bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole-Genome Sequence of High-Risk Clone Sequence Type 111 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain NUBRI-P, Isolated from a Wounded Sudanese Patient
Authors: Mohamed Sofia B. , Kambal Sumaya , Munir Abdalla , Abdalla Nusiba I. , Hamad Ahmed , Mohammed Sara E. , Ahmed Fatima E. , Hamid Omnia , Hassan Mohamed M. , Ismail Arshad , Allam Mushal
Published: October 2019

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a common nosocomial pathogen often associated with a high mortality rate in vulnerable populations. Here, we describe the genomic sequence of a pan-resistant, high-risk clone of
P. aeruginosa
sequence type 111 (ST111) isolated from a hospital patient in Sudan.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O111:H8 Strain Recovered from a Large Outbreak in Japan Associated with Consumption of Raw Beef
Authors: Sekizuka Tsuyoshi , Lee Kenichi , Kimata Keiko , Isobe Junko , Kuroda Makoto , Iyoda Sunao , Ohnishi Makoto , Sata Tetsutaro , Watahiki Masanori
Published: October 2019

We present the complete genome sequence of an enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
O111:H8 strain. This strain was isolated from a hemolytic-uremic syndrome patient and was responsible for a large outbreak associated with the consumption of raw beef in 2011.
Draft Genome Sequences of Five
Proteobacteria
Isolated from Lechuguilla Cave, New Mexico, USA, and Insights into Taxonomy and Quorum Sensing
Authors: Gan Han Ming , Wengert Peter C. , Barton Hazel A. , Hudson André O. , Savka Michael A.
Published: October 2019

Genomic resources remain scarce for bacteria isolated from oligotrophic caves. We sequenced the genomes of five
Proteobacteria
isolated from Lechuguilla Cave in New Mexico. Genome-based phylogeny indicates that each strain belongs to a distinct genus. Two
Rhizobiaceae
isolates possess genomic potential for the biosynthesis of acyl-homoserine lactone.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Brevibacillus
sp. Strain LEMMJ03, Isolated from an Antarctic Volcano
Authors: Schultz Júnia , Kallies René , Nunes da Rocha Ulisses , Rosado Alexandre Soares
Published: October 2019

Here, we announce the draft genome sequence of
Brevibacillus
sp. strain LEMMJ03, isolated from Whalers Bay sediment (Deception Island, Antarctica). In total, 4,500 coding sequences (CDS), among those 102 coding for tRNAs and 5 for noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), were predicted from the 4.64-Mb genome. Predicted functions were for bacteriocin and degradation of aromatic compounds.
Identification and Classification of Hubs in microRNA Target Gene Networks in Human Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells following Japanese Encephalitis Virus Infection
Authors: Mukherjee Sriparna , Akbar Irshad , Bhagat Reshma , Hazra Bibhabasu , Bhattacharyya Arindam , Seth Pankaj , Roy Dipanjan , Basu Anirban
Published: October 2019

JEV damages the neural stem/progenitor cell population of the mammalian brain. However, JEV-induced alteration in the miRNA expression pattern of the cell population remains an open question, hence warranting our present study. In this study, we specifically address the downregulation of four miRNAs, and we prepared a protein-protein interaction network of miRNA target genes. We identified two types of hub genes in the PPI network, namely, connector hubs and provincial hubs. These two types of miRNA target hub genes critically influence the participation strength in the networks and thereby significantly impact up- and downregulation in several key biological pathways. Computational analysis of the PPI networks identifies key protein interactions and hubs in those modules, which opens up the possibility of precise identification and classification of host factors for viral infection in NSPCs.
MOG-Ab prevalence in optic neuritis and clinical predictive factors for diagnosis
Authors: Ducloyer Jean-Baptiste , Caignard Angelique , Aidaoui Ramzi , Ollivier Yolaine , Plubeau Guillaume , Santos-Moskalyk Sonia , Porphyre Lindsay , Le Jeune Caroline , Bihl Lionel , Alamine Samy , Marignier Romain , Bourcier Romain , Ducloyer Mathilde , Weber Michel , Le Meur Guylène , Wiertlewski Sandrine , Lebranchu Pierre
Published: October 2019

Objective

What is the proportion of antibodies to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG-Ab) in optic neuritis (ON) in adults and what would be the ON presentation for which MOG-Ab should be tested?

Methods

Multicentric prospective study conducted during 1 year on all patients diagnosed with acute ON in all ophthalmological units in hospitals in a region in western France.

Results

Sixty-five patients were included. MOG-Ab prevalence was 14% (9/65) during an acute ON and 13% (7/55) after exclusion of patients already diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) (8) or MOG+ON (2). Compared with MS and clinically isolated syndrome, MOG+ON had no female preponderance (67% of men in case of MOG+ON and 22% of men in case of MS and clinically isolated syndrome, p<0.05) were more often bilateral (44% vs 3%, p<0.005) and associated with optic disc swelling (ODS) (78% vs 14%, p<0.001). To predict MOG+ON, the positive predictive values (PPVs) of male sex, ODS and bilateral involvement were 29% (95% CI 9% to 48%), 41% (95% CI 18% to 65%) and 40% (95% CI 10% to 70%), respectively, while the negative predictive values (NPV) were 93% (95% CI 86% to 100%), 96% (95% CI 90% to 100%) and 91% (95% CI 83% to 99%), respectively. The combined factor ‘ODS or bilateral or recurrent ON’ was the best compromise between PPV (31% (95% CI 14% to 48%)) and NPV (100% (95% CI 100% to 100%)).

