bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between changes in lifestyle and all-cause mortality: the Health and Lifestyle Survey
Authors: White James , Greene Giles , Kivimaki Mika , Batty G David
Published: March 2018

Background

To examine the combined influence of changes in physical activity, diet, smoking and alcohol consumption on all-cause mortality.

Methods

Health behaviours were assessed in 1984/1985 and 1991/1992 in 8123 adults from the UK (4666 women, median age 41.0 years). An unhealthy lifestyle score was calculated, allocating one point for smoking, fruits and vegetables <3 times a day, physical activity <2 hours a week and >14 units (women) or >21 units of alcohol (men) per week.

Results

There were 2003 deaths over a median follow-up of 6.6 years (IQR 5.9–7.2) following the resurvey. The modal change in the unhealthy lifestyle score was zero, 41.8% had the same score, 35.5% decreased and 22.7% increased score between surveys. A one unit decrease in the unhealthy lifestyle score was not associated with a beneficial effect on mortality (HR 0.93; 95% CI 0.83 to 1.04). A one unit increase in the unhealthy lifestyle score increased the risk of mortality (adjusted HR 1.09; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.18).

Conclusions

In this general population sample, the adoption of an unhealthy lifestyle was associated with an increased risk of mortality.
Prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of adult obesity: a large representative household survey in a resource-constrained African setting with double burden of undernutrition and overnutrition
Authors: Chigbu Chibuike Ogwuegbu , Parhofer Klaus G , Aniebue Uzochukwu U , Berger Ursula
Published: March 2018

Background

The obesity epidemic has continued to spread across the globe involving even poor nations of the world.

Method

Household population survey of adults aged 20–60 years. Multistage stratified cluster randomised sampling involving both urban and rural statewide representative population samples. Anthropometric measurements were taken using standard methods. Prevalences were weighted and multinomial regression analyses were done.

Results

A total of 6628 individuals from 2843 households were surveyed. The weighted overall prevalence for underweight was 9.1% (95% CI 8.1 to 10.1), 65.1% (95% CI 63.6 to 66.6) for normal weight, 19.0% (95% CI 17.8 to 20.3) for overweight and 6.8% (95% CI 6.0 to 7.5) for obese. Men were less likely to be overweight (adjusted OR (AOR) 0.79; 95% CI 0.68 to 0.92) and obese (AOR 0.24; 95% CI 0.19 to 0.31) than women. Urban residents were more likely to be overweight (AOR 1.42; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.71) and obese (AOR 2.09; 95% CI 1.58 to 2.76) than rural residents. Each additional 1-year increase in age increased the risk of overweight by 1.012 (AOR 1.012; 95% CI 1.005 to 1.018) and that of obesity by 1.03 (AOR 1.03; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.04). The low-income class was less likely to be overweight (AOR 0.694; 95% CI 0.507 to 0.951) and obese (AOR 0.44; 95% CI 0.28 to 0.67).

Conclusion

The prevalence of obesity and overweight in Enugu Nigeria is high and fast approaching that of underweight. Women, urban dwellers, older adults and high-income earners are at higher risk for obesity and overweight. The study provides robust information for public health policies towards the prevention of obesity in Nigeria.
Chitayat-Hall and Schaaf-Yang syndromes:a common aetiology: expanding the phenotype of MAGEL2-related disorders
Authors: Jobling Rebekah , Stavropoulos Dimitri James , Marshall Christian R , Cytrynbaum Cheryl , Axford Michelle M , Londero Vanessa , Moalem Sharon , Orr Jennifer , Rossignol Francis , Lopes Fatima Daniela , Gauthier Julie , Alos Nathalie , Rupps Rosemarie , McKinnon Margaret , Adam Shelin , Nowaczyk Malgorzata J M , Walker Susan , Scherer Stephen W , Nassif Christina , Hamdan Fadi F , Deal Cheri L , Soucy Jean-François , Weksberg Rosanna , Macleod Patrick , Michaud Jacques L , Chitayat David
Published: March 2018

Background

Chitayat-Hall syndrome, initially described in 1990, is a rare condition characterised by distal arthrogryposis, intellectual disability, dysmorphic features and hypopituitarism, in particular growth hormone deficiency. The genetic aetiology has not been identified.

Methods and results

We identified three unrelated families with a total of six affected patients with the clinical manifestations of Chitayat-Hall syndrome. Through whole exome or whole genome sequencing, pathogenic variants in the MAGEL2 gene were identified in all affected patients. All disease-causing sequence variants detected are predicted to result in a truncated protein, including one complex variant that comprised a deletion and inversion.

Conclusions

Chitayat-Hall syndrome is caused by pathogenic variants in MAGEL2 and shares a common aetiology with the recently described Schaaf-Yang syndrome. The phenotype of MAGEL2-related disorders is expanded to include growth hormone deficiency as an important and treatable complication.
Embolization through the thyrocervical trunk: vascular anatomy, variants, and a case series
Authors: Pérez-García Carlos , Malfaz Carlos , del Valle Diéguez Mariano , Fortea Gil Fernando , Saura Lorente Javier , Echenagusia Boyra Miguel , González Leyte Manuel , Pérez-Higueras Antonio , Castro-Reyes Enrique
Published: March 2018

Background and purpose

The thyrocervical trunk (TCT) is the second ascending branch of the subclavian artery. It is considered a ‘border territory’ between interventional vascular radiology and interventional neuroradiology because it gives rise to branches both cervical and to the upper limbs. We describe the TCT branches anatomy, the most frequent variants, and expose eight endovascular procedures performed through the thyrocervical trunk.

