bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study protocol: a phase III randomised, double-blind, parallel arm, stratified, block randomised, placebo-controlled trial investigating the clinical effect and cost-effectiveness of sertraline for the palliative relief of breathlessness in people with chronic breathlessness
Authors: Watts Gareth J , Clark Katherine , Agar Meera , Davidson Patricia M , McDonald Christine , Lam Lawrence T , Sajkov Dimitar , McCaffrey Nicola , Doogue Matthew , Abernethy Amy P , Currow David C
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Breathlessness remains a highly prevalent and distressing symptom for many patients with progressive life-limiting illnesses. Evidence-based interventions for chronic breathlessness are limited, and there is an ongoing need for high-quality research into developing management strategies for optimal palliation of this complex symptom. Previous studies have suggested that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as sertraline may have a role in reducing breathlessness. This paper presents the protocol for a large, adequately powered randomised study evaluating the use of sertraline for chronic breathlessness in people with progressive life-limiting illnesses.

Methods and analysis

A total of 240 participants with modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale breathlessness of level 2 or higher will be randomised to receive either sertraline or placebo for 28 days in this multisite, double-blind study. The dose will be titrated up every 3 days to a maximum of 100 mg daily. The primary outcome will be to compare the efficacy of sertraline with placebo in relieving the intensity of worst breathlessness as assessed by a 0–100 mm Visual Analogue Scale. A number of other outcome measures and descriptors of breathlessness as well as caregiver assessments will also be recorded to ensure adequate analysis of participant breathlessness and to allow an economic analysis to be performed. Participants will also be given the option of continuing blinded treatment until either study data collection is complete or net benefit ceases. Appropriate statistical analysis of primary and secondary outcomes will be used to describe the wealth of data obtained.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained at all participating sites. Results of the study will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and the key findings presented at national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12610000464066.
Quality of interdisciplinary postsimulation debriefing: 360° evaluation
Authors: Hull Louise , Russ Stephanie , Ahmed Maria , Sevdalis Nick , Birnbach David J
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Debriefing is widely perceived to be the most important component of simulation-based training. This study aimed to explore the value of 360° evaluation of debriefing by examining expert debriefing evaluators, debriefers and learners’ perceptions of the quality of interdisciplinary debriefings.

Method

This was a cross-sectional observational study. 41 teams, consisting of 278 learners, underwent simulation-based team training. Immediately following the postsimulation debriefing session, debriefers and learners rated the quality of debriefing using the validated Objective Structured Assessment of Debriefing (OSAD) framework. All debriefing sessions were video-recorded and subsequently rated by evaluators trained to proficiency in assessing debriefing quality.

Results

Expert debriefing evaluators and debriefers’ perceptions of debriefing quality differed significantly; debriefers perceived the quality of debriefing they provided more favourably than expert debriefing evaluators (40.98% of OSAD ratings provided by debriefers were ≥+1 point greater than expert debriefing evaluators’ ratings). Further, learner perceptions of the quality of debriefing differed from both expert evaluators and debriefers’ perceptions: weak agreement between learner and expert evaluators’ perceptions was found on 2 of 8 OSAD elements (learner engagement and reflection); similarly weak agreement between learner and debriefer perceptions was found on just 1 OSAD element (application).

Conclusions

Debriefers and learners’ perceptions of debriefing quality differ significantly. Both groups tend to perceive the quality of debriefing far more favourably than external evaluators. An overconfident debriefer may fail to identify elements of debriefing that require improvement. Feedback provided by learners to debriefers may be of limited value in facilitating improvements. We recommend periodic external evaluation of debriefing quality.
Richness and zoogeography of ascidians (Tunicata: Ascidiacea) in eastern Canada
Authors: Ma Kevin C.K. , Deibel Don , Law Kenneth K.M. , Aoki Mai , McKenzie Cynthia H. , Palomares Maria L.D.
Published: November 2016

Managers and policymakers in eastern Canada embrace science-based management of nonindigenous species and may benefit from having comprehensive regional species checklists at subnational jurisdictional levels. In this paper, regional checklists provide an account of the richness of ascidians in eastern Canada. Records of 58 ascidians resulted from reviewing 108 published sources, accessing data from two online databases, and collecting some common indigenous ascidian specimens. Analysis comparing the similarity of species among nine regions indicates that there is greater similarity in species composition between contiguous regions than between noncontiguous regions and suggests that there are four zoogeographic clusters in eastern Canada. Our checklists can inform managers and policymakers of the diversity of the ascidian taxa and can minimize taxonomic uncertainties of established nonindigenous and prospective invading species, for example, by identifying indigenous species that are congeners of nonindigenous species. The maintenance of checklists can be a valuable tool for the management of nonindigenous species as baselines to estimate changes in richness and to document the invasion status of nonindigenous species over time. For example, more importance can be placed on the spread of nonindigenous ascidians from one zoogeographic cluster to another than spread within the same cluster.
Resonance contribution of scalar color octet to tt̄ production at the LHC in the minimal four-color quark–lepton symmetry model
Authors: Frolov I. V. , Martynov M. V. , Smirnov A. D.
Published: November 2016