Conclusion

Among ON episodes, MOG-Ab were found in 14% of cases. MOG+ON occurred without female preponderance and was significantly associated with ODS and/or bilateral ON. Testing MOG-Ab only in patients presenting with ODS or bilateral or recurrent ON would limit MOG-Ab tests to fewer than half of all patients without the risk of missing any MOG+ON cases.
Colorectal cancer screening with faecal testing, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Jodal Henriette C , Helsingen Lise M , Anderson Joseph C , Lytvyn Lyubov , Vandvik Per Olav , Emilsson Louise
Published: October 2019

Objective

Evaluate effectiveness, harms and burdens of faecal blood testing, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer over 15 years.

Design

We performed an update of a Cochrane systematic review, and performed network meta-analysis comparing randomised trials evaluating colorectal cancer screening with guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBT) (annual, biennial), faecal immunochemical test (FIT) (annual, biennial), sigmoidoscopy (once-only) or colonoscopy (once-only) in a healthy population, aged 50–79 years. We conducted subgroup analysis on sex. Follow-up >5 years was required for analysis of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality.

Results

12 randomised trials proved eligible. Compared with no-screening, we found high certainty evidence for sigmoidoscopy screening slightly reducing colorectal cancer incidence (relative risk (RR) 0.76; 95% confidence interval (CI 0.70 to 0.83) and mortality (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.69 to 0.80), while gFOBT screening had little or no difference on colorectal cancer incidence, but slightly reduced colorectal cancer mortality (annual: RR 0.69; 95% CI 0.56 to 0.86, biennial: RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.82 to 0.93). No screening test reduced mortality nor incidence by more than six per 1000 screened over 15 years. Sigmoidoscopy had a greater effect in men, for both colorectal cancer incidence (women: RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.81 to 0.92, men: RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.79), and mortality (women: RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.71 to 0.96, men: RR 0.67; 95% CI 0.61 to 0.75) (moderate certainty).

Conclusions

In a 15-year perspective, sigmoidoscopy reduces colorectal cancer incidence, while sigmoidoscopy, annual and biennial gFOBT all reduce colorectal cancer mortality. Sigmoidoscopy may reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality more in men than in women.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018093401.
Lymphoedema management by independent hospices: a cohort study
Authors: Brown Andrea , Nicholson Carol , Fearing Adam , Newton Julia , Gordon Simon , Hughes Andrew , Egdell Andrea , Ellam James
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To consider the type and cost of clinical services delivered for patients with lymphoedema.

Design

Clinical cohort.

Setting

Independent hospices in the North East of England.

Participants

All those attending lymphoedema services delivered by the independent hospice sector 2017/2018.

Results

13 914 lymphoedema appointments were recorded across four independent hospices. Twelve thousand nine hundred and sixty-five were attended, which equates to an approximate cost of £1.56 million. Those with lymphoedema were predominately aged over 65 (54.5%) years with females across all age groups being more predominant (3.3:1). Where the cause was recorded, 66% of activity related to lymphoedema was not secondary to cancer.

Conclusion

Independent hospices are providing a specialist lymphoedema service, which is high in volume and largely invisible. This service is delivered at not insignificant cost. In contrast to previous work, in the North East of England, lymphoedema sufferers are more likely to be female and not have the condition in association with cancer. The availability of rigorous data collection will allow the independent hospices to understand better the delivery and associated costs of lymphoedema services.
Contemporary epidemiology and outcomes in recurrent infective endocarditis
Authors: Freitas-Ferraz Afonso B , Tirado-Conte Gabriela , Vilacosta Isidre , Olmos Carmen , Sáez Carmen , López Javier , Sarriá Cristina , Pérez-García Carlos Nicolás , García-Arribas Daniel , Ciudad Marianela , García-Granja Pablo Elpidio , Ladrón Raquel , Ferrera Carlos , Di Stefano Salvatore , Maroto Luis , Carnero Manuel , San Román J Alberto
Published: October 2019

Objective

Recurrent infective endocarditis (IE) is a major complication of patients surviving a first episode of IE. This study sought to analyse the current state of recurrent IE in a large contemporary cohort.

Methods

1335 consecutive episodes of IE were recruited prospectively in three tertiary care centres in Spain between 1996 and 2015. Episodes were categorised into group I (n=1227), first-IE episode and group II (n=108), recurrent IE (8.1%). After excluding six patients, due to lack of relevant data, group II was subdivided into IIa (n=87), reinfection (different microorganism), and IIb (n=15), relapse (same microorganism within 6 months of the initial episode).

Results

The cumulative burden and incidence of recurrence was slightly lower in the second decade of the study (2006–2015) (7.17 vs 4.10 events/100 survivors and 7.51% vs 3.82, respectively). Patients with reinfections, compared with group I, were significantly younger, had a higher frequency of HIV infection, were more commonly intravenous drug users (IVDU) and prosthetic valve carriers, had less embolic complications and cardiac surgery, with similar in-hospital mortality. IVDU was found to be an independent predictor of reinfection (HR 3.92, 95% CI 1.86 to 8.28).

