bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Accuracy of the Disturbed Sleep Pattern in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Prado Biani Manzoli Juliana , Dibbern Lopes Correia Marisa , Lacerda Botelho Micnéias , da Silva Begnami Natanaellin Eydiane , Pereira da Costa Paula Cristina , Marocco Duran Erika Christiane
Published: July 2019

OBJECTIVE

To clinically validate the nursing diagnosis, disturbed sleep pattern (00198), in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

DATA COLLECTION

A clinical validation study using the patient history, Visual Analog Sleep scale, and diagnostic inference. Accuracy techniques were performed.

SYNTHESIS OF DATA

There were 75 patients: 76.00% were men, and 82.66% had a myocardial infarction. The defining characteristic, changes in sleep pattern, presented a sensitivity of 0.900 and specificity of 0.9714.

CONCLUSION

Changes in sleep pattern was a predictor of the nursing diagnosis.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Results will contribute to the identification of sleep disturbances, by nurses, emphasizing the importance of improving sleep during hospitalization.

OBJETIVO

Validar clinicamente o Diagnóstico de Enfermagem Padrão de Sono Prejudicado (00198) em pacientes com Síndrome Coronariana Aguda.

MÉTODOS

Estudo de validação clínica, utilizando Histórico de Enfermagem, Escalas Visuais Análogas do Sono e inferência diagnóstica. Realizada medidas de acurácia.

RESULTADOS

75 pacientes, 76,00% homens e 82,66% com Infarto do Miocárdio. A característica definidora Alteração do Padrão de Sono teve 0,900 de Sensibilidade e 0,9714 de Especificidade.

CONCLUSÕES

Alteração do padrão de sono foi preditora do diagnóstico de enfermagem.

IMPLICAÇÕES PARA A PRÁTICA

Contribuirá na identificação de distúrbios do sono, pelos enfermeiros, ressaltando a importância da melhoria do sono durante a internação.
Heterogeneity of treatment effect of stress ulcer prophylaxis in ICU patients: A secondary analysis protocol
Authors: Granholm Anders , Marker Søren , Krag Mette , Zampieri Fernando G. , Thorsen‐Meyer Hans‐Christian , Kaas‐Hansen Benjamin S. , van der Horst Iwan C. C. , Lange Theis , Wetterslev Jørn , Perner Anders , Møller Morten H.
Published: July 2019

Background

In the Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis in the Intensive Care Unit (SUP‐ICU) trial, 3291 adult ICU patients at risk for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding were randomly allocated to intravenous pantoprazole 40 mg or placebo once daily in the ICU. No difference was observed between the groups in the primary outcome 90‐day mortality or the secondary outcomes, except for clinically important gastrointestinal bleeding. However, heterogeneity of treatment effect (HTE) not detected by conventional subgroup analyses could be present.

Methods

This is a protocol and statistical analysis plan for a secondary, post hoc, exploratory analysis of the SUP‐ICU trial. We will explore HTE in one set of subgroups based on severity of illness (using the Simplified Acute Physiology Score [SAPS] II) and another set of subgroups based on the total number of risk factors for GI bleeding in each patient using Bayesian hierarchical models. We will summarise posterior probability distributions using medians and 95% credible intervals and present probabilities for different levels of benefit and harm of the intervention in each subgroup. Finally, we will assess if the treatment effect interacts with SAPS II and the number of risk factors separately on the continuous scale using marginal effects plots.

Conclusions

The outlined post hoc analysis will explore whether HTE was present in the SUP‐ICU trial and may help answer some of the remaining questions regarding the balance between benefits and harms of pantoprazole in ICU patients at risk of GI bleeding.

ClinicalTrials.gov registration

NCT02467621.
Dexmedetomidine vs propofol as sedation for implantation of neurostimulators: A single‐center single‐blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: ter Bruggen Feline F. J. A. , Ceuppens Charlotte , Leliveld Leo , Stronks Dirk L. , Huygen Frank J. P. M.
Published: July 2019

Background

During the lead implantation of most spinal cord neurostimulators, the patient has to be comfortable and without pain. However, the patient is expected to provide feedback during electrical mapping. Titrating sedatives and analgesics for this double goal can be challenging. In comparison with our standard sedative agent propofol, the pharmacological profile of dexmedetomidine is more conducive to produce arousable sedation. The latter, however, is associated with hemodynamic side effects. We investigated whether dexmedetomidine is preferable over propofol during neurostimulator implantation.

Methods

This single‐center single‐blinded randomized controlled trial included 72 patients with an indication for a neurostimulator, randomized to sedation with either propofol (0.5 mg/kg for 10 minutes, followed by 2.0 mg/kg/h) or dexmedetomidine (1 μg/kg for 10 minutes, followed by 0.6 μg/kg/h). The primary outcome was patient satisfaction with the sedation. The secondary outcomes were patient's and operator's comfort, number of titration adjustments, standard intraoperative hemodynamic and respiratory parameters and side effects.

Results

Data of 69 patients (dexmedetomidine n = 35; propofol n = 34) were analyzed. Those receiving dexmedetomidine were more satisfied with the sedation than those receiving propofol; i.e. with sedation delivery (median 100.0 vs 83.3, P < .01), procedural recall (median 95.8 vs 83.3, P = .03), and sedation side effects (median 90.0 vs 83.3, P = .01). Fewer changes in the dexmedetomidine titration were necessary to maintain arousable sedation. Over time, mean arterial pressure and heart rate were significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group. Hemodynamic side effects were comparable across groups.

