bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What are the physical and psychological health effects of suicide bereavement on family members? An observational and interview mixed-methods study in Ireland
Authors: Spillane Ailbhe , Matvienko-Sikar Karen , Larkin Celine , Corcoran Paul , Arensman Ella
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Research focussing on the impact of suicide bereavement on family members’ physical and psychological health is scarce. The aim of this study was to examine how family members have been physically and psychologically affected following suicide bereavement. A secondary objective of the study was to describe the needs of family members bereaved by suicide.

Design

A mixed-methods study was conducted, using qualitative semistructured interviews and additional quantitative self-report measures of depression, anxiety and stress (DASS-21).

Setting

Consecutive suicide cases and next-of-kin were identified by examining coroner’s records in Cork City and County, Ireland from October 2014 to May 2016.

Participants

Eighteen family members bereaved by suicide took part in a qualitative interview. They were recruited from the Suicide Support and Information System: A Case-Control Study (SSIS-ACE), where family members bereaved by suicide (n=33) completed structured measures of their well-being.

Results

Qualitative findings indicated three superordinate themes in relation to experiences following suicide bereavement: (1) co-occurrence of grief and health reactions; (2) disparity in supports after suicide and (3) reconstructing life after deceased’s suicide. Initial feelings of guilt, blame, shame and anger often manifested in enduring physical, psychological and psychosomatic difficulties. Support needs were diverse and were often related to the availability or absence of informal support by family or friends. Quantitative results indicated that the proportion of respondents above the DASS-21 cut-offs respectively were 24% for depression, 18% for anxiety and 27% for stress.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals’ awareness of the adverse physical and psychosomatic health difficulties experienced by family members bereaved by suicide is essential. Proactively facilitating support for this group could help to reduce the negative health sequelae. The effects of suicide bereavement are wide-ranging, including high levels of stress, depression, anxiety and physical health difficulties.
Now you see me: a pragmatic cohort study comparing first and final radiological diagnoses in the emergency department
Authors: Mattsson Björn , Ertman David , Exadaktylos Aristomenis Konstantinos , Martinolli Luca , Hautz Wolf E
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To (1) compare timely but preliminary and definitive but delayed radiological reports in a large urban level 1 trauma centre, (2) assess the clinical significance of their differences and (3) identify clinical predictors of such differences.

Design, setting and participants

We performed a retrospective record review for all 2914 patients who presented to our university affiliated emergency department (ED) during a 6-week period. In those that underwent radiological imaging, we compared the patients’ discharge letter from the ED to the definitive radiological report. All identified discrepancies were assessed regarding their clinical significance by trained raters, independent and in duplicate. A binary logistic regression was performed to calculate the likelihood of discrepancies based on readily available clinical data.

Results

1522 patients had radiographic examinations performed. Rater agreement on the clinical significance of identified discrepancies was substantial (kappa=0.86). We found an overall discrepancy rate of 20.35% of which about one-third (7.48% overall) are clinically relevant. A logistic regression identified patients’ age, the imaging modality and the anatomic region under investigation to be predictive of future discrepancies.

Conclusions

Discrepancies between radiological diagnoses in the ED are frequent and readily available clinical factors predict their likelihood. Emergency physicians should reconsider their discharge diagnosis especially in older patients undergoing CT scans of more than one anatomic region.
Women’s reproductive factors and incident cardiovascular disease in the UK Biobank
Authors: Peters Sanne AE , Woodward Mark
Published: January 2018

Background

Studies have suggested that women’s reproductive factors are associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, findings are mixed. We assessed the relationship between reproductive factors and incident CVD in the UK Biobank.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2010, the UK Biobank recruited over 500 000 participants aged 40–69 years across the UK. During 7 years of follow-up, 9054 incident cases of CVD (34% women), 5782 cases of coronary heart disease (CHD) (28% women), and 3489 cases of stroke (43% women) were recorded among 267 440 women and 215 088 men without a history of CVD at baseline. Cox regression models yielded adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for CVD, CHD and stroke associated with reproductive factors.

Results

Adjusted HRs (95% CI) for CVD were 1.10 (1.01 to 1.30) for early menarche (<12 years), 0.97 (0.96 to 0.98) for each year increase in age at first birth, 1.04 (1.00 to 1.09) for each miscarriage, 1.14 (1.02 to 1.28) for each stillbirth, and 1.33 (1.19 to 1.49) for early menopause (<47 years). Hysterectomy without oophorectomy or with previous oophorectomy had adjusted HRs of 1.16 (1.06 to 1.28) and 2.30 (1.20 to 4.43) for CVD. Each additional child was associated with a HR for CVD of 1.03 (1.00 to 1.06) in women and 1.03 (1.02 to 1.05) in men.

