bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transfusion‐associated circulatory overload—a systematic review of diagnostic biomarkers
Authors: Klanderman Robert B. , Bosboom Joachim J. , Migdady Yazan , Veelo Denise P. , Geerts Bart F. , Murphy Michael F. , Vlaar Alexander P.J.
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (TACO) is the leading cause of transfusion‐related major morbidity and mortality. Diagnosing TACO is difficult because there are no pathognomonic signs and symptoms. TACO biomarkers may aid in diagnosis, decrease time to treatment, and differentiate from other causes of posttransfusion dyspnea such a transfusion‐related acute lung injury.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A systematic review of literature was performed in EMBASE, PubMed, the TRIP Database, and the Cochrane Library, from inception to June 2018. All articles discussing diagnostic markers for TACO were included. Non‐English articles or conference abstracts were excluded.

RESULTS

Twenty articles discussing biomarkers for TACO were included. The majority investigated B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the N‐terminal prohormone cleavage fragment of BNP (NT‐proBNP), markers of hydrostatic pressure that can be determined within 1 hour. The data indicate that a post/pretransfusion NT‐proBNP ratio > 1.5 can aid in the diagnosis of TACO. Posttransfusion levels of BNP less than 300 or NT‐proBNP less than 2000 pg/mL, drawn within 24 hours of the reaction, make TACO unlikely. Cut‐off levels that exclude TACO are currently unclear. In critically ill patients, the specificity of natriuretic peptides for circulatory overload is poor. Other biomarkers, such as cytokine profiles, cannot discriminate between TACO and transfusion‐related acute lung injury.

CONCLUSION

Currently, BNP and NT‐proBNP are the primary diagnostic biomarkers researched for TACO. An NT‐proBNP ratio greater than 1.5 is supportive of TACO, and low levels of BNP or NT‐proBNP can exclude TACO. However, they are unreliable in critically ill patients. Other biomarkers, including cytokines and pulmonary edema fluid‐to‐serum protein ratio have not yet been sufficiently investigated for clinical use.
The Eurasian Landbridge and China's Belt and Road Initiative: Demand, supply of services and public policy
Authors: Pomfret Richard
Published: November 2018

Rail links between China and Europe are typically analysed in the context of China's Belt and Road Initiative, focusing on China's economic rise and the implications for international relations. This paper argues that establishment of the China–Europe Landbridge predated the BRI and has been market‐driven, as service providers identified and responded to demand for efficient freight services along pre‐existing railway lines. Governments' role was trade facilitating, that is reducing delays and costs at border‐crossing points, rather than investing in hard infrastructure. Service providers responded by linking European and Asian value chains (e.g., in automobiles and electronic goods) and reducing costs for traders shipping between China and Europe. The Eurasian Landbridge provides a case study of servicification as a component of increased trade in the twenty‐first century.
Education of Children in the Area of Physical Actvities as a Foundation for Lifelong Sports
Authors: Miklánková Ludmila
Published: November 2018

The aim of the research was to analyse the level of movement skills in pre-school aged children in context of stimulation to physical activities at school and in the family background. The research group consisted of 62 pre-school aged children (28 boys, 37 girls) with average age 5,6 years. TGMD-2 test was used for the assessment of the quality of movement skills. Questionnaire ESPA was used for the assessment of the stimulation level to physical actvities of children. The level of pre-school children’s movement skills was assessed in groups with different stimulation to physical activities. Among those groups was found statistical significant difference (p ≤ 0,001). Children with high and above average stimulation to physical activity show higher level of managed movement skills. Due to low age of children, parents play significant role. The research results in pre-school children indicate positive importance of aimed stimulation to children’s physical activity which creates quality basis for future lifelong sports. The data was obtained within the project GF_PdF_2018_006.
Frequency-dependent behavior of media containing pre-strained nonlinear inclusions: Application to nonlinear acoustic metamaterials
Authors: Konarski Stephanie G. , Haberman Michael R. , Hamilton Mark F.
Published: November 2018

One emerging research area within the fields of acoustic and elastic metamaterials involves designing subwavelength structures that display elastic instabilities in order to generate an effective medium response that is strongly nonlinear. To capture the overall frequency-dependent and dispersive macroscopic response of such heterogeneous media with subwavelength heterogeneities, a theoretical framework is developed that accounts for higher-order stiffnesses of a resonant, nonlinear inclusion that varies with a macroscopic pre-strain, and the inherent inertia associated with an inclusion embedded in a nearly incompressible elastic matrix material. Such a model can be used to study varying macroscopic material properties as a function of both frequency and pre-strain and the activation of such microscale instabilities due to an external, macroscopic loading, as demonstrated with a buckling metamaterial inclusion that is of interest due to its tunable and tailorable nature. The dynamic results obtained are consistent with similar static behavior reported in the literature for structures with elastic instabilities.
Thinking Outside the Cereal Box: Noncarbohydrate Routes for Dietary Manipulation of the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Reese Aspen T. , Carmody Rachel N.
Published: November 2018

The gut microbiota is a diverse and dynamic ecological community that is increasingly recognized to play important roles in host metabolic, immunological, and behavioral functioning. As such, identifying new routes for manipulating the microbiota may provide valuable additional methods for improving host health.
Risk factors for permanent childhood hearing impairment
Authors: Butcher Emma , Dezateux Carol , Knowles Rachel L
Published: November 2018

Objective

While several perinatal risk factors for permanent childhood hearing impairment (PCHI) are known, association with gestational length remains unclear. We hypothesised that shorter gestational length predicts higher PCHI risk.

