bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Burden and impacts of chronic hepatitis B infection in rural Senegal: study protocol of a cross-sectional survey in the area of Niakhar (AmBASS ANRS 12356)
Authors: Coste Marion , De Sèze Maëlle , Diallo Aldiouma , Carrieri Maria Patrizia , Marcellin Fabienne , Boyer Sylvie
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Though Senegal has one of the highest estimated prevalence rates of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection worldwide, epidemiological data in the general population are lacking and consequences of the infection remain undocumented. The ANRS-12356 AmBASS study aims at evaluating the health and socioeconomic burden of chronic HBV infection at the individual, household and population level. Its specific objectives are (1) to document the epidemiology of chronic HBV infection, including prevalence and risk factors; (2) to assess the acceptability of home-based testing and first clinic visit; (3) to investigate the repercussions of chronic HBV infection on living conditions; and (4) to estimate the public health impact of chronic HBV infection at the population level and the feasibility of a decentralised model of HBV test and treat.

Methods and analysis

This multidisciplinary cross-sectional survey includes a twofold data collection: (1) home-based screening using dried blood spot (DBS) sampling and collection of sociodemographic, economic and behavioural data, and (2) additional clinical and biological data collection in chronic HBV carriers at the first clinic visit. The prevalence of chronic HBV infection will be estimated in the general population and in key subgroups. Risk factors for HBV acquisition in children will be explored using case-control analysis. HBV burden will be assessed through comparisons of health and economic outcomes between households affected by the disease versus non-affected households. Last, an economic evaluation will assess costs and health benefits of scaling-up HBV care.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Senegalese National Ethical Committee for Research in Health, and received authorisation from the Senegalese Ministry of Health and the French Commission on Information Technology and Liberties (Senegalese Protocol Number: SEN17/15). The study results will be presented in peer-review journals, international conferences and at a workshop with national stakeholders in order to contribute to the design of programmes to address the HBV pandemic.

Trial registration number

NCT03215732; Pre-results.
A quality improvement collaborative to build improvement capacity in regional primary care support organisations
Authors: Knight Andrew Walter , Dhillon Mia , Smith Cati , Johnson Julie
Published: July 2019

Strong primary care is foundational for effective, efficient health systems but remains variable in health systems around the world. Increasing quality improvement capacity in primary care support organisations has potential to improve primary care and health systems. This project worked with staff from primary healthcare support organisations with the aim of improving by 20% the confidence and competence scores of participants seeking to implement a quality improvement activity. The Breakthrough Collaborative approach was used to design a programme of learning workshops, action periods, data feedback and local support. Improvement measures included confidence in quality improvement (self-rated) and competence in quality improvement (using the validated Quality Improvement Knowledge Assessment Tool). Participants were required to submit quality improvement plans and run local quality improvement projects. The programme was run three times with improvements made between each cycle. Overall, 50 teams consisting of 173 regional staff took part. They engaged a total of 341 front-line primary care services such as general practices, Aboriginal medical services and pharmacies. In the first cycle, there was no improvement in measured regional staff knowledge and skills. In response, the learning workshops were changed to increase didactic teaching and supported practice of fundamental quality improvement skills. Regional organisational leaders were consulted to decrease the turnover in participants during each collaborative cycle. In the final cohort, a 38% improvement in knowledge and skills was recorded. All teams submitted quality improvement plans and ran local workshops indicating good engagement. This programme addresses a key need for health systems that is shared around the world: the improvement of primary care. It demonstrates using the Breakthrough Collaborative methodology to increase quality improvement capacity in the sector. After initial challenges, repeated cycles recorded greater than 30% improvement in the measured competence of participants in quality improvement activities.
Selective posterior cerebral artery amobarbital test: a predictor of memory following subtemporal selective amygdalohippocampectomy
Authors: Catapano Joshua S , Whiting Alexander C , Wang Derrick J , Hlubek Randall J , Labib Mohamed A , Morgan Clinton D , Brigeman Scott , Fredrickson Vance L , Cavalcanti Daniel D , Smith Kris A , Ducruet Andrew F , Albuquerque Felipe C
Published: July 2019

Background

The selective posterior cerebral artery (PCA) amobarbital test, or PCA Wada test, is used to predict memory impairment after epilepsy surgery in patients who have previously had a failed internal carotid artery (ICA) amobarbital test.

Methods

Medical records from 2012 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed for all patients with seizures who underwent a selective PCA Wada test at our institution following a failed or inconclusive ICA Wada test. Standardized neuropsychological testing was performed before and during the Wada procedure and postoperatively in patients who underwent resection.

Results

Thirty-three patients underwent a selective PCA Wada test, with no complications. Twenty-six patients with medically refractory epilepsy had a seizure focus amenable to selective amygdalohippocampectomy (AHE). Six patients (23%, n=26) had a failed PCA Wada test and did not undergo selective AHE, seven (27%) declined surgical resection, leaving 13 patients who underwent subtemporal selective AHE. Hippocampal sclerosis was found in all 13 patients (100%). Twelve patients (92%) subsequently underwent formal neuropsychological testing and all were found to have stable memory. Ten patients (77%) were seizure-free (Engel Class I), with average follow-up of 13 months.

