars. These results demonstrated that GhDSC1 confers Verticillium resistance in the model plant system of A. thaliana, and therefore represents a suitable candidate for the genetic engineering of Verticillium wilt resistance in cotton.
Illness uncertainty and complementary and alternative medicine use in patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Jeon Hae Ok , Kim Bo Hye , Kim Oksoo
Published: April 2019

In this study, we identified the relationships between illness uncertainty, subjective health, and the use of complementary and alternative medicine in patients undergoing hemodialysis. In total, 138 participants who were diagnosed with stages 4–5 chronic kidney disease and currently receiving hemodialysis were included. A cross‐sectional, correlational design was utilized. Illness uncertainty was associated with education, monthly income, employment, and subjective health. The use of complementary and alternative medicine was not related to illness uncertainty. Among the subdomains of illness uncertainty, ambiguity and unpredictability were related to subjective health; 24.6% of the participants were currently using complementary and alternative medicine and 19.6% had used it in the past. Such methods were mainly used for the effective treatment of diseases or relief of symptoms; 88.5% of those using complementary and alternative medicine consumed vitamins, specific foods, or dietary supplements. However, the proportion of participants who consulted with health‐care providers was not high. When planning nursing interventions for patients treated with hemodialysis, assessments on illness uncertainty and complementary and alternative medicine use are needed.
Nausea exacerbates symptom burden, quality of life, and functioning in adolescents with functional abdominal pain disorders
Authors: Kovacic Katja , Kapavarapu Prasanna K. , Sood Manu R. , Li B U. K. , Nugent Melodee , Simpson Pippa , Miranda Adrian
Published: April 2019

Background

Nausea frequently co‐exists with functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) and may be linked to a higher disease burden. This study aimed to prospectively compare multisystem symptoms, quality of life, and functioning in FAPDs with and without nausea.

Methods

Adolescents ages 11‐18 years fulfilling Rome III criteria for a FAPD were grouped by the presence or absence of chronic nausea. Subjects completed validated instruments assessing nausea (Nausea Profile Questionnaire = NPQ), quality of life (Patient‐Reported Outcome Measurement Information System), functioning (Functional Disability Inventory), and anxiety (State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children). Group comparisons were performed for instruments, multisystem symptoms, school absences, and clinical diagnoses.

Key Results

A total of 112 subjects were included; 71% reported chronic nausea. Patients with Nausea compared to No Nausea had higher NPQ scores (P ≤ 0.001), worse quality of life (P = 0.004), and greater disability (P = 0.02). State and trait anxiety scores were similar (P = 0.57, P = 0.25). A higher NPQ score correlated with poorer quality of life, more disability, and higher anxiety. Specific comorbidities were more common in Nausea vs No Nausea group: dizziness (81% vs 41%; P ≤ 0.001), concentrating difficulties (68% vs 27%; P ≤ 0.001), chronic fatigue (58% vs 20%; P = 0.01), and sleep disturbances (73% vs 48%; P = 0.02). The Nausea group reported more school absences (P = 0.001) and more commonly met criteria for functional dyspepsia (P = 0.034).

Conclusion and Inferences

Nausea co‐existing with FAPDs is associated with a higher extra‐intestinal symptom burden, worse quality of life, and impaired functioning in children. Assessing and targeting nausea therapeutically is essential to improve outcomes in FAPDs.
“Evidence‐Based Interventional Pain Medicine According to Clinical Diagnoses”: Update 2018
Authors: Huygen Frank , Kallewaard Jan Willem , van Tulder Maurits , Van Boxem Koen , Vissers Kris , van Kleef Maarten , Van Zundert Jan
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Between 2009 and 2011 a series of 26 articles on evidence‐based medicine for interventional pain medicine according to clinical diagnoses were published. The high number of publications since the last literature search justified an update.

Methods

For the update an independent 3rd party, specialized in systematic reviews was asked in 2015 to perform the literature search and summarize relevant evidence using Cochrane andGRADEmethodology to compile guidelines on interventional pain management. The guideline committee reviewed the information and made a last update on March 1st 2018. The information from new studies published after the research performed by the 3th party and additional observational studies was used to incorporate other factors such as side effects and complications, invasiveness, costs and ethical factors, which influence the ultimate recommendations.