Conclusions

Dexmedetomidine sedation resulted in higher patient satisfaction and allowed for better arousable sedation than sedation with propofol. Although differences in hemodynamic parameters were found between the groups, these differences were not regarded as clinically relevant.
Psychostimulant use and the brain
Authors: Lappin Julia M. , Sara Grant E.
Published: July 2019

Psychostimulant users are typically young adults. We have conducted a narrative review of neuropsychiatric harms associated with the psychostimulants methamphetamine/amphetamine, cocaine and 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), focusing on epidemiological factors, common clinical presentations, underlying causal mechanisms and treatment options. The major neuropsychiatric harms of psychostimulant use are stroke, neurocognitive impairment, Parkinson's disease, seizures and psychotic illness. These arise through a combination of acute monoamine release, longer‐term neurotransmitter effects and indirect effects. These effects are moderated by factors in the individual and in the pattern of substance use. Neuropsychiatric harms associated with psychostimulant use can thus lead to severe long‐term impairment.
Evaluation of methods for adjusting population stratification in genome‐wide association studies: Standard versus categorical principal component analysis
Authors: Turkmen Asuman S. , Yuan Yuan , Billor Nedret
Published: July 2019

Unaccounted population stratification can lead to false‐positive findings and can mask the true association signals in identification of disease‐related genetic variants. The computational simplicity of principal component analysis (PCA) makes it a widely used method for population stratification adjustment. However, given that genotype data are generally represented by numerical values 0, 1, and 2, corresponding to the number of minor alleles, it is more reasonable to consider genotype data as categorical data. Because PCA is inherently only suitable for continuous variables, it is not appropriate to directly apply PCA on genotype data. Second, although common variants have been extensively studied, little is known about the stratification of rare variants and its impact on association tests. Over the last decade, there has been a shift in the genome‐wide association studies toward studying low‐frequency (minor allele frequency [MAF] between 0.01 and 0.05) and rare (MAF less than 0.01) variants, which are now widely reputed as complex trait determinants. The fact that rare variants are not stratified in the same way as common variants necessitates the development of statistical methods that can capture stratification patterns for low‐frequency and rare variants. To address these limitations, we investigate performances of generalized PCA and similarity‐matrix‐based PCA methods to detect underlying structures for rare and common variants. We demonstrate, through simulated and real datasets, that a special case of generalized PCA (i.e., logistic PCA) is able to adjust for population stratification in rare variants much more effectively than standard PCA while their performances are comparable for common variants.
CHARMed PyMca, Part II: An evaluation of interlaboratory reproducibility for ED‐XRF analysis of copper alloys
Authors: Heginbotham A. , Bourgarit D. , Day J. , Dorscheid J. , Godla J. , Lee L. , Pappot A. , Robcis D.
Published: July 2019

CHARMed PyMca is a protocol for researchers using energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy (ED‐XRF) who wish to maximize interlaboratory reproducibility of quantitative results from copper alloys found in heritage materials. This paper reports the results of a study evaluating the interlaboratory reproducibility expected when following this protocol. Five institutions participated in this study, using nine tube‐based instruments of seven types. A set of 12 reference materials not used for calibration was analysed according to the protocol. The results show an improvement in reproducibility of between 65% and 83%, depending on the element, in comparison with a similar study carried out in 2010. The protocol allowed the consistent reporting of concentrations for 15 elements, in contrast to only eight elements that were reported in the 2010 study. Finally, the protocol was shown to generate accurate quantitative results with a well‐characterized precision. It is hoped the information presented here can help researchers studying heritage copper alloys to collaborate more effectively and with greater confidence in the reproducibility of their results. It should also aid researchers to make realistic and informed decisions about whether or not the degree of reproducibility that they may expect from ED‐XRF makes the protocol suitable for their specific purposes.
The 9/11 Events: A Precursor to the Arab Spring
Authors: Dekhakhena Abdelkrim
Published: July 2019

Despite the fact that the Arab revolutions that swept important Arab countries by the beginning of 2011 from North Africa to the Middle East were the result of precarious economic and social conditions, still the causes and roots of these uprisings at that very moment indicate some inherent potential drives that are the result of years of simmering. The United States had long supported the expansion of democracy in the world, but the Arab world had always been seen as an exception. The September 11 events destroyed that approach to the Middle East. Accordingly, all attempts to explain the uprisings have been overwhelmed and distorted by the concurrent conditions of the Arab world in relation to its social, political, and cultural deficit. However, the underpinnings of the Arab revolutions can be traced to a distrust of people in their governments and a deep understanding of the new world order triggered by the 9/11 events and the invasion of Iraq. This article traces the impact of the 9/11 events on the Arab mindset ever since the Iraq war and how it resulted in the turmoil of the Arab revolutions.
Family Relationships and Family Justice in Europe: Changes and Challenges
Authors: Marjoribanks David , Walker Janet
Published: July 2019

