bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paleoclimate record for Lake Coyote, California, and the Last Glacial Maximum and deglacial paleohydrology (25 to 14 cal ka) of the Mojave River
Authors: Miller David M. , Dudash Stephanie L. , McGeehin John P.
Published: October 2019

Lake Coyote, California, which formed in one of five basins along the Mojave River, acted both as a part of the Lake Manix basin and, after the formation of Afton Canyon and draining of Lake Manix ca. 24.5 calibrated (cal) ka, a side basin that was filled episodically for the next 10,000 yr. As such, its record of lake level is an important counterpart to the record of the other terminal basin, Lake Mojave, following the draining of Lake Manix. We studied lake and fluvial deposits and their geomorphology and identified five principal periods of recurring lakes in the Coyote basin by dating mollusks. Several of these periods in detail consist of multiple lake-rise pulses, for which we identified specific fluvial deposits that represent the Mojave River entering the basin. The pulsed record of rapid lake rise and decline is interpreted as switching of the Mojave River between Lake Coyote and Lake Mojave. A composite lake record for both basins shows nearly continuous lake maintenance by the Mojave River from 24.5 cal ka to ca. 14 cal ka. One potential gap in the lake record, ca. 22.7–21.8 cal ka, may indicate either temporary river routing to yet another basin or a dry climatic period. The Mojave River discharge was sufficient to maintain at least one terminal lake throughout most of the Last Glacial Maximum and deglacial periods, indicating that paleoclimate was moist and/or cool well into the Bølling-Allerød and that the lake records may not be sensitive to variations from moderate to high discharge. Nuances of lake-level changes in both the Coyote and Mojave basins are difficult to interpret as paleoclimatic events because the current chronologic control on lake levels from nearshore deposits does not provide the necessary precision.

Mojave River avulsion leading to flow to Coyote basin may have been influenced by rupture on a dextral-oblique fault. Earliest post–Lake Manix stream deposits of the Mojave River leading to the Coyote basin are faulted, and most subsequent streams were confined to the downthrown fault block. This fault rupture and possible enhanced river routes to Lake Coyote, rather than Lake Mojave, are bracketed by dated beach deposits to the period ca. 20–19 cal ka. Later, headward erosion through the fluvial plain by the Mojave River eliminated flow to Coyote basin after ca. 14 cal ka and completed incision of the plain after ca. 12 cal ka.
Anti-diabetic agents for prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus in people with pre-diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Wang Xianzhe , Liu Jiabin , Huang Lijin , Zeng Hai , He Guoxin , Chen Ling , Ma Rui , Fu Wenbin , Ning Baile
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a substantial health problem worldwide. Pre-diabetic state is associated with increased risk for the development of diabetes. There are various pharmacological therapies with glucose-lowering activity for diabetes prevention. Of those, most are being compared with placebo instead of active agents. The relative effects and safety of different glucose-lowering drugs still remain uncertain. To address this gap, we will conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to evaluate comparative efficacy and safety of glucose-lowering agents for T2DM prevention in patients with pre-diabetes.

Methods and analysis

PubMed, the Cochrane library and Embase will be searched from inception to December 2019 for relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that examined anti-diabetic drugs for diabetes prevention in patients with pre-diabetes. Two reviewers working independently will screen titles, abstracts and full papers. Data extraction will also be completed by two independent authors. The primary outcome will be the incidence of T2DM in patients with pre-diabetes at baseline. Secondary outcomes will include the achievement of normoglycaemia, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and hypoglycaemic event. Pairwise meta-analysis and NMA will be conducted for each outcome using a frequentist random-effects model. Additionally, subgroup analyses will also be performed. The comparison-adjusted funnel plot will be used to assess publication bias. The overall quality of evidence will be rated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework. Data analysis will be conducted using Stata V.14.0.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required. We plan to submit the results of this study to a peer-review journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019119157.
Questionnaire validation practice: a protocol for a systematic descriptive literature review of health literacy assessments
Authors: Hawkins Melanie , Elsworth Gerald R , Osborne Richard H
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Contemporary validity testing theory holds that validity lies in the extent to which a proposed interpretation and use of test scores is justified, the evidence for which is dependent on both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Despite this, we hypothesise that development and validation studies for assessments in the field of health primarily report a limited range of statistical properties, and that a systematic theoretical framework for validity testing is rarely applied. Using health literacy assessments as an exemplar, this paper outlines a protocol for a systematic descriptive literature review about types of validity evidence being reported and if the evidence is reported within a theoretical framework.

