bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Student nurses at Spanish universities and their attitude toward xenotransplantation
Authors: Martínez‐Alarcón Laura , Ríos Antonio , Santainés‐Borredá Elena , Agras‐Suarez María Concepción , Cañadas‐De la Fuente Guillermo Arturo , Hurtado‐Pardos Bárbara , Bárcena‐Calvo Carmen , Alorda‐Terrasa Carme , Morillo‐Velázquez Juan Manuel , Martí‐García Celia , Redin‐Areta Maria Dolores , Alconero‐Camarero Ana Rosa , Jiménez‐ Navascues Maria Lourdes , Gutierrez‐Izquierdo María Isabel , Chamorro‐Rebollo Elena , de las Nieves Merchán‐Felipe María , Barandiaran‐Lasa Maite , Martín‐Espinosa Noelia , Gala‐León Francisco Javier , Oter‐Quintana Cristina , Benbunan‐Bentata Bibinha , Tirado‐Altamirano Francisco , Fernández‐Vallhonrat Maria Blanca , Ramírez‐Rodrigo Jesús , Maciá‐Soler Loreto , Saez Aida , Sánchez Álvaro , López‐Navas Ana , Ramírez Pablo , Parrilla Pascual
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Recent immunological and transgenic advances are a promising alternative using limited materials of human origin for transplantation. However, it is essential to achieve social acceptance of this therapy.

Objective

To analyze the attitude of nursing students from Spanish universities toward organ xenotransplantation (XTx) and to determine the factors affecting their attitude.

Materials and methods

Type of study: A sociological, multicentre, and observational study. Study population: Nursing students enrolled in Spain (n = 28,000). Sample size: A sample of 10 566 students estimating a proportion of 76% (99% confidence and precision of ±1%), stratified by geographical area and year of study. Instrument of measurement: A validated questionnaire (PCID‐XenoTx‐RIOS) was handed out to every student in a compulsory session. This survey was self‐administered and self‐completed voluntarily and anonymously by each student in a period of 5‐10 min. Statistical analysis: descriptive analysis, Student's t test, the chi‐square test, and a logistic regression analysis.

Results

A completion rate: 84% (n = 8913) was obtained. If the results of XTx were as good as in human donation, 74% (n = 6564) would be in favor and 22% (n = 1946) would have doubts. The following variables affected this attitude: age (P < 0.001); sex (P < 0.001); geographical location (P < 0.001); academic year of study (P < 0.001); attitude toward organ donation (P < 0.001); belief in the possibility of needing a transplant (P < 0.001); discussion of transplantation with one's family (P < 0.001) and friends (P < 0.001); and the opinion of one's partner (P < 0.001). The following variables persisted in the multivariate analysis: being a male (OR = 1.436; P < 0.001); geographical location (OR = 1.937; P < 0.001); an attitude in favor of donation (OR = 1.519; P < 0.001); belief in the possibility of needing a transplant (OR = 1.497; P = 0.036); and having spoken about the issue with family (OR = 1.351; P < 0.001) or friends (OR = 1.240; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

The attitude of nursing students toward organ XTx is favorable and is associated with factors of general knowledge about organ donation and transplantation and social interaction.
Design of an Annular-Radial Diffuser for Operation With a Supercritical CO2 Radial Inflow Turbine
Authors: Keep Joshua A. , Jahn Ingo H. J.
Published: April 2019

Radial inflow turbines are a relevant architecture for energy extraction from supercritical CO2 power cycles for scales less than 10 MW. To ensure stage and overall cycle efficiency, it is desirable to recover exhaust energy from the turbine stage through the inclusion of a suitable diffuser in the turbine exhaust stream. In supercritical CO2 Brayton cycles, the high turbine inlet pressure can lead to sealing challenges at small scale if the rotor is supported from the rotor rear side in the conventional manner. An alternative is a layout where the rotor exit faces the bearing system. While such a layout is attractive for the sealing system, it limits the axial space claim of the diffuser. Designs of a combined annular-radial diffuser are considered as a means to meet the aforementioned packaging challenges of this rotor layout. Diffuser performance is assessed numerically with the use of Reynolds-averaged Navier--Stokes (RANS) and unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier--Stokes (URANS) calculations. To appropriately account for cross coupling with the stage, a single blade passage of the entire stage is modeled. Assessment of diffuser inlet conditions, and off-design performance analysis, reveals that the investigated diffuser designs are performance robust to high swirl, high inlet blockage, and highly nonuniform mass flux distribution. Diffuser component performance is dominated by the annular-radial bend. The incorporation of a constant sectional area bend is the key geometric feature in rendering the highly nonuniform turbine exit flow (dominated by tip clearance flows at the shroud) more uniform.
Model First and Ask Questions Later: Confessions of a Reformed Experimentalist
Authors: Holmes Jeffrey W.
Published: April 2019

