bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of mobile laser scanning target‐free registration methods for urban areas using improved error metrics
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Long , Belton David , Helmholz Petra
Published: October 2019

Registration is one of the most important tasks in mobile laser scanning (MLS) point cloud processing. This paper firstly reviews existing target‐free matching techniques as well as methods to evaluate the quality of the registration. Next, a new error metric is introduced that takes into account the residuals of check planes as well as their orientation. Experiments using real datasets in combination with reference data were performed to evaluate the suitability of these metrics. The proposed error metric proved to be more suitable for evaluating the quality of point cloud registration than state‐of‐the‐art equivalents. The results also indicate that least squares plane fitting is the best technique for MLS point cloud registration.
Involvement of nitrate reductase‐dependent nitric oxide production in magnetopriming‐induced salt tolerance in soybean
Authors: Kataria Sunita , Jain Meeta , Tripathi Durgesh K. , Singh Vijay P.
Published: October 2019

In the present study, experiments were performed to investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in magnetopriming‐induced seed germination and early growth characteristics of soybean (Glycine max) seedlings under salt stress. The NO donor (sodium nitroprusside, SNP), NO scavenger (2‐[4‐carboxyphenyl]‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide, CPTIO), inhibitors of nitrate reductase (sodium tungstate, ST) or NO synthase (N‐nitro‐L‐Arg‐methyl ester, LNAME) and NADPH oxidase inhibitor (diphenylene iodonium, DPI) have been used to measure the role of NO in the alleviation of salinity stress by static magnetic field (SMF of 200 mT, 1 h). Salt stress (50 mM NaCl) significantly reduced germination and early growth of seedlings emerged from non‐primed seeds. Pre‐treatment of seeds with SMF positively stimulated the germination and consequently promoted the seedling growth. ST, LNAME, CPTIO and DPI significantly decreased the growth of seedling, activities of α‐amylase, protease and nitrate reductase (NR), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide (O2•−) and NO content in roots of seedlings emerged from non‐primed and SMF‐primed seeds. However, the extent of reduction was higher with ST in seedlings of SMF‐primed seeds under both conditions, whereas SNP promoted all the studied parameters. Moreover, the generation of NO was also confirmed microscopically using a membrane permanent fluorochrome (4‐5‐diaminofluorescein diacetate [DAF‐2 DA]). Further, analysis showed that SMF enhanced the NR activity and triggered the NO production and NR was maximally decreased by ST as compared to LNAME, CPTIO and DPI. Thus, in addition to ROS, NO might be one of the important signaling molecules in magnetopriming‐induced salt tolerance in soybean and NR may be responsible for SMF‐triggered NO generation in roots of soybean.
Plant recovery techniques do not ensure biological soil‐crust recovery after gypsum quarrying: a call for active restoration
Authors: Lorite Juan , Agea Daniel , García‐Robles Helena , Cañadas Eva M. , Rams Susana , Sánchez‐Castillo Pedro
Published: October 2019

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are a key component of dryland ecosystems worldwide. However, large extensions of biocrusts are disturbed by human activities, gypsum quarry being an outstanding example. Restoration techniques applied have offered satisfactory results for vascular plants but they could greatly differ in promoting biocrust recovery. A basic question remains unaddressed: can measures for plant recovery accelerate or promote the recovery of biological crusts? We have examined eight different situations: undisturbed natural habitat, five treatments with no restoration measures (overgrazed area, abandoned quarry, topsoil removal from natural habitat, and two areas filled with gypsum mining spoil), and 2 areas receiving restoration measures (manual sowing and hydroseeding). We took 40 soil cores to determine cover of lichen, moss, and cyanobacteria. Biocrust richness and cover were higher in the undisturbed habitat, with remarkable differences for the different components among treatments. Cyanobacteria were well represented in all the cores (restored and non‐restored). Mosses were promoted the most by hydroseeding. Lichen cover was remarkably higher in undisturbed samples, very low in the quarry abandoned in 1992, and 0 in the rest. Complete spontaneous recovery of biocrusts was inefficient in the 25‐year period examined. Plant restoration measures could speed up its recovery comparing with non‐restored areas. Cyanobacteria and mosses can spontaneously recover fairly well. However, promoting them would accelerate the appearance of lichen. For lichen, inoculation or translocation of lichen thalli might be proposed. Therefore, our results call for the inclusion of active restoration measures of biocrust components in recovery plans, especially for lichens.
Private facilitators of public regulation: A study of the environmental consulting industry
Authors: Owen Dave
Published: October 2019

