bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Community-Acquired Respiratory Distress Syndrome Toxin Uses a Novel KELED Sequence for Retrograde Transport and Subsequent Cytotoxicity
Authors: Ramasamy Kumaraguruparan , Balasubramanian Sowmya , Manickam Krishnan , Pandranki Lavanya , Taylor Alexander B. , Hart P. John , Baseman Joel B. , Kannan T. R.
Published: January 2018

Mycoplasma pneumoniae
is an atypical bacterium that causes respiratory illnesses in humans, including pharyngitis, tracheobronchitis, and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). It has also been directly linked to reactive airway disease, asthma, and extrapulmonary pathologies. During its colonization,
M. pneumoniae
expresses a unique ADP-ribosylating and vacuolating cytotoxin designated
c
ommunity-
a
cquired
r
espiratory
d
istress
s
yndrome (CARDS) toxin. CARDS toxin persists and localizes in the airway in CAP patients, asthmatics, and trauma patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia. Although CARDS toxin binds to specific cellular receptors, is internalized, and induces hyperinflammation, histopathology, mucus hyperplasia, and other airway injury, the intracellular trafficking of CARDS toxin remains unclear. Here, we show that CARDS toxin translocates through early and late endosomes and the Golgi complex and concentrates at the perinuclear region to reach the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Using ER-targeted SNAP-tag, we confirmed the association of CARDS toxin with the ER and determined that CARDS toxin follows the retrograde pathway. In addition, we identified a novel CARDS toxin amino acid fingerprint, KELED, that is required for toxin transport to the ER and subsequent toxin-mediated cytotoxicity.

IMPORTANCE
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
, a leading cause of bacterial community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among children and adults in the United States, synthesizes a 591-amino-acid ADP-ribosylating and vacuolating protein, designated
c
ommunity-
a
cquired
r
espiratory
d
istress
s
yndrome (CARDS) toxin. CARDS toxin alone is sufficient to induce and mimic major inflammatory and histopathological phenotypes associated with
M. pneumoniae
infection in rodents and primates. In order to elicit its ADP-ribosylating and vacuolating activities, CARDS toxin must bind to host cell receptors, be internalized via clathrin-mediated pathways, and subsequently be transported to specific intracellular organelles. Here, we demonstrate how CARDS toxin utilizes its unique KELED sequence to exploit the retrograde pathway machinery to reach the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and fulfill its cytopathic potential. The knowledge generated from these studies may provide important clues to understand the mode of action of CARDS toxin and develop interventions that reduce or eliminate
M. pneumoniae
-associated airway and extrapulmonary pathologies.
Genomic Analyses Reveal the Common Occurrence and Complexity of
Plasmodium vivax
Relapses in Cambodia
Authors: Popovici Jean , Friedrich Lindsey R. , Kim Saorin , Bin Sophalai , Run Vorleak , Lek Dysoley , Cannon Matthew V. , Menard Didier , Serre David
Published: January 2018

Plasmodium vivax
parasites have a unique dormant stage that can cause relapses weeks or months after the initial infection. These dormant parasites are among the main challenges of vivax malaria control as they constitute a reservoir that is difficult to eliminate. Since field studies are confounded by reinfections and possible recrudescence of drug-resistant parasites, most analyses of
P. vivax
relapses have focused on travelers returning from regions of malaria endemicity. However, it is not clear whether these individuals accurately recapitulate the relapse patterns of repeatedly infected individuals residing in areas of endemicity. Here, we present analyses of vivax malaria patients enrolled in a tightly controlled field study in Cambodia. After antimalarial drug treatment was administered, we relocated 20 individuals to a nontransmission area and followed them for 60 days, with blood collection performed every second day. Our analyses reveal that 60% of the patients relapsed during the monitoring period. Using whole-genome sequencing and high-throughput genotyping, we showed that relapses in Cambodia are often polyclonal and that the relapsing parasites harbor various degrees of relatedness to the parasites present in the initial infection. Our analyses also showed that clone populations differed dynamically, with new clones emerging during the course of the relapsing infections. Overall, our study data show that it is possible to investigate the patterns, dynamics, and diversity of
P. vivax
relapses of individuals living in a region of malaria endemicity and reveal that
P. vivax
relapses are much more pervasive and complex than previously considered. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no.
NCT02118090
.)

IMPORTANCE
P. vivax
parasites can remain dormant in the liver and relapse weeks or months after the initial infection, greatly complicating malaria control and elimination efforts. The few investigations of this dormant stage have relied on travelers and military personnel returning from areas of malaria endemicity. However, it is not clear whether these individuals, exposed to a limited number of infections, accurately represent the patterns of relapses of individuals living in areas of endemicity, who are repeatedly infected by
P. vivax
parasites. Our study combined tightly controlled fieldwork with comprehensive genomic analyses, and our report provides a first opportunity to investigate the patterns, dynamics, and diversity of
P. vivax
relapses directly with individuals living in areas of endemicity.
Preterm human milk macronutrient concentration is independent of gestational age at birth
Authors: Maly Jan , Burianova Iva , Vitkova Veronika , Ticha Eva , Navratilova Martina , Cermakova Eva
Published: January 2018

Objective

To evaluate the amount of macronutrients in aggregate of human milk samples after preterm delivery during the first 2 months of lactation.

