bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cough and you’ll miss it
Authors: Molloy Seana , Batchelor Gemma , McCadden Luke , Moore Rebecca , Bourke Thomas , Thompson Andrew
Published: October 2019

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A 9-month-old boy presented to the emergency department with acute wheeze. He had a background of cleft lip repair at 4 months and was awaiting palatoplasty. He had mild eczema but had never had a previous wheezy episode, and was awaiting cardiology follow-up for a small patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). He had been at the child minder when symptoms began abruptly with no witnessed event. On assessment, the wheeze had resolved, saturations were 98% breathing air, respiratory rate was 34 breaths per minute and he was afebrile. He was discharged home with safety net advice.

He represented 2 days later with cough, wheeze and shortness of breath. On examination, he had subcostal recession and there was reduced air entry on the right. There was no wheeze, crepitations or obvious organomegaly. Oxygen saturations were 98% breathing air, respiratory rate was 38 breaths per minute and he was afebrile. Oral amoxicillin was given.

Questions

Given the history what is the likely diagnosis?

Bronchiolitis

Congestive heart failure

Foreign body aspiration

Pneumonia

Reactive airways disease

Which investigation would be most useful at this stage?

Bronchoscopy

Chest X-ray

CT chest

Echocardiogram

Point-of-care respiratory strip

What is the next step in the management?

Intravenous ceftriaxone/clarithromycin

Intravenous diuretics

Needle thoracocentesis

Oral steroids and inhaled bronchodilator

Rigid bronchoscopy

What are the long term complications of an undiagnosed foreign body?

Answers can be found on page 2.
Long-term follow-up of quiescent choroidal neovascularisation associated with age-related macular degeneration or pachychoroid disease
Authors: Forte Raimondo , Coscas Florence , Serra Rita , Cabral Diogo , Colantuono Donato , Souied Eric H
Published: October 2019

Aims

To evaluate the long-term progression of quiescent type 1 choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or with pachychoroid disease.

Methods

All cases of quiescent type 1 CNV with a minimum follow-up of 12 months seen at the Department of Ophthalmology of University Paris Est, Creteil and at the Centre Ophtalmologique de l’Odeon, Paris, between June 2009 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) of eyes not showing CNV activation during 24 months was evaluated for quantitative analyses of CNV status biomarkers (fractal dimension, lacunarity, vessel density, aspect ratio, CNV area).

Results

A total of 67 eyes (65 patients, 43 females, mean age 76.63±9.7 years) with quiescent CNV and a mean follow-up of 49.56±27.3 (12–112) months were included. Of 28 eyes showing activation of quiescent CNV, 12 eyes with pachychoroid-associated CNV showed reduced visual loss (−3.28 ETDRS letters, p=0.7 vs −13.03 ETDRS letters, p=0.02), greater choroidal thinning (−59.5 µm, p=0.03 vs – 16.36 µm, p=0.3) and needed less antivascular endothelial growth factor intravitreal injections (IVI) (0.09 vs 0.21, p=0.01) than 16 eyes with AMD-associated CNV. CNV area was the only OCT-A biomarker to significantly change during 24 months in inactive quiescent CNV (+29.5%, p=0.01, in pachychoroid group and +27.1%, p=0.03, in the AMD group).

Conclusion

In the long-term follow-up, inactive quiescent CNV showed an increase of CNV area without significant changes of the other OCT-A biomarkers. Quiescent type 1 CNV undergoing activation showed greater response to IVI when associated to pachychoroid.
Lessons learned from ramping up a Canadian Take Home Naloxone programme during a public health emergency: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Young Sympascho , Williams Sierra , Otterstatter Michael , Lee Jennifer , Buxton Jane
Published: October 2019

Objectives

This study describes the 2016 expansion of the British Columbia Take Home Naloxone (BCTHN) programme quantitatively and explores the challenges, facilitators and successes during the ramp up from the perspectives of programme stakeholders.

Design

Mixed-methods study.

Setting

The BCTHN programme was implemented in 2012 to reduce opioid overdose deaths by providing naloxone kits and overdose recognition and response training in BC, Canada. An increase in the number of overdose deaths in 2016 in BC led to the declaration of a public health emergency and a rapid ramp up of naloxone kit production and distribution. BCTHN distributes naloxone to the five regional health authorities of BC.

Participants

Focus groups and key informant interviews were conducted with 18 stakeholders, including BC Centre for Disease Control staff, urban and rural site coordinators, and harm reduction coordinators from the five regional health authorities across BC.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Take Home Naloxone (THN) programme activity, qualitative themes and lessons learnt were identified.

Results

In 2016, BCTHN responded to a 20-fold increase in demand of naloxone kits and added over 300 distribution sites. Weekly numbers of overdose events and overdose deaths were correlated with increases in THN kits ordered the following week, during 2013–2017. Challenges elicited include forecasting demand, operational logistics, financial, manpower and policy constraints. Facilitators included outsourcing kit production, implementing standing orders and policy changes in naloxone scheduling, which allowed for easier hiring of staff, reduced paperwork and expanded client access.

