bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baseline characteristics of the autosomal‐dominant polycystic kidney disease sub‐cohort of the KoreaN cohort study for outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kim Hyunsuk , Koh Junga , Park Sue K , Oh Kook H , Kim Yeong H , Kim Yaeni , Ahn Curie , Oh Yun K
Published: May 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe the baseline characteristics of autosomal‐dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in a cohort of Korean patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

From April 2011 to February 2016, patients with CKD stage 1–5 (pre‐dialysis) were enrolled as an ADPKD sub‐cohort of the KoreaN Cohort Study for Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease. Baseline characteristics, the correlation of kidney and liver volume and kidney function and the factors associated with kidney function were analysed.

Results

A total of 364 ADPKD patients with a mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 68.1 ± 33.3 mL/min per 1.73 m2 (50.5% male with a mean age of 47.0 ± 10.6 years) were enrolled from nine hospitals in Korea. Initially, 55.8% of the patients were asymptomatic, and pain was the most common symptom (12.9%); 87.6 and 77.5% of the patients had hypertension and hepatic cysts, respectively. The height‐adjusted total kidney volumes (htTKV) were higher in male patients than in female patients. In contrast, the height‐adjusted total liver volumes were higher in female patients than in male patients. The decrease rate of eGFR depending on Log(htTKV) was larger in the group aged between 41 and 50 years than the other age groups. Older age, a higher 24‐h urine protein excretion, larger htTKV and hyperuricemia were independently associated with lower eGFR, whereas using febuxostat was independently associated with higher eGFR.

Conclusion

This sub‐cohort will provide clinical characteristics and outcomes of Korean ADPKD patients, which can be compared with those of other previous cohorts. We have identified factors associated with advanced‐stage CKD in Korean patients with ADPKD.
Arabidopsis Lunapark proteins are involved in ER cisternae formation
Authors: Kriechbaumer Verena , Breeze Emily , Pain Charlotte , Tolmie Frances , Frigerio Lorenzo , Hawes Chris
Published: May 2018

The plant endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is crucial to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. The ER consists of a dynamic and continuously remodelling network of tubules and cisternae. Several conserved membrane proteins have been implicated in formation and maintenance of the ER network in plants, such as RHD3 and the reticulon proteins. Despite the recent work in mammalian and yeast cells, the detailed molecular mechanisms of ER network organization in plants remain largely unknown. Recently, novel ER network‐shaping proteins called Lunapark (LNP) have been identified in yeast and mammalian cells.

Here we identify two Arabidopsis LNP homologues and investigate their subcellular localization via confocal microscopy and potential function in shaping the ER network using protein–protein interaction assays and mutant analysis.

We show that AtLNP1 overexpression in tobacco leaf epidermal cells mainly labels cisternae in the ER network, whereas AtLNP2 labels the whole ER. Overexpression of LNP proteins results in an increased abundance of ER cisternae and lnp1 and lnp1lnp2 amiRNA lines display a reduction in cisternae and larger polygonal areas.

Thus, we hypothesize that AtLNP1 and AtLNP2 are involved in determining the network morphology of the plant ER, possibly by regulating the formation of ER cisternae.
Evaluating predisposition and training in shaping the musician's brain: the need for a developmental perspective
Authors: Zuk Jennifer , Gaab Nadine
Published: May 2018

The study of music training as a model for structural plasticity has evolved significantly over the past 15 years. Neuroimaging studies have identified characteristic structural brain alterations in musicians compared to nonmusicians in school‐age children and adults, using primarily cross‐sectional designs. Despite this emerging evidence and advances in pediatric neuroimaging techniques, hardly any studies have examined brain development in early childhood (before age 8) in association with musical training, and longitudinal studies starting in infancy or preschool are particularly scarce. Consequently, it remains unclear whether the characteristic “musician brain” is solely the result of musical training, or whether certain predispositions may have an impact on its development. Moving toward a developmental perspective, the present review considers various factors that may contribute to early brain structure prior to the onset of formal musical training. This review introduces a model for potential neurobiological pathways leading to the characteristic “musician brain,” which involves a developmental interaction between predisposition and its temporal dynamics, environmental experience, and training‐induced plasticity. This perspective illuminates the importance of studying the brain structure associated with musical training through a developmental lens, and the need for longitudinal studies in early childhood to advance our understanding of music training‐induced structural plasticity.
OralCandidacarriage among cigarette‐ and waterpipe‐smokers, and electronic cigarette users
Authors: Mokeem Sameer A. , Abduljabbar Tariq , Al‐Kheraif Abdulaziz A. , Alasqah Mohmmed N. , Michelogiannakis Dimitrios , Samaranayake Lakshman P. , Javed Fawad
Published: May 2018

Objective

The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to compare oralCandidacarriage among cigarette‐ and waterpipe‐smokers, electronic cigarette (E‐Cig) users, and never‐smokers.

Methods

Demographic data and information regarding smoking and vaping were collected using a questionnaire. Number of missing teeth and unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSFR) were recorded. OralCandidasamples were collected and identified using concentrated oral rinse culture technique andPCR, respectively. Level of significance was set atp < 0.05.

