bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A combination of stereological methods, biochemistry and electron microscopy for the investigation of drug treatment effects in experimental animals
Authors: MORAES ALAN CN DE , ANDRADE CHERLEY BV , SALATA CAMILA , NASCIMENTO ANA LR , RAMOS ISALIRA P , GOLDENBERG REGINA CS , CARVALHO JORGE J , MACHADO ANA CS
Published: October 2015

Some chemotherapeutic agents used for breast cancer (BC) treatment can induce severe side effects in the ovarian tissue. The combination of cyclophosphamide and docetaxel (TC) is widely used for BC treatment; however, its late effects in the ovary are not completely understood. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the structural and ultrastructural alterations in the ovarian stroma induced by TC treatment. Wistar rats were divided into two groups: a control group and a TC group. They were euthanized 5 months after the end of treatment, and their plasma and ovaries were collected. Important alterations were noted. The serum estradiol level was significantly reduced in the TC group compared with the control group. Additionally, the number of apoptotic nuclei was higher in the TC group. The role of the inflammatory response in the development of ovarian damage was investigated, and we found an increased number of mast cells and increased expression of TNF‐α in the TC group. The involvement of fibrosis was also investigated. The results showed that the TC group had increased expression levels of TGF‐β1, collagen type I (col‐I) and collagen type III (col‐III) compared with the control group. Ultrastructural analysis revealed the presence of collagen fibrils in the treated group and illustrated that the ovarian tissue architecture was more disorganized in this group than in the control group. The results from this study are important in the study of chemotherapy‐induced ovarian failure and provide further insight into the mechanisms involved in the development of this disease.
Prenatal Hypoxia Ischemia Increases Male Rat Sexual Behavior
Authors: Ferraz M. M.D. , Sab I. M. , Silva M. A. , Santos D. A.S. , Ferraz M. R.
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Research consistently indicates an association between prenatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) and mortality and chronic neurological diseases in newborns. HI can cause permanent effects, including mental retardation, motor impairment, learning disabilities, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy. Moreover, little is known about the relationship between HI and sexual behavior.

Aims

The aims of this study are to examine whether HI is associated with changes in sexual behavior.

Methods

HI was induced by clamping the uterine arteries of pregnant rats. The arteries were clamped for 45 minutes on the 18th day of gestation (HI group). Shams received laparotomy and anesthesia only. Pups were born at term. At 90 days of age, sexual behavior was evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferonni correction.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures of sexual response were standard sexual behavior, homosexual behavior, and sexual attempt on nonreceptive females.

Results

The stimulatory effect of HI on male rat sexual behavior has been shown in various experimental models; these animals showed reduced mount, intromission and ejaculation latencies; increased copulatory efficiency; and homosexual mounting. Additionally, there was an increase in fighting in trying to mount an unreceptive female.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that HI had a long-term effect on sexual behavior despite exhibiting motor skill impairment. Accordingly, injuries during the fetal period may cause behavioral problems in adulthood.
Daclatasvir + asunaprevir + beclabuvir ± ribavirin for chronic HCV genotype 1‐infected treatment‐naive patients
Authors: Everson Gregory T. , Sims Karen D. , Thuluvath Paul J. , Lawitz Eric , Hassanein Tarek , Rodriguez‐Torres Maribel , Desta Tadesse , Hawkins Trevor , Levin James M. , Hinestrosa Federico , Rustgi Vinod , Schwartz Howard , Younossi Zobair , Webster Lynn , Gitlin Norman , Eley Timothy , Huang Shu‐Pang , McPhee Fiona , Grasela Dennis M. , Gardiner David F.
Published: October 2015

Background and Aims

This phase‐2b study examined the safety and efficacy of an all‐oral, interferon‐free combination of the NS5A replication complex inhibitor daclatasvir (DCV), the NS3 protease inhibitor asunaprevir (ASV), and the nonnucleoside NS5B polymerase inhibitor beclabuvir (BCV) with or without ribavirin in patients with HCV genotype (GT) 1 infection.

Methods

A total of 187 patients received 12 weeks of DCV 30 mg BID plus ASV 200 mg BID and BCV 150 mg BID (n = 86) or 75 mg BID with (n = 21) or without (n = 80) weight‐based ribavirin BID. The primary endpoint was HCV RNA <25 IU/ml at post‐treatment week 12 (SVR12).

Results

Overall, 90% of patients (169/187) in the combined treatment groups achieved SVR on or after post‐treatment week 12. SVR rates were similar across subgroups (by mITT analysis), i.e. patients with cirrhosis (88%, 14/16), HCV GT‐1a (90%, 137/155), and IL28B non‐CC genotype (90%, 115/128). There were no drug‐related serious AEs or grade 4 AEs. The most frequently reported AEs were headache, diarrhoea, fatigue and nausea. Addition of ribavirin to DCV+ASV+BCV was associated with decreased haemoglobin, compared with DCV+ASV+BCV alone. There were six grade 3/4 laboratory abnormalities noted, all unrelated to the study drugs. Viral breakthrough occurred in 2.5–4.8% of patients across groups and appeared unrelated to BCV dose or ribavirin inclusion.

