bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phyllodes tumour of the labia minora
Authors: Fujii Dennis T , Korzen Coleen A , Levine Tiffany C , Heitmann Ryan J
Published: November 2019

A 33-year-old woman presented for a preoperative examination prior to an upcoming operative hysteroscopy. During the examination, a firm 1 cm mass in her right labia minora was noted. The mass was excised in the operating room without difficulty. Pathological examination revealed a benign phyllodes tumour of the vulva. Phyllodes tumours are uncommon fibroepithelial tumours primarily found in the breast although rarely may present as a vulvar lesion. Phyllodes tumours of the vulva are rarely reported in the literature, with only 17 previously reported cases. This case represents the first reported case of a phyllodes tumour occurring in the labia minora. While most of these tumours are benign, it is important to keep these and other rare tumours in the differential diagnosis of vulvar masses. Even with benign tumours, continued surveillance for recurrence should be performed.
Intra-articular displacement of an avulsed medial (internal) epicondyle ossification centre in the paediatric elbow: a radiographic finding not to be missed
Authors: Qadeer Amir , Paddock Michael
Published: November 2019

We present the case of an 11-year-old girl who was presented to the Emergency Department with right elbow pain and swelling following a fall. Radiography demonstrated intra-articular displacement of an avulsed medial epicondyle ossification centre, which was not readily identified at presentation. She proceeded to an uncomplicated open reduction and internal fixation.
Powassan virus encephalitis, severe babesiosis and lyme carditis in a single patient
Authors: Khan Abdul Moiz , Shahzad Sheikh Raza , Ashraf Muhammad Farhan , Naseer Usman
Published: November 2019

Ixodes scapularisis responsible for transmission ofBorrelia burgdorferi, B. miyamotoi, Babesia microti, Anaplasma phagocytophilumand Powassan virus to humans. We present a case of an 87-year-old man who presented with fever and altered mental status. Initial workup revealed haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, mild hepatitis and acute kidney injury. Patient tested positive forB. burgdorferiandBabesia microti, and was started on doxycycline, atovaquone and azithromycin. He also underwent exchange transfusion twice. After some initial improvement, patient had acute deterioration of mental status and appearance of neurological findings like myoclonus and tremors. Therefore, testing for arboviruses was done and results were positive for Powassan virus. During a protracted course of hospitalisation, patient required intubation for respiratory failure and temporary pacemaker for unstable arrythmias from Lyme carditis. Patient developed permanent neurological deficits even after recovery from the acute illness.
Neurosurgical enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programme for elective craniotomies: are patients satisfied with their experiences? A quantitative and qualitative analysis
Authors: Liu Bolin , Liu Shujuan , Wang Yuan , Zhao Binfang , Zhao Tianzhi , Zhao Lanfu , Lv Wenhai , Zhang Yufu , Zheng Tao , Xue Yafei , Chen Lei , Chen Long , Wu Yingxi , Gao Guodong , Qu Yan , He Shiming
Published: November 2019

Objective

To evaluate patient satisfaction and associated predictors at discharge, as well as patient experience at 30-day follow-up, in a neurosurgical enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programme.

Design

A single-centre, prospective, randomised controlled study.

Setting

A tertiary hospital in China.

Participants

A total of 140 neurosurgical patients aged 18–65 years old who had a single intracranial lesion and were admitted for elective craniotomy between October 2016 and July 2017 were included.

Interventions

Patients were randomised into two groups: 70 patients received care according to a novel neurosurgical ERAS protocol (ERAS group) and 70 patients received conventional perioperative care (control group).

Outcome measures

Patient satisfaction at discharge was evaluated using a multimodal questionnaire. A secondary analysis of patient experience regarding participation in the ERAS programme was conducted using a semistructured qualitative interview via telephone at 30-day follow-up.

Results

The mean patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the ERAS group than in the control group at discharge (92.2±4.3 vs 86.8±7.4, p=0.0001). The most important predictors of patient satisfaction included age (OR=6.934), postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score (OR=0.184), absorbable skin suture (OR=0.007) and postoperative length of stay (LOS) (OR=0.765). Analysis on patient experience revealed five themes: information transfer, professional support, shared responsibility and active participation, readiness for discharge, and follow-up, all of which are closely related and represent positive and negative aspects.

Conclusions

Measures that include decreasing PONV VAS score, incorporating absorbable skin suture and shortening LOS seem to increase patient satisfaction in a neurosurgical ERAS programme. Analysis of data on patient experience highlights several aspects to achieve patient-centred and high-quality care. Further studies are warranted to standardise the assessment of patient satisfaction and experience in planning, employing and appraising the ERAS programme.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR-INR-16009662.
Mortality trends of liver diseases in mainland China over three decades: an age-period-cohort analysis
Authors: Sun Yang , Chang Jie , Liu Xin , Liu Chaojie
Published: November 2019

Objective

To analyse mortality trends of liver diseases in China over the past 30 years.

Design

Age-period-cohort analyses were applied to liver diseases data obtained from the Chinese Health Statistics Annual Report (1987–2001) and the Chinese Health Statistics Yearbook (2003–2017).

Setting

General population in mainland China.