Conclusion

The selective PCA Wada test is predictive of memory outcomes after subtemporal selective AHE in patients with a failed or inconclusive ICA Wada test. Furthermore, given the low risk of complications and potential benefit of seizure freedom, a selective PCA Wada test may be warranted in patients with medically intractable epilepsy who are candidates for a selective AHE and who have a prior failed or inconclusive ICA Wada test.
MR characteristics of unruptured intracranial arteriovenous malformations associated with seizure as initial clinical presentation
Authors: Benson John Charles , Chiu Shannon , Flemming Kelly , Nasr Deena M , Lanzino Giuseppe , Brinjikji Waleed
Published: July 2019

Background

Patients with intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are at increased risk of seizures.

Objective

To identify MRI characteristics of unruptured intracranial AVMs associated with seizures at presentation.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review was completed of patients diagnosed with unruptured intracranial AVMs on MRI between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2016. Two blinded reviewers assessed demographics, lesion locality, and imaging and architectural characteristics of AVMs and surrounding parenchyma, including, but not limited to, AVM location, venous drainage pattern, venous varix, thrombosed venous varix, long draining vein, AVM-related gliosis, peri-AVM edema, and peri-AVM T2* signal. Findings were statistically analyzed for correlation with seizure using Student’s t-test for continuous variables and Χ2test for categorical variables.

Results

Of 165 included patients, 57/165 (34.5%) patients were imaged as part of an investigation for seizures. Patients with seizures more commonly had peri-AVM edema (36.8%, compared with 11.1% of non-seizure patients, p<0.0001), peri-AVM T2* blooming (28.1% vs 7.4%; p=0.029), a venous pouch/varix (61.4% vs 31.5%, p=0.0003), long draining vein (91.2% vs 55.6%, p<0.0001), and larger size based on Spetzler-Martin grade categorization (p=0.006). By location, AVMs located in the frontal lobe, primary motor cortex, and primary sensory cortex were associated with seizures (p=0.004, p=0.001, and p=0.006, respectively); temporal lobe location was not associated with seizures (p=0.459).

Conclusions

Certain MRI characteristics of unruptured intracranial AVMs are associated with seizures. Such correlations may assist in identifying the pathophysiological mechanisms by which AVMs cause seizures.
Evaluation of a modular in vitro neurovascular procedure simulation for intracranial aneurysm embolization
Authors: Nawka Marie Teresa , Spallek Johanna , Kuhl Juliane , Krause Dieter , Buhk Jan Hendrik , Fiehler Jens , Frölich Andreas
Published: July 2019

Background

Rapid development in endovascular aneurysm therapy continuously drives demand for suitable neurointerventional training opportunities.

Objective

To investigate the value of an integrated modular neurovascular training environment for aneurysm embolization using additively manufactured vascular models.

Methods

A large portfolio of 30 patient-specific aneurysm models derived from different treatment settings (eg, coiling, flow diversion, flow disruption) was fabricated using additive manufacturing. Models were integrated into a customizable neurointerventional simulator with interchangeable intracranial and cervical vessel segments and physiological circuit conditions (‘HANNES’; Hamburg ANatomic Neurointerventional Endovascular Simulator). Multiple training courses were performed and participant feedback was obtained using a questionnaire.

Results

Training for aneurysm embolization could be reliably performed using HANNES. Case-specific clinical difficulties, such as difficult aneurysm access or coil dislocation, could be reproduced. During a training session, models could be easily exchanged owing to standardized connectors in order to switch to a different treatment situation or to change from ‘treated’ back to ‘untreated’ condition. Among 23 participants evaluating hands-on courses using a five-point scale from 1 (strongly agree) to 5 (strongly disagree), HANNES was mostly rated as ‘highly suitable for practicing aneurysm coil embolization’ (1.78±0.79).

Conclusion

HANNES offers a wide variability and flexibility for case-specific hands-on training of intracranial aneurysm treatment, providing equal training conditions for each situation. The high degree of standardization offered may be valuable for analysis of device behavior or assessment of physician skills. Moreover, it has the ability to reduce the need for animal experiments.
Waterpipe (hookah) tobacco use in pregnancy: use, preferences and perceptions of flavours
Authors: Stroud Laura , Werner Erika , Matteson Kristen , Carey Michael , Helen Gideon St , Eissenberg Thomas , Scott-Sheldon Lori A J
Published: July 2019

Objective

Waterpipe tobacco (WPT; hookah) use is common in pregnant and reproductive-age women. Sweet flavours contribute to the appeal of WPT and are a potential regulatory target. This study investigated use, preferences and perceptions of WPT flavours in pregnant WPT users, and the impact of flavour preferences on preconception/prenatal WPT use and exposure biomarkers.

Methods

58 pregnant WPT users (mean age=27 years) completed a detailed interview regarding their WPT flavours use, preferences and perceptions. Biomarkers of nicotine and carcinogen exposure (eg, cotinine, benzene, butadiene) were also collected.

