bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DOES INJURY DEFINITION MATTER? THE INFLUENCE OF INJURY DEFINITION ON INTERPRETATIONS OF INJURY RISK IN PRE-PROFESSIONAL BALLET AND CONTEMPORARY DANCERS
Authors: Kenny Sarah , Palacios-Derflingher Luz , Whittaker Jackie , Emery Carolyn
Published: April 2017

Background

The influence of injury definition on the interpretation of epidemiological outcomes of injury risk has not been previously evaluated in a dance population.

Objective

To determine the influence of injury definition (i.e., time loss, medical attention, all complaints) on the prevalence and rate of musculoskeletal injuries in pre-professional ballet and contemporary dancers.

Design

Prospective cohort.

Setting

Pre-professional ballet school; university dance program.

Participants

Dancers registered in full-time pre-professional ballet [n=85, 77 females, median (range) age 15 yrs (11–19 yrs)] and contemporary [n=60, 58 females, 19 yrs (17–30 yrs)] training.

Main Outcome Measurements

Dancers completed a weekly online questionnaire (modified Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre's Questionnaire on Health Problems) using three definitions for dance-related injuries: (1) time loss (an inability to complete one or more classes, rehearsals or performances one or more days beyond onset); (2) medical attention; and (3) any complaint. Physiotherapists completed injury report forms, capturing dance-related medical attention and time loss injuries. Percent agreement was estimated between injury registration methods. Descriptive statistics [proportions, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI)] summarized injury prevalence (IP; seasonal proportion of dancers injured). Injury incidence rates (IIR; number of new injuries/1000 dance exposure hours) were examined for each definition, registration method, and dance style.

Results

Dancer questionnaire response rate was 98.99%. Agreement between injury registration methods ranged between 58.82% (time loss) and 72.94% (medical attention). Depending on definition, registration, and dance style, IP varied from 9.41% (95% CI: 4.15, 17.71; time loss) to 82.35% (95% CI: 72.56, 89.77; all complaint), and IIRs spanned 0.09 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.17; time loss) to 4.89 (95% CI: 4.04, 5.74; all complaint) injuries/1000 dance hours.

Conclusions

Injuries resulting in time loss and medical attention underestimate the burden of injury in a pre-professional dance population. To understand the full impact of injury on a dance population, it is imperative that registration methodologies consider definitions that capture all injuries.
DOES HIGHER COMPLIANCE TO THE FIFA 11+ INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM IMPROVE OVERALL INJURY RATE IN MALE SOCCER (FOOTBALL) PLAYERS?
Authors: Silvers-Granelli Holly , Bizzini Mario , Arundale Amy , Mandelbaum Bert , Pohlig Ryan , Snyder-Mackler Lynn
Published: April 2017

Background

The FIFA 11+ program can decrease the rate of injury in athletes. Few studies have investigated the role of compliance and if it is correlated to time loss due to injury during a season.

Objective

(1) Analyze how differences in compliance to the FIFA 11+ (IP) program may impact injury rate and (2) how differences in program compliance may impact time loss due to injury.

Design

Prospective cohort RCT.

Setting

Division I & II Men's Soccer (USA).

Patients (or Participants)

Sixty-one Division I and II Men's soccer teams were followed over one competitive season. Injury rates and time loss were analyzed. Twenty-seven teams (N=675 players) served as the intervention group (IG) using the FIFA 11+.

Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors)

Compliance to the IP program and injuries were collected weekly using a secure internet-based system.

Main Outcome Measurements

Compliance, exposure and injuries were recorded in 27 of 61 male soccer teams.

Results

There was an overall reduction of injury in the IG by 46.1%; demonstrating the decreased likelihood of being injured (RR =0.54, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.59, p<0.0001, NNT=2.64). Compliance was stratified by utilization consistency: low (LC: 1–19 doses/season), moderate (MC: 20–39 doses/season), or high (HC: >40 doses per season). The average utilization per team was 32.81±12.06 FIFA 11+ sessions. There were 54 injuries in 4 teams reported in the LC group (M=13.5, range 10–19 doses, IR=10.35±2.21), 156 injuries in 14 teams in the MC (M=11.14, range 21–39 doses, IR=8.55±2.46) and 75 injuries in 9 teams in the HC group (M=8.33, range 40–64 doses, IR=6.39±2.71). There was a statistically significant difference reached between compliance and injury rate (p=0.034).

Conclusions

When compliance to the IP was high, there was a significant reduction in injury and time loss compared to the MC and LC.
THE EFFECT OF EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION ON FORCE OUTPUT AND MUSCLE ACTIVATION DURING THE NORDIC HAMSTRING EXERCISE
Authors: Buhmann Rob , Shield Anthony , Sims Casey
Published: April 2017

Background

The Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) is employed to increase eccentric strength and reduce the risk of recurrent hamstring strain injury. Currently, the prescription of the NHE offering most benefit is unknown.

Objective

To assess force production, muscle activation and kinematics during two NHE prescriptions. It was hypothesized that a 5*6 repetitions protocol would yield greater average forces, smaller force drops and greater muscle activation per set compared to a 3*10 protocol. Additionally, it was hypothesised that during both protocols, peak muscle activation would occur at shorter muscle lengths than peak force.

Design

Randomised cross-over study.

Setting

Recreationally trained and sub-elite male athletes.

