bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical power sheath mediated recanalization and lead implantation in patients with venous occlusion: Technique and results
Authors: Witte Olivier A. , Adiyaman Ahmet , van Bemmel Marnix W. , Smit Jaap Jan J. , Ghani Abdul , Misier Anand R. Ramdat , Elvan Arif , Delnoy Peter Paul H.M.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Chronic venous occlusion hampers lead revisions and upgrades in patients with a cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). This can make cardiothoracic surgery, venoplasty, or contra‐lateral implantation of leads with tunneling necessary. A technique using venous recanalization may be a preferred alternative. We assessed the efficacy and safety of this new technique.

Methods and results

From 2009 to 2016, all consecutive patients planned for lead revision or upgrade with known chronic venous occlusion were studied. All patients underwent extraction of an existing malfunctional or functional CIED lead with the Cook Evolution mechanical power sheath. By using the lumen of the sheath, endovascular access to the heart was obtained for new leads. Forty‐two patients (107 leads, 2.6 ± 1.1) were included. The indication for this procedure was replacement of malfunctional leads (n = 35, 83%) or device upgrade (n = 7, 17%). In total, 77 leads were extracted (30 leads stayed in situ) with a mean age at time of extraction of 8.4 years. Because of damage to bystander leads during extraction, two additional leads (one RA lead, one LV lead) were extracted. Clinical success was achieved in 41 patients (97%) and complete success in 39 patients (93%). There were two minor complications (two pocket hematomas, managed conservatively) and one major complication (tamponade, needing thoracotomy). Mean procedure time was 3.0 hours (median, 2.0; range, 1:28–5:35 hours) with a mean fluoroscopy time of 14.9 ± 12.5 minutes.

Conclusions

The technique of Evolution‐mediated recanalization in case of lead revisions or upgrades is feasible with an acceptable safety profile and high efficacy.
Five‐year impact of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with a prior history of stroke
Authors: Bunch T. Jared , May Heidi T. , Bair Tami L. , Crandall Brian G. , Cutler Michael J. , Day John D. , Jacobs Victoria , Mallender Charles , Osborn Jeffrey S. , Weiss J. Peter
Published: November 2017

Background

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is an established therapeutic rhythm approach. Patients with a prior history of a stroke (CVA) represent a unique high‐risk population for recurrent thromboembolic events. The role of antiarrhythmic treatment on the natural history of stroke recurrence in these patients is not fully understood.

Methods

Three patient groups with a prior CVA and 5 years of follow‐up were matched 1:3:3 by propensity score (±0.01): AF ablation patients receiving their first ablation (n  =  139), AF patients that did not receive an ablation (n  =  416), and CVA patients without clinical AF (n  =  416). Prior CVA was determined by medical chart review. Patients were followed for outcomes of recurrent CVA, heart failure, and death.

Results

The average age of the population was 69 ± 11 years and 51% male. AF ablation patients had higher rates of hypertension and heart failure (P < 0.0001), but diabetes prevalence was similar between the groups (P  =  0.5). Note that 5‐year risk of CVA (HR  =  2.26, P < 0.0001) and death (HR  =  2.43, P < 0.0001) were higher in the AF, no ablation group compared those that were ablated. When comparing AF, ablation to no AF patients, there was not a significant difference in 5‐year risk of for CVA (HR  =  0.82, P  =  0.39) and death (HR  =  0.92, P  =  0.70); however, heart failure risk was increased (HR  =  3.08, P  =  0.001).

Conclusion

In patients with AF and a prior CVA, patients undergoing ablation have lower rates of recurrent stroke compared to AF patients not ablated. Although the full mechanisms of benefit are unknown, as CVA rates are similar to patients without AF these data are suggestive of a potential altering of the natural history of disease progression.
Deaths from Resident‐to‐Resident Aggression in Australian Nursing Homes
Authors: Murphy Briony , Bugeja Lyndal , Pilgrim Jennifer , Ibrahim Joseph E.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To describe the frequency and nature of deaths from resident‐to‐resident aggression (RRA) in nursing homes in Australia.

Design

National population‐based retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Accredited nursing homes in Australia.

Participants

Residents whose deaths resulted from RRA and were reported to the coroner between July 1, 2000, and December 31, 2013.

Measurements

Cases were identified using the National Coronial Information System, and data on individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal factors were collected through review of the paper‐based coroners' files.

Results

This research identified 28 deaths from RRA over a 14‐year study period (0.004 per 100,000 bed days). Most exhibitors of aggression were male (n = 24, 85.7%), and risk of death from RRA was twice as high for male as for female nursing home residents (relative risk (RR) = 2.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.93–4.80, P = .05). Almost 90% of residents involved in RRA had a diagnosis of dementia, and three‐quarters had a history of behavioral problems, including wandering and aggression. Dyad analysis showed that exhibitors of aggression were often younger and more recently admitted to the nursing home than targets. RRA incidents commonly occurred in communal areas and during the afternoon and involved a “push and fall.” Seven (25%) RRA deaths had a coronial inquest; criminal charges were rarely filed.