Methods

A retrospective review of all the interventional radiology procedures carried out through the TCT in our tertiary care center from August 2014 to January 2017 is presented.

Results

A total of eight endovascular procedures through the TCT including six preoperative embolizations: three paragangliomas, a cervical vertebral metastasis, a cervical vertebral aneurysmal bone cyst, and a very rare case of nerve root extradural cervical hemangioblastoma, as well as two emergency embolizations: a patient with a cervical traumatic active bleeding hematoma and a recurrent hemoptysis in a single ventricle patient.

Conclusions

A correct knowledge of the vascular anatomy, anatomical variants, and anastomosis (especially with the anterior spinal artery) of the TCT is essential for a safe embolization, both preoperatively and on an emergency basis. In cases of recurrent hemoptysis and severe lower-neck injuries, the TCT should always be reviewed.
Conversion to seronegative status after abatacept treatment in patients with early and poor prognostic rheumatoid arthritis is associated with better radiographic outcomes and sustained remission: post hoc analysis of the AGREE study
Authors: Jansen Diahann T S L , Emery Paul , Smolen Josef S , Westhovens Rene , Le Bars Manuela , Connolly Sean E , Ye June , Toes René E M , Huizinga Tom W J
Published: March 2018

Objective

To evaluate the effects of the T-cell costimulation blocker abatacept on anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) and rheumatoid factor (RF) in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and associations between changes in serological status and clinical response.

Methods

Post hoc analysis of the phase III AGREE study in methotrexate (MTX)-naïve patients with early RA and poor prognostic factors. Patients were randomised to abatacept (~10 mg/kg intravenously according to weight range) or placebo, plus MTX over 12 months followed by open-label abatacept plus MTX for 12 months. Autoantibody titres were determined by ELISA at baseline and months 6 and 12 (double-blind phase). Conversion to seronegative status and its association with clinical response were assessed at months 6 and 12.

Results

Abatacept plus MTX was associated with a greater decrease in ACPA (but not RF) titres and higher rates of both ACPA and RF conversion to seronegative status versus MTX alone. More patients converting to ACPA seronegative status receiving abatacept plus MTX achieved remission according to Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (C-reactive protein) or Clinical Disease Activity Index than patients who remained ACPA seropositive. Patients who converted to ACPA seronegative status treated with abatacept plus MTX had a greater probability of achieving sustained remission and less radiographic progression than MTX alone or patients who remained ACPA seropositive (either treatment).

Conclusions

Treatment with abatacept plus MTX was more likely to induce conversion to ACPA/RF seronegative status in patients with early, erosive RA. Conversion to ACPA seronegative status was associated with better clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Trial registration number

NCT00122382
Clinical and sexual risk correlates ofMycoplasma genitaliumin urban pregnant and non-pregnant young women: cross-sectional outcomes using the baseline data from the Women’s BioHealth Study
Authors: Trent Maria , Coleman Jenell S , Hardick Justin , Perin Jamie , Tabacco Lisa , Huettner Steven , Ronda Jocelyn , Felter-Wernsdorfer Rebecca , Gaydos Charlotte A
Published: March 2018

Objective

Research exploring the clinical and sexual risk correlates is essential to define universal standards for screening and management forMycoplasma genitalium(MG). The objective of this study is to determine the baseline prevalence of MG and associated clinical risks using cross-sectional data.

Methods

Adolescent and young adult women 13–29 years were recruited during clinical visits during which biological specimens were collected forNeisseriagonorrhoeae(NG) andChlamydia trachomatis(CT) testing to provide vaginal specimens for MG andTrichomonasvaginalis(TV) testing. Demographic, clinical and sexual risk data were collected after obtaining written consent. MG was tested using the Hologic Gen-Probe transcription-mediated amplification–MG analyte-specific reagent assay and TV by the Aptima TV assay. Bivariate analyses were used to evaluate differences in MG prevalence based on pregnancy status, demographic factors, clinical symptoms, concurrent STI and sexual risk behaviour quiz score (maximum score=10).

Results

483 patients with a mean age of 22.4 years (SD 3.6) were enrolled. Most participants were not pregnant (66%) and asymptomatic (59%). MG was the most common STI (MG 16%, TV 9%, CT 8%, NG 1%). Neither pregnancy nor symptoms were predictive of STI positivity. Thirty-five percent of non-pregnant and 45% of pregnant adolescents ≤19 years were positive for any STI. Participants with MG were 3.4 times more likely to be co-infected with other STIs compared with those with other STIs (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.17 to 10.3, P=0.021). Mean risk quiz scores for STI positive women were six points higher than those who were STI negative (β=0.63, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.90, P<0.001). There were no differences in risk scores for MG-positive participants compared with other STI positivity.

