bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of compartmental pressure in a leg by Whitesides method in a Nepalese patients attending a tertiary care hospital in eastern region of Nepal
Authors: Chaudhary Pashupati , Shrestha BP , Yadav DK , Khanal GP , Rijal R
Published: October 2017

Background: Compartment syndrome can be a life or limb-threatening emergency. Early diagnosis is important for the prevention of disability. The clinical features are subjective in nature. Intra compartmental pressure measurement is a reliable objective method for early and accurate diagnosis of compartment syndrome.Objective: To measure the compartmental pressure in a leg by Whitesides method in Nepalese patient attending a tertiary care hospital in eastern region of Nepal.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study done over the period of three years on adult patients aged 16 years and above presenting to the Emergency Department of BPKIHS with unilateral closed tibial fracture. Total of 60 patients aged 16 years and above with closed fracture tibia were enrolled in the study.Results: Out of total study population, 40 were males and 20 females. The anterior compartmental pressure in the uninjured legs ranged between 3 mmHg and 20 mmHg. Patients from hilly areas had more compartmental pressure (range 8 to 20 mmHg) as compared to patients of plain land (range 3 to 15 mmHg). People of hilly areas have more girth of thigh and calf muscles. Conclusion: The compartmental pressure in the uninjured legs ranged between 3 mmHg and 20 mmHg with variations in different geographic location. Whitesides injection technique of compartmental pressure measurement can be useful in the promptly defect compartmental syndrome in emergency and outpatient set-ups. Health Renaissance 2015;13 (1):health.renaissance@bpkihs.edu
Reversible intraventricular conduction defect in aconite poisoning: A Case report
Authors: Yadav Ajay Kumar , Chaudhuri S , Gupta PP , Chaudhary R , Aryal BD , Sah B , Malla G
Published: October 2017

Aconitine and related alkaloids found in the Aconitum species are highly cardiotoxic and neurotoxic. The wild plant (especially the roots and root tubers) is extremely toxic. Severe aconite poisoning can occur after accidental ingestion of the wild plant or consumption of an herbal made from aconite roots. In traditional Chinese medicine, aconite roots are used only after processing to reduce the toxic alkaloid content. Soaking and boiling during processing will hydrolyze aconite alkaloids into less toxic and non-toxic derivatives. However, the use of a larger than recommended dose and inadequate processing increases the risk of poisoning. The aconite herb is one of the commonly-prescribed ingredients for various clinical problems. However, due to its narrow therapeutic index, toxicities are not uncommonly encountered, including life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias like ventricular arrhythmias Health Renaissance 2015; 13 (1): 108-111
An isolated capitellum fracture of the humerus in adult: A rare case report
Authors: Shah Kalawar Rosan Prasad , Chaudhary P , Maharjan R , Afaque SF
Published: October 2017

Introduction: Isolated capitellum fractures are rare and represent only 1% of all elbow fractures and 6% of distal humeral fractures.Case description: A 45-year-old right hand dominant female presented to us with pain and stiffness in her left elbow following a fall onto the outstretched hand that occurred 6 months prior. She had capitellum fracture with avascular changes and excision of the fractured fragment was done. Physiotherapy was initiated with outcome of nearly normal elbow function. At the time of injury, she was unable to move her elbow actively due to pain and she was misdiagnosed as soft tissue injury earlier in a local hospital.Conclusion: Possibility of rare diagnosis such as capitellum fracture should also be kept in mind while treating elbow injuries. Health Renaissance 2015; 13 (1): 112-116
Embracing Our Values: Ending the “Birth Wars” and Improving Women's Satisfaction with Childbirth
Authors: Wolf Allison B.
Published: October 2017

Anne Drapkin Lyerly argues that U.S. women's experience of childbirth is a negative one because of confusion about what constitutes a “good birth.” She is partially right. In addition, these negative childbirth experiences result from women feeling that they have betrayed themselves in how they gave birth. I argue that this stems from confused thinking that one must use or eschew technology in childbirth to be “true to oneself” and that addressing this problem requires recognizing the multiple values simultaneously embedded in birth technologies. Doing so demonstrates that women can give birth in a variety of ways while remaining true to their values.
Feathered Roots and Migratory Routes: Immigrants and Birds in the Anthropocene
Authors: Pizarro J. Cristobal , Larson Brendon M. H.
Published: October 2017

Human mobility necessitates that people adapt not only to a new society
but also to a new natural environment and biodiversity. We use birds as
biodiversity proxies to explore the place experiences of 26 Latin Americans
adapting to Canada and the United States. Using interviews with open-ended
questions, we prompted participants to identify birds that were linked to
remarkable experiences in both places of origin and immigration, which we
coded respectively as “roots” and “routes.” Participants reported foundational
keystone species linked to their cultural heritage and conspicuous key
species they associated with self-realization in the new place. Linking species,
involving connections between roots and routes, triggered a process of place
recalibration in association with key and keystone birds that worked as points
of reference. We suggest that biodiversity offers critical social functions that
need to be addressed by social integration programs promoting conviviality
between humans and nature in the Anthropocene.
Building “Natural” Beauty: Drought and the Shifting Aesthetics of Nature in Santa Barbara, California
Authors: McCumber Andrew
Published: October 2017

