bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Somapacitan, a once‐weekly reversible albumin‐binding GH derivative, in children with GH deficiency: A randomized dose‐escalation trial
Authors: Battelino Tadej , Rasmussen Michael Højby , De Schepper Jean , Zuckerman‐Levin Nehama , Gucev Zoran , Sävendahl Lars ,   the NN8640‐4042 Study Group
Published: June 2017

Objective

To evaluate the safety, local tolerability, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of escalating single doses of once‐weekly somapacitan, a reversible, albumin‐binding GH derivative, vs once‐daily GH in children with GH deficiency (GHD).

Design

Phase 1, randomized, open‐label, active‐controlled, dose‐escalation trial (NCT01973244).

Patients

Thirty‐two prepubertal GH‐treated children with GHD were sequentially randomized 3:1 within each of four cohorts to a single dose of somapacitan (0.02, 0.04, 0.08 and 0.16 mg/kg; n=6 each), or once‐daily Norditropin® SimpleXx® (0.03 mg/kg; n=2 each) for 7 days.

Measurements

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles were assessed.

Results

Adverse events were all mild, and there were no apparent treatment‐dependent patterns in type or frequency. Four mild transient injection site reactions were reported in three of 24 children treated with somapacitan. No antisomapacitan/anti‐human growth hormone (hGH) antibodies were detected. Mean serum concentrations of somapacitan increased in a dose‐dependent but nonlinear manner: maximum concentration ranged from 21.8 ng/mL (0.02 mg/kg dose) to 458.4 ng/mL (0.16 mg/kg dose). IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3, and change from baseline in IGF‐I standard deviation score (SDS) and IGFBP‐3 SDS, increased dose dependently; greatest changes in SDS values were seen for 0.16 mg/kg. IGF‐I SDS values were between −2 and +2 SDS, except for peak IGF‐I SDS with 0.08 mg/kg somapacitan. Postdosing, IGF‐I SDS remained above baseline levels for at least 1 week.

Conclusions

Single doses of once‐weekly somapacitan (0.02‐0.16 mg/kg) were well tolerated in children with GHD, with IGF‐I profiles supporting a once‐weekly treatment profile. No clinically significant safety/tolerability signals or immunogenicity concerns were identified.
A 37‐year‐old Menkes disease patient—Residual ATP7A activity and early copper administration as key factors in beneficial treatment
Authors: Tümer Z. , Petris M. , Zhu S. , Mercer J. , Bukrinski J. , Bilz S. , Baerlocher K. , Horn N. , Møller L.B
Published: June 2017

Menkes disease (MD) is a lethal disorder characterized by severe neurological symptoms and connective tissue abnormalities; and results from malfunctioning of cuproenzymes, which cannot receive copper due to a defective intracellular copper transporting protein, ATP7A. Early parenteral copper‐histidine supplementation may modify disease progression substantially but beneficial effects of long‐term treatment have been recorded in only a few patients. Here we report on the eldest surviving MD patient (37 years) receiving early‐onset and long‐term copper treatment. He has few neurological symptoms without connective tissue disturbances; and a missense ATP7A variant, p.(Pro852Leu), which results in impaired protein trafficking while the copper transport function is spared. These findings suggest that some cuproenzymes maintain their function when sufficient copper is provided to the cells; and underline the importance of early initiated copper treatment, efficiency of which is likely to be dependent on the mutant ATP7A function.
High burden of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Kazankov Konstantin , Munk Kim , Øvrehus Kristian Altern , Jensen Jesper Møller , Siggaard Cecilie Brøckner , Grønbæk Henning , Nørgaard Bjarne Linde , Vilstrup Hendrik
Published: June 2017

Background

Population studies report increased cardiovascular mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Coronary artery disease may be a trait of end‐stage liver disease, but whether it is frequent or extensive in cirrhosis in general is unknown. Thus, we aimed to assess the prevalence and extent of coronary artery disease in unselected cirrhosis patients.

Materials and methods

Using coronary computed tomography angiography, we investigated 52 patients from all Child‐Pugh classes and aetiologies of cirrhosis without known cardiac disease for presence and severity of coronary artery disease in a cross‐sectional design. Persons referred with new‐onset chest pain served as controls.

Results

The prevalence of coronary artery disease was not significantly different between cirrhosis patients and controls (77% vs. 65%, P=0·19). However, cirrhosis patients had a markedly higher coronary artery calcification (Agatston) score than controls (120 [interquartile range, 0–345] vs. 5 [interquartile range, 0–86] HU, P=0·001). Likewise, patients with cirrhosis had a higher prevalence of extensive (≥5 coronary segments involved; 45% vs. 18%, P=0·01) and multivessel coronary disease (≥2 vessels involved; 75% vs. 53%, P=0·02). Furthermore, the total plaque volume whether noncalcified or calcified was higher in cirrhosis (117 [interquartile range, 0–310] vs. 36 [interquartile range, 0–148] mm3, P=0·02).