Methods

Analysis of the donated single milk samples, gained by complete emptying of the whole breast at the same daytime between 24+0 and 35+6 gestational age (GA), was designed as prospective observational cohort trial. Two milk samples were analysed every postnatal week up to the discharge from the hospital, week 9 or loss of lactation. 24-Hour milk collection was not done. Analysis was performed using the MIRIS Human Milk Analyser (MIRIS AB, Uppsala, Sweden).

Results

A set of 1917 human milk samples donated by 225 mothers after preterm labour was analysed. Group A (24–30 GA) contains 969 milk samples; group B (31–35 GA) contains 948 milk samples. No difference in milk composition between the groups was identified. Median of true protein content decreased from 1.6 g/dL in group A and 1.5 g/dL in group B in the first week of life, to 1.1 g/dL in both groups at the end of week 3, and then remained stable up to week 9. Content of carbohydrates and fat was stable during the whole observation, with interindividual differences.

Conclusion

Human milk does not differ as a function of degree of prematurity. Protein content of preterm human milk is low and decreases during the first 3 weeks of lactation. Recommended daily protein intake cannot be achieved with routine fortification in majority of milk samples.
Impact of delivered tidal volume on the occurrence of intraventricular haemorrhage in preterm infants during positive pressure ventilation in the delivery room
Authors: Mian Qaasim , Cheung Po-Yin , O’Reilly Megan , Barton Samantha K , Polglase Graeme R , Schmölzer Georg M
Published: January 2018

Background and objectives

Delivery of inadvertent high tidal volume (VT) during positive pressure ventilation (PPV) in the delivery room is common. High VT delivery during PPV has been associated with haemodynamic brain injury in animal models. We examined if VT delivery during PPV at birth is associated with brain injury in preterm infants <29 weeks’ gestation.

Methods

A flow-sensor was placed between the mask and the ventilation device. VT values were compared with recently described reference ranges for VT in spontaneously breathing preterm infants at birth. Infants were divided into two groups: VT<6  mL/kg or VT>6 mL/kg (normal and high VT, respectively). Brain injury (eg, intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH)) was assessed using routine ultrasound imaging within the first days after birth.

Results

A total of 165 preterm infants were included, 124 (75%) had high VT and 41 (25%) normal VT. The mean (SD) gestational age and birth weight in high and normal VT group was similar, 26 (2) and 26 (1) weeks, 858 (251) g and 915 (250) g, respectively. IVH in the high VT group was diagnosed in 63 (51%) infants compared with 5 (13%) infants in the normal VT group (P=0.008).

Severe IVH (grade III or IV) developed in 33/124 (27%) infants in the high VT group and 2/41 (6%) in the normal VT group (P=0.01).

Conclusions

High VT delivery during mask PPV at birth was associated with brain injury. Strategies to limit VT delivery during mask PPV should be used to prevent high VT delivery.
Non-invasive prenatal testing of pregnancies at risk for phenylketonuria
Authors: Duan Huikun , Liu Ning , Zhao Zhenhua , Liu Yiqian , Wang Yin , Li Zhifeng , Xu Mengnan , Cram David S , Kong Xiangdong
Published: January 2018

Background

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a common metabolic disorder caused predominately by mutations in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene. The aim of the study was to design and validate the performance of a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) for PKU using circulating single molecule amplification and resequencing technology (cSMART).

Methods

A total of 18 couples at genetic risk for having a child with PKU were recruited to the study. Gold standard invasive prenatal diagnosis (IPD) was performed on amniocyte or villus cell DNA by Sanger sequencing, targeting the known parental PAH mutations. Retrospectively, NIPT was also performed on stored maternal plasma samples from the 18 pregnancies by a multiplex cSMART assay designed to target all known DNA variants in the PAH gene.

Results

Benchmarking against IPD results, NIPT correctly genotyped all fetuses, including six compound heterozygotes with PKU, four normal non-carriers of PKU and eight heterozygote carriers of PKU comprising five cases of a maternally inherited mutation and three cases of a paternally inherited mutation.

Conclusions

The NIPT cSMART PKU assay was highly sensitive and specific for mutation detection and correct assignment of fetal genotypes. Based on comprehensive mutation coverage across the PAH gene, the assay may initially have clinical utility as a pregnancy screening test for high-risk carrier couples.
Ethical dilemmas of recording and reviewing neonatal resuscitation
Authors: den Boer Maria C , Houtlosser Mirjam , van Zanten Henriëtte Anje , Foglia Elizabeth E , Engberts Dirk P , te Pas Arjan B
Published: January 2018

