bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acupuncture for patients with cancer-induced xerostomia: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Ni Xixiu , Yu Yang , Tian Tian , Liu Lu , Li Xiao , Li Fengmei , Xu Yue , Zhao Ling
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Xerostomia is a common symptom in patients with cancer. Currently available methods to manage xerostomia include stringent oral hygiene using fluoride agents and antimicrobials, saliva substitutes and sialagogic agents, but side effects such as headache, dizziness and sweating can occur with these therapies. Clinical trials have shown that acupuncture may be effective in treating xerostomia. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture treatment for xerostomia caused by cancer.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review will incorporate articles identified by electronically searching the following databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, AMED, EMbase, WorldSciNet, Nature, Science Online, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, the Wanfang Database and China Biology Medicine Disc from inception to 1 December 2019. Other sources including conference proceedings and reference lists of identified publications and existing systematic reviews will also be searched. Two reviewers will independently search the databases, perform data extraction and assess the quality of studies. Data will be synthesised using either a fixed-effects model or a random-effects model, according to heterogeneity testing. Patient-reported change in the Visual Analogue Scale or the Xerostomia Inventory will be assessed as the primary outcome. Saliva collection, whole saliva production and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 will be evaluated as secondary outcomes. RevMan V. 5.3 will be employed for data analysis. The results will be expressed as risk ratios for dichotomous data and mean differences for continuous data.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol will not evaluate individual patient information or affect patient rights and therefore does not require ethical approval. Results from this review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conference reports.

Trial registration number

CRD42019129069.
Understanding transitional care programmes for older adults who experience delayed discharge: a scoping review protocol
Authors: McGilton Katherine S , Vellani Shirin , Babineau Jessica , Bethell Jennifer , Bronskill Susan E , Burr Elaine , Keatings Margaret , McElhaney Janet E , McKay Sandra , Nichol Kathryn , Omar Abeer , Puts Martine T E , Singh Anita , Tamblyn Watts Laura , Wodchis Walter P , Sidani Souraya
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Many hospitalised older adults experience delayed discharges due to increased postacute health and social support needs. Transitional care programmes (TCPs) provide short-term care to these patients to prepare them for transfer to nursing homes or back to the community with supports. There are knowledge gaps related to the development, implementation and evaluation of TCPs. The aims of this scoping review (ScR) are to identify the characteristics of older patients served by TCPs; criteria for transfer, components and services provided by TCPs; and outcomes used to evaluate TCPs.

Methods and analysis

The study involves six-step ScR and is informed by a collaborative/participatory approach whereby stakeholders engage in the development of the research questions, identification of literature, data abstraction and synthesis; and participation in consultation workshop. The search for scientific literature will be done in the Medline, PsychINFO, Emcare and CINAHL databases; as well, policies and reports that examined models of transitional care and the outcomes used to evaluate them will be reviewed. Records will be selected if they involve community dwelling older adults aged 65 years or older, or indigenous persons 45 years or older; and presented in English, French, Dutch and German languages. Records will be screened, reviewed and abstracted by two independent reviewers. Extracted data will be analysed using descriptive statistics and a narrative analysis, and organised according to Donabedian’s model of structure (characteristics of older adults experiencing delayed discharge and served by TCPs), process (TCP components and services) and outcome.

Ethics and dissemination

This ScR does not require ethics approval. Dissemination activities include integrated knowledge translation (KT) (consultation with stakeholders throughout the study) and end-of-grant KT strategies (presentations at national and international conferences; and publication in peer-reviewed interdisciplinary journal).
Belimumab after B cell depletion therapy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (BEAT Lupus) protocol: a prospective multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, 52-week phase II clinical trial
Authors: Jones Alexis , Muller Patrick , Dore Caroline J , Ikeji Felicia , Caverly Emilia , Chowdhury Kashfia , Isenberg David A , Gordon Caroline , Ehrenstein Michael R
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Few treatment options exist for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who fail conventional therapy. Although widely used to treat lupus, the efficacy of B cell depletion therapy using rituximab has not been demonstrated in randomised clinical trials. Following rituximab, elevated levels of serum B cell activating factor (BAFF) have been associated with failure to remit or subsequent lupus relapse. The administration of belimumab, a monoclonal antibody specific for BAFF and approved for lupus therapy, could potentiate the efficacy of rituximab and enable longer periods of disease remission. The aim of this trial is to assess the safety and efficacy of belimumab following rituximab in patients with SLE.