Conclusions

Results support phase 3 evaluation of a twice‐daily, fixed‐dose formulation of this DCV+ASV+BCV regimen with or without ribavirin in HCV GT‐1‐infected patients.
Influenza A H1N1 pdm09‐associated myocarditis during zanamivir therapy
Authors: Ito Naoko , Sato Masatoki , Momoi Nobuo , Aoyagi Yoshimichi , Endo Kisei , Chishiki Mina , Kawasaki Yukihiko , Hosoya Mitsuaki
Published: October 2015

A 9‐year‐old girl developed influenza A H1N1 pdm09‐associated myocarditis and pericarditis 2 days after starting zanamivir therapy. The virus was detected in the respiratory tract but not in the serum or pericardial effusion. The virus sampled from the respiratory tract had normal susceptibility to neuraminidase inhibitors. Although no differences in interferon‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and tumor necrosis factor‐α were observed between the plasma and pericardial effusion, some inflammatory cytokines or chemokines (IL‐6 and IL‐8) and vascular endothelial growth factor were remarkably elevated in the pericardial effusion compared with the plasma. This suggested that the influenza virus, after infecting the respiratory tract, affected the myocardium, causing myocarditis to gradually develop, which might have been followed by an autoreactive pericarditis causing increased pericardial effusion. Therefore, influenza‐associated myocarditis should be considered when influenza patients have respiratory and cardiac involvement, even during treatment with a neuraminidase inhibitor.
Acculturation, gender, and views on interracial relationships among Chinese Canadians
Authors: LOU EVELINA , LALONDE RICHARD N. , WONG JANE Y. T.
Published: October 2015

Acculturation to mainstream and heritage culture has been shown to influence attitudes and behaviors related to romantic relationships. Few studies have examined its influence on views regarding interracial relationships and whether the psychological processes underlying these relations vary across gender. Among Chinese Canadian participants (N = 248), mainstream acculturation, but not Chinese acculturation, was associated with more personal openness to and less cultural values conflict about interracial relationships. Among men, stronger egalitarian gender role ideology mediated the relations between mainstream acculturation and the above interracial relationship variables. For women, fewer concerns about cultural preservation mediated the relation between mainstream acculturation and less cultural values conflict. The importance of understanding cultural influences on interracial relationships through a gendered lens is discussed.
Epigallocatechin‐3‐Gallate (EGCG) Reduces Rotenone Effect on Stallion Sperm–Zona Pellucida Heterologous Binding
Authors: Plaza Dávila M , Bucci D , Galeati G , Peña FJ , Mari G , Giaretta E , Tamanini C , Spinaci M
Published: October 2015

Contents

Stallion spermatozoa are highly dependent on oxidative phosphorylation for ATP production to achieve normal sperm function and to fuel the motility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of equine sperm under capacitating conditions to the inhibition of mitochondrial complex I by rotenone and to test whether epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), a natural polyphenol component of green tea, could counteract this effect. After 2‐h incubation of stallion spermatozoa in modified Tyrode's medium, rotenone (100 nm, 500 nm and 5 μm) and EGCG (10, 20 and 60 μm), alone or in combination, did not induce any significant difference on the percentage of viable cells, live sperm with active mitochondria and spermatozoa with intact acrosome. The inhibition of complex I of mitochondrial respiratory chain of stallion sperm with rotenone exerted a negative effect on heterologous ZP binding ability. EGCG at the concentrations of 10 and 20 μm (but not of 60 μm) induced a significant increase in the number of sperm bound to the ZP compared with that for control. Moreover, when stallion sperm were treated with rotenone 100 nm, the presence of EGCG at all the concentrations tested (10, 20 and 60 μm) significantly increased the number of sperm bound to the ZP up to control levels, suggesting that this green tea polyphenol is able to reduce the toxicity of rotenone.
Successful treatment of hepatitis C virus infection with sofosbuvir and simeprevir in the early phase of an allogeneic stem cell transplant
Authors: Piñana J.L. , Serra M.Á. , Hernández‐Boluda J.C. , Navarro D. , Calabuig M. , Solano C.
Published: October 2015

Currently, a lack of consensus exists on how to manage a hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). Ribavirin alone, or in combination with interferon, has been the mainstream therapy for HCV infection after transplantation. However, very few patients have been regularly treated owing to concerns about poor tolerability, frequent side effects, and limited efficacy. The present case illustrates the striking efficacy of the combination therapy of sofosbuvir with simeprevir, early after transplantation, as it was able to completely eliminate viral replication within 1 month of initiation of treatment. Moreover, tolerance was good, with only minor interactions between the immunosuppressive drugs. This case report supports the feasibility of using this combination therapy early after allo‐HSCT for patients with HCV infection.
Cystine accumulation attenuates insulin release from the pancreatic β‐cell due to elevated oxidative stress and decreased ATP levels
Authors: McEvoy Bernadette , Sumayao Rodolfo , Slattery Craig , McMorrow Tara , Newsholme Philip
Published: October 2015

Key points

In cystinosis, a lysosomal storage disorder, an altered redox state has been suggested as contributing to cellular dysfunction.

Ctns gene knockdown in a pancreatic β‐cell line caused increased cystine levels.

Attenuated nutrient stimulated insulin secretion was observed after Ctns knockdown which may have been caused by an increase in oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress may reduce ATP production in pancreatic β‐cells resulting in attenuated insulin release.