This article analyzes the tension between the built and intrinsic elements that constitute Santa Barbara, California, as a place, by investigating two related questions: How is Santa Barbarans’ sense of place impacted by citywide cultural preferences for a specific plant aesthetic? and How have recent drought conditions affected that plant aesthetic, and its population’s cultural relationship to nature and the environment? The analysis focuses primarily on two key informant interviews, with Madeline Ward, the city’s water conservation coordinator, and Timothy Downey, the city arborist, and is further supported by ethnographic field notes. I argue that the California drought has brought parallel changes to both the city’s physical appearance and its residents’ aesthetic preferences regarding plants. This has further prompted changes to popular conceptions of Santa Barbara as a place, stemming from residents’ desire for an aesthetic that is better in tune with the ecological conditions of the area.
Ideology Critique for the Environmental Social Sciences: What Reproduces the Treadmill of Production?
Authors: Gunderson Ryan
Published: October 2017

Environmental social scientists should analyze ideologies that reproduce ecologically unsustainable societies through the method of ideology critique. Ideology refers to ideas and practices that conceal contradictions through the legitimation and/or reification of the social order. Ideology critique is a method that allows the researcher to unmask systemic contradictions concealed by ideology. While the primary purpose of this project is to revisit and revise conceptual and methodological tools for the environmental social sciences, I provide examples of ideologies that may aid in the reproduction of the “treadmill of production” or the expansionistic production cycle that accelerates resource use and pollution.
The Emergence of a New Conceptual Framework for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Dubois Bruno
Published: October 2017

The New Criteria for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), published by a group of experts in 2007, have resulted in a revolution in the comprehension of the disease. Before 2007, the diagnosis of AD dementia was done through a process of exclusion: it was considered in the case of patients with a dementia syndrome without identified etiologies. This traditional algorithm had three major limitations that penalize the disease: 1) a low accuracy of the performance which may share responsibility for negative results in clinical trials; 2) a late identification of the patients only when they reach the threshold of dementia which may delay the activation of optimal care; and last but not least, 3) an absence of clear recognition of AD as a disease because of the lack of specific arguments for its identification. Since 2007, the disease has gained a clear definition based on positive evidence: a specific clinical phenotype (the amnestic syndrome of the hippocampal type) and the presence of biomarkers, considered as a biological signature of the disease. Thanks to these positive arguments, AD is a clinically and biologically well-delineated disease, no longer defined as “probable”. It is now possible to certify that a given patient has or does not have the disease. Like diabetes, cancer, hyperthyroidism or any other disorder, AD has now a clear definition with well-defined borders. The disease has entered the world of medicine with identified diseases with a biological fingerprint. This is the story of this adventure that we will present now.
Our Working Point of View of Tau Protein
Authors: Avila Jesús
Published: October 2017

Tau protein, which was discovered in Prof. Kirschner’s laboratory in 1975, has been the focus of my research over the last 40 years. In this issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’ s Disease commemorating its 20th year of publication, I will provide a short review of some of the features of my relationship with tau.
The evaluation of pace of play in hockey
Authors: Silva Rajitha M. , Davis Jack , Swartz Tim B.
Published: October 2017

This paper explores new definitions for pace of play in ice hockey. Using detailed event data from the 2015-2016 regular season of the National Hockey League (NHL), the distance of puck movement with possession is the proposed criterion in determining the pace of a game. Although intuitive, this notion of pace does not correlate positively and strongly with expected and familiar quantities such as goals scored and shots taken.
Meeting report from the Mitochondrial Medicine Southeast Regional Symposium — understanding mitochondrial disease and mitochondrial dysfunction: Opportunities and impacts in the clinic and laboratory
Authors: Stone Amy , Yeske Phillip , Stanley Laura
Published: October 2017

On April 7th, 2017, the Foundation for Mitochondrial Medicine and the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation held a Southeast Regional Symposium in Birmingham, Alabama to explore mitochondrial dysfunction, diseases and conditions related to mitochondrial dysfunction, their clinical management, and new therapies and tools to address those conditions. This article provides a report of the proceedings.
Cardiology in the Post-Genomic Era : Road to Personalized Medicine
Authors: Bhuiyan Zahurul A
Published: October 2017

Abstract not availableBangladesh Heart Journal 2017; 32(1) : 1-2
Effect of Successful Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy on Pulmonary Function
Authors: Khan Umme Salma , Islam AKM Monwarul , Majumder Abdullah Al Shafi
Published: October 2017