Participants

Thirteen healthy males (age 23±4 years, stature 178±6.5 cm and weight 75±17 kg).

Interventions

Participants performed 3*10 and 5*6 repetitions of the NHE (on separate occasions), 3 minutes rest was given between sets.

Main Outcome Measurements

Load cells were used to record knee flexor force, electromyography (EMG) was used to measure hamstring activation and a goniometer was used to measure knee flexion angles during each repetition.

Results

Average force (666.44N during 3*10 vs. 697.95N during 5*6) and force drop per set (−54.48N during 3*10 and −51.73N during 5*6) was not different between protocols. Additionally, normalised biceps femoris (87 vs. 79% of max isometric EMG during 3*10 and 5*6 respectively) and medial hamstring (111 vs. 98% of max isometric EMG during 3*10 and 5*6 respectively) EMG per set was not different between protocols. For both protocols a significant difference between the angle of peak torque and angle of peak biceps femoris EMG was observed (p<.001, mean difference= 15.4, CI=13.6–17.2 degrees).

Conclusions

Force output and muscle activation during the NHE is not affected by prescription. Peak activation of the biceps femoris appears to occur at shorter muscle lengths than peak force, suggesting inhibition of this muscle at long lengths.
Multicentre, non-interventional study to assess the profile of patients with uncontrolled rhinitis prescribed a novel formulation of azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate in a single spray in routine clinical practice in the UK
Authors: Scadding Glenis , Price David , El-Shanawany Tariq , Ahmed Shahzada , Ray Jaydip , Sargur Ravishankar , Kumar Nirmal
Published: April 2017

Objective

The aims of this study were (1) to characterise the type of patient prescribed MP-AzeFlu (Dymista, a novel formulation of azelastine hydrochloride, fluticasone propionate and excipients in a single spray) in real life in the UK and physicians' reasons for prescribing it and (2) to quantify the personal and societal burden of allergic rhinitis (AR) in the UK prior to MP-AzeFlu prescription.

Design, setting and participants

This multicentre, non-interventional study enrolled patients (n=193) with moderate-to-severe AR and acute symptoms who were eligible to receive treatment with MP-AzeFlu according to its licensed indications. Information was gathered on patient demographics, AR history and symptom severity, symptomatology and AR treatments in the previous calendar year (prior to MP-AzeFlu prescription). Physicians also recorded the number of previous AR visits, specific reasons for these visits and their reason for prescribing MP-AzeFlu.

Results

Most patients had seasonal AR either alone (10.4%) or in combination with perennial AR (35.2%), but many had AR of unknown origin (35.8%). Prior to MP-AzeFlu prescription, patients reported troublesome symptoms (78.2%) and sleep disturbance (64.8%), with congestion considered the most bothersome (54.4%) and ocular symptoms reported by 68.4% of patients. The most frequent reason for MP-AzeFlu prescription was that other therapies were not sufficient in the past (78.8%) or not sufficient to treat acute symptoms (16.1%). 79.3% of patients reported using ≥2 AR therapies in the past year. An average of 1.6 (SD 1.9) doctor visits due to AR were reported prior to MP-AzeFlu prescription.

Conclusions

In the UK, MP-AzeFlu was prescribed for individuals (≥12 years) with moderate/severe AR irrespective of (1) previous AR treatment (mono or multiple), (2) previous or likely treatment failure, (3) phenotype, (4) number of previous physician visits for AR and (5) for the relief of both acute symptoms and in anticipation of allergen exposure.
Speaking up about traditional and professionalism-related patient safety threats: a national survey of interns and residents
Authors: Martinez William , Lehmann Lisa Soleymani , Thomas Eric J , Etchegaray Jason M , Shelburne Julia T , Hickson Gerald B , Brady Donald W , Schleyer Anneliese M , Best Jennifer A , May Natalie B , Bell Sigall K
Published: April 2017

Background

Open communication between healthcare professionals about care concerns, also known as ‘speaking up’, is essential to patient safety.

Objective

Compare interns' and residents' experiences, attitudes and factors associated with speaking up about traditional versus professionalism-related safety threats.

Design

Anonymous, cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Six US academic medical centres, 2013–2014.

Participants

1800 medical and surgical interns and residents (47% responded).

Measurements

Attitudes about, barriers and facilitators for, and self-reported experience with speaking up. Likelihood of speaking up and the potential for patient harm in two vignettes. Safety Attitude Questionnaire (SAQ) teamwork and safety scales; and Speaking Up Climate for Patient Safety (SUC-Safe) and Speaking Up Climate for Professionalism (SUC-Prof) scales.

Results

Respondents more commonly observed unprofessional behaviour (75%, 628/837) than traditional safety threats (49%, 410/837); p<0.001, but reported speaking up about unprofessional behaviour less commonly (46%, 287/628 vs 71%, 291/410; p<0.001). Respondents more commonly reported fear of conflict as a barrier to speaking up about unprofessional behaviour compared with traditional safety threats (58%, 482/837 vs 42%, 348/837; p<0.001). Respondents were also less likely to speak up to an attending physician in the professionalism vignette than the traditional safety vignette, even when they perceived high potential patient harm (20%, 49/251 vs 71%, 179/251; p<0.001). Positive perceptions of SAQ teamwork climate and SUC-Safe were independently associated with speaking up in the traditional safety vignette (OR 1.90, 99% CI 1.36 to 2.66 and 1.46, 1.02 to 2.09, respectively), while only a positive perception of SUC-Prof was associated with speaking up in the professionalism vignette (1.76, 1.23 to 2.50).

