bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The KidzMed project: teaching children to swallow tablet medication
Authors: Tse Yincent , Vasey Nicola , Dua Damneek , Oliver Susan , Emmet Victoria , Pickering Ailsa , Lim Emma
Published: October 2019

Tablets are safer, more convenient and cheaper than liquid medications. Children and young people (CYP) often remain on liquids due to habit, reluctance to change or staff and parents’ lack of knowledge about switching to tablets. We describe a quality improvement project to train staff and embed a system of converting eligible children to tablet medication. A series of tests of change were made including training, making kit available, publicity and developing team protocols. In 3 months, 21 out of 25 eligible CYP were successfully converted with added benefit of saving £46 588 per year. Switching children to tablets is simple but requires whole team engagement, culture change of expectations and available resources.
Atypical neutrophilic panniculitis as presentation of BCR-ABL1-negative chronic myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Fraticelli Paolo , Benfaremo Devis , Cardinali Marco , Gabrielli Armando
Published: October 2019

We report the case of an otherwise healthy 60-year-old man presenting with fever, leucocytosis and a painful swelling of the right calf. We initially performed cultural and cytological examination of the popliteal fossa mass, but the results were disappointingly inconclusive. The subsequent development of several erythematous subcutaneous nodules, rapidly evolving to broad ulcerative lesions, prompted us to reconsider the clinical setting as a whole, which included fever, marked leucocytosis and multiple subcutaneous nodules. A biopsy of the ulcerative lesions finally led to the diagnosis of neutrophilic panniculitis, which was sustained by a hybrid myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disorder like BCR-ABL1-negative atypical chronic myeloid leukaemia. The patient was initially treated with high-dose intravenous corticosteroids, resulting in a dramatic improvement of the skin lesions and normalisation of blood tests. Azacytidine treatment was subsequently started, and the haematological disease remained stable.
A bit or a lot on the side? Observational study of the energy content of starters, sides and desserts in major UK restaurant chains
Authors: Muc Magdalena , Jones Andrew , Roberts Carl , Sheen Florence , Haynes Ashleigh , Robinson Eric
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Our objective was to examine the kilocalorie (kcal) content of starters, sides and desserts served in major UK restaurant chains, comparing the kcal content of these dishes in fast-food and full-service restaurants.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Menu and nutritional information provided online by major UK restaurant chains.

Method

During October to November 2018, we accessed websites of restaurant chains with 50 or more outlets in the UK. Menu items that constituted starters, sides or desserts were identified and their kcal content was extracted. Accompanying beverages were not included. We used multilevel modelling to examine whether mean kcal content of dishes differed in fast-food versus full-service restaurants.

Main outcome measures

The mean kcal content of dishes and the proportion of dishes exceeding public health recommendations for energy content in a main meal (>600 kcal).

Results

A total of 1009 dishes (212 starters, 318 sides and 479 desserts) from 27 restaurant chains (21 full-service, 6 fast-food) were included. The mean kcal content of eligible dishes was 488.0 (SE=15.6) for starters, 397.5 (SE=14.9) for sides and 430.6 (SE=11.5) for desserts. The percentage of dishes exceeding 600 kcal was 26.4% for starters, 21.7% for sides and 20.5% for desserts. Compared with fast-food chains, desserts offered at full-service restaurants were on average more calorific and were significantly more likely to exceed 600 kcal.

Conclusions

The average energy content of sides, starters and desserts sold in major UK restaurants is high. One in four starters and one in five sides and desserts in UK chain restaurants exceed the recommended energy intake for an entire meal.
Reducing unnecessary vitamin testing in general practice: barriers and facilitators according to general practitioners and patients
Authors: Hofstede H. , van der Burg H.A.M. , Mulder B.C. , Bohnen A.M. , Bindels P.J.E. , de Wit N.J. , de Schepper E.I.T. , van Vugt S.F.
Published: October 2019

Objective

There has been an increase in testing of vitamins in patients in general practice, often based on irrational indications or for non-specific symptoms, causing increasing healthcare expenditures and medicalisation of patients. So far, there is little evidence of effective strategies to reduce this overtesting in general practice. Therefore, the aim of this qualitative study was to explore the barriers and facilitators for reducing the number of (unnecessary) vitamin D and B12laboratory tests ordered.

Design and setting

This qualitative study, based on a grounded theory design, used semistructured interviews among general practitioners (GPs) and patients from two primary care networks (147 GPs, 195 000 patients). These networks participated in the Reducing Vitamin Testing in Primary Care Practice (REVERT) study, a clustered randomized trial comparing two de-implementation strategies to reduce test ordering in primary care in the Netherlands.

Participants

Twenty-one GPs, with a maximum of 1 GP per practice who took part in the REVERT study, and 22 patients (who were invited by their GP during vitamin-related consultations) were recruited, from which 20 GPs and 19 patients agreed to participate in this study.

Results

The most important factor hampering vitamin-test reduction programmes is the mismatch between patients and medical professionals regarding the presumed appropriate indications for testing for vitamin D and B12. In contrast, the most important facilitator for vitamin-test reduction may be updating GPs’ knowledge about test indications and their awareness of their own testing behaviour.