The scalar color octet contribution to the resonance [Formula: see text]-pair production at the LHC is calculated and analyzed by taking into account the one-loop effective two-gluon vertex. It is shown that this contribution from the scalar color octet [Formula: see text] predicted by the minimal model with the four-color quark–lepton symmetry is for [Formula: see text] = 13 TeV of about a few percent for 750 [Formula: see text] 1800 GeV and can exceed 10% for 400 [Formula: see text] 750 GeV. It is also pointed out that the search for the scalar octet [Formula: see text] as the resonance in the dijet mass spectra seems to be difficult because of the smallness of its one-loop effective two-gluon interaction.
CASE REPORT: EXCISION, AMNIOTIC MEMBRANE GRAFT, CRYOTHERAPY AND INTRALESIONAL MITOMYCIN C INJECTION FOR THE TREATMENT OF A LIMBAL MELANOMA IN A DOG
Authors: Yang Shu-Fang , Liang Sao-Ling , Yang Heng-Leng , Liu Chen-Hsuan , Wang Peng-Chen
Published: November 2016

A four-year-old, female neutered, Shih-Tzu dog was presented with a one-year history of limbal masses on both eyes (OU, oculi utrque). The masses arose from the corneoscleral limbus with marked corneal involvement. An en bloc excision of the involved meridians with human amniotic membrane grafting was performed at the left eye (OS, oculus sinister) limbal masses. A double freeze-thaw cycles of cryotherapy and intralesional mitomycin-C (MMC) injection was performed on both eyes two weeks later. Histopathology provided the definitive diagnosis of limbal melanoma. After 6 months of follow-up, OU limbal masses recurred without intraocular invasion, and 2 cycles of cryotherapy and intralesional MMC injection was then performed on recurrent sites. Despite that both cryotherapy and intralesional injection were applied the lesions recurred at an interval of 4–6 months for 18 months. At the end only a small corneal scar was present on OS, and there was no recurrence for 3 years until now. The cryotherapy combined with intralesional MMC injection was able to control the recurrence of limbal melanoma after tumor excision while maintaining the ocular surface integrity.
A Nonhydrostatic Two-Layer Staggered Scheme for Transient Waves due to Anti-Symmetric Seabed Thrust
Authors: Pudjaprasetya S. R. , Magdalena I. , Tjandra S. S.
Published: November 2016

The development of transient waves generated by bottom motion is studied numerically in this work. A nonhydrostatic numerical scheme, based on solving the two-dimensional Euler equations using two-layer approximation for the vertical direction, is implemented. The dispersion relation of this scheme is shown to agree with the analytical dispersion relation over a wide range of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes the wave number and [Formula: see text] the characteristic water depth. To ensure that a good balance between nonlinearity and dispersion is accommodated by the scheme, the propagation of a solitary wave (undisturbed in shape) was simulated. Our next focus was on the simulation of transient waves generated by bottom motion. After conducting a benchmark test against Hammack’s experimental results for downward bottom motion, an anti-symmetric bottom thrust was considered. The resulting transient waves developed different behavior depending on the water depth. Finally, to mimic the December 2004 tsunami, a seabed motion was generated over Aceh bathymetry. This simulation showed that a package of wave trains developed and propagated towards the Aceh coast, and exhibited inter alia the feature of shoreline withdrawal often observed.
The structural, elastic and optical properties of ScM (M = Rh, Cu, Ag, Hg) intermetallic compounds under pressure by ab initio simulations
Authors: Ali Md. Lokman , Rahaman Md. Zahidur , Rahman Md. Atikur
Published: November 2016

The influence of pressure on the structural and elastic properties of ScM ([Formula: see text], Cu, Ag, Hg) compounds has been investigated by using ab initio approach pseudopotential plane-wave method based on the density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The optical properties have been investigated under zero pressure. It is found that the optimized lattice parameters for all metals are in good agreement with the experimental data and other available theoretical values. We obtained three independent elastic constants [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) and various elastic parameters such as bulk modulus [Formula: see text], shear modulus [Formula: see text], Young’s modulus [Formula: see text], Poisson’s ratio [Formula: see text] and anisotropy factor [Formula: see text] as a function of pressure. In addition, the mechanical stability and ductile/brittle nature are also investigated from the calculated elastic constants. The study of optical properties reveals that all of these compounds possess good absorption coefficient in the high energy region and the refractive index of all these compounds is higher in the low energy region and gradually decreased in the high energy region. All these calculations have been carried out using the CASTEP computer code.
The impact of faults and fluid flow on seismic images of a relay ramp over production time
Authors: Botter Charlotte , Cardozo Nestor , Lecomte Isabelle , Rotevatn Atle , Paton Gaynor
Published: November 2016