Conclusions

Interns and residents commonly observed unprofessional behaviour yet were less likely to speak up about it compared with traditional safety threats even when they perceived high potential patient harm. Measuring SUC-Safe, and particularly SUC-Prof, may fill an existing gap in safety culture assessment.
Herbicide targets and detoxification proteins in sugarcane: from gene assembly to structure modelling
Authors: Lloyd Evans Dyfed , Joshi Shailesh Vinay
Published: April 2017

In a genome context, sugarcane is a classic orphan crop, in that no genome and only very few genes have been assembled. We have devised a novel exome assembly methodology that has allowed us to assemble and characterize 49 genes that serve as herbicide targets, safener interacting proteins, and members of herbicide detoxification pathways within the sugarcane genome. We have structurally modelled the products of each of these genes, as well as determining allelic, genomic, and RNA-Seq based polymorphisms for each gene. This study provides the largest collection of sugarcane structures modelled to date. We demonstrate that sugarcane genes are highly polymorphic, revealing that each genotype is evolving both uniquely and independently. In addition, we present an exome assembly system for orphan crops that can be executed on commodity infrastructure, making exome assembly practical for any group. In terms of knowledge about herbicide modes of action and detoxification, we have advanced sugarcane from a crop where no information about any herbicide-associated gene was available to the situation where sugarcane is now a species with the single largest collection of known and annotated herbicide-associated genes.
Impact decimation using alignment of granular spheres
Authors: Tiwari Mukesh , Krishna Mohan T. R. , Sen Surajit
Published: April 2017

Solitary waves in alignment of elastic beads have been an important area of study. An important and rich area has been the behavior of solitary waves at a boundary, where features such as localization, anomalous behavior in scattering and transmission, quasiequilibrium phase, etc. are being studied. An application area of significance is the design of artificial granular alignments for shock decimation and dispersion. In this review article, we first present a summary and background of these unique features, and some designs in 1D which exploit these features. We further discuss some extensions to higher dimensional systems and their impact decimation ability.
Effective Factors of Social Customer Knowledge Management (SCKM) in Organisations: Study of Electronic Service Providers in Iran
Authors: Lak Behzad , Rezaeenour Jalal
Published: April 2017

Nowadays, appropriate management strategies and competitive advantage for most organisations need developing an integrative architecture based on customers’ knowledge. One of the most important parts of this architecture is the process of Electronic Customer Relationship Management (ECRM) through social media. This study, shows these four interactions, including ECRM systems, types of customer knowledge, Knowledge Creation Processes and Social Media. In other words, this research examines the effective factors on SCKM framework due to concepts of KM, Knowledge (for/from/about) customer, Customer Knowledge Management (CKM), ECRM and Social Media. This research uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches. First, the conceptual framework has been developed based on the grounded theory method. Then, the extracted model has been examined and confirmed by Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. So, effective factors of Social Customer Knowledge Management (SCKM) among Iranian electronic service providers have been presented. They include effective parameters for determining the level of SCKM acceptance in six main dimensions: Causal Conditions (five effective factors), Phenomenon (one effective factor), Strategies (seven effective factors), Context (three effective factors), Concequences (two effective factors) and Intervening Conditions (four effective factors). The developed model can be used as a scientific, theoretical and fundamental framework for maturity assessment of organisations with the aim of establishing SCKM systems.
DeepDive
Authors: Zhang Ce , Ré Christopher , Cafarella Michael , De Sa Christopher , Ratner Alex , Shin Jaeho , Wang Feiran , Wu Sen
Published: April 2017

The dark data extraction or knowledge base construction (KBC) problem is to populate a relational database with information from unstructured data sources, such as emails, webpages, and PDFs. KBC is a long-standing problem in industry and research that encompasses problems of data extraction, cleaning, and integration. We describe DeepDive, a system that combines database and machine learning ideas to help to develop KBC systems. The key idea in DeepDive is to frame traditional extract-transform-load (ETL) style data management problems as a single large statistical inference task that is declaratively defined by the user. DeepDive leverages the effectiveness and efficiency of statistical inference and machine learning for difficult extraction tasks, whereas not requiring users to directly write any probabilistic inference algorithms. Instead, domain experts interact with DeepDive by defining features or rules about the domain. DeepDive has been successfully applied to domains such as pharmacogenomics, paleobiology, and antihuman trafficking enforcement, achieving human-caliber quality at machine-caliber scale. We present the applications, abstractions, and techniques used in DeepDive to accelerate the construction of such dark data extraction systems.
Responsible research and innovation in the digital age
Authors: Jirotka Marina , Grimpe Barbara , Stahl Bernd , Eden Grace , Hartswood Mark
Published: April 2017

RRI requires doing the best science for the world, not only the best science in the world.
The Observer Effect
Authors: Neville-Neil George
Published: April 2017

The problem is a failure to appreciate just what you are asking a system to do when polling it for information. Modern systems contain thousands of values that can be measured and recorded. Blindly retrieving whatever it is that might be exposed by the system is bad enough, but asking for it with a high-frequency poll is much worse.
MicroRNA Expression Varies according to Glucose Tolerance, Measurement Platform, and Biological Source
Authors: Dias S. , Hemmings S. , Muller C. , Louw J. , Pheiffer C.
Published: April 2017