Conclusions

Early menarche, early menopause, earlier age at first birth, and a history of miscarriage, stillbirth or hysterectomy were each independently associated with a higher risk of CVD in later life. The relationship between the number of children and incident CVD was similar for men and women.
Hemodynamic and metabolic responses to self-paced and ramp-graded exercise testing protocols
Authors: Beltz Nicholas M. , Amorim Fabiano T. , Gibson Ann L. , Janot Jeffrey M. , Kravitz Len , Mermier Christine M. , Cole Nathan , Moriarty Terence A. , Nunez Tony P. , Trigg Sam , Dalleck Lance C.
Published: January 2018

Recent examinations have shown lower maximal oxygen consumption during traditional ramp (RAMP) compared with self-paced (SPV) graded exercise testing (GXT) attributed to differences in cardiac output. The current study examined the differences in hemodynamic and metabolic responses between RAMP and SPV during treadmill exercise. Sixteen recreationally trained men (aged23.7 ± 3.0 years) completed 2 separate treadmill GXT protocols. SPV consisted of five 2-min stages (10 min total) of increasing speed clamped by the Borg RPE6-20 scale. RAMP increased speed by 0.16 km/h every 15 s until volitional exhaustion. All testing was performed at 3% incline. Oxygen consumption was measured via indirect calorimetry; hemodynamic function was measured via thoracic impedance and blood lactate (BLa−) was measured via portable lactate analyzer. Differences between SPV and RAMP protocols were analyzed as group means by using paired-samples t tests (R Core Team 2017). Maximal values for SPV and RAMP were similar (p > 0.05) for oxygen uptake (47.1 ± 3.4 vs. 47.4 ± 3.4 mL·kg−1·min−1), heart rate (198 ± 5 vs. 200 ± 6 beats·min−1), ventilation (158.8 ± 20.7 vs. 159.3 ± 19.0 L·min−1), cardiac output (26.9 ± 5.5 vs. 27.9 ± 4.2 L·min−1), stroke volume (SV) (145.9 ± 29.2 vs. 149.8 ± 25.3 mL·beat−1), arteriovenous oxygen difference (18.5 ± 3.1 vs. 19.7 ± 3.1 mL·dL−1), ventilatory threshold (VT) (78.2 ± 7.2 vs. 79.0% ± 7.6%), and peak BLa− (11.7 ± 2.3 vs. 11.5 ± 2.4 mmol·L−1), respectively. In conclusion, SPV elicits similar maximal hemodynamic responses in comparison to RAMP; however, SV kinetics exhibited unique characteristics based on protocol. These results support SPV as a feasible GXT protocol to identify useful fitness parameters (maximal oxygen uptake, oxygen uptake kinetics, and VT).
Fishing on floating objects (FOBs): how French tropical tuna purse seiners split fishing effort between GPS-monitored and unmonitored FOBs
Authors: Snouck-Hurgronje Julia E. , Kaplan David M. , Chassot Emmanuel , Maufroy Alexandra , Gaertner Daniel
Published: January 2018

Fishing on floating objects (FOBs) dominates catch in tropical tuna purse seine fisheries. One frequently cited advantage of deploying GPS-monitored FOBs is that the position information can be used for directed fishing to reduce search time for tuna. However, purse seiners also fish on foreign objects for which position information is not available. It is critical to quantify the prevalence of fishing on GPS-monitored versus unmonitored FOBs to understand how they impact fishing effort and catch per unit effort. We analyzed French commercial, observer, and FOB trajectory data in the Atlantic and Indian oceans to determine how often purse seine vessels fish on GPS-monitored FOBs. Only 2.7%–20.4% of French FOB fishing sets over 2007–2013 in both oceans were made on GPS-monitored FOBs. Though increasing over time, the low percentage suggests that French vessels do not primarily use GPS-monitored FOBs to reduce search time for tuna. We hypothesize that fishery-wide FOB deployments have important collective consequences for overall fishing effort and recommend that future effort metrics should be based on fishery-wide FOB activities.
Competitive Pricing and Remanufacturing Problem in an Uncertain Closed-Loop Supply Chain with Risk-Sensitive Retailers
Authors: Ke Hua , Wu Yong , Huang Hu
Published: January 2018

Nowadays, pricing and remanufacturing problems under uncertain markets have gained increasing attention from both industrial and academic fields. In the literature, it is generally assumed that all the channel members are risk-neutral, ignoring the influences of channel members’ risk attitudes in the face of dynamic market. This paper focuses on a pricing problem in a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) with two competitive risk-sensitive retailers under uncertain environment. The uncertainty is associated with the recycling costs, consumer demands and remanufacturing costs. Due to the dynamic market, supply chain managers may be unable to collect enough historical data to estimate these demands and costs when making pricing and remanufacturing decisions. In such cases, experts’ estimations are usually employed to describe these uncertain parameters. To deal with these human estimations, an uncertainty theory-based model is proposed. Based on the equilibrium results, how the retailers’ risk sensitivity and human estimations (uncertain degrees) affect the prices and profits is analyzed. It is found that both the retailers will get lower profits while the manufacturer will gain more profit when either of the two retailers becomes more risk-averse. We also find that a higher level of uncertainty in the supply chain will induce a higher collecting rate.
Noise Bus Modeling in Network on Chip
Authors: Balti Moez
Published: January 2018

This paper considers the noise modeling of interconnections in on-chip communication. We present an approach to illustrate modeling and simulation of interconnections on chip microsystems that consist of electrical circuits connected to subsystems described by partial differential equations, which are solved independently. A model for energy dissipation in RLC mode is proposed for the switching current/voltage of such on-chip interconnections.

The Waveform Relaxation (WR) algorithm is presented in this paper to address limiting in simulating NoCs due to the large number of coupled lines.