A total of 58 patients of severe mitral stenosis with Wilkins score < 10 were studied, all of them underwent PTMC. Spirometry and peak expiratory flow rate were done before and after PTMC. A follow up echocardiographic assessment of successful PTMC and pulmonary artery systolic pressure were taken. Two patients died of PTMC related procedural complications. There was no dropout. Hemodynamic measurements obtained by echocardiography showed improvement of mean mitral valve area from 0.764 ± 0.1257 cm2 to 1.404 ± 0.1194 cm2 after PTMC (p < 0.001). Transmitral peak pressure gradient decreased from 26.43 + 5.62 mmHg to 11.36 + 2.40 mmHg after PTMC (p < 0.001). Pulmonary artery systolic pressure was decreased from 57.73 ± 17.03 mmHg to 31.27± 8.30 mmHg after the procedure (p < 0.001). pulmonary functions - The mean FEV1 was increased from 60.18 ± 13.054 to 78.32 ± 11.874 after PTMC (p<0.001). The mean FVC was 53.80+ 12.313 before PTMC, which significantly improved to 68.57 + 11.662. PEF also showed an improvement from 223.75 + 62.3215 to 372.05 + 62.2. (p<0.001).Bangladesh Heart Journal 2017; 32(1) : 45-49
Parameters Sensitivity Analysis of Position-Based Impedance Control for Bionic Legged Robots’ HDU
Authors: Ba Kaixian , Yu Bin , Gao Zhengjie , Li Wenfeng , Ma Guoliang , Kong Xiangdong
Published: October 2017

For the hydraulic drive unit (HDU) on the joints of bionic legged robots, this paper proposes the position-based impedance control method. Then, the impedance control performance is tested by a HDU performance test platform. Further, the method of first-order sensitivity matrix is proposed to analyze the dynamic sensitivity of four main control parameters under four working conditions. To research the parameter sensitivity quantificationally, two sensitivity indexes are defined, and the sensitivity analysis results are verified by experiments. The results of the experiments show that, when combined with corresponding optimization strategies, the dynamic compliance composition theory and the results from sensitivity analysis can compensate for the control parameters and optimize the control performance in different working conditions.
A New Control Method for a Bi-Directional Phase-Shift-Controlled DC-DC Converter with an Extended Load Range
Authors: Xu Wenzheng , Chan Nelson , Or Siu , Ho Siu , Chan Ka
Published: October 2017

Phase-shifted converters are practically important to provide high conversion efficiencies through soft-switching techniques. However, the limitation on a resonant inductor current in the converters often leads to a non-fulfillment of the requirement of minimum load current. This paper presents a new power electronics control technique to enable the dual features of bi-directional power flow and an extended load range for soft-switching in phase-shift-controlled DC-DC converters. The proposed technique utilizes two identical full bridge converters and inverters in conjunction with a new control logic for gate-driving signals to facilitate both Zero Current Switching (ZCS) and Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) in a single phase-shift-controlled DC-DC converter. The additional ZCS is designed for light load conditions at which the minimum load current cannot be attained. The bi-directional phase-shift-controlled DC-DC converter can implement the function of synchronous rectification. Its fast dynamic response allows for quick energy recovery during the regenerative braking of traction systems in electrified trains.
Community Microgrid Scheduling Considering Network Operational Constraints and Building Thermal Dynamics
Authors: Liu Guodong , Ollis Thomas , Xiao Bailu , Zhang Xiaohu , Tomsovic Kevin
Published: October 2017

This paper proposes a Mixed Integer Conic Programming (MICP) model for community microgrids considering the network operational constraints and building thermal dynamics. The proposed multi-objective optimization model optimizes not only the operating cost, including fuel cost, electricity purchasing/selling, storage degradation, voluntary load shedding and the cost associated with customer discomfort as a result of the room temperature deviation from the customer setting point, but also several performance indices, including voltage deviation, network power loss and power factor at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). In particular, we integrate the detailed thermal dynamic model of buildings into the distribution optimal power flow (D-OPF) model for the optimal operation. Thus, the proposed model can directly schedule the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems of buildings intelligently so as to to reduce the electricity cost without compromising the comfort of customers. Results of numerical simulation validate the effectiveness of the proposed model and significant savings in electricity cost with network operational constraints satisfied.
Antifungal Screening of Bioprotective Isolates against Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium pallidoroseum and Fusarium moniliforme
Authors: De Senna Antoinette , Lathrop Amanda
Published: October 2017