Relay ramps can act as conduits for fluid flow in producing hydrocarbon reservoirs, but the two bounding faults are often at the limit of seismic resolution. To study the impact of relay ramps and their fluid composition on seismic data, we present an integrated workflow combining flow simulation in a geomodel of an outcrop relay ramp, forward seismic modelling and seismic-attribute-based volume extraction. In the chosen outcrop of the Arches National Park (Utah, USA), the petrophysical properties are conditioned by deformation bands present in the sandstone, and are used to run a simple water injector–oil producer fluid-flow simulation. Pre-stack depth-migration seismic images are obtained at
t
 = 0,
t
1
 = 10 and
t
2
 = 20 years of the flow simulation. The seismic image porosity changes at
t
 = 0 when the model is oil-saturated, whereas the water–oil contacts have stronger amplitude contrasts at later stages. With an adapted attribute-based workflow, we are able to extract geobodies corresponding to the faults and the relay ramp from the three seismic cubes. By varying workflow parameters, we also show reservoir and acquisition conditions that can affect the resolution of the relay ramp on the seismic image either positively or negatively.
The value of fault analysis for field development planning
Authors: Frischbutter Andreas A. , Fisher Quentin J. , Namazova Gyunay , Dufour Sebastien
Published: November 2016

Faults play an important role in reservoir compartmentalization and can have a significant impact on recoverable volumes. A recent petroleum discovery in the Norwegian offshore sector, with an Upper Jurassic reservoir, is currently in the development planning phase. The reservoir is divided into several compartments by syndepositional faults that have not been reactivated and do not offset the petroleum-bearing sandstones completely. A comprehensive fault analysis has been conducted from core to seismic scale to assess the likely influence of faults on the production performance and recoverable volumes. The permeability of the small-scale faults from the core were analysed at high confining pressures using formation-compatible brines. These permeability measurements provide important calibration points for the fault property assessment, which was used to calculate transmissibility multipliers (TM) that were incorporated into the dynamic reservoir simulation model in order to account for the impact of faults on fluid flow. Dynamic simulation results reveal a range of more than 20% for recoverable volumes, depending on the fault property case applied and for a base case producer–injector well pattern. Fault properties are one of the key parameters that influence the range of cumulative recoverable oil volumes and the recovery efficiency.
A hydrodynamic model and associated spill-point map for the Huntington Field, UK Central North Sea
Authors: Green Sam , O'Connor Stephen , Swarbrick Richard , Waters Kester
Published: November 2016

The Huntington Field is located in Block UK 22/14b in the UK Central North Sea. The reservoir is the Tertiary Forties Formation (a deep-sea fan interval), which has been produced since 2013. Pre-production well data indicate that hydrocarbons (oil) are present outside structural closure as recorded by direct pressure data and wireline-derived fluid contacts, and indicated by seismic attribute data. These observations in other parts of the world (e.g. Mad Dog Field, Miocene Gulf of Mexico) have been attributed to the presence of a hydrodynamic reservoir. This paper aims to reconcile these observations from seismic data, logs and pressure data with competing models to explain the hydrocarbon distribution.

Combining the interpretations above with the additional observations that (a) there are no sedimentological barriers or identifiable faulting between wells, (b) the surrounding fields (Everest and Forties) have been actively producing for decades, but that calculated flow rates in the Huntington Field agree with published data for other virgin hydrodynamic systems, and (c) measured regional and local overpressure gradients indicate fluid flow to the NW where hydrocarbons are present outside the structure indicates that a hydrodynamic model is the most probable solution to explain the fluids and their present distribution.
Spatial scale and distribution of neurovascular signals underlying decoding of orientation and eye of origin from fMRI data
Authors: Larsson Jonas , Harrison Charlotte , Jackson Jade , Oh Seung-Mock , Zeringyte Vaida
Published: November 2016

Multivariate pattern analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data is widely used, yet the spatial scales and origin of neurovascular signals underlying such analyses remain unclear. We compared decoding performance for stimulus orientation and eye of origin from fMRI measurements in human visual cortex with predictions based on the columnar organization of each feature and estimated the spatial scales of patterns driving decoding. Both orientation and eye of origin could be decoded significantly above chance in early visual areas (V1–V3). Contrary to predictions based on a columnar origin of response biases, decoding performance for eye of origin in V2 and V3 was not significantly lower than that in V1, nor did decoding performance for orientation and eye of origin differ significantly. Instead, response biases for both features showed large-scale organization, evident as a radial bias for orientation, and a nasotemporal bias for eye preference. To determine whether these patterns could drive classification, we quantified the effect on classification performance of binning voxels according to visual field position. Consistent with large-scale biases driving classification, binning by polar angle yielded significantly better decoding performance for orientation than random binning in V1–V3. Similarly, binning by hemifield significantly improved decoding performance for eye of origin. Patterns of orientation and eye preference bias in V2 and V3 showed a substantial degree of spatial correlation with the corresponding patterns in V1, suggesting that response biases in these areas originate in V1. Together, these findings indicate that multivariate classification results need not reflect the underlying columnar organization of neuronal response selectivities in early visual areas.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Large-scale response biases can account for decoding of orientation and eye of origin in human early visual areas V1–V3. For eye of origin this pattern is a nasotemporal bias; for orientation it is a radial bias. Differences in decoding performance across areas and stimulus features are not well predicted by differences in columnar-scale organization of each feature. Large-scale biases in extrastriate areas are spatially correlated with those in V1, suggesting biases originate in primary visual cortex.
Differential effect of visual motion adaption upon visual cortical excitability
Authors: Lubeck Astrid J. A. , Van Ombergen Angelique , Ahmad Hena , Bos Jelte E. , Wuyts Floris L. , Bronstein Adolfo M. , Arshad Qadeer
Published: November 2016