Results

55% of participants were dual/poly WPT users (ie, reported use of one or more other tobacco products in addition to WPT). Pregnant WPT users reported nearly exclusive use of flavoured WPT, with greater use of menthol/mint (68%) followed by fruit flavours (48%) (p<0.001), and greater preferences for fruit followed by menthol/mint flavours (ps<0.05). Harm perceptions did not differ among flavours. Compared with dual/poly WPT users, WPT-only users reported more total WPT use events, greater use of and preference for menthol/mint flavoured WPT (ps<0.001), and decreased exposure biomarkers (ps≤0.040). Preference for menthol/mint and fruit flavours predicted more flavoured WPT use events during preconception and pregnancy; preference for menthol/mint predicted detectable cotinine and benzene levels but not butadiene.

Conclusions

This is the first study of WPT flavour use, preferences and perceptions in pregnant women. Use of and preference for menthol/mint and fruit WPT flavours in this vulnerable population could be considered in regulating WPT flavours to protect the health of women and children.
Randomised trial of perioperative tramadol for canine sterilisation pain management
Authors: Meunier Natascha V , Panti Ambra , Mazeri Stella , Fernandes Karlette A , Handel Ian G , Bronsvoort Barend M de C , Gamble Luke , Mellanby Richard J
Published: July 2019

Surgical sterilisation to manage free‐roaming dog populations is widely used in many countries. However, few studies have examined optimal postoperative pain management regimens at low‐resource, high‐throughput veterinary clinics. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of two intravenous analgesic regimens, preoperative administration of meloxicam and tramadol, or meloxicam alone, in free‐roaming dogs undergoing sterilisation. A total of 125 dogs were included, with 64 dogs in the meloxicam‐tramadol arm and 61 dogs in the meloxicam‐only arm in a non‐inferiority study design. Pain levels in sterilisation surgery patients were assessed at four time points after surgery using the Colorado State University Canine Acute Pain Scale, a Visual Analogue Scale and a modified version of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale – Short Form. Non‐inferiority was supported for each of the main scoring outcomes using non‐inferiority margins of 0.5, 5 and 0.8, respectively. One dog from the meloxicam‐tramadol group and four dogs in the meloxicam‐only arm required rescue analgesia, with no difference between groups (P=0.21).The study demonstrated that meloxicam was effective in controlling postoperative pain in a high proportion of dogs. The addition of tramadol alongside meloxicam treatment was not found to be of clinical benefit.
Accuracy and inter‐rater reliability of lung auscultation by bovine practitioners when compared with ultrasonographic findings
Authors: Pardon Bart , Buczinski Sébastien , Deprez Piet R
Published: July 2019

In practice, veterinary surgeons frequently rely on lung auscultation as a confirmation test for pneumonia. To what extent diagnostic accuracy of lung auscultation varies between different practitioners is currently unknown. In this diagnostic test study, 49 Dutch veterinarians each auscultated between 8 and 10 calves, and communicated whether they would decide to treat the animal with antimicrobials or not. They were not allowed to perform any other aspect of the clinical examination. Their decisions were compared with lung ultrasonography findings. The average sensitivity and specificity of lung auscultation were 0.63 (sd=0.2; range=0.2–1.0) and 0.46 (sd=0.3; range=0.0–1.0), respectively. Of the participants, 8.2 per cent were 100 per cent sensitive, 16.3 per cent were 100 per cent specific, and only 4.0 per cent were perfect. The Krippendorff's alpha was 0.18 (95 per cent confidence interval: −0.01 to 0.38), signifying poor reliability between multiple raters. Regardless of the poor diagnostic accuracy in this study, especially the large variation in a confirmation test between different practitioners could potentially cause professional damage as well as misuse of antimicrobials. This study could be seen as a gentle stimulus to regularly evaluate one's diagnostic skills. Both complementary training and the use of more accurate techniques with less inter‐rater variation could improve the situation.
A data-driven air cargo redistribution model based on multiple programming
Authors: Peng Yang , Wang Pu , Zhao Xiaolong , Chen Meilin , Zhang Jun , Zhang Fan
Published: July 2019

Air cargo transportation is an essential mode of cargo transportation. How to distribute air cargo into flights better is an important operational problem. In this paper, air cargo data collected by CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China) during the first three months of 2018 are analyzed. We find that the available capacity for cargo transportation shows great variations, and the cargo compartment utilization rates of flights are heterogeneously distributed. Next, a data-driven air cargo redistribution model is developed based on multiple programming (MP). The proposed model can effectively transport high-priority goods and balance cargo compartment utilization rates of flights. In addition, the proposed model framework can provide a new solution to multi-objective or multi-stage optimization problems.
Thermal conduction in a quasi-stationary one-dimensional lattice system
Authors: Khorrami Mohammad , Aghamohammadi Amir
Published: July 2019

A system of nearest-neighbor interaction on a one-dimensional lattice is investigated, which has a quasi-stationary (and position-dependent) temperature profile. The rates of heat transfer and entropy change, as well as the diffusion equation for the temperature are studied. A q-state Potts model, and its special case, a two-state Ising model, are considered as an example.
Expected number of real zeroes of random Taylor series
Authors: Flasche Hendrik , Kabluchko Zakhar
Published: July 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be i.i.d. random variables with zero mean and unit variance. Consider a random Taylor series of the form [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a real sequence such that [Formula: see text] is regularly varying with index [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]. We prove that [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] denotes the number of real zeroes of [Formula: see text] in the interval [Formula: see text].
Genus zero Gopakumar–Vafa type invariants for Calabi–Yau 4-folds II: Fano 3-folds
Authors: Cao Yalong
Published: July 2019

