bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing thyroid cancer incidence in Queensland, Australia 1982–2008 – true increase or overdiagnosis?
Authors: Pandeya N. , McLeod D.S. , Balasubramaniam K. , Baade P.D. , Youl P.H. , Bain C.J. , Allison R. , Jordan S.J.
Published: January 2015

Background

Thyroid cancer incidence has been increasing worldwide. Some suggest greater ascertainment of indolent tumours is the only driver, but others suggest there has been a true increase. Increases in Australia appear to have been among the largest in the world, so we investigated incidence trends in the Australian state of Queensland to help understand reasons for the rise.

Methods

Thyroid cancers diagnoses in Queensland 1982–2008 were ascertained from the Queensland Cancer Registry. We calculated age‐standardized incidence rates (ASR) and used Poisson regression to estimate annual percentage change (APC) in thyroid cancer incidence by socio‐demographic and tumour‐related factors.

Results

Thyroid cancer ASR in Queensland increased from 2·2 to 10·6/100 000 between 1982 and 2008 equating to an APC of 5·5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 4·7–6·4] in men and 6·1% (95% CI 5·5–6·6) in women. The rise was evident, and did not significantly differ, across socio‐economic and remoteness‐of‐residence categories. The largest increase seen was in the papillary subtype in women (APC 7·9%, 95% CI 7·3–8·5). Incidence of localized and more advanced‐stage cancers rose over time although the increase was greater for early‐stage cancers.

Conclusion

There has been a marked increase in thyroid cancer incidence in Queensland. The increase is evident in men and women across all adult age groups, socio‐economic strata and remoteness‐of‐residence categories as well as in localized and more advanced‐stage cancers. Our results suggest ‘overdiagnosis’ may not entirely explain rising incidence. Contemporary aetiological data and individual‐level information about diagnostic circumstances are required to further understand reasons for rising thyroid cancer incidence.
Management of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica in pregnancy and childbearing
Authors: Shimizu Yuko
Published: January 2015

The age of onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) is between the 20s and 40s, and as this is the fertile age range for women, childbirth and pregnancy among MS patients are issues encountered by medical professionals on a daily basis. To ease the anxieties felt by patients, it is important for medical professionals to have the correct knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth, so they can guide and support women in the process leading up to a safe delivery. Although the activity of MS remains stable during pregnancy, because immunological tolerance of the fetus within the mother's body comes into effect, there is characteristically a high risk of relapse during the puerperal period. Stabilizing the disease activity before pregnancy helps to reduce the risk of relapse after childbirth; it is essential to start patients with high disease activity on treatment with a disease‐modifying therapy, such as interferon‐β before pregnancy to maintain remission. A disease‐modifying therapy that has little effect on the fetus is desirable for this purpose. For childbirth and pregnancy among patients with neuromyelitis optica, although the relapse rate does decrease during pregnancy, this decrease is not as pronounced as that seen in the third trimester in MS, and the relapse rate 3–6 months after childbirth tends to be higher than that for MS. Greater care is required to prevent relapse during pregnancy and after childbirth in neuromyelitis optica than in MS.
Optimization‐Based Gradient Mesh Colour Transfer
Authors: Xiao Yi , Wan Liang , Leung Chi Sing , Lai Yu‐Kun , Wong Tien‐Tsin
Published: January 2015

In vector graphics, gradient meshes represent an image object by one or more regularly connected grids. Every grid point has attributes as the position, colour and gradients of these quantities specified. Editing the attributes of an existing gradient mesh (such as the colour gradients) is not only non‐intuitive but also time‐consuming. To facilitate user‐friendly colour editing, we develop an optimization‐based colour transfer method for gradient meshes. The key idea is built on the fact that we can approximate a colour transfer operation on gradient meshes with a linear transfer function. In this paper, we formulate the approximation as an optimization problem, which aims to minimize the colour distribution of the example image and the transferred gradient mesh. By adding proper constraints, i.e. image gradients, to the optimization problem, the details of the gradient meshes can be better preserved. With the linear transfer function, we are able to edit the colours and colour gradients of the mesh points automatically, while preserving the structure of the gradient mesh. The experimental results show that our method can generate pleasing recoloured gradient meshes.
Polypoid leiomyosarcoma of the esophagus treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Yamamoto Yoshinobu , Nishisaki Hogara , Koma Yu‐ichiro , Sawai Hiroaki , Sakai Aya , Mimura Takuya , Kushida Saeko , Tsumura Hidetaka , Sakamoto Takeshi , Tobimatsu Kazutoshi , Miki Ikuya , Sakuma Toshiko , Tsuda Masahiro , Mano Masayuki , Hirose Takanori , Inokuchi Hideto
Published: January 2015