Methods and analysis

A systematic descriptive literature review of qualitative and quantitative research will be used to investigate the scope of validation practice in the rapidly growing field of health literacy assessment. This review method employs a frequency analysis to reveal potentially interpretable patterns of phenomena in a research area; in this study, patterns in types of validity evidence reported, as assessed against the criteria of the 2014Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, and in the number of studies using a theoretical validity testing framework. The search process will be consistent with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. Outcomes of the review will describe patterns in reported validity evidence, methods used to generate the evidence and theoretical frameworks underpinning validation practice and claims. This review will inform a theoretical basis for future development and validity testing of health assessments in general.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for this systematic review because only published research will be examined. Dissemination of the review findings will be through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, at conference presentations and in the lead author’s doctoral thesis.
Health outcomes, utility and costs of returning incidental results from genomic sequencing in a Canadian cancer population: protocol for a mixed-methods randomised controlled trial
Authors: Shickh Salma , Clausen Marc , Mighton Chloe , Gutierrez Salazar Mariana , Zakoor Kathleen-Rose , Kodida Rita , Reble Emma , Elser Christine , Eisen Andrea , Panchal Seema , Aronson Melyssa , Graham Tracy , Armel Susan Randall , Morel Chantal F , Fattouh Ramzi , Glogowski Emily , Schrader Kasmintan A , Hamilton Jada G , Offit Kenneth , Robson Mark , Carroll June C , Isaranuwatchai Wanrudee , Kim Raymond H , Lerner-Ellis Jordan , Thorpe Kevin E , Laupacis Andreas , Bombard Yvonne
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Genomic sequencing has rapidly transitioned into clinical practice, improving diagnosis and treatment options for patients with hereditary disorders. However, large-scale implementation of genomic sequencing faces challenges, especially with regard to the return of incidental results, which refer to genetic variants uncovered during testing that are unrelated to the primary disease under investigation, but of potential clinical significance. High-quality evidence evaluating health outcomes and costs of receiving incidental results is critical for the adoption of genomic sequencing into clinical care and to understand the unintended consequences of adoption of genomic sequencing. We aim to evaluate the health outcomes and costs of receiving incidental results for patients undergoing genomic sequencing.

Methods and analysis

We will compare health outcomes and costs of receiving, versus not receiving, incidental results for adult patients with cancer undergoing genomic sequencing in a mixed-methods randomised controlled trial. Two hundred and sixty patients who have previously undergone first or second-tier genetic testing for cancer and received uninformative results will be recruited from familial cancer clinics in Toronto, Ontario. Participants in both arms will receive cancer-related results. Participants in the intervention arm have the option to receive incidental results. Our primary outcome is psychological distress at 2 weeks following return of results. Secondary outcomes include behavioural consequences, clinical and personal utility assessed over the 12 months after results are returned and health service use and costs at 12 months and 5 years. A subset of participants and providers will complete qualitative interviews about utility of incidental results.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by Clinical Trials Ontario Streamlined Research Ethics Review System that provides ethical review and oversight for multiple sites participating in the same clinical trial in Ontario.

Results from the trial will be shared through stakeholder workshops, national and international conferences, and peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT03597165.
Using digital technology for home monitoring, adherence and self-management in cystic fibrosis: a state-of-the-art review
Authors: Calthorpe Rebecca Jane , Smith Sherie , Gathercole Katie , Smyth Alan Robert
Published: October 2019

Digital healthcare is a rapidly growing healthcare sector. Its importance has been recognised at both national and international level, with the WHO recently publishing its first global strategy for digital health. The use of digital technology within cystic fibrosis (CF) has also increased. CF is a chronic, life-limiting condition, in which the treatment burden is high and treatment regimens are not static. Digital technologies present an opportunity to support the lives of people with CF. We included 59 articles and protocols in this state-of-the-art review, relating to 48 studies from 1999 until 2019. This provides a comprehensive overview of the expansion and evolution of the use of digital technology. Technology has been used with the aim of increasing accessibility to healthcare, earlier detection of pulmonary exacerbations and objective electronic adherence monitoring. It may also be used to promote adherence and self-management through education, treatment management Apps and social media.
The effects of chromium and vitamin D3 co-supplementation on insulin resistance and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in type 2 diabetes: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Imanparast Fatemeh , Javaheri Javad , Kamankesh Fatemeh , Rafiei Fatemeh , Salehi Ashraf , Mollaaliakbari Zeinab , Rezaei Fatemeh , Rahimi Abbas , Abbasi Elnaz
Published: October 2019

The current study was conducted to assess the effects of simultaneous usage with vitamin D3 and chromium picolinate (CrPic) supplementations on homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fasting blood glucose (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Ninety-two patients with T2DM were randomly allocated to the following 4 groups for 4 months: (I) placebo of vitamin D3 (n = 23); (II) vitamin D3 supplement at a dose of 50 000 IU/week (n = 23); (III) CrPic supplement at a dose of 500 μg/day (n = 23); and (IV) both vitamin D3 at a dose of 50 000 IU/week and CrPic at a dose of 500 μg/day (n = 23). HOMA-IR levels increased significantly in groups I and II after the intervention. However, this increase in group I was significantly higher than that in group II after the treatment. HOMA-IR levels were controlled in groups III and IV during the intervention. TNF-α decreased significantly in groups II, III, and IV after the intervention. FBS, HbA1c, and lipid profile did not change significantly in total groups after the intervention. It seems that chromium and vitamin D3 co-supplementation are probably effective in controlling HOMA-IR by decreasing TNF-α in T2DM.

