bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching a difficult topic using a problem-based concept resembling a computer game: development and evaluation of an e-learning application for medical molecular genetics
Authors: Prochazkova Kamila , Novotny Petr , Hancarova Miroslava , Prchalova Darina , Sedlacek Zdenek
Published: October 2019

Background

Genetic testing rapidly penetrates into all medical specialties and medical students must acquire skills in this area. However, many of them consider it difficult. Furthermore, many find these topics less appealing and not connected to their future specialization in different fields of clinical medicine. Student-centred strategies such as problem-based learning, gamification and the use of real data can increase the appeal of a difficult topic such as genetic testing, a field at the crossroads of genetics, molecular biology and bioinformatics.

Methods

We designed an electronic teaching application which students registered in the undergraduate Medical Biology course can access online. A study was carried out to assess the influence of implementation of the new method. We performed pretest/posttest evaluation and analyzed the results using the sign test with median values. We also collected students’ personal comments.

Results

The newly developed interactive application simulates the process of molecular genetic diagnostics of a hereditary disorder in a family. Thirteen tasks guide students through clinical and laboratory steps needed to reach the final diagnosis. Genetics and genomics are fields strongly dependent on electronic databases and computer-based data analysis tools. The tasks employ publicly available internet bioinformatic resources used routinely in medical genetics departments worldwide. Authenticity is assured by the use of modified and de-identified clinical and laboratory data from real families analyzed in our previous research projects. Each task contains links to databases and data processing tools needed to solve the task, and an answer box. If the entered answer is correct, the system allows the user to proceed to the next task. The solving of consecutive tasks arranged into a single narrative resembles a computer game, making the concept appealing. There was a statistically significant improvement of knowledge and skills after the practical class, and most comments on the application were positive. A demo version is available at https://medbio.lf2.cuni.cz/demo_m/. Full version is available on request from the authors.

Conclusions

Our concept proved to be appealing to the students and effective in teaching medical molecular genetics. It can be modified for training in the use of electronic information resources in other medical specialties.
Patient and provider perspectives on how trust influences maternal vaccine acceptance among pregnant women in Kenya
Authors: Nganga Stacy W. , Otieno Nancy A. , Adero Maxwell , Ouma Dominic , Chaves Sandra S. , Verani Jennifer R. , Widdowson Marc-Alain , Wilson Andrew , Bergenfeld Irina , Andrews Courtni , Fenimore Vincent L. , Gonzalez-Casanova Ines , Frew Paula M. , Omer Saad B. , Malik Fauzia A.
Published: October 2019

Background

Pregnant women and newborns are at high risk for infectious diseases. Altered immunity status during pregnancy and challenges fully vaccinating newborns contribute to this medical reality. Maternal immunization is a strategy to protect pregnant women and their newborns. This study aimed to find out how patient-provider relationships affect maternal vaccine uptake, particularly in the context of a lower middle- income country where limited research in this area exists.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured, in-depth narrative interviews of both providers and pregnant women from four sites in Kenya: Siaya, Nairobi, Mombasa, and Marsabit. Interviews were conducted in either English or one of the local regional languages.

Results

We found that patient trust in health care providers (HCPs) is integral to vaccine acceptance among pregnant women in Kenya. The HCP-patient relationship is a fiduciary one, whereby the patients’ trusts is primarily rooted in the provider’s social position as a person who is highly educated in matters of health. Furthermore, patient health education and provider attitudes are crucial for reinstating and fostering that trust, especially in cases where trust was impeded by rumors, community myths and misperceptions, and religious and cultural factors.

Conclusion

Patient trust in providers is a strong facilitator contributing to vaccine acceptance among pregnant women in Kenya. To maintain and increase immunization trust, providers have a critical role in cultivating a positive environment that allows for favorable interactions and patient health education. This includes educating providers on maternal immunizations and enhancing knowledge of effective risk communication tactics in clinical encounters.
A European inter-laboratory trial to evaluate the performance of three serological methods for diagnosis of Mycoplasma bovis infection in cattle using latent class analysis
Authors: Andersson Anna-Maria , Aspán Anna , Wisselink Henk J. , Smid Bregtje , Ridley Anne , Pelkonen Sinikka , Autio Tiina , Lauritsen Klara Tølbøll , Kensø Jane , Gaurivaud Patrice , Tardy Florence
Published: October 2019

Background

Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) is an emerging bovine pathogen, leading to significant economic losses in the livestock industry worldwide. Infection can result in a variety of clinical signs, such as arthritis, pneumonia, mastitis and keratoconjunctivitis, none of which are M. bovis-specific. Laboratory diagnosis is therefore important. Serological tests to detect M. bovis antibodies is considered an effective indicator of infection in a herd and often used as a herd test. Combined with clinical judgement, it can also be used to implement control strategies and/or to estimate the disease prevalence within a country. However, due to lack of harmonisation of approaches to testing, and serological tests used by different laboratories, comparisons of prevalence data between countries is often difficult. A network of researchers from six European countries designed and participated in an inter-laboratory trial, with the aim of evaluating the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of two commercially available ELISA tests (ID Screen® ELISA (IDvet) and BIO K302 ELISA (BIO-X Diagnostics)) for diagnosis of M. bovis infection. Each laboratory received a blinded panel of bovine sera and tested independently, according to manufacturer’s instructions. Western blot analyses (WB) performed by one of the participating laboratories was used as a third diagnostic test in the statistical evaluation of Se and Sp values using latent class analysis.