Conclusion

To achieve a sustainable reduction in vitamin testing, guidelines with clear and uniform recommendations on evidence-based indications for vitamin testing, combined with regular (individual) feedback on test-ordering behaviour, are needed. Moreover, the general public needs access to clear and reliable information on vitamin testing. Further research is required to measure the effect of these strategies on the number of vitamin test requests.

Trial registration number

WAG/mb/16/039555.
Web-based support for self-management strategies versus usual care for people with COPD in primary healthcare: a protocol for a randomised, 12-month, parallel-group pragmatic trial
Authors: Stenlund Tobias , Nyberg André , Lundell Sara , Wadell Karin
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The use of adequate self-management strategies for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may increase the level of physical activity (PA), improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and reduce healthcare use. Whether web-based support in addition to prompts (email and SMS) could be used to promote self-management strategies to facilitate behaviour change in people with COPD is not clear. This clinical trial aims to generate evidence on the effect of a web-based solution, the COPD Web, in a cohort of people with COPD in a primary healthcare context.

Methods and analysis

The overall design is a pragmatic randomised controlled trial with preassessments and postassessments (3 and 12 months) and an implementation and user experience evaluation. People with a diagnosis of COPD, treated in primary healthcare will be eligible for the study. A total of 144 participants will be enrolled through advertisment or by healthcare professionals at included primary healthcare units and, after fulfilled baseline assessment, randomised to either control or intervention group. All participants will receive usual care, a pedometer and a leaflet about the importance of PA. Participants in the intervention will, in addition, get access to the COPD Web, an interactive self-managed website that aims to support people with COPD in self-management strategies. They will also continuously get support from prompts with a focus on behaviour change.

The effect on participants’ PA, dyspnoea, COPD-related symptoms, HRQoL and health economics will be assessed using accelerometer and questionnaires. To identify enablers and barriers for the use of web-based support to change behaviour, semistructured interviews will be conducted in a subgroup of participants at the 3 months follow-up.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been received from the Regional Ethical Review Board in Umeå, Sweden. Dnr 2018-274 and dnr 2019-05572. Findings will be presented at conferences, submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presented to the involved healthcare professionals, participants and patient organisations.

Trial registration number

NCT03746873
Online survey to assess parents’ experience and preferences for follow-up visits for children living with type 1 diabetes in Quebec, Canada: a study protocol
Authors: Laberge Maude , Badreddine Malek , Rekik Monia
Published: October 2019

Introduction

It is accepted that although patients may initiate a visit to a healthcare provider, follow-up visits are often based on recommendations from providers. This suggests that follow-up care, since not initiated by patients, may not reflect patients’ perception of a need for care. However, few studies have examined the burden of regular follow-up care and patients’ perceived value of such care. For parents of children with type 1 diabetes (T1D), follow-up visits are scheduled regardless of how well controlled the diabetes is. Our study examines how benefits and burden from the parents’ perspective could affect their preferences in regard to the frequency of regular follow-up care.

Methods

We aim to develop an online patient survey to be distributed to parents of children living with T1D in the province of Quebec, Canada. The survey will be available in French and English, and distributed through diabetes clinics, on social media groups and forums for parents of children with T1D. The survey will be developed in collaboration with parents of children with T1D to ensure that it appropriately reflects the services in regular follow-up care and that the language is understandable and clear.

Ethics and dissemination

All participants will be informed of the requirements and objectives of the survey at the beginning of the questionnaire and that the data collected will remain anonymous and confidential. Ethics approval for the study was obtained from the research ethics committee of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval. Results of the study will be shared with relevant stakeholders with the aim of improving practices and better meeting patients’ and families’ needs.
Determinants of antenatal care utilisation in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Okedo-Alex Ijeoma Nkem , Akamike Ifeyinwa Chizoba , Ezeanosike Obumneme Benaiah , Uneke Chigozie Jesse
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To identify the determinants of antenatal care (ANC) utilisation in sub-Saharan Africa.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

Databases searched were PubMed, OVID, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science.

Eligibility criteria

Primary studies reporting on determinants of ANC utilisation following multivariate analysis, conducted in sub-Saharan Africa and published in English language between 2008 and 2018.

Data extraction and synthesis

A data extraction form was used to extract the following information: name of first author, year of publication, study location, study design, study subjects, sample size and determinants. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist for reporting a systematic review or meta-analysis protocol was used to guide the screening and eligibility of the studies. The Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies was used to assess the quality of the studies while the Andersen framework was used to report findings.

Results

74 studies that met the inclusion criteria were fully assessed. Most studies identified socioeconomic status, urban residence, older/increasing age, low parity, being educated and having an educated partner, being employed, being married and Christian religion as predictors of ANC attendance and timeliness. Awareness of danger signs, timing and adequate number of antenatal visits, exposure to mass media and good attitude towards ANC utilisation made attendance and initiation of ANC in first trimester more likely. Having an unplanned pregnancy, previous pregnancy complications, poor autonomy, lack of husband’s support, increased distance to health facility, not having health insurance and high cost of services negatively impacted the overall uptake, timing and frequency of antenatal visits.