This paper is an invited perspective written in association with the awarding of the 2018 American Society of Mechanical Engineers Van C. Mow Medal. Inspired by Professor Mow's collaboration with Professor Michael Lai and the role mathematical modeling played in their work on cartilage biomechanics, this article uses our group's work on myocardial infarct healing as an example of the potential value of models in modern experimental biomechanics. Focusing more on the thought process and lessons learned from our studies on infarct mechanics than on the details of the science, this article argues that the complexity of current research questions and the wealth of information already available about almost any cell, tissue, or organ should change how we approach problems and design experiments. In particular, this paper proposes that constructing a mathematical or computational model is now in many cases a critical prerequisite to designing scientifically useful, informative experiments.
Practical guides for x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: First steps in planning, conducting, and reporting XPS measurements
Authors: Baer Donald R. , Artyushkova Kateryna , Richard Brundle Christopher , Castle James E. , Engelhard Mark H. , Gaskell Karen J. , Grant John T. , Haasch Richard T. , Linford Matthew R. , Powell Cedric J. , Shard Alexander G. , Sherwood Peter M. A. , Smentkowski Vincent S.
Published: April 2019

Over the past three decades, the widespread utility and applicability of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in research and applications has made it the most popular and widely used method of surface analysis. Associated with this increased use has been an increase in the number of new or inexperienced users, which has led to erroneous uses and misapplications of the method. This article is the first in a series of guides assembled by a committee of experienced XPS practitioners that are intended to assist inexperienced users by providing information about good practices in the use of XPS. This first guide outlines steps appropriate for determining whether XPS is capable of obtaining the desired information, identifies issues relevant to planning, conducting, and reporting an XPS measurement, and identifies sources of practical information for conducting XPS measurements. Many of the topics and questions addressed in this article also apply to other surface-analysis techniques.
Effect of oxygen flow rate on the low temperature deposition of titanium monoxide thin films via electron beam evaporation
Authors: Cosar Mustafa Burak , Icli Kerem Cagatay , Ozenbas Macit
Published: April 2019

In this study, titanium monoxide thin films were evaporated by an electron beam source under different oxygen atmospheres at deposition temperatures not exceeding 80 °C. Deposition of thin films at low temperatures is a prerequisite for heat sensitive substrates. XRD results showed that crystallinity of titanium monoxide is achieved without the requirement of high temperature annealing. When oxygen is introduced into the coating chamber, a titanium peak is formed at exactly the Ti+2 position together with a small amount of Ti+3 and Ti+4 peaks. According to XPS analysis, the structure is transformed into mostly the Ti+4 state when the oxygen flow rate is over 25 sccm. The bandgap of thin films increases from 3.0 to 3.8 eV with an increase in oxygen flow rate from 1 to 50 sccm. Both optical transmission and Hall effect measurements showed the change in carrier type from p to n when the flow rate reaches 25 sccm. Electrical resistivity increases with additional oxygen in the structure, and minimum resistivity is obtained as 1.7 × 10−4 Ω cm when no oxygen is admitted into the chamber. Highly conductive thin films were also observed via ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy measurements which yield a high density state showing a metallic character with degenerated oxide semiconductor nature.
Tetraallyltin precursor for plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition of tin oxide: Growth study and material characterization
Authors: Muneshwar Triratna , Barlage Doug , Cadien Ken
Published: April 2019

In this letter, the authors report on the application of tetraallyltin (TASn) as an Sn-precursor for plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) of tin oxide (SnO2) thin films. The selection procedure for the TASn precursor is discussed. Tin oxide PEALD growth is shown to be self-limiting with a constant growth-per-cycle of 0.046 ± 0.002 nm/cycle in the substrate temperature (Tsub) range of 50–150 °C. Optical constants, chemical bonding, and electronic properties of as-grown PEALD films were characterized to evaluate the quality of tin oxide film obtained with the TASn precursor. A 21.6 nm tin oxide film grown at Tsub = 50 °C exhibited an indirect optical bandgap (Eg) of 2.94 eV and appeared amorphous from the glancing incidence x-ray diffraction pattern. Binding energy difference ΔBE(O1s, Sn3d5/2) = 43.77 eV and valence band emission in x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that these were near-stoichiometric SnO2 with the relative O:Sn atomic ratio of 1.98 (or SnO1.98). Moreover, room temperature electrical resistivity ρele = 13.1 ± 1.6 mΩ cm, with electron concentration Ne = (3.78 ± 0.79) × 1019 cm−3 and Hall mobility μe = 13.2 ± 2.0 cm2 V−1 s−1, showed that electrical characteristics of the as-grown tin oxide films with the TASn precursor are comparable to those grown using other standard Sn precursors.
Impaired Performance of the Smash Stroke in Badminton Induced by Muscle Fatigue
Authors: Le Mansec Yann , Perez Jérôme , Rouault Quentin , Doron Julie , Jubeau Marc
Published: April 2019