Dysregulated microRNA (miRNA) expression is observed during type 2 diabetes (T2D), although the consistency of miRNA expression across measurement platform and biological source is uncertain. Here we report miRNA profiling in the whole blood and serum of South African women with different levels of glucose tolerance, using next generation sequencing (NGS) and quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR). Whole blood-derived miRNAs from women with newly diagnosed T2D (n=4), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (n=4), and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (n=4) were subjected to NGS, whereafter transcript levels of selected miRNAs were quantified in the whole blood and serum of these women using qRT-PCR. Of the five significantly differentially expressed miRNAs identified by NGS, only the directional increase of miR-27b in women with IGT compared to NGT was confirmed in whole blood and serum, using qRT-PCR. Functional enrichment of miR-27b gene targets identified biological pathways associated with glucose transport and insulin regulation. In conclusion, this study showed poor correlation in miRNA expression profiled using NGS and qRT-PCR and in whole blood and serum. The consistent increased expression of miR-27b in women with IGT compared to NGT across measurement platform and biological source holds potential as a biomarker for risk stratification in our population.
Skeletal Muscle Cell Induction from Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Kodaka Yusaku , Rabu Gemachu , Asakura Atsushi
Published: April 2017

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have the potential to differentiate into various types of cells including skeletal muscle cells. The approach of converting ESCs/iPSCs into skeletal muscle cells offers hope for patients afflicted with the skeletal muscle diseases such as the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Patient-derived iPSCs are an especially ideal cell source to obtain an unlimited number of myogenic cells that escape immune rejection after engraftment. Currently, there are several approaches to induce differentiation of ESCs and iPSCs to skeletal muscle. A key to the generation of skeletal muscle cells from ESCs/iPSCs is the mimicking of embryonic mesodermal induction followed by myogenic induction. Thus, current approaches of skeletal muscle cell induction of ESCs/iPSCs utilize techniques including overexpression of myogenic transcription factors such as MyoD or Pax3, using small molecules to induce mesodermal cells followed by myogenic progenitor cells, and utilizing epigenetic myogenic memory existing in muscle cell-derived iPSCs. This review summarizes the current methods used in myogenic differentiation and highlights areas of recent improvement.
R229Q Polymorphism of NPHS2 Gene in Group of Iraqi Children with Steroid-Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Ali Shatha Hussain , Mohammed Rasha Kasim , Saheb Hussein Ali , Abdulmajeed Ban A.
Published: April 2017

Background. The polymorphism R229Q is one of the most commonly reported podocin sequence variations among steroid-resistant nephrotic syndromes (SRNS). Aim of the Study. We investigated the frequency and risk of this polymorphism among a group of Iraqi children with SRNS and steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). Patients and Methods. A prospective case control study which was conducted in Al-Imamein Al-Kadhimein Medical City, spanning the period from the 1st of April 2015 to 30th of November 2015. Study sample consisted of 54 children having NS, divided into 2 groups: patients group consisted of 27 children with SRNS, and control group involved 27 children with SSNS. Both were screened by real time polymerase chain reaction for R229Q in exon 5 of NPHS2 gene. Results. Molecular study showed R229Q polymorphism in 96.3% of SRNS and 100% of SSNS. There were no phenotypic or histologic characteristics of patients bearing homozygous R229Q polymorphism and the patients with heterozygous R229Q polymorphism. Conclusion. Polymorphism R229Q of NPHS2 gene is prevalent in Iraqi children with SRNS and SSNS. Further study needs to be done, for other exons and polymorphism of NPHS2 gene in those patients.
Theoretical Analysis of the Effect Provoked by Bromine-Addition on the Thermolysis and Chemiexcitation of a Model Dioxetanone
Authors: Pinto da Silva Luís , Pereira Rui F. J. , Esteves da Silva Joaquim C. G.
Published: April 2017

Chemi-/bioluminescence are phenomena in which chemical energy is converted into electronically excited singlet states, which decay with light emission. Given this feature, along with high quantum yields and other beneficial characteristics, these systems have gained numerous applications in bioanalysis, in biomedicine, and in the pharmaceutical field. Singlet chemiexcitation is made possible by the formation of cyclic peroxides (as dioxetanones) as thermolysis provides a route for a ground state reaction to produce singlet excited states. However, such thermolysis can also lead to the formation of triplet states. While triplet states are not desired in the typical applications of chemi-/bioluminescence, the efficient production of such states can open the door for the use of these systems as sensitizers in photocatalysis and triplet-triplet annihilation, among other fields. Thus, the goal of this study is to assess the effect of heavy atom addition on the thermolysis and triplet chemiexcitation of a model dioxetanone. Monobromination does not affect the thermolysis reaction but can improve the efficiency of intersystem crossing, depending on the position of monobromination. Addition of bromine atoms to the triplet state reaction product has little effect on its properties, except on its electron affinity, in which monobromination can increase between 3.1 and 8.8 kcal mol−1.
Tumor-Selective Cytotoxicity of Nitidine Results from Its Rapid Accumulation into Mitochondria
Authors: Iwasaki Hironori , Inafuku Masashi , Taira Naoyuki , Saito Seikoh , Oku Hirosuke
Published: April 2017