Conclusion

A variety of predisposing, enabling and need factors affect ANC utilisation in sub-Saharan Africa. Intersectoral collaboration to promote female education and empowerment, improve geographical access and strengthened implementation of ANC policies with active community participation are recommended.
Artificial intelligence to diagnose ischemic stroke and identify large vessel occlusions: a systematic review
Authors: Murray Nick M , Unberath Mathias , Hager Gregory D , Hui Ferdinand K
Published: October 2019

Background and purpose

Acute stroke caused by large vessel occlusions (LVOs) requires emergent detection and treatment by endovascular thrombectomy. However, radiologic LVO detection and treatment is subject to variable delays and human expertise, resulting in morbidity. Imaging software using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), a branch of AI, may improve rapid frontline detection of LVO strokes. This report is a systematic review of AI in acute LVO stroke identification and triage, and characterizes LVO detection software.

Methods

A systematic review of acute stroke diagnostic-focused AI studies from January 2014 to February 2019 in PubMed, Medline, and Embase using terms: ‘artificial intelligence’ or ‘machine learning or deep learning’ and ‘ischemic stroke’ or ‘large vessel occlusion’ was performed.

Results

Variations of AI, including ML methods of random forest learning (RFL) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs), are used to detect LVO strokes. Twenty studies were identified that use ML. Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) commonly used RFL, while LVO detection typically used CNNs. Image feature detection had greater sensitivity with CNN than with RFL, 85% versus 68%. However, AI algorithm performance metrics use different standards, precluding ideal objective comparison. Four current software platforms incorporate ML: Brainomix (greatest validation of AI for ASPECTS, uses CNNs to automatically detect LVOs), General Electric, iSchemaView (largest number of perfusion study validations for thrombectomy), and Viz.ai (uses CNNs to automatically detect LVOs, then automatically activates emergency stroke treatment systems).

Conclusions

AI may improve LVO stroke detection and rapid triage necessary for expedited treatment. Standardization of performance assessment is needed in future studies.
Phosphorus accumulation in Canadian agricultural soils over 30 yr
Authors: Reid Keith , Schneider Kimberley D.
Published: October 2019

Phosphorus (P) loss to freshwater is a key driver of eutrophication, and understanding the scale and spatial distribution of potential P sources is a key pre-requisite for implementing policies for P management to minimize environmental impacts. Soil test P (STP) is a useful indicator of the accumulation of P in soils, but these data are not readily available for most agricultural land in Canada, so the cumulative P balance (P inputs as manure or fertilizer minus removal of P in crops) is calculated as a proxy for this value. Cumulative P balance is an important calculation within the indicator of risk of water contamination by P, so allocations of manure and fertilizer P to cropland were updated within the calculation of P balance, and for Ontario, data from 1961 to 1980 were added to account for P applications during that period. The STP concentrations were calculated from the resulting cumulative P balances. When compared with reported STP concentrations, the predicted concentrations showed a statistically significant regression at the national (R2 = 78%) and provincial scale (Ontario, R2 = 36%; Prince Edward Island, R2 = 36%; Manitoba, R2 = 72%; British Columbia, R2 = 40%). There was significant variation in the cumulative P balance across Canada, with the highest values corresponding with areas of high livestock density, whereas large zones of P deficit were detected across the Prairies.
Exponential cosmological solutions with two factor spaces in EGB model with $$\Lambda = 0$$ revisited
Authors: Ivashchuk V. D. , Kobtsev A. A.
Published: October 2019

We study exact cosmological solutions inD-dimensional Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet model (with zero cosmological term) governed by two non-zero constants:$$\alpha _1$$α1and$$\alpha _2$$α2. We deal with exponential dependence (in time) of two scale factors governed by Hubble-like parameters$$H >0$$H>0andh, which correspond to factor spaces of dimensions$$m >2$$m>2and$$l > 2$$l>2, respectively, and$$D = 1 + m + l$$D=1+m+l. We put$$h \ne H$$h≠Hand$$mH + l h \ne 0$$mH+lh≠0. We show that for$$\alpha = \alpha _2/\alpha _1 > 0$$α=α2/α1>0there are two (real) solutions with two sets of Hubble-like parameters:$$(H_1, h_1)$$(H1,h1)and$$(H_2, h_2)$$(H2,h2), which obey:$$ h_1/ H_1< - m/l< h_2/ H_2 < 0$$h1/H1<-m/l<h2/H2<0, while for$$\alpha < 0$$α<0the (real) solutions are absent. We prove that the cosmological solution corresponding to$$(H_2, h_2)$$(H2,h2)is stable in a class of cosmological solutions with diagonal metrics, while the solution corresponding to$$(H_1, h_1)$$(H1,h1)is unstable. We present several examples of analytical solutions, e.g. stable ones with small enough variation of the effective gravitational constantG, for$$(m, l) = (9, l >2), (12, 11), (11,16), (15, 6)$$(m,l)=(9,l>2),(12,11),(11,16),(15,6).
Atmospheric charged $$K/\pi $$ ratio and measurement of muon annual modulation with a liquid scintillation detector at Soudan
Authors: Zhang C. , Mei D.-M.
Published: October 2019