Most accounts of businesses and regulators depict adversarial relationships. In these accounts, businesses typically seek to avoid or limit public regulation or, alternatively, to distort it so it serves private rather than public ends. This article uses a study of the environmental consulting industry to explore a different set of relationships between businesses and public regulation. These consultants generally work for for‐profit companies, and they serve as regulatory intermediaries between businesses and government. Those dual roles raise concerns that environmental consultants, like many other businesses, will seek to subvert regulatory schemes or will serve as instruments of regulatory capture. While some evidence supports these concerns, interviews and documentary research also demonstrated widespread perceptions that consultants play two other roles. First, environmental consultants strive to operate as trusted facilitators of constructive relationships between regulators and regulated entities. Second, for combined reasons of profit motive and value‐based moral commitments, environmental consultants also strive to act as guardians and proponents of the public values underlying environmental regulation. These roles have implications for descriptive understandings of the functioning of regulatory regimes and for regulatory system design. Most importantly, in contrast to literature emphasizing the need to protect regulatory governance from private, for‐profit entities, these findings illustrate how for‐profit regulatory intermediaries can work to bolster regulatory governance.
In the shadow of sunshine regulation: Explaining disclosure biases
Authors: Bolognesi Thomas , Pflieger Géraldine
Published: October 2019

Performance reporting in sunshine regulation is subjected to disclosure biases, because agents may game the regulation or encounter difficulties in complying. These biases limit the appraisal of the impact of sunshine regulation on performance. We investigate the behavioral causes of such disclosure biases by focusing on transaction cost economizing and opportunism. We provide an original methodology to take into account information asymmetries in principal–agent relationships. We focus on water utilities management in France. Our data set includes 795 observations covering water utilities and performance indicators characteristics. It allows for comparisons of revealed and observed performances and identifies different types of disclosure biases. Findings indicate that opportunism is a significant motivation for disclosure biases, while, unexpectedly, transaction costs are not a direct trigger of disclosure biases.
Mechanical and morphological determinants of peak power output in elite cyclists
Authors: Kordi Mehdi , Folland Jonathan , Goodall Stuart , Haralabidis Nicos , Maden‐Wilkinson Tom , Sarika Patel Tejal , Leeder Jonathan , Barratt Paul , Howatson Glyn
Published: October 2019

Mechanical peak power output (PPO) is a determinant of performance in sprint cycling. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between PPO and putative physiological determinants of PPO in elite cyclists, and to compare sprint performance between elite sprint and endurance cyclists. Thirty‐five elite cyclists (18 endurance; 17 sprint) performed duplicate sprint cycling laboratory tests to establish PPO and its mechanical components. Quadriceps femoris (QVOL) and hamstring muscle volume (HAMVOL) were assessed with MRI, vastus lateralis pennation angle (PθVL) and fascicle length (FLVL) were determined with ultrasound imaging, and neuromuscular activation of three muscles was assessed using EMG at PPO during sprint cycling. For the whole cohort, there was a wide variability in PPO (range 775‐2025 W) with very large, positive, bivariate relationships between PPO and QVOL (r = .87), HAMVOL (r = .71), and PθVL (r = .81). Step‐wise multiple regression analysis revealed that 87% of the variability in PPO between cyclists was explained by two variables QVOL (76%) and PθVL (11%). The sprint cyclists had greater PPO (+61%; P < .001 vs endurance), larger QVOL (P < .001), and BFVOL (P < .001) as well as more pennate vastus lateralis muscles (P < .001). These findings emphasize the importance of quadriceps muscle morphology for sprint cycling events.
Cities are Not Products
Authors: Vanolo Alberto
Published: October 2019

This paper reflects critically on city branding by building on Kavaratzis and Ashworth’s 2005 article ‘City branding: An effective assertion of identity or a transitory marketing trick?’ It discusses the relationships between urban geography and branding studies, and challenges the idea that cities may be considered as special kinds of products in need of specific branding techniques. This exercise entails reflection on the boundaries between the concept of branding and its potential relation with the commodification of cities.
Pathogen reduction with riboflavin and ultraviolet light induces a quasi‐apoptotic state in blood leukocytes
Authors: Tran Johnson Q. , Muench Marcus O. , Heitman John W. , Jackman Rachael P.
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Alloimmunization to platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) transfusions can cause adverse reactions such as platelet refractoriness or transplant rejection. Pathogen reduction treatment with ultraviolet light and riboflavin (UV + R) of allogeneic PRP was shown to reduce allogeneic antibody responses and confer partial antigen‐specific immune tolerance to subsequent transfusions in mice. Studies have shown that UV + R was effective at both rapidly killing donor white blood cells (WBCs) and reducing their ability to stimulate an allogeneic response in vitro. However, the manner in which UV + R induces WBC death and its associated role in the immune response to treated PRP is unknown.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This study evaluates whether UV + R causes WBC apoptosis by examining phosphatidylserine exposure on the plasma membrane, membrane asymmetry, caspase activity, and chromatin condensation by flow cytometry. The immunogenicity of WBCs killed with UV + R versus apoptotic or necrotic pathways was also examined in vivo.