The fungi Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium pallidoroseum, and Fusarium moniliforme are the causative agents of several plant diseases and can cause significant crop loss both before and after harvest. Fungicides are employed to control these phytopathogens, but fungicide use has led to an increase in resistance and may negatively affect the environment and human health. Hence, more environmentally sustainable solutions such as biological control methods are needed. The purpose of this study was to screen 22 bacterial isolates for inhibitory activity against fungal phytopathogens. To evaluate antifungal activity, the bacterial isolates were individually spot-inoculated onto Tryptic Soy Agar or de Man, Rogosa, Sharpe agar, and then a plug of fungal-colonized agar was placed onto the center of the isolate-inoculated plate. Plates were incubated at 24 °C for 10 days and fungal growth was evaluated. Nine of the 22 isolates screened inhibited all three fungi; inhibition by these isolates ranged from 51–62%, 60–68%, and 40–61% for B. cinerea, F. pallidoroseum, and F. moniliforme, respectively. Isolates were also screened for biosurfactant activity using the drop-collapse test. Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus thuringiensis and three Bacillus amyloliquefaciens isolates demonstrated strong biosurfactant activity and suppression of all three fungi, and therefore are recommended for further study.
Priority of a Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Preference Relation with a Normal Distribution in Meteorological Disaster Risk Assessment
Authors: Wang Lihong , Gong Zaiwu
Published: October 2017

As meteorological disaster systems are large complex systems, disaster reduction programs must be based on risk analysis. Consequently, judgment by an expert based on his or her experience (also known as qualitative evaluation) is an important link in meteorological disaster risk assessment. In some complex and non-procedural meteorological disaster risk assessments, a hesitant fuzzy linguistic preference relation (HFLPR) is often used to deal with a situation in which experts may be hesitant while providing preference information of a pairwise comparison of alternatives, that is, the degree of preference of one alternative over another. This study explores hesitation from the perspective of statistical distributions, and obtains an optimal ranking of an HFLPR based on chance-restricted programming, which provides a new approach for hesitant fuzzy optimisation of decision-making in meteorological disaster risk assessments.
Managing Early Childhood Caries with Atraumatic Restorative Treatment and Topical Silver and Fluoride Agents
Authors: Duangthip Duangporn , Chen Kitty , Gao Sherry , Lo Edward , Chu Chun
Published: October 2017

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a significant global health problem affecting millions of preschool children worldwide. In general, preschool children from families with 20% of the lowest family incomes suffered about 80% of the ECC. Most, if not all, surveys indicated that the great majority of ECC was left untreated. Untreated caries progresses into the dental pulp, causing pain and infection. It can spread systemically, affecting a child’s growth, development and general health. Fundamental caries management is based on the conventional restorative approach. Because preschool children are too young to cope with lengthy dental treatment, they often receive dental treatment under general anaesthesia from a specialist dentist. However, treatment under general anaesthesia poses a life-threatening risk to young children. Moreover, there are few dentists in rural areas, where ECC is prevalent. Hence, conventional dental care is unaffordable, inaccessible or unavailable in many communities. However, studies showed that the atraumatic restorative treatment had a very good success rate in treating dentine caries in young children. Silver diamine fluoride is considered safe and effective in arresting dentine caries in primary teeth. The aim of this paper is to review and discuss updated evidence of these alternative approaches in order to manage cavitated ECC.
Multi-Contextual Segregation and Environmental Justice Research: Toward Fine-Scale Spatiotemporal Approaches
Authors: Park Yoo , Kwan Mei-Po
Published: October 2017

Many environmental justice studies have sought to examine the effect of residential segregation on unequal exposure to environmental factors among different social groups, but little is known about how segregation in non-residential contexts affects such disparity. Based on a review of the relevant literature, this paper discusses the limitations of traditional residence-based approaches in examining the association between socioeconomic or racial/ethnic segregation and unequal environmental exposure in environmental justice research. It emphasizes that future research needs to go beyond residential segregation by considering the full spectrum of segregation experienced by people in various geographic and temporal contexts of everyday life. Along with this comprehensive understanding of segregation, the paper also highlights the importance of assessing environmental exposure at a high spatiotemporal resolution in environmental justice research. The successful integration of a comprehensive concept of segregation, high-resolution data and fine-grained spatiotemporal approaches to assessing segregation and environmental exposure would provide more nuanced and robust findings on the associations between segregation and disparities in environmental exposure and their health impacts. Moreover, it would also contribute to significantly expanding the scope of environmental justice research.
Association of Waist Circumference Gain and Incident Prediabetes Defined by Fasting Glucose: A Seven-Year Longitudinal Study in Beijing, China
Authors: Tao Li-Xin , Yang Kun , Huang Fang-Fang , Liu Xiang-Tong , Li Xia , Luo Yan-Xia , Wu Li-Juan , Guo Xiu-Hua
Published: October 2017

