bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prospective comparative analysis of robot‐assisted vs open simple prostatectomy for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Mourmouris Panagiotis , Keskin Selcuk M. , Skolarikos Andreas , Argun Omer Burak , Karagiannis Andreas A. , Tufek Ilter , Obek Can , Riza Kural Ali
Published: September 2018

Objective

To report the first prospective comparative analysis of robot‐assisted (RASP) vs open simple prostatectomy (OSP) for large prostate glands.

Materials and Methods

We prospectively analysed 41 patients who underwent surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia between 2014 and 2017 at one of two university institutions. Patients were grouped according to the procedure (OSP or RASP) and matched in terms of age, prostate volume, body mass index and prostate‐specific antigen level. The two groups were followed prospectively for 3 months, and their postoperative and functional outcomes were compared.

Results

Six patients (40%) in the OSP and seven patients (27%) in the RASP arm of the study had preoperative urethral catheters as a result of relapsed urinary retention. The amount of blood loss during surgery was significantly lower in the RASP arm (539  vs 274 mL), but the operating time was significantly longer (134 vs 88 min). One patient in the RASP group experienced a Clavien–Dindo grade II complication, whereas in the OSP group, four patients experienced serious complications (27%); one patient had a bladder rupture (Grade III), one patient developed deep venous thrombosis (Grade II), and two patients required blood transfusions (one unit each; Grade II). Two patients (one from each group) experienced urinary retention after catheter removal that required a urethral catheter replacement. In the follow‐up period, there were significant and similar improvements in International Prostate Symptom Scores, uroflowmetry results and post‐void residual urine volume in both groups.

Conclusion

The results showed that RASP provided similar functional outcomes to those of OSP, whilst maintaining a good (or even better) safety profile. Our results suggest that RASP is a viable, efficient and potentially superior alternative to the open procedure.
Identification and molecular characterization of allergenic non‐specific lipid‐transfer protein from durum wheat (Triticum turgidum)
Authors: Safi Hela , Wangorsch Andrea , Lidholm Jonas , Brini Faiçal , Spiric Jelena , Rihs Hans‐Peter , Vieths Stefan , Armentia Alicia , Farioli Laura , Diaz‐Perales Araceli , Pastorello Elide A. , Scheurer Stephan
Published: September 2018

Background

Common wheat (Triticum aestivum) and durum wheat (T. turgidum) are both involved in Baker's asthma (BA) and food allergy (FA) including wheat‐dependent exercise‐induced asthma (WDEIA). However, allergens in durum wheat have not been described, and the over‐expression of T. turgidum non‐specific lipid‐transfer protein (nsLTPs) is considered to increase resistance to phytopathogens.

Objective

To identify and assess the allergenicity of nsLTP from T. turgidum.

Methods

Recombinant T. turgidum nsLTP Tri tu 14 was generated and tested for structural integrity (circular dichroism‐spectroscopy) and purity (SDS‐PAGE). Thirty‐two wheat allergic patients were enrolled: 20 Spanish patients (BA) with positive bronchial challenge to wheat flour, and 12 Italian patients (wheat FA/WDEIA) with positive double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge/open food challenge (OFC) to pasta. IgE values to wheat, Tri tu 14, Tri a 14 (T. aestivum) and Pru p 3 (P. persica) were determined by ImmunoCAP testing. Allergenic potency (in vitro mediator release) and IgE cross‐reactivity were investigated.

Results

Tri tu 14 was found to share 49% and 52% amino acid identity with Tri a 14 and Pru p 3, respectively. Among 25 Tri a 14 CAP positive sera, 23 (92%) were reactive to wheat extract, 22 (88%) to Tri tu 14 and 20 (80%) to Pru p 3. The correlation between Tri a 14 and Tri tu 14 specific IgE levels was r = 0.97 (BA) and r = 0.93 (FA/WDEIA), respectively. FA/WDEIA patients showed higher specific IgE values to Tri tu 14 and Pru p 3 than BA patients. Tri tu 14 displayed allergenic activity by mediator release from effector cells and IgE cross‐reactivity with Pru p 3. The degree of IgE cross‐reactivity between the two wheat nsLTPs varied between individual patients.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Sensitization to Tri tu 14 likely appears to be more important in wheat FA/WDEIA than in BA. Over‐expression of Tri tu 14 in wheat would represent a risk for patients with nsLTP‐mediated FA.
ON FORM AND FEELING: GERMAN DRAMA AND THE YOUNG WALTER SCOTT
Authors: Wood Michael
Published: September 2018