Conclusion

MG infection was common, associated with STI co-infection and often asymptomatic, and pregnancy status did not confer protection.
Polysomnography versus limited respiratory monitoring and nurse-led titration to optimise non-invasive ventilation set-up: a pilot randomised clinical trial
Authors: Patout Maxime , Arbane Gill , Cuvelier Antoine , Muir Jean Francois , Hart Nicholas , Murphy Patrick Brian
Published: March 2018

Polysomnography (PSG) is recommended for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) set-up in patients with chronic respiratory failure. In this pilot randomised clinical trial, we compared the physiological effectiveness of NIV set-up guided by PSG to limited respiratory monitoring (LRM) and nurse-led titration in patients with COPD–obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) overlap. The principal outcome of interest was change in daytime arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) at 3 months. Fourteen patients with daytime PaCO2>6 kPa and body mass index >30 kg/m2were recruited. At 3 months, PaCO2was reduced by −0.88 kPa (95% CI −1.52 to −0.24 kPa) in the LRM group and by −0.36 kPa (95% CI −0.96 to 0.24 kPa) in the PSG group. These pilot data provide support to undertake a clinical trial investigating the clinical effectiveness of attended limited respiratory monitoring and PSG to establish NIV in patients with COPD–OSA overlap.

Trial number

Results, NCT02444806.
Lung cancer risk to personalise annual and biennial follow-up computed tomography screening
Authors: Schreuder Anton , Schaefer-Prokop Cornelia M , Scholten Ernst T , Jacobs Colin , Prokop Mathias , van Ginneken Bram
Published: March 2018

Background

All lung cancer CT screening trials used fixed follow-up intervals, which may not be optimal. We developed new lung cancer risk models for personalising screening intervals to 1 year or 2 years, and compared these with existing models.

Methods

We included participants in the CT arm of the National Lung Screening Trial (2002–2010) who underwent a baseline scan and a first annual follow-up scan and were not diagnosed with lung cancer in the first year. True and false positives and the area under the curve of each model were calculated. Internal validation was performed using bootstrapping.

Results

Data from 24 542 participants were included in the analysis. The accuracy was 0.785, 0.693, 0.697, 0.666 and 0.727 for the polynomial, patient characteristics, diameter, Patz and PanCan models, respectively. Of the 24 542 participants included, 174 (0.71%) were diagnosed with lung cancer between the first and the second annual follow-ups. Using the polynomial model, 2558 (10.4%, 95% CI 10.0% to 10.8%), 7544 (30.7%, 30.2% to 31.3%), 10 947 (44.6%, 44.0% to 45.2%), 16 710 (68.1%, 67.5% to 68.7%) and 20 023 (81.6%, 81.1% to 92.1%) of the 24 368 participants who did not develop lung cancer in the year following the first follow-up screening round could have safely skipped it, at the expense of delayed diagnosis of 0 (0.0%, 0.0% to 2.7%), 8 (4.6%, 2.2% to 9.2%), 17 (9.8%, 6.0% to 15.4%), 44 (25.3%, 19.2% to 32.5%) and 70 (40.2%, 33.0% to 47.9%) of the 174 lung cancers, respectively.

Conclusions

The polynomial model, using both patient characteristics and baseline scan morphology, was significantly superior in assigning participants to 1-year or 2-year screening intervals. Implementing personalised follow-up intervals would enable hundreds of participants to skip a screening round per lung cancer diagnosis delayed.
Differential settlement remediation for new shield metro tunnel in soft soils using corrective grouting method: case study
Authors: Zhou Shunhua , Xiao Junhua , Di Honggui , Zhu Yaohong
Published: March 2018

In the Yangtze River Delta of China, a large number of metro tunnels have been constructed in soft soils. The excessive and differential tunnel settlement may impair the serviceability of the metro system. The treatment of such excessive and differential settlement in rheologic and sensitive soft soils is a challenge because the tunnel may incur a larger settlement due to construction disturbances. In this paper, a case study of the differential settlement treatment of the new shield tunnel of Ningbo Metro line 2 is presented. A maximum tunnel settlement of 214 mm was observed several months after construction of the tunnel was completed. To uplift the deviated tunnel axis, a grouting and lifting measure named “bottom grouting, inner support, real-time monitoring and immediate adjusting” is proposed. The settlement treatment section is successfully uplifted with an average value of 30 mm, and the maximum final uplift amount of the tunnel is 41 mm, which reached the target value of uplift. The maximum convergence deformation caused by the grouting is 10 mm, which is less than the maximum acceptable deviation, i.e., 15.5 mm. The corrective grouting method and the valuable monitoring data presented in this study can provide a reference for projects with similar problems in the future.
The Anticancer Effects of Garlic Extracts on Bladder Cancer Compared to Cisplatin: A Common Mechanism of Action via Centromere Protein M
Authors: Kim Won Tae , Seo Sung-Pil , Byun Young Joon , Kang Ho-Won , Kim Yong-June , Lee Sang-Cheol , Jeong Pildu , Song Hye-Jin , Choe Soo Young , Kim Dong-Joon , Kim Seon-Kyu , Ha Yun Sok , Moon Sung-Kwon , Lee Geun Taek , Kim Isaac Yi , Yun Seok Joong , Kim Wun-Jae
Published: March 2018