We report a rare case of polypoid leiomyosarcoma of the esophagus that was treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). A 63‐year‐old man with complaints of progressive dysphagia was referred to Hyogo Cancer Center for treatment of esophageal tumor. Esophagoscopy revealed a polypoid tumor 25 mm in diameter on the left side of the upper esophagus. Despite several biopsy specimens, the diagnosis could not be confirmed. Computed tomography showed a protruded, homogeneously enhancing mass in the upper esophagus, but no lymph node enlargement or metastasis. After 1.5 months, the esophagogram showed a filling defect 47 mm in diameter in the upper esophagus. Given this rapid tumor growth, en bloc resection was done by ESD for therapeutic diagnosis. After this treatment, the tumor seemed to grow larger, showing a short stalk and occupying the esophageal lumen. Histopathologically, the tumor comprised pleomorphic spindle cells with mitosis. Tumor invasion involved the lumina propria mucosae and contact with the muscularis mucosae, but not involving the submucosa. Immunohistochemical examination showed positive staining for smooth muscle actin and HHF35, but negative for desmin, caldesmon, CD34, c‐kit, DOG1, ALK, S‐100 protein and cytokeratin. These histopathological findings were compatible with a diagnosis of esophageal leiomyosarcoma derived from the muscularis mucosae.
Flexible guided self‐determination intervention for younger adults with poorly controlled Type 1 diabetes, decreased HbA1c and psychosocial distress in women but not in men: a real‐life RCT
Authors: Zoffmann V. , Vistisen D. , Due‐Christensen M.
Published: January 2015

Aim

To report results from an 18–month randomized controlled trial (RCT) testing the effectiveness of a flexible guided self‐determination (GSD) intervention on glycaemic control and psychosocial distress in younger adults with poorly controlled Type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Between January 2010 and February 2012, we randomly allocated two hundred 18–35‐year‐olds [mean age 25.7 (5.1) years, 50% men] with Type 1 diabetes for ≥ 1 year [mean duration 13.7 (6.8) years] and HbA1c ≥ 64 mmol/mol (8.0%) to either an immediate GSD (intervention; n = 134) or 18‐months delayed GSD group (control; n = 66). Group‐based or individual GSD sessions were offered, drawing on reflection sheets and advanced professional communication. The primary outcome was HbA1c (measured at baseline and every three months thereafter) and among secondary outcomes was psychosocial distress (self‐reported at baseline and after nine and 18 months). Intention‐to‐treat analyses included linear regression and repeated measurement analyses.

Results

A borderline significant decrease in HbA1c in the intervention group compared with the control group ( – 4 vs – 1 mmol/mol or – 0.4% vs – 0.1%; P = 0.073) was driven by a significantly greater reduction in the GSD women ( – 5 vs + 1 mmol/mol or – 0.5% vs + 0.1%; P = 0.017); parallel decreases were observed in the GSD and control men ( – 3 mmol/mol or  – 0.3%; P = 0.955). Significantly greater reduction in the GSD group's psychosocial distress was again driven by differences between the GSD and the control women. The men's improvements were not connected with the intervention.

Conclusions

The flexible GSD intervention benefitted younger adult women by significantly improving glycaemic control and decreasing diabetes related distress. No effect was seen among men.
Impulse control disorders in Parkinson's disease: don't set your mind at rest by self‐assessments
Authors: Baumann‐Vogel H. , Valko P. O. , Eisele G. , Baumann C. R.
Published: January 2015

Background and purpose

Impulse control disorders (ICDs) and related conditions in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients are frequent, disabling and sometimes devastating neuropsychiatric behaviors. Current knowledge on the prevalence of ICDs in PD is mainly based on assessments with questionnaires or patient interviews. This study was designed to evaluate the reliability of self‐assessed ICDs and related conditions in PD by exploring the agreement between self‐assessment of ICDs and related conditions in PD patients on the one hand and the estimation of their caregivers on the other hand.

Methods

After a short validation study of a novel ICD screening questionnaire, a cross‐sectional study in 150 PD patients was performed. All patients filled out the self‐assessment version of a screening questionnaire for ICDs, and caregivers completed an adapted version (n = 64).

Results

When comparing self‐assessments of PD patients and ratings by their caregivers, significant differences with regard to the estimated prevalence of hypersexuality (55% vs. 17%), dopamine dysregulation syndrome (31% vs. 3%) and punding (22% vs. 9%) were found.

Conclusions

Patients underestimate the presence and severity of some ICDs and related conditions, which shows how important assessments with caregivers are. After all, ICDs are probably much more frequent in PD than previously reported.
The angle contrast ultrasound technique in the flexed limb improves assessment of proximal suspensory ligament injuries in the equine pelvic limb
Authors: Denoix J.‐M. , Bertoni L.
Published: January 2015

Diagnosis of proximal suspensory ligament (PSL, third interosseous muscle) injuries in equine hindlimbs can be challenging because of the complex anatomy of the proximal metatarsal region. Ultrasonographic examination of the PSL using the angle contrast ultrasound technique in the flexed limb facilitates assessment of PSL desmopathies and enthesopathies, with subjectively improved sensitivity compared with the standard approach. The main limitation of ultrasonography is identification of deep osseous injuries, but combined with other imaging procedures, ultrasonography provides valuable diagnostic information of the injured structures. Ultrasonography also helps to specify the stage of a lesion. The repair process can be monitored, helping the clinician to adapt the rehabilitation programme and establish a prognosis for the horse to return to its previous level.
Retrospective study on the effect of wither fracture on racing performance in Thoroughbred racehorses in Hong Kong (2003 to 2013)
Authors: Graham R. J. T. Y. , Riggs C. M. , Rosanowski S. M.
Published: January 2015