In analogy with the Gopakumar–Vafa (GV) conjecture on Calabi–Yau (CY) 3-folds, Klemm and Pandharipande defined GV type invariants on Calabi–Yau 4-folds using Gromov–Witten theory and conjectured their integrality. In a joint work with Maulik and Toda, the author conjectured their genus zero invariants are [Formula: see text] invariants of one-dimensional stable sheaves. In this paper, we study this conjecture on the total space of canonical bundle of a Fano 3-fold [Formula: see text], which reduces to a relation between twisted GW and [Formula: see text] invariants on [Formula: see text]. Examples are computed for both compact and non-compact Fano 3-folds to support our conjecture.
Regularity and multiplicity results for fractional (p,q)-Laplacian equations
Authors: Goel Divya , Kumar Deepak , Sreenadh K.
Published: July 2019

This paper deals with the study of the following nonlinear doubly nonlocal equation: [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a bounded domain in [Formula: see text] with smooth boundary, [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are parameters. Here [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are sign-changing functions. We prove [Formula: see text] estimates, weak Harnack inequality and Interior Hölder regularity of the weak solutions of the above problem in the subcritical case [Formula: see text] Also, by analyzing the fibering maps and minimizing the energy functional over suitable subsets of the Nehari manifold, we prove existence and multiplicity of weak solutions to above convex–concave problem. In case of [Formula: see text], we show the existence of a solution.
A trace theorem for Martinet-type vector fields
Authors: Gerosa Daniele , Monti Roberto , Morbidelli Daniele
Published: July 2019

In [Formula: see text] we consider the vector fields [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be the (closed) upper half-space and let [Formula: see text] be a function such that [Formula: see text] for some [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we prove that the restriction of [Formula: see text] to the plane [Formula: see text] belongs to a suitable Besov space that is defined using the Carnot–Carathéodory metric associated with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and the related perimeter measure.
Characterization of performance fatigability during a self-paced exercise
Authors: Azevedo Rafael de Almeida , Cruz Ramon , Couto Patrícia , Silva-Cavalcante Marcos David , Boari Daniel , Lima-Silva Adriano E. , Millet Guillaume Y. , Bertuzzi Romulo
Published: July 2019

Pacing during a high-intensity cycling time trial (TT) appears to prevent premature task failure, but the performance fatigability during a self-paced exercise is currently unknown. Therefore, the current study characterized the time course of performance fatigability during a 4-km TT. Eleven male cyclists performed three separated TTs in a crossover, counterbalanced design. The TTs lasted until the end of the fast-start (FS; 600 ± 205 m), even-pace (EP; 3,600 ± 190 m), and end-spurt (ES; 4,000 m) phases. Performance fatigability was characterized by using isometric maximal voluntary contractions (IMVCs), whereas the muscle activation [i.e., voluntary activation (VA)] and contractile function of knee extensors [e.g., peak torque of potentiated twitches (TwPt)] were evaluated using electrically evoked contractions performed before and 1 min after each specific part of the trial. Gas exchange, power output (PO), and electromyographic activity (EMG) were also recorded. EMG/PO showed an abrupt increase followed by a continuous decrease toward the end of FS, resulting in a drop in IMVC (−12%), VA (−8%), and TwPt (−23%). EMG/PO was stable during EP, with no additional drop on IMVC, VA, or TwPt (−12%, −6%, and −22%, respectively). EMG/PO increased abruptly during the ES, but there was no change in IMVCs, VA, or TwPt (−13%, −8%, and −26%, respectively). These findings demonstrate that the performance fatigability during a self-paced exercise is characterized by a large drop in contractile function and muscle activation at the beginning of the trial (i.e., FS), without additional change during the middle and end phases (i.e., EP and ES).

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The time course of performance fatigability throughout a self-paced exercise is currently unknown. The results showed that a large amount of muscle activation and contractile function impairments are attained early on a self-paced exercise (first ∼15% of the total time trial distance) and maintained throughout the test. This novel finding characterizes the performance fatigability from a contractile function and muscle activation perspective, which brings new insights for future studies focused on real-world exercise training and competition.
Vascular-ventricular coupling during exercise is not affected by exaggerated blood pressures in endurance-trained athletes
Authors: Currie Katharine D. , Sasson Zion , Goodman Jack M.
Published: July 2019