Conclusion

Coronary artery disease is equally prevalent in patients with cirrhosis and subjects with new‐onset chest pain, but cirrhosis patients have more extensive and severe disease including several coronary high‐risk features associated with myocardial ischaemia and a poor clinical outcome. The potential of preventive measures for coronary artery disease in cirrhosis needs attention.
Migration pathways, speed and mortality of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts in a Scottish river and the near‐shore coastal marine environment
Authors: Lothian Angus J. , Newton Matthew , Barry James , Walters Marcus , Miller Richard C. , Adams Colin E.
Published: June 2017

Long‐distance migration of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is known to result in high levels of mortality. For a species experiencing global population decline, it is thus vital to better understand migration behaviour, both in the river and marine stages. Atlantic salmon smolts (n = 50) were tracked using acoustic telemetry in the River Deveron, Scotland, and adjacent coastal area. Higher rates of mortality were observed in the river (0.77% per km) than the early marine stage of migration (0.0% per km). Mortality likely resulted from predation. Higher swim speeds were recorded in the early marine stage compared with the river (marine = 7.37 ± 28.20 km/day; river = 5.03 ± 1.73 km/day [mean ± SD]), a potential predator avoidance behaviour. The majority of smolts leaving the river did so in darkness and on a flooding tide. Overall river and marine migration success were linked to nights of lower lunar brightness. Marine migration speed decreased with increasing environmental noise levels, a finding with implications for fisheries management. The migration pathway in the early marine environment did not follow obvious geographical features, such as the coastline. Thus, we suggest that early marine environment pathways are more influenced by complex water currents. These findings highlight factors that influence smolt migration survival and behaviour, areas on which future research should focus.
The prognostic value of a trend in modified SOFA score for patients with hematological malignancies in the intensive care unit
Authors: Demandt Astrid M.P. , Geerse Daniël A. , Janssen Bram J.P. , Winkens Bjorn , Schouten Harry C. , van Mook Walther N.K.A.
Published: June 2017

Background

Patients with hematological malignancies admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) have a poor prognosis. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score is used to monitor patients on the ICU. Little is known about the value of this score in hematology patients. Therefore, the prognostic value of the SOFA score and a modified hematological SOFA score (SOFAhem) was studied.

Methods

Patients with hematological malignancies admitted to the ICU between 1999 and 2009 were analyzed in a retrospective cohort study. The SOFAhem score was defined as the original SOFA score omitting the coagulation and neurological parameters.

Results

In 149 admissions, ICU mortality was 52%. Mortality was significantly associated with higher SOFA and SOFAhem scores on admission, and trend in SOFAhem scores. An unchanged and increased SOFAhem score compared to decreasing SOFAhem scores was associated with a higher mortality rate (53% resp 67% resp 25%).

Conclusions

Trends in SOFA or SOFAhem score are both suitable as prognostic parameter. The trend in SOFAhem score seems to be independently related to mortality in hematological patients admitted to the ICU, and because of the higher odds ratios and lower P‐values compared to the SOFA score, it is probably stronger related to mortality than the classical score, but its prognostic value should be tested in a larger cohort.
Neighborhood perception and self‐rated health among Mexican American older adults
Authors: Stroope Samuel , Cohen Isaiah F.A. , Tom Joshua C. , Franzen Aaron B. , Valasik Matthew A. , Markides Kyriakos S.
Published: June 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between neighborhood perception and poor self‐rated health among older Mexican Americans, adjusting for important background characteristics, such as neighborhood ethnic composition and other health conditions.

Methods

Drawing on the 2004–2005 Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly data (n = 1780), the present study used logistic regression to examine the effects of neighborhood perception on poor self‐rated health of older Mexican Americans.

Results

The results show that participants with a greater positive perception of their neighborhood were less likely to report poor self‐rated health, controlling for both socioeconomic status and health status covariates.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that positive neighborhood perception serves as an important protective factor in overall health. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2559–2564.
High temperature oxidation resistance of Ti3SiC2 in air and low oxygen atmosphere
Authors: Ji Yiqiu , Zan Qingfeng , Wang Xiangang , Zhu Yuanyuan , Zhou Aiguo , Lin Xuping
Published: June 2017

The oxidation resistance of high‐purity and dense Ti3SiC2 bulk ceramic which was prepared by hot‐pressing was investigated at 700‐1200°C for 5‐40 hours in air and low oxygen atmosphere, respectively. After oxidation, the mass gain curves of Ti3SiC2 were obtained, and the oxide layer was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The results showed that the oxide layer was mainly TiO2 and SiO2 mixture below 1100°C in air. When the oxidation temperature reached 1100°C and above, the oxidation proceeded rapidly, and the mass gain curves followed the parabolic law. The oxide layer changed from single‐layer to double‐layer structure, which comprised of an inner layer of TiO2 with SiO2 solid solution and an outer layer of TiO2. In low oxygen atmosphere, the oxidation was fainter than that in air. But the double‐layer structure would also occur. These two oxide layers could protect the substrate to be further oxidized. In summary, Ti3SiC2 bulk materials possess good high temperature oxidation resistance both in air and low oxygen atmosphere below 1100°C.
Are ILC2s Jekyll and Hyde in airway inflammation?
Authors: Ealey Kafi N. , Moro Kazuyo , Koyasu Shigeo
Published: June 2017