Results

Thirty‐four cigarette‐smokers (Group‐1), 33 waterpipe‐smokers (Group‐2), 30 E‐Cig users (Group‐3), and 32 never‐smokers (Group‐4) were included. All were male participants with comparable mean ages. In groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, oralCandidacarriage rate was 100%, 100%, 83.3% and 50%, respectively. The most commonly isolated oral yeast species in all groups wasC. albicans.C. albicanscarriage was significantly higher in groups 1 (p < 0.05), 2 (p < 0.05), and 3 (p < 0.05) than Group‐4. Data stratification for age, missing teeth, andUWSFRshowed no significant difference in oral yeasts carriage in groups 1, 2, and 3.

Conclusions

OralC. albicanscarriage was significantly higher among cigarette‐ and waterpipe‐smokers and E‐Cig users than never‐smokers. No significant differences were identified among groups in the oral carriage of otherCandidaspecies.
What's Aristotelian about neo‐Aristotelian Virtue Ethics?
Authors: Hirji Sukaina
Published: May 2018

It is commonly assumed that Aristotle's ethical theory shares deep structural similarities with neo‐Aristotelian virtue ethics. I argue that this assumption is a mistake, and that Aristotle's ethical theory is both importantly distinct from the theories his work has inspired, and independently compelling. I take neo‐Aristotelian virtue ethics to be characterized by two central commitments: (i) virtues of character are defined as traits that reliably promote an agent's own flourishing, and (ii) virtuous actions are defined as the sorts of actions a virtuous agent reliably performs under the relevant circumstances. I argue that neither of these commitments are features of Aristotle's own view, and I sketch an alternative explanation for the relationship between virtue and happiness in theNicomachean Ethics. Although, on the interpretation I defend, we do not find in Aristotle a distinctive normative theory alongside deontology and consequentialism, what we do find is a way of thinking about how prudential and moral reasons can come to be aligned through a certain conception of practical agency.
An exploratory study of product development in emerging economies: evidence from medical device testing in India
Authors: Gupta Budhaditya , Thomke Stefan
Published: May 2018

Recent research has studied innovation in emerging economies. However, microlevel product development processes in these economies are relatively unexplored, and the mechanisms by which the emerging economy context might affect such processes are still unclear. In this paper, we explore the testing routines fundamental to product development in one emerging economy. Based on an exploratory field study of medical device development projects in India, we observe the frequent, iterative testing of prototypes in clinical settings and investigate the related learning process. The observed testing approach is distinctly different from the comparatively linear and sequential approach adopted by medical device development teams in developed countries like the United States. Further, we suggest that such testing is feasible in India because of the prevailing regulatory flexibility, the cognitive orientation of device development practitioners and the normative orientation of medical professionals.
Weather in Polish: A Contribution to the Typology of Meteorological Constructions
Authors: Andrason Alexander
Published: May 2018

The present paper offers a comprehensive description of M[eteorological] constructions in Polish and their analysis within a typological framework formulated by Eriksen, Kittilä and Kolehmainen. The article demonstrates the utility of that framework (both with respect to its morpho‐syntactic and semantic distinctions) and corroborates various of its synchronic and diachronic hypotheses. The author also introduces original data that further advance the typology of M constructions. Overall, the evidence reveals great complexity of M constructions, much greater than presented in grammar books on which crosslinguistic studies tend to be subsequently based.
Impact of donor BK polyomavirus replication on recipient infections in living donor transplantation
Authors: Grellier Jimmy , Hirsch Hans H. , Mengelle Catherine , Esposito Laure , Hebral Anne Laure , Bellière Julie , Weissbach Fabian , Izopet Jacques , Del Bello Arnaud , Kamar Nassim
Published: May 2018

Background

Multiple risk factors for BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) replication after kidney transplantation have been described. Here, we investigated the impact of living donors’ urinary BKPyV shedding and recipients’ BKPyV antibody status pre‐transplant on BKPyV replication during the first year post‐transplantation.

Methods

We assessed a cohort of living kidney donors and their paired recipients (n = 121). All donors were tested before transplantation, and recipients were tested before and after transplantation for BKPyV viruria and viremia. BKPyV‐specific serology was assessed in all recipients at transplantation.

Results

Ten of 121 donors (8.3%) had urinary BKPyV shedding pre‐transplant, none had viremia. Overall, 33 (27.3%) recipients developed viruria after transplantation: 7 had received a kidney from a donor with BK viruria (7/10 positive donors) and 26 had received a kidney from a donor without BK viruria (26/111 negative donors; P = .0015). Fifteen (12.4%) recipients developed BK viremia after transplantation: 3 received a kidney from a donor with viruria (3/10 positive donors, 30%) and 12 received a kidney from a donor without viruria (12/111 negative donors, 11%; P = .08). One patient developed proven nephropathy. Ninety‐one percent of recipients were seropositive for BKPyV. No relationship between recipients’ sero‐reactivity at transplantation and post‐transplant BKPyV replication was observed. Pre‐transplant donor urinary shedding was an independent risk factor for post‐transplant BKPyV replication.