Novelty Chromium alone and/or in simultaneous pretreatment with vitamin D3 is more effective than vitamin D3 in controlling HOMA-IR in T2DM. Chromium and vitamin D3 alone and/or in simultaneous pretreatment decrease TNF-α in T2DM.
Service life planning and durability in the context of circular economy assessments — initial aspects for review
Authors: Bourke Kathryn , Kyle Brian
Published: October 2019

This paper introduces some challenges involved in assessment of service life and durability in the context of circular economy principles. It proposes a possible agenda for service life planning in a resource-constrained economy. Aspects considered include the reuse of materials and components over multiple life cycles within built assets. The interface between life cycle assessment and costing techniques, service life planning, and resilience against changing climate and performance requirements is considered. The current codes and standards, in particular within ISO 15686 series on service life, CEN 15643 on integrated sustainability assessment, and ISO 20887 on design for disassembly, are briefly described together with some implicit challenges. The contributions of CIB Task Groups are also considered, in particular CIB Task Groups 16, 39, and 115 and CIB W80 on prediction of service life of building materials methodologies. Several current EU research and development projects are briefly mentioned, in particular BAMB (Buildings as Material Banks).
The Impact of Type II Diabetes on Tongue Dysplasia and p16-Related Aging Process: An Experimental Study
Authors: Altun Eren , Yazici Hasmet , Arslan Erhan , Tulaci Kamil Gokce , Erken Haydar Ali
Published: October 2019

Objective. To evaluate the effect of streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes mellitus on p16, p53, Ki67, and Bcl2 expressions and histopathological changes in the tongue of the rats. Material and Methods. Twenty-two adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=14) as control (C) (n=8) and diabetic (DM) (n=6). The rats in the DM group were given streptozotocin as a single intraperitoneal dose for induction of diabetes. Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections of the tongue were used. Results. Significant differences were observed between the DM group and the control group in terms of epithelial thickness, length of filiform papillae, and width of filiform papillae (p=0.005, p=0.001, and p=0.006, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration, capillary proliferation, and dysplasia (p=0.204, p=0.244, and p=0.204, respectively). As a result of immunohistochemical studies, no significant difference was found between the groups in terms of p53, Ki67, and Bcl-2 expressions (p=0.588, p=0.662, and p=0.686, respectively). A significant difference was found between the groups when p16 expression was evaluated (p=0.006). Conclusions. In our study, streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes mellitus induced p16 expression but did not show any difference in p53, Bcl-2, and Ki67 levels. It should be considered in the studies that the pathological changes at the early stages of the relationship between DM and oral cancer may be related to p16 expression; however, it may also be linked with p16-related aging process.
Intravascular Volume Modulates the Outcome Predictive Capacity of Clinical Renal Function Biomarkers in Clinically “Euvolemic” Chronic Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Miller Wayne L. , Grill Diane E. , Qian Qi
Published: October 2019

Background: Cardiorenal interconnections are complex and may in part be mediated by the extent of intravascular volume expansion. The impact of subclinical volume excess on outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has not been examined previously. Objectives: To assess the impact of volume-kidney interactions on outcomes in clinically “euvolemic” chronic HF patients (NYHA class II) with coexisting CKD. Methods: Plasma volume (PV) was prospectively measured in 110 stable HF patients with different degrees of renal function using a standardized radiolabeled albumin indicator-dilution technique. To examine the interactive roles of volume expansion and biomarkers of CKD, the cohort was dichotomized by median PV and then further stratified by cohort median serum creatinine, eGFR, and BUN, and analyzed for outcomes of HF-related mortality and 1st hospitalization. Results: PV was expanded above normal in 76% of the cohort. Over 1.5 years of follow-up, sCr and BUN above and eGFR below cohort median stratified higher risks for the composite endpoint only in ambulatory HF patients with a severe degree of PV expansion (median PV expansion ≥+26%; p = 0.02). With less expansion (<+26% expansion), these biomarkers reflecting worse renal function did not discriminate risk (p = 0.578). The percentage of subjects experiencing composite outcome events was, however, comparable for both greater and lesser degrees of PV expansion in HF patients with stable clinical status. Conclusions: In clinically stable chronic HF patients with coexisting CKD, substantial subclinical PV expansion is common even when patients are considered clinically to be euvolemic, and, importantly, the extent of PV expansion impacts outcomes including early HF mortality. Better kidney function appears to mitigate the effects of excess PV expansion, while less volume expansion appears to limit the risk of worse renal function as reflected by clinical biomarkers of renal function. Thus, the extent of volume expansion impacts the capacity of standard clinical biomarkers of CKD to differentiate outcome risk in ambulatory chronic (NYHA class II) HF patients.
Chromosomal Mapping of Rex Retrotransposons in Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum Cuvier, 1818) Exposed to Three Climate Change Scenarios
Authors: Viana Ferreira Alex M. , Marajó Leandro , Matoso Daniele A. , Ribeiro Leila B. , Feldberg Eliana
Published: October 2019