This study sought to examine whether cardiovascular performance during exercise, assessed using the vascular-ventricular coupling index (VVC), was affected by exaggerated blood pressure (EBP) responses in endurance-trained athletes. Subjects were middle-aged endurance-trained men and women. Blood pressure measurements and left ventricular echocardiography were performed in a semiupright position at rest and during steady-state cycling at workloads that elicited 100–110 beats/min ( stage 1) and 130–140 beats/min ( stage 2). These data were used to calculate effective arterial elastance index ( EaI), left ventricular end-systolic elastance index ( ELVI), and their ratio (VVC). Additional measurements of left ventricular volumes and function (i.e., stroke volume, cardiac output, and longitudinal strain) and indirect assessments of peripheral vascular function (i.e., total arterial compliance and peripheral vascular resistance) were examined. Fourteen subjects with EBP (EBP+, 50% men) and 14 sex-matched subjects without EBP (EBP−) participated, with results presented as EBP+ versus EBP−. EaI and ELVI increased from rest to exercise while VVC decreased, but only ELVI was different between groups at stage 1 [7.6 (1.8) vs. 6.4 (1.0) mmHg·ml−1·m−2, P = 0.045] and stage 2 [10.3 (1.6) vs. 8.0 (1.7) mmHg·ml−1·m−2, P < 0.001]. Additional comparisons revealed no group difference in the contribution of the Frank-Starling mechanism or left ventricular and peripheral vascular function during exercise. The cardiovascular adjustment to exercise in athletes with EBP is achieved through a matched increase in both EaI and ELVI, and the absence of between-group differences in left ventricular or peripheral vascular function suggests that other factors may contribute to the EBP response.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cardiovascular performance during submaximal exercise, assessed using vascular-ventricular coupling, is unaffected by exaggerated blood pressure (EBP) responses in endurance-trained athletes. The underlying mechanisms of EBP in athletes remain unknown as changes in left ventricular and peripheral vascular function during exercise were similar in athletes with and without EBP.
Exogenous neuromodulation of spinal neurons induces beta-band coherence during self-sustained discharge of hind limb motor unit populations
Authors: Thompson Christopher K. , Johnson Michael D. , Negro Francesco , Mcpherson Laura Miller , Farina Dario , Heckman Charles J.
Published: July 2019

The spontaneous or self-sustained discharge of spinal motoneurons can be observed in both animals and humans. Although the origins of this self-sustained discharge are not fully known, it can be generated by activation of persistent inward currents intrinsic to the motoneuron. If self-sustained discharge is generated exclusively through this intrinsic mechanism, the discharge of individual motor units will be relatively independent of one another. Alternatively, if increased activation of premotor circuits underlies this prolonged discharge of spinal motoneurons, we would expect correlated activity among motoneurons. Our aim is to assess potential synaptic drive by quantifying coherence during self-sustained discharge of spinal motoneurons. Electromyographic activity was collected from 20 decerebrate animals using a 64-channel electrode grid placed on the isolated soleus muscle before and following intrathecal administration of methoxamine, a selective α1-noradrenergic agonist. Sustained muscle activity was recorded and decomposed into the discharge times of ~10–30 concurrently active individual motor units. Consistent with previous reports, the self-sustained discharge of motor units occurred at low mean discharge rates with low-interspike variability. Before methoxamine administration, significant low-frequency coherence (<2 Hz) was observed, while minimal coherence was observed within higher frequency bands. Following intrathecal administration of methoxamine, increases in motor unit discharge rates and strong coherence in both the low-frequency and 15- to 30-Hz beta bands were observed. These data demonstrate beta-band coherence among motor units can be observed through noncortical mechanisms and that neuromodulation of spinal/brainstem neurons greatly influences coherent discharge within spinal motor pools.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The correlated discharge of spinal motoneurons is often used to describe the input to the motor pool. We demonstrate spinal/brainstem neurons devoid of cortical input can generate correlated motor unit discharge in the 15- to 30-Hz beta band, which is amplified through neuromodulation. Activity in the beta band is often ascribed to cortical drive in humans; however, these data demonstrate the capability of the mammalian segmental motor system to generate and modulate this coherent state of motor unit discharge.
Dietary nitrate supplementation enhances cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity in a sex-specific manner
Authors: Fan Jui-Lin , O’Donnell Terrence , Gray Clint Lee , Croft Kevin , Noakes Annabel Kate , Koch Henrietta , Tzeng Yu-Chieh
Published: July 2019