The risk of incident prediabetes with gain in waist circumference (WC) has not been addressed among Chinese adults. A total of 7951 participants who underwent health check-ups at the Beijing Physical Examination Center and Beijing Xiaotangshan hospital were recruited in 2009 and followed up in 2016. Participants were classified into four groups according to categories of percent WC gain: ≤−2.5%, −2.5–2.5%, 2.5–5%, and >5%. The effect of WC gain on prediabetes was evaluated using modified Poisson regression models. Over seven years of follow-up, we identified 1034 prediabetes cases (413 women). Compared with a WC gain of ≤−2.5%, participants with a WC gain of >5% have a higher risk of prediabetes, be they male (non-abdominal obesity at baseline group: RR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.10–2.24, abdominal obesity at baseline group: RR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.20–2.30) or female (non-abdominal obesity at baseline group: RR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.14–2.64, abdominal obesity at baseline group: RR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.43–4.28). In conclusion, the risk of prediabetes increased significantly with increasing WC for both genders in the Chinese population. Lifestyle interventions aiming at preventing abdominal obesity are urgently needed to reduce the increasing burden of prediabetes, diabetes, and its complications.
Fisetin Regulates Nrf2 Expression and the Inflammation-Related Signaling Pathway to Prevent UVB-Induced Skin Damage in Hairless Mice
Authors: Wu Po-Yuan , Lyu Jia-Ling , Liu Yi-Jung , Chien Ting-Yi , Hsu Hao-Cheng , Wen Kuo-Ching , Chiang Hsiu-Mei
Published: October 2017

Chronic ultraviolet (UV) exposure may cause skin damage, disrupt skin barrier function, and promote wrinkle formation. UV induces oxidative stress and inflammation, which results in extracellular matrix degradation in the dermis and epidermal hyperplasia. Our previous study demonstrated that fisetin exerts photoprotective activity by inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase/activator protein-1/matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activation. In this study, fisetin was applied topically to investigate its antiphotodamage effects in hairless mice. The erythema index (a* values) and transepidermal water loss were evaluated to assess skin damage, and immunohistochemical staining was conducted to elucidate the photoprotective mechanism of fisetin. The results revealed that the topical application of fisetin reduced UVB-induced increase in the a* value and wrinkle formation. In addition, fisetin inhibited epidermal hyperplasia and increased the collagen content in the dermis. Fisetin exerted photoprotective activity by inhibiting the expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, and cyclooxygenase-2 and increasing the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor. Furthermore, fisetin increased the expression of filaggrin to prevent UVB-induced barrier function disruption. Altogether, the present results provide evidence of the effects and mechanisms of fisetin’s antiphotodamage and antiphotoinflammation activities.
Advanced Materials in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Authors: Sebastián David , Baglio Vincenzo
Published: October 2017

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) have attracted much interest due to the need for an efficient, non-polluting power source with high energy density for vehicles in urban environments, as well as portable electronics [...]
The Effect of Vibration during Friction Stir Welding on Corrosion Behavior, Mechanical Properties, and Machining Characteristics of Stir Zone
Authors: Fouladi Sajad , Ghasemi Amir , Abbasi Mahmoud , Abedini Morteza , Khorasani Amir , Gibson Ian
Published: October 2017

Different methods have been applied to refine various characteristics of the zone (or nugget) obtained by friction stir welding (FSW). In the current research, joining components are vibrated normal to the weld line during FSW to refine the zone microstructure. This process is described as friction stir vibration welding (FSVW). The effect of FSVW on mechanical properties, corrosion behavior, and machining characteristics of the zone are investigated. Al5052 alloy specimens are welded using FSW and FSVW processes and their different characteristics are compared and discussed. The results show that the strength and ductility of the welded parts increase when the vibration is applied. The outcomes also show that corrosion resistance of the nugget for FSV-welded specimens is lower than FS welded samples, and machining force of the former specimens is higher than the latter ones. These are related to smaller grain size in the zone of FSV-welded specimens compared to FS welded parts. Smaller grain size leads to a greater volume fraction of grain boundaries and, correspondingly, higher strength and hardness, as well as lower corrosion resistance.
Identification of Metabolites of the Cardioprotective Alkaloid Dehydrocorydaline in Rat Plasma and Bile by Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Triple Quadrupole Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Guan Huanyu , Li Kaitong , Wang Xiaoming , Luo Xiaomei , Su Meifeng , Tan Wenting , Chang Xiaoyan , Shi Yue
Published: October 2017

Dehydrocorydaline (DHC), a quaternary alkaloid from Corydalis yanhusuo, has been demonstrated to be the active constituent in the treatment of coronary heart disease. In this study, a high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI–QTRAP MS) technique was used to identify DHC metabolites in plasma and bile after oral administration of DHC to rats. A total of 18 metabolites (M1 to M18) were identified and characterized by LC–MS/MS in the positive ion mode. These 18 metabolites were all present in rat bile, while only 9 were detected in plasma. O-demethylation, hydroxylation, di-hydroxylation, glucuronidation of O-demethyl DHC, sulfation of O-demethyl DHC and di-hydroxylation of dehydro-DHC were the major metabolic pathways of DHC. This is the first time that these metabolites of DHC have been identified in rat plasma and bile, which provides useful information for further analysis of the biotransformation of DHC and other quaternary protoberberine-type alkaloids.
Synthesis of 11C-Labelled Ureas by Palladium(II)-Mediated Oxidative Carbonylation
Authors: Roslin Sara , Brandt Peter , Nordeman Patrik , Larhed Mats , Odell Luke , Eriksson Jonas
Published: October 2017

