bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MultiTex RCT – a multifaceted intervention package for protection against cotton dust exposure among textile workers – a cluster randomized controlled trial in Pakistan: study protocol
Authors: Nafees Asaad Ahmed , De Matteis Sara , Kadir Muhammad Masood , Burney Peter , Coggon David , Semple Sean , Cullinan Paul
Published: December 2019

Background

In the Pakistani textile industry the prevalence of workplace respiratory illnesses, including byssinosis, is high. The MultiTex RCT study aims to determine the effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention package in reducing dust levels in cotton mills, decreasing the frequency of respiratory symptoms among cotton textile workers, and improving their lung function.

Methods/design

We will conduct a cluster-randomized controlled trial at 28 textile mills in Karachi. The intervention will comprise: training in occupational health for all workers and managers reinforced by regular refresher sessions; the formation of workplace committees to draw up, agree and promote a health and safety plan that includes wet mopping, safe disposal of cotton dust, and the use of simple face-masks, as well as further publicity about the risks from cotton dust; and provision of adequate supplies of face-masks to support the health and safety plan. Participating mills will be randomized to intervention and control arms following a baseline survey. The impact of the intervention will be determined through follow-up surveys conducted at 3, 12 and 18 months. Data collection in the surveys will include spirometry, questionnaire-based interviews and cotton-dust measurements.

Discussion

If successful, the study may pave the way for simple, low-cost interventions that can help reduce cotton-dust levels in textile mills, and improve the respiratory health of textile workers in developing countries such as Pakistan.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03738202. Registered on 12 November 2018.
A multicentre parallel-group randomised trial assessing multiparametric MRI characterisation and image-guided biopsy of prostate in men suspected of having prostate cancer: MULTIPROS study protocol
Authors: Szewczyk-Bieda Magdalena , Wei Cheng , Coll Katherine , Gandy Stephen , Donnan Peter , Ragupathy Senthil Kumar Arcot , Singh Paras , Wilson Jennifer , Nabi Ghulam
Published: December 2019

Background

There is growing evidence suggesting that multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) is a marker for prostate cancer (PCa) aggressiveness and could be used to plan treatment. Improving early detection of clinically significant PCa with pre-biopsy mpMRI would very likely have advantages including optimising the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and diminishing patient anxiety.

Methods and materials

This is a prospective multicentre study of pre-biopsy mpMRI diagnostic test accuracy with subgroup randomisation at a 1:1 ratio with respect to transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and MRI/US fusion-guided biopsy or TRUS-only biopsy. It is designed as a single-gate study with a single set of inclusion criteria. The total duration of the recruitment phase was 48 months; however, this has now been extended to 66 months. A sample size of 600 participants is required.

Discussion

The primary objective is to determine whether mpMRI can improve PCa detection and characterisation. The key secondary objective is to determine whether MRI/US fusion-guided biopsy can reduce the number of false-negative biopsies. Ethical approval was obtained from the East of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1 (14/ES/1070) on 20 November 2014. The results of this study will be used for publication and presentation in national and international journals and at scientific conferences.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02745496. Retrospectively registered on 20 April 2016.
Decreasing postoperative cognitive deficits after heart surgery: protocol for a randomized controlled trial on cognitive training
Authors: Butz Marius , El Shazly Jasmin , Sammer Gebhard , Tschernatsch Marlene , Kastaun Sabrina , Yenigün Mesut , Braun Tobias , Kaps Manfred , Böning Andreas , Puvogel Ulrike , Bachmann Georg , Mengden Thomas , Schönburg Markus , Gerriets Tibo , Juenemann Martin
Published: December 2019

Background

The occurrence of postoperative cognitive deficits, especially after heart surgery, has been demonstrated in several studies. These deficits can clearly be noticed by the patients and by their close relatives in daily life. Furthermore, postoperative cognitive deficits can decrease quality of life in social functioning and earning capacity. The aim of this study is to investigate whether early postoperative cognitive training can reduce subjective and objective postoperative cognitive deficits.

Methods

The proposed study is a multicenter, two-arm, randomized controlled trial involving 144 elderly patients undergoing elective heart-valve surgery with extracorporeal circulation. Patients will be assigned to either a training group or a control group. The intervention involves paper-and-pencil-based cognitive training, which is conducted for 36 min over a period of 18 days. The training starts about 1 week after surgery and is carried out during the hospitalized rehabilitation phase. The control group will not receive cognitive training or a placebo intervention. A detailed assessment of psychological functions and health-related quality of life prior to surgery at discharge from rehabilitation and 3 and 12 months after discharge will be performed. The primary outcome of this trial is the training effect on objective cognitive functions at discharge from rehabilitation. Secondary outcomes are the training effect on objective and subjective cognitive functions (3 and 12 months after discharge), depression, health-related quality of life, and the impact of perioperative cerebral ischemia on the training effect. Perioperative cerebral ischemia will be measured with postoperative magnetic resonance imaging including diffusion-weighted sequences.