Methods and analysis

BEAT Lupus is a double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled, phase II clinical trial. Patients with SLE commencing a treatment cycle of rituximab (two 1g infusions, 2 weeks apart) as standard of care will be randomised to receive belimumab or placebo, 4 to 8 weeks following the first rituximab infusion. Belimumab or placebo infusions are administered for 52 weeks. The primary outcome measure is anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody levels at 52 weeks. Secondary outcomes include measures of adverse events, lupus disease activity and cumulative steroid dose. The kinetics of B cell repopulation will be assessed in a subgroup of participants. Belimumab administration after rituximab may provide a novel therapeutic pathway for patients with active lupus if safety is demonstrated in this proof of concept study, and lower anti-dsDNA antibodies levels are achieved in those patients treated with belimumab compared with placebo.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol has been reviewed and approved by the Hampstead Research Ethics Committee - London (reference 16/LO/1024). Trial information is available athttps://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN47873003, and the results of this trial will be submitted for publication in relevant peer-reviewed journals. Key findings will also be presented at national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN47873; date assigned to the registry: 28 November 2016. The stage is pre-results.
Components of the full blood count as risk factors for colorectal cancer detection: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Virdee Pradeep S , Kirtley Shona , Elhussein Leena , Watkinson Peter J , Holt Tim A , Birks Jacqueline
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the UK. The full blood count (FBC) is a blood test that may play a role in early detection of the disease. Previous studies have aimed to identify how levels of individual components, such as haemoglobin, can be used to assist the diagnosis. We aim to systematically review studies to identify whether components of the FBC are risk factors for diagnosis of colorectal cancer, critically appraise the methods used to assess the association and assess performance of the components.

Methods and analysis

The MEDLINE (via OVID), EMBASE (via OVID), CINAHL (via EBSCOhost) and Web of Science databases will be searched to identify studies reporting the association between the levels of at least one FBC component and the risk of a future diagnosis of colorectal cancer in undiagnosed individuals. Clincialtrials.gov and the WHO registry will be searched to identify relevant ongoing research. Search terms will include relevant Medical Subject Headings and Emtree headings, and free-text terms relating to FBC, colorectal cancer and diagnosis. No date or language restrictions will be applied. Two reviewers will independently identify the studies for inclusion and perform data extraction. Time intervals between the blood tests and diagnosis will form the subgroups for analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

There is no direct patient involvement and only published articles will be reviewed; no ethical approval is required. Results from this review will set a foundation for intended future work on developing a new risk score for early detection of colorectal cancer, derived using FBC data. This systematic review will also provide guidance on the analysis of time to diagnosis. The model will be freely available to UK primary care practices.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019134400.
Improving accuracy of self-reported diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis in the French prospective E3N-EPIC cohort: a validation study
Authors: Nguyen Yann , Salliot Carine , Gusto Gaëlle , Descamps Elise , Mariette Xavier , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Seror Raphaèle
Published: December 2019

Objectives

The French E3N-EPIC (Etude Epidémiologique auprès des femmes de la Mutuelle générale de l’Education Nationale-European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) cohort enrolled 98 995 women aged 40 to 65 years at inclusion since 1990 to study the main risk factors for cancer and severe chronic conditions in women. They were prospectively followed with biennially self-administered questionnaires collecting self-reported medical, environmental and lifestyle data. Our objective was to assess the accuracy of self-reported diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to devise algorithms to improve the ascertainment of RA cases in our cohort.

Design

A validation study.

Participants

Women who self-reported an inflammatory rheumatic disease (IRD) were asked to provide access to their medical record, and to answer an IRD questionnaire. Medical records were independently reviewed.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Positive predictive values (PPV) of self-reported RA alone, then coupled with the IRD questionnaire, and with a medication reimbursement database were assessed. These algorithms were then applied to the whole cohort to ascertain RA cases.

Results

Of the 98 995 participants, 2692 self-reported RA. Medical records were available for a sample of 399 participants, including 305 who self-reported RA. Self-reported RA was accurate only for 42% participants. Combining self-reported diagnoses to answers to a specific IRD questionnaire or to the medication reimbursement database improved the PPV (75.6% and 90.1%, respectively). Using the devised algorithms, we could identify 964 RA cases in our cohort.

Conclusion

Accuracy of self-reported RA is poor but adding answers to a specific questionnaire or data from a medication reimbursement database performed satisfactorily to identify RA cases in our cohort. It will subsequently allow investigating many potential risk factors of RA in women.
Effects of rumen-protected methionine supplementation on growth performance, nitrogen balance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of lambs fed diets containing buckwheat straw
Authors: Li Haiqing , Jiang Biwei , Zhou Yuxiang
Published: December 2019

This study was conducted to determine the effects of rumen-protected methionine (RPM) supplementation on growth performance, nitrogen (N) balance, carcass traits, and meat quality of lambs fed diets containing buckwheat straw. Twenty male Tan lambs from Ningxia were housed in individual pens and were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments that were supplemented with RPM at levels of 0 (control), 1.5 (T1), 3.0 (T2), 4.5 (T3), and 6.0 g d−1 (T4). Dry matter intake was higher in T4 than control (P < 0.05). The feed:gain ratio generally reduced with increasing dietary RPM, but the lowest ratio was found in T3 (P < 0.05). Dry matter digestibility and N retention were highest in T3 (P < 0.05) while N excretion was the lowest. Carcass fat weight and grid reference tissue depth increased while drip loss decreased by supplemental RPM, and significant differences were found between T4 and control (P < 0.05). However, pH, color, cooking loss, and shear force were not affected. The results from this study demonstrated that dietary RPM supplementation may be able to improve the feed efficiency, N utilization, and meat quality of lambs; however, the optimal dose of RPM needs to be explored further.
Flood disturbance and shade stress shape the population structure of açaí palm Euterpe precatoria, the most abundant Amazon species
Authors: Brum Heloisa Dantas , Souza Alexandre F.
Published: December 2019