Conclusion

This is the first national study in Australia, and the largest internationally, to examine RRA deaths using medicolegal data. This generates hypotheses for future research on the effect of environmental and organizational factors on the frequency and preventability of RRA.
Evaluation of the serum zinc level in adult patients with melasma: Is there a relationship with serum zinc deficiency and melasma?
Authors: Rostami Mogaddam Majid , safavi Ardabili Nastaran , Iranparvar Alamdari Manouchehr , Maleki Nasrollah , Aghabalaei Danesh Maryam
Published: November 2017

Background

Melasma is a common acquired hypermelanosis of sun‐exposed skin, particularly on the face, which presents as symmetric, light‐ to gray‐brown‐colored macules and patches. There are several studies of serum zinc levels in cutaneous disorders. So far, no studies have been carried out to assess the serum zinc level in patients with melasma. The aim of this study is to determine the serum zinc level in patients with melasma compared to healthy subjects.

Materials and methods

A total of 118 patients with melasma and 118 healthy controls were enrolled in this prospective cross‐sectional study. The two groups were matched for age and sex. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to measure serum zinc levels. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Results

The mean serum level of zinc in melasma patients and controls was 77.4±23.2 μg/dL and 82.2±23.9 μg/dL, respectively (P‐value=.0001). Serum zinc deficiency was found in 45.8% and 23.7% of melasma patients and control subjects, respectively. A positive family history of melasma in first‐degree relatives was present in 46 (39%) of the cases, and a history of taking oral contraceptive pill was found in 95 (81%) of women with melasma. The aggravating factors for melasma were stated as: sun exposure (11.1%), pregnancy (15.3%), nutrition (2.5%), oral contraceptive pills (18.6%), and emotional stress (5.9%). The malar and centrofacial patterns were seen in 3.4% and 72% of cases, respectively, whereas 24.6% of the patients had both centrofacial distribution and malar distribution, and there was no patient with mandibular pattern. Among patients with melasma, 20.3% had thyroid dysfunction, while in the control subjects, 8.4% had thyroid dysfunction (P=.001).

Conclusion

There is a significant relationship between low levels of zinc and melasma. Zinc deficiency may be involved in the pathogenesis of melasma. Also, treatment with oral zinc supplements can be tried in these patients to see the outcome. However, to make recommendations on screening for zinc deficiency in patients with melasma, future research of good methodological quality is needed.
Review: Animal models of acquired epilepsy: insights into mechanisms of human epileptogenesis
Authors: Becker A. J.
Published: November 2017

In many patients who suffer from epilepsies, recurrent epileptic seizures do not start at birth but develop later in life. This holds particularly true for epilepsies with a focal seizure origin including focal cortical dysplasias and temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).TLEmost frequently has its seizure onset in the hippocampal formation. Hippocampal biopsies of pharmacoresistantTLEpatients undergoing epilepsy surgery for seizure control most frequently reveal the damage pattern of hippocampal sclerosis, that is, segmental neuronal cell loss and concomitant astrogliosis. ManyTLEpatients report on transient brain insults early in life, which is followed by a ‘latency’ period lacking seizure activity of months or even years before chronic recurrent seizures start. The plethora of structural and cellular mechanisms that convert the hippocampal formation to become chronically hyperexcitable after a transient insult to the brain are summarized under the termepileptogenesis. In contrast to the obstacles arising for experimental studies of epileptogenesis aspects in human surgical hippocampal tissue, recent animal model approaches allow insights into mechanisms of epileptogenesis. Relevant models of transient brain insults in this context comprise several distinct types of lesions including excitoxic status epilepticus (SE), electrical seizure induction, traumatic brain injury, induction of inflammatory processes by hyperthermia and viral inflammation and others. In pathogenetic terms, aberrant transcriptional and epigenetic reprogramming, acquired channel‐ and synaptopathies, neuronal network and blood–brain barrier dysfunction as well as innate and adaptive immunity‐mediated damage play major roles. In subsequent steps, respective animal models have been used in order to test whether this dynamic process can be either retarded or even abolished by interfering with epileptogenic mechanisms. Well‐controlled subsequent analyses of epileptogenic cascades characterized in animal models using carefully stratified human hippocampal biopsies to exploit the unique opportunities given by these rare and precious brain tissue samples aim to translate into novel antiepileptogenic approaches. Respective preclinical tests can open entirely new perspectives for tailor‐made treatments in patients with the potential to avoid the emergence of chronic focal seizure events.
Playing a zero‐sum game? The pursuit of independence and relevance in performance auditing
Authors: Triantafillou Peter
Published: November 2017

Supreme audit institutions (SAIs) are fundamental institutions in liberal democracies as they enable control of the exercise of state power. In order to maintain this function, SAIs must enjoy a high level of independence. Moreover, SAIs are increasingly expected to be also relevant for government and the execution of its policies by way of performance auditing. This article examines how and why the performance auditing of the Danish SAI pursues independence and relevance. It is argued that, in general, the simultaneous pursuit of independence and relevance is highly challenging and amounts to a zero‐sum or, at the very best, a very modest plus‐sum game. More specifically, while the Danish SAI actively pursues both objectives, it has persistently prioritized independence over relevance. This priority seems to be the most effective strategy for the Danish SAI to maintain its legitimacy in a situation where the parliament is characterized by minority governments.
Meaning for Radical Contextualists: Travis and Gadamer on Why Words Matter
Authors: Lynch Greg
Published: November 2017