Outcomes

Mortality rates and age, period and cohort effects on three categories of liver diseases: primary liver cancer (PLC), chronic liver disease and cirrhosis (CLD), and viral hepatitis (VH).

Results

A total of 13.54 million deaths were attributable to liver diseases over the period between 1987 and 2016, resulting in an average of 36.15 deaths per 100 000 population per year. The risk of PLC mortality increased by 32.69% over the period after controlling for the effects of age and birth cohort. By contrast, the risk of CLD mortality decreased by 56.64% over the same period. The risk of VH mortality decreased first, followed by a resurgence after the period of 2002–2006. Similar mortality risk trends by age (increasing) and birth cohort (decreasing) were observed for PLC and CLD. The year 1952 represented a turning point for VH, with people born after 1950 experiencing a declining risk of VH mortality.

Conclusions

China has achieved great success in reducing the mortality of VH and CLD. However, significant challenges lie ahead in the efforts to prevent and control PLC and the resurgence of VH.
Childhood cancer survivorship: barriers and preferences
Authors: Signorelli Christina , Wakefield Claire , McLoone Jordana K , Fardell Joanna , Jones Janelle M , Turpin Kate H , Emery Jon , Michel Gisela , Downie Peter , Skeen Jane E , Cohn Richard
Published: November 2019

Objective

Many survivors are disengaged from follow-up, mandating alternative models of survivorship-focused care for late effects surveillance. We explored survivors’ barriers to accessing, and preferences for survivorship care.

Methods

We invited Australian and New Zealand survivors of childhood cancer from three age groups: <16 years (represented by parents), 16–25 years (adolescent and young adults (AYAs)) and >25 years (‘older survivors’). Participants completed questionnaires and optional interviews.

Results

633 survivors/parents completed questionnaires: 187 parents of young survivors (mean age: 12.4 years), 251 AYAs (mean age: 20.6 years) and 195 older survivors (mean age: 32.5 years). Quantitative data were complemented by 151 in-depth interviews. Most participants, across all age groups, preferred specialised follow-up (ie, involving oncologists, nurses or a multidisciplinary team; 86%–97%). Many (36%–58%) were unwilling to receive community-based follow-up. More parents (75%) than AYAs (58%) and older survivors (30%) were engaged in specialised follow-up. While follow-up engagement was significantly lower in older survivors, survivors’ prevalence of late effects increased. Of those attending a follow-up clinic, 34%–56% were satisfied with their care, compared with 14%–15% of those not receiving cancer-focused care (p<0.001). Commonly reported barriers included lack of awareness about follow-up availability (67%), followed by logistical (65%), care-related beliefs (59%) and financial reasons (57%). Older survivors (p<0.001), living outside major cities (p=0.008), and who were further from diagnosis (p=0.014) reported a higher number of barriers.

Conclusions

Understanding patient-reported barriers, and tailoring care to survivors’ follow-up preferences, may improve engagement with care and ensure that the survivorship needs of this population are met.
Naturalising the third family hypercharge model for neutral current $$B{-}\hbox {anomalies}$$
Authors: Allanach B. C. , Davighi Joe
Published: November 2019

We consider a deformation of the Third Family Hypercharge Model, which arguably makes the model more natural. Additional non-zero charges of the spontaneously broken, family-dependent $$U(1)_F$$U(1)F gauge symmetry are assigned to the second family leptons, and the third family leptons’ charges are deformed away from their hypercharges in such a way that the $$U(1)_F$$U(1)F gauge symmetry remains anomaly-free. Second family $$U(1)_F$$U(1)F lepton charges allow a $$Z^\prime $$Z′ coupling to muons without having to assume large charged lepton mixing, which risks violating tight lepton flavour violation bounds. In this deformed version, only the bottom and top Yukawa couplings are generated at the renormalisable level, whereas the tauon Yukawa coupling is absent. The $$Z^\prime $$Z′ mediates a beyond the Standard Model contribution to an effective $$({\bar{b}} s) (\bar{\mu }\mu )$$(b¯s)(μ¯μ) vertex in the combination $$C_9=-9C_{10}$$C9=-9C10 and is able to fit the apparent discrepancy between Standard Model predictions in flavour changing neutral-current $$B-$$B-meson decays and their measurements, whilst simultaneously avoiding current constraints from direct $$Z^\prime $$Z′ searches and other measurements, when $$0.8~\text {TeV}< M_{Z^\prime } < 12.5 ~\text {TeV}$$0.8TeV<MZ′<12.5TeV.
Numerical Computation of Circumferential Waves in Cylindrical Curved Waveguides
Authors: Lin Zhirong , Yu Peng , Xu Haokun
Published: November 2019

We present a complex field general variational statement to study the waves propagating in the circumferential directions of cylindrical curved waveguides. A semi-analytical technique that has been applied on straight waveguides in the literature is reformulated to adapt to the circumferential directions and used for constructing the trial wavefunction in complex field. The method requires the waveguide to be analyzed to be geometrically and physically uniform along its circumferential axis; however, its circumferential cross-section can be arbitrarily complex. The formulation is verified using various examples, which were examined previously by other numerical or analytical solutions. Different cases were studied and comparisons with those published are also performed show the utility and advantages of present method.
Refining the high-fidelity archaeointensity curve for western Europe over the past millennium: analysis of Tuscan architectural bricks (Italy)
Authors: Genevey Agnès , Principe Claudia , Gallet Yves , Clemente Giuseppe , Le Goff Maxime , Fournier Alexandre , Pallecchi Pasquino
Published: November 2019