Neonatal resuscitation is provided to approximately 3% of neonates. Adequate ventilation is often the key to successful resuscitation, but this can be difficult to provide. There is increasing evidence that inappropriate respiratory support can have severe consequences. Several neonatal intensive care units have recorded and reviewed neonatal resuscitation procedures for quality assessment, education and research; however, ethical dilemmas sometimes make it difficult to implement this review process. We reviewed the literature on the development of recording and reviewing neonatal resuscitation and have summarised the ethical concerns involved. Recording and reviewing vital physiological parameters and video imaging of neonatal resuscitation in the delivery room is a valuable tool for quality assurance, education and research. Furthermore, it can improve the quality of neonatal resuscitation provided. We observed that ethical dilemmas arise as the review process is operating in several domains of healthcare that all have their specific moral framework with requirements and conditions on issues such as consent, privacy and data storage. These moral requirements and conditions vary due to local circumstances. Further research on the ethical aspects of recording and reviewing is desirable before wider implementation of this technique can be recommended.
Disparities in spread and control of influenza in slums of Delhi: findings from an agent-based modelling study
Authors: Adiga Abhijin , Chu Shuyu , Eubank Stephen , Kuhlman Christopher J , Lewis Bryan , Marathe Achla , Marathe Madhav , Nordberg Eric K , Swarup Samarth , Vullikanti Anil , Wilson Mandy L
Published: January 2018

Objectives

This research studies the role of slums in the spread and control of infectious diseases in the National Capital Territory of India, Delhi, using detailed social contact networks of its residents.

Methods

We use an agent-based model to study the spread of influenza in Delhi through person-to-person contact. Two different networks are used: one in which slum and non-slum regions are treated the same, and the other in which 298 slum zones are identified. In the second network, slum-specific demographics and activities are assigned to the individuals whose homes reside inside these zones. The main effects of integrating slums are that the network has more home-related contacts due to larger family sizes and more outside contacts due to more daily activities outside home. Various vaccination and social distancing interventions are applied to control the spread of influenza.

Results

Simulation-based results show that when slum attributes are ignored, the effectiveness of vaccination can be overestimated by 30%–55%, in terms of reducing the peak number of infections and the size of the epidemic, and in delaying the time to peak infection. The slum population sustains greater infection rates under all intervention scenarios in the network that treats slums differently. Vaccination strategy performs better than social distancing strategies in slums.

Conclusions

Unique characteristics of slums play a significant role in the spread of infectious diseases. Modelling slums and estimating their impact on epidemics will help policy makers and regulators more accurately prioritise allocation of scarce medical resources and implement public health policies.
Comparative efficacy and acceptability of antiepileptic drugs for classical trigeminal neuralgia: a Bayesian network meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Qin Zongshi , Xie Shang , Mao Zhi , Liu Yan , Wu Jiani , Furukawa Toshi A. , Kwong Joey S.W. , Tian Jinhui , Liu Zhishun
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) affects 4 to 28.9/100 000 people worldwide, and antiepileptic drugs such as carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine are the firstline treatment options. However, the efficacy and safety of other antiepileptic drugs remain unclear due to insufficient direct comparisons.

Objective

To compare the efficacy and acceptability of all currently available antiepileptic agents for the treatment of patients with classical TN.

Methods

We will search the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases for unpublished or undergoing research listed in registry platforms. We will include all randomised controlled trials comparing two different antiepileptic drugs or one antiepileptic drug with placebo in patients with classical TN. The primary outcomes will be the proportion of responders and the number of subjects who dropout during the treatment. The secondary outcomes will include the two primary outcomes but in the follow-up period, changes in the self-reporting assessment scale for neuralgia and quality of life assessment. In terms of network meta-analysis, we will fit our model to a Bayesian framework using the JAGS and pcnetmeta packages of the R project.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol will not disseminate any private patient data. The results of this review will be disseminated through peer reviewed publication.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016048640.
Longitudinal impact of interprofessional education on attitudes, skills and career trajectories: a protocol for a quasi­experimental study in New Zealand
Authors: Darlow Ben , Brown Melanie , Gallagher Peter , Gray Lesley , McKinlay Eileen , Purdie Gordon , Wilson Christine , Pullon Sue
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Interprofessional practice is recognised as an important element of safe and effective healthcare. However, few studies exist that evaluate how preregistration education contributes to interprofessional competencies, and how these competencies develop throughout the early years of a health professional’s career. This quasiexperimental study will gather longitudinal data during students’ last year of preregistration training and their first 3 years of professional practice to evaluate the ongoing development of interprofessional competencies and the influence that preregistration education including an explicit interprofessional education (IPE) programme may have on these.