Asthma is a complex heterogeneous disease of the airways characterized by lung inflammation, airway hyperreactivity (AHR), mucus overproduction, and remodeling of the airways. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) play a crucial role in the initiation and propagation of type 2 inflammatory programs in allergic asthma models, independent of adaptive immunity. In response to allergen, helminths or viral infection, damaged airway epithelial cells secrete IL‐33, IL‐25, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), which activate ILC2s to produce type 2 cytokines such as IL‐5, IL‐13, and IL‐9. Furthermore, ILC2s coordinate a network of cellular responses and interact with numerous cell types to propagate the inflammatory response and repair lung damage. ILC2s display functional plasticity in distinct asthma phenotypes, enabling them to respond to very different immune microenvironments. Thus, in the context of non‐allergic asthma, triggered by exposure to environmental factors, ILC2s transdifferentiate to ILC1‐like cells and activate type 1 inflammatory programs in the lung. In this review, we summarize accumulating evidence on the heterogeneity, plasticity, regulatory mechanisms, and pleiotropic roles of ILC2s in allergic inflammation as well as mechanisms for their suppression in the airways.
Development of allergic immunity in early life
Authors: Lloyd Clare M. , Saglani Sejal
Published: June 2017

The growth and maturity of the peripheral immune system and subsequent development of pulmonary immunity in early life is dictated by host, environmental and microbial factors. Dysregulation during the critical window of immune development in the postnatal years results in disease which impacts on lifelong lung health. Asthma is a common disease in childhood and is often preceded by wheezing illnesses during the preschool years. However, the mechanisms underlying development of wheeze and how and why only some children progress to asthma is unknown. Human studies to date have generally focused on peripheral immune development, with little assessment of local tissue pathology in young children. Moreover, mechanisms underlying the interactions between inflammation and tissue repair at mucosal surfaces in early life remain unknown. Disappointingly, mechanistic studies in mice have predominantly used adult models. This review will consider the aspects of the neonatal immune system which might contribute to the development of early life wheezing disorders and asthma, and discuss the external environmental factors which may influence this process.
Occupational skin diseases: actual state analysis of patient management pathways in 28 European countries
Authors: Mahler V. , Aalto‐Korte K. , Alfonso J.H. , Bakker J.G. , Bauer A. , Bensefa‐Colas L. , Boman A. , Bourke J. , Bubaš M. , Bulat P. , Chaloupka J. , Constandt L. , Danielsen T.E. , Darlenski R. , Dugonik A. , Ettler K. , Gimenez‐Arnau A. , Gonçalo M. , Johansen J.D. , John S.M. , Kiec‐Swierczynska M. , Koch P. , Kohánka V. , Krecisz B. , Larese Filon F. , Ljubojević S. , Macan J. , Marinović B. , Matura M. , Mihatsch P.W. , Mijakoski D. , Minov J. , Pace J. , Pesonen M. , Ramada Rodilla J.M. , Rast H. , Reljic V. , Salavastru C. , Schuster C. , Schuttelaar M.L. , Simon D. , Spiewak R. , Jurakic Tončić R. , Urbanček S. , Valiukevičienė S. , Weinert P. , Wilkinson M. , Uter W.
Published: June 2017

Background

Work‐related skin diseases (WSD) are caused or worsened by a professional activity. Occupational skin diseases (OSD) need to fulfil additional legal criteria which differ from country to country. OSD range amongst the five most frequently notified occupational diseases (musculoskeletal diseases, neurologic diseases, lung diseases, diseases of the sensory organs, skin diseases) in Europe.

Objective

To retrieve information and compare the current state of national frameworks and pathways to manage patients with occupational skin disease with regard to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation in different European countries.

Methods

A questionnaire‐based survey of the current situation regarding OSD patient management pathways was carried out with experts on occupational dermatology and/or occupational medicine from 28 European countries contributing to the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action TD 1206 (StanDerm) (www.standerm.eu).

Results

Besides a national health service or a statutory health insurance, most European member states implemented a second insurance scheme specifically geared at occupational diseases [insurance against occupational risks (synonyms: insurance against work accidents and occupational injuries; statutory social accident insurance)]. Legal standards for the assessment of occupationally triggered diseases with a genetic background differ between different countries, however, in most European member states recognition as OSD is possible. In one‐third of the countries UV light‐induced tumours can be recognized as OSD under specific conditions.