Results

The Se of WB, the ID Screen® ELISA and the BIO K302 ELISA were determined to be 91.8, 93.5 and 49.1% respectively, and corresponding Sp of the three tests were 99.6, 98.6 and 89.6%, respectively.

Conclusions

The present study is, to our knowledge, the first to present an inter-laboratory comparison of the BIO K302 ELISA and the ID Screen® ELISA. Based on our results, the ID Screen® ELISA showed high consistency with WB and performed with higher precision and accuracy than the BIO K302 ELISA.
Polymicrobial abscess following ovariectomy in a mouse
Authors: Eaton Victoria E. , Pettit Samuel , Elkinson Andrew , Houseknecht Karen L. , King Tamara E. , May Meghan
Published: October 2019

Background

Ovariectomy is a common procedure in laboratory rodents used to create a post-menopausal state. Complications including post-surgical abscess are rarely reported, but merit consideration for the health and safety of experimental animals.

Case presentation

A female C57/black6 mouse was ovariectomized as part of a cohort study. At Day 14 post-surgery, she developed a visible swelling on the right side, which 7 days later increased in size over 24 h, leading to euthanasia of the animal. Gross pathology was consistent with abscess. A core of necrotic tissue was present in the uterine horn. Abscess fluid and affected tissue were collected for Gram stain and bacteriological culture. The abscess core and fluid yielded three distinct types of bacterial colonies identified by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing as Streptococcus acidominimus, Pasteurella caecimuris, and a novel species in the genus Gemella.

Conclusions

This is the first report of polymicrobial abscess in a rodent as a complication of ovariectomy, and the first description of a novel Gemella species for which we have proposed the epithet Gemella muriseptica. This presentation represents a potential complication of ovariectomy in laboratory animals.
Gene-based analysis of ADHD using PASCAL: a biological insight into the novel associated genes
Authors: Alonso-Gonzalez Aitana , Calaza Manuel , Rodriguez-Fontenla Cristina , Carracedo Angel
Published: October 2019

Background

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) which may significantly impact on the affected individual’s life. ADHD is acknowledged to have a high heritability component (70–80%). Recently, a meta-analysis of GWAS (Genome Wide Association Studies) has demonstrated the association of several independent loci. Our main aim here, is to apply PASCAL (pathway scoring algorithm), a new gene-based analysis (GBA) method, to the summary statistics obtained in this meta-analysis. PASCAL will take into account the linkage disequilibrium (LD) across genomic regions in a different way than the most commonly employed GBA methods (MAGMA or VEGAS (Versatile Gene-based Association Study)). In addition to PASCAL analysis a gene network and an enrichment analysis for KEGG and GO terms were carried out. Moreover, GENE2FUNC tool was employed to create gene expression heatmaps and to carry out a (DEG) (Differentially Expressed Gene) analysis using GTEX v7 and BrainSpan data.

Results

PASCAL results have revealed the association of new loci with ADHD and it has also highlighted other genes previously reported by MAGMA analysis. PASCAL was able to discover new associations at a gene level for ADHD: FEZF1 (p-value: 2.2 × 10− 7) and FEZF1-AS1 (p-value: 4.58 × 10− 7). In addition, PASCAL has been able to highlight association of other genes that share the same LD block with some previously reported ADHD susceptibility genes. Gene network analysis has revealed several interactors with the associated ADHD genes and different GO and KEGG terms have been associated. In addition, GENE2FUNC has demonstrated the existence of several up and down regulated expression clusters when the associated genes and their interactors were considered.

Conclusions

PASCAL has been revealed as an efficient tool to extract additional information from previous GWAS using their summary statistics. This study has identified novel ADHD associated genes that were not previously reported when other GBA methods were employed. Moreover, a biological insight into the biological function of the ADHD associated genes across brain regions and neurodevelopmental stages is provided.
Proteomic alterations underlie an association with teratozoospermia in obese mice sperm
Authors: Peng Yuanhong , Zhao Wenzhen , Qu Fei , Jing Jia , Hu Yanqin , Liu Yue , Ding Zhide
Published: October 2019

Background

Obesity is a worldwide crisis impairing human health. In this condition, declines in sperm quality stem from reductions in sperm concentration, motility and increase in sperm deformity. The mechanism underlying these alterations remains largely unknown. This study, determined if obesity-associated proteomic expression patterns in mice sperm parallel those in spermatozoa obtained from obese humans.

Methods

An obese mouse model was established via feeding a high-fat diet (HFD). Histological analysis identified testicular morphology and a computer assisted semen analyzer (CASA) evaluated sperm parameters. Proteome analysis was performed using a label-free quantitative LC-MS/MS system. Western blot, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent analyses characterized protein expression levels and localization in testis, sperm and clinical samples.

