bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Femoral diaphyseal stress fracture as the initial presentation of acute leukaemia in an adolescent
Authors: Chase Helen Emily , Pang Joe Hwong , Sanghrajka Anish Pradip
Published: June 2016

A 14-year-old boy was referred to the orthopaedic clinic by his general practitioner, reporting of a 6-week history of left thigh pain. Clinical examination was unremarkable. Radiographs demonstrated a periosteal reaction at the proximal femur. MRI scans demonstrated a stress fracture of the femur, with no associated sinister features and no evidence of a pathological lesion. As the fracture healed and symptoms improved, the patient became unwell with weight loss, lethargy, chest and jaw pain and fevers. After multiple blood tests over a 25-day period, including five full blood counts and two normal blood films, a third blood film finally demonstrated blasts in keeping with acute leukaemia. We discuss a literature review of musculoskeletal manifestations of leukaemia and the often atypical presentations found.
Acute ST elevation myocardial infarction in fulminant systemic p-ANCA vasculitis: a rare catastrophic complication
Authors: Mathur Kanupriya , Saini Aditya , Bah Tonjeh , Katikaneni Pavan
Published: June 2016

A 45-year-old Caucasian man presented to the hospital with a 3-month history of fatigue, bilateral upper and lower limb paresthesias and gradually worsening ascending paralysis. A few weeks later, he developed acute renal failure requiring haemodialysis. Investigations revealed presence of myeloperoxidase (MPO) perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). Renal biopsy was conclusive for rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis with crescents. Treatment for ANCA positive vasculitis was initiated with pulsed steroids, cyclophosphamide and plasmapheresis. The hospital course took an unexpected turn when the patient developed acute chest pain with an EKG consistent with inferior ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Urgent left heart catheterisation revealed distal occlusions in multivessel coronary distribution. Coronary involvement is rare in ANCA vasculitis and STEMI has not been reported in MPO-ANCA positive vasculitis, to the best of our knowledge.
Comparison of contemporary preoperative risk models at predicting acute kidney injury after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Shao-Wei , Chang Chih-Hsiang , Fan Pei-Chun , Chen Yung-Chang , Chu Pao-Hsien , Chen Tien-Hsing , Wu Victor Chien-Chia , Chang Su-Wei , Lin Pyng-Jing , Tsai Feng-Chun
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Acute kidney injury (AKI) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with short-term and long-term adverse outcomes. The European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE), EuroSCORE II, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score and Age, Creatinine and Ejection Fraction (ACEF) score, have been widely used for predicting the operative risk of cardiac surgery. The aim of this study is to investigate the discriminant ability among current available models in predicting postoperative AKI.

Methods

From January 2010 to December 2012, 353 patients who underwent isolated CABG were enrolled. The clinical characteristics, outcomes and scores of prognostic models were collected. The primary outcome was postoperative AKI, defined based on the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) Clinical Practice Guideline for AKI, in 2012.

Results

102 patients (28.9%) developed postoperative AKI. For AKI prediction, EuroSCORE II, STS score and ACEF score were all good tools for stage-3 AKI. The ACEF score was shown to have satisfied discriminant ability to predict postoperative AKI with area under a receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.781±0.027, (95% CI 0.729 to 0.834, p value <0.001). Multivariate logistic analysis identified that lower ejection fraction and higher serum creatinine were independent risk factors for AKI.

Conclusions

The simple and extremely user-friendly ACEF score can accurately identify the risk of postoperative AKI and has shown satisfactory discriminant ability when compared with other systems. The ACEF score might be the easiest tool for predicting postoperative AKI.
What evidence is there for a delay in diagnostic coding of RA in UK general practice records? An observational study of free text
Authors: Ford Elizabeth , Carroll John , Smith Helen , Davies Kevin , Koeling Rob , Petersen Irene , Rait Greta , Cassell Jackie
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Much research with electronic health records (EHRs) uses coded or structured data only; important information captured in the free text remains unused. One dimension of EHR data quality assessment is ‘currency’ or timeliness, that is, data are representative of the patient state at the time of measurement. We explored the use of free text in UK general practice patient records to evaluate delays in recording of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis. We also aimed to locate and quantify disease and diagnostic information recorded only in text.

Setting

UK general practice patient records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink.

Participants

294 individuals with incident diagnosis of RA between 2005 and 2008; 204 women and 85 men, median age 63 years.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Assessment of (1) quantity and timing of text entries for disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) as a proxy for the RA disease code, and (2) quantity, location and timing of free text information relating to RA onset and diagnosis.

Results

Inflammatory markers, pain and DMARDs were the most common categories of disease information in text prior to RA diagnostic code; 10–37% of patients had such information only in text. Read codes associated with RA-related text included correspondence, general consultation and arthritis codes. 64 patients (22%) had DMARD text entries >14 days prior to RA code; these patients had more and earlier referrals to rheumatology, tests, swelling, pain and DMARD prescriptions, suggestive of an earlier implicit diagnosis than was recorded by the diagnostic code.