RESULTS

WBCs after UV + R exhibited early apoptotic‐like characteristics including phosphatidylserine exposure on the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane and loss of membrane asymmetry, but unlike canonical apoptotic cells, caspase activity and chromatin condensation were not apparent. However, in vivo studies demonstrated, unlike untreated or necrotic WBCs, both apoptotic WBCs and UV + R–treated WBCs failed to prime alloantibody responses to subsequent untreated transfusions.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the mechanism of WBC death following UV + R treatment shares some membrane characteristics of early apoptosis but is distinct from classic apoptosis. Despite these differences, UV + R–treated and apoptotic WBCs both offer some protection from alloimmunization.
Atypical and malignant canine intracranial meningiomas may have lower apparent diffusion coefficient values than benign tumors
Authors: Fages Julien , Oura Trisha J. , Sutherland‐Smith James , Jennings Samuel H.
Published: October 2019

Canine intracranial meningiomas can be graded based on histological classification as benign (grade I), atypical (grade II), and anaplastic or malignant (grade III). In people, grade II/III meningiomas behave more aggressively, have a higher potential for recurrence after surgical resection, and have lower apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values with diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). In this retrospective analytical cross‐sectional study, 42 dogs had ADC values quantified in an attempt to differentiate tumor histologic grade. Our hypothesis was that ADC values would be significantly lower in grade II and III versus grade I meningiomas in dogs. On each ADC image, a polygonal region of interest (ROI) was hand‐drawn along the lesion's periphery, excluding fluid‐filled and hemorrhagic regions. Mean ADC value (ADCmean) and minimum ADC value (ADCmin) were calculated. Additionally, two smaller, ovoid ROI were drawn within the lesion with mean ADC calculated (ADCmean sR and ADCmin sR). Normalized ADC values using white matter were also calculated (ADCn and ADCn sR). Grades of each tumor were assigned based on histopathology review. Association between ADC parameters and histological grade was tested by means of two‐sample t‐tests. There were 14 grade I (33.3%), 25 grade II (59.5%), and three grade III (7.2%) meningiomas. ADCmean sR and ADCmin sR were significantly lower when comparing grade II/III to grade I (P < .05). Grade II tumors had significantly lower ADCmean, ADCmean sR, ADCmin sR, ADCn, and ADCn sR than grade I meningiomas. This preliminary study supports the potential of ADC values to help predict the histological grade of intracranial meningiomas in dogs.
Preparation of Blend Hydrophilic Polyetherimide-Cellulose Acetate Hollow Fiber Membrane for Oily Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Nazarian Moslem , Mansourizadeh Amir , Abbasi Mehran
Published: October 2019

Membrane separation is known as an efficient technique for oily wastewater treatment. In the present study, cellulose acetate (CA) was introduced into the polyetherimide (PEI) solution in order to enhance hydrophilicity and the membrane structure for oil–water separation. The hollow fiber membranes were prepared via a phase-inversion process. The membranes were characterized by N2 permeation test, water contact angle, pure water flux and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The blend PEI-CA membrane presented larger finger-likes morphology with a thicker outer skin layer. From N2 permeation test, the blend membrane showed effective surface porosity of 697 m-1 and mean pore size of 4.5 nm. The higher water flux and lower resistance of the blend PEI-CA membrane were related to the higher hydrophilicity and the open structure. Due to small pore sizes and enhanced hydrophilicity, the blend membrane showed a stable oil rejection of over 98% and water flux of 18 L/m2 h after 100 min of the separation operation. The developed PEI-CA membrane can potentially be applied in petrochemical and refinery industries for oily wastewater treatment.
Electrospun Bi-layered Composite Membrane for the Removal of Metallic Contaminants in Drinking Water
Authors: Sultana Naznin , Daniels D. E.
Published: October 2019

Using biodegradable polymer polycaprolactone (PCL) and zeolite, the present experiment was conducted with the aim of using biodegradable PCL and zeolite based composite membrane to remove silver in drinking water. After optimizing the electrospinning parameters, a double-layered PCL and PCL/zeolite electrospun composite membranes were manufactured. The membranes were then characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and the filtration phenomenon was conducted by dispersing silver nanoparticles in water. After comparing the filtration results using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), it was observed that the bi-layered membrane filtered 90% of silver present in the water. The present work shows that the new PCL/zeolite based double-layered membrane can be promising to remove contaminants in drinking water.
Effects of Ultrasonic Vibration Assistance on Chip Formation Mechanism in Cutting of Ti–6Al–4V
Authors: Gao Jian , Jin Xiaoliang
Published: October 2019

This paper presents the effects of ultrasonic vibration assistance on shear band formation and chip segmentation mechanism in orthogonal cutting of Ti–6Al–4V. Experimental observations of chip microstructure show that the shear bands disappear when vibration assistance is applied along tangential direction at certain cutting speeds. A plastic chip flow model is developed to predict the stress and temperature variations in the primary shear zone at cutting, chip elastic recovery, and tool-chip separation periods. The simulation results show that the temperature in the primary shear zone in vibration-assisted cutting is much lower when compared with conventional cutting, therefore suppresses the generation of shear bands. The simulations of average cutting forces and pitch lengths of chip segments are compared with the experimental results. A finite element model is further developed to prove the temperature reduction when ultrasonic vibration assistance is applied.
Rotational Rheometry of a Fumed Silica Lubricating Grease
Authors: Zakani Behzad , Ansari Mahmoud , Grecov Dana
Published: October 2019