We describe our approach to the modeling of on-chip interconnections. We present an applicative example of our approach with VHDL-AMS implementations and simulation results. This article analyzes the coupling noise, the bit error rate (BER) as well as the noise as a function of the rise/fall time of the signal source which can significantly limit the scalability of the NoCs.
Application of Numerical Inverse Laplace Transform Methods for Simulation of Distributed Systems with Fractional-Order Elements
Authors: R-Smith Nawfal Al-Zubaidi , Kartci Aslihan , Brančík Lubomír
Published: January 2018

The paper presents a computationally efficient method for modeling and simulating distributed systems with lossy transmission line (TL) including multiconductor ones, by a less conventional method. The method is devised based on 1D and 2D Laplace transforms, which facilitates the possibility of incorporating fractional-order elements and frequency-dependent parameters. This process is made possible due to the development of effective numerical inverse Laplace transforms (NILTs) of one and two variables, 1D NILT and 2D NILT. In the paper, it is shown that in high frequency operating systems, the frequency dependencies of the system ought to be included in the model. Additionally, it is shown that incorporating fractional-order elements in the modeling of the distributed parameter systems compensates for losses along the wires, provides higher degrees of flexibility for optimization and produces more accurate and authentic modelling of such systems. The simulations are performed in the Matlab environment and are effectively algorithmized.
Grid diagram for singular links
Authors: An Byung Hee , Lee Hwa Jeong
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we define the set of singular grid diagrams [Formula: see text] which provides a unified description for singular links, singular Legendrian links, singular transverse links, and singular braids. We also classify the complete set of all equivalence relations on [Formula: see text] which induce the bijection onto each singular object. This is an extension of the known result of Ng–Thurston [Grid diagrams, braids, and contact geometry, in Proc. Gökova Geometry-Topology Conf. 2008, Gökova Geometry/Topology Conference (GGT), Gökova, 2009, pp. 120–136] for nonsingular links and braids.
Symmetry operators and separation of variables in the (2 + 1)-dimensional Dirac equation with external electromagnetic field
Authors: Shapovalov A. V. , Breev A. I.
Published: January 2018

We obtain and analyze equations determining first-order differential symmetry operators with matrix coefficients for the Dirac equation with an external electromagnetic potential in a [Formula: see text]-dimensional Riemann (curved) spacetime. Nonequivalent complete sets of mutually commuting symmetry operators are classified in a [Formula: see text]-dimensional Minkowski (flat) space. For each of the sets, we carry out a complete separation of variables in the Dirac equation and find a corresponding electromagnetic potential permitting separation of variables.
Unconventional minimal subtraction and Callan–Symanzik methods for Lorentz-violating scalar field theories at all loop orders
Authors: Silva G. S. , Carvalho P. R. S.
Published: January 2018

We present an explicit analytical computation of the quantum corrections, at next-to-leading order, to the critical exponents. We employ for that the Unconventional minimal subtraction, recently proposed, and the Callan–Symanzik methods to probe the universality hypothesis by comparing the outcomes for the critical exponents evaluated in both methods and the ones calculated previously in massless theories renormalized at different renormalization schemes. Furthermore, the consistency of the former method is investigated for the first time in literature, to our knowledge. At the end, we compute the critical exponents at any loop level by an induction process and furnish the physical interpretation of the results.
Degenerate Hessian structures on radiant manifolds
Authors: García Ariza M. Á.
Published: January 2018

We present a rigorous mathematical treatment of Ruppeiner geometry, by considering degenerate Hessian metrics defined on radiant manifolds. A manifold [Formula: see text] is said to be radiant if it is endowed with a symmetric, flat connection and a global vector field [Formula: see text] whose covariant derivative is the identity mapping. A degenerate Hessian metric on [Formula: see text] is a degenerate metric tensor that can locally be written as the covariant Hessian of a function, called potential. A function on [Formula: see text] is said to be extensive if its Lie derivative with respect to [Formula: see text] is the function itself. We show that the Hessian metrics appearing in equilibrium thermodynamics are necessarily degenerate, owing to the fact that their potentials are extensive (up to an additive constant). Manifolds having degenerate Hessian metrics always contain embedded Hessian submanifolds, which generalize the manifolds defined by constant volume in which Ruppeiner geometry is usually studied. By means of examples, we illustrate that linking scalar curvature to microscopic interactions within a thermodynamic system is inaccurate under this approach. In contrast, thermodynamic critical points seem to arise as geometric singularities.
Preparation of BiPO4-Polyaniline Hybrid and its Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Yu Wen Jie , Cheng Yang , Zou Tao , Liu Yi , Wu Kui , Peng Na
Published: January 2018

Recently, BiPO4has been proved to be an efficient photocatalyst which exhibits more attractive activity than that of TiO2-P25 under UV irradiation. However, photocatalytic oxidation-reduction ability of BiPO4under visible light still needs to be improved. Conjugated polymer just like polyaniline was demonstrated to be a new and efficient visible co-photocatalyst in the field of pollutant governance. As far as we know, the attempt to enhance the photochemical ability of BiPO4by employing polyaniline as a co-photocatalyst is still very limited. Hence, in order to testify the potential enhanced performance of such heterostructure, BiPO4-polyaniline heterostructure was prepared via hydrothermal method and hybridization in this paper. The experimental results indicated that several typical pollutants such as organic dyes and heavy metal ions can be effectively removed by BiPO4-polyaniline under visible light. The enhanced removal mechanism was attributed to the high separation efficiency of photo-induced electron–hole pairs and more efficient absorption of visible light after the loading of polyaniline on the surface of BiPO4as an out-layer compared with single BiPO4.
2-distance vertex-distinguishing total coloring of graphs
Authors: Hu Yafang , Wang Weifan
Published: January 2018