In the relapse IE group, prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) and periannular complications were more common. Among patients treated medically, those with PVE had a higher relapse incidence (4.82% vs 0.43% in native valve IE, p=0.018). Staphylococcus aureus and PVE were independent predictors of relapse (HR 3.14, 95% CI 1.11 to 8.86 and 3.19, 95% CI 1.13 to 9.00, respectively) and in-hospital-mortality was similar to group I. Three-year all-cause mortality was similar in recurrent episodes compared with single episodes.

Conclusion

Recurrent IE remains a frequent late complication. IVDU was associated with a fourfold increase in the risk of reinfection. PVE treated medically and infections caused by S. aureus increased the risk of relapse. In-hospital and long-term mortality was comparable among groups.
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography features of hepatobiliary neoplasms in cats
Authors: Banzato Tommaso , Burti Silvia , Rubini Giuseppe , Orlandi Riccardo , Bargellini Paolo , Bonsembiante Federico , Zotti Alessandro
Published: October 2019

Background

Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) features of primary hepatobiliary neoplasms have been reported in dogs but no information is available in cats.

Methods

Qualitative and quantitative features of bile duct adenomas (BDAs, n=20), bile duct carcinomas (BDCs, n=16), and hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs, n=8) are described in 44 cats.

Results

There was an overlap in CEUS qualitative features between different histotypes, both in wash‐in and wash‐out phases. Distinction between different neoplasms based only on the CEUS qualitative features was not possible. At peak of enhancement, the BDAs, BDCs and HCCs showed a large range of echogenicities, from hypoenhancement to hyperenhancement, in comparison to the liver parenchyma. Eight of 20 BDAs showed inhomogeneous hyperenhancement during wash‐in, which is a feature reported as typical of malignant lesions in dogs. BDC had a significantly faster wash‐in compared with both BDA and HCC but the diagnostic accuracy of all the included quantitative variables was only moderate. No significant differences in the wash‐out quantitative features of BDA and BDC were evident.

Conclusion

There is poor evidence that CEUS may be used to distinguish between different primary hepatobiliary neoplasms in cats.
Let's not create new veterinary vices
Authors: Dean Rachel
Published: October 2019

This month Rachel Dean argues that guidelines should be written by those that will use them, and be properly assessed, to ensure they actually improve patient outcomes
Arthur Michael Rex Nelson
Authors: Nelson Mark
Published: October 2019

A sociable man who made many friends during his working life in practice, industry and with veterinary organisations. As the author of Nelson's Column, he never shied away from giving his opinion.
DHA supplementation decreases resting metabolic rate in healthy young females
Authors: Jannas-Vela Sebastian , Klingel Shannon L. , Mutch David M. , Spriet Lawrence L.
Published: October 2019

This study examined the independent effects of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid supplementation on resting metabolic rate (RMR) and substrate oxidation in young healthy females and males. EPA or DHA supplementation had no effect on RMR and substrate oxidation in males, while DHA reduced RMR by ∼7% (p < 0.01) in females. In conclusion, these data establish potential sex differences on RMR in response to DHA supplements.

Novelty Supplementing with DHA decreases resting energy expenditure in healthy young females but not males.
Low n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio improves inflammation and myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury
Authors: Ma Caiyan , Xu Zehang , Lv Heng
Published: October 2019

This study investigated the potential effect of n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on inflammation and myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury (MIRI) in rats, together with the underlying protective mechanisms, and screen out most effective ratio of n-6/n-3 within limits. The rats with pre-infarct treatment were distributed among 5 groups according to the n-6/n-3 ratio (36:1; 1:1, 5:1, 10:1, 50:1); for the post-infarct treatment, the rats were distributed among 6 groups, including the control group (36:1) which was subjected to a sham procedure; the model group (36:1); and 4 test groups (n-6/n-3 ratio: 1:1, 5:1, 10:1, 50:1). All of the rats were fed a purple perilla seed oil and safflower oil-based fatty emulsion. The serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Staining with triphenyl tetrazolium chloride, hematoxylin and eosin, or Masson’s trichrome was performed for histological examination. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was examined by TUNEL assay. Western blotting was performed to examine the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins and signaling pathway proteins. Our data indicate that in both the pre-infarct treatment and post-infarct treatment, low ratios of n-6/n-3 PUFAs significantly inhibited the levels of serum inflammatory factors, the infarct size of MIRI rats, number of cardiomyocytes undergoing apoptosis, and the expression levels of caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax in the MIRI group. Thus a low ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs ameliorates inflammation and myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury.
A method to derive a tree survival model from any existing stand survival model
Authors: Cao Quang V.
Published: October 2019

This study addresses a situation in which a forest manager has been using a whole-stand model that seems to predict well for their stands and now wants to derive an individual-tree model from it to form an integrated system that can perform well at both stand and tree levels. A simple method was developed to derive tree survival models from three existing stand-level survival models. The derived tree survival models were based on the difference between the diameter of a given tree and the diameter at which tree and stand survival probabilities are equal. For stand survival prediction, each stand model performed less adequately than its derived tree model, and one of the derived tree survival models was the best overall. For tree survival prediction, the same derived tree model also performed best overall. Even though only three stand-level survival models were considered in this study, the method presented here should be applicable to any stand survival model. When no tree survival data were available, tree survival models derived from stand survival models ranked lowest in terms of performance but produced acceptable evaluation statistics for predicting tree-level survival.
B-meson production in the general-mass variable-flavour-number scheme and LHC data
Authors: Benzke M. , Kniehl B. A. , Kramer G. , Schienbein I. , Spiesberger H.
Published: October 2019

