bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communication through acoustic vibration of pipe strings
Authors: Redissi Ahmed , Miller Scott
Published: August 2019

This paper investigates the challenges of transmitting and receiving information obtained from sensor readings by acoustic excitation of pipe strings interconnected by joints in an ideal environment without external interference. It explores the frequency selectivity of the pipe strings and describe the behavior of passbands as a function of both frequency and propagation distance in addition to the distortion caused by reflections. This paper also looks into the effects of different signaling parameters such as bandwidth, data rate, and carrier frequency and measurement locations on the overall performance of a communication system.
Distinct Methods for Assessing Compliance With a Physical Activity Guideline for Children in Preschools
Authors: Tompkins Connie L. , Shoulberg Erin K. , Meyer Lori E. , Martin Caroline P. , Dennis Marissa , Krasner Allison , Hoza Betsy
Published: August 2019

Background: According to the US Institute of Medicine guideline, preschool-aged children should participate in ≥15 minutes of physical activity (PA) per hour or 3 hours per day over 12 hours. Examinations of PA guideline compliance to date averaged time spent in PA over several days; however, children could exceed the guideline on some days and not on others. Therefore, this cross-sectional study examined PA guideline compliance in preschool children based on number of minutes per hour (average method) and percentage of days the guideline was met (everyday method). Methods: PA was measured by accelerometry during the preschool day for up to 10 days in 177 children (59.3% males, Mage = 4.23). Minutes per hour and percentage of time in light, moderate to vigorous, and total PAs were calculated. Percentage of days in compliance was determined by number of days in compliance (defined as the child active on average ≥15 min/h) divided by total accelerometer days. Results: Children engaged in PA, on average, 17.01 minutes per hour, suggesting that on average, children are meeting the guideline. However, children were only in compliance with the PA guideline 62.41% of assessment days. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate the importance of examining compliance with both the average and everyday methods to more accurately portray level of Institute of Medicine PA guideline compliance.
Sport for Social Change With Aotearoa New Zealand Youth: Navigating the Theory–Practice Nexus Through Indigenous Principles
Authors: Hapeta Jeremy , Stewart-Withers Rochelle , Palmer Farah
Published: August 2019

Indigenous worldviews and scholarship are underrepresented and underdeveloped in sport for development and wider sport management spaces. Given many sport for social change initiatives target Indigenous populations, this is concerning. By adopting a Kaupapa Māori approach, a strengths-based stance, and working together with two plus-sport and sport-plus cases from provincial and national New Zealand rugby settings: the Taranaki Rugby Football Union’s and Feats’ Pae Tawhiti (seek distant horizons) Māori and Pasifika Rugby Academy and the E Tū Toa (stand strong), hei tū he rangatira (become a leader) Māori Rugby Development camps, the authors provide an illustration of Indigenous theory–practice. They argue sport for social change practices that focus on Indigenous peoples would be greatly improved if underpinned by the principles of perspective, privilege, politics, protection, and people. Thus, any sport for social change praxis seeking to partner with Indigenous communities ought to be informed by Indigenous philosophical viewpoints.
New connections: Targeting PRMTs in cancer
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: August 2019

Drugs that block protein methyltransferases may be effective in RNA splicing–mutant cancers.
Comparison of the Panther Fusion and BD MAX Group B
Streptococcus
(GBS) Assays for Detection of GBS in Prenatal Screening Specimens
Authors: Berry Gregory J. , Zhang Fan , Manji Ryhana , Juretschko Stefan
Published: August 2019

Streptococcus agalactiae
or group B
Streptococcus
(GBS) is the cause of early- and late-onset GBS disease in neonates and can present as septicemia, meningitis, and pneumonia. Our objective was to compare the performance of two FDA-approved nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), the Panther Fusion and BD MAX systems, for detection of GBS in vaginal-rectal screening specimens. A total of 510 vaginal-rectal prepartum specimens were tested simultaneously in both NAATs following broth enrichment.
Bacteria Detected in both Urine and Open Wounds in Nursing Home Residents: a Pilot Study
Authors: Libertucci Josie , Bassis Christine M. , Cassone Marco , Gibson Kristen , Lansing Bonnie , Mody Lona , Young Vincent B. , Meddings Jennifer
Published: August 2019

Older adults, specifically those in nursing facilities, are more susceptible to developing chronic open nonhealing wounds. Chronic open nonhealing wounds severely impact an individual’s quality of life and can lead to other comorbidities, such as infection. Recent evidence suggests that the open wound bacterial community can influence wound healing and repair. It is important to understand all sources of open wound contamination to improve preventative infection measures and treatment protocols. In this pilot study, we investigated if bacterial species isolated from urine can also be isolated from open wounds located between the levels of the umbilicus and mid-thigh in the same patient at the same point in time. A growing body of evidence suggests that urine can harbor a microbial community, even in asymptomatic individuals, and older adults are more prone to urinary incontinence. This is the first study to investigate bacterial species concordance between these two anatomical sites. We found, using both culture-dependent and -independent methods, that the same bacterial species can colonize both the urine and wound in one patient at one point in time. Further studies are needed to investigate if these species are of the same lineage and if the urinary microbiota are able to seed colonization of these types of open wounds.
Antiretroviral treatment can reduce the risk of HIV transmission between male partners to ‘zero’
Authors: Cook Rob , Davidson Peter ,   clinical adviser,2, Martin Rosie
Published: August 2019