Conclusion

For THN programmes preparing for potential increases in naloxone demand, we recommend creating an online database, implementing standing orders and developing online training resources for standardised knowledge translation to site staff and clients.
Evaluating the efficacy of Internet-Based Exercise programme Aimed at Treating knee Osteoarthritis (iBEAT-OA) in the community: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gohir Sameer Akram , Greenhaff Paul , Abhishek Abhishek , Valdes Ana M.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease worldwide. As of today, there are no disease-modifying drugs, but there is evidence that muscle strengthening exercises can substantially reduce pain and improve function in this disorder, and one very well tested physiotherapy protocol is the ‘Better Management of Patients with Osteoarthritis’ developed in Sweden. Given the high prevalence of knee OA, a potentially cost-effective, digitally delivered approach to treat knee OA should be trialled. This study aims to explore the benefits of iBEAT-OA (Internet-Based Exercise programme Aimed at Treating knee Osteoarthritis) in modulating pain, function and other health-related outcomes in individuals with knee OA.

Methods and analysis

A randomised controlled trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a web-based exercise programme in a population with knee OA compared with standard community care provided by general practitioners (GPs) in the UK. We anticipate recruiting participants into equal groups. The intervention group (n=67) will exercise for 20–30 min daily for six consecutive weeks, whereas the control group (n=67) will follow GP-recommended routine care. The participants will be assessed using a Numerical Rating Scale, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the Arthritis Research UK Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, 30 s sit to stand test, timed up and go test, quantitative sensory testing, musculoskeletal ultrasound scan, muscle thickness assessment of the vastus lateralis, and quadriceps muscles force generation during an isokinetic maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Samples of urine, blood, faeces and synovial fluid will be collected to establish biomarkers associated with changes in pain and sleep patterns in individuals affected with knee OA. Standard parametric regression methods will be used for statistical analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee (ref: 18/EM/0154) and the Health Research Authority (protocol no: 18021). The study was registered in June 2018. The results of the trial will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

NCT03545048
Smoking susceptibility among non-smoking school-going adolescents in Malaysia: findings from a national school-based survey
Authors: Lim Kuang Hock , Ghazali Sumarni Mohd , Lim Hui Li , Cheong Kee Chee , Teh Chien Huey , Lim Kuang Kuay , Heng Pei Pei , Cheah Yong Kang , Lim Jia Hui
Published: October 2019

Objective

The identification of susceptible non-smoking adolescents is an essential step in reducing smoking initiation among adolescents. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and factors associated with smoking susceptibility among non-smoking school-going adolescents in Malaysia.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Primary and secondary schools in Malaysia.

Participants

11 246 non-smoking school-going adolescents.

Outcome measures

The prevalence and factors associated with smoking susceptibility among non-smoking school-going adolescents in Malaysia.

Results

Approximately 14% of non-smokers were susceptible to smoking, and the prevalence of susceptibility was significantly higher among males, ever-smokers and e-cigarette users. The odds of susceptibility to smoking were higher among males, e-cigarette users, those aged 12 years and under and those who had ever smoked or tried cigarettes. Students from schools with educational programmes on the health effects of second-hand smoke (SHS) and who perceived smoking to be harmful were less likely to be susceptible to smoking.

Conclusion

Smoking susceptibility is prevalent among school-going adolescents. A comprehensive approach that enhances or reinforces health education programmes on the adverse health effects of smoking and SHS among school children, that considers multiple factors and that involves all stakeholders is urgently needed to reduce the prevalence of smoking susceptibility among vulnerable subgroups, as identified from the present findings.
Mapping regional strain in anesthetised healthy subjects during spontaneous ventilation
Authors: Cruces Pablo , Erranz Benjamin , Lillo Felipe , Sarabia-Vallejos Mauricio A , Iturrieta Pablo , Morales Felipe , Blaha Katherine , Medina Tania , Diaz Franco , Hurtado Daniel E
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Breathing produces a phenomenon of cyclic deformation throughout life. Biomechanically, deformation of the lung is measured as strain. Regional strain recently started to be recognised as a tool in the study of lung pathophysiology, but regional lung strain has not been studied in healthy subjects breathing spontaneously without voluntary or pharmacological control of ventilation. Our aim is to generate three-dimensional (3D) regional strain and heterogeneity maps of healthy rat lungs and describe their changes over time.

Methods

Micro-CT and image-based biomechanical analysis by finite element approach were carried out in six anaesthetised rats under spontaneous breathing in two different states, at the beginning of the experiment and after 3 hours of observation. 3D regional strain maps were constructed and divided into 10 isovolumetric region-of-interest (ROI) in three directions (apex to base, dorsal to ventral and costal to mediastinal), allowing to regionally analyse the volumetric strain, the strain progression and the strain heterogeneity. To describe in depth these parameters, and systematise their report, we definedregional strain heterogeneity index[1+strain SD ROI(x)]/[1+strain mean ROI(x)] andregional strain progression index[ROI(x)−mean of final strain/ROI(x)−mean of initial strain].

