bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential overtreatment among men aged 80 years and older with localized prostate cancer in Japan
Authors: Masaoka Hiroyuki , Ito Hidemi , Yokomizo Akira , Eto Masatoshi , Matsuo Keitaro
Published: June 2017

Despite treatment guidelines recommending observation for men with low‐risk prostate cancer with life expectancy <10 years, a majority of elderly patients choose active treatment, which may result in overtreatment. Given the growing burden of prostate cancer among men aged ≥80 years (super‐elderly men), accumulation of survival data for evaluation of overtreatment among super‐elderly patients is imperative. Here, we report results of a population‐based cohort study to clarify potential overtreatment of super‐elderly men with localized prostate cancer. We used cancer registry data from the Monitoring of Cancer Incidence in Japan project, which covers 47% of the Japanese population. The subjects were men diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2006 and 2008. Follow‐up period was 5 years. We calculated 5‐year relative survival rates among the active treatment and observation groups after imputation for missing values. Of the 48 782 patients with prostate cancer included in the analysis, 15.1% were super‐elderly men. The 5‐year relative survival rates of super‐elderly men with localized cancer were 105.9% and 104.1% among the active treatment and observation groups, respectively. This excellent relative survival rate in the observation group remained consistent even after stratification by tumor grade. Of the 2963 super‐elderly men with localized cancer, 252 (8.5%) with curative treatment and 1476 (49.8%) with hormone therapy were assumed to have been overtreated. The proportion of overtreatment was estimated to reach 80% after imputation. These specific survival data in super‐elderly men in the observation group can be useful in shared decision‐making for these patients and may lead to a reduction in overtreatment.
Cellular Potts modeling of complex multicellular behaviors in tissue morphogenesis
Authors: Hirashima Tsuyoshi , Rens Elisabeth G. , Merks Roeland M. H.
Published: June 2017

Mathematical modeling is an essential approach for the understanding of complex multicellular behaviors in tissue morphogenesis. Here, we review the cellular Potts model (CPM; also known as the Glazier‐Graner‐Hogeweg model), an effective computational modeling framework. We discuss its usability for modeling complex developmental phenomena by examining four fundamental examples of tissue morphogenesis: (i) cell sorting, (ii) cyst formation, (iii) tube morphogenesis in kidney development, and (iv) blood vessel formation. The review provides an introduction for biologists for starting simulation analysis using the CPM framework.
Concizumab, an anti‐tissue factor pathway inhibitor antibody, induces increased thrombin generation in plasma from haemophilia patients and healthy subjects measured by the thrombin generation assay
Authors: Waters E. K. , Sigh J. , Friedrich U. , Hilden I. , Sørensen B. B.
Published: June 2017

Aims

Concizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), is being developed as a subcutaneously (s.c.) administered treatment for haemophilia. It demonstrated a concentration‐dependent procoagulant effect in functional TFPI assays; however, global haemostatic assays, such as the thrombin generation assay (TGA), offer a more complete picture of coagulation. We investigated how concizumab affects thrombin generation following ex vivo spiking in plasma from haemophilia patients using the TGA, and if the assay can detect the effect of multiple s.c. concizumab doses in healthy subjects.

Methods

For the ex vivo spiking study, platelet‐poor plasma (PPP) from 18 patients with severe haemophilia was spiked with 0.001–500 nm concizumab. For the multiple‐dosing study, four healthy males received concizumab 250 μg kg−1 s.c. every other day for eight doses; blood was collected before and after dosing and processed into PPP. In both studies, thrombin generation was measured using a Calibrated Automated Thrombogram® system with 1 pm tissue factor.

Results

In spiked samples from haemophilia patients, peak thrombin and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) increased concentration dependently, reaching near‐normal levels at concizumab concentrations >10 nm. Repeated s.c. doses of concizumab in healthy subjects increased both peak thrombin and ETP; these effects were sustained throughout the dosing interval.

Conclusions

Thrombin generation assay demonstrated increased thrombin generation with concizumab after ex vivo spiking of haemophilia plasma and multiple s.c. doses in healthy subjects, supporting both the utility of the TGA in evaluating concizumab treatment and the potential of s.c. concizumab as a novel haemophilia therapy.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine the impact of iron depletion in dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Murali Arvind R. , Gupta Ashutosh , Brown Kyle
Published: June 2017

Aims

Iron reduction has been proposed as treatment for dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome (DIOS) and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but results of published trials are conflicting. We undertook a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine the impact of phlebotomy in DIOS and NAFLD.

Methods

We searched multiple databases systematically for studies evaluating the impact of phlebotomy in DIOS and NAFLD. We calculated weighted summary estimates using the inverse variance method. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane collaboration tool.