The redox‐sensitive transcription factor NF‐κB was activated after Ctns knockdown which may contribute to the increased incidence of apoptosis.

The pancreatic β‐cell has reduced antioxidant defences making it more susceptible to oxidative stress. In cystinosis, a lysosomal storage disorder, an altered redox state may contribute to cellular dysfunction. This rare disease is caused by an abnormal lysosomal cystine transporter, cystinosin, which causes excessive accumulation of cystine in the lysosome. Cystinosis associated kidney damage and dysfunction leads to the Fanconi syndrome and ultimately end‐stage renal disease. Following kidney transplant, cystine accumulation in other organs including the pancreas leads to multi‐organ dysfunction. In this study, a Ctns gene knockdown model of cystinosis was developed in the BRIN‐BD11 rat clonal pancreatic β‐cell line using Ctns‐targeting siRNA. Additionally there was reduced cystinosin expression, while cell cystine levels were similarly elevated to the cystinotic state. Decreased levels of chronic (24 h) and acute (20 min) nutrient‐stimulated insulin secretion were observed. This decrease may be due to depressed ATP generation particularly from glycolysis. Increased ATP production and the ATP/ADP ratio are essential for insulin secretion. Oxidised glutathione levels were augmented, resulting in a lower [glutathione/oxidised glutathione] redox potential. Additionally, the mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced, apoptosis levels were elevated, as were markers of oxidative stress, including reactive oxygen species, superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, the basal and activated phosphorylated forms of the redox‐sensitive transcription factor NF‐κB were increased in cells with silenced Ctns. From this study, the cystinotic‐like pancreatic β‐cell model demonstrated that the altered oxidative status of the cell, resulted in depressed mitochondrial function and pathways of ATP production, causing reduced nutrient‐stimulated insulin secretion.
An Anisotropic Multiphysics Model for Intervertebral Disk
Authors: Gao Xin , Zhu Qiaoqiao , Gu Weiyong
Published: October 2015

Intervertebral disk (IVD) is the largest avascular structure in human body, consisting of three types of charged hydrated soft tissues. Its mechanical behavior is nonlinear and anisotropic, due mainly to nonlinear interactions among different constituents within tissues. In this study, a more realistic anisotropic multiphysics model was developed based on the continuum mixture theory and employed to characterize the couplings of multiple physical fields in the IVD. Numerical simulations demonstrate that this model is capable of systematically predicting the mechanical and electrochemical signals within the disk under various loading conditions, which is essential in understanding the mechanobiology of IVD.
Biomechanical Comparison of Glutaraldehyde-Crosslinked Gelatin Fibrinogen Electrospun Scaffolds to Porcine Coronary Arteries
Authors: Tamimi E. , Ardila D. C. , Haskett D. G. , Doetschman T. , Slepian M. J. , Kellar R. S. , Vande Geest J. P.
Published: October 2015

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for Americans. As coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) remains a mainstay of therapy for CVD and native vein grafts are limited by issues of supply and lifespan, an effective readily available tissue-engineered vascular graft (TEVG) for use in CABG would provide drastic improvements in patient care. Biomechanical mismatch between vascular grafts and native vasculature has been shown to be the major cause of graft failure, and therefore, there is need for compliance-matched biocompatible TEVGs for clinical implantation. The current study investigates the biaxial mechanical characterization of acellular electrospun glutaraldehyde (GLUT) vapor-crosslinked gelatin/fibrinogen cylindrical constructs, using a custom-made microbiaxial optomechanical device (MOD). Constructs crosslinked for 2, 8, and 24 hrs are compared to mechanically characterized porcine left anterior descending coronary (LADC) artery. The mechanical response data were used for constitutive modeling using a modified Fung strain energy equation. The results showed that constructs crosslinked for 2 and 8 hrs exhibited circumferential and axial tangential moduli (ATM) similar to that of the LADC. Furthermore, the 8-hrs experimental group was the only one to compliance-match the LADC, with compliance values of 0.0006±0.00018 mm Hg−1 and 0.00071±0.00027 mm Hg−1, respectively. The results of this study show the feasibility of meeting mechanical specifications expected of native arteries through manipulating GLUT vapor crosslinking time. The comprehensive mechanical characterization of cylindrical biopolymer constructs in this study is an important first step to successfully develop a biopolymer compliance-matched TEVG.
The influence of neutron contamination on dosimetry in external photon beam radiotherapy
Authors: Horst Felix , Czarnecki Damian , Zink Klemens
Published: October 2015

Purpose:

Photon fields with energies above ∼7 MeV are contaminated by neutrons due to photonuclear reactions. Their influence on dosimetry—although considered to be very low—is widely unexplored.

Methods:

In this work, Monte Carlo based investigations into this issue performed with fluka and egsnrc are presented. A typical Linac head in 18 MV‐X mode was modeled equivalently within both codes. egsnrc was used for the photon and fluka for the neutron production and transport simulation. Water depth dose profiles and the response of different detectors (Farmer chamber, TLD‐100, TLD‐600H, and TLD‐700H chip) in five representative depths were simulated and the neutrons’ impact (neutron absorbed dose relative to photon absorbed dose) was calculated. To take account of the neutrons’ influence, a theoretically required correction factor was defined and calculated for five representative water depths.