Euterpe precatoria Mart. is the most abundant plant species in the Amazon basin, and one of the main non-timber forest products on the continent. A thorough understanding of the ecology of this species is needed to support sustainable management initiatives. Resource availability, disturbance regime, and human management are some of the main factors influencing population structure. We described the species’ life stages, evaluated its allometric relationships, and assessed the effects of habitat type (floodplain and upland) and proximity to human settlements on population size distribution in the Central Amazon near the Purus River. The height:diameter ratio increased from Seedlings to Juvenile 2, but decreased from Juvenile 2 to Reproductive 2, indicating changing height investment for any given diameter along these life stages. There was a marked habitat dependency in both the density and population size distribution, with populations in upland forests dominated by juveniles, whereas populations in the floodplains were dominated by reproductive palms. Proximity to human settlements was not related to population structure parameters. Our results suggest that the disturbance regime may have opposite meanings in várzea forests, where it limits recruitment under increased light levels, and in terra firme forests, where it may stimulate recruitment under limited light conditions.
Rapid early development and feeding benefits an invasive population of lake trout
Authors: Simard Lee G. , Marsden J. Ellen , Gresswell Robert E. , Euclide Megan
Published: December 2019

Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) were discovered in Yellowstone Lake in 1994 and their population expanded dramatically despite intensive suppression. The lake is species-depauperate, with no major lake trout embryo predators. We hypothesized that without this predation threat, lake trout free embryo feeding and growth may be greater than in their native range, leading to increased survival of age-0 individuals and rapid population growth. We compared length, developmental rate, and feeding patterns of lake trout free embryos captured at a spawning site in Yellowstone Lake with free embryos captured in their native range in Lake Champlain, Vermont. More embryos were feeding, contained more food, and were significantly longer at the same developmental stages in Yellowstone Lake. With an abundance of available food and minimal threat of predation, free embryos remained on the spawning site in Yellowstone Lake later into the summer than in Lake Champlain and achieved a greater maximum length before they dispersed. Greater food consumption and associated growth likely leads to high survival of lake trout free embryos in Yellowstone Lake, contributing to rapid population growth.
The production of wheat – Aegilops sharonensis 1Ssh chromosome substitution lines harboring alien novel high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Li Yu , Karim Hassan , Li Yue , Zhong Xiaojuan , Tang Huaping , Qi Pengfei , Ma Jian , Wang Jirui , Chen Guoyue , Pu Zhien , Li Wei , Tang Zongxiang , Lan Xiujin , Deng Mei , Li Zhongyi , Harwood Wendy , Wei Yuming , Zheng Youliang , Jiang Qiantao
Published: December 2019

In our previous work, a novel high-molecular-weight glutenin subunit (HMW-GS) with an extremely large molecular weight from Aegilops sharonensis was identified that may contribute to excellent wheat (Triticum aestivum) processing quality and increased dough strength, and we further generated HMW-GS homozygous lines by crossing. In this study, we crossed the HMW-GS homozygous line 66-17-52 with ‘Chinese Spring’ Ph1 mutant CS ph1b to induce chromosome recombination between wheat and Ae. sharonensis. SDS-PAGE was used to identify 19 derived F2 lines with the HMW-GSs of Ae sharonensis. The results of non-denaturing fluorescence in situ hybridization (ND-FISH) indicated that lines 6-1 and 6-7 possessed a substitution of both 5D chromosomes by a pair of 1Ssh chromosomes. Further verification by newly developed 1Ssh-specific chromosome markers showed that these two lines amplified the expected fragment. Thus, it was concluded that lines 6-1 and 6-7 are 1Ssh(5D) chromosome substitution lines. The 1Ssh(5D) chromosome substitution lines, possessing alien subunits with satisfactory quality-associated structural features of large repetitive domains and increased number of subunits, may have great potential in strengthening the viscosity and elasticity of dough made from wheat flour. Therefore, these substitution lines can be used for wheat quality improvement and further production of 1Ssh translocation lines.
Energy dependence of the efficiency of high-energy negatively charged particle beam deflection by planar channeling in a bent crystal
Authors: Kyryllin I. V. , Shul’ga N. F.
Published: December 2019

The study of planar channeling of high-energy negatively charged particles in bent crystals was carried out. The value of the critical radius of planar channeling in the Doyle–Turner approximation for the atomic potential is determined. The dependence of the maximum angle at which a given fraction of beam particles could be deflected by means of planar channeling in a bent crystal on the particle energy was found. We identified the ideal parameters for the exploitation of planar channeling for negatively charged particle beam deflection by planar channeling in a bent crystal at current and future high-energy accelerators, e.g., SLAC, MAMI, ILC or muon colliders.
Synthesis of NiO/TiO2 sub-microrods as catalyst for methanol oxidation reaction
Authors: Yue Xiaoyu , Wang Yixuan , Zhang Ting , Gao Wei
Published: December 2019