Insufficient nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability plays an important role in endothelial dysfunction, and increased NO has the potential to enhance cerebral blood flow (CBF). Dietary supplementation with sodium nitrate, a precursor of NO, could improve cerebrovascular function, but this has not been investigated. In 17 individuals, we examined the effects of a 7-day supplementation of dietary nitrate (0.1 mmol·kg−1·day −1) on cerebrovascular function using a randomized, single-blinded placebo-controlled crossover design. We hypothesized that 7-day dietary nitrate supplementation increases CBF response to CO2 (cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity) and cerebral autoregulation (CA). We assessed middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) and blood pressure (BP) at rest and during CO2 breathing. Transfer function analysis was performed on resting beat-to-beat MCAv and BP to determine CA, from which phase, gain, and coherence of the BP-MCAv data were derived. Dietary nitrate elevated plasma nitrate concentration by ~420% ( P < 0.001) and lowered gain ( d = 1.2, P = 0.025) and phase of the BP-MCAv signal compared with placebo treatment ( d = 0.7, P = 0.043), while coherence was unaffected ( P = 0.122). Dietary nitrate increased the MCAv-CO2 slope in a sex-specific manner (interaction: P = 0.016). Dietary nitrate increased the MCAv-CO2 slope in men ( d = 1.0, P = 0.014 vs. placebo), but had no effect in women ( P = 0.919). Our data demonstrate that dietary nitrate greatly increased cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity in healthy individuals, while its effect on CA remains unclear. The selective increase in the MCAv-CO2 slope observed in men indicates a clear sexual dimorphic role of NO in cerebrovascular function.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We found dietary nitrate supplementation improved the brain blood vessels’ response to CO2, cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity, without affecting blood pressure in a group of healthy individuals. Meanwhile, the effect of dietary nitrate on the relationship between blood pressure and brain blood flow, cerebral autoregulation, was inconclusive. The improvement in cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity was only observed in the male participants, alluding to a sex difference in the effect of dietary nitrate on brain blood flow control. Our findings indicate that dietary nitrate could be an effective strategy to enhance cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity.
Addressing Evidence Linking Secondary Alexithymia to Aberrant Humor Processing
Authors: Patrikelis Panayiotis , Lucci Giuliana , Alexoudi Athanasia , Korfias Stefanos , Messinis Lambros , Nasios Grigorios , Papasilekas Themistoklis , Sakas Damianos , Gatzonis Stylianos
Published: July 2019

In this review, we explore current literature and assess evidence linking secondary (acquired) alexithymia to aberrant humor processing, in terms of their neurobiological underpinnings. In addition, we suggest a possible common neuropathological substrate between secondary alexithymia and deficits in humor appreciation, by drawing on neurophysiologic and neuroradiological evidence, as well as on a recent and unique single-case study showing the cooccurrence of secondary alexithymia and deficit in humor appreciation. In summary, what emerges from the literature is that the cortical midline structures, in particular the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and the insular cortex, seem to play a crucial role in the expression of both alexithymia and defective humor processing, while though to a lesser extent, a right hemisphere and bilateral frontoparietal contribution becomes evident. Neurobiological evidence of secondary alexithymia and aberrant humor processing points to the putative role of ACC/mPFC and the insular cortex in representing crucial processing nodes whose damage may produce both the above clinical conditions. We believe that the association of secondary alexithymia and aberrant humor processing, especially humor appreciation deficit, and their correlation with specific brain regions, mainly ACG/mPFC, as emerged from the literature, may be of some heuristic importance. Increased awareness on this topic may be of aid for neurosurgeons when accessing emotion-relevant structures, as well as for neuropsychologists to intensify their efforts to plan evidence-based neurorehabilitative interventions to alleviate the deleterious effects of such interpersonal communication deficits.
Influence of Fault on the Surrounding Rock Stability for a Mining Tunnel: Distance and Tectonic Stress
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiang , Chen Fangfang , Li Ning , He Mingming
Published: July 2019

Stability of surrounding rock mass and safety of supporting system in mining tunnel are always dominated by fault near excavation limit. The influence degree of the fault varies significantly under different fault distances to mining tunnel and initial stresses condition. In this paper, a series of numerical experiments are conducted to study the displacement, stress, and plastic region in surrounding rock mass. The stress characteristics in sprayed concrete layer are analyzed to study the influence of the fault distance on excavation limit and the initial stress in ground. The fault distance is defined geometrically by a mutual perpendicular line between the excavation limit and fault line nearest to the mining tunnel to quantify the influence. In order to simulate fault specialty reasonably, an interface model based on the theory of cohesive joint element is proposed in the numerical experiment model. Some other disciplinary and quantificational regularities about the influence of the fault distance and tectonic stress are summarized based on the numerical results. The results show that there is a critical distance to judge whether a fault has a prominent influence to mining tunnel. The critical distance depends on the quality of mining tunnel surrounding rock mass, initial stress, and the degree of excavation limit curvature. With the increase of lateral stress coefficient, the vertical displacement at crown decreases, but the horizontal displacement increases in the both right and left sidewalls.
The Role of Deubiquitinases in Oncovirus and Host Interactions
Authors: Li Yueshuo , Shi Feng , Hu Jianmin , Xie Longlong , Bode Ann M. , Cao Ya
Published: July 2019

Infection-related cancer comprises one-sixth of the global cancer burden. Oncoviruses can directly or indirectly contribute to tumorigenesis. Ubiquitination is a dynamic and reversible posttranslational modification that participates in almost all cellular processes. Hijacking of the ubiquitin system by viruses continues to emerge as a central theme around the viral life cycle. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) maintain ubiquitin homeostasis by removing ubiquitin modifications from target proteins, thereby altering protein function, stability, and signaling pathways, as well as acting as key mediators between the virus and its host. In this review, we focus on the multiple functions of DUBs in RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) and stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-mediated antiviral signaling pathways, oncoviruses regulation of NF-κB activation, oncoviral life cycle, and the potential of DUB inhibitors as therapeutic strategies.
Analysis of the Seismic Performance of a Two‐Span Specially Shaped Column Frame
Authors: Teng Zhen-chao , Zhao Tian-jia , Liu Yu
Published: July 2019