Discussion

Should it be shown that our cognitive training can improve postoperative cognitive deficits and quality of life, one possibility could be to integrate this intervention into early rehabilitation. Furthermore, we hope that the investigation of perioperative ischemia by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging will improve our understanding of neurobiological factors influencing the course of postoperative cognitive plasticity.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS),DRKS00015512. Retrospectively registered on 21 September 2018.
Using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) framework to test intervention delivery strategies: a study protocol
Authors: Broder-Fingert Sarabeth , Kuhn Jocelyn , Sheldrick Radley Christopher , Chu Andrea , Fortuna Lisa , Jordan Megan , Rubin Dana , Feinberg Emily
Published: December 2019

Background

Delivery of behavioral interventions is complex, as the majority of interventions consist of multiple components used either simultaneously, sequentially, or both. The importance of clearly delineating delivery strategies within these complex interventions—and furthermore understanding the impact of each strategy on effectiveness—has recently emerged as an important facet of intervention research. Yet, few methodologies exist to prospectively test the effectiveness of delivery strategies and how they impact implementation. In the current paper, we describe a study protocol for a large randomized controlled trial in which we will use the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST), a novel framework developed to optimize interventions, i.e., to test the effectiveness of intervention delivery strategies using a factorial design. We apply this framework to delivery of Family Navigation (FN), an evidence-based care management strategy designed to reduce disparities and improve access to behavioral health services, and test four components related to its implementation.

Methods/design

The MOST framework contains three distinct phases: Preparation, Optimization, and Evaluation. The Preparation phase for this study occurred previously. The current study consists of the Optimization and Evaluation phases. Children aged 3-to-12 years old who are detected as “at-risk” for behavioral health disorders (n = 304) at a large, urban federally qualified community health center will be referred to a Family Partner—a bicultural, bilingual member of the community with training in behavioral health and systems navigation—who will perform FN. Families will then be randomized to one of 16 possible combinations of FN delivery strategies (2 × 2 × 2× 2 factorial design). The primary outcome measure will be achieving a family-centered goal related to behavioral health services within 90 days of randomization. Implementation data on the fidelity, acceptability, feasibility, and cost of each strategy will also be collected. Results from the primary and secondary outcomes will be reviewed by our team of stakeholders to optimize FN delivery for implementation and dissemination based on effectiveness, efficiency, and cost.

Discussion

In this protocol paper, we describe how the MOST framework can be used to improve intervention delivery. These methods will be useful for future studies testing intervention delivery strategies and their impact on implementation.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03569449. Registered on 26 June 2018.
Efficacy of chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide in combination with amiloride in multiple doses on blood pressure in patients with primary hypertension: a protocol for a factorial randomized controlled trial
Authors: Martins Vítor Magnus , Helal Lucas , Ferrari Filipe , Bottino Leonardo Grabinski , Fuchs Sandra Costa , Fuchs Flávio Danni
Published: December 2019

Background

Thiazide diuretics have demonstrated favorable blood pressure lowering efficacy, but the equivalent doses of their more common agents, chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide, are still unclear. Further, concerns exist regarding adverse metabolic effects, which may be attenuated with the concomitant administration of a potassium-sparing diuretic, such as amiloride. This trial aims to investigate the efficacy of chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide, in combination with amiloride at different doses, for initial management of patients with primary hypertension.

Methods/design

This is a factorial (2 × 2) randomized double-blinded clinical trial comparing the association of a thiazide diuretic (chlorthalidone 25 mg/day or hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg/day) with a potassium-sparing diuretic (amiloride 10 mg/day or amiloride 20 mg/day) in patients with primary hypertension. The primary outcome will be the mean change from baseline in 24-h systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The secondary outcomes will be the mean change from baseline in daytime and nighttime systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, mean change from baseline in systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured by office blood pressure, incidence of adverse events, variation of laboratory parameters, and proportion of patients who achieved blood pressure control. The follow-up will last 12 weeks. For a P alpha of 0.05, power of 80%, standard deviation of 9 mmHg, and absolute difference of 6 mmHg on systolic blood pressure on 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, it will be necessary to study a total of 76 patients. The sample size will be increased by 10% to compensate for losses, resulting in 84 patients being randomized.

Discussion

Diuretics are pivotal drugs for the treatment of hypertension. Chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide, in combination with amiloride in multiple doses, will be tested in terms of blood pressure lowering efficacy and safety. Since the intensity of blood pressure reduction is the major determinant of reduction in cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients, this study will help to determine which combination of diuretics represents the most appropriate treatment for this population.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03928145. Registered on 25 April 2019. Last update on 29 April 2019.
Genome shuffling enhances stress tolerance of Zymomonas mobilis to two inhibitors
Authors: Wang Weiting , Wu Bo , Qin Han , Liu Panting , Qin Yao , Duan Guowei , Hu Guoquan , He Mingxiong
Published: December 2019

Background

Furfural and acetic acid are the two major inhibitors generated during lignocellulose pretreatment and hydrolysis, would severely inhibit the cell growth, metabolism, and ethanol fermentation efficiency of Zymomonas mobilis. Effective genome shuffling mediated by protoplast electrofusion was developed and then applied to Z. mobilis.