Although garlic induces apoptosis in cancer cells, it is unclear whether the effects are similar to those of cisplatin against bladder cancer (BC). Therefore, this study investigated whether garlic extracts and cisplatin show similar activity when used to treat BC. The effect of garlic on T24 BC cell line was examined in a BALB/C-nude mouse xenograft model and compared with that of cisplatin. Tissue microarray analysis and gene network analysis were performed to identify differences in gene expression by control tumors and tumors exposed to garlic extract or cisplatin. Investigation of gene expression based on tissues from 165 BC patients and normal controls was then performed to identify common targets of garlic and cisplatin. Tumor volume and tumor weight in cisplatin (0.05[Formula: see text]mg/kg)- and garlic-treated mice were significantly smaller than those in negative control mice. However, cisplatin-treated mice also showed a significant reduction in body weight. Microarray analysis of tumor tissue identified 515 common anticancer genes in the garlic and cisplatin groups ([Formula: see text]). Gene network analysis of 252 of these genes using the Cytoscape and ClueGo software packages mapped 17 genes and 9 gene ontologies to gene networks. BC (NMIBC and MIBC) patients with low expression of centromere protein M (CENPM) showed significantly better progression-free survival than those with high expression. Garlic extract shows anticancer activity in vivo similar to that of cisplatin, with no evident of side effects. Both appear to act by targeting protein-DNA complex assembly; in particular, expression of CENPM.
Intertwined orders in heavy-fermion superconductor CeCoIn5
Authors: Kim D. Y. , Lin SH.-Z. , Weickert F. , Kenzelmann M. , Bauer E. D. , Ronning F. , Thompson J. D. , Movshovich R.
Published: March 2018

We use thermal conductivity to study a unique state in the high field corner of the superconducting phase of CeCoIn5. The spin-density-wave (SDW) magnetic order in this high field low temperature (HFLT) phase requires superconductivity for its very existence, and both magnetism and superconductivity disappear together at superconducting critical field H[Formula: see text]. We measured thermal conductivity of CeCoIn5 in a rotating magnetic field to study the nature of the HFLT phase. Our measurements reveal the presence of an additional order inside the HFLT phase that is intimately intertwined with the superconducting [Formula: see text]-wave and the SDW orders, which we identify as a superconducting [Formula: see text]-wave pair-density-wave (PDW). CeCoIn5 displays a hierarchy of interactions within the HFLT phase, where spin–orbit coupling orients the SDW, which then determines orientation of the secondary PDW component.
Stochastic theory of polarized light in nonlinear birefringent media: An application to optical rotation
Authors: Tsuchida Satoshi , Kuratsuji Hiroshi
Published: March 2018

A stochastic theory is developed for the light transmitting the optical media exhibiting linear and nonlinear birefringence. The starting point is the two-component nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE). On the basis of the ansatz of “soliton” solution for the NLSE, the evolution equation for the Stokes parameters is derived, which turns out to be the Langevin equation by taking account of randomness and dissipation inherent in the birefringent media. The Langevin equation is converted to the Fokker–Planck (FP) equation for the probability distribution by employing the technique of functional integral on the assumption of the Gaussian white noise for the random fluctuation. The specific application is considered for the optical rotation, which is described by the ellipticity (third component of the Stokes parameters) alone: (i) The asymptotic analysis is given for the functional integral, which leads to the transition rate on the Poincaré sphere. (ii) The FP equation is analyzed in the strong coupling approximation, by which the diffusive behavior is obtained for the linear and nonlinear birefringence. These would provide with a basis of statistical analysis for the polarization phenomena in nonlinear birefringent media.
Study of the microstructure and antibacterial properties of MgO with doped defects
Authors: Zhang Dongyun , Lin Yaning , Song Shenhua , Zhang Peixin , Mi Hongwei
Published: March 2018

In this paper, in order to effectively utilize salt lake magnesium resources, we focused on a functional material containing magnesium, i.e. magnesium oxide, MgO, which is a type of antibacterial material. Through a first-principles study from the atomic level, the microstructure of MgO containing doped point defects of different elements was studied. The relationship between the microscopic structure of the material and its special antibacterial function was explored. The results are as following: the interstitial impurities in MgO are more helpful than substituted impurities for the improvement of the electronic structure. The analysis of the influence of different doping elements on the microstructure confirmed theoretically that Ag and Cu have the same highly active antimicrobial properties with the same change of microstructure, thereby confirming the relationship between microstructure and antimicrobial activity. The results of the simulations match the experimental results, thereby theoretically demonstrating the relationship between defects and antibacterial activities and providing further insight into the nature of the antibacterial mechanism.
Numerical Modeling of Brittle Cracks Using Higher Order Particle Discretization Scheme–FEM
Authors: Pal Mahendra Kumar , Wijerathne M. L. L. , Hori Muneo
Published: March 2018