A [Formula: see text]-distance vertex-distinguishing total coloring of a graph [Formula: see text] is a proper total coloring of [Formula: see text] such that any pair of vertices at distance [Formula: see text] have distinct sets of colors. The [Formula: see text]-distance vertex-distinguishing total chromatic number [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is the minimum number of colors needed for a [Formula: see text]-distance vertex-distinguishing total coloring of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we determine the [Formula: see text]-distance vertex-distinguishing total chromatic number of some graphs such as paths, cycles, wheels, trees, unicycle graphs, [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]. We conjecture that every simple graph [Formula: see text] with maximum degree [Formula: see text] satisfies [Formula: see text].
The application of threshold empirical mode decomposition de-noising algorithm for battlefield ambient noise
Authors: Zhu Shaocheng , Liu Limin , Yao Zhigang
Published: January 2018

The detection of the low-altitude acoustic target is an important way to compensate for the weakness of radar. Removing the noise mixed in acoustic signal as much as possible to retain the useful information is a challenging task. Inspired by the wavelet threshold, the de-noising method for low-altitude battlefield acoustic signal based on threshold empirical mode decomposition (EMD-T) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the noisy signal is decomposed by empirical mode decomposition (EMD) to get the intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). Then the IMFs, whose actual energy exceeds its estimated energy, are processed by the EMD threshold. Finally, the processed IMFs are summed to reconstruct the de-noised signal. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, extensive simulations are performed using helicopter sound corrupted with four types of typical low-altitude ambient noise under different signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) input values. The performance is evaluated in terms of SNR, root mean square error (RMSE) and smoothness index (SI). The simulations results reveal that the proposed method de-noising method has the perspective of the highest SNR, smallest RMSE and SI in de-noising low-altitude ambient noise compared to other methods, including the wavelet transform (WT) and conventional EMD.
Analysis of the Registration Information on Interventions of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Trials in the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform
Authors: Liu Yali , Chen Wenjie , Tan Yingxin , Yang Xingyue , Liu Jia , Lu Tingting , Yan Shiyan , He Liyun , Liu Baoyan
Published: January 2018

Purpose. To analyze and compare the clinical registration information about acupuncture and moxibustion for intervention characteristics. Methods. Clinical trials from the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform of the World Health Organization in acupuncture and moxibustion were comprehensively collected from 2013 to 2015; data were independently screened and extracted by two retrievers, and relevant data involving either basic descriptions or intervention characteristics were analyzed. Results. 425 acupuncture and moxibustion registered clinical trials were included; 88.00% (374/425) were designed as controlled studies, among which 38.59% (164/425) had sham acupuncture as the control group. The most common diseases were pain‐related at approximately 19.29% (82/425) of trials. Reports on the intervention information in these acupuncture and moxibustion clinical studies were not sufficiently presented; these reports included the reporting of names of points (39.8%), the method of needle stimulation (32.5%), needle type (29.6%), needle retention time (34.1%), the number of treatment sessions (22.4%), and the frequency and duration of treatment sessions (38.1%). Conclusion. The registration information for the clinical trials of acupuncture and moxibustion was quite low according to this investigational study. Steps should be taken to improve the quality of acupuncture and moxibustion registration information.
Efficacy of Cyclosporine in the Induction and Maintenance of Remission in a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient Presenting with Macrophage-Activating Syndrome
Authors: Cruz-Pérez Franchesca , Vilá Salvador , Ríos Grissel , Vilá Luis M.
Published: January 2018

Macrophage-activating syndrome (MAS) is a rare condition characterized by dysfunctional macrophage activation leading to overproduction of cytokines and phagocytosis of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets. MAS is associated with infectious diseases, malignancies, and autoimmune rheumatic disorders. Herein, we present a 22-year-old Hispanic woman with SLE who was hospitalized because of a three-week history of fever, fatigue, polyarthralgia, nausea, and abdominal pain. Initial laboratories showed severe pancytopenia with marked elevation of liver enzymes and ferritin levels. Bone marrow biopsy revealed macrophages with engulfed erythrocytes consistent with MAS. The patient was treated with high-dose corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, and cyclosporine 3 mg/kg/day. She had a remarkable clinical response to this therapy. She was continued on cyclosporine, and prednisone dose was gradually decreased to 7.5 mg daily without experiencing recurrent disease. She remained in full clinical remission for 12 months. Our case, together with other reports, suggests that combination therapy with corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, and cyclosporine appears to be effective for patients with SLE-associated MAS. Furthermore, cyclosporine seems to be a good drug for maintenance of remission.
An Autonomous Divisive Algorithm for Community Detection Based on Weak Link and Link-Break Strategy
Authors: Ding Xiaoyu , Zhang Jianpei , Yang Jing , Shen Yiran
Published: January 2018