Methods and analysis

Participants are students and graduates from the disciplines of dentistry, dietetics, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, oral health, pharmacy and physiotherapy recruited before their final year of study. A subset of these students attended a 5-week IPE immersion programme during their final year of training. All data will be collected via five written or electronic surveys completed at 12-month intervals. Each survey will contain the Attitudes Towards Health Care Teams Scale and the Team Skills Scale, as well as quantitative and free-text items to explore vocational satisfaction, career trajectories and influences on these. Students who attend the IPE programme will complete additional free-text items to explore the effects of this programme on their careers. Quantitative analysis will compare scores at each time point, adjusted for baseline scores, for graduates who did and did not participate in the IPE programme. Associations between satisfaction data and discipline, professional setting, location and IPE participation will also be examined. Template analysis will explore free-text themes related to influences on career choices including participation in preregistration IPE.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received approval from the University of Otago Ethics Committee (D13/019). Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conferences and stakeholder reports. Findings will inform future IPE developments and health workforce planning.
Online versus paper-based screening for depression and anxiety in adults with cystic fibrosis in Ireland: a cross-sectional exploratory study
Authors: Cronly Jennifer , Duff Alistair J , Riekert Kristin A , Perry Ivan J , Fitzgerald Anthony P , Horgan Aine , Lehane Elaine , Howe Barbara , Ni Chroinin Muireann , Savage Eileen
Published: January 2018

Objective

To compare online and paper-based screening for depression and anxiety in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Design and setting

Cross-sectional study in CF clinics in Ireland and through the Cystic Fibrosis Ireland online community.

Participants

160 adult patients aged 18 or above were recruited. Of these, 147 were included in the analysis; 83 online and 64 paper-based. The remaining 13 were excluded because of incomplete data.

Measures

Depression and anxiety were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data on pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s %) and body mass index were self-reported based on clinical assessments. Sociodemographic data were collected.

Results

Compared with the paper-based participants, the online participants were more likely to be female (61.7% vs 48.4%), older (mean 32.2 vs 28.2 years) and were more likely to be married (32.5% vs 15.6%), living with their spouse or partner (42.5% vs 22.6%) and working either full time (33.7% vs 15.9%) or part time (30.1%vs 17.5%). The prevalence rates of elevated anxiety and depression were not significantly different (P=0.71 and P=0.56). HADS anxiety and depression scores were not statistically different between online (P=0.83) and paper-based (P=0.92) participants based on Mann-Whitney U test. A significant negative correlation was found between depression and pulmonary function (r=−0.39, P=0.01) and anxiety and pulmonary function (r=−0.36, P=0.02). Based on Cronbach’s alpha, there were no statistically significant differences between the online and paper-based participants on the internal consistency of the HADS anxiety (P=0.073) and depression (P=0.378) scales.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that online and paper-based screening for depression and anxiety in adult patients with CF yield comparable findings on prevalence rates and scores, associations with health and internal consistency of subscales. This study highlights that online screening offers an alternative method to paper-based screening. Further research with a larger sample and assessment of measurement equivalence between online and paper based screening is needed to confirm our results.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: the science behind the hands
Authors: Harris Andrew W , Kudenchuk Peter J
Published: January 2018

Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death worldwide. Despite significant advances in resuscitation science since the initial use of external chest compressions in humans nearly 60 years ago, there continues to be wide variability in rates of successful resuscitation across communities. The American Heart Association (AHA) and European Resuscitation Council emphasise the importance of high-quality chest compressions as the foundation of resuscitation care. We review the physiological basis for the association between chest compression quality and clinical outcomes and the scientific basis for the AHA’s key metrics for high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Finally, we highlight that implementation of strategies that promote effective chest compressions can improve outcomes in all patients with cardiac arrest.
Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease: defining the optimal location within the subthalamic nucleus
Authors: Bot Maarten , Schuurman P Richard , Odekerken Vincent J J , Verhagen Rens , Contarino Fiorella Maria , De Bie Rob M A , van den Munckhof Pepijn
Published: January 2018

Background

Individual motor improvement after deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) for Parkinson’s disease (PD) varies considerably. Stereotactic targeting of the dorsolateral sensorimotor part of the STN is considered paramount for maximising effectiveness, but studies employing the midcommissural point (MCP) as anatomical reference failed to show correlation between DBS location and motor improvement. The medial border of the STN as reference may provide better insight in the relationship between DBS location and clinical outcome.

Methods

Motor improvement after 12 months of 65 STN DBS electrodes was categorised into non-responding, responding and optimally responding body-sides. Stereotactic coordinates of optimal electrode contacts relative to both medial STN border and MCP served to define theoretic DBS ‘hotspots’.

Results

Using the medial STN border as reference, significant negative correlation (Pearson’s correlation −0.52, P<0.01) was found between the Euclidean distance from the centre of stimulation to this DBS hotspot and motor improvement. This hotspot was located at 2.8 mm lateral, 1.7 mm anterior and 2.5 mm superior relative to the medial STN border. Using MCP as reference, no correlation was found.

Conclusion

The medial STN border proved superior compared with MCP as anatomical reference for correlation of DBS location and motor improvement, and enabled defining an optimal DBS location within the nucleus. We therefore propose the medial STN border as a better individual reference point than the currently used MCP on preoperative stereotactic imaging, in order to obtain optimal and thus less variable motor improvement for individual patients with PD following STN DBS.
Relationship between adverse events and antiplatelet drug resistance in neurovascular intervention: a meta-analysis
Authors: Shim Eun Jung , Ryu Chang-Woo , Park Soonchan , Lee Han Na , Shin Hee Sup , Kim Sang-Beom
Published: January 2018

Background

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between antiplatelet resistance and the risk of procedure-related complications in neurovascular interventions.