[Formula: see text] sub-microrods have been synthesized via a simple two-step route. First, the precursors were prepared by a facile ethylene glycol-mediated method; then, [Formula: see text] sub-microrods were obtained by a limited-oxygen atmosphere deriving from the decomposition of urea at [Formula: see text]C for 3 h in air. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The obtained [Formula: see text] sub-microrods exhibit cubic NiO structure with high crystallinity and anatase [Formula: see text]. Both SEM and TEM show the typical sub-microrods with lengths of [Formula: see text] nm and diameters of [Formula: see text] nm. The uniform sub-microrods have great electrocatalytic performance for methanol oxidation reaction in alkaline solution. This material may have potential applications in direct methanol fuel cells.
Preparation of electroless Ni-P alloy coating with medium temperature and low phosphorus content
Authors: Li Yongfeng , Zhang Kun , Zhang Mingming , Wu Tingting , Cao Peng , Gao Wei
Published: December 2019

Low phosphorus electroless Ni-P alloy coating has many advantages over medium and high phosphorus electroless Ni-P alloy coatings because of its special microstructure and composition, which can meet more special performance requirements. In addition, reducing the plating temperature can reduce energy consumption. The preparation process of electroless Ni-P plating at medium temperature and low-P was studied by single factor and orthogonal experiment. The results show that electroless Ni-P alloy coatings with 4–6% P can be obtained at 60–80[Formula: see text]C and pH=5–6. The hardness, deposition rate and corrosion resistance of the coating were also evaluated.
Interfacial structure and joint strength on Ti(C, N)–Al2O3 cermet/40Cr steel joints with diffusion bonding
Authors: Liu Fei , Wu Mingfang , Pu Juan , Wang Fengjiang
Published: December 2019

The [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] cermet to 40Cr steel joint was conducted by liquid phase diffusion bonding under the auxiliary pulse current and using 73Cu–27Ti amorphous foil/Cu foil/72Ag–28Cu foil sandwich foils as the interlayer. The effect of holding time and duty ratio of the pulse current on interfacial structure at the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] cermet side and joint strength were studied. The results showed that the longer bonding time can improve the melting of Cu–Ti foil and the dissolution of Cu interlayer to obtain a higher joint strength. The interfacial structure was composed of the TiCu compounds and Cu solid solution at the cermet side, and [Formula: see text] compounds and Cu solid solution at the Cu interlayer side. The auxiliary pulse current was beneficial to reach a higher joint strength in a shorter holding time. A higher duty ratio would accelerate the dissolution and reaction of cermet to the interlayer, but continuous increase on the duty ratio would result in the over dissolution of cermet into the interface to produce the Ti(C, N) and [Formula: see text] ceramic particles and the decrease on the joint strength.
ADAPTIVE SUPER-TWISTING-LIKE SLIDING MODE CONTROL WITH PRESCRIBED PERFORMANCE FOR ROBOT MANIPULATORS
Authors: ZHENG SHUPENG , NIU XINJIAN , PENG CHENHUI
Published: December 2019

In order to minimize the involuntary tremor of surgeon’s hands, the surgical robots are widely applied in the minimally invasive surgeries. However, unlike ordinary robots, the surgical robots require that the manipulator has high precision and strong anti-disturbance ability. Besides that, the manipulators of surgical robots must be able to move smoothly and respond quickly to the surgeon’s instructions during conducting tasks. To solve aforementioned problems, this paper describes a super-twisting sliding mode controller for the robot manipulator. The basic law is combined with the adaptive term to overcome the unknown disturbances and structural uncertainties, and with the prescribed performance allowing to influence the error dynamics. To ensure the robot system has good transient and steady-state performances, the transformation function of tracking errors is devised. Through using transformed errors, we attain the surface of sliding mode and propose a modified structure of traditional super-twisting algorithm. Considering the derivative of lumped disturbance has unknown boundary, a novel adaptive law is derived for the modified super-twisting sliding mode control which does not require the boundary of disturbance. Simulation experiments showed that the proposed control algorithm not only improves the tracking performance of surgical robot manipulators, but also facilitates the parameter tuning of controller. The devised robot manipulators are also potentially applicable to telesurgery where the steady-state response of surgical robots is required.
Tapir
Authors: Schardl Tao B. , Moses William S. , Leiserson Charles E.
Published: December 2019

Tapir (pronounced TAY-per) is a compiler intermediate representation (IR) that embeds recursive fork-join parallelism, as supported by task-parallel programming platforms such as Cilk and OpenMP, into a mainstream compiler’s IR. Mainstream compilers typically treat parallel linguistic constructs as syntactic sugar for function calls into a parallel runtime. These calls prevent the compiler from performing optimizations on and across parallel control constructs. Remedying this situation has generally been thought to require an extensive reworking of compiler analyses and code transformations to handle parallel semantics. Tapir leverages the “serial-projection property,” which is commonly satisfied by task-parallel programs, to handle the semantics of these programs without an extensive rework of the compiler.