Results:

The neutrons’ impact on the absorbed dose to water was found to be below 0.1% for all depths and their impact on the response of the Farmer chamber and the TLD‐700H chip was found to be even less. For the TLD‐100 and the TLD‐600H chip it was found to be up to 0.3% and 0.7%, respectively. The theoretical correction factors to be applied to absorbed dose to water values measured with these four detectors in a depth different from the reference/calibration depth were calculated and found to be below 0.05% for the Farmer chamber and the TLD‐700H chip, but up to 0.15% and 0.35% for the TLD‐100 and TLD‐600H chips, respectively. In thermoluminescence dosimetry the neutrons’ influence (and therefore the additional inaccuracy in measurement) was found to be higher for TLD materials whose 6Li fraction is high, such as TLD‐100 and TLD‐600H, resulting from the thermal neutron capture reaction on 6Li.

Conclusions:

The impact of photoneutrons on the absorbed dose to water and on the response of a typical ionization chamber as well as three different types of TLD chips was quantified and was as expected found to be very low relative to that of the primary photons. For most practical reasons the neutrons’ influence on dosimetry might be neglected while for absolute precise thermoluminescence dosimetry in high energy photon fields, the use of TLD‐700H (<0.03% 6Li) instead of the commonly used TLD‐100 (7.4% 6Li) or even the extra neutron sensitive TLD‐600H is recommended (95.6% 6Li) due to the additional inaccuracy in measurement for TLD materials with a high 6Li fraction.
High-Intensity Interval Training and Isocaloric Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training Result in Similar Improvements in Body Composition and Fitness in Obese Individuals
Authors: Martins Catia , Kazakova Irina , Ludviksen Marit , Mehus Ingar , Wisloff Ulrik , Kulseng Bard , Morgan Linda , King Neil
Published: October 2015

This study aimed to determine the effects of 12 weeks of isocaloric programs of high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT) or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) or a short-duration HIIT (1/2HIIT) inducing only half the energy deficit on a cycle ergometer, on body weight and composition, cardiovascular fitness, resting metabolism rate (RMR), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), nonexercise physical activity (PA) levels and fasting and postprandial insulin response in sedentary obese individuals. Forty-six sedentary obese individuals (30 women), with a mean BMI of 33.3 ± 2.9 kg/m2 and a mean age of 34.4 ± 8.8 years were randomly assigned to one of the three training groups: HIIT (n = 16), MICT (n = 14) or 1/2HIIT (n = 16) and exercise was performed 3 times/week for 12 weeks. Overall, there was a significant reduction in body weight, waist (p < .001) and hip (p < .01) circumference,, trunk and leg fat mass (FM; p < .01) and an increase in trunk and leg fat free mass (FFM; p < .01) and cardiovascular fitness (VO2max in ml/kg/min; p < .001) with exercise. However, no significant differences were observed between groups. There was no significant change in RMR, RER, nonexercise PA levels, fasting insulin or insulin sensitivity with exercise or between groups. There was a tendency for a reduction in AUC insulin with exercise (p = .069), but no differences between groups. These results indicate that isocaloric training protocols of HIIT or MICT (or 1/2HIIT inducing only half the energy deficit) exert similar metabolic and cardiovascular improvements in sedentary obese individuals.
Lipids and microbes get inflammatory
Authors: Prabakaran Sudhakaran
Published: October 2015

Saturated lipids increase inflammation in white adipose tissue through effects on gut microbiota.
How T cells maintain their identity
Authors: Mueller Kristen L.
Published: October 2015

Regulatory T cells require the transcription factor Helios to stably maintain their identity.
The Soil Microbiota Harbors a Diversity of Carbapenem-Hydrolyzing β-Lactamases of Potential Clinical Relevance
Authors: Gudeta Dereje Dadi , Bortolaia Valeria , Amos Greg , Wellington Elizabeth M. H. , Brandt Kristian K. , Poirel Laurent , Nielsen Jesper Boye , Westh Henrik , Guardabassi Luca
Published: October 2015

The origin of carbapenem-hydrolyzing metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) acquired by clinical bacteria is largely unknown. We investigated the frequency, host range, diversity, and functionality of MBLs in the soil microbiota. Twenty-five soil samples of different types and geographical origins were analyzed by antimicrobial selective culture, followed by phenotypic testing and expression of MBL-encoding genes in
Escherichia coli
, and whole-genome sequencing of MBL-producing strains was performed. Carbapenemase activity was detected in 29 bacterial isolates from 13 soil samples, leading to identification of seven new MBLs in presumptive
Pedobacter roseus
(PEDO-1),
Pedobacter borealis
(PEDO-2),
Pedobacter kyungheensis
(PEDO-3),
Chryseobacterium piscium
(CPS-1),
Epilithonimonas tenax
(ESP-1),
Massilia oculi
(MSI-1), and
Sphingomonas
sp. (SPG-1). Carbapenemase production was likely an intrinsic feature in
Chryseobacterium
and
Epilithonimonas
, as it occurred in reference strains of different species within these genera. The amino acid identity to MBLs described in clinical bacteria ranged between 40 and 69%. Remarkable features of the new MBLs included prophage integration of the encoding gene (PEDO-1), an unusual amino acid residue at a key position for MBL structure and catalysis (CPS-1), and overlap with a putative OXA β-lactamase (MSI-1). Heterologous expression of PEDO-1, CPS-1, and ESP-1in
E. coli
significantly increased the MICs of ampicillin, ceftazidime, cefpodoxime, cefoxitin, and meropenem. Our study shows that MBL producers are widespread in soil and include four genera that were previously not known to produce MBLs. The MBLs produced by these bacteria are distantly related to MBLs identified in clinical samples but constitute resistance determinants of clinical relevance if acquired by pathogenic bacteria.
Complete Genome Sequence of Polyvinyl Alcohol-Degrading Strain
Sphingopyxis
sp. 113P3 (NBRC 111507)
Authors: Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Nagata Yuji , Numata Mitsuru , Tsuchikane Kieko , Hosoyama Akira , Yamazoe Atsushi , Tsuda Masataka , Fujita Nobuyuki , Kawai Fusako
Published: October 2015