Results

After two rounds of genome shuffling, 10 different mutants with improved cell growth and ethanol yield in the presence of 5.0 g/L acetic acid and 3.0 g/L furfural were obtained. The two most prominent genome-shuffled strains, 532 and 533, were further investigated along with parental strains in the presence of 7.0 g/L acetic acid and 3.0 g/L furfural. The results showed that mutants 532 and 533 were superior to the parental strain AQ8-1 in the presence of 7.0 g/L acetic acid, with a shorter fermentation time (30 h) and higher productivity than AQ8-1. Mutant 533 exhibited subtle differences from parental strain F34 in the presence of 3.0 g/L furfural. Mutations present in 10 genome-shuffled strains were identified via whole-genome resequencing, and the source of each mutation was identified as either de novo mutation or recombination of the parent genes.

Conclusions

These results indicate that genome shuffling is an efficient method for enhancing stress tolerance in Z. mobilis. The engineered strains generated in this study could be potential cellulosic ethanol producers in the future.
Prevalence and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in naturally infected backyard pigs intended for familial consumption in Romania
Authors: Paştiu Anamaria Ioana , Cozma-Petruț Anamaria , Mercier Aurélien , Balea Anamaria , Galal Lokman , Mircean Viorica , Pusta Dana Liana , Bogdan Liviu , Györke Adriana
Published: December 2019

Background

Foodborne toxoplasmosis in humans can be due to the exposure to tissue cysts of Toxoplasma gondii through the consumption of meat, including pork, of infected animals. Traditional Romanian food habits include pork as the preferred meat, while backyard pig rearing remains a common practice in many rural areas of Romania. The aims of the present study were to estimate the prevalence of T. gondii infection in naturally infected backyard pigs slaughtered for familial consumption and to genetically characterize the T. gondii strains obtained.

Methods

Paired blood and heart samples were collected from 94 backyard pigs, home slaughtered for private consumption. Serum samples were analyzed using the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) for anti-T. gondii antibody detection. Heart samples were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 529-bp repeat region (REP529) for T. gondii detection. In addition, heart samples from IFAT positive animals were bioassayed in mice. The T. gondii isolates were genotyped by the analysis of 15 microsatellite markers.

Results

The results showed that almost half of the pigs investigated were T. gondii seropositive (46.8%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 36.4–57.4%) and in more than a quarter of the pigs (26.6%, 95% CI: 18.0–36.7%), the parasite was detected by PCR. Three (3/44) T. gondii strains were isolated from hearts of seropositive pigs and they all belonged to genotype II.

Conclusions

The present study showed the presence of T. gondii infection in backyard pigs in Romania, which suggests that consumption of pork from animals reared and slaughtered at home may pose a potential threat to human health and should be given attention. In addition, to our knowledge, this is the first study to provide data concerning T. gondii strains circulating in pigs from Romania.
B lymphocyte stimulator modulates number and function of endothelial progenitor cells in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Spinelli Francesca Romana , Barbati Cristiana , Cecarelli Fulvia , Morello Francesca , Colasanti Tania , Vomero Marta , Massaro Laura , Orefice Valeria , Alessandri Cristiano , Valesini Guido , Conti Fabrizio
Published: December 2019

Background

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are biologic markers of endothelial function. In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the numerical reduction and functional impairment of EPCs contribute to the endothelial dysfunction.

Through ex vivo and in vitro studies, we aimed at evaluating the effects of B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) on EPC colonies and endothelial cells and also investigating BLyS receptor expression on these cells.

Methods

EPCs were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). In order to evaluate their ability to form colonies, EPCs were cultured on fibronectin-coated dishes and incubated with BlyS alone or BlyS and belimumab. Apoptosis of EPCs and endothelial cell line EA.hy926 was evaluated after 6, 12, and 24 h of incubation with BLyS and after 6 h with BLyS and belimumab. The expression of B cell activating factor-receptor (BAFF-R), B cell maturation antigen (BCMA), and transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand (CAML) interactor (TACI) on EPCs and EA.hy926 was analyzed by cytofluorimetry.

Results

The number of EPC colonies was lower in patients than in controls. Moreover, the colonies from SLE patients were poorly organized compared to controls; the addition of belimumab restored the colony structure. Incubation with BLyS induced apoptosis of EPCs and EA.hy926 that was inhibited by the co-incubation with belimumab. BAFF-R and BCMA were expressed on both EPCs and EA.hy926, while TACI was expressed only on EPCs.

Conclusions

EPCs and endothelial cells preferentially express BAFF-R which could be involved in the pro-apoptotic effect of BlyS. Belimumab administration seems to restore the quantitative and qualitative changes of EPC colonies both ex vivo and in vitro.
Comparison of different technologies for the decipherment of the whole genome sequence of Campylobacter jejuni BfR-CA-14430
Authors: Epping Lennard , Golz Julia C. , Knüver Marie-Theres , Huber Charlotte , Thürmer Andrea , Wieler Lothar H. , Stingl Kerstin , Semmler Torsten
Published: December 2019

Background

Campylobacter jejuniis a zoonotic pathogen that infects the human gut through the food chain mainly by consumption of undercooked chicken meat, raw chicken cross-contaminated ready-to-eat food or by raw milk. In the last decades,C. jejunihas increasingly become the most common bacterial cause for food-born infections in high income countries, costing public health systems billions of euros each year. Currently, different whole genome sequencing techniques such as short-read bridge amplification and long-read single molecule real-time sequencing techniques are applied for in-depth analysis of bacterial species, in particular, Illumina MiSeq, PacBio and MinION.