Results

We were able to generate 3D regional strain maps of the lung in subjects without respiratory support, showing significant differences among the three analysed axes. We observed a significantly lower regional volumetric strain in the apex sector compared with the base, with no significant anatomical systematic differences in the other directions. This heterogeneity could not be identified with physiological or standard CT methods. There was no progression of the analysed regional volumetric strain when the two time-points were compared.

Discussion

It is possible to map the regional volumetric strain in the lung for healthy subjects during spontaneous breathing. Regional strain heterogeneity and changes over time can be measured using a CT image-based numerical analysis applying a finite element approach. These results support that healthy lung might have significant regional strain and its spatial distribution is highly heterogeneous. This protocol for CT image acquisition and analysis could be a useful tool for helping to understand the mechanobiology of the lung in many diseases.
Management of the adult Fontan patient
Authors: Rodriguez Fred H , Book Wendy M
Published: October 2019

Adults with congenital heart disease who underwent the Fontan operation to palliate single ventricle heart defects—by direct connection of caval venous return to the pulmonary circulation—have improved survival due to advancements in surgical and interventional techniques. However, cardiac and non-cardiac comorbidities often coexist, complicating management, and contributing to premature morbidity and mortality. Cardiac issues include heart failure symptoms related to systolic and diastolic dysfunction, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and systemic atrioventricular valve regurgitation. Structural issues may be related to obstruction of the Fontan pathway, or to branch pulmonary artery stenosis, both of which exacerbate symptoms. Non-cardiac complications in adults involve hepatic congestion, fibrosis and cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, chronic kidney disease, stroke, venous stasis, lymphatic issues and involvement of other organ systems. ‘Fontan failure’ refers to circulatory dysfunction, either cardiac, non-cardiac, or both, diagnosed after exclusion or treatment of reversible contributors such as structural issues and arrhythmias. Counselling about reproductive health, mental health, perioperative management and overall wellness are paramount for patients’ well-being. Fontan patients are typically managed in highly specialised adult congenital heart centres, but may present to cardiologists or other practitioners with cardiac and non-cardiac emergencies or urgencies, sometimes after being out of care. In this review, we discuss the management of the adult Fontan patient, including surveillance, cardiac and non-cardiac complications, reproductive health, and advanced therapies.
Periocular intraepithelial sebaceous neoplasia: critical appraisal of nomenclature and prognostic importance
Authors: Margo Curtis Edward
Published: October 2019

Intraepithelial sebaceous neoplasia in the forms (or subclassification) of pagetoid spread and carcinoma in situ is a common feature of periocular sebaceous carcinoma and is associated with less favourable outcomes. Seminal studies of periocular sebaceous carcinoma in the 1980s indicated that the two patterns of intraepithelial spread had differing influences on prognosis with pagetoid invasion being worse. Later studies reported conflicting results, but careful inspection of those studies revealed considerable variation in what was meant by pagetoid invasion. Different interpretations of pagetoid spread continue, leading to ambiguous results in clinical studies and miscommunication with potential unintended decisions affecting clinical management. This paper reviews the background leading to the frequent interchangeable use of pagetoid spread with in situ sebaceous carcinoma and how this problem confounds interpretation of clinical studies. The author recommends that for effective communication, all morphological patterns of in situ spread of sebaceous carcinoma fall under the termintraepithelial sebaceous neoplasia, which can be accompanied by subclassification whenever desired.
MED12,TERTandRARAin fibroepithelial tumours of the breast
Authors: Chang Huan Ying , Koh Valerie Cui Yun , Md Nasir Nur Diyana , Ng Cedric Chuan Young , Guan Peiyong , Thike Aye Aye , Teh Bin Tean , Tan Puay Hoon
Published: October 2019

Fibroepithelial tumours are biphasic neoplasms of the breast comprising the common benign fibroadenomas and the less common phyllodes tumours (PTs), which have recurrent potential. PTs are classified into benign, borderline or malignant, based on five histopathological criteria, with malignant PTs having the highest metastatic capability. Accurate diagnosis can be challenging due to the subjective assessment of histopathological parameters. Fibroadenomas bear morphological similarities to benign PTs, while borderline and malignant PTs can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from other spindle cell tumours of the breast. From clonality studies to whole-genome sequencing, much research has been conducted to elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of fibroepithelial tumours, which, in turn, have allowed leveraging the findings for diagnostic applications, including grading of PTs. The most noteworthy discovery was of recurrentMED12mutations in both fibroadenomas and PTs. Subsequent studies also uncovered relatively frequent genetic mutations inTERTpromoter andRARA. A customised panel of 16 most frequently mutated genes in fibroepithelial tissues has been compiled previously and has contributed to resolving a few diagnostic dilemmas. This review will introduce the 16 genes and focus on the top three that are most frequently mutated in fibroepithelial tumours:MED12,TERT, andRARA.
Disruption of normal patterns of FOXF1 expression in a lethal disorder of lung development
Authors: Steiner Laurie A , Getman Michael , Schiralli Lester Gillian M , Iqbal M Anwar , Katzman Philip , Szafranski Przemyslaw , Stankiewicz Pawel , Bhattacharya Soumyaroop , Mariani Thomas , Pryhuber Gloria , Lin Xin , Young Jennifer L , Dean David A , Scheible Kristin
Published: October 2019