Charles Travis and Hans‐Georg Gadamer both affirm radical contextualism, the view that natural language is ineliminably context‐sensitive. However, they offer different accounts of the role linguistic meaning plays in determining the contents of utterances. I discuss the differences between Travis's and Gadamer's views of meaning and offer an argument in favour of the latter. I argue that Travis's view assumes a principled distinction between literal and figurative speech that is at odds with his wider contextualist commitments. By contrast, Gadamer's view, on which meaning is ‘fundamentally metaphorical,’ makes no such assumption and thus avoids the difficulty.
Immunological interaction between Giardia cyst extract and experimental toxoplasmosis
Authors: Ashour D. S. , Saad A. E. , Dawood L. M. , Zamzam Y.
Published: November 2017

Toxoplasmosis is mostly associated with other intestinal parasitic infections especially Giardia due to shared mode of peroral infection. Toxoplasma and Giardia induce a strong T‐helper 1‐ immune response. Our aim was to induce a protective immune response that results in significant impact on intestinal and extra‐intestinal phases of Toxoplasma infection. This study was conducted in experimental animals and assessment of Giardia cyst extract effect on Toxoplasma infection was investigated by histopathological examination of small intestine and brain, Toxoplasma cyst count and iNOS staining of the brain, measurement of IFN‐γ and TGF‐β in intestinal tissues. Results showed that the brain Toxoplasma cyst number was decreased in mice infected with Toxoplasma then received Giardia cyst extract as compared to mice infected with Toxoplasma only. This effect was produced because Giardia cyst extract augmented the immune response to Toxoplasma infection as evidenced by severe inflammatory reaction in the intestinal and brain tissues, increased levels of IFN‐γ and TGF‐β in intestinal tissues and strong iNOS staining of the brain. In conclusion, Giardia cyst extract generated a protective response against T. gondii infection. Therefore, Giardia antigen will be a suitable candidate for further researches as an immunomodulatory agent against Toxoplasma infection.
The prognostic significance of pneumothorax in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Nishimoto Koji , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Yoshimura Katsuhiro , Enomoto Yasunori , Enomoto Noriyuki , Nakamura Yutaro , Inui Naoki , Sumikawa Hiromitsu , Johkoh Takeshi , Colby Thomas V. , Suda Takafumi
Published: November 2017

Background and objective

Pneumothorax is a co‐morbidity in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, its incidence, risk factors and prognostic significance in IPF remain unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the incidence and prognostic significance of pneumothorax in patients with IPF, and to further investigate the risk factors for its onset.

Methods

Eighty‐four consecutive patients with IPF based on the consensus guideline were included in this study. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records, pulmonary function tests and chest high‐resolution computed tomography images, and determined the incidence of pneumothorax. The prognostic significance of pneumothorax was evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards model analysis with time‐dependent covariates. We also assessed the cumulative incidence and the risk factors for pneumothorax.

Results

Of the 84 patients, 17 (20.2%) developed pneumothorax. The cumulative incidence of pneumothorax was 8.5%, 12.5% and 17.7% at 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively. Univariate analysis demonstrated that pneumothorax was significantly related to poor prognosis (hazards ratio, 2.99; P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis, adjusting for sex, age and forced vital capacity (% predicted), revealed that pneumothorax was an independent predictor of poor outcome in IPF (hazards ratio, 2.85; P = 0.006). Lower BMI and the presence of extensive reticular abnormalities were significantly associated with developing pneumothorax.

Conclusion

These results confirm that patients with IPF often develop pneumothorax during their clinical course and that the onset of pneumothorax predicts a poor outcome.
Transformations between Nonlocal and Local Integrable Equations
Authors: Yang Bo , Yang Jianke
Published: November 2017

Recently, a number of nonlocal integrable equations, such as the ‐symmetric nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation and ‐symmetric Davey–Stewartson equations, were proposed and studied. Here, we show that many of such nonlocal integrable equations can be converted to local integrable equations through simple variable transformations. Examples include these nonlocal NLS and Davey–Stewartson equations, a nonlocal derivative NLS equation, the reverse space‐time complex‐modified Korteweg–de Vries (CMKdV) equation, and many others. These transformations not only establish immediately the integrability of these nonlocal equations, but also allow us to construct their Lax pairs and analytical solutions from those of the local equations. These transformations can also be used to derive new nonlocal integrable equations. As applications of these transformations, we use them to derive rogue wave solutions for the partially ‐symmetric Davey–Stewartson equations and the nonlocal derivative NLS equation. In addition, we use them to derive multisoliton and quasi‐periodic solutions in the reverse space‐time CMKdV equation. Furthermore, we use them to construct many new nonlocal integrable equations such as nonlocal short pulse equations, nonlocal nonlinear diffusion equations, and nonlocal Sasa–Satsuma equations.
Mental ill‐health among adult patients at healthcare centres in Sweden: district nurses experiences
Authors: Janlöv Ann‐Christin , Johansson Linda , Clausson Eva K.
Published: November 2017

Background

Mental ill‐health among the general population is increasing in Sweden. Primary Health Care (PHC) and Healthcare Centres (HCC), where district nurses (DNs) work, bear the basic responsibility for treatment of mental ill‐health, while severe mental ill‐health fall under the responsibility of psychiatric specialist care. The increased prevalence of mental ill‐health in the community means thatDNs increasingly encounter people with mental health problems – not least as a comorbidity. How wellDNs are equipped to deal with mental ill‐health is currently unclear.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to explore district nurses’ experience of encountering and dealing with mental ill‐health among adult patients at healthcare centres.