Results

We identified nine studies with 820 patients (427 had phlebotomy, 393 lifestyle changes alone). Iron depletion did not improve the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) index (mean difference [MD] −0.6; confidence interval (CI), −1.7, 0.5; P = 0.3), insulin level (MD −0.8 mU/L; CI, −5.3, 3.7; P = 0.73), or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (MD −0.7 IU/L; CI, −3.2, 1.8; P = 0.6) in DIOS and/or NAFLD patients as compared to lifestyle changes alone (five studies, 626 patients). There was mild improvement in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (MD −6.6 IU/L; CI, −11, −2.1); P < 0.01), but the effect size was very small (Cohen's d, 0.15; r statistic, 0.07). Even in the subgroup of patients with NAFLD and hyperferritinemia, phlebotomy did not improve the HOMA index, insulin level, ALT, or AST. Additionally, no study showed significant improvement in liver inflammation or fibrosis with iron reduction.

Conclusions

Phlebotomy does not bring about significant improvement in indices of insulin resistance, liver enzymes, or liver histology in patients with DIOS and/or NAFLD compared to lifestyle changes alone. Current evidence does not support the use of phlebotomy in patients with DIOS or NAFLD.
Gel network shampoo formulation and hair health benefits
Authors: Marsh J. M. , Brown M. A. , Felts T. J. , Hutton H. D. , Vatter M. L. , Whitaker S. , Wireko F. C. , Styczynski P. B. , Li C. , Henry I. D.
Published: June 2017

Objective

The objective of this work was to create a shampoo formula that contains a stable ordered gel network structure that delivers fatty alcohols inside hair.

Methods

X‐ray diffraction (SAXS and WAXS), SEM and DSC have been used to confirm formation of the ordered Lβ gel network with fatty alcohol (cetyl and stearyl alcohols) and an anionic surfactant (SLE1S). Micro‐autoradiography and extraction methods using GC‐MS were used to confirm penetration of fatty alcohols into hair, and cyclic fatigue testing was used to measure hair strength.

Results

In this work, evidence of a stable Lβ ordered gel network structure created from cetyl and stearyl alcohols and anionic surfactant (SLE1S) is presented, and this is confirmed via scanning electron microscopy images showing lamella layers and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showing new melting peaks vs the starting fatty alcohols. Hair washed for 16 repeat cycles with this shampoo showed penetration of fatty alcohols from the gel network into hair as confirmed by a differential extraction method with GC‐MS and by radiolabelling of stearyl alcohol and showing its presence inside hair cross‐sections. The gel network role in delivering fatty alcohol inside hair is demonstrated by comparing with a shampoo with added fatty alcohol not in an ordered gel network structure. The hair containing fatty alcohol was measured via the Dia‐stron cyclic fatigue instrument and showed a significantly higher number of cycles to break vs control.

Conclusions

The formation of a stable gel network was confirmed in the formulated shampoo, and it was demonstrated that this gel network is important to deliver cetyl and stearyl alcohols into hair. The presence of fatty alcohol inside hair was shown to deliver a hair strength benefit via cyclic fatigue testing.
Ranking predatory journals in dermatology: distinguishing the bad from the ugly
Authors: Tosti Antonella , Maddy Austin J.
Published: June 2017

Background

The scientific community depends on high‐quality peer‐reviewed research, which is being polluted with pseudoscience published in fake journals that have exploited the open‐access model. This “predatory publishing” has made its way into the field of dermatology. In a recent study, we identified and listed these journals.

Methods

The “predatory rate” was calculated for 76 journals in order to rank the journals based on specific criteria associated with unethical publishing.

Results

Of the 76 journals, 89.5% were classified as predatory journals and the remaining as journals involved in predatory practices.

Conclusion

The field of dermatology is not immune to predatory publishers. This study validates Beall's list as well as other previous studies. Strategies to a solution include spreading awareness throughout academic institutions and dermatology departments as well as avoiding publishers that are involved in predatory practices. However, some journals may be able to make necessary adjustments and become legitimate contributors to the field.
Stigma experience of families supporting an adult member with substance misuse
Authors: McCann Terence V. , Lubman Dan I.
Published: June 2017

Stigmatization of families supporting an adult member with substance misuse is common and undermines their capacity to support the person and maintain their own well‐being. The aims of the present study were to understand affected family members (AFMs)’ experience of stigma within the context of substance misuse, and to explicate what steps, if any, they took to try to counteract stigma and social isolation. Semistructured, audio‐recorded qualitative interviews were conducted with 31 AFMs from Victoria in Australia. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to guide data collection and analysis. Two main themes and related subthemes abstracted from the data illustrated how participants perceived and responded to stigma associated with a family member's substance misuse: ‘engaging in secrecy, and minimizing contact with others’ and ‘lack of knowledge and empathy, and judgmental attitudes reinforcing isolation’. A third theme, ‘adopting measures to moderate the effect of stigma’, highlights how some attempted to respond to stigma by challenging informal supports’ misconceptions about substance misuse, and being open selectively with others about their situation. Stigma against AFMs should be identified and challenged. Mental health nurses and other clinicians in the alcohol and other drugs field are in a strong position to support AFMs, with a particular focus on reducing courtesy stigma, challenging some clinicians’ judgmental attitudes, and improving ways of communicating with families.
Do Changes in Regulation Affect Temporary Agency Workers’ Job Satisfaction?
Authors: Busk Henna , Dauth Christine , Jahn Elke J.
Published: June 2017