Background

Alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of the pulmonary veins (ACDMPV) is a lethal disorder of lung development. ACDMPV is associated with haploinsufficiency of the transcription factorFOXF1, which plays an important role in the development of the lung and intestine. CNVs upstream of the FOXF1 gene have also been associated with an ACDMPV phenotype, but mechanism(s) by which these deletions disrupt lung development are not well understood. The objective of our study is to gain insights into the mechanisms by which CNVs contribute to an ACDMPV phenotype.

Methods

We analysed primary lung tissue from an infant with classic clinical and histological findings of ACDMPV and harboured a 340 kb deletion on chromosome 16q24.1 located 250 kb upstream ofFOXF1.

Results

In RNA generated from paraffin-fixed lung sections, our patient had lower expression ofFOXF1than age-matched controls. He also had an abnormal pattern of FOXF1 protein expression, with a dramatic loss ofFOXF1expression in the lung. To gain insights into the mechanisms underlying these changes, we assessed the epigenetic landscape using chromatin immunoprecipitation, which demonstrated loss of histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27Ac), an epigenetic mark of active enhancers, in the region of the deletion.

Conclusions

Together, these data suggest that the deletion disrupts an enhancer responsible for directing FOXF1 expression in the developing lung and provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying a fatal developmental lung disorder.
Coil migration during or after endovascular coiling of cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Abdalkader Mohamad , Piotin Michel , Chen Michael , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago , Samaniego Edgar , Weill Alain , Norbash Alexander M , Nguyen Thanh N
Published: October 2019

Background

Coil migration is a complication of endovascular coiling of cerebral aneurysms that has not been well studied.

Objective

To report the frequency, risk factors, management strategies, and outcomes of coil migration.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of the clinical and radiological data of patients who underwent cerebral aneurysm coiling complicated by coil migration at five neuroendovascular centers in the United States, Canada, and France between 2008 and 2018.

Results

Eighteen cases of coil migration met our study criteria with an occurrence of 0.3% (18/6071 cases) (procedural migration: 55%, delayed migration: 45%). The mean aneurysm maximal diameter, neck, and height to neck ratio in migration cases were 3.4±1.4 mm (range 2–7.6 mm), 2.4±0.9 mm (range 1.2–4.4 mm), and 1.4±0.4 (range 1–2.15), respectively. The 2 mm diameter coil was the most common (39%, range 1–2.5 mm) migrated coil. The length of the migrated coil was ≤4 cm in 95% of cases.

Patients managed conservatively (5/18, 28%) did well. Thromboembolic and/or hemorrhagic complications were noted in 6/10 migration patients treated by endovascular modalities and in all migration patients who underwent surgical treatment (4/4). Three deaths occurred (3/18, 17%) related to high Hunt and Hess grade subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Conclusion

Coil migration is an uncommon but important complication of cerebral aneurysm coiling. Small aneurysms, aspect ratio <1.6, and small coils are significant risk factors. Endovascular treatment, such as using a stent retriever, can be considered for procedural, proximal migration, and/or in cases of vessel occlusion. Delayed or distal migration should be managed conservatively.
Erectile dysfunction and mining-related jobs: an explorative study in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Musa Obadia Paul , Kayembe-Kitenge Tony , Banza Lubaba Nkulu Célestin , Enzlin Paul , Nemery Benoit
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The African Copperbelt is a site of intense artisanal and industrial mining and refining of copper and cobalt. Anecdotal reports of erectile dysfunction (ED) among mineworkers in the area led us to conduct an explorative study to investigate the possible association between ED and working in mining-related jobs.

Methods

We included 42 consecutive men (18–40 years) buying sildenafil (the active substance of Viagra) from a pharmacy located in a popular neighbourhood in Lubumbashi, and 42 age-matched (±2 years) men buying painkillers. All participants replied to questionnaires administered face-to-face to obtain sociodemographic data, including information on occupation, and a score of erectile function using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF6).

Results

The IIEF6 score (maximum 30) was lower among sildenafil-buyers (median 17, range 8–30) than among painkiller-buyers (median 30, range 17–30). The proportion of mining-related jobs was higher among sildenafil-buyers (19/42, 45%) than among painkiller-buyers (7/42, 17%), yielding an OR of 4.1 (95% CI 1.5 to 11.3; p=0.009). The proportion of mining-related jobs was higher among men with ED (defined as IIEF6 <26) (24/45, 54%) than among men without ED (2/39, 5%) (OR 21.1; 95% CI 4.5 to 98.4; p<0.001). Using a more stringent definition of ED (IIEF6 <22) gave similar results: 55% (20/36) of men with ED had a mining-related job versus 13% (6/48) of men without ED (OR 8.7; 95% CI 2.9 to 25.7; p=0.001).