The rheological properties of lubricating greases are the governing properties for performance assessment in lubrication applications. These properties can be determined under both controlled stress and strain rheometry. Moreover, studying the effect of temperature on these properties is of great importance. This study investigates the differences between rheological characterizations performed under both controlled stress and strain modes on fumed silica greases. The results of steady-state viscometry under controlled strain mode revealed a non-monotonic temperature-dependent behavior. This non-monotonic behavior, attributed to the shear banding, was also observed in up and down stress ramp data. The results of the controlled stress and controlled strain rheometry modes coincided well at high values of stress and shear rates due to the reduced effect of stick-slip phenomenon and elastic deformation. A two-step yielding flow curve observed in the steady flow curves was justified by bond and cage breakage mechanisms in fumed silica suspensions.
Diagnostic value of Virtual Touch Quantification (VTQ®) for differentiation of hemangiomas from malignant focal liver lesions
Authors: Galati Giovanni , De Vincentis Antonio , Gallo Paolo , Guidi Alessandro , Vespasiani-Gentilucci Umberto , Picardi Antonio
Published: October 2019

Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic value of Virtual Touch Quantification (VTQ®) for characterizing benign vs. malignant focal liver lesions (FLLs).Material and methods: From January 2015 to January 2016 all consecutive FLLs visualized during a conventional abdominal ultrasound (US), underwent VTQ® evaluation, taking five measurements of both the lesion and the surrounding parenchyma.Results: We studied 119 FLLs, consisting of 52 hemangiomas (HEs), 39 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), and 28 liver metastases (METs). HEs showed a significantly lower shear wave velocity (SWV) values compared to malignant FLLs (HEs SWV median value 1.34 m/sec, IQR 0.9; malignant lesions SWV median value 2.69 m/sec, IQR 1.6; p<0.001). Moreover, a nodule-to-parenchyma SWV ratio showed a significant difference in HEs and METs (p<0.001) but not in HCCs (p=0.03). SWV values were able to correctly differentiate malignant lesions with c-statistics of 0.82 (95 % CI 0.74- 0.90) and sensitivity of 74.6%/specificity of 80.7% at a cut-off of 2 m/sec.Conclusions: Our results suggest that VTQ® is able to distinguish HEs from malignant lesions (HCCs and METs) at a SWV cut-off of 2 m/sec.
Effect of two-step post-treatment on optical properties, microstructure, and nanosecond laser damage threshold of HfO2/TiO2/SiO2 multilayer high reflection films
Authors: Mao Sida , Fan Jie , Zou Yonggang , Lan Yunping , Xu Yingtian , Zhang Jiabin , Dong Jianing , Ma Xiaohui
Published: October 2019

HfO2/TiO2/SiO2 periodic multilayer high reflection films deposited by an electron beam are post-treated by two-step post-treatment and thermal annealing post-treatment, respectively. The optical properties, microstructures, surface morphologies, and laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of the films are studied comparatively. The results show that the two-step post-treatment enhances the high reflection films’ density and reduces the film surface roughness and the defects of the film. The test results show that the LIDT of HfO2/TiO2/SiO2 high reflection films treated by two-step post-treatment reaches 32.8 J/cm2, which is 110.26% higher than that of the untreated film. Compared with the HfO2/TiO2/SiO2 high reflection films after thermal annealing post-treatment, the LIDT increased nearly 27.6% after two-step post-treatment. Two-step post-treatment of high reflection films can effectively remove the defects on the surface of the film, reduce the oxygen vacancies inside the film, and further increase the laser damage threshold of the high reflection films.
Discrimination and identification of lexical tones and consonants in Mandarin-speaking children using cochlear implants
Authors: Cabrera Laurianne , Liu Huei-Mei , Granjon Lionel , Kao Chieh , Tsao Feng-Ming
Published: October 2019

Mandarin-speaking adults using cochlear implants (CI) experience more difficulties in perceiving lexical tones than consonants. This problem may result from the fact that CIs provide relatively sufficient temporal envelope information for consonant perception in quiet environments, but do not convey the fine spectro-temporal information considered to be necessary for accurate pitch perception. Another possibility is that Mandarin speakers with post-lingual hearing loss have developed language-specific use of these acoustic cues, impeding lexical tone processing under CI conditions. To investigate this latter hypothesis, syllable discrimination and word identification abilities for Mandarin consonants (place and manner) and lexical-tone contrasts (tones 1 vs 3 and 1 vs 2) were measured in 15 Mandarin-speaking children using CIs and age-matched children with normal hearing (NH). In the discrimination task, only children using CIs exhibited significantly lower scores for consonant place contrasts compared to other contrasts, including lexical tones. In the word identification task, children using CIs showed lower performance for all contrasts compared to children with NH, but they both showed specific difficulties with tone 1 vs 2 contrasts. This study suggests that Mandarin-speaking children using CIs are able to discriminate and identify lexical tones and, perhaps more surprisingly, have more difficulties when discriminating consonants.
Kinship-based social inequality in Bronze Age Europe
Authors: Mittnik Alissa , Massy Ken , Knipper Corina , Wittenborn Fabian , Friedrich Ronny , Pfrengle Saskia , Burri Marta , Carlichi-Witjes Nadine , Deeg Heidi , Furtwängler Anja , Harbeck Michaela , von Heyking Kristin , Kociumaka Catharina , Kucukkalipci Isil , Lindauer Susanne , Metz Stephanie , Staskiewicz Anja , Thiel Andreas , Wahl Joachim , Haak Wolfgang , Pernicka Ernst , Schiffels Stephan , Stockhammer Philipp W. , Krause Johannes
Published: October 2019