The study

A Rodger, V Cambiano, T Bruun, et al. Risk of HIV transmission through condomless sex in serodifferent gay couples with the HIV-positive partner taking suppressive antiretroviral therapy (PARTNER): final results of a multicentre, prospective, observational study. Lancet 2019;393:2428-38.

This project was funded by the NIHR Research for Patient Benefit Programme (project number PB-PG-1013-32069).

To read the full NIHR Signal, go to https://discover.dc.nihr.ac.uk/content/signal-000785/antiretroviral-treatment-can-reduce-the-risk-of-hiv-transmission-between-male-partners-to-zero
Innovating in healthcare delivery: a systematic review and a preference-based framework of patient and provider needs
Authors: Salama Joseph S , Lee Alex , Afshin Ashkan
Published: August 2019

Healthcare innovation is becoming a popular but poorly defined option for those who are seeking new ways of reducing costs while also improving the quality of care. The process of innovating in healthcare delivery can be improved by identifying and understanding the unmet needs of patients and providers. We conducted two systematic literature reviews to identify the needs of these stakeholders throughout healthcare delivery and developed a conceptual framework for innovating in healthcare. Our results reveal tension between patients’ and providers’ preferences across three major categories—treatment and outcomes, process of care and structure of care. Therefore, innovating in healthcare may be better understood as addressing the unmet needs of each stakeholder by easing or eliminating tensions between stakeholders. This conceptual framework may serve as a useful instrument for health policymakers, payers and innovators to alike make better decisions as they invest in healthcare innovations.
Mapping the evidence about what works to safely reduce the entry of children and young people into statutory care: a systematic scoping review protocol
Authors: Brand Sarah L , Morgan Fiona , Stabler Lorna , Weightman Alison Lesley , Willis Simone , Searchfield Lydia , Nurmatov Ulugbek , Kemp Alison Mary , Turley Ruth , Scourfield Jonathan , Forrester Donald , Evans Rhiannon E
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The increasing number of children and young people entering statutory care in the UK is a significant social, health and educational priority. Development of effective approaches to safely reduce this number remains a complex but critical issue. Despite a proliferation in interventions, evidence summaries are limited. The present protocol outlines a scoping review of research evidence to identify what works in safely reducing the number of children and young people (aged ≤18 years) entering statutory social care. The mapping of evidence gaps, clusters and uncertainties will inform the research programme of the newly funded Department for Education’s What Works Centre for Children’s Social Care.

Methods and analysis

The review uses Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review methodology. Electronic database and website searches will identify studies targeting reduction of care entry, reduction of care re-entry and increase in post-care reunification. Supplementary searching techniques will include international expert consultation. Abstracts and full-text studies will be independently screened by two reviewers. Ten per cent of data abstraction will be independently conducted by two reviewers, with the remainder being extracted and then verified by a second reviewer. Descriptive numerical summaries and a thematic qualitative synthesis will be generated. Evidence will be synthesised according to primary outcome, intervention point (mapped across socioecological domains) and the realist EMMIE categorisation of evidence type (Effectiveness; Mechanisms of change; Moderators; Implementation; Economic evaluation).

Ethics and dissemination

Outputs will be a conceptual evidence map, a descriptive table quantitatively summarising evidence and a qualitative narrative summary. Results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication, conference presentations, the What Works Centre website, and knowledge translation events with policy-makers and practitioners. Findings will inform the primary research programme of the What Works Centre for Children’s Social Care and the subsequent suite of systematic reviews to be conducted by the Centre in this substantive area.
Multifaceted self-management interventions for older women with urinary incontinence: a systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Fu Yu , Nelson E Andrea , McGowan Linda
Published: August 2019

Objective

To synthesise the evidence for the multifaceted self-management interventions for older women with urinary incontinence (UI) and to understand the outcomes associated with these interventions.

Design

A systematic review and narrative synthesis to identify randomised controlled trials that investigated the effect of multifaceted self-management interventions for older women with UI.

Methods

MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL and Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts databases were searched (January 1990 to May 2019) using a systematic search strategy, complemented by manually screening the reference lists and citation indexes. Study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were undertaken independently. A narrative synthesis was undertaken in which studies, interventions and outcomes were examined based on the intervention components. The effect size and 95% CI were estimated from each study.