This article provides a reassessment of Walter Scott's period of reading and translating German drama in the years 1796–8. This encounter tends to be credited as a pivotal moment in Scott's career, when the young Scott discovered medieval motifs and the literary depiction of the historical individual in German drama, which he then went on to incorporate into his novels. However, studying the six plays Scott translated (by Iffland, Babo, Maier, Goethe, Schiller, and Lessing) within the context in which the Scottish reading public had been introduced to German drama shows that there is much more to Scott's reception of German plays. After outlining Scott's expectations of German drama, this article analyses these six plays to show that, in them, Scott saw the results of formal innovation in casting off the rules of classical drama and portraying situations in which passionate characters could be brought to life. These insights point to the sources of many of Scott's later innovations in narrative form. While aspects of the historical novel can clearly be traced back to Goethe and Maier, Scott's narrative structure owes much to the plotting, dialogue, and primacy of situation found in German drama.
Proton pump inhibitor therapy does not increase serum endotoxin activity in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Okura Yasushi , Namisaki Tadashi , Sato Shinya , Moriya Kei , Akahane Takemi , Kitade Mitsuteru , Kawaratani Hideto , Kaji Kosuke , Takaya Hiroaki , Sawada Yasuhiko , Shimozato Naotaka , Seki Kenichiro , Saikawa Soichiro , Nakanishi Keisuke , Furukawa Masanori , Fujinaga Yukihisa , Kubo Takuya , Kaya Daisuke , Tsuji Yuki , Ozutsumi Takahiro , Kitagawa Koh , Mashitani Tsuyoshi , Ogawa Hiroyuki , Ishida Koji , Mitoro Akira , Yamao Junichi , Yoshiji Hitoshi
Published: September 2018

Aim

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are frequently prescribed in patients with cirrhosis, but this therapy entails potential complications. We aimed to investigate the influence of PPI use on intestinal permeability in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

We recruited 228 patients with cirrhosis and divided them into four groups. Group (Gp)1 comprised patients receiving a PPI with concurrent neomycin (NEO) (PPI‐NEO group, n = 14 [6.1%]), Gp2 and Gp3 comprised those receiving either PPI or NEO (PPI group, n = 91 [39.9%]; and NEO group, n = 11 [4.4%]), and Gp4 comprised those receiving neither of these medications (control group; n = 112 [49.1%]). We assessed the intestinal permeability by measuring endotoxin activity (EA) using a luminol chemiluminescence method.

Results

Endotoxin activity levels were significantly higher in patients with Child B cirrhosis than in those with Child A cirrhosis, but we found no significant differences in EA levels between patients with Child C cirrhosis and those with either Child A or B cirrhosis. We observed no significant differences in EA levels among groups 1–4. Patients without antibiotic exposure (n = 203), comprising 91 patients on PPI therapy (Gp2) and 112 no‐PPI‐therapy controls (Gp4), were subdivided according to Child–Pugh (CP) classification. We found no significant differences in EA levels between Gp2 and Gp4 in either CP class.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that PPI usage does not have a significant impact on serum levels of gut‐derived endotoxins, which are already elevated because of the increased intestinal permeability in patients with cirrhosis.
Adaptive growth changes in the liver remnant are affected by the size of hepatectomy in rats
Authors: Meier Michelle , Andersen Kasper Jarlhelt , Knudsen Anders Riegels , Nyengaard Jens Randel , Hamilton‐Dutoit Stephen , Mortensen Frank Viborg
Published: September 2018

In this study we investigated the dynamics of hepatocyte hyperplasia and hypertrophy in rats subjected to increasing sizes of partial hepatectomy (PH). A total of 104 rats were randomized according to the size of PH. On postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3 and 5, blood was drawn and the remnant liver removed for stereological analysis. Liver parameters and regeneration rate were significantly affected by size of PH. On POD 1, hepatocyte volumes had increased significantly in all PH groups. On POD 3, all groups showed hepatocyte volumes approximating baseline. On POD 5, hepatocyte volumes were significantly lower in PH (90) than in baseline, sham and PH (30) rats. Increasing hepatocyte proliferation was not observed following PH (30). Following PH (70), cell proliferation was significantly elevated on PODs 1 and 3, and following PH (90) on PODs 3 and 5. In conclusion, general hypertrophy of hepatocytes after different size of PH was followed by hepatocyte proliferation only in the liver remnant of PH (70) and PH (90).
Human bocavirus is detected in human placenta and aborted tissues
Authors: Hansen Max , Brockmann Michael , Schildgen Verena , Schildgen Oliver
Published: September 2018

Background

To date, four human bocaviruses (HBoV) have been described. The most closely related viruses (bovine and canine parvoviruses) are associated with miscarriage in their hosts. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the frequency of HBoV DNA in miscarriage.

Study Design

Tissue samples from 172 patients, in which miscarriage occurred, were included and tested with a published qPCR protocol. Positive PCRs were mutually confirmed by sequencing.

Results

43 patients (25%) were positive for HBoV DNA. Of those, the majority of HBoV‐positive samples were tissues from miscarriage (placenta: 6; aborted tissue products of conception: 37 specimens). The samples were not paired; either placental or aborted tissue was available.