The training programme for Thoroughbred flat racehorses is intense, with pressure to limit nontraining days. Fracture of the dorsal spinous processes is a traumatic event that affects a horse's ability to train and race, with little information available regarding short‐term treatment and long‐term outcomes for elite racing horses. Using a retrospective cohort study of the Hong Kong Jockey Club's veterinary clinical records, cases of wither fracture were identified radiographically, with clinical features, treatment and subsequent return to training and racing described. The prevalence of wither fracture was 0.152% and in 6 out of 8 cases, the fracture occurred following identified trauma. Clinical signs varied from mild swelling and pain of the affected region to acute, severe forelimb lameness with spinal deformation. Prognosis for recovery was excellent, with all horses returning to a level of racing performance equal to or better than before the injury. The time from injury to return to ridden work was <2.5 months and return to racing was 9 months, with horses that returned to training sooner after injury having more favourable outcomes. The period of rest identified in this study was shorter than previously reported, with the median interval between injury and first gallop <2.5 months and most horses back racing within 6 months.
Letter to the Editor regarding article on exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage at the Hong Kong Jockey Club
Authors: Morley P. S. , Hinchcliff K. W.
Published: January 2015

See article by Preston et al. and also response by Preston and Riggs
Structural and biochemical characterization of VIM‐26 shows that Leu224 has implications for the substrate specificity of VIM metallo‐β‐lactamases
Authors: Leiros Hanna‐Kirsti S. , Edvardsen Kine Susann Waade , Bjerga Gro Elin Kjæreng , Samuelsen Ørjan
Published: January 2015

During the last decades antimicrobial resistance has become a global health problem. Metallo‐β‐lactamases (MBLs) which are broad‐spectrum β‐lactamases that inactivate virtually all β‐lactams including carbapenems, are contributing to this health problem. In this study a novel MBL variant, termed VIM‐26, identified in a Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate was studied. VIM‐26 belongs to the Verona integron‐encoded metallo‐β‐lactamase (VIM) family of MBLs and is a His224Leu variant of the well‐characterized VIM‐1 variant. In this study, we report the kinetic parameters, minimum inhibitory concentrations and crystal structures of a recombinant VIM‐26 protein, and compare them to previously published data on VIM‐1, VIM‐2 and VIM‐7. The kinetic parameters and minimum inhibitory concentration determinations show that VIM‐26, like VIM‐7, has higher penicillinase activity but lower cephalosporinase activity than VIM‐1 and VIM‐2. The four determined VIM‐26 crystal structures revealed mono‐ and di‐zinc forms, where the Zn1 ion has distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry with an additional water molecule (W2) at a distance of 2.6–3.7 Å, which could be important during catalysis. The R2 drug binding site in VIM‐26 is more open compared to VIM‐2 and VIM‐7 and neutrally charged due to Leu224 and Ser228. Thus, the VIM‐26 drug binding properties are different from the VIM‐2 (Tyr224/Arg228) and VIM‐7 (His224/Arg228) structures, indicating a role of these residues in the substrate specificity.
Functional roles of transiently and intrinsically disordered regions within proteins
Authors: Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: January 2015

Proteins are structurally heterogeneous and comprise folded regions with variable conformational stabilities and intrinsically disordered protein regions that do not have well‐folded structures. Even small, well‐folded single‐domain proteins are structurally heterogeneous and contain multiple foldon units with different conformational stability. Although the ability of many intrinsically disordered protein regions to undergo at least partial folding at interaction with specific binding partners is a well‐established fact, recent studies have revealed that functions of some ordered proteins rely on the decrease in the amount of their ordered structure and require local or even global functional unfolding. This functional unfolding is induced by transient alterations in protein environment or by modification of protein structure and can be reversed as soon as the environment is restored or the modification is removed. Therefore, the important features of these conditionally disordered protein regions (or unfoldons) are the induced nature and the transient character of their disorder. In other words, structurally any protein can be described as a modular assembly of foldons, inducible foldons, semi‐foldons, nonfoldons and unfoldons. Obviously, differently ordered/disordered proteins and protein regions can possess very different functional repertoires. This review represents some of the key functions of transiently and intrinsically disordered protein regions.
Preliminary study to predict the spatial distribution of dung from beef cattle in a slope‐grazed pasture
Authors: Yoshitoshi Rena , Watanabe Nariyasu , Yasuda Taisuke , Kawamura Kensuke , Sakanoue Seiichi , Lim Jihyun , Lee Hyo‐Jin
Published: January 2015

This study aimed to predict the spatial distribution of cattle dung based on Bayesian estimation with a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) and an intrinsic conditional autoregressive (CAR) model using herbage green biomass (GBM) and distance from a water trough (Dw) in a rectangular slope‐grazed pasture (0.85 ha) in Hokkaido, Japan. After a 4‐day grazing trial (June 14–18, 2010) with 20 Japanese Black cattle, we set 10 × 10 m grid cells (total of 85 cells) in the paddock and counted the number of dung deposits (Nd) in each cell. The 95% posterior probability intervals indicated that a greater Nd was distributed in areas with a higher GBM and those located closer to the water trough. Lower value of deviance information criterion (DIC) was obtained in CAR model (DIC = 291.5) than in GLMM (DIC = 502.6) to be suggested as a better model.
Determining spatial heterogeneity in species richness of plant community
Authors: Chen Jun , Shiyomi Masae , Wei Zhicheng
Published: January 2015