Design

A qualitative explorative approach was used to capture the experiences of the phenomena under study.

Methods

Individual interviews were conducted with 10DNs working at sixHCCs. The interviews were transcribed and analysed by qualitative content analysis.

Results

The result emerged as several subcategories captured by three categories: (i) having competence – a prerequisite for feeling confident; (ii) nursing mental ill‐health requires time and commitment; and (iii) working in an organisation without preparedness, encompassed by the synthesising theme; nursing mental ill‐health requires specific competence and organisational support.

Conclusion

Working as aDNrequires formal and informal competence when encountering patients with complex health needs. The findings revealed that theDNs could feel insecure regarding how to deal with patients with mental ill‐health due to lack of knowledge. Assessment of patients with mental ill‐health is time‐ and energy‐consuming and calls for improved teamwork atHCCs as well as effective collaboration with psychiatric specialist care and other care givers. TheDNs responsibility to fulfil their work considering the increasing number of mental ill‐health among people that seeks help atHCCs needs to be acknowledged and met by thePHCorganisation.
Doing the Snap: Storytelling and Participatory Photography with Women Porters in Ghana
Authors: Bowles Laurian R.
Published: November 2017

This article describes the use of participatory photography to examine the lives of women migrants who work as head porters in urban Ghana. African markets are one of the few public spaces dominated by women, and this article analyzes how visual methodologies can successfully interrogate hierarchies of labor and the social marginalization of head porters known as kayayoo. Focusing on the sensory storytelling with photographs, this essay demonstrates how porters use photo‐narratives to situate their notions of industriousness, resilience, and embodied transportation. Storytelling with photographs analyzes how everyday habits reflect the marginalizing structures of Ghanaian markets and the way migrants assert their presence despite their outsider status.
CONSISTENCY OF FLY ASH QUALITY FOR MAKING HIGH VOLUME FLY ASH CONCRETE
Authors: Antoni Antoni , Krisnanta Widianto Alvin , Lakshmana Wiranegara Jerry , Hardjito Djwantoro
Published: November 2017

Fly ash is a by-product of coal burning and is widely used as a substitute for cement material. The advantages of using fly ash in concrete include the improvement of workability and reduction of bleeding and segregation. The problem often encountered when using fly ash is the uncertainty of the fly ash quality. The quality is influenced by the coal origin, burning technique, mineral content, and capturing method. In this study, the consistency of fly ash from one power plant source was investigated for making a high-volume fly ash (HVFA) mortar. Variations in fly ash can be detected by applying rapid indicators as suggested in this paper; i.e., the pH of the fly ash in aqueous solution, the percentage of fly ash particles passing sieve #325 and the superplasticizer demand for the targeted slump flow. The fly ash replacement ratio was varied from 10–60% of cement, by mass. The results showed a large variation in the chemical content of the fly ash as shown by variation in pH, whereas only slight variation in the physical properties of the fly ash, i.e. particle size and shape. Superplasticizer demand for the same flow diameter was reduced with the increase of fly ash content, whereas the optimum fly ash replacement ratio for maximum strength varied among fly ash from different sampling periods. The compressive strength could reach that of control specimens at a replacement ratio of 20–30%, and mortar compressive strength of 42 MPa was still achievable at a replacement ratio of 50%.
Experimental Investigation of Jet Impingement Cooling With Carbon Dioxide at Supercritical Pressures
Authors: Chen Kai , Xu Rui-Na , Jiang Pei-Xue
Published: November 2017

Jet impingement cooling is widely used in many industrial applications due to its high heat transfer capability and is an option for advanced high power density systems. Jet impingement cooling with supercritical pressure fluids could have much larger heat transfer rates combining with the large fluid specific heat near the pseudocritical point. However, the knowledge of its flow and heat transfer characteristics is limited. In this study, the flow and the local and average heat transfer characteristics of jet impingement cooling with supercritical pressure fluids were studied experimentally with carbon dioxide first. An integrated thermal sensor chip that provided heating and temperature measurements was manufactured using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) techniques with a low thermal conductivity substrate as the impingement cooled plate. The experiment system pressure was 7.85 MPa, which is higher than the critical pressure of carbon dioxide of 7.38 MPa. The mass flow rate ranged from 8.34 to 22.36 kg/h and the Reynolds number ranged from 19,000 to 68,000. The heat flux ranged from 0.02 to 0.22 MW/m2. The nozzle inlet temperature ranged from lower to higher than the pseudocritical temperature. Dramatic variations of the density at supercritical pressures near the heating chip were observed with increasing heat flux in the strong reflection and refraction of the backlight that disappeared at inlet temperatures higher than the pseudocritical temperature. The local heat transfer coefficient near the stagnation point increased with increasing heat flux while those far from the stagnation point increased to a maximum with increasing heat flux and then decreased due to the nonuniformity of jet impingement cooling. The heat transfer is higher at inlet temperatures lower than the pseudocritical temperature and the surface temperature is slightly higher than the pseudocritical temperature due to the dramatic changes in the fluid thermo-physical properties at supercritical pressures.
Half-lives of PFOS, PFHxS and PFOA after end of exposure to contaminated drinking water
Authors: Li Ying , Fletcher Tony , Mucs Daniel , Scott Kristin , Lindh Christian H , Tallving Pia , Jakobsson Kristina
Published: November 2017