We identified a nitidine- (NTD-) accumulating organelle and evaluated the net cytotoxicity of accumulated NTD. To evaluate tumor cell selectivity of the drug, we evaluated its selective cytotoxicity against 39 human cancer cell lines (JFCR39 panel), and the profile was compared with those of known anticancer drugs. Organelle specificity of NTD was visualized using organelle-targeted fluorescent proteins. Real-time analysis of cell growth, proliferation, and cytotoxicity was performed using the xCELLigence system. Selectivity of NTD in the JFCR39 panel was evaluated. Mitochondria-specific accumulation of NTD was observed. Real-time cytotoxicity analysis suggested that the mechanism of NTD-induced cell death is independent of the cell cycle. Short-term treatment indicated that this cytotoxicity only resulted from the accumulation of NTD into the mitochondria. The results from the JFCR39 panel indicated that NTD-mediated cytotoxicity resulted from unique mechanisms compared with those of other known anticancer drugs. These results suggested that the cytotoxicity of NTD is only induced by its accumulation in mitochondria. The drug triggered mitochondrial dysfunction in less than 2 h. Similarity analysis of the selectivity of NTD in 39 tumor cell lines strongly supported the unique tumor cell specificity of NTD. Thus, these features indicate that NTD may be a promising antitumor drug for new combination chemotherapies.
Mirrizi Syndrome and Markedly Elevated Levels of Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 in the Absence of Malignant Disease
Authors: Shah Natasha , Tetangco Eula , Arshad Hafiz Muhammad Sharjeel , Raddawi Hareth
Published: April 2017

Elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) beyond 1000 U/L occurs in nonneoplastic conditions which is causing questioning of the use of CA19-9 as a marker for screening. We report a case where a 51-year-old male with Mirrizi Syndrome (MS) presented with markedly increased CA19-9 level (4,618 U/mL). MS is a rare complication characterized by compression of the common bile or hepatic duct caused by an impacted gallstone in the cystic duct or neck of the gallbladder. Biliary epithelial cells secrete CA19-9: it is hypothesized that increased proliferation of such cells caused by inflammation leads to increased secretion. CA19-9 should not be used as a diagnostic tool, but rather for surveillance.
Observer-Based Load Frequency Control for Island Microgrid with Photovoltaic Power
Authors: Mu Chaoxu , Liu Weiqiang , Xu Wei , Rabiul Islam Md.
Published: April 2017

As renewable energy is widely integrated into the power system, the stochastic and intermittent power generation from renewable energy may cause system frequency deviating from the prescribed level, especially for a microgrid. In this paper, the load frequency control (LFC) of an island microgrid with photovoltaic (PV) power and electric vehicles (EVs) is investigated, where the EVs can be treated as distributed energy storages. Considering the disturbances from load change and PV power, an observer-based integral sliding mode (OISM) controller is designed to regulate the frequency back to the prescribed value, where the neural network observer is used to online estimate the PV power. Simulation studies on a benchmark microgrid system are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of OISM controller, and comparative results also demonstrate that the proposed method has a superior performance for stabilizing the frequency over the PID control.
Antithyroid Drug Therapy for Graves’ Disease and Implications for Recurrence
Authors: Liu Jia , Fu Jing , Xu Yuan , Wang Guang
Published: April 2017

Graves’ disease (GD) is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism worldwide. Current therapeutic options for GD include antithyroid drugs (ATD), radioactive iodine, and thyroidectomy. ATD treatment is generally well accepted by patients and clinicians due to some advantages including normalizing thyroid function in a short time, hardly causing hypothyroidism, and ameliorating immune disorder while avoiding radiation exposure and invasive procedures. However, the relatively high recurrence rate is a major concern for ATD treatment, which is associated with multiple influencing factors like clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and genetic and environmental factors. Of these influencing factors, some are modifiable but some are nonmodifiable. The recurrence risk can be reduced by adjusting the modifiable factors as much as possible. The titration regimen for 12–18 months is the optimal strategy of ATD. Levothyroxine administration after successful ATD treatment was not recommended. The addition of immunosuppressive drugs might be helpful to decrease the recurrence rate of GD patients after ATD withdrawal, whereas further studies are needed to address the safety and efficacy. This paper reviewed the current knowledge of ATD treatment and mainly focused on influencing factors for recurrence in GD patients with ATD treatment.
Unilateral Discomfort Increases the Use of Contralateral Side during Sit-to-Stand Transfer
Authors: Oludare Simisola O. , Ma Charlie C. , Aruin Alexander S.
Published: April 2017

Individuals with unilateral impairment perform symmetrical movements asymmetrically. Restoring symmetry of movements is an important goal of rehabilitation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of using discomfort-inducing devices on movement symmetry. Fifteen healthy individuals performed the sit-to-stand (STS) maneuver using devices inducing unilateral discomfort under the left sole and left thigh or right sole and right thigh and without them. 3D body kinematics, ground reaction forces, electrical activity of muscles, and the level of perceived discomfort were recorded. The center of mass (COM), center of pressure (COP), and trunk displacements as well as the magnitude and latency of muscle activity of lower limb muscles were calculated during STS and compared to quantify the movement asymmetry. Discomfort on the left and right side of the body (thigh and feet) induced statistically significant displacement of the trunk towards the opposite side. There was statistically significant asymmetry in the activity of the left and right Tibialis Anterior, Medial Gastrocnemius, and Biceps Femoris muscles when discomfort was induced underneath the left side of the body (thigh and feet). The technique was effective in causing asymmetry and promoted the use of the contralateral side. The outcome provides a foundation for future investigations of the role of discomfort-inducing devices in improving symmetry of the STS in individuals with unilateral impairment.
Immunity Enhancement in Immunocompromised Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients with Allogeneic Umbilical Cord Blood Mononuclear Cell Transfusion
Authors: Qiu Ying , Zhao Ruidong , Yun Mark M. , Han Xia , Yun Feiyu , Liu Bingchun , Zhou Erxia , Ouyang Xiaohui , Yun Sheng
Published: April 2017