Strain 113P3 was isolated from activated sludge and identified as a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-degrading
Pseudomonas
species; it was later reidentified as
Sphingopyxis
species. Only three genes are directly relevant to the metabolism of PVA and comprise the
pva
operon, which was deposited as accession no. AB190228. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of strain 113P3, which has been conserved as a stock culture (NBRC 111507) at the Biological Resource Center, National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) (Tokyo, Japan). The genome of strain 113P3 is composed of a 4.4-Mb circular chromosome and a 243-kb plasmid. The whole finishing was conducted
in silico
except for four PCRs. The sequence corresponding to AB190288 exists on the chromosome.
Characterization of the Whole-Genome Sequence of an H3N6 Avian Influenza Virus, Isolated from a Domestic Duck in Guangxi, Southern China
Authors: Liu Tingting , Xie Zhixun , Luo Sisi , Xie Liji , Deng Xianwen , Xie Zhiqing , Huang Li , Huang Jiaoling , Zhang Yanfang , Zeng Tingting , Wang Sheng
Published: October 2015

A field strain of H3N6 avian influenza virus (AIV), A/duck/Guangxi/175D12/2014(H3N6), was isolated from a native duck in Guangxi Province, southern China, in 2014. All of the eight AIV gene segments were sequenced, and sequence results revealed that there were 11 amino acid deletions at the NA stalk region. The NA, PB2, and NP genes showed highest homology to H5N6 AIV, and the PA gene showed highest homology to H7N2 AIV. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the eight AIV gene segments belonged to the Eurasian lineage. These findings provide scientific evidence of possible or potential mutations of H3N6 AIV circulating in waterfowl in southern China.
Draft Genome Sequence of Rhodococcus rhodochrous Strain KG-21, a Soil Isolate from Oil Fields of Krishna-Godavari Basin, India
Authors: Dawar Chhavi , Aggarwal Ramesh K.
Published: October 2015

Here, we present the 6.1-Mb draft genome sequence of
Rhodococcus rhodochrous
strain KG-21, a soil isolate from the oil fields of Krishna-Godavari Basin in Andhra Pradesh, India. This genomic resource may help in the identification of the gene(s) involved in hydrocarbon degradation and their possible deployment for bioremediation.
Insights into the experiences of patients with cancer in London: framework analysis of free-text data from the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey 2012/2013 from the two London Integrated Cancer Systems
Authors: Wiseman Theresa , Lucas Grace , Sangha Amrit , Randolph Anuska , Stapleton Sarah , Pattison Natalie , O'Gara Geraldine , Harris Katherine , Pritchard-Jones Kathy , Dolan Shelley
Published: October 2015

Objective

To shed light on experiences of patients with cancer in London National Health Service (NHS) trusts that may not be fully captured in national survey data, to inform improvement action plans by these trusts.

Design

Framework analysis of free-text data from 2012/2013 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (NCPES) from the 2 London Integrated Cancer Systems.

Setting and participants

Patients with a cancer diagnosis treated by the NHS across 27 trusts in London.

Main outcome measures

Free-text data received from patients categorised into what patients found good about their cancer care and what could be improved.

Methods

Using Framework analysis, a thematic framework was created for 15 403 comments from over 6500 patients. Themes were identified across the London data set, by tumour group and by trust.

Results

Two-thirds of free-text comments from patients in London were positive and one-third of those related to the good quality of care those patients received. However, the majority of comments for improvement related to quality of care, with a focus on poor care, poor communication and waiting times in outpatient departments. Additionally, 577 patients (9% of those who returned free-text data in London) commented on issues pertaining to the questionnaire itself. Some patients who experienced care from multiple trusts were unclear on how to complete the questionnaire for the single trust whose care they were asked to comment on, others said the questions did not fit their experiences.