The huge diversity in family life and living arrangements across the globe has far‐reaching implications for the ways in which families are supported and family justice is administered. Given the serious concerns about the number of relationships that break down and the potentially detrimental impacts on children and their parents, it is essential to understand the triggers threatening the stability of couple relationships, including the financial stresses caused by the recent global recession and accompanying fiscal austerity. Since family relationships are central to the psychological, emotional, social, and economic well‐being of adults and children everywhere, policy makers and practitioners should collaborate across international boundaries to develop interventions that promote family well‐being, secure the best interests of children, and ensure the conditions and systems in which families can thrive.
APEX2‐mediated proximity labeling resolves protein networks in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells
Authors: Singer‐Krüger Birgit , Fröhlich Theresa , Franz‐Wachtel Mirita , Nalpas Nicolas , Macek Boris , Jansen Ralf‐Peter
Published: July 2019

Enzyme‐catalyzed proximity labeling (PL) with the engineered ascorbate peroxidase APEX2 is a novel approach to map organelle compartmentalization and protein networks in living cells. Current procedures developed for mammalian cells do not allow delivery of the cosubstrate, biotin‐phenol, into living yeast cells. Here, we present a new method based on semipermeabilized yeast cells. Combined with stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC), we demonstrate proteomic mapping of a membrane‐enclosed and a semiopen compartment, the mitochondrial matrix and the nucleus. APEX2 PL revealed nuclear proteins that were previously not identified by conventional techniques. One of these, the Yer156C protein, is highly conserved but of unknown function. Its human ortholog, melanocyte proliferating gene 1, is linked to developmental processes and dermatological diseases. A first characterization of the Yer156C neighborhood reveals an array of proteins linked to proteostasis and RNA binding. Thus, our approach establishes APEX2 PL as another powerful tool that complements the methods palette for the model system yeast.
Subsurface crack formation and propagation of fretting fatigue in Ni‐based single‐crystal superalloys
Authors: Han Qi‐Nan , Rui Shao‐Shi , Qiu Wenhui , Su Yue , Ma Xianfeng , He Zhiwu , Cui Haitao , Zhang Hongjian , Shi Hui‐Ji
Published: July 2019

The fretting fatigue crack formation and propagation behaviors of Ni‐based single‐crystal (NBSX) superalloys are investigated in this paper. Subsurface crack formation process is revealed by in situ fretting fatigue experiment. The crack is observed to form on subsurface area, then propagates to the contact surface. Inclusions in materials are found to have obvious effects on crack propagation, and slip lines are closely related to the crack propagation direction. Crystal plastic finite element method (CPFEM) simulation is used to simulate crack formation position. The accumulative plastic strain peaks at the edge of contact zone and the subsurface area. The results show that the CPFEM simulation and in situ observation achieve good agreements.
Fatigue of additively manufactured 316L stainless steel: The influence of porosity and surface roughness
Authors: Solberg Klas , Guan Shuai , Razavi Nima , Welo Torgeir , Chan Kang Cheung , Berto Filippo
Published: July 2019

The fatigue behaviour of additively manufactured (AM) 316L stainless steel is investigated with the main emphasis on internal porosity and surface roughness. A transition between two cases of failure are found: failure from defects in the surface region and failure from the internal defects. At low applied load level (and consequently a high number of cycles to failure), fatigue is initiating from defects in the surface region, while for high load levels, fatigue is initiating from internal defects. Porosities captured by X‐ray computed tomography (XCT) are compared with the defects initiating fatigue cracks, obtained from fractography. The fatigue data are synthesised using stress intensity factor (SIF) of the internal and surface defects on the fracture surface.
Stronger effects of litter origin on the processing of conifer than broadleaf leaves: A test of home‐field advantage of stream litter breakdown
Authors: Yeung Alex C. Y. , Kreutzweiser David P. , Richardson John S.
Published: July 2019

Ecological shifts that enhance the efficiency of resource acquisition by consumers can affect the fate of resource subsidies in recipient ecosystems. To date, findings have been mixed about whether plant litter breakdown by stream decomposers is faster in locations where the litter originates from (i.e. home region) compared with other locations (away region). This phenomenon, known as home‐field advantage (HFA), may be influenced by litter quality and particularly decomposer groups (shredders versus microbes), rather than being an inherent consequence of the breakdown of locally native litter.

We studied the effects of HFA on litter breakdown and litter‐associated communities in streams within mid‐ to late‐successional forests. Two pairs of riparian broadleaf and one pair of conifer litter species with contrasting chemical quality were reciprocally incubated across two temperate regions (˜3,000 km apart). Species in each pair are congeneric and allopatric. The HFA was assessed using within‐pair litter comparisons in home and away regions. Coarse‐ and fine‐mesh litterbags were used to separate the contributions to litter breakdown by microbial decomposition and shredder feeding.

Conifer litter species used in this study were more recalcitrant than broadleaf litter species. Consequently, there was a significant positive HFA for the microbial decomposition of conifer litter. In contrast, there was no HFA for either microbial or shredder‐mediated breakdown of broadleaf litter, which might have been overridden by catchment‐scale differences in biophysical variables affecting breakdown. The effects of HFA on shredder colonisation and feeding on broadleaf litter were more variable among streams. Numerically abundant shredder taxa tended to have higher rates of colonisation and consumption on higher‐quality litter than on low‐quality litter, irrespective of litter origin.