New archaeointensity results were obtained from 14 groups of baked-brick fragments collected in and around Pisa (Tuscany, Italy). The fragments were assembled from civil and religious buildings whose dating of construction or renovation, over the past millennium, was constrained by documentary sources. This collection, analysed using the Triaxe protocol, was found particularly suitable for intensity experiments, with a success rate of
c.
84% corresponding to 276 fruitful specimens associated with 125 independent brick fragments. The Tuscan data clearly show a peak in intensity at the transition between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. They are also in very good agreement with, and complementary to, a dense dataset previously obtained in France. Considering the results available within a 700 km radius of Beaune (between Paris and Pisa), all satisfying a set of quality criteria, a mean geomagnetic field intensity variation curve was constructed for the past millennium using a newly developed transdimensional Bayesian technique. This curve, which thus incorporates the new Tuscan results, allows a better recognition of three intensity peaks (during the twelfth century, the fourteenth century and around AD 1600) in western Europe. The detail of this curve is a clear illustration of the centennial-scale resolution that can be achieved using accurate archaeointensity data.
A test of the pseudo-Thellier technique for determining relative palaeointensity in the Tirna Basin, Osmanabad, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Lakshmi B. V. , Deenadayalan K. , Gawali P. B.
Published: November 2019

A relative palaeointensity determination was obtained using the pseudo-Thellier technique on sediment from Ther, Tirna Basin, Latu-Osmanabad District, Maharashtra, India. The stability of the natural remanent magnetization was investigated by alternating field (AF) demagnetization. Rock magnetic studies suggest that the main carriers of magnetization are ferrimagnetic minerals, predominantly pseudo-single-domain magnetite. To varying degrees, the smoothed palaeoinclination and palaeodeclination patterns of the Tirna Basin are similar to other Asian palaeosecular variation records CALS3k.4, CALS10k.1 and SED3k.1, with an age offset. Measurements of intensity of the natural remanent magnetization left after AF demagnetization v. intensity of anhysteric remanent magnetization gained at the same peak were carried out on a set of samples. A jackknife re-sampling scheme provides error estimates for the palaeointensity. A good agreement pattern can be observed between the Tirna Basin relative palaeointensity proxy and other global curves with an age shift. Although some temporal offsets of palaeointensity features between different records have been recognized, their similar shape suggests that the palaeointensity can give a globally coherent signal and may be used as a relative dating technique. For the first time, relative palaeointensity data for the past 2 kyr from India is presented here, which complement the existing archaeological records but with an additional input.
Getting Rid of Data
Authors: Milo Tova
Published: November 2019

We are experiencing an amazing data-centered revolution. Incredible amounts of data are collected, integrated, and analyzed, leading to key breakthroughs in science and society. This well of knowledge, however, is at a great risk if we do not dispense with some of the data flood. First, the amount of generated data grows exponentially and already at 2020 is expected to be more than twice the available storage. Second, even disregarding storage constraints, uncontrolled data retention risks privacy and security, as recognized, e.g., by the recent EU Data Protection reform. Data disposal policies must be developed to benefit and protect organizations and individuals.

Retaining the knowledge hidden in the data while respecting storage, processing, and regulatory constraints is a great challenge. The difficulty stems from the distinct, intricate requirements entailed by each type of constraint, the scale and velocity of data, and the constantly evolving needs. While multiple data sketching, summarization, and deletion techniques were developed to address specific aspects of the problem, we are still very far from a comprehensive solution. Every organization has to battle the same tough challenges with ad hoc solutions that are application-specific and rarely sharable.

In this article, we will discuss the logical, algorithmic, and methodological foundations required for the systematic disposal of large-scale data, for constraints enforcement and for the development of applications over the retained information. In particular, we will overview relevant related work, highlighting new research challenges and potential reuse of existing techniques.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery improves hepatic glucose metabolism and reduces plasma kisspeptin levels in morbidly obese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Flynn C. Robb , Albaugh Vance L. , Tamboli Robyn A. , Gregory Justin M. , Bosompem Amma , Sidani Reem M. , Winnick Jason J.
Published: November 2019

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) is known to improve whole-body glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), although the mechanisms are not entirely clear and are likely multifactorial. The aim of this study was to assess fasting hepatic glucose metabolism and other markers of metabolic activity before and after RYGB in patients with and without T2D. Methods: Metabolic characteristics of patients who are obese with T2D were compared with those without the disease (non-T2D) before and 1 and 6 mo after RYGB. Fasting plasma insulin and the insulin:glucagon ratio were markedly reduced as early as 1 mo after RYGB in both patients with T2D and without T2D. Despite this reduction, endogenous glucose production and fasting plasma glucose levels were lower in both groups after RYGB, with the reductions being much larger in T2D. Plasma kisspeptin, an inhibitor of insulin secretion, was reduced only in T2D after surgery. Improved hepatic glucose metabolism and lower plasma kisspeptin in T2D after RYGB may link improved hepatic function with enhanced insulin responsiveness after surgery.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our manuscript is the first, to the best of our knowledge, to present data showing that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) lowers fasting kisspeptin levels in patients who are obese with type 2 diabetes. This lowering of kisspeptin is important because it could link improvements in liver glucose metabolism after RYGB with increased insulin responsiveness also seen after surgery.
Effect of MMP-9 gene knockout on retinal vascular form and function
Authors: George Akash K. , Homme Rubens P. , Majumder Avisek , Tyagi Suresh C. , Singh Mahavir
Published: November 2019