This paper evaluates how a reform relaxing regulations of the temporary help service sector in Germany affected job satisfaction of male temporary agency workers. We isolate the causal effect of this reform by combining a difference‐in‐difference and matching approach using rich survey data. We find that the regulatory change substantially decreased agency workers’ job satisfaction while leaving regular workers’ job satisfaction unchanged. Further analysis reveals that the negative effect on agency workers’ job satisfaction can be attributed to a decrease in wages and an increase in perceived job insecurity. These results are robust to the use of different specifications and placebo tests.
Movers, shakers, and storers of charge: The legacy of ferroelectricians L. Eric Cross and Robert E. Newnham
Authors: Trolier‐McKinstry Susan , Randall Clive A.
Published: June 2017

The last 100 years has seen the burgeoning of the field of ferroelectrics from a scientific curiosity to the basis of major industries in capacitors, piezoelectrics, and electro‐optics. This paper will discuss the history of the field, with an emphasis on the contributions made by Professors Robert E. Newnham and L. Eric Cross of the Pennsylvania State University. Their scientific contributions encompassed many key areas in ferroelectrics, including phenomenology, structure determination, relaxor ferroelectrics, composite piezoelectrics, structure‐property relations, and flexoelectricity. Scientific advances were often motivated by and closely coupled with application needs. Finally, their impact on global academic communities is discussed.
Autism awareness in children and young people: surveys of two populations
Authors: Dillenburger K. , Jordan J.‐A. , McKerr L. , Lloyd K. , Schubotz D.
Published: June 2017

Background

Increasingly, pupils on the autism spectrum are educated in inclusive mainstream classrooms. However, they often experience social isolation and bullying, and raising the awareness of autism in peers has been suggested as a remedy.

Methods

In order to assess autism awareness in peers, autism‐related questions were included in two large‐scale surveys: the Kids Life and Times survey for 11‐year olds and the Young Life and Times survey for 16‐year olds; a total of n = 3353 children and young people completed the surveys.

Results

Autism awareness was higher for the teenagers (80%) than for the younger children (50%). Many of the children knew someone with autism (50%) and generally reported positive and supportive attitudes. Self‐reported prevalence of autism was 3.1% for teenagers and 2.7% for the younger children. Peers recognised bullying as a problem and were willing to help.

Conclusions

Children and young people have good levels of awareness and knowledge about autism and reported positive attitudes towards peers with autism and are willing to help those who are bullied. A higher than expected number of children and young people self‐reported being on the autism spectrum. These findings bode well for peer‐mediated support strategies for inclusive education.
Acneiform eruptions caused by vitamin B12: A report of five cases and review of the literature
Authors: Veraldi Stefano , Benardon Susanna , Diani Marco , Barbareschi Mauro
Published: June 2017

We describe five cases of acneiform eruption caused by vitamin B12 in five females aged 37, 32, 62, 29, and 21 years, respectively. The eruption appeared from 1 week to 5 months after the beginning of the therapy with i.m. or oral vitamin B12. Clinical picture was characterized by papules and pustules located on the face. In three patients, similar lesions were also present on the neck, shoulders, chest, and upper portion of the back. Comedones and cysts were absent. In two patients, serum vitamin B12 levels were very high. Histopathologic examination in one patient revealed an eosinophilic folliculitis. Spontaneous and complete remission was observed in all patients 3‐6 weeks after vitamin B12 discontinuation.
Thyroglobulin level at week 16 of pregnancy is superior to urinary iodine concentration in revealing preconceptual and first trimester iodine supply
Authors: Katko Monika , Gazso Andrea Anett , Hircsu Ildiko , Bhattoa Harjit Pal , Molnar Zsuzsanna , Kovacs Bela , Andrasi David , Aranyosi Janos , Makai Rita , Veress Lajos , Torok Olga , Bodor Miklos , Samson Laszlo , Nagy Endre V.
Published: June 2017

Pregnant women are prone to iodine deficiency due to the increased need for iodine during gestation. Progress has recently occurred in establishing serum thyroglobulin (Tg) as an iodine status biomarker, but there is no accepted reference range for iodine sufficiency during pregnancy. An observational study was conducted in 164 pregnant women. At week 16 of gestation urinary iodine concentration (UIC), serum Tg, and thyroid functions were measured, and information on the type of iodine supplementation and smoking were recorded. The parameters of those who started iodine supplementation (≥150 μg/day) at least 4 weeks before pregnancy (n = 27), who started at the detection of pregnancy (n = 51), and who had no iodine supplementation (n = 74) were compared. Sufficient iodine supply was found in the studied population based on median UIC (162 μg/L). Iodine supplementation ≥150 μg/day resulted in higher median UIC regardless of its duration (nonusers: 130 μg/L vs. prepregnancy iodine starters: 240 μg/L, and pregnancy iodine starters: 205 μg/L, p < .001, and p = .023, respectively). Median Tg value of pregnancy starters was identical to that of nonusers (14.5 vs. 14.6 μg/L), whereas prepregnancy starters had lower median Tg (9.1 μg/L, p = .018). Serum Tg concentration at week 16 of pregnancy showed negative relationship (p = .010) with duration of iodine supplementation and positive relationship (p = .008) with smoking, a known interfering factor of iodine metabolism, by multiple regression analysis. Serum Tg at week 16 of pregnancy may be a promising biomarker of preconceptual and first trimester maternal iodine status, the critical early phase of foetal brain development.
Substrate characteristics and ablation outcome of left atrial tachycardia in rheumatic mitral valve disease
Authors: Chen Hongwu , Yang Bing , Ju Weizhu , Zhang Fengxiang , Yang Gang , Gu Kai , Li Mingfang , Liu Hailei , Wang Zidun , Cao Kejiang , Chen Minglong
Published: June 2017