Conclusions

NCPES free-text analysis can shed light on the experiences of patients that closed questions might not reveal. It further indicates that there are issues with the survey itself, in terms of ambiguities in the questionnaire and difficulties in identifying patients within specific trusts. Both of these issues have the potential to contribute to knowledge and understanding of the uses and limitations of free-text data in improving cancer services.
A positive mass theorem for asymptotically hyperbolic manifolds with inner boundary
Authors: Hijazi Oussama , Montiel Sebastián , Raulot Simon
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we prove an optimal Positive Mass theorem for Asymptotically Hyperbolic spin manifolds with compact inner boundary. This improves a previous result of Chruściel and Herzlich [The mass of asymptotically hyperbolic Riemannian manifolds, Pacific J. Math. 212(2) (2003) 231–264].
The quantum gravitational field theory and the domains of its fix points for inflationary or low-redshift universe
Authors: Xue She-Sheng
Published: October 2015

We study a quantum field theory for the Einstein–Cartan gravity and the domain of its ultraviolet unstable (stable) fixed point [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] of running gravitational constant [Formula: see text], where inflationary (low-redshift) universe can be realized as the basic space-time cutoff [Formula: see text] approaching to the Planck length [Formula: see text]. Because the fundamental operators of quantum gravitational field theory are dimension-2 area operators, the cosmological constant is inversely proportional to the squared correlation length [Formula: see text]. The correlation length [Formula: see text] characterizes an infrared size of a causally correlate patch of the universe. The quantitative description of low-redshift universe in the scaling-invariant region of fixed point [Formula: see text] is given, and its deviation from the [Formula: see text]CDM can be examined by recent cosmological observations, such as supernova Type Ia.
Holographic lattices and metal–insulator transition
Authors: Ling Yi
Published: October 2015

This paper is an extension of the talk given at the conference on Gravitation and Cosmology/The Fourth Galileo-Xu Guangqi Meeting. We intend to present a short review on recent progress on the construction of holographic lattices and its application to metal–insulator transition (MIT), which is a fundamentally important phenomenon in condensed matter physics. We will firstly implement the Peierls phase transition by constructing holographic charge density waves which are induced by the spontaneous breaking of translational symmetry. Then we turn to the holographic realization of metal–insulator transition as a quantum critical phenomenon with many strongly correlated electrons involved. The holographic entanglement entropy as a diagnostic for such quantum phase transitions will be briefly mentioned.
Human Action Recognition Based on Multi-View Regularized Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Iosifidis Alexandros , Tefas Anastasios , Pitas Ioannis
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we employ multiple Single-hidden Layer Feedforward Neural Networks for multi-view action recognition. We propose an extension of the Extreme Learning Machine algorithm that is able to exploit multiple action representations and scatter information in the corresponding ELM spaces for the calculation of the networks’ parameters and the determination of optimized network combination weights. The proposed algorithm is evaluated by using two state-of-the-art action video representation approaches on five publicly available action recognition databases designed for different application scenarios. Experimental comparison of the proposed approach with three commonly used video representation combination approaches and relating classification schemes illustrates that ELM networks employing a supervised view combination scheme generally outperform those exploiting unsupervised combination approaches, as well as that the exploitation of scatter information in ELM-based neural network training enhances the network’s performance.
Fine-Tuning an Algorithm for Semantic Search Using a Similarity Graph
Authors: Stanchev Lubomir
Published: October 2015

Given a set of documents and an input query that is expressed in a natural language, the problem of document search is retrieving the most relevant documents. Unlike most existing systems that perform document search based on keyword matching, we propose a method that considers the meaning of the words in the queries and documents. As a result, our algorithm can return documents that have no words in common with the input query as long as the documents are relevant. For example, a document that contains the words "Ford", "Chrysler" and "General Motors" multiple times is surely relevant for the query "car" even if the word "car" never appears in the document. Our information retrieval algorithm is based on a similarity graph that contains the degree of semantic closeness between terms, where a term can be a word or a phrase. Since the algorithms that constructs the similarity graph takes as input a myriad of parameters, in this paper we fine-tune the part of the algorithm that constructs the Wikipedia part of the graph. Specifically, we experimentally fine-tune the algorithm on the Miller and Charles study benchmark that contains 30 pairs of terms and their similarity score as determined by human users. We then evaluate the performance of the fine-tuned algorithm on the Cranfield benchmark that contains 1400 documents and 225 natural language queries. The benchmark also contains the relevant documents for every query as determined by human judgment. The results show that the fine-tuned algorithm produces higher mean average precision (MAP) score than traditional keyword-based search algorithms because our algorithm considers not only the words and phrases in the query and documents, but also their meaning.
Modeling and validating self-adaptive service-oriented applications
Authors: Arcaini Paolo , Riccobene Elvinia , Scandurra Patrizia
Published: October 2015

Self-adaptive and autonomous behaviors are becoming more and more important in the context of service-oriented applications, and formal modeling self-adaptive service-oriented components is highly required to assure quality properties.

This paper enhances the formal framework SCA-ASM for modeling and validating distributed self-adaptive service-oriented applications. We explain how modeling an SCA-ASM component able to monitor and react to environmental changes (context-awareness) and to internal changes (self-awareness), and present the operators for expressing and coordinating self-adaptive behaviors in a distributed setting. We also support techniques for validating adaptation scenarios, and getting feedback of the correctness of the adaptation logic as implemented by the managing SCA-ASM components over the managed ones. As a proof-of-concepts, we use self-adaptive SCA-ASMs for modeling and validating a decentralized traffic monitoring system.
The Effect of Acupuncture on the Motor Function and White Matter Microstructure in Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Li Yongxin , Wang Ya , Zhang Heye , Wu Ping , Huang Wenhua
Published: October 2015