Retinal degeneration from inherited gene mutation(s) is a common cause of blindness because of structural and functional alterations in photoreceptors. Accordingly, various approaches are being tested to ameliorate or even cure neuroretinal blinding conditions in susceptible patients by employing neuroprotective agents, gene therapeutics, optogenetics, regenerative therapies, and retinal prostheses. The FVB/NJ mouse strain inherently has a common Pde6b rd1 homozygous allele that renders its progeny blind by the time pups reach weaning age. To study the role matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in retinal structure and function, we examined a global MMP-9 knockout (KO) mouse model that has been engineered on the same FVB/NJ background to test the hypothesis whether lack of MMP-9 activity diminishes neuroretinal degenerative changes and thus helps improve the vision. We compared side-by-side various aspects of the ocular physiology in the wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J, FVB/NJ, and MMP-9 KO strains of mice. The results suggest that MMP-9 KO mice display subdued changes in their retinae as reflected by both structural and functional enhancement in the overall ocular neurophysiological parameters. Altogether, the findings appear to have clinical relevance for targeting conditions wherein MMPs and their overactivities are suspected to play dominant pathophysiological roles in advancing neurodegenerative retinal diseases.
Gene Variant in the NF-κB Pathway Inhibitor NFKBIA Distinguishes Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis within the Spectrum of Psoriatic Disease
Authors: Coto-Segura Pablo , Coto Eliecer , González-Lara Leire , Alonso Belén , Gómez Juan , Cuesta-Llavona Elías , Queiro Rubén
Published: November 2019

Background and Aims. The NF-κB pathway has been implicated in the genetic aetiology of psoriatic disease. However, since most patients with arthritis have psoriasis, discerning the genetic contributions to both aspects of psoriatic disease is not easy. Our aim was to study the association of common polymorphisms in genes of the NF-κB pathway in patients with psoriatic disease in order to dissect the contribution of this pathway in the appearance of each component (skin and joint) of the disease. Patients and Methods. We investigated the association between three common variants in NFKB1 (rs230526), NFKBIA (rs7152376), and NFKBIZ (rs3217713 indel) and the risk of developing psoriatic disease. We genotyped a total of 690 psoriatic disease patients and 550 controls. Patients with cutaneous psoriasis of at least 10 years of evolution without associated arthritis were defined to have pure cutaneous psoriasis (PCP). Results. The rare NFKBIA rs7152376 C was significantly more frequent in the PsA group vs. controls (OR = 2.03 (1.3–3.1), p<0.01). The difference was even higher between PsA and PCP patients (OR = 3.2 (2.1–5.1), p<0.001). Neither NFKB1 rs230526 nor NFKBIZ rs3217713 indel was associated with the risk of developing psoriatic disease as a whole compared to controls. Conclusions. Our study supports a significant effect of the NFKBIA gene on the risk of developing PsA, thus contributing to better discerning of the polymorphisms of this pathway that explain this risk within the spectrum of psoriatic disease. Additional studies with larger cohorts and from different populations are necessary to validate these results.
Laparoscopic Adnexal Detorsion in a 20-Week Pregnant Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Halimeh Rawad , Tomassian Serge , El Hage Maria , Metri Nicole , Bersaoui Marianne , Daou Rafi , Anastasiadis Elie
Published: November 2019

Adnexal torsion is a cause of severe pelvic pain in reproductive aged women and during pregnancy. Adnexal torsion occurs when there is a complete turn of the ovary, tube, or both resulting in impaired blood flow to the ovary. The diagnosis of adnexal torsion is sometimes challenging due to the enlarged effect of the uterus, the displacement of abdominal and pelvic structures and the nonspecific symptoms in pregnancy. Therefore, prompt diagnosis is essential for better maternal and neonatal outcomes. The gold standard for confirmation and treatment of ovarian torsion is surgery. Laparoscopy and Laparotomy are surgical options with defined risks and benefits. Therefore, choosing the best surgical technique and surgical procedure are of utmost importance to decrease the chances of adverse events intra and postoperatively. Little literature exists regarding the laparoscopic approach of an ovarian torsion during the second trimester. Our case is a 20-week pregnant patient who had a 1080 degree rotation of the left adnexa. She required laparoscopy for adnexal detorsion and had good intraoperative, postoperative, maternal, and neonatal outcomes following management.
Dimorphic Sessile Apterae of the Aphid Neothoracaphis glaucae (Hemiptera) on the Evergreen Oak Quercus glauca
Authors: Aoki Shigeyuki , Kurosu Utako , Uematsu Keigo , Fukatsu Takema , Kutsukake Mayako
Published: November 2019