Conclusion

OSD definitions vary between European countries and are not directly comparable, which hampers comparisons between statistics collected in different countries. Awareness of this fact and further efforts for standardization are necessary.
PSA‐NCAM expression in the teleost optic tectum is related to ecological niche and use of vision in finding food
Authors: Labak I. , Pavić V. , Zjalić M. , Blažetić S. , Viljetić B. , Merdić E. , Heffer M.
Published: June 2017

In this study, tangential migration and neuronal connectivity organization were analysed in the optic tectum of seven different teleosts through the expression of polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA‐NCAM) in response to ecological niche and use of vision. Reduced PSA‐NCAM expression in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss optic tectum occurred in efferent layers, while in pike Esox lucius and zebrafish Danio rerio it occurred in afferent and efferent layers. Zander Sander lucioperca and European eel Anguilla anguilla had very low PSA‐NCAM expression in all tectal layers except in the stratum marginale. Common carp Cyprinus carpio and wels catfish Silurus glanis had the same intensity of PSA‐NCAM expression in all tectal layers. The optic tectum of all studied fishes was also a site of tangential migration with sustained PSA‐NCAM and c‐series ganglioside expression. Anti‐c‐series ganglioside immunoreactivity was observed in all tectal layers of all analysed fishes, even in layers where PSA‐NCAM expression was reduced. Since the optic tectum is indispensable for visually guided prey capture, stabilization of synaptic contact and decrease of neurogenesis and tangential migration in the visual map are an expected adjustment to ecological niche. The authors hypothesize that this stabilization would probably be achieved by down‐regulation of PSA‐NCAM rather than c‐series of ganglioside.
Preparation and evaluation of cefquinome‐loaded gelatin microspheres and the pharmacokinetics in pigs
Authors: Zhang S. , Dai W. , Lu Z. , Lei Z. , Yang B. , He B. , Zhou H. , Cao J.
Published: June 2017

Cefquinome (CEF) is widely used for veterinary clinical applications because of its broad spectrum and high efficiency. However, frequent administrations are required due to its short elimination half‐life. In this study, cefquinome sulfate gelatin microspheres (CEF‐GMS) were prepared as a sustained‐release formulation using emulsion chemical cross‐linking technique. Physical properties, stability, sustained‐release property in vitro, and pharmacokinetics in pigs were assessed. The morphology of CEF‐GMS showed a good sphericity with porous structure on the surface, and the mean diameter was 8.80 ± 0.78 μm, with 90.60 ± 3.98% of the total in the range of 5–20 μm. There were no significant changes of all estimated indexes in the stability tests. In vitro drug release study showed that the release of CEF from CEF‐GMS was much slower than that from crude CEF in a release medium. Pharmacokinetic characteristics were evaluated following intramuscular administration of CEF‐GMS or Cefquinome sulfate injection (CEF‐Inj) in pigs at a dosage of 4 mg CEF/kg body weight. The plasma drug concentration–time data of CEF‐GMS and CEF‐Inj were both best fitted by two‐compartment models with first‐order absorption, and the elimination half‐life of CEF‐GMS was almost 10 times that of CEF‐Inj. Overall, CEF‐GMS might be used as a sustained‐release formulation of CEF for veterinary clinical applications.
Occult chronic progressive cervical and thoracic myelopathy without evident magnetic resonance imaging lesion
Authors: Nomura Emi , Yamashita Toru , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Tsunoda Keiichiro , Shang Jingwei , Sato Kota , Takemoto Mami , Hishikawa Nozomi , Ohta Yasuyuki , Ueno Hiroki , Abe Koji
Published: June 2017

Progressive myelopathy is caused by infectious, inflammatory, autoimmune, paraneoplastic, demyelinating, vascular, hereditary, degenerative, metabolic and toxic properties. Here, we report a case of a 53‐year‐old woman who showed a progressive cervical and thoracic myelopathy with muscle weakness in all limbs, and hypoesthesia in all limbs and trunk below the Th8 level without any evident magnetic resonance imaging lesions. She displayed rheumatoid factor, anti‐double stranded DNA antibody and hepatitis B surface antigen, as well as an elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein level. The paraneoplastic antibodies that we examined were negative. Our treatments (plasma exchange, steroid pulse therapy and immunoglobulin therapy) were slightly effective, but the symptoms did not improve completely. The present case suggests that the presence of a cervical and thoracic lesion without evident magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities required a careful follow up to discover occult lesions.
Silencing of AtRAP, a target gene of a bacteria‐induced small RNA, triggers antibacterial defense responses through activation of LSU2 and down‐regulation of GLK1
Authors: Wang Huan , Seo Jang‐Kyun , Gao Shang , Cui Xinping , Jin Hailing
Published: June 2017

Plants fine‐tune their sophisticated immunity systems in response to pathogen infections. We previously showed that AtlsiRNA‐1, a bacteria‐induced plant endogenous small interfering RNA, silences the AtRAP gene, which encodes a putative RNA binding protein.

In this study, we demonstrate that AtRAP functions as a negative regulator in plant immunity by characterizing molecular and biological responses of the knockout mutant and overexpression lines of AtRAP upon bacterial infection.

AtRAP is localized in chloroplasts and physically interacts with Low Sulfur Upregulated 2 (LSU2), which positively regulates plant defense. Our results suggest that AtRAP negatively regulates defense responses by suppressing LSU2 through physical interaction. We also detected downregulation of the transcription factor GOLDEN2‐LIKE 1 (GLK1) in atrap‐1 using microarray analysis. The glk1 glk2 double mutant showed enhanced resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, which is consistent with a previous study showing enhanced resistance of a glk1 glk2 double mutant to Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis.