Species richness (number of species) per small quadrat is an important characteristic of plant communities that, along with cover and biomass, can be readily measured in field surveys. We show that variance in the number of species among quadrats can be used to determine the spatial heterogeneity of plant communities. Comparisons between variance estimated based on the observed number of species among quadrats, and variance calculated based on an assumption that all species are arranged randomly among quadrats, can describe the spatial structure of species richness. We show field examples with different degrees of spatial heterogeneity in species richness to demonstrate how to survey, analyze and interpret: three natural grasslands with low heterogeneity in China, and a weedy grassland community with high heterogeneity in Japan.
Hepatitis B virus infection in hemodialysis patients in Japan: Prevalence, incidence and occult hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Katayama Keiko , Sato Tomoki , Do Son Huy , Yamada Hiroko , Tabuchi Ayako , Komiya Yutaka , Matsuo Junko , Nakashima Ayumu , Ohisa Masayuki , Akita Tomoyuki , Yorioka Noriaki , Miyakawa Yuzo , Yoshizawa Hiroshi , Tanaka Junko
Published: January 2015

Aim

A survey of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in hemodialysis (HD) patients was conducted to determine the burden and risk of infection and to suggest preventive measures against HBV infection among HD patients at nine hospitals in Hiroshima, Japan, from 1999 to 2003.

Methods

HBV markers were investigated for 1860 HD patients. The prevalence, incidence of HBV and prevalence of occult HBV were calculated.

Results

The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was 2.6%, the positive rate of anti‐hepatitis B core (HBc) was 20.6% and that of anti‐hepatitis B surface (HBs) was 11.7%. Among 1372 patients who started HD after the approval of erythropoietin in Japan in 1991, the prevalence of HBsAg was 2.1%. The incidence rate of HBsAg positivity was 0/1000 person‐years and the incidence of anti‐HBc was 0.3/1000 person‐years. Among 1812 HBsAg negative patients HBV DNA was detected in two: one case was negative for anti‐HBc and anti‐HBs, and the other was only positive for anti‐HBc. Prevalence of occult HBV was 0.11%.

Conclusion

The incidence rate of HBV was much lower than that of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the same cohort. We supposed that the discrepancy between incidence rate of HBV and that of HCV was caused by the difference of their carrier rates and of their characteristics for persistent infection. So, we concluded that it is prerequisite to grasp the burden of HBV carriers in the group to prevent new HBV infections in HD patients.
Sperm protein 17 and AKAP‐associated sperm protein cancer/testis antigens are expressed in ciliated hepatic foregut cysts
Authors: Grizzi Fabio , Franceschini Barbara , Di Biccari Sonia , Musardo Stefano , Pedretti Elisa , Chiriva‐Internati Maurizio , Osipov Vladimir , Fernández‐Aceñero Maria J
Published: January 2015

Aims

Ciliated hepatic foregut cysts (CHFCs) are retained benign lesions of the liver. However, a case of squamous cell metaplasia and five cases of squamous cell carcinoma arising from a CHFC have been described. The potential of malignant transformation makes the identification of new biomarkers necessary. As the cancer/testis antigen sperm protein 17 (Sp17) has been detected in oral and oesophageal squamous cell carcinomas, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression of Sp17 and AKAP‐associated sperm protein (ASP), which has a shared N‐terminal sequence with Sp17, in four surgically resected CHFCs.

Methods and results

CHFC specimens were taken from two patients who attended the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA and two patients who attended the Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain. CHFCs were found to be immunopositive for Sp17 and ASP. Both proteins were localized to the cytoplasm of ciliated cells lining the cysts, and their cilia. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that Sp17 and ASP overlapped in the same region of the cell.

Conclusion

Sp17 and ASP cancer/testis antigens were found in ciliated cells of four CHFCs. Further characterization of Sp17 and ASP in patients with CHFCs may provide significant clues for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying their predisposition to develop squamous cell carcinomas.
Non‐inferiority of silodosin 4 mg once daily to twice daily for storage symptoms score evaluated by the International Prostate Symptom Score in Japanese patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A multicenter, randomized, parallel‐group study
Authors: Seki Narihito , Takahashi Ryosuke , Yamaguchi Akito , Ito Kenji , Takayama Kazuo , Nanri Kazushige , Kamiryo Yoriaki , Yamashita Hiroshi , Komine Shinichiro , Miyazaki Yoshiharu , Uozumi Jiro , Naito Seiji
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To compare the effect of treatment with silodosin 4 mg once daily versus that of silodosin 4 mg twice daily on storage symptoms in Japanese patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Methods

A prospective, multicenter, 12‐week, open‐labeled study randomized a total of 268 men aged 50 years or older with benign prostatic hyperplasia and overactive bladder to silodosin 4 mg/day or 8 mg/day. Changes in the end‐points of the average value of International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life index in the International Prostate Symptom Score, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score and urodynamic parameters were evaluated. The change in the storage symptom subtotal score of the International Prostate Symptom Score was considered as the primary end‐point.

Results

Silodosin 4 mg/day was not inferior to silodosin 8 mg/day in regard to the primary end‐point. In contrast, the efficacy of treatment with silodosin 4 mg twice daily was greater than that of 4 mg once daily, based on both the quality of life index and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score total score. There was a discrepancy between the scores evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score questionnaires.