Conclusions

RA-related symptoms, tests, referrals and prescriptions were recorded in free text with 22% of patients showing strong evidence of delay in coding of diagnosis. Researchers using EHRs may need to mitigate for delayed codes by incorporating text into their case-ascertainment strategies. Natural language processing techniques have the capability to do this at scale.
A school-based intervention incorporating smartphone technology to improve health-related fitness among adolescents: rationale and study protocol for the NEAT and ATLAS 2.0 cluster randomised controlled trial and dissemination study
Authors: Lubans David R , Smith Jordan J , Peralta Louisa R , Plotnikoff Ronald C , Okely Anthony D , Salmon Jo , Eather Narelle , Dewar Deborah L , Kennedy Sarah , Lonsdale Chris , Hilland Toni A , Estabrooks Paul , Finn Tara L , Pollock Emma , Morgan Philip J
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Physical inactivity has been described as a global pandemic. Interventions aimed at developing skills in lifelong physical activities may provide the foundation for an active lifestyle into adulthood. In general, school-based physical activity interventions targeting adolescents have produced modest results and few have been designed to be ‘scaled-up’ and disseminated. This study aims to: (1) assess the effectiveness of two physical activity promotion programmes (ie, NEAT and ATLAS) that have been modified for scalability; and (2) evaluate the dissemination of these programmes throughout government funded secondary schools.

Methods and analysis

The study will be conducted in two phases. In the first phase (cluster randomised controlled trial), 16 schools will be randomly allocated to the intervention or a usual care control condition. In the second phase, the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (Re-AIM) framework will be used to guide the design and evaluation of programme dissemination throughout New South Wales (NSW), Australia. In both phases, teachers will be trained to deliver the NEAT and ATLAS programmes, which will include: (1) interactive student seminars; (2) structured physical activity programmes; (3) lunch-time fitness sessions; and (4) web-based smartphone apps. In the cluster RCT, study outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6 months (primary end point) and 12-months. Muscular fitness will be the primary outcome and secondary outcomes will include: objectively measured body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, resistance training skill competency, physical activity, self-reported recreational screen-time, sleep, sugar-sweetened beverage and junk food snack consumption, self-esteem and well-being.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received approval from the University of Newcastle (H-2014-0312) and the NSW Department of Education (SERAP: 2012121) human research ethics committees. This study is funded by the Australian Research Council (FT140100399) and the NSW Department of Education.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12615000360516; Pre-results.
Utility of models to predict 28-day or 30-day unplanned hospital readmissions: an updated systematic review
Authors: Zhou Huaqiong , Della Phillip R , Roberts Pamela , Goh Louise , Dhaliwal Satvinder S
Published: June 2016

Objective

To update previous systematic review of predictive models for 28-day or 30-day unplanned hospital readmissions.

Design

Systematic review.

Setting/data source

CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE from 2011 to 2015.

Participants

All studies of 28-day and 30-day readmission predictive model.

Outcome measures

Characteristics of the included studies, performance of the identified predictive models and key predictive variables included in the models.

Results

Of 7310 records, a total of 60 studies with 73 unique predictive models met the inclusion criteria. The utilisation outcome of the models included all-cause readmissions, cardiovascular disease including pneumonia, medical conditions, surgical conditions and mental health condition-related readmissions. Overall, a wide-range C-statistic was reported in 56/60 studies (0.21–0.88). 11 of 13 predictive models for medical condition-related readmissions were found to have consistent moderate discrimination ability (C-statistic ≥0.7). Only two models were designed for the potentially preventable/avoidable readmissions and had C-statistic >0.8. The variables ‘comorbidities’, ‘length of stay’ and ‘previous admissions’ were frequently cited across 73 models. The variables ‘laboratory tests’ and ‘medication’ had more weight in the models for cardiovascular disease and medical condition-related readmissions.

Conclusions

The predictive models which focused on general medical condition-related unplanned hospital readmissions reported moderate discriminative ability. Two models for potentially preventable/avoidable readmissions showed high discriminative ability. This updated systematic review, however, found inconsistent performance across the included unique 73 risk predictive models. It is critical to define clearly the utilisation outcomes and the type of accessible data source before the selection of the predictive model. Rigorous validation of the predictive models with moderate-to-high discriminative ability is essential, especially for the two models for the potentially preventable/avoidable readmissions. Given the limited available evidence, the development of a predictive model specifically for paediatric 28-day all-cause, unplanned hospital readmissions is a high priority.
Association between markers of glucose metabolism and risk of colorectal cancer
Authors: Xu Jinming , Ye Yao , Wu Han , Duerksen-Hughes Penelope , Zhang Honghe , Li Peiwei , Huang Jian , Yang Jun , Wu Yihua , Xia Dajing
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Independent epidemiological studies have evaluated the association between markers of glucose metabolism (including fasting glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model of risk assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and C peptide) and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, such associations have not been systematically analysed and no clear conclusions have been drawn. Therefore, we addressed this issue using a meta-analysis approach.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

PubMed and EMBASE were searched up to May 2015.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Either a fixed-effects or random-effects model was adopted to estimate overall ORs for the association between markers of glucose metabolism and the risk of CRC. In addition, dose–response, meta-regression, subgroup and publication bias analyses were conducted.