Background

Right atrial tachycardia (AT) is a common arrhythmia postsurgical valve replacement in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). However, the substrate and the mechanism of left AT in such patients and the ablation efficacy is less known.

Methods and results

Twenty‐seven RHD patients with AT were enrolled in this study; nine of them (33%) had left AT. Five and four patients had left AT during the first and second procedure, respectively. A spontaneous scar in the left posterior wall was identified in all patients, and obvious anterior scar in three patients. Dual‐roof‐dependent AT was found in three patients and macroreentry AT surrounding right pulmonary vein was identified in one patient, two of whom had left anterior scar. Three patients had AT circuit going around the mitral annulus, one of whom had left anterior scar. Entrainment pacing at different sites confirmed the mechanism of these macroreentries. Two patients had a focal origin, one was localized in posterior wall at the edge of the scar and the other one was originated from the left septum with normal voltage. After a mean follow‐up of 27.4 ± 7.9 months, the left AT group had a similar recurrence rate compared with the right AT group alone (67% vs 56%, P = 0.58). In the left AT group, 11% of patients had AT recurrence and 56% of patients developed atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion

Left atrial AT can occur in RHD patients postmitral valve replacement. Catheter ablation is feasible with high acute success rate. The incidence of late development atrial fibrillation is considerable after successful ablation.
Pupil size as a measure of within‐task learning
Authors: Foroughi Cyrus K. , Sibley Ciara , Coyne Joseph T.
Published: June 2017

Pupillometry is commonly used in research to determine how much mental effort an individual is exerting while completing tasks. Traditionally, larger pupils are associated with increased mental effort when completing more difficult tasks. However, little research has investigated how pupils change as individuals learn a new task. In theory, as one repeatedly completes a task, the task demands should reduce, reliance on working memory should decrease, and the task should become more automatic. This should translate to faster completion times and smaller peak pupil dilations. We tested this hypothesis by having participants complete multiple trials of a cognitive task that requires individuals to orient themselves in space relative to a target. We found that trial completion times and maximum pupil size significantly reduced across trials. These data suggest that measuring changes in pupil dilation may help researchers determine whether individuals have shifted from a learned procedure to an automatic processing of information when learning a new task.
Hesukristo superstar: Entrusted agency and passion rituals in the Roman Catholic Philippines
Authors: Bautista Julius
Published: June 2017

In this article I draw from ethnographic fieldwork conducted between 2010 and 2013 in San Pedro Cutud, a village located in the Philippine province of Pampanga. The focus is on the performance of the Via Crucis y Passion y Muerte, a passion play held there every year on Good Friday. Central to the play is the individual pursuit of panata, or divine pledge, by the cast of around forty actors, and particularly by the play's main protagonist: the Kristo, who is nailed to a cross in front of tens of thousands of spectators. In the first part, I describe how the cast engages in the production of a particular theatrical aesthetic that is coterminous with the embodied pursuit of their respective appeals for divine intervention. In the latter portion, I focus on the act of nailing as a context for the formation of intersubjective bonds of trust, or tiuala ya lub, between the Kristo, and his ritual associates. By describing how rituals of pain are premised upon the shareability and entrustedness of ritual agency, I situate the ethnographic data on passion rituals in relation to wider discussions about the anthropological turn to affect.
Reassembling the city through Instagram
Authors: Boy John D , Uitermark Justus
Published: June 2017

How do people represent the city on social media? And how do these representations feed back into people's uses of the city? To answer these questions, we develop a relational approach that relies on a combination of qualitative methods and network analysis. Based on in‐depth interviews and a dataset of over 400 000 geotagged Instagram posts from Amsterdam, we analyse how the city is reassembled on and through the platform. By selectively drawing on the city, users of the platform elevate exclusive and avant‐garde establishments and events, which come to stand out as hot spots, while rendering mundane and low‐status places invisible. We find that Instagram provides a space for the segmentation of users into subcultural groups that mobilise the city in varied ways. Social media practices, our findings suggest, feed on as well as perpetuate socio‐spatial inequalities.
Do changes in neuromuscular activation contribute to the knee extensor angle–torque relationship?
Authors: Lanza Marcel B. , Balshaw Thomas G. , Folland Jonathan P.
Published: June 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of the study?

Do changes in neuromuscular activation contribute to the knee extensor angle–torque relationship?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Both agonist (quadriceps) and antagonist coactivation (hamstrings) differed with knee joint angle during maximal isometric knee extensions and thus both are likely to contribute to the angle–torque relationship. Specifically, two independent measurement techniques showed quadriceps activation to be lower at more extended positions. These effects might influence the capacity for neural changes in response to training and rehabilitation at different knee joint angles.