Design

19 504 participants from the UK Millennium Cohort Study (born 2000–2002, prior to newborn screening).

Methods

Multivariable discrete-time survival analysis to examine associations between parent-reported PCHI by age 11 years and gestational length, plus other prespecified factors.

Results

PCHI affected 2.1 per 1000 children (95% CI 1.5 to 3.0) by age 11; however, gestational length did not predict PCHI risk (HR, 95% CI 1.00, 0.98 to 1.03 per day increase). Risk was increased in those with neonatal illness, with or without admission to neonatal care (6.33, 2.27 to 17.63 and 2.62, 1.15 to 5.97, respectively), of Bangladeshi or Pakistani ethnicity (2.78, 1.06 to 7.31) or born to younger mothers (0.92, 0.87 to 0.97 per year).

Conclusion

Neonatal illness, rather than gestational length, predicts PCHI risk. Further research should explore associations with ethnicity.
Respiratory disease mortality in the United Kingdom compared with EU15+ countries in 1985-2015: observational study
Authors: Salciccioli Justin D , Marshall Dominic C , Shalhoub Joseph , Maruthappu Mahiben , De Carlo Giuseppe , Chung Kian Fan
Published: November 2018

Objective

To compare age standardised death rates for respiratory disease mortality between the United Kingdom and other countries with similar health system performance.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

World Health Organization Mortality Database, 1985-2015.

Participants

Residents of the UK, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Australia, Canada, the United States, and Norway (also known as EU15+ countries).

Main outcome measures

Mortality from all respiratory disease and infectious, neoplastic, interstitial, obstructive, and other respiratory disease. Differences between countries were tested over time by mixed effect regression models, and trends in subcategories of respiratory related diseases assessed by a locally weighted scatter plot smoother.

Results

Between 1985 and 2015, overall mortality from respiratory disease in the UK and EU15+ countries decreased for men and remained static for women. In the UK, the age standardised death rate (deaths per 100 000 people) for respiratory disease mortality in the UK fell from 151 to 89 for men and changed from 67 to 68 for women. In EU15+ countries, the corresponding changes were from 108 to 69 for men and from 35 to 37 in women. The UK had higher mortality than most EU15+ countries for obstructive, interstitial, and infectious subcategories of respiratory disease in both men and women.

Conclusion

Mortality from overall respiratory disease was higher in the UK than in EU15+ countries between 1985 and 2015. Mortality was reduced in men, but remained the same in women. Mortality from obstructive, interstitial, and infectious respiratory disease was higher in the UK than in EU15+ countries.
The association between insulin therapy and depression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis
Authors: Bai Xiaosu , Liu Zhiming , Li Zhisen , Yan Dewen
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Several patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have depressive disorders. Whether insulin treatment was associated with increased risk of depression remains controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association of insulin therapy and depression.

Design

A meta-analysis.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase and the Cochrane Library from their inception to April 2016. Epidemiological studies comparing the prevalence of depression between insulin users and non-insulin users were included. A random-effects model was used for meta-analysis. The adjusted and crude data were analysed.

Results

Twenty-eight studies were included. Of these, 12 studies presented with adjusted ORs. Insulin therapy was significantly associated with increased risk of depression (OR=1.41, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.76, p=0.003). Twenty-four studies provided crude data. Insulin therapy was also associated with an odds for developing depression (OR=1.59, 95% CI 1.41 to 1.80, p<0.001). When comparing insulin therapy with oral antidiabetic drugs, significant association was observed for adjusted (OR=1.42, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.86, p=0.008) and crude (OR=1.61, 95% CI 1.35 to 1.93, p<0.001) data.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis confirmed that patients on insulin therapy were significantly associated with the risk of depressive symptoms.
Adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes associated withNeisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, M. hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and U. parvum:a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Vallely Lisa M , Egli-Gany Dianne , Pomat William , Homer Caroline SE , Guy Rebecca , Wand Handan , Silver Bronwyn , Rumbold Alice R , Kaldor John M , Low Nicola , Vallely Andrew J
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Several bacterial sexually transmitted and genital mycoplasma infections during pregnancy have been associated with poor pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. Comprehensive and systematic information about associations between sexually transmitted infections (STI) and genital infections in pregnancy and adverse perinatal outcomes is needed to improve understanding about the evidence for causal associations between these infections and adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Our primary objective is to systematically review the literature about associations between: (1)Neisseria gonorrhoeaein pregnancy and preterm birth; (2)Mycoplasma genitaliumin pregnancy and preterm birth; (3)M. hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticumand/orU. parvumin pregnancy and preterm birth.