Results

35 studies involving 25 566 patients and 5 706 361 participants were included. Higher levels of fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c and C peptide were all significantly associated with increased risk of CRC (fasting glucose, pooled OR=1.12, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.18; fasting insulin, pooled OR=1.42, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.69; HOMA-IR, pooled OR=1.47, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.74; HbA1c, pooled OR=1.22, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.47 (with borderline significance); C peptide, pooled OR=1.27, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.49). Subgroup analysis suggested that a higher HOMA-IR value was significantly associated with CRC risk in all subgroups, including gender, study design and geographic region. For the relative long-term markers, the association was significant for HbA1c in case–control studies, while C peptide was significantly associated with CRC risk in both the male group and colon cancer.

Conclusions

The real-time composite index HOMA-IR is a better indicator for CRC risk than are fasting glucose and fasting insulin. The relative long-term markers, HbA1c and C peptide, are also valid predictors for CRC risk. Considering the included case–control studies in the current analysis, more cohort studies are warranted to enhance future analysis.
Study protocol for the randomised controlled trial: combined multimarker screening and randomised patient treatment with ASpirin for evidence-based PREeclampsia prevention (ASPRE)
Authors: O'Gorman Neil , Wright David , Rolnik Daniel L , Nicolaides Kypros H , Poon Liona C
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Pre-eclampsia (PE) affects 2–3% of all pregnancies and is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Prophylactic use of low-dose aspirin in women at risk for PE may substantially reduce the prevalence of the disease. Effective screening for PE requiring delivery before 37 weeks (preterm PE) can be provided by a combination of maternal factors, uterine artery Doppler, mean arterial pressure, maternal serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A and placental growth factor at 11–13 weeks' gestation, with a detection rate of 75% at a false-positive rate of 10%. We present a protocol (V.6, date 25 January 2016) for the ASpirin for evidence-based PREeclampsia prevention (ASPRE) trial, which is a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomised controlled trial (RCT) that uses an effective PE screening programme to determine whether low-dose aspirin given to women from 11 to 13 weeks' gestation will reduce the incidence of preterm PE.

Methods and analysis

All eligible women attending for their first trimester scan will be invited to participate in the screening study for preterm PE. Those found to be at high risk of developing preterm PE will be invited to participate in the RCT. Further scans will be conducted for assessment of fetal growth and biomarkers. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes will be collected and analysed. The first enrolment for the pilot study was in April 2014. As of April 2016, 26 670 women have been screened and 1760 recruited to the RCT. The study is registered on the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) registry.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN13633058.
Epidemiology of cancers in Lahore, Pakistan, 2010–2012: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Badar Farhana , Mahmood Shahid , Yusuf Muhammed Aasim , Sultan Faisal
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To estimate the population-level cancer estimates for the Lahore district, which is part of the Punjab Cancer Registry (PCR), Pakistan. The average population per year of Lahore was estimated at 9.8 million in 2010–2012.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

The Registry has 19 collaborating centres in Lahore that report their data to the Central Office located within a tertiary care cancer treatment facility in Lahore, Pakistan.

Participants

Patients belonging to Lahore, of any age-group, and diagnosed with cancer in 2010–2012, were included in the study. They were followed up between July and October 2015 to determine their vital status.

Outcome measures

Summaries were generated for gender, the basis of diagnosis, diagnoses and deaths. The Age-Standardized Incidence Rates (ASIR) were computed per 100 000 population, by gender and cancer site. Five-year age categories were created from 0–4 until 70–74, followed by 75+ years. Death counts were reported by site.

Results

Between 2010 and 2012, in Lahore, a total of 15 840 new cancers were diagnosed in 43% male patients and 57% female patients; 93.5% were microscopically confirmed and 6.5% non-microscopically. In females, the ASIR was 105.1 and in males, it was 66.7. ASIRs of leading cancers among women were breast 47.6, ovary 4.9 and corpus uteri 3.6, whereas among men they were prostate 6.4, bladder 5.0, and trachea, bronchus and lung 4.6. A total of 5134 deaths were recorded.

Conclusions

In Lahore, the ASIR was higher in women than in men. Among women and men, breast cancer and prostate cancer, respectively, were the leading cancer types. These estimates can be used for health promotion and policymaking in the region.
PReventing early unplanned hOspital readmission aFter critical ILlnEss (PROFILE): protocol and analysis framework for a mixed methods study
Authors: Walsh Timothy S , Salisbury Lisa , Donaghy Eddie , Ramsay Pamela , Lee Robert , Rattray Janice , Lone Nazir
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Survivors of critical illness experience multidimensional disabilities that reduce quality of life, and 25–30% require unplanned hospital readmission within 3 months following index hospitalisation. We aim to understand factors associated with unplanned readmission; develop a risk model to identify intensive care unit (ICU) survivors at highest readmission risk; understand the modifiable and non-modifiable readmission drivers; and develop a risk assessment tool for identifying patients and areas for early intervention.