We study inclusive B-meson production in pp collisions at the LHC and compare experimental data with predictions of the general-mass variable-flavour-number scheme at next-to-leading order of perturbative QCD. We find almost perfect agreement provided that the factorization scale parameters and the parton distribution functions are chosen appropriately.
Case Studies in Physiology: Visualization of blood recirculation in a femoral artery “trifurcation” using ultrasound vector flow imaging
Authors: Au Jason S. , Yiu Billy Y. S. , Yu Alfred C. H.
Published: October 2019

The femoral bifurcation is typically composed of a common femoral artery that bifurcates into the superficial (SFA) and deep (DFA) femoral arteries, with the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) branching distal to the origin of the DFA. We report a unique case of a 22-yr-old woman with a femoral “trifurcation,” where the origin of the LCFA coincides with the origin of the DFA, resulting in a true three-way branching of the common femoral artery. We characterized the complex hemodynamics of the trifurcation region with ultrasound vector flow imaging at rest, and during 80 mmHg cuff compression of the calf to induce greater oscillatory blood flow. At rest, a clear trifurcation is observed with color Doppler imaging, while vector flow imaging further revealed a large area of flow circulation proximal to the LCFA and DFA. Cuff compression reduced SFA blood flow to 0 cm3/min, characterized by almost constant retrograde blood flow throughout diastole. When visualized with vector flow imaging, diastolic retrograde blood flow from the SFA appeared to reperfuse the DFA and LCFA during late systole, eliminating the retrograde flow component and providing a secondary source of anterograde blood flow to the thigh. In a rare case of a femoral trifurcation, we demonstrate blood recirculation patterns at rest, as well as collateral retrograde blood flow redistribution during lower limb compression. While it is unknown whether these trifurcation findings extend to typical bifurcations, it is evident that advanced methods of blood flow characterization are necessary to visualize and study complex vascular regions.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A femoral “trifurcation” is observed when the lateral circumflex femoral artery has an atypical proximal origin, branching at the same level as the superficial and deep femoral arteries. Ultrasound vector flow imaging at 750 fps was able to reveal substantial blood recirculation within the trifurcation at rest, as well as unique redistribution of blood flow between downstream branches during external cuff manipulation of retrograde flow, indicating novel ways in which diastolic blood flow is controlled.
Establishing the V̇o2 versus constant-work-rate relationship from ramp-incremental exercise: simple strategies for an unsolved problem
Authors: Iannetta Danilo , de Almeida Azevedo Rafael , Keir Daniel A. , Murias Juan M.
Published: October 2019

The dissociation between constant work rate of O2 uptake (V̇o2) and ramp V̇o2 at a given work rate might be mitigated during slowly increasing ramp protocols. This study characterized the V̇o2 dynamics in response to five different ramp protocols and constant-work-rate trials at the maximal metabolic steady state (MMSS) to characterize 1) the V̇o2 gain (G) in the moderate, heavy, and severe domains, 2) the mean response time of V̇o2 (MRT), and 3) the work rates at lactate threshold (LT) and respiratory compensation point (RCP). Eleven young individuals performed five ramp tests (5, 10, 15, 25, and 30 W/min), four to five time-to-exhaustions for critical power estimation, and two to three constant-work-rate trials for confirmation of the work rate at MMSS. G was greatest during the slowest ramp and progressively decreased with increasing ramp slopes (from ~12 to ~8 ml·min−1·W−1, P < 0.05). The MRT was smallest during the slowest ramp slopes and progressively increased with faster ramp slopes (1 ± 1, 2 ± 1, 5 ± 3, and 10 ± 4, 15 ± 6 W, P < 0.05). After “left shifting” the ramp V̇o2 by the MRT, the work rate at LT was constant regardless of the ramp slope (~150 W, P > 0.05). The work rate at MMSS was 215 ± 55 W and was similar and highly correlated with the work rate at RCP during the 5 W/min ramp ( P > 0.05, r = 0.99; Lin’s concordance coefficient = 0.99; bias = −3 W; root mean square error = 6 W). Findings showed that the dynamics of V̇o2 (i.e., G) during ramp exercise explain the apparent dichotomy existing with constant-work-rate exercise. When these dynamics are appropriately “resolved”, LT is constant regardless of the ramp slope of choice, and RCP and MMSS display minimal variations between each other.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that the dynamics of V̇o2 during ramp-incremental exercise are dependent on the characteristics of the increments in work rate, such that during slow-incrementing ramp protocols the magnitude of the dissociation between ramp V̇o2 and constant V̇o2 at a given work rate is reduced. Accurately accounting for these dynamics ensures correct characterizations of the V̇o2 kinetics at ramp onset and allows appropriate comparisons between ramp and constant-work-rate exercise-derived indexes of exercise intensity.
Spanning Trees with At Most 6 Leaves in K1,5‐Free Graphs
Authors: Sun Pei , Liu Kai
Published: October 2019