Ancient DNA informs on past cultures

Archaeology has used analysis of the artifacts and remains of people to uncover their past behaviors and to infer their cultural practices. However, establishing genetic relationships has only recently become possible. Mittniket al.examined the kinship and inheritance of the remains of people from the German Lech River Valley over a time period spanning the Late Neolithic Corded Ware Culture, the Bell Beaker Complex, the Early Bronze Age, and the Middle Bronze Age (see the Perspective by Feinman and Neitzel). From genetic and archaeological analyses, it was revealed that the Early Bronze Age household's burials over multiple generations consisted of a high-status core family and unrelated low-status individuals. Furthermore, women were not related to the men within the household, suggesting that men stayed within their birth communities in this society, but women did not.

Science, this issue p.731; see also p.682
Pyomelanin Secretion in Madurella mycetomatis Interferes with Spectrophotometric Endpoint Reading Using the Sensititre YeastOne alamarBlue Assay but Not with Visual Endpoint Reading
Authors: Nyuykonge B. , Croughs P. D. , Fahal A. H. , Verbon A. , van de Sande W. W. J.
Published: October 2019

The use of the Sensititre YeastOne YO10 alamarBlue assay for the
in vitro
susceptibility testing of
Madurella mycetomatis
was evaluated in
M. mycetomatis
isolates with and without pyomelanin secretion. Pyomelanin secretion did not influence visual endpoint reading; however, it caused a shift in peak absorbance from 570 nm to 620 nm when read spectrophotometrically. Therefore, when choosing the method for endpoint reading, the presence of pyomelanin should be considered.
Divergent Antigen-Specific Cellular Immune Responses during Asymptomatic Subclinical and Clinical States of Disease in Cows Naturally Infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp.
paratuberculosis
Authors: Stabel J. R. , Bannantine J. P.
Published: October 2019

Infection of the host with
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
results in chronic and progressive enteritis that traverses both subclinical and clinical stages. The mechanism(s) for the shift from an asymptomatic subclinical disease state to advanced clinical disease is not fully understood.
Zika Virus Infection, Reproductive Organ Targeting, and Semen Transmission in the Male Olive Baboon
Authors: Peregrine Jamie , Gurung Sunam , Lindgren Mark C. , Husain Sanam , Zavy Michael T. , Myers Dean A. , Papin James F.
Published: October 2019

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging flavivirus spread through mosquitoes and sexual contact. ZIKV infection during pregnancy can lead to severe fetal outcomes, including miscarriage, fetal death, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and fetal microcephaly, collectively known as congenital Zika syndrome. Therefore, it is important to understand how this virus spreads, as well as the resulting pathogenesis in translational animal models that faithfully mimic ZIKV infection in humans. Such models will contribute to the future development of efficient therapeutics and prevention mechanisms. Through our previous work in olive baboons, we developed a nonhuman primate model that is permissive to ZIKV infection and transfers the virus vertically from mother to fetus, modeling human observations. The present study contributes to understanding of ZIKV infection in male baboon reproductive tissues and begins to elucidate how this may affect fertility, reproductive capacity, and sexual transmission of the virus.
Rosuvastatin-related rhabdomyolysis causing severe proximal paraparesis and acute kidney injury
Authors: Hussain Kosar , Xavier Anil
Published: October 2019

We describe the case of a 76-year-old man who presented with bilateral lower limb weakness associated with decreased urine output. His initial blood results showed acute kidney injury (AKI) stage 3 with substantially raised serum creatine kinase concentration of 37 950 IU/L (normal range <171 U/L). He had been on high-dose rosuvastatin for 4 years with a recent brand change occurring 1 week prior to onset of symptoms. There was no history of pre-existing neuromuscular disease. Statin-related rhabdomyolysis was suspected and rosuvastatin was withheld. His muscle strength gradually improved. He required haemodialysis for 10 weeks. He was discharged home after a complicated course of hospitalisation. His renal function improved and he became dialysis-independent; however, he was left with residual chronic kidney disease.
Healthy Ageing and Biomarkers Cohort Study (HABCS): a cohort profile
Authors: Lv Yuebin , Mao Chen , Yin Zhaoxue , Li Furong , Wu Xianbo , Shi Xiaoming
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey Biomarkers Cohort (Healthy Ageing and Biomarkers Cohort Study (HABCS)) was established to investigate the determinants of healthy aging and mortality among the oldest old in China. Besides collecting health status, behavioural and sociodemographic circumstances, the present study also gathers comprehensive data for the elderly by simultaneously collecting, detecting, analysing blood and urine, respectively.

Participants

HABCS is a community-based longitudinal multiwave study of older men and women aged 65 or above. Baseline survey and the follow-up surveys with replacement for deceased elderly were conducted in eight longevity areas in China, which cover the northern, middle and southern parts of China. Between 2008 and 2017, 6333 participants were included in HABCS, comprising 1385 centenarians, 1350 nonagenarians, 1294 octogenarians, 1577 younger elderly (aged 65–79).