Species of the aphid genus Neothoracaphis (Hormaphidinae, Nipponaphidini) produce tiny, sessile, sclerotized apterous adults on leaves of oaks. Among Japanese species, “N. glaucae” has been known to have the largest, ovate apterae, while “N. saramaoensis” has smaller, elongated oval apterae on Quercus glauca. Through examining mitochondrial DNA sequences of Japanese Neothoracaphis species, we found that the two are the same species with a clear dimorphism. Neothoracaphis glaucae (Takahashi) was adopted as the valid name for the species. In Tokyo, Japan, apterae of the smaller type are abundantly seen throughout the year, and those of the larger type are generally few in number from summer to autumn. Alates, which are supposed to be sexuparae, appear from November to January. Nymphs developing into the alates are covered with long, semitransparent, bristle-like wax filaments. We conclude that N. querciphaga, N. elongata, and N. yanonis are distinct species and that both the genus Neothoracaphis and the three Neothoracaphis species other than N. yanonis form monophyletic groups among Japanese Nipponaphidini species we have examined.
Sol-Gel Synthesis of TiO2 Nanocrystalline Particles with Enhanced Surface Area through the Reverse Micelle Approach
Authors: Nateq Mohammad Hossein , Ceccato Riccardo
Published: November 2019

Titania nanocrystalline particles were synthesized by hydrolysis-condensation of titanium tetraisopropoxide in water-in-oil micellar solutions of water/cyclohexane/Triton X-100 system, and the effects of reflux time and water-to-surfactant molar ratio on the particle uniformity, crystallinity, and surface area were studied. Several characterization techniques including TEM and SEM, as well as X-ray diffraction and FT-IR spectroscopy, helium pycnometry, and nitrogen physisorption, were employed to evaluate the particle density and dimensions, crystallite size, surface area value, and the porosity features in the as-prepared condition and also after thermal treatment at 500°C. The results show that all treated samples are dense nanocrystalline anatase particles with BET surface area values over 100 m2·g−1 and primary particle size of 10–15 nm. However, for the as-prepared samples, as the reflux time increases, a better purification of particles from the synthesis environment is resulted, leading to denser and more crystalline powders with smaller particle size and higher BET surface area values culminating in 179 m2·g−1 for 24 hours of refluxing. Moreover, decreasing the water-to-surfactant molar ratio from 10 to 5 and 2 increases the particles surface area to 239 and 224 m2·g−1, respectively, at the expense of slight density and crystallinity degradation and considerable prolongation of surfactant removal step. Supportively, the comparison between photocatalytic activities of as-prepared samples also evidences the effectiveness of reflux time extension on improving the sample features and enhancing their functionality. This study can highlight how the earlier synthesis steps can influence the evolution of the structure of the final products.
Antioxidants, Dietary Fatty Acids, and Sperm: A Virtual Reality Applied Game for Scientific Dissemination
Authors: Collodel Giulia , Masini Maurizio , Signorini Cinzia , Moretti Elena , Castellini Cesare , Noto Daria , Mattioli Simona , Santalucia Vincenzo , Baraldi Stefano , Lusuardi Luca Maurizio , Sirizzotti Matteo , Innocenti Alessandro
Published: November 2019

Fatty acid (FA) profile appears to be critical to infertility, and the effects of dietary FAs on sperm FA content are a current focus of studies in the field of nutrition and reproduction. Starting from a validated “OXISTRESS” model in which modification of FA content results to influence reactive oxygen species, antioxidants, isoprostanes, cytokines, sperm kinetic, and acrosome reaction, we developed a virtual reality game where the player, in order to improve the health of some virtual spermatozoa, is called to take dietary choices and then discover their consequences on the main biological aspects. In the LabVR of the University of Siena, a team of VR environment designer and developer used Unity development engine to make the experience run on Oculus Quest and a wireless 6DOF (six degrees of freedom of movement in 3D space) VR Headset. In the game, the player is immersed in the epididymis and observes closer how dietary n-3 may change the sperm plasma membrane and consequently modify sperm traits. A simulation game in the virtual reality may represent a tool to give greater visibility to scientific data in the relevance of appropriate dietary habits in the human health.
Psychosocial and Ergonomic Conditions at Work: Influence on the Probability of a Workplace Accident
Authors: López-García J. R. , García-Herrero S. , Gutiérrez J. M. , Mariscal M. A.
Published: November 2019

Today, the economic and social importance of occupational accidents is undeniable worldwide. Hence, research aimed at reducing this type of accident is considered a discipline of great interest for society in general. In this environment, working conditions play a fundamental role in the occurrence of accidents, and from their study, results can be obtained that provide information for decision-making that guarantee optimum conditions for the development of the employees’ tasks. Organizing the conditions of work execution is also a task that constitutes an essential aspect for a firm’s productivity, therefore, affecting their viability and results. In this work, a model is proposed for the study of different groups of working conditions and their influence on the probability of occupational accidents, in accordance with the data provided by the 7th National Survey of Working Conditions (VII NSWC). The survey sampled 8892 workers active in all sectors of national production and is the last nation-wide survey administered in Spain. Bayesian networks (BNs) are used to generate a network that analyzes working conditions in all areas (27 variables have been included in addition to those corresponding to the sector and accident), and then, more specifically, the relationship that is established between ergonomic factors in the workplace, psychosocial factors of the worker, and the probability of an accident. The results are achieved through the network obtained by highlighting some of the proposed variables. The dependencies generated by the chosen variables are analyzed, and subsequently, the probability of accident for each of the productive sectors is determined. It is concluded that the ergonomic risks associated with physical strains in the workplace, together with the lack of job satisfaction on the employer’s behalf, both pose a very significant increase in the probability of being involved in an occupational accident, above the other variables of study.
PB: A Message Transmission Method Based on Area Layer Division in UAV Networks
Authors: Wang Lisong , Zhu Feifei , Zhou Qing , Li Kui , Liu Liang
Published: November 2019