A graph G is called K1,5‐free if G contains no K1,5 as an induced subgraph. A tree with at most m leaves is called an m‐ended tree. Let σk(G) be the minimum degree sum of k independent vertices in G. In this paper, it is shown that every connected K1,5‐free graph G contains a spanning 6‐ended tree if σ7(G) ≥ |G| − 2.
Pulse Waveform Analysis of the Ocular Blood Flow Using Laser Speckle Flowgraphy before and after Glaucoma Treatment
Authors: Masai Satoko , Ishida Kyoko , Anraku Ayako , Takumi Tetsuro , Tomita Goji
Published: October 2019

Although reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) is the principle of glaucoma treatment, impaired ocular blood flow is believed to play a role in the progression of glaucoma. This study evaluated the effect of glaucoma treatment on pulse waveforms for optic nerve head (ONH) microcirculation in patients with glaucoma. Fifty-one subjects were included on the basis of the glaucoma treatment administered, which involved instillation of prostaglandin (PG) analogs (PG group; n = 28) or trabeculectomy (trabeculectomy group; n = 23). ONH blood flow, represented by the mean blur rate (MBRT) and pulse waveforms, was measured using laser speckle flowgraphy before and 1 and 3 months after treatment. Three months after treatment, IOP exhibited a significant decrease (p<0.05). Although there was no significant change in MBRT after treatment, the acceleration time index (ATI) significantly decreased (p=0.034) in the PG group. In the trabeculectomy group, there was no significant change in the MBRT after treatment, while fluctuation (p=0.019) and blowout score (BOS) (p=0.036) exhibited significant decrease and increase, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that mean deviation was significantly associated with the rate of change in the BOS (p=0.013), age was a significant contributing factor for the rate of change in fluctuation in the trabeculectomy group, reflection was significantly associated with the ATI (p=0.037) in the in the PG group. Both glaucoma treatments can change the pulse waveforms, with MBRT remaining unchanged, and IOP reduction owing to the treatment may contribute to stable blood flow in the tissue area of the ONH. As impaired ocular blood flow plays a role in the progression of glaucomatous damage, it would be beneficial if glaucoma treatment could improve the stability of ONH microcirculation.
A More Realistic Study on the Mechanical Properties of CFRC Composite Grouting Material under a Long-Term Water Immersion Process
Authors: Xiao Yao , Deng Huafeng , Li Jianlin , Assefa Eleyas
Published: October 2019

The long-term effect of water immersion on the mechanical properties of CFRC composite grouting materials was studied by using five different carbon fiber contents (0, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.00%). The direct shear and long-term immersion tests were performed based on the specified and optimum values of carbon fiber content, respectively. The results showed the following: (1) the application of carbon fiber significantly improved the shear resistance of CRFC composite grouting material by using “reinforcing” and “anchoring” actions. The shear strength of the specimen was increasing by 5.66%∼43.41% when the carbon fiber content increased from 0.25% to 1.00%. After a comprehensive analysis, the optimum carbon fiber content was found to be 0.75%. (2) The degradation in the compressive and tensile strength of CRFC composite specimens exhibited a consistent trend (i.e., a steep gradient was gradually followed by a gentle slope) under a long-term water immersion process. About 90% of the total degradation in the compressive and tensile strength has occurred in 90 immersion days (i.e., 16.05% and 18.45%, respectively). In comparison, the degradation in the tensile strength (20.05%) was slightly higher than the compressive strength (18.16%). (3) Under the long-term water immersion process: the properties of the specimens were gradually deteriorating, the carbon fibers were gradually reaching a fatigue stage, and the bonding properties of carbon fiber was decreasing, which resulted in a reduction in the compressive and tensile strength. The uniaxial compression failure mode changed from brittle to ductile, and the development of local failure was very noticeable. Based on the findings of this paper, groundwater has a significant impact on the mechanical properties of grouted rock mass such as dam foundations and abutments. Therefore, the degradation in the grouting materials has to be considered in practical cases.
Nutrient and Antinutrient Composition of Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.) Seeds and Tubers
Authors: Adegboyega Taofeek T. , Abberton Michael T. , AbdelGadir AbdelAziz H. , Dianda Mahamadi , Maziya-Dixon Busie , Oyatomi Olaniyi A. , Ofodile Sam , Babalola Olubukola O.
Published: October 2019