Greenhouse gas emissions are known to influence the planet's temperature, mainly due to human activities. To allow hypothesis testing, as well as to seek viable alternatives for mitigation, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) suggested 3 main scenarios for changes projected for the year 2100. In this paper, we subjected Colossoma macropomum Cuvier, 1818 (tambaqui) individuals in a microcosm to IPCC scenarios B1 (mild), A1B (intermediate), and A2 (extreme) to test possible impacts on their genome. We found chromosome heterochromatinization in specimens exposed to the A2 scenario, where terminal blocks and interstitial bands were detected on several chromosome pairs. The behavior of Rex1 and Rex3 sequences differed between the test scenarios. Hybridization of Rex1 resulted in diffuse signals which showed a gradual increase in the tested scenarios. For Rex3, an increase was observed in the A2 scenario with blocks on several chromosomes, some of which coincided with heterochromatin. Heterochromatinization is an epigenetic process, which may have occurred as a mechanism for regulating Rex3 activity. The signal pattern of Rex6 did not change, suggesting that other mechanisms are acting to regulate its activity.
Cavum Septum Pellucidum Causing Obstructive Hydrocephalus in a Toddler
Authors: Shtaya Anan , Hettige Samantha
Published: October 2019

Cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) are benign developmental cystic midline cavities that are located between the lateral ventricles through the foramina of Monro. CSP are usually asymptomatic and have no cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow. Although their incidence is increased in association with head trauma, as well as psychiatric and behavioural disorders, this increase seldom causes disease. Herein, we discuss the case of a toddler who presented with episodic headaches for 6 weeks with associated vomiting triggered by strenuous activity. His neurological examination was normal. His MRI brain scan revealed large cavum septum pellucidum with obstructive hydrocephalus. He underwent endoscopic fenestration of the cyst with resolution of both hydrocephalus and the symptoms. Although CSP are generally asymptomatic, in rare situations, as in our illustrative case, they may cause obstructive hydrocephalus that requires urgent attention. CSF flow studies are helpful in confirming the diagnosis.
Novel Surgical and Radiologic Risk Factors for Progression or Recurrence of Pediatric Pilocytic Astrocytoma
Authors: Villanueva Karie G. , Rea Nolan D. , Krieger Mark D.
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Pilocytic astrocytomas (PA) are a common, benign childhood tumor known for their slow growth rates and excellent prognosis. The aim of our study was to characterize patient, tumor, and imaging-related risk factors for recurrence and progression of disease. Methods: We identified 116 patients with PA who underwent surgery at our institution between 2000 and 2015. Data were collected retrospectively from the clinical charts. Results: The mean age at resection was 7 ± 5 years (range 0.5–31) and mean follow-up was 6 ± 3 years. Initial resection was complete in 33 patients (29%), subtotal in 78 patients (67%), and biopsy in 5 patients (4%). A total of 45/116 (40%) patients experienced either recurrence or progression after initial resection with a mean time to recurrence or progression of 2.2 years. Bivariate analysis identified subtotal resection, tumor location, age at diagnosis, and imaging features (i.e., T2 invasion, exophytic component, hemorrhage, and solid tumors) as factors significantly associated with recurrence or progression (p < 0.05). Conversely, PAs that were completely resected, predominately cystic, and located in the cerebellum were significantly associated with no recurrence or progression (p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis narrowed down 4 robust risk factors: extent of resection, T2 invasion, predominantly solid lesions, and presence of an exophytic component (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Total surgical removal of PA has been the most important prognostic factor for the clinical course of PA. Our study reveals additional risk factors for the recurrence or progression of disease: tumor invasion, solid composition, and tumors with an exophytic component.
Influence of the New FIGO Classification for Cervical Cancer on Patient Survival: A Retrospective Analysis of 265 Histologically Confirmed Cases with FIGO Stages IA to IIB
Authors: de Gregorio Amelie , Widschwendter Peter , Ebner Florian , Friedl Thomas Wolfram Paul , Huober Jens , Janni Wolfgang , de Gregorio Nikolaus
Published: October 2019

Objective: At the end of the year 2018, a new FIGO classification for cervical cancer was published, mainly revising stage IB and introducing a new stage IIIC, which includes irrespectively of tumor size and local spread all patients with lymph node metastasis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all cases of cervical cancer stage I to IIB who underwent surgery as primary treatment at our institution from 2000 until 2016 and therefore had a histological confirmation of tumor stage. We reclassified all histologies according to the new FIGO classification and calculated outcome according to the new stages. Results: Out of 265 patients, 146 (55%) patients were reclassified into a higher FIGO stage. Most changes appeared within stage IB and from any stage to stage IIIC1. Kaplan-Meier curves for new stages showed a significant difference in disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) between stages I versus II versus III (log-rank test, both p < 0.001). Overall, patients that were upstaged had a significant worse DFS (p = 0.012) and OS (p = 0.008) than patients whose stage did not change. Similar observations were made within sub-stages, when node-positive IB or IIB tumors were upstaged to IIIC tumors. Conclusion: The new FIGO classification for cervical cancer reflects the strong impact of lymph node metastases on survival and is a clear improvement compared to the old FIGO classification with regard to risk stratification.
Advances in Optical Coherence Tomography and Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy in Pulmonary Diseases
Authors: Goorsenberg Annika , Kalverda Kirsten A. , Annema Jouke , Bonta Peter
Published: October 2019