Conclusions

The results show that, as long as no animal model is available, the role of HBoV in the occurrence of miscarriage requires additional prospective studies in order to investigate its significance and causal involvements of this pathogen.
Potential roles of smell and taste in the orientation behaviour of coral‐reef fish larvae: insights from morphology
Authors: Hu Yinan , Majoris John E. , Buston Peter M. , Webb Jacqueline F.
Published: September 2018

An ontogenetic analysis of the olfactory organ and the number and distribution of internal taste buds was carried out in two neon gobies (Elacatinus lori and Elacatinus colini) with the goal of revealing morphological trends that might inform an understanding of the roles of olfaction and taste in larval orientation behaviour. The pattern of development of the olfactory organ is unremarkable and enclosure of the olfactory epithelium occurs concurrently with metamorphosis and settlement in both species. Like other gobies, juvenile and adult E. lori and E. colini lack complex olfactory lamellae, and lack the accessory nasal sacs present in some adult gobies that could facilitate active olfactory ventilation (i.e., sniffing). A small number of internal taste buds are present at hatch with most found in the caudal region of the buccal cavity (on gill arches, roof of buccal cavity). As taste bud number increases, they demonstrate an anterior spread to the lips, buccal valves and tongue (i.e., tissue covering the basihyal). In the absence of an active ventilatory mechanism for the olfactory organs, the water that moves through the buccal cavity with cyclic gill ventilation may provide chemical cues allowing the internal taste buds to play a role in chemical‐mediated orientation and reef‐seeking behavior in pelagic larval fishes.
Outcomes for the First Year of Ontario's Birth Center Demonstration Project
Authors: Sprague Ann E. , Sidney Dana , Darling Elizabeth K. , Van Wagner Vicki , Soderstrom Bobbi , Rogers Judy , Graves Erin , Coyle Doug , Sumner Amanda , Holmberg Vivian , Khan Bushra , Walker Mark C.
Published: September 2018

Introduction

In 2014, Ontario opened 2 stand‐alone midwifery‐led birth centers. Using mixed methods, we evaluated the first year of operations for quality and safety, client experience, and integration into the maternity care community. This article reports on our study of safety and quality of care.

Methods

This descriptive evaluation focused on women admitted to a birth center at the beginning of labor. For context, we matched this cohort (on a 1:4 basis) with similar low‐risk midwifery clients giving birth in a hospital. Data sources included Ontario's Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN) Information System, the Canadian Institute for Health Information, Ontario census data, and birth center records.

Results

Of 495 women admitted to a birth center, 87.9% experienced a spontaneous vaginal birth, regardless of the eventual location of birth, and 7.7% had a cesarean birth. The transport rate to a hospital was 26.3%. When compared with midwifery clients with a planned hospital birth, rates of intervention (epidural analgesia, labor augmentation, assisted vaginal birth, and cesarean birth) were significantly lower in the planned birth center group, even when controlled for previous cesarean birth and body mass index. Markers of potential morbidity were identified in about 10% of birth center births; however, there were no short‐term health impacts up to discharge from midwifery care at 6 weeks postpartum. Care was low in intervention and safe (minimal negative outcomes and transport rates comparable to the literature).

Discussion

In the first year of operation, care was consistent with national guidelines, and morbidity and mortality rates and intervention rates were low for women with low‐risk pregnancies seeking a low‐intervention approach for labor and birth. Further evaluation to confirm these findings is required as the number of births grows.
Origin and dissemination of hepatitis B virus genotype C in East Asia revealed by phylodynamic analysis and historical correlates
Authors: Lin Serena Y. C. , Magalis Brittany Rife , Salemi Marco , Liu Hsin‐Fu
Published: September 2018

Hepatitis B virus disease progression in East Asia is most frequently associated with genotype C (HBV/C). The increasing availability of HBV/C genetic sequences and detailed annotations provides an opportunity to investigate the epidemiological factors underlying its evolutionary history. In this study, the Bayesian phylogeography framework was used to investigate the origins and patterns in spatial dissemination of HBV/C by analyzing East Asian sequences obtained from 1992 to 2010. The most recent common ancestor of HBV/C was traced back to the early 1900s in China, where it eventually diverged into two major lineages during the 1930s‐1960s that gave rise to distinct epidemic waves spreading exponentially to other East Asian countries and the USA. Demographic inference of viral effective population size over time indicated similar dynamics for both lineages, characterized by exponential growth since the early 1980s, followed by a significant bottleneck in 2003 and another increase after 2004. Although additional factors cannot be ruled out, we provide evidence to suggest this bottleneck was the result of limited human movement from/to China during the SARS outbreak in 2003. This is the first extensive evolutionary study of HBV/C in East Asia as well as the first to assess more realistic spatial ecological influences between co‐circulating infectious diseases.
Skin cancer projections and cost savings 2014‐2045 of improvements to the Danish sunbed legislation of 2014
Authors: Køster Brian , Meyer Maria K. H. , Andersson Therese M.‐L. , Engholm Gerda , Dalum Peter
Published: September 2018

Background

Sunbed use increases the risk of skin cancer. The Danish sunbed legislation (2014) did not include an age limit.

Aim

To model skin cancer incidences and saved costs from potential effects of structural interventions on prevalence of sunbed use.

Materials and Methods

Survey data from 2015 were collected for 3999 Danes, representative for the Danish population in regards to age, gender and region. Skin cancer incidences were modelled in the Prevent program, using population projections, historic cancer incidence, sunbed use exposure and relative risk of sunbed use on melanoma.

Results

If structural interventions like an age limit of 18 years for sunbed use or complete ban had been included in the Danish sunbed legislation in 2014, it would have reduced the annual number of skin cancer cases with 455 or 4177, respectively, while for the entire period, 2014‐2045 the total reductions would be 3730 or 81 887 fewer cases, respectively. The cost savings from an age limit or ban, respectively, are 9 and 129 millions € during 2014‐2045.