Divisive algorithms are widely used for community detection. A common strategy of divisive algorithms is to remove the external links which connect different communities so that communities get disconnected from each other. Divisive algorithms have been investigated for several decades but some challenges remain unsolved: (1) how to efficiently identify external links, (2) how to efficiently remove external links, and (3) how to end a divisive algorithm with no help of predefined parameters or community definitions. To overcome these challenges, we introduced a concept of the weak link and autonomous division. The implementation of the proposed divisive algorithm adopts a new link-break strategy similar to a tug-of-war contest, where communities act as contestants and weak links act as breakable ropes. Empirical evaluations on artificial and real-world networks show that the proposed algorithm achieves a better accuracy-efficiency trade-off than some of the latest divisive algorithms.
Neuroaging through the Lens of the Resting State Networks
Authors: Cieri Filippo , Esposito Roberto
Published: January 2018

Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) allows studying spontaneous brain activity in absence of task, recording changes of Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) signal. rs-fMRI enables identification of brain networks also called Resting State Networks (RSNs) including the most studied Default Mode Network (DMN). The simplicity and speed of execution make rs-fMRI applicable in a variety of normal and pathological conditions. Since it does not require any task, rs-fMRI is particularly useful for protocols on patients, children, and elders, increasing participant’s compliance and reducing intersubjective variability due to the task performance. rs-fMRI has shown high sensitivity in identification of RSNs modifications in several diseases also in absence of structural modifications. In this narrative review, we provide the state of the art of rs-fMRI studies about physiological and pathological aging processes. First, we introduce the background of resting state; then we review clinical findings provided by rs-fMRI in physiological aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Alzheimer Dementia (AD), and Late Life Depression (LLD). Finally, we suggest future directions in this field of research and its potential clinical applications.
Hepatotoxicity of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Sriuttha Pajaree , Sirichanchuen Buntitabhon , Permsuwan Unchalee
Published: January 2018

Background. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most widely used medication in several countries, including Thailand. NSAIDs have been associated with hepatic side effects; however, the frequency of these side effects is uncertain. Aim of the Review. To systematically review published literature on randomized, controlled trials that assessed the risk of clinically significant hepatotoxicity associated with NSAIDs. Methods. Searches of bibliographic databases EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library were conducted up to July 30, 2016, to identify randomized controlled trials of ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, piroxicam, meloxicam, mefenamic acid, indomethacin, celecoxib, and etoricoxib in adults with any disease that provide information on hepatotoxicity outcomes. Results. Among the 698 studies, 18 studies met the selection criteria. However, only 8 studies regarding three NSAIDs (celecoxib, etoricoxib, and diclofenac) demonstrated clinically significant hepatotoxic evidence based on hepatotoxicity justification criteria. Of all the hepatotoxicity events found from the above-mentioned three NSAIDs, diclofenac had the highest proportion, which ranged from 0.015 to 4.3 (×10−2), followed by celecoxib, which ranged from 0.13 to 0.38 (×10−2), and etoricoxib, which ranged from 0.005 to 0.930 (×10−2). Conclusion. Diclofenac had higher rates of hepatotoxic evidence compared to other NSAIDs. Hepatotoxic evidence is mostly demonstrated as aminotransferase elevation, while liver-related hospitalization or discontinuation was very low.
Isolation and Molecular Characterization of a Model Antagonistic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Divulging In Vitro Plant Growth Promoting Characteristics
Authors: Uzair Bushra , Kausar Rehana , Bano Syeda Asma , Fatima Sammer , Badshah Malik , Habiba Ume , Fasim Fehmida
Published: January 2018

The use of microbial technologies in agriculture is currently expanding quite rapidly with the identification of new bacterial strains, which are more effective in promoting plant growth. In the present study 18 strains of Pseudomonas were isolated from soil sample of Balochistan coastline. Among isolated Pseudomonas strains four designated as SP19, SP22, PS24, and SP25 exhibited biocontrol activities against phytopathogenic fungi, that is, Rhizopus microsporus, Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger, Alternaria alternata, and Penicillium digitatum; PS24 identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa by 16srRNA gene bank accession number EU081518 was selected on the basis of its antifungal activity to explore its potential as plant growth promotion. PS24 showed multiple plant growth promoting attributes such as phosphate solubilization activity, indole acetic acid (IAA), siderophore, and HCN production. In order to determine the basis for antifungal properties, antibiotics were extracted from King B broth of PS24 and analyzed by TLC. Pyrrolnitrin antibiotic was detected in the culture of strain PS24. PS24 exhibited antifungal activities found to be positive for hydrogen cyanide synthase Hcn BC gene. Sequencing of gene of Hcn BC gene of strain PS24 revealed 99% homology with the Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PA01. The sequence of PS24 had been submitted in gene bank accession number KR605499. Ps. aeruginosa PS24 with its multifunctional biocontrol possessions can be used to bioprotect the crop plants from phytopathogens.
Design and Construction of Capacitors with the Use of Nano-Barium Titanate’s (BaTiO3) Composite Materials
Authors: Nikolarakis P. N. , Asimakopoulos I. A. , Zoumpoulakis L.
Published: January 2018