Methods

We identified relevant articles by searching electronic databases and reviewed the reference lists of selected papers. The risk of adverse events between antiplatelet responders and hyporesponders during neurointervention was compared in eligible clinical studies. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

Of 2134 potentially relevant studies, our search identified 15 studies enrolling a total of 2365 patients. Pooled RRs showed thromboembolic events (TEE) were more frequent in hyporesponders (RR 2.634, 95% CI 1.465 to 4.734). However, hemorrhagic complications did not differ between the two groups (RR 1.236, 95% CI 0.642 to 2.380). In subgroup analysis, hyporesponders showed a higher prevalence of TEE with standard antiplatelet medication, but there was no obvious difference in TEE between the two arms when using a modified antiplatelet medication (RR 3.645, 95% CI 1.537 to 8.646; and RR 1.877, 95% CI 0.749 to 4.751). Studies using stent placement for aneurysms showed a higher TEE rate in hyporesponders (RR 3.221, 95% CI 1.899 to 5.464).

Conclusion

Antiplatelet resistance was significantly associated with TEE in neurointervention, and this adverse event was associated with individually-intensified antiplatelet medication as well as the type of neurointerventional procedure. Our findings support the use of antiplatelet resistance assays and tailored antiplatelet medications in neurovascular stent placement as a management strategy to reduce thromboembolic risk.
Increased blood-brain barrier permeability in contralateral hemisphere predicts worse outcome in acute ischemic stroke after reperfusion therapy
Authors: Liu Chang , Yan Shenqiang , Zhang Ruiting , Chen Zhicai , Shi Feina , Zhou Ying , Zhang Meixia , Lou Min
Published: January 2018

Aims

We sought to investigate the risk factors of blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, and its potential impact on 90-day clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients after reperfusion therapy.

Methods

Consecutive acute anterior circulation AIS patients imaged with computed tomographic perfusion (CTP) before reperfusion therapy were included. Tmax >6 s was used for the volumetric measurement of the hypoperfusion area. BBB permeability (BBBP) was calculated as the average relative permeability-surface area product (rPS) within the hypoperfusion region (rPShypo-i) and its contralateral mirror region (rPShypo-c) on CTP-derived PS color maps. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was obtained at 90-day post-stroke.

Results

A total of 187 patients were included, among whom the median age was 73 (61–80) years and 76 (40.6%) were women. Median baseline NIHSS score was 12 (7– 16). Ninety-eight (52.4%) patients had mRS score >2. Increased rPShypo-iand rPShypo-cwere both independently associated with males and large infarct volume. The increased rPShypo-iwas also independently associated with a history of atrial fibrillation and high NIHSS score. Multivariable analysis showed higher rPShypo-cwas independently associated with higher mRS (OR: 1.064, 95% CI 1.011 to 1.121; P=0.018).

Conclusion

BBBP in both the hypoperfusion region and its contralateral mirror region are associated with stroke severity, but only increased BBBP in the contralateral mirror hypoperfusion region relates to worse outcome after reperfusion therapy.
Critical role of angiographic acquisition modality and reconstruction on morphometric and haemodynamic analysis of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Lauric Alexandra , Hippelheuser James E , Malek Adel M
Published: January 2018

Background

Subtracted 3-D rotational angiography (3DRA) and cone-beam computed tomography angiography (CBCT-A) are often used in assessing cerebral aneurysm shape and haemodynamic profile. We sought to evaluate the effect of imaging modality, reconstruction parameters, and kernel selection on patient-derived aneurysm morphology and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis to assess its potential contribution to inter-study variability.

Methods

Four patients(five aneurysms) underwent concurrent 3DRA followed by high-resolution CBCT-A. Six models were reconstructed per aneurysm: 3DRA reconstructed with 0.28 and 0.14 mm voxel sizes (large and small volume of interest (VOI) respectively), and two kernel types (normal/smooth). CBCT-A was reconstructed over small VOI using normal/sharp kernel. Maximal dome dimension, neck diameter and dome/neck ratio were evaluated in 3D. Wall shear stress (WSS) magnitude was evaluated on the entire aneurysm dome and in the 5% dome areas covered by lowest (LWSS) and highest (HWSS) WSS. Parameters were evaluated with pairwise t-test analysis.

Results

Smaller VOI reconstructions resulted in smaller Dmax(P value=0.03) and Dmax/neck (P value=0.006) and in larger LWSS (P value=0.03). Use of sharp kernel led to narrower neck (P value=0.04) and higher Dmax/neck values (P value=0.02). CBCT-A resulted in statistically different aneurysm shape (up to 24% difference) and haemodynamics (up to 97% difference) compared with 3DRA.