Results

For the different indications a total of 113 interventions were evaluated. Twenty‐seven (24%) interventions were new compared to the previous guidelines and the recommendation changed for only 3 (2.6%) of the interventions.

Discussion

This article summarizes the evolution of the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations for the interventional pain treatment options for 28 clinical pain diagnoses.
Antibiotic use in aquaculture, policies and regulation, health and environmental risks: a review of the top 15 major producers
Authors: Lulijwa Ronald , Rupia Emmanuel Joseph , Alfaro Andrea C.
Published: April 2019

This review focuses on the current status of antibiotics use, effects on animal health and the environment, existing policies and regulatory mechanisms in the top 15 producing countries. Fifty papers were reviewed and represented the bulk of literature worldwide. We observed that 67 antibiotic compounds were used in 11 of the 15 countries between 2008 and 2018. Among these countries, 73% applied oxytetracycline, sulphadiazine and florfenicol. On average, countries used 15 antibiotics and the top users included Vietnam (39), China (33) and Bangladesh (21). On environmental and health risks, the review revealed sufficient evidence that directly links antibiotics use to food safety, occupational health hazards and antimicrobial resistance. Environmental risks included residue accumulation, aquatic biodiversity toxicity, microbial community selection for antibiotic resistance and the emergence of multi‐antibacterial resistant strains. Regarding policies, major players were the European Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, Codex and government ministries. In particular, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority and Norwegian Veterinary Institute demonstrated the most outstanding regulation mechanisms of antibiotics use in aquaculture that needs to be emulated. The future of aquaculture lies in guaranteeing the supply of safe aquatic products to the growing consumer market. Thus, international coordination of the policy and regulatory environment is needed, while increased investment in research for alternative aquatic health management strategies is essential. Future technologies should focus on the reduction of antibiotics use to safeguard the environment and ensure safety of consumers, feed industry and aquaculture workers.
Genetic variation of FUT2 in a Peruvian population: identification of a novel LTR‐mediated deletion and characterization of 4 nonsynonymous single‐nucleotide polymorphisms
Authors: Soejima Mikiko , Koda Yoshiro
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

The human FUT2 gene, which encodes a secretor type α(1,2)fucosyltransferase, is reported to have several population‐specific single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variations. However, little is known about genetic variation of FUT2 in Native Americans.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

To detect SNPs and copy number variations of the FUT2 gene in Peruvians, direct sequencing and digital polymerase chain reaction were performed. Haplotypes of observed SNPs were estimated by PHASE software or cloning into plasmids. The functional significance of nonsynonymous SNPs was examined by transient transfection assay.

RESULTS

We identified three novel nonfunctional alleles (se178,357, se841, and sedel4) due to two nonsynonymous SNPs (178C > T and 841G > A) and a novel long terminal repeat–mediated recombination with a 4.3‐kb deletion in 70 Peruvians. The frequency of nonfunctional alleles was relative low (20.7%). Because se841 has a relatively high frequency (5.7%), it might be a suitable genetic marker for Peruvians.

CONCLUSION

We identified three novel nonfunctional alleles in 70 Peruvians. To our knowledge, this is the first time a long terminal repeat–mediated gene recombination event at the FUT2 locus has been detected.
Photodegradation of ciprofloxacin in water using photocatalyst of zinc oxide nanowires doped with copper and cerium oxides
Authors: Mirzai Maryam , Akhlaghian Faranak , Rahmani Farhad
Published: April 2019

Antibiotic pollution via wastewaters has led to many environmental problems. In this work, to remove ciprofloxacin which is an antibiotic from water, foil photocatalyst of zinc oxide nanowires doped with copper and cerium oxides was applied under UV light irradiation. An empirical model was developed to determine the photocatalyst activity using response surface methodology. The independent variables were the concentrations of precursors, copper and cerium nitrates in the coating solution. The F‐value and p‐value of the model showed the accuracy of the model. The statistical analysis indicated that copper oxide had larger effect on the response than cerium oxide. The optimized catalyst was determined and characterized using ICP, XRD, SEM and MIP techniques. The results of this work which are comparable to those of the previous studies have the advantage of easy separation of the photocatalyst from water without using a centrifuge.
Glycemic control outcomes of manual and computerized insulin titration protocols: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Majeste Andrew C. , Tatum Eva , Christian Robin , Palokas Michelle
Published: April 2019