Higher order extension of Particle Discretization Scheme (HO-PDS), its implementation in FEM framework (HO-PDS-FEM) and applications in efficiently simulating cracks are presented in this paper. PDS is an approximation scheme which uses a conjugate domain tessellation pair like Voronoi and Delaunay in approximating a function and its derivatives. In approximating a function (or derivatives), HO-PDS first produces local polynomial approximations for the target function (or derivatives) within each element of respective tessellation. The approximations over the whole domain are then obtained by taking the union of those respective local approximations. These approximations are inherently discontinuous along the boundaries of the respective tessellation elements since the support of the local approximations is confined to the domain of respective tessellation elements and no continuity conditions are enforced. HO-PDS-FEM utilizes these inherent discontinuities in function approximation to efficiently model discontinuities such as cracks. Higher order PDS is implemented in FEM framework to solve boundary value problem of elastic solids, including mode-I crack problems. With several benchmark problems, it is shown that HO-PDS-FEM has higher expected accuracy and convergence rate. J-integral around a mode-I crack tip is calculated to demonstrate the improvement in the accuracy of the crack tip stress field. Further, it is shown that HO-PDS-FEM significantly improves the traction along the crack surfaces, compared to the zeroth-order PDS-FEM [Hori, M., Oguni, K. and Sakaguchi, H. [2005] “Proposal of FEM implemented with particle discretization scheme for analysis of failure phenomena,” J. Mech. Phys. Solids 53, 681–703].
Cost Assessment: Electricity Generating Sources Against Energy Efficiency Measures
Authors: Mulongo Ndala Y. , Kholopane Pule A.
Published: March 2018

Retracted at the request of the authors for duplicate publication.
Verification of a ground-based method for simulating high-altitude, supersonic flight conditions
Authors: Zhou Xuewen , Xu Jian , Lv Shuiyan
Published: March 2018

Ground-based methods for accurately representing high-altitude, high-speed flight conditions have been an important research topic in the aerospace field. Based on an analysis of the requirements for high-altitude supersonic flight tests, a ground-based test bed was designed combining Laval nozzle, which is often found in wind tunnels, with a rocket sled system. Sled tests were used to verify the performance of the test bed. The test results indicated that the test bed produced a uniform-flow field with a static pressure and density equivalent to atmospheric conditions at an altitude of 13–15[Formula: see text]km and at a flow velocity of approximately M 2.4. This test method has the advantages of accuracy, fewer experimental limitations, and reusability.
User Involvement in Continuous Experimentation
Authors: Yaman Sezin Gizem
Published: March 2018

Software product and service companies need capabilities to evaluate their development decisions and customer and user value. Continuous experimentation, as an experiment-driven development approach, may reduce such development risks by iteratively testing product and service assumptions that are critical to the success of the software. Experimentdriven development is gaining increasing attention by the practitioners, yet it is a novel research area to be investigated. Involving users and customers in the software development process and understanding their needs and behaviors are essential aspects when building successful software products and services. Continuous experimentation approach in software development comprises user involvement by its nature, however, due to novelty of the concept, there is no clear understanding of the user involvement practices. My doctoral project aims to investigate how software development organizations can involve the users in continuous experimentation. The contributions of the research are to a) find out how involve users in software companies that begin to adopt continuous experimentation approach, b) identify the barriers hindering involving the users in the approach, and c) investigate what kinds of strategies have been used for experimentation with different software product and services.
Supporting Knowledge Transfer From Secondary Studies to Software Engineering Practice
Authors: Cartaxo Bruno
Published: March 2018

Researchers have been arguing that there is a lack of connection between Secondary Studies (SSs) and Software Engi-neering (SE) practice. The medical eld has faced the same prob-lem, and recently introduced the concept of brie ngs/summaries, and Rapid Reviews as alternatives to transfer knowledge to prac-tice.Goal: The overarching goal of this research is to investigate, pro-pose, and evaluate strategies to support researchers to transfer knowledge from SSs to SE practice.Method: First, we investigated how SSs in SE cover practition-ers» issues reported in StackExchange, a leading Question & An-swer platform. Second, we generated Evidence Brie ngs based on those SSs in order to propose a medium to transfer knowledge to practice. Third, we are planning to conduct an action research, with close collaboration with practitioners, in order explore and evaluate the applicability of Rapid Reviews in SE practice. Preliminary Results: Among 424 practitioners» issues on Stack Exchange, that were considered as related to a set o selected SSs, the SSs could successfully cover 14.1% (60) of them. Based on a qualitative techniques, we identi ed 45 recurrent issues spread in many SE topics. Additionally, both practitioners and researchers positively evaluated the content and format of 12 Evidence Brief-ings that we created based on SSs.Conclusions: Our results until now corroborate with claims that SSs lack connection with practice. On the other side, the good reception of the Evidence Brie ngs shows a possible route toward an e ective knowledge transfer from SSs to practice.
Structure and Immune Recognition of the HIV Glycan Shield
Authors: Crispin Max , Ward Andrew B. , Wilson Ian A.
Published: March 2018

Vaccine design efforts against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been greatly stimulated by the observation that many infected patients eventually develop highly potent broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). Importantly, these bnAbs have evolved to recognize not only the two protein components of the viral envelope protein (Env) but also the numerous glycans that form a protective barrier on the Env protein. Because Env is heavily glycosylated compared to host glycoproteins, the glycans have become targets for the antibody response. Therefore, considerable efforts have been made in developing and validating biophysical methods to elucidate the complex structure of the Env-spike glycoprotein, with its combination of glycan and protein epitopes. We illustrate here how the application of robust biophysical methods has transformed our understanding of the structure and function of the HIV Env spike and stimulated innovation in vaccine design strategies that takes into account the essential glycan components.
Novel transmitters in brain stem vagal neurocircuitry: new players on the pitch
Authors: Bülbül Mehmet , Travagli R. Alberto
Published: March 2018