Results

Bodyweight gains on the HFD induced hepatic steatosis. Declines in sperm motility accompanied sperm deformity development. Differential proteomic analysis identified reduced cytoskeletal proteins, centrosome and spindle pole associated protein 1 (CSPP1) and Centrin 1 (CETN1), in sperm from obese mice. In normal weight mice, both CSPP1 and CETN1 were localized in the spermatocytes and spermatids. Their expression was appreciable in the post-acrosomal region parallel to the microtubule tracks of the manchette structure in spermatids, which affects spermatid head shaping and morphological maintenance. Moreover, CSPP1 was localized in the head–tail coupling apparatus of the mature sperm, while CETN1 expression was delimited to the post-acrosomal region within the sperm head. Importantly, sperm CSPP1 and CETN1 abundance in both the overweight and obese males decreased in comparison with that in normal weight men.

Conclusion

These findings show that regionally distinct expression and localization of CETN1 and CSPP1 is strongly related to spermiogenesis and sperm morphology maintaining. Obesity is associated with declines in the CETN1 and CSPP1 abundance and compromise of both sperm morphology in mice and relevant clinical samples. This parallelism between altered protein expression in mice and humans suggests that these effects may contribute to poor sperm quality including increased deformity.
Addition of MoodGYM to physical treatments for chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Petrozzi M. John , Leaver Andrew , Ferreira Paulo H. , Rubinstein Sidney M. , Jones Mairwen K. , Mackey Martin G.
Published: October 2019

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is prevalent, costly and disabling. A biopsychosocial treatment approach involving physical and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is recommended for those with chronic LBP. It is not known if online psychological coaching tools might have a role in the secondary prevention of LBP related disability. To assess the effectiveness of an internet-delivered psychological program (MoodGYM) in addition to standard physical treatment in patients with chronic non-specific LBP at medium risk of ongoing disability.

Methods

A multisite randomized controlled trial was conducted with 108 participants (aged mean 50.4 ± 13.6 years) with chronic LBP attending one of six private physiotherapy or chiropractic clinics. Disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire) and self-efficacy (Patient Self-Efficacy Questionnaire), were assessed at baseline, post-treatment (8-weeks) with follow-up at six- and twelve-months. Participants were randomized into either the intervention group, MoodGYM plus physical treatments, or the control group which received physical treatments alone.

Results

No statistically significant between group differences were observed for either disability at post-treatment (Effect size (standardised mean difference) 95% CI) RMD − 0.06 (− 0.45,0.31), 6-months RMD 0.01 (− 0.38,0.39) and 12-months − 0.20 (− 0.62,0.17) or self-efficacy at post-treatment PSEQ 0.06 (− 0.31,0.45), 6-months 0.02 (− 0.36,0.41) and 12-months 0.21 (− 0.16,0.63).

Conclusion

There was no additional benefit of an internet-delivered CBT program (MoodGYM) to physical treatments in those with chronic non-specific LBP at medium risk of ongoing disability measured at post-treatment, or at 6 and 12 months.

Trial registration

This trial was prospectively registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number (ACTRN) 12615000269538.
Patient safety awareness among 309 surgeons in Enugu, Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Nwosu Arinze Duke George , Onyekwulu Fidelis Anayo , Aniwada Elias Chikee
Published: October 2019

Background

Adverse healthcare events are major public health problem with the heaviest burden in the low and middle-income countries. Patient safety awareness among healthcare professionals is known to impact this outcome; thus we set out to appraise the patient safety awareness among surgeons in Enugu, Nigeria.

Methods

A multi-institutional cross-sectional survey was carried out among surgeons in Enugu, Nigeria and data obtained were analyzed using the statistical package for scientific solutions (SPSS) version 20 software.

Results

A total of 309 surgeons were surveyed. Majority of the surgeons (51.9%) had poor perception of patient safety issues. One hundred and twenty respondents (38.8%) have awareness of any institutional protocol for preventing wrong-site surgery while only 35 respondents (11.3%) regularly practiced an institutional protocol for preventing wrong-site surgery. The professional status of the surgeons and years in service showed significant association with perception of patient safety issues.

Conclusion

The patient safety awareness and practice among the surgeons in Enugu, Nigeria is apparently low and this was found to be influenced by the professional status and years in service of the surgeon.
Collaborative care vs consultation liaison for depression and anxiety disorders in general practice: study protocol for two randomized controlled trials (the Danish Collabri Flex trials)
Authors: Curth Nadja Kehler , Brinck-Claussen Ursula , Jørgensen Kirstine Bro , Rosendal Susanne , Hjorthøj Carsten , Nordentoft Merete , Eplov Lene Falgaard
Published: October 2019

Background

Models of collaborative care and consultation liaison propose organizational changes to improve the quality of care for people with common mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Some literature suggests only short-term positive effects of consultation liaison on patient-related outcomes, whereas collaborative care demonstrates both short-term and long-term positive effects. To our knowledge, only one randomized trial has compared the effects of these models. Collaborative care was superior to consultation liaison in reducing symptoms of depression for up to 3 months, but the authors found no difference at 9-months' follow-up. The Collabri Flex Trial for Depression and the Collabri Flex Trial for Anxiety aim to compare the effects of collaborative care with those of a form of consultation liaison that contains potential contaminating elements from collaborative care. The trials build on knowledge from the previous cluster-randomized Collabri trials.