For recursive fork-join programs that satisfy the serial-projection property, Tapir enables effective compiler optimization of parallel programs with only minor changes to existing compiler analyses and code transformations. Tapir uses the serial-projection property to order logically parallel fine-grained tasks in the program’s control-flow graph. This ordered representation of parallel tasks allows the compiler to optimize parallel codes effectively with only minor modifications. For example, to implement Tapir/LLVM, a prototype of Tapir in the LLVM compiler, we added or modified less than 3,000 lines of LLVM’s half-million-line core middle-end functionality.

These changes sufficed to enable LLVM’s existing compiler optimizations for serial code—including loop-invariant-code motion, common-subexpression elimination, and tail-recursion elimination—to work with parallel control constructs such as parallel loops and Cilk’s Cilk_Spawn keyword. Tapir also supports parallel optimizations, such as loop scheduling, which restructure the parallel control flow of the program. By making use of existing LLVM optimizations and new parallel optimizations, Tapir/LLVM can optimize recursive fork-join programs more effectively than traditional compilation methods. On a suite of 35 Cilk application benchmarks, Tapir/LLVM produces more efficient executables for 30 benchmarks, with faster 18-core running times for 26 of them, compared to a nearly identical compiler that compiles parallel linguistic constructs the traditional way.
Processor-Oblivious Record and Replay
Authors: Utterback Robert , Agrawal Kunal , Lee I-Ting Angelina , Kulkarni Milind
Published: December 2019

Record-and-replay systems are useful tools for debugging non-deterministic parallel programs by first
recording
an execution and then
replaying
that execution to produce the same access pattern. Existing record-and-replay systems generally target thread-based execution models, and record the behaviors and interleavings of individual threads. Dynamic multithreaded languages and libraries, such as the Cilk family, OpenMP, TBB, and the like, do not have a notion of threads. Instead, these languages provide a
processor-oblivious
model of programming, where programs expose task parallelism using high-level constructs such as spawn/sync without regard to the number of threads/cores available to run the program. Thread-based record-and-replay would violate the processor-oblivious nature of these programs, as they incorporate the number of threads into the recorded information, constraining the replayed execution to the same number of threads.

In this article, we present a processor-oblivious
record-and-replay
scheme for dynamic multithreaded languages where record and replay can use different number of processors and both are scheduled using work stealing. We provide theoretical guarantees for our record and replay scheme—namely that record is optimal for programs with one lock and replay is near-optimal for all cases. In addition, we implemented this scheme in the Cilk Plus runtime system and our evaluation indicates that processor-obliviousness does not cause substantial overheads.
FPT Algorithms for Embedding into Low-Complexity Graphic Metrics
Authors: Ghosh Arijit , Kolay Sudeshna , Mishra Gopinath
Published: December 2019

Given metric spaces (
X
,
D

X

) and (
Y
,
D

Y

), an
embedding
F
:
X
→
Y
is an injective mapping from
X
to
Y
.
Expansion
e

F

and
contraction
c

F

of an embedding
F
:
X
→
Y
are defined as

e

F

= max

x
;
1
,
x
2
(≠
x
1
) ∈
X

D

Y

(
F
(
x
1
),
F
(
x
2
))/
D

X

(
x
1
,
x
2
) and
c

F

= max

x
1
,
x
2
(≠
x
1
) ∈
X

D

X

(
x
1
,
x
2
)/
D

Y

(
F
(
x
1
),
F
(
x
2
)),

respectively, and
distortion
d

F

is defined as
d

F

=
e

F

⋅
c

F

. Observe that
d

F

≥ 1. An embedding
F
:
X
→
Y
is
noncontracting
if
c

F

≤ 1. When
d
=1, then
F
is
isometry
.

The M
etric
E
mbedding
problem takes as input two metric spaces (
X
,
D

X

) and (
Y
,
D

Y

), and a positive integer
d
. The objective is to determine whether there is an embedding
F
:
X
→
Y
such that
d

F

≤
d
. Such an embedding is called a
distortion d embedding
. The bijective M
etric
E
mbedding
problem is a special case of the M
etric
E
mbedding
problem where ∣
X
∣ = ∣
Y
∣. In parameterized complexity, the M
etric
E
mbedding
problem, in full generality, is known to be W-hard and, therefore, not expected to have an FPT algorithm. In this article, we consider the G
en
-G
raph
M
etric
E
mbedding
problem, where the two metric spaces are graph metrics. We explore the extent of tractability of the problem in the parameterized complexity setting. We determine whether an unweighted graph metric (
G
,
D

G

) can be embedded, or bijectively embedded, into another unweighted graph metric (
H
,
D

H

), where the graph
H
has low structural complexity. For example,
H
is a cycle, or
H
has bounded treewidth or bounded connected treewidth. The parameters for the algorithms are chosen from the upper bound
d
on distortion, bound Δ on the maximum degree of
H
, treewidth α of
H
, and connected treewidth α

c

of
H
.