Conclusions

Silodosin 4 mg once daily is not inferior to silodosin 4 mg twice daily in regard to storage symptoms score evaluated by the International Prostate Symptom Score. In contrast, silodosin 4 mg twice daily is more effective on storage symptoms evaluated by the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score than silodosin 4 mg once daily.
Impact of a Chronic Total Occlusion in an Infarct‐Related Artery on the Long‐Term Outcome of Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation
Authors: DI MARCO ANDREA , PAGLINO GABRIELE , OLORIZ TERESA , MACCABELLI GIUSEPPE , BARATTO FRANCESCA , VERGARA PASQUALE , BISCEGLIA CATERINA , ANGUERA IGNASI , SALA SIMONE , SORA NICOLETA , DALLAGLIO PAOLO , MARZI ALESSANDRA , TREVISI NICOLA , MAZZONE PATRIZIO , DELLA BELLA PAOLO
Published: January 2015

IRA‐CTO and VT Ablation

Introduction

In patients with a prior myocardial infarction (MI), angiographic predictors of ventricular tachycardia (VT) recurrence after ablation are lacking. Recently, a proarrhythmic effect of a chronic total occlusion (CTO) in a coronary artery has been suggested.

Methods and Results

A total of 191 patients with prior MI were referred to our Hospital between 2010 and June 2013 for a first ablation of VT. Of these, 84 patients (44%) with stable coronary artery disease that underwent a coronary angiography during the index hospitalization were included in this study. A CTO in an infarct‐related artery (IRA‐CTO) was present in 47 patients (56%). Patients with and without IRA‐CTO did not differ in terms of comorbidities, severity of heart failure, presentation of VT or acute outcome of ablation, that was completely successful in 93% of cases. At electroanatomic mapping, IRA‐CTO was associated with greater scar and especially with greater area of border zone (34 cm2 vs. 19 cm2, P = 0.001). Median follow‐up was 19 months (IQR 18). At follow‐up, patients with IRA‐CTO had a significantly higher rate of VT recurrence (47% vs. 16%, P = 0.003). At multivariate analysis, IRA‐CTO resulted to be an independent predictor of VT recurrence after ablation (HR 4.05, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

IRA‐CTO is an independent predictor of VT recurrence after ablation and identifies a subgroup of patients with high recurrence rate despite a successful procedure. IRA‐CTO is associated with greater scars and border zone area; however, this association does not completely justify its proarrhythmic effect.
Flooding with constraints: water meadow irrigation impacts on temperature, oxygen, phosphorus and sediment in water returned to a river
Authors: Cook H.F. , Cutting R.L. , Valsami‐Jones E.
Published: January 2015

Water meadows are pasture irrigation systems found across Europe. They potentially mitigate local flooding where a thin sheet of water is allowed across an engineered floodplain surface. In southern England, functioning ‘bedwork’ systems require investigation for their impact on water returned to a river in terms of temperature, dissolved oxygen, sediment trapping and the transport of phosphorus. Temperature change in water returned to the river is found to be minimal, and it remains well oxygenated. Water meadow systems reduce %silt in deposited sediment by an average of 14% and reduce mobile phosphorus by around one third. Soils show a decline in plant‐available phosphorus by one half. Evaluation of the impact on rivers is important because water meadows are typically managed under agri‐environmental schemes, and there is realisation of their historically demonstrated potential for floodwater retention.
Three‐dimensional morphological modelling of concrete using multiscale Poisson polyhedra
Authors: ESCODA J. , JEULIN D. , WILLOT F. , TOULEMONDE C.
Published: January 2015

This paper aims at developing a random morphological model for concrete microstructures. A 3D image of concrete is obtained by microtomography and is used in conjunction with the concrete formulation to build and validate the model through morphological measurements. The morphological model is made up of two phases, corresponding to the matrix, or cement paste and to the aggregates. The set of aggregates in the sample is modelled as a combination of Poisson polyhedra of different scales. An algorithm is introduced to generate polyhedra packings in the continuum space. The latter is validated with morphological measurements.
Involving relatives in ICU patient care: critical care nursing challenges
Authors: McConnell Bridget , Moroney Tracey
Published: January 2015

Aims and objectives

To identify the barriers critical care nurses experience to relative involvement in intensive care unit patient care.

Background

Previous studies have discussed the experiences of relatives visiting an intensive care unit, the needs of relatives in the intensive care environment, critical care nurse and relative interaction, intensive care unit visiting policies and the benefits of including relatives in patient care. The barriers that critical care nurses experience to relative involvement in patient care have received minimal exploration.

Design

Critical care nurses were recruited for a mixed methods study. An explanatory mixed method design was used, with two phases. Phase 1 was Quantitative and Phase 2 was Qualitative.

Methods

Data collection occurred over five months in 2012–2013. Phase 1 used an online questionnaire (n = 70), and semi‐structured interviews (n = 6) were conducted in Phase 2. Phase 1 participants were 70 critical care nurses working in Australian intensive care units and six critical care nurses were recruited from a single Sydney intensive care unit for Phase 2. Through sequential data collection, Phase 1 results formed the development of Phase 2 interview questions.

Results

Participants reported various barriers to relative involvement in critically ill patient care. Factors related to the intensive care unit patient, the intensive care unit relative, the critical care nurse and the intensive care environment contributed to difficulties encompassing relative involvement.