Diagnosing and monitoring pulmonary diseases is highly dependent on imaging, physiological function tests and tissue sampling. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) are novel imaging techniques with near-microscopic resolution that can be easily and safely combined with conventional bronchoscopy. Disease-related pulmonary anatomical compartments can be visualized, real time, using these techniques. In obstructive lung diseases, airway wall layers and related structural remodelling can be identified and quantified. In malignant lung disease, normal and malignant areas of the central airways, lung parenchyma, lymph nodes and pleura can be discriminated. A growing number of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) have been visualized using OCT or CLE. Several ILD-associated structural changes can be imaged: fibrosis, cellular infiltration, bronchi(ol)ectasis, cysts and microscopic honeycombing. Although not yet implemented in clinical practice, OCT and CLE have the potential to improve detection and monitoring pulmonary diseases and can contribute in unravelling the pathophysiology of disease and mechanism of action of novel treatments. Indeed, assessment of the airway wall layers with OCT might be helpful when evaluating treatments targeting airway remodelling. By visualizing individual malignant cells, CLE has the potential as a real-time lung cancer detection tool. In the future, both techniques could be combined with laser-enhanced fluorescent-labelled tracer detection. This review discusses the value of OCT and CLE in pulmonary medicine by summarizing the current evidence and elaborating on future perspectives.
Cost-Effectiveness of Pharmacomechanical Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis Versus Standard Anticoagulation in Patients With Proximal Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Magnuson Elizabeth A. , Chinnakondepalli Khaja , Vilain Katherine , Kearon Clive , Julian Jim A. , Kahn Susan R. , Goldhaber Samuel Z. , Jaff Michael R. , Kindzelski Andrei L. , Herman Kevin , Brady Paul S. , Sharma Karun , Black Carl M. , Vedantham Suresh , Cohen David J.
Published: October 2019

Background:

In patients with acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis (PCDT) in conjunction with anticoagulation therapy is increasingly used with the goal of preventing postthrombotic syndrome. Long-term costs and cost-effectiveness of these 2 treatment strategies from the perspective of the US healthcare system have not been compared.

Methods and Results:

Between 2009 and 2014, the ATTRACT trial (Acute Venous Thrombosis: Thrombus Removal With Adjunctive Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis) randomized 692 patients with acute proximal DVT to PCDT plus anticoagulation (n=337) or standard treatment with anticoagulation alone (n=355). Costs (2017 US dollars) were assessed over a 24-month follow-up period using a combination of resource-based costing, hospital bills, Medicare reimbursement rates, and the Drug Topics Red Book. Health state utilities were obtained from the Short Form-36. In-trial results and US life tables were used to develop a Markov cohort model to evaluate lifetime cost-effectiveness. For the PCDT group, mean costs of the initial procedure were $13 600; per-patient costs associated with the index hospitalization were $21 509 for PCDT and $3877 for standard care (difference=$17 632; 95% CI, $16 117–$19 243). The 24-month difference in costs was $20 045 (95% CI, $16 093–$24 120). Utility scores increased significantly between baseline and 6 months for both groups, with no significant differences between groups at any follow-up time point. Projected differences in lifetime costs of $16 740 and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of 0.08, yield an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for PCDT of $222 041/QALY gained. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, the probability that PCDT would achieve a lifetime incremental cost-effectiveness ratio <$50 000/QALY or <$150 000/QALY was 1% and 25%, respectively. For iliofemoral DVT, QALY gains with PCDT were greater, yielding an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $137 526/QALY; for femoral-popliteal DVT, standard therapy was an economically dominant strategy.

Conclusions:

With an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio >$200 000/QALY gained, PCDT is not an economically attractive treatment for proximal DVT. PCDT may be of intermediate value in patients with iliofemoral DVT.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00790335.
A taxonomic revision of the Western Palaearctic genus Cacochroa Heinemann, 1870 (Lepidoptera, Depressariidae, Cryptolechiinae) with description of a new genus and a new species
Authors: CORLEY MARTIN , FERREIRA SÓNIA
Published: October 2019

Following the description of Cacochroa rosetella Corley, 2018 it soon became clear that there was considerable confusion regarding the identity of Cacochroa permixtella (Herrich-Schäffer, 1854). In this paper the genus Cacochroa is revised and this confusion is resolved, a neotype is chosen for C. permixtella and nearly all records verified. Male and female genitalia of C. permixtella are remarkably different from those of the remaining species, which are here placed in Rosetea Corley & Ferreira, gen. nov. The distributions of the three species previously described in Cacochroa are clarified. Cacochroa permixtella has a distribution limited to Macedonia, Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey. Rosetea corfuella (Lvovsky, 2000), comb. nov., is recorded for the first time from Crete, Croatia, Macedonia, Turkey and Israel; the male of R. rosetella (Corley, 2018), comb. nov., is described for the first time and the species is recorded for the first time from Spain, France (mainland and Corsica), Italy (mainland and Sardinia), Greece (mainland and Crete), Croatia and Algeria. Rosetea sara sp. nov. is described from North Africa (Morocco and Tunisia). Male and female genitalia and DNA barcode data are presented for all four species.
Description of the nymph of Thraulodes sternimaculatus Lima, Mariano & Pinheiro, 2013 (Leptophlebiidae: Ephemeroptera) from Northeastern Region of Brazil
Authors: NASCIMENTO STÊNIO R. S. , LIMA LUCAS R. C. , AZEVÊDO CARLOS A. S.
Published: October 2019