Our general approach to these problems can be summarized as trying to understand the behavior of the shortest paths in
G
under a low-distortion embedding into
H
, and the structural relation the mapping of these paths has to shortest paths in
H
.
Importance of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (Swine Leukocyte Antigen) in Swine Health and Biomedical Research
Authors: Hammer Sabine E. , Ho Chak-Sum , Ando Asako , Rogel-Gaillard Claire , Charles Mathieu , Tector Matthew , Tector A. Joseph , Lunney Joan K.
Published: December 2019

In pigs, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), or swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) complex, maps to Sus scrofa chromosome 7. It consists of three regions, the class I and class III regions mapping to 7p1.1 and the class II region mapping to 7q1.1. The swine MHC is divided by the centromere, which is unique among mammals studied to date. The SLA complexspans between 2.4 and 2.7 Mb, depending on haplotype, and encodes approximately 150 loci, with at least 120 genes predicted to be functional. Here we update the whole SLA complex based on the Sscrofa11.1 build and annotate the organization for all recognized SLA genes and their allelic sequences. We present SLA nomenclature and typing methods and discuss the expression of SLA proteins, as well as their role in antigen presentation and immune, disease, and vaccine responses. Finally, we explore the role of SLA genes in transplantation and xenotransplantation and their importance in swine biomedical models.
Prosthetic Joint Infection of a Revision Knee Arthroplasty with Candida parapsilosis
Authors: Keuning Martine Christine , Al Moujahid Aziz , Zijlstra Wierd Pieter
Published: December 2019

We report a case of an infected total knee arthroplasty with Candida parapsilosis. The patient was successfully treated with a two-stage exchange arthroplasty, local antifungal treatment, and systemic antifungal treatment. This specific combination therapy to treat C. parapsilosis joint infection has not been previously reported.
Does Pseudomonas aeruginosa Colonization Affect Exercise Capacity in CF?
Authors: Kampouras Asterios , Hatziagorou Elpis , Avramidou Vasiliki , Georgopoulou Vasiliki , Kirvassilis Fotios , Tsanakas John
Published: December 2019

Introduction. Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) has been recognized as a valuable method in assessing disease burden and exercise capacity among CF patients. Aim. To evaluate whether Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization status affects Exercise Capacity, LCI and High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) indices among patients with CF; to check if Pseudomonas colonization can predict exercise intolerance. Subjects. Seventy-eight (78) children and adults with CF (31 males) mean (range) age 17.08 (6.75; 24.25) performed spirometry, Multiple Breath Washout (MBW) and CPET along with HRCT on the same day during their admission or follow up visit. Results. 78 CF patients (mean FEV1: 83.3% mean LCI: 10.9 and mean VO2 peak: 79.1%) were evaluated: 33 were chronically colonized with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 24 were intermittently colonized whereas 21 were Pseudomonas free. Statistically significant differences were observed among the three groups in: peak oxygen uptake % predicted (VO2 peak% (p<0.001), LCI (p<0.001), as well as FEV1% (p<0.001) and FVC% (p<0.001). Pseudomonas colonization could predict VO2 peak% (p<0.001, r2: −0.395). Conclusion. Exercise capacity as reflected by peak oxygen uptake is reduced in Pseudomonas colonized patients and reflects lung structural damages as shown on HRCT. Pseudomonas colonization could predict exercise limitation among CF patients.
A Full-Length Reference Floral Transcriptome ofBoehmeria tricuspisProvides Insights into Apomeiosis and Polyploidy
Authors: Tang Qing , Xu Ying , Deng Canhui , Cheng Chaohua , Dai Zhigang , Yang Zemao , Liu Chan , Su Jianguang
Published: December 2019

Boehmeria tricuspis(Hance) Makino constitutes a hardy herbaceous or shrubby perennial native to East Asia that includes different ploidy levels and reproductive modes (diplosporous to sexual). Although several apomeiosis-associated genes have been described, the genetic control and molecular mechanisms underlying apomeiosis remain poorly understood. Moreover, the basis of the correlation between polyploidy and apomixis has not yet been clarified. We utilized long-read sequencing to produce a full-length reference floral transcriptome ofB.tricuspis. Based on the generated database, gene expression of the female flowers of different ploidy levels and reproductive mode cytotypes was compared. Overall, 1,387 genes related to apomeiosis, 217 genes related to ploidy, and 9 genes associated with both apomixis and ploidy were identified. Gene Ontology analyses of this set of transcripts indicated reproductive genes, especially those related to “cell differentiation” and “cell cycle process,” as significant factors regulating apomeiosis. Furthermore, our results suggested that different expressions of stress response genes might be important in the preparation for apomeiosis transition. In addition, our observations indicated that the expression of apomeiosis may not depend on polyploidy but rather on deregulation of the sexual pathway inB.tricuspis.
Optimal Investment‐Reinsurance Policy with Stochastic Interest and Inflation Rates
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zheng Xiaoxiao
Published: December 2019