Objective:

The object of this systematic review is to determine the effectiveness of computerized insulin titration protocols compared to manual insulin titration protocols for glycemic control in hospitalized adult patients.

Introduction:

Hyperglycemia is common during acute illness, and current recommendations for patients with altered glucose metabolism is the use of intravenous insulin therapy. Due to the narrow therapeutic index of insulin, euglycemia is difficult to achieve and requires frequent dose titrations and blood glucose checks. Dose titrations can be accomplished through the use of manual or computerized insulin titration protocols.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider studies that compare manual and computerized insulin titration protocols for hospitalized adult patients requiring intravenous insulin therapy for hyperglycemia. Studies must have considered one or more glycemic control outcomes.

Methods:

This systematic review will use the JBI methodology for evidence of effectiveness. The search will be limited to studies published in English from 1984, as this was the approximate year that the first pilot study of a computerized titration protocol was implemented. The databases to be searched include: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, Health Technology Assessments and Ovid Healthstar. The trial registers to be searched include: US National Library of Medicine (ClinicalTrials.gov). The search for unpublished studies will include ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and MedNar. Retrieval of full-text studies, assessment of methodological quality and data extraction will be performed independently by two reviewers. Meta-analysis will be performed if possible, and a Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Summary of Findings presented.

Systematic Review Registration Number:

PROSPERO CRD42019142776
Large Eddy Simulation of Multiple-Stage Ignition Process of n-Heptane Spray Flame
Authors: Zhao Wanhui , Zhou Lei , Qin Wenjin , Wei Haiqiao
Published: April 2019

Large eddy simulation of n-heptane spray flames is conducted to investigate the multiple-stage ignition process under extreme (low-temperature, low oxygen, and high-temperature, high-density) conditions. At low oxygen concentrations, the first-stage ignition initiates in the fuel-rich region and then moves to stoichiometric equivalence ratio regions by decreasing the initial temperature. It is also clear that at high temperatures, high oxygen concentrations, or high densities, the reactivity of the mixture is enhanced, where high values of progress variable are observed. Analysis of key intermediate species, including acetylene (C2H2), formaldehyde (CH2O), and hydroxyl (OH) in the mixture fraction and temperature space provides valuable insights into the complex combustion process of the n-heptane spray flames under different initial conditions. The results also suggest that C2H2 appears over a wider range in the mixture fraction space at higher temperature or oxygen concentration condition, implying that it mainly forms at the fuel-rich regions. The initial oxygen concentration of the ambient gas has great influence on the formation and oxidization of C2H2, and the maximum temperature depends on the initial oxygen concentration. OH is mainly formed at the stoichiometric equivalence ratio region, which moves to high-temperature regions very quickly especially at higher oxygen concentrations. Finally, analysis of the premixed and nonpremixed combustion regimes in n-heptane spray flames is also conducted, and both premixed and nonpremixed combustion coexist in spray flames.
Numerical Loss Investigation of a Small Scale, Low Specific Speed Supercritical CO2 Radial Inflow Turbine
Authors: Keep Joshua A. , Jahn Ingo H. J.
Published: April 2019