Methods and analysis

We will undertake a systematic search of Medline, Excerpta Medica database and the Cochrane Library and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Following an initial screening of titles by one reviewer, abstracts will be independently assessed by two reviewers before screening of full-text articles. To exclude a manuscript, both reviewers need to agree on the decision. Any discrepancies will be resolved by discussion, or the adjudication of a third reviewer. Studies will be included if they report testing for one or more ofN. gonorrhoeae, M. genitalium, M. hominis, U. urealyticum and/or U. parvumduring pregnancy and report pregnancy and/or birth outcomes. In this review, the primary outcome is preterm birth. Secondary outcomes are premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, neonatal mortality and ophthalmia neonatorum. We will use standard definitions, or definitions reported by study authors. We will examine associations between exposure and outcome in forest plots, using the I2statistic to examine between study heterogeneity. Where appropriate, we will use meta-analysis to combine results of individual studies.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review of published literature does not require ethical committee approval. Results of this review will be published in a peer reviewed, open access journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016050962.
The effects of a single session of lumbar spinal manipulative therapy in terms of physical performance test symmetry in asymptomatic athletes: a single-blinded, randomised controlled study.
Authors: Alvarenga Bruno A P , Fujikawa Ricardo , João Filipa , Lara Jerusa P R , Veloso António P
Published: November 2018

Background and aim

Musculoskeletal disorders in athletes, including spinal biomechanical dysfunctions, are believed to negatively influence symmetry. Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is recognised as a safe and effective treatment for musculoskeletal disorders, but there is little evidence about whether it can be beneficial in symmetry. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the effects of lumbar SMT in symmetry.

Methods

Forty asymptomatic athletes participated in the study. The randomisation procedure was performed according to the following group allocation: group 1 (SMT) and group 2 (SHAM). Each participant completed a physical activity questionnaire, and also underwent clinical and physical evaluation for inclusion according to eligibility criteria. Statistical significance (P<0.05) between groups and types of therapy were calculated by physical performance tests symmetry (static position, squat and counter movement jump (CMJ), pre- and post-SMT and SHAM. There were 14 trials of three symmetry tests for each participant, for a total of 560 trials.

Results

Lumbar SMT produced immediate effects in symmetry in the static position; however, the same effects were not found in squat and CMJ on symmetry 1. Therefore, our results showed a significant difference in pre- (mean 16.3%) and post-lumbar SMT (mean 3.7%) in static symmetry. However, symmetry 2 showed no statistical significant differences for any of the tests and intervention groups. No statistically significant effects in symmetry pre- to post-SHAM were found in any of the tests.

Conclusions

Statistically significant differences were found in lumbar SMT, but only for static symmetry. These findings suggest that SMT was effective in producing immediate effects in symmetry in the static position, but none in dynamic tests. Future studies could address our study's limitations.

Clinical trials register number

NCT03361592.
Refined template selection and combination algorithm significantly improves template-based modeling accuracy
Authors: Runthala Ashish , Chowdhury Shibasish
Published: November 2018

In contrast to ab-initio protein modeling methodologies, comparative modeling is considered as the most popular and reliable algorithm to model protein structure. However, the selection of the best set of templates is still a major challenge. An effective template-ranking algorithm is developed to efficiently select only the reliable hits for predicting the protein structures. The algorithm employs the pairwise as well as multiple sequence alignments of template hits to rank and select the best possible set of templates. It captures several key sequences and structural information of template hits and converts into scores to effectively rank them. This selected set of templates is used to model a target. Modeling accuracy of the algorithm is tested and evaluated on TBM-HA domain containing CASP8, CASP9 and CASP10 targets. On an average, this template ranking and selection algorithm improves GDT-TS, GDT-HA and TM_Score by 3.531, 4.814 and 0.022, respectively. Further, it has been shown that the inclusion of structurally similar templates with ample conformational diversity is crucial for the modeling algorithm to maximally as well as reliably span the target sequence and construct its near-native model. The optimal model sampling also holds the key to predict the best possible target structure.
Spatial variations in distributive fluvial system architecture of the Upper Cretaceous Marília Formation, SE Brazil
Authors: Dal’ Bó Patrick Führ , Soares Marcus Vinícius Theodoro , Basilici Giorgio , Rodrigues Amanda Goulart , Menezes Mauricius Nascimento
Published: November 2018