We report a measurement of muon annual modulation in a 12-l liquid scintillation detector with a live-time of more than 4 years at the Soudan Underground Laboratory. Muon minimum ionization in the detector is identified by its observed pulse shape and large energy deposition. The measured muon rate in the detector is $$28.69\pm 2.09$$28.69±2.09 muons per day with a modulation amplitude of ($$2.64\pm 0.07$$2.64±0.07)% and a phase at Jul $$22 \pm 36.2$$22±36.2 days. This annual modulation is correlated with the variation of the effective atmospheric temperature in the stratosphere. The correlation coefficient, $$\alpha _{T}$$αT, is determined to be $$0.898 \pm 0.025$$0.898±0.025. This can be interpreted as a measurement of the atmospheric charged kaon to pion ($$K/\pi $$K/π) ratio of $$0.094^{+0.044}_{-0.061}$$0.094-0.061+0.044 for $$E_{p} > 7$$Ep>7 TeV, consistent with the measurement from the MINOS far detector. To further constrain the value of $$K/\pi $$K/π ratio, a Geant4 simulation of the primary cosmic-ray protons with energy up to 100 TeV is implemented to study the correlation of $$K/\pi $$K/π ratio and the muon annual modulation for muon energy greater than 0.5 TeV. We find out that a charged $$K/\pi $$K/π ratio of 0.1598, greater than the upper bound (0.138) from this work at the production point 30 km above the Earth surface in the stratosphere cannot induce muon annual modulation at the depth of Soudan.
Effective action of bosonic string theory at order $$\alpha '^2$$
Authors: Garousi Mohammad R.
Published: October 2019

Recently, it has been shown that the gauge invariance requires the minimum number of independent couplings for B-field, metric and dilaton at order $$\alpha '^2$$α′2 to be 60. In this paper we fix the corresponding 60 parameters in string theory by requiring the couplings to be invariant under the global T-duality transformations. The Riemann cubed terms are exactly the same as the couplings that have been found by the S-matrix calculations.
About the polarized τ-lepton radiative decay
Authors: Gakh G. I. , Konchatnij M. I. , Merenkov N. P.
Published: October 2019

The polarization effects in the one-meson radiative decay of the polarized [Formula: see text] lepton, [Formula: see text], have been investigated. We present the analytical results for the [Formula: see text]-distribution of the partial differential widths, which are responsible for different polarization phenomena, in the case of the photon energy cut: [Formula: see text]. These quantities depend on the invariant mass squared [Formula: see text] of the pseudoscalar meson and photon and the photon energy cut [Formula: see text] Our analytical formulae, in terms of the weak vector and axial-vector form factors, describing the structure-dependent part of the decay amplitude, are valid also for the decay [Formula: see text] after trivial substitutions of the corresponding constants. We demonstrate the essential decrease of the inner bremsstrahlung contribution in comparison with the structural one with increase of the photon cut energy. In numerical calculations, the vector and axial-vector form factors are determined using the chiral effective theory with resonances (R[Formula: see text]T).
Finite volume scheme for numerical simulation of the sediment transport model
Authors: Mohamed Kamel , Seadawy Aly
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we propose and apply a modified Rusanov scheme for numerical solution of the sediment transport model in one and two dimensions. This model consists of two parts, the first part is modeled by shallow water equations and the second part is described by the bed-load transport equation. The scheme consists of a predictor stage scheme including a local parameter of control. It is responsible for the numerical diffusion. To control this parameter, we use a strategy depending on limiter theory. In the corrector stage, we used special treatment of the bed to get a well-balanced discretization between the flux gradient and source term. Some numerical results are presented for the sediment transport equation in two forms called A-formulation and C-formulation. These results show that the finite volume scheme is accurate and robust for solving the sediment transport equation in one and two dimensions.
Lipid Dynamics at Contact Sites Between the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Other Organelles
Authors: Balla Tamas , Kim Yeun Ju , Alvarez-Prats Alejandro , Pemberton Joshua
Published: October 2019

Phospholipids are synthesized primarily within the endoplasmic reticulum and are subsequently distributed to various subcellular membranes to maintain the unique lipid composition of specific organelles. As a result, in most cases, the steady-state localization of membrane phospholipids does not match their site of synthesis. This raises the question of how diverse lipid species reach their final membrane destinations and what molecular processes provide the energy to maintain the lipid gradients that exist between various membrane compartments. Recent studies have highlighted the role of inositol phospholipids in the nonvesicular transport of lipids at membrane contact sites. This review attempts to summarize our current understanding of these complex lipid dynamics and highlights their implications for defining future research directions.
An Underdetermined Blind Source Separation Method with Application to Modal Identification
Authors: Yu Gang
Published: October 2019