Our results suggest that prior (evolutionary and/or contemporary) litter exposure could strongly influence the litter‐processing capacity of microbial decomposers, but not shredders, at the community level. In particular, microbial decomposers specialised in degrading conifer litter probably had lower resource‐use plasticity than those processing broadleaf litter. Inter‐stream differences in riparian vegetation and habitat conditions could influence the HFA through altering the litter exposure history of decomposer communities. Our findings highlight the importance of prior litter–microbe interactions in determining the rates of microbial decomposition of native and exotic litter species.
Evaluation of kidney function in HIV‐infected patients receiving an antiretroviral regimen containing one or two inhibitors of the tubular secretion of creatinine
Authors: Casado JL , Monsalvo M , Vizcarra P , Fontecha M , Serrano‐Villar S , Moreno S
Published: July 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the evolution of renal function in patients receiving one or two inhibitors, according to different baseline factors. Some antiretroviral drugs such as rilpivirine (RPV), dolutegravir (DTG), or cobicistat (COBI), interact with the tubular secretion of creatinine, but there are no data about their impact in renal function evaluation in patients with renal disease or when these drugs are used concomitantly.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was carried out in HIV‐infected patients who switched to a dual regimen including DTG, RPV or darunavir/COBI, separately or in combination. The primary endpoint was the evolution of the serum creatinine‐based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR‐scr). A control group not receiving any transporter inhibitor was included.

Results

A total of 288 patients on different dual regimens were included (DTG + RPV, 92; DTG + darunavir/COBI, 23; DTG, 26; COBI, 19; control group, 128). In patients receiving two transporter inhibitors, eGFR‐scr decreased by a mean of −8.4 mL/min/1.73 m2, similar to that observed with the separate use of DTG or COBI (mean of both groups, −8.6 mL/min/1.73 m2), while eGFR‐scr improved in the control group. Similar evolution of proteinuria and tubular dysfunction was observed in all the groups, and there were no significant changes in the cystatin C‐based eGFR. Mean eGFR‐scr change inversely correlated with baseline eGFR‐scr value (r = −0.39; P < 0.01), with a lower eGFR‐scr decrease in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Conclusions

Similar eGFR‐scr decreases were observed in patients using different antiretroviral drugs inhibiting the tubular transport of creatinine, separately or in combination, with no alterations in proteinuria or cystatin C‐based eGFR. The lack of additional changes when the drugs were used in combination, and the lower impact in cases of previous chronic kidney disease, suggest that there are compensatory mechanisms for creatinine secretion.
Variation in content of tyramine, histamine, 2‐phenylethylamine, tryptamine and their precursor amino acids in a Chardonnay wine by using different commercial active dry yeasts and nitrogen sources
Authors: Bordiga Matteo , Guzzon Raffaele , Larcher Roberto , Travaglia Fabiano , Arlorio Marco , Coïsson Jean Daniel
Published: July 2019

Wine is a fermented beverage that could be affected by high concentrations of biogenic amines, thus altering organoleptic and health properties. In this work, the capacity of different selected yeast strains regarding to affect the content of tyramine, histamine, 2‐phenylethylamine, tryptamine and their precursor amino acids (pAA) during fermentation has been described. Overall, biogenic amines (BAs) and pAA contents appeared significantly related both to the strain and to the nutrient supplementation applied. Among BAs, without and (with) nitrogen source addition, the concentrations covered a range between 0.1 and 9.5 (0.1–10.3) mg L−1 for tyramine; 0.1 and 4.4 (0.1–4.6) mg L−1 for histamine; 0.4 and 1.1 (0.4–1.4) mg L−1 for 2‐phenylethylamine; and 0.02 and 0.14 (0.01–0.12) mg L−1 for tryptamine, respectively. Considering that also wine yeast species are responsible for BAs formation, the evidence from fermentation trials underlined the relevance of a careful choice of ADY strains and nitrogen sources in the management of alcoholic fermentation in wine.
Poor survival of dialysis patients with unhealed wounds because of critical limb ischemia: Limb salvage and survival requires wound healing
Authors: Yoshikawa Hisao , Kujime Shingo , Iwasaki Masaki , Yoshikawa Masao
Published: July 2019

Maintenance of blood flow in the wound area is required to heal wounds of critical limb ischemia (CLI) in dialysis patients. However, many dialysis patients have both a stenotic lesion in below‐knee blood vessels and a cardiovascular event as complications, and thus, it may be difficult to ensure sufficient blood flow. Therefore, many deaths occur because of problems with wound healing. The aim of this study is to identify the optimal treatment, including revascularisation and amputation, from the perspective of wound healing by analysing the survival of hemodialysis patients with CLI who had healed or unhealed wounds in a lower extremity. The subjects were 52 patients who received maintenance dialysis at our clinic, including 27 with healed CLI wounds and 25 with unhealed CLI wounds. The Kaplan‐Meier method was used to compare survival between the two groups. Multivariate analysis was conducted to examine the effect of an unhealed wound on mortality. The mean follow‐up period was 1.7 ± 1.1 years. In the unhealed wound group, the 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year survival rates were 48%, 20%, and 12%, respectively. The overall survival rate was significantly lower in the unhealed wound group compared with the healed wound group (12% vs 63%, P = .0002 by log‐rank test). In multivariate analysis, unhealed CLI wounds had a significant independent association with mortality (hazard ratio 3.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.41‐8.77, P = .0054). In this study, the 3‐year survival rate suggested a significantly poorer prognosis of hemodialysis patients with unhealed CLI wounds compared with those with healed wounds. An unhealed wound is an independent risk factor for mortality in hemodialysis patients with CLI.
Does maternal postpartum depression affect children's developmental outcomes?
Authors: Aoyagi Sona‐Sanae , Tsuchiya Kenji J.
Published: July 2019

Aim

The etiology of maternal postpartum depression (PPD) remains inconclusive, and there is no consensus concerning whether maternal PPD affects children's developmental outcomes. Consequently, in this literature review, we examined whether maternal PPD affects children's physical, neuromotor, language and general cognitive development.