The objectives of this study were 1) to probe the effects of visual motion adaptation on early visual and V5/MT cortical excitability and 2) to investigate whether changes in cortical excitability following visual motion adaptation are related to the degree of visual dependency, i.e., an overreliance on visual cues compared with vestibular or proprioceptive cues. Participants were exposed to a roll motion visual stimulus before, during, and after visual motion adaptation. At these stages, 20 transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) pulses at phosphene threshold values were applied over early visual and V5/MT cortical areas from which the probability of eliciting a phosphene was calculated. Before and after adaptation, participants aligned the subjective visual vertical in front of the roll motion stimulus as a marker of visual dependency. During adaptation, early visual cortex excitability decreased whereas V5/MT excitability increased. After adaptation, both early visual and V5/MT excitability were increased. The roll motion-induced tilt of the subjective visual vertical (visual dependence) was not influenced by visual motion adaptation and did not correlate with phosphene threshold or visual cortex excitability. We conclude that early visual and V5/MT cortical excitability is differentially affected by visual motion adaptation. Furthermore, excitability in the early or late visual cortex is not associated with an increase in visual reliance during spatial orientation. Our findings complement earlier studies that have probed visual cortical excitability following motion adaptation and highlight the differential role of the early visual cortex and V5/MT in visual motion processing.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We examined the influence of visual motion adaptation on visual cortex excitability and found a differential effect in V1/V2 compared with V5/MT. Changes in visual excitability following motion adaptation were not related to the degree of an individual's visual dependency.
Early Detection System of Vascular Disease and Its Application Prospect
Authors: Liu Huan , Wang Hongyu
Published: November 2016

Markers of imaging, structure, and function reflecting vascular damage, integrating a long time accumulation effect of traditional and unrecognized cardiovascular risk factors, can be regarded as surrogate endpoints of target organ damage before the occurrence of clinical events. Prevention of cardiovascular disease requires risk stratification and treatment of traditional risk factors, such as smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. However, traditional risk stratification is not sufficient to provide accurate assessment of future cardiovascular events. Therefore, vascular injury related parameters obtained by ultrasound or other noninvasive devices, as a surrogate parameter of subclinical cardiovascular disease, can improve cardiovascular risk assessment and optimize the preventive treatment strategy. Thus, we will summarize the research progress and clinical application of early assessment technology of vascular diseases in the present review.
Subspace Identification of Hammerstein Model with Unified Discontinuous Nonlinearity
Authors: Aissaoui Borhen , Soltani Moêz , Chaari Abdelkader
Published: November 2016

The main aim of this study is to handle the case where the structures of nonlinear systems are unknown. In the many works, the parametric identification of nonlinear systems represented by Hammerstein model, with discontinuous and asymmetric nonlinearity, considers the structures of the nonlinear and linear blocks are known, especially the nonlinear bloc. To solve this problem, a unified form of nonlinearity representing eight cases of nonlinearities can be used. The parameters of both blocks, linear and nonlinear, are estimated using an iterative subspace approach. More importantly, in an attempt to show the extent to which this method is efficient, we apply it to experimental data obtained from the electropneumatic system. As a result, the numerical and experimental examples confirm a good conditioning and computational efficiency.
Accurate Assessment of the Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalytic Activity of Mn/Polypyrrole Nanocomposites Based on Rotating Disk Electrode Measurements, Complemented with Multitechnique Structural Characterizations
Authors: Bocchetta Patrizia , Sánchez Carolina Ramírez , Taurino Antonietta , Bozzini Benedetto
Published: November 2016

This paper reports on the quantitative assessment of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalytic activity of electrodeposited Mn/polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposites for alkaline aqueous solutions, based on the Rotating Disk Electrode (RDE) method and accompanied by structural characterizations relevant to the establishment of structure-function relationships. The characterization of Mn/PPy films is addressed to the following: (i) morphology, as assessed by Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM); (ii) local electrical conductivity, as measured by Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM); and (iii) molecular structure, accessed by Raman Spectroscopy; these data provide the background against which the electrocatalytic activity can be rationalised. For comparison, the properties of Mn/PPy are gauged against those of graphite, PPy, and polycrystalline-Pt (poly-Pt). Due to the literature lack of accepted protocols for precise catalytic activity measurement at poly-Pt electrode in alkaline solution using the RDE methodology, we have also worked on the obtainment of an intralaboratory benchmark by evidencing some of the time-consuming parameters which drastically affect the reliability and repeatability of the measurement.
Freeze Dried Quetiapine-Nicotinamide Binary Solid Dispersions: A New Strategy for Improving Physicochemical Properties and Ex Vivo Diffusion
Authors: Ali Ahmed Mahmoud Abdelhaleem , Al-Remawi Mayyas Mohammad Ahmad
Published: November 2016