Methods and analysis

We will use mixed methods with concurrent data collection. Quantitative data will comprise linked healthcare records for adult Scottish residents requiring ICU admission (1 January 2000–31 December 2013) who survived to hospital discharge. The outcome will be unplanned emergency readmission within 90 days of index hospital discharge. Exposures will include pre-ICU demographic data, comorbidities and health status, and critical illness variables representing illness severity. Regression analyses will be used to identify factors associated with increased readmission risk, and to develop and validate a risk prediction model. Qualitative data will comprise recorded/transcribed interviews with up to 60 patients and carers recently experiencing unplanned readmissions in three health board regions. A deductive and inductive thematic analysis will be used to identify factors contributing to readmissions and how they may interact. Through iterative triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data, we will develop a construct/taxonomy that captures reasons and drivers for unplanned readmission. We will validate and further refine this in focus groups with patients/carers who experienced readmissions in six Scottish health board regions, and in consultation with an independent expert group. A tool will be developed to screen for ICU survivors at risk of readmission and inform anticipatory interventions.

Ethics and dissemination

Data linkage has approval but does not require ethical approval. The qualitative study has ethical approval. Dissemination with key healthcare stakeholders and policymakers is planned.

Trial registration number

UKCRN18023.
Smothering in UK free‐range flocks. Part 2: investigating correlations between disease, housing and management practices
Authors: Rayner A. C. , Gill R. , Brass D. , Willings T. H. , Bright A.
Published: June 2016

Smothering, when birds group together in a way that results in death from suffocation, is a welfare and economic concern for the egg industry. This questionnaire‐based study explored correlations between disease, housing, management practices and smothering on free‐range farms. A binomial logistic regression approach was used to test whether question responses predicted occurrence of nest box smothers (NBS) and panic and recurring smothers (PSRS) on farms. Breed (P=0.008) and nest box manufacturer (P=0.014) predicted NBS. Breed and nest box design have been previously reported to affect nesting behaviour. The affect of nest box manufacturer found in this study may illustrate the effect of nest box design features or house layouts. Nest box manufacturer (P=0.009), feeding oyster grit or grain on the litter (P<0.001) and range use on a sunny day (P<0.001) also predicted PSRS. Implementing some management practices to encourage desirable behaviours (eg ranging) may contribute to smothering, whereas some management practices such as those aimed at occupying birds may be beneficial, illustrating the delicate balance of factors involved in free‐range egg production. It is hoped that these results will stimulate further work exploring the suitability of housing design and management of laying hens in light of smothering.
Comparing electrofishing and snorkelling for characterizing fish assemblages over time and space
Authors: Plichard Laura , Capra Hervé , Mons Raphaël , Pella Hervé , Lamouroux Nicolas
Published: June 2016

Environmental processes and dispersal movements occurring over long distances (10 to 100 km) continually influence local stream fish assemblages. However, electrofishing protocols are classically implemented in short reaches (∼1 km) and are not suited for frequent characterization of assemblages over long distances. We developed a new sampling protocol (SPA: snorkelling point abundance) for characterizing fish assemblages over long distances, using series of sampling points, as often applied in electrofishing (PASE: point abundance samples by electrofishing). Nine pairs of PASE and SPA surveys, repeated in a narrow and in a wide stream, were compared. Greater species abundance, occurrence, and richness were found on PASE, but relative species abundance were comparable between protocols. Assemblages were highly variable over time (between-surveys) on both protocols. The spatial structure of point assemblages (within-survey) was consistent between protocols and related to species’ habitat use (depth, current velocity). For several species, the longitudinal distribution of abundance along reaches was comparable between protocols when surveys were pooled. Overall, SPA could be an alternative to electrofishing for analysing spatial structure over long distances.
Thermoelastic response of a one-dimensional semi-infinite rod heated by a moving laser pulse
Authors: Sun Yuxin , Ma Jingxuan , Wang Xin , Soh Ai Kah , Yang Jialing
Published: June 2016

In the present study, thermoelastic behavior of a semi-infinite rod, which is subjected to a time exponentially decaying laser pulse, is formulated. The rod is free at the left end and the laser pulse moves along the axial direction from the left end. The non-Fourier effect of the heat conduction equation is considered and the Laplace transformation method is employed in solving the governing equations. The temperature, displacement, strain, and stress in the rod are derived and the distributions of the parameters at different positions are analyzed. Also the influence of the laser speed is investigated.
Thermo-elastic and optical properties of molybdenum nitride
Authors: Jaf Zainab N. , Jiang Zhong-Tao , Miran Hussein A. , Altarawneh Mohammednoor
Published: June 2016