Results

In this study, we analyzed a recently isolatedC. jejunistrain from chicken meat by short- and long-read data from Illumina, PacBio and MinION sequencing technologies. For comparability, this strain is used in the German PAC-CAMPY research consortium in several studies, including phenotypic analysis of biofilm formation, natural transformation and in vivo colonization models. The complete assembled genome sequence most likely consists of a chromosome of 1,645,980 bp covering 1665 coding sequences as well as a plasmid sequence with 41,772 bp that encodes for 46 genes. Multilocus sequence typing revealed that the strain belongs to the clonal complex CC-21 (ST-44) which is known to be involved inC. jejunihuman infections, including outbreaks. Furthermore, we discovered resistance determinants and a point mutation in the DNA gyrase (gyrA) that render the bacterium resistant against ampicillin, tetracycline and (fluoro-)quinolones.

Conclusion

The comparison of Illumina MiSeq, PacBio and MinION sequencing and analyses with different assembly tools enabled us to reconstruct a complete chromosome as well as a circular plasmid sequence of theC. jejunistrain BfR-CA-14430. Illumina short-read sequencing in combination with either PacBio or MinION can substantially improve the quality of the complete chromosome and epichromosomal elements on the level of mismatches and insertions/deletions, depending on the assembly program used.
Association of metabolic and genetic heterogeneity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with prognostic implications: integration of FDG PET and genomic analysis
Authors: Choi Jinyeong , Gim Jeong-An , Oh Chiwoo , Ha Seunggyun , Lee Howard , Choi Hongyoon , Im Hyung-Jun
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The linkage between the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of the tumor has not been thoroughly evaluated. Herein, we investigated how the genetic and metabolic heterogeneity features of the tumor are associated with each other in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC). We further assessed the prognostic significance of those features.

Methods

The mutant-allele tumor heterogeneity (MATH) score (n = 508), a genetic heterogeneity feature, and tumor glycolysis feature (GlycoS) (n = 503) were obtained from the HNSC dataset in the cancer genome atlas (TCGA). We identified matching patients (n = 33) who underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) from the cancer imaging archive (TCIA) and obtained the following information from the primary tumor: metabolic, metabolic-volumetric, and metabolic heterogeneity features. The association between the genetic and metabolic features and their prognostic values were assessed.

Results

Tumor metabolic heterogeneity and metabolic-volumetric features showed a mild degree of association with MATH (n = 25, ρ = 0.4~0.5, P < 0.05 for all features). The patients with higher FDG PET features and MATH died sooner. Combination of MATH and tumor metabolic heterogeneity features showed a better stratification of prognosis than MATH. Also, higher MATH and GlycoS were associated with significantly worse overall survival (n = 499, P = 0.002 and 0.0001 for MATH and GlycoS, respectively). Furthermore, both MATH and GlycoS independently predicted overall survival after adjusting for clinicopathologic features and the other (P = 0.015 and 0.006, respectively).

Conclusion

Both tumor metabolic heterogeneity and metabolic-volumetric features assessed by FDG PET showed a mild degree of association with genetic heterogeneity in HNSC. Both metabolic and genetic heterogeneity features were predictive of survival and there was an additive prognostic value when the metabolic and genetic heterogeneity features were combined. Also, MATH and GlycoS were independent prognostic factors in HNSC; they can be used for precise prognostication once validated.
Immunosuppressive effects of a novel potassium channel toxin Ktx-Sp2 from Scorpiops Pocoki
Authors: Zhang Yubiao , Zhang Feng , Shi Shujuan , Liu Xinqiao , Cai Weisong , Han Guangtao , Ke Caihua , Long Siru , Di Zhiyong , Yin Shijin , Li Haohuan
Published: December 2019

Background

The cDNA Library of venomous animals could provide abundant bioactive peptides coding information and is an important resource for screening bioactive peptides that target and regulate disease-related ion channels. To further explore the potential medicinal usage of the transcriptome database of Scorpiops Pocoki’s venom gland, this research identified the function of a new potassium channel toxin Ktx-Sp2, whose gene was screened from the database by sequence alignment.

Results

The mature peptide of Ktx-Sp2 was obtained by genetic engineering. Whole-cell patch-clamp experiment showed that Ktx-Sp2 peptide could effectively block three types of exogenous voltage-gated potassium channels—Kv1.1, Kv1.2 and Kv1.3, among which, the blocking activity for Kv1.3 was relatively high, showing selectivity to some extent. Taking Jurkat T cells as the cell model, this study found that Ktx-Sp2 peptide could also effectively block endogenous Kv1.3, significantly reduce the free calcium concentration in Jurkat T cells, inhibit the activation of Jurkat T cells and reduce the release of inflammatory cytokines IL-2, showing a strong immunosuppressant effect.