The last few decades have seen a major increase in the number of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides recognized as playing a role in brain stem neurocircuits, including those involved in homeostatic functions such as stress responsiveness, gastrointestinal motility, feeding, and/or arousal/wakefulness. This minireview will focus on the known physiological role of three of these novel neuropeptides, i.e., apelin, nesfatin-1, and neuropeptide-S, with a special emphasis on their hypothetical roles in vagal signaling related to gastrointestinal motor functions.
Complement Factor D protects mice from ethanol-induced inflammation and liver injury
Authors: McCullough Rebecca L. , McMullen Megan R. , Sheehan Megan M. , Poulsen Kyle L. , Roychowdhury Sanjoy , Chiang Dian J. , Pritchard Michele T. , Caballeria Juan , Nagy Laura E.
Published: March 2018

Complement plays a crucial role in microbial defense and clearance of apoptotic cells. Emerging evidence suggests complement is an important contributor to alcoholic liver disease. While complement component 1, Q subcomponent (C1q)-dependent complement activation contributes to ethanol-induced liver injury, the role of the alternative pathway in ethanol-induced injury is unknown. Activation of complement via the classical and alternative pathways was detected in alcoholic hepatitis patients. Female C57BL/6J [wild type (WT)], C1q-deficient ( C1qa−/−, lacking classical pathway activation), complement protein 4-deficient ( C4−/−, lacking classical and lectin pathway activation), complement factor D-deficient ( FD−/−, lacking alternative pathway activation), and C1qa/FD−/−(lacking classical and alternative pathway activation) mice were fed an ethanol-containing liquid diet or pair-fed control diet for 4 or 25 days. Following chronic ethanol exposure, liver injury, steatosis, and proinflammatory cytokine expression were increased in WT but not C1qa−/−, C4−/−, or C1qa/FD−/−mice. In contrast, liver injury, steatosis, and proinflammatory mediators were robustly increased in ethanol-fed FD−/−mice compared with WT mice. Complement activation, assessed by hepatic accumulation of C1q and complement protein 3 (C3) cleavage products (C3b/iC3b/C3c), was evident in livers of WT mice in response to both short-term and chronic ethanol. While C1q accumulated in ethanol-fed FD−/−mice (short term and chronic), C3 cleavage products were detected after short-term but not chronic ethanol. Consistent with impaired complement activation, chronic ethanol induced the accumulation of apoptotic cells and fibrogenic responses in the liver of FD−/−mice. These data highlight the protective role of complement factor D (FD) and suggest that FD-dependent amplification of complement is an adaptive response that promotes hepatic healing and recovery in response to chronic ethanol.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Complement, a component of the innate immune system, is an important pathophysiological contributor to ethanol-induced liver injury. We have identified a novel role for factor D, a component of the alternative pathway, in protecting the liver from ethanol-induced inflammation, accumulation of apoptotic hepatocytes, and profibrotic responses. These data indicate a dual role of complement with regard to inflammatory and protective responses and suggest that accumulation of apoptotic cells impairs hepatic healing/recovery during alcoholic liver disease.
Hydrological Variability in the Arid Region of Northwest China from 2002 to 2013
Authors: Cao Yanping , Nan Zhuotong , Cheng Guodong , Zhang Ling
Published: March 2018

The arid region of Northwest China (ANC) has a distinct and fragile inland water cycle. This study examined the hydrological variations in ANC and its three subregions from August 2002 to December 2013 by integrating terrestrial water storage (TWS) anomaly data derived from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite, soil moisture data modeled by the Global Land Data Assimilation System, and passive microwave snow water equivalent data. The results show that the TWS in ANC increased at a rate of 1.7 mm/a over the past decade, which consisted of an increasing trend of precipitation (0.12 mm/a). Spatially, in the northern ANC, TWS exhibited a significant decreasing trend of −3.64 mm/a (p<0.05) as a result of reduced rainfall, increased glacial meltwater draining away from the mountains, and intensified human activities. The TWS in southern and eastern ANC increased at a rate of 2.14 (p=0.10) and 1.63 (p<0.01) mm/a, respectively. In addition to increasing precipitation and temperature, decreasing potential evapotranspiration in Southern Xinjiang and expanding human activities in Hexi-Alashan together led to an overall increase in TWS. Increased glacier meltwater and permafrost degradation in response to climate warming may also affect the regional TWS balance. The variations in soil moisture, groundwater, and surface water accounted for the majority of the TWS anomalies in southern and eastern ANC. The proposed remote sensing approach combining multiple data sources proved applicable and useful to understand the spatiotemporal characteristics of hydrological variability in a large area of arid land without the need for field observations.
Anesthetic Implications for Cesarean Section in a Parturient with Complex Congenital Cyanotic Heart Disease
Authors: Lim Huili , Yeoh Chuen Jye , Tan Jerry , Kothandan Harikrishnan , Mok May U. S.
Published: March 2018