Purpose:To evaluate the effects of muscle fatigue on badminton performance during a smash stroke.Methods:In total, 17 young, well-trained players completed 20 forehand smashes twice (prefatigue and postfatigue protocol), and both speed and precision of the strokes were measured. The fatigue protocol consisted of 10 series of 10 maximal countermovement jumps (3-s rest in between) followed by 8 lunges. Perception of effort and countermovement-jump performance during each series were also measured to assess fatigue.Results:Shuttlecock speed decreased moderately (−3.3%) but significantly after the fatigue protocol (P < .001,). Precision significantly decreased after the fatigue protocol (−10.3%,P = .001,). The decrease in precision was mainly due to an increased number of faults (P = .006,,dz = 0.756) and to a decrease in accuracy (P = .066,,dz = 0.478).Conclusion:The present study showed that fatigue impairs performance during specific badminton skills. Moreover, by showing a slight decrease in speed and a large decrease in accuracy of the shuttlecock when fatigue is experienced, the present study suggested that, as previously observed in other racket sports, the speed of the missile appears to be the key factor used by the players to win the rally. Coaches and physical trainers should therefore develop interventions aiming to limit the negative impact of fatigue on badminton strokes.
Changes of Hydration Measures in Elite National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Wrestlers
Authors: Borden Emily C. , Kraemer William J. , Walrod Bryant J. , Post Emily M. , Caldwell Lydia K. , Beeler Matthew K. , DuPont William H. , Anders John Paul , Martini Emily R. , Volek Jeff S. , Maresh Carl M.
Published: April 2019

Purpose: To evaluate the changes in the state of hydration in elite National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college wrestlers during and after a season. Methods: Ohio State University wrestling team members (N = 6; mean [SD] age = 19.6 [1.1] y; height = 171.6 [2.9] cm; body mass = 69.5 [8.1] kg) gave informed consent to participate in the investigation with measurements (ie, body mass, urine-specific gravity [USG; 2 methods], Visual Analog Scale thirst scale, plasma osmolality) obtained during and after the season. Results: Measurements for USG, regardless of methods, were not significantly different between visits, but plasma osmolality was significantly (P = .001) higher at the beginning of the season—295.5 (4.9) mOsm·kg−1 compared with 279.6 (6.1) mOsm·kg−1 after the season. No changes in thirst ratings were observed, and the 2 measures of USG were highly correlated (r > .9, P = .000) at each time point, but USG and plasma osmolality were not related. Conclusions: A paradox in the clinical interpretation of euhydration in the beginning of the season was observed with the USG, indicating that the wrestlers were properly hydrated, while the plasma osmolality showed they were not. Thus, the tracking of hydration status during the season is a concern when using only NCAA policies and procedures. The wrestlers did return to normal euhydration levels after the season on both biomarkers, which is remarkable, as previous studies have indicated that this may not happen because of the reregulation of the osmol-regulatory center in the brain.
Assessment of Safety and Glycemic Control During Football Tournament in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes—Results of GoalDiab Study
Authors: Gawrecki Andrzej , Araszkiewicz Aleksandra , Szadkowska Agnieszka , Biegański Grzegorz , Konarski Jan , Domaszewska Katarzyna , Michalak Arkadiusz , Skowrońska Bogda , Adamska Anna , Naskręt Dariusz , Jarosz-Chobot Przemysława , Szypowska Agnieszka , Klupa Tomasz , Zozulińska-Ziółkiewicz Dorota
Published: April 2019

Purpose: To assess glycemic control and safety of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes participating in a 2-day football tournament. Methods: In total, 189 children with type 1 diabetes from 11 diabetes care centers, in Poland, participated in a football tournament in 3 age categories: 7–9 (21.2%), 10–13 (42.9%), and 14–17 (36%) years. Participants were qualified and organized in 23 football teams, played 4 to 6 matches of 30 minutes, and were supervised by a medical team. Data on insulin dose and glycemia were downloaded from personal pumps, glucose meters, continuous glucose monitoring, and flash glucose monitoring systems. Results: The median level of blood glucose before the matches was 6.78 (4.89–9.39) mmol/L, and after the matches, it was 7.39 (5.5–9.87) mmol/L (P = .001). There were no episodes of severe hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis. The number of episodes of low glucose value (blood glucose ≤3.9 mmol/L) was higher during the tournament versus 30 days before: 1.2 (0–1.5) versus 0.7 (0.3–1.1) event/person/day, P < .001. Lactate levels increased during the matches (2.2 [1.6–4.0] mmol/L to 4.4 [2.6–8.5] mmol/L after the matches, P < .001). Conclusions: Large football tournaments can be organized safely for children with type 1 diabetes. For the majority of children, moderate mixed aerobic–anaerobic effort did not adversely affect glycemic results and metabolic safety.
Antigen-Specific CD4+T Cell-Derived Gamma Interferon Is Both Necessary and Sufficient for ClearingChlamydiafrom the Small Intestine but Not the Large Intestine
Authors: Lin Hui , He Conghui , Koprivsek John J. , Chen Jianlin , Zhou Zhiguang , Arulanandam Bernard , Xu Zhenming , Tang Lingli , Zhong Guangming
Published: April 2019

The genital tract pathogenChlamydia trachomatisis frequently detected in the gastrointestinal tract, but the host immunity that regulates chlamydial colonization in the gut remains unclear. In aChlamydia muridarum-C57 mouse model, chlamydial organisms are cleared from the genital tract in ∼4 weeks, but the genital organisms can spread to the gastrointestinal tract.
The Rate of CD4 T Cell Entry into the Lungs during Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection Is Determined by Partial and Opposing Effects of Multiple Chemokine Receptors
Authors: Hoft Stella G. , Sallin Michelle A. , Kauffman Keith D. , Sakai Shunsuke , Ganusov Vitaly V. , Barber Daniel L.
Published: April 2019