Thraulodes Ulmer, 1920 is one of the most abundant and widespread genera of Leptophlebiidae represented by 66 species (Barber-James et al. 2013; Gonçalves et al. 2013; Lima et al. 2013; Souto et al. 2014; Zúñiga et al. 2015; Boldrini et al. 2018; Campos & Mariano 2019). Its distribution extends from Central Argentina in the Neotropics to the Neartic Region. For Brazil, 23 species are known (Salles & Boldrini 2019), but only seven species are known from both adult and nymphal stages: T. bonito Gonçalves, Da-Silva & Nessimian; T. cochunaensis Domínguez; T. daidaleus Traver & Edmunds; T. jones Gonçalves, Da-Silva & Nessimian; T. itatiajanus Traver & Edmunds; T. schlingeri Traver & Edmunds and T. traverae Thew (Thew 1960; Traver & Edmunds 1967; Domínguez 1987; Lopes et al. 2003; Gonçalves et al. 2010; Gonçalves et al. 2013).
Almost eight decades later: description of the male of Isoctenus guadalupei (Mello-Leitão, 1941) comb. nov. and redescription of the female
Authors: POLOTOW DANIELE , BRESCOVIT ANTONIO D.
Published: October 2019

Isoctenus Bertkau 1880 is a genus composed by medium to large sized (7 to 19 mm of total body length) Neotropical spiders (Polotow & Brescovit 2009). They are nocturnal wandering hunters, which prey in the ground and above leaf litter, as the other tropical wolf spiders of Ctenidae (Griswold et al. 2005). The genus was revised by Polotow & Brescovit (2009) and currently contains 15 species, distributed in the Parana (Atlantic, Parana, and Araucaria Forests provinces) and Chacoan (Cerrado and Pampean provinces) dominions (Morrone 2014). Polotow & Brescovit (2009) also presented a phylogenetic analysis based on morphological characters, supporting the transference of four species from Ctenus Walckenaer, 1805 to Isoctenus. Later, the genus was included by Polotow & Brescovit (2014) in a phylogenetic analysis of Cteninae, and it appears to be related to the Neotropical Parabatinga Polotow & Brescovit, 2009 and the Afrotropical Petaloctenus Jocqué & Steyn, 1997 and Africactenus Hyatt, 1954, in addition to a couple of misplaced Ctenus species.
Search computing model for the knapsack problem based on DNA origami
Authors: Yang Jing , Yin Zhixiang , Tang Zhen , Huang Kaifeng , Cui Jianzhong , Yang Xinmu
Published: October 2019

The knapsack problem is an import NP-complete problem in combinatorial optimization. In order to reduce the complexity of the problem, we provide a search computing model based on DNA origami to solve it. In this paper, we map the choice of each item to the directed path on the origami
base of DNA. Then the solution of the problem is mapped to find a directed path to maximize the total value of items in the knapsack. Hybrid chain reaction and fluorescence detection techniques are used to generate solutions satisfying constraints. Lastly, we use Visual DSD simulation software
to verify the validity of the model. Compared with other models through simulation, this model can automatically search the solution of the problem, and really reduce the complexity of the problem to linear.
Effect of Cr content on microstructure and mechanical properties of annealed large-dimensional bulk nanocrystalline Fe–Al–Cr alloys by self-propagating combustion synthesis
Authors: Wang Hongding , Wang Qiangqiang , Liu Hong , La Peiqing , Li Zhengning
Published: October 2019

Large-dimensional bulk nanocrystalline Fe–Al–Cr alloys with different chromium contents (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt.%) were prepared by self-propagating combustion synthesis. After isothermal treatment at 1000 °C for 16 hours, the microstructure transformation and the deformation
behavior of Fe–Al–Cr alloys were studied and discussed. After annealing, the nanocrystalline matrix of the alloys changed slightly, and the average grain size remained as approximately 20 nm. Owing to the changes in the distribution and shape of the second phase, the annealed nanocrystalline
Fe–Al–Cr alloys with different chromium contents provided good plasticity and strength. The annealed Fe–Al–Cr alloy with 15 wt.% chromium achieved the best comprehensive mechanical properties.
Density functional theory study of structural, magnetic and spectral properties of the CrmFen (m + n = 6) and CrmFenCu (m + n = 5) clusters
Authors: Chen Yunlong , Tang Zhenghua , He Chong , Sheng Yong
Published: October 2019

Using Density functional theory (DFT) to study the geometries, stability, magnetic properties and infrared spectroscopy of CrmFen (m + n = 6) and CrmFenCu (m + n = 5) clusters at the
BP86/SDD level. The ground state structures of CrmFen (m + n = 6) and CrmFenCu (m + n = 5) clusters are determined according to the principles of lowest energy and no virtual frequency. On this
basis, the structural and chemical stabilities are obtained by the average binding energies (Eb), chemical hardness (η) and HOMO-LUMO energy gap (Eg). The average binding energies show the substitution of a copper atom is beneficial to improve
the structural stability; It can be seen Cr4Fe2 and Cr3Fe2Cu have the best chemical stability in the two cluster series from the chemical hardness and HOMO-LUMO energy gap. By calculating the magnetic moment, it is shown that Cr5Fe and
CrFe4Cu have large magnetic moments, which can be understood by the spin distribution. Finally, infrared spectroscopy of the clusters are calculated, we find a copper atom substitutes the CrmFen (m + n = 6) does not change the range
of vibration frequency a lot because it does not significantly change the molecular structure of the original cluster, but it changes the vibration mode of the original cluster, resulting in the strongest infrared absorption peak intensity of Cr3Fe2Cu being lower than
that of Cr3Fe3.
Study of dry sliding friction and wear behavior of bionic surface of hardened steel
Authors: Cui Youzheng , Zheng Minli , Zhang Wei , Wang Ben , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2019