Conclusion

Legislative restrictive measures which could reduce the sunbed use exists. Danish politicians have the opportunity, supported by the population, to reduce the skin cancer incidence and thereby to reduce the future costs of skin cancer.
Atypical spindle cell/pleomorphic lipomatous tumor: A clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular study of 20 cases
Authors: Bahadır Burak , Behzatoğlu Kemal , Hacıhasanoğlu Ezgi , Koca Sevim Baykal , Sığırcı Buket Bambul , Tokat Fatma
Published: September 2018

Lipomatous tumors accompanied by spindle cell component are not frequently encountered, and there are still problems regarding their differential diagnosis, nature, and nomenclature. To contribute to ongoing efforts, we present the clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical characteristics of 20 cases of spindle cell lipomatous tumors with atypical features that may also be called atypical spindle cell/pleomorphic lipomatous tumors. Of the patients, 13 were men and 7 were women with an average age of 57.5 years. The most commonly affected site was the extremities. Twelve tumors arose in the subcutaneous tissue, while eight cases were located in the deep soft tissues. Tumor margins were often ill‐defined with invasion into the surrounding tissues. Microscopic examination revealed a wide spectrum of histologic features. All cases consisted of poorly marginated proliferation of mildly atypical spindle cells set in a fibrous or myxoid stroma with a variable amount of adipocytic component showing variation in adipocyte size and scattered nuclear atypia and frequent univacuolated or multivacuolated lipoblasts. Tumor cellularity and the relative proportion of the components were highly variable. One tumor showed morphologic features evocative of dedifferentiation and another one exhibited histological features resembling pleomorphic liposarcoma. None of the patients had recurrence or metastasis at follow‐up.
Periodontal complications of prescription and recreational drugs
Authors: Hughes Francis J. , Bartold P. Mark
Published: September 2018

Drug use for both therapeutic and recreational purposes is very widespread in most societies. The range of drugs used, the variations in response to these drugs and other health and behavioral confounders mean that drug use may be an important contributor to individualized periodontal diagnoses. In this narrative review, we review the main reported effects of drugs on the periodontal tissues and periodontal disease processes. Although some of the more common adverse drug reactions on periodontal tissues are well described, in many other cases the evidence for these drug effects is quite limited and based on small case series or isolated reports. Prescription drugs are responsible for a range of effects, including drug‐induced gingival overgrowth and increased gingival bleeding, and influence periodontal inflammation and periodontal breakdown. The effects of recreational drugs on the periodontal tissues is less well researched, perhaps for the obvious reason that assembling large cohorts of recreational drug users presents particular challenges. Use of nearly all of these substances is associated with poorer periodontal and dental health, although there is almost certainly a large degree of behavioral confounding in these findings. Overall, further studies of adverse drug reactions on the periodontal tissues are required as this continues to be an important and increasing factor in periodontal health determination.
Targeting epigenetic mechanisms in periodontal diseases
Authors: Barros Silvana P. , Hefni Eman , Nepomuceno Rafael , Offenbacher Steven , North Kari
Published: September 2018

Epigenetic factors are heritable genome modifications that potentially impact gene transcription, contributing to disease states. Epigenetic marks play an important role in chronic inflammatory conditions, as observed in periodontal diseases, by allowing microbial persistence or by permitting microbial insult to play a role in the so‐called ‘hit‐and‐run’ infectious mechanism, leading to lasting pathogen interference with the host genome. Epigenetics also affects the health sciences by providing a dynamic mechanistic framework to explain the way in which environmental and behavioral factors interact with the genome to alter disease risk. In this article we review current knowledge of epigenome regulation in light of the multifactorial nature of periodontal diseases. We discuss epigenetic tagging in identified genes, and consider the potential implications of epigenetic changes on host–microbiome dynamics in chronic inflammatory states and in response to environmental stressors. The most recent advances in genomic technologies have placed us in a position to analyze interaction effects (eg, between periodontal disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus), which can be investigated through epigenome‐wide association analysis. Finally, because of the individualized traits of epigenetic biomarkers, pharmacoepigenomic perspectives are also considered as potentially novel therapeutic approaches for improving periodontal disease status.
Behavioral models for periodontal health and disease
Authors: Newton Jonathon T. , Asimakopoulou Koula
Published: September 2018

The oral health‐related behavior of patients with periodontal disease is a critical determinant of their health. Psychological models of behavior provide a framework for the design of interventions to enhance oral health‐related behavior. This article reviews published manuscripts on interventions to enhance oral health‐related behavior, classifying the nature of the interventions according to current psychological models of behavior. Fifteen manuscripts reporting the findings of 14 studies were identified and reviewed. The present article concludes that, based on current evidence, the key elements of effective interventions are: goal setting, planning the behavior change, and self‐monitoring.
On the Role of Normative Hierarchies in Constitutional Reasoning: A Survey of Some Paradigmatic Cases
Authors: Scarcello Orlando
Published: September 2018