Background

Municipal drinking water contaminated with perfluorinated alkyl acids had been distributed to one-third of households in Ronneby, Sweden. The source was firefighting foam used in a nearby airfield since the mid-1980s. Clean water was provided from 16 December 2013.

Objective

To determine the rates of decline in serum perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), and their corresponding half-lives.

Methods

Up to seven blood samples were collected between June 2014 and September 2016 from 106 participants (age 4–84 years, 53% female).

Results

Median initial serum concentrations were PFHxS, 277 ng/mL (range 12–1660); PFOS, 345 ng/mL (range 24–1500); and PFOA, 18 ng/mL (range 2.4–92). The covariate-adjusted average rates of decrease in serum were PFHxS, 13% per year (95% CI 12% to 15%); PFOS, 20% per year (95% CI 19% to 22%); and PFOA, 26% per year (95% CI 24% to 28%). The observed data are consistent with a first-order elimination model. The mean estimated half-life was 5.3 years (95% CI 4.6 to 6.0) for PFHxS, 3.4 years (95% CI 3.1 to 3.7) for PFOS and 2.7 years (95% CI 2.5 to 2.9) for PFOA. The interindividual variation of half-life was around threefold when comparing the 5th and 95th percentiles. There was a marked sex difference with more rapid elimination in women for PFHxS and PFOS, but only marginally for PFOA.

Conclusions

The estimated half-life for PFHxS was considerably longer than for PFOS and PFOA. For PFHxS and PFOS, the average half-life is shorter than the previously published estimates. For PFOA the half-life is in line with the range of published estimates.
Rebuilding in the face of climate change
Authors: Bell Richard J. , Wood Anthony , Hare Jonathan , Richardson David , Manderson John , Miller Timothy
Published: November 2017

Decadal-scale climate variability and change can cause trends in oceanographic conditions that impact demographic rates. Rebuilding scenarios, therefore, developed assuming constant demographic rates may not be realistic. Winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) is an important commercial and recreational species that has declined in the southern portion of its range despite reduced exploitation. Laboratory and mesocosm studies suggest that stock productivity is reduced under warmer conditions and that rebuilding to historical levels may not be possible. Our goal was to examine the rebuilding potential of winter flounder in the face of regional warming. We integrated winter temperature into a population model to estimate environmentally driven stock–recruitment parameters and projected the stock into the future under different climate and fishing scenarios. The inclusion of winter temperature had minor impacts on the estimates of current abundance, but provided greater understanding of the drivers of recruitment. Projections that included the environment suggest that rebuilding the stock to historical levels is unlikely. The integration of both fishing and the environment has the potential to provide more realistic expectations of future stock status.
A Classification Model for Managers by Competencies: A Case Study in the Construction Sector
Authors: Famá Camila Campos Gómez , Alencar Luciana Hazin
Published: November 2017

Many companies have difficulties in filling managerial positions. This is because there is a lack in understanding of the competencies that a manager must have. This is as true for those responsible for selecting managers as it is for the employee who aspires to be a manager. Furthermore, the construction industry seeks to appoint managers who are likely to excel in several different managerial roles. However, currently, there is no model that classifies managers by the different competencies they need to perform specific functions. This paper presents how a nonordered classification method was applied in a construction company in order to select managers for different roles. While no manager is considered to be more important than any other, they nevertheless need to have different competencies that match those needed for the job assigned to them. The model also serves as a guide for evaluating whether or not those already in or being considered for a managerial position have the competencies required.
Effectiveness and Safety of the Combination of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription Jade Screen and Desloratadine in the Treatment of Chronic Urticaria: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Yuan Shao-fei , Guan Jing-zhi , Hao Yong , Chai Jian-yuan , Gao Feng-li , Shi Su-qin , Wang Jian-xin , He Jin , Shi Ji-hai
Published: November 2017

Objective. The aim of this study is to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine prescription Jade Screen combined with desloratadine in the treatment of chronic urticaria. Methods. Two researchers independently conducted literature searches. The extracted data were analyzed using Rev Man 5.2.3 software. The established retrieval time range of the various databases was up to 15 March, 2017. Results. Sixteen randomized controlled trials were included in this study. The results of the meta‐analysis showed that the total effective rate of using Jade Screen and desloratadine in combination to treat chronic urticaria was higher than that with desloratadine alone (P < 0.00001), while its recurrence rate (P < 0.00001) and symptom score (P = 0.006) were both significantly lower than the latter. The rate of adverse reaction in the combination group was lower than that when orally taking desloratadine alone (P = 0.74), and the serum level of total IgE in the combination group was lower than that when orally taking desloratadine alone (P = 0.82); however, the results of the rate of adverse reaction and the serum level of total IgE were insignificant. Conclusion. Using Jade Screen and desloratadine together to treat chronic urticaria gains a better clinical effect than using desloratadine alone.
The Bidirectional Relationship between Tuberculosis and Diabetes
Authors: Yorke Ernest , Atiase Yacoba , Akpalu Josephine , Sarfo-Kantanka Osei , Boima Vincent , Dey Ida Dzifa
Published: November 2017