This contribution aims to investigate volume-dependent thermal and mechanical properties of the two most studied phases of molybdenum nitride (c-MoN and h-MoN) by means of the quasi-harmonic approximation approach (QHA) via first-principles calculations up to their melting point and a pressure of 12 GPa. Lattice constants, band gaps, and bulk modulus at 0 K match corresponding experimental measurements well. Calculated Bader’s charges indicate that Mo–N bonds exhibit a more ionic nature in the cubic MoN phase. Based on estimated Gibbs free energies, the cubic phase presents thermodynamic stability higher than that detected for hexagonl, with no phase transition observed in the selected T–P conditions as detected experimentally. The elastic stiffness coefficients of MoN in hexagonal structure revealed that it is stable elastically; in contrast to the cubic structure. The temperature dependence on the bulk modulus is more profound on the dense cubic phase than on the hexagonal phase. Overall, the two considered structures of molybdenum nitride display very minimal harmonic effects, evidenced by the slight variation of thermal and mechanical properties with the increase of pressure and temperature. The optical conductivity of both phases near a zero photon energy coincides well with their metallic character inferred by their corresponding DOS curves. It is expected that the thermo-elastic properties of saturated molybdenum nitrides reported in this study will aid in the continuous pursuit to enhance their catalytic and mechanical utilizations.
New approach to hard corrections in precision QCD for LHC and FCC physics
Authors: Ward B. F. L.
Published: June 2016

We present a new approach to the realization of hard fixed-order corrections in predictions for the processes probed in high energy colliding hadron beam devices, with some emphasis on the large hadron collider (LHC) and the future circular collider (FCC) devices. We show that the usual unphysical divergence of such corrections as one approaches the soft limit is removed in our approach, so that we would render the standard results to be closer to the observed exclusive distributions. We use the single [Formula: see text] production and decay to lepton pairs as our prototypical example, but we stress that the approach has general applicability. In this way, we open another part of the way to rigorous baselines for the determination of the theoretical precision tags for LHC physics, with an obvious generalization to the FCC as well.
About Chaotic Dynamics in the Twisted Horseshoe Map
Authors: Sovrano Elisa
Published: June 2016

The twisted horseshoe map was developed in order to study a class of density dependent Leslie population models with two age classes. From the beginning, scientists have tried to prove that this map presents chaotic dynamics. Some demonstrations that have appeared in mathematical literature present some difficulties or delicate issues. In this paper, we give a simple and rigorous proof based on a different approach. We also highlight the possibility of getting chaotic dynamics for a broader class of maps.
Bifurcation Analysis for Neural Networks in Neutral Form
Authors: Chen Hong-Bing , Sun Xiao-Ke
Published: June 2016

In this paper, a system of neural networks in neutral form with time delay is investigated. Further, by introducing delay [Formula: see text] as a bifurcation parameter, it is found that Hopf bifurcation occurs when [Formula: see text] is across some critical values. The direction of the Hopf bifurcations and the stability are determined by using normal form method and center manifold theory. Next, the global existence of periodic solution is established by using a global Hopf bifurcation result. Finally, an example is given to support the theoretical predictions.
A short review on Noether’s theorems, gauge symmetries and boundary terms
Authors: Bañados Max , Reyes Ignacio
Published: June 2016

This review is dedicated to some modern applications of the remarkable paper written in 1918 by E. Noether. On a single paper, Noether discovered the crucial relation between symmetries and conserved charges as well as the impact of gauge symmetries on the equations of motion. Almost a century has gone since the publication of this work and its applications have permeated modern physics. Our focus will be on some examples that have appeared recently in the literature. This review aims at students, not researchers. The main three topics discussed are (i) global symmetries and conserved charges (ii) local symmetries and gauge structure of a theory (iii) boundary conditions and algebra of asymptotic symmetries. All three topics are discussed through examples.
Paris Climate Change Conference: A Fresh Start of International Climate Governance in the New Era
Authors: ZHENG Guoguang , CHAO Qingchen , ZHANG Yongxiang
Published: June 2016

After tough negotiations, the Paris Agreement finally reached at the Climate Change Conference in Paris. When taking the background into consideration, though the process is tortuous and arduous, the desirability of the Agreement needs no affirmation. Global warming is unequivocal, posing a serious risk to global economic, social sustainable development and natural as well as ecological environment. Scientific evidence shows that human activity is the main cause of current global warming. Tackling climate change should be the path leading the whole society to shift towards low-carbon, green, and circular development, in order to achieve the sustainable development of the international community. World leaders gathered in Paris to discuss actions against climate change and helped establish an international climate governance system after 2020. As governments and the international community are gradually reaching a consensus on the issue of addressing climate change, positive political will and the awareness of win–win cooperation are growing strong. The adoption of the Paris Agreement indicates a new phase of international climate governance, encouraging the parties to participate with more inclusive and practical ways.
The Locality of Distributed Symmetry Breaking
Authors: Barenboim Leonid , Elkin Michael , Pettie Seth , Schneider Johannes
Published: June 2016

Symmetry-breaking problems are among the most well studied in the field of distributed computing and yet the most fundamental questions about their complexity remain open. In this article we work in the LOCAL model (where the input graph and underlying distributed network are identical) and study the
randomized
complexity of four fundamental symmetry-breaking problems on graphs: computing MISs (maximal independent sets), maximal matchings, vertex colorings, and ruling sets. A small sample of our results includes the following:

—An MIS algorithm running in
O
(log
2
Δ + 2

o
(√log log
n
)

) time, where Δ is the maximum degree. This is the first MIS algorithm to improve on the 1986 algorithms of Luby and Alon, Babai, and Itai, when log
n
≪ Δ ≪ 2√log
n
, and comes close to the Ω(log Δ / log log Δ lower bound of Kuhn, Moscibroda, and Wattenhofer.