Conclusion

Screening living kidney donors for BKPyV can identify recipients at higher risk for BKPyV replication after transplantation who may benefit from intensified post‐transplant screening and treatment strategies.
Severe anemia associated with increased risk of death and myocardial ischemia in patients declining blood transfusion
Authors: Guinn Nicole R. , Cooter Mary L. , Villalpando Claudia , Weiskopf Richard B.
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on morbidity and mortality in severely anemic patients for whom blood transfusion is not an option, with most data coming only from surgical patients and no data on the rate of myocardial ischemia associated with severe anemia. We sought to determine rates of all‐cause mortality and myocardial ischemia in severely anemic hospitalized patients declining transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

With institutional review board approval, we conducted a retrospective review of all hospital admissions for adult blood refusal patients between January 2004 and September 2015 at a single institution. Severe anemia was defined as hemoglobin (Hb) level of not more than 8.0 g/dL at any time during hospital admission. Outcomes measured included all‐cause mortality within 30 days of nadir Hb and myocardial ischemia as defined by abnormal troponin (>0.10 ng/mL). We studied the association of patient's nadir Hb with outcomes via multivariable repeated measures generalized estimating equations (GEEs).

RESULTS

Of 1306 blood refusal patients with hospital admissions during the study period, 263 had at least one admission with Hb level of not more than 8.0 g/dL. The rate of all‐cause mortality within 30 days was 19.8%, and the multivariable GEE model indicated a 55% increase in odds of mortality per 1 g/dL decrease in nadir Hb (odds ratio [OR], 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25‐1.91; p < 0.0001). Rate of myocardial ischemia was 10.5% and in the multivariable model risk increased with decreasing nadir Hb (per 1 g/dL decrease; OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.07‐1.90; p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Severe anemia is associated with increased myocardial ischemia and mortality in patients declining transfusion, with risk increasing with decreasing nadir Hb.
A single dose of intravenous combretastatin A4‐phosphate is reasonably well tolerated and significantly reduces tumour vascularization in canine spontaneous cancers
Authors: Abma E. , De Spiegelaere W. , Vanderperren K. , Stock E. , Van Brantegem L. , Cornelis I. , Daminet S. , Ni Y. , Vynck M. , Verstraete G. , Smets P. , de Rooster H.
Published: May 2018

Combretastatin A4‐phosphate (CA4P) is an anti‐tumour vascular targeting agent which selectively blocks tumour blood flow. Research on CA4P in rodent tumour models is extensive; however, knowledge of its effect on spontaneous cancer is scarce. This study was conducted in canine patients with spontaneous solid tumours. The goal was to assess the toxicity and efficacy of CA4P in various spontaneous tumour types. Eight dogs with spontaneous tumours were enrolled and treated with a single dose of 75 mg m−2 intravenous CA4P. The dogs were screened and monitored before and after injection. Pre‐ and post‐treatment tumour blood flow was analysed in vivo by power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Vessel destruction and tumour necrosis were evaluated by histopathology. Clinically relevant toxicity was limited to one case of temporary tetraparesis; other adverse events were mild. Significant cardiovascular changes were mostly confined to changes in heart rate and cTnI levels. Macroscopic tumour size reduction was evident in 2 dogs. Based on PDUS and CEUS, CA4P induced a significant decrease in vascular index and tumour blood flow. Post‐treatment, histopathology revealed a significant increase of necrotic tumoural tissue and a significant reduction in microvessel density in tumoural tissue. Anti‐vascular and necrotizing effects of CA4P were documented in a variety of canine spontaneous cancers with only minimal side effects. This is the first study reporting the administration of CA4P to canine cancer patients with in vivo and ex vivo assessment, and a first step toward implementing CA4P in combination therapies in veterinary oncology patients. The use of CA4P in canine patients was approved and registered by the Belgian Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP) (approval number 0002588, registration number 6518 ID 2F12).
The behaviour and perception of illness: modulating variables of adherence in patients with haemophilia
Authors: Torres‐Ortuño A. , Cuesta‐Barriuso R. , Nieto‐Munuera J. , Galindo‐Piñana P. , López‐Pina J.‐A.
Published: May 2018

Background

The recommended treatment in patients with severe haemophilia is prophylaxis. This prevents bleedings and reduces or delays the haemophilic arthropathy. Adherence defined as the follow‐up of the patient to the prescriptions of the health professional to his treatment, both pharmacological and modifications in habits or stylelifes. Adherence rates in haemophilia are better than in other chronic diseases, but there remain reasons for nonadherence. The aim was to see if disease behaviour and disease perception together with coping strategies modulate adherence to treatment.

Material and Methods

Multicenter cross‐sectional descriptive study. Patients recruited in Units of Hemophilia Hospitals and Regional Haemophilia Associations. Twenty‐three patients participated The instruments used are as follows: data sheet, SF‐36, A36 Hemophilia‐Qol, Illness Perception Questionnaire‐Revised (IPQ‐R), Illness Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ) and Coping Strategies Inventory (CSI) and VERITAS‐Pro.

Results

We found that 56% of patients with haemophilia are adherent. The most relevant clinical variables were hemarthrosis, diagnosis of arthropathy and presence of any coinfection, as well as family history, labour status and sociodemographic variables. Age was not a relevant variable in adherence. The worst adherence coincides with poorer quality of life and inadequate coping style. Nonadherent patients show greater conviction of disease, perception of cyclicity, more hypochondriacal behaviour towards the illness and perception concern about possible side effects of medication.