In traditional building construction, the structural columns restrict the design of the buildings and the layout of furniture, so the use of specially shaped columns came into being. The finite element model of a reinforced concrete framework using specially shaped columns was established by using the ABAQUS software. The effects of concrete strength, reinforcement ratio, and axial compression ratio on the seismic performance of the building incorporating such columns were studied. The numerical analysis was performed for a ten‐frame structure with specially shaped columns under low reversed cyclic loading. The load‐displacement curve, peak load, ductility coefficient, energy dissipation capacity, and stiffness degradation curve of the specially shaped column frame were obtained using the ABAQUS finite element software. The following three results were obtained from the investigation: First, when the strength of concrete in the specially shaped column frame structure was increased, the peak load increased, while the ductility and energy dissipation capacity weakened, which accelerated the stiffness degradation of the structure. Second, when the reinforcement ratio was increased in the specially shaped column frame structure, the peak load increased and the ductility and energy dissipation capacity also increased, which increased the stiffness of the structure. Third, when the axial compression ratio was increased in the structure, the peak load increased, while ductility and energy dissipation capacity reduced, which accelerated the degradation of structural stiffness.
Spatial Reasoning Based on 3D‐ICSRM Model
Authors: Liu Yongshan , Gong Xiang , Kong Dehan
Published: July 2019

The existing spatial relationship composite models have defects in both cognitive habits and differentiation degree when describing the spatial relationship between the three dimensional objects. These defects can cause inaccuracy in the process of spatial reasoning. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a Three‐Dimensional Improved Composite Spatial Relationship Model (3D‐ICSRM). Then a high‐precision spatial relationship reasoning algorithm is presented based on this model, which combines qualitative and quantitative analyses. Finally, both the correctness and performance advantages of spatial reasoning algorithm are verified by experiments based on this proposed model.
Factors Associated with RANTES Concentration in Cardiovascular Disease Patients
Authors: Koper-Lenkiewicz Olga M. , Kamińska Joanna , Lisowska Anna , Milewska Anna , Hirnle Tomasz , Dymicka-Piekarska Violetta
Published: July 2019

Objective.The aim of the study was to establish, by means of linear regressions analysis, whether RANTES and CCL2 have a relationship with age, sex, heart rate, ejection fraction, white blood cells count, monocyte count, platelet count, mean platelet volume, hsCRP concentration, creatinine and eGFR value, applied treatments, and coronary risk factors in polish cardiovascular disease patients.Methods.Plasma chemokines concentrations were measured by ELISA method (R&D Systems Europe Ltd., Abingdon, England) in 115 cardiovascular disease patients (83 myocardial infarction/AMI and 32 stable angina/SA) and in the control group (N=25).Results.Univariate linear regression analysis found that (1) for men mean RANTES plasma level is 1.56 times higher as compared to women; (2) if patient’s age increases by 1 year, the mean RANTES concentration value increases by 1.4%; (3) if CCL2 concentration increases by 10 pg/mL, the mean RANTES concentration value increases by 3.3%; (4) if hsCRP concentration increases by 1 mg/L, the mean RANTES concentration value increases by 1.0%. By means of multiple linear regression analysis we found that (1) for men the mean plasma RANTES concentration value increases 1.89 times as compared to women; (2) if CCL2 concentration increases by 10 pg/mL, the mean RANTES concentration value increases by 3.4%; (3) if MPV increases by 1 fL, the mean RANTES concentration value increases by 12%, if other model parameters are fixed. For CCL2 we did not obtain statistically significant linear regression models.Conclusion.Due to high variability of obtained CCL2 concentrations, it seems that RANTES better reflects the presence of the atherosclerotic lesion than CCL2. RANTES as a marker of atherosclerotic process may be an important therapeutic target, and the assessment of RANTES concentration should be interpreted depending on patient’s sex, age, platelet hyperactivity state, hsCRP, and CCL2 concentration.
Both CYP2C19 and PON1 Q192R Genotypes Influence Platelet Response to Clopidogrel by Thrombelastography in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Peng Wenxing , Shi Xiujin , Xu Xiaoyu , Lin Yang
Published: July 2019