Many people in sub-Saharan Africa suffer from protein malnutrition; this results in negative health and economic impacts. Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.) is a tropical underutilized legume with beneficial nutritional characteristics such as high protein content, which may help to alleviate these problems. The proximate composition (fat, moisture content, crude protein, ash, and carbohydrate) and antinutrient (tannin and phytate) level of winged bean seeds and tubers were determined using 50 accessions. In the processed seeds, accession Tpt17 had the highest protein content (40.30%) and Tpt48 the lowest (34.18%). In the unprocessed seeds, Tpt17 also recorded the highest crude protein (31.13%) with Tpt125 having the lowest (28.43%). In the tubers, protein content ranged from 19.07% (Tpt42) to 12.26% (Tpt10). The moisture content in the processed seeds ranged from 8.51% (Tpt42) to 6.72% (Tpt6); in the unprocessed seeds, it was between 8.53% (Tpt53) and 3.76% (Tpt14). In the processed seeds, the values of ash ranged from 4.93% (Tpt126) to 4.45% (Tpt15-4); in the unprocessed seeds, it ranged from 4.98% (Tpt17) to 4.55% (Tpt125). In the processed seeds, the fat content ranged from 18.91% (Tpt51) to 14.09% (Tp43) while in the unprocessed seeds, the values ranged from 19.01% (Tpt15) to 13.87% (Tpt3-B). The crude fiber in the processed samples ranged from 13.82% (Tpt6) to 10.40% (Tpt125) while in the unprocessed seeds, it ranged from 7.29% in Tpt51 to 4.83% in Tpt11. Carbohydrate content in the processed seeds ranged from 26.30% (Tpt3-B) to 20.94% (Tpt125) and 39.76% in Tpt3-B to 34.53% in Tpt18 in the unprocessed seeds. The tannin and phytate contents showed remarkably significant differences. In the tubers harvested, significant variation was observed in the parameters evaluated. Winged bean flour could be formulated into various meals for children and adults to reduce malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa.
Prognostic Factors for Postoperative Visual Acuity in Patients with Rhinogenic Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Otsuka Mitsuya , Yunoki Tatsuya , Ozaki Hironori , Tachino Hirohiko , Takakura Hiromasa , Shojaku Hideo , Hayashi Atsushi
Published: October 2019

Purpose. To examine the prognostic factors related to postoperative visual acuity in patients with rhinogenic optic neuropathy. Study Design. Retrospective observational study. Materials and Methods. We retrospectively studied the medical records for 15 eyes of 15 patients who underwent surgery for the treatment of rhinogenic optic neuropathy between 31 January 2010 and 30 April 2018 at Toyama University Hospital. The patient age, sex, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, duration from visual deficit to surgery, use of steroids, type of rhinogenic optic neuropathy, and the part of sinus lesion were analyzed. We also examined postoperative visual acuity for patients whose preoperative visual acuity was less than light perception. Results. The type of optic neuropathy was sinusitis in 7 cases, mucocele in 5 cases, and pyocele in 3 cases. Visual acuity was improved in 9 cases and deteriorated or unchanged in 6 cases. Patients in the improvement group were significantly younger than those in the nonimprovement group (p=0.01). In univariate regression analysis, preoperative visual acuity and type of optic neuropathy significantly related to postoperative visual acuity. Finally, 4 of the 15 cases (27%) had preoperative visual acuity less than light perception, but there was an improvement in postoperative visual acuity in 2 of 4 cases (50%). Conclusions. Preoperative visual acuity is the predictive factor for postoperative visual acuity in patients with rhinogenic optic neuropathy, but even if the preoperative visual acuity is less than light perception, it can be improved by surgical treatment.
Identification of Underlying Inflammation in Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada Disease with Sunset Glow Fundus by Multiple Analyses
Authors: Murata Toshihiko , Sako Nanae , Takayama Kei , Harimoto Kozo , Kanda Koji , Herbort Carl P. , Takeuchi Masaru
Published: October 2019

Purpose. To evaluate underlying subclinical ocular inflammation in Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease with sunset glow fundus (SGF) by multiple analyses. Study Design. Retrospective observational study. Methods. Clinical records of 34 eyes of 17 VKH patients with SGF in whom laser flare photometry (LFP), enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT), and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) were performed on the same day were reviewed. The mean age was 57.3 ± 16.3 years, and the mean duration from the initial onset of uveitis was 47.1 ± 22.1 months. Flare counts, ICGA scores, and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were compared between eyes. Results. Although clinical ocular inflammation was observed only in 4 eyes (11.8%), inflammatory signs were observed in 23 out of 34 eyes by LFP (67.6%), in 27 eyes by ICGA (79.4%), and in 10 eyes by SFCT (29.4%). Active inflammatory signs detected by ICGA were observed in 77.8% by LFP and in 25.9% by SFCT. The strength of agreement (Cohen’s kappa coefficient) between positive ICGA score and positive flare score was 0.406 (95% CI: 0.076–0.7359, P<0.01), but there was no association between positive ICGA score and increased SFCT. In addition, positive flare count was the significant prognostic factor of positive ICGA score with odds ratio 11.7. Conclusions. Subclinical ocular inflammation signs were detected in most VKH patients with SGF by ICGA and a substantial proportion of which were also detected by LFP, whereas SFCT was less sensitive to detect subclinical inflammation.
Electricity Theft Detection in Power Grids with Deep Learning and Random Forests
Authors: Li Shuan , Han Yinghua , Yao Xu , Yingchen Song , Wang Jinkuan , Zhao Qiang
Published: October 2019