Conclusion

The choice of catheter 3D angiographic modality and reconstruction kernel has a critical impact on derived aneurysm morphological and haemodynamic analysis. The resultant variability can confound and obscure underlying differences within patient populations and between studies performed at different centres using divergent techniques, compromising the accuracy of quantitative aneurysm analysis.
Vaginal microbiota composition and association with prevalent Chlamydia trachomatis infection: a cross-sectional study of young women attending a STI clinic in France
Authors: Tamarelle Jeanne , de Barbeyrac Bertille , Le Hen Isabelle , Thiébaut Anne , Bébéar Cécile , Ravel Jacques , Delarocque-Astagneau Elisabeth
Published: January 2018

Objectives

New molecular techniques have allowed describing groups of bacterial communities in the vagina (community state types (CST)) that could play an important role in Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection. Our aim was to describe the distribution of CST in a population of young women in France.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out in June 2015 among anonymous young women attending a STI clinic in Bordeaux, France. Participants provided a vaginal sample for CT screening and sociodemographic data. CT was diagnosed using the Aptima-combo 2 transcription-mediated-amplification assay. Vaginal microbiota composition was characterised using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.

Results

Microbiota composition and CT status were available for 132 women. CST dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus (CST-I), L. iners (CST-III) and a diversity of anaerobes (CST-IV) represented 37.1%, 38.6% and 22.0% of the sample, respectively. Twenty-one out of 132 women were CT positive. Proportions of CT-positive women were higher for samples belonging to CST-III (21.6%) and CST-IV (17.2%) than to CST-I (8.2%).

Conclusions

Five CST were found in 132 young women from a STI clinic in France. These CSTs were not significantly associated with CT but higher proportions of CT-positive women were found in CST-III and CST-IV, consistent with a previous study in the Netherlands. Though our study lacked statistical power and was cross-sectional, it is a necessary first step to understand the structure of the vaginal microbiota in French women with or without infection before performing in-depth longitudinal studies.
Modelling individual vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections to optimise intervention strategies: analysis of surveillance data from Kalamazoo County, Michigan, USA
Authors: Owusu Claudio , Baker Kathleen M , Paul Rajib , Curtis Amy B
Published: January 2018

Objective

We modelled individual vulnerability to STI using personal history of infection and neighbourhood characteristics.

Methods

Retrospective chlamydia and gonorrhoea data of reported confirmed cases from Kalamazoo County, Michigan for 2012 through 2014 were analysed. Unique IDs were generated from the surveillance data in collaboration with local health officials to track the individual STI histories. We then examine the concept that individuals with similar STI histories form a ‘peer’ group. These peer group include: (1) individuals with a single chlamydia; (2) individuals with single gonorrhoea; (3) individuals with repeated cases of one type of STI and (4) individuals that were diagnosed with both infections during the study period. Using Kernel density estimation, we generated densities for each peer group and assigned the intensity of the infection to the location of the individual. Finally, the individual vulnerability was characterised through ordinary least square regression (OLS) using demographics and socioeconomic variables.

Results

In an OLS regression adjusted for frequency of infection, individual vulnerability to STI was only consistently significant for race and neighbourhood-level socioeconomic status (SES) in all the models under consideration. In addition, we identified six areas in three townships in Kalamazoo County that could be considered for unique interventions based on overlap patterns among peer groups.

Conclusions

The results provide evidence that individual vulnerability to STI has some dependency on individual contextual (race) and exogenous factors at the neighbourhood level such as SES, regardless of that individual’s personal history of infection. We suggest place-based intervention strategies be adopted for planning STI interventions instead of current universal screening of at-risk populations.
Design of a fault-tolerant reversible control unit in molecular quantum-dot cellular automata
Authors: Bahadori Golnaz , Houshmand Monireh , Zomorodi-Moghadam Mariam
Published: January 2018

Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) is a promising emerging nanotechnology that has been attracting considerable attention due to its small feature size, ultra-low power consuming, and high clock frequency. Therefore, there have been many efforts to design computational units based on this technology. Despite these advantages of the QCA-based nanotechnologies, their implementation is susceptible to a high error rate. On the other hand, using the reversible computing leads to zero bit erasures and no energy dissipation. As the reversible computation does not lose information, the fault detection happens with a high probability. In this paper, first we propose a fault-tolerant control unit using reversible gates which improves on the previous design. The proposed design is then synthesized to the QCA technology and is simulated by the QCADesigner tool. Evaluation results indicate the performance of the proposed approach.
Lattice Bases of Planar Lattices
Authors: Saremi Hero
Published: January 2018

In this paper we give a characterization of planar lattices, and show that the sublattice [Formula: see text] corresponding to the Hibi ideal of a finite distributive lattice [Formula: see text] has a nice lattice basis if and only if [Formula: see text] is planar. We also consider the Gröbner basis of the lattice basis ideal attached to the planar lattices.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Deployment Topologies for Distributed Applications
Authors: Willnecker Felix , Krcmar Helmut
Published: January 2018