Considering typical bionic wear-resistant non-smooth surfaces, including prototypes such as the surface pits of a dung beetle body and desert viper abdomen, hardened steel mold wear samples for simulating the morphologies of the rectangular pits on a dung beetle body surface and the
regular hexagonal pits on a desert viper abdomen were prepared by high-speed milling and controlling the ratio of row spacing to feed rate. The tribological behaviors of finite element models with smooth grinding and different bionic pit shapes were numerically simulated. The wear test was
performed on the wear sample using a friction and wear test bench, and the wear morphology of the sample surface was observed using an ultra-depth of field three-dimensional microscope. The results show that under the condition of dry sliding friction, the rectangular pit surface imitating
the dung beetle body surface has better drag reduction and wear resistance. The surface energy of the rectangular pits on the body surface of dung beetles can significantly improve the surface friction stress and temperature distribution, and reduce the wear of hardened steel molds. Furthermore,
the friction and wear tests demonstrate good characteristics of debris collection and storage; thus, reducing the friction resistance.
Improving Multisensor Precipitation Estimation via Adaptive Conditional Bias–Penalized Merging of Rain Gauge Data and Remotely Sensed Quantitative Precipitation Estimates
Authors: Jozaghi Ali , Nabatian Mohammad , Noh Seongjin , Seo Dong-Jun , Tang Lin , Zhang Jian
Published: October 2019

We describe and evaluate adaptive conditional bias–penalized cokriging (CBPCK) for improved multisensor precipitation estimation using rain gauge data and remotely sensed quantitative precipitation estimates (QPE). The remotely sensed QPEs used are radar-only and radar–satellite-fused estimates. For comparative evaluation, true validation is carried out over the continental United States (CONUS) for 13–30 September 2015 and 7–9 October 2016. The hourly gauge data, radar-only QPE, and satellite QPE used are from the Hydrometeorological Automated Data System, Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor System, and Self-Calibrating Multivariate Precipitation Retrieval (SCaMPR), respectively. For radar–satellite fusion, conditional bias–penalized Fisher estimation is used. The reference merging technique compared is ordinary cokriging (OCK) used in the National Weather Service Multisensor Precipitation Estimator. It is shown that, beyond the reduction due to mean field bias (MFB) correction, both OCK and adaptive CBPCK additionally reduce the unconditional root-mean-square error (RMSE) of radar-only QPE by 9%–16% over the CONUS for the two periods, and that adaptive CBPCK is superior to OCK for estimation of hourly amounts exceeding 1 mm. When fused with the MFB-corrected radar QPE, the MFB-corrected SCaMPR QPE for September 2015 reduces the unconditional RMSE of the MFB-corrected radar by 4% and 6% over the entire and western half of the CONUS, respectively, but is inferior to the MFB-corrected radar for estimation of hourly amounts exceeding 7 mm. Adaptive CBPCK should hence be favored over OCK for estimation of significant amounts of precipitation despite larger computational cost, and the SCaMPR QPE should be used selectively in multisensor QPE.
Wind–Wave Misalignment Effects on Langmuir Turbulence in Tropical Cyclone Conditions
Authors: Wang Dong , Kukulka Tobias , Reichl Brandon G. , Hara Tetsu , Ginis Isaac
Published: October 2019

This study utilizes a large-eddy simulation (LES) approach to systematically assess the directional variability of wave-driven Langmuir turbulence (LT) in the ocean surface boundary layer (OSBL) under tropical cyclones (TCs). The Stokes drift vector, which drives LT through the Craik–Leibovich vortex force, is obtained through spectral wave simulations. LT’s direction is identified by horizontally elongated turbulent structures and objectively determined from horizontal autocorrelations of vertical velocities. In spite of a TC’s complex forcing with great wind and wave misalignments, this study finds that LT is approximately aligned with the wind. This is because the Reynolds stress and the depth-averaged Lagrangian shear (Eulerian plus Stokes drift shear) that are key in determining the LT intensity (determined by normalized depth-averaged vertical velocity variances) and direction are also approximately aligned with the wind relatively close to the surface. A scaling analysis of the momentum budget suggests that the Reynolds stress is approximately constant over a near-surface layer with predominant production of turbulent kinetic energy by Stokes drift shear, which is confirmed from the LES results. In this layer, Stokes drift shear, which dominates the Lagrangian shear, is aligned with the wind because of relatively short, wind-driven waves. On the contrary, Stokes drift exhibits considerable amount of misalignments with the wind. This wind–wave misalignment reduces LT intensity, consistent with a simple turbulent kinetic energy model. Our analysis shows that both the Reynolds stress and LT are aligned with the wind for different reasons: the former is dictated by the momentum budget, while the latter is controlled by wind-forced waves.
The Role of Staphylococcus aureus in Mastitis
Authors: Rimoldi Sara Giordana , Pileri Paola , Mazzocco Martina Ilaria , Romeri Francesca , Bestetti Giovanna , Calvagna Nunziata , Tonielli Claudia , Fiori Lorenza , Gigantiello Anna , Pagani Cristina , Magistrelli Paolo , Sartani Alessandra , De Silvestri Annalisa , Gismondo Maria Rita , Cetin Irene
Published: October 2019