In structural dynamic analysis, the blind source separation (BSS) technique has been accepted as one of the most effective ways for modal identification, in which how to extract the modal parameters using very limited sensors is a highly challenging task in this field. In this paper, we first review the drawbacks of the conventional BSS methods and then propose a novel underdetermined BSS method for addressing the modal identification with limited sensors. The proposed method is established on the clustering features of time‐frequency (TF) transform of modal response signals. This study finds that the TF energy belonging to different monotone modals can cluster into distinct straight lines. Meanwhile, we provide the detailed theorem to explain the clustering features. Moreover, the TF coefficients of each modal are employed to reconstruct all monotone signals, which can benefit to individually identify the modal parameters. In experimental validations, two experimental validations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Effects of Hypoxia on the Immune-Modulatory Properties of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Fábián Zsolt
Published: October 2019

The therapeutic repertoire for life-threatening inflammatory conditions like sepsis, graft-versus-host reactions, or colitis is very limited in current clinical practice and, together with chronic ones, like the osteoarthritis, presents growing economic burden in developed countries. This urges the development of more efficient therapeutic modalities like the mesenchymal stem cell-based approaches. Despite the encouraging in vivo data, however, clinical trials delivered ambiguous results. Since one of the typical features of inflamed tissues is decreased oxygenation, the success of cellular therapy in inflammatory pathologies seems to be affected by the impact of oxygen depletion on transplanted cells. Here, we examine our current knowledge on the effect of hypoxia on the physiology of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells, one of the most popular tools of practical cellular therapy, in the context of their immune-modulatory capacity.
A Monocentric Retrospective Study about the Correlation between Histology and Cytology of Thyroid Indeterminate Nodules Classified as TIR 3A and TIR 3B, according to 2014 Italian Consensus for Classification and Reporting of Thyroid Cytology
Authors: Quaglino Francesco , Arnulfo Giulia , Sandrucci Sergio , Rossi Claudio , Marchese Valentina , Saracco Roberto , Guzzetti Stefano , Taraglio Stefano , Mazza Enrico
Published: October 2019

Background. In 2014, the Italian Consensus for Classification and Reporting of Thyroid Cytology (ICCRTC) reviewed the previous cytological classification proposed in 2007 including the subdivision of TIR 3 category into low risk (TIR 3A) and high risk (TIR 3B). In Italian literature, different rates of malignancy have been correlated to these subcategories. Objectives. The aim of the study is to present our experience on this subclassification for the assessment of the malignancy risk of indeterminate thyroid nodules. We correlated the subdivision into TIR 3A and TIR 3B with the histological report by highlighting the rates of malignancy detected in the two subcategories. On the one hand, we aimed to check if the groups are associated with a real and significant difference risk of malignancy. On the other hand, we evaluated the use of this subdivision in the choice of the appropriate treatment. Study Design. This is a retrospective review of all the patients with an indeterminate nodule who underwent US-FNA and had surgery at ASL Città di Torino between January 2005 and May 2018. Results. 150 patients have been analyzed for the research; 62 (41.3%) had a malignant histological report. Rates of malignancy between TIR 3A (20.8%) and TIR 3B (60.3%) were significantly different (p<0.0001). The subclassification had high sensitivity (75.8%; CI 63.3–85.8%) and NPV (79.3%; CI 68–87.8%) and low specificity (64.8%; CI 53.9–74.7%) and PPV (60.3; CI 48.5–71.2%). The measurement of the accuracy (AUC = 0.7) classified the test as “moderately accurate.” Conclusions. Obtained data show a great rate of false negative (20.8%) and limited AUC (0.7). According to our logistic regression, we argue that the 2014 subclassification into TIR 3A and TIR 3B should be considered for the choice of patient treatment, but at the same time, we believe that the association with other screening tests is necessary to increase the accuracy in the future.
Measurement of Mechanical and Thermal Strains by Optical FBG Sensors Embedded in CFRP Rod
Authors: Cho Keunhee , Kim Sung Tae , Park Young-Hwan , Cho Jeong-Rae
Published: October 2019

The present study intends to provide the photoelastic coefficient and thermal expansion coefficient needed to use an FBG-embedded CFRP rod (smart rod) as strain sensor. Due to the monolithic combination of the FBG sensor with a CFRP rod, the smart rod is likely to exhibit thermal and mechanical properties differing from those of the bare FBG sensor. A tensile test showed that the photoelastic coefficient of the smart rod is 0.204, which is about 7.3% lower than the 0.22 value of the bare optical FBG. Moreover, the thermal expansion coefficient of the smart rod obtained through a thermal test appeared to be negative with a low value of −0.190×10−6/°C. Consequently, the temperature dependence of the smart rod is mainly expressed by means of the thermooptic coefficient. Compared to the bare FBG sensor, the smart rod is easier to handle and can measure compressive strains, which make it a convenient sensor for various concrete structures.
Cancer Etiology: A Metabolic Disease Originating from Life’s Major Evolutionary Transition?
Authors: Poljsak B. , Kovac V. , Dahmane R. , Levec T. , Starc A.
Published: October 2019