Modern applications are typically implemented as distributed systems comprising several components. Deciding where to deploy which component is a difficult task that today is usually assisted by logical topology recommendations. Choosing inefficient topologies allocates the wrong amount of resources, leads to unnecessary operation costs, or results in poor performance. Testing different topologies to find good solutions takes a lot of time and might delay productive operations. Therefore, this work introduces a software-based deployment topology optimization approach for distributed applications. We use an enhanced performance model generator that extracts models from operational monitoring data of running applications. The extracted model is used to simulate performance metrics (e.g., resource utilization, response times, throughput) and runtime costs of distributed applications. Subsequently, we introduce a deployment topology optimizer, which selects an optimized topology for a specified workload and considers on-premise, cloud, and hybrid topologies. The following three optimization goals are presented in this work: (i) minimum response time for an optimized user experience, (ii) approximate resource utilization around certain peaks, and (iii) minimum cost for running the application. To evaluate the approach, we use the SPECjEnterpriseNEXT industry benchmark as distributed application in an on-premise and in a cloud/on-premise hybrid environment. The evaluation demonstrates the accuracy of the simulation compared to the actual deployment by deploying an optimized topology and comparing measurements with simulation results.
Data-Driven Model Predictive Control with Regression Trees—An Application to Building Energy Management
Authors: Jain Achin , Smarra Francesco , Behl Madhur , Mangharam Rahul
Published: January 2018

Model Predictive Control (MPC) plays an important role in optimizing operations of complex cyber-physical systems because of its ability to forecast system’s behavior and act under system level constraints. However, MPC requires reasonably accurate underlying models of the system. In many applications, such as building control for energy management, Demand Response, or peak power reduction, obtaining a high-fidelity physics-based model is cost and time prohibitive, thus limiting the widespread adoption of MPC. To this end, we propose a data-driven control algorithm for MPC that relies only on the historical data. We use multi-output regression trees to represent the system’s dynamics over multiple future time steps and formulate a finite receding horizon control problem that can be solved in real-time in closed-loop with the physical plant. We apply this algorithm to peak power reduction in buildings to optimally trade-off peak power reduction against thermal comfort without having to learn white/grey box models of the systems dynamics.
Text in Talk
Authors: Brown Barry , O'hara Kenton , Mcgregor Moira , Mcmillan Donald
Published: January 2018

While lightweight text messaging applications have been researched extensively, new messaging applications such as iMessage, WhatsApp, and Snapchat offer some new functionality and potential uses. Moreover, the role messaging plays in interaction and talk with those who are co-present has been neglected. In this article, we draw upon a corpus of naturalistic recordings of text message reading and composition to document the face-to-face life of text messages. Messages, both sent and received, share similarities with reported speech in conversation; they can become topical resource for local conversation–supporting verbatim reading aloud or adaptive summaries. Yet with text messages, their verifiability creates a distinctive resource. Similarly, in message composition, what to write may be discussed with collocated others. We conclude with discussion of designs for messaging in both face-to-face, and remote, communication.
Women and Leadership in the United States: Are We Closing the Gender Gap?
Authors: Lyness Karen S. , Grotto Angela R.
Published: January 2018

Women in the United States are making historic progress in business leadership, with research linking women's leadership representation to positive outcomes. However, men still dominate US leadership, raising several key questions. Is the United States closing the leadership gender gap? What organizational barriers perpetuate the gap? What facilitates women's leadership? We synthesized and extended US literature to develop a multilevel organizational model of Barriers And Facilitators of Female Leader Empowerment, called the “BAFFLE” Female Leadership Model to highlight the baffling complexities and limited success in solving the US leadership gender gap. The review found that literature narrowly focuses on barriers and offers limited insights about how to facilitate female leader empowerment while simultaneously addressing systemic, entrenched organizational barriers. We also used the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Gender Gap Index to provide global perspective on the US leadership gender gap. Finally, we summarize findings and implications for practice and scholarship.
Association between Post-Cancer Diagnosis Dietary Inflammatory Potential and Mortality among Invasive Breast Cancer Survivors in the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Zheng Jiali , Tabung Fred K. , Zhang Jiajia , Liese Angela D. , Shivappa Nitin , Ockene Judith K. , Caan Bette , Kroenke Candyce H. , Hébert James R. , Steck Susan E.
Published: January 2018

Background: Inflammation is important in chronic disease and can be modulated by dietary exposures. Our aim was to examine whether the inflammatory potential of diet after cancer diagnosis, assessed using the dietary inflammatory index (DII), is associated with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI).

Methods: Our analytic cohort included 2,150 postmenopausal women, ages 50 to 79 years at baseline, who developed invasive breast cancer during follow-up and completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) on average 1.5 years after diagnosis. Women were followed from breast cancer diagnosis until death or the end of follow-up by October 2014. Energy-adjusted DII (E-DII) scores were calculated from food plus supplements using a nutrient–density approach. Cox proportional hazards models were fit to estimate multivariable-adjusted HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause, breast cancer–specific, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.

Results: After a median 13.3 years of follow-up, 580 deaths from any cause occurred, including 212 breast cancer deaths and 103 CVD deaths. Lower (i.e., more anti-inflammatory) E-DII scores were associated with a lower risk of CVD mortality (HRQ1VSQ4 = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.24–0.82; Ptrend = 0.005), but not with breast cancer–specific mortality (HRQ1VSQ4 = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.62–1.49; Ptrend = 0.96) or all-cause mortality (HRQ1VSQ4 = 0.82; 95% CI, 0.63–1.05; Ptrend = 0.17).