Conclusions

This study further proves that the transcriptome database of the Scorpiops Pocoki venom gland is an important resource for discovery of novel bioactive polypeptide coding genes. The newly screened Kv1.3 channel blocker Ktx-Sp2 expanded the range of leading compounds for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and promoted the development and application of scorpion toxin peptides in the field of biomedicine.
The Israeli national population program of genetic carrier screening for reproductive purposes. How should it be continued?
Authors: Zlotogora Joël
Published: December 2019

The Israeli population genetic screening program for reproductive purposes, is a population-specific screening that includes all known, severe diseases and relatively frequent in a specific population (carrier frequency at or above 1:60 and/or disease frequency at or above 1 in 15,000 live births). The carrier screening program is free of charge and offers testing according to disease frequency in the different groups within the population.

The extraordinary technical changes that occurred in the last decade as well as the changes in the type of marriages within the Israeli population necessitate a revision in the basis of the program.

The screening should include instead of only the relatively frequent variants, all the variants that were reported among patients causing a severe disease for which the natural history is well known without regard of their frequency. The population-specific screening that determine which variants are included according to the origin of the couple should be abandoned for a general screening including either all the Jewish population or all the Israeli Arab population.
Analysis of hidden terminal’s effect on the performance of vehicular ad-hoc networks
Authors: Kumar Saurabh , Choi Sunghyun , Kim HyungWon
Published: December 2019

Vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs) based on the IEEE 802.11p standard are receiving increasing attention for road safety provisioning. Hidden terminals, however, demonstrate a serious challenge in the performance of VANETs. In this paper, we investigate the effect of hidden terminals on the performance of one hop broadcast communication. The paper formulates an analytical model to analyze the effect of hidden terminals on the performance metrics such as packet reception probability (PRP), packet reception delay (PRD), and packet reception interval (PRI) for the 2-dimensional (2-D) VANET. To verify the accuracy of the proposed model, the analytical model-based results are compared with NS3 simulation results using 2-D highway scenarios. We also compare the analytical results with those from real vehicular network implemented using the commercial vehicle-to-everything (V2X) devices. The analytical results show high correlation with the results of both simulation and real network.
A hyperspectral image classification algorithm based on atrous convolution
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqing , Zheng Yongguo , Liu Weike , Wang Zhiyong
Published: December 2019

Hyperspectral images not only have high spectral dimension, but the spatial size of datasets containing such kind of images is also small. Aiming at this problem, we design the NG-APC (non-gridding multi-level concatenated Atrous Pyramid Convolution) module based on the combined atrous convolution. By expanding the receptive field of three layers convolution from 7 to 45, the module can obtain a distanced combination of the spectral features of hyperspectral pixels and solve the gridding problem of atrous convolution. In NG-APC module, we construct a 15-layer Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNN) model to classify each hyperspectral pixel. Through the experiments on the Pavia University dataset, the model reaches 97.9% accuracy while the parameter amount is only 0.25 M. Compared with other CNN algorithms, our method gets the best OA (Over All Accuracy) and Kappa metrics, at the same time, NG-APC module keeps good performance and high efficiency with smaller number of parameters.
Fractional operators with generalized Mittag-Leffler k-function
Authors: Mubeen Shahid , Safdar Ali Rana
Published: December 2019

In this paper, our main aim is to deal with two integral transforms involving the Gauss hypergeometric functions as their kernels. We prove some composition formulas for such generalized fractional integrals with Mittag-Lefflerk-function. The results are established in terms of the generalized Wright hypergeometric function. The Euler integralk-transformation for Mittag-Lefflerk-functions has also been developed.
Reliability and capability based computation offloading strategy for vehicular ad hoc clouds
Authors: Li Bo , Peng Ziyi , Hou Peng , He Min , Anisetti Marco , Jeon Gwanggil
Published: December 2019

In the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), with the increasing demand for intelligent technologies such as driverless driving, more and more in-vehicle applications have been put into autonomous driving. For the computationally intensive task, the vehicle self-organizing network uses other high-performance nodes in the vehicle driving environment to hand over tasks to these nodes for execution. In this way, the computational load of the cloud alleviated. However, due to the unreliability of the communication link and the dynamic changes of the vehicle environment, lengthy task completion time may lead to the increase of task failure rate. Although the flooding algorithm can improve the success rate of task completion, the offloading expend will be large. Aiming at this problem, we design the partial flooding algorithm, which is a comprehensive evaluation method based on system reliability in the vehicle computing environment without infrastructure. Using V2V link to select some nodes with better performance for partial flooding offloading to reduce the task complete time, improve system reliability and cut down the impact of vehicle mobility on offloading. The results show that the proposed offloading strategy can not only improve the utilization of computing resources, but also promote the offloading performance of the system.
Beneath the surface: community assembly and functions of the coral skeleton microbiome
Authors: Ricci Francesco , Rossetto Marcelino Vanessa , Blackall Linda L. , Kühl Michael , Medina Mónica , Verbruggen Heroen
Published: December 2019