Radial inflow turbines, characterized by a low specific speed, are a candidate architecture for the supercritical CO2 Brayton cycle at small scale, i.e., less than 5 MW. Prior cycle studies have identified the importance of turbine efficiency to cycle performance; hence, well-designed turbines are key in realizing this new cycle. With operation at high Reynolds numbers, and small scales, the relative importance of loss mechanisms in supercritical CO2 turbines is not known. This paper presents a numerical loss investigation of a 300 kW low specific speed radial inflow turbine operating on supercritical CO2. A combination of steady-state and transient calculations is used to determine the source of loss within the turbine stage. Losses are compared with preliminary design approaches, and geometric variations to address high loss regions of stator and rotor are trialed. Analysis shows stage losses to be dominated by endwall viscous losses in the stator. These losses are more significant than predicted using gas turbine derived preliminary design methods. A reduction in stator–rotor interspace and modification of the blade profile showed a significant improvement in stage efficiency. An investigation into rotor blading shows favorable performance gains through the inclusion of splitter blades. Through these, and other modifications, a stage efficiency of 81% is possible, with an improvement of 7.5 points over the baseline design.
Cardiac Protective Engineering
Authors: Liu Shu Q.
Published: April 2019

Cardioprotective engineering is an emerging bioengineering discipline aiming to develop engineering strategies to optimize cardioprotective actions against cardiac injuries and disorders. Although there exist innate cardioprotective mechanisms capable of supporting cardiomyocyte survival in response to an insult, not all these mechanisms are optimized in promptness and effectiveness, suggesting the necessity of cardioprotective engineering. Various cardioprotective strategies have been developed and used in experimental and clinical investigations; however, few of these strategies have exerted a significant clinical impact. There are two major challenges in cardioprotective engineering—understanding the innate cardioprotective mechanisms and developing engineering strategies for precise control of the types, levels, timing, and coordination of cardioprotective actions to facilitate recovery from injuries and disorders. Understanding the innate mechanisms is the foundation for developing cardioprotective engineering strategies. Here, ischemic myocardial injury is used as an example to demonstrate the concept of cardioprotective engineering.
The Interval-Based Physiological and Mechanical Demands of Cross-Country Ski Training
Authors: Haugnes Pål , Kocbach Jan , Luchsinger Harri , Ettema Gertjan , Sandbakk Øyvind
Published: April 2019

Purpose:To investigate fluctuations in speed, work rate, and heart rate (HR) when cross-country ski skating across varying terrains at different endurance-training intensities.Methods:Seven male junior Norwegian skiers performed maximal-speed (Vmax) tests in both flat and uphill terrains. Thereafter, 5-km sessions at low (LIT), moderate (MIT), and high intensity (HIT) were performed based on their own perception of intensity while monitored by a global navigation satellite system with integrated barometry and accompanying HR monitor.Results:Speed, HR, and rating of perceived exertion gradually increased from LIT to MIT and HIT, both for the total course and in flat and uphill terrains (allP < .05). Uphill work rates (214 [24] W, 298 [27] W, and 350 [54] W for LIT, MIT, and HIT, respectively) and the corresponding percentage of maximal HR (79.2% [6.1]%, 88.3% [2.4]%, and 91.0% [1.7]%) were higher than in flat terrain (159 [16] W, 206 [19] W, and 233 [72] W vs 72.3% [6.3]%, 83.2% [2.3]%, and 87.4% [2.0]% for LIT, MIT, and HIT, respectively) (allP < .01). In general, ∼13% point lower utilization of maximal work rate was reached in uphill than in flat terrain at all intensities (allP < .01).Conclusions:Cross-country ski training across varying terrains is clearly interval based in terms of speed, external work rate, and metabolic intensity for all endurance-training intensities. Although work rate and HR were highest in uphill terrain at all intensities, the utilization of maximal work rate was higher in flat terrain. This demonstrates the large potential for generating external work rate when uphill skiing and the corresponding downregulation of effort due to the metabolic limitations.
Blood-Flow-Restriction Training: Validity of Pulse Oximetry to Assess Arterial Occlusion Pressure
Authors: Zeng Zhen , Centner Christoph , Gollhofer Albert , König Daniel
Published: April 2019