Conclusions: Consuming a more anti-inflammatory diet after breast cancer diagnosis may be a means for reducing risk of death from CVD.

Impact: Survival after invasive breast cancer diagnosis may be improved by consumption of an anti-inflammatory diet. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(4); 454–63. ©2018 AACR.
Cesarean Delivery and Risk of Infant Leukemia: A Report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Marcotte Erin L. , Richardson Michaela R. , Roesler Michelle A. , Spector Logan G.
Published: January 2018

Background: Studies have reported increased risks of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) among children born by cesarean delivery (CD). However, no previous study has examined the impact of CD on risk of infant leukemia specifically.

Methods: In this study, 443 infants diagnosed with acute leukemia, including both ALL and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), were identified at Children's Oncology Group institutions between January 1996 and December 2006; 324 controls frequency matched by year of birth were identified though random digit dialing and random selection from U.S. birth registries. Using interview data and, for a subset of participants, medical record data, we analyzed CD overall and by indications that likely resulted in pre-labor CD (PLCD) or emergency CD (ECD). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risk of ALL and AML were estimated using multivariable unconditional logistic regression models, adjusted for year of birth, birth weight, and maternal race.

Results: We observed an increased point estimate for the association between CD and ALL (OR, 1.52 and 95% CI, 1.02–2.25). We did not observe an association between CD and AML (OR, 1.02 and 95% CI, 0.64–1.62). In analyses of indication for CD, we observed elevated effect estimates for the associations of both PLCD and ECD and infant ALL.

Conclusions: Our analysis suggests an increased risk of infant ALL following CD, including both PLCD and ECD. Altered microbiota colonization may be involved in development of leukemia in infants, but clear biological mechanisms have yet to be determined.

Impact: This study provides the first in-depth examination of CD and infant leukemia. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(4); 473–8. ©2018 AACR.
The Role of Dendritic and Endothelial Cells in Cardiorenal Syndrome
Authors: Virzì Grazia Maria , Zhang Jun , Nalesso Federico , Ronco Claudio , McCullough Peter A.
Published: January 2018

Backgrounds: Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells that play a central role in innate and adaptive immune responses; however, the cross talk between cardiac and renal DCs in cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) has not yet been fully elucidated. In this setting, endothelial cells (ECs) also contribute to immune responses. Summary: DC and EC activation and dysfunction have a central role in the pathogenesis of CRS. Regarding immune responses in CRS, it is unknown whether ECs may serve as antigen-presenting cells or act synergistically with DCs to actively participate in innate and adaptive immune responses. This review first focuses on the burden of concomitant heart and renal DCs in the context of CRS; it examines what is known of DCs in animal models, and proposes a central role for DCs in all types of CRS. Second, this review briefly describes the role of ECs in the context of CRS. Key Messages: Understanding the role of DCs and ECs in immune response could lead to the development of novel therapies for the prevention and treatment of CRS.
A new species and a new subspecies of Euplexia Stephens, 1829 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Xyleninae) from China
Authors: GYULAI PÉTER , RONKAY LÁSZLÓ
Published: January 2018

Two new taxa of the genus Euplexia Stephens, 1829 (s. str.), E. spica sp. n. (China, provinces Hunan, Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan) and E. pali continentalis ssp. n. (China, provinces Shaanxi, Hubei and Sichuan) are described. This article presents a short taxonomic history, it also discusses the distribution pattern and relationships of Euplexia species occurring in Himalayan biotopes. The discussed items are illustrated with 34 figures.
Efficacy Outcomes of Endovascular Versus Surgical Revascularization in Critical Limb Ischemia: Results From a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Schindewolf Marc , Fuss Torsten , Fink Hanspeter , Gemperli Armin , Haine Axel , Baumgartner Iris
Published: January 2018

Data on efficacy outcomes of endovascular versus surgical revascularization in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) in contemporary practice are limited. In this prospective cohort study, 353 consecutive patients with CLI were enrolled and allocated to endovascular (PTA [percutaneous transluminal angioplasty]), surgical (SURG), or no revascularization (No REVASC) after interdisciplinary consensus. Outcome measures were sustained primary clinical success (sPCS; survival without major amputation, repeated target extremity revascularization, and freedom from CLI), limb salvage, and amputation-free survival. Propensity-matched Kaplan-Meier analyses and stratified log-rank tests were performed. The PTA, SURG, and No REVASC groups consisted of 264, 62, and 27 patients, respectively. Compared to SURG patients, PTA patients were significantly older, had more risk factors, and more often had ischemic lesions. Propensity score-adjusted analyses showed no significant differences: sPCS was 51.3%/52.2%, limb salvage rate 91.5%/93.7%, and major amputation-free survival 90.5%/87.2% at 12 months for PTA and SURG, respectively. Amputation-free survival for the No REVASC group was 69% at 12 months. In conclusion, endovascular and surgical revascularization in CLI has comparable efficacy outcomes after 12 months. Contemporary overall outcome of patients with CLI is considerably better compared to earlier studies.