The influence of joint angle on knee extensor neuromuscular activation is unclear, owing in part to the diversity of surface electromyography (sEMG) and/or interpolated twitch technique (ITT) methods used. The aim of the study was to compare neuromuscular activation, using rigorous contemporary sEMG and ITT procedures, during isometric maximal voluntary contractions (iMVCs) of the quadriceps femoris at different knee joint angles and examine whether activation contributes to the angle–torque relationship. Sixteen healthy active men completed two familiarization sessions and two experimental sessions of isometric knee extension and knee flexion contractions. The experimental sessions included the following at each of four joint angles (25, 50, 80 and 106 deg): iMVCs (with and without superimposed evoked doublets); submaximal contractions with superimposed doublets; and evoked twitch and doublet contractions whilst voluntarily passive, and knee flexion iMVC at the same knee joint positions. The absolute quadriceps femoris EMG was normalized to the peak‐to‐peak amplitude of an evoked maximal M‐wave, and the doublet–voluntary torque relationship was used to calculate activation with the ITT. Agonist activation, assessed with both normalized EMG and the ITT, was reduced at the more extended compared with the more flexed positions (25 and 50 versus 80 and 106 deg; P ≤ 0.016), whereas antagonist coactivation was greatest in the most flexed compared with the extended positions (106 versus 25 and 50 deg; P ≤ 0.02). In conclusion, both agonist and antagonist activation differed with knee joint angle during knee extension iMVCs, and thus both are likely to contribute to the knee extensor angle–torque relationship.
Current and Emerging Topical Antibacterials and Antiseptics: Agents, Action, and Resistance Patterns
Authors: Williamson Deborah A. , Carter Glen P. , Howden Benjamin P.
Published: June 2017

Bacterial skin infections represent some of the most common infectious diseases globally. Prevention and treatment of skin infections can involve application of a topical antimicrobial, which may be an antibiotic (such as mupirocin or fusidic acid) or an antiseptic (such as chlorhexidine or alcohol). However, there is limited evidence to support the widespread prophylactic or therapeutic use of topical agents. Challenges involved in the use of topical antimicrobials include increasing rates of bacterial resistance, local hypersensitivity reactions (particularly to older agents, such as bacitracin), and concerns about the indiscriminate use of antiseptics potentially coselecting for antibiotic resistance. We review the evidence for the major clinical uses of topical antibiotics and antiseptics. In addition, we review the mechanisms of action of common topical agents and define the clinical and molecular epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in these agents. Moreover, we review the potential use of newer and emerging agents, such as retapamulin and ebselen, and discuss the role of antiseptic agents in preventing bacterial skin infections. A comprehensive understanding of the clinical efficacy and drivers of resistance to topical agents will inform the optimal use of these agents to preserve their activity in the future.
Validation and Implementation of Clinical Laboratory Improvements Act-Compliant Whole-Genome Sequencing in the Public Health Microbiology Laboratory
Authors: Kozyreva Varvara K. , Truong Chau-Linda , Greninger Alexander L. , Crandall John , Mukhopadhyay Rituparna , Chaturvedi Vishnu
Published: June 2017

Public health microbiology laboratories (PHLs) are on the cusp of unprecedented improvements in pathogen identification, antibiotic resistance detection, and outbreak investigation by using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). However, considerable challenges remain due to the lack of common standards. Here, we describe the validation of WGS on the Illumina platform for routine use in PHLs according to Clinical Laboratory Improvements Act (CLIA) guidelines for laboratory-developed tests (LDTs). We developed a validation panel comprising 10
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates, 5 Gram-positive cocci, 5 Gram-negative nonfermenting species, 9
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
isolates, and 5 miscellaneous bacteria. The genome coverage range was 15.71× to 216.4× (average, 79.72×; median, 71.55×); the limit of detection (LOD) for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was 60×. The accuracy, reproducibility, and repeatability of base calling were >99.9%. The accuracy of phylogenetic analysis was 100%. The specificity and sensitivity inferred from multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and genome-wide SNP-based phylogenetic assays were 100%. The following objectives were accomplished: (i) the establishment of the performance specifications for WGS applications in PHLs according to CLIA guidelines, (ii) the development of quality assurance and quality control measures, (iii) the development of a reporting format for end users with or without WGS expertise, (iv) the availability of a validation set of microorganisms, and (v) the creation of a modular template for the validation of WGS processes in PHLs. The validation panel, sequencing analytics, and raw sequences could facilitate multilaboratory comparisons of WGS data. Additionally, the WGS performance specifications and modular template are adaptable for the validation of other platforms and reagent kits.
Mediastinal seminoma presenting with superior vena cava syndrome
Authors: Wanous Amanda , McPhail Ian R , Quevedo J Fernando , Sandhu Nicole P
Published: June 2017