Results

A total of 13 147 citations were identified and 16 studies were included. There was no study rated as of high quality. Three types of multifaceted interventions were found: those that had an element of pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME), those with bladder retraining and some with combination behavioural interventions. Outcome measures varied across studies. A statistically significant improvement in incontinence symptoms was reported in the intervention group compared with the control in 15 studies.

Conclusion

Multifaceted interventions that included PFME, bladder retraining or combination behavioural techniques appear to be useful in some settings for UI management in older women, but the quality of the evidence was poor and unclear. There was insufficient evidence to determine whether any of the combination of components is superior to others in improving UI symptoms. There is a need for high-quality studies to confirm the effectiveness of these interventions and to identify comparative effectiveness.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018104010.
Understanding patient profiles and characteristics of current chiropractic practice: a cross-sectional Ontario Chiropractic Observation and Analysis STudy (O-COAST)
Authors: Mior Silvano , Wong Jessica , Sutton Deborah , Beliveau Peter J H , Bussières André , Hogg-Johnson Sheilah , French Simon
Published: August 2019

Objectives

There is no current detailed profile of people seeking chiropractic care in Canada. We describe the profiles of chiropractors’ practice and the reasons, nature of the care provided to their patients and extent of interprofessional collaborations in Ontario, Canada.

Design

Cross-sectional observational study.

Setting

Primary care setting in Ontario, Canada.

Participants

We randomly recruited chiropractors from a list of registered chiropractors (n=3978) in active practice in 2015. Of the 135 randomly selected chiropractors, 120 were eligible, 43 participated and 42 completed the study.

Outcome measures

Each chiropractor recorded information for up to 100 consecutive patient encounters, documenting patient health profiles, reasons for encounter, diagnoses and care provided. Descriptive statistics summarised chiropractor, patient and encounter characteristics, with analyses accounting for clustering and design effects.

Results

Chiropractors provided data on 3523 chiropractor-patient encounters. More than 65% of participating chiropractors were male, mean age 44 years and had practised on average 15 years. The typical patient was female (59% of encounters), between 45 and 64 years (43%) and retired (21%) or employed in business and administration (13%). Most (39.4%) referrals were from other patients, with 6.8% from physicians. Approximately 68% of patients paid out of pocket or claimed extended health insurance for care. Most common diagnoses were back (49%, 95% CI 44 to 56) and neck (15%, 95% CI 13 to 18) problems, with few encounters related to maintenance/preventive care (0.86%, 95% CI 0.2 to 3.9) and non-musculoskeletal problems (1.3%, 95% CI 0.7 to 2.3). The most common treatments included spinal manipulation (72%), soft tissue therapy (70%) and mobilisation (35%).

Conclusions

This is the most comprehensive profile to date of chiropractic practice in Canada. People who present to Ontario chiropractors are mostly adults with a musculoskeletal condition. Our results can be used by stakeholders to make informed decisions about workforce development, education and healthcare policy related to chiropractic care.
Acupuncture for refractory gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Li Dacheng , Zhu Li , Liu Daming
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Refractory gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (rGORD) is a common disease, affecting patients’ quality of life. Since conventional medicines have limitations, like low effective rates and adverse events, acupuncture may be a promising therapy for rGORD. While no related systematic review has been published, the present study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for rGORD.

Methods and analysis

PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Chinese electronic databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang database, VIP, SinoMed and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, will be searched from establishment of the database to 31 August 2019. There will be no limitations on language, and all articles will be screened and collected by two reviewers independently. RevMan V.5.3.5 software will be used for meta-analysis, and the conduction of study will refer to the Cochrane Handbook for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol guidelines. The efficacy and safety of acupuncture for rGORD will be evaluated based on outcomes, including global symptom improvement, oesophageal sphincter function test measured by high-resolution manometry, quality of life, recurrence rate and adverse events.

Ethics and dissemination

There is no necessity for this study to acquire an ethical approval, and this review will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal or conference presentation.

Trial registration number

CRD42018111912.
Emotional disclosure as a therapeutic intervention in palliative care: a scoping review protocol
Authors: McInnerney Daisy , Kupeli Nuriye , Stone Patrick , Anantapong Kanthee , Chan Justin , Candy Bridget
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Emotional disclosure (ED) is a term used to describe the therapeutic expression of emotion. ED underlies a variety of therapies aimed at improving well-being for various populations, including people with palliative-stage disease and their family carers. Systematic reviews of ED-based psychotherapy have largely focused on expressive writing as a way of generating ED. However, heterogeneity in intervention format and outcome measures has made it difficult to analyse efficacy. There is also debate about the mechanisms proposed to explain the potential effects of ED.

We present a scoping review protocol to develop a taxonomy of ED-based interventions to identify and categorise the spectrum of interventions that could be classified under the umbrella term of ‘emotional disclosure’ in the palliative care setting. By mapping these to associated treatment objectives, outcome measures and explanatory frameworks, the review will inform future efforts to design and evaluate ED-based therapies in this population.