Improving the physicochemical properties and oral bioavailability of quetiapine fumarate (QF) enabling enhanced antipsychotic attributes are the main aims of this research. The freeze dried solid dispersion strategy was adopted using nicotinamide (NIC) as highly soluble coformer. The prepared dispersions were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Static disc intrinsic dissolution rate and ex vivo diffusion through intestinal tissues were conducted and compared to pure quetiapine fumarate. The results demonstrated a highly soluble coamorphous system formed between quetiapine fumarate and nicotinamide at 1 : 3 molar ratio through H-bonding interactions. The results showed >14-fold increase in solubility of QF from the prepared dispersions. Increased intrinsic dissolution rate (from 0.28 to 0.603 mg cm−2 min−1) and faster flux rate through duodenum (from 0.027 to 0.041 mg cm−2 h−1) and jejunum (0.027 to 0.036 mg cm−2 h−1) were obtained. The prepared coamorphous dispersion proved to be effective in improving the drug solubility and dissolution rate and ex vivo diffusion. Therefore, binary coamorphous dispersions could be a promising solution to modify the physicochemical properties, raise oral bioavailability, and change the biopharmaceutics classification (BCS) of some active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Supercritical CO2Assisted Synthesis of EDTA-Fe3O4Nanocomposite with High Adsorption Capacity for Hexavalent Chromium
Authors: Bisht Gunjan , Neupane Sanjila , Makaju Rebika
Published: November 2016

Efficiency of EDTA functionalized nanoparticles in adsorption of chromium (VI) from water was investigated in this study. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were synthesized by a simple chemical coprecipitation route and EDTA coating onto IONPs was attained via supercritical carbon dioxide (Sc CO2), a technology with green sustainable properties. The obtained nanoparticles were then characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vibrating magnetometric analysis (VSM). The synthesized nanoparticle and its modified variant were evaluated as adsorbent for chromium (VI) removal from water through batch adsorption technique and the effect of analytic concentration; contact time and adsorbent concentration were studied at pH 2. The results showed higher removal efficiency for modified magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONPs) (i.e., 99.9%) than their nonmodified variant IONPs, that is, 34.06% for the same concentration after 18 hours of incubation. Also maximum adsorption capacity (qe= 452.26 mg/g) of MIONPs attained can be related to their preparation in Sc CO2asqecalculated from IONPs, that is, 170.33 mg/g, is lower than that of MIONPs. The adsorption data fit well with Freundlich isotherm equation while kinetic adsorption studies of chromium (VI) were modeled by pseudo-second-order model.
The Initial Months of Antiretroviral Therapy and Its Influence on AGEs, HMGB1, and sRAGE Levels in Asymptomatic HIV-Infected Individuals
Authors: Tasca Karen Ingrid , Caleffi Juliana Trindade , Correa Camila Renata , Gatto Mariana , Camargo Caio Cavassan de , Mendes Monica Bannwart , Golim Marjorie de Assis , Biasin Mara , Souza Lenice do Rosário de
Published: November 2016

The development of the typical comorbidities of aging which currently affects people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) can be partially ascribed to the persistent immune activation and chronic inflammation characterizing these individuals. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect exerted by combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) administration on plasma levels of HMGB1 (high mobility group box protein-1), AGEs (advanced glycation end products), their soluble receptor sRAGE, cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), and some metabolic markers in asymptomatic PLWHA. Analyses were performed longitudinally in 30 PLWHA, before and about 6–12 months after cART initiation. We observed that lower levels of AGEs in post-cART group were accompanied by an increase of CRP and triglyceride levels already in the early months of therapy. Because of the current ever-earlier recommendations to start cART and its prolonged use, these and other markers should be investigated in order to monitor and postpone the appearance of non-AIDS comorbidities in PLWHA.
The Role of Renal Replacement Therapy in the Management of Pharmacologic Poisonings
Authors: Mirrakhimov Aibek E. , Barbaryan Aram , Gray Adam , Ayach Taha
Published: November 2016