The discordance between increased physiological demand during pregnancy and congenital cardiac pathology of a parturient is a perilous threat to the maternal-fetal well-being. Early involvement of a multidisciplinary team is essential in improving peripartum morbidity and mortality. Designing the most appropriate anesthetic care will require a concerted effort, with inputs from the obstetricians, obstetric and cardiac anesthesiologists, cardiologists, neonatologists, and cardiothoracic surgeons. We report the multidisciplinary peripartum care and anesthetic management for cesarean section (CS) of a 28-year-old primigravida who has partially corrected transposition of the great arteries, atrial and ventricular septal defect, dextrocardia, right ventricle hypoplasia, and tricuspid atresia.
The Investigation of the Effect and Mechanism of Sophora moorcroftiana Alkaloids in Combination with Albendazole on Echinococcosis in an Experimental Rats Model
Authors: Zhang Fabin , Hu Chunhui , Cheng Shilei , Wang Shulin , Li Bin , Cao Deping , Fan Haining , Pan Ruchong , Yang Mei , Xu Yanhui
Published: March 2018

Echinococcosis is a worldwide anthropozoonosis which is highly endemic over large animal husbandry areas in northwestern China. The current clinical therapeutic medicine against echinococcosis is albendazole, although it caused serious side effects in patients. The component in traditional Chinese herb medicine, Sophora moorcroftiana alkaloids (SA), is thought to be a potential drug to treat echinococcosis. In order to explore the effect and mechanism of SA treatment against echinococcosis, we established animal echinococcosis model and treated rats with albendazole alone, alkaloids alone, and combined therapy. The combined treatment showed effective inhibition against parasite infection due to induction of host response and alleviated liver injury; meanwhile albendazole caused serious liver problem. The proteomics study revealed that the combined therapy might induce complement activation through C3, C4, C5, SERPINA1, and SERPINC1 proteins and cell adhesion by ANXA2, EZR, YWHAB, HSP90AN1, and PRKAR2A proteins, while albendazole treatment could induce liver injury through CRYAB, YWHAZ, SLC25A24, and HSPA1B proteins that were involved in cell death. In all, we consider that the combinational treatment displayed better therapeutic effects against liver echinococcosis as well as alleviated liver injury, which could be considered as an effective strategy to treat echinococcosis clinically.
More than Just an Immunosuppressant: The Emerging Role of FTY720 as a Novel Inducer of ROS and Apoptosis
Authors: Takasaki Teruaki , Hagihara Kanako , Satoh Ryosuke , Sugiura Reiko
Published: March 2018

Fingolimod hydrochloride (FTY720) is a first‐in‐class of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator approved to treat multiple sclerosis by its phosphorylated form (FTY720‐P). Recently, a novel role of FTY720 as a potential anticancer drug has emerged. One of the anticancer mechanisms of FTY720 involves the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent apoptosis, which is largely independent of its property as an S1P modulator. ROS have been considered as a double‐edged sword in tumor initiation/progression. Intriguingly, prooxidant therapies have attracted much attention due to its efficacy in cancer treatment. These strategies include diverse chemotherapeutic agents and molecular targeted drugs such as sulfasalazine which inhibits the CD44v‐xCT (cystine transporter) axis. In this review, we introduce our recent discoveries using a chemical genomics approach to uncover a signaling network relevant to FTY720‐mediated ROS signaling and apoptosis, thereby proposing new potential targets for combination therapy as a means to enhance the antitumor efficacy of FTY720 as a ROS generator. We extend our knowledge by summarizing various measures targeting the vulnerability of cancer cells’ defense mechanisms against oxidative stress. Future directions that may lead to the best use of FTY720 and ROS‐targeted strategies as a promising cancer treatment are also discussed.
Combined Surgical Approach for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patient
Authors: Ebrahim Mahmoud A. K. , AlSanea Osamah , Al-Terki Abdulmohsen E.
Published: March 2018

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disease that is associated with high morbidity and mortality and can significantly impact the quality of life in a patient. OSA is strongly associated with obesity, and literature showed that weight loss will lead to improvement in OSA. The gold standard treatment for OSA is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). However, other methods of treatment are available. One of these methods is multilevel sleep surgery (MLS). Literature showed that bariatric surgery can also improve OSA. A common question is which surgical procedure of these two should be performed first. We present a 5-year follow-up of a patient who underwent simultaneously bariatric surgery and MLS. His apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) decreased from 53 episodes per hour to 5.2 per hour within the first 18 months, which was measured via a level 3 polysomnography. Five years after the surgery, a repeat level 3 polysomnography showed an AHI of 6.8 episodes per hour, and the patient is asymptomatic. The patient maintained his weight and did not use CPAP after the combined surgery during the five-year period.
Multi‐GPU Development of a Neural Networks Based Reconstructor for Adaptive Optics
Authors: González-Gutiérrez Carlos , Sánchez-Rodríguez María Luisa , Calvo-Rolle José Luis , de Cos Juez Francisco Javier
Published: March 2018

Aberrations introduced by the atmospheric turbulence in large telescopes are compensated using adaptive optics systems, where the use of deformable mirrors and multiple sensors relies on complex control systems. Recently, the development of larger scales of telescopes as the E‐ELT or TMT has created a computational challenge due to the increasing complexity of the new adaptive optics systems. The Complex Atmospheric Reconstructor based on Machine Learning (CARMEN) is an algorithm based on artificial neural networks, designed to compensate the atmospheric turbulence. During recent years, the use of GPUs has been proved to be a great solution to speed up the learning process of neural networks, and different frameworks have been created to ease their development. The implementation of CARMEN in different Multi‐GPU frameworks is presented in this paper, along with its development in a language originally developed for GPU, like CUDA. This implementation offers the best response for all the presented cases, although its advantage of using more than one GPU occurs only in large networks.
Microvascular Anastomosis Training in Neurosurgery: A Review
Authors: Byvaltsev Vadim A. , Akshulakov Serik K. , Polkin Roman A. , Ochkal Sergey V. , Stepanov Ivan A. , Makhambetov Yerbol T. , Kerimbayev Talgat T. , Staren Michael , Belykh Evgenii , Preul Mark C.
Published: March 2018