Methods

Two randomized, investigator-initiated, parallel-group, superiority trials have been established: one investigating the effects of collaborative care vs consultation liaison for depression and one investigating the effects of collaborative care vs consultation liaison for generalized anxiety, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder at 6-months' follow-up. Participants are recruited from general practices in the Capital Region of Denmark: 240 in the depression trial and 284 in the anxiety trial. The primary outcome is self-reported depression symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II)) in the depression trial and self-reported anxiety symptoms (Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)) in the anxiety trial. In both trials, the self-reported secondary outcomes are general psychological problems and symptoms (Symptom Checklist 90-Revised), functional impairment (Sheehan Disability Scale) and general well-being (World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index). In the depression trial, BAI is an additional secondary outcome, and BDI-II is an additional secondary outcome in the anxiety trial. Explorative outcomes will also be collected.

Discussion

The results will supplement those of the cluster-randomized Collabri trials and provide pivotal information about the effects of collaborative care in Denmark.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT03113175andNCT03113201. Registered on 13 April 2017.
Multimodal analysis of the effects of dexamethasone on high-altitude cerebral oedema: protocol for a pilot study
Authors: Fisher O. , Benson R. A. , Wayte S. , Kimani P. K. , Hutchinson C. , Imray C. H. E.
Published: October 2019

Background

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a cluster of symptoms that commonly occur in those ascending to high altitudes. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, insomnia and fatigue. Exposure to high altitude can also lead to high-altitude cerebral oedema (HACE), which is a potential cause of death whilst mountaineering. Generally, AMS precedes the development of HACE. Historical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of regular dexamethasone administration in reducing the symptoms of AMS. However, the mechanism by which dexamethasone works to reduce symptoms AMS remains poorly understood. Further studies, simulating altitude using hypoxic tents, have characterised the effect of prolonged exposure to normobaric hypoxia on cerebral oedema and blood flow using MRI. This randomised trial assesses the effect of dexamethasone on hypoxia-induced cerebral oedema in healthy adult volunteers.

Methods/design

D4H is a double-blind placebo-controlled randomised trial assessing the effect of dexamethasone on hypoxia-induced cerebral oedema. In total, 20 volunteers were randomised in pairs to receive either 8.25 mg dexamethasone or normal saline placebo intravenously after 8 h of hypoxia with an FiO2 of 12%. Serial MRI images of the brain and spinal cord were obtained at hours 0, 7, 11, 22 and 26 of the study along with serum and urinary markers to correlate with the severity of cerebral oedema and the effect of the intervention.

Discussion

MRI has been used to identify changes in cerebral vasculature in the development of AMS and HACE. Dexamethasone is effective at reducing the symptoms of AMS; however, the mechanism of this effect is unknown. If this study demonstrates a clear objective benefit of dexamethasone in this setting, future studies may be able to demonstrate that dexamethasone is an effective therapy for oedema associated with brain and spinal cord ischaemia beyond AMS.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03341676. Registered on 14 November 2017.
Smoking and diabetes: dangerous liaisons and confusing relationships
Authors: Campagna D. , Alamo A. , Di Pino A. , Russo C. , Calogero A. E. , Purrello F. , Polosa R.
Published: October 2019

The combined harmful effects of cigarette smoking and hyperglycemia can accelerate vascular damage in patients with diabetes who smoke, as is well known. Can smoking cause diabetes? What are the effects of smoking on macro and microvascular complications? Now growing evidence indicates that regular smokers are at risk of developing incident diabetes. Since the prevalence rates of smoking in patients with diabetes are relatively similar to those of the general population, it is essential to address the main modifiable risk factor of smoking to prevent the onset of diabetes and delay the development of its complications. Quitting smoking shows clear benefits in terms of reducing or slowing the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in people with diabetes. Does quitting smoking decrease the incidence of diabetes and its progression? What are the effects of quitting smoking on complications? The current evidence does not seem to unequivocally suggest a positive role for quitting in patients with diabetes. Quitting smoking has also been shown to have a negative impact on body weight, glycemic control and subsequent increased risk of new-onset diabetes. Moreover, its role on microvascular complications of the disease is unclear. What are the current smoking cessation treatments, and which ones are better for patients with diabetes? Stopping smoking may be of value for diabetes prevention and management of the disease and its macrovascular and microvascular complications. Unfortunately, achieving long-lasting abstinence is not easy and novel approaches for managing these patients are needed. This narrative review examines the evidence on the impact of smoking and smoking cessation in patients with diabetes and particularly in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. In addition, management options and potential future directions will be discussed.
Development of microsatellite markers for the Japanese endemic conifer Thuja standishii and transfer to other East Asian species
Authors: Worth James R. P. , Chang K. S. , Ha Y.-H. , Qin Aili
Published: October 2019

Objective

Design polymorphic microsatellite loci that will be useful for studies of the genetic diversity, gene-flow and reproduction in the Japanese endemic coniferThuja standishiiand test the transferability of these loci to the two other East Asian species,T. sutchuenensisandT. koraiensis.