Findings to date

We have found that higher baseline levels of (1) total cholesterol, (2) low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and (3) superoxide dismutase activity were associated with greater cognitive decline. While (4) higher LDL-C level was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality. There was a reverse association between (5) plasma vitamin D and cognitive impairment in cross-sectional and prospective study.

Future plans

We are currently exploring the relationships between various biomarkers and different outcomes such as cognitive function and mortality. This longitudinal cohort study will be continued in the future.
Recovery priorities in degenerative cervical myelopathy: a cross-sectional survey of an international, online community of patients
Authors: Davies Benjamin , Mowforth Oliver , Sadler Iwan , Aarabi Bizhan , Kwon Brian , Kurpad Shekar , Harrop James S , Wilson Jefferson R , Grossman Robert , Fehlings Michael G , Kotter Mark
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To establish the recovery priorities of individuals suffering with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM).

Design

A cross-sectional, observational study.

Setting

Patients from across the world with a diagnosis of DCM accessed the survey over an 18-month period on Myelopathy.org, an international myelopathy charity.

Participants

481 individuals suffering from DCM completed the online survey fully.

Main outcome measures

Functional recovery domains were established through qualitative interviews and a consensus process. Individuals were asked about their disease characteristics, including limb pain (Visual Analogue Scale) and functional disability (patient-derived version of the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score). Individuals ranked recovery domains (arm and hand function, walking, upper body/trunk function, sexual function, elimination of pain, sensation and bladder/bowel function) in order of priority. Priorities were analysed as the modal first priority and mean ranking. The influence of demographics on selection was analysed, with significancep<0.05.

Results

Of 659 survey responses obtained, 481 were complete. Overall, pain was the most popular recovery priority (39.9%) of respondents, followed by walking (20.2%), sensation (11.9%) and arm and hand function (11.5%). Sexual function (5.7%), bladder and bowel (3.7%) and trunk function (3.5%) were chosen less frequently. When considering the average ranking of symptoms, while pain remained the priority (2.6±2.0), this was closely followed by walking (2.9±1.7) and arm/hand function (3.0±1.4). Sensation ranked lower (4.3±2.1). With respect to disease characteristics, overall pain remained the recovery priority, with the exception of patients with greater walking impairment (p<0.005) who prioritised walking, even among patients with lower pain scores.

Conclusions

This is the first study investigating patient priorities in DCM. The patient priorities reported provide an important framework for future research and will help to ensure that it is aligned with patient needs.
Low-value clinical practices in adult traumatic brain injury: an umbrella review protocol
Authors: Tardif Pier-Alexandre , Moore Lynne , Lauzier François , Farhat Imen , Archambault Patrick , Lamontagne Francois , Chassé Michael , Stelfox Henry Thomas , Gabbe Belinda J , Lecky Fiona , Kortbeek John , Lessard-Bonaventure Paule , Truchon Catherine , Turgeon Alexis F
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to 50 000 deaths, 85 000 disabilities and costs $60 billion each year in the USA. Despite numerous interventions and treatment options, the outcomes of TBI have improved little over the last three decades. In a previous scoping review and expert consultation survey, we identified 13 potentially low-value clinical practices in acute TBI. The objective of this umbrella review is to synthesise the evidence on potentially low-value clinical practices in the care of acute TBI.

Methods and analysis

Using umbrella review methodology, we will search Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Epistemonikos, International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) and PubMed to identify systematic reviews evaluating the effect of potential intrahospital low-value practices using tailored population, intervention, comparator, outcome and study design questions based on the results of a previous scoping review. We will present data on the methodological quality of these reviews (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews-2), reported effect sizes and strength of evidence (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation).

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required as original data will not be collected. Knowledge users from five healthcare quality organisations and clinical associations are involved in the design and conduct of the study. Results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal, at international scientific meetings and to clinical, healthcare quality and patient–partner associations. This work will support the development of metrics to measure the use of low-value practices, inform policy makers on potential targets for deimplementation and in the long term reduce the use of low-value clinical practices in acute TBI care.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019132428.
Survey of the pattern of antibiotic dispensing in private pharmacies in Nepal
Authors: Nepal Anant , Hendrie Delia , Robinson Suzanne , Selvey Linda A
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Private pharmacies are widely established in most low/middle-income countries (LMICs) including Nepal, and are often considered as a patient’s first point of contact for seeking healthcare. The aim of this study was to investigate the pattern of antibiotic dispensing in private pharmacies through exit interviews with patients to review their medication information.

Design and setting

Cross-sectional study. Data collection was carried out in 60 days at 33 randomly selected private pharmacies in the Rupandehi district of Nepal.

Participants

Patients attending private pharmacies (n=1537).

Main outcome measure

The pattern of antibiotic prescribing and dispensing was investigated using WHO’s core prescribing indicator, ‘the percentage of patients prescribed an antibiotic’. Frequency distributions were presented based on patients’ characteristics, sources of antibiotic, registration status of pharmacies and education of the pharmacist or drug retailer, and disease or condition. χ2tests and regression analysis were applied to explore factors associated with the pattern of antibiotic dispensing.