Coral microbial ecology is a burgeoning field, driven by the urgency of understanding coral health and slowing reef loss due to climate change. Coral resilience depends on its microbiota, and both the tissue and the underlying skeleton are home to a rich biodiversity of eukaryotic, bacterial and archaeal species that form an integral part of the coral holobiont. New techniques now enable detailed studies of the endolithic habitat, and our knowledge of the skeletal microbial community and its eco-physiology is increasing rapidly, with multiple lines of evidence for the importance of the skeletal microbiota in coral health and functioning. Here, we review the roles these organisms play in the holobiont, including nutritional exchanges with the coral host and decalcification of the host skeleton. Microbial metabolism causes steep physico-chemical gradients in the skeleton, creating micro-niches that, along with dispersal limitation and priority effects, define the fine-scale microbial community assembly. Coral bleaching causes drastic changes in the skeletal microbiome, which can mitigate bleaching effects and promote coral survival during stress periods, but may also have detrimental effects. Finally, we discuss the idea that the skeleton may function as a microbial reservoir that can promote recolonization of the tissue microbiome following dysbiosis and help the coral holobiont return to homeostasis.
SGLT2 inhibition slows tumor growth in mice by reversing hyperinsulinemia
Authors: Nasiri Ali R. , Rodrigues Marcos R. , Li Zongyu , Leitner Brooks P. , Perry Rachel J.
Published: December 2019

Background

Obesity confers an increased risk and accelerates the progression of multiple tumor types in rodents and humans, including both breast and colon cancer. Because sustained weight loss is rarely achieved, therapeutic approaches to slow or prevent obesity-associated cancer development have been limited, and mechanistic insights as to the obesity-cancer connection have been lacking.

Methods

E0771 breast tumors and MC38 colon tumors were treated in vivo in mice and in vitro with two mechanistically different insulin-lowering agents, a controlled-release mitochondrial protonophore (CRMP) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, and tumor growth and glucose metabolism were assessed. Groups were compared by ANOVA with Bonferroni’s multiple comparisons test.

Results

Dapagliflozin slows tumor growth in two mouse models (E0771 breast cancer and MC38 colon adenocarcinoma) of obesity-associated cancers in vivo, and a mechanistically different insulin-lowering agent, CRMP, also slowed breast tumor growth through its effect to reverse hyperinsulinemia. In both models and with both agents, tumor glucose uptake and oxidation were not constitutively high, but were hormone-responsive. Restoration of hyperinsulinemia by subcutaneous insulin infusion abrogated the effects of both dapagliflozin and CRMP to slow tumor growth.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data demonstrate that hyperinsulinemia per se promotes both breast and colon cancer progression in obese mice, and highlight SGLT2 inhibitors as a clinically available means of slowing obesity-associated tumor growth due to their glucose- and insulin-lowering effects.
The role of active case finding in reducing patient incurred catastrophic costs for tuberculosis in Nepal
Authors: Gurung Suman Chandra , Dixit Kritika , Rai Bhola , Caws Maxine , Paudel Puskar Raj , Dhital Raghu , Acharya Shraddha , Budhathoki Gangaram , Malla Deepak , Levy Jens W. , van Rest Job , Lönnroth Knut , Viney Kerri , Ramsay Andrew , Wingfield Tom , Basnyat Buddha , Thapa Anil , Squire Bertie , Wang Duolao , Mishra Gokul , Shah Kashim , Shrestha Anil , de Siqueira-Filha Noemia Teixeira
Published: December 2019

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) End TB Strategy has established a milestone to reduce the number of tuberculosis (TB)- affected households facing catastrophic costs to zero by 2020. The role of active case finding (ACF) in reducing patient costs has not been determined globally. This study therefore aimed to compare costs incurred by TB patients diagnosed through ACF and passive case finding (PCF), and to determine the prevalence and intensity of patient-incurred catastrophic costs in Nepal.

Methods

The study was conducted in two districts of Nepal: Bardiya and Pyuthan (Province No. 5) between June and August 2018. One hundred patients were included in this study in a 1:1 ratio (PCF: ACF, 25 consecutive ACF and 25 consecutive PCF patients in each district). The WHO TB patient costing tool was applied to collect information from patients or a member of their family regarding indirect and direct medical and non-medical costs. Catastrophic costs were calculated based on the proportion of patients with total costs exceeding 20% of their annual household income.The intensity of catastrophic costs was calculated using the positive overshoot method. The chi-square and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare proportions and costs. Meanwhile, the Mantel Haenszel test was performed to assess the association between catastrophic costs and type of diagnosis.