Conclusions

This study has identified that when considering relative involvement in patient care, critical care nurses take on a paternalistic role. The barriers experienced to relative involvement result in the individual critical care nurse deciding to include or exclude relatives from patient care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Knowledge of the barriers to relative involvement in critically ill patient care may provide a basis for improving discussion on this topic and may assist intensive care units to implement strategies to reduce barriers.
ZmpTAC12 binds single‐stranded nucleic acids and is essential for accumulation of the plastid‐encoded polymerase complex in maize
Authors: Pfalz Jeannette , Holtzegel Ute , Barkan Alice , Weisheit Wolfram , Mittag Maria , Pfannschmidt Thomas
Published: January 2015

The plastid‐encoded plastid RNA polymerase (PEP) represents the major transcription machinery in mature chloroplasts. Proteomic studies identified four plastome‐ and at least ten nuclear‐encoded proteins making up this multimeric enzyme. Depletion of single subunits is known to result in strongly diminished PEP activity causing severe defects in chloroplast biogenesis.

Here, we characterized one PEP subunit in maize, ZmpTAC12, and investigated the molecular basis underlying PEP‐deficiency in Zmptac12 mutants.

We show that the ZmpTAC12 gene encodes two different protein isoforms, both of which localize dually in chloroplasts and nuclei. Moreover, both variants assemble into the PEP‐complex. Analysis of PEP‐complex assembly in various maize mutants lacking different PEP‐complex components demonstrates that ZmpTAC12, ZmpTAC2, ZmpTAC10 and ZmMurE are each required to accumulate a fully assembled PEP‐complex. Antibodies to ZmpTAC12 coimmunoprecipitate a subset of plastid RNAs that are synthesized by PEP‐dependent transcription. Gel mobility shift analyses with recombinant ZmpTAC12 revealed binding capabilities with ssRNA and ssDNA, but not dsDNA.

Collectively these data demonstrate that ZmpTAC12 is required for the proper build‐up of the PEP‐complex and that it interacts with single‐stranded nucleic acids.
Wheat allergy in children evaluated with challenge and IgE antibodies to wheat components
Authors: Nilsson Nora , Sjölander Sigrid , Baar Alexandra , Berthold Malin , Pahr Sandra , Vrtala Susanne , Valenta Rudolf , Morita Eishin , Hedlin Gunilla , Borres Magnus P. , Nilsson Caroline
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Wheat sensitization is common but IgE antibodies (IgE‐abs) to wheat are not predictive of clinical symptoms in children with suspected wheat allergy. Wheat allergen components other than ω‐5 gliadin have not been well studied. Our aim was to characterize the clinical profile and investigate the value of adding measurements of IgE‐abs to wheat components in a group of children with a doctor's diagnosed wheat allergy.

Method

Sixty‐three children with a doctor's diagnosis of wheat allergy confirmed sensitization to wheat and, on a wheat elimination diet, went through oral wheat challenges or had a convincing recent history of wheat allergy. IgE‐ab to ω‐5 gliadin, low molecular weight glutenin (LMW‐glutenin), high molecular weight glutenin (HMW‐glutenin) and a native gliadin preparation containing α‐, β‐, γ‐, and ω‐gliadin (gliadin) were analyzed.

Results

Twenty‐six children were positive in challenge, while six children were regarded as wheat allergic due to recent anaphylactic reactions. The IgE‐ab levels to all four wheat components were significantly higher in the group with wheat allergy compared to the group with no wheat allergy (p < 0.0001). Also, the severity of symptoms at challenge correlated with the IgE‐ab levels to all four components (p < 0.05). IgE‐ab levels to ω‐5 gliadin correlated best with challenge outcome, and by additional analysis of gliadin, HMW‐ and LMW‐glutenin IgE‐abs all challenge positive children could be identified.

Conclusion

Many children diagnosed as wheat allergic have outgrown their allergy and are unnecessarily on a wheat‐free diet. The levels of IgE‐ab to wheat gluten‐derived components correlated well with wheat challenge outcome and severity.
Childhood asthma is associated with polymorphic markers of PROC on 2q14 in addition to 17q21 locus
Authors: Chan Wa Cheong , Sy Hing Yee , Kong Alice P.‐S. , Wong Chun K. , Tse Lai Yin , Hon Kam Lun , Chan Juliana C.‐N. , Wong Gary W.‐K. , Leung Ting Fan
Published: January 2015

Background

Childhood asthma is caused by both genetic and environmental factors. The first genomewide association study (GWAS) for asthma revealed putative candidates on nine chromosomal regions in Caucasians, with 17q21 locus being the most widely replicated one. However, there was no replication study for the other loci. This study investigated genetic associations between childhood asthma and autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on eight loci reported in the first GWAS among Hong Kong Chinese.

Methods

510 asthmatic children and 510 non‐allergic controls were recruited. 110 tagging SNPs selected based on r2 ≥ 0.80 and minor allele frequency ≥0.05 for Han Chinese among all SNPs located 50‐kb upstream and downstream of significant autosomal SNPs were genotyped by TaqMan allelic discrimination assays. Transcription factor binding of SNPs was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA).

Results

Asthma was significantly associated with SNPs on 17q21 and 2q14 loci. Twelve SNPs on 17q21 were associated with asthma, with rs6503527 being the most significant SNP. Five SNPs of protein C gene (PROC) on 2q14 were associated with asthma, with rs6755028 being the most significant SNP. Plasma protein C concentrations were higher in asthmatic patients than controls, and five PROC SNPs were associated with plasma protein C concentrations. EMSA showed specific differential binding of rs878461 to nuclear extracts from bronchial epithelial and hepatocarcinoma cell lines.