The aim of this paper is to study a classic problem in actuarial mathematics, namely, an optimal reinsurance‐investment problem, in the presence of stochastic interest and inflation rates. This is of relevance since insurers make investment and risk management decisions over a relatively long horizon where uncertainty about interest rate and inflation rate may have significant impacts on these decisions. We consider the situation where three investment opportunities, namely, a savings account, a share, and a bond, are available to an insurer in a security market. In the meantime, the insurer transfers part of its insurance risk through acquiring a proportional reinsurance. The investment and reinsurance decisions are made so as to maximize an expected power utility on terminal wealth. An explicit solution to the problem is derived for each of the two well‐known stochastic interest rate models, namely, the Ho–Lee model and the Vasicek model, using standard techniques in stochastic optimal control theory. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the impacts of the two different stochastic interest rate modeling assumptions on optimal decision making of the insurer.
Numerical Simulation and Engineering Application of Coalbed Water Injection
Authors: Shi Yijie , Wang Pengfei , Liu Ronghua , Tan Xuanhao , Zhang Wen
Published: December 2019

Coalbed water injection is the most basic and effective dust‐proof technology in the coal mining face. To understand the influence of coalbed water injection process parameters and coalbed characteristic parameters on coal wetting radius, this paper uses Fluent computational fluid dynamics software to systematically study the seepage process of coalbed water injection under different process parameters and coalbed characteristic parameters, calculation results of which are applied to engineering practice. The results show that the numerical simulation can help to predict the wetness range of coalbed water injection, and the results can provide guidance for the onsite design of coalbed water injection process parameters. The effect of dust reduction applied to onsite coalbed water injection is significant, with the average dust reduction rates during coal cutting and support moving being 67.85% and 46.07%, respectively, which effectively reduces the dust concentration on the working face and improves the working environment.
Use of Amifostine for Cytoprotection during Radiation Therapy: A Review
Authors: King Maurice , Joseph Sanjay , Albert Ashley , Thomas Toms V. , Nittala Mary R. , Woods William C. , Vijayakumar Srinivasan , Packianathan Satyaseelan
Published: December 2019

Background: Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of the therapeutic modalities used in modern oncology. However, it is sometimes limited in its ability to achieve optimal tumor control by radiation-induced normal tissue toxicity. In delivering radiation therapy, a balance must be achieved between maximizing the dose to the tumor and minimizing any injury to the normal tissues. Amifostine was the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved clinical radiation protector intended to reduce the impact of radiation on normal tissue, lessening its toxicity and potentially allowing for increased tumor dose/control. Despite being FDA-approved almost 20 years ago, Amifostine has yet to achieve widespread clinical use. Summary: A thorough review of Amifostine’s development, mechanism of action, and current clinical status were conducted. A brief history of Amifostine is given, from its development at Walter Reid Institute of Research to its approval for clinical use. The mechanism of action of Amifostine is explored. The results of a complete literature review of all prospective randomized trials to date involving the use of Amifostine in radiation therapy are presented. The results are arranged by treatment site and salient findings discussed. Side effects and complications to consider in using Amifostine are reviewed. Key Messages: Amifostine has been explored as a radiation protectant in most radiation treatment sites. Studies have demonstrated efficacy of Amifostine in all treatment sites reviewed, but results are heterogeneous. The heterogeneity of studies looking at Amifostine as a clinical radiation protectant has precluded a definitive answer on its efficacy. Complicating its clinical use is its toxicity and delivery requirements. Amifostine has largely fallen out of use with the advent of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). However, side effects with IMRT remain a challenge and concern. The use of Amifostine in the IMRT era has been poorly explored and is worthy of future study.
Distal Arterial Embolization from an Abandoned Native Brachio-Cephalic Fistula: A Case Report
Authors: Zrimsek Matej , Gubensek Jakob
Published: December 2019

Abandoned thrombosed arterivenous fistulas are usually left in place with very rare complications. We describe a case of distal embolization from a thrombosed aneurismatic arteriovenous brachiocephalic fistula in a patient who vigorously used the affected arm for pushing his wheelchair. Vigorous physical activity with the hand bearing arteriovenous fistula (AVF) should probably be discouraged even after AVF thrombosis and especially, if the initial part of fistula vein is aneurysmatic. Antiagregation therapy should be considered in such cases.
Double-Needle Yamane Repositioning of a Previous Yamane Fixation
Authors: Pugazhendhi Sangeethabalasri , Ambati Balamurali , Hunter Allan A.
Published: December 2019