The burden of tuberculosis (TB) especially in developing countries continues to remain high despite efforts to improve preventive strategies. Known traditional risk factors for TB include poverty, malnutrition, overcrowding, and HIV/AIDS; however, diabetes, which causes immunosuppression, is increasingly being recognized as an independent risk factor for tuberculosis, and the two often coexist and impact each other. Diabetes may also lead to severe disease, reactivation of dormant tuberculosis foci, and poor treatment outcomes. Tuberculosis as a disease entity on the other hand and some commonly used antituberculous medications separately may cause impaired glucose tolerance. This review seeks to highlight the impact of comorbid TB and diabetes on each other. It is our hope that this review will increase the awareness of clinicians and managers of TB and diabetes programs on the effect of the interaction between these two disease entities and how to better screen and manage patients.
Amperometric Formaldehyde Sensor Based on a Pd Nanocrystal Modified C/Co2P Electrode
Authors: Wang Huan , Chi Yaodan , Gao Xiaohong , Lv Sa , Chu Xuefeng , Wang Chao , Zhou Lu , Yang Xiaotian
Published: November 2017

Ultrafine Pd nanocrystals were grown on the cobalt phosphide (Co2P) decorated Vulcan XC-72 carbon (C/Co2P), which is realized by first implementing the corresponding metal precursor and then the further chemical reduction process. The as-synthesized C/Co2P/Pd composite was further constructed to form a gas permeable electrode. This electrode can be applied for formaldehyde (HCHO) detection. The results demonstrate that the Co2P nanocrystal can significantly improve the sensing performance of the C/Co2P/Pd electrode for catalytic oxidation of HCHO, which is considered to be attributed to the effective electron transfer from Co2P to Pd in the C/Co2P/Pd composites. Furthermore, the assembled C/Co2P/Pd sensor exhibits high sensitivity of 617 nA/ppm and good selectivity toward various interfering gases such as NO2, NO, SO2, CO2, and CO. It also shows the excellent linear response that the correlation coefficient is 0.994 in the concentration range of 1–10 ppm. Therefore, the proposed cost-effective C/Co2P/Pd nanocomposite, which owns advantages such as high activity and good stability, has the potential to be applied as an effective electrocatalyst for amperometric HCHO detection.
Dahuang Zexie Decoction Protects against High‐Fat Diet‐Induced NAFLD by Modulating Gut Microbiota‐Mediated Toll‐Like Receptor 4 Signaling Activation and Loss of Intestinal Barrier
Authors: Fang Jing , Sun Xiaoqi , Xue Boyu , Fang Nanyuan , Zhou Min
Published: November 2017

Increasing evidence suggests that intestinal dysbiosis, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and activated Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling play key roles in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Dahuang Zexie Decoction (DZD) has been verified to be effective for treating NAFLD, but the mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of DZD on NAFLD rats and determined whether such effects were associated with change of the gut microbiota, downregulated activity of the TLR4 signaling pathway, and increased expressions of tight junction (TJ) proteins in the gut. Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed high‐fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks to induce NAFLD and then given DZD intervention for 4 weeks. We found that DZD reduced body and liver weights of NAFLD rats, improved serum lipid levels and liver function parameters, and relieved NAFLD. We further found that DZD changed intestinal bacterial communities, inhibited the intestinal TLR4 signaling pathway, and restored the expressions of TJ proteins in the gut. Meanwhile ten potential components of DZD had been identified. These findings suggest that DZD may protects against NAFLD by modulating gut microbiota‐mediated TLR4 signaling activation and loss of intestinal barrier. However, further studies are needed to clarify the mechanism by which DZD treats NAFLD.
Molecular Responses of Human Retinal Cells to Infection with Dengue Virus
Authors: Carr Jillian M. , Ashander Liam M. , Calvert Julie K. , Ma Yuefang , Aloia Amanda , Bracho Gustavo G. , Chee Soon-Phaik , Appukuttan Binoy , Smith Justine R.
Published: November 2017