Pharmacologic toxicities are common and range from mild to life-threatening. The aim of this study is to review and update the data on the role of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the management of various pharmacologic poisonings. We aim to provide a focused review on the role of RRT in the management of pharmacological toxicities. Relevant publications were searched in MEDLINE with the following search terms alone or in combination: pharmacologic toxicity, hemodialysis, hemofiltration, renal replacement therapy, toxicology, poisonings, critical illness, and intensive care. The studies showed that a pharmacologic substance should meet several prerequisites to be deemed dialyzable. These variables include having a low molecular weight (<500 Da) and low degree of protein binding (<80%), being water-soluble, and having a low volume of distribution (<1 L/kg). RRT should be strongly considered in critically ill patients presenting with toxic alcohol ingestion, salicylate overdose, severe valproic acid toxicity, metformin overdose, and lithium poisoning. The role of RRT in other pharmacologic toxicities is less certain and should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Efficacy of Synbiotics for Treatment of Bacillary Dysentery in Children: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Kahbazi Manijeh , Ebrahimi Marzieh , Zarinfar Nader , Arjomandzadegan Mohammad , Fereydouni Taha , Karimi Fatemeh , Najmi Amir Reza
Published: November 2016

Bacillary dysentery is a major cause of children’s admission to hospitals. To assess the probiotic and prebiotic (synbiotics) effects in children with dysentery in a randomized clinical trial, 200 children with dysentery were studied in 2 groups: the synbiotic group received 1 tablet/day of synbiotic for 3–5 days and the placebo group received placebo tablets (identical tablet form like probiotics). The standard treatment was administered for all patients. Duration of hospitalization, dysentery, fever, and the weight loss were assessed in each group. It was concluded that there was no significant difference in both groups in the baseline characteristics. The mean duration of dysentery reduced (P<0.05). The mean duration of fever has been significantly reduced in the synbiotic group (1.64±0.87days) in comparison to the placebo group (2.13±0.94days) (P<0.001). Average amount of weight loss was significantly lower in the synbiotic group in comparison to that in the placebo group (129.5±23.388grams and278±28.385grams, resp.;P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the mean duration of hospitalization in both groups (P>0.05). The use of synbiotics as an adjuvant therapy to the standard treatment of dysentery significantly reduces the duration of dysentery, fever, and rate of weight losses. The trial is registered withIRCT201109267647N1.
Simulating the Effects of Surface Roughness on Reinforced Concrete T Beam Bridge under Single and Multiple Vehicles
Authors: Kalyankar Rahul , Uddin Nasim
Published: November 2016

This research focuses on the application of the spatial system of finite element modeling for the vehicle-bridge interaction on reinforced concrete US Girder Bridge in order to obtain the effect of surface roughness. Single vehicle and multiple vehicles on reinforced concrete T beam bridge were studied with variable surface roughness profiles. The effects of six different surface roughness profiles (very good, good, measured, average, poor, and very poor) were investigated for vehicle-bridge interaction. The values of the Dynamic Amplification Factor (DAF) were obtained for single and multiple vehicles on T Beam Bridge for different surface roughness profiles, along with the distances between the axles of heavy vehicle. It was observed that when the bridge has very good, good, measured, and average surface roughness, the DAF values for the single vehicle over the bridge were observed to be within acceptable limits specified by AASHTO. However, for the bridge with multiple vehicles only very good and measured surface roughness profiles showed a DAF and vehicle axle distances within the acceptable limits. From the current studies, it was observed that the spatial system showed reliable responses for predicting the behavior of the bridge under variable road surface roughness conditions and was reliable in vehicle axle detection, and therefore, it has a potential to be use for realistic simulations.
Short Time and Low Temperature Reaction between Metal Oxides through Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Novais S. M. V. , Silva P. C. R. , Macedo Z. S. , Barbosa L. B.
Published: November 2016

This work demonstrates the possibility of synthesis of cadmium tungstate at low temperatures using oxide precursors. Cadmium tungstate (CdWO4) scintillator was produced via microwave-assisted hydrothermal reaction using the precursors CdO and WO3. The methodology was based on microwave radiation for heating, which is remarkably faster than the solid-state route or conventional hydrothermal procedure. CdWO4 monoclinic (wolframite) structure was successfully obtained at 120°C for synthesis times as short as 20 min. This route does not require the use of templates or surfactants and yields self-assembled nanorods with size of around 24 ± 9 nm width and 260 ± 47 nm length. The growth mechanism for the formation of CdWO4 involves microwave-induced dissociation of the reagents and solvation of Cd2+ and WO42- ions, which are free to move and start the nucleation process. The luminescence properties of the produced nanoparticles were investigated, presenting a broad emission band at around 500 nm, which is comparable to that observed for samples produced using other chemical routes. This result highlights the great potential of the proposed method as a low-cost and time saving process to fabricate luminescent oxide nanoparticles.
Model Test Research on the End Bearing Behavior of the Large-Diameter Cast-in-Place Concrete Pile for Jointed Rock Mass
Authors: Cai Jingwei , Tang Aiping , Yin Xinsheng , Tao Xiaxin , Tao Shibo
Published: November 2016