—A maximal matching algorithm running in
O
(log Δ + log 
4
log 
n
) time. This is the first significant improvement to the 1986 algorithm of Israeli and Itai. Moreover, its dependence on Δ is
nearly optimal
.

—A (Δ + 1)-coloring algorithm requiring
O
(log Δ + 2

o
(√log log
n
)

time, improving on an
O
(log Δ + √log
n
)-time algorithm of Schneider and Wattenhofer.

—A method for reducing symmetry-breaking problems in low arboricity/degeneracy graphs to low-degree graphs. (Roughly speaking, the arboricity or degeneracy of a graph bounds the density of any subgraph.) Corollaries of this reduction include an
O
(√log
n
)-time maximal matching algorithm for graphs with arboricity up to 2√log
n
and an
O
(log 
2/3
n
)-time MIS algorithm for graphs with arboricity up to 2

(log
n
)1/3

.

Each of our algorithms is based on a simple but powerful technique for reducing a
randomized
symmetry-breaking task to a corresponding
deterministic
one on a poly(log 
n
)-size graph.
A high-fat diet impairs cooling-evoked brown adipose tissue activation via a vagal afferent mechanism
Authors: Madden Christopher J. , Morrison Shaun F.
Published: June 2016

In dramatic contrast to rats on a control diet, rats maintained on a high-fat diet (HFD) failed to activate brown adipose tissue (BAT) during cooling despite robust increases in their BAT activity following direct activation of their BAT sympathetic premotor neurons in the raphe pallidus. Cervical vagotomy or blockade of glutamate receptors in the nucleus of the tractus solitarii (NTS) reversed the HFD-induced inhibition of cold-evoked BAT activity. Thus, a HFD does not prevent rats from mounting a robust, centrally driven BAT thermogenesis; however, a HFD does alter a vagal afferent input to NTS neurons, thereby preventing the normal activation of BAT thermogenesis to cooling. These results, paralleling the absence of cooling-evoked glucose uptake in the BAT of obese humans, reveal a neural mechanism through which consumption of a HFD contributes to reduced energy expenditure and thus to weight gain.
Elevated expression of the Sertoli cell androgen receptor disrupts male fertility
Authors: Hazra Rasmani , Upton Dannielle , Desai Reena , Noori Omar , Jimenez Mark , Handelsman David J. , Allan Charles M.
Published: June 2016

Recently, we created a unique gain-of-function mouse model with Sertoli cell-specific transgenic androgen receptor expression (TgSCAR) showing that SCAR activity controls the synchronized postnatal development of somatic Sertoli and Leydig cells and meiotic-postmeiotic germ cells. Moderate TgSCAR (TgSCARm) expression reduced testis size but had no effect on male fertility. Here, we reveal that higher TgSCAR expression (TgSCARH) causes male infertility. Higher SCAR activity, shown by upregulated AR-dependent transcripts ( Rhox5, Spinw1), resulted in smaller adult TgSCARHtestes (50% of normal) despite normal or elevated circulating and intratesticular testosterone levels. Unlike fertile TgSCARmmales, testes of adult TgSCARHmales exhibited focal regions of interstitial hypertrophy featuring immature adult Leydig cells and higher intratesticular dihydrotestosterone and 5α-androstane 3α,17β-diol levels that are normally associated with pubertal development. Mature TgSCARHtestes also exhibited markedly reduced Sertoli cell numbers (70%), although meiotic and postmeiotic germ cell/Sertoli cell ratios were twofold higher than normal, suggesting that elevated TgSCAR activity supports excessive spermatogenic development. Concurrent with the higher germ cell load of TgSCARHSertoli cells were increased levels of apoptotic germ cells in TgSCARHrelative to TgSCARmtestes. In addition, TgSCARHtestes displayed unique morphological degeneration that featured accumulated cellular and spermatozoa clusters in dilated channels of rete testes, consistent with reduced epididymal sperm numbers. Our findings reveal for the first time that excessive Sertoli cell AR activity in mature testes can reach a level that disturbs Sertoli/germ cell homeostasis, impacts focal Leydig cell function, reduces sperm output, and disrupts male fertility.
Linagliptin treatment improves cerebrovascular function and remodeling and restores reduced cerebral perfusion in Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Hardigan Trevor , Yasir Abdul , Abdelsaid Mohammed , Coucha Maha , El-Shaffey Sally , Li Weiguo , Johnson Maribeth H. , Ergul Adviye
Published: June 2016