The basic idea of this work, from the beginning of the laboratory work till now, is to develop innovative polymer composite materials using nanoparticles that can polarize in such a way that electrical energy can be stored. A number of thermosetting polymers have been laboratory-polymerized and then mixed with barium titanate nanoparticles, in order to develop new polymer nanocomposites. Barium titanate is a well-known dielectric material, which is used in sensors and actuators as it is a piezoelectric and ferroelectric material. In this work, we examine the storage capability between different types of such composites by creating passive filters.
Acceleration Harmonic Estimation in a Hydraulic Shaking Table Using Water Cycle Algorithm
Authors: Yao Jianjun , Wan Zhenshuai , Fu Yu
Published: January 2018

Hydraulic shaking table is mainly used to stimulate the desired vibration environment and evaluate the shock resistance of structure. However, due to the inherent nonlinearities of the hydraulic shaking table, the acceleration response displays amplitude attenuation and phase delay for sinusoidal excitation signal. The distorted response degrades the control performance and even leads to an increase in system instability. In this paper, the water cycle algorithm (WCA), a recently developed metaheuristic method, is developed to estimate the harmonic information such as amplitude and phase. The basic idea of the proposed algorithm is inspired from nature and based on the observation of water cycle process and how rivers and streams flow to the sea in the nature world. The estimation process based on WCA is sequentially updating the weight vector of the signal. The amplitude and phase of fundamental as well as each harmonic can be achieved when the objective function is minimized. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed harmonic estimation algorithm has good real‐time performance, fast convergence, and excellent accuracy.
Physical Fitness, Grit, School Attendance, and Academic Performance among Adolescents
Authors: Cosgrove Jonathan M. , Chen Yen T. , Castelli Darla M.
Published: January 2018

Objective. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of grit as a construct representing perseverance to overcoming barriers and the total number of school absences to academic performance (AP) while controlling for sociodemographics, fitness (i.e., PACER), and Body Mass Index (BMI). Methods. Adolescents (N = 397, SD = 1.85; 80.9% females; 77.1% Hispanic) from an urban, minority-majority city in the Southern United States completed the FitnessGram® assessment of physical fitness (e.g., aerobic capacity and Body Mass Index (BMI)) and the valid and reliable short grit survey. The schools provided sociodemographics, attendance, and AP data for the adolescents. Results. Adolescents with higher grit scores (rs=0.21, P < 0.001) and less total absences (rs=-0.35, P < 0.001) performed better on AP. Hierarchical multiple regression indicated that grit and absences were associated with AP (β = 0.13, P < 0.01 and β = −0.35, P < 0.001, resp.). Conclusions. Grit and a total number of absences are significant contributors to academic success, particularly among Hispanic adolescents. Further, grit and school attendance may serve as a better measure of protective factors over proximal health measures of cardiovascular health and BMI.
Stemness Is Enhanced in Gastric Cancer by a SET/PP2A/E2F1 Axis
Authors: Enjoji Shuhei , Yabe Ryotaro , Tsuji Shunya , Yoshimura Kazuhiro , Kawasaki Hideyoshi , Sakurai Masashi , Sakai Yusuke , Takenouchi Hiroko , Yoshino Shigefumi , Hazama Shoichi , Nagano Hiroaki , Oshima Hiroko , Oshima Masanobu , Vitek Michael P. , Matsuura Tetsuya , Hippo Yoshitaka , Usui Tatsuya , Ohama Takashi , Sato Koichi
Published: January 2018

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Chemotherapies against gastric cancer often fail, with cancer recurrence due potentially to the persistence of cancer stem cells. This unique subpopulation of cells in tumors possesses the ability to self-renew and dedifferentiate. These cancer stem cells are critical for initiation, maintenance, metastasis, and relapse of cancers; however, the molecular mechanisms supporting cancer stemness remain largely unknown. Increased kinase and decreased phosphatase activity are hallmarks of oncogenic signaling. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) functions as a tumor-suppressor enzyme, and elevated levels of SET/I2PP2A, an endogenous PP2A protein inhibitor, are correlated with poor prognosis of several human cancers. Here, it was determined that SET expression was elevated in tumor tissue in a gastric cancer mouse model system, and SET expression was positively correlated with poor survival of human gastric cancer patients. Mechanistically, SET knockdown decreased E2F1 levels and suppressed the stemness of cancer cell lines. Immunoprecipitations show SET associated with the PP2A–B56 complex, and the B56 subunit interacted with the E2F1 transcription factor. Treatment of gastric cancer cells with the SET-targeting drug OP449 increased PP2A activity, decreased E2F1 protein levels, and suppressed stemness of cancer cells. These data indicate that a SET/PP2A/E2F1 axis regulates cancer cell stemness and is a potential target for gastric cancer therapy.