Methods and analysis

The review will be guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage scoping review framework and Levac’s extension. The following electronic databases will be searched from database inception: CENTRAL, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science and MEDLINE. We will include peer-reviewed studies and reviews. We will also check grey literature, including clinical trial registers, conference proceedings and reference lists, as well as contacting researchers. Articles will be screened by at least two independent reviewers and data charted using an extraction form developed for this review. Results will be analysed thematically to create a taxonomy of interventions, outcome measures and theoretical frameworks.

Ethics and dissemination

This review does not require ethical approval as it is a secondary analysis of pre-existing, published data. The results will inform future research in the development of ED-based interventions and evaluation of their efficacy in the palliative care setting. We will disseminate findings through peer-reviewed journals.
Adolescents’ experiences of being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a phenomenological study conducted in Sweden
Authors: Andersson Frondelius Iwona , Ranjbar Vania , Danielsson Louise
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To explore adolescents’ experiences of being diagnosed with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Design

Qualitative interview study, using a phenomenological framework and analysis.

Setting

The children’s clinic of a specialised out-care hospital located in a multicultural area of a Swedish city.

Participants

13 adolescents, 7 boys and 6 girls between 14 and 19 years old, who had been diagnosed with ADHD.

Results

The participants’ experience of being diagnosed with ADHD was interpreted as a process of understanding oneself asbeing different, for better or worse, like many others. The participants sought acceptance and a sense of normality, while developing an understanding of both the positive and the negative sides of their ADHD traits. These two sides of a coin were inter-related parts of themselves and were shared by many others, which increased their acceptance. Three themes described phases of the process:struggling with vulnerability,responding to a labelandmanoeuvring social life.

Conclusion

The results add to previous research, illuminating that the adolescents tried to make sense of both the uniqueness and the vulnerability of the ADHD diagnosis. The findings can be useful for healthcare professionals, in reflecting on the complexity of ADHD and on the adolescents’ expectations.
Individualised targets for insulin initiation in type 2 diabetes mellitus—the influence of physician and practice: a cross-sectional study in eight European countries
Authors: Boels Anne Meike , Koning Elwin , Vos Rimke C , Khunti Kamlesh , Rutten Guy EHM
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To determine at what glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level physicians from eight European countries would initiate insulin in type 2 diabetes, which physician or practice related factors influenced this level and whether physicians would differentiate between a younger uncomplicated patient and an older patient with comorbidities.

Design

Cross-sectional study with data from the Guideline Adherence to Enhance Care study.

Setting and participants

410 physicians from both primary and secondary care from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK.

Outcome measures

Physicians were asked at which HbA1c level they would initiate insulin for a young, uncomplicated patient (vignette 1) and for an older, complicated patient (vignette 2). We evaluated differences in HbA1c levels between physicians from different countries using analysis of variance. To identify physician and practice related factors associated with HbA1c level at initiation of insulin, we performed multivariable linear regression. Multiple imputation was used to deal with missing data.

Results

In Germany, Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK, the HbA1c levels for initiating insulin in vignette 2 (range: 60.0 to 66.0 mmol/mol; 7.6% to 8.2%) were higher than for vignette 1 (range: 57.2 to 64.2 mmol/mol; 7.4% to 8.0%). In multivariable analysis, the HbA1c level at which insulin was initiated only differed between countries (vignette 1): Dutch physicians initiated insulin at a lower HbA1c level compared with Belgium, France and the UK. No physician or practice factors were independently associated with HbA1c level at insulin initiation.

Conclusions

When deciding on individualised HbA1c targets for insulin initiation, physicians from five countries took patient’s age and comorbidity into account. The HbA1c level at which physicians would initiate insulin therapy differed between countries.
Quality improvement project aimed at integrating an adapted mindfulness-based stress reduction programme into a paediatric psychology service
Authors: Doyle Jacqueline , Hitchcock Megan , Christie Deborah
Published: August 2019

In our paediatric service, referrals for young people with chronic health problems significantly increased in times of acute stress, for example, during exams, and offering support in a timely manner was often a challenge. In order to respond more efficiently to this increase, a group intervention was introduced.
Quantifying and easing conflicting goals between interest groups in natural resource planning
Authors: Eyvindson Kyle , Repo Anna , Triviño María , Pynnönen Sari , Mönkkönen Mikko
Published: August 2019

Management of natural resources at the regional level is a compromise between a variety of objectives and interests. At the local level, management of the forests depends upon the ownership structure, with forest owners using their forests as they see fit. A potential conflict occurs if the forest owners’ management decisions are counter to the interests of society in general or the industry that relies on the forest resource as their raw material. We explore the intensity of this conflict at the regional level in several large boreal forest production landscapes. To explore the conflict, we investigate three main interest groups: (i) economically oriented forest owners; (ii) industry groups (focusing on maintaining an even timber supply); and (iii) a group representing general public interests (focusing on enhancing ecosystem services and biodiversity protection). The severity of conflicts differs between interest groups; we found a minor conflict between the economically oriented forest owners and industry and a severe conflict among general public interests and the other groups. By quantifying the conflicts, visualizing the impacts shared among interest groups, we anticipate that through shared discovery and understanding, forests can be managed to lessen the conflicts between interest groups.
Various dark energy models with time-varying G and Λ in f(R, T) gravitation theory
Authors: Aygün Sezgin
Published: August 2019