Conceptual models developed from modern distributive fluvial systems (DFSs) show a predictable spatial variation of facies progression from the margin to the interior of continental sedimentary basins. The Upper Cretaceous Serra da Galga Member of the Marília Formation has recently been interpreted to be a result of DFS deposition in the intracratonic Bauru Basin. This paper describes the spatial variations in stratigraphic architecture from the proximal to medial regions of the studied DFS and presents the implications of the recorded changes for fluvial reservoir characterization. The proximal areas are dominated by amalgamated channel-fill deposits and weakly developed, well-drained palaeosol profiles with only sparse floodplain deposits. The medial areas display a reduction in channel-fill deposits, an increase in the preserved thickness of floodplain deposits and the occurrence of sheetflood deposits and well-developed, poorly drained palaeosols. This spatial trend is accompanied by changes in the net : gross ratios of the geological bodies, forming possible high net : gross reservoirs in the proximal areas and reservoirs with very variable net : gross ratios in the medial areas. This down-system change in preserved stratigraphic architecture is evidenced for the first time in the studied sedimentary succession and follows the same pattern of facies progression described from modern examples of DFSs.
Factors influencing longitudinal changes of circulating liver enzyme concentrations in subjects randomized to placebo in four clinical trials
Authors: Nunez Derek J. , Alexander Myriam , Yerges-Armstrong Laura , Singh Gurparkash , Byttebier Geert , Fabbrini Elisa , Waterworth Dawn , Meininger Gary , Galwey Nicholas , Wallentin Lars , White Harvey D. , Vannieuwenhuyse Bart , Alazawi William , Kendrick Stuart , Sattar Naveed , Ferrannini Ele
Published: November 2018

Liver enzyme concentrations are measured as safety end points in clinical trials to detect drug-related hepatotoxicity, but little is known about the epidemiology of these biomarkers in subjects without hepatic dysfunction who are enrolled in drug trials. We studied alanine and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT and AST) in subjects randomized to placebo who completed assessments over 36 mo in a cardiovascular outcome trial [the Stabilisation of Atherosclerotic Plaque by Initiation of Darapladib Therapy (“STABILITY”) trial; n = 4,264; mean age: 64.2 yr] or over 12 mo in three trials that enrolled only subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) [the DIA trials; n = 308; mean age: 62.4 yr] to investigate time-dependent relationships and the factors that might affect ALT and AST, including body mass index (BMI), T2D, and renal function. Multivariate linear mixed models examined time-dependent relationships between liver enzyme concentrations as response variables and BMI, baseline T2D status, hemoglobin A1clevels, and renal function, as explanatory variables. At baseline, ALT was higher in individuals who were men, <65 yr old, and obese and who had glomerular filtration rate (GFR) >60 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2. ALT was not significantly associated with T2D at baseline, although it was positively associated with HbA1c. GFR had a greater impact on ALT than T2D. ALT concentrations decreased over time in subjects who lost weight but remained stable in individuals with increasing BMI. Weight change did not alter AST concentrations. We provide new insights on the influence of time, GFR, and HbA1con ALT and AST concentrations and confirm the effect of sex, age, T2D, BMI, and BMI change in subjects receiving placebo in clinical trials.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Clinical trials provide high-quality data on liver enzyme concentrations from subjects randomized to placebo that can be used to investigate the epidemiology of these biomarkers. The adjusted models show the influence of sex, age, time, renal function, type 2 diabetes, HbA1c, and body mass index on alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase concentrations and their relative importance. These factors need to be considered when assessing potential signals of hepatotoxicity in trials of new drugs and in clinical trials investigating subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Impact of cervical spinal cord contusion on the breathing pattern across the sleep-wake cycle in the rat
Authors: Lee Kun-Ze
Published: November 2018

The present study was designed to investigate breathing patterns across the sleep-wake state following a high cervical spinal injury in rats. The breathing patterns (e.g., respiratory frequency, tidal volume, and minute ventilation), neck electromyogram, and electroencephalography of unanesthetized adult male rats were measured at the acute (i.e., 1 day), subchronic (i.e., 2 wk), and/or chronic (i.e., 6 wk) injured stages after unilateral contusion of the second cervical spinal cord. Cervical spinal cord injury caused a long-term reduction in the tidal volume but did not influence the sleep-wake cycle duration. The minute ventilation during sleep was usually lower than that during the wake period in uninjured animals due to a decrease in respiratory frequency. However, this sleep-induced reduction in respiratory frequency was not observed in contused animals at the acute injured stage. By contrast, the tidal volume was significantly lower during sleep in contused animals but not uninjured animals from the acute to the chronic injured stage. Moreover, the frequency of sigh and postsigh apnea was elevated in acutely contused animals. These results indicated that high cervical spinal contusion is associated with exacerbated sleep-induced attenuation of the tidal volume and higher occurrence of sleep apnea, which may be detrimental to respiratory functional recovery after cervical spinal cord injury.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cervical spinal injury is usually associated with sleep-disordered breathing. The present study investigated breathing patterns across sleep-wake state following cervical spinal injury in the rat. Unilateral cervical spinal contusion significantly impacted sleep-induced alteration of breathing patterns, showing a blunted frequency response and exacerbated attenuated tidal volume and occurrence of sleep apnea. The result enables us to investigate effects of cervical spinal injury on the pathogenesis of sleep-disordered breathing and evaluate potential therapies to improve respiration.
Malaria and Geohelminthiasis Coinfections in Expectant Women: Effect on Maternal Health and Birth Outcomes in a Malaria Endemic Region in Kenya
Authors: Wanyonyi Wekesa Antony , Mulambalah Chrispinus Siteti , Mulama David H. , Omukunda Elizabeth , Siteti Darwin Injete
Published: November 2018