Taken together, our data suggest that silencing of AtRAP by AtlsiRNA‐1 upon bacterial infection triggers defense responses through regulation of LSU2 and GLK1.
Risk factors for medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws: A systematic review
Authors: McGowan K , McGowan T , Ivanovski S
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study was to identify the patient populations at risk of medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and determine which medical and dental comorbidities are significant risk factors for this disease. An electronic search of Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global was conducted to identify all human studies that reported risk factors for MRONJ. Only a qualitative analysis was performed due to significant heterogeneity in the collected data. The search strategy identified 2872 records, of which 219 studies were eligible for inclusion. A total of 4106 patients with MRONJ were identified, 39 different systemic diseases were implicated, and 14 medical and 11 dental risk factors were reported, although no statistical analysis of the significance of each of these factors was possible. The clinical reach of MRONJ may be wider than anticipated, and more data on the significance of each potential risk factor are needed to guide the identification and management of at‐risk patients.
δ18O‐derived incubation temperatures of oviraptorosaur eggs
Authors: Amiot Romain , Wang Xu , Wang Shuo , Lécuyer Christophe , Mazin Jean‐Michel , Mo Jinyou , Flandrois Jean‐Pierre , Fourel François , Wang Xiaolin , Xu Xing , Zhang Zhijun , Zhou Zhonghe
Published: June 2017

In order to determine the incubation temperature of eggs laid by non‐avian dinosaurs, we analysed the oxygen isotope compositions of both eggshell carbonate (δ18Oc) and embryo bone phosphate (δ18Op) from seven oviraptorosaur eggs with preserved in ovo embryo bones. These eggs come from the Upper Cretaceous Nanxiong Formation of Jiangxi Province, China. Oviraptorosaur theropods were selected because of their known brooding behaviour as evidenced by preserved adult specimens fossilized in brooding posture on their clutch. Incubation temperature of these embryos was estimated based on the following considerations: eggshell δ18Oc value reflects the oxygen isotope composition of egg water fluid; embryo bones precipitate from the same egg fluid; and oxygen isotope fractionation between phosphate and water is controlled by the egg temperature. A time‐dependent model predicting the δ18Op evolution of the embryo skeleton during incubation as a function of egg temperature was built, and measured δ18Oc and δ18Op values used as boundary conditions. According to the model outputs, oviraptorosaurs incubated their eggs within a 35–40°C range, similar to extant birds and compatible with the known active brooding behaviour of these theropod dinosaurs. Provided that both eggshell and embryo bones preserved their original oxygen isotope compositions, this method could be extended to investigate some reproductive traits of other extinct groups of oviparous amniotes.
Parenteral irons versus transfused red blood cells for treatment of anemia during canine experimental bacterial pneumonia
Authors: Suffredini Dante A. , Xu Wanying , Sun Junfeng , Barea‐Mendoza Jesús , Solomon Steven B. , Brashears Samuel L. , Perlegas Andreas , Kim‐Shapiro Daniel B. , Klein Harvey G. , Natanson Charles , Cortés‐Puch Irene
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

No studies have been performed comparing intravenous (IV) iron with transfused red blood cells (RBCs) for treating anemia during infection. In a previous report, transfused older RBCs increased free iron release and mortality in infected animals when compared to fresher cells. We hypothesized that treating anemia during infection with transfused fresh RBCs, with minimal free iron release, would prove superior to IV iron therapy.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Purpose‐bred beagles (n = 42) with experimental Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia rendered anemic were randomized to be transfused RBCs stored for 7 days or one of two IV iron preparations (7 mg/kg), iron sucrose, a widely used preparation, or ferumoxytol, a newer formulation that blunts circulating iron levels.

RESULTS

Both irons increased the alveolar‐arterial oxygen gradient at 24 to 48 hours (p = 0.02‐0.001), worsened shock at 16 hours (p = 0.02‐0.003, respectively), and reduced survival (transfusion 56%; iron sucrose 8%, p = 0.01; ferumoxytol 9%, p = 0.04). Compared to fresh RBC transfusion, plasma iron measured by non–transferrin‐bound iron levels increased with iron sucrose at 7, 10, 13, 16, 24, and 48 hours (p = 0.04 to p < 0.0001) and ferumoxytol at 7, 24, and 48 hours (p = 0.04 to p = 0.004). No significant differences in cardiac filling pressures or performance, hemoglobin (Hb), or cell‐free Hb were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

During canine experimental bacterial pneumonia, treatment of mild anemia with IV iron significantly increased free iron levels, shock, lung injury, and mortality compared to transfusion of fresh RBCs. This was true for iron preparations that do or do not blunt circulating free iron level elevations. These findings suggest that treatment of anemia with IV iron during infection should be undertaken with caution.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Young James
Published: June 2017