In this research, we have investigated tachyon and [Formula: see text]-essence dark energy (DE) candidates with varying [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for Marder universe in [Formula: see text] gravitation theory [Harko et al., Phys. Rev. D 84, 024020 (2011)]. Here, [Formula: see text] is the arbitrary function of Ricci scalar ([Formula: see text]) and the trace of [Formula: see text]. To solve [Formula: see text] gravity field equations, three different approximations have been used such as cosmological term, equation of state (EoS) parameter and the anisotropy feature of Marder universe. Also, we have discussed some physical results with various graphics.
Unified description of LHC data on elastic pp scattering
Authors: Shabelski Yu. M. , Shuvaev A. G.
Published: August 2019

We present the unified description of the existing data on elastic small angle [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] scattering at the energies 1.8, 1.96, 2.76, 7, 8 and 13 TeV in the framework of Additive Quark Model (AQM). The agreement with the data is quite reasonable.
A Novel Color Image Encryption Algorithm Based on Hyperchaotic System and Permutation-Diffusion Architecture
Authors: Cheng Guangfeng , Wang Chunhua , Chen Hua
Published: August 2019

In recent years, scholars studied and proposed some secure color image encryption algorithms. However, the majority of the published algorithms encrypted red, green and blue (called [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] for short) components independently. In the paper, we propose a color image encryption scheme based on hyperchaotic system and permutation-diffusion architecture. The encryption algorithm utilizes a block permutation which is realized by mixing [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] components to strengthen the dependence of each component. Besides, it can reduce time consumption. Then, the key streams generated by the hyperchaotic system are exploited to diffuse the pixels, the three components affect each other again. And in the diffusion process, we can get two totally different encrypted images even though we change the last pixel because the [Formula: see text] component is diffused in reverse order. The experimental results reveal that our algorithm possesses better abilities of resisting statistical attacks and differential attacks, larger key space, closer information entropy to 8, and faster encryption speed compared with other chaos-based color image encryption algorithms.
On a generalization of weak flatness
Authors: Golchin Akbar , Abbasi Mahdiyeh , Saany Hossein Mohammadzadeh
Published: August 2019

Laan in Pullbacks and flatness properties of acts I, [Commun. Algebra 29(2) (2001) 829–850] introduced Condition [Formula: see text], a generalization of Condition [Formula: see text]. Golchin and Mohammadzadeh in [On Condition ([Formula: see text]), Semigroup Forum 86(2) (2012) 413–430] introduced Condition [Formula: see text], a generalization of Condition [Formula: see text]. In this paper similarly, we introduce a generalization of weak flatness property, called [Formula: see text], and will classify monoids by this property of their acts. We also characterize [Formula: see text] coherent monoids in general and monoids coming from some special classes.
Structural Basis for Allosteric Modulation of Class B G Protein–Coupled Receptors
Authors: Wootten Denise , Miller Laurence J.
Published: August 2019

Recent advances in our understanding of the structure and function of class B G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) provide multiple opportunities for targeted development of allosteric modulators. Given the pleiotropic signaling patterns emanating from these receptors in response to a variety of natural agonist ligands, modulators have the potential to sculpt the responses to meet distinct needs of different groups of patients. In this review, we provide insights into how this family of GPCRs differs from the rest of the superfamily, how orthosteric agonists bind and activate these receptors, the potential for allosteric modulators to interact with various regions of these targets, and the allosteric influence of endogenous proteins on the pharmacology of these receptors, all of which are important considerations when developing new therapies.
Levering Mechanically Activated Piezo Channels for Potential Pharmacological Intervention
Authors: Xiao Bailong
Published: August 2019

The mechanically activated Piezo channels, including Piezo1 and Piezo2 in mammals, function as key mechanotransducers for converting mechanical force into electrochemical signals. This review highlights key evidence for the potential of Piezo channel drug discovery. First, both mouse and human genetic studies have unequivocally demonstrated the prominent role of Piezo channels in various mammalian physiologies and pathophysiologies, validating their potential as novel therapeutic targets. Second, the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the 2,547-residue mouse Piezo1 trimer has been determined, providing a solid foundation for studying its structure-function relationship and drug action mechanisms and conducting virtual drug screening. Third, Piezo1 chemical activators, named Yoda1 and Jedi1/2, have been identified through high-throughput screening assays, demonstrating the drugability of Piezo channels. However, the pharmacology of Piezo channels is in its infancy. By establishing an integrated drug discovery platform, we may hopefully discover and develop a fleet of Jedi masters for battling Piezo-related human diseases.
Postnatal administration of leptin antagonist mitigates susceptibility to obesity under high-fat diet in male αMUPA mice
Authors: Zecharia Danielle , Rauch Maayan , Sharabi-Nov Adi , Tamir Snait , Gutman Roee
Published: August 2019