Discussion

The findings of this preliminary study justify further epidemiological studies of the possible role of occupational exposures in the pathogenesis of male sexual dysfunction among miners and workers in the copper and cobalt industry.
Investigation of the efficacy of a dietetic food in the management of chronic enteropathies in dogs
Authors: Tørnqvist‐Johnsen Camilla , Campbell Susan , Gow Adam , Bommer Nick X , Salavati Silke , Mellanby Richard J
Published: October 2019

Background

Chronic enteropathies (CEs) are a common cause of morbidity in dogs. CEs are diagnosed in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal clinical signs (>3 weeks), inflammatory changes on intestinal biopsies and where no other underlying cause is determined based on a thorough, standardised diagnostic work‐up. Based on response to therapy, CEs are subclassified into food‐responsive, antibiotic‐responsive or steroid‐responsive enteropathies. A significant proportion of dogs with a CE are food‐responsive; however, there are limited peer‐reviewed publications describing the clinical efficacy of the commercially available diets used to treat CE.

Methods

In this study, the authors evaluated the response of 15 dogs with a CE to a commercially available dietetic food (Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Sensitive Canine Dry). The dogs underwent a standard diagnostic evaluation and did not receive concurrent anthelmintic, antibiotic, glucocorticoid or gastroprotectant therapies. The clinical efficacy of the dietary treatment was assessed by comparing the Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index (CIBDAI) before and a median of 13 days after dietary therapy.

Results

The authors found that the CIBDAI significantly decreased following the introduction of the dietetic food (median CIBDAI score pretreatment 9, post‐treatment 2; P<0.0005).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that this dietetic food can be used to successfully manage CE in dogs.
Rapid determinations of dissolved inorganic and organic nitrogen in soil leachate using mid-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Yang X.M. , Drury C.F. , Xu W. , Reeb M. , Oloya T.
Published: October 2019

Mid-infrared spectroscopy in the transmission mode was used to predict inorganic nitrogen (N), organic N, and total N in soil leachate. The developed predictions were accurate and robust for total N, NH4+, NO3−, inorganic N (NH4+ + NO3−), and organic N (total N − inorganic N) with high determination coefficients (R2 = 96.7 − 99.0) and residual prediction deviation (RPD = 5.47 − 9.96). The proposed method simultaneously estimates the concentrations of dissolved nitrogen species in soil leachates accurately and with significant savings in time, cost, and chemicals relevant to conventional methods.
Scaling Analysis of Phase Fluctuations of Brain Networks in Dynamic Constrained Object Manipulation
Authors: Fu Rongrong , Wang Han , Han Mengmeng , Han Dongying , Sun Jiedi
Published: October 2019

In this study, we investigated the dynamic properties of oscillatory activities in the scalp electro-encephalographs (EEGs) of 20 participants involved in a novel dynamic manipulating task using a physical interface and a virtual feedback. The complexity of such a task a rises from the unexpected relationship between the magnitude of the motion and the feedback. The characterization of complex patterns arising from EEG is an important problem in identifying different mental intentions. We proposed a scaling analysis of phase fluctuation in the scalp EEG to discriminate the network states related to different EEG patterns, which correspond to manipulating the task with right or left movement intention. These intentions are generated while the participant is engaged in such a complex task. The phase characterization method was used to calculate the instantaneous phase from the operational EEG. Then, functional brain networks (FBNs) of 20 subjects based on the task-related EEG were constructed by phase synchronization. The degree features representing the structures and scaling components of brain networks are sensitive to the EEG patterns with left or right motor intention. The correlation between features and mental intentions was investigated by discriminant analysis. For 20 subjects, the average accuracy of state detection is [Formula: see text], and the average mean-squared error (MSE) is [Formula: see text]. The brain state depicted by the results is related to high awareness, the phase characterization is of the effectiveness in EEG processing and FBN construction and the difference of control intentions can be explored by the phase characterization method. This finding may be relevant to understanding some neuronal mechanisms underlying the attention and some applications of closed-loop control for the safety operation of tools.
Flos Magnoliaeand its Constituent Linoleic Acid Suppress T Lymphocyte ActivationviaStore-Operated Calcium Entry
Authors: Kim Hyun Jong , Woo JooHan , Nam Yu Ran , Nam Joo Hyun , Kim Woo Kyung
Published: October 2019