Objectives. In order to enhance the immunity of cancer patients to prevent relapse or to prolong survival time, umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCMCs) were transplanted to cancer patients. Patients and Methods. UCMCs were transfused to 63 immunocompromised gastrointestinal cancer patients with nonmyeloablative (NMA) conditioning regimen. Results. The clinical study showed that the number of both T and B cells increased much more rapidly after transfusion of UCMCs than that of the control group without transplantation (p<0.01). Proinflammation cytokines IFNγ and TNFα in serum increased to or above the normal range in 80.9% of patients at 12 weeks after UCMC transfusion. However, they recovered to the normal range in 21.7% of patients at the same time point in the control group only. In addition, the clinical investigation also showed that the transfusion of UCMC increased stable disease (SD) and reduced progressive disease (PD) significantly (p<0.01); however, it did not have significant effects on complete response (CR), partial response (PR), or mortality rates compared with the control group (p>0.05). Conclusions. UCMCs have powerful repairing effects on damaged cells and tissues and may reconstruct the impaired immunity. Transfusion of UCMCs could reconstruct the immunity of cancer patients with immunosuppression.
Advancements in Developing Strategies for Sterilizing and Functional HIV Cures
Authors: Xu Wei , Li Haoyang , Wang Qian , Hua Chen , Zhang Hanzhen , Li Weihua , Jiang Shibo , Lu Lu
Published: April 2017

Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) has been successful in prolonging lifespan and reducing mortality of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, the eradication of latent HIV reservoirs remains a challenge for curing HIV infection (HIV cure) because of HIV latency in primary memory CD4+ T cells. Currently, two types of HIV cures are in development: a “sterilizing cure” and a “functional cure.” A sterilizing cure refers to the complete elimination of replication-competent proviruses in the body, while a functional cure refers to the long-term control of HIV replication without treatment. Based on these concepts, significant progress has been made in different areas. This review focuses on recent advancements and future prospects for HIV cures.
The Rating Form of IBD Patient Concerns: Translation, Validation, and First Implementation of the Greek Version
Authors: Argyriou Konstantinos , Roma Eleftheria , Kapsoritakis Andreas , Tsakiridou Eirini , Oikonomou Konstantinos , Manolakis Anastassios , Potamianos Spyridon
Published: April 2017

Background. The rating form of IBD patients’ concerns (RFIPC) provides a unique assessment of the worries and concerns of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Our aims were primarily to validate the Greek version of RFIPC and secondarily to describe the pattern of Greek patients’concerns. Methods. After translating RFIPC, the questionnaire was given to IBD patients at baseline and after 12 weeks. The questionnaire’s measuring properties were evaluated based on the consensus-based standards for the selection of health status measurement instruments (COSMIN) recommendations. Premediated factorial structures were tested for goodness of fit with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results. At baseline, 200 patients (94 with Crohn’s disease) completed RFIPC. After 12 weeks, the first 100 patients recompleted the questionnaire. CFA results were consistent with a slightly modified than the original factorial structure. Cronbach’s α and intraclass correlation coefficients were high. RFIPC scores negatively affected the quality of life. RFIPC was sensitive to detect important changes in patients’ condition and was able to discriminate between remission and active disease. Disease activity, full time employment, celibacy, and low education were associated with higher scores. Conclusion. The Greek version of RFIPC is a reliable, valid, and responsive tool to assess Greek IBD patients’ concerns.
A Compact Wide-Band Hybrid Dielectric Resonator Antenna with Enhanced Gain and Low Cross-Polarization
Authors: Dong Feibiao , Xu Limei , Lin Wenbin , Zhang Tianhong
Published: April 2017

By loading two printed patches to the dielectric resonator antenna (DRA), a compact wide-band hybrid dielectric resonator antenna with enhanced gain and low cross-polarization is presented. The proposed antenna utilizes a combination of a rectangular dielectric resonator and two printed patches. Due to the hybrid design, multiple resonances were obtained. By adding two air layers between the dielectric resonator and the printed patches, the bandwidth has been significantly improved. Compared to the traditional hybrid dielectric resonator antenna, the proposed antenna can achieve wide bandwidth, high gain, low cross-polarization, and even small size simultaneously. The prototype of the proposed antenna has been fabricated and tested. The measured −10 dB return loss bandwidth is 25.6% (1.7–2.2 GHz). The measured antenna gains are about 6.3 and 8.2 dBi in the operating frequency band. Low cross-polarization levels of less than −28.5 dB and −43 dB in the E-plane and H-plane are achieved. Moreover, the overall dimensions of the antenna are only 67 × 67 × 34 (mm3). The proposed antenna is especially attractive for small base antenna applications.
Increased Alpha-Rhythm Dynamic Range Promotes Recovery from Visuospatial Neglect: A Neurofeedback Study
Authors: Ros Tomas , Michela Abele , Bellman Anne , Vuadens Philippe , Saj Arnaud , Vuilleumier Patrik
Published: April 2017