Positron emission tomography is an imaging technique with applications in clinical settings as well as in basic research for the study of biological processes. A PET tracer, a biologically active molecule where a positron-emitting radioisotope such as carbon-11 has been incorporated, is used for the studies. Development of robust methods for incorporation of the radioisotope is therefore of the utmost importance. The urea functional group is present in many biologically active compounds and is thus an attractive target for incorporation of carbon-11 in the form of [11C]carbon monoxide. Starting with amines and [11C]carbon monoxide, both symmetrical and unsymmetrical 11C-labelled ureas were synthesised via a palladium(II)-mediated oxidative carbonylation and obtained in decay-corrected radiochemical yields up to 65%. The added advantage of using [11C]carbon monoxide was shown by the molar activity obtained for an inhibitor of soluble epoxide hydrolase (247 GBq/μmol–319 GBq/μmol). DFT calculations were found to support a reaction mechanism proceeding through an 11C-labelled isocyanate intermediate.
Production of Single-Chain Fv Antibodies Specific for GA-Pyridine, an Advanced Glycation End-Product (AGE), with Reduced Inter-Domain Motion
Authors: Fukuda Natsuki , Noi Kentaro , Weng Lidong , Kobashigawa Yoshihiro , Miyazaki Hiromi , Wakeyama Yukari , Takaki Michiyo , Nakahara Yusuke , Tatsuno Yuka , Uchida-Kamekura Makiyo , Suwa Yoshiaki , Sato Takashi , Ichikawa-Tomikawa Naoki , Nomizu Motoyoshi , Fujiwara Yukio , Ohsaka Fumina , Saitoh Takashi , Maenaka Katsumi , Kumeta Hiroyuki , Shinya Shoko , Kojima Chojiro , Ogura Teru , Morioka Hiroshi
Published: October 2017

Due to their lower production cost compared with monoclonal antibodies, single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) have potential for use in several applications, such as for diagnosis and treatment of a range of diseases, and as sensor elements. However, the usefulness of scFvs is limited by inhomogeneity through the formation of dimers, trimers, and larger oligomers. The scFv protein is assumed to be in equilibrium between the closed and open states formed by assembly or disassembly of VH and VL domains. Therefore, the production of an scFv with equilibrium biased to the closed state would be critical to overcome the problem in inhomogeneity of scFv for industrial or therapeutic applications. In this study, we obtained scFv clones stable against GA-pyridine, an advanced glycation end-product (AGE), by using a combination of a phage display system and random mutagenesis. Executing the bio-panning at 37 °C markedly improved the stability of scFvs. We further evaluated the radius of gyration by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), obtained compact clones, and also visualized open
New Textile Sensors for In Situ Structural Health Monitoring of Textile Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites Based on the Conductive Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) Polymer Complex
Authors: Jerkovic Ivona , Koncar Vladan , Grancaric Ana
Published: October 2017

Many metallic structural and non-structural parts used in the transportation industry can be replaced by textile-reinforced composites. Composites made from a polymeric matrix and fibrous reinforcement have been increasingly studied during the last decade. On the other hand, the fast development of smart textile structures seems to be a very promising solution for in situ structural health monitoring of composite parts. In order to optimize composites’ quality and their lifetime all the production steps have to be monitored in real time. Textile sensors embedded in the composite reinforcement and having the same mechanical properties as the yarns used to make the reinforcement exhibit actuating and sensing capabilities. This paper presents a new generation of textile fibrous sensors based on the conductive polymer complex poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) developed by an original roll to roll coating method. Conductive coating for yarn treatment was defined according to the preliminary study of percolation threshold of this polymer complex. The percolation threshold determination was based on conductive dry films’ electrical properties analysis, in order to develop highly sensitive sensors. A novel laboratory equipment was designed and produced for yarn coating to ensure effective and equally distributed coating of electroconductive polymer without distortion of textile properties. The electromechanical properties of the textile fibrous sensors confirmed their suitability for in situ structural damages detection of textile reinforced thermoplastic composites in real time.
Validation of Foot Placement Locations from Ankle Data of a Kinect v2 Sensor
Authors: Geerse Daphne , Coolen Bert , Kolijn Detmar , Roerdink Melvyn
Published: October 2017