The specific chemokine receptors utilized by Th1 cells to migrate into the lung during
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
infection are unknown. We previously showed in mice that CXCR3
+
Th1 cells enter the lung parenchyma and suppress
M. tuberculosis
growth, while CX3CR1
+
KLRG1
+
Th1 cells accumulate in the lung vasculature and are nonprotective.
Programmed Delay of a Virulence Circuit Promotes
Salmonella
Pathogenicity
Authors: Choi Jeongjoon , Kim Heeju , Chang Yoonjee , Yoo Woongjae , Kim Dajeong , Ryu Sangryeol
Published: April 2019

To accomplish successful infection, pathogens must operate their virulence programs in a precise, time-sensitive, and coordinated manner. A major question is how pathogens control the timing of virulence gene expression during infection. Here we report that the intracellular pathogen
Salmonella
controls the timing and level of virulence gene expression by using an inhibitory protein, EIIA
Ntr
. A DNA binding master virulence regulator, PhoP, controls various virulence genes inside acidic phagosomes.
Salmonella
decreases EIIA
Ntr
amounts at acidic pH in a Lon- and PhoP-dependent manner. This, in turn, promotes expression of the PhoP-activated virulence program because EIIA
Ntr
hampers activation of PhoP-regulated genes by interfering with PhoP binding to DNA. EIIA
Ntr
enables
Salmonella
to impede the activation of PhoP-regulated gene expression inside macrophages. Our findings suggest that
Salmonella
achieves programmed delay of virulence gene activation by adjusting levels of an inhibitory factor.
Understanding Human-Virus Protein-Protein Interactions Using a Human Protein Complex-Based Analysis Framework
Authors: Yang Shiping , Fu Chen , Lian Xianyi , Dong Xiaobao , Zhang Ziding
Published: April 2019

Although human protein complexes have been reported to be directly related to viral infection, previous studies have not systematically investigated human-virus PPIs from the perspective of human protein complexes. To the best of our knowledge, we have presented here the most comprehensive and in-depth analysis of human-virus PPIs in the context of VTCs. Our findings confirm that human protein complexes are heavily involved in viral infection. The observed preferences of virally targeted subunits within complexes reflect the mechanisms used by viruses to manipulate host protein complexes. The identified periodic expression patterns of the VTCs and the corresponding candidates could increase our understanding of how viruses manipulate the host cell cycle. Finally, our proposed conceptual application framework of VTCs and the developed VTcomplex could provide new hints to develop antiviral drugs for the clinical treatment of viral infections.
Porta hepatis abscess and portal vein thrombosis following ingestion of a fishbone
Authors: Greene Brittany , Jones Daniel , Sarrazin Josée , Coburn Natalie G
Published: April 2019

A man in his late 50s presented to the emergency room with a 1-month history of severe abdominal pain and an endoscopic fishbone retrieval from his rectum. Serial CT scans revealed a fishbone located in the patient’s upper abdomen, which had migrated through the stomach wall, into the periportal space, causing a contained gastric perforation, development of a porta hepatis abscess and secondary portal vein thrombosis. Furthermore, the sharp tip of the fishbone lay 5 mm from the patient’s hepatic artery. He was transferred to a hepatobiliary centre where he underwent urgent exploratory laparotomy, with surgical exploration of the porta, drainage of the abscess and retrieval of the fishbone. Postoperatively, he received further treatment with antibiotics and anticoagulation and recovered without further sequelae.
Pulmonary vasculitis mimicking chronic thromboembolic disease
Authors: Ali Noor , Clarke Lynsey , MacKenzie Ross Robert Valentine , Robinson Graham
Published: April 2019

A 29-year-old female patient presented with chest pain, breathlessness and syncope on the background of constitutional symptoms, oral ulceration and a rash. Multiple investigations were performed, including a CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) that was initially felt to show imaging features consistent with a diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic disease (CTED). The patient was referred to a tertiary pulmonary hypertension centre and the possibility of pulmonary vasculitis was raised. Subsequent positron emission tomography (PET)-CT revealed imaging features supporting this diagnosis. The patient was treated with intravenous cyclophosphamide infusions, following which her symptoms improved. A repeat PET-CT 6 months after treatment showed resolution in pulmonary artery and mediastinal uptake, but persistence of pulmonary artery occlusions on a repeat CTPA. A final diagnosis of pulmonary vasculitis secondary to Behçet’s disease was made. This case report aims to raise awareness of the imaging features of CTED and its mimics.
Risk of cardiovascular event and mortality in relation to refill and guideline adherence to lipid-lowering medications among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Sweden
Authors: Karlsson Sofia Axia , Eliasson Björn , Franzén Stefan , Miftaraj Mervete , Svensson Ann-Marie , Andersson Sundell Karolina
Published: April 2019

Objective

To analyze the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and mortality in relation to adherence to lipid-lowering medications by healthcare centers and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Research design and methods

We included 121 914 patients (12% secondary prevention) with T2DM reported by 1363 healthcare centers. Patients initiated lipid-lowering medications between July 2006 and December 2012 and were followed from cessation of the first filled supply until multidose dispensed medications, migration, CV events, death or December 2016. The study period was divided into 4-month intervals through 2014, followed by annual intervals through 2016. Adherence measures were assessed for each interval. Patients’ (refill) adherence was measured using the medication possession ratio (MPR). Healthcare centers’ (guideline) adherence represented the prescription prevalence of lipid-lowering medications according to guidelines. The risk of CV events and mortality was analyzed for each interval using Cox proportional hazard regression and Kaplan-Meier.