Methods

We conducted an electronic search using PubMed to select case–control and cohort studies that addressed maternal depression, depressive episodes or depressive symptoms among postpartum (within 6 months) women. We omitted studies that focused on a specific population (e.g. preterm infants).

Results

The methodological problems of prior studies indicate that their findings must be interpreted with caution. Insufficient and or inconsistent evidence has supported associations between maternal PPD and children's developmental trajectories. Nevertheless, some key studies have revealed findings that require further analysis, including the associations between maternal PPD and children's stunted growth/being underweight in developed countries, the slight delay in children's fine motor development, and in children's language development.

Conclusion

Although several studies have investigated the longstanding effects of maternal PPD on children's physical and neurodevelopment, no conclusive evidence has elucidated a relationship between maternal PPD and all four domains of child development – physical, neuromotor, language and general cognitive ability. Therefore, large‐scale, longitudinal studies with a long‐term follow‐up period – extending to school age and beyond – are needed. Moreover, confounding factors should be carefully considered. Specifically, household income, parental education, breastfeeding, bonding/attachment and paternal mental health may be associated with maternal mental health and children's neurodevelopment.
All‐trans retinoic acid induces anti‐tumor effects via STAT3 signaling inhibition in oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral dysplasia
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Jie , He Ming‐Jing , Zhou Gang
Published: July 2019

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which may arise from oral dysplasia, is one of the most prevalent cancers around the world. In recent years, all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has shown great potential in cancer treatment. However, the molecular mechanism for the anti‐tumor effects of ATRA remains unclear.

Materials and methods

After treated with ATRA, inhibition of cell proliferation of OSCC and oral dysplasia cell lines, CAL27 and DOK, respectively, was analyzed by a Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK8) assay. The cell cycle arrest, cell apoptosis induction, and PD‐L1 expression level were measured by flow cytometry. A small molecular inhibitor was utilized to block STAT3 pathway, and the related proteins expression was measured by Western Blot.

Results

The present study demonstrated that ATRA inhibited cell proliferation at 5‐75 μmol/L, arrested cell cycle at S and G2‐phase, induced apoptosis effect in OSCC, and oral dysplasia cell line, CAL27 and DOK, respectively. ATRA led to inhibition of p‐STAT3, p‐JAK2, increased the level of p‐ERK, and significantly decreased the PD‐L1 expression. Moreover, targeting STAT3 signaling increased (P < .001) the level of cleaved caspase‐3 and effectively (P < .001) decreased the expression of cyclin A2 and PD‐L1. The effect of ATRA on cell growth inhibition, apoptosis induction, and PD‐L1 expression decrease was significantly (P < .05) enhanced after the STAT3 signaling blockade.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that ATRA‐induced anti‐tumor effects and downregulated PD‐L1 expression via STAT3 signaling inhibition in both OSCC and oral dysplasia.
Biological response to peri‐implantitis treatment
Authors: Bhavsar Ishita , Miller Craig S. , Ebersole Jeffrey L. , Dawson Dolphus R. , Thompson Katherine L. , Al‐Sabbagh Mohanad
Published: July 2019

Objective

To investigate biological markers of peri‐implantitis (PIP) in crevicular fluid before and after surgical and antimicrobial therapy.

Material and Methods

Forty‐eight participants (24 healthy implants and 24 PIP) were clinically evaluated, and peri‐implant crevicular fluid (PICF) samples were collected at baseline for both groups, and at 3‐months after surgical and antimicrobial treatment (ie, n = 21 PIP completers). Samples were analyzed for interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8), and macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α (MIP‐1α) using immunoassay and the results compared between groups.

Results

Peri‐implantitis sites at baseline demonstrated significantly higher mean periodontal probing depths, percentage bleeding on probing (P ≤ 0.001), and mean IL‐1β concentration in PICF compared to healthy implant sites (17.9 vs 1.7 pg/μL; P = 0.02). Three months after treatment, periodontal probing depths, bleeding on probing, suppuration (P < 0.05), and the mean concentration of MMP‐8 decreased significantly compared with baseline (12.1 vs 6.7 ng/μL, P = 0.04). MIP‐1α concentrations showed no differences between the groups.