Perturbations in postnatal leptin signaling have been associated with altered susceptibility to diet-induced obesity (DIO) under high-fat-diet (HFD), albeit with contradicting evidence. Previous studies have shown that alpha murine urokinase-type plasminogen activator (αMUPA) mice have a higher and longer postnatal leptin surge compared with their wild types (WTs) as well as lower body weight and food intake under regular diet (RD). Here we explored αMUPA's propensity for DIO and the effect of attenuating postnatal leptin signaling with leptin antagonist (LA) on energy homeostasis under both RD and HFD. Four-day-old αMUPA pups were treated on alternate days until postnatal day 18 with either vehicle or LA (10 or 20 mg·day−1·kg−1) and weaned into RD or HFD. Compared with RD-fed αMUPA males, HFD-fed αMUPA males showed higher energy intake, even when corrected for body weight difference, and became hyperinsulinemic and obese. Additionally, HFD-fed αMUPA males gained body weight at a higher rate than their WTs mainly because of strain differences in energy expenditure. LA administration did not affect strain differences under RD but attenuated αMUPA’s hyperinsulinemia and DIO under HFD, most likely by mediating energy expenditure. Together with our previous findings, these results suggest that αMUPA’s leptin surge underlies its higher susceptibility to obesity under HFD, highlighting the role of leptin-related developmental processes in inducing obesity in a postweaning obesogenic environment, at least in αMUPA males. This study therefore supports the use of αMUPA mice for elucidating developmental mechanisms of obesity and the efficacy of early-life manipulations via leptin surge axis in attenuating DIO.
Genetic Risk of Talon Cusp: Talon Cusp in Five Siblings
Authors: Elmubarak Nuha Abdel-Rahman
Published: August 2019

Talon cusp is a rare dental anomaly that appears as a cusp-like projection on anterior teeth. Although numerous articles considering this anomaly have been published, this report has displayed a unique presentation of talon cusp. This case series is the first report in literature on which talon cusp has been presented in multiple siblings which highlights the genetic/familial component of the etiology. The report has also displayed unfamiliar morphological appearance (heart shape) of the talon cusp. Furthermore, talon cusp has shown an association with taurodontism in this report. Taurodontism has never been mentioned in the previous literature among the odontogenic variations that may associate talon cusp. A 25-year-old male has presented with talon cusps on the palatal surface of anterior teeth. Family history revealed four of his siblings had the same anomaly on anterior teeth. Talon cusps in the five cases cause clinical problems like occlusal interference, displacement and proclination of the anterior tooth, caries in the grooves delineating talon cusp, or pulp necrosis. Free dental treatment has been offered in the university clinic. However, they live in remote rural areas making it difficult to follow up with treatment.
Model of Automobile Parts Sale Prediction Based on Nonlinear Periodic Gray GM(1,1) and Empirical Research
Authors: Gong Lixiong , Wang Canlin
Published: August 2019

The traditional predictive method cannot fully reflect the complex nonlinear characteristics and regularities of automobile and parts sales data, so the prediction precision is not high. The purpose of this paper is to propose the gray GM(1,1) nonlinear periodic predictive model by introducing the seasonal variation index to improve predictive accuracy of the single GM(1,1) model. Firstly, the paper analyzes concept of GM(1,1) and then proposes the gray GM(1,1) nonlinear periodic predictive model to forecast automobile parts sales. The model algorithm used gray theory and accumulated technology to generate new data and set up unified differential equations to find the fitting curve of automobile parts sales prediction by the seasonal variation index to remove random elements. Lastly, the gray GM(1,1) nonlinear periodic predictive model is used for empirical analysis; the result of example shows that the model proposed in the paper is feasible. The superiority of the proposed predictive model compared with the single gray GM(1,1) model is demonstrated. The reliability of this model is experienced by the accuracy test, which provides a theoretical guidance for the prediction of automobile part sales. And the average relative error is reduced by 8.52% compared with the single GM(1,1) model.
Effect of Inulin-Type Carbohydrates on Insulin Resistance in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rao Mingyue , Gao Chenlin , Xu Ling , Jiang Lan , Zhu Jianhua , Chen Guo , Law Betty Yuen Kwan , Xu Yong
Published: August 2019