Implications: This study highlights the oncogenic role of SET/I2PP2A in gastric cancer and suggests that SET maintains cancer cell stemness by suppressing PP2A activity and stabilizing E2F1. Mol Cancer Res; 16(3); 554–63. ©2018 AACR.
Keap1 Inhibits Metastatic Properties of NSCLC Cells by Stabilizing Architectures of F-Actin and Focal Adhesions
Authors: Wu Bo , Yang Shu , Sun Haimei , Sun Tingyi , Ji Fengqing , Wang Yurong , Xu Lie , Zhou Deshan
Published: January 2018

Low expression of the tumor suppressor Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often results in higher malignant biological behavior and poor prognosis; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present study demonstrates that overexpression of Keap1 significantly suppresses migration and invasion of three different lung cancer cells (A549, H460, and H1299). Highly expressed Keap1, compared with the control, promotes formation of multiple stress fibers with larger mature focal adhesion complexes in the cytoplasm where only fine focal adhesions were observed in the membrane under control conditions. RhoA activity significantly increased when Keap1 was overexpressed, whereas Myosin 9b expression was reduced but could be rescued by proteasome inhibition. Noticeably, mouse tumor xenografts with Keap1 overexpression were smaller in size and less metastatic relative to the control group. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Keap1 stabilizes F-actin cytoskeleton structures and inhibits focal adhesion turnover, thereby restraining the migration and invasion of NSCLC. Therefore, increasing Keap1 or targeting its downstream molecules might provide potential therapeutic benefits for the treatment of patients with NSCLC.

Implications: This study provides mechanistic insight on the metastatic process in NSCLC and suggests that Keap1 and its downstream molecules may be valuable drug targets for NSCLC patients. Mol Cancer Res; 16(3); 508–16. ©2018 AACR.
Microenvironment-Derived Regulation of HIF Signaling Drives Transcriptional Heterogeneity in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Heiland Dieter Henrik , Gaebelein Annette , Börries Melanie , Wörner Jakob , Pompe Nils , Franco Pamela , Heynckes Sabrina , Bartholomae Mark , hAilín Darren Ó. , Carro Maria Stella , Prinz Marco , Weber Stefan , Mader Irina , Delev Daniel , Schnell Oliver
Published: January 2018

The evolving and highly heterogeneous nature of malignant brain tumors underlies their limited response to therapy and poor prognosis. In addition to genetic alterations, highly dynamic processes, such as transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming, play an important role in the development of tumor heterogeneity. The current study reports an adaptive mechanism in which the metabolic environment of malignant glioma drives transcriptional reprogramming. Multiregional analysis of a glioblastoma patient biopsy revealed a metabolic landscape marked by varying stages of hypoxia and creatine enrichment. Creatine treatment and metabolism was further shown to promote a synergistic effect through upregulation of the glycine cleavage system and chemical regulation of prolyl-hydroxylase domain. Consequently, creatine maintained a reduction of reactive oxygen species and change of the α-ketoglutarate/succinate ratio, leading to an inhibition of HIF signaling in primary tumor cell lines. These effects shifted the transcriptional pattern toward a proneural subtype and reduced the rate of cell migration and invasion in vitro.

Implications: Transcriptional subclasses of glioblastoma multiforme are heterogeneously distributed within the same tumor. This study uncovered a regulatory function of the tumor microenvironment by metabolism-driven transcriptional reprogramming in infiltrating glioma cells. Mol Cancer Res; 16(4); 655–68. ©2018 AACR.
The IL20 Genetic Polymorphism Is Associated with Altered Clinical Outcome in Septic Shock
Authors: Nakada Taka-aki , Wacharasint Petch , Russell James A. , Boyd John H. , Nakada Emiri , Thair Simone A. , Shimada Tadanaga , Walley Keith R.
Published: January 2018

Background: The IL10 family of genes includes crucial immune regulators. We tested the hypothesis that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL10, IL19, IL20, and IL24 of the IL10 family gene cluster alter the clinical outcome of septic shock. Methods: Patients with septic shock (n = 1,193) were genotyped for 13 tag SNPs of IL10, IL19, IL20, and IL24. IL20 gene expression was measured in genotyped lymphoblastoid cells in vitro. Cardiac surgical ICU patients (n = 981) were genotyped for IL20 rs2981573 A/G. The primary outcome variable was 28-day mortality. Results: Patients with the G allele of IL20 rs2981573 had a significantly increased hazard of death over the 28-day period compared to patients with the A allele in the septic shock cohort (adjusted hazard ratio 1.27; 95% confidence interval 1.10-1.47; p = 8.0 × 10-4). Patients with the GG genotype had more organ dysfunction (p < 0.05). The GG genotype was associated with increased IL20 gene expression in stimulated lymphoblastoid cells in vitro (p < 0.05). The cardiac surgical ICU patients with the GG genotype had an increased length of ICU stay (p = 0.032). Conclusions: The GG genotype of IL20 rs2981573 SNP was associated with increased IL20 gene expression and increased adverse outcomes in patients with septic shock and following cardiac surgery.
Використання стовбурових клітин з пуповинної крові для корекції порушень ендогенної інтоксикації у щурів з гострим поширеним периотонітом на тлі мерказоліл-індукованого гіпотиреозу
Authors: Klishch I. M. , Verba P. V.
Published: January 2018