The Kinect v2 sensor may be a cheap and easy to use sensor to quantify gait in clinical settings, especially when applied in set-ups integrating multiple Kinect sensors to increase the measurement volume. Reliable estimates of foot placement locations are required to quantify spatial gait parameters. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of distance from the sensor, side and step length on estimates of foot placement locations based on Kinect’s ankle body points. Subjects (n = 12) performed stepping trials at imposed foot placement locations distanced 2 m or 3 m from the Kinect sensor (distance), for left and right foot placement locations (side), and for five imposed step lengths. Body points’ time series of the lower extremities were recorded with a Kinect v2 sensor, placed frontoparallelly on the left side, and a gold-standard motion-registration system. Foot placement locations, step lengths, and stepping accuracies were compared between systems using repeated-measures ANOVAs, agreement statistics and two one-sided t-tests to test equivalence. For the right side at the 2 m distance from the sensor we found significant between-systems differences in foot placement locations and step lengths, and evidence for nonequivalence. This distance by side effect was likely caused by differences in body orientation relative to the Kinect sensor. It can be reduced by using Kinect’s higher-dimensional depth data to estimate foot placement locations directly from the foot’s point cloud and/or by using smaller inter-sensor distances in the case of a multi-Kinect v2 set-up to estimate foot placement locations at greater distances from the sensor.
Tartary Buckwheat Genetic Diversity in the Himalayas Associated with Farmer Landrace Diversity and Low Dietary Dependence
Authors: Huang Weijuan , Jarvis Devra , Ahmed Selena , Long Chunlin
Published: October 2017

While crop genetic diversity supports ecological processes and food security, there have been few cross-cultural studies evaluating the influence of cultural and dietary factors on the conservation of genetic resources. This study examines genetic diversity patterns of tartary buckwheat in 18 smallholder farming communities across five regions of China (Yunnan Province, Tibet Autonomous Region and Sichuan Province) and Bhutan managed by Yi, Tibetan, and Bhutanese farmers using ethnobotanical surveys and DNA barcoding. Findings emphasize that high dietary dependence linked to a single crop may result in simplification of genetic diversity as well as agricultural systems and landscapes more broadly. We advocate for the diversification of crops in agricultural systems as well as diets through the integration of scientific research and farmers’ ecological knowledge and practices towards meeting global food security while supporting environmental well-being through biodiversity conservation.
Experimental Design for Testing Local Lorentz Invariance Violations in Gravity
Authors: Chen Ya-Fen , Tan Yu-Jie , Shao Cheng-Gang
Published: October 2017

Local Lorentz invariance is an important component of General Relativity. Testing for Local Lorentz invariance can not only probe the foundation stone of General Relativity but also help to explore the unified theory for General Relativity and quantum mechanics. In this paper, we search the Local Lorentz invariance violation associated with operators of mass dimension d = 6 in the pure-gravity sector with short-range gravitational experiments. To enlarge the Local Lorentz invariance violation signal effectively, we design a new experiment in which the constraints of all fourteen violation coefficients may be improved by about one order of magnitude.
Why Human Papillomavirus Acute Infections Matter
Authors: Alizon Samuel , Murall Carmen , Bravo Ignacio
Published: October 2017

Most infections by human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are `acute’, that is non-persistent. Yet, for HPVs, as for many other oncoviruses, there is a striking gap between our detailed understanding of chronic infections and our limited data on the early stages of infection. Here we argue that studying HPV acute infections is necessary and timely. Focusing on early interactions will help explain why certain infections are cleared while others become chronic or latent. From a molecular perspective, descriptions of immune effectors and pro-inflammatory pathways during the initial stages of infections have the potential to lead to novel treatments or to improved handling algorithms. From a dynamical perspective, adopting concepts from spatial ecology, such as meta-populations or meta-communities, can help explain why HPV acute infections sometimes last for years. Furthermore, cervical cancer screening and vaccines impose novel iatrogenic pressures on HPVs, implying that anticipating any viral evolutionary response remains essential. Finally, hints at the associations between HPV acute infections and fertility deserve further investigation given their high, worldwide prevalence. Overall, understanding asymptomatic and benign infections may be instrumental in reducing HPV virulence.
Generalized Storage–Yield–Reliability Relationships for Analysing Shopping Centre Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Authors: Ndiritu John , Moodley Yashiren , Guliwe Mondli
Published: October 2017

The objective of this study was to develop guidelines for analysing rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems of shopping centres in South Africa. A model consisting of three dimensionless relationships relating rainwater supply and demand to storage capacity, yield and reliability was formulated. Data from daily simulation of potential RWH systems of 19 shopping were used to obtain the relationships. The simulations revealed within-year storage behaviour with considerable variation of annual yield. By applying the Weibull plotting position formula, yield–reliability relationships were derived. The aim to maximize yield and reliability whilst minimizing storage identified Pareto-optimal combinations of the three variables and these combinations were used to develop two dimensionless relationships. An additional relationship based on the dependence of the slope of the yield–reliability plots on yield was formulated to enable analysis of hydrologically non-optimal systems. Verification tests using four RWH systems obtained results that matched those from simulation and the model could therefore be applied for RWH feasibility analysis and preliminary design. This study highlights the need to incorporate inter-annual variability in RWH analysis and shows how reliability can be used to quantify this. This study further demonstrates how reliability can be fully integrated into regression relationships for generalized RWH analysis.
Barriers and facilitators to integration of physician associates into the general practice workforce: a grounded theory approach
Authors: Jackson Ben , Marshall Michelle , Schofield Susie
Published: October 2017

Background

Physician associates (PAs) are described as one solution to workforce capacity in primary care in the UK. Despite new investment in the role, how effective this will be in addressing unmet primary care needs is unclear.