Geohelminthiasis and malaria coinfections in pregnancy are common in sub-Saharan Africa. The consequences of the disease combination on maternal health and birth outcomes are poorly understood. For a better understanding of this coinfection in expectant mothers, a cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the effect of the coinfection on maternal health and birth outcomes in expectant mothers in Bungoma County, Kenya. To collect data on malaria and maternal haematological parameters, blood samples were obtained from 750 participants aged 18-49 years and analyzed. Haemoglobin and eosinophils levels were determined by coulter counter while malaria parasitemia levels and red blood cell morphology were assessed by preparing and observing blood smears under the microscope. Fresh stool samples were collected and processed for identification and quantification of geohelminths species using Kato-Katz. Harada Mori technique was used to increase chances of detecting hookworms and Strongyloides infections. Neonate’s health was evaluated based on the appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration (APGAR) scale. Parasites identified were Plasmodium falciparum, P. malariae, P. ovale, Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus, Enterobius vermicularis, and Schistosoma mansoni. The prevalence of geohelminths, malaria parasites, and coinfection was 24.7%, 21.6%, and 6.8%, respectively. Those coinfected with geohelminths and malaria parasites were four times likely to have anaemia (OR 4.137; 95% CI 2.088-8.195; P=0.001) compared with those infected with geohelminths or malaria parasites alone (OR 0.505; 95% CI 0.360-0.709; P=0.001 and OR 0.274; 95%CI 0.187-0.402 P=0.001, respectively). The odds of having preterm deliveries (OR 6.896; 95% CI 1.755-27.101; P=0.006) and still births (OR 3.701; 95% CI 1.008-13.579 P< 0.048) were greater in those coinfected than in those infected with either geohelminths or malaria parasites. Geohelminths and malaria coinfections were prevalent among study participants; consequently the risk of maternal anaemia, preterm deliveries, and still births were high. Routine screening and prompt treatment during antenatal visits should be encouraged to mitigate the adverse consequences associated with the coinfections.
Simultaneous Recording of ICG and ECG Using Z-RPI Device with Minimum Number of Electrodes
Authors: Hafid Abdelakram , Benouar Sara , Kedir-Talha Malika , Attari Mokhtar , Seoane Fernando
Published: November 2018

Impedance cardiography (ICG) is a noninvasive method for monitoring mechanical function of the heart with the use of electrical bioimpedance measurements. This paper presents the feasibility of recording an ICG signal simultaneously with electrocardiogram signal (ECG) using the same electrodes for both measurements, for a total of five electrodes rather than eight electrodes. The device used is the Z-RPI. The results present good performance and show waveforms presenting high similarity with the different signals reported using different electrodes for acquisition; the heart rate values were calculated and they present accurate evaluation between the ECG and ICG heart rates. The hemodynamics and cardiac parameter results present similitude with the physiological parameters for healthy people reported in the literature. The possibility of reducing number of electrodes used for ICG measurement is an encouraging step to enabling wearable and personal health monitoring solutions.
Effect of Admission Time on the Outcomes of Liver Cirrhosis with Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Regular Hours versus Off-Hours Admission
Authors: Li Yingying , Han Bing , Li Hongyu , Song Tingxue , Bao Wenchun , Wang Ran , Bai Zhaohui , Zheng Kexin , Li Qianqian , Guo Xiaozhong , Qi Xingshun
Published: November 2018

Background and Aims. Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) is a lethal complication of liver cirrhosis. We aimed to compare the outcomes of patients with liver cirrhosis and AUGIB who were admitted to hospital on regular hours and off-hours. Methods. This retrospective study screened all cirrhotic patients with AUGIB who were admitted to our hospital from January 2010 to June 2014 for the test cohort and from December 2014 to March 2018 for the validation cohort. A 1:1 propensity score matching analysis was performed to adjust the Child-Pugh and MELD scores. In-hospital mortality, 5-day rebleeding rate, length of stay, and total payment were primary outcomes. Results. Overall, 826 and 173 patients with liver cirrhosis and AUGIB were included in the test and validation cohorts, respectively. After propensity score matching, 226 and 40 patients were included in the test and validation cohorts, respectively. The overall analysis of the test cohort found significantly higher Child-Pugh score (P=0.006), 5-day rebleeding rate (18.69% versus 10.72%, P=0.001), and total payment (¥25,906.83 versus ¥22,017.42, P<0.001) in patients admitted on off-hours. By contrast, the overall analysis of the validation cohort did not find any difference in Child-Pugh score, 5-day rebleeding, in-hospital mortality, length of stay, or hospital payment between patients admitted on regular hours and off-hours. Similarly, the propensity score matching analyses of both test and validation cohorts found no difference in these primary outcomes between the two groups. Conclusions. Off-hours admission might not be negatively associated with the outcomes of patients with liver cirrhosis and AUGIB.
Shared Bicycle Scheduling Model Based on Price Incentive Mechanism
Authors: Han Xiaoming , Chong Yingshan , Huangfu Qianwen
Published: November 2018