Results

Compared with high-adherent patients (MPR >80%), low-adherent primary prevention patients (MPR ≤80%) showed higher risk of all outcomes: 44%–51 % for CV events, doubled for all-cause mortality and 79%–90% for CV mortality. Corresponding risks for low-adherent secondary prevention patients were 17%–19% for CV events, 88%–97% for all-cause and 66%–79% for CV mortality. Primary prevention patients treated by low-adherent healthcare centers (guideline adherence <48%) had a higher risk of CV events and CV mortality. Otherwise, no difference in the risk of CV events or mortality was observed by guideline adherence level.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the importance of high refill adherence and thus the value of individualized care among patients with T2DM.
Efficacy of pressure ulcer prevention interventions in adult intensive care units: a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Du Yixiu , Wu Fangqin , Lu Sai , Zheng Wei , Wang Huiying , Chen Ruming , Lu Xiaoying , Zhang Yu
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are associated with substantial health burden. Patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are at high risk for developing PU. In the absence of large randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compare commonly known interventions for preventing PU in ICUs, uncertainty remains around the best practice strategy for PU management in adult ICUs. This study, therefore, aims to identify the most effective interventions and combinations of interventions that prevent PU in adult ICU using systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA).

Methods and analysis

We will search for all published and unpublished RCTs evaluating interventions to prevent PU compared with other PU prevention measures or with usual care in adult ICU. The primary outcomes are the incidence of PUs and PU severity in critically ill patients in ICU. The secondary outcomes include number of PUs per patient and intervention-related harms caused by the prevention intervention or intervention-related harms. All data extraction will be performed by at least two independent reviewers on the basis of a priori developed extraction form. We will evaluate the risk of bias of the included RCTs in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool, and assess the quality of evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. A standard pairwise meta-analysis and a Bayesian NMA will be conducted to compare the efficacy of different PU prevention interventions. A surface under the cumulative ranking curve will be used to rank the probabilities of each prevention intervention for various outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will not require the ethics approval as it is a review based on published studies. The findings of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. We anticipate that the results of the study will provide the evidence to inform clinicians and guideline developers on determining the best interventions for the prevention of PU in ICU patients.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018085562.
Effectiveness and safety of intravitreal aflibercept in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration treated in routine clinical practices across France: 12-month outcomes of the RAINBOW study
Authors: Weber Michel , Velasque Laurent , Coscas Florence , Faure Céline , Aubry Isabelle , Cohen Salomon Y
Published: April 2019

Background/aims

To monitor treatment-naïve patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) receiving intravitreal aflibercept (IVT-AFL) in France.

Methods

RAINBOW(Real life use of intravitreal Aflibercept In FraNce - oBservatiOnal study in Wet age-related macular degeneration) is an ongoing, observational, retrospective and prospective 4-year study to assess visual (primary), anatomical and safety outcomes following IVT-AFL treatment in wet AMD patients. We report the interim 12-month outcomes in patients who have already been enrolled.

Results

Safety data were analysed from 586 patients (safety analysis set); and effectiveness data were analysed from 502 patients with at least one follow-up (full-analysis set) and from 353 patients with visual acuity data at baseline and month 12. The mean (SD) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 56.7 (18.2) letters and the mean (SD) central retinal thickness (CRT) was 395.6 (140.5)µm at baseline. Most patients (76.9%) received a loading dose (first three injections within 90 days). The mean (SD) number of IVT-AFL injections over 12 months was 6.0 (2.1) and 6.6 (1.8) (patients who received a loading dose). The mean (SD) change in BCVA was 5.5 (15.0) letters and 6.8 (14.5) letters (patients who received a loading dose) at month 12 (p<0.001 vs baseline). The mean (SD) CRT reduction was –108.7 (146.8)µm and –116.4 (150.4)µm (loading dose) at month 12 (p<0.001 vs baseline). Overall, 118 (20.1%) patients experienced at least one treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE), 1.2% experienced ocular TEAEs and 3.9% experienced serious AEs.

Conclusion

This 12-month interim analysis showed that IVT-AFL was associated with sustained improvements in a real-world setting. The RAINBOW results are consistent with the VIEW clinical studies.

Trial registration number

NCT02279537 Pre-results.
Innovating the treatment of COPD exacerbations: a phone interactive telesystem to increase COPD Action Plan adherence
Authors: Farias Raquel , Sedeno Maria , Beaucage Danielle , Drouin Isabelle , Ouellet Isabelle , Joubert Alexandre , Abimaroun Rita , Patel Meena , Abou Rjeili Mira , Bourbeau Jean
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Self-management interventions with Written Action Plans and case management support have been shown to improve outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Novel telehealth technologies may improve self-management interventions. The objectives of this study were to determine whether the use of an interactive phone telesystem increases Action Plan adherence, improves exacerbation recovery and reduces healthcare use in a real-life practice of a COPD clinic.