A clear understanding of the origins of cancer is the basis of successful strategies for effective cancer prevention and management. The origin of cancer at the molecular and cellular levels is not well understood. Is the primary cause of the origin of cancer the genomic instability or impaired energy metabolism? An attempt was made to present cancer etiology originating from life’s major evolutionary transition. The first evolutionary transition went from simple to complex cells when eukaryotic cells with glycolytic energy production merged with the oxidative mitochondrion (The Endosymbiosis Theory first proposed by Lynn Margulis in the 1960s). The second transition went from single-celled to multicellular organisms once the cells obtained mitochondria, which enabled them to obtain a higher amount of energy. Evidence will be presented that these two transitions, as well as the decline of NAD+ and ATP levels, are the root of cancer diseases. Restoring redox homeostasis and reactivation of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism are important factors in cancer prevention.
Relationship between Hand Eczema Severity and Occupational Stress: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hafsia Meriam , Kacem Imene , El Maalel Olfa , Maoua Maher , Brahem Aicha , Aroui Haifa , El Guedri Sana , Kalboussi Houda , Chatti Souhail , Mrizek Najib
Published: October 2019

Background. Stress has been recently implicated as a contributing factor of hand eczema (HE) severity. However, published data are both rare and contradictory justifying the need of further research. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between stress and HE severity. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study enrolling all patients who have been attending the Dermato-allergology unit of Farhat Hached University Hospital of Sousse over a period of one year. The HE severity was assessed by the Osnabrück Hand Eczema Severity Index (OHSI). The stress level was assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) in its validated Arabic version. Results. During the study period, 109 participants meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. The mean age was 40 ± 9.9 years with a sex-ratio of 0.8. Severe eczema was found in 76 participants (69.7%). A high level of perceived stress was found in 18.3% of cases. A statistically significant association was noted between HE severity and the high level of perceived stress (p=0.039, OR = 4.46, 95% CI [0.96–20.59]) and the number of dependent children ≥3 (p=0.0039, OR = 1.92, 95% CI [0.51–7.22]). Leisure activity was found to be a protective factor against HE severity (p=0.031, OR = 0.27, 95% CI [0.09–0.80]). Conclusion. Although the link between the severity of eczema and atopy, wet work, and contact with irritants and allergens is well known, the relation remains questionable for other factors including stress.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Recombinant Adenovirus Expressing the Spike Protein of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus in Pigs
Authors: Liu Xinsheng , Zhao Donghong , Zhou Peng , Zhang Yongguang , Wang Yonglu
Published: October 2019

In recent years, many studies have shown that recombinant adenovirus live vector-based vaccines are a promising novel vaccine candidate against virus infection. Therefore, in this study, a new type of recombinant adenovirus expressing the spike (S) protein of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), rAd-PEDV-S, was generated, and its characteristics were determined. Then, its efficacy as a vaccine candidate was evaluated in 4-week-old pigs. The results showed that the S protein could be well expressed at a high level in rAd-PEDV-S-infected cells and that the viral titers could reach 1011 PFU/mL. Further animal experimental results showed that rAd-PEDV-S elicited a significant PEDV-specific humoral immune response after vaccination (P<0.05). In addition, rAd-PEDV-S provided partial protection for pigs against the highly virulent PEDV challenge. The results presented in this study indicate that the adenovirus vector can be used as a vaccine delivery vector for the development of a PEDV vaccine and is a promising novel vaccine candidate for future prevention and control of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), but its efficacy still needs to be improved in the future.
Assessment of the Use of PV Panels with Energy Accumulation Option for Riga City Office Building
Authors: Berzina Kristina , Zicmane Inga , Kasperuks Konstantins
Published: October 2019

Currently, demand-side management (DSM) covers a whole range of technological and policy measures aimed at reducing electricity consumption connected with economic activities. Thus, the development of wind PV and other renewable energy technologies, combined with microgrid technology, offers the remote consumers and prosumers ample opportunities to stabilize long-term costs and increase local energy system security. Apart from that, DSM from microgrid based on renewable sources also has certain social benefits, such as protection of the environment and conservation of natural resources. Due to the advances in photovoltaic material research and solar panel price reduction over the last years, the usage of this alternative energy source in Baltic region countries seems more attractive. The usage of energy storage devices can help use the solar power more efficiently and smarter. This paper deals with the optimization of a proposed solar panel array of a renovated office building’s communal lighting in Riga, using storage devices and demand-side management of the produced power, looking into a way to calculate the needed storage capacity on the basis of potential PV system and existing power consumption for communal space lighting system. The proposed approach will become one of the first basic steps in applying DSM to help reduce the communal space’s illumination power consumption, in turn helping to reduce the needed PV generating power and energy storage.
Multi-Sensor-Fusion Approach for a Data-Science-Oriented Preventive Health Management System: Concept and Development of a Decentralized Data Collection Approach for Heterogeneous Data Sources
Authors: Neubert Sebastian , Geißler André , Roddelkopf Thomas , Stoll Regina , Sandmann Karl-Heinz , Neumann Julius , Thurow Kerstin
Published: October 2019