Aim

To investigate the barriers and facilitators to the integration of PAs into the general practice workforce.

Design and setting

A modified grounded theory study in a region unfamiliar with the PA role.

Method

No a priori themes were assumed. Themes generated from stakeholder interviews informed a literature review and theoretical framework, and were then tested in focus groups with GPs, advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs), and patients. Recorded data were transcribed verbatim, and organised using NVivo version 10.2.2, with iterative analysis of emergent themes. A reflexive diary and independent verification of coding and analysis were included.

Results

There were 51 participants (30 GPs, 11 ANPs, and 10 patients) in eight focus groups. GPs, ANPs, and patients recognised that support for general practice was needed to improve access. GPs expressed concerns regarding PAs around managing medical complexity and supervision burden, non-prescriber status, and medicolegal implications in routine practice. Patients were less concerned about specific competencies as long as there was effective supervision, and were accepting of a PA role. ANPs highlighted their own negative experiences entering advanced clinical practice, and the need for support to counteract stereotypical and prejudicial attitudes

Conclusion

This study highlights the complex factors that may impede the introduction of PAs into UK primary care. A conceptual model is proposed to help regulators and educationalists support this integration, which has relevance to other proposed new roles in primary care.
Improving access to allied health professionals through the Champlain BASE™eConsult service: a cross-sectional study in Canada
Authors: McKellips Fanny , Keely Erin , Afkham Amir , Liddy Clare
Published: October 2017

Background

Allied health services are an important part of providing effective team-based care. The Champlain BASE™ (Building Access to Specialists through eConsultation) eConsult service facilitates quick and secure communication between primary care providers (PCPs) and allied health professionals (AHPs).

Aim

To assess the eConsult service’s ability to improve access to advice from AHPs.

Design and setting

A cross-sectional study was carried out on all cases submitted to AHPs through the eConsult service between April 2011 and May 2016. The service covers Ottawa, Canada, and its surrounding rural communities.

Method

A descriptive overview of all cases submitted to allied health services was conducted. Utilisation and survey metrics for AHP eConsults were compared with those sent to medical specialties, in order to understand the potential differences and generalisability of eConsult access beyond the traditional medical specialty referral.

Results

PCPs submitted 127 cases to nine allied health specialties during the study period. The most popular specialty was clinical pharmacist, which received an average of 1.5 cases per month. The median specialist response time was 2.1 days (interquartile range [IQR] 0.7–5.3 days, range 0.01–14.2 days) versus 0.9 days (IQR 0.2–3.4 days, range 0–49.5 days) for medical specialties. PCPs received advice for a new or additional course of action in 70% (versus 58% for medical specialties) of cases. They rated the service as being of high or very high value for their patients in 88% of cases (versus 93% for medical specialties), and for themselves in 89% (94% for medical specialties) of cases.

Conclusion

The eConsult service has demonstrated the ability to support prompt communication between PCPs and AHPs, improving patients’ access to AHP care. Given the importance of AHPs in providing primary care, allied health services should be offered in the menu of specialties available through electronic consultation services.
Experiences with online consultation systems in primary care: case study of one early adopter site
Authors: Casey Michael , Shaw Sara , Swinglehurst Deborah
Published: October 2017

Background

There is a strong policy drive towards implementing alternatives to face-to-face consultations in general practice to improve access, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. These alternatives embrace novel technologies that are assumed to offer potential to improve care.

Aim

To explore the introduction of one online consultation system (Tele-Doc) and how it shapes working practices.

Design and setting

Mixed methods case study in an inner-city general practice.

Method

The study was conducted through interviews with IT developers, clinicians, and administrative staff, and scrutiny of documents, websites, and demonstrator versions of Tele-Doc, followed by thematic analysis and discourse analysis.

Results

Three interrelated themes were identified: online consultation systems as innovation, managing the ‘messiness’ of general practice consultations, and redistribution of the work of general practice. These themes raise timely questions about what it means to consult in contemporary general practice. Uptake of Tele-Doc by patients was low. Much of the work of the consultation was redistributed to patients and administrators, sometimes causing misunderstandings. The ‘messiness’ of consultations was hard to eliminate. In-house training focused on the technical application rather than associated transformations to practice work that were not anticipated. GPs welcomed varied modes of consulting, but the aspiration of improved efficiency was not realised in practice.

Conclusion

Tele-Doc offers a new kind of consultation that is still being worked out in practice. It may offer convenience for patients with discrete, single problems, and a welcome variation to GPs’ workload. Tele-Doc’s potential for addressing more complex problems and achieving efficiency is less clear, and its adoption may involve unforeseeable consequences.