Methods

Initially, 40 patients were followed by a COPD telesystem for 1 year. Detailed data from patients’ behaviours during exacerbations was recorded. The telesystem use was then extended to 256 patients from a real-life COPD clinic. Healthcare utilisation for the year before and after telesystem enrolment was then assessed through hospital administrative databases.

Results

Thirty-three of the 40 patients completed the initial 1-year study. Eighty-one exacerbations were reported in the 1-year follow-up. Action Plan adherence was observed for 72% of the exacerbations and those who were adherent had a significantly faster exacerbation recovery time. The large-scale implementation of the telesystem resulted in a significant decrease in the proportion of patients with ≥1 respiratory-related emergency room (ER) visits (120 before vs 110 after enrolment, p<0.001) and with ≥1 COPD-related hospitalisations (75 before vs 65 after enrolment, p<0.001).

Discussion

COPD Written Action Plan adherence was further enhanced with the use of telehealth technologies in a specialised clinic with experience in COPD self-management. Patients followed by the telesystem recovered faster from exacerbations and had a further decrease in COPD-related ER visits and hospitalisations.

Trial registration number

NCT02275078.
Echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and interventricular septal diameter in collegiate football athletes at preparticipation evaluation referenced to body surface area
Authors: Edenfield Katherine M , Reifsteck Fred , Carek Stephen , Harmon Kimberly G , Asken Breton M , Dillon Michael C , Street Joan , Clugston James R
Published: April 2019

Background

Are borderline echocardiogram structural measurements due to physiological adaptation or pathology in college football players? The normal reference data are very limited in this population. We report left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and interventricular septal diameter (IVSD) echocardiogram findings in college football athletes.

Methods and results

A retrospective cohort review of preparticipation examination transthoracic echocardiogram measurements of LVEDD and IVSD from 375 American collegiate football athletes cleared for participation from the University of Florida in 2012–2017 and University of Georgia in 2010–2015 was performed.

LVEDD and IVSD were analysed by field position (lineman, n=137; non-lineman, n=238), race (black, n=216; white, n=158) and body surface area (BSA) for associations. Values were compared with non-athlete norms, and collegiate football athlete-specific reference norm tables were created.

Twenty-one (5.6%) athletes had LVEDD and 116 (31%) had IVSD measurements above the reference normal non-athlete values. Univariate analyses indicated that the lineman position and increasing BSA were associated with larger values for LVEDD and IVSD. Black race was associated with larger IVSD values, and white race was associated with larger LVEDD values. Player position correlated strongly with BSA (r>0.7); we created normal reference tables for LVEDD and IVSD, stratified by BSA group classification (low, average and high BSA). Proposed clinical cut-offs for normal and abnormal values are reported for raw echocardiograph metrics and BSA-indexed scores.

Conclusions

A significant number of collegiate football athletes had LVEDD and IVSD values above non-athlete norms. BSA-specific normal values help clinicians interpret results for football athletes.
Towards controlled terminology for reporting germline cancer susceptibility variants: an ENIGMA report
Authors: Spurdle Amanda B , Greville-Heygate Stephanie , Antoniou Antonis C , Brown Melissa , Burke Leslie , de la Hoya Miguel , Domchek Susan , Dörk Thilo , Firth Helen V , Monteiro Alvaro N , Mensenkamp Arjen , Parsons Michael T , Radice Paolo , Robson Mark , Tischkowitz Marc , Tudini Emma , Turnbull Clare , Vreeswijk Maaike PG , Walker Logan C , Tavtigian Sean , Eccles Diana M
Published: April 2019

The vocabulary currently used to describe genetic variants and their consequences reflects many years of studying and discovering monogenic disease with high penetrance. With the recent rapid expansion of genetic testing brought about by wide availability of high-throughput massively parallel sequencing platforms, accurate variant interpretation has become a major issue. The vocabulary used to describe single genetic variants in silico, in vitro, in vivo and as a contributor to human disease uses terms in common, but the meaning is not necessarily shared across all these contexts. In the setting of cancer genetic tests, the added dimension of using data from genetic sequencing of tumour DNA to direct treatment is an additional source of confusion to those who are not experienced in cancer genetics. The language used to describe variants identified in cancer susceptibility genetic testing typically still reflects an outdated paradigm of Mendelian inheritance with dichotomous outcomes. Cancer is a common disease with complex genetic architecture; an improved lexicon is required to better communicate among scientists, clinicians and patients, the risks and implications of genetic variants detected. This review arises from a recognition of, and discussion about, inconsistencies in vocabulary usage by members of the ENIGMA international multidisciplinary consortium focused on variant classification in breast-ovarian cancer susceptibility genes. It sets out the vocabulary commonly used in genetic variant interpretation and reporting, and suggests a framework for a common vocabulary that may facilitate understanding and clarity in clinical reporting of germline genetic tests for cancer susceptibility.
Determinants of depression in patients with comorbid depression following cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Sever Serdar , Harrison Alexander Stephen , Golder Su , Doherty Patrick
Published: April 2019

Background

A prior history of depression, at the point patients start cardiac rehabilitation (CR), is associated with poor outcomes; however, little is known about which factors play a part in determining the extent of benefit following CR. Therefore, we aim to identify and evaluate determinants of CR depression outcomes in patients with comorbid depression.