We describe a case of anteriorly dislocated, Yamane-fixated secondary intraocular lens (IOLs) with pigmentary dispersion syndrome. The patient presented with significant visual impairment and elevated intraocular pressure despite being maximally treated with all topical antihypertensive medications. The iris-IOL touch was confirmed by ultrasound biomicroscopy, and fundus examination revealed evidence of pigment granules on the optic disc. The previous Yamane-fixated secondary IOL was repositioned using a double-needle adaptation of Yamane technique and Kim’s modification of scleral-fixated IOLs. To our knowledge, this is the first ever documented case of double-needle Yamane technique of a previous Yamane-fixated eye. In cases of inadequate capsular support, the development of new surgical techniques for the fixation of IOL continues to improve the safety and efficacy of these complicated surgeries.
Cochlear Implantation with the CI512 and CI532 Precurved Electrode Arrays: One-Year Speech Recognition and Intraoperative Thresholds of Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potentials
Authors: Videhult Pierre Pernilla , Eklöf Martin , Smeds Henrik , Asp Filip
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Precurved cochlear implant (CI) electrode arrays were developed in an attempt to improve the auditory outcome of cochlear implantation, which varies greatly. The recent CI532 (Cochlear Corp., Sydney, Australia) may offer further advantages as its electrode array is thinner than previous precurved CI electrode arrays. The aims here were to investigate 1-year postoperative speech recognition, intraoperative electrically evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs), and their possible relation in patients implanted with a CI532 or its predecessor CI512. Methods: A retrospective analysis of data from 63 patients subjected to cochlear implantation at the Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden, was performed. Speech recognition of the implanted ear was evaluated using phonemically balanced monosyllabic Swedish words at 65 dB SPL. ECAPs were evaluated using the intraoperative ECAP threshold across ≥8 electrodes generated by the automated neural response telemetry of the CI. Results: The median aided speech recognition score (SRS) 1 year after implantation was 52% (quartile 1 = 40%, quartile 3 = 60%, n = 63) and did not differ statistically significantly between patients with CI512 (n = 38) and CI532 (n = 25). The mean ECAP threshold was 188 CL (current level; SD = 15 CL, n = 54) intraoperatively and did not differ statistically significantly between patients with CI512 (n = 32) and CI532 (n = 22), but the threshold for each electrode varied more between patients with a CI512 (p < 0.0001). A higher mean ECAP threshold was associated with a worse SRS (Spearman’s ρ = –0.46, p = 0.0004, n = 54). The association remained among those with a CI512 (Spearman’s ρ = –0.62, p = 0.0001, n = 32) when stratified by CI electrode array. Conclusion: No statistically significant difference in speech recognition 1 year after cochlear implantation or in mean threshold of ECAP intraoperatively was found between patients with a CI512 and the more recent, slim CI532, but the ECAP thresholds varied more between those with a CI512. A statistically significant association between SRS and mean ECAP threshold was found, but stratified analysis suggests that the association may be true only for patients with a CI512.
One-Carbon Metabolism and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: The Crosstalk between Nutrients, Microbiota, and Genetics
Authors: Radziejewska Anna , Muzsik Agata , Milagro Fermín I. , Martínez J. Alfredo , Chmurzynska Agata
Published: December 2019

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide. Its etiology includes nutritional, genetic, and lifestyle factors. Several mechanisms may link one-carbon metabolism – the associated metabolic pathways of folate, methionine, and choline – to the onset of NAFLD. In this review, we attempted to assess how choline, folate, methionine, and betaine affect NAFLD development, mainly through their role in the secretion of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) from the liver. We also reviewed recent articles that have described the relation between microbiota metabolism and NAFLD progression. Moreover, we describe the effect of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in genes related to one-carbon metabolism and disease prevalence. We additionally seek SNP identified by genome-wide associations that may increase the risk of this disease. Even though the evidence available is not entirely consistent, it seems that the concentrations of choline, methionine, folate, and betaine may affect the progression of NAFLD. Since there is no effective therapy for NAFLD, further investigations into the link between nutrition, gut microbiota, genetic factors, and NAFLD are still necessary, with a particular emphasis on methyl donors.
A Survey of UK Centres on Low Iodine Diet Recommendations prior to Radioiodine Ablation Therapy for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: England Clare Yvonne , Moss Laura , Beasley Matthew , Haupt-Schott Ingrid , Herbert Georgia , Atkinson Charlotte
Published: December 2019

Background: Guidelines suggest that a low iodine diet (LID) is advised prior to radioiodine ablation (RIA) for thyroid cancer. We aim to describe current practice regarding LID advice in the UK, determine uptake of the 2016 UK LID Working Group diet sheet and discover whether there are differences in practice. Methods: We used an online survey distributed between November 2018 and April 2019 to centres in the UK that administer 131I. We asked questions on whether a LID is advised, for how long, how advice is presented, whether and how compliance is measured and whether treatment is delayed if LID advice is not followed. Results: Fifty-six clinicians from 47 centres that carry out RIA for thyroid cancer responded. Forty-four centres (94%) advise a LID prior to RIA, the majority for 14 days (82%). Two-thirds of the centres use the UK LID Working Group diet sheet. Patients are told to resume normal eating when 131I is administered at 17 centres (39%), with 18 (41%) advising waiting for 24–48 h after administration. Most centres (95%) use only a simple question or do not assess compliance. Only 2 (5%) indicate that RIA would be delayed if someone said they had not followed LID advice. Conclusions: UK practice regarding LID prior to RIA for thyroid cancer is consistent with current guidelines, but non-adherence does not usually delay RIA. The UK Low Iodine Diet Working Group diet sheet is widely recognised and used. Practice could be improved by centres working to harmonise advice on when to restart a normal diet.