Background. Insulin resistance (IR) is a physiological condition related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity, which is associated with high blood insulin and glucose. Inulin-type carbohydrate (ITC) is a kind of fermentable fructan that can reduce glucose and ameliorate IR in an animal model, but the effect in clinical trials is controversial. Objective. The authors conducted a systematic literature review to evaluate the effect of ITC supplementation in ameliorating IR in T2DM and obese patients. Methods. Multiple databases were queried for studies before December 25, 2018, which involved supplementation with ITC in ameliorating IR in T2DM and obese patients. Studies that involved meta-analysis of the body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FI), HbA1c, homeostatic model assessment IR (HOMA-IR), and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) of T2DM subjects were included. HOMA-IR and QUICKI were identified as the primary outcomes. A systematic review was performed to evaluate the effect of ITC on IR in obese patients. Results. The database search yielded 25 studies, which met the inclusion criteria; 11 articles were meta-analyzed, and 5 other articles on T2DM and 9 articles on simple obesity were systematically reviewed. Our results did not find ITC supplementation decrease postintervention and reduction data of BMI (P=0.08). However, it can significantly decrease postintervention and reduction data of FPG, FI, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR. Heterogeneity was eliminated by subgroup analysis according to baseline BMI. There was no significant difference in the amelioration of QUICKI between the ITC and control groups. However, the difference was statistically significant and the heterogeneity was eliminated after subgroup analysis according to intakes of ITC. 14 articles for a systematic review found that the results of blood glucose, insulin, and HbA1c were controversial. Only one of the seven studies on simple obesity concluded that ITC intervention significantly ameliorated HOMA-IR, while the other six did not. Conclusion. Supplementation of ITC can ameliorate IR in T2DM, especially in obese T2DM patients, but the effects are controversial in obese patients.
Egg White Hydrolysate Retains the Nutritional Value of Proteins and Is Quickly Absorbed in Rats
Authors: Matsuoka Ryosuke , Kurihara Hitoshi , Nishijima Noriaki , Oda Yoshifumi , Handa Akihiro
Published: August 2019

Egg white protein has a high net protein utilisation, with a score of 100 in the amino acid rating system. Although the enzymatic breakdown of egg white yields hydrolysates that are rapidly absorbed and various physiological activities can be expected from them, flavouring egg white to meet taste requirements as a food has been a difficult challenge. Herein, we developed a high-molecular-weight egg white hydrolysate and compared the absorption rate and nutritional value of the hydrolysate with those of egg white proteins obtained from raw materials, whey proteins, and hydrolysates, also known as high-quality proteins. The absorption rate of egg white hydrolysates was faster than that of egg white and whey proteins in portal vein cannulated rats, and their bioavailability values were higher than those of whey proteins and hydrolysates. According to the protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score and digestible indispensable amino acid score, the scores for egg white hydrolysates were equivalent to those of egg white and whey proteins but higher than those of whey hydrolysates. Our results show that egg white hydrolysates maintain the nutritional value of egg whites and are rapidly absorbed by the body.
TNFAIP3 Gene Polymorphisms in Three Common Autoimmune Diseases: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Primary Sjogren Syndrome—Association with Disease Susceptibility and Clinical Phenotypes in Italian Patients
Authors: Ciccacci C. , Latini A. , Perricone C. , Conigliaro P. , Colafrancesco S. , Ceccarelli F. , Priori R. , Conti F. , Perricone R. , Novelli G. , Borgiani P.
Published: August 2019

Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are complex diseases characterized by persistent or recurrent inflammation, alteration of immune response, and production of specific autoantibodies. It is known that different AIDs share several susceptibility genetic loci. Tumor necrosis factor alpha inducible protein 3 (TNFAIP3) encodes the ubiquitin-modifying enzyme A20, which downregulates inflammation by restricting NF-κB, a transcription factor that regulates expression of various proinflammatory genes. Variants in TNFAIP3 gene have been described as associated with susceptibility to several AIDs. Here, we analyzed two TNFAIP3 polymorphisms in Italian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS), to verify if the genetic variability of TNFAIP3 gene is involved in genetic predisposition to AIDs also in the Italian population. We recruited 313 SLE patients, 256 RA patients, 195 pSS patients, and 236 healthy controls. Genotyping of rs2230926 and rs6920220 in TNFAIP3 gene was performed by an allelic discrimination assay. We carried out a case/control association study and a genotype/phenotype correlation analysis. A higher risk to develop SLE was observed for rs2230926 (P=0.02, OR=1.92). No association was observed between this SNP and the susceptibility to pSS or RA. However, the rs2230926 variant allele seems to confer a higher risk to develop lymphoma in pSS patients, while in RA patients, the presence of RF resulted significantly associated with the variant allele. Regarding the rs6920220 SNP, we observed a significant association of the variant allele with SLE (P=0.03, OR=1.53), pSS (P=0.016, OR=1.69), and RA (P=0.0001, OR=2.35) susceptibility. Furthermore, SLE patients carrying the variant allele showed a higher risk to develop pericarditis, pleurisy, and kidney complications. Our results support the importance of the TNFAIP3 gene variant role in the development of different autoimmune diseases in the Italian population and furtherly confirm a sharing of genetic predisposing factors among these three pathologies.
Applications of Fractional Lower Order Frequency Spectrum Technologies to Bearing Fault Analysis
Authors: Long Junbo , Wang Haibin , Li Peng
Published: August 2019