Cerebrovascular diseases are among the most widespread diseases in the world, which largely determine the structure of morbidity and mortality rates. Microvascular anastomosis techniques are important for revascularization surgeries on brachiocephalic and carotid arteries and complex cerebral aneurysms and even during resection of brain tumors that obstruct major cerebral arteries. Training in microvascular surgery became even more difficult with less case exposure and growth of the use of endovascular techniques. In this text we will briefly discuss the history of microvascular surgery, review current literature on simulation models with the emphasis on their merits and shortcomings, and describe the views and opinions on the future of the microvascular training in neurosurgery. In “dry” microsurgical training, various models created from artificial materials that simulate biological tissues are used. The next stage in training more experienced surgeons is to work with nonliving tissue models. Microvascular training using live models is considered to be the most relevant due to presence of the blood flow. Training on laboratory animals has high indicators of face and constructive validity. One of the future directions in the development of microsurgical techniques is the use of robotic systems. Robotic systems may play a role in teaching future generations of microsurgeons. Modern technologies allow access to highly accurate learning environments that are extremely similar to real environment. Additionally, assessment of microsurgical skills should become a fundamental part of the current evaluation of competence within a microneurosurgical training program. Such an assessment tool could be utilized to ensure a constant level of surgical competence within the recertification process. It is important that this evaluation be based on validated models.
Effects of Sporidiobolus pararoseus Y16 on Postharvest Blue Mold Decay and the Defense Response of Apples
Authors: Zhao Lina , Sun Yiwen , Yang Dongbiao , Li Jun , Gu Xiangyu , Zhang Xiaoyun , Zhang Hongyin
Published: March 2018

The efficacy of Sporidiobolus pararoseus Y16 in controlling postharvest blue mold caused by Penicillium expansum on apples and the defense response involved were evaluated. The results suggested that the decay incidence of blue mold of apples treated by S. pararoseus Y16 was significantly reduced compared with the control. In vitro testing indicated that germination of spores and germ tube length of P. expansum were markedly inhibited by S. pararoseus Y16. Meanwhile, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), and catalase (CAT) activities and several pathogenesis-related (PR) gene expression levels (including PR3, PR4, PR5, and PR9) were determined. In apples, the activities of PPO, POD, CAT, and PAL were significantly induced by S. pararoseus Y16 treatment compared with the control fruits. The relative expression levels of PR3 and PR4 were significantly induced at 4 and 6 d, while PR5 was significantly induced at 4 and 6 d and PR9 was significantly induced at 4 d. Therefore, the reduction in apple fruit decay by S. pararoseus Y16 treatment could be related to the increased activities of related enzymes and proteins involved in the defense against pathogens, which suggest that S. pararoseus Y16 is a potential antagonistic yeast.
Evoked Hemodynamic Response Estimation to Auditory Stimulus Using Recursive Least Squares Adaptive Filtering with Multidistance Measurement of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Yan , Liu Xin , Liu Dan , Yang Chunling , Wang Qisong , Sun Jinwei , Wang Kuanquan
Published: March 2018

The performance of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is sometimes degraded by the interference caused by the physical or the systemic physiological activities. Several interferences presented during fNIRS recordings are mainly induced by cardiac pulse, breathing, and spontaneous physiological low-frequency oscillations. In previous work, we introduced a multidistance measurement to reduce physiological interference based on recursive least squares (RLS) adaptive filtering. Monte Carlo simulations have been implemented to evaluate the performance of RLS adaptive filtering. However, its suitability and performance on human data still remain to be evaluated. Here, we address the issue of how to detect evoked hemodynamic response to auditory stimulus using RLS adaptive filtering method. A multidistance probe based on continuous wave fNIRS is devised to achieve the fNIRS measurement and further study the brain functional activation. This study verifies our previous findings that RLS adaptive filtering is an effective method to suppress global interference and also provides a practical way for real-time detecting brain activity based on multidistance measurement.
A Case of Pneumothorax after Treatment with Lenvatinib for Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer with Lung Metastasis
Authors: Yamazaki Haruhiko , Iwasaki Hiroyuki , Yamashita Toshinari , Yoshida Tatsuya , Suganuma Nobuyasu , Yamanaka Takashi , Masudo Katsuhiko , Nakayama Hirotaka , Kohagura Kaori , Rino Yasushi , Masuda Munetaka
Published: March 2018

A 63-year-old man was diagnosed with multiple lung metastases from anaplastic thyroid cancer and received lenvatinib. Follow-up computed tomography on day 34 of lenvatinib treatment showed pneumothorax. The pneumothorax was temporarily improved with chest drainage. However, pleurodesis was performed to treat a relapse of the pneumothorax. Pneumothorax during chemotherapy for a malignant tumor is considered a relatively rare complication. This case is the first documentation that pneumothorax may develop during lenvatinib treatment. The possible development of pneumothorax should be considered when lenvatinib is used in patients with lung metastasis.