A search and rescue mission is a typical UAV network application scenario. In this case, it is necessary to deliver messages quickly and efficiently to the ground station through mutual cooperation between UAVs. Many methods used in this case have problems such as unbalanced popularity (the ratio of the relayed message number to the total message number) of nodes, large proportion of ping-pong effect, and long delay. In view of the above problems, this paper proposes a method named PB (Popularity Balance Method for UAVs in the same area layer) based on division of the whole search area. The method divides the search area into multiple area layers. Message transmission between area layers adopts a geographical routing manner, that is, messages are transmitted to the area layer closer to the ground station. The division of the search area changes the pattern of message transmission. Messages are delivered to the area layer closer to the destination node rather than the node closer to the destination. The pattern causes messages’ passing direction to be replaced by “point-to-point closer” to “point-to-face closer.” On the basis of message transmission at area layers, reasonable planning of UAVs’ distribution can effectively improve the network performance deterioration caused by a “hot spot.” Both analysis and experiments show that PB is superior to some existing methods in popularity balance of nodes and ping-pong effect. In addition, experiments also show that it gets better results in targets of delay, delivery rate, and hop count.
Co-Occurrence of Rarest Type of Dysphagia Lusoria (Type N-1) and Eosinophilic Esophagitis in a Cognitively Disabled Individual
Authors: Kumar Kishore , Makker Jasbir , Tariq Hassan , Ihimoyan Ariyo , Chukwunonso Chime , Niazi Masooma , Lombino Michael , Kamal Muhammad , Patel Harish K.
Published: November 2019

Dysphagia is an expressive symptom, described by an individual as “difficulty in swallowing.” Dysphagia due to esophageal compression from an aberrant right subclavian artery is rare, and it is termed as “dysphagia lusoria.” We present a rare case of co-occurrence of dysphagia lusoria with esophageal eosinophilia in a patient with cognitive disability which portends a case with diagnostic challenge and treatment dilemma. A 31-year-old man with intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, previous history of feeding difficulty, and esophageal food impaction presented with esophageal foreign body impaction. He has no known history of atopy and food allergies. There was no laboratory evidence of peripheral eosinophilia. The IgE-mediated allergic test was unremarkable. His prior presentation revealed a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis. The imaging studies showed proximal esophageal dilatation with extrinsic compression at the level of the upper esophagus. The foreign bodies were removed successfully through the help of upper endoscopy. Subsequent evaluation revealed a rare type of dysphagia lusoria (type N-1) due to an aberrant left subclavian artery arising from the right-sided aortic arch. The patient’s family refused further management of artery lusoria. Prolonged stasis of secretions and food in the esophagus can also lead to increased esophageal eosinophils. In our case, it remains undetermined whether increased number of esophageal eosinophils resulted from primary eosinophilic esophagitis or due to prolonged food stasis from esophageal compression caused by an aberrant subclavian artery. However, food impaction right above the compression site makes dysphagia lusoria the likely etiology.
Astaxanthin: A Potential Mitochondrial-Targeted Antioxidant Treatment in Diseases and with Aging
Authors: Sztretye Mónika , Dienes Beatrix , Gönczi Mónika , Czirják Tamás , Csernoch László , Dux László , Szentesi Péter , Keller-Pintér Anikó
Published: November 2019

Oxidative stress is characterized by an imbalance between prooxidant and antioxidant species, leading to macromolecular damage and disruption of redox signaling and cellular control. It is a hallmark of various diseases including metabolic syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, inflammatory, and age-related diseases. Several mitochondrial defects have been considered to contribute to the development of oxidative stress and known as the major mediators of the aging process and subsequent age-associated diseases. Thus, mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants should prevent or slow down these processes and prolong longevity. This is the reason why antioxidant treatments are extensively studied and newer and newer compounds with such an effect appear. Astaxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid, is the most abundant carotenoid in marine organisms and is one of the most powerful natural compounds with remarkable antioxidant activity. Here, we summarize its antioxidant targets, effects, and benefits in diseases and with aging.
Role of Functional Imaging Techniques to Assess Motor and Language Cortical Plasticity in Glioma Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cirillo S. , Caulo M. , Pieri V. , Falini A. , Castellano A.
Published: November 2019