The traditional spectral analysis method is used to study the characteristics of bearing fault signals in frequency domain, which is reasonable and effective in general cases. However, it is proved that the fault signals have heavy tails in this paper, which are α stable distribution, and 1 < α < 2, and even the noises belong to α stable distribution. Then the conventional spectral analysis methods degenerate and even fail under α stable distribution environment. Several improved frequency spectral analysis methods are proposed employing fractional lower order covariation or fractional lower order covariance in this paper, including fractional lower order Blackman‐Tukey covariation spectrum (FLOBTCS), fractional lower order periodogram covariation spectrum (FLOPCS), and fractional lower order welch covariation spectrum (FLOWCS). In order to suppress side lobe and improve resolution, we present novel fractional lower order autoregression (FLO‐AR) and fractional lower order autoregressive moving average (FLO‐ARMA) parameter model frequency spectrum methods, and the calculation steps are summarized. The proposed spectrum methods are compared with the existing methods based on second‐order statistics under Gaussian and SαS distribution environments, and the results show that the new algorithms have better performance than the traditional methods. Finally, the improved methods are applied to estimate frequency spectrums of the normal and outer race fault signals, and it is demonstrated that they are effective for fault diagnosis.
Protective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Baillonella toxisperma Stem Bark on Dexamethasone-Induced Insulin Resistance in Rats
Authors: Wego Marius Trésor , Poualeu Kamani Sylviane Laure , Miaffo David , Nchouwet Moise Legentil , Kamanyi Albert , Wansi Ngnokam Sylvie Léa
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of Baillonella toxisperma stem bark on dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance in rats. A quantitative phytochemical study was done on the aqueous extract of Baillonella toxisperma for the total phenol, flavonoid, and flavonol determination. Insulin resistance was induced by intraperitoneal injection of dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) for 8 days, one hour before oral administration of different treatments (extract at doses of 60, 120, and 240 mg/kg and metformin at 40 mg/kg). During the test, body weight and blood glucose level were evaluated on days 1 and 8. At the last day of treatment, the glucose tolerance test was performed in rats; after that, blood samples were collected for triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterols, transaminases (ALT and AST), and total protein level determination. Organs (heart, liver, pancreas, and kidneys) were also collected for the relative organ weight determination. The results showed that the aqueous extract of B. toxisperma is rich in total phenols, flavonoids, and flavonols. This extract significantly reversed the metabolic alterations (lipid profile, protein level, and transaminase activity) induced by dexamethasone in rats. At doses of 120 and 60 mg/kg, Baillonella toxisperma also significantly decreases (p<0.05; p<0.01) postprandial hyperglycemia in insulin resistance rats. The results suggest that Baillonella toxisperma can manage insulin resistance and may be useful for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
New Techniques for Sizing Solar Photovoltaic Panels for Environment Monitoring Sensor Nodes
Authors: Byamukama Maximus , Bakkabulindi Geofrey , Akol Roseline , Sansa-Otim Julianne
Published: August 2019

The development of perpetually powered sensor networks for environment monitoring to avoid periodic battery replacement and to ensure the network never goes offline due to power is one of the primary goals in sensor network design. In many environment-monitoring applications, the sensor network is internet-connected, making the energy budget high because data must be transmitted regularly to a server through an uplink device. Determining the optimal solar panel size that will deliver sufficient energy to the sensor network in a given period is therefore of primary importance. The traditional technique of sizing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels is based on balancing the solar panel power rating and expected hours of radiation in a given area with the load wattage and hours of use. However, factors like the azimuth and tilt angles of alignment, operating temperature, dust accumulation, intermittent sunshine and seasonal effects influencing the duration of maximum radiation in a day all reduce the expected power output and cause this technique to greatly underestimate the required solar panel size. The majority of these factors are outside the scope of human control and must be therefore be budgeted for using an error factor. Determining of the magnitude of the error factor to use is crucial to prevent not only undersizing the panel, but also to prevent oversizing which will increase the cost of operationalizing the sensor network. But modeling error factors when there are many parameters to consider is not trivial. Equally importantly, the concept of microclimate may cause any two nodes of similar specifications to have very different power performance when located in the same climatological zone. There is then a need to change the solar panel sizing philosophy for these systems. This paper proposed the use of actual observed solar radiation and battery state of charge data in a realistic WSN-based automatic weather station in an outdoor uncontrolled environment. We then develop two mathematical models that can be used to determine the required minimum solar PV wattage that will ensure that the battery stays above a given threshold given the weather patterns of the area. The predicted and observed battery state of charge values have correlations of 0.844 and 0.935 and exhibit Root Mean Square Errors of 9.2% and 1.7% for the discrete calculus model and the transfer function estimation (TFE) model respectively. The results show that the models perform very well in state of charge prediction and subsequent determination of ideal solar panel rating for sensor networks used in environment monitoring applications.