Intracellular calcium signaling is crucial for type 2 helper T cell and mast cell activation, which is essential for allergic inflammation. It is initiated by antigen-mediated receptor stimulation that triggers store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) via ORAI1 calcium channel. Flos Magnoliae (FM) is widely used to treat allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. Although many studies have reported that FM regulates intracellular calcium signaling, research on the exact type of calcium channel modulated by FM is scarce. Therefore, we hypothesized that the anti-allergic effects of FM might result from ORAI1 inhibition in T cells. We investigated whether a 70% ethanolic extract of FM (FM[Formula: see text] and its constituents inhibit ORAI1 channel activity and subsequent T cell activation. We performed conventional whole-cell patch clamp studies in hSTIM1 and hORAI1-overexpressing HEK293T cells (HEK[Formula: see text]. Intracellular calcium concentration was determined using Fura-2 dye and cytokine production measurement in Jurkat T lymphocytes. FMEtOH(0.03 mg/mL) and its fractions, especially hexane fraction (FMHex, 0.01 mg/mL), significantly inhibited SOCE and IL-2 cytokine production in Jurkat T lymphocytes. GC/MS analysis showed linoleic acid (LA) as the major component of FMHex. FMHexat 0.01 mg/mL (equivalent to 10 [Formula: see text]M LA) inhibited not only SOCE but also IL-2 production, as well as CD3/CD28 receptor co-stimulation induced calcium signaling in Jurkat T lymphocytes. FMEtOHand LA suppressed CD4[Formula: see text] T lymphocyte activation, at least in part, by inhibiting [Formula: see text]. Thus, [Formula: see text] inhibition may be a potential strategy to inhibit immune responses in inflammation.
How electromagnetic induction and coupled delay affect stochastic resonance in a modified neuronal network subject to phase noise
Authors: Yang Xiao Li , Liu Xiao Qiang
Published: October 2019

Through introducing the ingredients of electromagnetic induction and coupled time delay into the original Fitzhugh–Nagumo (FHN) neuronal network, the dynamics of stochastic resonance in a model of modified FHN neuronal network in the environment of phase noise is explored by numerical simulations in this study. On one hand, we demonstrate that the phenomenon of stochastic resonance can appear when the intensity of phase noise is appropriately adjusted, which is further verified to be robust to the edge-added probability of small-world network. Moreover, under the influence of electromagnetic induction, the phase noise-induced resonance response is suppressed, meanwhile, a large noise intensity is required to induce stochastic resonance as the feedback gain of induced current increases. On the other hand, when the coupled time delay is incorporated into this model, the results indicate that the properly tuned time delay can induce multiple stochastic resonances in this neuronal network. However, the phenomenon of multiple stochastic resonances is found to be restrained upon increasing feedback gain of induced current. Surprisingly, by changing the period of phase noise, multiple stochastic resonances can still emerge when the coupled time delay is appropriately tuned to be integer multiples of the period of phase noise.
Optimal control of the mathematical viral dynamic model of different hepatitis B infected individuals with numerical simulation
Authors: Khan Tahir , Seadawy Aly R. , Zaman Gul , Abdullah Abdullah
Published: October 2019

The viral infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a dangerous problem for health around the globe and counted in the top leading causes of death. To explore the viral dynamics of this infection, an HBV epidemic model has been developed by dividing the infected compartment into three subclasses, acute, chronically infected and carrier individuals with both vertical as well as horizontal transmission. After formulating the model, we prove that the positive solution of the model exists. The next generation matrix approach has been used to investigate the threshold quantity known as basic reproduction number. The global stability conditions at endemic equilibria (EE) and disease-free equilibrium (DFE) are established by using the method of geometrical approach and Castillo-Chavez, respectively. We use the optimization theory and the three time-dependent control variables to establish the control program. By the help of this control policy, we reduce the number of susceptible, acute, chronically hepatitis B infected and carrier persons, while the numbers of recovered and vaccinated populations are maximized. Finally, numerical results will be found out for the support and feasibility of the analytical results.
Some properties of the pT regions observed at the LHC energies
Authors: Suleymanov Mais
Published: October 2019

The inclusive spectrum of the charged particles, [Formula: see text]0- and [Formula: see text]-mesons produced in the pp collisions at LHC energies were analyzed by fitting them with exponential functions. It was found the spectra were composed of several p[Formula: see text] regions, which could be characterized by the length of the regions [Formula: see text] and two free fitting parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The study of the [Formula: see text] dependences of the parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and of the energy dependencies of the [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] showed that the regions can be classified into two groups depending on the values of the [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The values of the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for the first group don’t depend on colliding energy and the type of the particles (though the values of [Formula: see text] increase linearly with energy) whereas the characteristics in the second group of regions show strong dependencies. It was found that the ratio of the length for the [Formula: see text]-mesons to one for the [Formula: see text]0-mesons is approximately equal to the ratio of their mass: [Formula: see text]. Assuming that the values of the [Formula: see text] are directly proportional to the string tension the result could be considered as evidence in favor of parton string fragmentation dynamics. The increase in the lengths for the [Formula: see text]-mesons’ regions is accompanied by an increase of the values for the parameter [Formula: see text]. It can mean that the [Formula: see text]-mesons were produced at smaller values of [Formula: see text] compared with that for [Formula: see text]0-mesons. The results show that for the first group of regions the lengths of the regions are [Formula: see text]3–5 times greater than the lengths of neighboring, lower p[Formula: see text] regions. For the second group of regions the lengths of the regions are [Formula: see text]1–2 times greater than the lengths of neighboring lower p[Formula: see text] region. In the framework of the string fragmentation and hadronization dynamics, this could mean that the particles in the group [Formula: see text] of regions are produced through previous-generation strings decays into [Formula: see text]3–5 strings while those in group [Formula: see text] originate from previous-generation strings decays into [Formula: see text]2 strings.
A Novel Fatigue Crack Monitoring Method Based on Nonlinear Dynamic Characteristics of Strain
Authors: Yang Dong , Li Dan , Kuang K. S. C.
Published: October 2019