This article examines the role of normative hierarchies in constitutional argumentation. A threefold distinction between formal, material, and axiological hierarchy is employed. The correlative concepts of formal validity, material validity, and applicability are also briefly described. Within this framework, four cases are analysed: Decisions 1146/1988 and 10/2010 of the Italian Constitutional Court, and Kadi I and Opinion 2/2013 of the Court of Justice of the European Union. As a result, it is argued that axiological hierarchies are frequently used to reshape certain fundamental legal arrangements, namely, the hierarchy of sources (Decision 1146/1988 and Kadi), competence clauses (Decision 10/2010), and interpretive methodologies (Opinion 2/13).
Infliximab ameliorates tumor necrosis factor‐alpha‐induced insulin resistance by attenuating PTP1B activation in 3T3L1 adipocytes in vitro
Authors: Méndez‐García Lucia A. , Trejo‐Millán Fernanda , Martínez‐Reyes Camilo P. , Manjarrez‐Reyna Aarón N. , Esquivel‐Velázquez Marcela , Melendez‐Mier Guillermo , Islas‐Andrade Sergio , Rojas‐Bernabé Araceli , Kzhyshkowska Julia , Escobedo Galileo
Published: September 2018

Insulin resistance is the inability to respond to insulin and is considered a key pathophysiological factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐alpha) can directly contribute to insulin resistance by disrupting the insulin signalling pathway via protein‐tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) activation, especially in adipocytes. Infliximab (Remicade®) is a TNF‐alpha‐neutralizing antibody that has not been fully studied in insulin resistance. We investigated the effect of infliximab on TNF‐alpha‐induced insulin resistance in 3T3L1 adipocytes in vitro, and examined the possible molecular mechanisms involved. Once differentiated, adipocytes were cultured with 5 mmol L−1 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose‐3H and stimulated twice with 2 μmol L−1 insulin, in the presence or absence of 5 ng/mL TNF‐alpha and/or 10 ng/mL infliximab. Glucose uptake was measured every 20 minutes for 2 hour, and phosphorylated forms of insulin receptor (IR), insulin receptor substrate‐2 (IRS‐2), protein kinase B (AKT) and PTP1B were determined by Western blotting. TNF‐alpha‐treated adipocytes showed a significant 64% decrease in insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake as compared with control cells, whereas infliximab reversed TNF‐alpha actions by significantly improving glucose incorporation. Although IR phosphorylation remained unaltered, TNF‐alpha was able to increase PTP1B activation and decrease phosphorylation of IRS‐2 and AKT. Notably, infliximab restored phosphorylation of IRS‐2 and AKT by attenuating PTP1B activation. This work demonstrates for the first time that infliximab ameliorates TNF‐alpha‐induced insulin resistance in 3T3L1 adipocytes in vitro by restoring the insulin signalling pathway via PTP1B inhibition. Further clinical research is needed to determine the potential benefit of using infliximab for treating insulin resistance in patients.
Genotoxic, Metabolic, and Oxidative Stresses Regulate the RNA Repair Operon of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Kurasz Jennifer E. , Hartman Christine E. , Samuels David J. , Mohanty Bijoy K. , Deleveaux Anquilla , Mrázek Jan , Karls Anna C.
Published: September 2018

Homologs of the metazoan RNA repair enzymes RtcB and RtcA occur widely in eubacteria, suggesting a selective advantage. Although the enzymatic activities of the eubacterial RtcB and RtcA have been well characterized, the physiological roles remain largely unresolved. Here we report stress responses that activate expression of the σ54-dependent RNA repair operon (rsr-yrlBA-rtcBA) ofS. Typhimurium and demonstrate that expression of the operon impacts cell survival under MMC-induced stress. Characterization of the requirements for activation of this tightly regulated operon provides clues to the possible functions of operon componentsin vivo, enhancing our understanding of how this human pathogen copes with environmental stressors.
Sinorhizobium meliloti Chemoreceptor McpV Senses Short-Chain Carboxylates via Direct Binding
Authors: Compton K. Karl , Hildreth Sherry B. , Helm Richard F. , Scharf Birgit E.
Published: September 2018

Legumes share a unique association with certain soil-dwelling bacteria known broadly as rhizobia. Through concerted interorganismal communication, a legume allows intracellular infection by its cognate rhizobial species. The plant then forms an organ, the root nodule, dedicated to housing and supplying fixed carbon and nutrients to the bacteria. In return, the engulfed rhizobia, differentiated into bacteroids, fix atmospheric N
2
into ammonium for the plant host. This interplay is of great benefit to the cultivation of legumes, such as alfalfa and soybeans, and is initiated by chemotaxis to the host plant. This study on carboxylate chemotaxis contributes to the understanding of rhizobial survival and competition in the rhizosphere and aids the development of commercial inoculants.
Modelling-based evaluation of the costs, benefits and cost-effectiveness of multipathogen point-of-care tests for sexually transmitted infections in symptomatic genitourinary medicine clinic attendees
Authors: Huntington Susie E , Burns Richéal M , Harding-Esch Emma , Harvey Michael J , Hill-Tout Rachel , Fuller Sebastian S , Adams Elisabeth J , Sadiq S Tariq
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To quantify the costs, benefits and cost-effectiveness of three multipathogen point-of-care (POC) testing strategies for detecting common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) compared with standard laboratory testing.

Design

Modelling study.

Setting

Genitourinary medicine (GUM) services in England.