Conclusion

Elevated concentrations of IL‐1β in PICF were consistent with PIP. A decrease in MMP‐8 concentration in PICF at three months after treatment is consistent with a healing biological response.
Comparison of methods for measuring shear force and sarcomere length and their relationship with sensorial tenderness of longissimus muscle in beef
Authors: Battaglia Christian , Vilella Gustavo F. , Bernardo Ana P. S. , Gomes Carolina L. , Biase Adriele G. , Albertini Tiago Z. , Pflanzer Sergio B.
Published: July 2019

Slice shear force (SSF) and laser diffraction, considered faster methodologies, for measuring beef instrumental tenderness and sarcomere length, were compared with reference methodologies Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and phase contrast microscopy. Striploin samples (n = 74) were analyzed for pH, sarcomere length, instrumental tenderness, myofibrillar fragmentation index, and sensorial tenderness. Pearson's correlation measured the association of meat evaluation methods with residual analysis of the multivariate analysis of variance model. The n‐dimensional profile to evaluated methods was presented by biplot to identify the behavior of the correlation between the methods (variables). There was moderate correlation between SSF and WBSF (r = .63; p < .01) and both presented moderate correlation with sensorial tenderness (r = − .62 and −.55, to SSF and WBSF, respectively; p < .01). However, WBSF was more efficient to classify samples as tender (68%) than SSF (47%), comparing with sensorial tenderness (80%). There was a moderate correlation for laser and microscopy for sarcomere length (r = .57; p < .01). Sarcomeres were shorter when measured by laser than microscopy. Either with low correlation coefficients, sarcomere measured by laser (r = .29; p < .05) presented higher correlation with sensorial tenderness than with microscopy (r = .22; p < .10). Results highlighted that SSF was faster and easier to run, while WBSF was more appropriate to classify samples by sensorial tenderness grades. Laser diffraction is more suitable to explain effects on tenderness; however, microscopy revealed results of sarcomere length that were more realistic, once laser can underestimate sarcomeres.
Minimal increases of serum alpha‐foetoprotein herald HCC detection in Caucasian HBV cirrhotic patients under long‐term oral therapy
Authors: Loglio Alessandro , Iavarone Massimo , Viganò Mauro , Orenti Annalisa , Facchetti Floriana , Cortinovis Ivan , Lunghi Giovanna , Ceriotti Ferruccio , Occhipinti Vincenzo , Rumi Mariagrazia , Sangiovanni Angelo , Colombo Massimo , Lampertico Pietro
Published: July 2019

Background & Aims

In Caucasian patients with compensated cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developing persist despite long‐term nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUC) treatment. In the surveillance of this population with persistently normal transaminases because of NUCs, the added value of serum alpha‐foetoprotein (AFP) monitoring is poorly defined.

Methods

Two hundred and fifty‐eight Caucasian HCC‐free patients with HBV‐compensated cirrhosis who started tenofovir or entecavir while having normal serum AFP levels (≤7 ng/mL) at baseline or within the first year of treatment underwent HCC surveillance by semiannual ultrasound evaluation and serum AFP determination.

Results

During 96 (18‐120) months of antiviral therapy, 3947 AFP values were collected, median AFP level was 2 ng/mL. Thirty‐five patients developed an HCC at an overall 8‐year crude cumulative incidence of 14% (annual incidence of 2%). HCC incidence increased in parallel with increasing AFP thresholds: 24%, 36%, 64% and 92% for AFP levels after exceeding 2, 4, 6 and 7 ng/mL for the first‐time. Of the 12 patients who experienced an AFP rise > 7 ng/mL, 11 developed an HCC and one had liver metastases of lung cancer. Overall, an AFP > 7 ng/mL had 99.6% specificity, 31.4% sensitivity, 91.7% PPV, 90.2% NPV, LR+ 70.1 and LR− 0.69 for HCC; this excellent specificity was maintained up to 18 months before HCC detection.

Conclusions

In Caucasian patients with HBV‐compensated cirrhosis on long‐term NUC, an increase in AFP over 7 ng/mL shows excellent specificity, heralding HCC development within 1 year.
Validating the environmental Kuznets curve in India:ARDLbounds testing framework
Authors: Alam Riyaz , Adil Masudul Hasan
Published: July 2019

This study empirically examines the cointegrating relationship among variables,viz. carbon emission, economic growth, square of economic growth, primary energy supply, financial development and trade openness in India, with a view to validate the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. The results based onARDLbounds testing approach to cointegration find no credence toEKChypothesis, for the period 1971–2016. This indicates that the relationships between carbon emission and economic growth are not significant, and therefore, theEKChypothesis does not hold in the case of India. Furthermore, the study establishes a significant positive relationship between energy supply and carbon emission. A proportionate increase in energy supply causes more than proportionate increase in carbon emission. In order to cope up with the positive impact of energy on carbon emission, the study suggests that the country needs to expedite the process of enhancing the capacity of renewable and clean energy generation.
Immune system defects in DiGeorge syndrome and association with clinical course
Authors: Nain Ercan , Kiykim Ayca , Ogulur Ismail , Kasap Nurhan , Karakoc‐Aydiner Elif , Ozen Ahmet , Baris Safa
Published: July 2019