This paper presents a novel fatigue crack monitoring method for steel specimens based on the smoothness priors method (SPM) and Tsallis entropy (TE) of strain measurements. The aim of the study is to detect initiation of a crack in steel specimens and subsequently to monitor its propagation under the fatigue load, based on real-time strain measurements. The nonlinear dynamic response of the structure was exploited since it degrades due to the initiation and subsequent propagation of the crack under the external dynamic excitation. The proposed method was experimentally validated. Here, the SPM is applied to decomposing the structural strain response into a nearly-stationary (NS) component and a low frequency aperiodic trend (LFAT) component. Features associated with crack initiation can be extracted from the NS component. The LFAT component, on the other hand, can be used to identify crack propagation. To tackle the singularity of the structural responses associated with a crack, the TE of the NS component was used in detection and monitoring of the crack in the steel specimen. Two other techniques, namely, acoustic emission (AE) sensor and crack opening displacement (COD) gauge were used for the purpose of calibration and comparison. The results show remarkable resemblance in terms of crack initiation and propagation identification exhibited by all three types of sensors, highlighting the potential of the proposed method for real-time detection and subsequent monitoring of crack propagation in steel structures.
Online regularized pairwise learning with least squares loss
Authors: Wang Cheng , Hu Ting
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we study online algorithm for pairwise problems generated from the Tikhonov regularization scheme associated with the least squares loss function and a reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS). This work establishes the convergence for the last iterate of the online pairwise algorithm with the polynomially decaying step sizes and varying regularization parameters. We show that the obtained error rate in [Formula: see text]-norm can be nearly optimal in the minimax sense under some mild conditions. Our analysis is achieved by a sharp estimate for the norms of the learning sequence and the characterization of RKHS using its associated integral operators and probability inequalities for random variables with values in a Hilbert space.
Prediction of the half-lives of polychlorinated biphenyls based on the IEF-PCM calculations
Authors: Liao Shiyao , Yu Xinliang , Chen Jianfang , Huang Xianwei
Published: October 2019

Three-dimensional structures of 62 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners were optimized with the integral equation formalism polarizable continuum model (IEF-PCM) in combination with the density functional theory (DFT) method at 6-31G(d) level. By applying support vector machine (SVM) algorithm, a nonlinear quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) model was built to predict half-lives (log [Formula: see text]) of 62 PCBs in juvenile rainbow trout. The optimal SVM model based on the parameters [Formula: see text] of 854.721 and [Formula: see text] of 0.0565 produces the root-mean-square (rms) errors of 0.0352 for the training set and 0.0446 for the test set, which are less than that of the previous models reported. The results suggest that it is feasible to build SVM models for the half-lives of PCBs with IEF-PCM and B3LYP/6-31G(d) for deriving structural descriptors.
Improvement of quantum correlations by repetitive quantum error correction
Authors: El Allati A. , Amellal H. , Meslouhi A.
Published: October 2019

A quantum error-correcting code is established in entangled coherent states (CSs) with Markovian and non-Markovian environments. However, the dynamic behavior of these optical states is discussed in terms of quantum correlation measurements, entanglement and discord. By using the correcting codes, these correlations can be as robust as possible against environmental effects. As the number of redundant CSs increases due to the repetitive error correction, the probabilities of success also increase significantly. Based on different optical field parameters, the discord can withstand more than an entanglement. Furthermore, the behavior of quantum discord under decoherence may exhibit sudden death and sudden birth phenomena as functions of dimensionless parameters.
Understanding the Adoption Factors Influence on the Use of Intelligent Travel Assistant (ITA) for Eco-Tourists: An Extension of the UTAUT
Authors: Phaosathianphan Noppadol , Leelasantitham Adisorn
Published: October 2019