As one of the major factors of the nontechnical losses (NTLs) in distribution networks, the electricity theft causes significant harm to power grids, which influences power supply quality and reduces operating profits. In order to help utility companies solve the problems of inefficient electricity inspection and irregular power consumption, a novel hybrid convolutional neural network-random forest (CNN-RF) model for automatic electricity theft detection is presented in this paper. In this model, a convolutional neural network (CNN) firstly is designed to learn the features between different hours of the day and different days from massive and varying smart meter data by the operations of convolution and downsampling. In addition, a dropout layer is added to retard the risk of overfitting, and the backpropagation algorithm is applied to update network parameters in the training phase. And then, the random forest (RF) is trained based on the obtained features to detect whether the consumer steals electricity. To build the RF in the hybrid model, the grid search algorithm is adopted to determine optimal parameters. Finally, experiments are conducted based on real energy consumption data, and the results show that the proposed detection model outperforms other methods in terms of accuracy and efficiency.
Nonsurgical Orthodontic Intervention of a Severe Class II Case Accompanied by Posterior Crossbite Using a Miniscrew-Assisted Straight Wire Technique
Authors: Hatrom Abdulkarim A. , Afify Ahmed R. , Hassan Ali H.
Published: October 2019

Class II malocclusion in nongrowing patients is a great challenge in treatment especially if the degree of malocclusion is severe. In such cases, the use of miniscrews for orthodontic camouflage can produce results comparable to that of orthognathic surgery. This case report presents an adult patient with severe Class II malocclusion combined with bilateral posterior crossbite, deep bite, a crowded lower arch, and a history of extraction of the lower right first molar. The treatment involved upper arch expansion by a quad helix appliance followed by the extraction of the right and left upper 1stpremolars. A miniscrew-assisted straight wire technique was used to close the extraction space and reduce the overjet. Lower molar protraction was done to close the previous extraction space in the lower arch. At the end of treatment, overjet was reduced, lower arch crowding was relieved, lip competency was established, and the wide buccal corridor was reduced with a pleasing smile and normal facial proportions.
Prenatal Diagnostic Value of Chromosomal Microarray in Fetuses with Nuchal Translucency Greater than 2.5 mm
Authors: Zhang Zhu , Hu Ting , Wang Jiamin , Li Qinqin , Wang He , Liu Shanling
Published: October 2019

Objective. To assess the clinical value of prenatal diagnosis using quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) for the examination of genomic imbalances in prenatal amniotic fluid samples from fetuses with a nuchal translucency (NT) greater than or equal to 2.5 mm. Materials and Methods. A total of 494 amniotic fluid samples and 5 chorionic villus samples were included in this study, with a fetal NT ≥ 2.5 mm at 11–13+6 weeks of gestation from November 2015 to December 2018. All cases were examined with QF-PCR, and those with normal QF-PCR results were then analyzed by CMA. Results. Of the 499 cases, common aneuploidies were detected by QF-PCR in 61 (12.2%) cases. One case of triploidy, one case of trisomy 21 mosaicism, and two cases of X/XX mosaicism were further confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Among the 434 cases with normal QF-PCR results, microarray detected additional pathogenic copy number variants (CNVs) in 4.8% (21/434) of cases. Six cases would have been expected to be detectable by conventional karyotyping because of large deletions/duplications (>10 Mb), leaving fifteen (3.5%, 15/428) cases with pathogenic CNVs only detectable by CMA. Pathogenic CNVs, especially those <10 Mb, were centralized in cases with an NT < 4.5 mm, including 5 pathogenic CNVs in cases with an NT of 2.5–3.5 mm and 7 pathogenic CNVs in cases with an NT of 3.5–4.5 mm. Conclusions. It is rational to use a diagnostic strategy in which CMA is preceded by a less-expensive, rapid method, namely, QF-PCR, to detect common aneuploidies. CMA allows for the detection of a number of pathogenic chromosomal aberrations in fetuses with an NT ≥ 2.5 mm.
Risk Factors for Moderate to Severe Pain during the First 24 Hours after Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery While Receiving Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia
Authors: Iamaroon Arissara , Tangwiwat Suwimon , Nivatpumin Patchareya , Lertwacha Thidarat , Rungmongkolsab Piyawadee , Pangthipampai Pawinee
Published: October 2019

Objective. To investigate the incidence of and risk factors for moderate to severe pain during the first 24 hours after laparoscopic bariatric surgery.Materials and Methods. This retrospective study included morbidly obese patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at a single institution between June 2016 and July 2018. Demographic, clinical, operative, and postoperative pain data from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and ward were analyzed. Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) was commenced before PACU discharge.Results. Ninety-seven patients were included. The mean age was 38.60 ± 12.27 years, and the mean BMI was 45.04 ± 8.42 kg/m2, and 69% were female. The incidence of moderate to severe pain was 75%. Moderate to severe pain during the first 24 hours was associated with young age, female sex, postoperative administration of NSAIDs, first pain score greater than 3 on arrival at the PACU, and inadequate pain control at PACU discharge. A multivariate analysis revealed that inadequate pain control at PACU discharge was the only factor independently associated with moderate to severe pain during the first 24 hours postoperatively (p=0.011). From PACU discharge to the end of postoperative day 3, moderate to severe pain at the end of each 24-hour period was a significant predictor of moderate to severe pain in the subsequent 24-hour period (p=0.011,p<0.001, andp=0.004, respectively).Conclusions. Moderate to severe pain was experienced by 75% of patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery and receiving IV-PCA after PACU discharge. Inadequate pain control at PACU discharge was the only independent risk factor for moderate to severe pain during the first 24 hours postoperatively.
The Signaling of Cellular Senescence in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Xiong Yabing , Zhou Lili
Published: October 2019

Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in western countries. Notably, it has a rapidly rising prevalence in China. The patients, commonly complicated with cardiovascular diseases and neurologic disorders, are at high risk to progress into end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and death. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of diabetic nephropathy have not been determined. Cellular senescence, which recently has gained broad attention, is thought to be an important player in the onset and development of diabetic nephropathy. In this issue, we generally review the mechanisms of cellular senescence in diabetic nephropathy, which involve telomere attrition, DNA damage, epigenetic alterations, mitochondrial dysfunction, loss of Klotho, Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation, persistent inflammation, and accumulation of uremic toxins. Moreover, we highlight the potential therapeutic targets of cellular senescence in diabetic nephropathy and provide important clues for clinical strategies.
Exercise Snacking to Improve Muscle Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Perkin Oliver J. , McGuigan Polly M. , Stokes Keith A.
Published: October 2019

Loss of muscle mass and strength are seemingly accepted as part of the ageing process, despite ultimately leading to the loss of independence. Resistance exercise is considered to be primary defence against loss of muscle function in older age, but it typically requires access to exercise equipment often in a gym environment. This pilot study aimed at examining the effect of a 28-day, unsupervised home-based exercise intervention on indices of leg strength and muscle size in healthy older adults. Twenty participants were randomly assigned to either maintain their habitual physical activity levels (Control; n=10; age, 74 (5) years; body mass, 26.3 (3.5) kg/m2) or undertake “exercise snacks” twice daily (ES; n=10; age, 70 (4) years; body mass, 25.0 (3.4) kg/m2). Both groups consumed 150 g of yogurt at their breakfast meal for the duration of the intervention. Sixty-second sit-to-stand score improved by 31% in ES, with no change in Control (p<0.01). Large effect sizes were observed for the difference in change scores between the groups for interpolated maximum leg pressing power (6% increase in ES) and thigh muscle cross-sectional area (2% increase in ES). The present pilot data suggest that exercise snacking might be a promising strategy to improve leg muscle function and size in older adults and that further investigation into zero-cost exercise strategies that allow high frequency of training is warranted.
Co-Occurrence of Multiple Endocrine Abnormalities Induced by the DIHS/DRESS
Authors: Deng Mingqun , Wu Han , Yu Miao , Tian Yi , Li Yuxiu , Xiao Xinhua
Published: October 2019

Background. Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS) is a severe adverse reaction caused by specific drugs. However, little information is available about sequelae following DIHS/DRESS resolution from an endocrinologist’s perspective. This study aimed to investigate the endocrine sequelae following DIHS/DRESS, from clinical feature to etiology.Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the patients diagnosed with DIHS/DRESS in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) during the period of 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2017, and those who developed endocrine disorders after DIHS/DRESS were further examined. We also reviewed the literature, from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2017, on involvement of endocrine glands in DIHS/DRESS patients.Results. Three patients developed both autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and type 1 diabetes (T1DM)/fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1DM) of the 45 patients. Seven cases involving more than two endocrine glands were reported in the literature. Our results indicated that DIHS/DRESS is a potential etiological factor of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome (APS), especially APS III.Conclusions. Patients require careful long-term follow-up after DIHS/DRESS. Involvement of endocrine glands, especially FT1DM, should always be monitored in patients with a history of DIHS/DRESS. This study indicated that DIHS/DRESS could lead to APS, especially APS III, providing novel insights into the etiological factors of APS.
Interface Debonding Detection of Precast Segmental Concrete Beams (PSCBs) Using Piezoceramic Transducer‐Based Active Sensing Approach
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Ming , Yin Xinfeng , Hei Chuang , Wang Lei
Published: October 2019

An active sensing approach using piezoceramic induced stress wave is proposed to provide monitoring and early warning for the development of interface debonding damage of precast segmental concrete beams (PSCBs). Three concrete specimens with toothed interfaces were fabricated and bonded with high‐strength epoxy resin adhesive to form PSCBs. Smart aggregates (SAs) embedded in concrete specimens are used as actuators and sensors. The PSCBs are subjected to periodic loading with hydraulic jack to test the different degrees of debonding damage. The experimental results of time‐domain and frequency‐domain analysis clearly show that the amplitude of the signal received by the piezoceramic sensor is reduced when debonding crack occurs. The energy analysis and damage index based on wavelet packet can be used to determine the existence and severity of interface debonding damage in PSCBs. The experimental research validates the feasibility of monitoring the interface debonding damage in PSCBs using SA transducers based on active sensing technique.
Prospects for Malaria Vaccines: Pre-Erythrocytic Stages, Blood Stages, and Transmission-Blocking Stages
Authors: Zheng Jingtong , Pan He , Gu Yinuo , Zuo Xu , Ran Nan , Yuan Yuze , Zhang Chao , Wang Fang
Published: October 2019

Malaria is a disease of public health importance in many parts of the world. Currently, there is no effective way to eradicate malaria, so developing safe, efficient, and cost-effective vaccines against this disease remains an important goal. Current research on malaria vaccines is focused on developing vaccines against pre-erythrocytic stage parasites and blood-stage parasites or on developing a transmission-blocking vaccine. Here, we briefly describe the progress made towards a vaccine againstPlasmodium falciparum, the most pathogenic of the malaria parasite species to infect humans.