Мета роботи: вивчити вплив мезенхімальних стовбурових клітин на показники ендогенної інтоксикації у щурів з гострим поширеним перитонітом на тлі експериментального гіпотиреозу.Матеріали і методи. У роботі використовували білих щурів лінії Вістар. Гіпотиреоз моделювали уведенням мерказолілу в дозі 25 мг/кг протягом 21-ї доби. Гострий поширений перитоніт моделювали уведенням 0,5 мл 10 % профільтрованої калової суспензії в черевну порожнину досліджуваних тварин. Стовбурові клітини отримували з пуповинної крові вагітних самок на 21–24 доби вагітності. Оцінку життєздатності отриманих клітин здійснювали з використанням тесту на включення суправітального барвника методом фарбування 0,1 % розчином трипанового синього. Суспензію отриманих мононуклеарів уводили внутрішньоочеревинно в дозі 0,5 мл (кількість клітин в уведеній дозі – 0,9–1,0×108) одразу після моделювання гострого поширеного перитоніту. Проведено визначення молекул середньої маси, еритроцитарного та лейкоцитарного індексів інтоксикації, активності катепсину D.Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Проведеними дослідженнями встановлено, що наявність гіпотиреозу в експериментальних тварин, яким моделювали гострий поширений каловий перитоніт, супроводжувалась більш вираженим, ніж в еутиреоїдних щурів, зростанням показників ендотоксикозу – середньомолекулярних пептидів, еритроцитарного та лейкоцитарного індексів інтоксикації та гіршою динамікою їх нормалізації. Спостерігались фазові зміни активності катепсину D. Застосування стовбурових клітин пуповинної крові супроводжується суттєвим зменшенням ендогенної інтоксикації у тварин з експериментальним поширеним перитонітом на тлі мерказоліл-індукованого гіпотиреозу. Дефіцит йодовмісних гормонів щитоподібної залози супроводжується достовірним зростанням показників, що характеризують синдром ендогенної інтоксикації, порівняно з еутиреоїдними тваринами. Це може бути однією із причин розвитку поліорганної недостатності за цих умов. Застосування стовбурових клітин пуповинної крові супроводжується суттєвим зменшенням ендогенної інтоксикації у тварин з експериментальним поширеним перитонітом на тлі мерказоліл-індукованого гіпотиреозу.
Хірургічне лікування інфільтративно-запальних утворень черевної порожнини з використанням струменевого гідроскальпеля
Authors: Skyba V. V. , Rybalchenko V. F. , Stets M. M. , Ivanko O. V. , Badakh V. M. , Bocharov V. P.
Published: January 2018

Мета роботи: покращення результату хірургічного лікування підлітків з інфільтративно-запальними процесами черевної порожнини із використанням струменевого гідроскальпеля.Матеріали і методи. Проведено аналіз результатів лікування 52 підлітків з інфільтратами черевної порожнини віком 17–18 років, які перебували на лікуванні в хірургічному відділенні Київської міської клінічної лікарні № 1 впродовж періоду з 2008 до 2016 р. При госпіталізації проводили загальноклінічне, рентгенологічне та ультразвукове дослідження органів черевної поржнини.Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Інфільтративно-запальні захворювання черевної порожнини у підлітків іноді мають атипову клінічну картину, що призводить до пізнього встановлення діагнозу і розвитку тяжких ускладнень, аж до поліорганної недостатності. Результати нашого дослідження свідчать, що використання у таких випадках струменевого гідроскальпеля дозволяє виконати хірургічне втручання з мінімальним пошкодженням анатомічних структур, очистити очеревину від наслідків інфільтративно-запальних змін, скоротити час операції та отримати добрі результати.
Применение высокочастотной электросварочной технологии и холодно-плазменной коагуляции при удалении внутричерепных кистозных менингиом
Authors: Jiang L. , Kvasha M. S. , Mosiychuk S. S.
Published: January 2018

Мета роботи: поліпшити оперативну техніку і зменшити інтраопераційну крововтрату методом електрозварювання (ЕЗ) м’яких тканин і застосування холодно-плазмової коагуляції в ході виконання радикальних оперативних втручань у пацієнтів із ВКМ.Матеріали і методи. У відділенні позамозкових пухлин і ендоскопічної нейрохірургії ДУ “Інститут нейрохірургії імені акад. А. П. Ромоданова НАМН України” протягом 5 років (2012 – 2017 рр.) проведено 54 оперативні втручання при ВКМ різної локалізації з використанням генератора ЕЗ м’яких тканин, представленим багатофункціональним і універсальним апаратом ЕКВЗ- 300 “ПАТОНМЕД”. Всі пухлини були супратенторіальної локалізації.Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Метод ГПК має хорошу переносимість, забезпечує високий темп епітелізації рани, відрізняється відсутністю болю і зменшенням ексудації. Вивчення термінів повної епітелізації рани показали прискорені темпи відновлення епітелію ТМО і зменшення числа рецидивів захворювання. Відсутність рубцевих змін після використання ГПК дозволяє рекомендувати застосування методу для лікування пухлин ЦНС з метою профілактики вторинного постопераційного епісиндрому.Нині спільно із співробітниками Інституту електрозварювання імені Є. О. Патона триває активна робота з розробки та впровадження в практику нової методики безконтактної термоструминної обробки живих тканин (БТОЖТ), що дозволяє швидко і ефективно досягти стійкого гемостазу при кровотечі з судин діаметром до 3-х мм, паренхіматозних органів, виконати безкровний розтин тканин, термоабляцію пухлин і метастазів.Застосування методики БТОЖТ доводить її ефективність у профілактиці гнійних ускладнень при значних ураженнях тканин, що робить її незамінною при наданні хірургічної допомоги в стаціонарах і в амбулаторних умовах.