Methods

An observational study of routine practice using the British Heart Foundation National Audit of Cardiac Rehabilitation data between April 2012 and March 2017. Baseline characteristics were examined with independent samples t-test and χ2test. A binary logistic regression was used to predict change in depression outcome following CR.

Results

The analysis included 2715 CR participants with depression history. The determinants of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) depression measurement post-CR were higher total number of comorbidities (OR 0.914, 95% CI 0.854 to 0.979), a higher HADS anxiety score (OR 0.883, 95% CI 0.851 to 0.917), physical inactivity (OR 0.707, 95% CI 0.514 to 0.971), not-smoking at baseline (OR 1.774, 95% CI 1.086 to 2.898) and male gender (OR 0.721, 95% CI 0.523 to 0.992).

Conclusion

Baseline characteristics of patients with comorbid depression such as higher anxiety, higher total number of comorbidities, smoking, physical inactivity and male gender were predictors of their depression levels following CR. CR programmes need to be aware of comorbid depression and these related patient characteristics associated with better CR outcomes.
Prognostic value of hypersensitivity reactions on epidural steroid injection outcomes: a phenotypic signature? A prospective cohort study
Authors: Cohen Steven P , Doshi Tina L , Dawson Timothy C , Gupta Anita , Durbhakula Shravani , Constantinescu Octav C , Jacobs Michael B , Verdun Aubrey J , Salisu-Orhurhu Mariam , Griffith Scott R , Kurihara Connie
Published: April 2019

Background

Studies have found that diffuse pain, indicative of central sensitization, portends poor interventional outcomes. Multiple chemical sensitivities are associated with signs of central sensitization. We sought to prospectively determine whether hypersensitivity reactions (HR) were associated with epidural steroid injection (ESI) outcomes.

Methods

HR were classified as immune-related or non-immune-related and categorized by number (0=low, 1 or 2=intermediate, ≥3=high). The primary outcome measure was mean reduction in average leg pain score 1 month post-procedure. A positive outcome was defined as a two-point or greater decrease in average leg pain accompanied by satisfaction 1 month post-procedure.

Results

The mean number of immune-mediated and non-immune-mediated HR were 0.6±1.2 and 0.8±1.4, respectively. Individuals in the high (n=24) total HR group had a mean reduction in average leg pain of 0.1±2.7, compared with those in the low (n=61; 1.8±2.1, p=0.025) and intermediate groups (n=52; 1.6±3.1, p=0.060). For back pain and categorical successful outcome, those with fewer HR experienced greater benefit. There were no differences in outcomes when patients were stratified by immune-related HR. Among participants in the low, intermediate and high non-immune-mediated HR groups, the mean reductions in average leg pain scores were 1.7±2.5, 1.6±3.0, and −0.2±2.3, respectively (p = 0.002). 51%, 35%, and 12% of people with low, intermediate and high numbers of non-immune-mediated HR experienced a positive categorical outcome, respectively (p=0.007).

Conclusions

Non-immune-related HR were inversely correlated with some ESI outcome measures.
Effect of microstructure on shear strength and dilatancy of unsaturated loess at high suctions
Authors: Ng Charles Wang Wai , Sadeghi Hamed , Jafarzadeh Fardin , Sadeghi Mohammad , Zhou Chao , Baghbanrezvan Sina
Published: April 2019

To investigate the influences of microstructure changes on dilatancy of unsaturated loess at high suctions, a direct shear box device using the vapour equilibrium technique was used. Through conducting two series of direct shear tests on both intact and recompacted loess specimens and also investigating microstructural changes using the mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) technique, a linear increase in dilatancy with suctions ranging from 8 to 230 MPa can be identified at different net stresses. The enhanced dilatancy observed is mainly attributed to desiccation-induced high suctions as the reduction in void ratio due to enhancement of suction was negligible. A macrovoid ratio, eM, may be quantified and proposed to explain the differences in the increased dilatancy of recompacted and intact loess with suction.
Serum irisin level in myocardial infarction patients with or without heart failure
Authors: Abd El-Mottaleb Nashwa A. , Galal Heba M. , El Maghraby Khaled M. , Gadallah Aml I.
Published: April 2019

This study aimed to assess serum irisin level in myocardial infarction (MI) with or without heart failure (HF) and the possible relation between irisin and cardiac markers, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and lipid profile. Eighty-six subjects were included (33 patients had MI, 33 patients had MI with HF, and 20 controls). Body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio (WHR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), heart rate, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured. Blood samples were withdrawn on admission for measuring irisin, cardiac markers, TNF-α, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentration (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentration (HDL-C). Patients with MI and HF had reduced serum irisin, LVEF, and HDL-C and higher levels of BMI, WHR, SBP, DBP, troponin-I, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), TNF-α, TC, TGs, and LDL-C compared with control. Negative correlations were observed between irisin and BMI, WHR, SBP, DBP, troponin-I, CK-MB, TNF-α, TC, TGs, and LDL-C. However, positive association was noticed between irisin and LVEF and HDL-C. Irisin might be a useful biomarker in diagnosis of MI with or without HF. It could have anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic effects. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of irisin as a promising prophylactic or therapeutic agent in cardiovascular diseases.
Classification of EEG Signals Based on Filter Bank and Sparse Representation in Motor Imagery Brain-Computer Interfaces
Authors: Wang Jin , Wei Qingguo
Published: April 2019