In order to realize the rational delivery and effective dispatch of urban public self-vehicles, according to the randomness and time-varying of public bicycle demand, a demand forecast based on random forest and spatiotemporal clustering is proposed, and based on this, the user-based site rebalancing price incentive mechanism is implemented. Combining the demand of public bicycles with time factors, meteorological factors, associated sites, and other variables, using logarithmic optimization to reduce the impact of outliers, establish a random forest regression model. Secondly, based on this, a dynamic price incentive model is constructed to realize the rebalancing of user-based rental vehicles. The validity and feasibility of the dynamic price incentive model are verified by taking the historical data of public bicycle operation in the Bay Area as an example.
Primary Selection and Secondary Diversification: Two Key Processes in the History of Olive Domestication
Authors: Khadari Bouchaib , El Bakkali Ahmed
Published: November 2018

Knowledge on the crop domestication process is important from a cultural and agricultural standpoint since it can shed light on the origin and history of human civilizations as well as the management of genetic resources, while offering guidance for modern breeding. The olive tree (Olea europaeassp.europaea) is the most iconic of the old crop species of the Mediterranean Basin (MB). Primary domestication from wild olive probably occurred around 6000 BP in the Middle East. However, the question remains as to whether cultivated olive derived from a single domestication event in the Levant, followed by secondary diversification, or whether it was the result of independent domestication events. Here, we analyzed a comprehensive sample collected from 35 wild populations (722 individuals) and 410 cultivars from across the MB using nuclear and plastid DNA markers. Our genetic investigations argue in favor of a single primary domestication event in the eastern MB, followed by diffusion of the first domesticated olive and diversification in the central and western MB as key processes in the olive tree history.
An Efficient Algorithm for Finding the Maximal Eigenvalue of Zero Symmetric Nonnegative Matrices
Authors: Wang Gang , Sun Lihong
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we propose an improved power algorithm for finding maximal eigenvalues. Without any partition, we can get the maximal eigenvalue and show that the modified power algorithm is convergent for zero symmetric reducible nonnegative matrices. Numerical results are reported to demonstrate the effectiveness of the modified power algorithm. Finally, a modified algorithm is proposed to test the positive definiteness (positive semidefiniteness) of Z-matrices.
Extended Use of the Wearable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: Which Patients Are Most Likely to Benefit?
Authors: Kovacs Boldizsar , Reek Sven , Krasniqi Nazmi , Eriksson Urs , Duru Firat
Published: November 2018

Background. Wearable cardioverter-defibrillators (WCD, LifeVest, ZOLL) can protect from sudden cardiac death bridging a vulnerable period until a decision on implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation can be reached. WCD is commonly used for 3 months or less. It is unknown, which patients use WCD longer and which patients are most likely to benefit from it. Hypothesis. Extended use of WCD is reasonable in selected cases based on underlying heart disease and overall patient risk profile. Methods. We conducted a systematic and comprehensive research of all published clinical studies on PubMed reporting on the use of the WCD. Only original articles reporting on wear times and time to appropriate shocks were included in our analysis. Results. The search resulted in 127 publications. 14 parameters were reported necessary for inclusion in our analysis. Median wear times ranged from 16 to 394 days. The median wear time was especially long for patients suffering from nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) (range: 50–71 days) and specifically peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) (120 days) and for heart transplant candidates. There was a large variation of appropriate shocks according to indication for WCD use. In contrast to NICM in general, the number of appropriate shocks was particularly high in patients with PPCM (0 in 254 patients and 5 in 49 patients, respectively). The median and maximal time periods to the first appropriate shock were longest in patients with PPCM (median time to the first appropriate shock: 68 days). Conclusions. Prolonged use of WCD is not uncommon in available literature. Patients suffering from NICM and specifically PPCM seem most likely to have longer therapy duration with WCD with success. Careful patient selection for prolonged use may decrease the need for ICD implantation in the future; however, prospective data are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Egocentric Video Summarization Based on People Interaction Using Deep Learning
Authors: Ghafoor Humaira A. , Javed Ali , Irtaza Aun , Dawood Hassan , Dawood Hussain , Banjar Ameen
Published: November 2018