Conclusion

Adherence in haemophilia requires a more experiential approach and individualized education. It is important that professionals take into account the patient's perception, behaviour and attitude towards the disease to achieve a better adaptation of their coping resources.
Development of a Computational Fluid Dynamics Model for Myocardial Bridging
Authors: Javadzadegan Ashkan , Moshfegh Abouzar , Fulker David , Barber Tracie , Qian Yi , Kritharides Leonard , Yong Andy S. C.
Published: May 2018

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of myocardial bridging (MB) remains challenging due to its dynamic and phasic nature. This study aims to develop a patient-specific CFD model of MB. There were two parts to this study. The first part consisted of developing an in silico model of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery of a patient with MB. In this regard, a moving-boundary CFD algorithm was developed to simulate the patient-specific muscle compression caused by MB. A second simulation was also performed with the bridge artificially removed to determine the hemodynamics in the same vessel in the absence of MB. The second part of the study consisted of hemodynamic analysis of three patients with mild and moderate and severe MB in their LAD by means of the developed in silico model in the first part. The average shear stress in the proximal and bridge segments for model with MB were significantly different from those for model without MB (proximal segment: 0.32 ± 0.14 Pa (with MB) versus 0.97 ± 0.39 Pa (without MB), P < 0.0001 — bridge segment: 2.60 ± 0.94 Pa (with MB) versus 1.50 ± 0.64 Pa (without MB), P < 0.0001). When all three patients were evaluated, increasing the degree of vessel compression shear stress in the proximal segment decreased, whereas the shear stress in the bridge segment increased. The presence of MB resulted in hemodynamic abnormalities in the proximal segment, whereas segments within the bridge exhibited hemodynamic patterns which tend to discourage atheroma development.
Quadratic distortion in a nonlinear cascade model of the human cochlea
Authors: Saremi Amin , Lyon Richard F.
Published: May 2018

The cascade of asymmetric resonators with fast-acting compression (CARFAC) is a cascade filterbank model that performed well in a comparative study of cochlear models, but exhibited two anomalies in its frequency response and excitation pattern. It is shown here that the underlying reason is CARFAC's inclusion of quadratic distortion, which generates DC and low-frequency components that in a real cochlea would be canceled by reflections at the helicotrema, but since cascade filterbanks lack the reflection mechanism, these low-frequency components cause the observed anomalies. The simulations demonstrate that the anomalies disappear when the model's quadratic distortion parameter is zeroed, while other successful features of the model remain intact.
Influence of background noise on auditory evoked responses to rippled-spectrum signals
Authors: Sysueva Evgeniya V. , Nechaev Dmitry I. , Popov Vladimir V. , Tarakanov Mikhail B. , Supin Alexander Ya.
Published: May 2018

The resolution of spectral patterns in adaptation background noise was investigated in a beluga whale, Delphinapterus leucas, using the evoked-potential technique. The resolution of spectral patterns was investigated using rippled-spectrum test stimuli of various levels and ripple densities and recording the rhythmic evoked responses (the rate following response, RFR) to ripple phase reversals. In baseline (no adaptation background noise) experiments, the highest RFR magnitude was observed at signal sound pressure levels (SPLs) of 100–110 dB re 1 μPa; at SPLs both below the optimum (down to 80 dB re 1 μPa) and above the optimum (up to 140 dB re 1 μPa), the RFR magnitude decreased. For high signal levels (above 110 dB re 1 μPa), low-level adaptation background noise (from −10 to −20 dB re signal level) increased RFR magnitude compared to baseline. This effect is considered to be a result of the optimization of the sensation level of the high-SPL signals due to decreasing hearing sensitivity caused by the adaptation background noise.
Visualizing the mechanical wave of vocal fold tissue during phonation using electroglottogram-triggered ultrasonography
Authors: Jing Bowen , Ge Zhengtong , Wu Liang , Wang Supin , Wan Mingxi
Published: May 2018

In order to investigate the vibration pattern, especially the vibrational phase of tissue beneath the vocal fold mucosa, an imaging method called electroglottogram-triggered ultrasonography is proposed. The ultrasonic images of the vocal fold vibration are obtained in the coronal plane from five adult subjects during phonation. The velocity of the vocal fold tissue beneath the mucosal surface is obtained by using a motion estimation method. The results show that the vibration phase difference between tissues at different locations beneath the vocal fold mucosa results in a mechanical wave traveling upward at a speed of 720 to 1826 mm/s.
Direct observation of grain boundaries in graphene through vapor hydrofluoric acid (VHF) exposure
Authors: Fan Xuge , Wagner Stefan , Schädlich Philip , Speck Florian , Kataria Satender , Haraldsson Tommy , Seyller Thomas , Lemme Max C. , Niklaus Frank
Published: May 2018

Rapid, simple, and large-area imaging of grain boundaries in CVD graphene placed on a SiO
2
surface by vapor HF exposure.
Significance of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) Heat-Labile Toxin (LT) Enzymatic Subunit Epitopes in LT Enterotoxicity and Immunogenicity
Authors: Huang Jiachen , Duan Qiangde , Zhang Weiping
Published: May 2018