Conclusions

Our findings identify PROC on 2q14 as a novel candidate for childhood asthma and replicate the genetic association for 17q21 locus. Rs878461 of PROC may increase asthma susceptibility by altering transcription factor binding.
Technique advance to avoid hepatic venous outflow obstruction in pediatric living‐donor liver transplantation
Authors: Tannuri Uenis , Tannuri Ana Cristina A. , Santos Maria M. , Miyatani Helena T.
Published: January 2015

HVOO represents a serious critical complication of pediatric living‐donor liver transplantation because open surgical repair is virtually impossible. Currently, despite several technical innovations and the introduction of triangulated anastomosis for hepatic vein reconstruction, the reported incidence of HVOO is still considerable. The aim of this study was to propose a new technique for hepatic venous reconstruction that avoids the original orifice of the recipient hepatic veins. Instead, anastomosis is performed in a newly created wide longitudinal orifice in the anterior wall of the recipient inferior vena cava. A total of 210 living related‐donor liver transplantations were performed using two methods for reconstruction of the hepatic vein. Group 1 included 69 patients subjected to direct anastomosis of the orifice of the graft hepatic vein and a wide orifice created in the recipient inferior vena cava by the confluence of the orifices of the right, left, and middle hepatic veins. Group 2 included 141 patients in whom the original orifices of the recipient hepatic veins were closed, the inferior vena cava was widely opened, and a long longitudinal anastomosis was performed using two lines of continuous sutures. Diagnosis of HVOO was suspected based on clinical findings and ultrasound studies and then confirmed by liver biopsy and interventional radiology examinations. Among the 69 recipients in group 1, 16 patients died due to graft problems during the postoperative period and eight of the survivors (15.1%) presented with HVOO. In group 2 (141 patients), 21 patients died, and there were no cases of HVOO. A comparison of the incidence of HVOO between groups revealed a significant difference (p = 0.01). Hepatic venous reconstruction during pediatric living‐donor liver transplantation should be performed using a wide longitudinal incision in the anterior wall of the recipient inferior vena cava because this technique eliminated anastomosis complications.
HBME‐1 and CD15 immunocytochemistry in the follicular variant of thyroid papillary carcinoma
Authors: Ohta Makoto , Ookoshi Tadakazu , Naiki Hironobu , Imamura Yoshiaki
Published: January 2015

Papillary carcinoma is the most common thyroid malignancy. As the cytological diagnosis of papillary carcinoma is not difficult in patients with the usual type of lesion, fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is an effective method for preoperative evaluation. However, this modality is often ineffective in identifying the follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) due to its similarity to other follicular lesions and the incompleteness of typical nuclear features. Therefore, we investigated the expression of immunocytochemical markers of papillary carcinoma in cytological specimens of FVPTC and evaluated their utilities. The immunoreactivity of HBME‐1 and CD15 was investigated using 50 imprint smear cytological specimens obtained from thyroid lesions, including 13 FVPTC. The sensitivity and specificity of HBME‐1 for FVPTC were 92% and 89%, respectively, while those of CD15 were 23% and 100%, respectively. In conclusion, HBME‐1 is a sensitive marker of papillary carcinoma, including both usual type and FVPTC, in cytological specimens. Therefore, using HBME‐1 immunocytochemistry in FNA cytology will lead to reduction of the incidence of false‐negative diagnoses of FVPTC. Although CD15 is apparently inferior in terms of sensitivity for FVPTC, its excellent specificity will support the definitive diagnosis of thyroid malignancies, including FVPTC, after screening with HBME‐1.
Evaluation of light‐emitting diodes (LED) effect on skin biology (in vitro study)
Authors: Chabert R. , Fouque L. , Pinacolo S. , Garcia‐Gimenez N. , Bonnans M. , Cucumel K. , Domloge N.
Published: January 2015

Background

Interest in anti‐aging approaches has grown significantly in recent years. The most popular are the non invasive methods to decrease the signs of aging. One such method is LED‐based therapy.

Methods

This study investigated the potential of two different wavelengths, 590 nm and 630 nm, combined or not, in the photobiomodulation of proteins involved in the slowdown of the skin aging.

Results

These in vitro results on cell viability, cell shape, and mitochondrial function support and build on previous studies suggested that LED treatment is safe. Regarding its biological functions, our data indicated that the combination of two different wavelengths acted in synergy to enhance the impact of each irradiation alone. Combined, the LED wavelengths could improve in vitro the cell shape, the cell proliferation, and the level of major proteins involved in the healing process.