Results

Fifteen loci were developed which displayed 3 to 21 alleles per locus (average = 9.2) among 97 samples from three populations ofT. standishii. Observed heterozygosity for all samples varied between 0.33 and 0.75 (average = 0.54) while expected heterozygosity values were higher with an average over the 15 loci of 0.62 (0.37–0.91). Low multi-locus probability of identity values (< 0.00002) indicate that these markers will be effective for identifying individuals derived from clonal reproduction. All 15 loci amplified in 13 samples ofT. sutchuenensis, the sister species ofT. standishii, with 1 to 11 alleles per locus (average = 4.33) while 13 loci amplified in four samples of the more distantly relatedT. koraiensiswith 1 to 5 alleles per locus (average = 2.15).
Exclusive breastfeeding practices and associated factors among lactating mothers of infants aged 6–24 months in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Yeboah Joseph Yaw , Forkuor David , Agyemang-Duah Williams
Published: October 2019

Objective

In spite of the benefits associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice (EBP), the practice remains low in Ghana. This study investigates prevalence and factors associated with EBP among lactating mothers of infants aged 6–24 months in Metropolitan Kumasi. Cross-sectional hospital-based data were collected at 5 health facilities from 160 randomly sampled lactating mothers. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to determine factors associated with EBP.

Results

The prevalence of EBP was 50.6%. The study revealed that mothers aged 30–49 years (AOR = 1.948; 95% CI [1.146–3.310]), with normal delivery (AOR = 1.824; 95% CI [0.863–2.467]) and those who were unemployed (AOR = 1.202; 95% CI [0.557–2.593]) and without sore nipple (AOR = 1.890; 95% CI [1.534–3.484]) were significantly more likely to practise exclusive breastfeeding. The study further found that respondents with 3–4 deliveries were 0. 492 times significantly less likely to practise exclusive breastfeeding (AOR = 0.492; 95% CI [0.274–0.886]). The study has established the primacy of socio-demographic and health-related factors such as mothers’ age, employment status, number of deliveries (parity), mode of delivery and sore nipples in explaining EBP among lactating mothers. We recommend that policy on exclusive breastfeeding should consider multiple socio-demographic and health-related factors, especially, those associated with EBP.
Prevalence and associated factors of Hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus infections among voluntary counseling and testing clients attending private health facilities in Bahir Dar city, North West Ethiopia 2014
Authors: Ameha Zena , Tadesse Senait , Assefa Abate , Tessema Belay
Published: October 2019

Objective

Although incredible progress has been made in treatment and prevention of Hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus infections, the epidemic continues to spread in developing nations. The information on the prevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus infections among voluntary counseling and testing clients in Ethiopia is limited. Hence, the study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of Hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus infections among voluntary counseling and testing clients attending private health facilities in Bahir Dar city.

Result

A total of 382 study participants with the mean age of 25.43 years (SD = ± 6.87) were enrolled. Overall, 14 (3.7%) and 8 (2.1%) voluntary counseling and testing clients were positive for human immunodeficiency virus and Hepatitis C virus respectively. All Hepatitis C virus antibody positive individuals were males (3.8%). The sero-prevalence of Hepatitis C virus was significantly associated with the age group 41–50 years old (AOR = 65.65; 95% CI 4.57–943). Married study participants were also significantly associated with HIV infection (AOR = 7.92, 95% CI 1.32–47.31).
User rate and power optimization for HetNets under Poisson cluster process
Authors: Jiang Xinqi , Zheng Fu-Chun
Published: October 2019

Heterogeneous cellular networks (HetNets) consist of different tiers of base stations (BSs) to meet the ever-increasing mobile traffic demand. Due to the random deployment of BSs, Poisson point process (PPP) is often used to model the BS distribution. However, low power small cells are usually clustered around the popular areas, and PPP can not reflect such a feature. To this end, we in this paper consider base station (BS) cooperation and analyze user rate and energy efficiency of HetNets based on a Poisson cluster process (PCP). A calculable formula for the average data rate (or spectral efficiency) and its approximated closed form are derived. Based on this closed form, a power minimization solution with certain spectral efficiency constraint is proposed, and the optimal cooperation radii are derived. Furthermore, we analyze spectral efficiency under a limited number of cooperative BSs in a two-tier network. Finally, we propose a range expansion (RE) scheme and examine the impact of this scheme. The theoretical analyses are verified by simulation results.
Characterizations of the dilation of frame generator dual pairs for group
Authors: Li Liang , Li Pengtong
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we are interested in the dilation problem on frame generator dual pairs for a unitary representation in Hilbert spaces. We show the existence of a Riesz generator dilation dual pair of a frame generator dual pair in Hilbert spaces. Then we reveal the uniqueness of such dilations in the sense of similarity and give a characterization of the dilation of frame generator alternate dual pairs by that of the canonical dual pair in terms of a special operator. We also exhibit that the corresponding operator between two dilations of a frame generator dual pair is in a special structure.
Stochastic P-bifurcation in a bistable Van der Pol oscillator with fractional time-delay feedback under Gaussian white noise excitation
Authors: Li Yajie , Wu Zhiqiang , Zhang Guoqi , Wang Feng , Wang Yuancen
Published: October 2019