Population

A hypothetical cohort of 965 988 people, representing the annual number attending GUM services symptomatic of lower genitourinary tract infection.

Interventions

The decision tree model considered costs and reimbursement to GUM services associated with diagnosing and managing STIs. Three strategies using hypothetical point-of-care tests (POCTs) were compared with standard care (SC) using laboratory-based testing. The strategies were: A) dual POCT forChlamydia trachomatis(CT) andNeisseria gonorrhoeae(NG); B) triplex POCT for CT-NG andMycoplasma genitalium(MG); C) quadruplex POCT for CT-NG-MG andTrichomonas vaginalis(TV). Data came from published literature and unpublished estimates.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcomes were total costs and benefits (quality-adjusted life years (QALYs)) for each strategy (2016 GB, £) and associated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) between each of the POC strategies and SC. Secondary outcomes were inappropriate treatment of STIs, onward STI transmission, pelvic inflammatory disease in women, time to cure and total attendances.

Results

In the base-case analysis, POC strategy C, a quadruplex POCT, was the most cost-effective relative to the other strategies, with an ICER of £36 585 per QALY gained compared with SC when using microcosting, and cost-savings of £26 451 382 when using tariff costing. POC strategy C also generated the most benefits, with 240 467 fewer clinic attendances, 808 fewer onward STI transmissions and 235 135 averted inappropriate treatments compared with SC.

Conclusions

Many benefits can be achieved by using multipathogen POCTs to improve STI diagnosis and management. Further evidence is needed on the underlying prevalence of STIs and SC delivery in the UK to reduce uncertainty in economic analyses.
Pre-pregnancy body mass index and breastfeeding initiation, early cessation and longevity: evidence from the first wave of the UK Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Campbell Tammy , Shackleton Nichola
Published: September 2018

Background

International evidence indicates relationships between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and breastfeeding behaviours. This study aims to assess associations between key points in the breastfeeding trajectory (initiation, early cessation and longevity) and pre-pregnancy BMI in a recent, nationally representative British cohort. It also aims to explore in the British context potential moderation by mothers’ ethnic group.

Methods

The sample comprises 17 113 mothers from the UK Millennium Cohort Study who have information on pre-pregnancy BMI. Associations between pre-pregnancy BMI categories and breastfeeding initiation, early cessation and longevity are tested using logistic regression. Directed acyclic graphics identify appropriate minimal adjustment to block biasing pathways and classify total and direct effects.

Results

After adjusting for confounders, there are large differences in breastfeeding early cessation and longevity by pre-pregnancy BMI group. Differences in propensity to initiation are negligible. Having begun breastfeeding, overweight and obese mothers are more likely to cease in the first week and less likely to continue past 4 months. Observed potential mediators within pregnancy and delivery provide little explanation for relationships. Evidence for moderation by ethnicity is scant.

Conclusions

The causal mechanisms underlying relationships between pre-pregnancy overweight, obesity, and breastfeeding behaviours require further research. However, this study suggests pre-pregnancy BMI as one predictive measure for targeting support to women less likely to establish breastfeeding in the early days, and to continue beyond 4 months. The nature of support should carefully be considered and developed, with mind to both intended and potential unintended consequences of intervention given the need for additional investigation into the causes of associations.
Antiplatelet therapy and the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic complications associated with Pipeline embolization of cerebral aneurysms: a systematic review and pooled analysis
Authors: Saber Hamidreza , Kherallah Riyad Y , Hadied Mohamad O , Kazemlou Shaghayegh , Chamiraju Parthasarathi , Narayanan Sandra
Published: September 2018

Background

Pipeline embolization devices (PEDs) are increasingly used in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Yet, major ischemic or hemorrhagic complications after PED treatment associated with antiplatelet regimens are not well-established.

Objective

To investigate the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic complications associated with common antiplatelet regimens following PED treatment, and to examine whether platelet function testing (PFT) is associated with a lower risk of these complications.

Methods

We searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane from 2009 to 2017. Twenty-nine studies were included that had reported a uniform antiplatelet regimen protocol and had provided data on major ischemic and hemorrhagic complications following PED treatment. Random-effect meta-analysis was used to pool overall ischemic and hemorrhagic event rates across studies. The rate of these complications with respect to the antithrombotic regimen and PFT was assessed by χ2proportional tests.

Results

Overall, 2002 patients (age 55.9 years, 76% female) were included. A low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) regimen before and after PED treatment was associated with a higher rate of late ischemic complications than with high-dose ASA therapy (2.62 (95% CI 1.46 to 4.69) and 2.56 (1.41 to 4.64), respectively). Duration of post-procedure clopidogrel therapy <6 months was associated with greater rates of ischemic complications (1.56, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.20) than a clopidogrel regimen of ≥6 months. Performing PFT before PED treatment was not associated with the risk of ischemic complications (1.27, 95% CI 0.77 to 2.10).