For large-diameter, cast-in-place concrete piles, the end bearing capacity of a single pile is affected by discontinuous surfaces that exist in natural rock masses when the bearing layer of the pile end is located in the rock layer. In order to study the influence of the jointed dip angle on the bearing characteristics of the pile end, the discrete element models are adopted to simulate the mechanical characteristics of the jointed rock masses, and the model tests of the failure mode of the jointed rock masses were also designed. The results of the numerical calculations and modeling tests show that the joints, which have a filtering effect on the internal stress of the bedrock located at the pile end, change the load transferring paths. And the failure mode of the jointed rock foundation also changes as jointed dip angle changes. The rock located at the pile end generally presents a wedge failure mode. In addition, the Q-S curves obtained by model tests show that the ultimate end bearing capacity of a single pile is influenced by the jointed dip angle. The above results provide an important theoretical basis for how to correctly calculate end resistance for a cast-in-place concrete pile.
Effectiveness and Safety of Electroacupuncture on Poststroke Urinary Incontinence: Study Protocol of a Pilot Multicentered, Randomized, Parallel, Sham‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Shin Seungwon , Lee Jiwon , Yu Ami , Yoo Junghee , Lee Euiju
Published: November 2016

This pilot multicentered, randomized, parallel, sham‐controlled trial is intended to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture therapy for poststroke patients with urinary incontinence. Forty stroke survivors aged >19 years will be recruited in 2 hospitals in the Republic of Korea. Patients who experienced stroke within 2 years and satisfy criteria of urinary frequencies ≥2 with either 3 to 4 points on the Patient Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale or 13 points or more on the Korean version of the International Prostate Symptom Scale (K‐IPSS) will be identified, along with other eligibility criteria. Patients will be randomly allocated to either a treatment or control group to receive 10 sessions of electroacupuncture or sham therapies, respectively. Patients and outcome assessors will be blinded. The primary outcome is the change of Total Urgency and Frequency Score between the baseline and the trial endpoint. The K‐IPSS, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Short Form, and the Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Outcome Score will be evaluated for effectiveness assessment. Adverse events will be reported after every session. The Blinding Index will also be calculated. Data will be statistically analyzed with 0.05 significance levels by 2‐sided testing.
Existence and Stability of Standing Waves for Nonlinear Fractional Schrödinger Equations with Hartree Type and Power Type Nonlinearities
Authors: Zhang Na , Xin Jie
Published: November 2016

We consider the standing wave solutions for nonlinear fractional Schrödinger equations with focusing Hartree type and power type nonlinearities. We first establish the constrained minimization problem via applying variational method. Under certain conditions, we then show the existence of standing waves. Finally, we prove that the set of minimizers for the initial value problem of this minimization problem is stable.
Influence of Extreme Storage Conditions on Extra Virgin Olive Oil Parameters: Traceability Study
Authors: Escudero Alfredo , Ramos Natividad , La Rubia M. Dolores , Pacheco Rafael
Published: November 2016

This study reflects the effect of extreme storage conditions on several extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) varieties (arbequina, hojiblanca, and picual). The conditions were simulated in the laboratory, by means of heating treatments in stove at different temperatures (40 and 60°C) and times (two and three weeks). The aim is the evaluation of the deterioration of the quality parameters and minority components, which are responsible for the nutritional and therapeutic properties (fatty acids, polyphenols, pigments, and tocopherols), and organoleptic qualities. The quality criteria and limits used in this work are according to International Olive Council. The results contribute to the control of the traSceability for the commercialization of the EVOO.
Fractal Dimension Analysis of the Julia Sets of Controlled Brusselator Model
Authors: Deng Yuqian , Liu Xiuxiong , Zhang Yongping
Published: November 2016

Fractal theory is a branch of nonlinear scientific research, and its research object is the irregular geometric form in nature. On account of the complexity of the fractal set, the traditional Euclidean dimension is no longer applicable and the measurement method of fractal dimension is required. In the numerous fractal dimension definitions, box-counting dimension is taken to characterize the complexity of Julia set since the calculation of box-counting dimension is relatively achievable. In this paper, the Julia set of Brusselator model which is a class of reaction diffusion equations from the viewpoint of fractal dynamics is discussed, and the control of the Julia set is researched by feedback control method, optimal control method, and gradient control method, respectively. Meanwhile, we calculate the box-counting dimension of the Julia set of controlled Brusselator model in each control method, which is used to describe the complexity of the controlled Julia set and the system. Ultimately we demonstrate the effectiveness of each control method.
Effect of Melatonin and Calmodulin in an Idiopathic Scoliosis Model
Authors: Wu Jun-Zhe , Wu Wen-Hua , He Li-Jiang , Ke Qing-Feng , Huang Long , Dai Zhang-Sheng , Chen Yu
Published: November 2016