The stochastic P-bifurcation behavior of a bistable Van der Pol system with fractional time-delay feedback under Gaussian white noise excitation is studied. Firstly, based on the minimal mean square error principle, the fractional derivative term is found to be equivalent to the linear combination of damping force and restoring force, and the original system is further simplified to an equivalent integer order system. Secondly, the stationary Probability Density Function (PDF) of system amplitude is obtained by stochastic averaging, and the critical parametric conditions for stochastic P-bifurcation of system amplitude are determined according to the singularity theory. Finally, the types of stationary PDF curves of system amplitude are qualitatively analyzed by choosing the corresponding parameters in each area divided by the transition set curves. The consistency between the analytical solutions and Monte Carlo simulation results verifies the theoretical analysis in this paper.
X-ray crystal structure of endosulfan sulfate
Authors: Lee Hwa-Kyung , Lee Jonghwa , Lee Junghak , Moon Joon-Kwan , Kim Jeong-Han
Published: October 2019

X-ray crystallography is an important method used to confirm the three-dimensional structure of a chemical compound. In this study, the crystal structure of endosulfan sulfate was investigated. Endosulfan sulfate is the major metabolite of the insecticide endosulfan, which is composed of two stereoisomers (α and β). From GC–MS analysis, α- and β-endosulfan each gave a single peak in the endosulfan sample, but only one peak was observed for endosulfan sulfate. Interestingly, in X-ray crystallography, two conformers of endosulfan sulfate (A and B) were observed at a ratio of 2(A):1(B). A heterocyclic seven-membered ring of conformer B assumed a horizontal-chair form, differing from two twisted forms of α-endosulfan while a vertical-chair form was observed for conformer A, showing the very similar structure to β-endosulfan; this difference in conformation is caused by differing bond angles at O(1)–C(8)–C(3) and O(2)–C(9)–C(4). In space packing, two asymmetric units were obtained, and three molecules were aligned in the order of A–A–B conformers in each unit. The total potential energy of A was slightly lower (approximately 4 kcal/mol) than B, possibly resulting in the two molecules of A that exist in a rigid crystal state. However, A and B conformers should not exist at room temperature in a solution state for GC–MS analysis, likely due to the small energy difference.
Investigation of the metabolic difference between ST-elevated myocardial infarction and non-ST-elevated myocardial infarction via LC/Q-TOF/MS/MS
Authors: Gundogdu Gulsah , Demirkaya Miloglu Fatma , Senol Onur , Koza Yavuzer , Gundogdu Fuat
Published: October 2019

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a clinical condition caused by a disturbance in myocardial blood flow. ACS can be basically divided into two forms: ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to complete occlusion of the coronary artery and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) due to partial occlusion of the coronary artery. In this study, we aimed to monitor the metabolite profile of STEMI and NSTEMI patients and compare the results via untargeted metabolomics approach. Serum samples were collected from STEMI and NSTEMI patients, and each group consists of 20 participants. Extraction was achieved by acetonitrile, and chromatographic separation was performed by LC/Q-TOF/MS/MS accompanied with dual AJS ESI positive ion mode. METLIN, MATLAB 2017a-PLS Toolbox7.2, and Human Metabolome Database were utilized for bioinformatics evaluation of obtained findings. In our results, 203 m/z ratio was detected and 163 m/z ratio passed the significance criteria (fold analysis > 1.5 and p < 0.05). Twenty-five metabolites including BCAAs, LysoPC species, lactic acid, succinate, malonic acid, maleic acid, butyric acid, carnitine, and betaine were identified. In conclusion, new biomarker candidates were identified to differentiate the diagnosis of STEMI and NSTEMI. Identified metabolites are indicative of alterations in oxidative stress, hypoxia, TCA cycle, and amino acid metabolism.
Improved optical performance of multi-layer MoS2 phototransistor with see-through metal electrode
Authors: Park Junghak , Das Dipjyoti , Ahn Minho , Park Sungho , Hur Jihyun , Jeon Sanghun
Published: October 2019