Results

Ninety-nine patients were interviewed (50 ACF and 49 PCF). Patients diagnosed through ACF incurred lower costs during the pre-treatment period (direct medical: USD 14 vs USD 32,P = 0.001; direct non-medical: USD 3 vs USD 10,P = 0.004; indirect, time loss: USD 4 vs USD 13,P <  0.001). The cost of the pre-treatment and intensive phases combined was also lower for direct medical (USD 15 vs USD 34,P = 0.002) and non-medical (USD 30 vs USD 54,P = 0.022) costs among ACF patients. The prevalence of catastrophic direct costs was lower for ACF patients for all thresholds. A lower intensity of catastrophic costs was also documented for ACF patients, although the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

ACF can reduce patient-incurred costs substantially, contributing to the End TB Strategy target. Other synergistic policies, such as social protection, will also need to be implemented to reduce catastrophic costs to zero among TB-affected households.
Development of catheter-type tactile sensor composed of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film
Authors: Takashima Kazuto , Ota Keisuke , Yamamoto Masaki , Takenaka Makoto , Horie Satoshi , Ishida Kenji
Published: December 2019

To achieve quantitative palpation in vivo, we developed a catheter-type tactile sensor composed of a polyvinylidene fluoride film for minimally invasive surgery. We evaluated the fundamental performance of the prototype sensor by a weight-drop test. We also measured the output of the prototype sensor as it was inserted into a blood vessel model with shapes mimicking lesions. The ø2-mm sensor passed easily into the blood vessel model with lesion-like shapes. Sensor outputs corresponded to the shape of the inner wall of the blood vessel model, making it possible to determine the position of a protrusion and the convexity interval of a rough surface by filtering and frequency analysis of the output.
Central corneal regularization (CCR): an alternative approach in keratoconus treatment
Authors: Mulè Giulio , Chen Shihao , Zhang Jia , Zhou Wen , Selimis Vasileios , Stojanovic Aleksandar , Aslanides Ioannis M.
Published: December 2019

Background

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an approach that combines corneal customized transepithelial therapeutic ablation to treat irregular corneal optics and accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) to strengthen the corneal tissue and stop the progression of keratoconus. The transepithelial therapeutic ablation applied a novel concept named central corneal regularization (CCR) which could correct the corneal morphological irregularities and the eye’s spherocylindrical refractive error with minimal stromal tissue removal.

Methods

Retrospective study. Eyes that underwent CCR combined with CXL were evaluated preoperatively and up to 12 months postoperatively for visual acuity, subjective refraction, corneal haze, pachymetry and maximum keratometry (Kmax).

Results

Twenty four eyes of 24 patients with a mean age of 28.92 ± 9.88 years were treated. The mean spherical equivalent (SE) refractive error changed from − 0.74 ± 1.17 D preoperatively to − 1.05 ± 1.52 D at 12 months postoperatively. The mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) improved. No eye lost lines of CDVA, 21 had a mean improvement of 3.21 lines. The mean cylinder error and Kmax value dropped from − 3.06 ± 1.83 D and 51.38 ± 3.29 D to − 1.04 ± 0.80 D and 48.70 ± 2.58 D, respectively. The mean haze score at 3, 6 and 12 months was 0.56, 0.19 and 0.06, respectively.

Conclusions

CCR combined with CXL offers promising results as a safe and effective treatment in keratoconic patients.
Impact of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection on reproductive outcomes among infertile women undergoing tubal flushing: a retrospective cohort at a fertility centre in Uganda
Authors: Kayiira Anthony , Zaake Daniel , Lwetabe Michael Webba , Sekweyama Peter
Published: December 2019

Background

The impact of current C. trachomatis on clinical pregnancy and live birth rates among women undergoing tubal flushing is largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether current female genital C. trachomatis infection affects the chance of achieving a clinical pregnancy and a live birth, among infertile women undergoing tubal flushing, at a fertility centre in Uganda.

Methods

A retrospective Cohort study at a peri-urban fertility centre. A total of 253 eligible women with tubal factor infertility, who underwent tubal flushing, were enrolled and categorised according to their exposure to current genital C. trachomatis infection. These women were followed up for a period of 12 months, with the primary outcome measure being clinical pregnancy and live birth. Secondary outcome measures included pregnancy loss and procedural related adverse events.

Results

Exposure to current genital C. trachomatis infection reduced chance of clinical pregnancy (adjusted relative risk 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.18–0.96) and a live birth (adjusted relative risk 0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.14–0.95) after tubal flushing. Women with current C. trachomatis infection had an increased risk of adverse events (adjusted relative risk, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–1.34). However, current C. trachomatis infection did not affect the risk of spontaneous abortion and ectopic pregnancy.

Conclusion

Current genital C. trachomatis infection in women with tubal factor infertility, undergoing tubal flushing, lowers their chance of pregnancy and live birth.
Congenital perianal lipoma: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Goto Yudai , Takiguchi Kazuaki , Shimizu Hirofumi , Go Hayato , Tanaka Hideaki
Published: December 2019

Background

The surgical strategy for congenital perineal lipoma varies depending on the size, location, and accompanying congenital anomalies, with the optimum approach remaining to be determined. We herein report a case of congenital perianal lipoma that was first detected by prenatal ultrasound and review the literature.