Purpose: Setting the optimal cuff pressure is a crucial part of prescribing blood-flow-restriction training. It is currently recommended to use percentages of each individual’s arterial occlusion pressure, which is most accurately determined by Doppler ultrasound (DU). However, the practicality of this gold-standard method in daily training routine is limited due to high costs. An alternative solution is pulse oximetry (PO). The main purpose of this study was to evaluate validity between PO and DU measurements and to investigate whether sex has a potential influence on these variables. Methods: A total of 94 subjects were enrolled in the study. Participants were positioned in a supine position, and a 12-cm-wide cuff was applied in a counterbalanced order at the most proximal portion of the right upper and lower limbs. The cuff pressure was successively increased until pulse was no longer detected by DU and PO. Results: There were no significant differences between the DU and PO methods when measuring arterial occlusion pressure at the upper limb (P = .308). However, both methods showed considerable disagreement for the lower limbs (P = .001), which was evident in both men (P = .028) and women (P = .008). No sex differences were detected. Conclusions: PO is reasonably accurate to determine arterial occlusion pressure of the upper limbs. For lower limbs, PO does not seem to be a valid instrument when assessing the optimal cuff pressure for blood-flow-restriction interventions compared with DU.
The Relationship Between Isometric Strength and Sprint Acceleration in Sprinters
Authors: Brady Claire J. , Harrison Andrew J. , Flanagan Eamonn P. , Haff G. Gregory , Comyns Thomas M.
Published: April 2019

Purpose: To examine the relationships between the isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), isometric squat (ISqT), and sprint acceleration performance in track-and-field sprinters and to determine whether there are differences between men and women. Methods: Fifteen male and 10 female sprinters performed 3 maximal-effort IMTPs, ISqTs, and 3 × 30-m sprints from blocks. Results: Among the men, the results showed significant negative correlations between IMTP and ISqT peak force; relative peak force; force at 100, 150, and 200 ms; rate of force development (0–150 and 0–200 ms); and impulse (0–200 ms) and 0- to 5-m time (r = −.517 to −.714; P < .05). IMTP impulse (B = −0.582, P = .023) and ISqT relative peak force (B = −0.606, P = .017) significantly predicted 0- to 5-m time. Among the women, no IMTP or ISqT variables significantly correlated with any sprint times. Men measured significantly higher than women for all IMTP measures except relative peak force. Men were significantly faster than women at all splits. When comparing measures of the ISqT, there were no significant differences between men and women. Conclusions: Variables measured during the IMTP and ISqT significantly correlated with 0- to 5-m sprint performance in male athletes. Isometric strength can have a sizable influence on 0- to 5-m time, but in some cases, the maximum effect could be very small.
Effects of Acute Physical Exercise With Low and High Cognitive Demands on Executive Functions in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Paschen Linda , Lehmann Tim , Kehne Miriam , Baumeister Jochen
Published: April 2019

Purpose: Whereas many studies addressed the relation between acute physical exercise and executive functions (EF) in children, the effects of various modalities of acute exercise on EF still remain unclear. This systematic review investigated the effects of exercise with low and high cognitive demands on speed of processing and accuracy of performance in tasks examining inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility in children. Method: A systematic literature research in electronic databases was performed. Controlled trials assessing the effects of acute exercise on EF in a pre–post design were included. Results: Ten studies involving a total of 890 participants revealed positive effects in working memory performance in speed of processing after acute exercises with low cognitive demands compared with seated rest, mixed results for inhibition after exercises with low and high cognitive demands, and mixed results for cognitive flexibility with low cognitive demands. Concerning accuracy, only mixed results were found for inhibition after exercises with low and high cognitive demands. Conclusion: The differentiated effects of acute exercises with low and high cognitive demands led to more positive effects in speed of processing compared with accuracy of performance. Further investigations including assessment of neurophysiological parameters of EF are needed.
Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Ertapenem for Patients with Hospital-Acquired or Ventilator-Associated Bacterial Pneumonia
Authors: Bader J. C. , Lakota E. A. , Dale G. E. , Sader H. S. , Rex J. H. , Ambrose P. G. , Bhavnani S. M.
Published: April 2019

Ertapenem provides activity against many pathogens commonly associated with hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumoniae (HABP and VABP, respectively), including methicillin-susceptibleStaphylococcus aureusand numerous Gram-negative pathogens with one major gap in coverage,Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) target attainment analyses were conducted to evaluate ertapenem against the most prevalentEnterobacteriaceaecausing HABP/VABP.