The availability of wearable cameras in the consumer market has motivated the users to record their daily life activities and post them on the social media. This exponential growth of egocentric videos demand to develop automated techniques to effectively summarizes the first-person video data. Egocentric videos are commonly used to record lifelogs these days due to the availability of low cost wearable cameras. However, egocentric videos are challenging to process due to the fact that placement of camera results in a video which presents great deal of variation in object appearance, illumination conditions, and movement. This paper presents an egocentric video summarization framework based on detecting important people in the video. The proposed method generates a compact summary of egocentric videos that contains information of the people whom the camera wearer interacts with. Our proposed approach focuses on identifying the interaction of camera wearer with important people. We have used AlexNet convolutional neural network to filter the key-frames (frames where camera wearer interacts closely with the people). We used five convolutional layers and two completely connected hidden layers and an output layer. Dropout regularization method is used to reduce the overfitting problem in completely connected layers. Performance of the proposed method is evaluated onUT Egostandard dataset. Experimental results signify the effectiveness of the proposed method in terms of summarizing the egocentric videos.
PRL-3 Promotes Ubiquitination and Degradation of AURKA and Colorectal Cancer Progression via Dephosphorylation of FZR1
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Qu Like , Lian Shenyi , Meng Lin , Min Li , Liu Jiafei , Song Qian , Shen Lin , Shou Chengchao
Published: November 2018

The oncogenic phosphatase PRL-3 is highly expressed in metastatic colorectal cancer but not in nonmetastatic colorectal cancer or noncolorectal cancer metastatic cancers. Although the proinvasive capacity of PRL-3 has been validated in multiple types of cancer, its impact on colorectal cancer progression and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we report that overexpressed PRL-3 stimulates G2–M arrest, chromosomal instability (CIN), self-renewal, and growth of colorectal cancer cells in xenograft models, while colorectal cancer cell proliferation is decreased. PRL-3–induced G2–M arrest was associated with decreased expression of Aurora kinase A (AURKA). PRL-3–promoted slow proliferation, CIN, self-renewal, and growth in xenografts were counteracted by ectopic expression of AURKA. Conversely, knockdown of PRL-3 resulted in low proliferation, S-phase arrest, impaired self-renewal, increased apoptosis, and diminished xenograft growth independently of AURKA. Analysis of colorectal cancer specimens showed that expression of PRL-3 was associated with high status of CIN and poor prognosis, which were antagonized by expression of AURKA. PRL-3 enhanced AURKA ubiquitination and degradation in a phosphatase-dependent fashion. PRL-3 interacted with AURKA and FZR1, a regulatory component of the APC/CFZR1 complex. Destabilization of AURKA by PRL-3 required PRL-3-mediated dephosphorylation of FZR1 and assembly of the APC/CFZR1 complex. Our study suggests that PRL-3–regulated colorectal cancer progression is collectively determined by distinct malignant phenotypes and further reveals PRL-3 as an essential regulator of APC/CFZR1 in controlling the stability of AURKA.

Significance:

Dephosphorylation of FZR1 by PRL-3 facilitates the activity of APC/CFZR1 by destabilizing AURKA, thus influencing aggressive characteristics and overall progression of colorectal cancer.
Inhibition of microRNA-200a Upregulates the Expression of Striatal Dopamine Receptor D2 to Repress Apoptosis of Striatum via the cAMP/PKA Signaling Pathway in Rats with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Wu Dong-Mei , Wang Shan , Wen Xin , Han Xin-Rui , Wang Yong-Jian , Shen Min , Fan Shao-Hua , Zhuang Juan , Zhang Zi-Feng , Shan Qun , Li Meng-Qiu , Hu Bin , Sun Chun-Hui , Lu Jun , Zheng Yuan-Lin
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative movement disease with a high annual incidence. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that microRNAs play important roles in the pathogenesis of multiple neurological disorders, including PD. This study aims to investigate how microRNA-200a (miR-200a) regulates striatal dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) to affect apoptosis of striatum in rats with PD and to explore the associated mechanism. Methods: After successfully establishing a PD model by 6-hydroxydopamine injections, PD rats were mainly treated with miR-200a mimics, inhibitors, Forskolin or a combination of miR-200a inhibitors and Forskolin. High-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) was employed to detect the levels of dopamine, 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), and chemistry colorimetric methods were applied to detect the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). A TUNEL assay and immunocytochemical staining were performed to observe apoptosis and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cells in the striatum. The expression of miR-200a, DRD2, Bad, Bax, Bcl-2, cAMP and PKA was determined by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot assays. Results: In the cellular experiments, after transfection with the inhibitor of miR-200a, decreased levels of Bax, GSH-Px, SOD, dopamine, DOPAC and HVA but increased levels of MDA and Bcl-2 were found along with a reduced apoptosis rate and increased TH-positive cell number. In addition, downregulating miR-200a resulted in lower expression of AKT, cAMP and PKA but higher expression of DRD2 and CREB, indicating that the downregulation of miR-200a increases DRD2 expression, which blocks the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that the inhibition of miR-200a can repress apoptosis in the striatum via inhibition of the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway by upregulating DRD2 expression in PD rats.
Birth Weight and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiovascular Disease, and Hypertension in Adults: A Meta‐Analysis of 7 646 267 Participants From 135 Studies
Authors: Knop Marianne Ravn , Geng Ting‐Ting , Gorny Alexander Wilhelm , Ding Renyu , Li Changwei , Ley Sylvia H. , Huang Tao
Published: November 2018

Background

Low birth weight has been associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, but the risk at high birth weight levels remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to clarify the shape of associations between birth weight and aforementioned diseases in adults and assessed sex‐specific risks.