The antihyperglycemic agent linagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-IV) inhibitor, has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve endothelial cell function. In this study, we hypothesized that DPP-IV inhibition with linagliptin would improve impaired cerebral perfusion in diabetic rats, as well as improve insulin-induced cerebrovascular relaxation and reverse pathological cerebrovascular remodeling. We further postulated that these changes would lead to a subsequent improvement of cognitive function. Male Type-2 diabetic and nondiabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats were treated with linagliptin for 4 wk, and blood glucose and DPP-IV plasma levels were assessed. Cerebral perfusion was assessed after treatment using laser-Doppler imaging, and dose response to insulin (10−13 M–10−6 M) in middle cerebral arteries was tested on a pressurized arteriograph. The impact of DPP-IV inhibition on diabetic cerebrovascular remodeling was assessed over a physiologically relevant pressure range, and changes in short-term hippocampus-dependent learning were observed using a novel object recognition test. Linagliptin lowered DPP-IV activity but did not change blood glucose or insulin levels in diabetes. Insulin-mediated vascular relaxation and cerebral perfusion were improved in the diabetic rats with linagliptin treatment. Indices of diabetic vascular remodeling, such as increased cross-sectional area, media thickness, and wall-to-lumen ratio, were also ameliorated; however, improvements in short-term hippocampal-dependent learning were not observed. The present study provides evidence that linagliptin treatment improves cerebrovascular dysfunction and remodeling in a Type 2 model of diabetes independent of glycemic control. This has important implications in diabetic patients who are predisposed to the development of cerebrovascular complications, such as stroke and cognitive impairment.
Spreading depolarization in the brain of Drosophila is induced by inhibition of the Na+/K+-ATPase and mitigated by a decrease in activity of protein kinase G
Authors: Spong Kristin E. , Rodríguez Esteban C. , Robertson R. Meldrum
Published: June 2016

Spreading depolarization (SD) is characterized by a massive redistribution of ions accompanied by an arrest in electrical activity that slowly propagates through neural tissue. It has been implicated in numerous human pathologies, including migraine, stroke, and traumatic brain injury, and thus the elucidation of control mechanisms underlying the phenomenon could have many health benefits. Here, we demonstrate the occurrence of SD in the brain of Drosophila melanogaster, providing a model system, whereby cellular mechanisms can be dissected using molecular genetic approaches. Propagating waves of SD were reliably induced by disrupting the extracellular potassium concentration ([K+]o), either directly or by inhibition of the Na+/K+-ATPase with ouabain. The disturbance was monitored by recording the characteristic surges in [K+]o using K+-sensitive microelectrodes or by monitoring brain activity by measuring direct current potential. With the use of wild-type flies, we show that young adults are more resistant to SD compared with older adults, evidenced by shorter bouts of SD activity and attenuated [K+]o disturbances. Furthermore, we show that the susceptibility to SD differs between wild-type flies and w1118 mutants, demonstrating that our ouabain model is influenced by genetic strain. Lastly, flies with low levels of protein kinase G (PKG) had increased latencies to onset of both ouabain-induced SD and anoxic depolarization compared with flies with higher levels. Our findings implicate the PKG pathway as a modulator of SD in the fly brain, and given the conserved nature of the signaling pathway, it could likely play a similar role during SD in the mammalian central nervous system.
Treatment of Polymicrobial Osteomyelitis with Ceftolozane-Tazobactam: Case Report and Sensitivity Testing of Isolates
Authors: Jolliff Jeffrey C. , Ho Jackie , Joson Jeremiah , Heidari Arash , Johnson Royce
Published: June 2016

Stenotrophomonas maltophiliais an inherently multidrug resistant (MDR) opportunistic pathogen with many mechanisms of resistance. SENTRY studies reveal decreasing sensitivities ofS. maltophiliato trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and fluoroquinolones. Ceftolozane-tazobactam (Zerbaxa, Merck & Co., Inc.) a novel intravenous combination agent of a third-generation cephalosporin andβ-lactamase inhibitor was demonstrated to havein vitroactivity against many Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and MDR organisms. Data for ceftolozane-tazobactam’s use outside of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved indications has been limited thus far to two case reports which demonstrated its efficacy in pan-resistantPseudomonas aeruginosapneumonia. Herein, we describe the first published case of treatment of MDRS. maltophiliain polymicrobial osteomyelitis with long-term (>14 days) ceftolozane-tazobactam and metronidazole. Ceftolozane-tazobactam may offer a possible alternative for clinicians faced with limited options in the treatment of resistant pathogens including MDRS. maltophilia.
Identification of Bacterial Cell Wall Lyases via Pseudo Amino Acid Composition
Authors: Chen Xin-Xin , Tang Hua , Li Wen-Chao , Wu Hao , Chen Wei , Ding Hui , Lin Hao
Published: June 2016