We present a rare cause of superior vena cava syndrome (SVC) in a previously healthy male aged 31 years. Malignancy was suspected due to unintentional weight loss and childhood exposure to radioactive fallout from a nuclear facility accident. A very large anterior mediastinal mass was identified and demonstrated to be an extragonadal seminoma. Extragonadal germ cell tumours are rare tumours with a high potential for cardiovascular, pulmonary and vascular sequelae. Studies have documented an increased risk of developing seminoma in patients with radioactive exposure. Chemotherapy was initiated, during which the patient experienced progressive and new symptoms, found to be due to extensive thromboembolic disease, which responded well to anticoagulation. Seventy-two months after completing chemotherapy, without need for surgical management, he remains free of the disease.
A case of a chronic salmonella infection following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, treated successfully by a laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Siddiqui Zohaib , Siddiqui Zain Ahmed , Husain Fahd , Siddiqui Midhat
Published: June 2017

We report a case of chronic infection caused bySalmonellaand cured by a laparoscopic cholecystectomy after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery for obesity. This patient presented with a 2-year history of chronic abdominal pain, loose stools and excessive weight loss. Her stool and urine cultures were positive forSalmonella. Despite multiple courses of antibiotics, she remained positive.

After undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the patient became asymptomatic and stools remained negative. In chronic carriers forSalmonella, the gall bladder is the common reservoir for the bacteria and removing it is usually curative.

The possibility that the source of the may be in the biliary limb of her bariatric procedure and not in the gall bladder remained a concern.

In patients who have had a RYGB, cholecystectomy is an effective treatment.

All patients presenting with abdominal symptoms following RYGB should have stool and urine cultures taken as part of their work up.
Persistent lesion hyperintensity on brain diffusion-weighted MRI is an early sign of intravascular lymphoma
Authors: Kageyama Takashi , Yamanaka Haruo , Nakamura Fumihiko , Suenaga Toshihiko
Published: June 2017

A 63-year-old man presented with right-sided hemianopia and unsteady gait. Brain MRI revealed multiple hyperintense infarct-like lesions on diffusion-weighted images (DWI). Hyperintensity persisted in some of these lesions even after 6 weeks, although his symptoms were ameliorated then. The patient developed episodic dizziness and a transient event of apraxia at 18 weeks after the first episode. Brain MRI revealed additional hyperintense lesions on DWI, which persisted even after 7 weeks. Eventually, the patient manifested cauda equina syndrome 39 weeks after the first episode. Brain MRI showed the presence of new lesions in addition to the persistent hyperintense lesions on DWI over 21 weeks in the right frontal lobe. Based on laboratory findings and the pathological assessment of bone marrow and random skin biopsies, the patient was diagnosed with intravascular lymphoma (IVL). Persistent hyperintense lesions on DWI of brain MRI may precede the clinical exacerbation of IVL.
Rome Foundation-Asian working team report: Asian functional gastrointestinal disorder symptom clusters
Authors: Siah Kewin Tien Ho , Gong Xiaorong , Yang Xi Jessie , Whitehead William E , Chen Minhu , Hou Xiaohua , Pratap Nitesh , Ghoshal Uday C , Syam Ari F , Abdullah Murdani , Choi Myung-Gyu , Bak Young-Tae , Lu Ching-Liang , Gonlachanvit Sutep , Boon Chua Seng , Fang Fan , Cheong Pui Kuan , Wu Justin C Y , Gwee Kok-Ann
Published: June 2017

Objective

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are diagnosed by the presence of a characteristic set of symptoms. However, the current criteria-based diagnostic approach is to some extent subjective and largely derived from observations in English-speaking Western patients. We aimed to identify latent symptom clusters in Asian patients with FGID.

Design

1805 consecutive unselected patients with FGID who presented for primary or secondary care to 11 centres across Asia completed a cultural and linguistic adaptation of the Rome III Diagnostic Questionnaire that was translated to the local languages. Principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation was used to identify symptom clusters.

Results

Nine symptom clusters were identified, consisting of two oesophageal factors (F6: globus, odynophagia and dysphagia; F9: chest pain and heartburn), two gastroduodenal factors (F5: bloating, fullness, belching and flatulence; F8 regurgitation, nausea and vomiting), three bowel factors (F2: abdominal pain and diarrhoea; F3: meal-related bowel symptoms; F7: upper abdominal pain and constipation) and two anorectal factors (F1: anorectal pain and constipation; F4: diarrhoea, urgency and incontinence).