Case presentation

A female neonate was referred to us for the evaluation of a perianal mass. She had been considered to be male prenatally because fetal ultrasound showed a perineal mass similar to a scrotum and penis. A postnatal examination revealed an appropriate-for-age neonate with a soft round mass 1.5 cm in diameter just to the left of the anal verge. She passed urine and stool smoothly, and contrast enema confirmed no anorectal malformation. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the lesion had a signal intensity consistent with fat located close to the anal sphincter, and no spinal anomaly (e.g., spina bifida) was identified. We excised the lesion (pathologically confirmed to be lipoma) simply at 2 months old, taking care to avoid damaging the anal sphincter by using a muscle stimulator. She has been doing well with good bowel movement and satisfactory cosmetic results for a follow-up period of one and a half years.

Our literature search revealed 49 cases of perineal lipoma reported in English in the last 25 years, and 74% of them—including ours—had other congenital anomalies, the breakdown of which was anorectal malformation in 40% of cases, labioscrotal fold or accessory scrotum in 28%, and urogenital malformation, congenital pulmonary airway malformation, and disorder of sex differentiation. The prenatal detection of the lesion, as in our case, was quite rare.

Conclusion

A thorough physical examination after birth, magnetic resonance imaging and contrast enema to identify the nature of the perineal lipoma and accompanying anomalies are crucial for planning the surgical strategy. The lesion may be deeply interspersed between the sphincter muscle, especially when it accompanies anorectal anomaly. A muscle stimulator is useful for preserving and repairing the sphincter muscles during resection in order to ensure satisfactory bowel movement.
Floating septum technique: easy and safe method maxillary sinus septa in sinus lifting procedure
Authors: Jung Junho , Hwang Bo-Yeon , Kim Byung-Soo , Lee Jung-Woo
Published: December 2019

Background

The presence of septa increases the risk of Schneiderian membrane perforation during sinus lift procedure, and therefore, the chance of graft failure increases. We present a safe method of managing septa and, in particular, overcoming small and palatally located septa.

Methods

After the elevation of the flap and the creation of a small bony window positioned anterior to the septum, the Schneiderian membrane is lifted carefully. A thin and narrow osteotome is then placed at the indentation created at the base of the septum, and mobilization of the septum is achieved by gentle malleting. The membrane is again carefully lifted up behind the septum.

Results

There was one small membrane perforation case in all 16 cases, and none of these patients showed postoperative complications such as implant failure, infection, or maxillary sinusitis.

Conclusions

This technique is useful for overcoming the problem of maxillary sinus septa hindering the sinus floor elevation procedure, leading to fewer complications.
Giant serpentine aneurysm of the internal cerebral artery and mandibular aneurysm: a case report
Authors: Deng Qiao , Feng Wen Feng
Published: December 2019

Background

Giant serpentine aneurysms (GSA) originate from saccular or spindle aneurysm, dissimilar from dissected aneurysm, that are defined as partially thrombosed giant aneurysms with tortuous internal vascular channel. The clinical and neuroradiologic characteristics are clarified and the mechanism of formation and the efficacy of double stent implantation in GSA are discussed.

Case presentation

An 18-year-old man presented himself with a GSA arising from the internal cerebral artery (ICA). In addition, a mandibular aneurysm (MA) arose from the external cerebral artery (ECA). Success was achieved in treating GSA through endovascular treatment with double stents implanted in the parent artery, which were LEO stent and Tubridge flow diverter. After 1 year of follow-up, three-dimensional reconstruction of blood vessels revealed the disappearance of the serpentine access of GSA, which was found to be replaced with a roughly normal vascular structure.

Conclusions

Double stent implantation has provided a feasible treatment option for giant serpentine internal carotid aneurysms and eliminated the possibility of causing collateral circulation occlusion. Therefore, it represents a simple and suitable treatment method for anatomical structure and operation.
What makes self-managing organizations novel? Comparing how Weberian bureaucracy, Mintzberg’s adhocracy, and self-organizing solve six fundamental problems of organizing
Authors: Martela Frank
Published: December 2019

The bureaucratic organizational structure has been recently challenged by a number of organizations that claim to offer employee emancipation and autonomy through self-management, self-organizing, or “holacracy.” To facilitate theorizing about such organizational-level self-management, I examine it as an ideal type of organizational form, comparing it to two more established organizational forms, Weberian bureaucracy and Mintzberg’s adhocracy. More particularly, building on the four universal problems every organization needs to solve—two of which I divide into two sub-problems—I utilize a framework of six fundamental problems of organizing—task division, task allocation, rewarding desired behavior, eliminating freeriding, providing direction, and ensuring coordination—to demonstrate how these three forms of organizing have found different solutions to them. The radically decentralized model of authority at the heart of self-managing organizations is shown to lead to solutions to these problems that are based on peer-based accountability and rewarding, transparency of key information, and bottom-up emergent processes where employees have the authority and responsibility to identify necessary tasks and ensure that they get done. It is concluded that the self-managing organization indeed is a novel form of organizing that can better explain certain real-life organizational outliers than the existing paradigms of organizing. It is argued to be especially viable in industries where interdependence between units is low, outputs are highly tailored, and employee expertise and motivation are high. Accordingly, research on such organizations can offer several new insights relevant to both the practice and theory of organization design.