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 5, Number 7 Abdul Azim Akhtar, Independent Academic & Researcher, Delhi, IndiaAgboola O. Paul, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, MalaysiaAmin Ali Almubar, Jazan University, Saudi ArabiaAnna Bluszcz, Silesian University of Technology, PolandAntónio Calha, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, PortugalAyşegül Sili Kalem, Necmettin Erbakan Universitesi, TurkeyBegoña Montero-Fleta, Universitat Politécnica de València, SpainDipankar Chatterjee, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University, IndiaHenry Poduthas, West Texas A&M University, USAImran Ali Sandano, Zhejiang University, ChinaJehu Onyekwere Nnaji, University of Naples II,Italy and Globe Visions Network Italy, ItalyJulia M. Mack, Gannon University, USAK.O. Aramide, The Polytechnic Ibadan, NigeriaLaura Diaconu Maxim, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza University" of Iasi, RomaniaMohammad Naji Shah Mohammadi, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaRumana Hashem, University of East London, UKSandro Serpa, University of the Azores, PortugalShun - Jen Hsiao, University of Washington, USAXiaojie Zhang, Northeastern University, China
Shear Wave Propagation and Band Gaps in Finitely Deformed Dielectric Elastomer Laminates: Long Wave Estimates and Exact Solution
Authors: Galich Pavel I. , Rudykh Stephan
Published: June 2017

We analyze small amplitude shear waves (SWs) propagating in dielectric elastomer (DE) laminates subjected to finite deformations and electrostatic excitations. First, we derive long wave estimates for phase and group velocities of the shear waves propagating in any direction in DE laminates subjected to any homogenous deformation in the presence of an electric filed. To this end, we utilize a micromechanics-based energy potential for layered media with incompressible phases described by neo-Hookean ideal DE model. The long wave estimates reveal the significant influence of electric field on the shear wave propagation. However, there exists a configuration, for which electric field does not influence shear waves directly, and can only alter the shear waves through deformation. We study this specific configuration in detail, and derive an exact solution for the steady-state small amplitude waves propagating in the direction perpendicular to the finitely deformed DE layers subjected to electrostatic excitation. In agreement with the long wave estimate, the exact dispersion relation and the corresponding shear wave band gaps (SBGs)—forbidden frequency regions—are not influenced by electric field. However, SBGs in DE laminates with highly nonlinear electroelastic phases still can be manipulated by electric field through electrostatically induced deformation. In particular, SBGs in DE laminates with electroelastic Gent phases widen and shift toward higher frequencies under application of an electric field perpendicular to the layers. However, in laminates with neo-Hookean ideal DE phases, SBGs are not influenced either by electric field or by deformation. This is due to the competing mechanisms of two governing factors: changes in geometry and material properties induced by deformation. In this particular case, these two competing factors entirely cancel each other.
Interplay of coarsening, aging, and stress hardening impacting the creep behavior of a colloidal gel
Authors: Calzolari D. C. E. , Bischofberger I. , Nazzani F. , Trappe V.
Published: June 2017

We explore the dynamical and mechanical characteristics of an evolving gel in diffusing wave spectroscopy (DWS) and rheometry, aiming to assess how the gel evolution impacts the creep response of the system. Our gel is formed by inducing the aggregation of thermosensitive colloids by a variation in temperature. We find experimental evidence that the long time evolution of this gel is due to two distinct processes: A coarsening process that involves the incorporation of mobile particles into the network structure and an aging process that triggers intermittent rearrangement events. While coarsening is the main process governing the evolution of the elastic properties of the gel, aging is the process determining structural relaxation. The combination of both processes in addition to stress hardening governs the creep behavior of the gel, a creep behavior that is determined by three distinct contributions: an instantaneous elastic, a delayed elastic, and a loss contribution. The systematic investigation of these contributions in recovery experiments provides evidence that losses and delayed elastic storage have a common origin, both being due to intermittent local structural relaxation events.
An Investigation of Athletes’ and Coaches’ Perceptions of Mental Ill-Health in Elite Athletes
Authors: Biggin Isobelle J.R. , Burns Jan H. , Uphill Mark
Published: June 2017

Research suggests elite athletes have an equal—or, in some circumstances, possibly higher—probability of developing mental ill-health as the general population. However, understanding of these issues among athletes and coaches remains largely limited. The perceptions of mental-health problems among 19 elite athletes and 16 coaches were explored using two concurrent three-round Delphi surveys whose responses were compared. Athletes and coaches expressed different opinions and experiences of mental ill-health among elite athletes. However, both groups felt the pressure athletes place on themselves is a significant contributing factor and that obsessional compulsive tendencies and anxiety may be particularly prevalent. While associated stigma was thought to be a barrier to seeking support, both groups felt sport and clinical psychologists would provide the most appropriate support, with coaches playing an important signposting role. Implications for athletes, coaches, and clinical and sport psychologists are explored and suggestions for future research are presented.
Exercise Dimensions and Psychological Well-Being: A Community-Based Exercise Study
Authors: Evans Maggie , Rohan Kelly J. , Howard Alan , Ho Sheau-Yan , Dubbert Patricia M. , Stetson Barbara A.
Published: June 2017