Evidence shows that ischemic stroke can induce brain structural reorganization. Acupuncture is advised as an adjunct to mainstream rehabilitation after stroke. However, the effectiveness of acupuncture is inconsistent among previous studies. Fourteen ischemic patients were collected and divided into two groups: conventional treatment group (CG) and acupuncture treatment group (AG). The results of a Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and diffusion tensor imaging were collected before and after treatment. The AG exhibited a higher improvement in FMA than the CG. Repeated measures analysis of variance on diffusion data only found a significant main effect for scanning time point in all diffusion indices. In each group, a postpairt-test revealed that diffusion indices values were changed significantly after treatment intervention in the body of the corpus callosum and bilateral corticospinal tracts, the inferior longitudinal fasciculus, the inferior frontooccipital fasciculus, the superior longitudinal fasciculus, the forceps minor, the cingulum gyrus, and the thalamic radiation. However, there was no significant difference in the diffusion indices between the two groups. In conclusion, acupuncture had a better behavioral score than traditional medicine treatment. However, acupuncture did not significantly change WM in the AG compared to the CG as expected within one month after the intervention.
EfficientIn VitroPropagation byEx VitroRooting Methods ofArtemisia absinthiumL., an Ethnobotanically Important Plant
Authors: Shekhawat Mahipal S. , Manokari M.
Published: October 2015

Artemisia absinthiumis an important medicinal plant. Owing to the increasing anthropogenic activities and demand from the pharmaceutical industry, this plant species is overexploited; thereby this endangered its genetic stock in the wild. Therefore, it is urgently needed to develop nonconventional methods for conservation ofA. absinthium. Nodal segments obtained from the field grown 2-month-old plants were used as explants. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 0.5 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.25 mg/L kinetin (Kn) were reported to be optimum for induction of shoots (6.0 ± 0.52 shoots per explant). The shoots were multiplied by repeated transfer of original explants and by subculturing ofin vitroraised shoots on MS medium augmented with 1.0 mg/L each of BAP and Kn and 0.1 mg/Lα-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Allin vitroregenerated shoots (100%) were rooted (4.4 ± 0.35 roots) on one-fourth strength MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/L indole-3 butyric acid (IBA). Cent percentage shoots rootedex vitroon sterile Soilrite under the greenhouse conditions when the shoots were treated with 200 mg/L of IBA for 5 min. Plantlets rootedin vitroandex vitrowere acclimatized successfully in the greenhouse and exhibited 87% and 95% survival rate.
A Survey on Energy Harvesting and Integrated Data Sharing in Wireless Body Area Networks
Authors: Xu Xiaoling , Shu Lei , Guizani Mohsen , Liu Mei , Lu Junye
Published: October 2015

Wireless body area networks (WBANs) are important branches of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). They promise unobtrusive ambulatory health monitoring for real-time updates of patients’ medical records that have aroused extensive attention in various fields. In recent years, one can find a lot of researches related to WBANs that have appeared in these literatures. But there are still many key issues that need to be further investigated. This paper briefly introduces the architecture and features of WBANs. In this attempt, we focus mostly on energy acquisition, data integration and data sharing, and collaboration of WBANs, from the viewpoint of energy harvesting development, the social network and smartphone application in WBANs, and the integration of WBANs and cloud system networks computing to analyze related issues of WBANs. Finally, we put forward concluding remarks with several future research directions.
Contract Coordination in Dual Sourcing Supply Chain under Supply Disruption Risk
Authors: Shu Tong , Yang Fang , Chen Shou , Wang Shouyang , Lai Kin Keung , Gan Lu
Published: October 2015

This paper explores a coordination model for a three-echelon supply chain including two different manufacturers, one distributer and one retailer via the combined option and back contracts. And one manufacturer provides the high wholesale price with low supply disruption risk and the other is completely the opposite. This differs from the previous supply chain coordination model. Firstly, supply disruption is added to the three-echelon supply chain. Secondly, considering the coordination of the supply chain, we deploy the combined option and back contracts which are seldom used in the previous study. Furthermore, it is interesting that supply disruption risk and buyback factor do not affect the distributor’s order quantity from the manufacturer who has low product price and unreliable operating ability, while the order quantity increases with the rise of option premium and option strike price. The distributor’s order quantity from the manufacturer, which has high product price and reliable operating ability, increases with the rise of supply disruption risk but decreases when the buyback factor, option premium, and option strike price decrease.
Comparison of ExPress Mini-Device Implantation Alone or Combined with Phacoemulsification for the Treatment of Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Stawowski Łukasz , Konopińska Joanna , Deniziak Marta , Saeed Emil , Zalewska Renata , Mariak Zofia
Published: October 2015

We propose comparative assessment of the effectiveness of two surgical methods for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma: (1) ExPress mini-device implantation combined with phacoemulsification and (2) ExPress mini-device implantation alone. In this prospective study, 81 patients (88 phakic eyes) with uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma enrolled for surgery. They were assigned two groups, those with coexisting cataracts (46 eyes; P-ExPress group) and those with glaucoma alone (42 eyes; ExPress group). The follow-up period was 12.9 ± 0.4 months in P-ExPress and 12.2 ± 0.6 months in ExPress group. In both groups the following parameters were measured: best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), number of complications and necessary postoperative interventions, and number of glaucoma medications. The IOP at the end of follow-up was similar in both groups (18.8 ± 5.9 versus 18.1 ± 4.8 mmHg;P=0.814). There were no statistical differences in the average number of glaucoma medications between ExPress and P-ExPress groups (0.9 ± 1.65 versus 1.3 ± 1.7;P=0.419) as well as in the number of postoperative complications (26 versus 21%;P=0.179in the P-ExPress and ExPress groups, resp.). Both methods are safe and effective for the surgical treatment of open-angle glaucoma. Coexistence of cataracts does not constitute a compelling contraindication for combined surgery.
Polydatin Inhibits Formation of Macrophage-Derived Foam Cells
Authors: Wu Min , Liu Meixia , Guo Gang , Zhang Wengao , Liu Longtao
Published: October 2015

Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati, a Chinese herbal medicine, has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for a long time. Polydatin, one of the major active ingredients inRhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati, has been recently shown to possess extensive cardiovascular pharmacological activities. In present study, we examined the effects of Polydatin on the formation of peritoneal macrophage-derived foam cells in Apolipoprotein E gene knockout mice (ApoE−/−) and explored the potential underlying mechanisms. Peritoneal macrophages were collected from ApoE−/−mice and culturedin vitro. These cells sequentially were divided into four groups: Control group, Model group, Lovastatin group, and Polydatin group. Our results demonstrated that Polydatin significantly inhibits the formation of foam cells derived from peritoneal macrophages. Further studies indicated that Polydatin regulates the metabolism of intracellular lipid and possesses anti-inflammatory effects, which may be regulated through the PPAR-γsignaling pathways.
Sedative and Analgesic Effects of Entonox Gas Compared with Midazolam and Fentanyl in Synchronized Cardioversion
Authors: Masoumi Kambiz , Forouzan Arash , Saghari Sina , Feli Maryam , Sattari Ali Reza , Asgari Darian Ali
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this study was to determine if the Entonox gas could cause adequate analgesic and sedative effects in patients who need cardioversion. In this randomized not blinded clinical trial, the sedative and analgesic effects of midazolam and fentanyl were compared with Entonox. Eligible patients who need synchronized cardioversion because of dysrhythmia were randomly divided into two groups. The first group received intravenous midazolam and fentanyl; the second group received Entonox through a blower-dependent mask. Onset and end of sedation, sedation level, and pain score were recorded. There were nonsignificant differences between the two groups (22 patients in each group) regarding age, gender, weight, sedation level, and frequency and level of shock. The pain score recorded in the first group was 5.05 ± 1.32, and 3.9 ± 0.7 in the second group (P=0.002). Furthermore, sedation duration and time to full recovery consciousness were shorter in the second group (P<0.001). In the first group, seven patients needed additional doses to induce and maintain sedation. In addition, as a result of apnoea, four patients required airway support. None of them occurred in the second group. Entonox is a suitable medication in rapid cardioversion, as it has minimal side effects and adequate analgesic and sedative effects.
Supply Chain Coordination Contracts under Double Sided Disruptions Simultaneously
Authors: Zhang Huan , Liu Yang , Huang Jingsi
Published: October 2015

Supply chain coordination models are developed in a two-echelon supply chain with double sided disruptions. In a supply chain system, the supplier may suffer from the product cost disruption and the retailer suffers from the demand disruption simultaneously. The purpose of this study is to design proper supply chain contracts, under which the supply chain with double sided disruption can be coordinated. Firstly, the centralized decision-making models are applied to find the optimal price and quantity under three cases as the baseline. The different cases are divided by the different relationship between the product cost disruption and the demand disruption. Secondly, two different types of contracts are introduced to coordinate the whole supply chain. One is all-unit wholesale quantity discount policy (AQDP) contract, and the other one is capacitated linear pricing policy (CLPP) contract. And it is found out that the gap between the demand disruption and the product cost disruption is the key factor to influence the supply chain coordination. Some numerical examples and sensitivity analysis are given to illustrate the models. The AQDP contracts are listed out under different cases to show how to use it under double sided disruptions.
Multiscale Validation of the Applicability of Micromechanical Models for Asphalt Mixture
Authors: Zhang Jiupeng , Fan Zepeng , Pei Jianzhong , Li Rui , Chang Mingfeng
Published: October 2015

Asphalt mixture is more complicated than other composite materials in terms of the higher volume fraction of aggregate particles and the viscoelastic property of asphalt matrix, which obviously affect the applicabilities of the micromechanical models. The applicabilities of five micromechanical models were validated based on the shear modulus of the multiscale asphalt materials in this paper, including the asphalt mastic, mortar, and mixture scales. It is found that all of the five models are applicable for the mastic scale, but the prediction accuracies for mortar and mixture scales are poorer. For the mixture scale, all models tend to overestimate at the intermediate frequencies but show good agreement at low and high frequencies except for the Self-Consistent (SC) model. The Three-Phase Sphere (TPS) model is relatively better than others for the mortar scale. The applicability of all the existing micromechanical models is challenged due to the high particle volume fraction in the multiscale asphalt materials as well as the modulus mismatch between particles and matrix, especially at the lower frequencies (or higher temperatures). The particle interaction contributes more to the stiffening effect within higher fraction than 30%, and the prediction accuracy is then deteriorated. The higher the frequency (or the lower the temperature) is, the better the model applicability will be.