No vaccine is licensed for enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) strains, which remain a leading cause of diarrhea in children from developing countries and international travelers. GM
1
-binding heat-labile toxin (LT) which is a key virulence factor of ETEC diarrhea is a strong vaccine antigen and a self-adjuvant. LT can also serve a backbone or platform for MEFA (multiepitope fusion antigen), a newly developed structural vaccinology technology, to present heterogeneous epitopes (by replacing LT epitopes) and to mimic epitope antigenicity for development of broadly protective vaccines. Data from this study identified neutralizing LT epitopes and demonstrated that substitution of LT epitopes eliminated LT enterotoxicity without altering GM
1
-binding activity, suggesting LT is potentially a versatile MEFA platform to present heterogeneous epitopes for multivalent vaccines against ETEC and other pathogens.
Multicenter Evaluation of the Xpert Carba-R Assay for Detection of Carbapenemase Genes in Gram-Negative Isolates
Authors: Traczewski Maria M. , Carretto Edoardo , Canton Rafael , Moore Nicholas M. ,   for the Carba-R Study Team Flavia Brovarone Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, IRCCS Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy Paola Nardini Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, IRCCS Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy Rosa Visiello Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, IRCCS Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy María García-Castillo Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Ramón y Cajal and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria [IRYCIS], Madrid, Spain Patricia Rui
Published: May 2018

This multicenter study evaluated the performance of the Cepheid Xpert Carba-R assay, a qualitative PCR test designed for the rapid detection of
bla
KPC
,
bla
NDM
,
bla
VIM
,
bla
IMP
, and
bla
OXA-48
carbapenem resistance genes from bacterial isolates grown on blood agar or MacConkey agar. The results were compared to those obtained from bidirectional DNA sequence analysis of nucleic acid extracted from pure colonies.
Amino Acid Variation at VP1-145 of Enterovirus 71 Determines Attachment Receptor Usage and Neurovirulence in Human Scavenger Receptor B2 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Kobayashi Kyousuke , Sudaka Yui , Takashino Ayako , Imura Ayumi , Fujii Ken , Koike Satoshi
Published: May 2018

Attachment receptors expressed on the host cell surface are thought to enhance EV71 infection by increasing the chance of encountering true receptors. Although this has been confirmed using cell culture for some viruses, the importance of attachment receptors
in vivo
is unknown. This report provides an unexpected answer to this question. We demonstrated that the VP1-145G virus binds to HS and shows an attenuated phenotype in an hSCARB2-dependent animal infection model. HS is highly expressed in cells that express hSCARB2 at low or undetectable levels. Our data indicate that HS binding directs VP1-145G virus toward abortive infection and keeps virus away from hSCARB2-positive cells. Thus, although the ability of VP1-145G virus to use HS might be an advantage in replication in certain cultured cells, it becomes a serious disadvantage in replication
in vivo
. This adsorption is thought to be a major mechanism of attenuation associated with attachment receptor usage.
VP1 Amino Acid Residue 145 of Enterovirus 71 Is a Key Residue for Its Receptor Attachment and Resistance to Neutralizing Antibody during Cynomolgus Monkey Infection
Authors: Fujii Ken , Sudaka Yui , Takashino Ayako , Kobayashi Kyousuke , Kataoka Chikako , Suzuki Tadaki , Iwata-Yoshikawa Naoko , Kotani Osamu , Ami Yasushi , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Nagata Noriyo , Mizuta Katsumi , Matsuzaki Yoko , Koike Satoshi
Published: May 2018

The contribution of VP1-145 variants in humans is not fully understood. In some studies, VP1-145G/Q viruses were isolated more frequently from severely affected patients than from mildly affected patients, suggesting that VP1-145G/Q viruses are more virulent. In the accompanying paper (K. Kobayashi, Y. Sudaka, A. Takashino, A. Imura, K. Fujii, and S. Koike, J Virol 92:e00681-18, 2018,
https://doi.org/10.1128/JVI.00681-18
), we showed that VP1-145E viruses are more virulent than VP1-145G viruses in human SCARB2 transgenic mice. Heparan sulfate acts as a decoy to specifically trap the VP1-145G viruses and leads to abortive infection. Here, we demonstrated that VP1-145G was attenuated in cynomolgus monkeys, suggesting that this hypothesis is also true in a nonhuman primate model. VP1-145E viruses, but not VP1-145G viruses, were highly resistant to neutralizing antibodies. We propose the difference in resistance against neutralizing antibodies as another mechanism of EV71 virulence. In summary, VP1-145 contributes to virulence determination by controlling attachment receptor usage and antibody sensitivity.
Learning from claims: hyperbilirubinaemia and kernicterus
Authors: Rennie Janet M , Beer Jeanette , Upton Michele
Published: May 2018

We examined claims made against the National Health Service (NHS) involving neonatal jaundice in order to determine whether there were lessons that could be learnt from common themes.

This was a retrospective anonymised study using information from the NHS Resolution database for 2001–2011.