We evaluated 18 DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) patients and aimed to investigate the immunological changes in this population. DGS patients with low naive CD4+T and CD8+T cells were defined as high‐risk (HR) patients, whereas patients with normal numbers of naive CD4+ and CD8+T cells were defined as standard risk (SR) patients. Level of serum IgM, CD3+ T cell counts and percentages of class‐switched memory B cells were significantly low in HR group compared to SR ones. Severe infections and persistent hypoparathyroidism were detected significantly higher in HR group. Patients with reduced percentages of class‐switched B cells had earlier onset of infection, lower blood IgM, lower CD4+ and CD8+T counts than patients with normal class‐switched memory B cells. Decreased levels of IgM were associated with low numbers of naive CD4+ and recent thymic emigrants T cells. Monitoring the immune changes of patients with DGS would be useful to predict the severe phenotype of disease.
Soluble HLA‐G levels in seminal plasma are associated with HLA‐G 3′UTR genotypes and haplotypes
Authors: Craenmehr Moniek H. C. , Haasnoot Geert W. , Drabbels Jos J. M. , Spruyt‐Gerritse Marijke J. , Cao Milo , van der Keur Carin , Kapsenberg Johanna M. , Uyar‐Mercankaya Merve , van Beelen Els , Meuleman Tess , van der Hoorn Marie‐Louise P. , Heidt Sebastiaan , Claas Frans H. J. , Eikmans Michael
Published: July 2019

Soluble HLA‐G (sHLA‐G) levels in human seminal plasma (SP) can be diverse and may affect the establishment of maternal‐fetal tolerance and thereby the outcome of pregnancy. We investigated whether sHLA‐G levels in SP are associated with polymorphisms in the 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) and UTR haplotypes of the HLA‐G gene. Furthermore, we compared the HLA‐G genotype distribution and sHLA‐G levels between men, whose partner experienced unexplained recurrent miscarriage (RM), and controls. Soluble HLA‐G levels (n = 156) and HLA‐G genotyping (n = 176) were determined in SP samples. The concentration of sHLA‐G was significantly associated with several single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): the 14 base pair (bp) insertion/deletion (indel), +3010, +3142, +3187, +3196, and + 3509. High levels of sHLA‐G were associated with UTR‐1 and low levels with UTR‐2, UTR‐4, and UTR‐7 (P < .0001). HLA‐G genotype distribution and sHLA‐G levels in SP were not significantly different between the RM group (n = 44) and controls (n = 31). In conclusion, seminal sHLA‐G levels are associated with both singular SNPs and 3UTR haplotypes. HLA‐G genotype and sHLA‐G levels in SP are not different between men whose partner experienced RM and controls, indicating that miscarriages are not solely the result of low sHLA‐G levels in SP. Instead, it is more likely that these miscarriages are the result of a multifactorial immunologic mechanism, whereby the HLA‐G 3′UTR 14 bp ins/ins genotype plays a role in a proportion of the cases. Future studies should look into the functions of sHLA‐G in SP and the consequences of low or high levels on the chance to conceive.
Introgression lines of Solanum sitiens, a wild nightshade of the Atacama Desert, in the genome of cultivated tomato
Authors: Chetelat Roger T. , Qin Xiaoqiong , Tan Meilian , Burkart‐Waco Diana , Moritama Yosuke , Huo Xiuwen , Wills Tim , Pertuzé Ricardo
Published: July 2019

The wild tomato relative Solanum sitiens is a xerophyte endemic to the Atacama Desert of Chile and a potential source of genes for tolerance to drought, salinity and low‐temperature stresses. However, until recently, strong breeding barriers prevented its hybridization and introgression with cultivated tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L. We overcame these barriers using embryo rescue, bridging lines and allopolyploid hybrids, and synthesized a library of introgression lines (ILs) that captures the genome of S. sitiens in the background of cultivated tomato. The IL library consists of 56 overlapping introgressions that together represent about 93% of the S. sitiens genome: 65% in homozygous and 28% in heterozygous (segregating) ILs. The breakpoints of each segment and the gaps in genome coverage were mapped by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping using the SolCAP SNP array. Marker‐assisted selection was used to backcross selected introgressions into tomato, to recover a uniform genetic background, to isolate recombinant sub‐lines with shorter introgressions and to select homozygous genotypes. Each IL contains a single S. sitiens chromosome segment, defined by markers, in the genetic background of cv. NC 84173, a fresh market inbred line. Large differences were observed between the lines for both qualitative and quantitative morphological traits, suggesting that the ILs contain highly divergent allelic variation. Several loci contributing to unilateral incompatibility or hybrid necrosis were mapped with the lines. This IL population will facilitate studies of the S. sitiens genome and expands the range of genetic variation available for tomato breeding and research.
Smart Shoes With Adaptive Sampling for Outpatient Daily Health Monitoring
Authors: Vuong Julie , Qiao Zhi , Zhang Wenlong
Published: July 2019

This paper proposes an adaptive sampling algorithm for a pair of smart shoes for patients to use as a daily health monitoring device. The main hardware of the smart shoes features four pneumatic pressure sensors that measure ground contact forces (GCFs) and a global positioning system (GPS) to track the location of the user. The sampling rate of the pressure sensors and the GPS are changed based on the activity, either walking or sitting, detected from the user’s GCFs. An outdoor test was conducted to validate the adaptive sampling algorithm. The result was a 95% reduction in data size compared to sampling with the highest settings from all components. Collected GPS information from a subject’s morning activities was displayed onto a map to demonstrate how it could be used as contextual data for daily monitoring.
A Validation Study of an Innovative Medical Program to Reconstruct and Compute the Thoracic Volume
Authors: Lee Po-Chih , Erdman Arthur G. , Ledonio Charles , Polly David
Published: July 2019