Recent clinical reports indicate that infection with dengue virus (DENV) commonly has ocular manifestations. The most serious threat to vision is dengue retinopathy, including retinal vasculopathy and macular edema. Mechanisms of retinopathy are unstudied, but observations in patients implicate retinal pigment epithelial cells and retinal endothelial cells. Human retinal cells were inoculated with DENV-2 and monitored for up to 72 hours. Epithelial and endothelial cells supported DENV replication and release, but epithelial cells alone demonstrated clear cytopathic effect, and infection was more productive in those cells. Infection induced type I interferon responses from both cells, but this was stronger in epithelial cells. Endothelial cells increased expression of adhesion molecules, with sustained overexpression of vascular adhesion molecule-1. Transcellular impedance decreased for epithelial monolayers, but not endothelial monolayers, coinciding with cytopathic effect. This reduction was accompanied by disorganization of intracellular filamentous-actin and decreased expression of junctional molecules, zonula occludens 1, and catenin-β1. Changes in endothelial expression of adhesion molecules are consistent with the retinal vasculopathy seen in patients infected with DENV; decreases in epithelial junctional protein expression, paralleling loss of integrity of the epithelium, provide a molecular basis for DENV-associated macular edema. These molecular processes present potential therapeutic targets for vision-threatening dengue retinopathy.
In Vivo Evaluation of Galla chinensis Solution in the Topical Treatment of Dermatophytosis
Authors: Sun Kai , Song Xu , Jia RenYong , Yin Zhongqiong , Zou Yuanfeng , Li Lixia , Yin Lizi , He Changliang , Liang Xiaoxia , Ye Gang , Yue Guizhou , Zhao Xinghong , Yu Jiankang
Published: November 2017

Aim. Dermatophytosis is one of the main fungal diseases in humans and animals all over the world. Galla chinensis, a traditional medicine, has various pharmacological effects. The goal of this study was to evaluate the treatment effect of Galla chinensis solution (GCS) on dermatophytosis‐infected dogs (Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, resp.). Methods. The treatment effects of GCS were evaluated by mycological cure rates and clinical score comprised of three indices, including inflammation, hair loss, and lesion scale. Results. The results showed that, in the three models of dermatophytosis, GCS significantly (P < 0.05) improved skin lesions and fungal eradication. GCS (10% and 5%) had higher efficacy compared to the positive control (Tujingpi Tincture). The fungal eradication efficacy exceeds 85% after treatment with GCS (10%, 5%, and 2.5%) on day 14. Conclusion. The GCS has antidermatophytosis effect in dogs, which may be a candidate drug for the treatment of dermatophytosis.
Parameterization of LSB in Self-Recovery Speech Watermarking Framework in Big Data Mining
Authors: Li Shuo , Song Zhanjie , Lu Wenhuan , Sun Daniel , Wei Jianguo
Published: November 2017

The privacy is a major concern in big data mining approach. In this paper, we propose a novel self-recovery speech watermarking framework with consideration of trustable communication in big data mining. In the framework, the watermark is the compressed version of the original speech. The watermark is embedded into the least significant bit (LSB) layers. At the receiver end, the watermark is used to detect the tampered area and recover the tampered speech. To fit the complexity of the scenes in big data infrastructures, the LSB is treated as a parameter. This work discusses the relationship between LSB and other parameters in terms of explicit mathematical formulations. Once the LSB layer has been chosen, the best choices of other parameters are then deduced using the exclusive method. Additionally, we observed that six LSB layers are the limit for watermark embedding when the total bit layers equaled sixteen. Experimental results indicated that when the LSB layers changed from six to three, the imperceptibility of watermark increased, while the quality of the recovered signal decreased accordingly. This result was a trade-off and different LSB layers should be chosen according to different application conditions in big data infrastructures.
CYLD Deubiquitinase Negatively Regulates High Glucose-Induced NF-κB Inflammatory Signaling in Mesangial Cells
Authors: Li Yanhui , Huang Wei , Xu Youhua , Zhou Luping , Liang Yaling , Gao Chenlin , Long Yang , Xu Yong
Published: November 2017

Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is the key part of multiple signal transduction of inflammation in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The ubiquitin-proteasome system is extensively involved in the regulation of the NF-κB pathway. Cylindromatosis (CYLD) has deubiquitinase activity and acts as a negative regulator of the NF-κB signaling pathway. However, the association between CYLD and NF-κB inflammatory signaling in DN is unclear. In the present study, mouse glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) and rat GMCs were stimulated by elevated concentrations of glucose (10, 20, and 30 mmol/L high glucose) or mannitol as the osmotic pressure control. CYLD was overexpressed or suppressed by transfection with a CYLD expressing vector or CYLD-specific siRNA, respectively. Our data showed that high glucose significantly inhibited the protein and mRNA expression of CYLD in a dose- and time-dependent manner (both p<0.05). siRNA-mediated knockdown CYLD facilitated the high glucose-induced activation of NF-κB signaling and triggered the release of MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 (all p<0.05). However, these high glucose-mediated effects were blunted by overexpression of CYLD (p<0.05). The present results support the involvement of CYLD in the regulation of NF-κB inflammatory signaling induced by elevated glucose, implicating CYLD as a potential therapeutic target of DN.
FAHP and TOPSIS Prediction of Diamond Segments Wear When Using Frame Saw to Cut Granites
Authors: Sun Qin , Zhang Jinsheng , Hu Jibo
Published: November 2017

Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) approaches were employed to predict the sawability of a diamond frame saw to cut granites. FAHP is used to determine the weights of the criteria of decision‐makers and TOPSIS is used to rank sawability. The sawability was evaluated by diamond segment wear. The prediction of segment wear is important to determine the segments service life and sawing cost and may determine cutting parameter selection for a given stone. Sawing experiments were conducted to verify the analysis result of the applied method in this study. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical analysis. The ranking method can be used to evaluate segment wear. Stone properties, such as uniaxial compressive strength, shore hardness, quartz content, and bending strength, must be determined for the best segment wear ranking.
Association between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Permanent Tooth Caries Susceptibility to Permanent Tooth Caries in Chinese Adolescent
Authors: Yu Miao , Jiang Qian-Zhou , Sun Zhe-Yi , Kong Yuan-Yuan , Chen Zhi
Published: November 2017