Background

Breastfeeding women are at risk of developing mastitis during the lactation period. Staphylococcus aureus has emerged as the community-acquired pathogen responsible for virulence (methicillin resistance and Panton-Valentine leukocidin toxin producing).

Research aim

The aim was to compare the microorganisms responsible for mastitis and breast abscesses during breastfeeding.

Methods

This observational study was conducted with a sample of women ( N = 60) admitted to our hospital between 2016 and 2018. Participants affected by mastitis and breast abscess were studied and cared for by a multidisciplinary working group. A diagnostic breast ultrasound identified the pathology.

Results

Twenty-six participants (43.3%) were affected by mastitis and 34 (56.7%) by breast abscess. The most common microorganism identified was Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus; mastitis, n = 13; abscesses, n = 24). Methicillin resistance was identified in 21 (44.7%) S. aureus strains: 17 (80.9%) cases of abscess and four (19.1%) cases of mastitis. The median number of months of breastfeeding was smaller in the methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) cases (median = 3, range = 1–20 months) than in the methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) cases (median = 6.5, range = 3–21 months). The Panton-Valentine leukocidin toxin gene was detected in 12 (25.5%) cases (MRSA, n = 8, 66.7%; MSSA, n = 4, 33.3%). Hospitalization was required more frequently in MRSA ( n = 8, 38%; five Panton-Valentine leukocidin positive) than in MSSA cases ( n = 5, 19%; one Panton-Valentine leukocidin positive). Four women out of the eight MRSA cases (50%) that were Panton-Valentine leukocidin positive stopped breastfeeding during mammary pathologies, three (37.5%) participants continued breastfeeding until the follow-up recall, and one case was lost at follow-up.

Conclusion

Clinical severity was probably complicated by the presence of the Panton-Valentine leukocidin toxin, which required hospitalization more frequently.
Evaluation of sternum closure methods by means of a nonlinear finite element analysis
Authors: Orhan Suleyman Nazif , Ozyazicioglu Mehmet Hamit
Published: October 2019

The main purpose of this study is to develop a validated three-dimensional finite element model of sternum closure techniques. For this aim, the finite element method analysis results of three closure methods were compared with experimental test results. Also, three more closure techniques are simulated numerically to study the effect of the number of wires used in the manubrium and xiphoid regions. A three-dimensional model of polyurethane sternum foam was created based on computed tomography images. Six different closure techniques using steel wire, steel bands and ZipFix bands were modeled on the sternum and transferred into a three-dimensional finite element model. The sternum was modeled as an isotropic bilinear-elasto-plastic material, and nonlinear contact conditions were applied. The models were analyzed under lateral distraction loading, and load-displacement curves were obtained from displacements at the incision line. Allowable loads and stiffness values of the methods were evaluated from these curves. The results showed the importance of the including material as well as geometric nonlinearities in the simulations to obtain realistic results from the numerical analyses. Also, the analyses showed that closures that include steel or ZipFix bands are superior to conventional wiring, and addition of a single wire at the manubrium and xiphoid regions significantly improved the efficiency of the closure techniques.
Confirming a beneficial effect of the six-minute walk test on exercise confidence in patients with heart failure
Authors: Toukhsati SR , Mathews S , Sheed A , Freijah I , Moncur L , Cropper P , Ha FJ , Hare DL
Published: October 2019

Background:

Low confidence to exercise is a barrier to engaging in exercise in heart failure patients. Participating in low to moderate intensity exercise, such as the six-minute walk test, may increase exercise confidence.

Aim:

To compare the effects of a six-minute walk test with an educational control condition on exercise confidence in heart failure patients.

Methods:

This was a prospective, quasi-experimental design whereby consecutive adult patients attending an out-patient heart failure clinic completed the Exercise Confidence Scale prior to and following involvement in the six-minute walk test or an educational control condition.

Results:

Using a matched pairs, mixed model design ( n=60; 87% male; Mage=58.87±13.16), we identified a significantly greater improvement in Total exercise confidence ( F(1,54)=4.63, p=0.036, partial η2=0.079) and Running confidence ( F(1,57)=4.21, p=0. 045, partial η2=0.069) following the six-minute walk test compared to the educational control condition. These benefits were also observed after adjustment for age, gender, functional class and depression.

Conclusion:

Heart failure patients who completed a six-minute walk test reported greater improvement in exercise confidence than those who read an educational booklet for 10 min. The findings suggest that the six-minute walk test may be used as a clinical tool to improve exercise confidence. Future research should test these results under randomized conditions and examine whether improvements in exercise confidence translate to greater engagement in exercise behavior.