In this study, we focus on validating the accuracy of the previously developed software, which reconstructs thoracic rib cage and thoracic volume in 3D. This software is applied in spine deformity patients to help doctors monitor and follow spine curvature and the thoracic volume variation. Five users were recruited to perform usability testing for the developed software. The usability testing shows that the performance of the thoracic volume reconstruction via our software meets the criterion set by the American Thoracic Society, which recommends an acceptable error of ±3% for the respiratory measurement. In addition, the user operation results were analyzed through a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), without replication, statistical method. The outcome indicates the reconstruction accuracy of the software is satisfactory. In the reproducibility study, the result shows that the performance of the developed software is superior to previous literature and the reconstruction is clinically relevant.
Wearable Non-Invasive Neuromodulation Device for the Symptomatic Treatment of the Voice Disorder Spasmodic Dysphonia
Authors: Mahnan Arash , Konczak Jürgen , Faraji Sayed Abdolrasoul
Published: July 2019

Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) is a voice disorder that leads to strained or choked speech. SD is unresponsive to speech therapy. There is no cure for SD. Preliminary work from our group showed that voice quality in SD improves when vibro-tactile stimulation (VTS) is applied over the larynx as a non-invasive form of neuromodulation. The goal of this paper is to describe the design and development of a non-invasive wearable device, which applies VTS to laryngeal muscles with the aim to improve voice quality of individuals with SD. This paper provides preliminary data about the effectiveness of this wearable device for treating the voice symptoms associated with SD.
Design, Characterization, and Evaluation of a Dynamic Soft Robotic Prosthetic Socket Interface
Authors: Holmes Breanna , Zhang Wenlong
Published: July 2019

Prosthetic sockets are static interfaces for dynamic residual limbs. As the user’s activity level increases, the volume of the residual limb can decrease by up to 11% and increase by as much as 7% after activity. Currently, volume fluctuation is addressed by adding/removing prosthetic socks to change the profile of the residual limb. However, this is impractical and time consuming. These painful/functional issues demand a prosthetic socket with an adjustable interface that can adapt to the user’s needs. This paper presents a prototype design for a dynamic soft robotic interface which addresses this need. The actuators are adjustable depending on the user’s activity level, and their structure provides targeted compression to the soft tissue which helps to limit movement of the bone relative to the socket. Testing of the prototype demonstrated promising potential for the design with further refinement. Work on embedded sensing and intelligent feedback control should be continued in future research in order to create a viable consumer product which can improve a lower limb amputee’s quality of life.
A Surface Curvature Technique for Analysing Scapular Dyskinesis
Authors: Verster Jaco , Sivarasu Sudesh , Mutsvangwa Tinashe , Gray Janine
Published: July 2019

Scapular dyskinesis is a common occurrence in overhead athletes, i.e. athletes who participate in any sport where the upper arm and shoulder is used above the athlete’s head. However, no consensus has been reached on how to evaluate scapular dyskinesis quantitatively. This article describes the development of a measurement technique that can be used to evaluate certain key clinical parameters specific to scapular dyskinesis. The technique employs a 3D structured light computer vision approach to create a surface map of the soft-tissue across the scapula. This surface map is then analyzed using a surface curvature analysis to identify the key clinical parameters associated with scapular dyskinesis. The main advantage of this method is that it provides a marker-less 3D approach. This may aid with diagnosis and monitoring of scapular dyskinesis by allowing measurement data to be collected both before and after treatment and rehabilitation. We expect that this technique will make the monitoring of treatment effectiveness easier while contributing to diagnostic computer vision.
Endoscopic End-Effector for Foreign Body Retrieval Using Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Harris Evan , Buksa Justin , Schuster Allan , Kowalewski Tim , Abel Julianna
Published: July 2019

Foreign body retrieval is potentially needed when a patient ingests foreign objects; while many of these will pass naturally, intervention may be required. The retrieval process can be done endoscopically or surgically. This paper covers the novel use of shape memory alloy to assist in endoscopic foreign body removal. Six closure methods were constructed and tested for percentage contraction. These ranged from linear actuation and memorized simple shapes to shape-set springs. Of these closure methods, a spring based architecture yielded the greatest percentage contraction but tangled during the contraction process. The design presented in this paper will enable faster and less invasive gastroenterological foreign body retrieval from the stomach.
Nine new eriophyoid mite species from the genus Diptilomiopus (Acari: Diptilomiopidae)
Authors: Liu Qing , Yuan Yan-Mei , Xue Xiao-Feng
Published: July 2019

Nine new eriophyoid mite species of the genus Diptilomiopus (Acari: Diptilomiopidae) from China and Malaysia are described and illustrated. They are D. broussonetus sp. nov. on Broussonetia sp. (Moraceae), D. callicarpus sp. nov. on Callicarpa bodinieri (Lamiaceae), D. fortunus sp. nov. on Alniphyllum fortunei (Styracaceae), D. keningaus sp. nov. on Stephania sp. (Menispermaceae), D. milletus sp. nov. on Adinandra milletii (Pentaphylacaceae), D. nobilus sp. nov. on Sterculia nobilis (Malvaceae), D. octandrus sp. nov. on Aporosa octandra (Phyllanthaceae), D. rotundus sp. nov. on Ilex rotunda (Aquifoliaceae), and D. sabahus sp. nov. on Morus sp. (Moraceae). All new species are vagrant on lower leaf surface. No damage to the host was observed.