In recent years, MoS2 has emerged as a prime material for photodetector as well as phototransistor applications. Usually, the higher density of state and relatively narrow bandgap of multi-layer MoS2 give it an edge over monolayer MoS2 for phototransistor applications. However, MoS2 demonstrates thickness-dependent energy bandgap properties, with multi-layer MoS2 having indirect bandgap characteristics and therefore possess inferior optical properties. Herein, we investigate the electrical as well as optical properties of single-layer and multi-layer MoS2-based phototransistors and demonstrate improved optical properties of multi-layer MoS2 phototransistor through the use of see-through metal electrode instead of the traditional global bottom gate or patterned local bottom gate structures. The see-through metal electrode utilized in this study shows transmittance of more than 70% under 532 nm visible light, thereby allowing the incident light to reach the entire active area below the source and drain electrodes. The effect of contact electrodes on the MoS2 phototransistors was investigated further by comparing the proposed electrode with conventional opaque electrodes and transparent IZO electrodes. A position-dependent photocurrent measurement was also carried out by locally illuminating the MoS2 channel at different positions in order to gain better insight into the behavior of the photocurrent mechanism of the multi-layer MoS2 phototransistor with the transparent metal. It was observed that more electrons are injected from the source when the beam is placed on the source side due to the reduced barrier height, giving rise to a significant enhancement of the photocurrent.
Configuration and structure of the Philippine Sea Plate off Boso, Japan: constraints on the shallow subduction kinematics, seismicity, and slow slip events
Authors: Ito Aki , Tonegawa Takashi , Uchida Naoki , Yamamoto Yojiro , Suetsugu Daisuke , Hino Ryota , Sugioka Hiroko , Obana Koichiro , Nakahigashi Kazuo , Shinohara Masanao
Published: October 2019

We applied tomographic inversion and receiver function analysis to seismic data from ocean-bottom seismometers and land-based stations to understand the structure and its relationship with slow slip events off Boso, Japan. First, we delineated the upper boundary of the Philippine Sea Plate based on both the velocity structure and the locations of the low-angle thrust-faulting earthquakes. The upper boundary of the Philippine Sea Plate is distorted upward by a few kilometers between 140.5 and 141.0°E. We also determined the eastern edge of the Philippine Sea Plate based on the delineated upper boundary and the results of the receiver function analysis. The eastern edge has a northwest–southeast trend between the triple junction and 141.6°E, which changes to a north–south trend north of 34.7°N. The change in the subduction direction at 1–3 Ma might have resulted in the inflection of the eastern edge of the subducted Philippine Sea Plate. Second, we compared the subduction zone structure and hypocenter locations and the area of the Boso slow slip events. Most of the low-angle thrust-faulting earthquakes identified in this study occurred outside the areas of recurrent Boso slow slip events, which indicates that the slow slip area and regular low-angle thrust earthquakes are spatially separated in the offshore area. In addition, the slow slip areas are located only at the contact zone between the crustal parts of the North American Plate and the subducting Philippine Sea Plate. The localization of the slow slip events in the crust–crust contact zone off Boso is examined for the first time in this study. Finally, we detected a relatively low-velocity region in the mantle of the Philippine Sea Plate. The low-velocity mantle can be interpreted as serpentinized peridotite, which is also found in the Philippine Sea Plate prior to subduction. The serpentinized peridotite zone remains after the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate and is likely distributed over a wide area along the subducted slab.
Altered human cytomegalovirus-encoded miRNAs in host circulation: novel disease biomarkers and potential aetiological agents
Authors: Wang Cheng , Wang Jun-Jun , Zhang Chunni
Published: October 2019

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are exceptionally stable molecule markers in extracellular environments for various diseases. Importantly, some circulating miRNAs that were encapsulated in extracellular microvesicles (MVs) have been identified as critical mediators of intercellular communication, and function as novel cell-cell crosstalk gene-regulators. Burgeoning evidence has demonstrated that several types of viruses, including the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), can encode various miRNAs that play essential roles in disturbing the translation of either the eukaryotic host’s genes or virus own during multiple pathophysiological processes. Recently, HCMV-encoded miRNAs have also been uncovered in human circulation, moreover, some circulating HCMV-encoded miRNAs showed specific expression patterns in different diseases with no precise aetiology. In particular, dysregulated HCMV-encoded miRNAs can effectively regulate the host genes regulation, and were implicated in disease development. Given the clinical impact of circulating miRNAs and their abilities to profoundly modulate specific recipient cells, we postulate that characterization of altered HCMV-encoded miRNAs in host circulation may afford valuable insights into developing non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers and clarifying the potential pathophysiological mechanism for various complex diseases, even if the research on circulating HCMV miRNAs is just emerging. The focus of this review is on summarizing the updates on current developments and perspectives for diagnostic and discriminative usefulness of circulating HCMV-encoded miRNAs in various diseases, including essential hypertension, oral lichen planus disease, chronic hepatitis B and type 2 diabetes. We also review the physiological and pathophysiological effects of HCMV-encoded miRNAs on disease development and progression.
H-reflex latency changes after combined application of traction and neural mobilization in cervical radiculopathy
Authors: Hegazy Mohammed M. , Gomaa Ebtessam F. , Abd El Mageed Salwa F. , El Habashy Hala R.
Published: October 2019

Background

Cervical radiculopathy is a pathology of the cervical nerve root and mostly caused by a cervical disk herniation leading to chronic pain and disability.

Objectives

This study was conducted to show the effect of the combined application of intermittent cervical traction with median nerve mobilization on flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscle H-reflex latency of median nerve in patients with unilateral cervical radiculopathy due to disk lesion in a pre-post design.