Investigations in preventive and occupational medicine are often based on the acquisition of data in the customer’s daily routine. This requires convenient measurement solutions including physiological, psychological, physical, and sometimes emotional parameters. In this paper, the introduction of a decentralized multi-sensor-fusion approach for a preventive health-management system is described. The aim is the provision of a flexible mobile data-collection platform, which can be used in many different health-care related applications. Different heterogeneous data sources can be integrated and measured data are prepared and transferred to a superordinated data-science-oriented cloud-solution. The presented novel approach focuses on the integration and fusion of different mobile data sources on a mobile data collection system (mDCS). This includes directly coupled wireless sensor devices, indirectly coupled devices offering the datasets via vendor-specific cloud solutions (as e.g., Fitbit, San Francisco, USA and Nokia, Espoo, Finland) and questionnaires to acquire subjective and objective parameters. The mDCS functions as a user-specific interface adapter and data concentrator decentralized from a data-science-oriented processing cloud. A low-level data fusion in the mDCS includes the synchronization of the data sources, the individual selection of required data sets and the execution of pre-processing procedures. Thus, the mDCS increases the availability of the processing cloud and in consequence also of the higher level data-fusion procedures. The developed system can be easily adapted to changing health-care applications by using different sensor combinations. The complex processing for data analysis can be supported and intervention measures can be provided.
Upregulation of Myt1 Promotes Acquired Resistance of Cancer Cells to Wee1 Inhibition
Authors: Lewis Cody W. , Bukhari Amirali B. , Xiao Edric J. , Choi Won-Shik , Smith Joanne D. , Homola Ellen , Mackey John R. , Campbell Shelagh D. , Gamper Armin M. , Chan Gordon K.
Published: October 2019

Adavosertib (also known as AZD1775 or MK1775) is a small-molecule inhibitor of the protein kinase Wee1, with single-agent activity in multiple solid tumors, including sarcoma, glioblastoma, and head and neck cancer. Adavosertib also shows promising results in combination with genotoxic agents such as ionizing radiation or chemotherapy. Previous studies have investigated molecular mechanisms of primary resistance to Wee1 inhibition. Here, we investigated mechanisms of acquired resistance to Wee1 inhibition, focusing on the role of the Wee1-related kinase Myt1. Myt1 and Wee1 kinases were both capable of phosphorylating and inhibiting Cdk1/cyclin B, the key enzymatic complex required for mitosis, demonstrating their functional redundancy. Ectopic activation of Cdk1 induced aberrant mitosis and cell death by mitotic catastrophe. Cancer cells with intrinsic adavosertib resistance had higher levels of Myt1 compared with sensitive cells. Furthermore, cancer cells that acquired resistance following short-term adavosertib treatment had higher levels of Myt1 compared with mock-treated cells. Downregulating Myt1 enhanced ectopic Cdk1 activity and restored sensitivity to adavosertib. These data demonstrate that upregulating Myt1 is a mechanism by which cancer cells acquire resistance to adavosertib.

Significance:

Myt1 is a candidate predictive biomarker of acquired resistance to the Wee1 kinase inhibitor adavosertib.
A Novel c.796 A>C Mutation in the ABO*B.01 Allele Responsible for CisAB Phenotype
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Bi Huiwen , Sun Liping , Zhu Faming , Wang Deqing
Published: October 2019

Background: Individuals with the CisAB phenotype are rare in the Chinese population. In the present study, we investigated the sequence of the ABO gene and family members of a newborn suspected to have the CisAB phenotype. Methods: The ABO phenotype was detected using conventional serological tests. The full coding region of exons 1 to 7 of the ABO gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and was sequenced. The ABO haplotype was determined by the allele-specific primer sequencing method. Results: The proband and his father and grandfather were assigned the CisAB phenotype according to the results of the serological tests and family investigation. A novel CisAB allele was identified in the proband and his father and grandfather, which has only one nucleotide difference at position 796 from A to C (c.796A>C) compared with the ABO*B.01 allele. Conclusion: A novel CisAB (c.796A>C mutation in ABO*B.01) allele is the first identified in the Chinese population.
Complex Intratarsal Cyst with a Mixed Ciliated Respiratory-Type and Squamous Epithelial Lining
Authors: Jakobiec Frederick A. , Cortes Barrantes Paula , Ma Lina , Lee Nahyoung Grace
Published: October 2019

A 55-year-old woman developed a painless, non-ulcerated left upper eyelid swelling over 6 months. Examination disclosed a fluctuant mass that permitted movement of the eyelid skin over the lesion. A full-thickness eyelid resection contained a well-encapsulated cyst with milky contents that was predominantly located in the tarsus. The cyst’s lining was partially composed of segments of ciliated respiratory-type and non-keratinizing squamous epithelia. Immunohistochemical evaluation with cytokeratins 17, 18, and 19 confirmed the staining pattern of a respiratory-type epithelial cell (whether or not cilia were present in the non-squamous epithelial zones). In the squamous region, entirely different cytokeratin results were obtained vis-a-vis the non-squamous regions of the lining. The current lesion is interpreted as congenital and representing an in situ persistence of embryonic ciliated glandular epithelium that normally exists only transitorily. A more remote possibility is that the lesion was the result of ectopic epithelial cells displaced from an adjacent sinus. A recurrence has not developed during 6 months of follow-up.
High Maternal and Low Cord Blood Leptin Are Associated with BMI-SDS Gain in the First Year of Life
Authors: Telschow Anna , Ferrari Nina , Deibert Clara , Flöck Anne , Merz Waltraut M. , Gembruch Ulrich , Ehrhardt Christina , Dötsch Jörg , Graf Christine
Published: October 2019