Twenty cases (16 males) had sufficient information for analysis. Fifteen had confirmed cerebral palsy and two young children had damage to the globus pallidus without confirmed CP. In three cases, the outcome was uncertain. Two were extremely preterm, five were born at 34–36 weeks’ gestation. Jaundice was typically present very early in life; in four cases, it was noted at less than 24hours of age, and in 14 cases, it was first noted on the second to third day. There was a lag between recognition and readmission, with a range of 26–102 hours. The peak serum bilirubin level was over 600 µmol/L in all the babies born at term. An underlying diagnosis was found in all but two; six had glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency (one also had Gilbert’s syndrome); five were diagnosed with ABO incompatibility; three with Rh haemolytic disease; one with spherocytosis and three preterm. The total cost of these claims by August 2017 was almost £150.5 million. This figure is likely to rise.

These data show that, in the group who litigate, babies who develop kernicterus generally have an underlying diagnosis. We recommend adherence to theNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline that recommends measuring the bilirubin level within 6 hours in all babies who are visibly jaundiced.
Maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with heart failure
Authors: Ng Angie T , Duan Lewei , Win Theresa , Spencer Hillard T , Lee Ming-Sum
Published: May 2018

Objectives

The goal of this study is to report the prevalence, aetiology and clinical outcome of pregnant women with heart failure.

Methods

This is a retrospective community-based cohort study that included pregnant women in the Kaiser Permanente Health System between 2003 and 2014. Women with heart failure were identified using International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision codes. Medical records were manually reviewed to confirm diagnosis and adjudicate outcomes.

Results

In a cohort of 385 935 pregnancies, 488 (0.13%) had a diagnosis of heart failure, corresponding to 126 cases per 100 000 pregnancies. Peripartum cardiomyopathy was the most common cause of heart failure, accounting for 333 (68.2%) cases. Preterm birth and caesarean delivery were more common in patients with heart failure. Neonatal death rate was higher in the heart failure group (1.0% vs 0.4%, p=0.03). Infants delivered to women with heart failure had lower birth weights (3112.0±774.0 g vs 3331.9±575.5 g, p<0.001) and lower Apgar score at 1 min (7.9±1.5 vs 8.3±1.1, p<0.001). Median follow-up was 6.2 years (IQR 3.2–9.2). During follow-up, 7 (1.4%) in the heart failure group and 423 (0.11%) in the control group died. Heart failure was associated with a 7.7-fold increase risk of death (adjusted HR 7.7, 95% CI 3.6 to 16.4, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Heart failure during pregnancy is associated with unfavourable fetal outcomes including prematurity and low birth weight. While the overall mortality rate was low, pregnant women with heart failure carried an excess risk of death compared with controls.
Identification of early B cell precursors (stage 1 and 2 hematogones) in the peripheral blood
Authors: Kurzer Jason H , Weinberg Olga K
Published: May 2018

Differentiating malignant B-lymphoblasts from early benign B cell precursors (hematogones) is a vital component of the diagnosis of B-lymphoblastic leukaemia. It has been previously reported that only late-stage B cell precursors circulate in the peripheral blood. Consequently, flow cytometric detection of cells with immunophenotypic findings similar to earlier stage precursors in the peripheral blood justifiably raises concern for involvement by B-lymphoblastic leukaemia. We report here, however, that benign early B cell precursors can indeed be detected in the peripheral blood, thus complicating the interpretation of flow cytometric findings derived from these sample types. A retrospective search of our collective databases identified 13 cases containing circulating early stage B cell precursors. The patients ranged in age from 15 days to 85 years old. All positive cases demonstrated that the earlier B cell precursors were associated with later stage precursors, a finding that could help differentiate these cells from B-lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Single-stage flow diversion with adjunctive coiling for cerebral aneurysm: outcomes and technical considerations in 72 cases
Authors: Bender Matthew T , Jiang Bowen , Campos Jessica K , Lin Li-Mei , Beaty Narlin , Vo Chau D , Zarrin David A , Caplan Justin M , Huang Judy , Tamargo Rafael J , Colby Geoffrey P , Coon Alexander L
Published: May 2018

Background

Adjunctive coiling may improve occlusion outcomes when combined in a single stage with cerebral aneurysm flow diversion. This technique has not been well described.

Objective

To present a series of aneurysm patients treated by single-stage flow diversion with adjunctive coiling, describing technical considerations and outcomes.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using an IRB-approved database of procedures performed at a single institution. Treatment selection was based on large aneurysm size, morphological irregularity, branch vessel location, and wide neck.

Results

A total of 72 Pipeline with adjunctive coiling (PAC) procedures were performed on 69 patients. Average aneurysm size was 11.0 mm and 86% were wide-necked. Three progressively complex techniques were performed approximately equally: 27 sequential (38%), 23 jailed single-intermediate (32%), and 22 bifemoral jailed microcatheter (31%) cases. Aneurysm dome (P=0.0223) and neck size (P=0.001) increased with procedural complexity and there was a trend toward increased procedure length, radiation exposure, and stent thrombosis. A ‘light’ coil pack was used with an average packing density of 14% that did not vary by technique. Of the three major complications (4.2%), none were observed with the sequential approach (0%), one with the jailed single-intermediate (4.3%), and two with bifemoral cases (9.1%) (P=0.116). Complete occlusion was achieved in 85% of PAC cases at 6 months and 96% at 12-month follow-up angiography.