Purpose. Dental caries is a multifactorial infectious disease. In this study, we investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene were associated with susceptibility to permanent tooth caries in Chinese adolescents. Method. A total of 200 dental caries patients and 200 healthy controls aged 12 years were genotyped for VDR gene polymorphisms using the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. All of them were examined for their oral and dental status with the WHO criteria, and clinical information such as the Decayed Missing Filled Teeth Index (DMFT) was evaluated. Genomic DNA was extracted from the buccal epithelial cells. The four polymorphic SNPs (Bsm I, Taq I, Apa I, and Fok I) in VDR were assessed for both genotypic and phenotypic susceptibilities. Results. Among the four examined VDR gene polymorphisms, the increased frequency of the CT and CC genotype of the Fok I VDR gene polymorphism was associated with dental caries in 12-year-old adolescent, compared with the controls (X2 = 17.813, p≤0.001). Moreover, Fok I polymorphic allele C frequency was significantly increased in the dental caries cases, compared to the controls (X2 = 14.144, p≤0.001, OR = 1.730, 95% CI = 1.299–2.303). However, the other three VDR gene polymorphisms (Bsm I, Taq I, and Apa I) showed no statistically significant differences in the caries groups compared with the controls. Conclusion. VDR-Fok I gene polymorphisms may be associated with susceptibility to permanent tooth caries in Chinese adolescent.
Electric Vehicle Longitudinal Stability Control Based on a New Multimachine Nonlinear Model Predictive Direct Torque Control
Authors: Sekour M’hamed , Hartani Kada , Merah Abdelkader
Published: November 2017

In order to improve the driving performance and the stability of electric vehicles (EVs), a new multimachine robust control, which realizes the acceleration slip regulation (ASR) and antilock braking system (ABS) functions, based on nonlinear model predictive (NMP) direct torque control (DTC), is proposed for four permanent magnet synchronous in-wheel motors. The in-wheel motor provides more possibilities of wheel control. One of its advantages is that it has low response time and almost instantaneous torque generation. Moreover, it can be independently controlled, enhancing the limits of vehicular control. For an EV equipped with four in-wheel electric motors, an advanced control may be envisaged. Taking advantage of the fast and accurate torque of in-wheel electric motors which is directly transmitted to the wheels, a new approach for longitudinal control realized by ASR and ABS is presented in this paper. In order to achieve a high-performance torque control for EVs, the NMP-DTC strategy is proposed. It uses the fuzzy logic control technique that determines online the accurate values of the weighting factors and generates the optimal switching states that optimize the EV drives’ decision. The simulation results built in Matlab/Simulink indicate that the EV can achieve high-performance vehicle longitudinal stability control.
Small Split Doses of CD34+Peripheral Blood Stem Cells to Support Repeated Cycles of Nonmyeloablative Chemotherapy
Authors: Yankelevich Maxim , Savasan Sureyya , Dolgopolov Igor , Chu Roland , Mentkevich George
Published: November 2017

Cumulative myelosuppression is the main limiting factor for administration of repeated cycles of chemotherapy. We present a case series of five pediatric patients with high-risk solid malignancies who received small split peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) doses of less than 1 × 106/kg CD34+cells obtained after a single leukapheresis procedure and given after repeated cycles of ICE (ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide) chemotherapy. Mean duration to absolute neutrophil count (ANC) recovery to >1000/mm3and platelet recovery to >50 × 103/mm3was 17.1 and 24.3 days. Using split doses of PBSC prevented prolonged neutropenia after repeated cycles of submyeloablative chemotherapy.
Cervical Spine Mechanism for Reproduction of the Biomechanical Behaviours of the Human Neck during Rotation-Traction Manipulation
Authors: Huang Yuancan , Li Shuai , Feng Minshan , Zhu Liguo
Published: November 2017

Rotation-traction (RT) manipulation is a commonly used physical therapy procedure in TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) for cervical spondylosis. This procedure temporarily separates the C3 and C4 cervical vertebrae from each other when a physician applies a jerky action while the neck is voluntarily turned by the patient to a specific position as instructed by the physician, where the cervical vertebrae are twisted and locked. However, a high rate of cervical injury occurs due to inexperienced physician interns who lack sufficient training. Therefore, we developed a cervical spine mechanism that imitates the dynamic behaviours of the human neck during RT manipulation. First, in vivo and in vitro experiments were performed to acquire the biomechanical feature curves of the human neck during RT manipulation. Second, a mass-spring-damper system with an electromagnetic clutch was designed to emulate the entire dynamic response of the human neck. In this system, a spring is designed as rectilinear and nonlinear to capture the viscoelasticity of soft tissues, and an electromagnetic clutch is used to simulate the sudden disengagement of the cervical vertebrae. Test results show that the mechanism can exhibit the desired behaviour when RT manipulation is applied in the same manner as on humans.