Background: Early infant weight development influences metabolic regulation later in life. For the prevention of obesity and metabolic diseases, it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms in detail. Objectives: This study aims to examine the effects of maternal anthropometric, sociodemographic, and lifestyle factors on maternal and cord blood leptin levels at birth and on the development of body mass index (BMI) standard deviation scores (SDS) in offspring up to 1 year of age. Methods: Seventy-six mother-child pairs were enrolled in this follow-up analysis in a cross-sectional design. Standardized questionnaires were used to collect information regarding maternal anthropometrics, lifestyle habits, and sociodemographic conditions, and newborn weight, or, rather, BMI-SDS, development during the first year of life. Results: Cord blood leptin (β = –0.222, p = 0.074), maternal leptin (β = 0.414, p = 0.001), and female sex of the offspring (β = 0.385, p = 0.003) explained 29.0% of the variance in BMI-SDS changes in the first year of life. Cord blood leptin was influenced by newborn sex (male; β = –0.220, p = 0.025) and maternal moderate-intensity physical activity in the third trimester (β = 0.265, p = 0.007, corr. R2 = 9.2%); maternal leptin was influenced by maternal prepregnancy BMI (β = 0.602, p < 0.001) and weight gain during pregnancy (β = 0.247, p = 0.004, corr. R2 = 35.5%). Conclusions: Higher maternal and lower cord blood leptin levels are associated with a higher BMI-SDS increase during the first year of life. Maternal leptin is influenced by maternal BMI and weight gain during pregnancy, and cord blood leptin is influenced by maternal physical activity; therefore, it can be suggested that an active and healthy maternal lifestyle may play a pivotal and beneficial role in the offspring’s weight development.
A Novel DLG3 Mutation Expanding the Phenotype of X-Linked Intellectual Disability Caused by DLG3 Nonsense Variants
Authors: Sandestig Anna , Green Anna , Aronsson Johan , Ellnebo Katarina , Stefanova Margarita
Published: October 2019

The DLG3 gene is located at Xq13.1 and encodes SAP102, a member of the MAGUK protein family, extensively expressed in the brain and involved in synaptic function. Mutations in DLG3 are associated with a rare nonsyndromic form of X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) and have been described in 11 families to date. All affected males presented with intellectual disability, and some showed additional clinical features. The majority of female carriers were reported asymptomatic or mildly affected, due to skewed X-inactivation, rarely severely affected. We report a family, a boy and his mother, with a novel nonsense mutation in the DLG3 gene, c.1720C>T; p.Arg574*. The boy, hemizygous for the variant, showed intellectual disability, short stature due to growth hormone deficiency, dysmorphic features, and pectus excavatum. The mother, who presented with learning disabilities and borderline cognitive development, is a heterozygous carrier of the variant, which had arisen de novo. X-inactivation test was noninformative. This case report broadens the phenotypic spectrum of XLID caused by DLG3 nonsense variants. The dysmorphic features of the affected males may be more frequent than previously thought.
Objective Response by mRECIST Is an Independent Prognostic Factor for Overall Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Sorafenib in the SILIUS Trial
Authors: Kudo Masatoshi , Ueshima Kazuomi , Chiba Yasutaka , Ogasawara Sadahisa , Obi Shuntaro , Izumi Namiki , Aikata Hiroshi , Nagano Hiroaki , Hatano Etsuro , Sasaki Yutaka , Hino Keisuke , Kumada Takashi , Yamamoto Kazuhide , Imai Yasuharu , Iwadou Shouta , Ogawa Chikara , Okusaka Takuji , Kanai Fumihiko , Arai Yasuaki
Published: October 2019

Objective: In SILIUS (NCT01214343), combination of sorafenib and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy did not significantly improve overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared with sorafenib alone. In this study, we explored the relationship between objective response by mRECIST and OS in the sorafenib group, in the combination group, and in all patients in the SILIUS trial. Methods: Association between objective response and OS in patients treated with sorafenib (n = 103) or combination (n = 102) and all patients (n = 205) were analyzed. The median OS of responders was compared with that of non-responders. Landmark analyses were performed according to objective response at several fixed time points, as sensitivity analyses, and the effect on OS was evaluated by Cox regression analysis with objective response as a time-dependent covariate, with other prognostic factors. Results: In the sorafenib group, OS of responders (n = 18) was significantly better than that of non-responders (n = 78) (p < 0.0001), where median OS was 27.2 (95% CI, 16.0–not reached) months for responders and 8.9 (95% CI, 6.5–12.6) months for non-responders. HRs from landmark analyses at 4, 6, and 8 months were 0.45 (p = 0.0330), 0.37 (p = 0.0053), and 0.36 (p = 0.0083), respectively. Objective response was an independent predictor of OS based on unstratified Cox regression analyses. In the all patients and the combination group, similar results were obtained. Conclusions: In the SILIUS trial, objective response by sorafenib assessed by mRECIST is an independent prognostic factor for OS in patients with HCC.