Despite recent attempts to use electroencephalogram (EEG) neurofeedback (NFB) as a tool for rehabilitation of motor stroke, its potential for improving neurological impairments of attention—such as visuospatial neglect—remains underexplored. It is also unclear to what extent changes in cortical oscillations contribute to the pathophysiology of neglect, or its recovery. Utilizing EEG-NFB, we sought to causally manipulate alpha oscillations in 5 right-hemisphere stroke patients in order to explore their role in visuospatial neglect. Patients trained to reduce alpha oscillations from their right posterior parietal cortex (rPPC) for 20 minutes daily, over 6 days. Patients demonstrated successful NFB learning between training sessions, denoted by improved regulation of alpha oscillations from rPPC. We observed a significant negative correlation between visuospatial search deficits (i.e., cancellation test) and reestablishment of spontaneous alpha-rhythm dynamic range (i.e., its amplitude variability). Our findings support the use of NFB as a tool for investigating neuroplastic recovery after stroke and suggest reinstatement of intact parietal alpha oscillations as a promising target for reversing attentional deficits. Specifically, we demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of EEG-NFB in neglect patients and provide evidence that targeting alpha amplitude variability might constitute a valuable marker for clinical symptoms and self-regulation.
Ex Vivo and In Vivo Characterization of Interpolymeric Blend/Nanoenabled Gastroretentive Levodopa Delivery Systems
Authors: Ngwuluka Ndidi C. , Choonara Yahya E. , Modi Girish , du Toit Lisa C. , Kumar Pradeep , Meyer Leith , Snyman Tracy , Pillay Viness
Published: April 2017

One approach for delivery of narrow absorption window drugs is to formulate gastroretentive drug delivery systems. This study was undertaken to provide insight into in vivo performances of two gastroretentive systems (PXLNETand IPB matrices) in comparison to Madopar® HBS capsules. The pig model was used to assess gastric residence time and pharmacokinetic parameters using blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and urine samples. Histopathology and cytotoxicity testing were also undertaken. The pharmacokinetic parameters indicated that levodopa was liberated from the drug delivery systems, absorbed, widely distributed, metabolized, and excreted.Cmaxwere 372.37, 257.02, and 461.28 ng/mL and MRT were 15.36, 14.98, and 13.30 for Madopar HBS capsules,PXLNET, and IPB, respectively. In addition, X-ray imaging indicated that the gastroretentive systems have the potential to reside in the stomach for 7 hours. There was strong in vitro-in vivo correlation for all formulations withr2values of 0.906, 0.935, and 0.945 for Madopar HBS capsules,PXLNET, and IPB, respectively. Consequently,PXLNETand IPB matrices have pertinent potential as gastroretentive systems for narrow absorption window drugs (e.g., L-dopa) and, in this application specifically, enhanced the central nervous system and/or systemic bioavailability of such drugs.
Identification of Transcriptional Modules and Key Genes in Chickens Infected with Salmonella enterica Serovar Pullorum Using Integrated Coexpression Analyses
Authors: Liu Bao-Hong , Cai Jian-Ping
Published: April 2017

Salmonella enterica Pullorum is one of the leading causes of mortality in poultry. Understanding the molecular response in chickens in response to the infection by S. enterica is important in revealing the mechanisms of pathogenesis and disease progress. There have been studies on identifying genes associated with Salmonella infection by differential expression analysis, but the relationships among regulated genes have not been investigated. In this study, we employed weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential coexpression analysis (DCEA) to identify coexpression modules by exploring microarray data derived from chicken splenic tissues in response to the S. enterica infection. A total of 19 modules from 13,538 genes were associated with the Jak-STAT signaling pathway, the extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton organization, the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, G-protein coupled receptor activity, Toll-like receptor signaling pathways, and immune system processes; among them, 14 differentially coexpressed modules (DCMs) and 2,856 differentially coexpressed genes (DCGs) were identified. The global expression of module genes between infected and uninfected chickens showed slight differences but considerable changes for global coexpression. Furthermore, DCGs were consistently linked to the hubs of the modules. These results will help prioritize candidate genes for future studies of Salmonella infection.
Feasibility Study of a Building-Integrated PV Manager to Power a Last-Mile Electric Vehicle Sharing System
Authors: Fuentes Manuel , Fraile-Ardanuy Jesús , Risco-Martín José L. , Moya José M.
Published: April 2017

Transportation is one of the largest single sources of air pollution in urban areas. This paper analyzes a model of solar-powered vehicle sharing system using building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), resulting in a zero-emission and zero-energy mobility system for last-mile employee transportation. As a case study, an electric bicycle sharing system between a public transportation hub and a work center is modeled mathematically and optimized in order to minimize the number of pickup trips to satisfy the demand, while minimizing the total energy consumption of the system. The whole mobility system is fully powered with BIPV-generated energy. Results show a positive energy balance in e-bike batteries and pickup vehicle batteries in the worst day of the year regarding solar radiation. Even in this worst-case scenario, we achieve reuse rates of 3.8 people per bike, using actual data. The proposed system manages PV energy using only the batteries from the electric vehicles, without requiring supportive energy storage devices. Energy requirements and PV generation have been analyzed in detail to ensure the feasibility of this approach.
Antioxidant and Synergistic Antidiabetic Activities of a Three-Plant Preparation Used in Cameroon Folk Medicine
Authors: Moukette Bruno Moukette , Ama Moor Vicky Jocelyne , Biapa Nya Cacral Prosper , Nanfack Pauline , Nzufo Francine Tankeu , Kenfack Marcel Azabji , Ngogang Jeanne Yonkeu , Pieme Constant Anatole
Published: April 2017