This prospective, naturalistic study examined the relationship between different exercise dimensions (i.e., frequency, intensity, duration, and omissions of planned exercise) and psychological well-being among community adults participating in self-selected exercise. For at least 2 months, participants kept daily exercise diaries and provided weekly ratings for depressed mood, anxiety, sleep quality, concentration, alertness, confidence, weight satisfaction, physical fitness, appetite, satisfaction with physical shape and appearance, and stress experienced. Linear mixed model analyses revealed positive associations between exercise frequency, intensity, and duration across a broad range of psychological and mood-related outcomes. In contrast, omissions of planned exercise were associated with a global and detrimental effect on psychological health. A main effect of age and a moderating effect of gender was observed in many of the models. This work contributes to literature on exercise dimensions and psychological constructs and informs future research that is needed to develop physical activity recommendations for improved mental health.
From the Lab to the Field: Effects of Self-Talk on Task Performance Under Distracting Conditions
Authors: Galanis Evangelos , Hatzigeorgiadis Antonis , Comoutos Nikos , Charachousi Fedra , Sanchez Xavier
Published: June 2017

This study explored the effectiveness of self-talk strategies on task performance under conditions of external distraction in laboratory and field experiments. In the laboratory experiment, 28 sport science students (Mage21.48±1.58 years) were tested on a computer game requiring attention and fine execution following a baseline assessment and a short self-talk training. In the field experiment, 28 female basketball players (Mage20.96±4.51 years) were tested on free-throwing, following a baseline assessment and a six-week intervention. In both settings the final assessment took place under conditions of external distraction (noncontinuous, sudden, loud noise). Analyses of covariance showed that participants of the self-talk group performed better than participants of the control group. Findings suggest that self-talk can counter the effects of distraction on performance, and indicate that the attentional effects of self-talk is a viable mechanism to explain the facilitating effects of self-talk on performance.
Listeria
Placental Infection
Authors: Vázquez-Boland José A. , Krypotou Emilia , Scortti Mariela
Published: June 2017

The Gram-positive facultative intracellular bacterium
Listeria monocytogenes
is the causative agent of listeriosis, a severe food-borne infection. Pregnant women are at risk of contracting listeriosis, which can potentially lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, and congenital neonatal infections. While other systemic bacterial infections may result in adverse pregnancy outcomes at comparable frequencies,
L. monocytogenes
has particular notoriety because fetal complications largely occur in the absence of overt illness in the mother, delaying medical intervention. Here, we briefly review the pathophysiology and mechanisms of maternofetal listeriosis, discussed in light of a recent
mBio
report on
Listeria
transplacental infection in a nonhuman primate model.
Acute cor pulmonale due to pulmonary tumour thrombotic microangiopathy from renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Story Maria , Kwon Sook Kyung , Robinson Robert , Fortis Spyridon
Published: June 2017

We report the case of a previously healthy man who presented with subacute dyspnoea after a long drive. He developed hypoxic respiratory failure, thought secondary to a massive pulmonary embolism and was treated with tissue plasminogen activator but died in the hospital despite aggressive medical measures. Autopsy revealed pulmonary tumour thrombotic microangiopathy (PTTM) from papillary renal cell carcinoma. PTTM is a rare clinicopathological syndrome that clinically results in symptoms of dyspnoea and right heart failure. Pathologically, a localised paraneoplastic process evolves from tumour microemboli in the pulmonary arterioles, resulting in fibrocellular proliferation and narrowing of the vessels, causing subacute right heart failure. To our knowledge, this is the first case of PTTM due to papillary renal cell carcinoma.
Giant lipoma of the hand causing median nerve compression
Authors: Clesham Kevin , Galbraith John Gerard , Ramasamy Ashok , Karkuri Ahmed
Published: June 2017

Lipomas are benign neoplasms derived from adipose tissue composed of mature adipocytes. They account for almost 50% of all soft-tissue neoplasms and occur in up to 2% of the population. They usually present asymptomatically as solitary discrete mobile lumps found most commonly on the neck, upper back, proximal limbs and chest. In less than 1% of cases, they can be found in the distal extremities.

We discuss the case of a 65-year-old man who presented with a 2-year history of a slowly enlarging left palm swelling, with recent-onset numbness and loss of power in the distribution of the median nerve. MRI studies showed that the 5×4×2.7 cm lipoma had a component extending into the distal aspect of the carpal tunnel, compressing the median nerve. It was successfully excised, and at follow-up the patient reported complete resolution of his symptoms.
When your patient clicks: a loud clicking sound as a key sign to the diagnosis
Authors: Wilzeck Verena Charlotte , Hansi Christopher , Hufschmid Urs , Beer Juerg Hans
Published: June 2017

A 19-year-old male patient was referred by his general practitioner with a new ‘cardiac murmur’. For 1 week, he had been able to provoke a clicking sound, which was in time with his heart beat and originated from his chest. The physical examination and laboratory tests were normal. The sound was initially interpreted as most likely due to a valve condition such as mitral valve prolapse, but a transthoracic echocardiogram was normal. A cardiac CT was obtained, which showed left-sided ventral pneumothorax.