Conclusion

High-dose ASA therapy and clopidogrel treatment for at least 6 months were associated with a reduced incidence of ischemic events, without affecting the risk of hemorrhagic events.
Trichoderma cyanodichotomus sp. nov., a new soil-inhabiting species with a potential for biological control
Authors: Li Jishun , Wu Yuanzheng , Chen Kai , Wang Yilian , Hu Jindong , Wei Yanli , Yang Hetong
Published: September 2018

During a biodiversity survey of Trichoderma (Ascomycota, Hypocreales, Hypocreaceae) in coastal and lake wetlands of China, a new species, Trichoderma cyanodichotomus, was isolated from Dongting Lake wetland of Hunan province. The strain TW21990-1 was characterized as having two types of conidia and producing a distinct blue–green pigment on potato dextrose agar and cornmeal dextrose agar. The taxonomic position was analyzed using three molecular markers, internal transcribed spacer rDNA, translation elongation factor 1-alpha, and RNA polymerase II subunit B, revealing less than 95.0% homology with all known Trichoderma species. The combined phylogenetic tree further identified T. cyanodichotomus as an independent subgroup belonging to Section Pachybasium, with no close relatives. In vitro antagonistic activity by dual-culture assay exhibited broad inhibition against various plant pathogens, including Botryosphaeria dothidea, Pythium aphanidermatum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Verticillium dahliae. In addition, TW21990-1 demonstrated moderate hydrolase activity of cellulase, chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase, and protease, which might be involved in mycoparasitism. Greenhouse experiments showed strong biocontrol effects against tomato damping-off incited by P. aphanidermatum, together with increased seedling height and weight gain. The identification of T. cyanodichotomus will provide useful information for sufficient utilization of fungal resources.
The Complete Set of Independent Affine Moment Invariants of Color Images
Authors: Wang YuanBin , Wang XingWei
Published: September 2018

Moment invariants of images are important features for pattern recognition and image processing. Many methods have been proposed to derive moment invariants of images under different group actions. However, the completeness and independence of a set of moment invariants are two open problems. In this paper, we use the moving frame method to derive affine moment invariants of color images. The moving frame for the normalized color moment space under the action of the affine group is presented. Using this moving frame, we obtain a complete and independent set of affine moment invariants of color images. This system of affine moment invariants is also invariant under diagonal photometric changes. Experimental results are provided to validate the correctness of the derivation.
Research on Computer-Aided Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease Based on Heterogeneous Medical Data Fusion
Authors: Dai Yin , Qiu Daoyun , Wang Yang , Dong Sizhe , Wang Hong-Li
Published: September 2018

Alzheimer’s disease is the third most expensive disease, only after cancer and cardiopathy. It is also the fourth leading cause of death in the elderly after cardiopathy, cancer, and cerebral palsy. The disease lacks specific diagnostic criteria. At present, there is still no definitive and effective means for preclinical diagnosis and treatment. It is the only disease that cannot be prevented and cured among the world’s top ten fatal diseases. It has now been proposed as a global issue. Computer-aided diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is mostly based on images at this stage. This project uses multi-modality imaging MRI/PET combining with clinical scales and uses deep learning-based computer-aided diagnosis to treat AD, improves the comprehensiveness and accuracy of diagnosis. The project uses Bayesian model and convolutional neural network to train experimental data. The experiment uses the improved existing network model, LeNet-5, to design and build a 10-layer convolutional neural network. The network uses a back-propagation algorithm based on a gradient descent strategy to achieve good diagnostic results. Through the calculation of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, the test results were evaluated, good test results were obtained.
Quadrupolar power radiation by a binary system in de Sitter background
Authors: Hoque Sk Jahanur , Aggarwal Ankit
Published: September 2018

Cosmological observations over past couple of decades favor our universe with a tiny positive cosmological constant. Presence of cosmological constant not only imposes theoretical challenges in gravitational wave physics, it has also observational relevance. Inclusion of cosmological constant in linearized theory of gravitational waves modifies the power radiated quadrupole formula. There are two types of observations which can be impacted by the modified quadrupole formula. One is the orbital decay of an inspiraling binary and other is the modification of the waveform at the detector. Modeling a compact binary system in an elliptic orbit on de Sitter background, we obtain energy and angular momentum radiation due to emission of gravitational waves. We also investigate the evolution of orbital parameters under back reaction and its impact on orbital decay rate. In the limit to circular orbit, our result matches to that obtained in [B. Bonga and J. S. Hazboun, Phys. Rev. D 96 (2017) 064018, arXiv:1708.05621 ].
Long-term postmerger simulations of relativistic star coalescence: Formation of toroidal remnants and gravitational wave afterglow
Authors: Zhang Xuefeng , Cao Zhoujian , Gao He
Published: September 2018