Owing to the abuse of antibiotics, drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria becomes more and more serious. Therefore, it is interesting to develop a more reasonable way to solve this issue. Because they can destroy the bacterial cell structure and then kill the infectious bacterium, the bacterial cell wall lyases are suitable candidates of antibacteria sources. Thus, it is urgent to develop an accurate and efficient computational method to predict the lyases. Based on the consideration, in this paper, a set of objective and rigorous data was collected by searching through the Universal Protein Resource (the UniProt database), whereafter a feature selection technique based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to acquire optimal feature subset. Finally, the support vector machine (SVM) was used to perform prediction. The jackknife cross-validated results showed that the optimal average accuracy of 84.82% was achieved with the sensitivity of 76.47% and the specificity of 93.16%. For the convenience of other scholars, we built a free online server calledLypred. We believe thatLypredwill become a practical tool for the research of cell wall lyases and development of antimicrobial agents.
Successful Treatment and Secondary Prevention of Venous Thrombosis Secondary to Behçet Disease with Rivaroxaban
Authors: Boban Ana , Lambert Catherine , Hermans Cedric
Published: June 2016

We here present the successful initial treatment and secondary prophylaxis of superficial venous thrombosis secondary to Behçet’s disease by a novel anticoagulant drug, rivaroxaban (Xarelto®). To our knowledge, this is the first case of using an oral direct inhibitor of FXa in this setting. Our findings are promising; the outcome was favourable without any adverse effect noted. We propose that the patients with Behçet’s disease and venous thrombosis might benefit from the advantages of the new anticoagulant drug.
Social Optimization and Pricing Policy in Cognitive Radio Networks with an Energy Saving Strategy
Authors: Jin Shunfu , Chen Si , Zhang Jinliang
Published: June 2016

The rapid growth of wireless application results in an increase in demand for spectrum resource and communication energy. In this paper, we firstly introduce a novel energy saving strategy in cognitive radio networks (CRNs) and then propose an appropriate pricing policy for secondary user (SU) packets. We analyze the behavior of data packets in a discrete-time single-server priority queue under multiple-vacation discipline. With the help of a Quasi-Birth-Death (QBD) process model, we obtain the joint distribution for the number of SU packets and the state of base station (BS) via the Matrix-Geometric Solution method. We assess the average latency of SU packets and the energy saving ratio of system. According to a natural reward-cost structure, we study the individually optimal behavior and the socially optimal behavior of the energy saving strategy and use an optimization algorithm based on standard particle swarm optimization (SPSO) method to search the socially optimal arrival rate of SU packets. By comparing the individually optimal behavior and the socially optimal behavior, we impose an appropriate admission fee to SU packets. Finally, we present numerical results to show the impacts of system parameters on the system performance and the pricing policy.
Extracellular Recordings of Patterned Human Pluripotent Stem Cell‐Derived Cardiomyocytes on Aligned Fibers
Authors: Li Junjun , Minami Itsunari , Yu Leqian , Tsuji Kiyotaka , Nakajima Minako , Qiao Jing , Suzuki Masato , Shimono Ken , Nakatsuji Norio , Kotera Hitetoshi , Liu Li , Chen Yong
Published: June 2016

Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) hold high potential for use in drug assessment and myocardial regeneration. To create tissue‐like constructs of CMs for extracellular monitoring, we placed aligned fibers (AFs) on the surface of a microelectrode array and then seeded hiPSC‐CMs for subsequent monitoring for 14 days. As expected, the CMs organized into anisotropic and matured tissue and the extracellular recordings showed reduced premature beating higher signal amplitude and a higher probability of T‐wave detection as compared to the culture without fibers. The CMs on the aligned fibers samples also exhibited anisotropic propagation of the field potential. These results therefore suggest that the hiPSC‐CMs cultured on AFs can be used more reliably for cell based assays.
Tau-Centric Targets and Drugs in Clinical Development for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Panza Francesco , Solfrizzi Vincenzo , Seripa Davide , Imbimbo Bruno P. , Lozupone Madia , Santamato Andrea , Zecca Chiara , Barulli Maria Rosaria , Bellomo Antonello , Pilotto Alberto , Daniele Antonio , Greco Antonio , Logroscino Giancarlo
Published: June 2016

The failure of several Phase II/III clinical trials in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with drugs targetingβ-amyloid accumulation in the brain fuelled an increasing interest in alternative treatments against tau pathology, including approaches targeting tau phosphatases/kinases, active and passive immunization, and anti-tau aggregation. The most advanced tau aggregation inhibitor (TAI) is methylthioninium (MT), a drug existing in equilibrium between a reduced (leuco-methylthioninium) and oxidized form (MT+). MT chloride (methylene blue) was investigated in a 24-week Phase II clinical trial in 321 patients with mild to moderate AD that failed to show significant positive effects in mild AD patients, although long-term observations (50 weeks) and biomarker studies suggested possible benefit. The dose of 138 mg/day showed potential benefits on cognitive performance of moderately affected AD patients and cerebral blood flow in mildly affected patients. Further clinical evidence will come from the large ongoing Phase III trials for the treatment of AD and the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia on a new form of this TAI, more bioavailable and less toxic at higher doses, called TRx0237. More recently, inhibitors of tau acetylation are being actively pursued based on impressive results in animal studies obtained by salsalate, a clinically used derivative of salicylic acid.