Conclusion

These benefits may lead to reinforcement of the skin organization and structure. This hypothesis will be checked in future clinical studies.
Influence of Vegetation on Turbulence Characteristics and Reynolds Shear Stress in Partly Vegetated Channel
Authors: Zhang Huayong , Wang Zhongyu , Dai Liming , Xu Weigang
Published: January 2015

From the perspective of vegetation density, this research studies the influence of vegetation on turbulence characteristics and Reynolds shear stress in partly vegetated channel via a series of experiments. Natural reed is employed to simulate the emergent vegetation in rivers. Different vegetation densities including vegetated and unvegetated cases are considered in the research. The results of the research demonstrate that emergent vegetation may force the water flowing from vegetated areas to unvegetated areas and the forcing intensity increases with reed density. It is also found that the relative turbulence intensity declines along the vegetated channel in the direction of flow. Vegetation is found to reduce the total-average Reynolds shear stress therefore reduce the soil erosion. However, the Reynolds shear stress reduction is found disproportional to the vegetation density, and an optimal vegetation density range is quantitatively determined in the research. The findings of the research are significant to the practice of river ecological restoration.
An Efficient Method for Tuning Oscillator Parameters in Order to Impose Nodes on a Linear Structure Excited by Multiple Harmonics
Authors: Cha Philip D. , Buyco Kenny
Published: January 2015

Undamped oscillators are often used to attenuate and control excess vibration in elastic structures. In this paper, vibration absorbers are used to impose nodes, i.e., points of zero vibration, along an arbitrarily supported linear structure externally forced by multiple steady-state harmonic excitations. An efficient approach is proposed to tune the absorber parameters based on the active force method. Using the active force approach, the oscillators are first replaced with the unknown restoring forces they exert. These restoring forces are found by enforcing the required node locations, and they correspond to the solution of a set of linear algebraic equations, which can be obtained using Gauss elimination. These restoring forces are subsequently used to tune the sprung masses. Because of the computational efficiency of the proposed method, design plots can be easily generated, from which specific sets of oscillator parameters can be selected. Even if the input consists of multiple frequencies, it is possible to induce multiple nodes anywhere on the structure by attaching properly tuned spring–mass oscillators. An efficient procedure to tune the oscillator parameters necessary to impose nodes at the desired locations is outlined in detail, and numerical case studies are presented to verify the utility of the proposed scheme to impose multiple nodes along an arbitrarily supported elastic structure subjected to external excitations consisting of multiple harmonics.
Performance of Multiple-Injection Dry Low-NOx Combustors on Hydrogen-Rich Syngas Fuel in an IGCC Pilot Plant
Authors: Asai Tomohiro , Dodo Satoschi , Karishuku Mitsuhiro , Yagi Nobuo , Akiyama Yasuhiro , Hayashi Akinori
Published: January 2015

The successful development of coal-based integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) technology requires gas turbines capable of achieving the dry low nitrogen oxides (NOx) combustion of hydrogen-rich syngas fuels for low emissions and high plant efficiency. Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. (MHPS) has been developing a “multiple-injection burner” to achieve the dry low-NOx (DLN) combustion of hydrogen-rich syngas fuels. The purposes of this paper are to present the test results of a multican combustor equipped with multiple-injection burners in an IGCC pilot plant, and evaluate combustor performance by focusing on the effects of flame shapes. The syngas fuel produced in the plant contained approximately 50% carbon monoxide, 20% hydrogen, and 20% nitrogen by volume. In the tests, the combustor with slenderer flames achieved lower NOx emissions of 10.9 ppm (at 15% oxygen), reduced combustor liner and burner plate metal temperatures, and lowered combustion efficiency at the maximum gas turbine load. The test results showed that the slenderer flames were more effective in reducing NOx emissions and liner/burner plate metal temperatures. A comparison with the diffusion-flame combustor demonstrated that the multiple-injection combustors achieved the dry low-NOx combustion of the syngas fuel in the plant.
An Investigation of Real Gas Effects in Supercritical CO2 Centrifugal Compressors
Authors: Baltadjiev Nikola D. , Lettieri Claudio , Spakovszky Zoltán S.
Published: January 2015

This paper presents a comprehensive assessment of real gas effects on the performance and matching of centrifugal compressors operating in supercritical CO2. The analytical framework combines first principles based modeling with targeted numerical simulations to characterize the internal flow behavior of supercritical fluids with implications for radial turbomachinery design and analysis. Trends in gas dynamic behavior, not observed for ideal fluids, are investigated using influence coefficients for compressible channel flow derived for real gas. The variation in the properties of CO2 and the expansion through the vapor-pressure curve due to local flow acceleration are identified as possible mechanisms for performance and operability issues observed near the critical point. The performance of a centrifugal compressor stage is assessed at different thermodynamic conditions relative to the critical point using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations. The results indicate a reduction of 9% in the choke margin of the stage compared to its performance at ideal gas conditions due to variations in real gas properties. Compressor stage matching is also impacted by real gas effects as the excursion in corrected mass flow per unit area from inlet to outlet increases by 5%. Investigation of the flow field near the impeller leading edge at high flow coefficients shows that local flow acceleration causes the thermodynamic conditions to reach the vapor-pressure curve. The significance of two-phase flow effects is determined through a nondimensional parameter that relates the time required for liquid droplet formation to the residence time of the flow under saturation conditions. Applying this criterion to the candidate compressor stage shows that condensation is not a concern at the investigated operating conditions. In the immediate vicinity of the critical point however, this effect is expected to become more prominent. While the focus of this analysis is on supercritical CO2 compressors for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), the methodology is directly applicable to other nonconventional fluids and applications.
Progress in Lower Bound Direct Methods
Authors: Weichert D. , Hachemi A. , Simon J.
Published: January 2015

The paper reports on recent progress in numerical shakedown and limit analysis based on Melan's lower bound shakedown theorem. After explaining the theoretical foundations of their approach, the authors describe in detail the numerical scheme, in particular the underlying optimization via interior point methods. Numerous examples mostly related to pressure vessel technology are presented, illustrating the potential of the method.