It has been estimated that a significant proportion of binary neutron star merger events produce long-lived massive remnants supported by differential rotation and subject to rotational instabilities. To examine formation and oscillation of rapidly rotating neutron stars (NS) after merger, we present an exploratory study of fully general-relativistic hydrodynamic simulations using the public code Einstein Toolkit. The attention is focused on qualitative aspects of long-term postmerger evolution under [Formula: see text]-rotational symmetry. As simplified test models, we use a moderately stiff [Formula: see text] ideal-fluid equation-of-state and unmagnetized irrotational equal-mass binaries with three masses well below the threshold for prompt collapse. Our high resolution simulations generate postmerger “ringdown” gravitational wave (GW) signals of 170 ms, sustained by rotating massive NS remnants without collapsing to black holes. We observe that the high-density double-core structure inside the remnants gradually turns into a quasi-axisymmetric toroidal shape. It oscillates in a quasi-periodic manner and shrinks in size due to gravitational radiation. In the GW spectrograms, dominant double peaks persist throughout the postmerger simulations and slowly drift to higher frequencies. A new low-frequency peak emerges at about 100 ms after merger, owing to the growth of GW-driven unstable oscillation modes. The long-term effect of grid resolution is also investigated using the same initial model. Moreover, we comment on physical conditions that are favorable for the transient toroidal configuration to form, and discuss implication of our findings on future GW observation targeting rapidly rotating NS remnants.
Thermodynamics and phase transitions of galactic clustering in higher-order modified gravity
Authors: Upadhyay Sudhaker , Pourhassan Behnam , Capozziello Salvatore
Published: September 2018

We study the thermodynamics of galactic clustering under the higher-order corrected Newtonian dynamics. The clustering of galaxies is considered as a gravitational phase transition. In order to study the effects of higher-order correction to the thermodynamics of gravitational system, we compute more exact equations of state. Moreover, we investigate the corrected probability distribution function for such a gravitating system. A relation between order parameter and the critical temperature is also established.
Pairing corrections within the density-dependent delta interaction
Authors: Mirea M.
Published: September 2018

The validity of the Strutinsky prescriptions is tested within a state-dependent pairing interaction instead of a constant pairing strength. The amplitude of the pairing field is determined to reproduce the experimental values of the pairing gaps in the ground state of the parent [Formula: see text]Th. The density-dependent delta interaction was used to compute the quantities related to the pairing corrections along a fission trajectory, such as Fermi energies, pairing gaps, and pairing effects. An enhancement of the pairing gaps during the penetration of the second barrier was evidenced in the case of the state-dependent pairing formalism. Moreover, the outer barrier calculated in the framework of the macroscopic–microscopic model is strongly suppressed.
THE COMPLEMENTARY EFFECTS OF FIRMS’ AND TEAM LEADERS’ ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION ON INNOVATION SUCCESS AND PERFORMANCE
Authors: FELLNHOFER KATHARINA
Published: September 2018

The objective of this paper is to enrich the literature on the entrepreneurial orientation (EO)–performance relationship by introducing innovation success as an antecedent variable. By applying structural equation models, we examine a sample of 356 individuals from five organisations. The main results show that the team leader EO and firm EO are complementary and that they boost innovation success significantly, thereby having an indirect positive impact on the relationship between EO and performance. The mediating effects of innovation success imply that it is an antecedent in the EO–performance relationship at organisational levels, which adds to current theoretical discussions regarding the multilevel applicability of the EO construct. Thus, this study represents an original source for human resource departments that are shaping working groups.
Residuated operators in complemented posets
Authors: Chajda Ivan , Länger Helmut
Published: September 2018

Using the operators of taking upper and lower cones in a poset with a unary operation, we define operators [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in the sense of multiplication and residuation, respectively, and we show that by using these operators, a general modification of residuation can be introduced. A relatively pseudocomplemented poset can be considered as a prototype of such an operator residuated poset. As main results, we prove that every Boolean poset as well as every pseudo-orthomodular poset can be organized into a (left) operator residuated structure. Some results on pseudo-orthomodular posets are presented which show the analogy to orthomodular lattices and orthomodular posets.
NDN host model
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Li Yanbiao , Zhang Zhiyi , Afanasyev Alexander , Zhang Lixia
Published: September 2018

As a proposed Internet architecture, Named Data Networking (NDN) changes the network communication model from delivering packets to destinations identified by IP addresses to fetching data packets by names. This architectural change leads to changes of host functions and initial configurations. In this paper we present an overview of the basic functions of a host in an NDN network, together with necessary operations to configure an NDN host. We also compare and contrast the functionality and configuration between an NDN host and an IP host, to show the differences resulted from the different architecture designs.
The Adsorption and Diffusion Manners of Hydrogen Atoms on Pt (100), Pt (110), and Pt (111) Surfaces
Authors: Vurdu Can Doğan
Published: September 2018

In this study, the interactions between H atoms and the (100), (110), and (111) surfaces of platinum have been investigated by using the London-Eyring-Polanyi-Sato (LEPS) potential function. The adsorption zones (sites) and LEPS energy values of these sites have been determined theoretically. In addition, the potential-energy surfaces for each Pt surface have been obtained in detail. Further, the adsorption sites on the surface, scattering from the surface, diffusion paths on the surface, and transition regions to the subsurface, have been determined and the differences have been examined in detail among the surfaces. From these results, it is found that an H atom has the lowest binding energy at the hollow sites on the Pt (100) and Pt (111) surfaces and that it has the lowest binding energy at the long-bridge sites on the Pt (110) surface. It has also been determined that the hollow sites on the three surfaces are the regions through which H atoms can penetrate into the subsurface. In addition, it has also been found that, for each of the three Pt surfaces, the diffusion of an H atom across the surface may follow a bridge-hollow-bridge pathway. These results are in agreement with previous experimental and theoretical results. Besides, the adsorption and diffusion manners of hydrogen atoms on each of the Pt surfaces have been analyzed deeply.