Conclusion

We found that the broad categorisation used both in clinical practice and in the Rome system, that is, broad anatomical divisions, and certain diagnoses with long historical records, that is, IBS with diarrhoea, and chronic constipation, are still valid in our Asian societies. In addition, we found a bowel symptom cluster with meal trigger and a gas cluster that suggests a different emphasis in our populations. Future studies to compare a non-Asian cohort and to match to putative pathophysiology will help to verify our findings.
Tamoxifen inhibits mitochondrial membrane damage caused by disulfiram
Authors: Pavón Natalia , Buelna-Chontal Mabel , Correa Francisco , Yoval-Sánchez Belem , Belmont Javier , Hernández-Esquivel Luz , Rodríguez-Zavala José S. , Chávez Edmundo
Published: June 2017

In this work, we studied the protective effects of tamoxifen (TAM) on disulfiram (Dis)-induced mitochondrial membrane insult. The results indicate that TAM circumvents the inner membrane leakiness manifested as Ca2+release, mitochondrial swelling, and collapse of the transmembrane electric gradient. Furthermore, it was found that TAM prevents inactivation of the mitochondrial enzyme aconitase and detachment of cytochrome c from the inner membrane. Interestingly, TAM also inhibited Dis-promoted generation of hydrogen peroxide. Given that TAM is an antioxidant molecule, it is plausible that its protection may be due to the inhibition of Dis-induced oxidative stress.
Energies and hyperfine structures of the 1s22s2p 3Po state of Be-like ions with Z = 11–18
Authors: Li Kai Kai , Zhuo Lin , Zhang Chun Mei , Chen Chao , Gou Bing Cong
Published: June 2017

Nonrelativistic energies and wave functions of the 1s22s2p 3Po states of Be isoelectronic sequence (Z = 11–18) are calculated using the full core plus correlation method (FCPC). To obtain the accurate energy level, the relativistic corrections and mass polarization effect are included by using the first-order perturbation theory. The calculated excitation energies (relative to the 1s22s2 ground state) are compared with the experiment. Most of the calculated [Formula: see text] energies agree with the experiment to within a few inverse centimetres. The calculated hyperfine coupling constants are in good agreement with the latest theoretical data in the literature. Our results may provide valuable reference data for spectral analysis and identification in the future.
Direct-exchange duality of the Coulomb interaction and collective excitations in graphene in a magnetic field
Authors: Shizuya K.
Published: June 2017

In a magnetic field two-dimensional (2D) electron systems host, with quenched kinetic energy, a variety of many-body correlation phenomena, such as interaction-driven new states and associated collective excitations over them. In a magnetic field, the two-body operators pertinent to the 2D Coulomb interaction obey a crossing relation, with which the Coulomb interaction is also cast into the form of manifest exchange interaction. It is shown that active use of this direct/exchange duality of the interaction allows one to develop, within the framework of the single-mode approximation, a new efficient algorithm for handling a wide class of collective excitations. The utility of our algorithm is demonstrated by studying some examples of inter- and intra-Landau-level collective excitations in graphene and in conventional electron systems.
On the theory of time dilation in chemical kinetics
Authors: Baig Mirza Wasif
Published: June 2017

The rates of chemical reactions are not absolute but their magnitude depends upon the relative speeds of the moving observers. This has been proved by unifying basic theories of chemical kinetics, which are transition state theory, collision theory, RRKM and Marcus theory, with the special theory of relativity. Boltzmann constant and energy spacing between permitted quantum levels of molecules are quantum mechanically proved to be Lorentz variant. The relativistic statistical thermodynamics has been developed to explain quasi-equilibrium existing between reactants and activated complex. The newly formulated Lorentz transformation of the rate constant from Arrhenius equation, of the collision frequency and of the Eyring and Marcus equations renders the rate of reaction to be Lorentz variant. For a moving observer moving at fractions of the speed of light along the reaction coordinate, the transition state possess less kinetic energy to sweep translation over it. This results in the slower transformation of reactants into products and in a stretched time frame for the chemical reaction to complete. Lorentz transformation of the half-life equation explains time dilation of the half-life period of chemical reactions and proves special theory of relativity and presents theory in accord with each other. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the present theory, the enzymatic reaction of methylamine dehydrogenase and radioactive disintegration of Astatine into Bismuth are considered as numerical examples.
Characteristics research of pressure sensor based on nanopolysilicon thin films resistors
Authors: Zhao Xiaofeng , Li Dandan , Wen Dianzhong
Published: June 2017

To further improve the sensitivity temperature characteristics of pressure sensor, a kind of pressure sensor taking nanopolysilicon thin films as piezoresistors is proposed in this paper. On the basis of the microstructure analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests, the preparing process of nanopolysilicon thin films is optimized. The effects of film thickness and annealing temperature on the micro-structure of nanopolysilicon thin films were studied, respectively. In order to realize the measurement of external pressure, four nanopolysilicon thin films resistors were arranged at the edges of square silicon diaphragm connected to a Wheatstone bridge, and the chip of the sensor was designed and fabricated on a [Formula: see text] orientation silicon wafer by microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology. Experimental result shows that when [Formula: see text] = 6.80 mA, the sensitivity of the sensor PS-1 is 0.308 mV/kPa, and the temperature coefficient of sensitivity (TCS) is about −1742 ppm/[Formula: see text]C in the range of −40–140[Formula: see text]C. It is possible to obviously improve the sensitivity temperature characteristics of pressure sensor by the proposed sensors.
High photon detection efficiency single photon avalanche diode in 0.18 μm standard CMOS process
Authors: Wang Wei , Bao Xiaoyuan , Chen Li , Chen Ting , Wang Guanyu , Yuan Jun
Published: June 2017