Cerebral plasticity is the ability of the central nervous system to reorganize itself in response to different injuries. The reshaping of functional areas is a crucial mechanism to compensate for damaged function. It is acknowledged that functional remodeling of cortical areas may occur also in glioma patients. Principal limits of previous investigations on cortical plasticity of motor and language functions included scarce reports of longitudinal evaluations and limited sample sizes. This systematic review is aimed at elucidating cortical brain plasticity for motor and language functions, in adult glioma patients, by means of preoperative and intraoperative mapping techniques. We systematically reviewed the literature for prospective studies, assessing cortical plasticity of motor and language functions in low-grade and high-grade gliomas. Eight longitudinal studies investigated cortical plasticity, evaluated by motor and language task-based functional MRI (fMRI), motor navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (n-TMS), and intraoperative mapping with cortical direct electrocortical stimulation (DES) of language and motor function. Motor function reorganization appeared relatively limited and mostly characterized by intrahemispheric functional changes, including secondary motor cortices. On the other hand, a high level of functional reshaping was found for language function in DES studies. Occurrence of cortical functional reorganization of language function was described focusing on the intrahemispheric recruitment of perilesional areas. However, the association between these functional patterns and recovery of motor and language deficits still remains partially clear. A number of relevant methodological issues possibly affecting the finding generalization emerged, such as the complexity of plasticity outcome measures and the lack of large longitudinal studies. Future studies are required to further confirm these evidences on cortical plasticity in larger samples, combining both functional imaging and intraoperative mapping techniques in longitudinally evaluations.
Interleukin-4 Promotes Myogenesis and Boosts Myocyte Insulin Efficacy
Authors: Chang Yih-Hsin , Tsai Jen-Ning , Chen Tzu-Lin , Ho Kuo-Ting , Cheng Hsin-Yi , Hsiao Chiao-Wan , Shiau Ming-Yuh
Published: November 2019

Anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4) promotes glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity while reduces lipid deposits. However, the effects of IL-4 on energy metabolism in muscle, the largest insulin-targeting organ, remain obscure. The study aimed at addressing the roles of IL-4 in myocyte differentiation (myogenesis) and energy metabolism of muscle cells. Effects of IL-4 on myogenesis, and interaction between IL-4 and insulin on glucose metabolism of C2C12 myoblasts and the terminal differentiated myocytes were analyzed. IL-4 improved GLUT4 translocation and tended to elevate glucose uptake by boosting insulin signaling. In diabetic mice, transient and long-term IL-4 showed differential effects on insulin signaling and efficacy. The study provides evidence to address the roles of IL-4 in mediating whole-body muscle reservoir and glucose metabolism, as well as the interaction between immune responses and energy homeostasis. IL-4 has dual potential to act as an adjuvant therapeutic target for sarcopenia to preserve muscle mass and insulin resistance to improve insulin sensitivity, which implicates the regulation of immune system to the muscle differentiation and exercise performance.
An Innovative Autonomous and Semiautonomous Cars Communication Framework: An Environment Perception Perspective
Authors: Alasmary Waleed
Published: November 2019

Autonomous vehicles are equipped with multiple sensors that allow perception of the road environment. However, there are always challenges in terms of measurement accuracy, dynamics of the road driving conditions, and extended perception availability. Vehicular communication technologies have already been extensively researched, and the IEEE 802.11p standard has been approved. Therefore, communications could help in extending the perception of the autonomous vehicles if proper information transmission mechanisms are utilized. In fact, this paper proposes a novel and innovative design that will allow vehicles to extend their perception by exchanging a smaller number of packets than needed and estimate the actual perception of the environment. First, we propose a novel MAC layer that is compatible with the IEEE 802.11p standard that allows vehicles to recover extra perceptional areas of the environment as they receive new packets. Second, we demonstrate that this approach will result in a better utilization of the communication channel and acceptable perception accuracy of the environment, compared to transmitting the complete information.
Comparative Water Relations of Two Contrasting Date Palm Genotypes under Salinity
Authors: Al Kharusi Latifa , Sunkar Ramanjulu , Al-Yahyai Rashid , Yaish Mahmoud W.
Published: November 2019

Salinity is a global agricultural problem, resulting in a significant reduction in the plantation areas and the crop yields, especially in arid and semiarid regions. The date palm is relatively salt-tolerant plant species, although the nature of salt tolerance is poorly understood. In this study, the salt stress responses of a salt-tolerant “Umsila” was compared with salt-susceptible “Zabad” date palm cultivars. Various physiological parameters, plant-water relations, and anatomical characteristics were analyzed. The results revealed that although salinity has negatively affected both cultivars, Umsila exhibited more stable photosynthesis than Zabad as reflected by the quantum yield (Qy) and the stomatal conductance (GS). Similarly, Umsila showed a more dynamic root system and efficient water relations than Zabad as demonstrated by the leaf water potential (LWP) and relative water content (RWC) during salinity. Umsila also accumulated greater abundances of soluble sugars, potassium (K+), calcium (Ca+2), proline, glycine betaine, and lignin and formed extra layers of Casparian strips in the root tissues when the seedlings were grown under saline conditions. Together, the results obtained from this study have offered some insights into the salt tolerance mechanisms in the date palm.
Diabetic Gait Is Not Just Slow Gait: Gait Compensations in Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Henderson Adrienne D. , Johnson A. Wayne , Ridge Sarah T. , Egbert Jonathan S. , Curtis Kevin P. , Berry Levi J. , Bruening Dustin A.
Published: November 2019