The objective of this research is to investigate the antecedent factors involving eight variables, i.e. ease of use, trust, enjoyment, design, usefulness, quality, safety and empathy, which influence user acceptance of the intelligent travel assistant (ITA), thus they are formulated into a research model and hypothesis according to wide and deep exploration about the theories of travel and tourism. The technologies used were the VPA, IPA, AI, IoT, technology acceptance theories and related literature. The data collection used online questionnaires for the survey through social media promotion online, i.e. Facebook and Line. The data analysis was conducted with the 299 eco-tourists via the descriptive statistics, that is, percentages and standard deviations (S.D.) through the program of PASW Statistics v.18.0.0. The statistical inferential analysis has used the measurement model and the structural model through employing the program of SmartPLS v.3.2.8. Their results led to recognizing the ITA user acceptance containing firstly the external factors, which involve the ease to use, the trust, the enjoyment, and the design. Secondly, the internal factors included the usefulness, and the quality. Thirdly, the direct factor is the empathy. Finally, the results of this study could be applied for implementation and assessment of ITA in the future.
SOCIAL CAPITAL, CREDIT CHOICES AND GROWTH IN VIETNAMESE HOUSEHOLD BUSINESSES
Authors: HA PHUOC VU , FRÖMMEL MICHAEL
Published: October 2019

The study provides the impact of social capital on credit choices and growth of household businesses in Vietnam by using a data sample of 3,813 observations. Social capital is considered at different levels: micro for human capital and macro for social networks. It concludes that although both levels of social capital influence credit choices of household businesses, the micro level of social capital plays an important role in improving the household business’s growth, including asset and income growth. The study develops a broader view about the use of resources and financing choices in household businesses in Vietnam. Accordingly, it highlights the importance of social capital from multiple aspects — the household business itself, human capital, social networks and government — on the development of Vietnamese household businesses.
Effect of Low-Temperature Heat Treatment on PM2.5 Adsorption Properties of GO Films
Authors: Zou Weiwu , Gu Baoshan , Sun Shiqing , Wang Shidong , Li Xin , Zhao Haoqi , Yang Peiyan
Published: October 2019

To explore the mechanism of GO acting on PM[Formula: see text], a graphene oxide (GO) film was prepared via a spraying method for air purification. The effects of different media, temperature and heat treatment times on the adsorption of PM[Formula: see text] on GO film were investigated. The morphology, composition and structure of GO materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy. When the vacuum heat-treatment temperature is below 80∘C and the atmospheric heat-treatment temperature is below 100∘C, the air purification performance of the film does not change significantly. With the increase in the vacuum heat-treatment temperature, the removal efficiency of PM[Formula: see text] by GO film decreases gradually from 95% to 83%. At different times, the vacuum heat treatment increases with time, and the film removal rate shows a downward trend. As the heat-treatment temperature and time increase, a certain redox reaction occurs in the GO, and the air purification performance decreases. At a temperature of 120∘C and a time of 8[Formula: see text]h, the removal rate drops to 81.68%. The adsorption of PM[Formula: see text] by GO film mainly relies on the action of oxygen-containing functional groups.
Stochastic Dynamical Modeling of Turbulent Flows
Authors: Zare A. , Georgiou T.T. , Jovanović M.R.
Published: October 2019

Advanced measurement techniques and high-performance computing have made large data sets available for a range of turbulent flows in engineering applications. Drawing on this abundance of data, dynamical models that reproduce structural and statistical features of turbulent flows enable effective model-based flow control strategies. This review describes a framework for completing second-order statistics of turbulent flows using models based on the Navier–Stokes equations linearized around the turbulent mean velocity. Dynamical couplings between states of the linearized model dictate structural constraints on the statistics of flow fluctuations. Colored-in-time stochastic forcing that drives the linearized model is then sought to account for and reconcile dynamics with available data (that is, partially known statistics). The number of dynamical degrees of freedom that are directly affected by stochastic excitation is minimized as a measure of model parsimony. The spectral content of the resulting colored-in-time stochastic contribution can alternatively arise from a low-rank structural perturbation of the linearized dynamical generator, pointing to suitable dynamical corrections that may account for the absence of the nonlinear interactions in the linearized model.
Hepatic IKKε expression is dispensable for high-fat feeding-induced increases in liver lipid content and alterations in glucose tolerance
Authors: Collier J. Jason , Batdorf Heidi M. , Mendoza Tamra M. , Burk David H. , Martin Thomas M. , Zhang Jingying , Mynatt Randall L. , Burke Susan J.
Published: October 2019

There are endocrine and immunological changes that occur during onset and progression of the overweight and obese states. The inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB kinase-ε (IKKε) was originally described as an inducible protein kinase; whole body gene deletion or systemic pharmaceutical targeting of this kinase improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in mice. To investigate the primary sites of action associated with IKKε during weight gain, we describe the first mouse line with conditional elimination of IKKε in the liver (IKKεAlb–/–). IKKεAlb–/– mice and littermate controls gain weight, show similar changes in body composition, and do not display any improvements in insulin sensitivity or whole body glucose tolerance. These studies were conducted using breeder chow diets and matched low- vs. high-fat diets. While glycogen accumulation in the liver is reduced in IKKεAlb–/– mice, lipid storage in liver is similar in IKKεAlb–/– mice and littermate controls. Our results using IKKεAlb–/– mice suggest that the primary action of this kinase to impact insulin sensitivity during weight gain lies predominantly within extrahepatic tissues.