This paper proposed a single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) designed with 0.18 [Formula: see text] standard CMOS process. One of the major challenges in CMOS SPADs is how to raise the low photon detection efficiency (PDE). In this paper, the device structure and process parameters of the CMOS SPAD are optimized so as to improve PDE properties which have been investigated in detail. The CMOS SPADs are designed in p+/n-well/deep n-well (DNW) structure with the p-sub and the p-well guard ring (GR). The simulation results show that with the p-well GR, the quantum efficiency (QE) is about 80% with the breakdown voltage of 12.7 V, the unit responsivity is as high as 0.38 A/W and the PDE of 51% and 53% is obtained when the excess bias is at 1 V and 2 V, respectively. The dark count rate (DCR) is 6.2 kHz when bias voltage is 14 V. With the p-sub GR, the breakdown voltage is 13 V, the unit responsivity is up to 0.26 A/W, the QE is 58%, the PDE is 33% and 37% at excess bias of 1 V and 2 V, respectively. The DCR is 3.4 kHz at reverse bias voltage of 14 V.
Relative importance of surface anisotropy and defects on loop shifts in antiferromagnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Mao Z. Q. , Zhan X. Z. , Chen X.
Published: June 2017

The shifts in field-cooling hysteresis loops of antiferromagnetic nanoparticle systems have been widely observed in experiments. Here, numerical calculation is used to study the influence of the surface anisotropy and defects. It is found that surface defects alone are sufficient to yield the loop shifts (LS) at proper field angles. Neither the disordered nor the radial surface anisotropy is the indispensable ingredient to generate the LS. However, both of them play a role in enhancing the LS. The possible mechanisms are discussed.
Schematic interactions with many degeneracies
Authors: Kingan Arun , Quinonez Michael , Zamick Larry
Published: June 2017

In previous works, we examined the spectra for systems of two protons and two neutrons, in a single [Formula: see text] shell calculation, by obtaining matrix elements from experiment. More recently, we considered the schematic interactions in the same model space. We continue in this vein here. The present work and the former can be regarded as two bookends on a bookshelf.
The information quality framework for evaluating data science programs
Authors: Coleman Shirley Y. , Kenett Ron S.
Published: June 2017

Designing a new Analytics programF requires not only identifying needed courses, but also tying the courses together into a cohesive curriculum with an overriding theme. Such a theme helps to determine the proper sequencing of courses and create a coherent linkage between different courses often taught by faculty staff from different domains. It is common to see a program with some courses taught by computer science faculty, other courses taught by faculty and staff from the statistics department, and others from operations research, economics, information systems, marketing or other disciplines. Applying an overriding theme not only helps students organize their learning and course planning, but it also helps the teaching faculty in designing their materials and choosing terminology. The InfoQ framework introduced by Kenett and Shmueli provides a theme that focuses the attention of faculty and students on the important question of the value of data and its analysis with flexibility that accommodates a wide range of data analysis topics. In this chapter, we review a number of programs focused on analytics and data science content from an InfoQ perspective. Our goal is to show, with examples, how the InfoQ dimensions are addressed in existing programs and help identify best practices for designing and improving such programs. We base our assessment on information derived from the program’s web site.
The uncoupling of autophagy and zinc homeostasis in airway epithelial cells as a fundamental contributor to COPD
Authors: Roscioli Eugene , Tran Hai B. , Jersmann Hubertus , Nguyen Phan T. , Hopkins Emily , Lester Susan , Farrow Nigel , Zalewski Peter , Reynolds Paul N. , Hodge Sandra
Published: June 2017

The proper regulation of zinc (Zn) trafficking proteins and the cellular distribution of Zn are critical for the maintenance of autophagic processes. However, there have been no studies that have examined Zn dyshomeostasis and the disease-related modulation of autophagy observed in the airways afflicted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We hypothesized that dysregulated autophagy in airway epithelial cells (AECs) is related to Zn dysregulation in cigarette smoke (CS)-induced COPD. We applied a human ex vivo air-liquid interface model, a murine model of smoke exposure, and human lung tissues and investigated Zn, ZIP1, and ZIP2 Zn-influx proteins, autophagy [microtubule-associated 1A/1B-light chain-3 (LC3), Beclin-1], autophagic flux (Sequestosome), apoptosis [Bcl2; X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP), poly (ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP)], and inflammation [thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and IL-1β]. Lung tissues from CS-exposed mice exhibit reduced free-Zn in AECs, with elevated ZIP1 and diminished ZIP2 expression. Interestingly, increased LC3 colocalized with ZIP1, suggesting an autophagic requirement for free-Zn to support its catabolic function. In human AECs, autophagy was initiated but was unable to efficiently degrade cellular debris, as evidenced by stable Beclin-1 and increased LC3-II, but with a concomitant elevation in Sequestosome. Autophagic dysfunction due to CS exposure coupled with Zn depletion also induced apoptosis, with the reduction of antiapoptotic and antiautophagic proteins Bcl2 and XIAP and PARP cleavage. This was accompanied by an increase in RANTES and TSLP, an activator of adaptive immunity. We conclude that the uncoupling of Zn trafficking and autophagy in AECs constitutes a fundamental disease-related mechanism for COPD pathogenesis and could provide a new therapeutic target.