Conclusions

There are multiple approaches to flow diversion with adjunctive coiling, each with technical challenges, suitable to different types of aneurysms. Flow diversion with coiling can expedite and improve occlusion outcomes without a significant increase in morbidity.
Redefining ‘success’: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing outcomes between incomplete and complete revascularization
Authors: Rizvi Asim , Seyedsaadat Seyed Mohammad , Murad Mohammad Hassan , Brinjikji Waleed , Fitzgerald Sean T , Kadirvel Ramanathan , Rabinstein Alejandro A , Kallmes David F
Published: May 2018

Background

Conventionally, ‘successful’ endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) had been defined as achieving revascularization of thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI)−2B or greater, rather than as ‘complete’ (TICI-3) versus ‘incomplete’ (TICI-2B) revascularization.

Purpose

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing clinical outcomes between patients with TICI-2B and TICI-3 revascularization.

Methods

Multiple databases were searched for relevant publications between January 2003 and March 2018. Studies comparing outcomes between the TICI-2B and the TICI-3 group of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with EVT were included. Random effects meta-analysis was performed to evaluate outcomes among TICI-2B and TICI-3 groups. The following outcomes were assessed: good neurologic outcome (modified Rankin Scale (mRS)≤2 at day 90), mortality, and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Results

Twenty-one studies comprising 2747 patients were identified. Patients with TICI-2B revascularization had mRS≤2 at day 90 rates of 46% (391/847) compared with 66% (522/791) for TICI-3 patients (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.57). Mortality rates were significantly higher in the TICI-2B group (78/570, 14%) than in the TICI-3 group (55/709, 8%) (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.38 to 2.91). The ICH rates were also significantly higher in the TICI-2B group as compared with the TICI-3 group (31% [134/439] vs. 22% [108/490]; OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.47 to 3.30).

Conclusions

Differences in all major outcome measures were markedly better in patients with complete versus incomplete but still ‘successful’ revascularization using prior thresholds, with ORs in the order of those seen in recent definitive trials comparing EVT to an intravenous tissue plasminogen activator.
Hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and mediated brain injury attenuated byThymus algeriensis
Authors: Guesmi Fatma , Bellamine Houda , Landoulsi Ahmed
Published: May 2018

The aim of the current study was to evaluate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, antioxidant enzyme activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels induced by hydrophobic fractions of Thymus algeriensis (HFTS) growing in Tunisia. The results showed that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), an oxidative stress inducer, acts by decreasing the body mass and brain mass of rats. Moreover, we found higher MDA levels in the group treated with H2O2(P < 0.05) and a significantly lower activity of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase, as well as a reduction in reduced glutathione activity in the brain tissues of H2O2-treated rats when compared with those of the control group (P < 0.05); however, rats that received HFTS with H2O2experienced a decrease in MDA levels in the brain. In contrast, HFTS demonstrated neuroprotective effects in rat brain. Overall, exposure to HFTS prior to H2O2induced a marked dose-dependent increase in reactive oxygen species scavenger levels (P < 0.05) accompanied by a statistically significant decrease in MDA levels (P < 0.05) when compared with no exposure. Notably, the activity of AChE was affected by exposure to natural compounds; levels were significantly lower in HFTS-treated rats and in those treated with the combination of HFTS and a low or high dose of H2O2. Furthermore, histopathological analysis showed that brain injuries occurred with high doses of H2O2administered alone or with a low dose of HFTS, whereas a high dose of essential oil markedly alleviated neurone degeneration. The results suggest that HFTS alleviates neuroinflammation by acting as an AChE inhibitor and attenuates H2O2-induced brain toxicity.
Design of grinding wheel profile for new micro drill flute
Authors: Nguyen Danh-Tuyen , Nguyen Hai-Anh , Lee An-Chen
Published: May 2018

Derived from our previous research, a new micro drill bit with higher accuracy and productivity was developed. Because the drill flute plays a significant role in its cutting performance, the design of grinding wheel profile for the new micro drill flute by an inverse problem method is examined in this research. First, the cross-section of the new micro drill flute is modeled by mathematical equations. Second, machine parameters and workpiece geometric parameters are set up. Third, the engagement equation between the grinding wheel and flute surfaces is developed. Fourth, that equation is solved to obtain the locus of contact points. Finally, the translation and rotation transformations of that locus are carried out to obtain the grinding wheel profile for the new micro drill flute. Numerical examples are demonstrated and validated by Vericut software.
Research on load identification of mine hoist based on improved support vector machine
Authors: Ren Fang , Shi An-Qi , Yang Zhao-Jian
Published: May 2018

To solve the problem of indirect identification of dynamic load of a mine hoist, a novel identification method based on running speed is proposed. In this paper, the simulation model with variable frequency speed regulation by vector control was established in Matlab/Simulink. By setting the acceleration of different time periods, the mine hoist running characteristics under different loads can be accurately simulated, and the coupling relationship between the running speed characteristic and the system load characteristic can be obtained. The support vector machine (SVM) with grid search(GS)/genetic algorithms (GA)/ particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to estimate the mine hoist load. Grid search turns out to be a better optimizing method than either GA or PSO. It is found that by adjusting the proportional relationship of the dependent variable and then doing the load identification by SVM of GS, the load identification effect can be greatly improved. The method is also applicable when dealing with similar data distributions.
Single-particle entanglement of the entanglement Hamiltonian eigenmodes
Authors: Pouranvari Mohammad
Published: May 2018