Introduction. Several plant preparations like a mixture of aqueous extracts of Spilanthes africana; Portulaca oleracea; and Sida rhombifolia are currently utilized in Foumban (West Cameroon) to manage diabetes. The aim of this study is to investigate the antidiabetic property of the aqueous mixture of three plant extracts (1 : 1 : 1) on streptozotocin induced diabetes rats. Methods. Diabetes was induced to rats by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. The diabetic rats received different dosages of the mixture of extracts for 21 days and glibenclamide 6.5 mg/kg b.w. as positive control. Results. The results showed that the mixture of extracts significantly (p<0.05) decreased the level of the glycaemia, the total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL-cholesterol as well as MDA, AST, ALT, and creatinine levels. It also increased significantly the concentration of HDL-cholesterol, glutathione, and TAOS. A great reduction of the atherogenic indexes CT/HDL and LDL/HDL of the treated groups was observed. Each extract and the mixture demonstrated significant scavenging property on DPPH and OH radicals and present a good antioxidant property. Conclusion. The mixture of plant extracts has hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic properties and can be used for the management of diabetes mellitus.
Characterization of the T-Cell Receptor Repertoire and Immune Microenvironment in Patients with Locoregionally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Saloura Vassiliki , Fatima Aiman , Zewde Makda , Kiyotani Kazuma , Brisson Ryan , Park Jae-Hyun , Ikeda Yuji , Vougiouklakis Theodore , Bao Riyue , Khattri Arun , Seiwert Tanguy , Cipriani Nicole , Lingen Mark , Vokes Everett , Nakamura Yusuke
Published: April 2017

Purpose: Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is a lethal cancer with a suboptimal 5-year overall survival of approximately 50% with surgery and/or definitive chemoradiotherapy. Novel treatments are thus urgently awaited. Immunotherapy with checkpoint blockade has emerged as a promising option for patients with recurrent/metastatic SCCHN; however, it has not been investigated in the curative-intent setting yet. The purpose of this study was to investigate the T-cell receptor repertoire and the tumor microenvironment in tumor tissues of SCCHN patients with locoregionally advanced disease.

Experimental Design: We performed T-cell receptor sequencing of tumor tissues from 44 patients with locoregionally advanced SCCHN prior to treatment with definitive chemoradiotherapy and correlated the T-cell clonality and the mRNA expression levels of immune-related genes with clinicopathologic parameters.

Results: Clonal expansion of T cells was significantly higher in human papilloma virus (HPV)–negative compared with HPV-positive tumors, signifying more robust antigen presentation in HPV-negative tumors. The latter was supported by the higher percentage of HPV-negative tumors expressing HLA-A protein compared with HPV-positive tumors (P = 0.049). Higher GRZB levels correlated significantly with longer recurrence-free survival (log-rank, P = 0.003) independent of tumor size, nodal stage, and HPV status.

Conclusions: Our findings support clonal expansion of T cells in SCCHN patients with locoregionally advanced disease and imply differences in the antigen presentation capacity between HPV-negative and HPV-positive tumors. Elevated GRZB mRNA levels may also serve as a favorable and independent predictor of outcome in SCCHN patients treated with chemoradiotherapy. These data provide rationale for the introduction of immunotherapeutic approaches in the curative-intent setting. Clin Cancer Res; 23(16); 4897–907. ©2017 AACR.
Patterns of Microglial Cell Activation in Alzheimer Disease and Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration
Authors: Taipa Ricardo , Brochado Paulo , Robinson Andrew , Reis Inês , Costa Patrício , Mann David M. , Melo Pires Manuel , Sousa Nuno
Published: April 2017

Aims: Microglia-driven neuroinflammation can play an important role in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we sought to characterize the distribution of microglial cell activation in 2 neurodegenerative dementias with distinct protein signatures, Alzheimer disease (AD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) of the TDP subtype, and to determine if there was an anatomical correlation with the phenotypes most commonly associated with these conditions. Methods: The distribution and extent of microglial cell activation was assessed semiquantitatively in the hippocampal formation, cortical gray matter, and subcortical white matter of CD68-immunostained sections of the frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital cortices from 15 pathologically confirmed cases of AD, 13 cases of FTLD, and 18 controls. Results: Significantly higher levels of microglial cell activation occurred in the subiculum in AD and FTLD than in controls. Additionally, AD had higher microglial activation in the CA1 and FTLD in the hippocampal white matter than the controls. Microglial activation was greater in the dentate gyrus molecular layer in AD than in FTLD. In the cortical regions, the 2 pathological groups differed only in frontal white matter, with the FTLD group showing higher microglial scores. FTLD showed higher microglial activation in the white matter compared to the respective gray matter in the entorhinal, temporal, and frontal regions. Conclusions: Our work expands the knowledge of the distribution and magnitude of microglial activation in these disorders. Additionally, we found some microglial circuit-specific patterns that could help to explain some of the clinical overlap between AD and FTLD-TDP, namely in memory deficits.