Methods and Results

We systematically searched PubMed,
EMBASE
, and Web of Science for studies published between 1980 and October 2016. Studies of birth weight and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2
DM
), cardiovascular disease (
CVD
), and hypertension were included. Random‐effects models were used to derive the summary relative risks and corresponding 95% confidence intervals.We identified 49 studies with 4 053 367 participants assessing the association between birth weight and T2
DM
, 33 studies with 5 949 477 participants for
CVD
, and 53 studies with 4 335 149 participants for hypertension and high blood pressure. Sex‐specific binary analyses showed that only females had an increased risk of T2
DM
and
CVD
at the upper tail of the birth weight distribution. While categorical analyses of 6 birth weight groups and dose‐response analyses showed J‐shaped associations of birth weight with T2
DM
and
CVD
, the association was inverse with hypertension. The lowest risks for T2
DM
,
CVD
, and hypertension were observed at 3.5 to 4.0, 4.0 to 4.5, and 4.0 to 4.5 kg, respectively.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that birth weight is associated with risk of T2
DM
and
CVD
in a J‐shaped manner and that this is more pronounced among females.
Caspase Cleavage of Gelsolin Is an Inductive Cue for Pathologic Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Putinski Charis , Abdul‐Ghani Mohammad , Brunette Steve , Burgon Patrick G. , Megeney Lynn A.
Published: November 2018

Background

Cardiac hypertrophy is an adaptive remodeling event that may improve or diminish contractile performance of the heart. Physiologic and pathologic hypertrophy yield distinct outcomes, yet both are dependent on caspase‐directed proteolysis. This suggests that each form of myocardial growth may derive from a specific caspase cleavage event(s). We examined whether caspase 3 cleavage of the actin capping/severing protein gelsolin is essential for the development of pathologic hypertrophy.

Methods and Results

Caspase targeting of gelsolin was established through protein analysis of hypertrophic cardiomyocytes and mass spectrometry mapping of cleavage sites. Pathologic agonists induced late‐stage caspase‐mediated cleavage of gelsolin. The requirement of caspase‐mediated gelsolin cleavage for hypertrophy induction was evaluated in primary cardiomyocytes by cell size analysis, monitoring of prohypertrophy markers, and measurement of hypertrophy‐related transcription activity. The in vivo impact of caspase‐mediated cleavage was investigated by echo‐guided intramyocardial injection of adenoviral‐expressed gelsolin. Expression of the N‐terminal gelsolin caspase cleavage fragment was necessary and sufficient to cause pathologic remodeling in isolated cardiomyocytes and the intact heart, whereas expression of a noncleavable form prevents cardiac remodeling. Alterations in myocardium structure and function were determined by echocardiography and end‐stage cardiomyocyte cell size analysis. Gelsolin secretion was also monitored for its impact on naïve cells using competitive antibody trapping, demonstrating that hypertrophic agonist stimulation of cardiomyocytes leads to gelsolin secretion, which induces hypertrophy in naïve cells.

Conclusions

These results suggest that cell autonomous caspase cleavage of gelsolin is essential for pathologic hypertrophy and that cardiomyocyte secretion of gelsolin may accelerate this negative remodeling response.
Evolution of white-throated sparrow song: regional variation through shift in terminal strophe type and length
Authors: Zimmerman Hannah D. , Ramsay Scott M. , Mesias Veronica , Mora Marcelo , Murray Brent W. , Otter Ken A.
Published: November 2018

We investigated the emergence over time of a novel song variant (doublet-ending song) in a western Canadian sub-population of white-throated sparrows; this variant differs from the species-typical, triplet-ending song. By analysing recent (1999–2014) and historic (1950/1960s) recordings, we show that populations west (British Columbia) and immediately east (Alberta) of the Rockies, and from central Canada (Ontario) initially all had triplet-ending songs. The shift to doublet-ending songs first arose west of the Rockies, and has increased immediately east of the Rockies in the last decade. The Ontario population retained predominantly triplet-ending songs. Note lengths have increased over time in all populations, while inter-strophe interval has decreased, allowing doublet-ending birds the ability to have greater strophe repeats for a given song length. We explore whether the emergence and apparent spread of the doublet-ending songs can be explained by cultural drift, or may be under selection by conveying an advantage during counter-singing.