Background. To explore influence of continuous illumination, luzindole, and Tamoxifen on incidence of scoliosis model of rats.Methods. Thirty-two one-month-old female rats were rendered into bipedal rats. The bipedal rats were divided into 4 groups: group A by intraperitoneal injection of luzindole and continuous illumination; group B by intraperitoneal injection of luzindole only; group C by intraperitoneal injection of luzindole and oral administration of Tamoxifen; and group D by intraperitoneal injection of equivalent saline. Radiographs were taken at 8th week and 16th week, and incidence and the Cobb angles of scoliosis were calculated. At 16th week, all rats were sacrificed. Before the sacrifice, the levels of calmodulin were measured in each group.Results. At 8th week, scoliosis occurred in groups A and B, with an incidence of 75% and 12.5%, respectively, while rats in group C or D had no scoliosis. At 16th week, scoliosis incidences in groups A and B were 57% and 62.5%, respectively. No scoliosis occurred in group C or D. Calmodulin in platelets in group B was significantly different, compared with groups A and D. There was no significant difference in calmodulin in platelets in groups B and C.Conclusion. By intraperitoneal injection of luzindole in bipedal rats, scoliosis rat models could be successfully made. Under light, incidence of scoliosis may be increased at an early period but it is reversible. Tamoxifen can suppress natural process of scoliosis.
From the Kalman Filter to the Particle Filter: A Geometrical Perspective of the Curse of Dimensionality
Authors: Pannekoucke Olivier , Cébron Pierrick , Oger Niels , Arbogast Philippe
Published: November 2016

The aim of this contribution is to provide a description of the difference between Kalman filter and particle filter when the state space is of high dimension. In the Gaussian framework, KF and PF give the same theoretical result. However, in high dimension and using finite sampling for the Gaussian distribution, the PF is not able to reproduce the solution produced by the KF. This discrepancy is highlighted from the convergence property of the Gaussian law toward a hypersphere: in high dimension, any finite sample of a Gaussian law lies within a hypersphere centered in the mean of the Gaussian law and of radius square-root of the trace of the covariance matrix. This concentration of probability suggests the use of norm as a criterium that discriminates whether a forecast sample can be compatible or not with a given analysis state. The contribution illustrates important characteristics that have to be considered for the high dimension but does not introduce a new approach to face the curse of dimensionality.
Crystal Structure of the Emerging Cancer Target MTHFD2 in Complex with a Substrate-Based Inhibitor
Authors: Gustafsson Robert , Jemth Ann-Sofie , Gustafsson Nina M.S. , Färnegårdh Katarina , Loseva Olga , Wiita Elisée , Bonagas Nadilly , Dahllund Leif , Llona-Minguez Sabin , Häggblad Maria , Henriksson Martin , Andersson Yasmin , Homan Evert , Helleday Thomas , Stenmark Pål
Published: November 2016

To sustain their proliferation, cancer cells become dependent on one-carbon metabolism to support purine and thymidylate synthesis. Indeed, one of the most highly upregulated enzymes during neoplastic transformation is MTHFD2, a mitochondrial methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase and cyclohydrolase involved in one-carbon metabolism. Because MTHFD2 is expressed normally only during embryonic development, it offers a disease-selective therapeutic target for eradicating cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. Here we report the synthesis and preclinical characterization of the first inhibitor of human MTHFD2. We also disclose the first crystal structure of MTHFD2 in complex with a substrate-based inhibitor and the enzyme cofactors NAD+ and inorganic phosphate. Our work provides a rationale for continued development of a structural framework for the generation of potent and selective MTHFD2 inhibitors for cancer treatment. Cancer Res; 77(4); 937–48. ©2017 AACR.
Perinatal Asphyxia and Erythropoietin and VEGF: Serial Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid Responses
Authors: Sweetman Deirdre U. , Onwuneme Chike , Watson William R. , Murphy John F.A. , Molloy Eleanor J.
Published: November 2016

Background: Infants with neonatal encephalopathy (NE) of hypoxic-ischaemic origin are at risk of oxidative and ischaemia-reperfusion injury, which may induce abnormal inflammatory responses involving excessive cytokine production and release in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Systemic inflammation is found in infants with NE, and we therefore were interested in cytokines associated with hypoxia, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and erythropoietin (Epo). Objective: To investigate the relationship between Epo, VEGF levels, brain injury and outcome in a group of term infants exposed to perinatal asphyxia (PA) compared to controls. Methods: Serum and CSF biomarkers associated with hypoxia (VEGF, Epo) were serially measured using multiplex immunoassays over days 1-4 in term infants exposed to PA including infants with NE and controls. Results were compared to severity of encephalopathy, MR brain imaging and mortality. Results: Ninety-four infants had 247 serum samples collected (n = 12 controls, 82 exposed to PA with 34 CSF samples), and 4 infants died. Controls had significantly lower serum Epo levels on days 1 and 2 compared to those exposed to PA (p = 0.02). Grade II/III NE was significantly associated with elevated day 2 Epo and decreased day 1 VEGF (p < 0.05; day 2 Epo AUC = 0.74, cut-off 10.05 IU/ml). Elevated serum Epo was associated with severely abnormal MRI. Mortality was associated with elevated day 3 Epo and decreased day 1 VEGF. CSF levels were all after hypothermia and were not significantly associated with outcome. Conclusion: Serum Epo and VEGF may be markers of severity of hypoxia-ischaemia and brain injury as they are closely related to hypoxic exposure.