Single-particle entanglement entropy (SPEE) is calculated for entanglement Hamiltonian eigenmode in a one-dimensional free fermion model that undergoes a delocalized–localized phase transition. In this numerical study, we show that SPEE of entanglement Hamiltonian eigenmode has the same behavior as SPEE of Hamiltonian eigenmode at the Fermi level: as we go from delocalized phase toward localized phase, SPEE of both modes decrease in the same manner. Furthermore, fluctuations of SPEE of entanglement Hamiltonian eigenmode — which can be obtained through the calculation of moments of SPEE — signature very sharply the phase transition point. These two modes are also compared by calculation of single-particle Rényi entropy (SPRE). We show that SPEE and SPRE of entanglement Hamiltonian eigenmode can be used as phase detection parameters.
A memory-based random walk model to understand diffusion in crowded heterogeneous environment
Authors: Hasnain Sabeeha , Harbola Upendra , Bandyopadhyay Pradipta
Published: May 2018

We study memory-based random walk models to understand diffusive motion in crowded heterogeneous environments. The models considered are non-Markovian as the current move of the random walk is determined by randomly selecting a move from history. At each step, particle can take right, left or stay moves which is correlated with the randomly selected past step. There is a perfect stay–stay correlation which ensures that the particle does not move if the randomly selected past step is a stay move. The probability of traversing the same direction as the chosen history or reversing it depends on the current time and the time or position of the history selected. The time- or position-dependent biasing in moves implicitly corresponds to the heterogeneity of the environment and dictates the long-time behavior of the dynamics that can be diffusive, sub or superdiffusive. A combination of analytical solution and Monte Carlo (MC) simulation of different random walk models gives rich insight on the effects of correlations on the dynamics of a system in heterogeneous environment.
FRACTAL-BASED CLASSIFICATION OF HUMAN BRAIN RESPONSE TO LIVING AND NON-LIVING VISUAL STIMULI
Authors: AHMADI-PAJOUH MOHAMMAD ALI , ALA TIRDAD SEIFI , ZAMANIAN FATEMEH , NAMAZI HAMIDREZA , JAFARI SAJAD
Published: May 2018

Analysis of human behavior is one of the major research topics in neuroscience. It is known that human behavior is related to his brain activity. In this way, the analysis of human brain activity is the root for analysis of his behavior. Electroencephalography (EEG) as one of the most famous methods for measuring brain activity generates a chaotic signal, which has fractal characteristic. This study reveals the relation between the fractal structure (complexity) of human EEG signal and the applied visual stimuli. For this purpose, we chose two types of visual stimuli, namely, living and non-living visual stimuli. We demonstrate that the fractal structure of human EEG signal changes significantly between living versus non-living visual stimuli. The capability observed in this research can be applied to other kinds of stimuli in order to classify the brain response based on the types of stimuli.
MULTIFRACTAL CASCADE SYMMETRY MODEL FOR FULLY DEVELOPED TURBULENCE
Authors: LAYEK G. C. , SUNITA
Published: May 2018

We report a symmetry model for turbulence intermittency. This is obtained by the compositions of continuous symmetry group transformations of statistical turbulent spectral equation at infinite Reynolds number limit. Flow evolution under group compositions yields velocity structure function exponents that depend on the dilation symmetry group parameter [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and a random parameter [Formula: see text]. The random parameter [Formula: see text] is associated with energy distribution. Since the correction to the space-filling Kolmogorov cascade is small, the value of [Formula: see text]. The asymptotic structures are filaments having dimension one, so [Formula: see text] is found to be related with [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text]. The present model therefore depends only on [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] can be ascertained uniquely for [Formula: see text]. It is found that the velocity structure function exponents [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] in present symmetry model agree well with the existing experimental, direct numerical simulation results and different phenomenological models for [Formula: see text]. For these values of [Formula: see text], the correction to Kolmogorov space-filling, universal [Formula: see text] law, belongs to the range [Formula: see text], and the fractal dimension for the support set lies in [Formula: see text].
Damage Identification Using Wavelet Packet Transform and Neural Network Ensembles
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Chen Renwen , Zhou Qinbang
Published: May 2018

This study presents a damage identification method that combines wavelet packet transforms (WPTs) with neural network ensembles (NNEs). The WPT is used to extract damage features, which are taken as the input vectors in the NNEs used for damage identification. An experiment was performed on a helicopter rotor blades structure to verify the proposed method. First, the vibration responses collected by different sensors are decomposed using the WPT. Second, the relative band energy of each decomposed frequency band is calculated and fused as the damage feature vectors. Third, two types of the NNEs are designed. One is based on the backward propagation neural networks (BPNNs) for detecting the damage locations and severities and the other one is based on the probabilistic neural network (PNN) to detect the damage types. Finally, the trained NNEs are employed in damage identification. From the identification outcomes, it is concluded that damage information can be extracted effectively by the WPT and the identification accuracy of the NNEs is better than that of individual neural networks (INNs).