Results

Of patients attending private pharmacies, the proportion receiving at least one antibiotic (38.4%) was above the WHO recommended value (20.0%–26.8%). The most commonly dispensed antibiotics were cefixime (16.9%) and the third-generation cephalosporins (38.0%) class. High dispensing rates of antibiotics for selected conditions (eg, respiratory infections, diarrhoeal cases) appeared contrary to international recommendations. The percentage of antibiotic dispensed was highest for patients who obtained their medicines from unlicensed pharmacies (59.1%). Young people were more likely to receive antibiotics than other age groups.

Conclusions

The antibiotic dispensing pattern from private pharmacies in Nepal was high compared with WHO guidelines, suggesting initiatives to reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics should be implemented. The findings of this study may be generalisable to other LMICs in order to assist in developing policies and guidelines to promote more appropriate dispensing and prescribing practices of antibiotics and limit the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Protocol for a quasiexperimental study testing the effectiveness of strengthening growth monitoring and promotion in community clinics for improving the nutritional status of under-two children in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Muttaquina , Ferdous Tarana -E- , Islam Ziaul , Billah Sk Masum , Bulbul Md M Islam , Rahman Md Mezanur , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The Government of Bangladesh is implementing growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) through community clinics (CC) to improve the nutritional status of children. However, little primary evidence is available on the effectiveness of GMP when delivered through CCs. We aim to examine the effectiveness of GMP activities strengthened in CCs to improve the nutritional status of children under 2 years of age.

Methods and analysis

This is a quasiexperimental, two-arm, mixed methods study. In the intervention arm, a non-governmental organisation is providing support to strengthen GMP implementation in the 30 CCs. The comparison arm has no intervention to strengthen GMP implementation in the 30 CCs. Study participants will be under-two children and their caregivers, and CC service providers (community healthcare provider, CHCP). We will collect quantitative information on children and mothers’ anthropometry, sociodemographic condition, food security, children’s feeding practices, morbidity and vaccination history at baseline, and follow them up every third month thereafter for 12 months. We will collect qualitative information on (1) knowledge, skill and practice of CHCPs to implement GMP; (2) mothers/caregivers’ perception, knowledge and experience of GMP from CCs; (3) experience and suggestions of programme managers about operational challenges and for improving quality of GMP service delivery; and (4) views of the concerned policy planners to strengthen GMP at the CC level. Qualitative information will be collected through key informant and in-depth interviews at baseline and endline. The primary outcome will be the change observed in length-for-age Z-score of children. A difference-in-difference and linear mixed effects analysis of quantitative data will be done. Thematic analysis will be conducted for qualitative information. Triangulation of data derived from different methods will be carried out.

Ethics and dissemination

This study received ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, and results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT03824756
Non-invasive intraventricular pressure differences estimated with cardiac MRI in subjects without heart failure and with heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Londono-Hoyos Francisco , Segers Patrick , Hashmath Zeba , Oldland Garrett , Koppula Maheshwara Reddy , Javaid Khuzaima , Miller Rachana , Bhuva Rushikkumar , Vasim Izzah , Tariq Ali , Witschey Walter , Akers Scott , Chirinos Julio Alonso
Published: October 2019

Objective

Non-invasive assessment of left ventricular (LV) diastolic and systolic function is important to better understand physiological abnormalities in heart failure (HF). The spatiotemporal pattern of LV blood flow velocities during systole and diastole can be used to estimate intraventricular pressure differences (IVPDs). We aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of an MRI-based method to calculate systolic and diastolic IVPDs in subjects without heart failure (No-HF), and with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Methods

We studied 159 subjects without HF, 47 subjects with HFrEF and 32 subjects with HFpEF. Diastolic and systolic intraventricular flow was measured using two-dimensional in-plane phase-contrast MRI. The Euler equation was solved to compute IVPDs in diastole (mitral base to apex) and systole (apex to LV outflow tract).

Results

Subjects with HFpEF demonstrated a higher magnitude of the early diastolic reversal of IVPDs (−1.30 mm Hg) compared with the No-HF group (−0.78 mm Hg) and the HFrEF group (−0.75 mm Hg; analysis of variance p=0.01). These differences persisted after adjustment for clinical variables, Doppler-echocardiographic parameters of diastolic filling and measures of LV structure (No-HF=−0.72; HFrEF=−0.87; HFpEF=−1.52 mm Hg; p=0.006). No significant differences in systolic IVPDs were found in adjusted models. IVPD parameters demonstrated only weak correlations with standard Doppler-echocardiographic parameters.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest distinct patterns of systolic and diastolic IVPDs in HFpEF and HFrEF, implying differences in the nature of diastolic dysfunction between the HF subtypes.
History, clinical findings and outcome of horses with radiographical signs of equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis
Authors: Rahmani Vahideh , Häyrinen Lotta , Kareinen Ilona , Ruohoniemi Mirja
Published: October 2019