Background. Neuropathic complications from diabetes mellitus affect multiple nerve types and may manifest in gait. However, gait compensations are still poorly understood, as narrow analyses and lack of speed controls have contributed to conflicting or equivocal results. Purpose. To evaluate gait mechanics and energetics in diabetic peripheral polyneuropathy. Methods. Instrumented gait analysis was performed on 14 participants with diabetic peripheral polyneuropathy and 14 matched controls, walking at 1.0 m/s. A full-body model with a multisegment foot was used to calculate inverse dynamics and analyze sagittal plane metrics and time series waveforms across stance phase. Results. Alterations included increased hip and knee flexion in early stance followed by a prolonged hip extension moment in midstance. Late stance ankle dorsiflexion and power absorption were increased, and final push-off was delayed and truncated. Conclusion. A neuropathic diabetic gait shares important similarities to a mild crouch gait with weakness/dysfunction in the foot and ankle. This study highlights two main compensation mechanisms that have been overlooked in previous literature. First, increased triceps surae stretch in terminal stance may be used to increase proprioception and/or energy storage, while a prolonged hip extension moment in midstance compensates for a limited push-off. These result in an overall workload shift from distal to proximal joints. Clinical assessment, monitoring, and treatment of neuropathy may benefit by focusing on these specific functional alterations.
A Bioinformatic Approach for the Identification of Molecular Determinants of Resistance/Sensitivity to Cancer Thermotherapy
Authors: Düzgün Mustafa Barbaros , Theofilatos Konstantinos , Georgakilas Alexandros G. , Pavlopoulou Athanasia
Published: November 2019

Application of heat above 43°C and up to 47°C, the so-called “thermal ablation” range, leads to tumor cell destruction either by apoptosis or by necrosis. However, tumor cells have developed mechanisms of defense that render them thermoresistant. Of importance, the in situ application of heat for the treatment of localized solid tumors can also prime specific antitumor immunity. Herein, a bioinformatic approach was employed for the identification of molecular determinants implicated in thermoresistance and immunogenic cell death (ICD). To this end, both literature-derived (text mining) and microarray gene expression profile data were processed, followed by functional enrichment analysis. Two important functional gene modules were detected in hyperthermia resistance and ICD, the former including members of the heat shock protein (HSP) family of molecular chaperones and the latter including immune-related molecules, respectively. Of note, the molecules HSP90AA1 and HSPA4 were found common between thermoresistance and damage signaling molecules (damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)) and ICD. In addition, the prognostic potential of HSP90AA1 and HSPA4 overexpression for cancer patients’ overall survival was investigated. The results of this study could constitute the basis for the strategic development of more efficient and personalized therapeutic strategies against cancer by means of thermotherapy, by taking into consideration the genetic profile of each patient.
Free In‐Plane Vibrations of Orthotropic Rectangular Plates by Using an Accurate Solution
Authors: Cao Yuan , Zhong Rui , Shao Dong , Wang Qingshan , Wu Dongtao
Published: November 2019

Many numerical methods have been developed for in‐plane vibration of orthotropic rectangular plates with various boundary conditions; however, the exact results for such structures with elastic boundary conditions are very scarce. Therefore, the object of this paper is to present an accurate solution for free in‐plane vibration of orthotropic rectangular plates with various boundary conditions by the method of reverberation ray matrix (MRRM) and improved golden section search (IGSS) algorithm. The boundary condition studied in this paper is defined as that a set of opposite edges is with one kind of simply supported boundary conditions, while the other set is with any kind of classical and general elastic boundary conditions or their combination. Its accuracy, reliability, and efficiency are verified by some numerical examples where the results are compared with other exact solutions in the published literature and the FEA results based on the ABAQUS software. Finally, some new accurate results for free in‐plane vibration of orthotropic rectangular plates with elastic boundary conditions are examined and further can be treated as the reference data for other approximate methods or accurate solutions.
Mathematical Simulations and On‐Road Experimentations of the Vibration Energy Harvesting from Mining Dump Truck Hydro‐Pneumatic Suspension
Authors: Wu Wenguang , Zhang Sha , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: November 2019

Running on an unpaved road, the truck’s vibration is weakened by the HPS (hydro‐pneumatic suspension) and transformed into thermal energy which was finally dissipated in the air. This paper is aimed to discuss the energy harvesting potential from the truck HPS on random road excitation. In this manner, a quarter‐truck model was built and the kinetic energy method that can be used to calculate the power of the dissipated energy was proposed. The dissipated instantaneous power (The peak value is 180 kW) and average power (12 kW) were analyzed which showed 15‐fold of difference. The different road class analysis results showed that the E‐class road excited 4‐fold of power than that of D‐class road. The influence of damping and stiffness on the dissipation power was analyzed. The results showed that the power excited by the D‐class road is less sensitive than the E‐class road. Furthermore, it is interesting that the results also show that the value of average dissipated power when running on E‐class road is very close to the speed value, respectively. The real road test of the truck was carried out in an open pit mine and verified the simulation results. The final results demonstrated that the vibrational energy that harvested from the HPS could reduce oil consumption by about 4% in theory.