The Hamman’s sign is a loud precordial pulse synchronous sound, which is often postural. It is pathognomonic for left-sided pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum. Hamman’s sign as a presenting symptom is rare, but if present is key to diagnosis. The awareness of rare clinical findings is important and will prevent unnecessary diagnostic tests.
Costs of a community-based glaucoma detection programme: analysis of the Philadelphia Glaucoma Detection and Treatment Project
Authors: Pizzi Laura T , Waisbourd Michael , Hark Lisa , Sembhi Harjeet , Lee Paul , Crews John E , Saaddine Jinan B , Steele Deon , Katz L Jay
Published: June 2017

Background

Glaucoma is the foremost cause of irreversible blindness, and more than 50% of cases remain undiagnosed. Our objective was to report the costs of a glaucoma detection programme operationalised through Philadelphia community centres.

Methods

The analysis was performed using a healthcare system perspective in 2013 US dollars. Costs of examination and educational workshops were captured. Measures were total programme costs, cost/case of glaucoma detected and cost/case of any ocular disease detected (including glaucoma). Diagnoses are reported at the individual level (therefore representing a diagnosis made in one or both eyes). Staff time was captured during site visits to 15 of 43 sites and included time to deliver examinations and workshops, supervision, training and travel. Staff time was converted to costs by applying wage and fringe benefit costs from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Non-staff costs (equipment and mileage) were collected using study logs. Participants with previously diagnosed glaucoma were excluded.

Results

1649 participants were examined. Mean total per-participant examination time was 56 min (SD 4). Mean total examination cost/participant was $139. The cost/case of glaucoma newly identified (open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, glaucoma suspect, or primary angle closure) was $420 and cost/case for any ocular disease identified was $273.

Conclusion

Glaucoma examinations delivered through this programme provided significant health benefit to hard-to-reach communities. On a per-person basis, examinations were fairly low cost, though opportunities exist to improve efficiency. Findings serve as an important benchmark for planning future community-based glaucoma examination programmes.
Denoising and Beat Detection of ECG Signal by Using FPGA
Authors: Alhelal Dheyaa , Faezipour Miad
Published: June 2017

This paper introduces an efficient digital system design using hardware concepts to filter the Electrocardiogram (ECG) signal and to detect QRS complex (beats). The system implementation has been done using a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) in two phases. In the first phase, Finite Impule Response (FIR) filters are designed for preprocessing and denoising the ECG signal. The filtered signal is then used as the input of the second phase to detect and classify the ECG beats. The entire system has been implemented on ALTERA DE II FPGA by desinging synthesizable finite state machines. The design has been tested on ECG waves from the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia database by windowing the signal and applying adaptive signal and noise theresholds in each window of processing. The hardware system has achieved an overall accuracy of 98% in the beat detection phase, while providing the detected beats and the classification of irregular heat-beat rates in real-time.

The synthesized hardware of the ECG denoising and beat detection system yields reasonable hardware resources, making the system attractive to be eventually fabricated as a stand alone hardware system or integrated/embedded within a portable electronic device for monitoring patients’ conditions on a daily basis conveinently.
A thermal protection module for automotive integrated circuits
Authors: Han Yifeng , Zhai Mingjing , Zhou Junfeng
Published: June 2017

Automotive ICs work in wide ambient temperature range up to 150[Formula: see text]C. It is important to design an over temperature protection mechanism for the reliability of ICs and systems. A thermal protection module for the automotive ICs is reported in this paper. Dual channel detection and decision scheme was designed based on band gap voltage reference. Precision thermal protection point was set by serial resistors and the variations of power supply, temperature and the process were removed by the resistor ratio. The thermal protection module was implemented in CSMC 0.5 [Formula: see text] 60 V BCD process, incorporated in a CAN transceiver chip. The area of the module was about 0.02 mm2 and thus it was very compact and low cost to integrate in chips. The performance of the thermal protection parameters was measured in incubators. The thermal shutdown temperature was about 164.4[Formula: see text]C and the thermal recovery temperature was about 153[Formula: see text]C with hysteresis temperature of 10 K. Additionally, the thermal protection module showed good consistency with different chips.
Mitigating Data Sparsity Using Similarity Reinforcement-Enhanced Collaborative Filtering
Authors: Hu Yan , Shi Weisong , Li Hong , Hu Xiaohui
Published: June 2017

The data sparsity problem has attracted significant attention in collaborative filtering-based recommender systems. To alleviate data sparsity, several previous efforts employed hybrid approaches that incorporate auxiliary data sources into recommendation techniques, like content, context, or social relationships. However, due to privacy and security concerns, it is generally difficult to collect such auxiliary information. In this article, we focus on the pure collaborative filtering methods without relying on any auxiliary data source. We propose an improved memory-based collaborative filtering approach enhanced by a novel similarity reinforcement mechanism. It can discover potential similarity relationships between users or items by making better use of known but limited user-item interactions, thus to extract plentiful historical rating information from similar neighbors to make more reliable and accurate rating predictions. This approach integrates user similarity reinforcement and item similarity reinforcement into a comprehensive framework and lets them enhance each other. Comprehensive experiments conducted on several public datasets demonstrate that, in the face of data sparsity, our approach achieves a significant improvement in prediction accuracy when compared with the state-of-the-art memory-based and model-based collaborative filtering algorithms.