The progression of equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) has not been completely evaluated, and currently, the only effective treatment is extraction of severely affected teeth. We aim to describe how the disease relates to the history and clinical findings and to report on the outcome in individual horses. This case series comprises data collected from 20 horses (age 14–29 years old) with radiographic findings of EOTRH in their incisor and/or canine teeth. Most horses affected with EOTRH in this study were admitted for dental problems, but some for other complaints such as colic. Of the 288 teeth evaluated radiographically, 224 teeth were abnormal. Radiographic findings were most frequently located in the apical aspect and reserve crown of the teeth, and lesions were also commonly found in clinically normal teeth. Histopathology of extracted teeth showed inflammation in the periodontal ligament and revealed that resorption often extended to the dentine. Some owners were unwilling to allow extraction of their horses’ severely affected teeth, even though this treatment has been shown to increase the wellbeing of the horse. As EORTH is a life‐long condition, the progression of the disease has to be continuously monitored and the treatments adjusted accordingly.
MicroRNA-1298-5p inhibits cell proliferation and the invasiveness of bladder cancer cells via down-regulation of connexin 43
Authors: Li Gang , Sun Longfeng , Mu Zhongyi , Liu Shibo , Qu Hongchen , Xie Qingpeng , Hu Bin
Published: October 2019

MicroRNA (miR)-1298 is widely down-regulated in a variety of malignant tumors, which facilitates cell proliferation, invasiveness, and migration. However, the specific biological function of miR-1298 in bladder cancer (BC) is still unknown. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is often up-regulated in tumors. Identifying miRNAs that target Cx43 in the setting of BC will help to develop Cx43-based therapies for BC. In this study, the results demonstrated that the expression levels of miR-1298 and Cx43 were significantly down-regulated and up-regulated, respectively, in BC tissues. Overexpression of miR-1298 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness in two BC cell lines as determined using MTT assays, cell cycle assays, colony formation assays, Transwell assays, gelatin zymography, and Western blot. In addition, we found that miR-1298 decreased Cx43 expression by directly targeting the 3′-UTR. Further, we observed that the promotion of BC cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness from Cx43 on could be partially attenuated by overexpressing miR-1298. Moreover, the protein expression of p-ERK was ameliorated after transfection with overexpressed-miR-1298. Knockdown of Cx43 reversed the promotion of cell migration and invasiveness due to decreased expression of miR-1298. All of the data from our study indicate that miR-1298 could be a diagnostic marker of BC and a potential therapeutic agent via inhibiting Cx43.
Comparative analyses of alternative breakthrough curves from cumulative mass column testing of soil–bentonite backfills
Authors: Shackelford Charles D. , Hong Catherine S.
Published: October 2019

The results of eight cumulative mass column tests were analyzed via several different methods to evaluate the dispersion coefficient, D, and the retardation factor, Rd, governing the migration of chloride (Cl−), potassium (K), and zinc (Zn) through soil–bentonite backfills for vertical cutoff walls. Regression of the measured relative (effluent) concentration (RC) breakthrough curves (BTCs) resulted in relatively accurate determinations of Rd, but relatively inaccurate determinations of D for all three solutes. Values of Rd based on dimensionless time, T, corresponding to an RC of 0.5 were underestimated for all three solutes due to the significance of diffusion on solute transport. With a few exceptions, Rd for K and Zn based on analyses of the steady-state portions of measured cumulative mass ratio (CMR) BTCs and T – CMR BTCs were relatively accurate, whereas analysis of measured T – CMR BTCs was more accurate for determining Rd of Cl−. Overall, there is no advantage to analyzing the results of cumulative mass column tests in the form of RC BTCs, whereas the CMR and T – CMR BTCs offer the advantage of determining Rd based on simple linear regressions of the steady-state portions of the BTCs, i.e., provided steady-state solute transport has been established.
A taphonomic analysis of a multitaxic bonebed from the St. Mary River Formation (uppermost Campanian to lowermost Maastrichtian) of Alberta, dominated by cf. Edmontosaurus regalis (Ornithischia: Hadrosauridae), with significant remains of Pachyrhinosaurus canadensis (Ornithischia: Ceratopsidae)
Authors: Campbell James A. , Ryan Michael J. , Anderson Jason S.
Published: October 2019

Scabby Butte is an isolated exposure of Upper Cretaceous (uppermost Campanian to lowermost Maastrichtian) strata of the St. Mary River Formation. These rocks have produced a diverse assemblage of both terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates, although hadrosaurid and ceratopsid dinosaurs represent the largest component by volume. Almost all of these dinosaur remains were collected from a single bonebed (Site 2) at Scabby Butte and have been referred to the hadrosaurid Edmontosaurus regalis Lambe, 1917 and the ceratopsid Pachyrhinosaurus canadensis Sternberg, 1950. This study presents a quantitative taphonomic reanalysis of the originally published data, providing new information previously overlooked and important information about the age-class structure of the dinosaur fauna preserved at the site. Site 2 is a lag deposit with a minimum number of 11 individuals (two ceratopsid, nine hadrosaurid), with three-quarters of the material being adult-sized based on size-class analysis. Most elements have undergone moderate to severe breakage and abrasion, and are completely disarticulated, suggesting that they were transported from where they died; post-mortem scavenging is also a possibility, as evidenced by the presence of tooth marks and trample marks on several elements. Burial took place soon after scavenging, as there is little evidence of subaerial weathering.