Objective.The objective of this study is to explore the relationships of the effects of CYP2C19 and PON1 Q192R polymorphism on the activity of clopidogrel and the risk of high platelet responsiveness (HPR) by thrombelastography in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Methods.459 ACS patients with aspirin and clopidogrel were enrolled in this observational case control study from July 13, 2015, to November 11, 2017. The patients with <30% platelet inhibition were defined as HPR group, while the others were defined as normal platelet responsiveness (NPR) group. The genotypes distribution between the groups was assessed, and the clinical impact of genetic variants was investigated by comparing the relationship between the risk of HPR and genotypes including CYP2C19⁎2, CYP2C19⁎3, CYP2C19⁎17, ABCB1, and PON1.Results.Compared with CYP2C19⁎1/⁎1 wild type carriers, CYP2C19⁎2 and ⁎3 carriers showed a significant association with the lower platelet inhibition (P=0.048). The platelet inhibition in carriers of at least one CYP2C19 loss-of-function (LOF) alleles was obviously higher than noncarriers (P=0.031). The platelet inhibition of PON1 192R carriers was lower than PON1 192Q carriers (P=0.044). Patients with the CYP2C19⁎2 and ⁎3 alleles had a greater risk of HPR than CYP2C19 wild type carriers (adjusted P=0.018 and adjusted P=0.005). At least one PON1 192R carrier predicted a significantly higher risk of HPR than PON1 192Q carriers (adjusted P=0.021). Individual CYP2C19⁎17 and ABCB1 variants did not differ significantly between the two groups.Conclusions.CYP2C19 and PON1 Q192R variants influence ADP-induced platelet inhibition by thrombelastography (TEG) in ACS patients with clopidogrel. In addition, both LOF CYP2C19 and PON1 192R variants are independent risk factors of HPR, which is measured by the relative platelet inhibition.
Design, Analysis, and Experiment of Multiring Permanent Magnet Bearings by Means of Equally Distributed Sequences Based Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Zhang Li , Wu Huachun , Li Peng , Hu Yefa , Song Chunsheng
Published: July 2019

Load‐carrying capacity analysis is an important procedure for designing the permanent magnet bearing (PMB). Generally, the magnetic force exerted between the ring magnets of PMB can be modeled by means of the equivalent magnetic charge method. In this case, the analytical methods are always simply compared to numerical methods; however, they are restricted by their applicability. The model based on the equivalent magnetic charge method contains multiple integrals; it is difficult to get the simulation results quickly through self‐contained function of MATLAB. The equally distributed sequences based Monte Carlo method is used to simplify the complicated mathematical derivation and calculus of bearing capacity characteristics of multiring PMBs, and it might improve the computational efficiency of PMB structure design. The results of the Monte Carlo model are compared with the results of finite element analysis (FEA) using ANSYS, and the error correction factor is presented. The theoretical model is verified by the finite element analysis. Finally, the bearing forces in radial and axial directions of the PMBs with 4 pairs of magnetic rings were tested experimentally; the experiment result is approximately agreed with the simulation analysis. This method will be perfect for the engineering application involving multiring structural design of PMBs.
Assessment of the Protective Effect ofLepidium sativumagainst Aluminum-Induced Liver and Kidney Effects in Albino Rat
Authors: Balgoon Maha Jameal
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives. Environmental pollution with the different Aluminum (Al) containing compounds has been increased. Liver and kidney are two vital organs targeted by Al accumulation. The aim of this study was to assess the possible protective and curative effects ofLepidium sativumLinn (LS) against Al-induced impairment of liver and kidney in albino rat and to explore the mechanism behind this effect.Materials and Methods. This experimental animal-based study included fifty albino rats divided into five groups, the control, LS-treated (20 mg/kg), AlCl3-treated (10 mg/kg), AlCl3then LS, and AlCl3plus LS-treated, simultaneously for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, hepatic and renal functions as well as the biomarkers of antioxidants activities were assessed in the serum. Both liver and kidney were dissected out and histopathologically examined.Results. This study showed that administration of AlCl3caused a significant (p<0.05) reduction in rats body weight. It significantly increased serum AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin, urea, and creatinine levels and decreased total protein and albumin. AlCl3significantly reduced enzymatic (catalase), nonenzymatic (reduced glutathione), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) in the serum. Histopathologically, it induced necrosis and degeneration of hepatocytes, glomeruli, and renal tubules. Administration of LS after or along with AlCl3significantly restored the serum biomarkers of liver and kidney functions to their near-normal levels and had the ability to overcome Al-induced oxidative stress and preserved, to some extent, the normal hepatic and renal structure. The coadministration of LS had a superior effect in alleviating Al-induced changes.Conclusion. Exposure to AlCl3induced a set of functional and structural changes in the liver and kidney of rats evident through both biochemical and histopathological assessment. The antioxidant activity of LS seeds mediated a protective and curative effect of LS against such changes. Further study through a rigorous clinical trial to prove LS activity on human is recommended.
Study on Electric-Magnetic-Acoustic Signal Regularity and Its Correlation during Rock Shear Failure
Authors: Jia Huilin , Niu Yue , Liu Xiaofei , Wang Enyuan
Published: July 2019

During mining activities, the deformation and damage of coal rock materials might result in coal rock dynamic disasters, such as rock burst. It leads to serious casualties and property losses. Generally, the occurrence of dynamic failure of coal and rock are caused by shear failure of coal seam. Geophysics signals are generated and related to damage evolution in this loading process. In this paper, sandstone samples were subjected to shear failure laboratory experiments, and the electric-magnetic-acoustic signal regularity was measured and analyzed comparatively. The results indicated magnetic signals were more correlated with stress and acoustic emission (AE) signals, while the amplitude of electric signal fluctuation was larger when main failure occurred. With the increase of sample size and shear strength, the strength of electric-magnetic-acoustic signals increased. The correlation coefficients between the magnetic signal and stress as well as AE energy were superior to those of electric signals. The coupling model between AE and electric signals was established, which shows good statistical correlation. This study lays the foundations for further interpreting the generation mechanism of the electric signal. It provides a new method to indicate the damage evolution of coal rock materials.