Methods

Fifteen patients (10 females and 5 males) with a mean age of 38.07 ± 5.85 years received simultaneous application of intermittent cervical traction and median nerve mobilization. Six sessions were given every other day for 2 weeks. Also, patients perormed chin in exercises and upper back extension with scapular retraction. FCR H-reflex latency was measured pre- and post-treatment.

Results

Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant reduction of H-reflex latency at post-treatment in comparison to pretreatment (t = 5.447, p value = 0.0001*).

Conclusion

Simultaneous application of intermittent cervical traction and median nerve mobilization are effective in improving FCR H-reflex latency in patients with unilateral cervical radiculopathy.
A Population-Based Analysis of Intraoperative Cardiac Arrest in the United States
Authors: Fielding-Singh Vikram , Willingham Mark D. , Fischer Matthew A. , Grogan Tristan , Benharash Peyman , Neelankavil Jacques P.
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND:

A new billable code for intraoperative cardiac arrest was introduced with the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, classification system. Using a national administrative database, we performed a retrospective analysis of intraoperative cardiac arrest in the United States.

METHODS:

Hospital admissions involving patients ≥18 years of age who underwent operating room procedures in 2016 were identified using the National Inpatient Sample. The primary outcome was the incidence of intraoperative cardiac arrest. Secondary outcomes included total cost of admission, in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and identification of risk factors associated with intraoperative cardiac arrest. Clinical risk factors were evaluated with multivariable logistic regression models using sampling weights and adjustment for clustering by strata.

RESULTS:

Of 35,675,421 admissions in 2016 in the United States, 9,244,861 admissions were identified in patients ≥18 years of age who underwent at least one operating room procedure. An estimated 5230 hospital admissions involved intraoperative cardiac arrest, yielding an estimated incidence of 5.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.3–6.0) per 10,000 hospital admissions. Admissions involving an intraoperative cardiac arrest had a 35.7% in-hospital mortality, compared with 1.3% for admissions without intraoperative cardiac arrest. Intraoperative cardiac arrest was associated with a 15.44-fold (95% CI, 12.74–18.70; P < .001) increase in the risk-adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality and an additional $13,184 (95% CI, 9600–16,769; P < .001) of total admission costs. Selected factors independently associated with increased risk-adjusted odds of intraoperative cardiac arrest included: black or missing race; cardiac, thoracic, or vascular surgery; congestive heart failure; pulmonary circulation disorders; peripheral vascular disease; end-stage renal disease; and fluid and electrolyte disorders.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this population-based study of intraoperative cardiac arrest in the United States, admissions involving an intraoperative cardiac arrest were rare but were associated with high in-hospital mortality.
Two conserved glycine residues in mammalian and Dictyostelium Rictor are required for mTORC2 activity and integrity
Authors: Pergolizzi Barbara , Panuzzo Cristina , Ali M. Shahzad , Lo Iacono Marco , Levra Levron Chiara , Ponzone Luca , Prelli Marta , Cilloni Daniela , Calautti Enzo , Bozzaro Salvatore , Bracco Enrico
Published: October 2019

Mammalian, or mechanistic, target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) regulates a variety of vital cellular processes, and its aberrant functioning is often associated with various diseases. Rictor is a peculiar and distinguishing mTORC2 component playing a pivotal role in controlling its assembly and activity. Among extant organisms, Rictor is conserved from unicellular eukaryotes to metazoans. We replaced two distinct, but conserved, glycine residues in both the Dictyostelium piaA gene and its human ortholog, RICTOR. The two conserved residues are spaced ∼50 amino acids apart, and both are embedded within a conserved region falling in between the Ras-GEFN2 and Rictor­_V domains. The effects of point mutations on the mTORC2 activity and integrity were assessed by biochemical and functional assays. In both cases, these equivalent point mutations in the mammalian RICTOR and Dictyostelium piaA gene impaired mTORC2 activity and integrity. Our data indicate that the two glycine residues are essential for the maintenance of mTORC2 activity and integrity in organisms that appear to be distantly related, suggesting that they have a evolutionarily conserved role in the assembly and proper mTORC2 functioning.
CHINA SURVEY OF FITNESS TRENDS FOR 2020
Authors: Li Yong-Ming , Han Jia , Liu Yang , Wang Ran , Wang Ru , Wu Xue-Ping , Cao Zhen-Bo
Published: October 2019

Apply It!

• Nation specificity of fitness trends should be considered by international fitness organizations or companies when making strategic plans in other countries.

• Ten trends can be recognized as the current stable trends within the health/fitness industry in China.
BRAZIL AND ARGENTINA SURVEY OF FITNESS TRENDS FOR 2020
Authors: Amaral Paulo Costa , Palma Deborah D.
Published: October 2019

Apply It!

From this article, the reader should understand the following concepts:

• Use the fitness trends of Brazil and Argentina in commercial, corporate, and clinical (including medical fitness) sectors; universities; and fitness for community health industry to further promote physical activity.

•Know the fitness markets of Brazil and Argentina.