To improve the classification performance of motor imagery (MI) based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), a new signal processing algorithm for classifying electroencephalogram (EEG) signals by combining filter bank and sparse representation is proposed. The broadband EEG signals of 8–30[Formula: see text]Hz are segmented into 10 sub-band signals using a filter bank. EEG signals in each sub-band are spatially filtered by common spatial pattern (CSP). Fisher score combined with grid search is used for selecting the optimal sub-band, the band power of which is employed for designing a dictionary matrix. A testing signal can be sparsely represented as a linear combination of some columns of the dictionary. The sparse coefficients are estimated by [Formula: see text] norm optimization, and the residuals of sparse coefficients are exploited for classification. The proposed classification algorithm was applied to two BCI datasets and compared with two traditional broadband CSP-based algorithms. The results showed that the proposed algorithm provided superior classification accuracies, which were better than those yielded by traditional algorithms, verifying the efficacy of the present algorithm.
Einstein-nonlinear Maxwell–Yukawa black hole
Authors: Mazharimousavi S. Habib , Halilsoy Mustafa
Published: April 2019

Within the context of nonlinear electromagnetism, we consider the Yukawa extension of a Reissner–Nordström black hole. Exact solution is given which modifies certain characteristics of the latter. Some thermodynamical aspects are given for comparison. The model which is based on a nonpolynomial Lagrangian implicitly may be considered as a useful agent to describe a short-ranged, charged and massive interaction.
OPTIMAL PEST REGULATION TACTICS FOR A STOCHASTIC PROCESS MODEL WITH IMPULSIVE CONTROLS USING REGRESSION ANALYSIS— TAKING COTTON APHIDS AS AN EXAMPLE
Authors: PEI YONGZHEN , LU SHAOKUI , LI CHANGGUO , LIU BING , LIU YANNA
Published: April 2019

Aphids, the sap-sucking insects, often feeding in clusters on new plant growth, have resulted in large amounts of resources and efforts being spent attempting to control their activities. Taking cotton aphids as an example, this paper presents optimal control problems governed by stochastic models with impulsive interferences. Differing from the moment closure equation methods which are computationally intractable when the model contains excessive species, a new computational approach is employed to solve this problem. The key of the approach is to establish a functional relationship between the control variables involving the releasing rates of sterile insects and the spraying rates of pesticide and corresponding states on aphids and sterile aphids. Then the log-linear regression model is proposed to link the control variables with the moments (including the mean and variance) of states. Using training sample simulated from Gillespie algorithm, the regression coefficients for constraints and the objective function are estimated by least squares method. Simulation shows the error of the prediction of this model is relatively low and control results based on regression model are superior to the method based on the moment closure equations in terms of the control cost. Finally, the relative impacts of the prices and area of the field on optimal tactics are explored.
NON-POISSON DONATION BEHAVIORS IN VIRTUAL WORLDS
Authors: YANG YAN-HONG , LI MING-XIA , ZHOU WEI-XING , EUGENE STANLEY H.
Published: April 2019

Similar to charitable giving in real world, donation behaviors play an important role in the complex interactions among individuals in virtual worlds. However, it is not clear if the donation process is random or not. We investigate this problem using detailed data from parallel virtual worlds adhered to a massively multiplayer online role-playing game. We find that the inter-donation durations follow power-law-tailed distributions distributed with an average tail exponent close to 1.91, have strong long-range correlations, and possess multifractal features. These findings indicate that the donation process is non-Poissonian, which has potential worth in modeling the complicated individual behaviors in virtual worlds.
HAUSDORFF DERIVATIVE MODEL FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF NON-FICKIAN MIXING IN FRACTAL POROUS MEDIA
Authors: LIANG YINGJIE , DOU ZHI , ZHOU ZHIFANG , CHEN WEN
Published: April 2019

This study investigates the scalar dissipation rate (SDR) and dilution index of non-Fickian mixing by using the Hausdorff derivative model for conservative and first-order decaying tracers under different boundary conditions. The expressions of SDR and dilution index are derived based on the analytical solution of the Hausdorff derivative model, in which the time and space Hausdorff derivative orders, respectively capture the complexity in transport trajectory and transport scale. The properties of SDR and dilution index are discussed for different cases of Peclet number, decaying rate of the radioactive tracer, and Hausdorff derivative order, respectively. We find that the SDR of non-Fickian mixing decays more slowly than that of the Fickian diffusion, and the time scale deviates from [Formula: see text]. The evolution of the SDR has a sharp peak and decays very fast to zero when Peclet number is large. For the radioactive tracer, the larger values of decay rate, the smaller values of SDR, which decays faster to zero. The Hausdorff derivative model with larger Peclet number leads to larger dilution index. The dilution index is larger for smaller decay rate before reaching the equilibrium state. Consequently, the two metrics can be satisfactorily used to describe non-Fickian mixing based on the Hausdorff derivative model. Future studies should be designed to examine the evolution of SDR and dilution index in real geological and hydrological systems undergoing structure changes and chemical reactions.